LIBRARY 
OF  THE 

U N I V E.RS  ITY 
OF  ILLINOIS 


PRESENTED  BY 


Newton  M.  Harris 
1941 

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I 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2016  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign  Alternates 


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https://archive.org/details/holybiblecontain01scot_0 


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THE 


HOLY  BIBLE, 

CONTAINING  THE 

OLD  AND  NEW  TESTAMENTS 

ACCORDING  TO  THE  AUTHORISED  VERSION: 


WITH 

EXPLANATORY  NOTES,  PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS, 


AKD 


X. 


COPIOUS  MARGINAL  REFERENCES. 


BY  THOMAS  SCOTT, 

RECTOR  OF  ASTON  SANFORD,  BDCK8. 


PROM  THE  LATEST  LONDON  EDITION,  WITH  THE  AUTHOR’S  LAST  CORRECTIONS 

AND  IMPROVEMENTS. 


TO  WHICH  IS  ADDED, 


A CONCORDANCE 

TO  THE  HOLY  SCRIPTURES  OF  THE  OLD  AND  NEW  TESTAMENTS. 
BY  THE  REV.  JOHN  BROWN,  OF  HADDINGTON. 


VOL.  I. 

PHILADELPHIA: 

J.  B.  LIPPINCOTT  & CO. 

1 8 6 6. 


THE  NAMES  AND  ORDER  OP  ALL  THE  BOOKS  OF  THE  OLD  AND  NEW  TESTAMENT 


OLD  TESTAMENT. 


GENESIS  hath  Chapters 

Exodus  ...  . . . 

Leviticus  .... 

Numbers 

Deuteronomy  .... 

Joshua . 

Judges  . . 

Ruth  . . . . . . 

I,  Samuel 

II.  Samuel 

i.  Kings 

11.  Kings 

I.  Chronicles  .... 

II.  Chronicles  . . . 

Ezra 

Nehemiah  ...... 

Esther  . 

Job . , 

Psalms  . . < . « . 

Proverbs  . . . 


60 
. 40 
27 
. 36 
34 
. 24 
21 
, 4 
31 
. 24 
22 
, 25 
29 
. 36 
10 
. 13 
10 
. 42 
150 
31 


Ecclesiastes  . . . 

The  Song  of  Solomon 

Isaiah 66 

Jeremiah 52 

Lamentations  ....<> 6 

Ezekiel 48 

Daniel 

Hosea . 14 

Joel 3 

Amos 9 

Obadiah 

Jonah . . ■ « 

Micah 7 

Nahum 3 

Habakkuk  3 

Zephaniah  . . .3 

Haggai .2 

Zechariah  . . . . 14 

Malachi  4 


NEW  TESTAMENT. 


MATTHEW  hath  Chapters  . . . . 28 

Mark '•  16 

Luke 24 

John 21 

The  Act” , . . 28 

Epistle  to  the  Romans 16 

».  Corinthians 16 

II.  Corinthians  13 

Galatians 6 

Ephesians 6 

Philippians  4 

Colossians  . ..........4 

I.  Thessalonians  5 

{I.  Thessalonians  .........  3 


I.  Timothy .....6 

II.  Timothy ....4 

Titus ...3 

Philemon i 

The  Hebrews 13 

The  Epistle  of  James S 

I.  Peter ...  6 

II.  Peter 3 

I.  John 

II.  John l 

III.  John .1 

Jude 1 

Revelation 22 


CD  hi 


PREFACE; 

CONTAINING  ESPECIALLY 

A c ;mpend%ous  view  of  the  evidences  that  the  holy  scriptures,  and  every  part  of  them,  as  they  stand 

IN  OUR  BIBLES,  WERE  GIVEN  BY  INSPIRATION  FROM  GOD. 


Whoever  seriously  reflects  on  the  powers  and  capacities  of 
the  human  mind,  regarding  them  as  the  work  of  Him  whodoeth 
nothing  in  vain,  and  comparing  them  with  those  of  the  inferior 
creatures,  will  readily  perceive  that  man  alone  was  created  to  be 
religious.  Of  all  the  inhabitants  of  this  earth,  none  else  are 
capable  of  obtaining  any  knowledge  of  their  Creator,  or  of  ren- 
dering him  worship  and  praise.  Man  alone  possesses  the 
capacity  of  distinguishing  between  truth  and  falsehood,  between 
asoral  good  and  evil ; and  of  receiving  instruction  in  social  and 
relative  duties,  with  the  obligations  under  which  he  lies  to  per- 
them,  and  the  advantages  of  doing  it.  He  alone  is  capable 
of  being  governed  by  a law,  and  of  being  influenced  by  the 
proposal  of  rewards  and  punishments  ; of  acting  as  under  the  eye 
of  an  invisible  Observer,  and  with  reference  to  a future  season 
of  retribution.  From  these  premises  we  infer  with  absolute 
certainty,  that  the  all-wise  Creator  thus  constituted  our  minds, 
and  conferred  on  us  these  distinguished  endowments,  in  order 
to  render  us  capable  of  Religion,  for  the  purpose  of  his  glory, 
and  of  our  own  felicity  in  the  most  intimate  connexion  with  that 
of  our  fellow-creatures. 

When  further,  we  consider  what  this  word  Religion  implies  ; 
and  understand  it,  according  to  its  most  general  acceptation,  to 
be  such  an  habitual  regard  to  the  one,  true,  living,  and  eternal 
God,  the  Creator,  Governor,  and  Judge  of  all,  as  influences  us 
to  seek  his  favour,  to  do  his  will,  and  to  aim  at  his  glory,  in  the 
temper  of  our  hearts,  and  the  regulation  of  our  actions,  both  in 
the  worship  which  we  render  to  him,  and  the  duties  which  we 
erform  to  man,  for  his  sake  and  according  to  his  will ; we  shall 
e constrained  to  allow,  that  it  is  most  reasonable  and  excellent. — 
Doubtless  the  exercises  of  true  devotion,  form  the  noblest  em- 
ployment of  the  human  mind,  which  in  them  emulates  the 
angelic  nature.  A conscientious  regard  to  the  all-seeing  eye  of 
a righteous  and  omnipotent  Judge  Is  the  best  bond  of  human 
society,  and  regulator  of  our  relative  conduct ; insomuch  that 
if  this  principle  of  action  were  universal  and  complete,  human 
laws  and  tribunals  would  be  entirely  unnecessary.  This  would 
likewise  most  effectually  moderate  our  appetites  and  passions  ; 
and  produce  the  greatest  possible  proportion  of  peace,  content- 
ment, and  felicity,  personal  and  social,  of  which  our  nature,  in 
its  present  state,  is  capable.  And  when  we  look  forwards, 
beyond  the  grave,  to  that  immortality  and  future  state  of  recom- 
pense, which  reason  itself  pronounces  at  least  highly  probable, 
the  absolute  necessity  of  religion  to  our  felicity  appears  evident 
beyond  all  dispute. 

Hence,  we  determine  with  certainty,  that  religion  is  that 
great  business,  to  which  all  men  ought  to  attend  ; and  that  bles- 
sing after  which  all  men  should  seek,  whatever  else  be  ne- 
glected, or  superseded,  or  postponed. 

While,  however,  it  is  demonstrable,  that  man  is  capable  of 
religion,  and  in  duty  and  interest  bound  to  it  by  the  most  indis- 
pensable obligations ; stubborn  facts,  in  every  age  and  nation  of 
the  world,  undeniably  prove,  that,  left  to  himself,  man  would 
never  be  truly  religious.  According  to  the  statement  above  given, 
where  shall  we  find  religion  on  earth,  in  any  age  or  nation, 
which  has  not  possessed,  in  a greater  or  less  degree,  the  advan- 
tage of  those  writings,  which  we  will  now  take  for  granted  to  be 
a divine  Revelation,  and  which  will  hereafter  be  shown  to  be  so  ? 
An  assemblage  of  the  grossest  idolatries  in  varied  forms,  and  of 
the  wildest  absurdities  in  opinion  ; the  most  vain  and  irrational 
superstitions  in  worship,  and  the  most  dangerous  mistakes,  as 
well  as  the  most  horrible  cruelty,  and  abandoned  licentiousness, 
in  morals ; from  that  religion,  f if  it  may  be  dignified  by  so 
Venerable  a name,)  which  forces  itself  upon  our  observation, 
wherever  the  light  of  revelation  has  not  shone.  Nor  can  so 
much  as  a single  nation,  or  city,  or  family,  be  excepted  from 
this  general  charge.  If  there  have  been  a few  individuals,  who 
have  manifested  something  not  wholly  dissimilar  from  true 
religion  ; and  any  be  disposed  to  allow,  that  indeed  it  was  such  : 
it  must  be  far  more  rational  to  ascribe  it  to  the  remains  of  ori- 
ginal tradition,  or  even  to  a personal  revelation  afforded  to  them 
for  their  own  benefit,  though  not  authenticated  for  the  good  of 
others  ; than  to  make  it  an  exception  to  the  general  rule,  Thut 
without  revelation , there  never  was  any  true  religion  on  earth, 
&mce  the  jail  of  Adam. 

Those,  indeed,  who  live  under  the  light  of  revelatibn,  and 
make  what  use  they  choose  of  that  light,  may  draw  up  systems 
of  natural  religion,  sufficiently  plausible,  and  apparently  rational. 
But  it  should  be  remembt&ed,  that  this  light  is  originally,  through 
one  channel  or  another,  derived  from  the  Bible;  though  too 
often,  with  equal  absurdity  and  ingratitude,  set  up  in  opposition 
to  its  sacred  and  sublime  truths  : and  universal  experience 
demonstrates,  that  no  such  natural  religion  ever  wa3  discovered 
and  delineated , by  men  of  any  nation,  who  had  never  seen  any 
part  of  the  Bible,  or  any  thing  deduced  from  that  source. 

However  reasonable  and  excellent  many  of  those  truths  and 
precepts  are,  which  are  proposed  to  us  as  the  oracles  of  reason  ; 
not  one  of  them  ever  was  proposed  by  reason  without  revelation, 
with  such  certainty,  clearness,  and  authority,  as  to  become  a 
constant  principle  and  rule  of  action,  in  secret  and  in  public, 
©wards  God  and  towards  man,  to  any  company  of  men  on 
earth,  perhaps  not  to  one  individual. 

Indeed,  after  all  the  supposed  improvements  and  discoveries 


of  modern  times,  if  we  exclude  the  peculiar  instructions  o!  .be 
Bible,  what  darkness  and  uncertainty  rest  upon  points  of  ihe 
greatest  imaginable  importance  ! — Even  in  respect  of  the  immor- 
tality of  the  soul,  when  Reason,  at  her  best  advantage,  haa 
done  her  utmost,  her  boasted  power  of  demonstration  fails ; for 
even,  were  the  arguments  indisputably  conclusive,  by  which  the 
natural  immortality  of  the  soul  is  supported  ; who  knows,  or 
ran  know  without  revelation,  how  it  may  please  a just  and  holy 
God  to  aeai  with  the  souls  of  his  offending  creatures?  ‘He 
can  create,  and  he  destroy.’— But  far  greater  obscurity  and  un- 
certainty rests  on  those  subjects,  which  relate  to  the  nature  of 
of  the  future  world,  and  the  rule  of  judgment,  with  which  our 
whole  conduct*,  and  our  hope  and  peace,  are  inseparably  con- 
nected. It  is  difficult,  if  not  impossible,  to  perceive  by  the  light 
of  nature,  the  consistency  of  perfect  justice  with  boundless  mercy: 
it  still  remains  dubious,  except  to  those  who  possess  and  believe 
revelation,  whether  God  will  punish  at  all,  or  pardon  at  all ; or 
by  what  rule  he  intends  to  punish,  or  pardon  : and  indeed,  wher- 
ever we  turn,  a thick  cloud  darkens  our  view,  and  discourages 
our  inquiries,  if  we  leave  “the  sure  testimony  of  God,”  and 
bewilder  ourselves  in  speculations  on  matters  evidently  too  high 
for  us. — But  how  much  worse  has  the  case  been  of  almost  all 
the  nations  of  the  earth,  and  generations  of  men  ! Indeed  so 
far  have  they  been  from  advancing  in  religious  knowledge, 
where  revelation  has  not  been  afforded  ; that  they  have  evidently 
sunk  deeper  and  deeper  into  ignorance, 'and  several  of  them 
almost  into  absolute  atheism,  as  if  the  little  glimmering  which 
once  shone  among  them,  being  the  effect  of  original  tradition, 
was  gradually  expiring  and  leaving  them  in  utter  darkness. 

The  most  complete  information,  however,  respecting  doctrines 
and  duties,  would  be  wholly  inadequate  to  the  production  of  the 
desired  effect ; except  such  information  were  enforced  by  suffi- 
cient authority,  gave  necessary  encouragement,  and  proposed 
effectual  assistance.  The  knowledge  of  duty,  and  of  its  reason- 
ableness is  utterly  unavailing,  whilst  men  are  under  the  do- 
minion of  their  lusts  and  passions  ; as  the  laws  and  judicial 
proceedings  of  every  civilized  nation  sufficiently  manifest.  In 
this  case  there  is  no  disposition  to  perform  the  dictates  even  of 
conscience  or  prudence.  A heathen  could  say,  Video  meliora  pro - 
boque  deteriora  sequor.  The  proposal  of  virtue  as  amiable  and 
excellent,  by  the  feeble  recommendation  of  the  moralist’s  pen. 
is  infinitely  inferior  in  energy  to  the  authoritative  command  ana 
sanction  of  the  Almighty,  denouncing  his  awful  and  eternal  in- 
dignatiori  against  the  transgressor:  and  yet  facts  undeniably 
show,  that  men  venture  upon  sin,  even  with  the  threatenings  of 
everlasting  misery  sounding  in  their  ears  ; nay,  with  the  trem- 
bling apprehensions  of  it  dismaying  their  hearts  : for  divine  aa 
well  as  human  laws  “ are  weak  through  the  flesh,”  * and,  with 
all  their  sanctions  and  barriers,  are  unable  to  fix  boundaries  to 
the  swelling  tide  of  human  depravity.  Indeed,  were  men  fully 
acquainted  with  all  the  glorious  perfections  of  God  ; with  his 
holy  law,  with  the  nature  and  malignity  of  sin,  with  their  own 
real  character  and  situation  as  sinners,  and  with  the  rule  and 
consequences  of  the  future  judgment ; and  were  they,  at  the 
same  time,  left  utterly  destitute  of  the  encouragements  and 
assistances,  which  the  Gospel  proposes,  and  which  form  the 
grand  peculiarity  of  the  Bible  ; their  knowledge,  so  far  from 
rendering  them  religious,  would  probably,  by  leaving  them  with- 
out hope,  annihilate  all  appearances  of  religion. f Wherever 
any  semblance  of  religion  is  found,  which  has  no  respect  at  all 
to  the  mercy  of  God,  as  revealed  in  the  gospel,  through  the 
righteousness,  atonement,  and  mediation  of  Emmanuel,  and  to 
the  effectual  teaching  and  assistance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  it  seems 
to  have  its  foundation,  not  in  men’s  knowledge,  but  kn  their  igno- 
rance, of  God,  of  themselves,  of  his  law,  and  of  the  evil  of 
sin  ; and  this  might  easily  be  evinced  to  be  the  case  even  upon 
rational  principles. 

But  the  proposal  of  suitable  encouragements  and  assistance  is 
entirely  out  of  the  province  of  reason  ; these  are  “ heavenly 
things,”j  of  which  we  can  know  nothing,  except  by  immediate 
revelation  ; and  of  which  wc  can  have  no  assurance,  but  the 
express  declaration  and  faithful  promise  of  God.  He  alone  car. 
inform  us,  on  what  terms,  or  in  what  manner,  his  honour  permits 
him,  and  his  sovereign  pleasure  disposes  him,  to  forgive  his 
offending  creatures  ; and  to  communicate  those  gracious  influ- 
ences, which  may  produce  a holy  disposition  of  heart,  and  enable 
sinners  to  overcome  all  the  obstacles,  which  retard  the  progress 
of  those  who  endeavour  to  lead  “a  sober,  righteous,  and  godly 
life.” 

From  such  considerations,  the  necessity  of  a revelation  from 
God,  in  order  to  true  religion  among  men,  may  be  decidedly 
Inferred  ; and  it  might  reasonably  have  been  expected,  that  he 
would  afford  such  a revelation,  if  he  intended  to  accep*.  j!  any 
worship  and  service  from  them.  Indeed  this  expectation  has 
been  very  general  in  the  world.  And  as  counterfeit  coin  proves 
the  existence  of  sterling  money,  and  the  value  which  men  put 
on  it;  so  counterfeit  revelations,  (instead  of  invalidating  the 
argument,)  if  they  do  not  prove  the  existence  of  a real  reve- 
lation, yet  evince  that  men  have  felt  their  need  of  one,  have 
been  sensible  that  it  would  be  a most  valuable  acquisition,  and 
have  been  generally  disposed  to  expect  it. 

• Note,  Rom.  8 : 3,  4.  t Note,  P«.  130  : 3,  4.  J John  3 : 12,  !& 

( 3 


PREFACE. 


All  th  5 counterfei  «,  which  hitherto  have  advanced  a claim  of 
being  divine  revela  l ms,  have  also  been  successfully  exposed, 
and  have  sunk  intc  general  contempt  or  neglect : and,  in  this 
age  and  nation,  it  may  be  asserted,  without  hazard  of  contra- 
diction, that  there  is  but  one  book  in  the  world,  which  so  much 
as  appears  to  be  of  divine  original.  This  we  call  The  Bible, 
that  is,  by  way  of  eminence,  The  Book  : and  such  is  the  inter- 
nal and  external  evidence,  which  authenticates  its  claim,  that  I 
am  persuaded,  were  men  as  open  to  conviction  on  this  subject, 
as  they  are  in  mathematical  investigations,  they  could  no  more, 
after  due  examination,  reject  it,  than  they  could  contradict  an 
evident  demonstration. 

It  may  therefore  not  be  improper  to  insert,  in  this  place,  a few 
of  the  most  obvious  reasons,  which  the  more  studious  Christian 
is  “ ready  to  give  of  the  hope  which  is  in  him  and  which  is 
grounded  upon  this  first  principle,  ‘ The  Bible  is  the  word  of 
God  ;*  in  order  to  show  that  it  is  highly  reasonable  to  believe 
the  Bible  to  be  a divine  revelation  ; and  if  so,  then  equally  rea- 
sonable to  take  all  our  measures  of  truth  and  duty  from  it,  and 
to  b-*w  our  understandings  and  inclinations  to  its  teaching  and 
governance. 

Let  it  be  here  carefully  observed,  that  the  Divine  Inspira- 
tion, and  not  merely  the  authenticity , or  genuineness,  of  each 
part  of  the  sacred  writings,  is  intended. — Each  part,  and  every 
part,  may  be  authentic,  or  genuine ; the  work  of  the  authors 
whose  names  they  severally  bear ; or  true  and  unsophisticated 
narratives  of  the  times  to  which  they  refer  : and  yet  they  may  be 
merely  human , and  of  no  authority  in  matters  of  doctrine  and 
duty.  The  Odes  of  Horace,  and  Cfesar’s  Commentaries,  are 
authentic : probably  the  first  book  of  Maccabees  is  genuine  his- 
tory ; yet  they  are  not,  on  that  account,  in  any  degree  the 
authoritative  guides  or  standards  of  our  faith  and  practice. — 
Many  able  and  admired  writers,  who  apparently  have  stood 
forth,  as  the  champions  of  the  Bible,  appear  to  the  author  of 
this  Exposition,  to  have  (he  hopes  undesignedly)  betrayed  the 
cause.  An  ancient  warrior,  having  murdered  his  predecessor, 
and  usurped  his  throne,  was  some  time  after  requested  to  permit 
him  to  be  numbered  among  the  gods  ; and  it  is  said  that  he 
answered,  ‘ Sit  divus , mcdo  non  sit  vivus  ‘ Let  him  be  a god, 
provided  he  be  not  living.*  These  apologists  for  the  Bible  seem 
to  reverse  the  words,  and  to  say,  ‘Sit  vivus , modo  non  sit  divus;' 

‘ Let  it  be  genuine , provided  it  be  not  divine It  would,  how- 
ever, be  waste  of  time,  to  attempt  to  prove  either  the  authenti- 
city or  the  genuineness  of  the  sacred  writings  ; unless  in  entire 
subserviency  to  the  demonstration  that  they  are  divinely  inspired. 
All  the  works  and  words  of  mere  men  are  fallible , and  may  be 
erroneous  ; and  the  desideratum, that  which  is  especially  wanted, 
is  an  infallible  standard  ; to  which  all  other  books,  and  in- 
structions of  every  kind,  may  be  referred,  with  which  they  may 
be  compared,  and  by  which  they  may  be  judged.  Now,  if  the 
6acred  writings  are  indeed  “The  Word  of  God,”  if  “all 
scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God,”  we  have  this  deside- 
ratum ; and  have  nothing  further,  in  this  respect,  to  expect  or 
desire.  But  if  the  books,  called  by  the  apostles  “ The  oracles 
of  God,”f  are  merely  the  authentic  writings  of  Moses,  David, 
Isaiah,  and  others  in  former  times,  and  not  the  infallible  word  of 
God  ; we  are  as  far  off  from  the  desideratum  above  mentioned 
as  ever.  We  may  indeed  learn  what  these  sages  of  Israel 
thought,  as  well  as  what  the  sages  of  China,  Egypt,  and  Greece 
maintained,  concerning  God  and  religion  ; and  we  may  exa- 
mine the  testimony  or  each,  and  bring  in  a verdict,  some  in 
favour  of  the  one,  and  some  of  the  other;  but  we  are  still  far 
from  an  infallible  standard  ; as  far,  as  if  the  Bible  had  never 
been  written  ; whatever  value,  in  other  respects,  may  be  at- 
tached to  such  ancient,  venerable,  and  interesting  records. 

With  this  view  of  the  subject,  gathering  strength  from  year  to 
year,}:  the  author  of  this  work  is  decided  against  any  compro- 
mise ; and  he  ventures  to  stand  forth,  as  vindicating  ‘■the  divine 
inspiration  of  the  Holy  Scriptures .’  He  wishes  indeed  to  see 
far  abler  champions  enter  the  lists  against  the  Goliath  of  mo- 
dern skepticism  : but  as  most  of  those  learned  and  eminent  men, 
who  take  up  the  challenge,  seem  in  some  measure  to  compro- 
mise the  main  point,  or  to  decline  the  discussion  of  it ; he  takes 
his  sling  and  his  stone,  and  says,  “ Who  is  this  uncircumcised 
Philistine,  that  he  should  defy  the  armies  of  the  living  God.” 

By  ‘ the  divine  inspiration  of  the  Scriptures the  author 
would  be  understood  to  mean,  ‘such  a complete  and  immediate 
communication,  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  the  minds  of  the  sacred 
writers,  of  those  things  which  could  not  have  been  otherwise 
known;  and  such  an  effectual  superintendency,  as  to  those  par- 
ticulars, concerning  which  they  might  otherwise  obtain  infor- 
mation ; as  sufficed  absolutely  to  preserve  them  from  every 
degree  of  error,  in  all  things,  which  could  in  the  least  affect  any 
of  the  doctrines  or  precepts  contained  in  their  writings,  or  mis- 
lead any  person,  who  considered  them  as  a divine  and  infallible 
standard  of  truth  and  duty.*  Every  sentence  in  this  view,  must 
oe  considered  as  “ the  sure  testimony  of  God,”  in  that  sense  in 
which  it  is  proposed  as  truth.  Facts  occurred,  and  words  were 
spoken,  as  to  the  import  of  them,  and  the  instruction  contained 
in  them,  exactly  as  they  stand  here  recorded  : but  the  morality  of 
words  and  actiono,  recorded  merely  as  spoken  and  done,  must 
be  judged  of  by  the  doctrinal  and  preceptive  parts  of  the  same 
book. — On  this  ground,  all  difference  or  disparity  between  one 
and  another  of  the  sacred  writers  is  wholly  excluded : Moses, 
Samuel,  David,  and  Isaiah  ; Paul,  James,  Peter,  and  John,  are 
all  supposed  to  speak  or  write,  “ as  they  were  moved  by  the 
Holy  Ghost  :’*  they  are  the  voice , but  the  divine  Spirit  is  every 
a here  the  Speaker.  They  wrote  indeed  in  such  language,  as 
cheir  different  talents,  educations,  habits,  and  associations  sug- 
gested, or  rendered  natural  to  them  : but  the  Holy  Spirit  so  en- 
tirely superintended  them,  when  writing,  as  to  exclude  every 
improper  expression,  and  to  guide  them  to  all  those  which  best 

• t Pet.  3:  15.  t Rom.  3:  2.  Heb.5: 13  1 Pet.  4:  11. 

J This  part  of  the  preface  wae  written  above  thirty  years  ago  : and  the 
expression,  here  'sed,  may  be  considered  as  the  author's  pretent  deliberate 
tuagmeni. 

( 4 I 


suited  their  several  subjects  : “ Which  things  also  we  speak  not 
in.the  words  which  man  s wisdom  teacheth,  but  which  the  Holy 
Ghost  teacheth  Many  particulars,  which  philosophers,  ora- 
tors, or  critics,  think  inaccurate,  may  consist  with  this  complete 
inspiration:  but  every  kind  and  -degree  of  misrepresentation,  aa 
springing  from  personal,  popular,  or  national  prejudices  or  opi- 
nions, or  as  calculated  to  mislead  the  humble  believer,  or  to 
sanction  error,  must  be  totally  excluded. 

It  will  also  appear,  in  the  course  of  the  work,  that  the  few 
passages,  (and  they  are  but  few,  compared  with  the  whole,)  in 
which  errors  or  interpolations  have  taken  place,  through  the 
mistakes  of  transcribers,  form  no  formidable  difficulty,  in  thus 
regarding  the  Holy  Scriptures.  Nearly  all  such  interpolations 
and  errors  may  be  detected  and  pointed  out,  by  sober  and  well- 
informed  critics,  in  this,  as  well  as  in  other  books  : and  if  a few 
escape  detection,  it  is  because  they  do  not  so  immediately  affect 
the  sense,  as  to  make  it  evident  to  the  most  acute,  penetrating, 
and  accurate  student,  that  they  deviate  from  the  style  and  senti- 
ment of  the  writer  in  whose  works  they  are  found. 

The  author  has  indeed,  to  this  present  time,  always  decidedly 
rejected  all  emendations  of  the  sacred  text,  which  are  adduced 
either  on  conjecture,  or  without  adequate  authority : and  eveq 
where  the  authority  is  respectable,  he  has  chosen  to  abide  by 
the  present  text,  when  there  appeared  no  evident  necessity,  nor 
any  very  cogent  reasons,  for  the  contrary  : being  aware',  how 
far  such  alterations  may,  and  often  do,  lead  men  from  the  Scrip- 
tures ; and  how  directly  they  tend  gradually  to  substitute  ano- 
ther book  ih  the  place  of  the  Bible.  Yet  it  is  proper  to  observe, 
that  if  all  the  various  readings*  for  which  any  respectable  au- 
thority can  be  given  were  adopted  ; they  would  not  alter  either  the 
standard  of  truth,  or  the  rule  of  duty  in  one  material  point : but 
whither  conjectural  emendations  might  lead,  he  cannot  under- 
take to  prognosticate. 

These  things  having  been  premised,  he  proceeds  to  state  some 
of  the  leading  reasons,  which  any  intelligent  man  may  assign, 
for  believing  the  Scriptures,  as  we  now  have  them,  to  be  the 
infallible  word  of  God. 

I.  Great  numbers  of  wise  and  good  men,  through  many  gene- 
rations and  in  distant  countries,  have  agreed  in  receiving  the 
Bible  as  a divine  revelation.  Many  of  them  have  been  distin- 
guished, and  generally  approved,,  for  seriousness,  erudition, 
penetration,  and  impartiality  in  judging  of  men  and  things. 
With  much  labour  and  patient  investigation,  they  detected  the 
impostures,  by  which  their  contemporaries  were  duped  : yet  the 
same  assiduous  examination  confirmed  them  in  believing  the 
Bible  to  be  “ the  Word  of  God  and  induced  them,  living  and 
dying,  to  recommend  it  to  all  others,  as  the  source  of  all  true  wis- 
dom, hope,  and  consolation.  In  this  view,  even  ‘the  tradition ol 
the  church’  has  great  weight : for, whatever  abuse  has  been  made 
of  the  term,  by  such  as  generally  were  no  part  of  the  true  church, 
yet  it  must  be  allowed  to  be  a consideration  of  vast  importance, 
that  the  whole  company  of  those  who  have  “ worshipped  the  liv- 
ing God  in  spirit  and  truth,”  (including  those  who  ventured  and 
laid  down  their  lives  for  conscience’  sake,  and  who  were  the  most 
pious,  holy,  and  useful  men  in  every  age,)  have  unanimously 
concurred  in  handing  down  to  us  the  Scriptures  as  a divine  re- 
velation, and  have  very  little  differed  about  the  books  which 
form  that  sacred  deposit.  And  I cannot  but  suppose,  that  if  a 
being  of  entire  impartiality,  of  sound  mind,  and  holy  disposition, 
should  be  shown  the  two  companies,  of  those  who  have  received, 
and  of  those  who  have  rejected  the  Scriptures  ; and  should  com 
pare  the  seriousness,  learning,  patient  investigation  of  truth,  solid 
judgment,  holy  lives,  and  composure  in  a dying  hour,  without 
unmanly  terror  or  indecent  levity,  of  the  one  company,  with  the 
character  and  conduct  of  the  other ; he  would  be  induced  to  take 
up  the  Bible  with  profound  veneration,  and  the  strongest  prepos- 
session in  its  favour. 

II.  The  agreement  of  the  sacred  writers  among  themselves  is 
another  cogent  argument  of  their  divine  inspiration.  Should 
equal  number  of  contemporaries,  of  the  same  country,  education, 
habits,  profession,  natural  disposition,  and  rank  in  life,  and  asso 
ciating  together  as  a distinct  company,  concur  in  writing  a book 
on  religious  subjects  as  large  as  the  Bible,  each  furnishing  his 
proportion,  without  comparing  notes  together ; the  attentive  rea- 
der, whose  mind  had  been  long  inured*)  such  studies,  would  be 
able  to  discover  some  diversity  of  opinion  among  them.  But  the 
writers  of  the  Scripture  succeeded  each  other,  during  the  term  of 
fifteen  hundred  years:  some  of  them  were  princes  or  priests, 
others  shepherds  or  fishermen  ; their  natural  abilities,  education, 
habits,  and  employments,  were  exceedingly  dissimilar;  they 
wrote  laws,  history,  prophecy,  odes,  devotional  exercises,  pro- 
verbs, parables,  doctrines,  and  controversy;  and  each  man  had 
his  distinct  department ; yet  they  all  exactly  coincide  in  the  exhi- 
bition which  they  give  us  of  the  perfections,  works,  truths,  and 
will  of  God;  of  the  nature,  situation,  and  obligations,  of  man; 
of  sin  and  salvation  ; of  this  world  and  the  next ; and  in  short  of 
all  things  connected  with  our  duty,  safety,  interest,  and  comfort, 
and  in  the  whole  of  the  religion  inculcated  by  them.  They  all 
were  evidently  of  the  same  judgment,  aimed  to  establish  the  same 
principles,  and  applied  them  to  the  same  practical  purpose.  Ap- 
parent inconsistencies  may  indeed  perplex  the  superficial  reader ; 
but  they  vanish  after  a more  accurate  awl  persevering  investiga- 
tion : nor  could  any  charge  of  disagreement,  among  the  sacred 
writers,  ever  be  substantiated  ; for  if  can  only  be  said,  that  they 
related  the  same  facts  with  different  circumstances,  which  are 
perfectly  reconcileable ; and  that  they  gave  instructions  suited  to 
the  persons  whom  they  addressed,  without  systematically  show- 
ing the  harmony  of  them  with  other  parts  of  divine  truth.  They 
did  not  write  by  concert,  and  they  bestowed  no  pains  to  avoid  the 
appearance  of  inconsistency  : yet  the  exact  coincidence,  which  is 
perceived  among  them  by  the  diligent  student,  is  most  astonishing, 
and  cannot  be  accounted  for  on  any  rational  principles,  without  ad. 
mitting  that  they  wrote  “ as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost.”! « 

•1  Cor.  2:  13.  tSFlt.  hSl. 

J Mohammed,  to  sorre  present  purposes,  produced  his  Koran  by  a little  At  a 
time  : this  occasioned  an  evident  inconsistency  of  one  part  with  another ; concern- 
ing which  he  only  said,  that  (sod  had  a right  to  change  his  laws  as  he  saw  good. 


PREFACE. 


To  this  wo  may  add,  that  the  scriptural  history  accords,  in  a 
wonderful  manner,  with  t he  mostauthentic  records  which  remain 
of  the  events,  customs,  and  manners  of  the  countries  and  ages  to 
which  it  stands  related.  The  rise  and  fall  of  empires  ; the  revo- 
lutions which  have  taken  place  in  the  world  ; and  the  grand  out- 
lines of  chronology,  as  mentioned  or  referred  to  in  the  scriptures, 
are  coincident  with  those  stated  by  the  most  approved  ancient 
writers  ; whilst  the  palpable  errors  In  these  respects,  detected  in 
the  apocryphal  books,  constitute  one  most  decisive  reason  for  re- 
jecting them  as  spurious.  But  the  history  of  the  Bible  is  of  far 
greater  antiquity,  than  any  other  records  extant  in  the  world  ; 
and  it  is  remarkable  that,  in  numerous  instances,  it  shows  the 
real  origin  of  those  absurd  fables,  which  disgrace  and  obscure  all 
other  histories  of  those  remote  times  ; and  this  is  no  feeble  proof, 
that  it  was  derived  from  some  surer  source  of  information,  than 
human  tradition.* 

III.  The  miracles,  by  which  the  writers  of  the  Scriptures  con- 
firmed their  divine  mission  to  their  contemporaries,  afford  us  also 
a most  convincing  proof  in  this  matter.  The  narratives  of  these 
miracles  may  be  clearly  shown  to  have  been  published  very  soon 
after  the  time,  and  at  the  places,  in  which  they  were  said  to  have 
been  wrought  in  the  most  conspicuous  manner,  and  before  very 
gTeat  multitudes,  enemies  as  well  as  friends.  This  constituted 
a public  challenge  to  every  man,  to  contradict  or  disprove  them, 
if  he  could  : yet  this  public  challenge  never  called  forth  a single 
individual  to  deny  that  they  were  really  performed ; nor  was  an 
attempt  of  the  kind  ever  made  till  long  afterwards. — Can  any  man 
of  common  sense  think,  that  Moses  and  Aaron  could  possibly  have 
persuaded  the  whole  nation  of  Israel,  that  they  had  witnessed  all 
the  plagues  of  Egypt,  passed  through  the  Red  Sea  with  the  wa- 
ters piled  on  each  side  of  them,  gathered  the  manna  every  morn- 
ing for  forty  years  together,  and  seen  all  the  wonders  recorded  in 
their  history,  had  no  such  events  taken  place  ? If  then  that  gene- 
ration could  not  be  thus  imposed  on,  when  could  the  belief  of  these 
extraordinary  transactions  be  palmed  upon  the  nation?  Surely, 
It  would  have  been  impossible  in  the  next  age  to  persuade  them, 
that  their  fathers  had  seen  and  experienced  such  wonderful 
things,  when  they  had  never  before  heard  a single  word  about 
them  ; and  when  an  appeal  must  have  been  made  to  them,  that 
these  were  things  well  known  among  them  ! What  credit  could 
have  been  obtained  to  such  a forgery  at  any  subsequent  period  ? 
It  would  have  been  absolutely  necessary,  in  making  the  attempt, 
to  persuade  the  people,  that  such  traditions  had  always  been  cur- 
rent anfong  them  ; that  the  memory  of  them  had  for  ages  been 
perpetuated,  by  days  and  ordinances  observed  in  every  succeed- 
ing age  by  all  the  nation  ; and  that  their  whole  civil  and  religious 
establishment  had  thence  originated  : nay,  that  the  very  tenure 
on  which  they  held  their  estates  was  grounded  on  it ! And  could 
this  have  possibly  been  effected  if  they  all  had  known,  that  no 
such  memorials  and  traditions  had  ever  before  been  heard  of 
among  them  ? The  same  might  be  shown  concerning  the  other 
miracles  recorded  in  Scripture,  especially  those  of  Christ  and  his 
apostles ; and  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord’s  supper  in  remem- 
brance of  his  death,  and  the  observance  of  the  Lord’s  day  on  the 
first  day  of  the  week,  in  commemoration  of  his  resurrection,  in  all 
ages  to  this  present  time.  If  not  instituted  at  the  time,  immedi- 
ately succeeding  the  events  on  which  they  are  grounded,  at  what 
subsequent  period  could  they  have  been  introduced,  so  as  to  per- 
suade multitudes  in  very  many  nations,  that  they  and  their  fa- 
thers, and  father’s  fathers  had  always  observed  them  ? So  that 
it  might  be  made  evident,  that  the  man  who  denies  that  the  mira- 
cles were  actually  performed,  must  believe  more  wonderful  things, 
without  any  evidence,  than  those  are  which  he  rejects,  though  es- 
tablished by  unanswerable  proof.  To  evince  this  as  to  one  most 
important  instance,  namely,  the  resurrection  of  Christ,  which, 
beingonce  proved,  undeniably  establishes  the  divine  original  and 
authority  of  Christianity,  let  the  reader  consult  the  latter  part  of 
the  note  on  John  20 : 24 — 29. 

On  this  subject  it  may  again  be  demanded,  When  could  the 
belief  of  the  resurrection  of  Christ,  and  the  miracles  wrought  by 
his  apostles  and  disciples  in  proof  of  it,  have  been  obtruded  on  man- 
kind, if  they  had  never  happened  ? Surely  not  in  the  age,  when 
they  were  said  to  have  been  witnessed  by  hundreds  of  thousands, 
who  were  publicly  challenged  to  deny  them  if  they  could  ! cer- 
tainly not  in  any  subseqent  age  ; for  the  origin  of  Christianity  was 
expressly  ascribed  to  them,  and  millions  must  have  been  per- 
suaded, that  they  had  always  believed  those  things,  of  which 
they  had  never  to  that  time  so  much  as  heard. f We  may  indeed 
venture  to  assert,  that  no  past  event  was  ever  so  fully  proved  as 
our  Lord’s  resurrection  ; and  that  it  would  not  be  half  so  prepos- 
terous to  doubt  whether  such  a man  as  Julius  Ccesarever  existed, 
as  it  would  be  to  question  whether  Jesus  actually  rose  from  the 
dead.  What  then  do  they  mean,  who  oppose  some  trivial  appa- 
rent variations,  in  the  account  given  of  this  event  by  the  four  Evan- 
gelists, (which  have  repeatedly  been  shown  capable  of  an  easy 
reconciliation,)  to  such  an  unparalleled  complication  of  evidence 
that  it  did  actually  take  place  ? 

IV.  The  prophecies  contained  in  the  sacred  Scriptures,  and  ful- 
filling to  this  day,  fully  demonstrate  that  they  are  divinely  inspired. 
These  form  a species  of  perpetual  miracles,  which  challenge  the 
investigation  of  men  in  every  age ; and  which,  though  overlooked 
by  the  careless  and  prejudiced,  cannot  fail  of  producing  conviction 
proportioned  to  the  humble  and  reverential  attention  paid  to  them. 
The  prophecies  of  the  Messiah  which  are  found  in  almost  all  the 
Cooks  of  the  Old  Testament,  when  compared  with  the  exact  ac- 
complishment of  them,  as  recorded  in  the  authentic  writings  of  the 
Evangelists,  abundantly  prove  them  to  have  been  written  under 
tj^e  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit : while  the  existence  of  the  Jews 
as  a people  differing  from  all  others  upon  the  face  of  the  earth, 
and  their  regard  to  these  writings,  as  the  sacred  oracles  handed 
down  from  their  progenitors,  sufficiently  vouch  for  their  antiquity  : 
though  that  admits  of  full  and  clear  proof  of  another  kind.  Ac- 
cording to  the  predictions  of  these  books,  Nineveh  has  been  deso- 

• Prslace  to  the  Book  of  Genesis. 

1 The  Jews,  at  this  day,  do  not  deny,  that-the  miracles  recorded  io  the  New 
testament  history  were  actually  performed,  but  they  absurdly  ascribe  them  all 
Id  enchantment. — See  Answer  to  Rabbi  Crooll , by  the  Author. 


lated  ;*  Babylon  swept  with  the  besom  of  destruction  ;t  Tyre  b« 
come  a place  to  dry  nets  in  Egypt  the  basest  of  the  kingdoms, 
which  has  never  since  been  able  “ to  exalt  itself  above  the  na- 
tions.”^ These,  and  many  other  events,  fulfilling  ancient  pro- 
phecies, very  many  ages  after  they  were  delivered,  can  never  be 
accounted  for ; except  by  allowing,  that  He  who  sees  the  end  from 
the  beginning,  thus  revealed  his  secret  purposes,  that  the  accom 
plishment  of  them  might  prove  the  Scriptures  to  be  his  word  of  ir« 
struct  ion  to  mankind. 

In  like  manner,  there  are  evident  predictions  interwoven  with 
the  writings  of  almost  every  writer  of  the  New  Testament,  as  a 
divine  attestation  to  the  doctrine  contained  in  them.  The  destruc- 
tion of  Jerusalem,  with  all  the  circumstances  predicted  in  the 
Evange.ists,  (the  narrative  of  which  may  be  seen  in  Josephus’s 
History  of  the  Jewish  Wars  ;)  the  series  of  ages,  during  which  th.a* 
city  has  been  “ trodden  down  of  the  gentiles  ;”|J  the  long-con 
tinned  dispersion  of  the  Jews,  and  the  conversion  of  the  nationti 
to  Christianity  ; the  many  antichristian  corruptions  of  the  gospel ; 
the  superstition,  un commanded  austerities,  idolatry,  spiritual  ty- 
ranny, and  persecution  of  the  Roman  hierarchy  ; the  division  of 
the  empire  into  ten  kingdoms  ; the  concurrence  of  those  who  ruled 
those  kingdoms  during  many  ages,  to  support  the  usurpations  of 
the  church  of  Rome ; and  the  existence  of  Christianity  to  this  day , 
amidst  so  many  enemies,  who  have  used  every  possible  method 
to  destroy  it : — all  these  occurrences,  when  diligently  compared 
with  the  predictions  of  the  New  Testament,  do  not  come  short  of  the 
fullest  demonstration,  of  which  the  case  will  admit,  that  the  books, 
which  contain  those  predictions,  are  the  unerring  word  of  God. 

There  are  two  further  observations,  on  this  subject,  which  seem 
of  great  importance. 

1.  The  predictions  of  Scripture,  if  carefully  examined,  will  bo 
found  to  contain  a prophetical  history  of  the  world,  as  to  all  the 
grand  outlines,  from  the  beginning  to  this  present  time  ; not  to 
speak  of  suen  as  are  yet  unfulfilled.  Who  can  deny,  that  the  his- 
tory of  Abraham’s  posterity  ; of  Israel  especially;  of  Judah  and 
Joseph,  the  most  renowned  sons  of  Jacob  ; and  of  the  Jews,  in 
their  present  dispersions  ; aud  their  preservation,  as  a distinct 
people,  “dwelling  alone,  and  not  reckoned  amorig  the  nations,’* 
might  be  clearly  and  particularly  stated  in  the  Very  words  of  pro- 
phecy PI7  Does  not  almost  the  whole  of  ancient  profane  history, 
as  distinguished  from  that  contained  in  the  sacred  Scriptures,  and 
also  a large  proportion  of  modern  history,  consist  principally  o! 
the  records  of  the  four  great  Empires,  the  Chaldean,  the  Medo- 
Persian,  the  Grecian  or  Macedonian,  and  the  Roman  ? And  are 
not  these  predicted  in  the  book  of  Daniel  so  exactly  and  particu 
larly,  as  to  give  some  plausibility  to  the  objection,  which  is  de 
monstrated  to  be  unfounded,  that  they  were  written  after  the 
event  ?**  But  especially,  “ the  testimony  of  Jesus  is  the  spirit  of 
prophecy. ”ft  The  changes  which  have  taken  place  in  the  state  ol 
the  world  in  consequence  of  the  birth  of  Jesus  at  Beth-lehem,  and 
of  his  claim  to  be  the  Messiah,  the  Son  of  God,  which  has  by 
some  been  virulently  opposed,  by  others  zealously  supported, 
have  been  great,  extensive,  and  durable  beyond  comparison  with 
all  other  revolutions  ; but  is  there  one  particular,  in  all  the  history 
of  Jesus,  and  of  the  subsequent  establishment  of  Christianity, 
with  all  the  opposition  made  to  it,  and  the  corruptions  afterwards 
introduced,  which  is  not  expressly  predicted  in  Scripture  ? And 
mightnot  a narrative,  in  many  instances  very  circumstantial,  of 
our  Lord,  from  his  birth  to  his  death,  be  drawn  up  in  the  words 
of  prophecy  ? 

2.  From  the  preceding  Consideration,  another  arises,  as  inse- 
parably connected  with  it.  The  prophecies  of  Scripture  are  not  de 
tached  or  insulated  predictions, but  constitute  a grand  system  of  pre- 
vious information,  as  to  the  secret  designs  of  Providence,  extend- 
ing from  the  earliest  ages  even  to  the  consummation  of  all  things : 
and  accompanied  by  such  distinct  notations  of  order,  place,  arid 
time,  as  may  well  be  called  the  geography  and  the  chronology  of 
prophecy.  Insomuch  that  any  one,  in  any  age,  who  well  under 
stood  the  prophecies  extant  in  his  day,  might  have  known  what  to 
expect,  at  the  specified  times,  and  in  the  specified  countries.  As 
one  prediction  received  its  accomplishment,  others  were  given, 
connecting  prophecy  with  history  till  the  Revelation  of  St.  John 
concluded  the  whole.  Events  have  hitherto,  in  every  age  and  na. 
tion,  corresponded  with  these  predictions.  This  is  well  known  to 
each  individual,  in  exact  proportion  to  the  degree  in  which  he  be- 
comes acquainted  with  Scripture  and  with  historical  records,  and 
to  the  care  and  impartiality  with  which  he  compares  the  pro- 
phecies with  those  records.  As  it  is  the  manifest  and  avowed  plan 
of  prophecy,  to  predict  events  occurring  in  their  own  place  and 
season  to  the  end  of  the  world  ; the  circumstance  of  several  pro- 
phecies being  yet  unfulfilled,  does  not  in  the  least  deduct  from  ti  e 
proof  of  the  divine  inspiration  of  the  Scriptures,  derived  from  this 
source : for  on  such  a plan,  some  must  remain  unfulfilled,  till  the 
end  shall  come. — It  may  also  be  added,  that,  in  respect  of  the  state 
of  the  Jews,  and  in  many  other  particulars,  there  is  an  evident  pre- 
paration made  for  the  accomplishment  of  all  the  prophecies,  which 
yet  remain  to  be  fulfilled.  Now,  I ask,  is  there  any  thing  in  the 
least  coincident  with  such  a system  of  prediction,  from  age  to  age, 
in  any  other  book  in  the  world,  except  the  Bible  ? And  could  so 
many  and  so  extraordinary  and  improbable  events,  through  so 
many  ages  and  nations,  have  occurred,  in  so  undeniable  a man- 
ner, as  foretold  in  the  Scriptures,  had  not  the  Omniscient  God  him 
self  inspired  the  Scriptures  ? The  grand  outline  of  prophecy  ge 
nerally  takes  in  all  that  space  of  time,  which  was  included  be 
tween  the  period  when  the  prophet  wrote  and  the  end  of  the 
world;  and  as  subordinate  predictions,  concerning  Israel  and  the 
nations,  and  which  form  a kind  of  episode  to  the  main  design, 
were  fulfilled,  other  prophecies  were  delivered  from  age  to  age  : 
till  St.  John  closed  the  whole,  in  The  Revelation. Can  any  rea- 
sonable man  conceive  that  a design  of  this  kind  could  ever  have 
entered  into  the  thoughts  of  an  uninspired  writer ; that  he  could 
form  the  astonishing  idea  into  a regular  plan ; and  that  during 
more  than  fifteen  hundred  years,  he  should  have  successors,  who 

• Nah.  1:2:3.  t Is.  13:14.  JEz.26:4,5.  § El.  29:14,15  g Luke  21 : 24. 

T Notes,  Gen.  12:1—3. 16:1*2.  49:8 — 12,22—26.  Num.23:9.  Deut.  *28:65— 61 

••  Notes,  DaD. 2:33— 45.7:8.  tt  Rev.  19:10.  It  Notes,  Is.4l:26— 29.  42:8,1. 

$§  Note,  It.  41:  21 — 24. 

( 5 ) 


PREFACE. 


entered  u.ly  into  his  views,  and  assisted  in  carrying  them  into 
effect  ? ir  can  it  be  conceived,  that  such  a plan,  however  formed, 
could  hn ve  been  so  executed,  as  to  have  even  a plausible  appear- 
ance of  being  successful  ? He  who  can  believe  this,  has  no  right 
10  call  those  credulous,  who  receive  the  Bible  as  the  word  of  God. 

V.  The  Bible  alone,  and  such  books  as  make  it  their  basis,  in- 
troduce the  infinite  God  speaking  in  a manner  worthy  of  himself, 
with  simplicity,  majesty,  and  authority.  His  character,  as  there 
delineated,  comprises  all  possible  excellence  without  any  inter- 
mixture ; his  laws  and  ordinances  accord  to  his  perfections ; his 
works  and  dispensations  exhibit  them  ; and  all  his  dealings  with 
his  creatures  bear  the  stamp  of  infinite  wisdom,  power,  justice, 
purity,  truth,  goodness,  and  mercy,  harmoniously  displayed.  The 
description  given  in  the  sacred  oracles,  of  the  state  of  the  world 
and  of  human  nature,  widely  differs  from  our  previous  ideas  of 
them  ; yet  facts  on  full  investigation  unanswerably  prove  it  to  be 
exactly  true.  The  records  of  every  nation,  the  events  of  every 
age,  and  the  history  of  every  individual,  most  entirely  confute  the 
self-flattery  of  man  in  this  respect;  and  prove  that  the  writers  of 
the  Bible  knew  the  human  character  immensely  better,  than  any 
philosopher,  ancient  or  modern,  ever  did.  Their  account  teaches 
us  what  men  are  actually  doing,  and  what  may  be  expected  from 
them  : while  all,  who  form  a different  estimate  of  human  nature, 
find  their  principles  inapplicable  to  facts  ; their  theories  incapable 
of  being  reduced  to  practice  ; and  their  expectations  strangely  dis- 
appointed. The  Bible,  well  understood,  enables  us  to  account  for 
those  events,  which  have  appeared  inexplicable  to  men  in  every 
age  : and  the  more  carefully  any  one  watches  and  scrutinizes  all 
the  motives,  imaginations,  and  desires  of  his  own  heart,  during  a 
length  of  time,  the  more  manifest  will  it  appear  to  him  that  the 
Scriptures  give  a far  more  just  account  of  his  disposition  and  cha- 
racter, than  he  himself  could  have  done.  In  short,  man  is  such  a 
being,  and  the  world  is  in  such  a state,  as  the  Scripturfes  have  de- 
scribed : yet  multiplied  facts,  constant  observation,  and  reiterated 
experience,  are  insufficient  to  convince  us  of  it,  till  we  first  learn 
it  from  the  Bible ; and  then  comparing  all  which  passes  within  us, 
and  around  us,  with  what  we  there  read,  we  become  more  and  more 
acquainted  with  our  own  hearts,  and  established  in  the  belief  of  the 
divine  original  of  this  most  wonderful  book.  To  this  we  may  add, 
as  a most  convincing  internal  proof  that  the  Bible  is  the  word  of 
God,  who  “ knoweth  what  is  in  man,”  that  it  is  exactly  suited  to 
our  real  state,  character,  and  wants  ; and  proposes  an  adequate 
remedy,  or  supply,  to  all  of  them  ; which  in  proportion  as  self- 
knowledge  increases,  we  see  more  and  more.  While  others, 
through  ignorance  and  self-flattery,  cannot  perceive  that  its  pro- 
posals and  promises  suit  their  case,  the  experienced  Christian  is 
deeply  convinced,  that  he  wants  all  that  is  thus  proposed  and 
promised,  to  render  him  happy,  and  that  he  wants  nothing  more. 

The  mysteries  contained  in  Scripture  rather  confirm  than  inva- 
Iidate  this  conclusion  : for  a book,  claiming  to  be  a revelation  from 
God  and  yet  devoid  of  mystery,  would,  by  this  very  circumstance, 
confute  itself.  Incomprehensibility  is  inseparable  from  God  and 
from  all  his  works,  ev'en  the  most  inconsiderable  ; such  as,  for  in- 
stance, the  growth  of  a blade  of  grass.  The  mysteries  of  the 
S<. .:ures  are  sublime,  interesting,  and  useful  ; they  display  the 
divine  perfections  ; lay  a foundation  for  our  hope  ; and  inculcate 
humility,  reverence,  love,  and  gratitude.  What  is  incomprehen- 
sible must  be  mysterious  : but  it  may  be  intelligible  as  far  as  it  is 
revealed,  and  though  it  be  connected  with  things  above  our  reason, 
v it  may  imply  nothing  contrary  to  it.  So  that,  in  all  respects,  the 
contents  of  the  Bible  are  suited  to  convince  the  serious  inquirer, 
that  it  is  ‘ The  word  of  God.’ 

VI.  The  tendency  of  the  Scripture  constitutes  another  unan- 
swerable proof.  Did  all  men  believe  and  obey  the  Bible,  as  a 
divine  revelation  ; let  us  seriously  inquire,  to  what  tenor  of  con- 
duct it  would  lead  them,  and  what  would  be  the  effect  on  society  ? 
Surely  if  repentance,  and  renunciation  of  all  vice  and  immorality, 
when  combined  with  the  spiritual  worship  of  God  in  his  ordi- 
nances ; faith  in  his  mercy  and  truth,  through  the  mediation  of 
his  Son  : and  all  the  fruits  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  visible  in  the  life 
of  every  true  believer,  were  universal,  or  even  general,  they 
would  form  the  bulk  of  mankind  to  such  characters,  and  would 
produce  such  effects,  as  the  world  has  never  yet  witnessed.  Men 
would  then  habitually  and  uniformly  do  justice,  speak  truth, 
show  mercy,  exercise  mutual  forgiveness,  follow  after  peace, 
bridle  their  appetites  and  passions,  and  lead  sober,  righteous  and 
godly  lives.  Murders,  wars,  slavery,  cruel  oppressions,  rapine  and 
fraud, and  unrestrained  licentiousness, woulij  no  more  desolate  the 
world,  or  fill  it  with  misery  ; and  bitter  contentions  would  no  more 
destroy  domestic  comfort : but  righteousness,  goodness,  and  truth, 
would  bless  the  earth  with  a felicity  exceeding  all  our  present  con- 
ceptions. This  is,  no  doubt,  the  direct  tendency  of  the  scriptural 
doctrines,  precepts,  motives,  and  promises  : nothing  is  wanting  to 
remedy  the  state  of  the  world,  and  to  fit  men  for  the  worship  and 
felicity  of  heaven,  but  to  believe  and  obey  the  Scriptures.  And  if 
many  enormous  crimes  have  been  committed,  under  colour  ol  zeal 
for  Christianity  it  only  proves  the  depravity  of  man’s  heart : for  the 
Scripture,  soberly  understood,  most  expressly  forbids  such  prac- 
tices ; and  men  do  not  act  in  this  shameful  manner  because  they 
duly  regard  the  Bible,  but  because  they  will  not  believe  and  obey  it. 

The  tendency  of  these  principles  is  exhibited  in  the  characters 
delineated  in  the  sacred  writings;  while  the  consistency  between 
the  doctrines  anil  precepts  of  Scripture,  and  the  actions  ol  men  re- 
corded in  it,  implies  another  argument  of  its  divine  original.  The 
conduct  of  ungodly  men,  as  there  related,  entirely  accords  to  the 
abstract  account  given  of  human  nature  : and  it  appears,  that  be- 
lievers conducted  themselves  exactly  in  that  manner,  which  the 
pr.  iciples  of  the  Bible  might  have  led  us  to  expect  They  had 
naturally  like  passions  with  other  men:  but  these  were  habitually 
restrained  and  regulated  by  the  fear  anil  love  of  God.  and  by  other 
holy  affections.  Their  general  behaviour  was  good,  but  not  per- 
fect j and  sometimes  their  natural  proneness  to  evil  broke  out,  and 
made  way  for  bitter  repentance  and  deeper  humiliation : so  that 
they  appear  constantly  to  have  perceived  their  need  of  forgiveness 
and  divine  assistance:  to  have  expected  felicity  from  the  rich 
mercy  of  God  ; and,  instead  of  making  a had  use  of  that  consi- 
deration, to  have  deduced  from  it  motives  for  gratitude,  zeal,  pa- 
tience, meekness,  and  love  to  mankind 
(6) 


But  one  character  is  exhibited,  in  the  simplest  arid  most  un- 
affected manner,  which  is  perfection  itself.  Philosophers,  orators, 
and  poets,  in  their  several  waysvhave  bestowed  immense  pains  to 
delineate  a faultless  character  : and  they  have  given  us  complete 
models  of  their  own  estimate  of  excellence,  and  sufficient  proof 
that  they  had  laboured  the  point  to  the  uttermost  of  their  ability 
But  the  four  Evangelists,  (whose  divine  inspiration  is  now  fre- 
quently doubted  on  the  most  frivolous  pretences,)  without  seem 
ing  to  think  of  it,  have  done  that,  in  which  all  other  writers  have 
failed.  They  have  set  before  us  a perfect  human  character,  by 
recording  facts, without  making  any  comment  on  them,  or  showing 
the  least  ingenuity  in  the  arrangement  of  them.  ‘ They  have 
given  the  history  of  one  whose  spirit,  words,  and  action  swere, 
in  every  particular,  what  they  ought  to  have  been  ; who  always 
did  the  very  thing  which  was  proper,  and  in  the  best  manner 
imaginable  ; who  never  once  deviated  from  the  most  consummate 
wisdom,  purity,  benevolence,  compassion,  meekness,  humility, 
fortitude,  patience,  piety,  zeal,  or  any  other  excellency  : and 
who  in  no  instance  let  one  virtue  or  holy  disposition  entrench  on 
another,  but  exercised  them  all  in  entire  harmony,  and  exact 
proportion.’ — ‘ This  subject  challenges  investigation,  and  sets 
infidelity  at  defiance.  Either  these  four  men  exceeded,  in  genius 
and  capacity,  all  other  writers  that  ever  lived  ; or  they  wrote  under 
the  guidance  of  divine  inspiration  : for  without  labour  or  affecta- 
tion, they  have  performed  what  hath  baffled  all  others,  who  have 
set  themselves  purposely  to  accomplish  it.’*  This  is  a fact  which 
cannot  be  denied  : no  perfect  character  is  elsewhere  delineated, 
and  probably  no  mere  man  could  have  drawn  one  ; and  no  one 
would  have  thought  of  such  a character  as  that  of  Jesus.  This 
alone,  I apprehend,  joined  to  their  entire  consistency  in  this  respect 
with  one  another,  demonstrates  that  the  Evangelists  wrote  under 
the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

It  has  often  been  observed,  that  Satan  would  nevet  have  in- 
fluenced men  to  write  the  Bible,  lor  then  he  would  have  been 
divided  against  himself : wicked  men  would  not  have  written  a 
book,  which  so  awfully  condemned  their  whole  conduct ; and 
good  men  would  never  have  ascribed  their  own  inventions  to 
divine  inspiration,  especially  as  such  forgeries  are  most  severely 
reprobated  in  every  part  of  it.  But  indeed,  it  is  a work  as  much 
exceeding  every  effort  of  mere  man,  as  the  sun  surpaoses  those 
scanty  illuminations,  by  which  his  splendour  is  imitated,  or  his 
absence  supplied. 

VII.  The  actual  effects , produced  by  the  Scripture,  evince 
their  divine  original.  These  are  indeed  far  from  being  equal  to 
its  tendency  ; because,  through  human  depravity,  the  gospel  is 
not  generally  or  fully  believed  and  obeyed  : yet  they  are  very  con 
siderable  ; and  we  may  assert,  that  even  at  present,  there  are 
many  thousands,  who  have  been  reclaimed  from  a profane  and 
immoral  course  of  conduct,  to  sobriety,  equity,  truth,  and  piety, 
and  to  good  behaviour  in  relative  life,  simply  by  attending  to  the 
sacred  oracles.  Having  been  “ made  free  from  sin,  and  become 
the  servants  of  God,  they  have  their  fruit  unto  holiness and 
after  “ patiently  continuing  in  well  doing,”  and  cheerfully  bear- 
ing various  afflictions,  they  joyfully  meet  death,  being  supported 
by  the  hope  of  eternal  life,  tkas  the  gift  of  God  through  Jesus 
Christ:”  while  those  who  best  know  them,  are  most  convinced, 
that  they  have  been  rendered  more  wise,  holy,  and  happy,  by 
believing  the  Bible  ; and  that  there  is  a reality  in  religion,  though 
various  interests  and  passions  may  keep  them  from  duly  em- 
bracing it.  What  a different  nation  would  Britain  become,  if  all 
its  inhabitants  were  rendered  as  upright,  sincere,  peaceable,  be- 
neficent, and  active  in  doing  good  to  mankind,  as  a remnant  of 
them  are,  on  scriptural  principles?  How  would  the  state  of  the 
whole  earth  be  changed,  if  all  men  every  where  thus  “ deniel 
ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  and  lived  soberly,  righteously  and 
godly  in  this  present  world  ?”  T his  alone  would  do  much  towards 
introducing  a state  of  things,  resembling  that  of  the  millennium,  f-- 
There  are  indeed  enthusiasts  ; but  they  become  such,  by  forsak 
ing  the  old  rule  of  faith  and  duty,  lor  si  me  new  imagination  : an 
there  are  hypocrites  ; but  they  attest  the  reality  and  excellency  o 
religion,  by  deeming  it  worth  their  while  to  counterfeit  it. 

VIII.  Brevity  is  so  connected  with  fulness  \n  the  Scriptures, 
that  they  are  a treasure  of  divine  knowledge,  which  can  never 
be  exhausted.  The  things  that  are  absolutely  necessary  to  sal- 
vation, are  lew,  simple,  and  obvious  to  the  meanest  capacity,  pro- 
vided it  be  attended  by  a humble,  teachable  disposition  : but  the 
most  learned,  acute,  and  diligent  student  cannot,  in  the  longest 
life,  obtain  an  entire  knowledge  of  this  one  volume.  The  more 
deeply  he  works  the  mine,  the  richer  and  more  abundant  he  finds 
the  ore  : new  light  continually  beams  from  this  source  ol  heavenly 
knowledge,  to  direct  his  conduct,  ami  illustrate  the  works  ol  God, 
and  the  ways  of  men  ; and  he  will  at  last  leave  the  world  con- 
fessing, that  the  more  he  studied  the  Scriptures,  the  fuller  con- 
viction he  had  of  his  own  ignorance,  and  of  their  inestimable  value. 

IX.  Lastly,  “ He  that  believelh  hath  the  witness  in  himself.”| 
The  discoveries  which  he  lias  made  by  the  light  of  the  Scripture  ; 
the  experience  which  he  has  had,  that  the  Lord  lulfils  its  pro- 
mises to  those  who  trust  in  them  ; the  abiding  eflects  produced  by 
attending  to  it,  on  his  judgment,  dispositions,  and  affections  ; ami 
the  earnest  of  heaven  enjoyed  hy  him  in  communion  with  God, 
put  the  matter  beyond  all  doubt;  and  though  many  believers  are  not 
at  all  qualified  to  dispute  against  infidels,  they  are  enabled,  through 
this  inward  testimony,  to  obey  the  gospel,  and  to  suffer  lor  it : 
and  they  can  no  more  he  convinced,  by  reasonings  and  objections, 
that  uninspired  men  invented  the  Bible,  than  they  can  he  per- 
suaded, that  man  created  the  sun,  whose  light  they  behold,  and 
by  whose  beams  they  are  cheered. 

And  now,  if  an  objector  could  fully  invalidate  more  than  one 
half  of  these  arguments,  (to  w hich  many  more  might  easily  be 
added,)  the  remainder  would  be  abundantly  sufficient. — Way, 
perhaps,  any  one  of  them  so  far  decides  the  question,  that,  were 
there  no  oilier  proof  of  the  Bible’s  being  the  word  of  God,  a man 
could  not  reject  it.  without  acting  in  direct  opposition  o those  dlc- 
taies  of  common  sense,  which  direct  his  conduct  in  lis  secular 
affairs. — But  in  reality,  I have  a confidence,  that  noi  o *e  ul  these 

• The  author’*  Atnwcr  to  Paine’*  Age  of  Reaaou,  p.  6G,  2 ed.  ■ N 
20:4—6.  1 Note,  1 John  6:9,10. 


PREFACE. 


proof*  can  be  fairly  answered  ; at  least  it  has  never  yet  been 
done  : and  the  combined  force  of  the  whole  is  so  i*reat,  that  the 
objections,  by  which  men  cavil  against  the  truth,  only  resemble  the 
foaming  waves  dashing  against  the  deep-rooted  rock,  which  has 
for  ages  defied  their  unavailing  fury.  But,  though  these  can 
effect  nothing  more,  they  may  beat  oft  the  poor  shipwrecked  ma- 
riner. who  was  about  to  ascend  it,  in  hopes  of  deliverance  from 
impending  destruction. 

A very  small  part  of  the  evidences,  which,  with  combined 
force,  established  the  divine  original  and  authority  of  our  holy 
religion,  has  here  been  adduced.  Many  books  have,  of  late 
years,  been  published  on  the  important  subject ; the  writers  of 
which  have  treated  it  in  different  ways  : yet,  in  general,  the  argu- 
ments advanced  by  each  seem  separately  to  be  conclusive.  It 
does  not  appear,  that  any  view  of  the  subject,  materially  new, 
remains  to  be  exhibited  : but  the  following  particulars  have  not, 
as  far  as  the  Author  has  observed,  been  as  yet  brought  forward 
in  that  prominent  manner,  and  to  that  advantage,  of  which  they 
are  capable. 

I.  Many,  in  these  days,  allow  the  sacred  writers  to  have  been 
wise  and  good  men  ; but  they  hesitate,  and  speak  doubtfully,  as 
to  their  divine  inspiration.  Yet,  do  not  all  the  prophets,  in  the 
Old  Testament,  sneak  most  decidedly  of  themselves  and  of  their 
predecesiors,  as  declaring,  not  their  own  words,  but  the  word  of 
God  ?*  Do  not  the  apostles,  and  other  writers  of  the  New  Testa* 
ment,  speak  concerning  the  prophets  who  wrote  the  Old  Testa- 
ment, “ as  holy  men  of  God,  who  spake  as  they  were  moved  by 
the  Holy  Ghost  ?”f  Do  they  not  adopt  language,  which,  in  its 
most  obvious  meaning,  claims  the  attention  of  their  readers  to 
their  own  instructions,  as  to  the  word  of  God  ? Do  they  not  thus 
attest  and  sanction  one  another's  writings  ?f  Do  they  thus  attest 
and  sanction  any  other  books  ? The  answer  to  these  questions  at 
least  effectually  confutes  the  sentiment  above  stated.  If  the  sa- 
cred writers  were  indeed  wise  men,  but  not  inspired  ; how  were 
they  deluded  into  the  false  imagination,  that  they  and  their  pre- 
decessors and  coadjutors  were  inspired  ? If  they  were  good  men, 
but  not  inspired , would  they  have  thus  confidently  asserted  their 
own  inspiration,  and  sanctioned  that  of  each  other;  knowing  that 
this  was  contrary  to  the  truth,  and  that  they  merely  delivered 
their  own  private  sentiments  ? 

II.  There  are  also  very  many,  who  so  far  reverence  the  name 
of  our  Lord  Jesus,  as  to  suppose  his  words  to  be  divine  and 
infallible  ; and  yet  they  speak  of  the  writers,  both  cvf  the  Old  and 
New  Testament,  in  more  hesitating  language.  Now  our  Lord 
himself,  in  numerous  instances,  has  quoted  and  referred  to  the 
Old  Testament,  and  the  several  parts  of  it,  as  “ of  divine  au- 
thority ;”  and  this  in  a manner  which  directly  tended  to  mislead 
the  people,  if  the  passages  referred  and  appealed  to,  were  merely 
the  private  opinion  of  some  venerable  men  of  former  ages,  but 
not  the  infallible  word  of  God.  And  his  appointment  of  the 
apostles,  and  his  giving  them  the  power  of  the  keys,  of  opening 
and  shutting  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ;§  must  imply,  that  iti  their 
writings,  and  in  those  which  they  sanctioned,  his  doctrine  and 
religion  might  be  found  unmixed  and  genuine.  Indeed,  if  it  can- 
not be  found  there,  where  are  we  to  look  for  it  ? These  consi- 
derations show,  that  he  himself  has  attested  the  divine  inspiration 
of  both  the  Old  and  the  New  Testament. 

An  argument  comprising  so  many  and  important  transactions, 
cannot  here  be  fully  discussed  ; but  a few  specimens  may 
not  improperly  be  annexed,  of  the  manner  in  which  the 
author  supposes  that  the  position  might  be  maintained,  with 
great  effect,  by  any  man  who  had  talents  and  leisure  for  such  an 
attempt. 

When  the  divine  Redeemer  was  tempted  by  the  devil,  he 
selected  all  the  texts,  with  which,  as  ‘ by  the  sword  ofthe  Spirit,’ 
he  put  the  enemy  to  flight,  from  one  of  the  Books  of  Moses. || 
Does  he  then  quote  these  books  as  the  words  of  man  ? Surely 
not.  He  says  repeatedly,  “ It  is  written.”  And  had  any  one 
inquired,  Where  ? Would  he  not  have  answered,  “ In  the  word 
of  God?” — In  his  sermon  on  the  mount  he  continually  refers 
to  the  law  given  by  Moses;  declaring  that  “till  heaven  and 
earth  pass,  one  jot  or  one  tittle  shall  in  no  wise  pass  from  the 
law,  till  all  be  fulfilled  ;”  for  he  came  not  to  destroy  “ the  law... 
but  to  fulfil.”^  Now  who  can  deny  that  our  Lord  came  to  fulfil 
the  types  of  the  ceremonial  law,  and  the  requirements  of  the 
moral  law  ? And  who  can  imagine,  that  the  Son  of  God  was 
manifested,  thus  to  honour  any  institutions  of  mere  human  au- 
thority?— Yet  many  learned  writers  speak  of  the  laws  of 
Moses,  as  if.  they  had  originated  with  him. 

The  Pharisees  and  Scribes  in  general  maintained,  that 
Jehovah  spake  by  Moses,  and  th^t  his  writings  were  the  word 
of  God  : but  does  our  Lord  ever  so  much  as  intimate  that  this 
opinion  was  unwarranted,  or  held  in  too  absolute  and  unre- 
stricted a manner  ?**  Nay,  when  he  saw  good  to  expose  the 
traditions  of  the  elders,  he  charges  them  with  rejecting  and 
“ making  void  the  commandment  of  God  by  their  traditions  :”ft 
but  where  was  that  commandment  of  God  to  be  found,  except 
in  the  books  of  Moses  ? for  he  expressly  referred  to  the  fifth 
commandment. — Again,  when  the  Pharisees  proposed  a ques- 
tion to  him  respecting  divorces,  he  referred  them  to  the  Mosaic 
history  of  the  creation,  and  to  the  original  institution  of  mar- 
riage; saying,  “Have  ye  never  read,  that  He  which  made 
them  at  the  beginning,  made  them  male  and  female  ?”  Does 
not  this  method  of  appealing  to  these  records  imply  an  express 
attestation  to(the  indisputable  truth  of  them  ? And  does  not  that 
attestation  amount  to  a declaration,  that  they  were  written  by 
divine  inspiration  ? 

.Who  was  intended  by  the  Householder,  that  inclosed  the  vine- 
yard of  Israel,  but  Jehovah  ? By  whom  did  he  inclose  it,  but 
by  Moses  ? What  Moses  enacted  and  performed,  was  done  in 
iSe  name  and  by  the  authority  of  Jehovah:  and  can  his 

•2  Sam.  23:1,2.  Neh.  9:30.  Ps.  19:7— 11.  Ia.  8:20.  Jer.  20:7  -9.25:3,4.  20:12 
—19  Ez.  1:1-3.38:16,17.  Dan.  9:12, 13.  Mic.  3:8— 12.  Zech.  1:5,6.  f Notes, 
Rom.  3:1,2.  2 Tim.  3:14— 17.  Heb.  1:1,2.  2 Pet  .1:19— 21.  f Notes,  1 Cor.  7:39, 
40.  IThea.  4:6— 8.  5:23— 28,  v.  27.  2 Pet. 3:1— 4,14,16.  1 John  4:4— 6. 
§ Notes,  Malt.  16:18— 20.  II  Matt.  4:4— 11.  IT  Note,  Matt.  5:17,18. 

• Notes,  John  5:45— 47.  9:27— 34.  It  Notes,  Matt.  15:1— 14.  Mark  7:1— 9. 


writings  be  treated  as  tho  word  of  man,  by  any  who  conslde* 
the  testimony  of  Christ  as  “ the  word  of  God  ?”* 

The  Sadducees  proposed  a case  to  Jesus,  which  they  ima- 
gined inconsistent  with  the  resurrection  of  the  dead  : but  he  de- 
cisively answered,  “Ye  do  err,  not  knowing  the  Scriptures,  nor 
the  power  of  God  ;”  and  he  then  referred  them  to  the  Books  ol' 
Moses,  as  a confutation  of  their  error.  But  did  the  Son  of  God 
in  reality  appeal  to  the  writings  of  an  uninspired  man  ? or  did  h 
not  appeal  to  “ the  oracles  of  God  ?”  This  however  is  not  all 
for  he  says  expressly,  “Have  ye  not  read,  that  which  was 
spoken  unto  you  by  God,  saying,  &.C.?” — What  Moses  recorder 
was  spoken  by  God.f 

On  another  occasion  he  inculcated  a regard  to  the  Scribes  and 
Pharisees,  as  sitting  in  Moses’  seat,  that  is,  teaching  according 
to  his  law  ; though,  at  other  times,  he  exposed  their  instructions 
when,  following  their  own  traditions,  they  disannulled  that  law 
what  could  this  mean,  but  that  the  one  was  a divine  revelation, 
the  other  a mere  human  invention  ?J 

In  the  parable  of  the  rich  man  and  Lazarus,  (if  indeed  it  be  a 
parable,)  our  Lord  introduces  Abraham  saying  to  the  rich  man 
concerning  his  brethren,  “ They  have  Moses  and  the  prophets  ; 
let  them  hear  them  ;”  and  again,  “ If  they  believe  not  Moses  and 
the  prophets,  neither  will  they  be  persuaded  though  one  rose 
from  the  dead.”§ — But  would  he  have  thus  called  the  attention 
of  his  hearers,  and  of  all  through  revolving  ages  who  read  his 
words,  to  the  writings  of  Moses,  if  any  part  of  them  had  been 
erroneous  and  the  mere  opinion  of  a fallible  man  ?— It  is  worthy 
of  notice,  that  our  Lord  also  expressly  attested  the  truth  of  the 
Mosaic  History,  in  some  particulars  which  have  not  been  most 
implicitly  credited,  in  their  evident  and  literal  import:  I mean 
the  account  given  by  Moses  of  the  universal  deluge,  and  Noah’s 
preservation  in  the  ark  while  all  else  were  drowned  ; and  of  the 
destruction  of  Sodom  by  fire  and  brimstone  from  heaven,  with 
the  sudden  and  awful  doom  of  Cot’s  wife. || 

When  discoursing  with  Nicodemus,  he  referred  to  the  Mosaic 
history  of  the  brazen  serpent,  in  such  a manner  as  both  attested 
the  typical  import  of  that  transaction,  and  the  reality  of  the  mi- 
racle recorded  by  Moses.1T 

On  another  occasion,  probably  before  the  Sanhedrim,  our 
Lord  says  to  the  Jew3,  “ Had  ye  believed  Moses,  ye  would  have 
believed  me,  for  he  wrote  of  me.  But  if  ye  believe  not  his  wri- 
tings how  shall  ye  believe  my  words  ?” — Hence  we  may  infer, 
that  an  intelligent  belief  ofthe  words  of  Moses  necessarily  leads 
to  faith  in  Christ;  and  that  it  could  not  be  expected,  that  the 
Jews,  who  did  not  believe  the  testimony  of  Moses  in  this  par- 
ticular, would  believe  in  him  of  whom  he  spake.**  Let  this 
suffice  in  respect  of  the  Books  of  Moses. 

It  may  be  proper  also  to  adduce  a few  specimens,  respecting 
the  other  parts  of  the  Old  Testament.  When  the  Pharisees 
condemned  the  disciples  for  rubbing  the  ears  of  corn  on  the 
Sabbath  day,  our  Lord  said  unto  them,  “Have  ye  not  read 
what  David  did  ?”  “ Have  ye  not  read  so  much  as  this, 

what  David  did  ?”ff  and  directly  referred  also  to  the  law  in 
the  same  sentence^  Now  this  surely  authorizes  us  to  conclude, 
that  he  regarded  both  the  law  and  the  Books  of  Samuel,  as 
equally  “ the  word  of  God.”— In  like  manner  he  called  the 
attention  of  his  hearers  to  the  history  of  the  queen  of  Sheba, 
as  of  undoubted  authority ; and  this  is  recorded  both  in  the 
Books  of  the  Kings  and  in  the  Chronicles. 

When  he  anticipated  the  objection  of  the  Nazarenes,  by  re- 
ferring them  to  the  conduct  of  the  Lord  in  sending  Elijah  to 
Zarephath,  to  a Zidonian  woman,  rather  than  to  any  of  the 
widows  in  Israel;  and  in  cleansing  Naaman  the  Syrian,  by 
Elisha,  rather  than  any  of  the  lepers  in  Israel  ; he  not  only  au- 
thenticated the  historical  records  of  those  facts  as  genuine , but 
attested  the  miracles  recorded  in  them  : which,  admitted  in  their 
full  extent,  can  never  be  separated  from  the  divine  inspiration 
of  those  who  wrought  them. lj ||  It  should  also  be  observed,  that 
our  Lord  never  referred  to  any  writings  in  this  manner,  ex- 
cept those  received  by  the  Jews  as  the  word  of  God  ; he  opposed 
oral  traditions,  and  has  not  once  quoted  the  Books  of  the  Apo- 
crypha, some  of  which  were  then  extant.  It  may  therefore  be 
fairly  inferred,  that  he  expressly  designed  to  confirm  the  opinion 
of  the  Jews  on  that  subject,  by  his  repeated  attestations,  and  to 
establish  exclusively  the  divine  inspiration  of  their  sacred  books. 

Jehovah  had  ^iven  commandment  by  Moses,  that  the  people 
should  offer  sacrifices,  exclusively  at  the  place  which  he  should 
appoint : and  Joshua  after  his  death,  by  divine  direction,  as  the 
Jews  supposed,  placed  the  tabernacle  at  Shiloh,  where  it  con- 
tinued till  the  ark  was  taken  by  the  Philistines.  Afterwards 
David  removed  the  ark  to  Jerusalem,  and  Solomon  built  the 
temple  on  mount  Zion  which  was  from  that  time  regarded  as 
exclusively  the  place  appointed  by  Gotl  for  sacrifice. — A large 
proportion  of  the  Old  Testament,  from  the  Books  of  Moses  to  the 
end  of  it,  relates  to  this  tabernacle  and  temple ; to  the  sins  of  the 
people  in  offering  sacrifice  elsewhere,  or  in  hypocritically  at- 
tending on  the  ordinances  there  administered  ; to  the  judgments  of 
God  upon  them  for  these  sins  ; to  the  destruction  of  the  temple  by 
the  Chaldeans  ; to  the  rebuilding  of  it  by  Zerubbabel ; and  to 
events  of  a similar  nature. — These  tilings  are  so  interwoven  with 
the  historical  records  of  the  Old  Testament ; that  to  deny  the 
divine  authority,  by  whi'ch  Joshua  separated  Shiloh,  and  David 
appointed  mount  Zion  as  the  exclusive  place  for  offering  sa 
crifice,  according  to  the  command  given  by  Moses,  would  tend  to 
invalidate  the  whole  narrative  ; as  it  would  imply,  that  the  Lord 
inflicted  tremendous  judgments  on  the  nation,  merely  for  violating 
the  appointmens  ol  uninspired  men. — The  Samaritans  indeed 
argued,  that  “ men  ought  to  worship”  on  mount  Gerizim,  and 
not  at  Jerusalem  : but  our  Lord  declared  to  the  woman  of  Sa- 
maria, that  the  Samaritans  “ knew  not  what  they  worshipped  ; 
for  salvation  was  of  the  Jows.”1Tir  Now,  who  can  doubt,  that  this 

• Matt.  21:33-  46.  Mark  12:1-12.  Luke  20:3-18.  t Notes,  Matt.  22. 
23— 33,  v.  31.  f Note,  Malt.  23:1 — 1.  § Luke  16:27- 3‘ . H Matt, 

24:37—39.  Luke  17.26—32.  IT  Note,  John  3:1T,15.  ••  Notee,  John  5: 

39—17.  ft  Matt  12:1— 5.  Luke6:3,4.  Xt  Lev.  24:5— 9.  Am.  1!  :1— 6. 

§§  1 Kings  10:1-13.  2 Chr.  9:1— 12.  Note,  Malt.  12:41,42.  V*lum4t 

23— *7.  HIT  John  4:20—22. 

• ( r ) 


PREFACE. 


declaration  of  Jesus  Christ  tnd  his  own  constant  attendance 
on  the  worship  performed  ai.  Jerusalem,  fully  attest  the  divine 
inspiration  of  those  books,  in  which  the  appointment  of  this  place 
and  the  building  of  the  temple  are  recorded,  as  having  been  done 
by  the  directions  and  command  of  God  himself: 

Let  us  also  very  briefly  consider  our  Lord’s  testimony  to  the 
writings  of  the  Prophets,  and  to  the  Book  of  Psalms.  The  Psalms 
are  indeed  ascribpu  to  different  writers ; but  it  is  evident  that  they 
consumed  a book  of  the  Scriptures  among  the  Jews  at  that  time,  as 
they  now  do:*  so  that  a quotation  from  that  book, as  the  word  of  God, 
witnout  adding  any  limitation,  is  in  fact  an  attestation  of  the  whole. 

When  the  children  in  the  temple  cried,  “ Hosanna  to  the  Son 
of  David;”  the  chief  priests  said  to  Jesus,  “ Hearest  thou  not 
what  these  say?”  To  which  he  answered,  “ Yea : have  ye 
never  read,  Out  of  the  mouth  of  babes  and  sucklings  thou  hast 
perfected  praise  ?”f  Did  not  this  attest  the  words  of  David,  as 
the  language  of  inspiration,  and  of  prophecy  ? 

On  another  occasion  he  demanded  of  the  Pharisees,  “ how 
David  in  Spirit ,”  or,  “ by  the  Holy  Ghost.”  “ called  the  Mes- 
siah, Lord  which  is  equivalent  to  David’s  declaration  con- 
cerning himself;  “The  Spirit  of  God  spake  by  me,  and  his 
word  was  in  my  tongue.”^  And  accordingly  our  Lord,  after  his 
resurrection,  declared  that  “ all  things  must  be  fulfilled  which 
were  written  in  the  law  of  Moses,  and  in  the  prophets,  and  in 
the  Psalms  concerning  him.”|| — But  why  must  this  have  been, 
except  as  the  writings  referred  to  were  inspired  by  God  himself? 
Could  there  be  any  necessity , that  the  words  of  fallible  men, 
however  wise  and  good,  should  be  fulfilled,  in  such  extraordi- 
nary events,  as  the  crucifixion  and  resurrection  of  Christ  ? 

Referring  to  a passage  in  the  Psalms,H  he  asks.  “ Is  it  not 
written  in  your  law,  I said,  Ye, are  gods  ? If  he  called  them  gods, 
to  whom  the  word  of  God  came  ; and  the  Scripture  cannot  be 
broken,  &c.”**  Who  called  the  magistrates  gods,  but  Jehovah  ? 
And  why  could  not  the  Scripture  be  broken,  but  because  it  is 
“ the  word  of  God  ?” 

I shall  only,  in  a general  way,  refer  the  reader  to  some  of 
our  Lord’6  attestations  to  several  of  the  Prophets,  whose  writings 
form  a part  of  our  Scriptures.  The  texts  referred  to  are  surely  a 
sufficient  attestation  to  the  prophecy  of  Isaiah. ft  When  our  Lord 
says,  “ Well  did  Esaias  prophecy  of  you  could  he  mean  any 
thing  less  than  Si.  Paul  did,  in  saying,  “ Well  spake  the  Holy 
Ghost  by  Esaias  the  prophet  ?”{$  Christ  gives  similar  attestations 
to  the  prophecy  of  Daniel  and  to  Hosea.|!||  He  also  expressly 
attests  the  history  contained  in  the  book  of  Jonah,  which  is  often 
treated  very  irreverently  .IT IT  He  evidently  refers  to  the  words 
of  Micah,  in  predicting  the  persecutions  to  which  his  disciples 
would  be  subjected.***  And  he  explicitly  attests  the  prophecy 
of  Malachi.ftt  Several  others  of  the  prophets  are  quoted  by 
the  evangelists : but  none  are  here  adduced,  except  those  who  are 
mentioned  by  our  Lord  himself,  in  a manner  attesting  the  divine 
inspiration  of  the  writers,  or  their  language,  as  “ the  word  of 
God.” 

It  only  remains  to  mention  his  attestation  to  the  Scriptures 
fn  general,  and  to  the  division  of  them  which  was  received  at 
that  time,  into  “ the  Law,  the  Prophets,  and  the  Psalms.” 
Thus  he  says  to  the  Scribes,  “ Did  ye  never  read  in  the  Scrip- 
tures, The  Stone  which  the  builders  rejected,  the  same  is  become 
the  Head  of  the  corner  ?”}tj  And  when  he  adds,  “ Therefore , I 
say  unto  you,  the  kingdom  of  God  shall  be  taken  from  you,  and 
given  to  a nation  bringing  forth  the  fruits  thereof;”  he  evidently 
6hows,  that  he  quoted  the  passage  as  the  word  of  God,  which 
“ cannot  be  broken.” — “ How  then  shall  the  Scriptures  be 
fulfilled  that  thus  it  must  be  ?”  and  again,  “ All  this  was  done 
that  the  Scriptures  of  the  prophets  might  be  fulfilled.”§§§ 

Would  we  know  more  particularly  what  Scriptures  he  meant  ? 
Let  us  hear  his  words  to  the  apostles  : “ All  things  must  be  ful- 
fflled,  which  were  written  in  the  law  of  Moses,  and  in  the  pro- 
phets, and  in  the  Psalms  concerning  me.”|||||| 

The  words  of  our  Lord  are  very  remarkable  ; “Search,”  says 
be,  “ the  Scriptures,  for  in  them  ye  think  ye  have  eternal  life,  and 
they  are  they  which  testify  of  me.”1T1Tir  Now  what  could  the  Jews 
suppose  Jesus  to  mean  by  “ the  Scriptures,”  but  the  books  which 
they  had  been  accustomed  to  distinguish  by  that  appellation  ? 
They  had  thought,  that  in  these  the  way  of  eternal  life  was  to  be 
found  ; these  testified  of  Jesus  as  the  Messiah  ; and  yet  they 
rejected  him,  without  whom  they  could  not  obtain  eternal  life  ! — 
This  one  testimony  confirms  indubitably  the  divine  revelation 
erf  the  whole  Old  Testament,  as  it  stood  at  that  time,  to  all 
who  truly  believe  the  words  of  Christ  : but,  reversing  his  con- 
clusion in  another  case,  we  may  fairly  say  to  men  who  call  them- 
selves Christians,  ‘ If  ye  believe  not  his  words,  how  can  ye  be- 
lieve the  writings  of  the  Old  Testament  ?’ 

When  the  Jews  went  about  to  stone  him,  because  he  had  said, 
“ I and  mv  Father  are  One  ;”  he  quoted  a passage  from  the 
Psalms,  adding,  “ The  Scripture  cannot  be  broken.”****  But 
what  can  we  understand  by  “the  Scripture”  in  this  connexion, 
but  the  canonical  books  of  the  Old  Testament  as  then  received  by 
the  Jews  ? And  who  can  deny  this  to  be  a complete  authentication 
of  them,  as  the  unfailing  word  of  the  unchangeable  God?  In- 
deed all  those  passages  in  which  Christ  speaks  of  his  sufferings, 
death,  and  resurrection,  with  the  various  circumstances  connected 
with  them,  as  what  “ must  be,”  with  reference  to  the  types  and 
prophecies  of  the  Old  Testament,  prove,  as  far  as  men  regard  his 
testimony,  that  not  one  tittle  of  those  sacred  records  could  pass 
away,  till  the  whole  had  received  its  full  accomplishment:  for 
which  no  other  satisfactory  reason  can  possibly  be  given,  than 
this,  that  the  whole  Is  a divine  revelation  ; “ for  the  prophecy 
came  not  in  old  time  by  the  will  of  man  : but  holy  men  of  God 
spake  as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost.” 

• Luke 34:  44.  Acts  1:20.  13:93.  t P«.  8:2.  Matt.  21:15,16.  | Notes, 

Ps.  110:1.  Matt. 22:4 1—46.  Mark  12:35 — 37  § Note,  2 Sum.  23:1,2. 

t)  Luke  24:44—46.  TI  Ps.  82:1,6,7.  •*  Note,  John  10:32— 39.  ft  Matt. 

13:13 — 15.  15:7 — 9.21:13.  Mark  7:6,7.  Luke4:17— 21.  ft  Act*  28:25.  §§  Mutt. 
24:15.  Mark  18:14.  IIU  Hoe.  6:6.  Matt.  9:13.  12:7.  WI  Matt.  12:39—41. 
16:4.  Luke  11:28—32.  ***  Mic.  7:6.  Matt.  10:35,36.  ttt  Mai.  3:1. 

Matt.  11:10, &«.  Luke  7:27.  Mai.  4:5,6.  Matt.  17:10—12.  Mark  9:11— 13. 
m Ps.  118:22,23.  Matt.  21:42,43.  ^ Matt.  26:54— 56.  II JW  Luke  24.27, 
44-46  m John  6:39,40.  ***•  John  1U:34,95. 

( 8 ) . 


But,  should  it  be  granted  that  our  Lord’s  own  words  demonstrate 
the  whole  Old  Testament  lobe  “ given  by  inspiration  from  God,’ 
as  far  as  men  reverence  and  believe  his  testimony,  yet  it  may  still  b« 
asked,  Does  it  follow,  that  the  books  of  the  New  Testament  admit 
of  the  same  kind  of  proof  from  the  words  of  Christ  himself? — Lei 
us  briefly  examine  this  subject  also.  It  is  not  indeed  practicable  to 
adduce  so  large  a bodyof evidence, as  has  been  brought  in  theformer 
case  ; nor  is  it  necessary  : yet  I apprehend  thatthe  argument  may 
in  a short  compass  be  made  very  conclusive. — When  Peter  con- 
fessed Jesus  to  be  “ the  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  living  God,”  He 
answered,  “ I will  give  thee  the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ; 
and  whatsoever  thou  shall  bind  on  earth  shall  be  bound  in 
heaven;  and  whatsoever  thou  shalt  loose  on  earth  shall  be  loosed 
in  heaven.”— Peter  had  spoken  in  the  name  of  the  other  apostles, 
as  well  as  in  his  own  ; and  it  is  generally  allowed,  that  the 
answer  included  them  also  : indeed  this  appears  by  other  passages 
of  similar  import,  in  which  they  were  all  addressed.* 

If  it  be  allowed  that  this  absolute  promise  was  given  exclusively 
to  the  apostles,  we  must  next  inquire,  how  they  could  exercise 
this  power  of  binding  or  loosing,  especially  after  their  decease, 
except  by  their  doctrine  ? and  where  must  the  church  or  the  world 
look  for  that  doctrine,  if  not  in  their  writings  ? Should  we  sup- 
pose, that  the  exercise  of  this  exclusive  authority  was  confined  to 
the  short  time  of  their  continuance  on  earth  ; then  the  church  has 
ever  since  bqen  left  destitute  of  any  rule,  either  for  censures  or 
absolutions,  even  of  a declarative  nature  ; and  also  of  all  criteria 
for  the  discrimination  of  true  Christians  from  other  men,  either 
for  the  purpose  of  self-examination,  or  for  the  regulation  of  our 
conduct  “ towards  the  household  of  faith,”  and  the  world  around 
us.  But  if  this  promise  was  not  exclusively  made  to  the  apostles, 
nor  the  authority  given  by  it  intended  to  be  exercised  according  to 
their  doctrine ; the  consequence  must  be,  either  that  there  are, 
in  every  age,  ministers  of  religion  possessed  of  this  absolute 
power  of  binding  and  loosing  ; or  that  the  words  of  Christ  have 
not  received  their  accomplishment.  And,  as  it  does  not  seem  u> 
accord  with  the  prevailing  sentiments  of  this  age,  to  invest  minis 
ters,  of  any  kind  or  description,  with  such  an  infallible  arid  de- 
cisive authority  ; we  may,  I apprehend,  be  allowed  to  conclude, 
that  the  promise  was  made  exclusively  to  the  apostles,  and  was 
fulfilled,  when  they  were  inspired  by  the  Holy  Spirit  to  deliver 
that  doctrine  to  the  church,  according  to  which  the  state  of  all 
men,  in  respect  of  acceptance  or  condemnation,  is  and  will  1* 
finally  decided.  If  this  be  allowed,  it  will  inevitably  follow,  that 
our  Lord’s  express  testimony  proves  that  their  writings  are  a 
divine  revelation ; for  in  them  especially  they  delivered  to  the 
church  what  they  received  from  the  Lord  ; and  these  have  been, 
and  will  be  to  all  subsequent  generations,  exclusively  ‘ the  doc- 
trine of  Christ.’ 

On  the  night  before  his  crucifixion,  our  blessed  Saviour  re- 
peatedly promised  to  send  to  his  apostles,  “ the  Spirit  of  Truth, 
who  should  guide  them  into  all  Truth,”  and  “ show  them  things 
to  come ;”  who  should  “ teach  them  all  things,  and  bring  all 
things  to  their  remembrance  whatsoever  he  had  said  unto  them,” 
and  who  “ should  receive  of  his  and  show  it  to  them.”  There  is 
a subordinate  sense  in  which  these  promises  are,  in  a measure, 
accomplished  to  all  true  Christians  ; but  the  persons  who  advance 
doubts  respecting  the  divine  authority  of  the  books  contained  in 
the  New  Testament,  will  scarcely  deny  that  they  are  addressed  in 
a far  superior  sense,  to  the  apostles  and  those  immediately  con- 
nected with  ihem.f  Now  the  Spirit  was  given  to  them,  as  well  as 
to  others,  “ to  profit  withal and  it  is  undeniable,  that  genuiire 
Christianity,  without  unremiltcd  miracles,  could  be  delivered 
down  to  future  ages  for  the  profit  of  mankind,  only  by  writings, 
in  which  it  should  be  stated  without  error  or  corrupt  mixture,  and 
preserved  as  a sacred  deposit  iu  the  church  from  generation 
to  generation.  What  then  could  the  Holy  Spirit,  promised  in 
this' energetic  language  to  the  apostles,  be  so  rationally  supposed 
to  do  for  them,  as  to  guide  their  minds  by  an  immediate  superin- 
tending inspiration,  when  they  dictated  those  writings,  by  which 
it  was  evidently  the  design  of  Providence  that  the  doctrine  of 
Christ  should  he  perpetuated  in  the  church  ? Indeed,  either  they 
did  deliver  to  mankind  the  doctrine  of  their  Lord  and  Master,  pure 
and  uncorrupted,  or  they  did  not : if  they  did  not,  the  revelation, 
which  God  made  of  himself  by  his  well-beloved  Son,  has  answer- 
ed very  little  purpose  ; as  no  man,  without  a new  revelation  pro- 
perly so  called,  can  or  ever  could  distinguish  the  truths  of  Christ 
from  the  errors  of  the  apostles  : but  if  they  did  deliver  their  doc- 
trine pure  and  uncorrupted  to  mankind  ; why  should  we  maintain, 
that  they  were  preserved  from  error  when  preaching  the  gospel, 
in  which  one  generation  of  men  alone  was  immediately  con- 
cerned ; and  yet  left  to  fall  into  errors  in  their  writings,  in  which 
all  future  ages  and  nations  wore  most  deeply  interested  ? If  when 
they  were  brought  before  governors  for  a testimony  to  them, 
it  was  not  they  that  spoke,  but  the  Holy  Spirit  who  spake  by 
them  we  may  surely  conclude,  that  what  they  wrote  for  a 
testimony  to  all  future  ages  and  nations,  was  arranged  under  the 
same  efficacious  leaching  and  euperintendency . 

Our  Lord,  just  before  his  ascension,  renewed  and  ratified  his 
commission  to  the  apostles:  “ All  power,”  says  he,  “is  given 
unto  me  in  heaven  and  earth:  go  ye,  therefore,  and  teach  all 
nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son, 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghost ; teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  what- 
soever I have  commanded  you ; and  lo,  I am  with  you  always, 
even  to  the  end  of  the  world.”  “ Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and 
preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature  : ho  that  believoth  and  is 
baptized  shall  be  saved,  but  he  that  believeth  not  shall  be 
damned. ”§  Yet  none,  those  alone  excepted  to  whom  the  apostles 
personally  preached,  can  have  any  concern  in  ihfa  important 
declaration  ; unless  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  delivered  to  the  apop 
ties,  may  be  certainly  found  in  their  writings. — Our  Lord,  juol 
before  his  crucifixion,  intercedes  for  his  w’hole  future  church  in 
these  words,  “ Neither  pray  1 for  these  alone,  but  for  them  also 
which  shall  believe  on  me  through  tfleir  ieord;”||  and  indeed  all 

•Notes,  Matt.  16:13— 19.  1C  :18.  John  20:19-23.  t Note,  John  14*25,  A. 

I Notes,  Matt.  10:19,20.  Luke  21:12-19.  § Notes,  Mutt.  28: 18— 20  Mark 

17:15,16.  II  Note,  John  17:20,^1. 


PREFACE. 


real  Cliristfftns  in  every  age  have  believed  in  him,  not  so  much 
thiough  the  word  of  the  ministers  who  preached  to  them,  as 
through  that  of  iii'1  apo  tie  . by  which  their  doctrine  must  be 
tried  ; from  which,  if  sound,  it  is  deduced,  and  to  which  it  is  pro- 
erly  their  custom  to  make  an  unreserved  appeal.  In  this  sense 
t.  £aul  says,  that  believers  are  “ built  upon  the  foundation  of 
the  apostles  and  prophets,  Jesus  Christ  being  the  chief  Corner- 
Stone  for  the  Old  Testament  written  by  the  prophets,  and 
the  New  Testament  by  the  apostles,  under  “ the  inspiration  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,”  contain  that  uoctrine,  which  is  the  foundation  of 
the  faith  and  hope  of  the  whole  church,  as  resting  on  Christ,  and 
united  in  him  into  an  holy  temple,  “ an  habitation  of  God  through 
the  Spirit.”* 

The  several  books  of  the  New  Testament  were  written  by  the 
apostles  themselves,  excepting  the  gospels  of  Mark  and  Luke,  and 
the  Acts  of  the  Apostles  : and  these  were  penned  by  the  attendants 
on  the  apostles,  and  under  their  immediate  inspection,  and  conse- 
quently were  equally  authenticated  by  them,  as  if  they  had  them* 
selves  written  them.  If  any  should  object,  ii»3f  Paul  was  not  one 
of  those  apostles,  to  whom  Christ  gave  his  express  testimony,  and 
yet  he  wrote  a great  part  of  the  Epistles : it  may  be  answered, 
first,  that  there  is  no  alternative  between  denying  all  the  facts 
recorded  concerning  him,  and  allowing  his  apostolical  authority 
In  its  fullest  extent,  or  that  at  least  “ he  was  not  a whit  behind  the 
very  chiefest  apostles  and  secondly,  that  Peter  has  attested  his 
Epistles  to  be  a part  of  the  Scriptures,  in  these  remarkable  words, 

“ Even  as  our  beloved  brother  Paul  also,  according  to  the  wisdom 
given  unto  him,  hath  written  unto  you  ; as  also  in  all  his  epistles, 
speaking  in  them  of  these  things  ; in  which  are  some  things  hard 
to  be  understood,  which  they  that  are  unlearned  and  unstable 
wrest,  as  they  do  also  the  other  Scriptures,  unto  their  own 
destruction.”!  ’ If  therefore,  our  Lord’s  own  words  authenticate 
the  writings  of  the  other  apostles  as  a divine  revelation  ; Peter, 
who  in  some  respects  might  be  called  the  chief  of  the  apostles, 
authenticates  by  divine  inspiration  the  writings  of  his  beloved 
brother  Paul. 

Finally,  the  only  portion  of  Scripture,  of  which  our  Lord  can  in 
any  sense  he  called  the  Write#,  is  that  which  contains  the  epistles 
to  the  seven  churches  in  Asia,  which  he  dictated  to  the  apostle 
John  as  his  amanuensis.  All  his  discourses , (as  well  as  his 
miracles,  and  the  events  of  his  life,  death,  resurrection,  and  as- 
cension,) were  written,  not  by  him«elf,  but  by  the  evangelists, 
■wo  of  whom  were  not  apostles.  What  greater  assurance  then 
nave  we,  that  they  recorded  faithfully  his  words,  than  that  the 
apostles  faithfully  delivered  his  doctrine  to  mankind?  If  the 
evangelists  were  not  inspired  in  recording  his  words,  we  are 
not  infallibly  sure  that  he  spoke  what  they  ascribe  to  him  ; and 
why  should  we  allow  the  divine  inspiration  of  his  historians, 
in  recording  his  words ; and  yet  doubt  the  divine  inspiration  ol 
his  apostles,  in  communicating  his  doctrine  to  the  church  and 
to  the  world  ? This  opinion  therefore  is,  in  fact,  both  hostile 
to  the  whole  of  the  sacred  oiacles,  and  at  variance  with  itself. 

The  consequences  of  our  present  conduct,  according  to  the 
Scriptures,  are  so  immense,  that  if  there  were  only  a bare  possi- 
bility that  these  were  divine  truth,  it  would  be  madness  to  run 
the  risk  of  rejecting  them,  for  the  sake  of  gaining  the  whole 
world.  What  then  shall  we  think  of  those  who  having  such 
unanswerable  demonstrations  of  their  being  the  word  of  God, 
that  they  cannot  reasonably  doubt  of  it  for  a moment,  yet  disobey 
the  commands,  and  neglect  the  salvation  revealed  in  them,  for 
the  veriest  trifle  which  can  be  proposed  ! Especially,  as  it  may 
be  shown,  that,  (besides  the  eternal  consequences,)  the  firm 
belief  of  the  Scriptures,  and  the  conscientious  obedience  which 
true  faith  always  produces,  will  render  a man  far  happier  in  this 
present  life,  even  amidst  trials  and  self-denying  services,  than  any 
other  man  can  be  made,  by  all  the  pomp,  pleasure,  wealth,  power, 
and  honour,  which  the  world  can  bestow  on  him. 

If  these  arguments,  which  certainly  contain  a complete  moral 
demonstration  of  the  divine  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
excite  in  any  reader  a greater  attention  to  the  sacred  volume,  and 
dispose  him  to  read  it  with  more  strict  impartiality,  and  larger 
expectations  of  improvement ; if  they  induce  any  one,  who  has 
not  hitherto  turned  his  attention  to  the  subject,  to  examine  it 
carefully  for  himself ; if  they  obviate  the  unhappy  prejudices,  or 
confirm’the  wavering  faith,  of  one  individual ; if  they  stir  up  any 
one  to  seek  and  wait  for  “ the  witness  in  himself;”  the  Author’s 
object,  in  prefixing  them  to  this  publication,  will  be  thus  far  at- 
tained. 

We  must  next  proceed  to  consider  the  nature  of  a divine  reve- 
lation, and  the  reception  to  which  it  is  entitled. — Knowledge,  in 
different  degrees,  may  be  acquired  by  us  in  various  ways.  We 
know  some  things  by  intuition,  or  the  testimony  of  our  senses  ; 
and  other  things  by  demonstration,  or  undeniably  conclusive  ar- 
guments. Many  things  which  do  not  admit  of  this  kind  of  proof, 
may  be  shown  to  be  probable , in  so  great  a degree  that  it  would 
be  absurd  to  doubt  of  them,  and  madness  not  to  regulate  our  con- 
duct according  to  them.  A very  small  proportion  of  men’s  actions 
are  directed  by  intuitive  knowledge,  by  demonstration,  or  even 
by  the  higher  degrees  of  probability.  A moderate  degree  of  pro- 
bability is  generally  sufficient  to  excite  them  to  activity,  and  to 
direct  their  conduct.  Testimony,  especially,  influences  by  far  the 
greatest  part  of  human  actions  ; and  forms  the  main  spring  of 
men’s  vigorous,  self-denying  exertions,  their  daring  attempts, 
and  their  persevering  labours.  By  crediting  the  assertions,  and 
relying  on  the  engagements,  express  or  implied,  of  one  another, 
all  the  grand  concerns  of  nations  are  conducted;  causes,  in 
which  life  and  death  are  involved,  receive  their  final  determi- 
nation; and  commerce,  in  all  its  branches,  is  directed  and 
influenced : and  the  same  regard  to  testimony,  and  confidence 
In  our  fellow-creatures,  is  inseparable  from  the  most  ordinary 
affaiLS  of  human  life. 

Now,  “ if  the  testimony  of  man  be  great,  the  testimony  of  God 
© greater,”!  infinitely  greater.  Indeed  his  testimony,  when  fully 
ascertained,  is  the  highest  possible  degree  of  demonstration  : and  , 
when  the  Bible  is  proved,  by  adequate  evidence,  to  be  “ the  tes- 1 
timony  of  God,”  the  information  contained  in  it  is  sure , far  be- 

• Note,  Epb.  2:19— ®.  t Note,  2 Pet.  314— 16.  J Note,  1 John  5:9, 1C.; 

VOL.  T • — 2 


yond  all  other  information,  from  whatever  quarter  or  In  what 
ever  manner  it  is  obtained.— The  judge  and  the  jury  in  court  the 
merchant  on  the  exchange,  the  commander  of  a fleet  or  army, 
the  minister  of  state  in  council,  (not  to  mention  cases  of  subor- 
dinate importance,)  are  fully  aware,  that  no  testimony  or  infor- 
mation can  be  useful  to  direct  their  conduct,  in  their  respective 
concerns,  except  it  be  credited.  '1  o appreciate  its  credibility  and 
its  import,  -is  the  first  consideration  ; and  the  next,  when  it  ia 
believed  and  understood,  should  be  to  form  the  plan  of  condui 
according  to  it.  Thus  almost  all  human  actions,  and  those  es 
pecially  of  the  greatest  importance,  are  performed  and  regulated 
by  faith , by  that  same  principle  which  is  the  main  spring  o! 
human  activity,  in  the  "real  concerns  of  religion : with  this  sole 
difference,  that  belief  of  human  testimony,  and  reliance  on  human 
faithfulness  to  promises  and  engagements,  by  word  or  on  paper, 
and  in  very  many  cases,  as  in  that  of  physicians,  lawyers,  and 
even  those  who  prepare  our  food,  by  what  is  regarded  as  a pro 
fessional  engagement,  influence  men  in  their  secular  concerns  ; 
the  belief  of  God’s  estimony,  and  reliance  on  his  faithfulness  to 
his  promises,  as  written  in  the  Scriptures,  influence  Christians 
in  their  spiritual  and  eternal  concerns. — These  things  are  obvious-: 
but  they  are  seldom  duly  considered  in  this  connexion. 

The  Bible  is  the  “ testimony  of  God”  to  truths  and  facts,  many 
of  which  are  not  otherwise  discoverable  ; or  not  with  sufficient 
clearness  and  certainly,  to  become  principles  of  our  habitual  con- 
duct. Things  pasi,  future,  and  invisible  ; truths  most  important, 
sublime,  and  mysterious,  are  thus  brought  to  our  knowledge  at* 
tested  by  him  who  cannot  mistake,  who  cannot  deceive.  But 
faith  is  the  only  exercise  of  our  rational  faculties,  the  only  ope- 
ration of  the  human  mind,  by  which  we  can  avail  ourselves  of  this 
information.  Faith,  receiving  and  appropriating  trie  testimony  of 
God,  is  to  reason,  not  unlike  what  the  telescope  is  to  the  eye  of 
the  astronomer  ; who  by  it  discerns  objects  invisible  to  all  others  ; 
and  sees,  clearly  and  distinctly,  those  things,  which  toothers  ap- 
pear obscure  and  confused.  Reason,  thus  appropriating,  by  faith, 
the  information  communicated  by  revelation  from  the  “ only  wise 
God,”  adds  immensely  to  her  former  scanty  stock  of  knowledge  : 
possessing  at  the  same  time  certainty  instead  of  conjecture  : and 
thus,  in  the  posture  of  a humble  disciple,  she  receives  that  ir>- 
struction,  which  must  be  for  ever  withheld  from  her,  while  she 
proudly  affects  to  be  the  teacher.  Thus,  even  the  most  illiterate 
of  mankind,  believing  and  becoming  more  and  more  acquainted 
with  the  sacred  oracles,  acquire  a knowledge  in  the  things  of  Gt  d 
and  religion,  far  more  certain  and  useful,  than  ever  was  pos- 
sessed by  the  wisest  and  most  learned  unbeliever:  in  the  same 
manner  as  the  bosom  friend  or  confidential  counsellor  of  the 
prince,  who  is  informed  of  his  real  purposes  and  designs,  exceeds 
in  practical  knowledge  of  state-affairs  the  most  sagacious  specu- 
lating politician  ; who  merely  supposes  that  those  things  have 
been  done,  or  will  be  done,  which  he  thinks  ought  to  be  done,  or 
in  some  way  conjectures  to  be  most  probable. 

When,  relying  on  the  veracity  of  God,  we  receive  the  Scrip- 
tures, as  in  every  proposition  infallibly  true  ; the  whole  of  the  in- 
struction contained  in  them  becomes  our  own,  and  we  may  con- 
sider them  as  a mine  of  precious  ore,  which  will  more  and  more 
enrich  us,  in  proportion  to  our  diligence  in  exploring  them, -and.  so 
to  speak,  in  working  the  mine. 

But  this  faith  differs  widely  from  the  mere  assent  of  the  under- 
standing to  any  proposition,  without  respect  to  its  importance, 
and  to  our  own  concern  in  it.  Noah,  for  instance,  was  informed, 
that  the  deluge  would  come ; and  we  are  informed  that  it  actually 
came  : but  he  was  immediately  interested  in  the  event ; we  are 
not.  We  may  therefore  assent  to  the  truth  of  it,  as  an  historical 
fact,  without  being  influenced  by  it  in  our  habitual  conduct ; but 
if  he  truly  believed  the  divine  testimony  and  monition,  this  belief 
must  necessarily  influence  his  conduct  “ By  faith,  Noah,  moved 
with  fear,  prepared  the  ark.”  The  truths  of  revelation,  (wholly 
unlike  the  reports  of  the  day,  which,  whether  true  or  false,  are  of 
little  consequence  to  us,)  all  relate  to  our  eternal  interests;  and 
therefore  have  an  inseparable  connexion  with  our  practice.  The 
Bible,  received  in  true  faith,  becomes  the  foundation  of  our  hope, 
the  standard  of  our  judgment,  the  source  of  our  comfort,  “ the 
lantern  of  our  feet,  and  the  light  of  our  paths  and  implicit  faith 
always  produces  unreserved  obedience. 

The  province  of  reason  therefore,  in  respect  to  revelation,  is, 
first  to  examine  and  decide,  (with  modesty  and  caution,)  on  t ha 
evidences  by  which  it  is  supported  ; to  understand  and  explain 
the  language  in  which  i.t  is  conveyed  ; to  discern,  in  many 
things,  the.excellency  of  the  things  revealed  to  us  ; and  to  us© 
them  as  motives,  encouragements,  and  rules  of  obedience  : and. 
in  things  evidently  mysterious,  to  bow  in  humble  submission  to 
the  divine  teaching;  to  receive  in  adoring  faith  and  love  what 
we  cannot  comprehend  ; to  rest  satisfied  with  what  is  revealed  : 
and  to  leave  sacred  things  with  God,  to  whom  alone  they  be- 
long.— Should  any  one  indeed  presume  to  interpret  a text  of 
Scripture,  in  a sense  which  contradicts  the  testimony  of  our 
senses  or  clear  demonstration  ; we  may  venture  to  reject  this 
interpretation  : for  nothing  can  possibly  prove  that  to  be  true, 
which  we  certainly  know  to  be  false.  But  when  the  doctrines 
of  revelation,  or  the  obvious  interpretations  of  them,  according  to 
the  common  use  of  language,  are  only  mysterious,  but  involve 
no  real  contradiction  ; when  they  are  merely  above  our  compre- 
hension, or  contrary  to  the  general  notions,  and  preconceptions, 
or  ordinary  reasonings,  of  mankind;  but  are  not  opposite  to  the 
testimony  of  our  senses,  or  to  any  demonstrated  truth  : to  reject, 
on  such  grounds,  the  testimony  of  God,  must  be  irrational  in 
the  highest  degree ; unless  man  be  indeed  wiser  than  hia 
Creator. 

Seeing,  therefore,  that  the  Bible  may  be  unanswerably  proved 
to  be  the  word  of  God,  we  should  reason  from  it,  as  from  self- 
evident  principles,  or  demonstrated  truths  : for  “His  Testimony 
is  sure,  making  wise  the  simple.” 

Many  parts  of  Scripture  accord  so  well  with  the  conclusion# 
of  our  rational  powers,  when  duly  exercised,  tbat  either  they 
might  have  been  known  without  revelation,  or  else  men  have 
mistaken  the  capacity  of  perceiving  truth,  for  tbat  of  discover- 
ing it.  Hence  various  controversies  have  arisen  about  natura » 

( 9 ) 


PREFACE, 


religion,  which  many  suppose  to  be  rather  taken  for  granted  by 
revelation  than  made  known  by  it.  But  the  term  is  ambiguous  : 
for  the  word  natural  includes  the  propensities  of  our  hearts , as 
well  as  the  powers  of  our  understandings  ; and  the  same  truths 
which  accord  to  the  latter,  are  often  totally  opposite  to  the  for- 
mer. The  Gentiles  might  have  known  many  things  concerning 
God  and  his  will,  if  they  had*“  liked  to  retain  him  in  their  know- 
ledge but  their  alienation  of  heart  from  him  prevailed  to  keep 
them  in  ignorance,  or  entangle  them  in  error.  So  that  the  term, 

The  religion  of  reason,’’  would  express  the  idea  much  more 
Intelligibly,  if  any  such  distinction  be  deemed  necessary. 

This  however  is  obvious,  that  many  truths  and  precepts,  which 
are  found  in  the  Bible,  have  been  maintained  by  persons  who 
were  ignorant  of  that  divine  revelation,  or  who  did  not  choose  to 
own  their  obligations  to  it : and  many  others,  professing  to 
receive  the  Scriptures  as  the  word  of  God,  assent  to  some  truths 
contained  in  them,  not  so  much  because  they  are  revealed,  as 
because  they  think  that  they  may  be  proved  hy  other  arguments  ; 
while  they  rejec%  neglect,  or  explain  away  those  doctrines, 
which  are  not  thus  evident  to  their  reason,  or  level  with  their 
capacities.  So  that  at  last  it  comes  to  this,  that  they  discard  all 
which  is  deemed  peculiar  to  revelation  ; and  refuse  to  believe 
“ the  testimony  of  God,”  if  their  own  reason  will  not  vouch  for 
the  truth  of  what  he  says.* 

It  may  indeed  be  questioned,  whether  those  opinions,  which 
men  so  confidently  magnify,  as  ‘ The  oracles  of  reason,’  were 
not  originally,  without  exception,  borrowed  from  revelation,  as 
far  as  there  is  any  truth  in  them:  and  it  is  evident,  that  they 
cannot  possess  sufficient  certainty,  clearness,  and  authority,  to 
render  them  efficacious  principles  of  action,  except  as  enforced 
by  revelation  and  its  awful  sanctions.  And  the  wildest  en- 
thusiast never  dreamed  of  a grosser  absurdity  than  those  per- 
sons maintain,  who  suppose  that  the  only  wise  God  has 
given  a revelation  to  man,  confirmed  by  miracles  and  pro- 
phecies, and  established  in  the  world  by  the  labours  and  suffer- 
ings of  his  servants,  and  by  the  crucifixion  of  his  well-beloved 
Son ; and  that  this  revelation  at  last  is  found  to  contain  nothing, 
but  what  we  might  have  known  as  well  without  it ! Nay,  that 
it  is  expressed  in  such  language  as  has  given  occasion  to  those, 
who  have  most  implicitly  believed  and  reverentially  obeyed  it, 
to  maintain  sentiments  and  adopt  practices,  erroneous  and  evil  in 
themselves,  and  of  fatal  consequence  to  mankind! 

We  might  therefore  have  previously  expected,  that  the  reve- 
lation from  God  should  illustrate,  confirm,  and  enforce  such 
things  as  seem  more  level  to  our  natural  powers  : and  that  it 
should  make  known  to  us  many  important  matters,  which  we 
could  not  have  otherwise  discovered  ; and  which  would  be  found 
exceedingly  different  from  all  our  notions  and  imaginations ; 
seeing  that  our  contracted  views  and  limited  capacities  are  infi- 
nitely distant  from  the  omniscience  of  God.  So  that  it  is  most 
reasonable  to  conclude,  that  the  doctrinal  truths,  which  more 
immediately  relate  to  the  divine  nature,  perfections,  providence, 
and  government,  to  the  invisible  and  eternal  world  and  the  mys- 
teries of  redemption,  constitute  by  far  the  most  important  part 
of  revelation  ; as  discovering  to  us  such  things,  “ as  eye  hath 
not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither  have  they  entered  into  the  heart 
of  man  and  yet  they  are  essentially  connected  with  our  present 
hope,  worship,  and  duty,  and  with  our  future  happiness  or 
misery.f 

He  therefore  cannot,  according  to  the  common  use  of  language, 
be  called  a believer,  who  only  holds  those  doctrines  which  he 
deems  the  dictates  of  reason  as  well  as  of  revelation,  whilst  he 
rejects  the  testimony  of  God,  whenever  he  deems  itunreasonable. 
And  we  may  hence  learn  what  judgment  we  ought  to  form  of 
those  who  affirm,  without  hesitation,  that  the  moral  precepts, 
with  the  annexed  penal  sanctions,  and  the  more  evident  truths 
of  the  Bible,  are  the  only  important  part  of  it ; that  it  is  of  little 
consequence  what  men  believe,  especially  concerning  those 
things  which  are  in  any  degree  mysterious ; and  that  none  but 
narrow-minded  bigots,  and  weak  and  ignorant  people,  lay  any 
stress  upon  speculative  opinions. — “ He  that  believeth  not, 
maketh  God  a liar especially  “ he  that  believeth  not  the  tes- 
timony  which  God  hath  given  of  his  Son,”  and  of  eternal  life 
bestowed  on  sinners  through  him.  This  is  the  uniform  doctrine 
of  Scripture  ; and  to  contradict  it  is  equivalent  to  a total  rejec- 
tion of  divine  revelation.^  Can  it  be  supposed,  that  the  pro- 
phets and  apostles  were  commissioned,  and  that  the  Son  of 
God  was  “ manifested  in  the  flesh,”  died  on  the  cross,  and  rose 
from  the  dead,  merely  to  inform  mankind  that  the  Lord  approv- 
ed honesty,  temperance,  truth,  and  kindness,  and  disapproved 
the  contrary  vices  ? or  that  the  unnumbered  testimonies  which 
the  Scriptures  contain  to  the  mysteries  of  the  Divine  Nature,  the 
Person  of  the  Redeemer,  the  work  of  Redemption,  and  the 
influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  may,  without  any  criminality,  be 
disbelieved,  derided,  or  reviled,  provided  men  are  moral  in 
their  conduct  towards  one  another  ? Or  that  God  is  equally 
pleased  with  those  who  thus  affront  his  veracity,  as  with  those 
who  implicitly  submit  to  his  teaching  and  credit  his  testimony  ? 
If  this  be  the  case,  in  what  does  the  difference  between  the 
Infidel  and  the  believer  consist  ? All,  except  avowed  atheists, 
will  allow  the  propriety  of  many  precepts,  and  the  truth  of  some 
•doctrines,  coinciding  with  those  contained  in  Scripture  : but  the 
Infidel  admits  them  as  the  dictates  of  reason,  not  as  “ the  tes- 
timony of  God  5”  and  many  professed  believers  reject  all,  with- 
out hesitation,  that  does  not  appear  to  accord  to  the  same  stan- 
dard. So  that  both  of  them  believe  their  own  reasonings,  “ lean 
to  their  own  understandings,”  and  “make  God  a liar,”  when 
his  testimony  contradicts  their  self-confident  decisions ! The 
prevailing  notion,  therefore,  of  the  comparatively  small  impor- 
tance of  doctrinal  truth,  is  subversive  of  revelation  ; and  in  fact 
is  only  a more  plausible  and  more  dangerous  species  of  infidelity. 
The  decided  belief  of  the  “ sure  testimony  of  God,”  on  the  most 
important  doctrines  of  revelation,  and  those  most  intimately 
connected  with  our  eternal  salvation,  our  rejoicing  hope,  and 

• Note,  1 John  5:9,10.  | Notes,  John  3:12,13.  I Cor.  2:6 — 9.  } Note*, 

| olio  3-17— 21,31— 36.  I Jcbn  5:9—12. 

( io  ) 


our  adoring  gratitude,  is  often,  under  the  word  speculative  of 
speculation , confounded  with  the  boldest  investigation  of  things 
unrevealed,  by  the  most  presumptuous  efforts  and  conclusions 
of  reasoning  unbelievers : arid  this  scfmetimes  by  pious  men, 
whose  excessive  antipathy  to  controversy  will  not  allow  them 
to  admit  the  difference,  or  come  near  enough  to  perceive  it. 

If  we  believe  the  Scriptures  to  have  been  written  by  “ inspi 
ration  from  God,”  and  have  any  suitable  apprehensions  of  his 
omniscience,  veracity,  and  perfections,  we  must  be  convinced, 
that  it  is  the  height  of  arrogance  for  U3,  short-sighted,  erring 
creatures  of  yesterday,  to  speak  of  any  dcctrine  contained  in 
them  as  false  or  doubtful,  because  it  is  nat  coincident  with  our 
reasonings  or  conceptions.  Surely,  a small  portion  of  modesty 
and  humility  might  suffice  to  induce  a confession,  that  we  are 
more  likely  to  be  mistaken,  than  that  the  only  wise  God  should 
attest  what  is  not  exactly  true  ! In  rejecting  his  authenticated 
testimony,  we  must  either  advance  our  knowledge  above  his 
omniscience,  or  impeach  his  veracity,  or  deny  the  Scriptures, 
altogether  or  in  part,  to  be  his  word  ; reserving  to  ourselves 
the  determination,  what  part  is  of  divine  authority,  and  what  is 
not ! If,  on  the  other  hand,  we  deem  any  part  of  the  Scriptures, 
though  true,  to  be  of  little  or  no  importance,  or  of  dangerous 
tendency,  what  do  we,  but  affront  the  infinite  wisdom  or  good- 
ness  of  God,  as  if  he  did  not  know  what  truths  were  proper 
to  be  revealed  to  man ; or  as  if  he  purposely  discovered  those 
matters,  which  it  would  have  been  better  for  mankind  never 
to  have  known  ? And  seeing  it  is  evident  that  the  Lord  has, 
in  the  Scriptures,  required  the  belief  of  certain  doctrines,  as 
absolutely  necessary  to  salvation,*  to  insinuate  that  these  doc 
trines  are  either  false,  doubtful,  or  of  no  value,  must  involve  in 
it  the  grossest  and  most  affronting  blasphemy  imaginable. 

We  do  not  indeed  maintain,  that  all  the  truths  of  revelation  are 
of  equal  importance,  because  they  are  not  stated  in  Scripture  to 
be  so  ; but  none  can  be  wholly  unimporant,  and  we  are  not 
always  competent  to  decide  upon  their  comparative  value.  Some 
things  are  more  obvious  than  others  ; and  such  as  are  more  hard 
to  be  understood,  are  not  so  well  adapted  to  those  persons,  “ who 
are  unstable  and  unlearned”  in  th?  school  of  Christ : yet  we  are 
not  authorized  to  reject,  or  even  to  doubt,  any  of  them.  We  may 
indeed  demur  as  to  the  true  interpretation  of  them,  whilst,  in 
humble,  reverent  teachableness  and  prayer,  we  wait  for  clearer 
light  upon  the  subject:  and  we  must  remain  for  some  time  in 
partial  ignorance  or  error,  because  we  cannot  at  once  become 
acquainted  with  all  the  truths  which  are  revealed,  even  when 
we  possess  a disposition  implicitly  to  believe  them.  There  are 
some  things  which  relate  to  the  .very  life  and  essence  of  true  re- 
ligion ; and  others  are  rather  necessary  to  our  stability,  comfort, 
and  holy  conduct : these  we  must  by  no  means  reject,  or  treat  with 
indifference  ; but  it  is  possible,  even  that  the  teachable  and  di- 
ligent Christian  may  to  the  last  be  mistaken  or  ignorant  about 
some  of  them,  and  yet  be  found  among  “ the  heirs  of  salvation 
nay,  there  is  ground  to  conclude,  that  this  is  indeed  the  case  with 
great  numbers,  in  one  way  or  other. 

The  importance  of  revealed  truth  may  be  shown  in  another 
way  ; for  it  is  the  seed  or  principle  in  the  soul,  whence  all  inward 
or  real  holiness  proceeds.  i%  Sanctify  them  through  thy  truth  ; 
thy  word  is  truth. ”f  “ Beholding  as  in  a glass,”  (namely  in  the 
person,  redemption,  and  doctrine  of  Christ,)  “ the  glory  of  the 
Lord,  we  are  changed  into  the  same  image. ”J  “ Without  con 
troversy  great  is  the  mystery  of  godliness,  Gou  was  manifest  in 
the  flesh.”  This  doctrine  was,  in  the  judgment  of  the  apostle, 
“ the  great  mystery  of  godliness  and  indeed  all  the  holy  dis- 
positions and  affections  towards  God,  all  the  genuine  spiritual 
worship,  all  the  willing  obedience  of  filial  love,  and  all  the  cheer- 
ful acquiescence  in  the  divine  will,  and  affiance  on  the  divine 
truth  and  mercy,  which  have  been  found  in  the  world  since  the 
fall  of  man,  have  arisen  from  a proper  reception  of  this  great 
truth,  and  the  doctrines  connected  with  it.§  Spirituality,  which 
consists  in  a supreme  valuation  of  the  holy  excellence  of  spiritual 
things,  and  a disposition  to  seek  pleasure  and  satisfaction  in  re 
ligion,  is  intimately  connected  with  a believing  dependence  on 
the  promised  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  And  that  view  of  the 
worth  of  the  soul,  the  evil  of  sin,  the  justice  and  mercy  of  God, 
the  vanity  of  the  world,  and  the  believer’s  obligations  to  a Sa- 
viour, “ who  loved  him  and  redeemed  him  to  God  with  his  blood,* 
which  the  doctrine  of  the  cross  communicates,  is  fundamental  to 
deep  repentance,  genuine  humility,  gratitude, 'patience,  meek- 
ness,  forgiveness  of  injuries,  love  of  enemies,  and  other  parts  of 
the  Christian  temper  and  character.  Without  this,  a proud  mo- 
rality, and  a Pharisaical  task  and  form  of  godliness,  will  com 
prise  the  sum  total  of  man’s  religion  ; except  as  he  is  brought 
under  those  impressions  and  that  guidance,  which  will  in  due 
time  influence  him  to  embrace  “ the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  ;”  oi 
as  he  is  carried  away  intoHhe  mazes  of  anti-scriptural  enthusiasm 
and  delusion. 

The  Holy  Scriptures  should  likewise  be  considered  as  a com- 
plete  revelation  : so  that  nothing  needs  be  known,  believed, 
or  practised,  as  essential  to  religion,  except  what  may  be  plainly 
proved  from  them.  On  the  other  hand,  it  should  be  carefully 
observed,  that  the  whole  word  of  God  is  our  rule;  and  that  ail 
preference  of  one  part  to  another,  (except  as  some  parts  are 
more  immediately  connected  with  our  faith  and  practice  than 
others,)  derogates  from  the  credit  of  the  whole,  and  implies  a 
latent  and  indulged  doubt,  whether  the  Bible  be  altogether  of 
divine  authority;  and  whether  only  that  part  of  it  be  so,  which 
coincides  with  the  favourite  tenets  of  the  person  concerned. — True 
and  intelligent  faith  receives  the  whole  “testimony  of  God;” 
gives  every  part  its  proper  place  and  measure  of  attention,  and 
applies  it  to  its  proper  use  : for  “ all  scripture  is  given  by  inspira- 
tion of  God,  and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correc 
tion.  for  instruction  in  righleouncss  ; that  the  man  of  God  may  be 
perfect,  thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good  works. ”|| 

But  all  unwritten  tradition,  and  apocryphal  additions  to  the 

• Notes,  Mark  16:14-16.  John ,8:27—86,  v.  96.  1 John  2:20-25.  5:11,12. 

f Note,  John  17:17—19.  J Notes,  Malt.  13:18,19,39  Mark  4:96—29.  2 Cor. 

3:17,18.  4:9-6.  Jam.  1:19—21.  1 l et.  1:23— » § f^nto,  l Tim.  3 IU 

II  Notes,  Deut.  29:29.  2 Ti.tr  V 14 — 17. 


PREFACE. 


wnrd  ot  God,  must  be  decidedly  rejected.  Tradition  is  so  un- 
certain a way  of  conveying  the  knowledge  either  of  truths  or 
facts,  that  no  dependence  whatever  can  be  placed  on  it ; so  that  it 
Is  highly  improbable,  that,  without  written  revelation,  any  one 
tiling  revealed  to  the  prophets  and  apostles,  would  have  been 
transmitted  to  us  uncorrupted.  Indeed  there  is  some  probability 
In  the  opinion,  that  the  art  of  writing  was  first  communicated  by 
revelation  to  Moses,  in  order  to  perpetuate,  with  certainty,  those 
facts,  truths,  and  laws,  which  he  was  employed  to  deliver  to 
Israel.  Learned  men  find  no  traces  of  literary  or  alphabetical 
writing  in  the  history  of  the  nations,  till  long  after  the  days  of 
Moses,  unless  the  book  of  Job  be  regarded  as  an  exception.* 
The  art  of  expressing  almost  an  infinite  variety  of  sounds,  by  the 
interchanges  of  a few  letters  or  marks,  seems  more  like  a dis- 
covery made  to  man  from  heaven,  than  a human  invention  ; and 
Its  beneficial  effects,  and  almost  absolute  necessity,  for  the  preser- 
vation and  communication  of  true  religion,  favour  the  conjecture. 

But  however  that  may  be  decided,  all  who  love  the  Bible,  will 
be  thankful  to  God  for  this  most  important  advantage  ; and  also 
for  the  invention  of  printing,  by  which  copies  of  the  Scriptures  are 
rendered  cheap  and  plentiful,  beyond  all  calculation,  or  com- 
parison with  the  state  of  things  before  printing  was  discovered. 
This  gives  modern  Christians  advantages  for  disseminating  the 
knowledge  of  divine  truth  among  the  nations,  iri  some  respects 
even  beyond  what  the  apostles  themselves  possessed : and  how 
noble  and  Christian  is  that  grand  design,  which  has  lately  been 
grounded  on  this  circumstance  by  ‘ The  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
Society,5  which  is  no  less,  than  that  of  causing  prophets  and 
apostles  to  speak  to  the  inhabitants  of  every  country  on  earth,  to 
each  in  their  own  language!  May  God  accomplish  to  its  full 
extent  this  grand,  pious,  and  beneficent  purpose  ! 

We  do  not  need  any  apocryphal  additions  to  the  Scripture. 
Considered  as  human  tori  lings,  the  apocryphal  books  have  their 
use  ; but  if  custom  sanction  any  of  them,  being  bound  up  in  the 
same  volume  with  the  sacred  oracles,  truth  requires  that  we 
explicitly  declare,  that  they  are  not  the  word  of  God.  Should 
it  be  inquired,  how  we  may  distinguish  between  the  genuine  books 
of  Scripture  and  those  which  are  apocryphal,  we  answer,  that 
not  only  some,  but  all  the  books,  contained  in  our  authorized 
version  of  the  Scriptures,  have  many  or  all  of  those  evidences  of 
a divine  original,  which  have  been  insisted  on:  but  there  is  not 
one  of  those  called  the  Apocrypha , which  may  not  be  proved 
destitute  of  such  evidence ; and  most  of  them  contain  internal 
proof  that  they  are  spurious. 

The  sacred  writers  often  express  themselves  in  language,  taken 
from  their  own  habits  of  life  and  the  scenes  with  which  they 
were  conversant.  Knowledge  therefore,  of  various  kinds,  must 
be  very  advantageous,  and  in  some  instances  necessary,  in  order 
fully  to  understand  them  : and  the  knowledge  of  eastern  manners, 
and  the  local  customs  of  the  nations  in  that  part  of  the  world,  is 
doubtless  useful  to  an  expositor,  though  not  to  that  degree  which 
many  suppose.  But  I own  I am  deliberately  of  opinion,  that 
what  is  called  Rabbinical  learning , is  rather  a hinderance  than  a 
help  to  the  understanding  of  the  sacred  writings,  in  their  spiritual 
meaning  and  practical  import  :f  and  this  conviction  grows  stronger, 
in  proportion  to  the  opportunity  which  I have  had,  in  later  years, 
of  becoming  more  acquainted  with  it.  The  writers,  as  their  pre- 
decessors of  old  did,  “ make  void  the  commandment  of  God,  that 
they  may  keep  their  own  tradition.” 

We  are,  in  the  sftcred  Scriptures,  addressed  as  rational  crea- 
tures, endued  with  understanding  ; and  as  required  to  employ  it, 
with  diligence  and  earnestness,  in  deducing  instruction,  both  doc- 
trinal anil  practical,  from  what  we  read  ; “ comparing  spiritual 
things  with  spiritual.”  If  we  do  not  so  value  divine  truth,  as 
willingly  to  apply  labour  in  “ searching  for  it,  as  for  hid  treasure,” 
revelation  must  be  “ a price  put  into  the  hands  of  a fool  to  get 
wisdom,  who  has  no  heart  to  it.”  A humble  and  teachable  spirit 
is  above  all  things  requisite;  for  “except  we  receive”  the  tes- 
timony of  God,  concerning  “ the  kingdom.of  heaven,  as  little 
children,  we  shall  not  enter  into  it.”  This  will  lead  us  to  ask 
heavenly  wisdom  from  God,  by  daily  fervent  prayer  ; and  as  “ he 
giveth  liberally  to  all  men,  and  upbraideth  not,”  we  shall  in  this 
way  “ be  made  wise  unto  salvation  :”  and  this  will  appear  in  our 
habitual  conduct;  for  all  our  researches  will  be  found  vain,  unless 
we  endeavour  to  practise  what  we  have  already  learned. 

The  Author  of  Revelation,  “ the  Giver  of  every  good  and  per- 
fect gift,”  has  endued  men  with  talents,  differing  both  in  their 
nature  and  degree.  He  has  also  afforded  some  men  far  more 
advantages,  by  education,  by  leisure,  and  by  opportunities  for 
study,  than  others  have.  Some  of  these  persons,  in  every  age, 
are  induced,  by  divine  grace,  to  devote  their  endowments  and 
advantages  to  the  acquisition  and  communication  of  religious 
knowledge,  for  the  benefit  of  those  who  are  necessarily  em- 
ployed in  another  manner,  whose  talent  is  of  another  kind, 
whose  time  is  otherwise  occupied,  and  who  need  exciting  to  con- 
sider, and  help  in  understanding,  those  things  which  belong  to 
their  eternal  peace. 

This  is,  especially,  the  object  and  service  of  the  Christian 
1 ministry,  when  conscientiously  and  ably  fulfilled.  Men,  pre- 
viously endowed  with  suitable  qualifications  of  mind  and  heart, 
by  the  great  Source  of  all  good,  giving  themselves  up  wholly  to 
this  one  thing,  become  “mighty  in  the  Scriptures,”  “scribes 
well  instructed  in  the  kingdom  of  God  ;”  and  are  made  useful,  in 
divers  ways,  in  calling  the  attention  of  mankind  to  the  sacred 
Scriptures,  and  assisting  them  to  understand  the  things  contained 
in  them,  and  in  animating  them  to  a correspondent  tenor  of 
conduct. 

The  bare  reading  of  the  Scriptures,  no  doubt,  is  frequently 
blessed  to  the  souls  of  men,  in  making  them  “ wise  unto  salva- 
tion,” and  few  more  egregious  absurdities  have  by  Antichrist 
been  palmed  upon  mankind,  than  the  persuasion,  that  unlearned 
men  will  learn  heresy  from  the  Scriptures,  if  put  into  their  hand 
1 without  note  or  comment,1  or  without  son^e  ‘ guard’  to  coun- 
teract the  danger : yet  commonly  “ faith  comes  by  hearing,  and 
bearing  by  the  word  of  God.”  This  is  his  appointed  ordinance  ; 
*nd  general , if  not  universal , experience  and  observation  show, 

• Preface  to  the  Book  of  Job.  t Notes,  Ler.  1:5—9.  16:11 — 14. 


that  vital  religion  has  uniformly  prospered,  in  almost  exact  pro- 
portion to  the  measure  in  >vhich  the  word  of  God,  unadulterated 
and  unmutilated , has  been  earnestly  and  publicly  preached,  by 
those  persons  whose  disinterested  labours  and  holy  lives  have 
“ adorned  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour,”  which  they  testified. 

But  though  oral  preaching  is  the  grand  means  of  promoting 
true  religion,  written  preaching,  (if  I may  be  allowed  the 
expression,)  has  been  rendered  exceedingly  useful.  A large 
proportion  indeed  of  the  Scriptures  themselves,  were  occasional 
epistles  or  messages,  sent  to  those  whom  the  writers  could  not 
address  by  preaching  ; and  many  pious  and  eminent  men,  who 
died  long  since,  still  speak  to  us  with  great  effect  by  the  books 
which  they  left  behind  them. — Provided  what  is  written  is  truly 
scriptural , the  multiplication  of  religious  books  is  not  more 
justly  a cause  of  complaint,  than  the  increase  of  faithful  minis- 
ters ; and  false  or  superficial  religion  is,  at  least,  as  likely  to  he 
disseminated  from  the  pulpit,  as  from  the  press. 

No  method  of  conveying  truth  seems  more  advantageous  than 
that  of  plain  expository  lectures  on  Scripture,  with  animated 
addresses  to  the  heart  and  conscience.  Now  if  this  be  allowedly 
true  in  respect  of  preaching,  it  cannot  be  far  otherwise  in  respect 
of  writing.  When  ,the  word  of  God  is  kept  in  sight,  and  the 
hearer  or  reader  perceives  that  he  is  not  amused  with  ingenious 
fancies  or  speculations,  but  instructed  in  the  true  meaning  and 
import  of  the  sacred  oracles ; an  authority  over  his  conscience 
may  be  exercised,  beyond  what  can  in  any  other  way  be  ob- 
tained. 

I would  not  be  understood  to  depreciate  critical  comments  of 
the  Scripture  these  have  an  important  use ; yet  practical  ex- 
positions are  more  directly  suited  to  edification.  Indeed  expo- 
sitions of  every  kind  may  be  perverted  to  bad  purposes,  by  such 
persons  as  “ wrest  the  Scriptures  themselves  to  their  own  de- 
struction ,”  but  the  pious,  diligent,  and  impartial  commentator  is 
no  more  to  be  blamed  for  this,  than  the  labour  of  the  husbandman  is 
to  be  considered  as  the  cause  of  the  intemperate  use  which  men 
make  of  the  productions'  of  the  earth.  Indeed,  if  expositions, 
really  and  fully  explaining  the  Scriptures,  and  not  attempting  to 
exalt  human  authority,  learning,  genius,  tradition,  reasoning,  or 
conjecture,  above  the  “ sure  testimony”  and  authoritative  law  of 
God  ; if  such  expositions  were  multiplied  ten-fold,  there  would 
be  no  redundance  : unless  some  one  had  exhausted  the  subject, 
which  in  fact  is  inexhaustible  ; and  unless  this  one  comment  was 
in  every  person’s  hands,  and  read  by  all.  But  as  it  is  impossible 
that  all  men  should  hear  the  same  preacher,  so  it  is  in  the 
highest  degree  improbable  that  all  men  should  read  the  same 
book. 

The  formation  of  men’s  minds,  and  their  habits  of  thinking, 
are  so  various,  that  ministers  of  different  endowments,  who  take 
diverse  methods  of  delivering  and  enforcing  the  same  truths, 
advantageously  engage  the  attention  of  distinct  descriptions  of 
hearers.  In  like  manlier,  some  are  suited  with  the  style,  method, 
and  peculiarity  of  one  writer  ; while  others  are  more  ^‘^sed  and 
profited  by  another,  whose  peculiarity  is  'fery  different,  ^very 
man  likewise  has  his  connexions.  Some  will  read,  with  candour 
and  attention,  what  he  writes,  who  have  not  so  favourable  a dis 
position  towards  others,  who  may  be  even  of  superior  excellence 
Thus  some  read  one  man’s  books,  and  some  another’s ; and  ^ 
few  have  leisure  and  inclination  to  read  and  profit  by  many  ot 
them  : and  so  knowledge  is  dispersed,  and  it  may  reasonably  be 
hoped  that  good  is  done. 

There  are  indeed  a considerable  number  of  persons,  who 
avowedly  disparage  all  commentators  and  their  labours,  and  pro- 
fess to  read  the  Scriptures  alone.  But  if  knowledge,  in  a varety 
of  things,  be  useful,  (not  to  say  absolutely  needful,)  in  order  to 
understand  the  Scriptures,  and  to  make  the  best  application  of 
them  to  practical  purposes  ; and  if  these  persons  have  not  that 
knowledge,  and  despise  the  labours  of  those  who  have,  it  is  not 
likely  that  they  should  make  much  proficiency,  even  in  under- 
standing the  book  to  which  they  exclusively  confine  themselves. 
And  surely  a man,  who  has  daily,  and  for  a long  course  of  years 
been  traversing  an  intricate  path  through  a forest,  may,  without 
arrogance,  propose  to  give  some  useful  directions  and  cautions,  to 
those  who  are  beginning  to  explore  the  same  path.  Nor  would  it 
savour  either  of  wisdom  or  humility,  if  such  persons  should  con- 
temptuously refuse  to  avail  themselves  of  the  experience  and 
observation  of  him,  who  had  long  traced  and  retraced  the  way  ; 
and  determine  to  proceed  on  their  journey,  without  a guide,  or  a 
chart  of  the  road. 

A man’s  main  object  indeed  should  be,  to  approve  himself  to 
God  and  to  his  own  conscience,  as  to  his  motives  and  intentions  in 
any  undertaking  : yet,  when  so  many  comments  on  the  Scriptures 
are  already  extant,  the  bold  undertaking  of  adding  one  more 
to  them,  may  seem  to  require  an  apology.  The  preceding  ob- 
servations may  properly  introduce  that  of  the  Author.  Expe- 
riencing the  benefit  and  comfort  arising  from  that  measure  of 
acquaintance  with  the  sacred  oracles  with  which  he  has  been 
favoured,  he  longs  that,  were  it  possible,  all  others  should  enjoy 
the  same  felicity  ; and  he  would  contribute,  according  to  his 
ability,  to  promote  so  desirable  an  object. 

It  is  in  no  degree  the  design  of  this  publication,  to  detract  from 
the  merit  of  former  commentators,  or  to  intimate  that  any  thing 
will  here  be  added,  which  ^as  naver  before  been  advanced  : but 
the  Author  having  for  many  years,  made  the  Bible  his  daily  and 
principal  study ; and  having  bestowed  great  pains  to  satisfy  his 
own  mind,  as  to  the  meaning  of  most  parts  of  Scripture,  and  the 
practical  use  which  should  be  made  of  them  ; and  supposing  also 
that  his  talent  chiefiy  lies  in  speaking  plainly  and  intelligibly  to 
persons  of  ordinary  capacity  and  information;  he  adopts  this 
method  of  communicating  his  views  of  divine  truth,  in  connex;on 
with  the  Scriptures  themselves,  from  which  he  has  deduced  them. 

Some  comments  are  far  too  learned  for  common  people,  and 
some  too  voluminous  : while  others  are  too  compendious,  to 
admit  either  any  adequate  explanation  or  application  of  the  se- 
veral subjects,  which  fall  under  consideration.  Some  are  in 
very  few  hands,  and  not  likely  to  be  more  generally  read  ; and 
others,  however  excellent,  are  to  numbers  antiquated,  through 
that  fastidiousness  which  disrelishes  the  style  and  manner  o. 

( n ) 


PREFACE. 


former  and  perhaps  better  times.  Were  the  present  attempt  there- 
fore made  almost  entirely  upon  the  plan  of  former  expositions, 
it  would  not,  if  duly  executed,  be  found  supernumerary.  But, 
In  arranging  old  truths,  the  Author  purposes  to  adopt  something 
of  a new  method.  Not  indeed  entirely  vete  : for  Browne’s  self- 
interpreting  Bible  suggested  the  idea,  and  the  improvements  in 
Doddridge’s  family-expositor  of  the  New  Testament,  were  pro- 
posed as,  in  some  respects , models  for  imitation.  He  has  often 
remarked,  that  some  persons  so  confine  their  interpretation  of 
Scripture  to  its  meaning  and  use,  with  respect  of  those  who 
were  immediately  addressed,  as  to  leave  the  reader  in  doubt, 
whether  he  is  at  all  concerned  in  it,  or  can  derive  any  in- 
struction from  it:  while  others,  so  immediately  and  abruptly 
apply  to  the  persons  whom  they  address  the  passages  which 
they  undertake  to  explain  and  enforce,  without  inquiring  whe- 
ther they  be,  in  character  and  situation,  similar  to  those  whom 
the  prophets  and  apostles  taught,  warned,  or  encouraged;  that 
their  instructions  seem  rather  more  like  an  immediate  revelation 
from  God,  than  the  explanation  and  practical  improvement  of 
a revelation  given  many  ages  ago.  As  this  must  be  unsatis- 
factory to  men  of  reflection,  and  as  it  is  frequently  connected 
with  inattention  to  the  primary  meaning  of  the  passage,  (if  it  be 
not  a fanciful  misinterpretation  of  it,)  many  are  ready  to  con- 
clude, that  the  Scriptures  have  no  precise  meaning  in  them- 
selves, but  may  be  modelled  almost  to  any  thing,  by  men  of  lively 
imaginations  and  superior  ingenuity.  It  therefore  occurred  to  the 
Author,  that  one  remedy  of  these  evils,  (if  riot  the  best  remedy,) 
would  be  to  keep  the  two  parts  distinct : and  first  to  explain  in  the 
notes  the  primary  meaning,  as  addressed  to  the  writer’s  contem- 
poraries ; and  then,  in  practical  observations,  to  show  what  we 
may  learn  from  each  passage,  allowing  for  all  difference  in 
circumstances,  and  in  every  other  respect.  It  is  indeed  far  more 
easy  to  form  a plan  of  this  kind,  than  duly  to  execute  it ; but  this 
has  been  the  purpose  of  the  present  attempt ; and  if  some  abler 
hand  should,  either  in  any  portion  of  the  sacred  volume,  or  on  the 
whole,  more  completely  realize  the  idea,  he  cannot  but  think  it 
would  be  found  the  best  method  of  expounding  Scripture.  The 
applications  of  each  chapter  are  entitled  Practical  Observations  ; 
not  as  excluding  doctrine  and  experience,  but  as  referring  the 
whole  to  the  practical  effect  on  the  heart  and  life.  The  reader 
must  therefore  expect,  that  the  main  object  of  the  exposition  is  to 
lead  him  to  the  true  meaning  of  the  sacred  Scriptures,  his  own 
concern  in  them,  and  the  proper  use  which  he  ought  to  make  of 
them  to  his  edification,  and  that  of  others  connected  with  him  ; 
without  any  attempt  of  the  Author  to  give  him  information  on  a 

( 12  ) 


variety  of  subjects,  at  most  only  collaterally  connected  with  the 
right  understanding  and  use  of  the  Scripture. 

When  the  Author  published  the  first  edition  of  this  work, 
he  proposed  almost  entirely  to  comment  on  the  translation,  with- 
out calling  the  reader’s  attention  to  the  original  languages:  but 
during  a course  of  thirty  years,  in  which  he  has  been  almost  con- 
stantly employed  in  this  work,  or  in  studies  relative  to  it,  he  has 
turned  a considerable  share  of  his  attention  to  those  languages, 
and  has  ventured  to  deviate  from  his  first  design.  He  hopes, 
however,  that  he  has  done  this  with  caution  and  diffidence  ; and  in 
very  few  instances,  in  that  measure  which  can  perplex  the  un- 
learned reader,  or  interrupt  his  progress,  or  interfere  with  his 
edification.  He  has  neither  learning,  nor  leisure,  nor  inclination, 
to  engage  in  merely  critical  discussions  ; and  he  has  not  gone  into 
any  investigations,  concerning  even  chronology,  history,  or  si- 
milar subjects,  further  than  he  thought  subservient  to  the  main 
design  of  the  work. — The  contents  of  each  chapter  are  chiefly 
intended  to  assist  the  reader,  in  finding  any  subject  which  he 
wishes  to  consider. 

Upon  the  whole,  to  store  the  understanding  with  the  know- 
ledge of  divine  truth,  to  awaken  and  direct  the  conscience,  to 
effect  and  improve  the  heart,  to  promote  the  comfort  and  fruit- 
fulness of  true  Christians,  and  to  assist  young  students  in  divinity 
in  acquiring  those  endowments  which  may  qualify  them  for 
future  usefulness,  are  the  leading  objects  which  the  Author  had  in 
view,  and  which  he  hopes  he  has  never  lost  sight  of,  from  his  first 
engaging  in  this  work  to  the  present  day.  He  has  therefore  pur- 
posely avoided  sharp  and  eager  controversy,  and  studied  exact- 
ness and  consistency ; choosing  rather  to  follow  the  leadings  of 
Scripture,  than  to  press  it  into  the  service  of  a pre-established 
system  ; and  preferring  the  satisfaction  of  promoting  the  edification 
of  persons  who  differ  in  some  things  from  each  other,  to  the  re- 
putation of  being  exclusively  the  approved  expositor  of  any  party. 

Whatever  acceptance  this  work  may  find  from  man,  the  Author 
hopes  to  be  satisfied  with  the  testimony  of  his  own  conscience, 
and  at  length  to  meet  the  gracious  approbation  of  his  Saviour  and 
Judge:  and  he  would  conclude  with  entreating  the  reader  to 
join  with  him  in  praise  and  thanksgivingto  God,  who  has  spared 
and  enabled  him  to  bring  this  work  to  a conclusion,  and  to  super- 
intend so  many  editions  of  it ; and  in  prayers,  that  he  would 
pardon  all  that  he  has  seen  sinful  in  the  writer,  and  prevent  the 
bad  effect  of  whatever  may  be  erroneous  in  the  publicatim  ; and 
also  render  what  is  true  and  right  abundantly  useful,  by  hi#  special 
grace  and  blessing.  To  Him,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spirit,  the 
God  of  our  Salvation,  be  everlasting  praise  and  glory.  Amen. 


POSTSCRIPT. 


As  the  Marginal  References  formed  no  part  of  the  original 
plan  of  this  publication,  but  have,  with  very  great  labour,  been 
added  to  the  subsequent  editions,  it  may  be  proper  here  to  state 
some  particulars  respecting  them. 

They  are  arranged  according  to  the  following  method  : — Colons 
are  used  to  separate  figures  referring  to  chapters,  from  those 
referring  to  verses,  as  Gen.  17:14.  refers  to  the  fourteenth  verse 
of  the  seventeenth  chapter  of  Genesis.  Sometimes  chapters  are 
referred  to,  without  referring  to  particular  verses;  as  Lev.  3:  24: 
26:  refers  to  the  third,  twenty-fourth,  and  twenty-sixth  chapters  of 
Leviticus.  Commas  are  used  to  separate  figures  referring  to 
verses  from  each  other,  as  Josh . 8:2,4,26,23.  refers  to  the  second, 
fourth,  twenty -sixth,  and  twenty-eighth  verses  of  the  eighth  chap- 
ter of  Joshua.  When  a figure  is  found  directly  after  the  letter, 
which  marks  a new  set  of  references,  and  not  followed  by  a colon, 
It  points  to  a verse  in  the  same  chapter  ; but  when  followed  by  a 
colon,  it  refers  to  a chapter  in  the  same  book  ; and  afterwards, 
the  references  are  made  in  the  order  of  the  books  as  they  stand  in 
the  Bible.  For  example,  the  reference  r to  Gen.  31:28.  stands 
thus  :—r  55.  39:13.  Ex.  4:27.  Ruth  1:9,14.,  &c.  Here  55.  refers 
to  the  55th*  verse  of  the  thirty -first  chapter  of  Genesis  ; and  29:13. 
to  Gen.  29:13.  and  so  on  in  regular  order.  This  method  is  in- 
variably adhered  to ; and  it  has  so  many  advantages,  as  abun- 
dantly to  compensate  any  supposed  disadvantages.  Especially, 
it  relieves  the  reader  from  perplexity,  and  prevents  confusion  by 
a regular  arrangement;  and  it  so  greatly  saves  room,  that  more 
references  may  be  adduced  in  a column  very  little  crowded,  than 
eould  on  any  other  plan,  by  very  much  under-cunning.  In  pur- 
suance to  this  plan,  no  more  letters  are  used  lor  marking  any 
book,  than  are  necessary  clearly  to  distinguish  it  from  all  others  : 
and  as  the  prophecy  of  Ezekiel  is  referred  to  so  much  more  fre- 
quently than  the  book  of  Ezra,  the  letters  Ez.  mark  the  former, 
and  the  ,a:ier  is  primed  at  full  length.  A little  habit  will  render 
this  easy  and  familiar  to  the  reader. 

The  Author  has  availed  himself  of  the  pious  labours  of  his  pre- 
decessors, in  selecting  Marginal  References ; especially  of  the 
later  Editions  of  the  Oxford  Bible  in  Quarto,  of  Mr.  Browne’s 
Bible,  and  Mr.  Canne’s ; yet  he  has  by  no  means  taken  their  re- 
ferences as  such : on  the  contrary  he  has  omitted  many,  (es- 
pecially of  the  two  latter,)  which  did  not  appear  to  bear  on  the 
subject,  or  to  elucidate  it;  in  numerous  instances  the  references 
are  entirely  original,  and  in  almost  all  many  are  so. — The  degree 
of  labour  and  attention  which  has  been  used  to  render  the  print- 
ing of  the  references  correct,  cannot  easily  be  conceived : yet 
probably  some  errors  still  remain. 

In  some  of  the  original  references,  the  Author’s  idea  may  not  at 
once  be  perceived  by  the  reader : but,  if  the  several  places  re- 
ferred to  be  consulted,  it  will  generally  appear.  He  has  some- 
times proceeded  by  way  of  contrast , that  the  reader,  by  com- 
paring the  opposite  characters  or  conduct  of  the  persons  men- 
tioned, may  more  clearly  perceive  the  excellency  or  evil  of  the 
case  in  question  : or  by  comparing  the  different  language  of  Scrip- 
ture, used  on  the  same  subject,  he  may  more  readily  6ee  the  true 
Interpretation,  especially  on  controverted  subjects;  or  at  least  be 
better  enabled  to  judge  for  himself. — The  meaning  of  scriptural 
phrases  may  also  be  often  fixed,  by  comparing  the  several  places 


where  they  are  used.  This  is  the  intent  of  many  sets  of  re- 
ferences ; while  others  refer  to  the  doctrine  or  promise  inculcated 
in  the  passage,  and  tend  to  establish  a scriptural  interpretation. 
Where  several  sets  of  references  are  adduced  on  one  verse,  they 
are  generally  of  the  former  kind.— Some  pains  have  likewise 
been  taken,  even  on  those  parts  of  Scripture  which  chiefly  con- 
sist of  names,  to  point  out  other  passages,  in  which  the  same 
persons  or  places  are  mentioned : and  to  mark  the  difference  in 
spelling  the  same  name,  or  the  different  names  for  the  same  person 
or  place  which  occur  in  different  parts,  and  the  different  places  and 
persons  called  by  the  same  name.  Sometimes  the  unlearned 
reader  is  perplexed  or  misled  by  these  variations  ; and  this  part  of 
the  references  often  contains  all  which  even  the  most  learned 
know  upon  the  subject,  especially  in  the  genealogies. 

It  is  a great  discouragement,  in  the  laborious  task  of  collecting 
marginal  references,  that  it  may  be  feared  but  few,  in  compa- 
rison, will  take  the  pains  to  consult  them  : indeed  many  persons 
may  not  have  leisure  to  do  it,  in  every  part,  or  fully.  But  though 
the  Author  had,  for  many  years,  previously  studied  the  Scriptures 
as  his  one  grand  business  ; he  can  truly  aver,  that  the  insight 
which  he  has  thus  obtained  into  many  parts,  which  before  he 
had  not  so  carefully  noted,  is  so  great,  as  abundantly  to  repay  his 
labour,  and  to  convince  him,  that,  along  with  other  means,  (for 
none  should  be  recommended  exclusively,)  consulting  well  se- 
lected marginal  references  forms  one  of  the  best  helps  for  fixing 
the  word  of  God  in  the  memory,  leading  the  mind  to  a just  inter- 
pretation of  it,  and  in  many  cases  rendering  it  most  affecting  to 
the  heart.  It  tends  powerfully  to  counteract  all, skeptical  doubts, 
when  every  part  of  Scripture  is  thus  found,  (like  the  stones  in 
an  arch,)  to  support  and  receive  support  from  the'rest,  and  to  con- 
stitute one  grand  whole  ; the  divine  inspiration  of  which  is  proved 
by  every  prophecy  or  miracle,  and  all  kinds  of  internal  and 
external  evidence.  It  serves  also  to  satisfy  the  mind  as  to  the 
meaning  of  disputed  passages,  when  one  sense  is  found  mani- 
festly to  accord  with  the  rest  of  the  sacred  word,  and  other  inter 
pretations  evidently  run  contrary  to  them.  And  in  many  cases 
the  Author  has  found  a kind  of  delightful  surprise  at  striking  coin- 
cidences, which  he  had  not  before  at  all  noticed. 

To  those  who  desire  to  study  the  Scriptures,  accurately  and 
deeply,  (especially  to  young  men,  either  intended  for  the  sacred 
ministry,  or  newly  engaged  in  it,)  he  would  very  earnestly  re- 
commend to  set  apart  an  hour,  or  half  an  hour,  every  day,  when 
it  can  be  done  ; and  regularly  to  go  through  the  Scriptures,  care- 
fully consulting  all  the  references. — When  it  is  considered,  that 
the  Author  has  lor  eight  or  nine  years,  spent  at  least  thrice  as 
much  time  each  day  in  arranging  them  ; this  will  not  appear  un- 
reasonable to  those  who  favour  his  attempts  : and  he  has  no  doubt, 
that  it  will  eventually  be  found  amply  to  repay  their  labour. 

He  would  also  advise  those  who  only  occasionally  consult  the 
references,  to  examine  all  referred  to  under  any  one  letter : for 
very  frequently,  those  from  the  Old  Testament  are  principally 
adduced,  to  make  way  for  some  still  more  pertinent  in  the  New 
to  show  the  coincidence  of  both  Testaments ; and  to  point  oul 
similar  language  concerning  Jehovah  in  the  one,  and  Jesus  in 
the  other  ; and  in  various  ways  to  prove,  that  the  same  doctrine 
pervades  the  whole. 


ADVERTISEMENT 

TO  THE  LONDON  STEREOTYPE  EDITION. 


The  following  is  a brief  account  of  the  principal  points  in  which 
the  present  edition  differs  from  the  preceding. 

1.  In  the  first  place,  it  is  in  stereotypo.  To  this  laborious  and 
expensive  process  it  was  submitted  under  the  conviction,  (which 
has  proved  too  well  founded,)  that  it  was  the  last  which  the 
revered  Author  would  be  able  to  superintend.  From  the  great 
pains  also,  with  which  it  was  determined  that  the  revision  in 
every  part  should  be  conducted,  it  was  anticipated  that  this' 
edition  might  deserve,  by  its  accuracy , the  distinction  thus  con- 
ferred upon  it,  of  being  rendered  permanent  and  nearly  un- 
alterable. And  though,  in  the  course  of  so  long  a work,  it  is 
scarcely  possible  but  that  some  errors  should  have  escaped  de- 
tection, it  is  confidently  hoped,  that,  upon  the  whole,  this  ex- 
pectation has  been  realized. — It  may  be  added,  that  should  any 
mistakes  be  discovered  of  sufficient  consequence  to  require  it,  the 
plates  are  not  so  unalterable  as  to  render  the  correction  im- 
practicable. 

2.  As  Bishop  Horsley  some  time  since  pointed  out  in  the  sub- 
stitution of thy  doctrine”  for  “ the  doctrine,”  1 Tim.  4:16.  and 
as  has  been  subsequently  shown  concerning  the  change  of  the 
stop,  from  a full-point  to  a colon  or  semicolon,  at  the  close  of  the 
verse,  Heb.  13:7.  sundry  small  variations  have,  during  the  lapse 
of  two  centuries,  crept  into  our  common  Bibles.  Hence  consi- 
derable pains  have  been  taken,  by  the  collation  of  different 
editions,  to.exhibit  an  accurate  copy  of  the  sacred  text  according 
to  the  authorized  version. 

3.  Not  only  have  the  Marginal  References  throughout  been 
revised  with  the  utmost  care,  but  it  will  be  found  that  the  Author 
has  inserted,  in  the  Notes  and  Practical  Observations,  frequent 
references  to  other  parts  of  his  Commentary.  To  this  improve- 
ment he  attached  considerable  importance:  and  its  value  will,  no 
doubt,  be  felt  by  those  readers,  who  may  bestow  sufficient  pains 
upon  the  subject  to  enter  into  his  design. — The  student  may  be 
advantageously  referred  to  the  Book  of  Proverbs  for  a specimen 
of  this  addition  to  the  work 


4.  But  the  most  important  improvement  which  it  has  received, 
consists  in  the  copious  critical  remarks  which  have  been  in- 
troduced. Many  of  these  occur  in  the  Old  Testament,  in  all 
which  the  original  words,  in  Hebrew  characters,  have  been 
substituted  for  the  English  letters,  by  which  they  had  been 
before  expressed,  wherever  any  thing  of  the  kind  occurred.  In 
the  New  Testament  these  remarks  are  numerous.  Here  also 
new  authorities  are  adduced  in  support  of  the  criticisms  which 
had  been  previously  made,  particularly  from  Schleusner,  to 
whose  valuable  Lexicon  of  the  Greek  Testament  the  Author 
was  indebted  for  much  assistance. — '1  he  critical  remarks,  it  is 
also  to  be  observed,  are  now  uniformly  carried  to  the  end  of  the 
note,  instead  of  being  interspersed  in  the  body  of  it. 

5.  It  must  be  matter  of  great  thankfulness  to  those  who  rightly 
appreciate  the  Author  s indefatigable  labours,  that  the  full  energy 
of  his  mind  was  continued  almost  to  the  last  hour  of  his  life  ; and 
that  he  was  enabled  to  complete  his  revision  as  far  as  the  end  of 
2 Timothy  3:2.  Several  alterations  indeed  will  be  found,  and 
some  of  them  of  considerable  importance,  in  parts  posterior  u> 
the  verse  just  named.  These,  however,  have  not  been  made 
without  authority  ; but  are  taken,  according  to  the  Author’s 
directions,  from  a copy  of  the  last  edition,  which  he  read  over 
soon  after  its  publication,  making  such  corrections  as  occurred. — 
The  critical  remarks  also,  contained  in  the  former  edition,  have 
been,  to  the  close,  arranged,  as  nearly  as  possible,  according  to 
the  plan  adopted  in  the  preceding  parts  of  the  work. 

In  consequence  of  the  additions,  which  have  been  made  in 
almost  every  part,  and  the  necessity  which  existed  of  reducing 
the  size  of  the  overloaded  pages  to  the  proper  dimensions,  the 
bulk,  as  well  as  the  intrinsic  value  of  the  work,  will  be  founu  u> 
have  been  considerably  increased  ; which  in  connexion  with  othei 
circumstances,  has  rendered  some  advance  of  the  price  un 
avoidable. 

March  22,  1822. 


< 13  ) 


INTRODUCTION 


TO  THE 

OLD  TESTAMENT,  AND  TO  THE  BOOKS  OF  MOSES. 


It  does  not  appear  that  the  distinction  of  the  two  parts  of  the 
sacred  Scripture  by  the  appellations  of  the  Old  Testament  and 
the  New  Testament,  is  of  divine  authority  ; though  it  is  of  very 
ancie-it  use  in  the  Christian  Church.  The  original  word,  both 
m the  Hebrew  and  in  the  Greek,  rendered  Testament , in  this 
oonncxion  is  more  generally  rendered  Covenant,  and  perhaps 
ought  always  to  be  so.*  It  refers  to  the  condescending  manner 
in  which  it  has  pleased  God  to  deal  with  men,  by  covenant 
transactions  and  engagements,  and  not  merely  by  commands 
and  sanctions.  The  covenant  of  works , as  distinguished  from 
the  covenant  of  grace,  does  not  seem  to  be  intended  by  “ the 
Old  Testament for  the  covenant  of  grace  and  mercy  was 
introduced  immediately  after  the  fall  of  Adam,  by  the  promise 
that  “ the  Seed  of  the  woman  should  bruise  the  serpent's  head 
the  hopes  of  believers  in  every  age  have  arisen  from  that  source 
alone  : and  all  unbelievers,  even  under  the  Christian  Dispen- 
sation, remain  under  the  condemnation  of  that  covenant  which 
Adam  transgressed  : the  terms  of  which  are  simply,  1 Do  this  and 
live  ; transgress  and  die.’ — But  of  the  covenant  of  mercy  and 
grace,  there  have  been,  so  to  speak,  several  editions  ; yet  that 
which  Christianity  has  made  known  to  mankind,  is  by  far  the 
most  full,  clear,  and  enlarged.  Above  four  hundred  years  after 
Gild  had  established  his  covenant  with  Abraham,  as  ‘ the  father 
of  the  faithful,’  (which  the  apostle  refers  to,  as  the  same  in  sub- 
stance as  that  made  with  Christians  under  the  gospel, t)  it 
pleased  him  to  make  a covenant  with  Israel,  as  a nation,  at 
mount  Sinai.  The  Mosaical  dispensation,  and  the  writings  of 
the  prophets,  chiefly  related  to  that  period  during  which  this 
national  covenant  was  in  force  ; and  the  prophets  themselves 
speak  of  the  change,  which  would  take  place  in  the  days  of  the 
Messiah,  as  “ a new  covenant,”  distinguishing  it  from  that 
which  was  made  with  Israel  when  brought  out  of  Egypt.  This, 
St.  Paul  says,  “ waxed  old,  and  was  ready  to  vanish  away.’  } — 
At  the  opening  of  the  Christian  dispensation,  these  predictions 
were  fulfilled  : and  as  the  writings  of  the  apostles  and  evangelists 
relate  principally  to  the  dealings  of  God  with  his  church,  in  the 
days  of  the  Messiah,  the  “ Mediator  of  the  new  covenant this 
part  of  the  sacred  volume  has  received  the  appellation  of  ‘ the 
New  Testament,’  or  New  Covenant ; and  that  part  which  was 
published  before  his  coming,  is  called  the  Old  Testament,  or 
Covenant. — Thus  they  are  distinguished  from,  but  are  by  no 
means  opposed  to,  each  other.  The  same  discoveries  of  the 
glorious  God,  and  the  same  views  of  true  religion,  pervade  both. 
They  reciprocally  establish  the  authority  and  illustrate  the 

• Not*,  Heb.  9.15-17.  t Nolel,  Gal.  3:15—23.  } Note*  Ex.  19:5.  Jer. 

M 131—34.  Het  8:7,13. 

( 14  ) 


meaning  of  each  other  : and  even  those  parts  of  the  Mosaic  Law, 
which  we  are  not  now  required  to  obey  as  commands,  are  replete 
with  important  instructs  i\. — In  short,  the  whole  is  the  unerring 
Word  of  God. 

The  Preface  to  each  of  the  books  of  Moses,  with*which  the 
sacred  Volume  opens,  renders  it  superfluous  to  add  much  in  this 
place  respecting  them  collectively.  They  at  e generally  in  the 
New  Testament,  as  well  as  in  uninspired  writers,  called  “ the 
Law  as  distinguished  from  the  other  parts  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment. Yet  a great  proportion  of  them  is  historical ; they  contain 
several  most  extraordinary  prophecies  ;*  and  some  devotional 
compositions,  exquisitely  sublime  and  beautiful. f If  the  single 

book  of  Job  be  excepted,  (and  concerning  it  there  are  different 
opinions,!)  the  books  of  Moses  are,  beyond  comparison,  the 
most  ancient  writings  extant ; and  certainly  by  far  the  most 
ancient  authentic  records.  Immediate  revelation  alone  could 
make  known  to  the  writer,  or  to  those  from  whom  he  had  his  in- 
formation, very  many  of  those  events  which  he  records  ; and  on 
this  account,  the  Author  of  this  publication  is  at  least  doubtful 
whether  the  endeavours,  which  many  persons  have  used,  to 
show  how,  by  tradition  or  other  similar  means,  Moses  might 
receive  the  knowledge  of  the  facts  which  he  narrates,  are  of 
salutary  tendency.  For  instance,  Adam  could  not  know  the 
particulars  of  the  creation  of  the  world,  or  of  his  own  creation, 
except  by  immediate  revelation.  Adam  might  indeed  make  these 
things  known  to  Methusaleh,  ^lethusaleli  to  Shem,  Shem  to 
Isaac,  Isaac  to  Levi,  or  Amram,  and  Amram  to  Moses : I am  not 
sure  that  the  chain  might  not  be  made  shorter,  by  a link  or  two. 
But  does  it  strengthen , or  does  it  not  rather  greatly  weaken , the 
proof,  or  rather  the  impression , of  the  divine  original  of  the 
Mosaic  History,  to  suppose  that  it  was  derived  from  traditional* 
revelation,  handed  down  from  father  to  son,  through  a few  ge- 
nerations, rather  than  from  a revelation  made  directly  from  God 
to  Moses  ? Noihing  is  conveyed  down  by  oral  tradition,  withoul 
alteration  and  deviation:  Moses  informs  us,  that  “ God  spake 
with  him  face  to  face  the  prophecies  extant  in  his  books, 
compared  with  their  accomplishment  during  three  thousand 
years,  as  fully  confiim  his  testimony  to  us,  as  his  miracles  did 
to  his  contemporaries  : and  the  simplest  as  well  as  the  most  an- 
cient method  of  stating  the  case,  is  the  most  rational.  Whatever 
he  might  have  known  or  collected  otherwise,  he  wrote  under 
the  infallible  superintendency  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  or  by  imme- 
diate divine  inspiration.  • 

• Note»,  Gen.  9:24—27.  12:1—3.  16:12.  27:27—29.  49:8 — 12.  Nura.  24:11- 
24.  Deut.  4:25-23.  23:15-68.  t Note*,  Ex.  15:1—21.  Deut.32:l-  43.  J 
face  to  Book  of  Job. 


4 


THE  FIRST  BOOK  OF  MOSES, 


CALLED 

GENESIS. 


Th*  original  Hebrew  distinguishes  Ibis  Book  merely  by  the  first  word  of  it,  viz.  JVttWO,  or  In  the  beeinning : but  the  Greek  trana 
l&tion,  called  the  Septuagint,  names  it  Genesis,  The  Beginning , or  Original;  that  is  of  the  world. — The  sacred  historian  first 
records  the  creation  of  the  heaven  and  the  earth,  the  formation  of  Adam  and  Eve  after  the  image  of  God,  and  the  institution  of  mar* 
riage.  He  then  relates  how  “ sin  entered  into  the  world,  and  death  by  sin  ;”  and  how  the  first  promise  of  a Redeemer  was  given 
to  our  fallen  progenitors.— He  next  illustrates  the  effects  of  the  fall  ; which  were  manifested  in  the  conduct  of  Cain,  who  murdered 
righteous  Abel  his  brother,  and  in  the  general  and  almost  universal  prevalence  of  wickedness;  and  he  likewise  illustrates  the  power  of 
divine  grace  in  the  examples  of  Abel,  Enoch,  and  Noah. — A few  hints  are  dropped  concerning  some  of  Cain’s  descendants,  and  their 
inventions  and  actions ; but  a genealogy  of  the  descendants  of  Seth  to  Noah,  with  the  age  to  which  each  person  lived  who  is  men- 
tioned in  the  genealogy,  is  carefully  given. — At  length,  at  the  end  of  1656  years,  the  Lord,  provoked  by  man’s  wickedness,  deso- 
lated the  earth  by  a flood  of  waters,  preserving  his  servant  Noah  a^d  his  wife,  with  his  three  sons  and  their  wives,  in  the  ark  ; of 
which  extraordinary  catastrophe  all  nations  retain  some  traditions  and  vestiges.  The  repeopling  of  the  earth  by  the  descendants 
of  Noah’s  sons  is  next  recorded  : and  the  genealogy  is  continued  from  Shem,  in  the  line  of  Abraham,  to  Jacob  and  his  sons. — In- 
deed, this  narrative,  though  very  compendious,  throws  more  light  on  the  original  of  nations  and  on  many  coincident  subjects,  than 
can  be  obtained  ftom  all  other  records  of  antiquity  taken  together:  and  its  agreement  with  such  as  have  the  greatest  claim  to  au- 
thenticity, conclusively  proves  that  it  gives  a true  account  of  those  ancient  times,  which  the  pagan  historians  had  only  heard  of  by 
obscure  tradition,  and  which  they  mutilated,  or  blended  with  most  absurd  fables;  while  the  interspersed  prophecies,  fulfilling 
through  all  succeeding  generations  even  to  the  present  day,  fully  attest  its  divine  inspiration.  (Notes,  1*2 : 1 — 3.  4S  : 49.)  Many 
particulars  indeed,  in  this  part  of  the  history,  must  be  beyond  the  investigation  of  the  unlearned  : but  the  founding  ol  Nineveh  and 
Babylon,  two  of  the  greatest  cities  the  world  ever  saw  ; the  source  of  the  vast  variety  of  languages,  which  has  in  all  ages  interrupted 
the  intercourse  of  mankind  ; and  the  original  of  the  two  mcst  remarkable  people  which  have  ever  appeared  on  earth,  namely,  the 
Jews  and  the  Ishmaclites,  are  clearly  and  satisfactorily  shown.  Important  information  is  also  given  concerning  the  Moabites, 
Ammonites,  Midianites,  Edomites  or  Idumeans,  all  descended  from  Abraham.  The  most  ancient  war  known  to  genuine  history  is 
here  recorded:  and  the  awful  destruction  of  Sodom  and  the  neighbouring  cities,  as  producing  the  Dead  Sea,  the  peculiarities  ol 
which  have  always  excited  the  attention  of  travellers. — The  mass  of  interesting  historical  materials  contained  in  this  wonderful 
Book,  concerning  those  remote  ages  of  which  we  have  no  other  even  plausible  records,  must  ever  render  it  an  invaluable  treasure 
of  ancient  erudition  to  the  sober  scholar.  But  the  copiousness  with  which  the  history  of  Abraham,  “ the  father  of  the  faithful,” 
the  repository  of  the  promises,  and  the  ancestor  of  Christ,  is  given,  with  that  of  Isaac  and  Jacob  the  heirs  of  the  same  promises, 
shows  what  is  deemed  most  important  by  him,  whose  “ judgment  is  according  to  truth  and  the  story  of  Joseph  exceeds  applause, 

being  inimitably  written,  and  unparalleled  in  the  annals  of  the  world. — The  impartiality  also  of  the  sacred  historian,  in  recording 
the  imperfections  of  the  most  approved  characters,  though  his  own  ancestors ; and  the  strong  expressions  of  abhorrence,  with  which 
he  marks  the  crime  of  his  immediate  progenitor  Levi,  are  worthy  of  an  inspired  writer,  and  hitherto  almost  entirely  peculiar  to 
the  Scriptures.  The  narrative  is  thus  continued  to  the  death  of  Joseph,  about  713  years  after  the  deluge,  or  2369  from  the  creation. 
And  the  important  religious  instruction  contained  in  this  book,  concerning  God  our  Creator,  our#fallen  condition,  the  promise  of  a 
Saviour,  and  the  redeemed  sinner’s  walk  with  God,  must  more  endear  it  to  the  pious  Christian,  than  all  its  immense  and  in- 
valuable  literary  treasures  can  possibly  recommend  it  to  the  learned  antiquary  or  historian. — ‘Without  this  history  the  world 
would  be  in  total  darkness,  not  knowing  whence  it  came  or  whither  it  goeth.  In  the  first  page  of  this  sacred  book,  a child  may 
learn  more  in  one  hour,  than  all  the  philosophers  in  the  world  learned  without  it  in  thousands  of  years.’  Fuller. 


B.  C.  4004. 

CHAPTER  I. 

God  creates  heaven  and  earth,  1 ; forme  '.he  light , and  the  firmamen',  2 — 8 ; 
separates  the  dry  land  from  the  waters,  and  produces  the  vegetable  tribes , 
9—13  ; forms  the  sun  nvjon , end  stars,  14 — 19  ; causes  the  tenters  to  produce 
fishes  and  fowls  ; and  the  earth  to  bring  for  h cattle,  wild  beas  s,  and  creep- 
ing things,  20—25  ; creates  man  in  his  own  image  ; blesses  him  ; gives  him 
dominion  ; grants  the  fruits  of  the  earth  for  food ; and  pronounces  the  whole 
“ very  good,"  26 — 31. 

IN  athe  beginning  bGod  created  the  heaven  and 
the  earth. 


a Prov.  8:22,23.  John  1:1— 3.  Heb.  1:10.  1 John  1:1.  b Job  38:4.  Ps.  89:11, 
12.  102:25.  146:6.  148:4,5.  Is.  40:28.  42:5.  44:24.  51:13.  Jcr.  32:17.  51:15.  Zech. 
12:1.  Acts  14:15.  17:24.  Rom.  1:20.  Col.  1:16.  Heb.  3:4.  11:3.  Rev.  4:11. 


NOTES. 

Chap.  I.  V.  1.  It  is  natural  and  unavoidable  for  us,  who 
are  but  of  yesterday,  to  inquire  about  those  things  which  have 
been  before  us,  and  to  form  conjectures  even  about  the  ori- 
ginal of  all  things : but  our  reason  is  evidently  incompetent  to 
inquiries  of  this  kind ; and  uncertainty,  contrariety,  and  ab- 
surdity, always  bewildered  the  wisest  of  the  heathens  on  this 
subject.  However  rational  it  is  to  conclude,  that  all  things 
were  at  first  created  by  the  eternal,  self-existent,  and  al- 
mighty God,  yet  man  has  in  every  age  lamentably  failed  of 
drawing  this  conclusion:  and  after  all,  it  is  “by  faith  we  un- 
derstand that  the  worlds  were  framed  by  the  word  of  God  ; so 
that  things,  which  are  seen,  were  not  made  of  things  which  do 
appear.”  Heb.  11:  3.  Reason  is  indeed  capable  of  approv- 
ing, appropriating,  and  applying,  the  information  conveyed  to 
us  by  the  word  of  God,  but  not  of  anticipating  it.  The  know- 
ledge imparted  by  revelation  is  useful  and  necessary;  but 
nothing  is  mentioned  about  4 eternity  a parte  ante,'  (a  past 
eternity,)  that  abyss  which  swallows  up  all  our  thougnt,  and 
involves  all  our  reflections  and  discourse  in  inextricable  per- 
plexity ; for  this  could  only  have  gratified  curiosity,  and  in- 
creased our  stock  of  barren  notions.  The  Script  ures,  in  per- 
fect harmony  with  the  conclusions  of  our  reason  when  soberly 
exercised,  declare  that  God  is  44  from  everlasting  to  everlast- 
(M.  R.  Note,  Ex.  3:14.)  All  else  had  a beginning. 
With  this  the  inspired  historian  opens  his  narration,  and,  in 
most  sublime  abruptness,  breaks  forth,  “In  the  beginning:” 
as  if  he  had  said,  4 This,  O man,  is  enough  for  thee  to  know ; 
h?re  stop  thy  presumptuous  inquiry;  call  back  thy  intruding 
thoughts  from  things  too  high  for  thee,  and  learn  to  adore  thy 
Creator.’ — The  Scriptures  are  especially  intended  to  teach 
us  “ the  knowledge  of  God ;”  which  is  done,  in  the  manner  best 
suited  to  inform  and  affect  us,  by  recording  his  works.  From 
the  creation  of  the  world,  we  learn  44  his  eternal  power  and 


B.  C.  4004. 

2 And  the  earth  was  'without  form,  and  void, 
and  darkness  was  upon  the  face  of  the  deep  : dand 
the  Spirit  of  God  moved  upon  the  face  of  the  wa- 
ters. 

3 It  And  eGod  said,  fLet  there  be  light : and 
there  was  light. 

4 And  God  saw  the  light,  stliat  it  was  good:  and 
God  'divided  the  light  from  the  darkness. 

10:6.  c Jer.  4:v3.  Nah.  2:10.  d Job  26:13.  Ps.  33:6.  104:30.  Is.  40:12,13.  e F«. 
33:9.  Mm.  8:3.  Jobu  11:43,41.  f2  Cor.  4:S.  Kph.  5-.14.  g 10,12,18,25,31.  E& 
2:13.  11:7.  * Heb.  between  the  light  and  beta  cm  the  darkness. 

Godhead;”  and  discern,  in  the  things  which  he  hath  made, his 
infinite  wisdom  and  goodness : while  the  simplicity  and  har- 
mony, subsisting  in  the  midst  of  tire  richest  variety,  lead  the 
mind  in  the  easiest  manner,  to  conceive  of  the  Creator,  as 
“ the  One  living  and  true  God.” — It  is  well  known  that 
the  original  word,  commonly  translated  God,  is  plural,  in  a 
language  which  has  three  numbers;  and  that  when  thus  used 
it  is  joined  to  singular  verbs.  The  Hebrew  seems  to  have 
been  at  least  a dialect  of  the  original  language ; and  it  is  evi- 
dent that  the  Lord  made  choice  of  it,  for  the  first  written  reve- 
lation of  himself  to  man:  so  that  this  grammatical  anomaly,  at 
the  very  opening  of  the  Scriptures,  seems  intended  to  give  us 
some  intimation  concerning  that  mystery,  which  is  afierwards 
more  fully  revealed ; namely,  the  Plurality  in  the  Unity  of  the 
Godhead.  It  would  indeed  be  improper  to  rest  a doctrine, 
which  is  of  such  importance  in  the  Christian  system,  on  these 
intimations;  yet  this  should  not  be  rejected  as  a mere  verbal 
criticism. — God  created  the  heaven  and  the  earth,  or  the  whole 
universe,  visible  and  invisible.  The  word  heaven  is  sometimes 
used  in  Scripture  for  that  place,  where  the  divine  glory  is 
especially  displayed,  and  where  angels  and  happy  spirits  have 
their  residence;  at  other  times  for  the  boundless  expanse,  in 
which  the  sun,  moon,  and  stars  are  placed : and  at  others  for 
the  circumambient  air,  even  to  the  very  surface  of  the  earth ; 
it  must  therefore  be  interpreted  as  the  context  requires. — 
This  general  account  warrants  no  conclusions  respecting  the 
angels,  or  the  inhabitants  of  other  systems,  except  that  they 
are  all  the  creatures  of  God.  But  this  visible  world  was 
formed  in  six  days.  The  chaotic  mass  seems  to  have  been 
first  instantaneously  created  out  of  nothing,  and  then  gradually 
reduced  to  order  and  beauty. 

V.  2.  The  matter,  from  which  this  earth,  and  the  solar 
system  connected  with  it,  were  created,  was  at  first  a con- 
fused mass  of  component  elements,  without  form;  and  void, 
* 15  ) 


B C.  4004. 


GENESIS 


B.  C.  4004, 


5 And  God  called  tht  lignt  hDay,  and  the  dark- 
ness he  called  Night.  'And  the  evening  and  the 
morning  were  the  first  day. 

6 H And  God  said,  'Let  there  be  a 'firmament 
in  the  midst  of  the  waters,  and  let  it  divide  the 
waters  from  the  waters. 

7 And  God  made  the  firmament,  and  ‘‘divided 
tire  waters  which  were  under  the  firmament,  from 
tire  waters  winch  were  ‘above  the  firmament : 
'"and  it  was  so. 

8 And  "God  called  the  firmament  Heaven  : 
And  the  evening  and  the  morning  were  the  se- 
cond day. 

9 U And  God  said,  '’Let  the  waters  under  the 
heaven  be  gathered  together  unto  one  place,  and 
let  the  dry-land  appear : and  it  was  so. 

10  And  God  called  the  dry-land  Earth,  and  the 
gathering  together  of  the  waters  called  he  Seas  : 
sand  God  saw  that  it  was  good. 

11  And  God  said,  rLet  the  earth  bring  forth 
Igrass,  the  herb  yielding  seed,  and  the  fruit-tree 
yielding  "fruit  after  his  kind,  whose  seed  is  in  it- 
self, upon  the  earth : and  it  was  so. 

b Ps.  74:16.  104:20.  Is.  45:7.  * Heb.  And  the  evening  was,  an  ! the  morning  iras. 
8,13,19,23,31.  i 14,20.  7:11,12.  Job  37:11— 18.  38:22  -26.  Jer.  10:13.  t Heb.  erpan- 
tion.  k Prov.  8:28,29.  1 Job 2S:8.  Ps. 104:10— 13. 148:1.  Ec. 11:3.  m 9,11,15,24,  Matt. 
8:27.  n 5,10.  5:2.  32:28.  o5,13.  pJob26:lO.  38:8—11.  Ps.  24:2.  33:7.95:5. 
104:3,5—9.  136:6.  > Vov.  8:28,29.  Jer.  5:22.  2 Pet.  3:5.  Rev.  10:6.  q 4.  Deul.32: 
4.  Ps.  104:31.  r2:5.  Job  28:5.  Ps.  104:11— 17.  147.8.  Matt.  6:30.  Heb.  6:7. 
J Heb.  'ender  grass,  s‘29.  2:9,16.  Matt.  7:17.  Luke  6:43,44.  Jam.  3:12.  t Is.  61 : 


empty,  or  destitute  of  plants,  trees,  or  animals;  and  it  was 
covered  with  thick  darkness  resting  on  the  abyss,  or  the  un- 
formed chaos,  till  dispersed  by  the  agency  of  “ the  Spirit  of 
God;”  to  which  the  subsequent  effects  are  ascribed,  by  a re- 
markable word,  taken  from  the  manner  in  which  the  fowls 
brood  on  and  hatch  their  eggs.  Thus,  at  the  very  first  open- 
ing of  the  Sacred  Volume,  we  have  an  intimation  of  that  di- 
vine Spirit,  whose  influence  and  operations  form  so  conspicu- 
ous and  distinguishing  a part  of  Revelation : for,  as  the  efficient 
cause  of  the  creation,  44  He  moved  upon  the  surface  of  the 
waters.” — Let  the  impartial  reader  here  turn  his  attention  to 
those  texts  of  the  New  Testament,  which  expressly  ascribe  all 
creation  to  Jesus  Christ,  the  Son  and  Word  of  God,  and, 
comparing  them  with  this  account  of  the  agency  of  the  Spirit 
in  creation,  and  with  those  Scriptures  which  declare  that  God 
created  all  things ; he  must  allow,  that,  from  the  beginning  of 
the  Bible,  there  is  a real  foundation  for  the  doctrine  of  three 
divine  Persons  in  the  unity  of  the  Godhead. 

V.  3—5.  The  sublimity  of  the  language,  here  used,  has 
been  universally  admired  by  men  of  learning  and  taste ; and 
indeed  the  simplicity  of  the  whole  narrative  is  unspeakably 
more  majestic,  than  those  studied  ornaments  which  are  gene- 
rally employed  and  admired. — Before  the  formation  of  the  sun, 
moon,  and  stars,  there  was,  in  some  way  which  we  cannot 
explain  or  understand,  a regular  succession  of  light  and  dark- 
ness on  the  chaotic  mass , which  thus  measured  out  44  the  first 
day.”  44  God  saw  the  light  that  it  was  good ;”  good  in  itself, 
and  admirably  adapted  to  the  benefit  of  his  creatures.  How 
wonderful  and  inexplicable  is  light ! How  indispensably  ne- 
cessary to  all  the  purposes  of  human  life. 

V.  G — 8.  The  word,  translated  firmament , and  expansion , 
( Marg .)  is  used  for  the  whole  space  which  surrounds  the 
earth,  even  to  the  fixed  stars,  which  are  44  set  in  the  firma- 
ment of  heaven  ;”  as  44  the  fowls”  are  said  44  to  fly  in  the  open 
firmament  of  heaven ;”  and  44  he  called  the  firmament,  heaven.” 
It  must  therefore  be  understood  according  to  the  context ; but 
it  is  generally  in  this  place  interpreted  to  mean  the  atmosphere, 
or  air,  in  which  the  clouds  are  suspended,  and  from  which  they 
water  the  earth. 

V.  9.  The  waters,  being  separated  from  the  dry  ground, 
which  they  had  hitherto  overspread,  or  been  mixed  with,  were 
divided  into  those  44  under  the  firmament,”  which  are  depo- 
sited in  the  oceans,  seas,  lakes,  rivers,  brooks,  fountains,  and 
subterraneous  receptacles  ; and  those  ‘‘above  the  firmament,” 
which  are  suspended  in  the  air,  form  the  clouds,  and  descend 
in  rains  and  dews. — Instead  of  attempting  a further  explana- 
tion of  the  terms  here  used,  I would  rather  call  the  reader’s 
attention  to  the  power,  wisdom,  and  goodness  of  God,  dis- 
played in  this  part  of  creation.  In  the  vast  reservoir  of  the 
oceans  and  seas,  the  waters  are  treasured  up,  being  pre- 
served from  putridity  by  their  saltness  and  incessant  motion. 
These  facilitate  commerce  and  friendly  intercourse  betwixt 
distant  nations,  supply  immense  quantities  of  wholesome  pro- 
visions, and  are  in  many  ways  serviceable  to  mankind.  From 
them  originally,  by  various  modes  of  conveyance,  the  whole 
earth  is  supplied  with  water,  which  is  rendered  fresh  and  fit 
for  use,  and  communicated  in  the  gentlest  method.  With  this 
all  living  creatures  “quench  their  thirst;”  by  this  the  surface 
of  the  earth  is  thus  rendered  fertile,  and  all  the  purposes  of 
cleanliness  are  answered ; and  the  same  waters,  continually 
returning  to  die  sea,  by  brooks  and  rivers,  enrich  and  beautify 
the  adjacent  countries,  and  confer  manifold  benefits  upon  man- 
kind through  the  whole  of  their  course. 

V.  10.  It  is  observable  that  God  himself  gave  names  to 

( 16  ) 


12  And  ‘the  earth  brought  forth  grass,  and 
“herb  yielding  seed  after  his  kind,  and  the  tree 
yielding  fruit,  whose  seed  was  in  itself,  after  his 
kind  : and  God  saw  that  it  was  good. 

13  And  the  evening  and  the  morning  were  Ihe 
third  day. 

14  H And  God  said,  ’Let  there  be  lights  in  the 
firmament  of  the  heaven,  to  divide  Hhe  day  from 
the  night:  rand  let  them  be  for  signs,  and  for  sea- 
sons, and  for  days,  and  years. 

15  And  let  them  be  for  lights  in  the  firmament 
of  the  heaven,  to  give  light  upon  the  earth : and  it 
was  so. 

16  And  God  made  two  great  lights ; the  greater 
light  j|to  ’rule  the  day,  and  the  lesser  light  to  rule 
the  night:  he  made  the  stars  also. 

17  And  God  aset  them  in  the  firmament  of  the 
heaven,  to  give  light  upon  the  earth  ; 

18  And  to  rule  over  the  day,  and  over  the  night, 
and  to  divide  the  light  from  the  darkness ; and  God 
saw  that  it  was  good. 

19  And  the  evening  and  the  morning  were  the 
fourth  day. 

11.  Mfirlt  4:28.  u Is.  55:10,11.  Mstt.  13:24,25.  2 Cor.  9:10.  Gol.  6:7.  x Jol.  25, 
3,5.  38:12 — 14.  Ps.  8:3.4.  19:1—6.  74:16,17.  101:19,20.  119:91.  134:7—9.  148: 
3—6.  Is.  40:26.  Jer.  31:35.  33:20,25.  § Heb.  between  the  day  and  be'ireen  the 
night,  y 8:22.  ||  Heb.  for  the  rule  of  the  day,  &c.  r Deut.  4:19.  Josh.  10:12 — 14. 
Job.  31:26— 28.  Is.  13:10.  24t23.  45:7.  Ex.  32:7,8.  Joel  2:10,31.  3:15.  Am.  5:8. 
8:9.  Hab.  3:11 . Mali.  21:29.  27:45.  Acts  2:20.  Rev.  16:8,9.  21:23.  a 9:13.  Ps 
8:1.  Acts  13:47. 


those  creatures,  over  which  Adam  could  not  exercise  domi- 
nion ; but  left  him  to  give  names  to  the  rest. — Without  doubt,  the 
original  names  were  expressive  of  the  nature  of  the  creatures 

V.  11,  12.  Hitherto  the  whole  was  inert  and  lifeless:  but 
the  vegetable  system  was  next  produced,  in  all  its  varied  and 
numerous  tribes,  for  the  use  of  man  and  beast:  and  each  was 
created  with  the  surprising  power  of  propagating,  and  multi- 
plying almost  infinitely,  its  peculiar  species,  by  seeds,  often 
very  minute,  and  scarcely  discernible  from  each  other ; and  yet 
never  failing  to  produce  plants  of  the  same  species  as  those 
from  which  they  sprang,  each  after  his  kind ! 4 God  has 
secured  the  seeds  of  all  plants  with  singular  care;  some  of 
them  being  defended  by  a double,  nay,  a triple  inclosure.1 
Bp.  Patrick. — Thus  creation  is  still  carried  on  from  year  to 
year ; and,  in  an  incomprehensible  manner,  the  earth  is  filled 
with  the  riches  and  liberality  of  the  Lord ! 

V.  14 — 19.  By  the  word  of  the  omnipotent  Creator  the 
light  was,  as  it  were,  treasured  up  in  the  heavenly  orbs,  (as 
water  is  in  the  seas;)  and  with  it  warmth  and  fertility  have 
ever  since  been  conveyed  to  the  different  regions  of  the  globe  : 
while,  by  the  regular  circuits  of  the  celestial  bodies,  time  is 
measured  out  for  our  convenience  In  various  respects.  4 By 
times  are  meant  the  spring,  summer,  autumn,  and  winter; 
and  by  consequence,  the  seasons  for  ploughing,  sowing,  plant- 
ing, pruning,  reaping,  vintage,  sailing ; and  by  a swift  motion 
round  in  twenty-four  hours,  to  make  a day ; and  by  af  longer 
to  make  years,  and  the  grateful  variety  of  seasons.’  Bp, 
Patrick. — The  moon  is  undoubtedly  an  opaque  body,  much 
smaller  than  the  primary  planets ; and  it  is  with  great  proba- 
bility supposed,  that  the  fixed  stars  are  lights  themselves,  im- 
mensely large : yet  the  moon  is  here  called  a great  light  in 
distinction  from  the  stars ; which  proves  that  the  sacred  writers 
were  not  inspired  to  speak  of  natural  things  with  philosophical 
exactness ; but  were  left  to  use  popular  language,  and  to  dis- 
course of  them  according  to  their  appearance.  As  a light  to 
us , with  reference  to  whom  the  sacred  writer  speaks,  the  moon 
is  greater  than  the  stars:  and  indeed  a modern  Astronomer, 
when  not  purposely  expressing  himself  scientifically , would  use 
similar  language.  Ignorance  or  error  in  these  respects  is  not 
fatal,  and  the  most  exact  knowledge  is  comparatively  of  small 
value:  44  Unto  man  he  said,  Behold  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  that 
is  wisdom;  and  to  depart  from  evil,  is  understanding.”  Job 
28:28. 

V.  20 — 25.  The  earth  reduced  to  order  and  beauty,  reple- 
nished with  vegetable  treasures,  and  lighted  up  with  unspeak- 
able splendour,  had  yet  remained  destitute  of  inhabitants : bu£ 
in  these  verses  we  have  a concise  account  of  the  formation  of 
the  various  species  of  animals  which  inhabit  tho  waters^  the 
air,  and  the  dry  land.  The  similarity  between  fishes  and  birds, 
in  the  general  manner  of  producing  their  young,  and  moving 
in  their  respective  elements,  is  supposed  to  mark  the  common 
original  of  both  from  the  waters.  (2:19.)  The  word  ren- 
dered vihalcs  may  include  all  the  largo  inhabitants  of  seas  and 
rivers. — A very  superficial  acquaintance  with  the  numerous 
tribes  of  animals,  of  different  sizes,  immensely  largo,  or  invi- 
sibly minute;  their  distinct  modes  of  existence,  in  different 
elements  and  on  different  sustenance ; the  surprising  exact- 
ness and  kind  contrivance,  with  which  the  organized  body  in 
every  species  is  formed ; and  the  various  ways  in  which  they 
subserve  the  use  and  pleasure  of  man ; may  suffice  to  show 
us  that  we  have  abundant  reason  to  admire  and  adore  the  groat 
Creator;  while  the  nature  of  life  itself,  and  its  production, 
continuance,  and  propagation,  in  every  distinct  species,  forms 
a very  proper  subject  for  our  speculations,  if  wo  would  he  coi> 


B.  C.  4004. 


CHAPTER  I 


B.  C.  400*. 


20  H Aiul  God  said,  ' Let  the  waters  bring  forth 
abundantly  the  'moving  creature  that  hath  'life, 
and  'fowl  that  may  fly  above  the  earth  in  the 
$open  firmament  ot  heaven. 

21  And  God  created  “great  whales,  and  every 
living  creature  that  moveth,  wliich  the  waters 
dbrought  forth  abundantly  after  their  kind,  and 
every  winged  fowl  after  his  kind  : “and  God  saw 
that  it  ivas  good. 

22  And  ‘God  blessed  them,  saying,  Be  fruitful, 
and  multiply ; and  fill  the  waters  in  the  seas,  and 
let  fowl  multiply  in  the  earth. 

23  And  the  evening  and  the  morning  were  the 
fifth  day. 


b 22.  2:19.  8:17.  l’s.  104:24,25.  143:10.  Acts  17:25.  • Or,  creeping.  1 Kings 

4:33.  f Heb.  a living  soul.  30.  Ec.  3:21.  $ Heb.  let  jowl  fly.  §Heb.  face 
of  the  firmament  of  heaven.  7,14.  c Job  7:12.  2S:5.  Ps.  104:26.  Ez.  32:2. 
Jon.  1:17.  2:10.  Malt.  12:40.  d 8:17.  9:7.  Ex.  1:7.  8:3.  el8,25,31.  ffi8.  8:17. 


vinced  how  incomprehensible  the  works  of  God  are,  and  how 
ignorant  man  is. — The  great  Creator  had  no  occasion  minutely 
to  enumerate  his  works,  in  order  to  display  his  glory ; though 
we  may  properly  descend  to  the  minute  investigation  of  them. 
There  is  therefore  no  particular  mention  here  made  of  many 
tilings,  which  are  to  us  of  the  greatest  importance.  The  air, 
which  modern  experiments  have  evinced  to  be  of  absolute  ne- 
cessity to  animal  and  vegetable  life,  and  in  which  surprising 
traces  of  divine  wisdom  and  goodness  are  discovered,  is  not 
particularly  mentioned;  though  doubtless  it  is  implied  in  the 
general  term  expansion.  (0.  Marg.)  While  the  surface  of  the 
earth  is  constantly  replenished  with  vegetable  riches,  and  in- 
habited by  useful  animals ; underneath  it  most  valuable  trea- 
sures are  stored  up,  placed  thus  out  of  our  way,  but  not  out 
of  our  reach.  “O  Lord,  how  manifold  are  thy  works!  In 
wisdom  hast  thou  made  them  all : the  earth  is  full  of  thy  riches.” 

V.  26, 27.  The  language  here  used,  is  that  of  consultation , 
and  not  of  deliberation  only ; and  it  intimates  far  more  than 
the  superior  excellency  and  dignity  of  the  creature  about  to  be 
formed.  It  is  not  to  be  conceived,  that  the  infinite  God,  by 
speaking  in  the  plural  number,  should  employ  a language  as- 
sumed by  many  princes ; which  is  indeed,  as  thus  used,  more 
ostentatious  than  dignified.  But  it  is  still  more  intolerable  to 
suppose,  that  the  eternal  God  addressed  any  of  his  own  crea- 
tures, as  fellow-workers  with  him  in  the  creation  of  man.  Yet 
these  seem  the  only  expedients  for  interpreting  this  language, 
which  can  be  adopted,  by  those  who  allow  the  divine  inspira- 
tic  n of  the  whole  Scripture,  and  still  refuse  their  assent  to  the 
doctrine  of  the  Trinity:  whereas,  admit  this  doctrine  to  be 
scriptural,  and  the  expressions  are  suitable,  natural,  and  need 
little  explanation.  The  three  Persons  in  the  sacred  T rinity 
at  first  concurred,  in  counsel  and  operation,  in  the  creation  of 
man,  as  afterwards  in  his  recovery  from  the  fall.  And  let  it 
not  be  said,  that,  in  avoiding  one  difficulty,  we  run  ourselves 
into  another  and  a greater ; for  it  can  never  be  shown  impos- 
sible, that  the  same  infinite  Being  should  be  Three  in  one 
respect,  and  One  in  another.  We  know,  and  it  is  absurd  to 
deny  it,  that  the  soul  and  body  are  distinct  substances ; yet 
they  form  one  man,  who  is  two  in  one  respect,  and  one  in  ano- 
ther: but  who  can  comprehend  the  bond  of  union  betwixt  his 
own  soul  and  body,  or  explain  how  they  mutually  operate  on 
each  other?  And  if  we  are  incomprehensible  to  ourselves, 
how  should  it  be  possible  for  us  to  comprehend  our  great  Cre- 
ator? This  indeed  seems  the  limitation  of  human  knowledge: 
by  experiments  the  natural  philosopher  discovers,  that  things 
are  so,  and  have  such  and  such  properties  and  powers ; but  how 
and  why  they  are  so  and  operate  as  they  do,  remains  still  an 
impenetrable  secret.  The  process  of  nature  in  vegetation, 
from  a grain  of  corn  being  cast  in  the  earth  until  the  gathering 
of  harvest,  is  no  more  comprehensible  by  us  than  the  doctrine 
of  the  Trinity ; and  he  who  will  believe  no  more  than  he  can 
comprehend,  must,  to  be  consistent,  question  his  own  exigence. 
The  authenticated  testimony  of  Ged  is  surely  as  sufficient  to 
establish  the  doctrine,  as  to  its  truth  and  certainty,  in  matters 
of  revelation,  as  experiments  are  to  establish  the  fact  in  phi- 
losophy; and  the  manner  how  is  no  more  matter  ot  faith  in 
the  one  case,  than  of  science  in  the  other ; nor  are  the  difficul- 
ties greater,  except  as  infinity  exceeds  the  grasp  of  our  finite 
capacities. 

The  great  Creator  said,  “Let  us  make  man,  in  o-xr  image, 
after  our  likeness.”  The  expression  is  doubled  and  varied, 
that  it  may  the  more  engage  our  attention,  and  ensure  our 
belief.  This  image  and  likeness  of  God  cannot  be  in  the  body ; 
for  God  is  a Spirit,  which  no  bodily  shape  can  in  any  respect 
resemble.  We  must  therefore  look  for  it  in  the  rational  soul. 
Even  in  the  present  state  of  human  nature,  the  soul  of  man 
bears  some  faint  resemblance  to  its  Maker : the  understand- 
ing, memory,  and  imagination,  in  their  several  operations,  ex- 
hibit a faint  shadow  of  the  divine  wisdom  and  knowledge  ; the 
will,  as  exciting  and  directing  our  activity  in  all  respects,  bears 
a similitude  to  the  almighty  effects  of  the  divine  volitions,  and 
shows  that  mind  can  act  on  matter  in  some  inexplicable  man- 
ner ; nay,  conscience,  in  the  exercise  of  her  dictatorial  and 
judicial  functions,  gives  a feeble  reflection  of  the  justice  and 
holiness  of  the  Judge  of  all : whilst  the  derived  and  dependent 
immortality  of  the  human  soul  reminds  us  of  Him  who  is  self- 
sxistent  and  eternal.  But  fallen  angels,  who  possess  these 
Vol.  I.— 3 


24  IT  And  God  said,  "Let  the  earth  bring  forth 
the  living  creature  after  his  kind,  cattle,  and  creep- 
ing thing,  and  beast  of  the  earth  after  liiskind: 
and  it  was  so. 

25  And  God  hmade  the  beast  of  the  earth  after 
his  kind : and  cattle  after  their  kind,  and  every  thing 
that  creepeth  upon  the  earth  afteh  his  kind  : and 
God  saw  that  it  ivas  good. 

26  IT  And  God  said,  ‘Let  us  make  man  kin  our 
image,  after  our  likeness : and  let  them  'have  do 
minion  over  the  fish  of  the  sea,  and  over  the  fow 
of  the  air,  and  over  the  cattle,  and  over  all  the 
earth,  and  over  every  creeping  thing  that  creepeth 
upon  the  earth. 

9:1.  30:27,30  . 35:11.  Lev.  26:9.  l's. 107:38.  g6:20.  7:14.  8:19.  Job  38:39,40  . 39: 
1,5,9,19.  40:15.  Ps. 50:9,10.  104:18—23.  118:10.  h2:19,20.  Job  12:8— 10.  26:13. 

1 3:22.  11:7.  John  5:17.  14:23.  k5:1.9:G.  Ec.  7:29.  Acls  17:28,29.  1 Cor.  11:7. 

2 Cor.  3:18.  4:4.  Eph.  4:24.  Col.  1:15.  3:10.  Jam.  3:9.  I 9:2,3.  Job  5:23.  Ps.  8: 


powers  in  a higher  degree,  are  never  said  to  bear  the  image  of 
God ; and  few  places  in  Scripture  can  be  fairly  interpreted  of 
fallen  man’s  being  like  his  Maker  till  renewed  by  divine  grace* 
There  must  then  be  a nobler  sense,  in  which  Adam  was  form- 
ed in  the  image  and  likeness  of  God. — No  adequate  conception 
indeed  can  be  formed  of  man’s  primeval  state  and  powers, 
from  the  brief  account  given  of  him  in  Scripture. . But  we  may 
also  avail  ourselves  of  the  revelation  given  us,  concerning  the 
moral  attributes  of  God ; we  may  contemplate  the  character  of 
Jesus  Christ,  who  in  human  nature  displayed  the  divine  image 
in  full  perfection;  we  may  examine  the  moral  law  which  de- 
scribes, and  the  Christian’s  character,  which,  being  u renewed 
in  knowledge,”  “ righteousness,  and  true  holiness,”  exemplifies 
the  image  of  God.  And  the  expression  reneived,  implies  that  it 
is  the  same  image  which  sin  had  defaced.  (M.  R.)  From 
these  sources  of  information  satisfactory  conclusions  may  be 
deduced.  God  alone  can  have  perfect,  infallible,  immutable 
knowledge : but  Adam  was  created  after  the  divine  image,  both 
in  the  capacity  of  receiving,  and  in  the  disposition  of  heart  to 
entertain,  true  knowledge  ; and  he  actually  possessed,  from  the 
gift  of  God,  a right  understanding  and  a competent  knowledge 
of  his  Creator,  of  himself,  of  his  own  situation,  his  duty,  his  in- 
terests, his  obligations  to  obedience,  and  the  odious  nature  and 
evil  consequences  of  disobedience. — In  these  and  similar  con- 
cerns, we  may  be  assured,  that  he  knew  and  judged  accord 
ing  to  the  knowledge  and  judgment  of  his  Maker;  though  no! 
infallibly  or  immutably. — Resulting  from  this  state  of  his  un- 
derstanding and  judgment,  he  doubtless  possessed  a disposi- 
tion to  value  or  contemn,  to  approve  or  disapprove,  to  love  ot 
detest,  every  object  which  presented  itself  to  his  mind,  ac- 
cording to  its  real  excellency,  worthlessness,  or  hatefulness. — 
In  such  a state  of  the  heart,  that  is,  of  the  judgment,  will 
and  affections,  the  divine  image  evidently  must  consist : anc, 
we  may  thence  certainly  infer,  that  in  these  things  Adam  re- 
sembled his  Malqer.  Knowledge  in  a creature  must  be  limited ; 
error  may  follow,  and  thence  a change  of  judgment  and  heart 
may  be  induced ; that  is,  a holy  creature  may  fall,  and  become 
unholy;  but  imperfection  in  the  original  disposition  of  the 
heart , supposes  the  creature  to  be  formed  unholy,  and  is  in- 
consistent with  its  being  created  after  the  image  of  God.— 
We  determine  then,  that  the  image  of  God,  in  which  Adam 
was  created,  consisted  in  an  understanding  prepared  to  im 
bibe  true  knowledge,  a judgment  free  from  corrupt  bias,  a will 
disposed  to  obedience,  and  affections  regulated  according  to 
reason  and  truth;  nor  can  we  conceive  that  it  could  consist 
in  any  thing  else.  From  such  a state  of  mind,  godliness,  in 
all  its  internal  exercises  and  external  expressions,  righteous- 
ness, truth,  benevolence,  purity,  and  an  exact  regulation  and 
government  of  every  appetite  and  passion,  must  necessarily 
result,  and  every  duty  to  God  and  man  be  constantly  and 
delightfully  performed.  The  same  disposition  would  ensure 
belief  of  every  truth  which  God  should  afterwards  reveal, 
obedience  to  every  precept  which  he  should  enjoin,  a cordial 
acceptance  of  every  proposal  which  he  should  make,  and  ad- 
miration of  every  discovery  of  the  divine  glory  at  any  time 
vouchsafed:  and  could  it  have  been  possible  for  man  to  sin. 
without  losing  the  divine  image,  it  would  have  disposed  him 
to  repent : and  with  faith,  love,  and  joy,  to  receive  the  Me- 
diator in  whom  believers  trust ; and  to  exercise  all  those 
graces,  and  practise  all  those  duties  which  spring  from  the 
character  of  a redeemed  sinner. — Man,  thus  created  in  the 
divine  image,  was  constituted  ruler  over  the  other  creatures. 
This  dominion  has  been  frequently  termed  a part  of  the  divine 
image : but  it  seems  more  natural,  to  consider  the  capacity 
for  exercising  dominion  as  the  result  of  that  image : and  that 
the  actual  grant  of  dominion  was  made  to  man,  inconsequence 
of  that  capacity,  and  as  shadowing  forth  the  sovereignty  of 
God  over  all  his  works.  Tho  subjection  of  the  animals,  had 
not  sin  entered,  would  doubtless  have  been  far  more  entire 
and  voluntary,  and  the  exercise  of  man’s  authorily  far  more 
benign  and  gentle,  than  they  are  at  present.  For  man  is  now, 
too  generally,  a severe  tyrant  over  the  animals,  which  are 
within  his  reach  and  under  his  power ; and  many  creatures 
seem  to  have  shaken  off,  or  fled  from,  his  abused  dominion. 

V.  28.  It  appears  from  this  verse,  that  both  the  man  and 
the  woman  were  created  on  the  sixth  day ; and  that  the  sub- 
sequent account  is  only  a more  circumstantial  recapitulation 
( 17  ) 


B.  C.  4004. 


GENESIS, 


B.  C.  4004 


27  So  God  created  man  in  his  own  image : in 
the  iruage  of  God  created  he  him ; mmale  and  fe- 
male created  he  them. 

28  And  “God  blessed  them,  and  God  said  unto 
them,  Be  fruitful  and  multiply,  and  replenish  the 
earth,  and  subdue  it : and  have  dominion  over  the 
fish  of  the  sea, “and  over  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and 
over  every  living  thing  that  ‘moveth  upon  the 
earth. 

29  H And  God  said,  Behold,  °I  have  given  you 
every  herb  ’bearing  seed,  which  is  upon  the  face 
of  all  the  earth,  and  every  tree,  in  the  which  is  the 
fruit  of  a tree  yielding  seed  : i’to  you  it  shall  be  for 
meat. 

30  And  ‘Uo  every  beast  of  the  earth,  and  to  every 
fowl  of  the  air,  and  to  every  thing-  that  creepeth 
upon  the  earth,  wherein  there  is  ‘life,  I have  given 
every  green  herb  for  meat : and  it  was  so. 

31  And  God  saw  every  thing  that  he  had  made, 
and,  behold,  it  was  rvery  good.  ’And  the  evening 
and  the  morning  were  the  sixth  day. 

4 — 8.  104:20 — 24.  Jer.  27:6.  Hell.  2:6— 9.  Jam.  3:7.  m 2:21— 25.  5:2.  Mal.2: 
15.  Matt.  19:4.  Mark  10:6.  1 Cor.  11:8,9.  n 22  . 9:1 ,7.  17:16,20  . 22: 17,18.  M: 
60.  26:3,4.21.  33:5.  49:25.  I.ev.26:9.  1 Chr.  26:5.  Ps.  127:3—5.  128:3,4.  1 Tim. 
4:3.  * neb.  creepeth.  Ps.  69:34.  marg.  oPs.  24:1.  115:16.  Hos.  2:8.  Act9  17: 
24,25.  1 Tim.  6:17.  f Ileb.  seeding  seed,  p 2:16.  9:3.  Job  36:31 . Ps.  104:27,28. 
136:25.  145:15.16.  147:9.  Acts  11:17.  q Job.  38:39—41.  39:4,8,30  . 40:15,20. 
J Heb.  a living  soul,  r Job  38:7.  Ps.  19:1,2.  104:24,31.  1 Tim.  4:4.  s5,8,13,19, 

of  the  interesting  event. — The  beneficent  Creator,  having 
formed  them  with  capacities  for  enjoyment,  and  furnished 
them  with  all  things  externally  conducive  to  it,  assured  them 
of  his  favour  and  blessing,  to  consummate  their  felicity  and 
secure  its  continuance ; and  it  is  probable  Adam  was  taught 
to  expect,  that,  after  a term  of  probation  upon  earth,  he  and 
his  descendants,  if  they  persevered  in  obedience,  would  be 
translated  into  heaven,  or  favoured  with  some  confirmation  in 
happiness  equivalent  to  it.  The  increase  of  the  human  spe- 
cies formed  a part  of  the  Creator’s  benediction;  and,  had  not 
sin  entered,  it  would  have  been  a progressive  communication 
and  multiplication  of  endless  felicity. — In  this  method  creation 
is  still  carried  on,  and  the  divine  perfections  are  exercised  and 
displayed  in  the  continuance,  as  well  as  in  the  first  production, 
of  the  creatures ; though  the  former  excites  little  surprise,  be- 
cause custom  leads  us  to  expect  it. 

V.  29,  30.  Our  wants  and  inclinations  give  us  no  right  to 
use  the  creatures  of  God,  however  suitable  they  may  be  to 
supply  and  gratify  them : the  grant  of  the  great  Proprietor 
alone  confers  it.  In  this  grant  the  animals  are  joined,  as 
equally  entitled  to  provision  from  the  Creator’s  bounty. — Ani- 
mal food  seems  not  to  have  been  generally  allowed,  till  after 
the  Hood,  or  to  have  been  desired  or  thought  of  before  the  fall. 
But  it  is  not  certain,  either  that  no  part  of  the  sacrifices  offer- 
ed after  that  event  were  eaten,  or  that  a rebellious  race  did 
not  take  the  liberty  of  using  animal  food,  before  it  was  granted 
them. 

V.  31.  Very  good.]  Each  production  of  creative  power 
had  before  been  pronounced  good: — but  after  man’s  creation, 
the  whole  was  declared  to  be  very  good.  A superior  excel- 
lency, from  an  harmonious  connexion  of  perfect  parts  in  one 
perfect  whole,  was  produced  by  each  part  deriving  beauty 
from,  and  reflecting  beauty  upon  the  rest:  and  the  creation  of 
man,  the  image  and  vicegerent  of  his  Maker,  the  only  wor- 
shipper in  this  august  temple,  who  in  reasonable  adoration 
might  render  him  the  glory  of  the  whole,  completed  the  design, 
and  stamped  it  “very  good.” — The  perfections  of  God  are 
worthy  of  being  exercised,  displayed,  contemplated,  admired, 
and  adored.  Man  was  formed  capable  of  perceiving  that 
manifested  glory,  of  rendering  the  tribute  of  vocal  praise,  and 
of  finding  felicity  in  his  Maker’s  worship  and  love:  this  was 
well  pleasing  to  the  Lord,  who  was  most  perfectly  satisfied 
with  his  work,  “while  the  morning  stars  sang  together,  and 
all  the  sons  of  God  shouted  for  joy.”  Thus  the  creation  of 
the  heaven  and  the  earth  was  completed  in  six  days,  which 
doubtless  the  Creator  could  have  effected  in  an  instant;  but 
he  deemed  it  more  suited  to  his  majesty  and  wisdom  to  do  it 
gradually,  and  by  progressive  advances ; that  we,  leisurely 
contemplating  these  wonders,  might  note  more  carefully  the 
glories  displayed  in  them ; and,  seeing  each  majestically  rise 
superior  to  all  that  went  before,  might  be  more  suitably  affect- 
ed with  admiring  gratitude,  and  excited  to  adoring  praise. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  account,  given  us  in  this  chapter,  of  the  Author  and 
Original  of  all  things,  is  so  rational,  satisfactory,  and  sublime ; 
and  the  visible  creation,  as  it  subsists  at  this  day,  displays 
such  wise  contrivance,  powerful  operation,  and  beneficent 
attention  to  the  wants  and  welfare  of  all  creatures;  that 
atheists,  and  all  others  who,  with  the,  Bible  in  their  hands, 
and  the  creation  before  their  eyes,  “honour  not  the  Creator  as 
God,  neither  arc  thankful,”  must  be  for  ever  left  without  ex- 
cuse: and  infidelity  and  impiety  must  at  length  manifestly 
appear  to  be  as  absurd  and  foolish,  as  they  are  wicked. — The 
Creator  of  all  things  is,  without  controversy,  the  sole  Proprie- 
tor and  sovereign  Lord  of  all.  Our  very  bodies  and  souls  are 
his,  and  net  our  own ; for  “ he  made  us,  and  not  we  ourselves.” 
( 18  ) 


CHAPTER  II. 

The  sabbath  te  instituted , 1 — 3.  > Farther  particulars  concerning  the  produe. 
tion  of  the  vegetables , and  the'ereation  of  mat,,  4 — 7.  The  garden  of  Eden^ 
hoto  planted , ami  where  situated,  8 — 14  ; man  u placed  in  it  ; and  permit 
ted  to  eat  of  the  frui',  rcCh  a solemn  interdiction  of  one  tree,  15 — 17.  The  ani- 
mals are  named  by  Adam;  and  an  acr  ,unl  given  of  the\:reation  of  woman, 
and  the  institution  of  inairiage,  18 — 25. 

THUS  "the  heavens  and  the  earth  were  finished, 
and  all  the  l,host  of  them. 

2  And  con  the  seventh  day  God  ended  his  work 
which  he  had  made  : and  he  rested  on  the  seventh 
day  from  all  his  work  which  he  had  made. 

3  And  God  ‘'blessed  the  seventh  day  and  sancti* 
fied  it : because  that  in  it  he  had  rested  from  all 
his  work,  which  God  ^created  and  made. 

4  H These  are  cthe  generations  of  the  heavens 
and  of  the  earth,  when  they  were  created : in  the 
day  that  the  Lord  God  made  the  earth  and  the 
heavens ; 

5  And  fevery  plant  of  the  field,  before  it  was 
in  the  earth,  and  every  herb  of  the  field,  before  it 
g-rfew : for  the  Lord  God  shad  not  caused  it  to  rain 

23.  2:2.  Ex. 20:11.  a4.  1:1.  Ps.  104:2.  Is.  45:18. 65:5.  65:17.  Heb.  4:3.  bDsou 
4:19.  17:3.  2 Kinjs  21:3—5.  1's.  33:6.  Is.  40:23— 23.  4.5:12.  Jsr.  8:2.  Luke  8:13. 
Auls  7:42.  c 1:31.  John  5:17.  d Ex.  16:22— 30.  20:8 — 11.  31:13—17  . 35:2,3. 
I.ex.  25:2,3.  Deut.  5:12— 14.  Nell.  9:14.  13:15—22.  Is.  56:2-  7 . 58:13,14.  Jcr. 
17:21 — 27.  Mark  2:27.  Heb.  4:4 — 10.  § Heb.  created  tomnke.  e5:l.  10:1.  11 

10.  25.12,19.  36:1,9.  Ex.  6:16.  f 1:12.  g Job  5:10.  38:26—28.  Ps.  65:9— 11. 
Jer.  14 .22.  Matt.  5:45. 


He  has  therefore  an  undoubted  right  to  dispose  of  us,  and  o, 
all  creatures,  as  he  pleases.  To  him  an  account  must  be 
rendered  of  the  use  which  we  make  of  all  bis  gifts:  nor  should 
we  ever  allow7  ourselves  to  lose  sight  of  this  important  truth ; 
which  is  suited,  not  only  to  restrain  us  from  abusing  the  work 
and  gift  of  God  in  the  practice  of  sin,  but  also  to  quicken  us  in 
employing  all  that  we  possess  and  enjoy  in  the  service  of  our 
liberal  Benefactor.  We  should  also  accustom  ourselves  to 
contemplate  his  glory  in  every  object  which  we  behold,  and 
to  taste  his  bounty  in  all  our  comforts  and  enjoyments.  As 
our  obligations  are  so  vast,  bis  largest  demands  of  love,  wor- 
ship, and  service,  are  perfectlj'  reasonable : yet,  tried  by  this 
plain  rule,  our  own  hearts  must  certamly  condemn  our  past 
and  present  conduct. — In  our  own  private  history,  as  well  as 
in  that  of  the  world  through  every  age,  we  may  read  what 
havoc  sin  has  made  in  the  creation  of  God,  once  by  infallible 
wisdom  pronounced  “ very  good  ;”  especially  in  man,  created 
in  his  own  image  and  likeness!  Let  us  then  bless  his  name 
for  the  Gospel  of  Christ ; and  take  warning  from  the  conside- 
ration of  the  almighty  power  of  that  God  against  whom  we 
have  sinned,  (the  stupendous  effects  of  which  we  have  been 
contemplating,)  to  “flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,”  and- to 
seek  reconciliation  to  him,  that  his  powerful  arm  may  be 
employed  for  our  salvation,  and  not  for  cur  destruction.  And 
what  deliverances,  supports,  and  consolations  may  we  not 
expect,  in  our  greatest  distresses  and  perils,  froip  the  most 
powerful  enemies;  if  the  omnipotent  Creator  be  our  Father 
and  ouu  Friend?  Being  thus  rendered  victorious  ovei  all  our 
enemies,  and  new  created  unto  the  image  of  God  in  holiness, 
we  shall  at  length  obtain  admission  into  the  “ new  heavens  ana 
new  earth,  wherein  dwelleth  righteousness.”  * 

NOTES. — Chap.  II.  V.  1.  Host.  1 All  the  pans  of  the 
visible  creation  occupy  their  proper  places,  like  soldiers  in  a 
well  disciplined  host , or  army:  so  that  number  and  variety 
connect  with  regularity  and  beauty,  and  conduce  to  the  per- 
fection of  the  whole.  (AT.  R.) — The  sacred  historian,  having 
given  a brief  account  of  the  orderly  production  of  all  things, 
explains  in  this  chapter  some  particulars  move  fully,  which 
would  otherwise  have  interrupted  the  order  of  his  narration. 

V.  2.  The  Lord  was  pleased  to  complete  his  design,  jus! 
when  the  sixth  day  ended  and  the  seventh  commenced;  and 
then  he  rested  from  all  lys  work:  not  that  the  exertion  of 
creating  power  had  caused  weariness,  or  that,  his  rest  was 
inactivity;  for  he  still  upholds,  preserves,  renovates,  and  go- 
verns the  whole;  in  which  sense  Christ  says,  “The  Father 
worketh  hitherto,  and  I work.”  But  he  ceased  from  creating, 
and  added  no  more;  and  he  rejoiced  with  perfect  satisfaction 
in  the  whole,  as  worthy  of  himself  and  manifesting  his  glory. 

V.  3.  The  sacred  writer  here  both  records  the  appoints 
ment  of  the  sabbath,  and  assigns  the  reason  for  it : “Because 
that  in  it  the  Lord  rested  from  all  his  work.”  This  is 
evidently  historical , and  not  by  anticipation : for  the  reason 
subsisted  from  the  beginning;  and  was  more  cogent  immedi- 
ately, than  it  could  he  at.  a distance  of  more  than  t wo  thousand 
years,  when  the  command  was  solemnly  renewed  from  Mount 
Sinai,  long  after  sin  had  marred  the  beauty  of  the  great 
Creator’s  works:  and  it  concerns  the  whole  human  race,  m 
much  as  the  nation  of  Israel.  This  is  confirmed  by  the 
custom  of  measuring  time  bv  weeks,  whicn  has  generally 
prevailed  in  the  world  ; and  which  is  most  reasonably  account- 
ed for,  by  supposing  it  to  have  arisen  from  an  original  tradition, 
handed  down  from  Adam  and  Noah  to  all  their,  posterity. 
And  the  silence  of  Moses  concerning  the  observation  of  the 
sabbath  by  the  patriarchs,  so  far  from  proving  that  they  Wf.re 
not  commanded  to  observe  it,  will  not  render  it  so  much  as 
probable  that  they  did  not  actually  keep  it,  to  those  who 


B.  C.  4004. 


CHAPTER  II.  B.  C.  4004. 


upon  the  earth,  and  there  was  not  a man  hto  till 
the  ground. 

6 But  'there  went  up  a mist  from  the  earth, 
and  watered  the  whole  lace  of  the  ground. 

7 And  the  Lord  God  formed  man  *of  the  “dust 
of  the  ground,  and  k breathed  into  his  1 nostrils  the 
breath  of  life : and  man  became  '"a  living  soul. 

8 H And  the  Loan  God  planted  "a  garden  ‘’east- 
ward in  Eden : and  there  he  put  the  man  whom  he 
had  formed. 

9 And  out  of  the  ground  made  the  Lord  God 
to  grow  every  tree  that  is  pleasant  to  the  sight, 
and  good  for  food:  '’the  Tree  of  life  also  in  the 
midst  of  the  garden,  and  ‘'the  Tree  of  knowledge 
of  good  and  evil. 

10  And  ra  river  went  but  of  Eden  to  water  the 
garden;  and  from  thence  it  was  parted,  and  became 
into  four.heads. 

11  The  nameofthe  first  is  Pison : thatisitwhich 


b 3:23.  4:2,12.  ' Or,  a mist  which  went  up.  t Heb.  the  duet  of,  & c. 

1 3:19.  Job  4:13.  33:6.  Ps.  101:14.  Be.  3:20.  12:7.  Is.  64:8.  1 Cor.  15:47. 

2 Cor.  4:7.  5:1.  k Job  27:3.  33:4.  John  20:22.  Acts  17:25.  1 7:22. 

Is.J2:22.  m Num.  16:22.  27:16.  7,ech.  12:1.  1 Cur.l5:45.  Heb.  12:9.  n 13:10. 
Is.  61:3.  Joel  2:3  o 3:24.  4:16.  2 Kings  19:12.  K?..  27:23  . 28:13.  p 322.  Pro*. 
3:18.  11:30.  Ez.  47:12.  Rev.  2:7.  22:2,14.  q 17.  3:3,22.  Is.  44:25.  47:10.  1 Cor. 
8:1.  rPs.4S:4.  Rev.  22:1.  s 10:7,29.  25:18.  1 Sam.  15:7.  tNum.ll:7.  uEi. 

attentively  consider  how  much  darkness  rests  upon  many 
similar  subjects,  in  the  scriptural  history  of  the  Church.  Yet 
some  intimations  are  given  in  this  book,  which  show  that  the 
patriarchs  divided  time  into  weeks,  and  regarded  the  seventh 
day.  ( Notes , 8:fi— It.  29:27.) — The  “sabbath,  being  made 
for  man,”  was  no  doubt  coeval  with  his  creation. — Even  in 
the  state  of  innocence,  Adam  and  Eve  4vere  employed  in 
dressing  and  keeping  the  garden:  and  though  exempt  from 
sin  and  suffering,  yet  their  rational  nature  was  capable  of  a 
far  more  exalted  state ; and  they  were  taught  to  consider 
themselves  as  preparing  for  it  by  progressive  improvement. 
The  seventh  day  therefore,  being  blessed  and  sanctified  by 
God,  separated  from  common  employments,  and  consecrated 
to  religious  worship ; on  it  especially  they  were  required  to 
remember  their  Creator,  to  contemplate  his  works,  and  to 
render  him  their  tribute  of  thankful  praise ; and  this  would, 
even  in  Paradise,  be  conducive  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  bene- 
ficial to  them;  perhaps  absolutely  necessary  to  their  safety 
and  felicity.  ( Notes , Ex.  16:22 — 27.  20:8 — 11.) 

V.  4.  This  is  the  real  and  true  account  of  the  origin  of  the 
heavens  and  the  earth ; and  may  therefore  be  opposed  to  the 
fables  of  poets,  and  the  fancies  of  speculating  philosophers. — 
The  word  Jehovah,  the  peculiar  name  of  the  living  God,  is 
here  first  used.  It  seems  to  mean  Self-existence , underived, 
independent,  and  immutable.  (Note,  Ex.  3:14.) 

Y.  5,  6.  In  general,  God  employs  the  genial  warmth  of 
the  sun  and  the  refreshing  rains,  and  also  the  labour  of  man,  in 
producing  the  fruits  of  the  earth : but  he  needs  them  not;  and 
therefore  these  first  productions,  (which  doubtless  were  in  full 
perfection,)  were  prepared  before  the  sun  was  created, before 
rhe  rain  descended,  or  man  was  formed : but  from  the  time 
that  the  vegetables  were  produced,  a mist  arose  from  the 
earth,  and  fell  in  gentle  dews  for  their  refreshment  and 
preservation. — ‘It  is  Gods  immediate  work  to  communicate 
the  first  principles  of  things,  but  their  growth  is  promoted  by 
the  instrumentality  of  man.’  Fuller.  Thus  regeneration  is 
immediately  the  work  of  God ; but  in  progressive  sanctification 
man  is  willing  and  active. 

V.  7.  The  Creator’s  skill  was  manifested,  in  forming  so 
ex’quisite  a structure  as  the  human  body,  of  so  mean  materials. 
Yet  the  Lord  not  only  gave  man  life  in  common  with  the  other 
animals,  which  had  bodies  formed  of  the  same  dust ; but  im- 
mediately communicated  from  himself  the  rational  soul,  here 
denoted  by  '’'•breathing  into  his  nostrils  the  breath  of  life.” 
Thus  “ the  first  Adam  became  a living  soul :”  but  man,  by  the 
fall  having  become  dead  in  sin,  in  infinite  mercy,  “ the  second 
Adam,  the  Lord  from  heaven,”  became  “ a quickening  spirit,” 
and,  by  the  communication  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  he  restores 
divine  life  and  renews  the  divine  image. — It  is  remarkable  that 
Jesus,  after  his  resurrection,  (with  apparent  reference  to  this 
expression, ) “ breathed  upon  his  disciples,  and  said,  Receive  ye 
the  Holy  Ghost.” 

V.  8,  9.  This  garden,  planned  doubtless  with  exquisite 
beauty,  and  stored  with  every  thing  which  could  regale  the 
senses,  seems  to  have  been  intended  as  a pledge  of  heavenly 
felicity. — The  word  paradise,  (which  the  Septuagint  use  in  this 
place  for  garden,)  in  allusion  to  Eden,  is  in  some  instances  used 
for  heaven  itself,  and  there,  are  many  references  to  it  in  scrip-' 
ture.  (Luke  23:43.  2 Cor  12:4.)  “ The  Tree  of  Life” 

seems  also  to  have  been  a sacramental  pledge  of  immortality  ; 
and,  by  eating  the  fruit  of  it,  life  and  felicity  wore  sealed  to 
Adam,  as  long  as  he  continued  obedient.  “ The  Tree  of 
knowledge”  might  be  thus  called,  because  that,  by  the  prohi- 
bition of  its  fruit,  a revelation  was  made  to  Adam  of  hisCrea- 
tcr’s  will;  of  his  own  duty,  interest,  situation,  and  danger;  of 
the  consequences  of  his  future  conduct;  and  of  the  prescribed 
condition  of  life  or  death,  happiness  or  misery  ; in  which  things 
«is  most  interesting  knowledge  consisted.  By  abstaining  from 
this  fruit  the  knowledge  of  good  would  be  enjoyed ; but  by  eat- 


compasseth  the  whole  land  of  TIavilah,  where. 
there  is  gold  ; 

12  And  the  gold  of  that  land  is  good  : there  is 
‘bdellium  and  “the  onyx-stone. 

13  And  the  name  ol  the  second  river  is  Gihon : 
the  same  is  it  that  compasseth  the  whole  land  of 
^Ethiopia. 

14  And  the  name  of  the  third  river  is  “Hidde- 
kel: that  is  it  which  goeth  Howards  the  east  of 
^Assyria.  And  the  fourth  river  is  ‘Euphrates. 

15  And  the  Lord  God  took  ntheman,  and  “put 
him  into  the  garden  of  Eden  to  dress  it  and  to 

keep  it.  r Practical  Observations.’] 

16  And^  the  Lord  God  commanded  the  man, 
saying,  Of  every  tree  of  the  garden  Hliou  mayest 
bfreely  eat: 

17  But  cof  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good 
and  evil,  thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it : for  in  the  day  that 
thou  eatest  thereof,  "thou  shalt d surely  die. 


28:20.  39:13.  Job  28:16.  Ez.  23:13.  t Heh.  Cush.  10:6.  Is.  11:11.  x Dan.  10: 
4.  § Or,  tashrard  lo  Assyria,  y 10:11.  25-18.  z 15:18.  ||  Or,  Adam.  5:2.  Job 
31:33.  a 8.  fi  Heb.  eating  thou  shall  eat.  3:1,2.  b 9.  1 Tim.  4:4.  6:17.  c3:l— 
3,11,17.  ** Heb.  dying  th ou  shall  die.  d 3:3,4.  Dent. 27:26.  Ez.3:l8 — 20.  18:4, 
13,32.  Rom.  1:32.'  5:12—21.  6:16,23.  7:10—13.  8:2.  1 Cor.  15:22,56.  Gal.  3:10. 
Eph.  2:1 — 6.  5:14.  Col.  2:13.  1 Tim.  5:6.  Jam.  1:15.  1 John  5:16.  Rev.  2:11.  20: 


ing  of  it  the  knowledge  of  evil  would  be  fatally  introduced.  It 
might  also  intimate  that  man  should  set  boundaries  to  his  thirst 
for  knowledge ; and  covet  rather  to  know  and  obey  the  com- 
mands of  God,  than  to  pry  into  ur.r*»vealed  secrets.  To  these 
meanings  Satan  artfully  super?udc;l  his  pernicious  misinter- 
pretation, which  will  shortly  require*  *mr  attention. — This  gar- 
den was  situated  eastward  of  Canaan,  or  of  the  wilderness  where 
Moses  wrote  the  history. — Adam  and  Eve  seem  to  have  been 
created  without  the  garden,  and  to  have  been  afterwards 
brought  into  it. 

V.  10 — 14.  From  the  well-known  names  of  the  Hiddekel 
or  Tigris,  and  the  Euphrates,  we  determine  that  the  garden  of 
Eden  was  situated  in  or  near  Mesopotamia ; and  some  learned 
men  have  supposed  that  almost  the  precise  spot  maybe  ascer- 
tained; but  this  is  doubtful.  It  is  supposed,  that  the  Tigris 
and  Euphrates  met  and  united  their  streams  at  the  garden  of 
Eden,  and  that  below  it,  the  river  parted  again  into  two 
streams,  called  Pison  and  Gihon ; and  that  all  these  are  called 
heads.  It  is  manifest,  that  Moses  intended  to  give  an  intel- 
ligible description  of  the  situation  of  Eden  to  his  countrymen ; 
who  might  doubtless,  by  attending  to  the  several  particulars 
here  mentioned,  find  the  precise  spot,  though  we  cannot : and 
notwithstanding  the  subsequent  convulsions  during  the  deluge, 
which  must  have  greatly  changed  the  face  of  the  country,  it  is 
evident  that  the  Tigris  and  Euphrates  continued  nearly  the 
same  course  after  that  catastrophe  as  before. 

V.  16,  17.  Man,  created  in  the  image  of  God,  doubtless 
had  the  moral  law  written  in  his  heart  as  the  law  of  his  holy 
nature;  and  was  both  bound  and  inclined  to  that,  love  of  God 
and  his  creatures,  which  constitutes  its  substance  and  fulfil- 
ment. But  the  prohibition,  here  imposed,  was  an  additional 
instituted  test  of  obedience  ; and,  being  accompanied  with  the 
liberal  allowance  which  precedes  it,  formed  a proper  trial  of 
his  love,  and  of  the  submission  of  his  inclinations  to  the  will  of 
his  beneficent  Benefactor.  It  likewise  intimated  to  him,  that 
the  favour  of  God,  and  not  animal  gratification,  was  the  proper 
felicity  of  his  nature ; and  taught  him  not  to  consider  himself 
at  the  summit  of  his  happiness,  in  a state  where  self-denial  was 
required.  The  annexed  denunciation,  “ thou  shalt  surely  die,” 
or,  dying  thou  shalt  die,  evidently  implied,  that,  by  transgression 
he  would  totally  forfeit  his  Maker’s  favour,  and  incur  his  dis- 
pleasure with  all  its  awful  effects ; that  immediately  he  would 
become  liable  to  pain  and  disease,  which,  as  a tedious  execu- 
tion, would  not  cease  but  in  the  dissolution  of  the  body  ; that  he 
would  lose  the  holy  image  of  God  and  the  comfort  of  his  favour; 
and  that  he  would  experience  the  torment  of  sinful  passions 
and  the  terror  of  his  Creator’s  vengeance,  which,  according  to 
this  covenant , must  endure  coeval  with  the  existence  of  his  im- 
mortal soul.  The  event  shows  that  all  this  was  implied:  for 
the  just  and  holy  God  would  not  subsequently  inflict  more  than 
he  had  previously  denounced  to  Adam  and  Eve.  The  same 
evidence  proves,  that  the  whole  human  race,  then  in  the  loins 
of  their  common  father,  and  represented  by  him  as  their  federal 
head,  were  interested  in  the  transaction.  To  argue  against 
this,  is  to  combat  stubborn  facts,  as  well  as  divine  revelation 
unless  some  more  satisfactory  account  of  the  present  condition 
and  character  of  man  can  be  assigned,  but  which  has  never  yet 
been  done.  For  man  is  evidently  a sinful  creature,  and  shows 
his  natural  propensities  by  his  first  actions  and  continual  con- 
duct ; he  is  under  undeniable  tokens  of  divine  displeasure,  and 
exposed  to  sufferings  and  death ; a dark  cloud,  impenetrable 
except  by  the  light  of  revelation,  rests  upon  his  state  beyond 
the  grave  ; the  Scriptures  always  address  him  as  in  this  mise- 
rable situation,  and  as  bearing  this  sinful  character ; and  these 
things  have  been  universally  verified  in  all  ages  and  nations. 
If  men  find  fault  with  that  which  God  has  evidently  done,  Jel 
them  answer  it  to  him.  He  deigns  not  to  apologize  for  his  own 
conduct;  and,  with  our  dark  and  imperfect  views,  we  shall  be 
deemed  too  officious,  if  we  attempt  it  — u Shall  not  the  Judge 
( 19  ) 


B.  C 1004 


GENESIS 


B.  C.  4004. 


18  H And  the  Lord  God  said,  It  is  not  'good 
that  the  man  should  be  alone : fI  will  make  him  an 
help  ‘meet  for  him. 

19  And  «out  ofthe  ground  the  Lord  God  formed 
every  beast  of  the  field,  and  every  fowl  of  the  air ; 
and  ’’brought  than  unto  Adam  to  see  what  he 
would  call  them:  and  whatsoever  TAdam  called 
every  living  creature,  that  was  the  name  thereof. 

20  And  Adam  'gave  names  to  all  cattle,  and  to 
the  fowl  of  the  air,  and  to  every  beast  of  the  field ; 
’biu  for  Adam  there  was  not  found  an  help  meet 
for  him. 

21  And  the  Lord  God  caused  ka  deep  sleep  to 

6,0.21:8.  e 1:31.  Prov.  18:22.  Ec.  4:9 — 12.  f 3:12.  1 Cor.  11 :7-12.  1 Tim. 
2:11 — 13.  * Heb.  as  before  him.  gl:20 — 25  h 22,23.  t Or,  the  man.  15. 

Heb.  called,  i 18.  k 15:12.  1 Sam.  26:12.  Dan.  8:18.  §Heb.  builded.  1 Tim. 

.13.  1 19.  Prov.  18:22.  19:14.  Heb.  13:4.  m 29:14.  Judg.  9:2.  2 Sam.  5:1.  19: 

of  all  the  earth  do  right?”  seems  the  proper  answer  to  object- 
ors ; and  to  wait  for  a world  of  clearer  light  is  our  proper 
behaviour.  To  allow  the  wisdom,  justice,  and  goodness  of  the 
divine  conduct,  only  when  we  can  perceive  them,  savours  nei- 
ther of  humility  nor  of  faith;  for  the  same  approbation  is  due 
to  an  equal  or  an  enemy ; but  it  becomes  us,  and  is  honourable 
to  God,  when  we  adore  the  depths  which  we  cannot  fathom, 
and  believe  that  while  “ clouds  and  darkness  are  round  about 
him,  righteousness  and  judgment  are  the  basis  of  his  throne.” 
Could  we  divest  ourselves  of  partiality,  we  might  discern  in 
some  degree  the  reasonableness  of  the  prohibition ; the  pecu- 
liar meetness  of  Adam,  as  the  common  father  of  the  human 
race,  to  be  their  representative ; and  the  divine  goodness  in 
selecting,  as  the  condition  of  this  covenant,  so  easy  a test  of 
obedience,  and  in  making  the  implied  stipulation,  that  if  he  did 
not  eat  he  should  not  die.  Many  things  have  been  copiously 
and  plausibly  argued  upon  these  topics : but  it  is  readily 
granted,  that  great  difficulties  remain ; and  that  they,  who  will 
give  their  Creator  credit  for  justice  and  goodness,  no  farther 
than  they  can  perceive  them,  must  stumble  at  this  stumbling- 
stone,  after  all  that  can  be  done  to  remove  it.  Man’s  mortality 
and  depravity,  as  well  as  universal  history,  coincide  with,  and 
confirm,  the  scriptural  account  of  this  transaction;  and,  as 
collateral  evidences,  prove  that  it  is  the  “testimony  of  God,” 
and  that  we  do  not  mistake  its  meaning:  on  this  ground  faith 
receives  it ; and  humbled  reason  submits  to  her  Teacher,  God, 
and  allows  his  righteousness,  though  she  cannot  fully  com- 
prehend it. 

V.  18.  It  was  not  conducive  to  the  happiness  of  man  fo 
remair.  without  the  solace  of  society,  and  the  endearment  of 
tender  friendship ; nor  consistent  with  the  end  of  his  creation 
to  be  without  marriage,  by  which  the  earth  might  be  reple- 
nished, and  worshippers  and  servants  of  God  continually  raised 
up  to  render  him  praise  and  glory. 

V.  19,  20.  Adam  seems  to  have  been  vastly  better  ac- 
quainted, by  intuition  or  immediate  revelation,  with  the  distinct 
properties  of  every  creature,  than  the  most  sagacious  observers, 
since  the  fall,  have  been  by  study.  When,  therefore,  God 
brought  the  several  species  before  him,  he  gave  them  names 
expressive  of  their  distinct  natures  or  exterior  forms.  This 
was  also  a token  of  his  dominion  over  them. — Yet,  upon  this 
review,  not  one  was  found  in  outward  form  his  counterpart,  (as 
the  animals  were  created  male  and  female,)  nor  one  suited  to 
engage  his  affections,  participate  in  his  enjoyments,  or  asso- 
ciate with  him  in  the  worship  of  God. 

V.  21 — 23.  Adam,  being  supernaturally  cast  into  a deep 
sleep,  without  consciousness  or  pain,  the  Lord  took  from  that 
part  of  his  body  which  was  near  the  heart,  the  substance  of 
which  he  formed  the  woman ; who  was  to  be  as  part  of  him- 
self, and  the  object  of  his  most  cordial  affections.  She  was 
taken  from  him , and  not  out  of  the  ground;  that  there  might 
be  a natural  foundation  of  moderate  subordination  on  the  wo- 
man’s part,  and  sympathizing  tenderness  on  the  man’s;  as  a 
man  rules  over,  yet  carefully  defends  and  tenderly  takes  care 
of,  his  own  body.  The  Lord  then  conducted  her  as  his  gift  to 
Adam,  that  they  might  be  united  in  marriage  for  their  mutual 
good;  and  that  he  might  thus  authorize,  and  give  an  example 
for  the  regulation  of,  future  marriages.  Doubtless  he  made 
known  to  Adam,  perhaps  during  his  sleep,  in  what  manner  the 
woman  had  been  created  from  a part  of  himself,  to  be  his  com- 
panion. The  original  word  translated  woman , is  the  same  os 
is  rendered  man,  excepting  the  feminine  termination:  it  imports 
that  she  was  exactly  his  counterpart,  taken  from  him,  united 
to  him,  and  like  him  in  every  thing  but  sex ; and  it  expressed 
nis  satisfaction  in  his  Creator’s  gift,  and  his  thankful  accept- 
ance of  it. 

V.  24.  According  to  the  original  institution  of  marriage, 
the  nearest  of  all  relations  and  the  proper  source  of  all  the 
rest,  men  in  every  subsequent  age  would  leave  the  immediate 
society  even  of  their  parents,  to  lay  the  foundation  of  new 
families;  and  thenceforth  all  other  relative  affections  and 
duties  must  be  regulated,  in  subordination  to  the  affections 
and  duties  of  that,  new  relation.  Thus  one  man  and  one 
woman  arc  so  closely  united  as  to  become  u one  flesh :”  so 
that,  according  to  the  original  institution,  nothing  can  sepa- 
rate them,  but  that  which  dissolves  the  union  of  soul  and  body, 
and  even  divides  the  component,  parts  of  the  body  from  each 
other.  This  seems  to  be  the  remark  of  Moses  rathor  than  of 
( 20  ) 


fall  upon  Adam,  and  he  slept ; and  he  took  one  of 
his  ribs,  and  closed  up  the  flesh  instead  thereof; 

22  And  the  rib  which  the  Lord  God  had  taken 
from  man  §made  lie  a woman,  and 'brought  her 
unto  the  man. 

23  And  Adam  said,  This  is  now  rabone  of  my 
bone,  “and  flesh  of  my  flesh : she  shall  be  called 
» Woman,  because  she  was  taken  out  of  "Man. 

24  Therefore  shall  a man  “leave  his  father  and 
his  mother,  and  shall  ^cleave  unto  his  wife:  and 
‘i  they  shall  be  one  flesh. 

25  And  they  were  both  r naked,  the  man  and 
his  wife,  and  were  not  ashamed. 

13.  Eph.  5:30.  n 24.  II  Heb.  Isha.  1 Cor.  11:3,9.  9 Heb.  Ith.  o Ps.  45:10. 
p IJetil.  4:4.  10:20.  Josh.  23:8.  Acts  11:23.  q Mai.  2:11— 16.  Matt.  19:3—9. 
Mark  10:6— 12.  1 Cor.  6:16,17.  7:2—4.  Eph. 5:28— 31.  lPel.3:l— 7.  r3:7, 
10,11. 


Adam ; but  certainly  it  was  the  word  of  God,  speaking  by 
one  of  them.  Neither  polygamy  nor  divorces  can  accord  with 
this  original  institution.  “In  the  beginning  it  was  not  so;,, 
nor  would  such  things  have  been  practised,  but  for  the  sinful 
lusts  of  men.  And  equally  unscriptural  are  constrained  celi- 
bacy, and  needless  restraints  upon  marriage.  The  records  of 
former  times,  and  impartial  observation  on  the  present,  evince 
that  it  is  not  generally  “good  for  man  to  be  alone.”  The  mu- 
tual inclination  of  the  sexes  for  each  other,  (which,  however 
debased  by  sin,  was  originally  implanted  by  the  Creator,)  when 
regulated  by  the  law  of  God,  and  free  from  other  restraints, 
becomes  the  foundation  of  all  the  relations  of  life,  the  source 
of  the  most  rational  of  our  earthly  comforts,  and  equally  be- 
neficial to  individuals,  families,  and  nations : like  a river,  which, 
gliding  within  its  banks,  beautifies  and  enriches  the  neighbour- 
ing plains.  But  when  unscriptural  restraints  are  imposed,  or 
when  it  bursts  through  the  appointed  bounds,  it  diffuses  vice, 
discord,  disease,  and  misery,  with  horrible  rapidity ; like  the 
same  river,  obstructed  in  its  natural  channel,  overflowing  its 
banks,  inundating  and  desolating  the  fields,  and  converting  the 
neighbouring  country  into  a noxious  marsh  or  fen. — ‘Go  among 
the  enemies  of  the  gospel,  and  you  shall  see  the  woman 
either  reduced  to  abject  slavery,  or  basely  flattered  for  the 
vilest  of  purposes:  but  in  Christian  families,  you  see  her 
treated  with  honour  and  respect;  as  a friend,  as  naturally  an 
equal,  a soother  of  man’s  cares,  a softener  of  his  grief,  and  a 
partner  of  his  joys.’  Fuller. 

V.  25.  The’human  body,  the  most  noble  production  in  the 
material  creation,  would  not  have  required  concealment,  had 
not  sin  disgraced  the  Creator’s  work:  and  probably  shame 
would  never  have  been  excited,  in  the  manner  in  which  it  lias 
been  ever  since,  had  not  the  sinful  nature  been  communicated 
with  the  propagation  of  the  human  species. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 15.  As  God  himself  contemplated  his  whole  work 
with  cordial  approbation,  and  rested  in  it  with  entire  compla- 
cency ; it  must  be  great  presumption  for  us  to  find  fault  with 
any  part  of  it.  We  are  indeed  capable  of  perceiving  the 
wisdom  and  goodness  of  God,  in  many  of  the  constituent  parts 
of  the  vast  creation,  and  of  rendering  to  him  the  tribute  of 
adoring  praise ; but  it  is  most  daring  pride,  to  suppose  our- 
selves competent  to  understand  the  whole. — The  only  wise 
God  instituted  the  Sabbath  in  Paradise  before  the  entrance 
of  sin;  and  thus  he  has  shown,  not  only  the  advantage,  but 
the  absolute  necessity,  of  time  set  apart  for  his  immediate 
service,  as  the  world  now  is ; if  we  would  pay  any  suitable 
regard  to  religion,  or  to  the  salvation  of  our  immortal  souls. 
How  diligently  then  should  we  sinners  keep  holy  the  Christian 
Sabbath ; and  take  care  that  our  children  and  domestics  have 
leisure  and  opportunity,  and  make  use  of  them,  for  the  same 
salutary  purposes  ! But  the  rest  to  be  observed  is  not  indolent 
repose.  The  rest  of  heaven  consists  in  serving  God  without 
weariness  and  with  entire  satisfaction;  and  our  sabbaths 
should  be  earnests  of  that  blessedness,  and  a preparation  for 
it.  Indeed,  God  gives  every  thing  to  labour , which  was  needful 
in  innocence  and  in  paradise ; .because  true  excellence  and 
happiness  consist  in  action,  not  in  inactivity. — The  reflection 
likewise,  that  our  bodies  were  formed  from  the  dust  of  tho 
earth,  may  tend  to  repress  tho  pride  of  beauty,  strength,  or 
agility;  to  abate  our  solicitude  about  them;  and  to  teach  us 
to  prepare  for  the  execution  of  the  sentence,  “Dust  thou  art, 
and  unto  dust  shalt  thou  return.” 

V.  16 — 25:  Additional  favours  lay  us  under  additional  obli- 
gations to  grateful  obedience : and  as  our  liberal  Benefactor 
indulges  us  in  all  things  truly  good  for  us,  it  is  highly  reason- 
able that  we  should  give  him  credit  for  his  wisdom  and  kindness, 
even  in  restraints  and  prohibitions,  and  cheerfully  deny  our- 
selves at  his  requirement. — The  covenant  of  works  was  holy, 
and  just,  and  good ; being  proposed  by  a God  of  perfect  holi- 
ness, justice,  and  goodness;  and  acceded  to  ty  Adam, before 
sin  had  impaired  his  powers,  perverted  his  judgment,  or  de- 
praved his  heart.:  yet  it  is  contrary  to  usy  who  in  Adam,  and 
after  his  example,  have  violated  the  terms  of  it.  We  have, 
therefore,  great  reason  to  be  thankful  for  another  covenant, 
established  upon  better  promises,  and  ratified  by  the  engage- 
ments of  a better  Surety.  To  him  let  us  flee  for  refuge,  and 
from  him  alone  seek  deliverance  from  shame  and  pain,  from  sin 
and  death.  And  while  we  receive  all  worldly  ar>d  relative  com- 


B.  C.  4004, 


CHAPTER  III 


B.  C.  4004, 


CHAPTER  III. 

Tks  woman,  tempted  by  the  serpent,  eats  the  forbidden  fruit,  and  induces  Adam, 
to  do  the  same,  1 — 6.  Therj  are  alarmed  and  ashamed , in  vain  attempt  con- 
cealment, ami  are  convicted  by  God,  7 — 13.  Sentence  is  denounced  against 
them,  containing'  the  gracious  promise  of  a Redeemer,  14—19.  They  are 
clothed,  but  expelled  from  Eden,  20 — 24. 

NOW  “the  serpent  was  more  subtle  than  any 
beast  of  the  field  which  the  Loud  God  had 
made:  and  he  said  unto  the  woman,  'Yea,  '’hath 
God  said,  Ye  shall  not  eat  of  every  tree  of  the 
garden  ? 

2  And  the  woman  said  unto  the  serpent,  We 
may  eat  of  the  fruit  of  the  trees  of  the  garden : 

a 13—15.  Is. 27:1.  Malt.  10:16.  2Cor.  11:3,14.  Rev.  12:9.  20:2.  "Heb.  Yea, be- 
cause,Sic.  t,  Matt.  4:3.6, 9.  c2:IC,17.  J20:6.  Ex.  19:12,13.  1 Chr.  16:22.  Job 
1:11.2:5.  19:21.  1 Cor.  7:1.  2 Cor.  6:17.  Col.  2:21.  e 13.  Ileul.  29:19.  Pa. 10:11. 
2 Cor.  2:11.  f Ex.  20:7.  1 Kings  22:6.  Jer.  14:13,14.  28:2,3.  El.  13:2—6,22. 

forts  from  the  hand  of  our  reconciled  God,  and  seek  his  blessing 
on  them,  use  them  according  to  his  appointment,  and  attend  to 
the  duties  which  they  require  according  to  his  command ; let  us 
not  forget,  that  a union  must  Se  formed  with  the  Lord  Jesus, 
of  which  marriage  itself  is  but  a type  and  shadow.  (2  Cor.  1 1 : 
2.)  We  must  be  one  spirit  with  him,  and  cleave  to  him  in 
simple  dependence,  cordial  attachment,  and  devoted  obedience 
and  submission;  even  though  it  should  interfere  with  the 
comfort  of  that  most  endeared  relation.  Then  death,  which 
dissolves  all  other  unions,  will  complete  this  to  eternal  ages. 

NOTES.— Chap.  III.  V.  1.  Adam  and  Eve,  perhaps, 
nad  noticed  with  pleasure  and  partiality,  that  the  serpent  pos- 
sessed an  instinctive  sagacity,  which  more  resembled  the 
effects  of  reason,  than  that  of  any  other  creature  did ; and 
this  might  suggest  to  Satan  the  device  of  using  this  animal  as 
lis  instrument  in  temptation.  For  the  serpent  appeared  to 
speak,  but  in  reality  Satan  spake  by  the  serpent ; as,  in  the 
days  of  Christ,  the  unclean  spirits  employed  the  tongues  of 

fiossessed  persons.  Common  sense  and  the  whole  Scripture 
ead  us  to  conclude,  that  the  serpent  was  only  the  instrument ; 
Satan  the  real  agent,  who  is  therefore  called  the  serpent,  the 
old  dragon,  a liar,  and  a murderer  from  the  beginning.  {Note, 
Rev.  12:7 — 12.) — The  word  of  God  reveals  to  us  the  world 
of  spirits,  holy  and  unholy,  of  which  otherwise  we  should  have 
had  no  certain  knowledge.  Faith  avails  itself  of  this  infor- 
mation ; but  unbelief  rejects  it  to  the  infidel’s  irreparable  detri- 
ment : as  nothing  better  answers  the  purpose  of  the  powers 
of  darkness , than  to  work  in  the  dark  ; and  none  serve  their 
interests  more  effectually,  than  they  who  deny  and  endeavour 
to  disprove  their  existence  ; for  we  never  can  guard  against 
the  attacks  of  unseen  and  unsuspected  enemies.  From  the 
Scriptures  we  learn,  that  “ angels  sinned,  and  kept  not  their 
first  estate  and  that,  being  created  holy  and  happy,  they  by 
transgression  forfeited  the  favour,  and  incurrred  the  displeas- 
ure, of  their  Creator,  and  became  unholy  and  miserable;  yea, 
desperate  in  the  certain  expectation  ofincreasing  and  everlast- 
ing misery.  Being,  however,  still  endued  with  vast  capacities, 
profound  sagacity,  extensive  knowledge,  and  great  power ; 
and  wholly  actuated  by  enmity,  malice,  envy,  pride,  ambi- 
tion, and  subtlety ; they  maintain  determined  rebellion  against 
their  Maker : and  as  they  are  very  numerous,  they  have  esta- 
blished a kingdom  in  opposition  to  his  kingdom,  under  the  do- 
minion of  the  arch-apostat",  the  Devil  or  Satan;  so  that,  as 
far  as  they  are  permitted,  they  are  unwearied  and  insatiable 
in  mischief,  aiming  at  nothing  less  than  reducing  the  whole 
creation  to  a state  of  rebellion,  anarchy,  and  misery,  and  ren- 
dering all  creatures  as  vile  and  wretched  as  themselves. — 
Doubtless,  the  beauty  of  the  recently  created  world,  the  glory 
of  God,  and  the  happiness  of  man,  excited  the  envy  and  rage 
of  these  evil  spirits,  and  suggested  to  Satan  the  malicious  de- 
sign of  ruining  the  whole.  For  this  purpose,  he,  with  dark 
craftiness,  concealed  himself  in  the  subtle  serpent,  and  thus 
made  his  unsuspected  attack  on  the  woman  when  alone ; per- 
haps msinuating  that  by  eating  the  fruit  of  the  forbidden  tree, 
the  serpent  had  acquired  the  gift  of  reason  and  speech : nor 
can  we  satisfactorily  account  for  the  woman’s  entering  into 
conversation  with  the  serpent,  and  showing  no  marks,  of  sur- 
prise or  suspicion,  unless  we  admit  a supposition  of  this  kind. 
Some  learned  men  indeed  have  conjectured,  that  this  serpent 
appeared  so  beautiful  and  resplendent,  that  Eve  supposed  it 
to  be  an  angel,  and  listened  to  it  as  a heavenly  messenger ; 
and  they  confirm  this  opinion  by  observing,  that  the  fiery 
serpents  are  called  in  the  original  Seraphim  ; (Num.  21:6, 
8;)  as  the  heavenly  worshippers  are  by  Isaiah,  {Is.  6:2;) 
and  that  the  apostle  notes,  that  “ Satan  is  transformed  into 
an  angel  of  light,”  in  the  same  chapter  in  which  he  says,  “The 
serpent  beguiled  Eve  by  his  subtlety.”  (2  Cor.  11:3,14.) 
This  supposition,  however,  makes  more  excuse  for  the  conduct 
both  of  Eve  and  Adam,  than  the  word  of  God  authorizes  ; 
and  certainly  we  cannot  learn  it  from  the  narrative. — Nothing 
can  be  conceived  more  artful  than  Satan’s  first  address, 
“ Yea,  hath  God  said?”  4 How  is  it  that  God  should  speak 
th'-’s?  Can  it  be  true,  that  he  has  given  you  appetites,  and 
placed  gratifications  before  you,  only  to  mock  you? — You 
must  misunderstand  his  meaning ; or  some  envious  being  has 
counterfeited  his  authority;  or  at  least  it  must  be  allowed 
to  be  a very  capricious  restraint.’  Such  insinuations  were 
artfully  couched  in  this  insidious  question,  and  such  objections 
are  continually  raised  by  him  and  his  instruments,  against 


3 “But  of  the  fruit  of  the  tree  which  is  in  the 
midst  of  the  garden,  God  hath  said,  Ye  shall  not 
eat  of  it,  neither  shall  ye  ‘'touch  it,  lest  ye  die. 

4 And  the  serpent  said  unto  the  woman,  cYe 
shall  not  surely  die ; 

5 For  fGod  doth  know,  that  in  the  day  ye  eat 
thereof,  then  gyour  eyes  shall  be  opened  : and  ye 
shall  be  has  gods,  ‘knowing  good  and  evil. 

6 And  when  the  weftnan  saw  that  the  tree  was 
good  for  food  ; and  that  it  was  pleasant  kto  the 
eyes,  and  a tree  to  be  desired  to  make  one  wise : 
she  took  of  the  fruit  thereof,  and  1 did  eat,  and 

2Cor.  11:3,13— 15.  g 7.  Malt.  6:23.  Acts  26:18.  h Ex.  5:2.  2 Chr.  32:15.  Ps. 
12:4.  Ez.  28:2,9.  29:3.  Dan.  4:30.  6:7.  Acts  12:22,23.  2 Cor.  4:4.  2 Then.  2:4. 
Rev.  13:4,14.  122.2:17.  f Heb.  a desire.  Ez.  24:16,21,25.  k 6:2.  39:7.  Josh. 
7:21.  2 Sam.  11:2.  Job  31:1.  Mall.  5:28.  1 John  216.  1 1 Tim.  2:14. 


every  restriction  in  the  word  of  God  which  calls  for  self-denial. 
It  is  observable,  that  no  notice  is  taken  of  the  largeness  of  the 
grant,  but  merely  of  its  limitation. 

V . 2,  3.  The  first  mistake  of  the  woman  seems  to  have  con- 
sisted in  attempting  to  answer  the  ensnaring  question  proposed 
to  her.  She  ought  net  to  have  listened  for  a moment  to  such 
suggestions  ; nor  to  have  entered  into  a parley  with  one, 
whose  words  directly  tended  to  excite  hard  thoughts  of  God, 
and  of  his  express  command.  She  mentioned  the  grant  of 
the  bountiful  Creator,  but  not  in  the  expressive  language  in 
which  it  had  been  made ; “ Of  every  tree  in  the  garden  thou 
mayest  freely  eat;”  and  she  added  to  the  restriction,  “ neither 
shall  ye  touch  it.”  This  is,  indeed,  an  excellent  precaution  ; 
we  should  not  come  within  the  attractive  force  of  forbidden 
objects:  yet  it  seems,  as  here  used,  to  be  an  intimation  of  se- 
verity in  the  prohibition.  The  Lord  had  said,  u In  the  day 
that  thou  eatest  thereof,  thou  shalt  rarely  die but  the  wn- 
doubted  certainty  of  the  event  is  here  omitted.  Indeed  it  is 
evident,  that  the  poison  began  to  work ; Eve  made  too  little 
of  the  liberal  grant  of  the  Creator,  stated  the  prohibition  in 
strong  terms  of  severity,  and  rather  faltered  as  to  the  certain 
and  immediate  execution  of  the  threatening. 

V.  4,  5.  Perceiving  his  advantage,  the  tempter  grew  bolder, 
and  gave  a direct  contradiction  to  the  divine  denunciation ; and, 
to  gain  the  more  credit  to  his  daring  assertions,  he  proc  <eded 
to  confirm  them  by  an  oath,  blasphemously  calling  on  God  to 
attest  his  horrid  falsehoods : or  rather,  he  insinuated  that  the 
Lord  knew  his  own  threatening  would  not  be  executed,  at  least 
in  the  sense  in  which  Adam  and  Eve  had  understood  it;  but 
that,  on  the  contrary,  most  abundant  advantage  would  accrue 
to  them  from  the  violation  of  the  Creator’s  law : no  less  than  a 
vast  advance  in  knowledge,  and  an  independent  felicity,  without 
subjection  to  the  will,  or  dread  of  the  displeasure,  of  any  supe- 
rior. Thus  he  insinuated,  that  God  forbade  this  fruit  in  order 
to  keep  them  in  ignorance,  and  in  a mean  state  of  dependence 
and  subjection.  There  is  likewise  an  equivocation  in  the  words ; 
a latent  truth,  the  reverse  of  their  apparent  meaning.  “Your 
eyes,”  says  Satan,  “ shall  be  opened ;”  that  is,  1 When  you 
have  eaten  the  fruit,  you  will  too  late  see  your  own  folly. 
“Ye  shall  be  as  gods;”  revolted  from  God,  and  losing  his 
image  and  favour,  you  will  ambitiously  affect  independency ; 
demand  the  homage  of  flattery  and  praise  ; aspire  at  the  pin- 
nacle of  pre-eminence,  and  grasp  at  dominion ; act  as  if  you 
were  jrour  own  lords  and  avengers  ; and  thus  attempt  to 
usurp  the  throne  of  God.  By  this  conduct  you  will  be  left  to 
make  trial  of  your  ability  to  contrive^  effect,  and  secure  a 
happiness  to  yourselves,  as  if  ye  were  gods,  till  you  find  death 
and  misery  seize  upon  you;  41  knowing  good  and  evil,”  by 
losing  the  good  and  experiencing  the  evil.’ — Of  such  a para- 
phrase the  words  will  admit,  and  such  have  been  the  effects  of 
eating  the  forbidden  fruit ; but  nothing  could  be  further  from 
Eve’s  thoughts  than  this  interpretation. — Thus  the  assertions 
of  the  tempter  resembled  the  ancient  heathen  oracles,  of  which, 
in  one  way  or  other,  this  “ father  of  lies”  was  doubtless  the 
author:  for  these  were  generally  couched  in  such  ambiguous 
language,  as  might  afterwards  be  accommodated  to  the  event ; 
though  often  in  direct  opposition  to  the  disappointed  expecta- 
tions of  the  deluded  votaries. — ‘Nothing  is  more  common, 
than  for  the  most  false  and  pernicious  doctrines  to  be  ad- 
vanced with  a boldness  which  stuns  the  minds  of  the  simple, 
and  induces  a doubt : Surely  I must  be  in  the  wrong,  and 
they  in  the  right,  or  they  would  not  be  so  confident !’  Fuller. 

V.  6.  “ The  lust  of  the  eye”  made  way  for  the  “ lust  of 

the  flesh ;”  when  the  woman  looked  on  the  fruit,  till  she  fancied 
there  must  be  some  very  extraordinary  pleasure  in  the  taste 
of  it.  As  her  ear,  formed  to  receive  the  truth  of  God,  had  just 
before  been  opened  to  admit  Satan’s  lies ; so  now  the  eye, 
formed  to  behold  his  works,  became  an  inlet  to  concupiscence. 
Now  first  the  members  became,  as  they  have  ever  since  con- 
tinued in  unconverted  men,  “instruments  of  unright  eousness 
unto  sin.”  (Notes,  Rom.  6:12,13,16 — 19.)  Eve  had  no 

testimony  except  that  of  Satan  concealed  in  the  serpent,  that 
“ it  was  a tree  to  be  desired  to  make  one  wise ;”  yet  she  neither 
hesitated,  nor  suspected  any  delusion;  but,  at  his  instance, 
“ she  took  of  the  fruit,  and  did  eat,”  without  consulting  Adam, 
or  allowing  herself  leisure  for  consideration ! Thus  she  listened 
to  the  tempter,  till,  entangled  in  unbelief,  she  suspected  the 
divine  veracity  and  goodness,  conceived  hopes  of  impunity  vu 
transgression,  and  expected  a vast  gratification  both  of  amV*- 
( 21  ) 


B.  C.  40«4, 


GENESIS, 


B.  C.  4004 


gave  als'  unto  her  husband  with  her, m and  he  did 

eat.  [ Practical  Ohat  mat  ions."] 

7 And  “the  eyes  of  them  both  were  opened, 
and  they  "knew  that  they  were  naked  ;>’and  they 
sewed  n^-leaves  together,  and  made  themselves 
‘aprons. 

8 And  ‘'they  heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord  God 
walking  in  the  garden  in  the  fcool  of  the  day  : and 
Adam  and  his  wife  r hid  tlxfrnselves  from  the  pre- 
sence of  the  Lord  God  amongst  the  trees  of  the 
garden. 

9 And  the  Lord  God  called  unto  Adam,  and 
said  unto  him,  ‘Where  art  thou  ? 

10  And  he  said,  I heard  thy  voice  in  the  gar- 
den : ‘and  I was  afraid,  “because  I was  naked ; and 
I hid  myself. 

11  And  he  said.  Who  told  thee  that  thou  wast 


m Hos.6:7.  marg. Rom. 5:12 — 19.  n 5.  Deut. 28:34.  Luke  16:23.  o 10,11.2:25.  p Job 
9:29—31.  Is.  28:20.  59:6.  ’ Or,  things  to  gild  aJj  >ul.  q 10.  Deut.  4:33.  5:25. 
t Heb.  wind.  Job.  3S:1.  r Job  22:14  . 34:22.  1's.  139:1—12.  I’rov.  15:3.  Jer.  23: 
24.  Am.  9:2,3.  Jon.  1 :3, 9, 10.  Heb.  4:13.  s4:9.  16:8.  Josh.  7:17— 19.  Rev.  20:12,13. 
t Job  23:15.  Ps.  119:120.  Is.  33:14.  57:11.  u 7.  2:25.  Ex.  32:25.  Is.  47:3.  Rev.  3: 
17,18.  16:15.  x 4:10.  Ps.  50:21.  Rom.  3:20.  y2:18,22.  Ex.  32:21— 24.  1 Sam. 
15:20—24.  Job  31:33.  Prov.  28:13.  Luke  10:29.  Rom.  10:3.  Jam.  1:13— 15.  x4: 


tion  and  of  the  sensual  appetite ; and  at  length,  with  confident 
presumption,  she  took  the  forbidden  fruit,  and  ate.  In  this 
manner  was  “ lust  at  first  conceived,  then  sin  brought  forth  ; 
and  sin  being  finished,  brought  forth  death.”  But  Satan’s  suc- 
cess was  yet  incomplete : for  had  Adam  refused  to  eat,  the 
woman’s  transgression  would  have  remained  with  herself.  It 
was,  indeed,  a great  point  gained  to  prevail  with  her  whom 
Adam  loved  so  tenderly,  and  one  who  would  employ  her  fasci- 
nating influence,  to  prevail  on  him  to  follow  her  example.  But 
whether  Adam  sinned  in  presumption,  as  not  seeing  death 
immediately  inflicted  on  Eve ; or  in  despair,  as  giving  up  all 
for  lost ; or  as  overcome  by  Eve’s  persuasions  and  reasonings, 
it  does  not  clearly  appear.  Yet  the  apostle  intimates,  that  he 
■vas  not  deceived  in  the  same  manner  and  degree  as  the 
■ ••Oman.  (1  Tim.  2:14.) — Considering  this  offence  in  all  its 
circumstances,  and  with  all  its  aggravations,  we  may  term  it 
the  prolific  parent  and  grand  exemplar  of  all  the  transgressions 
committed  ever  since.  Whatever  there  hath  been  in  any  sin 
of  unbelief,  ingratitude,  apostacy,  rebellion,  robbery,  contempt, 
defiance  of  God,  hard  thoughts  of  him,  and  enmity  against  him : 
whatever  of  idolatry,  as  comprehending  faith  in  Satan,  “ the 
god’  and  “ prince  of  this  world,”  worship  of  him,  and  obe- 
ditmce  to  him  ; or  of  pride,  exorbitant  self-love,  and  self-will, 
in  affecting  that  independency,  exaltation,  and  homage  which 
belong  only  toGod ; and  of  an  inordinate  love  to  the  creatures, 
in  seeking  our  happiness  in  the  possession  and  enjoyment  of 
them : whatever  discontent,  sensual  lust,  covetousness,  mur- 
der, and  mischief,  were  ever  yet  contained  in  any  one  sin,  or 
in  all  which  have  been  committed  upon  earth,  the  whole  were 
concentrated  in  this  one  transaction.  Nor  have  they  been 
wide  of  the  truth,  who  have  laboured  to  prove,  that  all  the  ten 
commandments,  extensively  and  spiritually  expounded,  were 
at  once  violated  ; while,  in  proportion  as  the  prohibition  was 
reasonable,  and  the  inducements  to  rebel  against  it  trifling,  the 
offence  was  the  more  aggravated.— In  this  manner  sin  entered, 
and  Satan  triumphed  in  establishing  his  usurped  authority; 
“ for  of  whom  a man  is  overcome,  of  the  same  is  he  brought 
in  bondage.”  Thus  man  apostatized,  God  was  provoked,  the 
Holy  Spirit  forsook  his  polluted  temple,  the  unclean  spirit  took 
possession,  the  divine  image  was  defaced,  and  Satan’s  image 
impressed  in  its  stead:  hence  the  wickedness  and  the  misery 
of  man.  A lamentation  it  is,  and  should  be:  yet,  “ righteous 
art  thou  in  all  thy  judgments,  O Lord.”  Let  not  the  enemy 
further  prevail  against  us,  we  beseech  thee,  by  taking  hence 
occasion  to  produce  in  our  minds  one  hard  thought  of  thee,  or 
of  thy  mysterious  judgments ! 

V.  7.  Satan’s  promise  soon  began  to  be  accomplished. 
The  eyes  of  Adam  and  Eve  were  opened  to  see  the  snare, 
when  they  were  already  caught  in  it:  they  saw  also  misery 
before  them  with  horror  and  dismay,  and  their  new  discoveries 
were  their  torment.  Their  bodily  nakedness  had  not  pre- 
viously excited  the  sensation  of  shame:  but  being  stripped  of 
the  robe  of  innocence,  and  despoiled  of  the  image  of  God,  tho 
defence  of  his  protection,  and  the  honour  of  his  presence,  they 
perceived  that  they  were  indeed  made  naked  to  their  shame ; 
and  their  outward  nakedness  appeared  an  indication  of  the 
exposed  and  shameful  condition  to  which  they  were  reduced. 
Their  vain  attempt  to  cover  themselves,  by  fig-leaves  platted 
together,  represents  the  fruitless  pains  and  worthless  expe- 
dients which  men  employ  to  conceal  their  real  character,  and 
hide  their  sins  from  each  other,  and  even  from  themselves. 
For  all  men  are  naturally  more  ashamed  of  being  detected  in 
sin,  than  of  committing  it;  and  more  desirous  of  keeping  up  a 
good  opinion  of  themselves,  than  of  obtaining  pardon  from 
God : though  they  can  hide  nothing  from  him,  and  can  neither 
elude  his  justice,  nor  recover  his  favour,  by  any  of  their  own 
contrivances. 

V.  8.  Some  visible  tokens  of  the  Lord’s  presonce,  perhaps 
in  human  form,  seem  here  intimated,  of  which  wo  shall  here- 
after find  undeniable  instances;  and  which  should  be  consi- 
dered as  anticipations  of  his  incarnation,  who  is  callod  “ The 
( 22  ) 


naked  ?*  1 hast  thou  eaten  of  the  tree,  whereof  1 
commanded  thee,  that  thou  shouldest  not  eat  ? 

12  And  the  man  said,  ^The  woman  whom  thou 
ga  vest  to  be  with  me,  she  gave  me  of  the  tree,  and 
I did  eat. 

13  And  the  Lord  God  said  unto  the  woman, 
zWhat  is  this  that  thou  hast  done?  and  the  wo- 
man said,  “The  serpent  beguiled  me,  and  I did 

Cat.  f Practical  Observations. "] 

14  H And  the  Lord  God  said  unto  the  serpent, 
Because  thou  hast  done  this  bthou  art  cursed 
above  all  cattle,  and  above  every  beast  of  the  field : 
upon  thy  belly  shalt  thou  go,  and  cdust  shalt  thou 
eat  all  the  days  of  thy  life. 

15  And  I will  put d enmity  between  thee  and  the 
woman,  and  between  ethy  seed  and  f her  Seed  : s it 
shall  bruise  thy  head,  and 11 *  thou  shalt  bruise  his  heel. 

10— 12.  2 Sain.  12:9— 12.  a 4— 6.  2 'or.  11:3.  1 Tim.  2:14.  b I.  9.6.  Ex.  21:28— 
32.  Lev.  20:25.  c P».  72:9.  1>.  29:4.  65*5.  Mic.  7 17.  il  Num.  21:6,7.  Am.  Si 
3.  Mark  16:18.  Luke  10:19.  Acts  28:3— G.  Horn.  3:13.  e Matt.  3-7.  12:34.  13: 
38.  23:33.  John  8:44.  Acts  13:10.  1 John  3:10.  Ils.7:l4.  Jer..  1:22.  Mic.  5:3. 
Matt.  1:23.  Lube  1:31 — 35.  Gal.  4:4.  g Rom.  16:20.  Col.  2:15.  Heb.  2:14,15. 
1 John  3:8.  Rev.  20:1—3,10.  h 49:17.  Is.  53:3,4,12.  Dan.  9:26.  Matt.  4:1— 10. 
Luke  22:39-44,53.  John  12:31— 33.  14:30,31.  Heb.  2:18.  5:7.  Rev.  2:10.12:9— 


Word  of  God:”  though  the  word  rendered  walking  may  be 
referred  to  the  voice , and  not  to  the  Lord.  Some  learned 
men,  indeed,  explain  all  these  appearances  of  the  Shechina  h, 
or  visible  glory  indicating  the  divine  presence,  which  at  some 
times  shone  with  mild  lustre,  at  others  in  terrific  majesty.  But 

I shall  hereafter  assign  my  reasons  for  thinking,  that  this 
hypothesis  has  its  sole  foundation  in  the  imaginations  of  Jew- 
ish Rabbies,  and  is  totally  destitute  of  scriptural  proof,  except 
where  express  mention  is  made  of  visible  glory.  (Note,  32: 
30.)  44  The  cool  of  the  day”  was,  probably,  one  time  of  Adam 

and  Eve’s  accustomed  worship;  when,  doubtless,  they  had 
been  used  to  welcome  the  tokens  of  the  divine  presence  with 
that  kind  of  exulting  joy,  with  which  a dutiful  child  meets  the 
approbation  of  an  indulgent  parent.  But  now,  Conscious  guilt 
inspired  terror ; and  they  desired  to  flee  and  hide  themselves 
from  God,  as  no  longer  their  loving  Father  and  bounteous 
Friend,  but  their  dreaded  Enemy,  who  was  about  to  take 
vengeance  on  them. — Where  was  now  the  wisdom  which  they 
wore  to  derive  from  the  forbidden  fruit?  Alas!  they  could 
only  devise  a foolish  project  of  hiding  themselves  from  the  all- 
seeing  eye  of  God,  under  the  shade  of  a few  trees.  (M.  R.) 

V.  9.  Where  art  thoul ] Words  of  more  terror,  perhaps, 
never  sounded  ill  man’s  ears,  or  will  be  heard  till  the  day  oi 
judgment! — The  command  had  been  peremptory,  the  threat- 
ening absolute,  the  transgression  undeniable ; no  escape  or 
resistance  was  practicable  ; no  mention  had  been  made  ol 
mercy,  and  probably  the  offenders  had  no  expectation  of  for 
giveness. 

V.  10,  11.  Adam  did  not  say, 4 1 saw  thy  glory,’  but 44 1 
heard  thy  voice which  implies  that  he  saw  nothing  to  affright 
him ; but  merely  that  conscious  guilt  appalled  him,  on  hearing 
the  accustomed  tokens  of  God’s  special  presence. — Without 
any  humiliation  before  his  offended  Lord,  or  confession  of  sin, 
or  supplication  for  mercy,  he  evasively  attempted  to  account 
for  his  flight  and  concealment.  But  the  true  cause  was  at 
once  detected.  It  arose  from  conscious  guilt,  for  he  had  dared 
to  trangress  the  righteous  command  of  the  Most  High.  Thus 
44  every  mouth  shall  be  stopped,”  and  e very  excuse  silenced, 
when  God  shall  arise  to  judgment. — 44  Who  told  thee  that  thou 
wast  naked?”  Whence  could  arise  this  idea?  It  had  before 
no  existence. 

V.  12,  13.  Adam  could  neither  deny  nor  excuse  his  trans- 
gression of  his  Creator’s  most  express  mandate;  yet,  instead 
of  frankly  confessing  it,  he  cast  the  blame  upon  the  woman; 
as  if  he  had  been  allowed  to  hearken  to  her,  rather  than  to 
obey  God!  Nay,  he  covertly  charged  the  blame  upon  tho 
Lord  himself,  saying,  44  The  woman,  whom  thou  gavest  me.” 
Here  we  discern  the  pride,  and  stoutness  of  heart,  w hich  cha- 
racterize that  evil  spirit,  who  had  just  set  up  his  kingdom  in 
Adam’s  heart.  The  woman  likewise  discovered  the  same 
spirit,  in  her  vain  attempt  to  exculpate  herself,  by  throwing 
the  blame  upon  the  Serpent. 

V.  14,  15.  It  is  probable,  that  the  serpent  was  previously 
beautiful  and  innoxious ; hut  it  now  assumed  the  reptile  form, 
and  became  mischievous  and  hateful.  F rom  that  season,  ser- 
pents have  been  more  shunned,  and  persecuted  unto  death, 
as  enemies  to  the  human  race,  than  almost  any  other  animal : 
by  the  venomous  bite  of  many  of  them  they  have  oflen  se- 
verely avenged  themselves ; and,  by  reason  of  their  pronencss 
on  tho  earth,  they  eat  their  food  mingLJ  with  dust.  Thus 
tho  words  may  imply  a visible  punishment  to  lie  executed  on 
the  serpent,  as  the  instrument  in  this  temptation:  hut  the 
curse  was  in  reality  directed  against  t^e  invisible  tempter: 
whose  abject,  degraded  condition,  and  base  endeavours  to  find 
satisfaction  in  rendering  others  wicked  and  miserable,  might 
bo  figuratively  intimated,  by  the  serpent’s  moving  on  his  belly, 
and  feeding  on  tho  dust.  Yet  this  curse  on  Satan  is  expressed 
in  language,  which  contains  the  sum  of  all  tho  blessings,  which 
a merciful  God  bestows  on  sinful  man ! It  is  a prophecy  and 
a promise , which  have  ever  sinco  been  fulfilling,  hut  have  not 
yet  received  their  entire  accomplishment.  It  comprises  the 


B.  C.  4004. 


CHAPTER  III 


B.  C.  4004 


16  Unto  the  woman  he  said,  I will  greatly  mul- 
tiply thy  sorrow  and  thy  conception  ; 1 in  sorrow 
shalt  thou  bring  forth  children ; and  mthy  desire 
shall  be  'to  thy  husband,  and  he  shall  "rule  over 
thee. 

17  And  unto  Adam  he  said,  "Because  thou  hast 
hearkened  unto  the  voice  of  thy  wife,  I’and  hast 
eaten  of  the  tree,  of  which  I commanded  thee,  say- 
ing, Thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it : s cursed  is  the  ground 
for  thy  sake ; ' in  sorrow  shalt  thou  eat  of  it  all  the 
days  of  thy  life ; 

13.  13:7.  15:1— 6 . 20:7,8.  1 35:16—18.  1 Sain.  4:19— 21 . Pa.  48:6.  la.  13:8.  21: 
3 . 26:17,18.  63:11.  Jer. 4:31.  John  16:21.  lThea.6:3.  lTim.2:15.  m 4:7. 
*Or,  subject  to  thy  husband,  n 1 Cor.  11 :3.  14:34.  Eph.  5:2*2 — 24.  1 Tim.  2:11 
12.  Tit.  2:5.  1 Pci.  3:1—6.  o 1 Sam.  15:23,24.  Matt.  22:12  . 25:26,27,45.  Luke 
19:22.  Rom.  3:19.  p 11.  2:16,17.  Jer.  7:23,24.  q 5:29.  Ps.  127:2.  Ec.  1:2,3,13, 
14.2:11,17.  Is.  21:5,6.  Rom.  8:20-22.  r Job  5:6,7.  14:1.  Pa.  90:7— 9.  Ec.  2: 


whole  Gospel,  and  a prophetical  history  of  the  opposition 
with  which  it  should  meet,  and  the  success  with  which  it 
should  be  crowned,  in  all  ages  and  countries  to  the  end  of 
time. — Christ  himself  is  “the  Seed  of  the  woman,”  as  the 
most  illustrious  of  the  human  race.  Yet  all  true  believers,  as 
one  with  him,  are  also  included.  He  is  called  the  Seed  of  the 
woman , and  not  the  Seed  of  Adam , though  descended  from 
both ; not  only  because  Satan  had  prevailed  first  against  the 
woman,  but  likewise  with  an  evident  prophetical  intimation  of 
his  miraculous  conception  and  birth  of  a pure  virgin.  Mai- 
monides,  an  eminent  Jewish  writer,  says, 4 This  is  one  of  the 
passages  in  Scripture  which  is  most  wonderful,  and  not  to  be 
understood  according  to  the  letter;  but  contains  great  wisdom 
in  it.5  4 In  which  words  he  wrote  more  truth  than  he  was 
aware,  but  was  not  able  4;o  unfold  this  hidden  wisdom,  as  we 
Christians,  blessed  be  God,  are  able  to  do.’  Bp.  Patrick. — 
The  devil,  his  angels,  and  wicked  men,  are  the  Serpent  and 
his  seed:  14  Ye  are  of  your  father,  the  devil,  and  the  works  of 
your  father  ye  will  do.”  God  himself  hath  put  enmity  between 
these  two  contending  parties.  The  effect  of  his  grace  in  the 
heart  of  true  Christians  Is  enmity , not  against  the  persons  of 
sinners,  but  against  their  character,  the  image  of  Satan  which 
they  bear,  and  the  cause  of  Satan  which  they  favour ; for  44  that 
mind  is  in  believers  which  was  in  Christ,”  44  who  was  mani- 
fested to  destroy  the  works  of  the  devil.”  Their  character  and 
conduct  also,  the  testimony  which  they  bear  against  the  wick- 
edness of  the  world,  and  the  opposition  which  they  make  to 
it,  as  well  as  the  success  which  the  Lord  vouchsafes  them, 
excite  the  rage,  envy,  and  malice  of  Satan  and  his  servants ; 
whose  pride  th-*.y  affront,  whose  consciences  they  disturb, 
whose  real  characters  they  detect,  and  whose  iniquity  they 
oppose.  (M.  R.)  Hence  Satan  and  his  seed,  by  open 
violence  and  cruel  persecutions,  by  secret  machinations  and 
base  slanders,  by  artful  temptations  and  pernicious  heresies, 
fight  against  the  44  Seed  of  the  woman.”  In  doing  this,  they 
“ bruise  his  heel.”  They  once  “crucified  the  Lord  of  Glory” 
himself;  they  have  massacred  perhaps  millions  of  his  disci- 
ples, and  by  one  means  or  other  are  always  bringing  inward 
or  outward  tribulations  on  them : yet  this  is  no  mortal  wound, 
for  it  does  not  hinder  the  final  glorification  of  the  whole  multi- 
tude, who  thus  in  succession  have  44  Satan  bruised  under  their 
feet.” — 44  The  seed  of  the  woman,”  fighting  under  the  Redeem- 
er’s standard,  by  the  doctrine  of  truth  and  the  armour  of  right- 
eousness, which  are  united  with  prayers  and  patience,  hatred 
of  sin,  and  compassion  for  sinners,  carry  on  their  benevolent 
war  ; and  they  gain  most  illustrious  victories,  when  the  power 
of  Satan  is  broken,  and  his  deluded  servants  are  converted 
unto  Christ.  But  their  victories  are  the  fruit  of  his  severe 
conflict,  and  glorious  triumph  over  the  tempter,  especially 
upon  the  cross ; where,  in  human  nature,  giving  himself  a 
-ansom  for  sinners,  he  broke  the  whole  force  of  Satan’s  usurp- 
ed empire : and  now,  risen  from  the  dead,  and  having  44  all 
power  in  heaven  and  earth”  vested  in  him,  he  is  continually 
employed  in  crushing  the  Serpent’s  head  ; yet  in  measure  and 
order, 44  according  to  the  purpose  of  him,  who  worketh  all  things 
after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will.”  Eph.  1:11.  Already,  by 
his  apostles  and  ministers,  he  hath  shaken  the  very  foundations 
}f  Satan’s  kingdom,  and  rescued  millions  of  his  wretched 
captives : but  ere  long  he  will  even  on  earth  gain  a more 
lecisive  victory ; and  at  last,  setting  his  foot,  as  it  were,  on 
the  Serpent’s  head,  he  will  entirely  crush  his  interests,  deprive 
aim  of  all  power  to  do  further  mischief,  and  execute  condign 
punishment  on  all  his  seed.  (Notes,  Rev.  19:17—21.  20:1 — 
3,11 — 15.) — From  this  short  explication  we  perceive,  that  the 
aerson,  sufferings,  glory,  and  triumphs  of  the  Redeemer ; the 
character,  tribulations,  and  felicity  of  the  redeemed  ; the  tem- 
porary success  and  final  ruin  of  all  the  enemies  of  Christ  and 
his  people  ; and  indeed  almost  the  whole  history  of  the  church, 
and  of  the  world,  through  time  and  to  eternity,  are  compen- 
iiously  delineated  in  this  singular  verse ; which  stands,  and 
will  stand  to  the  end  of  time,  an  internal  demonstration  that 
uhe  Scripture  was  given  by  inspiration  from  God. — Satan’s 
jause  would  be  ruined  by  one  in  a nature  inferior  to  his  own ; 
ay  one  emphatically  called  the  44  Seed  of  the  woman,”  over 
whom  the  tempter  had  triumphed ; and  the  victory  over  the 
$nemy  would  be  obtained,  not  only  by  the  Messiah,  but  by 
all  his  servants.  (Note,  Ex.  8:16,17.) — It  is  remarkable  that 
nis  gracious  promise  of  a Saviour  was  given  unsolicited,  and 
previous  to  any  humiliation  on  the  part  of  man.  (Note,  Rom. 


18  'Thorns also  and  thistles  shall  it  Tring forth 
to  thee : and  thou  shalt  eat  ‘the  herb  of  the  field 

1 9 In  “the  sweat  of  thy  face  shalt  thou  eat  bread 
Hill  thou  return  unto  the  ground:  for  oht  of  i. 
wast  thou  taken : for  'dust  thou  art,  ‘and  unto  dust 

shalt  thou  return.  [Practical  Observations. ] 

20  *H  And  "Adam  called  his  wife’s  name  ?Eve ; 
because  she  was  the  mother  bof  all  living. 

21  Unto  Adam  also  and  to  his  wife  did  the  Lord 
God  "make  coats  of  skins,  and  clothed  them. 

22  And  the  Lord  God  said,  Behold,  the  man  is 

23,23  . 5:17.  John  16:33.  a Job  31 :40.  Jer.  4:3.  12:13.  Matt.  13:7.  Heb.  6:8. 
t Heb.  cause  to  bud.  t f‘s.  104:14,15.  R om  14:2.  u Ec.  1:3.  Luke  22:44.  Eph. 
4:28.  I Thes.  2:9.  2 Thes.  3:10.  x Job  lt‘21.  Ps.  90:3.  104:29.  Ec.5:15.  y 2:7 
18:27.  z 23:4.  Job  19:26.  Ps.  104:29.  Ec.  3:20.  12:7.  Dan.  12:2.  Rom. 5:12— 
21.  1 Cor.  15:21,22.  a 2:20,23  . 5:29.  16:11.  29:32—35  . 35:18.  Ex.  2:10.  1 Sam. 
1:20.  Malt.  1:21,23.  | Heb.  Chavah.  b Acts  17:26.  c 7.  Is.  61:10.  Rom.  3:22. 


5:7 — 10.)  Without  a revelation  of  mercy,  inspiring  hope  of 
forgiveness,  the  convinced  sinner  would  be  hardened  in  despair: 
this  intimation  therefore  formed  that  encouragement  to  hope, 
which  was  followed  by  true  repentance  and  true  religion,  (as 
it  is  generally  supposed,)  in  fallen  Adam  and  Eve:  and 
though  the  revelation  was  at  first  obscure,  it  became  brighter 
and  brighter,  like  the  increasing  light  of  the  morning,  till  44  the 
Sun  of  righteousness  arose  with  healing  in  his  wings.” 

V.  16.  The  woman  was  first  in  the  transgression,  and  had 
tempted  Adam,  as  the  serpent  had  tempted  her;  she  there- 
fore next  received  her  sentence,  respecting  the  sufferings  to 
which  she  and  her  daughters  would  be  subjected.  It  cannot 
be  supposed,  that  pain  or  sorrow  would  have  been  connected 
with  pregnancy,  or  child-bearing,  had  not  sin  been  committed : 
but  now,  the  Lord  threatened  to  multiply  the  woman’s  sorrows, 
even  those  of  her  conception ; so  that,  in  a world  of  suffering, 
the  pains  and  sufferings  of  the  female  sex  are  thus  greatly 
multiplied  indeed,  almost  beyond  expression. — It  might  there- 
fore have  been  expected,  that  on  this  account  woman  would 
generally  prefer  the  single  state,  and  thus  prevent  the  increase 
of  the  human  species:  but  God  (according  to  the  probable 
meaning  of  the  expression  as  used  in  this  connexion,  (Notey 
4:6,7.)  hath  so  ordered  it,  that  marriage  is  notwithstanding 
generally  chosen  even  by  the  suffering  sex. — The  authority  of 
the  husband,  when  exercised  uniformly  with  wisdom  and 
tenderness,  would  have  increased  mutual  felicity:  but,  by  the 
entrance  of  sin,  it  is  often  converted  into  unreasonable  and 
unfeeling  despotism,  and  becomes  an  additional  source  of 
misery  to  vast  numbers  of  unhappy  females : and  they  too  are 
equally  prone  to  neglect  the  duties  of  their  station,  which 
occasions  a still  further  increase  of  misery  and  distraction. — 
To  prevent  or  mitigate  these  evils,  submission  in  things  lawful 
is  here  commanded,  notwithstanding  this  change  in  the  con* 
duct  of  the  husband,  which  seems  also  to  be  predicted. — 4 It 
is  well,  that  enmity  was  not  put  between  the  man  and  woman, 
in  the  manner  that  it  is  betwixt  her  seed  and  that  of  the 
serpent.’  Henry. 

V.  17 — 19.  The  plea,  by  which  Adam  tried  to  extenuate 
his.  crime,  was  adduced  as  the  reason  of  his  punishment.: 
instead  of  hearkening  to  the  voice  of  God,  he  had  hearkened 
to  the  voice  of  Eve,  whom  he  was  appointed  to  counsel  and 
command,  not  to  obey.  Yet  the  Lord  did  not  denounce  a 
curse  on  him  and  his  seed,  having  before  given  intimations  of 
rich  blessings  intended  for  them : but  44  he  cursed  the  ground 
for  his  sake ;”  that  as  he  had  transgressed  in  eating  the  for- 
bidden fruit,  so  he  might  be  chastised  in  the  labour  and  sorrow 
connected  with  his  future  sustenance.  In  consequence  of  this 
curse,  useless  and  noxious  weeds  and  plants  spring  up  spon- 
taneously, and  both  grow  and  multiply  with  immense  rapidity. 
These  must  be  eradicated,  the  soil  prepared,  and  much  labour 
bestowed,  before  the  precious  fruits  of  the  earth  can  be 
obtained:  hence  incessant  fatigue,  pain,  and  penury  are  the 
lot  of  the  bulk  of  mankind ; which  would  not  have  been  the 
case,  had  not  sin  occasioned  it.  And  at  last,  the  herb  of  the 
field,  the  ordinary  productions  of  the  earth,  were  substituted 
for  the  delicious  fruits  of  Eden,  as  a sharp  rebuke  for  man’s 
coveting  and  eating  the  forbidden  fruit.  The  weight  of  this 
part  of  the  sentence  falls  chiefly  on  the  man,  to  whom  it  is 
addressed,  as  that  of  the  former  on  the  woman.  Nor  was  any 
respite  or  termination  of  this  labour  and  sorrow  to  be  expected, 
till  death  should  consign  the  body  to  the  earth  again,  to  mingle 
with  its  original  dust. — As  we  feel  that  this  sentence,  in  every 
part,  is  in  full  force  against  the  whole  human  species ; it  is 
absurd  to  deny  that  we  were  all  joined  in  th'e  covenant  with 
Adam,  our  common  representative.  (Marg.  Ref.  q — z.) 
But  as  the  sentence  upon  the  Serpent,  couched,  under  its 
outward  meaning,  the  threatening  of  vengeance  on  the  invisible 
tempter,  so-  the  death  denounced  against  the  body,  which  is 
but  44  the  instrument  of  unrighteousness,”  comprehends  alt*> 
the  awful  punishment  prepared  for  the  soul,  the  deviser  ol 
every  sin,  and  the  real  agent  in  committing  it.  This  is  evinced 
by  the  sinful  propensities  of  the  human  race,  compared  with 
the  threatenings  of  44  the  wrath  of  God  against  every  soul  o! 
man,  that  doeth  evil.”  Our  very  nature  is  fallen  under  the 
curse  for  Adam’s  sake,  and  produces  only  sinful  desires, 
words,  and  actions,  unless  renewed  by  divine  grace : for  in 
the  very  day  in  which  Adam  sinned,  he  died,  he  became 
spiritually  dead,  the  Holy  Spirit  having  left  his  soul : and  all 
capacity  of  delighting  in  the  holy  service  and  spiritual  worship 

( 23  ) 


B.  C.  4004. 


GENESIS 


B.  C.  4003. 


become  das  one  of  us,  to  know  good  and  evil : and 
now  lest  he  put  forth  his  hand  and  take  also  of  the 
'tree'of  life,  and  feaL  and  live  for  ever; 

23  Therefore  the  Lord  God  sent  him  forth  from 
the  garden  of  Eden,  to  still  the  ground  from 
whence  he  was  taken. 

24  So  he  drove  out  the  man : and  he  placed  at 
the  heast  of  the  garden  of  Eden  ‘Cherubims,  and 
11  a flaming  sword  which  turned  every  way,  ‘to 
keep  the  way  of  the  tree  of  life. 


2 Cor.  5:21.  .15.  1:26.  11:6,7.  Is.  10:12.  47:12,13.  e2:9.  Pro*.  3:18.  Rev. 2:7. 
22:2.  fPs.  22:26.  John  6:48— 58.  g 2:5.  4:2,12.  9:20.  Ec.  5:6.  Ii  2:8.  i Ex. 
25:22.  1 Sum.  4:4.  1 Kings  6:25—35.  Ps.  80:1.  99:1.  Ez.  10:2,  Sic.  k Num.  22: 
23.  Josh.  5:13.  1 Chr.  21:16.  1 John  14:6.  Heb.  10:18—22. 


of  God,  is  extinct  in  every  descendant  of  Adam,  till  “the 
Spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus”  restores  divine  life,  by  regene- 
ration. Indeed,  the  apostle  directly  opposes  the  death  which 
came  by  Adam,  to  the  life  which  comes  by  Christ:  and  there- 
fore, if  the  one  is  eternal,  so  is  the  other.  (Rom.  5:12—19.) 
Thus  all  are  concluded  under  sin  and  wrath,  and  none  but 
Jesus,  the  Mediator  of  a new  covenant,  can  deliver  ns.  And 
thus  He,  “ the  second  Adam,  the  Lord  from  heaven,”  as  our 
Surety,  was  under  subjection,  and  made  a curse  for  us,  laboured 
through  his  sorrowful  life,  sweat  blood  in  the  garden,  endured 
the  travail  of  his  soul ; and  at  length  expired  on  the  cross,  and 
was  laid  in  the  grave,  that  he  might  bear  every  part  of  the 
sentence  deserved  by  man’s  sin,  and  so  finally  save  the  whole 
multitude  of  his  believing  people. 

V.  20.  Adam  thankfully  accepted  the  reprieve  compre- 
nended  in  the  sentence,  and  looked  forward  to  the  increase  of 
the  human  species  with  submissive  satisfaction,  notwithstand- 
ing its  attendant  miseries ; because  he  by  faith  embraced  the 

Cromise  of  that  future  “ Seed  of  the  woman,  which  should 
ruise  the  Serpent’s  head.”  And  he  called  his  wife  Eve,  which 
signifies  Life,  or  Living ; not  only  as  she  Was  to  be  the  mother 
of  the  whole  human  race,  but  also  of  him  especially  who  is  the 
Author  and  Source  of  life  eternal  to  all  believers. 

V.  21.  Coats  of  skins.|  Some  conclude  from  this  circum- 
stance, that  a considerable  time  had  elapsed  between  the 
creation  and  the  fall,  and  that  the  animals  had  already  begun 
to  increase,  or  none  could  have  been  spared  to  be  slain:  but 
this  is  mere  conjecture  ; as  are  all  other  opinions  on  the  sub- 

iect,  in  which  it  has  not  pleased  God  to  gratify  our  curiosity. 

t is  extremely  probable  that  some  beasts,  sacrificed  by  divine 
appointment,  furnished  the  skins  with  which  Adam  and  Eve 
were  clothed : for,  as  they  certainly  had  never  slain  any  ani- 
mals before  the  fall,  and  as  we  have  no  reason  to  suppose  that 
liny  had  died  of  themselves,  it  is  hard  to  conceive  in  what  other 
way  these  skins  could  be  procured. — Innocent  animals,  slain 
in  sacrifice,  furnishing  garments  to  fallen  Adam  and  Eve, 
would  very  aptly  typify  the  promised  Seed,  who  suffered  for 
our  sms,  that  we  might  stand  accepted  before  God  in  his 
righteousness : and  the  circumstance  of  the  Lord  God  making 
these  coats  of  skins,  and  clothing  them,  not  only  intimates  the 
kind  instruction  and  assistance  which  he  afforded  them,  in 
accommodating  themselves  to  their  present  situation  ■ but  re- 
presents to  us,  that  the  Saviour  and  salvation  are  of  his  pro- 
viding; and  that  faith,  which  receives  and  puts  on  Christ,  is 
his  gift,  and  must  be  sought  and  received  from  him. 

V.  22 — 24.  The  expression,  “become  as  one  of  us,”  em- 
hatically  denotes  the  plurality  of  persons  in  the  Deity.  ( Note, 
:26.) — -The  Lord  was  pleased  to  point  out,  in  language,  ex- 
ressive  both  of  pity  and  indignation,  the  sad  change  which 
ad  taken  place,  by  thus  alluding  to  the  ambitious  desire  and 
vain  expectation  of  being  as  gods,  which  had  been  excited  in 
Adam  and  Eve,  and  to  their  woful  disappointment.  As  they 
had  forfeited  the  blessing  of  immortality , it  was  very  proper 
that  they  should  be  deprived  of  the  sacramental  pledge  of  it. 
But  this  by  no  means  proves,  that  the  fruit  of  the  tree  of  life 
had  any  inherent  efficacy  of  conferring  immortality : it  rather 
reflected  upon  their  folly,  who  had  been  deluded  to  believe 
that  the  fruit  of  the  tree  of  knowledge  could  of  itself  make 
them  wise ! — After  this  expulsion  from  Eden,  some  angelic 
guards,  with  a visible  appearance,  and  the  similitude  of  a 
flaming  sword,  forbad  all  entrance  into  it,  or  access  to  the  tree 
of  life.  This  indicated,  that,  according  to  the  covenant  sealed 
by  the  tree  of  life,  the  favour  of  God  and  eternal  happiness 
were  for  ever  unattainable  by  fallen  man.  ( Murg . Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — G.  In  deducing  practical  instruction  from  this  im- 
portant part  of  Scripture,  the  only  difficulty  lies  in  selection  ; 
for  every  part  of  revealed  religion  is  virtually  comprised  in  it. 
—The  subject  calls  upon  us  to  lament  and  mourn ; not  so 
much  for  these  primitive  transgressors,  as  for  ourselves, our  chil- 
dren, and  the  whole  human  race,  thus  involved  in  one  common 
ruin ; but  at  the  same  time  it  reminds  us  to  rejoice  in  God  our 
Saviour, from  whom  come  everlasting  righteousness  and  felicity. 
It  behoves  us,  however,  “ to  rejoice  with  trembling,”  lest  we 
be  found  among  those  who  neglect  this  great  salvation,  through 
the  deceitfulness  of  our  hearts,  and  the  snares  of  the  world ; 
and,  above  all,  through  the  subtlety  of  our  watchful,  unwea- 
ried, and  malicious  enemies,  the  powers  of  darkness,  and  the 
agents  ill  whom  they  lie  concealed,  who  are  still  envious  of 
our  happiness,  and  covertly  plotting  our  destruction.  For, 
though  the  several  steps  be  not  always  so  discernible,  there  is 

( 24  ) 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Cain  and  Abel  are  born,  1.2.  Abel's  offering  is  accepted , anti  Cain's  rejected, 
3—7.  Cain  inurders  Aoel ; is  cpnvicted,  condemned , and  banished  : nis  eub* 
sequent  behaviour , 8 — 17.  His  descendants  to  Lamech , the  fifth,  in  descent 
from  him ; with  some  particulars  of  Lamech  and  his  children . 18 — 24.  Seth 
is  Aorn.25,  26. 

AND  Adam  knew  Eve  his  wife  : and  she  con- 
ceived, and  bare  Cain,  and  said,  “I  have  got- 
ten a man  from  the  Lord. 

2 And  she  again  bare  his  brother  ‘Abei.  bAn<J 
Abel  was  +a  keeper  of  sheep,  but  Cain  was  a Hil- 
ler of  the  ground. 


a 25.  5:29.  1 John  3:12.  • Heb.  Hebe!,  b 30:29—31.  46:32—34.  47:3.  Ex.3:l. 
Ps.  78:70— 72.  Am.  7:15.  t Heb. /eater,  c 3:23.  9:20. 


the  same  concurrence  and  succession  in  all  temptations,  by 
which  we  are  overcome,  as  there  were  in  the  case  of  Eve  \ 
and  it  contains  a picture  in  miniature  of  all  Satan’s  devices 
and  victories  in  every  age.  Still  he  insinuates  hard  thoughts 
of  God  and  his  commandments ; flatters  men  with  hopes  of 
impunity,  in  direct  contradiction  to  the  sacred  oracles  ; en- 
hances to  the  imagination  the  pleasure  or  advantage  of  sinful 
indulgence  ; pays  court  to  pride  and  the  sensual  appetite:  he 
still  entangles  men  in  error,  seduces  them  into  unbelief,  hurries 
them  on  with  precipitation,  and  prevails  with  them  to  u trust 
in  their  own  hearts,”  and  “ lean  to  their  own  understandings,” 
till  he  has  effected  his  destructive  purposes.  Whenever  there- 
fore our  pride  is  flattered,  or  discontent,  ambition,  affectation 
of  independence,  covetousness,  or  sensual  lust  is  excited ; 
when  we  are  ready  to  promise  ourselves  impunity  in  sin,  or 
advantage  from  it ; when  hard  thoughts  of  God  and  his  com- 
mandments ; doubts  about  his  veracity  and  faithfulness,  or  low 
apprehensions  of  the  value  of  his  favour  and  of  spiritual  blessings 
are  suggested  ; and  when  w’e  are  urged  forward  in  self-confi- 
dence, not  brooking  opposition,  and  not  taking  time  for  prayer 
and  consulting  pious  and  prudent  friends  ; then  we  may  be  sure 
the  old  Serpent  is  tempting  us  ; then  especially  we  are  called 
to  “ watch  and  pray  and  our  only  safety  consists  in  speedy 
flight,  or  vigorous  resistance,  being  “steadfast  in  the  faith.” — 
We  have  also  in  Satan’s  conduct  the  first  example  of  perjury, 
and  a specimen  of  its  horrible  consequences : and  perjurers 
would  do  well  to  contemplate,  as  in  a glass,  their  own  cha- 
racter, and  learn  whose  children  they  are,  and  whose  simili- 
tude they  bear. — We  should,  however,  not  only  be  upon  our 
guard  against  avowed  enemies,  or  wicked  people  : we  must 
also  reject  every  temptation  to  unbelief  or  disobedience,  though 
sent  by  the  hands  of  the  most  lovely  or  beloved  object  on 
earth ; recognizing  the  concealed  tempter,  and  with  indigna- 
tion answering,  “ Get  thee  behind  me,  Saian ; for  it  is  writ 
ten,”  &c.  (Note,  Matt.  16:21 — 23.)  for  he  still  seduces  us 
by  those  who  possess  our  warmest  affections  ; and  he  has  in 
all  ages  employed  men  and  women  as  tempters  to  each  other, 
with  immense  success. — Transgressors  can  vseldom  be  con- 
tented to  sin  alone  ; but  they  endeavour  to  draw  others  to  imi- 
tate their  own  misconduct.  Indeed,  should  our  own  senses  or 
understandings  seem  to  testify,  that  forbidden  objects  are  good 
and  desirable,  we  must  reject  that  testimony,  if  we  wouid  be 
safe  and  happy.  Nor  let  it  be  forgotten,  that  the  desire  of 
knowledge  is  as  liable  to  exorbitancy,  as  the  sensual  appetites ; 
and  when  not  restricted  by  the  word  of  God,  it  degenerates 
into  bold  curiosity,  skepticism,  and  infidelity. 

V.  7 — 13.  “ The  wisdom  of  this  world  is  foolishness  with 
God.”  “ The  knowledge  which  puffeth  up,”  induces  men  to 
“ profess  themselves  wise,  till  they  become  fools  and  either 
to  say,  “ There  is  no  God,”  or  to  speak  and  act  as  if  there 
were  none,  or  as  if  he  were  “ altogether  such  an  one  as  them- 
selves.”— The  triumphs  of  successful  wickedness  ai^;  short, 
and  often  terminate  in  shame  and  anguish  ; and  agreement  in 
sin  commonly  produces  bitter  recriminations,  and  often  impla- 
cable enmities. — When  God  shall  “judge  the  *vorld  in  right- 
eousness,” a summons  even  more  dreadful  than  that  which 
called  forth  our  affrighted  progenitors,  will  constrain  every 
impenitent  sinner’s  attendance  at  his  awful  tribunal.  Then 
“ every  mouth  shall  be  stopped,  and  all  the  world  will  become 
guilty  before  God  and  whatever  excuse  shall  be  attempted, 
it  will  not  only  be  silenced,  but  turned  into  an  argument  against 
the  criminal,  and  an  aggravation  of  his  guilt  and  condcmna- 
tion. — In  the  meanwhile,  it  is  very  useful  for  us  frequently  to 
propose  to  ourselves  this  question,  “ Where  art  thou  ?”  In  a 
state  of  safety  and  peace  ? or  in  the  broad  road  to  destruction  ? 
In  the  path  of  duty,  or  in  some  devious  course  ? — But  alas’ 
Adam’s  posterity  have  ever  shown  a prevalent  disposition  to 
copy  his  example,  not  only  in  transgression,  but  also  in  makinp 
such  excuses  as  ultimately  throw  the  blame  upon  God  him 
self.  Self-justification  forms  a prominent  feature  in  the  hu- 
man character,  discernible  from  tender  infancy  to  hoary  hairs, 
not  only  among  the  moral  and  virtuous,  but  even  down  to  the 
murderer,  the  thief,  and  the  prostitute ! To  this  there  is  no 
exception. — It  is  indeed  artfully  concealed  in  some ; suppressed 
in  others  by  that  proficiency  in  vice,  which,  glorying  m what 
is  shameful,  like  Satan  attempts  no  excuse  ; and  subdued  in 
others  by  the  grace  of  the  gospel,  and  the  humbling  influ- 
ences of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

V.  14 — 19.  We  should  accustom  ourselves  to  consider  al 
the  sorrows  and  troubles  of  life,  however  varied,  and  by  wh»^ 
ever  second  causes  brought  upon  us,  as  pari  of  «ho  sentence  ot 


B.  C.  387o. 


CHAPTER  IV.  , B.  C.  387o 


3 And  'in  process  of  time  it  came  to  pass,  that 
Cain  brought  of  ‘'the  fruit  of  the  ground  an  otier- 
ing  unto  the  Lord. 

4 And  Abel,  he  also  brought  of  cthe  firstlings 
of  his  'flock,  and  of  the  fat  thereof.  And  the 
Lord  rhad  respect  unto  Abel,  and  to  hfs  ofler- 
ing  : 

5 But  sunto  Cain  and  to  his  offering  he  had  not 
respect.  And. Cain  was  very  '“wroth,  and  his 
countenance  fell. 

6 And  the  Lord  said  unto  Cain,  “Why  art  thou 
wroth?  and  why  is  thy  countenance  fallen? 

•Heb.  at  the  end  of  doyt . I Kings  17:7.  Nell.  13:6.  jnarg.  d Lev.  2:1 — 11.  Num. 
IS:  12 . e Ex.  13:12  Num.  18:17.  Prov.  3.9.  Heb.  9:22.  1 I et.  1:19,20.  Rev. 
13:8.  t Heb.  vhrep  or  gone,  f 15:17.  Lev.  9:24.  Num.  16:35.  Judg.  6:21. 
1 Kings  18:24,38.  1 Chr.  21:26.  2 t hr.  7:1.  Ps.  20:3.  ma>g.  g Num.  16:15. 
Heb.  11:4.  h 31:2,5.  Job  5:2.  Luke  15:2S— 30.  Acts  1L45.  i 1 Chr.  13:11 — 13. 
Is.  1:18.  Jer.  2:5,31.  Jon.  4:1— 4,8— 11.  Mic.6:3— 5.  Matt. 20:15.  Luke  15:31,32. 

a righteous  Judge  pronounced  against  our  sinful  race.  (Notes, 
Ps.  90:3 — 11.)  Even  death  itself  should  not  .be  spoken  oi 

as  the  debt  of  nature , but  as  the  execution  of  the  law  of  God 
upon  a criminal.  44  So  teach  us,  O Lord,  to  number  our 
days,  that  we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom.” — On  the 
other  hand,  all  our  comforts  are  undeserved  mercies  ; and  this 
should  teach  us,  not  only  patience  and  contentment,  but  lively 
gratitude ; especially  as  they  are  connected  with  the  promise 
of  a Saviour,  and  the  hope  of  eternal  life.  Even  the  troubles 
to  which  we  are  here  exposed,  death  itself  not  excepted,  as 
things  are  now  circumstanced,  are  of  a salutary  tendency,  if 
duly  prepared  for:  and  the  wearisome  labour  to  which  man,  as 
a criminal,  is  sentenced,  and  against  which  all  the  slothful  of 
every  rank  continually  rebel,  prevents  far  greater  evils  than  it 
occasions. — This  transaction,  at  tirst  sight,  makes  it  manifest 
that  we  are  capable  of  ruining,  but  not  of  saving  ourselves ; 
and  that  the  contrivance  and  proposal  of  salvation  go  before, 
not  only  our  deservings  and  endeavours,  but,  even  ou  desires 
and  expectations.  Had  not  therefore  the  Judge  of  men  been 
previously  revealed  as  the  Saviour  of  sinners,  we  must  all  have 
stood  self-convicted  and  trembling  before  him,  to  hear  the  aw- 
ful sentence  of  everlasting  condemnation,  without  the  possibi- 
lity of  escape. 

Y.  20 — 24.  Notwithstanding  the  light  of  revelation,  and 
the  hope  of  eternal  life,  the  world,  ever  since  the  fall,  has 
been  full  of  darkness,  sin,  and  misery : what  then  would  it 
have  been,  had  the  Lord  finally  withdrawn  from  his  apostate 
creatures  ? And  if  temporal  suffering  causes  such  doleful 
lamentations,  what  will  be  44  the  second  death,”  44  the  wrath 
to  come  ?”  The  believer,  however,  is  taught  to  consider  the 
former  as  fatherly  chastisements,  tokens  of  love,  44  light 
afflictions,  and  but  for  a moment and  is  enabled  to  submit 
to  them,  and  to  death  itself,  with  cheerfulness,  in  the  hope  of 
everlasting  glory : but  the  latter  is  reserved  as  the  portion  of 
the  enemies  of  God.  Hoping  in  the  merits  of  Christ,  and  the 
blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant  of  which  he  is  the  faithful 
Surety,  let  us  prostrate  ourselves  before  God,  in  humiliation 
for  sin,  and  gratitude  for  salvation  ; let  us  labour  and  suffer  pa- 
tiently, manfully  resist  temptation,  and  obey  his  commands 
with  cheerfulness:  not  only  expecting  that  44  he  will  bruise 
Satan  under  our  feet  shortly  ;”  but  that  he  will  in  due  time 
crush  the  Serpent’s  head  completely,  and  fill  the  earth  with 
truth  and  righteousness. 

NOTES.— Chap.  IV.  V.  1,  2.  The  word  translated 
gotten , means  acquired  or  possessed , and  generally  implies  a 
high  valuation  of  the  acquisition ; it  is  thus  used  in  two  remark- 
able texts:  Deut.  32:6.  Prov.  8:22.  Heb.  Probably  there- 
fore Eve  concluded  that  this  was  the  promised  Seed  ; and  in- 
deed some  think  the  words  may  be  rendered,  44 1 have  ac- 
quired a Man,  even  Jehovah.”  If  so,  the  subsequent  events 
must  have  been  a most  distressing  disappointment.  On  the 
other  hand  the  name  given  to  Abel  (which  signifies  Vanity ) 
seems  to  imply,  that  far  inferior  expectations  were  formed 
respecting  him.  And  if  Cain  was  early  taught  to  consider 
himself  as  entitled  by  his  birthright  to  the  special  favour  and 
blessing  of  God,  it  might  greatly  tend  to  nourish  in  him  that 
proud,  malignant,  and  envious  spirit,  which  produced  the  fatal 
consequences  recorded  in  this  chapter. 

V.  3 — 5.  This  early  use  of  sacrifices  confirms  the  suppo- 
sition, that  the  appointment  of  them  formed  a part  of  the  gra- 
cious revelation,  made  to  Adam  after  his  transgression. — It  is 
indeed  exceedingly  difficult,  in  any  other  way,  to  account  for 
Che  use  of  altars  and  sacrifices,  in  appeasing  the  anger  of  the 
offended  Deity ; which  has  prevailed  almost  in  all  ages  and 
nations,  and  which  does  not  appear  to  have  its  origin  from 
any  deductions  of  human  reason.  But  if  God  commanded 
Adam,  after  the  fall,  to  shed  the  blood  of  innocent  animals,  and 
to  consume  part  or  the  whole  of  their  bodies  by  fire ; repre- 
senting the  punishment  merited  by  sin,  in  death  and  after 
death,  and  prefiguring  the  sufferings  of  Christ;  then  the  whole 
‘vs  natural : the  original  tradition  was  remembered,  and  the 
^Method  of  expiation  practised,  long  after  the  meaning  of  it 
was  obscured  or  forgotten.— The  apostle  informs  us  that, 
44  by  faith  Abel  offered  unto  God  a more  excellent  sacrifice 
ban  Cain.”  (Note,  Heb.  11:4.)  Now  Cain  evidently  had 
some  kind  of  faith  in  God,  his  Creator  and  providential  Bene- 
factor ; and  he  brought  an  offering  as  an  outward  acknow- 
ledgment of  his  obligations  and  expression  of  his  gratitude  : 
Vol.  I.— 4 


7 If  kthou  doest  well,  shalt  thou  not  'be  accept- 
ed ? and  if  thou  doest  not  well,  'sin  lieth  at  the 
door.  And  $unto  thee  shall  be  his  desire,  and 

thou  shalt  rule  over  him.  [Practical  Observations.] 

8 And  Cain  “"talked  with  Abel  his  brother  : and 
it  came  to  pass  when  they  were  in  the  field,  that 
"Cain  rose  up  against  Abel  his  brother,  and  sfew 
him. 

9 H And  the  Lord  said  unto  Cain,  "Where  is 
Abel  thy  brother  ? And  he  said,  i’I  know  not : Jim 

1 my  brother’s  keeper  ? 

10  And  he  said, ‘•What  hast  thou  done?  the 

k Ec.  8:12,13.  Is.  5:10,11.  Acts  10:35.  Rom.  2:7 — 10  J Or,  h<eoe  the  excellent 
cy.  18 — 18.  Rom.  7:8,9.  Jam.  1:15,.  § Or.  subject  unto  thee.  3:16. more.  a 

2 Sam.  3:27.  13:26— 28.  20:9,10.  Neli.^.7.  Ps.  55:21.  Prov.  26:24— 26.  Luke  22: 
40.  n 2 Sam.  14:6.  Matt.  23:36.  Luke  11:51.  1 John  3: 12 -15.  Jude  11.  o3:9— 
11.  p 37:32.  Job  22:13,14.  Ps.  10:13,14.  John  8:14.  Acts  5:4— 9.  q 3:13.  Josh. 
7:19.  Ps.  50:21. 


but  he  did  not  believe  in  the  promised  Saviour,  nor  come  as  a 
sinner  to  supplicate  mercy  through  him  ; and  therefore  he  did 
not  bring  the  sacrifices  which  prefigured  the  atonement.  Thus 
he  manifested  an  impenitent  and  unbelieving  heart,  and  virtu- 
ally cleaved  to  the  violated  covenant  of  works  ; and  therefore 
he  and  his  offering  were  rejected.  But  Abel  came  in  faith, 
as  a sinner,  according  to  the  appointment  of  God  ; his 
offering  was  presented  insincerity,  a-nd  was  expressive  of  hu- 
mility and  believing  obedience  : and,  as  he  sought  the  mercy  of 
the  new  covenant,  through  the  promised  Seed,  he  was  gra- 
ciously accepted  ; and  his  sacrifice  was  distinguished  by  some 
manifest  token  of  divine  approbation.  Probably  it  was  con- 
sumed by  fire  from  heaven  ; which  intimated,  that  deserved 
vengeance,  consuming  the  sacrifice,  made  way  for  the  exer- 
cise of  every  mercy  to  the  offender.  (Marg.  Ref.  f.) — In  all 
ages  there  have  been  two  such  descriptions  of  worshippers  ; 
namely,  proud  despisersof  salvation  by  faith  in  the  blood  of 
Christ,  who  have  attempted  to  please  God  by  their  own  de- 
vices ; and  humble  believers,  who  have  found  acceptance  in 
his  appointed  way,  and  patiently  endured  the  envy,  hatred, 
and  persecution  to  which  this  exposed  them.  Cain,  however, 
instead  of  humbly  inquiring  the  cause  of  his  dejection,  in- 
dulged desponding  grief,  and  malignant  resentment  against 
Abel,  and  even  rebellion  and  enmity  against  God  himself ; 
which  tormenting  passions  were,  (as  they  were  wont  to  be,) 
strongly  marked  on  his  sullen,  downcast  countenance. 

V.  6,  7.  Though  Cain  manifested  a most  rebellious  spirit, 
yet  the  Lord  condescended  to  expos! ulate  with  him,  and 
showed  that  he  had  no  cause  of  dissatisfaction;  that  the  hy- 
pocrisy of  his  heart,  and  the  unwarranted  method  of  his  ap- 
proach, had  indeed  deservedly  excluded  him  from  his  gracious 
approbation  ; but  that,  if  he  came  in  another  temper,  and  in 
the  prescribed  way,  he  too  would  he  accepted.  He  further 
warned  him,  that  44  sin  lay  at  the  door,”  ready  to  burst  in  upon 
him  ; for  impenitence  and  the  indulgence  of  malignan'  passions 
would  open  the  way  to  the  commission  of  greater  crimes 
which  would  expose  him  to  still  deeper  condemnation  : or  the 
guilt  of  his  unpar^oned,  because  unexpiated,  crimes  lay  at 
the  door  ready  to  .seize  on  him,  as  a lion  on  his  prey.  Neither 
had  Cain  any  cause  for  discontent  or  resentment ; seeing  Abel 
still  loved  him,  and  was  ready  to  obey  him,  as  his  elder  bro- 
ther, even  as  he  had  before  done. — It  is  not  said  in  what  way 
the  Lord  spake  to  Cain  ; but  it  is  probable,  that  it  was  by 
some  mild  and  familiar  appearance  in  human  form, as  in  many 
subsequent  instances  it  was  undeniably  the  case  : for  had  it 
been  with  a display  of  terrific  glory,  as  some  suppose,  it  can 
hardly  be  conceived,  that  he  would  have  dared  to  answer  as 
he  afterwards  did. 

V.  8.  Cain  concealed  his  murderous  hatred  under  the  mask 
of  cordial  affection,  and  entered  into  familiar  converse  with 
his  brother ; till  he  had  drawn  him  into  a place  of  privacy, 
where  he  took  the  opportunity  of  slaying  him. 

V.  The  Lord  soon  called  the  murderer  to  account  for 
his  conduct,  (as  he  had  formerly  done  Adam  and  Eve  ;)  in- 
quiring of  him,  44  Where  his  brother  Abel  was  ?”  and  his  an- 
swer accorded  to  the  idea  before  suggested  of  his  pride  and 
unbelief.  He  denied  that  he  knew  where  Abel  was,  as  if  he 
could  conceal  his  crime  from  God  himself;  and  Re  instantly 
demanded,  whether  he  was  his  brother’s  keeper ! — I know  not 
whether  we  are  to  consider  this  as  a denial  of  the  omniscience 
of  God,  as  a rejection  of  his  author’  y,  or  as  a def  ince  of  his 
omnipotence ; but  it  plainly  shows  that  sin  had  hardened 
Cain’s  heart  and  blinded  his  understanding. 

V.  10 — 12.  Thus  God  called  upon  Cain  to  reflect  on  the 
horrid  nature  and  aggravated  circumstances  of  his  crime,  and 
the  vengeance  due  to  him,  in  order  to  awaken  his  remorse  and 
alarm  his  fears. — Undeserved  hatred  and  proud  revenge  pro- 
ducing premeditated  murder,  while  men  were  comparatively 
few  in  number,  and  probably  none  had  yet  died ; the  murder 
of  a brother,  in  cruel  disregard  to  their  common  parents,  for 
no  other  cause  than  the  excellency  of  his  character,  and  the 
envy  excited  by  the  favour  which  God  had  shown  him ; a ma- 
lignant hatred  of  holiness,  daring  contempt  of  the  Lord  him- 
self, and  determined  enmity  to  him ; were  united  in  this  one 
crime.  (Note,  I John  3:11,12.) — The  justice  and  holiness 
of  the  great  Governor  of  the  universe,  render  ii  so  proper  for 
him  to  punish  offenders,  that  they  who  suffer  flagrant  wrong, 
are  often  spoken  of  in  Scripture,  as  loudly  calling  upon  him 
( 25  ) 


B.  C.  887*5. 


GENESIS.  B.  C.  8769 


voice  of  thy  brother’s  'blood  rcrieth  unto  me 
from  the  ground. 

11  And  now  art  thou  “cursed  from  the  earth, 
whicli  hath  ‘opened  her  mouth  to  receive  thy 
brother’s  blood  from  thy  hand. 

12  When  thou  tillest  the  ground,  “it  shall  not 
henceforth  yield  unto  thee  her  strength.  “A  fu- 
gitive and  a vagabond  shalt  thou  be  on  the  earth. 

13  And  Cain  said  unto  the  Lord,  ‘My  *pu- 
nishment  is  greater  than  I can  bear. 

14  Behold,  thou  hast  ‘driven  me  out  this  day 
from  the  face  of  the  earth : and  “from  thy  face 
shall  I be  hid,  and  I shall  be  a fugitive  and  a va- 
gabond in  the  earth,  and  it  shall  come  to  pass, 
bthat  every  one  that  findefli  me  shall  slay  me. 

15  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  “Therefore 
whosoever  slayeth  Cain,  vengeance  shall  be  taken 
on  him  dseven-fold.  And  the  Lord  set  “a  mark 
upon  Cain,  lest  any  finding  him  should  kill  him. 

16  11  And  Cain  fwent  out  from  the  presence  of 
the  Lord,  and  dwelt  in  the  land  of  Nod,  on  the 
east  of  Eden. 

17  And  Cain  knew  his  wife,  and  she  conceived 
and  bare  ‘Enoch : rand  hebuildeda  city,  and  call- 
ed l,the  name  of  the  city  after  the  name  of  his  son 
Enoch. 

18  And  unto  Enoch  was  born  Irad:  and  Irad 


■ Heb.  Hoods,  r 18:20.  Ex.  3:7.  Job  31:33,39.  Ps.  9:12.  Is.  5:7.  Heb.  12:24. 
Jam.  5:4.  Kev.  6:10.  s3:14.  De.u.27-24.  28:15—20.  29:19-  21.  Gal.  3:10. 
t ob  16:18.  31:38 — 40.  Is.  26:21.  Rev.  12:18.  u 3:17,13.  l.ev. 20:20.  Deni.  28: 
23,24.  x 14.  Lev.  26:36.  lieu:.  28:65,66.  Ps.  109:10.  Jer.20:3,4.  Hos.  9:17.  t Or, 
Mine  iniquity  is  greater  than,  that  it  may  be  forgiven,  y Rev.  lb:9,ll,21. 
z Prov.  14  32.'  Is.  8:22.  Hos.  13:3.  a 16.  Job  21: 14',  15.  Pb.  51 : 11— 14.  143:7. 
Malt.  25:41,46.  2 Tl.es.  1:9.  b 15.  9:5,6.  Num.  17:12,13.  35:9,21.  2Sam.  14: 
7.  els.  59;11.  d 24.  Lev.  26:18,21,24,23.  Ps.  79:12.  e Ez.  9:4,6.  Rev.  14:9, 
11.  f 14.  3:8.  Ex.  20:24.  2 Kings  13:23.  Job  1:12.  2:7.  20:17.  Jon.  1:3,10.  Matt. 


to  execute  vengeance  on  their  injurers.  And,  as  he  witnesses 
the  secret  crimes  which  elude  human  justice  ; so  those  crimes 
themselves  are  represented,  as  demanding  the  punishment  of 
the  offenders  from  the  Judge  of  all,  “to  whom  vengeance 
belongs.”  Thus  Abel’s  blood  called,  as  with  a loud  voice,  to 
the  Lord  to  punish  the  murderer : and  Cain’s  enormous 
crime  exposed  him  to  so  awful  and  deserved  a curse,  that  the 
very  elements  were  ready  to  rise  up  in  arms  against  him,  as 
the  Creator’s  instruments  of  vengeance ; and  the  earth  would 
withhold  her  wonted  increase,  because  he  had  forced  her  to 
drink  the  blood  of  righteous  Abel. — There  is  peculiar  majesty 
and  energy  in  thus  personifying  the  inanimate  creatures,  and 
representing  them  as  uniting  against  Cain. — In  consequence 
of  his  crime,  he  would  also  be  dreaded  and  detested,  and  the 
sight  of  him  would  become  hateful  even  to  his  parents,  Adam 
and  Eve  ; so  that  he  would  be  compelled  to  leave  their  society, 
and  to  wander  as  a vagabond  in  distant  parts,  filled  with  an- 
guish and  made  a terror  to  himself.  (Srevuv  sat  Tpzywv. 
Groaning  and  trembling . Sept.) 

Cursed  from  the  earthy  &c.  (11.)  Or,  “ more  cursed  than 

the  ground,”  &c. 

V.  13 — 15.  Either  Cain  proudly  complained  of  the  severity 
with  which  he  was  to  be  punished ; or,  as  the  words  more 
naturally  signify,  he  stated  that  his  crime  was  too  great  to  he 
pardoned.  Thus  he  still  manifested  an  unhumbled,  impeni- 
tent, unbelieving  heart.  He  considered  himself  as  an  outlaw, 
about  to  be  left  destitute  of  God’s  providential  protection,  and 
driven  to  a distance  from  his  worshippers  and  ordinances,  to 
spend  his  days  in  groans  ana  terrors , till  some  person  should 
meet  with  him  and  kill  him.  ‘Behold  here  a finished  picture 
of  impenitent  misery ; what  a contrast  to  the  fifty-first  Psalm  !’ 
Fuller. — But  the  Lord  determined  that  Cain  should  live,  a 
monument  and  evidence  of  his  abhorrence  of  murder;  so  that 
he  would  severely  punish  any  one  who  should  slay  him. — It  is 
m vain  to  inquire  about  the  mark  set  upon  Cain  : il  was  doubt- 
less an  indelible  brand  of  infamy,  which  would  make  him  known 
to  all  who  saw  him. — Adam  and  Eve  had  very  many  more 
children  than  are  mentioned  in  this  brief  narrative  ; wnich  was 
principally  intended  to  record  a few  important  particulars,  and 
to  trace  the  history,  from  the  beginning  to  the  time  of  Moses. 
And  if,  as  it  is  generally  thought,  Abel  was  murdered  but  a 
short  time  before  the  birth  of  Seth  ; the  human  race  might  be  ex- 
ceedingly increased  in  the  space  of  a hundred  and  thirty  years. 

V.  1(5,  17.  Cain  seems  entirely  to  have  left  the  ordinances 
of  God,  the  society  of  his  worshippers,  and  the  places  espe- 
cially favoured  with  the  tokens  of  his  presence.  This  might 
be  at  first  by  compulsion,  in  consequence  of  the  curse  de- 
nounced on  him ; but,  continuing  impenitent,  he  probably 
soon  became  ODenly  irreligious,  or  perhaps  an  idolater.  • Nod 
signifies  a vagabond,  or  wanderer  : the  land  of  the  vagabonds. 
The  wife  of  Cain  is  the  first  woman  mentioned  in  this  history, 
Eve  only  excepted.  The  sons  and  daughters  of  Adam  and 
Eve  must  have  intermarried.  It  is  probable  that  Cain  had 
been  married,  and  had  children,  long  before  these  events  ; and 
that  his  descendants  principally  helped  him  to  build  a city, 
and  formed  the  majority  of  its  inhabitants. — Thus  he  attempt- 
ed to  divert  his  mind  from  serious  reflections  and  remorse  of 
' 26  ) 


begat  Mehujael:  and  Mehujael  begat  Methusaet : 
and  Methusael  begat  ^Lamech. 

19  And  Lamecli  took  unto  him  ‘two  wives : the 
name  of  the  one  was  Adah,  and  the  name  of  the 
other  Zillah. 

20  And  Adah  bare  Jabal : he  was  Hhe  father  of 
such  as  ‘dwell  in  tents,  and  of  such  as  have  cattle. 

21  And  his  brother’s  name  was  Jubal : he  was 
the  father  of  all  such  as  handle  ‘"the  harp  and  or- 
gan. 

22  And  Zillah,  she  also  bare  Tuhal-cain,  an 
ninstructer  of  every  artificer  in  “brass  and  iron  : 
and  the  sister  of  Tuhal-cain  was  Naamah. 

23  1i  And  Lamech  said  unto  his  wives,  Adah 
and  Zillah,  "Hear  my  voice,  ye  wives  of  Lamech, 
hearken  unto  my  speech : for  "I  have  slain  a man 
to  my  wounding,  and  a young  man  "to  my 
hurt. 

24  If  Cain  shall  be  avenged  seven-fold,  truly 
Lamech  ^seventy  and  seven-fold. 

25  H And  Adam  knew  his  wife  again^  and  she 
bare  a son,  ‘‘and  called  his  name-t‘Seth : ForrGod, 
said  she. .hath  appointed  me  another  seed  in- [ in- 
stead of  Abel,  whom  Cain  slew. 

26  And  to  Seth,  “to  him  also  there  was  horn  a 
son ; and  lie  called  his  name  “Enos : then  began 
men  to  §foall  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord. 


18:20.  Luke  13:26.  { Heb.  C/ia7ioch.  s 11:4.  Ec.  2:4— 11.  Dan.  4:30.  Luke  17: 
28  29.  h 2Sam.  18:18.  Ps.  49:11.  § Heb.  Ltmeck.  i 2:24.  Matl.  19:4— 5,8. 

k 21.  1 Chr.2:50— 52.  4:4,5.  Rom.  4:11,12.  12.  25:27.  Jer.  35:6,10.  Heb.  11:9. 

in  31:27.  Job.  21:12.  Is.  5:12.  Am.  6:5.  I!  Heb.  whciur.  n Ex.  25:3.  Num.  81:22. 
Deut.  8:9.  33:25.  2 Chr.  2:7.  o Num.  23:18.  Judg.  9:7.  H Or,  I would  slay  a man 
inmy  wound,  &c.  **  Or , inmy  hurt,  p 15.  Malt.  18:22.  q 5:3,4.  IChr.  1:1.  Luka 
3:38.  ttHeb.  Sk>th.  rl — 3,3,10,11.  s 5:6 — 8.  J + lleb.  i^nos'i . §§  Or,  call  them- 
selves by  the  name  of  the  LORD.  Dent.  26:17,18.  Is.  44:5.  48*1 . 63:19.  Jer.  33: 
16.  7,eph.  3:9.  Acta  11:26.  Eph.  3:14,15. 


conscience  ; or  to  attach  to  himself  adherents,  and  to  get  a 
name  in  one  way,  as  he  had  forfeited  his  reputation  in  another. 

V.  18 — 22.  The  sacred  historian  cursorily  mentions  a few 
of  Cain’s  descendants  ; but  not  in  that  particular  manner,  in 
which  he  afterwards  gives  a genealogy  of  the  line  of  Seth  to 
Noah. — Lamech  is  the  first  on  record,  who  deviated  from  the 
original  institution  of  marriage,  by  taking  more  than  one  wife: 
and  this  did  not  occur  till  the  earth  was  considerably  replen- 
ished with  inhabitants.  Some  of  his  sons  became  remark- 
able, as  the  inventors  of  useful  and  ingenious  arts : but  no 
intimation  is  given  that  any  of  them  were  pious  persons. 
( Marg . Ref.) 

Brass  and  iron.]  This  early  use  of  metals,  seems  to  im- 
ply, that  some  instructions  in  this  respect  had  been  given  to 
Adam  from  God. 

V.  23,  24.  Lamech  appears  to  have  been  either  suspi- 
cious of  his  wives,  or  desirous  of  obviating  their  apprehensions 
for  his  safety.  It  seems  plain  that  lie  was  conscious  of  having 
many  enemies,  whose  resentment  he  had  provoked  by  injuries 
of  one  kind  or  other  : whether  therefore  he  spake  affirmatively , 
and  acknowledged  that  he  had  killed  a man,  though  not  his 
own  brother  ; or  interrogatively , “ Have  I killed  a man  to  my 
hurt  ?”  he  evidently  drew  a comparison  betwixt  himself  and 
his  ancestor  Cain,  and  flattered  himself  that  lie  was  much  less 
criminal : while  he  seems  to  have  abused  the  patience  of  God 
in  sparing  Cain,  into  an  encouragement  to  himself  to  expect 
impunity  in  sin,  and  to  defy  the  vengeance  of  his  adversaries. 

V.  25.  Perhaps  Eve  had  some  intimation,  that  this  son 
was  to  be  the  progenitor  of  the  promised  Seed.  The  mention 
of  Abel,  in  this  connexion,  was  an  indication  of  her  piety,  as 
valuing  pious  Abel  above  all  her  children. 

V.  2(5.  To  call  upon , &c.]  Or,  “ to  call  themselves  by 
the  name  of  the  Lord  (Marg.)  that  is,  some  persons,  by 
an  open  protession  of  true  religion,  began  to  protest  against 
the  prevailing  impiety  and  wickedness  of  the  world  around 
them;  to  separate  from  the  society  of  idolaters  and  irreligious 
persons  ; and  to  call  on  the  Lord  as  his  worshippers. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 7.  The  promises  of  God  will  surely  be  accom- 
plished ; but  the  appointed  season  must  be  waited  for,  and 
hasty  expectations  often  end  in  hitter  disappointments.  An 
instance  of  worship  accepted  by  our  holy  God,  from  any  of 
our  fallen  race,  should  be  a joyful  and  welcome  sight  to  sin- 
ners ; but  his  acceptance  can  only  be  obtained,  in  the  way  of 
his  appointment ; and  unbelief,  pride,  and  hypocrisy,  are  as 
ruinous  as  open  ungodliness. — When  we  fail  of  success  in  our 
undertakings,  or  comfort  in  religious  exercises,  instead  of 
yielding  to  discontent  and  envy,  we  should  diligently  search 
out  and  remove  the  sinful  cause;  for  thus  we  may  afterwards 
succeed:  hut  if  we  “give  place  to  the  devil,”  by  harbouring 
envy  and  resentment,  we  know  not  whither  wo  may  be  hur- 
ried.— What  fatal  effects  do  wc  here  behold  of  Adam’s  trans- 
gression  ! What  can  we  discern  in  Cain  of  the  divine  image  ? 
Was  ho  “very  good?”  On  the  contrary,  do  not  pride,  an- 
ger, envy,  lies,  malice,  murder,  enmity  aga...  fl  God,  and  final 
apostacy,  the  very  image  of  Satan,  mark  his  whole  charac- 
ter? for  as  divine  truth,  embraced  in  faith,  is  the  appointed 


B C.  2S64, 


CHAPTER  V, 


J3.  C.  2582. 


CHAPTER  V. 


A repeated  account  of  Adam's  creation , 1.  2.  The  birth  of  Seth,  3.  The  age 
and  death  of  Adam,  4,  5 ; Seth.  6 — 8 ; Enos,  9 — 11  ; Cainan , 12—14  ; Malta- 
laleel,  15 — \l ; and  Jared,  18 — 20.  Enoch  walks  with  Clod,  and  is  translated , 
21—24.  The  age  and  death  of  Methuselah,  25—27  ; and  of  Lamech,  28—31. 
An  account  of  Noah,  and  his  sons,  32. 

THIS  is  the  “book  of  the  generations  of  Adam : 
in  the  day  that  God  created  man,  bin  the  like- 
ness of  God  made  he  him : 

2  Male  and  female  created  he  them  ; and  bless- 
ed them,  and  called  'their  name  Adam,  in  the 
day  when  they  were  created. 

3  And  Adam  lived  an  hundred  and  thirty  years, 
and  begat  a son  din  his  own  likeness,  after  his 
image ; and  'called  his  name  Seth. 

4  And  fthe  days  of  Adam  after  he  had  begot- 
ten Seth,  were  eight  hundred  years : and  ®he  begat 
sons  and  daughters : 

5  And  all  the  days  that  Adam  lived  were  nine 
hundred  and  thirty  years : ''and  he  died. 

] 6 And  Seth  lived  an  hundred  and  five 

years,  and  begat  Enos : 

7 And  Seth  lived  after  he  begat  Enos  eight  hun- 
d red  and  seven  years,  and  begat  sons  and  daughters-: 
^ ;]  8 And  all  the  days  of  Seth  were  nine  hun- 

dred and  twelve  years : and  he  died. 

InS;]  9 And  Enos  lived  ninety  years,  and  begat 
’Cainan  : 

10  And  Enos  lived  after  he  begat  Cainan  eight 
hundred  and  fifteen  years,  and  begat  sons  and 
daughters  : 

2S6i'.  ] 1 1 And  all  the  days  of  Enos  were  nine  hun- 

ared  and  five  years:  and  he  died. 


12  And  Cainan  lived  seventy  years,  andr^S 

begat  Mahajaleel.  L 

13  And  Cainan  lived  after  lie  begat  Mahalalee 
eight  hundred  and  forty  years,  and  begat  sons  an  j 
daughters : 

14  And  all  the  days  of  Cainan  were  nine[®-^ 
hundred  and  ten  years  : and  he  died. 

15  And  Mahalaleel  lived  sixty  and  five[°^j; 
years,  and  begat  Jared  : 

16  And  Mahalaleel  lived  after  he  begat  fJarei- 
eight  hundred  and  thirty  years,  and  begat  sons 
and  daughters : 

17  And  all  the  days  of  Mahalaleel  were  eight 
hundred  ninety  and  five  years:  and  he 
died. 

18  And  Jared  lived  an  hundred  sixty  and[^8§_> 
two  years,  and  he  begat  ‘Enoch. 

19  And  Jared  lived  after  he  begat  Enoch  eight 
hundred  years,  and  begat  sons  and  daughters. 

20  And  all  the  days  of  Jared  were  nine[^; 
hundred  sixty  and  two  years  : and  he  died. 

[Practical  Obsematiom .3 

21  And  Enoch  lived  sixty  and  five  years, c- 
and  begat  Methuselah. 

22  And  Enoch  kwalked  with  God  after  he  begat 
Methuselah  three  hundred  years,  and  begat  sons 
and  daughters. 

23  And  all  the  days  of  Enoch  were  three  hun- 
dred sixty  and  five  years. 

24  And  Enoch  walked  with  God,  and  he  vtas 
not : 'for  God  took  him. 


a 2:4.  Malt.  1:1.  Luke  3:36—  38.  b 1 :2S, 27.  Eph. 4:24.  Col. 3:10.  c2:15.  marg. 
Acts  17:26.  d Job  14:4.  15:14—16.  25:4.  is. 51:5.  Luke  1:35.  John  3:6.  Rom.  5: 
12.  Eph. 2:3.  e 4:25.  fl  Chr.  1 : 1—3.  Luke  3:37,38.  g 7,10,13,19,22,26,30.  1: 
28.  9:7.  h 3:19.  Heb.  9:27.  • Heb.  Kenan,  f Heb.  Jered.  i 4:17.  1 Uhr.  1:3. 


means  of  our  recovering  “from  glory  to  glory,”  the  image  of 
God ; so  Satan’s  lies,  when  believed,  produce  his  diabolical 
nature  in  the  soul. 

V.  8 — 26.  What  varied  anguish  must  have  tortured  the 
hearts  of  our  first  parents  at  the  events  here  recorded ! But, 
“ Abel  being  dead,  yet  speaketh not  only  proclaiming  the 
heinousness  of  murder,  and  warning  us  resolutely  to  suppress 
the  first  emotions  of  wrath ; but  also  teaching  us,  that  the  be- 
liever’s happiness  is  not  in  this  world ; that  persecution  must 
be  expected  by  the  righteous,  and  that  there  is  a future  state, 
and  an  eternal  recompense  to  be  enjoyed  by  them,  through 
faith  in  Christ  and  his  atoning  sacrifice. — When  “Cain,  who 
was  of  that  wicked  one,  slew  his  brother,  because  his  own 
works  were  evil,  and  his  brother’s  righteous ;”  then,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  enmity  put  betwixt  the  Seed  of  the  woman 
and  the  seed  of  the  serpent,  the  war  broke  out,  which,  in  one 
way  or  another,  hath  been  waged  ever  since : and  Cain  may 
be  considered  as  the  father,  the  patron,  and  the  archetype  of 
proud  infidels,  Pharisees,  formal  worshippers,  and  bloody  per- 
secutors, of  every  age  and  nation,  from  the  beginning  to  the 
end  of  the  world.  In  this  war  we  are  all  concerned : for  our 
Captain  hath  declared,  “ He  that  is  not  with  me,  is  against 
me.”  Under  his  banners  therefore  let  us  enlist,  and  not  be 
fearful  and  unbelieving,  but  take  up  our  cross  and  follow  him; 
and  let  us  earnestly  and  decidedly,  yet  meekly,  support  the 
cause  of  truth  and  righteousness  against  Satan  and  his  ser- 
vants : and  should  we  meet  with  persecution  even  unto  death, 
he  will  certainly  give  us  the  crown  of  everlasting  life.  (Rev. 
3:21.)  These  are  “the  better  things,”  which  the  blood  of 
Jesus  speaketh,  than  did  that  of  Abel,  who  was  a type  of 
him,  bo'h  in  the  righteousness  of  his  life,  and  in  the  manner 
of  his  death : but  Abel’s  blood  called  for  vengeance  on  him 
who  shed  it;  while  the  blood  of  Christ  pleads,  before  the 
throne,  for  pardon  and  peace,  grace  and  glory,  to  those  whose 
sins  procured  his  death. — But  what  will  it  avail  the  sinner, 
to  deny  or  excuse  his  crimes?  to  impeach  or  blaspheme  the 
justice  of  his  Maker?  or  impiously  to  spend  the  space  of  his 
long-suffering  in  worldly  projects,  or  in  making  himself  emi- 
nent among  his  fellow-creatures,  or  terrible  to  them  ? For 
“ the  wrath  of  God  abideth  on  him this  will  poison  all  his 
enjoyments ; and  heaven,  earth,  and  hell,  will  speedily  com- 
bine, as  it  were,  in  effecting  his  everlasting  destruction.  In- 
deed, worldly  employments  often  help  men  to  forget  their  dan- 
ger and  misery:  and,  as  the  first  city,  that  is  mentioned  in 
history,  was  built  by  Cain,  and  his  posterity  were  the  invent- 
ors of  many  useful  arts  ; so  ungodly  men  still  frequently  excel 
in  natural  ingenuity  and  skill,  those  who  attend  to  “ the  one 
thing  needful ;”  who,  however,  “ choose  the  good  part,  which 
shall  never  be  taken  from  them.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  V.  V.  1,  2.  This  chapter  is  a brief 
history  of  the  posterity  of  Adam,  in  that  line  from  which  all 
the  human  race  since  the  flood  is  decended : and  of  them 
alone  ; for  the  immense  numbers,  which  sprang  from  the  other 
branches  of  the  families,  in  each  generation,  are  ban  ly  men- 
tioned. The  former  chapters  seem  also  referred  to-  as  the 
authentic  records  of  the  original  of  the  world,  and  ol  the  hu- 


Hen-icA.  Luke  3:37.  k6:9.  17:1.24:40  . 48:15.  Lev.  26:12.  Deut.  13:4.  Ps.  116] 
9.  Caul.  1:4.  Am.  3:3.  Mic.  4:5.  6:8.  Mai.  2:6.  Luke  1:6.  Acts  9:31.  2 Cor. 
6:16.  Col.  1:10.  1 The«.  2:12.  1 John  1:7.  1 2 Kings  2:11.  Heb.  11:5,6.  Judo 
14,15. 


man  race. — Adam  was  the  name  not  only  of  the  first  man, 
but  also  of  the  species : it  is  supposed  to  have  been  derived 
from  the  red  colour  of  the  earth,  out  of  which  his  body  was 
formed. 

Y.  3.  The  distinction  between  Adam  “c  eatedin  the  like- 
ness of  God,”  and  Seth  begotten  in  the  likeness  of  Adam  af- 
ter the  fall,  is  very  remarkable. — It  is  generally  allowed  that 
Adam  and  Eve  were  personally  pardoned,  and  recovered 
to  holiness : but  Adam  was  no  longer  the  representative  of 
his  posterity,  as  he  was  when  he  transgres  ed  the  covenant; 
thus  he  communicated  to  them  that  nature  which  he  had  as  a 
sinner,  not  the  new  nature  which  he  had  as  a belieyer. — Seth 
also  seems  to  have  been  a godly  person ; not  as  begotten  by 
Adam,  but  as  “born  of  the  Spirit ;”  and  this  seems  to  have 
been  netted  in  respect  of  him,  lest  Cain’s  wickedness  should 
be  ascribed  to  other  causes,  and  Abel’s  righteousness  to  the 
goodness  of  his  natural  disposition,  and  not  to  the  grace  of 
God.  But  indeed  the  character  and  conduct  of  all  Seth’s 
posterity,  (Christ  alone  excepted,)  plainly  testify  what  that 
image  was  in  which  he  was  begotten. 

V.  4 — 20.  The  Greek  translation  of  the  Bible,  called  the 
Septuagint,  varies  from  our  version,  (which  was  made  from 
the  Hebrew,)  both  in  this  genealogy,  and  in  that  which  follows. 
( 11:10 — 26.)  In  particular,  by  the  addition  of  a hundred  years 
to  the  age  of  Adam,  and  of  six  of  these  Patriarchs,  before  their 
sons  here  mentioned  were  born,  and  deducting  them  from  the 
subsequent  part  of  their  lives,  making  the  sum  total  the  same. 
Thus  the  space  between  the  creation  and  the  deluge  is  made 
seven  hundred  years  more  than  in  our  account : and  by  a 
similar  addition,  with  other  variations,  the  space  between  the 
deluge  and  the  birth  of  Abraham,  is  made  almost  nine  hundred 
years  more.  But  the  original  Hebrew  is  best  entitled  to  our 
confidence:  and  the  difference  may  be  ascribed  to  some  mis- 
takes in  the  numeral  letters  ; or  rather,  perhaps,  to  a vanity 
in  the  translators,  which  has  been  common  in  many  nations, 
of  ascribing  a very  remote  antiquity  to  the  commencement  of 
their  history. — The  individuals  here  mentioned  might  not  be 
the  first-born,  as  Seth  was  not.  the  eldest  son  of  Adam ; but 
the  genealogy  was  continued  through  them,  not  only  from 
Adam  to  Noah,  but  afterwards  even  to  Christ,  “the  second 
Adam,  the  Lord  from  heaven.” 

V.  21 — 24.  “Walking  with  God,”  is  a figurative  descrip- 
tion of  the  intimate  communion,  which  subsists  between  a 
merciful  God  and  true  believers.  “Can  two  walk  together 
except  they  be  agreed  ?”  Amos  3:3.  Without  coincidence 
in  sentiment,  judgment,  and  disposition,  there  can  be  no  cordial 
union  nor  harmony.  But  man  is  naturally  propense  to  those 
things  which  God  abhors  and  forbids,  and  averse  from  those 
which  he  loves  and  commands.  Man’s  understanding  isdark- 
ened,  his  judgment  perverted,  his  affections  depraved,  and  his 
taste  vitiated  by  sin ; so  that,  in  almost  ever}'  thing,  his  views, 
his  choice,  his  desires,  and  pursuits,  arc  the  reverse  of  those 
which  the  Scripture  requires.  Thus  he  is  induced  to  walk 
contrary  to  God,  to  contract  guilt,  and  merit  condemnation. 
A sinner’s  walk  with  God,  therefore,  commences  with  the 
change  of  his  judgment  and  disposition  by  divine  grace.  Thei> 
( 27  ) 


B C.  2348. 


GENESIS 


B.  C.  244a 


25  And  Methuselah  li  ved  an  hundred  eighty 
and  seven  years,  and  begat  ‘Lantech. 

26  And  Methuselah  lived  after  he  begat  La- 
mecli  seven  hundred  eighty  and  two  years,  and 
begat  sons  and  daughters. 

27  And  all  the  days  of  Methuselah  were 
nine  hundred  sixty  and  nine  years:  and  he 
died. 

28  And  Lantech  lived  an  hundred  eighty  and 
two  years,  and  begat  a son. 

29  And  mhe  called  his  name  Noah,  saying,  This 
same  shall  comfort  us,  concerning  our  work  and 
toil  of  our  hands,  "because  of  the  ground  which 
the  LoRD  'hath  cursed. 

30  And  Lantech  lived  after  he  begat  Noah  five 
hundred  ninety  and  five  years,  and  begat  sons  and 
daughters. 

* Heb.  Lemech.  4:18.  Jiiarg.  m 5:8.  7:23.  9:24.  Is.  54:9.  Ez.  14:14,20.  Matt. 
24:37.  Luke  3:36.  17:26,27.  Noe.  Heb.  11:7.  I Pet.  3:20.  2 Pet.  2:5.  n 3:17,19. 
4:12.  o6:10.  7:13.  9:18.19,22— 27.  10:1,32.  1 Chr.  1:4—28.  Luke  3:36. 
a 1:28.  b4:26.  Ex.  4:22,23.  Dent.  14:1.  Ps.  82:6,7.  Is.  63:16.  Mai.  2.11.  John 

he  begins  to  repent  of  his  sins,  to  despise  the  world  in  com- 
parison of  the  favour  of  God,  to  “ hunger  and  thirst  after 
righteousness,”  to  seek  forgiveness  and  acceptance  in  the  way 
of  God’s  appointment,  and  to  devote  himself  to  his  love  and 
service,  and  the  pursuit  of  holiness.  Having  been  thus  recon- 
ciled to  God,  he  walks  with  him  by  habitual  repentance,  and 
u faith  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ in  a realizing  regard  to  the 
presence  of  God  in  his  whole  conduct.;  a daily  dependence  on 
the  promise,  providence,  and  grace  of  God,  for  all  things 
needful  for  soul  and  body  ; and  a continual  attention  to  his 
word,  that  from  thence  he  may  learn  his  truth  and  will,  and 
derive  the  peace  and  comfort  of  his  salvation  ; by  pouring  out 
his  heart  before  the  Lord  in  fervent  prayer  and  grateful  praise  ; 
by  a believing,  reverential,  and  delightful  attendance  on  all 
the  ordinances  of  his  worship,  and  an  open  profession  of  his 
faith  and  love ; by  a conscientious  obedience  to  all  his  com- 
mandments, without  regarding  the  praise  or  censure  of  men  ; 
by  submission  to  his  providential  appointments ; and  finally, 
by  attention  to  every  relative  obligation,  a careful  improve- 
ment of  every  talent,  a circumspect  conversation,  and  endea- 
vouring to  “ adorn  the  doctrine  ofGod  our  Saviour  in  all  things,” 
and  to  recommend  religion  to  all  around  him. — The  Lord,  on 
his  part,  answers  the  expectations  of  those  who  walk  with 
him.  He  supplies  their  wants,  interposes  in  their  emergencies, 
and  evidences  his  care  of  them  : he  meets  them  in  his  ordinan- 
ces, teaches  them  from  his  word,  answers  their  prayers,  accepts 
their  services  : he  communicates  by  his  Spirit,  wisdom,  strength, 
and  consolation  to  their  souls,  and  is  indeed  their  Guide, 
Companion,  and  Counsellor  through  life:  and  at  length  he 
meets  them  at  death,  and  takes  them  into  u his  presence, 
Avhere  is  fulness  of  joy.”  Thus  ends  the  walk  of  faith ; for 
thenceforth  they  walk  by  sight,  and  see  him  as  he  is ; being 
for  ever  with  him,  and  like  him  in  holiness  and  felicity. — Rut 
14  Enoch  was  translated,  that  he  should  not  see  death.”  Heb. 
11:5,6.  In  the  prime  of  life,  according  to  those  times,  he  was 
taken  from  earth  to  heaven,  in  the  body,  without  feeling  the 
pangs  of  death,  “ having  received  this  testimony,  that  he 
pleased  God”  Therefore  uhe  was  not”  on  earth:  neither  his 
friends  nor  his  persecutors  could  find  him.  He  was  a preacher 
of  righteousness ; and,  if  we  may  judge  by  the  specimen  left 
on  record,  ( Jude  14,15,)  his^  plain  and  alarming  address  could 
not  fail  greatly  to  enrage  the  daring  sinners,  among  whom  he 
lived.  But  God  effectually  rescued  him  from  their  malice, 
testified  his  approbation  of  his  conduct,  and  gave  a convincing 
proof  of  the  existence  of  the  invisible  world,  and  of  the  future 
state  of  recompense.  ‘It  is  possible  also  that  the  translation 
of  this  holy  man  might  be  conferred,  in  order  to  show  what 
should  have  been  common  to  all,  had  man  persisted  in  his 
obedience:  a translation  from  the  earthly  to  the  heavenly 
paradise.’  Fuller. 

V.  29.  Noah  signifies  rest,  or  refreshing . — Perhaps  La- 
raech  had  respect  to  the  promise,  (3:15,)  and  might  hope  he 
had  obtained  the  promised  Seed:  but  it  is  more  likely  that  he 
spake  by  the  Spirit  of  prophecy,  which  revealed  to  him  that 
Noah  would  be  an  extraordinary  person  ; and  not  only  a great 
comfort  to  his  parents  and  relatives  amidst  their  toils  and 
sorrows,  hut.  likewise  a great  blessing  to  mankind  ; with  special 
reference  to  the  preservation  of  the  human  species  with  him 
in  the  ark,  which  typified  the  salvation  of  sinners  by  Jesus 
Christ.  He  was  also  thus  marked  out  as  the  progenitor  of  the 
promised  Seed. — It  is  generally  thought  that  Noah  greatly  ; 
improved  the  art  of  husbandry,  and  so  lessened  the  labour 
before  required  in  cultivating  the  earth.  (9:20.) 

V.  32.  Note,  10:1. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 20.  This  chapter  contains  nearly  all  the  history 

that  God  hath  pleased  to  transmit  to  us,  of  the  antediluvian 
world  which  subsisted  for  the  space  of  1656  years.  Consider- 
ing how  long  men  lived  and  had  children  before  the  flood,  we 
may  well  suppose  that  the  earth  was  filled  with  inhabitants ; 
and  conjecture,  with  apparent  probability,  that  there  were 
many  flourishing  kingdoms,  many  revolutions  in  states,  many 
mighty  achievements  and  renowned  characters,  which  are  all 

l  28  ) 


31  And  all  the  days  of  Lamech  were  seven 
hundred  seventy  and  seven  years:  and 

died. 

32  And  Noah  was  five  hundred  years  old.Tj-,^- 
and  Noah  begat  "Shem,  Ham,  and  Ja- 
pheth. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

The  nort  hip  pern  of  God  intermar  > y with  the  ung  >dly  ; wickedness  rapidly  in- 
creases ; and  the  Lord  in  anger  determine  s to  des  roy  the  eat  th,  1 — 7.  Noah 
is  accepted  by  God  ; warn'd  of  an  approaching  deluge  ; and  instructed  to 
prepare  an  ark , 8 — 21.  He  implicitly  obeys,  22. 

A ND  it  came  to  pass,  when  men  began  ato  muL 
-CA-  tiply  on  the  face  of  the  earth,  and  daughters 
were  horn  unto  them, 

2 That  "the  sons  of  God  saw  the  daughters  of 
men,  cthat  they  were  fair ; dand  they  took  them 
wives  of  all  which  they  chose. 

3 And  the  Lord  said,  cMy  spirit  shall  not 

8:41,42.  Rom. 9:7,8.  2 Cor.  6:18.  c35.  39:6,7  . 2f»ra.  11:2.  Job  31:1.  lJohni: 
16.  <124:3.  27:46.  Ex.  34:16.  Dent.  7:3,4.  Jnth.  23:12,13.  Ezra  9:1,2.12.  Neh. 
13:24-  27.  Mai.  2:15.  I Cor.  7:39.  2 Cor.  6:14— 16.  eNurn. 11:17.  Nch.  9:30. 
Is.  63:10.  Acts  7:51.  1 Tins.  5:18,20.  1 1 el.  3:18— 20.  Jude  14,15. 

now  buried  in  oblivion : while  nothing  is  recorded  but  what 
relates  to  the  holy  seed,  among  whom  true  religion  was.  main- 
tained, and  who  doubtless  were  despised  and  hated  in  their 
generation.  In  the  judgment  of  God,  the  saints  are  the  only 
excellent  and  eminent  persons,  and  true  religion  the  grand 
concern  on  earth  ; compared  with  which,  all  things  else  are 
scarcely  worth  mentioning. — The  power  of  God  alone,  “in 
whom  we  live,  and  move,  and  have  our  being,”  could  preserve 
the  curious  fabric  of  the  human  body  for  the  few  years  now 
allotted  to  us ; and  the  same  power  would  suffice  to  preserve 
it  to  the  age  of  Methuselah,  or  for  ever.  Man  lives  as  long 
as  his  Creator  pleases,  and  no  longer ; which  should  warn  us 
not  to  provoke  him,  but  to  be  prepared  for  and  expecting  our 
summons.  Nor  have  we  any  cause  to  regret  the  shortness  of 
our  present  lives:  Abel  and  Enoch,  the  two  most  favoured 
characters  before  the  flood,  were  removed  at  an  earlier  period 
than  any  others  whose  history  is  recorded.  Were  the  world 
less  miserable,  it  could  be  no  loss  to  die  and  go  to  heaven : nor 
can  it  ever  be  gain  to  live  and  treasure  up  wrath  by  sin : and 
as  the  long  lives  of  the  antediluvians  might  encourage  procras- 
tination and  increase  presumption ; so  the  shortness  of  our 
days  may  warn  us  without  delay,  to  hearken  to  the  voice  of 
God  in  the  gospel. 

V.  21 — 32.  Man,  in  his  best  estate,  is  altogether  vanity. — 
He  is  born,  raises  up  a family,  and  dies.  These  are  his  me- 
moirs : all  else  is  a cipher,  or  a blot,  except  he  walks  with 
God. — The  page  of  history  records  the  splendid  actions  of  the 
great  and  illustrious : the  report  of  the  day  proclaims  the 
wealth  which  some  have  accumulated  and  left  behind,  and  of 
which  they  are  gone  to  render  an  account : the  monuments  of 
the  dead  are  often  inscribed  with  pompous  titles  and  flattering 
commendations : — hut  may  it,  with  truth , be  engraven  on  my 
tomb-stone,  or  whispered  in  the  obscurest  corner,  “He  walked 
with  God,  and  was  not,  for  God  took  him!”  and  so  far  from 
envying  their  distinctions,  not  even  Enoch’s  privilege  shall  be 
anxiously  desired  ; but,  as  one  expresses  it, 

‘ i’ll  hail  the  sharpest  pangs  of  death, 

Which  break  my  way  to  God.’  Doddridge. 

We  may  also  observe  that  they,  who  begin  young  to  walk  with 
God,  may  expect  to  walk  with  him  long,  comfortably,  and  use- 
fully : and  the  true  Christian’s  perseverance  in  holiness,  through 
many  a year,  till  God  takes  him,  will  best  evince  and  illustrate 
that  doctrine,  which  many  oppose,  and  others  pervert. — But 
walking  with  God  requires  no  monkish  celibacy  and  solitude: 
it  well  consists  with  the  cares  and  comforts,  and  much  consists 
in  the  conscientious  performance  of  the  duties  of  social  and 
relative  life. — As,  however,  we  need  better  comforters  under 
our  toil  and  sorrow  than  the  dearest  relations  and  most  pro- 
mising offspring,  may  we  seek  and  find  the  comforts  of  faith 
in  Christ,  and  of  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost ! 

NOTES. — Chap.  VI.  V.  1,2.  The  spiritual  worship- 
pers of  God  are  his  children ; and  this  honourable  title  is  some- 
times conferred  on  all  who  profess  the  true  religion.  These 
seem  to  have  kept  themselves  for  a long  time  distinct  from 
such  as  were  openly  irreligious,  or  idolatrous;  the  former 
uniting  with  Seth’s  descendants,  the  latter  with  Cain’s.  But 
at  length,  when  the  human  race  had  greatly  increased,  and 
numbers  of  very  beautiful  women  were  observed  among  the 
irreligious  or  idolatrous  party  ; the  worshippers  of  God  were 
induced  by  unworthy  motives,  unreservedly  to  contract  idm- 
riages  with  them,  which  made  way  for  a rapid  increase  of 
wickedness,  and  an  almost  universal  apostacy.  ( Marg.  Ref) 
These  women  are  called  “ the  daughters  of  men,”  or  rather  of 
Adam ; as  inheriting  his  fallen  nature,  and  imitating  his  sin, 
but  not  his  repentance. 

V.  3.  The  Spirit  of  God  strove  with  men,  by  inspiring 
Enoch,  Noah,  and  perhaps  others,  to  preach  to  them  ; as  hear- 
ing with  them,  and  waiting  to  bo  gracious,  notwithstanding 
their  rebellions;  and  as  exciting  convictions  in  their  con- 
sciences. But  the  Lord  on  this  occasion  declared,  probably 
by  Noah,  that  his  Spirit  should  not  thus  strive  with  them  per- 
petually ; hut  that,  provoked  by  their  obstinate  resistance,  not 
only  to  the  warning  of  his  prophets,  but  oven  to  tha  u hcii 


B.  C.  2468. 


CHAPTER  VI.  B.  C.  2468. 


always  strive  with  man.  for  that  he  also  is  fflesh : 
yet  his  days  shall  be  an  hundred  and  twenty  years. 

4 There  were  sgiants  in  the  earth  in  those  days ; 
and  also  after  that,  when  the  sons  of  God  came  in 
unto  the  daughters  of  men,  and  they  bare  children 
to  them  ; the  same  became  mighty  men,  which 
were  of  old,  hmen  of  renown. 

5 And  ’God  saw  that  the  wickedness  of  man 
was  great  in  the  earth,  and  that  ‘every  kimagina- 
tion  of  the  'thoughts  of  his  heart  was  only  evil 
'continually. 

6 And  it  ‘"repented  the  Loro  that  he  had  made 
man  on  the  earth,  and  "it  grieved  him  at  his  heart. 

7 And  the  Lord  said,  I will  destroy  man  whom 
1 have  created,  from  the  face  of  the  earth,  tboth 
man  and  beast,  and  the  creeping  thing,  and  the 
fowls  of  the  air : for  it  repentetn  me  that  I have 

made  them.  [Practical  Observation 

8 But  Noah  “found  grace  in  the  eyes  of  the 
Lord. 

9 These  are  ‘the  generations  of  Noah  : Noah 
was  a ajust  man  and  ^perfect  in  his  generations, 
and  rNoah  walked  with  God. 

10  And  Noah  begat  three  sons,  6Shem,  Ham, 
and  Japheth. 

r John  3:6.  Rom.  8:1— 13.  Gal.  6:16—21.  g Num.  13:33.  Deut.  2:20,21.  3:11. 
1 Sara.  17:4.  2 Sam.  21:15— 21.  h 11:4.  Num.  16:2.  i 13:13.  18:20,21.  Ps. 14:1 
—4.  Rom.  1-28 — 31.3:10 — 19.  * Heb.  the  whole  imagination,  with  the  pur- 

poses and  desires  of  the  heart,  k 3:21.  Job  15:16.  Ec.  7:29.  9:3.  Jer.  17:9. 
Mark  7:21 — 23.  Eph..  2:1 — 3.  Tit.  3:3.  1 Jer.  4:14.  t Heb.  ev ery  day.  m Num. 
23:19.  Deut.  32:36.  1 Sam.  15:11,29.  2 Sam.  24: 16.  Ps.  106:45.  110:4.  Jer.  18:8 
—10.  Hoe.  11:8.  Jon.  3:10.  Mai.  3:6.  Rom.  11:29.  Heb.  6:17,18.  Jam.  1:17. 
n Deut.  5:29.  32:29.  Ps.  78:4 '.  81:13.  95:10.  Is.  48:18.  Luke  19:41,42.  Eph.  4: 
30.  J Heb.  from  man  unto  beast,  o 19:19.  Ex.  33:12 — 17.  Prov.  3:4.  8:35. 
12:2.  Jer.  31:2.  Luke  1:30.  Acts  7:46.  2 Tim.  1:18.  p 2-4.  5:1.  q Job  12:4. 


own  consciences,  he  would  finally  leave  them  to  be  hardened 
in  sin,  and  ripened  for  destruction.  This  he  determined  on, 
because  “ man  was  flesh not  only  frail  and  feeble,  but  car- 
nal and  depraved  ; having  prostituted  the  noble  powers  of  his 
rational  soul,  and  every  higher  consideration,  to  make  provi- 
sion for  the  gratification  of  his  corrupt  inclinations.  And 
now,  by  the  defection  of  those  who  had  been  distinguished  as 
uthe  sons  of  God,”  this  was  become  almost  the  universal 
character  of  the  human  race ; so  that  man  was  become  alto- 
gether incapable  of  answering  the  great  end  of  his  creation. 
Yet  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  declare,  that  he  would  wait  a 
hundred  and  twenty  years,  before  he  executed  his  purposed 
vengeance  ; that  men  might  have  space  to  repent,  and  to  use 
proper  methods  of  averting  his  terrible  indignation. 

V.  4.  Giants. 1 These  giants  perhaps  were  men  of  great 
stature  and  strength,  but  more  certainly  men  of  enormous 
wickedness.  And  the  children,  which  sprang  from  the  inter- 
marriages above  mentioned,  were  of  the  same  character. 
Thus  they  became,  in  those  ancient  times,  w mighty  men, — 
men  of  renown,”  as  heroes,  conquerors,  and  chieftains : but 
they  were  apostates  from  God,  and  cruel  destroyers  and  op- 
pressors of  mankind. 

The  Hebrew  word  (D'Ssjn),  rendered  giants . appears  to 
be  derived  from  a root  which  signifies  to  fall  (?£:) : either, 
Men  who  had  fallen  from  God ; or  Men,  who  by  force  and 
power  caused  others  to  fall,  that  is,  cast  them  down. 

V.  5.  The  words  of  this  verse  are  peculiarly  expressive : 
— “God  saw  that  the  wickedness  of  man  was  great  on  the 
earth.”  He  who  could  not  mistake,  or  form  a false  estimate, 
saw  that  man’s  wickedness  was  great,  open,  daring,  and 
atrocious;  and  that  among  all  men,  throughout  the  earth. 
Yet  he  saw  the  heart  still  worse.  “ Every  imagination  of 
the  thoughts  of  the  heart  were  only  evil  continually :”  that  is, 
the  workings  of  the  fancy,  the  contrivances  of  the  under- 
standing, the  purposes,  desires,  and  affections  of  the  whole 
soul,  were  every  one  of  them  evil,  only  evil,  without  any  in- 
termixture of  good ; only  evil,  every  day,  continually , with- 
out interruption  or  cessation ! 

V.  6,  7.  It  repented — it  grieved.]  Such  expressions  as 
these  are  made  use  of  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  a gracious  con- 
descension to  our  apprehensions;  and  to  accommodate 
heavenly  things,  as  far  as  their  nature  will  admit  of  it,  to  the 
similitude  of  earthly  things : just  as  we  speak  to  children  in 
their  language,  and  in  accommodation  to  their  capacities,  that 
we  may  the  better  convey  our  meaning  to  their  minds. — Me- 
taphysical truth  is  too  refined  and  subtile  for  mankind  in 
general,  and  only  fitted  for  the  amusement  of  speculative 
men : but  the  Scriptures  were  written  to  make  even  the  pooj 
and  illiterate  wise  unto  salvation.  To  speak  to  them  of  the 
cause,  from  its  sensible  and  visible  effects,  more  readily  in- 
forms and  more  deeply  interests  them : while  other  passages 
sufficiently  guard  the  sober  inquirer  from  misapprehension. — 
Should  an  artist,  after  bestowing  much  pains,  and  manifesting 
great  skill  about  some  curious  piece  of  mechanism,  dash  it 
to  pieces;  we  should  conclude  from  this  effect , that  he  repent- 
ed having  made  it.  Or  should  a parent,  after  conferring  great 
favours  on  his  child,  be  provoked  by  his  misconduct  finally  to 
disinherit  him ; we  should  thence  infer,  that  he  was  “ grieved 
at  his  heart’  that  he  bad  bestowed  so  much  upon  him.  Thus 


1 1 The  earth  also  was  corrupt  before  God  ; and 
the  earth  was  ‘filled  with  violence. 

12  And  God  “looked  i^on  the  earth,  and  be 
hold,  it  was  corrupt : for  \all  flesh  had  corrupted 
his  wav  upon  the  earth. 

13  v And  God  said  unto  Noah,  ^The  end  of  all 
flesh  is  come  before  me ; for  the  earth  is  filled  with 
violence  through  them : and  behold,  I will  destroy 
them  ii with  zthe  earth. 

14  "Make  thee  an  ark  of  gopher-wood  : "rooms 
Shalt  thou  make  in  the  ark,  and  shalt  hpitch  it 
within  and  without  with  pitch. 

15  And  this  is  the  fashion  which  thou  shalt 
make  it  of:  the  length  of  the  ark  shall  be  three 
hundred  “cubits,  the  breadth  of  it  fifty  cubits,  and 
the  height  of  it  thirty  cubits. 

16  A dwindow  shalt  thou  make  to  the  ark,  and 
in  a cubit  shalt  thou  finish  it  above : and  “the 
door  of  the  ark  shalt  thou  set  in  the  side  thereof: 
!with  lower,  second,  and  third  stories  shalt  thou 
make  it. 

17  And  sbehold,  I,  even  I,  do  hbring  a flood  of 
waters  upon  the  earth  to  destroy  all  flesh,  where- 
in is  'the  breath  of  life,  from  under , heaven ; and 
every  thing  that  is  in  the  earth  kshall  die.  , 

Prov.  4:18.  Ec.  7:20.  Hab.  2.  4.  Luke  2:25.  23:50.  Acts  10:22.  fial.  3:11.  Heb. 
11:7.  § Or,  upright.  2Chr.  15:17.  25:2.  Job  1:1.8.  1 s.  37:37.  Luke  1:6.  Phil. 
3:9—15.  r See  on  5:22.  s 5:32.  t Is . 60:18.  Ez.  8:17.  28: 16.  Hos.  4:1,2.  Hab. 
2:8,17.  u 8.  Job  33:27.  Ps.  33:13,14  . 53:2.  Prov.  15:3.  ii.  7:1,21.  9:12,16,17. 
Luke  3:6.  y Jer.  51:13.  Ez.  7:2 — 6.  Amos  8:2.  1 Pet.  4:7.  |j  Or,  from  the  earth. 
7:23.  z Jei>  4:23— 23.  2 Pet.  3:6,7,10— 12.  a Matt.  24:38.  Luke  17:27.  1 Pet. 
3:20.  Tl  Heb.  n-sts.  b Ex.  2:3.  c 7:20.  Deut. 3:11.  d8:6.  2 Sam.  6:16. 

2 Kings  9:30.*  e 7:16.  Luke  13:25.  f Ez.  41 :16.  42:3.  g 9:9.  Ex.  14:17.  Lev. 
26:28.  Deut.  32:39.  Is.  51:12.  Ez.  5:8.  6:3.  34:11,20.  IIos.  5:1-4.  h7:4,17,23. 
Ps.  29:10.  93:3,4.  Amos  9:6.  i 2:7.  7:15.  k Rom.  5:12—14,21.  6:23.  8:20—22. 


the  Creator,  having  formed  the  earth,  and  men  upon  it ; having 
displayed  his  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness  in  his  works,  and 
in  the  riches  which  he  had  conferred  on  man,  in  whom  espe« 
cially  his  glory  had  shone ; after  the  earth  was  filled  with 
inhabitants,  was  provoked  by  their  wickedness  to  destroy 
them  all  with  a flood.  This  was  an  effect  which  seemed  to 
flow  from  his  repenting  that  he  had  made  man,  and  to  indi- 
cate that  he  was  “ grieved  at  his  heart.” — It  is,  indeed  impos- 
sible that  God  should  really  be  sorry,  or  repent  of  any  thing 
that  he  has  said  or  done ; or  really  wish  he  had  never  said  or 
done  it:  but  his  change  of  conduct  was  such  as  in  men 
springs  from  these  causes  ; and  the  expression  most  emphati- 
cally denotes  extreme  abhorrence  of  the  crimes  of  men,  and 
of  their  desperate  depravity. 

V.  8,  9.  Noah  is  the  first  person  who  is  called  righteous , 
or  just ; that  is,  he  was  so  by  the  “ righteousness  of  faith.” 
( JVIurg . Ref. — Note , Heb.  11:7.)  He  was  a true  believer, 
“he  found  grace,”  and  was  the  object  of  the  Lord’s  special 
favour : being  sincerely  and  unreservedly  religious  ; and  one 
who  dared  to  be  singular  in  that  corrupt  generation. 

V.  11,  12.  The  earth  was  not  only  full  of  daring  impiety, 
and  probably  idolatry,  before  God , and,  as  it  were,  in  defiance 
of  him  ; but  also  of  oppression,  cruelty,  and  murder ; so  that 
men  in  general  had  corrupted  their  way  all  over  the  world. 

V.  13.  The  Lord  revealed  to  Noah,  that  he  would  destroy 
guilty  man  from  the  earth,  with  all  the  animal  tribes  and  all 
the  vegetable  riches,  with  which  it  was  replenished;  and 
also  all  the  works  of  men;  and  so  change  the  state  of  it,  as 
to  render  the  whole  one  universal  desolation.  ( Marg . Ref) 

V.  14 — 16.  The  word  here  rendered  an  ark , is  only  used 
for  Noah’s  ark,  and  that  ark  of  bulrushes  in  which  the  child 
Moses  was  preserved.  It  seems  to  have  been  built,  in  some 
respects,  like  the  hulk  of  a ship,  except  that  it  was  flat- 
bottomed,  square  at  each  end,  and  roofed  as  a house ; so  tha£ 
it  terminated  at  the  top  in  the  breadth  of  a cubit.  It  is  noJ 
agreed  what  kind  of  timber  is  meant  by  Gopher-wood ; per 
haps  that  of  the  Cypress-tree.  The  ark  was  made  with 
three  decks,  and  divided  into  many  little  cabins  ; it  was  pitched 
within  and  without  to  keep  it  tight  and  sweet ; and  lighted 
from  the  upper  part,  probably  by  one  window  reaching  from 
end  to  end.  A cubit  was  something  more  than  half  a yard  ; 
so  that  this  enormous  vessel  was  about  a hundred  and  sixty 
yards  in  length,  twenty-seven  in  breadth,  and  sixteen  in 
height;  and  thus  vastly  larger  than  our  greatest  ships 
Learned  men  have  shown,  that  these  dimensions  were  far 
more  than  were  necessary  to  contain  all  the  animals  to  be 
preserved,  and  sufficient  provision  for  them.  But  it  must  at 
first  sight  be  evident  that  so  great  a vessel,  thus  constructed, 
and  with  so  few  persons  on  board,  was  utterly  unsuitable  to 
weather  out  the  deluge ; except  as  it  was  under  the  immedi- 
ate guidance  and  protection  of  the  Almighty. 

V.  17.  These  were  “things  not  seen  as  yet,”  concerning 
which  Noah  was  warned;  and  many  have  since  ventured  to 
deny,  and  it  is  not  improbable  that  some  would  then  argue 
against,  the  possibility  of  such  a deluge : but  the  Almighty 
God,  with  a most  emphatical  repetition,  declared  that  he  would 
effect  it;  and  Noah  simply  credited  this  word.  He  neither 
hesitated  to  expect  the  unprecedented  catastrophe;  nor  ar- 
gued against  the  justice  or  goodness  of  God  in  the  awful  sen- 
( 29  ) 


B.  C.  2348. 


GENESIS. 


B.  C.  2348. 


18  But  with  thee  will  I -establish  my  covenant: 
and  thou  shalt  "'come  into  the  ark ; thou,  and  thy 
sons,  and  thy  wife,  anc^thy  sons’  wives  with  thee. 

19  And  of  every  living  thing  of  all  flesh,  “two 
of  every  sort  shalt  thou  bring  into  the  ark  to  keep 
them  alive  with  thee : they  shall  be  male  and  fe- 
male. 

20  Of  fowls  “after  their  kind,  and  of  cattle  after 
their  kind,  of  every  creeping  thing  of  the  earth 
after  his  kind : i two  of  every  sort  shall  come  unto 
thee,  to  keep  them  alive. 

21  And  take  thou  unto  thee  of  sail  food  that  is 
eaten,  and  thou  shalt  gather  it  to  thee,  and  it  shall 
be  for  food  for  thee,  and  for  them. 

22  Thus  did  Noah ; raccording  to  all  that  God 
commanded  him,  so  did  he. 


19:9,11.17:4,7,21.  m 7:1,7,13.  Is.  28:20.  lPet.3:20.  2Pet.2:5.  n 7:2,3.  8: 
17.  ol:20— 22.  p7:8— IS.  ql:29,30.  Job  38:41.  40:20.  Ps.  36:6.  104:27,28. 
136:25.  145:16.  147:9.  Matt.  6:26.  r7:5.  17:23.  Ei.  40:16,21,23,27,32.  Malt. 

7:24—27.  John  2:5.  15:14.  Ileb.  11:7,8.  1 John  5:3. 


tence ; nor  declined  the  immense  labour  and  expense  imposed 
on  him,  or  the  reproach  and  ridicule  to  which  it  might  expose 
him ; nor  made  any  objection  to  this  mode  of  preservation. 
But,  being  “moved  with  fear,”  and  reverencing  the  divine 
revelation,  he  prepared  the  ark  ; became  a preacher  of  righ- 
teodkness ; and,  taking  the  warning  given  him  for  his  subject, 
and  showing  his  faith  by  his  works,  he  called  on  mankind  to 
repent  of  their  sins.  Iiad  they  duly  regarded  the  warning, 
all  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  might  have  heard  it,  before  the 
expiration  of  the  hundred  and  twenty  years  of  God’s  long- 
suffering  : and  if  a general  repentance  had  taken  place,  per- 
haps a respite  would  have  been  granted  ; as  there  was  after- 
wards, in  like  circumstances,  to  Nineveh.  (Notes,  Jon.  3:) 
Lrf  individuals  had  repented,  and  by  faith  sought  admission 
into  the  ark,  doubtless  it  would  have  been  opened  to  as  many 
as  it  could  contain  : and,  for  any  thing  that  appears  to  the 
contrary,  if  others  had,  in  humble,  penitent  faith,  prepared 
arks,  they  also  might  have  been  preserved. 

V.  18.  This  is  the  first  place  in  which  the  word  covenant 
occurs  ; and  it  seems  to  relate  to  the  gracious  assurance 
which  God  gave  Noah,  that  the  earth  should  not  be  destroyed 
by  a second  deluge.  (Marg.  Ref.) — Sons.]  None  of  Noah’s 
sons  were  born  a hundred  years  before  the  flood ; but  the 
command  might  be  given  prophetically  in  this  respect,  as  well 
as  in  others.  It  is  however  probable,  that  the  first  intimations 
of  the  approaching  deluge  were  given  some  years  before  the 
command  for  building  the  ark.;  yet  this  was  a work  of  so  great 
labour,  that  much  time  must  have  been  employed  about  it. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 7.  There  is  scarcely  a more  lamentable  proof  of  a 
decay  in  vital  godliness,  or  a more  effectual  means  of  hasten- 
ing it,  than  intermarriages  between  professors  of  true  religion 
and  its  avowed  enemies.  In  all  ages  there  seems  to  have 
been  a peculiar  curse  of  God  on  them ; the  evil  example  of 
the  ungodly  party  generally  corrupts  the  other ; family  reli- 
gion is  put  an  end  to ; and  the  children,  almost  universally, 
are  trained  up  according  to  the  maxims  of  the  ungodly 
parent.  If  we  profess  ourselves  to  be  “ the  sons  and  daugh- 
ters of  the  Lord  almighty,”  we  must  not  marry  in  opposition 
to  his  will ; and  he  will  not  allow  us  to  prefer  beauty,  wit, 
wealth,  or  honourable  alliances,  to  piety.  Though  “the 
Lord  is  slow  to  anger,  and  of  great  kindness,”  yet  his  “ Spirit 
will  not  always  strive  with  men;”  and  when  they  persist  in 
sin,  in  defiance  of  his  word,  and  tho  convictions  of  their  own 
consciences,  he  will  at  length  totally  withdraw  from  them, 
and  permit  them  to  be  hardened  to  their  ruin.  If  he  is  so 
grieved  by  our  sin  as  to  destroy  the  work  of  his  own  hands, 
how  reasonable  is  it  that  we  should  mourn  for  it,  and  that  we 
should  show  our  repentance  by  seeking  its  destruction ! — 
They  whom  the  world  admires  as  “ men  of  renown,”  are  often, 
in  the  judgment  of  God,  and  even  of  common  sense,  no 
better  than  cruel  tyrants  and  oppressors:  let  us  then  desire 
that  “honour  which  coineth  from  God”  on  those  who  do  good  ; 
not  that  which  comes  from  man  upon  those  who  do  mischief. 
But  what  is  now  become  of  “ the  image  and  likeness  of  God?” 
Doth  man  now  merit  to  he  pronounced  rERY  good  by  the 
Lord  himself?  Alas  ! the  old  serpent,  that  proud,  ambitious 
apostate,  rebel,  liar,  and  murderer,  hath  filled  the  earth  with 
his  detestable  progeny!  Yet,  how  few  are  aware  that  the 
description  here  given  of  human  depravity  suits  them,  while 
unregenerate  1 Inattention,  ignorance  of  the  divine  law,  and 
self-flattery,  hide  this  humiliating  truth  from  men’s  minds ; 
yea,  strongly  prejudice  them  against  it;  but  a deep  conviction 
of  it,  with  application  to  our  own  state  and  character,  is  essen- 
tial to  a due  valuation  of  the  salvation  proposed  in  the  gospel. 

V.  8 — 22.  In  the  worst  of  times,  God  hath  “a  remnant 
according  to  the  election  of  grace:”  and  they  who  would 
please  him,  must  dare  to  ho  singular.  These  believe  his 
truth,  and  obey  his  commandments;  they  hear  his  warnings, 
and  fear,  but  do  not  despair;  they  embrace  his  promises, and 
hope,  but  do  not  presume ; they  stand  in  awe,  and  do  not  find 
fault ; they  expect,  safety  upon  the  warrant  of  his  word  ; and 
they  refuse  no  obedience,  however  burdensome,  expensive, 
or  self-denying. — But  in  tho  warning  to  Noah,  there  is  one 
( 30  ) 


CHAPTER  VII. 

At  God's  command  Noah  enters  the  ark , with  his  family , and  the  living  trees* 
lures  ; and  the  flood  begins , 1 — 10.  Its  increase  for  f<rrty  days,  17 — 20.  AU 
Jle6h  it  destroyed  by  it,  21—23.  Its  duration,  24. 

AND  the  Lord  said  unto  Noah,  “Come,  thou 
and  all  thy  house,  into  the  ark:  for  bthee  have 
I seen  righteous  before  me  in  this  generation. 

2  Of  every  “clean  beast  thou  shalt  take  to  thee 
by  "sevens,  the  male  and  his  female  ; and  of  beasts 
that  are  dnot  clean,  by  two,  the  male  and  his  fe- 
male. 

3  Of  fowls  also  of  the  air  by  sevens,  the  mal? 
and  the  female ; to  keep  seed  alive  upon  the  face 
of  all  the  earth.. 

4  For  “yet  seven  days,  and  I will  cause  it  to 
rain  upon  the  earth  f forty  days  and  forty  nights : 


n Job  5:19— 24.  Ps.  91:1— 10.  Prov.  14:26.  18:10.  Is.  26.20,21.  Ez.9:4— 6.  Zeph. 
2:3.  Matt.  24:37-39.  b See  on  6:9.  Ps.  33:18,19.  Prov.  11:4-8.  Is.  3:10,11. 
2 Pet. 2:5 — 9.  c8:20.  Lsv.  11:  Devil.  14:1—  21.  Acts  10:11— 15.  • Heb.  tern, 

•even,  d Lev.  10:10.  Ez.  44:23.  e 10  . 6:3.  8:10— 12.  29:27,28.  f 12,17. 


more  solemn  given  to  us,  u to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,” 
which,  with  tremendous  efficacy,  will  sweep  all  unbelievers 
into  the  pit  of  destruction.  Christ,  (the  true  “Noah,  which 
same  shall  comfort  us,”)  hath,  at  infinite  expense,  already 
prepared  the  ark,  and  kindly  invites  us  to  enter  in.  Whilst 
the  day  of  his  patience  continues,  let  us  obediently  hear 
his  voice,  and  thankfully  sue  for  admission,  which  will  then 
be  readily  vouchsafed  us.  But  let  it  be  observed,  that 
they  who  “ go  about  to  establish  their  own  righteousness,” 
act  as  Noah  would  have  done,  had  he  substituted  a high 
tower  on  a mountain,  according  to  his  own  wisdom,  for  his 
place  of  security,  instead  of  the  ark  which  God  had  ap- 
pointed. 

NOTES. — Chap.  VIL  Y.  1.  At  the  appointed  time, 
when  all  needful  preparations  had  been  made,  Noah  was 
directed  to  enter  with  his  family  into  the  ark  ; because  the 
Lord  had  “seen  him  righteous  before  him  in  that  genera- 
tion.” The  apostle  says,  that  he  “became  fteir  of  tho 
righteousness  which  is  by  faith.”  ( Notes  ^ 6:8,9.  Heb.  11:7.) 
The  same  principle  which  induced  him  to  believe,  on  the  tes- 
timony of  God,  and  contrary  to  all  human  probability,  that 
the  deluge  would  come  at  the  appointed  season,  would  move 
him  “ to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come and  as  he  believed 
that  in  the  ark  alone  he  could  be  safe  from  the  approaching 
deluge ; so  he  doubtless  believed  the  revelation  of  a Saviour, 
and  sought  and  expected  salvation  through  him  alone.  Thus 
he  was  “justified  by  faith,”  and  being  likewise  a partaker  of 
that  Spirit,  whose  “ fruit  is  in  all  goodness,  and  righteousness, 
and  truth he  was  righteous  in  his  character  and  conduct ; 
that  is,  devoted  to  God,  and  44  walking  before  him  in  all  his 
ordinances  and  commandments,  blameless.” 

V.  2,  3.  It  is  probable,  that  the  clean  beasts  signify  sir  h 
as  were  not  rapacious,  and  which  were  exclusively  offered  in 
sacrifice  by  the  express  appointment  of  God.  They  were 
also  such  as  were  most  serviceable  to  man.  The  grant  of 
animal  food  seems  not  to  have  been  explicitly  made  before 
the  flood;  the  distinction  of  meats  could  not  therefore  have 
been  appointed.  Seven  couple  of  the  clean  beasts  seem  to 
have  been  preserved.  Some  indeed  suppose  I hat  only  three 
couple,  and  the  seventh  animal  for  sacrifice  werfe  meant. 
(8:20.) — There  must  have  been  a very  extraordinary  miracle 
wrought,  perhaps  by  the  ministration  of  angels,  in  bringing 
two  of  every  species  to  Noah,  and  rendering  them  submissive 
to  him,  and  peaceable  with  each  other:  yet  it  seems  not  to 
have  made  any  impression  on  the  hardened  spectators! — The 
suspension  of  the  ferocity  of  the  savage  beasts,  during  their 
continuance  in  the  ark,  is  generally  considered  as  an  apt  figure 
of  the  change  which  takes  place  in  the  disposition  of  sinners 
when  they  enter  the  true  church  of  Christ;  (iVbte,  Is.  11:6 — 9.) 
hut  it  may  also  remind  us  of  the  hypocrite’s  external  good 
behaviour,  though  his  nature  is  not  changed. 

V.  7.  Sons'  wives.]  Though  each  of  Noah’s  three  sons 
was  at  this  time  nearly  a hundred  years  old,  and  none  of  them 
had  any  children  living;  and  the  whole  earth  was  about  to  be 
desolated:  yet  no  exception,  even  on  this  extraordinary  occa- 
sion, was  made  to  the  original  constitution  of  marriage,  “ they 
twain  shall  be  one  flesh :”  a decisive  proof  that  polygamy  is 
contrary  to  the  original  institution  of  marriage,  and  not  at  all 
needful  for  the  increase  of  t he  human  species,  or  even  condu- 
cive to  it. 

V.  10 — 12.  “The  longsufiering  of  God  had  waited”  cr, 
hundred  and  twenty  years;  and,  as  many  think,  seven  days 
more;  but  at  length  the  days  of  vengeance  arrived. — “Be- 
hold, I,  even  I,  do  bring  a flood  of  waters  on  the  earth,”  saith 
the  Lord.  Thus  speaks  the  Almighty,  and  it  is  absurd  to 
question  whether  Omnipotence  could  effect  the  deluge.  Every 
attempt  to  explain  the  manner  in  which  the  earth  was  over- 
flowed, too  much  resembles  the  presumption  of  those  who 
inquired,  “How  are  tho  dead  raised  up?  and  with  what 
body  do  they  come?”  It  is  no  more  incredible  that  God 
should  drown  the  world,  than  that  he  should  raise  tho  dead: 
and,  by  his  almighty  power,  he  caused  “the  waters  from 
above  the  firmament,  and  the  waters  under  the  fiiinament,1 
which  he  had  before  separated,  to  meet  together  f or  that  pur- 


B.  C.  2348. 


CHAPTER  VII 


B.  C.  2348 


*aml  every  living  substance  that  I have  made,  will 
l 'destroy  from  off  the  face  of  the  earth. 

5 And  Noah  did  according  unto  ''all  that  the 
Lord  commanded  him. 

6 And  Noah  was  'six  hundred  years  old,  when 
the  flood  of  waters  was  upon  the  earth. 

7 And  kNoah  went  in,  and  his  sons,  and  his 
wife,  and  his  sons’  wives  with  him,  into  the  ark, 
because  of  the  waters  of  the  flood. 

8 Of  clean  beasts,  and  of  beasts  that  are  not 
(dean,  and  of  fowls,  and  of  every  thing  that  creep- 
eth  upon  the  earth, 

9 There  'went  in  two  and  two  unto  Noah  into 
the  ark,  the  male  and  the  female,  as  God  had  com- 
manded Noah. 

10  H And  it  came  to  pass  'after  seven  days,  that 
the  waters  of  the  flood  were  upon  the  earth. 

11  In  the  six  hundredth-year  of  Noah’s  life,  in 
the  second  month,  the  seventeenth  day  of  the 
month,  the  same  day  were  mall  the  fountains  of  the 
great  deep  broken  up,  and  the  'windows  of  heaven 
were  opened. 

12  And  the  rain  was  upon  the  earth  "forty  days 
and  forty  nights. 

13  In  the  self-same  day  entered  Noah,  °and 
Shem,  and  Ham,  and  Japheth,  the  sons  of  Noah, 
and  Noah’s  wife,  and  the  three  wives  of  his  sons 
with  them,  into  the  ark  : 

gal— 23.  6:17. *  * Heb.  Mot  out.  F.x.  32:32.33.  Js.  69:28.  Rev.  3:5.  h 6:22. 
Kx.  39:42,43.  Ps.  119:6.  Mall.  3:15.  Luke  8-21.  Jotin  2:5.  13:17.  i 5:32.  8:13. 
k 1.  6 : IS.  Prov.  22:3.  Ileb.  6:1S.  12:19.  Is.  11:8—9.  65:25.  Ual.3:28.  Col.  3:11. 
1 » *r,  on  the  seven  h day , 4.  m 1:7.  6:17.  8:2.  Job  38:8 — 11.  Ps.  33:7,  Prov.  8: 
28  29.  Jer.  5:22.  51:16.  E?..  25:19.  Am.  9:5,6.  } Or,  JIoo  'ga'es.  2 Kings  7:2,19. 

:»ose.  (iVbte,l:9.)  “The  fountains  of  the  great  deep  were 
Droken  up ;”  and,  by  some  vast  convulsions,  the  waters  from 
ii  j bowels  of  the  earth  and  from  the  depths  of  the  ocean,  v'ere 
oiced  upwards  ; while  the  windows  or  floodgates  of  heaven 
4 were  opened,”  and  rain  poured  out  impetuously  in  cataracts , 
or  water-spouts,  without  intermission,  for  forty  days  and 
nights,  in  every  part  of  the  globe,  till  a universal  deluge  was 
effected. — Probably  this  commenced  about  the  beginning  of 
November  ; for  the  patriarchal  year  began  in  September. 

V.  16.  Shut  him  in.]  No  doubt  this  was  done  by  the 
ministration  of  angels,  and  as  an  evident  miracle  in  the  view 
of  all  the  spectators,  of  whom  numbers,  from  different  motives, 
might  be  collected. — Probably,  the  door  of  this  vast  structure 
was  too  massy  to  be  securely  closed  by  the  few  persons  within 

• the  ark.  Thus  the  Lord  gave  Noah  a pledge  of  his  accept- 
ance and  his  care  of  him ; and  by  the  same  token  he  shut 
out  all  the  rest  of  mankind,  and  sealed  their  condemna- 
tion.— But  had  Noah’s  preaching  no  effect?  Were  there 
no  other  believers  upon  the  whole  earth  ? We  may  probably 
suppose,  that  many  had  been  previously  taken  away  from  the 
evil  to  come ; for  Methuselah  is  computed  to  have  died  the 
year  before  the  flood,  or  in  that  verjr  year.  But  it  seems  evi- 
dent, that  there  were  no  godly  persons  among  the  survivors, 
however  some  might  have  been  alarmed,  affected,  or  con- 
vinced : for  there  was  room  enough  in  the  ark  ; and  it  does  not 
appear  that  any  were  refused  admittance. — Indeed,  our  Lord 
has  informed  us  of  the  real  state  of  the  case : 44  They  did  eat, 
they  drank,  they  married  wives,  they  were  given  in  marriage, 
until  the  day  that  Noah  entered  into  the  ark,  and  the  flood 
came  and  destroyed  them  all.”  Luke  17:27.  Thus  they  en 
a»uraged  one  another  in  contemptuous  disobedience;  and  il 
any  were  at  all  disposed  to  pay  regard  to  the  divine  warning, 
they  either  procrastinated,  or  were  afraid  of  being  singular. 
But  what  must  have  been  their  feelings,  when,  at  the  appointed 
time,  it  began  to  rain  in  so  extraordinary  a manner,  and  con- 
tinued to  do  so  from  week  to  week  incessantly ; the  waters 
still  rising,  and  following  them  to  the  eminences  on  which  they 
ascended ! How  much  soever  they,  had  before  despised  Noah’s 
madness,  or  pitied  his  weakness,  they  would  now  remember 
hi*  warnings,  admire  his  wisdom,  and  envy  his  happiness ; 
while  they  cursed  their  own  folly  and  impenitence. 

V . 17 — 19.  At  the  end  of  forty  days  the  waters  were  so 
raised,  that  the  ark  was  afloat : but  they  increased  exceed- 
ingly afterwards,  by  the  continuance  of  the  same  causes, 
though  perhaps  with  some  intermission.  Thus  the  deluge 
prevailed  till  “all  the  high  hills  under  the  whole  heaven  were 
covered.”  This  decidedly  proves  the  deluge  to  have  been  strict- 
ly universal ; though  some  learned  men  have  argued  against 
this : but  indeed  traces  of  the  deluge  are  found  in  all  parts  of 
the  earth,  and  some  confused  tradition  of  it  every  where  pre- 
vails. 

V.  20 — 23.  The  waters  at  length  arose  to  be  above  eight 
ya.*ds  deep  on  the  top  of  the  highest  mountains : so  that  every 
project  for  security  was  frustrated  ; every  advantage  of  situa- 
tion was  unavailing.  Some  might  escape  longer  than  others  ; 
bu‘  first  or  last,  all  men,  except  those  in  the  ark,  perished. 
Ann  with  the  human  species  most  of  the  animals  perished 
alai.  (Is.  34:1 — 6.)  Indeed  the  faithful  and  powerful  protec- 
tion cf  God  was  Noah’s  only  security,  in  this  wild  tumult  of 


14  They,  and  every  beast  after  his  kind,  and  all 
the  cattle  after  their  kind,  and  every  creeping 
thing  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth  after  his  kind, 
and  every  fowl  after  his  kind,  every  bird  of  every 
§sort. 

15  And  they  went  in  unto  Noah  into  the  ark, 
two  and  two  of  all  flesh,  wherein  is  the  breath  o i 
life. 

16  And  they  that  went  in,  went  in  male  and  fe- 
male of  all  flesh,  as  God  had  commanded  him : and 

Pthe  Lord  shut  him  in.  [ Practical  Observations .] 

17  If  And  the  flood  was  forty  days  upon  the 
earth  : and  the  waters  increased,  and  bare  up  the 
ark  ; and  it  was  lifted  up  above  the  earth. 

18  And  the  waters  prevailed,  and  were  in- 
creased greatly  upon  the  earth : and  the  ark  wen 
upon  the  face  of  the  waters. 

19  And  the  waters  prevailed  exceedingly  upon 
the  earth  ; and  qall  the  high  hills,  that  were  under 
the  whole  heaven,  were  covered. 

20  Fifteen  cubits  upward  did  the  waters  pre 
vail ; and  the  mountains  were  covered. 

21  And  rall  flesh  died  that  moved  upon  the 
earth,  both  of  fowl,  and  of  cattle,  and  of  beast, 
and  of  every  creeping  thing  that  creepeth  upon 
the  earth,  and  every  ma  n. 

22  All  in  whose  nostrils  was  m the  breath  of  life, 
of  all  that  teas  in  the  dry  land , died. 

Pa.  78:23,21.  Mai.  3:10.  n Ex.  24:18.  Tent.  9:9,18.  10:10.  1 Kings  19:8.  Malt. 
4:2.  o 5:32.  6:10.  9:18,19.  10:1,2,6,21.  1 ( hr.  1:4— 28.  §Heh.  icing,  p Ps.  91: 
I— 10.  Mall.  25:10.  Luke  13:25.  John  10:27— 30.  1 Pel.  1:5.  q Job  12-15.  Ps.46: 
2,3.  104:6 — 9.  r 4.  6:6,7.  2 Pet.  3:6.  ||  Heb.  the  bieath  of  tne  spirit  of  life.  2: 
7.  6:17. 


the  elements:  and  the  presence  of  God  was  his  only  comfort 
in  this  dreary  confinement,  and  in  witnessing  the  dire  devista 
tion  of  the  earth  and  its  inhabitants,  and  especially  of  the  hu- 
man species  ; of  his  companions,  his  neighbours,  his  relatives ; 
of  those,  to  whom  he  had  preached,  for  whom  he  had  prayed, 
and  over  whom  he  had  wept,  many  of  whom  had  even  helped 
to  build  the  ark.  (2  Pet.  2:5.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Y.  1 — 16.  Numbers  in  every  age  44  despise  the  riches  of  the 
goodness,  and  forbearance,  and  long-suffering  of  God,  not 
knowing  that  his  goodness  leads  to  repentance:  but  after 
their  hardness  and  impenitent  heart  they  treasure  up  wrath 
against  the  day  of  wrath till  judgment  come  upon  them  to 
the  uttermost.  But  in  all  this  the  Lord’s  purposes  are  ef- 
fected, his  predictions  accomplished,  and  his  justice  displayed. 
— Our  short  span  of  life  will  speedily  come  to  a close,  even 
though  we  should  linger  out  our  threescore  years  and  ten. 
Yes,  the  last  week,  the  last  day,  the  last  hour,  will  soon  sur- 
prise us,  if  we  be  not  always  watching  and  ready  ; and  with 
no  less  tremendous  consternation  and  terrible  destruction, 
than  the  deluge  did  those  in  the  da}\s  of  Noah.  If  when  “the 
Master  of  the  house  has  risen  up,  and  shut  to  the  door,”  we 
be  found  without,  it  will  then  be  too  late  to  knock  for  admit- 
tance. For  the  threat enings  of  the  Lord,  however  now  ne- 
glected or  despised,  will  as  certainly  be  fulfilled  as  his  pro- 
mises : and  there  is  a time  coming,  when  thejr,  who  have  most 
affected  to  pity  or  deride  the  godly,  will  admire  or  envy  them. 

V.  17-l24.  What  a triumph  was  here  of  death,  even  “ over 
those  who  had  not  sinned  after  the  similitude  of  Adam’s  trans- 
gression !”  and  how  did  the  whole  creation  groan  under  man’s 
sin  ! But.,  though  we  may  indulge  the  hope  that  the  multitude 
of  infants,  who  died  without  their  own  actual  sin,  through  the 
first  Adam’s  transgression,  obtained  life  without  their  own  ac- 
tual faith,  through  the  second  Adam’s  obedienre  ; yet  we  are 
constrained  to  admit,  that  the  same  deluge,  which  swept  the 
rest  of  that  generation  from  the  earth,  swept  their  souls  into 
the  prison  of  hell.  How  tremendous  then  will  be  “ the  day  of 
judgment  and  perdition  of  ungodly  men  !”  and  what  will  be  the 
feelings  of  those,  who,  in  contempt  of  the  divine  testimony, 
treat  the  “ things  not  seen  as  yet”  as  unreal,  though  revealed 
by  the  infallible  testimony  of  God  ; when  they  shall  at  length 
be  seen,  but  seen  too  late ! Happy  they,  who  are  part  of 
Christ’s  family,  and  safe  with  him  in  the  ark  ! they  may  look 
forward  without  dismay,  and  rejoice  in  the  assurance,  that 
they  shall  triumph,  when  a deluge  of  fire  shall  encircle  the  vi- 
sible creation.  But,  unless  we  dare  to  be  singular,  and  re- 
nounce the  favour,  and  venture  the  scorn  and  hatred  of 
the  world;  unless  we  are  willing  to  exercise  self-denial  and 
diligence  ; we  can  find  no  admission  into  this  ark.  And,  even 
in  the  ark,  while  in  this  world,  we  shall  need  faith  and  pa- 
tience, and  have  much  to  try  them. — Though  we  should  la- 
ment, we  need  not  wonder  at,  the  prevalence  of  impiety  ; nor 
should  faithful  ministers  despond,  if  their  success  be  not  so 
large  as  their  expectations  ; for  the  most  eminent  and  favoured 
servants  of  God  have  experienced  the  same  disappointments. — 
Ungodly  children  often  receive  temporal  mercies  for  their  pa- 
rents’ sake  ; but  unless  they  themselves  are  made  partakers  of 
faith  and  holiness,  they  will  not  escape  eternal  destruction. — 
Finally,  though  there  is  great  difference  of  character  airong 

( 31  ) 


B.  C.  2347. 


GENESIS. 


B.  C.  2347. 


23  And  'every  living  substance  was  destroyed 
which  was  upon  the  face  of  the  ground,  both  man, 
and  cattle,  and  the  creeping  things,  and  the  fowl 
of  the  heaven  ; and  they  were  destroyed  from  the 
earth  ; ‘and  Noah  only  remained  alive,  and  they 
that  were  with  him  in  the  ark. 

24  And  the  waters  prevailed  upon  the  earth  "an 
hundred  and  fifty  days. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

God  remembers  Noah,  and  assuages  the  waters,  1 — 3.  The  ark  rests  on  the 
mountains  of  Ararat,  4,  5.  Noah  sends  forth  a raven,  and  then  a dove,  to 
gain  intelligence,  6 — 12.  He  leaves  the  ark , offers  sacrifices,  and  is  accepted 
and  encouraged,  13 — 22. 

AND  aGod  remembered  Noah,  and  every  liv- 
ing thing,  and  all  bthe  cattle  that  was  with 
him  in  the  ark : and  God  made  ca  wind  to  pass  over 
the  earth,  and  the  waters  assuaged. 

2  The  fountains  also  of  the  deep,  and  the  win- 
dows of  heaven  were  stopped,  and  ethe  rain  from 
heaven  was  restrained. 

3  And  the  waters  returned  from  off  the  earth 
'continually:  and  after  the  end  of  the  fhundred 
and  fifty  days  the  waters  were  abated. 

4  And  ethe  ark  rested  in  the  seventh  month,  on 
the  seventeenth  day  of  the  month,  upon  the  moun- 
tains of  hArarat. 

5  And  the  waters  decreased  continually  until 
•the  tenth  month  : in  the  tenth  month,  on  the  first 
day  of  the  month,  were  the  tops  of  the  mountains 
seen. 

6  HAnd  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  forty  dajs, 
that  Noah  opened  kthe  window  of  the  ark  which 
he  had  made. 

7  And  he  sent  forth  !a  raven,  which  went  forth 
fto  and  fro,  until  the  waters  were  dried  up  from 
off  the  earth. 

8  Also  he  sent  forth  ma  dqve  from  him,  to  see  if 
the  waters  were  abated  from  off  the  face  of  the 
ground. 

9  But  the  dove  "found  no  rest  for  the  sole  of 
her  foot,  “and  she  returned  unto  him  into  the  ark: 
for  the  waters  were  on  the  face  of  the  whole  earth. 
Then  he  put  forth  his  hand,  and  took  her,  and 
^pulled  her  in  unto  him  into  the  ark. 


» W*  22-13— 17.  Is.  24:1— 8.  Mall.  21:37— 39.  Luke  17:26,27.  1 Pet.  3:20. 

*••••  «...  l fix.  14:28— 30.  Ez.  14:14,20.  Mai.  3:18.  Malt.  25:46.  n 8:3,4. 
a 19:2a.  30:22.  Kx.  2:21.  1 Sam.  1:19.  Neh.  13:14,22,29.31.  Job  14:13.  Ps.  106:4. 
132:1.  136:23.  137:7.  Am.  8:7.  Rev.  16:19.  18:5.  b Num.  22:32.  Ps.  36:6.  Jon. 
4:11.  cEi.  14:21.  d 7:11.  Prov. 8:28.  Jon.  2:3.  e Job  37:11— 13.  38:37.  Mail. 
8:26,27,  * Heb.  in  going  and  returning,  f 7:2-4.  e7:17 — 19.  h Jer.  51:27.  1 Heb. 
were  in  going  and  decreasing,  i 7:11.  k 6: 16.  1 Lev.  11:15.  1 Kings  17:4,6. 
Job  38:41.  X Heb.  in  going  forth  and  returning,  m Cant.  1:15.  2:11,12,14. 
Matt.  10:16.  n Deut.  28:05.  Ezek.  7:16.  Matt.  11:28.  John  16:33.  o Ps.  116:7. 
Is.  60:8.  § Heb.  caused  her  to  come,  p Ps.  40:1.  Is.  8:17.  Rom.  8:25.  q 12. 


men,  and  we  are  apt  to  imagine  some  favourable  distinctions  in 
our  own  case : yet,  if  we  neglect , refuse , or  abuse  the  salvation 
of  Christ,  \te  shall,  notwithstanding  such  imaginary  advan- 
tages be  overwhelmed  in  the  common  destruction  of  an  unbe- 
lieving world. 

NOTES.— Chap.  VIII.  V.  1— 3.  The  flood  continued 
a considerable  time  after  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  were  de- 
stroyed ; and  Noah  might  be  tempted  to  be  weary  of  his  con- 
finement, and  almost  to  question  whether  u the  Lord  had  not 
forgotten  to  be  gracious but  at  length  u God  remembered” 
him,  by  hearing  his  prayers,  and  preparing  for  the  release  of 
him  and  his  family  ; and  also  of  the  animals  \\..ich  were  with 
him  in  the  ark,  which  is  specially  noted. — By  a strong,  dry 
wind  the  clouds  were  dispersed,  and  so  the  rain  ceased  ; and 
the  miraculous  interposition  being  withdrawn,  things  reverted 
to  their  former  course.  Thus  the  waters,  in  going  and  re- 
turning , were  in  part  evaporated,  and  in  part  ran  off  into  the 
lower  countries  and  the  bed  of  the  ocean,  or  sunk  into  caverns 
in  the  bowels  of  the  earth. 

V.  4,  5.  On  the  seventeenth  day  of  the  seventh  month  of 
the  year , (as  it  is  most  probable,)  just  five  months,  or  a hun- 
dred and  fifty  days  from  the  beginning  of  the  flood,  the  waters 
were  so  far  abated,  that  the  ark  rested  on  one  of  the  summits 
of  mount  Ararat.  This  is  supposed  to  mean  a ridge  of  moun- 
tains, extending  from  Armenia  eastward  to  a great  distance. 
The  word  Ararat  is  elsewhere  translated  Armenia , hut  it  is 
not  agreed  whether  the  ark  rested  in  Armenia,  or  more  towards 
the  east.  It  was,  however,  no  doubt  on  some  lofty  summit ; as 
it  was  ahnost  three  months  longer  before  the  tops  of  the  moun- 
tains were  seen.  ( Marg . Ref.)  4 If  we  had  been  a long  and 
dangerous  voyage  at  sea,  we  would  he  better  able  to  conceivo 
of  the  joy  which  this  sight  must  have  occasioned.’  Fuller. 

V.  C — 14.  Forty  days  after  the  tops  of  the  mountains 
became  visible,  Noah  sent  out  a raven,  in  order  that  he  might 
learn  the  state  of  the  earth  ; hut  as  this  bird  was  used  to  feed 
on  flesh,  it  either  returned  no  more,  or,  as  some  think,  it  con- 
tinued to  come  back  to  the  ark,  and  again  to  leave  it,  without 
( 32  ) 


10  And  he  ^stayed  yet  other  ‘‘seven  days,  and 
again  he  sent  forth  the  dove  out  of  the  ark. 

1 1 And  the  dove  came  in  to  him  in  the  evening 
and  lo,  in  her  mouth  was  ran  olive-leaf  plucked  off 
So  Noah  knew  that  the  waters  were  abated  from 
off  the  earth. 

12  And  “he  stayed  yet  other  ‘seven  days,  and 
sent  forth  the  dove ; wliich  returned  not  again  un- 
to him  any  more. 

1 3 And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  "six  hundredth  and 
first  year,  in  the  first  month,  the  first  day  of  the 
month,  the  waters  were  dried  up  from  off  the 
earth : and  Noah  removed  the  covering  of  the  ark : 
and  looked,  and  behold,  the  face  of  the  ground 
was  dry. 

14  And  in  the  second  month,  on  the  seven  and 
twentieth  day  of  the  month,  was  the  earth  dried. 

15  H And  God  spake  unto  Noah,  saying, 

16  “Go  forth  of  the  ark,  thou,  and  thy  wife,  and 
thy  sons,  and  thy  sons’  wives  with. thee. 

17  -'Bring  forth  with  thee  every  living  thing 
that  is  with  thee,  of  all  flesh,  both  of  fowl,  and  of 
cattle,  and  of  every  creeping  thing  that  creepeth 
upon  the  earth ; that  they  may  'breed  abundantly 
in  the  earth,  and  be  fruitful  and  multiply  upon  the 
earth. 

18  And  Noah  went  forth,  and  his  sons,  and  his 
wife,  and  his  sons’  wives  with  him  : 

19  Every  beast,  every  creeping  thing,  and  everv 
fowl,  and  whatsoever  creepeth  upon  the  earth 
after  their  iikinds,  went  forth  out  of  the  ark. 

20  And  Noah  “builded  an  altar  unto  the  Lord, 
and  took  of  every  ‘'clean  beast,  and  of  every  clean 
fowl,  and  offered  “burnt-offerings  on  the  altar. 

21  And  the  Lord  ‘‘smelled  a “sweet  savour ; and 
the  Lord  said  in  his  heart,  I will  not  again  “curse 
the  ground  any  more  for  man’s  sake ; “for  fthe  im- 
agination of  man’s  heart  is  evil  from  his  youth : 
^neither  will  I again  smite  any  more  every  thing 
living,  has  I have  done. 

22  “While  the  earth  remaineth,  ‘seed-time  and 
harvest,  and  cold  and  heat,  and  summer  and  win* 
ter,  and  kday  and  night,  shall  not  cease. 


7:4,10.  rNeh. 8:15.  Zech. 4:12—14.  s Ps.  27:14.  130:5,6.  Is.  23:9  . 26:8.  Hnb. 
2:3.  Jam.  5:7,8.  110.2:2,3.  u7:ll.  x 7:1,7,13.  Josh.  3:17.  4:10,16— 18.  P». 
121:8.  Dan.  3:25,26.  Zech.  9:11.  Actsl6:27, 23,37— 39.  y 7:14,15.  z 1:22.  9:7.  Ps. 
107:38.  114:13,14.  Jer.  31:17.28.  II  Heb.  families,  a 41.  12:7,8.  13:4.  22:9. 
26:25.  33:20.  35:1,7.  Ex. 20:24,25.  24:4— 8.  Heb.  13:10,15,16.  1)7:2.  Lev.  11: 

r Lev.  1 . d Lev.  1:9,17.  26:31.  Ez.  20:41.  Amos  5:21,22.  2 Cor.  2: IS.  Eph.5:2. 
Phil.  4:19.  Tl  Heb.  savour  of  rest.  e3:17.  4:12.  5:29.  6:17.  though.  f6:5. 

Job  14:4.15:14 — 16.  Ps.  51:5.  Is.  47:12,15.  48:8.  John  3:fi.  Rom.  1:21.  8:7,8.  Eph. 
2:1—3.  g 9:11—15.  Is.  54:9, 10.  h 2 Pet.  3:6,7.  ft  Heb.  As  vet  all  the  days  of 
the  earth,  i .45:6.  Ex.  34:21.  Jer.  5:24.  Jam.  5:7.  k Jer.  33:20 — 26. 


being  received  into  it  till  the  waters  were  dried  up.  After  se- 
ven days  therefore,  as  the  subsequent  language  implies,  (10,) 
he  sent  forth  a dove  which  soon  returned,  and  was  taken  into 
the  ark ; and  on  a second  trial  she  brought  an  olive-branch  in 
her  mouth.  This  was  a token  that  some  of  the  fruitful  plains 
were  dried,  and  the  vegetables  preserved.  On  the  third  trial 
the  dove  returned  no  more. — The  repeated  mention  of  seven 
days  seems  an  intimation  of  the  observance  of  the  sabbath  in 
the  ark ; after  the  ordinances  of  which,  the  dove  was  sent  out. 
— The  olive-branch,  probably  from  some  obscure  tradition  of 
this  event,  has  generally  been  the  emblem  of  peace.  Thus  also 
the  Holy  Spirit,  whose  emblem  is  a dove,  by  his  consolations, 
brings  to  the  broken-hearted  believer  the  olive-branch  of 
peace  and  reconciliation  with  God. — According  lo  the  com- 
putation of  time  used  in  Scripture,  Noah  and  his  company 
continued  in  the  ark  a year  and  ten  days.  (7:11.) 

V.  15 — 19.  Noah  had  made  observations  on  the  state  of 
the  earth,  and  preparations  for  leaving  the  ark  ; hut  he  waited 
God’s  .command  before  he  actually  quitted  it. — It  seems 
that,  by  a peculiar  providential  interposition,  no  animal  of 
any  sort  had  died,  though  they  had  been  shut  up  in  the  ark 
above  a year ! and  it  does  not  appear  that  Ihere  had  been 
any  increase  of  them  during  (hat  time. 

V.  20 — 22.  This  is  the  first  time  that  an  altar  is  men- 
tioned; and  tho  word  rendered  burnt-offerings  here  first 
occurs : yet  Abel's  offering  seems  to  have  been  of  the  same 
nature,  and  was  probably  laid  on  some  kind  of  altar.  By 
these  burnt-offerings,  Noah,  in  faith,  ascribed  his  preserva- 
tion to  the  mercy  of  God  through  the  promised  Saviour ; ht 
rendered  to  him  a tribute  of  fervent  gratitude  and  adoration 
lie  devoted  himself  and  family  to  his  service ; and  ho  sought 
further  protection  and  blessing  amidst  the  desolations  which 
surrounded  him. — The  smell  of  burning  flesh  could  in  ilsell 
he  no  more  pleasing  to  God,  than  “ the  blood  of  bulls  or  of 
goats  but  as  it  typified  tho  sacrifice  of  Christ,  and  expressed 
Noah’s  obedient  faith  and  grateful  love,  tho  Lord  graciously 
accepted  it,  and  promised  that  he  would  no  lmre  curse 


R.  C.  2317.  CHAPTER  IX.  13.  C.  23-17 


CHAPTER  IX. 

The  Lord  blesses  Noah  and  his  family  ; gran  s them  additionally  Jlcsh  for 
food;  p'Ohibits  them  from  eating  blob  l ; and  re  .uires  that  murderers  should 
'is  punished  toith  death,  1 — 7.  His  covenant  with  Noah  and  his  jiosterity,  of 
which  the  rainbow  was  con.tti  uted  a //ledge , 8 — 17.  Noah's  family  and  em- 
ployment, 18—20.  His  drunkenness,  and  the  different  behaviour  of  his  sons  ; 
with  his  prophecy,  age , and  death,  21 — 29. 

AND  God  "blessed  Noah  and  his  sons,  and  said 
unto  them,  ‘Be  fruitful  and  multiply,  and  re- 
plenish the  earth. 

2  And  'the  fear  of  you,  and  the  dread  of  you, 
shall  be  upon  every  beast  of  the  earth,  and  upon 
every  fowl  of  the  air,  upon  all  that  moveth  upon 
the  earth,  and  upon  all  the  fishes  of  the  sea  ; into 
your  hand  are  they  delivered. 

3  dEvery  moving  thing  that  liveth  shall  be  meat 
for  you ; even  'as  the  green  herb  have  I given  you 
all  things. 

* 1:28.  24:60.  Is.  51:2.  b 7,19.  8:17.  10:32.  c 1:28.  Lev.  26:6,22.  Jol>5:22,23. 
P!.8:4— 8.  101:20— 23.  Hos.  2:18.  Jam.  3:7.  d Lev.  11:  22:8.  Deut.  12:15.  14: 
9—21.  Acts  10.12—15.  1 Tim.  1:3—5.  e 1:29,30.  Item.  14:3,11,17.  1 Cor.  lo:25, 
W.  Col. 2:16, 21, 22.  f Lev.  3:17.  17:10—11.  19:26.  Lleul.  12:16,23.  14:21.15:23. 

the  earth,  that  is,  after  the  manner  of  the  flood : for  the  ori- 
ginal curse  was  not  removed,  nor  is  it  clear  that  it  was  miti- 
gated. He  added,  “for,”  or  though , (Marg.)  u the  imagi- 
nation of  man’s  heart  is  evil  from  his  youth.”  The  flood 
washed  away  that  generation  of  wicked  men,  but  it  did  not 
remove  depravity  from  man’s  nature  ; who,  being  conceived 
and  born  in  sin,  thinks,  devises,  and  loves  wickedness,  even 
from  his  youth ; and  that  as  much  since  the  flood  as  before. 
Other  methods  indeed  would  be  used  to  repress  wickedness, 
but  a universal  deluge  should  no  more  be  employed  for  that 
purpose ; nor  should  any  other  year,  like  the  past,  occur  to 
the  end  of  the  world,  in  which  there  was  neither  sowing  nor 
reaping. — Partial  failures  of  seed-time  and  harvest,  or  other 
irregularities,  are  not  inconsistent  with  this  gracious  assu- 
rance ; according  to  which  the  heavenly  bodies  have  ever 
since  preserved  their  courses,  the  seasons  their  successions, 
and  the  earth  hath  produced  its  increase  for  the  use  of  man, 
notwithstanding  his  ingratitude.  And  on  this  word  we  de- 
pend,that  thus  it  shall  be  u till  the  mystery  of  God  is  finished.” 
PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  Lord  M knoweth  how  to  reserve  the  wicked  unto 
the  day  of  judgment  to  be  punished,”  however  numerous, 
powerful,  and  haughty  they  may  be ; and  also  u to  deliver 
the  godly  out  of  temptation”  in  the  best  time  and  manner, 
though  few,  despised,  and  helpless.  (2  Pet.  2:9.)  For  a 
season  he  seems  to  forget  his  afflicted  children,  and  they  are 
prone  to  judge  according  to  appearances ; but  in  due  sea- 
son he  will  manifest  his  kind  and  careful  remembrance  of 
them. — The  devoted  servant  of  God  will  make  haste  to  keep 
his  commandments ; and  patiently  wait  his  time  for  deliver- 
ance and  promised  blessings. — The  faithfulness  of  God  is 
the  best  security  ; and  it  is  given  to  all  them  that  trust  in 
him : for  his  glory  is  engaged  for  their  salvation,  as  much  as 
for  Noah’s  preservation. — Alas!  how  many  are  there  in  the 
visible  church,  who  resemble  the  raven  more  than  the  dove  ■ 
who  retain  a relish  for  worldly  things  under  a religious  appear- 
ance ; and  who,  u in  time  of  temptation  fall  away !”  But  the 
true  Christian,  partaking  of  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  may  indeed, 
through  temptation,  for  a season,  quit  the  ark  and  go  to 
the  world;  but,  like  the  dove,  he  can  find  no  rest  till  he 
returns  to  the  Lord. — They  who  are  saved  from  destruction, 
must  on  earth  witness  the  desolations  which  sin  makes,  with 
aching  hearts  and  weeping  eyes;  and  in  many  things  share 
in  them.  But  the  consolations  of  God  will  counterbalance 
these  sorrows : and  in  heaven  all  tears  shall  be  wiped  away ; 
so  that  even  the  destruction  of  the  wicked  will  in  no  wise 
abate  the  perfect  felicity  of  the  righteous.— The  mercy  of 
God,  the  sacrifice  of  Christ,  and  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
cause  the  difference  between  those  who  are  saved,  and  those 
who  perish  : and  the  first  use  which  we  should  make  of  de- 
liverances from  trouble,  is  to  return  thanks  to  God  for  his 
mercy,  solemnly  to  devote  oyrselves  to  him  and  his  service, 
and  to  seek  anew  his  providential  protection  and  gracious 
blessing.  Nor  can  that  be  wasted , whether  of  our  valued 
property  or  more  valuable  time,  which  is  expended  in  the  ser- 
vice of  God,  according  to  his  appointment.  Finally,  the  di- 
vine authority  of  the  Scripture,  as  well  as  the  faithfulness  of 
God,  is  demonstrated  in  the  regular  course  of  the  seasons  of 
the  year.  May  we  therefore  admire  the  goodness  of  the 
Lord,  trust  his  providence,  receive  all  from  his  love,  and  use 
all  to  his  glory. 

NOTES. — Chap.  IX.  V.  1,  2.  It  is  not  said,  in  what 
manner  the  Lord  revealed  himself  to  Noah  and  his  sons: 
but  he  renewed  to  them  the  blessing  pronounced  originally 
on  our  first  parents,  because  they  were  the  appointed  pro- 
genitors of  a new  race  of  men,  (Note,  1:28;)  and  he  added 
several  things,  both  for  warning  and  encouragement,  adapted 
to  their  situation.  The  dominion  over  the  animal  creation, 
which  had  been  forfeited  by  sin,  was  again  conceded  ; yet 
with  some  variation  from  the  original  grant.  It  is  probable 
that  the  subjection  of  the  animals  before  the  fall  was  volun- 
tary, and  that  by  instinct  they  regarded  man  as  a friend : but 
since  that  event,  it  hath  been  more  the  result  of  fear ; most 
of  them  dreading  him  as  a powerful  enemy,  whom  they  must 

Vol.  I.— 5 


4 But  flesh  with  fthe  life  thereof,  which  is  the 
blood  thereof  shall  ye  not  eat. 

5 And  surely  your  blood  of  your  lives  will  I re- 
quire : at  the  hand  of  Bevery  beast  will  I require  it, 
and  hat  the  baud  of  man  ; at  the  hand  of  ever) 
man’s  'brother  will  I require  the  life  of  man. 

6 Whoso  sheddeth  man’s  blood,  'by  man  shal’ 
his  blood  be  shed : for  kin  the  image  ol  God  made 
he  man. 

7 And  you,  be  ye  fruitful,  and  multiply,  bring 
forth  abundantly  in  the  earth,  and  multiply  therein. 

8 H And  God  spake  unto  Noah,  and  to  his  sons 
with  him,  saying, 

9 And  I,  behold  I,  'establish  my  covenant  with 
you,  and  with  your  seed  after  you  ; 

10  And  mwith  every  living  creature  that  is  with 

Acts  15:20,29.  1 Tim.  4:4.  g Kx.  21:28,29.  h 4:9,10.  Num.  35:31— 33.  Deut. 21s 
I— 9.  Ps.  9:12.  i Acts  17:25.  j Ex.  21 :12— 14.  Lev.  24:17.  1 Kings  2:5,6,28—  34. 
Matt.  26:52.  Rom.  13:4.  Rev.  13:10.  k 1:26,27.  5:1.  Ps.  51:4.  Jam.  3:9.  Ill, 
17.6:18.17:7,8.  Is.  54:9,10.  m 8:1.  Ps.  145:9.  Jon.  4:11. 


either  submit  to  or  flee  from.  We  continually  witness  the 
fulfilment  of  this  promise,  among  creatures  of  all  sorts.  The 
ease  with  which  horses  are  managed,  notwithstanding  their 
strength  and  spirit,  and  the  severity  with  which  they  are 
treated  ; and  the  safety  with  which  large  droves  of  oxen  are 
goaded  forward,  frequently  by  a single  youth,  who,  conscious 
of  his  superiority,  fears  not  them  whilst  they  stand  in  awe  of 
him  ; are  circumstances  which  would  be  deemed  very  won- 
derful were  they  not  so  common  ; but  they  are  seldom  con- 
sidered as  effected  by  the  power,  and  as  proving  the  faithful- 
ness and  goodness  of  God.  Even  the  most  savage  of  the 
wild  beasts  have  been,  and  are,  tamed  or  subdued  by  man, 
and  have  an  instinctive  dread  of  him ; shunning  populous 
places,  and  retreating  into  forests  and  deserts ; lying  still  all 
the  day  while  man  is  abroad,  roaming  forth  when  he  retires  to 
rest ; and  seldom  injuring  him  unless  pinched  by  hunger,  or 
provoked  by  opposition.  (Note,  Ps.  104:20 — 23.)  Were 

this  instinctive  fear  removed,  and  should  the  animals,  con- 
scious of  their  force,  rise  in  general  rebellion,  what  confusion 
and  devastation  must  ensue  ! 

V.  3,  4.  Perhaps,  before  the  flood,  men  had  taken  the 
liberty  of  eating  flesh  ; but  it  seems  not  to  have  been  explicitly 
allowed : the  grant,  however,  here  given,  fully  warrants  our 
use  of  the  animals  for  food,  but  not  the  abuse  of  them  by  in- 
temperance or  cruelty.  This  is  not  here  limited  to  any  kind 
of  animals  ; so  that  the  distinction  of  clean  and  unclean 
must  relate  to  the  use  of  them  in  sacrifice : and  the  eating  of 
blood  seems  principally  to  have  been  prohibited,  because 
blood  typified  the  great  atonement.  (Notes,  Acts  15:19 — 29. 
Marg.  Ref.  f.)  Yet  this  restriction  might  be  intended  as  a 
check  to  cruelty;  lest  men,  inured  to  shed  and  feed  upon  the 
blood  of  animals,  should  grow  unfeeling,  and  be  the  less 
shocked  at  the  idea  of  shedding  human  blood. 

V.  5,  6.  From  this  energetic  declaration  it  certainly  fol- 
lows, that  wilful  murder  ought  invariably  in  all  communities 
to  be  punished  with  death ; whatever  form  it  assumes,  or  how- 
ever it  may,  by  specious  pretences,  be  extenuated : and  that 
God  will  himself  require  it  of  those  who  suffer  the  murderer 
to  escape  ; so  that  the  punishment  due  to  murder  will,  in 
some  way,  be  inflicted  on  them,  as  accessaries  to  the  crime. 
This  implies,  that  magistrates  should  be  appointed,  who  migl it 
punish  murderers  with  death;  though  in  the  case  of  Cain 
the  Lord  had  been  pleased  to  prohibit  all  men  from  slaying 
him.  (Notes,  4:13 — 15.  2 Sam.  12:13.)  Perhaps  the  im- 

pious inhabitants  of  the  old  w'orld  had  been  emboldened  hv 
the  example  of  Cain;  and  no  intimation  is  given,  that  any 
murderer  was  punished  with  death  during  all  that  period  o! 
violence.  To  impress  the  greater  horror  of  destroying  man’s 
life,  it  was  enjoined  that  even  the  beast  which  killed  a man 
should  be  put  to  death.  (Note,  Ex.  21:28 — 32.) — It  is  a sub- 
ject for  serious  inquiry,  to  all  who  are  cordially  affected  to 
the  welfare  of  these  nations,  how  far  national  guilt  is  con- 
tracted, when  so  many  are  suffered  to  elude  justice,  who 
commit  wilful,  deliberate  murder  in  duels  : whilst  many  thieves 
are  put  to  death,  a punishment  which  God  never  commanded 
to  be  inflicted  on  them,  and  perhaps  does  not  approve.  The 
connivance  also  of  British  rulers  in  India  at  the  murders  com- 
mitted by  the  inhabitants,  in  their  idolatry  and  idolatrous  cus- 
toms, should  not  be  forgotten.  (Num.  35:33.  2 Kings  21:16. 
24:4.)  Though  the  moral  image  of  God,  in  which  man  was  at 
first  created,  is  defaced,  yet  the  natural  image  remains : and  it 
is  the  most  daring  act  of  rebellion  against  God  to  assault  his 
visible  image  on  earth,  and  destroy  ihe  life  wdiich  he  commu- 
nicated.— It  is  observable  that  the  reason  given  for  the  punish- 
ment of  the  murderer  with  death,  is  taken  from  the  affront 
which  he  offers  to  God,  not  from  the  injury  which  he  does  to 
man. 

V.  9 — 17.  The  words  rendered  covenant,  sometimes  mean 
a reciprocal  agreement  between  two  or  more  parties  ; and  at 
other  times  a positive  engagement  made  by  one  party,  without 
any  stipulation  being  required  of  the  other : that  established 
with  Noah  was  of  the  latter  sort.  To  obviate  the  fears  of 
him  and  his  posterity,  the  Lord  engaged  that  he  would  drown 
the  earth  no  more,  notwithstanding  man’s  wickedness.  Proba- 

( 33  ) 


B.  C.  2347.  GENESIS.  B.  C.  1997. 


vou,  of  the  fowl,  of  the  cattle,  and  of  every  beast 
:>f  the  earth  with  you,  from  all  that  go  out  of  the 
ark,  to  every  beast  of  the  earth. 

1 1 And  I will  establish  my  covenant  with  you  ; 
"neither  shall  all  flesh  be  cut  of!'  any  more  by  the 
waters  of  a flood  : neither  shall  there  any  more  be 
a flood  to  destroy  the  earth. 

12  And  God  said,  This  is  “the  token  of  the  co- 
venant which  I make  between  me  and  you,  and 
every  living  creature  that  is  with  you,  for  perpe- 
tual generations : 

13  I do  set  rmy  bow  in  the  cloud,  and  it  shall  be 
for  a token  of  a covenant  between  me  and  the 
earth. 

14  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  I bring  a 
cloud  over  the  earth,  that  the  bow  shall  be  seen  in 
the  cloud : 

15  And  I will  ^remember  my  covenant  which  is 
between  me  and  you,  and  every  living  creature  of 
all  flesh;  and  'the  waters  shall  no  more  become  a 
flood  to  destroy  all  flesh. 

16  And  the  bow  shall  be  in  the  cloud ; and  I will 
look  upon  it,  that  I may  remember  the  "everlasting 
covenant,  between  God  and  every  living  creature 
of  all  flesh,  that  is  upon  the  earth. 

17  And  God  said  unto  Noah,  This  is  the  token 
of  the  covenant,  which  I have  established  between 
me  and  all  flesh  that  is  upon  the  earth. 

18  And  the  sons  of  Noah,  that  went  forth  of 


n 7:21— 23.  8:21,22.  2Pet.3:ll.  o 17:11.  Ex.  12:13.  13:16.  Josh.  2:12.  Mall. 
25:23—28.  1 Cor.  11:23—25.  p Ez.  1:28.  Rev.  4:3.  10:1.  q Ex.  28:12.  Lev. 
26:42—45.  Ps.  106:45.  Jer.  14:21.  Ez.  16:60.  Luke  1:72.  r Is.  54:8— 11).  8 1713, 
19.  2 Sam.  23:5.  Is.  55:3.  Jer.  32.40.  Heb.  13:20.  1 5:32.  10:1.  ■■  1U:«.  * Heb. 
Chtnaan.  x 8:17.  1U:2—  32.  1 . hr.  1:4—28.  y 3:18.19,23.  4:2.  5:29.  I rev. 
12:11.  Ec.  5:9.  z 6:9.  19:32— 36.  Prov.  20:1.  23:31,32.  Ec.  7:20.  Lnke21:34. 


bly,  the  rainbow  had  appeared  before  the  Hood,  being  the  effect 
of  natural  causes  : but  it  was  now  appointed  to  a new  use,  and 
made  a seal  and  pledge  of  a particular  engagement.  This 
was  confirmed  by  an  everlasting  covenant,  or  one  which  shall 
never  be  abolished.  (Note,  17:  7,8.)  Without  revelation  this 
gracious  assurance  could  not  be  known;  and  without  faith  it 
can  be  of  no  use  to  us : and  thus  it  is  in  respect  of  a still  greater 
and  more  imminent  danger,  to  which  all  are  exposed ; and  to  the 
new  covenant,  with  its  blessings  and  securities,  which  in 
these  events  was  prefigured.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  19.  Of  them , &c.]  This  precludes  the  conjecture 
that  Noah  himself  had  other  children,  though  he  lived  above 
three  hundred  years  after  the  flood. 

V.  20 — 23.  When  Noah,  after  the  deluge,  began  again  to 
cultivate  the  earth,  he  planted  a vineyard,  made  wine,  and 
was  betrayed  into  excess.  Some  have  thought  that  wine  was 
now  first  made  of  grapes,  and  that  Noah,  not  aware  of  its  ef- 
fects, was  surprised  into  drunkenness. — But  this  is  highly  im- 
probable ; for  even  in  the  most  savage  tribes,  the  art  of  mak- 
ing intoxicating  liquors  is  known  : and  though  a man  might 
plant  two  or  three  vines,  for  the  sake  of  the  grapes  ; who  ever 
44  planted  a vineyard,”  except  for  the  sake  of  wine  ? Indeed, 
the  fact  seems  recorded  by  the  inspired  historian,  with  that 
perfect  impartiality  which  is  peculiar  to  the  Scripture,  as  an 
.instance  and  evidence  of  human  frailly  and  imperfection.  Ham 
appears  to  have  been  a man  of  bad  character  : and  probably 
he  rejoiced  to  find  his  father  in  so  unbecoming  a situation, 
that,  by  exposing  him,  he  might  retaliate  for  the  reproofs 
wdiich  he  had  received  from  his  parental  authority  : and  per- 
haps Canaan  first  discovered  Noah’s  situation,  and  told  it  to 
Ham.  In  that  case,  the  event  must  have  occurred  several 
years  after  the  flood,  for  there  were  but  eight  persons  in  the 
ark,  &Rd  consequently  Ham  had  no  children  at  that  time. — 
The  conduct  of  Ham  in  exposing  his  father  to  his  brethren, 
jind  their  behaviour  in  turning  away  from  the  sight  of  his  dis- 
grace, form  a striking  contrast.  (Marg.  R(f.) 

V.  24,  25.  This  portion  of  Scripture,  though  attended  with 
some  difficulties,  evidently  contains  a remarkable  prophecy, 
which  was  recorded  for  the  encouragement  of  the  Israelites, 
in  warring  against  the  devoted  Canaanitcs. — There  is  no  au- 
thority for  altering  the  text,  and  reading,  as  some  do,  44  Cursed 
be  Ham  the  father  of  Canaan yet  the  frequent  mention  of 
Ham  as  the  father  of  Canaan,  suggests  the  thought,  that  the 
latter  was  also  criminal.  Ham  is  thought  to  have  been  the 
second,  and  not  the  youngest , son  of  Noah,  (Note,  10:1  ;)  and 
if  so,  the  words,  u knew  what  his  younger  son  had  done,” 
refer  to  Canaan  his  grandson. — Ham  must  have  felt  it  a very 
mortifying  rebuke,  when  his  own  father  was  inspired  on  this 
occasion  to  predict  the  durable  oppression  and  slavery  of  his 
posterity,  Canaan  also  was  rebuked,  by  learning  that  the 
curse  would  especially  rest  on  that  branch  of  the  family,  which 
should  descend  from  him : for  his  posterity  were  no  doubt 
principally,  though  not  exclusively  intended.  The  devoted  na- 
tions, which  God  destroyed  before  Israel,  were  descended 
IV.  m Canaan  : and  so  were  the  Phenicians  and  theCarthagi 
nru  s,  who  were  at  length  subjugated  with  dreadful  destruc- 
tion by  the  Greeks  and  Romans.  ‘ The  whole  continent  ol 

i 34  ) 


the  ark,  'were  Shcm,  and  Ham,  and  Japheth : and 
"Ham  is  the  father  of  Canaan. 

19  These  are  the  three  sons  of  Noah:  and  ‘of 
them  was  the  whole  earth  overspread. 

20  H And  Noah  began  to  be  >an  husbandman, 
and  he  planted  a vineyard. 

21  And  he  drank  of  the  wine,  and  7was  drunk 
en,  “and  lie  was  uncovered  within  his  tent. 

22  And  'Ham  the  father  of  Canaan  saw  the 
nakedness  of  his  lather,  and  ctold  his  two  brethren 
without. 

23  And  Shem  and  Japheth  took  a garment,  and 
laid  it  upon  both  their  shoulders,  dand  went  back- 
ward, and  covered  the  nakedness  of  their  father; 
and  their  faces  were  backward,  and  they  saw  not 
their  father’s  nakedness.  [ Practical  Observations.^ 

24  And  Noah  awoke  from  his  wine,  and  knew 
what  his  younger  son  had  done  unto  him. 

25  And  he  said,  “Cursed  be  Canaan ; 'a  servant 
of  servants  shall  he  be  unto  his  brethren. 

26  And  he  said,  ^Blessed  be  ''the  Lord  God  of 
Shem  ; and  Canaan  shall  be  'his  servant. 

27  God  shall  'enlarge  Japheth,  and  he  shall 
‘dwell  in  the  tents  of  Shem ; and  Canaan  shall  be 
his  servant. 

28  H Ami  Noah  lived  after  the  flood  three  hun- 
dred and  fifty  years. 

29  And  all  the  days  of  Noah  were  knine  hun- 
dred and  fifty  years  : and  he  died. 

Rom.  13:13.  Gal.  5:21.  a Hab.  2.16.  Rev.  3:18.  8 25.10:6,15—19.  1 Clir. 

1:8,13—16.  c 2 Mam.  1:19,20.  Ps.  35:21.  l*ro*.  30:17.  Ob.  12,13.  1 Cor.  13:6. 
d Ex.  20:12.  Lev.  19:32.  Rom.  13:7.  Gal.  6:1  1 Tim.  5:17.19.  1 Pel.  2:17.  4:8. 
e ‘22  . 3:14  . 4:11.  49:7.  Deul.  27:16.  28:18.  Mall. 25:41.  fjosli.  9:23,27.  Juilq. 
1:28—30.  1 Kings  9:20,21.  2 Chr.  8:7,8.  g i enl.  33.25.  Ps.  144:15.  Ii  11:10-26. 
1*2:1 — 3.  Luke  3:23 — 36.  Sem.  Heb.  11:16.  t Or,  servant  to  them.  27:37,40. 
JOr tpenuade.  i Mai.  1:11.  Eph.  2:14,19.  3:6.  k 5:5,20,27,32.  11:11— 25. 

Africa  was  peopled  principally  by  the  descendants  of  Ham  : 
and  for  how  many  ages  have  the  better  parts  of  that  country 
lain  under  the  dominion  of  the  Romans,  and  then  of  the  Sara- 
cens, and  now  of  the  Turks  ! In  what  wickedness,  ignorance, 
barbarity,  slavery,  misery  live  most  of  the  inhabitants  ! and  of 
the  poor  negroes,  how  many  hundreds  every  year  are  sold 
and  bought,  like  beasts  in  the  market ; and  conveyed  from  one 
quarter  of  the  world,  to  do  the  work  of  beasts  in  another !’ 
Bp.  Newton.  This,  however,  in  no  measure  vindicates  the 
covetous  and  barbarous  oppression  of  those,  who  thus  enrich 
themselves  with  the  products  of  their  sweat  and  blood.  God 
has  not  commanded  us  to  enslave  negroes,  as  he  did  Israel  to 
extirpate  the  Canaanites ; and  therefore,  without  doubt,  he 
will  severely  punish  this  cruel  injustice. — True  religion  has 
hitherto  flourished  very  little  among  Ham’s  descendants  ; they 
remain  to  this  day  almost  entire  strangers  to  Christianity  ; and 
their  condition  in  every  age  has  remarkably  coincided  with 
this  prediction.  (Notes,  Ez.  26: — 32:)  4 There  never  has  been 
a son  of  Ham,  who  has  shaken  a sceptre  over  the  head  of  Ja- 
pheth. Shem  hath  subdued  Japheth,  and  Japheth  subdued 
Shem  : hut  Ham  never  subdued  either.’  Mcde.  This  must 
he  understood,  with  some  exceptions  in  the  first  ages  of  the 
world:  for  the  Egyptians  enslaved  Israel,  and  it  is  recorded 
that  they  made  extensive  conquests  in  Asia.  (2  Chr.  12:2 — 4.) 
Nimrod,  it  also  seems  probable,  subjugated  and  tyrannized 
over  the  descendants  of  Shem,  when  he  “went  to  Asher  and 
built  Nineveh.”  (Note,  10:8 — 12.) 

V.  26.  The  descendants  of  Shem,  in  the  line  of  Arphaxap, 
Eher,  and  Peleg,  included  all  the  posterity  of  Abraham  ; and 
the  Lord  Jesus,  44  in  whom  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  are 
blessed,”  sprang  from  him. — Thus  Jehovaii  was  especially 
44  the  God  of  Shem.”  His  descendants  comprised  a vast  ma- 
jority of  the  worshippers  of  the  true  God,  till  the  coming  of 
Christ;  and  afterwards  they  w*re  the  first  and  principal  in- 
struments of  bringing  other  nations  to  share  the  blessings  of 
his  salvation;  so  that  the  descendants  of  the  other  sons  of 
Noah,  when  converted  to  Christianity,  are  taught  to  worship 
and  44 bless  Jehovah  the  God  of  Shorn.”  (Note,  Zech.  8: 
20 — 23.) — The  posterity  of  Abraham  also  subjugated  or  i>- 
stroyed  the  posterity  of  Canaan  ; and  the  nations,  which 
sprang  from  Shem  by  his  other  sons,  have  prospered  greatly, 
enjoyed  fruitful  countries,  and  been  far  more  civilized  than  too 
race  of  Ham. 

V.  27.  Japheth  seems  to  have  been  the  progenitor  of  above 
half  the  human  race:  anil  the  principal  success  of  the  gospel, 
in  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles,  has  hitherto  been  among  his  de- 
scendants. (Notes,  10:1 — 5.)  Thus  God  has  enlarged  Ja- 
pheth, and  persuaded  him,  (as  some  render  the  word,  marg.) 
44  to  dwell  in  the  tents  of  Shem,”  by  receiving  the  Gospel  from 
preachers  of  Abraham’s  race,  who  descended  from  Shem ; 
and  so  obtaining  admission  into  the  church. — The  descendants 
of  Japheth  have  also  obtained  that  dominion,  under  the  Grecian 
and  Roman  Empires,  and  in  subsequent  ages,  which  was  for 
a long  time  chiefly  possessed  by  the  posterity  of  Shem.  In- 
deed, even  a general  knowledge  of  the  outlines  of  history  will 
suffice  to  satisfy  the  serious  inquirer,  that  the  descendants  of 
Canaan  have  been  subjected  to  those  >f  S’  cm  and  Japheth* 


B.  C.  2320. 


CHAPTER  X. 


B.  C.  2320 


CHAPTER  X 

The  posterity  o f .Vo  ih,  by  Japheth,  1—5  ; by  Ham,  irith  some  par  icutare  con- 
cerning Ni  >i rod,  anil  the  descendants  of  Canaan , 6— ‘JO  ; by  Shem,  21 — 3‘2. 

NOW  these  "are  the  generations  of  the  sons  of 
Noah;  Shorn,  Ham, and  Japheth:  and  unto 
them  were  sons  born  after  the  flood. 

2 T The  bsons  of  Japheth : Corner,  and  Magog, 
and  Madai,  and  Javan,  and  Tubal,  and  Meshech, 
and  Tii  •as. 

3 And  the  sons  of  Gomcr;  Ashkenaz,  and  Ri- 
phath,  and  Togarmah. 

4 And  the  sons  of  Javan;  Elishah,  and  Tar- 
shish,  cKittim,  and  'Dodanim. 

5 By  these  were  the  ‘‘isles  of  the  Gentiles  divid- 
ed in  their  lands ; every  one  "after  his  tongue,  after 
their  families,  in  their  nations. 

6 U And  fthe  sons  of  Ham ; eCush,  and  Miz- 
raim,  and  hPhut,  and  Canaan. 

a 2:4.  5:1.  6:3.  1>  21.  1 Clir.  1:5—7.  Is.  65:19.  El.  27:7,12—14,19.  38:2,6.  39:1. 
Rev.  20:8.  c Num.  24:24.  Is.  *23:1,12.  Pan.  11:30.  « hitti-n.  * Or,  R-’danim. 
d 25.  Ps.  72:10.  Is.  *21.15.  40:15.  41:5.42:4,10.  49:1.  51 :5.  Jcr.  2:10.  25:22.  Zeph. 
2:11.  e *20.  11:1— 9.  f 9:22.  1 Ciir.  1 :S— 16.  Ps.  78:51.  105:23.  106:22.  gls.ll: 
11.  hJer.  46:9.  mnrg.  Ex.  27:10.  i 2:11.  k 1 Kings  10:1.  Ez.  27:22.  I Is.  21: 

through'many  generations : and  the  extraordinary  accomplish- 
ment of  this  prediction,  which  contains  almost  a prophetic 
history  of  the  world,  vindicates  Noah  from  the  suspicion  of 
having  uttered  it  from  personal  resentment ; and  fully  proves 
that  the  Spirit  of  God  took  occasion,  from  Ham’s  misconduct, 
to  reveal  his  secret  purposes,  for  a very  important  benefit  to 
posterity  even  to  this  day.  ( Notes , 48:  49:) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 23.  The  blessing  of  God  is  the  real  cause  of  pros- 
perity, personal,  relative,  and  national. — With  what  thankful- 
ness should  we  receive  that  immense  advantage,  ease,  and 
pleasure,  which  result  from  the  labour  of  ihe  domestic  animals, 
and  which  the  fiesh  of  so  many  creatures  affords  us ; and  the 
security  that  we  enjoy  from  the  assaults  of  the  noxious  and 
ferocious,  through  the  fear  and  dread  of  man  which  God 
hath  impressed  upon  them! — But,  though  God  has  consti- 
tuted us  masters,  he  will  call  us  to  an  awful  account  if  we 
act  as  tyrants ; and  avenge  the  cause  of  his  oppressed  crea- 
tures upon  their  oppressors. — How  greatly  then  should  we 
dread  murder,  and  all  those  passions  which  produce  that 
enormous  crime ! Though  the  murderer  may  escape,  or 
bribe,  or  outbrave,  human  justice ; yet,  except  he  repent,  he 
shall  never  escape  the  vengeance  of  God. — The  Lord  takes 
care  to  obviate  the  fears  and  anxieties  of  his  people;  and  we 
should  copy  the  example  of  his  kindness  in  this  and  in  every 
other  instance. — But  what  is  man  in  his  best  estate!  “Let 
him  that  thinketh  he  standeth  take  heed  lest  he  fall:”  and 
let  not  him,  who  has  triumphed  over  great  temptations,  be  se- 
cure even  in  respect  of  such  as  are  le-^s ; for  they  who  have 
behaved  well  in  the  worst  of  company,  and  amidst  the  worst 
examples,  are  not  safe  even  in  solitude.  Let  us  then  watch 
and  pray,  and  not  be  high-minded,  but  fear ; and  remember 
that  drunkenness  is  a sin  especially  to  be  shunned,  as  it  both 
exposes  men  to  shame,  and  is  an  occasion  of  further  wicked- 
ness of  various  kinds,  in  themselves  and  others. — But,  though 
the  righteous  fall,  he  shall  not  be  utterly  cast  down ; nor  is  a 
single  act  of  sin,  inadvertency  committed,  to  be  looked  upon 
in  the  same  light,  as  allowed  and  habitual  transgression:  the 
fymer  may  be  the  blemish  of  the  saint,  the  latter  is  the  brand  of 
the  hypocrite. — In  honouring  parents,  magistrates,  seniors,  and 
other  honourable  characters,  we  ought  to  imitate  the  example  of 
Shem  and  Japheth;  not  only  respecting  their  wisdom  and 
goodness,  hut  covering  their  incidental  blemishes  and  failures : 
f>r  a peculiar  blessing  belongs  to  those  who  act  in  this  man- 
ner; but  an  awful  curse  awaits  such  as  copy  the  pattern  of 
Canaan  or  Ham,  m their  conduct  towards  those  whom  God 
has  commanded  them  to  honour. 

V.  24 — 29.  We  should  carefully  observe,  and  continually 
keep  in  mind,  how  fully  these  prophecies,  so  evidently  fulfil- 
ling in  all  nations  and  ages,  demonstrate  the  divine  original  of 
the  Bible ; that  we  may  receive  the  instructions  and  com- 
mands of  God,  with  more  implicit  faith  and  obedience.  Thus 
we  shall  learn  our  guilt  and  danger;  and,  fleeing  from  the 
wrath  and  curse  which  is  coming  on  the  impenitent  and  un- 
believing, we  shall  embrace  the  invitations  of  the  gospel,  ac- 
cept of  its  precious  salvation,  rely  on  the  security  of  the  new 
Covenant,  and  patiently  wait  for  the  blessings,  which  will  as- 
suredly be  conferred  on  all  believers.  Then  we  shall  be 
safe  in  those  wasting  calamities,  which  sweep  others  into  de- 
struction: and,  though  what  we  witness  or  experience  may 
give  us  great  pain,  and  may  even  afford  lamentable  proof  of 
our  weakness  and  depravity,  yet  we  shall  be  carried  through 
all  trials  and  temptations,  and  overcome  all  our  enemies ; we 
« all  be  made  instruments  of  good  to  others;  and  at  length 
fin  d,  that  all  the  promises  of  the  Scripture  have  been  fulfilled 
to  u«,  and  all  our  prayers  that  were  grounded  on  them  have 
been  completely  answered.  44  O Lord  God  of  hosts,  blessed 
is  the  man  that  putteth  his  trust  in  thee  !” 

NOTES. — Chap.  X.  V.  1.  Shem,  the  progenitor  of 
Abraham,  and  of  the  Messiah,  is  constantly  placed  first,  when 
■ha  sons  of  Noah  are  enumerated,  and  Japheth  last;  yet  it 


7 And  the  sons  of  Cush  ; Seim,  and  TIavilah, 
and  Sabtah,  and  Raainah,  and  Sabtecha : and  the 
sons  of  Raainah  ; ‘‘Sheba,  and  ‘Dedan. 

8 And  Cush  begat  mNinirod  : he  began  to  be 
mightv  one  in  the  earth. 

9 He  was  a "mighty  hunter  “before  the  Lord 
wherefore  it  is  said,  '‘Even  as  Nimrod  the  might) 
hunter  before  the  Lord. 

10  And  the  beginning  of  his  kingdom  was  ‘Ba- 
bel, and  Erech,  and  Accad,  and  ^Calneh,  in  the 
land  of  "Shinar. 

11  Out  of  that  land  hvent  forth  "Asshur,  and 
budded  ‘Nineveh,  and  Hhe  city  Rehoboth,  and 
Calah, 

12  And  Resen  between  Nineveh  and  Calah  : the 
same  is  a great  city. 

13  And  Mizraim  begat  “Ludim,  and  Anamim, 
and  Lehabim,  and  Naphtuhim. 

13.  Ez.  27:15.  m Mic.  5:6.  n 25:27.  27:4 1.  Jer.  16:16.  Mic.  7:2.  o6:ll.  p 2Clir. 
28:22.  1 Gr.  hahylon.  11:9.  q Am.  6:2.  r 11:2.  14:1.  Is.  11:11.  i an.  1:2. 

Zech.  5:11.  J Or,  be  went  ou'  into  Assyria.  Mic.  5:6.  s Nurn.  2J  :22,24.  Ezra 
4:2.  Ps.  83:8.  Ez.  27:23.  32:22.  Hos.  14:3.  1 2 Kings  19:36.  Jon.  1:2.  3:  Nah. 
1:1.  2:8.  3:7.  Zeph.  2:13.  § Or,  the  stree'e  of  the  city,  u Jer.  46:9.  Ez.3U;5 

is  generally  supposed  that  Japheth  was  the  eldest  son  of 
Noah,  and  Shem  the  youngest.  (21.)  Accordingly,  in  this 
chapter,  the  posterity  of  Japheth  are  first  mentioned. — After 
the  flood.  1 This  confirms  the  supposition,  that  Noah’s  sens 
had  no  children  till  after  the  flood. 

V.  2 — 5.  The  sacred  writer  was  about  to  enter  upon  the 
history  of  Abraham  and  his  family,  to  which  his  narrative 
would  afterwards  be  principally  confined : but  before  he  did  this, 
he  was  led  to  give  a general  account  of  the  several  branches 
of  Noah’s  family,  from  which  the  original  of  many  nations 
may  be  distinctly  traced.  And,  in  like  manner,  before  he 
enters  on  the  history  of  Isaac,  he  gives  a brief  account  of  the 
descendants  of  Ishmael,  and  of  Abraham’s  sons  by  Keturah ; 
and  before  he  confines  his  narrative  to  Jacob’s  family,  he 
states  some  particulars  concerning  Esau’s  posterity.  (25:1 — 
18.  3G:) — This  chapter,  as  a kind  of  introduction  to  universal 
history,  implies  many  things  afterwards  related.  It  is  sup- 
posed by  many  learned  men,  and  shown  at  least  by  probable 
arguments,  that  the  descendants  of  Gomer,  Japhetlvs  eldest 
son,  settled  in  the  northern  parts  of  Asia  Minor,  and  th^n 
spread  into  the  Cimmerian  Bosphorus,  and  the  adjacent  re- 
gions: and  that  from  them  the  numerous  tribes  of  the  Gauls, 
Germans, Celts,  and  Cimbrians  descended.  The  Scythians, 
Tartars,  and  other  northern  nations,  are  supposed  to  be  descen- 
dants of  Magog,  Meshech,  and  Tubal ; the  Medes,  of  Ma- 
dai ; the  Ionians,  and  indeed  all  the  Greeks,  of  Javan ; and 
ihe  Thracians  of  Tiras.  Nearly  all  the  inhabitants  of 
Europe,  and  probably  of  America,  descended  from  Japheth, 
besides  those  of  the  northern  regions  of  Asia. — 44  The  isles  of 
the  Gentiles,”  generally  mean  the  parts  of  Europe  most  known 
to  the  ancient  inhabitants  of  Asia.  The  inhabitants  of  Bri- 
tain are  in  general  descended  from  Japheth,  and  especially 
concerned  in  44  the  isles  of  the  Gentiles.” — The  reader,  by  ex- 
amining carefully  the  marginal  references,  may  perceive,  in 
several  particulars,  some  of  the  grounds  on  which  these  con- 
clusions rest:  but  it  would  be  improper,  in  this  place,  to  enter 
on  so  complicated  a subject. 

V.  6,  7.  From  Cush,  the  son  of  Ham,  the  Ethiopians  in 
Africa,  and  many  tribes  in  A«ia,  (inhabiting  part  of  Arabia, 
and  often  improperly  called  Ethiopians,)  were  evidently  de- 
scended. Mizraim  was  the  ancestor  of  the  Egyptians,  Cyre- 
nians,  and  Lybians  ; or  (the  word  being  plural)  it  may  be  the 
general  name  of  the  family  or  tribe  whence  they  sprang ; and 
Phut  of  the  Mauritanians. — In  short,  all  Africa  is  supposed  to 
have  been  peopled  by  Ham’s  posterity  : besides  the  Philistines, 
Canaanites,  and  Phenicians. 

V.  8 — 12.  Nimrod  seems  at  first  to  have  exceedingly  dis- 
tinguished himself  by  hunting,  which  was  then  not  so  much  a 
diversion,  as  a useful  method  of  preventing  the  hurtful  increase 
of  wild  beasts.  T.his  employment  required  great  courage 
and  address,  and  exposed  a man  to  much  danger  and  hard- 
ship ; and  thus  afforded  a field  for  ambition  to  aspire  after 
pre-eminence,  and  gradually  attached  a number  of  valiant 
men  to  one  leader.  From  such  a beginning,  it  is  likely  that 
Nimrod  began  to  claim  authority,  and  enforce  subjection.  In 
fact,  he  is  the  first  king  of  whom  we  read  in  authentic  history  ; 
and  afterward  he  took  occasion  to  wage  war  to  extend  his 
conquests,  and  to  enlarge  his  acquisitions  by  violence  and 
blood.  Thus  in  a daring  manner  casting  off  the  fear  of  God, 
and  acting  in  defiance  of  his  late  prohibition  of  shedding  human 
blood, Nimrod  rendered  himself  notorious,  and  his  name  became 
a proverb.  When  he  had  erected  a kingdom  at  Babel,  44  He 
went  forth  out  of  that  land  to  Asshur,  and  builded  Nineveh.” 
Thus  the  words  may  be  rendered,  ( morg .)  and  this  appears 
to  be  the  true  meaning  of  them ; for  the  descendants  of  Ham 
are  spoken  of;  not  those  of  Shem,  who  had  a son  called  As- 
shur. (22.)  Nimrod  seems  to  have  Lien  the  principal  per- 
son concerned  in  building  both  Bahyloi.  and  Nineveh. — The 
words  translated,  the  city  Rehoboth , are  more  j roperly  rendered 
in  the  margin  the  streets  of  the  city.  Little  in  cresting  to  us  is 
known  concerning  the  other  cities  here  mer.uoned. 

( 35  ) 


•i.  C.  2320. 


GENESIS.  R.  C.  2160 


14  A»d  yPathrusim,  and  Casluliim,  (outof whom 
same  U hilistim,)  and  “Caphtorim. 

15  And  Canaan  begat  ‘Sidon  his  firstborn,  and 
•Heth, 

16  And  the  bJebusite,  and  the  Emorite,  and 
the  Girgasite, 

17  And  the  cHivite,  and  the  Arkite,  and  the 
Sinite, 

18  And  the  dArvadite,  and  the  'Zemarite,  and 
the  'Hamathite  : and  afterward  were  the  families 
of  the  Canaanites  spread  abroad. 

19  And  nhe  border  of  the  Canaanites  was  from 
Sidon,  has  thou  comest  to  'Gerar,  unto  ‘Gaza : as 
thou  goest  unto  kSodom,  and  Gomorrah,  and  Ad- 
mah,  and  Zeboim,  even  unto  Lasha. 

20  These  are  the  sons  of  ‘Ham,  after  their  fa- 
milies, after  their  tongues,  in  their  countries,  and 
in  their  nations. 

21  *11  Unto  Shem  also,  mthe  father  of  all  the 
children  of  Eber,  “the  brother  of  Japheth  the 
elder,  even  to  bun  were  children  born. 

22  The  “children  of  Shem;  I’Elam  and  Asshur, 
and  lArphaxad,  and  ‘iLud,  and  rAram. 

23  And  the  children  of  Aram;  sUz,  and  Hul, 
and  Gether,  and  Mash. 

24  And  Arphaxad  begat  §SaIah ; and  ‘Salah 
begat  Eber. 

25  And  unto  Eber  were  born  two  sons ; “the 
name  of  one  was  Peleg,  for  xin  his  days  was  the 
earth  divided  ; and  his  brother’s  name  was  Joktan. 

x Is.  11:11.  Jer.  44:1.  y 1 Chr.  1:12.  Jer.  41:4.  z Deul.2:23.  Jer.  47:4.  Am.  9:7. 
• Heb.  Tzitinn.  49:13.  Jn.li.  11:8.  Is.  23:4.  Z/'rfon.  a 15:19—21.  23:3—20.  Ex. 
3:8.34:11.  Josh.  12:8— 24.  2 'am.  11:3.  b Judg.  1.21.  2 Sam.  24:18.  Zech.9:7. 
c 81:2.  d Ez.  27:8.  e Josh.  18:22.  2 Chr.  13:4.  f Num.34:S.  2 Sam.  8:9.  2 Kings 
17:24,30.  Is.  10:9.  Zech.9:2.  g Nmn.  34:2— 15.  Teut.  32:8.  Josh.  12:7,8.  h 13:10. 
i 20:1.  26:1 . 1 Heb.  AzzrJ,.  Judg.  16:1.  Jer.  25:20.  k 13:10 — 13.  14:2.18:20. 
19:24,25.  Hos.  11:8.  16.11:1—9.  in  1 1 : 1U — 26.  n 2.  o 9:26.  1 Chr.  1.17— 27. 
p 14:1,9.  Is.  11:11.  21:2.  22:6.  Jer.  25:25  . 49:34—39.  Acts2:9.  }Heb.  Ar/ach- 
Bhnd.  qls. 66:19.  r Num.  23:7.  s Job  1 : 1 . Jer.  25:20.  § Heb.SheMi.  til: 


The  Septaugint  render  the  words  translated  “ a mighty 
hunter,”  yiyag  Kvvrjyos , a hunting  giant. 

V.  13,  14.  The  names,  being  plural,  seem  to  be  those  of 
families,  not  individuals. 

V.  15 — 19.  Several  of  these  tribes  are  not  mentioned 
among  the  people  whom  the  Lord  destroyed  before  Israel. 
Some  of  them  inhabited  a country  further  northward  than  the 
promised  land ; and  various  changes  would  take  place,  during 
a course  of  ages,  in  respect  of  names,  especially  by  uniting 
two  or  more  families  into  one.  The  boundaries  of  the  Ca- 
naanites are  nearly  the  same  as  those  assigned  to  the  Israel- 
ites west  of  Jordan,  including  also  the  country  of  Sodom  and 
Gomorrah.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  21.  Of  Eber.]  Of  all  the  Hebrews,  and  of  many 
other  nations,  who  were  descended  from  Shem  by  this  branch. 

V.  22 — 30.  Besides  the  descendants  of  Shem  by  Ar- 
phaxad, the  Persians  are  supposed  to  be  the  posterity  of 
Elam;  the  Assyrians  and  Chaldeans,  of  Asshur;  and  the 
Syrians,  Armenians,  and  many  tribes  inhabiting  Mesopota- 
mia, of  Aram : and  the  immensely  numerous  inhabitants  of 
the  East  Indies,  China  and  Japan,  may  perhaps  be  considered 
as  the  descendants  of  Joktan,  the  son  of  Eber.  Indeed, 
many  learned  men  suppose  that  they  find  all  J ok  tan’s  de- 
scendant’s in  the  large  peninsula  between  the  Red  Sea  and  the 
Persian  Gulf;  and  appear  to  derive  the  Arabians  in  general 
from  him.  But  the  mention  of  a mountain  in  the  East,  war- 
rants us  to  look  for  his  posterity  more  to  the  East ; at  least 
if  they  settled  in  Arabia  at  first;  some  of  them  seem  after- 
wards to  have  migrated  to  a greater  distance.  Indeed,  this 
appears  to  be  the  most  accurate  account  of  the  peopling  of 
the  regions  in  the  eastern  parts  of  Asia,  south  of  Tart  ary. 
It  is  likewise  certain,  that  many  of  the  Arabians  trace  back 
their  original  to  Ishmacl  and  Keturah. — Peleg  signifies  di- 
vision : and  had  not  the  division  spoken  of  been  appointed 
about  the  time  of  his  birth,  it  does  not.  appear  why  that 
name  might  not  as  properly  have  been  given  to  any  of  his 
contemporaries,  as  to  him. 

V.  31.  Tongues.]  (Note,  11:1,2.)  The  division  men- 
tioned before,  (25,)  seems  to  have  been  made  by  divine  ap- 
pointment, (Marg.  Ref.)  but  it  was  not  complied  with  till 
aft  er  the  confusion  of  longues  ; and  the  historian  here  refers 
lo  the  consequences  in  later  ages. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

As  all  mankind  are  of  one  family,  and  nearly  related  in 
Adam  and  Noah,  how  reasonable  is  it  that  we  should  love 
and  do  good  to  each  other  ! Whenever  we  behold  a human 
being,  whatever  be  his  language  and  garb,  or  wherever  he 
was  born,  we  should  recognize  a relation,  and  behave  to  him 
accordingly.  In  this  view,  how  unnatural  and  absurd  is  that 
prejudice  against  foreigners,  and  that  contempt  of  them, 
which  generally  prevail  ! And  how  can  it  consist  with  love 
<.0  our  neighbours,  our  brethren,  “ bone  of  our  bone,  and  flesh 
■>f  our  flesh,”  to  treat  them  with  rigour,  or  hold  them  in 
slavery  ? — But  “ whence  then  come  wars  and  fightings 
( 36  ) 


26  And  ^Joktan  begat  Almodad,  and  Sheleph. 
and  Hazarmaveth,  and  Jerah, 

27  And  Hadoram,  and  Uzal,  and  Diklah, 

28  And  Obal,  and  Abimael,  and  “Sheba, 

29  And  “Ophir,  and  bHavilah,  and  JoDab:  al) 
these  were  the  sons  of  Joktan. 

30  And  their  dwelling  was  from  Mesha,  as  thou 
goest  unto  Sephar,  a mount  of  the  east. 

31  These  are  the  sons  of  Shem,  “after  their 
families,  after  their  tongues,  in  their  lands,  after 
their  nations. 

32  These  dare  the  families  of  the  sons  of  Noah, 
after  their  generations,  in  their  nations : and  by 
these  were  the  “nations  divided  in  the  earth  aftei 
the  flood. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Only  one  language  in  the  world , 1.  The  building  of  Babel  interrupted  by  lh» 
confusion  of  tongues,  and  the  builders  dispersed,  2 — 9.  A genenJcgy  fron 
Shem  to  Abram , 10 — 27.  Some  account  o f Abram  and  his  family,  and  of  hi 
remocal  from  his  natiue  country , 23 — 32. 

AND  the  whole  earth  “was  of  one  ‘language 
and  of  one  'speech. 

2  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  journeyed  tfroir; 
the  east,  that  they  found  a plain  in  the  land  ol 
bShinar  ; and  they  dwelt  there. 

3  And  Hhey  said  one  to  another,  “Go  to.  let  us 
make  brick,  and  "burn  them  thoroughly.  And 
they  had  dbrick  for  stone,  and  “slime  had  they  fi.r 
mortar. 

4  And  they  said,  Go  to,  let  us  build  us  a city 
apd  a tower,  fwhose  top  may  reach  unto  heaven 

-X 

13—15.  u 11:16— 19.  Luke  3:35,36.  x 32.  Dent.  32:8.  Acts  17:26.  y 1 Chr. 
1:20—23.  z 25:3.  1 Kings  10:1.  a 1 Kings  9:28  . 22:43.  2 chr.  8:18.  9:10.  Job  22. 
24.  28:16.  Ps.  45.9.  Is. 13:12.  b 2:11.  25:18.  1 Sam.  15:7.  c 5,20.  0 5:29—31. 
e 25.  a Is.  19:18.  Zeph.  3:9.  Acts  2.6.  * Heb.  lip.  t Heb.  words . J Or,  eas'^ 
ward.  13:11.  Heb.  b Sceon  10:10.  §Heb.  aman  said  tohis  neighbour,  c 4,7. 
Ec.2:l.  Is.  5:5.  Jam.  4:13.  5:1.  t Heb.  bum  them  to  a Lurnin _■ . d Ex.  1:14. 
5:7— 18.  2 Sam.  12:31.  Is.  9:10.  65:3.  Nah.  3:14.  e 14:10.  Ex.  2:3.  fDeut.  1: 
28.  9:1.  Dan.  4:11,22. 


amongst  us  ?”  From  that  first  murderer,  who  so  early  stirred 
up  in  fallen  man  the  vile  lusts  of  ambition,  covetousness, 
revenge,  and  cruelty,  and  armed  brethren  against  each  other 
in  horrid  war  ; and  who  hath  in  all  ages  filled  the  earth  with 
slaughter  and  devastation,  which,  it  might  previously  have 
been  supposed,  could  gratify  none  but  himself.  But  the  very 
existence  of  war,  and  the  necessity  of  always  being  ready 
for  it,  and  of  sometimes  waging  it,  too  plainly  prove  man's 
depravity , as  well  as  Satan's  influence.  Blessed  be  God  the 
days  are  coining,  when  all  the  “ nations  shall  beat  their 
swords  into  ploughshares,  and  their  spears  into  pruning-hooks, 
and  they  shall  learn  war  no  more and  then  ambitious  or 
rapacious  conquerors  will  no  longer  be  adjudged  illustrious 
characters,  as  in  man’s  partial  histories  ; but  they  will  be 
branded  with  infamy,  as  in  the  impartial  records  of  the  Bible. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XI.  V.  1,  2.  Many  learned  men 
arc  of  opinion,  that  the  events  here  recorded  occurred  about 
the  time  of  Peleg’s  birth,  or  a hundred  and  one  years  after 
the  deluge  : but  their  arguments  are  by  no  means  conclusive  : 
and  the  idea  impressed  on  the  mind  in  reading  the  chapter, 
of  the  numbers  to  which  the  family  of  Noah  was  already 
increased,  favours  the  opinion  that  a longer  term  of  years  had 
elapsed.  Probably  the  division  of  the  earth  before  men- 
tioned, was  a distinct  transaction  from  the  dispersion  which 
took  place  on  this  occasion.  It  was  the  purpose  of  God,  de- 
clared in  the  blessing  pronounced  on  the  sons  of  Noah,  that 
they  should  “replenish  the  earth.”  (9:1.)  This  implied 
that  they  should  be  divided  into  distinct  nations,  under  sepa- 
rate governments,  inhabiting  different  countries,  till  the  whole 
earth  was  repeopled.  But  as  they  all  spake  one  language, 
and  with  but  few  exceptions  had  cast  off  the  fear  of  God, 
they  formed  a project  which  tended  to  counteract  his  pur- 
pose.— Some  regular  division  of  the  earth  seems  to  have 
taken  place  at  the  time  that  Peleg  was  horn,  probably  by 
divine  appointment,  under  the  direction  of  Noah  and  Ins 
sons.  (Marg.  Ref.  -Note,  10:22 — 30.) — But  the  several 
families,  to  which  the  different  regions  were  assigned,  had 
not  yet  separated,  and  were  unwilling  to  separate. — The  ex- 
pression, “ as  they  journeyed  from  the  East"  may  refer  to 
some  of  the  expeditions  headed  by  Nimrod,  who,  having 
united  the  whole  company  under  his  government,  perhaps  led 
them  to  combine  in  this  undertaking,  (Note,  10:8 — 12;) 
though  some  think  that  Noah  had  settled  to  the  East  of  Shi- 
nar  when  ho  left  the  ark,  and  that  his  descendants  were 
now  removing  towards  the  West. 

V.  3,  4.  The  company,  or  their  leaders,  consulted  to- 
gether, and  excited  and  animated  each  other  in  encountering 
difficulties.  The  plain  which  they  had  chosen  contained 
no  quarries  of  stone  ; hut  it  yielded  quantities  of  bitumen, 
which  formed  a natural  cement  : and  having  thus  obtained 
mortar,  their  ingenuity  and  resolution  suggested  a method  of 
surmounting  the  other  impediment  to  their  design,  (which 
was,  to  erect  both  a city,  and  an  exceedingly  high  tower, ) by 
burning  clay  into  bricks.  If  they  had  planned  this  enormous 


B C.  1976. 


CHAPTER  XI 


B.  C.  1921. 


*and  let  us  make  us  a name,  hlest  we  be  scattered 
abroad  upon  the  face  of  the  whole  earth. 

5 And  the  Lord  ‘came  down  to  see  the  city 
and  the  tower,  which  the  children  of  men  builded. 

6 And  the  Lord  said,  kBchold,  'the  people  is 
one,  and  they  have  all  one  language  ; and  this  they 
begin  to  do : and  now  nothing  will  be  restrained 
from  them  which  they  have  ""imagined  to  do. 

7 Go  to,  “let  us  go  down,  and  there  “confound 
their  language,  that  they  rmay  not  understand  one 
another’s  speech. 

8 So  the  ‘'Lord  scattered  them  abroad  from 
thence  upon  the  face  of  all  the  earth,  and  they  left 
off  to  build  the  city. 

9 Therefore  is  the  name  of  it  called  ’Babel, 
because  the  Lord  did  there  confound  the  language 
of  all  the  earth:  and  from  thence  did  the  Lord 
scatter  them  abroad  upon  "the  face  of  all  the  earth. 

10  H These  are  'the  generations  of  Shem : 
Shem  was  an  hundred  years  old,  and  begat  Ar- 
phaxad  two  years  after  the  flood. 

11  And  ‘Shem  lived  after  he  begat  Arphaxad 
1 five  hundred  years,  and  begat  sons  and 

daughters. 

Ij-j'j-]  12  And  Arphaxad  lived  five  and  thirty 
years,  and  begat  Salah. 

13  And  Arphaxad  lived  after  he  begat  Salah 
ftc-lfour  hundred  and  three  years,  and  begat  sons 

'and  daughters. 

lap]  14  And  Salah  lived  thirty  years,  and  begat 
Eber. 

15  And  Salah  lived  after  he  begat  Eber  four 
ms.  ] hundred  and  three  years,  and  begat  sons  and 
daughters. 

g 2 Sam.8:13.  Prov.  10:7.  Dan.  4:30.  John  5:44.  h 8.  P«.  92:9.  Luke  1:51.  i 18: 
21.  Ex.  19:11.  John  3:13.  k 3:22.  Judg.  10:14.  1 Kings  18:27.  Ec.  11:9.  11. 
0:19.  Acta  17  25.  m 6:5.  8:21.  Ps.  2:1—4.  Luke  1:51.  n 5.  1:26.  3:22.  Is.  6:8. 
o Job  5:12,13.  12:20.  Ps.  33:10.  Acts  2:4—11.  p 10:5,20,32.  42:23.  Dent.  28:49. 
Ps.  55:9.  Jer.  5:15.  1 Cor.  14:2— 11.  q 4.  49:7.  Luke  1:51.  ‘That  is,  Con- 

building  to  secure  themselves  against  a future  deluge,  as  for- 
getting or  distrusting  the  promise  of  God,  or  defying  his  ven- 
geance, they  would  probably  have  chosen  for  the  purpose 
some  high  mountain,  and  not  a plain : but  they  proposed  to 
themselves  the  acquisition  of  renown  ; they  wanted  to  do 
something  in  order  to  be  admired  and  celebrated  ; and  they 
sought  their  own  glory  among  posterity.  Yet  it  is  remark- 
able that  no  history  records  so  much  as  the  name  of  one  of 
these  Babel-builders,  except  that  obscure  intimation  respect- 
ing Nimrod  before  referred  to. — It  appears  likewise,  that 
they  meant  this  tower  to  be  a centre  of  union,  that  they 
might  not  be  divided,  and  u scattered  abroad  upon  the  face 
of  the  whole  earth.”  And  probably  their  chieftains,  Nimrod 
especially,  intended  it  to  be  the  metropolis  of  that  universal 
dominion  of  which  they  seem  to  have  been  ambitious. — It 
does  not  appear  that  they  built  the  tower  for  an  idolatrous 
temple  expressly  ; but  idolatry  was  early  introduced,  and 
this  became  one  of  its  chief  residences. 

V.  5.  The  Lord  took  particular  notice  of  this  daring  en- 
terprise ; and  men,  who  take  such  notice,  come  to  the  spot  to 
examine  for  themselves.  ( Note , 6:6,7.) — The  distinction 
between  “ the  children  of  men,”  or  ihe  openly  profane,  and 
“ the  children  of  God,”  or  professors  of  true  religion,  still 
subsisted.  We  may  be  sure  that  Noah,  Shem,  Eber,  and 
other  pious  persons,  had  no  concern  in  this  ambitious,  rebel- 
lious project. 

V.  6 — 9.  Ever  since  Adam  broke  through  the  fence  of 
the  divine  prohibition,  by  eating  the  forbidden  fruit,  men  have 
not  been  restrained  from  any  thing  on  which  they  set  their 
hearts,  unless  by  a strong  hand.  The  remarkable  language 
here  used,  not  only  implies  counsel  and  determination , and  an 
indignant  contempt  of  the  presumptuous  project  formed  by 
the  builders,  but  is  likewise  a clear  intimation  of  the  plural- 
ity of  persons  in  the  Deity,  and  can  admit  of  no  other  con- 
sistent interpretation.  (Note,  1:26,27.) — The  power  of  that 
God,  who  first  gave  man  the  gift  of  speech,  was  exerted  in 
confounding  the  language  of  this  rebellious  company  ; and 
nothing  could  be  more  suited  to  break  their  wicked  combina- 
tion. Some  indeed  have  thought,  that  no  more  is  meant 
than  dividing  their  counsels , by  leaving  them  to  their  violent 
passions,  till  they  quarrelled  and  separated  ; and  several 
other  interpretations  have  been  given : but  the  variety  of 
languages,  which  has  ever  since  prevailed  on  earth,  proves 
that  their  language  was  confounded,  and  that  they  could  not 
understand  each  other.  By  an  extraordinary  miracle,  their 
minds  were  strangely  confused  as  to  the  meaning  of  the  terms 
in  which  they  had  before  conversed,  and  led  to  form  other 
words  and  expressions.  Thus  new  languages  were  pro- 
duced ; and,  probably,  these  were  as  numerous  as  the  princi- 
pal families  in  the  company,  who  could  understand  one  another, 
out  could  not  converse  with  their  former  associates.  Thus 
din  very  plans  which  they  had  formed  tc  prevent  their  dis- 


16  And  “Eber  lived  four  xr.d  thirty  years, [h.9‘ 

and  begat  iPeleg.  L 

17  And  Eber  lived  after  he  begat  Peleg  four 
hundred  and  thirty  years,  and  begat  sons  and 
daughters. 

18  And  Peleg  lived  thirty  yeare,  and  begat 
JReu. 

19  And  Peleg  lived  after  he  begat  Reu  two 
hundred  and  nine  years,  and  begat  sons  and 
daughters. 

20  And  Reu  lived  two  and  thirty  years,  ana 
begat  §Serug. 

21  And  Rue  lived  after  he  begat  Serug  two  hun- 
dred and  seven  years,  and  begat  sons  and  [|j^- 
daughters. 

22  And  Serug  lived  thirty  years,  and  be-  [5;.? 
gat  Nahor. 

23  And  Serug  lived  after  be  begat  Nahor  twe 
hundred  years,  and  begat  sons  and  daugh-  [®^’- 
ters. 

24  And  Nahor  lived  nine  and  twenty  years,  r?:„? 
and  begat  “Terah. 

25  And  Nahor  lived  after  he  begat  Terah  ar 
hundred  and  nineteen  years,  and  begat  sons  r®- p 
and  daughters. 

26  “H  And  Terah  lived  seventy  years,  and  begat 
"‘Abram,  Nahor,  and  Haran. 

27  Now  these  are  the  generations  of  Terah  : 
Terah  begat  Abram,  Nahor,  and  Haran;  and 
Haran  begat  rLot. 

28  And  Haran  died  before  his  father  Terah,  in 
the  land  of  his  nativity,  in  zUr  of  the  Chaldees. 

29  And  Abram  and  Nahor  took  them  wives : 
the  name  of  Abram’s  wife  was  “Sarai ; and  the 

fusion.  10:10.  Is.  13.14:  Jer.  50:51:  r 10:25,32.  Acts  17:26.  s 27.  10:21,22. 

I Chr.  1:17— 27.  Luke  3:34— 36.  1 5:4,4c.  u 10:21,25.  1 Chr.  1:19.  t Luk* 

3:35 . Phalec.  } Luke  3:35.  Ragau.  § Luke  3:35.  Saruch.  II  Luke  3:34.  Tfuira. 
x 12:4,5.  22:20—24.  Josh.  24:2.  1 Chr.  1:26,27.  y 31.  12:4.  13:1—11.  14:12. 
19:1—29.  2 Pet.  2:7.  z 15:7.  Neh.  9:7.  Acts  7:4.  a 17:15.  20:12. 


persion  made  way  for  it ; and  in  consequence,  the  several 
tribes  removed  to  the  regions  allotted  to  them.  In  some 
respects  this  was  a severe  rebuke,  and  led  to  the  more  entire 
separation  of  most  of  them  from  the  worshippers  of  God ; 
but  it  tended  to  accomplish  his  purpose  in  replenishing  the 
earth  with  the  human  species. — 1 There  is  scarcely  a great 
nation  in  the  world,  but  what  has  its  own  language.  The 
dividing  of  languages  was  therefore  the  dividing  of  nations ; 
and  so  a bar  to  the  whole  world  being  under  one  govern- 
ment.’ Fuller. — Noah,  and  other  pious  persons,  chiefly  the 
descendants  of  Shem  in  the  line  of  Eber,  not  being  con- 
cerned in  this  project,  retained  the  original  language.  Now, 
if  this  was,  as  it  is  highly  probable,  the  Hebrew , we  may 
conclude  it  was  thus  called  from  Eber,  to  whose  descendants 
it  was  peculiar : and  perhaps  this  is  the  most  satisfactory 
reason  that  can  be  assigned,  why  Abraham  is  called  the 
Hebrew,  and  his  posterity  the  Hebrews.  This  name,  how- 
ever, seems  to  have  been  at  first  general  to  all  the  race  of 
Eber. — Babel  signifies  confusion ; (Bp.  Patrick,  Leigh;) 
and  the  city  was  afterwards  called  Babylon,  and  continued, 
for  many  ages,  the  headquarters  of  idolatry,  and  the  type 
of  the  mystical  Babylon,  u the  mother  of  harlots  and  abomi- 
nations of  the  earth  ;”  which  likewise  is,  and  will  be,  confu- 
sion. 

V.  10 — 25.  The  sacred  writer,  having  given  a general  ac- 
count of  the  tribes  and  nations  descended  from  the  three  sons 
of  Noah,  before  he  proceeded  to  trace  the  line  of  Shem  to 
Abram,  introduced  the  building  of  Babel,  and  the  confusion  of 
tongues,  as  in  a parenthesis.  The  Septuagint  read,  “ Ar- 
phaxad lived  ohe  hundred  and  thirty-five  years,  and  begat 
Cainan.  . . . And  Cainan  lived  one  hundred  and  thirty  years, 
and  begat  Salah.”  And  St.  Luke  refers  to  the  genealogy, 
with  this  additional  link  in  it.  (Luke  3:36.) — According  to 
the  Hebrew  text,  followed  by  our  version,  we  may  by  compu- 
tation find,  that  the  original  revelation  made  to  Adam,  might 
be  transmitted  to  Abram,  at  above  two  thousand  years’  dis- 
tance, through  only  two  intermediate  persons.  Adam  lived 
till  Methusaleh  was  two  hundred  and  forty-three  years  old  ; 
and  Methusaleh  died  when  Shem  was  about  one  hundred, 
who  lived  almost  as  long  as  Abraham. 

The  Septuagint,  indeed,  add  one  hundred  years  to  all,  be- 
ginning at  Arphaxad ; and  take  them  away  from  the  subsequent 
life  of  some  of  them.  (Note,  5:4 — 20.) — It  is  remarkable  in 
how  gradual  a manner  the  life  of  man  was  shortened  after  the 
deluge,  till  it  was  confined  within  its  present  limits. 

V.  26,  27.  Terah  seems  to  have  lived  seventy  years  be- 
fore he  had  any  children,  and  in  process  of  time  to  have  had 
Abram,  Nahor,  and  Haran,  and  perhaps  others.  But,  though 
Abram  was  mentioned  first,  as  the  most  honourable  charac- 
ter, it  is  probable  that  he  was  Terah’s  younges  son,  and  not 
born  till  his  father  was  a hundred  and  thirty  ears  of  age. 
For  Terah  lived  two  hundred  and  five  yr«m  * and  Abram 
( 37  ) 


B.  C.  192  GENESIS.  B.  C.  1921 


name  of  Nahor’s  wife,  '■Mile ah  ine  daughter  of 
Haran,  the  father  of  Milcah,  and  the  father  of  Is- 
cah. 

30  But  Sarai  was  'barren  : she  had  no  child. 

31  And  Terah  dtook  Abram  his  son,  and  Lot 
the  son  of  Haran  his  son’s  son,  and  Sarai  his 
daughter-in-law,  his  son  Abram’s  wife  : and  'they 
went  forth  with  them  from  Ur  of  the  Chaldees,  to 
go  into  the  land  of  Canaan  ; and  they  came  unto 
1 Haran,  and  dwelt  there. 

32  And  the  days  of  Terah  were  two  hundred 
and  five  years  : and  Terah  died  in  Haran. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

God  calls  Abram  and  blesses  him,  1 — 3.  He,  with  Is>l , leaves  Haran  and  comes 
to  t'anaan  4,5.  The  L.urd  appears  to  him,  and  Abram  worships , 6 — 9. 
A mam  in  a famine  goes  down  to  Egypt , and  feigns  his  wife  to  be  his  sister , 
10 — 13.  She  is  takrn  into  Pharaoh.' s house,  w'io  by  plagues  is  compelled 
to  restore  her , 14 — 17.  He  rej/roves  Abram,  and  sends  him  away,  18 — 20. 

NOW  the  Lord  ahad  said  unto  Abram,  bGet 
thee  out  of  thy  country,  and  from  thy  kindred, 
and  from  thy  father’s  house,  unto  a land  that  I 
will  show  thee. 

2 And  CI  will  make  of  thee  a great  nation,  and  I 

1)  22:20.  24:15.  c 15:2,3.  16:1,2.  18:11,12.  25:21.  29:31.  30:1,2.  Judg.  13:2. 

1 Sam.  1:2.  Luke  1:7,35.  d 26,27.  12:1.  e 23.  Heb  11:8.  f 32.  12:4.  27:43. 
29:4,5.  Acts  7:4.  Charran.  a 11:31,32.  Is.  41:9.  51:2.  Ez.  33:24.  b Josh.  24: 
2,3.  Ps.  45:10,11.  Luke  14:26—33.  Acta  7:2— 6.  Heb.  11:8.  c 13:16.  17:6.18:18. 
46:3.  Ex.  32:10.  Num.  14:12.  Deut.  26:5.  2 Sam.  7:9.  1 Kings  3:8 ,9.  d 14:14— 
16.  18:18.  19:29.  28:4.  1 Kings  1:47.  Gal.  3:14.  e 27:29.  Ex.  23:22.  Num.  24:9. 


who  did  not  leave  Haran  till  after  his  death,  was  only  seventy- 
five  when  he  departed  thence.  (12:5.) 

V.  28 — 32.  Sarai  is  supposed  by  some  to  have  been  the 
daughter  of  Haran,  and  the  same  as  Iscah. — She  is  called  the 
daughter-in-law  of  Terah,  (31,)  as  being  Abram’s  wife;  yet 
Abram  afterwards  said,  u she  is  the  daughter  of  my  father, 
but  not  the  daughter  of  my  mother.”  (20:12.)  Probably  Ha- 
ran was  the  eldest  son  of  Terah,  and  Abram  his  youngest  by 
another  wife ; and  thus  Sarai  was  the  daughter,  or  grand- 
daughter, of  Terah,  Abram’s  father,  but  not  of  his  mother. — 
It  seems  that  Terah  left  his  country  on  a divine  monition  made 
to  Abram.  (12:1.  Acts  7:2,3.) — Idolatry  must  have  become 
very  general  at  this  early  period  ; for  both  Terah  and  his 
family  had  served  other  gods  before  this  call;  which  was 
doubtless  one  reason  of  the  command  to  Abram  finally  to 
leave  his  native  country.  Terah  appears  to  have  been  very 
ready  to  obey  the  call,  and  even  active  in  removing  from  Ur  : 
and  he  reached  a place  called  Haran  or  Charran , (well  known 
in  history,  and  perhaps  thus  named  from  Terah’s  deceased 
son  ;)  but  here  he  stopped,  probably  through  sickness  and  in- 
firmity ; and  Abram,  having  attended  him  till  he  died,  af- 
terwards proceeded  on  his  journey  towards  Canaan.  The 
other  branches  of  the  family  seem  afterwards  to  have  left  Ur, 
and  to  have  settled  at  Haran. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

How  soon  do  men  forget  the  most  tremendous  judgments, 
and  return  to  their  former  crimes  ! The  increase  of  wicked- 
ness kept  pace  with  that  of  the  human  species  ; though  the 
desolations  of  the  deluge  were  before  their  eyes,  though  they 
sprang  from  the  stock  of  righteous  Noah,  and  though  that  pa- 
triarch was  still  living ! So  ineffectual  is  every  thing,  except 
the  sanctifying  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  rectify  the  obliqui- 
ty of  the  human  will,  and  subdue  the  depravity  of  the  human 
heart! — Arduous  undertakings  can  be  accomplished  only  by 
counsel,  harmony,  and  mutual  encouragement  ; which  we 
oft<m  find  in  the  enterprises  of  daring  sinners  against  the  cause 
of  God,  and  which  are  too  often  wanting  in  the  endeavours  of 
his  servants  to  promote  his  glory.  There  is,  however,  no 
counsel  or  wisdom  against  the  Lord.  While  men  on  earth 
ar*  plotting  to  defeat  his  purposes,  44  he  sitteth  in  heaven  and 
laug’ieth  them  to  scorn  ;”  and  all  the  efforts  of  sinners  to  honour 
themselves  will  at  last  terminate  in  shame  and  confusion. — 
In  the  difficulty  with  which  our  intercourse  with  foreign  na- 
tions is  carried  on,  and  the  labour  with  which  learning  is  ac- 
quired, we  experience  the  effects  of  the  t ransaction  at  Babel. 
Indeed,  one  great  hinderance  to  the  promulgation  of  true  reli- 
gion, both  in  former  and  latter  ages,  has  arisen  from  this 
source.  Yet,  “righteous  art  thou  in  all  thy  judgments,  O 
Lord!”  When  it  was  thy  sovereign  purpose  to  spread  the 
Gospel  among  tho  nations  which  thou  hadst  dispersed,  how 
easily  didst  thou  by  the  gift  of  tongues  remove  this  impedi- 
ment ! — Oh  ! remove  all  other  impediments,  and  fill  the  earth 
with  truth  and  righteousness. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XII.  V.  1 — 3.  To  prevent  the  uni- 
versal prevalence  of  idolatry,  and  to  reserve  a remnant  to 
whom  his  oracles  might  be  delivered,  and  among  whom  his 
ordinances  might  be  established,  till  the  coming  of  Christ,  the 
Lord,  as  a Sovereign,  chose  Abram  from  among  his  asso- 
ciates in  idolatry.  44  Thus  the  God  of  glory  appeared  to  him,” 
probably  by  a visible  manifestation  ; and,  having  made  him- 
self known  unto  him,  and  satisfied  him  that  this  was  a divine 
revelation,  he  commanded  him  to  leave  his  native  country. — 
It  is  not  certain  that  idolatry  was  more  prevalent  there  than 
in  Canaan  ; but  Abram  might  more  easily  avoid  it  among 
strangers,  than  among  his  former  associates : ho  was  there- 
fore likewise  reouired  to  leave  all  his  kindred,  that  is,  all  who 

i 3S  ) 


will  bless  thee,  and  make  thy  name  great;  an,. 
dthou  shalt  be  a blessing. 

3 And  eI  will  bless  them  that  bless  thee,  and 
curse  him  that  curseth- thee : and  fin  thee  shall  all 
families  of  the  earth  be  blessed. 

4 So  Abram  departed  as  the  Lord  had  spoken 
unto  him;  sand  Lot  went  with  him:  and  Abram 
was  seventy  and  five  years  old  when  he  departed 
out  of  Haran. 

5 And  Abram  took  Sarai  his  wife,  and  Lot  his 
brother’s  son,  and  all  their  substance  that  they 
had  gathered,  and  hthe  souls  that  they  had  gotten 
‘in  Haran ; and  they  went  forth  to  go  into  the 
land  of  Canaan,  and  kinto  the  land  of  Canaan 
they  came. 

6 And  Abram  passed  through  the  land  into  the 
place  of  'Sichem,  unto  the  plain  of  mMoreh.  And 
the  "Canaanite  was  then  in  the  land. 

7 And  the  Lord  'appeared  unto  Abram,  and 
said,  I'Unto  thy  seed  will  I give  this  land:  and 
there  ‘'builded  he  an  altar  unto  the  Lord,  who  ap- 
peared unto  him. 

Male.  2.5:40,45.  f 18:18.  22:18.  26-4.  28:14.  30:27,30.  39:5.  Ps.  72:17.  Acts  3: 
2-5,26.  Gal.  3:8.  g 11:27.  h 14:14,21.  marg . 46:5—26.  i 11.31.  k Acu  7:4. 
Heb.  11:8,9.  1 33:18.  34:2.  35:4.  Josh.  20:7.  24:32.  Judg.  9-1.  1 Kings  12:1.  She- 
chem.  John  4:5.  Sychar.  Acts  7:16.  SyJi-m.  ni  Dent.  II  30.  Judg.  7:1.  n 10:15, 
19.  13:7.  15:18—21.  o 17:1.  18:1.  32:30.  i»  13:15.  17:3.  26:3  . 28:13.  Pa.  105:9 — 
12.  q 8 . 8:20,  13:4,18  . 26:25.  33:2-). 


would  not  accompany  him. — 44  The  Lord  had  said,”  &c. 
That  is,  when  he  was  in  Ur  of  the  Chaldees:  and  perhaps 
he  repeated  the  call  after  Terah’s  death.  To  engage  Abram’s 
prompt  obedience,  God  promised  to  bless  him  personally  in 
things  temporal,  spiritual,  and  eternal ; and  relatively  in  his 
posterity,  by  “ making  of  him  a great  nation.” — God  would 
also  “make  his  name  great.” — Abram  was  not  renowned, 
either  as  a conqueror,  a lawgiver,  or  an  inventor  cf  useful  and 
ingenious  arts  : he  was  not  a monarch,  a genius,  a philoso- 
pher, or  so  much  as  an  author  ; but  a plain  man,  dwelling  in 
tents,  and  feeding  cattle  all  his  days : yet  perhaps  no  mere 
man  has  been  so  widely  and  permanently  honoured.  The 
Jews,  and  many  tribes  of  the  Saracens  and  Arabians,  justly 
own  and  revere  him  as  their  progenitor  : many  nations  in  the 
East  exceedingly  honour  his  memory  at  this  day,  and  glory  in 
their  real  or  pretended  relation  to  him.  Throughout  the  visi- 
ble church  he  has  always  been  highly  venerated  ; and  at  this 
day,  Jews,  Mohammedans,  and  many  Gentiles,  vie  with  each 
other  and  with  Christians,  who  should  most  honour  this  an- 
cient patriarch  ! Nothing  could  be  more  improbable  at  the 
time,  than  this  event ; yet  the  prediction  has  been  fulfilling, 
most  exactly,  and  minutely,  during  the  course  of  almost  four 
thousand  years  ! Need  we  any  other  proof  that  the  histo- 
rian wrote  as  “ he  was  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost  ?” — The 
Lord  also  promised  Abram  that  “ he  should  he  a blessing.” 
To  the  latest  ages  important  blessings  would,  for  his  sake,  be 
vouchsafed  to  his  posterity  ; he  should  be  an  instrument  of 
great  good,  while  he  lived,  to  his  relations,  domestics,  and 
neighbours  ; and  his  example  would  be  eminently  useful  till 
the  end  of  time.  4 All  the  true  blessedness  the  world  is  now, 
or  ever  shall  be  possessed  of,  is  owing  to  Abram  and  his  pos- 
terity. Through  them  we  have  a Bible,  a Saviour,  and  a 
gospel.  They  are  the  stock  on  which  the  Christian  Church 
is  grafted.  Their  very  dispersions  have  proved  the  riches  of 
the  world.’  Fuller. — The  Lord  would  also  have  the  same 
friends  and  enemies  with  his  chosen  servant,  rewarding  the 
kindness,  and  punishing  the  injuries,  done  to  him,  as  if  done  to 
himself.  In  him,  and  in  One  descended  from  him,  all  bles- 
sings centre  ; and  through  and  from  him  they  have  been  com- 
municated to  unnumbered  millions,  and  shall  continue  to  be 
so,  till  all  nations  shall  be  made  happy  in  him,  and  by  faith  in 
Jesus  become  “Abraham’s  seed,  and  heirs  according  to  the 
promise.”  (Notes,  Acts,  3:24 — 2 fi.  Rom.  4:  Gal.  3:) 

V.  4,  5.  “By  faith  Abram  obeyed,  and  he  went  out  not 
knowing  whither  he  went.”  He  was  fully  satisfied  that  the 
call,  promise,  and  command,  were  from  the  living  God.  He 
believed  that  his  testimony  was  true,  and  his  promiso 
faitl  ful,  and  that  ho  was  able  to  fulfil  it.  lie  was  assured, 
that  the  blessing  of  the  Almighty  was  sufficient  to  compen- 
sate for  all  that  he  could  lose  or  leave  behind,  to  countervail 
all  trials,  to  supply  all  wants,  and  to  answer  and  exceed  all 
his  desires  and  expectations.  His  natural  reluctance  might 
he  strong;  and  many  would  deride  him  as  a visionary,  for 
leaving  all,  without  so  much  as  being  able  to  inform,  his  in- 
quiring neighbours,  or  expostulating  relatives,  whither  he  was 
going.  For  it  seems  that  Canaan  was  almost  entirely  un- 
known to  him : being  at  least  three  hundred  miles  distant 
from  Haran,  and  separated  by  great  rivers,  and  an  extensive 
and  perilous  desert. — Lot  also,  with  his  family,  went  with 
him,  having  become,  probably  by  his  means,  a believer  ; and 
they  took  such  of  their  possessions  as  could  be  removed,  with 
the  servants  who  were  their  property,  and  perhaps  many 
of  them  proselytes  to  their  religion  Thus  with  steady  per- 
severance they  went  forward,  ai.d  by  the  Lord’s  guidance 
and  protection  safely  arrived  in  Canaan. 

V.  6,  7.  The  Lord  appeared  Jo  Abram  on  his  arrival  in 


B.  C.  1921 


CHAPTER  XII 


B.  C.  1920 


8 Aiul  he  removed  from  thence  unto  a moun- 
tain on  the  east  of  rBeth-el,  and  pitched  his 
tent,  having  Beth-el  on  the  west,  and  'Hai 
on  the  east : and  there  he  budded  an  altar 
unto  the  Lord,  and  'called  upon*the  name  of  the 
Lord. 

9 And  Abram  journeyed,  'going  on  still  toward 

tllG  SOllth.  [Practical  Observatitmc.'] 

10 H And  there  was  “a  famine  in  the  land:  and 
Abram  "went  down  into  Egypt  to  sojourn  there; 
for  the  famine  was  grievous  in  the  land. 

1 1 And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  was  come  near 
to  enter  into  Egypt,  that  he  said  unto  Sarai  his 
wife,  Behold  now  I know  that  thou  art  ?a  fail- 
woman  to  look  upon. 

12  Therefore  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  the 
Egyptians  shall  see  thee,  that  they  shall  say,  This 
is  his  wife : and  they  'will  kill  me,  but  they  will 
save  thee  alive. 

13  Say,  I pray  thee,  athou  art  my  sister:  that 
it  may  be  well  with  me  for  thy  sake ; band  my 
soul  shall  live  because  of  thee. 


rfcf:l9.  35:3.15,16.  sJosh.7:2.  8:3.  /li.Neh.  11:31.  Aija.  I 4:26.  13:4.  21:33. 
Ph.  116:4.  Joel  2:32.  Acts  2:21.  Rom.  10:12— 14.  lCor.l:2.  • Heb.  Ingoing 
and.  journe'i ing.  13:3.  u 26:1.  42:5.  43:1.  47:13.  Ruth  1:1.  2Snm.21:l.  1 
Kings  17:18.'  2 Kings  4:38.  6:25.  7:  Ps.  107:34.  Jer.  14: 1 . Acts  7: 11.  x 26:2,3.  46: 
3.4.  2 Kings  8: 1 ,2.  y 26:7  . 29:17  . 39:6  . 2Snm.Il:2.  Prov.  31:30.  220:11.  26- 

7.  1 Sam.  27:1.  Prov.  29:25.  1 John  1,8—10.  a 11:29.  20:2,12.  26:7.  Is.  51:11. 


Canaan,  to  testify  his  acceptance  of  his  faith  and  obedience, 
and  to  encourage  him  ; at  the  same  time  that  he  welcomed 
him  to  the  promised  land,  which  he  assured  him  should  be 
the  possession  of  his  posterity:  yet  he  then  had  no  child, 
the  Can*  mites  dwelt  in  it,  and  he  could  only  sojourn  there 
as  a stranger  upon  sufferance.  Accordingly  Abram  u builded 
an  altar,  unto  Jehovah,  who  appeared  to  him.”  He  made 
an  open  profession  of  his  religion;  maintained  the  public  wor- 
ship of  Jehovah  ; avowed  his  faith  in  the  promised  Seed,  in 
prefiguration  of  whose  atonement  sacrifices  were  instituted; 
and  probably,  both  with  his  family  and  such  of  his  neighbours 
as  were  induced  to  join  him,  he  observed  the  sabbaths  with 
sacred  solemnity.  Thus,  in  faith,  he  seemed  to  take  posses- 
sion of  the  promised  land,  in  the  name  of  Jehovah,  as  the 
land  which  in  future  ages  would  be  the  principal  seat  of  true 
religion. — Sichem  is  afterwards  spelt  Shechem,  which  best  ac- 
cords with  the  original. — The  word  rendered  plain,  is  gene- 
rally supposed  to  mean  an  oak , or  grove  of  oaks. — The  clause, 
w The  Canaanite  was  then  in  the  land,”  might  be  added  af- 
terwards as  an  explanatory  note,  perhaps  by  Ezra : yet  some 
think  that  the  brtmch  of  the  devoted  nations,  which  were  cal- 
led Canaanites,  then  inhabited  this  district,  but,  before  the 
times  when  Moses  wrote,  had  been  dispossessed  by  some 
other  tribe. 

V.  8.  j Beth-el. \ Many  of  these  names  were  given  after- 
wards ; but  Moses  spake  of  the  several  places  as  they  were 
known  in  his  time. — “Calling  on  the  name  of  the  Lord,” 
seems  to  signify  the  public  worship  which  accompanied 
Abram's  sacrifices.  Some  render  it,  4 he  preached  concern- 
ing the  name  of  the  Lord  as  intimating  that  he  joined  in- 
structions to  his  devotions.  (18:19.) 

V.  10.  Abram,  when  pressed  by  famine,  did  not  return  to 
Mesopotamia,  as  weary  of  his  pilgrimage,  or  as  despising  the 
promised  land  ; but  he  retired  for  a season  into  Egypt. 

V.  11 — IG.  It  is  supposed  that  Sarai’s  complexion  being 
fair , (as  the  Egyptians  were  sallow ,)  might  render  her  more 
beautiful  in  the  eyes  of  Pharaoh  ; though  she  was  at  this  time 
sixty-five  years  of  age. — The  impartiality  of  the  historian  is 
here  worthy  of  admiration : but  the  conduct  of  Abram  was 
exceedingly  culpable,  and  inconsistent  with  the  character  of 
1 the  father  of  the  faithful,’  and  w the  friend  of  God.”  His 
counsel  to  Sarai  could  arise  from  noihing  but  distrust  and  un- 
belief : for  a numerous  posterity  had  been  just  before  promised 
him  ; and  would  the  Lord  suffer  him  to  be  slain  when  child- 
less ? The  words  which  he  suggested  to  Sarai  were  at  best 
an  equivocation,  intended  for  the  purpose  of  deceiving.  He 
tempted  her  to  join  in  his  sin,  and  thus  to  expose  her  own  chas- 
tity to  imminent  danger  ! And  his  language  implied  a strong  de- 
pendence on  the  success  of  his  carnal  policy  ; and  a disposi- 
tion, if  it  succeeded,  to  give  Sarai  the  credit  of  preserving  his 
life,  instead  of  ascribing  his  safety  to  the  Lord.  The  tempta- 
tion also,  thrown  in  the  way  of  Pharaoh  and  his  princes,  was 
suited  to  ensnare  them  in  guilt,  and  even  to  prejudice  them 
against  Abram’s  religion. — Pharaoh,  (whose  name  was  for 
many  ages  common  to  the  kings  of  Egypt,)  was  disposed  to 
add  to  the  number  of  his  wives,  (for  probably  he  had  some 
before,)  and  his  courtiers  were  willing  to  assist  him  : but 
they  did  not  show  any  tokens  of  so  atrocious  wickedness,  as 
to  take  Abram’s  wife  from  him,  or  to  murder  him  on  her  ac- 
« count. 

V.  17.  God  inflicted  on  Pharaoh  and  his  family  some  grie- 
ous  disorders,  which  made  them  sensible  for  what  cause 
they  were  plagued : and  thus  he  preserved  Sarah.  And 
probably  she,  being  further  questioned,  declared  the  real  state 
of  the  case. 


14  And  it  came  to  pass  that  when  Abram  was 
come  into  Egypt,  the  Egyptians  'beheld  the  wo- 
man, that  she  was  very  fair. 

15  Tiie  ‘‘princes  also  of  Pharaoh  saw  her,  anu 
commended  her  before  'Pharaoh : and  the  womai. 
was  f taken  into  Pharaoh’s  house. 

16  And  he  ^entreated  Abram  well  for  her  sake  < 
and  ‘‘he  had  sheep,  and  oxen,  and  he-asses,  an, 
men-servants,  and  maid-servants,  and  she-asses 
and  camels. 

17  And  the  Lord  ‘plagued  Pharaoh  and  his 
house  with  great  plagues,  because  of  Sarai, 
Abram’s  wife. 

18  And  Pharaoh  called  Abram,  and  said,  kWhat 
is  this  that  thou  hast  done  unto  me  ? why  didst  thou 
not  tell  me  that  she  was  thy  wife  ? 

19  Whysaidst  thou  she  is  my  sister?  so  I might 
have  taken  her  to  me  to  wife : now  therefore,  be- 
hold thy  wife,  take  her  and  go  thy  way. 

20  And  Pharaoh  commanded  his  men  concern- 
ing him ; ‘and  they  sent  him  away,  and  his  wife, 
and  all  that  he  had. 


Matt.  26:69— 75.  Gal.  2:12,13.  bPs. '46:3— 5.  Jer.  17:5-8.  c 3:6.  6:2.  39:7. 
Matt. 5:23.  (1  Ksth.  2:2— 16.  Prov.  29:12.  e 40:2.  4 1 : 1 . Ex.  2:5.  lKinss3:l. 
Jer.  25:19.  Ez.  32:2.  f20;2.  g 13:2.  20:14.  h 24:35.  26:14.  32:5,13— 15.  Job  1 :3. 
42:12.  i 20:18.  Job34:19.  Ps.  105:14,15.  Heb.  13:4.  k 20:9,10  . 26:9— 11.  Ex. 
32:21.  Prov. 21:1.  1 1 Sam.  29:6— 11. 


V.  18 — 20.  Pharaoh  s conduct  on  this  occasion  was  equit- 
able and  honourable  ; and  his  rebuke  and  expostulation  could 
admit  of  no  answer. — To  tempt  others  to  sin  is  the  greatest 
of  injuries. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  In  the  call  of  Abram,  the  chosen  repository  of 
the  promises,  and  the  exemplar  of  believers  through  all  future 
ages,  we  have  a representation  of  the  life  of  faith,  and  the 
walk  with  God.  This  commences  when  the  Lord  graciously 
makes  himself  known  to  a sinner,  by  his  word  and  Spirit ; 
thus  calling  him  to  forsake  his  sinful  and  worldly  pursuits  and 
connexions,  to  deny  himself,  and  to  become  his  spiritual  wor- 
shipper and  devoted  servant:  while  allured  by  “exceedingly 
great  and  precious  promises,”  drawn  by  strong  desires  and 
expectations,  and  convinced  of  the  ruin  which  attends  dis- 
obedience, the  sinner,  4 through  grace  obeys  the  calling.’ — He 
who  indeed  believes  the  word  of  God,  and  values  duly  the  pro- 
mised blessings,  will  yield  a prompt  and  unreserved  obedience 
to  the  command,  however  nature  may  revolt  at,  or  shrink  from 
if ; and  nothing  but  true  faith  will  produce  this  self-denying  obe- 
dience. Believers,  44  being  justified  by  faith,  have  peace  with 
God  they  are  blessed  themselves,  and  blessings  to  others, 
to  relatives,  to  friends,  to  neighbours,  to  their  country,  to  the 
church  of  God,  and  to  posterity ; by  their  example,  influence, 
and  prayers,  living  and  dying : and  their  words  and  actions 
are  often  long  after  remembered  with  great  profit,  by  many. 
As  their  friends  will  be  rewarded,  so  their  enemies  will  be 
punished ; though  their  name  may  not  be  great  on  earth,  it  shall 
he  great  in  heaven  ; and  some,  who  have  lived  long  in  sin,  have 
become  afterwards  very  eminent  in  faith  and  holiness. — We 
must  not  neglect  the  call  of  Gnd,  to  oblige  our  nearest  rela- 
tions ; but  we  should  endeavour  to  prevail  on  them  to  asso- 
ciate with  us  in  his  service  ; and  we  shall  not  in  general  be 
altogether  unsuccessful.  Wherever  we  go,  44  the  Lord  is 
there  ;”  and,  professing  his  truth,  attending  on  his  worship, 
and  enjoying  communion  with  him,  we  cannot  but  be  safe,  re- 
spectable, and  happy.  Whatever  difficulties  and  dangers  we 
meet  with,  we  must  never  think  of  turning  back  ; but  must 
press  forward,  aiming  at  still  more  intimate  communion  with 
God,  and  more  entire  conformity  to  him. 

V.  10 — 20.  No  state  on  earth  is  free  from  trials;  no  cha- 
racter from  blemishes : famine  was  known  in  Canaan,  the  glory 
of  all  lands ; and  unbelief,  with  its  consequent  evils,  was  clearly 
discernible  in  Abram,  44  the  father  of  the  faithful !”  In  heaven 
alone  can  perfect  felicity  and  purity  be  found. — Those  ex- 
ternal accomplishments  which  are  most  coveted  and  admired, 
frequently  prove  sources  of  danger  and  temptation  to  the  pos- 
sessor, and  to  others. — 44  The  fear  of  man  bringeth  a snare;”- 
and  nothing  but  lively  and  vigorous  faith  can  keep  us  stedfast 
in  obedience,  amidst  perils  and  temptations. — Our  attachments 
to  endeared  relatives,  and  our  expectations  from  them,  an* 
frequently  idolatrous,  and  inconsistent  with  simplicity  of  de- 
pendence on  the  Lord. — Strict  sincerity,  remote  from  the  least 
appearance  of  evasion  or  duplicity,  is  not  only  most  honourable, 
but  in  the  event  safest  and  most  advantageous:  for  44  a lying, 
lip  is  but  for  a moment,”  and  disgrace  is  sure  to  follow. — Ma- 
gistrates are  exalted  in  Providence  to  be  44  a terror  to  evil 
doers,  and  a praise  to  them  that  do  well but  too  often  they 
are  slaves  to  their  own  lusts,  and  sacrifice  every  nobler  consi- 
deration to  44  make  provision  for  the  flesh  :”  but  they  must  give 
an  account  of  their  conduct  to  God.  And  when  courtiers  de- 
grade themselves,  by  becoming  caterers  to  the  lusts  of  their 
superiors,  they  forfeit  the  honourable  appellation  of  princes, 
and  merit  the  most  opprobrious  epithets.  Yet,  even  in  the- 
worst  of  times  and  places,  we  meet  with  more  honour  and  con- 

( 39  ) 


B.  <J.  1W8.  GENESIS.  B.  C.  1917. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Abram  and  Lo ' return  with  green  riches  from  Egypt,  1,  5.  Strife  arises  be - . 
tween  Abram's  herdmen  and  those  of  Lot ,6,7.  Abram  meekly  ref ere  it  to 
Lot , to  choose  his  part  in  the  country , 8,  9 ; and  he  goes  lo  Sodom , 10 — 13. 
Uod  renews  his  promises  to  Abram , 14 — 17  ; who  goes  to  Hebron  and  builds 
an  altar , 18. 

AND  Abram  went  up  out  of  Egypt,  he,  and 
his  wife,  and  all  that  he  had,  and  Lot  with 
him,  into  "the  south. 

2  And  Abram  was  very  brich  in  cattle,  in  silver, 
and  in  gold. 

3  And  he  went  on  his  journeys- from  the  south, 
even  to  Beth-el,  unto  the  place  where  his  tent  had 
been  at  the  beginning,  between  Beth-el  and  Hai; 

4  Unto  “the  place  of  the  altar,  which  he  had 
made  there  at  the  first : and  there  Abram  dcalled 
on  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

5  And  Lot  also,  which  went  with  Abram,  had 
flocks,  and  herds,  and  'tents. 

6  And  the  land  was  not  able  to  tear  them,  that 
they  might  dwell  together : for  their  substance  was 
great,  so  that  they  could  not  dwell  together. 

7  And  there  was  Hi  strife  between  the  herdmen 
of  Abram’s  cattle  and  the  herdmen  of  Lot’s  cat- 
tle : and  the  hCanaanite  and  the  Perizzite  dwelled 
there  in  the  land. 

8  And  Abram  said  unto  Lot, 'Let  there  be  no 
strife,  1 pray  thee,  between  me  and  thee,  and  be- 
tween my  herdmen  and  thy  herdmen : for  we  be 
’brethren. 

9  Is  knot  the  whole  land  before  thee  ? Separate 
thyself,  I pray  thee,  from  me : 'if  thou  wilt  take 

a 12:9.  Josh.  10:40.  18:5.  I. Sam.  27:10.  2 Sam.  24:7.  b 24:35.  26:12,13.  Deut. 
8:li.  1 Sam.  2:7.  Job  1:10.  Ps.  112.1—3.  Prov.  3:9,10.  10:22.  Malt.  6:33.  c 18. 
12:7,8.  35:1—3.  l's.2S:S.  42:2.84:1,2,10.  <1  Ps.  116:2,17.  Jer.29:12.  Zeph.3:9. 

1 Cor.  1:2.  e 4:20.  25:27.  Jer.  49:29.  136:6,7.  Ec. 5:10,11.  Luke  12:17,18.  g 26: 
20.  Ex.  2:17.  1 Cor.  3:3.  Gal.  5.20.  h 12:6  . 34:30.  Neh.  5:9.  Phil.  2:14,15.  Col. 
4:5.  I Thes.  4:12.  1 Pet.  2:12.  i Prov.  15:1.  Mail.  5:9.  I Cor.  6:6,7.  Heb.  12:14. 

- Heb. men,  brethren.  11:27— 31.45:24.  Pa. 133:  Acts  7:23.  Korn.  12:10.  Eph.4: 
2,3.  1 Thes.  4:9.  Heb.  131.  1 Pet.  1:22.  2:17.  3:8.  4:8.  2 Pel.  1:7.  1 John  2:9 — 
11.  3:14—19.4:7,20,21.  k 20:15.  34:10.  1 Rom.  12:18.  Jam.  3:13— 18.  1 Pet. 
3:10,11.  m3:6.  6:2.  Num. 32:1,4c.  1 John  2:15,16.  n 19:17,25.  1 Kings  7:46. 

science,  than  we  perhaps  expected,  and  find  our  unbelieving 
fears  were  groundless.— God  protects  his  people  notwithstand- 
ing their  infirmities;  takes  better  care  of  them  than  they  do  of 
themselves ; and  overrules  all  things  for  their  good : yet  they 
shall  not  escape  rebuke,  even  from  those  who  are  in  other 
respects  their  inferiors,  when  they  act  inconsistently  with  their 
character  and  profession. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XIII.  V.  1.  South.]  The  southern 
part  of  Canaan  lay  north-east  of  Egypt. 

V.  2.  Abram’s  riches  had  been  increased  by  his  journey 
to  Egypt,  nay,  by  means  of  his  misconduct!  God  so  over- 
ruling it,  entirely  beside  Abram’s  intention. 

V.  4.  Place  of  the  altar.]  In  preference  to  any  other 
place,  as  remembering  with  pleasure  the  worship  which  he 
had  there  performed. 

V.  6.  The  former  inhabitants  doubtless  occupied  much  of 
the  best  laud ; and  the  unoccupied  part  could  not,  in  one  dis- 
trict, support  so  large  flocks  and  herds. 

V.  7.  The  Canaanite  and  Perizzite,  being  estranged  from 
true  religion,  would  strictly  scrulinize,  and  severely  animad- 
vert upon,  the  conduct  of  those,  who  openly  professed  them- 
selves the  servants  and  worshippers  of  Jehovah. — The  Ca- 
naanite, &c.]  (IVote  12:6,7.) 

V.  8,  9.  Abram  was  the  elder  man,  the  superior  re- 
lation, and  the  more  eminent  servant  of  God:  yet,  for  the  sake 
of  peace,  and  for  the  credit  of  religion,  he  gave  up  every  per- 
sonal consideration,  and  with  great  temper  and  prudence  sup- 
plicated his  nephew,  and  allowed  him  his  choice. — 1 The  best, 
the  wisest,  and  men  of  the  greatest  experience  in  the  world, 
are  most  inclined  to  peace,  and  most  yielding  in  order  to  it.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  10 — 12.  Lot  seems  to  have  expressed  no  great  reluc- 
tance at  leaving  Abram’s  family,  and  losing  the  benefit  of 
his  conversation,  counsel,  example,  worship,  and  instructions; 
nor  so  much  as  to  have  remitted  to  him  the  privilege  of  the 
first  choice ! But  if  this  was  faulty,  it  was  still  worse  to 
choose,  merely  from  “ the  lust  of  the  eye,”  a well-watered, 
fruitful  land,  without  any  higher  motive  than  the  hope  that 
his  substance,  already  too  large,  would  there  become  much 
greater.— Before  the  destruction  of  Sodom,  this  region  ap- 

f 'cared  to  those  who  approached  it  by  the  way  of  Zoar,  which 
ay  on  its  borders,  like  a most  beautiful  garden.  The  garden 
of  Eden  seems  referred  to.  (Marg.  Ref.  o.)  The  flat  country, 
watered  abundantly  by  the  streams  of  Jordan,  resembled 
Egypt  in  appearance  and  fertility.  Thither  Lot  resorted; 
and  Abram  continued  to  dwell  in  a part  of  that  country, 
which  was  afterwards  inherited  by  his  posterity. — It  is  not 
said  that  Lot  built  an  allar  to  the  Lord. 

V.  13.  Sinners , &c.]  The  men  of  Sodom  were  noto- 
rious and  daring  transgressors ; despising  God,  and  openly 
defying  him ; and  they  were  especially  marked  by  him  for 
vengoance. 

( 40  , 


the  left  hand,  then  I will  go  to  ihe  right;  or  W thou 
depart  to  the  right  hgtnd,  then  I will  go  to  the  left. 

10  And  Lot  lifted  up  his  eyes,  raand  beheld  al! 
"the  plain  of  Jordan,  that  it  was  well  watered  eve- 
ry where,  befort  the  Lord  destroyed  Sodom  and 
Gomorrah,  even  as  “the  garden  of  the  Lord,  like 
the  land  of'  Egypt,  as  thou  comestunto  fZoar. 

1 1 Then  Lot  chose  him  all  the  plain  of  Jordan ; 
and  Lot  journeyed  east:  and  sthey  separated 
themselves  the  one  from  the  other. 

12  Abram  dwelled  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  and 
Lot  'dwelled  in  the  cities  of  the  plain,  and  'pitch- 
ed his  tent  toward  Sodom. 

13  But  ‘the  men  of  Sodom  were  w'cked,  and 
sinners  “before  the  Lord  exceedingly. 

14  IT  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Abram,  after  that 
Lot  was  separated  from  him,  ’‘Lift  up  now  thine 
eyes,  and  look  from  the  place  where  thou  art, 
^northward,  and  southward,  and  eastward,  and 
westward. 

15  For  all  the  land  which  thou  seest,  Ho  thee 
will  I give  it,  and  to  thy  seed  for  ever. 

16  And  aI  will  make  thy  seed  as  the  dust  of  the 
earth : so  that  if  a man  can  number  the  dust  of  the 
earth,  then  shall  thy  seed  also  be  numbered. 

17  Arise,  walk  through  the  land,  in  the  length  of 
it,  and  in  the  breadth  of  it : for  I will  give  it  unto 
thee. 

18  Then  Abram  removed  his  tent,  and  came 
and  dwelt  in  the  'plain  of  bMamre  which  is  iu 
“Hebron,  and  built  there  dan  altar  unto  the  Lord. 

o 2:9.  Is.  51:3.  Ez  28:13.  31:8.  Joel  2:3.  p 14:2,8.  19:20— 22,31).  Deut.  34:3. 
Is.  15:5.  Jer.  4S:31.  q9,14.  Ps.  16:3.  119.63.  Prov.  27:10.  Hell.  10:25.  r 19:29. 
s 14:12.  19:1.  Ps.  26:5.  1 Cor.  15:33.  2 Pei.  2:7,8.  l 15:16.  13  20.  19:4,4c.  Is. 
1:9.  3:9.  Ezek.  16:46—50.  Mall.  11:23,24.  u 6:11.  10:9.  38:7.  2 Kings  21:6. 
Is.  3:8.  x 10.  Is.  49:18.  60:4.  y 28:14.  Deut.  3:27.  z 12:7. 15:18.  17:8.  18:18. 
24:7  . 26:3.  28:13.  Num.  34:2, 4c.  Deal.  23:2— 4.  2 Clir.  20:7.  Nell.  9:7.8.  Ps.  105: 
9—12.  1121, 2.  Acts  7:5.  a 1.5:5.  22:17.  26:4.  28:3,14.  32:12.  Ex.  32:13.  Num. 
23:10.  Deut.  1:10.  1 Kings  3:8.  4:20.  1 Chr.  27:23.  Is.  48:18,19.  Jer.  33:22. 
Rom.  4:16 — 18.  Ileb.  11:12.  t Ileb.  plains,  b 14:13.  18:1.  c 23:2.  Num 
13:22.  Josh.  14:13.  d 8:20.  12:7,8. 


V.  14.  “Lot  lifted  up  his  eyes,  &c.”  (10;) — and  God 
saith  to  Abram,  u Lift  up  thine  eyes,  &c.” — 4 Thus  he  who 
sought  this  world  lost  it;  and  he  who  was  willing  to  give  up 
any  tiling  for  the  honour  of  God  and  religion,  found  it.’  Fuller. 

V.  15.  For  ever.]  This  expression,  in  some  instances, 
means,  forages  to  come.  (Note,  1 7:7,8. ) ^ 

V.  16.  As  the  dust.]  This  promise  musrhave  put  Abram’s 
faith  to  a sharp  trial:  for  as  yet  he  had  no  child:  though  he 
was  far  advanced  in  life,  and  had  been  long  married. — Had  an 
innumerable  posterity  been  promised  to  one  of  Noah’s  sons,  or 
grandsons,  it  would  not  have  been  extraordinary ; but  about 
four  hundred  and  thirty  years  had  now  elapsed  since  the  de- 
luge ; the  earth  was  greatly  replenished,  and  considerable  na- 
tions were  already  founded ; yet  Abram’s  descendants  have 
been  so  numerous,  as  alipost  to  rank  with  those  of  some  of 
Noah’s  grandsons  ; and  none  of  his  contemporaries  can,  in 
this  respect,  be  at  all  put  in  competition  with  him.  When 
Moses  wrote  the  history,  these  predictions  had,  in  some 
measure,  been  fulfilled:  but  what  proportion  did  the  increase 
of  Abram’s  seed  at  that  time  bear  to  the  incalculable  mul- 
titudes which  have  since  sprung  from  him  ? Besides  the  na- 
tions of  Judah  and  Israel,  his  descendants  by  Esau,  and 
Ishmael,  and  the  sons  of  Kcturah,  have  been  astonishingly 
numerous.  What  human  foresight  could  have  perceived,  that 
the  nations  descended  from  Abram  would  be  preserved  so 
distinct,  during  such  a lapse  of  ages,  as  to  afford  mankind 
any  satisfaction  in  inquiring  into  the  number  of  his  descend- 
ants? What  other  nations  have  been  kept  separate  from 
the  people,  in  the  midst  of  whom  they  lived,  as  the  Israelites, 
Ishmaelites,  and  Arabians  have  been  ? What  other  people 
can  trace  back  their  origin  to  one  illustrious  progenitor,  with- 
out involving  the  whole  in  fable  and  uncertainty  ? — Even 
should  any  one  doubt,  against  the  express  testimony  of  Christ 
and  his  apostles,  whether  Moses  wrote  these  hooks ; it  is  un- 
questionable that  they  are  very  ancient ; and  that  these  pro- 
phecies have  received  their  most  illustrious  accomplishment, 
since  the  time  when  wc  may  certainly  know  that  they  were 
extant. 

V.  17.  Arise , &c.l  1 Go  and  survey  the  inheritance  al- 
lotted to  thy  posterity. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  may  sometimes  he  driven  into  places  of  temptation,  but 
we  must  not  continue  in  them  when  the  necessity  ceases. — 
The  possession  of* riches,  though  dangerous,  is  not  absolutely 
incompatible  with  the  life  of  faith  and  walk  w ith  God.  When 
they  are  neither  anxiously  coveted,  nor  eagerly  pursued,  nor 
improperly  confided  in,  nor  inordinately  loved; — when  they 
come  by  the  blessing  of  God,  are  thankfully  received,  mo- 
derately enjoyed,  and  carefully  improved  ; — they  may  then 
he  ornaments  of  godliness,  and  means  of  usefulness.  Yet 
they  are  generally  incumbrances  to  the  posressoi , and  sources 
of  contention  or  separation  between  brethn  .a  7 id  frequently 


15.  C.  1913. 


CHAPTER  XIV 


B.  C.  1913. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Wa-  is  teamed  by  four  kings  against  tht  king  of  Sodomand  his  allies,  who  are 
cori/uena  an  l plundered , 1 — II.  Lot  is  akttit  prisoner,  but  is  rescued  by 
Abram , 12 — 16.  Abram  returns , and  is  met  by  Melchizedek  king  of  Salem  ; 
and  by  the  king  of  Sodom,  to  xokom  he  restores  the  spoil,  except  the  portion 
of  his  oirti  confederates,  17 — 24. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  in  the  days  of  Amraphel 
king1  of  "Shinar,  Arioch  king  of  bEllasar,^ 
Chedorlaomer  king  of  cEiam,  and  Tidal  king  of 
nations ; 

2  That  these  made  war  with  Bera  king  ofJSodom, 
and  with  Birsha  king  of  Gomorrah,  Shinab  king 
of  “Adinah,  and  Shemeber  king  of  Zeboiim,  and 
the  king  of  Bela,  which  is  f Zoar. 

3  All  these  were  joined  together  in  the  vale  of 
Siddim,  which  is  the  esalt-sea. 

4  Twelve  years  hthev  served  Chedorlaomer,  and 
in  the  thirteenth  year  they  rebelled. 

5  And  in  the  fourteenth  year  came  Chedorlao- 
mer, and  the  kings  that  were  with  him,  and  smote 
the  ‘Rephaims  in  kAshteroth-Karnaim,  and  the 
‘Zuzims  in  Ham,  and  the  mEmims  in  ’Shaveh  Ki- 
riathaim, 

6  And  the  "Horites  in  their  mount  Seir,  unto 
f El-pa  ran,  which  is  by  the  wilderness. 

7  And  they  returned  and  came  to  Enmishpat, 
which  is  “Kadesh,  and  smote  all  the  country  of  the 
?Amalekites,  and  also  the  Amorites,  that  dwelt  in 
‘iHazezon-tamar. 

8  And  there  went  out  the  king  of  Sodom,  and 
the  king  of  Gomorrah,  and  the  king  of  Admah, 
and  the  king  of  Zeboiim,  and  the  king  of  Bela, 
(the  same  is  Zoar ;)  and  they  joined  battle  with 
them  in  the  vale  of  Siddim; 

9  With  Chedorlaomer  the  king  of  Elam,  and 
with  Tidal  king  of  nations,  and  Amraphel  king  of 
Shinar,  and  Arioch  king  of  Ellasar : four  kings 
with  five. 


i 10:10.  11.2.  Is.  11:11.  Dan.  1:2.  Zech.  5:11.  b Is.  37:12.  c 10:22.  Is.  21:2. 
Jer.  2.5:25.  49:34— 39.  <110:19.13:10.  Is.  1:9,10.  e Deut.  29:23.  Hos.ll:8. 

f 19:20— 30.  gNum.  34:12.  Deut.  3:17.  Josh.  3:16.  Ps.  107:34.  mnr;.  Ii  9:2.5, 
23.  i 15:20.  2Sam.  5:18.  23:13.  1 Chr.  11:15.  14:9.  Is.  17:5.  k Josh.  12:4.  13: 
12.  1 Deut. 2:20 — 23.  m Deut.  2:10,11.  * Or , the  plain  of  Kiriath  aim.  Jer. 
43:1,23.  n 96:9,20— 30.  Deut.  2:12,22.  1 Chr.  1 :38— 42.  j br,  the  plain  ofl’a- 
rnn.  21:21.  Num.  12:16.  13:3.  oNurn.20:l.  Deut.  1:19,45.  p 36:16.  Ex.  17: 
S— 16.  N«ra.  11:13.45.  21:20.  1 Sam.  15:  30:  q 2 Chr.  20:2.  r 11:3.  s 19:17,30. 

. 11:27.  12:5.  V 13:12,13.  Num.  16:26.  Job  9:23.  Jer.  2:17— 19.  1 Tim.  6:9— 11. 

they  exclude  men  from  comfortable  society,  and  many  spi- 
ritual advantages.  When  they  “ are  increased,  those  are  in- 
creased that  eat  them which  commonly  creates  uneasiness, 
and  renders  the  possession  of  Ihe  blessing  of  peace  more  pre- 
carious. Let  the  poor  then  learn  contentment,  and  the  wealthy 
caution  and  moderation,  from  the  example  of  Abram  and  Lot. 
As  we,  who  profess  to  be  brethren  in  Christ,  are  surrounded 
with  enemies  and  spies,  we  should  be  careful  to  preserve 
union,  and  to  “ avoid  all  appearance  of  evil,”  lest  we  should 
prejudice  their  minds,  or  open  their  moulhs  against  ns:  and 
we  ought  to  renounce  every  personal  interest,  and  to  make 
every  concession,  for  the  sake  of  peace. — If  the  real  servants 
of  God  so  lose  themselves,  as  to  leave,  for  temporal  advan- 
tages, the  society  of  the  faithful,  and  to  estrange  themselves 
from  sacred  ordinances,  by  removing  to  dark  and  wicked 
places,  they  will  be  severely  corrected : while  the  Lord  will 
compensate,  perhaps  in  outward  blessings,  certainly  in  spi- 
ritual consolations,  pledges  of  his  love,  and  earnests  of  glory, 
those  who  give  up  secular  advantages  for  his  sake,  and  for 
the  cause  and  honour  of  the  Gospel.— In  outward  difficulties 
it  is  very  profitable  for  the  believer  to  meditate,  frequently 
and  intensely,  on  the  glorious  inheritance  which  the  Lord 
hath  in  reserve  for  him  at  the  last.  And  as  it  is  impossible 
to  conceive,  that  the  promises  and  predictions  of  this  ancient 
book  could  have  been  so  minutely  and  circumstantially  ful- 
filled, during  a course  of  so  many  centuries,  unless  they  had 
been  written  “ by  inspiration  of  God,”  let  every  reader  re- 
member our  Lord’s  words : “ If  they  believe  not  Moses  and 
the  prophets,  neither  would  they  be  persuaded  though  one 
rose  from  the  dead.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XIV.  V.  1—3.  This  is  the  most 
ancient  war  recorded  in  authentic  history ; and  doubtless  it 
would  have  been  passed  over  in  silence  and  buried  in  oblivion, 
tad  not  Abram  and  Lot  been  concerned  in  it:  edification,  not 
lie  gratifying  of  curiosity,  being  the  object  of  the  inspired  his- 
.orians. — The  fruitful  valley  of  Siddim,  by  the  destruction  of 
Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  became  a large  lake,  called  the  Salt 
$ea,  or  the  Dead  Sea. — Some  of  these  assailants  came  from 
Mesopotamia,  and  others  from  beyond  the  Tigris.  Amraphel 
was  king  of  the  country  in  which  Babel  stood.  (Marg. 
Ref.  a.) 

V.  4.  After  having  submitted  for  twelve  years,  these  kings 
formed  an  alliance  to  shake  off  the  yoke  of  this  foreign  prince. 

V.  5 — 7.  This  ancient  conqueror,  having  subdued  all  the 
neighbouring  petty  princes,  and  ravaged  their  territories,  came 
with  his  victorious  army  to  subjugate  the  king  of  Sodom  and 
his  allies. — The  word  Rephaim  i.-  often  translated  giants. 
VOL.I  — f 


10  And  the  vale  o Siddim  was  fall  o/ ■'slime- 
pits  : and  the  kings  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  fled, 
and  fell  there:  and  they  that  remained  fled  to ’the 
mountain. 

1 1 And  they  took  all  the  goods  of  Sodom  and 
Gomorrah,  and  all  their  victuals,  and  went  their  way 

12  And  they  took  lLot,  Abram’s  brother’s  son 
(“who  dwell  in  Sodom,)  and  his  goods,  and  de 
parted. 

13  And  there  came  xone  that  had  escaped,  and 
told  Abram  rthe  Hebrew;  for  he  ’dwelt  in  the 
plain  of  “Mamre  the  ''At  no  rite,  brother  of  Eshcol, 
and  brother  of  Aner : and  these  were  confederate 
with  Abram. 

14  And  when  Abram  heard  that  chis  brother 
was  taken  captive,  he  farmed  his  ^trained  servants, 
dborn  in  his  own  house,  three  hundred  and  eigh- 
teen, and  pursued  them  unto  cDan. 

15  And  he  divided  himself  against  them,  he  and 
his  servants  by  night,  'and  smote  them,  and  pur- 
sued them  unto  Hobah,  which  is  on  the  left  hand 
of  ^Damascus. 

16  And  hhe  brought  back  all  (he  goods,  and 
also  brought  again  his  brother  Lot,  and  his  goods, 
and  the  women  also,  and  the  people. 

[Practical  Observations.'] 

17  IT  And  the  king  of  Sodom  went  out  ‘to  meet 
him,  (kafter  his  return  from  the  slaughter  of  Che- 
dorlaomer, and  of  the  kings  that  were  with  him,) 
at  the  valley  of  Shaveh,  which  is  the  'king’s  dale. 

18  And  Melchizedek,  mking  of  Salem,  brought 
forth  "bread  and  wine  : and  he  was  "the  priest  of 
the  most  high  God. 

19  And  he  rblessed  him,  and  said,  ‘■Blessed  be 
Abram  of  the  "most  high  God,  ’possessor  of  heaven 
and  earth : 


Rev.  3:19.  x I >am.  4:12.  y 39:14.  40:15.  41 :12.  43:32.  Ex.  2:6.11 . 2Cor.Il: 
22.  Phil.  3 5.  y.  13:18.  a24.  b 10:16.  Num.  21:21.  c 13:8.  IW.  17:17.  24:11, 
12.  Gal.  6:1,2.  1 John  3:18.  J Or,  led  forth.  § Or,  instructed,  d 12:5,16. 
15:3.  17:12.27.  18:19.  e Dent.  34:1 . Judg.  18:29.  20:1.  fls.  41:2,3.  glo:2. 
1 Kings  15:18.  Acts9:2.  h 11:12.  12:2.  1 Sam.  30:8,18.19.  i 1 Sam.  18:6.  I rov. 
14:20/19:4.  kHeb.7:l.  I2Sam.  18:18.  m Ps.  76:2.  Heb.  7.1 ,2.  n Matt.  26: 
26-29.  o i's.  110:4.  Heb.  5:6,10.  6:20.7:10—22.  p 27:4,25— 29.  47:7,10.  48: 
9—16.  49:28.  Num.  6:23— 27.  Mark  10: 16.  Heb.  7:6.7.  q Ruth  3: 10.  2 Sam. 
2:5.  r Mic.  6:6.  Acts  16:17.  s Ps.  115:16.  Malt.  11:25.  Luke  10:21. 


(Marg.  Ref.  i.)  For  M all  the  country  of  the  Amalekites,” 
the  Septaugint  read,  ‘All  the  rulers  of  Amalek.5  (Note, 
36:12.) 

V.  12.  F rom  avaricious  motives  Lot.  had  chosen  the  fruit- 
ful plain  of  Sodom,  and  at  length  had  gone  to  dwell  in  that 
wicked  city,  the  inhabitants  of  which  were  ripe  for  vengeance, 
but  their  wealth  soon  tempted  plunderers,  and  he  was  stript 
of  all  his  property  and  carried  captive.  Had  not  Lot  been 
taken,  the  conquerors  might  have  gone  off  wiih  their  booty ; b it 
he  was  the  servant  of  God,  though  he  had  offended ; he  needed 
a rebuke,  but  he  must  not  be  reduced  to  slavery;  especially 
as  he  was  brother’s  son  to  Abram  the  blessed , who  was  “a 
blessing”  to  all  related  to  him. 

V.  13.  Abram  is  called  the  Hebrew , probably  from  the 
name  of  Eber  his  ancestor,  and  not,  as  some  think,  from  his 
having  passed  the  Euphrates,  the  word  signifying  a passage. 
(Note,  11:6 — 9.) — He  had  prudently  firmed  an  alliance  with 
these  chiefs  for  mutual  defence,  amidst  all  this  violence  and 
depredation.  Perhaps  they  were  proselyted  to  his  religion. — 
Mamre  is  the  name  of  a man,  from  whom  the  plain  was  called. 

V.  14 — 16.  Abram  might  have  found  many  plausible  rea- 
sons to  excuse  himself  from  this  dangerous  enterprise,  and 
especially  he  might  have  pleaded  the  impropriety  of  Lot’s  con- 
duct. But  he  forgat  all ; he  disregarded  difficulty  and  dan- 
ger ; he  feared  not  the  numerous  and  victorious  forces  of  the 
combined  kings : and  having  so  good  a cause  as  the  relief  of 
a brother  in  distress,  depending  on  God,  he  boldly  pursued 
them  with  his  small  company. — Though  averse  from  war,  in 
which  we  do  not  find  he  ever  engaged  before  or  after,  he  had- 
yet  trained  his  domestics  for  it,  and  pul  himself  in  a posture 
of  defence.  Some  indeed  understand  it,  that  he  trained  up  his 
servants  in  the  faith  and  fear  of  God,  which  would  render  them 
the  best  soldiers  for  such  an  expedition.  In  company,  how- 
ever, with  his  confederates,  Abram  followed  the  victors  to  the 
northern  borders  of  Canaan.  He,  employe. g both  courage 
and  policy,  attacked  the  enemy  in  the  night  by  surprise  ; and, 
God  so  ordering  it,  he  totally  intimidated  and  subdued  them, 
slaying  some,  and  dispersing  the  rest.  Thus  he  recovered 
all,  and  took  a great  booty. — Some  think  that  the  place  called 
Dan,  was  so  named  from  its  situation  near  the  springs  of  the 
river  Jordan  : others  that  this  name,  being  given  to  a city 
built  long  after  by  the  Danites,  was  inserted  by  Ezra,  instead 
of  Laish,  the  ancient  name,  to  render  the  passage  more  intel- 
ligible. (Marg.  Ref.  e.) 

V.  18 — 20.  Various  have  been  the  opinions  of  expositors 
respecting  Melchizedek.  Some  have  conjectured  that  it  was 
Shem,  who,  as  Abram’s  venerable  progenitor,  was  entitled  to 
( 41  ) 


B.  C.  1813  GENESIS.  B.  C.  1913 


20  And  'blessed  be  the  most  high  God,  “which 
hath  lelivered  thine  enemies  into  thy  hand.  And 
he  give  him  *tithes  of  all. 

21  And  the  king  of  Sodom  said  unto  Abram, 
Give  me  the  'persons,  and  take  the  goods  to  thy- 
self. 

22  And  Abram  said  to  the  king  of  Sodom,  I 
have  ^lifted  up  mine  hand  "unto  the  Lord,  “the 
most  high  God,  the  possessor  of  heaven  and  earth  : 

23  That*I  will  not  take  from  a thread  even  to* 
a shoe-latchet,  and  that  I will  not  take  any  thing 
that  is  thine,  clest  thou  shouldest  say,  I have  made 
Ahram  rich : 

24  Save  only  that  which  the  young  men  have 
eaten,  and  the  portion  of  the  men  which  went  with 

t 24:27.  Ps.  12:17— 19.  Eph.  1:3.  I i el.  1:3,4.  u Josh.  10:42.  x Lev.  27:30— 
82.  Heb.  7:5 — 10.  * Heb.  souls.  y Deut.  32:40.  Dim.  1*2:7  Rev.  10:5,6.  7.21: 
23 — 31 . Jiulg.il  . 35.  a 20.  17:1.  Ps.  34:1.  Hag.  2:8.  bl  Kings  13:8.  2 Kings  5:16. 
Ealh.  9:15,16.  2'  or.  11:9— 11.  12. 14  c2  Cor.  11:12.  *1  13.  e 1 Or.  19:14,15  a 46: 
2.  Nil  in.  12:6.  Ez.  1:1.  8:4.  11:24.  Han.  10:1—16.  Acts  10:10—17.  b 14-16.  26: 
94.  46:3.  Ps  27:1.  Is.  41:10,14.  43:1.  51:12.  Dan.  10:12.  Matt.  3:26.  10:28—31. 


peculiar  respect.  But  Shem’s  genealogy  was  well  known; 
and  Levi  was  descended  from  him  as  well  as  from  Abram, 
which  is  irreconcilable  with  the  apostle’s  reasoning  on  the 
subject.  (JVoteSf  Heb.  7:1 — 10.) — Others  therefore  have 
thought  that  it  was  the  Son  of  God  himself;  being  unwilling 
to  allow  that  any  mere  man  was  superior  to  Abram.  But 
surely  the  apostle  in  this  case  would  never  have  said,  that 
Melchizedek  was  “ made  like  to  the  Son  of  God or  that 
Christ  was  constituted  “ a Priest  after  the  order  of  Melchi- 
zedek ;”  or  that  he  was  a type  of  himself!  Melchizedek  is 
stated  to  have  been  the  king  of  Salem  ; (probably  the  city  after- 
wards called  Jerusalem,  and  distinguished  in  Pagan  writers 
by  the  name  Solyma ;)  but  we  may  be  sure  that  Christ  did 
not  then  reign  over  an}f  particular  city  as  a temporal  prince.  It 
is  indeed  very  evident  that  Melchizedek  was  a mere  man  : but 
the  Lord  has  not  seen  good  to  inform  us  from  which  of  Noah’s 
sons  he  sprang;  or  who  were  his  immediate  parents,  prede- 
cessors, or  successors  ; indeed,  he  seems  intentionally  to  have 
concealed  them.  We  may,  however,  reasonably  determine, 
that  he  was  an  aged  person,  venerable  for  sanctity,  who  ruled 
over  his  subjects  in  righteousness,  while  they  lived  under  him 
in  peace;  which,  when  oppression  and  violence  prevailed 
among  their  neighbours,  perhaps  gave  the  name  both  to  him 
and  to  his  city. — He  also  kept  up  the  worship  of  the  true  God ; 
and,  though  a king,  he  officiated  as  his  priest. — In  these  things, 
and  many  others,  he  was  a remarkable  type  of  Christ ; ( Notes , 
Ps.  110:4.  Heb.  7:)  and,  in  reverence  to  his  age,  rank,  piety, 
and  priestly  character,  Abram  showed  him  great  honour,  re- 
ceived his  benediction,  and  gave  him  tithes  of  all  his  spoils: 
being  influenced  to* this  by  some  secret  divine  monition;  per- 
haps being  led  to  see  in  this  typical  character  his  future  Lord 
and  Saviour.  At  least  the  Spirit  of  God  intended  to  instruct 
Abram’s  descendants  by  this  action,  “that  a better  priest 
should  arise,”  than  those  of  the  family  of  Aaron. — We  cannot 
determine  from  the  silence  of  the  sacred  historian,  that  this 
was  the  only  interview  between  Melchizedek  and  Abram: 
for,  as  Shem  lived  almost  as  long  as  Abram,  it  is  probable 
they  met  together,  though  we  are  not  informed  that  they  did. 
— Bread  and  wine  constituted  a suitable  refreshment  of 
Abram’s  weary  followers:  and  it  is  remarkable  that  Christ 
hath  appointed  the  same,  as  the  memorials  of  his  body  and 
blood,  which  are  “meat  indeed  and  drink  indeed.”  Melchizedek 
is  the  only  person  expressly  spoken  of,  as  the  priest  of  the  true 
God,  before  the  institution  of  the  Aaronic  priesthood.  In  this 
he' had  no  predecessor,  or  successor,  but  was  appointed  for 
special  purposes  by  God  himself.  {Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  21.  Give  me,  &c.j  1 Release  the  prisoners  and  take 
the  spoil,  not  only  of  the  kings,  but  of  Sodom  too,  vls  the 
reward  of  thy  victory.’ 

V.  22 — 24.  Probably  Abram  solemnly  vowed,  before  he 
set  out  on  this  expedition,  that  he  would  not  take  any  thing 
which  had  belonged  to  the  vanquished  kings.  The  credit,  of 
his  religious  profession  required,  that  if  he  engaged  in  war, 
it  should  evidently  be  on  the  most  liberal  and  disinterested 
principles.  This  would  best  answer  the  question,  “ What  do 
ye  more  than  others  ?” — Lifting  up  the  hand  to  the  I^ord , was 
a customary  token  of  taking  an  oath,  or  making  a vow  to  the 
Lord. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — lfi.  Sinners  may  for  a season  prosper,  though 
“the  wrath  of  God  abides  upon  them:”  but  respites  are  not 
pardons,  and  prosperity  often  hardens  and  ripens  men  for 
destruction.  After  four  hundred  years,  the  curse  denounced 
on  Canaan  began  to  take  effect:  let  us  hear  and  fear,  and  flee 
from  the  wrath  to  come. — Avarice,  ambition,  and  the  thirst 
of  dominion  are  insatiable,  render  men  savage  and  brutal, 
and  in  all  ages  have  filled  the  earth  with  misery  and  destruc- 
tion: yet  God  executes  his  righteous  purposes  even  by 

means  of  the  unrighteousness  of  men. Some  calamity 

might  have  been  expected  to  befall  Lot  for  his  misconduer ; 
and  we  may  expect  similar  consequences  if  wc  imitate  his 
example,  and  prefer  the  prospect  of  gain  to  ‘the  moans  of 
grace,’  and  ‘ the  communion  of  the  saints.’  But  the  Lord, 
though  he  rebuke  and  chasten,  will  not  forsake  his  offending 

( 42  ) 


me,  dAner,  Eslicol,  and  Mamre;  “let  them  take 
their  portion. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

The  Lord  encourages  Abram  ; who  com  plains  that  he  continues  childless,  bui 
is  assured  of  a numerous  posterity,  1 — 5.  He  is  juslifie'l  by  faith , 6.  He  rg. 
quests- a jdedge  to  confirm  his  faith  ; ami  being  dir  ecu  d to  prepare  a sacrifice 
obeys,  7 — 1 1 . He  is  favoured  tcilh  a vision,  prophetic  of  the  condition  of  his 
posterity  till  brought  out  of  Egypt  : and  Canaan  is  ensured  by  covenant  to 
them,  12 — 21. 

AFTER  these  things  the  word  of  the  Lori 
came  unto  Abram  “in  a vision,  saying,  bFear 
not,  Abram;  I am  cthy  Shield,  and  thy  Exceeding 
great  Reward. 

2 And  Abram  said,  Lord  God,  .“what  wilt  thou 
give  me,  seeing  I go  fchildless,  and  ethe  steward 
of  my  house  is  this  Eliezer  of  Damascus  ? 

3 And  Abram  said,  hBehold,  to  me  thou  hast 


28:5.  Luke  1:13,30.  12:32.  Rev.  1:17.  c Deut.  33:29.  I s.  3:3.  5:12.  18:2.84:9,11. 
91:4.  119:114.  Prov.  30:5.  <1  Deut.  33:26— 29.  Huth  2:12.  Ps.  16:5,6.  112:5.  1 
Cur.  3:22.  Heb.  13:5,6.  Hex.  21:3,4.  e 12:1,3.  125:21.  30:1.2.  I s.  127:3.  Prov. 
13:12.  Acts  7:5.  g 24:2,10.  39:4-6,9.  43:19.  44:1.  I rov.  17:2.  It  12:2.  13:16. 
Jer.  12:1. 


children ; and  we  also  must  be  read}'  to  forgive  our  offending 
brethren,  and  hasten  to  their  relief. — War  can  never  be 
desirable:  but  in  the  present  slate  of  things  it  may  be  lawful, 
and  even  advisable ; and  never  more  so,  than  in  order  to 
relieve  the  oppressed. — They  who  serve  God,  whatever 
means  they  employ,  will  not  depend  on  an  “ arm  of  flesh 
and  when  they  trust  in  him,  and  have  a righteous  cause  and 
a good  conscience,  it  becomes  them  to  be  “bold  as  a lion,” 
and  not  to  shrink  from  difficulties  in  the  path  of  duty.  Nor 
is  any  courage  worthy  of  admiration  or  imitation,  or  in  the 
least  degree  rational,  but  that  which  springs  from  a believing 
dependence  upon  God,  and  a firm  persuasion  that  we  are 
prepared  for  life  and  death,  and  are  in  the  place,  and  doing 
the  work  which  he  hath  assigned  us. — It  is  a great  advantage 
to  stand  related  to  those  who  are  the  friends  and  followers  of 
God:  for  by  their  means,  and  in  answer  to  their  prayers, 
such  persons  will  often  be  preserved. 

V.  17 — 24.  The  Lord  is  “the  most  high  God,  the  Pos- 
sessor of  heaven  and  earth  ;”  and  all  our  possessions  belong 
to  him : we  ought  then  to  acknowledge  his  right,  and  seek 
his  blessing,  by  consecrating  a portion  to  his  immediate  ser- 
vice : and  the  tenth  was  early  deemed,  and  long  continued  to 
be  considered,  a very  moderate  proportion. — Oaths  on  im- 
portant occasions  are  lawful,  but  they  should  be  taken  with 
great  solemnity,  as  an  act  of  sacred  worship,  and  observed 
with  great  punctuality. — Nothing  better  becomes  a profession 
of  godliness,  than  a noble  spirit  of  disinterestedness ; and  in 
our  whole  conduct  we  should  study  to  avoid,  not  only  evil, 
but  the  very  appearance  ofit ; especially  in  those  things  which 
at  first  glance  seem  unsuitable  to  our  profession.  As  “the 
earth  is  the  Lord’s  and  the  fulness  thereof,”  they  who  belong 
to  him  have  no  occasion  to  grasp  at  temporal  advantages ; 
for  if  riches  are  good  for  them,  he  will  surely  confer  them. 
We  should,  however,  without  censure,  allow'  many  things  to 
others,  which  our  profession  and  character  may  render  it 
expedient  for  us  to  deny  ourselves. — But  what  is  become  of 
Lot?  Alas!  he  is  gone  back  to  Sodom;  for  indulged  cor- 
ruptions are  not  mortified  except  through  severe  discipline. — 
Finally,  let  us  remember  “ our  King  of  righteousness  and 
King  of  peace,”  our  “ Priest  upon  his  throne  :”  let  us  rejoice 
in  his  equitable  and  peaceful  administration  ; and  declare  war 
against  his  and  our  enemies,  sin,  the  world,  and  Satan.  In- 
visibly he  w ill  assist  us  in  every  conflict,  and  manifest  himself 
to  us  after  every  victor}',  refresh  us  with  his  gracious  pro- 
visions, and  bless  us  with  t he  earnests  of  his  love.  And 
shortly,  when  the  final  victory  is  won,  and  he  bath  made  us 
more  than  conquerors,  he  will  applaud  our  achievements, accept 
and  reward  our  poor  services,  and  place  us  with  himself  upon 
his  throne  ; while  we  rejoice  in  his  love,  and  give  him  all  the 
glory. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XV.  V.  1.  This  is  the  first  time  the 
expression,  “The  word  of  the  Lord,”  is  used  in  Scripture; 
and  some  persons  suppose  that  Christ,  “The*  Word  of  God, 
is  meant. — The  prophets,  when  they  received  revelations  ot 
the  divine  will  in  a vision , seem  generally  to  have1  had  the 
exercise  of  their  senses  on  outward  objects  suspended,  though 
they  were  not  asleep.  Yet  the  circumstances  of  the  vision 
here  recorded,  do  not  indicate  that  this  was  the  case  with 
Abram.;  for  the  whole  is  related  as  a real  transaction.  It  is 
however  probable,  that  this  was  in  some  way  distinguished 
from  other  appearances  of  the  Lord,  and  more  resembled  the 
prophetic  visions,  than  the  condescending  intercourse  to  which 
Ahram  was  on  other  occasions  admitted. — He  might  be 
tempted  to  fear,  lest  the  potent  enemies  whom  he  had  exaspe- 
rated, should  return  with  larger  forces  and  take  vengeance  on 
him.  The  Lord  therefore  assured  him  that  he  was  his 
“Shield,”  to  defend  him  from  all  assailants;  as  well  as  his 
“exceeding  great  Reward,”  to  compensate  his  generous 
behaviour  to  Lot,  and  disinterested  contempt  of  wealth,  ir. 
his  conduct  towards  the  king  of  Sodom. — {Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  2,  3.  In  this  answer  of  Abram,  the  striving  of  unbelief 
and  impatience  against,  his  better  judgment,  is  very  dis- 
cernible. Outward  prosperity  and  security  seemed  o. 
little  importance,  as  he  still  continued  childless;  and  a utran* 


B.  C.  191$ 


CHAPTER  XV  B.  C.  1913. 


given  no  se«d:  and  lo,  one  'born  in  my  house  is 
mine  heir. 

4 And  behold  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
him,  saying,  This  shall  not  be  thine  heir,  but  he 
that  kshall  come  forth  out  of  thine  own  bowels 
shall  be  thine  heir. 

5 And  he  brought  him  forth  abroad,  and  said, 
Look  now  toward  heaven,  and  ‘tell  the  stars,  if 
thou  be  able  to  number  them:  and  he  said  unto 
him,  “So  shall  thy  seed  be. 

6 And  “he  believed  in  the  Lord  ; and  he 
“counted  it  to  him  for  righteousness. 

7 And  he  said  unto  him,  I am  the  Lord  that 
rbrought  thee  out  of  Ur  of  the  Chaldees,  to  give 
thee  this  land  to  inherit  it. 

8 And  he  said,  Lord  God,  ^whereby  shall  I 
know  that  1 shall  inherit  it  ? 

9 And  iie  said  unto  him,  Take  me  ran  heifer  of 
“three  years  old,  and  a she-goat  of  three  years 
old,  and  a ram  of  three  years  old,  and  a turtle 
dove,  and  a young  pigeon. 

10  And  he  took  unto  him  all  these,  and  ‘divided 
them  in  the  midst,  and  laid  each  piece  one  against 
another : but  “the  birds  divided  he  not. 


I 14:14.  Ec.  2:7.  k 17:16.  2 Sam.  7:12.  15:11.  2 Chr.  32:21.  Phiiem.  12.  IPs. 
117:4.  Jer.  33:22.  m 22:17.  Ex.  32:13.  Denl.LKJ.  10:22.  lehr. 27:23.  Rom. 
4:18.  He!..  11:12.*  n Rom.  4:3—6.20—25.  Gal.  3:6—14.  Jam. 2:23.  o s.  106:31. 
Rom. 4:11,22.  Cal. 3:6.  1. 11:28— 31.  12:1.  Neh.  9:7.  Acts 7:2— 4.  q24:2— 4. 
Judg. 6:7—24.33 — 40.  2 King* 20:8.  I*. 7:11.  Luke  1:18,31.  r 22:13.  Lev.  1:3,10, 
14  . 3:1,6.  9:2,4.  12:8.  14:22.30.  Luke  2:24.  s Is.  15. .5.  l Jer.  34:18,19.  u Lev. 
1:17.  x Ps.  119:113.  y 2:21.  1 Sam.  26:12.  Job  4:13,14.  Dan.  10:8.9.  zPs.4: 
3 — 5.  Acts  9:8,9.  a Ex.  1:  2:5:  I s.  105:23—45.  Acts  7:6.7.  b Ex.  12:40,41.  Gal. 
3:17.  c Ex.  6:5,6.  7:14:  Dent.  6.22.  Ps.  78:43-^1.  105:27— 37.  135.9,14. 


ger  born  in  his  house,  and  entrusted  by  jm,  was  likely  to  be 
his  heir.  The  numerous  posterity  before  mentioned,  and  the 
blessings  comprised  in  the  promised  Seed,  lay  near  his  heart : 
nothing  else  could  satisfy  him ; and  perhaps  the  long  delay 
almost  induced  him  to  conclude,  that  he  had  misunderstood 
the  divine  revelation. 

V.  5,  6.  Some  expositors  think,  that  the  severa)  particu- 
lars which  follow  were  only  presented  in  a vision  to  Abram ; 
and  they  urge  in  support  of  this  opinion,  that  u the  sun  was  not 
gone  down,1’  (12,)  and  yet  he  was  called  on  to  “look  toward 
heaven  and  tell  the  stars.”  But  it  is  most  unreasonable  to 
interpret  one  part  as  a visionary  representation  to  the  mind, 
and  the  other  as  a real  transaction : or  to  suppose  that  the 
whole  narrative  of  this  solemn  sacrifice,  and  of  Abram’s  deep 
sleep  and  prophetical  dream,  and  of  the  covenant  ratified  with 
him,  is  merely  the  relation  of  a vision.  And,  if  it  be  well 
considered,  what  time  would  be  employed  in  preparing  for 
the  commanded  sacrifice  and  other  events,  we  shall  be  induced 
to  conclude,  that  Abram  was  led  forth  early  in  the  morning, 
before  the  stars  disappeared,  and  that  he  spent  the  whole  day 
till  after  sunset  in  religious  duties,  and  in  receiving  divine 
revelations  and  assurances. — An  innumerable  posterity 
having  been  again  promised  him,  his  faith  was  strengthened  ; 
and,  depending  on  the  divine  power  and  faithfulness,  he  rose 
superior  to  discouragement  on  account  of  the  delays  and  diffi- 
culties. Thus  he  gave  glory  to  God  by  firmly  believing,  that 
“ what  he  had  promised  he  was  able  also  to  perform ; and 
therefore  it  was  imputed  to  him  for  righteousness.” — It  is 
evident  from  the  apostle’s  reasoning,  that  Abram’s  faith  had  a 
special  respect,  to  the  promised  Seed  and  to  salvation  by  him : 
and  therefore,  though  in  himself  a sinner,  and  his  very  faith 
itself  not  free  from  defect,  h£  was  accounted  righteous , and  dealt 
with  as  if  he  had  personally  performed  a perfect  righteous- 
ness ; being  “ made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  Christ.” 
This  had  no  doubt  been  the  case  from  the  tune  when  he  first 
believed,  that  in  “his  Seed  all  nations  should  be  blessed 
but  it  was  now  more  expressly  attested  for  his  encourage- 
ment : and  the  sacred  historian  records  this  circumstance,  as 
a remarkable  instance  and  example  of  that  faith,  which  was 
counted  to  Abram  for  righteousness.  ( Notes , Rom.  4 : Gal. 
3:  JMarg.  Ref.  n.  o.) — ‘Christians  may  believe  in  God,  with 
respect  of  the  common  concerns  of  this  life ; and  such  faith 
may  ascertain,  that  they  are^in  a justified  state:  yet  this  is 
not,  strictly  speaking,  the  faith  by  which  they  are  justified, 
which  invariably  has  respect  to  the  person  and  work  of  Christ. 
Abram, believed  in  God  as  promising  Christ ; they  believe  in 
him  as  naving  raised  him  from  the  dead.’  Fuller. 

V.  7,  8.  The  favours  already  shown  to  Abram,  were 
earnests  of  the  fulfilment  of  all  the  promises  of  God,  whose 
unchangeable  perfections  were  engaged  to  perform  them : yet 
Abram,  that  his  faith  might  be  confirmed,  desired  an  external 
token  as  an  assurance  that  his  posterity  should  inherit  the 
land  which  the  Lord  graciously  vouchsafed  him. 

V.  9,  10.  In  order  to  give  Abram  the  desired  token,  the 
Lord  was  pleased  to  prescribe  a solemn  sacrifice.  The  heifer, 
she-goat,  and  ram,  were  supposed  to  be  arrived  at  maturity 
when  three  years  old.  As  the  ratification  of  a covenant 
between  the  Lord  and  his  servant  was  intended,  the  animals 
were  divided  asunder,  the  birds  alone  excepted : because  the 
form  of  covenanting  required,  that  the  persons  concerned 
ghoul  l pass  between  the  parts  of  the  sacrifice  ; perhaps  inti- 


11  And  when  the  fowls  came  down  upon  the 
carcasses,  * Abram  drove  them  away. 

I Practical  Observations.'} 

12  And  when  the  sun  was  going  down,  Ja  deep 
sleep  fell  upon  Abram  : and  lo,  7an  horror  of  great 
darkness  iell  upon  him. 

13  And  he  said  unto  Abram,  Know  of  a surety, 
that  “thy  seed  shall  be  a stranger  in  a land  that  is 
not  theirs,  and  shall  serve  them:  and  they  shall 
afflict  them  bfour  hundred  years. 

14  And  also  “that  nation  whom  they  shall  serve, 
will  I judge ; and  afterward  shall  they  come  out 
dwith  great  substance. 

15  And  “thou  shalt  go  to  thy  fathers  f in  peace  , 
thou  shalt  be  eburied  in  ha  good  old  age. 

16  But  in  ‘the  fourth  generation  they  shall  come 
hither  again  ; for  the  iniquity  of  kthe  Amorites  ‘is 
not  yet  lull. 

17  U And  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  the  sun 
went  down,  and  it  was  dark,  behold  a “smoking 
furnace,  and  'a  burning  lamp  that  passed  between 
those  pieces. 

18  In  that  same  day  the  Lord  "made  a covenant 
with  Abram,  saying,  “Unto  thy  seed  have  I given 

d Ex.  3:21,22.  12:35,36.  e 25:8.  Num.  20:24.  27:13.  Judg.  2:10.  Ec.  12:7- 
Acts  13:36.  f 2 Chr. 34:28.  Ps.  37:37.  Is.  57:1,2.  Dan.  12:13.  Malt.  22:32.  Heb- 
6:13—15.  11.13 — 13.  g 23:4, 19.  25:9.  35:29.  44:29.31.  .60:13.  Ec.8:3.  Jer. 8:1  2- 
li  45:7,8.  1 Chr.  23:1.  29:28.  Job  5:25.  42:17.  i Ex.  12:40.  It  lKings21:26- 
1 Dan.  8:23.  Zecli.  5:5— 11.  Malt.  23:32-35.  1 Thes.  2:16.  2 Pel.  3:8,9.  in  Ex- 
3:2,3.  l ent.  4:20.  Judg.  6:21.  13.20.  1 Chr.  21:26.  Is.  62:1.  Jer.  11:4.  • Heb.  a 
lamp  of  fire.  2 Sam.  *22:29.  n 9:8 — 17.  17:  2 Mim.  23:5.  Is.  55:3.  Jer.  31:31— 
34.  32:40*.  33:20—23.  < .al.  3:15-17.  Heb.  13:20.  o 12:7.  13:15.25:4.  28:13.  Deu 
1:7,8.  11:24.  34:4.  Josh.  1:3,4.  1 Kings  4:21. 2 Chr.  9:26.  Neh.9:8.  Ps.  105:11. 


mating,  that  he  who  broke  the  covenant,  might  expect  in 
like  manner  to  be  cut  asunder  by  the  avenging  sword  of  jus- 
tice. The  Gentiles,  as  well  as  the  Jews,  used  a form  of  this 
kiqd  in  confirming  covenants  and  treaties;  which  custom 
might  perhaps  be  derived  by  tradition  from  this  transaction ; 
or  the  Lord  saw  good,  in  this  instance,  to  condescend  as  far 
as  practicable,  to  a custom  already  established. 

V.  1 1 . When  Abram  had  prepared  the  sacrifices,  he  spent 
the  rest  of  the  day  in  watching  them,  no  doubt  also  pouring 
out  his  heart  in  fervent  prayer : and  when  the  birds  of  prey 
attempted  to  devour  them,  he  drove  them  away. 

V.  12 — 15.  Perhaps  Abram  did  not  understand  how  the 
transaction  would  end,  but  he  patiently  waited  on  the  Lord  ; 
and  about  sunset,  he  was  cast  into  a supernatural  sleep,  in 
which  he  received  important  prophetical  information  concern- 
ing the  future  condition  of  his  posterity. — The  “horror  of 
great  darkness”  was  doubtless  emblematical  of  their  affliction 
and  bondage  in  Egypt,  and  many  of  their  subsequent  calami- 
ties. From  the  birth  of  Isaac  to  the  deliverance  of  Israel  out 
of  Egypt,  Abram’s  descendants  were  strangers  in  a land,  in 
which  they  possessed  no  inheritance ; for  part  of  the  time 
they  were  sojourners  in  Canaan,  and  the  rest  of  it  they  spent 
in  Egypt,  where  for  many  years  they  were  enslaved  and 
cruelly  oppressed.  Their  departure  out  of  Egypt  is  supposed 
to  have  been  exactly  four  hundred  and  thirty  years  from  the 
call  of  Abram  : but  the  birth  of  Isaac  was  twenty-five  years 
later,  and  the  prediction  especially  re'ates  to  him  and  his  pos- 
terity. This  is  therefore  computed  to  have  occurred  four 
hundred  and  five  years  before  that  event ; but  in  so  long  a 
term,  the  five  odd  years  are  not  mentioned.  Some  however 
think  that  the  term  began  from  the  weaning  of  Isaac,  when 
Ishmacl,  the  son  of  an  Egyptian,  mocked  him.  (Note,  21:8 — 
12.)— The  continuance  of  Israel  in  Egypt  is  calculated  to 
have  been  two  hundred  and  fifteen  years. — Their  bondage  in 
Egypt  being  introductory  to  subsequent  honour  and  prosperity, 
and  attended  with  signal  judgments  on  heir  enemies,  differed 
widely  from  the  permanent  slavery  of  the  Canaanites. 
Abram,  however,  would  not  witness  these  scenes  ; but  would 
live  to  a good  old  age,  and  then  die  in  peace : and  while  his 
body  would  be  decently  interred,  his  soul  would  enter  on  a 
state  of  blessedness  among  those  of  his  believing  progenitors. 
— Afflict  them , &c.]  Four  hundred  years  would  elapse 
before  the  end  of  their  afflicted  state. 

V.  1 fi.  “ The  fourth  generation”  may  mean  the  completion 
of  the  four  hundred  years  before  mentioned : but  indeed  the 
Israelites  of  the  fourth  generation,  from  those  who  went 
down  into  Egypt,  seem  actually  to  have  inherited  Canaan. — 
Among  other  reasons  for  these  delays,  this  was  one  ; that  the 
inhabitants  of  the  land,  (of  whom  the  Amorites  seem  to  have 
been  the  chief,)  though  wicked,  were  not  yet  ripe  for  ven- 
geance. 

Y.  17.  “The  smoking  furnace  and  burning  lamp”  repre- 
sented the  severe  trials  of  Israel  in  Egypt,  and  their  joyful 
deliverance  ; with  the  hopes  and  supports  in  the  mean  while 
afforded  them.  (Notes,  Ex.  3:)  Thus  the  Lord  attested  his 
acceptance  of  Abram’s  sacrifices,  by  the  symbols  of  his 
presence  passing  between  the  parts  of  them,  and  probably 
at  length  consuming  them ; but  not,  as  it  may  be  supposed* 
till  Abram  also  had  passed  between  them. 

V.  18 — 21.  In  this  manner  God  confirmed  the  promise  of 
Canaan  to  the  seed  of  Abram,  by  a solemn  covenant,  and 

( 43  ) 


B.  C.  1911 


GENESIS, 


B.  C.  1911 


this  land,  I'from  the  river  of  Egypt,  unto  the  great 
river,  the  river  ^Euphrates  : 

19  The  ’Kenites,  and  the  Kcnizzites,  anc  the 
Kadmonites, 

20  And  the  Hittites,  and  the  Perizzites,  and  “the 
Rephaims, 

21  And  ‘the  Amorites,  and  the  Canaanites,  and 
"the  Girgashites,  and  the  Jebusites. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Surat  being  barren  gives  Hagar  to  Abram , I — 3.  Hagar  d.esrisrs  Sarai , who 
complains  to  Abram  ; he  gives  up  Hagar  to  her,  arid  Hagar , being  harshly 
treated,  Jlees  from  her,  4 — 6.  An  Angel  commands  her  to  return  and  submit , 
promises  her  a son  and  a numerous  posterity , and  shows  their  character  and 
condi  ion,  7 — 12.  Hagar  gives  a name  o the  place,  and  re. urns  to  Sarai , 13, 
14.  The  birth  of  Ishmael , and  the  age  of  Abram , 15,  16. 

NOW  Sarai  Abram’s  wife  abare  him  no  chil- 
dren ; and  she  had  an  handmaid  ban  Egyp- 
tian, whose  cname  was  Hagar. 

2  And  Sarai  said  unto  Abram,  Behold  now,  dthe 
Lord  hath  restrained  me  from  bearing : I pray 
thee  go  in  unto  my  maid  : it  may  be  that  I may 
‘obtain  children  by  her  : and  Abram  ehearkened  to 
the  voice  of  Sarai. 

3  And  Sarai  Abram’s  wife  took  Hagar  her  maid 
the  Egyptian,  after  Abram  fhad  dwelt  ten  years 
in  the  land  of  Canaan,  and  sgave  her  to  her  hus- 
band Abram  to  be  hhis  wife. 

4  And  he  went  in  unto  Hagar,  and  she  con- 

p Nam.  34:5.  Josh.  15:4.  Is. 27:12.  q2:14.  2Sam.8:3.  1 Chr.  5:9.  rNum.24:21, 
'21.  • 14:5.  Is.  17:5.  t 10:1.5—19.  Ex.  23:23— 28.  33:2.  34:11.  Dent.  7:1.  u Matt.  8: 
28  a 15:2,3.  25:21.  ludg.  13:2.  Luke  1.7,36.  b 12:15.  21:9,21.  dial.  4:24.  Agar. 
d 17  16.  18:10  . 25:21.  30:2,3,22.  1 Sam.  1:5.  Ps.  127:3.  ' Heb.  be  bu  tided  by 

her.  Ruth  4:11.  e3:6,12,17.  f 12:5.  g 5.  30:4,9.  h 23:9.  32:22.  35:22.  Judg. 
19:1— 4.  2 Sam.  5:13.  1 Kings  11:3.  i 1 Sam.  1:6— 8.  Prov.  30:23.  1 Cor.  4:6. 
13:4,5.  k Luke  10:40,41.  131:53.  Ex.  5:21.  1 Sam.  24:12— 15.  2 Chr.  24:2*2. 

m 13:8,9.  I rov.  15:1,17,18.  1 Pet.  3:7.  n Job  2:6.  Jer.  38:5.  t Heb.  that  which 

more  explicitly  stated  what  was  included  in  it.  44  The  river 
of  Egypt”  is  supposed  to  have  been  a small  current,  just  at 
the  entrance  of  that  country  ; and  not  the  river  Nile. — In  the 
days  of  David  and  Solomon,  the  Israelites  ruled  over  the 
whole  extent  of  country  here  described : and  it  was  the 
effect  of  their  sins,  that  they  neither  got  possession  of  it 
sooner,  nor  kept  it  longer.  During  the  course  of  four  hun- 
dred years,  several  of  the  tribes  here  mentioned  were  either 
extinct,  or  blended  with  other  tribes,  or  had  changed  their 
names.  ( Marg . Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 11.  They  who  trust  in  God,  and  serve  him,  should 
fear  no  enemies,  for  they  have  an  omnipresent  and  omnipo- 
tent Protector.  Nor  need  they  hesitate  to  renounce  the 
most  valuable  temporal  advantages  for  his  sake,  for  he  will 
abundantly  recompense  them;  yea,  he  himself  will  be  their 
Shield  and  Portion,  their  exceedingly  great  and  everlasting 
Reward. — Yet  “hope  deferred  maketh  the  heart  sick:”  the 
strongest  faith  has  its  misgivings,  the  most  courageous  spirit 
has  its  fears,  and  the  most  resigned  believer  his  complaints: 
these  the  Lord  graciously  notes,  pities,  pardons,  and  relieves. 
— He  who  in  one  instance,  upon  the  single  testimony  of  God, 
stedfastly  expects  things  exceedingly  difficult  and  improbable, 
will  be  enabled  to  believe  all  that  God  has  revealed  when  he 
becomes  acquainted  with  it,  and  will  embrace  and  expect 
whatever  he  promises  : and  this  man’s  “faith  is  accounted  to 
him  for  righteousness.”  Yet  he  will  seek,  and  God  will 
grant,  further  tokens  of  his  love,  to  confirm  and  strengthen  his 
faith ; and  he  will  be  encouraged  to  consider  former  mercies 
as  earnests  of  future  blessings. — The  covenant  of  God  with 
sinners  has  always  been  ratified  by  sacrifice  and  the  shedding 
of  blood:  and,  in  attendance  on  his  ordinances,  we  must  wait 
for  the  confirmation  of  our  faith,  and  guard  against  all  intru- 
sion on  our  devotions : especially  those  vain  thoughts,  which 
are  apt,  on  the  most  solemn  occasions,  to  arise,  and  interrupt 
the  exercise  of  faith,  hope,  and  love. 

V.  12 — 21  The  knowledge  of  future  events,  if  attainable, 

would  seldom  add  to  our  comfort:  in  the  most  favoured  fami- 
lies and  most  happy  lives,  there  arc  such  chequered  scenes 
and  so  many  afflictions,  that  it  is  merciful  in  God  to  conceal 
from  us  what  will  befall  us  and  ours ; for  if  we  knew  the  whole, 
we  should  painfully  anticipate  the  troubles  of  life;  and  even 
distress  ourselves  about  things,  which  will  not  take  place  till 
we  are  in  the  silent  grave,  or  rather  in  the  eternal  world.  Yet 
multitudes  far  more  desire  to  partake  with  Abraham  in  this 
kind  of  information,  than  in  his  4 most  holy  faith !’ — God  waits 
till  iniquity  be  ripe  ere  he  punishes,  and  in  the  mean  time 
gives  space  for  repentance  : let  the  sinner  then  count  his  long- 
suffering  to  he  salvation,  and  improve  it ; and  let  believers 
also  wait  for  their  mercies  till  they  are  prepared  for  them. — 
Finally,  the  diligent  Christian  will  daily  obtain  fuller  assu- 
rances and  more  explicit  knowledge  of  the  blessings  of  the 
covenant,  which  God  hath  ratified  with  him. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XVI.  V.  1 — 3.  Ten  years  had  elapsed 
since  Abram  arrived  in  Canaan ; and  a numerous  posterity 
had  repeatedly  been  promised  him,  from  among  whom  that 
Seed  was  to  arise,  44  in  whom  all  the  families  of  the  earth 
would  be  blessed:”  yet  Sarai,  though  amiable  and  faithful, 
( 44  ) 


ceived : and  when  she  saw  that  she  had  con 
ceived,  'her  mistress  was  despised  in  her  eyes. 

5 And  Sarai  said  unto  Abram,  kMy  wrong  be 
upon  thee  ; I have  given  my  maid  into  thy  bosom 
and  when  she  saw  that  she  had  conceived,  I was 
despised  in  her  eyes : The  Lord  judge  between 
me  and  thee. 

6 But  mAhram  said  unto  Sarai,  Behold,  thy 
maid  is  "in  thy  band ; do  to  her  'as  it  pleaseth 
thee.  And  when  Sarai  tdealt  hardly  with  her, 
she  "fled  from  her  face. 

7 H And  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  found  her  by  a 
fountain  of  water  in  the  wilderness,  by  Pthe  foun- 
tain rn  the  way  to  Shur. 

8 And  he  said,  Hagar,  iSarai’s  maid,  "whence 
earnest  thou  ? and  whither  wilt  thou  go  ? And  she 
said,  I flee  from  the  face  of  my  mistress  Sarai. 

9 And  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto  her, 
Return  to  thy  mistress,  and  "submit  thyself  under 
her  hands. 

10  And  ‘the  Angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto  her, 
"I  will  multiply  thy  seed  exceedingly,  that  it  shall 
not  be  numbered  for  multitude. 

11  And  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto  her, 
Behold,  thou  art  with  child,  and  shalt  bear  a son, 
and  xshalt  call  his  name  Slshmael ; ^because  the 
Lord  'hath  heard  thy  affliction. 

is  good  in  thin  ' e /es.  J Heb . afflicted  her.  o Ex.  2:15.  Prov.  27:8.  Ec.  10:4. 
1>  25:18.  Ex.  15:22.  1 Sam.  15:7.  ql,4.  Kph.  6:3-3.  1 Tim.  6:1,2.  r 3:9.  4:10. 
Ec.  10:4.  Jer.  2:17,18.  s Epli.  5:21.  Tit.  2:9.  1 Pel.  2: 18— 25.  5:5.6.  t 22: 
15— IS.  31:11—13.  32  24—30.  48:15,16.  Ex.  3:2-6.  Judg.2:l— 3.  6:11,16,21— 
24.  13:16—22.  Is.  63:9.  Ilos.  12:3— 5.  Zech.  2:8.9.  Mai.  3:1.  John  1:18.  Acts  7: 
30—38.  1 Tim.  6:16.  u 17:20.  21:13.  25:12— 18.  Ps.  83:6.  x 17: 19.  29:32-35. 
Is. 7:14.  Matt.  1:21-23.  Luke  1:13,31,63.  §Thalis,  God  shall  hear . y 41:51, 
52.  1 Sam.  1:20.  z Ex.  2:23,24  . 3:7. 


still  continued  childless,  and  was  now  seventy-five  years  of 
age.  The  promise  had  not  hitherto  been  expressly  restricted 
to  her : and  though  we  never  before  read  of  a pious  person 
having  two  wives  at  once  ; yet  such  marriages  appear  to  have 
been  contmon,  and  perhaps  in  no  bad  repute  in  the  world : 
and  not  only  the  natural  desire  of  children,  but  the  fulfilment 
of  the  promises  seemed  to  be  concerned.  Sarai,  therefore, 
no  longer  expecting  to  be  herself  the  ancestor  of  the  promised 
Seed,  proposed  to  Abram  to  take  a secondary  wife,  and  ex- 
pressed an  intention  of  adopting  his  children  by  her.  She  in- 
deed acknowledged  the  hand  of  God  in  her  trial,  and  acqui- 
esced in  his  will : yet  her  plan  resulted  from  carnal  policy  and 
weakness  of  faith,  and  it  was  too  hastily  approved  by  Abram ; 
it  was  also  a bad  example,  a fatal  precedent,  and  a source  of 
manifold  uneasiness.  4 The  father  of  mankind  sinned,  by 
hearkening  to  his  wife;  and  now  the  father  of  the  faithful  imi- 
tates his  example !’  Fuller. — Probably,  Hagar  was  one  of 
the  maid-servants,  whom  Pharaoh  had  given  Abram. 

V.  4 — 6.  Hagar,  forgetful  of  God  who  had  especially  fa- 
voured her,  was  lifted  up  with  pride  and  self-preference  ; flat- 
tering herself  that  she  should  now  secure  Abram’s  affections, 
and  probably  expecting  to  be  the  mother  of  the  promised 
Seed.  Sarai  also,  instead  of  condemning  herself,  seemed  to 
claim  merit  from  her  conduct ; unreasonably  blamed  Abram, 
as  if  he  had  encouraged  Hagar’s  insolence ; improperly  ap- 
pealed to  the  Lord : and  betrayed  much  passion  and  peevish- 
ness, and  a very  uneasy  frame  of  mind.  4 Passionate  appeals 
to  God,  instead  of  indicating  a good  cause,  are  commonly  the 
marks  of  a had  one.’  Fuller. — In  these  perplexing  circum- 
stances Abram  indeed  acted  wisely  in  relinquishing  Hagar, 
and  showed  that  he  had  not  been  influenced  by  carnal  affec- 
tion: but  he  conceded  too  far  in  leaving  one  whom  he  was 
bound  to  protect  entirely  in  the  power  of  Sarai,  whose  mind 
was  too  much  imbittered  to  act  with  equity  and  impartiality, 
so  that  she  exacted  rigorously  from  Hagar  her  former  service, 
which  in  her  situation  was  unjustifiable;  and  she  otherwise 
used  her  with  harshness.  And  Hagar,  not  brooking  to  be 
treated  as  a slave,  when  she  had  expected  the  privilege  of  a 
wife,  passionately  and  inconsiderately  left  Abram’s  house  and 
family. 

V.  7 — 9.  Probably,  Hagar  $bt  out  with  the  design  of  re- 
turning to  Egypt,  her  native  country;  but  being  unable  to 
proceed,  she  sat  down,  fatigued  and  overwhelmed  with  dis- 
tress, by  a fountain  of  water. — The  Angel  addressed  her,  as 
Surras  servant , not  as  Ahram's  wife  : thus  her  marriage  was 
tacitly  censured  and  disallowed,  which  would  tend  to  humble 
her  for  despising  and  fleeing  from  her  mistress.  By  inquiring 
of  her  whence  she  came,  and  whither  she  would  go,  the  An- 
gel implicitly  charged  her  with  leaving  her  proper  station,  act- 
ing inconsistently  with  her  duty  and  interest,  forsaking  her  own 
mercies,  anil  rushing  on  destruction:  and  by  commanding  her 
to  return  and  submit  to  her  mistress,  he  reminded  her,  that 
her  trouble  was  the  consequence  of  sin,  and  that  she  must 
patiently  endure  it. — This  is  the  first  time  the  appearance  of 
an  Angel  is  mentioned:  but.  the  following  versc6  show  us  who 
this  Angel  was. 

V.  10,  11.  The  Angel  said  to  Hagar  ‘I  v»  11  multiply  thy 
seed not 44  The  Lord  will  multiply  th  see«  ” an  ’ there  ij 


13.  t 1911. 


CHAPTER  XVII 


13.  C.  18‘JS. 


12  And  lie  will  be  "a  wild  man ; bhis  hand  will 
be  against  every  man,  and  every  man’s  hand 
against  him : and  che  shall  dwell  in  the  presence 
of  all  his  brethren. 

13  And  she  dcalled  the  name  of  the  Lord  that 
spake  unto  her,  eThou  God  seest  me : for  she 
said,  Have  I also  here  looked  after  him  that  seeth 
me  ? 

14  Wherefore  the  well  was  called  'Beer-lahai- 
roi ; behold,  it  is  between  ‘Kadesh  and  Bered. 

15  And  sHagar  bare  Abram  a son  : and  Abram 
called  his  son’s  name,  which  Hagar  bare,  ’'Ishmael. 

16  And  Abram  was  fourscore  and  six  years 
J old,  when  Hagar  bare  Ishmael  to  Abram. 

■ 21:20.  Job  11:12.  39:5 — 8.  b 27:40.  c25:18.  (17,9,10.  22:14.28:17,19.  32: 

30.  Judg.  6:24.  e Ex.  33:13—23.  34:5—' 7.  Ps.  139:1—12.  Prov.  15:3.  • That  is, 
The  i ee'.l  of  him  hat  lirelh  and  seeth  me.  21:31.  24:62.  25:11.  f Num.  13:26. 
. 11.  Gal.  4:22,23.  h 17:18, '20,25, 25  . 21:9— 21.  25:9,12.  28:9.  37:27.  a 16: 
16.  b 12:1.  c 18:14  . 28:3.  35:11.  Ex.  6:3.  Num.  11.23.  Job  11:7.  Dan. 4:35. 


not  the  least  intimation  that  he  spake  in  the  name  of  another. 
This  confirms  the  opinion  of  those  who  think  the  words  should 
he  rendered  the  Angel-Jehovah  : Jehovah  himself,  yet 
the  Angel  or  Messenger  of  the  Covenant,  the  eternal  Word 
and  Son  of  God:  and  the  interpretation  is  established  by  the 
•iubsequent  narrative.  ( Marg . Ref.) — 44  Ishmael”  signifies 
God  will  hear ; “he  hath  heard,”  and  therefore  he  will  hear, 
44  thy  atHiction;”  intimating  that  the  relief  was  not  only  un- 
merited, but  unsolicited. 

V.  12.  The  word  rendered  44  a wild  man,”  properly  signi- 
fies a wild-ass  man  : and  perhaps  this  emblem  was  descriptive 
of  Islnnael’s  character ; but  his  posterity  were  principally  in- 
tended. The  Hagarenes,  Saracens,  and  various  other  tribes 
of  Arabs,  are  allowed  to  have  descended  in  great  measure 
from  Ishmael : and  they  have,  in  all  ages  to  this  present  day, 
been  a hardy  untamed  race  of  freebooters,  unlike  every  other 
nation  in  the  world.  They  have  chiefly  subsisted  by  plun- 
dering their  neighbours  and  passengers ; as  it  appears  by  the 
united  testimony  of  all  the  historians  and  travellers  who  have 
written  of  those  countries.  They  have  provoked  the  enmity 
of  the  neighbouring  nations,  and  lived  in  a state  of  hostility 
with  all  men  ; so  that  there  is  no  travelling  in  safety  through 
those  countries,  except  in  large  armed  companies,  called  Ca- 
ravans; and  these  are  often  plundered.  Yet  have  they  set 
at  defiance  the  mightiest  conquerors  in  every  age,  and  stood 
their  ground  against  them  all.  The  Persians,  Macedonians, 
and  Romans,  successively  attempted  to  subjugate  them ; and 
made  many  powerful,  but  ineffectual,  efforts  to  that  purpose. 
At  length  Mohammed  arose,  and  under  him  and  his  succes- 
sors, they  subdued  a large  part  of  the  world.  After  a time 
indeed,  the  power  of  the  Mohammedans  was  transferred  to 
the  Turks,  who  have  repeatedly  attempted  to  subdue  the  Sa- 
racens, or  Arabs : but,  instead  of  succeeding,  they  have  for 
above  three  hundred  years  been  obliged  to  pay  a large  tribute 
to  them,  for  the  safe  passage  of  their  pilgrims  to  Mecca,  the 
city  which  is  the  centre  of  their  religion!  The  descendants 
of  Ishmael  also  lived  as  ravagers  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the 
Israelites  and  Edomites,  and  other  descendants  of  Abram,  and 
yet  were  never  subjugated  by  any  of  them.  Sec  Bp.  Newton 
on  the  Prophecies.  Biss.  I. 

V.  13, 14.  Jehovah  spake  to  Hagar,  and  she  called  his 
name,  44  Thou  God  seest  me :”  yet  we  read  of  no  other 
speaker  than  the  Angel. — Admiring  the  Lord’s  condescension 
and  mercy,  she  added,  44  Have  I also  here  looked  after  him 
that  seeth  me  ?”  4 Have  /,  who  am  so  unworthjr,  here , in  this 
desert,  at  a distance  f om  his  ordinances,  and  out  of  the  path 
of  duty,  been  favoured  with  such  an  encouraging  appearance 
of  the  Lord  !’ — Accordingly,  she  called  the  name  of  the  place, 
The  well  of  him  that  livetli  and  seeth  me.  She  was  now  brought 
to  a better  temper,  returned  home,  and,  probably,  by  proper 
behaviour,  pacified  Sarah,  and  experienced  better  usage. 

V.  15.  Abram  named  his  son  Ishmael,  having  been  in- 
formed by  Hagar  of  what  had  taken  place.  (11.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 6.  In  every  relation  and  situation  of  life  there  is 
some  trouble  to  bear ; and  the  exercise  of  faith  greatly  con- 
sists in  patiently  submitting  to  it,  waiting  the  Lord’s  lime,  and 
using  those  means,  and  those  only,  which  he  appoints  and  au- 
thorizes, for  its  removal.  But  unbelief  is  frequently  shown 
by  impatience,  and  hastily  using  unhallowed  means  of  obtain- 
ing those  things  which  we  inordinately  desire. — Very  bad  ac- 
tions may  be  sanctioned  by  the  example  of  very  good  men; 
tlu  y may  appear  plausible,  be  supported  with  some  show  of 
reason,  and  be  suggested  by  those  who  are  justly  dear  to  us. 
But  we  never  have  more  cause  to  be  upon  our  guard,  than 
when  44  Satan  thus  transforms  himself  into  an  angel  of  light.” 
Then  especially  we  should  appeal  44  to  the  law  and  to  the  tes- 
timony.” 44  What  hath  God  said?”  Then  indeed  we  should 
act.  with  deliberation,  be  afraid  of  leaning  to  our  own  under- 
standing. and  seek  counsel  of  the  Lord  by  earnest  prayer. — 
In  Hagar’s  insolence,  in  Sarai’s  impatience,  and  in  Abram’s 
ur.  easiness  ; and  also  in  Sarai’s  severity,  and  in  Hagar’s  flight 
anu  distress,  we  see  the  effects  of  carnal  projects,  and  of  de- 
viating from  the  original  institution  of  marriage:  and  they 
who  consent  together  in  sin  will  generally  be  chastened  toge- 
ther and  will  often  correct  each  other. — Anger  and  discord 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

The  Lord,  again  ratifies  the  covenant  with  Abr  ,tn  ; changes  hie  name  to  Abra 
ham , ant  Sarai's  to  Sarah,  and  institute*  c in  umcieion,  1 — 15  ; he  promisee 
him  a ooa  by  Sarah  ; accepts  his  prayer  for  I.mmael ; and  Jixea  the  lime  foi 
the  birth  of  I sane , i6—22.  Abraham  circumcises  himself  and  the  males  oj 
his  family , 23 — 27. 

AND  when  Abram  “was  ninety  years  old  an.. 

nine,  “the  Lord  appeared  to  Abram,  and  saic 
unto  him,  I am  the  “Almighty  God : dwalk  before 
me,  and  be  thou  'perfect. 

2  And  eI  will  make  my  covenant  between  me  ana 
thee,  and  will  ^multiply  thee  exceedingly. 

3  And  Abram  sfell  on  his  face  : and  God  talked 
with  him,  saying, 

4  As  for  me,  Dehold  my  covenant  is  with  thee, 
and  thou  shalt  be  ha  father  of  ’many  nations. 

Eph.  3:20.  Phil.  4:13.  d 5:24.  6:9.  * Or,  upright,  or,  incere.  Dent.  18:13. 
Job  1:1.  Matt.  5:48.  e 9:9.  15:18.  Ps.  105:8— 11.  Gal.  3:17,18.  f 12:2.  13:16. 
g Ex.  3:6.  Lev.  9:23,2-1.  Num.  16:22,45.  Josh.  5:14.  Judg.  13:20.  Ez.  1:28.  3:23. 
9:8.  Dan.  8:17.  10:9.  Matt.  17:6.  Rev.  1:17.  h 16:10.  25:1—18.  36:  Rom.  4:11 
— 18.  Gal.  3:29.  t Heb.  multitude  of  nations. 


should  indeed  be  shunned : yet  even  peace  may  be  bought  too 
dear ; and  we  ought  not  to  allow  any  person  injuriously  to 
treat  those  who  are  entitled  to  our  protection.  But  it  is  never 
safe  or  prudent  to  quit  our  situation  under  the  influence  of 
pride,  impatience,  and  resentment.  A haughty  spirit  indeed 
will  disdain  contradiction : but  it  is  best  to  endure  it,  and  to 
consider,  that  44  yielding  pacifieth  great  offences.” 

V.  7 — 16.  Important  lessons  of  wisdom  are  couched  under 
the  answer  which  ought  to  be  made  to  such  questions  as  the 
Angel  put  to  Hagar.  Recollecting  44  who  we  are,”  would 
teach  us  our  duty,  and  suggest  motives  for  quietly  attending 
to  it.  Seriously  inquiring  iff  many  cases, 44  whence  we  came,19 
may  show  us  our  sin  and  folly:  and  considering,  44  whither  we 
will  go,”  may  often  discover  our  danger  and  misery,  before  it 
-be  too  late;  and  prepare  us  to  listen  to  the  counsel  of  him 
who  calls  on  us  to  repent. of  what  we  have  done  in  pride  and 
passion. — How  free  from  fear  and  care,  how  conscientious  in 
duty,  how  watchful  against  sin,  and  how  resolute  in  resisting 
temptation  should  we  be,  if  we  always  were  suitably  impressed 
with  this  thought,  44  Thou  God  seest  me  !”  The  good  Lord, 
who  always  sees  us,  and  despises  not  the  meanest,  but  hears 
the  affliction  of  the  distressed,  even  before  ii  vents  itself  in 
prayer,  help  us  to  realize  his  presence,  to  trust  in  his  goodness, 
to  submit  to  his  will,  and  to  all  those  whom  he  commands  us 
to  honour  and  obey  for  his  sake ; <j.nd  with  admiring,  humble 
gratitude,  to  acknowledge  his  mercies  to  us,  which  are  innu- 
merable and  unmerited,  and  often  surprise  us  when  we  least 
expeci  them. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XVII.  V.  1 — 3.  This  appearance 
of  the  Lord  to  Abram,  was  nearly  fourteen  years  after  his 
marriage  with  Hagar:  and,  perhaps,  this  long  trial  of  his 
faith  implied  a rebuke  for  his  misconduct  in  that  transaction. 
The  Lord,  by  revealing  himself  as  44  the  Almighty,”  or  the 
all-sufficient  44  God,”  most  powerfully  enforced  the  subsequent 
exhortation  to  Abram,  44  to  walk  before  him,”  without  being 
discouraged ; and  to  44,be  perfect,”  or  not  to  waver  and  decline, 
but  to  be  constantly  and  entirely  dependant  on  him,  and  de- 
voted to  him.  4 Have  recourse  no  more  to  unbelieving  expe- 
dients: keep  thou  the  path  of  uprightness;  and  leave  me  to 
fulfil  my  promise  in  the  lime  and  manner  that  seem  good  to 
me.’  Fuller. — Abram,  perceiving  the  special  presence  of 
God,  fell  cn  his  face  in  humble  adoration,  and  the  Lord  con- 
tinued to  speak  to  him  in  an  audible  voice. 

V.  4.  The  Lord  thus  engaged,  that  his  covenant,  before 
confirmed,  and  now  to  be  further  ratified  and  sealed,  should 
certainly  be  accomplished,  notwithstanding  delays  and  diffi- 
culties.— This  covenant  was  essentially  different  from  that 
made  with  Israel,  as  a nation,  at  mount  Sinai:  (Notes,  Ex. 
19:5.  Gal.  3:)  yet  it  was  far  more  than  a personal  engagement 
to  Abram,  concerning  a numerous  posterity  and  the  inheri- 
tance of  Canaan,  or  even  , concerning  his  own  salvation  ; 
though  these  were  included,  with  all  the  peculiar  advantages 
enjoyed  by  Israel  till  the  coming  of  Christ,  and  even  to  the 
end  of  lime.  But,  as  the  covenant,  confirmed  to  Abram  with 
an  oath,  is  fulfilled  to  all  believers  as  his  children  ; (Notes, 
Heb.  6:13 — 20.)  it  must  have  been  in  substance  ihe  same  as 
the  Covenant  of  Grace,  of  which  Christ  is  the  Mediator  and 
Surety,  and  which  was  ratified  with  Abram,  as  4 the  father  of 
the  faithful.’  In  tiffs  view  of  the  subject,  the  promised  Seed 
was  Christ,  and  Christians  in  him,  of  whom  Israel  as  a nation 
was  a type  ; Canaan  typified  heaven ; every  blessing  was 
conferred  on  Abraham  through  44  the  righteousness  of  fai'.h  ;” 
and  all  who  44  are  of  faith,  are  blessed  with  faithful  Abraham.” 

V.  5,  6.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  Ishmaelites,  Midianites,  and 
other  nations,  were  descended  from  Abraham  by  Hagar  and 
Keturah ; and  the  Edomites,  as  well  as  the  Israelites,  by 
Sarah.  AJ1  these  nations  were,  for  many  ages,  pov  erful  and 
prosperous,  and  governed  by  princes  of  their  own;  and  some 
of  them  are  so  to  this  day.  Besides  the  kings  of  Israel,  (or  the 
ten  tribes,)  David  and  Solomon  were  renowned  monarchs,  and, 
with  their  descendants,  formed  an  illustrious  race  of  kings  for 
almost  five  hundred  years. — This  is  intimated  by  the  change 
of  his  name,  from  Abram,  a high  father,  to  Abraham,  a 
father  of  a great  multitude. 

V.  7,  8.  Abraham  chose  the  Lord  for  his  portion,  and  de- 
voted himself  to  his  service ; and  the  Lord  answered  his  ex 

( 45  ) 


B.  C.  1893. 


GENESIS. 


B.  C.  1893. 


5 Neither  shall  thy  name  any  more  be  called 
Abram  ; but  ‘thy  name  shall  be  Abraham,  for  a fa- 
ther of  many  nations  have  I made  thee. 

6 And  1 will  make  thee  exceeding-  fruitful,  and 
1 will  make  knations  of  thee ; and  'kings  shall  come 
out  of  thee. 

7 And  mI  will  establish  my  covenant  between  me 
and  thee,  and  thy  seed  after  thee,  in  their  genera- 
tions, tor  an  everlasting  covenant ; to  be  na  God 
unto  thee,  and  “to  thy  seed  after  thee. 

8 And  I will  give  unto  thee,  and  to  thy  seed  after 
thee,  the  land  'wherein  thou  art  a stranger,  all  the 
land  of  Canaan,  for  an  '’everlasting  possession : 

and  I will  be  ’'their  God.  [Practical  Obiervatioru.] 

9 And  God  said  unto  Abraham,  Thou  shalt 
rkeep  my  covenant  therefore,  thou  and  thy  seed 
after  thee,  in  their  generations. 

10  This  is  my  covenant  which  ye  shall  keep  be- 
tween me  and  you,  and  thy  seed  after  thee ; “eve- 
ry man-child  among  you  shall  be  circumcised. 

1 1 And  ye  shall  circumcise  ‘the  flesh  of  your 
foreskin,  and  it  shall  be  a token  of  the  covenant 
betwixt  me  and  you. 

12  And  he  that  is  Teight  days  old  shall  be  circum- 
cised among  you,  every  man-child  in  your  genera- 
tions, “he  that  is  born  in  the  house,  or  bought  with 
money  of  any  stranger,  which  is  not  of  thy  seed. 

13  He  “that  is  born  in  thy  house,  and  he  that 

i 15.  32:18.  2 Sam.  12:25,  Veh.  9:7.  («.  IS -2— 4.  65:15.  Jer.  20:3.  23:6.  Mall. 
1:21— 23.  John  1:42.  k 4.  35:11.  1 16.  35:31,  Sc.  Ezra  4:20.  Mall.  1:  m 15: 

18.26:21.  Fz.  6:1.  Ps.  105:3— 1 1.  Mic.  7:20.  Lake  1:54,55,72—  75.  n 23:13. 
Ex. 3:6,15.  Lav. 26: 12.  Mail. 22:32.  Hell.  11:16.  o Ex.  19:5,6.  Rom.  9:7— 9, 

* Heb .of  ihu  sojourning*.  23:4  . 23:4.  p48:4.  Ex.  21:6.  31:16,17.  40:15.  I.ev. 
16:34.  tfum.  2.5:13.  2 sam.23:5.  I s.  103:17.  2 Pel.  1:11.  q Ex.  6:7.  Lev.  23:12. 
Deal.  14:2.  26:18.  29:13.  r Ps.  25: 1U.  103:18.  Is.  56:4.5.  s 34:15.  Deal.  10:16. 
30:6.  Jer.  4:4.  9:25,26.  Rom.  2:28,29.  3:1.  1 Cor.  7:18,19.  Gal.  5:3— 6.  6: 12. 
Eph.2:ll.  Phil.  3:3.  Col.  2:11.  t Ex.  4:25.  Josh.  5:3.  1 Sam.  18:25 — 27  . 2 Sam. 


is  ^bought  with  thy  money,  must  needs  be  circum- 
cised : and  my  covenant  shall  be  in  your  flesh  for 
an  everlasting  covenant. 

14  And  the  uncircumcised  man-child,  whose 
flesh  of  his  foreskin  is  not  circumcised,  that  soul 
shall  be  ‘cut.  off  from  his  people  ; he  halh  “broken 
my  covenant. 

15  H And  God  said  unto  Abraham,  As  for  Sarai 
thy  wife,  thou  shalt  not  call  her  name  Sarai,  but 
Sarah  shall  her  name  be. 

16  And  bI  will  bless  her,  and  “give  thee  a son  al- 
so of  her:  yea,  I will  bless  her,  and  she  shall *  *be  a 
mother  of  nations ; dkings  of  people  shall  be  of  her. 

17  Then  Abraham  fell  upon  his  face,  “and  laugh- 
ed, and  said  in  his  heart,  Shall  a child  be  horn 
unto  him  that  is  an  hundred  years  old?  and  shall 
Sarah,  that  is  ninety  years  old,  bear? 

18  And  Abraham  said  unto  God,  fOh,  that  Ish- 
mael  might  live  before  thee  ! 

19  And  God  said,  §Sarah  thy  wile  shall  bear  thee 
a son  indeed  ; and  thou  shalt  call  his  name  Isaac  : 
and  I will  establish  my  covenant  with  him  for  an 
everlasting  covenant,  and  with  his  seed  after  him. 

20  And  as  forIshmael,I  have  heard  thee  : Behold, 
hI  have  blessed  him,  and  will  make  him  fruitful,  and 
will  multiply  him  exceedingly : twelve  princes  shall 
he  beget,  and  I will  make  him  a great  nation. 

21  But  ‘my  covenant  will  I establish  with  Isaac, 

3:14.  t Huh.  a eon  of  eiihl  day*.  21:4.  Lex.  12:3.  Luke  1 :59.  8:21.  John  7:22, 
23.  Acts  7:8.  Phil.  3:5.  u 23.  Ex.  12:48.49.  x 14:14.  fix  . 12:44.  y 37:27,36. 
39:1.  Ex.  21:2,16.  Nell. 5:5,8.  Mull.  18:25.  z Ex.  4:24— 26.  12:15.19.  30: 
33  38.  Lev.  7:20,21,25,27.  18:29.  19:8.  Num.  15:30.31.  a Fs.  55:29.  ie.  24:5. 
33:8.  Jer.  11:10.  31:32.  b 1:28.  24:01.  c 18:10— 14.  J Hell.  becom  nati,  ns.  35: 
11.  Gal.  4:27— 31.  il  See  on  6.  Is.  49:23.  e 18:12.  21:6.  Rom.  4:19,20.  I'Jer. 
32:39.  Acls  2:39.  e 18:10— 14.  21:2,3.  2 Kings  4:16,17.  Luke  1:13— 20.  Rom. 
9:6—9.  Gal.  4:28-31.  li  16:10— 12.  25:12— 18.  i 521:10 — 12.  26:2— 5.  46:1.  48:15. 
Ex.  2:24.  3:6.  Heb.  11:9. 


pectations  by  engaging  to  make  him  partaker  of  everlasting 
felicity  ; and  his  posterity  according  to  the  flesh  had  his  ora- 
cles committed  to  them,  his  prophets  sent  to  them,  and  his 
ordinances  administered  among  them.  Thus  he  was  their  God 
by  external  relation,  and  they  enjoyed  vast  advantages,  in 
spiritual  things,  above  all  the  rest  of  the  human  race,  till  the 
coming  of  Christ.  (Note,  Rom.  3:1,2.) — The  word  rendered 
everlasting,  must  be  understood  according  to  the  nature  of  the 
subject:  when  used  about  the  things  of  this  present  world,  or 
outward  privileges,  it  means  perpetual,  and  unalterable  while 
the  same  state  of  things  continues : but  when  it  relates  to  in- 
ward spiritual  blessings,  or  the  concerns  of  a future  state,  it 
seems  generally,  if  not  always,  strictly  to  denote  eternal  du- 
ration. Thus  Jehovah  was  a God  to  the  Israelites,  till  the 
coming  of  the  Messiah,  when,  according  to  the  whole  tenor 
of  prophecy,  that  state  of  tilings  wa§  to  terminate:  yet  the 
nation  is  still  kept  separate  for  gracious  purposes,  in  remem- 
brance of  this  covenant.  But  of  Abraham  and  all  his  spiritual 
seed,  God  is  the  eternal  Portion  and  Blessedness.  (Notes, 
Matt.  22:23 — 33.  Heb.  11:13 — 16.)  This  covenant  ‘shall 
involve  great  blessings  to  the  world ; yet  it  was  made  with 
Abram. ...It  made  Abram  the  father  of  the  church  in  all  future 
ages... .All  that  the  Christian  world  enjoys,  or  ever  will  enjoy, 
it  is  indebted  for  to  Abram  and  his  Seed  !...A  high  honour 
this,  to  be  the  stock  whence  the  Messiah  should  spring,  and 
on  which  the  church  of  God  should  grow.’  Fuller. 

V.  9 — 12.  Abraham  was  required  to  accede  to  the  cove- 
nant, to  profess  his  faith,  and  to  give  a proof  of  his  ready  ac- 
quiescence in  the  Lord’s  will,  by  submitting  to  circumcision ; 
and  he  and  all  his  posterity  must  observe  this  ordinance,  as  a 
pledge  and  mark  of  their  being  the  worshippers  and  servants 
of  Jehovah.  Many  nations  have  practised  circumcision, 
and  do  so  to  this  day ; and  even  some  not  descended  from 
Abraham,  or  related  to  him : yet  it  is  highly  probable,  that  this 
was  the  first  introduction  of  this  singular  observance. — Cut- 
tirg  off  the  foreskin  seems  to  have  been  intended  as  an  inti- 
mation, that  a sinful  nature  is  propagated  with  the  human 
species;  and  this  depravity,  called  “the  old  man,”  must  be 
put  off \ or  mortified  and  destroyed,  by  believers.  (Note,  Eph. 
4:20—24.)  In  them  the  “heart  is  circumcised  to  love  the 
Lord;”  and  rebellion  and  enmity  are  gradually  destroyed 
out  of  it  by  sanctifying  grace.  This  observance  was  the  sa- 
crament of  regeneration,  “ the  seal  of  the  righteousness  of 
faith;”  (Note,  Rom.  4:9 — 12.)  for  the  circumcision  of  the 
heart  is  an  inward  seal,  that  the  sinner  is  justified  by  Ihe 
righteousness  of  faith,  as  Abraham  was. — Circumcision  was 
i bloody  and  painful  ordinance:  for  the  sanctification  of  the 
Spirit  is  vouchsafed  to  sinners  through  the  blood  of  Christ ; 
the  mortification  of  sin  is  painful  to  the  flesh;  and,  till  the 
blood  of  Christ  had  been  shed  once  for  all,  the  ordinances  of 
God  were  generally  attended  with  the  shedding  of  blood  ; but 
lone  since  that  time  have  been  so. — Not  only  Abraham  and 
Isaac,  and  Abraham’s  posterity  by  Isaac,  were  circumcised  ; 
but  his  son  Ishmacl  and  his  very  bond-servants  ; for  circum- 
ision  sealed  the  covenant  of  God’s  giving,  not  only  Canaan 
io  Isaac’s  posterity,  hut  heaven,  through  Christ,  to  the  whole 

( 46  ) 


Church  of  God.  The  outward  sign  belonged  to  the  professed 
people  of  God  ; but  the  inward  seal  of  the  Spirit  is  peculiar 
to  those  whom  God  knows  (and  he  alone  can  know  them)  to 
be  believers. — Infants  were  circumcised,  because  a part  of  the 
visible  church,  and  because  this  was  a proper  profession  of 
their  parents’  faith,  and  a pledge  for  the  religious  education 
of  their  children,  thus  early  dedicated  to  God,  Yet  they  must 
not  be  circumcised  till  the  eighth  day ; and,  under  the  law, 
even  animals  must  not  be  presented  to  God  before  that  age. 
(Ex.  22:30.)  But,  as  many  infants  would  die  before  the 
eighth  day,  this  might  intimate  that  the  outward  ordinance, 
though  always  the  parents’  duty,  was  not  essential  to  salvation. 
Males  only  were  capable  of  circumcision : but.  in  Christ  there 
is  no  more  distinction  between  male  or  female,  than  between 
Jew  and  Gentile.  The  Gentile,  who  embraced  the  Jewish 
religion,  was  circumcised  adult ; but  his  future  offspring  at 
eight  days  old.  The  uncircumcised  were  ordered  to  be  cut 
off,  (14  :)  for  the  neglect  of  circumcision  was  in  fact  a rejec- 
tion of  tne  covenant;  and  the  uncircumcised  in  heart  will  be 
separated  for  ever  from  the  Lord  and  his  people.  Doubtless 
the  parent  would  he  chargeable  with  the  guilt  of  his  neglect, 
and  not  the  child  till  grown  up.  (Note,  Matt.  28:19,20.) 

V.  13.  In  your  jlesh.f  The  outward  seal  of  the  covenant 
would  remain  in  the  flesh  of  Abraham,  and  Isaac,  and  their 
posterity,  and  of  alt  who  were  thus  incorporated  among  them  ; 
for  the  use  of  circumcision,  as  a religious  rite,  would  distin- 
guish them  from  other  people. 

V.  15,  16.  Sarai  signifies  my  princess  ; Sarah,  a prin- 
cess, to  others  as  well  as  lo  Abraham:  implying  how  honour- 
able her  name  would  be  in  the  whole  church  of  God,  as  well 
as  in  Abraham’s  family.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  17.  When  Abraham  heard  the  words  of  God,  he  again 
prostrated  himself  in  reverential  worship,  and  laughed,  in  ad- 
miring faith  and  joyful  gratitude. — He  himself  was  born  when 
Terah  was  a hundred  and  thirty  years  old,  as  it  is  generally 
calculated  ; (Note,  11:26,27.)  but,  in  the  course  of  the  las! 
hundred  years,  it  seems  to  have  become  very  uncommi  n for 
men  to  have  children  at  so  advanced  an  age.  He  had  been 
so  long  married  to  Sarah,  and  she  was  now  so  far  advanced 
in  years,  continuing  barren,  that  it  seems  he  had  given  up  nil 
expectation  of  having  seed  by  her:  and,  previously  to  this 
explicit  declaration,  thought  that  the  promises  would  be  fulfill!  d 
in  Ishmael. 

V.  18.  Though  Abraham  “ staggered  not  at  the  promise 
through  unbelief,  but  was  strong  in  faith,  giving  glory  to  God  ;” 
yet  he  seems  to  have  had  some  struggle  with  unbelief,  in 
which  he  came  off  victorious,  llirough  the  repealed  assurances 
which  the  Lord  gave  him. — This  verse,  however,  may  be  in- 
terpreted as  a natural  and  earnest  desire  that  Ishmael  might 
have  a blessing  also;  and  not  be  excluded  from  the  favotlr  ot 
God,  or  separated  from  his  worshippers,  though  the  promised 
Seed  was  not  to  descend  from  him. 

V.  19 — 21.  It  was  the  purpose  of  God,  lliat  Christ  should 
descend  from  Isaac  and  his  son  Jacob:  in  that  family  true  re- 
ligion was  chiefly  supported ; to  them  Canaan,  rlio  t\  im  of 
I heaven,  was  granted;  and  they  represented  the  sp 


D.  C.  1993.* 


B.  C.  189S. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


whom  Sarah  shall  bear  unto  thee  kat  this  set  time 
in  the  next  year. 

22  And  He  left  off  ‘talking  with  him,  and  God 
went  up  from  Abraham. 

23  H And  Abraham  took  Ishmael  his  son,  and  all 
that  were  born  in  his  house,  and  all  that  were 
bought  with  his  money,  every  male  among  the  men 
of  Abraham’s  house  ; and  '"circumcised  the  flesh  of 
their  foreskin,  in  the  self-same  day,  as  God  had 
said  unto  him. 

24  And  "Abrahart  was  ninety  years  old  and  nine, 
when  he  was  circuit  cised  in  the  flesh  of  his  fore- 
skin. 

25  And  Ishmael  his  son  was  thirteen  years  old, 
when  he  was  circumcised  in  the  flesh  of  his  fore- 
skin. 

26  °In  the  self-same  day  was  Abraham  circum- 
cised, arid  Ishmael  his  son. 

27  And  all  the  men  of  his  house,  born  in  the 
house,  and  bought  with  money  of  the  stranger,  were 
^circumcised  with  him. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

The  Lord  attain  appears  to  Abrahcm , who  entertains  angels,  1 — 8.  A son  is 

promised  !o  Sara.'i , at  which  she  taushs,  and  her  misconduct  is  rcbulcfd,  9 — 

15.  The  Lord  discovers  to  Abraham  his  purpose  of  desttouing  Sodom , SfC. 

16- -22  ; who  earnestly  intercedes  forjhe  inhabitants , 23 — 33. 

AND  the  Lord  "appeared  unto  him  in  the  plains 
of  bMamre : and  he  sat  in  the  tent-door  in  the 
heat  of  the  day. 

t 21:2.  Job  1413.  Aclsl:7.  13.  !S:33.  35:9 — 15.  Ex.  20:22.  Num.  12:6— 8. 
Dent.  5:4.  John  1:18.  10:30.  m 18:19.  34:2-1.  Josh.  5.2 — 9.  Acts  16:3.  Horn.  2: 
25—29.  4:9—12.  1 t or.  7:18,19.  Gal.  5:6.  6:15.  n 1:17.  Rom.  4:19,20.  o 12:4. 
22:3,4.  Ps.  119:30.  p 18:19.  a 15:1.  17:1—3.22.  26:2.  48:3.  Ex.  4:1.  2 Chr.  1:7. 
Arts  7:2.  1)13:18.  1113.  c 22.  19.1.  <123  7.33.3—7.44:14.  Ruth  2:10.  2 Kin-s 
2:15.  e 19:2  . 24:32.  43:21.  1 Sam.  25:41.  Luke  7:44.  John  13:5—15.  1 Tim.  5: 


Seed  of  Abraham.  Yet  Ishmael  and  others,  after  this  limi- 
tation, being  at  that  time  a part  of  the  visible  church,  were 
commanded  to  be  circumcised ; and  vve  are  not  authorized, 
from  the  circumstance  of  the  covenant  concerning  J.he  pro- 
mised Seed  being  restricted  to  the  line  of  Isaac,  to  oetermine 
that  any  of  them  finally  perished.  (Notes,  16:10 — 12.) — Ish- 
mael was  the  son  of  a bondwoman:  how  unlikely  that  his 
sons  should  be  twelve  princes,  even  when  the  twelve  sons  of 
Jacob  were  only  shepherds  ! — His  name  Isaac.]  (Note,  21:3,4.) 

V.  22.  Left  off,  &c.]  The  whole  narration  suggests  the 
idea  of  a personal  conference;  and  leaves  no  reasonable 
ground  of  doubt,  whether  he,  who  here  calls  himself  44  the 
Almighty  God,”  was  the  same  as  afterwards  in  human  na- 
ture said,  u I and  my  Father  are  One  ;”  and,  44  He  that  hath 
seen  me,  hath  seen  the  Father.”  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  23 — 27.  Abraham  prepared  every  thing  for  immediate 
and  exact  obedience,  in  a painful  appointment,  against  which 
many  objections  might  have  been  urged,  and  which  might 
seem  even  to  counteract  the  accomplishment  of  the  promise 
sealed  by  it:  and  this  obedience  was  not  peculiar  to  him,  but 
was  imitated  by  his  household,  who  seem  to  have  made  no 
opposition ; and  we  may  conclude  that  many  of  them  were 
partakers  of  his  faith. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Y.  I — 8.  The  Lord,  from  time  to 'time,  vouchsafes  to  his 
servants  peculiar  manifestations  of  his  presence  and  favour, 
and  seasons  of  special  consolation : yet  their  daily  walk  with 
him  must  be  maintained  by  that  faith  which  44  sees  Him  who 
is  invisible.” — With  however  long  delays,  and  great  discou- 
ragements, the  faith  of  true  believers  may  be  tried,  God  will 
strengthen  it:  and  they  who  walk  before  him,  trust  in  him, 
and  wait  for  him,  shall  never  be  ashamed. — It  is  our  part  to  look 
to  our  own  temper  and  conduct ; and  to  leave  all  in  his  hands, 
who  is  all-sufficient  and  almighty ; and  who,  for  the  purposes 
of  his  own  glory,  often  delays  to  interpose,  till  expectation 
from  every  other  quarter  fails. — But  let  us  well  consider,  that 
the  Lord’s  gracious  condescensions  should  excite  our  adoring 
reverence,  lest  we  forget  who  He  is,  and  what  we  are  ! (Ps. 
89:7.  Heb.  12:28.  Rev.  15:4.) 

V.  9 — 27.  Not  only  the  doctrines  of  revelation,  but  the 
very  seals  of  the  new  covenant,  remind  us  that  we  are  guilty 
and  polluted,  evince  our  need  of  atoning  blood,  and  point  to 
the  promised  Saviour ; they  teach  us  to  exercise  faith  in  him  ; 
and  prove  that,  without  regeneration,  sanctification  by  his 
Spirit,  and  the  mortification  of  our  corrupt  and  sensual  incli- 
nations, we  cannot  bear  a covenant  relation  to  him.  Let  us 
then  remember,  that  the  true  44  circumcision  is  that  of  the 
neart,  by  the  Spirit;”  that  they  are  44  the  true  circumcision, 
who  worship  God  in  the  Spirit,  and  rejoice  in  Christ  Jesus, 
and  have  no  confidence  in  the  flesh (Note,  Phil.  3:1 — 7.)  anc 
that,  both  under  the  old  and  the  new  dispensation,  many  have 
had  the  external  profession,  the  sacramental  sign,  and  the 
outward  seal,  who  were  never  41  sealed  by  the  holy  Spirit  of 
promise.” — True  faith  evidences  itself  by  prompt  and  unre- 
served obedience  in  the  most  difficult  instances : and  if  our 
faith  be  of  this  kind,  we  may  be  confident  that  God  is  our 
God  and  everlasting  Portion  ; that  the  everlasting  covenant  is 
confirmed  to  us,  by  the  security  vouchsafed  to  Abraham ; and 


2 And  he  lifted  up  his  eyes  and  looked,  and  lo, 
'three  men  stood  by  him : and  when  lie  saw  them, 
he  ran  to  meet  them  from  the  tent-door,  and  ‘‘bow- 
ed himself  toward  the  ground; 

3 And  said,  My  Lord,  if  now  I have  found  favour 
in  thy  sight,  pass  not  away,  I pray  thee,  from  thy 
servant. 

4 Let  a little  water,  I pray  you,  be  fetched,  and 
'wash  your  feet,  and  rest  yourselves  under  the  tree. 

5 And  1 1 will  fetch  a morsel  of  bread,  and  ‘com- 
fort ye  your  hearts : after  that  ye  shall  pass  on  ; for 
therefore  ‘are  ye  come  to  your  servant.  And  they 
said,  So  do  as  thou  hast  said. 

6 And  Abraham  hastened  into  the  tent  unto  Sa- 
rah, and  said,  tMake  ready  quickly  ethree  measures 
of  fine  meal,  knead  it,  and  make  cakes  upon  the 
hearth. 

7 And  Abraham  hran  unto  the  herd,  and  fetched 
a calf  tender  and  good,  and  gave  it  unto  a young 
man  ; and  he  hasted  to  dress  it. 

8 And  ‘he  took  butter  and  milk,  and  the  calf 
which  he  had  dressed,  and  set  it  before  them  ; kand 
he  stood  by  them  under  the  tree,  ‘and  they  did  eat. 

9 And  they  said  unto  him,  '"Where  is  Sarah  thy 
wife?  And  he  said,  Behold,  "in  the  tent. 

10  And  °Hesaid,I  will  certainly  return  unto  thee 
Paccording  to  the  time  of  life  : and  loj-^Sarah  thy 
wife  shall  have  a son.  And  Sarah  heard  it  in  the 
tent-door,  which  was  behind  him. 

1 o.  fJudg.  6:18.  13:15.  * Heb.  stay.  ludg.  19:5.  t Heb.  ye  ha  c passed.  19:8. 

X Heb.  hasten,  e Is.  32:8.  Luke  10:38 — 40.  Acts  16:15.  Rorn.  12:13.  Gal.  5:13. 
Heb.  13:2.  1 . et.  4:9.  h 19:3.  Am.  6:4.  Mail.  22:4.  Luke  15  23.27,30.  ij'eul. 
32:14.  k Luke  12:37.  17:8.  John  12:2.  Rev.  3:20.  1 Luke  24;3U,43.  Acts  10  41. 
m 4:9.  n 24:67.  31:33.  Tit.  2:5.  o 13,14.  16:10.22:15,16.  p 17:21. 21:2.  2 Kings 
4:16,17.  q 17:19.  Judg.l3:3— 5.  Luke  1:13.  Rom.  9:9.  Gal.  4:23,28. 

that  he,  who  has  given  us  a new  heart,  hath  also  44  given  us 
a new  name,  which  no  man  knoweth,  save  he  who  receiveth 
it.”  (Note,  Rev.  2:17.)  And  while  we  thankfully  embrace 
the  pledges  of  his  love,  and  make  open  profession  of  our  faith ; 
let  us  not  forget  to  seek  in  earnest  prayer,  the  same  blessings 
for  our  children,  our  servants,  and  all  connected  with  us. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XYIII.  V.  1,  2.  It  is  here  expressly 
said,  that  “Jehovah  appeared  to  Abraham,”  or  was  seen  by 
him  ; and  the  manner  of  this  appearance  is  afterwards  related. 
— Abraham  was  waiting  for  an  opportunity  of  exercising 
hospitality,  by  entertaining  any  weary  traveller,  who  might 
need  refreshment  and  a cooling  shade;  (for  inns  were  not. 
then  to  be  met  with,  as  among  us;)  and  at  that  time  three 
persons,  appearing  as  men,  presented  themselves  before  him. 
It  is  generally  agreed,  that  two  of  these  were  created  angels  ; 
but  many  infer  from  the  context,  that  the  other  was  the  eter- 
nal Son  visibly  appearing  as  in  human  form.  Indeed,  there 
is  not  the  least  intimation  in  the  narrative  of  any  other  ap- 
pearance, except  that,  of  the  three  men  whom  Abraham  en- 
tertained. If  this  were  the  only  instance  in  which  language 
naturally  suited  to  warrant  ’such  a conclusion  was  used,  it 
would  not  be  proper  to  ground  much  upon  it : but  passages 
frequently  occur,  which  seem  incapable  of  any  other  con- 
struction, without  having  recourse  to  human  tradition,  in  ex- 
plaining the  words  of  inspiration,  even  that  very  tradition 
which  our  Lord  opposed  ; (Mark  7:9.)  and  thus  implying 
that  the  simple  narrative  of  the  sacred  historian  was  calcu- 
lated to  mislead  the  unlearned.  ( Note,  32:30.  Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  3 — 8.  Abraham  addressed  himself  to  one  of  the  three, 
who  appeared  to  have  the  pre-eminence ; but,  it  is  probable, 
he  did  not  at  first  know  his  guests : for  his  bowing  to  them 
seems  to  have  been  rather  a token  of  civil  respect,  as  toper- 
sons  who  appeared  venerable  and  honourable,  than  an  act  of 
religious  adoration.  (Marg.  Ref.  d.) — Washing  the  feet  was 
customary  and  necessary  in  those  hot  climates  where  only 
sandals  were  worn ; and  the  several  particulars  here  related  are 
suited  to  give  us  an  idea  of  the  simple,  liberal,  active,  and 
obliging  hospitality  of  the  ancient  patriarchs. — Butter.]  1 W e 
read  of  cheese  in  Homer,  Euripides,  Theocritus,  and  others; 
yet  they  never  mention  butter : nor  hath  Aristotle  a word 
about  it,  though  he  hath  sundry  observations  about  cheese. 
For  butter  was  not  then  known  among  the  Greeks.’  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  9 — 12.  This  attention  to  Abraham’s  concerns  would 
gradually  show  him  whom  he  had  entertained.  At  first,  they 
inquired  after  Sarah,  who  was  in  her  tent:  and  then  one  of 
them,  Jehovah,  (as  it  must  appear  to  every  plain  reader,) 
spake  to  Abraham  respecting  that  promise  as  his  owyi , which 
had  been  given  in  the  foregoing  chapter  by  the  almighty  God  : 
and  he  expressly  engaged  for  its  accompli-hment ! (Note,  1 7: 
19 — 21.)  But.  as  this  had  been  delayed  till  it  had  become  un- 
precedented, according  to  general  observation  ; Sarah,  who 
heard  what  passed,  “laughed  within  herself;”  and  spake 
words  not  very  dissimilar  to  those  of  Abraham  in  the  preced- 
ing chapter.  Yet  the  heart-searching  God,  saw  that  her’s 
was  the  expression  of  unbelief;  and  his,  of  faith,  admiration, 
and  joy. — 44  According  to  the  time  of  life,”  is  supposed  tx» 
mean  the  usual  term  of  pregnanev. — It  is  observable,  thai 

( 47  )' 


B-  C.  1S98.  GENESIS.  «B.  C.  1898 


1 1 Now  Abraham  and  Sarah  were  "old,  and  well 
stricken  in  a<re  : and  it  ceased  to  be  with  Sarah 
after  ‘the  manner  of  women. 

12  Therefore  Sarah  ‘laughed  within  herself,  say- 
ing, After  1 am  waxed  old,  shall  I have  pleasure, 
“my  lord  being  old  also  ? 

13  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Abraham,  Where- 
fore did  Sarali  laugh,  saying,  Shall  I of  a surety 
bear  a child,  which  am  old? 

14  Is  “any  thing  too  hard  for  the  Lord?  At  the 
time  appointed  XI  will  return  unto  thee,  according 
to  the  time  ot  life,  and  Sarah  shall  have  a son. 

15  Then  Sarah  ^denied,  saying,  1 laughed  not: 
for  she  was  afraid.  And  he  said,  zNay,  but  thou 

didst  laUgh.  [Practical  Observations.] 

16  H And  the  men  rose  up  from  thence,  and 
looked  towards  Sodom  : and  Abraham  went  with 
them  ‘to  bring  them  on  the  way. 

17  And  the  Lord  said,  bShall  I hide  from  Abra- 
ham that  thing  which  I do  ; 

18  Seeing  that  Abraham  shall  surely  ‘become  a 
great  and  mighty  nation,  and  all  the  nations  of  the 
earth  shall  be  blessed  in  him  ? 

1-9  For  dI  know  him,  that  he  will  ‘command  his 
children  and  his  household  after  him,  and  they  shall 
keep  the  way  of  the  Lord,  to  do  justice  and  judg- 
ment: fthat  the  Lord  may  bring  upon  Abraham 
that  which  he  hath  spoken  of  him. 

20  And  the  Lord  said,  Because  sthe  cry  of  So- 
dom and  Gomorrah  is  great,  and  because  their  bsin 
is  very  grievous ; 

21  I will  ‘go  down  now,  and  ksee  whether  they 
have  done  altogether  according  to  the  cry  of  it, 
which  is  come  unto  me;  and  if  not,  'I  will  know. 

22  And  mthe  men  turned  their  faces  from  thence, 
and  went  toward  Sodom  : but  Abraham  "stood  yet 

before  the  Lord.  [Practical  Observations.] 

r 17:24.  Luke  1:7,36.  Rom.  4:18— 21.  s3I:35.  1 17:17.  21:6,7.  Luke  1:18—20, 
M, 35.  Heb.  11:11,12.  u Epli.  5:33.  1 Ret.  3:6.  v Num.  11:23.  2 Kinss7:1.2. 
Jer.  32:17.  Zech.  8:6» Mall.  3:9.  19:26.  Luke  1:37.  Eph.  3:2U.  Phil.  3:21.  4:13. 
Heh. 11:19.  i 10.  Deul. 30:3.  Ps. 90:13.  v4:9.  12:13.  Joh2:10.  Johnl8:17, 
25 — 27.  1 John  1:8.  zl's.  44:21.  Prov.  12:19.  Mark  2:8.  John  2:25.  Rom  3:19. 
a Acts  21:5.  Rom.  15:24.  3 John  6.  b 2 Kings  4:27.  Ps.  25:14.  Am.  3:7.  John  15: 
15.  Jam.  2:23.  c See  on  12:2,3  22.17,18.  Ps.  72:17.  Acts3:25, 26.  Gal.  3:8,14. 
Cph.  1:3.  d2Sam.  7:20.  Ps.  1:6.  John  21:17.  2 Tim 2:19.  e 17:23— 27.  Deul. 
4:9,10.  6:6,7.  11:19—21.  3*2:46.  Josh.  24:15.  Job  1:5.  Ps.78:5— 8.  Prov.  6:20,21 . 
22:6.  Eph.  6:4.  1 Tim.  3:4,5,12.  2 Tim.  1:5.  3:15.  fl  Sam.  2:30,31.  Acts  27:23, 
21,31.  g 4:10.  19:13.  Jam.  5:4.  h 13:13.  i 11:5,7.  Ex.  3:8.  33:5.  Mic.  1:3. 
John  6:38.  1 Thes.  4:16.  k Jer.  17:1.  Zeph.  1:12.  Heb.4:13.  1 Deut.  8:2.  13: 


from  this  very  speech  of  Sarah,  the  apostle  Peter  quotes  her 
words  concern#n|.*  Abraham,  in  which  she  calls  him,  “ My 
lord,”  as  a commendable  instance  of  her  dutiful  subjection  to 
him  ! (1  Pet.  3:6.) 

V.  13 — 15.  Here  the  speaker  is  expressly  called  Jehovah. 
— By  manifesting  that  he  was  acquainted  with  what  Sarah 
did  secretly,  he  showed  that  he  could  accomplish  his  word, 
however  contrary  to  the  ordinary  course  of  things.  The  con- 
duct of  Sarah  showed  great  weakness,  and  was  exceedingly 
faulty ; yet  the  rebuke  was  very  gentle,  and  connected  with  a 
renewal  of  the  promise  ! 

V.  17.  The  Lord  would  not  conceal  from  “Abraham  his 
friend,”  his  intention  of  destroying  the  cities  of  the  plain  ; for 
he  was  concerned  in  the  event,  both  on  account  of  Lot,  and 
as  the  inheritance  of  the  adjacent  countries  was  covenanted 
to  his  posterity.  God  would  also  give  his  servant  an  oppor- 
tunity to  intercede  for  the  criminals ; and  show  him  the  rea- 
sons of  his  conduct,  that  he  might  approve  of  it,  and  glorify 
him  on  that  account.  (Note,  John  15:12 — 16.) 

V.  18,  19.  The  promises  to  Abraham  and  his  posterity, 
and,  through  Christ,  to  the  nations  of  the  earth,  were  abso- 
lute ; yet  Abraham’s  conduct  was  an  essential  part  of  the 
gracious  plan.  The  Lord  also  approved  his  servant’s  inte- 
grity, piety,  and  zeal ; and  knew  that  he  would  perseveringly 
instruct  his  family,  set  them  a good  example,  and  pray  for 
them  ; and  use  his  authority  in  restraining  evil,  and  promoting 
justice  and  godliness  among  them.  Of  this  he  had  just  before 
given  a remarkable  proof,  by  obeying  the  Lord’s  command  in 
circumcising  himself  and  family.  He  would  also  train  up 
Isaac  in  the  same  pious  manner ; and  thus  the  way  would  be 
prepared  for  the  promised  blessings  to  be  conferred  on  his 
posterity. 

V.  20,  21.  The  just  judge  does  not  pronounce  sentence 
on  mere  rumour ; but  ascertains  the  criminal’s  guilt  before 
he  executes  vengeance.  Thus  the  Lord  declared,  that  he 
would  impartially  judge  and  punish  the  guilty  cities,  on  full 
proof  of  their  atrocious  wickedness. 

V.  22.  The  two,  whom  we  suppose  to  have  been  created 
angels,  departed  at  this  time;  and  accordingly  two  entered 
Sodom  at  evening:  while  the  One,  called  Jehovah  through- 
out the  chapter,  continued  with  Abraham,  who  “stood  yet 
before  the  Lord;”  before  the  same  Person  with  whom  he 
had  hitherto  been  communing. 

( 48  ) 


23  H And  Abraham  "drew  near,  and  said,  rWilt 
thou  also  destroy  the  righteous  with  the  wicked  ? 

24  Peradventure  'Uhere  be  fifty  righteous  within 
the  city : wilt  thou  also  destroy  and  not  "spare  the 
place  tor  the  filly  righteous  that  are  therein? 

25  That  ‘be  tar  from  thee  to  do  after  this  manner, 
to  slay  the  righteous  with  the  wicked : and  that  ‘the 
righteous  should  be  as  the  wicked,  that  be  far  from 
thee:  "Shall  notxthe  Judge  of  all  the  earl h do  right? 

26  And  the  Lord  said,  Hf  1 find  in  Sodom  fifty 
righteous  within  the  city,  then  I will  spare  all  the 
place  for  their  sakes. 

27  And  Abraham  answered  and  said,  Behold 
now,  "I  have  taken  upon  me  to  speak  unto  the 
Lord,  which  am,  but  “dust  and  ashes. 

28  Peradventure  there  shall  lack  five  of  the  fifty 
righteous:  bwilt  thou  destroy  all  the  city  tor  lack  of 
five  ? And  He  said,  cIf  I find  there  forty  and  five, 
I will  not  destroy  it. 

29  And  he  spake  unto  him  yet  again,  and  said, 
Peradventure  there  shall  be  forty  found  there. 
And  He  said,  I will  not  do  it  for  forty’s  sake. 

30  And  he  said  unto  him,  dOh,  let  not  the  Lord 
be  angry,  and  I will  speak : Peradventure  there 
shall  thirty  be  found  there.  And  He  said,  I will 
not  do  it,  if  I find  thirty*  there. 

31  And  he  said,  ‘Behold  now  I have  taken  upon 
me  to  speak  unto  the  Lord  : Peradventure  there 
shall  be  twenty  found  there.  And  he  said,  I will 
not  destroy  it  for  twenty’s  sake. 

32  And  he  said,  fOh,  let  not  the  Lord  be  angry, 
and  I will  speak  yet  but  this  once : Peradventure 
ten  shall  be  found  there.  And  eHe  said,  I will 
not  destroy  it  for  ten’s  sake. 

33  And  hthe  Lord  went  his  way,  as  soon  as  he 
had  left  communing  with  Abraham:  ’and  Abraham 
returned  unto  his  place. 


3.  m2.  19:1.  n Ps.  106:23.  Jer.  15:1.  18:20.  Ez.  22:30.  Acts  7:55.  o Ps.  73: 
28.  Jer.  30:21.  Heh.  10:22.  p20:4.  Num.  16:22.  2Nam.  24:17.  Ps.  11:4 — 7. 
Rom.  3:5,6.  q 32.  Is.  1:9.  Jer.  5:1.  Matt.  7:13,14.  i*Acts27:24.  e Jer.  12:1. 
I Job  8:20.  9:22,23.  Ec.7:15.  8:12,13.  Is.  3:10,11.  57:1,2.  Mul.  3:18.  u Job  8:3. 
34:17—19.  Ps.  58:11.  94:2.  98:9.  Rom.  3:6.  x John  5:22—27.  2 Cor.  5:10.  vis. 
S5:8.  Ez.  22:30.  Matt.  24:22.  z 30— 32.  Ezra  9:6.  Job  42:6— 8.  Is.  6:5.  a'2:7. 
3:19.  Job  4:19.  Ps.  8:4.  144:3.  Ec.  12:7.  Is.  64:8.  1 Cor.  15:47,48.  2 Cor.  5:1 
b Num.  14:17— 19.  1 Kings  20:32,33.  Job  23:3,4.  c26,29.  (144:18.  Judg.  6:39. 
Esth.  4:11—16.  Is.  55:8,9.  e 27.  Luke  11:8.  18:1.  Eph.  6:18.  Heb.  4:16.  fProv. 
15:8.  Is.  62:6,7.  Jam.  5:15—17.  1 John  5:15,16.  g Ex.  34:6,7.  Ps.  86:5.  Mic.  7. 
18.  Eph.  3:20.  h 16,22.  32:26.  i 31:55. 


V.  23 — 26.  When  Abraham  “engaged  his  heart”  to  inter- 
cede for  the  devoted  cities:  (Note,  Jer.  30:19—  22,  v.  22.)  he 
assumed  it  as  an  unquestionable  truth,  that  “the  Judge  of  all 
the  earth  would  do  right.”  But,  knowing  how  “ the  righteous 
Lord  delighteth  in  mercy,”  he  not  only  pleaded  that  the  pious 
remnant  might  be  preserved,  but  likewise  that  the  rest  might 
be  spared  for  their  sakes. — ‘He  does  not  plead  that  the 
wicked  may  be  spared  for  their  own  sakes,  or  because  it  would 
be  too  severe  to  destroy  them. — This  would  have  been  siding 
with  sinners  against  God! — Thus  Christ  makes  intercession 
for  sinners ; not  by  arraigning  the  divine  law,  not  by  alleging 
aught  in  extenuation  of  human  guilt ; but  by  pleading  his  own 
obedience  unto  death.”  Fuller. 

V.  27,  28.  While  Abraham,  with  magnanimous  philan- 
thropy, pleaded  for  the  guilty  cities ; ho  did  not  forget  that  he 
himself  was  but  “dust  and  ashes,”  a poor,  sinful,  dying  man. 
His  argument  also  was  very  ingenious  : he  had  obtained  from 
the  divine  condescension  an  assurance,  that  Sodom  should  be 
saved,  if  fifty  righteous  persons  could  be  found  in  it ; and 
would  the  merciful  God  destroy  the  whole  city  for  the  want 
of  only  Jive  of  that  number  ? 

V.  32.  Ten.]  It  is  probable,  that  Abraham  thought  that 
he  had  now  got  within  the  limits  of  Lot’s  family  ; if,  however, 
there  were  not  that  small  number  in  Sodom  and  its  depen- 
dencies, he  must  allow  the  justice  of  the  sentence. — 1 Not  a 
soul  seems  to  have  been  won  over,  by  Lot’s  residence  in  the 
place,  to  the  worship  of  the  true  God.’  Fuller. 

V.  33.  Surely  this  is  calculated  to  convey  to  us  the  idea 
of  a visible  appearance  and  a personal  conference  ! But  “ no 
man  hath  seen  God  at  any  time  ; the  only-begotten  Son.  who 
is  in  the  bosom  of  the  Father,  he  hath  declared  him.  and 
thence  we  infer,  that  this  was  an  anticipation  of  the  future 
incarnation  of  the  Son  of  God. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 15.  We  should  not  “be  forgetful  to  entertain  stran- 
gers ; for  thereby  some  have  entertained  angels  unawares;” 
nay,  the  Lord  of  angels  himself,  as  indeed  we  always  do, 
when  for  his  sake  we  entertain  one  of  the  least  of  his  bre- 
thren. Cheerful  liberality,  and  an  obliging  manner  in  show- 
ing kindness,  are  great  ornaments  to  true  piety:  and  wealth, 
used  to  pious  and  beneficent  purposes,  becomes  indeed  a 
blessing  to  the  possessor  and  to  many  others. — Though  our 
condescending  Lord  does  not  vouchsafe  to  us  his  personal 


B C.  18S>8, 


CHAPTER  XIX.  - 


B.  C.  1893. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Lot  enfsrtains  tiro  angels,  1 — 3.  The  abandoned  Sodomites  are  smitten  with 
blindness,  •! — 11.  Lot  is  warned,  and  in  vain  warns  his  sons-in-law,  1*2 — 14. 
He  is  directed  to  flee  with  Itis  family  to  the  mountain,  but  obtains  leave  to  re- 
tire to  Zoai-y  15 — '23.  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  are  destroyed  ; and  I ot's  wife, 
looking  back,  becomes  a pillar  of  salt,'l\ — 26.  Abraham  beholdv  the  destruc- 
tion of  Sodom,  Sfc.  27 — 29.  Lot  retires  from  Zoar  ; and  is  betrayed,  into 
drunkenness  and  incest , 30 — 35.  The  birth  of  Moab  and  Ammon,  36 — 38. 

AND  there  came  "two  angels  to  Sodom  at 
even ; and  Lot  sat  in  the  gate  of  Sodom : 
and  Lot  seeing  f/im,brose  up  to  meetthem;and 
he  bowed  himself  with  his  face  toward  the  ground; 

2  And  he  said,  Behold  now,  my  lords,  turn  in, 
I pray  you,  into  your  servant’s  house,  and  tarry 
all  night,  and  wash  your  feet,  and  ye  shall  arise 
up  early,  and  go  on  your  ways.  And  they  said, 
"Nay,  but  we  will  abide  in  the  street  all  night. 

3  And  he  dpressed  upon  them  greatly ; and 
they  turned  in  unto  him,  and  entered  into  his 
house : and  he  made  them  ca  feast,  and  did  bake 
'unleavened  bread,  and  they  did  eat. 

4  H But  ^before  they  lay  down,  the  men  of  the 
city,  even  the  men  of  Sodom,  compassed  the  house 
round,  both  old  and  young,  ''all  the  people  from 
every  quarter. 

a 18:1,2,22.  b 18:2—5.  Job  31:32.  Heb.  13:2.  cJudg.  19:17— 21.  Luke  24:28  29. 
Acts  IG:15.  d2  Kings  4:8.  Luke  14:23.  2 Cor.  5: 14.  e 18:6-3.  21:8.  Luke  5:29. 
John  12:2.  f Ex.  12:15,39.  Judg.  6:19.  lSain.2S;24.  1 Cor.  5:8.  gProv.  4:1(>. 
6:19.  h 13:13.  18:20.  Ex.  16:2.  Jer.  5:1— 6,31.  Matt.  27:20— 25.  T Lev.  18:22. 
20:13.  Judg.  19:22.  Is.  1:9.  3:9.  Ez.  16:49,51.  Matt.  11:23,24.  Rom.  1:26,27.  1 

visits,  yet  still,  by  his  word  and  Spirit,  he  “ stands  at  the 
door  and  knocks and  when  we  are  inclined  to  open,  he 
deigns  to  enter;  and  by  his  gracious  consolations  provides  a 
rich  entertainment,  on  which  “ he  sups  with  us,  and  we  with 
him.”  (Note,  Rev.  3:20 — 22.) — Even  the  strongest  believers 
need  repeated  confirmations  of  their  faith,  and  in  trying  cir- 
cumstances sometimes  “ stagger  through  unbelief.” — One  sin 
is  commonly  the  introduction  to  another:  and  it  is  hardly  to 
he  expected  that  we  should  strictly  adhere  to  truth,  when  we 
allow  ourselves  to  question  the  divine  veracity : but  those 
“ whom  the  Lord  loves,  he  rebukes,”  silences,  and  brings  to 
repentance,  when  they  sin  against  him.— The  same  action 
may  in  some  cases  be  either  good  or  bad,  as  it  springs  from 
opposite  internal  principles. — Our  discouragements  also  would 
be  greatly  removed,  and  our  temptations  prevented,  did  we 
more  fully  realize  the  almighty  power  of  God,  as  engaged  to 
fulfil  his  largest  promises. 

V.  16 — 22.  The  righteous  Lord  exactly  determines  the 
degree  of  criminality,  both  of  individuals  and  nations,  and 
proportions  his  punishments  to  their  sins ; but,  alas  ! the  more 
particular  the  scrutiny  is,  the  more  numerous  and  atrocious 
abominations  are  generally  detected  and  exposed. — ■“  The  se- 
cret of  the  Lord  is  with  them  that  fear  him:”  and  whether 
he  does,  or  does  not,  discover  to  his  people  what  he  is  about 
to  do,  lie  will  eventually  satisfy  them  of  his  wisdom  and  jus- 
tice in  his  most  awful  judgments  on  the  wicked  ; so  that  the 
whole  will  animate  their  admiring  adorations  akd  praises. — 
He  graciously  notices  our  attention  to  family  religion : and 
when  we  use  our  authority  and  ability,  in  governing-  and 
m.-structing  our  households,  it  is  not  only  an  acceptable  ser- 
vice, and  conducive  to  the  diffusion  and  continuance  of  piety 
in  the  world ; but  is  also  the  means  of  entailing  spiritual 
advantages  on  our  posterity  : while  the  neglect  of  it  is  often 
visited  by  sore  judgments  on  them,  as  in  the  case  of  Lot,  of 
Eli,  and  of  Jehoshaphat. 

V.  23—33.  “ The  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a righteous 
man  availeth  much:”  and  the  ungodly  are  little  aware  how 
deeply  they  are  indebted,  as  to  temporal  comforts,  and  that 
long-suffering,  which  frequently  makes  way  for  their  conver- 
sion and  salvation,  to  the  prayers  of  the  very  perlons  whom 
they  despise  and  injure  ; nay,  a number  in  any  nation  or  city, 
who  stand  in  the  gap  by  their  intercessions  and  exertions,  are 
a stronger  defence  than  armies’,  navies,  or  fortifications. — It 
is  our  duty  and  privilege  thus  to  stand  before  the  Lord,  not 
only  in  behalf  of  our  relatives,  friends,  brethren,  and  country, 
hut  likewise  of  all  on  whom  we  apprehend  the  wrath  of  God 
is  about  to  be  poured  ; and  to  fill  our  mouth  with  arguments, 
and  order  our  cause  before  him  in  the  best  manner  we  can. 
-4  nd  though  our  unworthiness  and  vileness,  compared  with 
his  majesty  and  holiness,  must  frequently  excite  a conscious- 
ness how  unmeet  we  are  thus  “ to  engage  our  hearts  to 
approach  unto  God yet,  coming  through  our  great  and 
merciful  High-Priest  to  a throne  of  Grace,  wo,  sinful  dust 
md  ashes,  need  not  fear,  that  the  Lord  will  be  angry  at  our 
Kimble,  compassionate,  and  fervent  petitions  : for  they  are 
* spiritual  sacrifices,  acceptable  to  God  through  Jesus 
Christ.”  We  shall  always  find  him  more  ready  to  hear  than 
we  to  ask ; and  shall  commonly  discontinue  our  requests 
i-cfore  he  ceases  to  grant  them.  Yet  in  many  cases  we 
i*nst  be  satisfied  with  the  assurance,  that  our  "prayers  will 
return  into  our  own  bosom.” — In  praying  for  sinners,  we 
should  be  careful  not  to  impeach  the  justice  of  God  in  their 
condemnation : for  we  could^  not  desire  that  the  destruction 
of  ‘he  finally  impenitent  should  be  prevented. — The  Lord 
wil  by  no  means  deal  alike  with  the  righteous  and  the  wicked. 
Vol.  I.— 7 


5 And  they  called  unto  Lot,  and  said  unto  him, 
'Where  are  the  men  which  came  in  to  thee  this 
night  ? bring  them  out  unto  us,  that  we  may  know 
them. 

6 And  Lot  went  out  at  the  door  unto  them,  and 
shut  the  door  after  him, 

7 And  said,  kI  pray  you,  brethren,  'do  not  so 
wickedly. 

8 Behold  now,  mI  have  two  daughters  which 
have  not  known  man ; let  me,  I pray  you,  bring 
them  out  unto  you,  and  do  ye  to  them  as  is  good 
in  your  eyes : only  unto  these  men  do  nothing ; 
for  "therefore  came  they  under  the  shadow  of  my 
roof. 

9 And  they  said,  "Stand  back.  And  they  said 
again,  ''This  one  fellow  came  in  to  sojourn,  and  he 
will  needs  be  a judge  : now  will  we  deal  worse 
with  thee,  than  with  them.  ‘lArid  they  pressed 
sore  upon  the  man,  even  Lot,  and  came  near  to 
break  the  door. 

10  But  the  men  put  forth  their  hand,  and  pulled 
Lot  into  the  house  to  them,  and  shut  to  the 
door. 


Tor.  6:9.  1 Tim.  1:10.  Jude  7.  k Judg.  19:23.  1 Sam  30:23,24.  Acts  17:26.  1 F.x. 
32:22.  m 31— 38.  42:37.  Judg.  19:24.  Mark  9:6.  Rom.  3:8.  n 18:5.  o 1 Sam. 
2.517.  Prov.  9:7,8.  Jer.  3:3.  6:15.  8:12.  Matt.  7:6.  1)13:12.  Ex.  2:14.  Ails  7: 
26—28  . 2 Pet . 2:7,8.  q 11:6.  1 Sam.  2: 16.  Prov.  14:16.  17:12.  27:3.  Ec.  9:3.  11): 
13.  Dan.  3:19— 22. 


“ That  be  far  from  him:  Shall  not  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth 
do  right  ?”  Yet  the  best  of  men  are  sinners,  and  niay  justly 
be  involved  in  public  calamities  ; especially  when  they  have 
not  decidedly  protested  against  prevailing  impiety,  and  sepa- 
rated from  the  wicked : but  God  will  make  a more  exact 
discrimination  in  a future  world.  He  delighteth,  however,  in 
mercy ; and  for  the  sake  of  a few  who  really  serve  him,  he 
ofien  prolongs  the  tranquillity  and  preserves  the  lives  of  mul- 
titudes ; so  that  believers  are  not  only  blessed,  hut  a blessing 
wherever  they  live.  The  good  Lord  be  pleased  to  increase 
.the  number  of  them  in  our  land,  and  in  every  part  of  the 
world ! 

NOTES. — Chap.  XIX.  V.  1.  The  sacred  historian, 
more  agreeably  occupied,  as  it  were,  by  the  history  of  faith- 
ful Abraham,  had  for  some  time  been  silent  as  to  Lot:  but 
in  this  chapter  he  is  again  introduced,  though  not  greatly  to 
his  credit.  The  apostle  Peter  says,  that  “ Lot  was  vexed 
with  the  filthy  conversation  of  the  wicked ; for  that  righteous 
man,  dwelling  among  them,  in  seeing  and  hearing,  vexed  his 
righteous  soul  from  day  to  day  with  their  unlawful  deeds.’ 
We  must  therefore  conclude,  that  his  character  was  upright, 
and  on  the  whole  his  example  good.  But  he  wanted  firm- 
ness, and  was  not  fit  for  the  situation  into  which  he  had 
intruded  himself;  nor  was  he  able  to  “set  his  face  like  a 
flint”  against  the  wicked  inhabitants  of  Sodom.  He  went 
thither  from  unworthy  motives,  and  continued  there  with 
unwarrantable  pertinacity : and  accordingly,  he  seems  to 
have  done  no  good,  and  to  have  got  much  harm  himself,  and 
his  family  still  more.  He  however  waited  for  an  opportunity 
of  entertaining  strangers ; setting  an  example  of  hospitality  in 
the  midst  of  triumphant  abominations : and  in  this  he  imitated 
Abraham.— - Two  angels  appeared  to  Lot,  and  He  who  spake 
as  Jehovah  was  not  sensibly  present.  Lot  must  be  deli- 
vered as  “a  righteous  man,”  and  in  regard  to  Abraham’s 
intercession  ; but  sharp  rebukes,  rather  than  peculiar  honour 
and  consolation,  were  most  suited  to  his  case. — The  angels 
appeared  to  him  as  men ; but  there  seems  to  have  been 
something  extraordinary  and  attractive  in  their  form  and 
manner. 

V.  2,  3.  In  order  to  evince  the  cordiality  of  Lot’s  invita- 
tions, the  angels  at  first  declined  them  : but  “he  pressed  on 
them  greatly aware  that  insults  awaited  them  in  the 
street.  (KarfSnuraro.  Sept.  Marg.  Ref.  c.  d.) 

V.  4,  5.  This  simple  narration  conveys  more  forcibly  an 
idea  of  the  extreme  and  unparalleled  wickedness  of  Sodom, 
and  of  all  ranks  and  descriptions  of  its  inhabitants,  than  the 
most  laboured  descriptions  and  rhetorical  declamations  could 
have  done  ; and  is  a most  beautiful  example  of  giving  inti- 
mations concerning  practices,  too  shameful  to  be  mentioned, 
in  language  which  excites  no  other  sensation  than  horror  and 
indignation. 

V.  6 — 9.  The  regard  to  the  rites  of  hospitality,  which 
Lot  expressed  on  this  occasion,  was  very  commendable  : but 
having  used  all  proper  means  of  preserving  his  guests,  he 
ought  to  have  left  the  cause  with  God ; and  on  no  account  to 
have  made  a proposal  to  the  outrageous  Sodomites  concern- 
ing his  daughters,  which  was  entirely  inconsistent  with  every 
moral  obligation.  It  may  indeed  be  ascribed  in  part  to  the 
excessive  perturbation  of  his  mind : but  probably  his  judg- 
ment was  rather  perverted,  and  his  feelings  blunted,  by  the 
conversation  and  example  of  his  profligate  neighbours.  (1 
Cor.  15:33.)  He  thus,  however,  gave  them  occasion,  by 
violently  resenting  so  gentle  and  feeble  an  admonition,  to 
manifest  their  excessive  depravity,  in  the  most  striking  man- 
ner imaginable. 


I 49  ) 


B.  C.  1898. 


GENESIS 


B.  C.  1898. 


11  And  they  smote  the  men  that  were  at  the 
door  of  the  house  with  rblindness,  both  small  and 
great : so  that  'they  wearied  themselves  to  find 
the  door. 

12  U And  the  men  said  unto  Lot,  ‘Hast  thou 
here  any  besides  ? “son-in-law,  and  thy  sons,  and 
thy  daughters,  and  whatsoever  thou  hast  in  the 
city,  bring  them  out  of  this  place. 

13  For  we  will  destroy  this  place,  because  the 
’'cry  of  them  is  waxen  great  before  the  face  of  the 
Lord,  and  vthe  Lord  hath  sent  us  to  destroy  it. 

14  And  Lot  went  out,  and  spake  unto  his  sons- 
in-law,  which  married  his  daughters,  and  said, 
'Up,  get  ye  out  of  this  place  ; lor  the  Lord  will 
destroy  this  city:  but  he  seemed  aas  one  that 
mocked  unto  his  sons-in-law. 

15  And  when  the  morning  arose,  then  the 
angels  bhastened  Lot,  saying,  Arise,  take  thy  wife, 
and  thy  two  daughters  which  "are  here;  lest  thou 
be  consumed  in  the  'iniquity  of  the  city. 

[ Practical  Observations .] 

16  And  while  he  'lingered,  the  men  laid  hold 
upon  his  hand,  and  upon  the  hand  of  his  wife, 
and  upon  the  hand  of  his  two  daughters;  dthe 
Lord  being  merciful  unto  him:  and  they 'brought 
him  forth,  and  set  him  without  the  city. 

17  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  they  had  brought 
them  forth  abroad,  that  he  said,  'Escape  for  thy 
life  ; elook  not  behind  thee,  neither  stay  thou  in  all 
the  plain ; escape  to  the  mountain,  lest  thou  be 
consumed. 

18  And  Lot  saidunto  them,hOh,  not  so,  my  Lord. 

19  Behold,  now,  thy  servant  hath  found  grace 
in  thy  sight,  ‘and  thou  hast  magnified  thy  mercy, 
which  thou  hast  showed  unto  me  in  saving  my 
life : and  I cannot  escape  to  the  mountain,  klest 
some  evil  take  me,  and  I die. 

r 2 Kings  6:18.  Acts  13:11.  s Ec.  10:15.  1 7:1.  Nit  in.  16:26.  Josh.  6:22,23.  Jer. 
32:39.  u 14.  x 18:20.  Jain.  5:4.  y 1 (.'hr.  21:15,16.  Is.  37  36.  Ec.  9:5,6.  Malt. 
13:11,42,49,50  Ads  12:23.  Rev.  16:1— 12.  z Num.  16:21,45.  Rev.  18:4— 8. 
a Ex.  9:21.  2 Chr.  30:10.  36:16.  Pmv.  29:1.  Jer.  5:12—14.  I.uke  17:28—30.  Ads 
17:32.  1 Then.  5:3.  It  Num.  16:24— 27.  Prov.  6:4,5.  Luke  13:24,23.  3 Cor. 5:2. 
Heb.  3:7,8.  * Heb.  are  found.  | Or , punishment.  cPs.  119:60.  d Ex.  34:6. 
Is.  63:9.  Lam.  3:22.  Ruin.  9:15.16.18.  Eph.  2:4.5.  Tit.  3:5.  eJosh.6:22.  Ps. 
34:22.  2 pet.  2:9.  fl  Sam.  19:11.  1 Kings  19:3.  Matt.  3:7.  24:16—18.  Heb.  2:3. 
g26.  Luke  17:31,32.  h 2 Kings  5:11,12.  John  13:6— 8.  Acts  9:13.  10:14.  i 1 Tim. 
1:14—16.  k 12:12,13.  1 Sam. ‘27:1.  Ps.  77:7— 11.  116:11.  Matt.  8:25,26.  Mark 


V.  11.  The  persons,  thus  smitten  with  blindness,  seem 
not  to  have  been  aware  of  their  real  condition:  but  supposing 
they  saw  objects  which  indeed  they  did  not  sec,  they  were 
entirely  bewildered,  and  wearied  themselves  with  seeking  the 
door,  while  incapable  of  perceiving  where  it  really  was. 
(Notes,  2 Kings  6:18 — 20.)  •. 

V.  13.  We  will  destroy  ...  the  Lord  hath  sent  ws.]  This  is 
the  language  of  servants  obeying  orders ; and  very  different 
from  that  employed  in  the  preceding  chapter.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  14,  15.  Probably  the  sons-in-lavv  here  mentioned,  had 
married  other  daughters  of  Lot ; who  either  were  dead,  or 
they  perished  in  the  ruin  of  the  city.  (Note,  Rev.  18:4 — 8.) 

V.  16 — 22.  Lot  was  forbidden  to  look  behind  him  ; as  this 
would  indicate  great  reluctance  to  leave  his  property  in 
Sodom,  and  to  quit  the  fertile  plain  which  had  so  long 
ensnared  him.  Indeed,  his  attachment  was  so  strong  to 
Sodom,  and  his  lingering  so  criminal,  that  it  was  an  instance 
of  special  indulgence,  that  he  was  not  left  to  loiter  till  it 
was  too  late  to  escape.  And  at  last,  through  unbelief  and 
undue  valuation  of  worldly  things,  he  was  unwilling  entirely 
to  quit  the  plain  and  flee  to  the  mountain:  yet  mercy  pre- 
vailed ; and  Zoar,  a small  city,  was  spared  in  condescension 
1o  his  infirmity,  and  in  answer  to  his  request ! Zoar  signifies 
Little  : it  was  before  called  Bela ; but  being  spared  because 
it  was  a little  city,  it  afterwards  retained  the  name  of  Zoar. — 
Lot  addressed  himself  especially  to  the  angel,  who  led  him 
out  of  Sodom,  and  was  answered  by  him;  yet  the  other 
seems  to  have  continued  with  his  family.  Many  indeed  sup- 
pose that  lie,  who  appeared  and  spake  to  Abraham  as 
Jehovah,  had  now  joined  them;  but  there  is  no  decided 
proof  of  it.  The  angels  might  have  a commission  to  spare 
Zoar  at  Lot’s  request;  and  he  might  express  his  gratitude  to 
the  instrument  ot  his  preservation,  when  visibly  prcseM,  in 
the  language  here  used,  without  ascribing  to  him  the  honour 
due  to  God  alone.  Lot  must  arrive  at  a place  of  safety, 
before  vengeance  could  be  inflicted  on  Sodom:  this  implied 
a rebuke  of  his  unbelieving  fears,  as  well  as  a most  conde- 
scending assurance  of  the  Lord’s  merciful  care  of  him. 

V.  23.  The  rising  sun  promised  a cheerful  day ; but  how 
Bpeedily and  awfully  was  the  prospect  changed! 

V.  24,  25.  The  language  here  is  remarkable ; “Jehovah 

rained from  Jehovah  out  of  heaven:”  and  it  is  supposed 

by  many  expositors  to  confirm  the  opinion,  that.  He,  who  ap- 
peared and  spake  to  Abraham  as  Jehovah,  was  visibly 
present  at  Sodom  immediately  commanding  the  fire  and 

( 50'  ) 


20  BehoIJ,  now,  'this  city  is  near  to  flee  unto, 
and  it  is  a little  one  : Oh,  let  me  escape  thither, 
(is  it  not  a little  one  ?)  mand  my  soul  shall  live. 

21  And  he  said  unto  him,  See,  "I  have  accepted 
'thee  concerning  this  thing  also,  “that  I will  not 
overthrow  this  city,  for  the  which  thou  hast  spoken. 

22  Haste  thee,  escape  thither:  I’for  I cannot  do 
any  thing  till  thou  be  come  thither.  Therefore 
the  name  of  the  city  was  ‘‘called  Zoar. 

23  The  sun  was  Arisen  upon  the  earth  when  Lot 
entered  into  Z»'ar. 

24  Then  rthe  Lord  rained  upon  Sodom  and 
upon  Gomorrah,  brimstone  and  fire  from  the  Loud 
out  of  heaven. 

25  And  he  overthrew  those  cities,  and  ‘all  the 
plain,  and  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  cities,  and  that 
which  grew  upon  the  ground. 

26  But  his  wife  ‘looked  back  from  behind  him, 
“and  she  became  a pillar  of  salt. 

27  It  And  Abraham  gat  up  early  in  the  morning, 
“to  the  place  where  lie  stood  before  the  Lord. 

28  And  he  looked  toward  Sodom  and  Gomorrah, 
and  toward  all  the  land  of  the  plain,  and  beheld, 
?and  lo,  the  smoke  of  the  country  went  up  as  the 
smoke  of  a furnace. 

29  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  God  destroyed 
the  cities  of  the  plain,  that  zGod  remembered 
Abraham,  and  sent  Lot  out  of  the  midst  of  the 
overthrow,  when  he  overthrew  the  cities  in  the 
which  Lot  dwelt. 

30  IT  And  “Lot  went  up  out  of  Zoar,  and  dwelt 
in  the  mountain, and  his  two  daughters  with  him; 
for  bhe  feared  to  dwell  in  Zoar : and  he  dwelt  in  a 
cave,  he  and  his  two  daughters. 

31  And  the  first-born  said  unto  the  younger,  Our 
father  is  old,  and  there  is  not  a man  on  the  earth 
cto  come  in  unto  us  after  the  manner  of  all  the  earth. 


9:19.  Rom.  8:31.  1 30.  Prov.  3.5— 7.  nt  12.13.  Ps.  119:175.  n Ps.  102:17.  143: 
19.  Malt.  12:20.  Heb.  2:17.  4:15,16.  } Hub.  (Ay /ace.  o 12  2.  18:24.  p32:26 
— 28.  Ex.  32:16.  Dent  9:14.  Mark  6:5.  2Tim.2:13.  Tit.  1:2.  a 13.10.  14:2. 
Is.  15:5.  Jer.  48:34.  § Heb.  gone  forth,  r 1 lent.  29:23.  Job  18:15.  Is. 11:6.  la. 
13:19.  Jer.  49:18  . 50:40.  Lam.  4:6.  E?..  16:49, .50.  llos.ll:8.  Am.  4:11.  Zc ph. 
2:9.  Malt.  11:23,24.  Luke  17:28,29.  2 Pet.  2:6.  Jude  7.  s 13: Id.  14:3.  t 17. 
Prov.  14:14.  Luke  17:31,32.  Heb.  10:38.  u Num.  16:38.  x 18:22.  y Rev.  14: 
10,11.18:18.  21:8.  *8:1.  12:2.  18:23—  33.  Deut.  9:5.  Kz.  35:31,32.  a 17— 23 
b 49:4.  Jer.  2:36.37.  lam.  1:8.  c6:4.  16:2,4.  38:8,9,14—30.  Deut.  25:5.  Is.  4:1. 


brimstone  from  heaven  to  destroy  the  city.  The  judgment 
came,  however,  M as  a destruction  from  the  Almighty;”  and 
we  need  not  inquire  how  he  effected  it.  But  the  cities  and 
all  the  inhabitants  were  totally  destroyed ; and  the  whole 
plain  was  converted  into  a great  lake,  called  the  Salt  Sea,  or 
Dead  Sea;  jvhich  exhibits  an  appearance  in  many  respects 
extraordinaty,  and  dissimilar  to  that  of  all  other  seas  or  lakes. 

V.  26.  This  unhappy  woman,  contrary  to  God’s  express 
command,  in  unbelief  and  love  to  Sodom  and  its  riches,  regret- 
ting what  was  left  behind,  and  probably  purposing  to  return, 
“ looked  back ;”  and  as  some  think,  actually  attempted  to 
return  ; and  our  Lord’s  words,  w Let  him  not  return  back  ; 
remember  Lot’s  wife,”  favour  this  supposition.  She  was 
therefore  instantaneously  struck  dead  and  petrified,  and  thus 
remained  to  after-ages  a visible  monument  of  the  divine  dis- 
pleasure ; being  punished  as  a warning  to  others  through  suc- 
cessive generations. — Perhaps  she  was  a native  of  Sodom, 
as  nothing  is  said  of  Lot  having  a wife,  when  with  Abraham. 
— Above  twenty  years  had  passed,  from  the  time  that  Lot 
went  to  Sodom. 

V.  27 — 29.  Abraham  rose  early  to  inquire  after  the  suc- 
cess of  his  prayers,  and  prpbably  to  renew  them:  but  the 
awful  scene  which  he  witnessed  effectually  precluded  further 
intercession  for  those  cities.  Yet  God  remembered  Abraham, 
and  rescued  Lot,  more  in  answer  to  Abraham’s  prayers,  than 
as  approving  Lot’s  behaviour. 

V.  30.  Lot  retired  from  the  place  which  lie  had  chosen, 
perhaps  finding  it  as  wicked  as  Sodom : and  that  considera- 
tion, joined  to  the  inundating  of  the  neighbouring  plain  by  the 
obstructed  waters  of  Jordan,  might  excite  apprehensions  for 
his  safety,  He  went,  thcreforo,  to  reside  in  a cave,  probably 
on  the  very  mountain  to  which  he  was  at  first  commanded  to 
tier. — But  what  hindered  his  return  to  Abraham?  Doubt- 
less Abraham  would  have  received  him,  though  stript  of  all, 
and  a wretched  outcast.  We  cannot  but  attribute  his  con- 
duct to  stoutness  of  spirit,  and  fear  of  contempt,  if  he  should 
appear  so  degraded  among  those,  who  had  known  him  in 
more  prosperous  days.  Whatever  were  his  reasons,  ho  for- 
sook his  own  mercies. — No  doubt  his  herdmen,  as  well  as  his 
herds,  perished  in  the  overthrow  of  Sodom.  Iiow  different 
was  his  family  from  that  of  Abraham  ! 

Y.  31 — 38.  Many  conjectures  have  been  formed  concern- 
ing the  motives  which  induced  Lot’s  daughters  to  (his  most 
atrocious  conduct;  and  many  excuses  have  been  al/cmpted. 
It  is  not  indeed  improbabb  that  the  desire  i>f  leaving  children, 


B.  C.  1893. 


CHAPTER  XX 


B.  C.  1893. 


32  Come,  let  us  make  our  father  ''drink  wine, 
and  we  will  lie  with  him,  that  we  may  preserve 
•seed  of  our  father. 

33  And  they  made  their  father  'drink  wine  that 
night:  and  the  first-born  went  in,  and  lay  with 
her  father;  and  he  perceived  not  when  she  lay 
down,  nor  when  she  arose. 

34  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow,  that  the 
first-born  said  unto  the  younger,  Behold,  el  lay 
yesternight,  with  my  father : let  us  make  him  drink 
wine  this  night  also ; and  go  thou  in,  and  lie  with 
him,  that  we  may  preserve  seed  of  our  father. 

35  And  they  made  their  father  drink  wine  hthat 
night  also : and  the  younger  arose,  and  lay  with 
him ; and  he  perceived  not  when  she  lay  down, 
nor  when  she  arose. 

36  Thus  “were  both  the  daughters  of  Lot  with 
child  by  their  father. 

37  And  the  first-born  bare  a son,  and  called  bis 
name  Moab : the  same  is  the  father  of  the  ‘Mo- 
abites unto  this  day. 

38  And  the  younger  she  also  bare  a son,  and 
called  his  name  Ben-ammi : the  same  is  the  father 
of  the  ‘children  of  Ammon  unto  this  day. 


d 9:21.  Prov.  23:31— 33.  Hab.  2:15,16.  e Lex.  18:6,7.  Mark  12:19.  f Prov.  20: 
1.23:29—35.  g Is.  3:9.  Jer.  3:3.  6:15.  8:12.  h i s.  8:4.  Ec.  2:26.  Luke  21 :34. 
1 Cor.  10.11,12.  1 Pet.  4:7.  i 8.  Jiulg.  1:7.  1 Sum.  15:33.  k Num.  22— 21:  Dent. 
2:9.23:3.  2 Sara.  8:  2Kines3:  !Deut2:19.  Judg.  11:  1 Sam.  11:  2 Sam.  10: 

Nell.  13:1 — 3,23 — 23.  Ps.83:4— 8.  a 13:1.  18:1.  2(:62.  h 16:7,14.  Deut.  1:1  ■». 
1 Sam.  15:7.  c 1U:19.  26:1,6,26.  d 12:11— Id.  26:7.  2 Chr.  32:31.  Ec.  7:20. 


of  which  they  seemed  to  have  no  other  prospect,  was  one 
powerful  inducement:  but  there  is  little  reason  to  think  that 
they  had  any  expectations  of  being  the  ancestors  of  the  pro- 
mised Seed,  for  that  distinction  was  expressly  limited  to  the 
seed  of  Abraham.  The  truth  seems  to  be,  that  though  pre- 
served from  gross  crimes,  they  had  been  accustomed  in  Sodom 
to  hear  and  Witness  wickedness,  till  their  consciences  were 
become  unfeeling,  and  their  sense  of  shame  blunted.  No 
sufficient  excuse  can  be  made  either  for  them  or  for  Lot ; and 
indeed,  scarcely  any  account  can  be  given  of  the  transaction 
but  this,  that  “ the  heart  is  deceitful  above  all  things,  and 
desperately  wicked ; who  can  know  it  ?”■ — After  this  we  read 
no  more,  in  the  history,  of  Lot,  or  of  his  daughters.  Peter’s 
testimony  satisfies  us,  that  he  lived  to  repent;  yet  there  is 
no  proof  that  his  daughters  did.  But  he  died  under  a dark 
cloud ; all  his  substance  and  part  of  his  family  perished  in 
Sodom : his  wife  in  looking  back,  lost  her  life ; and  it  might 
almost  have  been  wished,  that  his  daughters  had  been  taken 
away  too,  that  his  and  their  sin  and  shame  might  have 
been  prevented : for,  though  he  was  not  “ written  child- 
less,” his  posterity  were  the  monuments  of  his  reproach,  and 
their  very  names  perpetuated  the  memory  of  their  disgraceful 
origin. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 15.  When  angels  entered  Sodom,  they  found  out 
the  only  righteous  man  residing  there.  Thus  they  still  in- 
visibly encamp  round  them  that  fear  the  Lord:  and  thus 
we  ought  to  associate  with  the  righteous  in  every  place  to 
which  we  go.  Nor  is  it  in  general  very  difficult  to  "distinguish 
them  ; for  “by  their  fruits  we  may  know  them,”  and  by  the 
hatred  which  the  wicked  bear  them  : and  hospitality  prudent- 
ly shown  for  the  Lord’s  sake  will  engage  his  protection  and  a 
gracious  recompense.— But  to  what  a pitch  of  wickedness  do 
some  sinners  arrive  ■ Who  does  not  allow  the  justice  of  God 
in  the  destruction  of  abandoned  Sodom  ? and  could  our  eyes 
at  once  behold  all  those  abominations,  which  the  Lord  every 
moment  witnesses  m other  cities  and  countries,  we  should 
probably  expect  that  they  would  share  Sodom’s  doom.  In- 
deed, “except  the  Lord  of  Hosts  had  left  unto  us  a very 
small  remnant,  even  we  should,”  ere  this,  “have  been  like 
unto  Sodom  and  Gomorrah.”  The  good  Lord  increase  that 
remnant ! — But  when,  at  the  day  of  judgment,  God  shall 
“ bring  to  light  the  hidden  things  of  darkness,  and  manifest  the 
counsels  of  all  hearts and  when  the  wicked  shall  “ suffer 
the  vengeance  of  eternal  fire :”  we  shall  see  that  the  Lord 
hath  not  without  cause  denounced  the  dreadful  sentence,  but 
shall  wonder  at  his  patience  and  long-suffering  towards  them. 
— In  attempting  to  do  good,  or  prevent  evil,  we  must  take 
care  that  the  methods  which  we  adopt  are  justifiable  : nor 
must  we  commit  a less  sin  to  prevent  others  from  perpetra- 
ting a greater. — Nothing  marks  sinners  more  ripe  for  destruc- 
tion, than  when,  being  mad  upon  their  lusts,  they  resent  the 
least  check,  and  will  bear  no  control;  for  “he  that  being 
often  reproved,  hardeneth  his  neck,  shall  suddenly  be  de- 
stroyed, and  that  without  remedy.”  And  they  who  treat  the 
friendly  warnings  of  God’s  servants  and  ministers  as  idle  tales 
and  groundless  fears,  will  be  awfully  convinced  of  their  mis- 
take by  the  event. 

V.  16 — 38.  ““The  salvation  of  the  righteous  is  of  the 
Lord.”  Being  merciful  to  them,  he  warns  them,  and  nei- 
ther suffers  them  to  neglect  the  warning,  nor  leaves  them  to 
the  effect  of  their  procrastinating  folly  : but,  by  the  mixed  in- 
fluences of  hopes  and  fears,  he  disposes  them  to  leave  all  for 


CHAPTER  XX. 

Abraham  sojourn s in  Gerar , and  denies  his  wife  ; wham  Abimelech  takes,  but 
is  warned  in  a dream  to  restore,!— 1.  Abim  lech  expostulates  with  Abraham , 
an  l restores  SarnJi  wi  h presents  and  a gentle  repmof,  8 — 16.  Ab.melech  and 
his  family  are  healed , in  answer  to  Abraham's  prayer , 17,  18. 

AND  Abraham  journeyed  from  ““thence  towar. 

the  south-country,  and  dwelled  between  bKa 
desh  and  Shur,  and  sojourned  in  “Gerar. 

2  And  Abraham  ‘‘said  of  Sarah  his  wife,  She  is 
my  sister.  And  eAbimelech  king'  of  Gerar  sent 
and  took  Sarah. 

3  But  God  came  to  Abimelech  in  fa  dream  by 
night,  and  said  to  him,  Behold,  thou  art  but  f-'a 
dead  man,  for  the  woman  which  thou  hast  taken  : 
for  she  is  'a  man’s  wife. 

4  But  Abimelech  '“had  not  come  near  her  : and 
he  said,  Lord,  “wilt  thou  slay  also  a righteous 
nation  ? 

5  Said  he  not  unto  me,  She  is  my  sister  ? and 
she,  even  she  herself,  said,  He  is  my  brother  : kin 
the  'integrity  of  my  heart,  'and  innocency  of  my 
hands,  have  I done  thisj- 

6  And  God  said  unto  him  in  a dream,  Yea,  I 
know  that  thou  didst  this  in  the  integrity  of  thy 
heart ; for  I also  “"withheld  thee  from  “sinning 


Gnl.  2:11,12.  e2S:l,16.  f 28:12. 31:24.  37:5,9.  40:8.  41:1. &c.  Job  4:12,13.  33. 
15.  Man.  1:20.  2:12,13.  27:1.1  g7.  Us.  11)5:14.  El.  33:44.  Jon. 3:4.  • Htb 

married  to  an  husband,  h 6:18.  i 18:23 — 25.  19:24.  2 Sam.  4:11.  k Josh.  22:22 
2 Kings  20:3.  IChr.  2C:17.  2 Cor.  1:12.  lThes.2:10.  f Or,  simplicity,  or  sinceri- 
ty. I Job  33:9.  I s.  26:6.  73:13.  Dan.  6:22.  m 18:  31:7.  35:5.  I Sain.  25:25,34. 
Hos.  2:6,7.  n 39:9.  Ps.  51*4. 


the  salvation  of  their  souls  ; and  he  even  condescends  com- 
passionately to  accommodate  himself  to  their  infirmities.  Let 
us,  however,  at  the  same  time  remark  his  awful  severity  on 
apostates : let  us  u remember  Lot’s  wife,”  and  not  allow  one 
hankering  wish  after  forbidden  or  forsaken  objects : and  let 
us  be  much  afraid,  lest,  “ after  having  escaped  the  corrup- 
tion which  is  in  the  world,  through  the  knowledge  of  Christ, 
we  should  be  again  entangled  and  overcome  thereby.”  For, 
though  u the  Lord  will  not  forsake  his  people,”  the  severity  of 
his  multiplied  chastisements  may  well  fill  our  souls  with  holy 
awe : and  if  he  pursue  his  children  with  the  rod,  even  unto 
the  grave,  what  will  be  the  dreadful  doom  of  his  enemies  ? 
— It  is  grievous  to  observe,  that  chastisement  seems  in  some 
cases  to  lose  its  effect ; that,  for  a time,  they  who  are  cor- 
rected sin  more  and  more ! and  that  those  who  have  escaped 
contamination  among  bad  examples,  are  overcome  in  soli- 
tude : and  remain  unimpressed  by  the  awful  judgments  which 
they  have  witnessed!  These  may  expect  to  suffer  more  and 
more,  and  to  die  in  uncertainty  and  dishonour  ; and  it  is  an  evi- 
dent fact,  that  children  do  suffer  for  their  parents’  sin.  Let 
us  then  watch  and  pray,  that  we  enter  not  into  temptation ; 
and  especially  let  us  guard  against  covetousness  and  drunken- 
ness, which  are  inlets  to  all  other  crimes. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XX.  V.  1 — 6.  Gerar  was  inhabited 
by  the  Philistines,  and  seems  to  have  been  their  capital  city. 
— Abimelech  signifies  My  father  the  king.  He  took  Sarah 
with  intent  to  espouse  her,  though  he  had  already  at  least 
one  wife,  (17.)  She  still  retained  her  beauty ; which  appears 
wonderful  to  us,  but  might  not  be  so  very  remarkable  at  that 
time.  Probably  Sarah  was  then  pregnant,  which  circum- 
stance would  increase  her  anxiety  and  that  of  Abraham ; 
and  it  was  also  an  aggravation  of  their  sin,  which  was  in- 
deed in  every  respect  much  more  heinous  than  before. 
(Note,  12:11 — 1C.)  Before  revelation  by  the  written  word 
was  afforded  and  completed,  the  Lord  was  pleased  more 
frequently  to  make  known  his  will,  in  ordinary  cases  by 
dreams,  as  distinct  from  prophetical  discoveries  to  be  com- 
municated to  others : but  every  impression  of  that  kind,  and 
indeed  all  supposed  discoveries  of  the  divine  will,  must  now 
be  tried  by  the  infallible  and  perfect  standard  of  the  ho.'y 
Scriptures  ; and  no  farther  regarded  than  they  are  warranted 
by  them. — As  Sarah  was  another  man’s  wife,  Abimelech 
was  warned  that  he  should  inevitably  die,  unless  he  restored 
her ; and  he  was  alarmed  lest  his  people  also  should  be  visi  ed 
with  overwhelming  judgments  on  her  account.  Yet  he  was 
conscious  that  he  had  not  intended  to  commit  adultery,  but  had 
been  misled  by  the  express  declarations  of  both  Abraham  and 
Sarah;  nor  could  he  suppose  that  the  Lord  would  “slay 
also  a righteous  nation.”  He  evidently  referred  to  the  la:e 
destruction  of  Sodom  and  the  cities  of  the  plain,  which  doubt- 
less had  caused  great  consternation,  and  probably  a degree  of 
reformation  in  that  neighbourhood. — As  the  Lord  admitted 
Abimelech’s  plea,  we  may  suppose  that  both  he  and  his  sub- 
jects were  free  from  the  abominations  of  Sodom ; and  were 
not  generally  idolaters,  but  had  some  remains  of  true  religion 
among  them;  and  thus  were  comparatively  “a  righteous 
nation.” — The  Lord  had  “ withheld  Abimelech  from  sinning 
against  him  ;”  probably  by  some  uncommon  disease,  with 
which  his  subjects  also  were  visited,  (18.)  This  was  in  fact 
a merciful  dispensation,  to  keep  him  from  bringing  guilt,  and 
heavier  condemnation,  on  himself  and  his  people. — If  all 
adulterers  were  dead  men  in  this  Christian  land,  how  would 
it  decrease  our  numbers,  and  especially  bew  would  it  thin  thr. 

( 51  * 


U.  OF  ILL  o. 


B.  C.  H98 


GENESIS. 


B.  C.  1897 


against  me  : therefore  suffered  I thee  not  °to  touch 
her. 

7 Now  therefore  restore  the  man  his  wife ; for 
lie  is  a rprophet,  and  he  shall  spray  for  thee,  and 
thou  shall  live  : and  if  thou  restore  her  not,  know 
thou  that  thou  shalt  rsurely  die,  thou,  and  "all  that 
are  thine. 

8 Therefore  Abimelech  rose  early  in  the  morning, 
and  called  all  his  servants,  and  told  all  these  things 
in  their  ears:  and  the  men  were  sore  afraid. 

9 V Then  Abimelech  called  Abraham,  and  said 
unto  him,  lWhat  hast  thou  done  unto  us  ? and 
what  have  I offended  thee,  that  thou  hast  brought 
on  me,  and  on  my  kingdom,  ua  great  sin  ? thou 
hast  done  deeds  unto  me  that  xought  not  to  he 
done. 

10  And  Abimelech  said  unto  Abraham,  What 
sawest  thou,  that  thou  hast  done  this  thing  ? 

11  And  Abraham  said,  Because  I' thought, 
rSurely  the  fear  of  God  if  not  in  this  place  : and 
they  will  “slay  me  for  my  wile’s  sake. 

12  And  “yet  indeed  she  is  my  sister  ; she  is  the 
daughter  of  my  father,  but  not  the  daughter  of  my 
mother:  and  she  became  my  wife. 

13  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  bGod  caused  me 
to  wander  from  my  father’s  house,  that  I said  unto 
her,  cThis  is  thy  kindness  which  thou  shalt  show 
unto  me ; at  every  place  whither  we  shall  come, 
say  of  me,  He  is  my  brother. 

14  And  Abimelech  dtook  sheep,  and  oxen,  and 

0 3:3.  2S:11.  lCor.7:l.  2Cor.6:17.  p 12.1— 3.  1817.  Kx.  7:1 . Ps.  105:9— 15. 

q 1 Sum.  7:5,8.  12:19,23.  2 Sam.  24:17.  1 Kings  13:6.  S Kings  S:ll.  19:2—4. 
Job  42:8.  Jer.  14:11.  15:1.27:18.  Jam. 5:14— 16.  lJohn5:16.  r2:17.  Ez.  3: 
18.33:8,14—16.  sNum.  16:32,33.  1 12:18  . 26:10.  F.x.  32:21,35.  Josh. 7:25. 

1 Sam. 26:18,19.  Prov. 28:10.  u Lev. 20:10.  2Sam.  12:10.11.  Heb.  13:4.  x 34:7. 

2 Sam.  13:12.  Tit.  1:11.  y 22:12.  42:18.  Neb.  5:15.  Job  1:1.  28:28.  Ps.36:l. 
Prov.  1:7.  2:5.  8:13.  16:6.  Rom.  3:18.  z 12:12.  26:7.  a 11:29.  1 Thes.  5:22. 


ranks  of  the  superior  orders  in  the  community ! — Against  me, 
(fi.  Note,  Ps.  51:4. 

V.  7.  Prophet.]  Abraham  is  the  first  person  called  apro- 
phet  in  the  scripture.  The  title  seems  to  denote  one  who  is 
favoured  with  a peculiar  intercourse  with  God,  who  receives 
communications  from  him  in  his  own  personal  concerns,  or  is 
employed  to  deliver  his  mind  and  will  to  others ; whether  he 
utter  predictions  of  future  events  or  not.  Various  external 
circumstances  attended  these  communications ; and  some 
prophets  had  more  intimate  access  to  God,  and  explicit  dis- 
coveries of  his  will,  than  others  : but  this  general  definition 
will  apply  almost  to  every  place  in  the  sacred  oracles,  where 
the  word  is  used  ; except  when  false  prophets  are  meant,  who 
pretended  to  that  special  intercourse  with  God  which  the  true 
prophets  actually  enjoyed. — The  intercession  of  prophets  was 
deemed  peculiarly  effectual.  ( Marg.Ref . p.  q.) 

V.  8.  ‘His  council  were  all  of  the  same  mind,  that  this 
was  a divine  admonition,  which  it  was  not  safe  to  disobey.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  9 — 13.  Abimelech’s  expostulation  and  remonstrance 
were  weighty,  convincing,  and  mild : but  Abraham’s  an- 
swer, implied  criminal  distrust  of  God,  groundless  suspi- 
cion of  the  Gerarites,  and  a settled  plan  of  misconduct ; 
and  his  excuse  was  tinctured  with  equivocation. — (Note,  11: 
28—32.) 

V.  16.  Abimelech  either  gave  Abraham  a thousand  pieces 
of  silver,  (probably  shekels,)  in  money,  besides  the  presents 
before-mentioned;  or  this  was  the  value  of  the  whole.  In 
stating  this  to  Sarah,  he  calls  him  her  brother,  which  implied 
a rebuke  of  her  misconduct. — Some  expound  the  following 
words  of  the  money  given  to  Abraham  ; — “ This  is  a covering 
of  the  eyes,  &c.”  ‘I  have  given  him  this  money  to  buy  thee 
a veil,  that  all  who  converse  with  thee  here,  or  in  any  other 
country  where  thou  shalt  come,  may  know  thee  to  be  a mar- 
ried woman.’ — A veil  was  worn  as  a token  of  subjection  to 
her  husband. — Others  refer  them  to  Abraham:  “ He  is  to 
thee  a covering  of  the  eyes,  &c.1’  ‘Thou  shouldst  have 
avowed  thy  relation  to  him,  which  would  have  sufficiently 
protected  thee,  either  here  or  elsewhere.’ — Instead  of,  “ And 
with  all  other,  &c.”  the  Septuagint.  read,  ‘And  in  all  things 
speak  truth.’ — Thus  she  was  reproved  or  instructed. 

V.  17,18.  The  disorders  indicted  on  Abimelech  and  his 
family,  not  only  withheld  him  from  sin,  but  tended  to  show 
the  efficacy  of  fervent  prayer,  and  to  put  honour  upon  Abra- 
ham, and  so  to  promote  the  knowledge  of  God  among  the 
Philistines.  (1  Sam.  5:  C :) — ‘ Man’s  wisdom  leads  him  into  a 
pit ; but  God’s  wisdom  must  draw  him  out.’  Fuller. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  very  affecting  here  again  to  notice  even  ‘the  father  of 
the  faithful’  manifesting  distrust  of  God,  and  undue  solicitude 
about  life;  equivocating  with  intent  to  deceive;  relapsing 
into  his  former  sin ; drawing  in  Sarah  to  share  his  guilt, 
exposing  her  honour  and  chastity,  and  even  endangering  a 
question  about  the  legitimacy  of  his  promised  Isaac;  throw- 
ing temptation  into  Abimelech’s  way  ; occasioning  affliction 
( 52  ) 


men-servants,  and  women-servants,  and  gave 
them  unto  Abraham,  band  restored  him  Sarah  his 
wile. 

15  And  Abimelech  said,  Behold,  fmy  land  is  before 
thee : dwell  'where  it  pleaseth  thee. 

16  And  unto  Sarah  he  said,  Behold,  I have 
given  ethy  brother  a thousand  pieces  of  silver : 
’■behold,  he  is  to  thee  ‘a  covering  of  the  eyes,  unto 
all  that  are  with  thee,  and  with  all  other : kthus 
she  was  reproved. 

17  So  Abraham  ’prayed  unto  God;  and  God 
healed  Abimelech  and  his  wife,  and  his  maid-ser- 
vants • and  they  bare  children. 

18  For  the  Lord  had  mfast  closed  up  all  the 
wombs  of  the  house  of  Abimelech,  because  of 
Sarah,  Abraham’s  wife. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

Isaac  is  barn  and  circumcised , and  Abraham  and  Sarah  rejoice , 1 — 7.  Isaac 
is  weaned , 8.  Is/imael  mocks , and.  al  Sarah’s  instance  and  bv  God’s  di>  ec- 
lion,  is  sent  away  wi  h Hazar,  9 — 14.  They  are  distresse  i,  but  delivered  ; 
and  Ishmnel  prospers  and  marries  an  Egyptian , 15 — 21.  Abraham  cove- 
nants with  Abimelech , and  worships  God  at  Beersheba,  22 — 34. 

AND  the  Lord  “visited  Sarah  as  he  had  said  ; 

anj  the  Lord  did  unto  Sarah  bas  he  had 
spoken. 

2 For  Sarah  “conceived  and  bare  AbraLam  a 
son  in  his  old  age,  dat  the  set  time  of  which  God 
had  spoken  to  him. 

3 And  Abraham  “called  the  name  of  his  son 
that  was  born  unto  him,  whom  Sarah  bare  to  him, 
Isaac. 


b 12:1.  Acls7:3—  5.  Heb.  11:8.  c 1 Sam.  23:21.  Ps.64:5.  Acts  5:9.  dll.  12:16. 
e 2,7.  12:19,20.  f 13:9.  34:10.  47:6.  ’ Heb.  as  is  good  in  thine  eyes,  g 5. 

Prov.  27:5.  h 26:11.  i24:G5.  k 1 Chr.  21:3—6.  Prov.  9:8.9.  25:12.'  Jon.  1:6. 
Rev.  3:19.  1 See  on  7.  Matt.  7:7.  m 12:17.  a 1 ,24.  Ex.  3:16.  4:31.  20:5. 

Roth  1:6.  1 Sam.  2:21.  Ps.  106:4.  Luke  1:68.  19:41 . b 1 a.  12:6.  Matt.  24:35. 
c 2 Kings  4:16,17.  Luke  1:24,25,36.  Gal.  4:22.  Heb.  11:11.  0 17:19.21.18:10, 

14.  Rom.  9:9.  e 17:19.  22:2.  Josh.  24:3.  Malt.  1:2.  Acts  7:8.  Heb.  11:18. 


to  him  and  his  family ; exposing  himself  and  Sarah  to  just 
rebukes,  and  yet  vainly  attempting  an  excuse.  Shall  we 
commend  or  imitate  Abraham  in  these  things  ? by  no  means. 
They  are  written  for  our  warning,  that  “while  we  think  we 
stand,  we  may  take  heed  lest  we  fall.”  Even  “Abraham 
hath  not  whereof  to  glory,”  but  must  be  justified  in  “ that 
righteousness  of  God,  which  is  upon  all  and  unto  all  them 
that  believe.” — We  must  not  condemn  all  as  hypocrites  who 
relapse  into  sin,  even  with  aggravation,  if  they  do  not  con- 
tinue in  it ; nor  need  we  ourselves  despair,  if  humbly  conscious 
of  having  thus  relapsed.  But  let  the  unhumbled  and  impeni- 
tent take  heed  to  themselves ; for  their  case  is  unspeakably 
perilous:  and  let  all  men  abhor  the  thoughts  of  “sinning  on, 
that  grace  may  abound.” — It  should  also  be  noted,  that  artifice, 
of  whatever  kind,  is  more  certainly  unsuccessful,  and  more 
speedily  detected,  when  used  by  religious  characters,  than 
in  the  case  of  others.  The  irreligious  may  for  a season  prac- 
tise it  and  prosper;  but  the  servants  of  God  must  for  their 
good  be  soon  put  to  shame. — On  the  other  hand,  though  some 
things  in  Abimelech  must  he  blamed ; and  it  should  be  ob- 
served that  indulgence  gives  force  to  all  our  passions ; yet 
we  must  commend,  and  should  imitate,  the  calmness  and 
mildness  of  his  reproof,  his  ready  return  of  good  for  evil,  and 
the  salutary  counsel  which  he  gave  to  Sarah : and  it  is  plea- 
sing to  find  that  he  mentions  adultery  as  a horrible  sin  against 
God,  and  temptation  to  it  as  a great  injury;  and  that  he  so 
seriously  expostulates  with  Abraham  about  his  misconduct 
in  that  respect. — To  appeal  to  God  in  particular  instances, 
concerning  our  integrity,  is  not  at  all  inconsistent  with  a 
humble  consciousness,  that  we  cannot  stand  before  him  in 
(judgment,  but  continually  need  his  pardoning  mercy.  Ho 
will  indeed  graciously  admit  such  appeals,  when  well  grounded, 
but  it  is  difficult  to  vindicate  ourselves,  without  seeming  to 
reflect  upon  his  righteousness. — We  often  disquiet  ourselves, 
and  even  are  led  into  temptation  and  sin,  by  groundless  sus- 
picions: and  we  sometimes  find  the  fear  of  God  where  we 
least  expected  it. — Combinations  to  deceive  generally  issue  in 
shame  and  sorrow:  and  restraints  from  sin,  though  by  suffer- 
ing, should  thankfully  be  acknowledged.  But  though  the 
Lord  rebukes,  yet  he  will  pardon  and  deliver  his  people,  and 
for  his  ow  n glory  put  honour  upon  them  and  their  prayers.  Ho 
will  give  them  favour  in  the  sight  of  those  with  whom  they 
sojourn;  and  will  so  overrule  even  their  infirmities,  when 
they  are  humbled  for  them,  that  they  shall  prove  an  occasion 
of  good  to  themselves  and  others. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXI.  V.  1,  2.  The  word  visit,  when 
thus  used,  denotes  the  visible  effects  of  the  Lord's  presence 
and  power,  either  in  mercy  or  in  judgment.  Hero  it  signifies 
his  gracious  attention  to  Sarah,  and  his  faithful  accomplish- 
ment of  his  promise  ; when  in  the  natural  course  of  tilings,  it 
could  not  be  expected  that  she  should  hear  a son. 

V.  3,  4.  Isaac  signifies  laughter  ; and  this  child  of  promise 
was  so  named,  in  remembrance  of  Abraham'}  Relieving,  and 
Sarah’s  unbelieving,  laughter;  and  as  an  expression  of  jo> 
and  gratitude.  In  this,  as  well  as  in  circum ; »tng  saac  on 


B.  C.  1893. 


CHAPTER  XXL 


£.  C.  1894. 


4 And  Abraham  circumcised  iiis  son  Isaac, f being- 
eight  days  old,  as  God  had  commanded  him. 

5 And  Abraham  was  ean  hundred  years  old, 
when  his  son  Isaac  was  born  unto  him. 

6 And  Sarah  said,  hGod  hath  made  me  to  laugh, 
so  that  all  that  hear  ‘will  laugh  witli  me. 

ViJT]  7 And  she  said.  kWho  would  have  said 

or  ' unto  Abraham,  that  Sarah  should  have 
given  chidren  suck  ? for  I have  born  him  a son  in 
his  old  age. 

8 IT  And  the  child  grew,  'and  was  weaned : 
and  Abraham  made  a great  feast  the  same  day 
that  Isaac  was  weaned. 

9 And  "'Sarah  saw  the  son  of  Hagar,  the  "Egyp- 
tian, which  she  had  born  unto  Abraham,  "mocking. 

10  Wherefore  she  said  unto  Abraham,  rCast. 
out  this  bond-woman,  and  her  son : for  the  son  of 
this  bond-woman  shall  not  be  heir  with  my  son, 
even  with  Isaac. 

1 1 And  the  thing  was  very  grievous  in  Abra- 
ham’s sight,  ‘'because  of  his  son. 

12  And  God  said  unto  Abraham,  Let  it  not  be 
grievous  in  thy  sight,  because  of  the  lad,  and  be- 
cause of  thy  bond-woman  : in  all  that  Sarah  hath 
said  unto  thee,  rhearken  unto  her  voice : for  sin 
Isaac  shall  thy  seed  be  called. 

13  And  also  ‘of  the  son  of  the  bond-woman  will 
I make  a nation,  because  he  is  thy  seed. 

14  And  Abraham  “rose  up  early  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  ’took  bread,  and  a bottle  of  water,  and 

fave  it  unto  Hagar,  (putting  it  on  her  shoul- 
er,)  and  the  child,  and  sent  her  away : and  she 
departed  and  nvandered  in  the  wilderness  of 'Beer- 
sheba. 

15  And  “the  water  was  spent  in  the  bottle,  and 
she  cast  the  child  under  one  of  the  shrubs. 

16  And  she  went,  and  sat  her  down  over  against 
him,  a good  way  off,  as  it  were  a bow-shot:  for 
she  said,  bLet  me  not  see  the  death  of  the  child. 
And  she  sat  over  against  him  and  'lifted  up  her 
voice  and  wept. 

1 7  And  God  dheard  the  voice  of  the  lad : and 


117:10— 12.  Lev.  12:3.  Luke  1:50.  2:21.  John  7:22,23.  g 17:1,17.  Rora.4>19.  h 17: 
17.  IS:  12-15.  I Sam.  1:25—28.  Ps.  113:9. 126:2.  18.51:1.  rial.  4:27.  i Lute  1:14, 
5S.  Rom.  12:15.  kNum.23:23.  Dent.  4:32— 34.  Ps.8G:8.  Is.  66:8.  2Thcs. 

1:10.  11  Sum.  1:22.  Ps.  131:2.  Hos.  1:8.  m 16:3— 6,15.  17:2).  n 16:1. 

o 2 Kings  2:23,24  . 2 Chr.  30:10.  36:16.  Neh.  4:1— 5.  Ps.J2.10.  44:13,14.  Pi-ov. 
20:11.  Gal.  4:29.  Heb. 11:36.  p Prov.  22:10.  John  8:35.  Gal.  4:30,31.  q 17: 
18.22:1,2.  2 Sam.  18:33.  Malt.  10:37.  rl  Sam.  8:7,9.  Is.  46:10.  s 17:19, 
21.  Rom.  9:7,8.  Heh.  11:18.  1 16:10.17:20.  25:12—18.  u 19:27.  22:3.  24:54. 
25:31 . Prov.  27:14.  x 25:6.  36:6,7.  y 16:7.  37:15.  Ps.  107:4.  Is.  16:8.  z 33. 
72  19.  2S:33.  46:1.  1 Kings  19:3.  a 14.  Ex.  15:22-25.  17  1—3.  ’Kings  3:9.  Ps. 
63:1.  Is.  44:12.  Jer.  14:3.  b 44:34.  Esth.  8:6.  c 27:38.  29:11.  Littg.  2:4.  Ruth 

llie  eighth  day,  Abraham  was  implicitly  obedient  to  the  com- 
mandment of  God. 

V.  5 — 7.  The  joy  of  Abraham  and  Sarah,  on  this  extraor- 
dinary occasion,  and  the  congratulations  which  they  would 
receive  from  friends  and  neighbours,  were  hut  feeble  earnests 
of  the  rejoicing  of  many  millions  m Him,  who  descended 
from  Isaac,  to  bless  the  nations  of  the  earth. 

V.  8 — 12.  It  is  probable,  that  Isaac  was  not  weaned  very 
early ; some  think  not  till  he  was  five  years  old : and  Abra- 
ham made  a feast  on  that  occasion,  as  thankfully  rejoicing 
that  his  son  was  thus  far  advanced  towards  maturity.  It  ap- 
pears that  Ishmael  derided  Isaac  as  the  child  of  promise ; 
and  that  his  mocking  was  a kind  of  persecution,  implying  pro- 
fane contempt  of  the  covenant’ and  promise  of  God,  and  oppo- 
sition to  his  purpose,  and  some  indications  of  malice  against 
Isaac. — Sarah,  however,  seems  to  have  been  actuated,  in 
some  measure,  by  disdain  and  resentment,  in  requiring  Abra- 
ham to  send  away  Hagar  and  Ishmael:  yet  she  was  led  to 
utter  words,  which  were  afterwards  to  be  made  use  of  in  il- 
lustrating a most  important  part  of  divine  truth.  (Note,  Gal. 
4:21 — 31.) — Abraham  was  grieved,  on  account  both  of  Ish- 
mael’s  misconduct,  and  Sarah’s  severity ; and  he  might  also 
be  perplexed,  how  to  reconcile  the  duty  which  he  owed  to  his 
son  and  to  Hagar,  with  his  affection  to  his  wife.  But  the 
Lord  made  his  duty  plain  to  him,  and  showed  him  that  Ish- 
inael  must  be  sent  away,  in  order  that  the  promises  might  be 
ulfilled  to  Isaac  and  his  Seed. 

V.  13.  Thy  seed.]  Ishmael  should  have  many  blessings, 
Abraham’s  son ; though  not  the  special  blessing  of  being 
the  ancestor  of  the  promised  Seed. 

V.  14 — 1 9.  “ Bread  and  water”  denote  necessaries  for  the 

y urney  of  Hagar  and  Ishmael,  probably  into  Egypt  to  her 
i " 'ations,  she  being  now  liberated  from  bondage.  Ishmael 
was  more  than  sixteen,  some  think  he  was  nineteen,  years  of 
age  at  this  time : yet  the  provisions  were  put  upon  Hagar’s 
shoulder,  as  more  innured  to  labour ; and  the  lad  was  com- 
mitted to  her  care.  No  doubt  these  circumstances  were  or- 
dered according  to  instructions  given  to  Abraham  ; perhaps 


'the  Angel  of  God  called  to  Hagar  out  of  heaven, 
and  said  unto  her,  ‘What  aileth  thee,  Hagar r 
*Fearnot;  for  God  hath  heard  the  voice  of  the 
lad  where  he  is. 

18  Arise,  lift  up  the  lad,  and  hold  him  in  thine 
hand  : for  hI  will  make  him  a great  nation. 

19  And  ‘God  opened  her  eyes,  and  she  saw  a 
well  of  water : and  she  went,  and  filled  the  bottle 
with  water,  and  gave  the  lad  drink. 

20  And  kGod  was  with  the  lad,  and  he  grew, 
and  dwelt  in  the  wilderness,  and  became  'an  archer. 

21  And  he  dwelt  min  the  wilderness  of  Paran  : 
and  his  mother  took  him  "a  wife  out  of  the  land  of 

Egypf,  f Practical  Observations .J 

22  H And  it  came  to  pass  at  that  time,  that 
"Abimelech,  and  Phichol  the  chief  captain  of  his 
host,  spake  unto  Abraham,  saying,  rGod  is  with 
thee  in  all  that  thou  doest. 

23  Now  therefore  4s wear  unto  me  here  by  God, 
'that  thou  wilt  not  deal  falsely  with  me,  nor  with 
my  son,  nor  with  my  son’s  son;  but  according  to 
the  kindness  that  I have  done  unto  thee,  thou  shalt 
do  unto  me,  and  to  the  land  wherein  thou  hast 
sojourned. 

24  And  Abraham  said,  I will  swear. 

25  And  Abraham 'reproved  Abimelech  because 
of  a well  of  water,  which  Abimelech’s  'servants 
had  violently  taken  away. 

26  And  Abimelech  said, ‘I  wot  not  who  hath  done 
this  thing;  neither  didst  thou  tell  me.  neither  yet 
heard  I of  it  but  to-day. 

27  And  Abraham  “took  sheep,  and  oxen,  and 

gave  them  unto  Abimelech : and  both  of  them 
“made  a covenant.  •• 

28  And  Abraham  set  seven  ewe-lambs  of  the 
flock  by  themselves. 

29  And  Abimelech  said  unto  Abraham,  ?What 
mean  these  seven  ewe-lambs  which  thou  hast  set 
by  themselves  ? 

30  And  he  said,  For  these  seven  ewe-lambs  shalt 
thou  take  of  my  hand,  'that  they  may  be  a witness 
unto  me,  that  I have  digged  this  well. 

1:9.  1 Sam.  24:16  , 30:4  . 2 Sam.  13:36.  d 16:11.  Ex.  3:7  . 22:27  . 2 Kings  13:4, 
23.  e See  on  16:9,11.  fjudg.  18:23.  1 Sam.  11:5.  Is. 22: 1.  g 15:1.  46:3.  Ex. 
14:13.  Is.  41:10.14.  h 13.  16:10.  17:20.  i Nunl.  22:31.  2 Kings  6:17—20.  I.nke 
24:16,31.  k 28:15.  39:2,3.21.  Judg.  13:24,25.  Luke  1:80.  2:40.  110:9.  16:12. 
25:27.27:3.49:23,24.  m Num.  10:12.  12:16.  13:3,26.  1 S.-im.  25:1 . n24:3,4. 
26:34,35.  27:46.  28:1,2.  o 20:2.  26:26.  p 26:28.  30:27.  39:3.  Is.  8:10.  Zech.8: 
23.  Malt.  1:23.  Rev.  3:9.  q 21:3.  31:53.  Josh.  2:12.  1 Sam.  20:42.  24:21,22.  30: 
15.  Heb.  6:16.  * Heb.  if  thou  shaft  lie  unto  trie,  r 26:15— 22.  Prov.  17:10.25. 
9.27:5.  Malt.  18:15.  s 13:7.  Ex.  2:16,17.  I 2 Kings  5:20 — 24.  u 14:22,23. 
Prov.  18:24.  Is.  32:8.  x 26:28— 31.  1 Sam.  1*:3.  Ez.  17:13.  Rom.  1:31.  Gal.  3* 
15.  v 33:8.  Ex.  12:26.  1 Sam.  15:14.  z 31:44,52.  Josh.  22:27,28  . 24.27. 


for  Hagar’s  humiliation,  and  with  some  view  to  the  futare 
sta  e of  Ishmael’s  posterity.  She,  however,  “wandered,”  or 
lost  her  way , in  the  desert,  which  may  account  for  the  distress 
which  ensued  ; for  it  does  not  appear  that,  the  provisions  were 
consumed,  or  that  she  was  sent  away  without  money.  But 
the  water  was  spent,  and  the  climate  was  hot;  so  that  Ish- 
mael was  overcome  with  fatigue  and  thirst,  and  rdady  to  die; 
and  Hagar  assisted  him  in  reaching  the  shade  of  some  shrubs, 
and  lying  down  as  his  circumstances  would  admit:  and  fully 
expecting  that  he  would  die,  she  sat  down  at  a distance  and 
wept.  In  this  season  of  deep  distress  the  Lord  heard  the 
voice  of  Ishmael’s  groaning,  perhaps  of  his  prayer,  and  ad- 
dressed Hagar  by  an  angel,  saying,  “ What  aileth  thee,  Ha- 
gar?” “Fear  not:”  intimating  that  the  promise,  before  made 
toher,  (16:10 — 13.)  was  a full  security  that  Ishmael  should 
not  die  at  this  time,  and  that  therefore  her  anguish  was  need- 
less, and  her  fear  groundless.  At  the  same  time  the  Lord 
directed  her  attention  to  the  relief,  which  was  near  at  hand, 
but  which  sne  had  not  before  observed. 

V.  20,  21.  The  Lord  prospered  Ishmael  in  his  outward 
circumstances : nor  can  we  positively  conclude,  either  from 
his  past  misconduct,  his  general  character,  or  the  typical  mean- 
ing of  his  expulsion  from  Abraham’s  family,  that  he  lived 
and  died  destitute  of  the  special  grace  and  favour  of  God.  He 
became,  however,  an  archer  and  a hunter;  and  thus  the  pro- 
phecy concerning  him  began  to  he  accomplished,  m his  person, 
as  it  has  been  ever  since  in  his  posterity.  (Note,  16:1?  ' — We 
have  no  reason  to  conclude,  that  he  was  never  visilec.  his 
father, or  that  he  came  no  more  to  see  him.  . (Note,  25:9,10.) 

V.  22 — 24.  Abimelech  was  convinced  that  the  promises 
of  God  would  be  fulfilled  to  Abraham ; and  he  was  therefore 
desirous  of  securing  his  fhendsnip,  anc  the  benefit  of  it,  to 
himself,  to  his  posterity,  and  to  his  people. — Perhaps  he  too 
was  a true  believer:  at  least  his  character  seems  not  at  all  in- 
consistent with  that  supposition.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  20:12 — 17.) 
— Phicol.]  Note,  26:26. 

V.  25,  26.  Wells  of  water,  being  scarce,  were  very  valu- 
able in  those  countries.  (Marg.  Ref.  r.) 

( r* 


B.  C 1872. 


GENESIS, 


B.  C.  1874 


31  Wherefore  n.e  •<  ailed  that  place  *Beer-sheba: 
because  there  they  stvare  both  of  them. 

32  Thus  bthey  made  a covenant  at  Beer-sheba : 
then  Abimelech  rose  up  and  Phichol  the  chief 
captain  of  his  host,  and  they  returned  into  the 
land  of  cthe  Philistines. 

33  And  Abraham  planted  a t grove  in  Beer- 
eheba,  and  dcalled  there  on  the  name  of  the  Lord, 
the  ceverlasting  God. 

34  And  Abraham  f sojourned  in  the  Philistines’ 
land  many  days. 

9 16:33.  * That  is,  The  well  of  the  oath.  14.  Josh.  15:28.  b 27.  1 Sam. 18:3.  c 10: 
I*.  26:8,14.  Ex.  13:17.  Judg  13:1.  t Or , tree.  d4:26.12:8.  e Deut.  33:27.  Ps. 
90:2.  Is.  40:28.  57:15.  Rom.  16:26.  1 Tim.  1:17.  f 2 >:1.  1 Chr.  29:15.  Ps.  30:12. 
Heb.  11:9,13.  a Ex.  15:25,26.  16:4.  Deut.  8:2.  13:3.  Judg.  2:22.  2 Chr.  32:31. 


V.  31.  Beer-sheba.]  The  well  of  the  oath:  or,  The  well 
of  the  seven , alluding  to  the  seven  ewe  lambs.  Perhaps  these 
were  given  to  Abimelech,  as  the  proprietor  of  the  land,  in 
which  the  well  was  digged,  and  as  the  rent  of  it,  that  the 
well  might  be  the  more  clearly  Abraham’s  property. — The 
verb  rendered  u to  swear,”  is  derived  from  the  word  translated 
seven ; probably  with  reference  to  the  number  of  the  sacri- 
fices frequently  offered  on  these  solemn  occasions. 

V.  32.  Into  the  land  of  the  Philistines.]  That  is,  to  Gerar. 
Beer-sheba  seems  at  that  time  to  have  been  under  the  do- 
minion of  the  king  of  the  Philistines:  (33:)  but  it  was  not 
generally  considered  as  a part  of  Philistia. 

V.  33.  Perhaps  Abraham  planted  this  grove  to  shelter 
his  tent ; and  to  form  a shade  foV  the  performance  of  sacred 
worship,  which  was  at  that  time  usually  performed  in  the 
open  air. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 21.  Blessed  are  they  whose  hope  is  in  the  Lord, 
and  who  patiently  wait  for  him ; for  their  expectations  shall 
certainly  be  answered,  and  even  exceeded.  The  delay  may 
seem  tedious,  and  the  exercise  of  faith  and  patience  sharp ; 
but  they  shall  at  length  acknowledge,  that  their  blessings 
were  onlyMeferred,  that  they  might  have  them  with  addi- 
tional comfort,  by  perceiving  more  plainly  the  power,  love, 
^and  faithfulness  of  God  in  them ; and  that  his  name  might  be 
the  more  glorified.  He  does  not  indeed  relieve  and  comfort, 
when  we  should  choose  it ; but  he  always  observes  his  own 
set  time,  which  is  the  best  that  infinite  wisdom  can  select: 
and  they  who  uprightly  serve  him,  will  never  be  ashamed  of 
any  thing,  except  their  unbelief ; and  this  shame  will  be  swal- 
lowed up  in  their  thankful  joy  for  the  largeness  of  his  per- 
formances.— As  he  keeps  his  time  in  giving  blessings,  so  we 
must  observe  the  appointed  season  for  performing  his  com- 
mandments, s»nd  not  be  induced  by  any  consideration  to 
omit  or  defer  our  obedience. — Grievous  things  speedily  fol- 
low joyous  events  in  this  world,  and  the  effect  of  former  mis- 
carriages ofien  interrupts  the  satisfaction  of  present  advan- 
tages. Even  children  are  more  certain  cares  than  comforts ; 
and  their  ill  behaviour  and  contentions,  with  the  fear  or  pain 
of  parting  with  them,  greatly  alloy  the  pleasure  which  we 
might  otherwise  derive  from  them. — In  all  our  anxieties,  we 
should  observe  the  directions,  obey  the  commandments,  and 
depend  oq  the  promises  and  providence  of  God:  and  thus, 
“casting  our  care  on  him,”  our  minds  will  be  kept  in  peace; 
and  he  will  take  care  of  those  whom  we  love,  when  we  are 
no  longer  able  to  do  it. — Let  us  not,  however,  neglect  to 
notice  the  secret  influence  of  the  Lord  in  this  domestic  trans- 
action ; nor  overlook  the  instruction  given  us,  not  to  rest  in 
external  privileges,  or  in  our  own  performances,  lest  we  be 
outcasts  with  Ishmael:  but  let  us  learn  to  seek  the  blessings 
of  the  new  covenant,  by  faith  in  its  divine  Surety  ; and  that 
grace  and  Spirit  of  adoption,  which  mark  the  children  and 
heirs  of  God,  and  enable  them  to  walk  at  liberty  in  his  com- 
mandments, and  cheerfully  to  expect  the  fulfilment  of  his 
promises.  And  let  us  habitually  recollect,  that  our  despond- 
ency and  complaints  arise  from  forgetfulness  of  his  word;  that 
relief  is  often  nearer  than  we  perceive  ; that  the  Lord  always 
bears  the  prayer  of  faith,  and  frequently  the  very  cry  of  dis- 
tress ; and  that  numerous  advantages  are  conferred  on  the 
posterity  of  those  who  have  honoured  God,  for  the  sake  of 
their  pious  ancestors. 

V.  22 — 34.  The  behaviour  of  believers  may  be  so  undeni- 
ably excellent,  and  the  Lord’s  favour  to  them  so  manifest,  as 
to  convince  observers  that.  “God  is  with  them  in  all  they  do:” 
and  this  conviction  is  ofien  the  means  of  their  conversion. 
How  important  then  is  it,  that  we  “walk  in  wisdom  towards 
those  that  are  without!” — Common  prudence  might  suffice  to 
teach  men,  that  it  is  advantageous  to  be  connected  with  those 
whom  the  Lord  blesses;  did  not  the  enmity  of  the  carnal 
mind  counteract  its  influence. — They  who  would  “live  peace- 
ably with  all  men*”  must  watch  over  their  servants,  and  be 
careful  whom  they  trust,  as  well  as  be  circumspect  in  their 
own  conduct;  especially  if  affluence  or  high  station  require 
many  to  be  employed : for  injuries  are  often  committed,  and 
dharged  on  the  principal,  of  which  he  knows  and  hears 
nothing.  On  this,  as  well  as  on  other  accounts,  it  is  far  bet- 
ter mildly  to  reprove  those  by  whoni  wo  suppose  ourselves 
ill-used,  than  to  complain  to  others,  without  giving  them  the 
opportunity  of  clearing  themselves. — They  who  profess  to 
serve  God,  should  act  in  all  cases  with  strict  fidelity  ; requite 
( b4  ) 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

Abraham,  tried  ly  the  command  to  sacrifice  Isaac,  shown  his  faith  by  obey • 
itigf  1 — 10.  H«  is  prevented  from  slaying  his  non,  and  offers  a ram  in  hit 
stead,  11 — 13.  A name  is  given  to  the  place  ; and  he  covenant  is  renewed 
with  Abraham , 14 — 19.  Some  account  of  Nahor't  family, ‘A) — 24. 

AND  il  came  to  pass  after  these  things,  that 
aGod  did  tempt  Abraham,  and  said  unto  him, 
Abraham  : and  he  said,  'Behold,  here  I am. 

2 And  he  said,  bTake  now  thy  son,  thine  only 
son  Isaac,  whom  thou  lovest,  and  get  thee  into 
the  land  of  cMoriah  ; dand  offer  him  there  for  a 


Pro.. 17:3.  1 (’or.  10:13.  Hell.  11 :17.  Jam.  1:12—  1 1.  »-Heb.  Behdi  we.  7,11. 
Ex.  3:4.  Is.  6:8.  b 17: 19.  21 : 13.  John  3:16.  Rom.  5:8.  8:32.  1 Jolm  4:9,10.  c2 
Chr.  3:1.  dJudg.  11:31,39.  2 Kings  3:27.  Mic.  6:7. 


every  kindness  liberally  to  the  benefactor,  or  his  relatives  and 
descendants;  and  exhibit,  in  all  things,  an  example  of  integrity 
and  disinterestedness.  In  general  it  is  advisable  to  avoid 
oaths  or  vows ; yet  on  important  occasions,  and  when  due 
solemnity  is  observed,  the  honour  of  God  and  religion,  and 
the  cause  of  justice  and  peace,  may  require  us  to  confirm  our 
covenants  by  these  awful  obligations.  In  this  case,  however, 
it  is  incumbent  on  us  to  be  very  explicit  in  our  requirements 
and  engagements  ; that  we  may  neither  entangle  our  own  con- 
sciences, nor  give  others  the  least  ground  to  suspect  that  we 
have  failed  in  fulfilling  our  promises.  Indeed,  honest  and 
friendly  purposes  naturally  lead  to  an  unreser  ed  frankness, 
which  is  the  best  security  of  peace  and  harmony. — But  while 
we  attend  to  outward  matters  with  prudence  and  equity,  we 
must  never  forget  that  we  are  strangers  and  pilgrims  on  earth : 
and,  wherever  we  sojourn,  we  must  neither  neglect,  nor  be 
ashamed  of,  the  worship  of  Jehovah,  the  everlasting  God, 
our  Refuge,  Rest,  and  Portion,  through  all  generations,  and 
to  all  eternity. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXII.  V.  1.  “After  these  things ;” 
‘ after  five  and  twenty  years’  waiting;  after  the  promise  had 
been  frequently  repeated;  after  hope  had  been  raided  to  the 
highest  pitch,  yea,  after  it  had  been  actually  turned  into 
enjoyment : and  when  the  child  had  lived  long  enough  to  dis- 
cover an  amiable  and  godly  disposition.’  Fuller. — Tempt.] 
This  word,  as  here  used,  conveys  an  idea,  which  may  seem 
inconsistent  with  other  testimonies  of  the  sacred  oracles  ; but 
the  case  is  different  as  to  the  original  languages,  in  which,  to 
tempt , and  to  try  or  prove,  are  expressed  in  the  same  manner. 
Accordingly,  the  old  translation  very  properly  renders  the 
clause,  “God  did  prove  Abraham.” — Every  trial  indeed  is 
eventually  a temptation , and  tends  to  manifest  the  prevailing 
dispo  itions  of  the  heart,  whether  holy  or  unholy.  As  to  the 
sate  of  the  heart,  or  the  influence  of  external  agents  upon  it, 
exciting  to  sin,  “ let  no  man  say  he  is  tempted  of  God,  for 
God  cannot  be  tempted  of  evil,  neither  tempteth  hfc  any  man :” 
but  he  appoints  all  external  circumstances,  he  gives  us 
general  or  particular  commandments,  and  he  allots  us  our 
several  services.  In  all  these  respects  he  acts  in  perfect 
wisdom  and  holiness;  yet  his  appointments  are  intended  “to 
prove  us,  and  show  what  is  in  our  hearts ;”  and  they  fre- 
quently give  occasion  to  our  evil  propensities  to  manifest 
themselves,  and  to  Satan  and  wicked  men  to  tempt  us.  Thus 
the  Lord  may  be  said  not  only  to  try  us,  but.  also  to  “lead  us 
into  temptation  ;”  (Note,  Matt.  6:13.)  which,  conscious  of  our 
weakness,  we  are  taught  to  deprecate. — If  the  young  man, 
whom  our  Lord  required  “ to  sell  all  and  follow  him,”  had 
possessed  Abraham’s  strength  of  faith,  he  would  have  given 
an  illustrious  example  of  self-denying  obedience.  Had  Abra- 
ham, when  commanded  to  sacrifice  Isaac,  been  under  the 
power  of  unbelief  and  carnal  attachments,  he  would  have  been 
recorded  as  a lamentable  instance  of  defection  in  the  day  of 
trial. — Joseph  overcame  a far  more  dangerous  temptation  to 
adultery,  than  that  by  which  David  fell;  because  his  heart 
was  vastly  more  under  the  influence  of  holy  dispositions  than 
David’s  was  on  that  awful  occasion.  This  is  universally 
applicable.  The  holy  law  gives  occasion  to  all  manner  of 
concupiscence  ; and  even  the  blessed  gospel  to  still  deeper 
malignity,  when  sin  reigns  in  the  heart. ; while  the  most  horrid 
temptations  tend  to  illustrate  the  power  of  divine  love  and 
zeal,  when  holy  affections  completely  possess  it ; as  the  con- 
duct of  our  tempted,  suffering,  and  holy  Redeemer  most 
evidently  shows. — We  may  aiply  these  remarks  to  the  case 
of  Abraham.  The  Lord  saw  good  to  put  his  faith  and  obe- 
dience to  a most  severe  trial.  The  evil  propensities  of  our 
fallen  nature  are,  in  no  sense,  to  be  ascribed  to  God  ; for  thut 
would  make  him  the  author  of  sin.  He  did  not  tempt  Abra- 
ham, by  suggesting  evil  thoughts  to  bis  mind,  or  exciting  sin- 
ful passions;  for  thus  a man  is  tempted  by  his  own  lust,  by 
the  devil,  and  by  his  fellow-smners ; but  he  placed  him  in 
such  circumstances,  as  effectually  showed  the  ruling  dispo- 
sitions of  his  heart,  and  proved  them  to  be  very  excellent. 

V.  2.  Every  word  in  this  surprising  command  is  marked 
with  emphasis  of  terror,  when  wo  consider  it  as  directed  to  a 
tender  parent:  “Thy  son” — “thine  only  son”  by  Sarah  thy 
wife — “whom  thou  lovest — even  Isaac.” — Go  into  the  land  of 
Moriah  ; — then,  after  that  long  journey,  offer  him  there  for  a 
burnt-offering,  shed  his  blood,  and  burn  bis  body  to  ashes  !-— 
How  many  objections  might  Abraham  have  started  to  this 
command ! He  might  have  urged  the  divine  prohibition  ol 


B.  C.  1872. 


B.  C.  1S72. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


burnt-offering  upon  one  of  the  mountains  which  I 
will  tell  thee  of. 

3 Anil  Abraham  crose  upearly  in  the  morning, 
anil  saddled  his  ass,  and  took  two  of  his  young  men 
with  him,  and  Isaac  his  son  ; and  clave  the  wood 
for  the  burnt-offering,  and  rose  up,  and  went  unto 
the  place  of  which  God  had  told  him. 

4 Then  on  the 1 third  day  Abraham  lifted  up  his 
eyes  and  saw  the  place  afar  off. 

5 And  Abraham  said  unto  his  young  men. 
«Abide  ye  here  with  the  ass ; and  I and  the  lad 
will  go  yonder  and  worship,  and,  bcome  again  to 
you. 

6 And  Abraham  took  the  wood  of  the  burnt- 
offering,  and  ‘laid  it  upon  Isaac  his  son ; and  he 
took  the  fire  in  his  hand,  and  a knife : and  they 
went  both  of  them  together. 

7 And  Isaac  spake  unto  Abraham  his  father, 
and  said,  kMy  father : and  he  said,  'Here  am  I, 
my  son.  And  he  said,  Behold  the  fire  and  the 
wood  : 'but  where  is  the  'lamb  for  a burnt-offering? 

8 And  Abraham  said,  My  son,  raGod  will  provide 
himself  a lamb  for  a burnt-offering : so  they  went 
both  of  them  together. 

9 And  they  came  to  the  place  which  God  had 
told  him  of;  and  Abraham  built  an  altar  there, 

e 17:23.  Ps.  119:60.  Ec.  9:10.  Is.  26:3,4.  Mali.  10:37.  Mark  10:28— 31 . Luke 
11:26.  Gal.  1:16.  Heb.  11-8,17— 19.  f Ex.  19:11,15.  1 Cor.  15:4.  g Heb.  12:1. 
h Heb.  11:19.  i Is.  53:6.  Malt.  8:17.  John  19:17.  1 Pet. 2:24.  kMatt. 

2S:39,42.  John  18:11.  Rom.  8:15.  ■ Ueb.  Behold  me.  \.  14:2—4.  8:20. 

t Or,  kid.  Ex.  12:3.  marg.  m John  1:29,35.  1 Pet.  1:19,20.  Rev.  5:6,12.  7:14. 
13:8.  n Ps.  118:27.  Matt.  27:2.  John  10:17,18.  Acts8:32.  Eph.5;2.  Phil. 2:8. 

0 Is.  53:6-12.  Heb.  11:17— 19.  Jam.  2:21— 23.  p See  on  16:9,10.  q 1.  Ex.  3:4. 

1 Sam.  3:10.  Acts  9:4.  26:14.  r 1 Sam.  15:22.  Jer.  19:5.  Mic.  6:6— 8.  2 Cor.  8: 


and  laid  the  wood  in  order ; anil  "bound  Isaac  his 
son,  and  laid  iiim  on  the  altar  upon  the  wood. 

10  And  Abraham  “stretched  forth  his  hand,  a 4 
took  the  knife  to  slay  his  son. 

11  H And  the  p Angel  of  the  Lord  called  uni  ■ 
him  out  of  heaven,  and  said,  ^Abraham,  Abraham  . 
and  he  said,  Here  am  I. 

12  And  he  said,  rLay  not  thine  hand  upon  the 
lad,  neither  do  thou  any  thing  unto  him : for  “now 
I know  that  thou  fearest  God,  ‘seeing  thou  hast 
not  withheld  thy  son,  thine  only  son,  from  me. 

[Practical  Observations.'] 

13  And  Abraham  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  looked, 
and  behold,  “behind  him  a ram  caught  in  a thicket 
by  his  horns : and  Abraham  went  and  took  the 
ram , and  offered  him  up  for  a burnt-offering  xin 
the  stead  of  his  son. 

14  And  Abraham  ^called  the  name  of  that  place 
tJEHOVAH-jireh  : as  it  is  said  to  this  day,  'In  the 
mount  of  the  Lord  it  shall  be  seen. 

15  And  "the  Angel  of  the  Lord  called  unto 
Abraham  out  of  heaven  the  second  time, 

16  And  said,  bBy  myself  have  I sworn,  saith  the 
Lord,  for  because  thou  hast  done  this  thing,  and 
hast  not  withheld  thy  son,  thine  only  son  : 

17  That  “in  blessing  I will  bless  thee,  and  in 


12.  s 20:11.  42:18.  Ex.  20:20.  1 Sam.  12:24,25.  Nell.  5:15.  Job  28:28.  Ps.  25: 
12,14.  111:10.  112:1.  Prov.  1:7.  Ec.  8:12,13.  12:13.  Jer.  32:40.  Mai.  4:2.  Acts 
9:31.  Heb.  12:28.  Jam.  2:22.  Rev.  19:5.  t Rom.  8:32.  1 John  4:9,10.  u Is.  30< 
21.  xl  Cor.  5:7,8.  1 Pel.  1 : 19,20.  y 16:13.14.  28:19.  32:30.  Ex.  17:15.  1 Sam. 
7:12.  | That  is,  The  LORD  will  see,  or  provide,  r Deut.  32:35.  Mic.  4:10. 

2  Cor.  1:8—10.  all.  b Ps.  105:9.  Is.  45:23.  Jer.  49:13.  51:14.  Am.  6:8.  Lute 
1:73.  Heb.  6:13,14.  c 27:28,29.  49:25,26.  Deul.  28:2—13.  Eph.  1:3. 


murder ; and  the  evil  report  which  such  an  action  would 
bring  on  his  character,  on  the  religion  which  he  professed, 
and  the  God  whom  he  worshipped.  He  might  have  pleaded 
the  fatal  consequences  of  such  an  example ; and  ev.en  the 
very  promises  and  covenant  of  God,  ratified  agam  and  again 
with  him. — Moriah,']  Moriv  ah — Jah  is  shown:  nearly  the 
same  as  Jehovah-jiVc/i.  (Note,  14.) — The  temple  was 
built  on  mount  Moriah,  which  was  doubtless  in  the  land  of 
Moriah.  (2  Chron.  3:1.)  This  therefore  must  have  been 
some  adjacent  mountain,  of  which  there  were  many  in  that 
neighbourhood  ; and  there  is  no  improbability  in  the  general 
opinion,  that  it  was  mount  Calvary,  where  Christ,  the  great 
Anti-type,  was  afterwards  crucified ; and  that  it  was  selected 
with  reference  to  that  event. 

V.  3,  4.  Being  assured  that  this  was  a divine  command, 
Abraham  implicitly  confided  in  the  iqjinite  wisdom,  justice, 
holiness,  faithfulness,  goodness,  and  power  of  God ; and 
neither  hesitated  nor  objected.  Nay,  the  very  energy  of  the 
command,  compared  with  past  mercies  received,  and  the 
promises  made  to  him,  excited  a firm  expectation,  that  God 
would,  from  the  ashes,  immediately  restore  his  son  to  life, 
though  there  had  never  been  an  instance  of  the  kind  from  the 
beginning  of  the  worl<£  (Note,  Heb.  11:17 — 19.)  It  does 
not  appear  that  he  manifested  that  anguish  or  anxiety,  which 
might  have  been  expected  from  the  command ; or  that  either 
Sarah,  or  his  attendants,  or  even  Isaac,  perceived  any  thing 
unusual  in  his  conduct.  It  is  probable  that  he  did  not  inform 
Sarah,  lest  her  feebler  faith  and  more  tender  frame  might  not 
support  so  severe  a shock ; or  lest  she  should  start  some 
objection,  or  make  some  opposition  to  the  heavenly  mandate. 
— Till  the  third  day  Abraham’s  faith  was  thus  tried,  that  his 
obedience  might  appear  to  be  the  result,  not  of  rash  precipi- 
tation, but  of  calm  deliberation ; and  then  he  saw  the  place  ; 
perhaps,  marked  out  by  an  appearance  of  glory,  such  as 
had  probably  on  some  occasions  been  the  token  of  the  Lord’s 
presence  with 'him. 

V.  5,  6.  Abraham  left  the  servants  behind,  lest  their 
affectionate,  but  ill-timed  interference  should  create  him  dis- 
turbance.— The  expression,  “We  will  come  again  to  you,” 
(the  original  is  plural,)  clearly  implies  an  expectation  that 
God  would  raise  Isaac  again,  to  return  along  with  him. — Isaac 
was  evidently  grown  up  at  this  time ; some  say  he  was 
twenty-five  years  of  age,  some  thirty,  and  some  thirty-three 
or  thirty-five.— In  carrying  the  wood  for  the  intended  sacrifice, 
he  typified  Christ  bearing  his  cross. 

V.  7,  8.  Isaac’s  question,  so  full  of  consideration  and  filial 
respect,  must  have  tended  to  put  Abraham’s  resolution  to  the 
sharper  trial : but  he  deemed  it  not  proper  as  yet  to  disclose 
this  solemn  business ; and  the  Holy  Spirit  by  his  mouth 
seems  to  have  predicted  “ the  Lamb  of  God”  which  God  hath 
provided,  and  “which  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world.” 
(Note,  John 1:29.) 

V.  9.  It  is  probable,  that  Abraham  previously  explained 
to  Isaac  the  nature  and  obligations  of  the  divine  command, 
the  principle  of  his  obedience,  and  the  expectation  of  his  faith 
in  respect  of  the  event ; and  Isaac  yielded  submission  and 
concurrence : for  certainly  he  did  not  attempt  to  escape  or 
resist,  but  yielded  up  himself  voluntarily  to  be  a sacrifice. — 
When  he  lay  bound  upon  the  altar,  he  typified  Christ,  as 


bound  by  the  officers  of  the  high-priest,  and  as  nailed  to  the 
cross : and  as  “ bruised  and  put  to  grief”  by  his  heavenly 
Father,  “when  he  made  his  soul  a sacrifice  for  sin,”  even 
for  our  sins. 

V.  10.  Abraham  acted  with  firm  and  calm  determination, 
as  if  about  to  offer  an  ordinary  sacrifice,  and  was  allowed  to 
proceed  thus  far,  that  his  obedience  might  be  complete : but 
at  this  crisis  he  was  stopped ; for  it  was  not  the  intention  of 
God  that  Isaac  should  actually  be  sacrificed.  Thus  it  was 
intimated,  that  nobler  blood  than  that  of  animals,  even  the 
blood  of  the  only  begotten  Son  of  God,  was  in  due  time  to  be 
shed  for  sin : but  that  in  the  mean  while,  the  Lord  would  in 
no  case  have  human  sacrifices  used,  as  typical  of  that  aton- 
ing blood. 

V.  11,  12.  The  Angel  called  to  Abraham  out  of  heaven 
by  name : and  he  says,  “ Thou  hast  not  withheld  thy  son  . . . 
from  me and  by  this  he  knew,  that  Abraham  feared  the 
Lord. — Doubtless  God  knew  the.  reality  and  vigour  of  Abra- 
ham’s piety  previous  to  this  trial ; but  he  saw  good  to  require, 
experimental  evidence  of  it,  for  the  glory  of  his  own  grace, 
for  Abraham’s  comfort,  and  for  the  benefit  of  his  whole  church. 
— “The  fear  of  God”  is  frequently  put  for  the  whole  of  true 
religion,  being  an  essential  part  of  it,  and  necessarily  con- 
nected with  all  the  rest.  (Marg.  Ref.  s.)  It  seems  to  com- 
prise a reverential  regard  to  the  majesty,  authority,  presence, 
and  purity  of  God ; an  influential  dread  of  his  displeasure, 
accompanied  with  a desire  and  hope  of  his  favour ; (other- 
wise it  would  drive  us  from  him,  inspire  hard  thoughts,  ex- 
cite enmity,  and  discourage  all  endeavours  to  please  him ; 
Matt.  25:24,25.)  a submissive  acquiescence  in  his  appoint- 
ments, a conscientious  obedience  to  his  commandments,  and 
a serious  devoted  attendance  on  his  worship,  in  his  holy  ordi- 
nances: nor  can  it  be  ever  separated  from  a real  belief  of  his 
truth,  and  a cordial  acceptance  of  his  salvation,  as  far  as  we 
are  acquainted  with  them ; or  from  love,  gratitude,  and 
other  holy  affections.  In  proportion  as  faith  and  hope  deliver 
the  soul  from  terror  ; humble,  admiring  reverence  of  God  will 
be  increased:  and  when  “perfect  love  shall  have  cast  out,” 
entirely  and  finally,  that  “fear  which  hath  torment;”  the 
filial  reverential  regard  to  God,  as  our  adorable  Friend  and 
Father,  will  be  enlarged  and  perfected  for  ever,  even  as  it  is 
in  the  holy  angels.  (Notes,  Ps.  89:6 — 12,  v.  7.) 

V.  13.  The  ram  now  became  the  type  of  the  sacrifice  ol 
Christ’s  death,  and  indicated  what  sort  of  prefigurations  of 
that  event  God  would  approve  and  accept.— Isaac  thus  res- 
cued, after  having  been  three  days  under  the  sentence  ot 
death,  and  living  to  be  the  progenitor  of  the  promised  innumer- 
able posterity,  represented  the  Saviour  rising  on  the  third 
day,  “to  see  his  seed, and  prolong  his  days,  ilia  the  pleasure 
of  the  Lord  might  prosper  in  his  hand.” 

V.  14.  jEHOVAH-jireh  perhaps  alludes  to  Abraham’s 
words,  “ God  will  provide  himself  a lamb  for  a burnt-offering.” 
The  latter  clause  should  be  translated,  “ In  the  mount  the 
Lord  will  appear that  is,  just  in  the  crisis,  as  he  did  upon  the 
mount  to  Abraham.  This  it  seems  became  a proverb,  simi 
lar  to  that  in  our  language;  ‘Man’s  extremity  is  God’s  oppor 
tunity.’ 

V.  16 — 18.  “Because  he  could  swear  by  no  greater,  tho 
Lord  swarc  by  himself;”  and  thus  he  solemnly  pledged  the 

( 55  ) 


D.  C.  1872. 

multiplying  ''I  w fl  multiply  thy  seed  as  the  stars  of 
the  heaven,  and  as  the  sand  which  is  upon  the 
sea-shore  and  ethy  seed  shall  possess  the  gate  of 
his  enemies ; 

18  Andfinthy  Seed  shall  all  the  nations  of  the  earth 
be  blessed ; because  thou  hast  ^obeyed  my  voice. 

19  So  hAbraham  returned  unto  his  young  men, 
and  they  rose  up,  and  went  together  to  ‘Beer-sheba, 
and  Abraham  dwelt  at  Beer-sheba. 

20  H And  it  came  to  pass  after  these  things, 
that  it  was  told  Abraham,  saying,  Behold  kMilcah, 

d See  on  13:16.  15:5.  Jer.  33:22.  • Heb.  liv.  1 Kings  9:26.  ?narg.  e 24:60. 
Num.  24:17— 19.  Josh.  1:  10:  2Sam.8:  10:  Ps.  2:8,9.  72:8,9.  Dan.  2:44,45. 
Luke  1:68-75.  Rev.  11:15.  f See  on  12:3  18:18.  Acts  3:25.  Gal.  3:16,28,29. 


honour  of  his  holy  name,  and  of  all  his  perfections,  as  the 
security  for  the  fulfilment  of  his  engagements  to  Abraham. 
The  promises  before  given  had  been  formed  into  a covenant ; 
that  covenant  was  signed,  sealed,  and  ratified  ; and  now  it  was 
solemnly  confirmed  with  an  oath.  (Notes,  12:1 — 5.  15:17:) 
This  was  done,  not  only  that  Abraham,  but  also  “that  we 
might  have  a strong  consolation,  who  have  fled  for  refuge,  to 
lay  hold  on  the  hope  set  before  us”  in  Christ.  (Notes,  Heb. 
6:13 — 20.) — To  the  former  promises  it  is  here  added,  “Thy 
seed  shall  possess  the  gate  of  his  enemies  ;”  or,  by  occupying 
their  cities,  shall  acquire  the  dominion  over  them.  1 Thy 
seed  shall  inherit  iho,  cities  of  the  adversaries.’  Sept.  This 
was  accomplished  when  the  Israelites  conquered  Canaan, 
and  in  the  victories  of  David,  and  the  extensive  authority  of 
Solomon ; but  in  a far  higher  sense,  when  Christ,  the  pro- 
mised Seed,  ascended  the  mediatorial  throne  ; when  the  Gen- 
tiles were  converted  to  Christianity ; and  when  opposing 
nations  were  crushed  before  him,  or  submitted  to  him. — The 
language  of  the  last  clause  also  is  changed.  It  had  before 
been  said,  “ In  thy  Seed  shall  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  be 
blessed :”  but  here  the  expression  literally  is,  “ They  shall 
bless  themselves ;”  perhaps  implying  how  highly  they  would 
value  the  promised  Saviour,  and  how  desirous  they  would 
be  to  declare  to  others  their  blessedness  in  him,  that  they 
might  come  and  share  it. — Abraham’s  obedience  evinced 
the  strength  of  his  faith,  and  the  sincerity  of  his  love:  thus 
“ faith  wrought  with  his  works,  and  by  works  was  his  faith 
made  perfect.”  As  a sinner,  he  was  justified  before  God  by 
faith  alone  ; as  a professed  believer,  he  was  justified  before  the 
whole  world,  by  the  works  which  his  faith  produced.  (Note, 
Jam.  2:21 — 24.) — “ Hast  not  withheld (16.)  Ovk  c^ciom. 
Sept.  12.  See  Rom.  6:32.  2 Pet.  2:4,5.  Gr. 

V.  20 — 24*.  This  is  introduced  as  a preface  to  the  account 
given  of  Isaac’s  marriage  with  Rebekah,  and  afterwards  to 
that  of  Jacob  with  Leah  and  Rachel.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

[N.  B.  The  practical  observations  on  this  chapter  cannot 
well  be  divided;  but  the  first  section,  being  on  Abraham’s 
example,  may  be  read  with  the  former  part : and  the  second, 
on  the  typical  import  of  the  transaction,  with  the  latter.] 
V.  I — 12.  While  we  remain  in  this  world  we  must  never 
expect  to  be  exempt  from  trials,  and  frequently  the.  sharpest 
come  last:  we  should  therefore  “put  on,”  and  keep  on  “the 
whole  armour  of  God,”  that  when  summoned  to  the  conflict, 
we  may  answer  “ Here  I am.” — Where  God  bestows  much 
grace,  lie  will  be  sure  greatly  to  try  it ; and  though  the  con- 
flict is  painful,  the  event  will  be  glorious  and  joyful.  Con- 
scious of  our  weakness,  we  ought  not  to  rush  uncalled  into 
difficult  services,  and  should  pray  “not  to  be  led  into  tempta- 
tion ;”  yet,  if  we  be  upright  and  watchful,  we  may  be  confi- 
dent “ that  the  Lord  will  not  suffer  us  to  be  tempted  above 
what  we  are  able  :”  nay,  we  may  “ count  it  all  joy  when  we 
fall  into  divers  temptations  firmly  believing  that  “ the  trial 
of  our  faith  shall  be  to  praise,  and  honour,  and  glory,  at  the 
appearing  of  Jesus  Christ.  -If  there  be  any  earthly  object 
which  seems  to  rival  God  in  our  affections,  we  may  expect 
that  he  will  in  that  particular  try  the  sincerity  and  supremacy 
of  our  love ; and  by  cheerfully  parting  with  even  our  beloved 
Isaacs  for  his  sake,  we  most  undeniably  prove  that  we  have 
given  him  our  hearts. — They  who  would  perform  unreserved 
obedience,  when  satisfied  what  the  will  of  God  is,  must  nei- 
ther be  influenced  by  carnal  affections,  listen  to  plausible  ob- 
jections, consult  partial  counsellors,  make  needless  delays, 
nor  leave  an  opening  to  interruption  and  disturbance;  but, 
committing  all  into  the  Lord’s  hand,  they  must  simply  follow  his 
direction,  and  leave  all  consequences  with  him  : and  they  need 
not  doubt,  but  in  the  trying  moment  he  will  appear  for  their 
comfort  or  relief. — But  what  a wonderful  sight  is  in  this  chap- 
ter set  before  us!  The  long-expected  seed,  the  son  of  joy, 
the  child  of  promise,  the  well-beloved  Isaac,  now  grown  up 
to  maturity,  and  entwining  every  day  more  closely  round  the 
lender  affections  of  his  parents,  of  which  he  was  justly  de- 
serving; nay,  the  church’s  hope,  and  the  declared  progenitor 
of  him  “in  whom  all  the  families  of  the  earth  are  blessed;” 
bound,  laid  upon  the  altar,  and  mildly  expecting  the  fatal 
nlow  from  the  hand  of  his  loving  father;  who,  with  collected 
firmness  and  intrepid  resolution,  takes  the  knife  to  shed  his 
blood,  and  prepares  immediately  to  kindle  that  fire  which  is 
to  consume  him  to  ashes ! — For  this  singular  conduct  Abra- 
ham could  render  no  other  reason,  than  the  express  com- 
mand of  God  nor  was  there  any  other  principle  of  obe- 
( 56  } 


B.  C.  1872.  • 

she  hath  also  born  children  unto  thy  brother 
‘Nahor ; 

21  mHuz  his  first-born,  and  "Buz  his  brother, 
and  Kemuel  the  father  of  Aram, 

22  And  Chesed,  and  Hazo,  and  Pildash,  and 
Jidlaph,  and  Bethuel. 

23  And  "Bethuel  begat  r'Rebekah : these  eight 
Milcah  did  bear  to  Nahor  Abraham’s  brother. 

24  And  his  ‘•concubine,  whose  name  teas  Reumah, 
she  bare  also  Tebah,  and  Gaham,  and  Thahash, 
and  Maachah. 


?26:5.  Heb.ll:  I.  5.  i 21:31.  k 11:29.  24:15.  ] 11:26.  24:1U, 24.  31:53.  m Job 
1:1.  Uz.  n Ji.b  32:2.  o 24:15,24,47.  25:20.  28:2,5.  p 24:51,60,67.  Bom.  6:10. 
Rebecca,  q 16:3.  25:6. 


dience  to  that  extraordinary  command,  (an  obedience  never 
equalled  by  mere  man,)  but  faith , an  unshaken  belief  of 
the  Lord’s  testimony,  a firm  expectation  of  the  accomplish- 
ment of  his  promises,  and  a full  confidence  in  his  wisdom, 
power,  and  love.  Though  the  command  seemed  to  run  coun- 
ter to  ihose  promises,  Abraham  knew  it  only  seemed  to  do  so : 
obedience  was  his  pari,  and  the  Lord  would  take  care  to  glo- 
rify his  own  faithfulness.  He  had  received  Isaac  from  God, 
who  had  a right  to  dispose  of  him  : honour  and  comfort  were 
in  his  path;  and,  though  untried  before,  with  undaunted  con- 
stancy he  walked  in  it. — Hear  this,  ye  inattentive  objectors, 
who  traduce  the  doctrine  of  salvation  by  faith,  as  inimical  to 
practical  godliness : go,  and  upon  your  principles  equal  and 
exceed  this  obedience : till  then  be  dumb,  or  allow  that, 
though  you  understand  it  not,  this  apparently  weak  principle 
produces  effects  beyond  comparison  prodigious.  Hear  this 
likewise,  ye  abusers  of  this  most  holy  faith,  whose  conduct 
merits  still  deeper  indignation;  who  “say  you  have  faith,” 
yet  cleave  to  your  sins,  renounce  not  the  world,  deny  not 
yourselves,  refuse  the  cross,  are  lovers  of  yourselves,  of 
pleasure,  of  money,  or  of  worldly  honour,  more  than  lovers  of 
God ; and,  instead  of  parting  with  a deservedly  beloved  Isaac  at 
God’s  command,  like  Judas,  kiss  Christ,  and  sell  him  to  his 
enemies  for  a few  pieces  of  silver,  or  some  vile  sensual  grati- 
fication ! Here  then  compare  your  faith  with  Abraham’s,  and 
acknowledge  that  ye  are  no  genuine  sons,  of  this  “ father  of  the 
faithful ;”  but  that  your  faith  is  dead,  your  hope  presumptuous, 
and  that  Abraham  disowns  and  is  ashamed  of  you. — In  plain 
language,  nothing  but  faith  will  carry  a man  through  with  un- 
reserved obedience,  in  every  possible  trial ; and  that  is  no 
true  faith,  which  perseveres  in  refusing  to  obey  a plain  com- 
mand, in  any  case  whatever.  “ Ye  are  my  friends  if  ye  do 
whatsoever  I command  you.” — In  proportion  as  faith  stands 
this  test,  when  sharply  and  repeatedly  tried,  we  may  be  as- 
sured that  we  are  Abraham’s  children,  interested  in  his  cove- 
nant, and  in  the  oath  by  which  it  was  confirmed  ; and  have  a 
right  to  that  strong  consolation  which  by  it  God  wills  end  in- 
tends for  his  people. 

V.  13 — 24.  In  the  wonderful  transaction  recorded  in  this 
chapter,  faith  discerns  one  infinitely  more  stupendous.  What 
was  the  love  which  Abraham  or  Isaac  bore  to  the  Lord, 
compared  with  the  love  of  God  the  Father,  in  giving  his  only 
begotten  Son?  and  with  that  of  the  only  begotten  Son  in 
giving  himself  a sacrifice  upon  the  r#ss  for  the  sins  of  men  ? 
God  commanded  Abraham  previously  to  his  yielding  up  his 
son;  but  the  sacrifice  of  Christ  prevented  even  solicitation! 
The  Lord  had  an  undoubted  right  to  demand  that  life  which 
he  had  given  : but  where  shall  we  sinners,  deserving  of 
eternal  misery,  ground  our  claim  to  such  a gift,  as  that  of 
Christ  to  be  “ the  propitiation  for  our  sins  ?”  The  Lord  had 
been  a most  liberal  Friend  to  Abraham,  before  he  was 
required  to  offer  Isaac  as  a burnt-offering  ; but  “ God  com- 
mended his  love  to  us,  in  that  when  we  were  yet  sinners  Christ 
died  for  us:”  and  in  that,  “when  we  were  enemies,  we  were 
reconciled  to  God  by  the  death  of  his  Son.”  Isaac  was  u 
s:nner  born  to  die : but  the  Son  of  God  assumed  human  nature 
for  the  very  purpose  of  dying  for  us;  and  in  human  nature 
being  free  from  sin,  he  was  under  no  obligation  to  suffer 
death,  except  the  bond  of  his  love  to  us.  If  Isaac  was  justly 
beloved  by  Abraham,  Jesus  was  the  “beloved  Son  of  the 
Father,  in  whom  he  was  well  pleased.”  Had  Isaac  died,  it 
had  been  with  inward  peace,  without  extraordinary  pain,  and 
with  singular  reputation:  but  Christ  tasted  dea  lt  in  all  its 
bitterness,  died  by  violence,  surrounded  with  contempt  and 
insult,  treated  with  indignity  and  cruelty,  and  loaded  w.in  tho 
weight  of  our  iniquities;  while  “it  pleased  the  Lonn  to 
bruise  him  and  to  put  him  to  grief,  and  make  his  very  soul  a 
sacrifice  for  sin.”  By  this  we  know  the  loving  kindness  of 
God  our  Saviour  towards  sinful  man,  in  that  “ho  hath  not 
withheld  his  Son,  his  only  Son  from  us:”  by  this  wo  perceive 
the  love  of  Christ,  in  that  he  gave  himself  a sacrifice  for  our 
sins. — Behold,  he  dies;  yet  rises!  lives,  ascends,  and  inter- 
cedes for  us ! and  calls  on  sinners  to  come  to  him,  and  partake 
of  his  blood-bought  salvation.  Let  them  therefore  bo  warned 
to  hear  his  voice,  and  encouraged  to  trust  in  him  He  calls  to 
his  redeemed  people  to  rejoice  in  him  and  glorify  him : “ What 
then  shall  we  render  for  all  his  benefits?”  May  this  “love 
constrain  us  to  livo  no  longer  to  ourselves,  but  to  him  who 
died  for  us  and  rose  again,”  and,  admiring  and  adoring  hi* 
grace,  let  us  devote  our  all  to  his  service,  who  .aid  down  hi* 
life  for  our  salvation.  Thus  ovory  Christian  tay  ko  suro 


GENESIS. 


B. C.  i860. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


B.  C.  1860 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

The  age  and  death  of  Sarah,  1,  '2.  Abraham  communes  with  the  sons  of 
Heth , and  purchases  the  jicld  and  cave  Machpelah  of  Ephron,  3 — 18  ; where 
Sarah  is  buried,  19,  SO. 

AND  Sarah  was  “an  hundred  and  seven  and 
twenty  years  old  : these  were  the  years  of  the 
.ife  of  Sarah. 

2  And  Sarah  died  in  bKirjath-arba ; the  same 
is  Hebron  in  the  land  of  Canaan:  and  Abraham 
came  to  ‘mourn  for  Sarah,  and  to  weep  for  her. 

3  H And  Abraham  stood  up  from  before  his 
dead,  and  spake  unto  the  sons  of  dHeth,  saying-, 

4  I am  a 'stranger  and  a sojourner  with  you  : 
give  me  a possession  of  a f burying-place  with  you, 
that  I may  ebury  my  dead  out  of  my  sight.. 

5  And  the  children  of  Heth  answered  Abraham, 
saying  unto  him, 

6  Hear  us,  hmy  lord  : thou  art  'a  mighty  'prince 
among  us;  in  the  choice  of  our  sepulchres  bury 
thy  dead  : none  of  us  shall  withhold  from  thee  his 
sepulchre,  but  that  thou  mayest  bury  thy  dead. 

7  And  Abraham  stood  up,  and  ibowed  himself  to 
the  people  of  the  land,  even  to  the  children  of  Heth. 

8  And  he  communed  with  them,  saying,  If  it  be 
your  mind  that  I should  bury  my  dead  out  of  my 
sight,  hear  me,  and  kintreat  ior  me  to  Ephron  the 
son  of  Zohar  : 

9  That  he  may  give  me  the  cave  of  Machpelah, 
which  he  hath,  which  is  in  the  end  of  his  field ; 
for  'as  much  money  as  it  is  worth  he  shall  give  it 
me,  for  a possession  of  a burying-place  among  you. 

10  And  Ephron  dwelt  among  the  children  of 
Heth.  And  Ephron  the  Hittite  answered  Abra- 
ham in  the  taudience  of  the  children  of  Heth,  even 
of  'all  that  went  in  at  the  gates  of  his  city,  saying, 
11  Nay,  ramy  lord,  hear  me:  the  field  give  I 


0 17:17.  b 13:18.  Num.  13:22.  Jnsll.  14:15.  20:7.  Judg.  1:10.  c27:41.  5U:ll). 

Num.  20:29.  Ileal.  34:3.  lSam.28:3.  2Chr.35:25.  Jer.  22:10,18.  Ez.  24:16— 18. 
Acts  8:2.  d 5,7.  10:15.  25:10.  27:45.  49:30.  1 Sam.  25:6.  2 . Sara.  23:39.  e 17:8. 
47:9.  Lev.  25:23.  lChr.29:15.  Ps.  39:12.  105:12.  Heb.  11:9,13.  1 Pet.  2:11. 
13:19.  49:30.  50:13.  Job  30:23.  Ec.  12:7.  Acts  7:5.  g 19.  h 18:12.  24:18.  31:35. 
32:4,5,18.  42:10.  44:5,8.  Ex.  32:22.  Ruth2:13.  * Heb.  A prince n/  God.  21:22. 


that  in  all  emergencies,  the  Lord  will  appear  for  his  relief,  be 
his  shield  in  all  dangers,  provide  effectually  for  all  his  wants, 
order  all  events  for  his  good,  and  make  him  conqueror  over 
all  enemies,  till  he  shall  sit  down  with  him  upon  his  throne 
of  glory. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXIII.  V.  1,  2.  Sarah  is  the  only 
woman  whose  entire  age  is  recorded  in  Scripture. — ‘ She  was 
ten  years  younger  than  Abraham,  and  died  thirty-eight  before 
i.im. — God  often  takes  the  youngest  before  the  eldest.’  Ful- 
$r.  It  seems  that:  Abraham  had  some  time  before  her  death 
«.-ft  his  residence  at  Beer-sheba,  and  come  to  sojourn  at  He- 
b tin.  When  she  died,  he  came  to  her  tent,  to  express  his 
uvteigned  sorrow,  and  pay  her  the  last  tribute  of  affection. 

V.  3,  4.  The  sons  of  Hoth  are  called  elsewhere  Hittites, 
tha.  is  Hethites.  i^braham  was  “a  stranger  and  a so- 
journer” among  them;  one  who  had  no  fixed  settlement,  and 
did  not  attempt  to  acquire  any.  (Marg.  Ref.  e.) — It  has 
generally  been  the  custom,  in  the  cnurch  of  God,  to  inter  the 
dead  ; though  burning  has  elsewhere  been  much  in  use  : and 
indeed  interring  more  aptly  expresses  an  acquiescence  in  that 
sentence,  “ until  thou  return  unto  the  ground  whence  thou 
wast  taken : for  dust  thou  art,  and  unto  dust  shalt  thou 
return.” 

V.  G.  According  to  those  times,  Abraham’s  retinue,  wealth 
and  prosperity,  would  rank  him  among  the  surrounding 
princes.  Yet  the  sons  of  Heth,  in  calling  him  “a  prince  of 
God,”  (marg.)  might  perhaps  also  advert  to  his  religion,  as 
respecting  his  honourable  character. 

V.  7.  Bowed.]  Abraham  rendered  honour  and  respect  to 
the  sons  of  Heth,  according  to  the  custom  of  that  age  and 
country. — It  is  evidently  no  part  of  the  religion  of  the  Bible, 
to  refuse  such  expressions  of  regard ; but  an  ornament  to 
godliness  to  render  them,  as  far  as  it  can  be  done,  without 
flattering  the  persons,  or  countenancing  the  crimes,  of  those  to 
whom  they  are  addressed. 

V.  9.  Abraham  would  have  a separate  burying-place; 
perhaps  intimating,  that  though  the  righteous  live  intermingled 
with  the  ungodly  in  this  world,  there  will  be  a separation 
after  death. 

V.  15,  16.  Shekel  comes  from  a Hebrew  verb,  signifying 
o weigh  ; for  money  was  not  then  coined  and  stamped  ; but 
he  precious  metals  passed  by  weight.  A shekel  is  about 
.alf  an  ounce.  (Tables.) 

V.  20.  Thus  Abraham,  in  a burying-place,  had  an  earnest 
</  Canaan,  and  a pledge  of  his  reversionary  inheritance! 

1 This  chapter  not  only  illustrates  the  excellent  spirit  of 

the  father  of  the  faithful,”  but  exhibits  a specimen  of  man- 
ners which  might  ao  honour  to  any  age  and  country.  The 
scene  of  the  transaction  appears  to  be  a public  assembly  of 
the  chief  persons  among  “the  sons  of  Heth,” — “ in  the  audi- 

Vol.  1—8 


thee,  anil  the  cave  that  is  therein,  I give  it.  thee, 
in  the  presence  of  the  sons  of  my  people  give  I it 
thee  : bury  thy  dead. 

12  And  Abraham  bowed  down  himself  before 
the  people  of  the  land, 

13  And  he  spake  unto  Ephron  in  the  audience 
of  the  people  of  the  land,  saying,  But  if  thou  wilt 
give  it,  I pray  thee  hear  me  : "I  will  give  thee 
money  lor  the  field ; take  it  of  me,  and  I will  bury 
my  dead  there. 

14  And  Ephron  answered  Abraham,  saying 
unto  him, 

15  My  lord,  hearken  unto  me : the  land  is  worth 
four  hundred  shekels  of  silver;  what  is  that  be- 
twixt me  and  thee  ? bury  therefore  thy  dead. 

16  And  Abraham  hearkened  unto  Ephron,  and 
Abraham  “weighed  to  Ephron  the  stiver,  which 
he  had  named  in  the  audience  of  the  sons  of 
Heth,  Pfour  hundred  shekels  of  silver,  current 
money  with  the  merchant. 

17  And  uthe  field  of  Ephron,  which  was  in 
Machpelah,  which  was  belore  Mamre,  the  field 
and  the  cave  which  ivas  therein,  and  all  the  trees 
that  were  in  the  field,  that  were  in  all  the  borders 
round  about,  were  ‘made  sure 

18  Unto  Abraham,  for  a possession,  in  the  pre- 
sence of  the  children  of  Heth,  before  all  that 
went  in  at  the  gate  of  his  city. 

19  "U  And  after  this,  Abraham  ‘■burifid  Sarah 
his  wife  in  the  cave  of  the  field  of  Machpelah, 
before  Mamre  : the  same  is  Hebron  in  the  land  of 
Canaan. 

20  And  the  field,  and  the  cave  that  is  therein, 
were  made  sure  unto  Abraham  for  a possession 
of  a burying-place,  by  the  sons  of  Heth. 

i 13:2.  14  14  . 24:35.  ) 18:2.  19:1.  k 1 Kings  2:17.  Luke  7:3,4.  Heb.  7:26.  1 John 
2:1,2.  f Heb.  full  money.  1 Heb.  ears.  1 18.  34:20,24.  Ruth  4:1— 4.  Job  29:7. 
Is.  28:6.  m 6.  2 Sam.  24:20— 24.  1 Chr.  21:22— 24.  n 14:22,23.  Phil.  4:5—  8.  CoL 
4:5.  Heb.  13:5.  o43:2i.  Ezra 8:25— 30.  Job 28:15.  Jer. 32:9.  Zech.  11:12.  p 1.5. 
Ex.  30:13.  Ez.  45:12.  q25:9.  49:30,32  . 50:13.  Acts  7:16.  r Ruth  4:7— 10.  Jer. 
32:7—14.  s 25:9,10.  35:27—29.  47:30  . 49:29—32  . 50:13,25. 

ence  of  the  people  of  the  land.”  Abraham  “stands  up  and 
bows  himself”  before  them,  with  respect  and  deference,  at 
the  commencement  of  his  suit,  and  repeats  this  courtesy  on 
hearing  their  kindness  and  readiness  to  comply  with  his 
wishes.  He  assumes  no  civil  superiority  on  the  ground  of 
his  high  religious  distinctions ; nor  cherishes  any  sense  of 
right  to  what  he  asked,  in  virtue  of  the  whole  land  being  pro- 
mised to  his  family:  on  the  contrary,  while  they  pronounce 
him  “ a mighty  prince  among  them,”  he  styles  himself  a 
mere  u stranger  and  sojourner”  in  the  country ; and  when, 
in  compliance  with  their  invitations,  he  selects  a particular 
portion  of  land  as  what  he  should  desire,  he  requests  the 
good  offices  of  the  assembly  with  one  of  their  principal  mem- 
bers, (such  we  may  suppose  Ephron  to  have  been,)  to  obtain 
it  for  him.  They,  on  the  other  hand,  evidently  sympathize 
with  him,  and  study  to  show  him  all  the  respect  due  to  his 
character  and  his  circumstances.  They  desire  him  to  choose 
his  own  place  of  sepulture,  assured  that  no  one  of  them  all 
would  withhold  from  him  the  object  of  his  choice.  When  he 
pitches  upon  the  field  of  Ephron,  Ephron  immediately  steps 
forward,  without  waiting  for  any  such  intervention  as  Abra- 
ham had  requested,  and  begs  he  will  accept  the  lattd  as  a free 
gift.  “ The  field  give  I thee,  and  the  cave  that  is  therein,  I 
give  it  thee ; in  the  presence  of  the  sons  of  my  people  give 
I it  thee:  bury  thy  dead-.”  (11.)  Of  this  liberal  offer  Abra- 
ham, however,  is  too  disinterested  to  avail  himself,  and 
Ephron  consents  to  accept  the  price  of  the  land,  at  the  same 
time  observing,  that  it  was  a matter  of  no  consideiation 
between  him  and  Abraham.  Nothing  could,  throughout,  be 
more  agreeable  to  every  principle  of  good  manners,  and  it  is 
impossible  not  to  admire  the  behaviour  of  both  parties. — How 
strong  must  have  been  the  impression  made  by  Abraham’s 
general  character  and  conduct,  to  procure  him  such  treatment 
among  persons  to  whom  his  religion  would  naturally  he 
obnoxious,  and  his  prosperity  an  object  of  jealousy  or  envy  ’ 

4 The  closing  verses  of  the  chapter  exhibit  the  earliest 
instance  on  record  of  the  regular  conveyance  of  landed  pro- 
perty: “the  field,  and  the  cave  that  was  therein,  and  a the 
trees  that  were  in  the  field,  and  that  were  in  all  the  borders 
round  about.”  * 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  longest  life  must  shortly  close ; and  the  survivors 
among  relations  only  live  to  experience  painful  separations. — 
The  more  valued  any  earthly  enjoyment  is,  the  greater  must 
be  our  anxiety  about  it,  and  our  reluctance  to  part  with  it; 
and  the  sharper  the  anguish  when  this  trial  takes  place  ; and 
when  those  who  have  lived  together  in  conjugal  affection  for 
many  years,  are  parted  bj'  death,  the  separation  bears  some 
resemblance  to  the  dissolution  of  soul  and  body.  Thus  the 
entrance  of  sin,  and  the  sentence  of  cW.th,  have  filled  al’. 

( 57  1 


B.  C IS  >7. 


GENESIS, 


B.  c.  1857 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Abraham  commissions  his  servant  to  go  to  Mesopotamia  in  order  to  lake  a 
toife  for  Isaac , 1—9.  The  servant  arrives  at  th-  city  of  Nahor  ; his  prayer 
is  answered , and  he  is  entertained  by  Laban , 10 — 33.  He  proposes  a mar- 
riage between  Isa -ic  and  Rebekah,  which  is  acceded  to , 34 — 53.  Rebekah' 
goes  with  him . and  is  married  to  Isaac , 59 — 67. 

AND  Abraham  was  aold  and  'well  stricken  in 
age ; and  the  Lord  had  bblessed  Abraham 
in  all  things. 

2  And  Abraham  said  unto  his  'eldest  servant 
of  his  house,  that  druled  over  all  that  he  had, 
»Put,  I pray  thee,  thy  hand  under  mv  thigh  : 

3  And  I will  make  thee  ‘swear  by  the  Lord, 
the  God  of  heaven,  and  the  God  of  the  earth,  hthat 
thou  shalt  not  take  a wife  unto  my  son,  of  the  daugh- 
ters of  the  Canaanites  among  whom  I dwell : 

4  But  thou  shalt  go  unto  my  country,  and  'to 
my  kindred,  and  take  a wife  unto  my  son  Isaac. 

5  And  the  servant  said  unto  him,  kPeradventure 
the  woman  will  not  be  willing  to  follow  me  unto 
this  land  : must  I needs  bring  thy  son  again  unto 
the  land  from  whence  thou  earnest  ? 


a 18:11.  21:5.  25:20.  1 Kings  1:1.  Luke  1:7.  * Heb.  gone  into  dai/s.  b 35.  12: 
2.  49:25.  Ps.  112:1—3.  Prov.  10:22.  Is.  51:2.  Gal  3:9.'  Eph.  1:3.  c 15:2.  d 10. 
39:1—6.8.9.  44:1.  e 9.  47:29.  f 21:23.  26;2S^-31.  31:53.  Ex.  20:7  . 22:11. 
Dent.  6:13.  10:20.  Josh.  2:12.  1 Sam.  20:17.  Jer.  4:2.  12:16.  g 14:22.  2 Kings 
19:15.  2Chr.  2:12.  Nell.  9:6.  Pa.  115:15.  Jer.  10:11.  h 6:2,4  . 26:34.35  . 27:46. 
28:8.  Ex.  34:16.  Deut.  7:3,4.  I Cor.  7:39.  2 Cor.  6. 14— 17.  i 12:1.  22:20— 23. 


below  with  vanity  and  vexation. — Blessed  be  God  that  there 
is  a world,  where  sin,  death,  anxiety,  and  sorrow  gain  no 
admission  ; that  there  are  relations  formed,  which  even  death 
cannot  part;  and  that  sinners  are  invited  to  enter  into  this 
bidissoluble  union  and  intimate  relation  with  u the  everlast- 
ing God,”  by  faith  in  his  only  begotten-Son.  w He  that  is 
Coined  to  the  Lord  is  one  spirit and  no  separation  can  injure, 
>r  should  terrify  him,  who  can  never  feel  that  separation  from 
God,  “ which  is  the  second  death.” — Soon  they  whom  we  most 
ove,  yea,  our  very  bodies  which  we  often  inordinately  care 
ror,  will  become  so  deformed  that  they  must  be  “ buried  out  of 
sight.”  How  vain,  then,  to  boast  of  vigour  and  comeliness  ! 
now  mean  to  pamper  and  decorate  these  bodies  of  humiliation ! 
and  how  loose  should  we  be  to  all  earthly  attachments  ! Let 
us  rather  seek  to  have  our  souls  adorned  with  heavenly 
graces ; then  shall  they  flourish  in  immortal  beauty ; and  the 
very  body  shall  rise  incorruptible  and  glorious,  meet  for  the 
eternal  enjoyment  of  God,  in  the  blessed  society  of  the 
angelic  hosts. — As  we,  if  true  believers,  are  “strangers  and 
sojourners”  here  below,  are  seeking  a heavenly  city,  and  shall 
shortly  want  nothing  but  a burying-place,  let  us  mourn  de- 
parted friends  with  submission  and  in  hope,  and  not  indulge 
sorrow  so  as  to  interfere  with  present  duty,  any  more  than 
other  passions,  which  are  of  worse  repute : for  indulged  grief, 
however  plausible,  is  rebellion  against  Providence,  ingrati- 
tude for  remaining  undeserved  mercies,  and  a proof  of  the 
want  or  weakness  of  faith,  and  of  confidence  in  the  promises 
and  all-sufficiency  of  the  living  God. — Let  ns  also  avoid  every 
appearance  of  selfishness,  and  not  be  outdone  by  the  people 
of  this  world  in  courteousness  or  generosity,  when  consistent 
with  sincerity  and  a good  conscience  ; let  us  manage  our  con- 
cerns with  punctuality  and  precision,  in  order  to  avoid  con- 
tention ; and  thus  let  us  stand  prepared,  and  waiting  for  the 
coming  of  our  Lord. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXIV.  V.  1.  These  events  took  place 
three  years  after  Sarah’s  death,  when  Isaac  was  forty  years 
of  age,  and  Abraham  a hundred  and  forty. — It  is  remarkable, 
that  though  a numerous  posterity  was  so  eminent  a part  of  the 
promised  blessing,  no  great  haste  was  made  about  Isaac’s 
marriage,  and  much  less  afrerwards  about  that  of  Jacob. — 
“The  Lord  had  blessed  Abraham  in  all  things,”  notwith- 
standing his  trials,  and  even  by  means  of  them. 

V.  2 — 9.  There  can  be  no  reasonable  doubt,  that  Eliezer 
of  Damascus  was  the  servant  employed  on  this  occasion. 
(15:2.)  About  sixty  years  had  elapsed,  since  Abraham  spoke 
of  him  as  “the  steward  of  his  house;”  and  the  words  ren- 
dered “ the  eldest  servant  of  his  house,”  or  his  servant  the 
eider  of  his  house , are  of  similar  import.  He  was,  therefore, 
not  only  far  advanced  in  years,  but  a person  of  singular  piety 
and  wisdom. — “ Lifting  up  the  hand  to  the  Lord”  was  before 
mentioned,  as  the  form  of  taking  an  oath  ; ( Note , 14:22 — 24.) 
but  “putting  the  hand  undpr  the  thigh”  might  be  used  to 
express  submissive  duty  and  fidelity. — Eliezer  was  required 
to  swear,  that  he  would  diligently  use  his  influence  to  prevent 
Isaac  from  marrying  a wife  of  the  Canaanites,  who  were 
then  generally  idolaters,  and  not  proper  persons  with  whom 
to  form  so  intimate  a connexion ; (especially  as  the  Lord  had 
shown  Abraham,  that  they  were  filling  up  their  measure 
of  iniquity,  and  were  doomed  to  destruction ;)  but  that  he 
would  endeavour  to  procure  him  one  of  Abraham’s  kindred, 
among  whom  the  worship  of  God  was  still,  in  some  measure, 
maintained. — ‘There  does  not  appear  in  all  this  concern  the 
least,  taint  of  worldly  policy,  or  any  of  those  motives  which 
usually  govern  men  in  the  settlement  of  their  children.  No 
mention  is  made  of  riches,  or  honours,  or  natural  accomplish- 
ments ; but  merely  of  what  related  to  God.’  Fuller. — Before, 
however,  Eliezer  thus  engaged,  he  inquired  whether,  if  the 
proper  person,  when  found,  should  not  consent  to  leave  home, 
( 58  ) 


• 

6 And  Abraham  said  unto  him,  'Beware  thou, 
that  thou  bring  not  my  son  thither  again. 

7 The  mLoRD  God  of  heaven,  which  "took  me 
from  my  father’s  house,  and  from  the  land  of  my 
kindred,  and  “which  spake  unto  me,  and  that 
sware  unto  me,  saying,  Unto  thy  seed  will  I 
give  this  land ; he  shall  send  his  ''angel  belbre 
thee,  and  thou  shalt  take  a wife  unto  my  son  from 
thence. 

8 And  if  the  woman  will  not  be  willing  to  follow 
thee,  then  shalt  thou  be  iclear  from  this  my  oath : 
only  bring  not  my  son  thither  again. 

9 And  the  servant  rput  his  hand  under  the  thigh 

of  A.braham  his  master,  and  sware  to  him  con- 
cerning that  matter.  [Practical  Observations.] 

10  And  the  servant  took  ten  camels,  of  the 
camels  of  his  master,  and  departed,  ('for  "all  the 
goods  of  his  master  were  in  his  hand:)  and  he 
arose,  and  went  to  ‘Mesopotamia,  unto  the  “city 
of  Nahor. 


28:2.  h 58.  Kc.  5:2.  1 Heli.  10:39.  11:13—16.  2 Pel.  2:20— 22.  m Em  1:8. 

linn.  2:41.  Jon.  1:9.  Rev.  11:13.  n 12:1.  o 13:15.  15:18.  17:8.  22:16— 18  . 26: 
3,4.24.  Ex.  13:5.  Nunn.  14:16.30.  32:11.  Dent.  18.  Josh.  1:6.  Juclg.Q:!.  p Ex. 
23:20—23.  33:2.  Ps.  34:7.  103:20.  Is.  63:9.  Heb.  1:14.  q Num.  30.5.8.  Josh . 2: 
17—20.  9:20.  r 2.  t Or,  ami.  s 2 . 39:4—6.8,9,22,23.  t Deut.  23:4.  Juilg.  3: 
8—10.  IChr.  19:6.  Acts  2:9.  u 11:31.  29:4,5. 


and  become  a stranger  in  Canaan,  Isaac  might  to  go  and  live 
in  Mesopotamia.  But  the  sojourning  of  the  patriarchs  in 
Canaan  represented  the  state  of  believers  in  this  world ; and 
Isaac’s  returning  and  settling  in  that  country,  from  which 
Abraham  at  God’s  command  had  come,  would  have  been  an 
emblem  of  apostacy  in  a professed  worshipper  of  God. 
Abraham,  therefore,  declared  his  assurance,  grounded  on  the 
former  mercies  of  the  Lord,  and  on  his  promises,  and  his 
covenant  confirmed  by  an  oath,  that  “he  would  send  his 
angel  before  him”  to  prosper  his  way.  And  this  assurance, 
with  the  express  stipulation,  that  the  oath  should  not  other- 
wise be  binding,  fully  satisfied  this  faithful  and  conscientious 
servant. — We  may  here  make  some  remarks  about  good 
angels,  as  we  formerly  did  about  fallen  angels.  ( Note , Gen. 
3:1.)  It  appears  then  from  Scripture,  that  the  holy  angel9 
were  created  by  God,  complete  in  derived  and  dependent 
excellence ; that  they  are  very  numerous,  and  of  different 
orders,  “ angels,  principalities,  and  powers ;”  that  they  are 
now  confirmed  in  holiness  and  felicit}' ; that  they  excel  in 
wisdom,  knowledge,  and  strength : and  that  they  are  as  a 
flame  of  fire,  with  fervent  love,  gratilude,  and  active  zeal ; 
and  yet  proportionally  influenced  by  deep  humility,  and 
reverential  awe  of  God.  They  are  represented  as  standing 
in  his  presence,  waiting  his  commands;  covering  their  faces 
with  their  wings,  or  prostrate  in  profound  adoration  ; hearken- 
ing to  his  voice,  doing  his  will,  and  fulfilling  his  pleasure. 
( Notes , Ps.  68:17.  103:20—22.  Is.  6:1—4.  Rev.  5:11—14.) 
They  are,  on  this  account,  called  angels , or  messengers  : for 
though  he  “ puts  no  trust  in  them,”  and  even  in  comparison 
with  his  own  infinite  wisdom,  “charges  them  with  folly;" 
yet  he  is  pleased  to  honour,  and,  (if  we  may  so  speak,)  to 
indulge  them  with  his  commands,  which  they  execute  with 
unwearied  alacrity:  and  when  he  appoints  and  approves, 
the  meanest  or  the  most  important  services  are  alike  delight- 
ful to  them.  These  blessed  beings  are  the  ministers  of  his 
providence,  and  are  often  introduced  as  executing  his  awful 
vengeance;  but  more  generally  they  arc  considered  as  “sent 
forth  to  minister  to  them  who  shall  be  heirs  of  salvation.” 
( Notes , 2 Kings  19:35.  Heb.  1:13,14.)  There  is  not  a 
bright  seraph  through  all  the  heavenly  train,  who  would  not 
delight  and  glory  in  attending  a poor  despised  Lazarus,  in  a 
hospital  or  a dungeon,  to  ward  olf  the  machinations  of  evil 
spirits,  to  procure  a calm  to  his  dying  moments,  and  to  hail 
his  departing  soul  to  the  mansions  of  the  blessed:  for  they 
are  all  free  from  pride  and  envy,  all  full  of  love  to  the  Re- 
deemer and  redeemed,  and  all  rejoice,  even  over  one  sinner 
brought  to  true  repentance.  Our  obligations  to  them  are 
great : but  all  the  adoration  and  praise  belong  to  Him  who 
works  by  them ; for  they  are  our  fellow-servants,  and  have 
no  claim  to  our  worship,  but  abhor  it  as  sacrilege  and  idola- 
try. (Notey  Rev.  19:9,10.)  We  may,  howi  ver,  feel  a love 
for  them,  and  rejoice  in  the  thought  of  being  with  them,  and 
like  them  forever:  and  we  may  well  endeavour  to  copy  the 
example  of  their  humble  zeal,  their  fervent  love,  their  solemn 
worship  and  cheerful  services  ; and  in  our  conduct  to  each 
other,  take  pattern  from  them,  by  condescending  to  the  mean- 
est and  the  vilest,  without  envying,  disdaining,  or  overlooking 
one  another.  For  the  lowest  and  worst  of  human  creatures 
is  not  so  mean  and  vile,  compared  with  the  greatest  and  the 
best  of  men,  as  the  greatest  and  best  of  men  is  mean  and 
vile,  compared  even  with  a created  angel. 

V.  10.  It  is  evident  that  these  ten  camels  carried  every 
thing  requisite  for  the  journey,  and  suited  to  the  occasion; 
and  that  Euezer  was  accompanied  by  other  servants.  (30 — 
32,59.) — The  word  rendered  Mesopotamia , is  literally  Aram 
of  the  two  rivers  ; that  is,  Aram,  or  Syria,  which  lies  between 
tne  Euphrates  and  the  Tigris.  Nahor  did  not  dwel*  at  Ur 
of  the  Chaldees,  but  at  Haran.  (11:31.  29:4.) 


D C.  1837.  CHAPTER  XXIV.  R.  C.  1857, 


11  And  he  made  his  camels  to  kneel  down 
without  the  city,  by  a well  of  water,  at  the  time 
of  the  evening,  even  the  time  that  'women  go  out 
to  draw  water. 

12  And  he  said,  xO  Lord  God  of  my  master 
Abraham,  >1  pray  thee  send  me  good  speed  this 
day,  and  show  kindness  unto  my  master  Abraham. 

13  Behold,  I stand  here  by  the  well  of  water, 
and  the  1 daughters  of  the  men  of  the  city  come 
out  to  draw  water : 

14  And  let  it  come  to  pass,  that  the  damsel  to 
whom  I shall  say,  Let  down  thy  pitcher,  I pray 
thee,  that  I may  drink  ; and  she  shall  say,  Drink, 
and  I will  give  thy  camels  drink  also ; let  the  same 
be  she  "that  thou  hast  appointed  for  thy  servant 
Isaac ; ’’and  thereby  shall  I know  that  thou  hast 
showed  kindness  unto  my  master. 

15  H And  it  came  to  pass  'before  he  had  done 
speaking,  that  behold,  ‘‘Rebekah  came  out,  who 
was  born  to  Betlmel,  soli  of  eMilcah,  the  wife  of 
Nahor,  Abraham’s  brother,  with  her  fpitcher  upon 
her  shoulder. 

16  And  the  damsel  was  very  Tair  to  look  upon, 
a virgin,  neither  had  any  man  known  her ; and 
she  went  down  to  the  well,  and  filled  her  pitcher 
and  came  up. 

17  And  the  servant  ran  to  meet  her,  and  said, 
sLet  me,  I pray  thee,  drink  a little  water  of  thy 
pitcher. 

18  And  she  said,  ‘‘Drink,  my  lord  : and  she 
hasted,  and  let  down  her  pitcher  upon  her  hand, 
and  gave  him  drink. 

19  And  when  she  had  done  giving  him  drink, 
•she  said,  I will  draw  water  for  thy  camels  also, 
until  they  have  done  drinking. 

20  And  she  hasted,  and  emptied  her  pitcher 
into  the  trough,  and  ran  again  unto  the  well  to 
draw  water,  and  drew  for  all  his  camels. 

21  And  the  man  kwondering  at  her  held  his 
peace,  to  wit  whether  the  Lord  had  made  his 
Journey  prosperous,  or  not. 

22  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  the  camels  had  done 
drinking,  that  the  man  ‘took  a golden  tear-ring, 
“of  half  a shekel  weight,  and  two  bracelets  lor 
her  hands,  of  ten  shekels  weight  of  gold ; 

23  And  said,  Whose  daughter  art  ihou?  tell 
me,  I pray  thee  : is  there  room  in  thy  father’s 
house  for  us  to  lodge  in  ? 

24  And  she  said  unto  him,  "I  am  Ihe  daughter 
of  Bethuel,  the  son  of  Milcah,  which  she  bare  unto 
Nahor. 

25  She  said  moreover  unto  him,  °We  have  both 
straw  and  provender  enough,  and  room  to  lodge  in. 

26  And  the  man  I’bowed  down  his  head,  and 
worshipped  the  Lord. 

27  And  he  said,  ^Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of 
my  master  Abraham,  who  hath  not  left  destitute 
my  master  rof  his  mercy  and  his  truth  : I being-  in 

• Heb  .women  which  draw  water  trn  forth.  13  — 2U.  Ex.  2:16.  1 Sam.  9:11.  John 
4:7.  x 27.  31:42.  32:9.  1 Kines  18:36.  2 Kings2:14.  y 43:14.  Neh.  1:11.  2:4.  Ps. 
37  5.  90:16,17.  118:25.  Prov.  3:3.  Phil.  4:6.  l'Thes.  3:10,11.  z 11.  29:9,10.  a 44. 
Prov.  19:14.  b 15;s.  Ex.  4:1— 9.  Judg. 6:17,37.  7:13— 15.  1 Sam.  6:7— 9.  10:2—10. 
14:10.  2 Sam.  5:24.  2 Kings  20:8— 11.  la.  7:11.  cPs.  34:15.  145:18,19.  Is.  65:24. 
Dan.  9:20— 23.  (121.22:20—23.  e 11:27,29.  f 21:14-.  Ruth  2:2,17.  Prov. 31:27. 
t Heb.  go  id  of  countenance.  26:7.  39:6.  Heb.  g 1 Kings  17:10.  John4:7.9. 
h Prov.  31:26.  1 Pet.  3:8.  4:8.  i 14:45,16.  k Luke  2:19,51.  130.  Ex.  32:2,3. 

Esth.5:l.  Jer.2:32.  1 Tim. 2:9, 10.  1 Pet.  3:8.  + Or,  jewel  for  the  forehead.  Is. 
3:20— 23.  Ez.  16:11,12.  m 23:15,16.  n 15.  o 18:4— 8.  Judg.  19:19— 21 . Is.  32:8. 
1 . et.4:9.  p 43,52.  Ex. 4:31.  34:8.  Neh. 8:6.  Ps.95:6.  q 12.  Ex.  18:10.  Rnlh4:  14. 


V.  11 — 14.  4 That  which  is  done  for  life,  and  which  may 
involve  things  of  another  life,  requires  to  be  done  well ; and 
nothing  can  be  done  well,  in  which  the  will  of  God  is  not  con- 
sulted, and  his  blessing  implored.5  Fuller.  Great  humihty  and 
caution  are  requisite,  in  imitating  such  examples  as  this  of 
Abraham’s  servant : yet  we  must  not  limit  God  by  our  rules  ; 
and  he  may  still  at  some  times  so  impress  the  minds  of  his  ser- 
vants in  perplexity,  as  to  lead  them  to  expect  extraordinary  in- 
terpositions, and  then  evidently  to  answer  these  expectations. 
We  should  not,  therefore,  hastily  condemn  every  thing  of  this 
kind  ; provided  it  neither  count  enances  unscriptural  opinions  or 
practices ; nor  takes  men  off  from  attending  to  the  ordinary 
means  of  instruction ; nor  is  substituted  as  the  foundation  of 
hope,  instead  of  the  promises  of  God,  and  the  work  of  his  Spirit 
upon  the  heart. — It  is  observable  that  Abraham’s  servant  had 
in  mind,  in  this  address,  the  idea  of  a wife  for  Isaac,  as  one 
who  united  in  her  character  simplicity,  industry,  humility, 
affability,  and  cheerfulness  in  being  serviceable  and  hospitable. 

V.  21.  Abraham’s  servant  had  attendants,  who  might 


the  way,  ’the  Lord  led  me  to  the  house  of  'my 
master’s  brethren. 

28  And  the  damsel  ran,  and  told  them  "of  lie 
mother’s  house  of  these  things. 

29  And  Rebekah  had  xa  brother,  and  his  nai.  ?• 
was  Laban : and  Laban  ran  out  unto  the  man 
unto  the  well. 

30  And  it  came  to  pass  when  he  saw  the  ea.' 
ring,  and  bracelets  upon  his  sister’s  hands,  ano 
when  he  heard  the  words  of  Rebekah  his  sister 
saying,  Thus  spake  the  man  unto  me  ; that  he 
came  unto  the  man,  and  behold,  he  stood  by  the 
camels  at  the  well. 

31  And  he  said,  Come  in,  Hhou  blessed  of  the 
Lord:  wherefore  standest  thou  without?  'for  I 
have  prepared  the  house,  and  room  for  the  camels. 

32  And  the  man  came  into  the  house  : and  he 
ungirded  his  camels,  and  gave  st  ra  w and  provender 
for  the  camels,  and  water  to  avvash  his  feet,  and 
the  men’s  feet  that  were  with  him. 

{Practical  Observations.] 

33  And  there  was  set  meat  before  him  to  eat : 
but  he  said,  UI  will  not  eat,  until  I have  told  my 
errand.  And  he  said,  Speak  on. 

34  And  he  said,  I am  Abraham’s  servant. 

35  And  'the  Lord  hath  blessed  my  master 
greatly,  and  he  is  become  great:  and  he  hath 
given  him  dflocks,  and  herds,  and  silver,  and 
gold,  and  men-servants,  and  maid-servants,  and 
camels,  and  asses. 

36  And  'Sarah  my  master’s  wife  hare  a son  to 
my  master  when  she  was  old  : and  funto  him  hath 
he  given  all  that  he  hath. 

37  And  ”my  master  made  me  swear,  saying, 
Thou  shall  not  take  a wife  to  my  son  of  the 
daughters  of  the  Canaanites,  in  whose  land  I dwell ; 

38  But  thou  shalt  go  unto  my  father’s  house, 
and  to  my  kindred,  and  take  a wife  unto  my  son. 

39  And  I said  unto  my  master,  Peradventure 
the  woman  will  not  follow  me. 

40  And  he  said  unto  me,  The  Lord,  hbefore 
whom  I walk,  Hvill  send  his  angel  with  thee,  and 
prosper  thy  way : and  thou  shalt  take  a wife  for 
my  son  of  my  kindred,  and  of  my  father’s  house. 

41  Then  thou  shalt  be  clear  from. t/u's  my  oath, 
when  thou  comest  to  my  kindred  ; and  if  they  give 
not  thee  one,  thou  shalt  be  clear  from  my  oath. 

42  And  I came  this  day  unto  the  well,  and  said, 
kO  Lord  God  of  my  master  Abraham,  if  now 
thou  do  ‘prosper  my  way  which  I go ; 

43  Behold  I stand  by  the  well  of  water;  and  it 
shall  come  to  pass,  than  when  the  virgin  cometh 
forth  to  draw  water,  and  I say  to  her,  Give  me,  I 
pray  thee,  a little  water  of  thy  pitcher  to  drink; 

44  And  she  say  unto  me,  “Both  drink  thou,  and 
I will  also  draw  for  thy  camels : let  the  same  be 
"the  woman  whom  the  Lord  hath  appointed  out 
for  my  master’s  son. 


1 Sam.  25:32, 39.  2Sam. 18:28.  Luke  1:68.  r'210.  la.  £8:3.  1'  0:5.  Mic.  7:20. 
John  1:17.  8 Pro..  3:6.  4:11 — 13.  8:20.  I 4.  13:8.  Kx. 2:11.  u 55.  *55.60.  29:5. 
V 25:29.  Judg.  17:2.  Ruth  3:10.  Ps.  115:15.  I isiv.  17:8.  18  15.  19:5.  i 25.  a 18: 
4 . 43:24.  Juris.  19:21.  1 Sam.  25:41.  Luke  7:44.  John  13:4—14.  h Job  23:12.  Pa. 
132:3—5.  John  4:31— 34.  1 Tim.  6:2.  cl.  12:2.  25:19.  26:12.  49:25.  Prov. 10:22 
d 12:16.  13:2.  28:13,14.  Job  1:3.  42:12.  Ps.  107:38.  Mall.  5:33.  e 11:29,30.  17: 
15—19.18:11-13.  f 21:10.  25:5.  e2— 9.  I:  5:22,21.  6:9.  17:1.  48:15.  1 Kiuri 

2:3.  8:23.  2 Kines  20:3.  i 7.  Ex. 23:20.  8.1:2.  Dan.  3:28.  Rev.  22:8,16.  k 12- 
1J.  Acu  10:7,8  22.  1 31.  39:3.  Ezra  :21.  Nrh.  1:11.  Is. 90:17.  Rom. 1:10 

m Heb.  13:2.  n 14.  2:22.  Prov.  16:33.  18:22.  19:14. 


have  spared  Rebekah ; and  the  labour  of  drawing  water  for  ten 
camels  must  have  been  great : but  he  would  not  interpose, 
that  he  might  observe  her  conduct,  and  wait  the  answer  to 
his  prayer. 

V.  22.  About,  six  ounce?  of  gold,  in  all. 

V.  28.  1 It  was  her  mother's  house,  not  her  father's.' — The 

whole  narrative  implies,  that  Bethuel,  Rebekah’s  father,  was 
dead ; and  that  Bethuel,  afterwards  mentioned,  was  Laban’s 
younger  brother.  (50,53.) 

V.  33 — 36.  Abraham  had  received  intelligence  concern- 
ing the  family  of  Nahor,  and  we  may  suppose  they  had  also 
heard  of  him;  but  now  the  report  was  authenticated,  and  the 
particulars  ascertained.  The  narration  is  beautifully  simple  : 
well  suited  to  recommend  Isaac,  and  to  promote  the  object  of 
the  journey. — The  servant’s  heart  was  so  deeply  engaged  in 
the  business,  that  he  could  not  eat  till  he  had  declared  it. 
( Marg . Ref.) 

V.  44.  Appointed.]  Those  events,  which  appear  to  u* 
the  effect  of  choice,  contrivance,  or  chance,  are  matters  of  ap 

l 59  ) 


B.  C.  1857. 


GENESIS. 


B.  C.  1957 


45  AnJ  “before  I had  done  Pspeaking  in  mine 
hear*,  behold  Rebekah  came  forth  with  her  pitcher 
on  her  shoulder;  and  die  went  down  unto  the 
well,  and  drew  water : and  I said  unto  her,  Let 
me  drink,  I pray  thee. 

46  And  she  made  haste,  and  let  down  her 

Fitcher  from  her  shoulder , and  said.  Drink,  and 
will  give  thy  camels  drink  also : so  I drank,  and 
she  made  the  camels  drink  also. 

47  And  I asked  her,  and  said,  Whose  daughter 
art  thou  ? And  she  said.  The  daughter  of  Bethuel, 
Nahor’s  son,  whom  Milcah  bare  unto  him : and 
ul  put  the  ear-ring  upon  her  face,  and  the  bracelets 
upon  her  hands. 

48  And  rI  bowed  down  my  head,  and  worship- 
ped the  Lord,  and  blessed  the  Lord  God  of  my 
master  Abraham,  which  had  “led  me  in  the  right 
way  to  take  my  master’s  brother’s  daughter  unto 
his  son. 

49  And  now  lif  ye  will  deal  kindly  and  truly  with 
my  master,  tell  me  : and  if  not,  tell  me:  “that  I 
may  turn  to  the  right  hand,  or  to  the  left. 

50  Then  xLaban  and  Bethuel  answered  and 
said,  yTiie  thing  proceedeth  from  the  Lord:  *we 
cannot  speak  unto  thee  bad  or  good. 

51  Behokl,  Rebekah  is  before  thee,  take  her, 
and  go,  and  let  her  be  thy  master’s  son’s  rvife,  as 
the  Lord  hath  spoken. 

52  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  Abraham’s 
servant  heard  these  words,  he  “worshipped  the 
Lord,  bowing  himself  to  the  earth. 

53  IT  And  the  servant  brought  forth  ‘jewels  of 
silver,  and  jewels  of  gold,  and  raiment,  and  gave 
them  to  Rebekah : He  gave  also  to  her  brother 
and  to  her  mother  bprecious  things. 

54  And  they  did  eat  and  drink,  he  and  the  men 
that  were  with  him,  and  tarried  all  night:  and 
they  rose  up  in  the  morning,  and  he  said,  “Send 
me  away  unto  my  master. 

0 15—20.  Ib.  65:24.  Dan.  0:19,23.  Acts  4:24— 33.  10:30.  12:12 — 17.  plSam.l: 
13—15.  Keli. 2:4.  Roin.8:26.  o22  53.  Is.  45:9,13,14.  Is. 62:3— 5.  Ez.  16:10— 13. 
Eph.  5:25,27.  .r-26,27,52.  s27.  Ex.  18:20.  Ps.32:8.  48:14.  107:7  Prov.  3:6.  4:11. 
Is. 43:17.  t 17:29.  Josh.  2:14.  u Num.  20:17.  Deut.2:27.  x 15,28,55,60.  vPs.118: 
23.  z 31:24,29  . 2Sorn. 13:22.  a26,4S.  lChr.29:2l.  2Chr. 20:13.  Ps.95:6.  107: 
21,22.  116:1,2.  Mali. 2:11.  Acts  10:25,26.  • Heb.oerse/s.  Ex. 3:22.  11:2.  12:35. 
b Dent.  33:13— 15.  2Chr.21:3.  Ezra  1:6.  Is.  39:2.  c 55  . 28:5,6  . 45:24  . 2Sam. 


pointment  with  God : and  the  persuasion  of  this  does  not  pre- 
vent, but  rather  encourage,  the  use  of  all  proper  means ; at 
the  same  time  that  it  confines  us  to  proper  means,  and  deli- 
vers the  mind  from  useless  anxiety  about  consequences. 

V.  45.  Some  things  form  more  proper  subjects  for  secret 
than  for  social  prayer : Abraham’s  servant  therefore  used 
mental  prayer,  and  was  silent,  till  the  singularity  of  the  an- 
swer required  that  it  should  he  conmiunicated. 

V.  50.  The  whole  concern  was  so  evidently  according  to 
the  appointment,  and  under  the  direction  of  the  Lord,  that 
there  was  no  room  for  hesitation  or  objection. 

V.  53.  Her  brother  and  mother.]  No  mention  is  made  of 
her  father. 

V.  55,56.  This  good  and  faithful  servant’s  desire  of  com- 
municating  the  agreeable  intelligence  at  home,  no  doubt  in- 
duced him  to  hasten  his  departure  as  much  as  he  could  with 
propriety:  yet  the  transaction  may  admit  of  a useful  accom- 
modation. (P.  O.  33 — 67.) 

V.  58.  I will  go.]  The  excellence  of  Rebekah’s  charac- 
ter forbids  us  to  think,  that  there  could  be  any  tiling  in  her 
answer  inconsistent  with  true  delicacy ; though  it  does  not 
accord  to  the  modern  standard,  which  is  frequently  subversive 
of  sincerity.  No  doubt  she  saw  with  peculiar  clearness,  that 
the  whole  was  tile  appointment  of  God ; and  she  would  not 
so  much  as  seem  to  slight  the  honour  and  happiness  of  being  a 
progenitor  of  the  promised  Seed : but,  like  his  immediate  pa- 
rent, she  answered,  “ Behold  the  handmaid  of  the  Lord  ; be 
it  unto  me  according  to  thy  word.”  Puke  1:38. 

V.  59,60.  Their  sister  . . . our  sister.]  Bethuel,  as  well  as 
Laban, must  have  been  her  brother. — Nurse.]  Note,  35:8. 

V.  63.  To  meditate.]  To  reflect  on  the  works  and  truths 
of  God,  and  pour  out  ins  heart  in  prayer  and  praise. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  The  effect  of  good  example  and  instructions,  and 
[he  reverential  worship  of  God,  in  public  ordinances  and  in 
private  families,  will  generally  appear  in  the  piety,  faithful- 
ness, prudence,  and  affection  of  the  domestics  : and  to  live  in 
pious  families,  or  to  be  favoured  with  pious  servants,  is  a 
blessing  highly  to  be  valued,  and  thankfiilly  to  be  acknowledged. 
— No  concern  in  life  is  of  more  importance  to  ourselves,  to 
others,  and  to  the  church,  and  even  to  posterity,  than  con- 
tracting marriage  ; which  therefore  ought  always  to  be  under- 
taken with  much  circumspection  and  urudenco,  with  an  eye 
to  the  will  and  appointment  of  God,  and  wilh  prayer  for  his 
direction  and  blessing. — It  is  an  important  part  of  a parent’s 
( 60  ) 


55  And  her  brother  and  her  mother  said,  Le: 
the  damsel  abide  with  11s  “'a  few  days,  at  the  leas* 
ten  ; after  that  she  shall  go. 

56  And  he  said  unto  them,  dHinder  me  not, 
seeing  the  Lord  hath  prospered  my  way : send 
me  away,  that  I may  go  to  my  master. 

57  And  they  said,  We  will  call  the  damsel,  and 
inquire  at  her  mouth. 

58  And  they  called  Rebekah,  and  said  unto  her. 
“Will  thou  go  with  this  man  ? And  she  said,  I will 
go. 

59  And  they  sent  away  Rebekah  < their  sister 
and  her  enurse,  and  Abraham’s  servant  and  his 
men. 

60  And  hthey  blessed  Rebekah,  and  said  unto 
her,  Thou  art  our  sister,  be  thou  the  mother  ot 
thousands  of  millions,  and  let  ‘thy  seed  possess 
the  gate  of  those  which  hate  them. 

61  And  Rebekah  arose,  and  her  damsels,  and 
kthey  rode  upon  the  camels,  and  followed  the 
man:  and  the  servant  took  Rebekah,  and  went  his 
way. 

62  Tl  And  Isaac  came  from  the  way  of  the  well 
'Lahai-roi ; for  he  dwelt  in  the  south-country. 

63  And  Isaac  went  out  fto  ""meditate  in  the 
field  at  the  even-tide : and  he  lifted  up  his  eyes, 
and  saw,  and,  behold,  the  camels  were  coming. 

64  And  Rebekah  lifted  up  her  eyes,  and  when 
she  saw  Isaac,  she  "lighted  off  the  camel. 

65  For  she  had  said  unto  the  servant,  What 
man  is  this  that  walketh  in  the  field  to  meet  us? 
And  the  servant  had  said,  It  is  my  master:  there- 
fore she  took  a “veil  and  covered  herself. 

66  And  Pthe  servant  told  Isaac  all  things  that  Ire 
had  done. 

67  And  Isaac  brought  her  in  to  ffiis  mother  Sa- 
rah’s tent,  "and  took  Rebekah,  and  she  became  his 
wife  : and  he  loved  her : and  Isaac  was  "comforted 
after  his  mother’s  death. 


18:19, ‘27.28.  Luke  8:38,39.  t Or,  a full  year , or  ten  mouths.  Lev.  25:29. 
d45:9— 13.  Prov.  25:25.  e Ps.  45:10,11.  Luke  1:38.  f50, 53,60.  g 35:8.  hi: 

28.  9:1.  14:19.  17:16.28-3.  48:15,16,20.  Ruth  4:11,12.  i See  on  22:17.  k 31:34. 
1 Sam.  30:17.  Eslh.  8:10.14.  116:14.25:11.  j Or,  to  pray,  m Josh.  1:8.  Ps. 
1:2.  77:11,12.104:34.119:15.  139:17,18.  143:5,6.  nJosh.  15:18.  Judg.  1:14. 
o 20:16.  1 Cor.  11:5,5,10.  pMark6:30.  q 18:6,9,10.  r 2:22-24.  2 Cor.  11:1,2. 
Eph.5:22— 33.  s 37:35  . 38:12:  lThes.4:13. 


duty,  to  direct,  counsel,  and  assist  his  children  in  this  parti- 
cular, with  great  tenderness  and  affection : and  those  young 
persons  are  highly  favoured,  who  have  parents  that  will,  in  a 
proper  manner,  and  with  suitable  consideration,  perform  this 
duty  ; and  they  are  wis>e  who  avail  themselves  of  these  advan- 
tages. But  where  such  parents  are  not  consulted  and  re- 
garded, the  blessing  of  God  cannot  be  expected ; nor  when 
godliness  is  not  regarded  as  the  primary  requisite  in  a com- 
panion for  life. — They  who  stay  their  minds  on  God,  will  be 
kept  in  peace,  and  enabled  to  disregard  the  pcradventurcs 
which  trouble  others : they  wait  to  know  his  appointment,  are 
prepared  to  be  satisfied  with  it,  and  assured  that  in  due  time  it 
will  take  place  and  correspond  with  his  promises ; and  they  only 
aim  to  know  and  to  do  their  duty,  and  use  the  proper  means. 
But,  in  binding  ourselves  by  an  oath,  we  should  take  great 
care  that,  through  inattention,  we  do  not  ensnare  our  souls. 

V.  10 — 32.  They  who  acknowledge  God  in  all  their  ways, 
will  find  him  present  to  direct  their  paths,  and  make  their  way 
prosperous : and  when  the  prayer  of  faith  meets  with  an  im- 
mediate answer,  the  glory  ought  as  speedily  to  he  rendered 
to  God  in  solemn  praise  and  thanksgivings. — IIovv  are  the 
times  changed,  since  the  chief  persons,  and  their  sons  and 
daughters,  cheerfully  performed  the  most  laborious  services 
with  their  own  hands  ! It  is  to  be  feared  we  have  got  but  a 
.poor  exchange,  in  our  excessive  refinements,  for  the  simplici- 
ty, diligence,  and  usefulness,  which  characterized  the  patri- 
archs. And  surely  common  sense  must  allow,  that  these  are 
the  most  valuable  endowments  in  one,  who  is  to  fill  up  the 
important  duties  of  a wife  and  a mother;  to  be  the  companion 
of  a wise  and  pious  man’s  retired  hours  ; and  to  be  entrusted 
with  the  management  of  his  domestic  concerns,  and  with  form- 
ing the  tender  minds  of  his  children  ! 

V.  33 — fi7.  Whatever  business  we  arc  entrusted  with,  we 
should,  like  this  pious  servant,  attend  to  it  in  preference  to 
our  own  indulgence  or  refreshment : and  when  our  purpose  w 
honourable,  and  vve  are  waiting  to  know  the  Lord’s  appoint- 
ment, a plain  recital  of  facts,  in  which  the  hand  of  God  appears 
evident,  is  more  becoming,  and  frequently  more  effectual,  than 
all  the  trappings  of  oratory,  which  too  often  disguise  the  real 
truth. — The  remarkable  private  experience,  which  we  have 
of  God’s  mercy  and  faithfulness,  ought  to  be  declared  among 
those  who  fear  God,  for  his  glory  and  their  encouragement.— 
Though  the  counsel  and  consent  of  parents  should  be  oS» 
tained ; yet,  before  marriage  is  solemnized,  the  mutual  an© 
cheerful  compliance  of  the  contracting  parties  is  also  ri>|uisitb 


B.  C.  lS»a2. 


CHAPTER  XXV 


B.  C.  1773. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

Abraham  marries  Keturah,  1:  his  sons  by  her ,2 — 4.  He  gives  hie  substance 
to  Isaac  ; and  sends  them  at cay  wi'h  gifts,  5,  6.  His  asre.  death , and  burial, 
7— IU.  Ood  blesses  Isaac,  11.  The  posterity,  age,  and  death  of  Ishmael , 

12 — IS.  Isaac  prays  for  Rebekah,  who  was  barren;  and  is  heard , 19 — 
21.  Circumstances  preceding  and  attending  the  birth  of  Esau  and  Jacob, 
22—26.  Their  different  characters  and  pursuits,  27,  28.  Esau  sells  his  birth- 
righ ■ o Jacob,** — 34. 

THEN  “again  Abraham  took  a wife,  and  her 
name  ivas  Keturah. 

2  And  she  hare  him  Zimran,  and  Jekshan,  and 
Medan,  and  bMidian,  and  Ishhak,  and  cShuah. 

3  And  Jokshan  begat  dSheba  and  eDedan. 
And  the  sons  of  Dedan  were  fAsshurim,  and 
Letushim,  and  Leummim. 

4  And  the  sons  of  Midian  ; *Ephah,  and  Epher, 
and  Hanoch,  and  Abidah,  and  Eldaah.  All  these 
were  the  children  of  Keturah. 

5  And  Abrahaml'gave  all  that  he  had  unto  Isaac. 

6  But  unto  the  sons  of  the  'concubines,  which 
Abraham  had,  Abraham  gavekgifts,  and  sent  them 
away  from  Isaac  his  son,  (while  he  yet  lived,) 
eastward,  unto  the  'east-country. 

7  ^ And  these  are  the  days  of  the  years  of 
b.  c.-i  Abraham’s  life  which  he  lived,  an  hundred 
ia-2.  J threescore  and  fifteen  years. 

8  Then  Abraham  "'gave  up  the  ghost,  and  died 
in  a "good  old  age,  an  old  man,  and  full  of  years ; 
and  was  “gathered  to  his  people. 

9  And  his  sons,  ‘Isaac  and  Ishmael,  buried  him 
'tin  the  cave  of  Machpelah;  in  the  field  of  Ephron 
the  son  of  Zohar  the  Hittite,  which  is  before 
Mamre ; * 

a 23:1,2.  1 Chr.  1:32,33.  b 36:35.  37:28.36.  Ex.  2:13,16.  18:1— 4.  Num.22:4. 
25:17,18.31:2,8.  JmlB.6:7:8:  cJob2:ll.  d I Kings  10:1.  Job6:19.  Pa. 72: 

10.  e Jer.  25:23  . 49.8.  Ez.  25:13.  27:20.  fEz.27:6.  gls.60:6.  Ii  21:10— 12. 
24:36.  Malt.  11:27.  28:18.  John  3:35.  Rom.  8:17,32.  9:7—9.  1 Cor.  3:21— 23." 
Gal.  3:2".  4:28.  Heb.  1:2.  i 1.  18:3  . 30:4.9.32:22.  35:22.  Judg.  19:1,2.4.  kPs. 
17:14.15.  Luke  11:11— 13.  Acts  14:17.  1 JudB. 6:3.  Job  1:3.  m 17.  35:18.  49: 

33.  Ads  5:5,10.  12:23.  n 15:15.  35:28,29.  47:8,9.  Judg.  8:32.  1 Chr.  29:28.  Job 

being  essential  to  the  comfort  and  happiness  of  that  honour- 
able state : and  when  matters  are  thus  begun  and  completed 
in  faith,  and  with  the  prayer  of  all  parties,  the  blessing  of  God 
on  them  and  their  posterity  may  reasonably  be  expected  ; 
while  the  comfort  of  one  relation  will  compensate  for  the  loss 
of  another. — But  will  not  the  most  sober  judgment  allow,  that 
in  this  transaction  we  have  a type  of  Christ  and  his  church? 
We  know  who  is  the  Bridegroom,  that  in  perfect  harmony 
with  his  heavenly  Father,  having  offered  himself  as  a sacrifice 
for  sin,  espouses  his  church  unto  himself,  by  the  ministration 
of  his  servants  the  preachers  of  the  gospel ; who,  with  his 
commission,  go  to  find  out  those  who  are  afar  off,  u that  they 
may  present  them  as  a chaste  virgin  unto  Christ.”  They  re- 
present. to  sinners  his  glory,  his  excellency,  his  suitableness 
and  loving  kindness ; their  own  experience  of  his  grace,  and 
his  unsearchable  riches,  to  induce  their  willingness : and  by 
these  representations,  the  drawings  of  his  Spirit,  and  some 
foretastes  of  his  goodness,  they  are  prevailed  on  to  consent  to 
their  own  happiness,  and  made  willing  to  forsake  their  own 
country,  and  to  renounce  all  for  him.  (Note,  John  16:14,15.) 
Then  he  adorns  them  with  the  robe  of  his  righteousness,  and 
the  graces  of  his  Spirit ; endows  them  with  all  his  riches  ; enno- 
bles them  by  their  relation  to  him,  and  makes  them  happy 
in  his  love,  and  their  fellowship  with  him.  They  are  now 
supremely  attached  to  his  person  and  interest,  and  faithful  to 
their  engagements  to  him  ; they  give  him  their  heart,  and  de- 
vote body  and  soul  to  his  service,  in  sincerity  and  simplicity. 
He  greatly  delights  in  the  beauty  which  he  hath  put  upon 
them : being  thus  united  to  him,  they  bring  forth  fruit  unto 
God  ; and  at  length  he  will  wash  away  every  spot  and  blemish, 
and  present  them,  (adorned  as  a bride  for  her  husband,) 
faultless  before  his  presence  with  exceeding  joy. — In  this  view, 
how  punctual,  laborious,  faithful,  self-denying,  disinterested, 
fervent,  in  prayer,  watchful  of  providence,  jealous  for  Christ, 
and  affectionately  desirous  of  souls  ought  all  to  be,  who  sus- 
tain the  sacred  ministerial  character ! The  good  Lord  send 
forth  many  such  labourers  and  stewards,  and  make  them  wise 
to  win  souls  ! 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXV.  V.  1—4.  Abraham  was  a 
hundred  and  thirty-seven  years  of  age  when  Sarah  died  ; and 
nearly  forty  years  before  that  event,  his  age  had  rendered  it 
very  improbable  he  should  have  children : yet  he  had  six 
sons  by  Keturah,  whom  he  sent  away  in  his  lifetime : and 
on  these  grounds  it  has  been  conjectured  that  he  had  mar- 
ried this  wife  long  before. — But  the  language  of  the  original 
text,  “ And  Abraham  added,  and  took  a wife,”  as  well  as  the 
unnatural  disturbance  which  this  supposition  occasions  in  the 
simple  narration,  militates  against  the  opinion.  The  Lord 
had  promised  him  an  innumerable  posterity,  and  the  long 
lelay  both  served  to  try  his  faith,  and  to  illustrate  the  divine 
,iower  andi  faithfulness ; when  at  length,  beyond  all  probabi- 
. tty,  the  promise  was  so  remarkably  fulfilled.  And,  as  Abra- 
ham lived  thirty-eight  years  after  Sarah’s  death,  all  these 
children  might  be  grown  up,  and  much  older  than  Ishmael 


10  The  field  which  Abraham  purchased  of  the 
sons  of  Heth  : there  was  Abraham  buried,  an  • 
Sarah  his  wife. 

1 1 And  it  came  to  pass  (after  the  death  of  Abra- 
ham. that  God  blessed  his  son  Isaac : and  Isaac 
dwelt  by  the  well  “Lahai-roi. 

12  tl  Now ‘these  are  the  generations  of  Ishmael 
Abraham’s  son,  whom  Hagar,  the  Egyptian, 
Sarah’s  handmaid,  bare  unto  Abraham. 

13  And  these  are  "the  names  of  the  sons  of 
Ishmael,  by  their  names,  according  to  their  gene- 
rations : The  first-born  of  Ishmael,  “Nebajoth ; 
and  ^Kedar,  and  Adbeel,  and  Mibsam. 

14  And  Mishma,  and  z.Dumah,  and  Massah, 

15  ’Hadar,  and  “Tema,  Jetur,  Naphish,  and 
Kedemah. 

16  These  are  the  sons  of  Ishmael,  and  these 

are  their  names,  by  their  towns,  and  by  their 
castles ; btwelve  princes  according  to  their  p.  o. 
nations.  L I773- 

17  And  “these  are  the  years  of  the  life  of  Ishmael, 
an  hundred  and  thirty  and  seven  years  : and  he 
gave  up  the  ghost  and  died,  and  was  gathered 
unto  his  people. 

18  And  they  dwelt  from  ''Havilah  unto  Shur, 
that  is  before  Egypt,  eas  thou  goest  ‘towards 
Assyria : and  he  ‘died  sin  the  presence  of  all  his 

brethren.  [ Practical  Observations.'] 

19  IT  And  these  are  the  generations  of  Isaac, 
Abraham’s  son  : h Abraham  begat  Isaac. 

20  And  Isaac  was  forty  years  old  ‘when  he  took 

42:17.  o 7.  49:33.  Num.  20:24  . 27:13.  Judg.  2:10.  Acts  13:36.  p 21:9,10  . 35:29. 
q 21:9— 20  . 49:29,30  . 50:13.  r 12:2.  17:19  . 22:17.  50:24.  s 18:14.  24:62.  1 15: 

10—15.17:20.21:13.  Ps.83:6.  i>  1 Chr.  1:29— 31.  5:19,20.  x 36:3.  Is.  60:7. 
yl’s.  120:5.  Cant.  1:5.  Is.  21:16,17.  42:11.  7.  Is.  21:11.  ’ Or,  Hadad.  1 Chr.  1: 
30.  a Job  2:11.  6:19.  b 17:20.  c 7,8.  d 2:11.  10:7,29.  20:1.  1 Sam.  15:7.  e 13: 
10.  f 2 Kings  23:29.  Is.  19:23,24.  f Heb.  fell,  g 16:12.  h l Chr.  1:34.  Matt. 
1:2.  Luke  3:34.  Acts  7:8.  i 22:23.  24:67. 


was  when  he  was  sent  away,  and  might  be  settled  in  the 
world  before  his  death. — They  were  afterwards  intimately 
connected  with  the  Ishmaelites ; and  many  great  nations  a^ 
this  very  day  claim  Abraham  for  their  progenitor,  by  some 
of  these  branches. — Jethro,  the  father-in-law  of  Moses,  was 
descended  from  Midian : and  Job  and  some  of  his  friends, 
either  from  others  ofKcturah’s  sons,  or  from  Ishmael,  or  from 
Esau.  (JMarg.  Ref.  Note , Job  2:11.) 

V.  5,  6.  Abraham  gave  the  bulk  of  his  substance  to  Isaac, 
as  his  legitimate  heir,  his  only  son  by  Sarah  the  free  woman, 
according  to  the  promise.  Isaac  typified  the  Son  of  God* 
“ whom  he  hath  appointed  Heir  of  all  things  and  also 
represented  believers,  to  whom  with  Christ  the  Father  giveth 
all  things. — The  word  concubine  is  used,  not  only  for  one  who 
cohabited  with  a man  that  had  another  wife,  as  Hagar ; but 
also  for  one  who  was  a lawful  wife,  though  not  admitted  to 
the  full  privilege  of  that  relation,  in  respect  of  rank  and  pos- 
sessions, as  Keturah.  Ishmael  was  one  of  the  sons  here 
mentioned  ; and  we  may  hence  infer  that  he  was  not  sent 
away  destitute,  or  finally  deserted  by  Abraham. 

V.  7,  8.  The  sacred  historian  here  concludes  the  history 
of  Abraham,  to  prevent  the  subsequent  interruption  of  his 
narrative  ; for  Esau  and  Jacob  were  born  fifteen  years  before 
the  death  of  Abraham. — The  word  rendered  uGave  up  the 
ghost,”  means  no  more  than  expired , or  censed  to  breathe.  A 
Greek  word  of  similar  import  is  used  concerning  Ananias 
and  Sapphira : but  the  words  of  one  Evangelist  concerning 
our  Lord  signify,  that  41  he  yielded  up  his  spirit.”  (Matt. 
27:50.) — The  words,  of  years , are  not  in  the  original;  and 
the  term  employed  seems  to  denote,  that  Abraham  was 
satisfied  with  living  in  this  world,  and  ripe  for  a better. — The 
expression,  “gathered  to  his  people,”  decides  nothing  con 
cerning  the  eternal  state  of  the  persons  spoken  of,  being  used 
without  any  exact  discrimination  of  characters.  (Marg. 
Ref.  o.) 

V.  9,  10.  It  is  probable  that  Isaac  and  Ishmael  main- 
tained a degree  of  friendly  intercourse  with  each  other ; and 
that  Ishmael  was  satisfied  the  inheritance  belonged  to  Isaac, 
as  the  son  of  Sarah,  and  that  his  father  had  acted  properly 
in  leaving  it  to  him. 

V.  11.  God  blessed  Isaac  with  that  special  blessing,  which 
had  been  engaged  to  his  believing  father. 

V.  16.  The  Ishmaelites  were  settled  in  towns  and  castles, 
when  Moses  wrote  this  history;  and  probably  had  been  so  a 
long  time  before  the  descendants  of  Isaac  were  delivered  out 
of  Egypt. 

V.  18.  The  Ishmaelites  inhabited  the  country  to  the  east 
and  south  of  Judea,  from  the  entrance  into  Egypt  almost  to 
the  river  Euphrates:  perhaps  the  direct  road  ftom  Egypt  to 
Assyria,  lay  through  their  country.  Thus  Ishmael’s  lot  fell 
among  his  brethren,  Abraham’s  sons  by  Keturah,  who  proba- 
bly survived  him ; and  he  died  surrounded  by  them  and  their 
descendants. 

V.  20,  21.  The  faith  of  Isaac  was  tried  by  the  barrennewi 

( 61  ) 


B C.  1837.  GENESIS.  B.  C.  1803. 


11.  bckali  to  wife,  the  daughter  of  Bethuel  kthe 
Syrian  of  Padan-aram,  the  sister  to  Laban  the 
Syrian. 

21  And  Isaac  Untreated  the  Lord  for  his  wife, 
“because  she  was  barren:  and  the  Lord  was 
intreated  of  him,  "and  Rebekah  his  wife  conceived. 

22  And  the  children  struggled  together  within 
her:  and  she  said,  If  it  be  so,  why  am  I thus? 
And  she  went  to  °inquire  of  the  Lord. 

23  And  the  Lord  said  unto  her,  ‘Two  nations 
are  in  thy  womb,  and  ''two  manner  of  people  shall 
be  separated  from  thy  bowels : and  the  one  people 
shall  be  stronger  than  the  other  people,  and  rthe 
elder  shall  serve  the  younger. 

24  And  when  her  days  to  be  delivered  were 
ulfilled,  behold,  there  were  twins  in  her  womb. 

25  And  the  first  came  out  red,  eall  over  like  an 
hairy  garment : and  they  called  his  name  Esau. 

26  And  ‘after  that  came  his  brother  out,  and 
his  hand  “took  hold  on  Esau’s  heel ; and  his  name 
b.  e.-nvas  called  ’'Jacob : and  Isaac  ?was  three- 
id37.  J score  years  old  when  she  bare  them. 

27  And  the  boys  grew:  and  Esau  was  za 
cunning  hunter,  a man  of  the  field  ; and  Jacob 
was  “a  plain  man,  ’’dwelling  in  tents. 

28  And  Isaac  loved  Esau,  because  ‘he  did  eat 
of  his  venison  : but  Rebekah  loved  Jacob. 


k 28:5,6.  31:18,20,24.  35:9.  Beut.20:5.  I 1 Sam.  1:11,27.  Luke  1:13.  m 11:30. 
15:2,3.  16:2.  17:16—19.  1 Sam.  1:2.  I.uke  1:7.  n Rom.  9:10—12.  o 1 Sam.  9:9. 
10:22.  28:6.  30:8.  p 17:16.  21:60.  q 27.  32:6.  33:3.  36:31.  Num.  20:14.  r 27. 
29,40.  2 Sam.  8:14.  1 Kings  22:47.  2 Chr.  25:11.12.  Ps.  60:8.9.  8 :5— 15.  I..3i: 
53:1-6.  Jcr.  19:7—22.  K*. 25:12— 14.  35:  Am.  1:11,12.  Ob.  1—16.  Mai.  1:2-4. 
Rom.  9:10— 13.  s 27:11,23.  t 38:28— 30.  u Ho..  12:3.  x 27:36.  v20.  t 10:9. 
21:20  . 27:3-5,40.  a 28:10,11.  31:39— 41.  46:31.  b Heb  11:9.  • Heb.  venison 

of  Rebekah  during  twenty  years,  as  that  of  Abraham  and 
Sarah  had  been  for  a much  longer  time  ; but  Isaac,  depending 
on  the  promise  of  an  innumerable  posterity,  ceased  not  to 
intreat  the  Lord  to  remove  this  hinderance  to  its  fulfilment ; 
and  at  length  his  prayer  was  answered. 

V.  22,  23.  The  extraordinary  sensations  experienced  by 
Rebekah,  convinced  her  that  there  was  something  super- 
natural in  her  case. — She  therefore  said,  “ If  so,  why  is  it 
thus  with  me  1”  ‘ This  must  be  inquired  into.’  Abraham 
was  yet  living,  and  was  a prophet ; and  probably  he  directed 
her  in  inquiring  of  the  Lord  ; but  the  particular  method  used 
on  this  occasion  is  not  recorded.  She  however  received  for 
answer,  that  two  nations,  and  two  manner  of  people,  were  in 
her  womb  ; namely,  the  Israelites  and  the  Edomites  or  Idu- 
means,  being  then  in  their  common  parents,  Jacob  and  Esau. 
They  were  men  of  very  opposite  dispositions,  and  their  de- 
scendants were  as  dissimilar  ; they  personally  struggled  hard 
for  the  pre-eminence,  and  so  did  their  posterity  during  many 
ages.  In  the  days  of  David,  the  descendants  of  Esau,  the 
elder  brother,  were  generally  subject  to  those  of  Jacob  the 
younger  ; and  much  more  entirely  in  the  latter  times  of  the 
Jewish  state. — These  struggles  may  be  considered  as  an  em- 
blem of  the  conflict  between  the  world  and  the  true  church  of 
God,  the  seed  of  the  serpent  and  the  Seed  of  the  woman ; 
in  which  the  church,  which  is  the  younger,  after  many  strug- 
gles, will  gain  a final  mastery.  (Note,  3:14,15.) — The  con- 

flict between  “ that  which  is  born  of  the  flesh,  and  “ that 
which  is  born  of  the  Spirit,”  in  the  true  believer,  is  of  the 
same  nature,  and  will  have  a similar  event.  (Notes,  John 
3:7,8.  Gal.  5:16—18.) 

V.  25,  26.  Esau  signifies  made,  or  formed. — 1 He  was  as 
full  of  hairs  when  he  was  born,  as  others  are  at  man’s  estate.’ 
Bp.  Patrick.  Jacob,  even  at  his  birth,  seemed  to  struggle 
for  the  primogeniture,  which  was  an  indication  of  his  subse- 
quent conduct.  His  name  was  given  him  with  evident  allu- 
sion to  this  circumstance  ; and  signifies  a supplanter,  or  one 
who  throws  down  another,  by  taking  hold  of  his  heel. 

V.  27.  Esau  hunted  the  beasts  of  the  forest  with  dex- 
terity and  address  ; till  probably,  like  Nimrod,  he  became  a 
warrior  and  conqueror:  accordingly,  when  he  met  his  bro- 
ther he  had  with  him  four  hundred  men.  But  Jacob  was 
a plain  man  dwelling  in  tents  ; an  industrious,  honest,  pious 
character:  “a  stranger  and  pilgrim”  in  his  spirit,  and  a 
shepherd  all  his  days. 

V.  28.  (Notes,  27:) — Venison.]  That  which  is  taken  in 

hunting.  (Qnpa,  Sept.) 

V.  30.  Edom  signifies  red,  and  is  nearly  the  same  as 
Adam.  (Note,  5:1,2.)  This  name  was  given  Esau,  because 
he  so  eagerly  desired  the  red  pottage  of  Jacob. 

V.  31 — 34.  As  it  does  not  appear  that  Jacob  inherited  a 
double  portion  of  Isaac’s  substance,  it  is  probable  this  was 
not  meant  by  the  birthright.  But  it  included  the  special  bles- 
sings covenanted  to  Abraham  and  his  posterity  ; not  only  in 
respect  of  the  land  of  Canaan,  but  also  in  respect  of  the 
Messiah,  who  would  arise  from  among  them,  and  all  the  reli- 
gious advantages  connected  with  this  distinction.  These 
blessings  Jacob  as  a believer  supremely  valued,  but  unbe- 
lieving Esau  despised  them. — It  cannot  be  conceived  that 
Esau  was  literally  dying  of  hunger,  nor  would  the  transac- 
(62 


29  H And  Jacob  sod  pottage:  and  Esau  came 
from  the  field,  cand  he.  was  faint. 

30  And  Esau  said  to  Jacob,  Feed  me,  I pray 
thee,  'with  that  same  red  pottage  ; for  I am  faint : 
therefore  was  his  name  called  dEdom. 

31  And  Jacob  said,  Sell  me  this  day  thy  birth- 
right. 

32  And  Esau  said,  Behold,  I am  *at  the  point 
to  die  : eand  what  profit  shall  this  birthright  do 
to  me  ? 

33  And  Jacob  said,  ( Swear  to  me  this  day: 
and  he  sware  unto  him  : sand  he  sold  his  birth- 
right unto  Jacob. 

34  Then  Jacob  gave  Esau  bread  and  pottage 
of  lentiles : and  he  did  '’eat  and  drink,  and  rose 
up,  and  went  his  way : Thus  Esau  despised  his 
birthright. 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Isaac,  because  of  a famine,  sojourns  in  Gerar ; and  the  Lord  instructs  end 
blesses  him,  1 — 5.  He  denies  his  wife,  and  is  detected  and  reproved,  6— 
11.  The  Philistines  envy  his  prosperity  ; he  removes  from  them,  and  they 
Jill  up,  or  take  from  him,  the  wells  which  his  fatlur  and  he  had  dug,  12— 
17.  He  digs  several  other  wells,  18—22.  The  Lord  blesses  him  at  Beer- 
sheba,  23 — 25.  Abimdech  covenants  with  him,  26 — 33.  Esau  marries  two 
Canaanitish  wives,  to  the  grief  of  his  parents,  34,  35. 

AND  there  was  a famine  in  the  land,  besides 
“the  first  famine  that  was  in  the  days  of  Abra- 
ham. bAnd  Isaac  went  unto  ‘Abimelech  king  of 
the  Philistines,  unto  Gerar. 


was  in  his  mouth.  27:4,19.  cJudg.  8:4,5.  1 Sam.  14:28,31.  Is.  40:30,31.  t Heb. 
with  that  red,  with  that  red  pottage,  d 36:1,9,43.  Ex.  15:15.  Nom.  20:14 — 21. 
Deut.  23:7.  2 Kings  8:20.  } Heb.  g>inj  to  die.  e Job  21:15.  22:17.  34:9.  Mah 
3:14.  f 24:3.  Mark  6:23.  Heb.  6:16.  g 27:36  . 36:6,7.  h Is.  22:13.  1 Cor.  15:32. 
i Zech.  11:13.  Matt.  22:5.  26:15.  Luke  14:18— 20.  Phil.  3:13,19.  Heb.  12:16,17. 
a 12:10.  b 25:11.  c20:2. 


tion  have  been  so  severely  condemned  had  this  been  so.  He 
had  indeed  come  in  from  hunting  in  the  field,  where  he  had 
continued  till  he  was  faint  for  want  of  refreshment:  but 
doubtless,  other  food  might  have  been  procured  in  Isaac’s 
family,  had  he  not  inordinately  craved  Jacob’s  pottage,  which 
he  probably  saw  as  soon  as  he  entered  the  house,  and  deter- 
mined at  any  rate  to  obtain.  The  words  signify,  1 1 am 
going  towards  death,’  and  he  seems  to  have  meant,  4 I shall 
never  live  to  inherit  Canaan,  or  any  of  these  future  supposed 
blessings ; and  what  signifies  it  who  has  them  when  I an 
dead?’  This  was  the  language  of  profaneness,  for  whicr 
the  apostle  condemns  him  ; and  it  implied  a great  contempt 
of  the  birthright,  which  the  historian  notes  with  decided  cen- 
sure. (iVo/e,  Heb.  12:15 — 17.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 18.  By  repeated  examples  the  Lord  teaches  us 
that  he  tries  the  faith  of  his  people  b}'  long  delays ; but  at 
length  vastly  exceeds  their  expectations,  by  fulfilling  to  them 
his  largest  promises. — u The  vision  is  for  an  appointed  time, 
but  at  the  end  it  shall  speak  and  not  lie  ; though  it  tarry,  wait 
for  it;  because  it  will  surely  come,  it  will  not  tarry.”  Hab. 
2:3. — A great  part  of  this  history  relates  to  those  who  go  off. 
and  those  who  appear  on,  the  stage  of  life  ; and  it  is  of  little 
consequence,  whether  our  continuance  on  this  grand  theatre 
be  short  or  long,  provided  we  act  in  such  a manner  as  to  quit 
the  world  with  comfort  to  ourselves,  witlnbenefit  to  others,  and 
with  the  approbation  of  our  gracious  God.  Only  let  us  be 
anxious  to  leave  behind  us  a testimony  from  our  lips  to  the 
faithfulness  and  goodness  of  the  Lord,  and  in  the  consciences 
of  others,  to  the  uprightness  and  consistency  of  our  walk  be- 
fore him ; and  the  blessing  of  God  to  our  families.  Having 
then  lived  to  every  good  purpose,  and  being  ripe  for  the  world 
above,  we  may  cheerfully  resign  our  souls  into  the  hands  of  our 
Redeemer,  expecting  to  join  44  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  per- 
fect and  leave  our  bodies  to  the  silent  tomb,  in  joyful  hope  of 
a happy  resurrection.  But  God  forbid,  that  the  writer  or  any 
of  the  readers  of  these  observations  should  rest  contented  with 
earthly  blessings,  which  the  Lord  bestows  on  the  men  of  this 
world  ; or  should  come  short  of  those  special  and  eternal  bles- 
sings, which  belong  to  the  children  of  the  promise ! Though  the 
former  seem  to  have  the  pre-eminence  here,  yet  the  latter  will 
have  their  portion,  when  that  of  the  former  is  spent  and  gone 
for  ever. 

V.  19 — 34.  They  who  are  stirred  up,  by  the  delays  of  pro- 
mised and  expected  blessings,  to  “ pray  always  and  not  faint,” 
will  surely  succeed;  for  “every  one  that  asketh  received),” 
though  perhaps  not  immediately. — In  all  our  doubts  and  per- 
plexities, we  should  inquire  of  the  Lord  by  prayer,  attendance 
on  his  ordinances,  and  attention  to  his  word : and  in  many  of 
our  contlicts  and  struggles  with  sin  and  templations,  we  may 
adopt  Rebekah’s  words : 44  If  it  be  so,  why  am  1 thus  ?”  4 If  a 
child  of  God,  why  so  careless  or  carnal  ? If  not  a child  of  God, 
why  so  afraid  of  sin  or  burdened  with  it?’ — In  the  best  ol 
characters  we  perceive  infirmities,  and  in  the  best  of  parents 
sinful  partialities  ; but  surely  those  children  are  entitled  to  our 
superior  regard,  who  are  evidently  beloved  of  the  Lord! — 
Men,  who  are  slaves  to  their  appetites,  and  who  inordinately 
crave  earthly  things,  and  despise  spiritual  blessings,  will, 
however  sagacious  in  other  respects,  find  I lionise)  'cs  inni  Holy 


B.  0.  1800. 


CHAPTER  XXVI.  B.  C.  1800. 


2 Anil  th  Lord  ^appeared  unto  him,  and  said, 
Go  not  down  into  Egypt;  'dwell  in  the  land  which 
v shall  tell  thee  of. 

3 f Sojourn  in  this  land,  and  *1  will  be  with  thee? 
and  will  bless  thee : for  hunto  thee  and  unto  thy  seed 
I will  give  all  these  countries,  and  will  perform  the 
'oath  which  I sware  unto  Abraham  thy  father. 

4 And  1 will  make  thy  seed  to  kmultiply  as  the 
stars  of  heaven,  and  will  give  unto  thy  seed  all 
these  countries : and  in  thy  'Seed  shall  all  the  na- 
tions of  the  earth  be  blessed : 

5 Because  that  Abraham  mobeyed  my  voice, 
and  kept  my  charge,  my  commandments,  my  sta- 
tutes, and  my  laws. 

6 IT  And  Isaac  dvvelt  in  Gerar. 

7 And  the  men  of  the  place  asked  him  of  his 
wife ; and  he  said,  “She  is  my  sister : for  he  feared 
to  say,  She  is  my  wife ; lest,  said  he,  the  men  of 
the  place  should  kill  me  for  Rebekah,  because  she 
was  “fair  to  look  upon. 

8 And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  had  been  there 
a long  time,  that  Abimelech  king  of  the  Philistines 
looked  out  at  ^a  window,  and  saw,  and  behold, 
Isaac  leas  Sporting  with  Rebekah  his  wife. 

9 And  Abimelech  called  Isaac,  and  said,  Behold, 
of  a surety,  she  is  thy  wife:  and  how  saidst  thou, 
She  is  my  sister  ? And  Isaac  said  unto  him,  Be- 
cause I said,  Lest  I die  for  her. 

10  And  Abimelech  said,  rWhat  is  this  thou  hast 
done  unto  us?  one  of  the  people  might  lightly 
have  lien  with  thy  wife,  and  thou  shouldst  have 
brought  guiltiness  upon  us. 

11  And  Abimelech  charged  all  his  people,  say- 
ing, He  that  stoucheth  this  man  or  his  wife,  shall 

surely  be  put  to  death.  [Practical  Observations .] 

12  U Then  Isaac  sowed  in  that  land,  and  're- 
ceived in  the  same  year  ‘an  hundred-fold,  and  the 
Lord  "blessed  him. 

13  And  the  man  waxed  great,  and  'went  for- 
ward, and  grew  until  he  became  very  great. 

14  For  he  had  'possession  of  flocks,  and  pos- 

d 12:7.  17:1.  e 12:1.  Pa.  37:3.  f 20:1.  Ps.  39:12.  Heb.  11:9,13 — 16.  g28:15. 

39:2,21.  Phil.  4:9.  h 12:7.  13:15,17.  15:18.  17:8.  i 2216,18.  Ps.  105:9.  Ileb. 
6:17.  k 13:16.  15:5.  22.17.  Hel).  11:12.  112:3.22:18.  Ps.  72:17.  Acu  3:25. 

Gal.  3:8,16.  m 12:4.  17:23.  18:19.  22:18.  Ps.  112:1,2.  Matt.  5:19.  7:24.  Gal.  5: 
6.  Heb.  11:8.  Jam.  2:22.  n 12:13.  20:2,5,13.  Prov.  29:25.  o 24:16.  p Juilg.  5:28. 
Proe.  7:6.  Cam.  2:9.  q Prov.  5:18,19.  Ec.  9:9.  r 12:19.  20:9,10.  s20:6.  Ps. 
105:15.  Prov.  6:29.  Zech.2:8.  -Heb  .found,  l Ps.  72:16.  Ec.  11:6.  Zech.8:12. 

excelled  in  wisdom  by  those,  who  “ choose  that  good  part 
which  shall  never  be  taken  from  them.”  But,  while  we  should 
be  of  Jacob’s  judgment  in  preferring  the  birthright,  we  ought 
carefully  to  avoid  all  approaches  to  imposition,  in  seeking  to 
obtain  the  most  important  advantages  ; and  even  the  appear- 
ance of  being  a supplanter,  should  be  shunned  with  scrupulous 
vigilance. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXVI.  V.  1.  Abraham  sojourned 
in  Gerar  just  before  the  birth  of  Isaac,  and  soon  after  entered 
into  a treaty  with  Abimelech ; and  Isaac  was  sixty  years  of 
age  when  his  sons  were  born,  and  a hundred  when  Esau  mar- 
ried. (31.)  Esau  and  Jacob  are  spoken  of  in  the  close  of  the 
former  chapter,  as  grown  up.  The  transaction,  therefore, 
recorded  in  this  chapter,  must  have  been  at  least  ninety  years 
afrer  the  former  covenant. — It  is  probable  that  Abimelech, 
(which  signifies  ‘ my  father  the  king,’)  was  the  common  name 
of  the  kings  of  the  Philistines  ; and  that  this  Abimelech  was  a 
successor  to  him  with  whom  Abraham  covenanted.  ( Note , 
Ps.  34:  title.) 

V.  2 — 5.  Abraham  had  gone  down  into  Egypt  during  a 
famine,  and  we  may  suppose  that  Isaac  was  purposing  to  do 
(he  same ; but  God  commanded  him  to  dwell  in  some  part  of 
the  land  of  Canaan,  according  to  such  intimations  as  should 
from  time  to  time  be  given  him.  For  the  present  he  was 
directed  to  sojourn  in  the  country  of  the  Phili-tines : and  the 
Lord  promised  to  be  with  him,  to  supply  his  waats,  and  to  pro- 
tect and  comfort  him ; and  he  renewed  the  promises,  which 
nad  been  repeatedly  ratifiei  -o  Abraham.  God  thus  testified 
his  approbation  of  Abraham  s remarkable  obedience,  for  the 
honoui  of  his  own  name,  and  the  encouragement  of  Isaac,  and  of 
others  in  every  age  and  nation.  This  obedience  likewise  con- 
duced to  the  fulfilment  of  the  promises.  It  was  the  evidence 
of  that  faith,  by  which  Abraham  was  justified  ; and,  in  conse- 
quence of  his  prompt  obedience,  the  covenant  respecting  his 
seed  was  confirmed  to  him  by  an  oath. — The  several  expres- 
sions made  use  of  seem  to  refer  to  Abraham’s  unreserved 
obedience,  in  leaving  his  native  country,  sojourning  in  Canaan, 
offering  sacrifices,  being  circumcised,  and  circumcising  his  sons 
and  servants,  and  at  length  intentionally  sacrificing  Isaac,  at 
God’s  command ; as  well  as  to  his  general  course  of  piety, 
-ighteousness,  and  holiness. — As  “ Abraham  was  justified  by 
faith,"  which  referred  to  the  righteousness  of  Christ ; so  the 


session  of  herds,  and  great  store  of  ^servants. 
And  the  Philistines  ^envied  him. 

15  For  all  the  wells  which  2his  father’s  servants 
had  digged,  in  the  days  of  Abraham  his  father, 
the  Philistines  had  stopped  them,  and  filled  them 
with  earth. 

16  And  Abimelech  said  unto  Isaac,  Go  from  us: 
for  thou  art  much  “mightier  than  we. 

17  And  Isaac  departed  thence,  and  pitched  his 
tent  in  the  valley  of  Gerar,  and  dwelt  there. 

18  IT  And  Isaac  digged  again  the  wells  of  water, 
which  they  had  digged  in\he  days  of  Abraham  his 
father  ; for  the  Philistines  had  stopped  them,  alter 
the  death  of  Abraham  : and  he  called  their  names 
alter  the  names  by  which  his  father  had  called 
them. 

19  And  Isaac’s  servants  digged  in  the  valley, 
and  found  there  a well  of  ^springing  water. 

20  And  the  herdmen  of  Gerar  did  strive  with 
Isaac’s  herdmen,  saying,  The  water  is  ours  : and 
he  called  the  name  of  the  well  "Esek,  because  they 
strove  with  him. 

21  And  they  digged  another  well,  and  strove  for 
that  also : And  he  called  the  name  of  it  "Sitnah. 

22  And  he  removed  from  thence,  and  digged 
another  well ; ant  for  that  they  strove  not:  and 
he  called  the  name  of  it  "Rehoboth ; and  he  said. 
For  now  bthe  Lord  hath  made  room  for  us,  and 
we  shall  be  fruitful  in  the  land. 

23  And  he  went  up  from  thence  to  cBeer-sheba. 

24  And  the  Lord  appeared  unto  him  the  same 
night,  and  said,  dI  am  the  God  of  Abraham  thy 
father  : “fear  not,  for  I am  with  thee,  and  will  bless 
thee,  and  multiply  thy  seed,  for  my  servant  Abra- 
ham’s sake. 

25  And  he  fbuilded  an  altar  there,  and  called 
upon  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  pitched  his  tent 
there : and  there  Isaac’s  servants  digged  a well. 

26  H Then  e Abimelech  went  to  him  from  Gerar, 
and  Ahuzzath  one  of  his  friends,  and  Phichol  the 
chief  captain  of  his  army. 

Man.  13:23. 1 Cor.  3:6.  2 Cor.  9:10,11.  Gal.  6:7,8.  u 29.  30:30.  Job  42:12.  Prov. 
10:22.  f Heb.  went  going,  x Job  1:3.  Ps.  112:3.  t Or.  husbandry . y 37:11.  Job 
5:2.  Ps.  112:10.  PruV.27:4.  Ec.4:4.  z 21:30.  a Ex.  1:9.  § Heb.  living.  Cant. 
4:15.  John  4:10,1 1 . ||  That  is,  Contention.  TC  That  is,  Haired.  **  'I  bat  is,  Room, 
bis.  4:1.  18:19.  118:5.  c 21:31.  46:1.  d 15:1.  17:7  . 24:12.  28:13.  Ex.  3:6. 
Matt.  22:32.  Acts  7:32.  e Ps.  27.1.  46:1,2.  Is.  12:2.  41:10,14.  51:7,12.  Luke  12: 
32.  Heb.  13:6.  f 8:20.  12:7.  35:1.  Ex.  17:15.  g 21:22— 32. 

Lord’s  blessing  Isaac  for  Abraham’s  sake,  was  virtually  bles- 
sing him  through  the  Redeemer. — The  principle  of  blessing 
some  for  the  sake  of  others,  seems  to  have  been  intended  to 
prepare  men’s  minds  for  receiving  the  blessings  of  salvation, 
not  as  due  to  them,  but  aa  given  for  the  sake  of  the  divine 
Saviour. 

V.  7.  (Notes,  12:10 — 20.  20:)  The  questions  of  the  men 
of  Gerar  excited  Isaac’s  apprehensions : his  answer  con- 
tained a more  direct  falsehood  than  that  used  by  Abraham ; 
and  his  unbelief  was  the  more  inexcusable,  because  he  lived  in 
Gerar  by  God’s  express  command,  and  under  his  immediate 
protection. 

V.  8.  A long  time.]  Without  interruption,  which  showed 
that  Isaac’s  suspicions  were  injurious  to  the  Philistines. 

V.  11.  Probably  Abimelech  recollected  the  reproof  and 
correction,  which  bad  been  incurred  on  Abraham’s  account, 
in  similar  circumstances. 

V.  12.  An  hundred-fold .]  If  this  be  the  meaning  of  the 
passage,  (for  it  is  not  without  difficulty,)  it  was  an  extra- 
ordinary increase,  and  an  evident  effect  of  the  divine  blessing. 
In  many  parts  of  this  land,  with  all  our  improvements  in  agri- 
culture, an  ordinary  crop  of  grain  is  very  seldom  known  to 
exceed  twenty-fold ; and  much  more  frequently,  without  any 
remarkab’e  mismanagement,  or  disaster,  to  come  short  of  ten- 
fold clear  increase  upon  the  seed  sown.- — ‘And  he  found  the 
barley  increased  unto  him  an  hundred-fold  in  that  year.’ 
Sept. 

V.  13 — IS.  The  conduct  of  the  Philistines  was  a direct 
infringement  of  the  covenant,  which  Abimelech  had  made 
with  Abraham : but  Isaac’s  prosperity  excited  their  envy  and 
jealousy,  which  induced  forgetfulness  of  all  moral  obligations. 

V.  17.  Valley  of  Gerar.]  Upon  the  borders  of  Abime- 
lech’s  kingdom. 

V.  21.  Sitnah.]  Hatred,  (marg.)  or  opposition.  Ezra 
4:6.  Heb.  The  name  Satan,  an  adversary,  is  derived  from 
the  same  root. 

V.  22.  The  piety  of  the  language  here  used  in  the  ordi- 
nary concerns  of  life,  is  worth  noticing  and  imitating. 

V.  24.  Fear  not.]  ‘ Be  not  afraid  of  the  envy  or  enmity 
of  the  Philistines.’  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  26.  Phichol.]  This  seems  to  have  been  the  name  <ff 
some  dignity  among  the  Philistines  ; for  probably  Phichol,  who 
( 63  ) 


13  C.  1790. 


GENESIS. 


Ii.  C.  1760 


27  And  Isaac  said  unto  them,  Wherefore  come 
ye  to  me,  hseein§  ye  hate  me,  and  have  sent  me 
away  from  you  ? 

28  And  they  said,  ’We  saw  certainly  that  the 
Lord  was  with  thee;  and  we  said,  ‘Let  there  he 
now  an  oath  hetwixt  us,  even  betwixt  us  and  thee, 
and  let  us  make  a covenant  with  thee  ; 

29  1 That  thou  wilt  do  us  no  hurt,  as  we 
have  not  touched  thee,  and  as  we  have  done 
unto  thee  nothing  hut  good,  and  have  sent  thee 
away  in  peace : thou  art  now  kthe  blessed  of  the 
Lord. 

30  And  he  'made  them  a feast,  and  they  did 
eat  and  drink. 

31  And  they  rose  up  mbctimes  in  the  morning-, 
and  sware  one  to  another:  and  Isaac  sent  them 
away,  and  they  departed  from  him  in  peace. 

32  And  it  came  to  pass  the  same  day,  that  Isaac’s 
servants  came,  and  told  him  concerning  the  well 
which  they  had  digged,  and  said  unto  him,  We 
have  found  water. 

33  And  he  called  it  ;Shebah : therefore  the 
name  of  the  city  is  tBcer-sheba  unto  this  day. 

34  H And  Esau  was  forty  years  old  when  he 
took  to  wife  Judith,  “the  daughter  of  Beeri  the 
Ilittite,  and  Bashemath  the  daughter  of  Elon  the 
Hittite : 

35  “Which  were  a "grief  of  mind  unto  Isaac  and 
Rebekah. 


b Jtidg.  11:7.  Acts  7:9,14,35.  Rev.  3:9.  * Heb.  see ing  we  saw.  i 31:49 — 53. 

t Heb.  if  • hou  shall,  Stc.  k 24:31.  Ps.  115:15.  1 31:54.  Rom.  12:18.  Heb.  12: 
14.  1 Pet.  4:9.  m22:3.  % That  is,  an  oath.  §That  is,  the  veil  of  the  oath. 

n24:3.  Ex.  34:16.  o 6:2.  27:46.  28:2.8.  ||  Heb.  bitterness  of  spirit,  a 48: 


came  with  Abimelech  to  Abraham  on  a similar  occasion,  was 
dead  before  this  time.  (21:22,32.) 

V.  29 — 31.  The  Philistines  attempted  to  justify  their  con- 
duct, though  indeed  they  had  acted  deceitfully  and  unjustly, 
and  in  a manner  wholly  inexcusable  ; but  Isaac,  loving  peace, 
admitted  their  plea  wi  hout  altercation. 

V.  35.  ‘And  they  were  quarrelling  with  Isaac  and  Re- 
bekah.’ Sept. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 11.  Repeated  famines  in  “the  land  of  promise,” 
taught  the  patriarchs,  and  uneasiness  in  the  most  eligible 
situations  should  teach  us,  to  look  to  the  heavenly  inheritance 
for  unalloyed  felicity.  Yet  they  are  happy,  even  on  earth, 
who  are  guided  by  Jehovah’s  counsel,  upheld  and  protected 
by  his  power,  encouraged  by  his  presence,  and  assured  of  an 
interest  in  his  everlasting  love.  If  he  engage  to  be  with  us, 
and  if  we  abide  in  our  proper  place,  nothing  but  unbelief  and 
distrust  can  prevent  our  comfort.  The  blessing  which 
descends  upon  posterity  in  answer  to  prayer,  as  the  effect  of 
wholesome  instructions  and  a good  example,  and  as  a gracious 
recompense  of  the  obedience  of  faith,  is  unspeakably  prefera- 
ble to  any  other  riches  which  can  be  left  them.  “ The  righteous 
Lord  loveth  righteousness,”  and  will  show  his  love  of  it  by 
abundantly  rewarding  the  good  works  of  his  believing  people. — 
But  alas  1 it  is  far  more  natural  and  easy  to  imitate  the  faults 
of  eminent  characters,  than  their  faith  and  holiness  ; and 
too  many  conclude,  that  they  may  venture  on  improper  con- 
duct, because  pious  persons  have  been  betrayed  into  it. 
How  careful  therefore  should  we  be,  not  to  sanction  trans- 
gression, or  give  force  to  temptation,  by  our  example  ! * The 

falls  of  them  who  have  gone  before  us  are  as  so  many  rocks, 
on  which  others  have  split ; and  the  recording  of  them  is 
like  placing  buoys  over  them,  for  the  security  of  future  mari- 
ners.’ Fuller.  Such  examples  also  show,  that  righteousness 
cometh  not  by  the  law,  but  by  the  faith  of  Christ. — Let  us, 
however,  imitate  the  conduct  of  Abimelech,  in  seriously  rc- 
roving  Isaac,  and  in  returning  good  for  evil.  It  may  also 
e proper  to  inquire  whether  his  abhorrence  of  adultery  will 
not  risp  up  in  judgment  “ against  such  a nation  as  this,”  or 
at  least  against  very  many  of  its  inhabitants,  its  robles,  and 
princes. 

V.  12 — 35.  The  Lord  detects  and  reproves  his  offending 
servants;  but  he  also  pardons  and  blesses  them.  His  bles- 
sing maketh  rich,  and  the  increase  of  the  earth  is  his  gift : 
but  riches  generally  excite  envy,  suspicion,  and  jealousy ; 
and  we  may  very  often  call  our  worldly  acquisitions,  (as 
Isaac  did  his  wells,)  contention  and  enmity. — “ The  spirit 
that  is  in  us  lusteth  to  envy  and,  while  we  watch  and  pray 
against  it  in  ourselves,  we  shall  avoid  whatever  may  need- 
lessly excite  it  in  others  ; for  when  once  it  is  kindled,  none 
can  tell  what  malice  and  mischief  it  may  occasion. — As 
Isaac  constantly  chose  to  reside  near  a well,  so  we  should 
give  up  many  other  advantages,  in  order  to  be  near  the  ordi- 
nances of  God.  Many  wili  try  to  deprive  us  of  these  “ wells 
of  salvation but  we  must  contend  for  them  earnestly,  yet 
meekly  ; and  endeavour  to  preserve  for  our  children,  the  reli- 
gious privileges  which  we  have  received  from  our  fathers. — In 
other  things,  “ the  wisdom  which  is  from  above,”  will  teach 
us  to  recede  from  our  right,  and  retire  from  the  contentious ; 
( O'*  ) 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

Isaac  when  old  sends  Esau  to  take  venison,  intending  to  bless  him , 1 — 4.  Re* 
bekah  instructs  Jacob  how  to  secure  the  blessing,  and  overrules  hie  objec- 
tions, 5 — 13.  The  stratagem  succeeds,  and  Isaac  blesses  Jacob,  supposing 
him  to  be  Esau,  14 — 29.  Esau  afterwards  arrives,  complains  bitterly,  and 
by  importunity  ob.ains  a blessing,  30 — 40.  Esau  purposes  to  murder  Jacob , 
who  is  sent  away  to  Mesopotamia,  41 — 46. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  that  when  Isaac  was  old, 
and  his  eyes  were  adim,  so  that  he  could  not 
see,  he  called  Esau  his  eldest  son,  and  said  unto 
him.  My  son : and  he  said  unto  him,  Behold  here 
am  I. 

2  And  he  said,  Behold  now,  I am  old,  bI  know 
not  the  day  of  my  death. 

3  Now  therefore  “take,  I pray  thee,  thy  wea- 
pons, thy  quiver,  and  thy  bow,  and  go  out  to  the 
field,  and  ’take  me  some  venison  ; 

4  And  make  me  savoury  meat,  such  as  I lovt , 
and  bring  it  to  me,  that  I may  eat ; dthat  my  soul 
may  bless  thee  before  I die. 

5  And  Rebekah  heard  when  Isaac  spake  to 
Esau  his  son : and  Esau  went  to  the  field  to  hunt 
for  venison,  and  to  bring  it. 

6  II  And  Rebekah  spake  unto  Jacob  her  son, 
saying,  Behold,  I heard  thy  lather  speak  unto 
Esau  thy  brother,  saying, 

7  Bring  me  venison,  and  make  me  savoury  meat, 
that  I may  eat,  and  bless  thee  “before  the  Lord 
before  my  death. 

8  Now  therefore,  my  son,  fobey  my  voice,  ac- 
cording to  that  which  I command  thee. 

10.  1 Pam.  3:2.  Ec.  12:3.  b 48:21.  Prof.  27:1.  Ec.  9:10.  Is.  33:1.  Jam.  4: 
14.  c 10:9.  25:27,28.  • Heb.  hun\  cl  7.  48:9,15-20.  49:28.  I’eut.  33:1,  &c. 

Luke  24:51.  Heb.  11:20.  e Josh.  6:26.  1 Sam.  26:19.  f 13.  Acts  4:19.  5:29. 
Eph.  6:1. 


and  if  we  are  injuriously  driven  from  one  place,  the  Lord 
will  make  room  for  us  in  another,  and  recompense  us  with  the 
assurance  and  consolations  of  bis  love.  Yea,  he  will  “ make 
our  enemies  to  be  at  peace  with  us,”  and  to  court  our  friend- 
ship, acknowledging  that  he  loveth  us  : and  we  should  always 
show  ourselves  disposed  to  reconciliation  and  hospitality. — 
We  must,  however,  have  some  trial  to  counterbalance  each 
comfort : yet  children  are  highly  culpable,  who  by  their  sins 
grieve  the  hearts  of  their  pious  and  affectionate  parents  : nor 
has  any  thing  been  more  generally  (he  banc  of  domestic  hap- 
piness, as  well  as  of  piety,  than  unhallowed  marriages,  and 
the  practice  of  polygamy. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXVII.  V.  1.  The  subsequent 
narrative  shows,  that  Joseph  was  born  about  fourteen  years 
after  the  events  recorded  in  this  chapter.  (23:20,30.  30:21 — 
26.)  Joseph  was  thirty  years  of  age  when  he  stood  before 
Pharaoh;  (41:46.)  and  after  the  seven  years  of  plenty,  and 
twa  or  three  years  of  famine,  Jacob  told  Pharaoh  that  lie  was 
a hundred  and  thirty.  (47:9.)  Jacob  must  have  been  about 
ninety  when  Joseph  was  born,  and  about  seventy-five  at  this 
time;  and  as  Isaac  was  sixty  when  Esau  and  Jacob  were 
born,  he  must  have  been  about  a hundred  and  thirty-five  or 
six  years  of  age.  Since  Esau  married  his  two  wives,  thirty- 
five  or  six  years  had  elapsed,  concerning  which  nothing  is 
recorded. 

V.  2.  Isaac  deemed  it  best  to  settle  his  domestic  concerns, 
that  he  might  not  have  incumbrances  of  that  kind  to  discom- 
pose him  at  the  solemn  season  of  death,  which  his  infirmities 
led  him  continually  to  expect.  Yet  he  lived  almost  forty-four 
years  longer. 

V.  3,  4.  As  this  preparation  was  not  intended  for  a public 
feast,  but  merely  for  a private  self-indulgent  meal,  it  must  be 
considered  as,  in  some  degree,  a carnal  introduction  to  the 
spiritual  blessing,  which  Isaac  purposed  to  pronounce : a 
solemn  sacrifice  would  have  been  much  more  consistent  with 
his  character,  and  more  suitable  to  t he  occasion.  (7.) — 
Isaac’s  partiality  for  Esau,  and  the  custom  of  regarding  the 
elder  brother  as  the  heir,  led  him  to  forget,  misunderstand,  ot 
disregard,  the  answer  which  the  Lord  had  formerly  given  Re- 
bekah on  this  subject.  (25:23.) 

V.  6 — 10.  Rebekah  was  sensible  that  Isaac  was  about  to 
act  improperly  ; for  she  knew  that  the  blessing  was  intended 
for  Jacob,  anti  expected  that  ho  would  have  it.  But  she 
ought  cither  calmly  to  have  argued  the  ease  and  expostulated 
with  Isaac;  or,  if  that  appeared  inexpedient,  to  have  com- 
mitted the  matter  to  the  Lord  by  prayer,  and  by  no  means 
to  have  used  any  artifice  on  such  an  occasion.  She  indeed 
did  no  wrong  to  Esau  in  regard  to  the  birthright  ; as  both  the 
purpose  of  God,  and  his  own  agreement,  ratified  with  an 
oath,  deprived  him  of  all  claim  to  it : (Notes,  25:22,33.  31 — 
34.)  but  she  injured  Isaac,  by  practising  an  imposition  upon 
ltim  ; and  Jacob,  by  using  her  authority  and  persuasions  to 
tempt  him  to  sin.  She  also  dishonoured  the  power  and  faith- 
fulness of  God,  by  supposing  that  he  needed  such  means  of 
effecting  his  purpose  and  fulfilling  his  promise.  Nay,  by 
exciting  Jacob  to  act  so  treacherous  a part,  she  even  threw  a 
stumbling-block  in  Esaus  way;  and  furnished  him  with  a 
plausible  pretext  for  his  enmity,  not  only  against  his  brother 
but  also  against  religion. 


B.  C.  17G0. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


B.  C.  1760 


9 Go  now  to  the  flock,  and  fetch  me  from  thence 
«t\vo  good  kids  of  the  goats ; and  I will  make  them 
sinoury  meat  for  thv  father,  such  as  lie  loveth. 

10  And  thou  shaft  bring  it  to  thy  father,  that 
he  may  eat,  ana  tnai  ne  may  bless  Uiee  neiore  ms 
death. 

11  And  Jacob  said  to  Rebekah  his  mother,  Be- 
hold, Esau  my  brother,  is  a hhairy  man,  and  I am 
a smooth  man. 

12  My  father  peradventure  will  feel  me,  and  I 
shall  seem  to  him  as  'a  deceiver;  kand  1 shall  bring 
a curse  upon  me,  and  not  a blessing. 

13  And  his  mother  said  unto  him,  ‘Upon  me  be 
thy  curse,  my  son : only  obey  my  voice,  and  go 
fetch  me  them. 

14  And  he  went,  and  fetched,  and  brought  them 
to  his  mother : and  his  mother  mmade  savoury 
meat,  such  as  his  father  loved. 

15  And  Rebekah  took  ‘goodly  raiment  of  her 
eldest  son  Esau,  which  were  with  her  in  the  house, 
and  put  them  upon  Jacob  her  younger  son. 

16  And  she  put  the  skins  of  the  kids  of  the  goats 
upon  his  hands,  and  upon  the  smooth  of  his  neck. 

17  And  she  gave  the  savoury  meat,  and  the 
bread  which  she  had  prepared,  into  the  hand  of 
her  son  Jacob. 

18  11  And  he  came  unto  his  father,  and  said, 
My  father:  And  he  said,  Here  am  I:  who  art 
thou,  my  son? 

19  And  Jacob  said  unto  his  father,  nI  am  Esau 
thy  first-born ; I have  done  according  as  thou 
badest  me  : arise,  I pray  thee,  sit  and  eat  of  my 
venison,  that  thy  soul  may  bless  me. 

20  And  Isaac  said  unto  his  son,  How  is  it  that 

thou  hast  found  it  so  quickly,  my  son  ? And  he 
said,  “Because  the  Lord  thy  God  brought  it  ho 
me.  * 

21  And  Isaac  said  unto  Jacob,  Come  near,  I 
pray  thee,  that  I may  feel  thee,  my  son,  whether 
thou  be  my  very  son  Esau,  or  not. 

22  And  Jacob  went  near  unto  Isaac  his  father ; 
and  he  felt  him,  and  said,  The  voice  is  Jacob’s 
voice,  but  the  hands  are  the  hands  of  Esau. 

gjudg.  13:15.  1 Sam.  16:20.  h 15:25.  i 36  . 25:27.  IThes.  5:22.  k9:25. 

Deut.  27:18.  Mai.  1:14.  125:23,33.  1 Sam.  11:24— 28,36— 45.  2Sam.  11:9. 

Mall.  27:25.  m 4,7,9,17,31.  25:28.  Ps.  141:4.  Prov.  23:2,3.  • Heb . .tesira- 

hlt.  27.  n 21,24.  29:23—25.  1 Kings  13:18.  14:2.  Zech.  13:3,4.  Mall.  26:70-74. 
o Ex.  20:7.  f Heb.  before  me.  p l Sam.  21:2,13.  27:10.  2 Sain.  14:5.  Job  13: 
7,8.  15:5.  Prov.  12:19,22.  30:8.  Rom.  3:7,8.  Eph.  4:2-5.  qCanl.2:13.  4:11—14. 
7:12,13.  Hos.  14:6.  r26:12.  Heb.  6:7.  s Deut  11:11,12.  32:2.  33:13,28  . 2Sam. 
1:21.  1 Kings  17:1.  Ps.  65:9— 13.  133:3.  Hos.  14:5,7.  Mic.  5:7.  t 39.  45:18. 


V.  11 — 14.  Jacob  objected  to  the  proposed  measure  as 
impolitic ; and  feared  that  he  should  be  detected,  and  put  to 
shame,  for  trying  to  impose  on  his  father  by  means  of  his  in- 
firmities ; and  that  he  should  thus  provoke  him  to  pronounce  a 
curse  on  him  instead  of  a blessing:  but  he  does  not  seem  to 
have  been  in  any  degree  properly  impressed  with  the  sense  of 
the  exceedingly  great  criminality  of  the  attempt.  And  Re- 
bekah, (who,  from  her  confidence  that  Jacob  would  obtain  the 
blessing,  was  encouraged  to  urge  him  to  commit  evident  sin,) 
in  engaging  to  take  the  consequences  on  herself,  acted  too 
much  like  those  persons  who  are  bold  in  transgression,  because 
“ God  is  rich  in  mercy.”  Thus  they  both  contracted  deep 
guilt, for  which  they  were  afterwards  sharply  chastised;  yet 
the  purposes  of  God  were  accomplished,  even  by  means  of 
their  misconduct. 

V.  IS.  The  animals,  in  those  hot  climates,  are  not  co- 
vered with  so  thick  a coat  of  hair,  as  they  are  in  more  nor- 
therly regions. 

V.  19,20.  Jacob  not  only  told  the  most  palpable  falsehoods 
on  this  occasion,  but  directly  profaned  the  name  of  the  Lord 
in  his  answer  to  Isaac’s  inquiry ; and  thus  made  religion  the 
cloak  of  his  dissimulation  1 

V.  21 — 23.  Isaac  no  doubt  would  have  rejoiced  to  hear 
Esau  use  the  language  of  piety,  as  Jacob  had  affected  to  do: 
yet  this  circumstance  seems  to  have  concurred  in  exciting  his 
suspicions.  But  as  his  eyes  failed  him,  he  distrusted  his  ears 
also;  and  thus  the  plan  of  Rebekah  succeeded. — How  won- 
derful is  that  difference,  which  there  is  betwixt  the  faces  and 
the  voices  of  the  several  individuals  of  the  human  species  ! 
Scarcely  any  two  of  the  innumerable  millions  are  exactly  alike 
in  either,  and  yet  the  difference  cannot  be  defined  or  de- 
scribed ! The  power,  wisdom,  and  kindness  of  our  Creator, 
should  be  admired  and  adored  in  this  remarkable  circum- 
stance ; for  they  are  very  visible. — This  description  of  Jacob 
is  not  unaptly  accommodated  to  the  character  of  a hypocrite : 
his  voice , his  language,  is  that  of  a Christian ; his  hands , or 
conduct,  that  of  an  ungodly  man : but  the  judgment  will  pro- 
ceed from  God  the  Judge  of  all,  at  the  last  day,  as  in  the  pre- 
sent case,  not  by  the  voice,  but  by  the  hands. 

Vol.  I.— 9 


23  And  lie  discerned  him  not,  because  his  hand* 
were  hairy,  as  his  brother  Esau’s  hands.  So  he 
blessed  him. 

24  And  lie  said,  Art  thou  my  very  son  Esau  ? 
And  he  said,  *4  am. 

25  Ana  ne  said,  Bring  it  near  to  me.  and  1 
will  eat  of  my  son’s  venison,  that  my  soul  may 
bless  thee.  And  he  brought  it  near  to  him,  and 
he  did  eat:  and  he  brought  him  wine,  and  he 
drank. 

26  And  his  father  Isaac  said  unto  him,  Come 
near  now,  and  kiss  me,  my  son. 

27  And  he  came  near,  and  kissed  him : and  he 
smelled  the  smell  of  his  raiment,  and  blessed  him. 
and  said,  See,  Uhe  smell  of  my  son  is  as  the  smeli 
of  a field,  rwhich  the  Lord  hath  blessed. 

28  Therefore  God  give  thee  8of  the  dew  of  hea- 
ven, and  ‘the  fatness  of  the  earth,  and  “plenty  ot 
corn  and  wine. 

29  “Let  people  serve  thee,  and  nations  bow 
down  to  thee;  ybe  lord  over  thy  brethren,  and  let 
thy  mother’s  sons  bow  down  to  thee  c,  ‘Cursed  be 
every  one  that  curseth  thee,  and  blessed  be  he 

that  blesseth  thee.  [Practical  Observations.] 

30  H And  it  came  to  pass,  as  soon  as  Isaac  had 
made  an  end  of  blessing  Jacob,  and  Jacob  was 

et  scarce  gone  out  from  the  presence  of  Isaac 
is  father,  that  Esau  his  brother  came  in  from  his 
hunting. 

31  And  he  also  had  made  savoury  meat,  and 
brought  it  unto  his  father;  and  said  unto  his 
father,  Let  my  father  arise,  and  eat  of  his  son’s 
venison,  that  thy  soul  may  bless  me. 

32  And  Isaac  his  fcther  said  unto  him,  Who 

art  thou  ? And  he  said,  I am  thy  son,  thy  first 
born  Esau.  * 

33  And  Isaac  ttrembled  very  exceedingly,  and 
said,  Who,  where  is  he  that  hath  Haken  venisOn, 
and  brought  it  me,  and  I have  eaten  of  all  before 
thou  earnest,  and  have  blessed  him  ? “yea,  and  he 
shall  be  blessed. 

34  And  when  Esau  heard  the  words  of  his 
father,  bhe  cried  with  a great  and  exceeding  bittei 


Ps.  36:8.  Rom.  11:17.  u Deut.  7:13.  8:8.  33:28.  x 9:25.  49:8— 10  . 2 Sam. 
8:10.  1 Kiries  4:21 . I s.  2:6—  9.  72:8.  Is.  9:7.  Dan.  2144,45.  Rev.  19:16.  v 37 
25:22,23.  2 Sam.  8:14.  1 Kings  11:15,16  . 22:47.  2 ( hr.  25  11— 14.  Ps.60:  title 
Is.  63:1— 6.  Mai.  1:2— 5.  Rom.  9:12.  i 12:3.  Num.24:9.  Zech.  2:8,9.  MotU 
25:40,45.  } Heb.  trembled  with  a great  trembling  greatly.  Job  21:6.  37:1. 

Ps.  55:5.  § Heb.  hunted,  a 28:3,4/ Rom.  1 1 :29.  Heb.  11 :20.  b 1 Sam.  30:4. 
Prov.  1:24—28.  19:3.  Luke  13:24—28.  lleb.  12.17. 


V.  27 — 29.  The  hand  of  God  is  manifest  in  this  trans- 
action ; and  the  bledfeing  pronounced  on  Jacob  was  an  evident 
prophecy,  which  was  fulfilled  in  the  history  of  the  two  nations 
descended  from  Jacob  and  Esau ; and  indeed  the  language  of 
the  original  implies  this  ; being  literally,14  God  shall  give  thee. . . 
the  people  shall  serve  thee,  &c.”  It  is  likewise  observab’e,. 
that  no  explicit  mention  is  made  here,  as  elsewhere,  of  the 
promised  Seed  and  of  the  promised  land.  Perhaps  Isaac  was 
conscious,  that  these  were  intended  for  Jacob,  and  confined 
his  interpretation  of  the  answer  given  Rebekah  to  these  par- 
ticulars ; or  he  deemed  that  matter  determined  by  the  sale 
of  the  birthright ; or  he  knew  that  Esau  did  not  set  much 
value  on  the  spiritual  meaning  of  the  blessing,  and  therefore 
couched  it  in  general  terms.  Indeed,  he  seems  to  have  spoken 
with  hesitation ; yet  he  was  led  to  use  such  expressions,  as 
assigned  the  dominion  to  Jacob,  and  conferred  on  him  the 
substance  of  the  blessings  first  promised  to  Abraham.  (JVotev 
12:1 — 3.) — Deiu , &c.  (28.)  Marg . Ref.  s. — Thy  mother's 

sons.  (29.)  The  sons  not  only  of  the  same  father,  as  Ishmael 
was  brother  to  Isaac ; but  of  the  same  mother  also,  as  Jacob 
was  brother  to  Esau.  Jacob,  with  his  posterity,  was  especially 
intended,  whom  Isaac  desired  and  hoped  would  be  subject  to 
Esau  and  his  posterity;  though  their  mother  Rebekah,  as  he 
well  knew,  favoured  Jacob. 

V.  33.  By  the  unexpected  entrance  of  Esau,  and  his  ad- 
dress and  answer,  Isaac  was  exceedingly  agitated  and  alarmed. 
Various  reflections  now  rushed  at  once  into  his  mind  ; and  he 
was  convinced  that  he  had  been  rashly  attempting  to  counteract 
the  appointment  of  God.  The  language  of  this  verse  most 
emphatically  expresses  the  confusion  into  which  he  was 
thrown,  on  perceiving  in  what  manner  his  intention  had  been 
counteracted : but  he  acquiesced  in  what  had  been  done,  as 
manifestly  the  will  of  God  : and  indeed  he  seems  to  have  been 
directed  by  the  Spirit  of  prophecy,  in  thus  confirming  the 
blessing  to  Jacob. 

V.  34.  Esau  was  exceedingly  grieved  and  vexed  at  being 
thus  circumvented  and  disappointed ; and  at  finding  that  the 
providence  of  God  had  ratified  his  former  foolish  bargain. 
Perhaps  he  dreaded  some  immediate  temporal  calamity  in 

( S5  ) 


B.  C.  1 7K), 


GENESIS 


B.  C.  1760 


cry,  and  said  unto  liis  father,  Bless  me,  even  me 
also,  O my  father.  . 

35  And  he  said,  cThy  brother  came  with  sub- 
tlety, and  hath  taken  away  thy  blessing. 

36  And  he  said.  Is  not  he  rightly  named  ' Jacob  ? 
for  he  hath  supplanted  me  these  two  times : he 
took  away  my  birthright;  and  behold  now  he 
hath  taken  away  my  blessing.  And  he  said,  Hast 
thou  not  reserved  a blessing  for  me  ? 

37  And  Isaac  answered  and  said  unto  Esau, 
Behold,  dI  have  made  hirn  thy  lord,  and  all  his 
brethren  have  I given  to  him  for  servants ; and 
with  corn  and  wine  have  I ‘sustained  him:  and 
what  shall  I do  now  unto  thee,  my  son  ? 

38  And  Esau  said  unto  his  father,  'Hast  thou  but 
one  blessing,  my  father?  bless  me,  even  me  also,  O 
my  father.  And  Esau  lifted  up  his  voice,  and  wept. 

39  And  Isaac  his  Either  answered,  and  said 
unto  him,  'Behold  thy  dwelling  shall  be  ‘the  fatness 
of  the  earth,  and  of  the  dew  of  heaven  from  above. 

40  And  by  gthy  sword  shalt  thou  live,  and  shalt 
‘serve  thy  brother  : and  it  shall  come  to  pass  when 
tlym  shalt  have  the  dominion,  that  ‘thou  shalt  break 
his  yoke  from  off  thy  neck. 

c 19— 23.  2 Kin°s  10:19.  Mnl.  2:10.  1 Thes.  4:6.  * Thnl  is,  a Supplanter.  25: 
31— 34.  32:28.  John  147.  d 29.  23:23.  limn.  9:10— 12.  t Or <//«/.  e34, 
36.  49:28.  Is. 65:14.  Heb. 12:17.  136:6—8.  Josh.  24:4.  | Or  .of  the  <atness.‘28. 
g 32:6.  It  2 Sam.  8:14.  1 Kings  11:15— 17.  2 Kings  14:7,10.  1 Chi'.  18:11—13.2 
Chr.  25: 11,12.  Ps.  60:8.  Obad.  17—21.  1 2 Kings  8:20— 22.  2Chr.21:8.  *4:5- 
S.  Ezek.  25.12—14.  35:5.  Amos  1:11,12.  Ob.  10— 14.  I John  3:12.  135:29.50:4, 

consequence  : yet  it  is  plain  that  he  expressed  no  proper  value 
ror  the  spiritual  blessings  of  the  covenant,  made  with  Abra- 
ham and  Isaac,  which  were  thus  transferred  to  Jacob. 

V.  36.  Is  not  he  ? &c.]  tow  'on  Or,  u Is  it  because 
one  called  his  name  Jacob?” — Does  he  act  in  this  manner, 
because  the  name  Jacob  was  given  him? — See  2 Sam.  23:19. 
Heb.  Esau  spoke,  as  if  Jacob  had  taken  away  the  birth- 
right by  force  or  -fraud ; being  more  disposed  to  blame  his 
brother  than  himself. — Jacob.]  Note , 25:25,26. 

\.  38.  If  Esau  might  not  have  that  very  blessing,  which 
was  promised  to  Abraham,  and  then  limited  to  Isaac,  and 
now  given  to  Jacob,  and  which  implied  and  typified  the  ever- 
lasting blessings  which  believers  have  in  and  by  Christ,  as 
descended  from  Jacob;  he  earnestly  entreated,  that  he  might 
have  an  assurance  of  some  blessing,  though  not  exactly  of  the 
same  kind. 

And  Esau  lifted  up , &c.]  1 And  Isaac  being  pierced  in 

his  heart , (Karavv^evrog,  Acts  2:37.  Gr.)  Esau  cried  out 
with  his  voice  and  wept.’  Sept. 

V.  39,  40.  This  blessing  was  very  well  suited  to  Esau’s 
character,  and  probably  would  not  have  been  disagreeable  to 
him,  had  it  not  been  for  the  clause,  “ Thou  shalt  serve  thy 
brother.”  Yet  it  was  intimated  that  Esau’s  posterity  would 
break  the  yoke,  and  not  serve  submissively,  but  indignantly  ; 
and  that  at  some  times  they  would  be  so  powerful  as  to  revolt 
successfully,  though  never  so  as  to  acquire  dominion  over  the 
descendants  of  Jacob.  (Marg.Ref.)  Probably,  the  coun- 
try in  which  Esau  dwelt,  was  fertile  in  his  days  ; but  it  after- 
wards became  barren.  (Note,  Mai.  1:2 — 5.) 

V.  41,  42.  Jacob  had  given  Esau  a plausible  pretext  for 
his  enmity ; yet  it  originated  from  the  same  source,  and  was 
of  the  same  nature,  as  the  hatred  of  Cain  to  Abel;  namely, 
the  piety  of  Jacob’s  character,  and  the  evident  preference 
which  the  Lord  had  manifested  for  him. — Esau  seems  to  have 
retained  no  regard  for  Rebekah,  whom  probably  he  disliked 
for  her  love  to  Jacob,  and  for  assisting  him  in  procuring  the 
blessing:  and  therefore,  when  Isaac  should  be  removed, 
(which  he  erroneously  supposed  would  soon  take  place, 
Note,  2.)  he  purposed  to  slay  his  brother,  whatever  anguish 
his  mother  might  endure.  And,  it  seems,  he  could  not  keep 
his  purpose  to  himself ; but  told  it  to  others,  and  thus  it  came 
to  the  ears  of  Rebekah. 

V.  45.  Both  in  one  day.]  Either  by  the  death  of  the 
murtlerer,  by  some  judgment  from  God,  if  human  justice 
reached  him  not ; or  by  her  son  Esau’s  thus  becoming  so  vile, 
as  to  be  only  a trouble  and  a grief  of  heart  to  her. 

V.  46.  Rebekah,  being  reluctant  to  render  Isaac’s  mind 
more  uneasy,  did  not  mention  tho  principal  reason  of  her 
proposal ; but  adduced  one,  which  was  perfectly  consistent 
with  truth,  and  which  gives  us  a melancholy  idea  of  Esau’s 
two  wives,  and  the  effect  of  this  part  of  his  conduct  on  his 
father’s  domestic  felicity  : for  her  words  imply,  that  they  were 
still  living;  though  she  likewise  referred  to  the  general  cha- 
racter of  the  daughters  of  the  land. — “ What  good  ? &c.”] 
Or,  w For  what  do  I live  ?” 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 29.  What  is  long  life,  of  which  we  are  naturally 
bo  desirous,  but  surviving  our  dearest  friends  and  choicest 
comforts,  our  capacities  of  enjoyment,  and  our  very  faculties 
and  senses  ? and  what  can  life  then  be,  but  “labour  and  sor- 
ow  ?” — We  should  indeed  be  willing  to  live  as  long  as,  either 
jy  active  service  or  patient  suffering,  we  can  glorify  God  and 
‘serve  our  generation:”  but  we  should  never  postpone  the 
( 66  ) 


41  II  And  Esau  khated  Jacob,  Decause  of  the 
blessing  wherewith  his  father  blessed  him : and 
Esau  said  in  his  heart,  ‘The  days  of  mourning  for 
my  father  are  at  hand,  rathen  will  I slay  my  brother 
Jacob. 

42  And  these  words  of  Esau  her  elder  son  were 
told  to  Rebekah  : And  she  sent  and  called  Jacob 
her  younger  son,  and  said  unto  him,  Behold,  thy 
brother  Esau,  asfouching  thee,  doth  "comfort  him- 
self, purposing  to  kill  thee. 

43  Now  therefore,  my  soil,  "obey  my  voice  : and 
arise,  tlee  thou  to  Laban  my  brolher  to  rHaran. 

44  And  tarry  with  him  few  days,  until  thy 
brother’s  fury  turn  away  ; 

45  Until  thy  brother’s  anger  turn  away  from 
thee,  and  he  forget  that  which  thou  hast  done  to 
him  : 'then  I will  send  and  fetch  thee  from  thence. 
“Why  should  I be  deprived  also  of  you  both  in  one 
day  ? 

46  And  Rebekah  said  to  Isaac,  ‘I  am  weary  of 
my  life,  “because  of  the  daughters  of  Heth  : if 
Jacob  take  a wife  of  the  daughters  of  Heth,  such 
as  these  which  are  of  the  daughters  of  the  land, 
what  good  shall  my  life  do  rpe  ? 

10,11.  Pent.  34:8.  2 hr.  35:24.  Ps.  35:14.  m2  Sam.  13.28,29.  Ec.7:9.  Eph.4 
26,27.  1 J..hn  3:12—15.  n 37: 18-20.  42.21 ,22.  Job  20:12-14.  Ps.  61:3.  Prov.2 
14.  4:16.17.  o8,13.28:7.  lJrov.  30:17.  Jer.  35:14.  Arm  6:29  p 11:31.  12:4.5 
28:10.  q 31:38  r Prov.  19:21.  Lom.3:37.  Jum.  4:13— 15.  a 4:3— 16.  9:5, « 
2 Sam.  14:6,7.  Acta  28:4.  t Num.  11:15.  1 Kings  19:4.  Job  3:20— 22.  7: 16 
14:13.  Jon.  4:3,9.  u 26:34,35.  23:8  . 34:1,2. 


necessary  preparation  for  death  ; and,  if  ready,  we  need  not 
be  unwilling  to  quit  this  vale  of  tears,  whenever  the  Lore 
shall  call.  Nor  will  the  constant  expectation  of  that  uncer- 
tain hour,  or  habitual  preparation  for  it,  in  the  least  haster 
its  approach. — The  same  impartiality,  which  influenced  the 
inspired  writer,  requires  us  to  note,  that  we  must  not  follow 
the  best  of  men  further  than  they  act  in  conformity  to  the  law 
of  God,  and  that  we  meet  with  many  things  in  this  chapter 
decidedly  to  condemn  and  slum  : such  as  Isaac’s  partiality  for 
profane  Esau,  and  the  unworthy  grounds  of  that  preference ; 
his  disregard  of  the  divine  revelation,  and  his  heedless  at- 
tempt to  disannul  the  purposes  of  God  ; Rebckuh’s  rash 
project  to  deceive  Isaac,  her  putting  into  Jacob’s  mouth 
many  falsehoods,  and  urging  him  to  venture  on  them  with  her 
absurd  engagement,  “Upon  me  be  thy  curse,  my  son  ;”  ana 
Jacob’s  undertaking  and  going  through  with  this  most  fraudu- 
lent and  disgraceful  design.  Nor  could  their  faith,  or  desire 
of  the  blessing,  justify  or  excuse,  (much  less  sanctify,)  such 
unlawful  means  ; for  “ we  must  not  do  evil  that  good  may 
come.”  We  may  likewise  observe,  that  the  arts  of  falsehood 
are  soon  learned  ; that  one  sin  makes  way  for  many  ; and 
that  “ a lying  lip  is  but  for  a moment.”  Nor  can  they  ex- 
pect to  be  treated  with  candour  and  truth  by  others,  who  do 
not  strictly  adhere  to  veracity  themselves.  (Notes,  29:22, 
23.  37:32.) 

V.  30 — 46.  They,  who  profanely  despise  spiritual  bles- 

sings, may  one  day  bewail  their  folly  with  unavailing  lamen- 
tations ; nay,  even  in  this  world,  there  are  seasons  when  the 
most  ungodly  perceive  and  envy,  though  they  will  not  seek 
for  the  superior  felicity  of  believers. — Impenitent  sinners 
blame  any  rather  than  themselves:  and,  in  the  abundance  of 
worldly  enjoyments,  they  soon  forget  the  folly  and  misery  of 
forfeiting  spiritual  blessings. — A pious  man,  when  reminded 
and  convinced  of  the  will  of  God,  will  submit  his*inelination 
to  it,  though  before  he  were  otherwise  minded. — The  wicked, 
indeed,  being  the  seed  of  the  old  serpent,  implacably  and 
without  cause  hate  the  righteous:  but  sometimes  the  miscon- 
duct of  the  latter  furnishes  them  with  a pretext,  and  draws 
forth  their  enmity  into  more  immediate  malice  and  murder  ; 
and  it  .behooves  us  to  be  very  circumspect,  that  we  may  not 
thus  become  their  tempters. — There  is  much  wickedness  in 
the  world  ; but  far  more  in  the  heart  of  man.  It  is  however 
restrained  by  fear,  natural  affection,  shame,  conscience,  or 
human  laws ; without  which  the  earth  would  be  a mere  field 
of  blood  : for  that  heart  must  be  truly  diabolical,  which  can 
seek  comfort  in  a brother’s  murder. — Though  the  Lord  over- 
ruled the  conduct  of  the  parties  concerned  in  the  transac- 
tions here  recorded,  to  the  accomplishment  of  his  own  pur- 
poses ; yet  we  may  learn  his  judgment  respecting  it,  from 
Isaac’s  trembling  and  consternation,  and  the  subsequent  dis- 
cord in  his  family  ; from  the  anguish  of  Rebekah,  when  she 
heard  of  Esau’s  murderous  intentions,  and  when  she  parted 
with  her  beloved  Jacob,  probably  no  more  to  meet  with  him 
on  earth  ; from  Jacob’s  tedious  exile,  and  great  and  many 
hardships  ; and  from  his  fear,  long  after,  that,  enraged  Esau 
would  smite  the  mother  with  the  children.  (32:11.) — Wo 
would  commend  Rebekah  for  her  prudent  care  to  prevent  the 
fatal  effects  of  her  son’s  anger,  for  her  tenderness  to  Isaac, 
and  for  her  dislike  to  the  ill  behaviour  of  Esau’s  wives ; yet 
it  is  hard  to  express  abhorrence  of  evil,  without  some  mixture 
of  impatience  : for  life  may  be  valuable  and  useful,  though 
the  world,  and  even  our  near  relatives  be  wicked  and  un- 
grateful. 


B.  C.  1760. 


CHAPTER  aXVIII. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII 


Isaac  bleat e*  Jacob , and  sends  him  to  Ptulan  aram  to  take  a wife  from  thence , 
1—5.  Esau  marries  Mnhaluth  the  daughter  of  Tthmad,  6 — 9.  Jacob  jour- 
rues,  >.  us  a atone  us  a pillar,  culls  the  place 

Bcth-cl,  and  makes  a solemn  vow,  10 — *22. 

AND  Isaac  called  Jacob,  and  "blessed  him,  and 
charged  him,  and  said  unto  him,  bThou  shalt 
not  take  a wife  of  the  daughters  of  Canaan. 

2 Arise,  go  to  cPadan-aram,  to  the  house  of 
Bethuel  thy  mother’s  father ; and  take  thee  a wife 
from  thence  of  the  daughters  of  dLaban  thy  mo- 
ther’s brother. 

3 And  "God  Almighty  bless  thee,  fand  make 
thee  fruitful,  and  multiply  thee,  that  thou  mayest 
be  ‘a  multitude  of  people : 

4 And  give  thee  gthe  blessing  of  Abraham,  to 
thee  and  to  thy  seed  with  thee ; that  thou  mayest 
inherit  the  land  Hvherein  thou  art  a stranger, 
•“which  God  gave  unto  Abraham. 

5 And  Isaac  sent  away  Jacob,  and  he  went  to 
Padan-aram  unto  Laban,  son  of  Bethuel  the  Sy- 
rian, the  brother  of  Rebekah,  Jacob’s  and  Esau’s 
mother. 

6 H When  ' Esau  saw  that  Isaac  had  blessed 
Jacob,  and  sent  him  away  to  Padan-aram,  to  take 
him  a wife  from  thence : and  that  as  he  blessed 
him,  he  gave  him  a charge,  saying,  Thou  shalt 
not  take  a wife  of  the  daughters  of  Canaan  : 

7 And  kthat  Jacob  obeyed  his  father,  and  his 
mother,  and  was  gone  to  Padan-aram : 

8 And  Esau  seeing  that  'the  daughters  of  Ca- 
naan tpleased  not  Isaac  his  father  : 

9 Then  went  Esau  raunto  Ishmael,  and  took 
unto  the  wives  which  he  had,  SMahalath  the 
daughter  of  Ishmael  Abraham’s  son,  the  sister  of 
Nebajoth,  to  be  his  wife. 

a 3,4.  27:^7 — 33.  b 21:3,37.  26:34,35.  27:46.  31:9,16.  Ex.  31:15,16.  2Cnr.6: 
14—16.  c 22:20— 23.  24:10,15—84.  25:20.  31:18.  35:9  . 46:15.  <124:29,50. 
t 17:4 — 6.  2217,18.  33:11.  43:14.  4S:3.  Ex. 6:3.  2Cor.6:18.  Rev. 21:22.  11:23. 
9:1.  24:60.  11:52.  Ps.  127:3 — 5.  * Heb.  an  assembly  of  people . gl2:l — 3,7. 
15:5—7.  17  6 — S.  22:17,18.  Gal.  3:8,14.  Eph.!:3.  t Hill,  of  thy  snjournings. 
h 13:14—17.  15:18—21.  ' s.  105:5—12.  Heb.  11:9-13.  i 27:33.  k 27:43.  Pro*. 
30:17.  Eph.  6:1 — 3.  1 1.  24:3.  23:34,35.  J Heb.  were  evil  in  'be  eyes.  1 >ain. 
8:6  mirg.  m25:13— 17.  36:3.  § Called  also,  Bashcmat’i.  86:3.  n 11:31. 

Hos.  12:12.  ||  Acts  7:2.  Charran.  o Mact.  8:20.  p 15:1,12.  20:6,7.  37:5-11. 
40:  41:  Num.  12:6.  .lob  4:12— 21.  33:15,16.  Can.  2:  4:  7:1.  Malt.  1:20.  2:12,13. 
19.  q 32:1,2.  2 Chr.  1S:9.  Is.  41:10.  John  1:51.  2 Tim.  4:16,17.  Heb.  1:14. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXVIII.  V.  2.  Bethuel.]  Bethuel 
had  been  long  dead,  but  Jacob  was  directed  to*go  to  his  family 
and  descendants. 

V.  3.  4.  Isaac  at  this  time  deliberately  Confirmed  the  bles- 
sing before  pronounced  on  Jacob  ; lest  it  should  not  be  deemed 
valid,  seeing  it  had  been  obtained  by  fraud. — And  it  is  remark- 
able, that  he  more  explicitly  than  before  mentions  the  bles- 
sings which  God  gave  to  Abraham  and  his  seed,  as  thus  pledged 
to  Jacob. — The  original  is,  “God  Almighty  shall  bless  thee 
being  the  language  of  prophecy,  rather  than  of  prayer.  (Note, 
27:27—29.) 

V.  9.  Ishmael  had  been  dead  some  time,  but  Esau  went 
to  his  family.  It  is  doubtful  whether  he  would  have  done 
right,  had  he  married  Ishmael’s  daughter,  first  and  singly. 
Probably,  some  regard  to  Abraham’s  God  remained  in  Ish- 
mael’s familj' ; yet  it  did  not  look  well  in  Esau  to  unite  himself 
with  those  who  were  cast  out  from  the  inheritance  by  God 
himself:  and  to  marry  a descendant  of  Ishmael,  when  he  had 
two  other  wiyes,  was  certainly  wrong,  and  wholly  contrary  to 
the  original  institution  of  marriage. 

V.  10.  11.  We  should  not  resolve  the  solitary  journey  of 
Jacob,  on  this  occasion,  merely  into  the  simplicity  of  the  times : 
for  the  servant  of  Abraham,  when  he  took  the  same  journey 
on  a similar  occasion,  had  a suitable  retinue;  and  probably 
Isaac  was  much  more  wealthy  than  his  father.  We  may  there- 
fore suppose,  that  the  plan  was  concerted  by  Rebekah,  in 
order  that  Jacob  might  set  out,  unobserved  by  Esau,  lest  he 
should  embrace  that  opportunity  of  murdering  him  ; and  that 
Esau’s  envy  and  jealousy  might  not  be  inflamed,  as  they 
would  have  been,  had  Jacob  been  sent  away  with  a suitable 
attendance  ; but  rather  be  abated  by  the  consideration  of  the 
hardships  to  which  he  was  exposed  : and  to  show  that  he  did 
not,  in  consequence  of  the  birthright  and  blessing,  advance 
any  claim  to  the  temporal  riches  of  his  father. — Jacob,  as  a 
plain  man,  would  have  no  objection  to  go  unattended  and  ob- 
scure. Yet  we  must  not  conclude  from  the  meanness  of  this 
night’s  lodging,  that  he  had  not  wherewithal  to  purchase  abet- 
ter : but  as  night  came  on,  and  there  was  no  public  inn  nor 
hospitable  person  at  hand  ; and  as  the  climate  was  mild,  and 
the  spot  pleasant,  (Note,  19 :)  having  taken  such  refreshment 
ts  he  had  with  him,  and  being  weary  and  of  a hardy  dispo- 
sition, he  soon  composed  him  to  sleep  ; though  in  circum- 
stances which  we  should  think  neither  comfortable  nor  secure. 

V.  12.  This  ladder  seems  to  have  been  an  emblem  of  the 
gracious  care,  which  the  God  of  heaven  takes  of  the  inha- 
bitants of  the  earfh,  especially  of  such  as  fear  and  trust  in 
him  This  is,  in  many  things,  carried  on  by  the  ministry  of 


B.  C.  1 76C. 

To  H And  Jacob  went  out  from  Becr-shcba,  ana 
"went  toward  l!Haran. 

11  And  he  lighted  upon  a certain  place,  and 
tarried  there  all  night,  because  the  sun  was  sei  • 
°and  he  took  of  the  stones  of  that  place,  and  pul 
them  for  his  pillows,  and  lay  down  in  that  place  to 

Sleep.  [ Practical  Observations .7 

12  And  rhe  dreamed,  and  behold,  a ladder  set 
upon  the  earth,  and  the  top  of  it  reached  to  hea- 
ven ; and  behold  the  angels  of  God  ascending  and 
descending  on  it. 

13  And  behold,  rthe  Lord  stood  above  it,  and 
said,  'I  am  the  Lord  God  of  Abraham  thy  father, 
and  the  God  of  Isaac : ‘the  land  whereon  thou 
liest,  to  thee  will  I give  it,  and  to  thy  seed. 

14  And  "thy  seed  shall  he  as  the  dust  of  the 
earth  : and  thou  shalt ’’spread  abroad  *to  the  west, 
and  to  the  east,  and  to  the  north,  and  to  the  south : 
rand  in  thee  and  in  thy  seed  shall  all  the  families 
of  the  earth  be  blessed. 

15  And  behold,  T am  with  thee,  and  will  keep  thee 
in  all  places  whither  thou  goest,  and  will  bring  thee 
again  into  this  land : for  I will  not  leave  thee  "until 
I have  done  that  which  I have  spoken  to  thee  of. 

16  And  Jacob  awaked  out  of  his  sleep,  and  he 
said,  Surely  the  Lord  is  in  this  place  ; band  1 knew 
it  not. 

17  And  che  was  afraid,  and  said,  How  dreadful 
is  this  place ! this  is  none  other  but  dthe  house  of 
God,  and  this  is  the  gate  of  heaven. 

18  If  And  Jacob  rose  up  early  in  the  morning,  and 
took  the  stone  that  he  had  put  for  his  pillows,  and  "set 
it  up /or  a pillrfr,  and  'poured  oil  upon  the  top  of  it. 

19  And  he  called  sthe  name  of  that  place  "Beth-el. 
but  the  name  of  that  city  was  called  Luz  at  the  first. 


r 35:1,6,7.  48:3.  s 15:1.  31:42.  32:9.  46:3.  Ex.  3'6,I5,1«.  Matt.  22:32.  l Set 
on  4.  1113:16.35:11,12.  Num.  23:10.  II  Heb.  break  forth,  x Ueut.  12:20 
Mali.  8:11.  v 12:3.  18:18  . 22:18.  26:4.  Gal.  3 16.  1 20,21 . 26:24  . 31:3.39:2, 
21.  46:4.  Ex."3: 12.  Josh.  1:5.  Judg.6:16.  Ps.  46:7,11.  Is.  7 14.  8:10.  43:2.  Jer 
1:19.  Malt.  18:2'l.  28:20.  Rom. 8:31.  Heb.  13:5,6.  aNum. 23:19.  Josh. 23:14 
—16.  Matt.  21:35.  b Ex.  3:5.  Josh.  515.  Job  9:11.  c Ex.  3:6.  Judg.  13:22. 
Matt.  17:0.  Rev.  1:17.  d 22.  2 Chr.  5:14.  Ec.5:l.  Heb.  10-21.  1 let.  4:17 
e 31:13.45.  35:14,20.  Josh.  24:26,27.  1 Sarn.  7:12,  2 Sam.  18:18.  Is.  19:19.  f Lev 
8:10— 12.  Num.  7:1.  g 12:8.  35:1.  48:3.  Judg.  1:22-26.  Hos.  12:4,5.  ••Thai 
in,  The  house  of  God. 


holy  angels,  executing  his  mandates  and  reporting  their  ser- 
vices. (Note,  24:2 — 9.)  But  it  is  vouchsafed  to  us,  only 
through  Jesus  Christ,  as  “ God  manifest  in  the  flesh,”  the 
Mediator  and  Advocate  for  sinners.  He  is  the  true  Ladder  ; 
and  Jacob,  as  well  as  Abraham,  “ saw  his  day  and  was  glad.” 
(Note,  John  1:47 — 51.) — 1 It  was  giving  the  patriarch  a glimpse 
of  that  glory,  which  should  be  accomplished  in  his  Seed. 
Fuller. 

V.  12 — 15.  The  Lord  seems  to  have  appeared  to  Jacob 
above  the  ladder,  in  some  visible  form ; and,  as  the  God  of 
Abraham  and  Isaac,  he  ratified  to  him  in  the  fullest  manner 
the  blessings  originally  covenanted  to  them ; accompanying 
this  transaction  with  most  encouraging  promises,  suited  to  his 
present  circumstances. — He  was  at  this  time  about  seventy- 
five  years  of  age,  and  unmarried. 

V.  16,  17.  Jacob  was  not  ignorant  of  God’s  omnipresent  e, 
or  of  his  gracious  nearness  to  those  who  fear  him.  But,  hav- 
ing left  his  father’s  house  under  the  rebukes  of  Providence, 
probably  uneasy  in  his  conscience,  and  fleeing  from  the  face 
of  enraged  Esau  being  removed  not  only  from  the  company 
of  endeared  friends,  (of  wh«m  he  had  taken  a sorrowful  fare- 
well,) but  from  the  ordinances  of  divine  worship  ; and  having 
nothing  before  him  but  a long  journey  into  a strange  country ; 
his  heart  was  disquieted  within  him,  and  he  was  ready  to  say, 
“ I am  banished  from  the  sight  of  thine  eyes.”  Little  ex- 
pecting the  ordinary  comforts  of  religion,  he  was  surprised 
with  this  extraordinary  visit,  and  these  gracious  assurances, 
which  in  fact  formed  a prophetical  revelation  of  the  Lord’s 
will  to  him : and,  in  a deep  sense  of  his  own  unworthiness, 
ashamed  of  his  unbelieving  despondency,  and  in  a thankful, 
reverential  acknowledgment  of  the  divine  condescension,  he 
thus  expressed  his  mingled  affections. — The  vision  of  angels 
and  the  display  of  the  divine  glory,  with  the  gracious  pro- 
mises which  he  had  received,  induced  the  conviction,  that 
Jehovah  was  present  in  a special  manner  in  that  place, 
which  thus  might  he  considered  as  “ the  house  of  God,  and 
the  gate  of  heaven  for  there  He  appeared,  attended  by  his 
angelic  retinue. 

V.  18.  Jacob  thus  expressed,  as  well  as  he  was  able  in 
his  present  situation,  his  willing  mind  to  offer  “ the  sacrifice 
of  praise,”  and  his  desire  to  keep  in  remembrance  the  good- 
ness of  the  Lord  ; and  to  leave  a sort  of  monument,  by  which 
the  place  of  this  gracious  vision  might  be  readily  known,  when 
he  should  return  to  perform  his  vows.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  19.  It  seems  that  there  was  even  then  a ci  y near  the 
place,  though  Jacob  did  not  go  to  it. — Luz.]  nS.  This 
word  is  rendered  hazel,  (30:37.)  where  alone  it  occurs  in  the 

( G7  ) 


B.  C.  17IjO 


GENESIS 


B.  C.  1753 


20  And  Jaw  \ hvowed  a vow,  saying.  ‘If  God 
will  be  with  me  and  will  keep  me  in  this  way  that 
I go,  and  kwill  give  me  bread  to  eat  and  raiment 
to  put  on : 

21  So  that  I come  again  to  my  father’s  house 
in  peace  : 'then  shall  the  Lord  he  my  God  ; 

22  And  this  stone,  which  I have  set  for  a pillar, 
shall  be  '"God’s  house : and  of  all  that  thou  shalt 
give  me,  nI  will  surely  give  the  tenth  unto  thee. 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Jacob  arrives  at  Haran,  and  confers  with  S’>me  shepherds , 1 — 8.  He  meets 
with  Rachel , is  entertained  b/  L>iban,  and  se-ves  seven  years  for  Rachel , 
9 — 20.  He  is  cheated  by  Laban  with  Leab  ; he  remonstrates,  and  Laban 
excuses  himself ; Jacob  m irries  both  sis  ers.  and  serves  other  seven  years, 
21 — 30.  Rachel  is  barren  ; but  L.ah  bears  Reuben,  Simeon,  Levi,  and  Ju- 
dah, 31 — 35. 

THEN  “Jacob  'went on  his  journey,  and  bcame 
into  the  land  of  the  ‘people  of  the  east. 

2  And  he  looked,  and  behold,  ca  well  in  the  field, 
and  lo,  dthere  were  three  flocks  of  sheep  lying  by 
it ; for  out  of  that  well  they  watered  tne  flocks  : 
and  a great  stone  was  upon  the  well’s  mouth. 

3  And  thither  were  all  the  flocks  gathered  : and 
they  rolled  the  stone  from  the  well’s  mouth,  and 
watered  the  sheep,  and  put  the  stone  again  upon 
the  well’s  mouth  in  his  place. 

4  And  Jacob  said  unto  them,  My  brethren, 
whence  be  ye?  and  they  said,  eOf  Haran  are  we. 

5  And  he  said  unto  them.  Know  ye  Laban  the 
son  of  Nahor?  And  they  said,  We  know  him. 

6  And  he  said  unto  them,  fJs  ‘he  well  ? And 
they  said,  He  is  well : and  behold,  Rachel  his 
daughter  cometh  with  the  sheep. 

7  And  he  said,  gLo,  Ht  is  yet  high  day,  neither 

h Lev. 27.  Num.  6:1—20.  21:2,3.  Judg.  11:30,31.  1 Sam.  1:11.  14:24.  2 
Sam.  15:8.  Neh.  9:10.  Ps.  76:11.  119:106.  Ec.5:l— 7.  Is.  19:21.  Jon.  1:16. 
Acts  18:18.  23:12 — 15.  i See  on  15.  kl  Tim.  6:8.  1 Ex.  15:2.  Deut.  25:17. 

2 Kings  5:17.  m 17.  35:1—15.  n 14:20.  Lev.  27:30—33.  Deut.  14:22,23. 
a Ps.  119:32.  Ec.  9:7.  * HqJ}.  lifted  up  his  feet,  b 28:5—7.  Num.  23:7.  Jude. 
6:3,33.  7:12.  8:10.  I Kings  4:30.  t^eb.  chd Iren.  c24:ll.  Ex. 2:15.  tils. 23: 

Hebrew. — Probably  the  spot  was  remarkable  for  the  num- 
ber of  hazel  trees  which  it  produced.  The  meaning  gene- 
rally given  it,  as  denoting  an  almond  tree,  is  taken  from  the 
Arabic.  ( Marg . Ref.) 

V.  20 — 22.  Jacob  solemnly  bound  himself  unto  God  by  a 
voluntary  engagement  in  the  particulars  here  stated.  His 
language  does  not  imply  any  unbelieving  distrust  of  the  divine 
promise,  or  disposition  to  dictate  to  the  Lord : but  he  merely 
took  his  words,  put  the  most  moderate  sense  upon  them,  and 
intimated,  that  having  food  and  raiment,  he  desired  no  more  ; 
and  that,^vhen  he  returned  in  peace,  as  it  had  been  promised, 
he  would  publicly  set  up  the  worship  of  the  Lord  his  God,  as 
his  father  and  grandfather  had  done  ; build  an  altar  in  that 
very  spot ; and  offer  the  tenth  of  all  the  substance  which 
he  brought  back  with  him,  to  the  immediate  service  of  God, 
and  the  support  of  his  worship,  or  to  pious  and  charitable  uses 
in  general.  All  that  he  engaged  for  was  lawful  and  prac- 
ticable ; and  the  circumstances,  the  place  of  this  solemn  wor- 
ship, and  the  proportion  of  his  goods  to  be  thus  dedicated, 
were  in  themselves  things  discretionary,  and  thus  the  proper 
matter  for  a religious  vow.  This  is  the  first  instance  of  the 
kind  which  we  meet  with  in  Scripture.  Yet  Abraham  had 
given  the  same  proportion  of  the  spoils  to  Melchizedek,  and 
it  was  afterwards  appropriated  by  the  law  to  the  priests:  so 
that  we  may  reasonably  suppose,  the  patriarchs  had  some 
traditional  or  immediate  intimations  of  the  will  of  God  in  this 
particular. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Y.  1 — 11.  It  is  incumbent  on  parents  to  unite  their  in- 
fluence and  authority  with  wisdom  and  experience,  in  warn- 
ing and  advising  their  children,  and  in  charging  things  of  con- 
sequence upon  their  consciences:  and  when  such  instructions 
are  joined  with  fervent,  affectionate  prayers,  they  are  likely 
to  make  a deep  impression.  It  is  also  well,  when  former 
miscarriages  render  us  more  watchful  and  attentive ; and 
when  we  have  humility  enough,  openly  and  explicitly  to  re- 
tract what  we  have  erroneously  attempted. — Good  examples 
of  obedience  to  God  and  pious  parents,  cannot  but  make 
some  impressions,  even  upon  the  profane  and  malicious ; but 
a few  external  acts  of  partial  or  imaginary  amendment,  which 
only  spring  from  a desire  of  pleasing  men,  too  often  serve  as 
a fatal  quietus  to  the  conscience. — We  know  not  to  what 
hardships  we  may  in  Providence  be  called : it  is  therefore 
prudent  to  inure  ourselves  to  labour  and  self-denial ; as  the 
mean  accommodations,  which  are  intolerable  to  the  delicate 
and  luxurious,  are  scarcely  inconvenient  to  those,  who  have 
been  accustomed  to  labour  and  fare  hardly. 

V.  12 — 22.  When  the  Lord  hath  made  his  offending  chil- 
dren humbly  sensible  of  their  misconduct,  he  will  again  cn- 
« ourage  them,  lest  they  should  44  be  swallowed  up  of  over- 
much sorrow :”  and  generally  the  sweetest  comforts  are 
afforded  in  the  sharpest  trials,  and  surprise  us  when  ready  to 
faint  under  deserved  rebukes. — When  the  soul  by  faith  can 
( 68  ) 


is  it  time  that  the  cattle  shoulfl  he  gathered  toge- 
ther: water  ye  the  sheep,  and  go  arid  feed  them. 

8 And  they  said,  We  cannot,  huntil  all  the  flocks 
be  gathered  together,  and  till  they  roll  the  stone 
from  the  well’s  mouth  ; then  we  water  the  sheep. 

9 And  while  he  yet  spake  with  them,  ‘Rachel 
came  with  her  father’s  sheep:  for  she  kept  them. 

10  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Jacob  saw  Rachel 
the  daughter  of  Laban  his  mother’s  brother,  and 
the  sheep  of  Laban  his  mother’s  brother ; that 
Jacob  went  near,  kand  rolled  the  stone  from  the 
well’s  mouth,  and  watered  the  flock  of  Laban  his 
mother’s  brother. 

11  And  Jacob  ‘kissed  Rachel,  and  lifted  up  his 
voice,  and  wept. 

12  And  Jacob  told  Rachel  that  he  was  her 
father’s  “brother,  and  that  he  was  Rebekah’s  son : 
"and  she  ran  and  told  her  father. 

13  And  it  came  to  pa?s,  when  Laban  heard  the 
"tidings  of  Jacob  his  sister’s  son,  that  he  “ran  to 
meet  him,  and  embraced  him,  and  ‘’kissed  him, 
and  brought  him  to  his  house.  And  he  told  Laban 
all  these  things. 

14  And  Laban  said  to  him,  Surely  thou  i art  my 
bone  and  my  flesh ; and  he  abode  with  him  ‘‘the 
space  of  a month. 

15  IT  And  Laban  said  unto  Jacob,  Because  thou 
art  my  brother,  shouldest  thou  therefore  serve  me 
for  nought?  'tell  me  what  shall  thy  wages  be? 

[Practical  Observations.'] 

16  And  Laban  had  two  daughters : the  name 
of  the  elder  Swas  Leah,  and  the  name  of  the 
younger  was  Rachel. 

2.  Coni.  1:7.  Is.  49:10.  Rev.  7:17.  e 27:43.  28:10.  143:27.  1 Heb.  pence  lo 

him  ? 37:14.  Ex.  18:7.  1 Sam.  17:22.  marg.  g Gal.  6:10.  § Heb.  yet  the  day 
is  Treat,  h 3.  i 24  : 15.  Ex.  2:16.  k Ex.  2:17.  113.33:4.  43:3U.  45:2,14,15. 

Ex.  4:27.  18:7.  m 13:8.  14:14— 16.  n 24:28.  II  Heb.  hearing,  o 24:29.  p Luke 
7 45.  Rom.  16:16.  q 2:23.  Jurle.  9:2.  2 Sam.  5:1.  19: 12,13.  " U Heb.  a month  of 
days,  r 30:28.  31:7.  s 17,25— 32.  30:19.  31:4.  33:2.  35:23.  46:15.  49:31.  Ruth  4:11. 


see  Christ,  the  true  Ladder,  opening  the  way  of  communi- 
cation betwixt  heaven  and  earth,  and  securing  to  us  accep- 
tance with  God,  the  protection  of  his  providence,  the  minis- 
trations of  his  angels,  and  the  consolations  of  his  Spirit ; every 
place  becomes  pleasant,  and  every  prospect  joyful.  With 
the  Lord  for  our  Guide,  Companion,  and  Comforter,  we  may 
defy  all  enemies,  outbrave  all  dangers,  and  despise  all  diffi- 
culties : every  thing  must  succeed^  and  end  well ; and  he  will 
never  leave  u$,  till  his  last  promise  is  accomplished  in  our 
everlasting  felicity. — The  places  and  ordinances  in  which 
God  is  more  especially  present,  ought  to  be  regarded  with 
solemn  reverence  ; and  peculiar  consolations  should  leave  us 
filled  with  holy  awe,  prepared  for  self-denying  services,  and 
disposed  to  adopt  every  means  of  keeping  the  Lord’s  goodness 
in  remembrance. — Many  44  an  Israelite  indeed,”  who  had  been 
for  a time  burdened  with  guilt,  oppressed  with  desponding 
fears,  and  conflicting  with  difficulties  and  temptations,  has  at 
length  unexpectedly  been  surprised  with  sweet  peace,  and  a 
sense  of  pardoning  mercy,  through  44  the  love  of  God  shed 
abroad  in  his  heart  by  the  Holy  Spirit;”  anti,  in  adoring  gra- 
titude, has  surnamed  the  scene  of  such  a deliverance,  Beth- el ; 
has  deemed  it  the  44  very  house  of  God,  and  the  gate  of 
heaven;”  and  perhaps  has  been  afraid  to  quit  it,  lest  he 
should  lose  the  sweet  consolations  which  he  there  had  tasted, 
or  forget  the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord.  At  such  times, 
how  ready  are  we  to  inquire,  44  What  shall  we  render  unto 
the  Lord  for  his  goodness!”  How  willing  are  we  to  forego 
all  worldly  considerations,  and  to  be  contented  with  food  and 
raiment,  however  mean  and  hardly  earned  ! How  do  we 
stand  prepared  for  any  service  or  suffering ; and,  by  solemn 
vows,  to  yield  ourselves  unto  the  Lord,  to  take  him  for  our 
God,  and  to  devote  all  we  have  and  arc  to  his  glory ! All 
this  is  well,  and  as  it  should  be  : but  oh,  that  there  were  at  all 
times  such  a heart,  in  us  ! Let  us  remember  our  Bcth-els,  be 
ashamed  of  our  forgetfulness,  and  44  pay  the  vows  which  we 
vowed,  when  the  Lord  answered  us  in  the  day  of  our  dis- 
tress.” (Notes,  35: 1 — 5.) 

NOTES— Chap.  XXIX.  V.  3.  This  verse  describes 
what  was  usually  done,  by  some  mutual  compart  among  the 
shepherds  ; and  shows  the  purpose  for  whic  h the  flocks  lay 
by  the  well : for  the  stone  was  not  removed  till  all  the  Hocks 
had  been  collected.  (8.) 

V.  5.  Laban  seems  to  have  been  grandson  to  Nahor,  who, 
as  the  head  of  the  family,  is  mentioned  rather  than  Bethuel. 
(Notes,  24:28,53.) 

V.  8.  It  is  probable  that  there  was  some  regulation  agreed 
on,  to  prevent  the  waste  or  the  unequal  use  of  the  water, 
where  it  was  so  scarce  and  valuable. 

V.  12 — 14.  Jacob,  informed  Rachel,  that  ho  was  44  her 
father’s  brother.”  (12.)  Accordingly  Laban  calls  Jacob 
44  my  bone  and  my  flesh.”  He  owns  him  as  a very  near  rela- 
tion; being  his  sister’s  son. — The  word  brother  is  ofter  used 
in  scripture  yith  this  or  greater  latitude.  (13:8.) 


B.  C.  1753, 


CHAPTER  XXIX 


B.  C.  1743 


17  Leah  teas  tender-eyed,  but  'Rachel  was 
“beautiful  and  well-favoured. 

18  And  Jacob  ‘loved  Rachel ; and  said,  *1  will 
serve  thee  seven  years  for  Rachel  thy  younger 
daughter. 

19  And  Laban  said,  lIt  is  better  that  I give  her 
to  thee,  than  that  I should  give  her  to  another 
man : abide  with  me. 

20  And  Jacob  served  seven  years  for  Rachel ; 
b.  c.  a and  they  seemed  unto  him  but  a few  days, 
it53.  Jnfor  tiie  iove  iie  )iad  to  her. 

21  IT  And  Jacob  said  unto  Laban,  Give  me  my 
wile,  ( or  my  days  are  fulfilled,)  that  I may  go  in 
unto  her. 

22  And  Laban  gathered  together  all  the  men  of 
the  place,  band  made  a feast. 

23  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  evening,  that  he 
took  Leah  his  daughter,  and  “brought  her  to  him : 
and  he  went  in  unto  her. 

24  And  Laban  gave  unto  his  daughter  Leah, 
dZilpah  his  maid  for  an  handmaid. 

25  And  it  came  to  pass  that  in  the  morning, 
behold  it  was  Leah  : and  he  said  to  Laban,  What 
is  this  thou  hast  done  unto  me?  did1  not  I serve 
with  thee  for  Rachel?  “Wherefore  then  hast  thou 
beguiled  me? 

26  And  Laban  said,  It  must  not  be  so  done  in  our 
'country,  to  give  the  younger  before  the  first-born. 

16—12,18.  30:1,2,22.  35:19,20,24.  46:19—22.  49:7.  1 Sam.  10:2.  Jer.  31:13. 
Mart.  2:18.  u 12:11.  24:16.39:6.  Prov.  31:30.  x 20,30.  y 31:41.  34: 12.  Ex. 
22:16,17.  Ilos.  3:2.  12:12.  z Ps.  12:2.  a Cant.  8:6,7.  1 t or.  13:7.  2Cor. 
5:14.  Iijudg.  14:10— 13.  Ruth  4:10— 13.  Malt.  22:2— 10.  25:1 — 10.  John  2:1—10. 
Rev.  19:9.  t 24:55  . 33:14,15.  tl  16:1.  24.59.  30:9—12.  46:18.  e 27:35,36.  Prov.ll: 
31.  Matt.  7:2.  John  21:17.  Rev.  3:19.  • Heb.  l-lare.  f 2:2,3.  8:10—12.  I.ev.  18: 
18.  J.itlg.  14:12.  Mai.  2:15.  Matt.  19:5.  i»2u.  h See  on  24— 30:3— 8.  35:22,25.  37: 
2.  i 20,31 . 44:20,27.  k 18.  30:25,25.  31:15.  1 Sam.  18:17—27.  Hce.  12:12.  I 30  . 27: 


V.  18,  19.  When  Abraham’s  servant  came,  with  great 
appearance  of  wealth,  to  take  a wife  for  Isaac,  Laban 
readily  consented  that  Rebckah  should  accompany  him. 
But  Jacob  came  in  a great  measure  destitute  ; and  it  might 
he  supposed  that,  notwithstanding  the  transactions  of  the 
birthright  and  the  blessing,  Esau,  being  on  the  spot,  would 
inherit  Isaac’s  wealth.  Therefore,  though  Jacob  had  told 
him  the  circumstances  and  motives  of  his  journey  ; and  had 
doubtless  informed  him,  that  he  came  to  seek  a wife  from 
among  his  mother’s  kindred,  as  well  as  to  escape  from  Esau  ; 
Laban  did  not  see  that  “ the  matter  proceeded  from  the 
Lord;”  (21:50.)  or  offer  to  give  Jacob  one  of  his  daughters, 
til)  he  had  witnessed  his  ability  and  industry ; and  then 
Jacob’s  proposal  addressed  his  selfishness  with  success.  Yet 
he  would  not,  it  seems,  let  him  have  his  daughter,  till  he  had 
performed  his  seven  years’  service!  (Notes,  24:29—60.) 

V.  21.  The  language  of  the  narration  evidently  deter- 
mines, that  Jacob  waited  till  the  seven  years  were  expired 
before  his  marriage.  This  interpretation  has  indeed  been 
objected  to,  both  on  account  of  Jacob’s  age,  and  also  as  not 
allowing  time  enough  before  he  went  to  Egypt,  for  the  several 
events  which  intervened : but  the  objection  does  not  seem 
well  grounded,  nor  the  difficulty  insurmountable. — The  pro- 
mise of  an  innumerable  posterity  was  first  given  to  Abraham  ; 
yet  he  was  very  old  before  he  had  any  child,  and  a hundred 
years  of  age  before  Isaac  was  born.  It  was  again  made  to 
Isaac,  who  was  childless  till  the  age  of  sixty ; and  then  it 
was  ratified  to  Jacob,  who  did  not  marry  till  he  was  about 
righty-three  or  four  years  old.  These  circumstances  were 

n: able  evidences  or  exercises  of  their  faith : but  it  might  be 
expected  that  the  descendants  of  these  patriarchs,  as  the  pro- 
genitors of  so  numerous  a posterity,  would  marry  and  have 
children  as  soon  as  possible ; which  was  accordingly  the  case. 

V.  22,  23.  The  public  feast,  made  on  this  occasion, 
formed  the  regular  method  of  recognizing  the  marriage  ; and 
in  the  evening  it  was  customary  to  convey  the  bride,  veiled, 
to  her  husband’s  house.  Thus  Jacob,  who  had  deceived 
Isaac  by  personating  Esau,  was  imposed  on  by  Laban  and 
Leah,  in  a most  important  concern,  by  a similar  desception  1 
In  this  the  Lord  was  righteous,  but  the  parties  concerned 
were  highly  criminal. — If  Rachel  had  been  led  to  expect  that 
she  was  to  be  given  to  Jacob  at  that  time,  probably  she  was 
not  undeceived  till  it  was  too  late  to  undeceive  Jacob : though 
if  it  had  been  otherwise,  it  might  not  have  been  practicable 
or  expedient  to  do  so. 

V.  26.  This  seems  to  have  been  a mere  pretence;  but,  if 
it  was  the  custom  of  the  country,  Laban  ought  previously  to 
have  informed  Jacob  of  it. 

V.  27,  28.  The  week,  here  mentioned,  was  that  of  the 
marriage-feast ; and  did  not  relate  to  the  years  Jacob  after- 
wards served.  There  existed  no  express  and  positive  law 
against  polygamy;  Jacob  considered  Rachel  as  his  wife,  and 
"et  he  could  not  desert  Leah ; and  so  he  seems  to  have 
. Sought  himself  obliged  to  retain  both. — The  division  of  time 
oy  weeks,  intimates  that  some  regard  was  paid  to  the  sab- 
Datb. 

Y.  30,  32.  Jacob  loved  Rachel  more  than  Leah,  not  only 


27  Fulfil  her  f week,  and  ewe  will  give  thee  this 
also,  for  the  service  which  thou  shalt  serve  with 
me  yet  seven  other  years. 

28  And  Jacob  did  so,  and  fulfilled  her  week: 
and  he  gave  him  Rachel  his  daughter  to  wife  also. 

29  And  Laban  gave  to  Rachel  his  daughter 
hBilhah  his  handmaid,  to  be  hef  maid. 

30  And  he  went  in  also  unto  Rachel,  and  'hfe 
loved  also  Rachel  more  than  Leah,  and  kserved 
with  him  yet  seven  other  years. 

31  And  when  the  Lord  saw  that  Leah  'was 
hated,  mhe  opened  her  womb : but  Rachel  was 
barren. 

32  And  Leah  conceived  and  bare  a son,  and  she 
called  "liis  name  iReuben : for  she  said,  Surely  the 
Lord  hath  “looked  upon  my  affliction:  now 
therefore  my  husband  will  love  me. 

33  And  she  conceived  again,  and  bare  a son : 
and  said,  rBecause  the  Lord  hath  heard  that  I 
teas  hated,  he  hath  therefore  given  me  this  son 
also  : and  she  ‘'called  his  name  tSimeon. 

34  And  she  conceived  again,  and  bare  a 
son ; and  said,  Now  this  time  will  my  hus- 
band be  joined  unto  me,  because  I have  borne  him 
three  sons : therefore  rwas  his  name  called  ^Levi. 

35  And  she  conceived  again,  and  bare  a son  ; 
and  she  said,  Now  will  I praise  the  Lord  : there- 
fore She  “called  his  name  "Judah,  and  '"left  bearing-. 

41.  Dent.  21: 15.  Mai.  1:3.  Matt.  6:24.  10:37.  ?.uke  14:26.  John  12:25.  m 21:1, 2. 25: 
21.  30:2,22.  Jndg.  13:2,3.  ISara.  1:5,20,27. 2:21 . Ps.  127:3.  n 35:22.  49:3,4.  1 Chr. 
5:1.  t That  is.  See  as  n.  o Kx.  3:7.  4:31.  1 Sam.  1:11,20.  2 Sam.  16:l2.  Ps. 
25:13.  Luke  1:25.  1)30:6,8,18.20.  q 34:30.  42:24.  } That  is,  Jfca/inj.  r 49: 
,5—7.  Ex. 2:1.  32:26—29.  Dent.  33:8— 10.  § That  is,  Joined.  Num.  18:2,4. 
8 44:18—34.  49:8—12.  Dent.  33:7.  1 Chr.  5:2.  Matt.  1:2.  II  That  is,  Praise 
IT  Heb.  stood  from  bearing. 


as  most  beautiful  and  amiable,  and  the  object  of  his  first  and 
most  endeared  affection  ; but  likewise,  because  he  considered 
Leah  as  having  concurred  in  the  imposition  put  on  him  by 
Laban.  Thus  his  preference  of  Rachel  led  him,  in  some 
respects,  to  treat  Leah  with  an  indifference  and  neglect, 
which  resembled  hatred. 

V.  32 — 35.  From  the  names  which  Leah  gave  her  sons, 
and  the  reasons  which  she  assigned  for  them,  it  seems  proba 
ble  that  she  was  piously  disposed  ; though  criminal  in  imposing 
on  Jacob,  and  faulty  in  some  other  respects.  ( Marg . Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  i — 15.  Gracious  consolations  are  intended  as  cordials, 
to  animate  and  strengthen  us,  that  we  may  proceed  without 
weariness  or  fainting,  in  the  arduous  and  self-denying  paths 
of  obedience : and  in  so  doing,  we  shall  speedily  experience 
the  faithfulness  of  God  to  his  promises;  even  as  he  accom- 
panied and  kept  Jacob,  in  all  the  places  to  which  he  went. — 
We  cannot  but  approve  the  simplicity,  courteousness,  and 
benevolence,  which  mark  this  first  interview  between  Jacob 
and  the  shepherds  ; the  frank  manner  in  which  he  makes  his 
observations,  offers  his  advice,  and  affords  his  assistance* 
and  the  mild  and  candid  reception  that  he  meets  with  from 
them  ; for  the  proud  arc  offended  when  intimations  are  given 
that  they  are  mistaken  or  to  blame. — He,  who  has  all  hearts 
in  his  hands,  disposes  all  things  for  the  good  of  those  who 
trust  in  him,  and  works  upon  the  natural  affection  even  of 
selfish  hearts,  to  procure  them  kind  entertainment.  And  they 
who  are  skilful  and  active  in  business,  being  capable  of  ren- 
dering themselves  useful,  will  generally,  when  known,  be 
made  welcome.  Relations,  however,  should  not  be  less 
rewarded  for  their  services  tnan  others,  but  meet  with  greater 
encouragement. 

V.  16 — 35.  Love,  whatever  be  its  object,  is  a most  active 
and  powerful  principle ; and  not  only  engages  a man  in  hard 
and  difficult  services,  btft.  even  renders  them  delightful.  If 
then  the  Lord  possess  our  supreme  love,  we  shall  greatly 
delight  in  his  commandments,  and  all  other  affections  will 
be  regulated  and  subordinated  by  it,  and  rendered  lawful  and 
Useful;  yet  times  may  come,  when  we  must,  in  the  superi- 
ority of  our  love  to  him,  be  called  to  disregard  our  dearest 
friends,  as  if  we  hated  them.  But,  on  the  other  hand,  if  they 
have  our  supreme  regard , we  shall  for  their  sakes  despise  and 
neglect  the  Lord. — How  often  in  Providence  are  men  re- 
minded of  their  sin  in  their  punishment,  and  corrected  by 
others  much  worse  than  themselves  ! One  cannot  but  lament 
to  see  Jacob  cheated  into  polygamy  in  so  extraordinary  a 
manner,  and  indeed  the  malice  and  artifice  of  Satan  are 
clearly  discernible  in  the  transaction. — The  Lord,  however, 
so  sets  one  thing  against  another,  that  there  is  less  difference 
in  the  comparative  happiness  of  mankind,  than  superficial 
observers  imagine : and  in  the  most  ordinary  circumstances 
of  private  life,  his  hand  should  be  acknowledged ; especially 
when  he  relieves  our  distresses,  and  answers  our  prayers. — 
And  let  us  always  remember,  that  “children  and  the  fruit  ol 
the  womb  are  a heritage  and  gift  that  cometh  of  the  Lord, 
and  should  be  received  as  from  his  hand,  and  trained  up  ft* 
his  service. 


( 69  ) 


fc  0.  174’,' 


GENESIS 


B.  C.  1745 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

Rachgi  envies  Leah , and  complain s impatiently  to  Jacoby  who  sharply  re- 
bukes nr  ; yet  q/  her  instance  takes  Bilhah  io  wife,  toho  bears  Dan  and 
Naphtili,  1 — 8.  Leah  gives  Zilpa/t  to  Jacob,  and  she  bears  Gad  and  Asher, 

9 — J 3.  Leah  purchases  Jacob's  company , of  Rachel,  by  her  son's  mandrakes; 
and  bears  lesacha/r,  Zebulun,  and  Dinah,  11 — *24.  Rachel  bears  Joseph, 
22 — 24.  Jacob  desires  to  leave  Laban,  who  agrees  with  him  for  his  fu- 
ture services , 25—36.  The  means  by  which  Jacob  grew  rich , 37 — 43. 

AND  when  “Rachel  saw  that  she  bare  Jacob  no 
children,  bRachel  envied  her  sister ; and 
said  unto  Jacob,  Give  me  children,  “or  else  I die. 

2  And  Jacob’s  danger  "was  kindled  against 
Rachel ; and  he  said,  eJtm  I in  God’s  stead,  who 
hath  'withheld  from  thee  the  fruit  of  the  womb  ? 

3  And  she  said,  ^Behold  my  maid  Bilhah,  go  in 
unto  her:  and  hshe  shall  bear  upon  my  knees, 
that  I may  also  'have  children  by  her. 

4  And  she  gave  him  Bilhah  her  handmaid  ‘to 
wife  : and  Jacob  went  in  unto  her. 

5  And  Bilhah  conceived,  and  bare  Jacob  a son. 
6 And  Rachel  said,  kGod  hath  judged  me,  and 
hath  also  heard  my  voice,  and  hath  given  me  a 
son : therefore  called  she  his  name  TDan. 

7  And  Bilhah  Rachel’s  maid  conceived  again, 
and  bare  Jacob  a second  son. 

8  And  Rachel  said,  With  tgreat  wrestlings  have 
wrestled  with  my  sister,  and  I have  prevailed : 
'and  she  called  his  name  ^Naphtali. 

9  H When  Leah  saw  that  she  had  left  bearing, 
she  took  Zilpah  her  maid,  and  gave  her  Jacob  to 
wife. 

10  And  Zilpah  Leah’s  maid  bare  Jacob  a son. 
11  And  Leah  said,  A troop  cometh:  and  mshe 
called  his  name  "Gad. 

b.  c.-i  12  And  Zilpah  Leah’s  maid  bare  Jacob 
ms.  J a secon(i  SOn. 

13  And  Leah  said,  ’’Happy  am  I,  for  the  daugh- 
ters "will  call  me  blessed  : “and  she  called  his  name 
"Asher. 

14  And  Reuben  went  in  the  days  of  wheat- 
harvest,  and  found  '‘mandrakes  in  the  field,  and 
brought  them  unto  his  mother  Leah.  Then 
'Rachel  said  to  Leah,  Give  me,  I pray  thee,  of 
thy  son’s  mandrakes. 

15  And  she  said  unto  her,  aJs  it  a small  matter 
that  thou  hast  taken  my  husband  ? and  wouldest 

n 29:31.  b 37:11 . 1 Sam.  1:4—8.  Ps.  106:16.  Prov.  14:30.27:4.  1 Cor.  3:3.  Gal. 
5:21.  Jam.  4:5.  c 33:16-19.  Nam.  11:15.  1 Kings  19:4.  Job  3: 1—3.11.20— 22. 
5:2.  13:19.  Jer. 20:14— 18.  Jon.  4:3,8.  2Cor.  7:10.  d 31:38.  Ex.  32:1.9.  Mali. 
5:22.  Mark. 3:5.  Eph.4:26.  e25:21.  50:19.  lSam.l:5.  2:5,6.  2Kings5:7. 
fDeui.  7:13,14.  Fs.ll3:9.  127:3.  Luke  1:42.  g 9.  16:2,3.  h 1,23.  Jub3:12. 
• Reb.be  built  up  by  her.  16:2.  mars.  Ruth  4:11.  i 16:3.  21:10.  25:1,6.33:2. 
35:22.  2 Sam.  12:11.  k 29:32—35.  Ps.  35:24.  Lam.  3:59.  f That  is,  Judging. 
49:16,17.  Deut.  33:22.  Judg.  13:2,21.  15:14—20.  J Heb.  wrestlings  of  God. 
Ex.  9:28.  1 Sam.  14:15.  marg.  149:21.  Deut.  33:23.  § That  is,  My  wrcs’ling. 
32:24,25.  Matt.  4:13.  Nepthalim.  m 49:19.  Deut.  33:20,21.  ||  That  is,  A troop, 
or  company.  Is.  65:11.  TI  Heb.  In  my  happiness,  n Prov.  31:28.  1 ant.  6:9. 
Luke  1:48.  o Gen.  49:20.  Deut.  33:24,25.  **  That  is,  Happy,  p Cant.  7:13. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXX.  V.  1,  2.  * Under  the  influence 
of  selfish  and  malignant  passions,  Rachel  impatiently  mur- 
mured against  God,  and  expressed  her  fretfulness  in  very 
absurd  language,  which  Jacob  justly,  though  sharply,  re- 
proved.— Instead  of  humbly  entreating  the  Lord,  as  Isaac 
and  no  doubt  Rebekah  had  done,  and  waiting  his  time  of 
granting  her  requests,  she  declared  that  her  heart  would  break 
with  grief  and  vexation,  if  she  continued  any  longer  childless! 
— She  who  said,  u Give  me  children,  or  else  I die,”  after- 
wards died  in  child-birth.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Hannah,  whose 
trial  resembled  Rachel’s,  but  was  much  heavier,  acted  far 
more  properly,  and  had  several  children  with  comfort  and  a 
blessing.  (1  Sam.  1:2—28.  2:1—11,20,21.) 

V.  3.  Rachel  intended  to  adopt  and  nurse  Bilhah’s  chil- 
dren as  her  own,  and  thus  solace  herself  under  the  trial  and 
reproach  of  barrenness.  But  had  n$>t  her  sister  been  her 
rival,  and  had  she  not  been  influenced  by  envy  and  resent- 
ment, she  would  have  thought  Leah’s  children  nearer  to  her, 
and  more  entitled  to  her  care,  than  Bilhah’s  could  be. 

V.  4.  Rachel  might,  in  some  measure,  be  induced  to  this 
conduct  by  the  same  motives  which  influenced  Sarah  in  a 
similar  case;  and  Jacob  doubtless  supposed  that  he  was 
merely  imitating  his  illustrious  progenitor:  but  the  circum- 
<•  stances  were,  in  all  respects,  so  different,  as  to  render  their 
conduct  far  less  excusable.  (JVotes,  1G:1 — 3.) 

V.  8.  The  literal  marginal  translation,  wrestlings  of  God , 
in  this  connexion,  seems  to  imply,  that  Rachel  thought  there 
was  some  excellency , as  well  as  earnestness,  in  her  contest ; 
and  that  her  success  was  a token  of  God’s  favour,  if  not  an 
answer  to  her  prayers.  Yet  she  seems  to  have  been  mis- 
taken ; her  motive  might  in  part  be  good,  but  her  measures 
cannot  be  justifie  I. 

V.  1 1.  A troop  cometh.]  The  word  in  the  Hebrew  text  (*U3) 
more  obviously  means,  “In  a troop:''  and  so  answers  to  the 
marginal  reading,  verse  13,  u In  my  huppincts,'  ("h^ns). 

( 70  ) 


thou  take  away  my  son’s  niandraxes  also?  And 
Rachel  said,  Therefore  he  shall  lie  with  thee  to 
night  for  thy  son’s  mandrakes. 

16  And  Jacob  came  out  of  the  field  in  the  even 
ing,  and  Leah  went  out  to  meet  him,  and  said 
Thou  must  come  in  unto  rne,  for  surely  I have 
hired  thee  with  my  son’s  mandrakes.  And  he  lay 
with  her  that  night. 

17  And  rGod  hearkened  unto  Leah,  and  she 
conceived  and  bare  Jacob  the  fifth  son. 

18  And  Leah  said,  God  hath  given  me  mine 
hire,  because  I have  given  my  maiden  to  my  hus 
band:  “and  she  called  his  name  lTIssachar. 

19  And  Leah  conceived  again,  and  bare  Jacob 
the  sixth  son. 

20  And  Leah  said,  God  hath  endued  me  with 
a good  dowry  : 'now  wil  my  husband  dwell  with 
me.  because  I have  borne  him  six  sons  : "and  she 
called  his  name  1+Zebulun. 

21  And  afterward  she  bare  a daughter,  “and 
called  her  name  ^Dinah. 

22  H And  God  ^remembered  Rachel,  nndf 
God  hearkened  to  her,  zand  opened  her  womb. L 

23  And  she  conceived  and  bare  a son  : and  said 
God  hath  “taken  away  my  reproach. 

24  And  bshe  called  his  name  ""Joseph,  and  said 
The  Lord  shall  add  to  me  another  son. 

[ Practical  Observations.] 

25  11  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Rachel  had 
borne  Joseph,  that  Jacob  said  unto  Laban,  Send 
me  away,  that  I may^o  unto  mine  own  place,  and 
cto  my  country. 

26  Give  me  dmy  wives  and  my  children,  for 
whom  I have  served  thee,  and  let  me  go : for 
'thou  k no  west  my  service  which  I have  done  thee. 

27  And  Laban  said  unto  him,  I pray  thee,  if  1 
have  found  "favour  in  thine  eyes,  tarry:  for  1 
have  learned  by  experience,  that  Hhe  Lord  hath 
blessed  me  for  thy  sake. 

28  And  he  said,  Appoint  me  thy  wages,  and  1 
will  give  it. 

29  And  lie  said  unto  him,  'Thou  knowest  how  1 
have  served  thee,  and  how  thy  cattle  was  with  me. 

30  ForiJ  was  little  which  thou  liadst  before  1 


q Num.  16:9,10.13.  Is.  7:13.  Ez.  1G:47.  1 Cor.  4:3.  r22.  Ex.  3:7.  I Sam.  1:20. 
26,27.  Luke  1:13.  s 49:14.15.  17e-.it.  33:18.  ft  That  is,  ,4n  hire.  I 15.  29:34. 
u 49:13.  Judg.  4:10.  5:14.  Ps.68  27.  ♦♦  Thai  Is,  D:- citing.  Mad.  4:13.  Zn  uUn. 
x 34:1— 3,26.  46:15.  §$  Thai  is.  Judgment,  y 8:1.  1 Sam.  1:19,20.  Ps.  105:42. 
z 2.  21:1.2.  25.21.  29:31.  Ps.  113:9.  127:3.  n29:31.  1 Sam.  1 :S.  Is.  4:1.  Luke 
1:25.  I.  37:2,4.  42:6.  48:1,  &c.  49:22— 26.  Teut.  33:13— 17.  Ez.  37:16.  Acts  7: 
9— 15.  Ileli.  11:21,23.  Rev. 7:8.  ,|l|  That  is,  Adding.  35:17,18.  c 24:6,7  . 25:3. 
27:44,45.  28:13,15.31:13.  Acts  7:4,5.  Heb.  11:1516.  <129:19.30.  31:26,31,41. 
Hos.  12:12.  e 29,30.  31:6,33— 40.  f Ex. 3:21.  Nell.  1:1 1.  2:5.  Dan.  1:9.  Acts 
7:10.  g3U.  12:3.  3.9:2—  5,21—  23.  Ps.  1:3.  Is.  61:9.  h29:15.  i Sec  on  5.  Et.lt. 
6:5-8.  Col.  3:22-25.  Tit.  2:10.  1 Pet.  2:13. 


V.  14.  Mandrakes.]  These  were  either  fruit  or  flowers, 
pleasing  to  the  eye,  the  smell,  or  the  taste ; probably  the  lat- 
ter. It  is  generally  thought  that  the  word  is  not  properly 
translated ; but  it  is  uncertain  what  they  were,  though  very 
much  has  been  written  on  the  subject. 

V.  15,  16.  The  desire,  good  in  itself,  but  often  inordinate 
and  irregular,  of  being  the  mother  or  aneestor  of  the  promised 
Seed ; together  with  the  honour  of  being  prolific,  and  the 
reproach  of  being  barren,  may  be  supposed  to  have  had  con- 
siderable influence  in  these  contests  ; though  combined  with 
jealousy  and  other  selfish  passions. 

V.  18.  Leah  was  so  far  from  considering  herself  culpable, 
in  giving  her  handmaid  to  her  husband,  that  she  deemed  it 
meritorious,  and  erroneously  interpreted  the  Lord’s  kindness 
as  the  reward  of  it! 

V.  21,  22.  Dinah  means  the  same  as  D in,  tlje  name  of 
Jacob’s  first  son  by  Bilhah,  Rachel’s  handmaid ; and  this 
name  seems  to  have  been  given  by  Leah  to  her  daughter,  in 
a kind  of  triumph  over  her  sister.  It  therefore  follows  that 
u God  remembered  Rachel.” 

V.  23.  All  these  children  were  born  to  Jacob,  within  the 
second  seventh  year  of  his  serving  Laban,  (25.)  Reuben, 
therefore,  was  not  much  above  six  years  older  than  Joseph ; 
and  Judah  not  more  than  four. 

V.  25,  26.  The  fourteen  years  being  expired,  Jacob, 
depending  on  the  promise  of  God,  was  willing  to  depart, 
without  any  other  recompense  from  Labnn  for  his  hard  ser- 
vice, than  his  large  family  ; though  he  could  appeal  to  Laban 
himself,  that  ho  had  served  him  with  diligence,  fidelity,  and 
success ! He  was  also  very  desirous  of  returning  to  Isaac 
and  Rebekah,  and  tho  land  of  his  pilgrimage,  lint  ho  had, 
in  many  ways,  an  equitable  claim  on  Laban’s  large  substance, 
and  it  was  the  will  of  God  that  he  should  he  amply  prjvideJ 
for  out  of  i'. 

V.  30.  Laban  had  acknowledged  that  M the  LonD  bless*sj 


B.  C.  1710. 

tame , and  it  is  now  'increased  unto  a multitude, 
‘and  the  Lord  hath  blessed  thee  'since  my  com- 
ing : and  now  'when  shall  I provide  for  mine  own 
house  also  ? 

31  And  he  said,  What  shall  I give  thee?  And 
Jacob  said,  mThou  slialt  not  give  me  any  thing : 
if  thou  wilt  do  this  thing  for  me,  I will  again  feed 
and  keep  thy  flock : 

32  I will  pass  through  all  thy  flock  to-day,  re- 
moving from  thence  all  the  speckled  and  spotted 
cattle,  and  all  the  brown  cattle  among  the  sheep, 
and  the  spotted  and  speckled  among  the  goats : 
and  "of  such  shall  be  my  hire. 

33  So  shall  my  “righteousness  answer  for  me 
tin  time  to  come,  when  it  shall  come  for  my  hire 
before  thy  face : every  one  that  is  not  speckled 
and  spotted  among  the  goats,  and  brown  among 
the  sheep,  that  shall  be  accounted  stolen  with 
me. 

34  And  Laban  said,  Behold,  H would  it  might 
be  according  to  thy  word. 

35  And  he  removed  that  day  the  he-goats,  that 
were  ring-streaked  and  spotted,  and  all  the  she- 
goats  that  were  speckled  and  spotted,  and  every 
one  that  had  some  white  in  it,  and  all  the  brown 
among  the  sheep,  and  gave  them  into  'Uhe  hand 
of  his  sons. 

36  And  he  set  three  days’  journey  betwixt 
himself  and  Jacob:  and  Jacob  fed  the  rest  of 
Laban’s  flocks. 

37  H And  "Jacob  took  him  rods  of  green  poplar, 
dhd  of  the  hazel  and  chestnut-tree ; and  pilled 
white  streaks  in  them,  and  made  the  white  appear 
which  was  in  the  rods. 

38  And  he  set  the  rods  which  he  had  pilled 
before  the  flocks  in  the  gutters  in  the  watering- 
troughs,  when  the  flocks  came  to  drink  ; that  they 
should  conceive  when  they  came  to  drink. 

39  And  the  flocks  conceived  before  the  rods, 

•Heb.  broken  forth.  k27.  t Heb.  at  my  foot.  1 2 Cor.  12:14.  1 Tim.  5:8. 
m2  Sam.  21:4— 6.  »31:8.  o 31:37.  1 Sim.  26:23.  2 Sam.  22:21 . f’s.  37:6.  J Heb. 
to-morroic.  Ex.  13:14.  pNmn.  22:29.  1 Cor.  7:7.  14:5.  Gal.  5:12.  Rev.  3:15. 
q 31:9.  r31:9— 13.  s 31:9 — 12.  Ex . 12:35,36.  Jer. 27:5,6.  t 30.  13:2.  24:35.  26: 
13,14.  28:15.  31:7,8.  32:10.  33:11.  35:7.  a8,9.  Job  31:31.  Ps.  120:3— 5.  bEalh. 

him  for  Jacob's  sake,"  (27 ;)  but  Jacob,  with  observable  mo- 
desty, alters  the  term  for  one  of  a more  general  application. 
(Marg.) 

V.  31 — 34.  Jacob  chose  to  refer  his  cause  to  God  in  the 
way  here  proposed,  rather  then  to  enter  into  an  agreement 
for  stated  wages  with  Laban,  whose  selfishness  was  excessive. 
He  would  have  no  such  cattle  left  undey  his  care,  as  were 
coloured  in  any  unusual  way ; and  then  he  required  that  the 
spotted  and  speckled,  &c.  which  they  bred,  should  be  given 
to  him.  Thus  it  would  appear,  whenever  the  question  con- 
cerning his  hire  should  be  started,  that  he  had  acted  honestly ; 
provided  none,  but  those  of  the  stipulated  colours,  were  found 
in  his  possession.  And  Laban,  judging  from  common  obser- 
vation, that  his  cattle  would  breed  but  few  colours  different 
from  their  own,  eagerly  acceded  to  his  proposal. 

V.  37 — 42.  Jacob’s  conduct  in  this  transaction  has  com- 
monly been  considered  as  an  instance  of  his  policy  and  ma- 
magement ; and  it  has  by  many  been  objected  to,  by  others 
vindicated  and  commended.  But,  as  the  means  which  he 
used  would  not  in  general  produce  similar  effects ; nay,  pro- 
bably the  experiment  was  never  in  any  other  instance  tried 
with  success ; It  is  more  reasonable  to  suppose,  that  he  was 
directed  by  some  divine  intimation ; and  rendered  successful, 
if  not  by  a direct  miracle,  yet  at  least  by  the  Lord’s  giving  a 
new  and  uncommon  bias  to  the  tendency  of  natural  causes. 
(Note,  31:10 — 13.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 24.  When  eminent  persons  sanction  any  thing  evil 
by  their  example,  the  consequences  are  often  durably  per- 
nicious ; because  it  is  far  more  easy  to  imitate  the  misconduct 
of  those  whom  we  esteem,  than  to  copy  their  faith  and  obe- 
dience. And  when  we  tread  their  devious  footsteps,  it  is  na- 
tural for  us  to  g or" further  than  they  did:  nay,  we  are  apt  to 
think  ourselves  authorized,  or  at  least  excused,  in  so  doing. 
What  an  unhappy  precedent  was  Sarah  to  Rachel  and  Leah, 
and  Abraham  to  Jacob!  We  are  grieved  to  see  this  plain 
man,  in  his  old  age,  yielding  to  one  suggestion  after  another 
to  multiply  wives ; though  by  that  means  he  multiplied  bitter 
envying  and  contention  in  his  family.  This  “ his  way  was 
his  folly though  many  of  his  posterity  approved  and  imitated 
his  example. — To  carry  matters  even  between  two  wives,  who 
nave  an  equal  claim  to  affection,  is  almost,  if  not  utterly,  im- 
possible ; and  to  fail  of  it  ensures  emulation  and  strife,  and 
may  even  perpetuate  discord  to  posterity.  How  much  more 
comfortably  did  Isaac  live  with  Rebekah,  according  to  God’s 
primary  institution,  than  Jacob  with  his  two  wives  and  their 


B.  C.  1739 

and  ‘brought  forth  cattle  ring-streaked,  speckled 
and  spotted. 

40  And  Jacob  did  separate  the  lagjbs,  and  set 
the  faces  of  the  flocks  toward  the  ring-streaked, 
and  all  the  brown  in  the  flock  of  Laban  : and  he 
put  his  own  flocks  by  themselves ; and  put  them 
not  unto  Laban’s  cattle. 

41  And  it  came  to  pass  whensoever  the  stronger 
cattle  did  conceive,  that  Jacob  laid  the  rods  before 
the  eyes  of  the  cattle  in  the  gutters,  that  they  might 
conceive  among  the  rods. 

42  But  when  the  cattle  were  feeble,  he  put  them 
not  in : so  the  feebler  were  Laban’s,  and  the 
stronger  Jacob’s. 

43  And  the  man  ‘increased  exceedingly,  and  , 
had  much  cattle,  and  maid-servants,  and  men 
servants,  and  camels,  and  asses. 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

Jacob  is  envied  by  Laban  and  his  eons , 1,2.  Being  commanded  by  God  tn 
return  to  his  kindred , he  proposes  it  to  his  wives  ; ex])lains  the  Lord's 
dealings  with  him  ; and , with,  their  consent , privately  departs , taking  his 
family  and  substance , 3—21.  Laban  pursues  him,  but  is  warned  in  a . dream 
not  to  injure  him:  he  overtakes  Jacob  and  expostulates  with  him , 22 — 32. 
Laban  searches  in  vain  for  his  images,  which  Rachel  hod  stolen  and  con - 
cealed,  33—35.  Jacob  vindicates  himself , an  I compldins  of  Laban,  36 — 

42  ; they  enter  into  a covenant,  and  Laban  returns  home , 43—55. 

AND  lie  heard  the  words  of  Laban’s  sons,  say- 
ing, “Jacob  hath  taken  away  all  that  was  our 
father’s  ; and  of  that  which  was  our  father’s  hath 
he  gotten  all  this  bglory. 

2  And  Jacob  beheld  the  “countenance  of  La- 
ban, and  behold,  dituars  not  toward  him  'as  before. 

3  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Jacob,  “Return  unto 
the  land  of  thy  fathers,  and  to  thy  kindred ; and 
I will  be  with  thee. 

4  IT  And  Jacob  sent  and  called  Rachel  and 
Leah  to  the  field  unto  his  flock ; 

5  And  said  unto  them,  el  see  your  father’s  coun- 
tenance, that  it  is  not  toward  me  as  before  : but 
hthe  God  of  my  father  hath  been  with  me. 

6  And  ye  know  that  ‘with  all  my  power  I have 
served  your  father. 

5:11.  Job 31:24 ,25.  Ps.  17:14.  49:16,17.  Is.  5:14.  Jer.9:23.  Matt. 4:8.  1 Pet. 1:24. 
c 4:5.  1 Sam.  18:9 — 11.  Dan.  3:19.  d 30:27.  * Heb.  as  yesterday  and  the  day 

before.  Ex.  4:10.  Dent.  19:4.  1 Sam.  19:7.  margins,  e 28:15,20,21.  32:9.  35:1. 
46:2,3.  50:24.  f26:3— 5 . 28:4,13.  30:25.  g 2,3.  h 42:53.  32:9.  48:15.  50:17. 

i 38 — 42.  30:29.  Tit.  2:9,10.  • 

handmaids! — Envy  and  jealousy  are  most  tormenting  pas- 
sions to  the  breast  which  harbours  them,  vexatious  to  all 
around,  and  introductory  to  much  impatience  and  ungodli- 
ness : observing,  therefore,  how  absurd  and  odious  they  ap- 
pear in  Rachel,  we  should  watch  and  pray  against  them  in 
ourselves ; and  turn  aside  from  all  such  objects  and  pursuits 
as  tend  to  excite  them. — Too  frequently  they  who  possess 
the  most  beautiful  countenances  are  lamentably  deficient  in 
w the  ornament  of  a meek  and  quiet  spirit ; which  is  in  the 
sight  of  God”  and  of  all  wise  men,  of  much  greater  value ; 
and  partial  affections  are  often  corrected  by  the  persons  on 
whom  they  are  misplaced. — They  who  are  angry  only  at  sin, 
and  express  that  anger  by  reasonable,  though  sharp,  rebukes, 
and  with  zeal  for  the  honour  of  God,  are  not  sinfully  angry: 
nor  must  those  whom  we  love  best  be  connived  at  in  wicked- 
ness.— Our  natural  conscience  is  a partial  and  erroneous 
judge,  and,  if  left  to  itself,  will  often  excuse , nay  commend , our 
very  faults : we  ought,  therefore,  to  seek  to  the  word,  and 
pray  for  the  Spirit,  of  God,  to  illuminate  our  understandings, 
and  deliver  our  consciences  from  mistake  and  self-flattery. 

V.  25 — 43.  The  Lord  is  ever  ready  to  hear  the  prayer  of 
faith,  and  to  forgive  the  transgression  of  his  people ; and  he 
graciously  recompenses  and  honours  their  integrity  and  faith- 
ful industry.  He  convinces  all,  with  whom  they  are  con- 
nected, that  he  hath  loved  them,  and  that  he  blesses  others 
on  their  account ; so  that  it  is  not  uncommon  for  those,  who 
love  neither  them  nor  their  religion,  to  value  them  from  in- 
terested motives  ; and  to  desire  to  employ  them  in  preference 
to  others : and  u all  who  name  the  name  of  Christ”  should,  for 
the  honour  of  his  gospel,  be  ambitious  of  this  distinction. — 
The  Lord  will  also,  in  one  way  or  other,  plead  the  cause  of 
the  injured  and  oppressed ; and  honour  those  who  simply  trust 
his  providence,  avoid  evil  and  the  appearance  of  it,  and  walk 
so  wisely,  as  to  give  no  occasion  of  reproach  to  those  who 
manifestly  are  seeking  it.  And,  as  u the  earth  is  the  Lord’** 
and  the  fulness  thereof,”  he  hath  an  indisputable  right  to  dis- 
pose of  every  one’s  property  as  he  pleases ; and  who  shall 
dare  to  find  fault,  with  his  appointments  ? 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXXI.  V.  1 — 3.  Laban’s  sons  were 
probably  younger  than  his  daughters  ; but  were  now  grown  up, 
and  resembled  him  in  selfishness.  Instigated  by  them,  Laban 
appeared  so  dissatisfied,  and  expressed  in  his  looks  so  much 
envy  and  resentment,  that  Jacob  deemed  it  dangerous  to  con- 
tinue longer  with  him.  But,  though  he  had  overheard  the 
words  of  Laban’s  sons,  and  evidently  perceived  the  effect 
which  they  had  produced ; yet  he  did  not  attempt  to  remove,. 

( 71  ) 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 


B C.  1739. 


GENESIS. 


B.  C.  1739 


7 And  your  father  hath  deceived  me,  and 
changed  my  wag:es  yten  times  : but  God  suffered 
him  not  to  hjjrt  me. 

W If  he  said  thus,  mThe  speckled  shall  be  thy 
wages  ; then  all  the  cattle  hare  speckled  : and  if 
he  said  thus,  The  ring-streaked  shall  be  thy  hire  ; 
then  hare  all  the  cattle  ring-streaked. 

9 Thus  "God  hath  taken  away  the  cattle  of 
vour  father,  and  given  them  to  me. 

10  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  time  that  the 
cattle  conceived,  that  I lifted  up  mine  eyes,  and 
saw  in  °a  dream,  and  behold,  the  'rams  which 
leaped  upon  the  cattle  were  ring-streaked,  speck- 
led, and  grizzled. 

1 1 And  the  ''Angel  of  God  spake  unto  me  in  a 
dream,  saying,  Jacob:  And  I said,  iHere  am  I. 

12  And  he  said,  'Lift  up  now  thine  eyes  and 
see  ail  the  rams  which  leap  upon  the  cattle  are 
ring-streaked,  speckled,  and  grizzled : for  EI  have 
seen  all  that  Laban  doeth  unto  thee. 

13  low  ‘the  God  of  Beth-el,  where  thou  anoint- 
edst  the  pillar,  and  where  thou  vowedst  a vow 
unto  me  : now  arise,  get  thee  out  from  this  land, 
and  “return  unto  the  land  of  thy  kindred. 

14  And  Rachel  and  Leah  answered,  and  said 
unto  him,  Is  there  xyet  any  portion  or  inheritance 
tor  us  in  our  father’s  house  ? 

15  Are  we  not  counted  of  him  strangers  ? for 
he  hath  -vsold  us,  and  hath  quite  devoured  also  our 
money. 

16  For  all  the  riches  which  *God  hath  taken 
from  our  father,  that  is  ours,  and  our  children’s  : 
now  then  whatsoever  God  hath  said  unto  thee,  do. 

17  Then  Jacob  rose  up,  and  set  his  sons  and 
his  wives  "upon  camels. 

*41.  I.ev.  25:26.  Num.  14:22.  \eh.4:12.  Job  19:3.  Is. 4:1.  Zech.  8:23.  129.  20:6. 
Fs.  105:14.  13.54:17.  m 30:32.  n 1,16.  Esth.  8:1,2.  Ps.  50:10.  Prov.  13:22. 
Man.  20:15.  o 24  . 20:6.  23:12.  • Or,  he-goats.  p 5:13.  S*  on  16:7—13.  48: 

15,16.  q 22:1.  Ex.  3:4.  1 Sam.  3:4,6.8,16.  Is.  58:9.  r 30:37— 43.  s 42.  Ex.  3: 
7,9.  Ec.  5:8.  Acts  7:31.  128:12— 22.  35:7.  marg.  u3  . 32:9.  x 2:24  . 29.24,29. 
v 41 . 29:18—20,27—30.  30:26.  Ex.  21:7— 11.  Neh.5.8.  i See  on  1,9.  a24:10, 
61.  1 Sam.  30:17.  b 27:1 ,2,41.  28:21.  35:27 — 29.  t Heb.  teraphim.  30,32.  Josh. 
24  2.  Judg.  17:4,5.  18:14—24,31.  1 Sam.  19:13.  Ez.  21:21.  Hos.  3:4.  J Heb.  the 
heart  of  Laban.  27.  marg.  c2:14.  15:18.  d 46:28.  Luke  9:51 — 53.  e 23. 

till  the  Lord  expressly  commanded  him : perhaps  thinking  it  still 
more  dangerous  to  come  within  the  reach  of  his  brother  Esau. 

V.  7.  Ten  times.]  As  the  history  of  these  six  years  is 
very  compendious,  we  cannot  determine,  whether  Laban 
changed  Jacob’s  wages  exactly  ten  times,  or  whether  the  ex- 
ression  only  meant  in  general,  many  times.  It  is  plain, 
owever,  that  Laban  tried  all  methods  of  circumventing  and 
defrauding  him,  but  in  vain.  (Marg.  Ref.  k.) 

V.  10 — 13.  It  has  before  been  supposed,  that  Jacob  had 
some  previous  divine  intimation,  suggesting  the  plan  which  he 
adopted  respecting  the  cattle;  (Note,  30:37 — 42.)  but  the 
dream,  which  he  here  relates  to  Rachel  and  Leali,  seems  to 
have  taken  place  towards  Ihe  close  of  his  service.  Thus  he 
accounted  to  them  for  the  rapid  increase  of  his  Hocks,  and  in- 
troduced the  subsequent  proposal,  in  which  he  made  known  to 
them  the  will  of  Gcd,  and  the  justice  of  his  cause  ; that  by 
thus  appealing  to  them,  and  consulting  with  them,  he  n ight 
obtain  their  willing  acquiescence.  The  Lord  himself  pointed 
out  the  circumstance  concerning  the  colour  of  the  rams,  that 
Jacob  might  ascribe  his  success  to  the  divine  blessing,  and 
possess  his  substance  with  a thankful  heart  and  a quiet  con- 
science, regardless  of  the  unmerited  anger  of  Laban  and  his 
sons. — The  language  of  the  passage  is  worthy  of  peculiar  at- 
tention. “ The  Angel  of  God  spake: ...  I am  the  God  of 
Beth-el.”  The  supposition  of  some  learned  men,  that  the 
angel  spake  as  an  ambassador,  in  the  name  of  God,  is  ex- 
tremely unreasonable  : for  what  ambassador,  when  represent- 
ing his  principal,  ever  said,  ‘I  am  the  king?’  Would  not 
such  language  be  a claim  to  the  honour  due  only  to  his  so- 
vereign ? — The  Jewish  expositors,  and  some  others,  imagine , 
that  on  such  occasions  there  was  a glorious  appearance  of 
'Jehovah,  distinct  from  the  angel : but  were  there  two 
speakers  in  this  instance?  Nothing  can  be  plainer,  than 
that  he,  who  is  called,  “ The  Angel,”  said,  “ I am  the  God 
■tf  Beth-el.” — Repeated  instances  of  this  kind  continually  atig- 
■meut  the  evidence,  that  the  Speaker  was  no  other  than  the 
Word  and  Son  ofGod,  who  “ was  God,  and  with  God,”  hut 
now  condescended  to  be  the  Angel  or  Messenger  of  the  Fa- 
ther to  men ; as  he  afterwards  did  in  human  nature  to  “ take 
upon  him  the  form  of  a servant.”  Yet  in  both  manifestations 
of  himself  he  could  say:  u He  that  hath  seen  me  hath  seen  the 
Father ; for  I and  the  Father  are  One.” — The  title,  “ the  God 
of  Beth-el,"  would  be  peculiarly  encouraging  to  Jacob. 

V.  15,  16.  Laban,  instead  of  providing  for  his  daughters, 
had  sold  them  as  strangers  and  slaves  to  increase  his  wealth, 
which  he  spent  entirely  on  himself  and  his  sons.  But  God 
nad  provided  for  them,  I'V  giving  Laban’s  substance  to  Jacob  ; 
and  they  acknowledged  his  hant  in  it,  and  were  well  salis- 

( 71  ) 


18  And  he  carried  away  all  his  cattle,  and  all 
his  {roods  which  he  had  gotten,  the  cattle  of  his 
getting,  which  lie  had  gotten  in  Padan-aram,  bfor 
to  go  to  Isaac  his  father  in  the  land  of  Canaan. 

19  And  Laban  went  to  shear  his  sheep : and  Ra- 
chel had  stolen  the  timages  (hat  were  her  father’s. 

20  And  Jacob  stole  away  ^unawares  to  Laban 
the  Syrian,  in  that  he  told  him  not  that  he  fled. 

21  So  he  fled  with  all  that  he  had,  and  he  rose 
up,  and  cpasse(l  over  the  river,  and  dset  his  face 

toward  the  mount  'Gilead.  [Ptaclical  Observations.'] 

22  U And  it  was  told  Laban  on  the  f third  day, 
that  Jacob  was  fled. 

23  And  he  took  his  ^brethren  with  him,  and 
pursued  after  him  seven  days’  journey ; and  they 
overtook  him  in  the  mount  Gilead. 

24  And  God  came  to  Laban  hthe  Syrian  in  a 
•dream  by  night,  and  said  unto  him,  kTake  heed 
that  thou  speak  not  to  Jacob  ^either  good  or  bad 

25  Then  Laban  overtook  Jacob.  Now  Jacob 
had  ‘pitched  his  tent  in  the  mount : and  Laban 
with  his  brethren  pitched  in  the  mount  of  Gilead- 

26  And  Laban  said  to  Jacob,  "‘What  hast  thoai 
done,  that  thou  hast  stolen  away  unawares  to  me, 
and  "carried  away  my  daughters,  as  captive? 
taken  with  the  sword  ? 

27  Wherefore  °didst  thou  flee  away  secretly 
and  iisteal  away  from  me  ? and  didst  not  tell  me, 
Pthat  I might  have  sent  thee  away  ^with  mirth 
and  with  songs,  Avith  tabret  and  with  harp? 

28  And  hast  not  suffered  me  to  rkiss  my  sons 
and  my  daughters  ? thou  hast  now  done  sfoolishly 
in  50  doing. 

29  It  is  in  lthe  power  of  my  hand  to  do  you 
hurt : but  "the  God  of  your  father  spake  unto  me 


Num.  32:1.  Judg.  10:18.  1 Kings  17:1.  f30:36.  e 13:8.  24:27.  Ex.  2:11.  h 28: 
5.  Deut.  25.5.  Hos.  12:12.  i 1U,29.  20:3.  40:5.  41:1.  Num.  22:20.  Job  33:15— 
17.  Malt.  27:19.  k 42.  24:50.  Num.  24:13.  2 Sam.  13:22.  § Heb.  from  good  to 
bad.  1 12:8.  33:18.  Heb.  11:9.  m 36.  4:10.  1 Sam.  17:29/  John  18:35.  n 16. 
2:24  . 34:29.  1 urn.  30:2.  o 3— 5,20,21 ,31 . Judg.  6:27.  ||  Heb.  hast  staler,  me. 

20.  mar-,  p Prov.  26:24—26.  q 24:59,60.  Job  21 : 11— 14.  r 55.  9:13.  Ex.  4: 
27.  Ruth  1:9,14.  1 Kings  19:20.  Acts 20:37.  s 3,13,24.  1 Sam.  13:1J.  2 Cbr.  16: 
9.  1 C or.  2:14.  t Ps.52:l.  John  19:10,11.  u 42,53.  Josh.  24:2,3.  2 Kings  19:10. 


fied.  The  conduct  of  Leali  and  Rachel,  in  this  particular, 
does  not  appear  reprehensible  : they  could  not  have  concur- 
red with  Laban,  without  neglecting  their  duty  to  a still  nearer 
relation’;  and  preferring  the  cause  of  an  idolater,  and  an 
unjust  man,  to  that  of  Jacob,  the  approved  servant  of  God. 
What  they  said  was  private,  and  in  conjugal  confidence  : 
and  so  did  not  dishonour  Laban. 

V.  17.  Reuben,  Jacob’s  eldest  son,  could  not  be  much 
above  twelve  years  of  age  at  this  time. 

V.  19.  Rachel  and  Leah  no  doubt  returned  to  theirtents, 
and  to  the  house  of  Laban,  to  take  what  belonged  to  them; 
which  gave  Rachel  the  opportunity  of  stealing  these  images* 
or  teraphim.  (Marg.  Ref.)  It  is  evident,  that  they  had 
been  made  for  idolatrous  or  superstitious  purposes:  but  it  is 
not  clear  what  Rachel’s  motive  was  in  taking  them  away  ; 
whether  she  intended  to  use  them,  or  to  prevent  her  father 
from  so  doing.  She  however  acted  very  improperly  ; she 
exposed  herself  and  the  rest  of  the  company  to  great  danger  ; 
and  the  images  afterwards  seem  to  have  been  a snare  to 
Jacob’s  family.  (JVote,  35:2,4.) 

V.  20,  21.  Had  Laban  known  of  Jacob’s  intentions,  he 
would  doubtless  have  attempted  forcibly  to  defeat  them  ; but 
Jacob  eluded  his  vigilance , and  was  actually  rot  to  a groat 
distance  before  Laban  heard  of  it. — The  Hebrew  phrase 
translated,  unawares  to  Laban , seems  to  mean,  that  Jacob 
rendered  his  sagacity  and  vigilance  as  useless  as  if  he  had 
deprived  him  of  his  understanding.  ( Mang .) 

V.  23,  24.  Without  doubt,  Laban  intended  at  least  tc 
plunder  Jacob’s  property  ; if  he  could  not  induce  him  by 
promises  or  threats  to  return,  or  compel  him  to  do  so.  But 
the  Lord,  in  a dream,  at  this  critical  time,  effectually  deter- 
red Laban  from  all  such  attempts.  Jacob  had  pass'd  the 
Euphrates,  and  crossed  the  spacious  desert,  which  intervenes 
between  that  river  and  mount  Gilead,  before  Laban  overtook 
him.  This  was  a very  long  journey,  considering  ihe-lar^e* 
ness  of  his  company,  and  all  his  encumbrances. 

V.  26.  Cap/iocs.]  This  was  very  'also  ami  injurious 
Jacob  had  a nearer  interest  in  Leah  and  Rachel  than  Laban 
bad  ; they  had  voluntarily  agreed  to  e<  with  their  husband, 
rather  than  abide  with  their  father  ; and  indeed  it  was  their 
duty  so  to  do.  (Marg.  Ref.  u.) 

V.  27 — 29.  Laban  pretended  to  a very  amicable  disposi- 
tion towards  Jacob',  now  that  he  was  overawed  and  durst  not 
hurt  him  and  his  company  : perhaps  he  thought  that  he  acted 
from  religious  motives,  in  regarding  the  divine  admonition. 

V.  30.  Laban  thus  insinuated  that  Jacob  had  no  cause  of 
dissatisfaction  wilh  him  ; and  that  he  went  aw  y,  merely  ho- 
causc  he  exceedingly  longed  to  see  his  ^ a rents  und  friends. 


B.  C.  1739. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 


B.  C.  1739. 


yesternight,  saj  ing,  ‘Take  thou  heed  that  thou 
speak  not  to  Jacob  either  good  or  bad. 

30  And  now  thong'll  thou  wouldest  needs  be 
gone,  because  thou  sore  longedst  after  thy  lather’s 
house;  yet  wherefore  hast  thou  stolen  ?my  gods? 

31  And  Jacob  answered  and  said  to  Laban, 
•Because  I was  afraid : for  I said,  Peradventure 
thou  wouldest  take  by  force  thy  daughters  from  me. 

32  With  “whomsoever  thou  findest  thy  gods, 
let  him  not  live : bbefore  our  brethren  discern 
thou  what  is  thine  with  me,  and  take  it  to  Ihee: 
•for  Jacob  knew  not  that  Rachel  had  stolen  them. 

33  And  Laban  went  into  Jacob’s  tent,  and  into 
dLeah’s  tent,  and  into  the  two  maid-servant’s 
tents;  but  he  found  them  not.  Then  went  he 
out  of  Leah’s  tent,  and  entered  into  Rachel’s 
tent. 

34  Now  Rachel  ehad  taken  the  images,  and  put 
them  in  the  camel’s  furniture,  and  sat  upon  them ; 
and  Laban  "searched  all  the  tent,  but  found  them 
not. 

35  And  she  said  to  her  father,  Let  it  not  dis- 
please f my  lord  that  I cannot  srise  up  before  thee  : 
for  the  hcustom  of  women  is  upon  me  : and  he 
searched,  but  found  not  the  images. 

36  H And  Jacob  ‘was  wroth,  and  chode  with 
Laban:  and  Jacob  answered,  and  said  to  Laban, 
What  is  my  trespass?  what  is  my  sin,  that  thou 
hast  so  hotly  pursued  after  me  ? 

37  Whereas  thou  hast  searched  all  my  stuff, 
what  hast  thou  found  of  all  thy  household-stuff  ? 
kset  it  here  before  my  brethren  and  thy  brethren, 
that  they  may  judge  betwixt  us  both. 

38  This  'twenty  years  have  I been  with  thee  ; 
thy  mewes  and  thy  she-goats  have  not  cast  their 
young,  and  "the  rams  of  thy  flock  have  I not 
eaten. 

39  That  which  was  “'torn  of  beasts  I brought 
not  unto  thee  ; r>I  bare  the  loss  of  it : of  my  hand 
didst  thou  require  it,  whether  stolen  by  day,  sor 
stolen  by  night. 

40  Thus  I was ; rin  the  day  the  drought  con- 
sumed me,  and  the  frost  by  night ; and  my  sleep 
departed  from  mine  eyes. 

41  Thus  have  I been  twenty  years  in  thy  house ; 
I served  thee  “fourteen  years  for  thy  two  daugh- 
ters, and  six  years  for  thy  cattle : and  thou  hast 
changed  my  wages  ‘ten  times. 

x 24.  Acts 5:38,39.  9:5.  y 19.  Judg.  6:31.  18:24.  1 Sam.  5:2—6.  2 Sam.  5:21.  Is. 
37:19.  46:1.2.  ? 26,27.  a 19,30.  44:9—12.  5 23.  30:33.  1 Sam.  12:3—5.  2 Cor.  8: 
20,21.12:17—19.  c 1 Sam.  14:24— 29.  d 24:67.  e 17,19.  • Heb  ./ell.  f 18: 
12.  Ex.  20:12.  1 Pet.  3 0.  s l.tv.  19:32.  1 Kings  2:19.  h 18.11.  Lev,  15:19. 
1 30:2.  34.7.  49:7.  Nnm.  16:15.  2 Kings  5:11.  13:19.  Mark  3:5.  Eph.4:26.  Jam. 
1:19,2(1.  k See  on  32.  Josh.  7:23.  Matt.  18:16.  1 Cor.  6:4,5.  1 41.  m30:27,3U. 
Ex.  23:25.  Dent.  28:4.  n Ex.  34:2-4.  o Ex.  22:31.  Lev.  22:8.  1 Sam.  17:34, 
35.  John  10:12,13.  p Ex.  22:10— 13.  q Luke  2:8.  rEx.2:19— 22.  3:1.  Ps. 
78:70,71.  Hos.  12:12.  John  21:15— 17.  1 Pet.  5:2— 4.  s29:18-30.  30:33— 4l>. 

t See  on  7.  u 24,29.  l’s.  121:1— 3.  x 53.  Ps.  76:11,12.  Is.  8:13.  y See  on  12. 

V.  31.  Jacob  answered  Laban’s  former  question  in  the 
first  place  without  mentioning  it;  “Wherefore  didst  thou 
fiee  away  secretly,  and  steal  away  from  me?”  (27.)  “Be- 
cause,” says  Jacob,  “I  was  afraid.”  This  implied  a strong 
charge  of  injustice  and  oppression  against  Laban. 

V.  32.  Not  live.]  This  was  rash,  and  might  have  pro- 
duced fatal  effects:  but  Jacob  was  partial  to  Rachel,  and  did 
not.  suspect  her  ; and  he  was  indignant  at  being  accused  of  a 
crime  which  he  deeply  abhorred. 

V.  34.  Probably  the  furniture  of  the  camels  formed  a kind 
of  a couch,  for  the  conveniency  of  women  in  long  journeys. 

V 39.  Note,  Ex.  22:7—15. 

V.  40.  The  transition  from  great  heat  in  the  day,  to  chill- 
ing cold  in  the  night,  is  often  known  in  those  regions. 

V.  42.  The  Fear  of  /saac.]  The  God,  whom  Isaac  (who 
was  still  living)  worshipped  with  “ reverence  and  gixlly 
fear.” — Jacob’s  language,  though  keen,  was  too  obviously  true 
to  admit  of  any  answer  ; and  it  is  too  plain  to  need  any 
comment.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Laban’s  silence  proves  Jacob’s 
innocence. 

V . 45,  46.  Thus  a large  heap  of  stones  was  formed  to  be 
an  abiding  memorial  of  this  compact,  and  a reproach  to  him 
who  should  pass  over  this  heap  to  injure  the  other. 

V.  47.  Jegar-sahadutha — Qateed..]  The  former  word  in 
die  Chaldee  or  Syriac,  the  latter  in  Hebrew,  signifies  the  heap 
of  witness.  These  were  indeed  distinct  dialects  of  the  same 
general  language,  which  marked  the  inhabitants  of  the  diffe- 
rent regions  ; though  they  had  no  difficulty  in  understanding 
each  other. 

V.  53.  There  seems  to  be  some  ambiguity  in  Laban’s 
language,  respecting  the  G >d  bv  whom  he  sware:  for  Abra- 
ham and  Nahor,  and  then*  * father  Torah,  had  worshipped 

Vol.  I.— 10 


42  "Except  the  God  of  my  father,  the  God  of 
Abraham,  and  the  “Fear  of  Isaac,  had  been  witn 
me,  surely  thou  hadst  sent  me  awSy  now  empty  : 
God  rhatn  seen  mine  affliction,  and  the  labour  ol 
my  hands,  and  rebuked  thee  yesternight. 

43  And  Laban  answered,  and  said  unto  Jacob 
These  daughters  are  my  dauglfters,  and  these 
children  are  my  children,  and  these  cattle  are  my 
cattle,  and  all  that  thou  seest  is  mine : and  what 
can  I do  this  day  unto  these  my  daughters,  or  unto 
their  children  which  they  have  borne  ? 

44  Now  therefore  come  thou,  'let  us  make  a 
covenant,  I and  thou  ; and  let  it  be  for  “a  witness 
between  me  and  thee. 

45  And  Jacob  took  a bstone,  and  set  it  up  for  a 
pillar. 

46  And  Jacob  said  unto  his  brethren,  'Gather 
stones ; and  they  took  stones,  and  made  an  heap : 
and  they  did  eat  there  upon  the  heap. 

47  And  Laban  called  it  '.Jegar-sahadutha : hut 
Jacob  called  it  'Galeed. 

48  And  Laban  said.  This  heap  is  a witness  be- 
tween me  and  thee  this  day.  Therefore  was  the 
name  of  it  called  Galeed: 

49  And  §Mizpah  ; for  he  said,  The  Lord  watch 
between  me  and  thee,  when  we  are  absent  one 
from  another. 

50  It'  thou  shalt  ‘'afflict  my  daughters,  or  if  thou 
shalt  take  other  wives  besides  my  daughters,  no 
man  is  with  us ; see,  eGod  is  witness  betwixt  me 
and  thee. 

51  And  Laban  said  to  Jacob,  Behold  this  heap, 
and  behold  this  pillar,  which  I have  cast  betwixt 
me  and  thee ; 

52  This  "heap  be  witness,  and  this  pillar  be 
witness,  that  I will  not  pass  over  this  heap  to  thee, 
and  that  thou  shalt  not  pass  over  this  heap  and 
this  pillar  unto  me,  for  harm. 

53  The  sGod  of  Abraham,  and  the  God  of  Na- 
hor, the  God  of  their  father,  hju<lge  betwixt  us. 
And  Jacob  sware  by  the  ‘Fear  of  his  father  Isaac. 

Then  Jacob  "offered  sacrifice  upon  the  mount, 
and  called  his  brethren  to  eat  bread  : and  they 
kdid  eat  bread,  and  tarried  all  night  in  the  mount. 

55  And  early  in  the  morning  Laban  rose  up, 
'and  kissed  his  sons  and  his  daughters,  and  '"blessed 
them  : and  Laban  departed,  "and  returned  unto 
his  place. 


16:11.  29:32.  1 Chr.  12:17.  z 21 :22— 32.  26:28—  31.  1 S™.  211:14— 17.  n 48.52. 
21 :3t).  Deul.  31: 19,21 ,26.  Josli.  22:27.  24:2.5—27.  528:18-22.  c Josh.  4.5-9, 

*2(J — 24.  7:26.  2 Sam.  18:17.  Ec.3:5.  t That  is,  the  heap  of  witness,  dial, 
f That  is,  the  heap  of  witness.  Heb.  § That  is,  A beacon , or  vmtehtower.  Judg. 
10:17.  11:29.  Mixpeh.  d Lev.  18:18.  Matt.  10:5.6.  e Jude.  11:10.  1 Sam.  12: 
5.  Jer.  29:23.  42.5.  Alic.  1:2.  Mai.  2:14.  3:5.  1 Tl.es.  2:5.  f5e«o/ia44.  ell: 
24—29,31.  22:20—24  . 24:3,4.  Josli.  24:2.  h 16:5.  i Se - on  4 2.  I eut.  6:13.  ||  Or, 
kitted  beasts,  k 26:30.  Ex.  18:12.  2 Sam.  3:20,21.  128.  Ruth  1:14.  ni24.60. 

28:1.  Num.  23:8,11.  Prov.  16:7.  n 18:33.  Num.  24:35. 


other  gods  in  Mesopotamia:  (Josh.  24:2.)  and  Laban’s 

expressions  in  this  discourse  imply  that  he  was  an  idolater, 
and  did  not  worship  the  true  God  alone.  (29,  30.)  Jacob 
therefore  appealed  to  the  God  of  his  father  Isaac,  who  had 
never  been  an  idolater,  that  he  might  not  leave  it  in  doubt,  to 
whom  he  rendered  this  act  of  solemn  worship. 

V.  54,  55.  Laban  had  spoken  of  a common  feast,  (27;) 
but  Jacob  offered  a solemn  sacrifice,  and  feasted  the  company 
in  a religious  manner.  In  this  we  read  the  different  charac- 
ters of  the  two  men ; and  hence  we  may  form  some  estimate 
of  the  low  state  of  refigior.  in  Laban’s  family. — This  parting 
proved  final  ; ana  we  near  no  more  of  Laban,  or  any  other 
of  that  branch  of  Abraham’s  family  ; who  seem  after  this  to 
have  sunk  into  idolatry,  and  to  have  been  lost  among  the 
other  Gentiles. — Some  indeed  think  that  Balaam  descended 
from  Laban ; but  this  is  quite  uncertain. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 21.  How  particularly  are  the  affairs  of  these  farm- 
lies  related,  while  the  great  events  of  states  and  kingdoms 
are  passed  over  in  silence,  and  buried  in  obscurity!  Indeed 
the  Bible  is  intended  to  teach  people  the  duties  of  common 
life ; and  how  to  serve  God,  enjoy  comfort,  and  do  good,  in 
their  several  stations  and  relations:  and  but  very  few  are 
concerned  in  the  government  of  empires,  compared  with  the 
numbers  who  support  the  characters  of  parents  and  children, 
husbands  and  wives,  masters  and  servants. — The  selfish  think 
themselves  robbed  of  all  which  others  obtain  from  them,  how- 
ever justly ; and  covetousness  destroys  even  natural  affection. 
Yet  those  objects  which  the  men  of  the  world  count  “ all 
their  glory,”  are  so  scanty,  that  in  the  pursuit  or  possession 
of  them,  they  stand  in  each  other’s  way,  and  everjronc  seems 
to  be  taking  from  the  rest : hence  discontent,  and  envy,  and 

( 73  ) 


B.  C.  1739. 


GENESIS 


B.  C.  1739 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

Jacob  has  a vision  of  angels,  1 , 2.  He  semis  a message  to  Esau  ; and , alarm- 
ed by  the  report  of  his  coming  with  four  hundred  men , pruys  for  deliver- 
ance, 3 — 12.  lie  prepares  a present  for  Esau  ; instructs  his  servants , and 
passes  the  brook  Jabbok , 13 — 23.  He  wrestles  at  Pemel  ; prevails , is  bless- 
ed, and  called  Israel  ; ye  goes  away  billing , 24—32. 

AND  Jacob  went  on  his  way,  and  the  “angels 
of  God  met  him. 

2  And  when  Jacob  saw  them,  he  said,  This  is 
God’s  host : and  he  called  ‘the  name  of  that  place 
"Mahanaim. 

3  And  Jacob  sent  messengers  before  him  to 
E?au  his  brother,  unto  the  land  of  dSeir,  the  ’coun- 
try of  “Edom. 

4  And  he  commanded  them,  saying,  Thus  shall 
ye  speak  unto  f ray  lord  Esau  : Thy  ^servant  Ja- 
cob saith  thus,  I have  sojourned  with  Laban,  and 
stayed  there  until  now. 

5  And  hI  have  oxen,  and  asses,  flocks,  and  men- 
servants,  and  women-servants  : and  I have  sent 
to  tell  my  lord,  that  I ' may  find  grace  in  thy  sight. 

6  And  the  messengers  returned  to  Jacob,  saying, 
We  came  to  thy  brother  Esau,  and  also  lie  corneth 
to  meet  thee,  kand  four  hundred  men  with  him. 

7  Then  Jacob  was  ‘greatly  afraid,  and  distressed: 
and  he  divided  the  people  that  was  with  him,  and 
the  flocks  and  herds,  and  the  camels,  into  two  bands; 

8  And  said,  mIf  Esau  come  to  the  one  company 
and  smite  it,  then  the  other  company  which  is  left 
shall  escape. 

9  TI.And  "Jacob  said,  °0  God  of  my  father 
Abraham,  and  God  of  my  father  Isaac,  the  Loud 


a s . 91:1 1 . Ht-b.  1:14.  bJosh.5  14.  2 Kings  6.17.  Ps.  34:7.  103:21.  148:2. 
Luke  2:13.  c Josh.  21:38.  2 Sam.  2:8.  17:24,27.  1 Kings  2:8.  4:14.  • Thai  is, 
two  hosts,  or  camps.  Cant.  6:13.  cl  14:6.  36:6 — 8.  Dent.  2:5,22.  Josh.  24:4. 
t Heb.  field.  e See  on  23:30.  f 5,18.  4:7.  23:6.  27:29,37.  33:8.  Ex.  32:22. 
1 Sam.  26:17.  Prov.  15:1.  g 1 Kings  2U:32.  Ec.  10:4.  h 30:43.  33:11.  Job  6:22. 
i 33:8,15.  47:25.  Ruth  2:2.  1 sain.  1:18.  2 Sam.  16:4.  k 11.27:40,41.  33:1.  Amos 
5:19.  lEx.  14:10.  Ps. 55:4,5.  61:2.  Matt. 8:26.  2 Cor.  1:8— 10.  m33:l— 3. 

Mall. 10:16.  n 1 Sam.  30:6.  2 Chr.  20:6,12.  32:20.  18.34:4—6.  50:15.91:15. 


discord.  But  there  are  possessions  of  such  extent,  as  amply 
to  suffice  for  all:  happy  they  who  seek  them  in  the  first 
place! — We  may  however  thankfully  receive,  and  cheerfully 
use,  the  portion  which  Providence  allots  us,  as  far  as  we 
obtain  it  with  a clear  conscience,  and  a testimony  in  the  con- 
sciences of  others  to  our  fidelity  and  integrity : and  even  if 
men  should  hate  and  criminate  us  without  reason,  yet,  when 
uour  ways  please  the  Lord,*’  he  will  plead  our  cause,  and 
t4  make  our  very  enemies  to  be  at  peace  with  us ;”  he  will 
vindicate  our  characters,  do  us  justice,  and  overrule  every 
event  for  our  good. — In  all  our  removals  we  should  have 
,*espect  to  the  command,  promise,  and  providence  of  God  ; 
and  if  he  be  with  us,  we  neeJ  not  fear  in  the  most  dangerous 
circumstances.  Indeed,  so  many  are  the  perils  vviih  which 
we  are  surrounded,  that  nothing  else  can  reasonably  ensure 
our  safety,  or  encourage  our  hearts. — The  remembrance  of 
favoured  seasons  of  communion  with  God  is  very  refreshing 
to  us,  when  embarrassed  in  difficulties ; and  the  recollection 
of  our  vows  should  be  frequent,  that  we  may  not  fail  to  fulfil 
them. 

V.  22 — 55.  God  can  put  a bridle  into  the  mouth  of  wicked 
men,  to  restrain  their  malice,  even  without  changing  their 
hearts  : and  then,  though  they  have  no  love  for  his  people, 
they  will  pretend  to  it,  and  try  to  make  a merit  of  necessity. 
But  great  watchfulness  is  necessary  to  keep  out  evil,  and  the 
appearance  of  evil,  even  from  ihose  undertakings  which  are 
in  themselves  according  to  the  will  of  God;  yet  nothing  less 
than  this  can  stop  the  mouths  of  our  enemies,  and  make  those 
ashamed  who  would  speak  evil  of  us. — There  are  seasons 
when  a sharp  reproof  may  consist  with  meekness , and  remind- 
ing otheis  of  our  services,  with  humility  •*  but  great  wisdom 
and  grace  are  necessary  on  such  occasions,  that  the  reproofs 
may  be  well  timed,  well  conducted,  and  unanswerably  con- 
vincing ; and  they  should  always  be  accompanied  with  a dis- 
position to  forgiveness,  to  accept  of  even  a partial  apology, 
and  to  overlook  injurious  insinuations. — Those  who  mean 
honestly  and  kindly,  need  not  scruple  assurances ; but  these 
should  be  solemnly  entered  into,  in  the  fear  of  God,  who  is 
both  the  Witness  and  the  Avenger  of  fraud  and  injustice. — 
And  finally,  an  amicable  conclusion  of  differences,  though 
upon  disadvantageous  terms,  is  generally  preferable,  in  respect 
of  our  Innocence,  peace,  and  interest,  to  the  most  successful 
litigation. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXII.  V.  1,  2.  A company  of 
angels  met  Jacob,  in  some  visible  and  glorious  appearance,  to 
encourage  him  with  the  assurance  of  the  divine  protection, 
especially  from  the  power  and  anger  of  Esau.  This  he 
called  w God’s  host”  or  army ; by  which  wo  learn  that  the 
angels  were  numerous,  and  appeared  very  formidable  and 
powBrful,  ^o  protect  or  to  destroy.  Mahanaim  signifies  two 
armies  : the  one,  as  some  suppose,  having  conveyed  him  safe 
from  Mesopotamia,  the  other  was  ready  to  welcome  him  to 
Canaan,  and  receive  him  under  their  protection.  Or  perhaps 
( 74  ) 


Pwhicb  saidst  unto  me,  Return  unto  thy  country, 
and  to  thy  kindred,  and  I will  deal  well  with  thee: 

10  I am  tnot  ^worthy  of  the  least  of  all  the  mer 
cies,  and  of  all  the  ‘truth  which  thou  hast  shower 
unto  thy  servant;  for  with  8my  staff  I passed  ove* 
this  Jordan,  and  now  I am  become  ‘two  bands. 

11  "Deliver  me,  I pray  thee,  from  the  hand  ol 
my  brother,  from  the  hand  of  Esau : for  I fear  him, 
lest  he  will  come  and  smite  me,  and  “the  mother 
^with  the  children. 

12  And  >'thou  saidst,  “I  will  surely  do  thee  good, 
and  make  thyseed  as  the  sand  ofthe  sea, which  can- 
not be  numbered  for  multitude.  [ Practical  Observations  A 

13  *n  And  he  lodged  there  that  same  night ; and 
took  of  that  “which  came  to  his  hand,  ba  present 
for  Esau  his  brother  ; 

14  Two  ‘hundred  she-goats  and  twenty  he- 
goats,  two  hundred  ewes  and  twenty  rams. 

15  Thirty  milch  camels  with  their  colts,  forty 
kine  and  ten  bulls,  twenty  she-asses  and  ten  foals. 

16  And  he  delivered  them  into  the  hand  of  his 
servants,  every  drove  by  themselves ; and  said  unto 
his  servants,  Pass  over  before  me,  and  put  a space 
betwixt  drove  and  drov'e. 

17  And  he  commanded  the  foremost,  saying, 
When  Esau  my  brother  meeteth  thee,  and  asketh 
thee,  saying,  dWhose  art  thou  ? and  whither  goest 
thou  ? and  whose  are  these  before  thee  ? 

18  Then  thou  shalt  say  : They  *be  thy  servant 
Jacob’s  ; it  is  a present  sent  unto  my  lord  Esau  : 
and  behold  also  he  is  behind  us. 


1‘hil.  4:6,7.  o 17:7.  28:13.  31:29,42.  Ex.  3:6.  p3t:3,I3.  } Heb.  less  than  all. 
q 18:27.  2 Sam.  7:18.  Job  42:5,6.  Is.  6:5.  63:7.  Dan.  9:8,9.  Luke  5:8.  2 Cor.  18* 
11.  lTim.  1:12— 15.  1 Cel.  5:5.  1 John  1:8— 10.  r24:27.  28:15.  Mic.7:20. 

s 23:10,1 1 . Job  8:7.  l 7.  u 1 Sam.  12:10.  24:15.  Ps.  23:20.  31 :2.  119:134.  142; 
6.  Dan.  3:17.  Matt.  6:13.  x*Hos.lU:14.  § Heb.  upon,  y Ex.  32:13.  Num. 
23:19.  Matt.  24:35.  Tit.  1:2.  Heb.  6:17.  z 28: 13— 15.  46.3,4.  a 1 Sam.  25:8* 
b 20,21.  33: 1U.  1 Sam.  25:27.  Prov. 17:8.  ls;16.  19:6.21:14.  c 30:43.  31:9,16. 
Deut.  8: 18.  1 Sam.  25:2.  Job  1:3.  42: 12.  d 33:3.  e $ee  on  4,5.  . 


one  encamped  before,  and  the  other  behind  him  and  his  com- 
pany, as  his  guard  on  every  side,  both  against  Laban  and 
Esau. 

V.  3.  The  word  rendered  M angel”  signifies  a messenger  . 
so  that  the  same  term  is  used  for  the  messengers  whom  Jacob 
sent  to  Esau,  and  for  those  whom  the  Lord  sent  to  protect 
him. — While  Jacob,  to  whom  the  promise  and  blessing  be- 
longed, had  been  a hired  servant  to  a hard  master,  Esau  was 
become  a prince,  and  had  established  his  authority  in  mount 
Seir,  which  was  afterwards  called  Edom  from  him.  (25:30.) 

V.  4,  5.  My  lord.]  Esau’s  success  in  obtaining  authority, 
probably  by  conquest,  in  mount  Seir,  had  no  doubt  procured 
him  from  others  the  title  of  honour  which  Jacob  gave  him. 
By  this  humble  message,  Jacob  intimated  that  he  was  well 
satisfied  with  his  present  possessions,  the  fruit  of  his  labour; 
and  was  ready  to  give  up  all  pretensions  to  Isaac’s  substance, 
and  to  render  his  brother  all  suitable  respect. 

V.  6 — 8.  Jacob  doubtless  understood  from  the  messengers, 
that  Esau  came  towards  him  in  a hostile  manner.  This  ap- 
pezifs  from  the  narrative  itself,  and  from  Jacob’s  precautions, 
and  from  the  language  of  his  prayer:  and  to  suppose  the  con- 
trary, is  to  assume,  without  the  least  proof,  that  both  Jacob 
and  the  messengers  were  mistaken.  Indeed,  the  conscious- 
ness of  having  deeply  offended  his  brother,  might  render  him 
suspicious  ; yet  Esau’s  resentment,  seems  actually  to  have 
revived  on  this  occasion.  And  though  the  Lord  did  not  re- 
strain him  by  force,  or  in  a dream  prohibit  him  fidm  injuring 
Jacob,  as  he  had  prohibited  Laban;  yet  he  influenced  his 
heart  to  kindness,  and  blessed  the  means  of  conciliation 
which  Jacob  employed.  (Prov.  1 0:7. ) 

V.  9 — 12.  There  can  scarcely  he  a finer  model  of  genuino 
prayer  than  this.  Jacob’s  thankful  acknowledgment  of  for- 
mer unmerited  favours;  the  humble  confession  of  his  entire 
unworthineFs  ; his  simple  description  of  his  fears  and  distress  ; 
his  unreserved  reference  of  the  whole  matter  to  God,  renounc- 
ing all  other  dependence,  and  resting  all  his  hopes  on  him* 
his  explicit  mention  of  the  very  words  both  of  the  Lord’s  pre- 
mises and  commands,  as  engaging  his  own  glorj'  to  protect 
him  ; and  his  anxiety  for  the  preservation  of  his  family,  buf 
especiallj'  of  his  children,  in  whose  lives  the  promises  seemed 
chiefly  concerned ; — these  are  points  peculiarly  worthy  of  no- 
tice and  of  imitation. — Thus  he  made  w the  name  of  the  Lord 
his  strong  tower,”  and  could  not  but  he  safe. 

V.  13.  Came  to  his  hand.]  Or,  that  which  Providence  had 
put  into  his  possession. 

V.  14,  15.  The  present  was  noble;  and  not  intended  as 
a restitution  for  injuries  done  to  Esau. — The  blessing  be- 
longed to  Jacob,  by  God’s  own  appointment ; and  Esau  was 
onl y affronted^  and  disappointed  in  his  object,  not  injured  in 
his  property,  by  Jacob’s  misconduct. 

V.  10 — 20.  Jacob  had  purchased  tne  birthright,  and  the 
dominion  had  been  expressly  promised  him  in  the  blessing: 
yet,  understanding  that  the  temporal  advantages  were  prince 


B.  C.  1739 


CHAPTER  XXXII 


B.  C.  1739 


19  And  so  commanded  he  the  second,  and  the 
tl  ird,  and  all  that  followed  the  droves,  saying-, 
On  this  manner  shall  ye  speak  unto  Esau,  when 
ye  find  him. 

20  And  say  ye,  moreover,  Behold,  thy  servant 
Jacob  is  behind  us:  tor  he  said,  fI  will  appease 
him  with  the  present  that  goeth  before  me,  and 
afterward  I will  see  his  face : speradventure  he 
will  accept  'of  me. 

21  So  went  the  present  over  before  him:  and 
himself  lodged  that  night  in  the  company. 

22  And  he  rose  up  that  night,  and  took  hhis  two 
wives,  and  his  two  women-servants,  and  his  eleven 
sons,  and  passed  over  the  ford  'Jabbok. 

23  And  he  took  them,  and/sent  them  over  the 
brook,  and  sent  over  that  he  had. 

24  ’ll  And  Jacob  was  left  alone : and  there  kwres- 
tled  a 'man  with  him,  until  the  tbreaking  of  the  day. 

25  And  when  he  saw  mthat  he  prevailed  not 
against  him,  he  "touched  the  hollow  of  his  thigh : 
and  the  hollow  of  Jacob’s  thigh  was  out  of  joint, 
as  he  wrestled  with  him. 


f 43:11.  1 Sam. 25:17— 35.  Prov.  15:19.  16:14.  21:14.  s 1 Sam. 6:5.  1 Kings 20 
31.  Jon.  3:9.  2 Tim.  2:25.  * Hub.  my  face.  Job  42:8,9.  Prov.  6:35.  margins 
h 29:23 — 35.  30:1 — 20.  i Dent.  2:37.  3:16.  Josh.  12:2.  1 Heb.  caused  to  pass 
k 30:3.  Luke  13:24.  22:44.  Rom. 8:26.  15:30.  Eph.  6:12.  Col. 2:1.  4:12.  Heb.  5:7 
I 28,30.  Is.  32:2.  Hos.  12:3— .5.  1 Cor.  15:47.  X Heb.  ascending  of  t'  e morning 
Cam.  2:17.  m Vm*.  14:13,14.  Matt.  15:28.  I, tike  11:5 — 8.  n 32.  2 Cor.  12:7-*9 
O Ex.  32:10.  Dent.  9:14.  Is.  64:7.  Luke  24:28,29.  p Cant.  3:4.  Luke  18:1— 7 

pally  intended  for  his  posterity,  and  satisfied  with  the  spiritual 
benefits  for  himself,  he  paid  homage  to  Esau,  as  an  acknow- 
ledged superior. — His  liberal  present  being  thus  divided,  and 
the  persons  attending  each  drove  thus  repeating  the  same  ex- 
pressions of  respect  to  Esau,  would  have  a powerful  tendency 
to  soften  his  resentment  and  conciliate  his  favour. 

V.  21—23.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  24.  Having  taken  every  needful  precaution,  Jacob 
retired  into  some  solitary  place,  to  renew  his  earnest  sup- 
plications ; and  while  he  was  thus  employed,  one  44  in  fashion 
as  a man”  appeared  to  him,  and  engaged  in  wrestling  with 
him.  Nothing  requires  more  vigour,  activity,  attention,  and 
unintermitting  exertion,  than  wrestling ; which  seems  on  this 
account  to  have  been  selected  as  an  emblem  of  the  fervent 
prayer  of  faith,  persisted  in  amidst  delays,  alarms,  discourage- 
ments, and  opposition  from  every  side ; and  which  at  length 
will  surely  he  crowned  with  success.  (Marg.  Ref.  k.) 

V.  25.  Prevailed  no/.]  This  circumstance  significantly 
marked  out  that  frame  of  mind,  which  refuses,  as  it  were,  to 
yield,  or  take  a denial.  (Notes,  Matt.  15:21 — 28.)  He  with 
whom  Jacob  wrestled,  by  touching  the  hollow  of  his  thigh, 
and  dislocating  the  bone,  evidently  showed,  that  when  he 
suffered  himself  to  be  prevailed  over,  it  was  the  effect  of 
mercy,  and  the  gracious  acceptance  of  Jacob’s  importunity 
in  prayer.  The  dislocation  seems  to  have  been  momentary, 
though  the  effect  in  some  measure  continued  afterwards. 

V.  26.  The  morning  now  called  Jacob  to  the  care  of  his 
family  which  was  here  intimated  to  him.  But  Jacob,  in  the 
person  who  contended  with  him,  recognised  a friend ; yea, 
that  Friend  from  whom  all  blessings  flow;  and  therefore 
he  refused  to  let  him  go,  till  he  had  blessed  him. 

V.  27,  28.  This  change  of  name,  from  Jacob  to  Israel , 
signified  that  he  was  no  longer  to  be  regarded  as  one  who  got 
the  blessing,  yet  with  some  discredit,  by  twice  supplanting 
his  elder  brother  ; but,  as  a prince  of  God , (marg.)  who  had 
wrestled  with  him  for  it,  and  prevailed  to  his  everlasting 
honour.  Having  power  with  God,  he  would  surely  also  pre- 
vail with  man.  Thus  he  was,  so  to  speak,  knighted  in  the 
field.  His  posterity  inherited  his  new  name , but  were  never 
called  after  his  original  name ; and  the  nation  of  Israel  was  a 
type  of  44  the  Israel  of  God,”  in  every  age  and  country,  who 
wrestle  and  prevail  with  him  by  faith  and  prayer.  (Note, 
John  1:47 — 51.) 

V.  29.  Wherefore?  &c.]  After  what  had  passed,  there 
could  be  no  ground  of  doubt  or  uncertainty,  in  respect  of  Him 
with  whom  Jacob  had  wrestled ; and  it  was  therefore  wholly 
needless  to  inquire  his  name.  But  Jacob’s  other  request  was 
granted,  44  and  he  blessed  him  there probably  ratifying  to 
him  the  blessings  covenanted  to  Abraham,  and  Isaac,  and 
afterwards  to  him.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  30.  He  who  appeared  to  Jacob  Was  before  called  a 
Man  ; yet  here  he  is  called  God.  The  prophet  Hosea  calls 
him  u the  Angel,  even  Jehovah  the  God  of  hosts,  Jehovah 
is  his  memorial and  says,  that  44  Jacob  wept  and  made  sup- 
plication to  him.”  (Note,  Hos.  12:3 — 6.)  We  cannot,  there- 
fore, reasonably  doubt  the  sentiments  of  Jacob,  of  Moses, 
and  of  Hosea,  concerning  him  who  now  wrestled  with  Jacob, 
and  surnamed  him  Israel . And  the  Scriptures  referred  to  in 
the  margin,  if  carefully  examined  and  compared,  will  have  a 
powerful  tendency  to  convince  the  impartial  inquirer,  that  he 
could  be  no  other  than  the  eternal  Son  of  God,  by  these  ap- 
pearances anticipating  his  incarnation. — It  is  indeed  asserted 
by  the  Rabbinical  expositors,  and  from  them  adopted  by  some 
earned  men,  that  the  Shechinah,  or  visible  glory  of  God, 
of  which  the  attendant  angels  constituted  a part,  was  dis- 


26  And  lie  said,  °Let  me  go,  for  the  day  break- 
eth : And  lie  said,  i’I  will  not  let  thee  go,  except 
‘'thou  bless  me. 

27  And  he  said  unto  him,  rWhat  is  thy  name? 
And  he  said  Jacob. 

28  And  he  said,  sThy  name  shall  he  called  no 
more  Jacob,  but  ^Israel : for  as  a prince  hast  thou 
‘power  with  God  and  “with  men,  and  hast  pre- 
vailed. 

29  And  Jacob  asked  him,  and  said.  Tell  me,  1 
pray  thee,  thy  name  : And  he  said,  “Wherefore  is 
it,  that  thou  dost  ask  after  my  name  ? and  he 
^blessed  him  there. 

30  And  zJncob  called  the  name  of  the  place 
"Peniel : for  “I  have  seen  God  face  to  face,  and  my 
life  is  preserved. 

31  And  as  he  passed  over  Penuel,  the  sun  rose 
upon  him,  and  bhe  halted  upon  his  thigh. 

32  Therefore  the  children  of  Israel  ceat  not  of 
the  sinew  which  shrank,  which  is  upon  the  hollow 
of  the  thigh,  unto  this  day  : because  he  touched 
the  hollow  of  Jacob’s  thigh, in  the  sinew  thatshrank. 

Horn.  8:37.  q 1 Chr.  4:10.  Ps.  67:1,6,7.  1 15: 12,13.  r29.  a 17: 7,15.  33:20.  3o: 
10.  2 Kings  17:34.  Is.  62:2 — 4.  65:15.  $ That  is,  A prince  of  God.  t 24.  Hos. 
12:3—5.  u 25:31.  27:33—36.  31:24.33:4.  1 Sara.  26:25.  Prov.  16:7.  x 27.  Judg. 
13:16— 18.  Is.  9:6.  y 27:28.29.  28:3.4.13.14.  z31.  Penuel.  23:19.  Judg.  8:8,17. 
1 Kings  12:25.  i|  That  is,  The  face  of  God.  a 16:13.  Ex.  24:10,11.  33:14,19— 
23.  Nurn.  12:8.  Judg.  6:22,23.  13:21,22.  Is.  6:5.  John  1:18.  2 Tim.  1:10.  b 25. 
c 1 Sam.  5:5. 


played  on  this  occasion,  as  well  as  on  all  others  of  a similar 
kind  ; and  that  these  expressions,  and  the  language  often  used 
by  the  angel  who  appeared,  are  to  be  thus  accounted  for. — 
But  there  seems  no  scriptural  ground  for  this  sentiment ; and 
it  was  probably  first  devised,  to  answer  the  arguments  taken 
from  such  passages  by  the  ancient  Christian  writers,  for  the 
Deity  of  the  predicted  Messiah,  and  the  doctrine  of  the  Tri- 
nity ; though  it  has  been  since  espoused  by  many  who  profess 
those  doctrines.  The  word  Shechinah  is  not  found  in 
Scripture,  but  only  in  the  Rabbinical  Hebrew.  It  signifies 
merely  a habitation:  but  it  is  used  to  denote  all  those  appear- 
ances, by  which  the  special  presence  of  Jehovah  was  an- 
nounced. It  is  readily  allowed,  that  a visible  glory  of  this 
kind  afterwards  appeared  to  Moses  and  to  Israel ; and  per- 
haps in  the  holy  of  holies,  both  of  the  tabernacle  and  temple, 
above  the  Mercy-Seat.  (Ex.  13:21,22.  14:19 — 24.  16:10. 
33:7—11,18—23.  40:34,38.  Num.  12:4,5.  14:10.  16:19,42. 

1 Kings  8:10,11.)  But  it  must  strike  every  attentive  reader, 
that  these  displays  of  the  glory  of  the  Lord  differed  exceed- 
ingly from  such  appearances,  as  we  have  repeatedly  consi- 
dered ; in  which  an  Angel  spake  in  the  name  of  God,  and  as 
Jehovah  ; or  one  in  human  form  was  addressed  by  the  pa- 
triarchs as  Jehovah,  and  spoken  of  by  them  and  by  the  his- 
torian in  that  character.  No  doubt,  the  tabernacle  and  tem- 
ple were  intended  as  types  of  Him,  in  44  whom  dwelleth  all 
the  fulness  of  the  Godhead  bodily.”  He  in  fact,  is  the  true 
Shechinah:  “ No  man  hath  seen  God  at  any  time;  the 
only  begotten  Son,  who  is  in  the  bosom  of  the  Father,  he 
hath  declared  him:”  and  I cannot  doubt,  afier  the  most  deli- 
berate examination,  that  the  exposition,  which  has  been  given 
in  he  notes,  on  this  and  many  preceding  passages,  is  the 
only  true,  scriptural,  and  consistent  interpretation. — Jacob, 
beholding  the  Lord  in  human  form,  was  not  overwhelmed  by 
the  appearance ; as  it  was  generally  supposed  they  must  be 
who  beheld  the  divine  glory.  He  had  also  received  an  as- 
surance of  deliverance  from  the  dreaded  resentment  of  Esau  ; 
and  in  both  respects  his  life  was  preserved.  (Note,  Ex.  33: 
20—23.) 

V.  31.  Halted .]  Israel  carried  this  token  away  with 
him,  that  it  was  a reality,  and  not  a dream , or  vision,  or  dc- 
lusive  imagination. 

V.  32.  Probably  this  was  done  by  some  divine  appoint- 
ment, before  the  giving  of  the  law:  and  the  meaning  was 
clear  to  them,  though  obscure  to  us. 

practical  observations. 

V.  1 — 12.  Though  we  cannot  behold  ihe  angels  meeting 
us,  and,  as  14  the  host  of  God,”  encamping  round  us  ; yet, 
possessing  that  44  faith  which  is  the  evidence  of  things  not 
seen,”  we  may  have  a full  and  comfortable  assurance  that 
they  actually  do  so.  And  we  need  to  be  encouraged,  not 
only  by  expecting  the  guardianship  of  angels,  but  by  a firm 
reliance  on  ihe  protection  of  the  God  of  angels,  to  render  us 
secure  and  happy  in  such  a world  as  this ; where  victory  in 
one  conflict  only  reminds  us  to  arm  for  another;  and  deli- 
verance from  one  trouble  or  danger,  to  prepare  for  further 
suffering.  Yet  our  severest  trials  frequently  result  from  for- 
mer transgressions,  and  call  them  to  our  remembrance  for 
our  deeper  humiliation. — Prudent  precautions  may  and  ought 
to  be  employed  by  those  who  simply  trust  in  God ; and  to 
neglect  them  is  to  tempt  him : nor  are  any  means  more  pro- 
per to  disarm  resentment,  especially  that  of  proud  and  worldly 
men,  than  humble,  respectful  language,  and  cheerfully  relin- 
quishing the  objects  of  contention.  Yet  these  are  but  meant , 
and  unless  God  arrest  and  influence  the  heart,  they  cannot 
subdue  the  power  of  jealousy  and  revenge. — In  times  ot 
( 75  ) 


B.  C.  I 15 9' 


GENESIS, 


B.  C.  1739. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

Eeau  and  Jacob  mee',  and  after  an  amicable  conference,  Esau  dcparte , 1 
— 16.  Jaco'>  alt  idee  at  Succoth  ; and  buys  a field , and  builds  an  altar  at 
Shechcm,  17—20 

AND  Jacob  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  looked,  and 
behold,  "Esau  came,  and  with  him  lour  hun- 
dred men.  bAnd  he  divided  the  children  unto 
Leah  and  unto  Rachel,  and  unto  the  two  hand- 
maids. 

2  And  he  put  the  handmaids  and  their  children 
foremost,  and  Leah  and  her  children  after,  "and 
Rachel  and  Joseph  hindermost. 

3  And  he  dpassed  over  before  them,  and  "bowed 
himself  to  the  ground  seven  times,  until  he  came 
near  to  his  brother. 

4  And  Esau  ran  to  meet  him,  and  Embraced 
him,  and  sfell  on  his  neck,  and  kissed  him  : and 
they  wept. 

5  And  he  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  saw  the  women 
and  the  children;  and  said,  Who  are  those  ‘with 
thee  ? And  he  said,  The  '"children  which  God  hath 
graciously  given  thy  servant. 

6  Then  the  handmaidens  came  near,  they  and 
their  children,  and  they  bowed  themselves. 

7  And  Leah  also  with  her  children  came  near, 
and  bowed  themselves  : and  after  came  Joseph 
near,  and  Rachel,  and  they  bowed  themselves. 

8  And  he  said,  'What  meanest  thou  by  "all  this 
drove,  which  I met  ? And  he  said,  These  are  to 
find  grace  in  the  sight  of  my  lord. 

9  And  Esau  said,  I have  enough ; kmy  brother, 
Jkeep  that  thou  hast  unto  thyself 

10  And  Jacob  said,  Nay,  I pray  thee,  'if  now  I 
have  found  grace  in  thy  sight,  then  receive  my 

a 27:41 ,42.  32:6.  b 32:7.  c 29:30.  30:22— 24.  37:3.  Mai.  3:17.  <1  John  10:4.11, 
12.  e 18:2.  42:6.  43:26.  132:28  . 43:30.  45:2,15.  Kara  7:27,28.  Neh.  1:11.  Ps. 
34:4.  Prov.  16:7.  21:1.  g 45.14.  46:29.  Luke  15:20.  Acts  20:37.  * Heb./o  thee. 
h 30:2.  48:9.  Ruth4:13.  lChr.28:5.  1 s.  127:3.  Is. 8:18.  t Heb.  What  is  all 
this  band  to  thee  ? i 32:13—20.  k4:9.  27:41.  Judg.  20:23.  Acts  S:  17.  21:20. 
Philem.  7,16.  1 Htb.  be  that  to  thee  that  is  thine.  1 19:19.47:29.50:4.  Ex.  33: 
12,13.  Ruth  2:10.  1 Sam.  20:3.  Jer.31:2.  m 32:30.  Job  33:26.  Matt.  18:10. 
Rev.  22:4.  n Josh.  15:19.  1 Sam.  25:27.  30:26.  2 Kings  5:15.  2 Cor.  9:5,6.  o9. 
Phil.  4:11,12,18.  § Heb.  all  things.  Rom.  8:32.  I Cor.  3:21.  2 Cor.  6:10.  I hil. 


urgent  danger,  even  strong  faith  and  repeated  assurances 
will  not  entirely  exclude  terror  and  distress:  but  they  will 
put  life  and  vigour  into  humble,  fervent  prayer ; and  enable 
us  to  plead  the  promises,  to  remember  former  mercies  and 
deliverances  ; and,  in  the  path  of  unreserved  obedience,  so  to 
leave  ourselves  in  the  Lord’s  hands,  as  shall  ensure  pro- 
tection, and  restore  peace  to  our  souls. 

V.  13 — 32.  Every  duty  has  its  season;  and  the  care  of 

our  families,  according  to  present  emergencies,  may  properly 
succeed,  though  it  must  not  exclude  our  devotions : and  again, 
when  we  have  used  every  prudent  means  for  our  own  and 
others’  good,  we  must  retire  and  pray  for  the  blessing.  If  we 
are  in  a proper  frame  of  mind,  we  shall  rather  abridge  our- 
selves of  wonted  refreshments  than  neglect  communion  with 
God : nay,  there  may  be  urgent  cases,  when  even  the  night 
itself  does  not  seem  too  long  to  pour  out  our  hearts  before 
him ; and  if  our  faith  do  not  fail,  our  spirits  flag,  and  we 
grow  forma!,  our  devotions  should  not  be  counted  too  long. 
When  44  the  Spirit  of  God  helpeth  our  infirmities,”  and  our 
intense,  earnest,  and  vast  desires  can  scarcely  find  words 
large  and  emphatic  enough  to  utter  them,  but  we  still  mean 
more  than  we  can  express ; then  prayer  is  indeed  wrestling 
with  God  : and  however  we  be  tried  or  discouraged,  we  shall 
certainly  prevail.  He  will  approve  our  importunity,  and 
largely  communicate  his  blessings  ; and,  prevailing  with  him 
in  prayer,  we  shall  succeed  against  all  our  enemies  who  per- 
sist’ in  striving  with  us,  and  prevail  on  many  to  be  at  peace 
with  us.  Indeed,  in  every  case  in  which  we  desire  to  prevail 
with  man,  fervent  prayer  to  God  is  our  most  efficacious 
means.  (Notes,  Neh.  1:5 — 1.  2:4.) — But  it  is  only  in  hu- 
man nature  that  sinners  can  see  God,  and  live.  44  The  God 
and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,”  God  as  reconciled  in 
and  through  him,  is  .the  Object  of  a sinner’s  acceptable  wor- 
ship ; with  him  we  may  be  as  importunate  as  we  please ; 
and  if,  in  humble  faith,  we  determine  44  not  to  let  him  go 
except  he  bless  us,”  he  will  take  it  well : nor  should  we  ever 
leave  off  wrestling,  in  the  nights  of  trouble  or  temptation,  till 
the  day  break,  nay,  till  44  the  Sun  of  righteousness  arise” 
upon  our  souls.  Thus  shall  we  be  acknowledged  as  true 
Israelites,  and  crowned  as  princes  with  God ; and  while  we 
-'arry  away  the  memorials  of  our  victories,  we  must  record 
ti\s  goodness,  for  his  glory  and  the  benefit  of  others.  But  we 
must  not  wonder,  if  even  our  sweetest  consolations  carry 
with  them  evidences  of  our  infirmity  ; and  if  we  have  after- 
wards a thorn  in  the  flesh  and  buffetings  of  Satan,  to  preserve 
us  from  being  exalted  above  measure. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXIII.  V.  2.  Rachel.]  Rachel 
and  Joseph  being  dearest  to  Jacob,  he  provided  most  care- 
fully for  their  security. 

V.  3.  Jacob  still  prosecuted  his  plan  of  satisfying  Esau, 

( 70  ) 


present  at  my  hand  : for  therefore  mI  have  seen 
thy  face,  as  though  I had  seen  the  face  of  God, 
and  thou  wast  pleased  with  me. 

11  Take,  I pray  thee,  "iny  blessing  that  is 
brought  to  thee;  because  God  hath  dealt  g,a- 
ciously  with  me,  “and  because  I have  ^enough; 
and  he  Purged  him,  and  he  took  it. 

12  And  he  said,  Let  us  take  our  journey,  and 
let  us  go,  and  I will  go  before  thee. 

13  And  he  said  unto  him,  My  lord  knoweth 
that  "ithe  children  are  tender,  and  the  flocks  and 
herds  with  young  are  with  me ; and  if  men 
should  over-drive  them  one  day,  all  theflockwill  die. 

14  Let  my  lord,  I pray  thee,  pass  over  before 
his  servant : and  I ™11  lead  on  softly,  “according 
as  the  cattle  thatgoetli  belore  me  and  the  children 
rbe  able  to  endure;  until  I come  unto  my  lord 
"unto  Seir. 

15  And*  Esau  said,  Let  me  now  "leave  with 
thee  some  of  the  folk  that  are  with  me : And  he 
said,  "What  needeth  it  ? Let  me  "find  grace  in  the 
sight  of  my  lord. 

16  So  Esau  returned  that  day  on  his  way  unto 
Seir. 

17  IT  And  Jacob  journeyed  to  “Succoth,  and 
built  him  an  house,  and  made  booths  lor  his  cattle  : 
therefore  the  name  of  the  place  is  called  1 'Succoth. 

18  And  Jacob  came  to  *Shalem,  a city  of 
“Shechem,  which  is  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  when 
he  came  from  "Padan-aram ; and  pitched  his  tent 
before  the  city. 

19  And  lie  “bought  a parcel  of  a field,  where 
he  had  spread  his  tent,  at  the  hand  of  the  children 


4:18.  p2  Kings2:17.  5:16,23.  Luke  14:23.  q la.  40:11.  Ez.  34:23.  John  21-15 
— 17.  ||  Heb.  according  to  he  foo'  of  the  work , Sfc.;  and  according  to  the  foot 
of  the  rhilnren.  r Mark  4:33.  Rom.  15:1.  1 Cor.  3:2.  9:19—22.  s See  vn  32:3. 
Dent.  2:1.  Judg.  5:4.  2 Chr.  20:10.  Ez.  25:8,  35:2,3.  If  Heb.  set,  or  place, 
••  Heb.  Wherefore  is  this  1 t 34:11.  47:25.  Ruth  2:13.  1 Sam.  25:8.  2Sam.l6r 
4.  u Josh.  13:27.  Judg.  8:5,8,16.  1 Kings  7:46.  Ps.  60:6.  tt  That  is,  Boohs, 
x John  3:23.  y Josh.  24:1.  Judg.  9:1.  Acts  7:16.  Si/chem.  z 25:20  . 28:6,7.  35*. 
9.46:15.  a 23:17— 20.  49:30— 32.  Josh.  24:32.  John  4:5. 


that,  he  made  no  claim  to  secular  pre-eminence,  but  readily 
yielded  him  all  due  respect,  as  his  superior. 

V.  4.  In  answer  to  Jacob’s  prayer,  and  in  accomplishment 
of  the  promise  made  to  him,  the  Lord  thus  influenced  Esau’s 
heart,  to  the  exercise  of  natural  affection  towards  his  brother. 
The  reconciliation  from  this  time  seems  to  have  been  cordial ; 
though  there  is  no  proof  or  token  that  Esau  was  become  truly 
religious. 

V.  5.  The  children , &c.]  The  piety  and  simplicity  of  this 
answer  is  well  worthy  of  admiration  and  imitation.  ( Marg. 

Rtf-)  ... 

V.  7.  It  is  remarkable  that,  on  this  affecting  occasion,  we 
find  no  intimation  of  Esau’s  expressing  any  good  will  to  his 
brother  Jacob’s  numerous  family,  thus  respectfully  bowing 
before  him,  one  after  another.  No  good  wish  towards  them 
is  recorded,  such  as  even  irreligious  men  often  make  in  simi- 
lar circumstances.  Much  less  was  any  prayer  offered  in 
their  behalf  for  the  blessing  of  God  upon  them.  This  should 
be  carefully  noticed  in  estimating  Esau’s  character. 

V.  10.  Jacob  expressed  the  great  satisfaction  which  ho 
took  in  this  friendly  interview,  as  if  it  resembled  even  the 
pleasure  of  intimate  communion  with  God.  We  may  sup- 
pose him  to  have  used  a proverbial  expression : yet  we  can- 
not so  cordially  approve  of  this  answer,  as  of  the  preceding 
unless  in  Esau's  conduct,  he  recognized  the  special  presence 
and  favour  of  God,  who  was  thus  granting  the  prayers  which 
he  had  presented,  when  he  saw  his  face  and  wrestled  with 
him.  (32:30.) — To  accept  a present  from  an  inferior,  was  a 
customary  pledge  of  friendship  ; but  refusing  it  implied  disaffec- 
tion : and  the  case  in  the  eastern  world  is  the  same  at  this  day. 

V.  12.  Esau  thus  offered  to  escort  Jacob  into  the  land  of 
Seir. 

V.  14.  It  is  not  likely  that  Jacob  intended  to  setflo  in 
Seir  with  his  family ; nor  do  we  know  that  be  ever  pr.>{  Finn 
a visit  there,  though  he  probably  at  this  time  intended  it: 
there  is  no  proof,  Jiowever,  that  he  did  not.  But,  perhaps, 
on  more  mature  consideration,  or  by  divine  monition,  or  be- 
cause of  some  change  in  his  circumstances,  he  might  after- 
wards alter  his  intention,  or  fail  of  performing  it. 

V.  15.  What  needeth  it  ?]  Guarded  thus  far  by  tho 
angels  of  God,  Jacob  neither  required  nor  wished  for  a guard 
of  soldiers.  The  friendship  of  Esau  was  all  that  ho  asked. 
(Note,  Ezra  8:21—23.) 

V.  17.  Succoth  was  on  tho  cast  side  of  Jordan,  being  the 
last,  station  at  which  Jacob  rested  before  he  passed  that 
river.  After  a very  long  journey,  ho  stayed  here  awhile,  in 
some  temporary  habitation  which  he  had  hastily  built,  to  rest 
and  refresh  his  family  and  his  flocks. 

V.  18.  Shalt m.]  This  place  was  situated  on  the  west 

side  of  Jordan,  on  which  Jacob  was  after  he  had  crossed  that 


B.  C.  1732. 


CHAPTER  XXXIY. 


B.  C.  1732. 


of  bHamor,  Shec'iem’s  father,  for  an  hundred 
"pieces  of  money. 

20  And  he  erected  there  an  'altar,  and  called  if 
'El-Elohe-Israel. 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

Dinah  visits  the  daughters  of  the  land , and  is  defiled  by  Shechem,  who  loves  her 
and  provosts  to  marry  her , 1 — 1*2.  Jacob's  sons  insidiously  consent,  on  con- 
dt  i >n  ’hat  all  the  Shechemitee  be  circumcised ; t»  which  a1  Shechem' s instance 
they  submi',  13— ‘2-4 . Simeon  and  Levi  murder  all  he  nun  of  Shechem,  plun 
der  the  city,  make  captives  of  the  women  and  children,  and,  recover  Dinah, 
£>— 29.  Jacob  bitterly  complains , and  his  sons  excuse  their  conduct , 30,  31. 

AND  “Dinah  the  daughter  of  Leah,  which  she 
bare  unto  Jacob,  went  out  to  see  bthe  daugh- 
ters of  the  land. 

2 And  when  'Shechem  the  son  of  Hamor  the 
Hivite,  prince  of  the  country,  dsaw  her,  he  took 
her,  and  lay  with  her,  and  ‘defiled  her. 

3 And  his  soul  clave  unto  Dinah  the  daughter 
of  Jacob,  and  he  loved  the  damsel,  and  spake 
'kindly  unto  the  damsel. 

, 4 And  Shechem  spake  unto  his  father  Hamor, 
saying,  'Get  me  this  damsel  to  wife. 

5  And  Jacob  heard  that  he  had  defiled  Dinah 
his  daughter : 'now  his  sons  were  with  his  cattle 
in  the  field  .;  and  Jacob  held  his  peace  until  they 
were  come. 

6  And  Hamor  the  father  of  Shechem  went  out 
unto  Jacob  to  commune  with  him. 


b 34:2,  &c.  Acts  7:16.  Emtnor.  * Or,  lambs,  c 12:7,8.  13:18.  | That  is,  God, 
Vie  God  of  Israel.  32:28  . 35:7.  a 30:21.  46:15.  b 26:34  . 27:46.  28.6.  c 33:19. 
d6:2.  39:6,7.  2 Sam.  11:2.  Job 31: 1,9.  Matt. 5:28.  * Heb.  humbled  her.  Deut. 
21:14.  22:24,29.  Jude.  19:24,25.  Ez.  22:10,11.  t Heb.  to  the  heart  of  the  damsel. 
2 Sam.  19:7.  2 Chr.  30:22.  Is.  40:2.  Hos.*2: 14.  murg.  e 21 .21 . Judg.  14:2.  2 Sam. 
13:13.  f30. 35.  37:13,14.  1 Sam.  16:11.  17:15.  Luke  15:2-5,29.  g Deut.  22:21. 
Josh.  7:15.  Judg.  19:22— 25.  20:6.  2 Sam.  13:12,13.  h 20:9.  Lev.  4:2,13,27. 


river.  Some  translate  it,  He  came  in  peace  to  the  city  of 
Shechem  ; and  it  is  probable  that  this  is  the  true  meaning  of 
the  clause. 

V.  20.  El- Elohe- Israel.]  The  altar  was  erected  and 
inscribed  to  Him  with  whom  Jacob  had  before  wrestled  and 
prevailed,  and  by  whom  he  had  been  surnamed  Israel , as  the 
very  name  indisputably  proves : and  this  is  an  additional  dis- 
covery, who  that  Man  was ; and  an  indication,  what  value 
Jacob  put  on  the  new  name  which  he  had  thus  received. 
(Notes,  32:24—30.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

When  we  have  poured  out  our  souls  before  the  Lord  in 
fervent  prayer,  we  are  prepared  to  meet  dangers  and  diffi- 
culties with  confidence  and  comforr,  and  shall  soon  expe- 
rience the  mercy  and  faithfulness  of  God.  He  hath  various 
methods  of  44  making  our  enemies  to  be  at  peace  with  us 
he  can  either  bind  their  hands,  awe  their  spirits,  excite 
natural  affection,  or  plant  supernatural  grace  in  their  hearts. 
Yet  in  all  this  the  Lord  works  by  suitable  means ; and 
u yielding”  often  forms  the  wisest  method  of  w pacifying  great 
offences.”  This  is  done  by  waving  points  in  contest,  paying 
all  due  respect,  and  receding  from  our  temporal  interest ; and 
by  manifesting  to  the  consciences  of  our  opponents,  that  we 
are  satisfied  with  a portion  earned  by  our  labour,  and  neither 
envy  nor  covet  their  abundance ; that  we  count  it  44  more 
blessed  to  give  than  to  receive  that  we  consider  ourselves 
happy  in  the  Lord’s  favour,  and  under  his  protection ; and 
that  we  want  nothing  more  than  to  live  in  peace  and  amity, 
which  we  much  desire  and  greatly  value.  Yet,  in  such  cir- 
cumstances, we  must  be  careful  that  we  do  not  carry  too  far 
our  desire  of  pleasing,  or  our  fear  of  offending,  or  profess 
more  than  consists  with  piety  or  sincerity : nor  may  we  con- 
ceal or  be  ashamed  of  our  religion,  when  in  the  company  of 
those  who  fear  not  God.  It  is  not  therefore  desirable  to  be 
too  intimate  with  superior  ungodly  relations,  who  will  expect 
us  to  join  in  their  vanities,  or  at  least  to  connive  at  thtem, 
though  they  disapprove  and  perhaps  deride  our  religion ; and 
thus  they  will  either  be  a snare  to  us,  or  offended  with  our 
conduct.  It  is  more  prudent  to  keep  at  a distance,  and  live 
among  such  as  have  less  ascendency  over  us,  and  where  we 
can  be  more  at  liberty. — Let  us  also  observe,  that  we  shall  be 
least  willing  to  expose  to  hazard  that  which  we  value  most 
and  love  best : we  shall  therefore  venture  the  loss  of  all 
things  rather  than  endanger  the  loss  of  our  souls,  if  we  know 
their  value  ; or  than  renounce  Christ,  if  we  truly  love  him. 
And  while  we  admire  Jacob’s  tender  care  of  his  family  and 
flocks,  the  good  Shepherd  of  our  souls,  who  14  gathers  the 
lambs  in  his  bosom,  and  gently  leads  those  that  are  with 
young,”  should  not  be  forgotten ; whose  example  we  should 
all  imitate,  whether  as  parents,  teachers,  or  pastors.  Blessed 
be  his  name,  he  is  still  44  The  mighty  God,  the  God  of 
Israel:”  may  he  who  writes  these  reflections,  and  may  all 
who  read  them,  be  numbered  among  the  true  Israel  of  God  ; 
that  we  may  record  his  name,  and  rejoice  in  his  love,  through 
our  pilgrimage  here  on  earth,  and  for  ever  in  the  Canaan 
above ! Amen. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXXIV.  V.  1.  Jacob  must  have  con- 
tinued several  years  near  Shechem,  before  the  events  record- 
ed in  this  chapter  took  place  ; and  this  made  way  for  too  free 
an  intercourse  between  his  family  and  the  Shechemites. 


7 II  And  the  sons  of  Jacob  came  out  of  the  fieH 
when  they  heard  it,  and  the  men  were  grieved, 
and  they  were  very  wroth:  because  lie  had 
^wrought  folly  in  Israel,  in  lying  with  Jacob’s 
daughter  ; which  hthing  ought  not  to  he  done. 

8 And  Hamor  communed  with  them,  saying, 
‘The  soul  of  my  son  Shechem  longedi  for  vour 
daughter  : I pray  you  give  her  him  to  wife. 

9 And  'mahe  ye  marriages  with  us,  and  give 
your  daughters  unto  us,  and  take  our  daughters 
unto  you. 

10  And  ye  shall  dwell  with  us:  kand  the  land 
shall  be  before  you;  dwell  and  trade  you  therein, 
and  get  you  possessions  therein. 

11  And  Shechem  said  unto  her  father,  and  unto 
her  brethren,  Let  me  find  grace  in  your  eyes,  and 
what  ye  shall  say  unto  me  I will  give. 

* 12  Ask  me  never  so  much  'dowry  and  gift,  and 
I will  give  according  as  ye  shall  say  unto  me  : hut 
give  me  the  damsel  to  wife.  [Practical  Obser rations.} 

13  And  the  sons  of  Jacob  answered  Shecheir. 
and  Hamor  his  father  "’deceitfully,  and  said,  be- 
cause he  had  defiled  Dinah  their  sister : 

14  And  they  said  unto  them,  We  cannot  do  this 
thing,  to  give  our  sister  to  one  that,  is  '‘uncircum- 
cised : for  that  were  a reproach  unto  us. 


Deut.  23:17.  Eph.5:3.  1 Tim.  5:13.  Jam.  3:10.  i 3.  1 Kings  11:2.  Ps.  03:1.  84: 
2.  119:20.  i 6:2.  24:3.  26:34,35.  27:46.  Deul.7:3.  >-21-23.  13:9.  20:15.  42:S4. 
47:27.  124:53.29:18.  Ex.  22:16,17.  Deul.  22:28.29.  1 Sam.  18:25— 27.  2 Sam. 

3:14.  Hos.  3:2.  m Jmlg.  1.5:3.  2Sam.  13:23—29.  Ps.  12:2.  Prov.  12:18—20.  21: 
28,29.  26:24—26.  Rom.  12:19.  1 Tl.es.  5:15.  n 17:11.  Josh.  5:2— 9.  1 Sum.  14: 
6.  17:20,36  . 2Sam.l:2U.  15:7.  1 Kings 21:9.  Malt. 2:8,13. 


Dinah  seems  to  have  been  about  the  age  of  Joseph,  or  rather 
younger.  As,  some  time  after  Jacob’s  departure  from  She- 
chem, Joseph  was  seventeen  years  of  age,  and  went  to  his 
brethren  and  was  sold  by  them  ; so  Dinah  could  not  at  this 
time  be  more  than  fifteen  years  old.  She  was  an  only  daugh- 
ter, doubtless  much  beloved,  and  probably  too  much  indulged  ; 
and  having  got  acquainted  with  the  daughters  of  their  hea- 
then neighbours,  she  went  to  visit  them,  and  to  look  about  with 
them , as  the  original  implies,  probably  on  some  public  occa- 
sion of  mirth  and  festivity  : but  it  does  not  appear,  whether 
it  was  with  or  without  the  consent  of  her  parents. 

V.  2.  There  is  nothing,  in  the  narrative,  which  implies 
that  Shechem  committed  a rape  on  Dinah  ; nay,  the  contra- 
ry is  denoted  in  the  words,  “ Should  he  deal  with  our  sister, 
as*  with  a harlot  ?”  (31)  for  force  is  not  used  with  harlots. 
The  Jewish  expositors,  however,  assert  that  he  ravished  her. 
Perhaps  they  devised  this,  in  order  to  palliate  the  cruelty  and 
injustice  of  Jacob’s  sons,  by  the  greatness  of  the  provocation. 
But  Shechem  rather  seems  to  have  used  the  common  arts  of 
seduction ; and  to  have  detained  Dinah  with  the  promise  of 
marrying  her,  till  she  was  afterwards  taken  away  by  her 
brethren. 

V.  5.  Jacob  kept  silence  till  his  sons  returned  home  ; as 
scarcely  knowing  what  to  say,  or  as  afraid,  either  of  exas- 
perating the  men  of  Shechem,  or  of  taking  some  improper 
step.  Probably  he  would  have  acted  more  wisely,  if  he  had ' 
taken  the  management  of  the  business  wholly  upon  himself : 
instead  of  intrusting  it  with  his  sons,  who  were  young,  rash, 
and  violent,  and  had  too  much  influence  with  him. 

V.  7.  Jacob’s  sons  were  extremely  grieved  and  enraged  ; 
more,  probably,  on  account  of  the  disgrace  of  their  family, 
than  for  the  sin  committed  against  God. — What  follows 
seems  to  be  the  sentiment  of  the  historian,  who  spake  accord- 
ing to  the  language  of  the  times  in  which  he  wrote,  to  inti- 
mate to  the  children  of  Israel,  the  inconsistency  of  such  prac- 
tices with  their  name  and  profession  : for  it  is  not  probable, 
that  at  this  early  period  the  name  of  Israel  was  so  well 
known,  and  so  much  regarded  in  its  genuine  import,  by  tho 
sons  of  Jacob. 

V.  8 — 12.  Hamor  seems  to  have  made  his  proposal  to 
Jacob  alone,  in  the  first  instance,  who  deferred  him  till  his 
sons  came  home,  when  it  was  more  fully  stated  to  them. 
Shechem  appears  to  have  been  sincerely  desirous  of  concilia- 
ting their  favour,  and  obtaining  their  consent  to  his  marriage 
with  Dinah,  on  any  terms.  Nothing,  as  matters  then  stood, 
could  have  been  spoken  more  fairly : and  it  may  be  ques- 
tioned whether,  in  such  a case,  it  would  have  been  wrong  in 
Jacob  to  consent  to  Dinah’s  marriage  ; though  the  proposal, 
of  forming  further  connexions  of  that  kind,  ought  perhaps  to 
have  been  declined.  But  Shechem’s  conduct  in  detaining 
Dinah  did  not  well  accord  to  his  language. 

V.  13.  Because , &c.]  Jacob’s  sons  made  Shechem’s  sin 
the  excuse  for  their  own  deceitful  project.  Perhaps  at  first 
most  of  them  only  intended  to  procure  an  opportunity  of  res- 
cuing their  sister,  in  case  Shechem  should  refuse  to  restore 
her  peaceably  : but  Simeon  and  Levi  formed  and  executed  a 
far  deeper  scheme  of  revenge  and  plunder.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  14 — 17.  Neither  Abraham  nor  Isaac  had  daughters  : 
both  Isaac  and  Jacob  had  married  the  daughters  of  uncir- 
cumcised persons;  and  we  have  reason  to  conclude,  I hat 

( 77  ) 


B.  C.  1732. 


GENESIS. 


B.  C.  1732. 


15  But  in  this  will  we’ consent  unto  you : “If  ye 
will  be  as  we  be,  that  every  male  of  you  be 
circumcised ; 

16  Then  will  we  give  our  daughters  unto  you, 
and  we  will  take  your  daughters  to  us,  and  we 
will  dwell  with  you,  and  we  will  become  one  people. 

17  But  if  ye  will  not  hearken  unto  us  to  be  cir- 
cumcised, then  will  we  take  our  daughter,  and  we 
will  be  gone. 

18  And  their  words  pleased  Hamor,  and  She- 
chem,  Hamor’s  son. 

19  And  the  young  man  deferred  not  to  do  the 
thing,  Pbecause  he  had  delight  in  Jacob’s  daughter : 
and  he  ivas  more  ^honourable  than  all  the  house 
of  his  father. 

20  And  Hamor  and  Shechem  his  son  came  unto 
rthe  gate  of  their  city,  and  communed  with  the 
men  of  their  city,  saying, 

21  These  men  are  peaceable  with  us,  therefore 
let  them  dwell  in  the  land,  and  trade  therein;  for 
the  land,  behold,  it  is  large  enough  for  them  ; let 
us  take  their  daughters  to  us  for  wives,  and  let  us 
give  them  our  daughters. 

22  Only  herein  “will  the  men  consent  unto  us, 
for  to  dwell  wijh  us,  to  be  one  people,  if  every  male 
among  us  be  circumcised,  as  they  are  circumcised. 

23  Shall  ‘not  their  cattle,  and  their  substance, 
and  every  beast  of  theirs  be  ours?  Only  let  us 
consent  unto  them,  and  they  will  dwell  with  us. 

0 Gal.  4:12.  p 29:2(1.  C«nt.8:6.  Is. 62:4.  q Niim. 22:15.  2 Kincs  5:1.  Is.3:3— 5. 
6:13.  23:8  9.  Acts  13:50.  17:12.  r 22:17.  23:10.  Ruth  4:1.  Job  29:7.  1 rov.  31:23. 
Am.  5:10,12,15.  Zecli.  8:16.  s 15,17.  t John  2:16.  6:26,27.  Acts  19:24— 26. 

1 Tim.  6:6— 10.  u 17:23.  Is.  1:10— 16.  Matt.  7:6.  IJnm.  2:23,23.  1 Cor.  7:19. 

x Josh.  5:8.  y 29:33,34.  45:5— 7.  Num.  31:7,17.  • Heb.  mouth.  Deut.  32:42. 

most  of  Jacob’s  sons,  if  not  all,  did  the  same.  6:15. ) As 
far  as  we  know,  there  was  no  law  nor  custom  against  inter- 
marriages with  uncircumcised  persons  at  that  time  existing ; 
though  the  intermarriages  of  Abraham’s  family  with  idolaters 
in  general,  and  with  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  in  particular, 
were  in  many  ways  discountenanced.  Indeed,  this  seems 
to  have  been  merely  a pretence , as  used  by  Jacob’s  sons  ; 
though  it  might  have  become  a general  opinion  in  his  family, 
grounded  on  the  covenant  ratified  with  Abraham  by  circum- 
cision, and  perhaps  on  tradition  : but  religion  was  by  no 
means  their  object  in  this  transaction. — Some  doubt  may 
exist  concerning  the  propriety  of  admitting  into  the  church  by 
circumcision  the  Shecheinites,  who  belonged  to  the  devftted 
race  of  Canaan,  even  if  they  had  made  an  intelligent  and 
suitable  profession  of  religion : but  the  very  proposing  the 
performance  of  this  religious  ordinance,  as  a condition  of  se- 
cular advantages,  was  as  inconsistent  with  true  piety  as  the 
deceitful  intention  and  subsequent  conduct  of  Jacob’s  sons 
were  with  truth,  justice,  and  humanity.  Yet  alas  ! practices 
of  the  same  nature  are  still  shamefully  common  in  the  visible 
church ! 

V.  13 — 24.  The  Shecheinites  acted  upon  the  most  selfish 
principles,  and  submitted  to  circumcision  without  the  least 
regard  to  its  nature,  meaning,  or  divine  institution,  avowedly 
to  obtain  their  own  secular  ends  : yet  they  were  much  more 
excusable  in  this  profanation  than  the  sons  of  Jacob,  who 
proposed  it  to  them,  and  who  might  have  been  expected  to 
know  better. 

V.  25 — 28..  Simeon  and  Levi,  sons  of  Leah,  were  Dinah’s 
brethren  by  the  whole  blood. — It  has  not  improbably  been 
conjectured,  that  they  were  at  that  time  hospitably  enter- 
tained in  Sherhem's  house  ; which  gave  them  a fairer  oppor- 
unity  of  coming  upon  the  Shechemites,  when  sore  and  un- 
prepared, and  of  effecting  this  dreadful  execution.  Though 
no  more  of  Jacob’s  sons  were  concerned  in  the  massacre, 
perhaps  some  servants  might  assist  ; and  it  seems  that  all 
the  rest,  without  hesitation,  concurred  in  the  plunder. 

V.  29.  We  are  not  informed  what  became  of  these  cap- 
tives afterwards,  any  more  than  of  the  servants  of  Jacob’s 
household  ; whether  they  were  otherwise  previously  disposed 
of,  or  whether  they  went  down  with  Jacob's  family  into 
Egypt.  Some  think  that,  Jacob  restored  both  the  persons 
and  Ihe  property  to  their  surviving  relatives  and  countrymen  ; 
and  indeed  this  is  highly  probable. 

V.  30.  Tn  make  me  tn  stink.]  Abraham  and  Isaac  had 
been  respected,  though  strangers;  and  their  religion  honour- 
ed, through  their  good  behaviour  and  that  of  their  families : 
but  by  this  infamous  conduct,  Jacob  apprehended  that  his 
sons  would  cause  him  and  his  religion  to  be  even  execrated 
among  the  heathen,  whose  crimes  they  had  surpassed. 

V.  31.  Thus  the  criminals  attempted  to  vindicate  them- 
selves, and  wickedly  insinuated  that  Jacob  was  willing  to 
permit  his  daughter  to  he  treated  as  a harlot. — Though  he 
said  nothing  more  for  the  present,  their  conduct  made  a 
deep  and  durablo  impression  on  his  mind. — After  this,  we 
read  nothing  more  of  Dinah  than  her  name  ; and  it  may  he1 
concluded  that  she  lived  and  died  unmarried,  but  we  hope 
not  impenitent 


24  And  unto  Hamor  and  unto  Shechem  his  son 
hearkened  all  that  went  out  of  the  gate  of  his 
city : and  “every  male  was  circumcised,  all  that 
went  out  of  the  gate  of  his  city. 

25  H And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  third  day, 
when  they  were  \sore,  that  two  of  the  sons  oi 
Jacob,  ^Simeon  and  Levi,  Dinah’s  brethren,  took 
each  man  his  sword,  and  came  upon  the  city 
boldly,  and  slew  all  the  males. 

26  And  they  slew  Hamor  and  Shechem  his  son 
with  the  'edge  of  the  sword,  and  took  Dinah  out 
of  Shechemrs  house,  and  went  out. 

27  The  sons  of  Jacob  came  upon  the  slain,  and 
“spoiled  the  city;  because  “they  had  defiled  their 
sister. 

28  They  took  their  sheep,  and  their  oxen,  and 
their  asses,  and  that  which  was  in  the  city,  and 
that  which  was  in  the  field, 

29  And  all  their  wealth,  and  all  their  little  or.^s, 
and  their  wives  took  they  captive,  and  spoiled 
even  all  that  teas  in  the  house. 

30  If  And  Jacob  said  to  Simeon  and  Levi,  “Ye 
have  troubled  me  to  make  me  “to  stink  among  the 
inhabitants  of  the  land,  among  the  Canaanites,  and 
the  Perizzites  ; dand  I being  lew  in  number,  they 
shall  gather  themselves  together  against  me,  and 
slay  me,  “and  I shall  he  destroyed,  I and  my  house. 

31  And  they  said,  f Should  he  deal  with  our 
sister  as  with  a harlot  ? 


2  Sam.  2:26.  Is.  31:8.  z Rsth.  9:10.16.  a 2,31 . See  on  13.  b Josh.  7:25.  1 Kings 
18:18.  1 Chr.  2:7.  c Ex.  5:21.  lSam.  13:4.  27:12.  1 Chr.  19:6.  ilDeul.  4:2'7. 
7:7.  Ps.  105:12.  e 12:2,12.  28: 13,14.  1 Sam.  16:2. 27:1.  Rom. 4:13— 20.  f See 
on  13.  49:7. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 12.  Young  persons,  especially  females,  are  never 
so  safe  as  under  the  inspection  of  prudent  and  pious  parents : 
for  their  own  inexperience  and  credulity,  and  the  intoxicating 
nature  of  flattery,  together  with  the  artifice  of  those  who  are 
continually  laying  snares  for  them,  expose  them  to  imminent 
danger.  They  are  therefore  their  own  enemies  if  they  desire 
to  go  from  home  alone,  especially  among  thcfSe  who  are 
strangers  to  God  and  true  religion  : but  those  parents  are 
much  more  inexcusable  who  allow  or  encourage  their  children 
in  acting  so  imprudently  ; nay,  who  do  not  interpose  their 
authority  to  prevent  them  from  heedlessly  exposing  them- 
selves to  unseen  and  unsuspected  danger. — Children  who 
are  indulged  because  beloved,  too  often,  like  Dinah,  become 
the  shame  and  grief  of  their  relations.  And  indeed  large 
families,  even  when  trained  up  in  the  fear  of  God,  will  fre- 
quently occasion  many  trials,  anxieties,  and  sorrows  to  their 
parents  ; and  the  grief  of  losing  them  in  infancy  is  transient 
and  tolerable,  compared  with  that  of  seeing  them  grow  up 
and  live  in  wickedness.  Let  parents  then  reioice  as  though 
they  rejoiced  not,  and  submit  with  resignation  if  the  Lord 
bereave  them  of  their  beloved  offspring  ; and  if  their  children 
be  spared,  let  them  bring  them  up  for  the  Lord,  and  commend 
them  to  his  gracious  protection. — When  young  women  listen 
to  the  vile  proposals  or  flattering  promises  of  seducers,  they 
not  unfrequently  seclude  themselves  from  every  prospect  of 
forming  honourable  connexions ; and  voluntarily  consign 
themselves  to  a single  life,  if  still  worsfe  consequences  do  not 
ensue  : and  this  consideration,  combined  with  nobler  motives, 
should  induce  them  to  reject,  with  determined  indignation 
and  disdain,  every  dishonourable  proposal. — No  sin  is  made 
lighter  of  by  multitudes  than  lewdness : yet  no  crime  is  more 
injurious  to  the  bodies  and  souls  of  individuals,  to  the  peace 
and  comfort  of  families,  and  to  the  welfare  of  society  ; and 
no  sin  makes  way  for  more  horrible  consequences,  as  intro- 
ductory to  all  other  wickedness.  But  how  will  these  hea- 
thens rise  up  in  judgment  against  thousands,  falsely  called 
Christians,  and  condemn  them;  who,  having  seduced  and 
defiled  the  objects  of  their  pretended  affection,  afterwards 
treat  them  with  contempt  and  hatred  ; leave  them  to  the 
infamy  and  misery  of  prostitution,  disease,  and  death  ; and, 
without  the  least  compassion  for  them  or  their  broken-hearted 
parents,  proceed  to  add  new  trophies  of  their  infamous  suc- 
cess, and  to  multiply  the  victims  of  their  unbridled  lusts ! 
Surely  Shechem  was  in  this  more  honourable,  not  only  than 
all  the  house  of  his  father,  but  than  all  the  rest  of  his  bre- 
thren, the  whole  tribe  of  seducers ; who  are  in  honour  and 
conscience  bound  to  make  this  only,  but  inadequate  repara- 
tion, though  very  few  of  them  are  willing  to  do  it ! 

V.  13 — 31.  How  lamentable  is  it  that  children  who  have 
profited  little  by  the  example  and  instructions  of  their  godly 
parents,  should  so  often  gain  an  undue  ascendency  over 
them  ! and  that  they  who  express  great  indignation  at  the 
crimes  of  others,  and  the  u folly  wrought  in  Israel,*  should 
prove,  themselves  so  unacquainted  with  the  charu<  ter  of  a 
true  Israelite,  as  far  to  exceed  ir.  their  qwn  conduct  those 
crimes  which  they  punish  in  others  ! They,  who  under  the 
pretext  of  religion,  and  by  prorunmg  its  sacred  institutions, 


( 78  * 


B.  C.  1732 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 


E.  C.  1 132. 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 

Ood  commands  Jacob  to  go  to  Brth-sl , and  pay  his  vows  ; and  he  obeys , 1 — 7. 
The  death  of  Deborah , Rebekah's  nurse , 8.  I'he  l.ord  appears  to  Jacob , and 
encourages  him,  and  Jacob  worships,  9 — 15.  Benjamin  is  born,  and  Rachel 
dies , 16—20.  Reuben  commits  ncest  with  Bilhah,  22.  The  names  of 
Jacob's  sons ,23 — 26  Jacob  visits  Isaac;  Isaac's  age.  death,  and  burial, 
27—29.  • 

AND  God  said  unto  Jacob,  Arise,  go  up  to 
‘Beth-el,  and  dwell  there : and  make  there 
an  altar  unto  God,  that  appeared  unto  thee  bwhen 
thou'  fleddest  from  the  face  of  Esau  thy  brother. 

2  Then  Jacob  said  cunto  his  household,  and  to 
all  that  therewith  him,  Put  a way  the  Strange  gods 
that  are  among  you,  and  be  "clean,  and  change 
your  garments : 

3  And  let  us  arise,  and  go  up  to  Beth-el ; and  I 
will  make  there  an  altar  unto  God,  f who  answered 
me  in  the  day  of  my  distress,  and  ®was  with  me  in 
the  way  which  I went. 

4  And  they  gave  unto  Jacob  all  the  strange 
gods  which  were  in  their  hand,  and  all  their  hear- 
rings  which  ivere  in  their  ears ; and  Jacob  'hid 
them  under  kthe  oak  which  was  by  Shechem. 

5  And  they  journeyed  : and  ‘the  terror  of  God 
was  upon  the  cities  that  ivere  round  about  them, 
and  they  did  not  pursue  after  the  sons  of  Jacob. 

6  So  Jacob  came  to  mLuz,  which  is  in  the  land 
of  Canaan,  (that  is  Beth-el,)  he  and  all  the  people 
that  were  with  him. 

7  And  he  "built  there  an  altar,  and  called  the 
piace  'El-beth-el : because  there  God  appeared 
unto  him,  when  he  fled  from  the  face  of  his  brother. 
8 If  But  DeboraJi  "Rebekah’s  nurse  died,  and  she 

a 7.  12:8 . 13:3,4.  28  10—22.  31:13.  Ec.  5:4— 6.  Hot.  12:4.  Nah.  1:15.  b 27:41 
-45.  c 18:19.  Josh. 24:15.  Ps.  101:2-7.  d 31:19,34.  Josh.  24:2,28.  Jutie.  Ill: 
IS.  1 Sam.  7:3.  2 Cor.  0:15-17.  e 22.  34:2,24.25.  Ex.  19:10,1 4.  Job  1:5.  Ps.  51: 
2,7.  Ec.5:l.  Ex.  18:31.  38:25. 2Co  . 71.  Heb.  10:22.  Jam.  4:8. 1 Pei.  2:1,2.  f28: 
12.13.  Pa.  46:1.  50:15.  66:13,14.  91:15.  103:1—5.  107:8.  116:1,2,16,13.118:19—22 
fr  23:20.  31:3.  I mv.  3:6.  Is.  43:2.  b Ex.  32:2—4.  Jmlg.  8:24—27.  Hos.2:13.  i Ex. 
32:20.  Deut.  7:5,25.  Is.  2:20  . 30:22.  k Josh.  24:25,26.  Judg.  9:6.  1 34:30.  Ex.  15: 
15,16.  23:27.  34:24.  Deut.  11:21.  Jusli.  2:9—11.  5:1.  1 Sam.  11:7.  14:15.  2Chr. 
14:14.  17:10.  Ps.  14:5.  m 12:S.  28:19.  Juilg.  1:22— 26.  n 1,3.  Ec. 5:4,5.  -Thru 

can  conceal  iheir  designs,  that  they  may,  without  being  sus- 
pected, execute  atrocious  wickedness,  are  the  most  danger- 
ous enemies  of  religion  : for  they  cause  both  it  and  its  pro- 
fessors to  be  hated  and  execrated,  expose  them  to  inward 
anguish  and  outward  persecution,  and  open  the  mouths  and 
harden  the  hearts  of  multitudes  to  their  destruction. — But 
they  who  are  wicked  enough  to  perpetrate  enormous  crimes, 
will  never  fail  to  vindicate  them  ; nor  can  any  thing  but  the 
grace  of  God,  or  the  discoveries  which  will  be  made  at  the 
day  of  judgment,  effectually  stop  men’s  mouths  and  silence 
their  excuses.  Then,  however,  the  impenitent  sinner  will 
awfully  learn,  at  length,  that  the  crimes  of  others  form  no 
excuse  for  his  own : and  though  God  may  justly  punish  those 
who  profane  his  ordinances,  or  transgress  his  laws,  even  by 
the  hands  of  their  very  tempters  ; yet  the  latter  shall  be 
punished  with  still  greater  severity. — The  good  Lord  preserve 
our  families  from  such  crimes  and  miseries,  and  his  church 
from  such  scandals,  as  arc  recorded  in  this  chapter  ! 

NOTES— Chap.  XXXV.  V.  1.  Jacob  had  hitherto 
deferred  to  perforri!  his  vow  at  Beth-el,  and  to  dedicate  the 
tenth  part  of  his  substance  to  the  Lord  ; but  on  what  account 
we  are  not  informed. — Perhaps  his  afflictions,  recorded  in  the 
former  chapter,  were  intended  to  chastise  that  delay  ; and 
indeed  they  might  arise,  as  natural  consequences,  from  his 
continuing  so  long  near  Shechem.  But  being  now  reminded 
by  an  immediate  revelation  of  the  will  of  the  Lord,  he 
doubtless  accomplished  tile  whole  of  his  vow,  though  we  are 
not  particularly  informed  about  it. 

V.  2.  The  “ strange  gods”  were  idols,  worshipped  by 
those  who  were  strangers  (o  the  true  God  and  his  covenant. 
Probably  the  images  which  Rachel  had  stolen  were  of  that 
number,  and  some  might  have  been  found  among  the  spoils 
of  the  Shechemites.  It  seems  that  some  of  Jacob’s  house- 
hold worshipped  them,  and  that  he  had  been  aware  of  this  ; 
yet  had  timidly  or  indolently  connived  at  it. — It  is  evident, 
that  there  existed  rules  for  external  purification  before  the 
promulgation  of  the  Mosaic  law,  probably  from  traditional 
revelation.  The  means  of  purifying,  thus  appointed,  were 
designed  to  represent  the  sanctification  of  the  Spirit,  as  the 
sacrifices  prefigured  the  atonement  of  Christ’s  death.  The 
abominations  recorded  in  the  foregoing  chapter,  as  well  as 
the  other  evils  which  prevailed  in  Jacob’s  family,  rendered 
such  reformation  and  purification  very  needful,  as  a prepara- 
tion to  the  solemn  sacrifices  and  services  which  Jacob  was 
about  to  perform. 

V.  4.  Jacob’s  family  seem  to  have  parted  with  their  idols 
less  reluctantly  than  he  expected.  The  ear-rings  were  pro- 
bably worn  as  an  amulet  or  charm,  in  token  of  some  depend- 
ence on  the  strange  gods  ; and  rather  from  superslition  than 
‘or  ornament.  Jacob  buried  them  in  the  ground  secretly, 
mat  his  family  might  not  know  what  he  had  done  with  them. 
He  would  not  convert  the  metal  to  other  uses  ; and  perhaps  he 
did  not  know  how  more  entirely  to  destroy  it.  [Note,  Ex.i'2:20.) 


was  buried  beneath  Beth-el,  funder  an  oak  : ano 
the  name  of  it  was  called  'Allon-bachuth. 

9 H And  ‘iGod  appeared  unto  Jacob  again,  when 
he  (kmc  out  of  Padan-aram;  and  blessed  him. 

10  And  God  said  unto  him,  Thy  name  is  Ja 
cob:  rthy  name  shall  not  be  called  any  more  Ja 
cob,  but  Israel  shall  be  thy  name;  and  he  called 
his  name  Israel. 

11  And  God  said  unto  him,  I am  God  Almigh- 
ty ; be  fruitful  and  multiply  : 'a  nation  and  a com- 
pany of  nations  shall  be  of  thee:  and  kings  shall 
come  out  of  thy  loins. 

12  And  "the  land  which  I gave  Abraham  ana 
Isaac,  to  thee  will  I give  it,  and  to  thy  seed  after 
thee  will  I give  the  land. 

13  And  xGod  went  up  from  him,  in  the  place 
where  he  talked  with  him. 

14  And  Jacob  vset  up  a pillar  in  the  place  where 
he  talked  with  him,  even  a pillar  of  stone  : and  he 
poured  a drink-offering  thereon,  and  he  poured  oil 
thereon. 

15  And  Jacob  called  the  name  of  the  place, 
where  God  spake  with  him,  Beth-el. 

[ Practical  Observations .] 

16  *11  And  they  journeyed  from  Beth-el:  and 
there  was  but  *a  little  way  to  come  to  "Ephrath  : 
and  Rachel  travailed,  and  she  had  "hard  labour. 

17  And  it  came  to  pass  when  she  was  in  hard 
labour,  that  the  midwife  said  unto  her,  ' Fear  not ; 
thou  sha.lt  have  this  son  also. 

18  And  it  came  to  pass  as  cher  soul  was  in  de- 


i3,  The.  God  of  Beth-el.  Ex.  17:15.  Jude.  6:24.  Ex. 48:35.  o24:59.  plSam 

31:13.  t Thai  is,  The  oak  of  w.'-jjine.  Judg.  2:5.  qgS  :I3.  31:3,1  1— 13.  32:24— 
30.46:2,3.48:3,4.  r 17:5,15.  32:27,28.  1 Kinjes  18:31.  2 Kings  17:34.  s 17  1 
43:14.  48:3,4.  Ex.  6:3.  2 Cor.  6:18.  t See  on  17  6,7,16.  28:3.  u 12:7. 13:14—17 
15:18.26:3,4.28:3,4,11.48:4.  x 11:5.  17:22.  18:33.  y 20.  28:18,19.  1 Sara.  7: 
12.  J Heb . a lit  le  piece  of  ground . 7,48:7.  Ruth  1:2.  Ps.  132:6.  Mic.  5:2 

a 3:16.  1 Tim.  2:15.  b 1 Sam.  4:19— 21.  c Ps.  1G:10.  Ec.  12:7.  Lam.  2:12 
Luke  12:2).  23-46.  Act s 7:59. 


V.  5.  Terror  of  God.}  Though  the  inhabitants  of  the 
land  could  not  approve  the  conduct  of  Shechem  ; yet  the 
revenge  taken  by  the  sons  of  Jacob  was  so  complicated  an 
act  of  treachery,  cruelty,  and  rapine,  that  it  is  scarcely  con- 
ceivable how  they  were  restrained  from  combining  together 
and  making  war  against  them,  or  at  least  from  pursuing  them 
as  they  fled.  But  perhaps  they  respected  the  character  of 
Jacob,  as  a worshipper  of  Jehovah,  and  were  afraid  to 
make  any  assault  on  his  family. — Probably  Jacob  had  made 
what  reparation  he  could  to  the  survivors  ; yet  the  preserva- 
tion of  him  and  his  family  is  expressly  ascribed  to  a divine 
influence. 

V.  8.  As  Jacob  was  a hundred  and  thirty  years  old 
when  Joseph  was  about  forty  ; (compare  41:46.  45:6.  with 
47:9.)  he  was,  about  ninety  when  Joseph  was  born,  who  at 
this  time  was  fifteen  or  sixteen.  (Note,  34:1.)  Jacob  was 
then  about  a hundred  and  six  ; Isaac  had  been  married 
twenty  years  when  Jacob  was  horn  ; so  that  at  least  a hun- 
dred and  twenty-five  years  had  passed  since  Isaac’s  mar- 
riage. Probably  after  Rcbekah’s  death,  (which  is  not  re- 
corded,) this  aged  servant  was  taken  into  Jacob’s  house  by 
the  desire  of  Leah  and  Rachel,  as  peculiarly  dear  to  them : 
thus  her  death  was  recorded  in  Jacob’s  history  rather  than  in 
Isaac’s;  and  from  this  it  is  inferred,  that  Ja^ob  had  before 
this  visited  his  father  Isaac.  u Allon-bachuth”  signifies  tie 
oak  of  weeping.  Deborah  was  not  a relation  but  a servant 
in  extreme  old  age  ; and  probably  not  only  incapable  of  being 
useful  to  others,  but  occasioning  much  trouble  : yet  her  good 
behaviour  had  so  engaged  the  affections  of  the  whole  family, 
that  her  death  was  greatly  lamented. 

Y.  9.  Several  years  had  passed,  since  Jacob  returned 
from  Padan-aram ; but  this  appearance  is  thus  distinguished 
from  the  Lord’s  appearance  to  him  before  he  went  to  Padan- 
aram,  and  when  in  that,  country. 

V.  10 — 13.  He  called.  (10.)  The  Lord,  appearing  in 
some  visible  and  remarkable  manner,  thus  confirmed  tc 
Jacob  all  the  special  favour  and  protection,  which  the  name 
Israel  implied. 

Y.  14,  15.  Jacob  seems  to  have  renewed,  with  greater 
solemnity,  the  ceremony  which  he  observed  when  God  fiist 
met  him  at  Beth-el ; and  confirmed  to  the  place  more  pub- 
licly that  name  by  which  he  had  privately  called  it;  ant, 
which  it  ever  after  bore,  till  it  became  Beth-aven,  a house  of 
vanity  and  idolatry.  (Notes,  28:18 — 22.  Josh.  7:2.) 

V.  17.  The  midwife,  in  saying,  “ Thou  shah  have  this 
son  also,”  seems  to  have  alluded  to  the  name  of  Joseph , ana 
the  occasion  of  that  name.  (30:24.) 

V.  18.  The  expression,  “ her  soul  was  in  departing,” 
aptly  describes  the  nature  of  death,  which  is  the  dissolution 
of  :he  union  betwixt  soul  and  body. — Rachel  had  rashly  said, 
u Give  me  children,  or  else  I die :”  God  gave  her  children, 
and  she  died  in  childbirth. — Jacob,  by  changing  the  name 
which  Rach<’  Had  given  to  her  son,  intimated  that  it  was 

( 79  ) 


B.  (J.  1716. 


GENESIS 


B C.  1716 


parting,  (for  she  died,)  that  sne  called  his  name 
'Benoni:  but  his  father  called  him  'Benjamin. 

19  And  Rachel  died,  and  was  buried  in  the  way 

to  Ephrath,  which  is  Bethlehem.  0 

20  Anil  Jacob  set  a pillar  upon  her  grave  : that 
is  ethe  pillar  of  Rachel’s  grave  unto  this  day. 

21  D And  Israel  journeyed,  and  spread  his  tent 
beyond  the  tower  of  Edar. 

22  And  it  came  to  pass  when  Israel  dwelt  in 
that  land,  that  Reuben  went  a^id  May  with  Bilhah 
his  father’s  concubine  : and  Israel  heard  it.  &Now 
the  sons  of  Jacob  were  twelve. 

23  The  hsons  of  Leah;  Reuben,  Jacob’s  first- 
born, and  Simeon,  and  Levi,  and  Judah,  and  Issa- 
char,  and  Zebulun. 

24  The  'sons  of  Rachel;  Joseph  and  Benja- 
min. 

25  And  kthe  sons  of  Bilhah,  Rachel’s  handmaid ; 
Dan  and  Naphtali. 

26  And  !the  sons  of  Zilpah,  Leah’s  handmaid ; 
Gad  and  Asher.  These  are  the  sons  of  Jacob, 
which  were  born  to  him  in  Padan-aram. 

27  *H  And  m Jacob  came  unto  Isaac  his  father 
unto  "Mamre,  unto  the  city  of  Arbah,  (which  is 
Hebron,)  where  Abraham  and  Isaac  sojourned. 

b.  c.-j  28  And  the  days  of  Isaac  were  °an  hundred 
ms.J  an(j  fourscore  years. 

29  And  Isaac  Pgave  up  the  ghost  and  died,  and 
was  gathered  unto  his  people,  being  old  and  full 
of  days : and  this  sons  Esau  and  Jacob  buried  him. 

• That  is,  The  son  of  my  sorrow.  1 Chr.  4:9.  | That  is,  The  son  of  the  right 
hand.  42:4,38.  43  14.44:27— 31.  e 14.  1 Sam.  10:'2.  2 Sam.  19:18.  f 49:4.  Lev. 
18:8.  2 Sam.  16:21,22.20:3.  1 Chr .5:1.  1 Cor.  5:1.  g 18.  29:31— 35.  30:5— 24. 
46:8— 27.  49:1— 28.  Ex.  1:1—  5.  Num.  1:5-15, 20, &c.  2:5— 33.  7:12, &c.  26:5— 51, 
57— 62.34:14— 28.  Deut.  33:  Josh.  13:  21:  lChr .2:1,2.  Ez.  48:  Rev.  7:4— 8.  h 29: 
32—35.30:18,20.33:2.46:8—15.  i 16— 18.  30:22— 24.  46: 19— 22.  k 30:4—8. 


not  proper  so  to  indulge  his  sorrow,  as  to  overlook  the  mer- 
cies still  vouchsafed  him,  or  neglect  the  duties  of  his  sta- 
tion.— 1 Vie  son  of  the  right  hand,  seems  to  mean  one  valued 
as  a right  hand ; or,  ‘ a son,  who  shall  be  my  defender  in  old 
age,  as  if  he  were  my  right  hand.’ 

V.  21.  Tower  of  Edar.]  The  same  words  (njrblJD)  are 
rendered,  “ Tower  of  the  flock,”  in  Micah.  ( Mic . 4:8.  Heb.) 

V.  22.  Reuben  and  Bilhah  doubtless  flattered  themselves 
that  their  abominable  crime  would  be  concealed;  yet  Jacob 
was  made  acquainted  with  their  conduct,  and  most  decidedly 
showed  his  abhorrence  of  it.  Their  actual  crime  is  indispu- 
table, notwithstanding  the  palliating  glosses  of  some  Jewish 
writers.  {Note,  49:3,4.) 

V.  27.  It  should  not  be  concluded,  from  the  silence  of 
Scripture,  that  Jacob  had  not  before  this  visited  his  fath’er. 
Probably  he  came  often  to  see  him;  but  atjengih,  as  he  evi- 
dently drew  near  death,  he  came  to  dwell  with  him,  or  in  the 
neighbourhood. 

V.  28.  The  age,  death,  and  burial  of  Isaac,  are  here  in- 
serted by  anticipation;  for  by  computation  we  find  that  he 
did  not  die  till  about  the  time  that  Joseph  stood  before 
Pharaoh.  Isaac  was  about  a hundred  and  fifty  years  old 
when  Joseph  was  born ; Joseph  therefore  must  have  been 
thirty  when  Isaac  was  a hundred  and  eighty.  (Note,  27:1.) 

V.  29.  Esau,  instead  of  taking  this  opportunity  to  mur- 
der Jacob,  as  he  had  purposed,  found  his  heart  so  influenced, 
that  he  amicably  assisted  at  Isaac’s  funeral. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 15.  Such  is  the  imperfection  of  the  best  of  men, 
that  they  are  prone  to  defer  those  things  which  they  know 
ought  to  be  done,  and  which  they  really  intend  to  do ; and  to 
forget  the  mercies  which  they  have  received,  and  the  obli- 
gations under  which  they  lie:  nay,  without  great  circum- 
spection, gross  abuses  will  find  their  way  even  into  religions 
families,  especially  if  numerous.  We  need  therefore  to  be 
frequently  reminded  of  our  duty,  and  even  rebuked  for  ne- 
glecting it ; and  we  should  deem  it  a very  great  mercy  to  be 
stirred  up  to  personal  or  family  reformation,  and  cheerfully 
part  with  every  thing,  however  valuable,  which  proves  an 
occasion  of  sin. — Not  only  rebukes,  however,  but  sharp  chas- 
tisements, may  be  expected,  if  we  neglect  or  postpone  our 
solemn  tribute  of  praise  to  God,  when  he  hath  “ answered 
us  in  the  day  of  our  distress.” — A good  example  and  serious 
admonitions  will  go  a great  way  in  promoting  the  good  be- 
haviour of  those  around  us ; and  there  is  often  less  opposition 
made  to  our  pious  endeavours  than  we  expected. — The  Lord 
does  not  deal  with  his  people  and  their  families  according  to 
their  deservings;  nay,  he  is  better  to  them  than  their  fears: 
and  when  he  overawes  the  spirit  of  their  enemies,  his  ser- 
vants cannot  but  be  safe  whithersoever  they  go,  or  wherever 
they  are.  When  we  have  obediently  hearkened  to  the  Lord’s 
reproving  voice,  have  rectified  abuses,  and  paid  our  vows, 
we  may  expect  to  hear  from  him  with  comfort,  and  to  enjoy 
the  assurance  and  earnest  of  his  covenanted  blessings.  But 
all  our  consolations  in  this  world  only  prepare  us  for  trials, 
and  are  intermingled  with  sorrows:  and  the  continual  ra- 
( 80  ) 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

Esau' 8 wives  and  children  ;■  hia  removal  to  mount  Heir , lav*  hu  ~c*cendaut> 
in  Seir,  1 — 19.  The  descendants  of  Seir  the  Horile,  20 — 30.  Kings  and 
dulces  of  Edom,  31 — 43. 

NOW  these  are  “the  generations  of  Esau,  who 
’ is  Edom. 

2  Esau  btook  his  wives  of  the  daughters  of  Ca- 
naan ; Adah  the  daughter  of  Elon  the  Hittite,  and 
Aholibamah  the  daughter  of  Anali,  the  daughter 
of  Zibeon  the  Hivite : 

3  And  “Bashemath,  Ishmael’s  daughter,  sister  >. 
Nebajoth. 

4  And  dAdah  bare  to  Esau,  Eliphaz:  andrn.  c. 
Bashemath  bare  Reuel.  L > v6o. 

5  And  Aholibamah  bare  Jeush,  and  Jaalam,  and 
Korah:  these  are  the  sons  of  Esau,  which  were 
born  unto  him  in  the  land  of  Canaan. 

6  And  Esau  took  his  wives,  and  his  sons,  and 
his  daughters,  and  all  the  'persons  of  his 
house,  and  his  cattle,  and  all  his  beasts,  and  L 
all  his  substance  which  he  had  got  in  the  land  o 
Canaan ; and  “went  into  the  country,  from  the  face 
of  his  brother  Jacob. 

7  For  i their  riches  were  more  than  that  they 
might  dwell  together:  and  the  land  wherein  they 
were  strangers  could  not  bear  them,  because  of 
their  cattle. 

8  Thus  dwelt  Esau  in  Amount  Seir:  Esau  is 
Edom. 

9  If  And  these  are  the  generations  of  Esau  the 
father  of  the  ’Edomites,  in  mount  Seir. 

37:2.  46:23—25.  130:9—13.  46:16—18.  m 27:43-45.  28:5.  n 13:18.  23:2,19. 

Josh.  14:15.  15:13.  o2S:7.  47:23.  50:26.  p 15:15.  25:7,8,17.  27:1,2.  49:33.  Job 
5:26.  q23:19.  25:9.  27:41.  49:31.  a 25:24— 34.  27:35-41.  32:3— 7.  Num.2U: 

14— 21.  Deut.  23:7.  Is.  63:1.  Ez.  25:12.  b 26:34,35  . 27:46.  c25:!3.2S:9.  d 1 Chr. 
1:35.  * Heb.  souls,  e 13:6,1 1 . 17:8.  28:4.  f 13:6.  g 32:3.  Deul.  2:5.  Josh. 24: 
4.  Mai.  1:3.  t Heb.  Edom. 


vages  of  death,  bereaving  us  of  our  nearest  and  best  beloved 
friends  and  relatives,  will  frequently  excite  our  fears  and  la- 
mentations, and  remind  us  to  be  ready  also,  and  to  set  our 
affections  on  things  above. — It  is  very  becoming  when  ser- 
vants, by  good  behaviour,  deservedly  enjoy  the  endeared  af- 
fection of  the  families  in  which  they  reside,  so  that  they  live 
beloved  and  die  lamented ; and  when  they,  who  have  had  the 
benefit  of  their  faithful  services,  while  in  health  and  strength, 
provide  comfortably  for  them  in  sickness  and  old  age. — Such 
scenes  of  domestic  life  are  far  more  beautiful  and  instructive, 
than  the  events  which  crowd  the  pages  of  history,  with  splen- 
did evidences  of  the  folly  and  madness  of  mankind. 

V.  16 — 29.  We  should  be  very  cautious  not  to  desire  too 
earnestly  any  temporal  object,  nor  impatiently  to  complain  of 
the  want  of  it ; as  the  Lord  may  remember  our  unadvised 
expressions  long  after,  and  rebuke  them  even  in  granting  our 
desires,  without  giving  his  blessing  with  them. — Even  the 
most  favoured  servants  of  the  Lord  are  frequently  tried  with 
afflictions,  which  quickly  succeed  each  other.'  Yet  u all  shall 
work  together  for  their  good.” — While  we  live  in  this  world, 
we  must  witness  so  much  sin  around  us,  and  mourn  over  so 
much  in  ourselves  and  our  families,  as  well  as  experience  so 
many  bodily  infirmities  and  outward  disappointments,  that 
we  may  well  congratulate,  and  almost  envy,  those  who  have 
finished  their  measure  of  sufferings  and  services,  and  leave 
the  world  full  of  days,  and  ripe  for  glory : for  if  we  are  fit  for 
heaven,  “ better  is  the  day  of  our  death,  than  the  day  of  our 
birth.” — They,  who  live  the  most  peaceably  and  comfortably, 
are  least  noticed  in  history : and  it  may  be  some  consolation 
to  reflect,  that  while  we  read  of  scarcely  any  thing  else  than 
the  vices  and  miseries  of  mankind,  very  many,  unnoticed  by 
man,  have  u walked  with  God,  and  are  not,  for  God  hath 
taken  them.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXVI.  V.  2,  3.  Esau  married 
u Judith  the  daughter  of  Beeri  the  Hittite,  and  Bashemath 
the  daughter  of  Elon  the  Hittite.”  (26:34.)  And  as  these 
wives  are  mentioned  many  years  after,  in  a manner  which 
implies  they  were  then  living,  (27:46.  28:9.)  we  can  hardly 
suppose  that  they  both  died  childless,  and  that  afier  their 
death  Esau  married  the  wives,  by  whom  he  had  most  of  his 
children,  and  especially  Eliphaz  his  eldest  son. — Possibly  his 
wives  had  different  names.  Bashemath  might  also  be  called 
Adah.  And  if  Aholibamah  were  the  same  person  as  Judith, 
Beeri  the  Hittite  might  be  her  falher,  anti  Allah,  t he  daugh- 
ter of  Zibeon  the  Hivite,  her  mother. — It  is  evident  that  Ba- 
shemath, the  daughter  pf  Ishmael,  is  also  called  Mahalath. 
(28:9.)  And  indeed  such  variations  in  names  are  very  com- 
mon in  Scripture. 

V.  6,  7.  Probably  Esau  came  frequently  to  Isaac  during 
his  lifetime,  and  had  part  of  his  family  and  property  in  Ca- 
naan, where  his  children  were  born  : but  after  his  father’s 
death  he  toolwaway  all  his  possessions,  and  finally  removed 
from  Canaan,  the  land  of  promise,  tin  type  of  heaven  ; and 
left  Jacob  unmolested  in  the  prospect  of  his  reversionary 
inheritance. — He  seems,  however,  to  have  inherited  a large 
portion  of  Isaac’s  riches. 


B.  C 1810. 

10  These  are  the  names  of  Esau’s  sons,  Eliphaz 
the  son  of  Adah  the  wife  of  Esau,  Reuel  the  son  of 
Bashemath  the  wife  of  Esau. 

1 1 And  the  sons  of  Eliphaz  were  Teman,  Omar, 
‘Zepho,  and  Gatam,  and  Kenaz. 

12  And  Timna  was  concubine  to  Eliphaz  Esau’s 
son;  and  she  bare  to  Elipha/;,  ‘Amalek : these  were 
the  sons  of  Adah  Esau’s  wife.  • 

18  And  these  are  the  sons  of  Reuel;  Nahath, 
and  Zerah,  Shammah,  and  Mizzah:  these  were 
the  sons  of  Bashemath  Esau’s  wife. 

14  And  these  were  the  sons  of  kAholibamah,  the 
daughter  of  Anah,  the  daughter  of  Zibeon  Esau’s 
wife : and  she  bare  to  Esau,  Jeush,  and  Jaalam, 
and  Korah. 

15  These  were  dukes  of  the  sons  of  Esau:  the 
sons  of  Eliphaz  the  first-born  son  of  Esau ; ‘duke 
Teman,  duke  Omar,  duke  Zephoj  duke  Kenaz, 

16  Duke  Korah,  duke  Gatam,  and  duke  Ama- 
lek: These  are  the  mdukes  that  came  of  Eliphaz, 
in  the  land  of  Edom:  these  were  the  sons  of  Adah. 

17  And  these  are  the  sons  of  "Reuel  Esau’s^on  ; 
duke  Nahath,  duke  Zerah,  duke  Shammah,  duke 
Mizzah.  These  are  the  dukes  that  came  of  Reuel, 
in  the  land  of  Edom:  these  are  the  sons  of  Bashe- 
math Esau’s  wife. 

18  And  these  are  the  sons  of°Aholibamah  Esau’s 
wife:  duke  Jeush,  duke  Jaalam,  duke  Korah: 
these  were  the  dukes  that  came  of  Aholibamah  the 
daughter  of  Anah  Esau’s  wife. 

1 9 These  are  the  sons  of  Esau,  (rwho  is  Edom,) 
and  these  are  their  dukes.' 

it.  c.-|  20  H These  are  the  sons  of  ‘iSeir  the  Ho- 

1810.  J rite)  who  inhabited  the  land : Lotan,  and 
Shobal,  and  Zibeon,  and  Anah, 

21  And  Dishon,  and  Ezer,  and  Dishan : these 
are  the  dukes  of  the  Horites,  the  children  of  Seir  in 
the  land  of  Edom. 

22  And  the  children  of  Lotan  were,  Hori,  and 
'Heman : and  Lotan’s  sister  was  Timna. 

23  And  the  children  of  Shobal  u'ere  these ; 
rAlvan,  and  Manahath,  and  Ebal,  Shepho,  and 
Onam. 

24  And  these  are  the  children  of  Zibeon : both 
Ajah,  and  Anah : this  was  that  Anah  that  sfound 
the  mules  in  the  wilderness,  as  he  fed  the  asses  of 
Zibeon  his  father. 


h l Chr.  1:35.  Zephi.  i 14:7.  Ex.  j7:8 — 16.  Num.  24:18— 20.  Dent. 23:7.  25:17— 
13.  k 2,18.  111,12.  1 Chr.  1:36,45,51— 54.  Job2:ll.  4:1.  Jer.  49:7,20.  Ez. 25:13. 
Am.  1:12.  Ob.  9.  Hab.  3:3.  m Ex.  15:15.  n 4,13.  1 Chr.  1:37.  o5,14.  1 Chr. 
1:35.  piSeeorcl.  q 14:6.  Dent. 2‘12,22.  1 Chr.  1:38 — 42.  * J Chr.  1:39. 

Hnmwn.  r 1 Chr.  1:40.  Alian.  Sheihi.  s Lev.  19:19.  2Sam.  13:29.  18:9. 
1 Kings  1:38,44.  4:28.  Zech.  14:15  t 2,5,14,18.  1 Chr.  1:41.  u 1 Chr.  1:41. 


V.  12.  Amalek.]  It  has  generally  been  talcen  for  granted, 
that  the  Amalekites  descended  from  this  grandson  of  Esau  : 
but,  as  they  were  a powerful  people  when  the  Israelites  came 
out  of  Egypt,  and  able  to  contend  with  them  in  battle ; as 
they  are  always  spoken  of  as  a distinct  people  from  the 
Edomites  ; and  as  mention  had  before  been  made  of  their 
country;  this  opinion  is  not  very  probable.  The  marginal 
references  may  enable  the  reader  to  form  a judgment  on  the 
subject.  Timna  was  sister  to  Lotan  a descendant  of  Seir. 
(20—22.) 

V.  15, 16.  Dukes.]  D’Otbs  Heads  of  families,  princes,  or 
military  leaders,  some  of  whom  were  contemporaries. — Ko- 
rah is  not  mentioned  before  among  the  sons  of  Eliphaz:  pro- 
bably he  was  one  of  his  grandsons. 

V.  20.  The  sons  of  Seir  the  Horite.]‘  These  were  the 
former  inhabitants  of  that  country,  with  whom  probably  the 
descendants  of  Esau  intermarried,  and  were  in  a great  mea- 
sure incorporated. 

V.  24.  Found,  &c.]  This  passage  is  particularly  diffi- 
cult, as  the  word  translated  mules  occurs  in  no  other  place : 
and  many  conjectures  have  been  formed  concerning  what  it 
was  that  Anah  found ; among  which  the  more  general  has 
been,  that  in  keeping  asses  he  discovered  the  method  of  breed- 
ing mules,  either  by  accident  or  contrivance. — Anah  is  the 
name  both  of  a woman  and  a man,  as  Aholibamah  likewise 
is.  (2,14,18,20,25,41.) 

V.  31 — 39.  It  is  not  agreed  whether  these  kings  were 
descendants  of  Esau  or  of  Seir. — They  seem  to  have  been 
elective,  and  to  have  reigned  in  succession  over  the  whole 
country. 

V.  40.  ZJufres.)  These  were  either  eminent  leaders  un- 
der the  kings  before  mentioned ; or,  as  some  suppose,  they 
succeeded  them  in  authority,  by  a revolution  in  the  form  of 
government.  It  has  been  thought  that  some  part  of  this 
chapter  was  written  after  the  death  of  Moses,  or  added  from 
the  first  chapter  of  Chronicles  ; and  perhaps  it  was : but  all 
VOL.  I.— 1 1 


B.  C.  1500. 

25  And  the  children  of  Anah  were  these : Di- 
shon, and  Aholibamah,  the  daughter  of ‘Anah. 

26  And  these  are  the  children  of  Dishon  ; "Hem- 
dan,  and  Eshban,  and  Ithran,  and  Cheran. 

27  The  children  of  vEzer  are  these  ; Bilhan,  and 
Zaavan,  and  xAchan. 

28  The  children  of  Dishan  are  these  ; *U/,,an(l 
Aran. 

29  These  are  the  dukes  that  came  of  the  r u e. 
Horites ; ‘duke  Lotan,  duke  Shobal,  duke  *- im 
Zibeon,  duke  Anah, 

30  Duke  Dishon,  duke  Ezer,  duke  Dishan : 
these  are  the  dukes  that  came  of  Hori,  among: 
their  dukes  in  the  land  of  Seir. 

31  If  And  these  are  “the  kings  that  reigned  in 
the  land  of  Edom,  before  there  reigned  any  king 
over  the  children  of  Israel 

32  And  Bela  the  son  of  Beor  reigned  in  Edom, 
and  the  name  of  his  city  was  Dinhabah. 

33  And  Bela  died,  and  Jobab  the  son  of  Zerah 
of  bBozrah  reigned  in  his  stead. 

34  And  Jobab  died,  and  Husham  of  the  land  of 
"Temani  reigned  in  his  stead. 

35  And  Husham  died,  and  Hadad  the  son  of 
Bedad,  who  smote  Midian  in  the  field  of  Moab, 
reigned  in  his  stead  : and  the  name  of  his  city  was 
Avith. 

36  And  Hadad  died,  and  Sarnlah  of  Masrekah 
reigned  in  his  stead. 

37  And  Sarnlah  died,  and  Saul  of  ‘‘Rehoboth  hy 
the  river  reigned  in  his  stead. 

38  And  Saul  died,  and  Baal-hanan  the  son  of 
Achbor  reigned  in  his  stead. 

39  And  Baal-hanan  the  son  of  Achbor  died,  and 
'Hadar  reigned  in  his  stead  : and  the  name  of  his 
city  was  Pau  ; and  his  wife’s  name  was  Mehetabel, 
the  daughter  of  Matred,  the  daughter  of  Mezahab. 

40  IT  And  these  are  the  names  of  the  rn.  c 
‘dukes  that  came  of  Esau,  according  to  their  L 15°o- 
families,  after  their  places,  by  their  names ; duke 
Timnah,  duke  ‘Alvah,  duke  Jetheth, 

41  Duke  Aholibamah,  duke  Elah,  duke  Pinon, 

42  Duke  Kenaz,  duke  Teman,  duke  Mibzar, 

43  Duke  Magdiel,  duke  Irani : these  he  nhe 
dukes  of  Edom  according  to  their  habitations,  in 
the  land  of  their  possession : he  is  Esau  the  father 
oftthe  Edomites. 


Amrnm.  v 21.  1 Chr.  1:38.  x 1 Chr.  1:42.  Jakan.  y Job  1:1.  Jer.  25:20.  Lam. 
4:21.  7.20.  1 Chr.  1:38.  a 17:6,16  . 25:23.  Num.  20:14.  24:17,18.  Deut.  17:14— 
20.  33:5.  1 Chr.  1:43-50.  b Is.  34:6.  63:1 . Jer.  49:13,22.  Mic.  2:12.  c See  on 
15.  Job  2:11.  Jer.  49:7.  d 10:11.  1 Chr.  1:48.  el  Chr.  1:50.  Hadad.  Pai. 
I See  on  15:16.  1 Chr.  1:51—54.  f 1 Chr.  1:51.  Aliah.  g Ex.  15:15.  Num.  20: 
14.  X Heb.  Edom. 


these  events  might  very  well  take  place  w hile  Israel  was  in 
Egypt  and  in  the  wilderness.  (Ex.  15:15.)  Eight  succes- 
sions are  mentioned  ; but  it  is  uncertain  when  the  period 
began,  or  how  long  it  continued. — Moses  had  before  recorded 
the  prediction,  that  kings  should  descend  from  Jacob ; but 
these  kings  reigned  before  that  prophecy  began  to  be  fulfilled. 
( Marg . Ref.  on  31.) 

V.  43.  Their  possession.]  The  descendants  of  Esau 
were  settled  in  possession  of  the  land  of  Seir;  while  Israel 
had  his  inheritance  only  in  reversion. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

This  chapter  seems  intended  to  evince  the  faithfulness  or 
God  in  performing  his  promise  to  Abraham,  “Nations  shall 
come  of  thee and  to  show  the  accomplishment  of  his  pro- 
phetical information  to  Rebekah,  “ Two  nations  are  in  thy 
womb;”  and  of  the  blessing  pronounced  on  Esau,  “By  thy 
sword  shalt  thou  live.”  It  might  also  be  in  many  w ays  useful 
to  the  children  of  Israel.  Yet  it  contains  mere  registers, 
and  is  very  different  from  tl.e  particular  history  of  the  heirs 
of  promise;  who  have  the  best  place  and  the  highest  charac- 
ter in  the  book  of  God,  though  not  in  many  other  books. — 
However  men  may  struggle  against  the  purpose  of  God,  his 
counsel  will  stand  ; they  will  finally  be  compelled  to  give  place 
to  it,  and  he  hath  many  ways  of  inducing  them  to  do  so.  He 
often  gives  ungodly  people  a large  portion  of  this  world  ; and 
satisfied  with  it,  they  leave  others  to  nossess  and  enjoy 
spiritual  blessings  unenvied  and  unmolested.  This  is  Esau  : 
still  the  profane  despiser  of  heavenly  things,  as  when  he  sold 
his  birthright ; though  not  the  same  malicious  persecutor,  as 
when  he  vowed  Jacob’s  destruction. — Yet  persons  of  his 
character  look  great,  become  dukes  and  princes,  and  are 
envied  and  courted ; while  the  “ Israel  of  God”  are  poor 
obscure,  and  despised  ! But  soon  the  slate  of  things  will  be 
reversed:  the  vvicked  shall  be  cut  down,  and  wilher  as  the 
grass:  while  “ihe  righteous  shall  flourish  as  the  cedar  inLi- 
banus  •”  anJ  having  their  good  things,  when  those  of  the  sin- 
( 81  ) 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 


B.  C.  1729. 


GENESIS 


B.  C.  1 729. 


CHA'i'TER  XXXVII. 

Joseph  it  loved  by  Jacob , but  baled  by  bin  brethren,  1 — 4.  Hit  dreamt  and  the 
interpretation,  5— 11 . Jacob  sends  him  to  hit  brethren,  who  counsel  to  tiny 
him,  12 — 20.  At  Reuben's  desire  they  cast  him  into  a pit,  21 — 24  : and  after- 
ward tell  him  to  the  Ithmaelitet ; while  Reuben  grieves  at  not  finding  him, 
25—30.  Hie  coat,  covered  with  blood,  is  sent  to  Jacob,  w'’n  mourn \ inordi- 
nately, 31 — 35.  Joseph  is  brought  to  Egypt,  and  told  to  Potiphar,  3G. 

AND  Jacob  dwelt  in  the  land  ‘wherein  his  fa- 
ther was  a stranger,  in  the  land  of  Canaan. 

2  These  are  “the  generations  of  Jacob : Joseph 
being  seventeen  years  old,  was  feeding  the  flock 
with  his  brethren,  and  the  lad  was  with  the  sons 
of  Bilhah,  and  with  the  sons  of  Zilpah,  his  father’s 
‘‘wives : and  Joseph  brought  unto  his  father  their 
'evil  report. 

3  Now  Israel  loved  Joseph  more  than  all  his 
children,  h cause  he  was  the  dson  of  his  old  age : 
and  he  made  him  ca  coat  of  many  ‘colours. 

4  And  when  his  brethren  saw  that  their  father 
loved  him  more  than  all  his  brethren,  they  f hated 
him,  and  could  not  speak  peaceably  unto  him. 

5  And  Joseph  ^dreamed  a dream : and  he  told 
it  his  brethren : and  they  hated  him  yet  the 
more. 

6  And  he  said  unto  them,  hHear,  I pray  you, 
this  dream  which  I have  dreamed. 

7  For  behold,  we  were  binding  sheaves  in  the 
field,  and  lo,  my  sheaf  arose,  and  also  stood  up- 
right; and  behold,  ‘your  sheaves  stood  round 
about,  and  made  obeisance  to  my  sheaf. 

8  And  his  brethren  said  unto  him,  ‘Shalt  thou 
indeed  reign  over  us  ? or  shalt  thou  indeed  have 
dominion  over  us  ? and  they  hated  him  yet  the 
more  for  his  dreams,  and  for  his  words. 

9  And  he  dreamed  yet  kanother  dream,  and  told 
it  his  brethren,  and  said,  Behold,  I have  dreamed 

• Heb.  of  his  father's  soioumings.  17:8.  23:4.  28:4.  36:7.  Heb.  11:9 — 16.  a 2: 
4.5:1.6:9.10:1.  b 30:4,9.  35:22.  c 1 Sam.  2:22— 24.  1 Cor.  1:11.  5:1.  11:18. 
d 44:20.  e 23,32.  Judg.  5:30.  2 Sam.  13:18.  Ps.  45:13,14.  Ez.  16:16.  ^Or, pie- 
ces. f 11,18—20.  4:5.  27:41.  49:23.  1 Sam.  16:12,13.  17:28.  John  7:3— 5.  g9. 
28:12.  40:5.  41:1.  42:9.  Num.  12:6.  1 Kings  3:5.  1.44:18.  Judg.  9:7.  i 42:6,9. 
43:26.44:14.  ) 4.  Ex.  2:14.  1 Sam.  10:27.  Ps.  2:3— 6.  118:22.  Luke  19:14.  2J: 
17.  Acts  4:27,28.  7:35.  k 41:26,32.  1 10.43:28.46:29.47:12.  50:15—21.  Acts 
7:9—14.  m 27:29.  Is.  60:14.  Phil.  2:10,11.  n Is.  26:11.  Matt.  27:18.  Mark  15: 


ner  are  spent  and  gone,  they  shall  have  them  durably,  yea 
eternally.  Let  us  then  seek  an  interest  in  these  blessings ; 
and  not  covet,  envy,  or  glory  in  those  fading  distinctions  which 
are  so  often  lavished  upon  the  enemies  of  God,  and  “ the 
vessels  of  wrath  fitted  for  destruction.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXVII.  V.  1.  Jacob  continued 
to  dwell  in  Canaan,  “ the  land  of  his  father’s  sojournings,” 
( marg .)  after  Esau  had  got  possessions  and  exercised  lord- 
ship  in  Seir.  (Notes,  24:2 — 9.  Heb.  11:13 — 16.) 

V.  2.  By  “ the  generations  of  Jacob,”  we  may  under- 
stand the  history  of  him  and  of  his  family.  (35:23 — 26.)  The 
inspired  writer  had  done  with  Esau,  except  as  he  came  in 
his  way  when  treating  of  the  affairs  of  Israel:  he  had  joined 
himself  to  the  heathen;  let  him  be  numbered  among  them: 
but  of  Jacob  and  the  chosen  seed,  Moses  had  much  to  re- 
cord.— Joseph,  though  greatly  beloved,  was’  not  trained  up 
delicately  and  in  sloth,  but  inured  to  labour.  Though  but  a 
lad,  he  accompanied  the  sons  of  Bilhah  and  Zilpah,  parti- 
cularly assisting  them  in  their  pastoral  employments.  Per- 
haps his  father  thought,  that  the  sons  of  Bilhah,  his  mother’s 
handmaid,  would  favour  him ; and  that  those  of  Zilpah  would 
be  less  disposed  to  emulation  against  him,  than  the  sons  of 
Leah.  But  he  witnessed’ their  ill  behaviour,  and  brought  to 
his  father  their  evil  teport,  in  order  that  the  crimes  which  he 
could  not  prevent,  might  be  reproved  and  repressed  by  Ja- 
cob’s authority. 

V.  3.  Jacob  had  no  son  by  his  beloved  Rachel,  till  about 
seven  years  after  his  marriage,  when  he  was  far  advanced 
in  years.  Benjamin  was,  in  the  more  strict  sense,  “ the  son 
of  his  old  age  but  he  was  at  the  same  time  very  young. — His 

other  sons  had  in  many  things  grieved  and  disgraced  him : 
but  Joseph  eems  to  have  given  early  indications  of  that  wis- 
dom and  piety,  which  adorned  his  maturer  age.  He  was 
therefore  the  chief  earthly  comfort  Jacob  enjoyed  after 
Rachel’s  death ; and,  in  token  of  special  affection,  he  clothed 
him  in  “ a coat  of  colours,”  or  “ of  pieces for  there  is  no- 
thing for  many  in  the  original. — However  this  may  be  under- 
stood, it  is  evident  that  the  garment  was  deemed  superior  to  the 
clothing  worn  by  the  others;  but  this  distinction  between  him 
and  his  brothers  seems  to  have  been  invidious  and  injudicious. 

V.  4.  The  preference  manifested  to  Joseph  excited  the 
envy  of  his  brethren ; and  the  ground  of  that  preference,  even 
his  wisdom  and  piety,  called  forth  their  enmi’y.  Conscious 
of  his  superior  excellency,  and  hating  him  for  it,  they  consi- 
dered Ta  cob’s  approbation  of  his  conduct  as  a reproach  of 
then*  : all  which  was  augmented  by  bis  repor'ing  their  evil 
deeds.— In  this  Joseph  was  a type  of  Christ,  the  Beloved  of 
the  Father,  who  was  on  'hat  account  etr  ied  and  hated  by 
tb.e  Jews  and  by  the  world  ; not  only  nrtnnthstn.n^intS  his  ex- 
cellency , b it  for  it,  as  it  rep- -.ached  and  exposed  their  hy- 
( 02  ) 


a dream  more ; and  behold,  'the  sun  and  the  moon, 
and  the  eleven  stars  made  obeisance  to  me. 

10  And  he  told  it  to  his  father,  and  to  his  bre- 
thren ; and  his  lather  rebuked  him,  and  said  unto 
him,  What  is  this  dream  thou  hast  dreamed? 
""Shall  I and  thy  mother  and  thy  brethren  indeed 
come  to  how  down  ourselves  to  thee,  to  the  earth  ? 

1 1 And  his  brethren  "envied  him : but  his  fa- 
ther 'observed  the  saying. 

12  U And  his  brethren  went  to  feed  their  father’s 
flock  Pin  Shechem. 

13  And  Israel  said  unto  Joseph,  Do  not  thy 
brethren  feed  the  flock  in  Shechem  ? ‘Come,  and  I 
will  send  thee  unto  them.  And  he  said  unto  him, 
’Here  am  I. 

14  And  he  said  to  him,  Go,  I pray  thee,  ‘see 
whether  it  be  well  with  thy  brethren,  and  well 
with  the  flocks  ; and  bring:  me  word  again.  So  he 
sent  him  out  of  the  vale  of  "Hebron,  and  he  came 
to  Shechem. 

15  And  a certain  man  found  him,  and  behold, 
'he  vfhs  wandering  in  the  field : and  the  man  asked 
him,  saying,  “What  seekest  thou  ? 

16  And  ne  said,  I seek  my  brethren:  ’’tell  me, I 
pray  thee,  where  they  feed  their  flocks. 

17  And  the  man  said,  Tney  are  departed  hence : 
for  I heard  them  say,  Let  us  go  to  >'Dothan.  And 
Joseph  went  after  his  brethren  and  found  them  in 
Dothan. 

18  And  when  they  saw  him  afar  offl  even  before 
he  came  near  unto  them,  they  ’conspired  against 
him  to  slay  him. 

19  And  they  said  one  to  another,  Behold,  this 
^dreamer  cometh. 


10.  Acts  7:9.  o Dan.  7:28.  Luke  2:19,51.  p 1.  33:18.  34:25—31.  q 1 Sam.  17: 
17— 20.  Malt.  10:16.  Luke  20:13.  r22:l.  27:1,18.  1 Sam.  3:1,5.6,8,16.  } Htb. 
see  the  peace  of  thy  brethren,  ((c.  1 Sam.  17:17,18.  Jet.  29:7.  Luke  19:42.  s23: 
2.  35:27.  Num.  13:22.  Josh.  14:13,15.  1 21:14.  u Judg.  4:22.  John  1:38.  4:27. 
18:4,7.20:15.  x Cant.  1:7.  v2Kings6:13.  z 1 Sam.  19:1.  Ps.  31:13.  37:12, 
32.  94:21.  Matt.  21:38.  27:1.  Mark  12:7.  14:1.  Luke  20:14,15.  John  11:53.  Acta 
23:12.  § Heb.  master  of  dreams. 


procrisy  and  wickedness ; and  because  he  also  “teslified  of 
them,  that  their  works  were  evil.”  (John  7:7.)  This  was 
the  effect  of  the  old  enmity  put  between  “ the  Seed  of  the 
woman  and  the  seed  of  the  serpent.” 

V.  5.  God,  by  supernatural  dreams,  gave  Joseph  a pre- 
intimation of  his  future  greatness,  to  prepare  him  for  his  pre- 
vious trials,  and  to  support  him  under  them. — Mr.  Henry 
observes,  1 that  he  dreamed  of  his  preferment,  but  not  of 
his  imprisonment ; as  young  people  are  apt  to  dream  of  pros- 
perity, but  think  nothing  of  affliction  !’ 

V.  6 — 9.  Some  expositors  consider  Joseph  as  faulty  in 
disclosing  his  dreams,  but  probably  he  was  led  by  a divine 
impulse  on  his  mind  to  do  so!  It  was  on  many  accounts  pro- 
per they  should  be  known,  though  otherwise  it  would  have 
been  impolitic  for  him  to  declare  them.  His  brethren  rightly 
interpreted  the  dream,  though  they  abhorred  the  interpreta- 
tion ; and  while  in  endeavouring  to  defeat  it  they  spared  no 
pains,  and  ventured  upon  the  most  atrocious  crimes,  they 
were  themselves  the  instruments  of  its  accomplishment. — 
Thus  the  Jews  understood  Christ’s  parables,  and  the  intima- 
tions he  gave  of  his  kingdom  ; but,  determining  that  he  should 
not  reign  over  them,  they  consulted  to  put  him  to  death,  anil 
by  his  crucifixion  they  actually  made  way  for  that  exaltation, 
which  they  intended  to  prevent. — ‘ Their  hatred’  (that  of 
Joseph’s  brethren  towards  him)  ‘had  originated  in  religion: 
and  the  thought  of  God  having  determined  to  honour  him, 
provoked  them  the  more.  Such  were  the  operations  of  ma- 
lice in  Cain  towards  Abel,  in  Esau  towards  Jacob,  in  Saul 
towards  David,  antf  in  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees  toward? 
the  Lord  of  glory.’  Fuller. 

V.  10,  11.  Perhaps  Jacob  meant  to  abate  the  indignation 
of  his  other  sons  by  rebuking  Joseph  ; yet  it  is  evident  that 
he  thought,  there  was  something  supernatural  in  the  dream. — 
Rachel,  the  mother  of  Joseph,  was  dead  ; hut  it  is  probable 
that  Leah  was  still  alive:  the  expression  may,  however,  only 
mean  the  whole  family,  with  peculiar  reference  to  tho  num- 
ber of  his  brethren. 

V.  12—14.  Shechem  was  at  least  forty  miles  northward 
from  Hebron,  where  Jacob  then  resided.  Dothan  was  about 
eight  miles  further,  (17,) — Jacob  had  bought  a piece  of  land 
there:  hut  it  is  probable  that  his  sons  went  thither,  for  the 
sake  of  better  pasture  for  their  numerous  flocks,  than  could 
be  found  in  the  region  about  Hebron.  After  the  wickedness 
which  they  had  perpetrated  on  the  Shechemites,  it  is  more 
wonderful  that  they  should  venture  thither,  than  that  Jacob 
should  he  anxious  for  their  safety.  Had  lie  suspected  their 
malignant  enmity  against  Joseph,  lie  would  not  have  thus 
exposed  hi;;  favourite  son ; but  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  in  it. 

V.  15.  lirandering.]  Either  having  lost  his  way  or  tra- 
versing the  country  m search  ufliiv  brethren 


B.  C.  1729. 


CHAPTER  XXXVII 


B.  C.  1729 


20  Come  now  therefore,  "and  let  us  slay  him,  and 
cast  him  into  some  pit : and  we  will  say,  Some  evil 
beast  hath  devoured  him : band  we  shall  see  what 
will  become  of  his  dreams. 

21  And  ‘Reuben  heard  it,  and  he  delivered  him 
out  of  their  hands;  and  said,  Let  us  not  kill  him. 

22  And  Reuben  said  unto  them,  Shed  no  blood, 
but  cast  him  into  this  pit  that  is  in  the  wilderness, 
and  lay  no  hand  upon  him ; that  he  might  rid  him 
out  of  their  hands,  to  deliver  him  to  his  father 
again. 

23  And  it  came  to  pass  when  Joseph  was  come 
unto  his  brethren,  that  they  dstript  Joseph  out  of 
his  coat,  his  coat  of  many  'colours  that  was  on  him. 

24  And  they  took  him,  and  cast  him  into  a pit: 
and  'the  pit  roas  empty,  there  was  no  water  in  it. 

25  And  'they  sat  down  to  eat  bread:  and  they 
lifted  up  their  eyes  and  looked,  and  behold,  a com- 
pany ot  ^Ishmaelites  came  from  hGilead,  with  their 
camels  bearing  spicery,  and  balm,  and  myrrh,  going 
to  carry  it  down  to  Egypt. 

26  And  Judah  said  unto  his  brethren,  ‘What 
profit  is  it  if  we  slay  our  brother,  and  kconceal  his 
blood  ? 

27  Come,  and  let  us  'sell  him  to  the  Ishmaelites, 

and  mlet  not  our  hand  be  upon  him ; for  he  is  "our 
brother,  and  our  flesh : and  his  brethren.! were  con- 
tent. • 

28  Then  there  passed  °hy  Midianites,  merchant- 

i Pa. 64:5.  Prov.  1:U,,16.  6:17.  27:4.  b 1 Sam. 24:20  . 26:2.  Matt.  2:2— 16.  27: 
40— 42.  Mark  15:29— 32.  John  12:10,11.  Acta  4:16— 18.  c 35:22.  42:22.  <13,32, 
33.  Matt. 27:28.  * Or, pieces.  3.  marg.  e Pa.  40:2.  88:6,8.  130:1,2.  Jer.  38:6. 
Lam.  3:52— 55.  Zech.  9:11.  f Esth.  3:15.  Amos  6:6.  g28,35.  16:11,12.25:1—4, 
16— 18.  Ps.  83:6.  h 43:11.  Jer.  8:22.  i 25:32.  Pa.  30:9.  Jer.  41:8.  Rom.  6:21. 
k 4:10.  Job  16:18.  E*.  24:7.  1 Ex/21: 16.  Neh.  5:8.  Matt.  26:15.  1 Tim.  1:10. 
Rev.  18:13.  m 1 Sam.  18:17.  2 Sam.  11:14—17.  12:9.  n 29:14.  42:21.  f Heh. 
hearkened,  o 25.  Num.  25:15,17.  31:2.  Judg.  6:1— 3.  Ps.  83:9.  p 45:4,5.  Pa. 
105:17.  Zech.  11:12,13.  Matt.  27:9.  Acta  7:9.  q 34  . 44:13.  Num.  14:6.  Judg. 


V.  19,  20.  These  unnatural  children  had  no  more  com- 
passion for  their  father  than  for  Joseph ; nay,  perhaps  they 
secretly  enjoyed  the  pleasure  of  disappointing  and  grieving 
him.  Their  proposal  showed  how  desperate  their  enmity 
was  ; and  the  sarcasm  concerning  Joseph’s  dreams,  intimated 
at  least  some  misgivings,  that  they  were  divine  presages  of 
his  future  pre-eminence. — ‘ Let  us  kill  him,’  say  they,  ‘ and 
then  he  cannot  rule  over  us.’  (Marg.  Ref.) — Their  dia- 
bolical malignity  rendered  them  prompt  to  invent  a subtle 
plan  of  concealment.  None,  I think,  after  consulting  the 
marginal  references,  can  douht,  that  Joseph  was,  in  the 
strictest  sense,  a type  of  Christ.  And  the  conduct  of  his 
brethren,  on  this  occasion,  calls  to  our  recollection  those  of 
whom  Christ  said,  “ Now  have  they  both  seen  and  hated 
both  me  and  my  Father.”  John  15:24. 

V.  21.  Reuben  had  been  guilty  of  “such  fornication,  as 
is  not  so  much  as  named  among  the  Gentiles  yet  here  he 
opposed  the  wickedness  of  his  brethren,  of  another  kind ! 
Human  depravity  runs  in  different  channels;  some  are  more 
prone  to  one  sin,  some  to  another. 

V.  22.  Reuben  spake  as  if  he  meant,  that  Joseph  should 
be  left  to  starve  in  the  pit ; but  he  purposed  to  restore  him 
to  his  father,  hoping  probably  by  that  service  to  recover  his 
favour : and  though  his  purpose  was  disappointed,  yet  God 
by  his  means  preserved  the  life  of  Joseph,  on  which  conse- 
quences infinitely  important  depended. — Thus  Joseph,  mur- 
dered in  the  intention  of  his  brethren,  and,  as  it  were,  buried 
in  the  pit,  yet  preserved  in  order  to  his  exaltation,  was  a type 
of  Christ  crucified,  buried,  risen,  and  glorified. 

V.  25.  The  descendants  of  Ishmael,  Midian,  Medan,  and 
the  other  sons  of  Abraham  by  Keturah,  (who  were  grown 
into  a multitude,  while  the  descendants  of  the  promised  Isaac 
were  few  in  number,)  uniting  together,  engaged  in  this  traffic. 

V.  26.  What  profit'!  &c.]  Judah  seems  to  have  been 
naturally  prone  to  covetousness,  as  Judas  afterwards  was ; 
one  great  objection  with  him  to  killing  Joseph  was,  that  they 
should  get  nothing  by  it.  The  word  rendered  profit  is  almost 
always  used  in  a bad  sense. 

V.  28.  Sold  Joseph .]  Thus  Christ  was  sold  for  thirty 
pieces  of  silver,  and  by  a Judas  or  Judah  ; one  of  the  same 
name  as  his  who  proposed  the  sale  of  Joseph. 

V.  29,  30.  Reuben  seems  to  have  been  sincerely  grieved 
when  he  missed  his  brother,  no  doubt  suspecting  that  some 
violence  had  been  done  to  him  ; and  he  might  also  dread  his 
father’s  displeasure  against  himself,  as  his  eldest  son,  who 
ought  especially  to  have  protected  his  beloved  Joseph.  But 
though  he  was  absent  when  th'e  plan  of  selling  him  had  been 
proposed,  agreed  upon,  and  executed  ; yet  he  never  disclosed 
this  circumstance  to  his  father ; for  fear,  perhaps,  of  drawing 
down  the  resentment  of  the  rest  upon  himself.  Whether  he 
was  informed  of  the  transaction  or  not,  he  concurred  in  the 
plan  of  imposing  on  Jacob. 

V.  32.  Thy  sons  coat.]  Not  our  brother's  coat , nor  Jo- 
seph's, but  “thy  son’s;”.  as  if,  even  in  this  cruel  imposition, 
tney  would  reproach  their  father  for  his  partiality  to  Joseph, 


men ; and  they  drew  and  lifted  up  Joseph  out  of 
the  pit,  and  fsold  Joseph  to  the  Ishmaelites  for 
twenty  pieces  of  silver:  and  they  brought  Joseph 
into  Egypt. 

29  And  Reuben  returned  unto  the  pit;  and  behold 
Joseph  was  not  in  the  pit ; and  ^he  rent  his  clothes 

30  And  he  returned  unto  his  brethren,  and  said 
rThe  child  is  not;  and  I,  whither  shall  I go? 

[ Practical  Observations .] 

31  H And  they  took  'Joseph’s  coat  and  killed  a 
kid  of  the  goats,  and  dipped  the  coat  in  the  blood. 

32  And  they  sent  the  coat  of  many  colours,  and 
they  brought  it  to  their  father;  and  said,  This 
have  we  found ; know  now  whether  it  be  'thy  son’s 
coat  or  no. 

33  And  he  knew  it,  and  said,  It  is  my  son’s  coat ; 
an  “evil  beast  hath  devoured  him : Joseph  is  with- 
out doubt  rent  in  pieces. 

34  And  Jacob  'rent  Iris  clothes,  and  put  sack- 
cloth upon  his  loins,  and  mourned  for  his  son  many 
days. 

35  And  all  his  sons  and  all  his  daughters  xrose 
up  to  comfort  him ; but  he  refused  to  be  comforted ; 
and  he  said,  ?For  I will  go  down  into  the  grave 
unto  my  son,  mourning.  Thus  his  father  wept  for 
him. 

36  And  'the  Midianites  sold  him  into  Egypt  unto 
Potiphar,  an  ^officer  of  Pharaoh’s,  £nd  ^captain  of 
the  guard. 


11:35.  Job  1:20.  Joel  2:13.  Ads  14:14.  r 42:13,32,36.  Jer.  31:15.  s3;23.  I 3. 
44:20— 23.  Luke  15:30.  u 44:28.  v 20.  Josh.  7:6.  2 Sam.  1:11.  3:31 . lKines20: 
31.  21:27.  IChr.  21:16.  Ezra  9:3—5.  Neh.  9:1.  E»th.4:l— 3.  Job  1:20.  2:12.  Ps. 
69:11.  Is. 22:12,13.  36:22.  37:1,2.  Jer.  36:24.  Joel  2:13.  Jonah  3:5-8.  Mall.  11: 
21.26:65.  Acts  14:14.  Rer.  11:3.  x 2 Sam.  12:17.  Job  2:11.  Ps.  77:2.  Jer.  31 : 15 
y 42:3d.  44:29 — 31 . 45:28.  i 28.  39:1.  J Heb.  eunuch,  chambtrlain,  or  cour  ter. 
Esth.  1:10.  § Or,  chie  f marshal.  Heb.  chief  of  the  slaughtermen , or,  execu- 
tioners. 40:4.  2 Kings  25:8.  marg. 


and  almost  insinuate  that  he  alone  was  considered  as  a 
son ! 

V.  34.  Rent  his  clothes,  &c.J  These  were,  in  the  earliest 
ages,  the  customary  indications  of  great  sorrow  ; and 
they  seem  also  to  have  implied  abhorrence  of  sin,  and  humi- 
liation before  God  on  account  of  it,  as  the  cause  of  affliction 
— This  is  the  first  instance  recorded  in  Scripture  of  wearing 
sackcloth  ; as  that  of  Reuben  (29)  is  of  rending  the  clothes. 
(Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  35.  Daughters .]  NoConly  Dinah,  but  his  son’s  wives, 
for  many  of  them  were  at  that  time  married,)  joined  in  en- 
eavouring  to  comfort  Jacob. — His  sons  too  seem  to  have 
rather  relented,  when  they  witnessed  his  excessive  sorrow  : 
yet  not  so  far  as  to  confess  their  evil  deeds  ; though  Jacob’s 
grief  might  have  been  thus  abated,  and  probable  measures 
taken  for  recovering  Joseph. — The  word  translated  the  grave, 
is  rendered  elsewhere  hell ; and  means  the  unseen  state,  either 
of  the  body  in  the  grave,  or  of  the  soul  in  the  world  of  departed 
spirits.  (Notes,  Ps.  16:10.  Acts  2:25—32.) — Joseph  was 
not  supposed  to  be  buried  in  the  grave;  but  Jacob  expected 
to  meet  him  in  another  world.  Yet  he  wept  for  him  immo- 
derately, and  without  proper  resignation  to  the  will  of  God. 

V.  36.  The  word  in  this  place  signifies  Medanites,  rather 
than  Midianites.  (25:2.) — Pharaoh  was  the  common  name 
of  the  kings  of  Egypt.  (12:15— 20.)— Potiphar  seems  to-have 
been,  according  to  our  translation,  captain  of  the  guard  to 
Pharaoh  ; and,  in  that  capacity,  to  have  had  the  charge  of 
the  state-prisoners,  and  to  have  superintended  the  execution 
of  criminals.  (Marg.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 30.  They  who  hate  to  be  reformed,  hate  also  to  be 
reproved,  and  are  offended  with  those  who  expose  them  to 
reproof : and  though  it  is  often  of  important  advantage  to 
disclose  the  secret  crimes  which  men  commit  to  such  as  are 
authorized  to  restrain  them;  yet  nothing  requires  more  pru- 
dence and  candour.  It  should  never  be  done  out  of  resent- 
ment, or  without  urgent  occasion,  but  always  from  hatred  of 
the  sin  and  love  to  the  sinner,  and  with  reluctance,  as  expect- 
ing nothing  but  unpleasant  consequences  to  ourselves.— In  the 
present  state  of  tilings,  there  will  frequently  he  contentions 
among  brethren,  especially  those  of  opposite  characters  ; and 
while  parents  ought  to  manifest  a preference  of  such  as 
behave  with  the  greatest  piety  and  prudence,  even  this  will 
excite  the  enmity  and  envy  of  those  who  are  proud  and  on- 
godly.  Great  care  should  therefore  be  taken  not  to  inflame 
these  malignant  passions  by  useless  and  invidious  distinc- 
tions ; and  that  wisdom  which  is  from  above  is  greatly  wanted 
to  avoid  sowing  those  seeds  of  discord,  that  will  not  speedi.y 
be  eradicated.  For  when  once  malice  and  envy  have  got 
possession  of  the  heart,  every  circumstance  inflar  u 6 them 
love  shown  to  the  person  envied  is  considered  as  hatred  to  ’he 
envious  man ; and  commendation  and  kindness  bestowed 
on  the  one,  seem  to  be  reproaching  and  injuring  the  other- 
yea,  the  very  excellency  of  a person’s  character  and  conduct 
makes  him  appear  the  more  odious,  ii:  the  distempered  judg- 

l S3  ) 


B.  C.  1717. 


GENESIS. 


B.  C.  17’ . 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

Judah' 8 marriage  and  children , 1 — 5.  His  eon  Er's  marriage  and  death , 6,  7. 
Onan  marries  hie  brother' e widow;  is  cut  off  for  his  sin  ; and  Tamar  his 
widow  is  r>  served  for  Shelah , 8—11.  Judah's  wife  dies  ; he  is  deceived  by 
Tamar  and  commits  incest  with  her  ; his  crime  is  detected,  and  Tamar  bears 
to  him  Pharez  and  Zarah,  12 — 30. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  at  that  time,  that  Judah 
went  down  from  his  brethren,  and  “turned  in 
to  a certain  bAdullamite,  whose  name  was  Hirah. 

2  And  Judah  csaw  there  a daughter  of  a certain 
Canaanite,  whose  name  was  dShuah:  and  he  took 
her  and  went  in  unto  her. 

3  And  she  conceived. and  bare  a son;  and  he 
called  his  name  eEr. 

4  And  she  conceived  again,  and  bare  a son ; and 
she  called  his  name  Onan. 

5  And  she  yet  again  conceived,  and  bare  a son ; 
and  called  his  name  f Shelah  : and  he  was  at  Che- 
zib,  when  she  bare  him. 

6  And  Judah  «took  a wife  for  Er  his  first-born, 
whose  name  was  Tamar. 

7  And  Er,  Judah’s  first-born,  was  hwicked  in 
the  sight  of  the  Lord  ; and  the  Lord  slew  him. 

8  Ami  Judah  said  unto  Onan,  'Go  in  unto  thy 

a 19:3.  Juclg.  4:18.  2 Kings 4:3.  Prov.  13:20.  b Josh.  15:35.  1 Sam.  22:1.  2 Sam. 
23:13.  Mic.  1:15.  c 3:6.  6:2.  24:3.  34:2.  Jmlg.  14:2.  16:1.  2 Sam.  11:2.  d 1 Clir. 
2:3.  Shun,  e 46:12.  Num.  26:10.  f 11,26.  1 Chr.  4:21  g 21:21.  24:3.  h 13:13. 
19:13.  2 Chr.  33:6.  1 Lev.  18:16.  Deut.  25:5— 10.  Ruth  1:11.  4:5— 11.  Malt. 


brother’s  wife,  and  marry  her,  and  raise  up  seed  to 
thy  brother. 

9 And  Onan  knew  that  the  seed  should  not  be 
his : and  it  came  to  paas,  when  he  went  in  unto  his 
brother’s  wife,  that  he  spilled  it  on  the  ground, 
Uest  that  he  should  give  seed  to  his  brother. 

10  And  the  thing  which  he  did  'displeased  the 
Lord  : wherefore  he  slew  him  also. 

11  Then  said  Judah  to  Tamar  his  daughter-in- 
law,  Remain  a widow  at  thy  father’s  house,  ktil) 
Shelah  my  son  be  grown;  (for  he  said,  Lest  per 
adventure  he  die  also  as  his  brethren  did:)  and 
Tamar  went  and  dwelt  in  her  father’s  house. 

[Practi cal  Obsr.rv ations."] 

12  ’ll  And  bn  process  of  time,  the  daughter  ot 
Shuah,  Judah’s  wife,  died : and  Judah  was  'com- 
forted, and  went  up  unto  his  “sheep-shearers  to 
Timnath,  he  and  his  friend  Hirah  the  Adullamite 

13  And  it  was  told  Tamar,  saying,  Behold,  thy 
father-in-law  goeth  up  to  "Timnath,  to  shear  his 
sheep. 

14  And  she  put  her  widow’s  garments  off  from 
her,  and  covered  her  with  a veil,  and  wrapped  her- 

22:23 — 27.  J Jam.  4:5.  * Heb.  ions  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the  LORD.  Num. 11:1. 
22:34  . 2 Sam.  11:27.  1 Chr.  21:7.  Prov. 24:18.  Ilab.  1:13.  k Ruth  1:13.  t Heb 
the  days  irrre  multiplied.  124:67.  2 Sam.  13:39.  m 31:19.  1 Sam.25:4— 8,36. 
2 Sam.  13:23 — 29.  n Josh.  15:10,57.  Timna'i.  Judg.  14:1. 


ment  of  his  conjpetitor.  These  passions,  when  matured, 
break  through  every  tie  of  nature,  every  obligation  of  duty, 
and  every  restraint  of  conscience  and  compassion : and,  if 
grafted  upon  that  enmity,  which  is  in  the  “ seed  of  the  ser- 
pent against  the  seed  of  the  woman,” — upon  religious  enmity 
and  the  spirit  of  persecution, — they  produce  the  most  atro- 
cious crimes,  committed  without  remorse  or  reluctance. — 
But  though  the  Lord  knows  that  his  favours,  and  the  honour 
which  comes  from  him,  will  excite  these  diabolical  disposi- 
tions, and  inflame  them  more  and  more  yet,  he  will  not  on 
that  account,  withhold  the  marks  of  his  approbation ; nay,  he 
will  rather  confer  them,  purposely  to  evidence  the  force  and 
tendency  of  these  base  passions,  either  for  the  sinner’s  future 
conviction  and  humiliation,  or  to  manifest  the  justice  of  his 
condemnation.  For  he  can  make  “ the  wrath  of  man  to 
praise  him,  and  the  remainder  of  it  he  will  restrain  he  can 
check  and  moderate  the  force  of  men’s  passions,  work  upon 
their  humanity  or  natural  affection,  excite  horror  or  terror 
in  their  minds,  or  even  let  loose  selfishness,  covetousness, 
or  fear  of  man  to  counteract  the  effects  of  malice  and  re- 
venge : so  that,  in  direct  opposition  to  their  own  intentions, 
his  enemies  shall  just  go  far  enough  to  accomplish  his  pur- 
poses, and  to  defeat  their  own  ; and  to  promote  the  benefit 
and  advancement  of  believers,  which  they  meant  to  hinder. — 
In  whatever  way  he  may  give  his  servants  any  previous  inti- 
mations of  future  honour  and  usefulness,  they  may  be  con- 
sidered as  equivalent  to  assurances  of  many  preparatory 
trials  : for  “ before  honour  is  humility  and  the  human  heart 
is  seldom  sufficiently  humbled,  for  suitably  filling  up  import- 
ant stations,  without  a previous  course  of  painful  discipline. 

V.  31 — 36.  Scarcely  any  thing  can  be  baser,  than  for 
children  to  insult  und  torture  the  heart  of  a parent,  whose 
chief  fault  consists  in  having  too  much  indulged  them ; yet 
in  this  common  case,  though  the  conduct  of  the  child  is  vile, 
the  appointment  of  God  is  wise  and  righteous. — The  more 
we  love  earthly  objects,  the  greater  affliction  are  we  exposed 
to  oh  their  account ; and  impatient  mourning,  when  they  are 
taken  away,  too  plainly  proves  the  excess  of  our  affection, 
and  the  need  there  was  of  the  salutary  stroke.  Yet  our  sor- 
row would  often  cease,  and  be  turned  into  joy,  if  we  knew 
all  the  truth.  We  should  therefore  endeavour,  in  the  exer- 
cise of  faith,  to  rest  satisfied,  that  though  we  know  not  now 
what  the  Lord  is  doing,  we  shall  know  and  approve  it  here- 
after; and  thus  to  find  comfort,  instead  of  rashly,  and  in 
general  falsely,  determining,  under  severe  trials,  to  go  down 
mourning  to  the  grave.  (45:28.  48:11.) — As  we  know  not 
what  we  may  come  to  before  we  die,  if  is  good  to  habituate 
ourselves  to  labour,  self-denial,  and  submission. — When  men 
are  bent  upon  wickedness,  they  will  never  want  some  strata- 
gem to  effect  it,  and  some  pretext  to  conceal  it ; yet,  how- 
ever unanimous  they  may  be  in  hiding  their  sins,  they  will  at 
last  be  discovered  to  their  confusion. — But  let  us  in  all  this 
behold  Jesus,  hated,  envied,  persecuted,  sold,  and  suffering 
for  us  • yea,  in  some  sense  by  us  ; for  we  are  like-minded  by 
nature  with  those  who  crucified  him ; and  our  sins  were  the 
real  causes  of  those  sufferings  which  made  way  for  his  me- 
diatorial exaltation.  Thus  while  we  were  enemies,  provision 
was  made  for  our  extreme  necessity,  against  the  time  when 
we  should  become  sensible  of  our  real  character  and  condi- 
tion: ami  then  we  find,  that  he  was  thus  waiting  his  opportu- 
nity cf  overcoming  evil  with  good. — While  we  receive  from 
his  fulness  daily,  let  us  not  forget  the  anguish  of  his  soul, 
when  suffering  for  our  sins  ; that  we  may  mourn  for  our 
crimes,  and  crucify  his  crucifiers ; that  we  may  love  and 
serve  him  ; and  through  envy,  reproach,  and  tribulation,  fol- 
ww  him  to  glory. 


NOTES.— Chap.  XXXVIII.  V.  1,2.  The  inspired 
historian  here  breaks  off  his  narration,  to  relate  some  other 
occurrences  which  had  taken  place  in  Jacob’s  family,  and 
were  doubtless  an  additional  cause  of  great  grief  to  the  aged 
Patriarch. — Though  Judah  and  his  brethren  so  strenuously 
opposed  the  marriage  of  Dinah  with  an  uncircumcised  per- 
son ; yet  he,  and  probably  all  the  rest,  married  the  daughters 
of  those  who  were  not  circumcised.  (Note,  34:14 — 17.) — 
The  marriages  of  Israelitish  women  with  uncircumcised  per- 
sons, were,  by  the  law,  virtually  forbidden ; for  they  were 
not  allowed  to  marry  Gentiles  who  had  not  fully  embraced 
the  religion  of  Israel ; and  who  were  consequently  uncircum- 
cised. But  if  the  daughters  of  uncircumcised  persons  were 
converted  to  the  worship  of  'he  true  God,  not  being  capable 
of  circumcision,  they  might  become  the  wives  of  Israelites, 
without  violating  any  statute  ; and  indeed  this  seems  to  have 
been  allowed  in  some  other  cases.  (Deut.  21:10 — 14.  Judg. 
14:1 — 4.  Ruth  3:9 — 13.4:  Matt.  1:5.)  It  does  not  however 
appear,  that  Judah  was  more  careful  in  this  respect,  than 
Esau  had  been.  He  must  have  been  very  young  when  he 
married,  which  probably  took  place  before  Joseph  was  sold 
into  Egypt ; yet  he  seems  to  have  acted  without  Jacob’s  con- 
sent, by  the  advice  of  his  Canaanitish  friend.  Adullam  was 
not  far  from  Ephrath,  and  it  is  generally  supposed,  to  the 
north  of  Hebron.  Probably,  Judah  at  this  time  left  his 
father’s  house  for  some  other  residence. — Shuah  was  the 
name  of  Judah’s  wife’s  father,  and  not  that  ofhis  wife,  (12.) 

V.  4,  5.  Probably  Judah  was  from  home  when  these 
two  sons  were  born,  and  so  his  wife  named  them. — Chesib  is 
supposed  to  have  been  the  same  as  Achzib.  (Josh.  15:44.) 

V.  7.  Er  was  “wicked  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord;”  but 
perhaps  not  in  the  sight  of  man,  from  whom  he  concealed 
his  crimes.  The  Lord,  however,  was  so  provoked  at  his 
secret  sins,  that  he  slew  him. — Many  premature  deaths  might 
probably  be  accounted  for  in  the  same  manner,  had  we  as  im- 
partial and  well  informed  historians  to  record  them. 

V.  8.  The  custom  of  marrying  a brother’s  widow,  when 
he  died  childless,  seems  to  have  been  traditional  before  it  be- 
came a written  law ; and  the  first-born  from  such  marriages 
was  accounted  the  child  of  the  deceased,  adopted  into  his  fa- 
mily, and  so  became  his  heir.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  9,10.  Onan’s  habitual  conduct,  (for  this  is  meant,)  was 
not  only  unnatural  and  detestable  in  itself,  but  full  of  envy 
and  malice,  and  not  . without  something  of  the  nature  of  mur- 
der in  it:  for  the  same  principle  would  have  induced  him  to 
murder  a child  born  to  him,  but  accounted  his  brother’s,  if  ho 
could  have  done  it  with  impunity.  It  implied  also  a contempt 
of  the  promise  of  a numerous  posterity,  made  to  Abraham, 
Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and  of  that  Seed  especially  in  whom  all 
nations  “should  be  blessed.” 

V.  11.  Perhaps  Judah,  being  ignorant  of  the  real  cause  of 
his  sons’  death,  attributed  it  to  some  ill  behaviour  of  Tamar, 
and  therefore  secretly  determined  not  to  marry  Shelah  to  her. 
For  the  present,  however,  he  put  the  matter  off,  by  intimat- 
ing that  his  son  was  too  young,  and  that  he  should  wait  some 
time  longer  before  he  allowed  them  to  marry. 

V.  14 — 16.  Tamar  could  not  think  this  a probable  way 
of  forwarding  her  marriage  with  Shelah  ; but  perhaps  she  con- 
cluded that  Judah  never  intended  it.  It  is  supposed,  that, 
according  to  the  custom  of  the  times,  she  was  considered  as 
Shclah’s  wife,  and  could  not  be  married  to  another  in  such 
circumstances.  Some  think,  that  she  was  ambitious  of  being 
brought  into  the  lino  of  Christ’s  ancestors,  and  of  having  eliil 
dren  by  some  of  Jacob’s  family;  and  perhaps  some  intimation 
had  been  given,  that  our  Lord  should  spring  from  Judah:  not 
expecting  therefore  to  be  married  to  Shelah,  she  saw  no  othor 


( 84  ) 


B.  C.  1716. 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII, 


B.  C.  1711- 


self,  °aml  saf  in  ’an  open  place,  which  is  by  the 
way  to  Timnath : for  she  saw  Pthat  Shelah  was 
grown,  and  she  was  not  given  unto  him  to  wife. 

15  When  Judah  saw  her,  he  thought  her  to  be 
a harlot : because  she  had  covered  her  face. 

16  And  he  turned  unto  her  by  the  way,  and  said, 
Go  to,  I pray  thee,  let  me  come  in  unto  thee,  (for 
he  knew  not  that  she  was  his  daughter-in-law :) 
and  she  said,  4 What  wilt  thou  give  me  that  thou 
mayest  come  in  unto  me? 

17  And  he  said,  rI  will  send  thee  fa  kid  from  the 
flock : And  she  said,  sWilt  thou  give  me  a pledge, 
till  thou  send  it  ? 

18  And  he  said,  What  pledge  shall  I give  thee  ? 
And  she  said,  ‘Thy  signet,  and  thy  bracelets,  and 
thy  staff' that  is  in  thine  hand  : and  he  “gave  it  her, 
and  came  in  unto  her,  and  she  conceived  by  him. 

19  And  she  arose,  and  went  away,  and  'laid  by 
her  veii  from  her,  and  put  on  the  garments  of  her 
widowhood. 

20  H And  Judah  sent  the  kid  by  the  hand  of  *his 
friend  the  Adullamite,  to  receive  his  pledge  from 
the  woman’s  hand : but  he  found  her  not. 

21  Then  he  asked  the  men  of  that  place,  saying, 
Where  is  the  harlot,  that  was  topenly  by  the  way- 
side?  And  they  said,  There  was  no  harlot  in  this 
place. 

22  And  he  returned  to  Judah,  and  said,  I cannot 
find  her ; and  also  the  men  of  the  place  said  that 
there  was  n<5  harlot  in  this  place. 

o Prov.  7:12.  Jer.  3.2.  Ez.  16:25.  * Heb.  the  door  of  eyes,  or,  of  Erwjim. 

p 11,26.  q Matt.  26:15.  1 Tim.  6:10.  r Ez.  16:33.  t Heb.  a k d of  the  goats. 
b 24,25.  I’rcv.  20:16.  Luke  16:8.  t Jer.  22:24.  Luke  15:22.  u 25,26.  Hos.4:ll. 
v 14.  2 Sam.  14:2,5.  x Judg.  14:20.  2 Sam.  13:3.  Luke  23:12.  jOr,  in  Enajim. 
14.  y Prov.  6:33.  Rom.  6:21.  2 Cor.  4:2.  Eph.5:12.  Rev.  16:15.  §Heb.  become 
a contempt.  % 34:31.  Judg.  19:2.  Jer. 2:20.  3:1, 6, 8.  Ez.  16:15,28,41.23:5,19,44. 
Hos.  2:5.  3:3.  4:15.  a Lev.  20:10.  21:9.  Deut.  22:21— 27.  2 Sum.  12:5,7.  Jer. 

way  but  the  very  criminal  one  which  she  adopted.  If  this 
was  her  motive,  though  it  by  no  means  excuses  or  palliates 
her  conduct,  she  certainly  obtained  her  end  ; for  Christ  was 
descended  from  her  by  this  very  incestuous  intercourse  ! — 
Judah  did  not  discover  that  she  was  his  daughter-in-law,  as 
she  was  veiled,  and  he  took  her  for  a harlot,  because  she  sat 
by  the  way-side. 

V.  17.  Pledge.]  ApjiaSton,  Sept,  which  is  rendered  earnest 
in  2 Cor.  1:22.  5:5.  Eph.  1:14. 

V.  18.  Signet,  bracelets,  and  staff.]  These  were  probably 
of  considerable  value,  and  would  afford  Tamar  an  opportunity 
of  exposing  Judah  ; yet  he  was  so  infatuated  as  to  intrust  them 
with  a supposed  harlot  1 

V.  21.  IVhere  is  the  harlot  ;]  By  the  answer  returned 
to  this  question,  we  learn  that  these  practices  were  neither 
so  common,  nor  so  shameless,  among  the  Canaanites,  as  they 
are  now  in  general  among  nominal  Christians. 

V.  23.  Lest  we  be  shamed.]  For  the  whoredom,  and  for 
the  folly  connected  with  it. 

V.  24.  Some  suppose  that  Judah  only  meant  to  brand 
Tamar  with  a mark  of  infamy.  If  he  meant  to  burn  her  to 
death,  though  pregnant,  it  shows,  not  only  that  he  considered 
her  as  betrothed  to  Shelah,  and  an  adulteress,  but  also  that 
he  was  actuated  by  excessive  severity,  and  dislike  to  Tamar. 
— In  those  days,  when  a general  civil  government  was  not  es- 
tablished through  the  country,  but  different  tribes  and  fami- 
lies were  ruled  by  their  several  heads,  the  injured  party,  if  a 
principal  person,  seems  to  have  been  both  accuser,  judge, 
and  frequently  the  executioner ; as  in  the  case  of  murder,  the 
nearest  relation  was  the  avenger  of  blood. 

V.  25.  He  who  had  been  the  adviser  of  the  sale  of  Joseph, 
and  of  sending  his  coat  to  Jacob,  with  this  taunting  message, 
“ Know  now  whether  this  be  thy  son’s  coat  or  no was  at 
length  taunted  in  a similar  manner,  “ Discern,  I pray  thee, 
whose  are  these  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  26.  Judah  had  intentionally  conimitted  only  fornication, 
while  Tamar  had  been  guilty  of  incest:  yet,  conscious  of  be- 
ing the  occasion  of  her  crime  by  withholding  Shelah,  and  of 
excessive  severity  in  the  harsh  sentence  which  he  had  ut- 
tered against  her,  and  perhaps  being  truly  penitent,  he  con- 
demned himself  more  than  her : “ and  he  knew  her  again  no 
injre.”  Though  he  was  yet  young,  it  does  not  appear  that 
he  married  again. — It  cannot  be  supposed,  that  Tamar  was 
after  this  married  to  Shelah;  but  probably  she  lived  the  rest 
of  her  days  in  widowhood. 

V.  27 — 30.  By  a hard  labour,  Tamar  was  corrected  for  her 
crime.  From  these  twins,  the  offspring  of  so  much  sin,  de- 
scended the  principal  part  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  from  whom 
the  whole  na'ion  are  to  this  day  called  Jews,  or  Judeans ; 
and  who  had  little  cause  to  boast  that  “ they  were  not  born 
of  fornication.” — Some  make  the  singular  circumstances  of 
this  birth  emblematical  of  the  Jews  and  Gentiles:  the  Jews, 
like  Zarah,  seemed  marked  for  priority  in  the  church  of 
Christ,  yet  they  drew  back;  and  the  Gentiles,  like  Pharez, 
have  gnr  the  birthright:  yet,  in  due  time,  the  Jews  shall 
again  find  admission,  and  share  the  same  privileges. 


23  And  Judah  said,  Let  her  take  it  to  lie;-,  -'es- 
we  Sbe  shamed : behold,  I sent  this  kid,  and  thoV 
hast  not  found  her. 

24  And  it  came  to  pass  about,  three  months  >f- 
ter,  that  it  was  told  Judah,  saying,  Tamar  thy 
daughter-in-law  hath  'played  the  harlot;  and  also 
behold,  she  is  with  child  by  whoredom : and  Judah 
said,  Bring  her  forth,  and  “let  her  be  burned. 

25  When  she  was  brought  forth,  she  sent  to  her 
father-in-law,  saying,  By  the  man  whose  these  are , 
am  I with  child  : and  she  said,  '’Discern,  I pray 
thee,  whose  are  these,  the  signet,  and  bracelets, 
and  staff. 

26  And  Judah  acknowledged  them,  and  said, 
“She  hath  been  more  righteous  than  I ; ‘'because 
that  I gave  her  not  to  Shelah  my  son ; -'and  he 
knew  her  again  no  more. 

27  U And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  time  of  her  tra- 
vail, that  behold  twins  were  in  her  womb. 

28  And  it  came  to  pass  when  she  travailed,  that* 
the  one  put  out  his  hand ; and  the  midwife  took 
and  bound  upon  his  hand  a scarlet  thread,  saying, 
This  came  out  first. 

29  And  it  came  to  pass  as  he  drew  Dack  his 
hand,  that  behold  his  brother  came  out;  and  she 
said,  “How  hast  thou  broken  forth  ? this  breach  be 
upon  thee:  therefore  fhis  name  was  called  ’’Pharez. 

30  And  afterward  came  out  his  brother,  that  had 
the  scarlet  thread  upon  his  hand;  sand  his  name 
was  called  Zarah. 


29:22,23.  Mull.  7:1—5.  Rom.  2:1, 2.  b37:32.  Ps.  50:21.  Jer.  2:26.  Bom. 2:16. 

I Cur.  4:5.  Rev.  20:12.  c 1 Sam.  21:17.  2 Sam.  24:17.  Er,.  16:52.  Bab.  1:13. 
John  8:9.  Rom.  3 19.  d 14.  e Job  31:31,32.  40:5.  Malt.  3:8.  1 Pel.  1:2.3. 

II  f)r,  Wherefore  hast  thou  made  this  breach  against  thee  ? f 46:12.  Num.  26: 
20.  1 Chr.2:4.  9:4.  Nell.  11:4,6.  Perez.  Matt.  1:3.  Luke  3:33.  Phares.  U That 
is,  a breach,  g lChr.9:6.  Zerah.  Matt.  1:3.  Zara. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 11.  What  a melancholy  view  do  these  records  give 
us  of  Jacob’s  family,  of  the  trouble  which  he  had  with  his 
children,  and  of  the  state  of  religion  in  the  visible  church  of 
God! — Is  this  “Judah,  vAom  his  brethren  shall  praise!” 
Rather  let  us  praise  God  for  his  patience  with  him;  and  that 
“ where  sin  had  abounded,  grace”  as  we  have  reason  to  con- 
clude, “ much  more  abounded”  in  his  salvation. — The  friend- 
ship of  those  who  flatter  young  persons,  and  assist  them  in 
gratifying  their  licentious  inclinations,  is  often  much  valued, 
and  their  company  courted  and  preferred  before  that  of  pious 
friends  and  relations ; but  it  corrupts  good  manners  and  prin- 
ciples, and  makes  bad  ones  worse.  Though,  all  ihings  con- 
sidered, it  is  best  for  most  men  to  marry  early  in  life ; yet 
surely  not  when  they  are  incapable  of  judging  for  themselves, 
and  will  not  be  counselled  or  directed  by  their  parents  and 
friends;  but  are  influenced  by  those  who  fear  not  God,  to 
form  connexions  with  others  of  the  same  character.  Indeed, 
parents  themselves  frequently  lead  their  children  into  the 
mistakes  and  sins,  of  which  they  themselves  have  been  guilty  ; 
and  are  instrumental  in  their  ruin,  tempora.  and  eternal. — 
The  Scriptures  sparingly  hint  at  tnose  vile  practices,  which, 
being  done  in  secret,  are  a shame  to  be  spoken  of : this  suffices 
to  show,  that  the  Lord  notices  and  abhors  them,  and  vviil 
bring  to  light  all  the  lasciviousness,  of  which  it  is  to  be  feared 
multitudes  are  guilty  in  heart  and  life,  who  stand  fair  in  the 
world’s  esteem.  Then  the  secret  history  of  every  individual, 
who  hath  not  truly  repented,  and  washed  away  his  sins  in 
the  blood  of  Christ,  will  be  written  with  an  impartial  pen,  and 
published  to  the  world  of  men  and  angels:  every  mouth  will 
be  stopped ; and  God’s  righteousness,  in  the  condemnation  of 
sinners,  manifested  to  the  whole  universe. 

V.  12 — 30.  Mirth,  festivity,  and  vain  company,  furnish 
fuel  to  licentious  inclinations,  and  opportunity  inflames  the 
heart ; then  interest,  credit,  and  conscience  are  sacrificed, 
and  the  wisest  of  men  act  as  if  bereft  of  common  sense : for 
“ wine  and  whoredom  take  away  the  heart,”  and  stupify  the 
conscience. — What  need  have  we  then  to  “watch  and  pray, 
that  we  enter  not  into  temptation  1”  Unthought-of  conse- 
quences will  soon  prove  the  folly  of  those  who  give  license 
to  their  lusts;  and  they  who  fear  shame  before  men,  more 
than  condemnation  before  God,  often  find  the  very  thing  come 
upon  them  which  they  feared,  notwithstanding  all  Iheir  care 
to  prevent  it.— Injurious  suspicions  and  unjust  treatment  fre- 
quently drive  those  to  evil  practices,  who  were  not  previously 
disposed  to  them  ; but  miserable  and  infatuated  beyond  ex- 
pression are  they,  who  barter  chastity,  reputation,  and  even 
their  souls,  for  the  paltry  reward  of  sin.  Nor  are  any  more 
hardened  against  compassion,  or  more  disposed  to  treat  others 
with  unrelenting  severity,  than  they  who  are  most  indulgent 
to  themselves,  and  heedlessly  continue  in  unrepented  wicked- 
ness : yet  it  is  hopeful,  jrhen  being  put  to  shame  before 
men  produces  conviction  of  guilt,  humiliating  confessions, 
and  renunciation  of  the  sin  thus  exposed,  never  more  to  re- 
turn to  it. — But  while  we  compassionate  pious  Jacob,  thus 
wounded  on  every  side  by  the  misconduct  of  his  family,  let 

( 35  ) 


b.  c.  i m 


GENESIS, 


B.  C.  172 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

Joseph  ia  t ought  by  Potiphar , and  preferred  in  the  family , I — 6 ; tempted  by 
hia  mia'resa , but  overcomes  the  temptation , 7 — 12  ; accused  by  her , and  im- 
prieoned  by  Potiphar , 13—20;  favoured  by  the  Lord' s presence , and  advanced 
by  the  keeper  of  the  prison,  21 — 23. 

AND  Joseph  “was  brought  down  to  Egypt:  and 
Potiphar,  an  officer  of  Pharaoh,  captain  of  the 
guard,  an  Egyptian,  bought  him  of  the  hands  of 
‘ the  Ishmaelites,  which  had  brought  him  down 
thither.  ■ 

2  And  cthe  Lord  was  with  Joseph,  and  he  was 
a prosperous  man : and  he  was  in  the  dhouse  of 
his  master  the  Egyptian. 

3  And  his  master  esaw  that  the  Lord  was  with 
him,  and  that  the  Lord  made  all  that  he  did  to 
f prosper  in  his  hand. 

4  And  Joseph  sfound  grace  in  his  sight,  and  he 
served  him : and  he  made  him  hoverseer  over  his 
house,  and  all  that  he  had  he  put  into  his  hand. 

5  And  it  came  to  pass  from  the  time  that  he 
had  made  him  overseer  in  his  house,  and  over  all 
that  he  had,  that  the  Lord  blessed  the  Egyptian’s 
house  'for  Joseph’s  sake : and  the  blessing  of  the 
Lord  was  upon  all  that  he  had,  in  the  house,  and 
in  the  field. 

6  And  lie  fie  ft  all  that  he  had  in  Joseph’s  hand ; 
and  he  knew  not  aught  he  had,  save  the  bread 
which  he  did  eat : and  Joseph  was  ka  goodly  per- 
son, and  well  favoured. 

7  I1  And  it  came  to  pass  after  these  things,  that 
his  master’s  wife  ‘cast  her  eyes  upon  Joseph ; and 
she  said,  mLie  with  me. 

8  But  he  "refused,  and  said  unto  his  master’s 
wife,  Behold,  my  master  wotteth  not  what  is  with 
me  in  the  house,  and  he  hath  committed  all  that 
he  hath  to  my  hand. 

a 37:36.  45:4.  Ps.  105:17.  Acts  7:9.  b 37:25, -28.  c 21,22.  28:15.  1 Sam.  3:19.  16: 
18.  Ps.  46:7,11.  Is.  8:9,10.  41:10.  43:2.  Jer.  15:20.  Matt.  1:23.  Acts  7:9,10.  Rom. 
8:31.  d 1 Cor. 7:20— 24.  c 21:22.  26:24,28.  30:27,37.  1 Sara.  18:14,28.  Zech.8: 
23.  Rev.  3:9.  123.  Josh.  1:7.  2 Chr.  26:5.  Neh.  2:20.  Ps.  1:3.  1 Cor.  16:2.  g21. 
13:3.  19:19.  32:5.  33:8,10.  Neh.  2:4,5.  Prov.  16:7.  h 22.  15:2.  24:2.  41:40,41. 
Prov.  11:35.  17:2.  27:18.  Acts  20:28.  i 12:2.  19:29.  30:27.  Deut.28:3— 6.  Acts 
27:24.  j 4,8,23.  k 12:14,15.29:17.  1 Sam.  16:12.  Acts  7:20.  1 6:2.  Job  31:1. 
Pa. 119:37.  Ez.  23:5,6,12— 16.  Matt.  5:28.  2 Pet.  2:14.  1 John  2:16.  m 2 Sam. 
13:11.  Prov.  7:13.  Jer.  3:3.  n Prov.  MO.  2:10,16— 19.  6:20— 25,32,33.  7:25— 27. 

9 13— 18.  22:14.23:26—28.  oNeh.  6:11.  Luke  12:48.  1 Cor.  4:2.  Tit.  2:10.  p20: 


9 There  is  "none  greater  in  this  house  than  I : 
neither  hath  he  kept  back  any  thing  from  me,  but 
thee,  because  thou  art  his  wife : phow  then  can  I 
do  this  great  wickedness,  and  isin  against  God  ? 

10  And  it  came  to  pass  as  she  spake  to  Joseph 
day  by  day,  that  he  hearkened  not  unto  her,  to  lie 

by  her,  rOr  to  be  with  her.  [ Practical  Observation *.] 

11  U And  it  came  to  pass  about  this  time,  that 
Joseph  went  into  the  house  to  do  his  business ; and 
there  was  'none  of  the  men  of  the  house  there 
within. 

12  And  she  ‘caught  him  by  his  garment,  saying, 
Lie  with  me : "and  he  left  his  garment  in  her 
hand,  and  fled,  and  got  him  out. 

13  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  she  saw  that  he 
had  left  his  garment  in  her  hand,  and  was  fled 
forth, 

14  That  she  called  unto  the  men  of  her  house, 
and  spake  unto  them,  saying,  See,  he  hath  brought 
in  xa  Hebrew  unto  us  to  mock  us:  ftie  came  in 
unto  me  to  lie  with  me,  and  I cried  with  a ‘loud 
voice. 

1 5 And  it  came  to  pass,,  when  he  heard  that  I 
lifted  up  my  voice  and  cried,  that  he  left  liis  gar- 
ment with  me,  and  fled,  and  got  him  out. 

16  And  she  'laid  up  his  garment  by  her  until  his 
lord  came  home. 

17  And  she  spake  unto  him  according  to  these 
words,  saying,  “The  Hebrew  servant  which  thou 
hast  brought  unto  us,  came  in  unto  me  to  mock  me. 

18  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  I lifted  up  my  voice 
and  cried,  that  he  left  his  garment  with  me,  and 
fled  out. 

19  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  his  master  bheard 
the  words  of  his  wife,  which  she  spake  unto  him, 


3,6.  Lev.  20:10.  2 Sam.  11:27.  Job  31:9— 12.  Jer.  5:8,9.  1 Cor.  6:9,10.  Gal.  5:19 
—21.  Heb.  13:4.  Rev.  21:8.  22:15.  q Num.  32:23.  2 Sam.  12:13.  Neh.  5:15. 
Ps.  51:4.  Jer.  28:16.  50:7.  r Prov.  1:15.  5:8.  1 Cor.  6:18.  15:33.  1 The*.  5:22. 

2 Tim.  2:22.  1 Pet.  2:11.  ■ Job  24:15.  Jer.  23:24.  Mai.  3:5.  t lrov.  7: 13. 
Ec.  7:26.  Ez.  16:30 — 34.  u 1 Sam.  15:27.  Prov.  6:5.  Mark  14:51,52.  x 17.  10: 
21.14:13.40:15.  y Is.  51:7.  54:17.  Matt.  5:11.  26:59.  1 .uke  23:2.  2 Cor.  6:8.  1 
Pet.  2:20.  3:14 — 18.  4:14 — 19.  * Heb.  great,  i Jer.  4:22.9:3—5.  a 14.  Ex. 

20:16.  23:1.  1 Kings  21:9— 13.  Ps.  55:3.  120:3.4.  Prov.  19:5,9.  b Job  29:16. 
Prov.  18:17.29:12.  Acts  25:16. 


us  admire  the  sovereign  purpose  and  grace  of  God,  who  by 
all  these  events,  was  preparing  for  the  manifestation  of  his 
Son  in  human  nature.  Our  Redeemer  sprang  from  Judah  by 
Tamar,  and  from  Pharez : for  his  excellency  was  personal ; 
and,  though  himself  sinless,  it  suited  the  end  of  his  appear- 
ance, for  him  to  be  44  made  in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXIX.  V.  2—6.  Joseph  was  not 
only  favoured  with  the  comforting  presence  of  the  Lord,  and 
with  seasons  of  peculiarly  sweet  communion  with  him,  but 
he  was  so  remarkably  furnished  with  wisdom  from  above, 
and  prospered  in  all  his  undertakings,  that  it  was  evident, 
even  to  Potiphar  himself,  that  the  Lord  was  with  him,  assist- 
ing and  succeeding  them.  Thus,  though  a slave,  he  was  had 
in  reputation ; and,  being  diligent  in  his  business,  he  became 
a favourite  with  his  master,  who  greatly  countenanced  and 
confided  in  him.  Potiphar,  no  doubt,  would  hear  from  Jo- 
seph, (who,  it  is  evident,  avowed  his  religion,  and  refused  to 
join  in  idolatry,)  many  things  concerning  Jehovah,  the  God 
whom  he  worshipped : and  finding  all  his  affairs  prospered, 
and  that  Joseph  ascribed  this  to  the  Lord’s  special  blessing, 
he  might  be  convinced,  (as  Laban  had  been  concerning 
Jacob,)  that  the  Lord  blessed  him  for  Joseph's  sake;  indeed, 
it  seems  to  have  been  evident  to  all  concerned.  Thus  at 
length  Potiphar,  having  full  confidence  in  his  integrity,  pru- 
dence, and  good  success,  left  all  his  concerns  to  his  manage- 
ment; and,  without  anxiety,  enjoyed  his  abundance.  Con- 
sidering Potiphar’s  rank,  it  is  not  probable  that  Joseph  was 
referred  to  so  important  a station,  till  his  ability  and  fidelity 
ad  been  fully  proved.  About  thirteen  years  elapsed,  from 
the  time  when  he  was  sold  into  Egypt,  to  that  of  his  standing 
before  Pharaoh.  Some  years  he  was  confined  in  prison  : 
but  probably  more  elapsed  during  his  continuance  in  Poti- 
phar’s  family,  before  his  imprisonment ; where  he  would  have 
.arge  opportunity  of  acquiring  that  kind  of  knowledge  and 
address,  which  his  future  elevated  station  required. — Joseph’s 
comeliness  is  spoken  of  in  the  very  terms  before  used  in  the 
original  concerning  his  mother  Rachel.  (29:17.) 

V.  7.  Lie  with  me.]  The  disparity  in  rank  between  Poti- 
phar’s  wife  and  Joseph,  and  the  observation  of  his  modesty, 
as  equal  to  his  other  virtues,  probably  made  her  despair  of 
inveigling  him  by  distant  hints:  and  considering  how  much  it 
was  his  interest,  to  oblige  her,  and  how  dangerous  to  give  her 
offence,  and  hurried  on  by  her  criminal  passions,  she  was  not 
ashamed  to  address  him  in  this  impudent  manner,  not  greatly 
fearing  a repulse. 

V.  8 — 10.  Art  ending  to ’the  circumstances  before  men- 
•jonrd,  and  considering  Joseph  as  a single  man  in  the  vigour 
( 86  ) 


of  youth,  the  importunity  with  which  he  was  assaulted,  and 
the  opportunity  and  privacy  afforded  him,  we  cannot  too 
much  admire  this  glorious  victory  of  chastity,  the  power  of 
divine  grace  displayed  in  it,  and  the  excellence  of  him  who 
was  hated  of  his  brethren.  Comparing  his  conduct  with  that 
of  Judah,  Reuben,  and  the  other  sons  of  Jacob,  it  must  be 
allowed,  that  he  had  justly  the  preference  in  his  father’s 
esteem. — Nor  was  this  refusal  more  worthy  of  admiration 
than  the  manner  of  it.  The  calmness  of  his  spirit,  the  force 
of  his  arguments,  the  generosity  and  delicacy,  as  well  as 
piety,  of  his  sentiments,  are  most  beautiful. — His  master’s 
kindness  to  him,  the  honourable  station  which  he  held  in  his 
family,  the  peculiar  relation  in  which  his  tempter  stood  to 
his  generous  benefactor,  the  greatness  of  the  injustice  and 
ingratitude  to  him  ; — but  above  all,  the  greatness  of  the 
wickedness  in  the  sight  of  God,  whose  authority  and  dis- 
pleasure he  was  not  ashamed  to  mention  to  this  adulterous 
woman ; — these  were  the  topics  on  which  he  insisted  ; and 
had  not  her  vile  passions  stupified  and  hardened  her  heart, 
surely  she  must  have  been  reclaimed,  or  even  converted  to 
his  God,  and  induced  to  ombrace  that  religion,  which  ho  so 
adorned  and  recommended  by  his  conduct  ! — While  she 
assailed  him  day  by  day  continually,  no  doubt  Satan,  as  far 
as  permitted,  would  paint  to  his  imagination  in  lively  colours 
the  advantages  of  compliance,  and  the  consequences  of  refu- 
sal : but  all  was  in  vain  ; for  the  grace  of  our  Lord  was  suf- 
ficient for  him.  And  when  ho  found  her  deaf  to  the  remon- 
strances of  duty,  conscience,  gratitude,  honour,  and  the  fear 
of  God,  and  that  he  could  not  reclaim  her,  he  avoided  her 
company  as  much  as  possible  ; being  distrustful  of  himself  and 
fearful  of  being  overcome,  if  ho  parleyed  with  the  temptation. 

V.  13 — 16.  Tho  base  affection  of  this  wicked  woman, 
being  finally  disappointed,  was  changed  for  the  most  ran- 
corous enmity;  and  she  seems  to  have  exulted  in  the  oppor- 
tunity of  being  revenged  upon  Joseph.  When  therefore  the 
men  came  in,  she  addressed  them  in  the  affected  language  of 
rage  and  disdain  ; alluding  to  Potiphar,  in  language  which 
seemed  to  charge  him  as  accessary  to  the  indignity  which 
she  pretended  to  havo  received.  She  called  Joseph  a Hebrew 
in  contempt  of  his  original  and  religion : and  added  that  he 
left  his  garment  with  her;  intimating,  that  when  she  called 
aloud  for  help,  he  hasted  to  escape;  upon  which,  seizing  hole 
of  his  garment,  she  had  in  vain  endeavoured  to  retain  him 
till  they  came  to  apprehend  him. 

V.  17.  Tn  mock  me  ] To  insult  and  treat  me  in  i base 
unworthy  manner. 

V.  19,  30.  Josoph  did  not  attempt  ‘o  speak  in  his  own  do- 


B.  C.  1720. 


CHAPTER  XL, 


B.  C.  1713 


saying,  After  this  manner  did  thy  servant  to  me; 
that  cTiis  wrath  was  kindled. 

20  And  Joseph’s  master  took  him,  and  put 
him  dinto  the  prison,  a place  where  'the  king’s 
prisoners  were  Dound : and  he  was  there  in  the 
prison. 

21  U But  fthe  Lord  was  with  Joseph,  and 
"showed  hint  mercy,  and  egave  him  favour  in  the 
sight. of  the  keeper  of  the  prison. 

22  And  the  keeper  of  the  prison  hcommitted  to 
Joseph’s  hand  all  the  prisoners  that  were  in  the 
prison:  and  whatsoever  they  did  there,  he  was 
the  doer  of  it. 

23  The  'keeper  of  the  prison  looked  not  to  any 
tiling  that  was  under  his  hand ; kbecause  the  Lord 
was  with  him:  and  that  which  he  did,  the  Lord 
made  it  to  prosper. 

c Prov.  6:34,35.  <140:15.11:14.  Ps.  105:18.  I Pet. 2:19.  e 40:1— 3.  41:9— 14. 
Pg.  76:10.  f See  on  2.  * Heb.  extend'd,  kindness  unto  him.  e Ex.  3:21. 
11:3.  12:36.  I s.  105:19,22.  Prov.  16:7.  Dan.  1:9.  Acts  7:10.  h 4,9.  i 40:3,4. 
k See  on  2,3.  49:23,24.  1 Sam.  2:30.  Ps.  37:3— 11.  Is.  43:2.  Dan.  6:22.  a 39: 


fence  : perhaps  he  was  not  permitted ; or  he  might  not  be  in- 
clined, sensible  it  would  be  in  vain.  Doubtless,  however,  he 
would  say,  as  David  did,  “ Thou  shalt  answer  for  me,  O 
Lord,  my  God.”  Potiphar  was  no  doubt  blameable,  for  so 
hastily  crediting  this  accusation  against  a person  of  approved 
excellence ; yet,  considering  the  absolute  authority  which  mas- 
ters possessed  over  the  lives  of  their  slaves,  the  vehement 
rancour  of  his  accuser,  that  accuser  his  master’s  wife,  and  the 
baseness  of  the  crime  very  plausibly  laid  to  his  charge,  it 
must  be  ascribed  to  a special  interposition  of  God,  that  he 
was  not  Immediately  put  to  death.  Instead  of  this,  he  was  cast 
into  the  prison  where  the  king’s  prisoners  were  confined,  in 
which  circumstance  also  the  hand  of  the  Lord  should  be  no- 
ticed ; for  in  any  other  prison  probably  Pharaoh  would  never 
have  heard  of  him. 

V.  22.  He  was  the  doer  of  it.]  Through  the  wisdom  and 
fidelity  which  Joseph  manifested,  he  soon  acquired  the  con- 
fidence of  the  keeper  of  the  prison ; and  though  at  first  se- 
verely treated,  (Note,  Ps.  105:18.)  yet  he  afterwards  became 
both  comfortable  and  useful.  No  doubt,  the  prisoners  were 
used  by  him  with  singular  humanity,  and  probably  benefitedby 
his  pious  counsels,  excellent  example, and  winning  benevolence. 

V.  23.  Because  the  Lord , &.C.]  This  was  so  evident  that 
the  keeper  of  the  prison  noticed  it ; and  was  influenced,  per- 
haps even  converted,  by  what  he  observed.  Thus,  in  all 
respects,  Joseph  was  a blessing.  (12:2.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  Our  enemies  may  strip  us  of  external  distinc- 
tions and  ornaments,  but  wisdom  and  grace  cannot  be  taken 
from  us : they  may  banish  us  from  our  friends,  relatives,  and 
country ; but  they  cannot  deprive  us  of  the  presence  of  the 
Lord:  they  may  even  exclude  us  from  the  benefits  of  com- 
mon providence,  rob  us  of  our  liberty,  and  confine  us  in  dun- 
geons ; but  they  cannot  shut  us  out  from  the  throne  of  grace, 
or  bereave  us  of  the  blessings  of  salvation. — The  ordinances 
of  God  and  the  society  of  his  people  are  very  useful,  and,  in 
some  sense,  almost  necessary,  to  the  life  of  faith  and  growth 
of  grace,  especially  in  young  converts ; so  that  parents  and 
ministers  are  justly  fearful  lest  their  beloved  children  or 
people  should  be  secluded  from  them : but  if,  contrary  to  our 
inclination,  we  should  be  deprived  of  these  advantages,  His 
gracious  presence  can  supply  the  deficiency,  and  even  make 
our  souls  like  a watered  garden,  rendering  us  comfortable, 
respectable,  prosperous,  and  useful. — Had  Potiphar  pur- 
chased Joseph  with  half  the  substance  of  his  house,  he  would 
have  made  an  advantageous  bargain ; and,  till  imposed  upon, 
he  learned  his  value  by  experience,  and  treated  him  accord- 
ingly. Yet  how  little  do  many  Christians  understand  the 
worth  of  such  servants  as  fear  God,  who  will  always  be  most 
faithful,  industrious,  and  successful!  But  we  must  allow,  on 
the  other  hand,  that  mere  pretenders  to  religion,  of  character 
and  conduct  exactly  the  reverse  of  Joseph,  occasion  this  pre- 
judice among  those  who  cannot  or  will  not  discriminate,  be- 
tween the  humble  Christian,  and  the  noisy  hypocrite. — When 
the  Lord  pleases  he  can  easily  give  his  servants  favour,  even 
among  strangers  ; and  no  one  was  ever  a loser  by  being  kind 
to  them.  In  general,  they  who  accommodate  themselves  to 
a low  ana  aborious  situation,  will  get  forward,  and  acquire 
confidence.  But  alas ! prosperity  draws  on  temptation  : and 
personal  accomplishments  are  often  snares  to  others,  as  well 
as  to  the  possessor,  who  has  therefore  no  cause  to  glory  in 
them;  nor  ought  any  one  to  envy  or  covet  them.  Through 
the  force  of  human  depravity,  those  amiable  qualities,  which 
should  command  esteem,  attract  the  attention  of  the  licen- 
tious eye,  and  excite  the  licentious  passions ; which,  having 
acquired  the  ascendency,  scorn  restraint  and  regard  to  mo- 
desty and  decency.  Thus  “ when  lust  is  conceived,  it 
bringeth  forth  sin and  the  infatuated  wretch,  rushing  head- 
long to  destruction,  turns  seducer,  and  becomes  the  factor  for 
Satan,  m tempting  others  to  wickedness.  Nor  is  any  thing 
more  to  be  dreaded  than  such  a tempter,  or  more  to  be  shun- 
ned than  such  temptations  : so  that  if  we  do  not  mean  to  com- 
mit iniquity,  we  ought  to  “ flee  as  a bird  from  the  snare  of 


CHAPTER  XL. 

Pharaoh's  chief  butler  and  chief  baker  being  imprisoned , Joseph  is  cha-ge± 
with  them,  1—4.  He  inten/rels  then  dreams,  and  offers  a petition  to  lit 0 
chief  butler,  6—19.  The  dreams  are  accomplished,  and  the  chief  butler  for- 
gets Joseph , 20—23. 

AND  “it  came  to  pass  after  these  things,  that 
bthe  butler  of  the  king  of  Egypt  and  his 
baker  had  offended  their  lord  the  king  of  Egypt. 

2  And  Pharaoh  was  "wroth  against  two  of  hi? 
officers,  against  dthe  chief  of  the  butlers,  ana 
against  the  chief  of  the  bakers. 

3  And  he  put  them  in  ward  in  the  house  of  the 
captain  of  the  guard,  into  the  prison,  'the  place 
where  Joseph  was  bound. 

4  And  f the  captain  of  the  guard  charged  Joseph 
with  them,  and  he  served  them  ; and  they  con- 
tinued a season  in  ward. 

5  If  And  sthey  dreamed  a dream  both  of  them, 


20—23.  Esth.  6:1.  b 13.  Nell.  1:11.  2:1,2.  cPs.76:10.  Prov.  16:14.  Acts  12: 
20.  <1  1 Chr.  27:27.  e 39:20.  f 39:1,21— 28.  g 8.  20:3.  37:5,10.  41:1— 7. 
Judg.  7:13.  Dun.  2:1—3.4:5,9,19. 


the  fowler,  and  as  a roe  from  the  band  of  the  hunter.”  Let 
us  not,  however,  rest  satisfied  with  admiring  Joseph,  in  the 
honourable  victory  which  he  acquired  ; but  let  us  consider 
him  as  a bright  example  proposed  to  our  imitation,  and  an 
illustrious  proof  of  the  energy  of  divine  grace.  Trusting  to 
that  grace,  we  may  hope  to  be  more  than  conquerors,  not 
only  if  exposed  to  the  fiery  trial  of  persecution,  but  even  if 
assaulted  in  the  far  more  dangerous  manner  that  Joseph  was. 
But,  would  we  stand  steadfast  in  the  day  of  trial,  we  must 
have  our  minds  armed  with  gratitude,  justice,  fear  of  God, 
faith,  lov.e,  abhorrence  of  evil,  contempt  of  worldly  pleasure 
or  gain,  and  readiness  for  the  cross ; we  must  learn  also  to 
judge  of  every  sin,  and  of  licentious  indulgences  especially, 
not  in  that  slight  manner  whicn  the  world  does,  but  as  enor- 
mous crimes,  “ for  the  sake  of  which  the  wrath  of  God  cometh 
upon  the  children  of  disobedience.”  And,  that  importunity 
may  not  prevail  o . er  us,  nor  secrecy  encourage  us,  we  should 
endeavour  to  have  our  minds  habitually  possessed  with  a 
sense  of  our  obligations  unto  God,  his  all-seeing  eye  upon  us, 
and  the  approaching  discoveries  of  the  day  of  judgment. 

V.  11 — 23.  If  Satan  cannot  induce  us  to  sin,  he  will  do 
his  utmost  to  distress  us : and  we  must  expect  the  imbittered 
resentment  of  those,  whose  wicked  inclinations  we  disap- 
point; and  to  be  accused  of  the  very  crimes  which  we  abhor, 
yea,  because  we  abhor  them.  It  is,  however,  far  “ better,  if 
the  will  of  God  be  so,  that  we  suffer  for  well-doing,  than  for 
evil-doing :”  a clear  conscience  and  the  presence  of  a merci- 
ful God  will  support  us,  not  only  under  our  trials,  but  under 
the  most  injurious,  calumnies : and  we  need  not  use  much  la- 
bour to  vindicate  ourselves ; for  in  due  time  the  Lord  will 
vindicate  us,  and  clear  off  every  aspersion. — The  more 
meekly  and  patiently  we  suffer,  the  less  bitterness  shall  wo 
experience  in  our  trials,  and  the  more  consistent  will  our  con- 
duct be  with  the  Christian  character.  By  all  these  things, 
the  Lord  is  training  up  his  people  for  glory : perhaps  for  bet- 
ter scenes,  and  important  services,  in  this  present  world ; and, 
if  we  are  not  in  a wrong  spirit,  or  out  of  the  path  of  duty,  we 
can  never  be  out  of  the  way  either  of  comfort  or  usefulness.— 
But  let  us  not  forget,  through  Joseph,  to  look  unto  Jesus, 
who  “ suffered  being  tempted,”  yet  without  sin ; who  wa3 
calumniated  and  persecuted,  but  without  cause  ; “ who  was 
led  as  a lamb  to  the  slaughter,  and  as  a sheep  before  her 
shearers  is  dumb,  so  he  opened  not  his  mouth”  to  recriminate, 
or  to  vindicate  himself;  and  who  by  the  cross  ascended  to  the 
throne.  May  we  be  enabled,  and  contented,  to  follow  in  the 
same  path  of  submissive  suffering,  to  the  same  place  of  glory. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XL.  Y.  3.  Potiphar  was  “ captain 
of  the  guard and  it  seems  this  state-prison  was  adjoining 
to  his  house,  and  intrusted  to  his  care  ; so  that  the  keeper  of 
the  prison  probably  was  his  deputy.  (37:36.) 

V.  4.  Joseph  at  first  was  not  only  closely  confined,  but 
severely  treated  in  the  prison.  (Note,  Ps.  105:18.)  Yet, 
after  some  time,  Potiphar’s  resentment  seems  to  have  cooled  : 
and,  considering  the  whole  of  Joseph’s  prudent  and  excellent 
conduct,  he  perhaps  began  to  suspect  that  he  had  been  mali- 
ciously accused.  He  however  connived  at  the  kindness  shown 
to  Joseph,  and,  being  sensible  of  his  abilities,  was  not  unwil- 
ling he  should  be  trusted,  and  prove  serviceable  in  that  situa- 
tion. Being  thus  employed,  he  gave  the  king’s  butler  and 
baker,  as  prisoners  of  rank,  all  the  attendance  required. — ‘On 
how  many  little  incidents  of  which  the  parties  at  the  time 
think  nothing,  do  some  of  the  greatest  events  depend ! If 
they  had  gone  to  another  prison,  Joseph  might  have  died 
where  he  was,  and  no  provision  been  made  for  the  seven 
years  of  famine:  and  Jacob  and  his  family,  with  millions  of 
others,  have  perished  for  want;  and  so  all  the  promises  of 
their  becoming  a great  nation,  and  of  the  Messiah  springing 
from  among  them,  and  all  nations  being  blessed  in  him,  would 
have  been  frustrated.  But  he  that  appoints  the  end,  ap- 
points all  the  means  which  lead  to  it.’  Fuller. 

Y.  6.  The  prisoners,  considering  their  dreams  as  super- 
natural, were  very  melancholy;  for  their  situation,  and  per- 
haps conscious  guilt,  caused  them  to  forebode  the  worst.  In. 

( 87  ) 


I i.  C.  1717 


GENESIS, 


B.  C.  1717. 


each  man  Ins  dream  in  one  night,  each  man  ac- 
cording to  the  interpretation  of  Ins  dream ; the 
outler  and  the  baker  of  the  king  of  Egypt,  which 
were  hound  in  the  prison. 

6 And  Joseph  came  in  unto  them  in  the  morning, 
and  looked  upon  them,  ‘and  behold  they  were  sad. 

7 And  he  asked  Pharaoh’s  officers  that  were 
with  him  in  the  ward  of  his  lord’s  house,  saying, 
kWherefbre  'look  ye  so  sadly  to-day? 

8 And  they  said  unto  him,  We  have  dreamed 
a dream,  and  there  is  no  interpreter  of  it.  And 
Joseph  said  unto  them,  1 Do  not  interpretations 
belong  to  God  ? tell  me  them,  I pray  you. 

9 And  the  chief  butler  told  his  dream  to  Joseph, 
and  said  unto  him,  In  my  dream,  behold,  raa  vine 
was  before  me. 

10  And  in  the  vine  were  three  branches:  and 
it  teas  as  though  it  budded,  and  her  blossoms  shot 
forth ; and  the  clusters  thereof  brought  forth  ripe 
grapes. 

11  And  Pharaoh’s  cup  was  in  my  hand:  and  I 
took  the  grapes,  and  pressed  them  into  Pharaoh’s 
cup,  and!  gave  the  cup  into  Pharaoh’s  hand. 

12  And  Joseph  said  unto  him,  “This  is  the  in- 
terpretation of  it : “The  three  branches  are  three 
days. 

13  Yet  wiuiin  three  days  Pshall  Pharaoh  hift  up 
thy  heau,  and  restore  thee  unto  thy  place:  and  thou 
shalt  deliver  Pharaoh’s  cup  into  his  hand,  after  the 
former  manner  when  thou  wast  his  butler. 

14  But  7 think  son  me  when  it  shall  be  well  with 
thee,  and  rshow  kindness,  1 pray  thee,  unto  me ; 

I 8.  Dan.  4:5.  5:6.  k2Sam.  13:4.  Neh.  2:2.  Luke  24:17.  • Heb.  are  your 

faces  evil?  141:15,16.  Is.  8:19.  Dan.  2:11,28,47.  5:11—15.  1 Cor.  12:10,11. 
m 37:6— 10.  Judg.  7:13-15.  Dan . 2:31 . 4:10,  &c.  n 41:25.  Dan.  2:36,  &c.  4:19, 
&c.  o 41:26.  Judg.  7:14.  Matt.  26:26.  1 Cor.  10:4.  Gal.  4:25.  p 2 Kings  25:27. 
Ps.  3:3.  Jer.  52:31.  t Or,  reckon.  19,20.  marg.  | Heb.  remember  me  with  thee. 
q 1 Sam.  25:31.  Luke  23:42.  1 Cor.  7:21.  r Josh.  2:12.  1 Sam.  20:14,15.  2 Sam. 
9:1.  1 Kings  2:7.  s 37:28.  Ex.  21 :16.  Deut.  24:7.  1 Tim.  1:10.  1 14:13.  41:12. 
u 39:20.  1 Sam.  24:11.  Ps.  59:3,4.  Dan.  6:22.  John  10:32.  15:2-5.  Acts  24:12—21. 


deed,  it  must  have  appeared  very  extraordinary,  that  each  of 
them  should  have  so  significant  a dream  at  the  same  time. 

V.  7.  This  is  a beautiful  specimen  of  that  attentive  ten- 
derness and  sympathy,  by  means  of  which  God  gave  Joseph 
favour  with  every  one  whom  he  approached. 

V.  8.  The  prisoners  could  not  consult  the  diviners,  in 

lorn  they  placed  confidence ; and  this  added  to  their  anxiety. 
Joseph’s  apposite  question  intimates,  that . he  had  before  dis- 
coursed with  them  concerning  the  true  God,  and  endeavoured 
to  draw  them  off  from  those  lying  vanities  to  his  worship  and 
service.  It  also  precluded  them  from  giving  him  the  honour 
of  the  interpretation. 

V.  9—13.  The  rapid  budding  and  blossoming  of  the  vine, 
and  ripening  of  the  grapes,  seems  to  have  fixed  the  interpre- 
tation to  three  days,  rather  than  weeks,  months,  or  years  : and 
the  actual  delivery  of  the  cup  into  Pharaoh’s  hand  obviously 
denoted  a prosperous  event. — “ The  three  branches  are  three 
days,”  (12.)  “This  is  my  body.” 

V.  1 4,  15.  Joseph  desired,  by  an  appeal  to  Pharaoh,  to 
obtain  his  liberty  ; but  he  had  no  further  request  to  present. 
He  did  not  say  by  whom,  or  in  what  manner,  he  was  stolen, 
and  sold  for  a slave  ; for  he  was  not  disposed  to  criminate  or 
reproach  : neither  did  he  so  much  as  accuse  his  wicked  mis- 
tress, or  at  all  reflect  on  Potiphar,  or  express  any  resentment 
for  his  false  imprisonment. — It  seems  that  Abraham,  Isaac, 
and  Jacob,  with  large  families  and  in  flourishing  circumstances 
had  so  long  sojourned  in  the  southern  part  of  Canaan,  that 
it  had  become  known  in  the  adjacent  countries  as  “ the  land 
of  the  Hebrews.” 

V.  16 — 19.  The  baked-meats,  eaten  by  the  birds  and  not 
brought  to  Pharaoh,  was  the  unfavourable  presage.  The  bad 
dream  would  not  admit  of  a good  interpretation ; nor  could 
Joseph,  without  unfaithfulness,  conceal  the  truth,  however  it 
might  pain  him  to  speak  it.  The  baker  might  b<  Benefited 
by  the  warning,  if  he  prepared  to  meet  the  predicted  event. 

V.  20 — 22.  The  anniversary  of  Pharaoh’s  birthday  being 
observed  as  a season  of  festivity,  these  officers  were  inquired 
after;  and  either  through  the  merits  of  their  cause,  or  the 
caprice  of  their  sovereign,  they  were  thus  differently  dis- 
posed of. 

V.  23.  Neither  the  kindness  shown  by  Joseph,  nor  the 
interpretation  of  his  dream  thus  remarkably  verified,  nor  the 
discourses  which  doubtless  he  had  heard  concerning  religion, 
nor  the  excellent  conduct  of  Joseph  which  adorned  it,  made 
any  lasting  impression  on  the  chief  butler,  when  he  was  again 
possessel  of  the  emoluments  of  his  office,  and  enjoying  the 
pleasures  of  the  court  1 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

High  stations  are  slippery  places  ; and  from  the  presence- 
chamber  to  the  dungeojj  is,  in  many  earthly  courts,  only  a 
short  step:  but  a place  in  the  favour  of  God,  who  will  not  for- 
sake his  true  servants,  is  of  unspeakable  value. — In  the  vo- 
( S3  ) 


and  make  mention  of  me  unto  Pharaoh,  and  bring 
me  out  if  this  house 

15  For  indeed  I was  'stolen  away  out  of  the 
land  of  'the  Hebrews : and  here  also  have  I 
“done  nothing  that  they  should  put  me  into  the 
dungeon. 

16  H When  'the  chief  baker  saw  that  the  in- 
terpretation was  good ; he  said  unto  Joseph,  I 
also  was  in  my  dream,  and  behold,  1 had  three 
swhite  baskets  on  my  head. 

17  And  in  the  uppermost  basket  there  was  of  all 
manner  of  "bake-meats  for  Pharaoh ; and  the  birds 
did  eat  them  out  of  the  basket  upon  my  head. 

b6  And  Joseph  answered  and  said.  This  is  the 
interpretation  thereof:  >The  three  baskets  are 
three  days. 

19  Yet  'within  three  days  shall  Pharaoh  "‘lift  up 
thy  head  from  off  thee,  and  shall  “hang  thee  on  a 
tree : band  the  birds  shall  eat  thy  flesh  from  off 

thee. 

20  H And  it  came  to  pass  the  third  <hy,  which 
was  Pharaoh’s  “birthday,  that  he  made  a least 
unto  all  his  servants  : and  he  "lifted  up  the  head 
of  the  chief  butler,  and  of  the  chief  baker,  among 
his  servants. 

21  And  he  restored  the  chief  butler  unto  his 
butlership  again;  and  he  ‘‘gave  the  cup  into 
Pharaolrs  hand : 

22  But  “he  hanged  the  chief  baker : as  Joseph 
had  interpreted  to  them. 

23  Yet  did  not  the  chief  butler  remember 
Joseph,  fbut  forgat  him. 


25:10,11.  1 Pet.  3:17,18.  x 1,2.  § Or , baskets  full  of  holes.  ||  Heb.  meal 
of  Pharaoh,  the  work  of  a baker , or  cook,  y See  on  12.  41:26.  1'Cor.  10:4. 
11:24.  z 13.  TT  Or,  reckon  ihee  and  take  tby  office  from  thee,  a 22.  41:13. 
Deut.  21:22,23.  Josh.  8:29.  10:26.  2 Sam.  21:6.  Gal.  3:13.  b 17.  1 Sum.  17:44, 
46.  2 Sam.  21:10.  Ez.  39:4.  c Matt.  14:6.  Mark  6:21.  **  Or,  reckoned.  13,19. 
marg.  Matt.  18:23— 25.  Luke  16:1,2.  d 13.  Neh.  2:1.  e 8,19.  41:11— 13,16. 
Dan.  2: 19—23,30.  5:12.  f Job  19:14.  Ps.  31:12.  Ec.  9:15,16.  Am.  6:6. 


luntary  actions  of  men,  who  know  not  God  and  pay  no  regard 
to  him,  we  may  discern  his  hand ; and  perceive  how  his  pur- 
poses unfold,  and  his  counsels  slowly,  but  surely,  work  towards 
an  accomplishment.  While  we  are  encouraged  by  the  gra- 
cious dealings  of  the  Lord  towards  his  afflicted  servant,  let  us 
mark  how  he  resembled  Christ;  and  may  we,  through  the 
grace  of  God,  resemble  and  imitate  him  in  fidelity,  humanity, 
compassion,  unaffected  piety,  and  humility  ; in  repressing  the 
pride  and  resentment,  which  agitate  our  hearts,  imbitter  our 
spirits,  and  sometimes  disgrace  our  conversation,  when  we 
meet  with  injurious  treatment,  or  speak  of  that  which  we  have 
met  with ; and  in  modestly  pleading  our  own  cause,  without 
needlessly  mentioning  or  exposing  the  faults,  even  of  our  most 
malignant  enemies. — The  foresight  of  sinners,  however  at- 
tained, reaches  but  a few  days  forward ; but,  by  faith,  the 
believer  looks  through  the  sufferings  of  time,  and  anticipates 
the  glories  of  eternity. — Though  we  ought  not  in  general  to 
expect  information  from  dreams,  and  need  not  regret  the 
want  of  an  interpreter : yet,  to  be  favoured  with  a wise  and 
faithful  interpreter  of  God’s  providences  and  oracles,  espe- 
cially in  seasons  of  affliction,  is  an  inexpressible  mercy. 
(Note,  Job  33:19 — 26.)  Here  also  44  interpretations  belong  to 
God:”  from  him  we  must  seek  them,  and  to  him  give  the 
praise,  whatever  instruments  he  employs.  But  the  same 
faithful  interpretation  which  encourages  one  man,  will  contain 
an  awful  warning  to  another  of  a contrary  character : yet 
even  this  is  of  salutary  tendency ; for  blessed  be  God,  if  wo 
discover  our  danger,  we  need  not  long  seek  in  vain  for  a refuge. 
Temporal  deliverances  must  generally  be  longer  waited  for 
by  the  Lord’s  servants,  than  by  others,  that  they  may  have 
them  with  the  fullest  advantage,  and  be  previously  prepared 
for  thorn  : and  he  will  teach  them  to  cease  from  man,  before 
they  obtain  their  best  blessings. — The  festive  observation  of 
birthdays  by  men,  who  are  exceedingly  desirous  of  living  in 
this  world,  seems  rather  incongruous ; for,  in  fact,  they  thus 
celebrate,  with  every  indication  of  joy  and  gladness,  the  de- 
cease, as  it  \vere,  of  one  year  after  another  of  their  uncertain 
span  ; nor  are  the  two  instances  of  this  vanity,  recorded  in 
Scripture,  suited  to  recommend  the  practice.  (l\Iark  6:16 — 
29.)  A Christian,  however,  maj'  properly  observe  his  birth- 
day, with  praise  and  thanksgiving  to  Und  for  giving  him  life, 
and  with  gladness  of  heart  that  he  approaches  the  conclusion 
of  sin  and  sorrow,  and  the  completion  of  his  felicity.  He 
may  also  take  occasion,  at  these  returning  seasons,  to  bless 
the  Lord  for  the  mercies  of  the  past  year,  to  humble  himself 
for  the  sins  which  he  has  committed,  and  to  seek  the  divine  as- 
sistance and  blessing  in  all  he  shall  undertake  during  the  year 
on  which  he  then  enters.  -We  must  not  complain  or  he  dis- 
couraged, if  we  are  forgotten,  or  ung  ah  fully  rtqui’od.  by 
those  wr.om  we  have  served.  Jngratii  .de  is,  a’ as ! the  fault 
of  our  nature  : and  we  as  'veil  as  others  nve  guilty  of  ft,  es- 
pecially in  our  ba^e  forgetfulness  oft  ud  • Bt  t let  us  retuein- 


B.  C.  1715. 


CHAPTER  XLI. 


B.  C.  1715 


CHAPTER  XLI. 

Pharaoh  has  two  dreams , which  the  magicians  cannot  interpret , 1 — 8.  The 
chief  butler  recommends  Joseph , who  is  sent  for , and  interprets  the  drearns 
to  foretell  seven  years  of  great  plenty  and  seven  of  as  great  scarcity,  ft— 3 *2. 
lie  gives  counsel  to  Pharaoh  ; and  is-  highly  preferred , 33 — 41 ; and  married, 
45.  The  seven  years  of  plenty , and  Joseph's  wise  management , 46 — 49.  The 
names  of  his  two  sons,  50 — 52.  The  seven  years  of  scarcity  begin,  and  the 
£ '.gyp  tans  are  relieved  by  Joseph,  53—57. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  two  full 
years,  "that  Pharaoh  dreamed,  and  behold  he 
stood  by  bthe  river. 

2  And  behold,  cthere  came  up  out  of  the  river 
seven  well-favoured  kine,  and  fat-fleshed ; and  they 
fed  in  a meadow. 

3  And  behold,  seven  other  kine  came  up  after 
them  out  of  the  river,  ill-favoured,  and  lean- 
fleshed:  and  stood  by  the  other  kine,. upon  the 
brink  of  the  river. 

4  And  the  ill-favoured  and  lean-fleshed  kine  did 
eat  up  the  seven  well-favoured  and  fat  kine.  So 
Pharaoh  awoke. 

5  And  he  slept  and  dreamed  the  second  time : 
and  behold,  seven  ears  of  corn  came  up  upon  one 
stalk,  Tank  and  good. 

6  And  behold,  seven  thin  ears  and  dblasted  with 
the  east  wind  sprang  up  after  them. 

7  And  the  seven  thin  ears  devoured  the  seven 
rank  and  full  ears:  and  Pharaoh  awoke,  and  be- 
hold it  was  a dream. 

8  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  morning,  that  ehis 
spirit  was  troubled  ; and  he  sent  and  called  for  all 
the  f magicians  of  Egypt,  and  all  The  wise  men 
thereof : and  Pharaoh  told  them  his  dreams  ; hbut 
there  was  none  that  could  interpret  them  unto 
Pharaoh. 

9  H Then  spake  the  chief  butler  unto  Pharaoh, 
saying,  'I  do  remember  my  faults  this  day. 

10  Pharaoh  was  wroth  with  his  servants,  and 
ut  me  in  ward  in  the  captain  of  the  guard’s 
ouse,  both  me,  and  the  chief  baker. 

11  And  we  Jdreamed  a dream  in  one  night,  I 
and  he : we  dreamed  each  man  according  to  the 
interpretation  of  his  dream. 

12  And  there  was  there  with  us  a young  man, 
a Hebrew,  kservant  to  the  captain  of  the  guard  ; 
and  we  told  him,  and  he  'interpreted  to  us  our 
dreams  : to  each  man  according  to  his  dream  he 
did  interpret. 

13  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  interpreted  to  us, 
so  it  was  : “me  he  restored  unto  mine  office,  and 
him  he  hanged. 

14  Then  Pharaoh  "sent  and  called  Joseph,  “and 
they  'brought  him  hastily  out  of  the  dungeon; 
and  rhe  shaved  himself  and  changed  his  raiment, 
and  came  in  unto  Pharaoh. 


a 37:5-10  . 40:5.  Eslh.  6:1.  Dari.  2:1— 3.  4:5,  &c.  Matt.  27:19.  b Deul.  11:10. 
Ez.  29:3,9.  c 17— 27.  • Heb.  fat.  Dent.  32:14.  d Ez.  17:10.  19:12.  IIos.  13:15. 
e 40:6.  Dan.  2:1—3.  4:5.  5:6.  7:28.8:27.  Hab.  3:16.  f Ex.  7:11,22.  8:7,18,19.  9: 
11.  Lev.  19:31.20:6.  Dent.  18:9—14.  Is. 8:19.  19:3.  47:12,13.  Dan. 2:2.4. 7.  5:7, 
11.  g Matt.  2:1.  Acts  7:22.  h Job  5:12,13.  Ps.  25:14.  Is.  19:11— 13.  29:14.  Dnn. 
2:4— 11.27,28.  1 Cor.  3:18— 20.  i 40:1— 3,14,23.  I 40:5-8.  ■ k 37:36  . 39:1,20. 
140:12-19.  m 40:20— 22.  Jer.  1:10.  Ez.43:3.  n 1 Sam.  2:8.  Ps.  105:19— 22. 
113:7,8.  o Ex.  10:16.  Dan.  2:25.  f Heb.  made  him  i mn.  Ex.  10:16.  Dnn.2:25. 
p 2 Sam.  19:24.  2 Kings  25:29.  Esth.  4:1—4.  5:1.  Is.  61:3,10.  Jer.  52:32,33.  q 9 


ber  the  sufferings,  promises,  and  love  of  our  Redeemer,  and 
mark  in  this  narration  of  Joseph,  a type  of  Jesus,  in  the  depth 
of  his  humiliation,  mercifully  assuring  one  of  the  malefactors, 
who  hung  beside  him,  of  immediate  and  eternal  felicity ; and 
with  awful  justice  leaving  the  other  to  hardness  of  heart  and 
eternal  perdition. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XLI.  V.  1.  Joseph  must  have  been  a 
considerable  time  in  prison,  before  he  would  be  so  far  trusted, 
as  to  have  the  two  state-prisoners  under  his  charge  ; they  were 
confined  for  some  time,  and  yet  two  years  more  elapsed  with- 
out any  tokens  of  approaching  deliverance  1 Surely  he  would 
often  be  ready  to  say,  “Lord,  how  long?” — But  it  was 
the  will  of  God,  that  his  servant  should  receive  liberty,  and 
preferment  also,  not  as  an  obligation  conferred  on  an  indigent 
person,  but  for  the  benefit  of  others,  and  in  the  character 
of  a benefactor  to  the  king  and  people  of  Egypt. — The  scene 
of  Pharaoh’s  dreams  is  laid  at  the  river  Nile,  the  annual 
overflowing  of  which  caused  the  fertility  of  Egypt ; but  the 
failure  of  it  was  followed  by  famine,  or  at  least  by  scarcity. 

V.  2 — 7.  The  fat  cattle  and  full  ears  of  corn  were  apt 
emblems  of  plenty  ; the  lean  cattle  and  blighted  ears,  of  fa- 
mine. “ The  kine”  seem  to  bear  an  allusion  to  the  grass  for 
the  use  of  cattle  ; and  “ the  ears”  to  the  corn  for  the  food  of 
man. 

V.  8.  The  circumstances  of  Pharaoh’s  dreams  were 
strange  and  unnatura’,  yet  they  seemed  very  significant ; and 

Vol.  I— 12 


15  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Joseph,  l hate 
dreamed  a dream,  and  there  is  none  that  can  it 
terpret  it : and  il  have  heard  say  of  thee,  Uhat 
thou  canst  understand  a dream,  to  interpret  it. 

16  And  Joseph  answered  Pharaoh,  saying,  Tlt  is 
not  in  me  : God  shall  give  Pharaoh  an  answer  ol 
peace. 

17  H And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Joseph,  sIn  my 
dream,  behold,  I stood  upon  the  bank  of  the  river. 

18  And  behold,  there  came  up  out  of  the  river 
seven  kine,  lfat-fleshed,  and  well-favoured  ; and 
they  fed  in  a meadow. 

19  And  behold,  seven  other  kine  came  up  after 
them,  poor  and  very  ill-favoured,  and  lean-fleshed, 
such  as  I never  saw  in  all  the  land  of  Egypt  for 
badness. 

20  And  the  lean  and  the  ill-favoured  kine  did 
eat  up  the  first  seven  fat  kine. 

21  And  when  they  had  beaten  them  up,  it  could 
not  be  known  that  they  had  eaten  them  ; but  they 
were  still  ill-favoured,  as  at  the  beginning.  So  I 
awoke. 

22  And  I saw  in  my  dream,  and  behold,  seven 
ears  came  up  in  one  stalk,  full  and  good. 

23  And  behold,  seven  ears,  “withered,  thin,  "and 
blasted  with  the  east-wind,  sprang  up  after  them. 

24  And  the  thin  ears  devoured  the  seven  good 
ears  : and  I told  this  unto  the  magicians;  hut  there 
was  none  that  could  declare  it  unto  me. 

25  And  Joseph  said  unto  Pharaoh,  The  dream 
of  Pharaoh  is  one:  *God  hath  showed  Pharaoh 
what  he  is  about  to  do. 

26  The  seven  good  kine  are  seven  years  ; and 
the  seven  good  ears  are  ^seven  years : The  dream 
is  one. 

27  And  the  seven  thin  and  ill-favoured  kine  that 
came  up  after  them  are  seven  years  ; and  the 
seven  empty  ears  blasted  with  the  east-wind , shall 
be  seven  years  of  famine. 

28  This  is  the  thing  which  I have  spoken  unto 
Pharaoh  : “What  God  is  about  to  do,  he  showeth 
unto  Pharaoh. 

29  Behold,  there  come  seven  years  of  great 
plenty,  throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt. 

30  And  there  shall  arise  after  them 1 seven  years 
of  famine,  and  all  the  plenty  “shall  he  forgotten  in 
the  land  of  Egypt:  and  the  famine  shalT’consume 
the  land. 

31  And  the  plenty  shall  not  he  known  in  the 
land,  by  reason  of  that  famine  following : for  it 
shall  be  very  "grievous. 

32  And  for  that  the  dream  was  “doubled  unto 
Pharaoh  twice  ; Ht  is  because  the  thing  is  "esta- 


— 13.  Dan.  5:16.  1 Or,  when  thou  hea>  est  a dream  thou  const  in'erpret  it. 
r 40:8.  Dan.  2: 18—23,28—30,47.  Acts  3: 12.  14:14,15.  2Cor.  3:5.  s 1— 7.  tjer. 
24:1 — 3,5,8.  § Heb.  come  to  the  inicard  pm  ts  of  them.  Ez.3:3.  Rev.  10:9.10. 
||  Or,  small,  u 6.  2 Kings  19:26.  1 s.  129:6,7.  Hos.  8:7,  9:16.  x See  on  16.  Is. 
41:22  23.  43:9.  Mark  13:23.  Rev.  4:1.  v See  nr.  40:12.  7.2:24.  Ex. 26:6.  1 John 
5:7.  a See  on  16,25.  b 27.  2 Sam.  24:13.  1 Kings  17:1 . 2 Kings  8:1 . I.uke4:25. 
Jam.  5:17.  c 21:51.  Prov.  31:7.  Is.  65:16.  d 47:13.  H Heb.  heavy.  1 Sam.  5:6. 
Is.24:20.  e 37:7,9.  2 Cor.  13:1.  fNum. 23:19.  Is.  14:24— 27.  46:10,11.  Man. 24: 
35.  **  Or,  prepared.  Is.  30:33.  Matt.  25:34,41 . Mark  10:40.  1 Cor.  2:9.  Rev.  9:15. 


they  impressed  his  mind,  as  a presage  of  some  great  events 
to  himself  or  his  kingdom:  and  God  so  ordered  it,  to  forward 
Joseph’s  advancement,  that  the  magicians  and  wise  men  could 
not  make  so  much  as  a plausible  conjecture  at  the  meaning  of 
them.  ( Marg . Ref.)  It  does  not  appear  by  what  rules 
they  interpreted  dreams,  or  why  they  declined  giving  any  in- 
terpretation on  this  occasion. 

V.  9.  My  faults.']  Either  formerly  against  Pharaoh,  or  in 
forgetting  Joseph. 

V.  16.  Thus  Joseph  spake  of  the  Lord  and  his  “statutes 
before  kings,  and  was  not  ashamed.”  By  this  modest  and 
pious  answer  he  tacitly  condemned  all  the  pretended  skill  of 
the  magicians,  and  endeavoured  to  draw  the  king  himself 
“from  these  lying  vanities  unto  the  living  God  at  the  same 
tirrrt?  he  renounced  all  pretensions  to  superior  sagacity,  ex- 
pressed his  good  will  to  Pharaoh,  and  intimated  a confidence 
that  the  dream  and  interpretation  would  prove  beneficial  to 
his  kingdom. 

V.  25 — 27.  Both  dreams  had  one  meaning;  the  same 
events  being  represented  under  two  emblems.— The  seven 
good  kine  and  the  seven  good  ears,  “ were  seven  years,”  or 
denoted  seven  years : a very  common  mode  of  expression ; 
though  in  a single  instance  multitudes  have  inferred  things 
absurd  and  impossible  from  one  similar  to  it ; ziz.  “This  is 
my  body.” — (See  40:12.) 

V.  28 — 32.  Thus  Joseph  emphatically  intimated  to  Pha 
( 89  ) 


B..C.  1715  GENESIS.  B.  C.  1760. 


blished  by  God,  and  God  will  shortly  bring  it  to 
pass. 

33  Now  ^therefore  let  Pharaoh  hlook  out  a 
man  discreet  and  wise,  and  set  him  over  the  land 
of  Egypt. 

34  Let  Pharaoh  do  this,  and  let  him  appoint 
"officers  over  the  land,  ‘and  take  up  the  fifth  part 
of  the  land  of  Egypt  in  the  seven  plenteous  years. 

35  And  let  them  kgather  all  the  food  of  those 
good  years  that  come,  and  lay  up  corn  under 
the  hand  of  Pharaoh,  and  let  them  keep  food  in 
the  cities. 

36  And  that  food  shall  be  for  store  to  the  land, 
against  the  seven  years  of  famine,  which  shall  be 
m the  land  of  Egypt : ‘that  the  land  ‘perish  not 
through  the  famine. 

37  11  And  mthe  thing  was  “good  in  the  eyes  of 
Pharaoh,  and  in  the  eyes  of  all  his  servants. 

38  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  his  servants,  Can  we 
find  such  a one  as  this  is,  a man  °in  whom  the 
Spirit  of  God  is  7 

39  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Joseph,  Forasmuch 
as  t'God  hath  showed  thee  all  this,  there  is  none 
so  discreet  and  wise  as  thou  art. 

40  Thou  uslxalt  be  over  my  house,  and  according 
unto  thy  word  shall  all  my  people  +be  ruled  : only 
in  the  throne  will  I be  greater  than  thou. 

41  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Joseph,  rSee,  I have 
set  thee  over  all  the  land  of  Egypt. 

42  And  Pharaoh  took  off  5his  ring  from  his 
hand,  and  put  it  upon  Joseph’s  hand,  and  arrayed 
him  in  vestures  of  §fme  linen,  and  put  ‘a  gold 
chain  about  his  neck. 

43  And  he  made  him  to  ride  in  the  second 
chariot  which  he  had  ; and  they  cried  before  him, 
“Bow  the  knee  : and  he  made  him  aruler  over  all 
the  land  of  Egypt. 

44  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Joseph,  I am  Pharaoh, 

g Dan.  4:27.  h Ex.  18:19 — 22.  Dent.  1:13.  Acts  6:3.  * Or,  overseers. 

S Prov.  6:6—8.  22:3.  27:12.  k 48,49,55.  45:6,7.  I 47:13-25.  t Heb.  be  no ' cut 
off.  30.  m Prov.  10:20.  25:11.  Acts  7:10.  n Josh.  22:30.  2 Sam.  3:36.  1 Kings 
21:2.  margins,  o Num.  27:18.  Job  32:8.  Pan.  4:8,18.  5:11.14.  p See  on  16,25, 
28,33.  q39:4 — 6.  Ps.  105:21,22.  Prov. *22:29.  Dan.  2:48.  6:3.  X Heb.  be  armed, 
or  /cist.  1 Sam.  10:1.  Ps.  2:12.  r 44.  Esth.  10:3.  Pan.  4:2,3.  Malt.  28:18.  Phil. 
2:9—11.  s Esth.  3:10,12.  6:7-12.  8:2,8,10,15.  10:3.  Dan.  2:46,47.  5:7,29.  Luke 
15:22.  § Or,  silk,  t Prov.  1:9.  Cant.  1:10.  Ez.  16:11.  Dan.  5:7,16.  H Or,  Ten- 
der father.  45:8.  Heb.  Ab.eck.  u 42:6,30,33.  45:8,26.  Acts  7:10.  x Ex.  11:7. 


raoh,  that  the  fertility  of  Egypt,  or  the  contrary,  was  entirely 
the  work  of  Jehovah  ; and  that  the  overflowing  of  the  Nile, 
and  its  failure,  were  second  causes,  entirely  directed  and 
ordered  by  the  God  of  heaven. 

V.  33 — 36.  Joseph  presumed  to  offer  Pharaoh  this  counsel, 
as  the  practical  inference  from  the  revelation  which  God  had 
afforded  him;  for  that  was  intended  to  forewarn  the  king, 
that  he  might  make  preparation.  There  could  be  no  risk  in 
following  this  advice;  as  corn  was  not  to  be  reserved,  except 
as  it  could  be  well  spared  from  the  regular  consumption. — 
Besides  all  the  corn  which  Pharaoh  should  lay  up,  it  might 
be  supposed  that  many  of  the  wealthy  Egyptians  would  pro- 
vide private  granaries  ; and  that  an  immense  quantity  would, 
in  different  ways,  be  collected  during  the  years  of  plenty. 

V.  37.  Under  the  present  impression  of  Joseph’s  inter- 
pretation of  the  dream,  not  only  Pharaoh,  but  his  counsellors 
likewise,  approved  Joseph’s  advice  as  undeniably  good ; 
perhaps  not  without  each  expecting,  for  himself  or  his  friend, 
this  lucrative  and  honourable  employment. — Thus  God  gave 
Joseph/auour  as  well  as  wisdom. 

V.  38.  Spirit  of  God.]  This  conclusion  probably  sprang 
from  the  remainder  of  a traditional  opinion,  that  the  highest 
and  noblest  wisdom  was  derived  from  the  inspiration  of  the 
Spirit  of  God:  and  the  judgment  of  Pharaoh  concerning 
Joseph  was  doubtless  formed,  not  only  from  the  interpreta- 
tion, as  excelling  all  the  skill  of  the  magicians,  but  also  from 
his  purposed  plan,  as  equally  superior  to  all  the  sagacity  of 
his  counsellors.  All  parties  were  silent  on  the  occasion,  and 
it  may  well  be  ascribed  to  God’s  overawing  their  minds,  that 
no  opposition  was  made,  when  we  consider  how  propense 
human  nature  is  to  envy,  and  that  Joseph  was  a stranger  and 
a slave ! 

V.  40.  Thus  was  Joseph  made  chief  minister  and  ruler 
ui  every  department  of  government;  as  well  as  placed  over 
the  business  of  collecting  corn  : a station  which  no  man  on 
earth  could  have  held  with  equal  advantage  to  all  concerned, 
and  with  less  danger  to  any  ; for  in  this  Joseph  was  an  espe- 
cial typo  of  our  perfectly  wise,  righteous,  faithful,  and  com- 
passionate Mediator  and  King. 

Be  ruled.]  be  armed,  kiss,  (mars.) — Notes,  1 Sam. 

10:1.  Ps.  2:10—13. 

V.  41 — 43.  Perhaps  Joseph  was  modestly  disposed  to  de- 
cline so  weighty  and  exalted  a station,  and  intimidated  at  the 
difficulty  and  danger  of  it ; and  therefore  ho  needed  repeated 
( 90  ) 


and  without  thee  shall  no  man  *Lft  up  his  hand  o* 
foot  in  all  the  land  of  Egypt. 

45  And  Pharaoh  called  Joseph’s  name  Zaph 
nath-paaneah ; and  he  gave  him  to  wile  Asenath 
the  daughter  of  Poti-pnerah  “priest  of  On:  ana 
Joseph  went  out  over  all  the  land  of  Egypt. 

46  And  Joseph  was  y thirty/  years  old  when  2 he 
stood  before  Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt.  And  Joseph 
went  out  from  the  presence  of  Pharaoh,  and  went 
throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt. 

47  And  in  the  seven  plenteous  years  the  earth 
brought  forth  by  “handfuls. 

48  And  bhe  gathered  up  all  the  food  of  the  seven 
years  which  were  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  laid 
up  the  food  in  the  cities : the  food  of  the  field 
which  was  round  about  every  city,  laid  he  up  in 
the  same. 

49  And  Joseph  gathered  corn  cas  the  sand  of 
the  sea,  very  much,  until  he  left  numbering : for 
it  was  without  number. 

50  H And  dunto  Joseph  were  born  two  sons 
before  the  years  of  famine  came  : which  “Asenath, 
the  daughter  of  Poti-pherah  '’priest  of  On,  bare 
unto  him. 

51  And  Joseph  f called  the  name  of  the  first- 
born tfManasseh ; for  God,  said  he,  hath  made  me 
forget  all  my  toil,  and  all  my  father’s  house. 

52  And  the  name  of  the  second  ^called  he 
tJEphraim  : for  God  hath  caused  me  to  he  fruitful 
in  hthe  land  of  my  affliction. 

53  If  And  ‘the  seven  years  of  plenteousness, 
that  was  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  were  ended. 

54  And  kthe  seven  years  of  dearth  began  to 
come,  ‘according  as  Joseph  had  said : mand  the 
dearth  was  in  all  lands ; but  in  all  the  land  of  Egypt 
there  was  bread. 

55  And  when  all  the  land  of  Egypt  was  "fa- 
mished, the  people  cried  to  Pharaoh  for  bread: 

1]  Or,  -prince.  Ex.  2:16.  marg.  2 Sam.  8:18.  20:26.  Heb.  v 37:2.  Num.  4:3.2 
Sam.  5:4.  Luke  3:23.  z 1 Sam.  16:21.  1 Kings  12:6.  Prov.  22:29.  Dan.  1:19. 
Luke  21:36.  Jude  24.  a 26:12.  Ps.  72:16.  b 35,36.  47.21.  c 22:17.  Judg.  7:12. 
1 Sam.  13:5.  Ps.  78:27.  Jer.  33:22.  d 46:20.  48:5.  e 45.  46:20.  **  Or,  prince 
f 48:5,13,14,18—20.  Deut.  33:17.  ft  That  is,  Forgetting.  See  on  30.  Ps.  45:10. 
g 29:32-35.  30:6—13.  50:23.  XX  That  is,  Fruitful.  48:16,19.  49:22.  h Ps.  105: 
17^18.  Am.  6:6.  Acts  7:10.  i 29— 31.  Ps.  73:20.  Luke  16:25.  k Ps.  105:16. 
Acts  7:11.  130.  m 42:2,5.  43:1.45:11.47:13.  n 2 Kings  6:25-29.  Jer.  14:1- 
6.  Lam.  4:3—10. 


assurances  to  encourage  him. — By  these  several  tokens,  the 
king  publicly  avowed  his  appointment, and  showed  that  it  would 
be  at  the  peril  of  any  one  who  dared  to  oppose  it. — Cha- 
riot , (43.)  This  is  the  first  time  that  a chariot  or  any  carriage 
is  mentioned  in  Scripture. — Bow  the  knee.]  See  the  margin. 

V.  44.  Iam  Pharaoh.]  ‘As  sure  as  I am  king  of  Egypt, 
I will  stand  by  thee ; so  that  no  man  shall  do  any  thing  con- 
trary to  thy  command  and  allowance.’ 

V.  45,  46.  Some  interpret  Zaphnath-paaneah  to  signify 
The  preserver  of  the  land:  but  others  suppose  it  to  mean,  in 
the  Egyptian  tongue,  a revealer  of  secrets  ; or  “ the  man  to 
whom  secrets  are  revealed — Poti-pherah  is  a different  name 
from  Potiphar,  and  another  person  than  Joseph’s  master  is 
meant.  As  priest,  or  prince  of  On  or  Heliopolis,  he  was  some 
great  lord  of  the  court,  or  at  least  had  been ; for  perhaps  he 
was  dead,  and  his  daughter  a ward  of  Pharaoh. — Joseph 
immediately  went  over  all  the  land  to  take  surveys,  build 
granaries,  and  make  preparations  for  the  execution  of  his 
grand  design. — Thirty  years  old.]  Notes,  27:1.  39:2 — 6. 

V.  47.  By  handfuls.]  An  uncommon  and  vast  increase. 

V.  49.  Perhaps  the  fifth  before  mentioned  was  imposed 
as  a public  tax ; and  Joseph  might  also  buy  large  quantities, 
when  corn  was  cheap,  which  he  stored  up  near  the  spot ; 
thus  consulting  both  ease  and  convenience,  and  giving  tho 
people  a pledge  that  it  was  laid  up  for  them,  not  taken  from 
them. — Some  think,  that  the  grain,  or  a considerable  part  of 
it,  was  preserved  in  the  straw,  in  stacks;  that  so  the  straw 
might  be  food  for  the  starving  cattle,  the  produce  of  the  first 
years  of  plenty  being  used  in  the  beginning  of  the  scarcity . 

V.  51.  Manasse.h.]  Causing  to  forget.  God  had  made 
Joseph  forget  all  his  toil  and  his  father’s  house,  by  the  pros- 
perous event  of  his  captivity,  slavery,  and  imprisonment. 
Perhaps,  when  he  sought  enlargement  through  the  chief  but- 
ler, he  had  thoughts  of*  returning  home,  out  of  regard  to  his 
father  and  family:  but,  heing  now  settled  and  engaged  other- 
wise in  Providence,  he  had  relinquished  this  design. — It  must 
be  ascribed  to  the  peculiar  disposal  of  God,  that  he  was  kept 
from  sending  to  inquire  about  his  father,  or  to  inform  him  of 
his  advancement. 

V.  54.  In  all  lands.]  In  all  the  countries  adjoining  to 
Egypt. 

V.  55.  Famished. J The  private  stores  of  the  Egyptians 
were  afler  a time  exhausted;  and  then  th*y  had  in  gent  n» 
no  other  resource  but  the  public  granaries,  without  whu  t a 


B.  C.  1706. 

and  Pharaoh  said  i nto  all  the  Egyptians,  °Go  unto 
Joseph ; what  he  saith  to  you,  do. 

56  And  the  famine  was  over  all  '‘the  face  of  the 
earth : and  Joseph  opened  ‘all  the  storehouses, 
and  asold  unto  the  Egyptians:  and  the  famine 
waxed  sore  in  the  land  ot  Egypt. 

57  And  rall  countries  came  into  Egypt  to  Jo- 
seph for  to  buy  corn;  because  that  the  famine  was 
so  sore  ‘in  all  lands. 

CHAPTER  XLII. 

Jacob  sends  ten  of  his  sons  to  Egypt  to  buy  co>  n,  1 — 5.  Joseph,  who  knows  them 
but  is  unknown  to  them,  imp<  isons  them  ns  spies , 6 — 17.  They  betray  before 
Joseph  remorse  for  their  cruelty  to  him  ; he  conceals  his  sympathy  ; retains 
Simeon,  and  sends  the  t est  home,  with  provisions,  requiring  them  to  bring 
their  younger  brother,  IS— 25.  They  find  their  money  in  their  sacks ’ mouths , 
and  are  alarmed  : they  report  the  matter  to  Jacob,  who  complains,  laments, 
is  affrights  l,  an  l refuses  to  send  Benjamin,  26 — 38. 

NOW  “when  Jacob  ‘‘saw  that  there  was  corn  in 
Egypt,  Jacob  said  unto  his  sons,  cWhy  do  ye 
look  one  upon  another  ? 

2 And  he  said,  Behold,  I have  heard  that  there 
is  corn  in  Egypt : dget  you  down  thither,  and  buy 

o 40,41.  Mutt.  3:17.  11:5.  pis. 23:17.  Zech.  5:3.  Luke  21:35.  Acts  11:26. 

• Heb.  (ill  wiurein  was.  q 42:6.  47.14— 24.  r 42:5.  s 51,56.  a 41:54,57. 
Acta  7:12.  l>2.  1 Kings  19:3.  Hos.5:13.  Gal. 2:7.  c Josh. 7:10.  2Kmgs7: 

3,4.  Ezra  10:4.  Jer.8:14.  d 43:2,4.  e 43:8.  Ps.  118:17.  Is.  38:1.  Mott. 

desolating  famine  must  have  ensued. — The  coincidence  of 
events  with  Joseph’s  predictions,  would  greatly  increase  his 
influence  both  with  prince  and  people. 

V.  56,  57.  Joseph  does  not  seem  to  have  opened  the  pub- 
lic granaries,  till  the  private  stock  was  nearly  exhausted. 
This  measure  would  tend  to  frugality,  and  subserve  his  design 
both  of  enriching  the  public  treasure,  and  preventing  the  hor- 
rors of  famine  in  that  and  the  adjacent  countries. — “ Face  of 
the  earth,"  (56.)  Or,  “ Of  the  land,"  or,  “ the  country,  (pun.)” 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 38.  The  Lord  in  his  appointed  time  will  bring  his 
people  out  of  trouble,  purified  as  gold  from  the  furnace ; but 
seldom  according  to  their  expectations,  either  as  to  the  way 
or  the  season  of  their  deliverance ; and  not  until  he  hath 
brought  them  off  from  other  dependences,  to  a simple  trust  in 
him  and  submission  to  him. — “ In  the  multitude  of  dreams 
there  are  divers  vanities,”  and  in  general  they  are  neither 
worth  repeating,  nor  capable  of  any  useful  interpretation  : 
yet,  so  absolutely  is  our  imagination,  sleeping  as  well  as 
waking,  in  the  Lord’s  hand,  that  without  supposing  any  thing 
prophetical,  (as  in  Pharaoh’s  dreams,)  he  may  by  a dream 
leave  an  impression  upon  the  mind,  of  the  most  important 
consequences  to  ourselves  and  others. — We  should  not  deem 
those  expectations  frustrated  which  are  not  immediately  an- 
swered ; nor  that  seed  of  the  word  thrown  away,  which  does 
not  immediately  spring  up : as  the  most  negligent  and  forget- 
ful may  hereafter  remember,  and  be  humbled  for  their  pre- 
sent inattention. — Deliverances,  both  from  temporal  and 
spiritual  distress,  often  surprise  the  praying  soul  when  least 
expected,  so  that  a man  at  once  becomes  “ like  them  that 
dream:”  and  as  God  frequently  pours  contempt  upon  princes, 
and  takes  pleasure  in  abasing  the  haughty ; so  he  delights  as 
much  in  advancing  the  humble  “ from  the  dunghill,  to  make 
them  inherit  the  throne  of  glory.” — Humility  and  a regard  to 
the  glory  of  God  are  requisite,  in  order  to  behave  suitably  in 
prosperous  circumstances ; and  an  answer  of  peace  may  be 
expected,  when  those  are  consulted  “ in  whom  is  the  Spirit 
of  God,”  by  those  who  sincerely  desire  to  know  his  truth  and 
will. — To  honour  those  who  honour  him,  the  Lord  frequently 
“confounds  the  wisdom  of  the  wise,  and  brings  to  nothing  the 
understanding  of  the  prudent and  when  he  pleases  to  give 
wisdom  and  favour,  he  can  conciliate  the  affections  of  all,  or 
overawe  their  spirits  ; and  prevent  opposition  from  the  jarring 
counsels  and  selfish  passions  of  the  ambitious  and  envious. 

V.  39 — 57.  Important  trusts,  however  unexceptionably 
obtained  and  managed,  are  an  encumbrance  rather  than  an 
advantage  to  the  possessor  ; who  might  be  more  comfortable, 
though  not  so  useful,  in  a more  obscure  situation.  Indeed,  all 
worldly  prosperity,  like  the  ears  of  plenty,  is  fleeting  away, 
and  will  soon  be  forgotten  and  swallowed  up  in  the  afflictions 
which  are  coming  upon  the  wicked.  In  Joseph,  however,  we 
still  see  a bright  example  of  fidelity,  activity,  and  equity ; and 
an  instance  of  the  extensive  good,  which  in  some  circum- 
stances may  be  done  by  one  man,  who  is  called  forth,  quali- 
fied, and  prospered  by  the  Lord. — The  knowledge  of  future 
temporal  events  might  in  some  instances  be  useful,  yet  would 
seldom  be  pleasant ; but  the  knowledge  of  the  future  state 
and  eternal  world  will  be  both  useful  and  pleasant,  if  we  do 
but  “ labour  for  that  meat,  which  endureth  unto  everlasting 
life,  which  the  Son  of  man  shall  give  us ; for  him  hath  God 
'he  Father  sealed.”  He  is  the  great  Antitype  of  Joseph. — 
Risen,  ascended,  and  exalted  on  the  throne  of  glory,  all  power 
is  vested  in  him  as  Mediator : he  is  the  Revealer  of  secrets , 
and  the  Saviour  of  the  world.  Through  the  whole  earth  the 
?ouls  of  men  are  perishing  without  resource,  save  in  him, 
‘the  Bread  of  Life,”  whose  fulness  is  inexhaustible.  To 
him  the  Father  bears  testimony,  “ This  is  my  beloved  Son, 
hear  ye  him ‘Go  to  Jesus,  and  what  he  bids  you,  do.’  To 
tl-ese  who  attend  to  this  voice  and  apply  to  him,  he  will  open 
his  treasures,  and  will  satisfy  the  hungry  soul  in  every  age 


B.  C.  1706. 

0 

for  us  from  thence;  'that  we  may  live,  and  not 
die. 

3 And  Joseph’s  'tea  brethren  went  down  to  bu) 
corn  in  Egypt. 

4 But  ^Benjamin,  Joseph’s  brother,  Jacob  sent 
not  with  his  brethren : lor  lie  said,  hLest  peradven- 
ture  mischief  befall  him. 

5 H And  the  sons  of  Israel  came  to  buy  corn 
among  those  that  came : 'lor  the  famine  was  in  the 
land  of  Canaan. 

6 And  Joseph  was  the  kgovcrnor  over  the  land, 
and  ‘he  it  was  that  sold  to  all  the  people  of  the 
land : and  Joseph’s  brethren  came,  and  mbowed 
down  themselves  before  him,  with  their  laces  to 
the  earth. 

7 And  Joseph  saw  his  brethren,  and  he  knew 
them,  but  made  himself  strange  unto  them,  and 
spake  ‘roughly  unto  them ; and  he  said  unto  them, 
Whence  come  ye  ? And  they  said,  F rom  the  land 
of  Canaan  to  buy  food. 

4:4.  f 5,13.  g35:16— 19.  h 38.  33:1,2.  43:14,25.  44:20— 22,27— 34.  1 12: 10. 
26:1.  41:57.  Axis  7:11.  11:28.  k 41:40,41.  45:8,26.  ft.  105:16— 21.  Acis7: 
10.  141:55,56.  ra  37:7.  44:14.  Re*.  3:9.  * Heb.  hard,  things  with  hem.  1 4— 
17,19,20.  Malt. 45:23— 26. 

and  nation,  and  that  “without  money  and  without  price.” 
But  they  who  slight  this  provision  must  starve  ; and  they  who 
bow  not  the  knee  before  him,  and  “ will  not  that  he  should 
reign  over  them,”  will  be  inevitably  destroyed,  as  enemies  to 
him  and  his  cause. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XLII.  V.  1,  2.  Jacob  learned,  not 
only  from  report,  but  from  those  who  had  actually  procured 
supplies,  that  in  this  time  of  general  scarcity  there  was  abun- 
dance of  corn  in  Egypt,  which  was  sold  to  other  nations.— 
When  he  said,  “W-hy  do  ye  look  one  upon  another  ?”  it 
implied  that  already  they  were  reduced  to  great  distress,  and 
scarcely  knew  what  to  do:  and  if  this  was  the  case  in  Jacob’s 
family,  after  the  first  or  second  year  of  the  famine,  how  terri- 
ble must  have  been  the  case  of  multitudes,  before  the  seven 
years  were  expired  1 

V.  3.  All  Jacob’s  sons  seem  to  have  been  married,  and  to 
have  had  families,  at  this  time:  perhaps  the  wealth  of  the 
family  being  thus  divided,  and  by  the  badness  of  the  times 
exceedingly  diminished,  they  had  parted  with  most  of  those 
servants  of  whom  we  before  read : and  probably  they  disposed 
of  the  rest,  previously  to  their  going  to  reside  in  Egypt ; for 
no  further  mention  is  made  of  servants,  or  of  any  that  went 
down,  besides  Jacob  and  his  descendants,  with  their  wives. — 
Camels,  of  which  Jacob  had  formerly  possessed  very  many, 
(31:17.  32:15.)  would  have  been  more  suited  to  fetch  corn 

upon,  than  asses ; but  all  of  these  seem  to  have  been  pre- 
viously disposed  of,  probably  to  raise  money,  with  which  to 
purchasefood  in  this  emergency.  (45:11.)  For  none  are  after- 
wards mentioned  among  his  possessions,  or  those  of  his  sons. 

Y.  4.  Lest  ...  mischief , &c.]  As  Jacob  supposed  had 
befallen  his  beloved  Joseph. 

V.  6.  Bowed,  &c.]  Joseph’s  dreams  at  length  began  to 
be  accomplished  : his  brethren’s  sheaves  bowed  to  his  sheaf; 
for  his  was  full,  and  theirs  were  empty. — Probably  a peculiar 
vigilance  was  on  this  occasion  exercised  respecting  foreigners, 
lest  any  should  cpme  for  bad  purposes ; and  all,  who  were  any 
way  remarkable,  were  brought  before  Joseph  in  person. 
Thus  his  brethren  would  be  introduced  to  him ; for  it  must 
be  supposed,  that  he  employed  deputies  in  selling  the  corn  in 
different  parts  of  the  land. 

V.  7,  8.  It  is  evident  that  Joseph  did  not  behave  thus 
from  resentment ; for  in  the  whole  transaction  he  exceedingly 
denied  himself,  and  put  a powerful  restraint  on  his  own  incli- 
nations. No  doubt  he  was  unwilling  to  augment  his  father’s 
grief,  and  would  rather  have  rejoiced  to  set  his  heart  at  ease 
by  an  immediate  message  ; yet  his  behaviour  had  for  a time 
a contrary  tendency.  It  is  most  probable  that  the  whole 
transaction,  from  Joseph’s  first  advancement  to  Jacob’s 
descent  into  Egypt,  was  conducted  by  some  intimations  from 
God  to  Joseph,  in  order  to  accomplish  his  purposes  respecting 
Jacob  and  his  posterity. — It  would  not  indeed  have  been  pro- 
per for  Joseph  immediately  to  receive  his  brethren  into  favour, 
till  it  appeared  that  they  were  sensible  of  their  guilt,  and 
showed  some  symptoms  of  remorse.  Now,  by  being  con- 
cealed, he  had  a fair  opportunity  of  discovering  the  real  state 
of  their  mind,  from  time  to  time  : and  by  virtue  of  his  autho- 
rity, he  was  able  not  only  to  make  strict  trial  of  them,  but  to 
employ  means  exactly  suited  to  produce  that  state  of  mind 
which  he  wished  to  see ; by  exciting  a beneficial  remorse  of 
conscience,  and  repressing  their  pride  and  stoutness  of  heart. 
By  his  own  experience  he  knew  the  good  effects  of  severe 
and  long  continued  troubles,  and  was  willing  to  try  the  same 
remedy  upon  them.  At  the  same  time  he  seems  to  have  been 
very  solicitous  to  obtain  information  concerning  the  state  of 
the  family ; especially  as  he  did  not  see  Benjamin  among  his 
other  brethren. — J sseph  was  seven’een  when  sold  into  Egypt ; 
he  was  now  about  thirty-eight ; and  he  might  be  more  altered 
in  the  space  of  above  twenty  years  than  his  elder  brethren. 
This  would  concur  with  his  rank  and  state,  to  prevent  then 
knowing  him. 


CHAPTER  XLII. 


( 91  ) 


B.Q.  706.  GENESIS.  B.  C.  1706. 


8 Aud  Joseph  knew  his  brethren,  “Din  they 
knew  not  liim. 

9 And  Joseph  “remembered  the  dreams  which 
lie  dreamed  of  them,  and  said  unto  them,  rYe  are 
spies ; to  see  the  ^nakedness  of  the  land  ye  are  come. 

10  And  they  said  unto  him,  Nay,  rmy  lord,  ! ut 
to  buy  food  are  thy  servants  come. 

11  We  are  all  one  man’s  sons : we  are  “true  men ; 
thy  servants  are  no  spies. 

12  And  he  said  unto  them,  Nay,  but  to  see  the 
nakedn?ss  of  the  land  ye  are  come. 

13  And  they  said,  ‘Thy  servants  are  twelve 
brethren,  the  sons  of  one  man  in  the  land  of  Ca- 
naan ; and  behold,  the  youngest  is  this  day  with 
our  father,  and  “one  is  not. 

14  And  Joseph  said  unto  them,  xThat  is  it  that 
I spake  unto  you,  saying,  Ye  are  spies. 

15  Hereby  ye  shall  be  proved : Jby  the  life  of 
Pharaoh  ye  shall  not  go  forth  hence,  'except  your 
youngest  brother  come  hither. 

16  Send  one  of  you,  and  let  him  fetch  your  bro- 
ther, and  ye  shall  be  ‘kept  in  prison,  “that  your 
words  may  be  proved,  whether  there  be  any  truth 
in  you : or  else  by  the  life  of  Pharaoh  surely  ye  are 
spies. 

17  And  he  'put  them  all  together  into  bward, 
three  days. 

18  And  Joseph  said  unto  them  the  third  day, 
This  do,  and  live : for  CI  fear  God. 

19  If  ye  be  true  men,  let  one  of  your  brethren  be 
bound  in  the  dhouse  of  your  prison : go  ye,  “carry 
corn  for  the  famine  of  your  houses. 

20  But  'bring  your  youngest  brother  unto  me : 
so  shall  your  words  be  verified,  and  ye  shall  not 

die.  ® And  they  did  SO.  [Practical  Observation'!.'] 

21  And  hthey  said  one  to  another,  We  are  verily 
guilty  concerning  our  brother,  in  that  'we  saw  the 
anguish  of  his  soul,  when  he  besought  us ; and  we 
would  not  hear:  therefore  is  kthis  distress  come 
upon  us. 

22  And  Reuben  answered  them,  saying,  ‘Spake 
I not  unto  you,  saying,  Do  not  sin  against  the 

n Luke  24:16.  John  20:14.  21:4.  o37:5— 9.  p 9,16,30,31,31.  Num.  13:2,16— 

20.  Josh. 2:1.  6:23.  Judg.  1:24.  1 Sam. 26:4.  Lwke20:20.  Heb.  11:31.  q Ex. 
32:25.  r27:29, 37.  37:8.  44:9.  1 Sam. 26: 17.  1 Kings  18:7.  8 19,33,34.  John  7: 

18.  2 Cor.  6:S.  t 11,32.  43:7.  u 36,38.37:30.  44:20, 28.  45:26.  Lam.  6:7. 
Matt.  2:18.  x 9—11.  Job  13:24.  19:11.  Matt.  15:21—28.  V Deut.  6:13. 

1 Sam.  1:26.  17:55.  Mott.  5:33— 37.  23:16—22.  Jam.  5:12.  7 20,34.  43:3.44: 

20—34.  * Heb.  bonrvt.  a 7,12,30.  t Heb.  gathered.  Is.  24:22.  Acts  5:18. 

b 40:4,7.  41:10.  Lev.  21:12.  Acts  4:3.  Heb.  12:10.  c 20:11.  Lev.  25:43. 
Neh.  5:9,15.  Luke  18:2,4.  d 40:3.  Is.  42:7,22.  Jer.  37:15.  e 1,2,26.  43:1,2.  45: 
23.  f 13.  43:5.  44:23.  g ’26.  6:22.  John  2:5.  h 41:9.  2 Sam.  12:13.  1 Kings  17: 

V.  9.  Joseph  now  experienced  in  part  the  accomplishment 
of  his  dreams,  of  which  perhaps  he  had  sometimes  been 
rep.dy  to  despair. — To  effect  his  purposes,  he  charged  his 
brethren  with  being  spies,  sent  by  some  foreign  prince  who 
intended  to  invade  Egypt,  that  they  might  spy  out  the  most  de- 
fenceless quarter  for  an  attack  ; and  he  urged  that  they  only 
covered  their  real  business  under  the  pretence  of  buying  corn. 

V.  11 — 13.  It  was  not  likely  that  one  man  would  venturi 
ten  sons  in  the  hazardous  employment  of  spies. — Thus  Jo- 
seph drew  from  them  the  information  which  he  wanted  : but 
what  must  have  been  his  feelings  when  they  said  u One  is  not !” 

V.  15.  It  is  painful  to  censure  so  high  a character  as 
Joseph.  But  the  expression,  u by  the  life  of  Pharaoh,” 
could  be  no  other  than  a sort  of  court-oath,  and  a profane 
flattery  of  the  prince,  which  Joseph  should  not  have  sanc- 
tioned by  his  example.  It  may  be  supposed,  that  he  did  not 
customarily  use  it,  but  only  now  assumed  it  as  a more 
effectual  blind ; but.  still  it  was,  at  best,  u doing  evil,  that 
good  might  come.”  “Let  your  communication,”  (that  is,  in 
ordinary  conversation,)  u be  yea  yea,  nay  nay  ; for  whatso- 
ever is  more  than  these  cometh  of  evil.”  An  oath  by  any 
creature  is  virtually  an  act  of  idolatry ; and  even  the  outward 
concurrence,  in  such  a case,  should  be  strictly  avoided. 

V.  17.  Considering  Joseph’s  authority,  the  nature  of  the 
crime  of  which  he  professed  to  suspect  the  strangers,  and  the 
roughness  of  his  behaviour,  they  perhaps  expected  little  else 
during  these  three  days,  than  to  be  put  to  death. — They 
seem  to  have  been  unwilling  to  comply  with  his  requirement ; 
or  they  could  not  agree  who  should  be  the  messenger  of  ill 
tidings  to  Jacob : and  they  were  therefore  confined  till  they 
submitted,  and  came  to  a determination. — Three  days.]  u The 
third  day,”  (18.)— Compare  Matt.  20:19.  27:63,64. 

V.  18.  I fear  GW.]  This  expression  might  surprise,  and 
perhaps  encourage  Joseph’s  brethren : but  his  chief  design 
seems  to  have  been  this  ; by  declaring  that,  he,  a supposed 
Egyptian,  feared  God,  and  would  not  do  injustice,  ho  meant 
to  awaken  their  remorse;  who,  though  educated  in  the  true 
religior  had  not  been  restrained  by  the  fear  of  God  from 
truelly  treating  their  brother. 

( 92 


child;  and  ye  would  not  hear?  theirfore  behold 
also,  mhis  blood  is  required. 

23  And  they  knew  not  that  Joseph  understood 
them;  for  the  spake  unto  them  by  a.i  interpreter. 

24  And  he  turned  himself  about  f jm  them,  and 
"wept;  and  returned  to  them  aga  n,  and  com- 
muned with  them,  and  took  fronftJ'em  “Simeon, 
and  bound  him  before  their  eyes. 

25  Then  Joseph  Pcommanded  to  fill  their  sacks 
with  corn,  and  to  restore  every  man’s  money  into 
his  sack,  and  ito  give  them  provision  for  the  way  : 
rand  thus  did  he  unto  them. 

26  If  And  they  laded  their  asses  with  the  corn, 
and  departed  thence. 

27  And  as  one  of  them  opened  his  sack  to  give 
his  ass  provender  in  ‘the  inn,  he  espied  his  money: 
for  behold  it  was  in  his  sack’s  mouth. 

28  And  he  said  unto  his  brethren,  My  money  is 
restored ; and  lo  it  is  even  in  my  sack  ; and  'their 
heart  Mailed  them,  and  they  were  afraid,  saying 
one  to  another,  “What  is  this  that  God  hath  done 
unto  us  ? 

29  And  they  came  unto  Jacob  their  father,  unto 
the  land.of  Canaan,  and  told  him  all  that  befell  unto 
them,  saying, 

30  The  man  who  is  the  lord  of  the  land  spake 
“roughly  to  us,  and  took  us  for  spies  of  the  country. 

31  And  we  said  unto  him,  We  are  true  men; 
we  are  no  spies. 

32  We  be  twelve  brethren,  sons  of  our  father: 
one  is  not,  and  the  youngest  is  this  day  with  our 
father  in  the  land  of  Canaan. 

33  And  the  man,  the  lord  of  the  country,  said 
unto  us,  Hereby  shall  I know  that  ye  are  true  men , 
leave  one  of  your  brethren  here  with  me,  and  take 
food for  the  famine  of  your  households,  and  be  gone. 

34  And  bring  your  youngest  brother  unto  me : 
then  shall  I know  that  ye  are  no  spies,  but  that  ye 
are  true  men  : so  will  I deliver  you  your  brother, 
and  ye  shall  "traffic  in  the  land. 

35  And  it  came  to  pass  as  they  emptied  their 
sacks,  that  behold,  revery  man’s  bundle  of  money 

18.  Job  33:27,28.  34:31.  36:8,9.  Hos.5:15.  Mark  9:44.46,48.  Luke  16:28.  137:23 
—28.  Jude.  1:7.  Pro*.  21:13.  24:11,12.  28:17.  Jcr.  34:17.  Malt.  7:2.  Jam. 2:13. 
kProv.  1:27,28.  137:21,22,29,30.  Luke  23:51.  Rom.  2:15.  m4:10.  9:5,6. 

1 Kings  2:32.  2 Chr.  24:22.  I s.  9:12.  Ei.  3:18.  I.uke  11:50,51.  Acts  28:4.  J Heb. 
an  interjireter  was  helwcen'htm.  n 43:30.  Luke  19:41.  Rom.  12:15.  1 Cor.  12: 
26.0  34:25.49:5—7.  p44:l,2.  Is.  55:1.  q 45:21.  Matt.  6:33.  t Matt.  5:44. 

Rom.  12:17— 21.  s 43:21.  Ex.  4:21.  Luke  2:7.  10:34.  i Lev.  25:36.  Deut.  23: 

65.  1 King!  -10:5.  Cant.  5:6.  Luke  21:26.  § Heb.  went  forth,  u Is.  45:7.  lam. 
2:17.  3:37.  Am.  3:6.  ||  Heb.  with  us  harxL  things.  7—20.  x 34:10,21.  1 Ki<igs 
10:15.  Ez.  17:4.  y 27,28. 

V.  20.  They  did  so.]  They  consented  to  the  proposal. 

V.  21,22.  Joseph’s  brethren  at  length  felt  a keen  remora  *, 
though  perhaps  insensible  before,  or  at  least  not  deeply  covi-  , 
vinced  of  their  heinous  crime  : and  considering  how  the  fear 
of  God  influenced  an  Egyptian,  as  they  supposed,  their  unre- 
lenting malice  to  their  brother  recurred  to  their  remembrance; 
and  they  were  unable  any  longer  to  conceal  their  convictions, 
but  began  to  speak  their  thoughts  one  to  another  on  the  sub- 
ject.— The  anguish  of  Joseph,  and  his  earnest  and  pathetic 
intreaties  for  mercy,  when  his  brethren  were  about  to  sell 
him  for  a slave,  or  to  kill  him,  are  not  mentioned  in  the  narra- 
tive, but  are  here  introduced  with  great  effect : and  they  were 
ready  to  conclude,  that  God  was  about  to  take  vengeance 
upon  them  for  that  cruelty.  Reuben  had  remonstrated  at 
the  time  with  his  brethren,  but  they  would  not  hear,  and  now 
he  reproached  them,  and  seemed  to  denounce  their  doom. 
Thus  will  conscience  at  length  reproach  and  torture  those, 
who  at  present  neglect  its  warnings.  In  this  respect  Reuben 
could  plead  not  guilty ; but  his  conscience  would  condemn 
him  in  another  matter,  respecting  which  his  brethren  could 
plead  not  guilty.  (35:22.  Notes,  49:3,4.  Row.  2:12 — 16.) 

V.  23.  They  knew  not,]  Thus  Joseph  was  favoured  with 
an  encouraging  token  of  the  success  of  his  plan,  to  support  his 
mind  till  he  should  witness  the  final  effect. 

V.  24.  Simeon  was  one  of  the  murderers  of  the  Shechem- 
ites,  and  probably  of  a daring,  hardy  spirit.  It  is  not  unlikely 
that,  ho  was  peculiarly  vehement  against  Joseph  when  he 
was  sold,  or  that  he  seemed  at  this  time  the  least  affected, 
and  therefore  Joseph  allotted  him  this  additional  discipline. 

V.  27.  Inn.]  Probably  this  was  nothing  •more  than  a 
shelter  provided  for  travellers,  to  which  every  one  brought  his 
own  provisions. 

V.  28.  The  sons  of  Jacob,  expecting  no  favour  from  the 
Egyptians,  regarded  'bis  as  a snare  laid  for  them ; and  were 
afraid  of  being  pursued  and  prosecuted  as  thieves.  (Notes, 
44:2 — 16.)  This  was  doubtless  the  effect  which  Joseph 
intended  to  produce,  in  order  to  augment  their  convictions  and 
humiliation.  As  they  had  before  escaped  when  giubv,  'h  *y 
were  ready  to  conclude,  that  they  should  now  sctJJr  .o;  a 


B.  C.  1705. 


CHAPTER  XLIII. 


B.  C.  1705. 


was  in  ms  sack:  and  when  both  they  and  their 
father  saw  the  bundles  of  money,  they  were  afraid. 

36  And  Jacob  their  father  said  unco  them,  *Me 
have  ye  bereaved  of  my  children.  Joseph  is  not, 
and  Simeon  .is  not,  and  ye  will  take  Benjamin 
away : "all  these  things  are  against  me. 

37  And  Reuben  spake  unto  his  father,  saying, 
bSlay  my  two  sons,  if  I brine:  him  not  to  thee : 
deliver  him  into  my  hand,  and  I will  bring  him  to 
thee  again. 

38  And  he  said,  My  son  shall  not  go  down  with 
you ; for  chis  brother  is  dead,  and  he  is  left  alone : 
if  mischief  befall  him  by  the  way  in  the  which  ye 
go,  then  shall  ye  dbring  down  my  gray  hairs  with 
sorrow  to  the  grave. 

CHAPTER  XLIII. 

Jacob  at  length  is  persuaded  to  send  Benjamin,  who  goes  with  hie  brethren 
into  Egypt,  1— lo.  They  are  brought  into  Joseph's  house,  and  are  greatly 
alarmed , but  are  encouraged  by  Joseph's  stewara,  16 — 25.  Joseph  is  kind  to 
them,  inquires  about  their  father,  is  ajfec’ed  at  seeing  Benjamin  ; and  they 
do  obeisa-ice  to  him,  26—29.  Joseph  retires  to  weep,  and  then  hospitably 
entertains  them,  30 — 34. 

ND  "the  famine  was  sore  in  the  land. 

2  And  it  came  to  pass  when  they  had  eaten 
up  the-  corn  which  they  had  brought  out  of  Egypt, 
their  father  said  unto  them,  bGo  again,  buy  us  a 
little  food. 

3  And  Judah  spake  unto  him,  saying,  The  "man 

i 37:20— 35.  a 45:28.  47:12.  lSam.27:l.  Job  7:7.  Ps. 34:19.  Ec.7:8.  la. 38:10. 
Bom.  8:28.  1 Cor.  10:13.  2 Cor.  4:17.  Jam.  5:7— 11.  b 43:9.  44:32— 34.  Mic.6:7. 
c 30:22—24  . 35:16—18  . 37:33.  44:20,27—34.  <1  44:29,31. 1 Kings  2:6.  Ps.  71:18.  Is. 
46:4.  a 41:54 — 57.  42:5.  I,am.  5:10.  Acts  7:11 — 13.  b42:l,2.  1 Tim.  5:8.  6:6— 8. 
e 42:15 — 20.44:23.  *Heb.  protesting,  protested.  Acts  7:34.  d5.  2 Sam.  3:13. 14: 


crime,  of  which  they  were  innocent ; and  they  acknowledged 
the  hand  of  God  in  it. 

V.  36.  Probably  Jacob  suspected  a fallacy  in  the  relation, 
and  feared  lest  his  sons  had  really  committed  some  base 
crime,  which  was  the  cause  of  Simeon’s  being  left  behind; 
and  perhaps  that  they  had  some  design  upon  Benjamin : at 
least  he  charged  the  blame  upon  them,  in  language  implying 
such  distrust. — All  these  things  lay  as  a heavy  burden  upon 
him , which  he  thought  his  sons  but  little  felt.  Jacob  made 
this  lamentation,  when,  had  he  known  all,  his  heart  would 
have  exulted  with  joy. — Me  have  ye  bereaved,  &c.]  It  is  pro- 
bable that  concurring  circumstances,  and  their  conduct  in 
other  respects,  made  him  suspect  the  truth  of  their  report 
concerning  Joseph. 

V.  37.  Reuben  (as  the  first-born)  was  the  only  one  who 
brake  silence  on  this  occasion  ; and  probably  he  intended 
principally  to  divert  the  discourse  from  Joseph  ; but  his  pro- 
posal was  very  rash  and  absurd ! What  right  had  he  over 
the  lives  of  his  children?  and  what  satisfaction  could  the 
murder  of  two  grandchildren  give  Jacob  for  the  loss  of  Ben- 
jamin ? — Moreover,  Reuben  engaged  to  bring  back  Benjamin 
without  so  much  as  adding,  ‘ By  the  blessing  of  God,’  or  ‘If 
the  Lord  will  as  if  his  puny  arm  could  both  defend  and  up- 
hold him.  Jacob,  in  other  respects,  seems  to  have  placed  but 
ittle  confidence  in  him.  (Notes,  43:8,9.  49:8,9.) 

- PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.  , 

V.  1 — 20.  When  tne  Lord  rendereth  a “ fruitful  land 
barren’  for  the  wickedness  of  them  that  dwell  therein,”  he 
seldom  proceeds  to  extremities.  Though  much  misery  is 
endured,  there  is  some  redress  and  respite ; one  country 
supplies  the  deficiencies  of  another,  and  one  year  fu’rtiishes  a 
redundance  to  help  out  the  scarcity  that  follows  or  precedes  it : 
for  in  the  other  world  alone  will  happiness  or  misery  be  un- 
mixed: no  scarcity  in  the  Canaan  above,  no  redress  in  hell 
beneath. — In  distress  or  danger,  we  should  not  stand  looking 
one  at  another,  desponding  and  inactive ; but,  having  disco- 
vered where  help  may  be  had,  we  ought,  to  apply  for  it  with- 
out delay,  and  without  shrinking  from  labour,  or  grudging  ex- 
pense ; especially  in  the  dangers  to  which  our  immortal  souls 
are  exposed.  There  is  provision  in  Christ,  and  to  him  we 
must  come,  and  from  him  we  must  diligently  seek  it;  even 
though  in  obtaining  it.  we  be  called  to  “ deny  ourselves,  take 
up  our  cross,  and  forsake  all  that  we  have.” — When  we  or 
our  friends  go  from  home,  we  should  commend  ourselves  and 
them  to  the  divine  protection  ; for  we  know  not  what  unex- 
pected dangers  may  be  in  the  way:  and,  when  returned  in 
safety,  we  should  not  forget  our  tribute  of  grateful  praise  ; for 
many  meet  with  terrible  disasters.— Though  God’s  purposes 
slowly  unfold,  yet  they  are  certainly  accomplished,  often  by 
the  most  improbable  means  ; nay,  those  enemies,  who  have 
set  themselves  to  defeat  his  designs,  are  made  the  instru- 
ments of  their  fulfilment! — Neither  the  guilt  nor  the  con- 
sciousness of  sin  will  wear  out  by  time : and  though  men  may 
commit  crimes  with  unconcern,  and  remain  insensible  for 
many  years,  conscience  being  struck  dumb  and  stupified  ; 
yet  there  may  be  a time  even  in  this  life,  when  it  shall 
iwake,  and  inspire  such  terrors  as  cannot  be  described. 
Happy  is  it  when  this  is  the  case  : otherwise  the  never-dying 
wo-m  will  certainly  torment  the  soul  for  ever,  in  another 
world.  In  order  therefore  to  awaken  serious  reflection  in 
tne  guilty  breast,  the  most  afflictive  dispensations  of  Provi- 
dence are  precious  blessings  ; and,  in  some  instances,  it  is 


'did  solemnly  protest  unto  us,  saying1,  Ye  shall  not 
dsee  my  face,  except  your  brother  be  with  you. 

4 If’  thou  wilt  send  our  brother  with  us,  we  w\V 
go  down  and  buy  thee  food. 

5 But  if  thou  wilt  not  send  him,  we  'will  not  go 
down  ; for  the  man  said  unto  us,  Ye  shall  not  see 
my  face,  except  your  brother  be  with  you. 

6 And  Israel  said,  Wherefore  dealt  ye  so  ill  with 
me,  as  to  tell  the  man  whether  ye  had  yet  a bro- 
ther ? 

7 And  they  said,  The  man  tasked  us  straitly  o 
our  state,  and  of  our  kindred,  saying,  Is  your  fa 
ther  yet  alive  ? have  ye  another  brother  ? And  we 
told  him  according  to  the  ttenor  of  these  words : 
§Could  we  certainly  know  that  he  would  say,  Bring 
your  brother  down  ? 

8 And  Judah  said  unto  Israel  his  father,  Send 
the  lad  with  me,  and  we  will  arise  and  go  ; 'that 
we  may  live  and  not  die,  both  we,  and  thou,  and 
*also  our  little  ones. 

9 I hwi!l  be  surety  for  him ; 'of  my  hand  shalt 
thou  require  him  : If  I bring  him  not  unto  thee, 
and  set  him  before  thee,  then  let  me  bear  the  blame 
for  ever. 

10  For  except  we  had  klingered,  surely  now  we 
had  returned  "this  second  time. 


32.  Acta  20:25,38.  e42:38.  44:26.  Ex.  20:12.  t Heb.  asking,  asked  us.  "i.marg. 
J Heb.  mouth.  § Heb.  knowing  could  we  know.  3.  mar g.  f4'2.'2.  Jleut.  33:6. 
2 Kings  7:4,13.  Ps.  118:17.  g 45:19.  50:8,21.  Num.  14:31.  Ezra  8:21.  h 42:37.  44: 
32,33.  Ps.  119:122.  Philem.  18,19.  Heb.  7:22.  i 9:5.  31:39.  Ez.  3:18,20  . 33:6,8. 
Luke  11:50.  k 19:16.  \\  Or,  twice  by  this. 

the  result  of  wise  love,  to  treat  the  proud  and  careless  with 
roughness  and  distance ; and,  as  far  as  equity  and  the  fear  of 
God  will  allow,  to  show  them,  in  our  dealings  with  them,  the 
picture  of  their  conduct  to  others,  in  order  to  bring  their  sins 
to  remembrance,  and  excite  a salutary  remorse.  They  there- 
fore who  are  of  a very  kind  and  tender  disposition,  if  they 
would  do  good,  must  sometimes  disguise  their  feelings  undei 
an  assumed  sternness;  as  the  humane  surgeon  probes  the 
Wound,  or  cuts  the  limb,  with  firmness  and1  apparent  uncon- 
cern, while  his  heart  bleeds  for  the  anguish  which  he  oc 
casions. 

V.  21 — 38.  When  conscience  is  once  awakened,  there 
needs  no  accuser ; for  every  circumstance  increases  the  dis- 
may : and  under  calamities,  in  which  many  are  involved,  the 
consciousness  of  having  avoided  and  protested  against  those 
crimes,  which  are  thus  called  to  remembrance,  affords  a sin- 
gular support. — Many  are  the  troubles  of  the  righteous : yet 
imagination  and  a mistaken  judgment  often  magnify  them; 
and  many  things  appear  to  be  against  them,  which  are  most 
effectually  conducive  to  their  good.  The  Lord  will  make 
such  persons  ashamed  of  their  distrustful  complaints ; and 
their  gray  hairs  shall  not  descend  to  the  grave  with  that  sor- 
row which  they  have  presaged ; for  the  latter  end  of  the  up- 
right man  shall  be  peace. — But  in  this  narration  let  us  look 
unto  Jesus.  Thus  does  he  conceal  himself  and  his  favour: 
thus  does  he  rebuke  and  chasten  those  for  whom  he  hath 
purposes  of  love;  and  by  sharp  corrections,  and  humiliating 
conviction  from  the  spirit  ofbondage,  he  breaks  the  stoutness 
and  subdues  the  pride  of  their  hearts,  and  brings  them  to  true 
repentance  : nor  will  he  disclose  his  reconciled  countenance, 
till  he  has  fully  humbled  their  hearts,  perhaps  by  long  con- 
tinued discouragements:  till  he  has  proved  their  sincerity, 
and  led  them  to  the  simplicity  of  faith  and  dependence  on 
him:  and  then  by  “ the  Spirit  of  adoption,”  he  will  manifest 
himself  unto  them  as  their  Brother  and  their  Friend.  Yet 
before  they  fully  know  him,  or  taste  that  he  is  gracious,  he 
both  consults  their  good,  and  sustains  their  souls;  preserves 
them  from  despair,  and  strengthens  them  to  wait  upon  him, 
and  wait  for  him. — Thus  may  we  do  continually ; never  yield- 
ing to  discouragement,  determining  to  seek  no  other  refuge, 
and  humbling  ourselves  more  and  more  under  his  mighty 
hand;  and  then  in  due  lime  he  will  answer  our  petitions,  and 
far  exceed  our  expectations. 

NOTES— Chap.  XLIII.  V.  1—7.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  8,  9.  Probably  Judah,  (whom  we  observed  before  to 
have  shown  some  tokens  of  repentance,)  had  acquired  more 
of  the  confidence  of  Jacob  than  either  Reuben  pr  Levi : and 
he  seems  to  have  been  sincerely  desirous  of  the  welfare  o! 
Benjamin,  as  well  as  of  the  family;  remembering  perhaps 
with  inward  anguish  his  former  treatment  of  Joseph.  His 
arguments  were  very  forcible.  Unless  Benjamin  went  with 
them,  they  must  all  perish  together  by  famine ; and  'jus  even 
he  would  be  more  endangered  by  staying  at  home,  than  by 
going  into  Egypt. — Judah’s  engagement  meant,  that  he  would 
venture  or  endure  any  thing  to  preserve  Benjanvn  : which  he 
fulfilled  by  the  most  heroic  and  generous  proposa  imaginab  e. 
(Note,  44:33,34.) 

V.  10.  Jacob’s  refusal  to  let  Benjamin  accompany  h.s 
brethren  had  already  caused  them  to  iose  much  time  ; and 
Judah  thus  intimated  that  the  whole  family  was  likely  to 
perish,  by  means  of  their  father’s  unreasonable  care  of  an 
individual. 

( 93  ) 


B C.  1705. 


GENESIS. 


B.  C.  1705. 


1 1 And  their  father  Israel  said  unto  them,  'If  it 
must  be  so  now,  do  this ; take  of  the  best  fruits  in 
the  land  in  your  vessels,  and  ""carry  down  the  man 
a present,  "a  little  balm,  and  a little  honey,  "spices, 
and  myrrh,  nuts,  and  almonds. 

12  And  take  Pdouble  money  in  your  hand  : and 
the  money  that  was  brought  again  in  the  smouth 
of  your  sacks,  carry  it  again  in  your  hand ; perad- 
venture  it  ivas  an  oversight : 

13  Take  also  your  brother,  and  arise,  go  again 
unto  the  man. 

14  And  "God  Almighty  give  you  mercy  before 

the  man,  that  lie  may  send  away  your  other  bro- 
ther, and  Benjamin : 'If  I be  bereaved  of  my  chil- 
dren, I am  bereaved.  [ Practical  Observations .] 

15  H And  the  men  took  that  present,  and  they 
took  double  money  in  their  hand,  and  Benjamin ; 
and  rose  up,  and  went  down  to  Egypt,  and  stood 
before  Joseph. 

16  And  when  Joseph  saw  Benjamin  with  them, 
he  said  to  sthe  ruler  of  his  house,  Bring  these  men 
home,  and  'slay  and  make  ready : for  these  men 
shall  tdine  with  me  at  noon. 

17  And  the  man  did  as  Joseph  bade:  and  the 
man  brought  the  men  into  Joseph’s  house. 

18  And  "the  men  were  afraid,  because  they  were 
brought  into  Joseph’s  house,  and  they  said,  Be- 
cause of  the  money  that  was  returned  in  our  sacks 
at  the  first  time,  are  we  brought  in  ; that  he  may 
Sseek  occasion  against  us,  and  fall  upon  us,  and 
take  us  for  bondmen,  and  our  asses. 

19  And  they  came  near  to  the  steward  of  Jo- 
seph’s house,  and  they  communed  with  him  at  the 
door  of  the  house ; 

20  And  said,  O sir,  "we  came  indeed  down  the 
first  time  to  buy  food  : 

21  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  fwe  came  to  the 
inn,  that,  we  opened  our  sacks,  and  behold,  every 
man’s  money  was  in  the  mouth  of  his  sack,  our 
money  in  full  weight:  and  ‘we  have  brought  it 
again  in  our  hand. 

22  And  other  money  have  we  brought  down  in 
our  hands  to  buy  food : we  cannot  tell  who  put 
our  money  in  our  sacks. 

I 14.  Esth. 4:16.  Acts 21:14.  m 32:13— '21.  ISam. 25:27.  Prov.l8:16. 21:14.  n37: 
23.  Jet-.  8:22.  Ez.  27:17.  o 1 Kings  10:15.  2 Ohr.  32:27.  C'ant.  4:10,14— 16.  5:1.  8: 
14.  p Rom.  12:17.  2 Cor.  8:21.  Phil.  4:8.  1 Tltes.  5:21.  q 42:25,35.  r 17:1.  32:11, 
28.  Ezra  7:27.  Nell. 1:11.  Ps.  37:5.  Prov.  16:7.  21: 1 . Acls  7:10.  • Or,  And  I, 
as  T have  been,  &e.  See  on  U.  s 15:2.  24:2,10.  39:4,5.  44:1.  t Heb.  kill  a 
killing.  1 Sam.  25:11.  ma:  g.  } Heb.  eat.  x 42:21,28,35.  Job  15:21.  Is.  53:5. 
73:16.  Is.  7:2.  Matt.  14:26,27.  Mark  6:16.  § Heb.  roll  himself  upon  us.  Job 

30:14.  ||  Heb.  coming  down  we  came  down.  3:7.  y 42:27,35.  z See  on  12.— 
Heb.  13:18.  a Jude;.  6:23.  19:20.  1 Sam.  25:6.  1 Chr.  12:18.  Ezra  4:17.  Luke 
24:36.  John  14:27.20:19,21,23.  T!  Heb.  Your  money  came  to  me.  b 14  . 42:24, 


V.  11,  12.  The  productions  of  the  high  and  mountainous 
parts  of  Canaan  would  differ  greatly  from  those  of  Egypt, 
which  is  flat,  and  annually  inundated.  The  dry  seasons, 
which  caused  a famine,  might  not  prevent  the  increase  of 
those  things  which  are  here  mentioned ; and  no  doubt  Jacob 
selected  what  he  knew  was  likely  to  be  most  acceptable  to 
an  Egyptian  prince.  He  likewise  directed  his  sons  to  carry 
hack  the  money  that  had  been  returned,  and  to  take  other 
money  with  which  to  purchase  corn;  perhaps  double  the  sum 
which  they  took  before,  in  case  the  prices  should  be  ad- 
vanced. Thus  they  would  show,  that  they  meant  to  act 
fairly. — Spices.]  (37:25.)  Some  think,  that  these  were 

brought  from  India.  (Marg.  Ref.  o.) 

V.  14.  Jacob  knew,  by  experience,  the  influence  which 
the  Lord  has  over  every  heart,  to  incline  it  favourably  to  his 
eople : and  it.  is  observable  that  in  this  speech,  in  which  he 
as  recourse  to  his  former  method  of  prevailing  with  man,  by 
faith  and  prayer  to  God,  he.  is  dignified  with  the  name  of 
Israel. — The  concluding  words  expressed  a humble  resigna- 
tion to  the  will  of  God.  ‘ If  1 be  bereaved  of  my  children, 
be  it  so ; the  Lord  hath  wise  reasons  for  thus  dealing  with 
me.’ 

V.  10 — 23.  Joseph  seems  especially  to  have  sought  time 
to  compose  his  mind,  that  his  tender  feelings  respecting  Ben- 
jamin might  not  defeat  his  designs. 

V.  27.  Joseph’s  inquiry  was  aptly  introduced  by  the  pre- 
sent brought  him  ; and  while  he,  with  wonderful  propriety, 
acted  in  his  assumed  character,  his  question  expressed  the 
most  benevolent  and  attentive  disposition. 

V.  28.  In  thus  bowing  down  at  the  mention  of  their  father, 
they,  as  it  were,  did  obeisance  in  his  name  ; according  to 
Joseph’s  second  dream.  (37:9,10.) 

V.  29 — 31.  This  union  in  Joseph  of  exquisite  sensibility, 
with  firmness  and  entire  command  of  his  passions,  in  every 
/■jrcuinstance  which  required  it,  is  a decided  indication  of  a 
wery  superior  character. 

( 94  ) 


23  And  he  said,  "Peace  be  to  you,  fear  not : 
your  God,  and  the  God  of  your  lather,  hath  given 
you  treasure  in  your  sacks : "I  had  your  money. 
''And  he  brought  Simeon  out  unto  them. 

24  And  the  man  brought  the  men  into  Joseph’s 
house,  and  ‘gave  them  water,  and  they  washed 
their  feet,  and  tie  gave  their  asses  provender. 

25  And  dthey  made  ready  the  present  against 
Joseph  came  at  noon : for  they  heard  that  they 
should  eat  bread  there. 

26  IT  And  when  Joseph  came  home,  they 
brought  him  the  present  which  was  in  their  hand 
into  the  house,  and  ‘bowed  themselves  to  him  to 
the  earth. 

27  And  he  asked  them  of  their  "welfare,  and 
said,  1 Us  your  father  well,  rthe  old  man  of  whom 
ye  spake  ? Is  he  yet  alive  r 

28  And  they  answered,  Thy  servant  our  father 
is  in  good  health,  he  is  yet  alive  : gand  they  bowed 
down  their  heads,  and  ’’made  obeisance. 

29  And  he  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  saw  his  bro- 
ther Benjamin,  his  ‘another’s  son,  and  said,  Is  this 
your  younger  brother,  kof  whom  ye  spake  unto 
me  ? And  he  said,  God  he  gracious  unto  thee,  'my 
son. 

30  And  Joseph  made  haste ; for  “his  bowels  did 
yearn  upon  his  brother:  and  he  sought  where  to 
weep,  and  he  entered  into  his  chamber,  and  "wept 
there. 

31  And  he  washed  his  face,  and  went  out,  and 
‘refrained  himself,  and  said,  Set  on  bread. 

32  And  they  set  on  for  him  by  himself,  and  for 
them  by  themselves,  and  for  the  Egyptians,  which 
did  eat  with  him,  by  themselves ; because  the 
Egyptians  might  not  eat  bread  with  Ihe  Hebrews ; 
for  that  is  ran  abomination  unto  the  Egyptians. 

33  And  they  isat  before  him,  the  first-born  ac- 
cording to  his  birthright,  and  the  youngest  ac- 
cording to  his  youth : and  the  men  marvelled  one 
at  another. 

34  And  he  took  and  sent  "messes  unto  them, 
from  before  him.  But  Benjamin’s  mess  swas  five 
times  so  much  as  any  of  theirs.  And  they  drank, 
and  Jtwere  merry  with  him. 


36.  c 18:4.  19:2.24:32.  I.uke  7:44.  John  13:4— 17.  d 11,16.  e 27:29.  37:7— 10. 
19,20.42:6.  I's.  72:9.  Rom.  14:11.  Phil.  2:10,11.  ••  Heb.  peace.  37:14.  Ex.  18: 
7.  Judg.  18:15.  1 Sam.  17:22.25:5.  tl  Heb.  Is  there  peace  to  your  father  > f 42: 
11,13.  g 26  . 37:9,10.  h Ex.  18:7.  2 Sam.  1:2.  14:4.  1 Kings  1 1C.  2 Chr.  24:17. 
i30:22—24.35:17,18.  k 42:13.  145:8.  Josh.  719.  2 Chr.  29:11.  Mntt.  9:2,22. 
Mark  10:24.  m 1 Kings  3:26.  Jer.  31:20.  Phil.  1:8. 2:1.  Col.  3:12.  1 John  3:17. 
n 42:24.  John  11:33— 38.  Acts  20:19,31,37.  2Tim.l:4.  o45:l.  Is.  42:14.  Jer. 
31:16. 1 Pet.  3:10.  p 46:34.  Ex.  8:26.  q 44:12.  r2  Sam.  11:8.  r 45:22.  1 Sam. 
1:5.  9:22 — 24.  Heb.  drank  largely . Cant.  5:1.  Hag.  1:6.  John  2:10. 


V.  32.  Probably  Joseph,  as  known  to  be  a Hebrew,  con- 
nived at  the  superstitious  prejudices  of  the  Egyptians  ; but  he 
would  not  sit  with  his  brethren,  lest  it  should  excite  suspicion. 
The  abomination  in  which  the  Egyptians  held  eating  with  the 
Hebrevys,  has  generally  been  ascribed  to  the  latter  eating  the 
flesh  of  those  animals  which  the  former  held  sacred : therefore 
shepherds  also  were  an  abomination  to  the  Egyptians,  though 
they  likewise  had  flocks  and  herds.  This  however  is  very 
doubtful;  as  we  have  no  intimation  of  Ihe  kind  in  the  history, 
nor  any  other  records  of  so  ancient  a date.  Indeed  national, 
and  even  religious  antipathies  are  so  common,  and  so  unrea- 
sonable,that  it  is  not  greatly  worth  while  to  inquire  particu- 
larly into  the  occasion  of  them. 

V.  33.  No  doubt,  Joseph’s  brethren  were  seated  in  this 
order  by  his  appointment,  which  excited  their  surprise.  But 
probably  they  ascribed  it  to  some  extraordinary  sagacity,  or 
to  divination,  which  he  afterwards  mentioned. 

V.  34.  Five  times , &c.l  A token  of  respect  customary  in 
those  days,  which  should  not  be  judged  of  by  modern  man- 
ners. Joseph  tried  whether  his  brethren  would  envy  Benja- 
min this  distinction,  as  they  had  envied  him  his  coat  of  many 
colours.  The  word  (votth)  rendered,  were  merry , sometimes 
means,  were  intoxicated : but  it  seems  to  be  properly  trans- 
lated ; for  we  cannot  suppose,  either  that  in  such  circumstances 
they  would  drink  to  excess,  or  that  Joseph  would  have  coun- 
tenanced them  in  so  doing. — EpcSvcSijouv,  Sept.  MsSuoSuhm, 
John  2:10.  u Have  well  drunk.” 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 14.  Wo  should  use  great  caution  in  forming  resolu- 
tions concerning  our  future  measures  in  things  indifferent  ; for 
our  perseverance  so  much  depends  on  the  events  of  Provi- 
dence, that  the  conduct  which  we  most  fully  purpose  may 
become  impracticable  : in  most  things,  therefore,  where  duty  is 
not  concerned,  we  are  best  ruled  by  circumstances  as  they 
arise.  But  if  we  have  formed  a rash  resolution,  to  v\ltich  ne 
cannot  with  propriety  adhere,  we  must,  virtually  or  explicitly 


B.  C.  1705.  CHAPTER  XLIV.  B.  C.  1705. 


CHAPTER  XLIV. 

/ oseph  directs  his  steward  to  put  the  money  into  the  mouths  of  his  brethren's 
sucks,  and  his  silver  cup  into  that  of  Benjamin , 1,2;  and  afterwards  to 
pursue  than  and  accuse  them  of  theft , 3 — 6.  Their  sacks  are  searched  ; the 
cup  is  found  ; and  in  deep  distress  they  return  to  Joseph , 7 — 13.  They 
humble  themselves  before  him , 14—17 ; and  Judah  makes  a most  pathetic 
speechjconcluding  tcilh  a most  generous  request,  IS — 34. 

A ND  he  commanded  'the  steward  of  his  house, 
IX.  saying,  "Fill  the  men’s  sacks  with  food,  as 
much  as  they  can  carry,  and  put  every  manis  mo- 
ney in  his  sack’s  mouth. 

2 And  put  my  bcup,  the  silver  cup,  in  the  sack’s 
mouth  of  the  youngest,  and  his  corn-money : and  he 
did  according  to  the  word  that  Joseph  had  spoken. 

3 il  As  soon  as  the  morning  was  light,  the  men 
were  sent  away,  they  and  their  asses. 

4 And  when  they  were  gone  out  of  the  city,  and 
not  yet  far  oil,  Joseph  said  unto  his  steward,  Up, 
follow  after  the  men ; and  when  thou  dost  over- 
take them,  say  unto  them,  "Wherefore  have  ye 
rewarded  evil  for  good  ? 

5 Is  not  this  it,  in  which  my  lord  drinketh  ? and 
whereby  indeed  he  hlivine th  ? ye  have  done  evil 
in  so  doing. 

6 And  he  overtook  them,  and  he  spake  unto 
them  these  same  words. 

7 And  they  said  unto  him,  dWherefore  saith  my 
lord  these  words  ? God  forbid  that  thy  servants 
should  do  according  to  this  thing. 

8 Behold,  "the  money  .which  we  found  in  our 
sacks’  mouths  we  brought  again  unto  thee  out  of 
the  land  of  Canaan:  fhow  then  should  we  steal 
out  of  thy  lord’s  house  silver  or  gold  ? 

• Heb.  him,  'hat  was  over  the  house.  24:2. 43: 16.  a 42:25.  b 42:15.16,20.  Dent. 
8:2  16.  13:3.  2 Cor.  8:8.  c 1 Sam.  24:17.  2Chr.20:ll.  Ps.  35:12.  109:5.  Prov. 
17:13.  John  10  32.  t Or,  maketh  trial.  15 .marg.  d 34:25-31.  35-22.  37:18— 
82.38:16 — 18.  Josh.  22:22 — 29.  2 Sam.  20:20.  2 Kings  8:13.  e 42:27,35.  43:12,21, 
22.  f See  on  7.  Jam.  2:10,1] . £31:32.  Job  31:35—40.  I s.  7:3—5.  Acts  25:11. 
h 43:18.  i 17,33.  Ex.  22:3.  Malt.  18:24,25.  k 43:33.  126—32.  42:36—38  . 43: 

acknowledge  our  mistake,  and  forego  our  determination:  for 
though  firmness  is  essential  to  usefulness  and  comfort,  yet 
obstinacy  is  both  foolish  and  ruinous. — There  may  be  cases, 
in  which  we  must  refuse  obedience  to  an  earthly  superior ; 
because  it  is  superseded  by  a higher  obligation:  but  this 
should  never  be  done  without  necessity  ; and  should  always 
be  grounded  on  cogent  arguments,  and  expressed  in  gentle 
and  respectful  language : and  even  when  a refusal  is  unex- 
ceptionable, an  impartial  judge  can  seldom  approve  the  man- 
ner in  which  it  is  given. — When  the  Lord  seems  to  frown  on 
us,  we  are  prone  to  blame  others ; and  thus  we  often  rebel- 
liously  murmur  against  the  Author  of  our  troubles,  by  quar- 
relling with  the  instruments. — But  when  all  our  contrivances 
are  overruled,  and  necessity  compels  us  to  say,  “ It  must  be 
so  now  then  submission  to  the  will  of  the  all-wise  Disposer, 
and  a believing  dependence  on  the  almighty  Lord,  who  hath 
all  hearts  in  his  hands,  will  yield  us  a seasonable  support. 
While  we  use  every  prudent  conciliatory  means,  we  shall 
best  prevail  with  man,  by  first  prevailing  with  the  Lord  in  fer- 
vent prayer  ; and  “ Thy  will  be  done”  should  close  every  pe- 
tition for  temporal  benefits,  or  against  temporal  afflictions. — 
Though  men  value  very  highly  their  gold  and  silver,  and  the 
luxuries  which  are  accounted  the  best  fruits  of  every  land; 
et,  in  a time  of  famine,  they  willingly  barter  them  away  for 
read : how  little  then  will  they  stand  us  in  stead  in  the  day 
of  wrath ! and  how  ready  shall  we  be,  if  truly  wise,  to  re- 
nounce them  all  “ as  loss,  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge 
of  Jesus  Christ  !”■ — They  who  mean  sincerely  , are  apt  to  en- 
gage for  more  than  they  can  perform  : and,  if  we  feel  our  pas- 
sions greatly  moved,  our  tongue  should  be  held  in  as  with  a 
bridle  ; or  it  may  afterwards  occasion  us  much  trouble. 

Y.  15 — 31.  Terror  once  excited  is  increased  by  every 
event : yet  innocence  gives  confidence,  and  supplies  the  want 
of  eloquence ; or  rather  furnishes  that  which  is  the  most  sim- 
ple and  expressive. — “ He  that  walketh  with  wise  men  will  be 
wise :”  and  the  good  and  pious  words  of  the  Egyptian,  Joseph’s 
steward,  show  us  that  a godly  man’s  conversation  is  never 
useless  ; and  teach  us  to  abound  in  that  speech,  which  is  good 
for  the  use  of  edifying. — Even  they  who  inadvertently,  and  by 
oversight,  have  got  possession  of  the  property  belonging  to 
another,  are  bound  to  restore  it,  when  they  discover  the  mis- 
take ; and,  however  we  acquire  honest  gain,  we  ought  to  look 
m the  Lord  as  the  Giver  of  it. — His  purposes  are  continually 
advancing  to  their  full  accomplishment : but  they  who  would 
have  his  special  blessings,  must  wait  for  them  ; and  they  who 
desire  to  do  special  good,  must  learn  to  bridle  and  conceal 
their  tenderest  passions. — In  Joseph’s  conduct,  we  see  that 
of  Jesus,  who  shows  those  whom  lie  loves  more  and  more  of 
their  extieme  necessity;  makes  them  perceive  that  he  is  their 
only  Refuge  from  destruction ; and,  consulting  their  future 
good  more  than  their  present  comfort,  by  salutary  terrors  and 
troubles  overcomes  their  reluctance,  and  brings  them  to  him- 
self. Then,  in  his  wise  and  holy  sovereignty,  according  to 
that  proportion  which  he  sees  good,  he  gives  them  some  taste 
of  his  exhilarating  love,  and  welcomes  them  to  the  provisions 


9 With  whom  soever  of  thy  servants  it  be  found, 
«both  let  him  die,  hand  we  also  will  be  my  lord’s 
bondmen. 

10  And  he  said,  Noav  also  let  it  he  according 
unto  your  words:  ‘he  with  whom  it  is  found  shall 
be  my  servant;  and  ye  shall  be  blameless. 

1 1 Then  they  speedily  took  down  every  man  his 
sack  to  the  ground,  and  opened  every  man  his  sack. 

12  And  he  searched,  and  kbegan  at  the  eldest, 
and  left  at  the  youngest:  ‘and  the  cup  was  found  in 
Benjamin’s  sack. 

13  Then  they  “Tent  their  clothes,  and  lad5d 
every  man  his  ass,  and  returned  to  the  city. 

14  If  And  Judah  and  his  brethren  came  to  Jo- 
seph’s house,  (for  “he  ivas  yet  there,)  and  they  "It'll 
before  him  on  the  ground. 

15  And  Joseph  said  unto  them,  fWhat  deed  is 
this  that  ye  have  done  ? ^wot  ye  not,  that  such  a 
man  as  I can  certainly  ^divine. 

16  And  "Judah  said,  "What  shall  we  say  unto 
my  lord  ? what  shall  we  speak  ? or  how  shall  we 
clear  ourselves?  ‘God  hath  found  out  the  iniquity 
of  thy  servants : behold,  we  are  my  lord’s  ser- 
vants, both  we,  and  he  also  with  whom  the  cup 
is  found. 

17  And  he  said,  “God  forbid  that  I should  do 
so : but  the  man  in  whose  hand  the  cup  is  found, 
"he  shall  be  my  servant ; and  as  for  you,  get  you 
up  Hn  peace  unto  your  lather. 

18  IT  Then  Judah  came  nearuntohim,  and  said, 
O my  lord,  "let  thy  servant,  I pray  thee,  speak  a 


14.  m 37:29,34.  Num.  14.6  2 Sam.  1:1!, 11.  13:19.  n 43:16,25.  o37:7— 9.  50: 

18.  I hil.  2:10,11.  p4, 5.3:13.  4:10.  q 21:26.  39:8.  Ei.  32:1  } Or,  male  trial. 

5.  r 32.  43:8,9.  s Kara  9:10,15.  Jot>40:4.  Acts  2:37.  1 37:18—28.  42:21,22. 

Num.  32:23.  Josh.  7:1,18.  Prov.  28:17.  Luke  12:2.  u 18:25.  42:18.  28am.  23:3. 
Prov. 17:15.  i 10.  y 37:32,33.  z 18:30,32.  2 Sam.  14:12.  Job  33:31.  Acts  2 29. 


of  his  house,  as  earnests  of  what  he  further  intends  for  them  , 
yet  so  as  still  to  prove  and  try  them,  with  a view  to  their  more 
complete  humiliation. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XLIV.  V.  2.  It  may  be  supposed, 
that  this  silver  cup  had  been  used  at  the  entertainment. 
(43:32 — 34.) — Joseph  seems  to  have  been  desirous  of  ascer- 
taining beyond  doubt,  how  his  brethren  stood  affected  to  Ben- 
jamin, Jacob’s  present  favourite,  and  to  their  father  on  his  ac 
count.  Had  they  envied  and  hated  Benjamin,  (the  other  son 
of  Rachel,  Leah’s  rival,)  as  they  had  him  ; and  had  they  been 
influenced  by  the  same  unfeeling  indignation  against  Jacob  as 
they  were  formerly,  they  would  cn  this  occasion  have  disco- 
vered it:  for  when  the  cup  was  found  upon  Benjamin,. they 
would  have  had  a plausible  pretence  for  leaving  him  to  he  a 
slave,  and  returning  home  without  him.  In  this  case  Joseph 
no  doubt  would  have  acted  far  otherwise  than  he  did,  when 
the  event  proved  them  to  be  so  affectionately  disposed  both 
towards  Benjamin  and  their  father.  At  the  same  time  this 
trial  was  exceedingly  calculated  to  increase  their  humiliation. 

V.  4 — -6.  The  abruptness  of  this  unexpected  address  was 
well  suited  to  surprise  and  confuse,  and  to  favour  the  design. — 
Joseph  probably  meant  that  by  divination  he  had  discovered 
who  had  stolen  his  cup,  (15;)  which  he  could  not  have  done, 
had  he  divined  by  means  of  the  cup : and  the  words  might  be 
rendered,  “that  about  which  he  hath  used  divination.” — It  is 
not  however  certain,  that  divination  is  meant ; as  the  original 
word  is  used  sometimes  for  accurate  investigation  or  diligent 
observation.  (30:27.  1 Kings  20:33.  Heb.) 

V.  9.  Probably  Joseph  expected  that  his  brethren,  con- 
scious of  their  innocence,  would  make  use  of  such  language 
as  this  ; which  favoured  his  design  of  proving  how  they  stood 
affected  towards  Benjamin.  Their  money  had  before  been 
put  into  their  sacks,  they  knew  not  how,  and  they  might  have 
suspected  somewhat  similar  on  this  occasion  : their  confi- 
dence therefore  was  very  imprudent. 

V.  12,  13.  ‘In  very  agony  they  rend  their  clothes. — As 
they  walk  along  their  thoughts  turn  on  another  event. — “ It 
is  the  Lord.”  We  arc  murderers:  divine  vengeance  suf- 
fers us  not  to  live.’  Fuller. 

V.  14.  Now  Joseph  had,  in  every  sense,  the  dominion 
over  his  brethren,  according  to  their  interpretation  of  his 
dreams.  . 

V.  15.  Wot  ye  not!  &c.)  ‘What!  Could  you  suppose 
that  I,  who  foretold  the  famine  seven  years  before  it  came, 
was  unable  to  discover  who  had  stolen  my  cup  ?’ 

V.  1G.  God  hath  found  out,  & c.l  Probably  Judah  inwardly 
meant,  the  former  guilt  of  himself  and  his  brethren,  which 
was  now  visited  upon  them.  Jonscious  of  his  own  inno- 
cence, as  to  the  present  concern,  he  very  prudently  waived 
all  mention  of  it ; for  otherwise  lie  must  either  have  allowed 
Benjamin’s  guilt,  or  reflected  on  Joseph’s  equity. 

V.  17.  Get  you  up,  St. c.]  At  this  time  the  experiment 
was  at  the  crisis,  and  no  doubt  Joseph  anxiously  expected  ihf 
event. 

V.  18.  As  Pharaoh.]  That  is,  equally  to  he  respected 

( 95  ) 


B C.  1705. 


GENESIS, 


B.  C.  1705. 


wt  rd  in  my  lord’s  ears,  and  let  not  thine  "anger 
burn  against  thy  servant:  for  thou  art  even  bas 
Pharaoh. 

19  My  lord  "asked  his  servants,  saying,  Have 
ye  a father  or  a brother  ? 

20  And  we  said  unto  my  lord,  We  have  a 
father,  an  old  man,  and  da  child  of  his  old  age, 
a little  one:  "ajnd  his  brother  is  dead,  and  f he 
alone  is  left  of  his  mother,  and  his  father  loveth 
him. 

21  And  thou  saidst  unto  thy  servants,  «Bring 
him  down  unto  me,  that  I may  set  mine  eyes  upon 
him. 

22  And  we  said  unto  my  lord,  The  lad  cannot 
leave  his  father ; for  if  he  should  leave  his  father, 
bhis  father  would  die. 

23  And  thou  saidst  unto  thy  servants,  ‘Except 
your  youngest  brother  come  down  with  you,  ye 
shall  see  my  face  no  more. 

24  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  we  came  up  unto, 
thy  servant  my  father,  kwe  told  him  the  words  of 
my  lord. 

25  And  our  father  said,  'Go  again,  and  buy  us 
a little  food. 

26  And  we  said,  mWe  cannot  go  down  : if  our 
youngest  brother  be  with  us,  then  will  we  go 

a Eath.  1:12.  Fa.  79:5.  b 41:40,44.  Prov.  19:12.  Dan.  3:15,19—23.5:19.  c42:7 
—10.  43:7,29.  <137:3.  43:8.  e 37:33— 35.  42:36,38.  127—29.  Luke 7:12.  g4 3: 
29.  h 30.  42:38.  i 42.15— 20.  43:3.  k 42:29— 34.  143:2.  m 43:4,5.  Luke  11 : 
7.  n 29:18 — 21,28.  30:22 — 25.35:16 — 18.  46;19.  o 37:13,14.  p 37:33.  q 42:36, 

and  feared.  The  reader  should  keep  the  dreams  still  in 
mind : Joseph’s  brethren  soon  learned  what  was  become  of 
them.  (37:20.) — Judah  being  intrusted  with  Benjamin,  and 
perhaps  more  affectionate  than  the  rest  both  to  him  and  his 
father,  and  having  conceived  the  generous  design  mentioned 
in  the  close  of  the  chapter,  assumed  the  office  of  speaker  in 
the  name  of  the  rest;  probably  with  their  concurrence.  But 
it  was  an  arduous  task  to  plead  with  the  judge  after  sentence 
had  been  passed. 

V.  20.  Joseph  had  been  long  dead  to  his  father,  and  his 
brethren  had  been  long  accustomed  to  speak  of  him  as  dead. 
Every  word  in  this  verse  is  simplicity  and  pathos  itself. 
No  man  of  the  least  taste  or  sensibility  can  read  it  without 
great  emotion.  Indeed  the  whole  speech  is  exquisitely  beau- 
tiful, and  perhaps  the  most  complete  pattern  of  genuine 
natural  eloquence,  extant  in  any  language.  Had  Joseph  been 
merely  a humane  judge,  and  no  relation,  and  had  Benjamin 
been  guilty,  such  an  address  must  have  been  irresistibly  forci- 
ble : with  what  feelings  then  must  Joseph  have  heard  it ! — 
When  we  read  this  generous  speech  we  forgive  Judah  all  the 
past,  and  cannot  refuse  to  say,  “ Thou  art  he  whom  thy  bre- 
thren shall  praise.”  (49:8.) 

V.  26.  We  cannot , &c.]  Judah  had  said,  “ We  will 
not;”  (43:5.)  but  he  here  softened  the  harshness  of  that 
expression. 

V.  28.  Judah  touched  on  this  subject  with  a kind  of 
trembling  hesitation.  As  a part  of  his  plea  it  must  not  be 
omitted ; yet  his  conscience  seems  to  have  made  him  falter 
in  reporting  Jacob’s  language,  which  he  knew  resulted  from 
a deception.— It  is  surprising  that  Joseph  could  refrain  on 
hearing  this.  ‘ 

V.  30,  31.  Nothing  can  exceed  the  tender  affection  ex- 
pressed for  Jacob  in  this  speech ; which  confirms  the  senti- 
ment, that  from  the  discovery  of  Judah's  incest  with  Tamar, 
he  had  been  a true  penitent,  and  consequently  a more  duti- 
ful son  than  before.  It  might  be  feared  that  the  sad  tidings 
of  Benjamin’s  hopeless  bondage  would  quite  overwhelm  Jacob, 
and  cause  his  immediate  death.  Perhaps  Judah  considered 
the  former  guilt  of  himself  and  brethren  respecting  Joseph, 
as  the  cause  of  this  severe  visitation  ; and  as  the  means  of 
rendering  it  insupportable  to  Jacob.  In  deep  anguish  of  con- 
science, he  seems  to  have  apprehended,  that  he  and  his  bre- 
thren would  actually  be  chargeable  in  the  sight  of  God,  with 
the  guilt  of  murdering  their  father  ; as  well  as  of  the  death 
or  slavery  of  Joseph  and  Benjamin. 

V.  33,  34.  Judah  would  be  as  useful  a servant  as  Benja- 
min • Joseph  would  be  no  loser ; his  father  could  perhaps  sur- 
vive the  loss  of  him  ; and  he  was  willing  to  submit  to  any 
hardship,  rather  than  occasion  and  witness  his  aged  father’s 
death. — What  must  Benjamin  have  felt,  when  he  heard  his 
brother  conclude  his  speech  with  a proposal,  which  could 
never  have  been  thought  of,  if  it  had  not  been  actually  made ! 
Perhaps  the  annals  of  the  whole  world  do  not  produce  an 
instance  of  so  heroic  and  disinterested  affection  in  any  mere 
man.  Some  would  even  dare  to  die  for  a beloved  or  honoured 
friend,  who  nevertheless  would  not  willingly  submit  to  be  a 
slave  for  life  to  ransom  him.  Without  exception,  this  may  be 
considered  as  by  far  the  most  affecting  speech  that  was  ever 
recorded.  Either  the  speakers  and  writers,  in  this  sacred 
volume,  excelled  all  other  men  in  native  genius  and  simple 
eloquence,  or  they  were  divinely  inspired  : for  surely,  no  men 
ever  spake  and  wrote  as  they  did. 

( 96  ) 


down : for  we  may  not  see  the  man’s  face,  except 
our  youngest  brother'  be  with  us.  % 

27  And  thy  servant  my  father  said  unto  us,  Ye 
know  that  “my  wife  bare  me  two  sons. 

28  And  “the  one  went  out  from  me,  and  I said, 
pSurely  he  is  torn  in  pieces ; and  I saw  him  not 
since. 

29  And  if  ‘lye  take  this  also  from  me,  and  mis- 
chief befall  him,  ye  shall  bring  down  my  gray  hairs 
with  sorrow  to  the  grave. 

30  Now  therefore  rwhen  I come  to  thy  servant 
my  father,  and  the  lad  be  not  with  us ; (seeing 
that  “his  life  is  bound  up  in  the  lad’s  life :) 

31  It  shall  come  to  pass,  ‘when  he  seeth  that 
the  lad  is  not  with  us,  that. he  will  die : and  thy 
servants  “shall  bring  down  the  gray  hairs  of  thy 
servant  our  father  with  sorrow  to  the  grave. 

32  For  thy  servant  became  “surety  for  the  lad 
unto  my  father,  saying,  If  I bring  him  not  unto  Ihee, 
then  I shall  bear  the  blame  to  my  father  for  ever. 

33  Now,  therefore,  *1  pray  thee,  let  thy  servant 
abide,  instead  of  the  lad,  a bondman  to  my  lord  ; 
and  let  the  lad  go  up  with  his  brethren. 

34  For  how  shall  I go  up  to  my  father,  and  the 
lad  be  not  with  me  ? zfost  peradventure  I see  the 
evil  that  shall  ‘come  on  my  father. 

38.  43:14.  Fa.  88:3,4.  r 17,31,34.  a 1 Sam.  18: 1 . 2 Sam.  18:33.  tl  Sum.  4:17, 
18.  2 Cor.  7:10.  1 Thea.  4:13.  u 29.  31*26,27,35.  13:21,23,36—38.  1 Sam.  22:22. 
x See  on  43:8,9,  y Ex.  32:32.  Rom.  5:7— 10.  9:3.  r.  1 Sam.  2:33,34.  2 Cllr.  31: 
28.  Esth.  8:6.  Jer.  62:10,11.  • Ueb.Jind.  Fs.  116:3.  115:143.  marg. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS.  j 

V.  1 — 17.  They  who  have  been  guilty  of  deceit  and  injus- 
tice, must  blame  themselves  when  afterwards  suspected  with- 
out cause,  and  put  upon  repeated  trials,  before  they  recover 
the  confidence  of  those  whom  they  have  injured  : but  if  they 
are  sincere,  the  event  will  make  amends  for  the  severest 
scrutiny. — Though  open  and  direct  measures  are  generally 
preferable  ; yet,  in  some  cases,  stratagems  are  lawful : and 
never  more  so,  than  when  they  tend  to  the  benefit  of  the  per- 
sons for  whom  they  are  laid,  in  order  that  they  may  remember 
and  repent  of  their  own  treacherous  dealings. — To  reward 
evil  for  good  is  so  evidently  base,  that  nothing  can  be  urged 
in  excuse  of  it : how  then  shall  we  stand  in  judgment  before 
that  God  whom  we  have  so  ungratefully  requited  for  his 
multiplied  benefits? — Men  think  it  har'd  to  be  suspected  of 
crimes,  which  are  contrary  to  a few  of  their  outward  actions  ; 
though  they  are  inwardly  conscious  of  much  worse,  which 
they  conceal  from  their  fellow-creatures  ! Yet  conscious  inno- 
cence has  no  occasion  to  fear  a fair  trial  : but,  as  all  hearts 
are  totally  concealed  from  us,  except  our  own,  we  should  be 
cautious  in  answering  for  others  also : and  they  who  are  most 
confident  in  self-justification,  may  soon  have  their  mouths 
stopped,  and  not  know  what  to  say. — If,  before  the  powerful 
of  the  earth,  it  is  sometimes  prudent  to  w aive  the  question  of 
right,  and  to  appeal  to  their  compassion  and  generosity  ; 
much  more  should  we  submit  to  the  righteousness  of  God, 
and  renouncing  all  other  pleas,  cast  out  selves  upon  his  infinite 
compassion  : for  he  is  perfectly  righteous,  and  will  be  acknow- 
ledged to  be  so,  by  all  who  would  approach  him  with  accept- 
ance. 

V.  18 — 34.  In  many  cases,  undissembled  narrations  form 
the  most  conclusive  and  affecting  arguments.  (Acts  11:1 — 18.) 
Such  addresses  to  the  tender  passions,  as  are  grounded  upon 
evident  reason,  truth,  and  fact,  and  carry  with  them  internal 
testimony  of  disinterestedness,  generosity,  and  relative  affec- 
tion, are  almost  irresistible  : and<  the  glow  of  filial  affection, 
through  manly  sense  and  fortitude,  has  a peculiar  beauty  and 
energy. — How  careful  should  children  be  not  to  grieve  their 
parents,  lest  by  imbittering  their  infirm  age,  they  should 
shorten  their  days,  and  be  indicted  now  at  the  bar  of  their 
own  consciences,  or  hereafter  at  the  judgment-seat  of  God, 
for  the  horrible  crime  of  parricide;  which  many  aro  guilty  of 
who  never  suspect  themselves,  or  are  suspected  by  others  ! — 
True  penitents  will  show,  that  a total  revolution  has  taken 
place  in  their  principles  and  practice  : were  it  possible,  they 
would  undo  their  former  misconduct ; and  therefore  they  will 
endeavour  to  make  amends  for  it,  and  prevent  any  further  ill 
effects,  though  in  the  most  self-denying  manner : and  this  w ill 
evidence  that  their  sins  are  pardoned,  and  prepare  tile  way 
for  their  receiving  the  comfort  of  forgiveness. — Thus  Jesus, 
the  Antitype,  proceeds  to  humble  and  prove  his  people,  even 
after  they  have  had  some  tastes  of  his  loving-kindness  : ho 
brings  their  sins  renewcdly  to  remembrance,  that  they  may 
renew  and  evidence  their  repentanco  ; he  tries,  that  he  may 
manifest,  their  graces:  his  bowels  yearn  over  thorn,  while  his 
face  wears  a frown,  and  his  hand  holds  the  rod  of  correction ; 
and  thus  by  rebukes  and  chastenings,  ho  prepares  them  for 
comfort  here  and  for  glory  hereafter. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XLV.  V.  1,  2.  It  is  a remarkable 
proof  of  the  strength  of  mind,  which  united  with  exquisite 
sensibility  in  Joseph’s  character,  that  he  could  so  long  repress 
bis  emotions,  and  conceal  them  from  all  parties  ; but  Judah’s 


B.  C.  1705. 


CHAPTER  XLY.  B.  C.  1705 


CHAPTER  XLV. 

foscph  makes  himself  known  to  his  brethren,  1 — 3 ; encourages  them  by  showing 
them  the  Lord' a merciful  purposes  in  these  transactions , 4 — 8 ; orders  them  to 
fetch  his  father  and  family  into  tCgypt ; and  cordially  embraces  them , 9 — 15. 
Pharaoh  confirms  the  invitation,  16—20.  Joseph  furnishes  his  brethren  fur 
their  journeys,  and  exhorts  them  to  concord,  21 — 24.  They  report  the  whole 
to  Jacob,  who  hardly  believes  the  tidings,  but  is  at  length  revived  by. them, 
25-28. 

THEN  Joseph  acould  not  refrain  himself  before 
all  them  that  stood  by  him ; and  he  cried, 
bCause  every  man  to  go  out  from  me : and  there 
stood  no  man  with  him,  while  Joseph  made  him- 
self knotyn  unto  his  brethren. 

2  And  he  'wept  aloud  : and  the  Egyptians  and 
the  house  of  Pharaoh  heard. 

3  And  Joseph  said  unto  his  brethren,  “I  am 
Joseph;  doth  my  father  jet  live?  And  his  bre- 
thren could  not  answer  him ; dfor  they  were  trou- 
bled at  his  presence. 

4  And  Joseph  said  unto  his  brethren,  Come 
near  to  me,  I pray  you  : and  they  came  near : and 
he  said,  T am  Joseph  your  brother,  whom  ye  sold 
into  Egypt. 

5  Now  therefore  fbe  not  grieved,  *nor  angry 
with  yourselves,  that  ye  sold  me  hither  ; for  «God 
did  send  me  before  you  to  preserve  life. 

6  For  these  htwo  years  hath  the  famine  been  in 
the  land ; and  yet  there  are  five  years,  in  the 
which  there  shall  neither  be  ‘earing  nor  harvest. 

7  And  God  sent  me  before  you,  Ho  preserve 
you  a posterity  in  the  earth,  and  kto  save  your 
lives  by  a great  deliverance. 

8  So  now  Ht  was  not  you  that  sent  me  hither, 
but  God:  and  he  hath  made  me  a "‘father  to 
Pharaoh,  and  lord  of  all  his  house,  and  a ruler 
throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt. 

9  Haste  you,  and  go  up  to  my  father,  and  say 
unto  him,  "Thus  saith  thy  son  Joseph,  God  hath 

a 43:30,31.  Jer.20:9.  b2  Sain.  1:20.  Matt.  18:15.  Acts  10:41.  * Heb.  gave  forth 
his  voice  in  weeping.  Num.  14:1.  2 Kings  20:3.  c Matt.  14:27.  Acts  7:13.  d Job 
4:5.  23:15.  Zech.  12:10.  Maik  6:50.  Luke  5:8.  24:37,38.  Rev.  1.7.  f Or,  terri- 
fied. e 37:23  . 50:18.  Acts  9.5.  t Is.  40:1 ,2.  2 Cor.  2:7.  | Heb.  neither  let  there 
be  anger  in  your  ryes,  g 7 8.  47:25.  50:20.  2. Sam.  16:10 — 12.17:14.  Job  1:21. 
Ps.  105:16,17.  Acts  2:23.  4:24—28  . 7:9—15.  h 41:29— 31,54— 56.  47:18.  i Ex. 
34:21.  Dent.  21:4.  1 Sam.  8:12.  Is.  30:24.  §Heb.<o  put  for  you  a remnant, 
k Judg.  15:18.  1 Chr.  11:14.  Ps.  44:4.  Acts  7:35.  1 John  15:16.  Rom.  9:16.  m41: 


most  affecting  speech  and  generous  proposal  entirely  over- 
came him.  He  would  not,  however,  let  the  Egyptians  learn 
any  particulars  of  his  brethren’s  guilt ; and  he  still  refrained 
himself,  till  the  former  were  gone  out  of  the  room  : but  then 
his  restrained  passions  hurst  forth  with  the  greater  violence. 

V.  3.  Joseph  had  doubtless  all  along  been  addressed  and 
spoken  of  by  his  Egyptian  name,  or  by  his  titles  of  office : so 
that,  though  the  historian  calls  him  Joseph,  probably  his 
brethren  had  never  heard  that  name  before,  from  any  person 
in  Egypt. — It  is  impossible  that  the  tongue,  the  pen,  or  the 
pencil,  can  ever  do  justice  to  the  mixed  emotions  of  surprise, 
fear,  grief,  remorse,  hope,  natural  affection,  and  joy,  which 
must  alternately,  yet  almost  at  the  same  instant,  have  seized 
upon  their  minds  at  this  unexpected  discovery. — But  Joseph 
evidently  perceived,  that  confusion  and  terror  were  likely  to 
predominate,  and  to  fill  them  with  apprehensions,  that  he 
would  now  avenge  the  injustice  and  cruelty,  of  which  they 
had  been  guilty. 

V.  4.  The  name  of  Joseph  might  have  led  his  brethren  to 
a recollection  of  his  features  and-  voice : yet  the  mention  of 
their  having  sold  him  was  necessary,  though  painful ; both  to 
remove  all  doubts  of  his  being  their  brother,  and  also  to  intro- 
duce the  kind  attempt,  which  he  intended  to  make,  to  obviate 
their  fears,  and  to  inspire  confidence  and  comfort. — Perhaps 
he  called  them  near  to  him,  lest  the  Egyptians  should  over- 
hear this  part  of  the  conversation. 

V.  5.  Every  passion  has  its  proper  boundaries,  which  it 
ought  not  to  exceed.  The  skilful  physician  aims  to  produce 
an  effect : yet,  having  produced  it,  he  often  sees  occasion  to 
check,  and  even  sometimes  to  counteract,  his  first  intention ; 
lest  it  prove  excessive,  and  expose  the  patient  to  the  opposite 
danger.  Joseph  had  designed  to  humble  and  to  reprove  his 
brethren,  to  bring  their  sin  to  remembrance,  to  fill  them  with 
remorse  for  it,  and  to  evince  that  they  really  repented,  and 
were  not  disposed  to  repeat  the  crime.  But  he  now  per- 
ceived, from  their  confusion  and  dismay,  that  they  were  in 
danger  of  being  overwhelmed  by  over-much  sorrow,  and  of 
sinking  under  despondency : and  therefore  he  endeavoured  to 
comfort  and  encourage  them.  (Marg.  Ref.)— Not  only 
would  the  authority  of  one,  whom  they  had  so  grossly  injured, 
affright  them ; but  the  excellence  of  his  character,  the  repu- 
tation which  he  had  acquired,  and  the  accomplishment  of 
•hose  dreams,  as  divine  predictions,  which  they  had  con- 
temptously  opposed,  would  make  their  crime  appear  more 
norrid  than  before  ; and  all  together  might  induce  them  to- 
conclude,  that  they  had  sinned  beyond  the  reach  of  forgive- 
ness.— Though  the  merciful  purpose  of  God,  in  sending  him 
into  Egypt,  in  no  degree  excused  their  sin,  and  therefore 
Vol.  I.— 13 


made  me  lord  of  all  Egypt;  “come  down  unto  me, 
tarry  not. 

10  And  thou  shalt  dwell  rin  the  land  of  Goshen, 
4and  thou  shalt  be  near  unto  me,  thou,  and  thy 
children,  and  thy  children’s  children,  and  thy 
flocks,  and  thy  herds,  and  all  that  thou  hast. 

11  And  there  “will  I nourish  thee;  (for  yet 
there  are  five  years  of  famine  ;)  lest  thou,  and  thy 
household,  and  all  that  thou  hast,  come  to  poverty 

12  And  behold,  “your  eyes  see,  and  the  eyes  ot 
my  brother  Benjamin,  that  it  is  my  mouth  that 
speaketh  unto  you. 

13  And  ye  shall  tell  my  father  of  all  lmy  glory 
in  Egypt,  and  of  all  that  ye  have  seen ; and  ye 
shall  haste,  and  "bring  down  my  father  hither. 

14  And  he  Tell  upon  his  brother  Benjamin’s 
neck,  and  wept;  and  Benjamin  wept  upon  his  neck. 

15  Moreover  Hie  kissed  all  his  brethren,  and 
wept  upon  them : and  after  that  his  brethren 
talked  with  him. 

16*  H And  the  fame  thereof  was  heard  in  Pha- 
raoh’s house,  saying,  Joseph’s  brethren  are  come  : 
and  "it  pleased  Pharaoh  well,  and  his  servants. 

17  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Joseph,  Say  unto 
thy  brethren,  This  do  ye  ; zIade  your  beasts,  and 
go,  get  you  unto  the  land  of  Canaan. 

18  And  take  your  father,  and  your  households, 
and  come  unto  me  : and  I will  give  you  the  good 
of  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  ye  shall  eat  athe  fat  of 
the  land. 

19  Now  thou  art  commanded,  this  do  ye;  take 
you  wagons  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  bfor  your 
little  ones,  and  for  your  wives,  and  bring  your 
father,  and  come. 

20  Also ’’regard  not  your  “stuff:  for  dthe  good 
of  all  the  land  of  Egypt  is  yours. 

39— 18.  Judg.  17:10.  Job  29:16.  n26— 28.  o 13,19,20.  p46:31.  47:1—6.  Ex 
3:22.9:26.  q John  14:2,3.  17:24.  r 47:12.  Mult.  15:5,6.  Mark  7:9— 12.  s 42. 
23.  l.uke  24:39.  John  20:27.  t John  17:24.  1 Prt.  1:10— 12.  Rev.  21:23.  u Act, 
7:14.  x 29: 1 1.  33:4.  Rom. 1:31.  y-2Sam. 14:33.  Lukel5:20.  I|  Heb.  wa, 
good  in  the  eyes  of  Pharaoh.  16:6.  20:15.  41:37.  margins,  z 42:25,26.  44:J,2 
a 27:28.  47:6.  Deut.  32:14.  Ps.  147:14.  Is.  28:1,4.  b 31: 17,18.  If  Heb.  let  not 
y ur  eyes  spare , &c.  Is.  13:18.  Ez.  9:5.  20:17.  c Matt.  24:17.  Luke  17:31.  d 18 
20:J5.  Ezra  9: 12.  Is.  1:19. 


ought  not  to  prevent  their  humiliation  and  repentance  ; yet  it 
might  very  properly  abate  their  anguish  of  spirit,  and  encou- 
rage their  hope  of  pardon  from  so  gracious  a God:  and  it 
might  assure  them  of  Joseph’s  forgiveness,  who  clearly  saw 
the  wisdom  of  God,  and  richly  experienced  his  goodness,  in 
that  event. 

V.  6.  Earing.]  That  is,  ploughing , or  preparing  the 
ground  and  sowing  it.  It  appears  by  this,  that  the  Egyptians, 
finding  Joseph’s  predictions  exactly  accomplished  thus  far, 
followed  his  counsel,  and  wasted  no  corn  in  sowing  the  land. 
The  entire  failure  of  the  accustomed  overflowing  of  the  Nile, 
which  probably  took  place,  would  in  general  render  agricul- 
ture impracticable,  yet  where  it  might  have  been  attempted,- 
it  was  not.  (47:23.) 

V.  8.  1 No  longer  confine  your  thoughts  to  your  own  mis- 
conduct in  that  affair : but  see  and  admire  the  wonderful  con- 
trivance of  God  in  it,  who  sent  me  hither  for  such  important 
benefits,  especially  to  you  and  your  families.’ — Thus  Joseph, 
by  repeatedly  pointing  out  the  wisdom  and  mercy  of  God  in 
these  dispensations,  both  obviated  the  desponding  conclusions, 
which  his  brethren  might  have  been  tempted  to  deduce,  and 
assured  them  of  his  cordial  forgiveness. — He  was  made  a 
father  to  Pharaoh,  as  the  instrument  of  God  in  preserving 
him  and  his  kingdom. 

V.  12.  Benjamin  was  so  very  young  when  Joseph  was 
sold,  that  il  is  not  probable  he  remembered  him ; but  doubtless 
he  had  heard  much  concerning  him. 

V.  13.  Tell  my  father.]  This  direction  was  given,  not  in 
ostentation,  but  to  rejoice  Jacob’s  heart,  and  likewise  to  in- 
duce him  the  more  readily  to  come  into  Egypt. 

Y.  14.  Benjamin,  having  no  share  in  the  crimes  of  his 
brethren  towards  Joseph,  would  have  his  joy  unmingled  with 
those  painful  feelings,  which  the  rest  experienced. 

V.  15.  ICissed.]  As  a token  of  entire  reconciliation  and 
endeared  affection.  This  seems  to  have  been  the  first  thing 
which  encouraged  them  to  speak  to  him. 

V.  16.  It  pleased. ] This  is  a conclusive  testimony  how 
highly  Joseph  was  esteemed,  and  how  little  he  was  envied. 

V.  17.  Pharaoh  left  all  other  concerns  to  Joseph;  but 
here  he  generously  interposed,  and  gave  most  liberal  orders, 
about  Jacob  and  his  family  ; which  would  be  very  aareeable 
to  the  feelings  of  all  parties. 

V.  19.  IVagons.]  No  montion  has  hitherto  beet  made 
of  horses,  among  the  possessions  of  the  patriarchs,  or  of  wheel- 
carriages,  both  of  which  abounded  in  Egypt  at  that  time.  I: 
is  probable  these  wagons  were  drawn  by  horses.  ( N’otes , 
47:17.  Deut.  17:16.) 

V.  20.  Your  stuff.]  Such  furniture,  or  other  property,  as 

( 97  ) 


B.  C.  1705, 


GENESIS 


B.  C.  1705. 


21  And  the  children  of  Israel  did  so : and 
Joseph  gave  them  'wagons,  according  to  the 
’commandment  of  Pharaoh,  and  gave  them  pro- 
vision for  the  way. 

22  To  all  of  them  he  gave  reach  man  changes 
of  raiment : but  no  Benjamin  he  gave  three 
hundred  pieces  of  silver,  and  five  changes  of  rai- 
ment. 

23  And  to  his  father  he  sent  after  this  manner ; 
ten  asses  *laden  with  the  good  things  of  Egypt, 
and  ten  she-asses  laden  with  corn  and  bread  and 
meat  for  his  father  by  the  way. 

24  So  he  sent  his  brethren  away,  and  they  de- 
parted : and  he  said  unto  them,  hSee  that  ye  fall 
not  out  by  the  way. 

25  If  And  they  went  up  out  of  Egypt,  and 
came  into  the  land  of  Canaan  unto  Jacob  their 
father ; 

26  And  told  him,  saying,  'Joseph  is  yet  alive, 
land  he  is  governor  over  all  the  land  of  Egypt. 
kAnd  1 Jacob’s  heart  fainted,  'for  he  believed  them 

not. 

27  And  they  told  him  all  the  words  of  Joseph, 
which  he  had  said  unto  them  : and  when  he  saw 


e 19,27.  46:5.  Num.7:3 — 9.  Ez.  23:24.  * Heb.  mouth.  Num.  3:1G.  mare. 

2 Chr.  35:22.  Lara.  1:18.  mafg.  f Juile.  11:12,19.  2 Kings  5:5,22,23.  g43:34. 
1 Heb.  carrying,  h 37:22.  42:22.  Ps.  133.  John  13:31,35.  1:31.32.  i hil.2: 

2— 5.  Col.  3:12,13.  1 Thes.  5:13.  i Luke  24:34.  J 8,9.  k 37:35.  42:36,38.  44: 
28.  J Heb.  his.  1 Job  9:16  . 29:24.  I s.  126:1.  Luke  24:11,41.  m Lula.  15: 
19.  Ps.  85:6.  Is.57:15.  Hos.  6:2.  n 46:3U.  Luke  2:28— 30.  John  16:21,22. 


could  not  be  conveniently  removed  so  far,  should  be  left  be- 
hind without  concern. 

V.  22.  To  Benjamin .]  Thus  Joseph  slill  continued  the 
trial  of  his  brethren,  to  see  whether  any  of  them  were  dis- 
posed to  envy  Benjamin. 

V.  24.  It  would  be  natural  for  this  company,  during  so 
interesting  a journey,  to  converse  freely  concerning  their 
conduct  in  selling  Joseph,  and  the  manner  in  which  they 
should  relate  the  particulars  to  Jacob:  and  as  some  of  them 
had  been  much  more  criminal  than  others,  and  as  Reuben, 
in  Joseph’s  hearing,  had  sharply  reproached  his  brethren; 
these  passions  might  easily  produce  altercations,  and  even 
quarrels  of  fatal  consequence.  But  as,  after  all,  Joseph  for- 
gave and  loved  them,  so  he  required  them  to  forgive  and  love 
one  another. 

V.  26.  For  above  twenty  years  Jacob  had  been  used  to 
consider  his  beloved  Joseph  as  dead;  with  what  emotions 
then  must  he  have  heard  the  words,  “ Joseph  is  yet  alive, 
and  is  governor  over  all  the  land  of  Egypt!” 

V.  27.  This  must  have  been  attended  by  a confession  of 
their  own  base  conduct  respecting  Joseph  ; but  Jacob  had  no 
heart  now  for  reproaches  or  complaints. 

V.  28.  It  is  enough , &c.]  ‘ I shall  then  account  myself 

to  have  lived  long  enough.’ — Joseph’s  glory  in  Egypt  seemed 
little  to  Jacob.  As  he  was  alive,  that  thought  swallowed  up 
all  other  considerations. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 8.  In  endeavouring  to  render  men  sensible  of  their 
faults,  we  should  be  careful  lest  we  needlessly  expose  them. — 
True  excellence  does  not  consist  in  being  devoid  of  passions, 
but  in  having  them  all  under  the  government  of  reason  and 
conscience;  so  as  to  know  how  to  restrain  them,  and  how  to 
yield  to  them  with  prudence  and  expediency:  and  true  wis- 
dom discovers  itself,  in  being  able  to  suit,  our  conduct  and 
conversation  to  the  persons  with  whom  we  have  to  do,  and  to 
the  circumstances  in  which  they  are  placed. — In  speaking  to 
men  about  the  concerns  of  their  souls,  two  grand  objects 
should  always  be  kept  in  view;  namely,  to  awaken  the  care- 
less conscience  to  an  adequate  sense  of  guilt  and  danger,  and 
to  inspire  the  burdened  and  desponding  heart  with  the  hope  of 
pardon  and  peace. — It  is  very  profitable  for  us  to  observe  the 
footsteps  of  Providence,  and  to  note  how  infinite  wisdom  and 
goodness  deduce  the  most  beneUcial  effects  from  the  crimes 
and  follies  of  men ; especially  we  should  study  the  history  of 
our  own  lives  with  this  design:  we  shall  not  then  want  proof, 
that  the  only  wise  God  hath  overruled  many  of  our  mistakes 
and  sins  to  our  important  good  ; and  thus  we  may  also  per- 
ceive some  of  the  outlines  of  his  plan,  “ who  worketh  all 
things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will.”  This  review,  if  duly 
made,  cannot  reasonably  lead  us  to  entertain  a slighter  sense 
of  the  evil  of  sin,  or  better  thoughts  of  ourselves ; it  cannot 
encourage  us  to  go  on  in  disobedience,  or  lessen  our  humi- 
liation and  self-abasement ; but,  on  the  contrary,  it.  will  con- 
vince us  the  more  deeply  of  our  own  ignorance  and  folly,  and 
render  us  more  ashamed  of  ofTending  against  so  kind  a Be- 
nefactor. Yet  it  will  prevent  our  despairing  df  forgiveness; 
check  that  sorrow,  which  unfits  the  mind  for  duty  and  damps 
our  gratitude;  and  excite  that  admiration,  love,  and  confi- 
dence, which  produce  cheerful  obedience. 

V.  9 — 28.  W e should  ever  manifest  brotherly  love,  even 
to  those  who  have  treated  us  injuriously  ; and  show  a readi- 
ness to  forgive,  and  an  earnest  desire  to  disperse  those  fears 
and  jealousies,  which  the  recollection  of  past  offences  may 
( 98  ) 


the  wagons  which  Joseph  had  sent  to  carry  him, 
mthe  spirit  of  Jacob  their  father  revived. 

28  And  Israel  said,  nJl  is  enough:  Joseph  my 
son  is  yet  alive  : I will  go  and  see  him  before  I die. 
CHAPTER  XLVI. 

Jacob  offers  sacrifices,  and  has  an  encuuragin g vision , 1—4.  He  goes  with  his 
family  into  Egypt,  5—7.  The  names  anti  the  number  of  his  descendants,  8 — 27. 
He  meejs  and  confers  with  Joseph,  who  instructs  his  brethren  how  to  answer 
Pharaoh,  28 — 34. 

AND  Israel  took  his  journey  with  all  that  he 
had,  and  came  to  aBeer-sheba,  band  offered 
sacrifices  cunto  the  God  of  his  father  Isaac. 

2  And  God  spake  unto  Israel  din  the  visions  of 
the  night,  and  said,  eJacob,  Jacob:  and  he  said, 
Here  am  I. 

3  And  he  said,  I am  God,  the  God  of  thy  father : 
f fear  not  to  go  down  into  Egypt ; for  el  will  there 
make  of  thee  a great  nation. 

4  I hwiU  go  down  with  thee  into  Egypt ; ‘and  I 
will  also  surely  bring  thee  up  again  : and  ‘‘Joseph 
shall  put  his  hand  upon  thine  eyes. 

5  And  Jacob  rose  up  from  Beer-sheba:  and 
the  sons  of  Israel  carried  Jacob  their  father,  and 
their  little  ones,  and  their  wives,  ^n  the  wagons 
which  Pharaoh  had  sent  to  carry  him.  • 


a 21:14,31.  26:23.  1 Sam.  3:20.  b 4:4.  8:20.  12:8.  22:13.  33:20  . 35:3,7.  Job  1:5. 
42:8.  c 21:33  . 26:23— 25.  28:13.  31:42,53.  d 15:1.  Num.  12:6.  Job  4:13.  3& 
14,15.  e 22:1.  Ex.  3:3,4.  1 Sam.  3:4,10.  Acts  9:4.  10:13.  115:13.26:2,3.  Is. 
41:10.  Jer.  40:9.  Acts  27:24.  g 12:2.  35:11.  Ex.  1:7-10.  Dent.  1:10.  10:22.  26; 
5.  Acts  7:17.  li  28:15.  Is.  43: 1 ,2.  i 15.14— 16.  50:13,21,25.  Ex.  3:8.  k50:l. 

1 31:17.  45:19,27. 


excite;  by  uniting  the  most  compassionate  affection  with  our 
faithful  attempts  to  make  men  sensible  that  they  have  of- 
fended.— But  what  haste  ought  children  to  make,  and  what 
gratification  should  they  account  it,  to  contribute  to  the  com- 
fort of  their  tender  parents  ! They  should  check  every  mean 
desire,  and  spur  themselves  on  to  every  laudable  pursuit,  with 
the  idea,  that  the  one  will  grieve,  and  the  other  gladden,  a 
kind  parent’s  heart.  They  ought  to  value  prosperity,  espe- 
cially as  enabling  them  to  share  it  with  them ; and  spare  a 
considerable  portion,  even  of  a moderate  provision,  to  requite 
the  cares,  toils,  and  anxieties  of  an  aged  father  and  mother. 
How  shamefully  unlike  Joseph  are  they,  who,  in  comparative 
affluence,  through  pride,  covetousness,  or  self-indulgence,  ne- 
glect, and  leave  to  languish  in  indigence,  such  near  rela- 
tions ! — Oil!  how  it  adorns  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour, 
when  believers,  by  a blameless,  useful,  and  prudent  conduct, 
conciliate  the  good  will  of  many,  and  silence  the  reproaches  ol 
all. — If  men  may  without  injustice  confer  unmerited  favours 
on  whom,  and  in  what  proportion,  they  please,  who  shall  dare 
to  find  fault,  if  our  righteous  God,  punishing  none  above  their 
deservings,  41  has  mercy  on  whom  he  will  have  mercy?” — 
When  the  reasons  of  the  divine  appointments  are  made 
known  tp  us,  we  shall  clearly  perceive  the  Lord’s  wisdom, 
love,  and  faithfulness  ; we  shall  know  that  all  those  things  are 
for  us  which  once  we  thought  against  us,  and  that  our  mur- 
murs sprang  from  ignorance  and  unbelief ; we  shall  say,  44  It 
is  enough,”  4 1 am  now  satisfied ;’  and  therefore  in  the  ex- 
ercise of  faith  we  should  endeavour  to  anticipate  that  disco- 
very.— Here  also  we  behold  Jesus,  manifesting  himself  as  a 
Brother  and  Friend  to  those,  who  once  were  his  despisers, 
his  enemies,  and,  in  some  sense,  his  murderers,  having  pre- 
viously humbled  them  in  true  repentance;  preventing  most 
kindly  their  dismay  and  confusion;  assuring  them  of  his  love, 
and  of  the  provisions  of  his  grace;  explaining  to  them  the 
mysteries  of  his  cross,  and  the  designs  of  the  Father  in  his 
sufferings  and  glory ; admitting  them  into  sweet,  fellowship 
with  himself;  bidding  them  go,  and  inform  others  of  his  love 
and  grace,  that  they  may  come  and  share  it  also;  command- 
ing them  to  lay  aside  envy,  anger,  malice,  and  contention,  and 
live  in  peace  with  each  other;  teaching  them  willingly  to  re- 
nounce the  wrorld  for  him  and  his  fulness ; giving  them  ear- 
nests of  his  love,  and  supplying  all  that  is  needful  to  bring 
them  home  to  himself,  that  44  where  he  is,  there  they  may  bo 
also.”  And  though,  when  he  sends  for  his  people  by  death 
as  his  messenger,  they  may  at  first  feel  some  discouraging 
apprehensions  ; yet  the  thoughts  of  seeing  his  glory,  and  heint? 
with  him,  will  enable  them  at  length  to  say,  44  It  is  enough, 
— 4 1 am  willing  to  die,  and  go  to  see,  and  be  with,  the  Be- 
loved of  my  soul.’ 

NOTES. — Chap.  XLVI.  V.  1.  Perhaps  Jacob  chose 
Beer-sheba  for  his  solemn  sacrifices,  either  us  having  been 
frequently  the  scene  of  his  father’s  communion  with  God,  or 
because  it  was  the  last  place  in  Canaan  which  he  was  now 
leaving  never  to  see  again.  Ho  spoke  at  first  with  rapture  of 
going  to  see  Joseph  ; but  it  had  been  revealed  to  Abraham, 
that  his  posterity  would  bo  durably  oppressed  in  Egypt  ; and 
Isaac  had  been  forbidden  to  go  thither.  Perhaps,  recollect- 
ing these  things,  Jacob  hesitated  about  leaving  Canaan,  till 
he  had  sought  direction  and  protection  from  God. — Nothing 
is  recorded  concerning  sacrifices,  from  this  tune  till  Israel’s 
deliverance  from  Egypt. 

V.  4.  God  would  surely  bring  Jacob  hack  again  to  Ca- 
naan, in  his  posterity,  of  which  his  burial  in  Canaan  was  an 


B.  C.  1705. 


CHAPTER  XL VI. 


B.  C.  1705, 


6 Ami  they  took  their  cattle,  and  their  goods 
which  they  had  gotten  in  the  land  of  Canaan, 
and  came  '"into  Egypt,  Jacob  and  all  his  seed 
with  him : 

7 His  sons  and  h.s  sons’  sons  with  him,  his 
daughters,  and  his  sons’  daughters,  and  all  his 
seed  brought  he  with  him  into  Egypt. 

8 H Anil  these  are  "the  names  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  which  came  into  Egypt,  Jacob  and  his  sons: 
■'Reuben,  Jacob’s  first-born. 

9 And  the  sons  of  Reuben:  Hanoch,  and 
Phallu,  and  Hezron,  and  Carmi. 

10  And  the  sons  of  ^Simeon;  ‘Jemuel,  and 
Jamin,  and  Ohad,  and  tJachin,  and  JZohar,  and 
Shaul  the  son  of  a Canaanitish  woman. 

11  And  the  sons  of  ‘Levi ; *Gershon,  Kohath, 
and  Merari. 

12  And  the  sons  of  rJudah  ; Er,  and  Onan,  and 
Shelah,  and  Pharez,  and  Zarah : But.  Er  and 
Onan  died  in  the  land  of  Canaan.  And  the  sons 
of  Pharez  were  Hezron,  and  Hamul. 

13  And  the  sons  of  ‘Issachar;  Tola,  and  ""Phu- 
vah,  and  ’’Job,  and  Shimron. 

14  And  the  sons  of  ‘Zebulun  ; Sered,  and  Elon, 
and  Jahleel. 

15  These  be  the  sons  of  “Leah,  which  she  bare 
unto  Jacob  in  Padan-aram,  xwith  his  daughter 
Dinah  : all  the  souls  of  his  sons  and  his  daughters 
were  thirty  and  three. 

16  And  the  rsons  of  Gad;  “Ziphion,  and  Hag- 
gi,  Shuni,  and  ,fEzbon,  Eri,  and  UArodi,  and 
Areli. 

17  And  the  sons  of  "Asher;  Jimnah,  and  Ishuah, 
and  Isui,  and  Beriah,  and  Serah  their  sister : And 
the  sons  of  Beriah ; Heber,  and  Malchiel.’ 

18  These  are  the  sons  of  “Zilpah,  whom  Laban 
gave  to  Leah  his  daughter : and  these  she  bare 
unto  Jacob,  even  sixteen  souls. 

19  The  sons  of  bRachel,  Jacob’s  wife  : "Joseph, 
and  Benjamin. 

20  And  unto  Joseph  in  the  land  of  Egypt  were 
born  JManasseh  and  Ephraim,  which  Asenath 
the  daughter  of  Poti-p’herah  Spriest  of  On  bare 
unto  him. 

21  And  ethe  sons  of  Benjamin  were  Belah,  and 


Becher,  and  Ashbel,  Gera,  and  Naaman,  fEhi, 
and  Rosh,  *Muppim,  and  hHuppim,  and  Ard. 

22  These  are  the  sons  of  Rachel,  which  wert 
born  to  Jacob  : all  the  souls  were  fourteen. 

23  And  the  sons  of  'Dan  ; kHushim. 

24  And  the  sons  of  ‘Naphtali ; mJahzeel,  and 
Guni,  and  Jezer,  and  Shillem. 

25  These  are  the  sons  of  "Bilhah,  which  Laban 
gave  unto  Rachel  his  daughter,  and  she  bare 
these  unto  Jacob  : all  the  souls  were  seven. 

26  All  the  souls  that  came  with  Jacob  into 
Egypt,  which  came  out  of  his  ""loins,  besides  Ja- 
cob’s sons’  wives,  all  the  souls  were  threescore  and 
six. 

27  And  the  sons  of  Joseph  which  were  born 
him  in  Egypt,  were  two  souls : all  the  souls  of  the 
house  of  Jacob,  which  came  into  Egypt,  were 
"threescore  and  ten. 

28  If  And  he  sent  p Judah  before  him  unto  Jo- 
seph, sto  direct  his  face  unto  "Goshen  ; and  they 
came  into  the  land  of  Goshen. 

29  And  Joseph  made  ready  ‘his  chariot,  and 
went  up  to  meet  Israel  his  father  to  Goshen  ; and 
presented  himself  unto  him : and  he  'fell  on  his, 
neck,  and  wept  on  his  neck  a good  while. 

30  And  Israel  said  unto  Joseph,  “Now  let  me 
die,  since  1 have  seen  thy  face,  because  thou  art 
yet  alive. 

31  And  Joseph  said  unto  his  brethren,  and  to 
his  father’s  house,  XI  will  go  up  and  show  Pha- 
raoh, and  say  unto  him,  My  brethren  and  my 
father’s  house,  which  were  in  the  land  of  Canaan, 
are  come  unto  me : 

32  And  the  men  are  ^shepherds,  for  "'"’their  trade 
hath  been  to  feed  cattle  ; "and  they  have  brought 
their  flocks,  and  their  herds,  and  all  that  they 
have. 

33  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  when  Pharaoh 
shall  call  you,  and  shall  say,  “What  is  your  occu- 
pation ? 

34  That  ye  shall  say,  bThy  servants’  trade  hath 
been  about  cattle,  from  our  youth  even  until  now. 
both  we  and  also  our  fathers : that  ye  may  dwell 
in  the  land  of  Goshen : "for  every  shepherd  is  an 
abomination  unto  the  Egyptians. 


m Num.  20:15.  Deut.  10:22.  Josh.  24:4.  1 S&m.  12:8.  Ps.  105:23.  Is.  52:4.  Acts  7: 
15.  u Ex.  1:1— 5.  IChr.  2:1,2.  o 29:32.  49:3,4.  Ex. 6:14.  Num.  1:20,21. 2:10— 13. 
26:5.  Dent.  33:6.  1 Chr.  5:1,3.  p 29:33.  34:25,30.  49:5-7.  Ex.  6:15.  Num.  1: 
22,23.  2:12,13.  26:12, 13.  * Or,  Nemuel.  t Or,  Jarib.  } Or,  Zerah.  1 Chr.  4:24. 
q Ex.  6:16.  Num.  3:17 — 22.  26:57,58.  Deut.  33:8— 11 . 1 Chr.  6:1— 3.  § Or,  Ger- 
thorn.  1 Chr.  6:16.  r 38:1— 3,24-30.  49:8—12.  Num.  1:26,27.  26:19 — 21.  Deut. 
83:7.  Judg.  1:2.  1 Chr.  2:3— 5.  4:1.  5:2.  Ps. 78:68.  Matt.  1:1— 3.  Heb.7:14.  Rev. 
5:5.  8 49:14,15.  Num.  1:28,29.  26:23— 25.  Deut.  33:18.  1 Chr.  12:32.  ||  Or,  Puah. 
* Or,  Jashub.  1 f'hr.  7:1.  t 49: 13.  Num.  1:30.31.26:26.27.  Deut.  33:18,19.  u 29: 
82 — 35.  30:17 — 21.  35  23.  x 30:21.  34:1,  &c.  v 30:11 . 49:19.  Num.  1:24,25. 
Deut.  33:20,21.  **  Or,  Zepbon.  ff  Or,  Ozni.  %1  Or.  Arod.  Num.  26:1.5—17. 
r.  49:20.  Num.  1:40,41.  26:44—46.  Deut.  33:24.  1 Chr.  7:30,31.  a 29:24  . 30:10. 

earnest ; and  Joseph  would  be  with  him  in  his  dying  moments, 
to  perform  the  last  offices  of  filial  affection,  and  to  close  his 
eyes.  Thus  the  Lord  assured  him,  that  his  beloved  Joseph 
would  survive  him,  and  that  no  heavy  calamities  would  come 
on  his  soed  during  his  life. 

V.  7.  His  daughters,  &c.]  Jacob  had  but  one  daughter, 
IS;)  but  perhaps  his  sons’  wives  were  intended.  His  sons’ 
aughters  are  also  mentioned  ; yet  only  one  of  them  is  named, 
(17 ;)  and  it  does  not  appear  on  what  account  she  was  distin- 
guished from  the  rest. 

V.  12.  Judah  was  the  fourth  son  of  Leah,  and  Joseph  was 
born  when  Jacob  had  been  married  about  seven  years  : (29: 
35.  30:24,25.)  consequently  Judah  might  be  about  three  or 
four  years  older  than  Joseph ; yet  he  could  not  be  above 
forty-four  at  this  time,  for  Joseph  was  only  forty. — His  two 
sons  Er  and  Onan  had  been  married  to  Tamar,  and  a consi- 
derable time  after  their  death  had  elapsed  before  Pharez  was 
born.  (38:)  It  can  then  hardly  be  conceived,  that  this  event 
took  place  much  before  Judah  was  forty  years  old.  So  that 
Pharez  could  not  be  more  than  four  or  five  years  old  at  this 
tjme.  The  heads  of  families,  therefore,  which  were  born  in 
Egypt  during  Jacob’s  life,  seem  to  have  been  included. 

V.  15,  Thirty  and  three.]  When  Er  and  Onan  are  de- 
ducted, the  whole  number  amounts  only  to  thirty-two  ; but 
Jacob  himself  must  be  added  to  complete  the  number. 

V-  21.  The  marginal  references  show,  that  several  of 
these  were  Benjamin’s  grandchildren.  It  is  evident  that 
Benjamin  was  born  after  Dinah  had  been  defiled,  and  she  was 
about  Joseph’s  age:  supposing  her  therefore  but  in  her  four- 
teenth year  at  that  time,  Benjamin  could  not  now  be  more 
than  twenty-five  or  twenty-six  years  old : we  can  then  scarcely 

conceive,  that  he  could  have  several  grandchildren. It  is 

therefore  most  probable  that  the  historian  mentions  some 
born  in  Egypt  during  Jacob’s  lifetime,  who  afterwards  be- 


b 29-18.  30:24.35:16—18,24.44:27.  c 37:  39:  40:— 45:  47:  49:22-27.  50:1,  Sc. 
Num.  1:36,37  . 26:38—41.  Peut.  33:12— 17.  .1  41:51,52.  48.4,13,14.  Num.  1:32 
— 35.  26:28 — 37.  §§  Or,  prince.  41:45,50.  marg.  e 1 Chr.  7:6 — 12.  8:1 — 7. 
f Num.  26:38.  Ahiram.  g Num.  26:39.  Sbupham.  1 Chr.  7:12.  Shuppim. 
h Num.  26  39.  Huphnm.  » 49:16,17.  Num.  1:38,39.  Deut.  33:22.  k Num.  26: 
42,43.  Shuham.  149:21.  Num.  1:42,43.26:48—50.  m 1 Chr.  7 13.  Jahziel. 
n 29:29  . 30.4—8.  35:25.  !!!l  Heb.  thigh.  35:11.  Ex.  1:5.  marg.  v Deut.  10:22. 
Acts  7:14.  p 43:8.  44:16— 34.  49:8.  q 31:21.  r 34.  See  on  45:10.  > 41:43.  45: 
19,21.  t 33:4.  45:14.  Luke  15:20.  Acts  20:37.  u 45:28.  Luke  2:29.  x 45:16— 
20.  47:  y 4:2.  31:18.  37:2.  47:3.  Ex.  3:1.  1 Sam.  16:11.  17:15.  Ps.  ^:70— 72. 
Is.  40:11.  Zech.  13:5.  TfTT  Heb.  they  are  men  of  cattle.  34.  z 45:10.  a 47.3,4.  Jon. 
1:8.  b 32.  34:5.  37:12.  c 43:32.  Ex.  8:26. 


came  heads  of  families  in  Israel,  as  it  was  before  intimated. 
(Note,  12.) 

V.  27.  Threescore  and  six  were  before  mentioned,  (26  :) 
so  that  Joseph  and  his  two  sons,  together  with  Jacob  himself, 
complete  the  seventy  persons  here  enumerated ; and  the 
numbers  stated  in  verses  15,18,22,25,  amount  to  seventy. — 
The  Septuagint,  adding  some  of  the  descendants  of  Ephraim 
and  Manasseh,  who  became  heads  of  families  in  these  tribes, 
makes  the  number  seventy-five  : and  perhaps  St.  Luke  took 
the  number  as  it  stood  in  this  version,  in  recording  the  speech 
of  Stephen  before  the  council.  Other  methods,  however, 
have  been  devised  for  reconciling  the  sacred  historians 
(Note,  Acts  7:14.) 

V.  28.  To  direct.]  To  give  Joseph  notice  of  his  arrival, 
that  he  might  meet  him  in  Goshen.  This  region  lay  near  the 
entrance  of  Egypt,  bordering  on  Arabia. — Judah  seems  to 
have  been  selected  on  this  occasion,  as  having  acted  nobly  in 
Joseph’s  presence  before. 

V.  29.  Asa  prince,  Joseph  went  forth  to  meet  nis  father 
in  a chariot,  showing  him  proper  respect:  but  for  Jacob, 
always  a plain  man  and  now  in  years,  he  sends  a convenient 
but  less  splendid  conveyance ; as  the  varied  term  evidently 
implies. 

V.  32 — 34.  ‘ It  is  observable,  how  careful  Joseph  is  to 
keep  his  brethren  clear  of  the  snares  of  Egypt.  . . . He  is 
more  concerned  for  their  purity  than  their  outward  dignity. 
.. . . If  we  wish  to  destroy  our  souls,  or  the  souls  of  our  chil- 
dren, let  us  seek  for  ourselves,  and  for  them,  great  things 
but  if  not,  it  becomes  us,  having  food  and  raiment,  therewith 
to  be  content.  Fuller. — Abomination,  (34.)  Note,  43:32. 
This  would  more  effectually  keep  them  distinct  and  separat* 
from  the  Egyptians. 

^PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

In  those  events  and  undertakings,  which  appear  most  jc 

( 99  ) 


B.  C.  1705. 


GENESIS. 


B.  0.  1704. 


CHAPTER  XLVII. 

Joseph  presents,  frat  his  brethren,  and  then  his  father,  to  Pharaoh  ; with  the 
conference  between  them,  1 — 12.  The  terms  on  which  Joseph  dealt  out  corn 
to  the  Egyptians  : and  the  compact  which  he  finally  settled  between  Pha- 
raoh and  his  subjects  ; with  their  grateful  acknowledgments,  13 — 26.  Jacob 
on  the  approach  of  death  calls  Joseph,  and  gives  orders  concerning  his 
burial,  27 — 31. 

THEN  aJoseph  came  and  told  Pharaoh,  and 
said,  My  fatner  and  my  brethren,  and  their 
flocks,  and  their  herds,  and  all  that  they  have,  are 
come  out  of  the  land  of  Canaan  ; and  behold  they 
are  bin  the  land  of  Goshen. 

2  And  he  took  some  of  his  brethren,  even  five 
men,  cand  presented  them  unto  Pharaoh. 

3  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  his  brethren,  dWhat 
is  your  occupation  ? And  they  said  unto  Pharaoh, 
Tliy  servants  are  shepherds,  both  we  and  also 
our  fathers. 

4  They  said  moreover  unto  Pharaoh,  “For  to 
sojourn  in  the  land  are  we  come  ; for  thy  servants 
have  no  pasture  for  their  flocks,  ' for  the  famine  is 
sore  in  the  land  of  Canaan : now  therefore,  we 
pray  thee,  elet  thy  servants  dwell  in  the  land  of 
Goshen. 

5  And  Pharaoh  spake  unto  Joseph,  saying, 
Thy  father  and  thy  brethren  are  come  unto  thee : 
6 The  land  of  Egypt  Hs  before  thee;  in  the 

* 45:16.  46:31.  b 45:10.  46:28.  Ex. 8:22.  9:26.  c2C'or.4:I4.  Col.  1 :28.  Jude 
24.  d 46:33,34.  Am. 7:14,15.  .Ion.  1:8.  2Thes.3:10.  e 12:10.  1513.  Dent. 
26:5.  Ps.  105:23.  Is.  52:4.  Acta  7:6.  f 43:1.  Acts  7:11 . g 46:.  4.  h 13:9.  20:15. 
34:10.  45:18-20.  il  Sam.  21:7.  1 Clir.  27:29— 31 . 2 Chr.26:10.  Prov. 22:29. 
k See  on  10.  * Heb.  How  many  are  the  days  of  the  years  of  thy  life!  9. 

I l Chr.  29:15.  Ps.  39:12.  119:19,54.  Heb.  11:9— 16.  13:14.  1 l et.  2:1 1.  m Job 


fill,  there  are  probable  consequences  involved,  which  may 
remind  us  to  “ rejoice  with  trembling and  warn  us  not  to 
proceed  without  seeking  counsel,  assistance,  and  a blessing 
from  the  Lord.  Attending  on  his  ordinances,  and  receiving 
the  pledges  of  his  covenant-love,  we  may  expect  his  presence, 
and  that  peace  which  it  confers  : and  when  we  are  satisfied 
that  we  arc  his  people,  and  in  the  path  which  he  marks  out  to 
us,  being  assured  of  his  supports  and  consolations,  we  may 
not  only  enter  into  the  iron  furnace  of  bondage  and  oppres- 
sion, but  into  the  fiery  furnace  of  persecution. — In  all  our 
removals,  we  need  to  be  reminded  of  our  removal  out  of 
this  world : and  though  it  is  desirable  to  be  surrounded  at  the 
eve  of  life  with  our  beloved  friends  and  children  ; yet  nothing 
can  encourage  us  to  fear  no  evil,  when  “ passing  through  the 
valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,”  but  the  presence  of  Jesus 
Christ  to  receive  our  souls. — Be  our  families  never  so  large, 
God’s  providence  can  with  perfect  ease  support  them : and 
be  repenting  sinners  never  so  numerous,  “ the  unsearchable 
riches  of  Christ”  are  sufficient,  and  in  Heaven  there  is  room 
enough  for  them  all. — However  generous  our  friends  may  be, 
it  is  prudent  to  be  modest,  and  not  to  give  them  any  ground 
to  suspect  us  of  encroaching,  or  to  complain  that  we  are  bur- 
densome. In  general  the  further  from  courts,  the  nearer  to 
Canaan  ; and  however  obscure  and  despised  our  lot  be,  if  it 
prove  advantageous  to  our  souls,  and  favourable  to  com- 
munion with  God,  we  ought  to  be  thankful  for  it.  Our  lives 
are  in  the  Lord’s  hands,  whatever  we  wish  and  desire  ; and 
though  we  should  be  willing  to  die,  yet  we  should  be  also  wil- 
ling to  wait  his  time.  In  the  mean  while,  if  even  the  abhor- 
rence of  the  world  keep  us  separate  from  it,  we  have  cause  to 
rejoice  and  be  glad  on  that  account. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XLVII.  V.  2.  Joseph,  by  thus  pre- 
senting his  brethren,  both  showed  respect  to  Pharaoh,  and 
intimated  that  he  would  do  nothing  without  his  knowledge 
and  approbation : he  also  put  honour  upon  them,  manifesting 
that  he  was  not  ashamed  of  them,  though  now  his  inferiors ; 
and  that  he  did  not  harbour  resentment  against  them. 

V.  3.  Pharaoh  took  it  for  granted,  that  Jacob’s  sons  had 
some  peculiar  occupation ; and  though  a shepherd  was  had 
in  abomination  among  the  Egyptians,  they  did  not  attempt  to 
conceal  their  employment.  Thus  they  showed  a hearty  con- 
currence with  Joseph,  in  choosing  to  remain  in  their  obscure, but 
more  safe  and  advantageous  employment.  (iVofe,  46:32 — 34.) 

V.  4.  Probably,  Jacob  and  his  sons  only  meant  to  con- 
tinue in  Egypt  till  the  famine  was  over ; but,  meeting  with 
kind  treatment,  they  remained  there  : at  length  another  king 
arose ; and  they  were  detained  in  bondage,  contrary  to  their 
intention , but  according  to  the  purpose  and  prediction  of  God. 

V.  G.  Pharaoh  seems  to  have  been  fully  sensible  of  Jo- 
seph’s excellent  services,  and  very  grateful  for  them.  He 
would,  however,  have  none  but  men  of  activity  advanced 
even  as  shepherds.  It  does  not  seem  to  have  been  the  cus- 
tom at  that  time,  for  kings  to  prefer  the  dependents  of  great 
statesmen,  out  of  compliment  to  them,  whether  fit  for  prefer- 
ment or  not.  It  is  at  least  evident,  that  Joseph  did  not  re- 
quire, and  Pharaoh  did  not  propose,  neither  did  the  sons  of 
Jacob  expect,  such  advancement : they  only  desired  pasturage 
for  their  flocks.  If  the  rich  and  great  are  disposed  to  over- 
look and  neglect  their  poor  relatives ; these  on  the  other 
liand  are  often  equally  culpable,  in  expecting  such  things  from 
5hcm,  as  it  would  be  very  improper  to  confer.  The  cattle  of 
the.  Egyptians,  as  it  appears  front  the  subsequent  history, 
( 100  ) 


best  of  the  land  make  thy  father  and  thy  hre* 
thren  to  dwell,  in  the  land  of  Goshen  let  thei» 
dwell : and  if  thou  knowest  any  men  of  activi 
among  them,  then  make  them  ‘rulers  over  m> 
cattle. 

7 H And  Joseph  brought  in  Jacob  his  father, 
and  set  him  before  Pharaoh:  kand  Jacob  blessec 
Pharaoh. 

8 And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Jacob,  *How  old  ar» 
thou  ? 

9 And  Jacob  said  unto  Pharaoh,  -The  days  ol 
the  years  of  my  pilgrimage  are  man  hundred  and 
thirty  years : few  and  evil  have  the  days  of  the 
years  of  my  life  been,  and  “have  not  attained  unto 
the  days  of  the  years  of  the  life  of  my  fathers,  in 
the  days  of  their  pilgrimage. 

10  And  Jacob  °blessed  Pharaoh,  and  went  out 
from  before  Pharaoh. 

11  And  Joseph  placed  his  father  and  his  brethren, 
and  gave  them  a possession  in  the  land  of  Egypt, 
in  the  best  of  the  land,  in  the  land  of  Siameses,  as 
Pharaoh  had  commanded. 

12  And  Joseph  nourished  ^his  father  and  his 
brethren,  and  all  his  father’s  household  with  bread 
^according  to  their  families. 

14:1.  Pa.  39:5.  89:47,48.  90:3—12.  Jam.  4:14.  n 28.  5:27.  11:11,24,25.  25:7 
35:28  . 50:26.  Ex.  7:7.  Dent.  34:7.  Jonh.  24:29.  2 Sam.  19:32— 35.  Job  42:16,17 
ol4:19.  Num.6:23— 27.  Dent.  33:1.  Ruth  2:4.  2 Sam.  8:10.  19:39.  Ps.  119:46. 
129:8.  Heh.  7:7.  p Ex.  1:1 1 . 12:37.  q Matt.  15:4— 6.  Mark  7:10— 13.  1 Tim. 
5:4,8.  f Or,  as  a little  child  is  nourished.  Heb.  according  to  the  little  ones. 
50:24.  1 Thes.  2:7. 


were  very  numerous,  and  highly  valued  ; (16.  Ex.  9:3 — 6,19 
— 21.)  nor  is  there  any  intimation,  that  they  did  not  use 
them  for  the  same  purposes  as  other  nations  did ; or  that  at 
so  early  a period  they  worshipped  them.  Perhaps  shepherds 
were  held  in  abomination  in  Egypt,  only  as  a low  and  vulgar 
set  of  men,  compared  with  princes,  sages,  and  soldiers. 

V.  7.  With  the  gravity  of  old  age  and  the  piety  of  a be- 
liever, and  even  with  the  authority  of  a patriarch  and  a pro- 
phet, Jacob  pronounced  a blessing  upon  Pharaoh:  that  is,  he 
solemnly  supplicated  the  Lord  to  bestow  his  blessing  upon 
him.  Thus  he  acted  in  character,  as  not  ashamed  of  his 
religion,  and  as  desirous  of  expressing  his  gratitude  to  the 
benefactor  of  himself  and  family,  and  of  recompensing  him  in 
the  only  way  in  which  he  was  able.  And  though  Jacob  thus 
in  some  sense  assumed  the  Superiority,  Pharaoh  seems  to 
have  been  well  pleased  with  this  token  of  his  regard ; hav- 
ing, in  the  character  and  usefulness  of  Joseph,  abundantly 
experienced  the  value  of  the  blessing  of  Jacob’s  God,  and 
perhaps  being  himself  favourably  disposed  to  his  worship. 

V.  8.  Pharaoh  observed  somewhat  peculiarly  venerable  in 
the  aspect  of  Jacob  ; and  conceiving  perhaps  that  he  was 
older  than  he  really  was,  (to  which  appearance  his  various 
hardships  and  trials  might  contribute,)  he  was  curious  to 
know  his  age. 

V.  9.  We  have  here  a very  uncommon  answer  to  a very 
common  question;  but  it  is  an  answer  full  of  pertinent 
instruction  and  admonition.  Jacob  calls  his  life  a pilgrimage ; 
that  is,  the  sojourning  of  a stranger  in  a foreign  country,  or 
his  journey  home  to  his  own  country  ; intimating  that  he  was 
not  at  home  on  earth,  and  that  his  habitation,  his  inheritance, 
and  his  treasures  were  in  heaven,  whither  he  was  daily  jour- 
neying, in  the  bent  and  desires  of  his  heart,  and  the  tenor 
of  his  conduct.  u For  they  which  say  such  things  confess 
that  they  seek  a better  country,  that  is,  a heavenly.”  ( JVote, 
Heb.  11:13 — 16.)  He  also  numbers  his  life  by  the  days  of  his 
years  : it  consisted  of  a few  years,  each  year  composed  of  a 
few  days.  One  day  goes,  and  another,  and  soon  a year  is 
gone:  and  thus  year  after  year  imperceptibly  glides  away,  till 
life,  with  its  many  sorrows  and  scanty  pleasures,  conies  to 
an  end  ; just  as  a wearisome  journey  gradually  is  finished, 
and  we  arrive  at  home.  Though  Jacob  had  now  lived  a 
hundred  and  thirty  years,  yet  he  accounted  them  but  few,  in 
comparison  of  the  lives  of  his  forefathers  ; and  as  nothing 
compared  with  eternity.  They  were  evil  also ; not  only  as  the 
lives  of  others  are,  but  in  that  he  had  had  an  uncommon  share 
of  troubles. — Such  an  answer,  from  so  venerable  a person, 
could  not  fail  to  impress  the  mind  of  Pharaoh,  and  almost  to 
extort  the  reluctant  sigh,  by  reminding  him  of  the  insuffi- 
ciency and  short  continuance  of  all  human  prosperity  and 
felicity  ; and  that  after  a life  of  vanity  and  vexation,  man 
goes  down  into  the  grave,  from  the  throne  as  well  as  from  the 
cottage  ; and  that  nothing  can  make  him  happy,  but  the  pros- 
pect of  an  everlasting  home  in  heaven,  after  the  close  of  his 
short  weary  pilgrimage  on  earth. 

V.  11.  Those  parts  of  Egypt  which  lay  low  might  pep- 
haps  afford  good  pasturage,  especially  in  the  plains  near  the 
Nile  ; though  the  upland  countries,  and  most  parts  of  Canaan 
especially,  were  totally  burnt  up  during  the  years  of  famine. 
‘There  was  more  grass  in  the  marshes  and  k tiny  parts  of 
Egypt,  when  tthe  Nile  did  not  overflow  enough  to  make  plenty 
of  corn.’  Augustine. 

V.  12.  Besides  pasturage  for  the  flocks  and  herds,  Joseph 


B.  C.  1701.  CHAPTER  XLVII.  B.  C.  1689 


13  IT  And  there  was  no  bread  in  all  the  land  : 
for  the  famine  was  very  sore,  rso  that  the  land  of 
Egypt  and  all  the  land  of  Canaan  ’fainted  by 
reason  of  the  famine. 

14  And  Joseph  gathered  up  all  ‘the  money  that 
was  found  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  in  the  land 
of  Canaan,  for  the  corn  which  they  bought : and 
“Joseph  brought  the  money  into  Pharaoh’s  house. 

15  And  when  money  failed  in  the  land  of  Egypt, 
and  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  all  the  Egyptians 
came  unto  Joseph,  and  said,  vGive  us  bread:  for 
why  should  we  die  in  thy  presence  ? for  the  mo- 
ney faileth. 

16  And  Joseph  said,  Give  your  cattle;  and  I 
will  give  you  for  your  cattle,  if  money  fail. 

17  And  they  brought  their  cattle  unto  Joseph  : 
and  Joseph  gave  them  bread  in  exchange  *fbr 
horses,  and  for  the  flocks,  and  for  the  cattle  of  the 
herds,  and  for  the  asses ; and  he  'fed  them  with 
bread,  for  all  their  cattle,  for  that  year. 

18  When  that  year  was  ended,  they  came  unto 
him  the  second  year,  and  said  unto  him,  y We  will 
not.  hide  it  from  my  lord,  how  that  our  money  is 
spent,  my  lord  also  hath  our  herds  of  cattle  ; there 
is*  not  aught  left  in  the  sight  of  my  lord,  but  our 
bodies  and  our  lands. 

19  Wherefore  shall  we  die  before  thine  eyes, 
both  we  and  our  land  ? ‘Buy  us  and  our  land  for 
bread,  and  we  and  our  land  will  be  servants  unto 
Pharaoh : “and  give  us  seed,  that  we  may  live  and 
not  die,  that  the  land  be  not  desolate. 

20  And  Joseph  bought  all  the  land  of  Egypt  for 
Pharaoh ; for  the  Egyptians  sold  every  man  his 
field,  because  the  famine  prevailed  over  them : so 
the  land  became  Pharaoh’s. 

21  And  as  for  the  people,  he  removed  them  bto 


r 41:30.  1 King»18:5.  Jer.  14:1— S.  Lam. 2:19,20.  4:9.  sJer.9:12.  Joel  1:10 
—12.  t 41:56.  u Luke  16:1,2,10— 12.  lCor.4:2.  1 Pel. 4:10.  v 19.  Ps.  37:3. 
Is.  33:16.  Matt.  6:11.  x Ex.  9:3.  1 Kings  10:28.  Is.  31:1.  * Heb.  led  them. 

y 2 Kings  6:‘2G.  z Neh.  5:2,3.  Job  2:4.  Lam.  5.6,9.  Matt.  16:26.  Plul.  3:8,9. 
a See  on  23.  b 41:48.  I Or,  princes.  41:45,50.  marg.  c Ezra  7:24.  d 19. 
• 41:27.  45:6.  Ps.  107:36,37.  Prov.  12:11.  13:23.  Is.  28:24.25.  55:10  . 2 Cor.  9: 
10.  f 41:34.  Lev.  27:32.  1 Sam.  8:15— 17.  Ps.  112:5.  g 41:45.  marg.  45:6— 8. 


supplied  the  several  branches  of  his  father’s  family  with  corn, 
by  a stated  allowance,  according  to  the  number  of  their  house- 
holds. 

V.  13.  Fainted.]  A strong  metaphor,  taken  from  the 
fainting  or  languor  of  an  individual  for  want  of  sustenance, 
and  applied,  in  a manner  emphatically  descriptive,  to  the 
distress  of  the  whole  nation.  This  was  about  the  end  of  the 
third  year  of  the  famine. 

V.  14.  Into  Pharaoh's  house.]  None  of  it  being  appro- 
priated to  Joseph’s  own  use,  or  given  in  presents  or  pen- 
sions to  his  family. — Thus  the  people  were  sustained  during 
the  fourth  and  fifth  years. 

V.  17.  Horses .J  Tins  is  the  first  time  that  horses  are 
mentioned  in  Scripture.  The  patriarchs,  as  far  as  we  can 
learn,  had  no  horses,  nor  are  any  mentioned  among  the  pos- 
sessions of  Israel  when  they  left  Egypt.  (Ex.  12:38. ) 

V.  19.  Give  us  seed.]  As  this  was  the  seventh  year  of 
the  famine,  and  as  every  particular  had  hitherto  accorded  to 
Joseph’s  prediction,  the  people  fully  expected  an  end  to  the 
calamity.  Probably  the  Nile  had  begun  again  to  overflow ; 
and  therefore  they  wanted  corn  for  seed  as  well  as  for  bread. 

V.  21.  This  verse  may  only  mean  that  Joseph  removed 
the  people  from  the  distant  villages  to  the  cities,  where  the 
corn  was  stored  up,  in  all  parts  of  the  land,  for  the  conve- 
nience of  supplying  them  with  food : but,  if  the  common  inter- 
pretation be  adhered  to,  the  state  of  affairs  in  Egypt  might 
require  this  regulation,  as  conducive  to  public  tranquillity,  and 
to  the  more  equitable  distribution  of  property. 

V.  22.  Priests.]  This  word  is  sometimes  translated 
princes  ; nnd  seems  here  used,  not  only  for  the  ministers  of  the 
superstitious  worship  of  the  Egyptians,  but  for  the  officers  of 
state,  and  for  their  wise  men  and  diviners,  who,  having  their 
maintenance  from  Pharaoh,  were  not  under  the  necessity  of 
selling  their  lands. 

V.  23 — 26.  Adverting  to  the  words  of  the  people,  Joseph 
says,  “I  have  bought  you:”  but  it  is  evident  he  took  no 
advantage  of  this  part  of  the  agreement.  It  does  not  appear 
that  even  their  political  liberty  was  materially  abridged  in 
consequence  ; but  they  held  their  lands,  either  their  former 
estates,  or  others  assigned  to  them,  by  a new  tenure  ; on  con- 
dition of  paying  one  fifth  of  the  clear  produce  as  a constant 
tax  to  Pharaoh  : and  this  was  made  a law,  which  remained 
in  force  when  Moses  wrote  his  history,  probably  above  two 
hundred  years  after.  This  reserve  seems  to  have  been  made 
instead  of  all  other  taxes,  and  it  does  not  appear  to  have 
been  at  all  oppressive ; it  is  indeed  evident  that  the  people  did 
not  consider  it  as  a hardship,  but  the  contrary. — The  absurd 
opinion,  that  Joseph  reduced  the  Egyptians  to  personal  slavery, 


cities,  from  one  end  of  the  borders  of  Egypt,  even 
to  the  other  end  thereof. 

^ 22  Only  the  land  of  the  tpriests  bought  he  not 
cfor  the  priests  had  a portion  assigned  them  of 
Pharaoh,  and  did  eat  their  portion  which  Pharaoh 
gave  them ; wherefore  they  sold  not  their  lands. 

23  Then  Joseph  said  unto  the  people,  Behold, 
I have  dbought  you  this'  d.iy,  and  your  land,  for 
Pharaoh : lo,  "here  is  seed  for  you,  and  ye  shall 
sow  the  land. 

24  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  increase, 
that  ye  shall  give  fthe  fifth  part  unto  Pharaoh, 
and  four  parts  shall  be  your  own,  for  seed  of  the 
field,  anti  for  your  food,  and  for  them  of  your 
households,  and  for  food  for  your  little  ones. 

25  And  they  said,  sThou  hast  saved  our  lives: 
''let  us  find  grace  in  the  sight  of  my  lord,  and  we 
will  be  Pharaoh’s  servants. 

26  And  Joseph  made  it  a law  over  the  land  of 
Egypt  unto  this  day,  that  Pharaoh  should  have 
the  fifth  part ; 'except  the  land  of  the  J priests  only, 
which  became  not  Pharaoh’s. 

27  IT  And  Israel  dwelt  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  in 
the  country  of  Goshen : and  they  had  possessions 
therein,  and  kgrew,  and  multiplied  exceedingly. 

28  And  Jacob  lived  in  the  land  of  Egypt  'seven- 
teen years:  so  Hhe  whole  age  of  Jacob  was  a 
hundred  forty  and  seven  years. 

29  And  the  time  drew  nigh  that  Israel  mmust 
die  : and  he  called  his  son  Joseph,  and  said  unto 
him,  If  now  I have  found  grace  in  thy  sight,  "put, 
I pray  thee,  thy  hand  under  my  thigh,  and  °deal 
kindly  and  truly  with  me ; Pbury  me  not,  I pray 
thee,  in  Egypt. 

30  But  I will  o]ie  with  my  fathers,  and  thou  shalt 
carry  me  out  of  Egypt,  and  bury  me  in  their  bu- 


Prov.  11:26,27.  h 33:15.  Ruth  2:13.  i22.  } Or,  princes.  See  on  22.  k 13: 
16.26:4.  28:14.  46:3.  Ex.  1:7.  Ps.  107:38.  Zech.  10:8.  Acu7:17.  137:2. 

§ Heb.  the  days  of  the  years  nf  his  life.  8.  marg.  9.  Ps.  90:10,12.  119:84.  m 9. 
50:24.  Dent.  31:14.  2 Sam.  7:12.  14:14.  1 Kings  2:1.  Job  7:1.  14:14.  30:23.  Heb. 
9:27.  n See  on 24:2.  o24:49.  p50:25.  Acts  7:15,16.  Heb.  ll:tt.  0 23:19.2% 
9.  49:29—32.  50:5—14.  2 Sam.  19:37.  1 Kings  13:22.  Neh.  2: 3,5. 


is  contrary  to  the  whole  tenor  of  the  narration,  and  not  tho 
least  trace  of  it  can  be  discerned  in  the  subsequent  history. 
But  it  seems  to  have  originated  wi  h those  who  are  glad  of 
any  pretext  to  criminate  approved  characters  of  Scripture,  as 
their  only  way  of  answering  the  arguments  which  demon- 
strate it  to  be  divinely  inspired. — Joseph  was  raised  up  by  the 
Lord  for  this  very  service,  and  he  is  every  where  commended 
in  it,  and  no  where  censured  : the  friends  of  revealed  truth 
should,  therefore,  be  very  cautious,  how  they  start  objections 
to  his  conduct,  of  which  at  this  distance  of  time  and  place 
they  cannot  be  competent  judges.  The  customs  and  maxims 
of  different  regions  and  ages  are  exceedingly  dissimilar.  No 
doubt,  the  government  of  Egypt,  both  before  and  after  this 
transaction,  was  far  more  arbitrary  than  Britons  would  ap- 
prove. It  is  manifest,  however,  that  the  Egyptians  were 
entirely  satisfied  with  Joseph’s  management,  both  at  the  time 
and  long  after ; aud  regarded  him  with  the  warmest  gratitude 
as  a public  benefactor.  And  though  we  may  not  perceive  the 
reason  of  some  arrangements;  yet  the  whole  transaction  is 
strongly  marked  with  such  equity,  benevolence,  disinte- 
restedness, and  impartiality,  as  have  seldom,  if  ever,  been 
equalled.  Joseph  acted  between  Pharaoh  and  his  subjects 
in  the  fear  of  God,  and  without  any  undue  attachment  to  the 
interests  of  his  brethren,  or  even  of  his  own  children.  (Note, 
48:5.) — It  was  also  necessary  that  the  corn  should  be  sold , not 
given  ; nay,  that  it  should  be  sold  at  a high  price : otherwise 
it  would  have  been  improvidently  used  ; and  in  that  case  a 
destructive  famine  must  have  followed,  before  the  end  of  the 
seven  years  ; and  to  complete  the  misery,  the  seed  to  sow 
the  land  might  not  have  been  reserved.  Raising  the  price 
of  corn  in  a real  scarcity,  by  increasing  the  difficulty  of  ob- 
taining it,  reduces  a nation  to  short  allowance,  and  so  pre- 
serves the  inhabi»an*s  from  destruction. — Joseph,  by  giving 
the  Egyptians  seed,  encouraged  them  to  cultivate  their  land, 
and  sanctioned,  in  his  prophetical  character,  their  expecta- 
tion of  a crop. — In  Egypt  the  harvest  follows  the  seed- Line 
much  more  closely  than  in  this  country  ; so  that  hope  now 
dawned  on  the  afflicted  inhabitants. 

V.  29,  30.  Jacob  was  sensible  that  death  was  speedily 
approaching,  and  he  greatly  desired  the  presence  of  his  be- 
loved Joseph,  who  lived  at  court,  while  himself  was  at  a con- 
siderable distance ; for  not  even  affection  to  his  parent  could 
induce  Joseph  to  relax  his  unremitting  attention  to  the  import- 
ant duties  of  his  station.—  Jacob’s  dying  request,  “ not  to  be 
buried  in  Egypt,”  evidenced  his  oelief  of  the  Lord’s  promise 
concerning  Canaan,  of  which  land  he  would  thus  take  and 
keep  possession.  It  also  intimated,  that  he  desired  to  have 
his  lot  after  death,  not  with  the  Egyptians,  but  with  his 
( 101  ) 


B.  C.  1689. 


GENESIS 


B.  C.  1689. 


rying-place.  And!  be  said,  I will  do  as  thou  hast 
eaid. 

31  And  he  said,  Swear  unto  me : Andhesware 
unto  him.  rAnd  Israel  bowed  himself  upon  the 
bed’s  head. 

CHAPTER  XLVIII. 

Jacob  hieing  sick,  is  visited  by  Joseph  with  his  two  sons,  1,2.  He  adopts 
Joseph's  sons  as  his  own  children  ; with  an  affectionate  mention  of  Rachel's 
death,  3 — 8.  He  blesses  Joseph  and  them,  prophetically  preferring  the 
younger  to  the  elder,  9 — 20.  He  predicts  the  re:um  of  his  family  to  Canaan, 
and  assigns  a portion  there  to  Joseph,  21,  22. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  after  these  things,  that  one 
told  Joseph,  Behold,  athy  father  is  sick:  and 
he  took  with  him  bhis  two  sons,  Manasseh  and 
Ephraim. 


r 48:2.  1 Kings  1:41.  Heb.  11:81.  aJohtill:3.  b 41:50— 52.  46:20.  50:23.  Job 
42:16.  Ps. 128:6.  c Dent.  3:28.  1 Sam.  23:16.  Neh.2:18.  Ps.41:3.  Frov.  23:15. 
Eph.  6:10.  d 17:1.  28:3.  35:11.  Ex.  6:3.  Rev.  21:22.  e 28:12— 19.  35:6,7,12. 


fathers  Abraham  and  Isaac,  in  that  heavenly  rest  which  Ca- 
laan  typified. 

V.  31.  Israel  bowed , &c.]  In  an  act  of  solemn  worship, 
yet  in  feebleness  thus  supporting  himself,  and  expressing  his 
fill  satisfaction  and  his  willingness  to  leave  the  world.  (iVo/e, 
Heb.  11:21.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  The  kindness  of  liberal  benefactors,  so  far  from 
encouraging  us  to  encroach  upon  them,  should  remind  us  to 
show  them  all  proper  attention  and  deference  : and  in  attend- 
ing to  some  peculiar  relative  duties , we  should  look  round  upon 
the  whole  circle , and  so  proportion  them  as  not  to  intrench 
upon  others. — When  Joseph  selected  Jive  from  his  eleven 
brethren  to  present  before  Pharaoh,  he  doubtless  had  good 
reasons  for  his  conduct,  though  not  made  known  to  us,  nor 
probably  to  them.  Thus  the  Lord  Jesus,  in  dispensing  his 
special  benefits  as  he  sees  good,  acts  m perfect  wisdom, 
though  we  are  not  acquainted  with  the  grounds  of  his  distin- 
guishing grace  : and  thus,  neither  despising  our  meanness,  nor 
ashamed  even  in  his  highest  exaltation  “ to  call  us  brethren,” 
nor  resenting  our  past  misconduct,  however  base,  he  presents 
us,  when  we  submit  and  believe  in  him,  for  acceptance  before 
his  Father’s  throne. — Industry,  in  any  honest  employment,  is 
always  creditable  ; and  indeed  all,  who  are  not  in  some  way 
diligent,  are  worthless  encumbrances  on  the  community.  Nor 
ought  a man,  in  compliance  with  fashion  or  prevalent  notions, 
to  be  ashamed  of  the  lowest  useful  occupations ; for  nothing 
that  is  not  sinful  is  disgraceful,  in  the  sight  either  of  God,  or 
% of  wise  and  good  men. — It  is  generally  best  to  abide  with 
God  in  our  own  calling;  for  what  the  world  calls  me?iding 
ourselves , is  frequently  little  better  than  renouncing  peace, 
content,  and  a situation  favourable  to  the  prosperity  of  our 
souls,  for  gilded  cares,  encumbrances,  and  manifold  tempta- 
tions.— Indeed,  our  life  is  but  a pilgrimage  : few  ai)d  evil  are 
the  days  of  it;  and  provided  they  be  spent  with  God,  and  to 
his  glory,  the  rest  is  of  very  little  consequence.  If  we  have  a 
prospect  that,  when  we  go  hence  and  are  no  more  seen,  we 
shall  go  home  to  our  Father’s  house,  we  shall  not  want,  and 
ought  not  to  desire,  the  paltry  interests  of  the  world ; why 
then  should  we  burden  ourselves  with  unavailing  cares  and 
sorrows?  Why  covet  riches,  shortly  to  be  left  behind  ? 
Why  engage  in  projects  to  be  left  unfinished?  or  aspre 
at  distinctions  which  death  will  terminate?  We  do  not 
act  thus  on  a journey,  when  our  heart  is  at  home : the 
conveniences  or  inconveniences  which  we  meet  with,  but 
little  affect  us  to  retard  our  progress ; we  do  not  want  to  erect 
stately  mansions,  or  to  lay  up  wealth,  in  a country  which  we 
are  leaving,  and  to  which  we  shall  return  no  more ; nor  do 
we  encumber  ourselves  with  those  things  which  we  are  not 
in  need  of,  and  which  must  be  left  behind  when  we  embark 
for  our  native  country. — “ Godliness  with  contentment  is 
great  gain  : for  we  brought  nothing  into  this  world  ; and  it  is 
certain  we  can  carry  nothing  out ; and  having  food  afid  rai- 
ment, let  us  be  therewith  content.”  But  oh ! how  miserable 
are  they,  who  have  all  their  good  things  during  the  few  and 
evil  days  of  this  present  life,  and  whose  last  comfort  must  ex- 
pire with  their  dying  breath  ! — Let  us  then  “give  diligence  to 
make  our  calling  and  election  sure  and,  as  our  days  are  likely 
to  be  so  much  fewer  than  Jacob’s,  let  us  often  ask  ourselves 
seriously,  how  old  we  are : that  our  life  may  not  vanish  unim- 
proved, nor  death  approach  while  we  are  unprepared  for  it. 
“ A hoary  head  is  a crown  of  glory,”  only  “ when  it  is  found 
in  the  way  of  righteousness  and  they  whose  consistency  of 
character  will  bear  them  out,  need  neither  be  ashamed  nor 
afraid  to  bear  testimony  for  God  before  the  greatest  princes, 
who,  if  wise,  will  highly  value  their  pious  prayers. 

V.  1 1 — 31 . They  who  have  been  exalted,  cannot  too  care- 
fully avoid  the  appearance  of  despising  their  former  equals ; 
and  they  who  have  been  injured,  the  appearance  of  resenting 
former  ill  treatment:  and  when  we  receive  kindness  from 
men,  we  should  acknowledge  the  kindness  of  God  in  raising 
up  such  friends. — A useful  life  consists  in  a constant  succes- 
sion of  duties : exalted  stations,  properly  filled,  call  for  unre- 
mitting ’'ibour  and  attention  ; anil  they  who  occupy  them  need 
great  wisdom,  firmness,  disinterestedness,  and  impartiality, 
to  ward  off  envy,  to  silence  reproach,  and  to  keep  a clear 
conscience  ; rendering  to  God,  to  the  prince,  and  to  the  peo- 
( 102  ) 


2 And  one  told  Jacob,  and  said.  Behold,  thy  son 
Joseph  comcth  unto'  thee : and  Israel  'strength- 
ened himself,  and  sat  upon  the  bed. 

3 And  Jacob  said  unto  Joseph,  dGod  Almight, 
'appeared  to  me  at  >Luz  in  the  land  of  Cailaan, 
and  blessed  me. 

4 And  said  unto  me,  Behold,  si  will  make  thee 
fruitful,  and  multiply  thee,  and  I will  make  of  thee 
a multitude  of  people  ; and  will  give  this  land  to 
thy  seed  after  thee  for  an  heverlasting  possession. 

5 And  now  thy  'two  sons,  Ephraim  and  Manas- 
seh, which  were  born  unto  thee  in  the  land  of 
Egypt,  before  I came  unto  thee  into  Egypt,  kare 
mine ; as  'Reuben  and  Simeon,  they  shall  be  mine. 


Hos.  12:4.  f Juilg.  1:23.  g 12:2.  13:15,16  . 22:17.  26:4  . 28:13.  h 17:8.  i 41: 
50—52.  46:20.  Josh.  14:4.  16:  17:  k Lev.  20:26.  Is.  43:1.  Ez. 16.8.  Mai.  3:17. 
2 Cor.  6:18.  Eph.  1:5.  UChr.  5:1,2. 


pie,  their  respective  dues.  But  if  Providence  calls  a man  to 
such  a station,  he  ought  to  seek  grace  sufficient  for  it,  and  ex- 
pect that  God  will  bestow  it  upon  him. — If  withholding  the 
rain  from  heaven,  or  other  customary  advantages,  so  soon  re- 
duces the  most  opulent  nations  to  poverty  and  distress ; how 
absolute  must  our  dependence  be  upon  Him,  win  m we  so 
often  wantonly  offend  and  foolishly  forget ! And  if  Joseph 
extorted  this  confession  from  the  Egyptians,  “ Thou  ha£t 
saved  our  lives what  multitudes  will  gratefully  say  to  Jesus 
at  last,  ‘ Thou  hast  saved  our  souls  from  the  most  tremen- 
dous destruction,  and  in  the  season  of  uttermost  distress!’ — 
The  Egyptians  were  willing  to  part  with  all  their  property, 
and  even  their  liberty,  for  the  saving  of  their  lives : can  it 
then  be  too  much,  for  us  to  count  all  but  loss,  and  part  with 
all,  at  his  command  and  for  his  sake,  who  will  thus  both  save 
our  souls,  and  give  us  a hundred-fold  even  in  this  present 
world  ? And  surely,  if  saved  by  Christ,  we  shall  willingly 
become  the  devoted  servants  of  him  and  his  Father,  whose 
glory  he  consults  in  harmony  with  our  salvation. — Yet  they 
who  lived  on  Joseph’s  provision,  and  even  Jacob  who  was  so 
dear  to  him,  must  die;  but  Jesus  gives  us  the  true  Bread, 
that  we  may  eat  and  live  for  ever.  To  him  then  let  us  apply, 
and  devote  ourselves  to  his  service  ; and  when  we  draw1  near 
to  death,  he  who  supported  us  through  life,  will  meet  us,  and 
assure  us  of  an  everlasting  inheritance.  Then,  on  the  very 
bed  of  death,  we  may  bow  down  and  worship  with  joyful 
hearts,  and  breathe  out  our  spirits  into  his  faithful  handj,  with 
the  most  entire  composure  and  satisfaction. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XLVIII.  Y.  I.  As  Jacob  did  not  ap- 
pear to  be  immediately  in  the  state  of  a dying  person,  Joseph 
had  returned  to  his  important  employments : but  being  in- 
formed by  a messenger  of  his  relapse  or  increasing  sickness, 
and  expecting  his  death,  he  went  to  visit  him,  and  took  his 
two  sons,  Manasseh  and  Ephraim,  with  him;  either  by 
Jacob’s  express  desire,  or  in  hopes  that  the  solemn  scene,  to- 
gether with  the  dying  benediction  and  discourse  of  the  vene- 
rable Patriarch,  would  make  a useful  impression  upon  their 
minds.  They  were  at  this  time  above  twenty  years  of  age. 

V.  2.  Strengthened  himself,  &c.]  Jacob,  being  animated 
by  the  presence  of  Joseph  and  his  sons,  exerted  all  his 
strength  to  improve  this  last  opportunity.  He  was  also  en- 
dued with  inward  strength,  and  raised  above  himself  by  the 
Holy  Spirit,  that  he  might  utter  those  prophecies  with  which 
he  was  inspired. 

V.  3.  4.  Jacob  had  called  Luz  by  the  name  pf  Seth-el. 
(28:19.)  The  Lord  had  twice  appeared  to  him  there;  but 
he  especially  referred  to  the  time  when  he  tied  from  Esau. 
That  unexpected  visit  of  a gracious  God,  in  his  extreme  dis- 
tress, could  never  be  erased  from  his  memory  : and,  as  he 
had  already  experienced  in  a great  degree  the  fulfilment  ot 
the  promises  then  made  to  him,  he  mentioned  them  with 
much  thankfulness,  before  he  pronounced  the  subsequent 
blessings  on  his  posterity. 

V.  5.  Thus  Jacob  adopted  Ephraim  and  Manasseh,  that 
being  numbered  with  his  own  sons,  they  might,  as  heads  of 
distinct  tribes,  have  a proportionable  share  in  the  inheritance 
of  Canaan.  This  he  spake  by  the  Spirit  of  prophecy. — Con- 
sidering Joseph’s  rank  and  prospects  m Egypt,  a carnal  mind 
would  have  regarded  this  remote  inheritance,  with  the  rest  ol 
Jacob’s  sons,  as  a very  inconsiderable  matter.  But  it  does 
not  appear  that  Joseph  either  purchased  estates,  or  amassed 
wealth  in  Egypt,  for  his  sons;  and  this,  not  only  because  ho 
was  disinterested,  but  because  he  was  a believer,  and  was 
unwilling  to  attach  his  children  to  Egypt ; desiring,  on  the 
contrary,  to  lead  their  thoughts  to  Canaan,  and  to  the  inherit- 
ance of  the  children  of  Israel,  as  their  proper  portion.  Jacob 
also  wished  them  to  consider,  that  to  be  numbered  w ith  his 
sons,  who  was  the  heir  of  the  promises  made  to  Abraham  and 
Isaac,  and  who  had  been  named  Israel,  because  lie  prevailed 
with  God,  and  would  certainly  prevail  with  man,  was  far 
more  honourable  and  desirable,  than  to  bo  the  richest  of 
Pharaoh’s  courtiers.  Probably,  this  led  them  to  unite  inte- 
rests with  the  Israelites,  and  to  adhere  to  the  worship  of  God, 
in  preference  to  the  Egyptians  and  their  superstitions,  with 
which,  in  their  station,  they  were  peculiarly  in  danger  of 
being  infected. — Reuben  and  Simeon  wero  the  two  eldest 
sons  of  Jacob. 


CHAPTER  XLVIII. 


B C.  1689. 


B.  C.  1689. 

6 And  thy  issue  which  thou  begettest  after  them, 
shall  be  thine,  and  shall  be  called  after  the  name 
of  their  brethren  in  their  inheritance. 

7 And  as  for  me,  when  I came  from  Padan, 
“Rachel  died  by  me  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  in  the 
way : when  yet  there  was  but  a little  way  to  come 
unto  “Ephrath : and  I buried  her  there  in  the  way 
of  Ephrath,  the  same  is  Bcth-lehem. 

8 tI  And  Israel  beheld  Joseph’s  sons,  and  said, 
Who  are  these  ? 

9 And  Joseph  said  unto  his  father,  They  are 
°my  sons,  whom  God  hath  given  me  in  this  place : 
And  he  said,  Bring  them,  I pray  thee,  unto'  me, 
and  I will  ''bless  them. 

10  (Now  nthe  eyes  of  Israel  were  "dim  for  age, 
so  that  he  could  not  see.)  And  he  brought  them 
near  unto  him ; and  he  ‘kissed  them,  and  embraced 
them. 

11  And  Israel  said  unto  Joseph,  “I  had  not 
thought  to  see  thy  face ; and  lo,  God  bath  showed 
me  also  thy  seed. 

12  And  Joseph  brought  them  out  from  between 
his  knees,  and  he  ‘bowed  himself  with  his  face  to 
the  earth. 

13  And  Joseph  took  them  both,  Ephraim  in  his 
right  hand  towards  Israel’s  left  hand,  and  Manasseh 
in  his  left  hand  towards  Israel’s  right  hand,  and 
brought  them  near  unto  him. 

14  And  Israel  stretched  out.  his  right  hand,  and 
•laid  it  upon  Ephraim’s  head,  who  was  the  younger, 
and  his  left  hand  upon  Manasseh’s  head,  ^guiding 
his  hands  wittingly;  for  Manasseh  teas  the  first-born. 

ra35:9,16— 19.  n Ruth  1:2.  1 Sam.  1:1.  17:12.  Mic.5:2.  o 30:2.  33:5.  Ruth 
4:11—11.  1 Sam.  1:20,27.  2:20,21.  Ps.  127:3.  Is.  8:18.  56:3—5.  p 27:4,23,29,34 
—40.  28:3,1.  49:28.  Deut.  33:1.  Heb.  11:21.  q27:l.  1 Sam.  3:2.  4:15.  • Heb. 

heavy.  Is.  6:10.  59:1.  r 27:27.  31:55.  45:15.  1 Kings  19:20.  s37:33.  42:36.  45: 
26.  t 18:2.  19:1.  23:7.  33:3. '42:6.  Kx. 20:12.  u Num.  8:10,18.  Deut.  34:9. 
Matt.  19:13,15.  Mark.  6:5.  16:18.  Luke  4:40.  13:13.  Acts  6:6.  8 17— 19.  13:3. 

1 Tim.  4:14.  5:22.  x 19.  v Heb.  11:21.  z 5:22— 24  . 6:9.  17:1.  21:40.  Jer.  8:2. 
Col.  2:6.  1 Tlies.  2:12.  a28:20.  Ps.37:3.  Ec.2:24,25.  5:12,18.  6:7.  Is. 33:16. 
Matt.  6:25— 34.  1 Tim.  6:6— 10.  b 16:7— 13.  28:15.  31:11— 13,24.  Ex.  3:2— 6.  23: 
20.  Juilg.  2:1 — 4.  6:21-21.  13:21,22.  Ps.  31:7.  Hos.  12:4,5.  Mai.  3:1.  Acts  7:30 

V.  6.  It  does  not  appear  that  Joseph  had  any  other  chil- 
dren ; but,  according  to  (his  limitation,  if  he  should  have,  they 
must  be  incorporated  with  the  tribes  ofEphraim  and  Manasseh. 

V.  7.  The  manner  in  which  this  is  introduced,  intimates 
how  much  Jacob  laid  that  stroke  to  heart.  He  seemed  still 
to  feel  the  anguish  of  it,  and  to  assign  it  as  a reason  of  his 
peculiar  attachment  to  Rachel’s  posterity.  This  tender 
mention  to  Joseph  of  his  beloved  parent  must  have  been  pe- 
culiarly affecting. — The  circumstance  of  Rachel’s  dying  in 
childbirth,  while  on  a journey,  explained  the  reason  why 
she  was  not  buried  in  the  cave  of  Machpelah,  where  Jacob 
iesired  to  be  buried  with  the  rest  of  his  family  ; and  it  was 
introduced  no  doubt  for  that  purpose. 

V.  8.  Jacob  could  discern  that  two  persons  besides  Joseph 
were  present ; but  he  was  so  dim  sighted,  that  he  could  not 
certainly  tell  who  they  were.  (10.) 

V.  9.  “ Whom  God  hath  given  me,  in  this  place,”  whither 
I was  sold  as  a slave,  where  I was  long  imprisoned,  and 
where  I have  received  so  many  mercies. — The  piety  of  this 
language  should  not  pass  unnoticed. 

V.  12.  He  bowed , &c.]  Joseph  thus  showed,  that  his  ex- 
ternal greatness  did  not  render  him  forgetful  of  the  respect 
due  to  his  father,  or  of  the  veneration  to  which  his  age  and 
piety  entitled  him  ; and  evinced  the  high  value  which  he  put 
upon  the  adoption  of  his  children,  to  be  partakers  of  the  pro- 
mised blessings. 

V.  14.  Though  Manasseh  was  the  first-born,  and  Jacob 
knew  it,  yet  under  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  he  by 
this  token  gave  Ephraim  the  preference. — ‘God  was  wont 
from  the  beginning  to  prefer  the  younger  ...  to  show  that  di- 
vine benefits  were  not  confined  to  the  order  of  nature,  but 
dispensed  freely,  according  to  God’s  most  wise  goodness.’ 
Theodoret. — Laying  on  of  hands  is  here  first  mentioned  in 
Scripture.  ( Marg . Ref.) 

V.  15.  Jacob  first  blessed  Joseph,  and  then  his  sons;  or 
he  blessed  Joseph  in  blessing  his  sons. — Abraham  and  Isaac 
walked  before  God,  by  habitually  through  faith,  maintaining 
communion  with  him  in  his  ordinances,  devoting  themselves 
to  his  service,  acting  as  under  his  eye  depending  on  his  pro- 
tection, and  rejoicing  in  his  loving  kindness  and  mercy. 
[Note,  5:21 — 24.) — Jacob  had  often  been  in  outward  straits, 
and  especially  with  his  numerous  posterity  had  been  in  great 
distress  by  famine ; but  God  had  always  provided  for  him,  and 
pad  sent  Joseph  beforehand  to  make  preparation  for  him  in 
Egypt.  There  God  had  fed  him  seventeen  years  in  his  in- 
firm old  age  by  Joseph,  just  as  long  as  he  had  fed  Joseph  by 
Jacob’s  hand  in  his  infancy  and  youth ; thus  enabling  the  son  to 
requite  his  parent.— This  divine  interposition  was  therefore 
very  properly  introduced : and  as  Jacob  had  been  fed,  he  did 
not  complain,  though  he  had  not  been  enriched,  but  greatly 
impoverished. 


15  And  he  ^blessed  Joseph,  and  said,  God,  be- 
fore whom  my  fathers  Abraham  and  Isaac  “did 
walk,  the  God  which  “fed  me  all  my  life  long  unto 
this  day, 

16  The  bAngel  which  “redeemed  me  from  aD 
evil,  bless  the  lads ; and  let  dmy  name  be  named 
on  them,  and  the  name  of  my  fathers  Abraham 
and  Isaac ; and  let  them  igrow  into  ea  multitude 
in  the  midst  of  the  earth. 

17  And  when  Joseph  saw  that  his  father  laid 
his  right  band  upon  the  head  of  Ephraim,  it  dis- 
pleased him  : and  he  held  up  his  father’s  hand  to 
remove  it  from  Ephraim’s  head  unto  Manasseh’s 
head. 

18  And  Joseph  said  unto  his  father,  fNot  so, 
my  father;  gfor  this  is  the  first-born;  put  thy 
right  hand  upon  his  head. 

19  And  his  father  refused,  and  said,  hI  know  it, 
my  son,  I know  it ; he  also  shall  become  a peo- 
ple, and  he  also  shall  be  great:  but  truly  his 
younger  brother  shall  he  greater  than  he,  and  his 
seed  shall  become  §a  multitude  of  nations. 

20  And  he  blessed  them  that  day,  saying,  In 
thee  shall  ‘Israel  bless,  saying,  God  make  thee  as 
Ephraim,  and  as  Manasseh : ‘‘and  he  set  Ephraim 
before  Manasseh. 

21  And  Israel  said  unto  Joseph,  'Behold,  I die: 
but  “God  shall  be  with  you,  and  bring  you  again 
unto  the  land  of  your  fathers. 

22  Moreover,  I have  "given  to  thee  one  portion 
above  thy  brethren,  which  I took  out  of  the  hand 
of  “the  Amorite  with  my  sword  and  with  my  bow. 

—35.  c Matt.  6:13.  John  17:15.  Rom.  8:23.  2 Tim.  4:18.  Tit.  2>14.  d 5.  32:28. 
Deut.  28:10.  Jer.  14:9.  Am.  9:12.  Acts  15:17.  t Heb.  as  fishes  increase.  1:21, 
22.  e Ex.  1:7.  Num.  26:28— 37.  Deut.  33:17.  Josh.  17:17.  t Heb.  was  evil  in 
his  eyes.  28:8.  Num.  22:34.  mars.  1 Kings  16:25.  f 1 9: 18.  Ex.  10:11.  Mfftt.25: 
9.  Acts  10:14.  11:8.  g 27:15.  29:26  . 43:33.  49:3.  h 17:20,21.  25:23.  Num.  1:33 
—35.  2:19—21.  Deut.  33:17.  Is.  7:17.  Ez.  37:19.  § Heb.  fulness  i 24:60.  Ruth 
4:11,12.  k Num.  2:18— 21.  7:48,54.  10:22,23.  13:8,11,16.  150:24.  Ps.  146:3,4 

Zech.  1:5.6.  Acts  13:36.  Heb .7: 3, 8 ,23— 2-5.  m 28:15.  46:4.  Deut.  31:8.  Josh.  It 
5,9.  3:7.  Ps.  18:46.  n 33:19.  Josh.  24:32.  I Chr.  5:2.  John  4:5.  o 15:16  . 34:28. 
Josh.  17:14—18. 


Y.  1G.  Jacob  here  called  “God,  before  whom  Abraham 
and  Isaac  had  walked,”  and  who  had  “ fed  him  all  his  life 
long,”  “ the  Angel.”  As  God  does  not  give  his  glory  to  the 
creatures,  we  may  be  sure  that  such  things  were  not  spoken 
of  a created  angel . This  is  one  proof  therefore  among  many, 
that  he,  who  is  by  Malachi  called  “ the  Messenger,”  or  Angel, 
“of  the  Covenant,”  even  Jesus  Christ,  was  known  by  the 
Patriarchs,  to  be  distinct  from  the  Father,  yet  One  with 
him;  and  that  as  such  he  manifested  himself  to  them,  and 
was  worshipped  by  them.  [Notes,  32:30.  Hos.  12:3 — 6.) 
The  deliverances  from  misery  and  danger  of  sinful  men,  who 
believe  in  him,  according  to  his  word,  by  the  interposition  of 
God,  coming  through  the  ransom  of  the  blood  of  Christ,  are 
frequently  in  Scripture  entitled  redemptions.  Jacob,  now 
closing  his  eyes  in  death,  joyfully  considered  himself  as  “ re- 
deemed from  all  evil ;”  and  therefore  expected  henceforth  good, 
and  nothing  but  good. — He  prayed  for  his  grandsons,  that  they 
might  stand  in  the  place,  inherit  the  privileges,  and  walk  in 
the  steps,  of  their  progenitors;  but  especially,  that  his  new 
name,  Israel,  “might  be  named  on  them.”  [Rev.  2:17.  3: 
12.)  This  would  be  a name  of  nobler  import  than  any 
which  Egypt  could  afford. 

V.  17 — 20.  Joseph  was  not  satisfied  with  his  father’s  con- 
duct ; supposing  that  he  was  influenced  by  a groundless  par- 
tiality, and  not  by  the  guidance  of  the  prophetic  Spirit. — The 
pre-eminence  belonged  to  Manasseh  by  general  custom,  and 
thus  it  was  afterwards  commanded  in  the  law : yet  in  many 
parts  of  Scripture  we  have  instances  of  the  younger  being 
preferred  to  the  elder.  The  law  teaches  us  what  is  just  and 
proper  for  us  to  do  ; but  a sovereign  God,  in  conferring  un- 
merited favour,  claims  an  indisputable  right  of  “ doing  what  he 
will  with  his  own.”  He  however  always  exercises  it  in  per- 
fect equity,  faithfulness,  and  wisdom. — Jacob  blessed  the  sons 
of  Joseph  in  faith,  and  in  consequence  of  an  immediate  reve- 
lation; and  the  prediction  was  fully  accomplished  in  their  sub- 
sequent history.  [Note,  49:22 — 26.) 

V.  22.  Jacob  first  bought  this  piece  of  ground  of  Hamor: 
but  probably  after  the  slaughter  of  the  Shechemites,  the  Amo- 
rites  seized  upon  it ; and  afterwards  he  recovered  it  by  force 
of  arms,  in  a way,  and  at  a time,  of  which  we  are  not  in- 
formed. Though  it  does  not  appear  that  he  or  his  sons  at 
this  time  or  long  after,  had  any  advantage  from  it;  yet  in 
faith  he  bequeathed  it  to  Joseph,  as  an  accession  to  the  por- 
tion which  would  be  assigned  by  lot  to  his  posterity,  when 
put  in  possession  of  Canaan. — Here  Joseph’s  bones  were  at 
length  deposited.  [Josh.  24:32.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 8.  The  death-beds  of  eminent  believers  often  at 
ford  most  instructive  lessons.  “ This  is  the  end  of  all  men, 
and  the  living  will  lay  it  to  heart ;”  and  such  scenes,  with  the 
prayers  and  counsels  of  dying  persons,  are  so  suited  to  make 

( 103  ) 


B.  C.  1689. 


GENESIS 


B.  C.  16S8 


CHAPTER  XLIX. 

Jacob  calls  his  sons  together  to  receive  his  prophetical  benediction,  1,  2.  He 
addresses  each  of  them,  by  name,  and  utters  predictions  concerning  their 
posterity , 3 — 28.  tie  gives  them  a charge  respecting  his  burial , and.  dies, 
29—33. 

AND  Jacob  called  unto  his  sons,  and  said, 
’Gather  yourselves  together,  that  I may  tell 
you  that  which  shall  befall  you  in  bthe  last  days. 

2  Gather  yourselves  together,  and  hear,  ye  sons 
of  Jacob  ; and  'hearken  unto  Israel  your  father. 

3  H Reuben,  thou  art  dmy  first-born,  'my  might, 
and  the  beginning  of  my  strength,  the  excellency 
of  dignity,  and  the  excellency  of  power. 

a Deut.  31:12,28,29.  33:1.  Am.  3:7.  Rev.  4:1.  b Nora.  24:14.  Deal.  4:30.  Is.  2:2. 
Jer.  23:20.  Dan. 2:28.  Acts  2:17.  1 Tim.  4:1.  2 Tim.  3:1.  Heb.  1:2.  cPs. 34:11. 
Prov.  1:8,9.  4:1—4.23:22.  d 29:32.  48 : 18.  Num.  1:21).  1 Chr. 5:3.  e Deut.  21:17. 
Ps.  78:51.  105:36.  f Jain.  1:6 — 8.  2 Pet.  2:14.  3: 16.  * Heb.  do  not  thou  excel. 

g 35:22.  Deut.  27:20.  1 Chr.  5:1.  t Or,  my  couch  is  gone,  h 29:33,34.  34:25— 


serious  impressions  on  the  young,  the  gay,  and  the  prosperous, 
that  we  do  well  in  taking  our  children  with  us  on  these  occa- 
sions, when  it  can  be  done  with  propriety. — It  is  very  desira- 
ble, if  the  Lord  please,  to  bear  our  dying  testimony  to  the 
truths  of  God,  to  his  faithfulness,  and  to  the  pleasantness  of 
his  ways.  One  would  wish  to  be  strengthened  at  such  a so- 
lemn season,  to  render  our  last  service  to  our  survivors ; and 
we  should  have  regard  to  this  in  our  whole  conduct,  that  we 
may  so  live  as  to  give  energy  and  weight  to  our  dying  ex- 
hortations: yet,  after  all,  the  Spirit  dispenseth  in  this  matter 
severally,  as  he  willeth.  Abraham  and  Isaac  died  in  faith 
and  in  peace,  yet  we  have  no  record  of  their  dying  testimony  ; 
but  Jacob  spoke  with  great  copiousness  and  energy.  All  true 
believers  are  blessed  at  their  death;  but  all  do  not  depart 
equally  full  of  spiritual  consolation,  nor  are  all  alike  edifying 
to  the  spectators. — The  joint  inheritance  of  the  promised  bles- 
sing with  the  true  Israel  of  God,  let  who  will  despise  it,  is  in- 
finitely preferable  to  the  sole  inheritance  of  all  the  kingdoms 
of  the  world : and  the  best  expression  of  particular  affection 
for  our  children  and  relatives  consists  in  recommending  to 
them  our  God  and  our  religion  ; and  in  seeking  for  them  his 
grace  by  earnest  prayers,  that  they  may  be  his  adopted  chil- 
dren and  heirs,  according  to  the  promise.  Though  we  cannot 
bless  them  in  Jacob’s  Spirit  of  prophecy,  yet  we  may  with  his 
spirit  of  faith ; and  humbly  hope  that  our  prayers  for  them 
will  be  answered,  and  our  exhortations  followed,  even  after 
jve  are  dead.  But  alas  ! too  many  parents,  who  profess 
themselves  Christians,  act  in  direct  opposition  to  the  example 
of  Joseph,  by  anxiously  and  covetously,  if  not  dishonestly, 
heaping  up  wealth  for  their  children;  as  if  they  meant  to 
teach  them  to  forget  the  promised  land,  or  to  prefer  a plen- 
teous portion  of  this  present  world  ! 

V.  9 — 22.  There  is  nothing  more  comfortable  to  the 
dying  believer  himself,  or  more  edifying  and  affecting  to  those 
around  him,  than  to  reflect  upon  and  speak  of  the  promises  of 
God,  and  his  experience  of  their  faithful  accomplishment ; to 
be  mindful  of  his  Bethels  and  Peniels,  and  to  acknowledge 
that,  notwithstanding  his  trials  and  troubles,  all  hath  been 
done  wisely  and  graciously.  In  this  view,  even  temporal 
mercies  and  deliverances,  yea,  our  daily  bread,  when  consi- 
dered as  the  gift  of  the  great  “ Angel  of  the  covenant,”  the 
purchase  of  his  redemption,  and  earnests  of  better  things 
reserved  for  us,  become  most  precious  blessings.  And  when 
a dying  man  can  consider  himself  with  confidence  as  “re- 
deemed from  all  evil as  pardoned  and  sanctified ; and  about 
to  have  done  with  conflict,  labour,  sin,  temptation,  darkness, 
sorrow,  and  the  danger  of  any  more  offending  or  dishonouring 
God  ; and  having  good,  and  nothing  but  good,  before  him  to 
ail  eternity ; with  what  comfort  may  he  u walk  through  the 
valley  of  the  shadow  of  death  !”  And  though  flesh  and  heart 
fail,  though  the  eyes  grow  dim,  and  nature  sink  in  decay,  how 
may  he  triumph  in  that  God,  who  is  “ the  Strength  of  his 
heart,  and  his  Portion  for  ever !”  Having  experienced  that 
the  Lord  hath  been  better  to  him,  not  only  than  his  despond- 
ing fears,  but  even  than  his  most  sanguine  hopes,  he  may 
cheerfully  descend  into  the  grave,  leaning  on  the  tried  faith- 
fulness of  God  to  his  promises. — But  would  we  thus  die  the 
death  of  the  righteous,  we  must  “ walk  before  God  in  the  land 
of  the  living;”  and,  in  the  exercise  and  obedience  of  faith, 
bear  the  name  and  tread  in  the  steps  of  these  ancient  be- 
lievers : then,  though  our  comforts  are  dying  all  around  us,  our 
heavenly  Father  will  be  with  us,  to  countervail  all  losses,  and 
to  fulfil  his  largest  promises. — Whatever  we  think  while  we 
live,  we  shall  at  death  know,  that  to  be  u fed  all  our  life  long,” 
is  all  that  we  can  have  in  this  world.  Little  indeed  can  those 
possessions  profit  us,  about  which  there  are  soqmany  cares 
and  contentions : and  though  it  may  be  proper,  to  adjust  with 
exactness  every  thing  respecting  them,  lest  we  bequeath  dis- 
cord to  our  posterity  ; yet  soon  a burying-place  will  be  all 
.hat  the  amplest  patrimony  can  afford  us. — How  poor  then 
are  they,  who  have  no  other  riches  ! and  how  miserable  is 
a death-b.o  to  those  who  have  no  well-grounded  hopo  of 
good,  but  dreadful  apprehensions  of  evil,  and  nothing  but  evil 
for  ever  ! Let  us  then  fear  being  put  off  with  a portion  in  this 
world,  or  with  a hypocritical  religion  and  a presumptuous 
nope,  which  will  at  last  leave  us  in  despair.  Rather,  what- 
ever we  lose  or  go  without,  let  us  u choose  that  good  part, 
( 104  ) 


4 'Unstable  as  water,  'thou  shalt  not  excel, 
^because  thou  wentest  up-  to  thy  lather’s  bed  ; then 
defiledst  thou  it : 'he  went  up  to  mv  couch. 

5 H ''Simeon  and  Levi  are  brethren : 'instru- 
ments of  cruelty  are  in  their  habitations. 

6 'O  my  soul,  kcome  not  thou  into  their  'secret; 
unto  their  assembly,  mine  mhonour,  he  not  thou 
united  : for  in  their  anger  they  slew  “a  man,  and 
in  their  self-will  they  ^digged  down  a wall. 

7 Cursed  °be  their  anger,  for  it  was  fierce  ; and 
their  wrath,  for  it  was  cruel : pI  will  divide  them 
in  Jacob,  and  scatter  them  in  Israel 

[ Practical  Observations.] 

31.  Prov.  18:9.  | Or,  their  swords  are  weapons  of  violence.  34:25.  i Jude.  5:21, 
Ps.  42:5,11.  43:5.  103:1.  Jer.  4:19.  Luke  12:19.  k 3-1:30.  Ps.  26:4,5.  28:3.94: 
20  21.  139:19. Prov.  1:11.  lDeut.  27:24.  Ps.  64:2.  in  I s.  16:9.  30.12.  57:8.  n 34/ 
25,26.  §0 r,  houghed  oxen.  o2  Sam.  13:22 — 28.  Prov.  26:24,25.  27:3.  pJosh.  19* 
1—9.  21:  1 Chr.  4:24—  31. 


which  shall  never  be  taken  from  us and  then  poverty,  pain, 
Veproach,  and  death  itself,  will  be  as  so  many  favourable 
gales,  to  waft  us  to  the  haven  of  eternal  bliss. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XLIX.  V.  1,2.  All  Jacob’s  sons 
were  still  living;  and  now  at  his  command  they  collected 
round  his  bed,  perhaps  with  their  children,  to  hear  his  dying 
words.  The  repetition  of  this  call  might  intimate  his  desire, 
that  they  should  keep  together,  and  live  in  harmony  as  one 
family,  without  intermingling  with  the  Egyptians. — This 
dying  address  to  them  should  not  at  all  be  considered  as  the 
expression  of  his  private  affection,  or  resentment,  or  partiality ; 
but  as  the  language  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  declaring  the  purpose 
of  God  respecting  the  character,  circumstances,  and  situation 
of  the  several  tribes  descended  from  them,  in  the  last  times% 
or  in  after  ages  * for  the  prophecy  evidently  looks  forward  be- 
yond the  coming  of  Christ,  and  some  of  it  seems  to  be  yet  un- 
accomplished. In  this  and  in  some  other  passages,  such  as 
Noah’s  prophecy,  (Notes.  9:24 — 27.)  and  Moses  blessing  the 
tribes,  ( Notes , Deut.  33  :)  there  is  so  large  an  extent  of  pre- 
diction comprised  in  a few  words,  that  brevity  will  allow  us  to 
adduce  but  a small  part  of  what  might  properly  be  said,  by 
way  of  elucidating  them.  In  many  instances,  we  have  only 
the  scriptural  history  to  proceed  upon,  if  we  attempt  to  illus- 
trate the  prophecy  by  its  accomplishment : and  this  mentions 
but  little  concerning  several  of  the  tribes.  Had  we  a more 
particular  account  of  the  distinguishing  character,  situation, 
and  success  of  each  tribe,  we  should  probably  perceive  a 
more  striking  exactness  in  all  these  predictions,  than  we  now 
discern  in  any  of  them. 

V.  3,  4.  Reuben,  being  Jacob’s  eldest  son,  might  expect 
the  precedency:  as  “the  excellency  of  dignity,  and  the  ex- 
cellency of  power,”  the  larger  portion  of  the  inheritance,  and 
the  principal  authority  among  his  brethren,  properly  belonged 
to  him.  But  he  had  incurred  a forfeiture ; and  therefore  his 
father,  as  it  were,  arrayed  him  with  the  insignia  of  royalty, 
that  he  might  the  more  solemnly  and  judicially  degrade  him. — 
The  word  rendered  unstable , seems  to  denote  especially  a 
haughty,  arrogant  disposition,  which,  like  swelling  waters, 
overflows  or  breaks  through  all  restraints,  and  renders  a man 
altogether  unworthy  of  confidence,  and  unfit  for  useful  ser- 
vices. Or  it  may  mean  an  inconstant  spirit,  which,  turns  this 
way  or  the  other,  at  the  impulse  of  every  temptation,  as  water 
driven  by  the  wind. — (Marg.  Ref.) — Some  think  the  word 
means  licentious , but  that  is  not  clear.  It  is  used  in  the  fol- 
lowing passages,  anti  not  elsewhere : Judg.  9:4.  Jer.  23:32. 
Zeph.  3:4. — Probably  an  insolent  self-preference,  on  account 
of  his  primogeniture,  concurred  in  emboldening  Reuben  to 
commit  incest  with  Bilhah,  his  father’s  concubine,  as  in  some 
respects  laying  a claim  to  the  inheritance.  (2  Sam.  16:21. 
1 Kings  2:17,21,22.)  But,  by  that  verjr  action,  he  forfeited 
all  the  privileges  of  the  distinction  which  so  elated  him.  Reu- 
ben’s incest  had  been  committed  forty  years  before,  and  pro- 
bably was  repented  of,  and  pardoned  as  to  its  eternal  punish- 
ment : yet,  being  a crime  of  so  infamous  a nature,  it  was  on 
this  occasion  remembered,  and  his  tribe  was  degraded  on  ac- 
count of  it;  to  testify  not  only  Jacob’s,  but  the  Lord’s  abhor- 
rence of  such  abominable  practices,  for  a warning  to  the 
Israelites,  and  to  others  in  all  future  ages.  Thus  children 
actually  do  suffer  for  their  parents’  crimes  in  this  world:  hut 
this  is  for  wise,  equitable,  and  merciful  reasons;  namely,  to 
warn  them  not  imitate  their  sins,  lest,  they  both  be  punished 
themselves,  and  entail  misery  on  their  beloved  offspring.— 
The  descendants  of  Reuben  seem  to  have  resembled  him  in 
character;  and,  according  to  this  prediction,  his  tribe  never 
had  the  pre-eminence  in  any  respect : nor  is  any  mention 
made  in  the  subsequent  history,  of  either  judge,  king,  pro- 
phet, or  renowned  person,  descended  from  Reuben;  except 
of  Dathan  and  Abiram,  who,  according  to  the  character  here 
described,  proudly  rebelled  against  Moses  and  against  God: 
and  of  Adina,  one  of  David’s  captains.  (1  Chr.  11:42.) 

V.  5 — 7.  Simeon  and  Levi,  the  next  in  seniority,  were 
degraded  also,  and  with  still  deeper  abhorrence  of  the  crime 
which  they  had  committed.  They  were  brethren , not  only  de- 
scended from  the  same  parents,  but  as  being  of  the  same 
fierce  and  untractablo  disposition.  The  swords,  those  “ in’ 
struments  of  cruelty”  with  which  they  massacred  the  Sh<*- 
chcmites,  remained  in  their  houses,  as  monuments  of  their 


fc.  C.  1693. 


CHAPTER  XLIX. 


B.  C.  1689 


8 IT  Judah,  thou  art  he  whom  thy  brethren 
sshall  praise;  'thy  hand  shall  be  in  ’the  neck  of 
thine  enemies : lthy  father’s  children  shall  bow 
down  before  thee. 

9 Judah  is  “a  lion’s  tv  help;  from  the  prey,  my 


<1«9:3S.  14:18— 34.  Deni. 33:7.  1 Chr.  5:2.  Heb.  7:14.  r Num.  1 :27.  10:14.  26:22. 
Juoc.  1:1,2.  20:18.  2 Sum.  24:9.  2 t'lir.  11:12— 17.  11:8.  15:9.  17:2,14-16.  30:11. 
Pi.  18:40.  78:68— 70.  lj.9:7.  Phil. 2;  10,11 . lleh.  7:14.  10:13.  Rev.  5:5.  11:15. 
• Josh.  1V.24. 2 Sam. 22:41.  El. 21:29.  127:29.37:7—10.42:6.  2Snm.5:3.  u Num. 


odious  crime ; or  rather,  “ Their  compacts  are  the  instru- 
ments of  cruelty for  tlius  the  clause  may  be  rendered,  per- 
haps more  properly  than  it  is  either  in  the  text,  or  in  the 
margin  of  our  version.  They  made  a treacherous  agreement 
with  the  Shechcmites,  in  order  to  execute  their  fierce  and 
bloody  revenge.  (Notes,  34:14 — 28.) — Perhaps  Jacob  had 
been  suspected  of  allowing  their  treacherous  revenge,  but  he 
here  entered  his  dying  protest  against  it. — ‘ No,’  says  he,  ‘ my 
soul  would  have  abhorred  so  villanous  a project ; and  had  X 
been  admitted  into  their  secret,  I would  have  immediately 
divulged  it.’  His  honour  also  was  intimately  connected  with 
that  of  his  religion,  and  the  glory  of  God:  he  therefore  adds, 

‘ Let  it  never  he  imputed  to  me,  that  I was  one  of  this  scan- 
dalous confederacy : it  would  not  only  be  a disgrace  to  my 
character,  but  it  would  discredit  the  worship  of  Jehovah 
in  future  ages  and  in  distant  nations,  were  it  said  that  Israel, 
“ who  had  power  with  God  and  prevailed,”  was  guilty  of  such 
a crime.  Let  then  Simeon  and  Levi,  though  my  own  sons, 
bear  the  blame  ; and  let  the  degraded  state  of  their  tribes 
still  proclaim  my  abhorrence,  yea,  my  God’s  abhorrence,  of 
their  wickedness.’ — In  their  rage  against  Shechern,  they  slew 
him ; but  they  scorned  to  lay  hands  on  him  alone,  and  there- 
fore slew  Hamor  his  father,  and  many  others  with  him. 
(Esth.  3:6. ) And  they  were  too  self-willed  and  headstrong, 
either  to  ask  or  take  any  wholesome  counsel ; but  proceeded 
likewise  to  desolate  and  plunder  the  city,  and,  as  some  render 
it,  to  “ hough  the  oxen,”  or  to  maim  and  treat  cruelly  the  in- 
nocent animals. — Jacob  therefore  execrated,  and  called  on  all 
men  to  detest,  their  fierce  anger  and  cruel  wrath.  He  did 
not,  however,  curse  them  ; nay,  he  is  said  to  have  blessed  all 
his  sons,  but  he  pronounced  a prophetic  sentence  upon  them 
in  the  name  of  God,  that  they  should  be  divided  from  each 
other,  and  one  part  of  their  descendants  from  the  rest,  in 
Jacob  and  Israel : for,  though  degraded  from  the  pre-emi- 
nence, they  would  share  in  the  land  promised  to  his  posterity, 
in  the  ordinances  of  God,  and  in  the  benefits  of  the  covenant 
made  with  their  fathers. — Accordingly,  the  tribe  of  Simeon 
had  only  a portion  within  the  lot  of  Judah,  where  being  strait- 
ened, part  of  them  went  in  quest  of  new  settlements,  and 
were  thus  divided  in  Jacob.  Tradition  also  reports,  that  num- 
bers of  this  tribe  were  dispersed  among  the  other  tribes,  as 
instructors  of  children,  for  their  support.  The  sentence  in 
Levi’s  case  was  not  reversed,  but  converted  into  a blessing, 
in  consequence  of  the  service  which  his  descendants  per- 
formed, in  their  zeal  against  the  worshippers  of  the  golden 
calf;  (Notes,  Ex.  32:27 — 21).  Deut.  33:9,10.)  so  that  being  con- 
secrated to  God,  as  the  priestly  tribe,  they  were  honourably 
and  profitably  divided  and  scattered  in  that  character  through- 
out Israel. — But  the  tribe  of  Simeon,  being  deeply  criminal 
in  the  matter  of  Baal-peor,  were  not  so  favoured.  (Num. 
25:14.  Note,  Num.  2li:14.) 

V.  8,  9.  “ Judah”  signifies  Praise. — Leah  thus  called  her 
son,  as  expressing  her  admiring  gratitude  to  God  for  his  good- 
ness ; but  Jacob  alluded  to  the  name,  with  reference  to  Judah 
himself.  (29:35.)  There  was  nothing  praiseworthy  in  the 
former  part  of  Judah’s  life  : but  he  acted  most  nobly  and  disin- 
terestedly, in  his  conduct  before  Joseph  respecting  Benjamin, 
and  was  entitled  :o  the  praises  of  all  his  brethren.  (Notes, 
44:18 — 34.)  Yet  Judah  personally  was  not  so  much  intended 
as  his  descendants,  especially  Christ,  whom  all  his  brethren 
shall  praise  for  ever. — This  clause  implies,  that  the  other 
tribes  would  deem  it  an  honour  to  stand  related  to  that  of 
Judah;  and  that  Judah  personally  would  be  applauded  by 
them,  as  well  as  his  tribe  distinguished  among  them.  Had 
Jacob  been  influenced  by  human  passions,  he  would  probably 
have  set  Juifeh  aside,  as  he  had  his  elder  brethren;  in  order 
to  confer  the  privileges  of  primogeniture  exclusively  on  his 
beloved  Joseph,  the  son  of  his  beloved  Rachel,  to  whom,  as 
the  single  wife  whom  he  intended  to  marry,  this  precedency 
might  be  supposed  due : but  he  spake  by  the  Spirit  of  pro- 
phecy, as  the  events  predicted  completely  demonstrate.  Un- 
der this  guidance  he  foretold,  that  the  descendants  of  Judah 
would  be  victorious  over  their  enemies,  and  rule  over  their 
brethren  of  the  other  tribes,  as  their  willing  subjects. — Their 
character  also,  as  courageous,  but  not  ferocious ; victorious, 
but  not  tyrannical ; willing  to  live  in  peace,  yet  terrible  to 
those  who  provoked  them ; is  represented  under  the  well- 
known  emblem  of  the  lion,  who  rules  over  the  beasts  of  the 
forest ; and  of  the  lioness,  as  the  word  (noS)  rendered  old 
lion  may  signify,  and  who  is  still  fiercer  when  enraged. — Now 
all  this  has  certainly  been  fulfilled  in  the  most  circumstantial 
manner,  even  to  this  present  day. — In  every  age  the  tribe  of 
Judah  was  more  honoured  than  any  of  the  other  tribes ; un- 
ess,  perhaps,  some  may  think  a few  years  of  Saul’s  reign  an 
xception.  The  Lord  assigned  it  the  precedency  in  the  en- 
campments of  Israel  in  the  wilderness;  (Note,  Num.  2:3.) 
and  in  presenting  the  oblations  at  the  sanctuary.  (Num. 
Vol.  I.— 14 


son,  thou  art  gone  up;  he  stooped  down,  he 
couched  as  a lion,  and  as  an  old  lion;  who  shall 
rouse  him  up? 

10  The  xsceptre  shall  Dot  depart  from  Judah, 
nor  a lawgiver  from  'between  his  feet,  “until 

23:24.  24-9.  llos.  5:14.  Itev.  5:5.  x Num.  24:17.  Jei  30  “'1.  F.z.  19:11,14.  Zeeh. 
10:11.  y Num.  21:18.  Ps.  60:7.  108:8.  z l)eut.28:.iV.  « Ib.  9:6.  11:1.  62:11. 

Jer.  23:6.  Dm.  9:25.  Mult.  1:21.  21:9.  Luke  1:?‘',3\  John  9:7.  18:31.  19s 
12,15. 


7:12.)  It  had  ihe  first  lot  in  Canaan,  even  in  preference  to 
Ephraim,  Joshua’s  own  tribe,  (Josh.  15:)  After  Joshua’s 
death,  “ the  children  of  Israel  asked  the  Lot  1',  saying,  Who 
shall  go  up  for  us  against  the  Canaanites  fiist,  to  fight  against 
them  ? And  the  Lord  said,  Judah  shall  go  up.”  ( Judg . 
1:1,2.)  Othniel,  the  first  judge,  was  of  this  nibe,  and  Caleb 
also,  who  almost  equalled  Joshua  in  reputation. — At  length 
the  Lord  chose  David,  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  to  rule  over  his 
people ; and  made  a covenant  with  him  concerning  the  per- 
petuity of  the  kingdom  in  his  family,  which  evidently  pre- 
figured the  everlasting  kingdom  of  Christ.  Accordingly, 
David  and  his  son  Solomon  ruled  over  all  Israel,  with  great 
prosperity  and  renown  ; Judah  was  praised  and  had  in  honour ; 
“ his  hand  was  in  the  neck  of  his  enemies,  and  his  father’s 
children  bowed  down  to  him. — He  was  a lion’s  whelp  ; he  went 
up  from  the  prey;  he  stooped,  he  couched  down  as  a linn, 
and  as  a lioness ; who  shall  rouse  him  up  ?” — After  Solomon’s 
death,  this  glory  was  in  some  degree  eclipsed  by  the  revolt  of 
the  ten  tribes.  Yet  the  kingdom  of  Judah,  for  above  400 
years,  was  governed  by  his  descendants  in  lineal  succession. 
The  tribe  of  Benjamin  and  that  of  Levi,  with  numbers  from 
the  other  tribes,  united  themselves  to  Judah,  from  whom  the 
whole  kingdom  was  called  Judah,  and  the  land  was  distin- 
guished as  the  land  of  Judah.  This  kingdom  was  far  morn 
prosperous  than  that  of  the  ten  tribes.  Above  half  of  their 
kings  were  pious  men,  and  many  of  them  very  zealous  in  the 
cause  of  God ; their  reigns  were  remarkably  long  in  propor- 
tion ; and  consequently  religion  prospered  much  more  in 
Judah  than  in  Israel.  While  their  pious  princes  adhered  to 
the  worship  of  God,  their  most  powerful  and  haughty  foes 
were  intimidated,  or  subdued:  and  even  when  the  ration,  for 
idolatry,  was  given  up  for  a time  into  the  hands  of  their  as- 
sailants, they  soon  returned  to  the  I.ord,  and  were  restored 
and  prospered.  During  the  last  contest  with  the  Chaldeans, 
their  power  and  courage  were  very  conspicuous,  in  the  long 
struggle  which  they  made  against  the  victorious  and  potent 
Nebuchadnezzar. — After  the  captivity,  the  Jews  alone,  as  a 
nation,  returned ; while  the  Israelites  were  either  finally  scat- 
tered, or  incorporated  with  them.  From  this  period  all  the 
remainder  of  Jacob’s  descendants  have  been  called  from 
Judah,  Jews  or  Judeans,  and  the  distinction  of  tribes  gra- 
dually fell  into  disuse  ; and  this  is  the  name  by  which  they 
are  at  this  day  known  all  over  the  earth:  a most  remarkable 
event,  that  the  people  should  neither  be  called  afier  Abra- 
ham, nor  Isaac,  nor  Jacob,  nor  one  of  his  three  elder  sons  ; 
but  from  Judah,  his  fourth  son.  Thus  it  is  manifest,  that  Judah 
has  been  unspeakably  more  known  and  celebrated  than  any 
other  of  J acob’s  sons  ; his  brethren  have  praised  and  honoured 
him ; they  have  bowed  down  to  him,  and  have  preserved  their 
most  valued  dislinctions,  by  standing  related  to  him  and  hear- 
ing his  name. — His  has  been,  in  all  respects,  the  conquering 
and  the  ruling  tribe,  though  more  especially  distinguished  by 
giving  birth  to  Christ,  the  Lord  of  all  and  the  King  of  glory. — 
Indeed,  the  power  and  reputation  of  the  Jews  after  the  cap- 
tivity, never  equalled  their  preceding  eminence : yet  the  stand 
which  they  made  against  the  Syrian  kings,  especially  the 
successes  of  the  Maccabees  (who,  though  Levites,  were 
closely  united  with  Judah)  against  Antiochus  Epiphanes, 
and  afterwards  against  the  Roman  generals,  especially  before 
the  last  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  proves  that  they  were  very 
powerful  and  formidable.  Many  of  the  other  tribes  joined 
with  them,  and  frequently  possessed  authority,  and  headed 
their  armies ; but  the  body  of  the  people  descended  from 
Judah,  and  the  whole  was  called  by  his  name.  And  though 
Jerusalem  was  situated  in  the  lot  of  Benjamin,  yet  the  tribe 
of  Judah  inhabited  part  of  that  city:  the  throne  of  David  and 
his  descendants  was  placed  in  Jerusalem ; there  the  family  of 
Judah  ruled  over  their  brethren;  and  thither  the  other  tribes 
resorted  to  the  courts  of  justice,  as  well  as  for  the  worship  of 
God.  It  is  therefore  undeniable  that  events,  even  to  this 
day,  during  more  than  3,000  years,  have,  with  astonishing  ex- 
actness, corresponded  to  this  ancient  prediction,  in  a manner 
which  no  human  sagacity  could  have  foreseen  or  conjectured. 

V.  10.  The  word  here  translated  “sceptre,"  properly  sig- 
nifies a rod  or  staff ; though  sometimes  it  is  rendered  a tribe ; 
and  it  simply  denotes  the  exercise  of  dominion  or  authority, 
of  which  the  rod  or  sceptre  was  the  badge.  Judah  was  at 
this  time  merely  the  head  of  a family  ; for  Israel,  properly 
speaking,  was  no  more  divided  into  tribes,  than  governed  by 
kings:  hut  it  was  thus  prophetically  intimaled  that  Judah 
would  shortly  acquire  authority,  not  only  as  a distinct  tribe, 
but  likewise  over  his  brethren. — The  word  rendered  “law- 
giver,” in  general  signifies  a ruler  or  judge  ; and  implies,  that 
rulers  and  magistrates,  descended  from  Judah,  or  called  by 
his  name,  would  succeed  each  olher  for  a length  of  time. 
This  authority  in  Judah,  however  assailed,  or  changed  as  to 
external  form,  should  not  finally  depart  till  Shiloh  came, 
( 105  ) 


B.  C.  16S8.  GENESIS.  B.  C.  16S8. 


Shiloh  come,  and  unto  him  shall  llthe  gathering  of 
the  people  be. 

11  Binding  chis  foal  unto  the  vine,  and  his  ass’s 
colt  unto  the  choice  vine  j he  washed  his  garments 
in  wine,  and  his  clothes  in  the  blood  of  grapes. 

12  ''His  eyes  shall  be  red  with  wine,  and  his 
teeth  white  with  milk. 

13  K “Zebulun  shall  dwell  at  the  haven  of  the 
sea:  and  he  shall  be  lor  a haven  of  ships;  and 
his  border  shall  be  unto  Zidon. 


*>  Is.  2:2.  11:10.  42:3,4.  19:6,7,22,23.  53:4,5.  60:  Ez.  21:27.  Hag.  2:7.  Zech.2: 
II.  8:20—23.  Mult.  25:32.  Ram.  15:12.  2 Cor. 5: 10.  c I Kines  4:20,25.  2 Kinja 
18:32.  Joel  3:18.  Mic.  4:4.  Re*.  7:14.  il  Pro*.  23:29.  e 30:20.  Deut.  33:18,19. 
Josh.  19:10—16.  i 30:18.  Dull.  33:18.  Josh.  19:17—23.  Juilg.  5:15.  10:1.  1 Chr. 

on  whom  the  legislative  and  judicial  authority  would  devolve  ; 
and  in  this,  compared  with  the  preceding  part  of  the  prophecy, 
it  is  implied,  that  the  regal  dominion  would  be  exercised  by 
Shiloh  however  previously  interrupted : for  as  Shiloh,  to 
whom  44  the  gathering  of  the  people  wbuld  be,”  was  to  de- 
scend from  Judah,  the  meaning  evidently  is,  that  the  autho- 
rity would  remain  with  Judah,  till  he  came,  whose  .right  it 
was,  and  with  him  it  would  thenceforth  remain  for  ever.  4 As 
to  the  time  of  his  coming,  it  is  foretold  clearly,  that  it  should 
be  before  the  sceptre  and  lawgiver  should  depart  from  Judah, 
or  about  that  time.  And  it  is  at  least  hinted  that  it  would 
not  be  long  before  that  departing  of  civil  policy  from  Judah  ; 
and  that  it  would  be  after  its  departure  from  the  other  tribes : 
for  if  it  was  to  continue  with  them,  as  well  as  with  Judah,  till 
Shiloh  came,  the  patriarch’s  words  would  not  be  suitable  to 
the  obvious  design  of  them.’  Maclaurin.  We  have  seen  how 
the  sceptre  and  the  authority  remained  with  Judah  till  the 
captivity. — Even  in  Babylon  the  Jews  seem  to  have  been 
under  some  internal  government,  exercised  by  the  family  of 
David.  After  their  return  from  Babylon,  Zerubbabel,  of 
David’s  race,  was  their  leader;  and  the  tribe  of  Judah,  and 
those  who  incorporated  with  them,  hail  regular  magistrates 
and  rulers  from  among  themselves,  under  the  kings  of  Persia 
and  Syria,  and  afterwards  under  the  Romans. — The  Sanhe- 
drim, constituted  in  great  measure  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  and 
the  other  courts  dependent  on  it,  possessed  great  authority 
till  the  coming  of  Christ,  according  to  the  concurrent  testi- 
mony of  ancient  writers.  The  tribe  of  Judah  likewise  was 
preserved  distinct,  and  could  trace  back  its  genealogies 
without  difficulty.  In  all  respects,  the  sceptre , though  gra- 
dually enfeebled,  did  not  depart ; nor  was  the  exercise  of 
legislative  and  judicial  authority,  though  interrupted,  finally 
suspended  till  after  that  event. — The  word  Shiloh  may 
mean,  He  v)ho  is  sent , or  The  Seedy  or  the  Peaceable , or  Pros- 
perous One ; but  all  allow  that  the  Messiah  was  intended, 
who  was  sent  into  the  world,  as  the  promised  Seed,  to  be 
‘the  Prince  of  Peace.”  Till  his  coming,  Judah  possessed 
considerable  authority:  but  shortly  after  his  crucifixion,  this 
authority  was  vastly  abridged ; and  within  that  generation, 
according  to  his  express  predictions,  Jerusalem  was  de- 
stroyed, the  whole  civil  and  ecclesiastical  state  was  sub- 
verted, and  all  distinctions  among  the  poor  harassed  remnant 
were  confounded ; they  were  scattered  abroad  over  the  face 
of  the  earth;  and  to  this  day,  after  almost  1800  years,  they 
have  been  more  destitute  of  sceptre  and  lawgiver,  than  even 
during  the  Babylonish  captivity.  This  consideration  so  per- 
plexed a learned  Jew,  above  700  years  ago,  that  he  wrote 
thus  to  his  friend : 4 1 would  fain  learn  from  thee,  out  of  the 
testimonies  of  the  law,  and  the  prophets,  and  other  Scrip- 
tures, why  the  Jews  are  thus  smitten  in  this  captivity  wherein 
we  are;  which  may  be  properly  called,  the  perpetual  an- 
ger of  God,  because  it  hath  no  end.  For  it  is  now  above 
1000  years  since  we  were  carried  captive  by  Titus  ; and  yet 
our  fathers  who  worshipped  idols,  killed  the  prophets,  and 
cast  the  law  behind  their  back,  were  only  punished  with  a 
seventy  years’  captivity,  and  then  brought  home  again  ; but 
now  there  is  no  end  of  our  calamities,  nor  do  the  prophets 
promise  any/  S . Moraccanus,  in  ftp.  Patrick. — This  inquiry 
must  press  the  Jews,  if  they  duly  consider  it,  more  and  more 
every  century.  Compared  with  the  astonishing  prophecy 
before  us,  it  undeniably  shows  that  Shiloh  is  come ; that 
Jesus  the  Son  of  Mary  was  he;  and  that  the  Jews  filled  up 
the  measure  of  their  national  guilt  by  crucifying  Him,  and 
have  ever  since  been  left,  as  wretched  outcasts  dispersed 
through  the  nations,  to  be  a living  demonstration,  that  44  the 
Scriptures  cannot  be  broken.” — The  inspired  Patriarch  ad- 
ded, 44  To  him  shall  the  gathering  of  the  people  be.” — If  we 
understand  this  of  Judah,  its  exact  accomplishment  has  been 
already  shown.  The  other  tribes  gathered  to  that  of  Judah, 
during  their  encampments  in  the  wilderness ; they  collected 
themselves  as  one  body  to  make  David  king;  and  afterward 
they  came  from  all  the  other  tribes,  to  attend  his  courts,  and 
form  his  armies,  and  those  of  his  son  Solomon.  After  the 
revolt  of  Jeroboam  and  Israel,  vast  multitudes  from  other 
tribes  left  their  possessions  to  join  themselves  to  Judah.  The 
people  gathered  to  Judah,  both  in  serving  under  the  kings  of 
David’s  race,  attending  on  the  courts  of  justice,  and  even  in 
celebrating  their  solemn  feasts.  Afler  the  captivity,  many 
out.  of  the  other  tribes  joined  the  Jews,  and  were  gradually 
incorporated  among  them  ; and  the  whole  nation  has  ever 
6inco  been  called  after  Judah. — But  the  clause  seems  more 
( 106  ) 


14  U lIssachar  is  a strong  ass,  couching  down 
between  two  burdens/ 

15  And  he  saw  that  krest  was  good,  and  the 
land  that  it  was  pleasant ; and  'bowed  his  shoulder 
to  bear,  and  became  a servant  unto  tribute. 

16  H Danmshall  judge  his  people,  as  one  of  the 
tribes  of  Israel. 

17  Dan  "shall  be  a serpent  by  the  way,  *an 
adder  in  the  path  ; that  biteth  the  horse-heels,  so 
that  his  rider  shall  fall  backward. 


12:32.  k Josh.  14:15.  Judg.  3:11.  2 Sam.  7:1.  IPs. 81:6.  Ez.  29:18.  Matt.  23 
4.  m 30:6.  Num.  10:25.  l.’eui.  33:22.  Judg.  13:2,24,25.  15:211.13:1.2.  n Juu* 
14:  15:  16:22—30.  18:22—31.  1 Chr.  12:35.  * Heb.  an  anow-enuke. 


immediately  to  refer  to  Shiloh.  After  his  coming,  when 
the  sceptre  departed  from  Judah,  the  gathering  both  of  Jews 
and  Gentiles  was  to  Him,  as  their  Prince  and  Saviour.  It 
has  continued  to  be  so  even  to  this  present  time  ; and  we  are 
taught  to  expect  that  this  will  be  the  case,  more  and  more, 
till  44  the  earth  shall  be  filled  with  his  glory ;”  and  that  the 
very  Jews,  now  without  prince  or  sceptre,  will  ere  long  bo 
gathered  to  him  as  his  willing  people.  (Notey  Ho 8.  3:4,5.) 
But,  44  when  the  Son  of  Man  shall  come  in  his  glory,  and  all 
his  holy  angels  with  him,  then  shall  he  sit  on  the  throne  of 
his  glory  ; and  before  him  shall  be  gathered  all  nations  * 
And,  finally,  the  unnumbered  millions  of  the  redeemed  shall 
be  gathered  to  him  into  his  heavenly  kingdom,  to  behold  his 
glory,  and  to  rejoice  in  his  love  for  ever. — Some  render  tho 
clause,  44  To  him  shall  the  obedience  of  the  people  be;”  and 
if  this  translation  should  be  preferred,  it  may  easily  be  seen* 
that  the  accomplishment  in  all  respects  has  answered  the  pre- 
diction in  this  sense,  as  well  as  in  the  other.  Indeed,  for 
what  purpose  did  the  people  gather  either  to  Judah,  to  David 
and  his  royal  race,  or  to  Jesus  Christ,  but  in  order  to  submit 
to  them,  and  render  them  willing,  loyal,  and  cordial  obe- 
dience ? — Before  the  coming  of  Christ,  the  Jews,  under  their 
greatest  difficulties,  had  a government  of  their  own  : but  since 
that  time,  they  have  had  none;  except  as  Christ,  of  the  tribe 
of  Judah,  is  the  Prince  of  Peace  and  the  King  of  Glory,  to 
whom  both  Jews  and  Gentiles  are  required  to  yield  obedience. 
The  actual  success  of  the  Gospel,  and  the  vast  multitudes 
who  have,  through  many  revolving  centuries,  bowed  in  will- 
ing subjection  to  the  Saviour’s  authority,  is  as  striking  an  ac- 
complishment of  this  part  of  the  prophecy,  as  the  present 
state  of  the  Jews  is  of  the  other. 

V.  11,  12.  These  verses  relate  to  the  lot  of  Judah  in  Ca^ 
naan,  and  the  advantages  which  they  would  enjoy,  along  with 
the  other  tribes,  until  the  coming  of  Shiloh.  It  was  fore* 
told,  that  Judah’s  inheritance  should  abound  in  vines  so  strong, 
that  they  would  tie  their  young  asses  to  them,  and  so  fruitful, 
that  their  garments  would  be  stained  with  the  juice  of  the 
grape. — They  would  have  plenty  of  wine  for  exhilaration,  which 
w-ould  sometimes  be  abused  in  intemperance,  so  that  their 
eyes  would  be  44red  with  wine;”  and  44  their  teeth  white  with 
milk,”  with  which  also  their  lot  should  abound,  the  pasture- 
ground  being  very  fertile  and  luxuriant. — We  have  seen  much 
of  the  preceding  prophecy  applied  to  Christ,  the  44  Lion  of  the 
tribe  of  Judah,”  terrible  to  his  obstinate  foes,  but  merciful  to 
those  who  submit : and  we  may  also  observe  that  he  is  44  the 
true  Vine  ;”  that  wine  is  the  appointed  symbol  of  44  his  blood, 
which  is  drink  indeed,”  as  shed  for  sinners  and  applied  in 
faith ; and  that  all  the  blessings  of  his  gospel  are  44  wine  and 
milk,  without  money  and  without  price,”  to  which  every 
thirsty  soul  is  welcome. 

V.  13.  According  to  this  prediction,  the  tribe  of  Zebulun 
had  a portion  assigned  to  it,  which  extended  nearly,  if  not  en- 
tirely, from  the  sea  of  Galilee  to  the  Mediterranean  sea,  on 
which  some  think  it  had  sea-ports.  The  maritime  situation 
in  which  this  tribe  was  placed  tended  greatly  to  enrich  it, 
both  by  fisheries  and  commerce  ; ( NotCy  Dmtt.  33:18,19.)  and 
its  inheritance  reached  to  the  borders  of  that  country,  of 
which  Zidon  was  the  capital. — As  the  land  of  Canaan  was 
long  after  this  divided  by  loty  it  was  the  more  surprising,  that 
Jacob  should  thus  exactly  describe  the  situation  of  the  tribes. 
Zebulun  was  younger  than  Issachar,  yet  Jacob  mentions 
him  first : and  accordingly  his  inheritance  was  first  allotted  to 
him.  (Josh.  19:10 — 17.) 

V.  14,  15.  Issachar  is  described  under  the  emblem  of  a 
strong  ass,  as  Judah  had  been  under  that  of  a fierce  lion. 
This  implied  that  the  tribe  of  Issachar  would  be  industrious 
and  unambitious ; bearing  labour  or  tribute  peaceably,  of  which 
burdens  others  grievously  complained.  The  expression, 
44  couching  down  between  two  burdens,”  is  variously  inter- 
preted; but  it  certainly  denotes  a quiet,  persevering  industry. 
He  was  sensible  that  rest,  not  from  labour,  but  from  war  and 
contention,  was  profitable ; and,  being  satisfied  with  tho 
pleasantness  of  a remote  part  of  the  country,  he  little  inter- 
meddled with  the  affairs  of  the  state,  or  of  war;  or  with 
maritime  affairs  as  Zebulun  did. — Accordingly,  this  tribe  is 
seldom  mentioned  in  the  subsequent  history.  Thoreis,  how- 
ever, one  remarkable  exception.  (1  Chr.  12:32.) 

V.  16,  17.  Dan  signifies  judgment  : and  Jacob  foretold 
that,  though  he  was  the  son  of  one  of  his  concubines,  and 
the  first,  of*  them  whom  he  mentions,  he  should  he  the  head  of 
a separate  tribe,  and  have  * share  in  public  affairs ; oven  oj 


8.  C . 1633  CHAPTER  XLIX.  B.  C.  1688. 


18  I have  °vvaited  for  thy  salvation,  O Lord. 

19  If  t'Gad,  a troop  shall  overcome  him:  but  he 
shall  overcome  at  the  last. 

20  11  Out  of  2 Asher  his  bread  shall  be  fat,  and 
he  shall  yield  royal  dainties. 

21  If  rNaphtali  is  a hind  let  loose:  he  giveth 
goodly  words. 

22  II  Joseph  is  'a  fruitful  bough,  even  a fruitful 
bough  by  a well;  whose  ‘branches  run  over  the  wall. 

23  The  ‘archers  have  sorely  grieved  him,  and 
shot  at  him.  and  hated  him. 

24  But  “his  bow  abode  in  strength,  and  the 
arms  of  his  hands  xwere  made*  strong,  by  the 

oPs.  119:166, 174.  130:5.  Is.  45:9. 23:8.  Luke  2:25,30.  Rom.  8:25.  Gal.  5:5.  IThes. 
1 10.  |j 30:11.  Deut. 33:20,21.  1 ( hr. 5: 11—22,26.  q30:13.  Deul. 33:24,25.  r30:8. 
Deut.  33:23.  Jude.  *1:6,10.  5:18.  Matt.  4:15,16.  Nephthnf.im.  s 30:24  . 41:52.48: 
16.  Deut.  33:17.  Josh.  17:14—17.  * Heb.&itwAfe/*.  t 37  : 39  : 42:21.  Ps.64:3. 
118:13.  u Neh.  6:9.  18.27:14.  Col.  1:11.  2Tira.  4:17.  x Job  29:20.  Ps.  37:15. 


if  he  had  been  descended  from  Leah  or  Rachel. — What  fol- 
lows is  a sketch  of  the  character  of  the  Danites,  as  subtle 
and  mischievous,  like  serpents  and  vipers ; and  of  their  suc- 
cess in  stratagems : and  the  propriety  of  these  emblems  would 
probably  appear  to  us  far  more  striking,  if  we  knew  their  his- 
tory.— Samson  was  of  this  tribe,  who  unexpectedly  buried 
the  Philistines  in  the  ruins  of  the  temple  of  Dagon  ; as  the 
viper,  which  lies  on  the  sandy  road,  causes  the  horse  to  throw 
his  rider:  and  indeed  all  his  previous  successes  had  been  ob- 
tained in  the  same  unexpected  and  extraordinary  manner. 
The  tribe  of  Dan,  in  general,  seems  to  have  excelled  more  in 
stratagems  than  in  open  war. 

V.  18.  Many  expositors  imagine,  that  Jacob  here  meant 
to  offer  tip  his  prayers,  with  reference  to  the  conflicts  and  vic- 
tories which  he  had  predicted : but  it  is  far  more  natural  to 
suppose,  that  being  exhausted  with  speaking  to  his  sons,  he 
here  paused  and  spake  unto  the  Lord,  by  way  of  refreshing 
his  spirits  in  the  recollection  of  the  near  approach  of  that 
complete  salvation,  for  which  he  had  so  long  waited.  (Note, 
48:16. ) Mr.  Henry  on  the  passage  observes,  ‘ That  the  pious 
ejaculations  of  lively  devotion  may  sometimes  appear  incohe- 
rent, but  ought  never  to  be  censured  as  impertinent.’ — ‘ Old 
age  is  the  time  for  “ the  patience  of  hope”  to  bear  its  richest 
fruits:  and  a pleasant  thing  it  is  to  see  this  and  other  graces 
in  full  bloom,  while  the  powers  of  nature  are  falling  into  de- 
cay.’ Fuller. 

V.  19.  Gad  signifies  a troop  ; and  both  the  character  and 
situation  of  this  tribe  are  here  described.  The  Gadites  were 
renowned  for  valour : (1  Chron.  12:8.)  and,  having  their  in- 
heritance beyond  Jordan  eastward,  they  lay  open  to  incur- 
sions from  troops  of  Ammonites,  Moabites,  Syrians,  and 
others,  by  whom  doubtless  they  were  frequently  annoyed; 
but  they  maintained  their  ground,  gained  decisive  victories, 
and  under  David  and  his  posterity  they  subjugated  their  ene- 
mies.— This  blessing  aptly  describes  a Christian’s  conflict : 
he  is  overcome  in  many  combats,  but  is  more  than  conqueror 
in  the  final  event  of  the  war. 

V.  20.  Asher  signifies  blessed  ; and  Jacob,  by  the  Spirit 
of  prophecy,  assigned  him  a plentiful  country,  yielding  abun- 
dance for  himself  and  others ; even  royal  dainties,  to  supply 
the  table  of  kings,  at  home  and  abroad.  His  inheritance 
bordered  on  Carmel,  which  was  fruitful  to  a proverb.  (Josh. 
19:24—26.  Is.  35:2.) 

V.  21.  This  may  be  considered  as  a sketch  of  the  cha- 
racter of  this  tribe.  Unlike  the  laborious  ox  and  ass;  affect- 
ing ease  and  liberty  ; insinuating  and  affectionate;  active  but 
volatile  ; more  noted  for  despatch,  than  for  steady  labour  and 
perseverance ; and  more  disposed  to  exult  in  national  bless- 
ings, than  to  fight  in  defence  of  them  ; like  the  hind  which 
flees  from  the  enemy,  not  like  the  lion  who  f ces  and  over- 
comes him;  like  the  suppliant,  who  with  goodly  words  craves 
mercy,  not  like  the  warrior  who  disdains  to  ask  or  even  ac- 
cept of  quarter;  yet  in  this  way  maintaining  his  ground,  as  the 
hind  stands  firm  even  on  the  craggy  and  steep  rocks. — Barak 
and  many  of  his  soldiers  were  of  this  tribe,  and  though  at 
last  they  fought  successfully,  at  first  they  were  very  timorous. 
I recollect  no  other  warriors  of  this  tribe.  (Notes,  Judg.  4:5. ) 

V.  22 — 26.  Part  of  what  Jacob  says  concerning  his  be- 
loved Joseph  is  historical,  and  relates  to  his  past  life:  much 
however  is  prophetical. — He  is  here  called  “afruitful  bough,” 
or  young  tree  planted  by  the  water-side : he  had  no  more  than 
two  sons,  yet  from  them  sprang  two  very  numerous  tribes  ; 
but  his  prosperity  was  preceded  by  base  injuries  and  heavy 
afflictions.  “ The  archers,”  or  such  as  were  most  skilful  in 
the  use  of  the  bow,  “ had  sorely  grieved  him,  shot  at  him,  and 
hated  him.”  His  brethren  pursued  him  with  unrelenting  envy 
and  enmity,  and  spared  hi3  life  only  to  sell  him  for  a slave. 
Potiphar’s  wife  tempted  and  then  slandered  him  ; Potiphar 
condemned  and  imprisoned  him  ; and  though  we  do  not  read 
of  it,  it  is  a singular  case  indeed,  if  some  of  the  Egyptians 
did  not  revile  and  envy  him.  This  part  may  likewise  be  con- 
sidered as  prophetical  of  the  terrible  wars,  which  his  descend- 
ants waged,  especially  with  the  kingdom  of  Judah— His 
weapons,  however,  in  this  warfare  failed  him  not,  as  a broken 
or  weakened  bow  would  have  done:  and  his  hands  and  arms, 
notwithstanding  the  most  fatiguing  exertions,  were  strength- 
-ned  to  use  them  by  the  power  of  the  God  of  Jacob  ; who  in 


hands  of  nhe  mighty  God  of  Jacob;  (from  thence 
is  'the  shepherd,  “the  stone  of  Israel :) 

25  Even  by  b the  God  of  thy  father,  who  shall 
help  thee,  and  by  ‘the  Almighty,  who  shall  bless 
thee,  with  dblessings  of  heaven  above,  blessings 
of  the  deep  that  lieth  under,  blessings  of  the  breasts 
and  of  the  womb. 

26  The  blessings  of  thy  father  'have  prevailed 
above  the  blessings  of  my  progenitors,  unto  the 
utmost  bound  of  the  f everlasting  hills : they  shall 
be  on  the  head  of  Joseph,  and  on  the  crown  of 
the  head  of  him  that  ewas  separate  from  his 
brethren. 


V 35:10,11.  Fix.  3:6.  Fs.  132:2,5.  1 45:7.  47:12.  50:21.  Nutn.  27:15— 18.  Fe.it. 
34:9.  Josh.  1:1-9.  I s.  80:1.  a Ps.  118:22.  Is.  23:16.  Z«cli.3:9.  1 Pel.  2:4— 8. 
b 28:13.  43:23.  Deul.  33:13,17.  c 17:1.  d Dent.  28:2— 12.  I s.  84:11.  Lull.  1:3. 
1 Tim.  4:8.  e 27:27— 29,39,40.  28:3,4.  f Deut.  33: 15.  Jon.  2:6.  Hub.  3:6.  g 37: 
28.  Ps.  105:17—22. 


providence  outwardly  protected  and  prospered  him,  and  by  his 
Spirit  endued  him  inwardly  with  such  strength  of  faith  and 
of  grace,  as  produced  invincible  courage,  resolution,  and  per- 
severance : and  thus  he  was  enabled  to  stand  his  ground,  and 
to  repel  every  attack  of  his  enemies.  His  life  was  preserved, 
his  reputation  was  cleared,  his  integrity  remained  unimpeach- 
ed: when  he  rose  superior  to  all  opposition,  his  brethren  sued 
to  him,  and  became  dependent  on  him  ; and  all  his  enemies 
bowed  before  him  and  sought  his  favour.  By  the  divine  as- 
sistance and  blessing,  and  through  all  these  trials  and  trou- 
bles, he  at  length  became  “ the  shepherd  of  Israel,”  to  sustain 
his  father  and  family,  and  to  take  care  of  them  with  ail  their 
flocks  and  herds  ; and  “the  stone  of  Israel,”  the  foundation 
and  strong  support  of  their  interests.  In  these  respects,  as  in 
many  other  things,  he  was  a remarkable  type  of  the  good 
Shepherd,  and  tried  Corner-Stone,  of  the  whole  church  of 
God. — Indeed,  though  the  royal  dignity,  and  the  honour  of 
being  the  progenitor  of  Christ,  were  conferred  on  Judah,  yet 
Joseph  was  the  especial  type  of  the  Savkmr  among  Jacob’s 
sons,  and  all  that  is  here  spoken  of  him  ought  to  be  consider- 
ed as  descriptive  of  the  great  Antitype.  He  too  was  greatly 
grieved,  shot  at,  and  hated  ; but  his  bow  abode  in  strength : 
and  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  he  will  not  fail  nor  be 
discouraged,  till  his  enemies  are  put  under  his  footstool,  and 
his  brethren  are  brought  to  be  with  him  where  he  is,  to  behold 
and  share  his  glory. — Thus  Joseph,  being  helped  by  the  God 
of  his  father  Jacob,  was  personally,  and  in  his  posterity,  tri- 
umphant over  all  his  enemies. — It  was  also  predicted,  that 
God  would  bless  his  posterity  with  a temperate  climate,  a 
fruitful  soil,  the  treasures  that  are  dug  from  the  bowels  of  the 
earth,  a numerous  and  healthful  progeny,  and  extensive  and 
durable  blessings  of  every  kind ; being  like  the  mountains, 
which  shall  endure  as  long  as  the  earth  itself,  and  as  precious 
as  their  most  desirable  productions.  'All  these  benefits  were 
typical  of  the  vast  and  everlasting  blessings  that  are  conferred 
upon  the  spiritual  seed  of  Christ. — Thus  Jacob  blessed  all 
his  sons , more  particularly,  copiously,  and  clearly,  than  Abra- 
ham and  Isaac  had  done:  the  promises  also  dresv  nearer  to 
their  accomplishment,  and  his  Seed  were  multiptying  very 
fast.  But  especially  he.  blessed  Joseph,  “ who  was  sepa s- 
rated  from  his  brethren,”  not  only  as  sold  by  them  into  Egypt, 
but  as  possessing  eminent  dignity,  and  as  far  more  excellent 
than  they.  The  words  may  be  rendered,  “a  Nazarite  from 
among  his  brethren,”  one  devoted  unto  God : and  the  expres- 
sion, “on  the  crown  of  the  head,"  may  refer  to  the  Nazarite’s 
vow,  which  seems  to  have  subsisted  before  the  giving  of  the 
law,  and  only  to  have  been  regulated  by  it.  (Notes,  Num . 
G:)  In  this  also  he  was  a type  of  Hirn  who  “ was  holy,  un- 
defiled, and  separate  from  sinners.” — If  we  compare  this  pro- 
phecy with  that  contained  in  the  preceding  chapter,  we  shall 
readily  perceive,  that,  according  to  the  words  of  the  dying  pa- 
triarch, Ephraim  and  Manasseh  woujd  be  ihe  heads  of  two 
distinct  tribes  in  Israel,  and  that  the  descendants  of  Ephraim 
would  be  more  numerous,  powerful,  and  renowned,  than  those 
of  Manasseh.  This  accordingly  took  place  in  after  ages. 
No  one  of  Jacob’s  other  sons  was  the  progenitor  of  two  dis- 
tinct tribes  *,  yet  each  of  these  was  as  numerous  and  illustri- 
ous as  any  of  the  other  tribes  of  Israel,  Judah  excepted.— 
When  the  Israelites  were  first  numbered  in  the  wilderness, 
the  descendants  of  Joseph  amounted  to  72,200,  and  those  of 
Judah  to  74,600,  which  was  a vast  proportion  out  of  600,000. 
At  the  second  numbering,  they  amounted  to  85,900,  or  9,4G0 
more  than  Judah.  At  this  period,  Ephraim  was  so  decreased, 
as  to  be  above  20,000  less  than  Manasseh  : yet,  when  Moses 
blessed  them  just  afterwards,  he  confirmed  Jacob’s  prophecy, 
saying,  “ They  are  the  ten  thousands  of  Ephraim,  and  they 
are  the  thousands  of  Manasseh  and  it  is  evident  from  the 
whole  history,  that  the  Ephraimites  were  shortly  increased  to 
an  immense  multitude,  and  in  all  respects  exceeded  the  Ma- 
nassites.  For  while  the  two  divisions  of  Manasse  h,  on  each 
side  Jordan,  belonged  to  the  kingdom  of  Israel,  the  politic?  1 
influence  of  Ephraim  so  vastly  preponderated,  that  the  whole 
kingdom  was  called  Ephraim,  as  distinguished  from  Judah, 
during  the  whole  term  of  its  continuance. — It  is  well  known 
that  Joshua,  the  conqueror  of  Canaan,  was  an  Ephraimite; 
but,  instead  of  taking  measures  to  advance  his  own  tribe,  he 
rejected  the  application  of  both  Ephraim  and  Manasseh,  when 

( 107  ) 


B.  C 1638. 


GENESIS, 


B.  C.  1683. 


27  H 'Benjamin  shall  'raven  as  '‘a  wolf:  in  the 
morning  he  shall  devour  the  prey,  and  ‘at  night  he 
shall  divide  the  spoil. 

28  It  All  these  are  '"the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel : 
and  this  is  it  that,  their  lather  spake  unto  them, 
and  blessed  them ; every  one  according  to  his 
blessing  he  blessed  them. 

29  And  he  charged  them,  and  said  unto  them, 
I am  to  he  "gathered  unto  my  people ; “bury  me 
with  my  fathers,  in  the  cave  that  is  in  the  field  of 
Ephron  the  Hittite, 

30  In  the  cave  that  is  in  the  field  of  Machpe- 
Iah,  which  is  before  Mamre  in  the  land  of  Ca- 
naan,  Pwhich  Abraham  bought  with  the  field  of 
Ephron  the  Hittite,  lor  a possession  of  a burying 
place. 


h 35:18.  Dent.  33:12.  i Jmlg.  3:15— 29.20:  I Sam.  11:4— 11.  14i  15:  Acts  8:3. 
9:1.  Pliil.  3:5.  k Jer.  5:6.  Ez.  22:25,27.  Zeph.3:3.  Matt.  7:15.  10:16.  Acts2U: 
29.  INum.  23:24.  Esili.8:U.  Ez.  39:10.  Zech.  14:1— 7.  tn  Ex. 28:21.  1 Kings 
18:31.  Acts  26:7.  Jam.  1:1.  Rev. 7:4.  n 15:15.  25:8,17.  35:29.  Heb.  12:23. 


they  requested  a larger  inheritance,  because  they  “ were  a 
great  people,  and  the  Lord  had  blessed  them  hitherto.” 
(Josh.  17:11 — 18.)  In  the  days  of  Jephthah,  the  Gileadites  slew 
42,000  Ephraimites  at  once,  which  might  have  been  supposed 
sufficient  to  annihilate  their  political  importance ; yet  they 
were  so  increased,  that  it  seems  to  have  had  no  effect  in  that 
respect ; and  the  prophecy  was  evidently  and  undeniably  ful- 
filled. In  short,  through  revolving  centuries  to  this  day,  the 
names  of  Judah  and  Joseph  have  been  far  more  celebrated, 
than  those  of  Jacob’s  other  sons ; which  in  the  history , as 
well  as  in  this  prophecy , are  comparatively  obscure.  The 
tribes  of  Judah  and  Ephraim  have  eclipsed  all  the  other 
tribes,  by  giving  names  to  the  two  grand  divisions  of  the  na- 
tion ; and  Ephraim  has  been  far  more  illustrious  than  Ma- 
nasseh.  This  is  precisely  what  might  have  been  supposed, 
even  on  a cursory  reading  of  these  chapters  as  prophecy  : 
and  how  can  it  be  accounted  for,  that  events  through  remote 
futurity  should  so  accord  to  this  ancient  book,  if  it  had  not 
been  divinely  inspired  ? Let  those  who  deny  or  doubt  its 
divine  inspiration  solve  this  difficulty  if  they  are  able. 

V.  27.  According  to  the  emblem  here  used,  the  character 
of  this  tribe  would  be  fierceness  and  cruelty  ; which  especially 
appears  in  the  history  of  the  Levite’s  concubine ; when  after 
tlie  wickedness  was  committed,  the  Benjamites  singly  with- 
stood all  the  other  tribes,  and  had  the  advantage  in  two  bat- 
des ; nor  did  they  yield  till  almost  entirely  destroyed.  ( Notes , 
Judg.  19:20:)  Ehud,  the  second  judge,  and  Saul  the  first 
King,  were  of  this  tribe.— In  the  former  part  of  the  history, 
we  read  frequently  of  the  Benjamites  as  a warlike  people ; 
and  in  the  latter  times  they  joined  themselves  to  the  tribe  of 
Judah,  and  thus  divided  the  spoil,  and  shared  with  them  in 
their  privileges. — Paul  was  of  this  tribe,  who,  as  it  were,  in 
the  morning  of  his  life,  ravened  as  a wolf,  and  devoured  the 
prey  in  persecuting  the  Christians ; but  in  the  evening  of  his 
days,  as  a preacher  of  the  gospel,  he  shared  the  blessings 
with  Judah’s  Lion,  assisted  in  his  victories,  and  thus  divided 
the  spoil. — Benjamin  was  peculiarly  dear  to  Jacob,  yet  little 
is  spoken  of  him  in  this  blessing ; and  there  is  nothing  of  the 
tender  and  fervent  affection,  which  marks  the  blessing  pro- 
nounced on  Joseph:  for  Jacob  spake  by  the  Spirit  of  pro- 
phecy.— The  tribe  of  Benjamin  did  not  join  itself  to  the 
descendants  of  his  brother  Joseph  ; but  to  those  of  Judah. 

V.  28.  Every  one,  &c.]  That  is,  according  to  the  bless- 
ing, which  God  intended  in  after  times  to  bestow  upon  them. 
— Though  some  of  Jacob’s  sons  were  reproved  and  disgraced, 
yet  none  of  them  were  excluded  (as  Ishmael  and  Esau  had 
been)  from  the  promised  land,  arid  the  peculiar  privileges  of 
Abraham’s  seed  ; and  when  we  compare  their  situation  with 
the  Gentile  nations,  it  clearly  appears  that  they  were  all  in- 
deed blessed  with  most,  invaluable  blessings. 

Y.  29,  30.  Jacob  charged  all  his  sons  in  this  matter,  as 
he  had  done  Joseph  before.  One  design  seems  to  have  been, 
to  draw  off  their  thoughts  from  Egypt,  to  weaken  their 
attachment  to  that  country,  and  to  lead  them  to  fix  their 
hearts  upon  Canaan,  as  their  promised  inheritance. 

V.  31.  By  burying  Leah,  and  wishing  to  be  buried  him- 
self, not  where  his  beloved  Rachel  lay,  but  where  Abraham 
and  Isaac  lay,  Jacob  expressed  his  faith  in  the  God  of 
Abraham  ami  Isaac,  and  his  desire  of  having  his  portion 
with  them  beyond  the  grave.  (Notes,  23:)  Of  Leah’s  death 
and  burial,  nothing  further  is  recorded. 

V.  33.  Thus  Jacob,  having  been  enabled  to  finish  all  for 
which  he  wished  to  live,  lay  down  and  died  with  the  utmost 
serenity  and  composure. 

PRYCTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 7.  The  gracious  consolations  and  aids  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  can  make  men  forget  pain,  raise  them  above  the  feel- 
ing or  an  exhausted  frame,  and  enablo  them  to  speak  on  a 
death-bed,  with  pleasure  to  themselves  and  profit  to  others. 
But  views  into  futurity,  except  as  they  respect  the  felicity  of 
heaven,  would  afford  us  little  satisfaction.  Had  not  Jacob 
looked  forward  to  the  coming  of  Shiloh,  and  “ waited  for  his 
salvation,”  he  could  have  rejoiced  but  little  in  these  propheti- 
cal benedictions  of  his  family,  with  respect  merely  to  this 
( 108.) 


31  There  ithey  buried  Abraham  and  Satah  his 
wife;  there  they  buried  Isaac  and  Rebekah  his 
wife : and  there  I buried  Leah. 

32  The  purchase  of  the  field,  and  of  the  cave 
that  is  therein,  was  from  the  children  of  Heth. 

33  And  when  Jacob  had  “made  an  end  of  com- 
manding his  sons,  he  gathered  up  his  feet  into  the 
bed,  ’and  yielded  up  the  ghost,  and  was  gathered 
unto  his  people. 

CHAPTER  L. 

Jacob  mourned  for,  and  embalmed , 1—3.  Joseph  requests  Pharaoh  that  he  may 
go  and  bury  his  father,  and  obtains  leave,  4— 6.  Jacob  is  buried  in  Mach- 
pelah,! — 13.  Jos'uh  mid  his  brethren  return  to  Egi/pt  ; their  surjricious 
fears  of  him  ; and  his  kindness  to  them,  14—21.  Joseph's  age,  posterity, 
prophecy , and  charge  concerning  his  bones  ; his  death  and  interment , “22 — 26. 

AND  Joseph  “fell  upon  his  father’s  face,  and 
bwept  upon  him,  and  kissed  him. 


o 47:30.  2Sam.  19:37.  p 23:16— 20.  50:13.  Acls7:16.  q 23:19.  25:9.  35:29. 

r 50:24— 26.  Josh.  24:27— 29.  Heb.  11:22.  s 25:8,17.  35:29.  Job  5:26.  30:23.  Luke 
2:29.  Heb.  11:13— 16.  a 46:4.  b 33:3.  2 Kina  13:14.  Mark  5.38,39.  John  11: 
35,38.  Acts  8:2.  1 Thee.  4:13. 


present  world : so  vain  is  the  best  state  of  earthly  bliss ! — 
Whatever  therefore  tends  to  draw  off  our  affections  from 
things  below,  and  raise  them  to  things  above ; whatever 
tends  to  cement  our  union  with  the  people  of  God,  and  to 
disunite  us  from  the  world,  must  be  good  for  us.  And  such 
in  general  is  the  tendency  of  the  admonitions,  and  even 
rebukes,  of  pious  parents,  especially  at  the  close  of  life,  and 
when  mixed  with  prayers  for  their  children’s  welfare. — Sins 
long  since  committed,  if  not  washed  away  in  the  blood  of 
Christ,  will  at  last  rise  up  against  us  to  our  condemnation : 
and,  even  when  repented  of  and  pardoned,  we  may  be  re- 
minded of  them,  by  the  correction  of  our  merciful  Father, 
the  rebukes  of  kind  friends,  and  the  upbraidings  of  unkind 
enemies ; and  in  many  ways  be  made  to  bear  the  reproach, 
and  to  “ possess  the  iniquities  of  our  youth,”  in  our  circum- 
stances, constitutions,  and  reputations.  W e should  therefore 
remember  them  for  our  humiliation,  and  that  we  may  bear 
such  rebukes  with  patience  and  meekness : for  if  our  viola- 
tions of  the  divine  law  do  not  exclude  us  from  heaven,  we 
shall  have  great  cause  for  thankfulness ; and  if  we  be  truly 
penitent,  our  very  sufferings  will  be  converted  into  blessings 
to  ourselves  and  others. — Those  who  are  of  eminence  in  the 
profession  of  religion,  should  be  peculiarly  steadfast  in  protest- 
ing against  the  wickedness  of  other  professors ; and  in  wiping 
away  every  suspicion  of  conniving  at  their  sins,  though  it 
should  leave  infamy  upon  their  nearest  relations : for  it  is  far 
better  that  they  should  bear  the  reproach,  than  that  it  should 
rest  upon  the  gospel. — Revenge  or  sensual  pleasure  may  be 
sweet  at  the  time,  but  will  leave  a lasting  sting  behind:  such 
men  as  are  unstable,  insolent,  and  arrogant  will  never  be 
eminent  either  in  the  world  or  in  the  church ; and  they  who 
are  self-willed,  commonly  make  themselves  and  others  mise- 
rable. 

V.  8 — 33.  In  severely  animadverting  on  the  sins  of  atro- 
cious criminals,  we  must  take  care  neither  to  condemn  whole 
families  or  collective  bodies  indiscriminately,  nor  to  magnify 
every  offence  into  a crime  of  deep  malignity.  Notwith- 
standing defects,  some  persons  merit  our  commendation: 
and  though  all  are  not  of  the  same  disposition  or  alike  pros- 
perous, God  dispensing  to  men  variously  as  he  plcasos ; yet 
he  blesses  all  with  many  unmerited  mercies,  and  especially 
those  who  live  under  his  ordinances,  and  enjoy  the  means  of 
grace. — But  praise  is  chiefly  due  to  him  who  sprang  from 
Judah,  in  whom  the  most  opposite  excellencies  harmonize. 
As  “ the  Lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,”  he  will  terribly  avenge 
upon  his  enemies  his  slighted  love;  and,  as  “the  Lamb  of 
God,”  “by  the  sacrifice  of  himself”  “ho  taketh  away  the 
sin  of  the  world.”  He  stretches  forth  his  sceptre  of  grace 
from  the  mercy-seat,  and  invites  us  perishing  sinners  to  draw 
near,  and  accept  of  his  salvation,  that  we  may  not  feel  the 
stroke  of  his  iron  rod:  and  “if  his  wrath  be  kindled,  yea, 
but  a little,  blessed  are  all.  they  who  trust  in  him.”  Assu- 
redly, the  Messenger  of  Peace  is  come,  and  unbelieving 
Jews  without  sceptre  or  governor  are  his  unwilling  witnesses. 
But  may  they  and  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles  be  gathered 
unto  him,  and  with  us  enjoy  blessings,  incomparably  uettcr 
than  the  richest  fruit  of  the  vine  and  the  cornfield,  and  all 
royal  dainties ; than  treasures  dug  from  mines,  gained  by 
commerce,  or  seized  by  conquest;  blessings  more  firmly 
secured  than  the  foundations  of  the  hills,  and  more  durable 
than  creation  itself;  even  everlasting  felicity.  With  the 
earnests  of  this  happiness  comforting  our  hearts,  “his  yoke 
will  be  easy  and  his  burden  light;”  nor  will  the  hardest  ser- 
vice, or  the  heaviest  tribute,  which  he  imposes,  prevent  our 
finding  rest  for  our  souls  ; his  grace  will  be  sufficient  for  us ; 
so  that  we  shall  conquer  our  most  powerful,  and  supplant  our 
most  subtle  foes.  We  may  indeed  be  grieved  and  galled  by 
the  arrows  of  temptation  and  slander,  but  “ no  weapon  formed 
against  us  shall  prosper,  and  every  tongue  that  ariseth  against 
us  in  judgment,  we  shall  condemn  ;”  because  Jacob’s  God 
will  be  on  our  side. — Under  the  caro  of  the  Shepherd  of 
Israel,  we  shall  lark  nothing;  built  upon  ’he  Rock  of  salva- 
tion, we  shall  abide  immoveable,  until  oe  ■ work  be  finished  ; 
and  then,  breathing  out  our  souls  into  I s han  Is,  for  whose 


B.  C.  16S3. 


CHAPTER  L 


B.  C.  1688 


2 And  Joseph  commanded  his  servants  the 
uhysicians  to  embalm  his  father : and  the  physi- 
cians 'embalmed  Israel. 

3 And  forty  days  were  fulfilled  for  him,  (for  so 
are  fulfilled  the  days  of  those  which  are  embalmed;) 
and  the  Egyptians  "mourned  for  him  dthreescore 
and  ten  days. 

4 And  when  ‘the  days  of  his  mourning  were 
past,  (Joseph  spake  unto  the  house  of  Pharaoh, 
saying,  If  now  I have  found  grace  in  your 
eyes,  speak,  I pray  you,  in  the  ears  of  Pharaoh, 
saying, 

5 My  father  emade  me  swear,  saying,  hLo,  I 
die : in  my  grave  which  'I  have  digged  for  me  in 
the  land  of  Canaan,  there  shalt  thou  kbury  me. 
Now  therefore 'let  me  go  up,  I pray  thee,  and  bury 
my  father,  and  I will  come  again. 

6 And  Pharaoh  said,  Go  up,  and  bury  thy  father, 
according  as  he  made  thee  swear. 

7 And  Joseph  went  up  to  bury  his  father : mand 
with  him  went  up  all  the  servants  of  Pharaoh, 
the  elders  of  his  house,  and  all  the  elders  of  the 
land  of  Egypt. 

8 And  all  the  house  of  Joseph  and  his  brethren^ 
and  his  father’s  house : "only  their  little  ones, -ana 
their  flocks,  and  their  herds,  they  left  in  the  land 
of  Goshen. 

9 And  there  went  up  with  him  both  "cha- 
riots and  horsemen : and  it  was  a very  great  com- 
pany. 

10  And  they  came  to  the  threshing  floor  of  Atad, 
which  is  beyond  Jordan,  and  there  they  mourned 
with  a great  and  very  sore  lamentation : and  he 
made  a mourning  for  his  father  ('seven  days. 

c 26.  2 Chr.  16:14.  Matt.  23:12.  Luke  24:1.  John  19:39,40.  * Heb.  wept. 

d Num. 20:29.  Dent.  34:9.  e 10.  f Esth.  4 2.  g 47:  29— 31 . h 24.  48:21 . Dent. 
4:22.  1 Sam.  14:43.  i2(  hr.  16:14.  Is.  22:16.  Matt.  27:60.  k 3:19.  Job  30:23. 
Ec.  12:7.  I Malt.  8:21,22.  Luke  9:59,60.  in  14:16.  n Ex.  10:8,9.  Num.  32: 
24—27.  o 41:43.  46:29.  Ex.  14:7,17.28.  2 Kings  18.24.  Cant.  1:9.  p 4.  1 Sam. 
31:13.  Job  2:13.  q 10:15 — 19.  13:7.24:5.  34:30.  f That  is,  The  mourning  of  the 


salvation  we  have  waited,  we  shall  depart  in  peace,  and  leave 
a blessing  on  our  children  after  us. 

NOTES. — Chap.  L.  V.2,  3.  The  Egyptians  were  emi- 
nent for  the  art  of  preserving  dead  bodies  from  putrefaction, 
by  the  skilful  use  of  spices  and  drugs.  Several  of  these 
bodies  remain  to  this  day,  and  are  called  Eg}rptian  mum- 
mies, being  preserved  as  great  curiosities  ; and  some  of  them 
have  probably  continued  in  this  state  above  2000  years. — The 
same  persons,  who  were  consulted  as  physicians  for  the  liv- 
ing, embalmed  the  dead  bodies  ; and  at  least  forty  days  were 
requisite  to  complete  the  process.  These  physicians  were 
generally  retained  as  servants  in  the  courts  of  princes,  and 
in  the  families  of  great  men;  and  Joseph,  in  his  high  station, 
had  several  of  them  in  his  household.  As  therefore  the  cus- 
tom was  not  sinful,  and  as  in  the  case  of  Jacob’s  body,  which 
was  to  be  buried  at  a distance,  it  was  very  expedient ; Joseph 
complied  with  it  on  this  occasion  : and  for  similar  reasons 
the  survivors  afterwards  embalmed  his  body.  (26.) 

V.  4.  The  days  of  public  mourning,  or,  as  we  should  say, 
court-mourning,  were  past ; but  the  mourning  of  Joseph  and 
his  brethren  could  not  be  supposed  to  terminate  till  after  the. 
funeral,  (10.) — Perhaps  it  was  not^allowed  to  come  into  the 
presence  of  the  king  in  mourning:  (Note,  Esth.  4:2.)  or 
Joseph  wished  to  make  his  request  to  Pharaoh  with  all  the 
modesty  and  decorum  possible ; and,  in  sending  his  message 
by  the  courtiers,  he  at  once  showed  his  respect  to  him  and 
to  them. 

V.  5.  Joseph  did  not  choose  to  appear  weary  of  applica- 
tion to  business,  or  negligent  of  the  interests  of  Egypt  and  of 
Pharaoh,  in  thus  requesting  leave  of  absence : he  was  there- 
fore careful  to  represent  the  matter,  not  so  much  as  his  own 
inclination,  as  the  dying  request  of  his  father,  who  was  so 
earnest  in  it,  that  he  laid  him  under  the  solemn  obligation  of 
nn  oath,  to  bury  him  in  Canaan. — The  cave  at  Machpelah 
seems  to  have  been  large,  with  many  separate  burying  places  in 
it ; so  that  Jacob,  in  addition  to  those  before  prepared,  had  pre- 
viously formed  one  for  the  reception  of  his  body  at  his  decease. 

V.  6.  The  king  would  not  have  Joseph  violate  an  oath 
for  his  sake. — ‘Such  heathen  kings  will  rise  up  in  judgment 
against  those  Christian  princes  who  make  a jest  of  their 
oaths.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  7 — 9.  Perhaps  it  would  be  difficult  to  find  any  funeral, 
either  in  ancient  or  modern  times,  more  distinguished  by  the 
numerous  attendance  of  great  and  eminent  persons  than  this 
of  Jacob:  yet  he  was  neither  monarch,  nor  conqueror,  nor 
lawgiver  ; but  a plain  shepherd  to  the  end  of  his  days  !— As 
tnis  distinguished  honour  was  conferred  on  Jacob,  principally 
for  the  sake  of  his  son,  it  shows  in  what  esteem  Joseph  was 
held  in  Egypf : and  serves  to  prove  that,  whatever  modern 
adversaries  may  say  of  his  conduct,  he  was  considered  at  the 
cure  as  the  great  benefactor  and  deliverer  of  the  country. 


11  And  when  the  inhabitants  of  the  land,  *Jthe 
Canaanites,  saw  the  mourning  in  the  floor  of  Atad, 
they  said,  This  is  a grievous  mourning  to  the 
Egyptians  ; wherefore  the  name  of  it  was  called 
tAbel-  mizraim,  which  is  ‘beyond  Jordan. 

12  And  his  sons  did  unto  him  “according  as  he 
commanded  them. 

13  For  his  sons  carried  him  into  the  land  of 
Canaan,  and  buried  him  in  ‘the  cave  of  the  field 
of  Machpelah ; which  Abraham  bought  with  the 
field  for  a possession  of  a burying  place,  ofEphron 
the  Hittite,  before  Mamre. 

14  And  Joseph  returned  into  Egypt,  he  and  his 
brethren,  and  all  that  went  up  with  him  to  bury 
his  father,  after  he  had  buried  his  father. 

[ Practical  Observations.'] 

15  IF  And  when  Joseph’s  brethren  saw  that 
“their  father  was  dead,  they  said,  xJoseph  win 
peradventure  hate  us,  and  will  certainly  requite 
us  all  the  evil  which  we  did  unto  him. 

16  And  they  (sent  a messenger  unto  Joseph, 
saying,  Thy  lather  did  command  before  he  died, 
saying, 

17  So  shall  ye  say  unto  Joseph,  ^Forgive,  I 
pray  thee  now,  the  trespass  of  thy  brethren,  and 
their  sin  ; for  “they  did  unto  thee  evil : and  now 
we  pray  thee  forgive  the  trespass  of  the  "servants 
of  the  God  of  thy  father.  And  Joseph  bwept 
when  they  spake  unto  him. 

18  And  his  brethren  also  went  and  "fell  down 
before  his  face : and  they  said,  Behold,  we  be  thy 
servants. 

19  And  Joseph  said  unto  them,  dFearnot:  ‘for 
am  I in  the  place  of  God  ? 

Egyptians . r Dent.  3:25,27.  11:30.  s 47:29— 31.  49:23— 32.  Acts  7:16.  t23; 
16 — 18.  2 Kings  21: 18.  u 27:41.42.  *42:17.  I,ev.  26:36.  J Heb.  charged. 

v Malt. 6:12, 14, 15.  18:35.  Luke  17:3,4.  Eph.  4:32.  Col.  3:13.  7.20.  Job  33:27, 
28.  Frov.  28:13.  Jam. 5:16.  a 31:42.  49:25.  Matt.  25:4(1.  Fliilem.  fr-20.  b 42:21 
—24.45:4,5,8.  c 37:7— 11.  d Mott.  14:27.  Luke24:37, 38.  e 30:2.  Deut.  32:35. 
Job  34:29.  Bom.  12:19.  Heb.  10:30. 


V.  10,  11.  Moses  wrote  or  revised  his  history  on  the  east 
side  of  Jordan  ; and  therefore  in  his  five  books,  beyond  Jordan 
means  west-ward  of  Jordan : in  other  parts  of  Scripture  it 
generally  means  east-ward. — During  seven  days  Jacob’s  sons 
performed  solemn  funeral  obsequies,  as  it  seems,  before  they 
came  to  the  cave  of  Machpelah ; perhaps  because  the 
place  which  they  chose  was  more  convenient  for  the  encamp- 
ment of  so  large  a company.  The  inhabitants  of  Canaan 
naturally  called  them  all  Egyptians,  as  coming  out 
Egypt ; though  some  of  them  must  know  to  whom  the  sepul- 
chre belonged. 

Y.  14.  Various  motives  concurred  to  induce  the  descend- 
ants of  Jacob  to  continue  in  Egypt,  notwithstanding  Abra- 
ham’s prophetical  vision  of  their  bondage  there.  Some  might 
forget  it,  or  disregard  it  if  remembered  ; others  might  submit, 
and  not  deem  themselves  allowed  to  move  without  command 
from  God;  while  fear,  interest,  love  of  ease  and  plenty,  and 
similar  inducements,  would  concur  in  detaining  them,  and 
effecting  the  purpose  of  God.  At  this  time,  however,  Joseph 
had  engaged  to  return  ; he  could  not  have  done  otherwise 
without  the  greatest  impropriety  and  ingratitude;  and  both 
he  and  his  brethren  had  left  their  families  and  possessions  in 
Egypt,  to  which  they  must  return.  (Ex.  10:9 — 11,24.) 

V.  15 — 18.  Joseph’s  brethren  perhaps  supposed  that  ten- 
derness to  Jacob  had  hitherto  restrained  him  from  inflicting 
punishment  on  them,  which  they  were  conscious  they  had 
merited : and  judging  of  him  from  the  general  temper  of  hu- 
man nature,  they  apprehended  that  he  would  now  avenge 
himself  on  them  ; and,  not  being  able  to  resist  or  flee  away, 
they  attempted  to  soften  him  by  entreaties.  A deep  convic- 
tion of  their  criminality,  in  their  conduct  to  him,  rendered 
them  unreasonably  suspicious;  but  their  fears  and  submis- 
sions were  calculated  still  more  to  humble  and  soften  them, 
as  well  as  to  accomplish  the  purposes  of  God. — They  first 
sent  messengers  to  Joseph ; but  afterwards  they  were  en- 
couraged to  go  in  person.  They  did  not  say,  “owr  father,” 
but  more  pathetically,  uthy  father.”  They  urged  the  dying 
words  of  Jacob,  who  doubtless  had  given  them  some  injunc- 
tion to  this  purpose,  that  he  might  render  them  more  deeply 
sensible  of  their  guilt ; and  they  pleaded  with  Joseph  for  par- 
don, in  the  character  of  the  servants  of  Jacob’s  God.  This 
shows  with  what  care  and  prudence  they  had  concerted  the 
business  ; and  we  need  not  wonder  that  Joseph  was  greatly 
affected,  at  witnessing  this  most  exact  accomplishment  ol 
his  dreams. 

V.  19.  It  belongs  to  God  to  execute  vengeance,  and 
Joseph  did  not  intend  to  usurp  his  prerogative.  Thus  he  in- 
structed his  brethren  not  to  fear  him,  but  to  fear  God,  to 
humble  themselves  before  God,  and  to  seek  his  forgiveness. 

Y.  20.  Joseph’s  brethren,  in  selling  him  to  the  Ishmaelites, 
had  acted  with  extreme  malice  and  wickedness ; and  they 

( m ) 


B.  C 1634.  GENESIS.  B.  C.  1634. 


20  But  as  for  you,  fye  thought  evil  against 
me ; but  sGotl  , meant  it  unto  good,  to  bring 
to  pass,  as  it  is  this  day,  to  save  much  people 
alive. 

21  Now  therefore  fear  ye  not:  hI  will  nourish 
you,  and  your  little  ones.  And  he  comforted  them, 
and  spake  'kindly  unto  them. 

22  *11  And  Joseph  dwelt  in  Egypt,  he,  and  his 
father's  house : and  Joseph  lived  a hundred  and 
ten  years. 

23  And  Joseph  saw  Ephraim’s  children,  of  the 
third  generation : ‘the  children  also  of  Machir, 

f 37:4,18 — 20.  g 45:5-8.  Pa.  76:10.  195:16,17.  Is.  10:7.  Acts  2:23.  3:13— 15, 
26.  Rom. 8:23.  it  45:10,11.  47:12.  Mali  .5:44.  Rom.  12:20,21.  • Heb. torteir 
hearts.  34:3.  Is.  40:2.  marg.  i Num.  32:33.  Josh.  17:1.  Job  42:16.  Ps. 128:6. 

intended  that  lie  should  live  and  die  a destitute  slave.  But 
God,  in  permitting  it,  “ meant  it  unto  good"  to  Joseph,  to 
Jacob,  to  his  brethren,  to  their  families,  to  Egypt,  to  Canaan, 
and  to  the  neighbouring  nations  ; nor  can  we  number  up  all 
the  important  purposes  answered  by  it  to  the  church  and  to 
the  world ; or  calculate  how  many  important  events  depended 
on  it,  through  all  succeeding  generations. — The  same  is  ob- 
servable in  many  other  instances  in  Scripture ; and  we  can- 
not possibly  account  for  the  dispensations  of  Providence, 
without  admitting  that  God  leaves  evil  men  and  evil  spirits 
to  themselves  to  commit  wickedness,  as  far  as  he  intends  to 
overrule  it  for  good,  but  no  further.  They  are  influenced 
only  by  a desire  of  gratifying  their  own  wicked  and  hateful 
passions,  and  are  therefore  justly  condemned  ; but  He,  in 
omniscience  and  infinite  wisdom,  purposing  most  extensive 
and  durable  good,  is  on  that  very  account  worthy  of  all  ado- 
ration and  praise. 

V.  22.  A hundred  and  ten  years.]  Joseph  survived 
Jacob  about  fifty-four  years,  and  probably  continued  in  au- 
thority to  the  last. 

V.  23.  Upon  Joseph's  knees.]  Thus  he  expressed  his 
affection,  and  the  pleasure  which  he  took  in  them. 

V.  24—26.  “By  faith  Joseph,  when  he  died,  made  men- 
tion of  the  departing  of  the  children  of  Israel ; and  gave  com- 
mandment concerning  his  bones.”  He  fully  expected  that 
the  promise  of  God  would  be  verified,  and  desired  to  have 
his  lot  beyond  the  grave  with  the  Israelites,  and  not  with  the 
Egyptians.  It  is  probable  that  he  required,  not  only  his 
brethren,  but  the  chief  persons  in  their  several  families,  to 
take  this  oath:  yet  he  did  not  order  his  body  to  be  carried 
directly  to  Canaan  for  burial,  but  to  remain  in  Egypt  until 
God  should  visit  them.  It  was  therefore  embalmed,  and 
kept  in  a coffin  in  Egyptj  most  likely  by  the  Israelites ; and 
this  circumstance  would  keep  alive  the  expectation  of  a 
speedy  departure  from  Egypt,  and  preserve  Canaan  con- 
tinually in  their  mind.  It  would  also  tend  to  attach  Joseph’s 
posterity  to  their  brethren,  and  to  prevent  them  from  incor- 
porating with  the  Egyptians.— It  is  not  expressly  said,  how 
long  each  of  the  other  sons  of  Jacob  lived,  or  where  they 
were  buried ; but  it  is  generally  thought  that  their  bones 
likewise  were  carried  to.Canaan  by  the  Israelites.  (iVbte, 
Acts  7:15,16.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 14.  Though  our  pious  friends  have  lived  to  a good 
old  age,  and  we  are  confident  that  they  are  gone  to  glory, 
we  may  well  regret  our  own  loss,  and  should  pay  respect  to 
their  memory  by  lamenting  for  them:  for  grace  does  not  de- 
ftroy  natural  affection  ; but  purifies,  moderates,  and  regulates 
all  our  passions. — Others,  besides  relatives,  have  cause  to 


the  son  of  Manasseh,  were  'brought  up  upon 
kJoseph’s  knees. 

24  And  Joseph  said  unto  his  brethren,  I die : 
and  God  will  surely  'visit  you,  and  bring  myou  out 
of  this  land,  unto  the  land  which  he  sware  to 
Abraham,  to  Isaac,  and  to  Jacob. 

25  And  Joseph  "took  an  oath  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  saying,  God  will  surely  visit  you,  “and  ye 
shall  carry  up  my  bones  from  hence. 

26  So  Joseph  died,  t being  a hundred  and  ten 
years  old : and  2they  embalmed  him,  and  he  was 
put  in  a coffin  in  Egypt. 

t Heb.  bum.  k 30:3.  121:1.  Ex.  4:31.  m.  15:14— 16.  26:3.  35:12.  46:4.  Ex 
3:16,17.  n 47:29— 31.  o Ex.  13:19.  Josh.  24:32.  A«s  7:16.  Heb.  lt:22.  p23 
47:9,28.  Josh.  24:29.  q 3. 


mourn  the  death  of  eminent  believers:  for  as  their  prayers, 
example,  and  influence  were  a public  benefit,  so  is  their  death 
a public  loss.  But  alas  ! such  mournings  in  general  are  a 
mere  compliment ; and  men  are  scarcely  in  earnest  about  any 
thing,  but  the  pursuits  of  ambition,  wealth,  or  pleasure. — The 
attention  paid  to  the  dead,  though  commonly  the  effect  of 
custom  or  superstition,  should  result  from  faith  in  the  doctrine 
of  the  immortality  of  the  soul,  and  the  resurrection  of  the 
body.  Our  deceased  friends  still  live,  and  we  shall  meet 
ag:ain ; though  separated  from  the  body,  a reunion  shall  cer- 
tainly take  place.  Therefore  we  commit  the  body,  with  de- 
cent respect,  unto  the  ground,  1 in  sure  and  certain  hope  of 
the  resurrection  to  eternal  life’  of  all  true  believers  ; and  what- 
ever our  hopes  or  fears  may  be,  God  is  the  only  infallible 
Judge  who  are,  and  who  are  not,  true  believers. — We  ought 
scrupulously  to  observe  the  last  will  and  dying  requests  of 
our  deceased  friends ; and  much  more  should  we  most  reli- 
giously reverence  the  oath  of  God.  But,  in  the  most  exact 
attention  to  necessary  affairs,  we  should  consult  in  what  man- 
ner to  do  them ; that  we  may  give  as  little  umbrage  as  pos- 
sible, and  interfere  with  other  duties  no  more  than  can  be 
avoided. 

V.  15 — 26.  “ There  are  many  devices  in  the  heart  of 
man,  but  the  counsel  of  the  Lord,  that  shall  stand :”  and 
while  men  are  often  influenced  by  the  worst  of  motives,  God, 
by  means  of  them,  effects  his  own  most  righteous  purposes. — 
How  guilt  dismays  the  heart  in  times  of  danger  ! It  would 
however  be  well  if  it  excited  us  to  as  diligent  and  humble 
endeavours  to  obtain  forgiveness  from  God,  as  it  often  does 
to  appease  the  displeasure  of  man,  and  to  avert  temporal  ca- 
lamities.— True  religion  will  teach  us,  not  only  to  forgive  those 
who  are  conscious  of  having  injured  us,  and  whom  we  have 
in  our  power ; but  effectually,  by  kind  actions  as  well  as 
words,  to  obviate  their  fears,  assure  them  of  our  forgiveness, 
and  exhort  them  to  seek  pardon  from  him  to  whom  ven- 
geance belongs. — But  the  kindest  friends,  and  the  most  du- 
rable of  our  earthly  comforts  must  die  : let  us  then  look  off 
even  from  Joseph,  that  we  may  lo  k unto  Jesus,  who  ever 
liveth  to  bless  those  who  trust  in  him.  Notwithstanding  for- 
mer crimes,  and  present  unbelieving  injurious  suspicions,  he 
acknowledges  for  his  brother  every  humble  sinner  who  sup- 
plicates his  mercy;  and  as  such  he  will  comfort  his  heart, 
provide  for  his  wants,  and  receive  him  to  glory.  Let  us  then 
seek  his  favour,  rely  on  his  mercy,  and  submit  to  his  will: 
and  when  we  come  to  die,  give  him  charge  of  both  soul  and 
body:  so  shall  we  find  him  faithful  and  “able  to  keep  that 
which  we  have  committed  to  him,”  until  the  great  decisive 
day,  so  that  “ when  Christ,  who  is  our  Life,  shall  appear, 
we  shall  also  appear  with  him  in  glory.” 


< 110  ) 


THE  SECOND  BOOK  OF  MOSES, 


CALLED 

EXODUS. 


IN  the  Hebrew  Bible  this  book  is  called  Shemoth,  or,  Names , from  the  clause  (mottf  nSfO)  with  which  it  begins  : but  the  trans- 
lators of  the  Old  Testament,  into  that  Greek  Version  called  the  Septuagint,  entitled  it  Exodus,  or  The  Departure  : because  the 
departure  of  Israel  out  of  Egypt  is  the  grand  subject  recorded  in  it.  A general  view  is  indeed  given  of  the  circumstances  of  tha 
Israe.ites  In  Egypt,  from  the  death  of  Joseph  to  that  event,  which  took  place  about  a hundred  and  forty -four  years  after  : but  the 
sacred  historian  dwells  very  fully  on  all  the  particulars  which  made  way  for  this  grand  catastrophe,  and  which  attended  or  imme- 
diately followed  it.  The  subject  is  introduced  by  Moses  with  an  account  of  his  own  parentage,  birth,  perilous  exposure,  mar- 
vellous preservation,  education  in  Pharaoh’s  court,  espousing  the  cause  of  his  enslaved  brethren,  fleeing  into  Midian,  living  there 
as  a shepherd,  and  at  length  being  exoressly  commissioned  and  instructed  by  Jehovah,  to  lead  Israel  out  of  Egypt.  He  then  re- 
cords the  miraculous  plagues,  by  which  proud  Pharaoh  was  compelled  to  liberate  the  enslaved  Israelites,  and  the  manner  in  which 
the  Red  Sea  was  divided,  and  they  were  led  through  it  as  on  dry  land  ; while  Pharaoh  and  his  army  were  overwhelmed  by  its 
waters,  and  perished.  We  are  next  informed  how  Jehovah  miraculously  conducted  his  people  in  the  wilderness,  notwithstand- 
ing their  murm  tilings  and  rebellions  ; and  how  he  spake  the  moral  law  to  them  from  the  fiery  summit  of  Sinai,  and  delivered  many 
parts  of  the  judicial  and  ceremonial  law  to  Moses  : entered  into  covenant  with  the  nation,  appointed  the  Aaronic  priesthood,  com- 
manded the  erection  of  a Tabernacle,  and  instituted  his  worship  among  them  ; notwithstanding  the  interruption  of  these  gracious 
plans,  by  the  idolatry  of  the  golden  calf. — It  is  worthy  of  peculiar  notice  that  the  events  recorded  in  this  book  are  constantly  re- 
ferred to  both  in  the  Old  and  New  Testament,  as  matters  of  undoubted  certainty  and  notoriety,  and  with  many  express  quotations 
from  it,  both  by  the  sacred  historians,  in  the  Psalms,  by  the  prophets,  and  by  our  Lord  and  his  apostles:  and  this,  in  such  lan- 
guage as  implies  most  evidently,  not  only  that  they  regarded  thrs  narrative  as  the  genuine  work  of  “ Moses,  the  servant  of  the 
Lord,”  but  as  divinely  inspired  ; so  that  the  miracles  recorded  are  constantly  referred  to,  as  actually  wrought  by  a divine  power, 
to  prove  the  laws  promulgated  and  the  doctrines  established,  to  be  the  oracles  of  God  himself.  The  Reader,  by  consulting  the 
marginal  references,  may  easily  satisfy  himself  that  this  remark  is  well  grounded. — This  book  likewise  contains  some  prophecies, 
which  were  fulfilled  before  or  soon  after  the  death  of  Moses,  and  also  others  which  were  verified  in  after  ages:  especially  that 
which  is  given  in  these  words,  “ Neither  shall  any  man  desire  thy  land,  when  thou  shalt  go  up  to  appear  before  the  LORD  thy 
God,  thrice  every  year which  the  whole  history  shows  to  have  been  exacrly  accomplished.  (Note,  34:24.)  Indeed  the  Types 
with  which  it  abounds  more  than  any  book  in  Scripture  were  real  prophecies  ; the  exact  accomplishment  of  which,  after  1490  years 
in  the  great  Antitype,  is  a divine  attestation  that  this  book  was  written  under  the  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Spirit. — Learned  men  hav« 
also  sufficiently  shown,  that  many  of  those  fables  with  which  ancient  profane  history  uniformly  begins,  were  nothing  more  than 
distorted  traditions  of  those  events  which  Moses  plainly  relates,  blended  with  various  imaginations  suited  to  the  corrupt  taste  of 
mankind  ; and  that  Pagan  writers  had  heard  some  reports  of  the  transactions,  of  which  we  have  here  an  authentic  history. — Having 
therefore  so  firm  ground  for  our  confidence,  that  the  narrative  before  us  is  the  infallible  word  of  God  ; let  us  read  it  with  reverence 
and  attention,  and  we  shall  find  it  replete  with  most  important  instruction,  as  to  the  real  nature  and  effect  of  true  religion. 


B.  C.  1634. 

CHAPTER  I. 

The  names  of  Jacob's  sons,  t — 5.  The  death  of  that  generation,  and  the  vast 
increase  of  ’heir  posterity , 6,  7.  The  politic,  but  vain  attempts  of  the  king 
of  Egypt  to  check  their  increase , 8—14.  Jiis  cruel  orders  to  the  midwives , 
and  their  pious  disobedience  accepted  by  the  Lord , 15—21.  Pharaoh  com- 
mands his  subjects  to  destroy  the  male  infants , 22. 

NOW  “these  are  the  names  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  which  came  into  Egypt,  every  man 
and  his  household  came  with  Jacob. 

2  Reuben,  Simeon,  Levi,  and  Judah, 

3  Issachar,  Zebulun,  and  Benjamin, 

4  Dan,  and  Naphtali,  Gad,  and  Asher. 

5  And  all  the  souls  that  came  out  of  the  'loins 
a f Jacob,  were  bseventy  souls : for  Joseph  was  in 
Egypt  already. 

6  And  “Joseph  died,  and  all  his  brethren,  and 
all  that  generation. 

7  And  the  children  of  Israel  were  fruitful,  and 


a 6:14— 16.  Gen. 29:32-35.  30:1— 21.  35:18,23-26.  46:8— 26.  49:3-27.  1 Chr. 
2:1,2.  Rev.  7:4 — 8.  * I-Ieb.  thigh.  Gen.  46:26.  Judg. 8:30.  marg.  b Gen.  46: 
25,27.  Deut.  10:22.  c Gen.  50:26.  Acts  7:14—16.  d Gen.  1:20,28  . 9:1.  12:2.  13: 
16.  15:5.  17:16.  22:17.  26:4.  28:14.  35:11.  46:3.  Deut.  26:5.  e Ec.  2:18,19.  9: 


NOTES.— Chap.  I.  V.  5.  Notes , Gen.  46:27.  Acts  7:14. 

V.  7.  The  energetic  expressions  of  this  verse,  being  va- 
ried and  accumulated,  and  some  of  them  taken  from  the  im- 
mensely rapid  increase  of  insects,  and  of  fishes,  or  other 
aquatic  animals,  are  admirably  suited  to  excite  the  reader’s 
attention  to  the  unparalleled  multiplication  of  the  Israelites 
in  Egypt,  according  to  the  repeated  promises  of  God  to  their 
ancestors  ; and  also  to  show  that  they  were  as  remarkably 
strong  and  healthy.  It  is  computed,  that  the  number  of  the 
Israelites  was  doubled  every  fourteen  years,  from  the  going 
down  of  Jacob  and  his  family  into  Egypt,  until  the  Exodus 
Thus  their  multitude  and  power  became  so  great,  that  they 
became  very  formidable  to  the  Egyptians. 

V.  8.  This  must  have  been  some  years  after  Joseph’s 
death,  perhaps  not  less  than  sixty.  Whether  this  king  sprang 
from  another  family,  or  was  a descendant  of  Joseph’s  patron, 
is  not  certain  ; but  having  no  personal  knowledge  of  Joseph, 
he  had  no  regard  to  his  memory,  esteem  for  his  excellency, 
or  sense  of  the  benefits  which  Egypt  had  received  from  him  : 
and  therefore  he  preferred  his  own  supposed  political  in- 
terests to  the  claims  of  honour  and  gratitude,  after  the 
too  general  maxims  of  kings  and  rulers. 

V.  9,  10.  Pharaoh  took  occasion,  from  the  great  increase 
of  the  Israelites,  compared  with  that  of  the  Egyptians,  to  ex- 
cite suspicions  of  them  in  his  subjects,  and  thus  to  cover  his 
intentions  of  enslaving  them.  As  if  he  had  said,  4 In  order 
to  keep  them  under,  let  us  begin  without  delay,  or  they  will 
Decome  too  powerful.’ — For  when  he  afterwards  expressed 
his  apprehension  lest  they  should  14  get  them  up  out  of  the 


B.  C.  1 588. 

increased  abundantly,  and  multiplied,  and  waxed 
exceeding  mighty ; and  the  land  was  filled  with 

them.  [Practical  Observations.'] 

8 11  Now  there  arose  up  ea,  new  king  over 
Egypt,  which  knew  not  Joseph. 

9 And  he  said  unto  his  people,  Behold,  1 the 
people  of  the  children  of  Israel  are  more  and 
mightier  than  we. 

10  sCome  on,  let  us  deal  hwisely  with  them: 
lest  they  multiply,  and  it  come  to  pass,  that  when 
there  falleth  out  any  war,  they  join  also  unto  our 
enemies  and  fight  against  us,  and  so  get  them  up 
out  of  the  land.  • 

1 1 Therefore  they  did  set  over  them  task-masters, 
’to  afflict  them  Avith  their  kburdens.  And  they  built 
for  Pharaoh  treasure-cities,  Pithom  and  ‘Raamses. 

12  fBut  the  more  they  afflicted  them,  the  more 

15.  Ac.s  7:18.  fPs.  105:24,25.  Prov.l4:28.  g Pa.  10:2.  83:3,4.  Prov.  1:11. 
h Job  5:13.  Prov.  16:25.  21:30.  Acts  7:19.  1 Cor.  3:18— 20.  Jam.  3:15—18.  i 3: 
7.  Gen.  15:13.  Deut.  26:6.  k 2:11.  5:4,5.  Pa  81:6.  lGen. 47:11.  ) Heb  .And 
as  they  afflicted  them,  so  they  multiplied. 


land,”  ho  discovered,  that  he  feared  .nothing  but  missing  his 
opportunity  of  subjugating  them,  and  of  enriching  himself  by 
their  labours.— He  had  probably  heard,  that  the  Israelites 
sometimes  spokeof  an  approaching  season,  when  they  should 
leave  Egypt,  to  take  possession  of  their  promised  inheritance ; 
and  this  would  the  more  excite  his  fear  of  losing  such  a num- 
ber of  useful  subjects.- — There  are  several  intimations  tn 
Scripture,  that  the  Israelites  generally  conformed  to  the  ido- 
latry of  the  Egyptians,  for  which  they  were  thus  chastised 
by  {hem.  (Josh.  24:14.  Ez.  20:7,8.  23:8.) 

V.  11.  Various  labours  seem  to  have  been  exacted  of  the 
Israelites,  as  a kind  of  tax,  but  in  a degree  which  reduced 
them  to  slavery ; and  the  task-masters  were  Egyptians,  ap- 
pointed over  them  by  public  authority,  to  enforce  these  ini- 
quitous exactions. — By  this  policy  the  Egyptians  seem  to 
have  intended  not  only  to  enrich  themselves,  but  to  break  the 
spirits  of  the  Israelites,  that  they  might  not  affect  liberty,  or 
aspire  after  dominion  : and  also  to  prevent  their  too  rapid  in- 
crease, by  imbittering  domestic  life. — The  cities  which  they 
budded,  were  either  intended  (after  the  pattern  which  Joseph 
had  set  them)  for  granaries  to  lay  up  corn  in  store  against  a 
year  of  scarcity  ; or  they  were  fortified  places.  They,  were 
however  useful  works,  and  as  Israel’s  toil  saved  both  the  la- 
bour and  the  purses  of  the  Egyptians,  we  may  be  sure  these 
would  favour  the  oppression. 

V.  12.  It  exceedingly  chagrined  the  Egyptians  to  find 
their  schemes  prove  abortive ; and  excited  alarms  in  their 
minds,  lest  in  process  of  time  the  Israelites  should  resent  and 
revenge  the  inhuman  treatment  which  they  had  received 

( 111  ) 


8.  C.  1576.  EXODUS.  B.  C.  1573 


they  multiplied  and  crew.  And  they  were  ""grieved 
because  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

13  And  the  Egyptians  made  the  children  of 
Israel  to  serve  with  rigour. 

14  And  they  made  "their  lives  bitter  with 
hard  bondage,  °in  mortar,  and  in  brick,  and 
in  all  manner  of  service  in  the  field  ; all  their 
service  wherein  they  made  them  serve,  p was  with 
rigour. 

15  U And  the  king  of  Egypt  spake  to  the  He- 
brew midwives,  (of  which  the  name  of  one  was 
Shiphrah,  and  the  name  of  the  other  Puah  :) 

16  And  he  said,  When  ye  do  the  office  of  a 
midwife  to  the  Hebrew  women,  and  see  them  upon 
the  stools ; if  it  he  a son,  4then  ye  shall  kill  him, 
but  if  it  be  a daughter,  then  she  shall  live. 

17  But  the  midwives  "feared  God,  and  did  not 
as  the  king  of  Egypt  commanded  them,  but  saved 
the  men-children  alive. 

18  And  the  king  of  Egypt  called  for  the  mid- 
wives, and  said  unto  them,  sWhy  have  ye  done 

m Job  5:2.  Prov.27:4.  John  12:19.  Acts  4:2 — 4.  5:28 — 33.  n 2:23.  6:9.  Num. 
20:15.  Dent.  4:20.  Ruth  1:20.  ol's.  68:13.  Natl.  3:14.  p 13.  5:7—21.  Lev.  25: 
43,46,53.  Is.  14:6.  51:23.  52:5.  58:6.  Jer.  50:33,34.  Mic.  3:3.  q 22.  Rev.  12:4. 
r Gen.  20:11.  42:18.  Neh.  5:15.  Prov. 16:6.  Dan.  3:16— 18.  6:13.  Hoa.5:ll. 


Thus  Egypt’s  persecution  could  not  prevent  Israel’s  increase, 
but  Israel’s  increase  could  disturb  Egypt’s  comfort ; for  such 
is  the  warfare  between  the  Seed  of  the  woman  and  the  seed 
of  the  serpent. 

V.  14.  In  the  field.]  That  is,  in  cultivating  the  ground, 
digging  trenches  to  convey  the  waters  of  the  Nile,  carrying 
out  the  dung  to  manure  the  land,  and  other  mean  and  labo- 
rious services. — The  Egyptians  treated  the  Israelites  with 
rigour,  both  in  the  excess  of  their  labours,  and  the  severity  of 
their  punishments. — Many  have  supposed  that,  besides  the 
useful  works  here  mentioned,  the  Israelites  were  employed 
in  building  those  enormous  piles  called  the  pyramids,  which 
remain  to  this  day,  and  probably  will  continue  till  the  end  of 
the  world;  monuments,  not  so  much  of  the  greatness  and 
wisdom,  as  of  the  folly,  caprice,  exorbitant  power,  and  cruel 
tyranny,  of  the  monarchs  who  projected  them.  It  cannot  in- 
deed be  denied,  that  the  skill  by  which  they  were  planned 
equals  the  vastness  of  the  labour  with  which  they  were  com- 
pleted ; but  then,  it  is  evident  that  they  never  could  be  use- 
ful, in  any  degree  adequate  to  the  toil  and  expense  with 
which  they  were  erected.  The  supposition,  however,  is  en- 
tirely groundless : for  the  Israelites  were  employed  in  making 
bricks , while  it  is  well  known  that  the  pyramids  were  built  of 
hewn  stone. — But  whatever  were  the  works  in  which  the 
Israelites  were  compelled  to  serve,  the  Egyptians  could  give 
as  good  reasons  for  thus  cruelly  oppressing  them,  as  any  at 
this  day  can  urge  in  favour  of  the  detestable  slave-trade  : for 
all  the  arguments  adduced  on  the  subject,  when  fairly 
weighed,  mean  nothing  more  than  that,  without  this  oppres- 
sion, men  could  not  amass  so  large  estates,  nor  gratify  their 
sensual  appetites  with  such  refined  excess. 

V.  15 — 17.  These  midvvives,  who  feared  God,  seem  to 
have  been  Hebrew  women,  and  not  Egyptians,  appointed  to 
this  office,  as  some  have  conjectured. — Pharaoh  might  think 
that  he  could  awe  or  bribe  them  into  compliance,  even  to  so 
inhuman  and  treacherous  a conduct  towards  their  own  na- 
tion: for  princes  are  not  often  refused  in  such  cases.  We 
may  consider  these  two  as  the  chief  of  the  midwives,  whose 
conduct  would  influence  that  of  the  others ; for  there  must 
have  been  many  more. — Pharaoh  and  his  servants  did  not 
fear  female  slaves,  however  numerous,  but  accounted  them 
their  riches. 

V.  19.  Through  the  peculiar  blessing  of  God,  we  may 
suppose,  that  this  was  generally  the  case  ; yet  not  so  but  that 
the  midwives  might  have  had  many  opportunities  of  mur- 
dering the  infants,  had  they  been  so  disposed.— Provided  we 
do  not  speak  falsehood,  the  strictest  veracity  does  not  at  all 
times  require  us  to  speak  all  that  we  know,  though  our  silence 
should  lead  men  into  error;  provided  such  error  be  no  injury 
to  them,  or  to  others:  and  silence  must  still  more  evidently 
be  allowable,  when  it  prevents  the  commission  of  sin. — When, 
however,  a measure  of  infirmity  or  error  undesignedly  at- 
tends the  conduct  of  those  who  uprightly  fear  God,  and  aim 
to  do  his  will;  he  graciously  pardons  what  is  defective,  and 
recompenses  what  is  good:  lor  in  this  case  there  is  no  inten- 
tion of  “doing  evil  that  good  may  come.” 

V.  21.  God  rewarded  the  midwives,  for  their  concurrence 
in  the  ine'ease  and  prosperity  of  Israel,  by  the  increase  and 
prosperity  of  their  own  families. 

V.  22.  Probably  Pharaoh  proposed  considerable  rewards 
for  these  services. — Thus  the  land  would  be  filled  with  mer- 
cenary informers  and  murderers : numbers  of  infants  would 
doubtless  be  slain  in  the  arms  and  before  the  eyes  of  their 
distressed  and  almost  distracted  mothers ; and  had  not  he 
who  says  to  the  swelling  ocean,  “ Hitherto  shalt  thou  go  and 
no  further,”  undertaken  lor  the  increaso  of  Israel,  they  must 
have  been  desolated. — Pharaoh  at  this  time,  (as  Herod  did 
tong  after,)  proved  his  relation  to  that  great  dragon,  who 
( 112  ) 


this  thing,  and  have  saved  the  men-children 
alive  ? 

19  And  the  midwives  ‘said  unto  Pharaoh, 
Because  the  Hebrew  women  are  not  as  the  Egyp- 
tian women  : for  they  are  lively,  and  are  delivered 
ere  the  midwives  come  in  unto  them. 

20  Therefore  "God  dealt  well  with  the  midwives: 
and  the  people  multiplied  and  waxed  very  mighty. 

21  And  it  came  to  pass,  because  the  midvvives 
feared  God,  that  he  xmade  them  houses. 

22  And  Pharaoh  charged  all  his  people,  saying, 
yEvery  son  that  is  born  ye  shall  cast  into  the  river, 
and  every  daughter  ye  shall  save  alive. 

CHAPTER  II. 

Moses  is  born,  and  exposed  in  an  ark  among  the  flags,  li — 4.  He  is  found  by 
Pharaoh's  daughter , 5,  6 ; who  employs  his  own  mother  to  nurse  him , and 
brings  him  up  as  her  son,  7 — 10.  He  visits  his  brethren,  slays  an  Egyptian 
who  had  injured  one  of  them,  arid  flees  into  Midian,  11 — 15.  The  priest  of 
Midian  en'ertains  him , and  gives  him  his  daughter,  of  whom  Gershom  is 
bom , 16 — 22.  The  king  of  Egypt  dies , and  the  Lord  regards  the  cry  of  the 
Israelites,  23 — 25. 

AND  there  went  a man  aof  the  house  of  Levi, 
and  took  to  wife  a daughter  of  Levi. 

Mic.  6:16.  Matt.  10:28.  Acts  4:19.  5:29.  sEc.8:4.  tJosh.2:4.  2Sam. 17:19, 
20.  u I*b.  41:1,2.  Prov.  11:18.  Ec.  8:12.  Is.  3:10.  Heb.  6:10.  xlSam.2<35. 

2Sam.  7:11— 13,27— 29.  1 Kings  2:24.  11 :38.  Ps.  127:1.  y 7:19— 21.  AcU  7:19. 
Rev.  16:4— 6.  a6:16— 20.  Num.26:o9.  2Cbr.6:l— 3.  23:2—11. 


sought  to  destroy  the  man-child  as  soon  as  it  was  born. 
(Rev.  12:4.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 7.  The  very  titles  of  these  first  two  books  in  the 
Bible  remind  us,  that  the  history  of  man  is  little  more  than 
a narrative  of  his  beginning,  and  of  his  departure.  Thus 
one  generation  is  swept  away  after  another,  and  nothing  re- 
mains except  the  names  of  a very  few,  and  some  of  them 
covered  with  infamy!  Happy  they  whose  names  are  writ- 
ten in  the  book  of  life,  and  enrolled  the>e  as  true  Israelites 
and  heirs  of  Heaven ! — How  soon  may  the  sun  of  prosperity 
be  darkened  by  the  deepest  cloud  of  adversity,  and  the 
place  of  our  refuge  become  the  scene  of  our  misery  ! our 
best  friends  succeeded  by  enemies,  and  onr  best  services  re- 
paid with  ingratitude  ! We  should  therefore  trust  the  Lord 
alone : for  as  nothing  can  hasten  the  accomplishment  of  his 
purpose  before  the  appointed  time,  so  nothing  can  retard  it 
when  that  season  arrives. — For  the  space  of  above  two  hun- 
dred jears,  whije  Abraham,  Isaac,  Jacob,  and  their  families 
lived  at  liberty,  in  peace,  and  in  prosperity  and  affluence, 
they  only  increased  to  seventy  persons : but  afterwards,  in 
about  the  same  number  of  years,  under  galling  oppression 
and  cruel  bondage,  they  multiplied  into  a large  nation!  Nor 
did  their  most  rapid  increase  commence  till  after  the  death 
of  Joseph,  their  chief  friend;  for  God  will  secure  to  himself 
the  glory  of  fulfilling  his  own  promises.  Thus  was  the  Chris- 
tian church  more  especially  increased  after  the  death  of 
Jesus;  and  thus  hath  vital  religion,  in  all  ages,  most  prospered 
under  the  pressure  of  severe  persecutions.  By  this  the  Lord 
covers  his  enemies  with  confusion,  and  teaches  his  people 
“not  to  fear  them  who  kill  the  body,  and  after  that  have  no 
more  that  they  can  do.” 

V.  8 — 22.  It  is  an  old  practice  of  “ the  accuser  of  the 
brethren”  and  his  servants,  to  vindicate  their  cruel  treatment 
of  God’s  people,  by  aspersing  their  characters,  protending  to 
suspect  them  of  bad  designs,  or  averring  that  their  increase 
would  be  dangerous  to  the  state:  they  therefore  should  en- 
deavour, by  well-doing  and  patient  suffering,  to  confute  such 
calumnies,  and  prove  themselves  quiet  and  useful  members 
of  society.  But  though  we  may  suffer  unjustly  from  men, 
God  is  just  in  all  that  he  inflicts  upon  ns  by  their  hands:  and 
it  is  a singular  favour  to  be  kept  from  sinful  compliances,  or 
conformity  to  the  world,  even  by  severe  corrections. — The 
word  of  God  frequently  calls  that  deceit,  injustice,  cruelty, 
yea  folly,  which  men  account  acting  “ wisely ;”  for  such 
“wisdom  is  earthly,  sensual,  devilish,”  ami  such  politicians 
are  eventually  “taken  in  their  own  craftiness.” — There  is  no 
degree  of  treachery  and  inhumanity  to  which  the  spirit  of 
persecution  will  not  prompt  ; and  they  who  are  actuated  by 
it,  seldom  fail  of  finding  instruments  as  destitute  of  honour 
and  conscience  as  themselves.  But  if  they  meet  with  those 
who  truly  fear  God,  neither  bribes  nor  terrors  will  prevail 
upon  them  to  sin  against  him;  and  he  will  plead  their  cause, 
and  recompense  their  conscientious  disobedience  to  the  un- 
lawful commands  of  men. — But  as  we  see,  in  this  history, 
the  church  of  God  groaning  under  persecution,  so  we  may, 
by  viewing  the  object  in  another  light,  see  the  miserable  con- 
dition of  Satan’s  wretched  bond-slaves,  who  are  so  enslaved 
to  their  lusts  that  they  never  can  deliver  themselves,  how- 
ever miserable  or  affrighted,  until  the  Lord  sends  them  re- 
demption by  his  word  and  powerful  grace.  Nor  should  we 
hore  forget  that  this  enemy,  who  by  Pharaoh  aimed  to  de- 
stroy the  church  in  its  very  infancy,  is  equally  busy  to  stifle 
the  first  risings  of  serious  reflections  in  the  heart  of  man; 
and  thence  to  “take  away  the  seed  of  the  word,  lest  wo 
should  believe  and  bo  saved  ;”  and  lest  these  feeble  begin- 
nings should  increaso,  and  wo  grow  strong  enough  to  renounce 
his  service.  Let  them  therefore  who  would  escape,  “ tak* 


CHAPTER  II.. 


B.  C.  1533. 


B.  C.  1573. 

2 And  the  woman  conceived,  and  bare  a son: 

and  when  bshe  saw  him  that  lie  was  a goodly  child, 
she  hid  him  three  months.  % 

3 And  when  cshe  could  not  longer  hide  him,  she 
took  for  him  dan  ark  of  bulrushes,  and  daubed  it 
“with  slime  and  with  pitch,  and  put  the  child 
therein ; and  she  laid  it  in  the  flags  by  the  river’s 
tirink. 

4 And  fhis  sister  stood  afar  off,  to  wit  what 
would  be  done  to  him.  ^ 

5 And  the  daughter  of  Pharaoh  came  down  to 
wash  herself  at  the  river,  and  her  maidens  walked 
along  by  the  river’s  side : and  «when  she  saw  the 
ark  among  the  flags,  she  sent  her  maid  to  fetch  it. 

6 And  when  she  had  opened  it,  she  saw  the 
child  : and  behold  the  babe  wept.  And  hshe  had 
compassion  on  him,  and  said,  This  is  one  of  the 
the  Hebrews’  children. 

7 Then  said  his  sister  to  Pharaoh’s  daughter, 
Shall  I go,  and  call  to  thee  A nurse  of  the  Hebrew 
women,  that  she  may  nurse  the  child  for  thee  ? 

8 And  Pharaoh’s  daughter  said  unto  her,  'Go. 
And  the  maid  went  and  called  the  child’s  mother. 

9 And  Pharaoh’s  daughter  said  unto  her,  Take 

o Acls  7:20.  Heb.  11:23.  c 1 :22.  Malt.  2:13,16.  Acts  7: 19.  d Is.  18:2.  e Gen. 
6:14.  11:3.  14:10.  f 15:20.  Num.  12:1—15.  20:1.  26:59.  Mic.6:4.  g 1 Kings  17: 
6.  Ps.  46:1.  76:10.  Pruv.  21:1.  Jon.  1:17.  2:10.  h 1 Kings  8:50.  Neh.  1:11. 
Ps.  106:46.  Acts  7:21 . iPs. 27:10.  Is.  46:3,4.  Ez.  16:8.  k Gen.  48:5.  Acts 
7:21,22.  Gal. 4:5.  1 John  3: l . - That  is,  Drawn  ovt.  lGen.4:25.  16:11. 

more  earnest  heed  to  the  things  which  they  hear  be  afraid 
of  sinning  against  the  testimony  of  their  consciences ; and 
without  delay  cry  fervently  to  the  Lord  for  deliverance,  and 
continue  to  pray  with  persevering  constancy. 

NOTES. — Chap.  II.  V.  2.  Miriam,  Moses’s  sister, 
must  have  been  at  least  ten  years  older  than  he,  as  it  is  evi- 
dent from  the  history  in  this  chapter : and  Aaron  was  three 
yeais  older  than  Moses:  but  it  does  not  appear  that  his  pre- 
servation was  attended  with  any  peculiar  difficulty  ; and  from 
tiris  we  may  infer,  with  some  degree  of  probability  at  least, 
that  the  last  bloody  edict  was  not  then  enacted.  Aaron  was 
born  eighty-three  years  before  the  Exodus,  and  Joseph  died 
about  a hundred  and  forty-five  years  before  that  event : the 
edict  therefore  could  not  be  passed  less  than  sixty-two  years 
after  the  death  of  Joseph.  But  it  is  not  known  how  long 
that  prince,  “ who  knew  not  Joseph,”  had  reigned  before  the 
edict  was  made. — Moses  when  born  appeared  to  be  a goodly 
child  ; and  the  notice  taken  of  this  in  several  places,  indicates 
that  something  extraordinary  was  observed  in  him,  which 
was  considered  as  an  intimation  of  his  future  greatness. 
His  mother  therefore  hid  him  three  months,  which  the 
apostle  informs  us  was  done  in  faith.  (Heb.  11:23.)  Either 
she  had  some  peculiar  assurance  given  her  of  his  preserva- 
tion, or  believing  in  general  the  promises  of  deliverance  to 
Israel,  she  was  encouraged  to  conceal  her  infant,  in  depend- 
ence on  God,  though  perhaps  at  the  hazard  of  her  own  life. 

V.  3,  4.  It  is  probable  that  the  mother  of  Moses  had  re- 
ceived some  intimation  that  she  was  discovered,  and  expected 
that  the  executioners  would  come  and  murder  the  child  in 
the  house  before  her  eyes.  She  therefore  took  fer  him  an 
ark,  or  a small  basket,  formed  of  rushes,  and  made  water- 
proof by  being  coated  \vith  a kind  of  bitumen  and  pitch 
within  and  without.  (Note,  Is.  18:2.)  Expecting  some  pro- 
vidential interposition  in  his  behalf,  and  under  the  secret 
guidance  of  the  Lord,  she  placed  Moses  in  this  ark,  con- 
cealed it  among  the  flags  on  the  side  of  the  river,  and  set  his 
sister  to  watch  it.  This  expedient  did  not  seem  likely  to 
answer  for  any  time ; as  the  infant  must  at  length  have 
perished,  or  been  devoured  by  the  crocodiles  with  which  the 
Nile  abounds,  if  Pharaoh’s  servants  had  not  found  him.  But 
she  acted  in  faith,  and  the  Lord  answered  her  expectation. — 
Perhaps  she  intended  to  take  him  home  in  the  evening,  if 
nothing  had  intervened ; and  to  carry  him  out  again  in  the 
morning,  so  that  if  sought  after  he  might  not  be  found. 

V.  5 — 9.  Had  any  other  persons  found  the  exposed  infant, 
they  would  scarcely  have  dared  to  preserve  its  life,  even  if 
they  had  been  disposed  to  do  so : but  Pharaoh’s  daughter, 
with  her  attendants,  passing  near  that  part  of  the  river,  in 
going  to  some  convenient  place  for  bathing,  (which  was  cus- 
tomary, not  only  for  refreshment,  but  as  a religious  obser- 
vance,) she  discoversd  the  ark  and  sent  for  it.  The  beautiful 
babe  weeping  excited  her  compassion,  so  that  she  deter- 
mined to  bring  him  up  : and  when  his  sister,  (probably  after 
some  delay,  and  observing  that  the  company  was  at  a loss 
how  to  proceed,)  offered  to  fetch  a Hebrew  woman  to  nurse 
the  child,  she  was  sent  for  one : thus  his  own  mother  was 
employed  to  nurse  him,  and  well  rewarded  for  her  pains  ! — 
The  manner  in  which  the  great  Ruler  of  the  world  accom- 
plishes his  secret  purposes,  without  at  all  interfering  with  the 
free  agency  of  his  rational  creatures,  by  imperceptibly  lead- 
ing them,  in  following  their  own  inclinations  and  judgments, 
to  such  measures  as  coincide  with  his  plans,  is  very  observa- 
ble in  all  these  circumstances.' — With  what  admiring  joy  and 
eratitude  must  Moses’s  mother  have  engaged  in  her  delight- 
Vol.  I.— 15 


this  child  away  and  nurse  it  for  me,  and  I will  giv« 
thee  thy  wa^es.  And  the  woman  took  the  child 
and  nursed  it. 

10  And  the  child  grew,  and  she  brought  hin 
unto  Pharaoh’s  daughter,  kand  he  became  her  son 
And  she  called  his  name  'Moses:  and  she  said 
‘Because  I drew  him  out  of  the  water.  . 

f Practical  Observations.'] 

1 1 H And  it  came  to  pass  in  those  days,  i-b.  c 
when  "’Moses  was  grown,  that  he  went  out  L 1533 
unto  his  brethren,  and  looked  on  their  “burdens : 
and  he  spied  an  Egyptian  smiting  a Hebrew,  one 
of  Iris  brethren. 

12  And  “he  looked  this  way  and  that  way,  and 
when  he  saw  that  there  was  no  man,  he  slew  the 
Egyptian,  and  hid  him  in  the  sand. 

13  And  when  he  went  out  the  second  day,  be- 
hold, two  men  of  the  Hebrews  strove  together : 
Pand  he  said  to  him  that  did  the  wrong,  Wherefore 
smitest  thou  thy  fellow  ? 

14  And  he  said,  iWho  made  thee  *a  prince  and 
a judge  over  us  ? Intendest  thou  to  kill  me,  as  thou 
killedst  the  Egyptian  ? And  rMoses  feared,  and 
said,  Surely  this  thing  is  known. 


1 Sam.  1:20.  Mall.  1:21.  m A els  7:25.  Heb.  1 1 :24— 26.  n 1:11.  3:7.  5:9— 14. 
Is.  58:6.  Matt.  11:28.  Luke  4:18.  o Acts  7:24 — 26.  p 1 Cor.  6:7,8.  q Gen. 
19:9.  37:8—11,19,20.  Num.  16:3,13.  Ps.  2:2— 6.  Matt.  21:23.  Luke  12:14.  19: 
14,27.  Acts  7:26 — 28,35.  | Heb.  a man , a prince,  r Prov.  19:12.  29:25. 


ful  office!  And  how  must  she  have  adored  the  hand  of  God 
in  so  marvellously  answering,  and  far  exceeding,  her  believing 
expectations ! — A great  variety  of  traditions  are  handed 
down  to  us  concerning  these  events  : but  as  there  is  no  cer- 
tainty in  any  of  them,  and  they  are  neither  interesting  nor 
edifying,  they  may  very  properly  be  omitted.  The  narration, 
as  we  have  it,  is  beautifully  simple  and  concise. 

V.  10.  After  Moses  had  continued  a proper  time  with  his 
mother,  (from  whom  he  no  doubt  learned  whose  son  he  was, 
and  received  the  general  principles  of  true  religion,)  he  was 
educated  and  provided  for,  as  the  adopted  son  of  Pharaoh’s 
daughter.  Tradition  reports  that  she  was  Pharaoh’s  only 
child,  and  had  no  offspring  of  her  own,  and  that  Moses  was 
looked  upon  as  presumptive  heir  to  the  crown;  but  all  this  is 
very  doubtful. — AY e know  however  from  better  authority, 
that  w he  was  learned  in  all  the  wisdom  of  the  Egyptians,  and 
was  mighty  in  words  and  in  deeds.”  He  was  certainly  much 
trusted  and  employed  ; and  in  Egypt  he  acquired  those  ac- 
complishments, which  were  afterwards  requisite  for  him  in 
the  important  services  of  standing  before  Pharaoh  and  go- 
verning Israel. 

V.  11,  12.  ( Note , Heb.  11:24 — 26.)  During  forty  years 
Moses  seems  to  have  lived  as  an  Egyptian,  and  as  men  of 
high  rank  generally  do,  and  not  particularly  to  have  regarded 
his  oppressed  brethren  ; but  at  this  time  11  it  came  into  his 
heart  to  visit  them,”  under  a firm  persuasion  that  M God  by 
his  hand  would  deliver  them,”  and  supposing  they  would  thus 
understand  it.  He  likewise  deliberately  purposed  to  renounce 
the  honours,  wealth,  and  pleasures  of  his  rank  among  the 
Egyptians  ; to  cast  his  lot  among  Abraham’s  seed,  and  to 
participate  in  their  privileges,  especially  their  relation  to  the 
promised  Saviour;  for  the  sake  of  which  he  was  willing  to 
share  in  the  reproach  and  affliction  which  they  endured  as 
the  people  of  God.  We  suppose  that  his  mother  had  in- 
formed him  of  his  real  descent,  and  he  would  naturally  fee. 
an  attachment  to  his  people  ; but  he  was  now  made  a par- 
taker of  that  11  faith  which  overcomes  the  world ;”  and,  su- 
premely valuing  the  blessings  of  the  new  covenant  through 
the  Redeemer,  he  was  willing,  not  only  to  risk,  but  to  re- 
nounce  and  suffer  all  for  his  sake ; assured  that  Israel  was 
the  people  of  God,  and  that  the  promises  made  to  them 
would  certainly  be  accomplished.  He  therefore  went  out  to 
seek  an  opportunity  of  delivering  Israel : perhaps  he  intended 
openly  to  join  their  interests,  expecting  that  they  would  cor- 
dially welcome  him,  and  concur  with  him  in  suitable  mea- 
sures;  and  considering  himself  as  acting  under  a divine  com- 
mission, in  defence  of  the  oppressed,  he  took  an  opportunity 
of  executing  just  punishment  on  one  cruel  oppressor.  In 
this  he  seems  to  have  acted  rather  prematurely;  for  the 
spirits  of  the  Israelites  were  sunk,  their  dispositions  become 
servile,  and  faith  and  hope  were  almost  extinguished  among 
them. 

V.  13 — 15.  When  Moses  had  entered  on  the  execution 
of  his  design,  he  seems  to  have  intended  daily  to  proceed  in 
it : but  he  was  discouraged  by  finding  that  his  brethren,  in 
their  quarrels  with  each  other,  were  no  more  disposed  to 
submit  to  his  authority  or  award  than  the  Egyptians  were : 
and  discovering  that  his  conduct,  in  slaying  the  Egyptian, 
was  known,  he  was  aware  that  the  Egyptians  would  deeply 
resent  it.  Perceiving  also  that  the  Israelites  would  not 
stand  by  him,  and  learning  soon  after  that  the  king  sought  to 
slay  him,  his  faith  and  courage  failed  him,  and  he  too  hastily 
concluded  that  his  only  safety  lay  in  leaving  the  country  — 
Thus  the  deliverance  of  Israel  was  delayed  fb-ty  years,  be- 
7 113  ) 


B.  C.  1533.  EXODUS.  B.  C.  1J91 


15  Now  when  Pharaoh  heard  this  thing’,  he 
sought  to  slay  Moses.  But  Moses  "tied  l'rom  the 
ace  of  Pharaoh ; and  dwelt  in  the  land  of  ‘Midian; 

ad  he  usat  down  by  a well. 

16  Now  the  'priest  of  Midian  had  seven  daugh- 
tei  ■ : and  “they  came  and  drew  water,  and  filled 
the  -oughs  to  water  their  father’s  flock. 

17  And  Hhe  shepherds  came  and  drove  them 
away  : but  Moses  stood  up  and  helped  them,  and 
watered  their  flock. 

18  And  when  they  came  to  ‘Reuel  their  lather 
he  said,  How  is  it  that  ye  are  come  so  soon  to-day? 

19  And  they  said,  “An  Egyptian  delivered  us 
out  of  the  hand  of  the  shepherds,  band  also  drew 
water  enough  lor  us,  and  watered  the  flock. 

20  And  he  said  unto  his  daughters,  And  where 
is  he  ? Why  is  it  that  ye  have  left  the  man?  “Call 
him  that  he  may  eat  bread. 

21  And  Moses  was  dcontent  to  dwell  with  the 
man : and  he  gave  Moses  “Zipporah  his  daughter. 

22  And  she  bare  him  a son,  and  he  called  his 

t 4:19.  1 Kings  19:1—3,13,14.  Jer.  26:21—23.  Mali.  lu:23.  Acts  7:29.  t Geu.25: 
2,4.  u Gen. 24:11 . 29:2.  John  4:6.  * Or,  prince.  Gen.  14:18.  41:45.  nuirs. 

x Gen.  24:14— 20.  29:6—10.  lSam.9:ll.  y Gen.  21:25.  26:15— 22.  7.3:1.  4: 
18.  18:1 — 12.  Jethro.  Num.  10:29.  Hague/.  a Gen.  50:11.  b Gen.  29:10. 
c Gen.  24:31— 33.  29:13.  31:54.  43:2.5.  d 10.  Gen.  31 :38— 40.  Phil.  4:11 ,12. 
I Tim.  6:6.  Heb.  11:25.  13:5.  Jam.  1:10.  e 4:20— 25.  18:2— 6.  Num.  12:1.  f 10. 
18:3.  Acts  7:29.  Heb.  11:13.  g 7:7.  Acts  7;30.  h 4:19.  Matt.  2:19,20.  Acts  12: 


cause  they  rejected  their  deliverer.  In  the  mean  time  Egypt 
filled  up,  and  Canaan  was  filling  up,  the  measure  of  their 
iniquities;  the  Israelites  were  rapidly  increasing  ; and  Moses 
was  learning  to  endure  hardship,  to  exercise  faith,  patience, 
and  meekness  ; and  to  walk  wi.h  God  in  the  lowly  and  re- 
tired life  of  a shepherd. 

V.  16.  Priest.]  Or  prince.  (JMarg.)  Probably  Reuel 
(18)  was  prince  of  a small  district  upon  the  eastern  shore  of 
the  Red  Sea;  and,  still  retaining  among  his  people  some 
knowledge  of  the  true  God,  and  regard  to  his  worship,  he 
acted  also  as  a priest  over  them.  The  Midianites  were  the 
descendants  of  Abraham  by  Keturah.  {Gen.  25:2.) 

V.  17.  Perhaps  these  shepherds  were  the  servants  of  some 
other  neighbouring  person,  who  was  rich  in  flocks  and  herds. 
The  scarcity  of  water  in  those  hot  and  sandy  regions,  gave 
occasion  to  these  contentions. 

V.  21.  Content.]  This  was  a singular  example  of  one, 
brought  up  as  Moses  had  been,  submitting  cheerfully  to  so 
laborious  a business,  and  to  be  a servant  also  in  that  employ- 
ment. Yet  without  doubt  these  forty  years  were  the  hap- 
iestof  his  life. — The  events  of  a long  period  are  here  very 
riefly  touched  on. — Probably  Moses  had  lived  a considerable 
time  with  Reuel,  before  he  gave  him  his  daughter ; or  else  he 
was  long  married  before  Zipporah  had  any  children  ; for  after 
forty  years  one  of  his  sons  seems  to  have  been  very  young. 
(4:25.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  We  should  take  occasion,  from  reading  of  the 
cruel  scenes  which  these  Hebrew  parents  witnessed,  and 
the  bitter  sorrows  which  they  felt,  to  be  thankful  that  we  can 
bring  up  our  children  with  security  and  comfort.  Still  how- 
ever they  are  exposed  to  so  many  perils,  that  the  heart  of  a 
tender  parent  must  often  heave  with  anxious  sighs  about 
them:  except  as  enabled,  by  the  prayer  of  faith,  to  commit 
them  to  the  care  of  the  Almighty  ; and  to  use  all  means  for 
their  welfare,  temporal  and  spiritual,  in  dependence  upon  his 
providence  and  grace.  Then,  indeed,  we  are  prepared  for 
every  event:  for  if  the  Lord  have  any  service  for  them  to 
perform,  he  will  preserve  their  lives,  though  in  the  midst  of 
dangers ; and  surely  every  Christian  parent  would  rather  re- 
sign the  dearest  infant  to  death,  than  wish  it  to  live  wicked, 
mischievous,  and  miserable.  And  methinks  our  gracious 
God  says  to  the  believer,  when  presenting  his  infant-offspring 
to  him  in  baptism,  or  pouring  out  his  prayers  in  its  behalf: 
“ Take  home  this  child,  and  bring  it  up  for  me,  and  I will 
pay  thee  thy  wages.”  In  obedience  then  to  his  command, 
and  in  expectation  of  his  blessing,  let  us  bring  up  our  chil- 
dren “ in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord,”  and 
cheerfully  leave  the  event  with  him. — Even  among  the  blood- 
thirsty Egyptians,  we  meet  with  a beautiful  example  of  hu- 
manity, which  will  rise  up  in  judgment  against  numbers  who 
live  under  the  light  of  revelation,  and  are  called  Christians, 
but  who  are  so  far  from  compassionating  the  children  of 
others,  that  they  are  indolently  and  negligently  cruel  to  their 
own  offspring! — They  who  carefully  watch  the  conduct  of 
<3od’s  providence,  experience  many  signal  interpositions  in 
their  favour  which  excite  their  admiration  ami  gratitude, 
strengthen  their  faith,  and  encourage  their  hope  for  the 
future,  and  thus  well  recompense  their  attention.  They  fre- 
quently find  their  wants  supplied,  perhaps  even  from  their 
very  enemies,  and  their  sharpest  trials  end  most  comfort- 
ably: and  God  takes  care  in  his  providence  to  qualify  both 
them  and  theirs  for  whatever  service  or  situation  he  intends 
for  them.  For  he  very  often  furnishes  the  minds  of  those 
. whom  he  means  to  employ,  even  while  inattentive  to  reli- 
&un.  with  those  acquisitions  of  knowledge  which  afterwards 
• 114  I 


name  Gershom:  f for  lie  said,  I have  been  a 
stranger  in  a strange  land. 

23  And  it.  came  to  pass  «in  process  of  time,  tha 
''the  king  of  Egypt  died;  and  the  children  of  Is- 
rael 'sighed  by  reason  of  the  bondage,  and  they 
cried;  and  their  kcry  came  up  unto  God,  by  rea- 
son of  the  bondage. 

24  And  'God  heard  their  groaning,  and  God 
mremembered  his  covenant  with  Abraham,  with 
Isaac,  and  with  Jacob. 

25  And  God  "looked  upon  the  children  oflsrael, 
and  God  Thad  respect  unto  them. 

CHAPTER  III. 

Mn'-es  feeds  thejlock  of  Jethro , 1.  God  appears  to  him  in  a flame  of  fire  in  a 
bush  ; and  settle  him  to  deliver  Israel,  2 — 12.  Moses  inquire and  is  to/d , 
the  name  of  God , 13,  14.  He  is  instruclid  vlint  to  s eak  to  Israel,  and  tt 
Pharaoh,  whose  decided  opposition  is  foretold.  15 — 19;  and  is  assured  that 
at  last  the  people  shall  leave  Eg.ypt  greatly  enriched , 20 — 22. 

NOW  Moses  akept  the  Hock  of  Jethro  bhis  fa- 
ther-in-law, the  yriest  of  Midian : and  he  led 
the  flock  to  the  back  side  of  the  desert,  and  came 
to  Hhe  mountain  of  God,  even  to  dHoreb. 

23,24.  i Gen.  16:11.  Num.  20:16.  l ent.  26:7.  Pa.  12:5.  k 3:7— 9.  22:22— 27. 
Gen.  4:10.  18:20,21.  Peut.  24:15.  Is.  5:7.  Jam.  5:4.  1 6:5.  Judg.  2: 18.  Ps.  79: 
11.  102:20.  m Gen.  15:14— 18.  26:3.  46:4.  Neh.  9:8,9.  Ps.  105:8— 11,42.  106:45. 
Luke  1:72,73.  n 4:31.  1 Sam.  1:11.  2 Sam.  10:12.  Job  33:27.  J.uke  1:25. 
t Heb.  knew.  3:7.  Ps.  1:6.  Matt.  7:23.  a Ps.  78:70 — 72.  Arn.  1:1.7:14.  Matt. 
4:18,19.  Luke  2:8.  b2:16.  18:1—6.  Num.  10:29.  Judg.4:ll.  c5.  18:5.  19:3,11. 
1 Kings  19:8.  d 17:6.  Deut.  1:6.  4:10.  Ps.  106:19.  Mai.  4:4. 


prove  very  useful  in  fitting  them  for  the  services  to  which 
they  are  appointed ; but  which  they  would  neither  have  had 
leisure  nor  inclination  to  attain,  had  they  previously  minded 
M the  one  thing  needful.” 

V.  11 — 25.  How  powerful  a principle  is  true  failh  ! Kow 
it  overcomes  the  love  of  the  world  and  the  fear  of  the  cross, 
even  when  they  oppose  it  with  their  utmost  force  ! The 
favour  of  God,  an  interest  in  Christ,  and  an  inheritance 
among  his  people,  are  the  pre-eminent  objects  of  every  be- 
liever’s desire:  this,  joined  to  the  love  of  Christ  and  attach- 
ment to  his  cause,  prepares  him  for  making  every  requisite 
sacrifice ; and  that  faith  which  refuses  to  do  this  is  uot 
genuine. — But  they,  who  boldly  enter  upon  services  for  God, 
must  not  only  expect  fierce  opposition  from  his  avowed  ene- 
mies, but  great  discouragement  from  the  lukewarmness,  con- 
tempt, cowardice,  and  ingratitude  of  his  professed  servants. 
And  while  contentions  among  brethren  disgrace  and  weaken 
the  common  cause  of  religion,  he  that  would  M set  them  at 
one  again,”  however  gently,  must  expect  to  be  reproached, 
as  taking  too  much  upon  him : and  this  perhaps  by  both  par- 
ties, but  assuredly  by  the  party  which  is  most  in  the  wrong, 
and  which  is  always  the  most  impatient  of  control.  These 
disappointments,  however,  help  to  correct  the  forwardness 
and  self-sufficiency  of  hasty  zeal,  and  to  prepare  men  for  their 
work  in  its  due  season. — Bui  our  impatience  is  apt  to  inter- 
pret delays  as  denials;  to  yield  to  discouragement,  when  we 
should  only  be  humbled  ; ami  from  rash  impetuosity  to  sink 
into  unbelieving  negligence:  and  perhaps  it  requires  stronger 
faith  to  be  contented  in  obscurity  and  neglect,  cheerfully  to 
labour  without  any  prospect  of  applause,  and  patiently  to 
prepare  and  wait  for  future  opportunities  of  service,  without 
despondency,  than  to  face  danger,  outbrave  reproach,  and 
suffer  persecution  in  some  eminent  sphere  of  usefulness. — 
The  providence  of  God  will  find  a refuge,  and  raise  up  friends, 
for  his  people  ; communion  with  him  sweetens  every  solitude 
and  trial ; and  it  is  our  wisdom  to  inure  ourselves  to  self- 
denial,  that  we  may  be  fit  for  whatever  is  before  us. — To 
assist  the  weak  and  vindicate  the  oppressed,  to  show  kind- 
ness, and  use  hospitality,  and  requite  those  who  have  been 
serviceable  to  us,  are  always  becoming  ; nor  is  modest  dili- 
gence in  any  business  useful  or  lawful,  a disgrace  to  the 
daughters  either  of  a prince  or  a priest. — When  assistance 
appears  to  us  most  distant,  and  deliverance  most  improbable, 
they  are  often  near  at  band.  To  God  all  things  arc  easy, 
and  his  whole  plan  lies  before  him : he  remembers  his  holy 
covenant;  and,  for  the  purposes  of  his  own  glory,  he  will  ap- 
pear for  his  people,  notwithstanding  their  sins.  Even  theii 
groans,  extorted  by  oppression,  have  a share  of  his  compas- 
sionate attention;  and  in  the  darkest  night  of  affliction,  when 
they  begin  to  cry  to  him,  the  day  of  deliv  erance  will  speedily 
dawn. — Finally,  if  Satan’s  work  ceases  not,  for  want  of  a 
succession  of  instruments,  the  Lord,  in  answer  to  our  prayers, 
will  certainly  furnish  labourers  for  his  harvest,  in  all  ages, 
unto  the  end  of  the  world. 

NOTES. — Chap.  III.  V.  1.  Some  expositors  are  of 
opinion  that  Reuel,  or  Raguel , was  grandfather  to  Zip- 
porah, that  Jethro  was  her  father,  and  that  Hobab,  afier- 
wards  mentioned,  was  her  brotJier : others  suppose  that 
Reuel  was  her  father,  and  that  Jethro  was  her  brother,  and 
brother-in-law  to  Moses,  which  the  word  may  signify : bui 
the  Septuagint  use  the  names  Reuel  and  Jethro,  indiscri- 
minately, for  the  father-in-law  of  Moses.  (2:18.  Num.  10: 
29.) — Horeb  was  called  “the  mountain  of  God”  by  way  of 
anticipation  ; as  Moses  wrote  for  those  who  knew  it  by  that, 
title  after  the  law  had  there  been  given. — Sinai  and  Horo  I 
are  supposed  to  be  two  summits  of  a mountain,  which  had  the 


B.  C 1491. 


CHAPTER  III 


B.  C. 149 


2 And  the  'Angel  of  the  Lord  appeared  nnto 
him  in  a flame  of  fire  out  of  the  midst  of  a bush : 
and  he  looked,  and  behold,  the  bush  'burned  vvitli 
fire,  and  the  bush  was  not  consumed. 

3 And  Moses  said,  I will  now  turn  aside,  sand 
see  this  great  sight,  why  the  bush  is  not  burned. 

4 And  when  the  Lord  saw  that  he  turned  aside 
to  see,  God  called  unto  him  out  of  the  midst  of  the 
bush,  and  said,  hMoses,  Moses.  And  he  said,  Here 
am  I. 

5 And  he  said,  'Draw  not  nigh  hither : kput  off 
thy  shoes  from  off  thy  feet,  for  the  place  whereon 
thou  standest  is  holy  ground. 

6 Moreover  he  said,  *1  am  the  God  of  thy  father, 
the  God  of  Abraham,  the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the 
God  of  Jacob.  And  Moses  mhid  his  face  ; for  he 

WaS  afraid  to  look  upon  God.  [Practical  Observations.  1 

7 And  the  Lord  said,  "I  have  surely  seen  the 
affliction  of  my  people  which  are  in  Egypt,  and 
have  heard  their  cry,  by  reason  of  their  tasK-mas- 
ters  : for  I know  their  sorrows. 

8 And  °I  am  come  down  to  pfleliver  them  out 


e 4,6.  Gen.  16.7 — 13.  22:15,16. 18:16.  Deut.  33:16.  Is.  63:9.  Hos.  12:4,5.  Mal.3.1. 
Acls7:30—  35.  f Gen.  15:13— 17.  Deni. 4:2c.  Ps. 66:12.  Is.  43:2.  Dan. 3:27.  2Cor. 
1:6—10.  g Ps. 111:2— 4.Acts  7:31.  h Gen. 22:1, 11. 46:2.  1 Sam. 3:10.  Aas9:4.  10: 
3,13.  i 19:12,21.  I,ev.l0:3.  Heb.  12:20.  kGen.2S:16,17.  Josh. 5:15.  Ec.5:l.  Acts 
7:33.1  15.,ien.  17:7.8.  26:13.  I Kings  18:36.  Mou. 22:32.  Acts7:32.  m Gen. 17:3. 
1 Kings  19: 13.  Job 42:5,6.  ls.6.1 — S.  Unn. 10:7,8.  Matt.  17:6.  Heb.  12:21.  Rev.  1: 
17.  n 2:25.  Gen. 29:32.  1 Sam.  9: 16.  Ps.  105:44.  Is.  63:9.  Heb.  4:15.  oGen.  11:5. 
18:21.  Po.  16:9.  Is. 64:1.  John 3:13.  6:38.  p 6:6— 8.  Gen.  15:14  . 50:24.  ql3:5.33: 


same  base.  It  was  situated  in  the  interior  parts  of  the  desert, 
at  some  considerable  distance  from  Jethro’s  habitation ; and 
probably  Moses  led  the  dock  thither  for  better  pasturage. 
* Moses  was  taken  from  the  sheepfold,  (as  David  in  after 
times,)  to  be  ruler  of  God’s  people:  “for  as  hunting  of  wild 
beasts,”  says  Philo,  “ is  proper  to  men  of  a martial  genius, 
and  fits  men  to  be  captains  and  generals  of  armies,  so  the 
feeding  of  sheep  is  the  best  exercise  and  preparation  for  a 
kingdom,  and  the  gentle  government  of  mankind.”  ’ Bp. 
Patrick. — These  governors  were  also  types  of  the  “Good 
Shepherd  who  laid  down  his  life  for  the  sheep.” 

V.  2.  This  Angel  is  afterwards  called  Jehovah,  and 
( '^d,  (4,  6.) — “God  called  to  him  out  of  the  midst  of  the 

1 <h  and  he  said,  “ I am  that  I am.”  With  what  pro- 
p.ietjr  can  this  language  be  used,  in  a revelation  expressly 
intended  to  instruct  men  in  the  knowledge  and  worship  of  the 
true  God,  and  to  withdraw  them  from  idolatry  of  every  kind, 
if  we  do  not  allow  the  doctrine  of  the  coequality  and  deity  of 
the  Son  of  God,  and  that  he  i$  the  Speaker  in  this  place? — 
Fire  is  a scriptural  emblem  of  the  divine  holiness  and  justice  ; 
of  that  vengeance  which,  in  his  righteous  indignation,  God 

indicts  on  sinners ; of  the  afflictions  and  trials  by  which  he 
proves  and  purifies  his  people,  whether  immediately,  or  by 
instruments  ; and  even  of  that  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  by 
which  the  dross  of  sinful  affections  is  consumed,  and  the  soul 
transformed  into  its  own  nature  and  image.  ( Note , Matt. 

3 11,12.) — This  fire  was  seen  in  a bush,  not  in  a cedar.  A 
bramble  or  thorn-bush  is  prickly,  and  of  little  use  except  for 
fuel,  but  easily  and  speedily  burned ; yet  the  bush  was  not 
consumed.  The  ertiblem  was  primarily  intended  to  describe 
the  state  of  Israel  in  Egypt  5 their  meanness  and  unworthi- 
ness, their  extreme  distress,  and  their  marvellous  preserva- 
tion by  the  power  and  presence  of  God : but  Israel  was  in  this 
a type  of  the  Church,  exposed  to  persecution;  and  of  a be- 
liever, grievously  harassed  by  temptations  and  afflictions.  It 
has  also  been  thought,  that  the  fire  in  the  bush  represented 
the  manner  in  which  the  law  would  be  given  from  the  ad- 
jacent mountain ; the  nature  of  that  law  as  given  to  sinners; 
and  the  deliverance  of  the  people  from  the  destruction  to 
which  they  were  thus  exposed. — The  name  Sinai  seems  de- 
rived from  the  word  (ruo)  rendered  a hash , either  with  re- 
ference to  this  bush,  or  to  the  bushes  which  grew  upon  it. 

V.  4,  5.  No  appearance  of  the  Lord  is  recorded  since 
Jacob’s  descent  into  Egypt,  above  two  hundred  years  before; 
and  Moses,  when  addressed  by  name,  must  have  been  as 
much  surprised  by  what  he  heard,  as  by  what  he  saw. — He 
might  reverently  at  a distance  contemplate  the  object  before 
mm,  for  his  instruction  and  encouragement ; but  he  must  not 
presume  to  gratify  his  curiosity,  by  a ne’arer  approach,  or 
by  particular  examination.  He  was  also  directed  to  put  off 
nis  shoes,  as  an  external  token  of  humble  reverence ; for  the 
spot  became  holy  ground  by  this  vision  of  the  Almighty,  and 
should  thus  be  regarded  by  him.  Probably,  this  was,  at.  that 
time  and  in  those  countries,  a customary  expression  of  re- 
verence and  veneration,  (JVote , Josh.  5:13 — 15.) — It  is  sup- 
posed by  many  learned  men,  that  the  priests  officiated  bare- 
foot in  the  tabernacle  and  temple : but  we  meet  with  no  ex- 
press command  enjoining  it. 

V.  6.  Jehovah  was  the  God  of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Ja- 
cob, being  the  Object  of  their  worship,  confidence,  love,  and 
obedience ; and  their  Salvation,  Portion,  and  everlasting  Fe- 
licity in  body  and  soul.  But  this  declaration  was  intended  to 
remind  the  Israelites  of  the  promises  made  to  their  fathers, 
especially  with  reference  to  the  land  of  Canaan:  for  Jeho- 


of  the  hand  of  the  Egyptians,  and  to  bring  them 
up  out  of  that  land,  "tunt  > a good  land,  and  a large, 
nnto  a land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey;  unto 
the  place  of  the  rCanaanites,  and  the  Hittites,  and 
the  Amorites,  and  the  Perizzites,  and  the  Hivites 
and  the  Jebusites. 

9 Now  therefore  behold,  the  cry  of  the  children 
of  Israel  is  come  unto  me ; sand  I have  also  seen  the 
oppression  wherewith  the  Egyptians  oppress  them. 

10  Come  now  therefore, *  l * 3and  I will  send  thee 
unto  Pharaoh,  that  thou  mayest  bring  forth  my 
people  the  children  of  Israel  out  of  Egypt. 

11  And  Moses  said  unto  God,  “Who  am  I,  that 
I should  go  unto  Pharaoh,  and  that  I should  bring 
forth  the  children  of  Israel  out  of  Egypt? 

12  And  he  said,  ’Certainly  I will  be  with  thee ; 
and  this  shall  be  a "token  unto  thee,  that  I have 
sent  thee ; when  thou  hast  brought  forth  the  peo- 
ple out  of  Egypt,  Jye  shall  serve  God  upon  this 

mountain.  [Practical  Observations .] 

13  ^ And  Moses  said  unto  God,  Behold,  when  I 
come  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and  shall  say  unto 


2,3.  Gen.  15:18.  Nmn.  13:27.  14:7,8.  Deut.  1:7,25.  8:7—9.  11:9.  26:9—15.  Nth.  9: 
25.  Jer.  11:5.  32:22.  Ez.20:6.  r Gen.  15:18 — 21.  Deut.  7:1.  Josh. 9:1.  Neh.9:8, 
s 7.  Prov.  22:22,23.  Ec.4:l.  5:8.  Jer.  50:33,34.  Am. 4 :1 . Mic. 2:1— 3.  tPs.  103:6,7. 
105:26.  Mic.  6:4.  Acts  7.35.  u 4:13.  6:12.  1 Sam.  18:18.  Is.  6:5— 8.  Jer.  1:6. 
Ads  7:23—25.  v 4:12,15.  Deut.  31:23'.  Josh.  1:5.  Is.  41:10.  43:2.  Matt.  28:20. 
Mark  16:20.  Ads  11:21.  Rom.  8:31.  x Is.  7:14.  37:30.  Jer.  43:9,10.  51:63,64. 
y 19:1, &c. 


vah  was  the  God  of  Israel,  as  a nation;  and  not  the  God  of 
the  Ishmaelites  and  Midianites,  though  descended  from  Abra- 
ham, or  of  the  Edomites,  though  descended  from  Isaac. 
Amram,  Moses’s  father,  is  also  supposed  to  be  personally 
included,  as  a believing  descendant  of  Abraham. 

V.  7.  “ I have  surely  seen,”  or,  “ Seeing  I have  seen,” 

(that  is,  with  attention  and  compassion,)  “the  afflictions  of 
my  people.” — Notwithstanding  the  ignorance,  idolatry,  and 
wickedness  of  the  Israelites,  the  Lord  acknowledged  them 
as  his  people,  because  of  their  relation  to  Abraham,  because 
they  constituted  the  visible  Church,  and  because  there  was 
a remnant  of  true  believers  among  them. — The  severity  of  the 
task-masters  extorted  their  bitter  cries,  which  in  most  of  them 
were  merely  the  expression  of  distress,  not  of  faith  ; tho 
prayer  of  nature,  not  of  grace  : yet  the  Lord  noticed  and 
pitied  their  sorrows.  Perhaps  they  almost  universally  de- 
spaired of  deliverance  ; and  Moses,  having  been  forty  years  a 
shepherd,  probably  expected  and  desired  nothing  more  than 
to  live  and  die  in  that  situation,  and  had  given  up  all  thoughts 
of  delivering  Israel : yet  then  the  very  time  was  come. 

V.  8.  Come  down.]  This  was  spoken  after  the  manner 
of  men,  and  expressed  with  energy  the  intent  of  Jehovah’s 
appearance  to  Moses.  ( Marg . Ref.  o.) 

V.  11.  Moses  had  before  deemed  himself  in  a measure 
competent  to  this  service,  which  he  had  some  intimations  that 
he  was  to  perform  ; and  he  set  about  it  probably  with  undue 
haste,  and  not  without  some  improper  dependence  on  his 
rank,  influence,  and  reputation  among  the  Egyptians  ; but 
now,  when  he  was  unspeakably  better  qualified  with  heavenly 
wisdom,  experience,  patience,  meekness,  steadfastness,  hu- 
mility, and  piety  ; and  was,  without  competition,  the  most, 
proper  person  on  earth  for  it,  he  was  also  become  conscious 
of  his  insufficiency  ! This  was  in  a great  measure  the  effect 
of  increasing  knowledge  of  God  and  of  himself : but  there 
was  also  a deep  sense  of  the  vast  difficulty  of  the  business, 
not  without  some  culpable  fear  of  Pharaoh  and  the  Egyptians, 
and  of  comtempt  and  opposition  from  Israel.  Before,  self- 
confidence  mingled  with,  and  assumed  the  appearance  of, 
strong  faith  and  great  zeal : but  now,  some  degree  of  sinful 
distrust  of  God  was  associated  with  deep  humility  ; and  in- 
duced him  timidly  to  shift,  as  well  as  humbly  to  decline,  the 
important  service. — So  very  defective  are  the  strongest 
graces,  and  the  best  duties,  of  the  most  eminent  saints  ! 

V.  12.  Certainly  J,  &c.]  All  objections,  expressed  or  im- 
plied, were  thus  answered  at  once;  ‘As  I send  thee,  I will 
certainly  go  with  thee  : and  then  all  thy  insufficiency,  and  all 
possible  difficulties,  can  form  no  hinderance  at  all.’  (iVote, 
Matt . 2S:1 9,20. ) — The  token  annexed  was  made  not  to  sense, 
but  to  faith  ; and  therefore  the  sign  was  consequent  to  the  event 
confirmed  by  it  : as  if  God  had  said,  4 1 promise  to  meet  thee 
and  Israel  at  this  mountain : this  promise  is  thy  assurance  o 
success  : depend  on  my  power  and  faithfulness,  and  go  fetch 
them  forth,  nothing  doubting.’  (Marg.  Ref.) — It  was  also  a 
private  token  to  Moses,'  and  not  intended  as  a sign  to  Israel 
or  to  Pharaoh. 

V.  13.  Moses  had  seen  enough  in  Egypt,  forty  yoars  be- 
fore, to  convince  him  of  his  people’s  ignorance  and  ungodli- 
ness ; and  he  was  not  sanguine  in  his  expectations  of  finding 
them  more  favourably  disposed  towards  him,  than  they  had 
been.  He  was  therefore  afraid  that  they  would  scarcely  un- 
derstand, much  less  believe  him,  when  he  spake  to  them  of 
“ the  God  of  their  fathers.”  He  had  before  Deen  scornfully 
asked,  “Who  made  thee  a ruler  and  a judge  over  us?”  and 
he  was  not  prepared  to  answer  the  question:  therefore  he 

( U5  ) 


B.  C.  1491. 


EXODUS 


B.  C.  149 


them,  The  God  of  your  fathers  hath  sent  me  unto 
you  ; and  they  shall  say  to  me,  'What  is  his  name  ? 
what  shall  I say  unto  them  ? 

14  And  God  said  unto  Moses,  I AM  THAT  I 
AM  : And  he  said,  Thus  shalt  thou  say  unto  the 
children  of  Israel,  11 1 AM  hath  sent  me  unto  you. 

15  And  God  said  moreover  unto  Moses,  Thus 
shalt  thou  say  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  bThe 
Loan  God  of  y«ur  fathers,  the  God  of  Abraham, 
the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob,  hath  sent 
me  unto  you  : 'this  is  my  name  for  ever,  and  this 
is  my  dmemorial  unto  all  generations. 

16  Go  and  gather  the  'elders  of  Israel  together, 
and  say  unto  them,  The  Lord  God  of  your  fathers, 
the  God  of  Abraham,  of  Isaac,  and  of  Jacob,  ap- 
peared unto  me,  saying,  I have  surely  fvisited  you, 
and  seen  that  which  is  done  to  you  in  Egypt. 

17  And  I have  said,  si  will  brin^-  you  up  out  of 
the  affliction  of  Egypt,  hunto  the  land  of  the  Ca- 
naanites,  and  the  Hittites,  and  the  Amorites,  and 
the  Perizzites,  and  the  Hivites,  and  the  Jebusites, 
unto  a land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey. 

z 14.  15:3.  Gen.  32:29.  Jndg.  13:6,17.  Prov.  30:4.  1b.  7:14.  9:6.  Jer.  23:6. 
Malt.  1:21,23.  a 6:3.  Ps.  68:4.  80:2.  Is.  44:6.  Matt.  18:2).  23:20.  John 
8:58.  Heb.  13:8.  Rev.  1:4,8,17.  b 6.  4:5.  Gen.  17:7,8.  Deut.  1:11,35.  4:1. 
3 Chr.  28:9.  Matt.  22:32.  Acts  7:32.  cPs.  135:13.  il  Ps.  102:12.  Hos.  12:5. 
t 4:29.  18:12.  24:11.  Gen.  50:7.  Malt.  26:3.  Acts  11:30.  20:17.  1 Pet.  5:1.  f 4: 
31.  Gen.  21:1.  50:24.  Luke  1:68.  19:44.  ris  15:14.  1 Pet.  2:12.  g Gen.  15:13— 
21.46:4.  h See  an  8.  i 4:31.  2 Chr.  30:12.  Ps.  110:3.  k S:1 — 3.  17:16.9:1, 


desired  at  this  time  to  have  fuller  instructions  and  better  au- 
thenticated credentials.  The  patriarchs  had  received  re- 
velations from  God  ; but  Moses  seems  to  have  been  the  first, 
after  the  deluge,  who  was  expressly  sent  to  speak  to  others 
in  his  name. 

V.  14.  I AM  THAT  I AM,  (or,  I WILL  BE  THAT  I WILL 
be,)  signifies,  I am  he  that  exists ; and  implies  self-existence, 
independence,  unchangeableness,  incomprehensibility,  eter- 
nity, and  consummate  perfection.  “ I am,  and  there  is  none 
else  beside  me.”  All  else  have  their  being  from  God,  and 
are  entirely  dependent  on  him. — There  is  a majestic  simpli- 
city and  an  expressive  dignity  in  this  language,  which  dis- 
graces beneath  contempt  the  high-sounding,  pompous  titles, 
which  (Mortals  have  been  proud  to  arrogate  to  themselves. — 
Jehovah,  (aname  of  similar  signification,)  thus  distinguished 
himself  from  the  idols  of  the  nations,  which  are  nothing  in 
the  world  ; and  from  all  creatures,  which  have  only  a derived, 
dependent,  mutable,  existence  in  him  and  from  him.  Thus 
he  proposed  himself  as  the  only  Object  of  his  people’s  wor- 
ship, the  sure  Foundation  of  their  hopes,  and  the  all-sufficient 
Fountain  of  their  felicity.  I am  that  I am.  Not  I was,' 
but  I am,  and  will  he.  With  him  the  past,  the  present,  and 
the  future  are  all  one,  as  alike  open  to  the  view  of  his  omni- 
science.— Let  us  not  here  forget  him  whom  the  apostle  de- 
clares to  be  “ The  same  yesterday,  to-day  and  for  ever 
whom  another  apostle  introduces  saying,  “ I am  Alpha  and 
Omega,  the  first  and  the  last;”  and  who,  dwelling  in  human 
flesh,  said,  with  a noble  disregard  to  the  rules  of  human  lan- 
guage, “ Before  Abraham  was  I am.”  This  evident  assump- 
tion of  the  title,  1 am  that  I am,  the  unbelieving  Jews  at 
that  day  fully  understood,  and  for  it  attempted  to  stone  him  ; 
though  modern  unbelievers  cannot  or  will  not  perceive  it  1 
There  is  no  doubt,  however,  but  the  Speaker  is  the  same  in 
both  places;  for  “no  man  hath  seen  God  at  any  time;  the 
only-begotten  Son,  who  is  in  the  bosom  of  the  Father,  he 
hath  declared  him." — When  the  Lord  subjoined  “ I am,”  or 
he  that  exists,  (6  Siv,  Sept.)  “ hath  sent  me  unto  you,” 
it  was  intended  to  give  authority  to  the  message,  and  to  en- 
sure the  accomplishment  of  his  purpose  by  bis  incompre- 
hensible power  and  perfection. 

V.  15.  The  title  of  Jehovah,  the  God  of  Abraham,  &c. 
would  remind  the  Israelites  of  his  relations  and  engagements 
to  them,  as  the  descendants  of  these  illustrious  patriarchs. — 
The  Lord  had  before  declared  his  name,  as  signifying  eternal 
self-existence;  and  he  here  adds  liis  covenant-relation  to  the 
seed  of  Abraham,  as  the  perpetual  memorial  of  his  former 
mercies,  and  security  of  future  blessings  to  his  Church.  The 
title  “ The  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,”  is 
the  same  to  us,  under  the  Christian  dispensation,  as  the 
Name  here  expressed  was  to  Israel. 

V.  18.  Such  a willingness  to  be  delivered,  as  would  in- 
duce the  Israelites  to  use  the  means,  encounter  the  difficul- 
ties, and  face  the  dangers,  requisite  for  that  purpose,  was  so 
contrary  to  their  dispirited  and  desponding  frame  of  mind, 
that  il  could  only  be  effected  by  the  powerful  influence  of  God 
upon  their  hearts  : but  he  here  engaged  to  Moses,  that  he 
would  thus  prepare  Ihem  in  due  time  to  concur  decidedly  in 
his  efforts  for  their  deliverance. — The  Elders  seem  to  have 
been  the  more  aged  and  distinguished  persons  in  the  several 
tribes  and  families ; but  it  does  not  appear  that  they  were 
invested  wilh  any  authority. 

V.  19, 20.  The  Lord,  when  he  engaged  for  Israel’s  willing- 
ness, warned  Moses  of  Pharaoh’s  obstinate  and  final  unwil- 
lingness, that  he  might  know  what  to  expect. — Pharaoh 
-eluctantly  consented,  when  under  the  terror  of  imminent 
( 116  ) 


18  And  ‘they  shall  hearken  to  thy  voice:  kana 
thou  shalt  come,  thou  and  the  elders  of  Israel,  unto 
the  king-  of  Egypt,  and  ye  shall  say  unto  him,  ‘The 
Lord  God  of  the  Hebrews  hath  mmet  with  us  : 
and  now  let  us  go,  we  beseech  thee,  “three  days* 
journey  into  the  wilderness,  °that  we  may  sacri- 
fice to  the  Lord  our  God. 

19  And  I am  sure  that  the  king  of  Effypt  will 
not  let  you  go,  ‘no,  not  by  a mighty  hand. 

20  And  I will  Pstretch  out  my  hand,  and  <ismite 
Egypt  with  all  my  wonders  which  1 will  do  in 
the  midst  thereof : and  rafter  that  he  will  let 
you  go. 

21  And  I swi!l  give  this  people  favour  in  the 
sight  of  the  Egyptians : and  it  shall  come  to  pass, 
that  when  ye  go,  ye  shall  not  go  empty. 

22  But  levery  woman  shall  borrow  of  her  neigh- 
bour, and  of  her  that  sojourneth  in  her  house, 
jewels  of  silver,  and  jewels  of  gold,  and  raiment: 
and  ye  shall  put  them  upon  your  sons,  and  upon 
your  daughters;  and  ye  shall  “spoil  Uhe  Egyp- 
tians. 


13.10:3.  m 4:24.  5:3.  Nnm.  23:3,4,15,16.  Is.  64:5.  n 8:27.  o 12.  7:16.  8:25— 
28.  10:24—26.  *Or,  but  bu  a slroru  hand.  6. 1.  Pa.  136:11,12.  Is. 63:12.  p 6:6. 
7:5.  9:15.  Ez.  20:33.  q7:'3.  11:9.  Deut.  4:34  . 6:22.  Neh.  9:10.  Pd.  105:27.106: 
22.  135:8,9.  Is.  19:22.  Jer.  32:20,21.  Acts  7:36.  r 11:8.  12:31,39.  s 11:3.  12: 
36.  Gen.  39:21.  Neh.  1:11.  I s.  106:46.  Prov.  16:7.  Acts  7:10.  t 11:2.  12:35. 
Gen.  15:14.  u Job  27:16,17.  Prov.  13:22.  Is.  33:1.  Ez.  39:10.  f Or,  Egypt. 


destruction  ; but  he  retracted  that  consent,  and  perished  in 
opposing  Israel’s  departure. 

V.  21,22.  The  circumstances  in  which  the  Egyptians 
were  placed,  were  overruled  to  induce  multitudes  of  them  to 
favour  Israel ; while  others  were  hardened  to  their  destruction. 
The  Israelites  were  directed  to  borrow , or  rather  to  ask , 
of  the  Egyptians,  their  richest  furniture  and  ornaments  : and 
he  who  is  the  great  Proprietor  of  all  tilings,  and  giveth  to  all 
men  as  he  pleases,  seeing  the  Egypiians  enriched  by  op- 
pressing the  Israelites,  thus  constrained  them  to  refund,  and 
to  pay  them  the  wages  which  their  labour  justly  deserved. 
(NoteSy  1 1:2,3.  12:35,36.  Gen.  31:10 — 16.) — The  word  bor» 
row  suggests  the  idea  of  fraud  in  the  transaction;  which  the 
original  word  does  not  imply.  It  means  to  asky  whether  as  a 
gift  or  a loan. — A great  part  of  this  gold  and  silver  was  after- 
wards used  in  building  and  furnishing  the  tabernacle. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 6.  When  the  Lord  exercises  the  faith  and  patience 
of  his  servants,  the)'  should  rest  assured  that  he  acts  in  wis- 
dom, faithfulness,  and  mercy  ; and  that  when  the  best  time  is 
come, their  expectation  shall  bh  abundantly  answered : but  such 
is  the  human  heart,  that  the  best  of  men  generally  need  prepa- 
ring, by  a long  course  of  humiliating  discipline,  for  behaving, 
when  greatly  prospered,  in  a manner  honourable  to  God  and 
religion.  It  is  therefore  41  good  that  a man  should  both  hope, 
and  quietly  wait  for  the  salvation  of  the  Lord.”  But  quiet- 
ness and  patience  must  be  distinguished  from  indolence : for 
the  Lord  always  requires  his  servants  to  be  employed,  and 
meets  them  at  their  employments  ; and  the  meanest  honest 
labour  is  more  reputable  to  the  greatest  characters,  than 
inactivity. — The  discoveries  of  himself,  which  God  vouch- 
safes us  in  his  holy  word  and  in  his  works,  should  be  re- 
garded with  reverent  attention,  at  an  equal  distance  from 
contemptous  indifference,  and  bold  curiosity. — Whatever 
stands  in  relation  to  God  is  consecrated  and  made  holy ; and 
though  “bodily  exercise  profiteth  little,”  yet  it  is  proper  to 
express  our  inward  reverence  and  adoration  by  such  external 
tokens  as  are  customary  and  significant.  A decent  exterior 
behaviour  indeed  may  be  hypocritical;  but  the  neglect  of  it 
betrays  a heart  not  properly  impressed  with  awe  of  the 
majesty  and  purity  of  God,  nor  suitably  humbled  under  the 
sense  of  its  own  meanness  and  unworthiness:  and  the  con- 
descending kindness  of  the  Lord  should  not  abate,  but  in- 
crease this  holy  awe. — In  accommodation  to  our  infirmities, 
God  very  graciously  condescends  to  address  our  senses,  as 
well  as  understandings:  and  by  the  burning  bttsh  he  teaches 
us  many  useful  lessons.  We  need  not  tremble  fv>r  the  Church 
of  God  in  its  lowest  estate,  though  it  appear  contemptible  to 
the  carnal  eye,  and  seem  ready  to  be  consumed  by  the 
flames  of  persecution  ; for  the  Lord  is  in  the  hush,  and  it 
cannot  be  injured.  Never  was  bush  so  honourable  as  that 
in  which  Jehovah  dwelt,  though  it  was  on  fire:  and  since 
the  Son  of  God  dwelt  in  frail  human  nature,  and  passed 
through  the  hottest  fire  of  Satan’s  temptations,  of  the  world’s 
hatred,  and  of  the  wrath  of  God  for  our  sins  ; we  need  not 
be  apprehensive  about  any  poor  burning  bush,  in  which  Je- 
hovah dwells. — This  is  the  privilege  and  security  of  every 
true  Christian,  with  whom,  when  afflicted  and  tempted,  wo 
should  sympathize ; but  we  ijeed  not  he  anxious  about  the 
event. — While  men  are  strengthened  to  maintain  the  conflict, 
and  to  persevere  in  the  patli  of  duty,  they  air  not  deserted 
by  God,  whatever  their  fears  or  feelings  may  bo  ; nor  can 
the  fire,  however  hot,  consume  any  thing  but  the  dross  of 
remaining  sinful  inclinations. — But  let  the  mere  professor  of 
the  gospel  tremble,  even  when  exempt  from  temptation,  oppo* 


B.  C.  1491 


CHAPTER  IY. 


B.  C 1491 


CHAPTER  IV. 

The  Lord  assures  Moses  of  his  effectual  assistance , by  miraculous  signs  and 
giacious  promises , I — 12  j and  is  angry  at  his  backwardness  to  the  service  ; 
yet  appoints  Aaron  to  assist  him,  13 — 17.  Moses  leaves  Jethro , and  sets  out 
on  hts  journey  ; and  is  charged  with  a message  to  Pharaoh,  18—23.  He  is 
rebuked  by  the  way  ; Zipporah  circumcises  her  son  : Aaron  meets  Moses, 
arid  they  are  welcomed  by  the  Israelites , 24 — 31. 

AND  Moses  answered,  and  said.  But  behold, 
“they  will  not  believe  me,  nor  hearken  unto 
my  voice : for  they  will  say,  The  Lord  hath  not 
appeared  unto  thee. 

2  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  What  is  that  in 
thy  hand  ? And  he  said,  bA  rod. 

3  And  Ire  said,  Cast  it  on  the  ground;  and  he 
cast  it  on  the  ground,  and  “it  became  a serpent: 
and  Moses  flea  from  before  it. 

4  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses.  dPut  forth 
thy  hand,  and  take  it  by  the  tail.  eAnd  he  put 
forth  his  hand  and  caught  it,  and  it  became  a rod 
in  his  hand. 

5  That  'they  may  believe  that  sthe  Lord  God  of 
their  fathers,  the  God  of  Abraham,  the  God  of  Isaac, 
and  the  God  of  Jacob,  hath  appeared  unto  thee. 

6  And  the  Lord  said  furthermore  unto  him, 
Put  now  thy  hand  into  thy  bosom  ; and  he  put  his 
hand  into  his  bosom ; and  when  he  took  it  out, 
behold,  his  hand  was  hleprous  as  snow. 

7  And  he  said,  Put  thy  hand  into  thy  bosom 

n 31.  2:14.  3:18.  Acts  7:25.  b 17:20.  Lev.  27:32.  Ps.  110:2.  Is.  11:4.  Mic. 7:14.  c7: 
10—15.  Am.  5:19.  til’s.  91:13.  Mark  16:18.  Luke  10:19.  Acts  28:3-6.  e John 
2:5.  f 8.  3:18.  19:9.  John  5:36.  11:15  42.  20:31.  g 3:15.  h Num.  12:10.  2 Kipps 
5:27.  iS  Kings  5 14.  Matl.8:3.  k 30,31.  Is.  28:10.  John  12:37.  lDeut.  32:39. 
2 Kin^s  5:7.  Joh  5:18.  * It eb.  shall  be,  and  shall  be.  m 1:22.  7:19 — 25.  Matt. 

7:2.  John 2.8—1 1.  Rev.  16:3 — 6.  f Heb.  a man  oi  w *rd<.  1 Cor.  2:1 — 4.  2 Cor. 


sition,  or  conflict ; these  he  escapes  because  he  “ walks 
according  to  the  course  of  this  world,”  with  which  he  will  be 
condemned.  And  let  the  careless  and  presumptuous  sinner 
also  take  warning;  for  he  is  proper  fuel  for  the  fire  of  God’s 
vengeance,  which  will  burn  for  ever,  but  never  consume  those 
who  finally  sink  under  it. 

V.  7 — 12.  Oppressors  and  prosperous  tyrants  should  re- 
member, that  however  they  may  elude  or  outbrave  human 
justice,  and  however  God  may  defer  to  take  vengeance,  yet 
all  their  crimes  are  noted  in  his  book  ; that  their  measure  of 
iniquity  is  filling  up  ; and  they  will  speedily  be  made  to  dis- 
gorge the  prey  which  they  have  ravenously  devoured,  and  to 
experience  the  vengeance  of  the  Almighty ; unless  repentance 
and  fruits  meet  for  repentance  prevent  their  doom.  ( Luke 
19:8,9.) — And  let  the  oppressed  recollect  that  God  is  their 
peculiar  Patron ; that  he  counts  their  sighs  and  groans  ; and 
if  he  answers  the  mere  cry  of  distress,  “ shall  he  not  avenge 
his  own  elect,  who  cry  day  and  night  to  him,  though  he  bear 
long  with  them?  Yea,  he  will  avenge  them  speedily.”  But 
when  he  comes  to  avenge  his  people  on  their  oppressors, 
“ will  he  find  faith  on  the  earth  ?”  Alas,  “ hope  deferred 
maketh  the  heart  sick and  though  true  faith  will  not  totally 
fail ; yet  at  such  times  it  will  often  be  very  feeble,  and  ex- 
pectations even  of  promised  blessings  extremely  languid. 

V.  13 — 22.  Let  us  be  careful  not  to  distrust  and  dis- 
honour the  power,  faithfulness,  and  love  of  God.  He  is  the 
great  I AM ; “ a thousand  years  with  him  are  but  as  one 
day :”  he  remembers  his  holy  covenant ; he  deals  with  his 
people  according  to  the  abundance  of  his  mercies  ; he  forgives 
the  multitude  of  their  transgressions  ; and  he  sends  deliverance 
in  its  appointed  season. — When  God  employs  any  one  in  his 
service,  he  will  certainly  go  with  him  : but  “ before  honour  is 
humility  ;”  and  success  is  frequently  delayed  or  denied,  to  in- 
struments otherwise  qualified,  because  they  do  not  possess  a 
humble  spirit. — Yet  nothing  good  is  unalloyed  in  man,  and  ihe 
most  unatfected  humility  may  prove  an  occasion  to  irresolu- 
tion, or  reluctance  to  the  work  which  the  Lord  requires  of  us. 
They  who  would  be  useful,  must  depend  upon  God  to  make 
their  endeavours  acceptable  to  their  brethren ; especially 
where  such  benefits  are  intended  as  require  men  to  exert 
themselves,  to  endure  hardship,  and  to  face  danger : and,  if 
we  go  in  this  dependence,  he  will  secure  our  success  with 
some  ; while  we  deliver  our  message  to  all,  “ whether  they 
will  hear,  or  whether  they  will  forbear.” — But  in  Pharaoh’s 
tyranny,  and  Israel’s  oppression,  we  see  a picture  of  the  sin- 
ner’s miserable  and  abject  submission  : however  galled  with 
the  yoke  of  Satan,  he  still  drudges  on,  till  the  Lord  sends  re- 
demption. With  the  invitations  of  his  gospel,  he  communi- 
cates the  life-giving,  drawing,  and  teaching  influences  of  his 
Spirit ; and  thus  men  are  made  willing  to  seek  and  strive  for 
deliverance:  then  Satan  loses  his  power  to  retain  them; 
they  come  forth  with  all  they  have  and  are,  and  consecrate 
tiie  whole  to  the  glory  of  God  and  the  service  of  his  Church. 

NOTES. — Chap.  IV.  V.  1—5.  The  Lord  had  expressly 
assured  Moses,  that  the  people  should  hearken  to  him, 
(3:18.)  so  that  his  objection  was  unreasonable,  and  a proof 
that  his  faith  was  wavering.  Yet  it  was  proper  he  should  be 
informed,  that  the  Lord  would  authenticate  his  commission 
by  miracles,  both  to  Israel  and  to  Pharaoh. — The  rod  in  his 
hand  was  probably  a common  staff,  or  shepherd’s  crook;  but 
it  was  now  consecrated  to  God,  to  be  the  token  of  his  pre- 


again : and  he  put  his  hand  in'o  his  bosom  again 
and  plucked  it  out  of  his  bosom,  and  behold,  'it  was 
turned  again  as  his  other  flesh. 

8 And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  kif  they  wJ  not  be- 
lieve thee,  neither  hearken  to  the  voice  of  the  first 
sign,  that  ‘they  will  believe  the  voice  of  the  latter 
sign. 

9 And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  they  will  not  be- 
lieve also  these  two  signs,  neither  hearken  unto  thy 
voice,  that  thou  shalt  take  of  the  water  of  the  river, 
and  pour  it  upon  the  dry  land:  and  the  water 
which  thou  takest  out  of  the  river,  ‘shall  become 
rablood  upon  the  dry  land. 

10  And  Moses  said  unto  the  Lord,  O my  Lord, 
I am  not  ^eloquent,  neither  heretofore,  nor  since 
thou  hast  spoken  unto  thy  servant : but  I am  “slow 
of  speech,  and  of  a slow  tongue. 

11  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  "Who  hath 
made  man’s  mouth?  or  who  maketh  the  dumb,  or 
deaf,  or  the  seeing,  or  the  blind  ? have  not  I the 
Lor  d ? 

12  Now  therefore  go,  and  H will  he  with  thy 
mouth,  and  teach  thee  what  thou  shalt  say. 

13  And  he  said,  O my  Lord,  ^send  I pray  thee, 
by  the  hand  of  him  whom  thou  Hvilt  send. 

14  And  rthe  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 


10:10.  11:6.  J Heb.  since  yesterday  nor  since  the  third  day . n 6:12.  Jer.  1:6. 
Acts  7:22.  o Ps.  51:15.  94:'9.  Is.  35:5,6.  Ez.  3:26,27.  33:22.  p Is.  49:2.  50:4. 
Jer.  1:9.  Malt.  10:19,20.  Mark  13:11.  Luke  12:11,12.  21:14,15.  Eph.  6:19.  q 1 
Kings  19:4.  Jer.  20:9.  Ez.  3:14,15.  Jon.  1:3.  § Or,  shouldst.  r Luke  9:59,60 

Acts  15:38.  Phil.  2:21. 


sence  and  operation,  and  was  therefore  afterwards  called 
u the  rod  of  God.”  When  waved  by  the  hand  of  Moses  or 
Aaron,  it  was  a'token  to  Israel  of  guidance,  encouragement, 
and  protection ; but  to  Egypt  it  was  the  appointed  token  of 
desolating  judgments,  like  the  mortal  bite  of  the  most  poison- 
ous serpent. — In  this  it  was  also  a tvpe  of  the  gospel,  “ the 
rod  of  the  Redeemer’s  strength,”  (Ps.  110:2.)  which  is  a 
savour  of  life  to  some  and  of  death  to  others. — Though  Mo- 
ses was  greatly  affrighted  at  the  serpent  thus  miraculously 
produced,  which  seems  to  have  been  very  formidable,  yet  his 
faith  was  so  far  strengthened  by  the  sign,  that  he  ventured, 
at  God’s  command,  to  seize  it  by  the  tail,  and  it  again  became 
a harmless  rod.  This  was  Intended  to  show  him,  that  the 
performance  of  a similar  miracle  before  his  people,  would 
convince  them  that  the  Lord  had  sent  him. 

V.  6,  7.  This  sign  denoted,  that  God  could  easily  remove 
Israel’s  sin,  though  they  were  unclean  as  the  leprous  hand ; 
that  he  could  employ  Moses’s  ministry,  though  feeble  and  un- 
worthy in  itself,  and  by  him  inflict  his  plagues  on  Egypt,  or 
remove  them  as  he  pleased  ; and  that  he  could  effect  the 
deliverance  of  his  people  by  the  most  unlikely  means,  not- 
withstanding the  most  powerful  opposition. — It  is  very  pro- 
bable that  the  absurd  story,  mentioned  by  Josephus,  of  Moses 
and  the  Israelites  being  driven  out  of  Egypt,  because  infected 
with  leprosy,  was  derived  from  some  distorted  tradition  of 
this  miraculous  sign. 

V.  10.  Moses  supposed  that  great  eloquence  would  bo 
requisite,  both  to  persuade  Israel  and  to  plead  before  Pha- 
raoh : and  he  objected,  that  in  the  Egyptian  court  he  had,  at 
all  former  times,  been  defective  in  the  gift  of  a ready  and 
graceful  elocution ; and  that  even  since  the  Lord  had  spoken 
to  him,  he  had  experienced  no  alteration  in  this  respect. 
We  read,  however,  that  he  “was  mighty  in  words'  as  well 
as  deeds : and  so  was  St.  Paul,  though  he  affected  no 
eloquence,  and  was  deemed  by  some  “ in  speech  contempti- 
ble.” They  both  could  speak  with  energy  and  to  the  purpose, 
though  not  with  the  enticing  words  and  delusive  charms  ol 
human  oratory. 

Slow  of  speech.]  I oxvotpuvos. — Of  a slender  voice , or  speak- 
ing with  hesitation  and  interruptions  of  voice. 

V.  11,  12.  The  Lord  alone  originally  gave  to  Adam  and 
his  posterity  the  inexplicable  power  of  articulate  speech ; and 
he  is  the  sole  Author  of  the  disparity  which  subsists  among 
men  in  these  and  other  endowments : could  he  not  therefore 
easily  remove  from  Moses  this  impediment,  if  he  saw  that  a 
more  fluent  and  graceful  utterance  was  requisite  for  him  ? — 
It  may  be  useful  to  compare  Jehovah’s  promise  to  Moses 
with  our  Lord’s  words  to  his  disciples,  “I  will  give  you  a 
mouth  and  wisdom,  which  all  your  adversaries  shall  not  be 
able  to  gainsay,  or  resist.”  Can  any  but  God  “give  a mouth 
and  wisdom?”  ( Note , Luke  21:12 — 19.) 

Y.  13.  1 Send  by  any  one  else,  only  excuse  me  as  incom 
petent.’  ( JYotes , Is.  6:5 — -8.) 

V.  14.  Moses’s  unbelief,  and  reluctance  to  engage  in  nis 
arduous  and  dangerous  service,  excited  the  divine  displeasure  ; 
which  probably  was  shown  by  some  sensible  toker.,  perhaps 
by  the  fire  in  the  bush  becoming  more  vehement : >*et  the 
Lord  did  pot  supersede  his  commission : but  in  condescension 
to  his  weakness,  and  perhaps  also  as  a gentle  rebuke  he  as- 
signed him  an  assistant,  who  should  share  the  dang  "r,  the 
burden,  and  the  honour.  Thus  Christ  sent  out  his  disciples 
( 117  ) 


B C.  1491 


EXODUS 


B.  C.  149 


against  Moses;  and  he  said,  Is  not  Aaron  the 
Levite  thy  brother?  I know  that  he  can  speak 
well.  And  also  behold,  "he  cometh  forth  to  meet 
thee : and  when  he  seeth  thee,  he  will  be  glad  in 
his  heart. 

15  And  thou  shalt  speak  unto  him;  ‘and  put 
words  in  his  mouth : “and  I will  be  with  thy  mouth 
and  with  his  mouth,  and  x will  teach  you  what  ye 
shall  do. 

16  And  he  shall  be  thy  spokesman  unto  the  peo- 
ple : and  he  shall  be,  even  ffle  shall  be  to  thee  in- 
stead of  a mouth,  and  thou  shalt  be  to  him  instead 
of  God. 

17  And  thou  shalt  take  zthis  rod  in  thy  hand, 

Wherewith  thou  Shalt  dO  SlgnS.  [Practical  Observations.'] 

18  If  And  Moses  went  and  returned  to  'Jethro 
his  father-in-law,  and  said  unto  him,  “Let  me  go, 
I pray  thee,  and  return  unto  my  brethren,  which 
are  in  Egypt,  band  see  whether  they  be  yet  alive. 
And  Jethro  said  to  Moses,  cGo  in  peace. 

19  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses  in  Midian, 
Go,  return  into  Egypt : dfor  all  the  men  are  dead 
which  sought  thy  life. 

20  And  Moses  took  his  wife,  and  his  sons,  and  set 
them  upi  'l  an  ass,  and  he  returned  to  the  land  of 
Egypt.  And  Moses  tookethe  rod  of  God  in  his  hand. 

21  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  When  thou 
goest  to  return  into  Egypt,  see  that  thou  do  all 
those  wonders  before  Pharaoh,  which  I have  put 

s27.  1 Sam.  10:1— 7.  Mark  14:13— 15.  2 Cor.  2:13.  7:6,7.  1 Thes.  3:6,7.  t 7:1, 
2.  2 Sam.  11:3.  Is.  51:16.  53:21.  u Num.  22:33.  23:5,12,16.  Deul.  1S:18.  Moll. 
28:20.  1 Cor.  11:23.  15:1.  xDeut.5:31.  y 7:1,2.  John  10:31,35.  z 7:9,19. 

* Heb.  Jether.  &eeon3:l.  a 1 Tim.  6:1.  b Gen.  45:3.  Acts  15:36.  cl  Sam. 
1:17.  Luke  7:50.  Acts  16:36.  d 2:15,23.  Mall.  2:20.  e 17:9.  Num.  20:8,9.  t'7: 
3,13.  9:12,35.  10:1,20.  14:8.  Gen.  6:3.  Dent.  2:30— 33,36.  Josh.  11:20.  1 Kings 
22:22.  Is.  6:10.  63:17.  John  12:40.  Rom.  1:28.  9:18.  11:8-10.  2 Cor.  2:16. 


by  two  and  two;  and  several  of  them  were  brethren. — We 
are  not  informed  in  what  station  Aaron  had  hitherto  lived; 
but  he  seems  to  have  enjoyed  many  advantages  of  education, 
probably  by  means  of  Moses ; and  he  had  become  remark- 
able for  eloquence.  Perhaps  this  might  occasion  his  being 
called  44 Aaron  the  Invite”  as  a person  of  eminence  among 
the  descendants  of  Levi. — The  Lord  had  revealed  himself  to 
Aaron,  at  the  same  time  as  he  did  to  Moses,  and  had  di- 
rected him  to  meet  him,  (27.)  This  remarkable  concurrence 
would  encourage  both  of  them. 

V.  15.  With  his  mouth.]  Though  Aaron  was  eloquent, 
yet  he  could  not  speak  to  any  good  purpose  without  the 
teaching  and  assistance  of  the  Lord. 

V.  16.  Moses,  though  the  younger  brother,  was  the  su- 
perior in  this  commission : the  word  of  God  came  first  to 
him  ; and  he  dictated  to  Aaron  what  he  should  speak,  as  God 
put  his  words  into  the  mouth  of  his  prophets. 

V.  18.  Moses,  now'resolved  to  obey  the  heavenly  vision, 
intimated  to  Jethro,  (who  had  behaved  with  great  kindness,) 
that  he  was  about  to  leave  him,  as  one  who  asked  his  permis- 
sion to  visit  his  afflicted  brethren:  (Gen.  31:30.)  but  it  does 
not  appear  that  he  informed  him  of  the  particulars.  Thus  he 
parted  amicably  from  him,  and  the  mutual  affection  between 
them  was  not  interrupted. — The  intercourse  between  nations 
was  at  that  time  very  difficult ; and  the  peculiar  circum- 
stances in  which  Moses  was  placed,  might  preclude  him  from 
inquiring  after,  or  learning,  the  condition  of  his  brethren. 

V.  19.  This  revelation  to  Moses  in  Midian , seems  to 
have  been  distinct  from  that  at  Horeb. — A secret  dread  of 
Pharaoh  and  the  Egyptians,  as  incensed  against  him  for  his 
former  conduct,  was  one  cause  of  his  reluctance:  and  it  does 
not  appear  that  the  Lord  informed  him  that  his  enemies  were 
dead,  till  he  had  first  set  about  obeying  his  command. 

V.  21.  Harden.]  God  never  communicates  44  hardness,” 
or  wickedness  to  the  heart  of  man,  by  a positive  act;  44 for 
he  cannot  be  tempted  of  evil,  neither  tempteth  he  any  man.” 
But,  when  provoked  by  atrocious  crimes,  he  gives  a person 
up  to  his  own  heart’s  lusts ; he  permits  Satan  to  entice,  de- 
ceive, and  blind  him;  and  he  takes  off  those  providential  re- 
straints, by  which  many  are  kept  from  wickedness,  because 
they  have  not  opportunity  or  power  to  commit  it,  or  dare  not 
through  fear  or  shame.  When  a man  is  thus  left,  commands, 
warnings,  judgments,  and  deliverances,  every  truth  in  Scrip- 
ture and  every  dispensation  of  Providence,  prove  the  occa- 
sion of  increasing  obduracy  and  insensibility,  pride  and  pre- 
sumption.— By  this  general  declaration,  Moses  was  taught 
to  expect  and  prepare  for  difficulty  and  opposition  ; and  the 
subsequent  history  will  give  an  abundant  opportunity  of  stat- 
ing the  several  stages  by  which  Pharaoh’s  obduracy  was  in- 
duced, and  the  import  of  the  several  words  made  use  of,  in 
this  remarkable  instance  and  illustration  of  the  Lord’s  dealing 
with  obstinate  sinners. 

V.  22,  23.  Israel  was  despised  by  the  Egyptians  as  a 
contemptible  people;  but  was  honoured  of  God,  bung  near 
•ind  dear  to  him  as  a child  is  to  his  father,  and  as  having  that 
pre-eminence  among  the  nations  which  the  first-born  has 
among  the  brethren.  Pharaoh  therefore  might  be  assured 

( 113  ) 


in  thy  hand  : but  ‘I  will  harden  his  heart,  that  hi, 
shall  not  let  the  people  go. 

22  And  thou  shalt  say  unto  Pharaoh,  Thus  saith 
the  Lord,  dsrael  is  mv  son,  even  my  first-born. 

23  And  I say  unto  thee,  Let  my  son  go,  that  he 
may  serve  me : and  if’  thou  refuse  to  let  him  go, 
behold,  hI  will  slay  thy  son,  even  thy  first-born. 

24  H And  it  came  to  pass  by  the  way  in  the  inn, 
that  ‘the  Lord  met  him,  and  ^sought  to  kill  him. 

25  Then  Zipporah  took  *a  sharp  'stone,  and  cut 
off  the  foreskin  of  her  son,  and  least  it  at  his  feet, 
and  said,  Surely  a bloody  husband  art  thou  to  me. 

26  So  he  let  him  go : then  she  said,  A bloody 
husband  thou  art,  because  of  the  circumcision. 

27  And  the  Lord  said  to  Aaron,  “Go  into  the 
wilderness  to  meet  Moses.  And  he  v/ent,  and  met 
him  in  "the  mount  of  God,  and  kissed  him. 

28  And  Moses  “told  Aaron  all  the  words  of  the 
Lord,  who  had  sent  him,  and  all  the  signs  which 
he  had  commanded  him. 

29  And  Moses  and  Aaron  went,  and  '’gathered 
together  all  the  elders  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

30  And  Aaron  spake  all  the  words  which  the 
Lord  had  spoken  unto  Moses,  and  sdid  the  signs 
in  the  sight  of  the  people. 

31  And  the  people  ‘believed  : and  when  they 
heard  that  the  Lord  had  “visited  the  children  of 
Israel,  and  that  he  had  ‘looked  upon  their  affliction, 
then  they  “bowed  their  heads  and  worshipped. 

2 Thes.  2:10—12.  1 Pet. 2:8.  g 19:5,6.  Dent.  14:1.  Jer.  31:9.  Hos.  11:1.  Rom. 
9:4.  Heb.  12:23.  h 11:5.  12:29.  Ps.  78:51.  105:36.  135:8.  i 3:18.  Num.  22:22, 
23.  1 Chr. 21:16.  Hos.  13:8.  kGen.17  14.  Lev.  10:3.  1 Kings  13:24.  I Josh. 
5:2,3.  t Or , knife.  % Heb.  inode  it  touch,  m 14 — 16.  Acts  10:5,6,20.  n 3:1, 
19:3.  20:18.  24:15—17.  1 Kinga  19:8.  o Jon.  3:2.  Matt.  21:29.  p 3:16  24:1, 
11..  q 2 — 9.  r 3:18.  Ps.  106:12.13.  Luke  8:13.  sSce<m3:16.  12:25.3:7.  u 12c 
27.  Gen.  17:3.  1 Chr.  29:20  . 2 Chr.  20:18. 


that  God  would  defend,  avenge,  deliver,  and  provide  for 
Israel : and  that  if  he  attempted  to  retain  in  bondage  that 
people,  who  stood  related  to  Jehovah,  as  his  first-born  son, 
and  forbad  them  to  worship  and  serve  him ; he  must  expect 
to  feel  the  effects  of  omnipotent  indignation,  which  would  at 
length  slay  his  eldest  son,  with  all  the  first-born  in  the  land 
of  Egypt. — True  believers  are  44  the  church  of  the  first-born, 
whose  names  are  written  in  heaven:”  and  though  rulers  are 
entitled  to  honour  and  civil  obedience  from  them,  they  have 
no  right  to  prohibit  them  from  serving  God,  according  to  the 
dictates  of  their  conscience ; and  they  may  expect  severe  re- 
bukes if  they  attempt  it. 

V.  24 — 26.  Either  the  Lord  appeared  to  his  servant,  by 
some  external  token  of  his  presence,  as  if  about  immediately 
to  slay  him ; or,  as  some  suppose,  he  inflicted  on  him  a sud- 
demand  very  dangerous  disease.  Moses  seems,  however,  to 
have  understood  that  he  was  rebuked  for  neglecting  to  cir- 
cumcise his  son  ; probably  from  regard  to  Zipporah,  who  was 
averse  to  it.  It  is  supposed  that  circumcision  was  in  use 
among  the  Midianites,  as  descended  from  Abraham  ; and 
that  Zipporah  had  merely  induced  Moses  to  defer  the  per- 
formance of  it  beyond  the  appointed  time,  on  account  of  the 
journey,  or  on  some  other  pretence.  But  he  was  raised  up 
for  an  extraordinary  service,  and  it  was  proper  he  should 
set  an  example  of  exact  obedience  in  his  own  conduct,  and 
therefore  he  was  thus  sharply  rebuked. — As  he  was  either 
under  great  perturbation  of  mind,  or  dangerously  ill,  Zippo- 
rah immediately  circumcised  her  son  with  a knife  made  of  a 
sharp  flint,  such  knives  being  common  in  some  countries: 
and  ihis  may  intimate  the  haste  in  which  the  rite  was  per- 
formed.— The  words  which  she  spake  when  she  laid  the 
foreskin  of  her  son  at  the  feet  of  Moses,  are  differently  un- 
derstood : some  think  that  she  rashly  reproached  both  him 
and  his  religion,  which  required  this  bloody  ordinance  ; but 
others  are  of  opinion  that  she  spake  in  great  affection,  as 
having  anew  espoused  him,  by  circumcising  her  son;  seeing 
the  blood  shed  in  that  rite  had  been  the  means  of  restoring 
him  to  her  again.  For  when  it  had  been  performed,  the  Lord 
delivered  Moses  and  allowed  him  to  prosecute  his  journey. — 
It  is  probable  that  on  this  occasion  Zipporah  returned  to 
Jethro  for  a time.  ( Note „ 18:1 — 5.)  Some  render  the  clause, 
44  So  he  let  him  go,”  so  she  left  him , as  referring  to  this  ; but 
the  translation  cannot  be  supported,  as  the  Hebrew  text  now 
stands  ; both  words  being  masculine. 

V.  27.  The  Lord  had  directed  Aaron  to  meet  his  brother 
in  the  wilderness. — Moses  seems  to  have  been  retarded  by 
his  family  concerns,  while  Aaron  made  great  haste  ; and  thus 
he  met  Moses  almost  as  soon  as  he  had  set  out  upon  his 
journey,  which  would  be  a great  encouragement  to  him. 
Probably,  they  had  not  seen  or  heard  of  each  other  for  a 
lcyig  time  before. 

V.  30.  Signs.]  Moses  gave  the  people  this  proof  of  his  di 
vine  mission,  to  ensure  their  concurrence,  before  he  applied  tu 
Pharaoh  in  their  behalf. — It  is  supposed  that  Moses  performed 
the  miraculous  signs,  while  Aaron  delivered  the  message  of 
God  to  the  people,  (15 — 17.) — 44  And  /tedid  the  signs,”  &o. 

V.  31.  Thus  the  Elders  of  Israel  acknowledged  Jehovah 


B. C.  1491 


CHAPTER  Y. 


B.  C.  1 49V. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Moses  and  y\aron  delivir  their  message  to  Pharaoh,  v>ho  disdainfully  rejects 
it,  l — 5.  He  increases  the  task  of  the  Israelites,  allows  them  no  straw,  and 
silences  their  complaints,  (*— 19.  They  despond  and  murmur,  and  Moses 
complains  to  the  Lord , 20—23. 

AND  afterwards  Moses  and  Aaron  went  in, 
“and  told  Pharaoh,  Thus  said  the  Lord  God 
of  Israel,  Let  my  people  go,  that  they  may  hold 
°a  feast  unto  me  in  the  wilderness. 

2  And  Pharaoh  said,  “Who  is  the  Lord  that  I 
should  obey  his  voice  to  let  Israel  go  ? dI  know  not 
the  Lord,  “neither  will  I let  Israel  go. 

a 1 Kings  21:20.  Is.  119:46.  K/..  2:6.  Jon.  3:3,4.  Mall.  10:18,28.  Acls4:29. 
b 10:9.  Is.  25:6.  1 ( or.  5:8.  c 3:19.  2 Chr.  32:15,19.  Job  21:15.  Ps.  10:4.  12:4. 
14:1.  d 1 Sam.  2:12.  John  16:3.  Horn.  1:28.  2Thes.l:8.  e 3:19.  Jsr.  44:16,17. 


as  the  true  God,  and  the  God  of  their  fathers,  and  Moses  as 
his  messenger  for  their  deliverance ; and  they  testified  their 
gratitude  and  expectation,  in  an  act  of  solemn  worship. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 17.  How  indisposed  are  men  to  believe  the  testi- 
mony of  God  ! Whether  he  denounce  vengeance  upon  ob- 
stinate offenders,  or  promise  acceptance,  assistance,  and  sal- 
vation to  the  returning  sinner,  they  are  always  prone  to  ques- 
tion his  veracity ; and  to  act  as  if  his  word  could  not  abso- 
lutely be  depended  on,  or  was  not  likely  to  be  accomplished ! 
Thus  some  are  hardened  in  presumption,  others  sink  into  de- 
spondency, and  others  are  discouraged  and  faint-hearted  in 
all  their  endeavours. — But  the  Lord,  being  slow  to  anger  and 
of  great  mercy,  deals  not  with  us  according  to  the  multitude 
of  our  sins  ; else  the  strongest  believer  upon  earth,  instead 
of  being  saved  by  his  faith,  might  be  righteously  condemned 
for  his  unbelief. — When  we  shrink  from  trouble  and  self-de- 
nial, or  the  reproach  or  danger  of  any  service,  self-love  soon 
suggests  some  excuse,  which  appears  sufficient  to  us,  how- 
ever trivial  it  may  be  in  the  judgment  of  others  ; and  it  is  no 
uncommon  case,  for  those  who  have  been  rebuked  for  rash- 
ness and  precipitation,  afterwards  to  become  timidly  negli- 
gent of  their  evident  duly.  But  let  unbelief,  sloth,  and  cow- 
ardice start  ever  so  many  objections  against  our  doing  the 
duty  of  that  station  to  which  it  hath  pleased  God  to  call  us, 
his  word  furnishes  us  with  answers  to  them  all ; and  the  as- 
surance of  his  assistance  and  protection  should  in  every  case 
fully  satisfy  our  minds. — When  God  gives  revelations  of  new 
truths,  or  introduces  new  dispensations,  materially  differing 
from  all  which  have  preceded,  he  always  sets  his  seal  to 
them,  and  enables  his  servants  to  authenticate  their  mission 
by  some  conclusive  sign : but  they  who  are  employed  to  en- 
force the  old  authenticated  revelation,  need  not  such  testi- 
monials ; as  both  their  character  and  doctrines  must  be  tried 
by  the  oracles  of  God,  to  which  they  appeal. — The  miracles, 
which  he  enabled  his  servants  of  old  to  perform,  were  not 
doubtful  and  equivocal,  nor  merely  effects  of  power  to  excite 
wonder  ; but  they  were  expressive  of  his  justice  and  good- 
ness, and  instructive  tokens  of  his  favour  to  his  people,  and 
vengeance  on  his  enemies. — He  does  not  always  make  it  ap- 
pear, that  ho  hath  furnished  men  for  services,  till  they  are 
actually  called  to  engage  in  them  ; but  we  may  depend  upon 
him  to  qualify  us  for  whatever  he  commands  us  to  do.  All 
knowledge,  wisdom,  and  utterance,  with  every  good  gift,  are 
derived  from  him:  but  many  endowments  are  supposed  need- 
ful or  useful  iivthe  public  service  of  God  and  his  church, 
which  he  pours  contempt  upon,  as  mere  tinsel ; worthless, 
if  not  pernicious.  Such  are  all  the  studied  and  affected  arts 
of  human  oratory,  which  the  great  apostle  would  not  conde- 
scend to  employ,  u that  the  faith”  of  the  people  “ should  not 
stand  in  the  wisdom  of  men,  but  in  the  power  of  God.”  Yet 
to  this  day  they  are  highly  valued  by  most  professed  Chris- 
tians and  many  true  Christians ; and  many  seem  to  think  that 
little  or  nothing  can  be  done  without  them.  (Notes,  1 Cor. 
2:1 — 5.) — Even  when  the  Lord  is  displeased  with  the  sins  of 
his  servants,  he  condescends  to  their  infirmities : and  in  ar- 
duous undertakings,  it  is  a great  favour  to  have  helpers  who 
cordially  unite  with  us ; though  they  should  share,  or  even 
eclipse,  our  reputation.  But  while  we  censure  Moses  for 
shrinking  from  this  dangerous  service,  let  us  ask  our  own 
hearts,  whether  we  are  not  neglecting  such  duties  as  are  un- 
speakably more  easy  and  less  perilous. 

% V.  18 — 31 . In  obeying  the  commands  of  the  Lord  our  God, 
we  should  take'  care  to  give  no  needless  offence,  and  always 
be  ready  to  give  up  our  own  inclinations,  rather  than  preju- 
dice our  friends  and  relatives : yet  after  all,  we  shall  frequently 
be  constrained  to  cross  the  humours,  endure  the  reproaches, 
and  forego  the  comforts,  of  our  nearest  connexions,  if  we  de- 
termine not  to  deviate  in  any  thing  from  our  known  duty. — 
Even  sinful  omissions  will  draw  upon  us  severe  rebukes:  and 
to  neglect  the  seals  and  pledges  of  the  new  covenant  is  a sin 
of  no  small  aggravation  ; being  more  replete  with  contempt 
of  God,  and  ingratitude  for  his  distinguished  mercies,  than 
professed  Christians  generally  suppose. — They  who,  are 
employed  in  calling  others  to  trust  and  obey  God,  should 
be  careful  themselves  to  set  an  example  of  implicit  confidence 
and  obedience  ; and  if  they,  in  any  remarkable  instance,  fail 
of  this,  they  will  surely  experience  some  very  painful  effects 
from  their  misconduct.  Yet  when  they  are  zealous,  and  re- 
pent, and  attend  to  their  duty,  the  Lord  will  return  to  them 
vi  mercy  — The  reproaches  cast  upon  religion  and  its  conscien- 


3 And  they  said,  The  God  of  the  Hebrews  hath 
met  with  us : let  us  go,  we  pray  thee,  three  days’ 
journey  into  the  desert,  and  sacrifice  unto  tht 
Lord  our  God;  flest  he  fall  upon  us  with  pesti- 
lence, or  with  the  sword. 

4 And  the  king  of  Egypt  said  unto  them, 
^Wherefore  do  ye,  Moses  and  Aaron,  let  the  people 
from  their  works  ? get  you  onto  your  burdens. 

5 And  Pharaoh  said,  Behold,  the  people  of  the 
land  now  are  hmany,  and  ye  make  them  rest  from 
their  burdens. 


f2  Kings  17:25.  2 Chr.  30:8.  Etra  7:23.  Zech.  14:16—19.  g Jer.  38:4.  Am.  7:10. 
Luke  23:2.  Acts  16:20,21.  24:5.  h 1:9— 11.  Prov.  14:28. 


tious  professors,  redound  to  the  lasting  disgrace  of  those  who 
vented  them : none  can  provoke  God  more  than  those,  who 
by  terrors  or  temptations  deter  or  entice  his  children  from 
his  service : nor  are  scarcely  any  more  in  danger  of  being 
given  up  to  judicial  hardness  of  heart,  than  cruel  tyrants  and 
persecuting  oppressors. — It  frequently  happens  that  less  diffi- 
culty is  found  than  was  expected  in  such  undertakings  as 
are  according  to  the  will  of  God,  and  for  his  glory  ; and  that 
many  are  inclined  to  concur  in  them,  from  whom  we  looked 
for  opposition.  Let  us  then  arise  and  attempt  our  proper 
work,  and  the  Lord  will  be  with  us  and  prosper  us. — But  if 
Israel  welcomed  the  tidings  of  temporal  deliverance,  and 
worshipped  the  Lord,  how  should  we  welcome  the  glad 
tidings  of  eternal  redemption,  embrace  it  in  faith,  and  adore 
the  Redeemer ! and  “ how  shall  we  escape,  if  we  neglect  so 
great  salvation  ?” 

NOTES. — Chap.  V.  V.  1.  Moses  and  Aaron,  having  ob- 
tained the  concurrence  of  the  people,  requested  an  audience 
of  Pharaoh  ; and  were  admitted  to  him  as  the  representatives 
of  the  nation,  probably  accompanied  by  some  of  the  elders. 
(3:18.)  But  when  introduced,  they  delivered  to  him  a mes- 
sage from  “Jehovah,  the  God  of  Israel.” — This  is  the  first 
time  this  title  is  given  to  the  Lord,  with  respect  to  Israel  as 
a nation  : though  Jacob  erected  an  altar  to  El-Elohe-Israel, 
to  God,  the  God  of  Israel,  referring  to  the  name  which  he 
had  just  before  received.  (Note,  Gen.  33, 20.) — In  the  name 
of  Jehovah,  who  thus  honoured  Israel  in  his  low  enslaved 
condition,  Moses  and  Aaron  demanded,  that  the  people 
should  be  allowed  to  hold  a sacred  feast,  according  to  the  ob- 
servances of  their  religion  : and  as  they  could  not  perform 
this  solemn  service  in  Egypt,  surrounded  by  those  who  held 
their  sacrifices  in  abomination ; they  required  permission  to 
retire  to  a distance  into  the  wilderness,  where  their  worship 
would  not  be  liable  to  interruption,  and  could  give  no  umbrage 
to  the  Egyptians. 

V.  2.  Pharaoh  had  probably  heard  some  general  report 
of  Jehovah,  as  claiming  by  his  servants  to  be  the  only 
“ living  and  true  God,”  the  Creator  and  Governor  of  the 
whole  earth  : but  he  and  his  predecessors  had  long  tyrannized 
over  his  professed  worshippers ; and  as  they  seemed  to  have 
derived  so  little  advantage  from  his  favour,  he  concluded  that 
he  had  as  little  to  fear  from  his  wrath.  He  therefore  treated 
the  message  delivered  to  him  with  contemptuous  indifference, 
ranking  Jehovah  among,  or  rather  beneath,  the  gods  of  the 
nations,  and  especia'ly  the  gods  of  Egypt. — His  language  is 
very  emphatical ; ‘ Shall  I,  who  was  king  of  Egypt,  lord  it 
over  Israel,  obey  the  God  of  Israel?  No,  I scorn  to  regard 
him !’— Pharaoh  had  no  knowledge  of  the  Lord,  and  therefore 
he  set  him  at  defiance.  ‘Nor  did  he  desire  to  know  [him;] 
being  so  transported  with  anger,  that  he  would  not  examine 
their  commission,  but  only  resolved  he  would  not  obey  it.’ 
Bp.  Patrick.  Israel  was  a numerous  people,  by  whom  the 
wealth  of  his  subjects,  and  his  own  greatness,  were  exceed- 
ingly increased  ; and  it  would  not  consist  with  either  his  honour 
or  interest,  (to  speak  in  the  language  of  politicians,)  thus 
to  risk  the  depopulation  of  his  kingdom.  He  had  been  ac- 
customed to  tyrannize  over  them : and  shall  he  now  meanly, 
on  such  a summons,  consent  to  liberate  them  ? But  if  he  de- 
termined not  to  yield  to  this,  he  must  crush  their  first  attempts, 
and  not  allow  them  to  feel  their  own  strength,  or  at  all  to  taste 
the  sweets  of  liberty.  Thus  pride,  ambition,  covetousness, 
and  worldly  policy,  engaged  him  in  the  contest ; and  a point 
of  honour,  that  is,  an  obstinate  determination  not  to  have  it 
said  he  was  overcome,  hardened  him  to  persist  in  it  to  his 
destruction. 

V.  3.  It  may  be  supposed  that  Moses  and  Aaron  do 
dared  to*  Pharaoh  some  of  the  grand  distinguishing  particulari 
of  their  religion,  and  spake  in  general  terms  of  the  perfec 
tions  and  works  of  Jehovah.  But  it  does  not  appear  that, 
on  this  occasion,  they  either  wrought  any  miracle,  or  threaten 
ed  any  punishment ; but  only  stated  the  danger  to  which  they 
themselves  should  be  exposed,  if  they  neglected  to  worship, 
the  Lord  their  God.  This  gentle  and  submissive  applica- 
tion was  suited  to  illustrate  the  character  of  the  tyrannical 
oppressor ; for  as  he  disdained  such  a message,  «,o  wonder  he 
raged  when  he  more  fully  understood  the  commission  under 
which  Moses  and  Aaron  acted. 

V.  4,  5.  Pharaoh  seems  entirely  to  have  disregarded  all 
that  had  been  said  concerning  the  appearance  and  command- 
ment of  the  Lord  to  Moses  and  Aaron ; supposing  the  whole 
plan  to  originate  from  ambitious,  interested  views,  and  ‘hat 

( 119  ) 


B.  C.  1491 


EXODUS. 


B.  C.  1491 


6 And  Pharaoh  commanded  the  same  day  'the 
task  masters  of  the  people,  and  theirofficers,  saying, 

7 Ye  shall  no  more  give  the  people  straw  to 
make  brick,  as  heretofore  : let  them  go  and  gather 
<traw  for  themselves. 

8 And  the  tale  of  the  bricks  which  they  did 
make  heretofore,  ye  shall  lay  upon  them  ; ye  shall 
not  diminish  aught  thereof:  for  they  be  idle; 
therefore  they  cry,  saying,  Let  us  go  and  sacrifice 
to  our  God. 

9 'Let  there  more  work  be  laid  upon  the  men, 
that  they  may  labour  therein ; and  let  them  not 

regard  K V a 1 1 1 words.  [Practical  Observations.] 

10  H And  the  ‘task-masters  of  the  people  went 
out,  and  their  officers,  and  they  spake  to  the  peo- 
ple, saying,  Thus  saith  Pharaoh,  I will  not  give 
you  straw. 

1 1 Go  ye,  get  you  straw  where  ye  can  find  it : 
yet  not  aught  of  your  work  shall  be  diminished. 

12  So  the  people  were  scattered  abroad  through- 
out all  the  land  of  Egypt,  to  gather  stubble  instead 
of  straw. 

13  And  the  task-masters  hasted  them,  saying, 
Fulfil  your  works,  your  tdaily  tasks,  as  when  there 
was  straw. 

14  And  the  officers  of  the  children  of  Israel, 
which  Pharaoh’s  task-masters  had  set  over  them, 
were  beaten,  and  demanded,  Wherefore  have  ye 
not  fulfilled  your  task  in  making  brick,  both  yes- 
terday and  to-day,  as  heretofore? 

* 10,13,15,19.  Prov.  12:10.  ’ Heb.  Let  the  work  he  heavy  upon  the  men. 

k 2 Kin°s  18:20.  Job  16:3.  Zcch.  1:6.  Mai.  3:14.  Eph.  5:6.  11:11.  Prov.  29:12. 
t Heb.  a matter  nf  a day  in  his  day.  m Malt.  26:8.  John  6:27.  2 Thee.  3:10,11. 
n Ez.  18:18.  Dan.  2:9 — 13.  o Deut.  32:36.  Ec.  4:1.  5:8.  p 6:9.  Gen.  16:5.  q Ec. 


they  abused  the  people’s  superstition  to  promote  their  own 
selfish  designs. — He  therefore  ordered  them  to  their  burdens, 
as  well  as  the  elders  who  attended  them  ; and  it  must  be 
ascribed  to  a div-ine  interposition,  that  he  did  not  send  them 
to  a dungeon,  or  to  execution  ; considering  his  character,  and 
the  nature  of  their  message. — He  also  represented  them  as 
doing  a public  injury  to  Egypt,  and  endangering  the  peace  of 
the  community,  by  taking  so  large  a multitude  off  from  their 
work,  and  putting  thoughts  of  another  kind  into  their  minds. 

V.  7.  Some  suppose  that  the  straw  was  cut  short,  and 
mingled  with  the  clay  in  making  bricks  ; the  nature  of  the 
clay,  and  the  imperfection  of  their  skill,  requiring  it : and 
others  supposed  that  they  burned  the  bricks  with  it. — But  in 
many  places  straw  is  now  used  in  covering  the  clay  before 
the  bricks  are  formed,  and  covering  the  bricks  before  they  are 
burned,  to  defend  them  from  the  burning  sun  or  heavy  rains  ; 
and  indeed  something  of  this  kind  is  indispensably  necessary. 

V.  8,  9.  Though  the  fruits  of  Israel’s  industry  were  many 
and  great,  Pharaoh  took  it  for  granted,  without  examining, 
that  the  people  were  not  fully  employed : and  too  many  of 
the  rich  and  powerful  imitate  his  example,  and  act  in  such 
matters  upon  report  or  conjecture,  without  inquiry.  He 
therefore  determined  to  fill  their  hands  with  work,  that  they 
might  have  somewhat  else  to  think  on,  than  such  vain  or  lying 
words,  as  he  supposed  those  of  Moses  and  Aaron  to  be. 

V.  12 — 14.  A large  proportion  of  the  people  being  employed 
in  gathering  stubble,  part  of  which  they  were  constrained  to 
fetch  from  a great  distance,  it  was  impossible  that  the  rest 
could  furnish  the  usual  quantity  of  bricks.  Yet  the  Egyptian 
task-masters,  by  Pharaoh’s  orders,  insisted  on  this  being 
done : and  when  for  two  days  a deficiency  was  found,  the 
Israelitish  officers,  whom  the  task-masters  had  placed  over 
their  brethren  to  superintend  their  labours,  were  severely 
beaten  ; and  thus  an  attempt  was  made  to  drive  them,  in  their 
own  defence,  to  join  in  this  cruel  oppression  ! 

V.  15 — 23.  It  seems  that  the  Israelitish  officers  were  in- 
formed of  Pharaoh’s  decision,  by  the  Egyptian  task-masters 
(6;)  and  they  might  suspect  that  they  had  misrepresented  his 
words : but  their  appeal  to  Pharaoh  was  answered  in  that 
cruel  and  sarcastical  manner,  which  was  calculated  to  break 
their  spirits,  or  drive  them  to  desperate  measures  ; as  well  as 
to  make  them  conclude,  that  all  their  hopes  of  deliverance 
from  the  Lord  were  groundless.  As  their  prospects  were 
very  gloomy,  and  there  is  no  reason  to  suppose  that  many  of 
them  were  partakers  of  the  courage  and  patience  of  faith,  it  is 
the  less  wonderful  that  they  spoke  sharply  to  Moses  and 
Aaron  ; who,  being  deeply  interested  in  the  concerns  of  their 
brethren,  were  waiting  to  learn  what  answer  they  had  re- 
ceived. It  must  have  been  a severe  trial  to  them  to  find,  that 
while  Pharaoh  reproached  them  for  taking  off  the  people 
from  their  work,  the  officers  of  Israel  complained  of  them,  as 
if  they  had  intentionally  set  Pharaoh  against  them,  and  given 
him  a pretence  for  putting  them  to  death,  as  well  as  for  in- 
creasing the  burdens  of  Israel  ; and  that  they  even  called  on 
God  to  plead  their  cause  against  them.  Thus  while  the  king 
of  Egypt  denied  that  the  Lord  had  sent  Moses  and  Aaron, 
the  Israelites  themselves  overlooked  ihe  proofs  which  they 
( 120  ) 


15  U Then  the  officers  of  the  children  of  Israel 
came  and  cried  unto  Pharaoh,  saying,  Wherefore 
dealest  thou  thus  with  ihy  servants  F 

16  There  is  no  straw  given  unto  thy  seivants, 
and  they  say  to  us,  Make  brick : and  behold,  thy 
servants  are  beaten  ; but  the  fault  is  in  thine  own 
people. 

17  But  he  said,  mYe  are  idle,  ye  are  idle : there- 
fore ye  say,  Let  us  go,  and  do  sacrifice  to  the 
Lord. 

18  Go  therefore  now,  and  work  : for  there  shall 
no  straw  be  given  you,  “yet  shall  ye  deliver  the 
tale  of  bricks. 

19  And  the  officers  of  the  children  of  Israel  did 

see  that  they  were  in  “evil  case,  after  it  was  said, 
Ye  shall  not  minish  aught  from  your  bricks  of 
your  daily  task.  • 

20  And  they  met  Moses  and  Aaron,  who  stood 
in  the  way,  as  they  came  forth  from  Pharaoh : 

21  And  they  said  unto  them,  pThe  Lord  look 
upon  you,  and  judge  ; because  ye  have  made  sour 
savour  to  tbe  abhorred  in  the  eyes  of  Pharaoh,  and 
in  the  eyes  of  his  servants,  to  put  a sword  in  their 
hand  to  slay  us. 

22  And  Moses  “returned  unto  the  Lord,  and 
said,  Lord,  Wherefore  hast  thou  so  evil  entre&ted 
this  people  ? “why  is  it  that  thou  hast  sent  me  ? 

23  For  since  I came  to  Pharaoh  to  speak  'in  thy 
name,  he  hath  done  evil  to  this  people ; ^neither 
hast  thou  delivered  thy  people  at  all. 

10:1.  Joel  2:20.  2 Cor.  2:15,16.  | Heb.  to  stink.  Gen.  34:30.  1 Sam.  13:4.  27:12. 
2 Sam.  10:6.  1 Chr.  19:6.  i 17:4.  1 Sam.  30:6.  Jer.l2:l.  s Num.  11:14,15. 
1 Kings  19:4,10.  Jer.  20:7.  t Ps.  118:26.  Jer.  11:21.  John  5:43.  § Heb.  de- 

livering, thou  hast  not  delivered.  Is. 26:17,18.  28:16.  Heb.  10:36,37. 


had  witnessed  of  their  divine  commission! — Yet  we  may  the 
less  wonder  at  this,  as  even  Moses,  when  thus  tiied,  was 
led  to  murmur  against  the  Lord,  for  honouring  him  with  this 
important  commission  ; to  forget  that  he  had  been  forewarned 
of  Pharaoh’s  opposition ; and  almost  to  despair  of  success  ! 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  The  servants  of  God  may  be  called  into  very 
perilous  situations:  but  while  they  adhere  to  theii  instruc- 
tions, they  may  “ set  their  fac  *s  as  a flint for  he  will  bear 
them  out  against  their  most  haughty  and  imperious  enemies. 
The  reasonableness  of  the  divine  commands  always  leaves 
the  disobedient  without  excuse.  If  \>*  decline  from  the  path 
of  duty  when  comparatively  easy,  we  shall  never  confine  our- 
selves to  it  when  greater  self-denial  is  requisite ; and  if  we 
refuse  to  devote  a portion  of  our  time  and  substance  to  the 
service  of  God,  how  shall  we  obey,  should  he  call  us  to  leave 
all,  to  take  up  our  cross,  to  endure  persecution,  and  to  lay 
down  our  lives  for  his  sake ! Yet  unless  we  are  prepared  for 
this,  we  cannot  he  Christ’s  disciples.  But  sinners  aie  afraid 
of  losing  the  pleasure  or  profit  which  they  derive  oi  expect 
from  transgression ; not  knowing  that  4 the  service  of  God  is 
perfect  freedom,’ a continual  feast,  and  an  enduring  inherit- 
ance.— Without  that  knowledge  of  God,  which  is  derived 
from  faith  and  experience,  there  is  no  true  fear  oi  loye  of 
him : and  therefore  they  who  know  him  not  habitually  dis- 
obey him,  and  often  insolently  despise  him,  and  presump- 
tuously set  him  at  defiance,  when  his  precepts  and  denuncia- 
tions interfere  with  their  ambitious  and  worldly  projects.  But 
this  ignorance  of  God  is  no  excuse  ; as  it  arises  not  so  much 
from  want  of  information,  as  from  men  44  not  liking  to  retain 
God  in  their  knowledge.” — It  is  common  for  the  irreligious  to 
treat  all  the  fears,  hopes,  conscientious  scruples,  and  expe- 
riences of  true  believers,  as  superstition  and  enthusiasm  ; and 
to  censure  them  as  vain  words  and  foolish  fancies.  It  must 
indeed  be  allowed  that  there  is  much  superstition  and  en- 
thusiasm in  the  world ; yet  true  religion  cannot  but  be  expe- 
rimental ; for  it  must  produce  its  effects  upon  the  judgment, 
heart,  and  conscience,  before  they  can  appear  in  the  life  and 
conversation.  We  should  therefore  learn  to  distinguish  be- 
tween u the  precious  and  the  vile,”  according  to  the  standard 
of  the  Holy  Scriptures. — It  is  very  common  for  worldly  people 
to  condemn  an  attention  to  the  ordinances  of  God,  as  idleness ; 
and  to  consider  all  the  time  or  money  which  is  expended  in 
religion,  as  wasted  to  no  purpose.  To  this  day  we  find  num- 
bers disposed  to  exclaim  against  some  of  their  neighbours,  for 
spending  a few  hours,  spared  from  business,  in  the  service  of 
God  ; crying  out,  44  Ye  are  idle,  ye  are  idle;”  an«l  yet  they 
do  not  censure,  or  only  with  great  lenity,  those  who  allot  twico 
the  time  to  dissipation  and  intemperance!  Thus  is  God  de- 
spised among  men,  as  if  nothing  could  be  so  misemployed 
as  that  which  is  devoted  to  him  ! Nor  is  it  to  this  day  an 
obsolete  device  of  Satan,  to  t 11  men’s  hands  with  business, 
their  heads  with  projects,  and  their  hearts  with  cares,  in 
order  to  divert  them  from  the  worship  of  God,  and  from  at- 
tention to  44  the  one  thing  needful.” 

V.  10 — 23.  The  yoke  of  Satan  and  of  sin  is  in  itself  im- 
mensely more  dreadful  than  that  of  cruel  Pharaoh  and  hia 


B.  C.  1491 


CHAPTER  VI. 


B.  C.  1491 


CHAPTER  VI. 

God  encourages  Moses,  by  Ms  name  JEHOVAH , and  by  promises  ; 1 — 8. 
Moses  in  rain  attempts  to  encourage  the  Israelites , 9.  He  and  Aaron  are 
charged  to  go  again  unto  Pharaoh , 10 — 13.  The  genealogy  of  Reuben  and 
of  Simeon  ; and  of  Levi  the  ancestor  of  Moses  and  Aaron,  14 — '25.  The 
history  is  resumed,  26 — 30. 

THEN  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  “Now  shalt 
thou  see  what  I will  do  to  Pharaoh : for 
bwith  a strong  hand  shall  he  let  them  go,  and  with 
a strong  hand  shall  he  'drive  them  out  of  his  land. 

2  And  God  spake  unto  Moses,  and  said  unto 
him,  dI  am  the  Lord  : 

3  And  I appeared  unto  Abraham,  unto  Isaac, 
and  unto  Jacob,  by  the  name  of  “God  Almighty, 
but  by  my  name  f J EHOVAH  was  I not  known  to 
them. 

4  And  I have  also  ^established  my  covenant 
with  them,  to  give  them  the  land  of  Canaan, 
11  the  land  of  their  pilgrimage,  wherein  they  were 
strangers. 

5  And  I have  also  heard  the  ‘groaning  of  the 

a 14:13.  Num.  23:23.  Deul.  32:39.  2 Kings  7:2,19.  2 Chr.  50:17.  Ps.l2:5.  b 3: 
19,20.  Deut.  4:34.  Ps.  89:13.  136:12.  Is.  63:12.  Ez. 20:33,34.  c 11:1.  12:61—33, 
39.  d 6,8.  11:18.  20:2.  Gen.  15:7.  Is.  12:8.  43:11,15.  Jer.  9:31.  Mai.  3:6. 
e Gen.  17:1.  28:3.  35:11.  18:3.  f 3:14.  Gen.  12:78.  13:18.  22:11.  I'.. 68:4.  Mil. 
83:18.  Is.  11:6.  52:5,6.  Join:  8:58.  Rev.  1:4.  g Gen.  6: 18.  1.5:18.  17:7,13.  2. Sam. 
23:5.  Is.  55:3.  h Gen.  15:13.  17:8.  23:4.  26:3.  Ps.  105:12.  Acts  7:5.  i 12:24.  3: 
7.  Is.  63:9.  k2:24.  Gen.  8:1.  9:15.  Ps.  105:8.  106:45.  Luke  1:54,72.  1 See  on 


task-masters : and  when  sinners  begin  to  feel  their  misery, 
and  the  Lord  is  preparing  deliverance  for  them,  the  disco- 
veries which  they  continually  make  of  the  strictness  and 
spirituality  of  the  divine  law,  the  evil  of  sin,  and  the  strength 
of  their  evil  propensities,  often  concur  with  the  temptations  of 
the  devil  in  urging  them  to  conclude,  that  it  is  impossible  to 
overcome  their  corrupt  passions  and  evil  habits ; for  these 
seem  rather  irritated  than  subdued  by  convictions,  while  they 
remain  ignorant  of  the  gospel.  Then  indeed  they  suppose 
themselves  to  be  in  an  evil  and  a hopeless  case ; and  are 
ready  to  wish  they  had  never  attended  to  that  doctrine  which 
has  thus  disquieted  them ; nay,  to  quarrel  with  the  instru- 
ment, as  if  he  were  the  cause  of  their  distress  and  misery ! 
On  this  account,  as  well  as  others,  they  who  desire  to  be 
honoured  by  God  in  any  public  sphere  of  usefulness,  should 
well  count  their  cost ; and  not  only  expect  to  meet  with  oppo- 
sition from  the  world,  but  to  experience  still  more  painful 
trials  from  the  impatience,  and  even  ingratitude  and  re- 
proaches of  the  very  persons  whose  good  they  are  earnestly 
seeking ; and  to  be  accused,  not  only  of  those  crimes  of  which 
they  are  innocent,  but,  by  men  of  different  characters,  of 
things  directly  contrary  to  each  other.  Such  as  seem  to 
believe,  will  44  in  time  of  temptation  fall  away and  they 
who  really  believe,  under  the  pressure  of  severe  trials,  often 
forget  all  they  knew,  and  distress  faithful  ministers  with  their 
distrust,  impatience,  and  peevish  complaints.  But  indeed 
the  ministers  themselves,  being  conscious  how  they  also  dis- 
honour and  offend  God,  and  admiring  his  forbearance  and 
compassion  to  them,  should  learn  to  imitate  him  in  bearing 
with  their  brethren.  For  the  most  faithful,  on  some  occa- 
sions, not  at  first  perceiving  the  fruits  of  their  labours,  or  not 
duly  understanding  the  Lord’s  method  of  preparing  sinners 
for  the  liberty  and  consolations  of  the  gospel,  by  very  humi- 
liating and  painful  experiences ; while  they  return  to  spread 
the  case  before  God,  are  apt  to  discourage  themselves,  and 
• mpatiently  to  complain  that  they  are  sent  to  no  purpose,  and 
that  he  doth  not  by  them  deliver  the  people  at  all : but  this  is 
heir  sin  and  their  folly,  of  which  at  length  they  will  be 
ashamed. — Let  us  not  however  close  this  chapter,  without 
contrasting  our  mild  and  benign  government,  and  the  civil 
and  religious  liberty  which  we  enjoy,  with  the  cruel  tyranny 
and  oppression  of  Pharaoh : and,  uniting  gratitude  to  God 
and  man  for  such  blessings,  let  us  pray  for  the  continuance 
of  them  to  us  and  to  our  posterity,  and  for  the  choicest  bless- 
ings upon  those  who  are  the  instruments  of  God  in  them: 
and  let  us  remember  how  much  we  are  bound  to  live,  (espe- 
cially under  such  rulers,)  in  all  godliness  and  honesty,  and 
in  quietness  and  conscientious  submission. 

NOTES. — Chap.  VI.  V.  1.  Moses  found  that  his  in- 
terference had  only  rendered  the  condition  of  Israel  worse 
than  before ; for  Pharaoh  set  Jehovah  at  defiance,  and  the 
people  were  sinking  in  abject  despondency.  But  at  this 
crisis  the  Lord  declared  that  he  would  display  his  own 
power,  and  effect  their  deliverance  himself,  that  he  might 
have  all  the  glory  of  it. — When  Pharaoh  felt  the  power  of 
God’s  indignation,  he  not  only  consented  to  Israel’s  depart- 
ure, but  he  and  his  people  urged  and  hastened  it : yet  this 
consent  was  extorted  by  force,  and  was  entirely  contrary  to 
Pharaoh’s  habitual  inclinations.— It  is  not  said  in  what  way  the 
Lord  spake  unto  Moses  on  each  of  these  occasions ; but  we 
nave  reason  to  believe,  that  there  was,  in  general,  some  per- 
sonal appearance  and  an  audible  voice,  like  that  with  which 
the  patriarchs  had  been  favoured.  (33:11.  Num.  12:8.) 

V.  3.  ‘I  am,’  saith  God,  4 that  unchangeable,  and  all- 
perfect Being,  who  am  known  by  the  name  Jehovah,  and 
always  act  consistently  with  that  name.’ — The  Lord  was 
known  to  the  patriarchs,  as  “ God  Almighty,”  or  the  all- 
sufficient  God,  who  possesses  all  wisdom,  power,  and  dom /- 
Vol.  L -16 


children  of  Israel,  whom  the  Egyptians  keep  in 
bondage  : and  hI  have  remembered  my  covenant. 

6 Wherefore  say  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  'I 
am  the  Lord,  and  ml  will  bring  you  out  from  under 
the  burdens  of  the  Egyptians,  and  I will  rid  you 
out  of  their  bondage  : and  I will  "redeem  you  with 
a stretched-out  arm,  and  with  great  judgments. 

7 And  I "will  take  you  to  me  for  a people,  and 
i’I  will  be  to  you  a God : and  ye  shall  know  that 

1 am  the  Lord  your  God,  which  bringeth  youou- 
ifrom  under  the  burdens  of  the  Egyptians. 

8 And  I will  bring  you  in  unto  the  land  con- 
cerning the  which  I did  'swear  rto  give  it,  to 
Abraham,  to  Isaac,  and  to  Jacob  ; and  I will  give 
it  you  for  a heritage  : "I  am  the  Lord. 

[ Practical  Observations .] 

9 And  Moses  spake  so  unto  the  children  of 
Israel : but  they  ‘hearkened  not  unto  Moses,  for 
fanguish  of  spirit,  and  for  cruel  bondage. 

10  And  the'  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2.  Ez.  20:7-9.  m 3:17.  7:4.  Deut.  26:8.  Ps.  81:6.  □ 15:13.  Feul.  7:8.  15:15. 

2 Kings  17:36.  I Chr.  17:21.  Neh.  1:10.  o 19:5,6.  Gen.  17:78.  Deut.  4:20.  7:6. 
14:2.  26: 18.  2 Sum.  7:23,24.  Jer.31:33.  Hos.LlO.  lPet.2:10.  p 29:45,46. 
Dent.  29:13.  Zech.  13:9.  Matt.  22:32.  Heb.  11:16.  Rev.  21:7.  qPs.  81:6. 
* Heb.  lift  up  my  hand.  Gen.  14.22.  Deut.  32:40.  Ez.  20:5,6,15,23,28,42.  36:7. 
47:14.  r 32:13.  Gen.  15:18.  22:16,17  . 26:3.  28:13.  35-12.  e See  on  2.  Num. 
23:19.  ISam. 15:29.  1 5:21 . 14:12.  t Heb.  shortness,  orslraitness.  Num.  21:4. 


nion,  to  contrive  and  effect  the  purposes  of  his  love. — It  is 
most  probable  that  the  latter  clause  should  be  read  with  an 
interrogation : “ And  was  I not  known  to  them  by  my  name 
Jehovah?”  For  Moses  had  constantly  used  the  name 
Jehovah  in  the  preceding  history;  the  patriarchs  built  their 
altars,  and  “called  upon  the  name  of  Jeiiovah  Abraham 
called  the  place  where  he  was  about  to  sacrifice  Isaac, 
jEHOVAH-jire/i ; and  God,  speaking  to  Jacob  in  Bethel, 
saith,  44 1 am  Jehovah,  the  God  of  Abraham.” — The  inten- 
tion of  these  words  seems  to  have  been  this.  Moses  was 
discouraged,  because  the  difficulties  before  him  appeared 
insurmountable;  but  this  was  unreasonable:  the  same  glo- 
rious God,  who  revealed  himself  to  Abraham,  Isaac,  and 
Jacob,  as  Almighty , and  who  pledged  the  honour  of  his 
name  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  covenant  which  he  made 
with  them,  that  he  would  give  their  posterity  the  land  in 
which  44  they  were  strangers;”  was  indeed  Jehovah,  the 
self-existent,  eternal,  and  unchangeable  God,  and  was  known 
to  them  by  that  name  also.  No  difficulty  therefore  had  arisen, 
or  could  arise,  but  what  he  foresaw  when  he  made  the  pro 
mises;  nor  any,  which  his  power  was  not  able  to  remove. 
As  if  he  had  said, 4 Remember,  Moses,  who  it  was  that  made 
the  promises  to  the  fathers ; and  assure  thyself  he  is  well  able 
to  fulfil  them. — Thus  Jesus,  who  is  the  same  yesterday,  to 
day,  and  for  ever,”  said  to  Martha,  over  the  grave  of  Lazarus, 
44 Said  I not  unto  thee,  that  if  thou  wouldest  believe,  thou 
shouldest  see  the  glory  of  God  ?”  referring  to  what  he  had 
said  before,  44 1 am  the  Resurrection  and  the  Life.”  (John 
11:37 — 40.) — Some  however  think,  that  though  the  patriarchs 
knew  the  same  Jehovah,  they  were  not  instructed  in  this 
meaning  and  application  of  it;  and  that  this  is  the  purport  of 
the  passage;  especially  as  Moses  was  the  first,  as  far  as  we 
know,  who  was  sent  with  a message  to  others  in  the  name  of 
Jehovah,  and  enabled  to  confirm  that  message  by  public 
and  incontestable  miracles. 

V.  5 — 7.  Jehovah,  the  righteous  and  compassionate 

Patron  of  the  oppressed,  and  the  covenanted  Friend  of 
Israel,  was  absolutely  engaged  and  determined  to  put  forth 
his  omnipotence  to  rescue  them  from  bondage  ; as  a man 
stretches  forth  his  arm  and  employs  his  whole  force  to  effect 
any  thing  about  which  he  is  in  earnest.  And  as  this  had 
respect  to  the  redemption  of  the  promised  Saviour,  and  would 
also  be  accomplished  at  the  price  of  desolating  Egypt ; the 
deliverance  was  spoken  of  in  language  taken  from  ihe  ran- 
soming of  slaves  and  captives.  (Note,  Is.  43:3,4.)  He  there- 
fore engaged  to  take  them  under  his  especial  care  and  pro- 
tection, and  to  maintain  his  truth  and  worship  among  them, 
while  other  nations  were  suffered  to  walk  in  their  own  ways. 
44  To  know  the  Lord,”  is  often  used  in  Scripture  for  that 
knowledge  of  the  being,  perfections,  and  omnipotent  dominion 
of  God  over  all  his  works,  which  is  the  effect  of  experience  ; 
whether  of  his  mercy  and  love,  or  of  his  righteous  vengeance. 
But,  to  know  him  as  44  the  Lord  our  God,”  implies  either  a 
spiritual  relation  to  him  as  our  Friend  and  Father,  or  at  leas’ 
those  religious  advantages  which  are  the  outward  signs  and 
means  of  so  great  a blessing.  Israel  would  know  that  he 
was  the  Lord,  in  the  experience  of  his  powerful  and  faith- 
ful loving-kindness  ; and  might  thus  discover  that  he  was 
justly  entitled  to  all  that  love  and  service  which  his  law  re- 
quired. 

V.  9.  The  people  were  so  crushed  by  oppression,  and  so 
filled  with  anguish  by  their  late  distressing  disarn>''mtment ; 
that,  perceiving  no  sensible  tokens  of  approaching  deliverance, 
but  an  increase  of  their  oppressive  burdens,  they  quite  do- 
sponded,  disregarded  the  message  of  God,  and  refused  to 
make  any  further  attempts. 

For  anguish  of  A 7ro  rrjg  o\tyo\pvxtas,  from 

ness,  or  dejection  of  spirit.  Set  i. — 1 Thes.  5:14.  Gr 
l i21  ) 


B.  C.  1491. 


EXODUS. 


B.  C.  149 


11  Go  in,  “speak  unto  Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt, 
that  he  let  the  children  of  Israel  go  out  of  his 
Land. 

12  And  Moses  spake  before  the  Lord,  saying. 
Behold  “the  children  of  Israel  have  not  hearkened 
unto  me  ; how  then  shall  Pharaoh  hear  me,  who 
am  of  runcircumcised  lips? 

13  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  and  unto 
Aaron,  and  “gave  them  a charge  unto  the  children 
of  Israel,  and  unto  Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt,  to 
bring  the  children  of  Israel  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 

14  H These  be  “the  heads  of  their  fathers’ 
houses : bThe  sons  of  Reuben  the  first-born  of 
Israel ; Hanoch,  and  Pallu,  Hezron,  and  Carmi : 
'these  be  the  families  of  Reuben. 

15  And  the  dsons  of  Simeon;  Jemuel,  and 
Jamin,  and  Ohad,  and  Jachin,  and  Zohar,  and 
Shaul  the  son  of  a Canaanitish  woman:  these 
are  the  families  of  Simeon. 

16  And  these  are  the  names  of  the  “sons  of 
Levi,  according  to  their  generations : Gershon, 
and  Kohath,  and  Merari : and  the  years  of  the 
s c.]  life  of  Levi  were  fa  hundred  thirty  and 
low. J seven  years. 

17  The  ssons  of  Gershon;  Libni,  and  Shimi, 
according  to  their  families. 

18  And  the  hsons  of  Kohath ; Amram,  and 
Izhar,  and  Hebron,  and  Uzziel:  ‘and  the  years  of 
the  life  of  Kohath  were  a hundred  thirty  and 
three  years. 

19  And  the  ksons  of  Merari;  Mahali,  and 
Mushi : these  are  the  families  of  Levi,  according 
to  t{ieir  generations. 

u 29.  3:11).  5:1,23.  7:1.  x3:13.  4:29—31.  5:19—21.  y 30.  4:10.  Lev.  26: 

11.  Deut.  30:6.  Is.  6:5.  Jer.  1:6.  6:10.  9:25.  Acts  7:51.  z Num.  27: 19,23.  Deut. 
31:14.  Ps.  91:11.  Matt.  4:6.  1 Tiro.  1:18.  5:21.  6:13,17.  2 Tim.  2:2.  4:1.  aSS. 
Josh.  11:1.  19:51.  1 Chr.  5:24.  7:2,7.  8:6.  b Gen.  46:9.  49:3,4.  Num.  26:5,6. 
I Chr.  5:3.  c Num.  26:7.  Josh.  13:15,23.  d Gen.  46:10.  Num.  26:12,13.  1 Chr. 
4:24.  Nemu  l.  Jarib.  Zerah.  e Gen.  46:11.  Num.  3:17.  1 Chr.  6:1,16.  f 18,20. 
(Jen.  35:28  . 47:28  . 50:26.  gGcn.  46:11.  Num.  3:18.  Skinui.  1 Chr.  6:17.  23:7. 
Laa  lan.  Skimei.  h Num.  3:19.  Izebar.  26:57.  1 Chr.  6:2,18.  i See  on  16. 
k Num.  3:20.  1 Chr.  6:19.  23:21.  12:1,2.  Num.  26:59.  m See  on  16.  n24. 


20  And  'Amram  took  him  Joc..?ued  bis  father’s 
sister  to  wife;  and  she  bare  him  Aaron  and 
Moses : mand  the  years  of  the  life  of  Amram  were 
a hundred  and  thirty  and  seven  years. 

21  And  the  sons  of  Izhar ; “Korah,  and  Nepheg, 
and  Zichri. 

22  And  the  “sons  of  Uzziel;  Mishael,  and  i-b.c. 

Elzaphan,  and  Zithri.  L1530- 

23  And  Aaron  took  him  rElisheba,  daughter  o. 
^Amminadab,  sister  of  Naashon,  to  wile ; and 
she  bare  him  rNadab  and  Abihu,  Eleazar  and 
Ithamar. 

24  And  the  sons  of  “Korah  ; Assir,  and  'Elkanah, 
and  Abiasaph:  these  are  the  families  of  the 
Korhites. 

25  And  Eleazar  Aaron’s  son  took  him  one  of 
the  daugh  ters  of  Putiel  to  wife ; and  she  bare  him 
“Phinehas  : these  are  vthe  heads  of  the  fathers  of 
the  Levites,  according  to  their  families. 

26  These  are  “that  Aaron  and  Moses,  to  whom 
the  Lord  said,  ‘Bring  out  the  children  of  Israel 
frormthe  land  of  Egypt  according  to  their 'armies. 

27  These  are  they  which  “spake  to  Pharaoh 
king  of  Egypt,  bto  bring  out  the  children  of  Israel 
from  Egypt : these  are  that  Moses  and  Aaron. 

28  *11  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  day  when  the 
Lord  spake  unto  Moses  in  the  land  of  Egypt, 

29  That  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying. 
CI  am  the  Lord  : dspeak  thou  unto  Pharaoh  king 
of  Egypt  all  that  I say  unto  thee. 

30  And  Moses  said  before  Ihe  Lord,  Behold,  I 
am  of  “uncircumcised  lips,  and  how  shall  Pharaoh 
hearken  unto  me  ? 


Num.  16:1,32.  26:10,11.  1 Chr.  6:37,38.  oLev.  10:4.  Num.  3:30.  ]>  Luke  1:5. 

q Num.  1:7.  2:3.  Ruth  4:19,20.  1 Chr.  2:10.  Mall.  1:4.  r 24: 1,9.  Lev.  10:1,2. 
Num.  3:2 — 4.  26:60,61.  1 Chr. 6:3.  24:1,2.  ,21.  Num.  16:1,32.  26:9-11.  1 Chr. 
6:22,33,37,38.  Ps.84:85:  itles.  tl  Sam.  1:1.  I Chr.  6:23,27,23.  u Num.  25:7— 
13.  31:6.  Josh.  22:13,31,32.  Juilg.20:28.  Ps.  106:30,31.  v 14.  * 13,20.  Josh.  24: 
5.  1 Sam.  12.6,8.  1 Chr.  6:3.  Ps.  77:20.  99:6.  Mic.6:4.  y 7.  3:10,11.  20:2.  32: 
1,7,11.  lets  7:35,36.  z7:4.  12:17,51.  13:18.  Num.  33:1.  n5:l-3.  7:10.  b Set 
or.  26.  33:1.  cS.eon6,8.  d Jer.  1 :7,17— 19.  26:2.  Kz.3:17.  Matt.  28:20.  Acli 
20:27.  e See  on  12.  4:10. 


V.  12.  Even  Moses  himself  was  so  discouraged,  that  his 
faith  almost  entirely  failed,  and  he  was  ready  to  give  up  the 
service  as  hopeless.  He  forgot  that  the  Lord  had  engaged  to 
deliver  the  people  by  a strong  hand,  and  not  by  persuasive 
words  ; so  that  liis  uncircumcised  lips,  or  want  of  eloquence, 
could  no!  prevent  his  success. — Uncircumcised  often  denotes 
unsuitableness  and  incapacity,  through  some  defect  or  impe- 
diment ; as  the  carnal  heart  of  man  is  entirely  unsuited  to 
the  spiritual  service  of  God,  and  the  purposes  of  his  glory. 
(Marg.  Ref.  y.) 

V.  13.  The  Lord  here  absolutely  commanded  Moses  and 
Aaron,  without  further  objections  or  delays,  to  deliver  his 
message  to  Israel,  and  also  to  Pharaoh,  to  whom  they  seem 
to  have  been  directed  to  speak  with  more  authority  than  be- 
fore ; and  to  denounce  the  vengeance  of  the  Lord  upon  him 
if  he  proved  refractory.  Indeed,  they  were  not  only  charged 
to  attempt  bringing  Israel  out  of  Egypt,  but  absolutely  to 
effect  it  ; and  this  charge  was  calculated  to  increase  their 
faith,  and  raise  their  expectations. 

V.  14 — 20.  Before  the  historian  proceeded  with  his  narra- 
tive, he  digressed  from  the  subject,  to  give  some  account  of 
the  persons  to  whom  this  charge  was  given. — Reuben  was 
the  first-born,  and  accordingly  is  first  mentioned,  to  mark  the 
accomplishment  of  Jacob’s  prediction;  seeing  he  was  passed 
by,  and  the  deliverer  did  not  spring  from  him. — For  the  same 
reason  Simeon  also  is  mentioned,  who  was  the  next  in  seni- 
ority ; yet  the  deliverer  of  Israel  did  not  descend  from  him, 
but  from  Levi,  the  third  son,  who,  though  he  had  been  dis- 
graced, began  now  to  be  dignified.  ( Notes , Gen.  49:3 — 7.) 
Levi,  though  older  than  Joseph,  survived  him  above  twenty 
years;  and  his  son  Kohath  attained  nearly,  and  his  grandson 
Amram  fully,  to  the  same  age.  It  is  not  recorded  how  long 
the  other  sons  of  Jacob  lived.  Moses  was  no  more  than  a 
hundred  and  twenty  when  he  died : yet  his  age  was  deemed 
extraordinary  ; and  he  fixes  the  term  of  man’s  life  to  seventy 
or  eighty  years,  (Fs.  90:10.)  which  from  about  that  time  have 
in  general  been  its  appointed  bounds. — According  to  the  Sc*'* 
tuagint  and  the  Jewish  traditions,  Jochebed  was  cousin , noi  , 
aunt  to  Amram  : but  this  construction  was  probably  put  on  the 
original  word  to  save  the  credit  of  Moses  and  Aaron  ; because 
tiie  marriage  of  an  aunt  is  afterwards  forbidden.  (Lev.  18: 
12,14.)  For  the  meaning  of  the  word  hero  used  is  fixer! 
by  another  passage,  in  which  it  is  said:  u The  name  of 
Amram’s  wife  was  Jochebed,  the  daughter  of  Levi,  whom  her 
mother  bare  to  Levi  in  Egypt.”  (Num.  26:59.)  It  is  proba- 
ble that  Jochebed  was  born  when  Levi  was  old,  and  was 
as  young  as  Amram. — The  impartiality  of  the  historian  ap- 
pears in  his  recording  that  he  was  born  of  a marriage,  which 
the  law  afterwards  condemned  as  incestuous ; and  by  his 
silence  in  other  respects  concerning  his  parents,  though 
( 122  1 


there  is  sufficient  ground  to  conclude  that  they  were  pious 
persons. 

V.  23 — 25.  Elisheba  is  the  same  as  Elisabeth.  She  was 
the  sister  of  Naashon,  or  Nahshon , who  was  of  the  tribe  o* 
Judah,  and  an  ancestor  of  Christ.  Thus  an  alliance  was 
formed  between  the  family  of  the  priests  and  that  of  the  kings; 
which  might  shadow  forth  him  who  was  both  Priest  and 
King  in  one  Person. — It  is  observable  that  Moses  in  this 
place  records  nothing  of  his  own  descendants,  who  were  left 
among  the  ordinary  Levites;  though  he  mentions  such  of  the 
other  branches  of  his  family  as  were  afterwards  in  any  way 
distinguished,  and  especially  the  descendants  of  Aaron,  the 
priest  of  the  Lord. 

V.  26,  27.  The  transactions  which  Moses  was  about  to 
record,  were  exceedingly  important  in  themselves,  and  in 
their  consequences  ; and  there  could  be  no  doubt  that  other 
nations  and  ages  would  hear  the  report  of  them.  Accord- 
ingly, some  traditions  concerning  them  are  found  in  many 
pagan  writers  : but  they  are  greatly  misstated  ; and  espe- 
cially the  parentages , and  even  the  tribe  of  Moses  are  mis- 
taken in  them.  It  was  therefore  of  great  importance,  in  order 
to  give  the  stamp  of  authenticity  to  his  history,  that  a very 
particular  and  clear  account  should  be  given  of  the  principal 
persons  mentioned.  This  has  frequently  been  done  by  other 
historians,  who  have  on  such  occasions  spoken  of  themselves 
in  the  third  person  ; as  Ezra,  Daniel,  and  the  apostle  John: 
so  that  there  is  not  the  smallest  reason  for  any  objection,  on 
this  account,  to  these  books  having  been  written  by  Moses, 
according  to  the  general  testimony  of  all  antiquity,  sanction- 
ed by  the  express  attestations  of  our  Lord  himself.  (John 

5:46,47.) 

Armies.  (26)  When  the  Israelites  left  Egypt,  they 
marched  in  good  order, without  trepidation  or  confusion:  and 
when  the  several  tribes  were  regularly  encamped,  they  ap- 
peared as  so  many  armies  prepared  for  battle,  under  the 
immediate  conduct  of  the  Lord  of  armies  himself. 

V.  28 — 30.  Having  stated  the  above  particulars,  the  sacred 
vriter  resumes  his  narrative.  (Marg  Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 8.  We  are  most  likely  to  prosper  in  our  endeavours 
to  glorify  God  and  serve  our  generation,  when  we  are  con- 
vinced by  experience  that  we  can  do  nothing  of  ourselves: 
for  when  we  can  truly  say  that  our  whole  dependence  is 
placed  on  the  Lord,  and  14  our  expectation  is  only  from  him  ;u 
wc  are  prepared  to  mark  and  to  record  his  works  of  power 
and  love,  and  to  render  him  our  tribute  of  adoring,  thankful 
praise.  Ho  therefore  previously  proves  and  humbles  those 
whom  he  loves  and  employs,  and  brings  them  to  feel , as  well 
as  acknowledge,  their  insufficiency : but  while  ho  is  thus 
mortifying  their  pride  and  ambition,  Fatan  )ften  takes  the 


B.  C.  1491 


CHAPTER  VII.  B.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Hi  Lord  encourages  Moses  and  Aaron  to  go  unto  Pharaoh,  1 — 6.  Their  ages 
are  noted,!.  Aaron  easts  down  his  rod,  which  becomes  a serpen',  an<l  the 
magicians  do  the  same  ; but  their  rods  are  swallotoedup  by  Aaron's  rod  : yet 
Pharaoh's  h-art  is  hardened.  8 — 13.  Another  message  is  sent  to  Pharaoh, 
and  the  river  is  turned  into  blood , 14—23.  The  distress  of  the  Egyptians, 
24,25. 

AND  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  “See,  I have 
made  thee  ba  god  to  Pharaoh : and  Aaron  thy 
brother  shall  be  thy  prophet. 

2  Thou  shalt  speak  call  that  I command  thee  : 
and  Aaron  thy  brother  shall  speak  unto  Pharaoh, 
that  he  send  the  children  ol'Israel  out  oP his  land. 

3  And  dI  will  harden  Pharaoh’s  heart,  and  'mul- 
tiply my  signs  and  my  wonders  in  the  land  of  Egypt. 

4  But  Pharaoh  shall  not  hearken  unto  you,  f that 
I may  lay  my  hand  upon  Egypt,  and  bring  forth 
mine  sarmi  s,  and  my  people,  the  children  of  Israel, 
out  of  tl*e  land  of  Egypt,  hby  great  judgments. 

5  And  the  Egyptians  'shall  know  that  I am  the 
Loro,  when  4 stretch  forth  mine  hand  upon  Egypt, 
an*  bring  out  the  children  of  Israel  from  among 
them. 


a 16:29.  Gen.  19:21.  1 Kings  17:23.  2 KinRs 6:32.  Ec.l:10.  b 4 :15,16.  Ps.  82:6. 
Jer.  1 : 1U.  John  lu: 35.36.  c 6:29.  Deul.  4:2.  I Kings  22:14.  Jer.  1:7,17.  hr. 3:19. 

17.  Malt.  28:20.  Acts  20:27.  il  See  on  4:21.  e9:16.  11:9.  Dent.  4:34.  T:\9. 

Nell.  9:10.  Ps.  78:43— 51.  11)5:27—36.  135:9.  Is.  51:9.  Jer.  32:20,21.  Mic.7:15. 
John  4:48.  Ads  2:22  . 7:36.  f 9:3.  10:1.  Judg.2:I5.  Lam. 3:3.  g6;26.  12:51. 

b6:6.  Prov.  19:29.  Is. 26:9.  Ei.  14:21.  25:11. 30:14,19.  Ilev.l5:4.  16:7.  19:2. 
.9:10,22.  14:4,18.  Ps.9:16.  Ez. 25:17.  28:22  . 36:23.  39:7,22.  j See  on  3:20.  k 10. 

opportunity  of  tempting  them  to  discontent,  impatience,  and 
discouragement;  that  “their  hands  may  hang  down  and 
their  knees  wax  feeble,”  and  that  they  may  be  reluctant  to 
the  work  assigned  them.  In  such  circumstances,  they  are 
apt  to  displease  the  Lord  by  unbelieving  objections  and  hesi- 
tations; yet  lie  graciously  pities  and  pardons  them,  and  ob- 
viates their  discouragements.  And  nothing  is  more  effectual 
for  this  purpose,  than  discovering  to  them  his  immutable  per- 
fection, his  incomprehensible  wisdom  and  power,  his  uncon- 
trollable dominion,  his  condescending  compassion,  love,  and 
faithfulness;  and  his  oath  and  covenant,  by  which  he  hath 
engaged  to  fulfil  his  largest  promises  to  his  church,  and  to 
every  living  member  of  it.  Calling  these  things  to  remem- 
brance, and  recollefcting  his  wonders  of  old,  the  drooping 
heart  revives,  faith  recovers  strength,  larger  expectations  are 
formed,  and  the  servant  of  God  rises  superior  to  despond- 
ency, and  patiently  proceeds  in  the  work  assigned  him. 

V.  9 — 30.  Our  compassionate  Lord  regards  our  groanings 
under  temporal  calamities;  but  when  the  guilt  and  power  of 
sin  and  temptation  become  our  chief  complaint,  and  extort 
the  exclamation,  “ Oh,  wretched  man  that  I am  ! Who  shall 
deliver  me?”  he  particularly  notes  it,  and  will  certainly  per- 
form to  us  “ the  oath  which  he  sware  unto  . . . Abraham,  . . . 
that  we,  being  delivered  out  of  the  hand  of  our  enemies, 
might  serve  him  without  fear,  in  holiness  ami  righteousness 
before  him,  all  the  days  of  our  life.”  (Luke  1:72 — 75.)  When 
we  find  that  we  cannot  deliver  ourselves*  he  will  show  us 
what  he  can  do  ; and  redeeming  us  by  his  strong  hand  and 
stretched-out  arm,  from  the  power  of  our  enemies,  he  will 
take  us  to  be  his  people,  and  will  be  our  God.  He  will  guard 
us  safely  all  the  way  to  that  good  land  where  tears,  groans, 
sins,  and  enemies  are  known  no  more  for  ever  ; and  there  he 
will  give  us  everlasting  felicity.  But  even  these  glorious  and 
joyful  assurances  afford  no  consolation  to  the  soul  which  is 
overwhelmed  with  present  trouble,  finds  matters  apparently 
grow  worse,  and  has  no  sensible  tokens  of  the  divine  favour. 
For  we  are  very  prone  to  expect  the  continuance  and  in- 
crease of  such  dispensations  as  we  at  present  experience. 
Even  universal  observation  of  the  mutability  of  human  affairs 
does  not  prevent  those  in  prosperity  from  expecting  greater 
prosperity,  and  those  in  adversity  from  expecting  deeper 
scenes  of  affliction  : and  this  gives  Satan  an  immense  advan- 
tage, in  attempting  to  buoy  up  some  men  in  careless  pre- 
sumption, and  to  depress  others  in  heartless  despondency, 
If  then  we  would  be  safe,  and  walk  comfortably  in  such  a 
world  as  this,  1 we  must  walk  by  faith,  not  by  sight.”  For 
he,  and  he  only,  who  habitually  believes  the  testimony  and 
relies  on  the  promise  of  God,  will  find  his  heart  prepared  for 
humble  watchfulness,  patient  hope,  and  cheerful  submission  : 
while  frequent  reflections  on  his  own  unworthiness,  connected 
vvith  lively  prospects  of  heavenly  felicity,  tend  to  silence  his 
somplaints,  animate  his  admiring  love  and  gratitude,  and 
ender  him  persevering  and  active  in  the  duties.of  his  place 
vnd  station. 

NOTES. — Chap.  VII.  V.  1,  2.  Moses,  as  the  ambas- 
sador of  Jehovah,  representing  him  and  speaking  in  his 
name,  possessed  and  exercised  an  authority  over  Pharaoh, 
and  laid  injunctions,  denounced  threatenings,  and  called  for 
judgments  on  him,  with  a power  which  Pharaoh,  proud  and 
great  as  he  was,  could  not  resist,  and  was  unable  to  despise, 
or  to  endure.  Thus  Moses  had  a decided  superiority  over 
Pharaoh,  and  did  not  stand  in  awe  of  his  authority,  hut  made 
nim  tremble  before  him.  All  this  seems  to  ^e  implied  in 
•his  srrong  expression,  “ I have  made  thee  a god  to  Pha-  . 
► aoh  and,  in  answer  *o  Moses’s  objection  that  he  was  “of 
uioircumcised  lips,”  he  was  assured  that  Aaron  should  de-  | 


6 And  Moses  and  Aaron  did  'as  the  Lord  com* 
manded  them,  so  did  they. 

7 And  Moses  was  fourscore  years  old,  and  Aaron 

lourscore  and  three  years  old,  when  they  spake 
unto  Pharaoh.  £, Practical  Observa  ions .] 

8 And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  and  untc 
Aaron,  saying, 

9 When  Pharaoh  shall  speak  unto  you,  saying, 
mShow  a miracle  for  you  : then  thou  shalt  say  unto 
Aaron,  "Take  thy  rod  and  cast  it  before  Pharaoh, 
and  it  shall  become  a serpent. 

10  And  Moses  and  Aaron  went  in  unto  Pharaoh, 
and  they  did  so  as  the  Lord  had  commanded  : and 
Aaron  cast  down  his  rod  before  Pharaoh,  and  be- 
fore his  servants,  and  °it  became  a serpent. 

11  Then  Pharaoh  also  called  the  Pwise-  men,  and 
the  sorcerers  : now  the  magicians  of  Egypt,  Uhey 
also  did  in  like  manner  with  their  enchantments; 

12  For  they  cast  down  every  man  his  rod,  and 
they  became  serpents : rbut  Aaron’s  rod  swallowed 
up  their  rods. 


12:28.*  39:43.  40:16.  Gen.  6:22.  22:18.  John  15:10,14.  1 Gen.  41 :4G.  Dent.  29:5. 
31:2.  34:7.  Ps.  90:10.  Acts  7.23,30.  m Is. 7:1 1.  John  *2:18.  6:30.  10:38.  n JO- 
12.  4:2.17,20.  9:23.  10:13.  o 4:3.  Am. 9:3.  Mark  16:18.  I.uke  10:19.  p Gen. 
41:8,38,39.  Is.  19:11,12.  47:12.13.  Dan. 2:2,27.  4:7—9.  5:7  11.  2 lim.3:S.  Rev. 
19:20.  q Dent.  13:1—  3.  Matt.  24:24.  2Thea.2:9.  Rev.  13: 1 1—15.  r8;l.\19. 

9:11.  Acls8:9— 13.  13:8—11.  19:19,20.  1 John  4.4. 


liver  his  message  faithfully  and  properly  to  Pharaoh,  and  thus 
be  “ his  prophet.” — The  last  three  verses  of  the  foregoing 
chapter  might  be  more  conveniently  placed  at  the  beginning 
of  this. 

V.  3,  4.  Notes , 13.  4:21.  6:26,27. 

V.  5.  Know.]  By  the  dreadful  judgments  inflicted  on 
them,  especially  the  destruction  of  all  the  first-born,  the 
Egyptians  had  a full  demonstration  that  the  God  of  Israel 
was  the  great  Jehovah,  “the  Lord  of  the  whole  earth.” 
(Note,  6:5 — 7.) 

V.  6,  7.  At  length  Moses  was  delivered  from  his  fears ; 
and  being  strengthened  in  faith,  he  no  longer  objected,  but 
went  about  his  arduous  work  with  undaunted  courage,  and 
proceeded  in  it  with  indefatigable  perseverance ; Aaron  also 
heartily  assisting  him,  in  the  same  courage  and  constancy  of 
faith. — Being  matured  in  years  and  experience,  and  venera- 
ble on  that  account,  they  were  more  proper  to  speak  in  the 
name  of  God,  before  Pharaoh  and, his  courtiers,  than  younger 
men  would  have  been. 

V.  9.  10.  It  is  here  supposed  that  extraordinary  divine 
commissions  should  be  attested  by  miracles  : and,  unless 
brought  in  proof  of  such  doctrines  as  evidently  contradi<  t the 
first  grand  principles  of  all  religion,  or  of  revealed  truth  in 
particular,  they  may  be  considered  as  the  seal  of  Heaven 
affixed  to  the  prophet’s  commission  ; so  that  open,  undeniable* 
and  repeated  miracles,  are  a divine  attestation  in  behalf  of 
the  person  by  whom  they  are  wrought.  (John  3:2.  5:36.  6:27. 
10:38.  14:11.  15:24.)  And  indeed  it  cannot  he  supposed  that 
God  will  allow  his  seal  to  be  so  counterfeited,  as  to  impose 
on  the  attentive,  humble,  and  impartial  inquirer,  however  he 
may  leave  the  proud  and  prejudiced  to  be  deceived  by  delu- 
sive appearances.  There  is  likewise  a vast  difference  be- 
tween miracles  wrought  publicly  before  enemies , in  proof  of  a 
doctrine  which  has  got  no  establishment  in  the  world , and 
which  by  its  very  nature,  and  the  circumstances  of  those 
who  promulgate  it,  is  never  likely  to  succeed,  unless  the 
miracles  are  undeniable,  so  that  the  whole  cause  rests  upon 
them;  and  miracles,  supposed  to  have  been  performed  in 
private,  or  among  friends,  in  proof  of  a system  already  esta- 
blished, and  supported  by  the  wealthy,  the  powerful,  and  the 
learned,  to  whom  it  is  the  interest  of  others  to  pay  court. 
All  the  miracles  wrougnt  by  Moses  and  Aaron  were  of  the 
former  kind : and  their  success  itself,  in  so  extraordinary  an 
undertaking,  demonstrates  that  they  were  wrought  by  the 
power  of  God.  Moses  delivered  the  rod  to  Aaron,  who  in 
general  gave  the  token  for  the  performance  of  the  miracles. — 
The  command  given  to  him  by  Moses  before  Pharaoh,  im- 
plied a prediction  of  the  miracle,  which  tended  to  render  it 
the  more  undeniable. 

A serpent.]  (I:''n)  which  the  LXX  render  bpaieti) v,  a 
dragon , as  also  the  plural  in  ihe  twelfth  verse  dpaKovreg. 
The  word  (wna)  is  used  before,  (4:3.)  and  is  rendered  by  the 
LXX  o0t?. 

V.  11,  12.  No  doubt.  Pharaoh  and  his  servants  were  both 
astonished  and  alarmed,  when  they  saw  Aaron’s  rod  become 
a terrible  serpent,  before  them.  But  as  magicians  and  sor- 
cerers were  in  high  repute  in  Egypt,  being  called  .wise  men, 
and  supposed  capable  of  performing  very  extraordinary  things 
by  their  skill  in  the  occult  sciences  ; probably  Pharaoh  and 
his  courtiers  endeavoured  to  believe,  that  Moses  and  Aaron 
were  nothing  more  than  two  great  magicians,  and  that  ’he 
sorcerers  and  magician s of  Egypt  were  able  to  contend  with 
them.  Accordingly,  some  of  the  most  renowned  among 
them  were  called  in,  of  whom  we  find  Jannes  and  Jambres 
were  the  principal:  (2  Tim.  3:8.)  and  “they  also  did  in  like 
manner  with  their  enchantments ; for  they  cast  down  every 

( 123  ) 


B.  C.  1491. 


EXODUS, 


B.  C.  1491 


13  IT  And  'he  hardened  Pharaoh’s  heart,  that 
he  hearkened  not  unto  them;  as  the  Lord  had 
said. 

14  H And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Pharaoh’s 
heart  is  hardened,  ‘he  ref'useth  to  let  the  people  go. 

15  Get  thee  unto  Pharaoh  in  the  morning';  lo, 
“he  goeth  out  unto  the  water,  and  thou  shalt  stand 
by  the  river’s  brink,  against  he  come : and  vthe 
rod  which  was  turned  to  a serpent  shalt  thou  take 
in  thine  hand. 

16  And  thou  shalt  say  unto  him,  “The  Lord 
God  of  the  Hebrews  hath  sent  me  unto  theer  say- 
ing, rLet  my  people  go,  that  they  may  'serve  me 
in  the  wilderness  : and  behold,  hitherto  thou 
wouldest  not  hear. 

17  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  In  this  “thou  shalt 
know  that  I am  the  Lord  : behold,  I will  smite 
with  the  rod  that  is  in  my  hand,  upon  the  wa- 
ters which  are  in  the  river,  band  they  shall  be 
turned  to  blood. 

18  And  “the  fish  that  is  in  the  river  shall  die, 
and  the  river  shall  stink ; and  the  Egyptians  dshall 
loathe  to  drink  of  the  water  of  the  river. 

19  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  Say  unto 
Aaron,  Take  thy  rod,  and  'stretch  out  thy  hand 

p 4:21.  8:15.  111:1,20,27.  14:17.  Deut.2.30.  Zech.  7:11,12.  Rom. 1:28.  2:5.  Hell. 
8:7,8,13.  14:23.  S.2.  9:2.  10:4.  Is. 1:20.  Jer. 8:5.  9:6.  Heb. 12:25.  u2:5.  8:20. 
Ez.  29:3.  v 10.  4:2—4.  x 3:18.  5:3.  9:1.13  10:3.  1 Sam.  4:6— 9.  y 8:1,20. 
13:15.  14:5.  Is. 45:13.  Jer.50:33.  Arts  4:21— 23.  z3:12.  5:2,3.  9:1.  a5:2.  6:7. 
1 Sam.  17:48,47.  1 Kings 20:28.  2 Kings  19:19.  Ps.  83:18.  Kz.  29:9.  30:8,19.  3-2: 
15.  38:23.  39:28.  Dan.  4:17,32,37.  5:21,23.  01:22.  4:9.  Ps. 78:41.  105:29.  Rev. 


man  his  rod,  and  they  became  serpents.” — No  doubt  many  of 
these  professors  of  sorcery,  or  magic,  were  expert  in  leger- 
demain, and  imposed  on  the  spectators  by  various  artifices  : 
yet  they  who  reverence  the  Scriptures  will  hardly  deny  that 
many  of  them  had  a real  intercourse  with  evil  spirits,  and  by 
their  help  actually  made  discoveries,  and  produced  effects, 
beyond  the  reach  of  human  power  or  sagacity.  It  remains 
therefore  to  inquire  into  the  fact  here  briefly  recorded,  what  it 
was,  and  how  performed.  Some  expositors  consider  it  as 
merely  an  illusion , by  which  the  magicians  made  the  specta- 
tors think  that  they  saw  serpents  when  they  did  not.  Others 
imagine  that  the  magicians  had  contrived  to  convey  serpents 
thither,  concealing  their  rods,  to  make  it  appear  as  if  they 
were  changed  into  serpents.  Others  think  that  the  power  of 
Satan  produced  appearances  like  serpents , instead  of  the  rods 
which  were  conveyed  away.  But  some  expositors  are  not 
satisfied  with  any  of  these  interpretations,  because  it  is  ex- 
pressly said,  44  they  became  serpents  and  u Aaron’s  rod 
swallowed  up  their  rods”  They  therefore  conclude  that  the 
rods  actually  became  real  living  serpents,  and  in  that  form 
were  swallowed  by  the  serpent  into  which  Aaron’s  rod  was 
changed.  We  cannot,  indeed,  in  general  assign  exact  bounds 
to  thepower  of  evil  spirits,  who,  when  permitted,  seem  capa- 
ble of  any  thing  which  created  beings  can  do:  yet, creation, 
in  every  instance,  is  commonly  supposed  to  be  exclusively 
the  work  of  God.  And  on  this  account,  they  who  adhere  to 
the  literal  interpretation  conclude,  that  while  the  magicians 
used  their  enchantments,  expecting  the  interposition  of  the 
demons  to  whom  they  applied,  the  Lord  himself  was  pleased 
to  interpose,  and  to  effect  a real  change  of  their  rods  into 
serpents,  and,  as  they  could  not  certainly  know  how  far  the 
power  of  their  demons  extended,  they  would  naturally  sup- 
pose that  this  was  the  effect  of  their  enchantments. — Pha- 
raoh was  evidently  seeking  some  pretence  for  disregarding 
the  miracle  which  he  had  witnessed,  and  proudly  disobeying 
the  divine  command ; and  it  was  the  Lord’s  design  to  give 
him  up  to  final  obduracy.  It  does  not  therefore  appear  that 
there  is  any  thing,  on  this  supposition,  inconsistent  with  the 
divine  perfections,  or  materially  different  from  his  dealings 
with  other  haughty  and  obstinate  rebels  in  similar  circum- 
stances. {Notes,  1 Sam.  28:11 — 19.  1 Kings  22:19 — 23. 

2 Thes.  2:5 — 12.) — But,  however  this  may  be  determined, 
when  “Aaron’s  rod  swallowed  up  their  rods;”  that  is,  when 
the  serpent  into  which  his  rod  had  been  changed  swallowed 
the  serpents  into  which  their  rods  had  been  changed;  and 
when  it  again  became  a rod  in  Aaron’s  hand,  but  their  rods 
were  vanished,  and  were  no  more  found ; the  event  would 
have  satisfied  any  impartial  person,  on  which  side  the  truth 
lay  : and  had  not.  a previous  bias  lain  upon  Pharaoh’s  mind, 
this  must  have  convinced  him  that  Moses  and  Aaron  spake 
and  acted  by  divine  authority. 

V.  13.  He  hardened  Pharaoh's  heart.]  Or  rather,  44  Pha- 
raoh’s heart  was  hardened ;”  for  nothing  is  here  said  concern- 
ing any  interposition  of  God  in  the  case.  The  same  words 
are  afterwards  rendered,  44  Pharaoh’s  heart  was  hardened,” 
(22,)  and  this  accords  with  the  subsequent  words  of  God, 
uPharaoh|s  heart  is  hardened, ,”  (14.)  44  The  heart  of  Pha- 
raoh” became  strong , presumptuous , unfeeling , (Kariox^oev, 
Sept.)  Probably,  lie  had  been  at  first  alarmed  and  ready  to 
yield : but  he  would  now  say,  that  the  magicians  had  pro- 
duced serpents  also,  and  that  Moses  and  Aaron  were  onty 
greater  adepts  in  magic  than  they;  that  Jehovah  had  no 
( 124  ) 


upon  the  waters  of  Egypt,  upon  their  streams, 
upon  their  rivers,  and  upon  their  ponds,  and  upon 
all  ’their  pools  of  water,  that  they  may  become 
blood : and  that  there  may  be  blood  throughout  all 
the  land  of  Egypt,  both  in  vessels  of  wood,  and  in 
vessels  of  stone. 

20  And  Moses  and  Aaron  did  so,  as  the  Lord 
commanded:  and  fhe  lifted  up  the  rod  and  smote 
the  waters  that  were  in  the  river,  in  the  sight  of 
Pharaoh,  and  in  the  sight  of  his  servants : and  sail 
the  waters  that  were  in  the  river  were  turned  to 
blood. 

21  And  hthe  fish  that  ivas  in  the  river  died  ; and 
the  river  stank,  and  the  Egyptians  could  not  drink 
of  the  water  of  the  river:  and  there  was  blood 
throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt. 

22  And  the  ‘magicians  of  Egypt  did  so  with 

their  enchantments : kand  Pharaoh’s  heart  was 
hardened,  neither  did  he  hearken  unto  them : as 
the  Lord  bad  said.  , 

23  And  Pharaoh  turned  and  went  into  his  house, 
‘neither  did  he  set  his  heart  to  this  also. 

24  And  all  the  Egyptians  digged  round  about 
the  river  for  water  to  drink : mfor  they  could  not 
drink  of  the  water  of  the  river. 


8:8.16:3—6.  c21.  d 24.  Num.  11:20.  21:5.  e 8:5,6,16  . 9:22,23,33.  "Heb. 

gathering  of  th-ir  waters.  Gen.  1 :10.  f 17:5,6,9 — 12.  Num.  20:8 — 12.  g See 
on  b.  17.  John  2:9— 11.  h See  on  18.  Rev.  8:9.  i See  on  11.  8.7,8.  Jer.  27: 
18.  k See  on  13.  19:21.  Deui.  32:46.  1 Sam.  4:20.  marg.  Job  7:17.  Pa.  62:10. 

Prov.  24:32.  marg.  29:1.  Is.  26:11.  Jer.  5:3.  36:24.  Ez.40:4.  Am.  4:7—12.  Hag. 
1:5.  marg.  Mai.  2:2.  m 18,21. 


concern  in  it ; and  that  there  was  no  occasion  to  liberate  the 
Israelites.  Thus  the  effect  produced  tended  to  embolden 
him  in  rebellion,  and  to  fortify  him  against  conviction.  The 
Lord  foresaw,  and  foretold,  that  this  would  be  the  case,  and 
he  formed  his  whole  plan  accordingly. 

V.  15 — 20.  Moses  was  the  ambassador  of  Jehovah  to 
Pharaoh,  and  Aaron  was  appointed  to  be  his  assistant:  but 
Pharaoh  haughtily  rejected  the  embassy,  and  demanded  their 
credentials  ; and  he  continued  obstinate,  after  having  wit- 
nessed a menacing  but  harmless  miracle.  • Moses  was  there- 
fore sent  to  him  the  very  next  morning,  with  his  rod  in  his 
hand,  as  denoting  the  authority  by  which  he  acted,  and 
reminding  Pharaoh  of  the  preceding  miracle. — Some  sup- 
pose that  Pharaoh  went  to  pay  his  devotions  to  the  river 
Nile,  or  to  its  supposed  tutelar  deity,  and  that  Moses  was 
directed  to  take  that  occasion  of  addressing  him  : for  perhaps 
it  was  not,  at  this  time,  easy  to  find  admittance  to  him  in  his 
palace. — Moses  was  commanded  solemnly  to  renew  to  Pha- 
raoh the  demand,  which  he  had  before  made  in  the  name  of 
Jehovah  ; and  if  he  still  answered, 44 1 know  not  the  Lord, 
neither  will  I let  Israel  go,”  he  must  denounce  the  dreadful 
judgment  on  him  and  his  people,  of  which  smiting  the  river 
would  he  the  signal.  And,  as  the  warning  produced  no 
effect,  Moses  delivered  the  rod  to  Aaron,  who  smote  the 
river,  and  stretched  out  the  rod  over  all  the  large  collections 
of  waters,  which  were  directly  converted  into  blood. — The 
vessels  of  wood  and  of  stone,  it  is  probable,  were  the  cisterns, 
in  which  the  Egyptians  preserved  the  waters  of  the  river: 
when  the  annual  inundation  took  place,  the  water  was,  by 
various  contrivances,  conveyed  even  to  those  parts  of  the 
country,  which  were  most  distant  from  the  river,  and  there 
kept  in  large  reservoirs  for  use,  till  the  next  inundation.  But 
this  water  also  was  turned  into  blood. 

V.  21.  The  very  sight  of  such  immense  quantities  of 
entire  blood  must  have  been  very  horrible  ; the  effects  of  such 
a change  distressing  and  calamitous  beyond  expression! 
The  Egyptians  gloried  in  the  river  Nile,  by  the  inundations 
of  which  the  whole  country  was  enriched ; and  probably  they 
even  then  adored  it,  as  one  of  their  principal  deities:  but 
now  they  could  not  look  at  it,  without  horror  and  dismay  ! 
They  had  cruelly  cast  the  children  of  Israel  into  the  river , 
and  now  the  river  itself  was  turned  into  blood  ! A great 
part  of  their  provisions  consisted  of  fish  ; but  now  this  was 
generally  destroyed ; their  waters  were  useless  or  noxious ; 
the  most  tremendous  consequences  might  bo  apprehended 
from  the  continuance  of  this  judgment,  and  it  awfully  fore- 
boded all  the  desolations  which  followed.—  The  first  miracle 
of  Christ  turned  water  into  wine,  the  first  plague  upon  Egypt 
turned  all  their  water  into  blood.  ( Notes < and  P.  O.  John 
2:1—11.) 

V.  22,  23.  The  magicians  should  have  attempted  to 
remove  the  plague,  and  to  remedy  or  prevent  its  fatal  con- 
sequences, in  order  to  make  a fair  trial  of  the  efficacy  of  theii 
art,  in  opposition  to  the  miracles  wrought  by  Moses:  but 
they  only  amused  Pharaoh,  and  increased  the  distress  ot 
Egypt,  (either  in  realily  or  in  appearance,)  by  imitating,  or 
rather  apeing,  the  surprising  miracle  of  Moses ; and  by  pre- 
tending at  least  to  turn  into  blood  some  of  the  little  water, 
which  the  irercy  of  God  had  spared.  Yet  this  sufficed  to 
embolden  aim  harden  Pharaoh’s  heart,  and  to  prevent  him 
from  acknowledging  the  hand  of  God  even  in  this  judgment ; 
which  probably,  he  attributed  to  the  superior  skill  in  magic, 


B.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


B.  C.  1491 


25  And  “seven  days  were  fulfilled  after  that  the 
Loan  had  smitten  the  river. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

The  plague  of  frogs  is  threatened  andsent,  1 — 6 ; is  imitated  by  the  magicians, 
7 ; ana  removedin  ansiccrto  the  prayer  of  Moses, made  at  Pharaoh's  request , 
who  yet  hardened  his  heart , 8— do.  The  plague  of  lice,  which  the  magicians 
could  not  irniiate,  16 — 19.  The  plague  of  flies,  20—24  ; Pharaoh  relents,  the 
plague  is  removed,  and  his  heart  is  hardened , 25—32. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  “Go  unto 
Pharaoh,  and  say  unto  him,  Thus  saith  the 
Lord,  bLet  my  people  go,  that  they  may  serve  me. 

2  And  if  thou  “refuse  to  let  them  go,  behold  I 
will  smite  all  thy  borders  with  dfrogs. 

3  And  the  rivers  shall  bring  forth  frogs  abun- 
dantly, which  shall  go  up  and  come  into  thy 
house,  and  into  thy  bedchamber,  and  upon  thy 
bed,  and  into  the  house  of  thy  servants,  and  upon 
thy  people,  and  into  thine  ovens,  and  into  thy 
'kneading  troughs. 

4  And  the  frogs  shall  come  up  both  eon  thee, 
and  upon  thy  people,  and  upon  all  thy  servants. 

5  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  Say  unto 
Aaron,  'Stretch  forth  thy  hand  with  thy  rod  over 
the  streams,  over  the  rivers,  and  over  the  ponds, 
and  cause  frogs  to  come  up  upon  the  land  of  Egypt. 

n 8:9,10.  10:23.  2 Sam.  21:13.  a Jer.  1:17— 19.  15:19—21.  F.z.  2:6,1.  b See  on 
5:1.7:16.  c Sen  on  7:14.  9:2.  <1  IV  73:15.  105:3:1.  lie*.  16:13,11.  • Or,  dour/i 
12:34.  ePs.  107:40.  Is.  19:11,22.  23:9.  Dan.  4:37.  Acu  12:22,23.  f 7: 19.  k Ps. 
78:45.  105:30.  1 7:11,22.  Dent.  13:1— 3.  Matt. 24:24  . 2 Thes.  2:9— 11.  2Tim. 

3:8.  Rev.  13:14.  m 5:2.  9:2-'.  10:17.  Num.  21:7.  1 am.  12:13.  1 Kings  13:6. 


that  Moses  and  Aaron  had  acquired  : hoping  at  the  same 
time,  that  by  further  study  or  netv  enchantments,  his  magi- 
cians would  yet  be  able  to  contend  wilh  them.  Being  there- 
fore indignant  against  Moses  and  Aaron,  and  bidding  defiance 
to  Jehovah,  he  seemed  to  be  rffgardless  of  the  distress  of 
his  subjects,  and  careless  about  Ihe  consequences! 

V.  25.  Seven  days.]  Thus  long  the  awful  calamity  con- 
tinued, and  was  then  it  seems  removed : for  the  Lord  would 
give  respite  to  Egypt  and  to  Pharaoh,  and  make  way  for 
other  plagues ; that  his  own  power  and  justice,  and  the 
obstinacy  of  Pharaoh  and  his  servants,  might  be  more  fully 
displayed. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 7.  When  the  Lord  has  humbled  and  proved  his 
servants,  and  qualified  them  for  their  work,  he  will  put 
honour  upon  them : and  the  least  of  those  who  are  intrusted 
with  his  message,  and  employed  to  speak  in  his  name,  are, 
in  this  delegated  character,  and  while  faithfully  executing 
their  office,  superior  to  the  greatest  and  haughtiest  of  those 
to  whom  they  are  sent.  They  ought  therefore  to  speak  with 
firmness  and  authority,  without  fear  of  the  anger,  respect  of 
the  persons,  or  desire  of  the  favour,  of  those  who  are  living 
in  disobedience  to  God ; and  in  this  spirit  the  prisoner  Paul 
may  expect  to  make  even  Felix  tremble. — But  to  deliver  the 
message  of  God  to  proud  persecuting  tyrants,  requires  that 
strength  of  faith,  that  intrepid  courage,  and  that  meekness  of 
wisdom,  with  which  very  few  are  endued  : and  we  have  cause 
to  be  not  only  satisfied,  but  thankful,  that  we  are  not  called 
to  such  arduous  services. — Indeed,  gravity,  wisdom,  expe- 
rience, fortitude,  patience,  and  meekness  are  requisite  for 
all  those  who,  in  any  circumstances,  speak  in  the  name  of 
God,  and  declare  his  truth  and  will:  yet  they  who  do  not 
rashly  intrude  themselves,  but  are  “ allowed  by  him  to  be 
put  in  trust  of  the  gospel,”  need  not  be  discouraged  by  an 
humble  consciousness  of  their  defects.  Let  them  simply 
trust  in  his  promised  teaching  and  assistance,  and  observe 
his  directions ; and  he  will  bear  them  out,  and  carry  them 
through  every  service  to  which* they  are  called.— If  sinners 
will  not  attend  to  the  message  of  grace  and  salvation,  and  so 
learn  to  know  and  love  the  Lord  our  God  ; they  will  certainly 
experience  the  effects  of  his  wrath,  and  knout  him  as  a God 
of  righteous  vengeance.  How  careful  then  should  men  be, 
not  to  provoke  him  to  give  them  up  to  hardness  and  impeni- 
tence ! If  they  would  escape  that  awful  judgment,  they  must 
neither  continue  to  practise  presumptuous  sins,  nor  procras- 
tinate in  the  great  concerns  of  salvation:  they  must  watch 
against  heedless  and  proud  insensibility  under  affliction,  and 
insolende  in  prosperity.  They  must  not  turn  away  their 
ears  from  instruction  and  reproof;  or  smother  convictions  of 
conscience  by  dissipation,  business,  or  company ; by  rushing 
into  sin,  or  by  hating  and  shunning  the  awakening  light,  of 
divine  truth.  For  these  are  some  of  the  steps,  by  which 
multitudes  proceed  to  the  brink  of  that  awful  precipice. 

V.  8—25.  No  evidence  suffices  to  convince  men  while 
left  to  themselves,  that  those  doctrines  are  true  and  divine 
which  affront  the  pride  of  their  hearts,  and  condemn  their  be- 
loved iniquities : but  the  least  shadow  of  an  argument,  though 
counterbalanced  by  demonstration  itself,  induces  the  belief  of 
those  opinions  which  they  wish  to  find  true.  Thus  all  mental 
errors  in  religion  originate,  in  some  degree,  from  the  state  of 
the  heart,  and  from  the  contrariety  of  revealed  truths  to 
men’”  prejudices,  interests,  or  inclinations.  “ Because  I tell 
you  the  truth,  ye  believe  rae  not.”  John  8:45. — Our  merciful 
God  always  accompanies  the  word  with  sufficient  evidence  of 


6 And  Aaron  stretched  out  his  hand  over  the 
waters  of  Egypt:  and  kthe  frogs  came  up  and 
covered  the  land  of  Egypt. 

7 And  ‘the  magicians  did  so  with  their  enchant’ 
ments,  and  brought  up  frogs  upon-  the  land  of 
Egypt. 

8 Then  Pharaoh  called  for  Moses  and  Aaron, 
and  said,  "Entreat  the  Lord,  that  he  may  take 
away  the  frogs  from  me,  and  from  my  people , 
"and  I will  let  the  people  go,  that  they  may  do  sa- 
crifice unto  the  Lord. 

9 And  Moses  said  unto  Pharaoh,  +Glory  over 
me  : when  shall  I entreat  for  thee  and  for  thy  ser- 
vants, and  for  thy  people,  Uo  destroy  the  frogs 
from  thee,  and  thy  houses,  that  they  may  remain 
in  the  river  only  ? 

10  And  he  said,  §To-rtiorrow.  And  he  said, 
Be  it  according  to  thy  word : that  thou  mayest 
know  that 0 there  is  none  like  unto  the  Lord  our 
God. 

11  And  Pthe  frogs  shall  depart  from  thee,  and 
from  thy  houses,  and  from  thy  servants,  and 
from  thy  people ; they  shall  remain  in  the  river 
only. 

Acts  8:24.  n 25-28.  10:8— 11,2-1— 27.  12:31,32.  14:5.  Ps.66:3  tnarg.  78:34- 
36.  Jer.  34:3 — 16.  f Or,  Have  this  honour  o.  er  me  : against  when.  1 King* 
13:25.  ^ Heb.  to  cut  off.  § Or,  Azainst  to-morrow.  Prov.27: 1.  Jam.  4: 14. 

o9:14,29.  15:11.  fceul. 32:31.  33:26.  2 Sam.  7:22.  1 Chr.  17:2U.  Ps.83:I8.  86:8. 
89:6— 8.  Is.  40:25.  46:9.  Jer.  10:6,7.  p 3,9. 


its  divine  authority,  were  we  but  suitably  disposed  to  attend 
to  it:  but,  when  men  are  bent  upon  disobedience,  and  inclined 
to  cavil  and  object,  he  often  permits  a snare  to  be  laid,  in 
which  they  are  entangled.  Nor  are  any  deceivers  more  in- 
strumental to  the  destruction  of  sinners,  than  such  as  resist 
the  truth,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  magicians  withstood 
Moses;  namely,  by  amusing  men  with  some  resemblance 
and  counterfeit  of  it : indeed  Satan  himself  is  most  to  be 
dreaded,  when  “ transformed  into  an  angel  of  light.” — But 
“ madness  is  in  the  heart  of  man,”  or  he  would  never  dare 
to  provoke  that  God,  who  can  so  easily  turn  his  choicest 
comforts  into  the  most  dreadful  plagues ; and  who  may  so 
righteously  render  those  things  which  have  been  the  fuel  of 
men’s  pride,  or  the  instruments  of  their  cruelty,  the  weapons 
of  his  indignation:  and  then  no  human  help  can  avail  to  alle- 
viate or  remove  the  inflicted  misery. — In  the  mystery  of  Pro- 
vidence, subjects  often  suffer  through  the  crimes  of  their 
princes ; yet  for  their  own  sins,  which  provoke  God  to  send 
them  wicked  rulers  : and  they,  for  their  own  profit  or  pleasure, 
join  their  iniquity,  and  are  involved  in  the  punishment. — 
u The  righteous  Lord  so  delights  in  mercy,”  that  he  proceeds 
by  slow  degrees  to  extremities,  even  with  the  most  atrocious 
offenders  : but,  if  neither  judgments  nor  mercies  bring  them  to 
repentance,  destruction  will  at  length  overtake  them  without 
remedy. — We  seldom  duly  value  our  comforts,  till  we  are 
deprived  of  them:  but  let  us  remember,  that  as  the  anger  of 
God  converts  the  most  valued  advantages  into  scourges,  or 
curses,  to  his  enemies;  so  the  love  of  Christ  renders  the 
most  common  mercies  special  blessings  to  his  disciples. 

NOTES.— Chap.  VIII.  V.  1—6.  It  is  probable  that  this 
message  was  sent  at  the  end  of  the  seven  days,  and  just  about 
the  time  when  the  former  plague  was  removed.  The  predir - 
tion  of  each  judgment  was  an  additional  proof,  that  it  was 
wrought  by  the  power  of  Jehovah,  and  was  not  the  mere 
effect  of  second  causes.  The  plague  of  frogs  must  have  be^n 
peculiarly  distressing;  as  the  immense  multitudes  of  them 
infested  every  place,  harassed  all  ranks  of  the  Egyptians 
night  and  day,  and  rendered  them  incapable  of  either  eating, 
drinking,  or  sleeping,  in  peace  and  comfort.  As  it  was  limited 
to  Pharaoh’s  servants  and  people,  we  may  infer,  that  in  this 
as  well  as  in  the  preceeding  miracle,  the  Israelites  were  in  a 
great  measure,  if  not  entirely,  exempted.— *Here  again  Moses 
issued  the  mandate  ; and  Aaron,  who  bare  the  rod,  the  token 
of  the  divine  presence  and  power,  gave  the  signal  for  the 
miracle.  • 

V.  7,  8.  The  magicians  succeeded  in  their  attempt  to 
imitate  this  miracle  also,  but  1 they  should  rather  have  shown 
their  skill  in  removing  the  frogs,  . . . which,  one  would  think, 
Pharaoh  expected  from  them.  ...  So  Ahcn  Ezra  observes, 
“He  called  for  Moses,  because  he  saw  that  the  magicians 
had  only  added  to  the  plague,  but  could  not  diminish  it.”  7 ?p. 
Patrick.  The  continuance  of  the  plague  was  so  intolerable 
that  Pharaoh,  notwithstanding  his  haughtiness  and  impiety, 
was  constrained  to  tremble  before  the  power  of  Jehovah, 
thus  exerted  against  him  ; and  even  to  honour  Moses  and 
Aaron,  by  entreating  them  to  intercede  for  him  and  his  ser- 
vants. Under  the  anguish  of  this  most  humiliating  and  dis- 
gusting judgment,  he  seemed  inclined  to  dismiss  Israel ; but  it 
was  an  extorted,  reluctant  consent,  and  therefore  it  was  not 
durable,  but  was  soon  retracted. 

V.  9 — 11.  In  order  the  more  fully  to  convince  Pharaoh 
that  the  power  of  Jehovah  alone  had  inflicted  the  judgment, 
Moses  allowed  him  to  “glory  over  him,”  or  to  have  the 
honour  of  fixing  the  time  when,  in  answer  to  his  prayer,  tne 
( 125  ) 


B.  C.  1491 


EXODUS 


B.  C.  1491. 


12  And  Moses  and  Aaron  went  out  from  Pha- 
raoh: and  Moses  scried  unto  the  Lord,  because 
of  the  frogs  which  he  had  brought  against  Pharaoh. 

13  And  the  Lord  did  according  to  the  word  of 
Moses  : ami  the  Irogs  died  out  of  the  houses,  out 
of  the  villages,  and  out  of  the  fields. 

14  And  they  gathered  them  together  upon 
heaps  : rand  the  land  stank. 

15  But  when  Pharaoh  Ssaw  that  there  was  re- 
spite, ‘he  hardened  his  heart,  and  hearkened  not 
unto  them;  as  the  Lord  had  said. 

{Practical  OLs  rvationa .] 

16  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Say  unto 
Aaron,  “Stretch  out  thy  rod,  and  smite  the  dust  of 
the  land,  that  it  may  become  lice  throughout  all 
the  land  of  Egypt. 

17  And  they  did  so;  for  Aaron  stretched  out 
his  hand  with  his  rod,  and  smote  the  dust  of  the 
earth,  and  it  became  *lice,  in  man  and  in  beast : 
all  the  dust  of  the  land  became  lice  throughout  all 
the  land  of  Egypt. 

18  And  the  magicians  did  so  with  their  enchant- 
ments to  bring  forth  lice,  but  rthey  could  not : so 
there  were  lice  upon  man  and  upon  beast. 

19  Then  the  magicians  said  unto  Pharaoh,  ‘This 
is  the  finger  of  God : “and  Pharaoh’s  heart  was 
hardened,  and  he  hearkened  not  unto  them ; as 
the  Lord  had  said. 

20  H And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Rise  up 

» See  071 8,30.  9:33.  10:18.  3-2:11.  I Sam.  12:23.  Jam. 5:16— 18.  r24.  7‘2l. 

Is.  34:3.  Ez.  39:11.  Joel  2:20.  s 14:5.  Ec.8:ll.  Is.  26:11).  Jer.  34:7— 11. 
Has.  6:4.  I See  on  4:21.  7:13, 14.  Frov.  29:1.  Zech.  7:1 1,12.  Heb.  3:8,15.  Rev. 
15:9.  u5.  x Ps.  105:31 . Is.  23:9.  Acts  12:23.  y 9:11.  Gen.  41:8.  Is.  19:12.  47: 
12,13.  Dan.  21U.1I.  4:7.  5:8.  z 1 Sam.  6:9.  la.  8:3.  Dan.  2:10.11 ,19.  Mott. 
12:23.  Luke  11 :2U.  John  11 :47.  Acts 4: 16.  aSeeon\5.  b7;15.  * Or,  a mixture 


frogs  should  be  destroyed,  whether  immediately  or  afterwards : 
for  Moses  earnestly  desired  that  Pharaoh  by  submitting 
might  escape  destruction.  ‘Appoint  (ra£at)  to  me  when  I 
shall  pray  for  thee.5  Sept.  The  Lord  was  pleased  thus  to 
influence  his  servant,  that  all  cavils  and  objections  might  be 
the  more  effectually  obviated ; the  very  time  of  the  removal 
of  the  plague  having  been  exactly  foretold. — But  why  did  not 
Pharaoh  choose  to  be  delivered  from  the  frogs  immediately  ? 
He  seems  to  have  still  indulged  some  hopes  that  they  would 
go  away  of  themselves  ; and  then  he  should  not  be  obliged  to 
Moses,  or  under  ihe  necessity  of  submitting  to  Jehovah, 
and  letting  Israel  go  ; and  therefore  he  would  stand  out  till  the 
next  day,  that  if  possible  he  might  escape  this  most  bitter 
mortification.  Perhaps  he  had  learned  from  the  magicians 
to  count  some  days  more  fortunate  than  others : and  Moses, 
knowing  this,  allowed  him  to  fix  his  own  time,  that  the  power 
of  Jehovah  might  be  rendered  the  more  conspicuous;  and 
he  preferred  the  next  day,  in  order  to  try  whether  that  power 
could  remove  the  frogs  at  the  appointed  time. 

V.  14.  It  thus  appeared  that  they  were  real  frogs,  which 
God  in  his  judgment  at  first  created,  and  afterwards  in  mercy 
destroyed. 

V.  15.  Pharaoh  had  now  no  pretence  to  question,  either 
the  power  of  Jehovah,  or  the  divine  mission  of  Moses. 
While  the  plague  pressed  upon  him,  he  was  inclined  to  sub- 
mit, for  it  was  insupportable:  but  when  it  was  removed,  and 
ne  had,  (as  the  word  denotes,)  time  to  take  his  breath , he 
mistook  a respite  for  a deliverance.  Ambition,  pride,  and  in- 
terest again  influenced  his  mind  ; and  thus  he  was  induced 
to  break  his  promise,  and  persist  in  disobedience.  Hav- 
ing engaged  in  the  contest,  the  further  he  proceeded  the  more 
he  was  infatuated  ; that  which  at  first  appeared  a los-*,  and  a 
weakening  of  his  kingdom,  was  now  considered  as  an  insuffer- 
able degradation  of  his  dignity;  and  he  thought  himself  en- 
gaged in  honour  .not  to  be  threatened  and  forced  into  sub- 
mission. This  being  the  state  of  his  mind,  judgments  and 
mercies  alike  combined  to  increase  his  obduracy. 

V.  16,  17.  Had  the  Lord  sent  a great  number  of  lions  and 
tigers  to  devour  the  Egyptians,  or  armies  of  victorious  ene- 
mies to  desolate  the  land  ; Pharaoh,  though  crushed,  would 
have  appeared,  in  his  own  eyes  and  in  the  eyes  of  others,  of 
some  consequence  : but  it  was  inconceivably  humiliating,  and 
rendered  him  extremely  contemptible,  to  be  thus  vanquished 
by  creatures  so  insignificant  and  despicable,  as  frogs,  lice,  and 
flies,  which  however  he  could  neither  escape,  nor  oppose,  nor 
endure. — This  judgment  seems  to  have  been  sent  without  any 
previous  warning  ; as  an  awful  declaration,  how  greatly  the 
Lord  was  provoked  by  the  recent  instance  of  Pharaoh’s  pre- 
varication and  obstinacy. 

V.  18,  19.  The  Lord  allowed  the  magicians  to  proceed 
till  his  righteous  purposes  were  answered,  and  then  they  could 
do  nothing  ; to  convince  them  that  they  had  no  power  against 
Moses,  but  “ what  was  given  them  from  above,”  or  exercised 
by  the  permission  of  God.  Some  suppose,  from  the  concluding 
part  of  the  verse,  that  they  at  length  attempted  to  remove  the 
plague,  but  could  not.  Probably  the  lice  harassed  the  ma- 
gicians, as  well  as  others ; and  this  extorted  from  them  a 
( 126  ) 


early  in  the  morning*,  and  stand  before  Pharaoh, 
(blo,  he  cometh  forth  to  the  water,)  and  say  unto 
him,  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  Let  my  people  go,  that 
they  may  serve  me. 

21  Else,  if  thou  wilt  not  let  my  people  go,  behold 
I will  send  'swarms  of  flies  upon  thee,  and  upon 
thy  servants,  and  upon  thy  people,  and  into  thy 
houses : and  the  houses  of  the  Egyptians  shall  be 
full  of  “swarms  of flies,  and  also  the  ground  whereon 
they  are. 

22  And  I will  dsever  in  that  day  the  land  of  Go- 
shen;, in  which  my  people  dwell,  that  no  swarms 
of  flies  shall  be  there ; to  the  end  thou  mayest  know, 
“that  I am  the  Lord  in  the  fmidst  of  the  earth. 

23  And  I will  put  fa  division  between  my  people 
and  thy  people  : 'to-morrow  shall  this  sign  be. 

24  And  the  Lord  did  so : and  ethere  came  a 
grievous  swarm  of  flies  into  the  house  of  Pharaoh, 
and  into  his  servants’  houses,  and  into  all  the  land 
of  Egypt : hthe  land  was  ^corrupted  by  reason  of 
the  swarm  of  flies. 

25  And  Pharaoh'called  for  Moses,  and  for  Aaron, 
and  said,  Go  ye,  sacrifice  to  your  God  in  the  land. 

26  And  Moses  said,  kIt  is  not  meet  so  to  do ; 
for  hve  shall  sacrifice  the  abomination  of  the  Egyp- 
tians to  the  Lord  our  God  : lo,  shall  we  sacrifice 
mthe  abomination  of  the  Egyptians  before  their 
eyes,  and  will  they  not  stone  us? 

27  We  will  go  "three  days’  journey  into  the 

of  noisome  beasts,  4c.  c Ts.  78:45.  105:31.  18.7:18.  rl  9:4,6,26.  10:23.  11:6,7. 
12:13.  Mai. 3:18.  e Seton  10.  7:17.  Ex.  30:19.  I Ps.  74:12.  110:2.  1 llet..  o 

rcdemi>tinn.  } Or,  h v to-morrqio.  g2l.  hSeeonM.  $ Or,  destroyed,  i. See 
on  8.  9:27.  10:16.  12:31.  Rev.  3:9.  k 3:18.  2 Cor.  6: 14— 17.  1 Gen.  43:32.  46c' 

34.  Dcui.  7:25,26.  12:31.  m 1 Kings  11:5 — 7.  2 Kings  23:13.  n 3:18.  5:1. 


confession  that  it  was  “the  finger  of  God.”  They  might  also 
intend  to  vindicate  their  art  and  their  skill  in  it,  by  intimating 
that  no  power,  but  that  of  God  himself,  could  thus  have  over- 
come them.  ( Note , Dan.  2:10 — 13.)  Yet  this  declaration 
produced  no  effect  on  Pharaoh,  whom  their  enchantments 
had  helped  to  harden  ; for  he  was  too  deeply  engaged  in  the 
contest,  and  had  too  often  done  violence  to  his  convictions,  to 
be  influenced  by  their  opinion.  Probably  he  still  endeavoured 
to  believe , that  Moses  was  onlv  a magician  of  superior  attain- 
ments ; and  that  his  magicians  intended,  by  this  concession, 
to  conceal  their  own  deficiency  in  professional  skill. 

V.21.  Sivarms  of  flies.]  myrrriN  ; 4 a mixtuie  of  noisome 
beasts.’  ( Marg .)  Der.  from  a*^y  j nisceri,  confundi.  The 
idea  of  mixture  is  supposed  to  be  implied  in  the  different  mo- 
difications of  words  from  this  root.  a mixed  multitude , 

or  mingled  people  • (12:38.  JVch.  13:3.) — Insects,  however,  of 
different  kii  ds,  are  generally  supposed  to  be  meant. — 1 a 
mixture  of  insects,  or  various  animals;  as  wasps,  hornets, 
locusts,  beetles.’  Robertson's  Thesaurus.  ‘ Kwo^via,  the  dog- 
fly Sept.  The  same  word  is  retained  in  the  Hebrew,  and 
translated  in  the  same  manner  by  the  LXX.  (Ps.  78:45. 105: 
31.) — Winged  insects,  most  noxious  and  harassing  to  man- 
kind, seem  intended.  The  common  fly  is  ’called  MT  •*  whence 
Baal-zebub.  Locusts  were  afterwards  sent  as  a separate 
plague;  and  they  keep  together  in  a compact  body:  we  may 
therefore  conclude  that  they  did  not  form  a part  of  this 
mixture ; and  the  effects  described  do  not  comport  with  the 
idea  of  the  larger  destructive  animals.  But  immense  swarms 
of  winged  insects  of  various  kinds,  such  as  have  been  men- 
tioned, would  form  a mos^  distressing  and  mortifying  judg- 
ment on  this  proud  monarch  and  his  haughty  nobles  and 
people. 

V.  22,  23.  Perhapslhe  Israelites,  for  their  correction,  had 
in  some  small  measure  felt  the  former  plagues.  At  least  the 
distinction  between  them  and  the  Egyptians  had  not  been  so 
particular^'  noticed,  as  it  would  be  rendered  on  this  occasion, 
when  the  express  prediction,  and  exact  accomplishment, 
would  so  mark  the  difference,  that  it  could  imt  be  overlooked. 
Thus  it  must  appear  that  Jehovah,  the  God  of  the  whole 
earth,  protected  the  region  inhabited  by  his  worshippers, 
while  he  executed  judgment  on  his  enemies  who  dwelt  close 
by  them. — The  very  nature  of  the  plague  of  flies,  which  so 
readily  move  from  place  to  place,  would  render  the  exemption 
of  Israel  the  more  remarkable. — ‘ I will  greatly  ’honour 
(irapaSo^aaio)  the  land  of  Gcsem.’  Sept. 

V.  24.  This  plague  seems  to  have  been  sent,  without  the 
token  of  waving  the  rod  of  Moses,  or  striking  the  ground  with 
it;  perhaps  lest  Pharaoh  should  ascribe  the  effects  to  some 
magical  virtue  in  the  rod  itself,  instead  of  considering  it  as  a 
token  of  the  divine  operation. — When  we  consider,  that  flics 
in  general  propagate  by  magots  of  one  kind  or  another,  we 
shall  perceive  the  emphasis  of  the  expression,  “ the  land  was 
corrupted  by  them  :”  for  it  would  not  only  be  desolated  by  the 
flies  themselves,  hut  filled  with  stench  and  filthiness  by  thorr 
magots  ; as  no  doubt  the  insects  intended  were  in  a state  -tf 
maturity,  however  produced. 

V 25 — 27.  Pharaoh  was  aware,  that  if  the  Israelites  «»  ent 


B.  C.  1491 


CHAPTER  IX.  B.  C.  1491. 


wilderness,  and  sacrifice  to  the  Lord  our  God,  °as 
he  shall  command  us. 

28  And  Pharaoh  said,  H will  let  you  go,  that  ye 
may  sacrifice  to  the  Lord  your  God  in  the  wilder- 
ness ; only  ye  shall  not  go  very  far  away : ^Entreat 
lor  me. 

29  And  Moses  said,  Behold,  I go  out  from  thee, 
and  I will  entreat  the  Lord,  that  the  swarms  of 
flies  may  depart  from  Pharaoh,  from  his  servants, 
and  from  his  people,  ' to-morrow : but  let  not  Pha- 
raoh ’deal  deceitfully  any  more,  in  not  letting  the 
people  go  to  sacrifice  to  the  Lord. 

30  And  Moses  went  out  from  Pharaoh,  and  en- 
treated the  Lord. 

31  And  the  Lord  did  according  to  the  word  of 
Moses  ; and  he  removed  the  swarms  of  flies  from 
Pharaoh,  from  his  servants,  and  from  his  people; 
there  remained  not  one. 

32  And  ‘Pharaoh  hardened  his  heart  at  this  time 
also,  neither  would  he  let  the  people  gc. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

The  plague  of  murrain  predicted , and  sent  on  the  cattle  of  the  Egyptians ; while 
the  cattle  of  Israel  are  exempted , 1—7.  The  plague  of  boils,  8 — 12.  Moses 
expostulates  with  Pharaoh,  and  predicts  'he  plague  of  hail , which  is  sent,  and 
causes  immense  devastation,  1 — 25.  Pharaoh  confesses  his  wickedness , 
deprecates  fur  her  judgments,  atid  promises  to  let  Israel  go,  27,  28.  Moses 
intercedes,  the  hail  ceases,  and  Pharaoh  continues  hardene  1, 29—35. 

THEN  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  aGo  in  i*nto 
Pharaoh,  arid  tell  him,  Thus  saith  the  Lord 

• 10:26.  34:11.  Lev. 10:1.  Mull. 28:20.  pHos,10:2.  q See  on  8.  9:28.  10.17. 

I Kin  S3  13:6.  Kc.  6:10.  r 10.  s8,15.  Ps.  66:3.  m-.rs.  78-31—37.  Jer.  42.20,21. 

Aces  5:3,4.  Gal.  6:7.  l See  on  4:21. 7:13  14.  Is.  63: 17.  Acts 28:25. 27.  Jain.  1:13.14. 

3 13.  3:13.  4:24,23.  5:1.  3:1,20.  10:3.  04:23.  8:2.  10:4.  I .ev.  26:14— 16,23,24, 
27,2$.  Ps.  7:1 1,12.  68:21.  Is.  1:20.  Rom.  2:8., Rev. 2:21,22.  16:9.  c 7:4.  1 Sam. 


into  the  wilderness  to  offer  sacrifice,  they  would  not  readily  be 
brought  back  again  ; and  he  intimated,  that  if  they  only 
meant  to  sacrifice  to  Jf.hovah,  they  might  do  it  in  the  land, 
and  he  would  make  no  farther  opposition.  But  Moses  ob- 
jected, that  according  to  the  rites  of  their  religion,  they  must 
sacrifice  to  Jehovah  “the  abomination  of  the  Egyptians 
before  their  eyes,”  who  would  thus  be  provoked  to  stone  them. 
It  is  well  known  that  the  Egyptians  in  after  times  worshipped 
oxen  or  calves,  and  other  animals  ; and  it  seems  natural  to 
conclude,  that  the  Israelites  had  in  Egypt  imbibed  the  idea  of 
making  an  image  of  God  in  the  form  of  a calf,  and  that  this 
worship  prevailed  there  at  that  time : if  so,  to  offer  the  very 
animals  as  sacrifices,  which  the  Egyptians  adored  as  deities, 
would  be  an  abomination  in  their  eyes,  even  as  their  idolatry 
was  an  abomination  in  itself.  It  was  therefore  necessary  for 
the  Israelites  to  retire  to  a great  distance  in  the  wilderness. 

V.29.  To-morrow.]  In  the  former  instance,  Pharaoh  had 
chosen  to  wait  till  the  morrow  for  the  removal  of  the  plague : 
and  on  this  occasion  he  was  left  to  suffer  under  the  rod  till 
the  morrow,  perhaps  to  remind  him  of  his  folly  in  that  in- 
stance ; and  to  warn  him  not  deal  deceitfully  any  more  by 
breaking  his  promise,  as  he  had  repeatedly  done.  (8,15.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 15.  How  dangerous  is  it  to  provoke  that  God,  who 
hath  such  a variety  of  ways  in  which  he  can  inflict  dreadful 
punishment  on  his  rebellious  creatures  ! He  can  employ  the 
most  despicable  insects  as  formidable  executioners  of  his- ven- 
geance : he  can  turn  all  our  pleasures  into  loathing;  our 
comeliness  and  decorations  into  deformity  and  corruption,  and 
pour  contempt  on  all  our  pride  and  self-importance ! Nor  is 
there  any  resistance  or  escape  from  his  tremendous  indigna- 
tion. Yet  he  still  continues  merciful ; he  is  ready  to  forgive 
every  sinner  who  submits ; and  he  pursues  with  vengeance 
such  alone  as  persist  in  their  rebellion.  But  let  us  not  mis- 
take transient  relentings,  or  hasty  determinations  of  amend- 
ment, for  that  unreserved  submission  which  the  word  of  God 
requires.  Under  the  weight  of  incumbent  affliction,  and  the 
dreadful  expectation  of  still  heavier  sufferings,  the  proudest 
and  hardest  heart  feels  some  pangs  of  remorse : the  despised 
and  hated  servants  of  the  Lord  may  then  perhaps  be  called 
for  ; their  prayers  requested,  and  amendment  promised ; but 
alas!  such  appearances  are  entitled  to  small  regard.  Even 
the  evil  spirits  once  besought  Christ  not  to  torment  them;  and 
experience  shows,  that  prayers  offered,  under  severe  suffer- 
ings and  urgent  terrors,  frequently  spring  from  no  higher 
principle.  For  when  there  is  a respite,  men  again  harden 
their  hearts,  throw  off  their  assumed  and  constrained  shows 
of  piety,  return  to  their  sins,  and  commonly  proceed  to  more 
daring  ungodliness.  But  though  we  must  not  countenance 
the  delusion  of  men  living  in  sin,  and  expecting  to  die  peni- 
tent, or  give  unscriptural  encouragement  to  fallacious  appear- 
ances ; yet,  knowing  that  “ nothing  is  too  hard  for  the  Lord,” 
we  should  be  ready  to  assist,  with  our  counsel  and  prayers, 
even  those  persons  who  have  been  our  most  injurious  ene- 
mies ; rendering  them  every  kind  of  service,  and  showing 
them  every  species  of  courteousness,  (except  that  of  flattering 
them  in  false  confidence,)  without  being  wearied  of  well-doing 
by  reiterated  disappointments. 

V.  16 — 32.  It  is  peculiarly  necessary  to  remind  such  per- 
sons as  repeatedly  show  tokens  of  remorse,  that  on  former 
occasions  they  relapsed  into  their  evil  courses ; and  to  warn 


God  of  the  Hebrews,  Let  my  people  go,  that  they 
may  serve  me. 

2 For  bif  thou  refuse  to  let  them  go,  and  wilt 
hold  them  still, 

3 Behold,  cthe  hand  of  the  Lord  is  upon  thy 
cattle  which  is  in  the  field,  upon  the  horses,  upon 
the  asses,  upon  the  camels,  upon  the  oxen,  and 
upon  the  sheep;  there  shall  be  a very  grievous 
murrain. 

4 And  the  Lord  shall  “'sever  between  the  cattle 
of  Israel,  and  the  cattle  of  Egypt : and  there  shall 
nothing  die  of  all  that  is  the  children’s  of  Israel. 

5 And  the  Lord  appointed  ea  set  time,  saying, 
To-morrow  the  Lord  shall  do  this  thing  in  the  land. 

6 And  the  Lord  did  that  thing  on  the  morrow, 
and  f all  the  cattle  of  Egypt  died  : but  of  the  cat- 
tle of  the  children  of  Israel  died  not  one. 

7 And  Pharaoh  sent,  and  behold,  there  was  not 
one  of  the  cattle  of  the  Israelites  dead.  And  «the 
heart  of  Pharaoh  was  hardened,  and  he  did  not  let 
the  people  go. 

8 11  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  and  unto 
Aaron,  '“Take  to  you  handfuls  of  ashes  of  the  fur- 
nace, and  let  Moses  sprinkle  it  towards  the  heaven 
in  the  sight  of  Pharaoh. 

9 And  it  shall  become  small  dust  in  all  the  land 
of  Egypt,  and  shall  be  ‘a  boil  breaking  forth  with 


5:6— 11.  6:9.  Acts  13:11.  d 8:22.  10:23,  12:13.  Is.  6.5:13,14.  Mai.  3:18.  e IS. 
8:23.  10:4.  Mum.  16:5.  Job 24.1.  Kc.3:l— 11.  Jer.  28: 16,17.  Mali. '27:63,64. 
f 19, 25.  Ps.  73:48.  g 12.  7:14.  Job  9:4.  Piov.  29:1 . Is.  48:4.  Dmi.5:20.  Rom. 
9:18.  Ii  8:16.  i Deut.  28:27,35.  Job  2:7.  Re*.  16:2. 


them  no  longer  to  deal  deceitfully  : for  the  love  of  sin,  and 
its  supposed  advantages  and  pleasures,  joined  with  the  pride 
of  the  human  heart,  if  not  effectually  subdued  by  the  grace  of 
God,  will  certainly  prevail  against  all  convictions.  Hence,  ’ 
“many  seek  to  enter  in,  and  are  not  able:”  they  seem  in 
earnest,  but  there  is  some  reserve,  some  Herodias,  some  be- 
loved secret  sin,  of  which  they  are  ready  to  say,  as  Lot  ol 
Zoar,  “ Is  it  not,  a little  one  ?”  They  are  unwilling  to  think 
themselves  exposed  to  everlasting  misery ; they  hope  for  some 
abatement  or  some  allowance  ; they  propose  to  make  some 
compromise  ; they  refrain  from  other  sins ; they  do  many 
things,  and  give  liberally,  yea,  punish  themselves  severely : 
they  even  abstain  at  some  times,  and,  as  it  were,  let  their  sin 
depart  a little  way,  provided  it  may  remain  with  in  call.  But 
finally  to  divorce  Herodias,  to  sell  all,  and  follow  Christ, 
bearing  the  cross  ; alas  ! if  this  be  the  case,  they  must  have 
longer  time  tc  consider  ; they  must  postpone,  though  not 
forego,  the  thoughts  of  eternal  life ; they  are  sorrowful,  but 
depart  from  Christ,  determined  to  keep  the  world  at  present, 
and  hoping  for  some  future  season,  when  salvation  may  be 
had  without  such  costly  sacrifices.  Yet  the  word  of  God  is 
peremptory : “ He  is  of  one  mind,  and  who  can  turn  him  ?” 
The  expected  abatement,  the  favourable  season,  is  waited  for 
in  vain  ; the  conviction  wears  off,  the  heart  grows  hard ; and 
at  length  the  poor  sinner  is  “ driven  away  in  his  wickedness,’* 1 * 3 
and  left  without  hope  to  execrate  his  own  folly  and  madness. 
Would  we  escape  this  dreadful  end,  we  must  earnestly  pray 
for  grace  to  enable  us,  “ if  our  right  hand,  or  eye,  or  foot  offend 
us,”  resolutely  to  part  with  it.  Without  reserve  or  delay,  we 
must  hearken  to  the  voice  of  Christ,  which  bids  us  finally  to 
break  off  every  sin,  and  to  renounce  all  that  leads  to  evil ; and 
we  must  stand  prepared,  when  called  to  it  by  his  command 
and  in  Providence,  to  forsake  all  for  his  sake.  Nor  let  us  forget, 
that  they  who  would  serve  God  must  separate  from  the  society 
of  sinners,  whose  conduct  is  an  abomination  to  the  true  Chris- 
tian, and  who  reciprocally  hold  him  in  abhorrence. — We  may 
also  observe,  for  our  comfort,  that  though  wicked  men  and 
deceivers  often  “ practise  and  prosper,”  yet  their  power  is 
limited;  and  however  they  may  impose  on  others,  they  can- 
not hurt  the  servant  of  God ; but  in  clue  time  shall  be  con- 
strained to  confess  that  the  Lord  is  with  him.  And  whether 
God  do,  or  do  not,  exempt  his  people  from  the  common  afflic- 
tions of  the  world,  he  will  make  all  at  last  to  “ return  and 
discern  between  the  righteous  and  the  wicked  ; between  him 
that  serveth  God,  and  him  that  servethhim  not.”  Mai.  3:18. 

NOTES. — Chap.  IX.  V.  6.  No  mention  is  made  in 
the  narrative  of  this  miracle  of  the  rod  of  Moses,  probably 
for  the  same  reason  as  before.  (Note,  8:24.)  The  subse- 
quent history  shows,  that  some  of  the  cattle  were  preserved  , 
but  vast  multitudes  of  every  kind  were  suddenly  destroyed 
throughout  the  whole  land  of  Egypt. — It  is  supposed  that, 
even  at  this  early  period,  the  Egyptians  idolized  some  Kinds 
of  cattle,  and  represented  their  deities  under  images  in  the 
shape  of  them  ; and  this  terrible  calamity  was  well  suited  to 
expose  the  stupidity  of  this  practice,  as  well  as  to  show  the 
power  of  God,  both  in  destroying  the  cattle  of  the  Egyptians, 
and  preserving  the  cattle  of  Israel. 

V.  7.  It  doe6  not  appear,  that  Pharaoh  had  in  any  for- 
mer instance  sent  to  inquire,  whether  the  Israelites  were 
involved  in  the  calamities,  or  not;  for  he  had  treated  the 
nation  with  contempt:  yet  on  this  occasion  ho  sent  to  in- 

( 127  ) 


B.  C.  1 491. 


EXODUS. 


B.  C.  1491 


blains,  upon  man,  and  upon  beast,  throughout  all 
the  land  of  Egypt. 

10  And  they  took  ashes  of  the  furnace,  and 
stood  before  Pharaoh,  and  Moses  sprinkled  it  up 
towards  heaven:  and  it  became  a boil  breaking 
forth  with  blains,  upon  man,  and  upon  beast. 

11  And  the  magicians  kcould  not  stand  before 
Moses,  because  of  the  boil : for  the  boil  was  upon 
the  magicians,  and  upon  all  the  Egyptians. 

12  And  ‘the  Lord  hardened  the  heart  of  Pha- 
raoh, and  he  hearkened  not  unto  them;  as  the 
Lord  had  spoken  unto  Moses.  [Practical  Observations .] 

13  H And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  mRise  up 
early  in  the  morning,  and  stand  before  Pharaoh, 
and  say  unto  him,  Thus  saith  the  Lord  God  of 
the  Hebrews,  Let  my  people  go,  that  they  may 
serve  me. 

14  For  I will  at  this  time  send  "all  my  plagues 
upon  thine  heart,  and  upon  thy  servants,  and 
upon  thy  people : "that  thou  mayest  know  that 
there  is  none  like  me  in  all  the  earth. 

15  For  now  I will  stretch  out  my  hand,  rthat  I 
may  smite  thee  and  thy  people  with  pestilence : 
and  thou  shalt  be  ^cut  off  from  the  earth. 

16  And  in  very  deed  "for  this  cause  have  I 'raised 

k 8:18,19.  Is.  47:12— 14.  2 Tim.  3:8,9.  1 See  or,  4:21.  7:13.14.  Ps.  81:11,12. 
Rev.  16:10,11.  m 1 . 7:15.  8:20.  n Lev.  26:18  21.28.  Dent.  28:17— 17,59— 61. 
29:20—22.  32:39—42.  1 Sam.  48.  Jer.  19:8.  Mic.  6:13.  Rev.  18:8.  22:18.  o See 
on  8:10.  p 11:4— 6.  12:29,30.  ql4:28.  1 Kings  13:34.  Prov.  2:22.  rl  s.  83: 

17,18.  Prov.  16:4.  Rom.  9:22.  1 Pet.  2:8.  Jude  4.  * Heb.  7/iatle  thee  stand. 
6 14:4.  15:11—16.  18:11.  Josh.  2:10,11.  1 Sam.  4:8.  Ps.  136:10— 15.  1 1 Chr. 


quire,  and  he  learned  that  not  one  of  their  cattle  had  died. 
But  he  had  so  long  done  violence  to  his  conscience,  that  it 
was  become  callous,  as  44  seared  with  an  hot  iron so  that  this 
marked  distinction  made  no  impression  on  him.  (Note,  12.) 

V.  8 — 10.  It  is  thought  that  these  ashes  were  taken  from 
the  furnaces,  or  kilns,  in  which  the  Israelites  burned  the  bricks  ; 
and  that  this  was  intended  to  show  Pharaoh,  that  he  was 
visited  with  these  sore  judgments  for  his  cruel  opppression  of 
the  people  of  Jehovah. — Instead  of  waving  the  rod,  as  in 
some  former  instances,  the  sprinkling  of  the  ashes  by  Moses 
and  Aaron  in  the  sight  of  Egypt’s  haughty  monarch,  was 
made  the  token  of  a dire  disease,  which  arose  from  the  state 
of  the  air,  out  of  which  small  dust  fell  on  the  people  through- 
out the  land,  and  most  dreadful  ulcers  followed. — The  former 
miracles  distressed  and  impoverished  the  Egyptians,  yet  their 
health  and  persons  had  not  been  touched:  but  the  judgments 
of  God  came  nearer  and  nearer ; so  that  their  bodies,  as  well 
as  the  poor  remains  of  their  cattle,  were  now  visited  by  the 
most  distressing  tokens  of  divine  indignation. 

V.  11.  The  magicians,  though  baffled,  had  hitherto  it 
seems  persisted  in  the  contest,  at  least  so  far  as  to  encourage 
Pharaoh  to  stand  out  in  his  opposition,  as  expecting  that  they 
would  soon  be  able  to  overcome  Moses  and  Aaron  ; but, 
being  visited  by  this  loathsome  and  painful  disorder,  they 
were  rendered  contemptible,  and  finally  driven  away : 44  their 
folly  appeared  unto  all  men,”  and  we  hear  nothing  more 
respecting  them  in  the  sacred  records;  but  traditions,  both  of 
Jewish  Rabbies  and  of  Mohammedans,  concerning  them,  are 
many,  sufficiently  contradictory  and  absurd. 

V.  12.  The  Lord  had  declared  twice,  that  44  he  would 
harden  the  heart  of  Pharaoh  (4:21.  7:3.)  but  this  is  the  first 
time,  in  which  it  is  expressly  said  that  44  the  Lord  hardened 
Pharaoh’s  heart  yet  this  expression  is  afterward  several 
times  repeated.  Hence  we  may  infer,  that  as  God  had  before 
permitted  and  appointed  a variety  of  events,  which  had  a 
tendency  to  augment  Pharaoh’s  obduracy  ; so  now,  in  punish- 
ment of  his  presumptuous  rebellion,  he  totally  gave  him  up  to 
his  own  lusts,  and  to  the  power  of  Satan:  nor  can  we  inter- 
pret the  expression  too  strongly,  if  we  only  remember  this 
one  thing,  that  God  did  not  by  his  own  power  create  any 
hardness  or  wickedness  in  his  heart ; 44  for  God  is  not  tempted 
of  evil,  neither  tempteth  he  any  man.”  (Note,  Jam.  1:13 — 
15.) — It  was  his  settled  purpose  that  Pharaoh  should  be 
finally  hardened,  for  the  accomplishment  of  which  he  effec- 
tually provided,  and  in  which  he  doubtless  was  perfectly 
righteous.  4 The  sentence  of  destruction  was  irreversibly 
denounced  again  t him,  and  God  resolved  to  dispose  things 
so  that  he  should  not  repent,  but  run  headlong  to  his  ruin.’ 
BP.  Patrick.  Indeed,  we  may  perceive  that  this  proud 
tyrant  and  cruel  oppressor  deserved  to  be  made  an  example, 
by  the  just  Judge  of  the  universe:  and  provided  none  are 
punished  who  do  not  deserve  it,  and  none  above  their  deserts, 
there  can  be  no  reasonable  cause  of  complaint,  or  ground  of 
objection. — Hardness  of  heart  is  a figurative  expression,  de- 
noting that  insensibility  of  mind,  upon  which  neither  threat- 
enings  nor  promises,  judgments  nor  mercies,  make  any 
abiding  impressions ; but  the  conscience  being  stupificd,  and 
the  heart  filled  with  insolent  pride  and  presumption,  the  obdu- 
rate rebel  persists  in  determined  impenitence,  unbelief,  and 
disobedience  : not  from  a natural  incapacity  of  obeying,  or  as 
deprived  of  his  understanding;  but  from  eninily  of  heart,  and 
a determined  opposition  of  his  will  against  the  known  com- 
( 128  ) 


thee  up,  ‘for  to  show  in  thee  my  power;  and 
‘that  my  name  may  be  declared  throughout  all  the 
earth.  . 

17  As  yet  "exaltest  thou  thyself  against  my 
people,  that  thou  wilt  not  let  them  go  ? 

18  Behold,  xto-morrow  about  this  time,  >4  will 
cause  it  to  rain  a very  grievous  hail,  such  as  hath 
not  been  in  Egypt,  since  the  foundation  thereof, 
even  until  now. 

19  Send  therefore  now,  *and  gather  thy  cattle, 
and  all  that  thou  hast  in  the  field : for  upon  every 
man  and  beast  which  shall  be  found  in  the  field, 
and  shall  not  be  brought  home,  the  hail  shall  come 
down  upon  them,  and  they  shall  die. 

20  He  that  “feared  the  word  of  the  Lord  among 
the  servants  of  Pharaoh,  made  his  servants  and. 
his  cattle  flee  into  the  houses. 

21  And  he  that  ‘regarded  not  the  word  of  the 
Lord,  left  his  servants  and  his  cattle  in  the  field. 

22  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  bStretch 
forth  thine  hand  towards  heaven,  that  there  may 
he  hail  in  all  the  land  of  Egypt ; upon  man,  and 
upon  beast,  and  upon  every  herb  of  the  field, 
throughout  the  land  of  Egypt. 

23  And  Moses  stretched  forth  his  rod  toward 

16:-?4.  Ps.  64:9.  83:1$.  Is.  63:12-14.  Mai.  1:11,14.  Rom.  9.17.  u Job  9:4.  15: 
25.40:9.  Is.  10:15.  26:11.  37:23,24,29.  45:9.  Acls  12:23.  1 Cor.  10:22.  il 
Kings  19:2.  2U:6.  2 Kings  7:1 ,18.  y 22 — 25.  z Hab.  3:2.  a Prov.  22:3.  Jon.  3:5,6. 
Murk  13:14 — 16.  Heb.  11:7.  f Heb.  set  not  his  heart  unto.  7:23.  1 Sam.  4:20 
mnrg.  1 < hr.  22:19.  Job  7:17.  34:14.  Irov.  24:32.  marg.  Ez.  40:4.  Dan.  10:12. 
b 7: 19.  8:5,16. 


mands  of  God.  The  tendency  of  our  nature  to  this  state  of 
mind  is  also  called  the  stony  heart ; and  to  it  is  opposed  44  the 
heart  of  flesh,”  the  broken,  contrite,  and  tender  heart. — 
(Note,  Ez.  11:17 — 20.) — Though  the  boil  wras  upon  the  magi- 
cians, yet  probably  Pharaoh  had  escaped  it,  which  might 
conduce  to  increase  his  obduracy. 

V.  13 — 16.  Pharaoh,  even  when  given  up  to  judicial 
obduracy , was  not  at  all  exempted  from  obligation  to  obey 
God,  nor  excused  in  his  wilful  and  insolent  disobedience, 
(34.)  Accordingly  Moses  was  again  sent  to  him,  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  requiring  him  to  44  let  his  people  go,  that 
they  might  serve  him and  enforcing  the  demand  with  still 
more  awful  denunciations  of  desolating  judgments  on  him, 
and  on  his  people,  who  concurred  in  his  rebellion ; that  he 
might  be  effectually  convinced  of  the  unrivalled  power  and 
majesty  of  Jehovah,  above  all  the  imagined  gods  of  the 
nations,  in  the  whole  earth.  After  many  other  plagues,  the 
Lord  would  smite  him  and  his  people  with  the  pestilence , 
which  seems  to  denote  the  destruction  of  the  first-born.  Yet 
it  was  implied  that  Pharaoh  himself,  while  he  felt  most  ex- 
quisitely the  anguish  of  that  dreadful  judgment,  would  not 
die  by  it ; but  44  be  cut  off  from  the  earth”  by  a subsequent 
stroke.  For  indeed  44  the  Lord  had  raised  him  up”  for  this 
very  purpose.  He  44  who  worketh  all  tilings  after  the  counsel 
ofhis  own  will,”  knowing  the  heart  of  Pharaoh,  had  placed  him 
on  the  throne,  and  established  him  in  great  prosperity,  at  the 
very  time  long  before  appointed  and  predicted  for  Israels 
deliverance.  (Notes,  Gen.  15:12 — 16.)  God  foresaw  ihal 
Pharaoh’s  pride  and  presumption  would  induce  him  to  refuse 
obedience;  and  that  every  circumstance  would  concur  in  de- 
termining him  to  persist  in  the  contest  with  desperate  ob- 
stinacy. Accordingly,  the  Lord  had  purposed  to  leave  Pha- 
raoh to  be  hardened  to  his  destruction;  and,  in  the  example 
of  this  haughty  tyrant  and  cruel  oppressor,  to  display  ni\ 
almighty  power,  sovereign  authority,  and  awful  justice  ; that 
all  the  nations  might  hear  and  know  that  the  God  of  Israel 
was  indeed  the  Lord  of  the  whole  earth,  for  the  glory  of  his 
name,  and  for  an  extensive  and  durable  advantage  to  man- 
kind. (Notes,  Rom.  9:15 — 18,22,23.) 

V.  17.  4 Art  thou  so  infatuated  as  still  to  oppose  thy 
feeble  arm  against  that  omnipotence,  the  effects  of  which  thou 
hast  already  witnessed  V In  exalting  himself  against  Israel, 
Pharaoh  exalted  himself  against  God. 

V.  18,  19.  Rain  or  hail  was  very  rare  in  Egypt ; but  such 
a tremendous  storm  of  rain  and  hail,  with  thunder  and  light- 
ning, as  Moses  denounced,  would  be  entirely  unprecedented.—  ' 
Warning  of  this  judgment  was  mercifully  given,  that  indi- 
viduals, who  were  not  hardened  in  rebellion,  might  escape 
the  more  ruinous  effects  of  it. 

V.  20,  21.  When  Moses  had  delivered  the  message  to 
Pharaoh,  the  report  would  doubtless  spread  swiftly  among 
the  people  ; and  some,  by  what  they  had  seen  and  heard, 
were  so  far  influenced  as  to  provide  against  the  approaching 
storm.  But  a great  part  of  the  people  remained  almost  as 
obdurate  as  Pharaoh  himself. — This  instance  aptly  illustrates 
the  inseparable  connexion  between  believing  and  obeying. 
Some  believed  that  the  judgment  would  come,  others  did  not  ; 
and  both  acted  accordingly,  obeying  or  disobeying. 

Y.  23,  24.  This  plague  must  have  been  inconceivably 
tremendous,  as  well  as  destructive  in  its  effects : few  words 
indeed  are  used  in  describing  it,  but  they  arc  peculiarly 
emphatical. 


11.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  X.  B.  C.  149 


heaven,  and  'the  Loan  sent  thunder  and  dhail,  and 
the  fire  ran  along  upon  the  ground ; and  the  Lord 
rained  hail  upon  the  land  of  Egypt. 

24  So  there  was  hail,  and  fire  mingled  with  the 
hail,  very  grievous,  such  as  there  was  “none  like 
it  in  all  the  land  of  Egypt,  since  it  became  a na- 
tion. 

25  And  the  hail  smote  throughout  all  the  land 
of  Egypt,  all  that  was  in  the  field,  both*  man  and 
beast : and  the  hail  smote  every  herb  of  the  field, 
ar  d brake  every  tree  of  the  field. 

26  Only  fin  the  land  of  Goshen,  where  the 
children  of  Israel  were,  was  there  no  hail. 

27  H And  Pharaoh  sent,  and  called  for  Moses 

and  Aaron,  and  said  unto  them,  eI  have  sinned 
this  time ; hthe  Lord  is  righteous,  and  I and  my 
people  are  wicked.  1 

28  ‘Entreat  the  Lord  (for  it  is  enough)  that 
there  be  no  more  ‘mighty  thunderings  and  hail ; 
and  I will  let  you  go,  and  kye  shall  stay  no  longer. 

29  And  Moses  said  unto  him,  As  soon  as  I am 
gone  out  of  the  city,  I will  ‘spread  abroad  my  hands 
unto  the  Lord  : and  the  thunder  shall  cease,  nei- 
ther shall  there  be  any  more  hail ; that  thou  mayest 
know,  how  “that  the  earth  is  the  Lord’s. 

30  But  as  for  thee  and  thy  servants,  "I  know 
that  ye  will  not  yej  fear  the  Lord  God. 

31  And  the  flax  and  the  barley  was  smitten: 
for  “the  barley  was  in  the  ear,  and  the  flax  was 
boiled. 

32  But  the  wheat  and  the  rye  were  not  smit- 
ten: for  they  were  fnot  grown  up. 

3?  And  Moses  went  out  of  the  city  from  Pha- 
raoh, and  spread  abroad  his  hands  unto  the  Lord  : 

19:16. 30:18.  ISam.  12:17.  Job  37:1— 5.  Ps.  29:3.  77:18.  Rev.  16:18,21.  d Josh. 
.0:11.  Job  38:22:23.  Ps.  18:13.  78:47.43.  105:32,33.  148:8.  Is.  30:30.  Ei.  38:22. 
Rev.  8:7.  e 10:6.  Matt.  24.21.  18:22.10:23.  11:7.  Is.  32:18,19.  g 10:16. 

<4um.  22:31.  1 Sam.  15:24,30.  26:21.  Matt.  27:4.  h 2 Chr.  12:6.  Ps.  145:17. 
Luin.  1:18.  Dan.  9:14.  Rom.  2:5.  3:19.  i 8:8,23.  10:17.  Acts  8:24.  *tleb. 
oicesof  God.  Ps.  29:3,4.  k 11:1.  1 1 Kings  8:22,38.  2Chr. 6:12,13.  Ezra  9:5. 
Job  11:13.  Ps.  143:6.  Is.  1:15.  m Deiit.  10:14.  Ps.  24:1,2  . 50:12.  95:4,5.  1 Cor. 
10:26,28.  n Is.  23:10.  63:17.  o Ruth  1:22.  2:23.  t Heb.  hidden , or,  dark. 

. 10:18,19.  Jam.  5:17,18.  q 8:15.  Ec.  8:11.  r 2 Chr.  28:22.  36:13.  Rom.  2:4,5. 

V.  25.  Jt/ait.]  Hitherto  the  lives  of  the  Egyptians  had 
oeen  spared ; but  this  plague  first  began  to  destroy  them. 

V.  30.  Moses  knew  that  Pharaoh  and  his  servants  would 
not  give  up  the  contest,  both  as  he  was  made  acquainted 
vith  the  purpose  of  God,  and  as  he  knew  the  human  heart. 
He  was  sensible  that  Pharaoh’s  confessions  and  promises 
were  not  the  effect  of  any  radical  change  of  mind  and  heart 
«y  special  grace ; but  extorted  merely  by  terror  and  anguish, 
le  would  not,  however,  leave  him  the  least  shadow  of  ex- 
ruse for  his  conduct,  and  therefore  readily  complied  with  his 
request. 

V.  31.  Was  boiled.]  The  flax  was  grown  up  into  stems 
or  stalks ; and,  as  some  think,  had  begun  to  form  pods  for 
he  seed.  ‘ The  flax  was  forming  seed.’  (To  Se  \ivov  trireppa- 
djov.)  Sept. 

V.  32.  The  wheat  and  rye  were  not  destroyed,  because 
they  were  hidden.  ( Marg .)  They  were  tender  and  flexible  ; 
and,  not  being  yet  eared,  the  hail  did  not  much  injure  them. 
— It  can  hardly  be  supposed  that  the  barley  was  in  ear,  and 
die  wheat  not  above  ground,  as  our  version  seems  to  imply ; 
or  this  is  contrary  to  known  fact,  as  to  the  different  kinds  of 
pain  in  those  countries. — The  LXX  read,  ‘ They  were 
<ite,’  or  1 backward,  (01 pipa  yap  nv.') 

V.  33.  Moses,  assured  of  the  divine  protection,  expressed 
diis  confidence  before  Pharaoh  and  his  servants,  by  fearlessly 
going  forth  from  the  city  in  the  midst  of  this  destructive  tem- 
pest : for  it  is  evident,  that  he  went  forth  before  there  was 
any  abatement  of  the  storm.  (29.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  I — 12.  “ Because  sentence  against  an  evil  work  is  not 
executed  speedily,  therefore  the  heart  of  the  sons  of  men  is 
fully  set  in  them  to  do  evil and  they  are  emboldened  in  sin, 
because  God  is  long-suffering  and  slow  to  anger. — But,  “ evil 
pursueth  sinners and,  with  rapid  though  often  unnoticed 
steps,  approaches  nearer  and  nearer:  nor  is  there  any  possi- 
ble escape  without  repentance,  and  works  meet  for  repent- 
ance.— God  hath  various  methods  of  impoverishing  those  who 
have  grown  rich  by  injustice,  and  depriving  men  of  the  things 
which  they  have  idolized : and  if  they  will  not  take  warning, 
and  submit  to  him,  when  he  bereaves  them  of  their  substance, 
he  can  fill  their  bodies  with  disease,  and  their  hearts  with 
terror,  and  at  length  cut  them  off  in  their  wickedness— Satan 
encourages  his  servants  with  hopes  of  great  advantages,  but 
he  cannot  ensure  even  their  present  impunity  : and  they  who 
wait  patiently,  shall  see  the  folly  of  all  seducers  and  de- 
ceivers made  as  manifest,  as  that  of  these  magicians  was. 
They  who  perish  in  rebellion,  have  none  to  blame  but  them- 
selves ; as  nothing  but  their  own  depraved  inclinations  ren- 
ders them  obstinate  in  pride  and  ungodliness,  and  impels  them 
Vol.  I.— 17 


i>and  the  thunders  and  hail  ceased,  and  the  ram 
was  not  poured  upon  the  earth. 

34  And  when  Pharaoh  ‘isaw  that  the  rain,  and 
the  hail,  and  the  thunders  were  ceased,  he  sinnec 
yet  more,  rand  hardened  his  heart,  he  and  his  set 
vants. 

35  And  the  heart  of  Pharaoh  was  hardened, 
neither  would  he  let  the  children  of  Israel  go,  “as 
the  Lord  had  spoken  tby  Moses. 

CHAPTER  X. 

Moses  is  sent  to  denounce  the  plague  of  locusts,  1 — 6.  The  servants  of  Pharaoh 
persuade  him  to  let  Israel  go,  7 ; he  sends  for  Moses , treats  with  him , but 
drives  him  away,  8—11.  The  plague  of  locusts,  12 — 15.  Moses  is  vent  fort 
and  entreqts  the  Lord  ; the  locusts  are  removed,  and  Pharaoh  is  hardentd, 
16 — 20.  The  plague  of  darkness;  Pharaoh  again  treats  with,  Moses,  but  is 
again  hardened,  and  drives  him  away  with  menaces,  21 — 29. 

AND  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Go  in  unto 
Pharaoh : for  “I  have  hardened  his  heart,  and 
the  heart  of  his  servants ; bthat  I might  show  these 
my  signs  before  him  : 

2  And  'that  thou  mayest  tell  in  the  ears  of  thy 
son,  and  of  thy  son’s  son,  what  things  I have 
wrought  in  Egypt,  and  my  signs  which  I have 
done  among  them ; dthat  ye  may  know  how  that 
I am  the  Lord. 

3  And  Moses  and  Aaron  came  in  unto  Pharaoh, 
and  said  unto  him,  Thus  saith  the  Lord  God  of 
the  Hebrews,  “How  long  wilt  thou  refuse  to  f hum- 
ble thyself  before  me  ? Let  my  people  go,  that  they 
may  serve  me. 

4  Else  if  thou  refuse  to  let  my  people  go,  be- 
hold, sto-morrow  will  I bring  the  ‘‘locusts  into  thy 
coast.  * 

5  And  they  shall  cover  the  ‘face  of  the  earth, 
that  one  cannot  he  able  to  see  the  earth  : and  they 


a 4:21.  7:3,4.11:9,10.  } Heb.  by  the  hand  of  Moses,  a See  on  4:21.  7:13,14. 
9:34,35.  b 3:20.  7:4.  9:16.  14:17,18.  15:14,15.  Josh.  2:9,10.  4:23,24.  I 8am.  4* 
8.  Korn. 9:17.  c 13:8,9,24.  Deul.  4:9.  6:20—22.  Ps.  44:1.  71:18  . 78:5,6.  Joel 
1:3.  d See  on  7:17.  Ps.  58:11.  Ez.  20:26,38.  e 9:17.  16:28.  Nom.  14:27.  I 
Kings  18:21.  Prov.  1:22,24.  Jer.  13:10.  Ez.  5:6.  Heb.  12:25.  f 1 Kings  21:28. 
2 Chr.  7:14  . 33:12,19.  34:27.  Job  42:6.  Prov.  18:12.  Is.  2:11.  Jer. 13:18.  Jam.  4- 
10.  1 Pet.  5:6.  g 8:10,23.  9:5,18.  11:4,5.  h Prov.  30:27.  Joel  1:4—' 7.  2:2-1 1 , 
25.  Rev.  9:3.  * Heb.  eye. 


to  pervert  the  bounty  and  patience  of  God  into  an  occasion 
and  encouragement  to  sin  : and  in  whatever  way  the  Lord 
hardens  the  hearts  of  men,  he  always  does  it  judicially,  as  a 
punishment  of  former  sins  ; and  generally  of  the  sin  of  har- 
dening their  own  hearts  under  solemn  warnings,  deep  con- 
victions, severe  rebukes,  and  remarkable  deliverances. 

V.  13 — 33.  The  haughty  and  powerful  may  despise  the 
Lord,  and  set  him  at  defiance ; but  they  cannot  defeat  his 
purposes ; and  many  have  been  advanced  to  thrones,  and 
greatly  prospered  and  exalted,  in  order  to  manifest  the  ex- 
treme wickedness  of  their  hearts,  that  the  justice  and  power 
of  God  might  be  displayed  in  their  destruction,  for  the  glory 
of  his  great  name. — Even  in  wicked  nations,  which  are  ripe 
for  vengeance,  some  are  more  des'itute  of  all  fear  ef  God, 
and  more  daring  in  sin,  than  others.  But,  alas  ! men  in  gene- 
ral are  vastly  more  careful  of  their  cattle  and  property  than 
of  iheir  immortal  souls! — Would  we  escape  the  threatened 
vengeance  of  God,  we  must  notice  his  warnings,  and  flee  for 
refuge  at  his  appointment ; for  they  who  disregard  his  word 
will  be  convinced  of  its  truth  when  it  is  too  late. — Under  the 
prospect  of  impending  destruction,  the  anguish  of  suffering, 
and  the  dismay  of  conscience,  the  proudest  sinner  "is  often 
appalled,  and  the  most  humiliating  confessions  are  extorted 
from  him : nay,  he  may  even  use  the  language  of  piety ; not 
because  he  thoroughly  means  it,  but  because  he  feels  a mo- 
mentary conviction  that  it  suits  his  case  and  situation.  These 
reluctant  and  transient  convictions  cannot  indeed  avail  those 
who  remain  impenitent ; but  they  are  honourablb  to  God,  and 
illustrate  his  justice  in  punishing  such  as,  having  respite,  re- 
turn to  their  crimes,  and  are  hardened  in  iniquity. — While 
all  things  concur  in  hastening  the  obstinate  sinner’s  condem- 
nation, the  Lord  gives  his  people  safety,  amidst  storms  and 
tempests  ; and  the  most  tremendous  scenes  sometimes  fail  of 
disturbing,  even  at  the  moment,  the  sweet  serenity  of  their 
souls  ; for  “the  work  of  righteousness  shall  be  peace,  and 
the  effect  of  righteousness,  quietness  and  assurance  for 
ever.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  X.  V.  1,2.  The  Lord  here  says,  “ I 
have  hardened  his  heart,  and  the  heart  of  his  servants 
the  servants  of  Pharaoh  had  copied  his  wickedness,  and 
were  involved  in  his  punishment,  (7.)- — As  these  awful  judg 
ments  were  inflicted  on  purpose  that  the  power  and  glory  of 
Jehovah  might  be  illustrated  for  the  instruction  of  future 
generations;  it  was  proper  that  Moses  should  again  and 
again  go  to  Pharaoh,  and  warn  him  of  the  approaching 
plagues,  that  his  obstinate  defiance  of  God  might  more  fully 
show  the  justice  of  his  condemnation. 

V.  3.  Refuse,  &c.]  The  point  in  contest  was  whethei 
Pharaoh  would  humble  himself  before  God,  or  not.  Refusing 

( 129  ) 


1).  C.  1491. 


EXODUS. 


B.  C.  1491. 


shall  ea(  ‘the  residue  of  that  which  is  escaped, 
which  remainetl  unto  you  from  the  hail,  and  shall 
eat  every  tree  wnich  groweth  for  you  out  of  the 
field. 

6 And  tliev  shall  kfill  thy  houses,  and  the  houses 
of  all  thy  servants,  and  the  houses  of  all  the  Egyp- 
tians : ‘which  neither  thy  fathers,  nor  thy  fathers’ 
fathers  have  seen,  since  the  day  that  they  were 
upon  the  earth,  unto  this  day.  raAnd  he  turned 
himself,  and  went  out  from  Pharaoh. 

7 And  Pharaoh’s  servants  said  unto  him,  “How 
long  shall  this  man  be  a “snare  unto  us?  Let  the 
men  go,  that  they  may  serve  the  Lord  their 
God : knowest  thou  not  yet,  Pthat  Egypt  is  de- 
stroyed ? 

8 And  Moses  and  Aaron  were  ‘‘brought  again 
unto  Pharaoh : and  he  said  unto  them,  Go,  serve 
the  Lord  your  God : but  'who  are  they  that  shall 
go? 

9 And  Moses  said,  rWe  will  go  with  our  young 
and  with  our  old,  with  our  sons  and  with  our 
daughters,  with  our  flocks  and  with  our  herds 
will  we  go:  for  we  must  hold’s,  feast  unto  the  Lord. 

10  And  he  said  unto  them,  Let  the  Lord  be  so 
with  you,  as  I will  let  you  go,  and  your  little  ones : 
‘look  to  it,  for  evil  is  before  you. 

11  Not  so  : go  now  ye  that  are  men,  and  serve 
the  Lord,  for  that  ye  did  desire.  “And  they  were 
driven  out  from  Pharaoh’s  presence. 

[Practical  Observations .] 

12  H And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  “Stretch 
out  thine  hand  over  the  land  of  Egypt  for  the 
iocusts,  that  they  may  come  up  upon  the  land  of 
Egypt,  and  eat  etfery  herb  of  the  land,  even  all 
that  the  hail  hath  left. 

13  And  Moses  stretched  forth  his  rod  over  the 
land  of  Egypt,  and  the  Lord  brought  an  ?east 
wind  upon  the  land  all  that  day,  and  all  that 
night : and  when  it  was  morning,  the  east  wind 
brought  the  locusts. 

1 9:32.  k 8:3.  114.15.  9:24.  11:6.  Joel  2:2.  mil.  11:8.  Heb.  11:27.  n 3. 

o2j:33.  Josh.  23:13.  ISam.  18:21.  Prov.29:6.  Ec.  7:26.  p Is.  14:20.  51:9. 
Jer.  48:4.  51:8.  Zepli.  1:18.  q 16,24.  12:31.  * Heb.  who  and  who , &c. 

r Gen.  50:8.  Deut.  31:12,13.  Josh.  24.15.  Ps.  148:12,13.  Ec.  12:1.  Eph.  6:4. 
a 3:18.  5:1,3.  8:25—28.  13:6.  Ntim.  29:2.  ICor.  5:7,8.  t 2Chr.  32:15.  Lam. 
8-37.  u28.  5:4.  x 7:19.  y 14:21.  Ps.  78:26.  107:25— 28.  148:8.  Jon.  14.  4:8. 
e Pent.  28:42.  1 Kings  8:37.  Ps.  78:46.  105:34,35.  a 6.  b Joel  1:6,7.  2:1—11, 
25.  f Heli. hastened  to  call,  c 9:27.  Num.  22:34.  1 Sam.  15:24,30.  26:21. 

2 Sam.  19:20.  Job  34:31,32.  Prov.  28:13.  Matt.  27:4.  d 1 Sam.  15:25.  e See 


to  do  this  was  his  ruin  ; and  the  case  is  the  same  with  all 
impenitent  sinners.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  6.  The  ravages  which  locusts  make  in  those  eastern 
countries  are  frequently  extremely  terrible.  They  even  darken 
the  earth,  by  intercepting  with  their  inconceivable  multitudes 
the  light  of  the  sun ; they  turn  fruitful  countries  into  deso- 
late deserts,  and  leave  the  wretched  inhabitants  to  perish 
with  famine ; nor  can  they  by  any  means  be  resisted  or  es- 
caped. But  the  locusts  sent  on  Egypt  were  dreadful  beyond 
example  and  comparison,  in  size  and  multitudes,  and  in  the 
desolations  which  they  occasioned:  and  the  plague  was  thus 
foretold,  that  the  hand  of  the  Lord  in  sending  it  might  be  the 
more  evident. — Pharaoh  had  repeatedly  violated  his  promises  ; 
and  Moses  seems  to  have  left  his  presence  abruptly,  without 
waiting  for  an  answer. 

V.  7.  Some  of  Pharaoh’s  servants  were  less  hardened 
than  others  of  them,  and  embraced  this  occasion  of  expostu- 
lating with  him. 

V.  10,  11.  Let  the  LORD , &c.]  This  was  either 
spoken  in  scorn  and  contempt,  as  if  Pharaoh  would  say,  ‘Let 
the  Lord  be  with  you,  and  take  care  of  you  if  he  can  ; hut  I 
will  not.  let  you  go or  by  way  of  imprecation ; ‘ I would , that 
the  Lord  may  as  certainly  cease  to  be  with  you  any  more, 
as  I shall  refuse  to  let.  you  go  with  all  your  company,  for  to 
this  I never  will  consent.’  He  intended  to  keep  the  children, 
and  probably  the  women  also,  as  hostages  to  ensure  the  re- 
turn of  the  men.  Nay,  he  threatened  to  punish  Moses  and 
Aaron,  if  they  continued  to  trouble  him ; and  his  mad  pre- 
sumption was  such,  that  he  certainly  would  have  attempted 
it,  had  not  God  dismayed  and  restrained  him.  Some  suppose 
'that,  he  charged  them  with  the  design  of  stirring  up  the  peo- 
ple to  a revolt,  when  he  said,  “evil  is  before  you.” — As, 
however,  they  were  not  satisfied  with  his  proposal,  he  drove 
them  with  violence  from  his  presence. 

That  are  men.  (11)  D'niajn  vir,  masculus , quasi  validus. 

Robertson’s  Thes.  fOi  aivlptf.  Sept. 

V.  13.  East  wind.]  ‘Being  lifted  up  by  the  wind,  they 
fly  in  the  air  in  a great  cloud  ; . . . people  looking  on  them  in 
£reat  fear,  lest  they  fall  down  and  cover  the  country.’  Pliny. 

V.  If,  17.  Pharaoh  now  had  nothing  before  his  eyes,  but 
inevitab'e  death  to  himself  and  his  people  by  famine,  unless 
*ome  respite  could  be  obtained  : for  all  vegetation  was  totally 
( 130  ) 


14  And  “the  locusts  went  up  over  all  the  land  of 
Egypt,  and  rested  in  all  the  coasts  of  Egypt : 
very  grievous  were  they ; “before  them  there 
were  no  such  locusts  as  they,  neither  after  them 
shall  be  such. 

15  For  bthey  covered  the  face  of  the  whole 
earth,  so  that  the  land  was  darkened ; and  they 
did  eat  every  herb  of  the  land,  and  all  the  fruit 
of  the  trees,  which  the  hail  had  left : and  there 
remained  not  any  green  thing  in  the  trees,  or  in 
the  herbs  of  the  field,  through  all  the  land  of 
Egypt. 

16  Then  Pharaoh  ^called  for  Moses  and  Aaron 
in  haste  ; and  he  said,  CI  have  sinned  against  the 
Lord  your  God,  and  against  you. 

17  Now  therefore  dforgive,  I pray  thee,  my  sin 
only  this  once,  “and  entreat  the  Lord  your  God, 
that  he  may  take  away  from  me  ‘this  death  only. 

18  And  he  went  out  from  Pharaoh,  sand  en- 
treated the  Lord. 

19  And  the  Lord  turned  ha  mighty  strong  west 
wind,  which  took  away  the  locusts,  and  least  them 
into  ‘the  Red  Sea : there  remained  not  one  locust 
in  all  the  coasts  of  Egypt. 

20  But  kthe  Lord  hardened  Pharaoh’s  heart, 
so  that  he  &ould  not  let  the  children  of  Israel  go. 

21  11  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  ‘Stretch 
out  thine  hand  toward  heaven,  that  there  may  be 
■"darkness  over  the  land  of  Egypt,  Seven  darkness 
which  may  be  felt. 

22  And  Moses  stretched  forth  his  hand  toward 
heaven  : and  there  was  a "thick  darkness  in  all 
the  land  of  Egypt  three  days. 

23  They  saw  not  one  another,  neither  rose  any 
from  his  place  for  three  days  : “but  all  the  children 
of  Israel  had  light  in  their  dwellings. 

24  And  Pharaoh  called  unto  Moses,  and  said, 
rGo  ye,  serve  the  Lord  : only  ^let  your  flocks  and 
your  herds  be  stayed : rlet  your  little  ones  also  go 
with  you. 


on8:8.  Acts  8:24.  f2Kings4:40.  2 Cor.  1:10.  g See  on  8:9,29.  Matt.  5:44. 
Luke  6:28.  h 13.  f Heb.  fastened,  i 13:18.  15:4.  Joel  2:20.  k See  on  4:21. 
7:13,14.  9:12.  11:10.  Deut.  2:30.  Is.  6:9,10.  John  12:39,40.  Horn.  9:18.  2 Thes. 
2:11,12.  19:22.  m Ps.  78:49.  105:28.  Prov.  4:19.  Is.  8:21,22.  Mall.  27:45. 
Mark  15:33.  Luke  23:44.  2 Pel.  2:4,17.  Jude  6,13.  Rev.  16:10,11.  § Heb  .that 
one  may  feel  darkness,  n 20:21.  Deut.  4:11.  5:22.  Joel  2:2,31 . Am.  4:13.  o 8t 
22.  9:4,26.  14:20.  Josh.  24:7.  Is.  60:1- 3.  65:13  14.  Mai.  3:18.  p 8,9.  8:28.  9* 
28.  q Gen.  34:23.  r 10. 


destroyed.  He  therefore  confessed  his  sins  to  Moses,  craved 
forgiveness  of  him,  and  entreated  him  to  pray  for  him  ; but  it 
does  not  appear,  that  he  confessed  his  sins  unto  the  Lord,  or 
besought  him  to  forgive  him. 

V.  19.  Red  Sea.]  “The  sea  of  weeds,”  or  flags , as  it 
is  in  the  original. — The  Greek  translators  of  the  Bible  call  it 
‘ the  Red  Sea,’  either  from  the  colour  of  the  waters,  the  soil, 
or  the  weeds,  or  flags ; or  from  the  neighbourhood  of  the 
Edomites,  whose  name  signifies  red.  This  is  a large  arm  of 
the  sea,  which  runs  up  between  Arabia  and  Idumea  on  one 
hand,  and  Egypt  on  the  other,  and  separates  the  continents 
of  Africa  and  Asia ; except  as  they  communicate  by  the 
narrow  isthmus  of  Suez,  which  lies  betwixt  the  end  of  the 
Red  Sea  and  the  Mediterranean. — The  Red,  Sea  in  most 
ancient  writers  means  what  is  now  called  the  Indian  Ocean. 

V.  20.  (Note,  9:12.) 

V.  21.  .Darkness.]  It  is  generally  supposed,  that  some 
extraordinary  fog  which  combined  in  occasioning  this  plague, 
extinguished  all  the  lamps  of  the  Egyptians,  and  left  them  in 
total  darkness:  and  that  this  was  felt  in  the  pain  which  it  ex- 
cited. Certainly  it  was  such  a darkness  as  we  have  no  concep- 
tion of:  and  not  wholly  unlike  the  “blackness  of  darkness 
for  ever.” 

V.  22.  Thick  darkness.]  misty  and  thick  dark - 

ness,  full  of  obscurity.  (From  the  radical  noun  'ten  which 
has  a similar  signification.) — 5>oro? yvo(t>o$,  ^ucAAa  ciri,K.  r.  A. 
Darkness , thick  darkness , a tempest  upon , &c.  Sept.  Vvotty 
Kat  (TKOTM,  Kat  $vc AA/7,  “ to  blackness  and  darkness  and  tem- 
pest.” Heb.  12:18. 

V.  23.  It  is  a tradition  of  the  Jews,  that  the  Egyptians 
were  affrighted  with  horrible  noises,  occasioned  by  evil  spirits 
and  that  this  is  the  meaning  of  the  expression  of  the  Psalm- 
ist, “He  sent  evil  angels  among  them.”  (Note,  Ps.  78: 
Iff — 49.)  Doubtless  their  consciences  were  filled  with  horror, 
and  inflicted  torment  upon  them,  when  thus  enclosed  in  this 
tremendous  darkness. — The  Israelites  might  now  have  march- 
ed off  unmolested;  hut  it  was  the  Lord’s  pleasure,  that 
they  should  go  forth,  not  as  abject  fugitives,  but  as  triumphant 
conquerors. 

V.  2*1.  After  the  end  of  the  three  days,  when  the  dark- 
ness terminated,  Pharaoh  called  'nr  Mos*m  to  treat  qrrip 
with  him. 


B.  C.  1491. 


B.  C.  1491.  CHAPTER  XL 


25  And  Moses  said,  Thou  must  give  'us  also 
sacrifices,  and  burnt-pfferings,  that  we  may  sacri- 
fice unto  the  Lord  our  God. 

26  Our  ’cattle  also  shall  go  with  us ; there  shall 
not  an  hoof  be  left  behind  : for  thereof  must  we 
take  to  serve  the  Lord  our  God ; ‘and  we  Know 
not  with  what  we  must  serve  the  Lord  until  we 
come  thither. 

27  But  the  Lord  “hardened  Pharaoh’s  heart, 
and  he  would  not  let  them  go. 

28  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  him,  “Get  thee  from 
me,  take  heed  to  thyself,  see  my  face  no  more : 
Jfor  in  that  day  thou  seest  my  face  thou  shalt  die. 

29  And  Moses  said,  Thou  hast  spoken  well,  *1 
will  see  thy  face  again  no  more. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

The  Lord  shows  Moses  that  one  more  plague  is  coming  on  Egyp',  and  directs 
that  the  Israelites  should  ask  jewels  of  the  Egyptians,  1,2.  Moses  is 
honoured  hy  the  Egyptians,  3.  He  denounces  the  death  of  the  Jirs  - 
bom,  and  goes  out  from  Pharaoh,  4 — 8.  The  Lord  hardens  Pharaoh's 

heart,  9,  10. 

AND  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  "Yet  will  I 
bring  one  plague  more  upon  Pharaoh,  and 

t Heb.  into  our  hands,  s 12:32.  Is.  23:18.  60:5 — 10.  Hos.  5:6.  Acts  2:44, 
45.  2 Cor.  8:5.  t Prov.  3:9.  Heb.  11:8.  u See  on  4:21.  14:4,8.  Rev.  9:20.  16:10, 
11.  x 1 1 . v 2 Chr.  16:10.  25:16.  Am.  7:13.  z 11:4— 8.  12:30,31.  Ileb.  11:27. 
a 9:14.  Lev.  26:21.  Dent.  4:34.  1 Sam.  6:4.  Job  10:17.  Rev.  16:9.  22:18.  b3:20. 
Gen.  15:14.  c 12:31— 33,39.  cl  3:22.  12:35,36.  Gen.  31:9.  Job  27:16,17.  Ps.24: 
1.  105:37.  Prov.  13:22.  Hag.  2:8.  Matt.  20:15.  e 32:2— 4,24.  35:22.  Ez.  16:10— 

V.  27.  It  is  worthy  of  notice,  how  frequently,  in  the  con- 
cluding part  of  the  narrative,  the  hardening  of  Pharaoh’s  heart 
is  unreservedly  ascribed  to  God.  (1,20.  11:10.)  Different, 
language  was  previously  used ; which  shows,  that  God’s  hard- 
ening Pharaoh’s  heart  was  the  punishment  of  his  hardening 
nis  own  heart. 

V.  29.  The  first  three  verses  of  the  next  chapter  may  be 
read  as  a parenthesis:  for  Moses  seems  to  have  warned 
Pharaoh  of  the  death  of  all  the  first-born,  before  he  quitted 
his  presence  at  this  time ; and  then  he  went  out  purposing 
never  more  to  see  his  face. 

PRACTICAL  ORSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 11.  The  manifestation  of  his  own  glory  is  the  ulti- 
mate end  of  all  the  Lord’s  dispensations,  whether  of  judgment 
or  mercy ; and  though  we  do  not  at  present  clearly  discern 
it,  yet  we  shall  hereafter  behold  it  in  full  splendour:  and  all 
his  servants  with  joyful  acclamations  proclaim,  that  he  is 
“righteous  in  all  his  ways  and  holy  in  all  his  works.”  Then 
“ the  wicked  shall  be  silent  in  darkness for  “ every  mouth 
shall  be  stopped,  and  all  the  world  shall  become  guilty  before 
God.” — Again  and  again  he  sends  to  demand  of  his  rebellious 
creatures,  “ How  long  will  ye  refuse  to  humble  yourselves 
before  me?”  But  the  haughtiness  and  stoutness  of  the 
human  heart  induce  men  to  defer  this  mortifying  submission, 
even  when  severely  suffering  the  effects  of  their  obstinacy,  in 
former  instances;  when  expostulated  with  for  acting  in  so 
ruinous  a manner  to  themselves*1  and  others  ; and  when  nothing 
but  the  patience  of  God  keeps  them  from  utter  destruction. 
But  “ hast  thou,”  O sinner,  “ an  arm  like  God  ? and  canst 
thou  thunder  with  a voice  like  his?” — The  examples  of  se- 
verity and  goodness,  recorded  in  the  sacred  Scriptures,  were 
written  for  our  profit;  and  if  we  duly  regard  them,  our  oyvn 
experience  will  prove  their  extensive  and  lasting  usefulness. — 
Whatever  we  learn  from  the  word  and  works  of  God,  we 
should  point  out,  and  interpret  to  our  children,  and  show 
them  his  power,  wisdom,  justice,  and  love,  as  displayed  in 
them ; for  they  were  intended,  not  only  for  our  good,  but  for 
that  of  our  children  also. — We  should  likewise  remember, 
that  Satan  and  his  instruments  are  extremely  averse  to  our 
serving  God  with  our  sons  and  our  daughters ; and  that  they 
employ  various  methods  of  keeping  them  from  joining  in  his 
service.  We  ought  therefore  to  be  very  peremptory  in  this 
concern,  and  be  careful  to  initiate  them,  even  when  “ little 
ones,”  in  the  ways  and  worship  of  God ; “for  of  such  is  the 
kingdom  of  heaven.”  But  alas!  many  apparently  religious 
parents  act  as  if  they  were  of  Pharaoh’s  opinion,  and  sup- 
posed that,  the  service  of  God  was  intended  for  men  alone : 
for  they  allow  their  children  to  stay  behind  when  they  go  to 
worship,  and  permit  them  to  spend  their  time  in  dissipation 
and  vanity;  as  if  they  would  leave  them  under  the  yoke  of 
Satan,  “the  god  of  this  world,”  as  hostages  for  their  own  re- 
turn to  his  service. — But  let  young  people  themselves  observe, 
hat  the  Lord  himself  says,  “ Remember  thy  Creator  in  the 
lays  of  thy  youth;”  while  Satan  and  his  servants  are  they 
who  counsel  them  to  put  off  the  thoughts  of  God  and  religion 
till  some  future  period. 

V.  12 — 29.  It  is  incumbent  on  us  to  serve  God,  not  only 
with  our  households,  but  likewise  with  all  our  substance ; 
neither  avariciously  hoarding  any  part  of  it,  nor  spending  it 
upon  our  pride  and  self-indulgence  of  any  kind,  but  consider- 
ing the  whole  as  the  Lord’s  property  committed  to  our  stew- 
ardship. And  not  knowing  what  he  may  immediately  de- 
mand, we  should  be  prepared  to  expend,  or  part  with,  any 
proportion  which  may  be  required,  without  hesitation  and 
reluctance.  But  if  we  would  sincerely  and  decidedly  serve 
the  Lord,  we  must  learn  to  disregard  the  contempt,  reproach, 


upon  Egypt ; bafterwards  he  will  let  you  go  hence  ; 
when  he  shall  let  you  go,  he  shall  surely  Hhrusl 
you  out  hence  altogether. 

2 Speak  now  in  the  ears  of  the  people,  and  le 
every  man  dborrow  of  his  neighbour,  and  ever) 
woman  of  her  neighbour,  jewels  o f silver,  an., 
jewels  of  gold. 

3 And  f the  Lord  gave  the  people  favour  in  the 
sight  of  the  Egyptians.  Moreover,  the  mai 
sMoses  was  very  great  in  the  land  of  E gypt,  in 
the  sight  of  Pharaoh’s  servants,  and  in  the  sight 
of  the  people. 

4 And  Moses  said,  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  hAbout 
midnight  ‘will  I go  out  into  the  midst  of  Egypt. 

5 And  all  the  first-born  in  the  land  of  Egypt 
shall  die,  from  kthe  first-born  of  Pharaoh  that 
sitteth  upon  his  throne,  even  un'n  the  first-born 
of  the  maid-servant  that  is  ‘behind  the  mill ; and 
all  the  first-born  of  beasts. 

6 And  there  shall  be  ma  great  cry  throughout 
all  th§  land  of  Egypt,  such  as  there  was  none  like 
it,  nor  shall  be  like  it  any  more. 

13.  Hos.  2:8.  f 3:21.  12:36.  Gen.  39:21.  Ps.  106:46.  Acts  7:10.  g Gen.  13:2. 
2 Sam.  7:9.  Eslh.9:4.  Is. 60:14.  Acts  7:22.  Rev. 3:9.  It  12:23,29.  Job34:20. 
Am. 4:10.  5:17.  Matt.  25:6.  i2Sam.5:24.  Ps.  60.10.  Is.  42:13.  Mic.  2:13. 

Zeclt.  14:3.  k -1:23.  12:12.  13:15.  Ps.  78:51.  105:36.  135:8.  136:10.  Heb.  11:23. 
1 Jude.  16:21.  Is.  47:2.  Lam.  5:13.  Matt.  24:41.  tn  3:7.  12:30.  Pruv.  21:13.  Is. 
15:4,5,8.  Jer.  31:15.  Lam.  3:8.  Zepli.  1:10.  Luke  13:28.  Rev.  6:16,17.  18:18,19. 

and  even  menaces  of  wicked  men.  They  may  indeed 
haughtily  affirm  that  “ evil  is  before  us  ;”  but  if  we  simply 
and  faithfully  trust  and  obey  God,  we  need  not  “ fear  what 
flesh  can  do  unto  us.”  For  he  will  be  for  us;  and  perhaps 
they  will  ere  long  be  constrained  to  address  us  with  respect, 
and  entreat  our  prayers  or  assistance.  Assuredly  in  the  days 
of  adversity,  and  in  the  gloomy  vale  of  death,  when  the 
wicked  are  consumed  with  terrors,  and  tormented  by  their 
own  consciences,  believers  will  walk  in  the  light  of  God’s 
countenance,  and  rejoice  in  his  salvation:  and  when  the 
wicked  are  driven  into  the  blackness  of  eternal  darkness, 
believers  will  have  an  inheritance  among  the  saints  in  light 
eternal-  Let  us  then  “ lift  up  our  heads,  for  our  redemption 
drawekh  near “ yet  looking  diligently  lest  any  man  fail  of 
the  grace  of  God:”  for  the  most  hardened  sinner  often  trem- 
bles, the  most  insensible  is  sometimes  self-condemned ; nay, 
many  that  are  finally  lost,  have  “ been  almost  persuaded  to 
be  Christians.”  But  pride,  the  love  of  sin,  and  aversion  to 
the  immediate  exercises  of  piety,  with  procrastination,  as  the 
result  of  it,  form  the  threefold  cord  which  men  cannot  break  ; 
and  upon  persons  thus  enslaved,  all  counsel  is  thrown  away, 
though  enforced  with  the  evidence  of  the  most  undeniable 
facts,  and  the  certain  prospects  of  destruction.  They  would 
treat  about  reconciliation ; but  they  will  not  yield  unreservedly 
to  part  with  every  sin,  and  cast  themselves  wholly  on  the 
Lord’s  mercy.  He  therefore  rejects  their  proposals  with  dis- 
dain: and  every  relenting  and  respite  leaves  them  still  harder; 
as  the  winter  sun  thaws  the  snow,  which,  when  its  beams  are 
withdrawn,  congeals  into  ice.  Such  persons  often  use  good 
Words,  and  put  the  Lord’s  servants  in  his  place,  as  if  they 
were  gods  to  them,  (7:1.)  and  seem  to  expect  salvation  from 
them  : but  they  do  not  pray  earnestly  and  constantly  for 
themselves ; and  therefore  sin  retains  its  dominion,  and  Sa- 
tan his  possession,  and  “ their  last  state  is  worse  than  the 
first.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  XI.  V.  1.  It  is  probable  that  this  was 
a secret  revelation  to  Moses  while  in  the  presence  of  Pha- 
raoh; in  order  that  he  might  denounce  the  last  dreadful  judg- 
ment on  Egypt  before  he  went  out  from  him.  Moses,  no 
doubt,  would  be  glad  to  hear  that  this  contest,  which  deso- 
lated Egypt  in  order  to  deliver  Israel,  would  so  speedily  be 
determined. — ‘When  he  shall  send  you  away  with  every 
thing,  he  will  cast  you  out  with  an  expulsion.’  (EnSoXy. 
Acts  27:18.  Gr.)  Sept. 

V.  2,  3.  The  original  does  not  in  the  least  imply,  that  the 
Israelites  asked  the  Egyptians  to  lend  them  the  jewels,  or 
vessels  of  gold^nd  silver,  as  promising  to  return  them  ; but 
rather  that  they  requested,  or  even  required  them  : and  the 
Lord  engaged  to  dispose  the  Egyptians  to  comply  with  their 
requirement  ; for  the  words  may  be  rendered,  “ And  the 
Lord  will  give  the  people  favour,  &c.”  (Note,  3:21,22.) — 
The  Egyptians  revered  Moses,  as  an  extraordinary  person, 
of  wonderful  courage,  wisdom,  and  sanctity  ; and  endued 
with  powers  of  inflicting  judgments,  or  removing  them,  at 
pleasure:  and  probably  many  of  them  were  persuaded  that 
he  had  justice  on  his  side,  and  blamed  Pharaoh,  as  the  real 
cause  of  their  calamities.  For  while  oppressors  pursue  in- 
fatuated counsels,  and  are  flattered  by  hireling  courtiers,  it 
often  happens  that  their  subjects  secretly  favour  the  cause  of 
the  oppressed,  even  where  themselves  have  no  personal 
ground  of  complaint;  considering  a measure  of  liberty  as  the 
common  right  of  mankind. 

Borrow.  (2)  Kirquarb).  Sept. 

V 4.  The  Lord  went  out  on  this  awful  occasion,  as  a 
mighty  Conqueror,  to  trample  down  and  triumph  over  his 
enemies. 

t 131  ) 


B.  C.  491. 


EXODUS 


B.  C.  1491 


7 Bvt  against  any  of  the  children  of  Israel  shall 
not  a "dog  move  his  tongue,  against  man  or  beast; 
that  ye  may  know  how  that  the  Loud  doth  put 
“a  difference  between  the  Egyptians  and  Israel. 

8 And  rail  these  thy  servants  shall  come  down 
unlo  me,  and  bow  down  themselves  unto  me, 
saying,  Get  thee  out,  and  all  the  people  that  ’follow 
thee  : and  after  that  l will  go  out : and  he  went 
out  from  Pharaoh  in  ‘a  great  anger. 

9 And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  ^Pharaoh 
shall  not  hearken  unto  you : that  my  rwonders 
may  be  multiplied  in  the  land  of  Egypt. 

10  And  Moses  and  Aaron  did  all  these  wonders 
before  Pharaoh:  and  “the  Lord  hardened  Pha- 
raoh’s heart,  so  that  he  would  x.ot  let  the  children 
of  Israel  go  out  of  his  land. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

The  month  of  Israel's  deliverance  is  aj/poimtd  to  be  the  first  of  their  year,  1, 
2.  Tie  institution  of  the  passover , and  the  feast  of  unleavened  bread,  3 — 
28.  The  first-born  throughout  Egypt  are  cut  off  at  once,  29,  30  ; the  Israelites 
are  sent  away  in  haste,  31 — 33;  they  spoil  the  Egyptians  and  march  out, 
attended  by  a mixed  multitude , 3-1 — 39.  The  term  of  their  sojourning , and 
the  fulfilment  of  God's  promise  to  Abraham , 40 — 12.  Further  rules  respect- 
ing the  passover,  43 — 51. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  and  Aaron 
in  the  land  of  Egypt,  saying, 

2 “This  month  shall  he  unto  you  the  beginning  of 
months : it  shall  be  the  first  month  of  the  year  to  you. 
3 bSpeak  ye  unto  all  the  congregation  of  Israel, 

o Josh.  10:21.  o See  on  7:22.  10:23.  Mai.  3:18.  1 Cor.  4:7.  p 12:31— 33.  Is. 
49:23,26.  Rev.  3:9.  * Heb . is  at  thy  feet.  Judg.  4: 10.  1 Kings  20:10.  2 Kings  3: 
9.  marg.  | Heb.  heatof  anger.  Deut.  29:24.  32:24.  Ps.  6:1.  Ez,  3:14.  Dan.  3; 
19.  q 3:19.  10:1.  Rom.  9:17,18.  r See  on  7:3.  s See  on  4:21.  7:13,14.  10:20, 
27.  Deut.  2:30.  1 .Sam.  6:6.  Job  9:4.  Rom.  2:4,5.  9:22.  a 13:4.  23:15.  34:18. 
Lev.  23:5.  Num.  28:16.  Deut.  16:1.  Esth.  3:7.  b 4:30.  6:6.  14:15.20:19.  Lev. 
1:2.  c 6.  John  12:1,12.  d Gen.  4:4.  22:8.  1 Sam.  7:9.  John  1:29,36.  1 Cor. 
5-7.  Rev.  5:6— 13.  7:9—14.  13:8.  * Or,  kid.  Lev.  5:6.  Num.  15:11.  2 Chr. 

35:7.  e Lev.  1:3,10  . 22:19-24.  Deut.  17:1.  Mai.  1:7,8,14.  Heb.  7:23.  9:13,14. 

V.  5.  (Note,  12:29,30.) — Behind  the  mill.]  Watermills 
and  windmills  were  not  known  till  many  ages  after  this  time ; 
but  the  female  slaves  ground  the  corn  for  use,  by  handmills. 
(Marg.  Ref.  1.) 

V.  6.  ‘ The  calamity  being  in  every  house,  it  made  a 
general  and  loud  lamentation:  men,  women,  children,  and 
servants,  bewailing  the  loss  of  the  prime  person  in  the  family.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  7.  Move  his  tongue.]  ‘ No  one  shall  dare  to  do  the 
Israelites  harm,  or  to  speak  any  evil  of  them ; but  all  shall 
stand  in  awe  of  them.’ — The  expression  seems  to  have  been 
proverbial. 

V.  8.  Moses  thus  expressed  his  abhorrence  of  Pharaoh’s 
obstinacy,  who  probably  treated  this  last  message  with  con- 
tempt ; and  he  solemnly  left  him  to  the  judgment  of  God,  as 
an  incurable  rebel. 

V.  9.  This  may  be  rendered,  “For  the  Lord  had  said, 
&c.”  (7:3.  Note,  4:21.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

When  the  Lord  has  inflicted  so  many  and  severe  judg- 
ments, that  man  can  conceive  of  nothing  worse,  he  has  still 
more  terrible  plagues  in  reserve  ; yet  he  generally  executes 
those  last,  which  he  denounced  first : ( 4:23. ) for  “ he  endures 
with  much  long-sulfering  the  vessels  of  wrath  fitted  for 
destruction,  that  he  may  show  his  wrath  and  make  his  power 
known.”  (Notes,  Rom.  9:19 — 23.)  But  what  are  all  these 
ten  plagues  combined,  when  compared  with  “ the  wrath  to 
come,”  that  one  plague  reserved  for  all  obstinate  rebels  in 
another  world! — The  Lord  can  make  his  people  “ a burden- 
some stone  to  all  who  burden  themselves  with  them  ( Zcch. 
12:3.)  and  render  all  men  sensible  that  it  is  at  their  peril 
they  touch  them:  nay,  he  is  able  to  give  them  favour  in  the 
sight  of  those  who  have  been  their  enemies. — When  he  ena- 
bles his  servants  to  maintain  a consistency  of  chara'cler,  he 
will  put  such  honour  upon  them,  as  shall  silence  and  confound 
all  those  who  slander  anil  despise  them ; and  constrain  men 
in  general  to  approve  of  their  conduct,  reverence  their  per- 
sons, and  even  to  bow  down  before  them:  and  when  the 
people  of  God  shall  triumph  in  his  redenyition,  and  their 
enemies  cry  out  under  the  anguish  of  his  indignation,  the 
difference  will  be  too  evident  to  remain  any  longer  unnoticed. 
They  who  are  employed  by  him  in  public  services,  may,  con- 
sistently with  the  deepest  humility,  “ magnify  their  office 
and,  without  deviating  from  the  most  exemplary  Christian 
meekness,  they  may  and  ought  to  express  deep  indignation, 
as  well  as  sorrow,  at  the  wickedness  of  mankind  ; after  his 
example,  who  looked  round  with  “ anger,  being  grieved  for 
the  hardness  of  their  hearts.”  Such  anger  against  the  sin  of 
those,  whose  good  th^y  have  perseveringly  sought  in  vain, 
and  for  whom  their  prayers  have  again  and  again  prevailed, 
is  a terrible  indication,  and  usual  forerunner  of  the  wrath  of 
God.  The  Lord,  however,  will  at  last  he  glorified  in  all 
his  dispensations  ; and  as  he  hath  foretold  that  his  gospel 
would  be  slighted  and  abused,  we  must  not  think  the  worse 
of  it  on  that  account. 

NOTES. — Ciiap.  XII.  V.  1.  These  instructions  must 
have  been  given  to  Moses  and  Aaron  some  days  before  the 
las'  message  was  delivered  to  Pharaoh,  and  perhaps  before  I 

( 132  ) 


saying,  cIn  the  tenth-  day  of  this  month,  theysha-. 
dtake  to  them  every  man  a 'lamb,  accordTing  ti 
the  house  of  their  fathers,  a lamb  for  an  house. 

4 And  if  the  household  be  too  little  for  the  lamb, 
let  him  and  his  neighbour  next  unto  his  house  take 
it,  according  to  the  number  of  the  souls  ; every 
man,  according  to  his  eating,  shall  make  your 
count  for  the  lamb. 

5 Your  lamb  shall  'be  without  blemish,  a malt 
tof  the  first  year;  ye  shall  take  it  out  from  tilt 
sheep  or  from  the  goats. 

6 And  ye  shall  keep  it  up  until  the  'fourteenth 
day  of  the  same  month : and  ethe  whole  assembly 
of  the  congregation  of  Israel  shall  kill  it  fin  tht 
evening. 

7 And  they  shall  take  of  the  hblood  and  strike 
it  on  the  two  side-posts,  and  on  the  upper  door- 
post of  the  houses,  wherein  they  shall  eat  it. 

8 And  they  shall  ‘eat  the  flesh  in  that  night; 
kroasted  with  fire,  and  ‘unleavened  bread,  and 
rawith  bitter  herbs  they  shall  eat  it. 

9 Eat  not  of  it  raw,  nor  sodden  at  all  with  water 
“but  roast  with  fire : his  head  with  his  legs,  and 
with  the  purtenance  thereof. 

10  And  ye  shall  let  “nothing  of  it  remain  until 
the  morning:  and  that  which  remaineth  of  it  until 
the  morning,  ye  shall  burn  with  fire. 


1 Pet.  1.18,19.  t Heb.  son  of  ayear.  Lev.  23:12.  1 Sara.  13:1.  marg.  fl.tv. 
23:5.  Num.  9:3.  28:16,18.  Deut.  16:1—6.  2 Chr.  30:15.  Ez.  45:21.  g Is.  53:6. 
Matt.  27:20,25.  Mark  15:1,8,11.  Luke  23:1,18.  Acts  2:23.  3:14.  4:27.  } Ilel>. 
between  the  two  evenings.  Matt.  27:46 — 50.  h 22,23.  Eph.  1:7.  Heb.  9:13,14,22. 
10:14,29.  11.28.  1 Pet.  1:2.  i Matt.  26:26.  John  6:52-57.  k Deut.  16:7.  Ps. 
22:14.  Is.  53:10.  1 13:3,7.  34:25.  Deut.  16:3.  Am.  4:5.  Matt.  16:12.  1 Cor.  5: 
6-8.  Gal.  5:9.  mNum.  9:11.  Zech.  12:10.  1 Thes.  1:6.  n8.  Lam.  1:13.  o 23: 
18.  29:34. 34:25.  Lev.  7:15—17. 22:30.  Deut.  16:4,5. 


the  plague  of  darkness  was  inflicted ; for  the  tenth  day  of 
the  month  was  not  come  when  they  were  given,  (3  ;)  yet  the 
people  observed  the  passover  on  the  fourteenth,  which  seems 
to  have  been  the  very  day  on  which  Moses  went  out  from 
Pharaoh.  (11:4.) 

V.  2.  The  month  called  Abib,  (which  signifies  an  ear  of 
corn , because  the  corn  was  then  eared ,)  and  also  Nisan , an- 
swers nearly  to  the  latter  part  of  our  March,  and  the  begin- 
ning of  April.  This  had  hitherto  been  reckoned  the  seventh 
month ; and  the  Israelites  continued  afterwards  to  compute 
several  of  their  civil  concerns  by  this  reckoning,  which  agreed 
with  that  of  the  surrounding  countries  : but  in  remembrance 
of  their  deliverance  out  of  Egypt,  when  they  were  formed 
into  a nation  and  a church,  and  received,  as  it  were,  a new 
kind  of  existence,  it  was  appointed  to  be  the  first  month  of 
the  year  to  them,  and  their  sacred  institutions  were  regulated 
according  to  it.  This  new  style  began  the  year  with  the 
spring,  when  the  face  of  the  creation  was  renewed. 

V.  3 — 10.  It  may  be  supposed,  that  the  people  had  been 
ordered  to  prepare  for  leaving  Egypt  at  the  shortest  notice, 
and  had  a variety  of  engagements  to  occupy  their  time ; yet, 
amidst  them  all,  they  were  required  to  observe  a sacred  fes- 
tival. For  on  this  occasion  the  passover  was  instituted,  to 
be  then  celebrated  as  a token , or  means , of  their  deliverance, 
and  afterwards  as  a sacramental  memorial  of  it,  and  a pre- 
figuration of  redemption  by  the  promised  Saviour.  (Note, 
11 — 14.) — The  Israelites,  though  not  guilty  of  the  same  crimes 
as  the  Egyptians,  were  in  many  respects  deserving  of  the 
wrath  of  God:  and  this  institution  was  suited  to  show  them, 
that  they  were  preserved  and  rescued,  not  for  their  own 
righteousness,  but  by  the  mercy  of  God  through  an  atoning 
sacrifice.  (Notes,  Ez.  20:5 — 9.)  They  were  therefore  di 
rected,  on  the  tenth  day  from  the  new  moon,  to  select  a lamb 
or  kid  for  every  one  of  those  households,  into  which  the  fami- 
lies of  their  tribes  were  subdivided  ; unless  when  the  small 
number  of  persons  in  the  household  made  it.  proper  to  join 
with  some  of  their  neighbours.  They  were  allowed  to  take 
either  a lamb,  or  a kid ; but,  as  Christ  is  commonly  repre- 
sented under  the  emblem  of  a Lamb,  and  never  under  that 
of  a kid,  it  is  supposed  that  lambs  were  generally  preferred. 
This  lamb  must  be  “without  blemish,  a male  of  the  first 
year,”  or  under  a year  old  ; as  typifying  the  “ Lamb  of  God,” 
“ without  spot  and  blemish,”  who  was  “ slain  from  the  foun- 
dation of  the  world.” — Afier  four  days  of  preparation,  which 
would  afford  time  leisurely  to  examine  t lie  ini  ended  victims, 
they  were  slaughtered  on  the  fourteenth  by  the  whole  congre- 
gation; the  head  of  each  household  killing  the  lamb  selected 
for  it,  as  it  is  probably  concluded.  This  was  done  between 
the  two  evenings  ; (marg.)  and  it  is  supposed,  that  the  first 
of  these  evenings  began  when  the  sun  h;uk  passed  the  meri- 
dian, and  that  the  second  ended  at  sunset,  g The  paschal 
offerings,  therefore,  seem  to  have  been  slam  from  throe 
o’clock  in  the  afternoon  till  sunset;  and  afterwards  the 
people  ate  the  passover,  when  the  fifteenth  dev  of  the  month 
had  begun;  for  they  reckoned  from  sun-‘t.  to  sunset. — 
Learned  men  are  of  opinion,  that  tne  Lord  . esus,  our  pass- 
over,  entered  Jerusalem  <>n  the  icuih  of  the  first  month,  at 
the  very  time  when  the  paschal  sacrifices  .v*  •?  selt  -ted ; and 


B.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


B.  C.  1491 


11  And  thus  shall  ye  eat  it;  with  Pyour  loins 
girded,  your  sshoes  on  your  feet,  and  your  staff  in 
your  hand : and  ye  shall  eat  it  in  haste  ; rit  is  the 
Lord’s  passover. 

12  For  I will  ‘pass  through  the  land  of  Egypt 
this  night,  and  ‘will  smite  all  the  first-born  in  the 
land  of  Egypt,  both  man  and  beast;  and  "against 
all  the  'gods  of  Egypt  I will  execute  judgment ; 
XI  am  the  Lord. 

13  And  nhe  blood  shall  be  to  you  for  a token 
upon  the  houses  where  ye  are : and  when  I see 
tire  blood,  I will  pass  over  you,  and  the  plague 
shall  not  be  upon  you,  ffo  destroy  you,  when  I 
smite  the  land  of  Egypt. 

14  And  this  day  shall  be  unto  you  ‘for  a memo- 
rial ; and  ye  shall  keep  it  a feast  to  the  Lord 
throughout  your  generations : ye  shall  keep  it  a 
feast  “by  an  ordinance  for  ever. 

p Molt.  25:19,20.  Luke  12:35.  Eph.6:14.  1 Pel.  1:13.  q Luke  7:38.  15:22.  Eph. 
6:15.  r27.  Lev. 23:5.  Num.  28:16.  Dent.  16:»-6.  1 Cor.  5:7.  s 23.  11:4,5.  Am. 
5:17.  I See  on  29,30.  11:4-6.  u Num.  33:4.  1 Sam.  5:3.  6:5.  1 Chr.  14:12.  Is. 
19:1.  Jer.  43:13.  Zeph. 2:11.  • Or, princes.  22:28.  Ps.  82:1,6.  John  10:31,35. 
x 6:2.  Ii.43:ll—15.  Er.  12:16.  y 23.' G»n.  17:11.  Josh. 2:12.  Heb.  11:23. 
t Heb.  fora  destruct  ion.  z 13:9.  Num.  1 6:-40.  Josh.  4:7.  P«.  111:4.  135:13. 


the  language  of  the  Evangelist  may  be  thus  interpreted:  for 
if  the  three  days , after  which  Christ  should  rise  from  the  dead, 
contained  only  one  complete  day  and  part  of  two  others, 
according  to  the  custom  of  the  Jews  in  computing  time  ; five 
days  before  the  passover  may  -mean  three  whole  days  and 
part  of  two  others.  (John  12:1,12.)  It  is  likewise  supposed, 
by  many  expositors,  that  Christ  was  crucified  on  the  four- 
teenth day  of  the  month,  and  expired  soon  after  the  ninth 
hour,  or  three  o’clock  in  the  afternoon,  at  the  very  time  when 
the  paschal  lambs  were  slain:  but  the  Evangelists  expressly 
state,  that  he  ate  the  passover  at  the  accustomed  time,  on  the 
evening  of  the  fourteenth  day;  and  if  so,  it  is  certain  that  he 
was  crucified  on  the  fifteenth.  (Matt.  26:17.  Mark  14:12. 
Luke22:l.)  He  was,  however,  put  to  death,  in  the  midst  of 
the  assembled  congregation  of  Israel,  and  at  their  united  re- 
quest ; and  he  expired,  just  before  the  hour  when  the  paschal 
lamb  began  to  be  sacrified,  though  not  on  the  same  day. — 
The  blood  of  these  victims,  having  been  preserved  for  that 
purpose,  was  ordered  to  be  sprinkled,  with  a bunch  of  hyssop, 
on  the  side-posts,  and  on  the  upper  door-posts,  of  the  houses 
in  which  the  passover  was  eaten ; and  this  was  the  token  of 
the  Israelites  being  preserved  when  the  first-born  of  Egypt 
were  destroyed : it  was  also  a type  of  our  avowed  depend- 
ence on  the  atonement  of  Christ,  while  ‘we  feed  on  him  in 
our  hearts  by  faith  with  thanksgiving.’  But  the  blood  was 
not  sprinkled  or  poured  on  the  threshold,  which  would  have 
implied  contempt;  and  this  seems  to  have  been  intended  as 
a typical  caution  against  apostacy  and  abuse  of  the  gospel. 
(Heb  10:29.) — Leaven  is  the  known  emblem  of  hypocrisy, 
malice,  and  wickedness : unleavened  bread  therefore  was  the 
representation  of  sincerity,  truth,  and  love.  (1  Cor.  5:8.) — 
The  bitter  herbs  might  be  an  emblem  of  godly  sorrow,  deep 
repentance,  self-denial,  and  mortification  of  depraved  pas- 
sions ; and  of  those  outward  tribulations  which  accompany 
the  exercise  of  living  faith  in  Christ:  and  the  roasting  of  the 
lamb  by  fire,  (the  emblem  of  divine  wrath,)  might  prefigure 
the  varied  and  excruciating  sufferings  which  Christ  endured, 
<n  bearing  our  sins,  and  preparing  our  blessedness. — It  was 
'akewise  ordered  that  the  whole  of  the  lamb  should  be  thus 
Prepared  and  eaten.  This  might  imply  that  true  faith  re- 
ceives the  entire  salvation  of  Christ,  and  depends  upon  him 
in  every  part  of  his  mediatorial  character,  without  any  excep- 
tion : while  the  annexed  order,  that  if  any  part  of  the  lamb 
was  left,  it  should  before  the  morning  be  burned  with  fire, 
and  not  reserved  either  for  food  or  any  superstitious  purposes, 
implied  that  it  was  a solemn  propitiatory  sacrifice  of  awful 
import,  and  not  merely  a cheerful  festival. 

Eat  not  of  it  raw.]  (9)  This  by  no  means  proves,  that 
the  Israelites  were  accustomed  to  eat  raw  flesh  at  their 
meals,  as  some  have  concluded  from  the  expression : for  no 
other  intimation  of  the  kind  is  any  where  given  in  the  whole 
Scripture : but  merely  that  they  were  not,  in  this  religious 
service,  to  adopt  any  such  practice.  It  is  well  known,  that 
idolaters  have  in  many  instances  eaten  the  flesh  of  their  sacri- 
fices, or  part  of  it,  raw,  and  even  drunk  the  blood  of  them : 
but  these  superstitions  must  have  no  sanction  in  the  ordi- 
nances of  the  people  of  Jehovah. 

V.  11 — 14.  The  Israelites  were  directed  at  this  time  to 
eat  the  paschal  lamb,  in  the  attire  and  posture  of  men,  who 
were  setting  out  on  a journey,  and  in  haste  to  depart.  It  does 
not  appear,  however,  that  the  passover  was  afterwards  cele- 
brated in  this  manner;  and  our  Lord  and  his  apostles  seem 
to  have  eaten  it,  in  the  posture  commonly  used  at  their  meals. 
Indeed  several  things,  required  at  this  institution,  were  not 
afterwards  observed.  No  intimation  is  given,  that  the  lamb, 
which  our  Lord  used  at  his  last  passover,  was  selected  four 
days  before ; and  he  with  his  apostles  left  the  house  soon 
after  the  celebration  of  it.  But  the  circumstances  in  which 
tne  Israeliti  s were  placed,  at  this  time,  rendered  these  obser- 
vances significant  and  proper : for  they  were  taught,  that  it 


15  bSeven  days  shall  ye  eat  unleavened  bread 
even  the  first  day  ye  shall  put  away  leaven  out  ol 
your  houses:  for  whosoever  eateth  leavened  bread 
from  the  first  day  until  the  seventh  day,  ‘that  sod 
shall  be  cut  off  from  Israel. 

16  And  in  the  first  day,  there  shall  be  dan  holy 
convocation,  and  in  the  seventh  day  there  shall  be 
an  holy  convocation  to  you  : 'no  manner  of  work 
shall  be  done  in  them,  save  that  which  every 
tman  must  eat,  that  only  may  be  done  of  you. 

17  And  ye  shall  observe  the  feast  of  unleavened 
bread ; for  f in  this  self-same  day  have  I brought 
your  armies  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt : therefore 
shall  ye  observe  this  day  in  your  generations,  eby 
an  ordinance  for  ever. 

18  hIn  the  first  month,  on  the  fourteenth  day  ol 
the  month  at  even,  ye  shall  eat  unleavened  bread, 
until  theone  and  twentieth  day  ofthe  month  ateven. 

Zech.  6:14.  Matt.  26:13.  Luke  22:19.  1 Cor.  11:23-26.  a 17,24,43.  13:10.  Lev. 
23:4,5.  Num.  10:8.  18:8.  1 San,.  30:25.  2 Kines23:21.  Ez.  46:14.  b See  on  8 
13:6,7.  23:15.  34:18.  Lev.  23:6.  Num.  28:17.  Dent.  16:3,8.  Acti  12:3.  c 19,20. 
31:14.  Gen.  17:14.  Lev.  17:10,14.  Num.  9:13.  Mol.  2:12.  Gal.  5:12.  d Lev.  23: 
2,3,7,8,24,25,27.  Num.  28:18,25.  29:1.12.  el6:23.  20:10  . 35:2.3.  Jer.  17:21,22. 
|Heb.  soul.  f7:5.  13:8.  g See  on  a.  14.  h See  on  15.  Lev.  23:5,6, 


was  the  “Lord’s  passover:”  that  he  was  about  to  go  through 
the  whole  land  of  Egypt,  destroying  every  first-born  of  man 
and  beast  without  exception,  triumphing  over  the  id  as,  as 
well  as  the  princes,  of  that  country:  and  that  he  woull  re- 
spect the  sprinkled  blood  on  the  doors  of  the  Israelites ; and 
pass  by  or  over  them,  nay  effectually  protect  them,  at  the 
time  of  this  general  desolation.  They  must  therefore  be 
ready  to  march,  on  the  shortest  notice  within  the  course  of 
that  night. — The  manner  and  posture  in  which  the  passover 
was  then  eaten,  might  represent  the  Christian’s  deliverance 
from  the  bondage  of  sin,  and  his  heavenly  pilgrimage  by 
faith  in  Christ. — It  is  probable,  that  a devastation  of  the 
temples  and  idols  of  Egypt  was  miraculously  effected  on  this 
occasion ; as  Dagon  afterwards  was  broken  before  the  ark  of 
God. — The  observance  of  the  passover,  by  the  Israelites  in 
Egypi,  was  an  open  avowal  of  their  relation  to  Jehovah  as 
his  people;  a profession  of  their  faith  in  his  promises  to 
Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob;  a means  of  grace,  and  an  act 
of  solemn  worship  and  obedience.  Most  of  them,  probably, 
rested  in  the  outward  observance,  which  was  connected  with 
their  temporal  deliverance ; but,  had  any  disobeyed  the  com- 
mand, they  would  have  been  involved  in  the  judgments  exe- 
cuted on  the  Egyptians.  In  after  ages,  it  was  a memorial 
of  the  power  and  love  of  God,  in  delivering  Israel,  and  of  the 
miracles  connected  with  that  deliverance.  Had  not  these 
events  taken  place,  the  nation  could  not  possibly  have  been 
persuaded,  that  they  were  eye-witnesses  of  them,  and  in- 
duced to  adopt  such  a memorial  of  them ; and  if  it  had  not 
been  adopted  at  the  time,  when  these  public  and  extraor- 
dinary events  were  said  to  have  occurred,  at  what  future  time 
could  the  nation  be  persuaded,  that  they  had,  from  age  to 
age,  believed  and  commemorated  them?  It  was  thus  a de- 
monstration that  Moses  spake  and  acted  by  divine  authority, 
and  that  the  religion  which  he  established  was  from  God ; 
while  it  exceedingly  favoured  the  instruction  of  the  people, 
and  of  young  persons  especially,  in  the  nature  and  obligation 
of  that  religion.  (26,27.) — It  was  also  a prefiguration  of 
Christ  our  Passover : and  believers  would  discover,  from  the 
promises  and  prophecies,  under  the  teaching  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  something  of  the  nature  of  redemption  through  him, 
and  of  all  other  blessings ; and  in  them  it  would  not  only  be  a 
joyful  tribute  of  gratitude  for  former  temporal  mercies,  but 
an  act  of  humble  faith  and  dependence  on  the  promised 
Saviour,  even  until  his  coming. — Learned  men  have  indeed 
pointed  out  many  customs  among  the  pagans  with  reference 
to  which  they  suppose  these  several  circumstances  were 
arranged ; especially  in  order  to  keep  the  Israelites  at  a dis- 
tance from  the  idolatrous  worship  of  their  neighbours : but  it 
may  be  questioned,  whether  the  origin  of  those  customs  was 
not  of  much  later  date  than  the  institution  of  the  passover. 

I will  pass  over  you.]  (13)  Hkctumtu  bya$. — (/  will  covery 
or,  shelter  you.)  Sept. 

V.  15 — 18.  From  the  evening  of  the  fourteenth  day  of  the 
first  month,  till  the  evening  of  the  twenty-first,  the  Israelites 
were  forbidden  to  eat  any  leaven : and  every  person  who 
violated  this  precept  was  sentenced  to  be  “ cut  off  from 
Israel.”  It  does  not  appear,  that  the  magistrate  was  re- 
quired to  put  the  offender  to  death,  even  if  his  offence  were 
known  ; but  the  Lord  himself  threatened  to  inflict  punish- 
ment on  him,  however  secretly  he  violated  the  command. — 
It  is  not  agreed,  what  is  meant  by  this  expression,  ( Marg . 
Ref.  c;)  but  something  bej'ond  exclusion  from  the  religious 
privilege  of  an  Israelite  must  be  intended,  as  the  si  rangers 
also  are  included  in  it,  (19.) — During  all  the  seven  days, 
sacrifices  were  appointed  to  be  offered ; but,  on  the  first,  and 
on  the  last,  u a holy  convocation”  was  held,  or  an  assembly 
of  the  people  for  solemn  worship.  These  days  were  ac- 
counted holy,  like  the  sabbaths,  and  no  manner  ol  *rork  was 
permitted  to  be  done,  except  preparing  their  food  » .Vurg 
Ref.  e.) 


( 133  ) 


B C.  1491 


EXODUS, 


B C.  1491 


19  Seven  Jays  shall  there  be  no  leaven  found  in 
vour  houses : for  whosoever  eateth  that  which  is 
leavened,  'even  that  soul  shall  be  cut  off  from  the 
congregation  of  Israel,  ^whether  he  be  a stranger 
or  born  in  the  land. 

20  Ye  shall  eat  nothing  leavened  : in  all  your 
habitations  shall  ye  eat  unleavened  bread. 

21  H Then  Moses  called  for  all  the  kelders  of 
Israel,  and  said  unto  them,  Draw  out  ‘and  take 
you  *a  lamb  according  to  your  families,  and  kill 
the  passover. 

22  And  ye  shall  take  ma  bunch  of  hyssop,  and 
dip  it  iri  the  blood  that  is  in  the  basin,  and  strike 
the  lintel,  and  the  two  side-posts,  with  the  blood 
that  is  in  the  basin : "and  none  of  you  shall  go 
out  of  the  door  of  his  house  until  the  morning. 

23  For  the  Lord  “will  pass  through  to  smite 
the  Egyptians,  and  when  he  seeth  the  blood  upon 
the  lintel,  and  on  the  two  side-posts,  the  Lord 
will  pass  over  the  door,  Pand  will  not  suffer  the 
•festroyer  to  come  in  unto  your  houses  to  smite 
you. 

24  And  ye  shall  observe  this  thing  ''for  an 
ordinance  to  thee,  and  to  thy  sons  for  ever. 

25  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  rwhen  ye  be  come 
to  the  land,  which  the  Lord  will  give  you  accord- 
ing as  he  has  promised,  that  ye  shall  keep  this 
service. 

26  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  “your  chil- 
dren shall  say  unto  you,  What  mean  ye  by  this 
service  ? 

27  That  ye  shall  say,  ‘It  is  the  sacrifice  of  the 
Lord’s  passover,  who  passed  over  the  houses  of 
the  children  of  Israel  in  Egypt,  when  he  smote 
the  Egyptians,  and  delivered  our  houses.  And 
the  people  "bowed  the  head  and  worshipped. 

28  And  the  children  of  Israel  went  away,  and 
did  as  the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses  and 

Aaron,  SO  did  they.  [ Practical  Observatii jfm.] 

1 See  on  15.  i 43,48.  k 3:16.  17:5.  19:7.  Num.  11:16.  1 3.  Num.  9:2— 5.  Josh.  5:10. 

2 Kings  23.21.  2Chr.  30:15— 17.  35:5,6.  Matt.  26:17-19.  • Or,  kid.  3.  marg. 
m Lev.  14:6,7.  Num.  19:18.  Ps.  51:7.  Heb.  9:1,14,19.  12:24.  1 Pet.  1:2.  n Malt. 
25:30.  o See  on  12.  p 2 Sam.  24:16.  Is.  37:36.  Ei.  9:6.  1 Cor.  10:10.  Heb.  11: 
23.  Rev.  7.3.  9:4.  q See  on  14.  Gen.  17:8-10.  rDeut.4:5.  12:8,9.  16:5-9. 
Josh.  5:10— 12.  Ps.  105:44,45.  s 13  8,9,14.15.  Deut.  6:7.  11:19.  32:7.  Josh.  4:6, 
7,21— 24.  Ps.  78:3—6.  145:4.  Is.38:19.  Eph.  6:4.  I See  on  11,23.  34:25.  Deut. 
16:2,5.  1 Cor.  5:7.  u 4.31.  34:8.  1 Chr.  29:20.  2 Chr. 20: 18.  29:30.  Nell.  8:6. 
x See  on  12.  11:4.  13:15.  Job  34:20.  lThes.5:2.  y Num.  3:13.  28:17.  33:4.  Ps. 


V.  19,  20.  The  people  were  commanded  to  put  away  all 
.t  aven  from  their  houses,  that  none  might  be  found  by  any 
person,  to  tempt  him  to  transgress.  Heathen  slaves,  there- 
fore, and  strangers,  seem  to  have  been  included  ; and  not 
merely  proselytes  who  had  been  circumcised.  Indeed,  the 
latter  alone  might  eat  the  passover ; but  all  without  exception 
were  required  to  abstain  from  leaven. — This  was  a shadow 
of  the  holy  life  of  the  true  believer,  who,  by  the  grace  of 
Christ,  through  faith  in  his  atonement,  puts  away  the  old 
leaven  of  sin  with  abhorrence,  and  walks  with  God  in  new- 
ness of  life  : ( Note , 1 Cor.  5:6 — 8.)  and  also,  of  that  pious 
attention  to  his  domestics,  as  to  their  external  conduct,  which 
is  required  of  him. 

V.  22,  23.  The  blood  of  the  paschal  lamb,  sprinkled  on 
the  lintel  and  door-posts,  was  the  only  security  to  the  Israel- 
ites from  the  destroyer  who  smote  the  Egyptians  ; and  under 
that  protection  they  must  abide  during  the  whole  night,  if 
they  would  be  secured  from  destruction. — Thus  we  must 
abide  in  Christ  by  faith  to  the  end  of  our  days. 

V.  26.  (Notes,  11 — 14.  13:8—10.) 

V.  27.  Sacrifice.]  The  passover  was  a “ sacrifice,”  as 
offered  to  God  and  typical  of  Christ;  but  it  differed  from  all 
the  other  sacrifices,  in  that  no  part  of  it  was  consumed  upon 
the  altar.  The  Jewish  writers  indeed  say,  that  the  fat  was 
burned  on  the  altar  ; but  the  Scripture  is  silent  on  that  head. 

V.  29,  30.  The  hour  chosen,  for  this  most  tremendous 
execution,  was  suited  to  enhance  the  consternation.  Pro- 
bably, the  persor.s  smitten  expired  with  agonizing  cries,  which 
awakened  every  family  ; and  the  report  would  rapidly  spread 
from  house  to  house.  The  Egyptians,  for  three  days  and 
nights  just  before,  had  been  kept  in  perpetual  solicitude  and 
horror  by  the  darkness;  and  now  their  rest  was  broken  by  a 
still  more  terrible  calamity.  By  the  death  of  the  first-born, 
they  were  righteously  punished  for  murdering  the  children  of 
the  Israelites ; as  well  as  for  keeping  that  nation  in  bondage, 
which  God  honoured  by  calling  it  “ his  son,  and  his  first- 
born.”— Words  can  never  express  the  terror  and  bitterness 
of  this  sudden  blow,  from  an  invisible  hand,  destroying  the 
pride,  and  hope,  and  comfort  of  every  family  of  all  ranks, 
throughout  this  populous  kingdom;  the  whole  nation  at  once 
motirn'ng  over  the  dead,  and  trembling  for  themselves! 

V.  31,  32.  It  is  probable,  that  Pharaoh  only  sent  a mes- 
sage to  Moses  and  Aaron,  allowing  and  requiring  Israel  to 
depart;  and  that  Moses  never  saw  him  again  after  he  left 
( 134  ) 


29  H And  it  came  to  pass  that  Tat  midnight  nhe 
Lord  smote  all  the  first-born  in  the  land  of  Egypt, 
from  “the  first-born  of  Pharaoh  that  sat  on  his 
throne,  unto  the  first-born  of  the  captive  that 
was  in  the  ‘dungeon;  and  all  the  first-born  of 
cattle. 

30  And  Pharaoh  rose  up  in  the  night,  he  and 
all  his  servants,  and  all  the  Egyptians;  and  there 
was  a “great  cry  in  Egypt : for  there  was  not  a 
house  where  there  was  not  one  dead. 

31  And  he  called  for  Moses  and  Aaron  by  night, 
and  said,  bRise  up,  and  get  you  forth  from  among 
my  people,  both  you  and  “the  children  of  Israel 
and  go  serve  the  Lord,  as  ye  have  said. 

32  Also  take  dyour  flocks  and  your  herds,  as  ye 
have  said,  and  he  gone ; and  “bless  me  also. 

33  And  the  Egyptians  were  ‘urgent  upon  the 
people,  that  they  might  send  them  out,  of  the  land 
in  haste : for  they  said,  ®We  he  all  dead  men. 

34  And  the  people  took  their  dough  belore  it 
was  leavened,  their  ‘kneading  troughs  being 
bound  up  in  their  clothes  upon  their  shoulders. 

35  And  the  children  of  Israel  did  according  to 
the  word  of  Moses  : hand  they  borrowed  of  the 
Egyptians  jewels  of  silver  and  jewels  of  gold,  and 
raiment. 

36  And  ‘the  Lord  gave  the  people  favour  in  the 
sight  of  the  Egyptians,  so  that  they  lent  unto  them 
such  things  as  they  required : and  they  spoiled  the 
Egyptians. 

37  And  the  children  of  Israel  journeyed  from 
kRameses  to  Succoth,  about  ‘six  hundred  thousand 
on  foot  that  were  men,  besides  children. 

38  mAnd  $a  mixed  multitude  went  up  also  with 
them;  and  flocks,  and  herds,  even  very  much 
cattle. 

39  And  they  baked  unleavened  cakes  of  the 
dough  which  they  brought  forth  out  of  Egypt, 
for  it  was  not  leavened : because  they  were 


78:51.  105:36.  135:8.  136:10.  Heb.  11.28.  i4:23.  11:5.  t Heb.  house  of  the 
pit.  Is?24:22.  51:14.  Jer.  38:6,13.  Zech.  9:11.  a See  on  1 1 :6.  Prov.  21 :13.’ Am. 
5:17.  Jam.  2:13.  b 3:19,20.  6:1.  11:1,8.  Pa.  105:38.  c See  on  10:9.  d See  on 
10:26.  e 8:28.  Gen.  27:34,38.  Ezra  6:10.  fll:i.  Ps.  105:38.  g Gen.  20:3.  Num. 
17:12,13.  X Or,  dough.  8:3.  h 3:22.  11:2,3.  Gen.  15:14.  Ps.  105:37.  1 3:21.  11: 
3.  Gen.  39:21.  Prov.  16:7.  Dan.  1:9.  Acts  2:47.  7:10.  k 1:11.  Gen.  47:11.  138: 
26.  Gen.  15:5.  46:3.  Num.  1:46.  11:21.  m Num.  11:4.  Zech.  8:23.  § Heb.  a 

great  mixture. 


him  in  anger,  as  before  related.  (Note,  11:8.) — The  first 
words  may  be  rendered,  “And  he  called  to  Moses  and 
Aaron.” 

V.  35,  36.  In  their  extreme  terror,  the  Egyptians  were 
willing  to  purchase  the  favour,  and  the  speedy  departure,  ol 
Israel  at  any  price:  and  thus  the  Lord  both  took  care  that 
their  hard-earned  wages  should  at  last  be  paid,  and  that  tho 
people  should  be  well  provided  for  their  journey.  They 
therefore  left  the  country  laden  with  the  wealth  of  the  Egyp- 
tians, as  if  they  had  plundered  them  in  war.  (Nous,  3:21,22. 
11:2,3.) 

Borrowed.  (35)  ‘The  word  signifieth  also  to  ask  or  re- 
quire. Junius  renders  it  peticrunt.  Mont  aims,  postulaverunt. 
Leigh. — Jewels.]  aiccvi].  Sept.  Not  only  ornaments,  but 

also  vessels  of  gold  and  silver  : plate  as  well  as  jewels. — Lax t. 
(36.)  diSnc',  txpnaav.  Sept. — “I  have  lent  him  (wn'jNit'n) 
to  the  Lord.”  (1  Sam.  1:28.)  This  seems  to  be  the  only  other 
place  in  which  the  Hiphil  of  Snip  occurs  : and  the  word  lent 
does  not  well  suit  the  transaction  there  recorded.  (Note,  1 
Sam.  1:28.) 

V . 37,  38.  It  seems  the  Israelites  made  a general  rendez- 
vous at  Rameses,  and  from  thence  marched  to  some  distance, 
where  they  pitched  their  tents  : for  tho  word  Succoth  signi- 
fies tents.— The  word  rendered  men,  literally  denotes  strong 
men  : and  it  is  generally  supposed,  that  not  only  the  minors 
and  women,  but  such  men  as  were  incapable  of  great  exer- 
tion by  reason  of  age,  were  excluded  in  this  computation; 
and  the  subsequent  numberings  of  the  people  confirm  the 
supposition.  So  that  the  whole  company  could  not  be  much 
less  than  two  millions ; an  immense  increase  from  seventy 
persons,  in  little  more  than  two  hundred  years '—Of  “ the 
mixed  multitude”  that  followed  Israel,  it  is  probable,  that 
some  left  Egypt  because  it  was  desolated,  others  because 
they  were  distressed  or  discontented  ; and  others  out  of  curi- 
osity to  seo  what  would  become  of  Israel,  anu  how  they 
would  serve  tho  Lord  : some  might  bo  connected  with  tho 
Israelites  by  marriage;  and  perhaps  a few  accompanied  them 
from  love  to  them  and  their  religion.  But  these  were  few 
indeed:  for  the  hulk  of  this  multitude  became  a snare  to 
them,  and  probably  aflor  a time  returned  into  Egypt  (Num. 
11:4.) — Cattle  seem  to  have  been  almost  the  only  property 
which  the  Israelites  possessed  in  Egypt ; and  these  the  Lord 
had  lately  caused  exceedingly  to  increase. 

V.  39.  The  Israelites,  though  no  doubt  warned  to  preparo 


B.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  XII.  B.  C.  1491, 


“thr  ist  out  of  Egypt,  and  could  not  tarry,  neither 
had  they  prepared  for  themselves  any  victual. 

4U  ! 1 Now  the  “sojourning  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  who  dwelt  in  Egypt,  was  rfour  hundred 
and  thirty  years. 

41  And  it  came  to  pass,  at  the  end  of  the  four 
hundred  and  thirty  years,  even  4 the  self-same  day 
it  came  to  pass,  that  all  the  rhosts  of  the  Lord 
went  out  from  the  land  of  Egypt. 

42  It  is  "a  night  to  be  much  “observed  unto  the 

Lord,  for  bringing  them  out  from  the  land  of 
Egypt : this  is  that  night,  of  the  Lord  to  be  ob- 
served of  all  the  children  of  Israel,  in  their  genera- 
tions. [Practical  Obsarvations.') 

43  IT  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses  and  Aaron, 
This  is  the  ordinance  of  the  passover : ‘there  shall 
no  stranger  eat  thereof. 

44  But  every  man’s  servant,  that  is  bought  for 
money,  when  thou  hast  “circumcised  him,  then 
shall  he  eat  thereof. 


n33.6:l.  HU.  o Acts  13:17.  p Gen.  15:13.  Act.  7:6.  Gal.  3:17.  q P>.  102:13. 
Dan.  9:24.  Hab.  2:3.  John  7:8.  Acts  1:7.  r 7:4.  Josh.  5:14.  * Heb.  a night  of 
observations,  s 14.  Deut.  16:1 — 6.  t 48.  Lev.  22:10.  Num.  9:14.  Eph.  2:12. 
a Gen.  17:12,13,23.  x 1 Cor.  12.42.  Eph.  2:19-22.  y Num.  9:12.  Joh«  19:33,36. 


for  a speedy  departure,  were  at  last  driven  out  of  Egypt  so 
suddenly,  that  they  had  not  provided  themselves  with  victuals 
for  the  journey.  But  being  constrained  to  set  off  while  they 
were  about  to  lay  in  a stock  of  bread,  when  the  dough  was 
yet  unleavened,  they  took  it  with  them  in  that  state : and 
when  they  came  to  Succoth,  they  baked  cakes  of  it  for  the 
present  use.  Probably  this  was  their  principal  supply  till 
the  manna  was  sent.  Thus  the  Lord  took  care  that  they 
should  keep  the  feast  of  unleavened  bread,  which  otherwise 
they  would  perhaps  have  neglected. 

V.  40.  From  the  first  calling  of  Abraham,  to  the  departure 
out  of  Egypt,  exactly  four  hundred  and  thirty  years  seem  to 
have  passed. — The  Septhagint  read  it,  ‘ the  sojourning  of 
Israel  ...  in  Egypt  and  the  land  of  Canaan.1  But  this  is 
merely  a comment,  though  a just  one.  (Notes,  Gen.  15:12 — 
16.) 

V.  42.  To  be  observed , &c.]  It  was  thus  observed  when 
the  passover  was  duly  celebrated.  (IIpoAeAatcu,  a vigil,  or  a 
watching.  Sept.) 

V.  43 — 45.  Every  person  in  each  household,  including 
women  and  children,  ate  this  first  passover,  none  being  ex- 
cepted but  uncircumcised  males.  The  law  was  not  yet  given  ; 
and  whatever  traditional  customs  prevailed,  no  restriction  is 
mentioned  in  this  chapter  in  respect  of  ceremonial  unclean- 
ness. Yet  afterwards,  even  before  the  ceremonial  law  had 
been  explicitly  given,  we  read  of  those,  who  “ being  defiled 
by  the  dead  body  of  a man,  could  not  keep  the  passover  on 
that  day.”  (Note,  Num.  9:6 — 8.)  The  ceremonially  un- 
clean, therefore,  were  thenceforth  excluded.  The  women  and 
children  were  not  indeed  commanded  to  go  up  to  the  taber- 
nacle, where  alone  it  was  celebrated ; but  when  they  did, 
they  joined  in  this  sacred  feast. — It  does  not  appear  that  any 
servant  or  stranger  was  compelled  to  be  circumcised:  but  till 
he  was  circumcised,  he  must  not  be  allowed  to  eat  the  pass- 
over. — This  may  intimate,  that  without  regeneration  or  “ the 
circumcision  of  the  heart,”  we  cannot  share  the  benefits  of 
redemption  by  the  death  of  Christ;  and  by  parity  of  reason, 
we  are  not  meet  communicants  at  the  Lord’s  table. 

V.  46.  When  two  households  joined  for  one  lamb,  they 
were  not  allowed  to  divide  it,  either  before  or  after  it  was 
roasted  ; but  they  must  meet  in  one  house  and  eat  it  together. 
This  coincided  with  the  direction  before  given,  (9  ;)  and  im- 
plied that  all  believers  receive  the  whole  of  Christ’s  salvation 
and  have  fellowship  one  with  another,  while  they  live  on  his 
fulness,  and  share  the  blessings  derived  from  his  cross. — The 
injunction,  “ neither  shall  ye  break  a bone  thereof,”  may  be 
considered  also  as  prophetical,  to  be  literally  fulfilled  in  the 
great  Antitype,  and  which  the  apostle  thought  worthy  of  spe- 
cial notice.  (John  19:36.) 

V.  48,  49.  A stranger,  though  he  renounced  idolatry,  and 
by  circumcision  professed  himself  a worshipper  of  the  God 
of  Israel,  was  not  allowed  to  eat  the  passover,  unless  all  the 
males  in  his  family  also  were  circumcised : and,  as  there  was 
11  one  law  to  him  that  was  home-born  and  to  the  stranger,” 
It  seems  that  even  an  Israelite,  who  retained  uncircumcised 
persons  in  his  household,  must  not  eat  the  passover.  It  is 
therefore  probable,  according  to  the  opinion  of  Jewish  writers, 
that  if  any  heathen  slave  after  a year’s  trial,  oersisted  in  re- 
fusing to  be  circumcised,  he  was  sold  to  some  of  the  heathen 
eighbours.  As  to  other  persons,  who  refused  to  embrace 
<ie  religion  of  Israel,  and  to  profess  it  by  circumcision,  they 
were  allowed  to  remain  with  them.  The  practice,  indeed  of 
open  idolatry  must  not  be  tolerated  ; but  such  as  professed  to 
worship  the  true  God,  though  not  according  to  the  ceremonies 
of  the  law,  might  live  in  the  country,  but  notin  the  households 
of  the  Israelites.— A great  part  of  the  observations  of  learned 
men  on  this  chapter,  and  on  other  parts  of  the  ceremonial 
iaw,  consists  of  citations  from  Jewish  writers,  concerning  the 
manner  in  which  they  suppose  the  several  rules  were  ob- 


45 A foreigner,  and  an  hired  servant  shall  no* 
eat  thereof. 

46  In  *one  house  shall  it  be  eaten : tliou  shalt 
not  carry  forth  aught  of  the  flesh  abroad  out  c 
the  house  : ^neither  shall  ye  break  a bone  tbereo  . 

47  ‘All  the  congregation  of  Israel  shall  'keep  it 

48  And  when  “a  stranger  shall  sojourn  wit! 
thee,  and  will  keep  the  passover  to  the  Lord,  Me 
all  his  males  be  circumcised,  and  then  let  him  conn 
near  and  keep  it;  and  he  “shall  be  as  one  that  is* 
born  in  the  land : for  no  uncircumcised  person 
shall  eat  thereof. 

49  l,One  law  shall  be  to  him  that  is  home-born, 
and  unto  the  stranger  that  sojourneth  among 
you. 

50  Thus  did  all  the  children  of  Israel ; “as  the 
Lord  commanded  Moses  and  Aaron,  so  did  the)'. 

51  And  it  came  to  pass  the  sell-same  day,  that 
the  Lord  did  bring  the  children  of  Israel  out  ol 
the  land  of  Egypt, f by  their  armies. 


z3,6.  Num.  9:13.  t Heb.  do  it.  a 43.  Num.  9:14.  15:15,16.  b Gen.  17:12.  Ez, 
44:9.  47:22.  c Gal.  3:28.  Col.  3:11.  d Lev.  24:22.  Num.  15:15,16,29.  e Deut. 
4:1,2.  12:32.  Matt.  7:21,25.  28:20.  John  2:5.  13:17.  15:14.  Rev.  22:14.  f 41. 
6:26.  7:4. 


served  by  their  ancestors : but  as  they  were  not  authorized 
to  add  to  the  divine  law,  or  to  take  from  it,  we  can  make  no 
other  use  of  their  information,  than  as  it  sometimes  helps  us 
to  understand  more  clearly  the  meaning  of  the  scriptural 
expressions.  In  other  respects,  their  traditions  form  a kind 
of  comment  on  the  Mosaic  institutions,  not  much  dissimilar 
from  that  of  Popish  writers  on  the  Christian  sacraments; 
and  only  show,  how  far  they  have  ventured  to  deviate  from 
the  simplicity  of  their  written  rule. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 28.  The  Lord  makes  all  things  new  to  those  whom 
he  delivers  from  the  bondage  of  Satan,  and  takes  to  himseli 
as  his  peculiar  people ; and  the  era  of  their  enlargement  is 
the  commencement  of  a new  life,  of  new  hopes,  pleasures, 
and  employments.  They  who  in  early  life  are  devoted  to 
the  service  of  God,  are  peculiarly  happy : and  we  should 
begin  every  year,  and  month,  and  week,  and  day,  with  the 
great  duties  of  religion  ; endeavouring  to  engage  our  families 
likewise.  For  nothing  is  more  honourable  to  God,  or  more 
profitable  to  men,  than  harmonious  family  religion  : it  is  the 
best  bond  of  domestic  peace,  the  best  solace  of  domestic 
afflictions,  and  the  best  security  for  the  continuance  and  in- 
crease of  domestic  felicity  ; while  it  affords  an  important 
advantage  for  constant  “ growth  in  grace  and  in  the  knowledge 
of  Jesus  Christ.” — In  order  to  attain  these  advantages  and 
communicate  them  to  others,  we  should  diligently  study  the 
holy  Scriptures,  that  we  may  understand  the  true  nature  and 
meaning  of  every  part  of  our  religion,  and  be  enabled  to  ex- 
plain it  to  our  children  ; who  ought  to  be  encouraged  in  their 
inquiries,  and  informed  by  clear  and  satisfactory  answers, 
that,  in  the  most  easy  and  agreeable  manner,  they  may  be- 
come acquainted  with  the  word  and  works  of  God,  and  join 
with  us  in  celebrating  the  praises  of  his  truth  and  mercy,  and 
the  wonders  of  his  powerful  arm. — But,  in  attending  on  the 
ordinances  of  God,  we  should  carefully  observe  the  stated 
order  and  season : and,  while  we  must  not  neglect  or 
despise  any  of  his  appointments,  we  may  properly  take  time 
for  serious  inquiry  and  conscientious  preparation,  that  we 
may  at  length  attend  on  them  with  more  solemnity,  and  to 
better  purpose.  But,  if  we  would  have  the  comfort  of  ac- 
ceptance in  our  religious  services,  we  must  watch  against  the 
leaven  of  hypocrisy,  malice,  and  wickedness,  which,  in  num- 
berless instances,  have  rendered,  and  still  do  render,  attend- 
ance on  the  very  ordinances  that  God  himself  has  appointed, 
an  abomination  in  his  sight.  (Notes,  Is.  1:10 — 20.)  And 
whatever  we  offer  to  the  Lord,  should  be  the  best  which  we 
possess. 

V.  29 — 42.  When  the  Lord’s  time  comes  to  perform  his 
promises,  mountains  melt  and  flow  down  at  his  presence,  and 
nothing  creates  any  more  difficulty,  than  is  proper  to  illus- 
trate his  powerful  operation. — The  greatest  and  proudest 
sinner  is  not  exalted  out  of  the  reach  of  his  omnipotent 
vengeance,  and  the  least  are  not  beneath  his  notice : and  if  a 
temporal  calamity  filled  Egypt  with  universal,  inexpressible 
terror  and  lamentation,  what  words  can  describe,  or  imagi- 
nation conceive  the  consternation  and  anguish  of  the  wicked 
at  the  approaching  judgment-day  1 — For  fear  of  impending 
death,  the  Egyptians  were  willing  to  part,  not  only  with  their 
bond-slaves,  but  with  their  gold  and  silver:  and  “ what  shall 
a man  be  profited,  if  he  gain  the  whole  world,  and  lose  his 
own  soul?  Or  what  shall  a man  give  in  exchange  for  his 
soul?”  Al|s!  riches  will  not  profit  in  the  day  of  wrath,  for 
it  costs  m re  to  redeem  souls  from  destruction  : but  if  we 
would  escape,  we  must  moderate  our  worldly  attachments, 
renounce  our  sinful  projects,  and  hold  ourselves  in  continual 
readiness  to  leave  all  and  follow  Christ ; and  if  we  should  he 
called  to  part  with,  not,  only  our  wealth,  but  every  temporal 
coinfort,  the  perfect  freedom  of  his  service  will  give  a relish, 
to  our  meanest  provisions. — But  alas  1 a very  tumorous 
( 135  ) 


i3  C.  1491 


EXODUS 


B.  C.  1491 


r.HAPTER  XIII. 

The  first-born  of  nan,  an'  firstlings  of  ca'tle.  are  sanctified  to  God,  1,2.  The 
feast  of  unleavened  bread  is  appointed  to  be  kepi  annually  as  a memorial  of 
Israel's  deliverance  Jrom  Egypt,  3 — 10.  Their  children  must  be  instructed, 
in  the  meaning  of  these  observances,  11 — 16.  The  Lord  guides  forth  the  peo- 
ple, 17,  IS  ; who  lake  with  them  the  bones  of  Joseph,  19  ; ana,  under  the  guid- 
ance of  a pillar  of  cloud  and  of fire,  arriveat  Etham,  20 — 22 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2  “Sanctify  unto  me  all  the  first-born,  what- 
soever openeth  the  womb  among  the  children  of 
Israel,  both  of  man  and  of  beast : it  is  mine. 

3  II  And  Moses  said  unto  the  people,  bRemem- 
ner  this  day,  in  which  ye  came  out  from  Egypt, 
'exit  of  the  house  of  'bondage ; for  by  dstrength 
of  hand  the  Lord  brought  you  out  from  this 
place  : 'there  shall  no  leavened  bread  be  eaten. 

4  This  day  came  ye  out,  in  the  month  f Abib. 

5  And  it  shall  be  when  the  Lord  «shall  bring 
thee  into  the  land  of  the  Canaanites,  and  the 
Hittites,  and  the  Amorites,  and  the  Hivites,  and 
the  Jebusit.es,  which  he  hsware  unto  thy  fathers  to 
give  thee,  ‘a  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey, 
that  Hhou  shalt  keep  this  service  in  this  month. 

6  kSeven  days  shalt  thou  eat  unleavened  bread, 
and  in  the  seventh  day  shall  be  a feast  to  the 
Lord. 


7 Unleavened  bread  shall  be  eaten  seven  days : 
and  there  shall  'no  leavened  bread  be  seen  with 
thee,  neither  shall  there  be  leaven  seen  with  thee 
in  all  thy  quarters. 

8 And  mthou  shalt  show  thy  son  in  that  day, 
saying,  This  is  done  because  of  that  which  the 
Lord  did  unto  me,  when  I came  forth  out  of 
Egypt. 

9 And  it  shall  be  for  “a  sign  unto  thee  upon 
thi.ie  hand,  and  for  a memorial  beiween  thine 
eyes ; that  the  Lord’s  law  “may  be  in  thy  mouth  : 
for  with  a Pstrong  hand  hath  the  Lord  brought 
thee  out  of  Egypt. 

10  Thou  shalt  therefore  “■keep  this  ordinance  in 
his  season,  from  year  to  year. 

11  M And  it  shall  be  when  the  Lord  shall  bring 
thee  into  the  land  of  the  Canaanites,  ras  he  sware 
unto  thee  and  to  thy  fathers,  and  shall  give  it 
thee, 

12  That  Hhou  shalt  set  apart  unto  the  Lord 
all  that  ‘openeth  the  matrix:  and  every  firstling 
that  cometli  of  a beast,  which  thou  hast,  the  males 
shall  be  the  Lord’s. 

13  And  every  firstling  “of  an  ass  thou  shalt 


6 12—15.  22:29,30.  23:19.  34:19,20.  Lev.27:26.  Num.  3:13.  8:16.17.  18:15. 
Dent.  15:19.  Luke  2:23.  Heh.  12:23.  b 12:42.  20:8.  Dent.  5:15.  15:15.  16:3,12. 
24:18,22.  1 Chr.  16:12.  Ps.  105:5.  Luke22:19.  1 Cor.  11:24.  c 14.  20:2.  Deul. 
5:6.  6:12.  8:14.  13:5,10.  Josh.  24:17.  Judg.  6:8.  • Heb.  servants,  d 6:1.  Dent. 
4:34.  11:23.  Nth.  9:10.  Eph.  1:19.  e See  on  12:8,15.  (23:15.34:18.  Deui.  16: 
1.  g 3:8.  34:11.  Gen.  15:18— 21.  Dent.  7:1.  12:29.  19:1.  26:1.  Josh.  24:11. 
b 6:8.  33:1.  Gen.  17:7  8.  22:16— 18.  26:3.  50:24.  Num.  14:16,30.  32:11.  i See 
on  3:17.  j See  on  12:25.  k See  on  12:15— 20.  34:18.  Lev.  23:8.  I 12:19.  Malt. 

mixed  multitude  have  hitherto  accompanied  the  camp  of 
Israel ; who,  from  various  worldly  motives,  or  transient  con- 
/ictions,  seem  to  leave  Egypt,  and  to  set  out  for  the  heavenly 
Canaan.  While  they  retain  their  profession,  they  often 
prove  snares  and  tempters  to  others  , and  at  length  in  44  time 
of  temptation  they  fall  away,”  and  41  their  last  state  is  worse 
.han  the  first.”  Let  us  then  44  look  diligently,”  that  we  may 
not  prove  such  as  44  draw  back  to  perdition but  be  found 
among  44  those  who  believe  to  the  saving  of  their  souls.” — 
While  we  hear  even  hardened  Pharaoh,  under  the  dread  of 
immediate  destruction,  not  only  consenting  to  let  Israel  go, 
according  to  the  utmost  demand  of  Moses  and  Aaron,  but 
even  entreating  them  to  41  bless  him  also  we  may  know  what 
in  general  to  think  of  the  confessions  and  pious  language, 
which  are  extorted  from  many  wicked  men,  when  death 
affrights  them;  and  which,  being  injudiciously  attested  as 
genuine  repentance , by  some  Christians  and  ministers,  often 
give  encouragement  to  others  to  procrastinate,  in  hopes  of 
being  saved  at  last  in  the  same  manner. 

Y.  43 — 51.  “Christ  our  Passover  is  sacrificed  for  us;” 
his  blood  is  the  only  ransom  for  our  souls ; without  the  shed- 
ding of  it  there  could  have  been  no  remission,  without  the 
sprinkling  of  it  there  can  be  no  salvation.  But  have  we,  by 
faith,  sheltered  our  souls  from  the  deserved  vengeance  of 
God,  under  the  protection  of  his  atoning  blood  ? Do  we  keep 
close  to  him,  in  habitual  dependence  on  his  merits,  and  access 
to  the  throne  of  grace  through  his  intercession?  Do  we  so 
profess  our  faith  in  the  divine  Redeemer,  and  our  obligations 
to  him,  that  all  who  pass  by  may  know,  as  by  the  blood- 
besprinkled  door,  to  whom  we  belong?  Are  we  careful  not  to 
pervert  or  disgrace  this  our  profession,  by  any  inconsistent 
conduct,  lest  we  should  trample  the  blood  of  the  covenant 
under  our  feet?  Is  Christ,  indeed,  the  Food  and  Feast  of 
our  souls  ? Do  w*e  ‘feed  on  him  in  our  hearts  by  faith  with 
thanksgiving,’  deriving  all  our  life,  strength,  hope,  and  conso- 
lation from  his  fulness  of  truth  and  grace?  Do  we  receive 
him  in  his  whole  character,  and  for  all  the  purposes  of  salva- 
tion, from  wrath,  from  sin,  from  this  evil  world,  and  from  the 
powers  of  darkness  ? Do  we  in  consequence  stand  prepared 
for  his  service,  and  prompt  to  walk  in  his  ways : to  separate 
ourselves  from  his  enemies,  and  assert  that  liberty  with  which 
he  makes  his  people  free?  These  are  questions  of  vast  im- 
portance to  our  souls:  the  Lord  direct  our  consciences  to 
give  an  honest  answer  to  them  ! Without  the  daily  exercise 
of  godly  sorrow  and  true  repentance,  we  can  never  eat  of  this 
true  Passover:  and  though  we  must  also  bear  our  cross,  and 
have  our  feast  alloyed  by  the  bitter  herbs  of  tribulation  and 
temptation ; we  shall  find  the  life  of  faith  and  grace  a feast 
indeed,  a source  of  joy,  such  as  the  world  can  neither  give 
nor  take  away. — Finally,  the  Lord’s  supper  is  our  unbloody 
passover,  our  feast  upon  the  atoning  sacrifice,  our  4 sacrifice 
of  praise  and  thanksgiving.’  Having  previously  44  examined 
ourselves  whether  we  be  in  the  faith,”  and  seriously  as  sin- 
ners applied  to  the  Lord  Jesus  for  his  salvation,  and  devoted 
ourselves  to  his  service;  let  us  frequently  and  constantly,  in 
this  appointed  way,  remember  our  Redeemer’s  love  and  suf- 
ferings; let  us  make  this  confession  of  our  sins,  this  profes- 
sion of  our  faith,  this  declaration  of  our  gratitude,  and  this 
surrender  of  ourselves  to  his  service,  as  “bought  with  a 
price  to  glorify  him,  both  in  body  and  spirit,  which  are  his.” 
Thus  ur.firig  ourselves  to  him,  and  having  fellowship  with 
aim  and  Jus  people  here,  we  shall  receive  from  his  fulness, 


16:6,12.  m See  on  12:26,27.  Deul.  4:9,10.  Ps.  44:1.  78:3—8.  Is,  38:19.  Eph.  6: 
4.  n 16.  Num.  15:39.  Dent.  6:8.  11:18,19.  Piov.  1:9  . 6:20-  23.  Is.  49:16.  Jer. 
22:24.  Matt.  23:5.  o Deut.  30:14.  Josh.  1:8.  Is.  59:21.  Rom.  10:8.  p 3.  6:6. 
Josh.  1:9.  Neh.  1:10.  Ps.  89:13.  Is.  27:1.  40:10.  51:9.  Joel  2:11.  Rev.  18:8. 
q 12:14,24.  23:15.  Lev.  23:6.  Deut.  16:3,4.  1 Cor.  11:26.  r See  onh.5.  s See 
on  2.  | Heb.  cause  to  pass  over,  t 34:19.  Num.  3:12.  18:15.  u 34:20.  Num 
18:15—17. 


rejoice  in  his  ways  on  earth,  and  at  length  sit  down  with  him 
in  his  heavenly  kingdom. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XIII.  V.  2.  In  remembrance  of  the 
destruction  of  the  first-born  of  Egypt,  both  man  and  beast : 
and  of  the  preservation  of  Israel,  and  their  deliverance  out  of 
bondage  by  means  of  that  judgment ; the  first-born  males  of 
the  Israelites  must  be  solemnly  presented  and  dedicated  to 
the  Lord,  and  a price  was  appointed  to  be  paid  for  their  re- 
demption : — This  represented  to  them  that  their  lives  were 
preserved  through  the  ransom  of  the  atonement,  which  in  due 
time  was  to  be  made  for  sin ; and  that  they  ought  to  consider 
themselves,  thus  ransomed  from  death,  as  consecrated  to  the 
service  of  God. — Th e first-born  may  mean  either  the  first  son 
of  his  father,  or  the  first  son  of  his  mother.  Reuben  was  the 
first  son  both  of  Jacob  and  Leah,  and  Joseph  was  the  fir>t- 
born  of  Rachel ; but  Jacob  acknowledges  Reube  n only  as  his 
first-born.  (Gen.  49:3.  Deut.  21:15 — 17.) — In  many  cases 
the  eldest  son  of  the  father,  who  was  entitled  to  some  pecu- 
liar privileges,  might  not  be  the  first-born  of  the  mother:  but 
the  first-born  of  the  mother,  exclusively,  was  dedicated  to 
God  out  of  Israel,  as  the  language  used  clearly  shows ; and 
it  may  be  supposed,  that  the  destruction  of  the  first-born  in 
Egypt  was  made  by  the  same  rule. 

V.  3 — 7.  On  the  arrival  of  Israel  at  Succoth,  Moses 
seems  to  have  again  enforced  the  injunctions  before  given  in 
Egypt,  lest  the  people  should  forget  them;  and  to  show  that 
these  institutions  were  to  be  considered  as  of  perpetual  obli- 
gation, especially  after  they  were  settled  in  the  promised 
land ; for  they  could  not  regularly  observe  them  in  the  wilder- 
ness. This  Moses  did  with  varied  expressions, •concerning 
the  leaven.  Accordingly  we  are  told  that  the  Israelites  were 
very  careful  in  searching  every  corner  of  their  houses,  that 
no  leaven  might  remain ; and  what  they  found,  they  burned, 
buried,  or  in  some  way  destroyed,  before  the  feast  of  the 
passover. — The  first  day  of  unleavened  bread  was  particu- 
larly observed,  in  remembrance  of  Israel’s  setting  out  from 
Egypt  on  that  day  ; and  many  expositors  supposed  that  they 
passed  the  Red  ^ea  on  the  seventh  day,  and  that  it  was  like- 
wise the  Sabbath  day. 

V.  8 — 10.  The  constant  observance  of  these  institutions, 
with  plain  and  easy  explications  of  the  meaning  to  the  young 
persons,  would  render  the  deliverance  out  of  Egypt  familiar 
to  the  Israelites  from  generation  to  generation  ; and  be  a con- 
tinual memorial,  as  well  as  an  open  profession  of  their  obli- 
gations to  love  and  serve  the  Lord : as  those  who  wish  to 
remember  and  fear  to  forget  any  thing,  use  a variety  of  me- 
thods to  remind  them  of  it.  Inscribing  it  upon  the  hand,  plao- 
ing  it  before  their  eyes,  or  as  a frontlet  upon  their  foreheads, 
seem  to  have  been  used  in  those  times  for  such  purposes. — 
44  That  the  Lord’s  law  may  be  in  thy  mouth;”  ‘that  their 
children  might  be  able  to  declare  to  their  posterity,  the  law 
of  the  Lord  about  these  matters.’  Bp.  Patrick. — In  like 
manner  Baptism  and  the  Lord’s  Supper,  if  clearly  explained 
and  duly  attended  on,  would  render  the  nature  of  Christianity, 
and  the  obligations  of  Christians,  familiar  to  the  minds  of  ono 
generation  after  another;  and  remind  them,  or  give  them  oc- 
casion to  remind  one  another,  of  their  obligations,  their  duty, 
and  the  vows  of  God  which  are  upon  them. 

V.  II — 16.  The  first-born  .males  alone  > ere  thus  set 
apart  for  God  : if  a female  preceded,  '.he  li  rt  si;  reeding 
male  was  not  considered  as  the  first-born.  The  firslling  males 
of  such  animals  as  were  appointed  for  sacrifice  wen  offered 


KO  ) 


B.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


B.  C.  149 


redeem  with  'a  lamb ; and  if  thou  wilt  not  redeem 
it,  then  thou  shalt  break  his  neck : and  all  the 
first-born  of  man  among  thy  children  vshalt  thou 
redeem. 

14  And  it  shall  be  when  'thy  son  asketh  thee 
’in  time  to  come,  saying,  What  is  this  ? that  thou 
shalt  say  unto  him,  By  strength  of  hand  the  Lord 
brought  us  out  from  Egypt,  from  the  house  of 
bondage. 

15  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Pharaoh  would 
hardly  let  us  go,  that  Hhe  Lord  slew  all  the  first- 
born in  the  land  ol  Egypt,  both  the  first-born  of 
man,  and  the  first-born  of  beast:  'therefore  I 
sacrifice  to  the  Lord  all  that  openeth  the  matrix, 
being  males  ; but  all  the  first-born  of  my  children 
I redeem. 

16  And  it  shall  be  for  “a  token  upon  thine  hand, 
and  for  frontlets  between  thine  eyes : cfor  by 

strength  of  hand  the  Lord  brought  us  forth  out  of 
Egypt. 

17  H And  it  came  to  pass  when  Pharaoh  had 
let  the  people  go,  that  God  led  them  not  through 
the  way  of  the  land  of  the  Philistines,  although 
that  was  near : for  God  said,  Lest  peradventure 
“the  people  repent  when  they  see  war,  and  they 
•return  to  Egypt. 

18  But  God  'led  the  people  about,  through  the 

’0r>  ’?:3>2!-  margins-  * Num.  3:46— 51.  Rev.  14:4.  xSeeonlS'26 

S'”!'  6 In- ?4'h  J jSr'  ?'*•  145;4-  t Heb.  to-morrow.  Gen.  30:33! 

Dent.  6.20.  Josh  4.6  . 22:24.  margin,  y See  on  12:29.  z See  on  12.  a 9, 

£ b Deut.  6:7— 9.  11:18.  c9:I4.  d 14:11,12.  Num.  14-1— 4 

Dent.  20:8  Judg.  7:3  Luke  14:27-32.  Acts  13:13.  15:38.  1 Cor.  10:13.  e 16:2 
3.  Neh.  9:17.  Acts  7:39.  f 14:2.  Num.  33:6— 8.  Pa.  107:7.  } Or,  by  fire  in  a 


jjj ■ al’ai-;  but  others  must  either  be  exchanged,  or  killed. 

a he  firstling  of  an  ass  is  mentioned,  as  asses  were  common 
’*le  Israelites ; but  that  of  horses  or  camels  likewise, 
which  were  not  common,  seem  to  have  been  under  the  same 
regulation.  The  Levites  were  afterwards  taken  instead  of  the 
first-born  children.  ( Notes,  Num.  3. )— ' This  custom,  likewise, 
would  give  parents  an  important  opportunity  of  instructing 
then-  children,  in  respect  of  the  wonderful  works  of  God  in 
behalf  of  his  people. 

V.  17,  18.  The’nearest  road  from  Egypt  to  Canaan  was 
only  a few  days’  march  ; as  it  must  be  evident  to  every  read- 
er, who  considers  the  journeys  of  the  sons  of  Jacob  into 
Egypt.  But  the  Philistines  were  a hardy  warlike  people  ; 
and  the  Israelites  were  unarmed,  dispirited  by  long  bondage, 
and  not  acquainted  with  war;  and  they  might  have  been 
greatly  discouraged,  had  they  been  reduced  to  the  necessity 
of  engaging  so  soon  with  these  formidable  enemies.  This 
was  one  reason,  and  probably  the  avowed  reason,  why  the 
Lord  led  them  another  way  : so  that,  by  his  express  com- 
mand, the  Israelites  took  their  route  much  more  to  the  south 
than  the  direct  road  lay ; and  they  marched  towards  the 
banks  of  the  Red  Sea,  instead  of  going  directly  to  the  isth- 
mus of  Suez,  which  communicates  between  Africa  and  Asia. 
It  is  probable,  that  at  this  time,  the  Israelites  had  scarcely  any 
weapons  of  war:  though  they  seem  to  have  procured  some 
from  the  dead  bodies  of  the  Egyptians,  before  the  Amalekites 
attacked  them.  (17:8 — 13.) — The  margin  intimates  that  the 
word,  translated  harnessed,  may  signify,  by  Jive  in  a rank ; 
but  the  room  such  a multitude  must  have  taken  from  the  van 
to  the  rear,  is  immense,  had  they  marched  in  this  manner  • 
as  there  would  have  been  120,000  lines  of  five  men  each,  be- 
sides women  and  children.  It  seems  rather  to  mean  that  they 
marched  in  five  distinct  squadrons;  or  in  general,  that  though 
unarmed,  they  journeyed  in  regular  order,  and  not  as  a dis- 
orderly  multitude  The  LXX  translate  it  in  the  fifth  gene- 
ration.—The  Psalmist  informs  us,  that  “there  was  not  one 
eeble  person  among  their  tribes :”  Ps.  105:37.  This  was  a 
very  extraordinary  circumstance,  which  the  history  of  the 
world  cannot  parallel:  yet  it  was  very  suitable  to  the  situation 
ot  those,  who  had  sufficient  encumbrances  in  their  march, 
without  having  invalids  to  take  care  of.  It  also  completed 
their  triumph  over  Pharaoh  and  the  Egyptians,  since  they 
vere  not  constrained  to  leave  one  of  the  company  behind  them. 

HamessedJ  18)  tuvan.  Rendered  by  the  LXX  tv^voi,Josh. 

xr  a,nod  Josh.  4:12. — It  occurs  also  Jude.  7:1 1 . 

Vv3\  ,.rhe  bones  °f  Joseph  had  long  been  a pledge  of 
.S  L C ;erCe’  rnn  °f  u'eir  lnheriting  Canaan.  Some 
“ ,nk  t,hat  ’,he..bonTes  of!.the  0,her  sons  of  Jacob  likewise  were 
carried  with  the  Israelites  to  Canaan,  though  it  is  not  here 
expressly  mentioned.  (Note,  Gen.  50:24 — 26.) 

•Y’21’  ?2‘,  The  L01,11,  manifested  his  gracious  presence 
with  Israel,  by  a miraculous  appearance  in  the  air,  in  form 

ihprnm  ar’fre  ^i56  Was  so  large  as  to  overshadow 

of  Israek  rbls  " as  so<m  by  day  as  a cloud,  and 
by  night  it  gave  light  as  fire  ; and  it  seems  to  have  been  con- 
tinued with  them,  to  direct  their  marches,  and  as  a pledge  of 
the  divine  protection,  till  they  entered  Canaan.— This  pillar  re- 
presented the  guidance,  comfort,  and  security,  which  the  I ord 
affords  his  true  people,  from  the  time  when  they  renounce 
the  service  of  sin  and  Satan,  until  they  safely  arrive  in  heaven 

Vol.  I.— 18 


way  of  the  wilderness  of  the  Red  Sea : and  the 
children  of  Israel  went  tip  diarnessed  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt. 

19  And  Moses  took  the  bones  of  Joseph  with 
him:  «lbr  he  had  straitly  sworn  the  children  ol 
Israel,  saying,  hGod  will  surely  visit  you  ; and  ye 
shall  carry  up  my  bones  away  hence  with  you. 

20  And  ‘they  took  their  journey  from  Succoth, 
and  encamped  in  Etham,  in  the  edge  .of  the 
wilderness. 

21  And  kthe  Lord  went  before  them,  by  day 
in  a pillar  of  a cloud,  to  lead  them  the  way  ; and 
by  night  in  a pillar  of  fire,  to  give  them  light:  to 
go  by  day  and  night. 

22  He  ‘took  not  away  the  pillar  of  the  cloud  by 
day,  nor  the  mpillar  of  fire  by  night  from  before 
the  people. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

7V.r  way  taken  by  Israel  proves  the  occasion  of  hardening  Pharaoh’s  heart. 
1 I.  He  pursues  them,  5—  9.  Being  affrighted,  they  murmur;  but  are 
encouraged  by  Moses,  10—14.  God  instructs  Moses , 15 — 18.  The  cloud 
removes  behind  Me  camp;  the  Red  Sea  is  divided;  Me  Israelites  pass  ihroash 
U ; but  the  Egyptians  following  them  are  drowned , 19— 30a  The  Israelitet 
are  suitably  affected,  31. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2 Speak  unto  the  children  ol  Israel,  “that 
they  turn  and  encamp  before  Pi-hahiroth,  between 
“Migdol  and  the  sea,  over  against  Baal-zephon : 
beiore  it  shall  ye  encamp  by  the  sea. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1—10.  We  are  so  unteachable  in  divine  things,  that 
we  need  the  same  lessons  over  and  over,  in  a variety  of  ways 
before  we  make  any  tolerable  proficiency  : repetitions  there- 
fore are  neither  impertinent  nor  useless— The  instructions  o! 
the  Holy  Scriptures  are  suited  to  render  divine  truths  and 
precepts  very  plain  and  familiar  to  our  minds,  that  we  may 
have  them  continually  in  view,  frequently  converse  about 
them,  and  regulate  our  conduct  by  them.  Ministers  when 
teaching  their  congregations,  and  parents  when  educating  their 
children,  should  keep  this  constantly  in  sight ; and  embrace 
every  opportunity  of  deeply  impressing  the  minds  of  those 
committed  to  their  charge,  with  a sense  of  their  obligations  to 
the  Lord  for  all  his  benefits.  They  should  use  every  means 
of  rendering  them  well  acquainted  with  his  wonderful  works 
especially  the  redemption  of  the  world  by  Jesus  Christ,  and 
his  harmonious  perfections,  displayed  in  that  grand  design 
that  they  may  thus  be  led  to  know,  trust,  love,  and  serve  the 
God  of  their  salvation. — But  if  we  sincerely  desire  to  devote 
ourselves  to  God,  we  must  be  as  careful  to  search  out,  and 
put  away,  all  remains  and  occasions  of  sin,  and  to  mortify 
and  subdue  every  carnal  and  corrupt  affection,  as  the  Israel- 
ites were  to  remove  the  leaven  from  their  houses,  when  they 
celebrated  the  passover. 

v.  11—22.  By  creation,  and-as  preserved  and  sustained 
by  him,  we  are  the  Lord’s  property,  and  he  has  a right  to 
dispose  of  us  as  he  pleases:  but  redemption  gives  him  a new 
and  more  endearing  title  to  our  bodies,  souls,  and  services  • 
and  exemption  from  the  desolations  which  come  on  the  wicked' 
and  deliverance  from  the  malice  of  our  enemies,  flow  from 
Ins  mercy,  through  the  ransom  of  Die  Redeemer’s  blood  and 
by  the  power  of  his  mighty  arm.  If  we  are  really  made  par- 
takers of  these  benefits,  we  belong  to  “the  church  of  I he  first- 
born, whose  names  are  written  in  heaven  and  we  are  re- 
quired to  “ present  our  bodies  as  a living  sacrifice,  holy  and 
acceptable  to  God,  which  is  our  reasonable  service.”  Nor 
shal  we  ever  enjoy  so  much  liberty,  or  so  much  comfort  in  oui 
children  and  substance,  as  when  we  most  unreservedly  devote 
ourselves  and  them  to  him.  “ The  strong  man,  armed”  with 
our  lusts  and  passions,  our  inveterate  habits  anil  intimate 
evd  connexions,  vehemently  opposes  our  conversion,  and 
will  hardly  let  us  go but  “ when  a Stronger  than  he  comes 
upon  him,  he  takes  from  him  his  armour  wherein  he  trusted, 
and  divides  the  spoil.”  Then,  being  delivered  from  bondage 
putting  ourselves  under  the  Lord’s  care  and  protection,  and 
joining  ourselves  to  his  people,  we  learn  to  walk  before  him 
in  all  his  ordinances  and  commandments : and  thoiwh  I he  wav 
in  which  he  leads  us  is  widely  different  from  that  which  we 
should  choose  for  ourselves;  we  shall  find  that  he  in  every 
particular  regards  our  weakness,  and  that  he  orders  all  things 
for  our  good,  and  in  such  a manner  as  may  most  effectually 
keep  us  from  returning  back  to  sin  and  the  world  —Through 
all  the  intricacies  and  dangers  of  the  way,  he  will  guide  and 
guard  us  by  his  word  and  Spirit;  he  will  enlighten  every 
dark  night  of  affliction  by  his  holy  consolations,  and  shelter 
us  from  the  burning  sun  of  temptation,  until  he  brin^  us  to  his 
heavenly  rest  with  everlasting  songs  of  joy  and  piiTsp 
NOTES.— Chap.  XIV.  V.  2.  The  IsraeffleSbefore  this 
had  marched,  not  in  the  direct  road  lo  Canaan,  but  more  to 
the  south,  towards  the  Red  Sea  ; until  they  came  lo  the  edge 
(137  I 


B /.  1491 


EXODUS. 


B.  C. 1491 


3 F >r  'Pharaoh  will  say  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  dThey  are  entangled  in  the  land,  the  wilder- 
nes  > hath  shut  them  in. 

4 And  “I  will  harden  Pharaoh’s  heart,  that  he 
shall  follow  after  them,  f and  I will  be  honoured 
upon  Pharaoh,  and  upon  all  his  host;  sthat  the 
Egyptians  may  know  that  I am  the  Lord.  And 
they  did  so. 

5 And  it  was  told  the  king  of  Egypt,  that  the 
people  fled  : and  hthe  heart  of  Pharaoh  and  of  his 
servants  was  turned  against  the  people,  and  they 
said,  'Why  have  we  done  this,  that,  we  have  let 
Israel  go  from  serving  us  ? 

6 And  he  made  ready  his  chariot,  and  took  his 
people  with  him : 

7 And  he  took  ^six  hundred  chosen  chariots,  and 
all  the  chariots  of  Egypt,  and  captains  over  every 
one  of  them. 

8 And  'the  Lord  hardened  the  heart  of  Pharaoh 
king  of  Egypt.,  and  he  pursued  after  the  children 
of  Israel : and  the  children  of  Israel  went  out 
“with  an  high  hand. 

9 But  “the  Egyptians  pursued  after  them,  (all 
the  horses  and  chariots  ol  Pharaoh,  and  his  horse- 

c 7:3.4.  Deul. 31:21.  Ps.  139:2,4.  Ez.  38:10,11,17.  Acts  4:28.  cl  Judg.  16:2.  1 Sam. 
23:7,23.  Ps.  71:11.  Jer.  211:10.  *8,17.  See  on  4:21.  7:3,13,14.  Ham. 11:8.  118. 
9:16.  15:10.11,14—16. 18:11.  Nell.  9:10.  Is.2:ll,12.  Ez.  20:9.  28:22.39:13.  Dan. 4: 
30— 37.  Rem.  9:17,22,23.  Rev.  19:1— 6.  g See  on  7:17.  h 12:33.  Ps.  105:25. 

I Jet.  35:10— 17.  Luke  11:24— 26.  2 Pet.  2:20— 22.  k 23.  15:4.  Josh.  17:16— 18. 
Judg.4:3,15.  Ps.  20:7.  68:17.  Is. 37:24.  1 See  one.  4.  m6:l.  13:9,16,18.  Niiro. 
83:3.  Deul.  32:27.  I’s.  89:13.  Acts  13:17.  n 15:9.  Josh. 24:6.  o See  on  2.  pPs. 
63:5.  Is. 7:2.  8:12,13.  51:12,13.  Matt. 8:28.  14:30,31.  qJosh.24:7.  2Chr.  18; 

of  the  wilderness,  whither  the  Egyptians  expected  they  were 
retiring  to  offer  sacrifices  to  the  Lord.  ( 1 3:20. ) But  now 
they  received  orders  to  turn  still  further  out  of  the  way,  into 
some  impervious  straits,  or  narrow  defiles.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  3,  4.  It  was  the  avowed  design  of  God  to  harden  the 
heart  of  Pharaoh ; and  he  knew  how  to  effect  it,  without 
being  in  any  sense  or  degree  the  Author  of  sin.  It  would 
suffice  for  this  purpose  to  remove  all  restraints  from  his  heart 
and  conscience ; to  leave  him  entirely  to  his  own  pride,  and 
impetuous  lusts,  and  to  the  instigations  of  Satan;  and  to 
arrange  the  dispensations  of  providence,  so  as  most  effectually 
to  encourage  his  hopes  of  yet  prevailing  in  the  contest.  The 
heart  of  Pharaoh  had  been  sorely  galled,  but  it  was  not  in 
the  least  humbled.  He  had  been  repeatedly  baffled  and 
frighted,  and  forced  to  yield  ; yet  his  daring  spirit  was  not 
subdued,  but  revolted  more  and  more  against  the  violence 
done  him,  so  that  he  was  fired  with  resentment  and  thirsted 
for  revenge.  His  covetousness  and  ambition  had  been  se- 
verely disappointed  ; his  kingdom  had  been  desolated  and 
almost  depopulated,  and  his  first-born  son  slain : he  had 
suffered  an  ignominious  defeat ; and  nothing,  but  despair  of 
success,  and  the  urgent  terror  of  death,  could  have  extorted 
his  consent  to  Israel’s  enlargement. — While  under  tile  imme- 
diate pressure  of  the  last  dreadful  visitation,  every  thing  ex- 
cept the  preservation  of  his  life  was  forgotten  : but  when  his 
terror  and  anguish  were  somewhat  subsided,  and  his  convic- 
tions abated,  then  his  stoutness  of  spirit  returned  ; and  the 
thoughts  of  the  mortifications,  ignominy, and  loss  which  he  had 
sustained,  with  all  their  probable  and  possible  effects,  no  doubt 
rushed  into  his  mind.  Then  every  thought  or  counsel  would 
be  welcome,  which  could  point  out  the  way,  or  revive  the 
hope,  of  reducing  Israel,  or  of  wreaking  his  vengeance  on 
them. — Had  they  marched  directly  towards  Canaan,  they 
jvould,  probably,  have  been  out  of  his  dominions,  before  he 
had  recovered  from  ills  fright,  and  he  might  have  given  them 
up  in  despair : but  as  they  turned  another  way,  and  were,  as 
he  supposed,  entangled  in  the  wilderness,  and  shut  up  by  sur- 
rounding rocks,  mountains,  and  seas  ; he  would  conclude  that 
they  were  not  under  an  infallible  guidance,  and  thence  infer 
that  they  had  not  an  almighty  protection,  hut  might  yet  be 
subdued  to  his  will : and  what  he  ardently  wished,  feeble  evi- 
dence would  induce  him  to  believe. — This  the  Lord  foresaw; 
and  that  he  might  be  honoured  upon  the  Egyptians,  and  make 
his  power  and  justice  known,  he  gave  his  directions  to  Israel 
accordingly. — I will  4 show  my  power  and  justice  in  their  de- 
struction, which  would  not  have  been  so  visible,  had  they 
died  of  the  pestilence,  ...  as  it  was  by  hardening  Pharaoh  so 
far  as  to  follow  the  Israelites  into  the  Red  Sea,  where  he 
and  his  whole  host  were  overthrown  ; which  made  the  terror 
of  the  Lords  wrath  manifest  to  the  world.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  5 — 9.  The  Egyptians  had  consented  to  the  departure 
of  the  Israelites,  and  even  urged  them  to  be  gone ; and  when 
they  liberally  bestowed  on  them  the  gold  and  silver,  and  rai- 
ment which  they  asked,  they  seem  to  have  had  no  expecta- 
tion that  they  would  return.  But  as  the  Israelites,  probably, 
had  not  expressly  declared  themselves  on  this  head;  when 
the  Egyptians  heard,  ( perhaps  by  some  of  the  mixed  multitude 
who  came  hack,)  that  they  neither  hailed  in  the  desert  to 
offer  sacrifices,  nor  kept  the  direct  road  to  Horeh,  (where 
some  think  they  had  said  that  they  had  intended  to  keep  a 
leas!  to  the  Lord,)  but  turned  aside  into  intricate  paths: 
( 138  ) 


men  and  his  army,)  qnd  overtook  them  “encamping 
by  the  sea,  beside  Pi-haliiroth  before  Baal-zephon 

[Practical  Obscriulions .) 

10  It  And  when  Pharaoh  drew  nigh,  the  chil 
dren  of  Israel  lifted  up  their  eyes,  and  behold  the 
Egyptians  marched  after  them,  ‘’and  t hey  were 
sore  afraid  : and  the  children  of  Israel  ‘‘cried  out 
unto  the  Lord. 

11  And  they  said  unto  Moses,  'Because  there 
were  no  graves  in  Egypt,  hast  thou  taken  us  away 
to  die  in  the  wilderness?  ‘Wherefore  hast  thoi. 
dealt  thus  with  us,  to  carry  us  forth  out  of  Egypt: 

12  lIs  not  this  the  word  that  we  did  tell  thee 
in  Egypt,  saying,  "Let  us  alone,  that  we  may  serve 
the  Egyptians?  "For  it  had  been  better  for  us  L> 
serve  the  Egyptians,  than  that  we  should  die  in 
the  wilderness. 

13  And  Moses  said  unto  the  people,  >Fear  ye 
not,  stand  still,  and  ‘see  the  salvation  of  the  Lord, 
which  he  will  show  to  you  to-day  : Tor  the  Egypt- 
ians whom  ye  have  seen  to-day  ‘ye  shall  see  them 
again  no  more  for  ever. 

14  bThe  Lord  shall  fight  for  you,  and  ye  slial. 
hold  your  peace. 

31.  Neh.  9:9.  Ps.  34:17.  107:6.13,19,28.  Is.  26:16.  Jer.  22:23.  Mall.  8:25.  r 15: 
23,24.  16:2,3.  17:2,3.  Num.ll:l.  14:1—4.  16:41.  Ps.  106.7,8.  s 5:22.  Gen.  43 
6.  Num.  11:15.  t 5:21.  6:9.  uHos.  4:17.  Mark  1:24.  5:7,17.18.  x Jon.  4:3,8. 
y Num.  14:9.  Deul.  20:3.  2 Kings  6:16.  2 Chr.  20:15,17.  Ps.  27.1,2.  46:1—3.  Is. 
26:3.  30:15.  35:4.  41:10,14.  Malt. 28:5.  z 30.  15:  1 Chr.  11:14.  marg.  Is.  43:11. 
Jer.  3:23.  Lam.  3:26.  Hos.  13:4,9.  JIab.  3:8,13.  * Or,  for  wh>  t eas  ye  have  seen 
the  Egyptians  to-day , &c.  a 30.  15:4,5,10,19,21.  b 25.  15:3.  Dent.  1:30.  3:2*2. 
20:4.  Josh.  10:10,14,42.  23.3.  Judg.  5.20.  2 Chr.  20:17,29.  Nell.  4:20.  Is.  31:4,5. 

they  began  to  treat  them  as  fugitive  slaves.  The  servants  of 
Pharaoh,  while  terrified  by  the  divine  judgments,  and  suffer- 
ing severely  the  effects  of  them,  had  counselled  him  to  dis- 
miss Israel : yet  considering  themselves  sharers  in  his  loss 
and  disgrace,  and  being  again  encouraged  to  expect  better 
success ; they  blamed  themselves  for  having  let  them  go,  and 
gave  Pharaoh  more  agreeable  advice  : and  lie  was  so  in- 
fatuated by  worldly  policy,  and  so  hardened  in  obstinate 
rebellion  against  the  Lord,  that,  forgetting  his  late  terrors,  he 
determined  to  take  vengeance  on  Moses  and  on  Israel. 
Accordingly  he  collected  all  his  forces  which  were  at  hand, 
especially  his  chariots  of  war  and  his  cavalry,  which  was  the 
chief  strength  of  his  army;  and  without  delay  pursued  the 
fugitives:  but  they,  not  expecting  so  formidable  an  enemy, 
had  marched  on  with  great  alacrity,  and  in  good  order,  not 
at  all  like  slaves  who  were  fleeing  from  their  masters;  and 
were  at  that  time  encamping  by  the  sea.  It  is  generally 
supposed,  that  on  the  right  and  left  of  their  encampment 
there  were  impassable  mountains  or  fortifications  ; while  the 
Red  Sea  was  in  the  front,  and  Pharaoh  and  his  army  pressed 
upon  their  rear. 

V.  10 — 12.  It  is  evident,  that  all  the  wonders,  wrought 
for  Israel  in  Egypt,  had  excited  in  most  of  them  nothing  be- 
yond transient  convictions,  hopes,  and  joy ; and  that  in  gene- 
ral they  were  destitute  of  true  faith  and  confidence  in  God. 
They  had  therefore  been  in  high  spirits,  when  no  danger  ap- 
peared; but  when  they  saw  (he  army  of  Pharaoh  marching 
up  to  them,  they  sunk  into  terror  and  despondency  ; and  their 
cries  to  the  Lord,  having  been  extorted  by  dismay,  were 
soon  succeeded  by  rebellious  murmurs.  Yet  il  must  be  sup- 
posed that  some  out  of  the  vast  mulfitude,  in  tills  emergency, 
sought  the  Lord  in  fervenl  prayer,  while  the  rest  vented  their 
anguish  in  bitter  complaints  against  Moses.  All  however 
were  sensible,  that  such  an  unarmed  multitude  could  not 
withstand  Pharaoh’s  disciplined  troops  : they  had  no  thought!) 
therefore  of  fighting,  no  prospect  of  escaping  by  flight,  no 
hope  in  submitting  to  so  enraged  a tyrant ; and  very  few  ol 
them  had  any  confidence  in  God  or  expectation  from  him,  so 
that  death  seemed  inevitable.  They  therefore  expostulated 
bitterly  with  Moses,  for  leading  them  out  of  Egypt;  as  if  he 
had  done  it  by  his  own  authority,  and  in  order  I"  expose  them 
to  the  rage  of  Pharaoh,  that  he  might  kill  the  n in  the  wilder- 
ness ! — Thus,  while  Pharaoh,  hardened  in  desperate  pre- 
sumption, forgat  Ihe  wonderful  works  of  God,  which  he  and 
his  people  had  seen  and  severely  felt;  the  Israelites  them- 
selves, in  unbelieving  despondency,  were  equally  regardless 
of  them;  and  looked  back  with  sail  regret  on  the  wretched 
slavery,  under  which  they  had  before  groaned ! 

V.  13,  14.  On  this  trying  occasion,  he  faith  of  Moses 
was  peculiarly  illustrious.  He  answered  the  injurious  com- 
plaints of  Israel  without  the  least  resentment  and  with  great 
sedateness,  meekness,  and  presence  of  -ind.  He  expressed 
no  fear  of  Pharaoh  and  his  army ; and  omy  required  the  peo- 
ple to  be  still,  and  not  put  themselves  into  disorder,  hut  lo 
stand  prepared  to  obey  his  word  of  direction;  being  assured 
that  the  Lord  would  deliver  them  by  his  own  powerful  arm. 
It  would  not  bo  at  all  needful  for  them  to  fight  against  the 
Egyptians;  hut  merely  to  look  on  with  silent  astonishment, 
and  lo  witness  their  destruction.  (Marg.  Ref.)  For  .his 
would  be  the  last  time  they  would  over  see  them,  ns  living 
enemies,  either  lo  injure  or  affright  them.  They  afterwards 


li.  C.  1491 


CHAPTER  XIY. 


15  And  the  Loi.  n said  unto  Moses,  'Wherefore 
criest  thou  unto  me ? Speak  unto  the  children  of 
Israel,  that  they  gx>  forward. 

16  But  dll»l  thou  up  thy  rod,  and  stretch  out 
thine  hand  over  the  sea,  and  divide  it;  'and  the 
children  of  Israel  shall  go  on  dry  ground  through 
the  midst  of  the  sea. 

17  And  f I,  behold  gI,  will  harden  the  hearts  of 
the  Egyptians,  and  they  shall  follow  them  : hand 
I will  get  me  honour  upon  Pharaoh,  and  upon  all 
his  host,  upon  his  chariots,  and  upon  his  horse- 
men. 

18  And  the  Egyptians  shall  'know  that  I am  the 
Lord,  when  I have  gotten  me  honour  upon  Pha- 
raoh, upon  his  chariots,  and  upon  his  horsemen. 

[ Practical  Observations.'] 

19  IT  And  Hhe  Angel  of  God,  which  went  before 
the  camp  of  Israel,  removed  and  went  behind 
them ; 'and  the  pillar  of  the  cloud  went  from 
before  their  face,  and  stood  behind  them. 

20  And  it  came  between  the  camp  of  the  Egypt- 
ians and  the  camp  of  Israel ; and  it  was  ma  cloud 
of  darkness  to  them , but  it  gave  light  by  night  to 
these  : so  that  the  one  came  not  near  the  other  all 
the  night. 

21  IT  And  Moses  stretched  out  his  hand  over  the 
sea,  and  "the  Lord  caused  the  sea  to  go  back  by 
a strong  east  wind  all  that  night,  an(I  made  the 
sea  dry  land,  and  the  waters  were  divided. 

22  And  "the  children  of  Israel  went  into  the 
midst  of  the  sea  upon  the  dry  ground:  and  the 

Josh.  7:10.  Ezra  10:4,5.  tl  21,26.  4:2,17,20.  7:9  19.  eSeron21,22.  fGen. 
f 17.  9:9.  Lev.  26:28.  Deut.  32:39.  Is.  48:15.  51:12.  Jer.23:39.  Ez. 5:8.  6:3.  34: 
t • ,20.  Hos.  5:14.  e See  on  4:23.  7:3,13,14.  h 18.  Seeon4.  i See  on  7:5,17. 
k 24.  13:21.  23:20,21.  32:34.  Mum.  20:16.  ft.  63:9.  Acts  7:38.  1 See  on  13:21, 

2i.  mPs. 18:11.  Prov.  4:18,19.  Is.  8:14.  2 Cor.  2:15,16.  n 15:8.  Josh. 3:13— 
If  4:23.  Neh.  9:11.  Job  26:12.  Ps.66:6.  74:13.  78:13.  106:7-10.114:3—5.  136: 
13  ls.51:10.15.63:12.  o Num.  33:8.  1 Cor.  10:1.  Heb.  11:29.  p 15:8.  Hab. 
8:8,9.  Zech.  2:5.  q 17.  15:9,19.  1 Kines  22:20.  Ec.9:3.  Is.  14:24—27.  rlSam. 
11-11.  s Job  40:12.  Pf.  18:13,14.  77:16— 19.  104:32.  t 19:20.  u 25.  Job  22:13. 

indeed  saw  the  deid  bodies  of  some  of  them  on  the  seashore  ; 
(30.  15:5,12.)  but  it  is  very  remarkable,  that  the  power  of 
Egypt  was  so  crushed,  and  the  spirit,  of  the  rulers  so  broken, 
by  this  last  stroke,  that  the  Egyptians  never  attempted  to 
pursue  or  molest  Israel,  even  when  shut  up  in  the  wilderness 
during  forty  years. 

V.  15,  16.  Moses  was  earnest  in  prayer  at  this  trying 
conjuncture;  and  it  cannot  be  supposed,  that  the  Lord  was 
displeased  with  him : but  he  thus  assured  him,  that  his  re- 
quest was  granted,  and  that  he  was  about  to  effect  the  de- 
liverance of  Israel.  Moses  needed  only  to  excite  and  encou- 
rage the  people  to  march  forward ; and  God  would  make  way 
for  them,  by  dividing  the  sea,  that  they  might  go  through  it 
as  on  dry  land. 

V.  17.  /,  behold  I]  This  speaks  the  certainty  of  the 
event,  as  the  Lord  himself  undertook  that  the  heart  of  Pha- 
raoh and  of  his  subjects  should  be  hardened.  These  had 
associated  themselves  with  their  king  in  rebellion,  and  were 
thus  with  him  doomed  to  the  same  deserved  punishment. 

V.  18.  The  Egyptians .]  The  miserable  remains  of  this 
once  flourishing  people. — The  expression,  again  and  again 
repeated,  11 1 will  be  honoured  upon  Pharaoh,  &c.”  as  mark- 
ing the  grand  design  of  all  these  transactions,  should  be  pecu- 
liarly noticed. 

V.  19.  The  Angel.]  Either  a created  angel,  by  whose 
ministry  this  pillar  was  produced,  and  moved ; or  rather  the 
great  Angel  of  the  Covenant,  the  eternal  Son  of  God.  (24.) 

V.  20.  Even  in  the  night,  the  cloud  caused  an  additional 
gloom  to  the  Egyptians  : yet  it  was  a light  to  the  Israelites, 
who  marched  as  by  daylight  to  the  seashore ; while  their 
enemies  bewildered  in  darkness  could  scarcely  discern  the 
prey,  which  they  expected  at  once  to  seize  upon ! 

V.  21 — 23.  At  the  stretching  forth  of  Moses’s  hand,  and 
the  waving  of  his  rod,  the  Lord  caused  a strong  east  wind  to 
Plow ; but  even  this  was  only  the  signal  of  his  power,  by 
which  he  divided  the  waters,  till  they  formed  two  mighty 
walls,  and  a spacious  road  between,  through  which  the  Is- 
raelites marched  securely  ; being  encouraged  outwardly  by 
the  word  of  Moses,  but  inwardly  by  the  power  of  God  ; while 
the  Egyptians,  given  up  to  desperate  hardness  of  heart,  pre- 
sumptuously followed  them.  Some  however  think,  that  be- 
wildered by  the  darkness,  and  hearing  the  Israelites  before 
them,  they  were  not  aware  that  they  had  entered  the  sea,  till 
it  was  too  late  to  escape  ; but  the  language  of  the  apostle 
seems  to  favour  the  former  interpretation.  (Heb.  11:29.) 

V.  24,  25.  The  Israelites  who  marched  foremost  proba- 
b y entered  the  channel  of  the  sea  while  it  was  yet  day  ; and 
a very  spacious  opening  being  made  for  them,  the  others  f al- 
lowed in  a broad  column,  so  that  the  whole  multitude  was 
marching  on  the  bed  of  the  channel  of  the  sea,  at  the  begin- 
ning of  the  night,  the  Egyptians  closely  pursuing  them. — The 
watches , into  which  the  Israelites,  and  afterwards  the  Romans, 


B.  C.  1491. 

waters  were  Pa  wall  unto  them,  on  their  right  hand, 
and  on  their  left. 

23  And  itlie  Egyptians  pursued,  and  went  in 
after  them,  to  the  midst  of  the  sea,  even  all  Pha- 
raoh’s horses,  his  chariots,  and  his  horsemen. 

24  IT  And  it  came  to  pass  "that  in  the  morning- 
watch,  the  Lord  ’looked  unto  the  host  of  the 
Egyptians,  ‘through  the  pillar  of  fire  and  of  the 
cloud,  "and  troubled  the  host  of  the  Egyptians, 

25  And  "took  off  their  chariot-wheels,  .that 
they  drave  them  heavily  : so  that  the  Egyptians 
said,  JLet  us  flee  from  the  face  of  Israel ; "lor  the 
Lord  fighteth  tor  them,  against  the  Egyptians. 

26  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  "Stretchout 
thine  hand  over  the  sea,  that  '’the  waters  may 
come  again  upon  the  Egyptians,  upon  their  cha- 
riots, and  upon,  their  horsemen. 

27  And  Moses  stretched  forth  his  hand  over  the 
sea,  "and  the  sea  returned  to  his  strength  when 
the  morning  appeared,  and  the  Egyptians  fled 
against  it:  dand  the  Lord  'overthrew  the  Egypt- 
ians in  the  midst  of  the  sea. 

28  And  'the  waters  returned  and  covered  the 
chariots  and  the  horsemen,  and  all  the  host  of 
Pharaoh  that  came  into  the  sea  after  them : there 
Remained  not  so  mucli  as  one  of  them. 

29  But  the  children  of  Israel  ^walked  upon  dry 
land  in  the  midst  of  the  sea  : and  the  waters  were 
ha  wall  unto  them  on  their  right  hand,  and  on  their 
left. 

30  Thus  ‘the  Lord  saved  Israel  that  day  out  of 

23:15,16.  34:20,29.  Ps.48:5.  x Judg.  4:15.  Fs.4S;9.  76:6.  Jer. 51:21.  • Or,  And 
made  th  m to  go  heavily,  y Job  11:20  . 20:24  . 27:22.  Pa.  68:12.  Am.  1:14.  5:19. 
9:1.  z See  on  14.  Deut.  3:22.  ISnm. 4:7,8.  u 7:19.  8:5.  Matt.  8:27.  bl:22. 
Judg.  1:6,7.  Matt.  7:2.  Jam.  2:13.  Rev.  16:6.  c 21,22.  15:10,19.  Jash.4:18.  d 15: 

1 — 7,21.  Judg.  5:20,21.  t Heb.  shook  off.  e I/etit.  11:4.  Ps.  78:53.  Hub.  3: 
8—10.  Heb.  11:29.  f 13.  2 Chr.  20:24.  Ps.  106:9— 11.  136:15.  gJob  38:3-11. 
Ps.  66:6,7.  77:19,20.  18.43:2.  51:10,13.  63:12,13.  h Josh.  3:16.  i 13.  1 Sam. 
14:23.  2 Chr.  32:22:  Is.  63:9.  Jude  5. 


and  probably  many  other  nations,  divided  the  night,  were 
so  called  from  the  term  allotted  to  wa'chmen  or  soldiers  who 
kept  guard,  after  which  they  were  relieved.  The  morning- 
watch  seems  to  have  begun  about  three  hours  before  sunrise  ; 
so  that  the  whole  company,  both  of  Israel  and  of  Egypt,  had 
probably  been  many  hours  marching,  with  all  possible  speed, 
between  the  waters,  piled  up  as  walls  on  either  side  of  them  : 
and  they  must  have  gone  several  miles  at  that  time.  The 
channel  of  the  Red  Sea  is  thought  by  some  to  have  been  len 
or  twelve  miles  across,  by  others  twenty,  or  more : but  taking 
the  larger  dimensions,  even  the  Egyptians  might  have  gone 
far  more  than  half  the  way  before  the  morning-watch. — The 
Scripture  uniformly  states  that  the  Lord  led  Israel  through 
the  Red  Sea:  yet  the  Jewish  expositors,  and  some  others, 
who  pay  far  too  much  deference  to  their  comments,  are  of 
opinion,  that  after  Pharaoh  and  his  army  were  overwhelmed, 
the  Israeliles  came  out  on  (he  same  side  by  which  they  had 
entered.  This  they  ground  chiefly  on  the  improbability  of 
this  largo  company  marching  so  far,  in  the  short  time  allotted 
them ; which  in  fact  amounts  to  nothing  : for  if  the  path  through 
the  channel  of  the  sea  was  as  wide  as  the  ordinary  road  by 
which  they  travelled ; they  might  as  well  march  twelve,  or 
even  twenty  miles  during  the  night,  on  this  occasion,  as  the 
same  distance  during  the  same  time,  in  any  other  part  of  their 
journey;  and  they  were  surely  as  likely  to  make  all  haste, 
while  pursued  by  the  Egyptians,  and  environed  by  the  sea, 
as  on  an  ordinary  march. — It  is  also  said,  that  they  encamped 
in  the  wilderness  of  Etham,  the  first,  stage  after  they  came 
out  of  the  sea ; and  they  encamped  at  Etham  on  the  edge  Oi 
the  wilderness,  after  they  left  Succoth.  (Comp.  13:20.  Num. 
33:6—8.)  But  is  it  not  most  likely,  that  the  wilderness  of  Etham 
extended  on  each  side  of  the  extremity  of  the  Red  Sea,  while 
Etham  was  a town  or  village,  situated  near  the  place  where 
the  Israelites  first  entered  that  wilderness,  whence  it  took  its 
name?  (Note,  Num.  33:8.)  Certain  it  is  that  Horeb  lay 
east  of  the  sea,  and  they  appear  to  have  come  out  on  khat 
side  nearest  Horeb. — In  the  morning-watch,  Jehovah  looked 
upon  the  Egyptians,  as  evidently  frowning  on  them,  through 
the  pillar  of  fire.  (19.)  It  is  probable,  that,  there  was  a tre- 
mendous storm  of  thunder,  lightning,  and  hail,  and  othei 
dreadful  appearances,  which  concurred  with  an  inward  influ- 
ence on  their  minds  to  trouhle  and  dismay  them  ; while  by 
some  extraordinary  interposition,  their  chariot  wheels  were 
broken  or  taken  off,  so  that  they  could  not  get  forward  , and 
thus  they  were  made  sensible,  when  too  late,  that  Jehovah 
fought  against  them  in  behalf  of  his  people.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  26 — 30.  We  may  suppose,  that  the  Israelites  were 
nearly  arrived  on  the  opposite  shore,  when  Moses  received 
this  command,  which  was  given  perhaps  by  a voice  from  the 
pillar  of  fire:  but  there  is  no  improbability  in  the  opinion,  that 
the  vva'ers  began  to  roll  back  v.irh  irresistible  violence  lo 
their  ancient  channel,  in  that  part  of  the  sea  where  the  Egvot- 
( 169  ) 


EXODUS, 


B.  C.  1491 


of  the  Egyptians : anil  Israel  ksaw  the 
Egyptians  dead  jpon  the  seashore. 

31  And  Israel  saw  that  great  "work  which  the 
Loan  did  upon  the  Egyptians:  and  the  people 
‘feared  the  Lori  , and  ‘"believed  the  Lord,  and  his 
servant  Moses. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Hi  long  of  Moses,  Miriam,  and  Israel,  on  their  deliverance,  1—21.  In  the 
mlderncb-s  the y want  water,  22  ; the  waters  of  MaraJl  are  bitter , they  mur- 
mur, Moses  prays,  and  the  waters  are  matte  sweet  by  means  which  God  ap- 
pointed, who  also  gives  them  lus  charge  and  promise,  23 — 26.  They  encamp 
at  Elim,  27. 

THEN  asang  Moses  and  the  children  of  Israel  this 
song  unto  the  Lord,  and  spake,  saying,  I will 

Ps.  58:10.  91:8.92:9— 11.  ‘Heb.  hand.  1 1 Sam.  12: 18.  Ps. 119:120.  m4:31.19:9. 
£Chv.  20:20.  Ps.  106:12,13.  Luke  8:13.  John 2:11,23— 25.8:30— 32. 11:45.  Acis8;13. 
a Judg.  5:1, &c.  2 Sam.  22:1,  &c.  Ps.  106:12.  107:8,15,21,22.  Is.  12:1, &c.  51:10, 
11.  Rev.  15:3.  b 21.  14:17,18,27. 18:11.  Col.  2.15.  c Ps.  18:1,2.  28:8.  59:17.  62:6,7. 
118:14.  Hab.  3:17—19.  Phil.  4:13.  d Deut.  10:21.  Ps.  22:3.  109:1.  R?v.  15:3.  e 14: 
13.  2 Sam.  22:51.  Ps.  68:20.  Is.  12:2.  45  17. 49:6.  Jer.  3:23.  L«ke  1:77.  2:30.  John  4: 


ians  were,  though  they  still  continued  a wall  to  Israel  where 
they  marched;  and  the  introduction  of  verse  29  seems  to 
favour  it.  It  is  however  sufficient  to  know,  that  Israel  was 
completely  preserved;  and  Pharaoh,  with  the  Egyptians,  so 
entirely  overwhelmed  that  not  one  remained.  The  returning 
light  of  the  morning  would  show  them  their  dreadful  situation  ; 
but  every  effort  to  escape  was  fruitless. — The  Egyptians  had 
drowned  the  male  children  of  the  Israelites  in  the  river ; and 
now  the  righteous  Lord  took  vengeance  on  them  for  those 
cruel  and  multiplied  murders,  by  drowning  all  the  strength 
and  flower  of  the  nation  in  the  Red  Seal — It  is  probable  that 
very  many  of  the  dead  bodies  were  driven  on  shore,  near  the 
place  where  the  Israelites  went  up  out  of  the  sea,  the  Lord 
thus  ordering  it;  and  that  they  were  furnished  with  arms,  as 
well  as  enriched  with  other  spoils,  by  that  means. — The 
Egyptians  were  renowned  for  their  art  in  embalming  the 
dead,  and  for  their  attention  to  the  bodies  of  their  relatives, 
and  especially  their  princes  and  grandees ; but  God  now 
poured  contempt  upon  all  the  great  ones  of  the  nation,  and 
caused  their  bodies  to  be  left  unburied  on  the  seashore  ! 

V.  31.  When  the  Israelites  witnessed  this  stupendous 
scene,  they  were  for  the  time  greatly  affected,  both  with 
reverence  of  the  majesty,  power,  and  justice  of  the  Lord, 
and  with  gratitude  for  their  surprising  deliverance ; and  they 
showed  a readiness  to  believe  his  word,  as  delivered  to  them 
by  Moses,  and  to  trust  in  him  for  the  future ; but,  alas ! this 
proved  only  a temporary  faith,  as  the  event  in  a little  time 
evinced.  (Note,Ps.  106:12 — 14.) — Learned  men  have  shown, 
by  various  citations,  that  a traditionary  mutilated  report  of 
this  grand  transaction  prevailed  among  the  surrounding  na- 
tions, many  centuries  afterwards. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  The  Lord,  by  all  his  commands  and  dispensa- 
tions makes  trial  of  men’s  spirits ; and  every  thing  eventually 
concurs  to  harden  the  hearts  of  obstinate  rebels  to  their  des- 
truction, and  to  exercise  and  increase  the  faith  of  his  people: 
that  by  making  known  the  glories  of  his  name,  he  may  be 
Honoured  by  the  one,  and  on  the  other.  Would  we  then 
escape  the  awful  sentence  of  being  judicially  hardened,  we 
should  take  care  not  to  harden  our  own  hearts  in  sin,  when 
called  upon  to  repent,  and  submit  ourselves  to  God ; for  none 
•ire  thus  punished,  who  have  not  righteously  deserved  it. — 
Genuine  faith  gives  the  Lord  credit  for  his  wisdom,  faithful- 
ness, and  love,  even  where  they  are  not  discernible,  and 
expects  the  accomplishment  of  his  promises  in  the  way  of 
unreserved  obedience  to  his  commandments,  however  con- 
trary to  the  suggestions  of  human  policy ; it  also  rests  sa- 
tisfied, that  die  event  will  clear  up  every  difficulty ; and  in 
this  its  excellence  greatly  consists. — -Unless  the  heart  be  truly 
numbled,  sin  of  every  kind  abhorred,  and  love  to  God  and  holi- 
ness implanted,  no  religious  impressions  will  be  abiding. 
Under  remorse  of  conscience,  the  anguish  of  sufferings,  and 
the  terrors  of  impending  destruction,  and  while  temptations 
are  out  of  sight,  sinful  propensities  appear  to  be  slain : but 
they  soon  revive  when  there  is  respite,  when  convictions 
wear  off,  terrors  subside,  and  temptations  return;  and  only 
rage  with  redoubled  force,  for  having  received  a temporary 
check.  Then,  the  past  is  forgotten,  and  the  heart  grows 
harder  than  ever  in  bold  presumption;  till,  given  up  of  God, 
and  infatuated  by  Satan,  men  become  even  ashamed  of  their 
constrained  repentance,  and  impetuously  rush  upon  their 
own  destruction ! Such  is  the  progress  of  those  who  rebel 
against  the  light,  and  encourage  one  another  in  wickedness, 
till  they  arc  involved  in  one  common  ruin.  “ Let  us  there- 
fore fear  lest  we  also  should  be  hardened  by  the  deceitful- 
ness  of  sin.” 

V.  10—18.  Our  fallen  race  is  prone,  not  only  in  desperate 
presumption  to  lose  sight  of  the  power  and  wonderful  works 
of  God,  and  his  threatened  destruction  of  the  wicked  ; but  also, 
in  despondency,  to  forget  his  wonders  of  love  ami  promises 
of  deliverance  to  his  people ; and  in  large  companies  even  of 
Dtofessed  worshipper:-,  thero  always  have  been  multitudes  des- 
titute of  faith  anil  grace.  These  in  times  of  trial,  when  others 
are  crying  to  the  Lord  for  help,  manifest  their  impatience  and 
rebellion  again  U God,  by  quarrelling  with  his  servants : and 
they  of.cn  discourage  others,  and  lead  them  to  mingle  unbe- 
( HO  ) 


sing  unto  theLoRD, Tor  he  hath  triumphed  gloriously; 
the  horse  and  his  rider  hath  he  thrown  into  the  sea. 

2 The  Lord  is  my  “Strength  and ‘‘Song,  and  he 
is  become  'my  Salvation : lie  is  fmy  God,  and  I 
will  prepare  him  «an  habitation;  my  Tather’s 
God,  and  I will  'exalt  him. 

3 The  Lord  is  Ja  man  of  war:  kthe  Lord  is 
his  name. 

4 Pharaoh’s  'chariots  and  his  host  hath  he  cast 
into  the  sea:  his  "'chosen  captains  also  are  drowned 
in  the  Red  Sea. 

5 The  "depths  have  covered  them  : “they  sank 
into  the  bottom  as  a stone. 


22.  Acts  4:12.  Rev. 19:1.  f4:22.  Gen.  17:7.  Ps.  22:10.  Jer.  31:33.  32:38.  Zech. 
13:9.  g 40:34.  Gen.  28:21,22.  2 Sam.  7:5.  Ps.  132:5.  Is.  66:1.  2 Cor.  5:19.  Epli.2: 
22.  Col.  2:9.  h See  on  3: 15,16.  i Pd.  18:45.  30: 1 . 34:3.  99:5,9.  118:28.  145:1. 
Is.  25:1.  John  5:23.  Phil.  2:11.  Rev.  5:9-14.  j Ps.  2-1:8.  Rev.  19:11 — 21.  k Sea 
on  3: 13,15.  6:3,6.  Pa.  83: 18.  Is.  42:8.  1 14:13—28.  m 14:7.  n 14:28.  K*.  27:34. 
Jon.  2:2.  Mic.7:19.  Matt.  18:6.  o Neb.  9:11.  Jer.  51:63,64.  Rev.  18:21. 

lieving  murmurs,  and  peevish  complaints,  with  their  prayers 
and  supplications.  Indeed,  it  is  too  commonly  the  case,  that 
when  men  meet  with  unexpected  difficulties  in  their  first  en- 
trance on  a religious  life,  or  on  any  particular  service,  they 
are  tempted  to  wish  they  had  never  gone  about  it,  or  to  utter 
expressions  equally  unreasonable  and  sinful ; and  few  of  those 
who  watch  their  own  hearts,  can  fairly  plead  not  guilty  in 
this  respect. — But  the  Lord  still  pities  and  pardons  the  up- 
right: and  he  encourages  some  by  the  faith  and  boldness  of 
others,  and  th'e  meekness  with  which  they  bear  the  reproaches 
that  are  cast  upon  them.  For  the  wisest  and  best  of  men 
must  not  expect  to  escape  calumny,  even  in  their  most  disin- 
terested endeavours  to  be  useful:  so  that  we  should  espe- 
cially arm  ourselves  with  the  mind  of  Christ,  in  “meekness 
of  wisdom,”  if  we  would  do  any  real  good  in  the  world. — The 
more  we  observe  human  nature,  the  fuller  will  be  our  con- 
viction, that  there  is  immense  difficulty  in  prevailing  with  men 
to  use  the  means  of  salvation , in  which  the  Lord  hath  pro- 
mised to  meet  and  bless  us ; and  to  find  a willing  people  to 
welcome  a willing  Saviour.  For  this  also  we  should  trust 
in  his  power,  and  lift  up  our  prayers  to  him ; and  likewise 
exhort,  admonish,  and  persuade  those  to  whom  we  are  sent, 
with  all  earnestness  and  perseverance.  If  the  Lord  answers 
our  desires,  so  that  sinners  are  excited  to  observe  his  direc- 
tions, whether  to  patient  waiting,  or  to  go  forward  in  his 
ways ; we  need  not  fear  but  he  will  fight  for  them,  and  open 
them  away  through  difficulties  and  obstacles,  as  insurmount- 
able as  mountains  and  seas ; and  make  the  number  and 
power  of  their  enemies  subservient  to  his  glory,  and  their 
final  and  abundant  advantage.  But.  he  sometimes  leads  us 
into  circumstances,  in  which  we  can  see  no  possible  way  of 
escape  or  success ; that  we  may  the  more  admire  his  power 
and  love  in  our  deliverance,  and  be  more  encouraged  and 
affected  by  it.  • 

V.  19 — 31.  How  dark  do  all  the  dispensations  of  Provi- 
dence, and  even  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  (which  give  light 
and  comfort  to  believers,)  appear  to  those  who  are  fighting 
against  God!  And  who  can  stand  before  him,  who  has  all 
creatures  at  his  command?  All  men  will  at  length  see,  that 
Jehovah  fighteth  for  his  church  against  all  her  enemies  ; 
but,  alas ! multitudes  harden  their  hearts  in  mad  rebellion, 
till  they  fall  into  destruction,  beyond  the  possibility  of  escape! 
And  how  tremendous  will  that  day  be,  when  the  wicked  shall 
sink  into  the  depths  of  hell,  and  “all  the  people  that  forget 
God !”  But  happy  are  they,  who  at  his  command  march 
forward  under  his  banner,  enlightened  by  his  word,  comforted 
by  his  Spirit,  and  protected  by  his  arm.  From  time  to  time, 
even  here,  they  experience  such  interpositions  in  their  favour, 
as  silence  their  complaints,  make  them  ashamed  of  their  de- 
spondings,  and  excite  them  to  animated  praises  and  cheerful 
obedience.  How  then  will  their  hearts  exult,  in  adoring, 
triumphant  love,  jo}',  and  gratitude,  when,  finally  delivered 
from  every  enemy,  they  shall  stand  on  the  heavenly  shore, 
and  celebrate  their  great  Deliverer  with  everlasting  songs  of 
praise ! 

NOTES. — Chap.  XV.  V.  1.  The  capacity  of  tho 
human  mind  for  poetry  and  music,  and  for  taking  pleasure  in 
them,  has  been  common  to  every  age  and  nation ; and  though 
too  generally  perverted  to  the  worst  of  purposes,  through  the 
depravity  of  our  fallen  nature,  (as  all  our  other  capacities 
have  been,)  it  was  doubtless  originally  implanted  by  the 
Creator  for  wise  and  hoi/  reasons,  and  should  be  conse- 
crated to  his  service  and  glory.  Accordingly,  hymns  or 
songs  of  praise  form  a considerable  portion  of  the  sacred 
Scriptures;  some  of  which  were  composed  on  particular 
occasions,  and  sung  as  a part  of  solemn  worship  at  the  time, 
or  afterwards  in  commemoration  of  the  transactions  cele- 
brated in  them ; while  others  seem  to  have  been  of  a more 
general  nature,  as  suiting  the  experience,  and  expressing  the 
varied  affections,  of  believers  in  every  age.  The  poetry  of 
these  sacred  hymns  has  been  carefully  investigated,  ami 
much  admired  by  many  persons  of  eminent  attainments  in 
ancient  learning,  as  in  many  respects  vastly  superior  to  all 
other  remains  of  antiquity;  especially  by  Dr.  L<  wth,  the  late 
Bishop  of  London,  in  his  Pralcctioncs. — This  <ong,  which 
Moses  prepared,  doubtless  by  divine  inspiration  in  o dor  to 


B.  C 1491. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


B.  C.  1491. 


6 Thy  Prishl  hand,  O Lord,  is  become  glorious 
jn  power : thy  right  hand,  0 Lord,  hath  'idashed 
in  pieces  the  enemy. 

7 And  in  rthe  greatness  of  thine  excellency 
thou  ,.ast  overthrown  ’them  that  rose  up  against 
tl.ee : thou  sentest.  forth  thy  wrath,  which  'con- 
si  me  it  them  as  stubble. 

8 A id  with  the  "blast  of  thy  nostrils  the  waters 
were  gathered  together : xt.he  floods  stood  upright 
as  an  heap,  and  the  depths  were  congealed  m the 
heart  of  the  sea. 

9 The  enemy  said,  ?I  will  pursue,  I will  overtake, 
I will  divide  the  spoil : my  lust  shall  be  satisfied 
upon  them,  I will  draw  my  sword,  my  hand  shall 
'destroy  them. 

p 11.  1 Chr.  29:11.13,  Pa.  11:7.  -11:3.  60:5.71:11.  77:10.89:3-13.98:1.  118:15,16. 
I«.  51:9.  52:lil.  Matt.  6:13.  qPs.2;9.  Is.  80:11.  Jef.  13:14.  Rev. 2:27.  r 9:16. 
Deuc. 33:26.  Ps.  1 18:13.  !«.  5:16.  Jer.  10:6.  a Is.  37:17,23,29,36,38.  Mic.4:ll. 
Nall.  1:9—12.  Zech.2:8.  14:3,3.  Vets  9:4.  t Ps.  5.9:13.  83:13.  Is.  5:24.  47:14. 
Nah.  1:10.  Mai.  4:1.  u 14:21.  2 Sam. 22: 16.  Job  4:9.  Is.  11:4.  37:7.  2 Thes.  2: 
8.  x See  on  14:22.  Ps.  78:13.  Hab.  3:10.  zjutlg.5:30.  1 Kings  19:2.  20:10.  Is. 
10:8—13  . 36:20.  Hub.  3:14.  Luke  11-22.  • Or,  repossess.  14:5,9.  a 14:21. 

Gea.  8:1.  Ps.  74:13,14.  135:7.  147:18.  Is.  11:15.  Jet-.10:13.  Am.  4:13.  Matt.  8: 


instruct  Israel  how  to  express  their  admiring  gratitude  to  the 
Lord  for  their  late  surprising  deliverance,  is  the  most  ancient 
composition  of  the  kind  now  extant  in  the  world.  It  was 
sung  by  Moses  and  the  congregation  of  Israel ; while  Miriam 
led  the  women,  to  accompany  them,  not  only  with  sing- 
ing, but  also  with  timbrels  and  dances.  (Note,  20,21.)  Mr. 
Henry  observes,  that,  4 this  proves  Psalm-singing  to  be  more 
ancient  than  the  ceremonial  law,  and  therefore  no  part  of  it 
and  it  proves  the  same  also  concerning  the  use  of  instrumental 
music  in  the  worship  of  God,  and  even  of  religious  dances. 
Whether,  in  present  circumstances,  either  the  one  or  the  other 
tends  to  the  glory  of  God  and  the  edification  of  men,  and  there- 
fore whether  either  of  them  ought  to  be  retained,  or  both  ex- 
cluded from  the  worship  of  the  New  Testament  Church, 
s another  question:  but  it  seems  evident,  that  they  form  no 
part  of  the  ceremonial  law,  and  are  neither  commanded  nor 
prohibited  in  the  Scripture ; though  we  have  examples  of 
them  in  the  Old  Testament,  and  none  in  the  New. — Pharaoh 
and  the  Egyptians  had  contended  with  pertinacious  obstinacy 
against  Jehovah  the  God  of  Israel;  but  Jehovah,  unex- 
pectedly and  with  violence,  throwing  the  44  horse  and  his  rider 
into  the  sea,”  had  obtained  a complete  victory,  and  triumphed 
most  gloriously:  it  was  therefore  Israel’s  bounden  duty  to 
sing  joyful  praises  to  their  great  Deliverer,  and  to  celebrate 
the  wonders  which  he  had  wrought  in  their  behalf. 

V.  2.  The  original  word  here  translated  44  The  Lord,” 
is  J ah,  which  seems  to  have  the  same  meaning  as  Jehovah, 
and  to  be  derived  from  the  same  root;  indeed,  some  think  it 
»s  merely  a contraction  of  it.  Both  names  are  supposed  to 
signify  nearly  the  same  as  the  words  rendered  I am  that  I 
am  ; and  to  denote  Self-existence.  4 That  character  from 
which  the  acutest  reasoners  have  endeavoured  demonstra- 
tively to  deduce,  as  from  their  source,  all  the  divine  attri- 
butes, is  Self-existence.  Is  it  not  then  highly  remark- 
able, that  it  is  under  this  character,  the  Divinity  is  described, 
on  his  first  manifestation  to  the  Jewish  Lawgiver  ? — The 
Self-existence,  and  by  consequence  the  eternity  and  immuta- 
bility of  the  one  Great  Jehovah?’  Graves. — On  the  al- 
mighty power,  and  sovereign  authority  of  the  Creator  of  the 
world,  and  the  God  of  their  fathers,  the  Israelites  had  been 
taught  to  depend  for  protection  and  deliverance ; and  he  had, 
in  the  crisis  of  extreme  danger,  answered  and  exceeded  their 
expectations.  He  was  their  44  Strength,”  and  they  celebrated 
his  praises  in  joyful  songs,  because  44  he  was  become  their 
Salvation.”  (Is.  12:2.)  This  every  Israelite  was  taught  to 
profess,  in  the  most  explicit  manner : and  Moses,  prophe- 
tically intimating  the  Lord’s  design,  of  having  a tabernacle 
and  afterwards  a temple  among  them,  as  the  external  token 
Oi  his  gracious  presence,  the  centre  of  their  worship,  and  the 
type  of  the  human  nature  of  Christ,  “in  whom  dwelleth  all 
the  fulness  of  the  godhead  bodily,”  led  them  also  to  avow 
their  purpose  of  preparing  him  a habitation,  as  the  God  whom 
alone  they  would  worship.— The  Lord  had  also  manifestly 
shown  himself  to  be  the  God  of  their  u father”  Abraham,  and 
of  Isaac,  and  Jacob;  and  had  glorified  his  mercy  and  truth  by 
fulfilling  the  promises  which  he  had  made  to  them : and  on 
this  account,  he  should  be  exalted  by  their  loftiest  adorations 
and  most  grateful  acknowledgments. — It  is  obvious,  that  all 
this  is  a shadow  of  the  true  Christian’s  confidence,  conflicts, 
victories,  and  triumphs;  and  of  the  praises  which  the  whole 
ransomed  church  shall  at  last  render  to  the  glorious  God  of 
their  salvation,  and  which  here  on  earth  they  in  a feeble 
manner  anticipate.  (Note,  Rev.  15:1—4,  laUer  part.) 

V . 3.  Jehovah  had  acted  as  a renowned  warrior  and  con- 
queror, whose  achievements  ought  to  be  celebrated  in  sacred 
songs  of  praise,  as  those  of  the  heathen  conquerors  were  in 
their  profane  poems,  emphatically  so  called,  while  they  as- 
cribed the  honours  due  to  God  to  some  ambitious,  cruel  man. — 
Perhaps  die  Holy  Spirit  might  in  the  expression,  “ A Man 
of  War,”  have  some  reference  to  the  incarnation  of  the  divine 
Saviour : for  every  deliverance  of  the  church  was  granted,  in 
consequence  of  his  engagement  to  take  on  him  our  nat  ure  ; his 
most  glorious  victories  have  been,  and  will  be,  obtained  by 


10  Thou  didst  “blow  with  thy  wind,  bthe  sea 
covered  them:  “they  ■sank  as  lead  in  the  mighty 
waters. 

11  Who  is  ‘'like  unto  thee,  O Lord,  amongst 
the  'gods?  who  is  like  thee,  “glorious  in  holiness, 
f fearful  in  praises,  doing  wonders  ? 

12  Thou  sstretchedst  out  thy  right  hand,  the 
earth  swallowed  them. 

13  Thou  ''in  thy  mercy  hast 'led  forth  the  peopli 
which  thou  hast  redeemed  : thou  hast  '‘guided  t hen 
in  thy  strength  unto  thy  'holy  habitation. 

14  The  people  shall  mhear  and  he  afraid : sorrow 
shall  take  hold  on  the  inhabitants  “of  Palestina. 

15  Then  the  “dukes  of  Edom  shall  be  amazed, 
the  mighty  men  i’of  Moab,  trembling  shall  take 

27.  b Deut.  11:4.  c See  on  5.  d Deut.3:24.  33:2$,  I .Sam.  2:2.  2 E;im.  7:22.  I Kin^s 
8:23.  I s.  35:10.  77:19.  86:8.  89:6—8.  Is.  40:18,25.  Jer.  10:6,16.  49:19.  t Or, 
mighty  ones,  e Lev.  19:2.  Ps.  89:18.  145:17.  Is.  6:3.  30:11.  57:15.  1 Pet.  1:15 
16.  Rev.  4:8.  fPs.66:5.  89:5,7.  90:11.  119:120.  Is.  64:2.3.  Jer.  10:7.  Luke  12* 
5.  Heb.  12:28,29.  Rev.  15:4.  19:1—6.  g &«.)>> 6.  Ii  Gen.  19:16.  Kpli.2:4. 
i Ps.  77:14,15.  78:52,53.  106:9.  Is.  63:12,13.  Jer.  2:6.  k 1 Pet.  1.5.  1 l a.  78:54. 
m Nam.  14:14.  22:5.  Deut.  2:4,25.  Josh.  2:9,10.  9 24.  Is. 48:6.  n Is.  14:29,31 . 
o Gen.  36:40.  Num.  20:14 — 21.  1 Chr.  1:51 — 54.  pNum.22:3 — 5.  Hub.  3:7. 


him,  under  the  character  of  “the  Son  of  Man;”  and  all  di- 
vine perfections  are  displayed  in  the  sight  of  the  universe, 
through  the  medium  of  his  human  nature. 

V.  5.  The  Egyptians,  overwhelmed  by  the  weight  of  the 
waves  which  impetuously  rushed  upon  them,  sank  to  the  bot- 
tom as  a stor.e  ; and  probably  multkudes  of  them  “rose  no 
more,  (12  ;)  though  others  were  washed  up  again,  and  driven 
to  the  land.  (Note,  14:26 — 30.) 

V.  G.  Or,  “ Thy  right  hand  is  glorified  in  power.” — All 
men  would  admire  the  greatness  and  power  of  God,  as  glori- 
fied in  the  destruction  of  Pharaoh;  and,  in  like  manner,  his 
right  hand  would  dash  in  pieces  every  other  enemy. 

V.'  7.  Excellency .]  Not  only  excelling  in  power,  but  ex- 
cellent in  justice,  wisdom,  truth,  and  goodness. — This  verse, 
and  the  latter  clause  of  the  foregoing,  are  in  the  future  tense 
in  the  original ; and  may  be  considered  as  a solemn  warning 
to  all  men,  not  to  copy  the  persecuting,  impious,  and  obsti- 
nate conduct  of  Pharaoh  and  the  Egyptians,  if  they  would 
escape  the  dreadful  effects  of  Jehovah’s  omnipotent  indig- 
nation.— “ Thou  wilt  dash,  &c.” 

V.  8.  The  wind  may,  by  a strong  metaphor,  be  called 
“ the  blast  of  the  Lord’s  nostrils,”  or  indignation,  naving 
been  excited  by  his  power,  as  the  token  of  his  dividing  the 
Red  Sea.  The  waters  piled  up  into  immense  heaps  on  eact 
side  of  the  road,  on  which  Israel  marched,  stood  as  if  petrified 
into  solid  rocks. 

V.  9,  10.  The  former  of  these  verses,  in  the  highest  style 
of  genuine  sublimity,  describes  the  rage,  pride,  and  presump- 
tion of  Pharaoh  and  the  Egyptians,  confirming  what  was 
spoken  upon  that  subject  in  the  foregoing  chapter  ; while  the 
litter,  with  inimitable  simplicity  and  brevity,  describes  the 
perfect  ease  with  which  they  were  arrested  by  the  Lord,  anil 
overwhelmed  in  the  sea ; so  that  they  sank  to  the  bottom 
suddenly,  as  lead  at  once  sinks  in  the  water. 

Y.  11.  Not  only  the  mightiest  princes,  but  also  all  the 
objects  of  religious  worship  of  the  Egyptians  and  other  idola- 
ters, through  which  Satan  proudly  affected  to  be  worshipped 
as  “ the  god  of  this  world,”  were  thus  proved  wholly  unworthy 
to  be  in  any  respect  compared  to  Jehovah.  His  righteous- 
ness, faithfulness,  purity,  and  love,  (that  is,  his  holiness,) 
form  his  essential  glory  and  excellence ; and  reflect  glory  upon 
all  the  contrivances  of  his  consummate  wisdom,  and  the  ope- 
rations of  his  almighty  power,  which,  if  nol  devised  and  per- 
formed in  holiness,  would  be  tremendous,  but  not  glorious. 
Such  majesty  also,  and  excellency,  are  displayed  in  the 
Lord’s  works  of  love  and  mercy,  as  cannot  be  suitably  admired 
and  praised,  unless  the  mind  be  filled  with  solemn  awe  and 
reverential  fear. 

V.  12.  1 They  who  were  drowned  in  the  sea,  are  . . . said 
to  be  swallowed  up  in  the  earth:  (Jon.  2:6.)  because  the  sea 
is  in  the  depths  of  the  earth.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  13.  It  is  here  acknowledged,  that  the  deliverance  of 
Israel  was  a display  of  mercy , even  as  the  destruction  of  thb 
Egyptians  was  an  act  of  justice.  This  miraculous  redemp- 
tion from  bondage  was  an  earnest  of  their  being  put  in  posses- 
sion of  Canaan,  which  is  spoken  of  as  if  it  had  been  already 
accomplished. — Canaan  seems  to  be  called  the  “ holy  habita- 
tion” of  Jehovah,  and  afterwards  “the  mountain  of  his 
inheritance,”  and  “the  sanctuary  ;”  because  God  had  chosen 
it  for  the  place  of  his  future  special  residence,  where  he  would 
manifest  his  presence  and  love,  establish  his  holy  ordinances, 
and  publish  his  holy  word.  (Note,  17.) — This  is  a shadow 
of  the  believer’s  merciful  redemption  from  iniquity  and  the 
powers  of  darkness,  and  of  his  being  powerfully  guided  to  the 
holy  habitation  of  God  in  heaven. 

V.  14 — 1G.  The  Philistines  had  been  objects  of  terror  to 
Israel;  (Note,  13:17,18.)  but  the  people  now  suppose  these 
formidable  enemies  to  he  filled  wiih  dismay  and  anguish,  at 
the  report  of  this  wonderful  deliverance  : and  no  doubt  it  pro- 
duced very  "real  efforts  on  all  the  surrounding  nations,  for  a 
long  time.  The  inhabitants  of  Jericho,  forty  years  after,  had 
not  got  over  the  alarm  which  it  occasioned.  (Note,  Josh.  2: 
S — II.)  Thus  the  nations  would  he  awed  into  silence,  and 

( HI  ) 


B.  C.  1491. 


EXODUS 


B.  C.  1491. 


hoM  upon  them:  nail  the  inhabitants  of  Canaan 
shall  rmelt  away. 

1 13  Fear  and  “dread  shall  fall  upon  them : by  the 
preatness  of  thine  arm  they  shall  be  as  'still  as  a 
stone  ; till  thy  people  pass  over,  O Lord,  till  the 
people  pass  over  '‘winch  thou  hast  purchased. 

17  Thou  slrnlt  bring  them  in,  and  "plant  them 
in  the  ^mountain  of  thine  inheritance,  in  the 
place,  O Lord,  which  thou  hast  made  for  thee  to 
dwell  in : in  the  sanctuary,  O Lord,  which  thy 
hands  have  established. 

18  The  "Lord  shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever. 

19  For  the  “horse  of  Pharaoh  went  in  with  his 
chariots,  and  with  his  horsemen  into  the  sea,  and 
the  Lord  bbrought  again  the  waters  of  the  sea 
upon  them : but  the  children  of  Israel  went  on  dry 
land  in  the  midst  of  the  sea. 

20  H And  Miriam  the  “prophetess,  the  dsister  of 
Aaron, took  a timbrel  in  her  hand:  and  “all  the  women 
went  out  after  her,  with  timbrels  and  with  dances. 

21  And  Miriam  f answered  them,  eSing  ye  to 
the  Lord,  for  he  hath  triumphed  gloriously ; the 
horse  and  his  rider  hath  he  thrown  into  the  sea. 

[ Practical  Observations.'] 


q Josh.  2:11.  5:1.  r Petit.  20:8.  Josh.  2:9.  7ntirg.  14:8.  1 Sam.  14:16.  2 Sam. 
17:10.  Ps.  68:2.  Is.  13:7.  19:1.  E/..21:7.  Nah.2:10.  6 Deut.  11:25.  t 11:7. 

1 Sam.  2:9.  25:37.  u 19:5,6.  Dent.  32:6.  2 Sam.  7:23.  Ps.  74:2.  Is.  43:1— 3.  51: 
10.  Jer.  31:11.  Acts  20:28.  Tit.  2:14.  1 Pet.  2:9.  2 Pet.  2:1 . x Ps.  44:2.  78:54, 
55.  80:8.  Is.  5.1—4.  Jer.  2:21.  32:41.  y l s.  78:54,68,69.  Jer.  31:23.  z Ps.  10: 
16.146:10.  Is.  57:15.  Dan.  2:41.  7:14.  Matt.  6:13.  Rev.  11 :15— 17.  a 14:23. 
Prov.  21:31.  b 14:28,29.  Heb.  11:29.  cJu<]g.4:4.  1 Sam.  10:5.  2Kines22:14. 
Luke  2:36.  Acts  21:9.  1 Cor.  11:5.  14:34.  d 2:4.  Num.  12:1.  20:1.  26:59.  Mic.  6:4. 
eJudg.  11:34.  1 Sam.  18:6.  2 Sam.  6: 14.  Ps.  68:25.  149:3.  150:4.  fl  Sam.  18:7. 
2Chr.  5:13.  Ps.24:7— 10.  134:  g See  on  I.  Judg.  5:3.  Is.  5:1.  Rev.  7:10— 12. 


be  restrained  from  resistance,  as  if  petrified,  and  become 
stones,  by  the  glory  of  Jehovah’s  power  and  indignation  ; 
seeing  he  had  ransomed  his  people  at  the  price  of  so  flourish- 
ing a country  as  Egypt.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

Pass  over.  (IG)  Note , Josh.  3:2,  end. 

V.  17.  (Note,  13.)  ‘Moses  seems  to  have  foreseen,  by 
the  Spirit  of  prophecy,  that  God  would  place  his  habitation 
apon  mount  Zion ; which  he  understood,  perhaps,  from  the 
sacrifice  of  Isaac  on  mount  Moriah.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Note 
Gen.  22:2,  latter  part.) 

V.  18.  In  perfect  wisdom,  justice,  and  goodness,  “Je- 
hovah shall  reign  forever,”  as  the  only  Lawgiver  and  Judge 
over  his  willing  people  ; and  he  will  finally  and  eternally  crush 
all  his  enemies  with  irresistible  force. — Two  distinct  words 
are  used  in  the  original  to  express  what  is  rendered  “ for 
ever  and  ever,”  which  mutually  confirm  each  other,  and  evi- 
dently signify  eternity,  in  the  strictest  sense  of  the  word. — 
The  translation  in  the  LXX  is  remarkable  : Kvpioi  (3aai\cvuiv 
rov  aioiva,  xai  c;r’  aioiva,  Kai  en.  ‘ The  Lord  reigning  over 
eternity,  and  unto  eternity,  and  beyond,'  (or  evermore.) 

V.  20,  21.  Miriam  is  joined,  by  Micah,  with  Moses  and 
Aaron,  in  leading  forth  the  people;  (Mic.  6:4.)  and  she  is 
here  called  a prophetess : yet  nothing  is  recorded  of  her  in  that 
character,  but  her  leading  the  women  in  this  song  of  praise, 
joined,  according  to  the  usages  of  the  times,  with  trimbrels 
and  dances.  It  may,  however,  be  observed,  that  she  as  well 
as  Aaron  said,  “ Hath  not  the  Lord  spoken  by  us  ?”  ( Num. 
12:2.)  and  though  she  was  rebuked  for  her  misconduct  on  that 
occasion,  yet  the  context  seems  to  imply  that  the  I.ord  had 
spoken  by  her,  but  not  in  the  same  manner  as  to  Moses.  Per- 
haps on  some  occasions,  she  delivered  the  messages  of  God 
to  the  women  of  Israel.  She  was  at  this  time  about  ninety 
years  of  age  ; and,  having  generally  lived  with  Aaron,  she  is 
called  his  sister,  rather  than  the  sister  of  Moses. — It  is  sup- 
posed that  the  Israelites  sang  responsively  ; and  that  Miriam 
led  the  chorus  of  the  women  , when  it  came  to  their  turn  to 
take  up  the  song  of  praise.  Many  passages  of  Scripture  seem 
to  denote  this  alternate  mode  of  singing,  some  of  which  are 
referred  to  in  the  margin,  (f.) 

V.  22 — 24.  This  immense  multitude,  with  their  numerous 
flocks  and  herds,  marching  for  three  days  without  any  water, 
except  as  they  might  carry  some  small  quantity  with  them, 
must  have  experienced  great  distress  and  perhaps  disease : 
and  having  found  water,  but  not  being  able  to  drink  it,  they 
were  still  more  disappointed.  Probably,  the  waters  of  Ma- 
ah  were  not  only  very  nauseous,  but  also  unwholesome,  so 
that  the  trial  was  indeed  very  great.  (Note,  25,26.)  When 
first  delivered  from  the  Egyptians,  the  Israelites  were  so 
mpressed  with  the  power  exerted  in  their  behalf,  that  “ they 
feared  the  Lord,  and  believed  the  Lord,  and  his  servant 
Moses,”  as  acting  under  his  authority : but  being  again 
alarmed,  as  well  as  distressed,  “they  soon  forgat  his  works,” 
and  began  to  vent  their  discontent  and  distrust,  in  peevish 
murmurs  against  Moses,  as  if  he  had  acted  of  himself! — 
They  ‘should  rather  have  prayed  to  God  than  murmured 
Against  Moses.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  25,  26.  Moses  did  what  the  people  had  neglected  to 
do;  and,  in  answer  to  his  prayer,  a tree  was  pointed  out  to 
him,  by  means  of  whi  h the  waters  became  sweet  and  whole- 
tome.  It  cannot  reasonably  be  supposed,  that  this  change 
( M2  ) 


22  IT  So  Moses . brought  Israel  from  the  Red 
Sea,  and  they  went  out  into  the  hwilderness  of 
Sliur  : and  they  went ‘three  days  in  the  wilderness, 
and  found  no  water. 

23  And  when  they  came  to  kMarah,  they  could 
not  drink  of  the  waters  of  Marah,  for  they  vjere 
bitter:  therefore  the  name  of  it  was  called  'Marah. 

24  And  the  people  Murmured  against  Moses, 
saying.  mWhat  shall  we  drink  ? 

25  And  he  “cried  unto  the  Lord,  and  the  Lord 
showed  him°a  tree,  which  when  he  had  cast  it  into 
the  waters,  the  waters  were  made  sweet : there 
he  made  for  them  statute  and  an  ordinance, 
and  there  he  ^proved  them, 

26  And  said,  rIf  thou  wilt  diligently  hearken  to 
the  voice  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  sand  wilt  do  that 
which  is  right  in  his  sight,  and  wilt  give  ear  to  his 
commandments,  and  keep  all  his  statutes ; I will 
put  none  of  these  diseases  upon  thee,  which  1 
have  brought  upon  the  Egyptians ; “for  i am  the 
Lord  that  healeth  thee. 

27  And  they  came  to  xElim,  where  were  twelve 
wells  of  water,  and  threescore  and  ten  palm-trees: 
and  they  encamped  there  by  the  waters. 

5:9.14:3.15:3.19:1—6.  h Gen.  16:7.  25:18.  1 Sam.  15:7.  i3:18.  kNurn.33. 
8.  ’ That  is,  Bitterness.  Ruth  1:20.  114:11.  16:2,8,9.17:3.4.  Num.  11:1— 6 
11:1— 4.  16:11,41.  17:10.  20:2—5.  21:5.  1 Cor.  10:10.  Phil.  2:14.  Jude  16 
m 17:3.  Ps.  78:19,20.  Matt.  6:25.  n 14:10.  17:4.  Ps.  50:15.  91:13.  99:S.  Jer.  15: 
1.  o 2 Kings  2:21.  4:41.  1 Cor.  1:18.  p Josh.  24:21— 25.  q 16.4.  Deut.  8:2,16 
13:3.  Judg.  2:22.  3:1,4.  Ps.  66:10.  81:7.  Prov.  17:3.  Jer.  9:7.  1 Pet.  1:6,7. 
r Lev.  26:3— 13.  Deut.  7:12,13.  28:1— 15.  s Deut.  12:28.  13:18.  1 Kings  11 :33, 38. 
2 Kings 22:2.  Ez.  18:5.  t 9:10,11.  12:29.  Deut.  7:15.  28:27,60.  u 23:25.  2 Kings 
20:5.  Job  5:18.  Ps.  41:3,4.  103:3.  147:3.  Is.  57:18.  Jer.  8:22.  33:6.  Hcs.  6:1. 
Jam.  5:11—16.  x Num.  33:9.  Is.  12:3.  Ez.  47:12.  Rev.  7:17.  22:2. 


was  made  by  a natural  efficacy ; but  rather,  that  the  wood 
was  the  appointed  token  of  God’s  miraculous  operation. 
(iV<^es,  2 Kings  2:19 — 22.  4:40,41.)  It  may  also  call  to  our 
remembrance  the  blessings  of  the  gospel,  which  Christ  ob- 
tained for  us  when  he  hung  upon  the  tree  ; and  which  sweeten 
all  our  bitterest  trials,  by  giving  peace  to  the  conscience, 
comfort,  and  the  hope  of  glory. — On  this  occasion,  the  Lord 
was  pleased  to  give  Israel  some  intimations  of  his  holy  will, 
previous  to  the  promulgation  of  the  law ; as  well  as  to  show 
them  by  what  rule  he  intended  to  act  towards  them  ; even 
according  to  their  conduct,  whether  obedient  or  disobedient. 
Perhaps,  they  were  reminded  to  observe  the  Sabbath,  and 
directed  how  to  order  their  religious  worship,  as  well  as  in* 
structed  in  the  grand  outlines  of  the  moral  law.  Whilst  the 
Lord  engaged  to  provide  for  them,  and  continue  their  healtl 
and  comforts,  if  they  were  obedient ; he  also  intimated  that 
if  they  were  rebellious,  the  very  diseases  and  judgments, 
which  they  had  seen  inflicted  upon  the  Egyptians,  would 
come  upon  them  also.  Perhaps  the  want  of  water,  and  the 
unwholesome  waters  of  Marah,  which  some  of  them  had 
drunk,  occasioned  sickness,  and  filled  the  multitude  with  dis- 
mal apprehensions,  which  were  thus  obviated  and  overruled 
for  good  purposes. 

V.  27.  Twelve  wells , &c.]  A well  of  water  to  each  tribe, 
and  the  palm-trees  for  a cooling  shade  and  pleasant  fruit. — 
It  is  remarkable  that  the  number  answers  to  the  twelve  patri- 
archs and  the  seventy  elders,  and  to  the  twelve  apostles  and 
the  seventy  disciples. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 21.  Those  events  in  providence,  and  those  expe- 
riences in  the  life  of  faith,  which  have  occasioned  our  most 
distressing  apprehensions,  often  terminate  in  such  a manner 
as  to  fill  our  hearts  with  gratitude,  and  our  lips  with  praise : 
nor  would  the  Lord  lead  those  whom  he  loves  into  straits, 
did  he  not  intend  to  render  them  subservient  to  his  own  glory, 
and  to  their  comfort  and  advantage. — When  we  have  pa- 
tiently and  quietly  waited  for  deliverance  out  of  trouble,  and 
have  had  our  expectations  answered,  we  should  proclaim  to 
all  around  us  the  wonderful  works  of  God : and  every  one,  in 
the  improvement  of  his  talent,  and  I he  exercise  of  his  par- 
ticular endowments,  should  concur  in  so  pleasant  and  rea- 
sonable a service. — They  who  oppress  the  ptople  of  God 
arc  his  declared  enemies,  over  whom  he  will  at  length  triumph 
completely  ; and  all  shall  acknowledge,  that  he  is  “ glorious 
in  holiness,”  as  well  as  in  power,  in  their  destruction,  and  in 
that  of  all  impenitent  sinners.  But  they,  who  humbly  sub- 
mit to  him  and  trust  in  his  mercy,  will  find  that  he  uis  be- 
come their  Salvation,”  and  He  will  “compass  them  about 
with  songs  of  deliverance.” — What  his  grace  begins,  his  power 
and  faithfulness  will  complete  ; and,  having  redeemed  them 
from  the  bondage  of  sin  and  Satan,  every  past  favour  becomes 
an  earnest  of  future  benefits,  till  he  shall  bring  them  to  his 
holy  habitation  in  heaven. — The  judgments  inflicted  on  some 
enemies  of  God  are  evidences  that  judgment  will  he  executed 
on  the  rest;  and  he  often  intimidates  those  whom  he  intends 
to  punish.  Ere  long  “every  enemy  shall  be  destroyed, 
which  hath  done  evil  in  his  sane'uary  the  whole  church 
shall  sing  “the. song  of  Moses  and  of  the  Lamb,”  as  tri- 
umphing over  the  fall  of  every  antichrist;  “and  the  Loro 
shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever,”  io  the  eler  il  sate  ta*  tu  n of 


B.  C.  1491 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


B.  C.  1 191 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


The  Israelites  came  to  the  ictldcmess  of  Sin,  and  murmur  for  leant  of  bread , 
1 — 4.  Manna , Hfc.  is  promised,  and  the  people  are  rebuked , 5—12.  Quails 
and  manna  are  scat,  13—15.  Manna  is  described , and  rules  are  given  for 

fathering  id  ; the  people  disobey  in  hoarding  it,  and  in  see'.ing  it  on  the  sal)- 
nth-day,  16 — 31.  God  commands  that  an  omer  of  it  should  be  preserved, 
S2-36. 

AND  they  “took  their  journey  from  Elim*  and 
all  the  congregation  of  the  children  of  Israel 
came  unto  the  wilderness  of  bSin,  which  is  between 
Ehm  and  Sinai,  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  second 
month,  after  their  departing  out  of  the  land  of 
Egypt. 

2 And  the  'whole  congregation  of  the  children 
of  Israel  murmured  against  Moses  and  Aaron  in 
the  wilderness. 

3 And  the  children  of  Israel  said  unto  them, 
d Would  to  God  'we  had  died  by  the  hand  of  the 
Loro  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  when  we  sat  by  the 
'flesh-pots,  and  when  we  did  eat  bread  to  the 
full : for  ye  have  brought  us  forth  into  this  wilder- 
ness, "to  kill  this  whole  assembly  with  hhunger. 

4 Then  said  the  Lord  unto  Moses,  Behold,  ‘I 
will  rain  bread  from  heaven  for  you : and  the  peo- 


ple shall  go  out  and  gather  a 'certain  rale  every 
day.  that  I may  kprove  them,  whether  they  will 
walk  in  my  law,  or  no. 

5 And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  on  the  sixth  day 
they  shall  ‘prepare  that  which  they  bring  in  ; ‘“and 
it  shall  be  twice  as  much  as  they  gather  daily. 

6 And  Moses  and  Aaron  said  unto  all  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  At  “even,  then  ye  shall  know  that 
“the  Lord  hath  brought  you  out  from  the  land  of 
Egypt. 

7 And  in  Pthe  morning,  then  ^ye  shall  see  the 
glory  of  the  Lord;  for  that  he  heareth  your 
murmurings  against  the  Lord  : And  ■'what  are  we, 
that  ye  murmur  against  us  ? 

8 And  Moses  said,  This  shall  be  when  the 
Lord  shall  give  you  in  the  evening  flesh  to  eat, 
and  in  the  morning  bread  to  the  full ; for  that  'the 
Lord  heareth  your  murmurings  which  ye  murmur 
against  him.  And  what  are  we  ? your  murmur- 
ings are  not  against  us,  but  ‘against  the  Lord. 

9 And  Moses  spake  unto  Aaron,  Say  unto  all 
the  congregation  of  the  children  of  Israel,  “Come 


a 15:27.  Num.  33:10— 12.  b 17:1.  Num.  33:12.  Ez.  30:15,16.  c Ss.  on  15:24. 
Ceil.  19:4.  Ps.  106:7,13.2').  1 Cor.  10:10.  (1  Num.  20:3— 5.  rieut.28:67.  Josh.  7: 
7.  2 Sam.  18:33.  Arts  26:29.  1 Cor.  4:8.  2 Cor.  11:1.  e Num.  11:15.  14:2.  Job 
3:1,10.20.  Jer.  20:14—18.  Jon.  4:8,9.  12:23.  Num.  11:4,5.  c5:21.  17:3.  Num. 
16:13,41.  h Dent.  S:3.  Jer.  2:6:  Lam.  4:9.  i Ps.  78:24.  105:40.  John  6:31,32. 
1 Cor.  10:3.  * Heb.  the  portion  of  a day  in  his  day.  Neh.  11:23.  Prov.  30:8. 

his  redeemed  people,  and  the  eternal  confusion  of  his  adver- 
saries. 

Y.  22 — 27.  In  this  world  we  must  pass  through  many 
changes  : and  those  praises  which  only  spring  from  gratified 
self-love,  will  soon  be  turned  into  rebellious  murmurs.  Hypo- 
crites may  have  a temporary  faith,  and  sometimes  very  high 
affections,  and  be  very  earnest  in  religious  exercises  ; but, 
in  time  of  temptation,  they  often  fall  away:  and  even  true 
believers,  in  seasons  of  sharp  trial,  are  frequently  induced  to 
fret,  distrust,  and  murmur.  But,  in  every  dispensation,  we 
should  cast  our  care  upon  the  Lord,  and  pour  out  our  prayers 
before  him ; and  we  shall  find  (hat  a submissive  will,  a peace- 
ful conscience,  and  the  comfort  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  render  the 
bitterest  trials  tolerable,  yea  pleasant.  And,  let  us  not  for- 
get that  we  are  preserved  from  destruction,  and  delivered 
from  our  enemies,  to  be  the  servants  of  God  ; that  he  proves 
us  in  order  to  our  more  unreserved  obedience ; that  our  ex- 
emptions from  the  afriictions  which  others  endure,  is  intended 
to  encourage  us  in  the  path  of  duty;  and  that  the  evidence  of 
our  being  interested  in  his  redeeming  love,  arises  from  the 
habitual  disposition  to  keep  his  commandments.  Our  health, 
both  of  body  and  soul,  depends  on  him : may  he  then  sanc- 
tify our  bodily  sicknesses,  restore  our  souls  to  the  health  of 
holiness,  enable  bis  “to  draw  water  with  joy  from  the  wells 
of  salvation,”  and  “ to  sit  down  under  his  shadow  with  great 
delight,”  and  find  “his  fruit  sweet  to  our  taste.” — (Cant.  2:3. 
Is.  12:3.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  XVI.  V.  1 — 3.  We  are  informed  in 
another  place,  (Num.  33:10 — 12.)  that  the  Israelites  marched 
Dack  to  the  Red  Sea,  when  they  left  Elim.  Perhaps  the 
Lord  saw  good  to  lead  them  thither  again  ; in  order  to  remind 
them  of  his  past  mercies,  and  to  renew  the  impressions  made 
at  first  on  their  mind,  which  were  in  great  measure  erased  at 
Marali. — They  however  arrived  in  the  desert  of  Sin,  not  far 
from  Sinai,  exactly  a month  after  they  set  off  from  Egypt  : 
but  when  they  came  thither,  having  by  this  time  consumed 
nearly  the  whole  stock  of  provisions  which  they  had  brought 
with  them,  and  seeing  no  prospect  of  a supply,  “the  whole 
congregation,'’  including  the  elders  and  the  body  of  the  peo- 
ple, with  very  few  exceptions,  murmured  vehemently  against 
Moses  and  Aaron.  As  they  had  been  liberated  from  Egypt- 
ian bondage,  and  conducted  thus  far,  by  a series  of  stupen- 
dous miracles ; doubtless  they  should  have  expected  to  be 
trrovided  for  in  a similar  manner:  hut,  instead  of  this  confi- 
dence in  G oil,  they  looked  only  to  natural  causes ; and,  per- 
ceiving nothing  but  approaching  famine  and  desolation,  they 
passionately  wished  that  they  had  died  by  some  sudden  judg- 
ment, in  like  manner  as  the  first-born  of  Egypt  had  been 
6lain  ! Nav,  they  seemed  to  envy  their  speedy  death,  while 
they  considered  themselves  reserved  to  a more  lingering  and 
painful  execution!  They  had  likewise  forgotten  the  galling 
labours  and  oppression  of  their  cruel  bondage,  and  only  re- 
membered the  plenty  which  they  had  enjoyed,  magnifying  it 
probably  far  beyond  the  truth  : as  if  their  enslaved  condition 
’n  Egt'pt  had  been  a most  desirable  privilege!  ‘They  un- 
ruly magnify  their  former  condition,  that  they  may  represent 
their  present  to  be  more  miserable  than  really  it  was.’  Bp. 
Patrick.— Not  daring  directly  to  arraign  the  justice  of  God, 
they  passionately  arraigned  the  conduct  of  Moses  and  Aar  n ; 
as  if  they  had  purposely  intended  the  destruction  of  the 
whole  cong-egation  1 

V.  4,  5.  The  conduct  of  Israel  was  ungrateful,  perverse, 
and  distrustful ; yet,  as  their  distress  was  real  and  urgent, 
he  Lord  did  r.ot  execute  deserved  punishment  on  them,  or 
so  much  as  threaten  it.  But  he  determined  to  prove  them, 
and  to  make  it  manifest,  as  by  a fair  trial,  whether  any  rca- 


Matt.  6:11,32,33.  Luke  11:3.  k See  on  15:25.  Josh.  24:15.  123.  35:2,3.  Lev. 

25:21,22.  m 22.  n8,12,13.  o 3.  6:7.  12:51.  32:1,7,11.  Num.  16:28— 30.  Ps. 
77:20.  Is.  63:11,12.  p 13.  q 10:24.  10:16.  Lev.  9:6.  Num.  14:10.  16:42.  Is.35: 
2.  40:5.  John  11:4,10.  r2,3,8.  Num.  16.11.  6 9,12.  Num.  14:27.  Matt.  9:4. 

John  6:41— 43.  1 Cor.  10:10.  t Num.  21:7.  1. Sam.  8:7.  Is.  32:6  . 37:29.  Luke  Uh 
16.  John  13:20.  Rom.  13:2.  1 Thes.  4:8.  u Num.  16:16. 


sonable  indulgence,  or  any  miraculous  interpositions,  would 
induce  them  to  obey  his  commandments. — The  manna  came 
from  the  region  of  the  air,  which  is  sometimes  called  the 
heavens,  (Note,  Gen.  1:6 — 8.)  where  it  was  miraculously 
produced  ; and  it  descended  in  the  form  of  rain  or  dew : it 
might  therefore  properly  be  said,  that  the  Lord  “rained  bread 
from  heaven  for  them.”  The  manna  was  also  a type  of 
Christ,  “the  living  Bread,  who  came  down  from  heaven  to 
give  life  to  the  world.”  (Notes,  John  6:30 — 35,47 — 51.) — It 
was  the  purpose  of  God  to  keep  Israel  m dependence  on 
him;  and  therefore  this  miraculous  bread  (for  it  answered  the 
purposes  of  bread)  was  sent  daily,  in  proportion  to  the  wants 
of  each  day.  But  he  promised  to  send  on  the  sixth  day 
twice  the  usual  quantity,  that  they  might  prepare  it  against 
the  Sabbath. — Whatever  the  custom  of  the  patriarchs  had 
been  respecting  the  Sabbath,  or  the  traditions  handed  down 
among  their  descendants  concerning  its  sacred  obligation,  we 
may  reasonably  conclude,  that  the  Israelites,  when  bond- 
slaves  in  Egypt,  had  not  been  allowed  to  rest  from  labour  on 
that  day  : and  probably  the  observance  of  it  was  almost, 
wholly  neglected,  and  the  institution  itself  nearly  forgotten. 
But  if,  as  many  learned  men  suppose,  they  left  Egypt  on  the 
Sabbath,  and  passed  the  Red  Sea  on  the  Sabbath,  which 
events  were  commemorated  on  the  first  and  last  days  of  un- 
leavened bread ; we  may  conclude,  that  the  old  traditional 
recollection  of  the  institution  would  be  now  revived ; and 
they  would  he  prepared  for  more  explicit  instructions  con- 
cerning the  manner  of  sanctifying  that  sacred  rest. — Indeed 
it  is  very  doubtful,  whether  the  Israelitish  Sabbath  was  ob- 
served on  the  seventh  day,  as  calculated  from  the  close  of 
the  six  days  “in  which  God  created  the  heavens  and  the 
earth and  when  we  consider,  that  a whole  day  is  lost  by 
sailing  round  the  world  in  one  direction,  and  gained  by  going 
round  it  in  the  other,  we  must  perceive  that  no  great  stress 
can  be  laid  on  such  calculations.  The  seventh  day  was  ap- 
pointed at  first  in  remembrance  of  creation  being  completed ; 
one  day  in  seven  was  continued  to  be  set  apart  under  the 
law,  but  perhaps  the  day  was  determined  with  reference  to 
Israel’s  deli  erance  from  Egypt:  and  the  same  proportion  is 
observed  under  the  Christian  Dispensation,  but  the  day  is 
fixed  in  commemoration  of  our  Lord’s  resurrection.  In  all 
these  instances,  the  day  observed  was  a memorial,  through 
all  subsequent  generations,  of  the  event,  which  gave  occasion 
to  its  being  instituted. 

Y.  6 — 8.  The  people  saw  in  the  evening,  when  the  quails 
came,  and  in  the  morning  when  the  manna  descended,  an  ad- 
ditional, miraculous,  and  merciful  proof,  that  the  Lord  him- 
self had  brought  them  out  of  Egypt ; and  that  Moses  and 
Aaron  had  only  executed  his  commission,  and  adhered  to  his 
instructions.  Thus  they  saw  his  glorious  power  and  good- 
ness, in  supplying  by  miracle  the  urgent  wants  of  this  vast 
multitude.  But  perhaps  the  words,  “ In  the  morning  ye 
shall  see  the  glory  of  the  Lord,”  may  also  refer  to  that  v isi- 
ble display  of  divine  glory  which  appeared  in  the  cloud,  (10,) 
as  showing  them  from  whom  that  supply  would  he  sent.  They 
would,  however,  evidently  perceive,  that  the  Lord  regarded 
their  murmurings  with  decided  displeasure:  for  while  they 
reproached  Moses  and  Aaron,  as  if  unwise,  unjust,  or  unkind, 
in  leading  them  out  of  Egypt ; they  did  not  considei  nor  re- 
collect that  all  their  murmurings  were  indeed  against  God 
himself,  and  a daring  impeachment  of  his  conduct  towards 
them. 

V.  9,  10.  We  have  frequently  read,  that  Jehovah  ap- 
peared to  his  servants,  and  that  he  spake  to  them ; and  manj’ 
expositors  suppose,  probably  on  insufficient  grounds,  that  this 
was  always,  or  generally,  from  some  visible  glorious  manifes- 

( 143  ) 


B.  C 1491  EXODUS.  B.  C.  1491 


near  liefore  the  Lord:  for  he  hath  xheard  your 
murnnirings. 

10  And  it  came  to  pass^  as  Aaron  spake  unto 
the  whole  congregation  of  the  children  of  Israel. 
»that  they  looked  toward  the  wilderness,  and 
behold,  the  glory  of  the  Lord  'appeared  in  the 
cloud. 

11  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

12  I have  heard  the  murmurings  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel ; speak  unto  them,  saying,  At  even 
ye  shall  eat  flesh,  and  in  the  morning  ye  shall  be 
filled  with  bread : and  aye  shall  know  that  I am 
the  Lord  your  God. 

13  'll  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  at  even  bthe 
quails  came  up,  and  covered  the  camp : and  in 
•the  morning  the  dew  lay  round  about  the  host. 

14  And  when  cthe  dew  that  lay  was  gone  up, 
behold,  upon  the  face  of  the  wilderness  there  lay 
a small  round  thing,  as  small  as  dthe  hoar-frost  on 
the  ground. 

15  And  when  the  children  of  Israel  sa wit,  they 
said  one  to  another,  "It  is  emanna : for  they  wist 
not  what  it  was.  And  Moses  said  unto  them, 

x See  on  2,8.  y7.  Nam.  14:10.  16:19,42.  z 13:21,22.  40:34—38.  Lev.  9:6. 

Nura.  16:42.  1 Kings  8:10,11.  Matt.  17-5.  a 4:5.  6:7.  7: 1 7.  Jer.  31:34.  Ez.  34: 
30  . 39:22.  Joel  3:17.  Zech.  13:9.  b Nura.  11:31— 33.  Ps.  73:27,28.  105:40. 
c Nura.  11:7—9.  Deut.  8:3.  Neh.  9:15.  Ps.  78:24.  105:40.  il  Ps.  147:16.  • Or, 

Wiiat  is  this  7 or,  It  is  a portion,  e Deut.  8:3,16.  Josh.  5:12.  Neh.  9:20.  John 

tation,  which  they  call  the  Shechinah  : but  on  this  occa- 
sion, Israel  is  summoned  by  Aaron,  at  the  word  of  Moses, 
to  draw  “ near  before  the  Lord  and  when  “ they  looked  to- 
ward the  wilderness,  behold,  the  glory  of  the  Lord  appeared 
in  the  cloud.”  It  is  evident  that,  at  this  time,  there  was  some 
extraordinary  splendour,  which  intimated  the  special  presence 
of  God  ; but  if  this  had  not  differed  from  all  the  former  ap- 
pearances of  God,  why  is  the  language  so  very  different? — 

‘ It  is  not  unlikely  that  Moses  bade  Aaron  go  speak  to  the 
people,  because  he  himself  retired  to  speak  to  God  ; that  is, 
to  pray  for  them,  and  to  acknowledge  his  great  goodness  in 
passing  by  their  murmurings.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  11,  12.  It  is  probable,  that  the  Lord  himself  audibly 
addressed  Moses  from  the  glory  which  appeared  in  the  cloud  ; 
and  thus  confirmed  what  he  had  before  spoken.  By  the  mi- 
raculous and  very  large  supply  of  provisions  about  to  be  sent, 
tile  people  would  be  convinced,  not  only  that  the  Lord  was 
able,  but  also  that  he  considered  himself  engaged,  to  protect 
and  provide  for  them : unless  they  forfeited  that  privilege  by 
rebellion  and  apostacy. 

V.  13.  There  arc  different  opinions  concerning  the  meaning 
of  the  word  translated  quails.  Some  imagine  that  they  were  a 
species  oflocusts;  but  the  language  of  Scripture  uniformly  leads 
us  to  consider  them  as  wild  fowl,  of  whatever  species  they 
might  be.  (Marg.  Ref.  b.) — Such  a large  multitude  of  these 
were  miraculously  brought  to  the  camp  of  Israel,  and  lighted 
among  the  people,  that  without  difficulty  they  caught  as  many 
as  sufficed  for  the  whole  multitude  ! This  miracle  of  mercy 
may  be  contrasted  with  the  plague  oflocusts  which  devoured 
the  remaining  sustenance  of  Egypt. 

V.  14,  15.  After  the  Israelites  had  feasted  at  night  upon 
the  quails,  they  found  in  the  morning  that,  along  with  the  dew, 
there  had  fallen  all  around  the  camp,  “ a small  round  thing, 
as  small  as  the  hoar-frost yet  it  had  not  been  exhaled  with 
the  dew,  but  lay  on  the  ground  as  a solid  substance  : and 
while  they  did  not  know  what  it  was,  and  inquired  of  each 
other,  they  were  led  to  say,  man  hu : “ This  is  man,"  or, 
manna.  This  is  prepared  or  appointed,  or  portioned  out ; that 
is,  ‘ This  is  the  food  before  predicted,  which  God  hath  pre- 
pared or  appointed  for  us.’ — The  name  thus  first  given  it,  has 
been  retained,  as  to  the  substance,  in  most  languages  into 
which  the  Scriptures  have  been  translated. — As  the  people 
seemed  not  to  be  generally  satisfied,  that  this  was  the  bread 
which  God  had  promised  to  “rain  from  heaven  for  them,” 
Moses  expressly  assured  them  that  it  was. — The  name  man- 
na has  also  been  given  to  several  substances,  procured  in 
• different  ways  ; but  it  does  not  appear,  that  any  of  them  was 
the  same  as  the  manna  given  to  Israel,  or  at  all  fitted  to  an- 
swer the  same  purposes.  It  was  indeed  a miraculous  provi- 
sion, given  immediately  from  God  ; and  not  the  production  of 
second  causes. 

It  is  manna.  (15)  (On  |n.  ‘ Quasi  preparatus  cibus,  aut  com- 
paratus  sine  labore.’  Robertson. — It  is  formed  from  run  as 
w a precept  from  mx  and  ’p  a line,  from  rep.  The  word  may 
be  derived  from  the  substantive  run,  a portion,  a distribution. 
The  common  opinion  that  Nprtjn  means  What  isthisl  seems 
entirely  destitute  of  foundation. 

V.  16 — 20.  The  Lord  sent  the  manna,  but  the  people  must 
go  out  early  to  gather  it ; and  they  were  directed  to  take,  for 
each  individual,  such  a quantity  as  would  in  general  suffice  a 
healthy  man ; for  that  seems  to  he  the  meaning  of  the  expres- 
sion,“Every  man  according  to  his  eating,”  when  compared  with 
the  context.  There  would  be  in  each  tent  several  women 
and  children,  who  did  not  require  so  much  food  as  the  grown 
■nen.  vet  these  were  directed  to  gather  for  every  one  of  them, 
( 144  ) 


f This  is  the  bread  which  the  Lord  hath  given  you 
to  eat. 

16  This  is  the  thing  which  the  Lord  hath  com 
manded,  Gather  of  it  every  man  according  to  his 
eating  : an  *omer  Tor  every  man  according  to  the 
number  of  your  Ipersons,  take  ye  every  man  lor 
them  which  are  in  his  tents. 

17  And  the  children  of  Israel  did  so,  and 
gathered,  some  more,  some  less. 

18  And  when  they  did  mete  it  with  an  omer 
hhe  that  gathered  much  had  nothing  over,  and  he 
that  gathered  little  had  no  lack:  they  gathered 
every  man  according  to  his  eating. 

19  And  Moses  said,  Let  no  man  'leave  of  it  till 
the  morning. 

20  Notwithstanding  they  hearkened  not  unto 
Moses,  but  some  of  them  left  of  it  until  the  mor 
ning,  and  it  kbred  worms  and  stank  : ‘and  Moses 
was  wroth  with  them. 

21  And  they  gathered  it  every  ""morning,  every 
man  according  to  his  eating:  and  when  the  sun 
waxed  hot,  it  melted. 

22  And  it  came  to  pass  that  “on  the  sixth  day 

6:31,32,49,58.  1 Cor.  10:3.  Rev.2:17.  f See  on  4.  Nura. 21:5.  Piov.9:5.  Luke 
12:30.  g 18,33,36.  t Heb.  by  the  poll,  or,  head.  } Heb.  souls,  h 2 Cor.  8:14, 
15.  i 12:10.  23:18.  Matt.  6:34.  k Matt.  6:19.  Luke  12:15,33.  Heb.  13:5.  Jam. 
5:2,3.  INum.  12:3.  16:15.  Mark  3:5.  10:14.  Eph.  4:26.  m Prov.  6:6— 11.  Ec. 
9:10.  12:1.  Matt.  6:33.  John  12:35.  2 Cor.  6:2.  n5,16.  Lev.  25:12,22. 


each  man  according  to  his  own  eating.  And,  as  an  Omer  is 
computed  to  be  nearly  three  quarts,  wine-measure,  it  would 
be  a competent  supply  for  any  individual.  We  may  suppose 
that  the  several  persons  capable  of  labour,  in  each  tent,  cast 
all  they  gathered  into  one  stock ; and  when  the  father  of  the 
family  came  to  measure  it,  he  was  allowed  to  retain  an  Omer 
for  each  of  his  household : but,  if  he  had  any  over,  he  must 
impart  it  to  his  neighbour  xvho  had  less  than  that  quantity  ; 
for  some  would  be  less  active  than  others.  Thus  it  came  to 
pass,  that  he  who  “gathered  much  had  nothing  over,  and  he 
that  gathered  little  had  no  lack but  they  daily  gathered  for 
every  individual  in  that  vast  assembly  according  to  the  eating 
of  a grown  man,  or  an  Omer  each  ; and  this  was  the  case 
during  forty  years.— The  apostle’s  argument,  grounded  on  the 
passage,  leads  us  to  this  interpretation  ; (JVofe,  2 Cor.  8:1 0 
— 15.)  else  hoxv  could  the  case  of  Israel  have  been  in  point  to 
that  of  Christians,  when  exhorted  to  impart  of  their  super- 
fluity, to  supply  the  wants  of  their  brethren,  and  to  trust  the 
Lord  to  send  them  a new  supply,  as  they  needed  it  ? If  this 
exposition  be  not  admitted,  it  must  he  supposed,  that  num- 
berless miracles  were  constantly  wrought,  without  any  appa- 
rent occasion,  in  augmenting  or  diminishing  the  quantity  ga- 
thered by  each  person,  as  “ some  gathered  more  and  some 
less.”  But  if  we  allow  that  every  head  of  a family  who  had 
gathered  above  the  quantity  was  directed  to  keep  an  Omer 
for  each  of  the  several  persons  in  his  tent,  and  to  give  the 
overplus  to  his  neighbour  who  had  not  gathered  so  much,  tho 
whole  may  be  easily  explained.  Some  might  retain  more 
than  the  Omer  each,  and  so  hoard  what  they  ought  to  have 
imparted : and  others,  finding  an  Omer  each  more  than  suffi- 
cient for  his  family  for  the  present  day,  might  hoard  part  of 
it  for  the  morrow,  fearing  lest  no  more  should  fall.  But  as 
the  Israelites  were  taught  by  this  way  of  subsisting,  to  live 
continually  and  cheerfully  dependent  on  God,  and  in  liberal 
love  to  each  other;  and,  as  the  daily  supply  of  the  manna 
was  an  emblem  of  the  life  of  faith  in  Christ  : hoarding  in 
either  way  was  expressly  forbidden.  And  while  those  who 
gathered  much  imparted  to  their  neighbours,  they  w ho  could 
not  consume  an  Omer  each,  might,  as  some  think,  give  the 
residue  to  their  cattle;  or  burn  it  before  the  next  morning,  as 
they  did  the  remains  of  the  paschal  lamb,  and  other  sacrifices. 
But  when  some  of  them  selfishly  and  distrustfully  disobeyed 
this  injunction,  the  manna  which  they  had  kept  bred  worms 
and  stank,  though  when  preserved  by  the  Lord’s  command  it 
continued  perfectly  good. 

V.  21.  As  the  people  were  required  to  use,  impart,  or 
destroy  the  manna  gathered  each  day,  before  the  next 
morning,  they  were  under  the  necessity  of  gathering  it  early 
in  the  day,  “every  man  according  to  his  eating,”  or  else  they 
would  have  had  no  food:  for  though  it  did  not  exhale  with 
the  dew  in  the  morning,  “when  the  sttn  waxed  hot  it  molted.” 
This  wasavery  extraordinary  circumstance,  that  a substance, 
which  was  so  easily  dissolved  and  exhaled,  should  he  suffi- 
ciently nutrimental  to  support  the  people  in  health  and  vigour 
for  so  long  a course  of  years,  and  also  that  what  melted  and 
totally  disappeared  when  tho  sun  waxed  hot,  might  yet  ho 
baked  or  seethed  (23)  without  any  such  effect. 

V.  22 — 27.  It  is  evident,  that  the  miracle,  on  this  occa- 
sion, consisted  in  the  larger  quantity  of  manna  that  fell  on 
the  sixth  day;  which  caused  it  to  be  so  much  thicker  on  the 
ground  than  at  other  times,  that  the  people  gathered  twico 
the  quantity,  with  little  additional  labour,  (29;)  and  not  in  a 
subsequent  increase  of  the  quantity  which  each  person  had 
gathered. — As  the  rulers  came  to  inform  Moses  that  the  peo- 
1 pie  had  gathered  twice  tho  usual  quantity ; il  may  bo  sup* 


B.  C.  • 41)1. 

they  gathered  twice  as  much  bread,  two  omers  for 
one  man:  and  all  the  rulers  of  the  congregation 
came  and  told  Moses. 

23  And  he  said  unto  them,  This  is  that  which 
the  Lord  hath  said.  To-morrow  is  the  “rest  of  the 
no  v sabbath  unto  the  Lord:  rbake  that  which  ye 
will  bake  to-day,  and  seethe  that  ye  will  seethe  ; 
and  that  which  remaineth  over  lay  up  for  you  to 
be  kept  until  the  morning. 

24  And  they  laid  it  up  till  the  morning,  as  Moses 

bade  : ‘Jand  it  did  not  stink,  neither  was  there  anv 
worm  therein.  J 

25  And  Moses  said,  Eat  that  to-day;  for  to- 
day  w ra  sabbath  unto  the  Lord:  to-day  ye  shall 
not  find  it  m the  field. 

26  ’Six  days  ye  shall  gather  it : but  on  the 
seventh  day,  which  is  the  sabbath,  in  it  there  shall 
be  none. 

27  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  there  went  out 
some  ol  the  people  on  the  seventh  day  for  to 
gather,  ‘and  they  found  none. 

28  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  uHow  long 

refuse  ye  to  keep  my  commandments  and  mv 
aws  r , 1 

29  See,  for  that  the  Lord  ’hath  giyen  you  the 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


B.  C.  149.. 


20:8—11,  31:15.  35:3.  Gen.  2:2,3.  Lev.  23 ■ 3 Mark 2 27  9k  t niraoa.^c  n 

«3l°Fz  P4?imi  li:8iq  1420,3p  r S?' e on  23-29-  Neh.  9:14.  ’ 8*20:9,11.  Deut^’ 
J . i,  i,  ^3:14.  tProv.  20:4.  u 10:3.  Num  14  11  20  12  2 Km»c  i-j! 

9VVs8yi3lJ,SK7ilh,!bJer  I4:1L?- 

■ 1-1.  Is.  58.13,14.  bz.  20,12.  y Luke  23:o6.  z Lev.  23:3.  D*ut. 5:12—  14«Heb. 


sabbath,  therefore  he  give.th  you  on  the  sixth  day 
the  bread  of  two  days : ^abide  ye  every  man  :r 
his  place,  let  no  man  go  out  of  his  place  on  the 
seventh  day. 

30  So  the  people  ’rested  on  the  seventh  day. 

.i  31  4n A ^ie  house  of  Israel  "called  the  name- 
thereof  Manna : band  it  was  like  coriander-seed 
white:  an<^  lhe  taste  of  it  was  like  wafers  made 
with  honey. 

32  H And  Moses  said,  This  is  the  thing  whir., 
the  Lord  commandeth,  "Fill  an  omer  of  It  to  be 
kept  for  your  generations ; that  they  may  see  the 
bread  wherewith  I have  fed  you  in  the  wilderness, 
when  I brought  you  forth  from  the  land  of  Egvpt. 

33  And  Moses  said  unto  Aaron,  dTake  a 'pot 

and  put  an  omer  full  of  manna  therein,  and  lay 
it  up  before  the  Lord,  to  be  kept  for  your  vene- 
rations. • 

. .34  As  the  Lord  commanded  Moses,  so  Aaron 
laid  it  up  before  the  "testimony,  to  be  kept. 

35  And  the  children  of  Israel  did  eat  manna 
u° rty/?ars>  gimtil  they  came  t0  a land  inhabited  • 
they  did  eat  manna,  until  they  came  unto  ''the 
borders  of  the  land  of  Canaan. 

36  Now  'an  omer  is  the  tenth  part  of  an  ephah. 


posed,  that  they  were  appointed  to  superintend  the  distribu- 
tion, and  wanted  his  directions  in  the  present  case:  and  Ihis 
gave  lum  the  opportunity  of  more  fully  stating  to  them,  and 
by  ‘ l"!1  t0  *e  people,  the  obligation  of  keeping  the  sabbath 
as  a holy  rest  unto  the  Lord. — In  whatever  way  they  chose 
to  prepare  the  manna,  they  might  use  what  they  wanted  on 
that  day,  and  reserve  the  remainder  for  the  morrow:  and  it 

thevlerefn^s?  Iff  1 but  iC  ,is  ?enerally  thought,  that 
they  were  forbidden  to  bake  or  seethe  it  on  the  sabbath-day  • 
though  the  language  used  does  not  necessarily  imply  this — 
It  is  remarkable,  that  three  miracles  were  wrought,  every 

'Zfthr  awT  °f  thm  sab,batb’  even  b.ef°re  ‘he  promulgation 
llW®  the  quantity  fell  the  day  before; 
kent  fn^tWd®  Sab^’day  i nor  did  that  stink  which  they 
kept  for  that  day  This  confirms  the  opinion,  that  the  insti- 
tution of  the  sabbath  was  from  the  beginning.  Indeed  the 
whole  narrative  implies,  that  reference  was  made  to  an  insti- 
a‘  ‘?n , befhre  known,  but  not  properly  remembered  or  re- 
garded;  and  not  to  any  new  law  given  on  the  occasion 
Neither  the  inquiry  of  the  elders,  nor  the  language  of  Moses 
Cavb?«COanStem  y lnterPre‘ed  of  an  entirely  new  institution! 

, P,  , . dhe  People  had  murmured  against  Moses  and 
against  God,  in  Egypt,  at  the  Red  Sea,  at  Marah,  and  before 
the  manna  was  sent ; which  implied  a rebellious  and  refrac- 
tory  spirit:  when  foroidden  to  hoard  the  manna,  they  dis- 
°b,uyed;  and  aSaln'  "hen  forbidden  to  go  out  for  manna  on  the 
sabbath  they  went  out.  After  all  the  miracles  of  mercy 
which  they  had  experienced,  this  was  exceedingly  ungrateful 

,an,"!h!!0V°  fln?  ’ and  itbe  L?rd  sharply  rebuked  their  conduct, 
in  thus  refusing  to  keep  his  commandments  and  laws,  as 
J,T  nMn0Wn  M°ses-— The  extraordinary  circumstance  of 

nmnf  of  .hUaf  ^>°fjmanna  0".the  S'Xth  day>  was  a sufficient 
' [ ‘h,e  L,r,Ids  determination  to  enforce  the  hallowing  of 

he  sabbath  This  was  originally  instituted  when  creation 
was  finished:  (Note,  Gen.  2:3.)  but  as  the  posterity  of  fallen 
Adam,  being  generally  sunk  into  idolatry,  entirety: neglected 
to  observe  it;  the  God  of  Abraham,  as  a special  favour,  had 

fmXt  'he  deb.cendan‘s  of  that  patriarch  the  Sabbath,  that  it 
mght  be  a day  of  holy  rest  unto  them.  They  must  not 

(msinesif  Thh  tbelr  !?abltat,ons  on  ‘hat  day  for  any  secular 
iL.l  l ,he  for  the  Present  Proved  sufficient  to  induce 
ffished?  6 °bSerVe  lt’  th°Ush  the  ofrenders  were  not  p„- 

3'!'e  sl?aPe  °f  ‘he  manna  was  like  coriander-seed 
;sh’ ™"nd  tnd  smalli  “ was  white;  and  its  taste  resem- 

whiehbw  f fakeS  m!Xed  Up  Wlth  a sma’l  Quantity  of  honey, 
which  were  frequently  used  in  those  days.— It  had  also  at 

ivveSet^ilG1 wtt  m-  S°me  particular  way»  the  flavou^  of 
sweet  oil,  which  was  in  great  request  and  use  amon^  the 

fhat^t'was  \Num'  II;G — 8.)  We  may  therefore  conclude 
that  it  was  a very  pleasant  substitute  for  bread,  and  very 

0?e  JewsSt;h^°?  hadhallh*St0ry  itsalf, confutes  ‘he  tradition  of 

mg  SSrcm  °f  Pleasar,t  flaV0,lrs’  accord- 

givln3t2ili3the  arkSofRtoePr°bab,e  that ,.,his  direction  was  not 
gnen  till  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  the  testimony  of  God’s 

gracious  presence  with  Israel,  was  made,  and  placed  in  the 
holy  of  holies  The  apostle  informs  us!  (accordm-  to  ffie 
Septuagmt,)  that  the  pot  in  which  the  manna  was  preserved 
,,1*e  »‘her  sacred  vessels,  was  made  of  gold.-Thus  by  mira’ 
cle,  lhe  manna,  which  was  dissolved  by  the  sim^not 
gathered,  and  when  kept  in  distrust,  stank  in  one  ni»ht,  was 

preserved  pure  from  genera *ion  to  generation  ’ 

Vol.  I U) 


4:9.  a See  on  15.  b Num.  11:6,7.  Cant.  2:3.  cPt  10312  lrvs-q  m.,: 
Luke  22:19.  Heb.  2:1.  dHeb.9:4.  e 25:16,21.  27:21  30-6  36  31  18  38-21* 

78-24*25  ^ “Ehn fLNlcnlb33:K8N*  Deut-8:2-3-  Neh.9:15;20;2LSfI; 
i 16  32  33 J h 6,30“53-  6 Josh.  5:12.  h Num.  33:48-50.  Deut.  1:8.  34:1—4 


V.  35,  3b.  As  Moses  lived  till  a great  part  of  the  fortieth 
year  was  past,  when  Israel  was  encamped  in  the  plains  of 
Moab  ; there  is  no  reason  to  say,  that  the  thirty-fifth  verse 
was  added  after  his  decease.— An  ephah  was  something  more 
than  seven  gallons  of  our  measure,  and  less  than  our  bushel. 
1 he  manna  was  a type  of  Christ,  provided  by  God,  and  given 
to  sinners,  who  must  otherwise  have  inevitably  perished,  who 
were  altogether  undeserving  of  such  a gift,  and  prone  to 
despise  and  undervalue  it.  The  careless  multitude  under- 
go .a?1-  what  this  heavenly  manna  is,  or  what  use  to  make 
of  it,  till  instructed  that  it  is  the  Bread  which  the  Lord 
hath  given  them.  The  hypocrite  retains  the  doctrine  as  a 
notion,  which  corrupts,  and  produces  pride  and  vain  confi- 
dence. The  true  Christian,  having  an  appetite  for  this 
heavenly  provision,  seeks  it  diligently  and  early,  day  by  day 
labours  for  it,  though  it  is  the  gift  of  God  ; and  ‘feeds  upon  it 
m his  heart  by  faith  with  thanksgiving,’  by  which  his  soul 
acquires  health  and  vigour,  and  he  becomes  strong  to  lalaiur 
and  to  fight  with  his  enemies.— There  is  a sufficiency  in  this 
provision  for  the  whole  congregation  of  Israel,  but  nothin-* 
over  for  any  one.  We  must  have  it  fresh,  and  feed  upon  it 
daily,  to  the  end  of  our  journey  to  the  heavenly  Canaan ; and 
though  it  appear  to  some  light  bread,  it  will  hold  out  to  the 
end:  that  is,  we  must  by  faith  receive  from  Christ,  as  the 
purchase  of  his  sacrifice,  pardon  and  peace,  grace  and 
strength,  every  day  till  we  come  to  heaven.  And  though  we 
now  seem  to  gather  a double  portion  on  the  sabbath-dav  ■ 
yet,  when  we  keep  the  heavenly  Sabbath,  we  shall  not  need’ 
to  gather  any  more,  nor  will  the  stock  we  have  acquired  anv 
more  corrupt  ; but  in  that  holy  of  holies  it  will  endure  for  ever 
as  provision  for  our  souls,  to  the  glory  of  our  God.  ’ 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

, V- 1-T12-  Changes  are  prepared  for  us  in  this  world:  we 
should  therefore  prepare  for  them,  and  be  ready  to  endure 
hardship,  and  to  exercise  faith,  patience,  and  self-denial, 
whenever  called  to  it.  But,  before  we  severely  censure 
others,  we  ought  to  put  “ our  souls  in  their  souls’  stead  ” 
We  may  easily  condemn  the  Israelites:  but  perhaps  we  do 
not  readily  suspect,  that  we  also  should  distrust,  despond,  anu 
murmur,  if  proved  by  far  less  trials,  and  left  to  ourselves  : ner 
do  we  sufficiently  regard  their  conduct  as  an  intended  picture 
of  human  nature ; and  their  history,  as  that  of  the  human 
heart  under  the  varying  dispensations  of  Providence  In 
whatever  situation  we  are  placed,  we  are  prone  to  under- 
value our  mercies,  to  aggravate  our  troubles,  and  to  compare 
the  unfavourable  side  of  our  present  circumstances  with  the 
favourable  side  of  some  former,  or  some,  imaginary  situation  • 
and  in  this  way  we  are  perversely  ingenious  in  rendering  our- 
selves discontented  and  unthankful;  and  are  ever  wishing  for 
some  change,  yet  ever  seemiDg  to  change  for  the  wors°e  — 
When  ashamed  to  reflect  directly  upon  God,  we  are  apt  to 
vent  our  impatience  in  complaints  against  the  instruments 
or  mere  occasions,  of  our  uneasiness ; not  aware  that  our 
murmunngs  are  against  the  Lord  himself.  It  behooves  us 
therefore,  to  watch  and  pray  against  this  rebellious,  unthank- 
ful spirit,  the  offspring  of  pride  and  unbelief;  that,  confiding 
m the  wisdom  of  God,  and  conscious  of  our  own  unworthi- 
ness, we  may  learn  contentment:  and  if  plain  and  sharp 
reproofs  humble  and  quiet  us,  they  are  valuable  advantages. 
But  the  Lord  is  s ow  to  anger,”  and  mercifully  considered! 
our  frame;  and  he  knows  how  hard  we  find  it  to  bear  rr'ui 
want  without  impatience,  and  to  believe  his  word  in  direct 
opposition  to  every  appearance  of  probability  He  therefore 

( 145  ) 


B.  C.  1491. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

The  people  want  water,  chide  with  Moses,  and  tempt  the  Lord , 1,2;  Moses 
ez/iostuialeu  with  them,  and  complains  to  God;  and , at  his  command , smites 
the  rock  in  Horeb , which  pours  out  water , 3 — 6 ; the  place  is  named  Massah, 
and  Meribah , 7.  Amalek  assaults  Israel , and  z'»  overcome  by  Joshua,  while 
Moses  holds  up  hie  hands  wi'h  the  rod  oj  God , 8—13.  Amalek  is  doomed 
to  destruction : and  Moses  builds  an  altar , called  JEHOVAII-NTSSI , 
14—16. 

AND  all  the  congregation  of  the  children  of 
Israel  journeyed  from  the  wilderness  of  aSin, 
after  their  journeys,  according  to  the  command- 
ment of  the  Lord,  and  pitched  inbRephidim : and 
there  was  no  water  for  the  people  to  drink. 

2  Wherefore  cthe  people  did  chide  with  Moses, 
and  said,  dGive  us  water  that  we  may  drink.  And 
Moses  sa;d  unto  them,  Why  chide  ye  with  me  ? 
Wherefore  do  ye  tempt  the  Lord: 

3  And  the  people  thirsted  there  for  water ; and 

a 16:1.  Num.  33:12 — 14.  b8.  19:2.  c 5:21.  14:11,12.  15:24.  16:2,3.  Num. 11:4— 
6.  14:2.20:3—5.21:5.  (1  Gen . 30:1 ,2.  1 Sam.  8:6.  Luke  15:12.  e 1.  Num.  14: 
22.  Deni.  6:16.  Ps.  78: 18, 41, 56.  95:9.  106:14.  Is.  7:12.  Mai.  3:15.  Mali. 4:7.  16: 
1—3  Luke  4:12.  Acts  5:9.  15:10.  1 Cor.  10:9.  Heb.  3:9.  f See  on  16:3.  gI4: 
15.  15:25.  Num.  11:11.  h Num.  14:10.  16:19.  1 Sam.  30:6.  John  8:59.  10:31. 


frequently  shows  us  his  glory,  and  proves  our  obedience  by 
supplying  our  wants,  and  exceeding  our  expectations ; and 
this  tends,  for  the  future,  to  deprive  us  of  all  plausible  pre- 
tence of  saying,  that  we  want  encouragement  to  trust  and 
serve  him. 

V.  13 — 21.  The  Lord  could,  at  all  times,  supply  his  peo- 
ple with  superfluities,  and  in  some  cases  he  does  so:  but,  in 
general,  he  sees  it  best  for  them  to  have  only  things  neces- 
sary, and  that  from  day  to  day ; and  he  constrains  most  of 
them  to  expect  their  support  from  him  on  the  morrow,  that 
they  may  see  the  glory  of  his  power,  and  taste  the  sweetness 
of  his  truth  and  love,  in  their  daily  bread.  If  our  faith  were 
strong,  we  should  sleep  no  worse,  though  like  Israel  we  went 
to  rest  night  afler  night,  without  one  morsel  in  the  house  for 
the  next  day ; or  any  other  prospect  of  obtaining  it,  except 
confidence  in  him,  who  as  u a Father,  knoweth  what  things 
we  have  need  of.”  Yet  we  must  “ labour  even  for  the  meat 
that  perisheth,”  in  subordination  to  our  labouring  for  that 
44  which  endureth  unto  everlasting  life though  both  are  the 
gift  of  God : and  it  is  the  Lord’s  will,  that  the  poor  should  be 
liberal  of  their  little,  as  well  as  the  rich  out  of  their  abundance. 
But  whether  we  have  much  or  little,  that  which  is  hoarded 
in  covetousness  and  distrust,  corrupts,  breeds  worms,  and 
stinks;  and  that  alone  is  useful,  which  supplies  our  wants 
and  relieves  the  necessities  of  others. 

V.  22 — 36.  Whatever  diligence  we  use  in  worldly  business 
on  other  days,  we  are  to  consider  the  sabbath  as  the  Lord’s 
gift  to  us  ; and  should  previously  contrive  every  thing,  even  in 
reject  of  our  food,  in  that  manner  which  may  best  render  it  a 
day  of  holy  rest  from  worldly  business,  and  in  spiritual  employ- 
ments ; and  he  will  take  care  that  we  shall  eventually  be  no 
losers  by  so  doing. — But  there  is  in  us,  by  nature,  a spirit  of 
perverseness,  which  takes  pleasure  in  acting  contrary  to  the 
Lord’s  commands : and  by  our  conduct,  as  it  were,  declar- 
ing, that  we  will  not  submit  to  him : nor  can  we  be  his 
true  servants,  unless  this  proud  self-will  be  mortified  and  sub- 
dued.— Whatever  Providence  in  any  honest  way  allots  us,  we 
should  consider  as  “the  bread  which  the  Lord  giveth  us  to 
eat,”  and  be  thankful  and  contented  with  it. — But,  if  we  can- 
not merit  our  bodily  food,  what  claim  can  we  have  to  that 
44  Bread  which  came  down  from  heaven,  to  give  life  to  our 
souls  ?”  ( Notes , John  6:22 — 58.)  Let  us  then  with  thankful 
hearts,  early  and  diligently  go  forth  to  gather  this  heavenly 
provision,  and  joyfully  feed  upon  it ; let  us  seek  earnestly 
for  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  turn  all  our  knowledge  of 
the  doctrine  of  Christ  crucified  into  spiritual  nourishment  for 
our  souls  by  faith  and  love ; that  we  may  not  rest  in  barren 
notions,  feed  on  worldly  vanities,  or  satisfy  ourselves  with 
former  supposed  experiences  ; but,  living  upon  this  Bread 
from  day  to  day,  in  attendance  on  all  the  means  of  grace,  we 
shall  show  that  our  souls  are  nourished  in  all  holiness,  and 
fitted  for  unreserved  obedience.  And  thus  also,  edifying 
others  by  the  way,  we  shall  in  due  time  arrive  at  the  heavenly 
•Canaan,  there  to  feast  for  ever  on  the  rich  provisions  of  our 
Father’s  house  above. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XVII.  V.  1,  2.  There  are  other 
intermediate  stages  mentioned  in  Numbers;  ( Marg . Ref.  a.) 
out  here  the  sacred  historian  pointed  out  such  places  alone 
as  were  on  some  account  made  remarkable. — “ The  com- 
mandment of  the  Lord,”  respecting  the  journeys  of  the  people, 
was  made  known  by  the  moving  of  the  pillar.  They  were, 
however,  still  disposed,  after  all  they  had*  seen  and  heard, 
even  while  marching  under  this  guidance,  and  living  upon  the 
manna,  on  every  new  trial,  to  forget  God,  and  to  speak  and  act 
as  if  they  thought,  that  Moses  and  Aaron  had  of  themselves 
brought  them  out  of  Egypt  i Thus  they  41  tempted  the  Lord;” 
hey  put  his  omniscience  and  omnipotence  to  the  trial ; and 
nehaved  as  if  they  would  tempt  him  to  take  vengeance  on 
them,  or  to  leave  them  to  the  consequences  of  their  perverse- 
ness and  unbelief;  or  as  if  they  would  presumptuously  pre- 
scribe to  him,  or  limit  him,  and  put  if  to  the  proof,  whether 
he  could  perforin  their  requirements  or  not  ; being  disposed 
■to  reject  his  authority,  and  refuse  to  believe  that  lie  was 
among  them,  if  he  did  not.  (Marg.  Rtf.  e.) 

( 146  ) 


B.  C.  1491 

the  people  murmured  against  Moses,  and  said, 
Wherefore  is  this  that  ' thou  hast  brought  us  up 
out  of  Egypt,  to  kill  us  and  our  children,  and  our 
cattle,  with  thirst? 

4 And  Moses  scried  unto  the  Lord,  saying, 
What  shall  I do  unto  this  people  ? They  be  halmost 
ready  to  stone  me. 

5 And  Hie  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  ’Go  on  before 
the  people,  and  take  with  thee  of  the  elders  of 
Israel : and  kthy  rod,  wherewitli  thou  smotest  the 
river,  take  in  thine  hand,  and  go. 

6 Behold,  ‘I  will  stand  before  ..thee  there  upon 
the  roc.k  min  -Horeb ; “and  thou  shalt  smite  the 
rock,  and  there  shall  come  water  out  of  it,  “that  the 
people  may  drink.  And  Moses  did  so  in  the  sight 
of  the  elders  of  Israel. 


Acts  7:59.  14:19.  iEz.2:6.  Acts  20:23,24.  k7:I9,20.  Num.  20:8.  1 16:40. 

tn3:l — 5.  n Num.  20:9 — 11.  Deut.  8:15.  Neh.9:l5.  Ps.  78: 15,10,20.  105:41. 
114:8.  Is.  48:21.  1 Cor.  10:4.  oPs.46:4.  Is.  41:17,18.  43;19.2u.  John  4: 10,14. 

7:37,38.  Rev.  22:17. 


V.  3,  4.  When  the  people  wanted  water,  they  immedi- 
ately showed  great  impatience  and  bitterness  of  spirit ; but, 
when  left  for  a while  to  experience  the  distress  of  unallayed 
thirst,  in  order  to  make  them  sensible  of  their  entire  depend- 
ence on  God,  and  to  prepare  them  to  receive  the  miraculous 
supply  intended,  with  the  greater  admiration  of  his  power  and 
goodness,  they  became  so  outrageous,  that  they  were  ready 
to  stone  Moses,  in  a popular  tumult,  as  the  author  of  their 
calamity,  which  they  supposed  would  end  in  the  destruction 
of  the  whole  multitude  ! But  he,  in  the  meekness  and  confi- 
dence of  faith,  stated  the  case  before  the  Lord,  and  calmly 
sought  his  direction,  assured  of  his  seasonable  and  effectual 
interposition. 

V.  5,  6.  It  is  observable,  that  each  of  the  several  extra- 
ordinary interpositions  of  the  Lord,  in  behalf  of  Israel,  was 
preceded  by  some  remarkable  discovery  of  their  ungrate- 
ful and  rebellious  disposition ; and  this  served  exceedingly  to 
illustrate  the  riches  of  his  unmerited  mercy  towards  them. — 
Instead  of  commanding  Moses  to  lift  up  his  rod,  and  call  for 
some  dreadful  plague,  like  those  inflicted  on  Egypt,  destroy 
the  ringleaders  of  this  tumult,  and  dismay  the  rest,  God  di- 
rected him  to  take,  as  his  attendants,  some  of  the  elders  ol 
Israel,  to  be  eye-witnesses  of  the  miracle  about  to  be  wrought, 
which  the  people  could  only  behold  afar  oii';  and  also  the 
rod  with  which  the  Nile  had  been  smitten,  when  its  waters 
became  blood  ; and  at  mount  Horeb,  which  lay  at  some  dis- 
tance, he  and  the  elders  should  see  the  visible  glory  of  God 
from  the  cloud,  resting  on  one  particular  rock,  which  he  must 
smite  with  the  rod  ; and  then  water  would  burst  from  it, 
sufficient  for  the  necessities  of  the  people. — An  immense 
quantity  of  water  would  be  required  for  so  large  a multitude, 
and  for  their  flocks  and  herds,  even  in  one  day  : but  we  have 
reason  to  conclude  that  this  water  followed  them  as  a river 
in  the  wilderness  from  place  to  place,  for  a long  time ; and 
some  think  that  it  continued  afterwards  to  water  those  parts 
of  the  desert. — The  apostle  calls  this  w ater  44  spiritual  drink,” 
as  the  emblem  of  spiritual  blessings  ; and  he  says, 44  that  Rock 
was  Christ;”  that  is,  a type  of  him;  and  this  should  direct 
our  interpretation  of  the  passage.  (Note,  1 Cor.  10:1 — 5.) 
It  is  also  observable,  that  God  is  never  in  Scripture  called  a 
Rock,  till  after  this  event,  but  afterwards  the  expression  often 
occurs.  A rock  is  indeed  firm  and  unshaken,  as  a foundation 
on  which  to  build:  but  from  a rock  of  flint,  as  this  was,  w-e 
might  sooner  expect  fire  than  water  : and  thus  Christ  is  a tried 
Foundation  of  immoveable  power  and  stabili-y  ; but  sinners 
had  more  reason  to  expect  vengeance  than  happiness  from 
him.  The  rock  must  be  smitten  by  the  rod  of  Moses,  the 
giver  of  the  law,  even  that  rod  by  which  the  \ lagnes  were 
inflicted  upon  Egypt:  thus  Christ  was  made  under  the  law, 
and  bore  its  righteous  curse,  even  that  punishment  w hich  our 
sins  deserved.  The  rock  was  smitten  by  Moses,  nt  the 
Lord’s  command,  once , in  the  presence  of  the  elders  of  Israel, 
the  people  who  were  then  full  of  rebellion,  beholding  at  a dis- 
tance^  while  the  symbol  of  the  Lord’s  presence  and  glory 
rested  upon  it : and  thus  Christ  was  crucified  by  the  demand 
of  the  rebellious  Jewish  elders,  the  whole  multitude  consent- 
ing to  his  death,  once  for  all,  and  by  man’s  instrumentality  , 
but  by  his  determinate  purpose,  who  said, 44  Awake,  O swoid, 
against  my  Shepherd,  against  the  Man  who  is  my  Fellow, 
saith  the  Lord  of  Hosts:  smite  the  Shepherd  ( Zech . 13: 

7.)  while  evident  tokens  of  divine  majesty  attended  his  cruci- 
fixion and  death.  (Matt.  27:45 — 54.)  After  the  rock  was 
smitten,  the  waters  flowed  forth  abundantly,  without  which 
supply  Israel  must  have  perished:  and  thus  after  Christ’s 
crucifixion,  resurrection,  ascension,  and  intercession,  the  Holy 
Spirit,  in  all  his  humbling,  sanctifying,  and  comforting  influ- 
ences, as  well  as  in  his  manifold  gifts  and  operations,  was 
abundantly  communicated.  For  this  seems  to  have  been 
especially  meant,  though  all  the  blessings  of  salvation  are 
included. — Immense  as  the  congregation  of  1m ad  was,  there 
was  water  enough  for  them  all,  and  a co»  uant,  abundant 
supply  ; and  numerous  as  believers  are,  the  Spirit  of  Christ 
siithces  amply  ; yea,  thole  s so  large  and  inexhaustible  a 
fulness  in  linn  that  millions  of  millions  might  drink  ntu1  W 


exodus. 


JJ.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


B.  C.  1491 


7 And  lie  called  the  name  of  the  place  'Massah 
and  ’Meribah,  because  of  the  '’chiding  of  the 
children  of  Israel,  and  because  ‘•they  tempted 
the  Loud,  saying,  rIs  the  Lord  among  us,  or 
not? 

8 H Then  came  “Amalek,  and  fought  with  Israel 
in  Rephidim. 

9 And  Moses  said  ‘unto  hJoshua,  “Choose  us 
ut  men,  and  go  out,  fight  with  Amalek  : to-mor- 
ow  I will  stand  on  the  top  of  the  hill,  with  “the 

rod  of  God  in  mine  hand. 

10  So  >' Joshua  did  as  Moses  had  said  to  him, 
and  fought  with  Amalek  : zand  Moses,  Aaron,  and 
Hur  went  up  to  the  top  of  the  hill. 

11  And  it  came  to  pass  when  bMoses  held  up 
his  hand,  that  Israel  prevailed  : and  when  he  let 
down  his  hand,  Amalek  prevailed. 


12  But  Moses’s  'hands  were  heavy,  and  they 
took  a stone  and  put  it  under  him,  and  he  sat 
thereon  : and  Aaron  and  Hur  ‘'stayed  up  his  hands 
the  one  on  the  one  side,  and  the  other  on  tin 
other  side;  and  his  hands  were  steady  until  the 
going  down  of  the  sun. 

13  And  “Joshua  discomfited  Amalek  and  his 
people  with  the  edge  of  the  sword. 

14  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Write  thi 
for  a ‘memorial  in  a book,  and  rehearse  it  in  the 
ears  of  Joshua  : efor  I will  utterly  put  out  hthe 
remembrance  of  Amalek  from  under  heaven. 

15  And  Moses  built  an  altar,  and  called  the 
name  of  it  §Jehovah-nissi. 

16  Por  he  said,  'JBecause ’’the  Lord  hath  sworn 
that  the  Lord  ‘ will  have  war  with  Amalek  from 
generation  to  generation. 


• Th«t  IS,  Temprnti:  n.  Deut.  9:22.  • t That  is,  Chiding  or  Strife.  Ps.81:7. 
pSreon'l.  q ] s.  95:8.  Heb.  3:8,9.  r 34:9.  Dent. 31:17.  Josh. 22:31.  Is.  12: 
6.  Mic  3:11.  John  1:14.  Acts  7:37— 39.  s lien.  36:12,16.  1 Sam.  30:1.  Pa. 
83:7.  t 13.  24:13.  Num.  11:28.  13;16.  Oshea.  Jehoshua.  I'eut.  32:44.  Hoshea. 
} Called  Jesus.  Acts  7:45.  Heb.4:8.  u Num.  31:3,4.  x 4:2,20.  vjosh. 11:15. 
Matt.  28:20.  John  2:5.  15:14.  i!.  a 12.  24:14.  b Ps.  56:9.  Luke  18:1.  1 Tim 
2:8.  Jam.  5:16.  c Mall.  26:40— 45.  Matk  14:37— 40.  Eph.  6:18  Col.  4:2.  d Is’ 


35:3.2cm-.  1U1.  Phil.  1:,9.  1 The».6:25.  Heb.  12:12.  Jam.  1:6.  e Josh. 10:28 
32  37,42.  11:12  '120  4.  13:9.  34:27.  Deut.31:9.  Josh.  4:7.  Job  19:23.  Hah. 2: 

2,3.  gN.un.  24:20.  Deut.  25:17— 19.  1 Sam.  1.5:2,3,8,18.  27:8,9.  2 Sam  113 
— 16.  1 Chr.  4:43.  h Job  18:17.  Ps.  9:6.  Prov.  10:7.  § Thalia,  7V  LORDrny 
Oanner.  Gen.  22:14  33:211.  Juclg.  6:24.  Ez.  48.35.  | Or,  because  Me  hand  of 

Amalek  is  against  the  throne  of  the  LORD,  therefore, &c.  11  The  han't  upon  the 
throne  of  the  LORD.  Is.  66:1.  Acts  7:49.  iPs.21:8— 11. 


satisfied,  if  so  many  were  athirst  for  these  living  waters.  The 
water  flowed  from  the  rock  in  streams  to  refresh  the  wilder- 
ness, and  attended  the  people  on  their  way  to  Canaan : and 
the  water  typified  by  it  flows  from  Christ  through  his  ordi- 
nances, in  the  barren  wilderness  of  this  world,  to  refresh  our 
souls,  and  to  purify  and  fructify  them,  until  we  come  to  glory. 
Multitudes,  however,  who  drank  of  the  water  whicli  flowed 
from  the  rock,  perished  in  the  wilderness  : but  “ whosoever 
drinketh  of  the  Water  which  Christ  shall  give  him,  it  shall  be 
in  him  a well  of  water,  springing  up  into  everlasting  life.” 
(Note,  John  4:10—15.) 

V.  7.  The  place,  before  called  Rephidim,  was  afterwards, 
from  the  misconduct  of  the  people,  generally  called  Massah 
and  Meribah,  or  Temptation  and  Chiding;  for  they  had  there 
chided  with  Moses,  and  tempted  the  Lord. 

Y-  8— 1 3.  It  is  generally  taken  for  grant  ed,  that  the  Ama- 
lekites  were  descended  from  Esau : yet  there  is  no  proof  at 
all  of  this,  except  that  Eliphaz,  the  son  of  Esau,  had  a son 
called  Amalek,  who  probably  was  his  youngest*  on  ; and  this 
seems  by  no  means  a conclusive  argument.  (Note,  Gen.  3fi • 
32. ) T he  Amalekites,  however,  were  not  included  among 
the  nations  whose  land  was  granted  to  Israel,  nor  had  they  re- 
ceived any  injury  from  them  : yet,  whether  from  enmity  or 
policy,  they  attacked  them  unexpectedly,  and  smote  some  of 
the  people,  who  were  feeble,  and  followed  the  camp  at  a dis- 
tance; (Deut.  25:18.)  and  in  other  respects  they  showed  a 
determination  to  wage  war  with  them.  Accordingly  Joshua, 
(or  Oshea,  Note,  Num.  13:16.)  who  already  was  an  eminent 
person,  was  directed  to  choose  a company  of  warlike  men,  and 
give  battle  to  Amalek;  while  Moses  would  place  himself  on 
a hill,  within  sight  of  the  combatants,  lifting  up  the  rod  of 
God,  which  had  been  the  token  of  so  many  miracles,  wrought 
for  Israel  and  against  their  enemies.  No  doubt  Moses, 
Aaron,  and  Hur,  (whom  some  conjecture  to  have  been  the 
husband  of  Miriam, ) united  their  earnest  prayers  ; and  Moses 
especially  was  Israel’s  ty.iica!  intercessor  and  mediator ; yet 
the  holding  up  of  his.handt,  (probably  first  one  and  then  the 
other,)  with  the  rod  of  God,  must  chiefly  be  considered  as  an 
avowed  dependence,  not  on  human  valour,  but  on  the  power 
of  Jehovah,  for  victory.  Thus,  so  long  as  Moses  was  able 
to  hold  up  the  rod,  Israel  prevailed ; but  when  his  hand  droop- 
ed, then  Amalek  prevailed : yet,  by  proper  assistance,  he  was 
enabled  to  hold  it  up  till  sunset,  by  which  time  Joshua  had 
obtained  a complete  victory.  Perhaps  Amalek  was  the  name 
of  the  king,  as  well  as  of  the  people ; or  the  Amalekites  were 
aided  by  allies,  or  dependents.— This  transaction  tended  to 
show  the  nature  and  efficacy  of  faith,  and  the  prevalence  of 
prayer ; and  typified  Christ’s  effectual  intercession  for  his 
disciples  in  all  their  conflicts. — The  people  had  just  before 
quarrelled  with  Moses,  as  if  he  had  meant  to  kill  them  ; but 
he  was  now  honoured  by  holding  up  the  rod  of  God,  the  token 
of  their  deliverance  and  triumph. 

V.  14.  This  is  the  first  time  that  writing  is  mentioned  in 
fecripture  ; though  it  is  generally  thought  that  Moses  had  be- 
fore this  time  written  the  book  of  Genesis.  Some  however 
imagine,  that  even  this  direction  was  given  after  the  law  had 
been  delivered  from  mount  Sinai : for  they  consider  alphabeti- 
cal writing,  not  so  much  a human  invention,  as  a divinely 
appointed  method  of  perpetuating  revealed  truth.  They 
therefore  are  of  opinion,  that  the  law,  written  by  God  himself 
on  the  tables  of  stone,  was  the  first  alphabetical  writing  in 
the  world ; and  that  Moses  was  afterwards  instructed  in 
writing  his  books.  Yet  this  is  only  conjeclure,  no  intimation 
ol  the  kind  being  given  in  Scripture  : but  it  may  be  stated 
ujore  confidently,  that  the  command  given  to  Moses,  first  to 
\ rite  this  account  in  a book,  and  then  to  rehearse  it  in  the 
ears  of  Joshua,  is  an  internal  evidence  that  Moses  wrote  this 
history  himself,  and  gave  it  to  Joshua  in  that  form  before  his 
death.  As  Joshua  was  chosen  to  command  in  the  wars  of 
srael,  it  was  proper  that  he  should  he  informed  of  this  sen- 
»nce,  that  he  might  embrace  every  opportunity  of  executing 


it,  and  enjoin  the  same  conduct  to  his  successors:  yet  it  was 
not  accomplished  till  the  reign  of  David,  after  whose  time  we 
seldom  read  of  the  name  of  Amalek. 

/n  a book.]  Et?  fiiphtov,  Sept.  Billion,  the  word  from  which 
Bible  is  taken. 

V.  15,16.  Moses  ascribed  the  victory  to  Jehovah’s  ban- 
ner, under  which  Israel  fought ; and  he  gave  him  the  glory  of 
it,  and  considered  it  as  an  earnest  of  many  subsequent  victo- 
ries. This  is  the  first  altar  that  we  read  of  since  Jacob  went 
down  into  Egypt ; and  it  does  not  appear  that  public  sacri- 
fices to  Jehovah  had  been  offered  during  the  intervening 
period.  This  altar,  however,  was  not  intended  for  sacrifices, 
but  as  an  additional  memorial  of  God’s  purpose  concerning 
Amalek.  — The  expression  translated  “The  Lord  hath 
sworn,”  is  variously  interpreted  : for  some  think  it  refers  to  an 
ancient  method  of  taking  a solemn  oath,  by  laying  hold  on  the 
throne,  or  tribunal, 'according  to  one  of  the  marginal  render- 
ings, “ The  hand  upon  the  throne  of  the  Lord  :”  but  others 
consider  it  as  stating  the  reason  of  this  denounced  extirpa'ing 
war,  “ Because  the  hand  of  Amalek  is  against  the  throne  f 
the  Lord.”  According  to  this  latter  marginal  rendering, 
Jehovah  had  fixed  his  throne  in  Israel,  and  shown  his  glo- 
rious power  and  majesty  in  bringing  him  out  of  Egypt:  vet 
Amalek,  unprovoked,  had  attacked  this  throne  of  the  Lord, 
who  therefore  determined  to  take  signal  vengeance  on  him, 
for  an  example  to  all  future  generations. 

practical  observations. 

V.  1 — 7.  When  we  are  walking  according  to  the  com- 
mandments of  the  Lord,  we  may  surely  depend  on  him  to 
supply  our  real  wants,  in  his  own  time  and  manner;  hut  vie 
must  expect  trials,  and  learn  to  exercise  patience  as  well  as 
faith.  Inordinate  and  impatient  thirsting,  even  for  needful 
things,  puts  the  mind  into  a ferment ; renders  us  forgetful  of 
the  power  and  goodness  of  the  Lord,  when  we  have  most 
abundantly  experienced  them  ; 'and  disposes  us  to  quarrel 
with  our  best  friends,  and  even  presumptuously  to  tempt,  dis- 
trust, and  prescribe  to  God  himself. — They  who  endeavour  to 
do  important  good  to  others,  must  expect  much  unreasonable 
and  ungrateful  behaviour;  and  not  only  to  be  reproached,  but 
exposed  to  danger,  for  their  best  services:  they  need  there- 
fore to  be  well  armed  with  patience,  prudence,  and  meekness  ; 
and  to  have  constant  and  near  communion  with  God,  that  they 
may  spread  every  case  before  him,  and  seek  from  him  gm- 
.dance,  comfort,  and  protection. — The  Lord  will  honour  those 
who  behave  thus  in  trying  circumstances,  in  the  presence  of 
their  despisers,  and  perhaps  make  them  instruments  of  their 
preservation.— When  Moses,  with  the  rod,  so  often  the  token 
of  vengeance  on  Egypt,  smote  the  rock  to  bring  forth  water 
for  Israel,  after  all  their  base  rebellions,  how  powerfully  did 
he  teach  them  “not  to  be  overcome  of  evil,  but  to  overcome 
evil  with  good  1”  But  this  was  far  more  emphatically  en- 
forced, when  “ Christ  redeemed  us  from  the  curse  of  the  law, 
being  made  a curse  for  us,”  who  might  justly  have  sunk  under 
that  wrath,  which  the  glorious  Son  of  God  willingly  endured 
in  our  stead! — From  this  smitten  Rock  flow  the  streams  of 
salvation,  which  follow  us  through  the  wilderness.  Thence 
the  believing  soul  receives  in  measure  answerable,  not  only 
to  his  necessities,  but  to  his  largest  expectations;  while  a.1 
who  “ are  athirst,”  yea,  “ all  that  will,  are  invited  to  come, 
and  take  of  them  freely.”— Indeed  “ where  sin  hath  abound- 
ed, grace  much  more  abounds.”-  The  Lord  often  meets  the 
sinner  with  his  converting  grace,  at  the  moment  when  it 
might  have  been  expected  that  he  would  have  made  him  an 
example  of  his  vengeance;  and  the  believer  is  sometimes  sur- 
prised with  the  sweetest  consolations,  when  most  overwhelm- 
ed with  a sense  of  his  own  unworthiness! — Yet  this  gracious 
Lord  abhors  iniquity:  and,  while  he  pardons  sin,  and  blesses 
penitent  sinners,  he  still  shows  his  abhorrence  of  their  crimes, 
and  takes  effectual  methods,  that  they  shall  remember,  fo* 
their  humiliation,  how  they  have  tempted  tnd  prov  oked  hitn.- 
But,  happy  are  his  peop.e  1 They  can  never  w .nt,  when  He 

( 147  ) 


B.  C. 1491 


EXODUS. 


E.  C.  1491 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Jethro  brings  to  Mo j s fits  wife  and  sons,  1—6.  Moses  entertains  him  ; and 
relates  the  l. uni’s  foodness  to  Israel,  7,8.  Jethro  rejoices,  blesses  God, 
and  offers  sacrifice* , 9—12.  He  °ives  good  counsel  to  Moses , and  Moses 
acts  according  to  it , 13—26.  He  departs  from  Moses,  27. 

ATCHEN  “Jethro,  the  priestof  Midian,  Moses’s 
\ V father-in-law,  bheard  of  all  that  cGod  had 
'done  for  Moses,  and  for  Israel  his  people,  and 
that  the  Lord  had  brought  Israel  out  of  Egypt; 

2 Then  Jethro,  Moses’s  father-in-law,  took 
'Zipporah  Moses’s  wife,  after  he  had  sent  her 
back; 

3 And  her  * two  sons,  of  which  the  name  of  the 
one  was  'Gershom,  (for  he  said,  I have  been  an 
alien  in  a strange  land  ;) 

4 And  the  name  of  the  other  was  'Eliezer,  (for 
the  God  of  my  father,  said  he,  was  mine  help,  and 
^delivered  me,  from  the  sword  of  Pharaoh  :) 

5 And  Jethro,  Moses’s  father-in-law,  came  with 
his  sons  and  his  wife  unto  Moses  into  the  wilder- 
ness, where  he  encamped  at  the  bmount  of  God. 

6 And  he  said  unto  Moses,  I,  thy  father-in-law 
Jethro,  am  come  unto  thee,  and  thy  wife  and  her 
two  sons  with  her. 

7 And  Moses  ‘went  out  to  meet  his  father-in- 
law,  and  kdid  obeisance,  and  'kissed  him,  and  they 
asked  each  other  of  their  twelfare  : and  they  came 
into  the  tent. 

8 And  Moses  mtold  his  father-in-law  all  that 
‘he  Lord  had  done  unto  Pharaoh,  and  to  the 
Egyptians  for  Israel’s  sake, " and  all  the  travail  that 
had  §come  upon  them  by  the  way,  and  how  “the 
Lord  delivered  them. 

9 And  Jethro  '’rejoiced  for  all  the  goodness 
which  the  Lord  had  done  to  Israel ; whom  he  had 
delivered  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Egyptians. 

u 2:16,21.  8:1.  4:18.  Nnm.  10:29.  Jude.  4:11.  bPs.34:2.  44:1.  78:4.  Jer.33:9. 
Zech.  8:23.  Hal.  1:23,24.  c Acts  7:33,36.  14.27.  15:12.  21:19,20.  Rom.  15:18. 
:17— 15:  Josh.  2:10.  9:9.  Neh.  9:1(1,11 . I's.  77: 14,15.  78:50— 53.  105:36—41.  106: 
6—11.136:10—16.  Is.  63:11— 13.  e 2:21 . 4:25.26.  f lets  7:29.  * That  is,  A 

stranger  there.  2:22.  Ps.  30:12.  Heb.  11:13.  1 Pet.  2: 11.  t Thai  is,  A/y  Obits 
an  Help.  Ps  43:1.  Is.  50:7— 9.  Heb.  13:6.  »2:15.  Ps.  18:  title.  AS.  34:4.  Dan. 
6:22.  Acts  12:11 . 2 Cor.  1:8— 10.  2 Tim.  4:17.  h 3:1,12.  19:11.20  . 24:16,17. 

1 lvm»s  19:8.  i Gen.  46:29.  Num.  22:36.  Judg.  11:34.  Acts  28:15.  It  Gen.  18:2. 
19:1/33:3-7.  IGen. 29:13.  31:28.  45:15.  Ps.2:12.  Luke  7:45.  Acts  20:37. 
t Heb.  pence.  Gen.  -13  27.  2. Sam.  11:7.  margins,  m Seeon\.  Neh.  9:9 — 15.  Ps. 
66:16.  71:17 — 20.  105:1,2.145:4—12.  n 15:22— 24.  16:3.  17:2.  § Heb.  found 

them.  Gen.  44:34.  Nuin.  20:14.  Neh.  9:32.  margins . o Ps.  78:42.  106:10.  107: 
•2.  p Is.  44:23.  66:10.  Horn.  12:10,15.  1 Cor.  12:26.  q Gen.  14:20.  2 Sam.  18: 
29.  I Kings  8:15.  Ps.  41:13.  106:47,48.  Luke  1:68.  Eph.  1:3.  1 Thes.  3:9.  1 Put. 

who  commanded  food  from  the  clouds,  and  sent  water  from 
the  rock,  engages  to  provide. — Let  us  then  ask  and  receive, 
and  drink,  and  rejoice,  and  live  for  ever. 

V.  8 — 16.  We  should  expect  that  our  enemies  will  es- 
pecially assault  us,  when  drinking  most  abundantly  from  the 
living  streams  of  salvation  : these  will,  however,  prepare  us 
for  the  conflict ; and  fighting  under  the  Lord  our  Banner , we 
shall  finally  prevail,  and  give  him  the  glory. — We  may  also 
observe  that  some  men  are  useful  in  one  way,  and  some  in 
another;  but  none  are  so  serviceable  as  they  who  serve  the 
public  by  the  fervent,  persevering  prayers  of  faith.  Little  do 
statesmen  in  the  cabinet,  or  commanders  in  the  field,  under- 
stand, how  much  the  success  of  their  deliberations  and  efforts 
is  influenced  by  the  prayers  of  the  true  Christian  in  his  closet, 
in  his  family,  and  in  the  house  of  God  ! — But  alas  ! how  soon 
we  flag  in  those  spiritual  exercises,  even  sooner  than  the 
soldier  wearies  in  the  field  of  battle  ! and  we  have  need  to  be 
supported  and  animated  by  each  other;  but  especially  we 
need  continual  assistance  from  the  Lord,  that  “ we  may  pray 
always  and  not  faint.” — Oh!  what  cause  have  they  to  trem- 
ble, who  have  not  only  the  sword  of  an  enemy,  but  the  prayers 
of  God's  people,  and  the  memorials  of  his  word,  against 
them  ! — Nor  let  it  be  ever  forgotten,  that  the  complete  salva- 
tion of  the  righteous  is  inseparable  from  the  entire  destruction 
of  the  wicked. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XVIII.  V.  1 — 5.  It  is  generally  sup- 
posed, that  Moses  sent  Zipporah  to  Jethro,  when  the  Lord 
met  him  by  the  way  in  anger,  because  he  had  neglected  to 
circumcise  his  son.  (iVote,  4:24 — 26.)  The  dangers  and 
difficulties  to  be  encountered  in  Egypt  were  very  great ; and 
perhaps  Moses  was  aware,  that  she  did  not  possess  adequate 
fortitude  and  patience  : but  as  soon  as  the  Lord  had  brought 
Israel  firth  out  of  Egypt,  and  led  them  near  to  the  residence 
of  Jethro,  Jethro  brought  Zipporah  and  her  two  sons  back  to 
Moses  ; doubtless  according  to  some  previous  appointment. — 
The  younger  son  of  Moses  seems  to  have  been  born  but  a 
short  time  before  he  set  off  to  return  into  Egypt,  and  to  have 
been  circumcised  by  the  way,  as  before  related.  But  Moses, 
being  at  that  time  about  to  face  the  Egyptian  monarch,  re- 
collected lus  deliverance  from  the  power  and  anger  of  a former 
king  of  Egypt:  and  considering  this  as  a pledge  of  his  safety 
and  success  in  the  present  undertaking,  he  called  his  son 
Elieznr,  or  My  God  is  a Help , with  reference  to  his  past  ex- 
perience, and  his  present  confidence. 

V.  6—11.  Jethro  seems  to  have  informed  Moses,  by 

( 148  ) 


10  And  Jethro  sftid,  ^Blessed  he  the  Lord,  who 
hath  delivered  you  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Egypt 
ians,  and  out  of  the  hand  of  Pharaoh,  who  hatr 
delivered  the  people  from  under  the  hand  of  the 
Egyptians. 

11  Now  rI  know  that  ’the  Lord  is  greater  than 
all  gods : for  ‘in  the  thing  wherein  they  dealt 
“proudly,  he  was  above  them. 

12  And  Jethro,  Moses’s  father-in-law,  xtook  a 
burnt-offering,  and  sacrifices  for  God  : and  ?Aaron 
came,  and  all  the  elders  of  Israel,  to  reat  bread 
with  Moses’s  father-in-law  before  God. 

13  H And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow,  that 
Moses  “sat  to  judge  the  people  : and  the  people 
stood  by  Moses  from  the  morning  unto  the  eve- 
ning. 

14  And  when  Moses’s  father-in-law  saw  all  that 
he  did  to  the  people,  he  said,  What  is  this  thing 
that  thou  doest  fo  the  people  ? Why  sittest  thou 
thyself  alone,  and  all  the  people  stand  by  thee  from 
morning  unto  evening? 

15  And  Moses  said  unto  his  father-in-law, 
Because  the  people  come  unto  me  bto  inquire  of 
God. 

16  When  they  have  ca  matter,  they  come  unto 
me,  and  I judge  between  "one  and  another,  and 
I do  dmake  them  know  the  statutes  of  God  and 
his  laws. 

17  And  Moses’s  father-in-law  said  unto  him, 
The  thing  that  thou  doest  is  not  good. 

18  ’’Thou  wilt  surely  “wear  away,  both  thou  and 
this  people  that  is  with  thee  : for  this  thing  is  too 
heavy  for  thee ; f thou  art  not  able  to  perform  it 
thyself  alone. 

19  ^Hearken  now  unto  my  voice : I will  give 


1:3.  Rev.  5:11— 13.  19:1—6.  r9:16.  1 Kings  17:24.  2 Kings  5:15.  s 15:11. 

1 Chr.  16:25.  2Chr.2:5.  Ps.95:3.  135:5.  ( 1:10,16,22.  5:2.  14:8,18.  u See  on 
9:17.  10:3.  1 Sam.  2:3.  Neh.  9:10,16,29.  Job40:ll,I2.  Dan. 4:37.  Luke  1:51. 
Jam.  4:6.  1 Pet.  5:5.  x 24:5.  Gen.  4:4  . 8:20.  12:7  . 26:25.  31:54.  Job  1:5.  42:8. 
y 24:11.  Lev.  7:11— 17.  Dent.  12:7.  27:7.  1 Chr.  29:21,22.  2Clir.  30:22.  1 Cor. 
10:18,21,31.  z 2:20.  Gen. 43:25.  2Sam.  9:7.  Job  42:11.  Han.  10:3.  Luke  14:1, 
15.  a Judg.  5:10.  Job  29:7.  Is.  16:5.  Joel  3:12.  Malt.  23:2.  Rom.  12:8.  13:6. 
b 19,20.  Lev.  24:12— 14.  Num. 15:34  . 27:5.  c23:7.  24:14.  l ent.  17:8— 12. 

2Sam.l5:3.  Job  31:13.  Acts  18;14.  1 Cor. 6:1.  ||  Heb.  a man  and  Lis  fellow.  2: 

13.  dLev. 24:15.  Num.  15:35.  36:6—9.  Deut.4:5.  5:1.  6:1.  1 Sam.  12:23. 
Matt.  28:20.  1 Thes.  4:1,2.  Heb.  Fading  thou  wilt  fade,  e 2 Cor.  12:15. 
Phil. 2:30.  1 Thes. 2:8,9.  fNum.  11:14—17.  Deut.  1:9—12.  Acts6:l-4.  g 24. 
Prov.  9:9. 


messengers,  that  he  was  arrived  at  the  borders  of  the  camp 
and  by  them  he  thus  addressed  him:  (Notes,  Matt.  8:5 — 9. 
Luke  7:1 — 10.)  accordingly,  Moses  went  forth  without  the 
camp  to  meet  him,  and  gave  him  a very  affectionate  and 
respectful  reception. — The  joy  and  praise  of  Jethro,  for  tho 
mercies  shown  by  the  Lord  to  Israel,  was  a remarkable  con- 
trast-to  Israel’s  murmurs  and  rebellion.  He  declared,  that 
his  faith  was  greatly  confirmed,  and  his  heart  encouraged  in 
worshipping  the  God  of  Israel,  as  distinguished  from  all  idols, 
by  this  decided  victory,  which  Jehovah  had  obtained  over 
the  proud  and  presumptuous  opposition  of  Pharaoh  and  the 
Egyptians,  and  over  the  idols  of  Egypt,  and  by  the  redentp 
tion  of  Israel. 

V.  12.  The  Aaronic  priesthood  was  not  yet  established 
for  there  seems  no  ground  at  all  for  the  opinion  of  the  Jewish 
expositors,  that  these  events  occurred  some  time  after  the 
giving  of  the  law.  It  is  therefore  evident  that  Jethro,  as  an 
ancient  priest  of  tho  Lord,  officiated  in  these  sacrifices,  in 
which,  though  not  of  Israel , he  had  fellowship  with  Israel : 
and  this  appeared  favourable  to  the  case  of  the  Gentiles. 
Having  offered  a burnt-offering,  which  was  wholly  consumed 
he  sacrificed  other  sacrifices;  and  he  and  Moses  and  Aaron 
with  the  elders  of  Israel,  feasted  together  with  thankfulness 
and  cheerfulness,  as  before  God.  This  was  a representa- 
tion of  the  life  of  faith  in  Christ,  and  the  communion  of  the 
saints. 

V.  13 — 16.  Moses,  the  divinely  appointed  Deliverer  of 
Israel  from  Egyptian  bondage,  was  of  course  acknowledged 
as  the  Ruler,  or  chief  Magistrate  ; and,  in  this  capacity,  he 
undertook  to  hear  and  decide  all  the  controversies  which  arose 
among  the  people. — Besides  the  various  revelations,  which 
had  been  made  in  preceding  ages,  to  Adam,  Plnoch,  Noah, 
Abraham,  and  others,  concerning  the  grand  docl  titles  and 
requirements  of  true  religion,  which  had  been  handed  down 
by  tradition  to  the  descendants  of  Jacob ; no  doubt  Moses 
had  received  much  immediate  instruction  in  these  respects, 
before  the  solemn  promulgation  of  the  law  from  Sinai,  and 
could  thus  answer  those,  who  “ came  to  him  to  inquire  of 
God,”  and  “ make  them  know  his  statutes  and  laws. — Tho 
peoplo  were  generally  ignorant,  and,  we  may  well  conclude, 
contentious,  as  well  as  numerous ; Moses  was  very  acces- 
sible and  meek ; and  their  suits  were  managed  without 
expense  to  them : and  therefore  they  would  doubtless  furnish 
him  with  abundance  of  employment. 

V.  17 — 23.  Tho  earnestness  of  mind,  with  whir*  Moso» 


B.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  XIX, 


JB.  C.  1491, 


thee  counsel,  and  hGod  shall  be  with  thee.  ‘Be 
thou  for  the  people  to  God-ward,  that  thou  mayest 
bring  the  causes  unto  God : 

20  And  thou  shalt  Reach  them  ordinances  and 
laws,  and  shalt  show  them  'the  way  wherein  they 
must  walk,  and  the  "“work  that  they  must  do. 

21  Moreover,  “thou  shalt  provide  out  of  all  the 
people,  “able  men,  Psueh  as  fear  God,  qmen  of 
truth,  ‘hating  covetousness  : and  place  such  over 
them,  to  be  “rulers  of  thousands,  and  rulers  of 
hundreds,  rulers  of  fifties,  and  rulers  of  tens. 

22  And  let  them  judge  the  people  ‘at  all  seasons : 
and  it  shall  be,  that  every  “great  matter  they  shall 
bring  unto  thee,  but  every  small  matter  they  shall 
judge ; so  shall  it  be  easier  for  thyself,  and  “they 
shall  bear  the  burden  with  thee. 

23  If  thou  shalt  do  this  thing,  and  rGod  com- 
mand thee  so,  then  thou  shalt  be  able  to  endure, 
‘and  all  this  people  shall  also  go  to  their  place  in 
peace. 

h 3:12.  4:12.  Gen.  39:2.  Deut.  20:1.  Josh.  1:9.  2 Sam.  14:17.  Mali.  28:20. 
i See  an  15.  4:10.  20:19.  Deut.  5:5.  k 16.  Deul.  4:1,5.  5:1.  6:1,2.  7:11.  N«h. 
9:13,14.  1 1 Sam.  12:23.  Ps.  32:8.  143:8.  Is.  30:21.  Jer.  6:16.  42:3.  Mic.  4:2. 
1 Thes.  4:1.  m Deut.  1:18.  Ez.3:17.  Mall.  28:20.  Mark  13:31.  2 Thee.  3:6— 12. 
n Deut.  1:13 — 17.  Acts  6:3.  ol  Kings  3:9 — 12.  Prov.28:2.  p 23:2—  #.  Gen. 22: 

12.  42.18.  2 Sam.  23:3.  I Kings  18:3,12.  2Chr.  19:5-9.  Neli.5:9.  7:2.  Ec.  12: 

13.  Luke  18:2,4.  q Job  29:16.  Is.  16:5.  59:4,14,15.  Jer.  51.  Zech.  7:9.  8:16. 
r 23:8.  Deut.  16:18,19.  1 Sam.  8:3.  12:3,4.  Ps.  26:9,10.  Is.  33:15.  Ez.  22:12. 


engaged  in  this  important  work,  had  caused  him  to  overlook 
the  consequences  of  such  incessant  application,  which  must 
have  soon  worn  him  down,  and  have  eventually  proved  inju- 
rious to  the  people  also ; and  it  did  not  please  the  Lord  to 
instruct  him  in  this  point  of  discretion  immediately,  but  by  the 
counsel  of  a wise  and  pious  man,  and  a descendant  of  Abra- 
nam,  though  not  an  Israelite. — When  Jethro  therefore  ob- 
served his  method  of  procedure,  he  ventured  to  object  to  it, 
und  to  give  him  advice  which  he  trusted  God  would  approve 
and  prosper. — Let  him  reserve  himself  for  such  causes  as 
were  more  difficult ; or  such  as  more  immediately  referred  to 
the  ordinances  and  commandments  of  God,  as  far  as  then 
made  known  to  him  ; and  concerning  which  he  would,  by 
divine  inspiration,  receive  more  complete  instruction  that  he 
might  teach  the  people : and  let  him  select  proper  persons 
for  ability,  piety,  integrity,  and  disinterestedness,  in  due 
subordination  to  each  other ; who  might  judge  and  decide 
all  those  causes  to  which.they  were  competent,  and  only 
refer  those  to  Moses,  which  they  knew  not  how  to  deter- 
mine. (Marg.  Ref.  n — s.)  But,  in  giving  this  wise  coun- 
sel, Jethro  intimated,  that  Moses  should  refer  the  matter  to 
God,  and  only  follow  it  in  case  he  commanded  him. 

V.  24 — 26.  (Notes,  Deut.  1:11 — 18.)  It  is  probable,  that 
Moses  consulted  the  Lord  on  this  subject ; and,  by  his  ap- 
pointment, carried  Jethro’s  counsel  into  effect,  with  the  con- 
currence of  the  people.  (Note,  Acts  6:2 — 6.)  The  magis- 
trates, thus  constituted  over  thousands,  hundreds,  fifties,  and 
tens,  were  distinct  persons  from  the  seventy  elders  chosen 
on  another  occasion,  and  far  more  numerous.  (Note,  Num. 
11:16.)  Probably,  this  arrangement  was  permanent  in  Israel, 
at  least  as  far  as  the  rulers  over  thousands.  (Judg.  6:15. 
marg.  Mic.  5:2.) 

V.  27.  It  is  evident,  that  after  Jethro  had  given  this 
counsel  to  Moses,  and  had  continued  some  time  longer  with 
him,  he  returned  home ; where  no  doubt  he  did  what  he  could 
to  promote  true  religion,  and  probably  with  considerable 
success.  (Notes,  Num.  10:29 — 32.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 12.  The  report  of  the  Lord’s  power  and  goodness, 
shown  in  behalf  of  Israel,  having  reached  distant  places,  con- 
firmed the  faith,  and  excited  the  joy  and  gratitude,  of  those 
who  were  not  personally  interested  in  these  peculiar  benefits: 
and  the  records  of  the  same  events  handed  down  to  these 
distant  ages,  should  produce  the  same  effects  upon  our 
minds,  that  we  too  may  be  established  in  the  faith,  and 
stirred  up  to  trust  and  praise  the  Lord  for  his  mercies  to 
Israel. — Husbands  and  wives  may,  on  some  occasions,  be 
obliged  to  separate  for  a time;  but  the  sooner  they  meet 
again,  and  the  more  they  live  together,  the  better:  and 
Clough  it  may  be  improper  for  the  female  sex  to  share  the 
dangers  and  hardships  of  extraordinary  undertakings  ; yet  the 
wife  should  participate  in  the  ordinary  cares,  and  every  com- 
fort and  honour,  of  the  husband.  Nor  should  children  be  need- 
lessly deprived  of  the  great  benefit  which  they  may  derive 
from  the  instruction  and  example  of  pious  and  wise  parents: 
and  when  the  people  witness  how  well  they,  who  are  in- 
trusted with  the  administration  of  public,  affairs,  and  take 
care  of  the  church  of  God,  regulate  their  own  families,  the 
example  will  be  peculiarly  useful. — When  we  record  our 
trials,  we  should  be  sure  to  record  our  mercies  also:  “perse- 
Mted,  but  not  forsaken;  cast  down,  but  not  destroyed;” 
exiles,  but  protected  by  the  God  of  our  fathers. — It  is  very 
.ecoming,  when  persons  employed  in  the  most  important 
public  services,  pay  a proper  attention  to  the  duties  and 
regards  of  private  life ; and  when  they,  who  are  highly 
nonoured  of  God,  are  very  humble  and  affable,  and  show 
all  respect  to  superior  relations,  and  gratitude  to  benefac- 


24  So  “Moses  hearkened  to  the  voice  of  his 
father-in-law,  and  did  all  that  he  had  said. 

25  And  Moses  bchose  able  men  out  of  all  Israel, 
and  made  them  heads  over  the  people,  rulers  o> 
thousands,  rulers  of  hundreds,  rulers  of  fifties,  anti 
rulers  of  tens. 

26.  And  they  judged  the  people  cat  all  seasons. 
dthe  hard  causes  they  brought  unto  Moses,  bu 
every  small  matter  they  judged  themselves. 

27  And  Moses  “let  his  father-in-law  depart : and 
he  went  his  way  into  his  own  land. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

Israel  arrives  at  mount  Sinai,  and  encamps  there , 1,2.  Moses  hears  the 
message  of  God , and  delivers  it  to  the  people  ; they  engage  to  obey , and  he 
reports  it  to  the  Lord,  3 — 8.  Preparations  arc  made , regulations prescribed, 
and  the  time  set , for  the  giving  of  the  law,  9 — 15.  The  tremendous  intro- 
duction to  that  solemn  transaction,  16 — 25. 

IN  “the  third  month,  when  the  children  of  Israel 
were  gone  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  the 
same  day  bcame  they  into  the  wilderness  of  Sinai. 
2 For  they  were  departed  from  “Rephidim,  and 


Ads 20:33.  1 Tim. 3:3.  6:9—11.  2 Pel. 2:14, 15.  sNum.l0:4.  Deut.  1.15.  Josh. 
22:14.  I Sam. 8:12.  I 26.  Rom.  13:6.  u Deut.  1:17.  17:8,9.  x 14.  Niun.il: 
17.  y Gen.  21:10— 12.  1 Sam.  8:6,7,22.  Ads  15:2.  Gal.  2:2.  i2Sam.  18:3.  21- 
17,  I hil.  1:24,25.  a 2 — 5,19.  Ezra  10:2 — 5.  Prov.  1:5.  1 Cor.  12:21.  b See  on 
21.  Deut.  1:15.  Acts  6:5.  c 14,22.  d See  on  15,22.  L'eui.  17:8.  1- Kings  3:16 — 
28.  10:1.  Job  29:16.  e Gen.  24:59.  31:55.  Num.  10:29.  Judg.  19:9.  a 12:2,6. 
Lev.  23:16— 18.  b 16:1.  Num.  33:15.  c 17:1. 


tors. — Our  meeting,  from  time  to  time,  with  our  friends  on 
earth  will  be  very  comfortable  and  useful,  if  we  converse 
together  concerning  the  loving-kindness  and  wonderful  works 
of  God ; if  we  unite  in  praise  and  thanksgiving ; and  if,  by 
sobriety,  love,  gratitude,  and  the  fear  of  God.  we  turn  every 
festive  interview  into  a religious  ordinance,  “a  sacrifice  ac- 
ceptable, well-pleasing  to  the  Lord.”  What  then  will  our 
final  meeting  in  heaven  be,  where  the  love,  and  joy,  and 
praise  will  be  complete,  uninterrupted,  and  eternal ! 

V.  13 — 27.  Our  affectionate  attention  to  relatives  and 
friends  must  not  induce  us  to  neglect  our  proper  business ; 
any  more  than  the  ingratitude,  which  we  experience,  should 
render  us  weary  of  doing  good.  The  most  exalted  stations, 
if  properly  filled,  have  the  heaviest  work  connected  with 
them : for  such  is  human  nature,  that  it  is  not  only  an  ardu- 
ous undertaking  to  restrain  men  from  ungodliness,  hut  very 
difficult  to  keep  them  from  devouring  one  another  : and  they 
who  would  administer  justice,  keep  the  peace,  and  repress 
violence  and  fraud,  will  have  enough  to  engross  their  thoughts, 
to  burden  their  spirits,  and  to  occupy  their  time.  Yet,  in 
“ doing  with  our  might  whatever  our  hand  findeth  to  do,”  a 
prudent  regard  to  our  health  is  not  only  allowable,  but  a duty, 
which  it  is  not  good  to  neglect,  however  well  we  may  be  em- 
ployed: and  “wisdom  is  profitable  to  direct”  men  in  high 
stations,  what  they  must  do  themselves,  and  what  they  may 
do  by  others.  The  Lord  hath  also  divided  his  gifts  severally 
to  different  men  ; and  an  impartial  observer,  though  of  inferior 
endowments,  may  sometimes  suggest  a counsel,  which  the 
wisest  may  very  profitably  attend  to : yea,  his  wisdom  will 
dispose  him  to  attend  to  it ; for  “ give  instruction  to  a wise 
man,  and  he  will  be  yet  wiser ; but  fools  despise  wisdom  and 
instruction.”  Yet  we  must  not  follow  the  wisest  counsel, 
until  we  have,  by  attention  to  the  Scriptures,  and  by  prayer, 
consulted  the  Lord  also;  who  often  counsels  us  by  the  ad- 
vice of  our  pious  friends,  that  we  may  love  and  be  united  to 
them,  as  well  as  dependent  on  him,  and  thankful  to  him. — 
Magistracy,  as  well  as  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel,  is  an  or- 
dinance of  God : they,  therefore,  who  are  employed  even  in 
the  most  subordinate  offices  of  government,  should  be  chosen 
persons,  “ able  men,”  of  clear  heads  and  sound  judgments ; 
and  such  as  “ fear  God,”  and  from  a principle  of  genuine 
piety,  are  steadily  “men  of  truth,”  of  integrity  and  fidelity  ; 
and  have  learned  to  “ hate  covetousness,”  that  they  “ may 
shake  their  hands  from  holding  of  bribes,”  and  administer 
justice  impartially.  What  then  ought  lawgivers,  supreme 
magistrates,  and  the  ministers  of  religion  to  be  ' Happy 
indeed  are  the  people,  that  are  blessed  with  such  rulers  and 
teachers  ; “yea,  blessed  are  the  people  who  have  the  Lord 
for  their  God.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  XIX.  V.  1.  Inthe  third  month.]  Or, 
“ on  the  third  new  moon.”  The  Israelites  left  Egypt  on  the 
fifteenth  day  of  the  first  month,  and  it  is  supposed  that  they 
arrived  at  Sinai  on  the  first  day  of  the  third  month  ; and,  com- 
puting by  the  space  of  time  between  one  new  moon  and 
another,  which  is  somewhat  more  than  twenty-nine  days  and 
a half,  this  will  appear  to  have  been  on  the  forty-sixth  day 
after  their  departure.  Probably  on  the  next  day  Moses  went 
up  to  the  mount,  and  three  days  afterwards  the  law  was 
delivered  ; that  is,  on  the  fiftieth  day,  on  which  the  feast  ol 
Pentecost  was  held,  as  it  is  supposed,  in  commemoration  of 
this  event. 

V.  2.  Rephidim  could  not  be  far  from  Horeb  or  from 
some  parts  of  the  mountain  so  called ; because  whco  Israel 
was  encamped  at  Rephidim,  Moses,  atu  tided  by  tl  e elders, 
and  probably  followed  by  numbers  of  tne  people,  smote  a 
rock  in  Horeb,  which  poured  forth  wate  for  them  and  their 
cattle.  But  the  assault  of  the  Amalekites  might  * luse  delay 

( 149  ) 


EXODUS 


B.  C.  149 j 


i}.  C 1491 


were  come  to  the  desert  of  Sinai,  and  had  pitched 
in  the  wilderness ; and  there  Israel  dcamped  before 
the  mount. 

3 And  Moses  ewent  up  unto  God,  and  the  Lord 
t called  unto  him  out  of  the  mountain,  saying, 
Thus  shalt  thou  say  to  the  house  of  Jacob,  and 
tell  the  children  of  Israel ; 

4 Ye  have  sseen  what  I did  unto  the  Egyptians, 
and  how  hI  bare  you  on  eagles’  wings,  and  brought 
y m unto  myself. 

5 Now  therefore  hf  ye  will  obey  my  voice 
indeed,  and  kkeep  my  covenant,  then  ye  shall  be 
'a  peculiar  treasure  unto  me  above  all  people  : for 
mall  the  earth  is  mine. 

6 And  ye  shall  be  unto  me  “a  kingdom  of 


d 18:5.  Acts  7:30,38.  Gal.  4:24.  e 20:21.  24:15—18.  34:2.  Deut.  5:5.31.  f 3:4. 
e 7: — 14:  Dent.  4:9,33—36.  29:2.  Is.  63:9.  h Dent.  32:11,12.  Rev.  12:14.  i 23: 
22.  24:7.  Deut.  11:27.  28:1.  Josh.  24:24.  1 Sam.  15:22.  Is.  1:19.  Jer.7:23.  11:4— 
7.  Heb.  11:8.  k Deut.  5:2.  Ps.  25:10.  103:17,18.  Is.  56:4.  Jer.  31 :31— 33. 

1 Deut.  4:20.  7:6.  14:2.  26:18.  32:9.  Ps.  135:4.  Jer.  10:16.  Mai.  3:17.  Tit.  2:14. 
m 9:29.  Deut.  10:14.  Job  41:11.  Ps.  24:1.  50:12.  Dan.  4:34,35.  1 Cor.  10:26,28. 


and  so  they  continued  encamped  at  Rephidim  for  some  time 
after  the  rock  was  smitten,  before  they  marched  to  that  part 
of  the  mountain,  generally  called  Sinai,  from  whence  the  law 
was  delivered.  (Notes,  17:)  * 

V.  3.  Moses  went  up  to  mount  Sinai,  doubtless  by  the 
Lord’s  command,  who  “had  called  to  him  out  of  the  mountain” 
by  an  audible  voice,  requiring  him  to  come  up,  in  order  to 
receive  his  message  to  the  people.  They  were  now  to  be 
incorporated,  as  a church  and  nation,  under  the  government 
of  God,  and  in  covenant  with  him  ; having  hitherto  been,  first 
a single  family,  and  then  a multitude  of  slaves. 

V.  4.  On  eagles'  wings.]  As  the  eagle  carries  her  young 
upon  her  wings  out  of  the  reach  of  those  who  would  attempt 
their  destruction,  so  the  Lord  had  rescued  the  Israelites 
from  Egypt,  that  they  might  be  his  people,  dwelling  under  his 
protection,  and  devoted  to  his  worship  and  service.  (Note, 
Deut.  32:11,12.) 

V.  5.  Covenant.]  The  national  covenant  with  Israel  was 
here  meant ; the  charter  upon  which  they  were  incorporated, 
as  a people  under  the  government  of  Jehovah.  It  was  an 
engagement  of  God,  to  give  Israel  possession  of  Canaan, 
and  to  protect  them  in  it:  to  render  the  land  fruitful,  and  the 
nation  victorious  and  prosperous,  and  to  perpetuate  his  ora- 
cles and  ordinances  among  them  ; so  long  as  they  did  not,  as 
a people,  reject  his  authority,  apostatize  to  idolatry,  and 
tolerate  open  wickedness.  These  things  constituted  a for- 
feiture of  the  covenant,  as  their  national  rejection  of  Christ 
did  afterwards. — True  believers  among  them  were  personally 
dealt  with  according  to  the  covenant  of  mercy  and  grace, 
even  as  true  Christians  noware  ; and  unbelievers  were  under 
the  covenant  of  works,  and  liable  to  condemnation  by  it,  as 
at  present : yet  the  national  covenant  was  not  strictly  either 
the  one  or  the  other,  but  had  something  in  it  of  the  nature  of 
each.  It  did  not  refer  to  the  final  salvation  of  individuals ; 
nor  was  it  broken  by  the  disobedience,  or  even  idolatry,  of 
any  number  of  them,  provided  this  was  not  sanctioned  or 
tolerated  by  public  authority.  It  indeed,  in  many  respects, 
prefigured  the  dealings  of  God  with  his  people, # under  the 
Christian  dispensation  ; in  which  the  new  covenant  of  grace 
and  mercy,  made  with  all  true  believers,  is  more  clearly  ex- 
hibited, than  under  any  of  the  preceding  dispensations;  yet 
it  “had  not  the  very  image,”  but  only  “a  shadow  of  good 
things  to  come.”  When,  therefore,  the  nation  had  broken  this 
covenant,  the  Lord  declared  that  he  would  make  “ a new 
covenant  with  the  house  of  Israel,  . . . putting  his  law,”  not 
only  in  their  hands,  but  “ in  their  inward  parts and  “ writing 
it,”  not  upon  tables  of  stone,  “but  in  their  hearts  ; forgiving 
their  iniquity,  and  remembering  their  sins  no  more.”  (Jer. 
31:32 — 34.  Heb.  8:7 — 12.  10:16,17.) — In  the  scriptures  re- 
ferred to,  the  covenant  spoken  of,  “ as  ready  to  vanish  away,” 
is  evidently  not  the  covenant,  of  works,  but  the  national 
covenant  with  Israel,  which  the  Israelites  had  vacated  by 
their  sins.— Unless  we  carefully  attend  to  this  distinction,  wo 
shall  be  liable  to  fall  into  perpetual  mistakes  in  reading  the 
Old  Testament.  Hardly  any  thing  can  be  more  absurd,  than 
to  suppose  that  the  whole  nation  of  the  Jews  was  under  the 
covenant  of  works,  which  contains  nothing  about  repentance, 
faith  in  a Mediator,  forgiveness  of  sins,  or  grace  : yet  we 
often  meet  with  language  in  Christian  authors,  which  conveys 
this  idea.  And  it  is  perhaps  more  common  to  hear  the  whole 
nation  of  Israel  spoken  of,  as  if  they  all  bare  the  character, 
and  possessed  the  privileges,  of  true  believers,  actually  in- 
terested in  the  covenant  of  grace;  and  conclusions  are  con- 
tinually drawn  from  such  premises,  as  if  undeniable  ! — But  in 
fact,  the  Israelites  were  under  a dispensation  of  mercy,  and 
had  outward  privileges  and  great  advantages  in  various  ways 
for  salvation  ; yet,  like  professing  Christians,  the  most  of 
them  rested  in  these  and  looked  no  further.  “ For  they  are 
not  all  Israel,  which  are  of  Israel.”  The  outward  covenant 
was  made  with  the  nation,  entitling  them  to  outward  advan- 
lages,  upon  the  condition  of  outward  national  obedience  : and 
the  covenant,  of  grace  was  ratified  personally  with  true  be- 
lie.  prs,  and  sealed  and  secured  spiritual  blessings  to  them,  by 
( 150  ) 


priests,  °and  an  holy'  nation.  These  are  the  word 
which  thou  shalt  speak  unto  the  children  oflsrae* 

7 And  Moses  came  and  called  lor  ‘’the  elders  ol 
the  people,  ^and  laid  before  their  laces  all  these 
words  which  the  Lord  commanded  him. 

8 And  all  the  people  ranswered  together,  and 
said,  All  that  the  Lord  hath  spoken,  we  will  do. 
And  Moses  returned  the  words  of  the  people  unto 
the  Lord. 

9 And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  eLo,  I rorfie 
unto  thee  in  a thick  cloud, *  lthat  the  people  may 
hear  when  I speak  with  thee,  add  “believe  thee 
for  ever.  And  Moses  told  the  words  of  the  peo- 
ple unto  the  Lord. 

10  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Go  unto  the 


n Is. 61:6.  Rom.  12:1.  I Pet. 2:5,9.  Rev.  1:6.  5:10.  20:6.  o Lev.  11:44,45.  19:2. 
20:26.21:7,8,23.  Deut.  7:6.  26:19.  28:9.  Is.G2:l2.  I Pet.  1:15.16.  p 5<e 
3:16.  q 1:29,30.  1 Car.  15:1.  r 20:19.  24:3,7.  Deut.  5:27,28.  *6: 17— 19.  Josh. 
24:24.  Neh.  10:29.  s 16.  20:21.  2-1:15,16.  Deut.  4 1 1 . 1 Kin**  8.12.  2 t hr.  6:1. 
Ps.  18:11  12.  97:2.  Is.  19:1.  Matt.  17:5.  Mark  9:7.  Luke  9:34.35.  Rtv  D7. 
t Deut.  4:36.  John  12:29,30.  ti  14:31.  2 Chr.  20:20.  Is.  7:9.  Luke  10: 16. 


producing  a holy  disposition  of  heart,  and  spiritual  obedience 
to  the  divine  law. — In  case  Israel  kept  the  covenant,  the 
Lord  promised,  that  they  should  be  to  him  “a  peculiar  trea- 
sure,” which  is  safely  reposited  because  highly  valued.  Tho 
whole  earth  being  the  Lord’s,  he  might,  have  chosen  any 
other  people  instead  of  Israel  : and  this*  implied,  that  as  his 
choice  of  them  was  gratuitous,  so,  if  they  rejected  his 
covenant,  he  would  reject  them,  and  communicate  their  privi- 
leges to  others  ; as  indeed  he  hath  done,  since  the  introduction 
of  the  Christian  dispensation. 

A peculiar  treasure.]  n^JD.  Deut.  7:6.  14:2.  20:18.  i 
Chron.  29:3.  Mai.  3:17. — The  LXX  render  it  Xaos  ~epiovaios, 
“ a peculiar  people.”  See  Tit.  2:14.  Gr. 

V.6.  Israel  was  formed  into  “a  kingdom  of  priests,”  an 
honourable  and  sacred  kingdom,  under  Jehovah  himself  as 
their  King,  who  manifested  his  special  presence  among  them 
from  above  the  Mercy-seat.  They  were  also  distinguished 
from  other  kingdoms,  by  laws  and  statutes  immediately  given 
them  from  God,  and  bearing  the  stamp  of  his  holiness.  He, 
in  an  especial  manner,  was  their  Protector  against  every  foe; 
and  they  were  his  professed  worshippers,  according  to  the 
oracles  and  ordinances  which  he  gave  them.  Thus  they 
were  a “kingdom  of  priests,”  and  “a  holy  nation,”  sepa- 
rated from  9ther  people,  consecrated  to  God,  permitted  to 
approach  him  to  offer  sacrifices  dnd  supplications,  and  pos- 
sessing a sacred  character  among  the  nations  of  the  earth. 
Israel  had  these  outward  distinctions  ; blit  the  nation  was  only 
a type  of  all  true  Christians,  in  their  spiritual  privileges  and 
real  character  in  the  sight  of  God  and  before  the  world 
(Notes,  1 Pet.  2:9,10.  Rev.  1:4—6.  5:8—10.) 

V.  7 — 9.  “The  elders  of  the  people”  seem  to  have  been 
the  principal  persons,  or  seniors,  in  each  tribe  and  fami!yf 
who  in  some  sense  represented  the  rest : and  Moses,  having 
assembled  them,  plainly  stated  before  them  the  terms  of  the 
covenant,  which  God  was  about  to  make  with  the  nation,  that 
they  might  propose  them  to  the  people  at  large;  and  these 
unanimously  and  at  once  acceded  to  them,  probably  without 
due  consideration  and  with  too  much  confidence. — ‘ Upon  tho 
report  made  to  God  of  the  people’s  consent,  he  proceeds  . . . 
to  declare  the  laws  by  which  they  should  be  governed,  (20: — 
23:)  and  then  in  the  twenty-fourth  chapter  these  laws  pass 
into  a covenant  between  God  and  them.!  Bp.  Patrick.  In 
order  that  this  might  he  rendered  peculiarly  solemn  and 
affecting,  ihe  Lord  declared  that  he  would  “come  in  a thick 
cloud,”  much  denser  than  that  from  which  his  glory  had 
before  been  manifested,  and  indicating  a tremendous  tempest ; 
for  the  scriptures  referred  to  in  the  margin  show,jhat  most 
dreadful  lightnings  and  fire  continually  hurst  from  the  cloud 
in  the  sight  of  the  people.  (Marg.  Ref.  s.)  This  was 
intended,  among  other  reasons,  to  convince  them,  that  tho 
Lord  spake  by  Moses,  and  to  induce  them  1o  believe  his 
testimony,  and  ever  after  willingly  to  receive  the  commands 
of  God  from  his  servant,  rather  than  behold  such  a sight  any 
more. — The  thick  cloud  also  represented  the  comparative 
darkness  of  that  dispensation : and  when  Christ  was  trans- 
figured, the  vioce  came  out  of  a bright  cloud,  “This  is  my 
beloved  Son,  in  whom  I am  well  pleased,  hear  ye  him.” 
(Note,  Matt.  17:5 — 8.) 

V.  10 — 15.  Moses  was  ordered  to  “sanctify  the  people;’ 
that  is,  he  was  to  instruct  them  in  what  manner  they  should 
sanctify  themselves,  and  to  enforce  the  observance  of  his 
directions.  It  is  probable,  that  the  two  days  which  preceded 
the  giving  of  the  law,  and  the  day  on  which  it  w as  given, 
were  observed  in  some  respect  as  a season  of  solemr  "asting 
and  prayer. — Tho  washing  of  the  clothes  by  the  people,  and 
the  other  external  observances,  (similar  to  what  we  meet 
with  in  the  scriptures  referred  to  in  tho  margin,)  represented 
the  inward  purification  of  the  heart  by  the  sanctification  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  when  sin  is  repented  of  and  renounced,  sin- 
ful desires  are  mortified,  and  sinful  thoughts  are  excluded 
with  abhorrence;  and  when  attention  to  the  great  c<  ncerns  ot 
religion  renders  men  indifferent  even  about  law  ful  satidacti<  us. 
All  this  was  peculiarly  proper,  now  that  the  p<\  le  wire 


B.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


B.  C.  149. 


people  and  Sanctify  them  to-day  and  to-morrow, 
and  let  them  Jwash  their  clothes, 

, 1 1 And  be  ready  against  the  third  day : for  the 

third  day  'the  Lord  will  come  down  in  the  sight 
of  all  the  people  upon  mount  Sinai. 

12  And  thou  shalt  “set  bounds  unto  the  people-i 
round  about,  saying,  bTake  heed  to  yourselves, 
that  ye  go  not  up  into  the  mount,  cor  touch  the 
border  of  it : whosoever  touche th  the  mount  shall 
be  surely  put  to  death. 

13  There  shall  not  an  hand  touch  it,  but  he 
shall  surely  be  stoned  or  shot  through ; dwhether 
it  be  beast  or  man,  it  shall  not  live:  “when  the 
’trumpet  soundeth  long,  they  shall  come  up  to  the 
mount. 

14  And  Moses  went  down  from  the  mount  unto 
the  people,  fand  sanctified  the  people,  and  they 
washed  their  clothes. 

15  And  he  said  unto  the  people,  gBe  ready 
against  hthe  third  day ; ‘come  not  at  your  wives. 

[Practical  Observations.'] 

16  If  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  third  day  in 
the  morning,  that  there  were  kthunders  and  light- 
nings, and  a 'thick  cloud  upon  the  mount,  and  the 
mvoiceof  the  trumpet  exceeding  loud;  so  that  "all 
the  people  that  was  in  the  camp  trembled. 

i 15.  Joit).  3:5.  7:13.  I Sam.  16:5.  2Chr.29:5,34.  30:17—19.  Job  1:5.  1 Cor. 6: 
11.  y 14.  Gen.  33:2.  Lev.  11:25.  15:5.  Num.  8:7,21.  31:24.  Zech.  3:3,4.  Heb. 
10:22.  Rev.  7:14.  z 18,20  . 3:8.  34:5.  Num.  11:17.  Deul.33:2.  Ps. 18:9.  144:5. 
19.64:1,2.  Hub.3:3— 6.  John  3:13.  6:38.  a 21,23.  Josh.  3:4.  b 10:28.  31:12. 
Deni.  2:4.  4:9.  c Heb.  12:20,21.  (121:28,29.  Lev.  20:15,16.  e 1 Cor.  15:52. 

I Thes.  4:16.  * Or,  cornet,  f See  on  10.  g Am.  4:12.  Mai.  3:2.  Matt.  3:10 — 12. 
24:44.  2 Pet.  3:11,12.  h 11,16.  i 1 Sam.  21:4,5.  Zech.  6:3.  12:12— 14.  1 Cor.  7: 
5.  k 9:23,28,29.  20:18.  I Sam.  12:17*8.  Job  37:1—5  . 38:25.  Ps.  18:11—14.  29: 
3— 11.  50:3.  77:18.  97:4.  Heb.  12:18,19.  Rev.  4:5.  8:5.  11:19.  \Seeon9.  40: 


about  to  be  admitted  into  covenant,  as  a holy  nation  with  a 
holy  God  ; who  also  would  display  his  glory  among  them  in 
the  most  evident  and  awful  manner.  The  other  regulations, 
and  all  the  terrific  solemnities  of  this  transaction,  were  cal- 
culated to  impress  the  minds  of  the  people  with  a deep  sense 
of  the  divine  majesty  and  purity : to  convince  them  of  their 
own  guilt  and  unholiness  ; and  to  show  them,  that  they  could 
not  stand  in  judgment  before  God  by  their  own  obedience  to 
that  law  which  was  about  to  be  delivered. 

V.  16 — 20.  It  is  intimated,  in  several  parts  of  Scripture, 
that  these  tremendous  appearances  and  voices  were  effected 
by  the  ministration  of  angels,  as  attending  on  this  sublime 
display  of  the  glory  of  Jehovah.  (Acts  7:53.  Gal.  3:19. 
Heb.  2:2)— When  the  signal  had  been  given,  by  the  long  and 
loud  sound  of  a trumpet,  Moses  led  the  congregation,  who 
trembled  at  what  they  saw  and  heard,  to  the  foot  of  the 
mount ; where  they  took  their  station,  and  waited  doubtless 
in  great  trepidation,  to  hear  the  Lord  himself  speak  to  them. 
But  while  they  stood  there,  the  appearances  became  more 
and  more  dreadful ; the  mountain  itself  trembled  exceedingly, 
and  every  blast  of  the  trumpet  which  continued  sounding, 
was  more  terrible  than  those  which  had  preceded  ; as  an- 
nouncing the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  demanding  an  awful 
attention  to  his  words. — It  was  at  this  crisis,  no  doubt,  that 
Moses  himself  said,  “I  exceedingly  fear  and  quake:”  (Note, 
Heb.  12:18 — 21.)  for  “he  spake,  and  the  Loud  answered 
him  by  a voice,”  encouraging  him  not  to  fear,  and  calling  him 
to  come  up  into  the  mount. 

Voice  of  the  trumpet.  (16)  A voice,  or  sound  resembling 
that  of  a trumpet,  made,  as  we  must  suppose,  by  some  of  the 
attendant  angels.  (1  Cor.  15:52.  1 Thes.  4:16.  Heb.  12:19. 
Rev.  1:10.  4:1.)  , 

V.  21 — 25.  It  might  have  been  supposed,  that  the  terror 
of  this  prospect  would  have  checked  all  presumptuous  cu- 
riosity : but  it  is  continually  demonstrated  by  undeniable 
facts,  that  the  hard  heart,  of  sinners  can  trifle  with  the  most 
terrible  denunciations  and  judgments»of  an  angry  God;  nay, 
convert  them  into  diversion  and  amusement,  or  make  them 
the  subject  of  curious  speculations  ! — It  is  evident  that  Moses 
went  up  into  the  mount,  amidst  all  the  tremendous  appear- 
ances, which  at  first  dismayed  him ; and  the  Lord  ordered  him 
to  “ go  down,  and  charge  the  people.”  Some  were  therefore 
disposed  to  break  through,  while  others  were  appalled  with 
terror ; and  Moses  must  go  and  warn  them,  that  that  if  they 
did,  God  would  certainly  punish  their  presumptuous  intrusion 
with  immediate  death. — It  is  much  controverted  among  learned 
men,  who  the  priests  were,  “ that  came  near  to  the  Lord  :” 
Dut  probably  they  were  some  of  the  chief  persons  in  the 
several  families,  who  generally  took  the  lead  in  every  act  of 
religious  worship,  and  perhaps  had  sometimes  offered  sacri- 
fices. Presuming  on  this  distinction,  they  were  not  suitably 
impressed  by  the  solemn  scene,  and  they  had  in  some  degree 
neglected  the  orders  to  sanctify  themselves,  in  preparation  for 
k : they  were  therefore  warned  to  act  with  greater  reverence 
of  God.  Moses,  indeed,  thought  there  was  no  danger  that 
the  people  should  attempt  to  break  through ; but  he  was  mis- 
taken, and  was  sent  down  to  take  proper  precautions  against 
such  an  interruption  of  the  awful  solemnity.  He  was  also 
directed  to  bring  Aaron  up  along  with  him ; doubtless  in 


17  And  “Moses  brought  forth  the  people  out  o'* 
the  camp  to  meet  with  God,  and  they  stood  at  the 
nether  part  of  the  mount. 

18  And  I’mount  Sinai  was  altogether  on  t 
smoke,  because  the  Lord  descended  upon  it  3ir. 
fire : and  the  smoke  thereof  ascended  ras  the 
smoke  of  a furnace,  and  the  “whole  mount  quaked 
greatly. 

19  And  ‘when  the  voice  of  the  trumpet  sounded 
long,  and  waxed  louder  and  louder,  “Moses  spake 
and  “God  answered  him  by  a voice. 

20  And  rthe  Lord  came  down  upon  Mount 
Sinai,  on  the  top  of  the  mount:  and  the  Lord 
called  Moses  up  to  the  top  of  the  mount,  and 
“Moses  went  up. 

21  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Go  down, 
tcharge  the  people,  lest  they  “break  through  unto 
the  Lord  to  gaze,  and  many  of  them  perish. 

22  And  let  bthe  priests  also,  which  come  near 
to  the  Lord,  “sanctify  themselves,  lest  the  Lord 
dbreak  forth  upon  them. 

23  And  Moses  said  unto  the  Lord,  The  people 
cannot  come  up  to  mount  Sinai : for  thou  charg- 
edst  us,  saying,  “Set  hounds  about  the  mount,  and 
sanctify  it. 

24  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  Away,  get 

34.  2Chr.5:14.  m Rer.  1:10.  4:1.  nJer.5;22.  Heb.  12:21.  oDeul.4.10.  5: 

5.  p 20:18.  1'cut.  4)11,12.  5:22.  33:2.  Judg.  5:5.  Ps.  68:7,8.  104:32.  144:5.  See 
onl3.  Is.  6:4.  Hab.  3:3.  Rev.  15:8.  q3:2.  24:17.  2Thes.l:8.  2lel.3:10. 

r Gen.  15:17.  19:28.  s 1 Kings  19:11,12.  Ps.68:8.  77:18.  114:7.  Jer.4:24.  Nab.  1: 
5,6.  Hab.  3:10.  Zech.  14:5.  Matt. 24:7.  t 13,16.  u Heb.  12:21.  xPs.81:7. 

y See  on  11.  Neh.  9:13.  r 3.  24: 12,13,18.  34:2,4.  Lieut.  9:9.  t Heb.  contest. 
12,13.  tt  3:3,5.  1 Sam.  6:19.  Ec.  5:1.  Heb.  12:28,29.  b24:5.  Lev.  10:1—3.  Is. 
52:11.  cSee  on  5,14,15.  d2Sam.  6:6,8.  1 Chr.  13:9— 11.  15:U.  2 Clir.  30:3, 
15,18,19.  Acts  5:5,10.  1 Cor.  11:30—32.  e 12.  Josh.  3:4,5. 


order  that  the  people  might  learn  to  honour  their  future  high- 
priest  by  seeing  him  thus  distinguished. — If  Moses  and 
Aaron  went  up  into  the  mount  directly,  before  the  law  was 
given,  as  it  seems  they  did ; (for  Aaron  did  not  accompany 
Moses  afterwards;)  they  soon  descended  again,  as  it  appears 
in  the  next  chapter.  Every  circumstance  and  expression,  in 
this  transaction,  were  suited  to  evince,  that  the  law  now 
about  to  be  given,  though  44  holy,  just,  and  good,”  could  speak 
nothing  but  terror  and  destruction  to  transgressors  ; and  to  fill 
the  heart  of  every  sinner  with  horror,  dismay,  and  despe- 
ration. In  subserviency  to  the  Covenant  of  grace,  its  uses 
are  manifold,  and  of  vast  importance,  as  will  presently  be 
shown.  But  it  is  extremely  difficult  to  drive  men  from  the 
absurd  notion,  that  a sinner  may  and  ought  to  seek  justifica- 
tion before  God  by  his  imperfect,  scanty,  and  external  obe- 
dience. To  counteract  that  propensity  in  fallen  human  nature, 
no  doubt  this  tremendous  scene  was  exhibited  ; as  well  as  to 
teach  the  Israelites,  that  even  in  respect  of  their  national  co- 
venant, though  their  obedience  was  required,  yet  the  blessings 
were  not  merited  by  it,  but  freely  given  by  a gracious  God, 
in  a way  becoming  his  own  holiness. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 15.  The  blessedness  of  the  Lord’s  people  originates 
from  his  most  free  and  plenteous  mercy  ; yet  unless  we  yield 
ourselves  to  his  service,  and  willingly  walk  in  his  command- 
ments, we  can  bring  no  proof  that  we  belong  to  that  happy 
company. — What  admirable  and  adorable  condescension  and 
compassion  hath  the  God  of  glory  shown  to  us  fallen  sinners, 
in  taking  any  of  our  apostate  race  to  be  unto  him  44  a peculiar 
treasure  !”  But  let  us  never  forget,  that  he  “purifies”  every 
one  of  44  them  to  himself,  to  be  a peculiar  people,  zealous  of 
good  works.”  If  we  have  any  scriptural  reason  to  conclude 
that  we  are  of  this  number,  let  us  recollect,  that  he  who  has 
thus  distinguished  us  is  Lord  of  the  whole  earth,  and  might 
have  chosen  others  and  passed  us  by,  had  he  seen  good. — 
We  should  also  44  remember  all  the  way  that  he  hath  led  us,” 
in  redeeming  us  from  our  far  worse  than  Egyptian  bondage  , 
and  often  meditate  on  the  kind  and  effectual  methods  by  which 
he  accomplished  our  deliverance,  notwithstanding  the  power 
of  our  enemies,  yea,  notwithstanding  our  own  rebellious  and 
unbelieving  opposition  to  the  conduct  of  his  grace.  Then 
shall  we  perceive,  that  he  44  bare  us  as  on  eagles’  wings,  ana 
hath  brought  us  to  himself.”  May  we  prove  m all  our  future 
conduct,  that  we  are  indeed,  44  a chosen  generation,  a royal 
priesthood,  a holy  nation,  a peculiar  people  ; to  show  forth  the 
praises  of  him,  who  hath  called  us  out  of  darkness  into  his 
marvellous  light.”  May  we  abound  in  “spiritual  sacrifices, 
which  are  acceptable  to  God  through  Jesus  Christ,”  yield 
ourselves  to  his  service,  and  allow  of  nothing  inconsistent 
with  our  holy  profession  and  character  ! — But  we  are  all 
naturally  more  disposed  to  profess  and  to  resolve , than  to 
practise.  Let  us  not  then  say,  that  we  will  do  these  things; 
but  beg  of  God  to  enable  us  to  do  them. — The  ministers  of 
the  Lord  are  required  fairly  and  plainly  to  lay  I he  whole  of 
their  message  before  the  people,  and  in  prayer  they  report 
before  him  the  reception  with  which  it  meets ; but  they  are 
not  answerable  for  consequences. — The  more  seriously  we 
prepare  for  divine  ordinances,  and  the  more  our  minus  are 
abstracted  from  all  earthly  objects,  the  greater  benefit  ww* 
( 151  ) 


B.  C.  HOI. 


EXODUS. 


B.  C.  149 


thee  flown,  'and  thou  shalt  come  up,  thou,  and 
Aaron  with  thee:  shut  let  not  the  priests  and  the 
peopie  break  through  to  come  up  unto  the  Lord, 
biest  he  break  torth  upon  them. 

25  So  'Moses  went  down  unto  the  people,  and 
spake  unto  them. 

f See  on  20.  g See  on  12,21 . Malt.  11:12.  Luke  13:24.  16:16.  John  1 :17.  Heb.  4. 
16.  10:19 — 22.  12:18—25.29.  Ii  See  on  d.22.  Rom.  4:15.  2 Cor. 3:7— 9.  Gal.  1: 
JU, 11, 19— 22.  i 2-1.  a Deui.  4:33,36.  5:22.  Acts  7:38,53.  b Gen.  17:7,8.  Lev.  26: 


we  receive.  But  in  approaching  to  God,  we  must  never  lose 
tight  of  his  holiness  and  greatness,  and  of  our  own  meanness 
and  pollution. 

V.  I fi — 25.  How  could  we  sinners  approach  the  Lord  upon 
the  terrible  mount  Sinai?  Could  we  rush  into  the  midst  of 
the  fire,  tempests,  and  earthquakes?  or  can  we  stand  in  judg- 
ment before  him,  according  to  the  tenor  of  his  righteous  law  ? 
If  so  tremendous  tokens  of  the  divine  justice  accompanied 
the  promulgation  of  the  law,  what  will  that  day  be  when  the 
earth  shall  be  encircled  in  flames  ; and  when  all  who  ever 
dwelt  upon  it,  through  successive  generations,  shall  be 
gathered  before  the  tribunal  of  the  Judge,  to  hear  their  final 
and  decisive  sentence ! Happy  they,  who  have  discovered 
their  need  of  a Mediator,  have  hearkened  to  the  voice  of  the 
Saviour,  and  from  him  have  obtained  forgiveness  of  all  their 
sins,  and  acceptance  with  God  ; who  have  received  the  law, 
disarmed  of  its  curses  and  deprived  of  its  terrors,  from  his 
loving,  kind,  and  gracious  hands,  and  have  been  taught  by  his 
grace  to  love  it,  and  obey  it  in  sincerity  and  truth.  These, 
like  Moses  and  Aaron,  though  at  first  they  tremble  at  God’s 
word,  and  are  always  humbled  before  him  ; yet  through  Christ 
will  grow,  as  it  were,  familiar  with  mount  Sinai.  Fearless  of 
condemnation,  they  will  meditate  on  the  terror  of  the  sen- 
tence of  the  law,  and  thence  draw  arguments  to  increase 
their  gratitude,  and  animate  their  willing  services;  and  they 
will  finally  triumph,  when  the  wicked  shall  be  calling  in  vain 
to  the  rocks  and  mountains  to  cover  them  from  the  wrath  of 
their  olfended  Judge. — Blessed  be  God,  we  are  yet  in  the 
land  of  forgiveness,  of  prayer,  of  hope  : and,  in  this  favoured 
country,  we  are  all  under  a dispensation  of  mercy,  and  have 
the  oracles  and  ordinances  of  God  continued  to  us.  We  are 
not  come  to  mount  Sinai,  to  tremble  or  despair ; but  to  mount 
Zion,  where  our  God  reigns  upon  a mercy-seat,  and  waits  to 
be  gracious  to  every  returning  sinner. — Let  us,  however,  re- 
member his  awful  words : u See  that  ye  refuse  not  him  that 
speaketh  ; for  if  they  escaped  not,  who  refused  him  that  spake 
on  earth,  how  much  more  shall  not  we  escape,  if  we  turn 
away  from  him  that  speaketh  from  heaven  ?”  Let  none  then 
rest  in  outward  advantages  or  distinctions  ; for  “ our  God  is 
still  a consuming  Fire,”  and  will  be  sanctified  by  those  who 
draw  nigh  to  him:  and  let  none  indulge  a presumptuous 
curiosity,  by  attempting  to  u intrude  into  things  not  seen, 
vainly  puffed  up  by  a fleshly  mind lest  the  Lord  in  ven- 
geance break  forth  upon  him.  Finally,  let  us  “all  fear,  lest 
a promise  being  left  us  of  entering  into  his  rest,  any  of  us 
should  seem  to  come  short  of  it and  perish  after  the  man- 
ner in  which  an  immense  majority  of  this  vast  multitude  fell 
in  the  wilderness,  when  the  Lord  “ sware  in  his  wrath  that 
they  should  never  enter  into  his  rest.” 

NOTES. — Ciiap.  XX.  V.  1.  After  the  preparations 
recorded  in  the  former  chapter,  and  the  glorious  and  tremen- 
dous display  of  the  special  presenc^of  God  on  mount  Sinai, 
had  solemnized  the  minds  of  the  people,  and  excited  their 
awful  expectations;  it  maybe  supposed  that  the  sound  of  the 
trumpet  ceased,  and  Jehovah  himself  immediately  spake,  in 
a voice  loud  enough  to  be  distinctly  heard  by  the  immense 
assembled  multitude.  For  while  it  is  evident,  that  many 
tilings,  on  this  extraordinary  occasion,  were  effected  by  the 
ministration  of  angels ; and  probably  some  other  parts  of  the 
law  were  delivered  to  Moses  by  them  ; (Acts  7:53.  Gal.  3:19. 
Heb.  2:2.)  the  language  here  and  elsewhere  used,  issoexpress 
and  decided,  that  it  cannot  reasonably  be  doubted  that  God 
himself,  by  his  own  immediate  agency,  without  the  interven- 
tion of  angels,  formed  that  awful  voice  by  which  the  following 
words  were  delivered,  from  the  midst  of  the  fire,  to  the  con- 
gregation of  Israel.  ( Dcut . 4:11,12,33.5:4,22.) — The  words 
spoken  are  generally  called,  ‘The  ten  commandments;’  and 
they  are  justly  considered  as  the  grand  outlines  of  the  holy 
taw  of  God ; of  that  law,  which  is  commonly  called  the  moral 
law,  to  distinguish  it  from  the  other  injunctions  of  the  Mosaic 
dispensation. — As  the  full  and  exact  knowledge  of  this  law  is 
peculiarly  important,  in  order  to  our  clearly  understanding 
the  whole  system  of  revealed  religion,  I shall  introduce  the 
■exposition  of  it,  by  some  observations  on  its  nature,  obliga- 
tions, and  uses.  It  is  evident  that  there  is  a distinction 
between  moral  precepts , and  instituted  appointments.  Some 
things  are  in  themselves  so  indifferent,  that  the  same  autho- 
rity which  enjoined  (hem,  might,  without  impropriety,  have 
prohibited  them;  as  the  use  of  bread  and  wine  in  one  religious 
ordinance,  and  the  use  of  water  in  another.  But  there  are 
/aws  of  a widely  different  nature:  and  it  is  absurd  to  suppose 
that  God  could  have  forbidden  us  to  love  him  and  one  another, 
or  to  speak  truth  and  do  justice.  Indeed,  ritual  precepts  are 
for  the  time  equally  obligatory;  except  when  they  come  in 
■competition  with  moral  duties,  and  then  the  Lord  “ will  have 
mercy , and  not  sacrifice”  But  the  ritual  injunction  is  of  tem- 
porary obligation ; it  had  no  existence  before  its  express 
( 152  ) 


CHAPTER  XX. 

The  ten  commandments  are  spoken  in  an  audible  voice , by  J EHOVAH,  to  the 
whole  congregation  of  Israel,! — 17.  The  people  are  alarmed,  and  con- 
fer with  Moses,  18 — 20.  Moses  receives  f rom  God  an  additional  prohibt 
tion  of  idolatry,  and  rules  for  erecting  an  altar , 21 — 26. 

AND  “God  spake  all  these  words,  saj  ing, 

2 I am  bthe  Lord  thy  God,  which  have 


1,13.  Deut.  5:6.,  6:4,5.  2Chr.28:5.  Ps.  50.7.  81:10.  Jer.  31:1,33.  Hob.  13:4. 
Rom.  3:28.  10:12. 


appointment,  and  it  may  be  vacated  by  the  same  authority  ; or, 
having  answered  the  purpose,  its  obligations  may  cease  of 
course  ; while  the  moral  precept  is,  on  the  contrary,  of  immuta- 
ble and  eternal  validity.  The  different  circumstances,  indeed, 
in  which  rational  creatures  may  be  placed,  occasion  a variation 
arising  from  those  changes  of  circumstances  ; as  the  entrance 
of  sin  and  misery  has  rendered  patience,  and  forgiveness  of  inju- 
ries, exercises  of  our  love  to  God  and  to  our  neighbour.  These, 
and  many  other  things  required  of  us  in  our  present  situation, 
will  cease  entirely  in  heaven ; yet  the  grand  principle  from  which 
they  are  deduced  would  have  been  the  same,  had  we  never 
sinned,  and  they  will  remain  the  same  to  all  eternity. — Some 
traces  of  the  moral  law  are  discoverable  by  our  natural  reason, 
and  the  whole  perfectly  accords  to  it.  It  has  its  foundation 
in  the  nature  of  God  and  of  man ; in  the  relations  men  bear 
to  him  and  to  each  other  ; and  in  the  duties  which  result  from 
those  relations : and  on  this  account  it  is  immutable  and  uni- 
versally obligatory.  Though  given,  on  this  particular  occa- 
sion, to  Israel,  it  demands  obedience  from  all  mankind ; and 
the  whole  world  will  be  judged  according  to  this  law,  and  to 
the  opportunity  which  they  have  had  of  becoming  acquainted 
with  it,  whether  by  reason  and  tradition  alone,  or  by  the  light 
of  the  written  word  ; except  the  believer  who  has  obtained 
deliverance  from  its  merited  condemnation.  The  law  is  also 
spiritual : that  is,  it  takes  cognizance  of  our  spirits,  of  our 
most  secret  thoughts,  desires,  intentions,  and  dispositions; 
and  demands  a holy  regulation  of  the  judgment,  will,  and 
affections.  It  principally  requires  love,  without  which  the 
best  external  obedience  is  condemned  as  mere  hypocrisy. 
This  is  peculiar  to  the  law  of  God,  who  alone  can  search  ttie 
heart ; and  no  other  law  ever  attempted  to  enforce  the  obedi- 
ence of  the  heart ; biff,  in  common  with  other  laws,  it  demands 
perfect,  unfailing,  uninterrupted,  and  perpetual  obedience  ; for 
no  law  can  tolerate  the  transgression  of  itself.  From  the 
entrance  to  the  close  of  life,  God  requires  of  us  exact  confor- 
mity to  every  precept : he  that  “keepeth  the  whole  law,  am. 
offendeth  in  one  point,  is  guilty  of  all:”  (Note,  Jam.  2:8 — 13.) 
and  the  least  deviation,  whether  by  omission  or  commission, 
excess  or  defect,  is  sin ; and  every  sin  deserves  wrath  and 
needs  forgiveness.  (1  John  3:4.) — The  ten  commandments 
are  a compendium  ot  the  holy  law,  which  is  commented  on 
in  all  the  preceptive  parts  of  Scripture  ; and  the  substance 
of  its  requirements  is  given,  still  more  concisely,  in  the  two 
great  commandments,  “ Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God, 
with  all  thine  heart,  and  with  all  thy  mind,  and  with  all  thy 
soul,  and  with  all  thy  strength :”  and,  “ Thou  shalt  love  thy 
neighbour  as  thyself.”  We  are  authorized  by  the  example 
of  Christ,  to  interpret  every  one  of  these  commands  in  the 
strictest,  most  spiritual,  and  extensive  sense,  of  which  it  is 
capable.  Even  repentance,  faith  in  a Mediator,  and  all  evan- 
gelical graces  and  duties,  are  exercises  of  this  entire  love  to 
God,  and  are  required  cf  sinners  placed  under  a dispensation 
of  mercy;  though  originally  the  law  had  no  direct,  connexion 
with  redemption,  but  lay  at  the  foundation  of  another  cove- 
nant. We  may  therefore  waive  the  controversy  concerning 
the  rule  of  duty,  whether  this  be  the  ten  commandments,  or 
the  whole  word  of  God  ; for  the  one,  properly  understood,  will 
be  found  as  broad  as  the  other:  seeing  we  cannot  love  God 
with  all  our  hearts , unless  we  love  every  discovery  which  he  is 
pleased  to  make  of  his  glory  ; believe  every  testimony  and  em- 
brace every  promise  which  he  gives  ; seek  his  favour  in  the  use 
of  all  the  means  that  he  appoints  ; and  employ  ourselves  in  dif- 
fusing the  knowledge  of  his  glorious  excellencies  and  wonder- 
ful works,  according  to  our  ability  and  opportunity,  and  the 
station  which  we  occujiy  in  society. — The  Lord  Jesus  per- 
fectly fulfilled  the  extensive  requirements  of  this  holy  law 
yet,  in  his  peculiar  circumstances,  it  actually  required  all  that 
love  for  the  Father,  and  for  his  brethren,  and  all  those  ex- 
pressions of  it,  which,  subsequent  to  his  incarnation  that  he 
might  be  our  Mediator,  he  manifested  in  his  life  and  death. 
But  no  apostle  or  prophet  ever  reached,  in  one  single  instance, 
that  degree  of  love  and  purity  which  it  demands. — The  uses 
of  this  holy  law,  in  connexion  with  the  gospel  of  Christ,  and 
in  subserviency  to  the  covenant  of  grace,  are  many  and  impor- 
tant. “By  the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  sin  :”  and  if  it  were 
more  fully  understood,  in  the  extent  and  excellency  of  its  spi- 
ritual requirements,  and  the  justice  of  its  awful  sanctions,  sin- 
ners would  be  at  once  convinced  of  their  guilt  and  danger  ; 
they  would  learn  what  they  ought  always  to  have  been  and 
to  have  done,  and  thus  discover  their  real  character  and  situ- 
ation, of  which  most  men  are  entirely  ignorant ; they  would 
become  acquainted  with  their  wants,  and  prepared  to  under- 
stand and  value  the  inestimable  blessings  of  the  gospel  ; 
and  they  would  perceive  their  need  of  regeneration,  and  of 
that  repentance,  that  life  of  faith  in  the  Son  of  God,  and 
sanctification  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  in  genen.  a. o disre- 
garded, nay,  frequently  ridiculed. — Believe  s may  them  * learn 


B.  C.  1491 


CHAPTER  XX 


B.  C.  1491 


‘brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  dout  of 
the  house  of  ‘bondage. 

10:— 15:  Lev.  19:86.  23:43.  .113:3.  Deal.  5:15.  7:8.  13:10.15:15.28:5—8. 
Hob.  servants,  t 15:11.  Deut.  5:7.  6:5,14.  Josh.  2-1:18 — 24.  2 Kings  17:29 — 
35.  Pi. 29:2.  73:25.  81:9.  Is.  26:1.  43:10.  44:8.  <45:21,22  . 46:9.  Jer.  25:6:  Matt. 
4:10.  1 Cor.  8:4,6.  Kph.  5:5.  Phil.  3:19.  Col.  2:18.  1 John  5:20,21.  Rev.  19: 


their  obligations  to  the  divine  Redeemer:  and  receiving  the 
law  from  his  hands,  as  the  rule  of  their  grateful  obedience 
and  the  standard  of  holiness ; daily  self-examination  accord- 
g to  it  serves  io  keep  them  humble,  dependent  on  free 
mercy,  diligent  in  pressing  forward  to  the  mark,  and  watchful 
against  every  temptation  or  suggestion  to  evil.  It  also  di- 
rects them  in  acquiring  an  exact  judgment  and  correct  spi- 
ritual taste,  in  respect  of  every  part  of  the  Christian  temper; 
and,  in  many  other  ways,  it  promotes  their  establishment, 
fruitfulness,  and  consolation. — Besides  these  uses,  the  law 
served  to  restrain  the  Israelites  from  gross  transgression,  by 
its  strictness  and  terrors ; and  it  still,  in  a measure,  answers 
the  same  purpose  even  to  wicked  men,  and,  where  known, 
serves  to  keep  the  world  in  some  degree  of  order.  It  also 
discovers  the  holy  character  of  God,  the  nature  of  his  govern- 
ment of  the  world,  and  the  rule  and  measure  of  the  future 
judgment,  that  “day  of  wrath  and  perdition  of  ungodly  men.” 
On  the  other  hand,  the  bad  effects  resulting  from  ignorance 
or  mistakes  concerning  the  holy  law  of  God,  are  manifold  and 
deplorable.  The  dreams  of  a purgatory,  either  before  or 
after  the  day  of  judgment. ; the  flattering  illusions  of  the  merit 
of  human  obedience;  the  palliating  excuses  that  are  made  for 
sin  ; the  objections  to  the  sovereignty  of  divine  grace  in  the 
gospel,  an  1 to  God’s  method  of  justifying  sinners  ; and  all 
antinornian  perversions  of  those  precious  truths  of  revelation, 
seem  principally  to  arise  from  this  source.  Ignorance  of  the 
extensive  requirements  of  the  divine  law  supports  careless  pre- 
sumption and  pharisaical  self-confidence : ignorance  of  its 
excellency  excites  murmurs  and  objections  against  the  severity 
of  its  awful  sanction.  The  same  ignorance  has  led  some  to 
frame,  in  imagination,  a new  lawy  which  has  been  substituted 
in  the  place  of  the  holy  law  of  God,  since  by  sin  man  became 
unable  to  obey  it;  and  the  same  ignorance  has  occasioned 
innumerable  objections  to  the  doctrine,  and  mistakes  about 
the  nature  of  regeneration ; and  indeed  it  has  prevented 
many  real  Christians  from  glorifying  God  in  that  manner 
which  they  otherwise  might  have  done.  In  short,  were  the 
law  of  God  well  understood,  the  person  and  office  of  the 
Sav.our  must  appear  most  suitable  and  precious  ; and  the 
genuine  beauty  of  Christianity,  as  reinstating  a lost  sinner  in 
his  Maker’s  favour,  and  recovering  him  to  his  image,  in  a 
way  honourable  to  all  the  perfections  of  the  Deity,  would  shine 
forth  with  unclouded  lustre. 

We  may  consider  the  giving  of  the  law  from  mount  Sinai, 
either  as  a publication  to  mankind  of  the  law  of  their  reason 
and  nature,  as  originally  written  in  their  hearts,  but  erased  or 
obscured  by  sin : or  as  given  to  Israel,  for  the  rule  and  foun- 
dation of  their  national  covenant. — For  want  of  adverting  to 
this  obvious  distinction,  it  has  been  incautiously  asserted,  that 
the  law  itself  was  given  only  to  the  redeemed ; which  senti- 
ment not  only  supposes  the  rest  of  Jehovah’s  universal 
kingdom  without  a law,  but  vacates  redemption  itself;  for 
w where  there  is  no  law  there  is  no  transgression,”  no  con- 
demnation, no  occasion  for  redemption.  On  the  other  hand, 
it  is  often  asserted,  or  assumed,  that  the  believer  has  in  no 
6ense  any  thing  to  do  with  the  law  ; nay,  it  is  sometimes  even 
ranked  among  the  enemies^  from  which  Christ  came  to  deliver 
us  ! 44  Do  we  then  make  void  the  law  through  faith  ? God 
forbid:  yea,  we  establish  the  law.”  All  rational  creatures 
are  bound  by  its  authority,  and  all  transgressors  are  under  its 
condemnation:  but  since  Christ  has  fulfilled  its  righteousness 
and  borne  its  curse,  all  who  hear  the  Gospel  are  under  a dis- 
pensation of  mercy,  and  have  forgiveness  proposed  to  them  ; 
and  all  true  believers  are  actually  pardoned  and  justified,  and 
are  required  and  inwardly  disposed,  to  render  a sincere,  unre- 
served, habitual  obedience  to  the  law,  though  not  able  to  obey 
it  perfectly. 

V.  2.  The  great  Lawgiver  prefaced  his  injunctions,  by 
proclaiming  his  own  essential  glory  and  perfection.  u I am 
Jehovah.”  As  the  Source  of  existence,  and  consequently 
of  all  power,  wisdom,  justice,  truth,  and  goodness,  God  is  the 
Standard  of  excellence  and  beauty;  from  whom  all  created 
amiableness  is  an  emanation,  and  of  whose  glory  it  is  a feeble 
reflection.  To  him  alone  the  throne  belongs;  he  alone  is 
qualified  to  be  the  Lawgiver  and  Judge  of  the  universe;  and 
he  has  the  sole  and  unalienable  right  to  that  love  and  service 
which  his  law  demands.  To  this  he  added,  “ Thy  God,” 
to  express  Israel’s  relations  and  obligations  to  him.  We  are 
all  his  rational  creatures  ; and  every  benefit  which  he  be- 
stows binds  us  more  forcibly  to  love  and  obedience.  But 
the  Israelites  were  the  children  of  the  covenant  made  with 
Abraham ; they  had  the  external  seal  of  circumcision  in  their 
fl^sh ; his  glorious  presence  was  among  them,  and  they  had 
consented  to  enter  into  covenant  with  him:  and  professed 
Christians,  dedicated  to  God  in  the  initiatory  sacrament  of 
naptism,  favoured  with  the  light  of  revelation,  and  avowing 
themselves  his  worshippers,  stand  in  a similar  relation  to 
•urn.— The  *'cent  deliverance  also  of  Israel  from  Egypt  laid 
Uie  Israe1-'-  under  addiional  obligations  to  obedience,  and 
ifter wards  rendered  their  disobedience  more  inexcusable. 
This  was  a type  of  our  redemption  from  sin  and  Satan;  and 
Vol.  I. — 20 


3 Thou  shall  have  eno  other  gods  before  me. 

4 Thou  f slialt  not  make  unto  thee  any  gravel 

10.  22:9.  f 32:1, 8, 23.  34:17.  Lev. 19:4.  26:1.  Deut . 4: 15 — 19,23 — 25.  5:8.  -27:15 
1 Kinas  12:23.  2 < hr.  33:7.  Ps.  97:7.  115:4—8.135  15—18.  In.  40:18-20.  42 .8 
17.  44:9—20.  45:16.  46:5-8.  Jer.  10:3—5,8,9,14—16.  Ez.8:10.  Acm  17:29.  19:26- 
35.  Rom.  1:23.  Rev.  9:20.  13:14,15.  14:9—11.  16:2. 


t hou  gh  a]l  men  ought  to  obey  the  law  of  God,  yet  none  actual!> 
yiqld  it  any  spiritual  obedience  except  his  redeemed  people. 

V.  3.  The  commandments  are  addressed,  in  the  singula*, 
number,  to  each  person,  because  every  one  is  concerned  ir 
them  on  his  own  account;  and  each  piohibition  implies  i 
positive  duty. — This  first  commandment  requires  a disposi- 
tion and  conduct,  suited  to  the  relation  in  which  we  stand  t* 
Jehovah,  as  our  God.  He  alone  is  the  adequate  Object  o 
our  love,  and  able  to  satisfy  our  capacity  of  happiness  : al 
we  are  and  have,  is  derived  from  him ; and  he  possesses  ar 
unalienable  right  to  prescribe  the  use  which  we  should  make 
of  all  his  gifts.  He  has  so  clear  a title  to  our  love,  gratitude 
and  adoration,  our  reverence,  submission,  credence,  con 
fidence,  and  obedience,  that  we  cannot  withhold  them  frer 
him  without  the  most  palpable  injustice.  Considering  Who 
he  is,  and  what  he  hath  done  for  us ; except  we  love  him  to 
the  utmost  extent  of  all  our  natural  powers,  we  do  not  render 
him  his  due : and  if  we  thus  loved  him,  all  contrary  affections 
would  be  excluded,  all  inferior  affections  subordinated.  Ad- 
miring his  excellency,  desiring  and  delighting  in  him  and  his 
favour,  being  grateful  for  his  loving-kindness,  and  zealous  for 
his  glory,  with  all  the  energy  of  our  whole  souls ; it  is  evident 
that  all  our  love  to  other  objects  would  be  for  his  sake,  and 
according  to  his  will ; no  creature  could  then  rival  him  in  our 
affections,  or  prevail  with  us  to  neglect  his  service  ; and,  while 
we  rendered  him  the  tribute  of  adoring  love  and  praise,  we 
should  possess  unalloyed  felicity  in  his  favour.  This  is  the 
reasonable  state,  in  which  things  should  be ; thus  it  has  always 
been  with  holy  angels ; thus  it  will  be  for  ever  with  the 
redeemed  in  heaven ; and  all  that  deviates  from  it  is  sin,  and 
the  effect  of  apostacy  from  God. — These  reflections  may  pre- 
pare us  for  understanding  the  nature  and  extent  of  the  prohi- 
bition, 44  Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me.”  Mankind 
in  general,  as  reasonable  creatures,  though  fallen,  have  re- 
quired some  object  of  worship,  and  some  kind  of  religion;  but, 
disliking  the  holy  attributes  and  spiritual  worship  of  the  true 
God,  they  have  been  led  to  substitute  deities  and  religious 
rites  more  congenial  to  themselves.  Thus,  (to  the  disgrace 
of  the  human  understanding,)  the  grossest  idolatry  has  been 
almost  universal;  while  a more  refined  and  plausible  kind  of 
idolatry  has  often  supplanted  it,  in  the  few  places  where 
something  more  rational  has  prevailed;  and  that  proud  ambi- 
tious spirit,  who  is  the  enemy  of  God  and  man,  has  been 
gratified  in  the  success  of  his  presumptuous  attempis  to  be- 
come, by  these  means,  44  the  god  of  this  world.”  This  wor- 
ship of  creatures,  whether  actually  existing,  or  only  supposed- 
to  exist,  is  the  principal  violation  of  the  commandment ; as  it 
ascribes  to  them  the  glory  of  those  perfections  which  Jehovah 
incommunicably  possesses,  and  seeks  those  blessings  from 
them  which  he  alone  can  confer.  The  immensely  varied 
idolatries  of  the  Gentiles,  which  the  Israelites  were  con- 
stantly disposed  to  imitate,  are  always  in  Scripture  spoken  of 
with  decided  abhorrence,  as  flagrant  transgressions  of  the 
letter  of  this  command:  and  it  is  impossible  for  those  pro- 
fessed Christians,  who  render  religious  worship  to  saints  and 
angels,  to  show  that  their  practice  is  not  so  too,  or  to  disprove 
the  charge  of  ascribing  the  glory  of  the  divine  perfections  to 
mere  creatures. — All  pretences  to  witchcraft  likewise,  or  to 
magic,  fortune-telling,  charms,  astrology,  or  enchantments, 
deeply  partake  of  the  same  guilt ; as  in  these  ways  men 
expect  that  information  or  assistance  from  other  beings, 
which  God  alone  can  afford. — But  this  spiritual  precept 
reaches  much  further.  To  love,  desire,  delight  in,  or  expect 
good  from,  any  forbidden  indulgence,  even  in  the  smallest 
degree,  is  evidently  a violation  of  it;  and  to  suffer  the  most 
valuable  and  excellent  creature  to  rival  God  in  our  affections, 
must  be  a proportionable  contempt  of  him.  By  atheism  and 
irreligion,  men  set  up  themselves  as  gods,  aspire  at  independ- 
ence, reject  subordination,  and  refuse  to  render  homage, 
worship,  love,  or  praise,  to  any  superior  or  benefactor ; as  if 
they  had  created  themselves,  and  were  sufficient  for  their 
own  happiness!  The  proud  man  idolizes  himself,  offers 
incense  to  his  own  deity,  and  expects  others  to  do  the  same: 
therefore  44  God  resists  him”  as  his  rival.  The  ambitious  pay 
homage  to  the  opinions  of  men,  and  seek  happiness  in  their 
applause,  or  in  such  distinctions  as  they  can  bestow.  The 
revengeful  usurp  the  throne  of  God,  and  invade  the  preroga- 
tive of  him  44  to  whom  vengeance  belongeth.”  The  covetous 
man  deifies  his  wealth ; the  sensualist,  his  vile  appetites ; and 
the  rapturous  lover,  his  mistress:  he  lives  on  her  smiles,  his 
heaven  is  placed  in  her  favour,  and  her  frown  would  make 
him  the  most  miserable  of  creatures.  Nay,  the  doting  hus- 
band, and  the  fond  parent,  may  deify  the  objects  of  their  affec- 
tions : for  though  they  ought  to  love  them  tenderly,  yet  this 
affection,  and  the  manner  in  which  it  is  exercised,  should  be 
absolutely  subordinated  to  the  will  and  glory  of  God. 

But  no  comment  can  equal  the  extent  of  this  command. 
Whatever  does  not  consist  with  the  most  perfect  love,  grati* 
tude,  reverence,  submission,  and  devotedness  to  God,  is  a 
transgression  of  it;  and  it  requires  us  to  love  the  Lord  and 
all  his  creatures,  according  to  their  real  worthiness  ; not  more 

( 153  ) 


e.  c.  14"4!. 


EXODUS 


B.  C.  1491. 


i'.age,  or  any  likeness  of  any  thing  that  is  jn 
leaven  above",  or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or 
that  is  in  the  water  under  the  earth  : 

5  Thou  shalt  not  show  down  thyself  to 
them,  nor  serve  them : hfor  I the  Lord  thy 
God  am  a jealous  God,  ‘visiting  the  iniquity 

g *3:24.  Lev.  23:1.  Josh . 23:7,16.  Judg.  2:19.  2 Kings  17:35,41.  2 Chr.  25:14. 
Mint.  4 9.  1.34:14.  Jleill. 4:24.  6:15.  32:21.  Josh.  24:19.  P».  78:58.  I rov.  6: 
34,35.  Jv-..  8:3.  Null.  1:2.  1 Cor.  10:33.  i 34:7.  Lev.  20:5.  26:28,33,40.  Num. 
11:18.33.  1 x»o.  15:2,3.  2 Sam.  21:1,6.  1 Kings 21:23.  2 Kings  23:26.  Job  5:4.21: 
13.  Ps.  79:3  109:14  Is.  14:20,21 . Jer.  2:9.  32:18.  Mali.  23:34— 36.  j Deut.  7: 


nor  less,  except  as  finite  beings  cannot  love  infinite  excellence 
in  an  adequate  manner.  Obedience  to  this  precept  would 
perfectly  enthrone  the  Lord  in  our  judgment  and  affections: 
and  the  whole  of  our  love  being  thus  given  to  him,  we  should 
love  all  others  for  his  sake,  and  according  to  the  measure 
which  he  had  enjoined : while  the  violation  of  it  destroys  this 
regular  subordination,  and  gives  the  creature  the  throne  in 
our  heart.  Well  therefore  may  it  stand  foremost  in  the  De- 
calogue ; for  our  obedience  in  all  other  things  depends  upon 
it.  Other  transgressions  injure  the  subject,  and  affront  the 
Sovereign ; but  the  violation  of  this  law  is  high  treason  against 
the  majesty  of  heaven,  and  is  therefore  called  u an  abomina- 
tion.” At  the  same  time  it  is  entirely  destructive  to  the 
transgressor,  who  “forsakes  the  Fountain  of  living  waters,  to 
hew  out  broken  cisterns  which  can  hold  no  water.”  Its 
reasonableness  and  excellence,  therefore,  are  equal  to  its 
strictness  and  spirituality  ; and  without  conformity  to  it  in  its 
fullest  extent,  the  glory  of  God  and  the  felicity  of  rational 
creatures  cannot  be  secured. — The  expression,  “before  me,” 
implied,  that  Israel  might  he  considered  as  immediately  in  the 
presence  of  God,  who  in  an  especial  manner  dwelt  among 
them;  that  idolatry  would  daringly  insult  him  to  his  face; 
and  that  H.  could  not  be  kept  so  secret,  but  he  would  detect 
an  1 punish  it. 

V.  4.  The  second  commandment  requires  us  to  render 
to  the  Lord  our  God  a worship  and  service  suited  to  his 
perfections,  and  honourable  to  his  name.  His  incomprehen- 
sible nature  cannot  be  represented  by  any  similitude. — The 
most  exquisite  painting  or  sculpture  can  only  give  an  external 
resemblance  of  a man  : even  animal  life  with  its  several 
function*-  cannot  he  thus  exhibited,  much  less  can  a likeness 
be  made  of  the  soul  and  its  operations.  How  dishonourable 
then  must  be  every  attempt  to  represent  the  infinite  God, 
“ by  silver  or  gold,  graven  by  art  and  man’s  device  !”  The 
general  disposition  of  mankind,  to  form  images  of  the  Deity, 
proves  that  low  apprehensions  of  him  are  congenial  to  our 
fallen  nature ; and  the  practice  has  exceedingly  increased  the 
grossness  of  nlen’s  conceptions  concerning  him.  The  more 
stupid  of  the  heathen  alone  worshipped  the  picture  or  image 
itself,  others  used  it  as  a visible  representation  of  the  invisible 
AT  umeny  or  Deity:  and  all  that  ingenious  papists  have  urged, 
in  behalf  of  their  images,  is  equally  applicable  to  Israel’s 
worship  of  the  golden  calves,  or  to  that  rendered  by  the 
Ephesians  to  “ the  image  of  Diana  which  fell  down  from 
Jupiter.” — A material  image  of  the  Deity  is  likewise  an 
affront  to  the  Person  of  Christy  the  only  adequate  “Image 
of  the  invisible  God:”  and  the  worship  of  saints  and  angels, 
as  mediators  and  present  deities , by  images,  in  every  respect 
robs  him  of  his  mediatorial  glory. — The  commandment  does 
not  prohibit  the  makihg  of  images  and  pictures,  for  other  pur- 
poses, as  some  have  ignorantly  supposed:  for  God  com- 
manded several  of  these  to  be  made  even  in  the  construction 
of  the  tabernacle  : but  the  making  of  them,  in  order  to  men’s 
bowing  down  before  them,  and  worshipping  them ; and  in  this 
case,  both  the  maker  and  the  worshipper  of  the  image  are 
involved  in  the  guilt.  The  prohibition  includes  every  kind  of 
creature,  because  all  are  utterly  unfit  to  represent  the  infinite 
Creator*  and  there  are  some  devices  common  among  us,  as 
emblematic  of  the.  Trinity,  which  do  not  accord  to  the  strict- 
ness of  this  injun  ction. — But  the  spiritual  import  of  the  com- 
mandment reaches  much  further.  Superstition  of  every  kind 
is  an  evident  violation  of  its  spirit  and  intent:  and  so  are  all 
human  appointments  in  religious  worship,  when  at  all  relied 
on  as  accepTable  with  God.  The  use  of  things  indifferent  in 
religion,  without  command  from  God,  leads  men’s  minds  to 
gross  conceptions  of  him ; as  if  he  delighted  in  that  outward 
splendour,  or  those  external  forms,  which  excite  in  them 
lively  but  false  affections,  that  are  often  mistaken  for  devo- 
tion: and  it  is  commonly  connected  with  a false  dependence; 
it  substitutes  something  else  in  the  place  of  the  appointments 
of  God ; and  it  tends  to  the  usurpation  of  authority  over  men’s 
consciences. — But  many  circumstances  of  worship  must  be 
regulated  by  human  discretion:  every  man  therefore  should 
udge  for  himself  which  regulations  tend  to  these  evils,  and 
which  do  not;  and  be  candid  in  judging  such  as  diffe’r  from 
him. — Hypocrisy  and  formality,  arising  from  unworthy  appre- 
hensions of  God,  together  with  all  unscript ural  delineations 
of  the  divine  character,  are  certainly  here  prohibited:  for 
men,  forsaking  the  light  of  revelation,  and  “not  liking  to 
retain  God  in  their  knowledge,”  frame  notions  of  a deity 
according  to  their  own  opinions  of  excellence,  warped  by  their 
predominant  vicious  inclinations;  and  then  dignity  tlys  crea- 
ture of  their  fancy  with  the  title  of  the  Supremo  Being.  But 
this  object  of  their  love  and  worship  is  altogether  unlike  “ the 
God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ;”  especially  in 
( 154  j 


of  the  fathers  upon  the  children  unto  the 
third  and  fourth  generation  )of  them  that  hate 
me : 

6 And  Showing  mercy  unto  thousands  of  them 
that  dove  me,  and  keep  my  commandments. 

7 Thou  shalt  not  mtake  the  name  of  the  Lort* 


10.  32:41.  1*8.81:15.  Prov.8:36.  John  7:7.  15:18,23,24.  Rom.  1:30.  8:7.  Jam.  4; 
4.  k Deut.  4:37.  5:29.  7:9.  Jer.  32:39,40.  Acts  2:39.  Rom.  11:28,29.  1 John  14: 
15,21 . 1 John  4:19.  5:3.  2 John  6.  m Lev.  (9:12.  24:11 — 16.  Deut.  5:11 . 6:13. 
23:21—23.  Ps.  15:4.  50.14— 16.  Prov.30:8,«.  Ec.  5:4 — 6.  Jer.  4:2.  Mutt.  5:33 
—37.  23:16—22.  26:63,64  . 3 Cor.  1:23.  11:31.  Heb. 6:16,17.  Jam.  5:12. 

respect  of  justice  and  holiness , Being  in  -general  deemed  so 
clement  that  he  cannot  hate  or  punish  sin. — The  Jews  of  old 
supposed  they  worshipped  the  God  of  their  fathers,  yet  they 
were  declared  by  our  Lord  neither  to  have  known  nor  loved 
him  ; nay,  in  “ hating  the  Son,  to  have  hated  the  Father  that 
sent  him:”  and  it  will  at  last  be  proved  in  this  case  also,  that 
the  worshippers  of  these  ideal  deities  were  as  real  idolaters, 
as  they  who  adored  the  work  of  their  own  hands.  In  short, 
the  second  commandment  requires  us  to  conceive  of  God,  in 
all  respects,  as  far  as  we  are  able,  according  to  the  revelation 
which  he  has  made  of  himself  to  us : to  realize  his  glorious 
presence  to  our  minds,  by  faiths  not  by  fancy  : and  to  worship 
him  as  a Spirit  “ in  spirit  and  truth ;”  not  with  corporeal 
representations  of  him  before  our  eyes,  or  low  conceptions  of 
him  in  our  minds  ; but  sincerely,  inwardly,  with  the  most  fer- 
vent affections,  and  profound  reverence  of  his  infinite  majesty; 
in  all  his  appointed  ordinances,  and  in  them  alone ; and  with 
constancy  and  frequency,  as  performing  a service  reasonable 
in  itself,  and  most  pleasant  to  our  own  souls,  as  well  as  most 
honourable  to  his  great  name. 

V.  5.  God  is  so  tenacious  of  his  honour,  in  respect  o. 
idolatry,  that  the  least  approach  to  it',  especially  in  the  con- 
duct of  his  professed  worshippers,  excites  his  hottest  dis- 
pleasure : even  as  the  jealous  husband  is  exasperated,  and 
roused  to  seek  vengeance,  by  whatever  leads  him  to  suspect 
his  wife  of  adultery. — If  then  Israel,  or  any  Israelites,  should 
revolt  to  idolatry,  they  would  be  deemed  “haters  of  God;v 
as  the  wife  would  be  supposed  to  hate  her  husband,  when 
she  preferred  any  worthless  stranger  to  him. — It  is  observa- 
ble, that  throughout  the  Scriptures,  the  words  fury,  indigna- 
tion, jealousy , as  ascribed  to  God,  and  hatred , abomination , 
detestable  things , and  other  strong  expressions  of  abhorrence, 
in  respect  of  man’s  conduct,  are  principally  used  when  idola- 
try is  spoken  of. — It  is  evident  that  children  in  general  are 
sufferers  by  the  crimes  of  their  parents ; but  Israel  was 
under  a peculiar  covenant,  which  idolatry  violated  in  its 
primary  condition.  If  then  the  parents  forfeited  the  covenant- 
blessings,  their  posterity  must  sutler  the  effects  of  the  for- 
feiture. As  this  was  intended  to  restrain  them  from  sin,  by 
means  of  natural  affection,  the  third  and  fourth  generation 
only  are  mentioned ; for  they  could  not  expect  to  see  more  of 
their  descendants,  and  would  be  less  concerned  about  their 
remote  posterity  : or  it  may  imply,  that  the  Lord  being  ready 
to  forgive,  the  effects  would  cease  after  that  period,  unless 
the  children  persisted  in  the  sins  of  their  parents. — In  every 
age,  whatever  brings  any  family  into  the  visible  church  and 
under  the  means  of  grace,  is  a benefit  to  that  family,  and 
often  to  its  remote  posterity ; and  whatever  excludes  any 
from  the  church,  is  a heavy  loss  to  them. 

V.  6.  The  law,  as  given  to  sinners  in  subserviency  to  tho 
covenant  of  grace,  (as  well  as  to  Israel  with  reference  to 
their  national  covenant,)  makes  mention  of  the  mercy  of 
God,  though  not  properly  belonging  to  its  own  nature  ; and 
this  with  an  especial  reference  to  his  character;  and  in  order 
to  manifest  how  deserving  he  is  of  that  love  and  service, 
which  according  to  it  he  claims  as  his  unalienable  right. — 
This  mercy  is  promised  unto  thousands ; not  only  unto  great 
multitudes,  or  to  the  third  or  fourth  generations,  but  to  suc- 
cessive generations  to  the  end  of  time.  The  Lord’s  dealings 
with  the  posterity  of  Abraham,  who  believed  his  word,  loved 
him,  and  kept  his  commandments,  illustrates  this  promise. 

V.  7.  The  worshippers  of  the  Lord  must  have  frequent 
occasion  to  mention  his  name;  and  sometimes  it  will  be 
requisite  for  them  to  call  him  to  witness  the  truth  of  their 
words,  and  to  bind  themselves  by  vows  and  engagements  as 
in  his  sight.  This  third  commandment  therefore  forbids  us 
to  “take  the  name  of  the  Lord  our  God  in  vain;”  that  is, 
to  use  it  irreverently,  or  profanely,  or  in  fraud,  dissimulation, 
and  hypocrisy.  It  forbids  all  rash  and  unlawful  vows,  and 
such  as  relate  to  things  uncertain  or  impracticable.  But 
perjury  of  every  kind  is  the  capital  transgression  of  it:  for 
by  this  men  appeal  to  tho  omniscient,  heart-searching  God, 
for  the  truth  of  what  they  testify  or  ussert.  or  for  their  sin- 
cerity in  what  they  engage  to  do:  when  they  do  not  know 
the  truth  of  the  one,  or  even  think  that  it  is  false,  and  are  con- 
sciously insincere  in  the  other.  This  is  one  of  the  most  atro- 
cious and  provoking  crimes  imaginable,  though  common 
among  us  in  this  land  to  an  inconceivable  degree,  so  that  it  is 
little  noticed  unless  accompanied  with  flagrant  injustice! 
But,  alas  ! it  is  very  closely  connected  with  other  instances 
of  disregard  to  this  law,  by  the  unnecessary  multiplication  of 
oaths  in  all  judicial  transactions  and  commercial  regulations, 
even  on  the  most  frivolous  occasions  ; and  by  being  adminis- 
tered with  extreme  irreverence,  instead  of  all  the  solemnity 
of  a religious  ordinance,  which  every  thinking  person  must 


B.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


B.  C.  1491 


thv  God  in  vain  : for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him 
•g-.iltless  that  taketh  his  name  in  vain. 

b “Remember  the  sabbath-day,  to  keep  it  holy. 
if  rSix  days  shalt  thou  labour,  and  do  all  thy 
%-ork. 

•0  But  3 the  seventh  day  is  the  sabbath  of  the 

■ Lev.  01:16,23.  Dent.  23:21— 23.  Josh.  2:12,17.  9:20.  2 Sam.  21:1,2.  1 Kings 
«;9.  El.  17:13— 19.  Zech.  5:3,4.  o 16:23-30  . 31:13,11.  Gen. 2:3.  Lev.  19:3,30. 

13  3 26:2.  llejt.  6:12,13.  Is.  56:1— 6.  58:13.  Es.  20:12.  p 23:12.  Luke 
13  0—16.  , 31:15.  31:21.  Lev.  23:3.  rl6:27,2S.  35:2,3.  Mum.  15:32— 36. 

allcw  to  be  reasonable. — All  appeals  to  God  in  common  con- 
versation, with  such  expressions  as  ‘ the  Lord  knows,’  when 
the  matter  attested  is  either  not  true,  or  not  important, 
involves  a measure  of  the  same  guilt. — All  cursing  and  swear- 
ing is  a most  horrid  violation  of  this  commandment.— The 
use  of  the  words,  1 God,  Lord,  Christ,’  or  such  like,  without 
necessity,  seriousness,  and  reverence  ; whether  in  improper 
religious  discourse,  or  as  expletives,  in  talking  about  other 
matters:  every  expression  that  takes  the  form  of  an  adjura- 
tion or  imprecation,  though  the  name  of  God  be  not  used: 
indeed,  all  that  is  more  than  “yea,  yea;  nay,  nay,”  that  is, 
every  thing  which,  in  common  conversation,  goes  beyond  a 
simple  affirmation  or  denial ; all  jesting  with  the  word  of  God 
or  sacred  things ; all  irreverence  to  whatever  relates  to  him  ; 
and  the  use  of  his  tremendous  name,  in  religious  worship,  in 
a heedless  or  hypocritical  manner:  all  these,  I say,  are  vio- 
lations of  the  spirit  of  this  law.  It  likewise  implies  a com- 
mand to  remember  habitually  the  infinite  majesty,  purity, 
and  excellency  of  God ; and  to  behave  towards  him,  in  word 
and  deed,  with  that  awe  and  reverence  of  his  perfections, 
which  becomes  such  mean  and  worthless  creatures,  in  his 
infinitely  glorious  presence. 

To  this  law  it  is  added,  that  Jehovah  “will  not  hold  the 
transgressor  guiltless.”  Men  may  not  discover,  or  they  may 
neglect  to  punish,  this  crime ; and  the  sinner’s  conscience 
may  scarcely  trouble  him  about  it : but  let  him  know,  that 
God  will  certainly  detect  and  punish  that  atrocious  affront, 
which  is  thus  put  upon  him,  often  without  even  the  plea  of 
temptation,  or  expectation  of  profit  or  pleasure  ; unless  men 
can  find  pleasure  in  disobeying  and  defying  their  Creator ! 
But  when  it  shall  at  last  be  said  to  the  daring  transgressor, 

“ Wherefore  hast  thou  despised  the  commandment  of  the 
Lord  ?”  his  profane  trifling  will  be  turned  into  terror  and 
despair. 

V.  8 — 10.  The  form  of  the  fourth  commandment  implies, 
that  it  had  been  previously  known  to  the  patriarchs  and  their 
descendants,  though  they  were  prone  to  forget  it.  (Note, 
Gen.  2:3.) — The  separation  of  a portion  of  our  time  to  the 
immediate  service  of  God,  is  doubtless  of  moral  obligation  ; 
for  his  glory,  and  our  good,  personal  and  social,  temporal  and 
eternal,  are  intimately  connected  with  it,  and  therefore  it  is 
inserted  in  the  moral  law:  but  the  exact  proportion,  as  well 
as  the  particular  day,  may  be  considered  as  of  positive  insti- 
tution. Yet  one  day  in  seven  seems  to  have  been  fixed  upon, 
by  infinite  wisdom,  as  the  most  proper,  in  every  age  of  the 
world;  though  the  change  of  the  dispensation,  after  the  re- 
surrection of  Christ,  has  occasioned  an  alteration  of  the  day, 
and  an  addition  to  the  topics  which  call  for  peculiar  com- 
memoration and  contemplation,  on  this  season  of  sacred  rest. 
— It  is  plain  that  the  words,  “ Six  days  shalt  thou  labour,  and 
do  all  thy  work,”  were  merely  an  allowance , and  not  an  in- 
junction ; for  the  Lord  forbad,  by  other  precepts,  all  labour 
on  some  of  these  days:  but  they  were  assigned  for  the  dili- 
gent performance  of  the  business  which  relates  to  this  pre- 
sent life,  while  the  seventh  was  consecrated  to  the  immediate 
service  of  the  Lord.  The  concerns  of  our  souls  must  in- 
deed be  attended  to,  and  God  worshipped,  every  day,  that 
our  business  may  be  regulated  in  subserviency  to  his  will ; 
but  on  the  other  days  of  the  week  “ we  should  do  all  our 
work,"  reserving  none  for  the  sabbath,  except  works  of  charity, 
piety,  and  necessity ; for  these  alone  consist  with  the  holiness 
of  that  sacred  day  of  rest,  and  are  allowable,  because  “ the 
sabbath  was  made  for  man,  not  man  for  the  sabbath.”  All 
works,  therefore,  which  arise  from  avarice,  distrust,  luxury, 
vanity,  and  self-indulgence,  are  entirely  prohibited.  Our  af- 
fairs should  be  previously  so  arranged,  that  the  sacred  duties 
of  the  Lord’s  day  may  be  interrupted  as  little  as  possible. 
Buying  and  selling,  paying  wages,  settling  accounts,  writing 
letters  of  business,  reading  books  on  ordinary  subjects,  trifling 
visits,  journeys,  excursions,  dissipation,  or  conversation  which 
serves  only  for  amusement,  cannot  consist  with  “ keeping  a 
day  holy  to  the  Lord  ;”  and  sloth  is  a carnal,  not  a spiritual 
rest.  The  sabbath  should  be  a cessation  from  worldly 
labour,  and  a rest  in  the  service  of  God.  Serious  self-exami- 
nation ; perusal  of  the  Scriptures ; private,  social,  and  public 
worship ; instruction  of  children  and  servants  ; meditation 
and  pious  conversation,  should  occupy  our  time  from  morn- 
•ng  till  evening ; except  as  these  duties  are  suspended  by 
attention  to  such  things,  as  really  conduce  to  our  own  good,  or 
hat  of  others.  Servants  and  some  others  may,  however,  be 
under  a real  necessity  of  doing  things  which  are  not  necessary 
in  tPeinselves  : though  good  management  might  often  greatly 
lessen  the  evil;  and  the  pious  servant  will  prefer  a place  of 
less  emolument,  where  he  can  have  more  entire  liberty  of 
keeping  holy  the  sabbath-day.  Were  our  love  to  God  and 
spiritual  things  as  intense  as  it  ought  to  be,  we  should  deem 


Lord  thy  God  : in  it  thou  shalt  not  do  any.  work 
thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor  thy  daughter,  *thy  man 
servant,  nor  thy  maid-servant,  nor  thy  cattle,  nor 
'thy  stranger  that  is  within  thy  gates. 

11  For  in  “six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and 
earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  res'ed 

Luke  23:56.  .Lev. 26:6,7.  Deal.  5:14,15.  t 12:18,49.  22:21 . 23.9— 12.  Gen. 
17:12,13,23.  Lev.  19:33,34.  23:25.  Num.  15:14—16.26,29,311.  Dent.  16:11,12.  24: 
11—22.  Nell.  10:31.  13:1.5—21.  u 31:17.  Gen. 2:2,3.  I •=.  95:4—7.  Murk 2.27,28 
John  20:19,26.  Acts  20:7.  1 Cor.  16:2.  Heb.  4:2-6,9—11.  Rev.  1:10. 


a day  thus  spent  our  great  delight, ; for  heaven  will  he  an 
eternal  rest,  not  essentially  differing  from  it.  All  our  aver- 
sion from  such  strictness  arises  from  “ the  carnal  mind, 
which  is  enmity  against  God:”  and  the  advantages  whi'h 
would  accrue  from  thus  hallowing  the  sabbath,  to  the  morals, 
health,  liberty,  and  happiness  of  mankind,  are  so  many  and 
so  obvious,  that  they  who  doubt  its  obligation  often  allow  its 
expediency. — But  parents  and  masters  are  required,  not  only 
themselves  to  hallow  the  sabbath,  and  not  lo  employ  their 
children,  servants,  or  slaves,  in  any  needless  work;  but  they 
should  also  with  authority  require  them  to  keep  holy  the 
Lord’s  day,  which  is  greatly  intended  for  their  benefit;  and 
they  are  responsible  to  God  for  it,  if  those  uqder  their  ca.e 
violate  this  holy  rest,  by  their  command,  or  connivance,  or 
negligence. — The  cattle  must  also  be  allowed  to  rest  from 
the  hard  labour  of  husbandry,  journeys,  and  all  employments 
connected  with  trade  or  pleasure ; though  doubtless  we  may 
employ  them  too  in  works  of  necessity,  piety,  and  charity, 
and  thus  they  may  properly  be  used  for  the  gentle  service  of 
conveying  those  to  places  of  public  worship,  who  could  not 
otherwise  attend,  or  perform  the  duties  to  which  they  are 
called.  (Note,  2 Kings  4:23.)  Yet,  alas!  ostentation  and 
self-indulgence  so  multiply  violations  of  the  Lord’s  day  in 
this  respect,  that  it  is  with  hesitation  that  this  observation  is 
admitted;  and  the  true  Christian  would  wish  to  adhere  to 
the  letter  of  the  prohibition  in  all  cases,  when  it  did  not  in- 
terfere with  its  intention. — The  stranger  likewise,  though  not 
of  the  same  religion,  was  not  only  to  be. persuaded  and 
encouraged  to  hallow  the  sabbath  ; but  prohibited  from  exter- 
nally violating  its  sacred  rest,  while  he  resided  among  the 
Israelites  : for  this  was  the  law  of  their  land,  as  well  as  of 
their  religion.  (Notes,  35:2,3.  Num.  15:32 — 3G.)  And,  though 
the  government  of  Israel  differed  from  that  of  other  people, 
yet  there  seems  a great  propriety  in  nations  professing  Chris- 
tianity making  it  a part  pf  their  law  likewise.  J5ut,  alas ! 
how  often  do  such  laws  lose  their  energy,  for  want  of  being 
sanctioned  by  the  example  of  the  legislators  themselves,  and 
by  that  of  those  whose  office  it  is  to  carry  them  into  execu- 
tion. 

V.  11.  The  sabbath  was  originally  instituted  in  remem- 
brance of  the  completion  of  the  work  of  creation,  and  in 
honour  of  the  great  Creator;  the  Israelites  had  additional 
reasons  assigned  them,  why  they  should  observe  it ; and 
Christians  have  some  of  a still  more  important  nature:  but 
all  the  perfections  of  the  Lord,  as  displayed  in  creation,  pro- 
vidence, redemption,  or  in  any  of  his  w orks  of  power  and  lovo 
to  us  or  to  his  church,  should  be  remembered  and  adored  by 
us  on  this  solemn  and  joyful  day. 

This  compendious  exposition  of  the  first  table  of  the  law 
suffices  l o prove  its  requirements  to  be  very  extensive,  spi- 
ritual, reasonable, and  beneficial;  yet  it  must  be  owned  to  be 
entirely  contrary  to  the  disposition  of  our  hearts,  and  diverse 
from  the  tenor  of  our  lives.  We  all  therefore  need  mercy, 
redemption,  and  a new  creation  to  holiness,  in  order  that  we 
may  please  God  and  be  made  fit  for  heaven. — W e now  pro- 
ceed to  the  second  table. 

V.  12.  According  to  the  principle  which  has  hitherto 
directed  our  interpretation,  this  commandment  must  be  consi- 
dered as  the  abstract  of  relative  duties.  All  other  relations 
spring  from  that  of  parents  and  children,  or  partake  in  a mea- 
sure of  its  nature ; and  this  most  nearly  resembles  our  relation 
to  the  great  Creator. — Children  are  required  to  honour  their 
parents;  which  implies,  that  it  is  the  duty  f parents  to  behave 
honourably , by  diligently  performing  the  several  parts  of  their 
important  charge,  as  intrusted  with  the  care  of  their  offspring, 
both  in  body  and  soul;  and  by  a becoming  deportment  in  all 
other  respects.  Yet  children  are  not  absolved  from  their  duty 
by  the  misconduct  of  their  parents,  for  which  they  must  an- 
swer to  God:  and  such  a limitation,  in  this  and  other  relative 
precepts,  would  absurdly  constitute  all  the  inferior  relations, 
judges  and  lords  over  their  superiors.  Children,  under  God, 
derive  their  being  from  their  parents:  and  they  arc  generally 
taken  care  of  by  them,  with  much  labour  and  expen  e and 
self-denial,  during  helpless  infancy  and  inexperienced  youth. 
It  is  therefore  reasonable,  that  they  should  so  long  obey  them 
unreservedly  in  all  things  lawful ; and  afterwards  in  all  things 
which  are  not  manifestly  injurious  to  them,  though  they  may 
be  disagreeable.  They  ought  to  love  their  parents;  to 
respect  their  characters,  counsels,  and  instructions  ; to  consuls 
their  interest,  credit,  and  comfort ; to  conceal  their  infirmities  , 
to  bear  with  their  tempers  and  humours,  alleviate  their  sor 
rows,  and  rejoice  their  hearts  as  far  as  possible:  and  when 
they  are  grown  old,  or  become  in  any  way  incapable  of  main- 
taining themselves,  children  are  bound,  if  able,  even  to  labour 
for  their  support,  as  their  parents  did  for  them  when  infants. 
In  all  these  respects,  both  parents  are  equally  included ; and 
v *55  ) 


B C.  1491.  EXODUS.  B.  C.  1491. 


the  seventh  day  : wherefore  the  Lord  blessed  the 
sabbath-day,  and  xhallowed  it. 

12  ^Honour  thy  father  and  thy  mother : zthat 


x Lev.  22:32.  Jer.  17:20—27.  Ez.  20:20. 44:24.  Matt.  6:9.  Luke  11:2.  y 21: 15,17. 
22:28.  Gen.  9:2*2,23.  Lev.  19:3,32.20:9.  Deut.  5: 16.  21 ; 18— 21 . 27: 16.  1 Kings  2: 
19.  2 Kings  2:12.  5:13.  13:14.  Prov.  1:8,9.6:20.15:5.  19:26  . 20:20.  23:22— 25.  28: 
24.  30:11,17.  Is.  3:5.  Jer.  35:18,19.  Mai.  1:6.  Matt.  15:4— 6.  19:19.  Mark  7: 
10—12.  12:17.  Luke  18:20.  Horn.  13.7.  Eph.5:21.  61—3.  Col.  3:20.  1 Tim.  5: 
1,2,4,17.  6.1,2.  Heb.  13:7.  1 Pel.  2:17.  3:1—7.  5:5,6.  Jude  8.  z Leul.  4:26,40. 


should  alike  be  honoured  and  obeyed,  and  not  in  opposition  to 
one  another ; which  should  teach  the  parents  to  set  their 
children  an  example  of  impartiality , and  to  be  harmonious  in 
their  conduct  towards  them. — By  parity  of  reason,  every  one, 
who  has  acted  a parent’s  part,  is  entitled  to  a correspondent 
respect  and  deference  ; and  all  the  superior  and  inferior  rela- 
tions have  their  several  reciprocal  duties,  which  may  be  re- 
ferred to  this  command,  but  will  hereafter  be  considered. 

( Notes,  Rom.  13:1—7.  Eph.  5:21—33.  6:1—9.  Col.  3:18— 
25.  4:1.  1 Tim.  6:1—5.  1 Pet.  2:13—25.  3:1— 7.)— The 

annexed  promise  of  long  life  to  obedient  children  might  have 
a peculiar  reference  to  the  covenant  of  Israel ; yet,  careful 
observers  of  mankind  have  n'oted  its  remarkable  fulfilment  m 
other  nations.  Subordination,  in  the  family  and  community, 
tends  to  personal  and  public  felicity ; and  the  dislike  which 
the  human  heart  bears  to  submission  renders  it  proper  to 
enforce  it  by  motives  of  every  kind. 

V.  13.  The  sixth  commandment  requires  us  to  “love  our 
neighbour  as  ourselves,”  in  respect  of  his  person  and  life. — 
Magistrates,  as  “God’^  ministers  in  executing  vengeance,” 
are  in  some  cases  commanded  to  put  men  to  death  ; and  in 
others  it  may  be  allowable , because  conducive  to  the  public 
good. — Witnesses  or  executioners  may  also  concur  in  such 
capital  punishments  without  the  guilt  of  murder.  We  may 
doubtless  take  away  another’s  life  in  defence  of  our  own:  for 
he  who  assaults  another’s  life,  by  that  action  forfeits  his  own  ; 
and  there  is  no  opportunity  of  referring  the  cause  to  the  civil 
magistrate.  Perhaps,  in  peculiar  circumstances,  the  same 
may  be  allowable  in  defence  of  our  property ; especially  when 
violence  is  menaced. — Some  wars  are  necessary  and  una- 
voidable to  one  party,  because  of  the  injurious  conduct  of  the 
other  ; and  the  blood  shed  in  them  is  not  imputed  as  murder 
to  those  who  shed  it : yet  the  guilt  of  it  must  rest  somewhere  ; 
and  few  wars  indeed  are  so  entered  upon  and  conducted,  as 
to  leave  any  of  the  contending  parties  free  from  blood-guilti- 
ness.— A man  may  by  misfortune  kill  another:  yet  God  con- 
demns, as  wilful  murder , many  of  those  actions  by  which  life 
is  taken  away,  but  which  are  called  by  our  law  manslaughter. 
Furious  passions,  excited  by  sudden  provocation  or  drunk- 
enness, is  no  where  in  Scripture  excepted  from  the  general 
rule,  “ He  who  sheddeth  man’s  blood,  by  man  shall  his  blood 
be  shed.”  The  duellist  is  a proud  and  revengeful  murderer 
of  the  most  atrocious  kind  ; and,  in  general,  he  is  distinguished 
from  all  other  criminals,  by  an  habitual  determination  to  com- 
mit the  sin,  whenever  he  shall  be  tempted  to  it. — All  fighting 
for  wagers,  or  prizes,  or  renown,  violates  this  command  ; and 
the  blood  thus  shed  is  murder. — Whatever,  by  force  or  stra- 
tagem, deprives  another  of  his  life,  is  prohibited.  All  the 
slaughter  committed  by  oppressions,  persecutions,  or  at- 
tempts to  deprive  of  liberty,  or  confine  in  slavery,  our  unof- 
fending fellow-creatures,  on  any  pretence  whatever,  is  wilful, 
cruel  murder.  What  then  shall  we  think  of  the  accursed 
slave-trade,  and  how  thankful  should  we  b^,  that  it  is  at  length 
abolished  ! — Even  laws,  needlessly  sanguinary,  involve  the 
persons  concerned  in  this  enormous  guilt : and  they,  who 
ought  to  punish  the  murderer,  and  yet  suffer  him  to  escape, 
will  be  numbered  among  the  abettors  of  his  crime  at  the  tri- 
bunal of  God.  But  capital  punishments  are  denounced,  in 
this  land,  in  so  very  many  instances,  that  they  counteract 
their  own  intention ; and  yet  are  executed  in  such  numerous 
instances,  and  for  offences  so  different  in  the  degree  of  crimi- 
nality, as  almost  to  obliterate  in  the  minds  of  numbers  the 
disparity  of  crimes,  and  to  lessen  exceedingly  the  horror  of 
committing  murder : and  impartial  judges  must  allow,  that 
our  criminal  code  is  in  this  respect  both  unscriptural,  impoli- 
tic, and  unreasonably  severe. 

This  commandment  likewise  prohibits  us  to  assault,  maim, 
or  wound  others,  or  to  assist  those  who  do ; to  tempt  men  to 
crimes  that  destroy  their  constitutions,  or  endanger  their  lives, 
either  from  the  sword  of  justice,  or  the  resenlment  of  the 
injured  party ; nay,  to  entice  them,  by  the  prospect  of  a large 
reward,  to  such  enterprises  and  labours,  as  are  known  gene- 
rally to  shorten  life.  Many  parents  and  wives  are  murdered 
Dy  the  gross  misconduct  of  their  children  and  husbands ; and 
numbers  will  be  found  guilty  of  transgressing  this  command- 
ment, by  covetously  or  maliciously  wishing  the  death  of  others. 
The  spiritual  import  of  it  prohibits  all  envy,  revenge,  hatred, 
or  causeless  anger ; all  that  insulting  language,  vyhich  pro- 
vokes to  wrath  anil  rrturder  ; and  all  the  pride,  ambition,  and 
covetousness,  which  prompt  to  it.  Nay,  that  man  will  be 
condemned  as  the  hater  and  murderer  of  his  brother,  who, 
seeing  his  life  endangered  by  the  want  of  food,  raiment,  or 
medicine,  and  having  ability  to  relieve  him,  selfishly  neglects 
iO  do  it.  (Notes,  1 John  3:13 — 17.  ) — But  the  murder  of  the 
eoul  is  still  more  heinous.  This  is  committed  by  seducing 
7ien  to  sin  ; by  a bad  example  ; by  disseminating  poisonous 
orinciples  ; by  terrifying  others  from' religion  by  persecution,* 
or  by  reviling  or  ridiculing  such  as  attend  t<  \ ; by  withhold- 
( 156  ) 


thy  days  may  be  long  upon  the  land  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee. 

13  ttThou  shalt  not  kill. 


6:2.  17:20  . 25:15.  32:47.  Prov.  3:16.  a 21:14,20,29.  22:2.3.  Gen.  4:8— 15,23.  9: 
5,6.  27:41,45.  49:6.  J.ev.  24:17,21.  Num.  35:16—21,31—34.  Deiil.  5:17.  19: 1 1 — 
13.  21:1—9.  2. Sam.  12:9,10.  1 Kings  2:5,6.  2 Kings  21:16.  2Chr.24:22.  Ps  10- 
8—11.  Prov.  1:11,18.  28:17.  Is.  1:15.  26:21.  Jer.  26:15.  Malt.  5:21,22.  John  8- 
44.  Acts  28:4.  Korn.  13:9.  Gal.  5:21.  1 Tim.  1:9.  Jam.  2:11,13.  4:1,2.  1 Jehu  3: 
12 — 15.  Rev.  16:6.  17:6.  21:8.  22:15. 


ing  instructions,  nfeedful  warning  and  counsels,  especially 
such  as  are  due  from  parents  to  their  children,  or  ministers  to 
their  people : and  it  is  tremendous  to  think,  what  numbers 
will  be  thus  condemned  as  the  murderers  of  the  souls  of  men. — 
The  heinousness  of  suicide  likewise  should  be  especially 
marked.  It  is  in  reality  the  most  malignant  of  all  murders  ; 
and,  as  scarcely  ever  repented  of,  it  combines  the  guilt  of 
murdering  both  soul  and  body  at  once.  We  were  not  the 
authors,  and  are  not  the  lords,  of  our  own  lives  : nor  may  we 
leave  our  assigned  post,  or  rush  without  a summons  into  the 
presence  of  our  Judge,  any  more  than  we  may  execute  ven- 
geance on  our  neighbour,  or  send  him  to  the  tribunal  of  God. 
Self-murder  may  be  easily  shown  to  be  a complication  of 
ingratitude,  contempt  of  the  Lord’s  gift  of  life,  impatience, 
pride,  rebellion,  and  infidelity ; nor  is  it  generally  the  effect  of 
insanity , (as  verdicts,  in  which  perjury  is  deliberately  commit- 
ted from  false  tenderness,  would  lead  us  to  suppose  ;)  except 
as  all  are  in  some  sense  insane , who  are  hurried  on  by  fierce 
passions  and  Satan’s  temptations.  That  original  murderer 
knows  this  present  life  to  be  the  only  season  in  which  salva- 
tion can  be  obtained  : and  therefore  he  tempts  men  to  such 
excesses,  as  destroy  the  constitution,  or  render  life  miserable  ; 
and  he  urges  them  on  to  suicide,  that  he  may  destroy  both 
body  and  soul  by  their  hands,  not  being  permitted  to  do  it  by 
his  own  power.  Extravagance,  discontent,  and  despondency 
should  therefore  be  most  carefully  shunned ; and  gratitude, 
patience,  and  hope  most  diligently  cultivated. — In  a word,  this 
command  requires  enlarged  benevolence,  kindness,  long-suf- 
fering, and  forgiveness  ; and  a disposition  to  seek,  in  all 
respects,  the  welfare  of  every  human  being. 

V.  14.  The  seventh  commandment  regulates  our  love  to 
our  neighbours,  in  respect  of  their  purity , and  domestic  com- 
fort ; and  requires  the  proper  government  of  those  inclinations, 
which  God  hath  implanted  in  order  to  the  increase  of  the 
human  species. — The  marriage  of  one  man  with  one  woman 
was  the  original  institution  of  the  Creator  ; and  not  merely  a 
civil  contract , as  some  state  it  to  be : one  man  and  one  woman 
“became  one  flesh”  in  this  respect,  as  if  they  formed  one 
body,  actuated  by  one  soul ; in  order  to  promote  and  share 
one  another’s  satisfactions,  and  with  united  attention  to  edu- 
cate their  common  offspring.  (Note,  Mai.  2:13 — 16.)  The 
entrance  of  sin  and  death  made  way  for  the  dissolution  of  this 
union,  a variety  of  evils  began  to  imbitter  the  relation,  and 
abuses  were  soon  introduced.  Some  things. were  under  the 
preceding  dispensations  connived  at,  which  did  not  accord  to 
the  original  institution ; but  Christ  refers  his  disciples  to  that 
standard  of  honourable  marriage,  as  far  as  the  change  of  cir- 
cumstances can  admit  of  it. — The  force  acquired  by  men’s 
passions,  in  consequence  of  sin,  renders  the  “ prevention  of 
fornication”  one  express  end  of  marriage  ; mutual  forbearance 
and  reciprocal  compliances  are  now  needful  and  incumbent ; 
the  sorrows  of  the  female  sex,  as  well  as  the  afflictions  of  life, 
require  peculiar  sympathy,  to  alleviate  the  anguish  of  the 
suffering  party  ; and  the  separating  stroke  of  death  leaves  the 
survivor  free  to  take  another  companion.  We  as  Christians 
therefore  must  not  explain  adultery,  as  prohibited  in  this  com- 
mandment, according  to  the  judicial  law  of  Moses,  which  xx  ill 
afterwards  come  under  consideration ; (Lev.  20:10.  Deut.  22: 
22.)  but  by  the  decisions  of  Christ,  with  which  polygamy  and 
divorces  (except  for  unfaithfulness)  are  utterly  incompatible. 
It  is  evident,  that  marriage,  recognised  in  some  appointed 
way,  to  distinguish  it  from  illicit  connexions,  gives  each  party 
such  a property  in  the  other’s  person  and  affections,  that 
every  violation  of  conjugal  fidelity,  on  either  side,  is  adultery, 
according  to  the  New  Testament;  and  is  far  more  deserving 
of  death,  (if  we  estimate  crimes  by  their  mischievous  < fleets,) 
than  many  offences  which  are  capitally  punished.  (Notes, 
Matt.  19:3-  9.  Mark  10:2—12.  1 Cor.  7:1—5.)  On  either  side, 
it  is  a violation  of  this  spiritual  commandment;  it  militates 
against  the  ends  and  intentions  of  marriage;  is  inconsistent 
with  that  union  of  hearts  and  interests  which  it  implies  ; is  a 
breacli  of  the  marriage-compact;  mars  domestic  peace ; pre- 
vents the  harmonious  agreement  in  training  up  children;  aril 
forms  an  alienation  of  that  property,  which  both  husband  and 
wife  have  in  the  persons  anil  affections  of  the  other,  and  which 
is  scarcely  ever  lost  without  the  bitterest  anguish  and  keenest 
resentment.  Adultery  on  the  woman’s  side  is  indeed  more 
generally  chargeable  with  the  injustice  of  introducing  a spuri- 
ous offspring  to  inherit  the  husband’s  property  : but,  his  infi 
dclity  is  not  seldom  productive  of  a similar  effect,  when  (he 
husband  has  the  disposal  of  that,  which  was  the  property  of 
the  wife.  And  though  jealousy  is  especially  “ (1  e rage  of 
man,”  and  produces  (he  most  fatal  effects;  yet  sometimes 
female  passions  overpower  female  timidity,  and  dreadful  con- 
sequences ensue  on  that  side  also.  So  that,  in  the  impartial 
judgment  even  of  reason,  the  difference  of  the  injury  ami  of 
its  effects  in  the  two  cases  is  not  very  great. — AH otfu»r  com 
merce  between  the  sexes  is  Prohibited  by  the  spirit  < f this 


B.  C.  1491 


CHAPTER  XX. 


P.  L i 49 1 


14  bThou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

15  cThou  shalt  not  steal 

16  tlThou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against 
thy  neighbour. 


0 Lev.  18:20.  19:29  . 20:10.  Dent.  22:21— 24.  2 Sum.  11:4,5,27.  12:9—11.  Job 
81:1,9.10.  Ps.  50:18.  Prov.  2:15— 18.  5-15-20.  6:21—35.7:18—27.  Jer.  5:8,9.  7: 
9.  13.27.  23:14.  29:22,23.  Ez.  18:6,11,15.  22:9—11.  Mul.  3:5.  Matt.  5:27,28. 
19:9.  Mark  10:11,12.  Jolm  8:3— ll.  Rum.  1:24—29  . 7:2,3.  1 Cor.  6:9— 11.  7:4. 
Gal.  5:19,20.  Enh.  5:3-5.  1 The*.  4:4—7.  Heb.  13:4.  Jam.  4:4.  2 Pet.  2:14,18. 
Rev.  2:20-22.  17:1  —5.  21.8.  22:16.  c 21 : 16.  22:1—6.7—13.  l.ev.  6:1—7.  19: 
Hi;  35—37.  Dent.  5 19.  19:14  23:24,25.  24:7.  25  13—16.  Job  20:19— 22.  Ps. 
50: IS.  Prov.  1:13—15.  6:30,31.  11:1.20:10.  Jer.  5.26— 29.  7:8—11.  Amos  3:10. 
511. 12.  8:4—6.  Mic.  6:10,11.  7:3.  Zech.  5 3,4.  Mai.  3:5.  Matt.  15:19.  19:18. 
21:13.  -3:14.  Mnrkl0:l9.  Luke 3:13,14.  .8:20.  19:8.  John  12:6.  Rom.  13:9. 

1 Cor. 6:10.  Epli.4:  8.  lThes'.4:6.  1 Tim.  1:10.  Jam.  5:4.  d 23:6,7.  l.ev.  19: 
11  15.  Dent.  5.20.  19:15—21.  1 Sam. 22:8— 19.  1 Kni|s  21: 10— 13.  Pa.  15:3.  50: 


law ; from  the  lowest  scenes  of  prostitution,  to  the  temporary 
connexions  that  are  formed  and  dissolved  at  pleasure.  The 
difference  between  the  tempters  and  the  tempted , and  other 
circumstances,  vary  the  degree  of  guilt  contracted  ; for  the 
seducer’s  character  is  diabolical : but  fornication  is  found  in 
almost  every  black  catalogue  in  the  Scripture ; and,  however 
men  may  be  deceived  by  vain  words,  its  dire  effects  on  the 
human  species  prove  the  goodness  of  God,  as  well  as  his  jus- 
tice, in  thus  strictly  forbidding  it,  and  threatening  those  who 
violate  the  prohibition,  with  his  severest  indignation. — Under 
the  word  lasciviousness,  various  transgressions  are  denoted, 
which  cannot  be  mentioned  without  offence  : and  every  thing, 
which  does  not  comport  with  the  design  of  marriage,  though 
sanctioned  by  that  name,  violates  the  spiritual  meaning  of  the 
prohibition. — All  impure  discourse,  imaginations,  or  desires, 
are  likewise  condemned  by  this  law.  “Whosoever  looketh 
on  a woman  to  lust  after  her,  hath  committed  adultery  with 
her  already  in  his  heart.” — Writing,  publishing,  vending,  cir- 
culating, or  reading  obscene  books ; exposing  to  view  indecent 
pictures  or  statues,  or  whatever  else  may  excite  men’s  pas- 
sions, must  partake  of  the  same  guilt : and  wit,  elegance,  and 
ingenuity  only  increase  the  mischief,  wherever  the  specious 
poison  is  administered. — All  the  arts  of  dress,  motion,  or  de- 
meanour, which  form  temptations  to  heedless  youth ; with  all 
those  blandishments,  insinuations,  amorous  looks  and  words, 
which  subserve  seduction,  and  make  way  for  criminal  indul- 
gence, fall  under  the  same  censure. — In  short,  the  command- 
ment requires  the  utmost  purity,  both  of  body  and  soul,  in 
secret  as  well  as  before  men  ; with  a holy  indifference  to  ani- 
mal indulgences,  and  the  strictest  government  of  all  the 
appetites,  senses,  and  passions.  And  it  enjoins  the  desire 
and  endeavour  of  preserving  the  same  disposition  and  beha- 
viour in  all  others  also,  as  far  as  we  have  it  in  our  power. 

V.  15.  This  commandment  is  the  law  of  love  in  respect 
of  property.  The  productions  of  the  earth  are  obtained 
and  prepared  for  use  by  labour : this  gives  property,  which 
justly  descends  to  the  owner’s  posterity  or  heirs.  From  this 
and  similar  causes,  combining  their  effects  for  ages,  the  differ- 
ence in  men’s  worldly  circumstances  originates.  That  por- 
tion which  we  honestly  obtain,  is  “ the  bread  that  God  hath 
given  us;”  and  with  this  we  should  be  satisfied.  But  men’s 
passions  crave  more ; and  sloth  refuses  to  labour : hence  force 
and  fraud  are  employed  to  get  possession  of  the  property  of 
others,  without  their  free  consent  fairly  obtained.  It  is  not 
necessary  to  enumerate  those  violations,  of  which  human  laws 
take  cognizance  ; but  men  may,  in  various  ways,  break  the 
iivine  law,  and  yet  escape  present  punishment.  Fraudulent 
bargains,  which  impose  on  the  ignorant,  credulous,  or  necessi- 
tous ; abuse  of  confidence  ; extortion ; exorbitant  gain  ; deceit- 
ful combinations  to  enhance  the  price  of  goods  or  labour,  or  to 
lower  the  wages  of  the  poor,  will  be  all  condemned  at  the 
tribunal  of  God  as  violations  of  this  command,  though  perhaps 
hardly  censured  in  human  society. — The  overgrown  ravager 
of  nations  and  provinces,  who  smiles  defiance  at  human  jus- 
tice, will  be  adjudged  a pi  iucipal  robber,  without  any  other 
distinction.  Defrauding  the  public  constitutes  a most  atro- 
cious transgression  of  this  law ; whether  it  be  done  by  oppres- 
sive rulers,  who  burden  the  people  with  merciless  exactions ; 
or  by  those  who  embezzle  the  treasures  committed  to  their 
stewardship ; or  by  smuggling,  and  in  various  ways  evading 
the  payment  of  taxes.  Contracting  debts  to  support  vanity 
and  luxury,  or  in  pursuit  of  some  scheme  of  aggrandizement, 
or  for  any  thing  not  absolutely  necessary,  without  a fair  pros- 
pect of  paying ; taking  advantage  of  humane  laws,  to  evade 
payment,  when  the  insolvents  are  again  able  to  do  it ; all 
extravagance,  beyond  the  sober  allowance  of  a man’s  income  ; 
and  slothfulness,  or  unnecessary  subsistence  upon  charity,  are 
violations  of  it  in  different  ways.  Nay,  for  men  to  withhold 
from  real  objects  of  compassion  proper  relief ; or  to  squeeze 
the  poor  so  low  in  their  wages,  as  hardly  to  allow  them  a 
subsistence,  in  order  that  their  employers  may  live  in  atflu- 
ence  and  enrich  their  families,  is  absolutely  inconsistent  with 
its  evident  demands. — In  short,  the  spirit  of  it’prohibits  inordi- 
nate love  of  the  world,  covetousness,  luxury,  and  the  pride  of 
life;  and  requires  industry,  frugality,  sobriety,  submission  to 
Providence,  and  a disposition  “to  do  to  all  others,”  in  respect 
of  worldly  property,  as  we  “ would  they  should  do  unto  us.” 

V.  Hi.  Themin  h commandment  is  the  law  of  love,  as  it 
respects  our  neighbour’s  reputation  ; though,  in  the  connexion 
of  human  affairs,  the  violation  of  it  may  likewise  affect  his 
property  or  life  ; and  bearing  false  witness,  in  a court  of 
•ustice  in  this  land,  may  he  nerjurv,  robbery,  and  murder,  as 


17  eThou  shalt  notco\et  thv  neighbour’s  house 
thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbour’s  i wile,  no.  his 
man-servant,  nor  his  maid-servant,  nor  his  ox,  no 
his  ass,  nor  any  thing  that  gis  thy  neighbour’s. 


20  . 52:2-4.101:5—7.  Irov.  10:18.  11:13.  18:8.  19:5.9.20:19.  25:23.  26 ;2C~ 
22.  la.  59:3,4.  Jer.  9:4.  Ez.  22:9.  Matt.  26:59,60.  Aas  6:13.  Rom.  1 :3U.  1 Cor. 
6:10.  Eph.  4:31.  1 Tim.  1:10.  3:11.  2 Tim.  3:3.  Tit.  2:3.  Jitm.  4:11.  1 Pet. 
2:1.  2 Pei.  2:10,11.  Rev.  12:10.  22:15.  e Gen.  3:6.  14:23.34:23.  I eut.  5:21. 
Josh.  7:21.  1 Sum.  15:19.-  1 Kings  21:6— 16.  2 Kings  5:2u.  Ps.  10:3.  119:36.  Ec. 
4:8.5:10,11.  Is.  33:15.  56:11 . 57:17.  Jer.  22:17.  Ez.  33:31.  Am. 2:6,7.  Mic. 
2:2.  Hul).  2:9.  Mutt.  6:19— 24.  Luke  12:15.  16:14.  John  12:6.  .cts20:33.  Rom. 
7:7.  13:9.  1 Cor.  5: 10.  6: 10.  Eph.5.5.  Phil. 3: 19.  Col.  3:5.  1 Tim.  6:6— 10.  Heh. 
13:5.  Jam. 4:1,2.  2 Pel.  2:14,15.  1 John  2:16.  f2  Sam.  11:2— 4.  Jub31:l,a 
Prov.  4:23.  6:24,25.  Jer.  5:8.  Matt.  5:28.  Jam.  1:14,15.  2 Pel.  2: 14.  g Malt. 
20:15.  Acts  5:4.  2Thes.3:12. 


well  as  calumny.  In  such  important  concerns,  we  should 
attest  nothing  of  which  we  have  not  the  fullest  assurance  ; 
and  all  human  passions  should  be  watched  over,  that  our  evi- 
dence may  not  be  warped  by  any  of  them.  We  should  be 
exact  to  a word  in  reporting  what  we  know,  and  in  speaking 
the  truth,  and  no  more  than  the  truth ; while  equal  caution  is 
required  in  juries,  and  in  the  judge  who  decides  the  cause. — 
The  malicious  invention  and  circulation  of  slanderous  reports, 
to  the  injury  of  a man’s  character,  is  a very  heinous  violation 
of  this  commandment.  To  do  this  in  spore  is  an  imitation 
of  41  the  madman,  who  throws  about  firebrands,  arrows,  and 
death,”  for  his  diversion.  To  spread  stories  which  others  have 
framed  to  the  discredit  of  our  neighbour,  when  we  suspect 
them  to  be  false  or  aggravated ; or  even  if  we  suppose  or  know 
them  to  be  true,  when  there  is  no  real  occasion  for  it,  (such 
as  the  detection  of  a mischievous  hypocrite,  or  designing 
villain,)  is  prohibited  by  this  law:  for  this  practice  results 
from  pride,  self-preference,  malevolence,  or  affectation  of  wit 
and  humour. — Severe  censures,  bitter  sarcasm,  ridicule,  harsh 
judgments,  ascribing  good  actions  to  bad  motives,  inuendos, 
misrepresentations,  collecting  and  circulating  in  any  way 
family  anecdotes,  or  anecdotes  of  persons  in  high  life  or  con- 
spicuous station,  unfavourable  to  the  reputation  of  those  con- 
cerned, or  exposing  them  and  their  connexions  to  ridicule,  and 
various  other  practices  of  the  same  nature,  can  never  consist 
with  it. — This  commandment  is  very  frequently  violated  by 
authors : a lie  or  a slander  is*far  worse  when  printed,  than  when 
only  spoken ; and  religious  controversy  is  too  generally  dis- 
graced by  the  most  abominable  calumnies:  fur  bigots,  of  all 
parties,  agree  in  misstating  the  actions,  misquoting  the  writ- 
ings, and  misreporting  the  words,  of  their  opponents. — All  lies 
are  a violation  of  this  law.  They  are  in  every  poss  ible  case  an 
abuse  of  speech,  and  of  our  neighbour’s  confidence,  and  a 
derogation  from  the  value  of  truth  ; and  almost  always  hurtful 
to  mankind. — Even  injurious  thoughts,  groundless  suspicions, 
and  secret  prejudices,  or  envy  of  the  praises  and  commenda- 
tions which  others  receive,  do  not  consist  with  the  spirit  of  this 
precept.  F or  it  requires  sincerity,  truth,  fidelity,  candour,  and 
caution,  in  all  our  conversation  and  conduct ; and  a disposition 
to  honour  in  every  man  what  is  honourable,  to  commend  w hat 
is  commendable,  to  vindicate  and  excuse  w hat  can  be  vindicated 
and  excused,  and  to  conceal  what  may  law  fully  be  concealed  ; 
and  in  every  respect  to  consult  his  reputation,  and  even  to 
rejoice  in  his  credit  and  renown,  as  we  should  w ere  it  our  own, 
and  as  we  might  reasonably  desire  he  also  should.  In  our  ow  n 
case,  we  all  feel  the  excellenc3'  and  reasonableness  of  the  pre- 
cept, in  its  strictest  sense  ; we  value  and  are  tender  of  our  repu- 
tation; and  expect,  nay  demand,  to  be  treated  with  candour, 
respect,  and  sincerity  ; and  we  are  greatly  pained  and  affronted 
when  we  are  imposed  upon,  or  held  forth  to  scorn,  ridicule, 
and  censure,  by  the  tongues  or  pens  of  others.  But,  through 
the  exorbitancy  of  self-love,  and  want  of  love  to  others,  we 
are  prone,  in  an  amazing  degree,  to  violate  the  rules  which 
we  should  impose  on  our  neighbours,  in  our  own  conduct 
towards  them,  and  that  without  much  remorse,  or  sense  of 
guilt.  Nor  can  words  express  how  heinously  this  reasonable 
commandment  is  every  day  transgressed,  in  almost  every 
company,  and  among  persons  of  all  characters  ! 

V.  17.  This  concluding  commandment  forbids  us  to  covet 
any  thing  that  is  our  neighbour’s.  This  restriction  is  placed 
as  the  fence  of  all  the  rest.  The  apostle’s  reference  to  it, 
(Note,  Rom.  7:7,8.)  shows  that  it  comprises  the  utmost  spirit- 
uality of  the  law ; and  it  is  a perpetual  confutation  of  all  those 
systems,  by  which  the  outward,  gross  crime  is  considered 
as  the  only  violation  of  each  command. — We  are  here 
expressly,  and  in  the  most  forcible  language,  prohibited  so 
much  as  to  desire  what  is  withheld  from  us  by  the  command 
or  providence  of  God  : and,  so  far  from  wanting  to  level  pro- 
perty, or  seize  violently  on  our  neighbour’s  possessions,  wo 
may  not  so  much  as  at  all  hanker  after  them. — The  most 
secret  wish  for  another  man’s  wife  violates  this  precept;  but 
to  desire  a union  by  marriage  with  an  unmarried  woman, 
becomes  sinful  only  when  it  is  excessive,  and  when  it  is  not 
submitted  to  the  will  of  God,  if  he  render  it  impracticable. 
We  may  desire  that  part  of  a man’s  property,  which  he  is 
inclined  to  dispose  of,  if  we  mean  to  obtain  it  only  on  equitable 
terms;  but  what  he  chooses  to  keep  w<*may  not  covet.  The 
poor  man  may  desire  moderate  relief  from  the  rich  ; but  he 
must  not  covet  his  affluence,  or  repine  even  if  he  do  not 
relieve  him.  Men  exposed  to  equal  hazards,  may  agree  to 
a proportionable  contribution  to  him  who  suffers  loss  ; for  it 
accords  with  the  law  of  love  to  help  the  distressed.  Thif 

( 157  ) 


D.  C.  KOI. 


EXODUS. 


B.  C.  1-191. 


18  If  An  f hn!l  the  people  saw  the  thunderings, 
on  1 the  lightnings,  and  the  noise  of  the  trumpet, 
and  the  mountain  smoking;  and  when  the  people 
saw  it,  'they  removed  and  stood  afar  oft'. 

19  And  they  said  unto  Moses,  kSpeak  thou  with 
us,  anil  we  will  hear  : but  ‘let  not  God  speak  with 
us,  lest  we  die. 

20  And  Moses  said  unto  the  people,  mFear  not: 
for  God  is  come  to  “prove  you,  and  that  °his  fear 
may  be  before  your  faces,  that  ye  sin  not. 

21  And  rfhe  people  stood  afar  ofti  and  Moses 
> drew  near  unto  the  ‘Thick  darkness  where  God 

teas. 

22  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Thus  thou 

h 19:16— 18.  See  on  Deut.  4:10,11,36.  5:22,23.  i Ps.  138:7,8.  Jer.  23:23, 24- 
kDeul.  5:27.  Ib: IS.  Acts  7:38.  Gal.  3:19.  Heb.  12:18,19.  133:20.  Gen.  32:30. 
Deni.  5:24,26.  m 1 Sam.  12:20,24.  n 15:25,25.  Gen.  22:1 ,12.  Dent.  8:2,16.  13: 
3.  oGeu. 20:11.  12:18.  Deut.  4:10.  6:2.  10:12.  17:13,19  . 28:58.  Josh.  24:11.  Neh. 
5:15.  Job  28:28.  Prov.  1 7.  Is.  8: 13.  Jer.  32:39,40.  Matt.  10:28.  Heb.  12:28. 
p 19:17.  Deut.  5:5.  q 1 Kings  8:12.  Z . hr.  6:1.  Ps.  13:0,12.  97:2.  104:2.  lTim.  6: 
16.  r eut.  1:35.  Neh.  9:13.  Hob.  12:25,26.  s 3— 5.  See  on  32:1— 1.  1 Sam.  5: 
4,3.  2 Kings  17:33,41.  Et.2o.39.  43:3.  Dan.  5:4,23.  Zepb.  1:5.  1 Cor.  10:21,22. 


exculpates  ensurance  when  fairly  conducted.  But  every 
species  cf  gaming  originates  from  an  undue  desire  and  hope 
of  increasing  our  property,  by  proportionably  impoverishing 
otfier  men  ; and  is  therefore  a direct  violation  of  this  law. — 
Public  gaming  by  lotteries,  so  far  from  being  less  criminal 
than  other  species  of  that  vice,  is  the  worst  of  them  all ; for  it 
abets  and  sanctions,  as  far  as  example  and  concurrence  by 
statute  can  do  it,  a practice  which  opens  the  door  to  every 
species  of  fraud  and  villany ; which  is  pregnant  with  the  most 
extensive  evils  to  the  community  and  to  individuals;  which 
seldom  fails  annually  to  bring  several  to  an  untimely  end,  by 
suicide  or  the  sentence  of  the  law  ; which  unsettles  an  immense 
multitude  from  the  honest  employments  of  their  station,  to 
run  in  quest  of  imaginary  wealth  ; and  which  exposes  them  to 
manifold  temp'a'ious,  unfits  them  for  returning  to  their  usual 
mode  of  life,  and  often  materially  injures  their  circumstances, 
breaks  their  spirit-,  sours  their  tempers,  and  excites  the 
worst  passions  of  which  they  are  susceptible.  Indeed  the 
evils,  political,  moral,  and  religious,  of  lotteries , are  too  glaring 
to  he  denied,  even  by  those  vviio  plead  necessity  for  continuing 
them  ; and  too  numerous  to  he  recapitulated  in  this  place. 
Can  it  therefore  consist  with  the  law  of  God,  “Thou  shalt 
not  covet,”  or  with  the  character  of  a Christian,  to  concur  in 
so  iniquitous  and  injurious  a system,  from  a vain  desire  of 
irregular  gain  ? Whatever  argument  proves  it  unlawful  for 
two  or  three  men  to  cast  lots  for  a sum  of  money,  or  to  game  in 
any  At  her  way,  is  much  more  strongly  conclusive  against  a 
million  of  persons  gaming  publicly  by  a lottery,  to  the  stagna- 
n >!i  iu  great  measure  of  every  other  business  : while  the  gain 
made  by  government,  and  by  individuals,  from  the  stakes 
deposited  with  them,  renders  it  as  imprudent  as  it  is  sinful  in 
the  adventurers  ; for  every  individual  stakes  at  least  three  to 
two  on  an  even  chance , if  a covetous  appeal  to  Providence 
may  be  called  chance.  {Note,  Prov.  1G:33.)  Even  Tontines 
are  by  no  means  to  be  justified,  as  they  constitute  a kind  of 
complicated  wager  about  longevity,  to  be  decided  by  Provi- 
dence in  favour  of  the  survivors;  and  must  therefore  partake 
of  the  nature  of  other  games  of  chance.  Coveting  the  pro- 
perty of  our  neighbours  contrary  to  the  law  of  love,  and 
enriching  the  survivors,  commonly  at  the  expense  of  the 
relatives  of  the  deceased,  are  intimately  connected  with  them: 
while  they  lead  men  into  strong  temptation  secretly  to  wish 
the  death  of  others,  for  the  sake  of  advantages  which  they 
inordinately  desire,  and  irregularly  pursue. — In  fine,  discon- 
tent, distrust,  love  of  wealth,  pleasure,  and  grandeur,  desire 
of  change,  the  habit  of  wishing,  and  every  inordinate  affection, 
are  the  evils  here  prohibited ; and  we  know  them  to  be  the 
sources  of  all  other  crimes,  and  of  man’s  misery.  The  com- 
mand requires  moderation  in  respect  of  all  worldly  things, 
submission  to  God,  acquiescence  in  his  will,  love  to  his  com- 
mand', and  a reliance  on  him  for  the  daily  supply  all  our 
wants,  as  he  sees  good.  This  is  right  and  reasonable,  fit  for 
God  to  command,  and  profitable  for  man  to  obey  ; the  very 
temper  and  felicity  of  heaven  itself:  hut  it  is  so  contrary  to 
the  disposition  of  our  heart  by  nature , and  so  superior  to  the 
actual  attainment,  of  the  best  Christians  on  earth,  that  it 
is  very  difficult  to  persuade  men  in  general,  that  God  requires 
such  perfection;  s ill  more  difficult  to  satisfy  them,  that  it  is 
indispensable  to  the  happiness  of  rational  creatures;  and 
most  difficult  of  all  to  convince  them,  that  every  tiling  incon- 
sistent with  this,  or  short  of  it,  is  sin  ; that  it  deserves  the 
wrath  of  God,  and  cannot,  he  taken  away,  except  by  the  mercy 
of  God,  flu*  )ugh  the  atonement  of  Christ. — We  cannot  close 
this  brief  explication  of  the  divine  law,  (in  which  we  find 
nothing  redundant,  nothing  defective,  nothing  injurious,  but  all 
things  “ holy,  and  just,  and  good,”)  more  properly,  than  by 
che  words  o{  our  ch  rch-service,  4 Lord,  have  mercy  upon 
us,’  (forgive  all  our  past  transgressions,) 4 and  write  all  these 
thy  laws  in  our  hearts,  we  beseech  thee.’ 

V-  Id — 20.  The  hundcrings  and  lightnings  continued 
during  the  whole  of  this  awful  solemnity ; and  we  may  sup- 
pose, that  as  soon  as  the  Lord  had  ceased  to  speak,  the 
trumpet,  again  sounded  loudly,  as  before.  The  people  there- 
fore, witnessing  such  a continuance  or  succession  of  tremen- 
( 158  ) 


shalt  say  unto  the  children  oflsrael,  Ye  have  seen 
that  rI  have  talked  with  you  from  heaven. 

23  Ye  “shall  not  make  with  me  gode  of  silver, 
neither  shall  ye  make  unto  you  gods  of  gold. 

24  An  ‘altar  of  earth  thou  shalt  make  unto  me, 
and  shalt  sacrifice  thereon  thy  "burnt-offerings, 
and  thy  peace-offerings,  thy  sheep  and  thine  oxen: 
“in  all  places  where  1 record  my  name,  I will  come 
unto  thee,  and  I will  ^bless  thee. 

25  And  “if  thou  wilt  make  me  an  altar  of  stone, 
thou  shalt  not  'build  it  of  hewn  stone  : for  if  thou 
lift  up  thy  tool  upon  it,  thou  hast  polluted  it. 

26  Neither  shalt  thou  go  up  by  steps  unto  mine 
altar, that  athy  nakedness  be  notdiscovered  thereon. 


2Cor.  6:14— 16.  Col.  2:18,19.  1 John  5:20,21.  Re».  22:15.  tJohn4:24.  u Lev. 
1:3.  x Deut.  12:5,11,21.  16:5,6.  26:2.  1 Kings  8:29.43.  9:3.  2 1 hr.  6:6.  7:16. 
12:13.  Ezra  6:12.  Nell.  1:9.  Ps.  74:7  . 76:2  . 78:68.  132:13,14.  Jer.  7:10— 12.  Mai. 
1:11.  Matt.  18:20.  28:21).  John  4:20— 23.  I Tim.  2:8.  ylien.l2:2.  Num.  6:24 
—27.  Deut.  7:13.  2Sam.  6:12.  Ps.  128:5.  134:3.  z Dent.  27:5,6.  Josh.8:3L 
* Heb.  build  them  with  hewing,  a Lev.  10:3.  Ps.  89:7.  Ec.  5:1.  Heb.  12:28,29. 
1 Pet.  1:16. 


dous  scenes,  removed  in  trepidation  to  a greater  distance; 
and  requested  that  Moses  would,  from  that  time,  deliver  the 
commands  and  will  of  God  to  them,  promising  to  be  attentive 
and  obedient. — “ They  could  not  endure  the  things  which 
were  spoken,”  any  more  than  the  tremendous  manner  in 
which  they  were  delivered:  and  though  their  request  to 
Moses  was  rather  the  language  of  terror  than  of  judgment ; 
yet  it  implied  that  they  needed  a Mediator,  and  could  not 
stand  before  God  without  one.  Moses,  however,  encouraged 
them  not  to  fear  immediate  death,  which  they  seem  to  have 
expected  : for  these  solemn  displays  were  not  intended  for 
their  destruction  ; hut  lo  prove  them,  whether  they  would  be 
obedient  or  not,  and  lo  impress  them  with  reverential  fear  of 
the  authoriiy  and  majesty  of  Jehovah,  that  they  might  be 
restrained  from  sinning  against  him.— Thq  distinction  between 
servile  fear,  and  ihe  dread  of  immediate  vengeance,  on  this 
particular  occasion,  and  the  salutary  fear  of  God,  which 
habitually  influences  the  conduct,  is  very  observable  in  this 
passage. 

y.  21 — 25.  At  this  time  Moses  directed  the  people  to  re- 
turn to  their  tents,  while  he  approached  nearer  to  that  thick 
darkness,  from  which  the  Lord  had  especially  manifested  his 
presence,  and  had  spoken  the  ten  commandments.  There 
he  received  the  following  directions,  enforcing  what  had  been 
delivered,  especially  the  commandments  prohibiting  idolatry 
of  every  kind,  as  being  the  most  essential  of  all:  particularly 
stating,  that  the  precious  materials,  of  which  images  might 
be  made,  would  not  diminish  the  guilt  of  the  maker  or  wor- 
shipper.—It  must  be  supposed  they  would  now  bring  sacri- 
fices, as  an  act  of  worship,  which  had  been  in  use  from  the 
beginning : and  in  sacrificing,  either  burnt-offerings  to  be 
wholly  consumed,  or  peace-offerings,  on  part  of  which  they 
were  allowed  to  feast,  they  must  make  no  other  altar  than 
one  of  sods  or  rough  stone.  In  due  time  another  altar  would 
he  formed,  according  to  special  directions  about  to  be  given : 
in  the  mean  while,  they  must  remember  that  God  principally 
looked  to  the  heart  and  intention  of  the  offerer,  and  to  that 
Saviour  whom  the  sacrifices  typified.  But  he  would  after- 
wards record  his  name,  or  fix  places  where  he  would  display 
his  glory,  and  accept  their  worship;  and  there  he  would  meet 
and  bless  them. — The  rules  prescribed  about  the  altar  might 
refer  to  some  usages  of  the  Gentiles,  or  in  several  waj’s  be 
intended  to  exclude  superstition : and  ihey  seem  to  have  been 
of  permanent  obligation,  as  to  occasional  altars,  raised  on 
any  emergency  at  a distance  from  the  places  where  the  Lord 
recorded  his  name ; of  which  we  shall  hereafter  meet  with 
several  instances. 

V.  2fi.  The  Heathen  worship  was  frequently  attended  by 
shameful  indecencies,  from  which  the  Lord  would  keep  his 
people  at  the  utmost  distance ; and,  as  they  wore  loose  gar- 
ments, this  precaution  was  very  proper. — II  is  supposed,  (hat 
the  ascent  to  the  altar  at  the  tabernacle,  and  even  at  the 
temple,  was  by  a gentle  slope. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 17.  Though  we  neither  hear  the  thunders,  nor  see 
the  lightnings,  nor  witness  the  awful  circumstances  with 
which  the  holy  law  was  given ; and  though  we  are  not  ap- 
palled by  the  voice  of  God  himself,  speaking  lo  us  from  ihe 
top  of  blazing  Sinai;  yet,  if  we  attend  to  ihe  things  then 
spoken,  wc  shall  perceive,  that  we  have  as  much  occasion  lo 
tremble  as  the  Israelites  had,  when  Ihey  stood  at  the  foot 
of  the  mountain.  This  law,  which  is  so  extensive  that  we 
cannot  measure  it,  so  spiritual  ilmt  we  cannot  evade  it,  and 
so  reasonable  that  we  cannot  find  fault  with  it,  will  he  the 
rule  of  the  fuliho  judgment  of  God,  ns  il  is  of  the  present 
conduct  of  man.  Nnr  would  it  consist  with  Ihe  glory  of  the 
Lord’s  perfections,  the  honour  of  his  government,  the  interests 
of  his  universal  and  everlasling  kingdom,  or  even  with  the 
felicity  of  his  rational  creatures,  to  reverse,  repeal,  or  relax 
one  precepl  of  it ; for  it  is  all  perfectly  “ holy,  just,  and  good.’ 
— Comparing  the  state  of  the  world  with  its  spiritual  require- 
ments, we  see  most  evidently  that  nmn  is  a fal'en  erea’ure; 
for  his  character,  disposition,  and  conduct,  so  far  from  oeing 
perfectly  conformable  to  this  holy  law,  are  quite  contrary  ;o 


B.  C.  1491. 


B.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

Laic*  concerning  the  release  or  detention  of  Hebrew  slaves,  1— € ; the  treat- 
ment of  female  slaves,  7—11  : murder , manslaughter,  smiting  or  cursing 
parents,  man-stealing,  maiming  any  person,  killing  or  wounding  a slave, 
hurting  women  with  child,  and  other  injuries,  13— *27  ; mischiefs  by  cattle, 
and  by  pits,  28—36. 


NOW  these  are  “the  judgments  bwhicb  thou 
shalt  set  before  them. 

. Lev  18:5,25.  19:37.  20:22.  Nun.  35:21.  36:13.  Deut.  5:1,31.  6:20.  1 Kings  6: 

2 2 C hr.  19:10.  Nell.  9:13,14.  10:29.  P«.  147:19.  Es. 20:11,25.  Mai.  4:4.  bl9: 
7.24:3,4.  Deut.  4:5,8,14,45.  6:20.  Matt. 28:20.  lThes.4:l,2.  cl2:44  . 22:3. 

»:  “ The  carnal  mind”  of  man  “is  enmity  against  God;  for 
it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God,  nor  indeed  can  be.”  Ex- 
amined by  this  rule,  our  own  past  lives  appear  a continued 
series  of  transgressions ; our  best  actions,  defective  in  their 
"rinciple,  end,  and  measure,  and  defiled  with  sin  : and  our 
judgment,  will,  and  affections,  the  reverse  of  what  they  ought 
to  be:  so  that,  while  we  behold  ourselves  in  this  mirror,  we 
cannot  but  use  the  language  of  the  prophet,  “We  are  all  as 
an  unclean  thing,  and  all  our  righteousnesses  are  as  filthy 
rags.”  And  we  may  learn  to  what  imminent  danger  of  hope- 
less misery  every  one  is  exposed,  from  the  words  of  the 
apostle,  or  of  the  Lord  by  Moses,  “ Cursed  is  every  one , that 
contipueth  not  in  all  things , which  are  written  in  the  book  of 
the  law,  to  do  them:”  (Note,  Deut.  27:26.)  especially,  as  our 
Lord  assures  us  that,  at  the  solemn  day  of  judgment,  he  will 
thus  address  those  on  his  left  hand,  “Depart  from  me,  ye 
cursed,  into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his 
angels;”  and  that  “these  shall  go  away  into  everlasting  pu- 
nishment.”— Yet,  if  we  impartially  consider  the  excellency  of 
every  commandment,  we  shall  gradually  be  constrained  to 
approve  of  the  whole  ; to  allow  the  evil  of  transgression ; and, 
in  some  degree,  to  perceive  the  equity  of  that  “ wrath  of  God, 
which  is  revealed  from  heaven  against  all  ungodliness  and 
unrighteousness  of  men.”  For  if  transgression  of  human 
laws,  in  any  case,  justly  merits  the  death  of  the  body,  the 
utmost  punishment  which  man  can  inflict ; transgression  of 
God’s  law,  (considering  who  he  is,  and  what  are  our  obliga- 
tions to  him,)  may  surely  be  allowed  justly  to  merit  the 
utmost  effect  of  his  power,  “ who  is  able  to  destroy  both  body 
and  soul  in  hell.”  Thus  the  law,  when  applied  by  the  con- 
vincing Spirit  of  God,  shows  men  their  lost  estate,  their  guilt, 
danger,  and  misery ; and  effectually  demonstrates  to  their 
consciences,  that  their  own  righteousness  cannot  justify  them, 
their  own  arm  cannot  save  them.  Under  these  convictions, 
who  can  despise  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ?  Pardon  of  sin, 
justification  by  faith,  access  unto  God  upon  a mercy-seat, 
the  renewal  of  our  souls  to  holiness,  and  eternal  life  as  the 
free  gift  of  a gracious  God,  can  appear  superfluous  or  de- 
spicable only  to  him,  who  knows  not  the  extent,  spirituality, 
or  excellency  of  the  divine  law ; or  who  has  never  carefully 
examined  his  heart  and  life  according  to  it,  with  the  day  of 
judgment  placed  before  his  eyes. — In  the  person,  undertaking, 
obedience,  and  death  of  Christ,  this  law  was  magnified  and 
made  honourable,  and  the  justice  of  God  satisfied;  so  that  his 
hatred  of  sin  now  harmonizes  with  his  love  to  sinners.  Here 
he  “gives  the  knowledge  of  salvation  to  his  people  by  the 
remission  of  their  sins;”  for  “Christ  hath  redeemed  them 
from  the  curse  of  the  law,  being  made  a curse  for  them.”  If 
we  view  the  character  of  Christ,  in  human  nature,  in  the 
midst  of  temptations  and  sufferings,  even  unto  the  death 
upon  the  cross ; we  shall  learn  that  he  was  perfectly  obe- 
dient to  this  law  in  its  fullest  extent : and  on  this  obedience 
his  divine  nature  stamped  infinite  value.  This,  O self-con- 
demned sinner,  is  the  provision  God  hath  made  for  thy  justi- 
fication ! This  righteousness,  being  commensurate  with  the 
largest  demands  of  the  divine  law,  is  “the  righteousness  of 
God,  which  is  unto  all  and  upon  all  them  that  believe ; for 
there  is  no  difference :”  and,  through  the  atoning  blood  of 
Christ,  and  his  intercession,  we  have  open  access  to  a recon- 
ciled God  and  Father,  notwithstanding  our  guilt  and  unwor- 
thiness.— But  can  it  be  imagined,  if  the  law  is  so  holy  and 
excellent,  and  such  honour  has  been  put  upon  it,  by  the  obe- 
dience and  sufferings  of  the  incarnate  Son  of  God,  that  any 
redeemed  sinner  should  be  allowed  to  disobey  it?  It  is  ab- 
surdity, impossibility,  blasphemy!  The  knowledge  of  the 
taw  shows  our  need  of  repentance  ; the  knowledge  of  Christ 
crucified  is  inseparably  connected  with  repentance.  In  every 
believer’s  heart  sin  is  dethroned  and  crucified,  the  law  is 
written,  and  the  image  of  God  is  renewed ; Christ  is  “made 
sanctification”  to  him : the  Holy  Spirit  disposes,  inclines,  and 
enables  him  to  hate  and  flee  from  sin;  to  love,  delight  in,  and 
keep  this  law  in  sincerity  and  truth  : and  to  copy  daily  the 
example  of  him  who  perfectly  fulfilled  it.  Nor  will  the  be- 
liever ever  cease  to  exercise  repentance,  or  to  follow  after 
holiness,  till  he  becomes  “holy,  as  he  who  hath  called  him  is 
holy.”  May  this  be  indeed  our  religion : and  while  “ we 
.count  all  things  but  loss  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge 
'of  Christ,”  that  “we  may  be  found  in  hirn,”  and  “made  the 
righteousness  of  God  in  him;”  may  his  holy  precepts  be  “our 
delight  and  our  counsellors,”  and  may  we  be  careful  to  “ adorn 
the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things !” 

V.  18—26.  The  language  of  men,  under  terror  of  con- 
science, or  in  the  prospect  of  immediate  death,  is  often  entirely 
apposite  toth-  ir  habitual  conduct  and  character  at  other  times  ; 
and  therefo-e  very  little  to.  be  depended  on. — When  thus 
alarmed,  they  rrequcnt!y  apply  with  respect  and  earnestness 


2 If  thou  buy  “an  Hebrew  servant,  six  years  he 
shall  serve : dand  in  the  seventh  he  shall  go  out 
free  lor  nothing. 

3 If  he  came  in  *by  himself,  he  shall  go  out  by 
himself:  if  he  were  married,  then  his  wife  shall 
go  out  with  him. 

4 If  his  master  have  given  him  a wife,  and  she 


Gen.  37:28,36.  Le*.  25:39,44  . 2 King!  4:1.  Neh.  5:)—  5,8.  Malt.  18:25.  1 Cor. 
6:20.  d Ler.  25:40—43,45.  Deut.  15:1,12— 15,18.  31:10.  Jer.  34:8—17.  • HcL. 
wi  th  hie  body . 


to  the  ministers,  whom  they  before  treated  w ith  neglect  ct 
loaded  with  reproaches ! And  they  make  many  promises  > rid 
resolutions,  how  attentive  and  obedient  they  will  be,  if  spared 
at  that  time ; which  they  soon  after  violate  without  scruple. 
Not  that  they  are  always,  or  generally,  insincere  On  these 
protestations  : but  they  speak  the  language  of  their  terrors, 
which  form  the  predominant  passion  at  the  time  ; but  which 
soon  subside,  and  leave  the  heart  under  the  influence  of  other 
passions,  which  habitually  enslave  them  to  sin. — Indeed,  ail 
convictions,  which  leave  the  heart  unrenewed,  and  conse- 
quently alienated  from  God,  tend  eventually  to  drive  men  from 
him  ; and  often  terminate  in  a wilful  and  studied  forgetfulness 
of  all  those  subjects  which  have  excited  them : so  that  dissi- 
pation, excess,  open  impiety,  and  even  infidelity,  are  not 
seldom  the  refuges  to  which  convinced  sinners  flee,  to  escape 
the  reproaches  of  a guilty  conscience.  On  the  other  hand,  a 
presumptuous  confidence  in  the  mercy  of  God  quiets  the  fears 
of  numbers,  though  they  continue  strangers  to  “repentance, 
and  works  meet  for  repentance.” — The  ministers  of  Christ, 
however,  must  use  all  proper  methods  of  warning  men  against 
these  delusions  ; and  they  should  endeavour  to  abate  the 
terrors  of  awakened  sinners,  when  verging  to  despondency, 
by  showing  them  the  purposes  of  God  in  giving  the  law,  in 
revealing  his  wrath  from  heaven  against  transgressors,  and  in 
alarming  their  consciences  ; and  by  holding  forth  the  invita- 
tions and  encouragements  of  the  gospel.  Thus  they  may 
expect  that,  in  many  instances,  these  terrors  will  make  way 
for  that  holy,  habitual  fear  of  God,  which,  united  with  faith, 
and  hope,  and  grateful  love,  will  preserve  them  from  sinning 
against  him.  It  is  in  this  manner,  that  our  God  “seeks  men 
to  worship  him  in  spirit  and  truth,”  and  forms  “ a holy  priest- 
hood, to  offer  up  spiritual  sacrifices”  unto  their  reconciled 
God,  “ through  Jesus  Christ such  as  attend  wherever  he 
records  his  name,  to  give  him  praise  and  honour,  while  “ he 
comes  unto  them  and  blesses  them.”  (Note,  Matt.  18:19,20.) 
— But  we  must  remember,  that  all  uncommanded  endeavours 
to  decorate  and  embellish  divine  ordinances,  by  ingenuity 
magnificence,  or  human  devices  of  any  kind,  tend  to  super- 
stition, false  affections,  and  low  thoughts  of  God ; and  so  in 
fact  pollute  what  they  were  intended  to  improve.  “ For  the 
Lord  seeth  not  as  man  seeth  ; for  man  looketh  at  the  out- 
ward appearance,  but  the  Lord  looketh  at  the  heart.”  Yet 
purity  of  heart  will  show  itself  in  purity  of  manners ; a d 
while  simplicity  is  most  suited  to  our  spiritual  worship,  sure., 
we  should  carefully  avoid  every  thing  in  the  least  inconsistent 
with  the  rule  laid  down  by  the  apostle,  “Let  all  things  be 
done  decently  and  in  order.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXI.  V.  1.  Judgments.]  (Marg. 
Ref.)  This  word  here  evidently,  and  by  general  allowance, 
means  judicial  laws,  or  rules  of  judgment,  by  which  the 
magistrates  and  judges  of  Israel  should  proceed  in  deter- 
mining causes  and  trying  criminals.  And  making  some  allow- 
ance for  the  circumstances,  varying  in  different  ages  and 
nations,  there  is  a spirit  of  equity  in  these  laws,  which  is  well 
worthy  of  being  transfused  into  those  of  any  state. — This 
chapter,  and  the  two  following,  continue  the  narrative  of  what 
the  Lord  spake  to  Moses,  when  “ he  drew  near  to  the  thick 
darkness,”  after  the  peopte  had  removed  from  the  mount. 
The  whole  of  the  judicial  or  political  law  of  Israel,  except 
some  injunctions  about  the  Sabbath,  was  either  given  on  this 
occasion,  or  afterwards  spoken  to  Moses  from  above  the 
mercy-seat  in  the  tabernacle  : whence  also  a great  part  of 
the  ceremonial  law  was  delivered.  (Leu.  1:1.)  For  little  seems 
to  have  been  prescribed  to  Moses,  during  his  continuance  tor 
forty  days  in  the  mount,  as  afterwards  recorded;  except  what 
related  to  the  tabernacle  and  its  sacred  furniture,  and  to  the 
holy  garments  for  Aaron  and  his  sons  ; the  manner  of  their 
consecration  to  the  priesthood  ; and  the  composition  of  the 
holy  oil  and  of  the  incense. 

V.  2.  The  Israelites  sometimes  sold  themselves  or  their 
children,  through  poverty  ; magistrates  sold  some  persons  for 
their  crimes  ; and  creditors  were,  in  certain  cases,  allow  ed 
to  sell  their  insolvent  debtors.  In  these  ways  slavery  had 
been,  or  would  soon  be,  introduced  among  the  Israelites,  even 
that  of  their  brethren  as  well  as  of  strangers : and  God  did 
not  see  good,  in  the  judicial  law,  totally  to  prohibit  this,  and 
several  other  things,  which  are  not  agreeable  to  the  perfect 
demands  of  the  moral  law. — In  the  government  of  Rations, 
legislators  must  judge  how'  far  it  is  practicable,  expedient,  <,r 
conducive  to  the  grand  ends  of  magistracy,  to  require  all  that 
is  right,  a’nd  forbid  all  that  is  wrong  under  penal  sanctions 
and  in  this  respect  Israel  was  like  other  nations.  Indeed,  the 
moral  and  judicial  law  were  enacted  by  the  same  I. aw  giver 
and  coincided,  as  far  as  infinite  wisdom  saw  it  to  be  condu- 
cive to  the  grand  ends  in  view  ; but  as  they  were  intended 
for  very  distinct  purposes,  they  must  ill  many  things  vary 

( 159  ) 


B.  C.  1 193 


EXODUS 


B.  C.  1491 


'iave  borne  him  sons  or  daughters ; the  wife  and 
her  children  shall  be  her  master’s,  and  he  shall  go 
out  by  himself. 

5 And  eif  the  servant  ’shall  plainly  say,  I love 
my  master,  my  wife,  and  my  children,  I will  not 
go  out  free : 

6 Then  his  master  shall  bring  him  unto  fthe 
judges ; he  shall  also  brin£  him  to  the  door,  or 
unto  the  door-post:  and  his  master  shall  shore 
his  ear  through  with  an  awl ; and  he  shall  serve 
him  hfor  ever. 

7 And  if  a man  'sell  his  daughter  to  be  a maid- 
servant, she  shall  not  go  out  as  the  men-servants 
do. 

8 If*  she  please  not  her  master,  kwho  hath 
betrothed  her  to  himself,  then  shall  he  let  her  be 
redeemed.  To  sell  her  unto  a strange  nation  he 
shall  have  no  power,  ‘seeing  he  hath  dealt  deceit- 
fully with  her. 

e Deut.  15:16,17.  Is.  26:13.  2 Cor.  5:14.15.  * Heb . saying  shall  sou . f22.  18: 

21—26.22:8,9,28.  Num.  25:5— 8.  Deut.  1:16.  16:18.  19:17,18.  1 Sam.  8:1,2. 
Is.  1:26.  Zeph.  3:3.  gPs.4U:6— 8.  h Lev.  25:23,40.  Deut.  15:17.  1 Sam.  1: 

22.  27:12.  23:2.  1 Kings  12:7.  \ See  one.  Neh.  5:5.  t Heb.  be  evil  in  the 

eyes  of.  Gen.  28:8.  Judg.  14:3.  1 Sam.  8:6.  18:8.  mar°.  k Deut.  20:7.  21: 
11—14.  18:29.  Judg.  9:19.  Job  6:15.  Mai.  2:11— 15.  m 1 Cor.  7:1— 6.  n5ee 
<*i2.  o 20:13.  Gen.  9:6.  Lev.  24:17.  Num.  35:16— 24,30,31.  Deut.  19:11— 13. 


The  moral  law  commanded  every  thing  spiritually  good  in  its 
utmost  perfection,  and  tolerated  nothing  wrong  in  the  small- 
est degree  ; but  the  sentence  of  it  was  reserved  “to  that  day 
when  God  shall  judge  the  secrets  of  men  by  Jesus  Christ.” 
Th e judicial  law  commanded  nothing  morally  bad,  and  forbad 
nothing  morally  good ; but,  as  sentence  according  to  it  would 
be  pronounced  by  the  civil  magistrate,  it  did  not  insist  on  the 
same  perfection  : and  besides,  that  it  enjoined  nothing  con- 
cerning the  state  of  the  heart,  except  as  the  intentions  could 
be  judged  of  by  words  and  actions  ; it  had  also  respect  to 
the  situation,  character,  and  peculiar  circumstances  of  the 
nation  to  be  governed ; and  supposed  the  existence  of  some 
evils,  which  could  not  be  eradicated  without  a constant  mira- 
cle ; and  it  provided  against  their  worst  effects. — This  dis- 
tinction, carefully  attended  to,  will  account  for  many  things, 
tolerated  in  the  Mosaic  law,  which  are  condemned  in  the 
New 'Testament;  and  not  only  there,  but  in  the  moral  law 
of  “ loving  our  neighbour  as  ourselves.”  They  are  not  sanc- 
tioned, but  merely  “ suffered  because  of  the  hardness  of  the 
people’s  hearts,"  or  on  some  account  to  prevent  worse  con- 
sequences. 

Slavery  was  almost  universal  in  the  world:  and  though  like 
wars,  it  always  proceeded  of  evil,  and  was  generally  evil 
in  itself,  yet  the  wisdom  of  God  deemed  it  better  to  regulate, 
than  to  prohibit  it.  We  should  not,  however,  judge  of  the 
practice  itself  by  these  judicial  regulations , but  by  the  law  of 
love.  Slavery,  like  war,  may  in  some  cases  in  the  present 
state  of  things,  be  lawful : for  the  crime  which  forfeits  life, 
no  doubt  forfeits  liberty ; and  it  is  not  inconsistent  even  with 
the  moral  law,  for  a criminal  to  be  sold  and  treated  as  a 
slave,  during  a term  of  time  proportioned  to  his  offence.  In 
most  other  cases,  if  not  in  all,  it  must  be  inconsistent  with 
the  law  of  love. — The  plain  meaning  of  this  verse  is,  that  on 
what  account  soever  a Hebrew  was  bought  as  a slave,  he 
should  be  set  at  liberty  at  the  end  of  six  years,  or  at  the  be- 
ginning of  the  seventh,  whether  that  were  the  sabbatical  year 
or  not : and  he  was  not  entitled  to  his  liberty  till  that  time, 
even  if  the  sabbatical  year  intervened.  But  the  Jewish  ex- 
positors, (on  whose  authority  some  learned  men  build  very 
much,)  both  here,  and  all  through  these  laws,  make  so  many 
distinctions,  additions,  and  exceptions,  that  they  almost  abro- 
gate the  very  statutes  which  they  profess  to  elucidate.  Our 
blessed  Lord,  in  vindicating  the  law  from  the  corrupt  glosses 
of  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees,  and  asserting  its  authority  in 
opposition  to  their  traditions,  (which  often  vacated  it,)  does 
not  much  countenance  his  disciples  in  paying  deference  to 
such  commentators ; and  the  successors  of  these  scribes,  in 
after  ages,  have  by  no  means  proved  themselves  entitled  to 
more  implicit  credence.  In  matter  of  fact,  respecting  the 
usages  and  customs  of  the  nation  in  their  own  times  and  in 
preceding  ages,  they  may  be  useful ; and  we  may  learn  how 
they  understood  the  several  laws:  but  it  seems,  to  me  at 
leas’:,  that  they  generally  perplex  the  subject  which  they 
attempt  to  explain  ; as  a quibbling  lawyer  causes  the  meaning 
of  the  plain  statute  to  appear  doubtful  or  obscure,  by  his 
frivolous  distinctions  and  exceptions. 

V.  3 — 6.  If  the  person  sold  for  a slave  had  a wife,  and 
she,  either  by  choice  or  compulsion,  accompanied  him  ; she 
must  not  be  detained  when  her  husband  was  liberated. — 
Many  expositors  state  that  the  person,  who  bought  a married 
man  for«a  slave,  was  bound  to  maintain  his  wife  and  children 
during  the  term  of  his  servitude  : but  if  so,  it  is  reasonable  to 
suppose,  that,  he  had  the  advantage  of  their  labour.  If  the 
person  sold  had  no  wife,  or  his  wife  did  not  accompany  him, 
and  his  master  gave  him  one  of  his  female  servants  to  wife 
during  his  servitude  ; she  was  not  set  at  liberty  with  him  at. 
the  end  of  the  six  years,  and  the  children  were  considered 
as  the  property  of  ihe  master.  It  is  generally  thought  that 
an  Israelitish  woman  could  not  on  any  account  be  thus  dis- 
( 160  ) 


9 And  if  he  have  betrothed  her  unto  his  son,  he 
shall  deal  with  her  after  the  manner  of  daughters. 

10  If  he  take  him  another  wife  : "'her  food,  her 
raiment,  and  her  duty  of  marriage  shall  he  no*, 
diminish. 

11  And  if  he  do  not  these  three  unto  her,  "the  ' 
shall  she  go  out  free  without  money. 

[Practical  Obsei'vations.'] 

12  If  He  that  "smiteth  a man,  so  that  he  die 
shall  be  surely  put  to  death. 

13  And  if  a man  Plie  not  in  wait,  out  iGoa 
deliver  him  into  his  hand  ; then  rI  will  appoin 
thee  a place  whither  he  shall  flee. 

14  But  if  a man  come  "presumptuously  upon 
his  neighbour  to  ‘slay  him  with  guile  ; thou  shalt 
“take  him  from  mine  altar,  that  he  may  die. 

15  And  he  that  ’‘smketh  his  father,  or  his  mother, 
shall  be  surely  put  to  death. 

16  And  he  that  tstealeth  a man,  and  *selleth 


2 Sam.  12:13.  Malt.  26:52.  pNum.  35:11.  Deut.  19:4 — 6,11.  Mic  7-2 
q 1 Sam.  24:4,10,18.  2. Sam.  16:10.  Is.  10:7.  r Num.  35-11.  . cut . 4:41  — 43.  IP 
1—3,9.  Josh.  20:2— 9.  s Num.  15:30,31.  Deut.  1:43.  17:12.13.  18:22.  Ps.  19:13 
Heb.  10:26.  2 Pet.  8:10.  t Num.  35:20,21.  Deut.  27:24  . 2fam.  3:27  . 20:9,10 
II 1 Kings  1:50,51.  2:28 — -34  . 2Kinzsll:15.  x Deut.  21 :18— 21 . Piov.  30:11  17. 
1 Tim.  1:9.  yGen.  40:15.  Deut.  24:7.  1 Tim.  1:10.  zGen.  37:28.  Rev.  18:12,13. 


posed  of;  and  that  the  slaves,  thus  given  in  marriage  for  the 
time,  were  Gentiles.  Yet  this  can  hardly  be  supposed,  as  the 
prohibitions  against  intermarriages  with  ihe  heathen  were  so 
express. — It  does  not  appear  lhat  children  born  in  slavery, 
(as  this  very  statute  shows  some  would  be,)  were  entitled  to 
liberty,  at  any  time  before  the  year  of  jubilee  : of  these,  there 
might  be  women  of  Hebrew  extraction,  to  be  given  as  wives 
for  the  time  to  Hebrew  slaves  ; and  others,  originally  of  Gen- 
tile extraction,  might  be  proselyted  to  the  religion  of  Israel. 
If  however  in  any  case,  the  slave,  whose  time  was  expired, 
deliberately  and  constantly  avowed  such  an  affection  to  his 
wife  and  children,  and  such  an  attachment  to  his  master,  that 
he  preferred  his  present  situation  to  “ going  out  by  himself 
it  was  enacted,  that  he  should,  by  solemn  process  before  Ihe 
magistrates,  have  his  ear  bored  at  his  master’s  door,  inti- 
mating that  he  was  from  that  time  to  be  considered  as  a part 
of  his  household,  entirely  under  his  authority  ; and  he  must 
then  continue  his  servant  for  ever,  or  perpetually,  either  to 
his  death,  or  to  the  year  of  jubilee. — As  we  find  from  a 
parallel  passage,  (Dent.  15:17.)  that  female  servants  were 
under  the  same  law  ; there  might,  among  such  as  chose  to 
continue  with  their  masters,  be  found  wives  for  the  Hebrew 
slaves. 

The  judges.  (6)  D'rt?Nn  gods.  (To  KOtrrjptov  tov  0 eov. 
Sept.)  Notes,  Ps.  82:1,5,6.  John  10:32 — 39. 

V.  7 — 11.  A parent  might  sometimes  be  induced  to  sell 
his  daughter  in  her  youth  ; but  this  seems  not  to  have  been 
allowed,  except  he  was  compelled  by  poverty ; and  except 
there  was  either  some  engagement  or  expectation  that  the 
person  who  bought  her,  would  take  her,  when  of  age,  as  his 
wife  or  concubine.  (Note,  Gen.  25:5,6.)  If  therefore  the' 
person  who  bought  her  changed  his  mind,  and  did  not  espouse 
her,  or  if  he  afterwards  grew  weary  of  her,  he  was  required 
to  let  her  “ be  redeemed”  at  any  time  by  her  friends,  at  a 
reasonable  price  : and  if  this  were  not  done,  he  was  not 
allowed  to  marry  her  to  any  other  person,  or  to  sell  her 
into  another  family.  Thus  the  words  rendered  “ a strange 
people,”  are  generally  understood,  because  it  is  supposed 
no  Hebrew  slave  could  be  sold  to  a Gentile:  yet  perhaps 
they  mean,  that  he  must  not  sell  her  to  one  of  another  nation, 
who  desired  to  have  her  as  his  concubine  where  she  would 
be  in  danger  of  forgetting  the  true  religion ; and  having 
already  deceived  her,  he  must  not  be  permitted  to  add  one 
injury  to  another. — If  he  had  betrothed  her  to  his  son,  he 
must  act  towards  her  as  a father  to  his  daughter,  not  as  a 
master  to  his  slave : and  whether  he  or  his  son  had  married 
her,  and  then  afterwards  took  another  wife  ; he  must  either 
maintain  her  suitably,  and  give  her  some  recompense  for  the 
injury;  or  else  freely  set  her  at  liberty.  It  is  evident  this  casu 
was  very  different  from  that  of  a woman  sold  for  theff,  or  who 
sold  herself  because  of  her  poverty ; for  there  is  no  proof  that 
that  might  not  be  thd  case  of  a woman  as  well  as  of  a man. 
(Deut.  15:12.)  But  a daughter  sold  by  her  father,  in  expecta- 
tion that  she  should  be  espoused  by  her  master  or  one  of  his 
sons,  was  entitled  to  peculiar  tenderness,  and  must  be  dealt 
with  by  other  rules  than  slaves  of  another  description. 

V.  12 — 14.  If  a mail  smote  another  wilfully,  so  that  he 
died,  whether  out  of  previous  resentment,  or  sudden  anger,  it 
was  to  be  deemed  murder  ; but  when  it  was  merely  by  acoi- 
den*,  which  is  here  called  “ God’s  delivering  him  into  his 
hand,”  (as  God  was  thus  pleased  to  take  away  the  life  which 
he  gave,)  the  cities  of  refuge  would  be  appointed  for  him  to 
flee  to.  (Marg.  Ref.  r.)  Yet  so  far  would  they  be  from 
affording  a security  to  the  wilful,  presumptuous,  deliberate 
murderer,  that  he  was  to  he  taken  by  the  officers  of  justice 
even  from  the  altar  of  God  itself,  and  put  to  death.  1 Though 
he  was  the  high-priest,  and  in  the  act  of  sacrifice,  he  was  to 
be  taken  away  without  delay,  if  he  had  committed  wilful 
murder.’  Bp.  Patrick,  (Ptote,  1 Kings  2:26,27.) — The 


0.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  XXI  B.  C.  149 


nim,  or  if  he  be  ‘found  in  his  hand,  he  shall  surely 
be  put  to  death. 

f?  And  bhe  that  'curseth  his  father,  or  his 
mother,  shall  surely  be  put  to  death. 

18  H And  if  "men  strive  together,  and  one 
smite  tanother  with  da  stone,  or  with  his  fist,  and 
he  die  not,  but  keepeth  his  bed : 

19  If  he  rise  again,  and  walk  abroad  ‘upon  his 
stall',  then  shall  he  that  smote  him  be  quit : only 
he  shall  pay  for  Uhe  loss  of  his  time,  and  shall 
cause  him  to  be  thoroughly  healed. 

20  And  if  a man  f smite  his  servant,  or  his  maid, 
with  a rod,  and  he  die  under  his  hand  ; she  shall 
be  surely  ^punished. 

21  Notwithstanding,  if  he  continue  a day  or 
two,  he  shall  not  be  punished  : for  ''hew  his  money. 

22  H If  men  'strive  and  hurt  a woman  with 
child,  so  that  her  fruit  depart  fro^n  her , and  yet  no 
mischief  follow ; he  shall  be  surely  punished,  ac- 
cording as  the  woman’s  husband  will  lay  upon 
him  ; and  he  shall  pay  kas  the  judges  determine. 

23  And  if  any  mischief  follow,  then  thou  shalt 
give  'life  for  life, 

24  mEye  for  eye,  tooth  for  tooth,  hand  for  hand, 
foot  for  foot, 

a 22:1.  b Lev.  20:9.  Deut.  27:16.  Prov.  20:20.  30:11,11.  Malt.  15:3—6.  Mark 
7:10,11.  * Ur,  revileth.  c 22.  2:13.  Deut.  25:11.  2Snm.l4:6.  t Or,  his 

neiihbour.  d 20.  Num.  35:16 — 24.  e 2 Sam.  3:29.  Zech.8:4.  J Heb.  his 
ceasing,  f 25,27.  Deut.  19:21.  Prov.  29:19.  In.  58:3,4.  g(ien.9:6.  Num.  35: 
SO— 33.  §Heb.  avenged.  Geu.  4:15,24.  Num.  35:19.  Rom.  13:4.  h Lev.  25:45, 

heathen  altars  and  temples  were  generally  refuges  for  crimi- 
nals : but  God  would  not  have  his  altar  profaned,  by  pro- 
tecting those  who  deserved  punishment  ; nor  did  he  appoint 
any  sacrifice  for  murder.  (Note,  1 Kings  2:28 — 34.) — It  is 
thought,  that  there  was  some  place  appointed  in  the  camp,  as 
a refuge  for  the  unfortunate  manslayer,  while  the  Israelites 
were  in  the  wilderness. 

V.  15 — 17.  To  smite  either  father  or  mother,  in  a manner 
which  indicated  contempt  or  malice,  or  left  marks  of  violence, 
was  deemed  a proof  of  so  ungrateful  and  unnatural  a dispo- 
sition, that  no  provocation  was  admitted  as  an  excuse,  but 
the  offence  was  made  capital : nay,  he  who  cursed  his  father 
or  mother,  who  uttered  imprecations,  ill- wishes,  or  revilings, 
against  a parent,  was  included  in  the  same  sentence  ; though 
few  crimes  were  made  capital  by  the  law  of  Moses  ! The 
authority  of  God,  as  delegated  to  parents,  is  honoured  when 
they  are  honoured,  and  despised  when  they  are  despised. 
To  rebel  against  the  lawful  exercise  of  this  authority  is 
rebellion  against  God : and  in  any  case,  where  not  only 
obedience  is  refused,  but  revenge  and  malice  expressed,  or 
violence  attempted  against  the  person  of  a parent,  it  must  be 
considered  as  one  of  the  highest  crimes  both  against  God  and 
man,  which  can  be  conceived.  (Note,  Matt.  15:3 — 6.) — The 
same  honour  is  as  expressly  required  by  the  divine  law,  to  be 
rendered  to  rulers,  as  the  ministers  of  Providence  in  govern- 
ing nations  : yet  both  rulers  and  parents  may  ofien  be  very 
faulty,  both  in  their  general  conduct,  and  in  the  exercise  of 
their  delegated  authority. — Between  these  two  capital  of- 
"ences,  another  is  very  remarkably  inserted  ; namely,  that  of 
stealing  a man  in  order  to  sell  him  for  a slave  ; whether  the 
thief  had  actually  sold  him,  or  whether  he  continued  in  his 
possession,  having  had  no  opportunity  of  selling  him  before 
nis  crime  was  detected. — The  Jewish  writers  assert,  that  it 
was  not  a capital  crime  to  steal  one  of  another  nation,  but 
only  when  the  person  stolen  was  a Hebrew  ; yet  this  is  by  no 
means  consistent  with  the  text,  which  certainly  implies,  that 
ne  who  stole  any  one  of  the  human  species,  in  order  to  make 
a slave  of  him,  should  be  punished  with  death.  It  can  scarcely 
be  supposed,  that  the  Israelites  in  general  would  purchase 
their  brethren  of  those  who  stole  them : so  that  this  crime 
would  commonly  be  aggravated,  by  sending  them  away  into 
foreign  countries,  to  be  slaves  to  idolaters,  at  a distance  from 
the  worship  and  ordinances  of  God. — The  Septuagint  reverse 
the  order,  and  place  the  two  judgments  concerning  parents 
together,  in  the  most  natural  order. 

V.  18,  19.  If  on  any  sudden  quarrel  two  men  fought 
together,  and  one  smote  the  other,  either  with  his  fist  or  a 
stone,  or  whatever  came  to  hand  ; he  was  not  to  be  punished 
as  a murderer,  provided  the  wounded  person  so  far  recovered 
as  to  walk  abroad  again ; because,  if  he  died  afterwards,  it 
might  be  supposed  that  his  death  arose  from  some  other 
cause. — This  exception  forcibly  establishes  the  general  rule; 
and  shows  that,  even  in  unpremeditated  encounter,  if  one  man 
killed  another,  either  on  the  spot,  or  by  a mortal  wound,  he 
was  adjudged  a murderer,  and  punished  as  such  ; without 
even  determining  who  was  the  aggressor  in  the  quarrel : nor  is 
here  any  exception,  in  this  case,  in  the  laws  respecting  the 
cities  of  refuge. — Even  if  the  person  smitten  recovered,  the 
other  must  pay  him  for  his  loss  of  time,  and  the  expenses  of 
his  being  thoroughly  cured.— It  may  be  proper  to  notice  the 
contrariety  of  this  law  to  the  usages  in  this  nation;  accord- 
ing to  which,  even  those,  who  fight  duels  with  weapons  of 
death,  or  contend  in  pitched  battles  for  prizes  or  renown, 
Vol.  I. 21 


25  Bur/  mg’  for  burning,  wound  for  wound 
stripe  for  stripe. 

26  And  if  a man  "smite  the  eye  of  his  servant 
or  the  eye  of  his  maid,  that  it  perish  ; he  shall  let 
him  go  free  for  his  eye’s  sake. 

27  And  if  he  smite  out  his  man-servant’s  tooth, 
or  his  maid-servant’s  tooth;  he  shall  let  him  go 
free  for  his  tooth’s  sake. 

28  H If  an  ox  gore  a man  or  a woman,  that 
they  die  : then  "the  ox  shall  he  surely  stoned,  and 
his  flesh  shall  not  be  eaten  ; but  the  owner  of  the 
ox  shall  he  quit. 

29  But  if  the  ox  were  wont  to  push  with  his 
horn  in  time  past,  and  it  hath  been  testified  to  his 
owner,  and  he  hath  not  kept  him  in,  but  that  he 
hath  killed  a man  or  a woman ; the  ox  shall 
be  stoned,  and  Phis  owner  also  shall  be  put  to 
death. 

30  If  there  be  laid  on  him  a sum  of  money, 
then  he  shall  give  sfor  the  ransom  of  his  life  what- 
soever is  laid  upon  him. 

31  Whether  ne  have  gored  a son  or  have  goreu 
a daughter,  according  to  this  judgment  shall  it  be 
done  unto  him. 

32  If  the  ox  shall  push  a man-servant,  or  maid- 

46.  i 18.  k 30.  Deut.  22: 18,19.  1 Num.  35:31.  m 26,27.  Lev.  24:19,20.  Deut. 
19:21.  Judg.  1:6,7.  1 Sam.  15:33.  Malt.  5:38— 40.  7:2.  Iiev.  16:6.  n 20.  Deut. 
16:19.  Neh.  5:5.  Job  31:13-15.  Ps.  9:12.  10:14,18.  72:12— 14.  Prov.  22:22.23. 
Eph.6:9.  Col.  4:1.  o 32.  ‘inn.  9:5,6.  Lev.  20:15,16.  p Dent.  21:1 — 9.  q 22. 
Num.  35:31—33. 


and  in  them  kill  their  opponents,  in  general  escape  almost,  if 
not  entirely,  without  punishment ! 

V.  20,  21 . The  killing  of  a slave,  by  any  weapon  of  death, 
was  not  distinguished  in  the  law  from  other  murders:  and  if 
a slave  died,  while  his  master  was  correcting  him  with  a rod, 
or  staff,  the  master  must  be  surely  punished.  It  is  not  said, 
“ He  shall  surely  be  put  to  death:”  and  it  is  therefore  sup- 
posed, that  a discretionary  power  was  lodged  with  ihe  magis- 
trates, to  punish  him  according  to  circumstances,  which 
might  make  his  cruelty  appear  more  or  less  atrocious.  It 
could  not  however  be  supposed,  that  he  mean!  to  commit 
murder,  and  the  death  of  his  slave  would  be  a considerable 
loss  to  him  : so  that  if  the  slave  lived  a day  or  two  after- 
wards, the  master  was  not  to  be  punished  by  the  magistrate, 
but  left  to  the  judgment  of  God. 

V.  22 — 25.  In  case  two  men  strove  together,  and  the  wife 
of  one  of  them,  being  pregnant,  interposed,  and  received  a 
hurt  which  caused  her  to  miscarry,  but  produced  no  further 
mischief ; the  other  party  must  be  punished  for  the  injury,  by 
a fine  laid  on  him  to  be  paid  to  the  woman’s  husband,  who  might 
lay  his  damages  for  the  mischief;  yet  the  magistrates  must 
determine  what  compensation  should  actually  be  paid.  But  if 
any  further  detriment  followed  to  the  woman,  the  magistrates 
were  authorized  to  punish  the  offender,  even  so  far  as  to  put 
him  to  death  if  the  woman  died ; and  in  case  of  lighter 
injuries,  to  inflict  an  exact  retaliation  on  him.  These  were 
not  allowances  made  to  private  revenge  ; but  laws  to  regulate 
the  magistrate’s  decision,  who  might  go  thus  far  if  the  heinous- 
ness of  the  offence  required  it,  but  not  further : and  it  seems 
reasonable  to  suppose,  that  they  were  also  allowed  to  abate 
of  this  rigour,  when  alleviating  circumstances  rendered  it 
proper. — As  a variety  of  mischiefs  are  stated,  some  of  which 
could  scarcely  happen  in  the  case  referred  to : it  is  likely,  that 
various  other  suits  for  personal  injuries  were  determined  by 
the  same  rule.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  26,  27.  It  is  obvious,  that  this  merciful  restraint  on  the 
passions  of  those  who  possessed  slaves,  though  it  only  men- 
tioned the  eye  and  the  tooth,  was  meant  to  extend  to  every 
other  material  personal  injury  ; and  that  all  slaves,  whether 
Israelites  or  not,  were  to  have  the  benefit  of  it.  The  degree 
of  melioration,  which  the  condition  of  slaves  would  receive 
from  such  a law  impartially  executed,  can  scarcely  be  con- 
ceived. 

Y.  28 — 32.  To  show  the  value  of  the  life  of  man,  in  the 
judgment  of  God  ; to  enhance  the  horror  at  the  thoughts  of 
murder  in  the  mind  of  every  Israelite  ; and  to  increase  cir- 
cumspection in  guarding  against  every  thing  which  might 
cause  death  ; it  was  enacted,  that  the  ox,  or  bull,  which  gored 
any  person  so  that  he  died,  should  be  stoned.  For  similai 
reasons,  and  that  the  owner’s  loss  might  he  the  greater,  it 
was  added  that  his  flesh  should  not  be  eaten. — It  is  obvious, 
that  the  spirit  of  this  statute  would  apply  to  a variety  of 
similar  cases.  If  this  was  the  first  instance,  in  which  the 
owner  had  been  fairly  acquainted  with  the'  mischievousness 
of  his  ox,  or  bull,  he  was  not  liable  to  any  further  punishment ; 
but  if  he  had  been  informed  of  preceding  instances  of  the 
same  kind,  and  had  neglected  to  take  care  of  the  animal,  and 
through  his  neglect  any  one  lost  his  life ; not  only  must  the  ox 
be  stoned,  but  the  owner  might  be  punished  as  a murderer. 
Yet,  in  case  of  alleviating  circumstance?,  the  magistrates 
were  permitted  to  change  this  punishment  into  a pecuniary 
mulct,  as  the  ransom  of  his  life.  And  this  statute  was  to  ho 
enforced,  not  only  if  a grown  man  or  woman  was  killed,  but 
( 161  ) 


B.  C.  1491 


EXODUS 


B.  C.  1491 


seivant;  he  shall  give  unto  their  master  rthirty 
shekels  of  silver,  'and  the  ox  shall  be  stoned. 

33  H And  if  a man  shall  ‘open  a pit,  or  if  a man 
shall  dig  a pit,  and  not  cover  it,  and  an  ox  or  an 
ass  fall  therein ; 

31  The  “owner  of  the  pit  shall  make  it  good, 
avd  give  money  unto  the  owner  of  them ; and  the 
dead  beast  shall  be  his. 

35  And  if  one  man’s  ox  hurt  another’s  that  he 
die,  then  they  shall  sell  the  live  ox,  and  divide  the 
money  of  it,  and  the  dead  ox  also  they  shall  divide. 

36  Or  xif  it  be  known  that  the  ox  hath  used  to 
ush  in  time  past,  and  his  owner  hath  not  kept 
im  in ; he  shall  surely  pay  ox  for  ox,  and  the 

dead  shall  be  his  own. 


rGen.  37:28.  Zech.  11:12,13.  Mall  26:15.  27:3—  9.  >28:29.  i P..  9:15.  119: 
85.  Piov.  28:10.  Ec.  10.8.  Jer.  18:20,22.  u 29,30  . 22:6,14.  * 29.  * Or,  gout. 
aLev.6:l— 6.  Num.5.7.  2Sam,12:6.  Pro».6:3I.  Luke  19:8.  bProv,14:4. 


also  if  it  was  a male  or  a female  child,  provided  it  were  not  a 
slave.  But  in  case  the  person  gored  was  a slave,  the  owner, 
besides  the  loss'  of  the  ox,  must  pay  the  fine  of  thirty  shekels 
to  the  proprietor  of  the  slave. — This  valuation  of  a slave  was 
precisely  the  sum  for  which  Judas  betrayed  Christ ! — As  a 
compensation  in  this  law  is  expressly  allowed,  we  may  con- 
clude that  it  was  not  allowed  where  it  is  not  mentioned. 

If  there  he  laid , &c.  (30)  w If  an  atonement  ("«£-)  be  laid 
upon  him,  he  shall  give  a ransom  of  his  life,  &c.”  E av  U 
A VTpa  £7Tl6\tJ&J1f  k.  t.  A.  Sept. 

V.  33 — 36.  It  must  be  supposed,  that  these  compendious 
statutes  were  intended  as  general  rules,  according  to  which 
an  immense  number  of  particular  causes  would  be  decided 
by  the  magistrates : for  it  is  impossible  to  multiply  laws  to 
meet  all  the  vast  variety  of  cases,  which  occur  in  the  course 
of  human  affairs.  But  if  the  spirit  of  these  laws  were  observed, 
every  litigation  might  equitably  bo  terminated,  by  a due  con- 
sideration of  the  degree  in  which  carelessness  or  selfishness 
had  been  concerned,  in  the  injuries  which  one  man  suffered 
by  the  cattle  or  other  property  of  his  neighbour. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 11.  The  commandments  of  God,  as  well  as  his 
providential  dispensations,  not  only  relate  to  the  grand  out- 
lines of  his  administration,  but  descend  to  minute  particulars 
and  the  meanest  objects ; especially  when  righteousness,  good- 
ness, and  iruth,  are  concerned.  With  a condescending  regard, 
he  particularly  watches  over  those,  who  are  most  exposed  to 
oppression,  injustice,  or  damage;  and  he  has  respect  to  all 
ranks,  from  the  poorest  beggar  to  the  mightiest  monarch ; and 
to  all  the  stages  of  human  existence,  from  the  newly-conceived 
embryo  in  the  womb  to  decrepit  old  age.  Though  he  no  longer 
reigns  over  any  single  nation,  in  that  peculiar  sense  in  which 
he  reigned  over  Israel ; yet  he  is  King  over  all  the  earth,  and 
will  at  his  awful  tribunal  arraign  and  condemn  those  violations 
of  his  law,  which  here  escape  notice,  or  elude  or  outbrave  the 
sword  of  human  justice. — Having  his  precepts  and  example 
before  our  eyes,  and  this  future  judgment  in  our  remembrance ; 
with  what  equity,  sincerity,  and  humanity  should  we  treat  our 
servants,  dependents,  and  inferiors ! Indeed  we  ought  so  to 
behave  towards  our  domestics,  that,  though  free  from  other 
bonds,  they  may  be  attached  to  us  by  the  ties  of  love,  and 
count  it  their  privilege  to  spend  and  close  their  days  in  our 
service. — Let  us  also  recollect,  that  now  the  gospel  “ pro- 
claims liberty  to  the  captive,  and  the  opening  of  the  prison  to 
them  that  are  bound nothing  but  love  to  our  hateful  and 
ruinous  bondage,  and  to  our  associates  in  it,  can  keep  us  from 
enjoying  true  freedom  in  the  service  and  favour  of  God.  But, 
if  we  deliberately  choose  slavery,  we  must  serve  sin  and 
Satan  for  ever.  Let  us  then,  as  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord, 
break  off  every  sinful  connexion,  and  leave  all  for  his  sake: 
and  from  love  to  his  name,  let  us  have  our  ears,  as  it  were, 
nailed  to  the  posts  of  his  door,  that  we  may  be  his  happy 
servants  for  ever  and  ever. — But,  if  we  are  his  willing  people, 
we  shall  be  far  from  behaving  deceitfully  in  the  important  con- 
cern of  marriage.  How  much  then  shall  we  abhor  the  base- 
ness of  consigning  to  lasting  disgrace  or  misery,  for  the  sake 
of  our  own  indulgence,  an  unhappy  object,  over  whom  in  any 
way  we  have  acquired  an  ascendency!  On  the  contrary, 
while  purity,  sincerity,  and  equity,  mark  our  whole  conduct, 
we  shall  learn  habitually  to  sacrifice  our  own  inclinations 
even  in  things  lawful,  to  the  general  interests  of  humanity,  or 
the  particular  advantage  or  comfort  of  the  individuals  over 
whom  we  have  the  greatest  influence  or  authority. 

V.  12 — 36.  Let  children  hear,  with  trembling,  the  sentence 
denounced  by  the  unchangeable  God  against  such  as  are 
ungrateful  and  rebellious:  and  let  them  remember,  that  if  they 
dare  to  lift  a hand,  on  any  account,  against  their  parents,  or 
to  curse  them  in  their  hearts,  or  slander  their  characters,  or 
needlessly  publish  their  faults,  either  while  they  live,  or  after 
their  death,  God  will  severely  punish  them,  except  they 
repent.  And  let  parents  also  hence  learn  to  redouble  their 
care,  in  educating  their  children,  giving  them  good  instruc- 
tions, praying  for  them,  and  setting  them  a good  example, 
especially  in  restraining  their  passions:  and  let  them  likewise 
avoid  that  harshness  or  severity,  which  might  provoke  them  to 
wrath,  and  tempt  them  to  such  heinous  crimes. — While  we 
( 162  ' 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

Laws  concerning  theft  and.  fraud  ; kindling  fires  which  o.casioned  damage  / 
breath  of  trust;  and  things  borrowed  and  hired , 1 — 15.  Concerning  sedt^ 
cere,  witchcraft , bestiality,  idolatry,  and  he.  trea  ment  of  stranf^rs, 
widows,  an  I orphans,  16 — 24.  Against  usury  and  reviling  rulers  : concern- 
ing  the  first-fruits  and  firstlings,  and  against  eating  the  Jlesh  of  torn  ani- 
mals, 25— 3T. 

IF  a man  shall  steal  an  ox,  or  a "sheep,  and  kill 
it,  or  sell  it ; ahe  shall  restore  bfive  oxen  for  an 
ox,  and  four  sheep  for  a sheep. 

2 If  a thief  be  found  ‘breaking-  up,  and  be 
smitten  that  he  die,  there  shall  dno  blood  be  shed 
for  him. 

3 If  the  sun  be  risen  upon  him,  there  shall  be 
blood  shed  for  him ; for  lie  should  make  full  resti- 
tution ; if  he  have  nothing,  “then  he  shall  be  sold 
for  his  theft. 


c Job  24:14.  30:5.  Hos.7:l.  Joel  2:9.  Malt.  6:19,20.  24:43.  lThes.5:2.  lKw. 
35:27.  e S<e  on  21:2.  Judg.2:14.  10:7.  Is.  50:1. 


rejoice  that,  in  this  island , laws  concerning  slavery  are  not 
wanted;  let  us  remember,  that  if  we  are  true  Christians,  we 
shall  have  no  occasion  for  penal  statutes  to  restrain  us  from 
stealing  or  enslaving  our  brethren  of  the  human  species;  or  of 
such  varied  methods  to  inspire  us  with  horror  of  the  sin  of 
murder : for,  so  far  from  lying  in  wait  to  shed  blood,  or  trading 
in  the  bodies  of  men,  we  shall  watch  for,  and  gladly  embrace, 
the  opportunity  of  preserving  the  liberty  or  life  of  our  enemy ; 
still  repressing  the  rising  emotfons  of  anger,  pouring  out  our 
prayers  for  them,  and  attempting  acts  of  kindness  under  the 
greatest  provocations  ; and  instead  of  enforcing  the  law  of  reta- 
liation, we  shall  ever  be  ambitious  of  u overcoming  evil  with 
good.” — We  shall  also  guard,  though  with  trouble  and  loss, 
against  whatever  can  endanger  the  life  or  property  of  another  ; 
and  while  ready  in  any  way  to  make  up,  to  the  utmost  of  our 
power,  the  damage  which  we  have  indiscreetly,  or  even  with- 
out blame,  occasioned  to  others,  we  shall  be  very  backward  in 
demanding  such  satisfaction  to  ourselves. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXII.  V.  1—4.  The  instances  here 
adduced,  to  fix  the  principles  on  which  the  magistrates  of 
Israel  must  proceed  in  regard  to  theft  and  robbery,  are  taken 
especially  from  the  cattle;  because  in  these  their  property 
chiefly  consisted,  and  these  would  likewise  be  most  exposed 
to  depredation. — If  any  person  had  stolen  a sheep  or  goat, 
and  had  proceeded  so  far  as  to  kill  or  sell  it,  he  was  sen- 
tenced to  restore  fourfold  ; if  an  ox,  w hich  besides  its  value 
was  very  useful  for  labour,  fivefold.  Yet,  in  case  his  theft 
was  detected  while  the  animal  w as  still  alive  in  his  possession, 
he  was  only  required  to  restore  it  double  : probably,  because 
in  this  case  he  seemed  to  discover  more  hesitation,  and  less 
subtlety  or  industry,  in  dishonesty,  than  if  he  had  proceeded 
to  sell  or  kill  it.  The  ass  is  also  mentioned  in  this  clause, 
(4,)  and  no  doubt  the  camel,  and  other  useful  animals,  were 
included  in  the  design  of  the  law. — But  if  the  thief  voluntarily 
confessed,  and  restored  the  property  which  be  had  stolen,  he 
was  only  required  to  add  a fifth  part  to  it.  {Lev.  6:4,5.) — Ir 
case,  however,  any  one  was  detected  in  the  nighty  endeavour- 
ing forcibly  to  break  into  a house,  it  m-ight  be  considered  as 
an  assault  on  the  lives  of  the  inhabitants,  as  well  as  an 
attempt  to  plunder  their  property  ; and  if,  in  repelling  the 
assault,  the  robber  was  slain,  the  person  who  killed  him  was 
not  punishable.  But  if  he  was  slain  after  sunrise , his  death 
must  be  punished  as  murder  ; because  there  was  another 
method  of  securing  or  recovering  the  property;  and  it  is  sup- 
posed that  no  assault  was  made  on  the  life  of  any  one. — In 
all  cases,  when  the  thief  or  robber  could  not  make  the  stipu- 
lated restitution,  he  was  sold  for  the  theft  for  a limited  time, 
not  exceeeding  six  years:  and,  without  doubt,  the  injured 
person  received  the  emolument  arising  in  either  way,  at  least 
when  moderate  expenses  had  been  deducted. — It  is  not  stated 
what  restitution  should  be  made  by  him,  who  forcibly  plun- 
dered goods  from  a house;  so  that  it  must  be  supposed,  that 
the  magistrates  were  authorized  to  decide  according  to  cir- 
cumstances. 

Such  statutes  would  be  deemed,  at  present,  very  inade- 
quate to  the  security  of  property.  But  though  the  state  of 
society  in  this  age  and  nation  is  very  different,  yet  human 
nature  is  the  same;  and  we  have  no  reason  to  consider  the 
Israelites  as  more  tractable  than  the  rest  of  our  species.  It 
may  in  some  cases  be  urged,  that  robbery  among  us  is  more 
commonly  connected  with  the  avowed  purpose  of  murder,  in 
case  of  resistance,  which  enhances  the  crime  exceedingly, 
hut  it  requires  more  serious  consideration,  how  far  this  arises 
from  the  punishment  of  theft  being  made  equal  to  that  of 
murder,  which  confounds  the  disparity  of  the  two  crimes  in 
the  minds  of  men,  and  removes  the  restraint  arising  from  the 
dread  of  a severer  penalty.  This  plea,  however,  in  very  many 
cases,  cannot  be  advanced  ; and  not  only  the  equity , but  even 
the  policy , of  multiplying  capital  offences,  is  very  question- 
able ; nay,  facts  prove  that  it  defeats  its  own  end.  Humane 
persons  are  reluctant  to  be  concerned  in  taking  away  the  life 
of  one,  who  has  only  deprived  them  of  property:  and  there- 
fore they  will  not  prosecute  if  it,  can  be  avoided.  And,  in 
various  ways,  compassion  allows  the  young  offender  to 
escape  with  impunity:  this  encourages  him  to  proceed  with 
greater  confidence ; and  having  corrupted  many  ctn^rs,  as  well 


B. C.  1491 


CHAPTER  aXII 


B.  C.  1491 


4 If  the  theft  he  certainly  f found  in  his  hand 
alive,  whether  it  be  ox,  or  ass,  or  sheep;  ghe  shall 
restore  double. 

5 H If  a naan  shall  cause  a field  or  vineyard  to 
be  eaten,  and  shall  put  in  his  beast,  and  shall  feed 
in  another  man’s  field : of  the  best  of  his  own 
field,  and  of  the  best  of  his  own  vineyard,  hshall 
he  make  restitution. 

6 If  fire  break  out,  and  catch  in  thorns,  ’so  that 
the  stacks  of  corn,  or  the  standing  corn,  or  the 
field  be  consumed  therewith  ; khe  that  kindled  the 
fire  shall  surely  make  restitution. 

7 H If  a man  shall  deliver  unto  his  neighbour 
money  or  stuff  to  keep,  and  it  be  stolen  out  of  the 
man’s  house ; 'if  the  thief  be  found,  mlet  him  pay 
double. 

8 If  the  thief  be  not  found,  then  the  master  of 
the  house  shall  be  brought  unto  “the  judges,  to  see 
whether  he  have  put  his  hand  unto  his  neighbour’s 
goods. 

9 For  all  manner  of  “trespass,  whether  it  he  for 
ox,  for  ass,  for  sheep,  lor  raiment,  or  for  any 
manner  of  lost  thing,  which  another  challengeth 
to  be  his,  rthe  cause  of  both  parties  shall  come 
before  the  judges ; and  whom  the  judges  shall 
condemn,  he  shall  spay  double  unto  his  neigh- 
bour. 


f 21:16.  el, 7, 9.  Prov.  6:31.  Is.  40:2.  Jer. 16:18.  Rev.  18:6.  h 3,12.  Job  20:78. 
i Judg-  15:4,5.  2Sara.  14:30,31.  It  9,12.  21:33,34.  I Prov.  6:30,31.  Jer.  2:26. 
John  12:6.  1 Cor.  6:10.  m See  on  4.  n28.  mnrg.  21:6.  Dent.  16:18.  19:17,18. 

1 Chr.  23:4.  Ps.  82:1.  o Num.  5:6,7.  1 Kings  8:31.  Malt.  6:14,15.  18:15,35. 
Luke  17:3,4.  p 18:21,22  . 23:6—8.  Deul.  16:18,19.  19:16—18.  25:1.  2 Chr.  19: 
10.  q 4,7.  r Gen.  39:8.  Luke  12:48.  16:11.  2 Tim.  1:12.  * Lev.  5:1.  6:3. 

I Kings  2:42,43.  Prov.  30:9.  Heb.  6:16.  I 8.  23:1.  u 7.  Gen.  31:39.  x Ez.  4: 

as  multiplied  crimes  more  and  more  atrocious,  he  at  last  per- 
haps is  sentenced  to  die. — But  frequent  escapes  give  boldness 
m perilous  attempts  of  all  kinds  ; and  the  same  self- flattery, 
which  soothes  every  adventurer  in  a lottery  with  the  hope  of 
the  highest  prizes,  though  very  few  can  gain  them ; far  more 
powerfully  operates  on  the  minds  of  the  dishonest,  to  expect 
impunity,  while  so  very  many  in  proportion  actually  escape. — 
The  dread  of  a lighter  punishment,  yet  exposing  the  culprit 
to  much  present  pain  or  hard  labour,  and  total  exclusion  from 
all  congenial  society,  and  so  constantly  inflicted  as  to  appear 
unavoidable,  would  probably  be  far  more  effectual  in  prevent- 
ing crimes,  than  a remote  possibility  of  an  ignominious  death  ; 
especially  as  a future  state  of  retribution  has  seldom  much 
place  in  the  thoughts  of  these  unhappy  men. 

V.  5,  6.  It  is  evident  that  these  instances  were  intended 
as  illustrations  of  the  general  principles  of  equity,  by  which 
many  similar  cases  were  to  be  determined.  We  may  sup- 
pose that  the  fire,  which  did  the  mischief,  was  kindled  care- 
lessly, or  on  a man’s  own  ground  for  some  special  purpose , and 
that  for  want  of  proper  attention,  it  spread  so  far  as  to  injure 
others:  for  wilfully  and  maliciously  to  kindle  a destructive 
fire,  is  a crime  deserving  of  far  severer  punishment. 

V.  7 — 15.  If  money,  plate,  or  furniture,  were  intrusted  to 
any  one,  from  which  he  derived  no  emolument,  and  it  was 
lost  out  of  his  house , where  he  had  placed  it  for  security ; he 
was  not  bound  to  make  it  'good,  in  case  it  was  stolen  and 
could  not  be  recovered.  Yet  if  any  suspicion  rested  on  him, 
that  he  had  secreted  the  property  intrusted,  the  magistrates 
were  authorized  to  examine  the  evidence,  and  decide  accord- 
ingly.— In  this  and  other  matters  of  trespass  or  trust,  their 
sentence  was  final ; and  breach  of  trust,  as  well  as  theft,  was 
punishable  by  double  restitution.  When  an  ox,  sheep,  or  ass, 
was  committed  to  another’s  care,  (probably  with  a compen- 
sation for  its  subsistence,  or  wages  for  tending  it,)  if  it  hap- 
pened to  die,  or  to  receive  any  hurt,  or  to  be  driven  away 
with  other  cattle  by  an  invading  enemy,  or  by  robbers,  when 
none  were  present  to  bear  witness,  the  person  intrusted,  on 
making  oath  that  he  had  not  been  accessary  to  the  loss,  was 
freed  ; but  if  it  was  stolen  from  among  his  cattle,  and  there 
was  any  reason  to  suppose  he  had  not  taken  proper  care  of 
it,  he  must  make  it  good.  If,  however,  it  had  been  torn  in 
pieces  by  a wild  beast,  and  he  could  bring  any  remains  of  the 
carcass  in  proof  of  it,  he  was  not  answerable. — He  who  gra- 
tuitously used  the  labour  of  his  neighbour’s  ox,  or  ass,  or 
camel,  if  it  died  or  was  hurt  in  the  absence  of  the  owner, 
must  make  it  good : for  it  might  be  thought  he  had  caused 
it  to  labour  excessively,  or  been  cruel  to  it ; but  if  the  owner 
was  present,  this  could  not  be  suspected,  and  he  must  not  be 
compelled  to  make  it  good.  When  hire  was  paid  for  the  la- 
bour of  an  animal,  and  any  harm  came  to  it,  the  owner  could 
not  demand  restitution,  at  least  unless  he  could  prove  that 
it  had  been  abused. — The  more  attentively  these  statutes  are 
examined,  the  more  clearly  will  it  be  seen,  that  the  spirit  of 
them  is  equitable,  reasonable,  mild,  and  humane,  in  no  com- 
mon degree. 

V.  16,  17.  This  statute  relates  to  a case,  which  must 
carefully  be  distinguished  from  some  others,  that  may  be  con- 
founded with  it.  It  is  assumed,  that  no  force  was  used,  but 
merely  persuasions  and  blandishments  ; and  that  the  young 


10  If  a man  “deliver  unto  his  neighbour  an  ass 
or  an  ox,  or  a sheep,  or  any  beast  to  keep  ; and 
die,  or  be  hurt,  or  driven  away,  no  man  seeing  it 

1 1 Then  shall  *an  oath  of  the  Lord  be  between 
them  both. ‘that  he  hath  not  put  his  hand  unto  his 
neighbours  goods  : ard  the  owner  of  it  shall  ac- 
cept thereof , and  he  shan  not  make  it  good. 

12  And  if  it  be  “stolen  from  him,  he  shall  make 
restitution  unto  the  owner  thereof. 

13  If  it  be  Morn  in  pieces,  then  let  him  bring  it 
for  witness,  and  he  shall  not  make  good  that  which 
was  torn. 

14  And  if  a man  ^borrow  aught  of  his  neigh- 
bour, and  it  be  hurt,  or  die,  the  owner  thereof 
being  not  with  it ; he  shall  surely  'make  it  good. 

15  But  if  the  owner  thereof  be  with  it,  he  shall 
not  make  it  good  : if  it  be  an  hired  thing,  “it  came 

for  his  hire.  [Practical  Observations.'] 

16  H And  if  ba  man  entice  a maid  that  is  no* 
betrothed,  and  lie  with  her  ; he  shall  surely  endow 
her  to  he  his  wife. 

17  If  her  father  “utterly  refuse  to  give  her  unto 
him,  he  shall  'pay  money  according  to  the  ddowry 
of  vinrins. 

18  Thou  eshalt  not  suffer  a witch  to  live. 

19  Whosoever  f lieth  with  a beast,  shall  surely 
be  put  to  death. 


t4.  Am.  3:12.  Mic.  5.8.  N»h.  2:12.  y Dent.  15:2.  23:19,20.  Neh.  5:4.  Pa.  37: 
21.  Matt.  5:42.  l.tike  6:35.  z II.  21:34.  Lev.  24:18.  aZtcli.8:10.  bGen.34: 
2 — 4.  Deul.  22:28,29.  c Deul.  7:3,4.  "*  Heb  .weigh.  Gen. 23:16.  il  Gen.  34:12 . 
1 Sam.  18:25.  e Lev.  19.26,31.  20:6,27.  Deul.  18:10,11.  1 Sam.  28:3,9.  Is.  19* 
3.  Acts  8:9— 11.  16:16—19.  19:19.  Gal.  5:20.  f Lev.  18:23.  20:15,16.  Deul. 
27:21. 


woman  was  not  betrothed  to  another  man.  In  general,  it 
might  be  supposed,  that  promises,  or  at  least  intimations,  of 
marriage  would  be  made  by  the  seducer  ; and  therefore  he 
was  bound  to  “endow  her  to  be  his  wife.”  Some  expositors 
are  of  opinion,  that  he  must  either  endow  hei^  that  is,  give  her 
a sum  of  money  for  the  injury,  or  marry  her : but  the  obvious 
meaning  of  the  law  is,  that  he  must  take  her  fir  his  wife,  and 
endow  her,  or  provide  for  her  suitably  according  to  his  station. 
It  does  not  appear,  that  either  the  seducer,  or  the  person 
seduced,  was  allowed  £ negative ; but  the  young  woman’s 
father  might  refuse  his  consent,  and  in  this  case  the  seducei 
must  pay  a certain  sum  of  money  as  a compensation  for  the 
injury.  This  sum  is  generally  supposed  to  have  been  fifty 
shekels  : but  the  passage  from  which  this  conclusion  is  made, 
seems  to  refer  to  a rape  ; and  then  the  money  was  paid  to 
the  father ; though  the  offender  was  obliged  to  marry,  and  not 
allowed  to  divorce,  the  injured  damsel.  (Deut.  22:28,29.) — 
The  option  here  granted  the  father,  shows  that  great  defer- 
ence is  owing  in  respect  of  marriage  to  parental  authority  ; 
and  it  also  demonstrates,  that  marriage  is  -entirely  a distinct 
matter,  in  the  word  of  God,  from  any  voluntary  intercourse 
between  a man  and  a woman,  however  privately  accompanied 
by  reciprocal  assurances,  if  not  avowedly  sanctioned  by  some 
public  recognition. — It  is  not  here  stated,  whether  the  seducer, 
if  previously  married,  was  bound  to  take  the  seduced  damsel 
also  as  his  wife  ; nor  is  it  material  to  us.  Polygamy  was  then 
an  existing  evil , concerning  which  many  regulations  were 
made  ; but  Christianity  has  in  general  terminated  it,  as  far  as 
its  authority  has  been  acknowledged. — Nothing  could  be  con- 
ceived more  equitable,  than  some  regulation  like  this  statute, 
if  properly  restricted  to  real  seduction  by  an  unmarried  man. 
But  it  is  matter  of  fact,  capable  of  full  proof,  that,  in  these 
licentious  days,  young  women  in  inferior  circumstances,  and 
even  encouraged  by  their  parents,  (shocking  as  it  mayseem,) 
employ  their  utmost  address  to  attract  the  attention  of  young 
men  of  better  circumstances  ; in  order  that,  under  the  pre- 
tence of  seduction , they  may  be  married  to  greater  advantage  ! 
And,  in  attempting  to  remedy  the  grievous  evil  of  real  seduc- 
tion, this  should  by  no  means  be  encouraged  and  increased. 
It  is,  however,  highly  reasonable,  that  every  unmarried  man, 
whatever  his  circumstances  be,  who  debauches  a virgin  with 
promises  of  marriage , or  any  engagements  which  have  the 
same  effect  upon  her  mind,  should  be  obliged  actually  to  marry 
her;  and  that,  if  a married  man,  professing  himself  unmar- 
ried, should  thus  seduce  a virgin,  he  should  be  obliged  t* 
maintain  her,  while  she  continues  unmarried.  But  a young 
woman,  who  suffers  herself  to  be  enticed  by  a man,  whom 
she  knows  to  be  married,  seems  not  entitled  to  the  same 
compensation,  whatever  punishment  he  may  deserve. 

V.  18.  Witchcraft  is  generally  understood  to  mean,  ‘ a 
compact  with  evil  spirits,  by  whose  agency  and  assistance, 
applied  for  by  certain  incantations,  effects  of  various  kinds 
may  be  produced,  by  which  malice,  or  covetousness,  or  other 
corrupt  passions,  may  be  gratified.’  A vast  variety  of  prac- 
tices, with  different  degrees  of  aggravation,  which  will  here- 
after be  considered,  agree  in  common  with  witchcraft,  in 
avowedly  making  Satan  “ the  god  of  the  world,”  and  the  god 
of  those  who  thus  apply  lo  him  for  information  or  assistance 
— It  is  readily  allowed  that  much  imposture  on  the  one  hand, 

( 163  J 


B.  C.  1491. 


EXODUS 


B.  C.  1491. 


20  He  that  ^sacrificeth  unto  any  pod,  save  unto 
die  IjOkd  only,  he  shall  he  ‘‘utterly  destroyed. 

21  H Thou  shalt.  neither  ‘vex  a stranger,  nor 
oppress  him : klor  ye  were  strangers  in  the  land 
of  Egypt. 

22  X v 'shall  not  afflict  any  widow,  or  fatherless 
child. 

23  If  thou  afflict  them  in  any  wise,  and  they 
,ncry  at  all  unto  me,  "I  will  surely  hear  their  cry ; 

24  And  °my  wrath  shall  wax  hot,  and  I will  kill 
you  with  the  sword  ; and  Pyour  wives  shall  be 
widows,  and  your  children  fatherless. 

g Num.  25:2—5.  Deut.  13:1— 15.  17:2-5.  18:20.  hNura.21:3.  Josh.  23:15, 
16.  i 23:9.  Lev.  19:33.  25:35.  Deul.  10:19.  Jer.  7:6.  22:3.  Zeclt.  7:10.  k2(J: 
2.  23:9.  Dent.  10:19.  15:15.  23.7.  1 Deut.  10:18.  24:17.  27:19.  I>s.94:6.  Is.  1: 
1723.  10:2.  Ez.22:7.  Zecli.  7:10.  Jam'.  1:27.  m Deut.  15:9.  24: 15.  Job  31:38, 
37.  35:9.  Luke  18:7.  n Job  34:28.  Ps.  10:17,18.  18:6.  140:12.  146:7— 9.  Prov. 
22:22,23.  23:10,11.  Jam.  5:4.  o Job  31. 23.  Ps.76:7.  90:11.  Nah.  1:6.  Bom.  2: 
5—9.  Heb.  10:31.  p Job  27:13— 15.  Ps.  78:63,64.  109:9.  Jer.  15:8.  18:21.  Luke 

(which  forms  a very  singular  kind  of  hypocrisy,)  and  much 
superstition,  folly,  and  cruelty,  on  the  other,  have  taken  place, 
in  respect  of  these  practices,  whether  real  or  pretended. 
But  it  seems  one  of  the  most  flagrant  absurdities  of  modem 
Sadduceism,  to  suppose  that  God  himself  would  repeatedly 
command  the  magistrates  of  his  people  to  punish  with  death 
a crime  which  never  was  committed  ! If  it  should  be  said, 
that  mere  pretences  to  witchcraft  might  warrant  laws  against 
it,  I would  only  desire  the  reader  to  examine  the  marginal 
references,  and  judge  for  himself,  whether  it  be  not  spoken  of 
in  Scripture  as  a real  practice. — The  existence,  sagacity, 
malice,  ambition,  and  power  of  evil  spirits,  are  sufficiently 
declared  in  Scripture : there  can  be  no  doubt,  that  they  are 
both  able  and  willing  thus  to  interpose,  if  permitted : and  that 
human  nature  is  capable  of  such  wickedness,  as  even  know- 
ingly to  combine  with  them.  That  witchcraft  may  be,  that 
it  hath  been,  and  that  it  still  is  in  some  parts  of  the  world,  ac- 
tually practised,  seems  capable  of  proof,  were  any  collateral 
evidence  necessary  to  confirm  the  truth  of  the  divine  testi- 
mony.— But  as,  by  certain  degrees  of  cultivation,  wild  beasts 
are  banished  or  extirpated  ; so,  in  some  stages  of  civilization, 
the  practice  of  witchcraft  is  nearly  excluded.  The  truth  is 
this  : in  such  circumstances  it  no  longer  so  well  answers  Sa- 
tan’s grand  purpose  of  deception  and  destruction : he  there- 
fore changes  his  ground,  and  varies  his  attack  ; nor  is  he  any 
loser,  by  exchanging  the  practice  of  witchcraft  for  the  pre- 
valence of  skepticism. — Though  witch , in  the  feminine,  is  the 
word  here  used ; yet  in  other  place*,  the  masculine  word  is 
employed,  and  various  things  of  the  same  nature  are  prohi- 
bited on  the  penalty  of  death. 

V.  20.  Idolatry  was  universally  prohibited  in  the  moral 
law;  but  by  the  judicial  law,  it  was  punishable  by  death, 
when  committed  by  an  Israelite,  or  by  one  that  dwelt  among 
the  Israelites  : for  to  these  exclusively,  laws  given  to  the 
magistrates  of  Israel  could  extend.  Sacrificing,  being  the 
principal  act  of  religious  worship  at  that  time,  was  selected 
as  the  open  act  of  idolatry,  which  constituted  the  capital 
offence.  The  expression  utterly  destroyed  implies,  that  the 
offender  should  be  devoted  to  entire  destruction,  as  an  ac- 
cursed thing,  or  a sacrifice  to  the  awful  justice  of  God. — 
Whole  cities  involved  in  the  guilt  of  idolatry  were  afterwards 
sentenced  to  utter  destruction,  by  an  universal  execution  of 
the  inhabitants  : (Notes,  Deut.  13:)  for  this  crime  especially 
was  a breach  of  the  national  covenant ; but,  so  long  as  the 
judges  punished  it  according  to  the  law,  it  would  not  be  ac- 
counted a national  forfeiture, 

V.  21 — 24.  It  was  desirable  that  strangers  should  be 
allured  by  kind  usage  to  live  among  the  Israelites,  provided 
they  did  not  practise  idolatry,  or  violate  the  requirements  of 
the  judicial  law  ; in  order  that  they  might  thus  be  induced  to 
think  favourably  of  true  religion,  and  at  length  to  embrace  it. 
They  must  not,  therefore,  be  harassed  by  any  injury,  or 
reproach,  or  vexation,  which  might  harden  them  in  prejudice, 
or  drive'them  hack  among  idolaters.— In  thus  behaving  kindly 
to  strangers,  the  Israelites  should  call  to  mind  their  late  situa- 
tion in  Egypt,  and  the  anguish  of  spirit  which  they  had  en- 
dured under  oppression  in  a strange  land. — The  subsequent 
verses, in  which  Jehovah  avows  himself  the  Husband  of  the 
widow,  and  the  Father  of  the  orphan,  are  peculiarly  illustra- 
tive of  the  kind  and  compassionate  spirit  of  the  Mosaic  law ; 
though  special  reasons  rendered  some  statutes  needful  and 
salutary,  which  at  present  appear  rigorous  to  the  superficial 
reader.  No  penalty  was  enjoined  to  be  inflicted  by  the  ma- 
gistrates on  those  who  oppressed  the  stranger,  the  widow, 
and  the  orphan,  unless  some  violation  of  other  statutes  could 
be  proved  : because  the  Lord  himself  undertook  to  avenge 
their  cause,  by  a just  retaliation  on  their  oppressors  and  their 
families. 

V.  25 — 27.  Usury,  as  hero  stated,  properly  consists  in 
taking  interest  from  the  poor,  on  what  they  borrow  for  present 
subsistence,  or  in  urgent  need;  which  tends  to  enrich  the 
lender  by  still  more  impoverishing  the  borrower.  This  was 
frequently  carried  to  such  a pitch  among  the  ancients,  and 
even  the  Israelites,  that  the  creditors  constrained  their  debtors 
to  sell  themselves  or  their  children  for  slaves  ; which  was  an 
aggravated  violation  of  the  law  of  love.  (Note,  Nth.  5:1 — 5.) 

The  Israelites  were  but  little  engaged  in  commerce  and 

( 164  ) 


25  If  thou  olentl ' money  to  any  of  my  people 
that  is  poor  by  thee,  thou  shalt  not  be  to  him  as 
an  usurer,  neither  shalt  thou  lay  upon  him  usury. 

26  If  thou  at  all  take  thy  neighbour’s  raiment 
'to  pledge,  thou  shalt  deliver  it  unto  him  by  that 
the  sun  goeth  down  : 

27  For  that  is  his  covering  only,  it  is  his  rai- 
ment for  his  skin : wherein  shall  he  sleep  ? And 
it  shall  come  to  pass,  "when  he  crieth  unto  me, 
that  I will  hear ; lfor  I am  gracious. 

28  Thou  shaft  not  revile  the  'gods,  “nor  curse 
the  ruler  of  thy  people. 


6:38.  q Lev.  25:35— 37.  Deut.  23:19,20.  2 Kings  4:1,7.  Neh.  5:2— 5,7,10,11.  P». 
15  5.  Prov.  28:8.  Jer.  15:10.  Ez.  18.8,17.  Mull.  25:27.  Luke  19:23.  r Deut.  24: 
6,10 — 13,17.  Job  22:6  . 24:3,9.  Prov.  20:16  . 22:27.  Ez.  18:7,16.  33:15.  Am.  2:8. 
s 2:23,24.  Fa.  34.6.  72:12.  Is.  19:20.  134:6.  Ps.  136:10,11.  *Or,./u /<«.».  Fa. 
82:1— 7.  138:1. 'John  10:34,35.  u 21:17.  1 Sam.  24:6,10.  26:9.  Ec.  10:20.  Acta 
23:5.  Rom. 13:2-7.  Tit.  3:1,2.  1 Pel.  2:17.  2Pet. 2:10.  Jude8. 


their  law  was  not  only  suited,  but  intended , to  keep  them 
from  mingling  by  any  means  with  other  nations.  Their  land 
also  was  divided  by  lot,  and  they  were  not  allowed  to  alien- 
ate their  inheritances.  They  were  not,  therefore,  greatly  in 
the  way  of  lending  or  taking  up  money  upon  interest,  to  em- 
ploy in  trade,  or  expend  in  estates : in  which  cases,  and  in 
those  of  the  like  nature,  it  does  not  appear  inconsistent  with 
either  equity  or  love,  for  the  lender  to  receive  a proportion 
of  the  profits  from  the  borrower.  The  original  is  indeed 
remarkable ; for  it  may  be  rendered,  u If  thou  lend  money  to 
my  people,  even  to  a poor  man , &c.”  yet  it  is  generally 
thought,  that  the  Israelites  were  not  allowed  in  any  ordinary 
case,  to  take  interest  for  money,  or  usury  of  any  other  kind, 
from  their  brethren.  As,  however,  they  were  permitted  to 
take  it  of  the  Gentiles,  though  expressly  required  not  to 
oppress  them  ; it  is  evident  that  interest  on  lent  money  is  not 
in  itself  unjust,  or  contrary  to  the  divine  law,  when  not 
attended  by  oppressive  circumstances.  (Deut.  23:19,20.)  But, 
besides  the  practice  of  exacting  exorbitant  interest  of  the 
poor,  it  was  also  customary  to  take  a pledge  for  the  payment 
of  the  money  advanced  ; and  this  was  commonly  either  the 
garment  which  they  wore,  by  day,  or  the  covering  under 
which  they  slept  at  night.  But  if  an  Israelite  in  any  case 
took  such  a pledge,  he  was  required  to  restore  it  before  night; 
not  by  compulsion  of  the  magistrate,  but  as  a matter  of  con- 
science towards  God.  The  language  assigning  the  reasons, 
why  this  should  be  done,  is  a very  beautiful  appeal  to  the  ten- 
derest  emotions  of  pity  for  the  distressed  : and  the  concluding 
sentence, — “ And  it  shall  come  to  pass  when  he  crieth  unto 
me,  I will  hear : for  I am  gracious,” — gives  a most  endearing 
view  of  the  perfections  and  government  of  God,  for  the 
encouragement  and  imitation  of  his  worshippers.  Yet  the 
tender  compassion  and  mercy  of  the  Lord  are  stated  to  be 
perfectly  consistent  with  his  severest  vengeance  on  the  cruel 
oppressor  of  the  needy  who  cry  unto  him. — How  far  the 
business  of  a pawnbroker,  in  the  present  state  of  society, 
consists  with  the  spirit  of  these  precepts,  is  a question  which 
involves  much  difficulty.  Some  are  of  opinion,  and  argue  with 
considerable  plausibility,  that  the  very  practice  is  radically 
injurious  to  society,  and  inconsistent  with  Christianity  ; and 
certainly,  as  it  is  frequently  conducted,  it  is  so.  But,  as  re- 
ceiving- interest  is  not  in  all  cases  absolutely  prohibited,  it  may 
be  doubted  whether  taking  pledges  be  always  unjust  or  im- 
proper. It  is  not,  however,  an  employment  to  which  a real 
Christian  can  be  supposed  so  partial,  as  to  choose  it  either 
for  himself  or  his  children,  after  he  has  become  acquainted 
with  the  truth,  power,  and  spirit  of  the  gospel.  But  should 
the  grace  of  God  meet  with  a person  already  engaged  in  this 
business,  as  having  been  educated  to  it,  or  accustomed  to  get 
his  subsistence  by  it ; and  should  his  disposition  be  really 
formed  to  strict  uprightness,  benevolence,  and  conscientious- 
ness ; it  may  be  questioned  whether,  by  rendering  his  employ- 
ment much  less  lucrative,  he  may  not  make  it  even  beneficial, 
or  at  least  not  oppressive,  to  others ; so  as  to  have  the 
prayers  of  the  poor  for  him,  not  their  cries  against  him.  In 
this  case  the  employment  may  be  consistent  with  the  princi 
pies  of  Christianity,  and  perhaps  in  no  other.  If  such  a per- 
son should,  after  serious  examination  and  fervent  prayers  to 
God  for  direction,  find  himself  at  liberty  to  continue  in  his 
calling,  he  will  u abide  therein  with  God he  will  consider  it 
as  his  cross,  and  take  it  up  as  such ; and  disdaining  the  pros- 
pect of  heaping  up  wealth  by  every  profit  which  the  laws  of 
the  land  may  allow,  he  will  carefully  consult  the  law  of  God, 
of  equity,  of  humanity,  and  of  love  ; and  will  only  go  so  far 
in  his  employment,  as  he  verily  deems  consistent  with  these 
rules.  And  if  a man’s  heart  be  upright,  the  Lord  will  either 
satisfy  him  to  proceed,  or  encourage  him  to  cast  himself  upon 
his  providence  in  renouncing  it. 

V.  28.  The  word  here  rendered  gods  is  repeatedly 

used  forjudges  in  this  chapter;  and  it  is  therefore  probable, 
that  the  former  clause  of  the  verso  referred  to  the  magistrates 
of  Israel  in  general  ; and  the  latter  to  their  chief  magistrate, 
who  was  also  the  high-priost,  when  Paul  before  the  council 
quoted  this  statute.  (Note,  Acts  23:1 — 5.)  The  language 
used  is  very  similar  to  that,  by  which  cursing  a parent  was 
denounced  a capital  crime  : only  no  particular  punVhmert  >■ 
appointed,  that  being  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  Wlgis  trite 


B.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  XXIII 


B.  C.  1491. 


29  Tliou  *sual  not  delay  to  offer  'the  first  of  thy 
ripe  fruits  an  1 of  thy  1 liquors  : *the  first-born  of 
thy  son  s shall  thou  give  unto  me. 

90  Likewise  shall.  thou  do  with  thine  oxen,  and 
with  thy  sheep : *seyen  days  it  shall  be  with  his 
dam  : on  the  eighth  day  thou  shalt  give  it  me. 

31  And  ye  shall  be  “holy  men  unto  me  : bneither 
shall  ye  eat  any  flesh  that  is  torn  of  beasts  in  the 
field : ye  shall  cast  it  to  the  dogs. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

Lutes  fot  bidding  slander , false  witness,  wresting  judgment,  bribery,  and 
oppression  ; anti  requiring  kindness  to  enemies ,\ — 9.  The  law  of  the  sab- 
batical  year  and  the  weekly  sabbath,  wi'h  a caution  against  idolatry,  10 — 13. 
The  three  great  annual  feas  's  appointed , 14 — 19.  The  Lord  promises  to  con- 
duct Israel  safe  to  Canaan,  to  put  them  in  possession  of  it,  to  enlarge  their 
borders  and  destroy  their  enemies  ; and  adds  some  cautions  and  precepts , 
20-33. 

THOU  “shalt  not  "raise  a false  report:  put  not 
thine  hand  with  the  wicked  to  be  ban  unright- 
eous witness. 


x23:19.  Dent,  26:2 — 10.  2Kin»s4:42.  2 Chr.  31:5.  Prov.  3:9,10.  Ez.  20:40. 
Mall.  6:33.  Rom.  8:23.  Jam.  1:18.  * Heh  .thy  fulness,  t Heb.  tear,  y 13:2, 
12.  z Lev.  22:27.  a 19:5,6.  Lev.  11:45.  19:2.  Deut.  14:21.  1 Pel.  1:15,16. 
b Lev.  1?  22:8.  Deut.  14:31.  Ex.  4:14.  44:31.  Acts  10:14.  15:20. 

a 7.  20:16.  l ev.  19:16.  2 Sam.  16:3.  19:27.  Ps.  15:3.  101:5.  120:3.  Prov.  10:18. 
17:4.  25:23.  Jer.  20:10.  Malt.  28:14,15.'  Rom.  3:8.  * Or,  receive,  b Deut.  5: 
20.  19:16—21.  I Kings  21:10 — 13.  Ps.  27:12.  35:11.  Prov.  6:19.  12:17.  19:5,9. 
21:23.  25:18.  Matt.  19:18.  26:59— 61.  Luke  3: 14.  19:8.  Acts  6:11— 13.  2 Tim. 
3:3.  1 Pet.  3:16.  Rev.  12:10.  c 32:1—5.  Gen.  6:12.  7:1.  19:4,7—9.  Num.  14:1 
—10.  Josh.  24:15.  1 Sum.  15:9,24.  1 Kings  19:10.  Job 31:34.  Prov.  1:10,11,15. 
4:14.  Matt.  27:24— 26.  Mark  15:15.  Luke  23:24,51.  John  7:50,51.  Acts  24.27. 
25:9.  Rom.  1.32.  Gal.  2:11 — 13.  } Or,  answer,  d Lev.  19:15.  Deut.  1:17.  Ps. 

or  rather  these  precepts  towards  the  close  of  the  chapter  were 
proposed,  as  binding  on  the  conscience  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord. 
Bnt,  as  the  word  generally  translated  God,  is  used,  many 
think  that  blasphemy  against  God,  as  well  as  reviling  or  curs- 
ing the  magistrate,  was  intended ; and  some  even  contend 
that  the  Israelites  were  by  that  clause  forbidden  to  revile  or 
curse  the  gods  of  the  heathen. 

V.  29 — 31.  These  were  ceremonial  appointments,  some 
of  which  have  been  in  part  considered,  ( Notes , 13:2 — 1G.)  and 
others  will  be  more  fully  spoken  of  afterwards. — The  first- 
fruits  of  the  orchard  and  vintage  being  presented  to  God, 
were  used  by  the  priests:  but  the  proportion  was  left  to  the 
liberality  of  the  offerer. — No  animal  must  be  presented  to 
God  before  the  eighth  day  from  its  birth,  the  day  fixed  fbi  the 
circumcision  of  the  male  child ; and  probably  this  referred  to 
that  institution. — As  a holy  people,  the  Israelites  must  not 
eat  anything  torn  by  beasts ; for  it  had  the  blood  in  it.  ( Marg . 
Ref.  b.  Note,  Malt.  7:6.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 15.  A careful  comparison  of  these  ancient  statutes, 
given  to  Israel,  with  the  most  celebrated  productions  of  hea- 
then lawgivers,  whether  in  Greece,  Rome,  India,  or  China, 
must  effectually  convince  any  impartial  person,  that  Moses 
had  a right  to  say,  “ Keep  therefore  and  do  them  ; for  this  is 
your  wisdom  and  your  understanding  in  the  sight  of  all  the 
nations  which  shall  hear  all  these  statutes,  and  say,  Surely 
this  great  nation  is  a wise  and  understanding  people  1 — And 
what  nation  is  there  so  great,  that  hath  statutes  and  judgments 
so  righteous,  as  all  this  law,  which  I set  before  you  this  day  i” 
Nay,  were  he  on  earth  at  present,  he  might  safely  make  the 
same  challenge,  in  respect  of  tile  municipal  laws  of  any  coun- 
try in  the  world  ; and  a full  investigation  of  the  subject  would 
evince,  that  the  laws  enacted  by  him  were  uniformly  more 
wise,  equitable,  humane,  mild,  and  salutary  in  their  tendency, 
than  the  complex  body  of  laws  of  the  most  civilized  nations, 
even  of  those  where  Christianity  has  most  flourished.  For 
the  former  bear  the  evident  stamp  of  a divine  original ; the  lat- 
ter are  invariably  tarnished  by  the  infirmities  and  passions  of 
our  fallen  nature. — According  to  the  spirit  of  the  divine  law,  we 
should,  as  the  worshippers  of  God,  always  be  inclined  to  mild- 
ness and  mercy  ; tender  of  the  lives  and  souls  even  of  thieves 
and  robbers  ; and  not  value  our  property  so  highly,  as  to  put 
it  in  competition  with  concerns  of  such  immense  importance. 
We  ought  never  to  be  willingly  accessary  to  the  death  of  ano- 
her,  except  in  the  defence  of  our  own  lives,  or  in  the  execu- 
lon  of  public  justice : and  then  we  should  go  about  it  as  a 
nost  painful  duty,  with  reluctance  and  sorrow  of  heart ; not 
irged  on  by  resentment  or  self-interest,  but  by  conscience,  to 
acrifice  the  life  of  an  individual  to  the  general  good.  We 
should  likewise  remember  that  we  are  answerable  in  the  sight 
of  God  for  the  consequences  not  only  of  what  we  do  mali- 
ciously, but  of  what  we  do  heedlessly;  and  are  chargeable 
with  injustice,  for  abuse  of  confidence,  double  dealing,  care- 
lessness of  ihings  borrowed,  and  various  kinds  of  selfishness, 
which  are  not  punishable  by  human  laws.  If  then  we  are 
conscious  of  having  injured  our  neighbour  in  any  of  these 
ways,  and  are  truly  penitent,  we  shall  endeavour  to  make 
restitution  to  the  utmost  of  our  ability,  though  not  compelled 
to  it  by  the  sentence  of  the  magistrate. 

V.  1G — 31.  If  the  fear  of  God  rule  in  our  hearts,  and  his  law 
>e  written  there  ; an  humble  recollection  of  our  own  transgres- 
sions, and  a thankful  sense  of  the  Lord’s  unmerited  mercies 
\->  us,  will  induce  an  habitual  disposition  to  show  kindness 
and  mercy,  as  well  as  to  do  justice,  to  our  neighbours  ; to  sub- 
ject all  our  passions  and  appetites  t*  the  will  of  God  ; and  to 


2 Thou  shall  not  'follow  a multitude  to  do  evil, 
neither  shalt  thou  ’speak  in  a cause,  ato  decline 
after  many  to  wrest  judgment. 

3 Neither  shalt  thou  “countenance  a poor  man 
in  his  cause. 

4 If  thou  meet  flhine  enemy’s  ox  or  his  ass 
going  astray,  thou  shalt  surely  bring  it  back  to 
him  again. 

5 If  thou  see  the  ass  of  him  that  hatetli  thee 
lying  under  his  burden,  and  twouldest  foi  bear  to 
help  him  : thou  shalt  surely  help  with  him. 

6 Thou  shalt  not  swrest  the  judgment  of  thy 
poor  in  his  cause. 

7 Keep  thee  hfar  from  a fidse  matter  : and  ’the 
innocent  and  righteous  slay  thou  not:  Ifor  I will 
not  justify  the  wicked. 

8 And  kthou  shalt  take  no  gift : for  the  gift 
blindeth  Hhe  wise,  and  perverteth  the  words  of 
the  righteous. 


72:2.  Jer.  37:15,21.  38:5,6,9.  Er.  9:9.  Hab.  1:4.  margins,  e Ps.  82:2,3.  Jam.3: 
17.  f Deut.  22:1— 4.  Job  31:29,30.  Prov.  24:17,18  . 25:21.  Matt.  5:44.  Luke6; 
27,28.  Rom.  12:17 — 21.  1 Thes.  5:15.  X Or,  wilt  thou  cease  to  help  him  ? on 
wouldest  cease  to  leave  thv  business  for  him  ; thou  shall  surely  leave  it  to  join 
withhim.  g2, 3.  Deut.  16:19.  27:19.  2Chr.  19:7.  Job  31:13,21,22.  Ps.  82:3,4. 
Ec.  5:8.  Is.  10:1,2.  Jer.  6:28.  7:6.  Am.  5: 11,12.  Mic.3:l— 4.  Zeph.  3:1— 4. 
Mai.  3:5.  Jam.  2:5,6.  h Lev.  19:11.  Deut.  19:16—21.  Job  22:23.  Prov.  4:14,15. 
Is.  33:15.  Luke  3:14.  Eph.4:25.  1 Thes.  5:22.  i Deut.  27:25.  j 34:7.  Prcv.  17: 
15.  Nah.  1:3.  Rom.  1:18.  2:5,6.  k J. eut.  16:19.  1 Sam.  8:3.  12:3.  Ps.  26:10. 
Prov.  15:27.  17:8,23.  19:6.  29:4.  Ec.  7:7.  Is.  1:23.  5:23.  Ez.  22:12.  lios.4:18. 
Am.  5:12.  Mic.  7:3.  Acts  24:26.  § Heb.  the  seeing. 


shun  all  evil,  and  every  occasion  and  appearance  of  evil. 
Kindness  and  humanity  to  the  stranger,  tne  widow,  and  the 
fatherless ; and  liberal  compassion  to  the  poor  and  needy, 
will  freely  flow  from  the  principle  of  genuine  love  implanted 
in  our  hearts,  and  from  a desire  of  adorning  our  holy  religion, 
and  recommending  it  to  those  who  are  without.  And  while 
we  study  to  submit  to  those  who  are  placed  over  us,  and  show 
due  respect  to  all  men ; we  shall  not  forget  to  u honour  the 
Lord  with  our  substance  and  with  the  first-fruits  of  all  our 
increase,”  and  to  devote  ourselves  to  Sea  holy  people  unto  his 
name. — What  a contrast  do  such  characters  form  to  those, 
whose  selfish  and  filthy  hearts  are  capable  of  crimes  far  more 
than  brutal,  nay,  truly  diabolical ! who  need  to  be  held  in 
with  strict  laws  and  dreadful  punishments,  from  the  most  de- 
testable crimes,  and  yet  burst  through  even  these  restraints ! 
who  have  the  cries  of  the  oppressed,  the  widow,  the  orphan, 
and  the  poor,  with  the  wrath  of  God,  against  them,  and  who 
must  be  cut  off  by  the  avenging  sword  of  human  justice,  to 
prevent  further  mischief!  The  one  is  human  nature  un- 
changed and  unrestraiiftd : the  other  is  the  effect  of  true  grace 
converting  and  ruling  in  the  heart. — 14  Turn  thou  us,  O Lord, 
and  we  shall  be  turned,”  that  we  may  be  44  unto  thee  a pecu- 
liar people  zealous  of  good  works,”  through  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXIII.  V.  1 — 3.  These  verses  seem 
especially  to  relate  to  the  trial  of  causes,  and  to  the  conduct 
of  all  parties  concerned  on  such  occasions,  though  they  also 
contain  general  rules  of  universal  application.  He  who 
invents  a slander,  or  first  raises  a vain  report , and  he  who 
receives  and  propagates  it,  (marg.)  are  at  all  times  very  crimi- 
nal ; but  the  iniquity  is  most  atrocious,  when  the  calumny  is 
advanced  or  taken  up  in  a court  of  justice ; and  when  the 
witnesses  thus  44put  their  hand  with  the  wicked,”  to  give  suc- 
cess to  an  unrighteous  cause,  by  lying  testimony,  or  by  attest- 
ing as  fact  the  vain  rumours  circulated  against  the  other  party. 
Even  if  such  reports  had  obtained  general  credit,  the  wit- 
nesses must  44  not  follow  a multitude  to  do  evil,”  in  sanction 
ing  them,  not  knowing  them  to  be  true  ; nor  the  judges  in  de-. 
ciding  according  to  them  ; nor  the  pleader,  in  adducing  them 
to  prejudice  the  minds  of  the  magistrates  or  audience.  In  no 
case  must  any  party  be  influenced  to  act  contrary  to  strict 
•equity  and  impartiality,  either  by  public  opinion,  or  by  the  sen- 
timents or  inclinations  of  the  great  and  powerful ; or  even  by 
compassion  for  the  poor  man  whose  cause  was  unjust. — The 
word  rendered  countenance , signifies  adorn , and  seems  to 
refer  to  the  arts  of  oratory  and  the  sophistry  of  law,  by  which 
the  badness  of  a cause  is  varnished  over. — 4 Neither  parties, 
friends,  judges,  witnesses,  nor  vulgar  opinions,  must  neove 
us  to  lessen  great  faults,  aggravate  small  ones,  vindicata 
offenders,  accuse  the  innocent,  or  misrepresent  any  thing,  tc 
procure  an  unjust  sentence.’  Brown. 

V.  4,  5.  The  connexion  of  these  verses  has  suggested  to 
several  expositors  the  observation, 4 That  there  are  ways  innu- 
merable of  showing  pity  and  kindness,  without  supporting  a 
poor  man  in  an  iniquitous  cause.’  Yet,  the  precepts  do  not  spe- 
cify the  poory  but  an  enemy , and  one  that  hateth : and  no  doubt 
persons  of  every  nation  and  character  were  included,  though 
the  Jewish  writers  expound  them  only  of  Israelites. — Besides 
the  reluctance  men  naturally  have  to  a laborious  and  trouble- 
some action,  from  which  no  advantage  is  likely  to  arise  the 
circumstance  of  the  owner  being  an  enemy , an  unreconciled 
. bitter  enemy , would  have  much  influence.  Yet  regard  to  the 
interest  even  of  such  an  enemy  c as  well  as  mercy  to  a pool 
animal,  and  above  all,  the  will  of  God  thus  made  known, 
would  induce  every  conscientious  Israelite  to  bring  back  :he 

C 165  ) 


B.  C 1491.  EXODUS.  B.  C.  1491. 


9 A so  'thou  shalt  not  oppress  a stranger : for 
“ye  ki.ovv  the  ‘heart  of  a stranger,  seeing  ye  were 
strangers  in  the  land  of  Egypt.  [ Practical  observation,.) 

1 0 IT  And  six  years  thou  shalt  sow  thy  land, 
and  shalt  gather  in  the  fruits  thereof. 

11  But  "the  seventh  year  thou  shalt  let  it  rest 
and  lie  still ; that  the  poor  of  thy  people  may  eat : 
and  what  they  leave,  the  beasts  of  the  field  shall 
eat.  In  like  manner  thou  shalt  deal  with  thy  vine- 
yard, and  with  thy  'olive-yard. 

12  "Six  days  thou  shalt  do  thy  work,  and  on 
the  seventh  day  thou  shalt  rest : that  thine  ox 
and  thine  ass  may  rest,  Pand  the  son  of  thy  hand- 
maid, and  the  stranger,  may  be  refreshed. 

1 3 And  in  all  things  that  I have  said  unto  you, 
<be  circumspect : and  rmake  no  mention  of  the 
names  of  other  gods,  neither  let  it  be  heard  out  of 
thy  mouth. 

ISee  on 22:21.  Deul.  10:19.  24:14—18.  27:19.  Ps.  94:6.  Ez.22:7.  Mai.  3:5. 
m Matt.  18:33.  Heb.  2:17,18.  • Heb.  soul,  n See  on  Lev.  25:2—7,11,12,20,22. 
26:34,35.  t Or,  olive-trees,  o See  on20:8 — 11 . 31:15,16.  Luke  13:14.  p Deut.  5:13 
—15.  Is.  58:3.  q Deut.  4:9,15.  Josh.  2*2:5.  23:11. 1 f hr.  28:7—9.  Ps.  39:1.  Eph.  5: 
15.  1 Tim.  4:16.  Heb.  12:15.  r Dent.  12:3.  Josh.  23:7.  I’s.  16:4.  Jer.  10:11.  Hos. 
2:17  Zech.  13:2.  Eph. 5: 12.  a 34:22.  Lev.  23:5,16,34.  Deut.  16:16.  112:14—28,43 
—49.  13:6,7.  34:18.  Lev.  23.5—8.  Num.  9:2—14.  28:16—25.  Deal.  16:1—8.  Josh. 

ox  or  ass  that  had  gone  astray  ; nay,  to  assist  an  injurious 
and  malicious  adversary,  whose  very  presence  would  be 
uneasy  to  him,  to  lift  up  the  animal  which  had  sunk  under  his 
burden  ! It  does  not  appear,  whether  the  magistrates  were 
authorized  to  punish  those  who1  neglected  this  duty.  The 
spirit  of  these  laws  entirely  coincides  with  the  precepts  of 
Christ,  though  the  Jews  in  general  do  not  acknowledge  it ; and 
many  Christians  speak,  as  if  there  was  no  marked  coinci- 
dence, and  affirm  that  love  and  kindness  to  enemies  are  pecu- 
liar to  the  New  Testament  dispensation. 

V.  6 — 9.  It  may  reasonably  be  supposed,  that  the  pre- 
ceding verses  implied  an  instruction  to  the  judges,  as  they  are 
included  between  two  passages,  which  evidently  relate  to 
them  in  particular. — There  might  in  some  cases  be  danger, 
lest  compassion  should  'nduce  unjust  partiality  to  a poor  man 
in  a legal  process  ; but  far  more  instances  must  occur,  in 
which  the  magistrates  would  be  tempted  to  neglect  or  pervert 
his  cause,  either  to  oblige  a rich  opponent,  or  to  save  trouble, 
or  because  the  poor  man  had  not  money  to  pay  the  requisite 
expenses ; or  finally,  because  nothing  could  be  gained  by 
doing  him  justice,  and  nothing  risked  by  deciding  against  him. 
But  the  expression,  thy  poor , is  supposed  to  imply  an  answer 
to  such  evil  thoughts  and  surmises.  4 He  is  of  the  same 
nature,  of  the  same  blood,  and  the  protection  of  him  in  his 
right  is  committed,  O magistrate,  to  *rhee  especially,  by  the 
great  Judge  of  the  world:  therefore  “wrest  not  his  cause,” 
and  refuse  not  on  any  account  to  do  him  justice.’ — In  order  to 
enforce  this  general  principle,  of  doing  impartial  justice  with- 
out respect  to  persons,  and  without  fear,  favour,  or  affection  ; 
the  judges  were  reminded,  that  if  they  wilfully  or  incautiously 
hearkened  to  false  testimony,  or  decided  wrong  in  a case  of 
life  and  death,  either  directly  or  by  consequerfce,  they  would 
be  deemed  the  murderers  of  the  innocent  and  righteous.  Did 
they  tremble  at  the  thoughts  of  such  an  atrocious  crime  ? 
They  should  remember,  that  the  righteous  God  would  not 
judge  according  to  the  frivolous  distinctions,  which  men 
invent  to  shade  the  malignity  of  their  conduct ; bur  would  con- 
sider every  man  as  a murderer,  who  aided,  from  corrupt 
motives,  or  wilful  negligence,  in  putting  an  innocent  man  to 
death:  for  “he  would  not  justify  the  wicked.”  And,  by 
parity  of  reason,  they  who  thus  concurred  in  depriving  others 
of  their  property,  would  be  guilty  of  theft  or  robbery. — In 
, order  to  keep  at  a distance  from  such  wickedness,  the  magis- 
tiates  were  forbidden  to  take  any  gift  from  the  persons  whose 
cause  they  were  about  to  decide,  though  no  express  condition 
were  annexed  to  the  acceptance  of  it : for  such  is  human 
nature,  that  a gift  tends  exceedingly  to  blind  the  understand- 
ing of  the  most  sagacious,  and  to  pervert  the  words,  or  de- 
cisions, even  of  those  who  were  otherwise  righteous. — It  is 
recorded  of  Sir  Matthew  Hale , that  upon  his  circuit  as  a 
judge,  he  refused  to  try  the  cause  of  a gentleman,  who  had 
sent  him  the  customary  present  of  venison,  until  he  had  paid 
for  it : for  he  well  understood  the  spirit  of  these  excellent 
laws. — The  concluding  verse  is  nearly  the  same  as  one  before 
considered:  (22:21.)  but  it  seems  here  introduced  as  a cau- 
tion to  the  judges  to  beware  of  prejudice  against  foreigners, 
in  diciding  causes  in  which  they  were  concerned;  and  to  be 
sure  not  to  oppress  them ; for  they  knew  how  strangers  felt 
on  sui  h occasions,  having  themselves  been  oppressed  by 
Egyptian  magistrates. — The  glosses  of  the  Jewish  expositors 
■>n  tnetie  laws,  which  almost  totally  invalidate  them,  show  the 
need  there  was  for  this  caution : but  alas ! it  Seems  to  have 
v>een  but  little  noticed.  (Note^  Matt.  5:43—48.)  The  very 
question  of  the  lawyer,  “ But  who  is  my  neighbour?”  with 
>ur  Lord’s  answer,  may  give  some  faint  idea  of  those  cor- 
rupt glosses,  by  which  the  scribes  explained  awa^,  and  made 
void  the  law  of  love,  as  to  their  whole  conduct  towards 
strangers.  ( Notes,  Luke  1Q»25 — 37.) 

V.  10,  11.  The  Israelites  were  commanded  to  comme- 
morate the  creation  of  the  world,  not  only  by  sanctifying  one 

C 166  ) 


14  IT  "Three  times  thou  shalt  keep  a feast  unto 
me  in  the  year. 

15  Thou  shalt  keep  ‘the  feast  of  unleavened 
bread : thou  shalt  eat  unleavened  bread  seven 
days,  as  I commanded  thee  in  the  time  appointed 
of  the  month  Abib;  for  in  it  thou  earnest  out 
from  Egypt:  “and  none  shall  appear  before  me 
empty. 

16  And  the  *feast  of  harvest,  the  first-fruits  of 
thy  labours,  which  thou  hast  sown  in  the  field : 
and  the  Teast  of  ingathering  which  is  in  the  end 
of  the  year,  when  thou  hast  gathered  in  thy 
labours  out  of  the  field. 

17  Three  times  in  the  year  "all  thy  males  shall 
appear  before  the  Lord  God. 

18  Thou  shalt  not  offer  the  “blood  of  my  sacri- 
fice with  leavened  bread,  neither  shall  the  fat  of 
my  ^sacrifice  bremain  until  the  morning. 


5:10,11.  2 Kings 23:21 — 23.  Mnrk  14:12.  Luke  22:7.  1 Cor.  5:7,8.  u34:20.  Ler. 
23:10.  Deul.  16:16.  Piot.  3:9.10.  i 22:29.  Lev.  23:9— 21 . Num.  28:26— 31. 
Deul.  16:9— 12.  Ads 2:1.  7 34:22.  I.ev. 23:34-44.  Num.  29:12—39.  Deul.  16: 
13—15.  Neh.8:!4— 18.  Zech.  14:16— 19.  John  7:2,37.  7,34:23.  Deul.  12:5.  31: 
11.  ft.  84:7.  Luke 2:42.  a 12:8,15.  34:25.  Lev.2:ll.  7:12.  Deut.  16:4.  I Or. 
feast,  b 12:19.  Lev.  7:15. 


day  out  of  seven,  as  a holy  rest  to  the  Lord,  but  also  by 
intermitting  the  culture  of  their  land  every  seventh  year. 
Yet  a promise  was  implied  in  this  command,  that  the  ground 
should,  even  in  that  year,  produce  spontaneously  a consider- 
able increase  ; which  they  were  required  to  allow  the  poor, 
who  had  no  lands  in  possession,  to  gather  for  their  use  and 
enjoyment:  and  on  the  residue  the  beasts  of  the  field  might 
feed.  It  is  evident  that  the  owners  were  not  allowed  to  reap 
any  harvest,  or  gather  in  the  increase  of  the  vineyard  or 
olive-yard,  during  this  sabbatical  year ; yet  it  is  generally 
thought  that  they  might,  along  with  their  poor  neighbours, 
gather  some  of  the  fruits,  which  could  not  be  preserved,  for 
present  use. — The  law  seems  to  have  been  intended  to  teach 
the  people  that  they  were  merely  the  Lord’s  tenants  for  their 
estates  ; and  that  they  would  incur  a torfeiture,  if  they  did 
not  observe  his  rules  in  cultivating  them.  It  was  also  suited 
to  teach  them  dependence  on  his  Providence ; and  to  lead 
them  to  observe  his  faithfulness,  in  sending  a proportionate 
increase  on  the  sixth  year.  It  evidently  and  cogently  incul- 
cated indifference  to  worldly  wealth  ; and  liberality,  without 
grudging,  to  the  poor.  The  institution,  as  far  as  observed, 
likewise  gave  the  Israelites  leisure  to  attend  on  more  import- 
ant concerns;  and  no  doubt  was  a real  advantage  to  the 
ground,  by  letting  it  sometimes  lie  fallow : while  it  typified  the 
rest  of  heaven,  when  all  earthly  labours,  cares,  and  interests 
shall  cease  for  ever. — Some  expositors  think,  that  the  seventh 
thousand  years  of  the  world  will  be  in  some  respect  ana- 
logous to  this  sabbatical  year.  ( Notes , Lev.  25:1 — 7,20 — 22.) 

V.  12.  Even  on  the  sabbatical  year,  the  holy  rest  of  the 
sabbath-day  must  be  observed,  as  well  as  at  other  times. 
( Notes,  20:8 — 1 1 . Deut.  5:12—15.) 

V.  13.  In  order  to  exact  circumspection  in  keeping  these 
commandments,  and  especially  in  avoiding  all  occasions  of 
idolatry,  or  approaches  to  it,  the  Israelites  were  forbidden  to 
mention , or  cause  to  he  remembered , the  names  of  other  gods, 
or  to  let  them  be  heard  from  their  mouths.  No  doubt,  on 
some  occasions,  they  might  mention  the  names  of  idols,  in 
order  to  express  their  abhorrence  of  them ; for  thus,  and  thus 
only,  the  sacred  writers  mention  them:  but  the  use  of  their 
names  in  common  conversation,  would  tend  to  abate  this 
abhorrence,  and  to  make  way  for  the  worship  of  them. — It  is 
worth  while  to  inquire,  how  far  the  familiar  acquaintance  with 
the  heathen  mythology,  which  generally  accompanies  a clas- 
sical education,  and  is  considered  as  essential  to  it,  consists 
with  this  law : and  whether  it  do  not  subserve  the  cause  o. 
skepticism  and  immorality,  and  prove  very  unfavourable  to 
genuine  Christianity.  The  characters  and  anecdotes  of  Jupi- 
ter, Bacchus,  Apollo,  Mars,  Mercury,  Venus,  and  olher 
abominable  idols,  told  in  the  fictions  of  the  poets  in  a fasci- 
nating manner,  lose  their  horror,  and  fill  the  youthful  mind 
with  delight  and  admiration:  and  an  imagination  stored  with 
ideas,  and  a judgment  perverted  by  examples,  of  this  kind, 
promise  nothing  very  desirable,  either  in  respect  of  purity, 
integrity,  or  piety.  It  were  to  bo  wished  that  such  books  as 
Ovid’s  Metamorphoses,  and  many  others  of  that  cast,  were 
cither  totally  kept  out  of  the  hands  of  inexperienced  youth, 
or  more  cautiously  intrusted  to  them. — As  to  the  places  of 
public  diversion,  they  subsist  by  accommodation  to  tne  more 
plausible  passions  of  depraved  human  nature:  and  the  hca» 
thenism  of  them  only  forms  an  additional  proof  of  their  un- 
favourable aspect  on  Christianity,  and  an  additional  reason 
why  real  Christians  should  keep  themselves  and  their  chil- 
dren from  them. 

V.  14 — 18.  Three  solemn  religious  festivals  were  insti- 
tuted to  be  observed  by  the  Israelites,  during  all  succeeding 
generations,  while  they  continued  to  be  the  peculiar  people  ol 
God. — “The  feast  of  unleavened  bread,”  in  remembrance  of 
their  deliverance  out  of  Egypt,  has  been  considered.  (NoU'm^ 
12:  13:8 — 10.)  “The  feast  of  harvest,”  when  it  became 
ripe,  called  also  “the  feast  of  pentocost,”  seems  to  have 


B.  C.  1491 


CHAPTER  XXIII, 


B.  C.  1495 


19  The  'first  of  the  first-fruits  of  thy  land 
thou  shalt  bring  into  the  house  of  the  Lord  ihy 
God.  Thou  shalt  not  dseeth  a kid  in  his  mo- 
ther’s milk. 

20  H Behold,  I send  an  'Angel  before  thee  to 
keep  thee  in  the  way,  and  to  bring  thee  into  the 
place  which  I have  'prepared. 

21  'Beware  of  him,  and  obey  his  voice;  hprovoke 
him  not : for  ‘lie  will  not  pardon  your  transgres- 
sions : for  kmy  Name  is  in  him. 

22  But  if  thou  shalt  indeed  obey  his  voice,  and 
do  all  that  I speak  ; then  I will  be  'an  enemy  unto 
thine  enemies,  and  'an  adversary  unto  thine  ad- 
versaries. 

23  For  mine  Angel  shall  go  before  thee,  and 
bring  rathee  in  unto  the  Amorites,  and  the  Hittites, 
and  the  Perizzites, and  the  Canaanites,the  Hivites, 
and  the  Jebusites : and  I will  cut  them  off. 

24  Thou  “shalt  not  bow  down  to  their  gods,  nor 
serve  them,  nor  °do  after  their  works  : but  thou 
shalt  utterly  Poverthrow  them,  and  quite  break 
down  their  images. 

25  And  “ye  shall  serve  the  Lord  your  God,  and 

0-22:29.  34:26.  Lex.  23:10— 17.  Num.  18:12,13.  Deut.  12:5-7.  26:10.  Neh. 10: 

05.  1 Cor.  15:20.  Rev.  11:1.  d 31:26.  Deut.  14:21.  Prov.  12:10.  Jer.  10:3.  e 3: 
2—6  . 32:34  . 33:2,14.  Gen.  48:16.  Num.  20:16.  Jo«h.5:13.  6:2.  I. .63:9.  Mil.  3: 
I.  1 Cor. 10:9,10.  fGen.  15:18.  Mall. 25.34.  John  14:3.  g l'..2:12.  Matt.  17:5. 
Heb.  12:25.  h Num.  14:11.  Ps.  78:40,56.  Eph.4:30.  Heb.  3:10,16.  i 32:34. 
Num.  14:35.  Deut.  18:19.  Josh.  24:19.  Heb.  3:11.  10:26—29.12:25.  1 John  5: 
16.  k 3:14.  34:5—7.  Ps.  72:19.  83:18.  Is.  7:14.  9:6.  42:8.  45:6.  57:15.  Jer.  23: 

6.  Matt. 1:23  John5:23.  10:30,38.  14:9,10.  Col.  2:9.  Rev.  1:8.  2:8,23.  3:7. 

1 Gen.  12:3.  Num.  24:9.  Deut.  30:7.  Jer.  30:20.  Zech.  2:8.  Acts  9:4,5.  * Or,  / 
vill  ajflict  them  that  afflict  thee,  m See  on  3: 17.  Gen.  15:19 — 21.34:2.  Josh. 
^4:8 — 11.  n See  on  20:5.  o Lev.  18:3,26— 30.  Deut.  12:30,31.  2 Chr.  33:2,9. 

instituted  in  remembrance  of  the  promulgation  of  the  Law 
from  mount  Sinai : and  the  “ feast  of  ingathering”  when  the 
harvest  was  completely  secured-,  called  also  “ the  feast  of 
tabernacles,”  in  remembrance  of  the  people  dwelling  in  tents 
in  the  wilderness.  This  was  observed  in  the  seventh  month, 
called  here  “ the  end  of  the  year for  the  year  began  in 
autumn,  till  Israel  was  delivered  out  of  Egypt. — Various 
oblations  were  required  on  all  these  occasions,  which  we 
shall  hereafter  consider ; as  also  the  command,  that  every 
male  should  appear  before  the  Lord  at  his  tabernacle  or  tem- 
le,  at  those  times,  and  not  appear  empty. — No  leavened 
read  was  allowed  to  be  offered  with  the  blood  of  the  sacri- 
fices ; that  is,  say  expositors,  the  sacrifice  of  the  passover : 
but  the  other  sacrifices  at  that  festival  were  also  intended  ; 
as  likewise  in  the  caution,  not  to  leave  any  of  the  fat  until 
the  morning,  lest  it  should  be  in  danger  of  corrupting.  A 
similar  injunction  had  before  been  given  respecting  the 
flesh  of  the  paschal  lamb.  (12:10.  Notes,  Lev.  23:  Deut. 
16:1—17.) 

V.  19.  Not  seeth,  &c.l  This  singular  practice,  which  is 
more  than  once  prohibited,  might  be  deemed  to  have  some 
semblance  of  cruelty ; or  it  might  be  considered  as  an  unna- 
tural gratification  of  the  appetite : but  probably  it  was  a super- 
stition, or  a sort  of  incantation,  in  use  among  idolaters,  by 
which  they  thought  to  secure  a plentiful  harvest.  (Marg. 
Ref.  d.) 

V.  20 — 23.  After  the  Lord  had  enacted  all  these  laws,  he 
concluded  this  revelation  to  Moses,  by  him  to  be  delivered  to 
Israel,  with  many  encouraging  promises,  interspersed  with 
warnings  and  exhortations.  He  engaged  especially  to  “send 
his  Angel  before”  the  people,  to  conduct  them  to  Canaan  : 
but  he  cautioned  them  to  take  heed  and  obey  him,  and  not  be 
refractory  and  rebellious ; as  he  would  not  endure  their  pro- 
vocations, but  take  signal  vengeance  on  them,  if  they  per- 
sisted in  them:  “ for,”  says  Jehovah,  “ rily  Name  is  in  him.” 
(Marg.  Ref.  k.) — When  we  recollect  the  many  scriptures, 
which  call  an  Angel,  that  appeared  to  the  people  of  God,  by 
the  names,  Jehovah,  and  Elohim,  that  is,  God,  we  can 
hardly  doubt  who  this  Angel  was,  who  had  power  on  earth 
to  forgive,  or  not  to  forgive,  and  in  whom  was  the  name  of 
Jehovah  ; which  seems  naturally  to  mean  the  participation 
of  the  divine  perfections,  as  well  as  acting  with  divine  au- 
thority.— “But,”  adds  the  Lord,  “if  thou  shalt  indeed  obey 
his  voice,  and  do  all  that  I command  thee,"  then  I will  confer 
the  promised  blessings. 

V.  26.  Number,  &c.]  The  righteous  Governor  of  the 
world  has  established  such  a connexion  between  causes  and 
effects,  that  the  wickedness  of  men  conduces,  in  an  immense 
degree,  to  shorten  their  lives,  and  those  of  others,  even  to 
succeeding  generations:  so  that  very  few  of  the  human  race 
tive  so  long  as  they  might,  did  not  their  own  misconduct,  or 
that  of  other  men,  bring  them  to  an  untimely  end.  No  doubt 
in  this,  as  in  all  other  respects,  the  council  of  the  Lord  is 
accomplished:  and  this  is  one  of  his  methods  of  restraining  or 
punishing  vice.— But  “the  number  of  their  days,”  which  the 
Lord  promised  “to  fulfil”  to  the  Israelites,  while  obedient, 
refers  to  that  term  of  human  life,  which  men  of  a good  consti- 
tution might  be  expected  to  attain  to,  if  they  did  nothing  to 
nipair  their  health,  were  preserved  from  the  effect  of  other 
vrien’s  vices,  and  by  the  blessing  of  God,  were  protected  from 
external  injuries,  and  exemDted  from  pestilences  and  fatal 


rhe  shall  bless  thy  bread,  and  thy  walcr : and 
•will  take  sickness  away  from  the  midst  of  thee. 

26  There  ‘shall  nothing  cast  their  young,  n 
be  barren  in  thy  land  : “the  number  of  thy  clays 
will  fulfil. 

27  I will  send  *my  fear  before  thee,  and  wi : 
destroy  all  the  people  to  whom  thou  shalt  come, 
and  I will  make  all  thine  enemies  turn  their  ‘backs 
unto  thee. 

28  And  I will  send  ^hornets  before  thee,  which 
shall  drive  out  the  Hivite,  the  Canaanite,  and  the 
Hittite,  from  before  thee. 

29  I will  not  drive  them  out  from  before  thee 
•in  one  year ; lest  the  land  become  desolate,  and 
the  beast  of  the  field  multiply  against  thee. 

30  By  little  and  little  I will  drive  them  out.  from 
before  thee,  until  thou  be  increased,  and  inheri 
the  land. 

31  And  “I  will  set  thy  hounds  from  the  Red  Sea 
even  unto  the  sea  of  the  Philistines,  and  from  the 
desert  unto  the  river : for  I will  “deliver  the  in- 
habitants of  the  land  into  your  bond ; and  thou 
shalt  drive  them  out  before  thee. 


Ps.  106:35— 38.  Ez.  16:47.  p 32:20.  34:13,14.  Num.  33:52.  Deut.  7:5,25,26.  12: 
3.  2 Chr.  34:3— 7.  q Deut.  6:13.  10:12,20.  11:13.  13:4.28:1—6.  Josh.  22:5.  24: 
14,15,21,21.  1 Sam.  7:3.  12:20,24.  Jer.  8:2.  Matt.  4:10.  r Dent.  7:43.  28:5—8 
Mai.  3:10.11.  s 15:26.  Deut.  7:15.  Is.  33:24.  I Deut.  7:14.28:4.  Job 21:10.  1 «. 
107:38.  144:13.  uGeu.25:8.  35:29.  1 Chr.  23:1.  Job5:26.  42:17.  I s.  55:23.  90: 
10.  Is.  65:20.  x 15:14— 16.  Gen.  35:5.  Deut.  2:25.  11:23,25.  Josh.  2:9— 11 
1 Sim.  14:15.  2 Kings  7:6.  2 Chr.  14:14.  t Heb.  ntek.  Ps.  18:40.  y Deut.  7:20 
Josh. 24:11,12.  z Deut.  7:22.  Josh. 15:63.  16:10.  17:12,13.  Judg.  3:1— 1.  aGen. 

45:18.  Num.  34:3— 15.  Deut.  11:21.  Josh.  1:4.1  Kings  4:21,24.  Ps.72:8.  h Num 
21:31.  Deut.  3:2.  Josh.  8:7,18.  10:8,19.  21:44.  23:14.  24:8.  1 Sam.  23:4.  1 Kings 
20:13. 


diseases.  We  ought  not  to  suppose,  that  such  assurances, 
as  we  meet  with  in  the  close  of  this  chapter,  engaged  to  every 
individual  long  life,  health,  and  fruitfulness ; but  only  that  a 
special  blessing  should  attend  them,  in  addition  to  the  natural 
tendency  of  a sober,  righteous,  and  godly  life ; and  that  they 
would  in  this  respect  be  evidently  distinguished  from  other 
nations. — When  a universal  prevalence  of  genuine  Chris- 
tianity shall  terminate  wars,  oppressions,  enfeebling  poverty, 
intemperance,  and  licentiousness,  men  will  far  more  generally 
than  at  present,  live  to  old  age.  (Notes,  Lev.  26:3 — 13.  Is, 
65:20—23.) 

V.  27.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  28.  The  sting  of  the  hornet,  or  large  wasp,  is  very 
terrible ; they  are  also  exceedingly  courageous  insects,  and 
not  to  be  gotcid  of  but  by  destroying  them  : vast  swarms  of 
them  might  therefore  effectually  drive  away  the  inhabitants 
of  Canaan,  and  prove  even  a more  dreadful  plague  to  them, 
than  the  frogs,  lice,  flies,  or  locusts  had  been  to  Egypt. — No 
account  indeed  is  found,  in  the  subsequent  history,  of  hornets 
assaulting  the  armies  which  fought  against  Israel:  but  Joshua 
attests  the  fulfilment  of  the  promise,  in  respect  to  the  two 
kings  of  the  Amorites,  in  a manner  which  proves  that  it  wa. 
well  known  by  all  the  people.  (Note,  Josh.  24:12.)  It  may 
be  inferred,  from  the  texts  referred  to  in  the  margin,  that  the 
hornets  attacked  the  devoted  nations,  either  before  they  en- 
gaged in  battle,  thus  weakening  and  dismaying  them  ; or  after 
they  were  put  to  flight,  and  attempting  to  hide  themselves  in 
caverns  or  desolate  places,  to  consume  the  remains  of  them, 
or  drive  them  out  of  the  land.  And  this  may  account  for  the 
silence  of  the  history  on  the  subject.  Probably,  the  three 
tribes  here  mentioned  were  more  dreadfully  harassed  by  the 
hornets  than  the  rest  were. — Learned  men  have  shown  from 
ancient  historians,  that  traditions  prevailed  of  nations  forced 
swarms  of  different  kinds  of  insects  to  leave  their  country  ; 
most  of  which,  probably,  originated  from  some  confused  report 
of  the  Lord’s  dealings  with  the  Egyptians  and  Canaanites. 
(Note,  8:24.) 

V.  29,  30.  The  Israelites  might  conclude,  from  the  pro- 
mises made  to  their  fathers  and  to  them,  that  the  Lord  would 
at  once  expel  or  destroy  the  old  inhabitants  of  the  land  before 
them  ; and,  experiencing  delays,  they  might  question  whether 
he  had  not  failed  of  his  word.  But  this  consequence  was 
obviated  by  the  intimation  here  given ; and  the  reason  as- 
signed, for  a gradual  extirpation  of  the  devoted  Canaanites, 
shows  that  the  country  assigned  to  Israel  was  far  more  than 
sufficient  for  that  generation,  which  yet  consisted  at  least  of 
two  millions : and  as  they  could  not  occupy  the  whole  till 
they  were  still  more  increased,  it  would  be  better  for  them,, 
that  some  of  the  ancient  inhabitants  should  remain,  than  that 
the  country,  lying  desolate,  should  be  infested  with  wild 
beasts. — Other  causes  however  combined,  in  preventing  the 
Israelites  from  at  once  obtaining  possession  of  the  whole 
country  assigned  them. 

V.  31 . The  boundaries  of  the  promised  land,  as  here  stated, 
if  compared  with  the  passages  referred  to  in  the  margin, 
may  be  thus  explained.  The  northern  extremity  of  the  Red1. 
Sea  was  at  no  great  distance  from  the  river  of  Egypt,  which 
ran  into  the  Mediterranean,  on  the  shore  of  which  the  Philis- 
tines dwelt.  From  the  extremity  therefore  of  the  Red  Sea,, 
across  to  the  Mediterranean  Sea,  and  the  course  of  its  shore, 
as  far  as  mount  Lebanon,  was  the  western  boundary  from 

( 167  ) 


li  O .491.  EXODUS.  B.  C.  1491. 


32  Thou  cshalt  make  no  covenant  with  them, 
dnor  with  t’leir  rods. 

33  They  shall  not  dwell  in  thy  land,  lest  'they 
make  thee  sin  against  me  : for  if  thou  serve  their 
gods,  it  will  surely  be  a snare  unto  thee. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Mocee,  beitt ? cabled  to  go  up  to  'he  mount , delivers  the  lavs  to  Israel , and  they 
consent  to  covenant  with  God , 1 — 3.  An  altar  and  twelve  pillars  are  prepared , 
and  the  covenant  is  ratified , with  sacrifices  and  the  sprinkling  of  blood , 4 — 
8.  Moses , Aaron,  ana  his  sons,  and  the  elders  of  Israel , are  favoured  with 
a vision  of  God,  and  feast  before  him , 9 — II.  Moses  ascends  the  mount, 
Joshua  at  first  accompanying  him  ; he  leaves  Aaron  and  llur  to  rule  the  peo- 
ple ; and  abides  in  the  mount  forty  days  and  nights,  12 — 18. 

AND  he  said  unto  Moses,  “Come  up  unto  the 
Lord,  thou  and  Aaron,  bNadab  and  Abihu, 

e 34:12,15.  Dent.  7:2.  Josh.  9:14—23.  2 Sam.  21:1, 2.  cl  Nnm.25:l,2.  Dent.  7:16. 
e!  Kings  14:16.  2Clir.  S3:9.  IDeut.  12:30.  Josh.  23.13.  Judg.  2:3.  Ps.  106:36. 
2 Tim.  2:26.  n 3:5.  19:9,20,24.  20  21.  34:2.  b 6:23  . 28:1.  I, cv.  10:1,2.  I Chr. 
6:3.24:1,2.  c 9.  1:6.  Num.  11:16,24,25.  El.  8:11.  Luke  10:1,17.  d 15,18.  20: 


south  to  north.  The  great  desert,  at  the  southern  extremity 
of  Canaan;  and  at  the  south-east  of  the  adjacent  countries 
behind  the  Dead  Sea  and  beyond  Jordan,  as  far  as  the  great 
river  Euphrates,  formed  the  southern  and  eastern  boundaries  ; 
while  a line  from  the  Mediterranean  Sea,  passing  by  mount 
Libanus  to  the  river  Euphrates,  would  mark  its  boundaries 
on  the  north,  or  on  the  north-west. — There  are  considerable 
difficulties,  at  this  distance  of  time,  in  ascertaining  these 
limits  with  any  tolerable  exactness,  and  consequently  differ- 
ent opinions  in  some  particulars  prevail  ; but  this  statement 
seems  to  accord  with  the  most  approved  authorities. — It  is 
generally  supposed,  that  the  promise  of  driving  out  the  ancient 
inhabitants,  related  only  to  the  devoted  nations  of  Canaan^* 
for^vhen  the  other  countries,  included  in  this  grant,  were 
subjected  to  David  and  Solomon,  they  never  attempted  to 
expel  or  extirpate  the  inhabitants ; nor  does  it  appear  that 
they  had  any  command  or  authority  to  do  it. 

V.  32,  33.  When  the  Israelites  were  forbidden  to  “ make 
any  covenant  with  the  devoted  nations  or  their  gods ;”  it 
seems  to  intimate,  that  individuals  or  collective  bodies,  that 
were  willing  to  renounce  idolatry,  and  to  embrace  the  religion 
of  Israel,  might  be  spared,  and  admitted  into  covenant  with 
them  ; and  the  subsequent  history  favours  this  supposition. 
But  while  the  devoted  nations  continued  idolaters,  they  must 
not  be  tolerated  in  the  land,  if  the  Israelites  could  by  any 
means  expel  or  destroy  them : for,  the  Lord’s  purpose  of 
“driving  them  out  by  little  and  little,”  did  not  excuse  the 
negligence  of  the  people,  who  willingly  allowed  them  to  live 
among  them ; the  consequence  of  which  was,  that  they  were 
either  tempters  or  scourges  to  them.— The  last  clause  may 
be  rendered,  u For  thou  wilt  serve  their  gods  f for  it  will  be 
a snare  unto  thee.”  If  idolaters  were  allowed  to  live  among 
the  Israelites,  it  would  prove  a snare  to  them,  and  they  would 
be  induced  to  worship  their  idols. — The  latter  part  of  this 
chapter  primarily  relates  to  the  national  covenant,  the  solemn 
ratification  of  which  is  recorded  in  the  next  chapter. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  How  manifold  are  the  temptations,  and  occa- 
sions of  sin,  in  this  evil  worid ! He  who  would  “ keep  a 
conscience  void  of  offence  towards  God  and  man,”  must  not 
only  mortify  his  own  covetousness,  pride,  resentment,  envy, 
and  sensuality;  but  likewise  take  heed  that  his  judgment  be 
not  biassed,  and  his  heart  prejudiced,  by  the  authority,  ex- 
ample, or  reasonings  of  men,  who  are  held  in  reputation  for 
wisdom,  learning,  and  virtue  ; by  the  influence  of  the  rich 
and  great;  by  gratiiude  to  benefactors;  by  natural  affection 
to  relations,  or  by  partiality  to  beloved  friends ; by  fear  of 
offending  those  op  whom  he  depends,  or  from  whom  he  has 
expectations  ; by  reverence  to  superiors  ; by  popular  clamours  ; 
by  a party-spirit ; by  vulgar  reports ; by.  conformity  to  the 
maxims,  customs,  and  fashions  of  the  world ; or  even  by  an 
easy  and  friendly  temper,  and  compassion  for  the  poor  and 
afflicted.  For  there  is  no  passion  or  propensity  in  the  human 
heart,  however  amiable  in  its  general  exercise,  which  will  not 
betray  us  into  imprudence,  injustice,  and  even  impiety,  unless 
it  be  regulated  by  divine  grace,  and  subordinated  to  the  fear 
and  love  of  God. — The  laws  delivered  by  Moses,  however 
misunderstood  by  the  scribes  and  Pharisees,  and  by  many 
professed  Christians,  required  the  same  equity  and  truth,  the 
same  tenderness  of  men’s  reputation  and  comfort,  the  same 
regard  to  their  liberty  and  property,  the  same  love  even  to 
enemies,  and  the  same  disposition,  however  injured  or  exas- 
perated, to  mortify  malevolence,  and  to  return  good  for  evil, 
which  are  inculcated  by  our  blessed  Saviour  and  his  apostles. 
It  is  likewise  very  useful  to  examine  and  meditate  on  these 
statutes,  as  select  instances,  familiarly  illustrating  the  more 
general  rules  of  equity  and  love,  and  teaching  us  how  to  apply 
them  in  the  ordinary  concerns  of  life.  Indeed,  the  more  we 
thus  compare  one  part  of  Scripture  with  another,  the  better 
we  shall  understand  every  part ; and  the  fuller  will  be  our 
conviction,  that  the  whole  is  “the  word  of  God.” — Integrity, 
impartiality,  and  benevolence;  a noble  disinterestedness; 
firmness  and  boldness ; an  habitual  fear  of  God,  and  a con- 
stant expectation  of  the  great  day  of  retribution  ; are  pecu- 
liarly requisite  for  legislators,  magistrates,  lawyers,  juries, 
witnesses,  dr  prosecutors,  and  all  concerned  in  courts  of 
Tistioe.  For  when  human  wisdom  has  done  its  utmost,  they 
( 168  ) 


and  ^seventy  o(  the  elders  of  Israel ; and  worship 
ye  afar  off. 

2 And  Moses dalone  shall  come  near  the  Lord: 
but  they  shall  not  come  nigh,  neither  shall  the 
people  go  up  with  him. 

3 And  Moses  came  and  told  the  people  all  the 
words  of  the  Lord,  and  eall  the  judgments:  and 
all  the  people  answered  with  one  voice,  and  sai  l. 
fAll  the  words,  which  the  Lord  hath  said,  wilt 
we  do. 

4 And  Moses swrote  all  the  words  of  the  Lord, 
and  rose  up  early  in  the  morning,  hand  buildedan 
altar  under  the  hill,  and  ‘twelve  pillars  According 
to  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel. 


21.  Num.  16:5.  Jer.  30:21.  49:19.  Heb.  9:24.  IU:21,22.  e 21 : — 23:  Pent.  4:1.5 
45.5:1,31.6:1.  11  1.  f7.  19:8.  Dent.  5:27,28.  Josli.  24:22.  g Dent.  31:S.  Josh .*24: 
26.  h 20:24— 26.  i Gen.  23:18,2*2.  31:45.  Josh.  24:27.  Gal.  2:9.  k 28:21 . Lev.  24: 
5.  Num.  17:2.  Josh.  4:2,3,8,9,20.  lKings  1 1:3(1.  E7.rn6:17.  Luke 22:30.  Rev.  21: 14 


will  often  be  strongly  tempted  to  wrest  or  pervert  judgment ; 
perhaps  to  the  oppression  of  numbers,  and  even  to  the  murder 
of  the  innocent  and  righteous  ; nor  will  opportunities  be  want- 
ing. Such  legal  murders  have  in  many  ages  and  nations 
been  extremely  frequent ; but,  with  considerable  confidence 
and  gratitude,  we  may  assert,  that  they  are  well  guarded 
against  in  this  favoured  nation ; how  desirable  is  it  that  we 
might  without  hesitation  add,  and  in  all  its  distant  provinces! 
But,  wherever  committed,  they  are  the  most  malignant  of  all 
murders,  and  will  be  found  so  at  the  day  “when  the  earth 
shall  disclose  her  blood,  and  no  more  cover  her  slain.” — Wc 
have  all  great  need  to  “ watch  and  pray  that  we  enter  not 
into  temptation,”  and  to  shun  all  occasions  of  sin  : for  the 
remaining  evil  of  the  heart  is  attracted  by  the  evil  that  is  in 
the  world,  with  a kind  of  magnetic  force,  which  increases  as 
they  approach  each  other.  Hence  it  is,  that  a near  prospect 
of  secular  advantages  so  frequently  “blinds  the  wise,  and 
perverts  the  words  of  the  righteous.”  Let  us  then  “ take  heed 
and  beware  of  covetousness  ;”  pray  earnestly  for  contentment 
with  food  and  raiment  ; and  learn  to  expect  needful  supplies 
from  the  Lord,  day  by  day,  in  the  conscientious  performance 
of  the  duties  to  which  we  are  called.  And,  as  we  must  be 
sensible,  (whether  we  “know  the  heart  of  a stranger,”  by 
painful  experience,  or  not,)  that  oppressions  would  be  viry 
galling  to  us  ; let  us  on  no  consideration  concur  in  oppress.ng 
any  human  being:  on  the  contrary,  “whatsoever  we  would 
that  men  should  do  unto  us,  let  us  do  even  so  to  them ; for 
this  is  the  law  and  the  prophets.” 

V.  10 — 33.  While  we  carefully  observe  the  rules  of 
justice,  truth,  and  mercy,  in  our  conduct  towards  our  brethren 
and  neighbours,  we  must  not  forget  our  still  higher  obligations 
to  the  Lord  our  God:  and  if  we  be  indeed  his  people,  we 
shall  cheerfully  devote  ourselves  to  his  service,  submit  to  all 
his  will,  and  seek  his  glory,  in  the  conduct  of  our  secular 
affairs,  in  the  use  of  our  property,  and  in  the  spending  of  our 
time.  We  shall  count  his  sabbaths  and  ordinances  our 
refreshment  and  pleasure ; we  shall  readily  dedicate  to  him 
the  first  and  best  of  all  his  gifts,  and  share  our  portion,  even 
if  small,  with  those  who  have  still  less  than  wc ; depending  on 
his  promise  and  providence  for  the  future. — But  in  all  these 
things,  and  even  in  the  government  of  our  tongues,  it  behooves 
us  to  be  “ circumspect for  we  can  neither  “ work  out  our  own 
salvation,”  nor  glorify  God  and  do  good,  without  great  dili- 
gence and  attention ; and  the  ruinous  consequences  of  mere 
heedlessness  are  seldom  duly  considered.  Let  us  then  pitt 
ourselves  under  the  guidance  and  banner  of  the  great  Angel 
of  the  covenant,  in  whom  is  the  name  of  Jehovah:  let  us 
obey  his  voice,  submit  to  his  will,  fear  nothing  but  his  indigna- 
tion and  failing  of  his  forgiveness,  desire  the  comforts  of  his 
Spirit,  depend  on *his  arm,  and  expect  the  fulfilment  of  his 
promises;  and  thus  march  forward  towards  the  heavenly 
Canaan,  through  hosts  of  opposing  foes,  all  of  which  he  will 
enable  us  to  overcome.  We  shall  then  learn  by  experience, 
that  his  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness  and  peace,  notwith- 
standing conflicts  and  self-denial ; that,  in  the  ordinary  course 
of  things,  obedience  to  his  precepts  conduces  to  health,  long 
life,  and  domestic  comfort : and  that  the  provisions  which  he 
sends,  (though  often  such  as  the  world  counts  mean  and 
scanty,)  being  accompanied  by  his  blessing,  are  far  better 
than  tlio  greatest  affluence  of  ungodly  men.  ( Note , Ps.  37 
10,17.)  And  though  it  is  not  bis  will  to  destroy  our  inward 
enemies  at  once,  but  by  little  and  little  ; yet  they  too  shell 
finally  be  extirpated;  and  ho  will  make  us  more  than  con- 
querors in  the  event.  Nay,  in  the  mean  while,  he  will  take 
occasion,  from  their  existence  and  opposition,"  to  display  Ins 
own  glory,  and  to  promote  our  good ; so  that  the  whole  shall 
terminate  in  our  deeper  humility,  and  in  more  admiring  love 
and  ardent  gratitude,  for  ever. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXIV.  V.  1,2.  After  Moses  had 
received  the  foregoing  laws,  ho  was  sent  down  from  “ the 
thick  darkness  where  God  was,”  (20:21.)  to  deliver  then  to 
the  people:  and  at  the  same  time  the  Lord  gave  him  direc- 
tions concerning  the  subsequent  solemn  transactions.  Vie 
and  Aaron,  with  Aaron’s  two  eldest  sons,  and  seventy  eld«rs 
ot  Israel,  were  directed  to  come  up  into  the  mount  ; after 
they  (and  probably  the  congregation  with  them)  had  wo** 
shipped  at  a distance,  to  express  thtir  humble  reverence  ot 


B.  C 1191. 


CHAPTER  XXIV 


B.  C.  1491 


5 And  lie  sent  'young  men  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  which  offered  ""burnt-offerings,  and  sacri- 
ficed "peace-o flerings  of  oxen  unto  the  Loan. 

C And  Moses  took  half  of  the  blood,  and  put  it 
m basins;  and  half  of  “the  blood  he  sprinkled  i'on 
the  altar. 

7  And  he  took  ‘ithe  book  of  the  covenant,  and 
'read  in  the  audience  of  the  people : and  they 
said,  SA11  that  the  Lord  hath  said  will  we  do,  and 
be  obedient. 


I 19:22.  m See  on  18: 12.  Lev.  1:  n Lev.  3:  7:11 — 21.  08.  12:7,22.  Col.  1:20. 
Heb.  12:24.  1 Pet.  1:2.13.  p29:16— 20.  Lev.  1 :5,li.  3 2,8.  4:6.  q 4.  Heb.  9: 

18—23.  rOeut.  31:11 — 13.  ,‘ct«  13:15.  Col.  4:16.  1 Tiles.  5:27.  s See  on  3. 
Jer.  7:23,24.  I See  on  6.  Lev.  8:30.  Is.  52:15.  ill.  36:25.  Hcb.9:18,19.  u Z«ch. 


the  divine  majesty,  and  to  produce  in  their  minds  proper 
solemnity  for  a nearer  approach.  Yet  only  Moses  was  per- 
mitted to  ascend  the  top  of  the  mountain,  where  the  glory  of 
God  was  peculiarly  manifested ; while  the  others  must  keep 
at  a great  distance,  though  some  would  be  admitted  nearer 
than  others. — It  is  not  evident  who  the  seventy  elders  were. 
They  are  spoken  of  as  part  of  a larger  company.  Some  think 
they  were  a part  of  the  rulers  of  thousands,  hundreds,  fifties, 
and  tens,  who  had  been  appointed  by  the  advice  of  Jethro ; 
but  these  are  not  called  elders:  elders  are  repeatedly  spoken 
of  before  that  time : and  the  seventy  elders  mentioned  in 
another  place,  were  evidently  appointed  some  time  after. 
(Marg.  Ref.  c.)  It  is,  however,  very  natural  to  suppose, 
tnat  in  each  tribe  there  were  some  persons  who  on  one  ac- 
count or  another,  bore  the  chief  sway ; and  from  these  seventy 
were  selected,  who  were  also  called  “ the  nobles”  or  princes 
“of  Israel;”  (11.)  and  who  attended  as  representatives  of 
their  several  tribes,  in  solemnly  covenanting  with  God. 

V.  3,  4.  When  Moses  had  set  before  the  people  “ all  the 
judgments,”  or  the  judicial  law  which  he  had  received,  with 
the  moral  law  of  ten  commandments  delivered  from  mount 
Sinai,  and  the  promises  made  to  them  of  special  blessings 
while  obedient  ; they  unanimously  and  willingly  consented, 
and  engaged  to  obey.  Accordingly,  he  wrote  in  a book  the 
four  foregoing  chapters,  as  the  conditions  of  the  national  cove- 
nant, which  was  now  about  to  be  solemnly  ratified.  For  such 
it  certainly  was : as  ‘ the  covenant  of  works’  has  nothing  to  do 
with  altars,  sacrifices,  and  the  sprinkling  of  blood;  and  ‘the 
covenant  of  grace’  is  not  made  with  whole  nations,  or  collec- 
tive bodies  of  divers  characters  ; but  only  representatively  with 
Christ,  as  the  Surety  of  those  given  to  him,  and  personally 
with  true  believers.  But  while  this  covenant  was  made  with 
the  nation  of  Israel,  in  regard  to  their  outward  blessings,  it 
was  a “ shadow  of  good  things  to  come ;”  and  in  many 
respects  their  situation  under  it  accorded  to  that  of  those, 
who  live  under  the  gospel,  and  have  the  benefit  of  the  ordi- 
nances and  oracles  of  God. — The  day  on  which  Moses  went 
down  from  the  mount  having  been  thus  employed,  he  arose 
early  the  next  morning,  and  made  the  necessary  preparations, 
by  building  an  altar  and  raising  twelve  pillars.  The  altar 
seems  to  have  been  intended  to  denote  Jehovah’s  presence, 
as  a party  in  this  covenant ; and  the  twelve  pillars,  the  twelve 
tribes  of  Israel,  as  the  other  party ; and  between  ‘the  two 
covenanting  parties  Moses  acted  as  a typical  mediator. 

V.  5.  Young  men.]  It  does  not  appear  whether  these 
wrere  the  persons  before  called  priests,  or  not ;( 1 9:22. ) but  they 
acted  merely  as  assistants  to  Moses,  who  officiated  as  priest 
on  this  and  several  other  occasions.  The  opinion,  confidently 
maintained  by  some  learned  men,  concerning  a primeval  right 
tp  the  priesthood,  vested  in  the  eldest  son  of  each  family,  is 
destitute  of  every  shadow  of  scriptural  support,  and  indeed  at 
variance  with  the  only  facts  to  which  an  appeal  can  be  made. 
Abel,  the  younger  son,  sacrificed  at  the  same  time  as  Cain, 
and  was  accepted,  while  Cain  was  rejected.  Noah,  not  one 
of  his  sons,  sacrificed  after  the  flood.  (Gen.  8:20.)  Abra- 
ham was  commanded  to  sacrifice,  and  Isaac,  instead  of  being 
die  priest,  was  to  be  the  oblation : and  afterwards  Abraham, 
not  Isaac,  offered  the  ram.  Israel,  not  Reuben,  nor  any  of 
his  sons,  sacrificed  at  Beer-sheba.  (46:1.)  Job  officiated 
as  priest,  and  offered  sacrifices  for  his  sons.  ( Job  1:6.)  Nor 

there  the  least,  trace  of  any  thing  in  Scripture  that  favours 
.he  sentiment,  which  is  a mere  human  invention,  by  whomso- 
ever originally  devised. — Oxen  only  are  here  mentioned : but 
we  learn  from  the  apostle  that  other  animals  were  sacrificed. 
(Heb.  9:18—20.) 

V.  6 — 8.  Half  the  blood  of  the  sacrifices  was  immediately 
sprinkled  on  the  altar;  and  the  other  half,  being  reserved  for 
diat  purpose,  was  afterwards  sprinkled  on  the  people  : either 
on  the  seventy  elders,  as  personally  representing  the  congre- 
gation, or  on  the  twelve  pillars  which  had  been  erected  along 
wi'h  the  altar,  as  an  external  sign  or  emblem  of  the  twelve 
tribes ; or,  as  some  think,  it  was  carried  in  basins,  and 
sprinkled  on  the  people  in  general : for  this  part  of  the  solem- 
nity preceded  the  ascent  of  the  selected  company  into  the 
mount.  (9.)  We  learn  from  the  apostle,  that  the  book  was 
also  sprinkled.  Moses  had  read,  or  proclaimed,  the  contents 
of  it  in  the  audience  of  the  people,  as  the  terms  of  the  cove- 
nant about  to  he  ratified  with  them  ; and  they  had  renewed 
their  consent  to  it,  before  the  sprinkling  of  the  blood  on  them 
and  on  it ; and  then  afterwards  he  subjoined,  “ This  is  the 
bleed  of  the  covenant,  which  the  Lord  hath  made  with  you 
Vol.  I 22 


8 And  Moses  took  the  blood,  and  'sprinkled  it 
on  the  people;  find  said,  Behold  “the  blood  ol 
the  covenant,  which  the  Lord  hath  made  with 
you  concerning  all  these  words. 

9 Then  "went  up  Moses  and  Aaron,  Nadab  and 
Abilin,  and  seventy  of  the  elders  of  Israel. 

10  And  they  rsaw  the  God  of  Israel : and  there 
was  under  his  feet  as  it  were  a paved  work  7of  a 
sapphire-stone,  and  as  it  were  the  body  of  heaven 
“in  his  clearness. 

9:11.  Mn U. 26:28.  Mark  14:24.  Luke  22:20.  1 Cor.  11:25.  Kph.  1:7.  Heb 
9:20.  10:1,5.13:20.  iSii  ml.  y 29.  3:6.  33:20,23.  Gen.  32:30.  Judg.  13: 
21,22.  Is.  6:1—5.  Hi.  1:28.  John  1:18.  14:9.  I Tim.  6:16.  I John  4:12.  z Ez.  1:26 
27.  10:1.  Rev.  4:3.  21:19—23.  a Cant.  6:10.  Matt.  17:2.  Rev.  21:11,18. 


concerning  all  these  words.”  The  whole  transaction  was 
calculated  to  impress  their  minds  with  the  important  instruc 
tion,  that  the  covenant  was  made  with  them,  only  through  the 
blood  of  the  atoning  sacrifice  ; that  neither  their  persons, 
moral  obedience,  nor  religious  services,  could  be  accepted  by 
a holy  God,  except  through  the  shedding  and  sprinkling  of 
blood  ; that  even  the  blessings  of  the  national  covenant  were 
all  of  mercy ; and  that,  though  they  were  secured  to  them  only 
during  their  obedience,  the  Lord  would  deal  tvith  them  in 
kindness,  and  not  construe  every  act  of  disobedience  into  a 
forfeiture  of  the  covenant.  In  this  manner  was  the  business 
transacted  before  all  the  people : and  we  learn  from  aposto- 
lical authority,  that  it  was  intended  as  a shadow  or  type  of  the 
manner,  in  which  the  true  Israelites  are  admitted  into  cove- 
nant with  God,  through  the  atoning  blood  of  Christ:  and, 
yielding  themselves  to  his  service,  willingly  receive  his  com- 
mandments as  the  rule  of  their  subsequent  grateful  obedience. 
(Note,  Heb.  9:18—23.) 

V.  9 — 11.  After  this  part  of  the  important  solemnity  had 
been  concluded,  Moses  and  Aaron,  Nadab  and  Abihu,  and 
the  seventy  elders,  went  up  to  a higher  part  of  the  mount ; 
and  there  “ they  saw  the  God  of  Israel.”  Many  commenta- 
tors understand  this  vision  of  an  appearance  of  the  Son  of 
God  in  human  form,  anticipating  his  incarnation.  And 
though  the  expression,  “Ye  saw  no  manner  of  similitude,” 
(Deut.  4:15.)  seems  to  militate  against  this  opinion:  yet  it 
may  be  answered,  that  this  was  spoken  concerning  the  people 
in  general,  as  receiving  the  law  in  an  audible  voice  from  the 
mount;  but  the  words  here  used  relate  to  a few  individuals 
and  to  a subsequent  time.  It  is  said  of  Moses,  “The 
Similitude  of  the  Lord  shall  he  behold.”  (Note,  Num.  12:4 — 
8.)  Christ  is  the  “Image  of  the  invisible  God;”  the  Efful- 
gence of  his  glory,  and  the  Character  of  his  subsistence.  (2 
Cor.  4:4.  Notes,  John  1:18.  Col.  1:15—17.  Heb.  1:3,4.) 
The  two  appearances  under  consideration  were  a direct  con- 
trast : the  former  was  that  of  the  holy  Lawgiver  and  Judge, 
in  terrible  majesty  delivering  to  sinners  “the  ministration  of 
condemnation  ;”  the  latter  that,  of  a Saviour,  through  the 
sacrifice  and  sprinkling  of  blood,  admitting  believers  into  com- 
munion with  himself.  Now  it  is  only  in  Christ,  that  God  mani- 
fests himself  as  reconciled  to  sinners,  or  admits  any  of  them 
into  communion  with  him. — No  doubt  “God  in  Christ,”  the 
Saviour  of  sinners,  was  the  God  of  Israel,  who  manifested 
himself  on  this  occasion:  yet,  it  may  reasonably  be  doubted, 
whether  it  was  a visible  appearance  in  human  form.  The 
expressions,  “ There  was  under  his  feet  as  it  were  a paved 
work  of  sapphire-stone,  and  as  it  were  the  body  of  heaven  in 
his  clearness,”  accord  with  some  passages  in  Ezekiel’s  first 
vision*  in  which  it  is  evident,  the  idea  of  a personal  appear- 
ance in  human  form  is  carefully  excluded ; and  they  seem 
rather  to  imply  some  grand  display  of  glory,  which  might 
feebly  be  illustrated  by  such  similitudes.  (Note,  Ez.  1:26 — 
28.) — It  appears  therefore  more  consistent  with  the  narrative, 
to  understand  it  of  a most  resplendent  manifestation  of  the 
divine  glory  ; but  in  mild  majesty,  and  not  with  the  terrific 
displays' which  attended  the  promulgation  of  the  law;  yet 
even  this  visible  glory  itself  could  not  be  represented- by  any 
similitude:  but  that  which  appeared  beneath  the  feet  of  the 
God  of  Israel,  (that  is,  under  the  resplendent  majesty,  or  as 
it  were  beneath  the  glorious  throne  on  which  he  manifested 
his  presence,  as  Israel’s  King,)  might  be  compared  to  a 
pavement  of  sapphires,  which  are  of  a beautiful  bine  colour; 
or  to  the  azure  sky,  as  most  visible  in  its  splendour  on  a 
bright  night  when  spangled  with  stars.  But,  while  this  was 
a far  more  distinct  vision  of  the  glory  of  God,  than  that  which 
had  been  made  at  the  giving  of  the  law,  when  nothing  was 
seen  but  clouds,  darkness,  fire,  and  tempest : yet,  through 
the  sacrifice  and  sprinkling  of  blood,  and  the  covenant  now 
ratified,  this  glory  did  not  inspire  terror,  but  confidence  ; and 
the  representatives  of  Israel  received  no  harm,  but  much 
comfort,  while  they  feasted  on  the  peace-offerings,  in  full  view 
of  the  divine  glory.  Not  only  was  this  the  case  with  Moses, 
the  typical  mediator;  with  Aaron,  the  intended  high-priest: 
and  with  his  two  eldest  sons,  who  were  next  to  him  in  the 
priesthood  ; but  also  with  the  nobles  of  Israel,  as  the  seventy 
elders  are  called,  being  the  principal  persons  of  their  several 
tribes.  Even  on  them  the  Lord  laid  not  his  hand,  to  injure 
them,  but  admitted  them  to  feast  before  him  with  safety  and 
comfort. — Thus  the  believer,  beholding,  in  the  face  of  Jesus 
Christ,  far  clearer  discoveries  of  the  glorious  justice  and  ho- 
liness of  God,  than  ever  he  saw  under  his  most  terrifying 

( 169  y 


B.  C.  1491 


EXODUS, 


B.  C.  1491. 


11  And  upon  the  ’’nobles  of  the  children  of 

Israel  he  “laid  not  his  hand  : also  dthey  saw  God, 
and  'did  eat  and  drink.  [ practical  observer,™. ] 

12  H And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Come  up 
»o  me  into  the  mount,  and  be  there : and  I will 
f ive  thee  f tables  of  stone,  and  a law  and  com- 
mandments which  I have  written  nhatthou  mayest 
teach  them. 

13  And  Moses  rose  up,  and  hhis  minister 
Joshua:  and  Moses  went  up  into  the  mount  of 
God. 

14  And  he  said  unto  the  elders,  ‘Tarry  ye  here 
for  us,  until  we  come  again  unto  you.  And  be- 
hold, Aaron  and  kHur  are  with  you  : 'if  any  man 
have  any  matters  to  do,  let  him  come  unto  them. 

15  And  Moses  went  up  into  the  mount,  and  ma 
cloud  covered  the  mount. 


b l,S..Num.  21:18.  .Tuflg.  3:13.  1 Kings  21:8.  2Chr.23:20.  Neh. 2:16.  Jer.  14:3. 
c 33:20—23.  Gen.  32:24—32.  Dent.  4:33.  Jmlg.  13:22.  d See  on  10.  Gen.  16; 
13.  e 18:12.  Dent.  12:7.  Ec.  9:7.  I.ukc  15:23,24.  1 Cor.  10:16— 18.  f 31:18. 
Dent.  5:22.  Jer.  31:33.  2 Cor.  3:3,7.  Iter.  9.4.  g Deut.4:14.  Ezra  7:10.  Matt. 
5:19.  Ii  17:9— 14.  32:17.  33:11.  Num.U:23.  i 32:1.  Gen.  22:5.  1 Sam.  10:8. 


convictions;  feels  no  dismay,  as  before,  and  receives  no 
harm  : but  with  humble  confidence,  through  the  meditation  of 
the  Saviour,  enjoys  sweet  communion  with  a holy  God,  and 
is  inspired  with  comfort,  peace,  and  joy. 

V.  12 — 14.  After  the  national  covenant  had  been  thus 
solemnly  ratified,  the  Lord  called  Moses,  (probably  by  an 
audible  voice  from  the  visible  glory,)  to  come  up  to  him  into 
tile  mount,  to  receive  the  law,  even  the  commandments,  which 
God  himself  had  now  written  on  two  tables  of  stone,  as  well 
as  before  spoken  from  the  mount.  Thus  a peculiar  honour 
was  put  on  the  moral  law,  and  it  was  authenticated  in  another 
manner,  than  either  the  judgments,  or  the  ritual  institutions. 
The  people  had  promised  to  obey  the  whole  law,  and  the  ten 
commandments  especially  contained  that  law  ; obedience  to 
which  might  be  considered  as  the  condition  of  the  covenant 
on  their  part.  But  they  soon  broke  the  principal  require- 
ments of  it,  by  direct  idolatry;  and  then  the  tables,  which 
God  had  prepared,  and  on  which  he  himself  had  written  the 
law,  were  broken.  Yet  the  same  law  was  again  given  them, 
written  by  the  Lord  on  tables  of  stone,  prepared  by  Moses  ; 
along  with  the  ceremonial  law,  which  typified  redemption  and 
salvation  by  Christ.  This  intimated  that  the  rule  of  duty 
remains  unchangeably  the  same,  though  the  covenant  of  works 
is  broken,  and  another  covenant  is  mediated  by  the  divine 
Saviour  for  the  benefit  of  his  people. — Joshua,  the  minister 
and  intended  successor  of  Moses,  and  a remarkable  type  of 
Christ,  accompanied  him  part  of  the  way  up  the  mount : for 
he  was  thus  by  degrees  to  be  honoured  before  all  the  congre- 
gation, by  being  admitted  nearer  to  the  manifested  glory  of 
God,  than  any  other  person,  except  Moses  himself. — But  be- 
fore Moses,  attended  by  Joshua,  ascended  further  up  the 
mount,  he  ordered  the  elders  of  Israel  to  tarry  there  for  them, 
that  is,  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain  ; and  not  in  the  exact  spot 
where  they  then  were,  as  it  is  evident  from  the  appointment 
of  Aaron  and  Hur,  to  be  the  deputies  of  Moses  in  his  ab- 
sence ; which  would  have  been  of  no  use,  had  they  remained 
separated  from  the  people. 

V.  15,  16.  Having  given  these  directions,  Moses  ascended 
further  up  the  mount,  even  to  the  cloud  that,  covered  it ; yet 
he  remained  six  days  before  he  was  called  to  enter  into  the 
midst  of  the  cloud. — The  subsequent  narrative  shows  that 
Joshua  attended  him,  when  he  parted  from  Aaron  and  his 
sons,  and  the  elders,  and  that  he  waited  for  his  return  at  a 
distance  from  the  camp.  (32:17.)  It  is  therefore  probable, 
that  he  continued  with  Moses  during  seven  days,  joining  in 
holy  conference  and  fervent  devotion.  These  do  not  seem  to 
have  been  a part  of  the  forty  days  and  nights  afterwards  men- 
tioned: and  as  no  intimation  is  given  that  Joshua  fasted 
during  the  time  Moses  continued  in  the  mount,  we  may 
suppose  they  both  had  manna  while  together,  and  Joshua 
had  it  after  Moses  had  left  him.  No  doubt  he  spent  his  time 
in  prayer  and  holy  contemplation. 

V.  17,  18.  While  the  divine  glory  appeared  to  Israel,  from 
the  midst  of  the  cloud,  as  devouring  fire  ; Moses,  being  sum- 
moned by  the  Lord,  and  encouraged  by  his  supporting  grace, 
entered  with  holy  boldness  into  that  very  cloud;  (Marg. 
Ref.  q;)  and  there  he  continued  without  food  forty  days  and 
forty  nights,  favoured  with  divine  discoveries,  and  receiving 
further  instructions  for  the  people.  (Marg.  Ref.  r.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 11.  Having  in  the  sacred  Scriptures,  as  now  com- 
pleted by  the  New  Testament,  not  only  the  laws  which  God 
gave  by  Moses,  but  the  words  of  grace  and  truth  which  he 
sent  to  sinners  by  his  only-begotten  Son ; we  are  more 
favoured  than  Israel  of  old : and  we  are  invited  to  join  our- 
selves to  the  Lord  in  an  everlasting  covenant,  through  our 
divine  Mediator,  and  in  the  ordinances  which  he  has  institu- 
ted as  pledges  of  his  love.  But  alas  ! numbers  profess  their 
consent  to  the  covenant,  and  attest  it  by  attendance  on-  the 
most  solemn  ordinances ; numbers  will  be  able  to  say,  “ Lord, 
we  have  eaten  and  drunk  in  thy  presence,  and  thou  bast 
taught  in  our  streets  ;”  to  whom  the  Judge  at  last  shall  say, 

( 170  ) 


16  And  "the  giory  of  the  Lord  abode  upon 
mount  Sinai,  and  the  cloud  covered  it  six  days: 
and  the  “seventh  day  he  called  unto  Moses  out  oi 
the  midst  of  the  cloud. 

17  And  the  sight  of  the  glory  of  the  Lord  was 
’’like  devouring  fire  on  the  top  of  the  mount,  in 
the  eyes  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

18  And  Moses  iwent  into  the  midst  of  the  cloud, 
and  gat  him  up  into  the  mount:  and  Moses  was 
in  the  mount  Torty  days  and  forty  nights. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

The  Lord  directs  Moses  concerning  an  offering  from  the  people,  in  order  to 
erect  a tabernacle , 1—9.  The  form  of  the  ark  of  the  c veruint,  and  the 
mercy-seat,  19—22.  The  table  of  show-bread , 23—30.  The  golden  candle- 
stick, with  the  tongs  and  snuff-dishes , 31 — 40. 

ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 
2 Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  that 

13:8—13.  k 17:10,12.  1 18:25,26.  m 19:9,16.  2Chr.6:l.  Matt.  17:5.  n 17. 
16:10.  Lev.  9:23.  Nnm.  14:10.  16:42.  Ez.l:28.  2 Cor.  4:6.  o 19:11. 2010  Rev. 
1.10.  p 3:2.  19:18.  Deut.  4:24,36.  F.z.  1:27.  Hell.  12:18,29.  q 17.  9:29,33.  19: 
20.  Prov.  28:1.  r 34:28.  Deut.  9:9,18,25.  10:10.  1 Kings  19:8.  Mutt.  4:2.  Mark 
1:13.  Luke  4:2. 


“ I tell  you,  I know  you  not  whence  ye  are,  depart  from  me, 
all  ye  workers  of  iniquity.”  (Luke  13:26,27.)  When  indeed 
we  recollect,  that  the  whole  generation  of  Israel,  who  at  that 
time  consented  to  the  covenant,  and  engaged  to  be  obedient ; 
with  the  seventy  nobles,  who  “ saw  the  God  of  Israel,  and 
did  eat  and  drink”  before  him ; at  length,  with  very  few  ex- 
ceptions, perished  in  the  wilderness  ; and  that  even  Nadab 
and  Abihu  were  afterwards  struck  dead  by  fire  from  before 
the  Lord ; we  shall  perceive  the  importance  of  the  apostle’s 
caution,  “ Let  him  that  thinketh  he  standeth  take  heed  lest 
he  fall.”  With  such  examples  before  our  eyes,  we  cannot 
surely  be  so  absurd,  as  to  rest  in  outward  privileges,  forms, 
or  notions,  of  whatever  kind  ; or  in  any  thing  short  of  an  in- 
ward renewal  to  holiness,  which  is  both  the  seal  of  the  Spirit, 
and  the  earnest  of  our  inheritance. — In  this  transaction  the 
true  Christian  can  trace  the  outlines  of  his  own  experience. 
Attending  to  the  holy  law  of  God,  he  learned  to  fear  his  de- 
served wrath,  and  could  find  no  peace,  till  he  also  heard  the 
sweet  words  of  mercy  and  grace.  But  having 'received  in- 
struction concerning  the  sacrifice  of  Christ,  and  the  covenant 
which  he  mediated,  he  by  faith  applied  for  this  salvation,  and 
acceded  to  this  covenant ; and  thus,  by  the  sprinkling  of  thn 
Redeemer’s  blood,  “ his  conscience  was  purged  from  dead 
works  to  serve  the  living  God,”  while  the  book  of  the  law 
likewise,  as  it  were  sprinkled  with  blood,  was  put  into  his 
hands,  to  be  the  rule  of  his  future  delightful  obedience ; and 
with  it  the  Spirit  of  adoption  was  given,  inclining  and  enabling 
him  to  obey.  Thus  the  covenant  was  ratified  ; and  now  be 
has  access  to  God  upon  a mercy-seat,  be  sees  his  glory  in  the 
face  of  Jesus  Christ,  enjoys  communion  with  him,  and  is 
encouraged  to  serve  him  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness. 
And  though  his  subsequent  life  be  not  one  continued  feast  of 
strong  consolations,  yet  at  times  he  is  thus  favoured  ; and  he 
has  generally  “the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all  under- 
standing, keeping  his  heart  and  mind  through  Christ  Jesus  ;” 
except  when  by  sin  he  grieves  the  Holy  Spirit,  or  brings  down 
upon  himself  the  chastening  rod  of  his  reconciled  Father.  • 

V.  12 — 18.  They,  who  would  enjoy  near  and  sweet  com- 
munion with  the  Lord,  must  obediently  hearken  to  his  words, 
obey  his  call,  and  wait  for  him  in  faith  and  patience : and 
such  as  are  humbly  desirous  of  being  employed  by  him  in 
useful  and  honourable  services,  must  cheerfully  attend  to  the 
duties  of  the  lowest  station,  if  at,  present  assigned  them ; con- 
tinue faithful  and  active  in  occupying  with  their  one  talent : 
and  spend  much  time  in  retirement,  meditation,  and  devo- 
tion.— The  lively  exercise  of  faith,  and  the  encouraging  ex- 
perience of  the  Lord’s  goodness,  inspire  the  soul  with  a holy 
but  humble  boldness  in  approaching  him.  The  terrors,  which 
once  were  felt  at  the  discovery  of  his  glorious  holiness  and 
justice,  are  dissipated,  even  while  these  awful  attributes  are 
more  distinctly  perceived  and  steadily  contemplated,  in  the 
person  and  atonement  of  the  great  Redeemer ; and  while 
others  tremble  at  a distance,  when  convinced  that  “our  God 
is  a consuming  fire  ;”  the  established  believer  “ has  grace  to 
worship  him  with  revorence  and  godly  fear,”  combined  with 
adoring,  thankful  love.  And  finding  that  his  consolations 
abundantly  compensate  the  want  of  outward  enjoyments,  and 
at  some  times  enable  him  to  forget  the  craving  even  of  natural 
appetites ; he  is  not,  in  these  favoured  seasons,  in  haste  to 
terminate  the  sweet  intercourse,  hut  desires  still  to  commune 
with  his  God,  till  a sense  of  duty  compels  him  reluctantly  to 
return  to  the  ordinary  employments  of  his  station. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXV.  V.  1.  Moses  in  tnc  mount, 
like  Paul  in  the  third  heaven,  without  doubt  saw  and  heard 
very  glorious  and  wonderful  things : hut  it  was  not  lawful  or 
possible  to  utter  them,  (Note,  2 Cor.  12:1 — 6.)  and  he  re- 
ported nothing  to  the  people  but  what  referred  to  their  duty, 
and  to  the  worship  of  God  which  was  to  he  established  among 
them. 

V.  2.  The  Israelites  must  he  exhorted  to  oiler  a porti.i 
towards  the  establishment  of  religious  worship,  from  the  spoils 
of  the  Egyptians,  or  from  such  oilier  propo  iy  as  they  ha-1  by 


B.  C.  1491 


CHAPTER  XXV.  B.  C.  1491. 


•they  "bring  me  an  ^offering : of  every  man  that 
giveth  it  bwillingly  with  his  heart,  ye  shall  take 
my  offering. 

3 And  this  is  the  offering  which  ye  shall  take  of 
them ; gold,  and  silver,  and  brass, 

4 And  cblue,  and  purple,  and  scarlet,  and  *fine 
lir.en,  and  goats’  hair, 

5 And  d rams’  skins  dyed  red,  and  badgers’ 
skins,  and  'shittim-wood, 

6 f Oil  for  the  light,  Apices  for  anointing  oil  and 
for  sweet  incense, 

7 hOnyx-stones.  and  stones  to  be  set  in  the 
ephod  and  in  the  breastplate. 

8 And  let  them  make  me  ‘a  sanctuary  that  kI 
may  dwell  amongst  them. 

9 According  to  all  that  I show  thee,  after  ‘the 
pattern  of  the  tabernacle,  and  the  pattern  of  all 
the  instruments  thereof,  even  so  shall  ye  make  it. 

10  H And  they  shall  make  man  ark  of  shittim- 
wood  : two  cubits  and  a half  shall  be  the  length 
therebf,  and  a cubit  and  a half  the  breadth  thereof, 
and  a cubit  and  a half  the  height  thereof. 

11  And  thou  shalt  "overlay  it  with  pure  gold, 
within  and  without  shalt  thou  overlay  it;  and 
shalt  make  upon  it  a crown  of  gold  round  about. 

12  And  thou  shalt  cast  "four  rings  of  gold  for  it, 
and  put  them  in  the  four  corners  thereof ; and  two 
rings  shall  be  in  the  one  side  of  it,  and  two  rings 
m the  other  side  of  it. 

13  And  thou  shalt  make  Pstaves  of  shittim- 
wood,  and  overlay  them  with  gold. 

14  And  thou  shalt  put  the  staves  into  the  rings, 

a 35:5—29.  Num.  7:3— 88.  Deut.  16:16,17.  1 Chr.  29:  • Heb.  take  for  me. 

t Hr,  hear  e-off erins.  Num.  18:24.  b 35:5  21.  Judg.  5:9.  1 Chr.  29:17.  Ezra  1: 
6.3:5.7:16.  Neh.  11:2.  Ps.  110:3.  2 Cor.  8:12.  9:7.  c 26:1.28:31.39:3.  Heb.  9: 

19.  X Or,  sil/c.  Gen.  41:42.  Ez.  16:10.  Rev.  19:8,14.  d 26:14.  e 26:15,26,37. 
27:1.36:20.  f 37.  27:20.  40:24,25.  g 30:23— 38.  h 28:9— 21.  i 15  2.  36:1— 4. 
I.ev.  4:6.  21:12.  Heb.  9:1,2.  It  29:45.  1 Kings  6:13.  Is.  12:6.  Zech.  2:10.  8:3. 
2 Cor.  6:16.  Heb.  3.6.  Rev.  21:3.  1 40. 1 Chr.  28:11-19.  Heb.  8:5.  9:9.  m 37: 
l— 3.  Deut.  10:1—3.  2 Chr.  8.11.  Heb.  9:4.  Rev.  11:19.  n 24.  30:3.  1 Kings  6: 

20.  2 Chr.  3:4.  o 15,26  . 26:29.  27:7.37:5.38:7.  p 28.  27:6.  30:5.  37:4.  40:20. 
Num.  4:6,8,11,14.  1 Chr.  15:15.  q 1 Kings  8:8. 2 Chr.  5:9.  r 10:34  . 27:21.30: 
6,36.31:18  . 32:15.  34:29.  38:21.  Num.  17:4.  Deut.  10:2— 5.  31:26.  1 Kings  8:9. 


any  means  obtained  ; yet  this  oblation,  (called  a heave-offering , 
( marg . ) probably  because  lifting  it  up  towards  heaven  was 
the  ceremony  by  which  it  was  devoted  to  God,)  was  neither 
exacted  by  compulsion,  nor  regulated  by  prescription  ; but 
every  one  was  left  to  give  as  he  was  “ disposed  in  his  heart.’ 
(Note,  2 Cor.  9;6,7.) 

V.  4 — 7.  Wool,  and  linen,  and  goats’  hair,  or  other  mate- 
rials for  working  into  clothes,  dyed  of  the  colours  here  men- 
tioned, were  highly  valued. — The  Lord  so  ordered  it,  that 
the  Israelites  had  received  of  the  Egyptians  all  the  materials 
required  for  building  the  tabernacle,  and  setting  forward  the 
worship  to  be  there  performed,  according  to  the  several 
particulars  here  mentioned  ; and  this  not  only  intimated  favour 
to  the  Gentiles,  but  also  represented  the  use,  which  God 
often  makes  of  the  abilities  and  substance  of  strangers,  in 
supporting  and  promoting  true  religion. 

V.  8.  The  word  (iftpo  from  < to  sanctify , or  make  holy,) 
rendered  sanctuary,  denotes  a holy  habitation  for  the  Lord’s 
immediate  residence.  This  was  intended  for  a visible  pledge 
and  token  that  he  was  present  with  his  people,  to  protect, 
instruct,  guide,  and  govern  them  ; to  pardon  their  sins,  to 
accept  their  services,  and  to  supply  their  wants. — The  taber- 
nacle was  also  a type  of  the  human  nature  of  Jesus  Christ, 
u in  whom  dwelleth  all  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead  bodily 
of  the  Church  of  God,  which,  as  one  with  him,  is  a spiritual 
house:  of  every  true  believer,  who,  as  a part  of  that  great 
temple,  is  “ a habitation  of  God  through  the  Spirit and  of 
heaven,  where  the  presence  of  God  is  visibly  displayed,  and 
ne  dwells  among  his  holy  angels  and  redeemed  sinners,  as 
their  everlasting  Felicity,  and  accepts  their  holy  worship. 

V.  9.  The  Lord  not  only  directed  Moses  by  words,  how 
to  build  the  tabernacle,  and  form  its  sacred  furniture;  but  he 
showed  him  a model,  exactly  representing  the  form  of  every 
part,  and  the  proportion  of  each  to  all  the  rest.  It  is  observ- 
able, that  this  related  to  the  construction  of  the  tabernacle 
and  its  furniture  alone,  or  perhaps  the  priestly  garments ; and 
has  no  reference  to  the  rest  even  of  the  ceremonial  law,  as 
it  is  frequently  supposed.  (Note,  40.)  Indeed  it  is  not  easy 
to  form  an  idea  of  a pattern,  or  model,  of  any  thing  which  is  not 
material. — During  the  continuance  of  Israel  in  the  wilderness, 
and  during  four  hundred  and  forty  years  after  their  settle- 
ment in  Canaan,  the  sanctuary  was  only  a tent,  or  moveable 
building:  but  afterwards  a temple  was  built  upon  mount  Zion, 
and  the  typical  ordinances  were  confined  to  one  place.  This 
nay  mark  the  difference  between  the  church  on  earth  and 
the  church  in  heaven:  wandering  and  journeying  through  this 
wilderness,  we  take  our  religion,  and  the  ordinances  of  it, 
along  with  us  all  the  way  ; but  in  heaven  there  is  rest  for  the 
Church  of  God,  and  no  more  removals  for  ever. 

V.  10 — 21.  “ The  ark  of  the  covenant”  was  so  called, 


by  the  sides  of  the  ark,  that  the  ark  may  be  hoi  ne 
with  them. 

15  4The  staves  shall  be  in  the  rings  of  the  ark: 
they  shall  not  be  taken  from  it. 

16  And  thou  shalt  put  into  the  ark  rthe  testi- 
mony which  I shall  give  thee. 

17  And  thou  shalt  make  ’a  mercy-seat  of  pure 
gold:  two  cubits  and  a half  shall  be  the  length 
thereof,  and  a cubit  and  a half  the  breadth’ thereof. 

18  And  thou  shalt  make  ltvvo  cherubims  o/gold  : 
of  beaten  work  shalt  thou  make  them,  in  tiie  two 
ends  of  the  mercy-seat,. 

19  And  make  one  cherub  on  the  one  end,  and 
the  other  cherub  on  the  other  end  : even  *of  the 
mercy-seat  shall  ye  make  the  cherubims  on  the 
two  ends  thereof. 

20  And  the  cherubims  shall  stretch  forth  then 
wings  on  high,  "covering  the  mercy-seat  with  theii 
wings,  and  their  faces  shall  look  one  to  another: 
•toward  the  mercy-seat  shall  the  liiccs  of  the  che- 
rubims  be. 

21  And  thou  shalt  ?put  the  mercy-seat. above 
upon  the  ark,  and  zin  the  ark  thou  shall  put  the 
testimony  that  I shall  give  thee. 

22  And  there  I will  meet  With  thee,  "and  I wili 
commune  with  thee,  from  above  the  mercy-seat, 
from  bbetween  the  two  cherubims  which  are  upon 
the  ark  of  the  testimony,  of  all  things  which  1 will 
give  thee  in  commandment  unto  the  children  ol 
Israel. 

23  If  Thou  shalt  also  make  ca  table  of  shittim- 
wood  : two  cubits  shall  be  the  length  thereof,  and 


2 Kings  11:12.  2 Chr.  34:14,15.  Acls7:44.  Heb.  9:1,  s 26:34.37:6.  40:20.  Lev. 
16,12—15.  1 Chr.  28:11.  Rom.  3:25.  Heb.  4: 16.  1 John  2:2.  l 37:7—9.  Hen.  3: 

21.  1 Sam.  4:4.  1 Kings  6:23—28.  8:6,7.  1 Chr.  28:18.  £?..  lu.2,20.  41:18,19. 
Heb.  9:5.  § Or,  o/  the  mailer  of  the  mercy  seal,  u Ez.  23:14.  x Gen.  28,. 
12.  Is.  6:1— 5.  Ez.  1:20.  Matt.  24:31.  John  1:51 . 1 Cor.  4:9.  11:10.  Kpli.  3.  It). 
Col.  2:10.  Heb.  1:14.  1 Pet.  1:12.  3:22.  Rev.  5:11.12.  y 17  . 26:34.  Rom.  10:4. 
z See  on  16.  a 20:24  . 31:18.  Gen.  18:33.  Lev.  1:1.  16:2.  Num. 7:89.’  17:4, 
Deut.  5:26— 31.  Jtnlg.  20:27.  b 29:42,43.  31 :6.  1 a in.  4:4.  2. Sam.  6.2.  2 King? 
19:15.  Ps.  80:1.  99:1.  Is.  37:16.  c 37: 10— 10.  40:22,23.  Lev.  24:6.  Nnm.3:31. 
1 Kings  7:48.  1 Chr. 28:16.  2 Chr.  4:8,19.  Ez.  40:41,42.  Heb.  9:2. 


not  only  as  it  contained  the  tables  of  the  law,  which  were  the 
basis  of  the  national  covenant ; but  also  because  it  was  an 
abiding  symbol  of  God’s  gracious  presence  w ith  his  people, 
and  typified  those  peculiar  benefits,  which  belong  to  the  cove- 
nant of  peace,  mediated  by  Christ  in  behalf  of  the  true  Israel. 
It  was  a chest,  made  of  wood  not  liable  to  rot,  of  about  four 
feet  in  length,  and  two  feet  and  a half  in  breadth  and  in  depth, 
plated  all  over,  both  within  and  without,  with  plaies  of  pure 
gold,  having  a border,  or  cornice  of  gold  round  about  it ; and 
covered  with  a covering  all  of  massy  gold,  which  was  called 
the  covering,  or  “the  propitiatory,”  or  “the  mercy-seat,”  and 
it  was  kept  firm  in  its  place  by  the  cornice , as  the  word  ren- 
dered “crown”  seems  here  to  mean.  In  this  ark  the  two 
tables  of  stone,  which  contained  the  law  of  the  ten  command- 
ments were  put : it  was  placed  in  the  holy  of  holies ; before  it 
the  blood  of  the  sacrifices  was  sprinkled,  and  the  incense  burnt, 
by  the  high-priest  on  the  day  of  atonement ; and  above  it 
appeared  the  visible  glory,  which  w-as  the  symbol  of  the  divine 
presence. — This  was  an  evident  type  of  Christ,  as  to  his 
sinless  human  nature,  (which  “saw  no  corruption,”)  in  per- 
sonal union  with  his  divine  nature,  magnifying  the  law,  and 
covering  our  transgressions  of  it,  by  “having  it  in  his  heart,” 
obeying  it  in  his  life,  and  atoning  for  the  violations  of  it  by  his 
death.  Through  the  sprinkling  of  his  blood,  and  the  inter- 
cession which,  as  our  High-Priest,  he  make.-  in  the  true  holy 
of  holies,  God  appears  to  sinners  with  mild  glory  upon  a mercy- 
seat,  and  accepts  the  persons  and  services  of  believers,  dwell- 
ing among  them  and  abundantly  blessing  them. — “ The  testi- 
mony” signifies  the  tables  of  the  law,  which  testified  God’s 
authority  over  the  Israelites,  his  regard  for  them,  and  his 
presence  with  them:  they  also  testified,  that  ''bile  he  was 
merciful  to  them,  he  required  them  to  be  obedient : and  the 
same  would  testify  against  them,  if  they  neglected  or  forsook 
his  service  and  worship.  The  two  cherubim  were  emble- 
matical representations  of  the  angels,  “ desiring  to  look  ' into 
the  mysteries  of  redeeming  love : they  were  therefore  formed 
with  their  faces  towards  the  mercy-seat,  as  coiiiemplating  it 
and  the  mysteries  which  it  contained. — Various  conjectures 
have  been  advanced  concerning  the  form  or  shape  of  the 
cherubim;  but  the  text  in  this  place  mentions  no  more  than 
their  faces  and  wings,  and  arguments  taken  fron.  other  emble- 
matical parts  of  Scripture  are  not  saiisfactory.  -It  is  thought 
they  were  formed  of  the  same  mass  of  gold  as  the  propitiatory, 
and  that  this  is  the  meaning  of  the  word  rendered  beaten - 
work ; though  ethers  interpret,  it  to  denote  the  polish  and 
finishing  of  the  workmanship. — As  the  ark  and  propitiatory 
were  intended  to  be  carried  about,  there  were  go.de n rings  at 
the  four  comers,  and  staves  plated  with  golu ; which  were 
not  taken  out  of  the  rings,  even  when  it  was  si  at  ionary. 

V.  22.  After  the  tabernacle  had  been  cons  ructed,  and  ti  • 

' ( 171  ) 


B.  C.  ii9l.  EXODUS.  B.  C.  1491. 


a cubit  the  breadth  thereof,  and  a cubit  and  a half 
the  height  thereof. 

24  And  thou  shalt  doverlay  it  with  pure  gold, 
and  make  thereto  a crown  of  gold  round  about. 

25  And  thou  shalt  make  unto  it  a border  of  an 
hand-breadth  round  about,  and  thou  shalt  make 
'a  golden  crown  to  the  border  thereof  round  about. 

26  And  thou  shalt  make  for  it  f four  rings  of 
gold,  and  put  the  rings  in  the  four  corners  that 
are  on  the  four  feet  thereof. 

27  Over  against  the.  border  shall  the  rings  be, 
efor  places  of  the  staves  to  bear  the  table. 

28  And  thou  shalt  make  the  staves  of  shittim- 
wood,  and  overlay  them  with  gold,  that  hthe  table 
may  be  borne  with  them. 

29  And  thou  shalt  make  ‘the  dishes  thereof,  and 
spoons  thereof,  and  covers  thereof,  and  bowls 
thereof  'to  cover  withal : of  pure  gold  shalt  thou 
make  them. 

30  And  thou  shalt  set  upon  the  table  ''show- 
bread  before  me  alway. 

31  II  And  thou  shalt  make  'a  candlestick  of  pure 
gold,  o/beaten  work  shall  the  candlestick  be  made  ; 
his  shaft, 'and  his  branches,  his  bowlsi  mhis  knops, 
and  his  flowers  shall  be  of  the  same. 

32  And  six  branches  shall  come  out  of  the  sides 
of  it : three  branches  of  the  candlestick  out  of  the 


d See  on  11 . 1 Kings  6:20— 22.  e30:3.37:2.  fSee<vtl2.  gl4,28.  h!4,27.  Num. 
10:17.  Acts  9:15.  i 37:16.  Num.  4:7.  7: 13,19,31, &c.  1 Kin's  7:50.  2:  hr.  4:22. 
Ezra  1:9 — 11.  Jer.  52:18,19.  * Or,  to  pour  out  xoilJial.  Lev.  24:5 — 9.  Cant.  5:1. 
Rev.  3:20.  k 35:13  . 39:36.  Num.  4:7.  1 Sam.  21:6.  1 Chr.  9:32.  23:29.  2 Chr. 
13:11.  Matt.  12:4.  1 35.14.37:17—21.40:24,25.  1 Kings  7:49.  Zech.  4:2.  Heb. 
9:2.  Rev.  1:12,20.  2:1,5.  4:5.  m 1 Kings  6:18.  7:24.  n 37:19,20.  Zech.  4:3. 
o 18.  Num.  8:4.  1 Kings  10:16,17.  2 Chr.  9:15.  p 37:23.  Rev.  1:12,20.  2:1. 4:5. 


ark  of  the  covenant  had  been  put  in  the  most  holy  place,  the 
Lord  displayed  his  glory  from  above  the  mercy-seat,  between 
the  cherubim  ; and  thence  he  delivered  to  Moses  the  rest  of 
the  ceremonial  and  judicial  law  ; communing  with  him,  proba- 
bly in  an  audible  voice,  and  answering  all  his  inquiries. 

V.  23 — 30.  Nothing  but  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  with  the 
propitiatory  or  mercy-seat,  was  put  within  the  most  holy  place  ; 
but  without  the  veil,  a table  was  fixed,  of  the  same  height  as 
the  ark,  but  neither  so  long  nor  so  broad.  It  was  made  of  the 
same  materials  as  the  ark,  and  with  a golden  cornice : but  it 
had  also  another  cornice  below  the  edge  and  one  at  the  bottom  ; 
with  a border  between  the  two  of  a hand-breadth ; though 
some  think  one  border  only  was  below  the  edge,  and  that  this 
was  towards  the  bottom,  to  keep  the  feet  or  legs  more  closely 
united.  The  table  also  had  rings  and  staves  for  the  conve- 
nience of  removing  it. — To  it  were  annexed  several  vessels  ; 
as  dishes,  in  which  some  think  the  show-bread  was  placed  ; 
or,  according  to  others,  the  flour  of  which  it  was  made,  or  the 
oil  used  for  various  purposes : — spoons , which  were  employed 
about  the  incense  offered  on  the  golden  altar,  or  carried  within 
the  veil  in  a censer  on  the  day  of  atonement ; and  some  think 
the  word  denotes  vials,  as  we  read  of  vials  full  of  odours,  or 
incense:  {Rev.  5:8.) — covers,  which  seem  to  have  been  put 
over  both  the  loaves  and  the  incense  ; yet  some  suppose,  they 
were  vessels  used  in  drink-offerings  ; but  that  is  more  reasona- 
bly considered  as  the  use  of  the  bowls,  mentioned  in  the  last 
lace. — The  show-bread  will  more  conveniently  be  spoken  of 
ereafter:  {Note,  Lev.  24:5 — 9.)  but,  in  general,  this  part  of 
the  ceremonial  institution  seems  to  have  typified  the  com- 
munion, which  in  his  ordinances  the  Lord  holds  with  his 
redeemed  people;  the  provisions  of  his  house,  and  the  feasts 
with  which  they  are  sometimes  favoured ; the  food  for 
their  souls,  which  they  always  find  when  they  hunger  after 
it ; and  the  delight  which  he  takes  in  their  persons  and  ser- 
vices, as  presented  before  him  in  Christ  Jesus.  {Cant.  5:1. 
Rev.  3:20.) 

V.  31 — 39.  The  candlestick  was  made  entirely  of  pure 
gold,  beaten  into  plates  and  burnished.  It  is  generally  thought, 
that  it  might  be  taken  in  pieces,  for  the  conVeniency  of  re- 
moving it.  The  shaft,  or  trunk , is  supposed  to  have  had  a 
foot,  on  which  the  whole  candlestick  stood  firm  ; yet  no  men- 
tion is  made  of  this  foot.  On  each  side  of  the  shall  were  three 
oranches , shaped  like  reeds,  or  canes , one  above  the  other, 
being  six  in  all.  Each  branch  was  ornamented  by  three  bowls, 
shaped  like  almonds,  (which  perhaps  were  so  placed  as  to 
receive  any  thing  that  fell  from  the  lamps  ;)  and  by  a knop  like 
a pomegranate  and  a flower.  These  seem  to  have  been  placed 
above  the  uppermost  bowl,  just  under  the  lamp,  which  was  at 
the  top  of  each  branch. — On  the  shaft,  or  main  pillar , called 
on  that  account  the  candlestick , were  four  bowls  like  almonds, 
and  four  knops  and  foil r flowers. — Three  of  these  are  supposed 
to  have  been  made  on  the  shall,  immediately  under  the  place 
where  each  of  the  three  branches  arose  out  of  it,  on  either 
side . the  knop  and  the  flower  being  above  the  bowl.  And  the 
fourth  bowl,  knop,  and  flower,  were  fixed  beneath  the  lamp, 
which  was  on  the  top  of  the  shaft,  and  which,  with  those  on 
each  of  the  branches,  made  the,  number  seven  in  all.  The 
height  of  the  candlestick  is  not  mentioned,  nor  indeed  the 
lUmof.iions  of  any  part:  but.  wiih  its  vessels,  or  the  tongs  and 
( 172  ) 


one  side,  and  three  branches  of  the  candlestick 
out  of  the  other  side. 

33  Three  bowls  made  like  unto  almonds,  with 
a knop  and  a flower  in  one  branch  • "and  three 
bowls  made  like  almonds  in  the  other  branch,  with 
a knop  and  a flower : so  in  the  six  branches  tha: 
come  out  of  the  candlestick. 

34  And  in  the  candlestick  shall  be  four  bowls 
made  like  unto  almonds,  with  their  knops  and 
their  flowers. 

35  And  there  shall  be  a knop  under  two  branches 
of  the  same,  and  a knop  under  two  branches  of  the 
same,  and  a knop  under  two  branches  of  the  same, 
according-  to  the  six  branches  that  proceed  out  of 
the  candlestick. 

36  Their  knops  and  their  branches  shall  he  ol 
the  same,  all  of  it  shall  be  one  °beaten  work  o/’ pure 
gold. 

37  And  thou  shalt  make  the  Pseven  lamps 
thereof : and  ?they  shall  flight  the  lamps  thereof, 
that  they  may  rgive  light  over  against  flt. 

38  And  sthe  tongs  thereof,  and  the  ‘snuff-dishes 
thereof,  shall  be  of  pure  gold. 

39  Of  a talent  of  pure  gold  shall  he  make  it, 
with  all  these  vessels. 

40  And  look  “that  thou  make  them  after  their 
pattern,  which  Hvas  showed  thee  in  the  mount. 


q 27:21.30:8.  Lev.  24:2 — 4.  2 Chr.  13:11.  t Or,  cause  to  ascend,  r 30:24. 
Num.  8:2.  Ps.  119:105.  Prov.  6:23.  Is.  8:20.  Matt.  5:14.  Luke  1:79.  John  1:9. 
8:12.  12:35.  Acts  26:18.  Rev.  21:23-25.  22:5.  J Heb.  Me  face  of  it . Nurn.  8:2. 
s 2 Chr.  4:21.  Is.  6:6.  t 37:23.  Num.  4:9.  1 Kings  7:50.  2 Kiims  12:13.  25:14. 
Jer.  52:18.  u 26:30.39:42,43.  Num.  8:4.  1 Chr.  28:11,19.  Ez.  43:11,12.  Acts  7: 
44.  Heb.  8:5.  § Heb.  thou  toast  caused  to  see. 


snuff-dishes  for  dressing  the  lamps,  it  contained  a talent  of 
pure  gold,  or  about  a hundred  weight.  This  might  suffice 
to  direct  the  workmen  in  respect  of  the  proportions  to  be 
observed ; especially  as  Moses  would  remember  the  model 
shown  him  in  the  mount. — There  were  no  windows  in  the 
tabernacle  ; but  the  candlestick  being  placed  over  against  the 
table  of  show-bread,  each  lamp  would  cast  its  light  to  the  part 
of  the  tabernacle  over  against  it,  and  the  whole  would  thus  be 
sufficiently  lighted. — This  typified  the  light  of  revelation,  and 
the  teaching  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  through  Christ  Jesus,  afforded 
to  the  church  in  this  dark  world,  to  direct  her  worship  and 
obedience,  and  administer  to  her  consolations : but  in  heaven, 
uthe  Lord  will  be  unto  her  an  everlasting  Light,  and  God 
himself  her  glory.” — All  these  sacred  vessels  were  so  framed, 
that  the  Israelites  might  take  them  with  them  in  their  journeys  ; 
and  they  were  highly  decorated.  Thus  the  religion  of  Christ 
must  accompany  his  people  through  life ; and  it  is  fitted  to  be 
diffused  through  all  nations:  there  is  in  him  ail  beauty  and 
glory  ; and  he  adorns  his  church  with  the  graces  of  the  Spirit, 
and  all  the  beauty  of  holiness. — They  were  all  made  of  the 
most  precious  metals:  for  Christ  is  most  precious  in  himself, 
and  in  the  estimation  of  the  Father,  of  his  people,  and  of  all 
the  inhabitants  of  heaven.  His  Church  also  consists  of  the 
excellent  of  the  earth;  he  requires  us  to  consecrate  unto  him 
the  best  and  most  valuable  of  every  thing,  of  our  time,  our 
substance,  our  abilities,  and  especially  our  affection > ; and  he 
will  accept  of  nothing  but  that  which  is  the  very  best  of  the 
kind. 

V.  40.  The  ceremonial  law  was  altogether  instituted  wor- 
ship, which  derives  all  its  obligation  from  the  express  appoint- 
ment of  God.  It  was  likewise  in  every  part  typical  of  Christ 
and  his  salvation:  but  especially  the  sanctuary  and  its  furni- 
ture, were  a shadow  of  him,  in  his  person,  righteousness 
mediation,  and  grace  ; and  of  our  life  of  faith  and  communion 
with  him.  It  was  therefore  highly  proper,  that  every  particu- 
lar should  be  fashioned  exactly  according  to  the  model  set 
before  Moses  on  the  mount ; and  nothing  at  all  lefl  to  human 
invention.  Indeed,  it  is  evident,  that  uniformity  in  worship, 
as  far  as  related  to  the  services  at  the  tabernacle,  and  after- 
wards at  the  temple,  was  prescribed  by  the  law,  though  it 
was  seldom  adhered  to;  but  it  is  equally  plain,  that  such  a 
uniformity,  according  to  a precise  rule,  in  the  externals  of 
worship,  was  not  intended  under  the  new  dispensation:  and 
the  very  disputes,  which  this  subject  has  so  long  occasioned, 
are  a complete  demonstration  that  no  such  exact  and  explicit 
rule  subsists ; for  if  it  did,  the  controversy  must  cease  of  course, 
or  rather  could  never  have  been  started.  The  old  ritual  is 
evidently  antiquated,  and  nothing  of  tho  same  kind  is  substi- 
tuted in  its  place;  therefore  a latitude  is  allowed  us  by  tho 
Lord,  and  we  have  no  right  to  impose  our  sentiments  on  others, 
or  to  condemn  those  who  differ  from  us.  Yet  we  must  remem- 
ber, that  we  are  accountable  to  God  for  tho  use  which  we 
make  of  this  liberty.  We  should  take  heed,  that  we  do  not 
reject  the  truths  or  “commandments  of  God  to  keep  our  own 
traditions  ;”  and  that  we  consider  every  thing  of  this  kind  as 
a mere  circumstance,  though  in  our  judgment  expedient  for 
the  more  regular  attendance  on  God’s  ordinances,  profession 
of  his  truths,  and  obedience  to  his  commandmonts.  ( lleb . 8; 
5.  Note , 9.) 


B.  C.  1*191. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 


CHAPTER  XXVF. 

Directions  for  making  the  ten  curtains  of  the  sanctuary,  1 — 6.  The  eleven 
curtains  of  goats'  hair;  and  the  coverings  of  rams'  skins  and  badgers' 
thing,  7 — 14.  The  boards , sockets , and  bars,  15—30.  The  veil  and  pillars 
to  separate  the  most  holy  place , 31 — 33.  The  arrangement  of  the  furniture 
tn  the  sanctuary  ; and  the  hanging  for  the  door,  31 — 37. 

MOREOVER  thou  shalt  make  “the  tabernacle 
with  ten  curtains  of  bfine  twined  linen,  and 
blue,  and  purple,  and  scarlet ; with  Ccherubims  of 
‘cunning  work  shalt  thou  make  them. 

2  The  length  of  one  dcurtain  shall  be  eight  and 
twenty  cubits,  and  the  breadth  of  one  curtain  four 
cubits  : and  every  one  of  the  curtains  shall  have 
one  measure. 

3  The  five  curtains  shall  be  'coupled  together 
one  to  another : and  other  five  curtains  shall  be 
coupled  one  to  another. 

4  And  thou  shalt  make  f loops  of  blue  upon  the 
edge  of  the  one  curtain,  from  the  selvedge  in  the 
coupling : and  likewise  shalt  thou  make  in  the 
uttermost  edge  of  another  curtain,  in  the  coupling 
of  the  second. 

5  Fifty  loops  shalt  thou  make  in  the  one  cur- 
tain, and  fifty  loops  shalt  thou  make  in  the  edge 
of  the  curtain  that  is  in  the  coupling  of  the  second; 
that  the  loops  may  take  hold  one  of  another. 

6  And  thou  shalt  make  fifty  Caches  of  gold,  and 
pouple  the  curtains  together  with  the  taches  : and 
it  shall  be  bone  tabernacle. 

a 25:8.38:8—19.40:2,17—19.  1 Chr.  21:29.  John  1.14.2:21.  Heb.  8:2.  9:9,23,24. 
Rev.  21:3.  b 36.25:1.35:6,35.  Rev.  19:8.  c See  on  25:18.  • Heb.  the  work 
of  a cunning  workman,  or,  embroiderer,  d 7,8.  Nym.  4:25.  2 Sam.  7:2. 

1 Chr.  17:1.  e 9.  36:10.  John  17.21:  1 Cor.  12:4,12—27.  Eph.  2:21,22.  4:3—6, 
16.  Col.  2:2,19.  f 5,10,11.  36:11,12,17.  g 11,33.35:11.36:13,18.39:33.  h Eph. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Tn  all  things  the  Lord  prevents  us  with  his  bounty,  and  we 
can  present  nothing  to  him,  but  what  was  previously  his  gift. 
(Note,  1 Chr.  29:10 — 19.)  In  the  great  concerns  of  salvation, 
his  love  suggested  the  gracious  design,  and  his  wisdom  formed 
the  wonderful  plan : the  Father  loved  the  world,  and  gave  his 
Son  for  our  redemption ; the  Son  loved  us,  and  gave  himself 
a sacrifice  for  our  sins ; his  word  reveals  this  salvation ; his 
providence  by  special  designation  hath  sent  it  to  us  ; the  ordi- 
nances, in  which  he  will  meet  us,  are  of  his  appointment,  and 
rendered  effectual  by  his  blessing ; and  his  preventing  grace 
produces  at  first  the  willing  mind  to  attend  on  them.  But 
while  he  reveals  himself  in  Christ  Jesus,  as  a reconciled 
Father  upon  a mercy-seat,  affords  us  the  light  of  his  word, 
and  promises  the  teaching  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  to  direct  us  to 
the  Bread  of  life,  and  guide  us  into  sweet  communion  with 
him,  that  we  may  feast  upon  the  plenteousness  of  his  holy 
temple  ; he  reasonably  requires  that  we  diligently  attend  on 
his  ordinances,  come  to  his  mercy-seat,  inquire  his  will,  feed 
upon  the  Bread  of  life,  walk  in  the  light,  and  present  our  bodies, 
souls,  and  all  we  have,  to  him,  to  be  employed  according  to 
his  will,  and  for  his  glory  ; and  that  we,  with  a willing  and 
liberal  mind,  according  to  the  ability  which  he  giveth  us,  actu- 
ally separate  to  his  service,  both  for  the  support  of  religion 
and  communicating  to  the  poor,  a proportion  of  our  substance, 
to  prove  the  sincerity  of  our  faith  and  love.  If  we  have  no 
inclination  to  this,  we  have  no  proof  that  we  are  his  true 
people  ; but  if  we  hive  indeed  a willing  mind,  and  give  the 
best  which  we  possess  in  simplicity,  we  may  take  the  comfort 
of  this  good  evidence,  that  God  hath  bestowed  on  us  his  saving 
grace.  Though  no  exact  proportion  is  prescribed,  yet  the 
Lord  sdith,  that  “ he  which  soweth  sparingly,  shall  reap  also 
sparingly ; and  he  which  someth  bountifully,  shall  reap  also 
bountifully,” — in  peace  and  assurance  on  earth,  and  in  abun- 
dant glory  in  heaven.  Finally,  let  us  remember,  that  if  we 
are  true  Christians,  we  are  the  temples  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
have  the  law  of  God  written  in  our  hearts,  live  a life  of  com- 
munion with  God,  feast  on  his  ordinances,  and  are  the  light 
of  the  world.  The  Lord  help  us  to  try  ourselves  by  this  view 
of  Christianity,  and  to  walk  according  to  it. 

NOTES.— Ciiap.  XXVI.  V.  1 — G.  As  these  rich  cur- 
tains formen  the  principal  covering  of  the  sanctuary,  they  are 
called  the  Tabernacle,  or  Dwelling-place,  namely,  of  Israel’s 
God  and  King.  They  were  made  of  the  finest  linen,  dyed  of 
the  richest  colours,  spun  and  woven  in  the  most  curious  man- 
ner, and  beautifully  embroidered  all  over  with  cherubim,  the  em- 
blematic representation  of  angels,  as  joining  in  the  worship  of 
the  God  of  Israel.  Each  curtain  was  about  fifteen  yards  long, 
and  something  more  than  two  yards  wide:  but  though  woven 
and  wrought  separately,  thev  were  afterwards  joined  together 
into  two  grand  divisions  of  five  curtains  each  ; probably  by 
needlework.  Each  of  these  divisions  would  be  about  eleven 
yards  wide ; and  they  likewise  were  joined  together  into  one 
tabernacle.  Fifty  loops  of  blue  tape,  or  riband,  were  fastened 
>0  the  edge  or  selvedge  of  the  outermost  of  the  five  curtains, 
that  side  by  which  it  was  to  be  coupled  to  the  outermost  of 
the  other  five  curtains ; on  the  selvedge  of  which,  fifty  loops 
were  placed  exactly  answering  to  the  others. — These  loops 
seem  to  have  been  joined  together,  by  being  passed  through 
each  other : and  fifty  taches,  or  buttons , or  clasps,  of  gold,  were 


B.  C. 1491 

7 IF  And  thou  shalt  make  'curtains  of  kgoaw 
hair  to  be  'a  covering  upon  the  tabernacle ; '"eleven 
curtains  shalt  thou  make. 

8 The  “length  of  one  curtain  shall  be  thirty  cu- 
bits, and  the  breadth  of  one  curtain  four  cubits  : 
and  the  eleven  curtains  shall  be  all  of  one  mea 
sure. 

9 And  thou  shalt  couple  “five  curtains  by  them- 
selves, and  six  curtains  by  themselves,  and  shalt 
double  the  sixth  curtain  in  the  fore-front  of  the 
tabernacle. 

10  And  thou  shalt  make  pfifty  loops  on  the  edge 
of  the  one  curtain  that  is  outmost  in  the  coupling, 
and  fifty  loops  in  the  edge  of  the  curtain  which 
coupleth  the  second. 

11  And  thou  shalt  make  fifty  taches  of  brass, 
and  put  the  taches  into  the  loops,  and  couple  the 
•tent  together  That  it  may  be  one. 

12  And  the  remnant  that  remaineth  of  the  cur- 
tains of  the  tent,  the  half-curtain  that  remaineth 
rshall  hang  over  the  back  side  of  the  tabernacle. 

13  And  sa  cubit  on  the  one  side,  and  a cubit  on 
the  other  side  ?of  that  which  remaineth  in  the 
length  of  the  curtains  of  the  tent,  it  shall  hang 
over  the  sides  of  the  tabernacle,  on  this  side,  and 
on  that  side  to  cover  it. 

14  And  thou  shalt  make  la  covering  for  the 


1:2!,  23.  4:16.  lPet.2:4,5.  i 35:26.36:14—18.  Nura.4:25.  Ps. 45:13.  1 Pet.  3:4 
5:5.  1(  25:4  35:6,23.  Num.  31:20.  114.  Is.  4:5.  m 1.9.12.  n 2,13.  o 3. 

p 4—6.  t Or,  covering,  q See  on  3,6.  r 9.  s 2,8.  I Heb.  in  the  remainder, 
or,  surplusage,  t 36:19.  Num.  4:5.  Ps.  27:5.  121 :4, 5.'  Is.  4:6.  25:4. 


also  made,  to  each  of  which,  two  loops,  one  of  either  outside 
curtain,  were  closely  fastened,  in  order  to  render  the  whole 
compact : yet  so  that  the  two  grand  divisions  might  easily  be 
separated,  when  there  was  occasion  to  remove  k.  Thus 
firmly  joined  together,  it  was  spread  over  the  top  of  the  sanc- 
tuary, and  reached  on  each  side,  within  less  than  a yard  of 
the  ground,  covering  also  the  whole  length  of  it.  The  ten 
curtains  were  forty  cubits  wide,  (except  any  tiling  should  be 
deducted  for  the  seams  and  joinings,)  yet  the  sanctuary  was 
not  much  more  than  thirty  cubits  long:  hence  it  has  been 
thought, 'that  one  division  of  the  covering  was  exactly  spread 
over  the  holy  place,  which  was  twenty  cubits  in  length  ; and 
that  the  other  covered  the  most  holy  place,  which  was  ten  cubits 
square  ; and  that  the  residue  hung  over  on  the  west  enu 
towards  the  ground.  But  this  is  not  here  mentioned : and 
perhaps  this  inner  covering  being  spread  rather  loosely  over 
the  sanctuary,  did  not  extend  much  beyond  the  ends  of  it ; 
which  is  the  more  likely,  as  mention  is  expressly  made  of  the 
surplus  of  the  second  curtains. 

V.  7 — 14.  The  curtains  of  goats’  hair  were  above  a yard 
longer  than  the  rich  curtains,  and  would  therefore  extend 
above  half  a yard  lower  on  each  side,  that  is,  almost  to  the 
ground.  Being  one  more  in  number  than  the  others,  and  of 
the  same  width,  they  would,  when  joined,  be  more  than  txvo 
yards  wider,  and  so  much  the  more  would  he  left  to  hang 
over  at  the  ends  of  the  sanctuary  : but  it  seems  that  the 
greater  part  of  the  additional  curtain,  was  brought  to  the  east 
end  or  opening  of  it : and  there  doubled  up,  perhaps  for  orna- 
ment as  a festoon ; yet  some  also  remained  at  the  west  end, 
to  cover  the  curtains  and  the  boards.  They  were  joined  to- 
gether, as  the  rich  curtains  were,  except  that  the  taches  were 
made  of  brass  instead  of  gold.  The  language,  however,  de- 
scribing the  way  in  which  they  were  fastened  to  each  other,  * 
is  varied,  and  perhaps  may  be  thus  more  clearly  rendered : 
“ Thou  shalt  make  fifty  loops  at  the  border  of  the  first  cur- 
tain, which  is  outmost  next  to  the  coupling,  and  fifty  loops  in 
the  border  of  the  curtain  that  coupleth,  even  of  the  second.” 
For  these  were  the  two  curtains  by  which  all  the  rest  were 
coupled  together:  and  on  the  outmost  border  of  each  of  these, 
fifty  loops  were  fixed ; which  by  means  of  the  taches,  or 
clasps,  or  buttons,  were  firmly  joined  together  into  one  tent  or 
covering. — Thus  the  coarser  curtains  completely  covered, 
and  concealed,  the  richer:  yet  a two-fold  security  against  the 
effects  of  the  weather  was  added,  in  the  covering  of  rams’ 
skins  dyed  red,  and  that  of  badgers’  skins,  which  was  spread 
over  all  the  rest. — The  whole  represents  the  person  and  doc- 
trine of  Christ,  his  true  church,  and  all  heavenly  things, 
which  are  outwardly,  and  to  the  carnal  eye,  mean  ; but  are 
inwardly,  and  in  the  sight  of  God,  exceedingly  glorious  and 
precious.  The  secure  protection  which  he  prepares  for  those 
who  are  precious  in  his  sight,  may  also  be  denoted : and  the 
unity  of  the  whole,  formed  of  so  many  pieces,  and  of  such 
different  materials,  into  one  covering  of  the  sanctuary,  repre- 
sents the  spiritual  temple,  formed  of  persons  of  different  na- 
tions, dispositions,  abilities,  and  attainments,  compacted  to- 
gether into  one  church,  by  th«  uniting  influence  of  the  Spirit 
of  love. 

V.  IS — 29.  The  sockets  of  silver,  each  weighing  a talent, 
that  is,  about  a hundred  weight,  were  placed  in  rows  upon 
the  ground ; forty  on  the  south,  forty  on  die  north  iwe.ve  on 

( 173  ) 


B.  L 1 191 


EXOpUS. 


B.  C.  1491. 


tent,  of  “rair  s’  skins  dyed  red,  and  a covering  above 
of  badgers  skins. 

15  ”fl  Ard  thou  shalt  make  xboards  for  the 
‘tabernacle,  'of  shittim-wood,  standing  up. 

16  Ten  cubits  shall  be  the  length  of  a board, 
and  a cubit  and  a half  shall  be  the  Dreadth  of  one 
board. 

17  Two  ‘tenons  shall  there  be  in  one  board,  set 
in  order  or.e  against  another:  thus  shalt  thou 
make  for  all  the  boards  of  the  tabernacle. 

18  And  thou  shalt  make  the  boards  for  the 
tabernacle,  twenty  boards  on  the  south  side,  south- 
ward. 

19  And  thou  shalt  make 'forty  sockets  of  silver 
under  the  twenty  boards  : two  sockets  under  one 
board  for  his  two  tenons,  and  two  sockets  under 
another  board  for  his  two  tenons. 

20  And  for  the  second  side  of  the  tabernacle 
on  the  north  side,  there  shall  be  twenty  boards. 

21  And  their  forty  sockets  of  silver  ; atwo 
sockets  under  one  board,  and  two  sockets  under 
another  board. 

22  And  for  the  sides  of  the  tabernacle  westward, 
thou  shalt  make  six  boards. 

23  And  two  boards  shalt  thou  make  for  the  cor- 
ners of  the  tabernacle  in  the  two  sides. 

24  And  they  shall  be  'coupled  together  beneath, 
band  they  shall  be  coupled  together  above  the  head 
of  it  unto  one  ring : thus  shall  it  be  for  them  both ; 
they  shall  be  for  the  two  corners. 

25  And  they  shall  be  eight  boards  and  their 
sockets  of  silver,  sixteen  sockets : two  sockets 
under  one  board,  and  two  sockets  under  another 
board. 

26  And  thou  shalt  make  cbars  of  shittim-wood  : 
five  for  the  boards  of  the  one  side  of  the  taber- 
nacle, 

u 25:5.  35:7,23.  39:34.  Num. 4:10.  Ez. 16:10.  x 18,22-29.  36:20— 33.  40:17, 
18.  Num.  4:31,32.  Eph. 2:20,21.  y25-5.  • Heb  .hands,  z 25,37.  27:10,12— 18. 
86:24—26.  38:27,30.31.40:18.  Num.  3:36.  4:31,32.  Cant.  5:15.  a 19.  t Heb. 
twinned,  b 36:29,30.  Ps.  133:1—3.  1 Cor.  1:10.  c 36:31—38.  Num.  3:36.  4:31. 
Rom.  15:1.  Gal.  6:1,2.  d See  on  25: 1 1,12.  o 40:2,17,18.  Num.  10:21.  Josh. 
18:1.  Heb.  8:2.  1 25:9,40.27:8.  .Acts  7:44.  Heb.  8:5.  9:23.  g 36:35.  40:3,21 . 
Lex.  16:2,15.  2Chr.3:14.  Matt.  27:51.  Mark  15:38.  Luke  23:45.  Eph.  2:14. 

the  west,  and  two  at  each  corner  on  the  west  end.  In  every 
couple  of  these  sockets,  and  by  two  tenons  fitted  to  the  hol- 
lows of  them,  was  fixed  a substantial  board  of  shittim-wood, 
covered  with  plates  of  gold : the  boards  seem  also  to  have 
been  fastened  together  by  mortises  and  tenons,  or  by  a con- 
cave in  the  one  exactly  fitted  to  a convex  in  the  other.  The 
corner  boards  were  also  joined  to  the  boards  on  either  side  of 
them,  both  at  top  and  bottom,  by  a ring  or  staple,  no  doubt 
of  gold. — Thus  a wall  was  formed  on  three  sides  of  the  sanc- 
tuary; which  was  still  further  strengthened  by  five  bars  of 
shittim-wood,  covered  with  gold,  passing  through  rings  of  gold. 
As  the  middle  bars  alone  are  said  to  “ reach  from  end  to 
end,”  it  may  be  supposed  that  the  others  were  not  so  long. 
The  whole  was  so  firmly  compacted  together,  that  it  could 
not  be  shaken  or  thrown  down  much  more  easily  than  an 
edifice  of  stone ; though  it  might  readily  be  taken  down,  and 
afterwards  put  together  again ; its  materials  also  were  very 
costly. — In  all  these  things,  it  was  a type  of  the  church  of 
God,  “ built  upon  the  foundation  of  the  apostles  and  pro- 

*phets,  Jesus  Christ  himself  being  the  chief  Corner-stone,  in 
whom  all  the  building  fitly  framed  together  groweth  unto  an 
holy  temple  in  the  Lord.”  Eph.  2:20,21. 

V.  30.  (Notes,  25:9,40.) 

Y.  31 — 33.  This  veil  separated  “the  holy  place,”  or  what 
the  apostle  calls  “ the  first  tabernacle,”  “ from  the  most  holy 
place  and  it  was  hung  upon  pillars  fixed  in  sockets  of 
silver,  in  the  manner  of  the  boards. — It  was  formed  of  the 
same  materials,  and  with  the  same  ornamental  work,  as  the 
innermost  curtains  ; but  it  is  generally  thought,  to  have  been 
made  exceedingly  thick,  that  it  might  completely  conceal  the 
most  holy  place,  and  the  ark  of  the  covenant. — We  need  only 
hint,  that  sin  had  excluded  man  from  the  gracious  presence  of 
God,  so  that  nothing  short  of  the  death  of  Christ  could  re- 
move the  obstacle,  rend  the  veil,  and  give  the  sinner  free 
access  with  boldness  to  the  mercy-seat. 

V.  3fi,  37.  This  hanging  was  suspended  on  five  pillars, 
overlaid  with  gold,  at  the  east  end  of  the  sanctuary,  and 
served  instead  of  a door ; on  the  removal  of  which  the  priests 
might  enter  the  sanctuary  between  the  pillars.  It  seems  to 
have  been  less  ornamented,  in  all  respects,  than  the  inner 
veil,  and  without  cherubim ; and  the  sockets  for  the  pillars 
were  made  of  brass  instead  of  silver.  In  venoration  of  the 
rising  sun,  many  of  the  Gentiles  worshipped  towards  the 
east : but  Israel  was  required  to  protest  against  that  idolatry,  by 
turning  their  hacks  upon  the  east  in  worshipping  God ; for  we 
must  disregard  the  most  excellent  and  useful  creatures,  when 
they  would  divert  our  homage  and  affections  from  the  Creator. 

' 174  ) 


27  And  five  bars  for  the  boards  of  the  other 
side  of  the  tabernacle,  and  five  bars  for  the  boards 
of  the  side  of  the  tabernacle  for  the  two  sides 
westward. 

28  And  the  middle  bar  in  the  midst  of  the  boards 
shall  reach  from  end  to  end. 

29  And  thou  shalt  doverlay  the  boards  with 
gold,  and  make  their  rings  of  gold  for  places  foi 
the  bars  : and  thou  shalt  overlay  the  bars  with 
gold. 

30  And  thou  shalt  'rear  up  the *  *abernacle 
f according  to  the  fashion  thereof  which  was 
showed  thee  in  the  mount. 

31  H And  thou  shalt  make  a veil  of  hblue,  anc 
purple,  and  scarlet,  and  fine  twined  linen  of  'cun 
ning  work  : with  kcherubims  shall  it  be  made. 

32  And  thou  shalt  hang  it  upon  four  'pillars  ot 
shittim-ioood,  overlaid  with  gold : their  hooks  shal. 
be  of  gold,  upon  the  four  sockets  of  silver. 

33  And  thou  shalt  hang  up  the  veil  under  mthe 
taches,  that  thou  mayest  bring  in  thither  "within 
the  veil,  "the  ark  of  the  testimony : and  the  veil 
shall  divide  unto  you  between  rthe  holy  place  and 
the  most  holy. 

34  And  thou  shalt  sput  the  mercy-seat  upon  the 
ark  of  the  testimony,  in  the  most  holy  place. 

35  And  thou  shalt  set  "the  table  without  the 
veil,  and  "the  candlestick  over  against  the  table  on 
the  side  of  the  tabernacle  toward  the  south  : and 
thou  shalt  put  the  table  on  the  north  side. 

36  And  thou  shalt  make  an  ‘hanging  for  the 
door  of  “the  tent,  xo/'blue,  and  purple,  and  scarlet., 
and  fine  twined  linen,  wrought  with  needlework. 

37  And  thou  shalt  make  for  the  hanging  five 
pillars  of  shittim-wood,  and  ^overlay  them  with 
gold  : and  their  hooks  shall  be  of  gold  : and  thou 
shalt  cast  five  sockets  of  brass  for  them. 


Heb.  9:3— 8.  10:20.21.  h 25:4.  35:6,25,35.  36:8.  i 1.  28:15.  38:23.  2 Chr.  2:7— 
13.  Ps.  137:5.  Cant.  7:1.  k See  on  25:18.  1 37.  36:38.  Esth.  1 :6.  m 27:10. 

36:36.  n Heb.  9:4,5.  o See  on  25:16.  40:21.  p 1 Kings  8:6,10.  2 Chr.  5:7— 
10.  Heb.  9:2,3.  q See  on  25:21 . 40:20.  Heb.  9:5.  r See  on  40:22.  Heb.  3:2, 
8,9.  s See  on  25:31— 37.  40:24.  i 36:37.  40:28.  John  10:9.  14:6.  u 35:11.39: 
33.  40:29.  Num.  3:25.  9:15.  2 Sam.  7:6.  Ps.  78:60.  x See  on  31.  y 36:38. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

With  this  typical  description  of  Christ  and  his  church  be- 
fore our  eyes,  let  us  ask  ourselves  what  our  judgment  on  these 
subjects  is.  Do  we  see  any  glory  in  the  person  of  Christ  ? 
any  excellency  in  his  character,  or  preciousness  in  his  salva- 
tion, or  wisdom  in  the  doctrine  of  the  cross  ? Do  we  per- 
ceive iny  beauty  in  holiness,  or  any  amiableness  in  the 
character  of  Christians?  These  things  are  hidden  under 
external  meanness,  from  the  carnal  eye  of  the  superficial 
observer,  but  are  spiritually  discerned  by  every  true  believer ; 
who  sees,  through  the  exterior  covering,  the  internal  glory 
and  hidden  excellency  of  heavenly  things.  As  our  judgment, 
choice,  and  consequent  practice  arc,  so  is  our  state  towards 
God.  “To  you  that  believe,  Christ  is  precious.” — Let  us 
also  examine  ourselves,  as  to  the  state  of  our  own  hearts  ; 
whether  we  possess  a consciousness  of  dependence  on  God, 
love  to  him,  hatred  of  sin,  desire  after  holiness,  and  a full 
purpose  of  heart,  through  divine  grace,  to  glorify  him  ? Will 
our  religion  bear  examination  ? and  are  we  more  careful  to 
approve  our  hearts  to  God,  than  our  characters  to  men?  JPor 
notwithstanding  all  our  imperfections,  this  state  of  mind  is  in 
the  sight  of  God  of  great  price. — The  hypocrite  is  the  reverse 
of  all  this  : he  keeps  up  a specious  appearance  before  men, 
but  he  shrinks  from  examination ; for  “ his  inward  part  is 
very  wickedness;”  and  God  knows  it. — Thus  also  the  Chris- 
tian’s comfort  and  his  inheritance  are  not  an  outside  show 
of  mirth  and  prosperity,  covering  an  aching  heart,  and  a still 
doomed  to  destruction  ; but  an  inward  sweetness  and  peace 
unobserved  of  men,  and  a glorious  inheritance*  reserved 
within  the  veil.  Nay,  the  mean  appearance  of  the  church, 
and  of  the  Christian,  is  often  a security  from  persecution 
and  temptation. — As  every  part  of  this  spiritual  building  of 
God,  in  subserviency  to  his  power  and  love,  conduces  to  the 
stability  of  the  whole,  let  us  consider  how  much  it  behooves 
us  to  “endeavour  to  keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bund 
of  peace let  us  watch  against  discontent,  envy,  ambition, 
and  contention  ; and^each  in  his  proper  place,  study  to  serve 
the  common  interests* of  genuine  Christianity. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXVII.  V.  1—8.  The  altar  for  the 
sacrifices  made  by  fire,  at  the  entrance  into  the  sanctuary, 
was  almost  three  yards  square,  and  above  a yard  and  a halt 
in  height.  The  frame  was  of  shittim-wood,  forming  a hollow 
sqpare  within.  And  on  each  corner  was  a small  turret,  or 
pinnacle,  of  the  same  wood  ; to  which,  on  some  occasions  at 
least,  the  animals  to  be  sacrificed  were  bound  ; and  to  which 
part  of  the  blood  was  applied.  The  frame  of  the  altar  was 
covered  with  plates  of  brass,  probably  of  a considerable 


B.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


B.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

The  brazen  altar  for  burnt  ancr'i/ice,  and  its  ves  els , 1 — 8.  The  court  of  thi 
tabernacle,  its  hangings,  pillars,  and  dimensions,  9 — 19.  The  oil  far  the 
candlestick,  and  the.  ordering  of  it,  20,  21. 

AND  thou  shalt  make  an  “altar  of  slnttim- 
woorf,  five  cubits  long,  and  five  cubits  broad: 
the  altar  shall  be  four  square,  and  the  height 
thereof  shall  be  three  cubits. 

2  And  thou  shalt  make  the  bhorns  of  it  upon 
the  four  corners  thereof:  his  horns  shall  be  of  the 
same  : and  thou  shalt  coverlay  it  with  brass. 

3  Anti  thou  shalt  make  his  pans  to  receive  his 
ashes,  and  'fiiis  shovels,  and  his  'basins,  and  his 
f flesh-hooks,  and  his  sfire-pans:  all  the  vessels 
thereof  thou  shall  make  of  brass. 

4  And  thou  shalt  make  for  it  ha  grate  of  net- 
work of  brass : and  upon  the  net  shalt  thou  make 
four  brazen  ‘rings  in  the  four  corners  thereof 
5 And  thou  shalt  put  it  under  the  compass  of 
the  altar  beneath,  that  the  net  may  be  even  to  the 
midst  of  the  altar. 

6  And  thou  shalt  make  kstaves  for  the  altar, 
staves  of  shittim-wood,  and  overlay  them  with 
brass. 

7  And  the  staves  shall  be  put  into  the  rings,  and 
the  staves  shall  be  put  upon  the  two  sides  of  the 
altar  to  'bear  it. 

8  Hollow  with  boards  shalt  thou  make  it : mas 
’it  was  showed  thee  in  the  mount,  so  shall  they 
make  it. 

9  And  thou  shalt  make  “the  court  of  the 
tabernacle  for  the  south  side  southward : there 
shall  be  “hangings  for  the  court  of  fine  twined 
linen  of  an  hundred  cubits  long,  for  one  side. 

10  And  the  twenty  pillars  thereof,  and  their 
twenty  “sockets  shall  be  of  brass ; the  hooks  of 
the  pillars,  and  their  sfillet.s  shall  be  of  silver  : 

1 1  And  likewise  for  the  north  side  in  length, 
there  shall  be  hangings  of  an  hundred  cubits  long, 


and  his  twenty  pillars,  and  their  twenty  sockets  oj 
brass  : the  hooks  of  the  pillars,  and  their  fillets  of 
silver. 

12  And  for  the  breadth  of  the  court,  on  the 
west  side,  shall  be  hangings  of  fifty  cubits  : theii 
pillars  ten,  and  their  sockets  ten. 

13  And  the  breadth  of  the  court  on  the  east 
side  eastward  shall  be  filly  cubits. 

14  The  “hangings  of  one  side  of  the  gate  shall 
be  fifteen  cubits:  their  pillars  three,  and  their 
sockets  three. 

15  And  on  the  other  side  shall  be  hangings 
fifteen  cubits:  their  pillars  three,  and  their  sockets 
three. 

16  And  for  the  gate  of  the  court  shall  be  an 
hanging  of  twenty  cubits,  sof  blue,  and  purple 
and  scarlet,  and  fine  twined  linen,  wrought  with 
‘needlework  : and  their  pillars  shall  be  four,  and 
their  sockets  four. 

17  All  the  pillars  round  about  the  court  shall  be 
filleted  with  silver : their  hooks  shall  be  of  silver, 
and  their  sockets  of  brass. 

. 18  The  “length  of  the  court  shall  be  an  hundred 
cubits,  and  the  breadth  tfifty  every  where,  and  the 
height  five  cubits,  of  fine  twined  linen,  and  their 
sockets  of  brass. 

19  All  the  vessels  of  the  tabernacle  in  all  the 
service  thereof,  and  xall  the  pins  thereof,  and  all 
the  pins  of  the  court,  shall  be  of  brass. 

20  H And  thou  shalt  command  the  children  of 
Israel,  that  they  bring  thee  ^pure  oil-olive  beaten, 
Tor  the  light,  to  cause  the  lamp  ho  burn  always. 

21  In  “the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  bwith 
out  the  veil,  which  is  before  the  “testimony; 
dAaron  and  his  sons  shall  order  it  from  “evening 
to  morning  before  the  Lord  : it  shall  be  fa  statute 
for  ever  unto  their  generations,  on  the  behalf  of 
the  children  of  Israel. 


• 20:21 — 23.  24:4.  38:1 — 7.  40:10,29.  2 .-am.  2-1:18.  2Chr.4:l.  Er.  43:13— 17 
Heb.  13:10.  b 20:12.  Lev.  4:7.18, 25.  8:15.  16:18.  1 Kings  1:50. 2:28.  1’s.  118- 
27.  Heb.  6:18.  c Num.  16:38,39.  1 Kings  8:64.  cl  Lev.  16:12.  I Kings  7:40, 
45.  2Chr.  4:11.  Jer.  52:18.  e 24:6.  f 38:3.  Num.  4:14.  1 Sam.  2:13,14.  1 Chr. 
83:17.  2 Chr.  4:16.  g 2 Kings  23:15.  Jer.  52:19.  h 35:16  . 38:1,5.  i Stc  on  25: 
12.  k See  on  25:13 — 15.  1 25:28.  30:4.  Num.  4:13,14.  m 25:9,40.  26:30.  I Chr. 
88:11,19.  Mail.  15:9.  Col.  2:20— 23.  Heb.  8:5.  * Heb.  he  showed,  n 389— 

20.40:8.  1 Kings  6:35.  8:64.  2 ( hr.  33:5.  Ps.  84:10.  92:13.  100:4.  116:19.  Kz.40: 
14,20,23,23,32,44.42:3,19,20.46:20— 2-1.  o 26:31—37.35:17.39:40.  p See  on 


26:19 — 21.  q 36:38.  Jer.  52:21.  r 9.26:36.  s See  on  26:31  36  t 28-39  36 

37  39:29.  Judg.5:3°.ps.45:14.  u 9-12.  f Heb.  pfty  byfify.  * §fl8.  § 
20,31.  3.:40.  Num.  3:37.  4:32.  Ezra  9:8.  Ec.  12:11.  Is.  22: 23— 25.  33:20.  Zech 
10‘4-  y Lev.  24:2— 4.Juc!g.9;9.  Ps.23-5.  Zech. 4:11-14.  Rev. 11:4 

z See  on  2o:31 — 37.  1 Heb.  ro  ascend  up.  a 29:1U  44  I.ev  3 8 Num  R-Q 
b 23:31-33.  40:3.  c See  on  16:34.  25:16,21.  d 30:8.  1 sim.  3 3 2 Ch?  13U1 
Mai.  2:7.  Man.  4:16.  John  5:35.  2 Cor.  4:6.  2 Pet.  1:19.rTv.2?1.  e oh,  i 5 
o.eV1f :3'  Si34’1,  f 28:43.29:9,28.  Lev.  3:17.  16:34.  24:9.  Num.  18:23 
19:21.  1 Sam.  30:2o. 


thickness,  both  within  and  without:  the  horns  also  were  overt 
laid  with  brass.  Over  the  hollow  in  the  middle,  was  placed 
a brazen  grate,  to  receive  the  fire  and  the  sacrifices,  being 
full  of  holes,  as  a net,  through  which  the  ashes  might  fall 
down  under  the  altar ; whence  they  were  removed  from 
time  to  time.  This  grate  seems  to  have  sloped  down  on  every 
side,  and  so  to  have  reached  half  way  to  the  bottom  of  the 
altar  within : and  by  four  rings  it  might  be  taken  up  to  be 
cleaned  or  to  be  removed,  separately  from  the  rest  of  the 
altar.  By  means  of  this  grate,  the  fire  was  kept  at  a proper 
distance  from  the  wood  of  which  the  frame  was  made;  and 
it  had  this  protection  in  addition  to  the  covering  of  brass. 
There  seem  likeiyse  to  have  been  rings  to  the  altar,  as  well 
as  to  the  grate,  by  which  it  was  carried  on  the  staves  or  bars. 
Connected  with  the  altar,  were  various  vessels  for  different 
purposes  ; as  pans,  into  which  the  ashes  were  taken  to  be 
carried  away ; basins,  to  receive  the  blood  of  the  sacrifices, 
and  the  meat-offerings ; flesh-hooks,  or  forks,  by  which  the 
flesh  was  put  on  the  altar,  or  ordered  when  there  : and  fire- 
pans, in  which  it  is  supposed  the  sacred  fire  was  taken,  when 
the  altar  was  removed ; but  which  might  likewise  be  used  on 
other  occasions,  especially  in  carrying  fire  from  the  brazen 
altar,  with  which  to  burn  incense  on  the.  golden  altar  within 
the  sanctuary.  The  altar,  formed  of  wood,  but  protected 
from  the  fire  by  the  brazen  plates,  may  typify  the  human 
nature  oi  Christ,  supported  under  the  fire  of  the  divine  wrath 
for  sin,  by  Us  union  with  his  divinity. 

V.  9—19.  The  tabernacle,  when  set  up,  was  enclosed  in 
a court,  between  fifty  and-  sixty  yards  in  length,  and  between 
twenty-five  and  thirty  in  breadth;  formed  by  curtains  hung 
UP “r1azen.  P'Uars,  fixed  in  brazen  sockets,  after  the  manner 
of  the  boards  of  the  sanctuary ; and  having  an  entrance  at 
the  east  end,  similar  to  the  entrance  of  that  building.  The 
curtains  for  this  court  were  made  of  fine  linen,  spun  and 
woven,  after  the  manner  of  the  rich  curtains  called  the  taber- 
nacle; yet  neither  dyed  nor  embroidered  as  they  were-  but 
those  that  formed  the  entrance  into  it,  were  dyed  and  wrought 
with  ornamental  needlework,  though  not  with  cherubim.— 
The  brazen  pillars  likewise  were  embellished  with  chapiters 
overlaid  or  environed  with  plates  of  silver ; (38:17.)  and  the 
nooks  on  which  the  curtains  were  hung  were  made  of  silver. 
The  pins  (19)  are  supposed  to  have  been  intended  to  hold 
down  the  bottom  of  the  curtains  to  the  sockets,  that  the  wind 
might  not  blow  them  aside : and  it  seems,  such  pins  were 
also  used  to  hold  down  the  curtains  of  the  tabernacle,  which 


were  made  of  brass,  though  the  sockets  were  made  of  silver, 
and  the  boards  covered  with  gold.  Yet  some  think,  that  only 
the  pins  for  the  curtains  at  the  door  of  the  sanctuary,  the  pil- 
lars of  which  stood  in  sockets  of  brass,  are  meant.  Within 
this  enclosure  the  priests  and  Levites  attended  at  the  altar, 
and  hither  the  people  were  admitted,  at  least  such  as  brought 
sacrifices:  the  priests  went  likewise  into  the  sanctuary  ; but 
none,  except  the  high-priest,  went  into  the  holy  of  holies, 
and  that  but  on  one  day  in  a year : yet  the  whole  people  of 
Israel  was  “ a kingdom  of  priests  and  a holy  nation,”  com- 
pared  with  the  heathen.  Surely,  this  divine  appointment  is 
suited  to  teach  us,  how  far  sin  has  separated  between  us  and 
a holy  God,  and  what  difficulties  bar  our  reunion ! Surely 
it  evinces  the  falsehood  of  that  proud  sentiment,  which  re- 
presents man’s  poor  services,  as  in  themselves  acceptable  and 
meritorious  before  God  ; since  even  this  “ kingdom  of  priests” 
could  not  approach  his  very  mercy-seat,  in  their  own  persons, 
or  with  their  own  services,  however  costly  ; but  only  by  their 
representative,  their  typical  mediator,  with  the  sprinkling  of 
blood  and  the  burning  of  incense  !— These  distinctions  also 
represented  the  difference  between  the  visible  nominal  church 
and  the  true  spiritual  church,  which  alone  hath  access  to  God 
and  communion  with  him. 

V.  20,  21.  The  purest  oil,  which  ran  freely  from  the  olives 
when  bruised,  and  not  such  as  was  squeezed  out  by  a press 
or  mill,  was  required  for  the  seven  lamps  of  the  golden  can- 
dlestick -.  and  they  were  to  be  lighted  and  ordered  by  Aaron 
and  by  his  sons,  through  successive  generations  ; some  of 
whom  probably  attended  on  them  all  the  night.  It  is  said, 

Aaron  and  his  sons  shall  order  it  from  evening  to  morning . 
and  from  this  and  some  other  expressions  in  the  scriptures 
referred  to. m the  margin,  (Marg.  Ref.  d.)  many  have  con- 
cluded that  the  lamps  were' not  lighted  in  the  daytime.  But 
as  the  sanctuary  had  no  windows,  and  as  the  priests  were 
required  to  offer  incense  twice  every  day  on  the  golden  altar, 
as  well  as  to  order  other  things  within  the  sanctuary  during 
the  day,  this  construction  can  scarcely  be  admitted.  Jose- 
phus, who  was  a priest,  says,  that  only  three  of  the  seven 
were  lighted  in  the  daytime;  and  he  is  an  unexceptionable 
witness  to  the  customs  of  his  own  times , hut  then  those  cus* 
toms  were  often  unscriptural.  Perhaps,  had  it  not  been  for 
an  express  injunction,  the  priests  might  have  thought  it 
enough  to  order  the  lamps  during  the  day  when  wanted  ; and 
have  left  them  to  go  out  in  the  night : but  they  were  particu^ 
larly  commanded  to  order  them  through  the  night*  44  to  caus© 
,(  175  ) 


0 


B.  C.  1491. 


EXODUS 


B.  C.  1491 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Aaron  and  his  sons  ai  e appointed  to  the  priesthood,  1.  The  holy  garments  pre- 
scribed, for  the  high-priest , 2 — 5 ; consisting  of  the  ephod  and  girdle,  6—14  ; 
the  breastplate  of  judgment  with  l' rim  and  Thu  minim,  15— 3U  ; the  robe  of 
the  ephod \ the  mitre,  and  the  coat  of  fine  linen,  31 — 39.  The  gai'ments  of  the 
other  priests,  40 — 43. 

AND  "take  thou  unto  thee  Aaron  thy  brother, 
and  his  sons  with  him,  from  ’’among  the 
children  of  Israel,  that  he  may  minister  unto  me 
in  the  priest’s  office,  even  Aaron,  cNadab  and 
Abihu,  Eleazar  and  Ithamar,  Aaron’s  sons. 

2  And  thou  shalt  make  dholy  garments  for  Aaron 
thy  brother,  for  'glory  and  for  beauty. 

3  And  thou  shalt  speak  unto  all  that  are  < wise- 
hearted,  whom  I have  stilled  with  the  Spirit  of  wis- 
dom, that  they  may  make  Aaron’s  garments  to 
consecrate  him,  that  he  may  minister  unto  me  in 
the  priest’s  office. 

4  And  these  are  the  garments  which  they  shall 
make  ; ha  breastplate,  and  an  'ephod,  kand  a robe, 
and  'a  broidered  coat,  a mmitre,  and  a girdle  : and 
they  shall  make  holy  garments  for  Aaron  thy 

a Lev.  8:2.  Non.  16:9—11.  17:2 — 9.  Heb.  6:1—5.  b 41.  29:1,9,44.  30:30.  31:10. 
35:19.  Nurn.  18:7.  Deni.  10:6.  1 Chr.  6:10.  2 Chr.  11:14.  Luke  1:8.  c 6:23,  24: 
19.  Lev.  10:1,12.  Num.  2:4.  26:61.  1 Chr.  24:1— 4.  d 29:5— 9,29,30.  31:10.  39: 
1.  40:13.  Lev.  8:7—9,30.  Num.  20:26— 23.  Pa.  132:9,16.  Is.  61:3, tO.  64:6.  Zeeh. 
3:3,4.  Rom.  3:22.  13:14.  Gal.  3:27.  Heb.  7:26.  Rev.  10:8.  e 40.  I9:5„6.  Num. 
27:20.21.  dob  40:10.  Ps.  90:16,17.  96:6.  149:4.  Is.  4:2.  Jer.  9:23,24.  1 Cor.  1:30, 
31.  f 31:3 — 3.  33:31 — 35.  3S;1, 2.  Is. 28:24—25.  g Deut.  34:9.  Is.  11:2.  ICor. 


the  lamp  to  burn  always  and  the  expressions,  before  refer- 
red to,  may  only  denote,  that  in  the  evening  they  paid  an 
especial  attention  to  the  lamps,  preparatory  to  their  care  of 
them  through  the  night.  Upon  the  whole,  it  seems  probable 
that  the  light  never  went  out  in  the  sanctuary,  except  when 
the  priests  neglected  or  mistook  their  duty. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Of  what  vast  importance,  in  true  religion,  must  the  Person, 
the  priesthood,  and  the  sacrifice  of  the  Son  of  God  be,  when 
they  are  forced  upon  our  attention  in  such  a variety  of  types 
and  representations  ! — He  indeed  is  our  Prophet,  and  we 
must  welcome  and  submit  to  his  teaching ; our  King,  and  we 
must  willingly  obey  him;  our  Example,  and  we  must  imitate 
him  : but  he  is  also  our  Altar,  our  Priest,  our  Sacrifice,  our 
Mediator;  and  we  have  neither  been  truly  taught  by  him, 
nor  have  we  rendered  him  any  genuine  obedience,  unless  we 
have  learned  to  come  to  the  Father,  as  lost  sinners,  through 
him,  the  Way,  the  Truth,  and  the  Life;  to  draw  all  our 
sufficiency  from  his  fulness,  as  the  Fountain  of  grace  ; and  to 
rely  on  his  merits,  as  the  Foundation  of  our  hope. — Wohave 
abundant  cause  to  bless  our  God,  that  we  are  within  the  en- 
closure of  his  visible  church,  and  favoured  with  the  means  of 
grace : let  us  not  however  rest  in  outward  profession,  but  be 
very  earnest  and  diligent,  to  be  found  of  the  number  of  those 
who  “truly  have  fellowship  with  the  Father  and  with  his  Son 
Jesus  Christ.”  W e should  also  recollect,  that  even  the  Scrip- 
tures will  not  prove  effectual  to  enlighten  our  minds,  in  those 
things  which  belong  to  eternal  salvation,  without  the  unction 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  communicated  to  us  through  that  great 
High-Priest,  of  whom  Aaron  and  his  sons  were  types,  and 
who  “ walketh  amidst  his  golden  candlesticks.”  But  at  the 
same  time  we  must  consider,  that  ministers,  by  opening  and 
applying  the  Scriptures,  and  preaching  the  gospel  continu- 
ally ; and  private  Christians,  in  performing  the  duties  of 
their  several  stations  ; and  all,  by  their  fervent  and  frequent 
prayers  ; are  instrumental  in  diffusing  the  divine  light  in  this 
dark  world.  Let  us  then  diligent!}!  tend  the  lamp  of  the 
sacred  Scriptures,  that  we  may  walk  in  the  light  ourselves, 
and  communicate  it  to  all  around  us.  And  may  the  Lord 
send  forth  many  able  and  faithful  ministers,  to  diffuse  the 
light  throughout  the  earth : for,  blessed  be  his  name,  it  is  not 
now  confined  to  the  sanctuary  in  Israel,  but  is  intended  to 
lighten  the  gentiles  in  every  part  of  the  world. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXVIII.  V.  1.  Several  intimations 
had  before  bqen  given  of  the  Lord’s  purpose ; but  this  is  the 
first  express  appointment  of  Aaron  and  his  sons  to  the  priest- 
hood. The  heads  of  families  seem  hitherto  to  have  officiated 
as  priests,  and  to  have  offered  sacrifices ; but  now  that  prac- 
tice was  terminated,  and  the  sacerdotal  office  was  restricted 
to  the  family  of  Aaron.  Moses  not  only  gave  a decided  proof 
of  his  disinterestedness,  in  leaving  his  own  posterity  in  (he 
rank  of  private  Levites,  while  he  confirmed  Aaron  and  his 
descendants  in  this  important  and  honourable  service;  (1 
Chr.  23:14 — 17.  Note,  14.)  but  he  also  fully  evinced,  that  he 
acted  entirely  by  divine  direction:  and  this  is  further  proved 
bv  the  remarkable  circumstance,  that  no  provision  was  made 
for  the  succession  to  the  priosthood,  in  case  Aaron’s  family 
should  be  extinct.  According  to  human  observation,  this  was 
a very  probable  event,  especially  after  the  death  of  Nadab 
and  Abihu  : and  it  must  havo  been  followed  by  the  entire 
subversion  of  the  religious  system  at  this  time  established ; 
for  it  was  fundamental  to  it,  that  no  person,  in  any  age  or  in 
any  case,  should  officiate  as  priest,  under  the  penalty  of  death, 
except  he  were  of  Aaron’s  family : yet  Moses  left  the  whole 
dependent  on  an  apparent  contingency ! This,  human  policy 
never  would  have  done.  But  the  providence  of  God  took 
I 176  ) 


brother,  and  his  sons,  that  he  may  minister  untr 
me  in  the  priest’s  office. 

5 And  they  shall  take  “gold,  and  blue,  and  pur- 
ple, and  scarlet,  and  fine  linen. 

6 H And  they  shall  make  the  ephod  of  gold,  of 
blue,  and  of  purple,  of  scarlet  and  fine  twined 
°linen,  with  cunning  work. 

7 It  shall  have  the  Ptwo  shoulder-pieces  thereof 
joined  at  the  two  edges  thereof ; and  so  it  shall  be 
joined  together. 

8 And  sthe  ’curious  girdle  of  the  ephod  which 
is  upon  it,  shall  be  of  the  same  according  to  the 
work  thereof : even  of  gold,  of  blue,  and  purple, 
and  scarlet,  and  fine  twined  linen. 

9 And  thou  shalt  take  two  ronyx-stones,  and 
•grave  on  them  the  names  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

10  Six  of  their  names  on  one  stone,  and  the 
other  six.  names  of  the  rest  on  the  other  stone, 
'according  to  their  birth. 

11  With  the  work  of  an  engraver  in  stone,  like 
the  "engravings  of  a signet,  shalt  thou  engrave 

12:7—11.  Enh.  1:17.  h 39:8—21.  Is.  59:17.  Eph.6:14.  1 Thes.  5:8.  Rex.  9:17. 
i 6 — 14.39:2 — 5,21,22.  Lev.  8:7,8.  1 Sara.  2:18.  22:18. 23:6.  30:7.  2 Sam.  6:14. 
k 31— S4. 39:25,26.  1 39,40.  Lev.  8:7.  m 39:28.  Lev.  8:9.  Zech.  3:5.  e,  See 
on  25:3,4.  39:2,3.  oSeeon25:l.  p 39:4.  q 27,28.  29:5.  39:20,21.  Lev. 8:7. 
Is.  11:5.  1 Pet.  1:13.  Rev. 1:13.  * Qr,  embroidered,  r 20.  39:13.  Gen. 2:12. 

Job  28:16.  Ez.  28.13.  a 36.  39:6.  2 Chr.  2:7.  Cant.  8:6.  Is.  49:16.  l 1:1— 4. 
Gen.  43:33.  u21.  Jer.  22:24.  Zech.  3:9.  Eph.  1:18.  4:30.  2 Tim.  2:19.  Itev.  7.2. 


care  of  that,  which  was  thus  simply  committed  to  him ; and 
the  priests  of  the  family  of  Aaron  increased,  and  continued 
as  long  as  that  dispensation,  and  until  the  Christian  dispen- 
sation was  introduced. — The  word  to ) rendered  44  that 

he  may  minister  in  the  priest’s  office,”  seems  originally  to 
have  meant  serving  in  an  honourable  station : and  therefore  it 
is  used  concerning  the  sons  of  David,  who  could  not  be 
priests,  strictly  speaking.  (2  Sam.  8:18.)  Hence  it  is  in 
several  places  in  the  margin  rendered  princes.  And  as 
princes  or  courtiers  wait  on  the  king,  and  are  honoured  by 
nearer  access  to  him  than  others ; so  the  priests  under  the 
law,  both  in  respect  of  their  office,  and  as  types  of  Christ, 
waited  on  the  Lord  in  his  courts,  and  were  admitted  nearer 
to  him  than  other  Israelites.  Therefore  u no  man  took  this 
honour  to  himself,  but  he  who  was  called  of  God,  as  was 
Aaron  for  it  was  absolutely  requisite  that  the  Lord  should 
select  the  persons,  whom  he  would  admit  into  his  special 
presence,  and  distinguish  as  the  types  of  his  beloved  Son,  in 
mediating  between  him  and  his  sinful  creatures. — Wherever 
the  word  (Tro)  is  connected  with  any  of  the  names  of  God, 
it  seems  always  to  denote  a priest  ; but  when  it  stands  alone, 
it  sometimes  means  a prince  <fr  eminent  person. 

Y.  2.  Whatever  was  separated  from  common  uses,  and 
consecrated  to  the  immediate  service  of  God,  was  called 
holy.  These  garments  were  intended  to  distinguish  the 
priests,  and  to  render  their  persons  and  ministrations  re- 
spected by  he  people.:  they  were  also  emblematical  of  that 
holy  conversation  and  conduct,  which  should  ever  be  tlxc 
44  glory  and  beauty,”  the  distinguishing  mark,  of  the  ministers 
of  religion  ; without  which  they,  and  the  services  which  they 
perform,  will  be  had  in  contempt.  But  especially  they  were 
typical  of  the  glory  of  the  divine  majesty,  and  the  beauty  of 
perfect  holiness,  which  rendered  Jesus  Christ  u such  a High- 
Priest  as  became  us,”  and  stamped  infinite  value  on  his  whole 
work.  ( Note , Heb.  7:2G — 28.)  • 

V.  3.  Whoever  is  endued  with  skill  and  ability  to  perform 
the  service  assigned  him,  especially  in  promoting  true  religion, 
and  does  it  uprightly  and  diligently,  is  wise-hearted,  and  will 
give  God  the  glory  of  making  him  so  ; for  all  natural  wisdom 
is  the  gift  of  God : but  this  seems  to  have  been  supematurally 
bestowed  ; as  it  is  added,  M whom  I have  filled  with  the  Spirit 
of  wisdom.”  {Notes,  31:1 — 6.) 

V.  4,  5.  The  different  parts  of  the  priestly  garments  will 
be  briefly  considered,  as  they  are  afterwards  more  particu- 
larly described. — They  were  made  for  Aaron  and  41  his  sons, 
that  he  might  minister  in  the  priest’s  office :”  and  it  is  gene- 
rally thought  that  tho  priests  never  wore  the  sacred  vest- 
ments, except  when  ministering  at  the  sanctuary.  All  the 
garments  seem  to  havo  been  made  of  linen , though  some 
writers,  without  any  scriptural  proof,  assert  that  part  of  them 
was  made  of  wool.  Where  no  colour  is  mentioned,  tho  linen 
was  white. 

V.  6 — 14.  The  ephod,  or  the  outer  garment  of  tho  priests 
which  they  wore  over  the  rest  to  keep  them  close  about 
them,  was  a short  coat  without  sleeves;  but  made  with  two 
shoulder-pieces,  one  for  each  shoulder,  to  join  tho  whole 
garment  together,  and  to  retain  it  in  its  place.  Ephods  wore 
worn  by  the  inferior  priests,  and  even  by  others  on  some 
occasions ; as  by  Samuel  when  a child,  and  by  David  when 
ho  danced  before  the  ark.  (1  Sam.  2:18.  2 Sam.  0:14.)  But 
these  were  made  only  of  linen ; whereas  the  e phod  of  gold 
was  richly  dyed  and  curiously  embroidered,  and  had  much 
gold  wrought  upon  it.  According  to  our  translation,  and  tlie 
general  sense  of  expositors,  it  was  likewise  girt  on  with  a 
girdlo  over  tho  breast,  dyed,  embroidered,  and  interwr  /en 
with  gold,  like  tho  other  parts  of  tho  ephod : but  it  is  not 


li.  C 149..  CHAPTER  XXYIII. 


B.  C.  1491 


the  two  stones,  witli  the  names  of  the  children  of 
Israel : thou  shalt  make  them  to  be  set  in  “ouches 
of  gold : 

12  And  thou  shalt  put  the  two  stones  upon 
nhe  shoulders  of  the  ephod,  for  stones  of  memo- 
rial unto  the  children  of  Israel.  And  'Aaron  shall 
bear  their  names  before  the  Lord,  upon  his  two 
shoulders  for  a “memorial. 

13  And  thou  shalt  make  ouches  of  gold: 

14  And  two  bchains  of  pure  gold  at  the  ends : 
of  “wreathen  work  shaft  thou  make  them,  and 
fasten  the  wreathen  chains  to  the  ouches. 

15  II  And  thou  shalt  make  ‘'the  breastplate  of 
judgment  with  cunning  work,  'after  the  work  of 
the  ephod  thou  shalt  make  it : of  gold,  of  blue,  and 
of  purple,  and  of  scarlet,  and  of  fine  twined  linen 
shalt  tnou  make  it. 

16  Four-square  it  shall  be  being  doubled ; a 
span  shall  be  the  length  thereof,  and  a span  shall 
be  the  breadth  thereof. 

17  And  fthou  shalt  ’set  in  it  settings  of  stones, 
even  four  rows  of  stones : the  first  row  shall  be 
ea  tsardius,  ha  topaz,  and  'a  carbuncle  : this  shall 
be  the  first  row. 

18  And  the  second  row  shall  be  an  "emerald,  'a 
sapphire,  and  ma  diamond. 

19  And  the  third  row  na  ligure,  °an  agate,  and 
an  amethyst. 

20  And  the  fourth  row,  ra  beryl,  and  ‘tan  onyx, 
and  ra  jasper : they  shall  be  set  in  gold  in  their 
lenclosings. 

21  And  the  stones  shall  be  with  the  names  of 
die  children  of  Israel,  “twelve,  according  to  their 
names ; like  the  engravings  of  a signet,  every 

x 13,14.25.  39:6,13,13.  y 7.  Ps.  89:19.  Is.  9:6.  12:2.  Zech.  6:13,14.  Heb. 
7:25—23.  z 29.  a 12:14.  13:9.  39:7.  Gen.  9:12— 17.  Lev.  24:7.  Num.  16:40. 
31:54.  Josh.  4:7.  Is.  62:6.  mars.  Luke  1:54,72.  Acts  10:4.  b 24.  39:15.  c 22— 
25.39:17,18.  1 Kiiies  7:17.  2 Kings  25:17.  2 Chr.  4:12,13.  <1  See  on  h.  4,30. 

39:8.  Lev.  8:8.  e See  on  6.  25:1 . f See  on  9,11 . 39:10.  Mai.  3:17.  - Heb. 

fill  in  it  fillings  of  stone,  g Ez.  28:13.  Rev.  21:19 — 21.  t Or,  ruby.  Job  28: 
18.  Prov.  3:15.  8:11.  20:15.  31:10.  Lam.  4:7.  h Job  28:19.  Rev.  21:20.  i Is. 


certain,  whether  the  original  words  mean  a girdle  ; or  merely 
that  the  whole  of  the  ephod  which  went  round  the  body , as 
well  as  that  which  was  on  the  breast  and  shoulders,  should 
be  thus  ornamented.  The  ephod,  however,  was  buttoned  on 
each  shoulder  by  a if  onyx  set  in  gold  ; and  on  these  two  onyx- 
stones  were  engraven  the  names  of  the  twelve  sons  of  Israel, 
six  on  each  onyx,  according  to  their  seniority ; that  the  chief 
priest  might  bear  their  names  before  the  Lord  in  his  minis- 
trations, and  thus  both  remember  to  plead  their  cause,  and 
also  put  the  Lord  in  remembrance  of  his  prbmises  to  them. 
There  were  likewise  two  chains  of  gold,  curiously  wreathen, 
and  fixed  to  the  ouches,  in  which  the  onyx-stones  were  set ; 
and  these  chains  seem  to  have  served  also  to  fasten  the 
breastplate  on  the  ephod.  (22 — 28.) — Thus  Christ  appeared 
to  the  apostle  “girt  about  the  paps  with  a golden  girdle:” 
for  “ righteousness  was  the  girdle  of  his  loins “ he  was 
clad  with  zeal  as  a cloak ;”  “ the  government  was  upon  his 
shoulders  ;”  and  he  bears  the  names  of  his  people  before  God, 
as  a memorial ; while,  as  their  Representative  and  Advocate, 
with  all  his  power,  he  interposes  in  their  behalf,  and  maintains 
their  cause. 

V.  15 — 29.  “ The  breastplate  of  judgment”  was  so  called 
because  the  high-priest  wore  it  whenever  he  consulted  the 
Lord  about  the  concerns  of  religion  and  government,  in 
order  to  deliver  the  judgment  of  God  to  the  rulers  in  the  con- 
gregation. It  was  a piece  of  fine  linen  cloth,  woven,  dyed, 
and  embroidered,  like  the  golden  ephod,  and  being  doubled  it 
was  a span  square.  Upon  it  were  fixed  twelve  precious 
stones,  set  in  twelve  ouches  of  gold ; and  on  each  of  them  was 
engraven  the  name  of  one  of  the  sons  of  Israel ; these  being 
considered  as  the  representatives  of  the  twelve  tribes.  It  is 
doubted,  whether  the  name  of  Levi  was  engraven,  as  that 
tribe  might  be  sufficiently  represented  by  the  high  priest  him- 
self; or  whether  Manasseh  and  Ephraim  had  each  a sepa- 
rate stone,  as  forming  two  tribes  ; but  the  text  seems  to  imply, 
.hat  the  names  of  all  Jacob’s  sons  were  engraven,  and  no 
other.— Learned  men  have  formed  discordant  opinions  about 
the  precious  stones  intended  by  the  original  words ; but  we 
may  as  well  rest  satisfied  with  our  version,  which  probably 
ts  as  correct  as  any.  Nor  have  the  endeavours  which  some 
nave  used  to  find  out  a coincidence  between  the  precious 
stone,  and  the  character  or  circumstances  of  the  tribe  sup- 
posed to  have  been  engraven  on  it,  proved  at  all  successful.  It 
suffices,  that  they  were  emblems  of  the  divers  excellencies, 
found  in  the  several  members  of  the  Church  of  Christ,  who 
among  them  possess  all  that  is  truly  valuable  upon  earth. 
This  breastplate  Aaron  wore,  when  he  went  into  the  holy 
place,  for  a memorial  before  the  Lord,  to  remind  him  lhat  he 
acted  in  a public  character ; and  that  he  must  have  the  inte- 
rests of  all  the  tribes,  whom  he  represented,  near  his  heart  in 
approaching  the  Lord,  without  any  prejudice  or  partiality. 
Voi  I. — 23 


one  with  his  name  shall  they  be  'according  to  the 
twelve  tribes. 

22  And  thou  shalt  make  "upon  the  breastplate 
chains  at  the  ends,  of  wreathen  work,  of  pure  gold. 

23  And  thou  shalt  make  upon  the  breastplate 
two  rings  of  gold,  and  shalt  put  the  two  rings  on 
the  two  ends  of  the  breastplate. 

24  And  thou  shalt  put  the  two  wreathen  chains 
of  gold  in  the  two  rings  which  are  on  the  ends  of 
the  breastplate. 

25  And  the  other  two  ends  of  the  two  wreathen 
chains,  thou  shalt  fasten  in  the  two  ouches,  and 

ut  them  “on  the  shoulder-pieces  of  the  ephod 

efore  it. 

26  And  thou  shalt  make  two  rings  of  gold,  and 
thou  shalt  put  them  upon  the  two  ends  of  the 
breastplate,  in  the  border  thereof,  which  is  in  the 
side  of  the  ephod  inward. 

27  And  two  other  rings  of  gold  thou  shalt  make, 
and  shalt  put  them  on  the  two  sides  of  the  ephod, 
underneath,  towards  the  forepart  thereof,  over 
against  the  other  coupling  thereof,  above  Hhe 
curious  girdle  of  the  ephod. 

28  And  they  shall  bind  the  breastplate,  by  the 
rings  thereof  unto  the  rings  of  the  ephod  with  “a 
lace  of  blue,  that  it  may  be  above  the  curious 
girdle  of  the  ephod,  and  that  the  breastplate  be 
not  loosed  from  the  ephod. 

29  And  Aaron  shall  bear  the  names  of  the 
children  of  Israel  “in  the  breastplate  of  judg 
ment,  bupon  his  heart,  when  he  goeth  in  unto  the 
holy  place,  for  ca  memorial  before  the  Lord  con 
tinually. 

30  And  thou  shalt  put  in  the  breastplate  ot 


54:11,12.  k 39:11.  Ez.  27:16.  1 24:10.  Job  28:6,16.  Cant.  5:14.  Ez.  1:26.  10:1. 
Rev.  4:3.21:19.  m Jer.  17:1.  Ez.  28:13.  n 39:12.  o Is.  54:12.  p Ez.I:I6. 
10:9.  Dan.  10:6.  Rev.  21:20.  q See  on  9.  r Rev.  4:3.  21:11 ,18.  J Heb. 
fillings.  13.  s 9—11.  t 1 Kings  18:31.  Luke  22:30.  Jam.  1:1.  Rev.  7:4— 8.  21: 
12.  u 14.  x 7.  y SeeonS.  7.31,37.39:30,31.  Num.  15:38.  n See  on  15, 
30.  b See  on  12.  Jer.  30:21.  Rom.  10:1.  c Cant.  8:6.  Is.  49:15,16. 


This  was  an  evident  type  of  Christ,  who  has  the  name  even 
of  every  individual  of  his  people  engraven  upon  his  heart; 
and  within  the  veil  will  be  sure  never  to  forget  or  neglect  any 
of  them,  or  of  their  concerns,  however  destitute  or  despica- 
ble they  may  be  upon  earth. — The  breastplate,  thus  richly 
decorated,  was  firmly  joined  to  the  ephod  of  gold.  Two 
golden  rings  xvere  fixed  on  the  two  uppermost  corners  of  the 
breastplate,  to  which  the  wreathen  chains  of  gold,  (before 
mentioned  in  the  description  of  the  ephod,)  being  joined  to 
the  ouches  of  gold  on  the  shoulder-pieces,  xvere  fastened. 
(14,25.)  Then  two  other  rings  of  gold  were  placed  under- 
neath, and  out  of  sight,  at  the  lowermost  corners  of  the 
breastplate ; and  two  answering  them  on  the  ephod,  at  the 
bottom  of  the  shoulder-pieces,  as  the  word  rendered  sides  (27) 
evidently  means  ; and  these  rings  on  the  breastplate  and  on 
the  ephod,  were  tied  fast  together  by  a blue  lace  or  riband 
on  each  side,  over  the  curious  work  of  the  ephod.  Thus  it  was 
so  completely  fastened  at  all  the  four  corners,  that  it  could 
not  move. 

V.  30.  The  Scriptures  nowhere  inform  us,  what  the 
Urim  and  Thummim  were  ; nor  was  any  direction  given  to 
Moses  howto  make  them.  The  original  words  signify  The 
Lights,  (or  illuminations ,)  and  the  Perfections  ; and  a 
variety  of  conjectures  have  been  made  on  the  subject.'  Some 
suppose  that  the  precious  stones,  engraven  with  the  names  of 
the  sons  of  Israel,  are  meant ; which  are  thus  called  from 
their  brilliancy,  and  because  they  were  the  most  perfect  of 
their  kind  ; but  the  context  seems  to  imply  that  something 
further  was  intended,  and  this  interpretation  is  not  satisfac- 
tory. Others  think,  that  the  words  D'nnni  0"'Nn  were  either 
xvrought  in  the  substance  of  the  breastplate,  or  engraven  on 
a plate  of  gold,  and  fixed  upon  it,  as  Holiness  to  the  Lord 
was  upon  the  mitre  ; intimating,  that  divine  illumination  and 
strict  integrity  or  soundness  of  heart,  were  requisite  in  the 
sacred  office  of  the  high-priest;  or  rather,  that  the  cleares 
light  and  knowledge,  with  the  most  perfect  counsel  and  direc- 
tion, would  be  obtained  by  thus  consulting  the  Lord.  This 
interpretation  seems  not  inconsistent  with  the  narrative:  but 
it  is  objected,  that  no  direction  is  given  how  these  words  were 
to  be  put  into  the  breastplate,  as  there  is  afterwards  con- 
cerning the  inscription  on  the  mitre,  (3(i.)  Others  therefore 
think,  that  the  Urim  and  Thummim  were  something  given 
to  Moses  on  the  Mount,  to  be  privately  enclosed  in  (he 
breastplate,  as  a pledge  that  the  Lord  would  answer  the 
high-priest  when  he  thus  inquired  his  will ; and  that  it  was 
the  Lord’s  express  intention  none  should  know  what  they 
were.  Several  other  opinions  have  been  formed,  but  these 
seem  the  most  plausible.  Yet,  after  all,  it  may  be  doubted, 
whether  any  thing  were  put  into  the  breastplate,  distinct 
from  the  things  before  described ; and  whether  the  use  to  which 
it  was  to  be  appropriated  xvere  not  principally  .mended.-  -When 

( 177  ) 


B.  C.  1491. 


EXODUS. 


B.  C.  1491 


judgment  dthe  Urim  and  the  Thummim ; and 
they  shall  he  upon  Aaron’s  heart,  when  he  goeth 
in  before  the  Loan:  and  Aaron  shall  'bear  the 
judgment  of  the  children  of  Israel  fupon  his  neart 
before  the  Lord  continually. 

31  H And  thou  shalt  make  sthe  robe  of  the  ephod 
all  of  blue. 

32  And  there  shall  he  an  hole  in  the  top  of  it, 
in  the  midst  thereof:  it  shall  have  a binding  of 
woven  work  round  about  the  hole  of  it,  has  it 
were  the  hole  of  an  habergeon,  'that  it  be  not 
rent. 

33  And  beneath,  kupon  the  *hem  of  it,  thou  shalt 
make  'pomegranates  of  blue,  and  of  purple,  and 
of  scarlet,  round  about  the  hem  thereof;  and 
mbells  of  gold  between  them  round  about. 

34  A "golden  be'l  and  a pomegranate,  a golden 
bell  and  a pomegranate,  upon  the  hem  of  the  robe 
round  about. 

35  And  it  shall  be  upon  Aaron,  to  minister: 
and  his  sound  shall  be  heard  when  he  "goeth  in 
unto  the  holy  place  before  the  Lord,  and  when  he 
cometh  out ; that  he  die  not. 

d Lev.  8:8.  Num.  27:21.  Deut.33:8.  Judg.  1:1.20:18, 23,27, 48.  1 Sam.  23:9— 12. 
23:6.  30:7,8.  Ezra  2:63.  Nell.  7:65.  e Zech.6:13.  12  Cor.  6:11,12.  7:3. 12:15.  Phil. 
1:7,8.  Heh.  2:17.  4:15.  9:12,24.  g 4:28.  39:22.  Lev.  8.7.  h 39:28  . 2 Cljr.  26: 
14.  Net).  1:16.  Job  41:26.  i John  19:23,24.  E;>h.  4:3-16.  k 39:24 — 26.  -Or, 
skirts.  1 1 Kings  7:18.  2 Kings  25:17.  m Zech.  14:20.  n Fs. 89:15.  Cant.  2: 
3.  4-3,13.  6:7,11.  8.2.  John  15:4 — 8.16.  Col.  1:5,6,10.  o Lev.  16:2.  Heb.9:12. 
n See  on  9,1 1 . q 39:30.  Lev.  8:9.  10:3.  19:2.  Ps.  93:5.  Ez.  43:12.  Zech.  14:20. 
Web.  7:2G,  12:14.  1 Pet.  1:15,16.  2:9.  r Seeon28.  s 4.  29:6.  39:30.31.  Lev.  8: 


however  the  high-priest,  as  Israel’s  representative,  wearing  the 
breastplate,  inquired  for  the  ruler  and  congregation  of  Israel, 
what  they  ought  to  do ; he  was  illuminated  and  instructed 
to  give  perfect  counsel  in  the  most  difficult  cases.  Various 
opinions  are  also  formed  concerning  the  manner  in  which 
these  answers  were  given  ; but  only  two  seem  at  all  probable  : 
either  the  high-priest  was  answered  hy  an  audible  voice  from 
above  the  mercy-seat  within  the  veil,  or  he  was  inspired  as  a 
prophet,  to  declare  the  will  of  God  on  the  occasion.  It  is 
evident  that  none  but  the  high-priest  was  authorized  to  inquire 
of  G od  in  this  manner ; and  he  only  at  the  tabernacle,  in  the 
holy  place  without  the  inner  veil : but  some  instances,  here- 
after to  be  considered,  render  it  probable,  that  on  particular 
occasions,  the  Lord  answered  inquiries  made  in  this  manner , 
at  a distance  from  the  tabernacle.  (1  Sam.  1 4:18,36,37.  23: 
1 — 12.) — The  Jewish  writers  say,  that  this  method  of  inquiring 
the  will  of  God  was  terminated,  when  Solomon  had  built  the 
temple  : and  it  is  certain,  that  little  is  afterwards  recorded 
concerning  it ; but  it.  seems  rather  to  have  fallen  into  disuse, 
because  the  high-priests  in  general  neglected  their  duty ; and 
the  prophets,  as  extraordinary  messengers  of  God,  were 
appointed  t®  .supersede  -them.  It  however  finally  ceased  at 
the  captivity;  till  Christ,  the  great  Antitype,  arose,  as  a 
Priest  with  Urim  and  Thummim,  who  communicates  to  his 
true  Church,  from  his  treasury  of  divine  wisdom  and  grace, 
through  his  word,  and  by  his  Spirit,  all  wisdom,  knowledge, 
and  righteousness,  and  every  perfect  gift,  in  measure  suffi- 
cient for  every  emergency.  And  as  the  Urim  and  Thum- 
mim were  on  Aaron’s  heart , whenever  he  entered  the  sanc- 
tuary to  inquire  the  will  of  God ; and  he  never  approached 
the  Lord  in  this  manner , on  his  own  personal  concerns,  as 
distinct  from  those  of  his  people,  but  as  “ bearing  the  judg- 
ment of  the  children  of  Israel  upon  his  heart  continually  ;”so 
Christ  “appears  in  the  presence  of  Gtd  for  us”  and  ever 
bears  the  interests  of  his  whole  church  and  of  every  believer 
on  his  hearty  in  his  unremitting  intercession  for  us. 

V.  31 — 35.  The  robe  of  the  ephod  was  the  middle  gar- 
ment, which  was  worn  under  the  ephod,  and  above  the  coat, 
(39.)  It  had  a hole  through  which  the  head  passed  when  it 
was  put  on  : and  it  seems  to  have  been  formed  carefully  of 
one  piece,  that  it  should  not  be  rent.  This  may  remind  us  of 
Christ’s  coat  “ without  a seam,  woven  from  the  top  through- 
out,” and  which  was  not  rent,  but  cast  lots  for  by  the  soldiers  ; 
an  emblem  of  his  perfect  uninterrupted  obedience  to  the  divine 
law,  and  of  the  unbroken  harmony  which  ought  to  subsist  in 
his  church. — Upon  the  hem,  or  lowermost  border  of  the  robe, 
which  is  supposed  to  have  reached  to  ihe  ankles,  were  fixed 
artificial  pomegranates,  which  were  richly  dyed,  though  tJhe 
rest  of  the  robe  was  entirely  blue,  and  between  every  two  of 
the  pomegranates  was  fastened  a golden  bell.  It  is  not  said 
how  many  there  were  of  each  : but  it  is  much  more  probable 
that  they  accorded  to  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel,  than  that 
there  should  be  seventy-two,  as  some  writers  assure  us. — 
These  may  represent  the  sound  of  divine  truth,  preached  or 
professed,  being  joined  with  the  precious  fruits  of  holiness,  in 
the  ministers  of  the  gospel  and  in  true  Christians  : but  it  espe- 
cially typified  the  glad  tidings  which  Christ  is  anointed  to 
preach,  and  the  fragrant  fruits  of  his  priesthood  which  he 
confers  upon  his  Church.  The  bells  were  also  intended  to 
give  notice  to  the  people  when  the  high-priest  entered  into  the 
most  holy  place,  perhaps  that  they  might  join  his  ministrations 
within  the  sanctuary  with  their  prayers.  (Luke  1:10.)  It  is 
ditto  added,  u That  he  die  not ;’  which  c might  expect  to 

l 178  ) 


36  If  And  thou  shalt  make  a plate  of  pure  gold, 
and  ‘’grave  upon  it,  like  the  engravings  ol'a  signet, 
‘‘Holiness  to  the  Lord. 

37  And  thou  shalt  put  it  on  ra  blue  lace,  that  it 
may  be  upon  the  mitre:  upon  the  lore-front  of  “the 
mitre  it  shall  he. 

38  Attd  it  shall  be  upon  Aaron’s  forehead,  that 
Aaron  may  ‘bear  the  iniquity  of  the  holy  things, 
which  the  children  of  Israel  shall  hallow  in  all 
their  holy  gifts  ; and  it  shall  be  always  upon  his 
forehe  ad,  that  they  may  be  “accepted  before  the 
Lord. 

39  And  thou  shalt  '‘embroider  the  coat  of  fine 
linen,  and  thou  shalt  make  the  mitre  of  fine  linen, 
and  thou  shalt  make  Hhe  girdle  of  “needlework. 

40  H And  bfor  Aaron’s  sons  thou  shalt  make  coats, 
and  thou  shalt  make  for  them  girdles,  and  "bonnets 
shalt  thou  make  for  them,  dfor  glory  and  for 
beauty. 

41  And  thou  shalt  put  them  upon  Aaron  thy 
brother,  and  his  sons  with  him  : and  shalt  'anoint 
them  f and  Consecrate  them,  and  sanctify  them,  that 
they  may  ^minister  unto  me  in  the  priest’s  office. 


9.  Zech.  3:5.  t 43.  Lev.  10:17.  22:9.  Num.  18:1.  Is.  53:6,11,12.  Ez.4:4— 8. 
John  1:29.  2 Cor. 6:21.  Hell.  9:28.  1 Pet.  2:24.  3:18.  u Lev.  1:4.  22:27.  23:11. 
Is.  56:7.  x .Se«  on  4.  z See  on  8.  a Ps.  45:14.  b 4.39:27 — 29,41.  Lev.  8:13. 
Ez.  44:17.  c 29:9.  d See  on  2.  1 Tim.  2:9,10.6:9—11.  Tit.  2:7,10.  1 Pet.  3: 
3,4.  5:5.  e 29:7.30:23—30.40:15.  Lev.  10:7.  Is.  10:27.  61:1.  John  3:34.  2 Cor. 
1:21,22.  1 John  2:20,27.  f 29:9,35.  Lev.  8:33.  Num.  3:3.  Ez.  43:26.  Heb.  7.28. 
t Heb. fill  thei r hand.  29:24.  g Sie  on  1,4. 


do,  if  he  did  not  act  according  to  the  prescribed  rules,  in  this 
sacred  and  typical  interposition  between  sinners  and  a holy 
God. 

V.  36 — 38.  The  mitre  was  made  of  fine  linen,  rolled  up, 
not  much  unlike  the  turbans  worn  at  this  day  in  the  eastern 
countries,  as  the  original  name  evidently  indicates.  (nsiSD, 
h vertere , volvere , circumdare.)  On  this  crown,  or  turban, 

was  fastened,  by  a blue  riband  or  lace,  passed  through  it 
and  tying  behind,  a plate  of  fine  gold,  beaten  into  the  form  of 
a leaf  or  one  of  the  petals  of  a beautiful  flower,  and  rendered 
as  bright  as  possible ; for  so  the  word  seems  to  mean.  On 
this  plate  were  engraven  the  Hebrew  words  mrp?  ttnp,  signi- 
fying Holiness  to  the  Lord  ; and  it  was  placed  on  the 
mitre  exactly  over  the  high-priest’s  forehead,  so  that  every 
one  whom  he  faced  might  read  the  inscription.  This  was 
suited  to  remind  him  of  the  sanctity  of  his  office  and  cha- 
racter, as  the  typical  mediator  between  Jehovah  and  his 
people ; and  so  especially  required  to  he  in  all  respects  de- 
voted in  holiness  to  the  service  of  a holy  God : and  to  warn 
him  neither  to  disgrace,  nor  attempt  to  conceal,  his  sacred 
function.  It  likewise  instructed  the  people  to  honour  his  per 
son  and  ministrations. — In  wearing  constantly,  when  officiat 
ing  as  high-priest,  this  holy  crown,  he  was  also  reminded  that 
he  u was  to  bear  the  iniquity  of  the  holy  things,”  which  Israel 
offered  to  the  Lord.  ' If  any  thing  was  neglected,  or  done 
contrary  to  law,  he  must  be  answerable  for  it,  and  should 
therefore  be  circumspect ; and  their  involuntary  imperfections 
must  be  expiated  by  his  typical  services.  In  all  this  he 
represented  our  great  High-Priest,  whose  perfect  holiness, 
and  voluntary  dedication  of  himself  in  our  behalf  unto  the 
Father,  to  fulfil  his  will  and  magnify  his  law  by  his  obedience 
unto  death,  have  prepared  the  way  for  his  being  “made  to 
us  Sanctification,  by  his  Holy  Spirit.  Through  the  same 
he  also  “ bears  the  iniquity  of  our  holy  things,”  and,  by  his 
prevailing  intercession,  renders  our  sinful  persons  and  imper- 
fect services  acceptable  to  a holy  God. 

V.  39.  We  read  before  of  an  embroidered  coaty  but  no 
particular  directions  were  given  how  il  was  to  he  made.  It 
is  supposed  to  have  been  the  innermost  garment  worn  by  the 
high-priest,  having  sleeves  down  to  the  wrists,  made  rather 
close  to  the  body,  but  hanging  loose,  except  as  fastened  hy  a 
girdle.  It  was  made  of  fine  linen,  (as  the  mitre  also  was.) 
probably  white,  but  curiously  embroidered:  and  the  girdle 
was  not  only  embroidered,  but  dyed  of  various  colours.  (39: 
29.)  Some  affirm  likewise  that  it  was  made  so  long,  as  to 
reach  many  times  round  the  body,  like  a sash ; and  to  have 
ends  hanging  down  almost  to  the  ground,  which,  when  < m- 
pioyed,  the  high-priest  threw  across  his  shoulder.  (Rev.  1:13.) 

V.  40,  41.  The  coats  and  girdles  of  the  ordinary  priests 
are  thought  to  have  been  made,  in  all  respects,  like  those  of 
the  high-priest:  but  the  bonnets  worn  on  their  heads  were 
different  from  his  crown  or  tiara,  as  another  word  is  used  ; 
(myajo)  but  the  precise  difference  is  not  certainly  known. 
They  too  had  ephods,  but  of  plain  white  linen;  and  thefcmwf- 
plate.y  the  robe  of  the  ephod , and  the  golden  crown  inscribed 
Holiness  to  the  Lord,  were  peculiar  to  the  high-priest. 
Yet  the  garments  of  the  ordinary  priests  were  made  “for 
them  for  glory  and  fo?*  beauty,”  as  well  as  his.  They  typified 
the  glorious  and  beautiful  holiness  of  Christ,  our  great  High- 
Priest,  which  is  communicated  to  all  the  royal  priesthood  of 
his  true  disciples : and,  while  it  required  great  euro  in  the 
priests  to  keep  their  garments  pure  and  white,  they  wero 
reminded  of  the  holiness  which  they  ough'  diligently  to  evtcrve 


E.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 


E.  C.  1491. 


42  And  thou  shalt  make  them  liner  ’’breeches 
to  cover  their  'nakedness:  from  the  loins  even 
Tinto  the  thighs  they  shall  'reach. 

43  And  they  shall  he  upon  Aaron,  and  upon  his 
sons,  when  they  come  in  unto  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation,  or  when  they  come  near  unto 
the  altar  to  minister  in  the  holy  place  ; that  they 
'bear  not  iniquity,  and  die.  It  shall  be  ka  statute 
lor  ever  unto  him,  and  his  seed  after  him. 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

The  ceremonies  and  sacrifices  to  be  used  in  consecrating  the  priests  and  the 
altar,  \ — 37.  The  daily  oblation,  38 — 41.  Gracious  promises,  42 — 46. 

AND  this  is  the  thing  that  thou  shalt  do  unto 
them  to  "hallow  them,  bto  minister  unto  me 
in  the  priest’s  office  : cTake  one  young  bullock, 

and  two  rams  dwithout  blemish, 

2  And  mnleavened  bread,  and  cakes  unleavened 


h 20:26.  39:28.  Lev.  6:10.  Ez.  44:18.  Rev.  3:18.  16:15.  • Heb.  flesh  of  their  na- 
kedness. t Heb.  be.  i Lev.  5:1,17.20:19,20.  22:9.  Num.  9:13.  18:22.  Mult. 
22:12,13.  k 27:21.  l ev. 17:7.  a 21.  20:11.  28:41.  Matt.  6:9.  bSeeon28:3. 
c Lev.  8:2.  9:2.  16:3.  2 Clir.  13  9.  d 12:5.  Lev.  4:3.  5:15,16.  6:6.  22:20.  Mai. 
1:13,14. .Heb.  7:26.  1 Pel.  1:19.  eSeeonl2:8.  Lev.  2:4.  6:20— 22.  8:2.  1 Cor. 
5:7.  f 23.  Lev.  2:4,5,15.  7:10.  Num.  6:15.  g Lev.  7:12.  8:26.  Num.  6:15,19. 


in  all  their  conduct.. — It  is  said  by  the  Jewish  expositors,  that 
these  garments  were  never  washed ; but  when  soiled,  they 
were  used  for  other  purposes  about  the  sanctuary,  and  sup- 
plied by  new  ones. — The  particulars  of  the  arraying,  anoint- 
ing, and  consecrating  Aaron  and  his  sons,  will  hereafter  be 
considered. 

V.  42,  43.  The  indecencies  attending  the  worship  of  idols, 
were  strongly  protested  against  by  the  care  taken  to  avoid 
every  approach  to  them,  and  every  accidental  appearance  of 
them,  in  the  ministration  of  the  priests  of  the  true  God.  They 
were  therefore  required  to  wear  linen  breeches,  or  drawers, 
at  all  times,  when  they  officiated  at  the  sanctuary;  though  it 
does  not  appear  that  the  Israelites  in  general  wore  any  other 
than  loose  garments,  according  to  the  general  custom  of  the 
east  to  this  day.  And  it  seems  especially  with  reference  to 
this  part  of  the  priestly  clothing,  that  the  concluding  caution 
was  given:  if  they  were  negligent  in  this  matter,  they  would 
bear  iniquity  and  die  ; for  this  was  “ a statute  for  ever  to 
Aaron  and  his  sons  ;”  that  is,  perpetually,  as  long  as  that 
priesthood  endured.  This  was  suited  to  impress  both  priests 
and  people  with  a sense  of  the  holiness  of  God  and  their  own 
sinfulness  ; and  to  show  that  he  would  be  sanctified  by  all 
who  approached  him,  especially  by  his  priests. — As  no  shoes 
or  sandals  are  mentioned  among  the  sacred  vestments,  it  is 
supposed  that  the  priests  always  ministered  barefoot ; for 
Moses  was  ordered  to  pull  off  his-  shoes,  when  the  Lord 
appeared  to  him  in  the  burning  bush.  (Note,  3:4,5.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Blessed  be  God,  that  we  have  such  a High-Priest  as  is  in 
this  chapter  typically  delineated  : one  solemnly  appointed  by 
God  and  consecrated  to  his  work ; furnished  for  his  high 
office  by  the  glory  of  his  divine  majesty,  and  the  beauty  of 
perfect  holiness ; who  bears  the  names  of  all  his  people  upon 
his  shoulders,  and  upon  his  heart,  presenting  them  and  all 
their  several  cases  before  the  Father  in  heaven,  and  ever 
living,  by  his  continual  intercession,  to  apply  the  salvation 
which  his  sacrifice  has  purchased  : in  whom  are  Illumina- 
tions and  Perfections,  even  inexhaustible  treasures  of 
wisdom  and  grace,  to  be  communicated  to  them ; who,  him- 
self Holiness  to  the  Lord,  is  made  Sanctification  to  his 
people,  that  they  may  be  “ holiness  unto  the  Lord  also,” 
m their  measure  in  this  world,  perfectly  in  that  to  come. 
Happy  are  we,  if  we  are  so  well  instructed  in  the  spirituality 
of  the  divine  law,  the  evil  of  sin,  and  our  own  sinfulness,  as 
to  be  deeply  convinced  that  “ such  a High-Priest  became  us 
that  we  can  have  no  access  to  a holy  God,  nor  acceptance 
with  him,  but  by  Jesus  Christ ; no  light,  no  wisdom,  no  per- 
fection but  from  him  ; no  glory  nor  beauty,  but  in  conformity 
to  him.  If  this  be  our  judgment  and  experience,  let  us  take 
encouragement  from  the  power,  love,  and  compassion  of  our 
High-Priest  to  the  meanest  of  his  people,  “to  draw  near  with 
boldness  to  the  throne  of  grace,  that  we  may*obtain  mercy,  and 
find  grace  to  help  in  time  of  need.”  Yet,  “let  us  have  grace 
to  worship  him  with  reverence  and  godly  fear  ; for  our  God  is  a 
consuming  fire :”  not  forgetting,  that  garments  were  at  first 
necessary  to  hide  the  shame  of  our  fallen  parents;  that  when 
we  use  them  for  ostentation  we  glory  in  our  shame  ; that  they 
who  prefer  ornament  to  modesty  are  still  more  basely  crimi- 
nal ; and  that  this  vanity  and  indecency  is  most  of  all  abomi- 
nable in  the  courts  of  the  Lord.  Let  us  then  make  a bold 
and  consistent  profession  of  our  devotedness  to  God,  and  be 
careful  to  adorn  it  by  the  fruits  of  righteousness  in  our  lives ; 
making  Christ  our  Counsellor,- by  whom  we  may  inquire  of 
the  Lord,  and  learn  his  truth  and  will,  that  we  may  be  wise- 
hearted  for  every  service  to  which  he  shall  appoint  us.  By 
.tally  meditating  upon  his  word,  let  us  endeavour,  “with  open 
/ ice,  as  in  a glass,  so  to  behold  his  glory,  that  w*e  may  be 
changed  in'o  the  same  image  from  glory  to  glory,  by  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord.  — ^Clothed  in  his  righteousness  for  glory 
and  for  beauty,  who  in  his  death  hath  borne  the  iniquity  of 
our  holy  things,  let  us,  through  him,  as  his  “spiritual  priests,” 
“ offer  unto  God  the  sacrifice  of  praise  continually,  giving 


'tempered  with  oil,  and  ^wafers  unleavened 
anointed  with  oil:  of  wheaten  Hour  shalt  thou 
make  them. 

3 And  thou  shalt  put  them  into  one  basket,  an>i 
bring  them  ''in  the  basket,  with  the  bullock  and  the 
two  rams. 

4 And  Aaron  and  his  sons  thou  shalt  bring  'unto 
the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation, 
and  shalt  kwash  them  with  water. 

5 And  thou  shalt  take  the  ‘garments,  and  put 
upon  Aaron  the  coat,  and  the  robe  of  the  ephod, 
and  the  ephod,  and  the  breastplate,  and  gird  him 
with  the  curious  girdle  of  the  ephod. 

6 And  thou  shalt  put  the  mmitre  upon  his  head, 
and  put  the  holy  crown  upon  the  mitre. 

7 Then  shalt  thou  take  the  "anointing  oil,  and 
pour  it  upon  his  head,  and  anoint  him. 


h Lev.  8:2,26,31.  Num.  6:17.  i 26:36.  40:28.  Lev.  8:3— 6.  k 30:18— 21. 40: 
12.  Lev.  8:6.  14:8.  Dent.  23:11.  Ez.  36:25.  John  13:8— 10.  Eph.  5:26.  Tit.  3:5. 
Heb.  10:22.  1 Pet.  3:21.  Rev.  1:5,6.  1 See  on  28:2,4.  Lev.  8:7.8.  m See  on 

28:36— 39.  Lev.  8:9.  n 28:41.  30:23-31.  Lev.  8:10— 12.  10:7.  21 :10.  Num. 
35:25.  Ps.  89:20.  133:2.  Is.  61:1.  John  3:34.  1 John  2:27. 


thanks  unto  his  name  and  let  us  see  to  it,  that  “our  loins 
are  girt  about  with  truth that  we  wear  the  breastplate  of 
righteousness,  and  that  we  “are  sober,  and  hope  to  the  end  ;” 
for  “ blessed  are  those  servants,  whom  their  Lord  when  he 
cometh  shall  find  so  doing.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXIX.  V.  1 — 7.  Directionshaving 
been  given,  about  making  the  sacred  garments  for  Aaron  and 
his  sons ; the  manner  of  their  consecration  to  the  priesthood 
is  next  prescribed.  Though  appointed  by  office  to  expiate 
the  sins  of  the  people  by  the  typical  sacrifices ; they  must 
be  reminded  that  they  themselves  likewise  were  sinners,  and 
needed  an  expiation  ; a young  bullock  therefore,  (or  rather 
bull,)  for  a sin-olfering,  a ram  for  a burnt-offering,  and  a ram 
of  consecration  as  a peace-offering  ; and  bread,  cakes  tem- 
pered with  oil,  and  wafers  anointed  with  oil,  all  unleavened, 
for  a meat-offering,  were  first  prepared.  The  distinguishing 
nature  and  meaning  of  the  several  kinds  of  sacrifice,  with 
the  manner  in  which  they  were  offered  and  used,  will  here- 
after be  considered. — This  preparation  having  been  made, 
and  the  meat-offering  in  a basket,  as  well  as  the  young  bull 
and  the  two  rams,  brought  to  the  door  of  the  tabernacle; 
Moses,  who  would  officiate  as  priest  on  this  occasion,  was 
directed  to  bring  Aaron  and  his  sons  to  the  same  place,  and 
there  to  wash  them  with  water.  Probably,  they  were  at  that 
time  washed  all  oter,  though  on  many  other  occasions  they 
only  washed  their  hands  and  feet.  Moses  was  then  directed 
to  clothe  Aaron  with  the  sacred  garments ; completing  the 
whole,  by  “putting  the  holy  crown  upon  the  mitre.”  (Note, 
28:3(5 — 38.)  The  golden  plate,  inscribed  Holiness  to  the 
Lord,  being  called  “ the  holy  crown,”  not  only  showed  how 
honourable  Aaron’s  office  was,  but  further  intimated  that  the 
High-Priest,  whom  he  typified,  would  also  be  a King ; and 
there  seems  to  be  a reference  to  the  two  words,  used  for  this 
plate  of  gold,  in  the  former  chapter  and  here,  when  the 
Psalmist  says  of  the  Messiah,  “Upon  himself  shall  his 
crown  flourish (Ps.  132:18.)  for  in  the  original  both  the 
words  are  used. — When  Aaron  had  been  thus  arrayed,  Moses 
was  directed  to  anoint  him  with  the  sacred  oil,  the  compo- 
sition of  which  is  afterwards  prescribed,  which  being  poured 
on  his  head,  “ran  down  to  his  beard,”  and  “even  to  the 
skirts  of  his  raiment ;”  or,  as  some  with  probability  suppose 
the  word  to  mean,  the  upper  border  of  his  raiment,  that  fast- 
ened round  his  neck.  (Note,  Ps.  133:2.) — In  all  this,  Aaron 
was  evidently  a type  of  Christ.  He  indeed,  being  without 
sin,  was  not  admitted  to  his  sacerdotal  office  by  atoning  saert 
fices : but,  being  “ made  in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,”  he 
submitted  to  be  baptized  by  John,  before  he  entered  on  his 
sacred  work ; which  ordinance  in  its  general  use  denoted  the 
washing  away  of  the  pollution  of  sin,  as  the  washing  of  the 
priests  also  did.  We  have  seen  that  the  sacred  garments 
likewise  typified  his  endowments  and  qualifications  for  his 
High  Priesthood  : and  he  was  also  anointed  wijh  the  Holy 
Spirit  without  measure,  not  for  himself  only,  but  for  all  his 
people. — The  ceremonies  of  this  consecration  seem,  likewise, 
to  denote  the  admission  of  sinners  into  the  spiritual  priest- 
hood, to  offer  “ spiritual  sacrifices,  acceptable  to  God  through 
Jesus  Christ.”  They  must  be  washed  in  regeneration; 
clothed  in  that  righteousness,  which  is  upon  all  them  that 
believe  ; anointed  with  the  unction  of  the  Holy  Spirit ; and 
have  an  interest  in  the  one  great  Sacrifice  for  sin,  before  they 
can  glorify  God  as  his  holy  priesthood,  or  rejoice  in  their  own 
invaluable  privileges. 

V.  8,  9.  The  sons  of  Aaron,  when  they  had  been  washed 
with  water,  needed  only  to  be  arrayed  with  the  garments 
prescribed  for  them  ; for  they  were  not  anointed  on  the  head 
with  the  sacred  oil,  which  was  peculiar  to  the  high-priest. 
The  words  rendered  “ consecrate,”  literally  mean  fill  the 
hands.  Probably  this  was  done  by  putting  the  sacrifice  into 
their  hands,  to  be  waved  before  the  Lord.  The  ministers  of 
God  have  their  hands  filled,  when  they  enter  upon  their  office  ;‘ 
and  will  continue  to  have  their  hands  full  of  work  of  one  sort 
or  another,  if  they  duly  seek  for  it  and  attend  to  it : but  far 
( 179  ) 


B.  0.  1491- 


EXODUS. 


B C.  1491. 


8 And  thou  shalt  bring  °his  sons,  and  put  coats 
upon  them. 

9 And  thou  shalt  gird  them*  with  girdles,  (Aaron 
and  his  sons,)  and  'put  the  bonnets  on  them  : and 
Pthe  priest’s  office  shall  be  theirs  for  a perpetual 
statute  :•  and  thou  shalt  hionsecrate  Aaron  and  his 
sons. 

10  And  thou  shalt  ^cause  a bullock  to  be 
brought  before  the  tabernacle  of  the  congrega- 
tion: and  Aaron  and  his  sons  shall  rput  their 
hands  upon  the  head  of  the  bullock. 

11  And  sthou  shalt  kill  the  bullock  before  the 
Lord,  by  the  ‘door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation. 

12  And  thou  shalt  take  of  “the  blood  of  the  bul- 
lock, and  put  it  upon  “the  horns  of  the  altar  with 
thy  finger,  and  rpour  all  the  blood  beside  the  bot- 
tom of  the  altar. 

13  And  thou  shalt  take  'all  the  fat  that  covereth 
the  inwards,  “and  the  *caul  that  is  above  the  liver, 
and  the  two  kidneys,  and  the  fat  that  is  upon 
them,  and  bburn  them  upon  the  altar. 

14  But 'the  flesh  of  the  bullock,  and  his  skin, 
and  his  dung,  shalt  thou  burn  with  fire  without 
the  camn : dit  is  a sin-offering. 

15  U Thou  shalt  also  take  “one  ram,  and  Aaron 
and  his  sons  shall  fput  their  hands  upon  the  head 
of  the  ram. 

16  And  sthou  shalt  slay  the  ram,  and  thou  shalt 
take  his  blood,  and  sprinkle  it  round  about  upon 
the  altar. 


o 28:40,41.  Lev.  8:13.  • Hcb.ilmi.  p28:l.  Num.  16:10,35,40.  18:7.  Hcb.  5:4, 
5,10.  7:11—14.  1 heb.  fill  the  hand  of.  28:41.32:29.  marg.  Lev.  8:26— 28.  Heb. 
7:23—28.  ql.  r 15,19.  Lev.  1:4.  3:2.8:14,18.  16:21.  Is.  53:6.  2 Cor.  5:21. 
e Lev.  1:4,5.  8:15.  9:8,12.  t See  on  4.  Lev.  1:3.  u Lev,.  8:15.  9:9.  16:14,18,19. 
Heb.  9: 13,14,22.  10:4.  x 27:2.  30:2.  38:2.  y Lev.  4:7,18,25,30,34.  5:9.  9:9. 
z 22.  Lev.  3:3,4,9,10,14—16.  4:8,9,26,31,35.  6:12.  7:3,31.  Ps.  21:14.  Is.  1:11. 
34:6.43:24.  a Lev.  8:16,25.  9:10,19.  t Or,  midriff,  b 18,25.  Lev.  1 :9, 15.  16: 
25.  17:6.  Num. 18:17.  lSam.2:16.  c Lev.  4: 1 1,12,21 . 8:17.  16:27.  Heb. 13:11 
—13.  d 30:10.  Lev.  4:3,25,29,32.  5:6,8.  6:25.  9:2.  16:3,11.  Num.  7:16.  2 Chr. 


more  covet  the  emolument  or  honour  of  the  ministry,  than  its 
work.  Indeed,  the  case  is  the  same  with  all  Christians  : 
each  may  have  his  hands  filled  with  work,  if  his  heart  be 
disposed  to  do  it.  ( Mark  13:34.) 

V.  10,  11.  “Putting  the  hands  on  the  head”  of  the  sin- 
offering,  not  only  implied  the  surrender  of  it  as  an  oblation  to 
God;  but  also,  and  especially,  it  denoted  a confession  of  guilt, 
which  was  thus  typically  transferred  to  the  sacrifice  that  it 
might  be  expiated  by  it ; so  that,  the  priests  thus  acknowledged 
themselves  deserving  of  death,  and  that  they  could  not  offer 
sacrifices  for  others,  unless  the  Lord  first  accepted  their  sin- 
offering,  and  forgave  their  transgressions. — Moses,  as  priest 
on  this  extraordinary  occasion,  slew  the  several  sacrifices; 
though  in  ordinary  cases  the  offerers  themselves  might  slay 
them.  (Notes,  Lev.  1:4 — 9.) 

V . 12  When  Moses  had  slain  the  bull  for  a sin-offering, 
he  was  lequired  to  apply  part  of  the  blood  with  his  finger  to 
the  four  horns  of  the  altar  of  burnt-offering;  and  then  to  pour 
all  the  remainder  at  the  bottom  of  it,  where  no  doubt  there 
was  a trench,  by  which  whatever  was  redundant  might  be 
carried  off.  Thus  the  altar  itself  must  first  be  sanctified , by 
sacrifice  and  blood,  before  it  could  sanctify  the  gift : for  every 
creature  of  God  on  earth  has  been  so  polluted  by  man’s  sin, 
that  none  is  meet  to  be  set  apart  for  his  immediate  service, 
till  purged  with  blood  : and  all  the  ministrations  of  sinners  are 
so  defiled,  that  the  best  would  condemn  them,  even  their 
most  solemn  sacrifices,  unless  sprinkled  with  the  blood  of 
Christ.  This  was  evidently  intended  to  teach  the  Israelites 
the  holiness  of  God,  the  defiling  nature  of  sin,  their  own  sin- 
fulness, and  their  need  of  the  promised  Saviour,  who  should 
“ take  away  sin  by  the  sacrifice  of  himself.” 

V.  13,  14.  According  to  the  law  of  the  sin-offering,  after- 
wards given,  (Notes,  Lev.  4:4 — 11.)  all  the  fat  of  this  bull 
was  directed  on  this  occasion,  as  by  anticipation,  to  be  burnt 
on  the  altar  ; but  the  flesh,  skin,  and  dung,  were  to  be  burned 
with  a strong  fire , (the  word  is  altered,)  without  the  camp. 
It  should  be  observed,  that  the  fat,  which  the  Israelites 
always  burnt,  on  the  altar,  was  not  what  is  blended  with  the 
flesh  in  every  part  of  the  body  ; but  the  suet  and  loose  inward 
fat.  When  an  animal  is  opened,  the  several  intestines  appear 
covered  with  fat,  which  forms  an  integument  both  suited  to 
keep  them  separate,  and  to  preserve  a proper  warmth.  These 
integuments,  and  the  suet  with  the  kidneys  covered  by  it,  are 
evidently  meant  in  all  the  passages  in  which  this  is  instituted, 
though  learned  men  have  differently  explained  the  terms  used 
on  the  subject. — The  flesh  of  the  other  sin-offerings,  the  blood 
of  which  was  not  carried  into  the  sanctuary,  was  eaten  by 
tiie  priests:  but  this  was  the  sin-offering  of  the  priests,  who 
could  neither  bear  nor  atone  for  their  own  sins.  In  this  inci- 
pient  state  therefore  of  the  Lcvitical  priesthood,  though  the 
blood  was  not  carried  into  the  holy  place,  (the  high-priest 
not  being  yet  fully  authorized  to  perform  that  service,) 
Ihe  flesh  was  burned  without  the  camp  as  it  was  after- 
( 180  ) 


17  And  thou  shalt  cut  the  ram  in  pieces,  and 
hwash  the  inwards  of  him,  and  his  legs,  and  put 
them  Sunto  his  pieces,  and  unto  his  head. 

16  And  thou  shalt  burn  the  whole  ram  upon 
the  altar  : it  is  ‘a  burnt-offering  unto  the  Lord  : 
it  is  Ja  sweet  savour,  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto 
the  Lord. 

19  H And  thou  shalt  take  kthe  other  ram,  ‘and 
Aaron  and  his  sons  shall  put  their  hands  upon  the 
head  of  the  ram. 

20  Then  shalt  thou  kill  the  ram,  and  take  of  his 
blood,  and  mput  it  upon  the  tip  of  the  right  ear  of 
Aaron,  and  upon  the  tip  of  the  right  ear  of  his 
sons,  and  upon  the  thumb  of  their  right  hand,  and 
upon  the  great  toe  of  their  right  foot,  and  "sprin- 
kle the  blood  upon  the  altar  round  about. 

21  And  thou  shalt  take  of  the  blood  that  is  upon 
the  altar,  and  of  “the  anointing  oil,  and  sprinkle  it 
upon  Aaron,  and  upon  his  garments,  and  upon  his 
sons,  and  upon  the  garments  of  his  sons  with  him  : 
and  he  Pshall  be  hallowed,  and  his  garments,  and 
his  sons,  and  his  sons’  garments  with  him. 

22  Also  flthou  shalt  take  of  the  ram  the  fat  and 
rthe  rump,  and  the  fat  that  covereth  the  inwards, 
and  the  caul  above  the  liver,  and  the  two  kidneys, 
and  the  fat  that  is  upon  them,  and  sthe  right  shoul- 
der ; for  it  is  a ram  of  consecration  : 

23  And  ‘one  loaf  of  bread,  and  one  cake  of  oiled 
bread,  and  one  wafer,  out  of  the  basket  of  the 
unleavened  bread,  that  is  before  the  Lord. 

24  And  thou  shalt  “put  all  in  the  hands  of 

29:24‘.  Ezra  8:35.  e 3: 19.  Lev.  8:18— 21 . {SeeonlO.  gSeeonl\,l2.  h Lev. 
1:9,13.  8:21.  9:14.  Jer.  4:14.  Matt.  23:26.  6 Or,  upon,  i Gen.  22:2,7,13.  Lev. 
9:24.  1 Sam.  7:9.  lKings3:4.  18:38.  Ps.  50:8.  Is.  1 :11.  Jer.  6:2(1.  7:21,22.  Mark 
12:33.  Heb.  10:6— 10.  j Gen.  8:21.  Lev.  1:17.  Eph.  5:2.  Phil.  4:18.  k 3.  Lev. 
8:22—29.  1 See  on  10.  m Lev.  14:14.  Is.  50:5.  Mark  7:33.  n Lev.  14:7,16.  16: 
14,15,19.  Is.  52:15.  Heb.  9:19— 23.  10:22.  12:24.  1 Pel.  1:2.  o 7.  30:25— 30. 
Lev.  8:30.  14  15— 13,29.  Ps.  133:2.  Is.  11:2— 5.  61:1—3.  it  See  on  John  17:19. 
Heb.  9:22.  10:29.  q 13.  Lev.  8:25-  27.  r I.ev.  3:9.  7:3.  9:19.  s Lev.  7:32,33. 
9:21.  10:14.  Num.  18:18.  I 2,3.  uLev.8:27. 


wards  appointed  in  respect  of  the  sin-offerings  for  the  high- 
priest,  congregation,  or  ruler,  the  blood  of  which  was  car- 
ried into  the  holy  place. — The  word  rendered  “ sin-offer- 
ing” is  merely  sin  ; “ It  is  sin.”  This  implied,  that  it  must 
be  treated  with  abhorrence  and  consumed  by  the  fire,  which 
represented  the  justice  of  God,  as  if  it  were  sin  itself ; and 
the  expression  helps  to-  explain  the  apostle’s  energetic  lan- 
guage in  the  following  passage,  as  also  other  similar  passages 
in  the  New  Testament:  “Christ  was  made  Sin  for  us,  who 
knew  no  sin  ; that  we  might  be  made  the  Righteousness  of 
God  in  him.” 

V.  15 — 18.  One  of  the  rams,  before-mentioned,  was  directed 
to  be  offered  as  “ a burnt-offering”  with  the  ceremonies  in 
that  case  prescribed.  (Notes,  Lev.  1:)  Every  sacrifice  of 
innocent  useful  animals,  implied  the  sinfulness  of  the  offerers, 
and  prefigured  the  vicarious  sufferings  of  the  Holy  Jesus:  the 
priests  therefore  were  required  to  lay  their  hands  on  the  head  of 
the  ram  for  a burnt-offering,  and  even  on  that  of  consecration, 
(as  well  as  on  that  of  the  young  bull  for  a sin-offering,) 
implying  the  translation  of  their  guilt  to  the  animal  about  to 
be  sacrificed.  The  whole  of  the  blood  was  to  be  sprinkled 
about  the  altar  ; or  as  some  suppose,  poured  on  the  altar  round 
about,  to  be  consumed  by  the  fire  along  with  the  flesh.  The 
entire  animal,  except  the  skin,  being  burnt,  no  separation 
was  made  between  the  loose  fat  and  the  intestines ; but  the 
whole,  being  previously  well  cleansed,  was  laid,  with  the 
flesh  and  the  head,  on  the  altar.  In  connexion  with  the  typical 
import,  this  sacrifice  denoted  the  offerer’s  profession  of  unre- 
served devotedness,  in  body  and  soul,  to  the  service  of  God, 
according  to  the  duties  to  which  he  was  called. 

V.  19 — 21.  “The  ram  of  consecration”  was  evidently  a 
sacrifice  of  peace-offering , though  presented  on  a particular 
occasion.  (Notes,  Iav.  3:)  With  reference  to  this  occasion, 
part  of  the  blood  was  applied,  not  as  that  of  the  sin-offering 
to  the  horns  of  the  altar,  but  to  Aaron  and  his  sons;  to  the 
tips  of  their  right  ears,  the  thumbs  of  their  right  hands,  and 
the  great  toes  of  their  right  feet  : implying  their  obligation  to 
hearken  diligently  to  the  word  of  God,  to  do  his  work  in  the 
best  manner  which  they  could,  and  to  walk  in  his  ways  with 
steady  perseverance  ; and  also,  that  they  could  not  do  these 
things  acceptably,  except  through  the  atoning  blood  received 
and  applied  by  faith.  Then  part  of  the  blood  reserved  upon 
the  altar,  probably  in  a basin  for  that  purpose,  was  mingled 
with  the  holy  anointing  oil,  and  sprinkled  on  the  garments 
both  of  Aaron  and  his  sons,  to  hallow  them  to  the  Lord. 
‘This  may  be  looked  upon  as  a lively  representation  of  our 
purification  by  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  by*his  Holy 
Spirit.’  Bp.  Patrick.  Wc  may  add,  that  these  always  go 
together.  (Notes,  Bom.  6:10 — 19.  12:1.) 

V.  22 — 28.  In  ordinary  pence-olfcfings  of  the  herd,  the  fat 
alone  was  burnt  on  the  altar  ; but  of  sheep  tne  rumps  also, 
which  are  often  exceedingly  large  and  fat  in  those  countries; 
and  in  this  particular  case,  the  tight  shoulder,  with  a portion 


CHAPTER  XXIX 


B.  C.  1491 


B.  C.  1191. 

Aaron,  and  in  the  hands  of  his  sons;  and  slialt 
’wave  thein/or  ’a  wave-offering  before  the  Loan. 

25  And  nhou  shalt  receive  them  of  their  hands, 
and  burn  them  upon  the  altar  for  a burnt-offering, 
•for  a sweet  savour  before  the  Lord  ; it  is  “an 
offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 

26  And  thou  shalt  take  the  breast  of  the  ram 
of  Aaron’s  consecration,  and  wave  it  for  a wave- 
offering before  the  Lord  : and  it  shall  be  thy 
part. 

27  And  thou  shalt  sanctify  bthe  breast  of  the 
wave-offering,  and  the  shoulder  of  the  heave-of- 
fering, which  is  waved,  and  which  is  heaved  up 
of  “the  ram  of  the  consecration,  even  of  that  which 
is  for  Aaron,  and  of  that  which  is  for  his  sons. 

28  And  dit  shall  be  Aaron’s  and  his  sons’  by  a 
statute  for  ever,  from  the  children  of  Israel:  for  it 
is  ean  heave-offering:  and  it  shall  be  an  heave- 
offering from  the  children  of  Israel,  of  ‘the  sacri- 
fice of  their  peace-offerings,  even  their  heave- 
offering unto  the  Lord. 

29  IT  And  sthe  holy  garments  of  Aaron  shall  be 
hhis  sons’  after  him,  to  be  ‘anointed  therein,  and 
to  be  consecrated  in  them. 

30  And  'that  son,  that  is  priest  in  his  stead, 
shall  put  them  on  kseven  days  when  he  cometh 
into  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  to  minis- 
ter in  the  holy  place. 

31  H And  thou  shalt  take  ‘the  ram  of  the  con- 
secration, and  mseeth  his  flesh  in  the  holy  place. 

32  And  "Aaron  and  his  sons  shall  eat  the  flesh 


• neb.  shake  to  and  fro.  x 26,27.  Lev.  7:30.  9:21. 10:14.  y Lev.  7:23— 31 . 8:28.  Ps. 
99:6.  z See  on  18.  a 41.  Lev.  1.9.13.2:2,9,16. 3:3,5,9,11,14,16.7:5,25. 10:13. 1 Sam. 
2:2S.  b Lev.  7:31— 34  . 8:29  . 9:21.  10:15.  Num.  6:20.  18:18,19.  c'22,34.  Lev.7:37. 
8:28—31.  <1  Lev. 7:32— 34. 10:14,15.  Deut.  18:3.  e27.  Lev.  7:14.  Num.  15:19,20. 
18:24,28.  31.29,41.  f Lev.  3:  7:11,  &c.  g 28:3,4.  h Num.  20:26— 28.  i 5-7.30:30. 
40:15.  Lev.  8:7 — 12.  Num.  18:8.  35:25.  | Heb.  lie  of  his  sons.  Heb.  7:26.  k 35. 
12:15.  Hen. 8:10,12.  Lev. 8:33— 35. 12:2,3.  13:5.  Josh.  6:14,15.  Ez.  43:26.  Acts  20: 
6,7.  1 See  on  27.  m Lev.  8:31.  1 Sam.  2:13,15.  Ez.  46:20—2-1.  n 24:9—11.  Lev. 
10:12—14.0  2,3,23.  p Lev.  10: 16-18.  Ps.  22:26.  John  6:53— 55.  1 Cor.  1 1 :24,26. 
q Lev.  22:10—13.  Num.  1:51.  3:10,38.  16:40.  18:4,7.  r Num.  16:5.  s 22:26,28. 


of  each  part  of  the  meat-offering,  having  been  first  put  into 
the  hands  of  Aaron  and  his  sons,  to  be  waved  by  them,  were 
presented  by  Moses,  as  a burnt-offering  to  the  Lord,  and  laid 
on  the  altar  wiih  the  fat.  From  this  circumstance,  the  sacri- 
fice was  called  w the  ram  of  consecration,”  or  of  fillings , as 
the  hands  of  Aaron  and  his  sons  were  first  filled  with  these 
parts  of  it,  before  they  were  presented  to  God  ; implying,  that 
they  did  not  set  themselves  to  work,  but  undertook  their 
sacred  services  by  his  express  direction.  The  breast  of  the 
ram  having  been  waved  by  Moses  himself,  was  allotted  to 
him,  as  priest,  for  his  portion  of  the  peace-offering.  In  other 
instances,  however,  after  Aaron  and  his  sons  had  been  fully 
initiated  in  their  office,  both  the  right  shoulder  and  the  breast 
of  every  peace-offering  were  allotted  to  the  priests. — The 
heaving  these  parts  of  the  sacrifices  upwards  towards  heaven, 
and  the  waving  of  them  to  the  right  hand  and  left,  or  to  the 
four  quarters  of  the  globe,  implied,  that  they  were  thus  dedi- 
cated to  the  God  of  heaven  and  of  all  the  earth  ; and  were 
then  used  by  his  priests  as  given  by  him  to  them : and  per- 
haps the  right  shoulder  and  the  breast  being  thus  presented, 
might  intimate,  that  the  priests  and  offerers  also  should  devote 
themselves  to  the  service  of  God,  with  all  their  power,  and 
with  their  whole  heart. 

Consecration.  (26)  D'N^Dn,  from  to  he  full , or  to  fill. 
(Note,  8,9.) 

V.  29,  30.  On  this  occasion,  another  general  law  was 
given,  respecting  the  appointment  of  one  of  Aaron’s  sons,  at 
his  death,  fjr  his  successor  in  the  high  priesthood  ; who  must 
»e  clothed  in  the  sacred  vestment  of  his  father,  that  he  might 
be  anointed  and  consecrated  in  them;  and  must  put  them  on 
reven  days  before  he  performed  the  peculiar  functions  of  the 
high-priest ; in  order  that  he  might  be  habituated  to  the  dress, 
and  have  time  to  learn  what  was  necessary  to  a due  perform- 
ance of  these  sacred  services. 

V.  31 — 34.  The  remainder  of  the  ram  of  consecration, 
with  that  of  the  meat-offering,  was  to  be  eaten  by  the  priests, 
as  their  portion  of  their  own  peace-offering;  but,  as  the  occa- 
sion was  peculiar,  they  must  eat  it  in  the  court  of  the  taber- 
nacle and  not  elsewhere,  for  none,  even  of  their  families, 
might  join  with  them  in  thus  feasting  before  the  Lord  in  his 
courts;  and  the  residue  must  be  burned,  and  not  be  kept  till 
morning.  In  these  particulars  it  was  ordered  differently  from 
most  other  peace-offerings. 

V.  35  37.  The  consecration  of  Aaron  and  his  sons  was 
to  be  continued  for  seven  days,  during  which  time  a young 
bull  for  a sin-offering,  according  to  the  form  before  esta- 
blished, (Notes,  10—14.)  was  everyday  offered  for  atonement, 
(or  rather  atonements,)  both  for  them  and  for  the  altar,  which 
must  thus  be  c! earned,  (or  expiated,  as  the  word  signifies,) 
and  anointed,  before  it  was  fully  consecrated  as  an  altar. 
Some  expositors  are  of  opinion,  that  these  seven  days  for  the 
cleansing  of  the  altar,  were  distinct  from  the  seven  days  of 


of  the  ram,  "arid  the  bread  that  is  in  the  basket, 
by  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

33  And  they  shall  Peat  those  things,  wherewith 
the  atonement  was  made,  to  consecrate  and  to 
sanctify  them : but  ‘ia  stranger  shall  not  eat  there- 
of, because  ‘they  are  holy. 

34  And  if  aught  of  ‘the  flesh  of  the  consecra- 
tions, or  of  the  bread,  remain  unto  the  morning ; 
then  thou  shalt  ‘burn  the  remainder  with  fire : it 
shall  not  be  eaten,  because  it  is  holy. 

35  And  “thus  slialt  thou  do  unto  Aaron,  and  to 
his  sons,  “according  to  all  things  which  [ have 
commanded  thee:  kseven  days  shalt  thou  conse- 
crate them. 

36  And  thou  shalt  offer  “every  day  a bullock 
for  a sin-offering,  for  atonement : and  thou  shalt 
“cleanse  the  altar,  when  thou  hast  made  an  atone- 
ment for  it,  and  thou  shalt  banoint  it  to  sanctify  it. 

37  Seven  days  thou  shalt  make  an  atonement 
for  the  altar  cand  sanctify  it : and  dit  shall  he  an 
altar  most  holy:  whatsoever  toucheth  the  altar 
shall  be  holy. 

38  H Now  this  is  that  which  thou  shalt  offer 
upon  the  altar  ; “two  lambs  of  the  first  year,  day 
by  day  continually. 

39  The  one  lamb  thou  shalt  offer  ' in  the  morn 
ing ; and  the  other  lamb  thou  shalt  offer  sat  even. 

40  And  with  the  one  lamb  ha  tenth-deal  of  flour 
mingled  with  the  fourth  part  of  an  ‘hin  offheaten 
oil : and  the  fourth  part  of  an  hin  of  wine  for  la 
drink-offering. 

112:10.16:19.  Lev.  7:18,19.  8:32.  10:16.  u 40:12— 15.  Lev.  8:4,  &c.  x 39:42,43. 
40:16.  John  15:14.  y 30,37.  40:13.  Lev.  8:33.  14:8—11.  z See  on  10—14.  Ez.43: 
2.5,27.  45:18—20.  Heb.  10:11.  a Lev.  16:16—19,27.  Heb.  9.22,23.  b 30:26.  40: 
9—11.  Lev.  8:10,11.  Num.  7:1.  c 40:10.  Dan.  9:24.  <1  30:29.  Malt.  23:17,19. 

e Num.  28:3—8.  1 Chr.  16:40.  2 Chr.  2:4.  13:11.  31:3.  Ezra  3:3.  Dan.  9:21,27. 
12:11.  John  1:29.  Heb.  7:27.  1 Pet.  1:19.  Rev.  5:9—12.  f 2 Kings  16:15.  2 Chr. 
13:11.  Ps.  5:3.  55:16,17.  Luke  1:10.  Acts  26:7.  g See  on  41.  h 16:36.  Num. 
15:4,9.  28:5,13.  i 30:24.  Lev.  23:13.  Num.  15:4.  28:14.  Ez.4:ll.  45:24.  46:5,7, 
1114.  j Gen.  35:14.  Lev.  23:13.  Num.  6:15-17.  15:5,7,10,24  . 28:10,14,15,24. 
29:16.  Deut.  32:38.  Is.  57:6.  Ez.  20:28.  45:17.  Joel  1:9,13.  2:14.  Phil.  2:17.  Gr. 


consecrating  the  priests  ; and  that  they  preceded  them,  and 
attended  the  erection  of  the  sanctuary  by  Moses.  And  they 
argue  in  favour  of  this  opinion,  that  the  purifying  of  the  altar 
must  have  preceded  all  sacrificing  upon  it;  but  that  Moses 
offered  a burnt-offering  and  a meat-offering  upon  it,  when  he 
placed  it  in  the  court  of  the  tabernacle.  (40:29.)  The  lan- 
guage, however,  here  used,  by  no  means  admits  of  this  con- 
struction : as  the  bull  for  atonement  was  offered  on  each  of 
the  days,  in  which  Aaron  and  his  sons  were  consecrated, 
and  with  the  blood  of  these  very  bulls  the  altar  was  expiated. 
It  seems  evident  that  some  things,  in  the  first  introduction  of 
the  Levitical  ceremonial,  must  necessarily  have  come  short 
of  the  exact  regularity  which  it  required  when  completed. 
Moses  had  never  been  consecrated  to  the  priesthood,  as 
Aaron  was ; yet  he  acted  as  priest  during  this  interval : and 
can  we  wonder,  if  he  sacrificed  on  the  altar  before  it  had 
been  fully  dedicated  ? When  the  burnt-offering  was  slain, 
he  would  put  the  blood  on  the  horns  of  the  altar,  or  sprinkle 
it  round  about ; and  this  would  be  a sufficient  confession,  that 
all  things,  with  which  sinners  have  to  do,  need  purging  with 
atoning  blood,  when  used  in  the  service  of  a just  and  holy 
God.  And  when  Aaron  and  his  sons  were  consecrated,  the 
more  solemn  expiation  or  dedication  of  the  altar  was  carried 
on  at  the  same  time,  and  by  the  same  sacrifices,  from  apply- 
ing the  blood  of  the  first  sin-offering  to  the  horns  of  it,  till  it 
was  finished  on  the  seventh  day.  Then  it  was  made  an  altar 
“most  holy;  whatsoever  touched  it  should  be  holy.”  None 
but  priests  of  Aaron’s  family  might  approach  it : from  that 
time  Moses  sacrificed  no  more,  and  every  oblation  presented 
at  it  was  “holy  to  the  Lord.” 

V.  38 — 41.  When  the  priests  had  been  fully  consecrated, 
and  the  altar  sanctified,  two  lambs  of  the  first  year  must  be 
offered  daily,  one  in  the  morning,  the  other  in  the  afternoon, 
as  a burnt-offering.  This  observance  might  never  on  any 
account  be  omitted,  whatever  additional  sacrifices  were 
appointed  for  the  sabbaths  and  solemnities,  or  presented  on 
various  occasions  by  the  rulers,  priests,  or  people  ; for  it 
especially  typified  “the  Lamb  of  God  who  taketh  away  the 
sin  of  the  world ;”  the  constant  efficacy  of  his  one  all-suffi- 
cient atonement ; and  our  continual  need  of  it,  in  all  our 
approaches  unto  a holy  God.  It  likewise  taught  the  people, 
that  God  must  be  worshipped  every  day  continually,  morning 
and  evening  at  least,  with  prayer,  and  praise,  and  thanks- 
giving, and  not  only  on  sabbaths  and  solemn  festivals : and 
that  this  should  be  considered  as  a sacred  feast,  to  which 
they  were  admitted,  and  in  which  the  Lord  condescended  to 
meet  with  them. — To  render  this  idea  of  communion  with 
God  more  familiar  to  their  minds,  the  several  particulars 
requisite  to  a feast  accompanied  the  sacrifice ; especially 
bread  and  wine,  in  the  form  of  a meat-offering  and  a drink- 
offering. — The  word  rendered  “ tenth-dea  ,”  means  a tenth 
that  is,  of  an  ephah,  or  about  three  quarts  >f  ? u ie-mea9iire 

( 181  j 


B L 1491 


EXODUS 


B.  C.  1491. 


41  And  the  other  lamb  thou  shalt  koffer  at  even, 
ard  shalt  do  thereto  according  to  the  meat-offering 
of  the  morning,  and  according  to  the  drink-offer- 
ing thereof,  for  a sweet  savour,  an  offering  made 
by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 

42  This  shall  he  a 'continual  burnt-offering 
•hroughout  your  generations,  at  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  before  the  Lord  ; 
"“where  I will  meet  you,  to  speak  there  unto  thee- 

43  And  there  I will  meet  with  fche  children  of 
Israel,  and  ‘the  tabernacle  shall  be  "sanctified  by 
my  glory. 

44  And  I will  sanctify  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation,  and  the  altar : I will  "sanctify  also 
both  Aaron  and  his  sons,  to  minister  to  me  in  the 
priest’s  office. 

45  And  I will  Pdwell  among  the  children  of 
Israel,  and  will  be  their  God. 

46  And  they  shall  know  that  “d  am  the  Lord 
their  God,  that  brought  them  forth  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt,  that  I may  dwell  among  them : rI 
am  the  Lord  their  God. 


k 1 Kings  18:29,36.  Ezra  9:4.  Pa.  141:2.  Ez.  46:13— 15.  Dan.  9:21.  130:S.Num. 
28:6.  Dan.  8.11—13.  12:11.  m 25:22.  30:6,36.  Lev.  1:1.  Num.  17:4.  "Or, 
Israel,  n 40:31.  I Kings  8:11.  2 Chr.  5:14.  7:1— 3.  Is.  6:1— 3.  60:1.  Ez.43:5. 
Hag.  2:7— 9.  Mai.  3:1.  2 Cor.  3:18.  4:6.  1 John  3:2.  Rev.  21:22,23.  o Lev.  21: 
15.  22:9,16.  John  10:36.  Rev.  1:5,6.  p 15:17.  25:8.  Lev. 26:12.  Ps.  68:18.  Zech. 
2:10.  John  14:17,23.  2 Cor.  6:16.  Eph.2:22.  Rev.  21:3.  q See  on  20:2.  Jer.  31:33. 

being  the  same  as  an  omer.  A hin  contained  the  sixth  part 
of  an  ephah,  or  about  five  quarts  wine-measure.  So  that 
about  three  quarts  of  fine  flour,  mixed  up  with  a quart  and 
half  & pint  of  the  very  best  oil,  was  morning  and  evening 
burned  upon  the  altar,  along  with  the  lamb  of  the  daily  sacri- 
fice ; and  a quart  and  half  a pint  of  wine  was  poured  as  a 
libation  upon  it.  The  whole  of  this  oblation,  both  in  its 
typical  import,  as  an  act  of  solemn  worship,  and  as  denoting 
the  gracious  communion  of  the  Lord  with  his  people,  was  “ a 
sweet  savour,  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord.” 
( Marg . Ref.  Note , Gen.  8:20—22.) 

V.  42 — 46.  The  continual  burnt-offering  must  be  sacri- 
ficed nowhere  except  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle.  The 
word  rendered  u the  congregation,”  here,  and  in  very  many 
places,  undoubtedly  refers  to  the  Lord’s  meeting  with  the 
people , and  not  to  their  assembling  together  at  the  tabernacle  : 
for  the  reason  of  the  name  is  expressly  and  particularly 
shown.  So  long  as  the  atoning  sacrifice  was  daily  offered, 
the  Lord  promised  to  meet  his  people  at  the  tabernacle  in 
mercy.  There  he  intended  to  meet  Moses,  and  deliver  to 
him,  doubtless  in  an  audible  voice,  all  the  remaining  parts  of 
the  law.  And  there  he  would  likewise  meet  Israel,  and  the 
nation  (rather  than  the  tabernacle , marg.)  should  be  sanctified. 
as  a holy  people,  by  the  Lord’s  glory  manifested  to  them  and 
put  upon  them.  Thus  he  would  likewise  sanctify  the  taber- 
nacle, the  altar,  and  the  priests,  by  his  glorious  presence,  and 
by  especially  appropriating  them  to  his  own  worship,  that  he 
might  dwell  among  the  children  of  Israel,  as  their  King,  their 
Protector,  and  their  God;  communicating  all  blessings  to 
them,  and  accepting  their  persons  and  services,  through  these 
institutions  ; which  were  shadows  of  the  good  things  to  come, 
by  which  all  the  true  Israel  of  God  are  indeed  sanctified  as  his 
redeemed  people,  that  he  may  dwell  among  them,  as  the 
Lord  their  God,  for  evermore. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Blessed  be  God,  our  High-Priest  is  not  altogether  like  the 
high-priests  of  the  family  of  Aaron. — He  indeed  is  solemnly 
set  apart  to  his  office,  and  has  “ his  hands  filled *n*'  he  has 
the  interest  of  all  his  people  to  maintain,  and  the/r  cause  to 
plead  ; and  all  power  and  authority  in  heaven  anil  earth  are 
£iven  unto  him  for  that  purpose:  he  is  also  clothed  with  ma- 
jesty and  honour,  and  has  not  only  the  holy  anointing,  but 
the  fulness  of  the  Spirit  treasured  up  in  him.  He  however 
needed  not  to  offer  any  sacrifices  for  himself;  and  by  one 
single  sacrifice  he  hath  fully  atoned  for  all  the  sins  of  all  his 
people,  through  all  generations,  and  opened  for  them  the  gates 
of  heavenly  felicity.  There  could  be  no  occasion,  in  his 
case,  to  prescribe  rules  for  the  appointment,  of  his  successor : 
because  “he  hath  an  unchangeable  priesthood,  seeing  he 
ever  Iiveth  to  make  intercession  for  us.”  Yet  is  he  at  the 
same  time,  our  Sin-offering,  our  Peace,  our  Altar,  yea,  our 
true  Tabernacle,  in  which  “dwelleth  all  (he  fulness  of  the 
Godhead  bodily.” — Here  the  righteous  Lord  meets,  and 
blesses,  and  sanctifies  his  people  by  his  glory;  and  there  they 
meet  him,  and  present  themselves  as  living  sacrifices,  while 
they  offer  him  “the  fruit  of  their  lips,  giving  thanks  to  his 
name.”— “ Truly,”  may  every  real  Christian  say,  “our  fel- 
lowship is  with  the  Father,  and  with  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.” 
But  are  we  of  that  number  ? Do  wo  wash  our  souls,  as  hum- 
ble penitents,  “in  the  Fountain  which  he  hath  opened  for 
sin  and  for  uncleanness?”  Do  we  present  ourselves  to  God, 
day  by  day,  arrayed  in  the  priestly  garments  of  Christ’s 
righteousness,  trusting  only  in  his  merits,  and  not  at  all  in  our- 
selves or  in  our  services,  for  acceptance  with  God?  Are  we 
anointed  with  the  unction  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  purifying  our 
hearts  from  the  love  of  sin,  and  shedding  abroad  in  them  the 
l 1 '32  ) 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

Directions  concerning  the  altar  of  incense,  1 —10  ; the  half  shclccl  of  ran. 
som-money , 11 — 16  ; the  brazen  laver , 17 — 21  ; the  holy  anointing  oil , 22— 
33  ; and  the  incense , 34 — 38. 

AND  thou  shalt  make  “an  altar  to  burn  incense 
upon  : of  shittim-wood  shalt  thou  make  it. 

2  A cubit  shall  be  the  length  thereof,  and  a 
cubit  the  breadth  thereof,  four-square  shall  it  be; 
and  two  cubits  shall  be  the  height  thereof:  bthe 
horns  thereof  shall  be  of  the  same. 

3  And  thou  shalt  "overlay  it  with  pure  gold, 
the  ’top  thereof,  and  the  'sides  thereof  rouna 
about,  and  the  horns  thereof : and  thou  shalt  make 
unto  it  a crown  of  gold  round  about. 

4  And  two  golden  drings  shalt  thou  make  to  it 
under  the  crown  of  it,  by  the  two  'corners  thereof, 
upon  the  two  sides  of  it  shalt  thou  make  it ; and 
they  shall  be  for  places  for  the  staves  to  bear  it 
withal. 

5  And  thou  shalt  make  the  “staves  of  shitiim- 
wood.  and  overlay 'them  with  gold. 

6  And  thou  shalt  put  it  before  the  'veil,  that  is 
by  the  ark  of  the  testimony  ; before  gthe  mercy- 


r Lev.  11:44.  18:30.  19:2.  Ez.  20:5.  a 37:25— 28.  40.5.  Lev.  4:7,18.  1 Kinps  6: 
20  2 Chr. 26:16.  Rev.  8:3.  b See  on  27:2.  c25:ll,24.  • Heb.  roof,  t Heb. 

walls,  d 25:12,14,27.  26:29. 27:4,7.  1 Heb.riie.  e 25:13,27.  1 26:31—35.40: 
3,5,26.  Mall. 27:51.  Heb.  9:3,4.  g 25:21,22.  Lev.  16:13.  1 Chr.28:ll.  Heb.  4: 
16.  9:5. 


love  of  God  ? Do  we,  as  confessing  our  sins  and  exercising 
faith,  lay  our  hands  upon  the  head  of  the  great  Sacrifice  ? 
And  are  our  hearts  and  “ consciences  purged,  by  his  blood, 
from  dead  wdrks  to  serve  the  living  God  ;”  and  our  bodies 
presented,  not  as  a burnt-offering,  but  as  a living  sacrifice, 
holy  and  acceptable  to  God ; whilst  the  members  of  them, 
which  once  were  instruments  of  unrighteousness  unto  sin, 
are  now  made  instruments  of  righteousness  unto  him?  Do 
we  maintain  daily  communion  with  him,  presenting  our  morn- 
ing and  evening  sacrifice  of  secret  and  family  worship,  accept- 
able through  the  atonement  of  “ the  Lamb  of  God,  who 
taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world  ?”  And  are  our  hands  filled 
with  his  work,  and  our  time  and  talents  offered  to  the  Lord 
as  a wave-offering,  and  improved  to  his  glory  ? Is  this  the 
sincere  intention  and  desire  of  our  hearts,  all  the  day  long? 
Alas  ! how  little  do  the  most  of  professing  Christians  know  ot 
this  spiritual  consecration  unto  God  through  Christ  Jesus  ! 
yet  all  else  is  but  the  name  and  the  form:  this,  and  nothing 
less  than  this,  is  the  religion  of  the  “royal  priesthood,  the 
holy  nation,  the  peculiar  people,  whom  he  hath  called  out  of 
darkness  into  marvellous  light,  to  show  forth  his  praise.”  Let 
us  not  then  rest  in  any  thing  short  of  it,  hut  press  forward  to 
this  mark  : then  will  God  speak  to  us  in  his  word,  meet  us  in 
his  ordinances,  make  himself  known  to  us  as  our  God  and 
Saviour,  and  fill  our  hearts  with  his  holy  consolations. 

NOTES —Chap.  XXX.  V.  1— 6.  The  altar  of  incense 
was  -made,  like  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  of  shittim-wood 
covered  with  plates  of  gold.  It  was  something  more  than  half 
a yard  square,  and  above  a yard  in  height ; and  from  the  four 
corner  posts  arose  four  hornsy  or  pinnacles , which  were 
covered  with  plates  of  gold.  It  was  surrounded  on  the  top 
with  a cornice  of  solid  gold,  underneath  which  were  placed 
two  golden  rings,  probably  on  two  opposite  corners,  for  the 
conveniency  of  carrying  it  on  staves,  during  the  marches  of 
Israel  in  the  wilderness,  and  afterwards  when  removed  to 
different  places  in  Canaan. — This  altar, and  the  incense  burned 
on  it,  typified  the  Son  of  God,  in  our  nature,  making  inter- 
cession for  us  ; as  the  altar  of  burnt-offering  and  its  oblations 
typified  his  sacrifice.  The  former  was  therefore  placed  within 
the  sanctuary,  the  latter  in  the  court  without ; for  his  sacri- 
fice was  offered  on  earth,  his  intercession  is  in  heaven.  But 
it  was  not  put  in  the  most  holy  place ; because  the  continual 
intercession  of  Christ  was  represented  by  the  other  priests, 
as  well  as  the  high-priest,  daily  burning  incense  upon  it  morn- 
ing and  evening.  It  was  therefore  placed  without  the  veil,  but 
nearer  to  it  than  the  tabic  or  the  candlestick  ; and  in  the  centre 
of  the  tabernacle,  directly  over  against  the  ark,  except  as  the 
veil  was  between. 

V.  7,  8.  Aaron  alone  is  here  mentioned  as  burning  in- 
cense on  the  altar : but  it  is  generally  agreed,  that  not  only 
succeeding  high-priests,  but  also  the  ordinary  priests  in  theii 
courses,  performed  this  service.  ( Notes , Luke  1:5 — 10.) 

When  Aaron  or  his  sons  had  offered  the  morning  sacrifice, 
one  of  them  went  into  the  tabernacle,  and  on  that  occa  ion 
he  trimmed  and  ordered  the  lamps  for  the  day,  and  perhaps 
cleansed  and  burnished  the  candlestick : ho  also  burned 
incense  on  the  golden  altar,  while  the  peoplo  were  offering 
their  prayers  without.  In  the  evening  likewise,  when  (he 
lamb  nad  been  sacrificed,  the  priest  again  entered  the  sanc- 
tuary, and  both  lighted  the  lamps  and  burned  incense  on  the 
altar. — It  is  probable,  that  no  more  than  one  priest  at  a time 
entered  the  sanctuary  to  burn  incense:  and  that  if  the  high- 
priest  were  present,  and  had  no  impediment,  he  performed 
this  service,  at  h ast  in  the  first  ages  of  the  church  of  Israel. 
As  the  oil  might  be  nearly  burned  out,  and  perhaps  some  of 
the  lamps  extinguished  ; it  is  here  called  lighting  the  lumps; 


B.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  XXX.  B.  C.  149» 


scat,  that  is  over  the  testimony,  where  hI  will  meet 
with  thee. 

7 And  Aaron  shall  burn  thereon  "sweet  incense 
every  morning : when  he  'dresseth  the  lamps  he 
shall  burn  incense  upon  it. 

8 And  when  Aaron  dighteth  the  lamps  tat  even, 
he  shall  burn  incense  upon  it ; ka  perpetual  in- 
cense before  the  Lord,  throughout  your  genera- 
tions. 

9 Ye  shall  offer  no  'strange  incense  thereon,  nor 
burnt-sacrifice,  nor  meat-offering ; neither  shall 
ye  pour  drink-offering  thereon. 

10  And  mAaron  shall  make  an  atonement  upon 
the  horns  of  it  once  in  a year,  with  the  blood  of 
"the  sin-offering  of  atonements  : once  in  the  year 
shall  he  make  atonement  upon  it,  throughout  your 
generations  : it  is  most  holy  unto  the  Lord. 

11  H And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saving, 

12  When  thou  “takest  the  sum  of  the  children 

of  Israel,  after  Hheir  number ; then  shall  they 
give  every  man  Pa  ransom  for  his  soul  unto  the 
Lord,  when  thou  numberest  them  : that  there  be 
ino  plague  among  them,  when  thou  numberest 
them.  1 

13  This  they  shall  give  every  one  that  passeth 
among  them  that  are  numbered ; half  a shekel, 
after  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary  : (ra  shekel  is 
twenty  gerahs :)  san  half  shekel  shall  be  the  offer- 
ing of  the  Lord. 

14  Every  one  that  passeth  among  them  that  are 
numbered,  'from  twenty  years  old  and  above,  shall 
give  an  offering  unto  the  Lord. 

15  The  "rich  shall  not  "give  more,  and  the  poor 
shall  not  "give  less  than  half  a shekel,  when  they 

h 36.  29:42,43.  Num.  17:4.  * Heb.  incense  of  spices.  34 — 38.  i 27:20.  ISam. 
2:28.3:3.  1 Chr.  23:13.  Luke  1 :9.  Acts  6:4.  f Or,  eettetk  up.  Heb.  cause th 
to  ascend.  J Heb . between  the  two  evens.  12 ;6.  marg.  k Rom.  8:34.  1 Thes. 
5:17.  Heb.  7:25.  9:24.  1 Lev.  10:1.  m 29:36,37.  Lev.  16:29,30.  23:27.  Heb.  1:3.  9: 
22,23.  n Lev.  16:5,6.  o 38:25,26.  Num.  1 :2— 5.  26:2— 4.  2 Sam.  24:2.  $,Heb.tkem 
that  are  to  be  numbered,  p Num.  31:50.  2 Chr.  24:6.  Job  33:24  . 36:18.  Ps.  49: 
7.  Matt.  20:28.  Mark  10:45.  1 Tim.  2:6.  1 Pet.  1:18,19.  q 2 Sam.  24:13,15. 

I Chr.  21:12,14.  27:24.  r Lev.  27:25.  Num.  3:47.  Ez.  45:12.  s38:26.  Matt.  17: 
24.  Gr.  t Num.  1:3,18,23.  14:29  . 26:2.  32:11.  u Job  34:19.  Prov.  22:2.  Eph. 

and  as  Aaron  and  his  sons  were  directed  to  “order  them 
from  evening  to  morning,”  we  cannot  suppose  that  they  left 
them  from  the  time  of  the  evening  sacrifice  to  the  ensuing 
morning;  but  that  the  priest,  whose  office  it  was  to  burn 
incense,  ordered  them  at  that  time,  and  that  some  other  of 
the  priests,  in  rotation,  tended  them  during  the  rest  of  night. 

( Note , 27:20,21.) — The  daily  sacrifices  represented  the  per- 
petual efficacy  of  Christ’s  atonement,  and  the  burning  of 
incense  morning  and  evening  typified  his  continual  interces- 
sion for  us  ; while  the  dressing  and  lighting  of  the  lamps  pre- 
figured the  preaching  of  the  word,  which  could  only  be  rendered 
effectual  by  that  intercession,  bringing  down  a blessing,  in 
answer  to  the  prayers  of  his  people. — As  no  grate  is  men- 
tioned in  this  altar,  nor  any  thing  said  about  cleaning  it, 
expositors  generally  think,  that  a censer  with  coals  was  placed 
on  it  when  incense  was  burnt. 

V.  9,  10.  Nothing  except  the  incense  afterwards  de- 
scribed, might  be  offered  on  the  golden  altar:  but  once  every 
year,  on  the  great  day  of  atonement,  the  high-priest  must 
apply  to  the  horns  of  it  the  blood  of  the  sin-offering ; to  show 
that  all  the  services  performed  at  it  needed  purging  with 
blood,  to  be  accepted  by  a holy  God.  This  denoted  that  the 
intercession  of  Christ  in  heaven  derives  all  its  efficacy  from 
his  sufferings  on  earth  ; and  that  we  need  no  other  sacrifice 
or  intercessor  but  Christ  only. 

V.  11 — 16.  The  Israelites  were  twice  numbered  in  the 
days  of  Moses,  by  divine  command ; and  doubtless  on  both 
these  occasions  this  law  was  observed.  (Marg.  Ref.  o.) 
Indeed,  the  collecting  of  the  half  shekel,  if  exactly  done, 
would  itself  be  equivalent  to  numbering  them. — Women  and 
minors  were  exempted  from  the  tax,  not  being  numbered ; 
and  so  were  the  Levites,  as  it  is  manifest  from  comparing  the 
number  of  those  who  paid  the  tax,  with  the  sum  total  of  the 
congregation,  besides  the  Levites.  (38:26.  Num.  1:46,47.) 
Indeed  it  is  probable,  that  the  old  men,  who  were  incapable 
of  war,  were  also  exempted.  (Num.  1:42,45.)  The  shekel 
of  the  sanctuary,  where  the  standard  weight  was  kept,  was 
nearly  half  an  ounce  troy-weight;  so  that  the  sum  paid  by 
each  person  was  about  fifteen  pence. — This  silver  was  at 
that  time  used  for  the  sockets  of  the  sanctuary,  and  for  hooks 
lor  the  curtains,  and  for  plates,  to  fillet  or  cover  the  chapiters 
of  the  pillars  round  the  court.  (Note,  38:20—28.)  But  it  is 
probable,  a similar  assessment  was  made  as  often  as  neces- 
sary, being  the  same  as  was  demanded  of  our  Lord  : ( Note, 
Matt.  17:24—27.)  and  it  was  in  general  expended  in  pur- 
chasing sacrifices,  wood,  arid  other  things,  for  the  service  of 
the  sanctuary ; or  perhaps  in  repairs.  Other  contributions 
were  voluntary,  and  proportioned  to  the  ability  or  liberality 
of  the  offerer , but  this  was  the  ransom  of  the  souls  or  lives 


give  an  offering  unto  the  Lord,  to  make  *an 
atonement  for  your  souls. 

16  And  thou  shalt  take  the  atonement-money 
of  the  children  of  Israel,  and  shalt  ^appoint  it  ftv 
the  service  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  , 
that  it  may  be  za  memorial  unto  the  children  of 
Israel  before  the  Lord,  to  make  an  atonement  fo 
your  souls. 

17  11  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying 

18  Thou  shalt  also  make  aa  laver  of  brass,  and 
his  foot  also  of  brass  to  wash  ivithal : and  thou 
shalt  bput  it  between  the  tabernacle  of  the  con 
gregation  and  the  altar,  and  thou  shalt  put  water 
therein. 

19  For  Aaron  and  his  sons  shall  'wash  their 
hands  and  their  feet  thereat. 

20  When  they  go  into  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation,  they  shall  wash  with  water,  that 
they  ddie  not : or  when  they  come  near  to  the 
altar  to  minister,  to  burn  offering  made  by  fire 
unto  the  Lord. 

21  So  they  shall  wash  their  hands  and  their  feet, 
that  they  die  not ; and  it  shall  be  ea  statute  for 
ever  to  them,  even  to  him,  and  to  his  seed  through- 
out their  generations. 

22  H Moreover  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

23  Take  thou  also  unto  f thee  principal  spices, 
of  pure  myrrh  five  hundred  shekels,  and  of  sweet 
cinnamon  half  so  much,  even  two  hundred  and 
fifty  shekels,  and  of  sweet  calamus  two  hundred 
and  fifty  shekels, 

24  And  of  cassia  five  hundred  shekels,  after  sthe 
shekel  of  the  sanctuary,  and  of  oil-olive  an  hhin. 


6:9.  Col.  3:25.  ||  H eb.  multiply.  H Heb  .diminish,  x Lev.  17:11.  Num.  31; 

50.  2 Sam.  21:3.  y 38:25— 31.  Neh.  10:32,33.  z See  on  12:14.  Num.  16:40. 
Luke  22:19.  a 31:9.  38:8.  Lev.  8:11.  1 Kings  7:23,38.  2 Chr.  4:2,6,14,15.  Zerh. 
13:1.  Tit.  3:5.  Gr.  1 John  1:7.  b 40:7,30-  32.  c 40:31,32.  Pa.  26:6.  Is.  52:11. 
John  13:8—10.  1 Cor.  6:9—11.  Tit.  3:5.  Heb.  9:10.  10:22.  Rev.  1:5,6.  d 12:15. 
Lev.  10:1— 3.  16:1,2.  1 Sam.  6:19.  I Chr.  13:10.  Ps.89:7.  Acts  5:5,10.  Heb.  12: 
28,29.  e 28:43.  f 37:29.  Pa.  45:8.  Prov.  7:17.  Cant.  1:3,13.  4:14.  Jer.  6:20, 
Ez.  27:19,22.  g Num.  3:47.  Ez.  45:12.  h 29:40.  Lev.  19:36.  Num.  15:5. 


of  the  people,  and  the  same  sum  was  paid  by  every  man, 
whether  rich  or  poor ; and  if  they  refused  to  pay  it,  they  could 
have  no  interest  in  the  sacrifices,  and  might  expect  to  be 
visited  with  the  plague  for  their  contempt.  Some  think  that 
David’s  offence,  in  numbering  the  people,  was  enhanced,  by 
his  neglecting  to  raise  this  capitation  tax.  (Notes,  2 Sam. 
24:) — The  law  implied  that  the  souls  of  all  are  of  equal  value, 
equally  forfeited,  and  equally  in  need  of  a ransom;  Christ  is 
equally  proposed  to  all  who  hear  the  gospel,  and  all  believers 
have  an  equal  interest  in  him;  but,  without  this  interest  in 
him,  we  can  have  no  benefit  from  his  sacrifice  ; and,  instead 
of  ransom  for  our  souls,  may  expect  additional  vengeance  for 
neglecting  so  great  salvation.  And  though  we  can  add 
nothing  to  the  all-sufficient  atonement  of  Christ,  which  is 
freely  given  without  money  and  without  price,  to  all  who 
believe  in  him  ; yet  we  may,  by  our  worldly  substance,  assist 
in  maintaining  the  expenses  of  religious  ordinances,  which  are 
memorials  to  us  of  the  atonement  made  for  our  souls. 

V.  18 — 21.  The  laver  of  brass  was  a large  cistern,  pro- 
bably circular,  in  which  was  continually  kept  a quantity  of 
water ; and  perhaps  the  foot  was  a circular  vessel  which 
received  the  water  out  of  the  cistern,  by  several  cocks  or  spouts, 
for  immediate  use.  For  the  priests,  though  washed  at  their 
consecration,  were  commanded,  on  pain  of  death,  to  wash 
their  hands  and  feet  every  time  they  officiated,  or  at  least 
every  day  ; which  intimated  the  continual  guilt  which  they 
contracted  in  their  daily  employments  and  converse  with  the 
world.  (Note,  John  13:6 — 11.)  But,  besides  this  use,  much 
water  would  be  wanted  for  washing  the  sacrifices,  the  vessels, 
and  other  things  about  the  sanctuary,  in  order  to  preserve 
the  court  clean  and  sweet,  when  so  many  animals  were 
slaughtered,  so  much  blood  sprinkled  and  poured  out,  and  so 
much  fat  and  flesh  consumed  on  the  altar.— The  laver  was 
placed  nearer  to  the  door  of  the  sanctuary  than  the  altar  was  ; 
and  the  Levites  replenished  it  as  often  as  it  was  necessary. 

V.  22 — 33.  The  several  spices  here  mentioned,  being 

the  very  best  of  those  kinds,  which  were  most  highly  valued 
at  that  time,  and  amounting  in  all  to  a hundred  and  twenty 
pounds  troy-weight,  with  about  five  quarts  of  oil  of  olive 
added  to  them,  doubtless  of  the  purest  sort,  were  formed  into 
a rich  and  highly  aromatic  ointment,  or  oil,  according  to  the 
methods  used  by  the  makers  of  unguents  or  perfumes.  It.  is 
generally  supposed  that  it  still  continued  a liquid,  and  that 
the  dreggy  part  of  the  spices  was  strained  out  of  it. — With 
this  holy  oil,  all  the  furniture  belonging  to  the  sanc'uary  was 
anointed.  It  was  poured  on  the  head  of  Aaron  and  his 
successors,  when  they  were  consecrated  to  the  high  priest, 
hood:  and,  with  the  blood  of  the  burnt-offoring,  it  was  sprin- 
kled on  the  garments  both  of  the  high-priests,  and  of  the  other, 
( 1S3) 


11.  C.  1491, 


EXODUS 


B.  C.  1491 


25  And  thou  shalt  make  it  an  oil  of  holy  oint- 
ment, an  ointment  compound  after  the  art  of  the 
'apothecary  : it  shall  be  'an  holy  anointing-  oil. 

26  And  thou  shalt  kanoint  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation  therewith,  and  the  ark  of  the  testi- 
mony, 

27  And  the  table  and  all  his  vessels,  and  the 
candlestick  and  his  vessels,  and  the  altar  of  in- 
cense, 

28  And  the  altar  of  burnt-offering  with  all  his 
vessels,  and  the  laver  and  his  foot. 

29  And  thou  shalt  sanctify  them,  that  thev  may 
be  most  holy  : 'whatsoever  toucheth  them  shall  be 
holy. 

30  And  thou  shalt  manoint  Aaron  and  his  sons, 
and  "consecrate  them,  that  they  may  minister  unto 
me  in  the  priest’s  office. 

31  And  thou  shalt  speak  unto  the  children  of 
Israel,  saying,  This  shall  be  °an  holy  anointing  oil 
unto  me,  throughout  your  generations. 

32  Upon  Pman’s  flesh  shall  it  not  be  poured, 
neither  shall  ye  make  any  other  like  it,  after  the 
composition  of  it : it  is  holy,  and  it  shall  be  holy 
unto  you. 

33  Whosoever  ‘■compoundeth  any  like  it,  or 
whosoever  putteth  any  of  it  upon  ra  stranger,  shall 
even  be  "cut  off  from  his  people. 

34  H And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Take 
‘•unto  thee  sweet  spices,  stacte,  and  onycha,  and 

• Or,  perfum-r.  1 Chr.  9:30.  i Num.  35:25.  Pa.  89:20.  133:2.  Ilcb.  1:9.  k40:9— 
15.  Lev.  8:10—12.  Num.  7:1,10.  Is.  61:1  AcU  10:38.  2 Cor.  1:21,22.  1 John  2:20, 
27.  129:37.  Lev.  6:13.  Malt.  23:17,19.  m 29:7.  40:15.  Lev.  8:12  30.  Num.  3:3. 
n See  on  28:3.  29:9,35.  o 37:29.  Lev.  8:12.  21:10.  Pa.  89:20.  p Lev.  21:10. 
Malt.  7:6.  q Luke  12.1,2.  Heb.  10:26— 29.  r 29:33.  a 12:15,19.  Gen.  17:14. 
Lev.  7:20,21.  17:4,9.  19:8.  23:29.  Nam.  9:13.  t25:6.  37:29.  u Lev.  2:1,15.  5: 


riests,  when  admitted  to  their  office.  The  anointing  with 
this  holy  oil  especially  completed  the  consecration  of  the 
riests,  and  the  dedication  of  the  sanctuary  and  its  furniture, 
as  most  holy  ; and  therefore  it  must  not  be  used  for  any  com- 
mon purposes,  or  made  by  any  other  person,  on  peril  of 
death. — It  is  indeed  generally  supposed  that  the  kings  of 
Judah  were  by  the  Lord’s  express  appointment  anointed 
with  it:  for  it  is  reasonable  to  conclude,  in  opposition  to 
Jewish  traditions,  that  it  was  made,  under  the  inspection  of 
tjie  high-priest,  as  often  as  it  was  wanted,  which  would 
frequently  be  the  case  in  successive  generations.  This 
6acred  oil  or  ointment  typified  the  Holy  Spirit,  especially 
as  given  to  our  great  High-Priest  without  measure;  and  all 
his  personal  and  mediatorial  excellencies,  as  the  u well 
beloved  Son,  in  whom  the  Father  is  well  pleased,”  and 
whose  name  is  to  the  believer’  u as  ointment  poured  forth.” 
It  also  intimated,  that  u if  any  man  have  not  the  Spirit  of 
Christ,  he  is  none  of  his,”  notone  of  his  holy  priesthood;  and 
that  we  cannot  attend  on  any  divine  ordinance,  or  officiate  in 
any  sacred  service,  acceptably  or  usefully,  without  his  sanc- 
tifying influences. — The  concluding  prohibition  reminds  us, 
that  hypocrisy  which  counterfeits,  and  profaneness  which 
ridicules,  the  sanctifying  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  brings  swift 
destruction  on  the  guilty ; and,  in  general,  that  Christ  himself, 
and  his  holy  gospel,  are  ua  savour  of  death”  to  unbelievers. 
(Note,  2 Cor.  2:14—17.) 

V.  34 — 38.  The  spices,  or  gums,  of  which  this  perfume , 
or  incense , (for  so  the  word  is'elsewhere  rendered,)  was  com- 
posed, are  not  all  certainly  known ; because  some  of  the 
words  are  seldom  used  in  Scripture. — The  stacte  is  supposed 
by  the  most  approved  commentators  to  have  been  the  purest 
part  of  myrrh : and  the  onycha , an  odoriferous  shell,  though 
some  think  it  was  the  gum  called  Ladanum.  The  galbanum 
is  thought  to  have  been  of  a different  sort  from  the  gum  called 
now  by  that  name,  the  smell  of  which  is  very  disagreeable. 
The  frankincense  is  well  known. — The  word,  rendered  tem- 
pered together , signifies  salted:  (marg.)  and  it  is  supposed, 
that  salt  was  mingled  with  the  other  ingredients  ; as  indeed 
it  was  used  in  every  oblation.  This  incense  being  beaten 
small,  was  placed  within  the  sanctuary,  probably  on  the  table  ; 
that  it  might  be  ready  for  the  priests  to  take  and  burn  on  the 
.golden  altar,  before  the  testimony , or  ark,  as  nothing  but  the 
veil  interposed  : (Note,  1 — 6.)  for  this  daily  burning  of  incense 
within  the  sanctuary  was  as  necessary,  in  order  to  Israel’s 
communion  with  God,  as  the  daily  sacrifices  on  the  altar  of 
burnt-offering. — Let  the  attentive  reader  compare  the  lan- 
guage used  on  these  subjects,  with  the  account  of  the  giving 
of  the  moral  law  from  mount  Sinai;  and  study  the  difference, 
betweeo  a sinner  meeting  God  as  a Lawgiver  and  a Judge, 
and  his  coming  before  him  on  u ? throne  of  grace,”  as  a God 
of  salvation,  through  the  atonement  and  intercession  of  the 
great  High-Priest  of  our  profession.  But  they,  who  corrupt 
or  pervert  the  doctrine  of  free  mercy,  to  gratify  their  own 
carnal  and  sensual  inclinations,  and  they  who  constitute  other 
.intercessors,  alike  violate  the  spirit  of  the  annexed  prohibition. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

If  men  do  not  wilfully  shut  their  eyes  to  the  things  which 

( 1S4  ) 


galbanum  ; these  »weet  spices  with  pure  “frank- 
incense : of  each  shall  there  be  a like  weight. 

35  And  thou  shalt  make  it  a '‘perfume,  a con- 
fection after  the  art  of  the  apothecary,  'tempered 
together  pure  and  holy. 

36  And  thou  shalt  beat  some  of  it  very  small, 
and  put  of  it  before  nhe  testimony  in  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation,  Hvhere  I will  meet  with 
thee  : it  shall  be  unto  you  most  holy. 

37  And  as  for  the  perfume  which  thou  shalt 
make,  aye  shall  not  make  to  yourselves  according 
to  the  composition  thereof:  bit  shall  be  unto  thee 
holy  for  the  Lord. 

38  Whosoever  shall  make  like  unto  that,  to 
smell  thereto,  shall  even  "be  cut  off  from  his 
people. 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

Dezaleel  and  Aholiab  are  appointed  and  qualified  to  erect  the  tabernacle,  and 
make  the  sacred  furniture , 1—11.  The  observance  of  the  sabbath  is  enforced , 
12 — 17.  The  tables  of  the  law  are  delivered  to  Moses , 18. 

ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying. 

2  See,  aI  have  called  by  name  bBezaleel  the 
son  of  Uri,  the  son  of  Hur,  of  the  tribe  ol 
Judah. 

3 And  I have  "filled  him  with  the  Spirit  of  God, 
in  wisdom,  and  in  understanding,  and  in  know- 
ledge, and  in  all  manner  of  workmanship. 

4 To  ddevise  cunning  works,  to  work  in  gold, 
and  in  silver,’  and  in  brass, 


II.  24:7.  1 Chr.  9:29.  Neh.  13:5.  Canl.  9:6.  Matt.  2:11.  x Prov.  27:9.  Caul.  1: 
3.  3:6.  John  12:3.  t Heb.  sailed.  Lev.  2:13.  y See  on  16:34.  z6.  25:22.  29. 

42,43.  Lev.  16:2.  a 32,33.  b 29:37.  Lev.  2:3.  c See  on  33.  a 33:12,17.  35:30. 
Mark3:16— 19.  John  3:27.  b 37:1 . 1 ( hr.  2: 19,20.  c 35:31 . Is.  28:6,  26.  1 Cor. 
12:4—11.  d 25:32— 35.  26:1.  28:15.  1 Kings  7:14.  2 Chr.  2:7,13,14. 


are  written  in  the  word  of  God,  they  cannot  but  see  in  these 
ceremonial  institutions,  compared  with  the  New  Testament, 
that  Jesus  Christ  is  the  grand  Subject  of  the  Scriptures  ; and 
the  sum  of  all  true  religion,  as  u made  of  God  unto  us, 
Wisdom,  Righteousness,  Sanctification,  and  Redemption.” 
To  assert  that  the  language  of  the  New  Testament  con- 
cerning his  priesthood,  oblation,  entrance  into  the  holiest, 
and  intercession  for  his  people,  were  accommodations  to  these 
Old  Testament  rites,  is  to  suppose  that,  in  building  the  spi- 
ritual temple,  the  all-wise  Architect,  without  any  previous 
design,  planned  and  formed  a very  intricate  and  unnecessary 
scaffolding,  and  then  erected  the  building  for  the  sake,  and 
according  to  the  pattern,  of  that  scaffolding ! But  u known 
unto  God  are  all  Ins  works  from  the  beginning  of  the  world.” 
He  first  formed  the  plan  of  salvation  in  his  own  infinite  mind, 
then  showed  as  much  of  it  as  was  needful  to  Moses  in  the 
mount;  and  according  to  it  this  scaffolding  was  formed,  for 
the  sake  of  the  intended  building,  which  accordingly  has  since 
been  erected  exactly  answerable  to  it. — From  this  chapter 
let  us  observe,  that  our  duty,  and  our  urgent  wants  call  upon 
us  daily  to  approach  our  Creator  and  Benefactor,  with  our 
thanksgivings  and  supplications  ; but  that  we  are  not  worthy 
to  draw  nigh  in  our  own  name,  or  in  any  other  way  than 
through  the  meritorious  and  prevailing  intercession  of  the 
Son  of  God.  Though  we  are  without  on  earth,  and  he  is 
ascended  into  heaven,  and  is  out  of  our  sight ; let  us  by  faith 
behold  him,  and  realize  him  to  our  minds,  as  ever  living  to 
receive  and  present  our  worship,  perfumed  with  the  sweet 
incense  of  his  intercession,  before  the  Father’s  mercy-seat 
for  acceptance.  We  must  therefore  not  be  slack,  unfrequent 
or  doubtful  in  our  supplications : nay,  we  should  ask  abundantly 
and  constantly,  and  expect  copious  blessings,  that  our  joy  may 
be  full,  and  our  God  be  glorified.  Blessed  be  his  name,  tho 
Priest,  the  sacrifice,  the  incense,  and  anointing  oil,  are  all 
ready  prepared  to  our  hands,  without  any  concurrence  of 
ours : but,  if  we  know  the  value  of  this  great  salvation,  wo 
shall  not  grudge  either  time,  labour,  or  expense,  which  the 
maintaining,  or  attending  on,  divine  ordinances  may  require ; 
and  it  is  to  be  feared  that  we  have  no  interest  in  the  sacrifice, 
if  we  hesitate  to  contribute.  Nor  should  we  forget,  that  the 
poor  are  as  welcome  to  Christ  as  the  rich;  and  the  rich  as 
much  in  want  of  his  ransom  for  their  souls,  as  tho  poor:  for, 
in  this  grand  concern,  no  external  distinctions  make  any 
difference,  and  all  are  alike  bound  to  express  their  valuation 
of  Christ  and  of  his  salvation.  Even  they  who  are  washed, 
in  their  first  conversion,  from  the  sins  of  their  past  lives,  and 
from  prevailing  sin  in  their  hearts,  have  occasion  for  renewed 
repentance,  forgiveness,  and  grace,  from  day  to  day ; and 
must  still  approach  as  sinners  washed  in  the  blood  of  Jesus, 
anointed  by  the  Spirit,  and  pleading  the  Saviour’s  merits. 
But  let  us  beware  of  attempting  to  render  a religious  profes- 
sion subservient  to  our  secular  interests;  of  treating  heavenly 
things  with  irreverence  or  contempt  ; or  of  gratifying  our 
sinful  inclinations  under  the  pretence  of  Christian  liberty:  for 
these  are  most  dangerous  and  fatal  perversions  of  tin  gospel 
of  Christ. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXI.  V.  1-5.  I cm  not  N*  si  >- 


B.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 


B.  C.  1491. 


5 And  "in  cutting  of  stones  to  set  them , and  in 
carving  of  timber  to  work  in  all  manner  of  work- 
manship. 

6 And  I,  behold,  fl  have  given  with  him  eAho- 
liab  the  son  of  Ahisamach  of  the  tribe  of  Dan  : 
and  in  the  hearts  of  all  that  are  hwise-hearted  I 
have  put  wisdom  ; that  they  may  make  all  that  I 
have  commanded  thee : 

7 The  'tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  the 
kark  of  the  testimony,  and  the  mercy-seat  that  is 
thereupon,  and  all  the  ’furniture  of  the  tabernacle,* 

8 And  'the  table  and  his  furniture,  and  the 
mpure  candlestick  with  all  his  furniture,  and  "the 
altar  of  incense, 

9 And  "the  altar  of  burnt-offering  with  all  his 
furniture,  and  Hhe  laver  and  his  foot, 

10  And  sthe  cloths  of  service,  and  the  holy  gar- 
ments for  Aaron  the  priest,  and  the  garments  of 
his  sons,  to  minister  in  the  priest’s  office, 

11  And  rthe  anointing  oil,  and  ‘sweet  incense 
for  the  holy  place  : according  to  all  that  I have 
commanded  thee  shall  they  do. 

12  U And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

13  Speak  thou  also  unto  the  children  of  Israel, 


*23:9—21.  f 4:14,1S.  6:26.  Ezra  5:1,2.  Ec.  4:9— 12.  Matt.  10:2— 4.  Luke 
10:1.  Acu  13:2.  15:39,40.  5 36:1.  h28:3.  35:10,25,26.  36:8.  1 Kiees  3:12. 

Jam.  1:5,16,17.  i 26:  27:9— 19.  36:8—38.  k25:I0— 22.  37:1—9.  • Heb.  ves- 

S'la.  125:23— 30.  37:10— 16.  m 25:31-40.  37:17— 24.  11  30:1— 10  . 37:25— 
23.  0 27:1—8.  38:1—7.  p30:18— 21.  38:8.  40:11.  q 28:  39:  Ler.  8:7,8,13. 

Num.4:6— 14.  r 30:23— 33.  37:29.  s30:34— 38.  t See  on  20:8— 11.  Lev.  19:3, 
30.  23:3.  25:2.  11  17.  Ez.  20:12,20.  44:24.  a Lev.  20:8.  21:8.  Ez.  37:28.  John 


posed  that  the  Israelites,  who  had  been  employed  as  bond- 
slaves  in  Egypt,  were  in  general  qualified  for  such  curious 
workmanship  as  had  been  described ; any  more  than  that  the 
apostles,  taken  from  their  fishing-boats,  and  other  low  occu- 
pations, were  capable  of  speaking  fluently  and  correctly  in 
the  languages  of  all  nations  to  whom  they  were  commanded 
to  preach  : but  the  same  Spirit,  who  gave  the  apostles  utter- 
ance in  divers  tongues,  miraculously  endued  the  persons  here 
appointed  with  requisite  skill,  or  exceedingly  improved  them 
in  it ; for  they  might  have  acquired  some  knowledge  in  par- 
ticular branches  of  these  ingenious  arts,  which  are  thought  to 
have  been  very  successfully  cultivated  in  Egypt,  at  this  early 
period. — Neither  Moses,  nor  Aaron,  nor  any  of  Aaron’s  sons 
were  appointed  to  this  service : the  honour  already  conferred 
must  suffice  for  them ; and  if  they  attended  to  their  proper 
employment,  they  would  find  that  also  sufficient.  Nor  were 
Moses’s  sons  appointed  : for  it  was  the  Lord’s  will  that  his 
disinterestedness  and  divine  legation,  should  appear  illustrious 
in  the  obscurity  of  his  posterity!  IfHurwas  (as some  think) 
Miriam’s  husband,  and  in  consequence  Bezaleel  a distant 
relation  of  Moses ; as  the  Lord  expressly  called  him  by  name, 
to  preside  in  the  whole  business,  all  occasion  of  murmuring 
was  precluded. 

V.  6.  Aholiab  was  also  expressly  appointed  to  be  assistant 
to  Bezaleel,  and  next  under  him,  in  this  service : yet  not  only 
to  these  two,  but  to  many  others,  the  Lord  gave  wisdom  and 
understanding,  as  well  as  a willing  heart,  to  perform  various 
parts  of  the  work,  under  their  superintendency. — They  were 
not,  however,  allowed  to  exercise  their  ingenuity,  in  contriving 
any  decorations  to  embellish  the  sanctuary  ; but  merely  to 
devise  how  to  execute  the  commands  of  God,  with  exactness, 
readiness,  and  elegance. — Dan.]  Huram,  the  principal  work- 
man in  building  Solomon’s  temple,  was  “ the  son  of  a woman 
of  the  daughters  of  Dan.”  (2  Chr.  2:13,14.  4:11 — 18.  Note, 
1 Kings  7:14.) 

V.  8.  Pure  candlestick.]  Thus  called,  because  it  was 
made  entirely  of  pure  gold : and  not  merely  overlaid  with 
gold,  as  other  parts  of  the  sacred  furniture  xvere. 

V.  10.  Cloths  of  service.]  These  are  supposed  to  have 
been  the  coverings,  prepared  for  the  sacred  furniture,  when 
it  xvas  to  be  removed.  ( Num . 4:6 — 14.) 

V . 13 — 17.  The  injunction,  to  sanctify  the  sabbath,  seems 
to  have  been  repeated  and  enlarged  on  at  this  time,  to  show 
the  people,  that  the  sacred  rest  must  not  be  interrupted,  even 
while  they  were  employed  in  erecting  the  tabernacle.  The 
appointment  of  the  weekly  sabbath  was  a sign,  or  token,  of 
the  Lord’s  special  favour  to  Israel.  Their  strict  and  constant 
observance  of  it  would  not  only  distinguish  them,  as  the  wor- 
shippers of  God,  who  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth  in 
six  days  and  rested  on  the  seventh,  from  all  the  surrounding 
idolaters ; but,  through  successive  generations,  it  would  be  a 
sign  of  their  covenant  relation  to  him,  and  an  important 
means  of  bringing  them  more  fully  acquainted  with  his  glo- 
rious perfections,  and  of  rendering  them  indeed  a holy  people 
devoted  to  his  service.  It  was  therefore  at  this  time  expressly 
made  a part  of  the  judicial  law,  that  every  Israelite  should 
hallow  the  Sabbath : if  any  one  violated  it,  he  must  be  put  to 
death  by  the  magistrate,  provided  his  crime  were  known; 
and  if  he  kept  it  secret,  he  might  expect  to  be  cut  off  by  some 
iHvine  judgment.  Other  seasons  were  set  apart,  as  a kind  of 
sabbath : but  this  was  the  principal ; “ a sabbath  of  rest,  holy 
to  the  Lord  the  public  observance  of  which  by  the  nation, 
Vol.  I.— 24 


saying,  ‘Verily  my  sabbaths  ye  shall  keep  : for  it 
is  a "sign  between  me  and  you,  throughout  your 
generations  ; ‘that  ye  may  know  that  I am  the 
Lord,  that  doth  sanctify  you. 

14  Ye  shall  ^keep  the  sabbath  therefore  : for  it 
is  holy  unto  you.  ‘Every  one  that  defileth  it  shall 
surely  be  put  to  death : for  whosoever  "doeth  any 
work  therein,  that  soul  shall  be  cut  off  from  among 
his  people. 

15  bSix  days  may  work  be,  done,  but  in  the 
seventh  is  "the  sabbath  of  rest,’  flioly  to  the  Lord: 
dwliosoever  doeth  any  work  in  the  sabbath-day, 
he  shall  surely  be  put  to  death. 

16  Wherefore  the  children  of  Israel  shall  keep 
the  sabbath,  to  observe  the  sabbath  throughout 
their  generations,  for  ea  perpetual  covenant. 

17  It  is  a sign  between  me  and  the  children  of 
Israel  forever:  for  inf  six  days  the  Lord  made 
heaven  and  earth,  and  on  the  seventh  day  he 
rested,  and  «was  refreshed. 

18  tl  And  he  hgave  unto  Moses,  when  he  had 
made  an  end  of  communing  with  him  upon  mount 
Sinai,  two  tables  of  testimony,  tables  of  stone, 
written  with  ‘the  finger  of  God. 


17:17,19.  1 The*.  5:23.  Jude  1.  y Deut.  5:12— 15.  Neh.  9:14.  Is.  56:2— 6.58:13, 
14.  z Is.  £6:2,6.  £2.20:13,16,21,24.  a 35:2,3.  b 17.  16:26  . 34:21.  Lev.  23:3. 
Ez.  46:1.  Luke  13:14.  c 16:23.  Lev.  23:3,32.  Luke  23:56.  Heb.  4:9.  Gr.  f Heb. 
holiness,  d Num.  15:32—  36.  Jer.  17:24— 27.  e Gen.  9:13.  17:11.  Jer.  5U:5. 
fGen. 2:2,3.  Heb.  4:3.4,10.  gGen.l:3l.  Job  38:7.  Ps.  104:31.  Jer.  32:41. 
h 24:12,18.  32:15,16.  34:1—4,28,29.  Deul.  4:13.  5:22.  9:9—11.  2 Cor.  3:3.  i 8: 
19.  32:16.  Jer.  31:33.  Malt.  12:28.  Luke  11:20.  2 Cor.  3:7,8. 


and  the  punishment  of  such  as  violated  it,  formed  one  condi- 
tion of  the  national  covenant  throughout  their  generations. 
For  it  was  kept  in  honour  of  the  Creator,  who  rested  and 
was  refreshed , when  he  had  completed  his  design : such  satis- 
faction did  he  take  in  that  display  of  his  glory  ! Surely  then 
his  worshippers  ought  to  find  refreshment  and  delight,  in 
contemplating  his  works,  rendering  him  the  tribute  of  adoring 
and  grateful  praise,  and  performing  the  duties  of  that  holy 
day. 

V.  18.  After  all  the  preceding  laws  and  instructions 
(which  probably  were  given  at  different  times,)  when  the 
forty  days  of  Moses’s  continuance  on  the  mount  were  nearly 
ended,  the  Lord  gave  him  the  tables  of  stone  before  spoken 
of,  (24:12.)  with  the  ten  commandments  written  on  them  by 
his  own  immediate  power.  They  are  here  called  the  u two 
tables  of  testimony  because  the  laws  written  on  them  were 
the  substance  of  that  will  of  God,  which  he  testified  to  them ; 
and  likewise  because,  by  giving  this  law  to  them,  and  by 
placing  it  in  the  ark  under  the  mercy-seat,  from  above  which  hie 
displayed  his  glory,  he  testified  his  special  favour  to  that  nation, 
and  the  way  in  which  it  would  be  continued  to  them.  The 
stones , on  which  the  law  of  the  ten  commandments  was  writ- 
ten, denoted  its  perpetual,  unchangeable  obligation  ; in  which 
it  differed  from  the  other  laws,  which  would  after  a time  be 
superseded. — By  the  finger  of  God , the  Holy  Spirit  may  be 
meant,  as  the  texts  referred  to  show,  ( Marg . Ref.  i;)  and 
he  writes  this  law  in  the  hearts  of  all  the  spiritual  children 
of  Israel,  having  prepared  them  for  that  purpose. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  Lord  confers  his  unmerited  favours  on  whom  he  pleases : 
but  the  honour  which  cometh  from  him  is  always  attended 
with  a work  to  be  done : and  to  be  employed  by  him  is  indeed 
the  highest  honour,  and  the  noblest  privilege. — Men  are  not 
now  called  forth  by  name,  as  in  the  days  of  Moses : yet  oUr 
God  generally  marks  out  the  persons  whom  he  hath  made 
choice  of,  by  endowing  them  with  correspondent  dispositions 
and  qualifications  by  his  Spirit,  and  opening  the  way  to  their 
work  in  his  providence.  We  may  indeed  certainly  know  that 
we  are  not  appointed  to  any  service,  for  which  we  continue 
utterly  unqualified.  Yet  there  are  cases,  in  which  men  are 
unexpectedly  and  evidently  called  to  situations,  and  engaged 
in  services,  for  which  they  are  humbly  conscious  of  being  in 
themselves  wholly  insufficient ; but  they  may  depend  upon 
God  to  give  them  41  the  Spirit  of  wisdom,  understanding,  and 
knowledge”  for  their  work,  even  af:er  they  are  engaged  in  it; 
if  they  simply  seek  his  glory,  do  his  will,  and  are  employed 
by  him.  He  confers  different  gifts  on  different  persons ; that 
they  may  feel  their  need  of  each  other,  and  receive  mutual 
benefit,  as  the  members  in  the  human  body : let  then  each 
person  mind  his  proper  work,  and  improve  his  own  talents 
diligently  ; remembering  that  whatever  wisdom  any  man  pos- 
sesses, the  Lord  hath  put  it  into  his  heart,  to  the  end  that  he 
may  do  all  his  commandments.  Let  no  one  envy,  despise, 
intermeddle  with,  or  depreciate,  the  gift  or  work  of  his  bre- 
thren: and  let  each  “study  to  be  quiet,  and  to  do  his  own 
business and  to  rejoice  in  the  superior  endowments  of 
others,  without  murmuring  or  disputing,  or  by  ostentation 
provoking  their  envy  or  resentment. — Every  useful  work  is 
beautiful  in  its  season ; but  the  more  immediate  exercises  of 
religion  belong  especially  to  the  sanctification  of  the  sabbath: 
and  as  the  appointment  itself  is  an  external  sign  of  the  Lord’s 
good  Avill  to  sinful  men ; so  our  love  to  it,  and  delight  in  hal- 

( 185  ) 


B C.  149V 


EXODUS, 


B.  C.  1491 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

Aaron,  at  the  people's  instigation,  makes  a golden  calf,  and  they  worship  it.  1 
—6.  God  informs  Muses,  who  intercedes  for  Israel , and  prevails,  7 — 14. 
He  comes  down  from  the  mount,  breaks  the  tables  of  the  law , destroys  the  idol , 
and  expostulates  with  Aaron,  15 — 24.  He  commissions  the  Lf  sites,  who  slay 
three  thousand  of  the  criminals,  25—29.  He  again  intercedes  for  the  nation, 
89 — 35. 

AND  when  the  people  saw  that  Moses  “delayed 
to  come  down  out  of  the  mount,  the  people 
gathered  themselves  together  unto  Aaron,  and 
said  unto  him,  bUp,  'make  us  godsdwhich  shall  go 
before  us  : for  as  for  this  Moses,  'the  man  that 
brought  us  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  f we  wot 
not  what  is  become  of  him. 

2  And  Aaron  said  unto  them,  Break  off  the 
egolden  ear-rings  which  are  in  the  ears  of  your 
wives,  of  your  sons,  and  of  your  daughters,  and 
bring  them  unto  me. 

a 24:18.  Dent.  9:9.  Matt.  24:43.  2Pet.3:4.  b Gen.  19:14.  44:4.  Josh.  7:13. 
c 20:3 — 5.  Dent.  4:15— 18.  Acts  7:40.  17:29.  19:26.  dl3:21.  33:3,14,15.  e7,U. 
14:11.  16:3.  Hos.  12:13.  Mic.  6:4.  fGen.  21:26.  39:8.  44:15.  g 12:35.36.  Gen. 
24:22,47.  Jude.  8:21— 27.  Ez.  16:11 ,12,17.  Hos.  2:8.  h Judg.  17:3,4.  Is.  40:19, 
20.  46:6.  Jer.  10:9.  i 20:23.  Dent.  9.16.  I's.  106: 19— 21 . Is.  44:9,10.  Acts  7:41. 
17:29.  k 28:9,11.  1 1 Kings  12:28,32.  2 Kings  10:29.  2Clir.  11:15.  13:8.  Hos.  8: 


3 And  all  the  people  hbrake  off  the  golden  ear 
rings  which  were  in  their,  ears  and  brought  them 
unto  Aaron. 

4 And  he  received  them  at  their  hand,  and 
‘fashioned  it  with  ka  graving  tool,  after  he  had 
made  it  a molten  ‘calf:  and  they  said,- “These  be 
thy  gods,  O Israel,  “which  brought  thee  up  out  oi 
the  land  of  Egypt. 

5 And  when  “Aaron  saw  it,  he  huilt  an  altar 
before  it,  and  Aaron  Pmade  proclamation,  and  said, 
To-morrow  is  sa  feast  to  the  Lord. 

6 And  they  rose  up  early  on  the  morrow,  and 
'offered  burnt-offerings  and  brought  peace-ofler- 
ings  : and  the  people  ‘sat  down  to  eat  and  to  drink, 
and  rose  up  to  play. 

7 And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  ‘Go,  get  thee 


4,5.10.5.13:2.  m 8.  Juilg.  17:3.  1 Kings  12:28.  Neh.9:13.  Is.  40:18.  Rom. 
1:21—23.  n 1,8  20:2.  o I Sam.  14:35.  2 Kings  16:11.  Hos.  8.11,14.  p Lev. 
23:2,4.  1 Kings  21:9.  2 Kings  10:20.  2 Chr.  30:5.  q4.  10:9.12:14.  1 Kings  12: 
32,33.  I Cor.  5,8.  r24:4,5.  s Num.  25:2.  Juilg.  16:23— 25.  Am.  2:8.  8:10.  Acts 
7:41,42.  1 Cor.  10:7.  Rev.  11:10.  t 19:24.  33:1.  Deut.  9:12. 


lowing  it,  is  a good  internal  evidence,  that  he  hath  begun  and 
will  continue  to  sanctify  our  souls. — May  the  Lord  therefore 
have  mercy  upon  us,  pardon  all  our  transgressions,  take 
away  the  heart  of  stone,  and  write  this  and  his  laws  in  our 
inmost  souls:  then,  though  every  sweet  season  of  communion 
with  God  on  earth  must  come  to  a close,  we  shall  at  length 
be  admitted  into  his  presence  in  heaven,  where  “is  fullness 
of  joy,  and  pleasures  for  evermore.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXII.  V.  1.  Just  when  Moses, 
Israel’s  faithful  representative,  had  transacted  all  their  great 
concerns  upon  the  mount,  and  was  coming  down,  fully 
instructed  and  authorized  to  erect  the  tabernacle,  and  set  up 
the  worship  of  God  among  them,  a sad  interruption  took  place, 
through  their  shameful  disobedience. — They  seem  to  have 
been  weary  of  waiting  so  long  at  Sinai ; though,  had  they  been 
so  disposed,  they  might  have  improved  the  time  very  profit- 
ably, in  reflecting  and  conversing  on  what  they  had  heard  and 
seen.  While  some  of  them  “ in  heart  turned  back  into  Egypt,” 
others  were  in  great  haste  for  the  corn  and  wine,  the  milk  and 
honey,  of  Canaan.  But  the  grand  evil  was  this  ; their  carnal 
minds  did  not  relish  the  spiritual  worship  of  an  invisible  holy 
God.  Many  of  them  were  infected  with  idolatry,  and  doubt- 
less had  witnessed  in  Egypt  religious  feasts  suited  to  a sen- 
sual mind  ; (Note,  Ez.  20:7 — 9.)  and  probably  they  expected 
the  same  in  the  feast  which  they  were  to  hold  unto  the  Lord : 
but  in  this  they  were  greatly  disappointed,  and  the  whole  was 
a very  serious,  alarming,  and  painful  employment  to  them. — 
In  the  absence  of  Moses,  therefore,  they  formed  the  project  of 
a religious  feast  more  suited  to  their  taste,  which  having 
solemnized,  they  intended  to  leave  Sinai,  and  to  march,  either 
back  into  Egypt,  or  forward  to  Canaan. — They,  who  duly 
consider  in  what  manner  religious  festivals  are  observed  among 
millions  of  professed  Christians,  will  readily  perceive  how 
agreeable  such  a religion  must  he  to  a sensual  mind,  as  con- 
sists “ in  sitting  down  to  eat  and  drink,  and  rising  up  to  play 
(6)  that  is,  to  dance,  and  sing,  and  divert  themselves. — In 
forwarding  this  project,  they  pretended  that  they  “ knew  not. 
what  was  become  of  this  Moses,”  of  whom  they  spake  with 
the  utmost  indifference : they  seemed  to  intimate,  that  the 
fire  had  consumed  him,  or  that  he  had  perished  with  hunger, 
or  perhaps  was  taken  up  into  heaven. — Indeed  they  had  no 
reason  to  think  he  delayed  longer  than  was  necessary ; or  to 
doubt  that  he  was  safe,  and  faithfully  employed  for  them,  and 
that  he  would  in  due  time  return.  But,  supposing  he  had  been 
dead,  surely  a decent  respect  should  have  been  shown  to  his 
memory : and  had  they  then  questioned  whether  Aaron  and 
Hur  should  succeed  him,  or  some  other  persons  be  appointed, 
there  might  have  been  an  appearance  of  reason  in  it:  but  to 
propose  making  them  gods,  because  Moses  was  gone,  showed 
them  “ mad  upon  their  idols,”  and  glad  of  any  pretence  to 
return  to  them  ! Not  much  above  forty  days  before,  they  had 
heard  God  himself  speak  unto  them  out  of  the  midst  of  the  fire, 
while  they  saw  no  similitude  ; and  he  had  expressly  prohibited 
them  not  to  form  any  image  of  him : that  fire,  and  the  cloud 
attending  it,  were  still  before  their  eyes  ; all  the  other  wonders 
were  fresh  in  their  memories ; they  daily  ate  of  the  manna 
from  the  clouds,  and  drank  of  the  water  from  the  rock:  yet 
even  “in  Horcb  they  forgat  God  their  Saviour,”  ascribed 
their  deliverance  out  of  Egypt  first  to  the  man  Moses,  and 
then  to  the  idol  which  they  had  formed  ! (4.)  Such  was  this 
astonishing  transaction ! 

Gods.]  C'hSn  ; the  same  word  as  is  every  where  used  for 
the  true  God ; but  it  is  here,  and  in  other  places  of  this  nar- 
rative, joined  with  a plural  verb,  which  is  not  the  case  when 
it  means  the  true  God.  They  wanted  a visible  representa- 
tion of  the  object,  or  objects,  of  their  worship  ; and  perhaps  at 
first  desired  more  /mages  than  one : a single  idol,  however, 
satisfied  them.  It  is  probable,  that  the  pillar  of  cloud  and  fire, 
which  had  led  them,  continued  stationary  on  the  mount;  and 
they  thence  concluded  thr.t  it  would  no  longer  go  before  them, 
and  so  they  required  other  guides. 

V.  2— •(>.  If  the  conduct  of  Israel  ns  a people  was  sur- 
prising, that  of  “ Aa:  on,  the  saint  of  the  Loud,”  was  ' 

( 186  ) 


more  so.  Many  conjectures  have  been  made  concerning  his 
reasons  for  acting  as  he  did ; but  his  conduct  seems  to  have 
been  too  unreasonable  to  be  either  excused  or  accounted  for: 
yet  the  Lord  permitted  it,  to  evince  by  facts,  of  what  man  is 
capable  ; and  to  show  that  the  priesthood  was  given  to  Aaron 
entirely  of  grace,  when  he  might  most  justly  have  been  cut  off 
for  his  transgression;  that  he  might  wear  his  honours  the 
more  humbly  ever  after,  as  Peter  did  after  denying  his  Lord  ; 
that  when  the  sin-offering  of  consecration  was  offered,  he  might 
indeed  feel  his  need  of  the  atonement ; and  that  it  might  appear, 
that  sinful  man  wanted  a High-Priest  of  another  and  a nobler 
order. — The  Jews  indeed  have  a tradition  that  Hur  was  killed 
for  opposing  the  project,  and  that  Aaron  feared  the  same  fate : 
but  if  so,  he  would  have  had  a better  excuse  to  make  before 
Moses.  (Note,  21 — 24.)  He  might  indeed  be  frighted,  but 
he  had  not  so  just  cause:  for,  however  disposed  the  people 
had  shown  themselves  to  rebellion,  it  is  not  intimated  that  they 
assembled  seditiously,  or  with  violence,  on  this  occasion.  The 
demand  of  the  golden  ear-rings  has  been  considered  as  an 
attempt  to  put  the  people  off  from  their  purpose  ; and  as  there 
was  much  gold  in  their  camp  besides  this,  and  such  orna- 
ments are  reluctantly  parted  with,  it  is  probable  he  entertained 
some  hope  that  they  would  not  comply  with  so  self-denying 
and  expensive  a proposal.  But  it  was  a feeble  measure,  and 
far  from  that  decision  which  became  him : for  they  readily  and 
zealously  parted  with  their  ornaments,  which  they  had  newly 
acquired  as  the  spoil  of  Egypt;  and  he  as  readily,  however 
he  acquired  his  skill,  formed  it  into  the  shape  of  a calf,  or  ox  ! — 
The  words  rendered,  “He  fashioned  it  with  a graving  tool, 
after  he  had  made  it  a molten  calf,”  are  variously  interpreted. 
4 The  order  is  inverted.  He  first  cast  the  calf,  then  he  formed 
it  with  a graving  tool  or  scraping  instrument,  cutting  away  the 
redundancies,  and  polishing  it. — Or,  preserving  the  right  order, 
it  may  be  explained  ; He  framed,  or  marked  out  with  a graving 
instrument,  the  image  to  be  made, namely,  that  the  mould  might 
be  fashioned,  into  which  the  gold  should  be  poured ; and  he 
thence,  in  this  manner,  made  the  molten  calf.’  In  Pools 
Synopsis. — It  is  likewise  much  disputed,  what  induced  Aaron 
to  make  the  image  in  this  shape.  Some  deny  that  the  Egj'p- 
tians  worshipped  either  an  ox,  or  the  image  of  one,  at  this 
early  period  : but  they  can  only  show,  that  we  have  iio  posi- 
tive evidence  they  did,  and  for  the  same  reason  we  have  no 
proof  they  did  not  ; for  we  have  no  records  so  ancient,  except 
the  Scriptures,  which  favour  the  conclusion  that  they  did. 
Some  indeed  imagine,  that  Aaron  took  the  hint  from  the 
cherubim,  which  they  suppose  to  have  had  faces  as  oxen* 
but,  whatever  may  be  decided  as  to  this,  they  forget  that  the 
cherubim,  on  the  mercy-seat  and  tabernacle,  were  not  yet 
made,  or  known  of  except  by  Moses. — It  is  therefore  proba- 
ble, that  Aaron  complied  with  the  wishes  of  the  people,  and 
formed  the  resemblance  of  a calf,  in  conformity  to  what  they 
had  seen  in  Egypt.  (Ez.  20:8.  23:8.)  With  this  they  were 
mightily  pleased ; and,  though  probably  but.  a rude  represen- 
tation of  a beast,  they  stupidly  considered  it  as  a very  proper 
similitude  of  the  God,  or  gods,  who  brought  them  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt ! They  evidently  intended  to  worship  .1  p.hotah 
by  it,  however  ignorant  and  inconsistent  their  language  migh* 
be.  But  this  was  infinitely  dishonourable  to  his  incompre- 
hensible majesty,  and  no  better  than  “turning  their  glory  into 
the  similitude  of  an  ox,  that  eateth  grass.”  Our  surprise, 
however,  at  Israel’s  and  Aaron’s  conduct  may  be  somewhat 
abated,  when  we  consider  how  great  a part  of  the  professing 
Christian  Church  hath  for  ages  concurred  in,  pleaded  for,  and 
vindicated  similar  practices,  in  as  direct  opposition  to  every 
part  of  the  word  of  God,  as  this  was  to  the  law  w hich  Israel 
had  just  heard  from  mount  Sinai ; and  wit  h no  bettor  excuses 
than  Aaron  could  have  pleaded,  had  not  Moses  silenced  him. 
But  when  the  word  of  God  does  not  coincide  with  our  inte- 
rests, inclinations,  and  prejudices,  the  chief  discovery  of  man’s 
ingenuity  is  manifested  in  explaining  it  away. — When  Aaron 
therefore  found,  that  the  people  were  so  well  satisfied  with  his 
performance,  he  was  induced  still  further  to  concur  in  theif 
designs ; i»nu  perhaps  he  vainly  hoped  by  compliance  to  retain 


B.  C. 149 


CHAPT.Ltt  XXXII 


IL  C.  i 491 


down : for  "tl  v people,  which  thou  broughtest 
out  of  the  land  oi  Egypt,  have  ‘corrupted  them- 
selves. 

8 They  ?have  turned  aside  quickly  out  of  the 
way  ‘which  I commanded  them  : they  have  made 
them  a molten  calf,  and  have  worshipped  it,  and 
have  sacrificed  thereunto,  and  said,  "These  be  thy 
gods,  O Israel,  which  have  brought  thee  up  out 
of  the  land  of  Egypt. 

9 And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  bI  have  seen 
this  people,  and  behold,  it  is  ca  stiff-necked  people. 

10  Now  therefore  dlet  me  alone,  that  emy  wrath 
may  wax  hot  against  them,  and  that  I may  con- 
sume them  : and  ‘I  will  make  of  thee  a great  na- 
tion. 

11  And  Moses  ^besought  ’the  Lord  his  God, 
and  said,  Lord,  hwhy  doth  thy  wrath  wax  hot 
against  thy  people,  'which  thou  hast  brought  forth 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  with  great  power,  and 
with  a mighty  hand  r 

12  Wherefore  kshould  the  Egyptians  speak  and 
say,  For  mischief  did  he  bring  them  out,  to  slay 
them  in  the  mountains,  and  to  consume  them  from 
the  face  of  the  earth?  'Turn  from  thy  fierce  wrath, 
and  mrepent  of  this  evil  against  thy  people. 

13  "Remember  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Israel,  thy 
servants,  °to  whom  thou  swarest  by  thine  own 
self,  and  saidst  unto  them,  pI  will  multiply  your 
seed  as  the  stars  of  heaven,  and  all  this  land  that 
I have  spoken  of  will  I give  unto  your  seed,  and 
they  shall  inherit  it  for  ever. 

14  And  the  Lord  ''repented  of  the  evil  which 
he  thought  to  do  unto  his  people. 

[ Practical  Observations .] 


u 1,11.  x Gen.  6:11,12.  Deut.  4:16.  32:5.  Jndg.  2:19.  Hoa.  9:9.  v Dent.  9:16. 
J udg.  2:17.  z 20:3,4.  aSeeon4.  bDeut.9:13.  Jer.  13:27.  Hoa.  6:10.  c 33:3,5. 
84:9.  Petit.  9:6.  10:16.  31:27.  2Clir.  3J:8.  Neh.  9:17.  Ps.  78:8.  Prov.29:l.  Is. 
48:4.  Zech.  7:11,12.  Acts  7:51.  d Gen.  18:32,33  . 32:26—28.  Num.  14:19,20.16: 
22.45—48.  Jer.  14:11.15:1.  Jam. 5:16.  e 11 ,19.22:24:  f Num.  14:12.  Dent.  9:14. 
g Deut.  9:18 — 20.  Pa.  106:23.  *Heb.  the  face  of  the  LORD,  b Num.  11:11.  16:22. 
Ps.  74:1,2.  Is.  63:17.  Jer.  12:1,2.  i 7.  k Num.  14:13—16.  Deut.  9:28  . 32:27.  Josh. 
7:9.  Ps.  74:18.  79:9,10.  Ez.  20:9,14,22.  1 Deut.  13:17.  Josh.  7:26.  Ezra  10:14. 
Ps.  78:38  . 85:3.  m 14.  Gen.  6:6.  Deut.  32:36.  Ps . 90: 13.  106:45.  Am.  7:3,6. 
Jon.  3:9.  Zech.  8:14.  n Lev.  26:42.  Deut.  7:8.  9:27.  Luke  1:54,55.  o Gen.  22: 
16.  26:3,4.  Heb.  6:13.  p Gen.  12:2,7.  13:15,16.  15:5,18.  26:4  . 28:13,14  . 35:11, 

them  within  some  bounds,  and  by  allowing  the  use  of  an  image , 
to  keep  them  from  directly  worshipping  other  gods.  He  there- 
fore proclaimed,  that  on  the  morrow  a feast  would  be  held  to 
Jehovah  : and  the  people,  with  great  alacrity,  brought  burnt- 
ofFerings  and  peace-offerings  ; (for  the  use  of  those  was  known 
before  ;)  and  having  offered  sacrifices  to  the  image  of  the  calf, 
they  feasted  on  the  residue  of  the  oblations,  and  were  engaged 
in  mirth  and  diversion,  if  not  more  gross  sensuality,  when 
interrupted  by  the  return  of  Moses. 

V.  7 — 10.  The  Lord  had  before  given  Moses  the  tables 
of  the  law.  in  order  ^hat  he  might  go  down  from  the  mount : 
but  at  lengtn  ne  uiged  his  departure,  in  language  which  implied, 
that  the  people  had  rejected  Jehovah,  as  their  Deliverer  out 
of  Egypt;  and  thence  Moses  might  conclude  that  he  had 
rejected  them.  Considering  the  short  time  which  had  passed, 
since  they  heard  the  law  from  mount  Sinai,  and  promised 
obedience,  and  afterwards  were  warned  not  to  44  make  to  them 
gods  of  silver  or  of  gold  ;”  (20:23.)  it  might  well  be  said,  they 
M had  turned  quickly  out  of  the  way and  though  they  intended 
their  idol  as  a representation  of  an  invisible  deity,  or  deities ; 
yet  they  must  have  had  very  confused  and  erroneous  notions 
of  the  divine  Unity,  when  they  used  the  language  here 
ascribed  to  them.  Their  conduct  therefore  formed  an  addi- 
tional proof,  after  all  preceding  instances  of  their  rebellion, 
that  they  were  u a stiff-necked  people  that  is,  stubborn  and 
untractable,  like  unruly  bullocks,  upon  whose  neck  the  yoke 
could  not  be  put,  without  great  difficulty. — But,  as  Moses 
was  preparing  to  intercede  for  them,  the  Lord  said  to  him, 
14  Let  me  alone for  should  his  faithful  servant  interpose,  he 
could  not,  as  it  were,  proceed  to  execute  deserved  vengeance 
upon  them.  This,  which  seemed  to  forbid,  in  reality  encou- 
raged the  prayer  of  Moses. — The  proposal  of  exceedingly 
multiplying  his  posterity,  that  the  promises  made  to  the  patri- 
archs, which  Israel  had  forfeited,  might  be  entailed  on  his 
family,  was  intended  to  prove  and  manifest  the  sincerity  and 
fervcur  of  his  love  to  his  people,  and  the  extent  of  his  disin- 
terestedness. 

V.  11 — 14.  Instead  of  at  all  mentioning  the  proposal, 
which  God  had  made  to  him,  or  neglecting  to  pray  for  his 
people,  Moses  interceded  for  them  with  such  earnestness,  as 
put  him  into  an  agony  of  mind;  for  so  the  word  (Sm)  seems 
to  signify.  He  did  not,  however,  attempt  to  palliate  or  excuse 
their  sin  ; but  he  pleaded  the  glory  of  the  divine  perfections 
as  concerned  in  the  event:  for  if  the  Lord  should  destroy 
Israel,  (of  whom  he  says,  44  thy  people,  whom  thou  hast 
brought  out,”)  the  Egyptians  would  impeach  his  justice  and 
goodness.  The  destruction  of  the  nation  could  not  appa- 
•entiij  be  reconciled  with  his  promises  and  oath  to  Abraham, 


15  IT  And  Moses  ‘turned,  and  went  down  frorr 
the  mount,  and  the  two  tables  of  “the  testimony 
were  in  his  hare l : the  tables  were  ‘written  on  both 
their  sides ; on  the  one  side  and  u the  other  wer 
they  written. 

16  And  “the  tables  were  the  work  of  God,  and 
the  writing  was  the  wnfing  of  God  graven  upon 
the  tables. 

17  And  when  “Joshua  heard  the  noise  of  the 
people  as  ?they  shouted,  he  said  unto  Moses, 
’■There  is  a noise  of  war  in  the  camp. 

18  And  he  said,  It  is  not  the  voice  of  them  that 
shout  for  mastery,  neither  is  it  the  voice  of  them 
that  cry  for  tbeing  overcome : “but  the  noise  of 
them  that  sing  do  I hear. 

19  And  it  came  to  pass  as  soon  as  he  came  nigh 
unto  the  camp,  that  bhe  saw  the  calf,  and  cthe 
dancing : and  Moses’s  danger  waxed  hot,  and  he. 
cast  the  tables  out  of  his  hands,  and  ebrake  them 
beneath  the  mount. 

20  And  he  took 'the  calf  which  they  had  made, 
and  burnt  it  in  the  fire,  and  ground  it  to  powder, 
and  strawed  it  upon  the  water,  and  “made  the 
children  of  Israel  drink  of  it. 

21  And  Moses  said  unto  Aaron,  hWhat  did  this 
people  unto  thee,  that  thou  hast  Irought’so  great 
a sin  upon  them  ? 

22  And  Aaron  said,  Let  not  the  anger  of  my 
lord  wax  hot : thou  'knowest  the  people  'that  they 
are  set  on  mischief. 

23  For  kthey  said  unto  me,  Make  us  gods  which 
shall  go  before  us : for  as  for  this  Moses,  the  man 
that  brought  us  up  out  ot  the  land  of  Egypt,  we 
wot  not  what  is  become  of  him. 


12.  48:16.  q 2 Sam.  24:16.  1 Chr.  21:15.  Ps.  106:45.  Jer.  18:8.  26:13,19.  Joel  2: 

13.  Jon.  3:10.  4:2.  r24:18.  Dent.  9:15.  s See  on  16:34  . 40:20.  Dent.  5:22.  I a 
19:7.  t Rev.  5:1.  u 31:18.  34:1,4.  Deut.  9:9— 11.  10:1.  2 Cor.  3:3.7.  Heb.  8* 
10.  x 5 e on  17:9.  24:13.  y 18.  Ezra  3:11— 13.  Ps.  47:1 . z Josh.  6:5,10,16,20. 
Judg.  15:14.  1 Sain.  4:5,6.  17.20,52.  Job  39:25.  Jer.  51:14.  Am.  1:14.  2:2. 
t Heb.  weakness,  a 15:1,  &c.  Dan.  5:4.23.  b4 — 6.  1 ent.  9:16.  c 15:20.  2 Sam 
6:14.  Lam.  5:15.  d 11 . Num.  12:3.  Matt. 5:22.  Mark  3:5.  10:14.  Eph.4:26. 
e Deut.  9:17.  27:26.  Jer. 31:32.  Zech.  11:10,11,14.  fDeut.  7:525.  9:21.2King3 
23:6,15.  gProv.  1:31.  14:14.  h Gen.  20:9.  26:10.  Deut.  13:6— 8.  1 Sam.  26; 
19.  1 Kings  14:16.  21:22.  2 Kines  21:9— 1 1 . i 14:11.  15:24.  16:2—4,20,28.  17:3 
—4.  Deut.  9:7,24.  j 1 Sam.  15:24.  Ps.  36:4.  1 rov.  4.16.  k See  on  1—4,8. 

Isaac,  and  Israel : and,  whatever  their  sin  deserved,  surely 
Jehovah  would  not  give  occasion  to  any  injurious  reflections 
being  cast  upon  his  own  great  name.  (Note,  Deut.  32:26,27.) 
This  regard  to  the  divine  honour  was  well  ideasing  to  ihe 
Lord,  who  graciously  intimated  his  design  of  sparing  them, 
as  he  had  before  seemed  determined  upon  their  destruction: 
which  change,  in  the  external  discovery  of  his  purpose,  is 
called  “repenting  of  the  evil,  which  he  thought  to  do  to  his 
people.”  (Note,  Gen.  6:6,7.) — Thus  Moses  did  not  go  down 
from  the  mount  till  mercy  was  promised ; and  his  example 
instructs  us  in  the  most  affecting  manner,  how  to  pray,  what 
pleas  to  urge,  and  whence  to  deduce  encouragements  for 
persevering  in  our  supplications. 

V.  15.  On  both  their  sit/es.]  This  is  differently  interp.  3ted. 
Some  think,  that  the  ten  commandments  were  written  on  only 
one  side  of  each  table,  part  on  the  one  and  part  on  the  other ; 
that  so  they  might  close  together  as  a book,  when  laid  in  the 
ark  : but  others  are  of  opini  n that  each  table  was  written  on 
both  sides. 

V.  17.  Joshua  had  waited  patiently,  during  all  the  for.v 
days,  in  the  place  where  Moses  had  left  him ; below  the 
summit  of  the  mount,  at  a distance  from  the  people,  and  out 
of  the  way  of  temptation. 

V.  19.  Moses’s  anger  was  hot,  and  he  intended  to  express 
his  abhorrence  of  Israel’s  crime  : yet  his  breaking  of  the 
tables  of  the  covenant  was  no  rash  sally  of  passion,  as  some 
have  imagined ; but  a'  significant  action,  done  probably  by  a 
divine  suggestion,  to  denote  that  the  covenant  was  broken, 
and  that  the  people  lay  exposed  to  the  severest  vengeance  o\ 
God. 

V.  20.  The  people  seem  to  have  been  overawed  by  the 
presence  of  Moses,  and  not  to  have  attempted  any  resistance, 
while  he.  took  away  their  idol  to  destroy  it.  As  it  is  very 
difficult  to  reduce  gold  to  powder,  many  conjectures  have 
been  formed  on  the  manner  in  which  it  was  done  on  this 
occasion : but  the  text  leads  us  to  consider  Moses,  as  firs! 
destroying  the  form  of  the  idol,  by  melting  it  down  ; and  then 
proceeding  to  reduce  it,  by  violent  friction  or  filing,  to  a fin* 
powder.  (Marg.Ref.)  No  doubt  this  would  require  muci 
labour  ; but  many  might  assist  him,  both  of  those  who  hat 
kept  clear  of  this  vile  idolatry,  and  of  such  as  were  brough’ 
to  a sense  of  their  guilt ; and  it  is  absurd  to  suppose  that  i\ 
was  impossible  to  be  done. — It  was  proper  that  the  treasure, 
thus  employed  in  idolatry,  should  finally  perish,  as  an  accursen 
thing;  and  that  the  idol  itself  should  be  rendered  as  con- 
temptible as  possible,  before  its  stupid  worshippers.  Bj 
strewing  the  powder  in  the  stream,  which  ran  perhaps  rapidly 
from  the  rock,  the  people  would  be  forced  to  drink  soir  v oi 

( 1S7  ’l 


B.  C. 


EXODuS. 


B.  G.  149 


24  And  I said  unto  them,  Whosoever  hath  any 
gold,  let  him  break  it  off.  ‘So  they  gave  it  me:  then 
least  it  into  the  fire,  and  there  came  out  this  calf. 

25  And  when  Moses  saw  that  the  people  were 
mnaked ; (for  "Aaron  had  made  them  naked  unto 
their  “shame,  amongst  'their  enemies;) 

26  Then  Moses  stood  in  the  gate  of  the  camp, 
and  said,  r Who  is  on  the  Lord’s  side?  let  him 
come  unto  me.  And  all  the  sons  of  Levi  gathered 
themselves  together  unto  him. 

27  And  he  said  unto  them,  Thus  saith  the  Lord 
God  of  Israel,  Put  every  man  his  sword  by  his 
side,  and,  go  in  and  out,  from  gate  to  gate,  through- 
out the  camp,  and  islay  every  man  his  brother, 
and  every  man  his  companion,  and  every  man  his 
neighbour. 

28  And  the  children  of  Levi  did  according  to 
the  word  of  Moses : and  there  fell  of  the  people 
that  day  about  three  thousand  men. 

29  tFor  sMoses  had  said,  ^Consecrate  your- 

1 4.  Gen.  3:12,13.  Luke  10:29.  Rom.  3:10.  m 33:4 — 6.  Gen.  3:10.  Hos.  2:3.  Rev. 

3:17,18.16:15.  n Deut.  9:20.  2 Chr.  28: 19.  o Ez.  16:63.  Dan.  12:2.  Rom.  6: 
21.  • Heb.  those  that  rose  up  against  them.  p Josh. 5:13.  2Sam.  20:11. 

2 Kings  9:32.  Matt.  12:30.  q 26,29.  Num.  25:5,7—12.  Deut.  33:8,9.  Luke  14: 

26.  2 Cor.  5:16.  r Num.  16:32-35,49.  1 Cor.  10:8.  Heb.  2:2,3.  t Or,  And 
Moses  said , Consecrate  yourselves  to-day  to  the  LORD  : because  every  man 
hath  been  against  his  son  and  against  his  brother , Slc.  s Num.  25:11 — 13.  Deut. 
13:6—11.  1 Sam.  15:18—22.  Zech.  13:3.  Malt.  10:37.  % Heb.  fill  your  hands . 


it  with  the  water:  which  intimated,  that  they  must  expect 
to  experience  the  fatal  effects  of  their  sin,  as  bringing  a curse 
upon  all  their  comforts. 

V.  21 — 24.  tyloses  did  not  inquire  of  Aaron,  what  induced 
him  to  concur  with  the  people  in  this  detestable  idolatry  ; but 
in  what  they  had  offended  him,  that  he  should  revenge  him- 
self by  leading  them  into  so  great  a wickedness.  This  most 
emphatically  declares  his  judgment  of  Aaron’s  conduct,  and 
confutes  all  the  pleas  which  have  been  invented  to  palliate  it. 
Indeed,  nowise  man  ever  made  a more  unmeaning  and  foolish 
excuse,  than  Aaron  did.  We  should  never  have  supposed 
u that  he  could  speak  well,”  were  we  to  judge  of  his  eloquence 
by  this  specimen.  If  the  people  were  bent  upon  mischief, 
Aaron,  the  saint  and  servant  of  the  Lord,  who  was  intrusted 
with  authority  over  Israel,  should  have  ventured  and  suffered 
all  extremities  in  opposing  their  mad  design : but  while  he 
was  as  pliant  as  they  could  wish,  and  very  active  in  the 
business,  he  charged  all  the  blame  on  others,  and  spake  as  if 
the  golden  calf  had  been  produced  almost  by  accident,  without 
his  concurrence,  and  beyond  his  expectation  ; and  he  seemed 
only  intent  to  deprecate  the  anger  of  Moses,  not  that  of 
God  ! — No  wonder  that  44  the  Lord  was  angry  with  him  also 
to  have  destroyed  him but  Moses  prayed  for  him  too  ; 
(Deut.  9:20.)  and  we  may  be  sure  that  he  was  ever  after 
deeply  humbled,  and  greatly  ashamed  of  his  conduct. 

V.  25.  The  sin  of  the  people  had  despoiled  them  of  all 
claim  to  the  Lord’s  protection,  and  had  left  them  exposed 
without  excuse  to  his  righteous  vengeance,  and  the  scorn  and 
rage  of  their  enemies.  They  had  stripped  themselves  of 
part  of  their  ornaments  to  make  the  golden  calf ; and  they 
were  ordered  to  lay  aside  the  rest  in  a way  of  humiliation,  on 
this  shameful  occasion.  (Note,  33:4 — 6.)  Perhaps,  also,  in 
their  dancing  and  sensual  festivity,  many  of  them  had  unco- 
vered themselves  in  an  indecent  and  shameful  manner ; as 
well  as  exposed  themselves  to  the  danger  of  being  assaulted, 
and  ignominiously  scattered  by  their  enemies. — Idolatrous 
feasts  have  scarcely  ever,  in  any  age  or  nation,  been  free 
from  shameful  indecencies. 

V.  26 — 29.  The  Levites  with  ©ne  consent,  having  come 
promptly  at  the  call  of  Moses,  as  decidedly  44  on  the  Lord’s 
side,”  in  this  general  defection,  were  commi  sioned  to  slay 
the  ringleaders  in  this  wickedness,  without  respect  to  friend- 
ship, relation,  or  any  other  social  tie : for  idolatry  was  a crime 
to  be  punished  by  their  magistrates.  Yet  it  seems  none 
were  executed,  but  those  who  openly*and  boldly  stood  forth 
as  disposed  to  vindicate  their  conduct:  while  those  who 
retired  as  ashamed  were  spared.  This  commission,  being 
faithfully  executed,  brought  a great  blessing  upon  the  tribe ; 
and  was  a preparation  for  its  being  appointed  to  the  service 
of  the  sanctuary,  which  was  a very  honourable  and  advan- 
tageous distinction.  For,  however  men  might  blame  them, 
they  made  it  manifest,  that  though  doubtless  some  individuals 
were  guilty,  as  the  words,  “Every  man  upon  his  son,  and 
upon  his  brother,”  imply;  (Note,  Deut.  33:9.)  yet,  as  a tribe, 
they  had  been  peculiarly  free  from  this  national  idolatry,  not- 
withstanding Aaron  had  set  them  so  bad  an  example;  and 
that  they  were  valiant  for  God  and  for  his  honour.  And  as 
they  were  seconded  by  the  divine  power,  which  confounded 
and  intimidated  the  transgressors,  no  opposition  was  made  to 
the  execution.  It  does  not  however  appear,  that  any  from 
the  other  tribes  joined  the  Levites  ; and  it  is  thence  supposed, 
that  all  the  rest  had  concurred  in  the  idolatry. 

V.  30 — 33.  It  may  he  supposed,  that  Moses  expatiated 
before  the  people  on  the  exceeding  heinousness,  and  the 
many  aggravations  of  their  crime;  and  attempted  to  bring 
them  to  humble  themselves  in  deep  repentance  on  account  of 
ii  while  he  went  to  intercede  in  their  behalf  before  God. 

( ) 


selves  to-day  to  the  Lord,  even  every  man  upon 
his  son,  and  upon  his  brother,  that  he  may  bestow 
upon  you  a blessing  this  day. 

30  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the,  morrow,  that 
Moses  said  unto  the  people,  'Ye  have  sinned  a 
great  sin:  and  now  I will  go  up  unto  the  Lord; 
“peradventure  I shall  make  an  'atonement  for  your 
sin. 

31  And  Moses  ^returned  unto  the  Lord,  and 
said,  Oh,  this  people  have  'sinned  a great  sin,  and 
have  "made  them  gods  of  gold. 

32  Yet  now,  bjf  thou  wilt  forgive  their  sin — ; 
and  if  not,  “blot  me,  I pray  thee,  out  of  thy  book 
which  thou  hast  written. 

33  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Whosoever 
hath  dsinned  against  me,  him  will  I blot  out  of 
emy  book. 

34  Therefore  now  go,  lead  the  people  unto  the 
place  of  which  I have  spoken  unto  thee : behold, 
'mine  angel  shall  go  before  thee  : nevertheless, 


t 31.  1 Sam.  2:17.  12:20.  2 Sam.  12:9.  2 Kings  17:21.  Luke  7:47.  u 2 Sam.  16: 
12.  Am.  5:15.  Jon.  3:9.  2Tim.2:25.  x 32.  Num.  16:47.  25:13.  Rom.  9:3.  Gal. 
3:13.  y 34:28.  Deut.  9:18,19.  zSeeoniO.  Ezru  9:6,7,15.  Nell.  9:33.  Dun. 9-5, 
8,11.  a 20:4,23.  b Num.  14:19.  Dan.  9:18,19.  Am.  7:2.  Luke23:34.  c 10. 
Deut.  9:14  . 25.-19.  29:20.  Ps.  69:28.  Ez.  13:9.  Rom.  9:3.  Rev.  3:5.  22:19.  .1  Ex. 
18:4.  e Ps.  109:13,14.  Phil.  4:3.  Rev.  13:8.  20:12.  123:20.  33:2,14,15.  Num. 

20:16. 


His  words  were  suited  to  preserve  them  in  a due  medium 
between  desponding  fear  and  presumptuous  confidence  : 
“ Peradventure  I shall  make  an  atonement  for  your  sin.” 
Perhaps  he  expected  that  a sin-offering  for  the  nation  might 
be  appointed,  and  that  through  this  typical  atonement  their 
crime  might  be  pardoned : or  he  referred  to  the  proposal  which 
he  was  about  to  make.  His  words  however  imply,  that 
without  an  atonement  there  could  be  no  forgiveness ; and  that 
they  could  make  no  atonement  for  (hemselves.  He  had 
received  some  intimation  from  the  Lord,  that  he  would  spare 
the  nation,  before  he  went  down  from  the  mount ; yet  he  was 
so  affected  by  a nearer  view  of  the  guilt  which  they  had  con- 
tracted, that  he  seems  almost  to  have  questioned,  whether 
this  could  consist  with  the  honour  of  God.  When  therefore 
he  went  to  meet  him,  (probably  not  on  the  top  of  the  mount 
Sinai,  but  at  a distance  from  the  camp,)  he  mournfully 
deplored  the  great  sin  of  his  people ; and  pleaded  for  them 
in  an  imperfect  sentence,  implying  rather  an  ardent  desire, 
than  a direct  request.  The  meaning  of  his  vehement  language 
has  been  much  disputed : and  some  contend,  that  he  expressed 
his  willingness  to  be  blotted  out  of  the  book  of  life,  and  finally 
to  perish,  provided  this  might  be  accepted  as  an  atonement 
for  the  sin  of  his  people;  and  they  put  the  same  construction 
on  the  words  used  by  St.  Paul,  on  a somewhat  similar  occa 
sion.  (Note,  Rom.  9:1 — 3.)  But  this  interpretation  seems 
inadmissible ; for  the  spiritual  law  of  God  requires  us  to  44  love 
our  neighbour  as  ourselves,”  and  not  more  than  ourselves, 
which  surely  is  implied,  in  being  willing  to  be  for  ever  mise- 
rable, either  for  their  temporal  or  eternal  salvation.  Even 
Christ,  of  whom  Moses  is  supposed  to  be  a type  in  this 
proposal,  was  only  willing  for  our  salvation  to  die  a temporal 
death,  with  every  possible  circumstance  of  inward  and  out- 
ward suffering;  not  to  be  eternally  miserable:  and  the  apostle 
says,  44  We  ought  to  lay  down  our  lives  for  the  brethren  ;”  not 
that  we  ought  to  devote  our  souls  to  destruction  for  them. — 
No  doubt,  zeal  for  the  honour  of  God  glowed  in  the  heart  of 
Moses,  when  he  thus  expressed  himself ; and  perhaps  he 
could  not.  conceive,  how  that  could  be  secured  and  mani- 
fested, either  by  destroying  or  sparing  Ins  people.  But  it 
should  be  remembered,  that  not  only  final  misery,  but  final 
desperate  enmity  to  God,  is  implied  in  the  proposal,  if  thus 
understood  ; and  it  is  wonderful  how  any  man  could  ever 
think,  that  a willingness  to  be  eternally  wicked,  and  a de- 
sperate hater  of  God,  can  spring  from  love  to  him,  and  be  a 
proper  expression  of  zeal  for  his  glory  ! — If  therefore  Moses 
referred  to  this  proposal  when  he  said,  44  Peradventure  I shall 
make  an  atonement  for  your  sin  ;”  the  words  may  be  thus 
paraphrased : 4 O Lord,  instead  of  destroying  Israel  as  a sacri- 
fice to  thy  justice,  and  making  of  me  a great  nation  ; let  me 
be  the  sacrifice,  and  spare  them:  and  if  it  may  not  consist 
with  thy  glory  to  spare  them  otherwise,  and  my  death  may 
suffice  for  that  purpose,  exclude  me  from  Canaan,  and  take 
me  out  of  life,  in  any  way  which  thou  seest  good,  that  my 
>eople  maybe  preserved  and  thy  name  glorified.' — Or  perhaps 
le  only  meant  to  say,  4 If  my  people  must  be  destroyed,  cut 
me  off  also,  and  let  me  not  survive  or  witness  their  destruc- 
tion.’— The  expression,  44  Blot,  mo  out  of  thy  book,”  is  an 
allusion  to  the  affairs  of  men,  which  is  used  in  various  senses 
in  the  Scriptures.  (Marg.  Ref.  e.) — Whatever  Moses 
meant  by  the  request,  the  Lord  did  not  accede  to  it,  at  hast 
on  that  occasion ; but  only  answered,  that  he  would  44  blot 
those  who  had  sinned  out  of  his  book;”  that  is,  he  wruld 
pumsn  he  guilty,  not  the  innocent  : yet,  when  Moses  after- 
wards ort^ndo^  God,  and  was  excluded  from  Canaan  w tile 
his  people  inherited  it,  ho  would  no  doubt  remember  this 
request. 

If  thou  wilt,  he.  (32)  E i nev  a<ptif  avrots  T*.v  fptyT 


B. C.  1491 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 


B.  C.  14V 


in  «the  day  when  I visit,  I will  visit  their  sin  upon 
them. 

35  And  the  Lord  plagued  the  people,  because 
‘they  made  the  calf,  which  Aaron  made. 
CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

The  Lord  orders  Muses  to  lead  the  people  to  Canaan,  under  the  conduct  of  an 
ansel , refusing  himself  to  go  with  them,  1 — 3.  The.  people  express  sorrow 
and  humiliation,  -1 — 6.  Moses  removes  the  tabernacle  ow  of  the  camp  ; and 
the  Lord  there  displays  his  glory,  and  communes  with  Moses,  while  the  peo- 
ple worship  at  their  tent-doors,  7 — 11 . Moses  prevails  toith  the  Lord  to  ac- 
company them , and  desires  to  behold  his  glory,  12 — 23. 

AND  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  “Depart,  and 
go  up  hence,  thou  and  the  people  which  bthou 
hast  brought  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  unto 
cthe  land  which  I sware  unto  Abraham,  to  Isaac, 

*20:5.  Num.  14:27—30.  Deut.  32:35.  Jer.  5:9,29.  Am.  3:14.  Matt.  23:35. 
Rom.  2:4— 6.  h 25.  2 Sam.  12:9,10.  Matt.  21.3—1.  Acts  1:18.  7:41.  a 32: 
34.  b 17:3.  32:1,7.  c 32.13.  Gen.  22:16— 18.  26:3.  28:13— 15.  dUen.127. 
13:14—17.15:18.  e 23:20.  32:34.  f See  on  3:8,17.  Deut.  7:22.  Josh.  24:11. 
g 13:5.  Lev.  20:24.  Num.  13:27.  14:8.  16:13.  Josh.  5:6.  Jer.  11:5.  h 15—17.32: 


ti  6c  fir,,  k.  t.  X.  Sept. — 1 If  thou  wilt  forgive  them  their  sin, 
forgive  ; but  if  not,  & c.’  Comp.  Luke  13:9.  Gr. 

V.  34,  35.  The  Lord,  in  commanding  Moses  to  lead  the 
people  to  Canaan,  and  in  merely  promising  that  his  angel 
should  go  before  him,  intimated  that  he  would  not  immediately 
pour  out  his  vengeance  upon  them,  to  destroy  them ; but  at  the 
same  time  he  declared,  that  their  national  violation  of  the 
covenant  would  be  remembered  against  them,  when  their 
other  crimes  should  induce  him  to  visit  them  in  anger.  The 
Jews  have  to  this  day  a saying  current  among  them  to  this 
effect,  1 That  all  the  calamities,  which  have  ever  since  befallen 
the  nation,  have  in  them  a measure  of  the  Lord’s  indignation 
for  the  sin  of  the  golden  calf.’ — It  is  not  said,  in  what  manner 
he  plagued  the  people  at  this  time ; but  in  some  way  they 
sensibly  felt  the  effects  of  his  displeasure  : and  it  is  parti- 
cularly to  be  noticed,  that  however  Aaron  endeavoured  to 
exculpate  himself,  and  whatever  things  have  since  been  urged 
in  his  excuse  ; yet  God  expressly  mentioned  him  as  a principal 
agent  in  this  heinous  transgression  of  Israel. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1—14.  It  is  not  in  general  adviseable  for  magistrates, 
ministers,  or  heads  of  families,  to  be  long  absent  from  their 
respective  charges;  and  if  they  have  no  good  reason  for  such 
absence,  they  will  in  great  measure  be  answerable  for  all  the 
consequences. — They  who  are  so  soon  weary  of  waiting  upon 
God,  as  to  be  eager  to  return  to  their  worldly  interests  and 
pleasures,  have  evidently  profited  very  little  by  instruction : 
and  as  the  people  rushed  into  wickedness,  because  they  did 
not  expect  the  return  of  Moses ; so  unbelief,  as  to  a future 
judgment,  lies  at  the  root  of  the  ungodliness  of  vast  multi- 
tv  des.  (Matt.  24:48 — 51.  2 Pet.  3:4.)  — High  affections, 
urgent  terrors,  confident  professions,  and  transient  comforts, 
are  not  sufficient  evidences  of  true  conversion;  for  they 
frequently  go  off,  and  leave  the  heart  more  hard,  and  the 
conscience  more  callous,  than  before : nor  can  any  external 
means,  mercies,  or  judgments,  change  the  heart,  or  for  any 
long  time  win  or  awe  men  even  into  exterior  good  behaviour. 
— The  servants  of  God  should  not  expect  much  gratitude  or 
respect  from  those,  who  ungratefully  and  contemptuously 
rebel  against  him : and  after  being  favoured  with  sweet  fellow- 
ship with  him,  they  must  often  return  to  witness,  to  mourn 
over,  and  to  bear  testimony  against,  the  wickedness  even  of 
those  among  whom  they  have  laboured,  and  for  whom  they 
have  poured  out  their  souls  in  prayer. — No  carnal  heart  can 
long  endure  the  humbling  truths,  the  holy  precepts,  and  the 
spiritual  worship  of  God:  and  they  who  hate  his  glorious 
perfections,  must  dislike  his  image  in  his  faithful  people.  But 
a god,  a priest,  a worship,  a doctrine,  and  a sacrifice,  suited 
to  a carnal  mind,  will  always  meet  with  abundance  of  devo- 
tees : nay,  the  very  gospel  itself  may  be  sophisticated , so  as 
to  suit  their  taste ; its  hearers,  having  offered  their  sacrifice. 
“ will  sit  down  to  eat  and  drink,  and  rise  up  to  play ;’  ’ and 
while  they  can  render  selfishness,  self-gratification,  and  dissi- 
pation, consistent  with  religion,  by  their  views  of  Christianity, 
they  will  cry  them  up  as  loudly  and  zealously,  as  Israel  did 
the  golden  calf,  and  call  the  whole  “ a feast  unto  the  Lord  !” 
Yea,  their  example,  influence,  persuasion,  and  discourses,  will 
draw  in  some  ill-judging,  compliant  Aarons,  to  sanction  and 
give  credit  to  this  motley  religion ; though  the  whole  be  as 
contrary  to  that  of  Christ,  as  “ the  works  of  the  flesh  are  to 
the  fruits  of  the  Spirit!”  We  have  the  more  need  to  be  upon 
our  guard  against  such  delusions,  when  we  consider  that  “ the 
neart  is  deceitful  above  all  things  and  desperately  wicked ;” 
and  that  Satan  can  easily  blind  the  understanding,  pervert  the 
judgment,  and  mislead  the  conscience  of  the  best  of  men,  if 
left  to  themselves.  Soon  do  we,  when  in  this  case,  forget 
the  terrors  of  mount  Sinai,  and  the  more  affecting  scenes 
which  Gethsemane  and  Golgotha  exhibit,  yea,  all  our  sweet 
experience  of  the  love  of  Christ:  while  some  golden  or  gilded 
idol  usurps  his  throne  and  his  worship ; and  we  are  easily 
induced  to  disgrace  his  gospel,  and  gratify  his  enemies.— 
Well  is  it  for  us,  that  the  “Prophet  like  unto  Moses,”  but 
infinitely  more  powerful  and  merciful,  once  veiled  his  majesty, 
made  atonement  for  our  souls,  and  interested  the  glory  of  the 
Father  in  our  salvation,  and  now  effectually  intercedes  in  our 
behalf;  else  we  should  in  a moment  be  consumed  by  his  hot 
Ais  Measure. 


and  to  Jacob,  saying,  ‘'Unto  thy  seed  v,  :I1 1 give 
it : 

2 And  I will  send  ean  angel  before  thee  ; and  1 
will  drive  out  'the  Canaanite,  the  Amorite,  anc, 
the  Hittite,  and  the  Perizzite,  the  Hivite,  and  the 
Jebusite : 

3 Unto  sa  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey. 
hfor  I will  not  go  up  in  the  midst  of  thee,  for  thou 
art  ‘a  stiff-necked  people ; klest  I consume  thee  ii 
the  way. 

4 And  when  the  people  heard  these  evil  tidings 
'they  mourned  : mand  no  man  did  put  on  him  his 
ornaments. 

10,14.  Num.  14:12.  Deut.  32:26,27.  1 Sam.  2:30.  Jer.  18:7— 10.  Ez.  3:18,19.  33: 
13—16.  Jon.  3.4,10.  i 32:9.  Deut.  9:6—13.  Ps.  78:8.  Acib  7:51.  k 23:21.  Num. 
16:45.  Am. 3:13,14.  1 Num.  14:39.  Hos.  7:14.  Zech.  7:3,5.  m Lev.  10:6. 

2 Sam.  19:24.  I Kings  21:27.  2 Kings  19:1.  Ezra  9:3.  Estli.  4:1 — 4.  Job  1:20.  2:12. 
Is.32:ll.  Ez.  24:17,23.  26:16.  Jon.  3:6. 


V.  15 — 35.  While  we  rejoice  in  the  intercession  and 
grace  of  Christ,  we  should  recollect,  that  the  law  is  now 
written  in  the  hearts  of  the  true  Israel,  who  love  and  obey  its 
precepts,  and  deeply  repent  whenever  they  break  them ; and 
we  should  inquire  whether  we  have  this  good  evidence  that 
cur  sins  are  pardoned,  and  that  the  everlasting  covenant  is 
ratified  with  us ; for  otherwise  sin  hath  “ made  us  naked  to 
our  shame,”  and  hath  left  us  without  protection  in  the  hands 
of  our  enemies,  yea,  exposed  us  to  the  wrath  of  God  himself. — 
However  sinners  may  now  rejoice  in  iniquity,  when  Christ 
returns  to  judgment,  the  stoutest  hearts  will  fail,  and  their 
mirth  will  be  turned  into  “ weeping,  wailing,  and  gnashing  of 
teeth.”  Then  every  vain  excuse  will  be  silenced;  every 
one’s  sin  will  find  him  out;  consent  in  wickedness  will  be 
turned  into  mutual  recriminations ; and  the  tempters  and  the 
tempted  will  be  involved  in  one  common,  though  not  equal, 
condemnation.  Let  us  now  therefore  cast  ourselves  humbly 
on  the  divine  mercy,  thankfully  accept  of  the  chastisement  of 
our  sins,  and  earnestly  seek  deliverance  from  the  wrath  to 
come ; and,  as  a pledge  of  it,  deliverance  from  the  power  and 
love  of  sin  in  this  world. — Of  all  the  crimes  which  we  commit, 
none  are  so  injurious  to  man,  as  those  which  tempt  or 
encourage  others  to  sin:  and  if  we  would  show  ourselves 
decidedly  on  the  Lord’s  part  in  this  rebellious  world,  we  must 
not  shrink  from  any  service,  however  difficult,  dangerous^  or 
contrary  to  our  natural  feelings ; nor  must  we  in  such  a case 
“ know  any  man  according  to  the  flesh.”  Yet  we  have  a 
cause  for  thankfulness,  that  our  testimony  'against  sin,  and 
our  service  for  God,  are  not  now  of  that  nature,  which  were 
frequently  required  in  these  ancient  times.  But  though  his 
judgments  are  under  the  Christian  dispensation  more  spirilual, 
let  presumptuous  sinners  remember,  that  they  will  at  length 
be  on  that  very  account  the  more  dreadful. — Our  abhorrence 
of  sin,  and  indignation  against  it,  are  never  too  strong,  if  we 
be  able,  in  the  midst  of  our  hot  displeasure,  to  pray  earnestly 
for  sinners,  and  labour  disinterestedly  to  do  them  good  : and 
as  the  glory  of  God  may  be  pleaded  with  him  as  a good 
argument,  why  he  should  not  destroy  his  people ; may  it  not 
be  also  pleaded  with  them  as  a cogent  argument  why  they 
should  not  sin  against  him,  and  cause  his  holy  name  and 
religion  to  be  blasphemed? — He  will  surely  honour  those 
who  are  preserved  from  prevailing  sins,  and  who  boldly 
protest  against  them : and  retirement  and  communion  with 
him  are  happy  means  of  keeping  us  out  of  the  way  of  tempta- 
tion.— Yet,  if  we  have  been  thus  preserved,  we  must  give 
God  the  glory,  and  become  supplicants  in  behalf  of  others ; 
for  “ the  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a righteous  man  availeth” 
sometimes  to  the  saving  of  a nation.  But  alas ! the  most 
zealous  may  often  be  ashamed,  when  they  compare  the 
assiduity,  liberality,  and  earnestness  of  idolaters,  and  of  the 
idolatrous  devotees  of  worldly  interests,  pleasures,  and  prefer- 
ments, with  their  own  supineness,  lukewarmness,  and  want 
of  generosity  in  the  service  of  God. 

NOTES— Chap.  XXXIII.  V.  I,  2.  Moses  had 
pleaded  the  promise  and  oath  of  God  to  Abraham,  Isaac, 
and  Jacob ; and  interested  his  glory  in  preserving  Israel  and 
putting  them  in  possession  of  Canaan : therefore  he  was 
commanded  to  lead  them  directly  thither,  without  any  men- 
tion of  erecting  the  tabernacle,  or  establishing  the  worship  of 
Jehovah  among  them.  As  ifhe  had  said,  ‘ Let  them  have 
the  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey ; and  an  angel  shall  go 
before  them,  and  put  them  in  possession  of  it ; but  let  them 
have  it  without  any  special  blessing,  or  further  religious 
advantages,  to  distinguish  them  from  the  nations  around  them.’ 
— It  is  observable,  that  as  Moses,  when  he  had  seen  their 
wickedness,  did  not  call  them  the  Lord’s  people,  but  said, 
“Oh,  this  people;”  (32:31.)  so  the  I.ord  calls  them,  “the 
people  whom  thou  hast  brought  up  out  of  Egypt,”  as  though 
he  disdained  to  have  any  more  to  do  with  them  : but  Moses, 
having  thus  far  prevailed,  was  encouraged  still  further  to  urge 
his  intercession. 

V.  3.  I will  not , &c.]  Such  declva^ons  rather  show, 
what  God  justly  might  do,  what  it  would  become  him  to  do, 
and  what  he  would  do,  were  it  not  for  some  intervening  con- 
sideration, than  his  irreversible  purpose ; and  they  alwavs 
imply  a reserved  exception,  in  case  the  party  offending  be 
truly  penitent.  The  Lord  therefore  expressed  himeoll,  as  f 
( 189  ) 


G.  C.  1401. 


EXODUS, 


B.  C.  1491 


5 For  the  Lord  had  said  unto  Moses,  Say  unto 
the  children  of  Isra  jI,  Fe  are  a stiti-necked  peo- 
ple: 1 will  come  up  into  the  midst  of  thee  "in  a 
moment,  and  consume  thee:  therefore  now  °put 
oil’  thy  ornaments  from  thee,  that  pI  may  know 
what  to  do  unto  thee. 

6 And  the  children  of  Israel  '•stripped  them- 
selves of  their  ornaments,  by  the  mount  Horeb. 

7 And  Moses  took  the  tabernacle,  and  pitched 
t without  the  camp,  rafar  off'  from  the  camp,  and 
called  it  “the  Tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 
And  it  came  to  pass,  that  every  one  which  'sought 
the  Lord,  "went  out  unto  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation  which  vms  without  the  camp. 

8 And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Moses  went  out 
unto  the  tabernacle,  that  all  the  people  rose  up, 
xand  stood  every  man  at  his  tent-door,  and  looked 
after  Moses,  until  lie  was  gone  into  the  taber- 
nacle. 

9 And  it  came  to  pass,  as  Moses  entered  into 
the  tabernacle,  the  ^cloudy  pillar  descended,  and 
stood  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle,  and  the 
LORD  ’'talked  with  Moses. 

10  And  all  the  people  saw  the  cloudy  pillar 
stand  at  the  tabernacle-door:  and  all  the  people 
rose  up  and  "worshipped,  every  man  in  his  tent- 
door. 


n Num.  15:21,45.  Job  34:20.  Ps.  73:19.  Lara.  1:6.  o Is.  22:12.  p Gen.  18:21.22:12. 
Dent.  8:2.  Ps.  139:23.  q 4.32:3.  Jer.  2: 19.  r Ps.  10:1.35:22.  Prov.  15:2.9.  Is.  59: 
2.  Hus.  9:12.  s See  on  29:12.43.  t Dent.  4:29.  28ara.vl:l.  Is.  27:3.  Is. 55:6,7. 
Malt.  7:7,8.  u Heb.  13:11— 13.  x Num.  16:27.  y See  on  13:21,22.  Ps.  99:7. 
1 11.25:22.31:18.  34:3.9.  Gen.  17:22. 18:33.  Num.  11:17.  Ez.  3:22.  a 4:31.  1 Kings 
8.14.22.  Luke  18:13.  It  9.  Gen.  32:30.  Num.  12:8.  Deut.  5:4.  34:10.  c2Chr.  2ll:7. 
Job  16:21.  Is.  -12  8.  John  3:29. 11:11.  15:14,15.  Jam.  2:23.  cl  17:9.21:13.32:17. 
e 1.32:31.  f 17.  Gen.  18:19.  Ps.  1:6.  Jer.  1:5.  John  10:14.15.  2Tim.2:19. 


he  would  not  have  a tabernacle,  or  dwelling-place,  among  the 
people,  or  in  any  way  manifest  bis  special  presence  and  glory 
in  the  midst  of  them;  seeing  rhat  they  were  disposed  to  treat 
him  with  such  insufferable  contempt,  that  these  favours  would 
only  serve  to  increase  their  guilt,  and  to  provok'e  his  jealousy 
to  their  destruction. 

V.  4 — 6.  The  people  had  parted  with  some  of  their  orna- 
ments to  make  the  golden  calf ; yet  doubtless  they  had 
generally  arrayed  themselves  in  festive  garments  to  worship 
the  idol : but  they  laid  the  whole  aside  when  they  heard  of 
the  Lord’s  hot  displeasure  against  them,  and  no  more  at- 
tempted to  resume  them.  For  the  Lord  had  intimated  an 
intention  of  destroying  them  in  a moment : yet  at  the  same 
time  he  had  ordered  them  to  assume  the  habit  of  mourners 
or  penitents,  while  he,  as  it  were,  deliberated  how  to  act 
towards  them.  This  implied  a design  of  mercy,  provided 
they  showed  signs  of  repentance  ; and  as  they  complied  with- 
out hesitation,  and  seemed  more  grieved  because  the  Lord 
refused  to  go  with  them,  than  on  account  of  the  terrible  execu- 
tion recorded  in  the  foregoing  chapter,  it  may  be  supposed  that 
several  of  them  were  truly  humbled ; and  the  others,  by  an 
external  humiliation,  gave  glory  to  God,  which  made  way  for 
him  honourably  to  avert  the  national  judgment.  (Note,  1 
Kings  21:27 — 29.) — The  words  (a^n  *tnn)  rendered  44  by  the 
mount  Horeb,”  seem  to  mean,  at  a distance  from  the  holy 
mount ; which  was  another  token  of  humiliation. 

V.  7.  The  tabernacle  here  mentioned  seems  to  have  been 
a tent  that.  Moses  had  prepared,  in  which  he  administered 
justice,  and  answered  the  inquiries  of  those  who  applied  to 
him.  It  is  also  probable  that  before  the  Tabernacle  was 
erected  as  prescribed  on  the  mount,  the  people  assembled 
here  to  worship,  and  the  pillar  of  fire  and  cloud  appeared  on 
the  top  of  it.  We  r*»ay  suppose  that  Moses  did  not  inform 
the  people,  how  far  he  had  succeeded  in  making  up  the  breach  ; 
as  it  was  his  purpose  to  bring  them  to  repentance  : and,  in 
removing  this  tent  to  a distance  from  the  camp,  no  doubt  by 
divine  direction,  he  gave  them  another  indication  of  the  Lord’s 
heavy  displeasure,  who,  as  it  were,  refused  to  dwell  any  longer 
among  them. — On  this  occasion  he  called  it  u The  Tabernacle 
of  the  congregation,”  or  of  meeting  ("ipO  Shn);  that  is,  the 
place  where  the  Lord  met  his  people ; the  name  given  to  the 
sanctuary  after  wards  erected.  But  the  Israelites  in  general 
were  not  worthy  of  being  thus  honoured  and  favoured  ; and 
if  any  were  desirous  of  seeking  God  and  humbling  themselves 
before  lunrv  or  of  offering  sacrifice  to  him,  they  were  required 
to  follow  .Abernacle  out  of  the  camp. 

V.  8 — 11.  When  Moses  left  the  camp,  and  went  to  the 
tabernacle  now  pitched  at  a distance,  the  people  in  general 
came  out  to  see  what  the  event  would  be,  and  kept  their  eyes 
on  him  till  he  had  entered  the  tabernacle.  It  is  probable, 
that  after  the  making  of  the  golden  calf,  the  cloudy  pillar  had 
disappeared  ; but  now  it  again  descended,  and  rested  at  the 
door  of  the  tabernacle.  This  reappearance  of  it,  not  over 
the  camp,  but  at  a distance,  where  Moses  was,  ratified  all 
that  he  had  done ; and  the  people  were  so  impressed  by  it, 
that,  they  prostrated  themselves  in  solemn  worship,  at  the  door 
of  their  tents,  before  the  symbol  of  the  divine  presence.~In 
the  mean  while,  the  Lord  conversed  with  Moses,  not  as  in  a 
( 190  ) 


11  And  the  Lord  bspake  unto  Moses  lace  to 
Pace,  as  a n,an  speaketh  unto  chis  friend.  And 
he  turned  ajrain  into  the  camp;  but  dhis  servant 
Joshua,  the  son  of  Nun,  a young  man,  departed 
not  out  of  the  tabernacle.  [Practical  Observations .] 

12  H And  Moses  said  unto  the  Lord,  see, 
ethou  sayest  unto  me,  Bring  up  this  people  : anil 
thou  hast  not  let  me  know  whom  thou  wilt  send 
with  me.  Ye\  thou  hast  said,  fI  know  thee  by 
name,  and  thou  hast  also  found  grace  in  my  sight. 

13  Now  therefore,  I pray  thee,  «if  1 have  found 
grace  in  thy  sight,  hshow  me  now  thy  way,  ‘that 
I may  know  thee,  that  I may  find  grace  in  thy 
sight:  and  Consider  that  this  nation  is  thy  people. 

14  And  he  said,  kMy  presence  shall  go  with 
thee,  and  I will  give  thee  'resf. 

15  And  he  said  unto  him,  mIf  thy  presence  go 
not  with  me,  carry  us  not  up  hence. 

16  For  wherein  shall  it  be  known  here,  that  I 
and  thy  people  have  found  grace  in  thy  sight?  Is 
it  not  "in  that  thou  goest  with  us?  So  shall  we  he 
"separated,  I and  thy  people,  from  all  the  people 
that  are  upon  the  face  of  the  earth. 

17  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  pI  will  do 
this  thing  also  tlrat  thou  hast  spoken : far  "ithou 
hast  found  grace  in  my  sight,  and  I know  thee  by 
name. 


g See  on  17.  34:9.  h Ps.  25:4 . 27: 11.  86:11.  1 19:33.  Coni.  1:7,8.  Is.  30:21. 
i 18.  Jnhi)  17:3.  Eph.  1 :17.  ( ol.  1:10.  2 Pet.  3:18.  i 32:7.  Dent.  9:26,29.  Is. 
63:17,19.  Joel 2:17.  Rom.  11:28.  k 13:21.40:34—38.  Josh.  1:5.  Is.  63:9.  Mali. 
28:20.  I Dcut.3:20.  Josh.  21:44.  22:4. 23:1.  Ps.  95:11.  Jer.  6. 16.  Matt.  11:28. 
Heb.  4:8.9.  m 3.34:9.  n Num.  14:14.  Man. 1:23.  o 8:22.19:5,6.34:10. 
Num.  23:9.  Deut.  4.7.34.  2 Sam.  7:23.  1 Kings  8:53.  Ps.  147:20.  2:  or.  6:17, 
p Gen.  18:32.  19:21.  Is.  65:24.  iohn  16:23.  Jam.  5:16.  1 John  5:14,15.  q 12. 
G*n.  6:8.  19:19,21. 


dream  or  vision,  but  by  an  audible  voice,  in  the  most  familiar 
manner  ; even  as  when  a man  speaketh  face  to  face  with  his 
friend.  There  does  not  seem  to  have  been  any  visible 
appearance  in  human  form  at  the  time : but  it  may  be  sup- 
posed, that  the  cloud  appeared  within  as  well  as  above  the 
iabernacle  ; and  that  the  voice  came  from  the  cloud,  as  when 
our  Lord  was  transfigured.  After  some  time  Moses  returned 
to  the  camp,  probably  to  instruct  and  encourage  the  people : 
and,  as  it  does  not  appear  why  Joshua  should  remain  at  the 
tabernacle  when  Moses  left  it,  the  latter  clause  has  been 
thus  rendered  by  some  expositors ; “ He  turned  again  to  the 
camp  with  his  servant  Joshua,  the  son  of  Nun,  a young 
man.”  But  “ He”  (that  is,  the  Lord,  as  appearing  in  the 
cloud)  “departed  not  out  of  the  tabernacle.”  Thus  the  Lord 
still  refused  to  manifest  himself  in  the  camp  of  Israel. — Joshua 
was  at  this  time  about  fifty-three  years  old ; but  he  was  a 
young  man  compared  with  Moses,  and  this  was  a common 
title  for  those  who  acted  as  servants  to  others. 

Y.  12 — 1G.  This  is  cither  the  substance  of  the  conference 
before  spoken  of,  (11,)  or  else  Moses  returned  to  the  taber- 
nacle, and  thus  pleaded  and  prevailed  for  his  people. — The 
Lord  had  promised  to  send  an  angel  with  him,  to  put  Israel  in 
possession  of  Canaan  ; but  his  refusal  to  accompany  them 
implied  that  this  would  be  merely  a created  angel,  the  minister 
of  his  providence.  (Notes,  1 — 3.)  Moses  therefore  pleaded, 
that  God  had  not  informed  him  whom  he  would  send  with 
him ; though  he  had  given  him  the  fullest  assurances  of  his 
special  grace  and  favour.  But  if  indeed  he  was  thus  distin- 
guished, as  one  known  by  God ; he  prayed  that  he  would 
“ show  him  his  way,"  the  method  according  to  which  he  pur- 
posed to  deal  wilh  Israel,  or  the  way  in  which  he  would  have 
his  people  walk  before  him  ; that  he  might  more  fully  know 
him,  and  continue  to  enjoy  his  special  favour.  Yet  even  this 
was  not  all  he  desired;  for  he  earnestly  requested  I ho  Lord 
to  consider,  that  Israel  was  his  people  whom  he  had  chosen, 
and  who  alone  of  all  nations  worshipped  him.  He  could  not 
endure  to  have  his  interests  separated  from  those  of  his  bre- 
thren : and  this  emphatically  implied  a request,  that  the  Lord, 
though  offended,  would  vouchsafe  his  special  presence  with 
his  people,  and  set  up  his  tabernacle  among  them,  over  which 
the  cloudy  pillar  might  rest,  and  in  which  his  glory  might 
appear  above  the  mercy-seat.  This  plea,  resulting  from  dis- 
interested love  to  Israel,  united  with  zeal  for  the  honour  of 
God,  prevailed  : and  the  Lord  assured  Moses,  that  his  gra- 
cious presence  should  accompany  him,  in  leading  Israel  to 
Canaan,  the  promised  rest.  But  he,  desiring  still  more  par- 
ticular and  explicit  assurances,  entreated  (hat  they  might 
proceed  no  further  without  that  presence,  and  tho  religious 
advantages  which  it  implied  : as  these  only  could  fully  prove, 
that  the  Lord  specially  favoured  him  and  his  people  ; and 
thus  alone  they  would  he  distinguished  and  kept  separate 
from  all  other  nations  on  earth. 

V.  17.  The  Lord  at  length,  well  pleased  with  Mjsos’s 
importunity,  fully  grnntcd  his  requests  ; and  for  his  sake, 
(who  was  in  this  transaction  a remarkable  type  of  Christ,) 
the  breach  was  made  up.  Accordingly,  in  the  following 
chapters  we  read  that  the  tabernacle  erected,  and  tho 
ordinances  appointed,  by  which  Israe  oas  reptrated  fron 


It.  c.  1491. 

18  And  he  said,  1 beseech  thee,  ‘show  me  thy 

glory. 

19  And  he  said,  I will  make  ’all  my  goodness 
pass  before  thee,  and  I will  ‘proclaim  the  name  of 
the  Lord  before  thee  ; and  will  ube  gracious  to 
whom  I will  be  gracious,  and  will  show  mercy  on 
whom  I will  show  mercy. 

20  And  he  said,  xThou  canst  not  see  my  face  : 
tor  there  shall  no  man  see  me,  and  live. 

21  And  the  Lord  said,  Behold,  there  is  a place 
by  me,  and  thou  shalt  stand  upon  a rock. 

22  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  while  my  glory 
passeth  by,  that  I will  put  thee  yin  a cleft  of  the 

r 20.  Ps. 4:6.  John  1:18.  2 Cor.  3:18.  4:6.  lTim.6:16.  Tit. 2:13.  Rev. 21:23. 

• Neh.  9:25.  Ps.  23:13.  marg.65:4.  Jer.  31:12,14.  Zech.  9:17.  Rom.  2:4.  Ejjh. 
1:6—3.  t S,e  on  3:13— 15.  34:5—  7.  Is.  7:14.  9:6.  12:4.  marg.  u Rom.  9:15— 
18,23.  x 24:10.  Gen.  32:30.  Deul.  6:24.  Judg.  6:22.  Is.  6:5.  John  1:18.  Rev. 

other  nations : and  though  Moses  never  entered  the  rest  of 
Canaan,  lie  found  rest  to  his  soul  in  the  ways  of  the  Lord, 
and  in  the  comfort  of  his  presence ; and  entrance  into  “ the 
rest  .which  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God.” 

V.  18,  19.  Encouraged  by  the  condescending  mercy  of 
God,  Moses  ventured  to  request  that  he  would  “ show  him 
his  glory,”  as  a pledge  of  his  special  favour,  and  an  earnest  of 
the  accomplishment  of  his  promises. — He  seems  to  have 
meant  something  distinct  from  the  external  displays  which  he 
had  witnessed,  and  of  a more  spiritual  nature.  Accordingly, 
the  Lord  promised  to  “ cause  all  his  goodness  to  pass  before 
him  ;”  that  he  might  have  a clear  discovery  of  his  holy  per- 
fections, which,  though  transient  in  itself,  would  leave  a perma- 
nent impression  on  his  mind. — The  goodness  of  God  may 
cither  mean,  in  general,  the  holy  excellence  of  his  nature, 
which  is  altogether  lovely ; or  his  kindness  to  sinful  men,  in 
all  its  varied  exercises  : but  especially  his  unfathomable  love 
and  mercy,  as  manifested,  in  harmony  with  infinite  justice 
and  holiness,  in  the  salvation  of  Christ : for  this  is  the  grandest 
display  which  we  are  capable  of  beholding,  and  to  us  by  far 
the  most  interesting.  (1  John  4:8 — 10.) — At  the  same  time, 
the  Lord  promised  to  proclaim  his  name  before  Moses  ; and 
an  account  of  this  transaction  is  recorded  in  the  next  chapter. 
He  also  added,  “ And  I will  be  gracious  to  whom  I will  be 
gracious,  and  I will  show  mercy  on  whom  I will  show  mercy.” 
As  if  he  had  said,  ‘ I will  pardon  what  sinners  I please;  nor  shall 
any  degree  of  guilt  bar  this  sovereign  exercise  of  my  mercy.’ 
(Note,  Rom.  9:15 — 18.)  Thus,  while  some,  whose  crimes  ap- 
pear to  us  of  inferior  malignity,  are  left  to  hardness  of  heart, 
and  suffer  the  deserved  punishment  of  their  evil  deeds;  in  other  in- 
stances,“where  sin  hath  abounded,  grace  much  more  abounds.” 
V.  20 — 23.  “ No  man  hath  seen  God  at  any  time,”  for  he 
“ dwelleth  in  the  light  which  no  man  can  approach  unto ;”  so 
that  “ no  man  hath  seen  him,  or  can  see  him.”  It  is  there- 
fore evident,  that  all  the  appearances  of  God,  spoken  of  in 
Scripture,  were  far  ditferent  from  a visible  display  of  his  es- 
sence, or  essential  glory,  which  in  its  own  nature  is  invisible: 
and  this  applies  equally  to  the  familiar  appearances  with 
which  the  patriarchs  were  favoured  ; the  more  awful  and  glo- 
rious manifestations  which  were  made  to  the  prophets  in 
vision ; the  Shechinuh,  or  visible  glory  which  appeared  above 
the  mercy-seat : and  the  manifestations  vouchsafed  to  Moses, 
when  “ the  Lord  spake  to  him  face  to  face,  as  a man  speak- 
eth  to  his  friend.”  And  not  only  must  the  divine  essence 
always  continue  invisible  to  our  bodily  eyes ; but  even  the 
full  discovery  of  the  divine  glory  to  our  souls,  or  such  an  ex- 
ternal splendour  as  might  be  rendered  visible,  would  over- 
whelm and  dissolve  the  feeble  frame  of  man  in  his  present 
state.  In  this  sense,  it  seems  to  have  been,  that  the  Lord 
said  to  Moses,  “ Thou  canst  not  see  my  face : for  there  shall 
no  man  see  me,  and  live.”  Yet,  as  far  as  mortal  man  could 
endure  the  sight,  Moses  should  have  his  request  granted.  In 
some  place,  near  the  spot  where  he  was  communing  with 
God,  he  should  stand  upon  a rock:  (perhaps  the  rock  in 
Horeb,  whence  the  waters  miraculously  flowed;)  and  while 
the  I.ord  passed  by,  in  some  most  august  display  of  his  glory, 
he  would  put  him  in  a cleft  of  the  rock,  and  “ cover  him  with 
his  hand,”  or  shelter  him  by  his  power,  or  perhaps  veil  the 
glory  by  a cloud.  But  when  the  overwhelming  splendour  was 
past,  he  would  remove  his  hand,  that  Moses  might  behold  his 
glory  ; as  if  a man  should  see,  not  the  countenance,  but  the 
back  of  some  august  personage  who  passed  by  him. — It  is 
not  agreed  what  external  appearance  attended  this  display  ; but 
there  is  no  sufficient  reason  to  conclude  that  it  was  in  human 
form,  as  the  words,  face,  hands,  and  back-parts,  seem  to  be 
used  figuratively.  The  transaction,  however,  was  doubtless 
emblematic.  We  can,  in  this  world,  see  the  glory  of  God, 
mly  as  reflected  from  his  works,  or  as  revealed  in  his  word : 
lor  the  more  direct  display  of  his  essential  glory  to  the  soul 
is  reserved  for  the  beatific  vision.— The  rock  on  which 
Moses  stood,  and  in  the  cleft  of  which  he  was  sheltered,  was 
doubtless  an  emblem  of  Christ ; in  whose  person,  character, 
and  salvation  alone,  we  sinners  may  by  faith  see  the  glory  of 
God  and  live  : for  there  it  appears  in  softened  splendour  ; as 
the  sun,  when  his  brightness  is  diminished  by  a mist,  is  be- 
held more  distinctly  by  the  human  eye. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 11.  While  multitudes  of  professed  Christians  perish 


B.  C.  1491. 

rock  : and  will  ‘cover  thee  with  my  hand  while  I 
pass  by. 

23  And  I will  take  away  mine  hand,  and  “thou 
shalt  see  my  back-parts  : but  my  face  shall  not  be 
seen. 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

Moses  is  commanded  to  hew  two  tables  of  stone,  and  to  ascend  mount  Sinai 
alone , 1 — 4.  The  Lord  proclaims  his  name , and  Moses  worships,  5 — 9.  The 
Lord  renews  his  covenant  with  Israel,  and  repeats  marry  laws  before  gi.  ent 
10 — 27.  Moses,  after  forty  days'  fasting,  retu  ns  with  the  tables  of  lh°,  law  .* 
his  face  shines,  and.  he  covers  it  with  a veil,  28 — 35. 

AND  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  aHew  thee 
two  tables  of  stone  like  unto  the  fifst  : 
and  bI  will  write  upon  these  tables  cthe  words 


1:16,17.  y Pe.  18:2.  Cant.  2.3.  Is.  32:2.  1 Cor.  10:4.  2 Cor.  5:19.  z Deu  .33: 
12.  Ps.  91:1,4.  a Job  11:7.26:14.  1 Cor.  13:12.  1 Tim  6:16.  a See  on  31  :l&. 
32:16.  Deut.  10:1.  b 28.  Deut.  10:2 — 4.  c Ps.  119:89. 


in  sin,  God  knows  how  to  secure  the  honour  of  his  faithful- 
ness.— He  often  confers  outward  prosperity  in  anger  on 
wicked  men,  who  take  it  as  their  portion  and  look  no  further. 
But,  while  the  conscience  remains  tender,  prosperous  ungod- 
liness, and  the  removal  of  divine  ordinances,  will  be  dreaded 
as  the  heaviest  judgments. — Yet  obstinate  wickedness,  under 
the  means  of  grace,  ensures  the  severest  vengeance. — Every 
commandment  of  God  to  sinners  implies  some  degree  of  en- 
couragement; and  in  humble  obedience  they  should  wait  to 
see  what  the  Lord  will  do  with  them. — When  he  calls  to 
weeping  and  mourning,  those  enjoyments  and  ornaments, 
which  at  other  times  are  allowable,  will  be  laid  aside  and 
slighted  by  the  true  penitent : and  indeed  it  is  most  shameful, 
if  Christians  refuse  to  part  with  their  ornaments,  in  com- 
pliance with  the  demands  of  decency,  charity,  and  perhaps 
justice,  while  idolaters  give  up  theirs  for  the  sake  of  their 
worthless  idols! — Yet  alas!  external  expressions  of  humilia- 
tion do  not  always , or  indeed  generally,  prove  that  the  heart  is 
truly  humbled  before  God. — When  the  Lord  appears  about 
to  leave  a degenerate  church  or  people,  we  must  be  decided 
in  protesting  against  prevailing  iniquities,  in  withdrawing 
from  obstinate  offenders,  and  in  following  the  word  and  ordi- 
nances of  God,  whithersoever  they  go,  let  who  will  stay 
behind  : and  when  young  persons  love  his  courts,  it  promises 
a useful  and  honourable  old  age.  (Note,Ps.  92:13 — 15.) 

V.  12 — 23.  The  Lord  will  show  such  tokens  of  his  favour 
to  his  approved  servants,  as  shall  be  evident  to  all  their  op- 
posers  ; and  in  communion  with  himself  will  make  them  rich 
amends  for  all  their  troubles. — Whatever  interest  we  have  at 
a throne  of  grace,  we  should  improve  it  in  behalf  of  others ; 
remembering  that  our  God  delights  in  and  honours  importu- 
nity : and  we  should  take  encouragement  from  success,  to 
request  still  more  and  more. — If  we  have  any  useful  know- 
ledge of  him,  it  arises  from  our  having  been  first  noticed  by 
him  with  distinguished  regard  : and  it  will  lead  us  to  desire  to 
know  more  of  him,  of  his  ways,  and  of  his  special  grace,  day 
by  day.  We  shall  therefore  in  every  undertaking,  and  in  all 
our  removals,  urgently  desire  to  tie  under  his  guidance  : ear- 
nestly pray,  “ that  unless  his  presence  go  with  us  he  wiil  not 
carry  us  up  thence  ;”  and  he  careful  that  covetousness  or 
conveniency  do  not  draw  us  from  our  proper  place,  or  to  a 
distance  from  his  ordinances.  Nor  should  we  forget,  that  as 
the  Lord’s  people  are  distinguished  and  separated  by  peculiar 
privileges  from  others;  so  they  are  called  to  separate  them- 
selves, that  they  may  “ be  unto  him  a peculiar  people  zealous 
of  good  works ;”  which  is  both  the  effect  of  divine  teaching, 
the  evidence  of  divine  grace,  the  present  rest  of  the  soul,  and 
the  earnest  of  everlasting  rest. — They,  who  have  been 
favoured  with  a glimpse  of  the  Lord’s  glory  and  a taste  of  his 
goodness,  will  ardently  desire  more  full  discoveries  and  com- 
munications ; and,  as  here  “ they  see  through  a glass  darkly,” 
they  will  by  that  desire  be  gradually  rendered  willing  to  de- 
part hence,  that  they  may  “ see  him  face  to  face.”  In  the 
mean  time  they  will  thankfully,  as  sheltered  in  Ihe  rock  of 
salvation  from  the  consuming  fire  of  his  holiness  and  justice, 
contemplate  his  footsteps  and  the  discoveries  made  of  his 
glorious  perfections  in  all  his  works,  but  especially  in  the 
work  of  redemption  : and  these  views  are  peculiarly  suited 
to  humble  them ; to  wean  them  from  the  world,  and  to  eclipse 
all  its  vain  splendour  ; and  gradually  to  transform  them  into 
the  image  of  him,  whom  they  thus  contemplate  by  faith, 
through  the  teaching  of  his  Holy  Spirit.  <Note,  2 Cor.  3.17, 
18.)  If  then  he  causes  all  his  goodness  to  pass  before  us, 
and  makes  us  acquainted  with  bis  Name,  as  a God  of  grace 
and  mercy  ; while  we  acknowledge  our  obligations  to  our 
heavenly  Advocate,  who  by  his  prevailing  intercession  hath 
completely  repaired  the  breach  which  sin  hath  made  ; we 
may  well  be  willing  to  wait  for  further  discoveries,  till  we 
depart  hence  to  be  vvith  him. — Finally,  let  not  sinners  forget 
that  “ he,  who  is  gracious  to  whom  he  will  he  gracious,  and 
hath  mercy  on^vhom  he  will  have  mercy,”  halh  also  assured 
us,  that  “ him,  who  cometh  unto  him,  he  will  in  nowise  cast 
out.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXIV.  V.  1.  (32:15,1(5.)  Tore- 
mind  the  people  of  the  sin,  through  which  the  former  tables 
had  been  broken,  the  Lord  would  not  prepare  these  himself, 
but  Moses  was  ordered  to  hew  them,  or  prepare  them,  for 
the  writing ; which  it  seems  was  not  a work  of  very  great 

( 191  ) 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 


B.  C.  J 19! 


EXODUS. 


B.  C.  149 


that  were  in  the  first  tables,  dwhich  thou  brak- 
est.. 

2 And  be  ready  in  the  morning-,  and  come  up 
in  the  morning  unto  mount  Sinai,  and  present 
thyself  there  to  me  ein  the  top  of  the  mount. 

3 And  no  man  shall  f come  up  with  thee,  neither 
let  any  man  be  seen  throughout  all  the  mount : 
neither  let  the  flocks  nor  herds  feed  before  that 
mount. 

4 And  he  hewed  two  tables  of  stone  like  unto 
the  first ; and  Moses  rose  up  early  in  the  morning, 
anckwent  up  unto  mount  Sinai,  as  the  Lord  had 
commanded  him,  and  took  in  his  hand  the  two 
tables  of  stone. 

5 And  the  Lord  ^descended  in  the  cloud,  and 
stood  with  him  there,  and  proclaimed  hthe  name 
of  the  Lord. 


d 32:19.  Dent.  9:15—17.  e 19:20,24  . 24:12.  Deul.  9:25.  f 19:12,13,21.  Lev.  16: 
17.  1 Tim.  2:5.  Heb.  12:20.  e 19:18.  33:9.  Num.  11:17,25.  1 Kings  8:10—12.  Luke 
9:34,35.  h 33.19.  Pent.  32:3.  Ps.  102:21.  Prov.  18:10.  Is.  50:10.  i 33:20— 23. 

1 Kings  19:11.  k Num.  14:17— 19.  Is.  12:4.  13:13—16.  m Ileut.  5:10.  2 Chr. 
80:9.  Neh.  9:17.  Ps.  86:5,15.  103:8-13. 111:4.  112:4.  116:5.  145:8.  Joel  2:13. 
Jon.  4:2.  Rom.  2:4.  n Ps.  31:19.  Mic.  7:18.  Rom.  5:20,21.  Eph.  1:7,8.  o Ps. 
57:10.  91:4.  108:4.  111:8.  138:2.  146:6.  I,am.  3:23.  Mic.  7:20.  John  1:17.  p 20: 
6.  Dent.  5:10.  Neh.  1:5.  9:32.  Jer.  32:18.  Dan.  9:4.  q Ps.  103:3.  130.4.  Dan. 

labour  or  exactness,  for  it  was  speedily  performed. — When 
God  made  man  in  his  own  image,  the  moral  law  was  written 
in  his  heart  without  any  external  created  concurrence : but 
since  the  covenant  then  made  with  him  was  broken,  the 
ministry  of  men  has  been  used,  both  in  giving  the  Scriptures, 
and  in  bringing  sinners  to  believe  and  obey  them.  Yet  the 
whole  writing  is  the  Lord’s  : all  Scripture  was  given  by  in- 
spiration from  him ; and  he  alone  can  write  the  law  in  the 
heart,  so  as  to  produce  true  conviction  of  sin,  penitent  faith 
in  Christ,  and  willing  and  unreserved  obedience. 

V.  2,  3.  The  people  were  tried  forty  days  more,  whether 
they  would  wait  for  the  return  of  Moses,  though  they  “ knew 
not  what  was  become  of  him:”  and  the  injunctions  given  on 
a former  occasion,  being  now  rendered  still  more  strict,  would 
tend  also  to  impress  them  with  an  awful  sense  of  the  divine 
holiness,  their  own  exceeding  unworthiness,  and  the  Lord’s 
special  regard  for  Moses.  ( Marg . Ref.)  4 

V.  4.  It  does  not  appear  whether  any  persons  were  left 
in  authority  at  this  time,  or  not.  Aaron  had  greatly  offended, 
and  Hur  is  no  more  mentioned  in  the  history.  (24:14.) 

V.  5 — 7.  According  to  the  promise  made  in  the  preceding 
chapter,  the  Lord  met  Moses  in  a cloud  on  the  mount,  and 
thence  proclaimed  his  Name,  or  concerning  his  Name: 
that  is,  those  perfections,  and  that  character,  which  are  de- 
noted by  the  name  Jehovah.  This  was  proclaimed  in  an 
audible  voice,  that  Moses,  and  from  him  Israel,  and  all  the 
earth,  might  know  the  God  with  whom  they  had  to  do : not 
only  that  there  was  a God,  but  what  his  moral  perfections 
were  ; and  consequently  what  he  must  require  of  them,  and 
what  they  might  expect  from  him.  When  the  Lord  made 
himself  known  to  Moses  by  the  name  I am  that  I am,  he 
declared  unto  him  (as  in  this  passage,  by  the  words  “the 
Lord,  the  Lord  God”)  his  self-existence,  unchangeableness, 
eternity,  omnipotence,  omniscience,  and  omnipresence  ; with 
his  authority,  as  everlasting,  absolute,  and  universal  Sove- 
reign, Lawgiver,  and  Judge  ; who,  having  created  the  whole 
world,  and  still  upholding  and  providing  for  it,  demands  all 
love,  worship,  and  obedience  from  his  rational  creatures.  But 
here  especially  are  made  known  the  moral  perfections  of 
this  eternal  God : for  he  first,  in  a variety  of  expressions, 
declared  his  mercy  and  grace,  with  which  sinners  are  espe- 
cially concerned ; that  they  may  both  be  certified  there  is 
hope,  and  know  from  whence  that  hope  arises.  “ The  Lord 
God  is  merciful;"  that  is,  condescending  and  compassionate, 
as  a father  to  his  children ; ready  to  relieve  the  indigent,  and 
to  rescue  tile  miserable  : gracious,  or  propense  to  bestow  un- 
merited benefits,  nay,  to  be  kind  to  such  as  deserve  his  hot 
displeasure  . and  long-suffering,  or  slow  to  anger,  patiently 
bearing  the  multiplied  provocations  of  his  rebellious  creatures, 
affording  them  space  for  repentance,  and  not  delighting  in 
their  misery ; but  only  punishing  when  the  honour  of  his 
name  and  law,  and  the  welfare  of  his  universal  and  everlast- 
ing kingdom,  require  it.  He  is  also  “ abundant  in  goodness 
and  truth  that  is,  the  riches  of  his  liberality  and  bounty  are 
infinite ; the  whole  creation  is  replete  with  his  benefits ; all 
creatures,  even  sinners,  abundantly  receive  them,  though  they 
abuse  them  and  are  ungrateful  for  them  : and  all  that  he  re- 
veals is  infallible  truth ; all  that  he  proposes  is  in  absolute 
sincerity ; and  all  that  he  promises,  is  in  perfect  faithfulness ; 
while  he  hath  revealed,  proposed,  and  promised,  even  to  us 
sinners,  such  abundant  goodness,  as  can  neither  be  expressed 
nor  conceived. — “ Keeping  mercy  for  thousands that  is,  con- 
tinually showing  mercy  in  all  its  various  exercises,  to  thou- 
sands of  sinners,  and  having  still  inexhaustible  treasures  for 
thousands  more,  yea,  for  increasing  numbers  till  the  end  of 
time  ; doing  all  good  to  those  who  trust  in  his  mercy  at  “re- 
sent, and  reserving  good  for  them  in  future,  even  to  eternity: 
and  not  for  them  only,  but  for  their  “ children’s  children 
“for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever.” — “Forgiving  iniquity  and 
transgression  and  sin  because  all  his  mercy  and  goodness 

( 192  ) 


6 And  the  Lord  'passed  by  before  him,  and 
kproclaimed,  'The  Lord,  the  Lord  God,  mmercif'ul 
and  gracious,  long-suffering,  and  "abundant  in 
goodness  and  “truth, 

7 pKeeping  mercy  for  thousands,  ^forgiving  ini- 
quity and  transgression  and  sin,  and  that  rwm  by 
no  means  clear  the  guilty  ; “visiting  the  iniquity 
of  the  fathers  upon  the  children,  and  upon  the 
children’s  children,  unto  the  third  and  to  the  fourth 
generation. 

8 And  Moses  made  haste,  and  ‘bowed  his  head 
toward  the  earth,  and  worshipped. 

9 And  he  said,  xIf  now  I have  found  grace  in 
thy  sight,  O Lord, /let  my  Lord,  I pray  thee,  go 
among  us  ; (for  it  is  za  stiff-necked  people  ;)  and 
“pardon  our  iniquity  and  our  sin,  and  Take  us  for 

thine  inheritance.  [ Practical  Observations .] 

9:9.  Matt.  6:14,15.  12:31.  18:32 — 35.  L-ike  7:42,48.  Acts  5:31.  13:38.  Rom.  4:1 
8.  Eph.  1:7.  4:32.  1 John  1:9.  r 22.7,21  Num.  14:18— 23.  Deut.  32:35.  Josh 
24:19.  Job  10:14.  Ps.  9:16,17.  11:5,6.  58:10,11.  136:10,15.  Is.  45:21.  Mic.  6:11 
Nah.  1:2, 3, 6.  Rom.  2:4—9.3:19—26.  9:22,23.  Heb.  12:29.  Rev.  20:15.  21  :L 
s See  on  20:5.  t 4:31.  Gen.  17:3.  2 Chr.  20:18.  x 33:13,17.  y See  on  3L 
14—16.  Matt.  28:20.  z See  on  32:9.  33:3,5.  Is.  48:4.  a Num.  14:19. 
25:11.  b 19:5.  Deut.  32:9.  Ps.  28:9.  33:12.  78:62  . 94:14.135:4.  Jer.  10:1^. 
Zech.  2:12. 


either  make  way  for  the  full,  free,  and  everlasting  forgiven***! 
of  every  kind  and  degree  of  sin  which  can  be  specified ; c? 
they  consist  in  it,  or  result  from  it. — “And  that  will  by  no 
means  clear  the  guilty all  this  mercy  and  grace  consist  with 
the  most  entire  hatred  of  all  moral  evil,  and  the  most  abso- 
lute determination  to  punish  it : indeed,  the  holiness  and 
justice  of  God  are  a part  of  his  goodness  and  love,  considered 
in  their  exercise  towards  all  his  rational  creatures,  throughout 
universal  space  and  everlasting  duration.  For  mercy  and 
forgiveness  are  never  exercised  by  our  holy  and  righteous  God, 
but  through  the  atonement  of  the  death  of  Christ,  and  to 
those  who  believe  in  his  name : and  in  the  sufferings  which 
he  endured,  the  holiness  and  justice  of  God  have  their  grand 
display,  and  the  evil  of  sin  is  most  fully  manifested.  None 
are  pardoned  but  those  who  repent , and  forsake  the  allowed 
practice  of  every  sin  ; forgiving  mercy  being  always  attended 
by  converting  and  sanctifying  grace.  Nay,  even  they,  for 
whose  sins  the  blood  of  Christ  hath  fully  atoned,  are  severely 
chastised  in  this  world  for  those  failures,  into  which,  through 
the  remaining  sinfulness  of  the  heart  and  the  power  of  tempta- 
tion, they  are  betrayed.  But  that  sinner,  who  remains  guilty , 
having  not,  by  repentance  and  faith,  obtained  an  interest  in 
the  great  Sacrifice  for  sin,  shall  by  no  means  be  acquitted  or 
escape : nor  any  who  pervert,  neglect,  or  despise  so  great 
salvation,  in  impenitence  and  unbelief.  The  severest  ven- 
geance of  God  shall  fall  upon  the  heads  of  such  persons  ; the 
very  mercy  which  they  have  perverted  into  an  encouragement 
to  sin,  shall  occasion  their  deeper  condemnation ; and  if  Israel, 
or  any  other  nation,  dare  to  abuse  such  a proclamation  of  the 
name  of  a merciful  God,  national  judgments  on  them  and 
their  posterity  shall  vindicate  the  honour  of  his  insulted  jus- 
tice. (Notes,  20:5.  Num.  14:13 — 19.  Nah.  1:2 — 6.) — As 
the  word  guilty  is  not  in  the  original,  many  commentators  in- 
terpret the  words  to  mean,  ‘that,  in  executing  judgments,  the 
Lord  will  not  proceed  to  extremities  with  his  people.’  But 
the  words  literally  signify,  clearing  he  will  not  clear : and  in 
such  a solemn  proclamation  of  the  Name  of  Jehovah,  it 
would  be  wonderful,  if  no  intimation  should  be  given  of  holi- 
ness and  justice ; which  are  as  essential  to  the  perfection  of 
his  character,  and  the  honour  of  his  government,  as  even  his 
grace  and  truth.  Yet  if  this  interpretation  be  adopted,  these 
attributes  are  not  so  much  as  hinted  at. — The  marginal  re- 
ferences will  show  the  careful  student,  that  the  exposition 
above  given  accords  to  the  general  tenor  of  Scripture : and 
every  one,  who  knows  the  plan  of  Christianity,  must  see  the 
importance  of  the  views  thus  set  before  us,  to  the  right 
knowledge  of  God,  our  Lawgiver  and  Saviour.  There  should 
then  be  very  cogent  arguments  adduced,  before  we  consent 
to  give  up  the  instruction  conveyed  by  our  translation  ; which 
indeed  seems  clearly  to  express  the  genuine  meaning  of  the 
original. 

Will  by  no  means  clear  the  guilty.  (7)  np^  nS  np3.  Kat  ov 
KaSaptet  rov  evoxov.  Sept.  The  same  words,  ( Num.  14:18.) 
are  rendered  KaSaptayw  ov  KaSapiei  rov  evoxoiu  But  the  same 
expression,  (Nah.  1:3.)  is  rendered  A Smov  ovk  aSiowoct,  Will 
not  absolve  the  innocent ; which  gives  no  clear  meaning.  ‘ The 
doctors  explain  it,  He  cleanses  those  that  repent ; but  those 
who  are  unwilling  to  repent,  he  does  not  cleanse.  . . . Who  so 
remits  sins,  that  he  may  sanctify  himself,  and  prove  himself 
just.’  In  Robertson. 

V.  8,  9.  This  proclamation  of  the  name  of  God  had  its 
proper  effect  upon  Moses,  who,  immediately  bowing  down  in 
reverential  worship,  seized,  as  it  were,  the  encouraging  words 
from  the  mouth  of  the  Lord,  and  pleaded  his  mercy,  as  an 
argument  with  him  to  forgive  Israel,  to  continue  his  special 
presence  with  them,  and  to  tako  them  for  his  inheritance, 
“ though  a stiff-necked  people.”  Or,  if  wc  retain  our  trans- 
lation, he  makes  even  that  circumstanco  an  additional  rea- 
son; as  they,  being  a stiff-necked  people,  needed  the  conduct 
of  such  a merciful  and  gracious  God ; they  could  no  otherwise 


ft  C.  1491. 


B.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 


10  And  he  said,  Behold,  eI  make  a covenant; 
before  all  thy  people  llI  will  do  marvels,  such  as 
have  not  been  done  in  all  the  earth,  nor  in  any 
nation ; and  all  the  people,  amongst  which  thou 
art,  shall  see  the  work  of  the  Lord  : for  it  is  ea 
terrible  thing  that  I will  do  with  thee. 

11  H 'Observe  thou  that  which  I command  thee 
this  day  : Behold,  si  drive  out  before  thee  the 
Amorite,  and  the  Canaanite,  and  the  Hittite,  and 
the  Perizzite,  and  the  Hivite,  and  the  Jebusite. 

12  ''Take  heed  to  thyself,  lest  thou  make  a 
covenant  with  the  inhabitants  of  the  land,  whither 
thou  goest,  'lest,  it  be  for  a snare  in  the  midst  of 
thee* 

13  But  >‘ye  shall  destroy  their  altars,  break  their 
‘images,  and  cut  down  their  groves. 

14  For  thou  shalt  ‘worship  no  other  god:  for 
the  Lord,  "whose  name  is  Jealous,  is  a "jealous 
God: 

15  Lest  thou  "make  a covenant  with  the  inhabit- 
ants of  the  land,  and  they  go  a '’whoring  after 
their  gods,  and  do  sacrifice  unto  their  gods,  and 
one  ''call  thee,  and  thou  reat  of  his  sacrifice  ; 

16  And  sthou  take  of  their  daughters  unto  thy 
sons,  and  their  daughters  go  a whoring  after  their 
gods,  and  make  thy  sons  go  a whoring  after  their 
gods. 

17  Thou  shalt  make  to  thee  lno  molten  gods. 

18  H The  "feast  of  unleavened  bread  shalt 
thou  keep.  Seven  days  thou  shalt  eat  unleavened 
bread,  as  I commanded  thee,  in  the  time  of  the 
month  Abib:  for  in  the  month  Abib  thou  earnest 
out  from  Egypt. 

c 21:7,8.  Dent.  4:13.  5.2.  29:12 — 14.  Josh.  24:25.  d Dent.  4:32— 3-5.  32:30. 
Josh.  6:20.  10:12,13.  3 Sam.  7:23.  Ps.  77:14.  e Deut.  10:21.  Ps.  65:5.  66:3,5. 
6305.  73:1-2.  105:22.  1-15:6.  Is.  61:3.  Jer.  32:21.  f Deut.  4:1,2,40.  5:32. 
6:3,25.  12:2s' .32.  28:1.  Matt.  28:20.  John  14:21.  g See  on  3:8,17.33:2. 
Gen.  15:13— 21.  1:23:32.33.  Pent.  7:2.  Jiidg.  2:2.  i Dent.  7:16.  Jude.  3:3. 
8:27.  Ps.  106:36.  k 23.21.  Dent.  7:25,25.  12:2,3.  Jndg.  6:26.  2 Kings  18:4. 23: 
11.  2 Chr.  31:1.  31:3,4.  • Hob.  statues.  120:3—5.  Dent.  5:7.  Mntt.4:10. 

0)  5— 7.33-19.  Is.  9:6.  67:16.  n 20:5.  Deut.  4:24.  6:15.  29:20.  32:16,21.  Josh. 
24:19.  Nal:.  1:2.  1 Cor.  10:22.  n 10,12.  23:32.  Pent.  7:2.  [)  Lev.  17:7.  20:5, 

I.  Num. 15:39.  l ent.  31:16.  Jndg.  2:17.  Ps.  73:27.  Ez.  6:9.  Hos.  4:12.  9:1 . 
R-v.  17:1—5.  q Num.  25:2.  1 l or.  10:27.  r Ps.  106:23.  1 Cor.  8:4,7,10. 10:20, 

II.  Rev.  2:20.  s Pern.  7:  :,4.  1 Kings  11:2—4.  Ezra  9:2.  Neh.  13:23.  2 Cor.  6: 
14—17.  t 32:8.  I.ev.  19:4.  Is.  46:6,7.  Jer.  10:14.  Acts  17:29. 19:26.  u 12:15 — 

be  done  any  good  to,  and  would  afford  him  full  opportunity  of 
glorifying  his  mercy  and  grace. 

V.  10.  The  prayer  of  Moses  being  granted,  the  Lord 
again  promised  to  make  a covenant  with  Israel,  that  is,  to 
renew  the  covenant  which  had  been  broken : and  he  assured 
Moses,  that  in  fullilling  this  covenant,  he  would  do  such  won- 
ders as  had  not  been  done  on  earth.  The  word  signifies 
created,  (iNhtn) : and  the  astonishing  miracles,  by  which  Israel 
was  brought  into  Canaan,  and  made  triumphant  over  every 
foe,  and  which  seemed  to  reverse  in  many  things  the  settled 
order  of  creation , were  especially  meant.  Yet  the  effects  of 
Jehovah’s  power  in  the  midst  of  the  people  were  as  terrible 
to  them  when  disobedient,  as  at  other  times  to  their  enemies. 

V.  11 — 17.  The  covenant  made  with  Israel  was  a mar- 
riage-covenant ; idolatry  was  considered  as  adultery, land  the 
name  of  God  is  Jealous,  so  that  every  approach  to  that  sin 
would  provoke  him  to  jealousy.  (Notes,  5 — 7.20:5.)  They 
were  commanded  therefore  to  destroy  every  monument  of 
idola’ry,  however  curious  and  costly  ; to  reject  all  treaties  of 
alliance,  friendship,  or  marriage  with  idolaters,  however  ad- 
vantageous ; to  refuse  all  invitations  to  idolatrous  feasts, 
(Marg.  Ref.  r ;)  and  especially  not  to  repeat  their  old  crime 
of  making  a molten  image  of  God.  The  repetition  of  these 
laws,  with  enlargement,  and  additional  cautions  and  warnings, 
was  peculiarly  suitable  and  seasonable  at  the  renewing  of 
the  covenant,  after  the  late  shameful  violation  of  it.  (Notes, 
23:20 — 23,32,33.) — The  same  observation  is  also  applicable 
to  many  of  the  subsequent  laws,  which  had  before  been  given, 
but  were  on  this  occasion  enforced  with  greater  energy  and 
authority. — (Marg.  Ref.) 

Whose  name  is  Jealous.  (14)  The  idols  of  the  nations 
were  not  characterized  as  jealous ; at  least  in  any  great  de- 
gree. They  were  not  supposed  to  be  offended,  by  their 
worshippers  paying  occasional,  or  even  stated  worship  to 
Aher  deities,  provided  the  number  and  value  of  the  sacrifices 
offered  to  them  were  not  diminished.  Hence  arose  what  has 
been  called  an  intercommunity  of  the  worshippers  of  different 
idols  with  each  other  ; who  scrupled  not  to  worship  the  gods 
of  other  nations,  especially  when  among  them.  But  this, 
Jehovah,  the  one  living  and  true  God,  would  not  endure. 
Hence  conscientious  Israelites  were  universally  counted  bi- 
gots. 

V.  18.  Marg.  Ref.  u.  Notes,  12:15—20.  13:3—7. 

V.  10,  20.  Marg.  Ref.  v— z.  ATotes,  13:2,11—16. 

Every  firstling  among  thy  cattle...  that  is  male.  (19) 
-i!32  -otn  -pptrSa.  Most  lexicographers  suppose  the  mean- 
ing of  the  Nipli.  of  -or  (which  occurs  only  in  this  place)  to 
be  taken  from  the  noun  "Ot  a male ; and  the  sentence  is  ren- 
Vol.  I.— 25 


19  x\ll  that  Topeneth  the  matrix  is  mine,  and 
every  firstling  among  thy  cattle,  whether  ox  or 
sheep,  that  is  male. 

20  But  xthe  firstling  of  an  ass  thou  shalt  redeem 
with  a ‘lamb  : and  if  tiion  redeem  him  not,  then 
slujt  thou  break  bis  neck.  All  Uhe  first-born  of 
thy  sons  thou  shalt  redeem  : and  "none  shall  appear 
betbre  me  empty. 

21  “Six  days  thou  shalt  work,  but  on  the  se- 
venth day  thou  shalt  rest:  in  bearing-time  and  in 
harvest  thou  shalt  rest. 

22  And  thou  shalt  observe  "the  feast  of  weeks, 
of  the  first-fruits  of  wheat-harvest,  and  the  feast 
of  ingathering  at  the  ^year’s  end. 

23  ‘‘Thrice  in  the  year  shall  all  your  men-chil- 
dren appear  before  the  Lord  God,  ethe  God  oi 
Israel. 

24  For  fI  will  cast  out  the  nations  before  thee, 
and  ^enlarge  thy  borders  : neither  shall  any  man 
hdesire  thy  land,  when  thou  shalt  go  up  to  appear 
before  the  Lord  thy  God,  thrice  in  the  year. 

25  Thou  shalt  not  offer  the  blood  of  my  sacrifice 
with  ‘leaven,  neither  shall  the  sacrifice  of  the  feast 
of  the  passover  ‘‘be  left  unto  the  morning. 

26  The  ‘first  of  the  first-fruits  of  thy  land  thou 
shalt  bring  unto  the  house  of  the  Lord  thy  God. 
Thou  shalt  not  "seeth  a kid  in  his  mother’s  milk. 

27  11  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  "Write 
thou  these  words:  for  after  the  tenor  of  these 
words  T have  made  a covenant  with  thee  and 
with  Israel. 

28  And  he  was  there  with  the  Lord  rforty  days 
and  forty  nights ; he  did  neither  eat  bread,  r... 


20. 13:4,6,7.23:15.  Lev.  23:6.  Deut.  16:1— 4.  Mark  14:1.  Luke22:l.  Acts  12: 
3.  v 13:2,12.  22:29.  Num.  18:15— 17.  Ez.  44:30.  Luke  2:23.  x 13:13.  fur, 
kid.  V 13:15.  Num.  3:45— 51.  z 23: 15.  Deul.  16:16.  1 Sam.  9:7,8.  2 Sam.  24: 
24.  a' 20:9— 11.23:12.  35:2.  Deul.  5:12— 15.  Luke  13:14.  23:56.  b Gen.  45:6. 
Deul.  21:4.  1 Sam.  8:12.  Is.  30.24.  e 23:16.  Num.  28:16— 31.29:12— 39.  Deul. 
16:10 — 15.'  John  7:2.  Acta  2:1.  1 Heb.  revolution  of  the  year,  cl  23:14,17. 

Deul.  16:16.  Ps.84:7.  e Gen.  32:23. 33:20.  1 23:27—30.33:2.  Lev.  18:24 

Deut.  7:1.  Ps.  78:55.  80:8.  g 23:31.  Deut.  12:20.  19:8.  1 Chr.  4:10.  h Gen 
35:5.  2 Chr.  17:10.  Prov.  16:7.  Acts  18:10.  i 12:20.  23:18.  Deut.  16:3.  1 Cor 
5:7,8.  k 12:10.  23:18.29:34.  Lev.  7:15.  Num.  9:12.  1 23:19.  Deut.  26:2,10 

Prov.  3:9,10.  Malt.  6:33.  1 Cor.  15:20.  Jam.  1:18.  m 23:19.  Deut.  14:21 
n 17:14.24:4,7.  Deut.  31:9.  o See  on  10.  p See  on  24:18.  Deut.  9:9,18,25 


dered  by  Buxtorf,  ‘Omne  pecus  tuum,  quod  masculum 
nascetur.’  But  mpD  is  masc.  and  "O'.n  is  either  3d  pers. 
fern,  or  2d  pers.  masc.  of  the  future.  They  cannot  therefore 
agree  together. — The  Chaldee  renders  it,  ‘ Omne  pecus  tuum 
masculum  sanctificabis.’  But  perhaps  the  verb  has  in  tliis 
place  also  its  usual  signification  of  remembering,  and  we  may 
translate  it  with  Cocceius,  * Q.uoad  omnem  pecudem  tuam, 
facies  te  in  recordatione  esse.’  Or,  taking  in  '1tflD,  1 As  to  all 
thy  cattle,  thou  shalt  be  mindful  of  the  opening,’  or  ‘ of  that 
which  openeth,’  viz.  Dm  the  womb ; as  the  phrase  is  com- 
pleted in  the  beginning  of  the  verse. — The  word  is  not 
rendered  at.  all  in  our  translation,  but  the  words  “ that  is 
male,”  put  in  italics  in  its  stead.—  Parkhurst,  by  rejecting  the 
points,  translates  if,  ‘From  all  thy  cattle  thou  shalt  moke  a 
memorial  with  the  firstling  of  the  ox  and  of  the  sheep.’ — See 
Heb.  Lex.  under  -ot,  § II.;  and  Robertson’s  Thes.  -ot  col.  4. 

V.  21.  Marg.  Ref.  a,  b.  Notes,  20:9 — 11.  35:2,3.  Gen. 
45:6. 

V.  22,  23.  Marg.  Ref.  c,  d.  Note,  23:14—13. 

The  Lord  God,  the  God  of  Israel.  (23)  'npN  nitr  hurt 
Vm-hp',  “ The  Lord,  Jehovah,  God  of  Israel.” 

V.  24.  Neither,  &c.j  This  remarkable  promise  would 
form,  while  the  people  continued  to  observe  the  solemn  feasts, 
a full  demonstration  of  the  divine  origin  of  their  religion  : and 
three  times  in  the  year  they  would  put  this  matter  to  a new 
proof.  No  instance  is  recorded,  through  the  whole  history, 
of  the  land  being  invaded  on  these  occasions,  though  scarcely 
any  but  women,  children,  and  old  men  were  left  behind ! No 
false  prophet  would  ever  have  inserted  such  an  engagement 
in  his  writings,  by  which  itis  own  imposture  would  always  be 
liable  to  detection. 

V.  25,  26.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  12:3—10,19,20.  23:19. 

V.  27.  Moses  wrote  in  a book  the  judicial  and  ceremonial 
precepts,  that  he  had  received : but  God  himself  wrote  the 
ten  commandments,  the  substance  of  the  moral  law,  on  the 
tables  of  stone.  (Note,  28.)  This  difference  strongly  marked 
the  permanency  and  perpetual  obligation  of  the  moral  law, 
and  the  inferior  importance  and  temporary  obligation  of  the 
ceremonial  institutions ; and  even  of  the  judicial  law,  except 
as  coincident  with  the  moral. — Thus  the  national  covenant 
was  renewed  on  the  same  terms  as  before. 

V.  28.  looses  was  miraculously  supported,  this  second 
time,  to  fast  forty  days  and  nights ; and  it  is  probable,  he  did 
not  sleep  at  all,  but  spent  much  of  his  time  in  prayer  an*d 
supplication  for  his  people. — “ He  wrote;”  that  is,  “the 
Lord.” — (Marg.  Ref.  q.  Note,  1.) 

V.  29 — 35.  As  the  light  of  the  sun  causes  even  opaque 
bodies,  on  wMch  it  shines,  to  appear  luminous ; so,  long  con 
( 193  ) 


E C.  1491 


EXODUS 


B.  C.  1491. 


drink  water:  and  "die  wrote  upon  the  tables  the 
wards  of  the  covenant,  the  ten  'commandments. 

29  "(I  And  it  came  to  pass  when  Moses  came 
down  from  mount  Sinai,  with  the  rtwo  tables  of 
testimony  in  Moses’s  hand,  when  he  came  down 
from  the  mount,  that  Moses  ’wist  not  that ‘the  Skin 
of  his  face  shone,  while  he  talked  with  him. 

30  And  when  Aaron  and  all  the  children  of  Is- 
rael saw  Moses,  behold  the  skin  of  his  face  shone, 
and  they  were  "afraid  to  come  nigh  him. 

31  And  Moses  ^called  unto  them,  and  Aaron 
and  all  the  rulers  of  the  congregation  returned 
unto  him : rand  Moses  talked  with  them. 

32  And  afterward  all  the  children  of  Israel 
came  nigh ; and  he  ’gave  them  in  commandment 
all  that  the  Lord  had  spoken  with  him  in  mount 
Sinai. 

33  And  till  Moses  had  done  speaking  with 
them,  he  put  aa  veil  on  his  face. 

q 1.31:18.  32:16.  Deut.  4:13.  10:2 — 4.  2Cor.  3:7.  ‘Heb. words.  r S.e  on  32:15. 
e 16:15.  Josh.  2.4.  8:14.  Judg.  16-20.  Mark  9:6.  14:40.  Luke  2:49.  John  5:13. 
Acts  12:9.  23:5.  t Matt.  17:2.  Luke  9:29.  Acts6:15.  2f  or.  3:7— 9.  Res. 1:16. 
10:1.  u Num.  12:8.  Mark  9:3,  15.  Luke  5:8.  x 3:16.  24:1— 3.  v Gen.  45:3,15. 
l 1 Kings  22:14.  Matt.  28:20.  1 Cor.  11:23. 15:3.  n Rom.  10:4.  2 Cor.  3:13— 18. 


templation  of  the  divine  glory  caused  an  irradiation  of  the 
soul  of  Moses,  which  was  miraculously  represented  to  the 
people,  by  this  external  brightness  of  his  countenance : but 
he  himself  was  not  conscious  of  it.  His  countenance  did  not 
shine  when  he  came  down  the  first  time  from  the  mount : but 
he  seems,  during  the  second  time,  to  have  had  far  more  clear 
discoveries  of  the  glorious  perfections  of  the  divine  character, 
even  of  the  goodness,  mercy,  righteousness,  holiness,  and  truth 
of  God,  than  before.  Thus  the  Lord  put  honour  upon  him 
before  the  people,  and  made  them  stand  in  awe  of  him ; so 
that  even  Aaron  did  not  venture  to  approach,  till  Moses 
called  him  and  the  princes  and  people  to  him.  Yet  even 
then,  the  splendour  of  his  face  was  too  much  for  them  to 
bear ; and  therefore  he  covered  it  with  a veil  when  he  spoke 
to  them,  but  took  it.  off  when  he  appeared  before  the  Lord,  to 
inquire  his  will  and  commune  with  him. — Some  think  that  this 
splendour  continued  as  long  as  Moses  lived ; and  others,  that 
it  ceased  when  the  law  had  been  fully  given,  and  the  worship 
at  the  tabernacle,  under  the  conduct  of  Aaron  and  his  sons, 
was  fully  established. — The  Latin  translation  of  the  Bible, 
called  the  Vulgate , which  is  exclusively  sanctioned  by  the 
church  of  Rome,  understands  the  word,  translated  shone , to 
mean  horned ; though  it  seems  only  to  refer  to  the  manner  in 
which  rays  of  light  are  reflected.  Yet,  on  this  slender  ground, 
painters  have  almost  universally  proceeded  in  drawing  Moses 
with  something  like  horns  on  his  head ! — The  veil  which  he 
used  marked  the  obscurity  of  this  dispensation,  compared 
with  that  of  the  New  Testament;  it.  was  also  an  emblem  of 
that  veil,  which  pride  and  carnal-mindedness  have  put  upon 
the  hearts  of  men  respecting  spiritual  things;  and  it  repre- 
sented the  veil,  that  was  and  is  upon  the  minds  of  such  mul- 
titudes of  the  nation  of  Israel,  respecting  the  true  meaning  of 
the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  Testament ; which  can  only  be 
taken  away  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  showing  to  them 
“ Christ,  as  the  End  of  the  law  for  righteousness  to  every  one 
that  believeth.”  ( Notes , 2 Cor.  3:12 — 18.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  The  giving  of  the  law  to  sinful  man,  was  an  indi- 
cation that  the  Lord  had  purposes  of  mercy  to  him;  and  the 
writing  of  it  in  our  hearts  is  the  only  sure  evidence  that  our 
sins  are  forgiven,  that  God  hath  taken  us  into  covenant  with 
himself,  and  that  we  are  become  his  people : so  that  he  who 
can  truly  say,  u I delight  in  the  law  of  God  after  the  inward 
man,”  notwithstanding  the  infirmities,  conflicts,  and  remaining 
sinfulness,  which  cause  him  to  u groan,  being  burdened,”  is 
certainly  a true  believer,  and  reconciled  to  God  by  Jesus 
Christ. — When  we  obey  the  Lord’s  commands,  implicitly 
and  without  delay,  and  resort  to  those  places  and  ordinances 
which  he  hath  appointed,  he  will  certainly  condescend  to 
meet  us,  and  fulfil  his  kindest  promises.  But  the  Name  of 
the  Lord  proclaimed  to  Moses,  as  a just  God  and  a Saviour, 
can  alone  give  relief  to  a burdened  conscience,  or  encourage 
the  prayers  of  an  humbled  sinner.  Let.  no  inquiring  soul 
overlook  this  Name  : for  it  is  intimately  connected  with  the 
“great  Mystery  of  godliness,  God  manifested  in  the  flesh,” 
44  purchasing  the  Church  with  his  own  blood.”  Let  no  dis- 
couraged sinner  despond  with  these  words  of  grace  and  truth 
pounding  in  his  ears : yet  let  none  abuse  such  mercy  ; for 
God  knows  how  to  punish  as  well  as  pardon  ; to  punish  con- 
sistently with  the  glory  of  his  mercy,  as  well  as  to  pardon 
.consistently  with  his  justice  and  holiness  ; as  those  guilty 
wretches  will  one  day  know,  who  “ sin  on  that  grace  may 
abound.”  But  a true  discovery  of  the  Lord’s  glory  will  pro- 
duce a happy  union  of  filial  confidence  with  profound  reve- 
*ence,  in  the  heart  of  an  experienced  believer,  and  put.  life 
and  vigour  into  his  prayers  and  supplications;  and  every 
perfection  of  the  name  of  God  will  furnish  him  with  an  argu- 
ment, which  he  may  plead  with  him,  for  the  forgiveness  of 
his  sins,  the  sanctification  of  his  heart,  and  the  enlargement 
of  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom. 

( 104  ) 


34  But  when  Moses  went  in  belore  the  Lord 
to  speak  with  him,  bhe  took  the  veil  off,  until  he 
came  out.  And  he  came  out  and  spake  unto 
the  children  of  Israel,  that  which  he  was  com- 
manded. 

35  And  the  children  of  Israel  csaw  the  face  ol 
Moses,  that  the  skin  of  Moses’s  face  shone : and 
Moses  put  the  veil  upon  his  face  again  until  he 
went  in  to  speak  with  him. 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 

Moses  shows  the  will  of  God  concerning  the  sabbath,  the  voluntary  offer tng, 
and  the  tabernacle  and  its  furniture  I — 19.  The  people  readily  contribute 
and  assist,  20 — 29.  Bezaleel  and  Aholiab  are  called  to  the  work,  30 — 35. 

AND  Moses  gathered  all  the  congregation  of 
the  children  of  Israel  together,  and  said  unto 
them,  “These  are  the  words  which  the  Lord  hath 
commanded,  that  ye  should  bdo  them. 

2 "Six  days  shall  work  be  done,  hut  on  the  se- 
venth day  there  shall  be  to  you  'an  holyday,  % 


4:4—6.  b Heb.  4:16.  10:19— 22.  c 29,30.  Ec.  8:1.  Dan.  12  3.,  Matt.  5:16. 13: 
43.  John  5:35.  Phil.  2:15.  a 25:  31:1— 11.  34:32.  b Malt.  7:21— 27.  Rom.  2:13. 
Jam.  1:22. ^ c 20:9,10.  23:12.  31:13—16.  34:21.  Lev.  23:3.  Deut.  5:12 — 15. 
* Heb.  holiness. 


V.  10 — 35,  Whilst  we  take  encouragement  from  the 
promises  of  God,  we  must  observe  to  do  his  commandments ; 
else  every  external  advantage  will  only  serve  to  increase  our 
condemnation : and  in  seeking  assurance  that  the  Lord  hath 
made  with  us  an  everlasting  covenant  of  peace,  we  must 
break  every  covenant  with  sin,  renounce  all  needless  con- 
nexion with  sinners,  shun  every  snare  and  temptation,  avoid 
all  appearance  of  evil,  and  not  spare  or  covet  any  object  that 
tends  to  it:  for  “the  Lord  whose  name  is  Jealous,  is  a 
jealous  God,”  and  will  endure  no  rival  in  our  affections. 
Nor  is  any  thing  more  ensnaring  to  souls,  or  more  destruc- 
tive to  religion,  than  the  marriages  of  God’s  people  with  those 
who  are  ungodly,  or  of  a false  religion. — Such  is  our  forget- 
fulness in  the  concerns  of  our  souls,  that  we  need  not  only 
to  have  the  same  things  repeated  in  our  ears,  but  to  have 
them  committed  to  writing,  that  we  may  have  them  ever 
before  our  eyes.  ( Note , 2 Pet.  1:12 — 15.) — While  we  devote 
ourselves  to  the  Lord’s  service,  and  attend  with  delight  on  his 
worship,  we  may  intrust  ourselves  and  our  possessions  to  his 
keeping,  with  confidence  that  none  can  do  us  any  real  hurt: 
and  when  a due  portion  of  our  time  and  substance  is  conse- 
crated to  his  immediate  service,  we  secure  a sanctified  and 
comfortable  enjoyment  of  the  remainder. — What  true  believer 
would  not  willingly  forego  all  sensual  pleasures,  to  enjoy  with 
Moses  the  sacred  pleasure  of  the  holy  mount  ? But  ala6 ! 
though  14  it  is  good  to  be  there,”  how  backward  are  we  to  begin 
the  sweet  service  of  prayer  and  praise,  and  how  apt  to  grow 
weary  of  it!  In  heaven  it  shall  be  otherwise:  no  leisure 
for  such  things  as  here  occupy  our  time  and  engross  our 
hearts,  no  thought  of  them,  no  desire  after  them. — The  more 
we  now  set  our  affections  on  things  above,  seek  communion 
with  the  Lord,  and  enjoy  the  contemplation  of  his  glory  in 
the  gospel,  by  faith  and  serious  meditation  ; the  more  shall 
we  be  44  changed  into  his  image,  from  glory  to  glory  by  the 
Spirit,  of  the  Lord  and  when  we  come  forth  from  our  devo- 
tion, we  shall  shine  in  our  holy  conversation  before  men,  and 
show  by  our  good  works  that  we  have  been  with  God.  But 
it  is  well  when  others  behold  it,  and  glorify  him  on  our  behalf- 
while  we  ourselves  are  unconscious  of  it,  being  “clothed  with 
humility.”  Indeed,  while  we  are  in  this  world  we  must  ac- 
commodate ourselves  to  our  situation,  and  to  what  those 
around  us  are  able  to  bear:  and  not  only  should  we  avoid 
ostentation  in  respect  of  our  religious  experiences,  and  the 
especial  favours  which  the  Lord  hath  vouchsafed  us;  but 
prudently  avoid  speaking  of  them,  lest  we  44  throw  our  pearls 
before  swine,  which  may  trample  them  under  foot,  and  turn 
again  and  rend  us :”  contented  to  rejoice  in  them,  and  be 
thankful  before  God  in  secret ; for  it  is  44  a joy  which  a stran- 
ger intermeddleth  not  with.” — Indeed,  in  every  thing  we 
should  endeavour  to  abate  envy  by  condescension  and  cour- 
tesy, if  the  Lord  has  at  all  distinguished  us ; and  to  accom 
modate  ourselves  to  the  capacity  of  our  weaker  brethren,  for 
their  edification.  But  let  us  not  forget,  that  we  must  appear 
before  God  without  any  veil,  and  just  what  we  are,  whether 
better  or  worse  than  men  suppose  us  to  be. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXXV.  V.  I.  These , &c.]  This 
especially  relates  to  the  directions  given  to  Moses  in  the 
mount,  concerning  the  tabernacle,  the  worship  to  be  there 
performed,  and  the  several  things  which  pertained  to  it. 
(Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  2,  3.  The  sanctification  of  the  sabbath,  being  essential 
to  every  part  of  religion,  is  again  and  again  repeated,  and 
enforced  in  a variety  of  ways.  The  annexed  penally  of  death 
to  the  transgressor  shows  this  to  have  been  a judicial  statute  ; 
and  the  connexion  favours  the  opinion,  that  the  prohibition 
41  to  kindle  a firo  throughout  their  habitations  on  the  sabbath- 
day,”  was  meant  of  fires  used  in  manufactories  or  trades, 
by  smiths,  plumbers,  and  others,  of  which  many  would  be 
required  in  preparing  the  sanctuary:  bill  none'  even  of  that 
work  might  be  done  on  the  holy  day  of  God. — If  fires  in  gene- 


B.  C.  1491. 

sabbath  of  rest  to  the  Lord  : 'whosoever  doeth 
work  therein,  shall  be  put  to  (heath. 

3 Ye  shall  ' kindle  no  tire  throughout  your  habi- 
tations upon  the  sabbath-day. 

4 H And  Moses  spake  unto  all  the, congregation 
of  the  children  of  Israel,  saying,  This  is  the  thing 
which  the  Lord  commanded,  saying, 

5 Take  ye  from  among  you  an  offering  unto  the 
Lord  : 'Whosoever  is  of  a willing  heart,  let  him 
bring  it,  an  ottering  of  the  Lord  : gold,  and  sil- 
ver, and  brass, 

6 And  sblue,  and  purple,  and  scarlet,  and  fine 
linen,  and  hgoats’  hair, 

7 And  rams’  skins  dyed  red,  and  badgers’  skins, 
and  shittim-wood, 

8 And  ‘oil  for  the  light,  and  kspices  for  anoint- 
ing oil,  and  for  the  sweet  incense. 

9 And  'onyx-stones,  and  stones  to  be  set  for  the 
ephod,  and  for  the  breastplate. 

10  And  every  rawise-hearted  among  you  shall 
come,  and  make  all  that  the  Lord  hath  com- 
manded ; 

11  The  "tabernacle,  his  tent,  and  his  covering, 
his  taches,  and  his  boards,  his  bars,  his  pillars,  and 
his  sockets, 

12  The  °ark,  and  the  staves  thereof,  with  the 
mercy-seat,  and  >'the  veil  of  the  covering, 

13  The  stable  and  his  staves,  and  all  his  ves- 
sels, and  the  show- bread, 

14  The  rcandlestick  also  for  the  light,  and  his 
furniture,  and  his  lamps,  with  the  oil  for  the  light, 

15  And  sthe  incense-altar,  and  his  staves,  and 
the  anointing  oil,  and  the  sweet  incense,  and  ‘the 
hanging  for  the  door  at  the  entering  in  of  the 
tabernacle, 

16  The  "altar  of  burnt-offering  with  his  brazen 
grate,  his  staves,  and  all  his  vessels,  “the  laver  and 
his  foot, 

17  sThe  hangings  of  the  court,  his  pillars,  and 
their  sockets,  and  the  hanging  for  the  door  of  the 
court, 

18  The  pins  of  the  tabernacle,  and  the  pins  of 
the  court,  and  their  cords, 

19  ‘The  clothes  of  service,  to  do  service  in  the 

d Mum.  15:32— 36.  John  5:16.  Heb.  2:2,3.  10:28,29.  e 16:23.' la.  53:13.  f See  on 
25:2—7.  Judg.  3:9.  P«.  110:3.  2 Cor.  8:12.  9:7.  g See  on  26.1,31,36. 23:5,6,15.33. 
h See  on  26:7— H.  i See  on  27:20.  k Sec  on  25:6  . 30:23— 28.  1 See  on  28:9,17— 
21.39:6—14.  m Seeon3l:l— 6.  36:1— 1.  n Seron31:7— 9.  36:8— 34.  oSeeon25: 
10—22  . 37:1—9.  p See  "n  26:31—33. 36:35,36.  q See  on  25:23— 30.  37:10— 16. 
r 'ee on 25:31— 39.  37:17—24.  s See  on  30:1—10,22—33.  37:25—28.  I See  on  26: 
36,37.  36:37,38.  u See  on  27:1—8.  38:1— 7.  xSeeon  30:18—21.38:8.  ySeeon27: 
9-19.33:9—20.  z See  on31:10.  39:1,41.  Num.  4:7— 15.  aSee  on28:  39:1—31. 


ral  be  understood,  we  must  suppose,  either  that  it  was  a tem- 
porary institution  for  the  time  during  which  the  people  in  the 
wilderness  were  miraculously  provided  for ; or  that  some 
exceptions  were  allowed  in  favour  of  the  sick,  infirm,  and 
children,  who  must  suffer  extremely  at  some  seasons,  even  in 
warm  climates,  for  want  of  fire  ; or,  that  a fire  which  was 
burning  might  be  kept  up,  though  a fresh  one  might  not  be 
kindled.  The  subsequent  parts  of  Scripture  give  no  light  on 
the  subject : and  among  the  various  instances  recorded,  in 
which  the  Israelites  were  reproved  and  individuals  punished, 
for  neglecting  to  sanctify  the  sahbath,  this  is  not  once  men- 
tioned ; nor  is  any  intimation  given,  that  the  Jews  in  the  times 
of  Christ  and  his  apostles,  had  no  fires  on  that  day,  or  even 
that  they  prepared  no  victuals.  The  sacred  festivals  would 
sometimes  happen  on  the  Sabbath,  and  the  paschal  lamb  was 
roasted  in  the  house  where  it  was  eaten:  some  exceptions 
must  therefore  be  supposed,  if  we  understand  the  prohibition 
concerning  fires  in  general. — The  modern  Jews  expound 
it  literally  : vet  they  use  fires  in  various  ways  on  their  sabbath, 
but  employ  other  persons  to  kindle  them,  or  keep  them  up ! 
While,  however,  we  conclude,  that  fires  for  ordinary  purposes 
on  the  Lord’s  day  are  allowed  us ; we  should  recollect,  that 
the  permission  of  works  which  are  necessary,  or  conducive 
to  our  own  or  other  men’s  real  advantage,  does  not  warrant 
us  to  “ make  provision  for  the  flesh  to  fulfil  its  lusts.” 

V.  4— IS.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  25:— 27:  30:  31:1—9. 

V.  19.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  28: 31:10. 

V.  20 — 24.  When  Moses  *had  delivered  his  message  to 
the  people,  they  departed  to  their  tents,  to  fetch  their  several 
oblations  ; and  on  this  occasion  a peculiar  influence  was  felt, 
enlarging  their  hearts  to  liberality.  Many  of  those,  no  doubt, 
who  had  offered  towards  the  golden  calf,  were  now  willing  to 
retrieve  their  character  with  Moses  and  their  brethren,  or  to 
“bring  forth  fruits  meet  for  repentance;”  and  such  as  had 
Kept  clear  of  that  crime,  were  desirous  of  showing  themselves 
more  zealous  for  the  worship  of  God  than  the  idolaters  had 
been  for  their  idol.  Yet  the  language  used  seems  to  imply, 
that  only  some  of  the  people  were  thus  liberal ; and  that 


B.  C.  1491. 

boly  place,  “the  holy  garments  for  Aaron  the  priest 
and  the  garments  of  his  sons,  to  minister  in  thi 
priest’s  office. 

20  H And  all  the  congregation  of  the  children 
of  Israel  departed  from  the  presence  of  Moses. 

21  And  they  came,  every  one  b whose  heart 
stirred  him  up,  and  every  one  whom  his  spirit 
made  willing,  and  they  brought  the  Lord's  olfer- 
ing  to  the  work  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congre- 
gation, and  for  all  his  service,  and  for  the  holy 
garments. 

22  And  they  came  both  men  and  women,  as 
many  as  were  willing-hearted,  and  brought  ‘brace- 
lets and  ear-rings,  and  rings,  and  tablets,  all  jew- 
els of  gold  : and  devery  man  that  offered,  offered 
an  offering  of  gold  unto  the  Lord. 

23  And  every  man  with  whom  was  found  ‘blue, 
and  purple,  and  scarlet,  and  fine  linen,  and  goats* 
hair,  and  red  skins  of  rams,  and  badgers’  skins, 
brought  them. 

24^Everv  one  that  did  offer  an  offering  of  silver 
and  brass,  brought  the  Lord’s  offering : and  every 
man  with  whom  was  found  shittim-wood  for  any 
work  of  the  service,  brought  it. 

25  And  all  the  women  that  were  fwise-hearted, 
did  spin  with  their  hands,  and  brought  that  which 
they  had  spun,  both  of  blue,  and  of  purple,  and  of 
scarlet,  and  of  fine  linen. 

26  And  all  the  women  swhose  heart  stirred 
them  up  in  wisdom,  spun  goats’  hair. 

27  And  the  rulers  broughf'onyx-stones, and  stones 
to  be  set  for  the  ephod,  and  for  the  breastplate  ; 

28  And  "spice,  and  oil  for  the  light,  and  for  the 
anointing  oil,  and  for  the  sweet  incense. 

29  The  children  of  Israel  brought  a willing 
offering  unto  the  Lord,  every  man  and  woman 
Hvhose  heart  made  them  willing  to  bring  for  all 
manner  of  work,  which  ‘the  Lord  had  command- 
ed to  be  made,  by  the  hand  of  Moses. 

30  H And  Moses  said  unto  the  children  of  Is- 
rael, mSee,  the  Lord  hath  called  by  name  Beza- 
leel,  the  son  of  Uri,  the  son  of  Hur,  of  the  tribe 
of  Judah : 

31  And  he  hath  filled  him  with  the  Spirit  of 

b 5,22,26,29.  25:2.  36:2.  Judg.  5:3,9.  2 Sam.  7:27.  1 Chr.  28:2,9.  29:3,5,6,9,14,17, 
18.  Ezra  1:5,6.  7:27.  Pa.  110:3.  Jer.  30:21. 2 Cur.  8:12.  9:7.  c 32:3.  Num.  31:50. 
Is.  3:19.  Ez. 16:11.  d 1 Chr.  29:6,7.  2 Chr. 24:9— 1 4.  Ezra2:68.69.  Neh.7  70 
—72.  Is.  60:9,13.  Mall.  2:11.  Mark  12:41— 44.  e See  on  6— 10.  25:2—7.  f28: 
3.  31.6.  361.  2 Kings 23:7.  Prov.  14:1.  31:19—24.  Luke  8:2,3.  Acts  9:39.  Horn. 
16:1-4,6.  Phil.  4:3.  g21,29.  36:8.  h 9.  i 8.  30:23-38.  k 21,22.  1 4.  Deui. 
12:32.  Mall. 28:20.  m Nee  on  31:2— 6.  lKings7:14.  Is.  28:26.  1 Cor.  12:4,11. 
Jam.  1:17. 


others  did  not  offer  at  all,  or  less  freely  : no  compulsion,  how- 
ever, or  persuasion,  was  employed,  but  each  was  left  to 
follow  the  dictates  of  his  own  mind.  Nothing  but  ear-rings 
seem  to  have  been  given  to  make  the  golden  calf;  but  various 
other  golden  ornaments  were  offered  on  this  occasion,  princi- 
pally of  the  spoils  of  Egypt;  both  men  and  women  being 
willing  to  part  with  their  newly  acquired  adornings,  to  beau- 
tify the  sanctuary  of  God.  A rare  example!  But  besides 
these  articles  of  manufactured  gold,  some  of  the  people  pre- 
sented such  as  was  unwrought,  and  used  as  money ; for  this 
is  thought  to  be  meant  by  the  words  rendered  “ Every  man 
that  offered,  offered  an  offering  of  gold  unto  the  Lord.” — 
When  this  oblation  was  completed,  those  who  had  less 
valuable  things  to  offer,  brought  them.  Afterwards  the  ruler? 
brought  the  precious  stones,  &c.  (27,28.) 

V.  25,  26.  JVisdom,  in  this  connexion,  means  skill  toper- 
form  the  work  in  the  best  manner.  As  the  blue, purple,  and 
scarlet,  are  distinguished  from  the  fine  linen;  it  has  generally 
been  thought  that  wool  dyed  of  these  colours  was  meant.  But 
wool  is  not  once  mentioned  : either  in  the  directions  given  to 
Moses,  or  the  execution  of  them ; as  the  goats’  hair  and 
badgers’  skins  are.  All  the  sacerdotal  garments  had  fine 
linen  in  their  texture  ; and  the  law  forbade  the  people  to  wear 
linen  and  woollen  mingled  together  in  the  same  garment. 
(Lev.  19:19.  Deut.  22:11.) — The  Jews  indeed  say  that  an 
exception  was  made  to  this  law,  in  the  case  of  the  high-priest 
alone  ; but  the  other  priests  also  wore  girdles  of  the  same, 
(39:27 — 29.)  and  the  Scripture  does  not  mention  this  excep- 
tion. In  Ezekiel’s  vision,  the  priests  are  expressly  forbidden 
to  wear  wool  in  their  ministrations.  ( Ez . 44:17,18.) — The 
word  rendered  fine  linen  is  used  for  linen  of  ?.  /eculiar  kind, 
and  it  is  allowed  that  several  sorts  were  then  in  use ; and  per- 
haps this  fine  linen  was  woven  without  dyeing,  and  then 
embroidered  with  other  linen,  dyed  of  the  several  colours 
here  mentioned. 

V.  30 — 35.  (Notes,  31:1—6.)  The  supernatural  qualifi- 
cations of  Bezaleel  and  Aholiab  proved  their  divine  a;  point 
ment;  yet  they  had  an  express  nominator!  to  their  w rk 
( 195  ) 


CHAPTER  XXXY. 


B.  C.  1491. 


EXODUS 


B.  C.  1491. 


God,  in  wisdom,  in  understanding,  and  in  know- 
ledge, and  in  all  manner  of  workmanship; 

32  And  to  devise  curious  works,  to  work  in 
gold,  and  in  silver,  and  in  brass, 

33  And  in  the  cutting  of  stones  to  set  them,  and 
in  carving  of  wood  to  make  any  manner  of  cun- 
ning work. 

34  And  “he  hath  put  in  his  heart  that  he  may 
teach,  both  he  and  “Aholiab  the  son  of  Ahisamach 
of  the  tribe  of  Dan. 

35  Them  hath  he  filled  with  wisdom  of  heart, 
to  work  all  manner  of  work,  of  the  engraver,  and 
of  the  cunning  workman,  and  of  the  embroiderer, 
in  blue,  and  in  purple,  in  scarlet,  and  in  fine 
linen,  and  fof  the  weaver,  even  of  them  that  do 
any.  work,  and  of  those  that  devise  cunning  work. 

CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

Bezaleel  and  Aholiab  receive  the  oblations  and  begin  to  work,  1 — 3.  The 
liberality  of  the  people  is  restrained , 4—7.  The  several  parts  of  the  sanc- 
tuary are  made , 8—38.  (Notes,  Sfc.  26:) 

THEN  wrought  “Bezaleel  and  Aholiab,  and 
every  wise-hearted  man,  in  whom  the  Lord  put 
wisdom  and  understanding,  to  know  how  to  work 
all  manner  of  work  Tor  the  service  of  the  sanctuary, 
according  to  all  that  the  Lord  had  commanded. 

2  And  Moses  called  Bezaleel  and  Aholiab,  and 
every  wise-hearted  man,  cin  whose  heart  the  Lord 
had  put  wisdom ; even  every  one  dwhose  heart 
stirred  him  up  to  come  unto  the  work  to  do  it. 

3  And  they  received  of  Moses  all  ethe  offering 
which  the  children  of  Israel  had  brought,  for  the 
work  of  the  service  of  the  sanctuary,  to  make  it 
withal.  And  they  brought  yet  unto  him  free 
offerings  f every  morning. 

4  And  all  the  «wise  men  that  wrought  all  the 
work  of  the  sanctuary,  came  every  man  from  his 
work  which  they  made ; 

5  And  they  spake  unto  Moses,  saying,  The  peo- 
ple bring  hmuch  more  than.enough  for  the  service 
of  the  work,  which  the  Lord  commanded  to  make. 

6  And  Moses  gave  commandment,  and  they 
caused  it  to  be  proclaimed  throughout  the  camp, 
aying,  Let  neither  man  nor  woman  make  any 
more  work  for  the  offering  of  the  sanctuary.  So 
the  people  were  restrained  from  bringing. 

7  For  the  stuff  they  had  was  sufficient  for  all 
the  work  to  make  it,  and  too  much. 

8  11  And  every  ‘wise-hearted  man,  among  them 
that  wrought  the  work  of  the  tabernacle,  )made 
ten  curtains  of  fine  twined  linen,  and  blue,  and 
purple,  and  scarlet;  with  kcherubims  of  cunning 
work  made  he  them. 

9  The  length  of  one  curtain  was  twenty  and 
eight  cubits,  and  the  breadth  of  one  curtain  four 
cubits ; the  curtains  were  all  of  one  size. 

10  And  he  ‘coupled  the  five  curtains  one  unto 
another : and  the  other  five  curtains  he  coupled 
one  unto  another. 

1 1  And  he  made  loops  of  blue  on  the  edge  of 
one  curtain,  from  the  selvedge  in  the  coupling : 
likewise  he  made  in  the  uttermost  side  of  another 
curtain,  in  the  coupling  of  the  second. 

1 2  Fifty  loops  made  he  in  one  curtain,  and  fifty 

n Km.  7 10,27.  Neh.2:12.  Join.  1:18,17.  o 2Chr.  2:14.  1 Oor.  1:5-7.  12:7. 
|)  Jo')  7:0.  Is.  38:12.  a Sae  on  31:1— 6.  35:30 — 35.  bS,4.  Num.7:9.  Heb.  8:2. 
023:3.31:6.  35:10,21—35.  Acts  6:3.  d 35:21,25.  1 Cbr.  29:5.  e Sre  85:5— 
21,2  . f Ps. 5:3.  Is.  50:4.  Jer.  21:12.  e Mult.  21:15.  Luke  12:42.  1 Cor.  3:10. 
hSClir.  24:14.  31:6— 10.  2 Cor.  8:2,3.  Phil.  1:18.  i S c on  31:6.  35:10.  j See 

they  were  also  miraculously  qualified  to  instruct  their  assist- 
ants, as  well  as  to  superintend  ihem.  Christ  alone  builds  the 
temple  of  the  Lord,  and  hears  the  glory ; but  ministers  and 
private  Christians,  under  his  direction  and  by  his  grace,  may 
be  fellow-workers  logether  with  him. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Let  us  here  observe  the  faithfulness  of  Moses,  and  learn 
to  imitate  it,  in  every  thing  intrusted  to  us ; and  through  him 
look  unto  Jesus,  who  was  “faithful  as  a Son  over  his  own 
house.’’— Without  a willing  mind  the  most  cosily  offerings 
would  be  abhorred ; hut  with  it,  the  meanest  will  meet  with 
a gracious  acceptance ; and  our  hearts  may  he  said  to  be 
willing,  when  we  cheerfully  contribute  and  assist,  according 
to  our  ability,  in  promoting  the  cause  of  God  and  his  truth: 
hut,  as  even  this  is  the  gift  and  work  of  God,  we  should 
beseech  him  daily  to  increase  in  us  a willing  mind,  to  abound 
unto  every  good  work. — They,  who  in  mean  employments 
are  diligent  and  humbly  contented,  are  as  acceptable  to  God, 

( 196  ) 


loops  made  he  in  the  edge  of  the  curtain  which 
was  in  the  coupling  of  the  second  : the  loops  held 
one  curtain  to  another. 

13  And  he  made  fifty  taches  of  gold,  and  coupleo 
the  curtains  one  unto  another  with  the  taches 
mSo  it  became  one  tabernacle. 

14  If  And  he  made  "curtains  of  goats’  hair,  for 
the  tent  over  the  tabernacle : eleven  curtains  he 
made  them. 

15  The  length  of  one  curtain  was  thirty  cubits, 
and  four  cubits  was  the  breadth  of  one  curtain  : 
the  eleven  curtains  were  of  one  size. 

16  And  he  coupled  five  curtains  by  themselves, 
and  six  curtains  by  themselves. 

17  And  he  made  fifty  loops  upon  the  uttermost 
edge  of  the  curtain  in  the  coupling;  and  fifty 
loops  made  he  upon  the  edge  of  the  curtain,  which 
coupleth  the  second. 

18  And  he  made  fifty  taches  of  brass  to  couple 
the  tent  together,  that  it  might  be  one. 

19  And  he  made  a “covering  for  the  tent,  of 
rams’  skins  dyed  red,  and  a covering  of  badgers’ 
skins  above  that. 

20  H And  he  made  rboards  for  the  tabernacle, 
of  ishittim-wood,  standing  up. 

21  The  length  of  a board  was  ten  cubits,  and 
the  breadth  of  a board  one  cubit  and  a half. 

22  One  board  had  two  tenons,  equally  distant 
one  from  another : thus  did  he  make  for  all  the 
boards  of  the  tabernacle. 

23  And  he  made  boards  for  the  tabernacle : 
twenty  boards  for  the  south  side  southward. 

24  And  forty  sockets  of  silver  he  made  under 
the  twenty  boards : two  sockets  under  one  board 
for  his  two  tenons,  and  two  sockets  under  another 
board  for  his  two  tenons. 

25  And  for  the  other  side  of  the  tabernacle 
tv  Inch  is  toward  the  north  corner,  he  made  twenty 
boards, 

26  And  their  forty  sockets  of  silver : two  sockets 
under  one  board  and  two  sockets  under  another 
board. 

27  And  for  the  sides  of  the  tabernacle  west- 
ward, he  made  six  boards. 

28  And  two  boards  made  he  for  the  corners  of 
the  tabernacle  in  the  two  sides. 

29  And  they  were  ‘coupled  beneath,  and  coupled 
together  at  the  head  thereof,  to  one  ring ; thus  he 
did  to  both  of  them  in  both  the  corners. 

30  And  there  were  eight  boards,  and  their 
sockets  were  sixteen  sockets  of  silver,  hinder  evei  v 
board  two  sockets. 

31  H And  he  made  rbars  of  shittim-wood  : five 
for  the  boards  of  the  one  side  of  the  tabernacle, 

32  And  five  bars  for  the  boards  of  the  other 
side  of  the  tabernacle,  and  five  bars  for  the 
boards  of  the  tabernacle  for  the  sides  westward. 

33  And  he  made  the  middle  bar  to  shoot  through 
the  boards  from  the  one  end  to  the  other. 

34  Anti  he  overlaid  the  boards  with  gold,  and 
made  their  rings  of  gold  to  be  places  for  the  bars, 
and  overlaid  the  bars  with  gold. 

35  U And  he  made  “a  veil  of  blue,  anil  purple, 

on  26:1 — 6.  k See  on  2.5:18—22.  1 Zeph.  3:9.  Acts  2:1.  Eph.  4:3-6.  I hit.  2:2. 
m 1 Cor.  12:20.  Eph.  2:20 — 22.  1 Pet.  2:4,5.  u See  on  2t>:7— 13.  o See  on  26:14. 
\>  See  on  26:15—25.  40:18,19.  q25:5,10.  Num.25:I.  Dent.  10:8.  *lleb. 

twined,  f Heb.  two  sockets,  two  sockets,  undero’ic  board.  26:25.  r See  un 
26:26—29.  30:5.  s See  on  26:31—35.  30:6.  Malt.  27:51 . Heb.  10:20. 


as  those  who  are  engaged  in  more  splendid  services.  The 
women  who  spun  the  goats’  hair  were  wise-hearted « as  well 
as  the  persons  who  presided  over  the  work  of  the  tabernacle, 
or  as  Aaron  who  burned  incerise  there  ; because  they  “ did  it 
heartily  to  the  Lord.”  ( Note , Cal.  3:22 — 25.)  Thus  the 

labourer,  mechanic,  or  menial  servant,  who  conscientiously 
attends  to  the  work  of  his  situation,  in  the  faith  and  fear  oi 
God,  may  be  as  wise  for  his  station  as  the  most  useful  mi- 
nister, and  will  certainly  meet  with  the  divine  acceptance  ns 
well  as  he.  .In  short,  our  wisdom  and  duty  consist  in  giving 
God  the  glory  and  use  of  our  talents,  be  they  more  or  less; 
neither  abusing  nor  burying  them,  but  occupying  with  thorn 
till  our  Lord  shall  come;  being  satisfied  that  it  is  better  to  he 
a door-keeper  in  his  service,  than  the  most  mighty  and 
renowned  of  the  ungodly. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Chap.  XXXVI.  The  promptitude  and  nlacr»*$  with 
which  these  builders  sot  about  their  work,  the  cxactn  v tli 


B.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII, 


B.  C.  lvM 


and  scarlet,  and  fine  twined  linen ; with  cherubims 
made  he  it  of  cunning'  work. 

' 36  And  he  made  thereunto  four  pillars  of  shit- 
tim-?«ooc/,  and  overlaid  them  with  gold : their 
hooks  were  of  gold,  and  he  cast  for  them  four 
sockets  of  silver. 

37  H And  he  made  ‘an  hanging  for  the  taber- 
nacle-door, of  blue,  and  purple,  and  scarlet,  and 
fine  twined  linen,  of  ’needlework, 

38  And  the  five  pillars  of  it  with  their  hooks  : 
and  he  overlaid  their  chapiters  and  their  fillets 
with  gold  : but  their  five  sockets  were  of  brass. 

CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

The  ark  and  mercy-seat  made,  I — 9.  The  table  of  show-bread,  10 — 16.  And 
the  candlestick,  17 — 24.  The  altar  of  in  cense,  25—28  ; and  the  holy  oil  and 
incense,  29.  {Notes,  Sfc.  25:  30:1—10,22—38.) 

AND  Bezaleel  made  “the  ark  of  shittim-wood: 
two  cubits  and  a half  was  the  length  of  it,  and 
a cubit  and  a half  the  breadth  of  it,  and  a cubit 
and  a half  the  height  of  it. 

2  And  he  overlaid  it  with  pure  gold  within  and 
without,  and  made  a crown  of  gold  to  it  round 
about. 

3  And  he  cast  for  it  four  rings  of  gold,  to  be  set 
by  the  four  corners  of  it : even  two  rings  upon 
the  one  side  of  it,  and  two  rings  upon  the  other 
side  of  it. 

4  And  he  made  staves  of  shittim-wood,  and 
overlaid  them  with  gold. 

5  And  he  put  the  staves  into  the  rings,  by  the 
sides  of  the  ark,  to  bear  the  ark. 

6  And  he  made  the  bmercy-seat  of  pure  gold  : 
two  cubits  and  a half  teas  the  length  thereof  and 
one  cubit  and  a half  the  breadth  thereof. 

7  And  he  made  two  “cherubims  of  gold,  beaten 
out  of  one  piece  made  he  them,  on  the  two  ends 
of  the  mercy-seat. 

8  One  cherub  ’on  the  end  on  this  side,  and 
another  cherub  ‘on  the  other  end  on  that  side  : out 
of  the  mercy-seat,  made  he  the  cherubims  on  the 
two  ends  thereof. 

9  And  the  ‘'cherubims  spread  out  their  wings 
on  high,  and  covered  with  their  wings  over  the 
mercy-seat,  with  their  faces  one  to  another  : even 
eto  the  mercy-seat-ward  were  the  faces  of  the 
cherubims. 

10  And  he  made  fthe  table  of  shittim-wood  : 
two  cubits  was  the  length  thereof,  and  a cubit  the 
breadth  thereof,  and  a cubit  and  a half  the  height 
thereof. 

11  And  he  overlaid  it  with  pure  gold,  and  made 
thereunto  a crown  of  gold  round  about. 

12  Also  he  made  thereunto  a border  of  an  hand- 
breadth  round  about:  and  made  a crown  of  gold 
for  the  border  thereof  round  about. 

13  And  he  cast  for  it  four  rings  of  gold,  and  put 
the  rings  upon  the  four  corners,  that  were  in  the 
four  feet  thereof. 


t See  on  25:36,37.  * Heb.  the  work  of  a needleworker,  or,  embroiderer. 

a See  on  25:10 — 16.  26:33.  31:7.  40:3,20,21.  Num.  10:33-36.  b See  on  25: 17— 
22.  Lev.  16:12—15.  Rom.  3:25.  1 John  2:2.  c 1 Kings  6:23—29.  Ps.  80:1.  104: 
4.  Ez.  10:2.  * Or,  nut  of,  fyc.  f Or,  out  of , If  c.  rl  Gen.  3.24.  28:12.  John  1 : 
51.  1 Tim.  3:16.  Heb.  1:14.  e Eph.  3:10.  1 Pei.  1:12.  { $ee  on  25:23— 30.  35: 

13.  40:4,22,23.  Ez.  40:39 — 42.  g See  on  25:29.  \ Or,  pour  out  withal,  h See 


which  they  performed  it,  and  the  disinterested  fidelity  with 
which  they  objected  to  the  people’s  bringing  any  more  contri- 
butions, are  well  worthy  of  our  imitation:  Thus  should  we 

serve  God,  yea,  and  our  earthly  superiors  for  his  sake,  in  all 
things  lawful ; and  thus  should  all,  who  are  employed  in  public 
trusts,  abhor  filthy  lucre,  be  superior  to  covetousness,  and 
avoid  an  occasions  and  temptations  to  it,  or  appearances  of 
it ; for  robbing  the  public  is  robbing  many,  which  is  worse 
than  private  theft ; as  murdering  a multitude  is  worse  than 
killing  an  individual. — Nor  is  the  people’s  liberality  less  worthy 
of  commendation : for  this  proclamation  to  restrain  their 
bounty  was  far  more  reputable  for  them,  and  honourable  to 
God,  than  one  would  have  been,  which  required  an  addition 
to  their  too  scanty  contributions. — It  should  however  be  care- 
fully observed,  that  though  the  rich  can  never  devote  their 
substance  too  entirely  to  the  service  of  God,  yet  they  may 
exceed  in  the  particular  application  of  it : and  there  have 
been  ages  of  the  church,  and  there  may  still  be  instances,  in 
which  an  ill-judged  liberality  has  introduced  pride,  indolence, 
and  luxury,  where  there  should  be  bright  examples  of  humility, 
diligence,  and  self-denial.  But  this  is  not  the  general  fault  of 
the  age  in  which  we  live : and  though  some  few  individuals  may 
err  on  this  side  ; yet  the  circumstances  of  too  many,  of  every 
denomination,  who  labour  m the  word  and  doctrine,  as  well 


14  Over  against  the  border  were  the  rings,  tlit 
places  for  the  staves,  to  bear  the  table.  . 

15  And  he  made  the  staves  of  shittim-wooa 
and  overlaid  them  with  gold,  to  bear  the  table. 

f6  And  he  made  the  vessels  which  were  upon 
the  table,  his  ^dishes,  and  his  spoons,  and  his 
bowls,  and  his  covers  to  icover  withal,  of  pure 
gold. 

17  M And  he  made  hthe  candlestick  of  pure 
gold : of  beaten  work  made'  lie  the  candlestick, 
his  shaft  and  his  branch,  his  bowls,  his  knops,  and 
his  flowers  were  of  the  same  : 

18  And  six  branches  going  out  of  the  sides 
thereof ; three  branches  of  the  candlestick  out  of 
the  one  side  thereof,  and  three  branches  of  the 
candlestick  out  of  the  other  side  thereof : 

19  Three  bowls  made  after  the  fashion  of  al- 
monds, in  one  branch,  a knop  and  a flower ; and 
three  bowls  made  like  almonds,  in  another  branch, 
a knop  and  a flower : so  throughout  the  six 
branches,  going  out  of  the  candlestick. 

20  And  in  the  candlestick  were  four  bowls  made 
like  almi  ads,  his  knops  and  his  flowers. 

21  Ar.d  a knop  under  two  branches  of  the  same, 
and  a knop  under  two  branches  of  the  same,  and 
a knop  under  two  branches  of  the  same,  accord- 
ing to  the  six  branches  going  out  of  it. 

22  Their  knops  and  their  branches  were  of  the 
same  : all  of  it  was  one  beaten  work  of  pure  gold. 

23  And  he  made  his  'seven  lamps,  and  his  snuf- 
fers, and  his  snuff-dishes,  of  pure  gold. 

24  Of  a talent  of  pure  gold  made  he  it,  and  all 
the  vessels  thereof. 

25  H And  he  made  the  kincense-altar  of  shittim- 
wood  : the  length  of  it  teas  a cubit,  and  the  breadth 
of  it  a cubit,  ( it  was  four-square,)  and  two  cubits 
was  the  height  of  it;  the  horns  thereof  were  of 
the  same. 

26  And  he  overlaid  it  with  pure  gold,  both  the 
top  of  it,  and  the  sides  thereof  round  about,  and 
the  horns  of  it : also  he  made  unto  it  a crown  o 
gold  round  about. 

27  And  he  made  two  rings  of  gold  for  it  under 
the  crown  thereof,  by  the  two  corners  of  it,  upon 
the  two  sides  thereof,  to  be  places  for  the  staves 
to  bear  it  withal. 

28  And  he  made  the  staves  of  shittim-wood, 
and  overlaid  them  with  gold. 

29  And  'he  madf  the  holy  anointing  oil,  and  the 
pure  “incense  of  sweet  spices,  according  to  the 
work  of  "the  apothecary. 

CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

The  altar  of  burnt-offering  made  ; and  the  laver,  the  pillars,  and  the  hangincs 
for  the  court,  1 — 20.  The  money  collected  and  the  use  made  of  it.  21 — 31. 
{Notes,  Src.  27  : 30:11—21.) 

AND  he  made  a.the  altar  of  burnt-offering  of 
shittim-wood : five  cubits  was  the  length 


ori25:31—39.40:24,25.  Zech.  4:2,11.  Matt.  5:15.  John  1:4— 9.  Phil.  2:15.  Rev. 
1:20.  i Rev.  1:12,20.  2:1.  5:5.  k See  on  30:1—5.  40:5,26,27.  Luke  1:9.  Rev. 
8:3,4.  I See  on  30:23 — 38.  Is.  1 1 :2.  61:1.  John  3:34.  2 Cor.  1:21 ,22.  1 John  2:20, 
27.  m Ps.  141:2.  Web.  7:25.  n Ec.  10:1.  a See  on  27:1— 8.  40:6,29.  2 Chr.  4 
1.  Ez.  43:13— 17.  Heb.  13:10. 


as  the  appearance  of  many  places  of  worship,  evidently 
prove  that  most  men,  in  our  days,  are  sufficiently  careful  not 
thus  to  injure  the  cause  of  godliness.  Wisdom,  however,  is 
profitable  to  direct : and  when  God  puts  wisdom  and  grace 
into  the  heart,  the  hands  will  be  diligently  employed  in  every 
good  work,  or  cheerfully  stretched  out  to  contribute  to  it. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Chap.  XXXVII.  After  what  hath  been  already  said, 
we  need  only  observe,  that  such  repetitions  were  peculiarly 
useful  to  the  Israelites ; for  in  these  types  they  chiefly  had 
their  gospel,  and  they  were  not  permitted  to  see  the  things 
themselves,  as  they  were  placed  within  the  sanctuary:  and 
thus  in  the  New  Testament  we  have  the  same  things  related 
in  two  or  three  places,  with  not  very  material  variations,  yet 
not  without  usefulness. — The  exactness  of  the  workmen  to 
their  rule  is  worthy  of  our  imitation : and  it  is  neve*-  unsea- 
sonable to  observe,  that  through  the  great  Antitype,  tlie  sub- 
stance of  all  these  shadows,  our  way  being  opened  to  the 
mercy-seat,  we  should  continually  draw  near  in  faith  ; feed- 
ing daily  upon  him  and  his  fulness,  as  the  nourishment  of  our 
souls  ; walking  through  this  dark  world  according  to  the  light 
of  his  word,  and  seeking  for  renewed  and  enlarged  anoint- 
ings of  his  Holy  Spirit ; that  here  we  maj'  K^joic  * in  him  ana 
glorify  him,  and  at  length  be  forevei  w th  1.  ti  in  heaven. 

( 197  ) * 


B.  C.  1491 


EXODUS. 


B.  C.  1491 


thereof,  and  lw;  c.ubits  the  breadth  thereof,  (it 
was  four-sq  jure,)  and  three  cubits  the  height 
thereof. 

2 And  he  made  the  horns  thereof  on  the  four 
corners  of  it ; the  horns  thereof  were  of  the  same  : 
and  he  overlaid  it  with  brass. 

3 And  he  made  all  the  vessels  of  the  altar,  the 
ots,  and  the  shovels,  and  the  basins,  and  the 
esh-hooks,  and  the  fire-pans : all  the  vessels  there- 
of made  he  of  brass. 

4 And  he  made  for  the  altar  a brazen  grate  . 
of  net-work,  under  the  compass  thereof,  beneath 
unto  the  midst  of  it. 

5 And  he  cast  four  rings  for  the  four  ends  of  the 
grate  of  brass,  to  be  places  for  the  staves. 

6 And  he  made  the  staves  of  shittim-wood,  and 
overlaid  them  with  brass. 

7 And  he  put  the  staves  into  the  rings  on  the 
sides  of  the  altar,  to  bear  it  withal : he  made  tha 
altar  hollow  with  boards. 

8 If  And  he  made  bthe  laver  of  brass,  and  the 
foot  of  it  of  brass,  cof  the  'looking-glasses  of  the 
women  fassembling,  which  assembled  at  the  duor 
of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

9 H And  he  made  dthe  court : on  the  soutn  side 
southward,  the  hangings  of  the  court  were  of  fine 
twined  linen,  an  hundred  cubits. 

10  Their  pillars  were  twenty  and  their  brazen 
sockets  twenty : the  hooks  of  the  pillars,  and  their 
fillets  were  of  silver. 

11  And  for  the  north  side,  the  hanging's  were 
an  hundred  cubits,  their  pillars  were  twenty,  and 
their  sockets  of  brass  twenty  : the  hooks  of  the 
pillars,  and  their  fillets  of  silver. 

12  And  for  the  west  side  were  hangings  of  fifty 
cubits,  their  pillars  ten,  and  their  sockets  ten  : the 
hooks  of  the  pillars,  and  their  fillets  of  silver. 

13  And  for  the  east  side  eastward,  fifty  cubits. 

14  The  hangings  of  the  one  side  of  the  gate  were 
fifteen  cubits,  their  pillars  three,  and  their  sockets 
three. 

15  And  for  the  other  side  of  the  court-gate,  on 
this  hand  and  that  hand,  were  hangings  of  fifteen 
cubits,  their  pillars  three,  and  their  sockets  three. 

16  All  the  hangings  of  the  court  round  about 
were  of  fine  twined  linen. 

17  And  the  sockets  for  the  pillars  were  of  brass  : 
the  hooks  of  the  pillars,  and  their  fillets,  of  silver  : 
and  the  overlaying  of  their  chapiters  of  silver : 
and  all  the  pillars  of  the  court  were  filleted  with 
silver. 

18  And  the  hanging  for  the  gate  of  the  court 
teas  needlework  o/blue,  and  purple,  and  scarlet, 
and  fine  twined  linen  : and  twenty  cubits  teas  the 
length,  and  the  height  in  the  breadth  was  five  cu- 
bits, answerable  to  the  hangings  of  the  court. 

19  Apd  their  pillars  were  four,  and  their  sockets 

b See  on  30:18—21.  40:7,30—32.  1 Kings  7:23—26,38.  Zech.  13:1.  John  13:10. 
Tit.  3:5,6.  Heb.  9:10.  c Job  37:18.  Is.  3:23.  Jam.  1:23,24.  * Or,  brazen  glasses. 
t Heb.  assembling  bu  troops.  1 Sam.  2:22.  Prov.  8:34.  Luke  2:37.  1 Tim.  5:5. 
d See  on  27: 9—1 9.  40:8,33.  1 Kinga  6:36.  Ps.  92:13.  100:4.  e27:19.  Ezra  9:8. 

Ec  12:11.  Is.  22;23.  Eph.  2:21,22.  Col.  2:19.  f 25:16.  40:3.  Num.  1:50,63.  9:15. 
10:11.  17:7,8.  18:2.  Acts  7:44.  Rev.  11:19.  g Num.  4:28,33.  Ezra8:26— 30.  h 6: 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXVIII.  V.  8.  Of  the  looking- 
glasses , &c.]  These  are  supposed  to  have  been  plates  of 
the  finest  brass,  highly  polished,  which,  before  the  invention 
of  glass,  served  for  the  purpose  of  mirrors,  and  cast  a much 
stronger  reflection  than  those  made  of  silver.  Some  women, 
peculiarly  devoted  to  God,  and  zealous  for  the  establishment 
of  his  worship,  who  were  used  to  assemble  together  at  the 
door  of  the  tabernacle,  where  the  Lord  met  his  people,  before 
the  sanctuary  was  erected,  at  a time  when  much  brass  was 
wanted,  and  perhaps  no  great  quantity  was  in  the  camp, 
expressed  their  zeal  by  parting  with  their  mirrors  ; which  are 
generally  deemed  necessary,  and  which  must  be  allowed  to 
be  very  convenient.  (Note,  1 Sam.  2:22.) 

V.  iS.  Height,  b c.]  The  hangings  of  the  court  were  five 
cubits  in  height  ; but  that  which  was  the  height  of  the  hang- 
ing for  file  gate,  when  hung  up,  was  its  breadth,  not  its  length, 
as  it  lay  on  the  ground. 

V.  21 — 24.  After  the  malting  of  tho  several  parts  of  the 
sanctuary,  the  sacred  historian  interrupts  the  narrative,,  to 
state  some  particulars  concerning  the  gold  and  silver  em- 
ployed in  that  work.  By  the  command  of  Moses,  the  Levites 
erformed  the  service  here  mentioned,  under  the  direction  of 
thamar,  Aaron’s  youngest  son. 

An.  embroiderer.  (23)  This  confirms  what  was  before 
( 198  ) 


of  brass  four,  their  hooks  of  silver,  and  the  over- 
laying of  their  chapiters,  and  their  fillets,  of  silver. 

20  And  all  ethe  pins  of  the  tabernacle,  and  a 
the  court  round  about,  were  of  brass. 

21  IT  This  is  the  sum  of  the  tabernacle,  even  of 
the  f tabernacle  of  testimony,  as  it  was  counted, 
according  to  the  commandment  of  Moses,  for  the 
service  of  the  Levites,  sby  the  hand  of  hIthamar 
son  to  Aaron  the  priest. 

22  And  ‘Bezaleel  the  son  of  Uri  the  son  of  Hur, 
of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  made  all  that  the  Lord 
commanded  Moses. 

23  And  with  him  w as  Aholiab,  son  of  Ahisa 
mach,  of  the  tribe  of  Dan,  an  engraver,  and  a 
cunning  workman,  and  an  embroiderer  in  blue, 
and  in  purple,  and  in  scarlet,  and  fine  linen. 

24  All  kthe  gold  that  was  occupied  for  the  work, 
in  all  the  work  of  the  holy  place , even  the  gold  of  the 
offering,  was  twenty  and  nine  talents,  and  seven 
hundred  and  thirty  shekels,  after  the  shekel  of  the 
sanctuary. 

25  If  And  the  silver  of  them  that  were  numbered 
of  the  congregation,  was  an  hundred  talents 
and  a thousand  seven  hundred  and  threescort 
and  fifteen  shekels,  after  ethe  shekel  of  the  sane 
tuary. 

26  mA  bekah  for  tevery  man,  that  is,  half  s 
shekel,  after  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary,  forever) 
one  that  went  to  be  numbered,  from  twenty  yeari 
old  and  upward,  for  "six  hundred  thousand  and 
three  thousand  and  five  hundred  and  fifty  men. 

27  And  of  the  hundred  talents  of  silver,  were 
cast  “the  sockets  of  the  sanctuary,  and  the  sockets 
of  the  veil ; an  hundred  sockets  of  the  hundred 
talents,  a talent  for  a socket. 

28  And  of  the  thousand  seven  hundred  seventy 
and  five  shekels,  he  made  hooks  for  the  pillars,  and 
overlaid  their  chapiters,  and  filleted  them. 

29  And  the  brass  of  the  offering  was  seventy 
talents,  'and  two  thousand  and  four  hundred 
shekels. 

30  And  therewith  he  made  >’the  sockets  to  the 
door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and 
the  brazen  altar,  and  the  brazen  grate  for  it,  and 
all  the  vessels  of  the  altar, 

31  And  the  sockets  of  the  court  round  about, 
and  the  sockets  of  the  court-gate,  and  all  the  pins 
of  the  tabernacle,  and  all  the  pins  of  the  court 
round  about. 

CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

The  several  garments  of  the  priests  made,  (Notes,  vVc.28:)  1 — 31.  The  whole 

work  finished,  and  reviewed  by  Moses,  who  blesses  the  workmen,  32 — 43. 

AND  of  “the  blue,  and  purple,  and  scarlet,  they 
made  bclothes  of  service,  to  do  service  in  the 
cboly  ]>lace,  and  made  dthe  holy  garments  for 
Aaron  ; as  the  Lord  commanded  Moses. 


23.  1 Chr.  6:3.  24:4.  i 31:2,6.  35:30— 35.  k 1 Chr.  22:14— 16.  29:2— 7.  Hng. 
2:8.  1 30:13.14.  I.ev.  5:15.  27:3,25.  Num.  3:47.  18:16.  m 30:1.7,16.  JHiib.n 
poll,  n 12:37.  Num.  1:46  . 26:51.  1)26:19,21,25,32.  |>  26:37.  27: 1 0,17.  a 25: 
4.35:23.  b 31:10.  35:19.  c Kz.  43:12.  Heb.  9:12,25.  il  28:2,4.  31:10.  El. 
42:14. 


advanced,  that  the  fine  linen  was  embroidered  with  these 
colours.  (Note,  35:25,26.) 

V.  26 — 28.  A shekel  is  about  half  an  ounce  troy-weight. 
At  halfa  shekel  each,  0000  persons  collected  a talenl  of  silver: 
consequently  a talent  consisted  of  about  a hundred  and 
twenty-five  pounds  troy,  or  rather  more  than  a hundred 
weight.  This  passage  fixes  the  weight  of  a talent  at  3000 
shekels ; for  both  the  round  sum  and  the  residue  agree  with 
this  computation,  and  can  agree  with  no  other.  This  seems 
indeed  to  have  been  the  weight  of  a talent,  of  whatever  metal ; 
and  it  may  easily  be  computed  how  much  it  would  bo  worth 
of  our  current  coin. — The  silver  called  “the  ransom  of  their 
souls,”  was  raised  as  a tax  which  each  must  pay,  hut  all  the 
rest  was  voluntary.  (Note,  30:11 — 16.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

In  all  ages  there  have  been  some  persons  more  devoted  to 
God,  more  constant  in  their  attendance  upon  his  ordinances, 
and  more  willing  to  part  with  lawful  things  foi  his  sake,  than 
others.  These  are  never  censured,  but  always  commended 
and  honoured  in  the  word  of  God  : fi>r  when  relative  duties 
and  social  obligations  are  not  neglected  or  violated,  we  cannot 
too  much  renounce  the  world,  deny  ourselves  and  .devote  our 
all  to  the  Lord,  and  seek  our  whole  happiness  from  him. 
(Note,  Luke  2:36 — 38.) — It  may  also  be  added,  t.  o'  t’Se  en- 


B.  C.  1491. 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 


B.  C.  1419. 


2 And  he  made  'the  ephod  of  gold,  blue,  and 
purple,  and  scarlet,  and  fine  twined  linen. 

3 And  they  did  beat  the  gold  into  thin  plates, 
and  cut  it  into  wires,  to  work  it  in  the  blue,  and 
in  the  purple,  and  in  the  scarlet,  and  in  the  fine 
In.eivwht/t  cunning  work. 

4 They  made  shoulder-pieces  for  it,  to  couple 
it  together  : by  the  two  edges  was  it  coupled  to- 
gether. 

5 And  the  fcurious  girdle  of  his  ephod  that 
was  upon  it  xvas  of  the  same,  according  to  the 
work  thereof:  of  gold,  blue,  and  purple,  and 
scarlet,  and  fine  twined  linen,  as  the  Lord  com- 
manded Moses. 

6 And  they  wrought  eonyx-stones  enclosed  in 
ouches  of  gold,  graven  as  signets  are  graven,  with 
the  names  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

7 And  he  put  them  on  the  shoulders  of  the 
ephod,  that  they  should  be  stones  for  ha  memorial 
to  the  children  of  Israel ; as  the  Lord  commanded 
Moses. 

8 H And  he  made  the  ‘breastplate  of  cunning 
work,  like  the  work  of  the  ephod ; of  gold,  blue, 
and  purple,  and  scarlet,  and  fine  twined  linen. 

9 It  was  four-square ; they  made  the  breast- 
plate double  : a span  was  the  length  thereof,  and  a 
span  the  breadth  thereof,  being'  doubled. 

10  And  they  set  in  it  four  rows  of  stones  : Hhe 
first  row  teas  'a  sardius,  a topaz,  and  a carbuncle  : 
this  was  the  first  row. 

11  And  the  second  row,  an  emerald,  a sapphire, 
and  a diamond. 

12  And  the  third  row,  a figure,  an  agate,  and 
an  amethyst. 

13  And  the  fourth  row,  a beryl,  an  onyx,  and  a 
jasper:  they  were  enclosed  in  ouches  of  gold  in 
their  enclosings. 

14  And  the  stones  were  according  to  the  names 
of  the  children  of  Israel,  twerve  according  to  their 
names,  like  the  engravings  of  a signet,  every  one 
with  his  name,  according  to  the  twelve  tribes. 

15  And  they  made  upon  the  breastplate  kchains, 
at  the  ends,  of  wreathen  work  of  pure  gold. 

16  And  they  made  two  ouches  of  gold,  and  two 
gold  rings  : and  put  the  two  rings  in  the  two  ends 
of  the  breastplate. 

17  And  they  put  the  two  wreathen  chains  of 
gold  in  the  two  rings  on  the  ends  of  the  breast- 
plate. 

18  And  the  two  ends  of  the  two  wreathen 
chains  they  fastened  in  the  two  ouches,  and  put 
them  on  the  shoulder-pieces  of  the  ephod,  be- 
fore it. 

19  And  they  made  two  rings  of  gold,  and  put 
them  on  the  two  ends  of  the  breastplate,  upon  the 
border  of  it  which  was  on  the  side  of  the  ephod 
inward . 

20  And  they  made  two  other  golden  rings,  and 
put  them  on  the  two  sides  of  the  ephod  under- 
neath, toward  the  forepart  of  it,  over  against  the 
other  coupling- thereof,  above  the  curious  girdle  of 
the  ephod. 

• See  on  28:6— 12.  Lev.  8:7.  f See  on  29:9.  Is.  11:5.  Rev.  1:13.  g See  on 
35:9.  Job  28:16.  Ez.  28:13.  h 28:29.  Josh.  4:7.  Mark  14:9,22—25.  i See  on 
28:4.15—29.  Lev.  8:8,9.  Is.  59:17.  Epl> . 6:14.  j See  on28:17, 21.  Rev.  21:19 
—21.  ’Or, ruby.  kCant.lUO.  ISre  on  28:31— 35.  m Cant.  4:3,13.  6:7. 
a Deut.  22:12.  Matt.  9:20.  o See  on  28:40-42.  Lev.  8:13.  Is.  61:10.  Ez.  44: 


closure  of  this  court,  being  only  of  curtains,  might  intimate 
that  it  should  in  due  time  be  removed  : and  so  we  may  take 
occasion  to  bless  God  for  the  enlargement  of  his  church,  by 
the  calling  of  us  Gentiles  into  it ; and  to  pray  that  all  remain- 
ing boundaries  may  be  removed,  and  the  whole  earth  filled 
with  the  knowledge  of  God  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy 
Spirit,  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever.  Amen. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXIX.  V.  3.  The  art  of  draw- 
ing metal  into  wire  was  not  known  at  that  time,  as  appears 
from  this  verse  ; otherwise  the  gold  might  have  been  drawn 
out  to  any  length  and  fineness  which  they  chose. 

V . 43.  The  words,  u as  the  Lord  commanded  Moses,”  or 
to  that  effect,  are  used  no  less  than  ten  times  in  this  chapter. 
This  shows  the  importance  of  the  exact  observance  of  the 
directions  given,  to  the  acceptableness  of  the  service ; with- 
out which  the  liberality  and  activity  of  the  people,  and  the 
skill  of  the  workmen,  would  have  been  of  no  avail. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

When  unanimity  diligence,  and  zeal  animate  the  hearts  of 


21  And  they  did  bind  the  breastplate  by  his 
rings  unto  the  rings  of  the  ephod,  with  a lace  of 
blue,  that  it  might  be  above  tne  curious  girdle  of 
the  ephod,  and  that  the  breastplate  might  not  bt 
loosed  from  the  ephod ; as  the  Lord  commanded 
Moses. 

22  IT  And  he  made  'the  robe  of  the  ephod  of 
woven  work,  all  of  blue. 

23  And  there  was  a hole  in  the  midst  of  the 
robe,  as  the  hole  of  an  habergeon,  with  a band 
round  about  the  hole,  that  it  should  not  rend. 

24  And  they  made  upon  the  hems  of  the  robe 
pomegranates  of  blue,  and  purple,  and  scarlet,  and 
twined  linen. 

25  And  they  made  bells  of  pure  gold,  and  put 
the  bells  between  the  pomegranates,  upon  the 
hem  of  the  robe,  round  about  between  the  pome- 
granates. 

26  A bell  and  a mpomegranate,  a bell  and  a 
pomegranate,  round  about  the  “hem  of  the  robe 
do  minister  in;  as  the  Lord  commanded  Moses. 

27  IT  And  they  made  “coats  of  fine  linen,  of 
woven  work,  for  Aaron  and  for  his  sons. 

28  And  a mitre  of  fine  linen,  and  goodly  bonnets 
of  fine  linen,  and  linen  breeches  of  fine  twined 
linen. 

29  And  a girdle  of  fine  twined  linen,  and  blue, 
and  purple,  and  scarlet,  of  needlework ; as  the 
Lord  commanded  Moses. 

30  11  And  they  made  rthe  plate  of  the  holy 
crown  of  pure  gold,  and  wrote  upon  it  a writing, 
like  to  the  engravings  of  a signet,  ^HOLINESS 
TO  THE  LORD. 

31  And  they  tied  unto  it  a lace  of  blue,  to  fasten 
it  on  high  upon  the  mitre;  as  the  Lord  com- 
manded Moses. 

32  IT  Thus  was  all  the  work  of  the  tabernacle 
of  the  tent  of  the  congregation  finished : and  the 
children  of  Israel  did  raccording  to  all  that  the 
Lord  commanded  Moses,  so  did  they. 

33  And  they  brought  the  tabernacle  unto  Moses, 
"the  tent,  and  all  his  furniture,  his  taches,  his 
boards,  his  bars,  and  his  pillars,  and  his  sockets, 

34  And  the  covering  of  rams’  skins  dyed  red, 
and  the  covering  of  badgers’  skins,  and  the  veil 
of  the  covering, 

35  The  ark  of  the  testimony,  and  the  staves 
thereof,  and  the  mercy-seat, 

36  The  table,  and  all  the  vessels  thereof,  and 
the  show-bread, 

37  The  pure  candlestick,  with  the  lamps  thereof, 
even  with  the  lamps  to  be  set  in  order,  and  all  the 
vessels  thereof,  and  the  oil  lor  fight. 

38  And  the  golden  altar,  and  the  anointing  oil, 
and  the  tsweet  incense,  and  the  hanging  for  the 
tabernacle-door, 

39  The  brazen  altar,  and  his  grate  of  brass, 
his  staves,  and  all  his  vessels,  the  laver  and  his 
foot, 

40  The  hangings  of  the  court,  his  pillars,  and 
his  sockets,  and  the  hanging  for  the  court-gate, 
his  cords  and  his  pins,  and  all  the  vessels  ot  the 


18.  Rom.  3:22.  13:14.  Gal. 3:27.  lPet.l:13.  p See  on  28:36— 38.  Heb.7:2S. 
q Zech.  14:20.  Til. 2:14.  Rev.5:10.  r25:40.  Dent.  12:32.  1 Sam.  15:22.  1 Chr. 
28:19.  Matl.  28:20.  8 See  on  31:7 — 11.  35:11 — 19.  t Heb.  the  incense  of  sweet 
spices. 


numbers  in  a good  cause,  much  may  be  done  in  a short  time  : 
and  when  the  commandment  of  God  is  continually  attended 
to,  as  the  rule  and  standard  of  every  service,  the  whole  will 
be  done  well. — We  ought  indeed  daily  to  prove  our  own  work, 
to  take  the  counsel  and  regard  the  judgment  of  others,  to  pre- 
sent all  we  do  before  the  Lord,  and  beg  to  be  shown  how  far 
he  approves  or  disapproves  it:  but  the  grand  trial  of  all  our 
actions  will  be  at  the  conclusion  of  them.  We  ought  not 
therefore  rashly  to  judge  others,  or  their  works,  before  tha 
time ; nor  be  elated  by  man’s  applause,  or  cast  down  by  his 
reproach,  which  are  often  alike  erroneous  and  unmerited: 
but  we  should  exercise  ourselves  to  keep  a conscience  void  of 
offence,  be  contented  with  its  testimony,  and  wait  that  day, 
44  when  the  Lord  shall  come,  and  bring  to  light  the  hidden 
things  of  darkness,  and  make  manifest  the  counsels  of  the 
hearts,  and  then  shall  every  man  have  praise  of  God.”  For 
though  the  glory  of  all  the  good  we  do  belongs  to  him,  and 
our  best  needs  much  forgiveness;  yet,  if  by  his  grace  our 
hearts  are  humbly  upright  and  willing,  and  vv<*  *;oik  bv  his- 

( 199  ) 


B.  C.  ) IS, 


EXODUS 


B.  C.  1490. 


service  of  the  tabernacle,  for  the  tent  of  the  con- 
gregati  m, 

41  The  'cloths  of  service  to  do  service  in  the 
holy  place , and  the  holy  garments  for  Aaron  the 
priest,  mid  his  sons’  garments  to  minister  in  the 
priest’s  office. 

42  According  to  all  that  the  Lord  commanded 
Moses,  so  the  children  of  Israel  made  all  the 
work. 

43  And  Moses  “did  look  upon  all  the  work,  and 
behold,  they  had  done  it  as  the  Lord  had  com- 
manded, even  so  had  they  done  it : and  Moses 
‘blessed  them. 

CHAPTER  XL. 

Moses , at  God's  command , sets  up  the  tabernacle , and  consecrates  it  with  its 
furniture , 1 — 33.  The  Lord  by  the  cloud  and  glory , takes  possession  of  it, 
and  guides  and  pro' ects  Israel , 34 — 38. 

ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2  On  the  first  day  of  athe  first  month  shalt 
thou  set  up  the  btabernacle  of  the  tent  of  the  con- 
gregation : 

3 And  thou  shalt  put  therein  cthe  ark  of  the 
testimony,  and  cover  the  ark  with  the  veil. 

4 And  thou  shalt  bring  in  dthe  table,  and  set  in 
order  'the  things  that  are  to  he  set  in  order  upon 
it,  and  thou  shalt  bring  in  “the  candlestick,  and 
ligh  t the  lamps  thereof. 

5 And  thou  shalt  set  fthe  altar  of  gold,  for  the 
incense,  before  the  ark  of  the  testimony,  and  "put 
the  hanging  of  the  door  to  the  tabernacle. 

6 And  thou  shalt  set  bthe  altar  of  the  burnt- 
offering  before  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
tent  of  the  congregation. 

7 And  thou  shalt  set  ‘the  laver  between  the  tent 
of  the  congregation  and  the  altar,  and  shalt  put 
water  therein. 

8 And  thou  shalt  set  up  kthe  court  round  about, 
and  hang  up  the  hanging  at  the  court-gate. 

9 11  And  thou  shalt  take  'the  anointing  oil,  and 
anoint  the  tabernacle  and  all  that  is  therein,  and 
6halt  hallow  it,  and  all  the  vessels  thereof:  and  it 
shall  be  holy. 

10  And  thou  shalt  anoint  the  altar  of  the  burnt- 
offering,  and  all  his  vessels,  and  msanctify  the 
altar : and  it  shall  he  an  altar  hnost  holy. 

1 1 And  thou  shalt  anoint  the  laver  and  his  foot, 
and  sanctify  it. 

12  IT  And  thou  shalt  “bring  Aaron  and  his  sons 
unto  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congrega- 
tion, and  wash  them  with  water. 

13  And  thou  shalt  put  upon  Aaron  the  holy 

t 1.31:10.  u Gen.  1:31.  * Gen.  14:19.  Ley.  9:!!2,23.  Num.  6:23—27.  2 Sam.  6: 
18.  1 Kings  8:14.  1 Chr.  30:27.  a 17.  12:1,2.  13:4.  Num.  7:1.  b 6,10.  23:7,30. 
27:21.  30:86.  35:11.  36:18.  Jot  21:28.  marg.  c21.  See  on  25:17— 22  . 26:33,34. 
Num.  4:5.  Rev.  11:19.  15:5.  d 22.  See  on  25:23— 30  . 26  35,36.  -Hob . the  or. 
der  thereof.  Ley.  24:5,6.  e 24,25.  See  on  25:31— 39.  f 26,27.  See  on  30: 1—5. 
37:25— 28.  1 John  2:1,2.  g 29  . 26:36,37.  36:37,38.  h 29.  See  on  27:1— 8.  38:1— 
7.  i 30 — 32.  See  on  30:18— 21.  38:8.  Ps.  26:6.  Zech.  13:1.  k 33.  See  on  27:9 
—19.  38:9—19.  1 30:23—33.  37:29.  Pb.  45:7.  la.  11:2.  61:1.  Matt.  3:16.  John  3: 


rule,  for  his  glory,  and  in  dependence  on  his  teaching  and 
assistance,  he  will  graciously  applaud  us,  and  say,  “Well 
done,  good  and  faithful  servants;’’  and  his  blessing  will  abun- 
dantly repay  our  labour,  which  indeed  is  even  here  its  own 
reward.  After  his  example,  therefore,  as  well  as  that  of 
Moses,  parents,  masters,  ministers,  magistrates,  and  others, 
should  learn  not  to  be  always  finding  fault ; but  to  show  them- 
selves pleased  with,  and  to  commend,  the  honest  endeavours 
of  others  to  do  well. — They  who  serve  the  cause  of  religion 
have  a claim  to  our  prayers,  even  as  if  they  were  our  own 
benefactors  ; and  we  should  both  thank  God  for  them,  and 
beg  of  him  to  bless  them. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XL.  V.  2.  On  the  fifteenth  day  of  the 
■first  month  the  Israelites  came  out  of  Egypt;  on  the  fiftieth 
day  after  that  event  the  law  was  given;  and  with  several 
intervening  delays,  Moses  spent  at  least  eighty  days  upon 
the  mount.  Half  the  year  must  therefore  have  passed,  or 
perhaps  more,  before  they  began  to  work  upon  the  taber- 
nacle ; in  half  a year,  or  somewhat  less,  the  whole  was  com- 
pleted ; and  immediately  Moses  received  directions  for  setting 
it  up. — “ The  tabernacle”  means  the  whole  building;  “the 
tent,”  the  curtains  by  which  it  was  covered.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  3,  4.  Marg.  Ref.  c — e.  Notes,  25:10 — 39. 

V.  5.  Marg.  Ref.  f,  g.  Notes,  2f>:3G,37.  30:1—8. 

V.  fi.  Marg.  Ref.  Note,  27:1—8. 

'V.  7,  8.  Marg.  Ref.  i,  k.  Notes,  27:9—19.  30:18—21. 

V.  9— 11.  Marg. 'Ref.  \,  m.  Notes,  29:35—37.  30:22 

33. 

v!  12— M.  Marg.  Ref.  n,  o.  Notes,  29:1—37. 

V.  15.  Everlasting .]  This  priesthood  endured,  in  tlv) 
l 200  ) 


garments,  and  “anoint  him,  and  sanctify  him ; that 
he  may  minister  unto  me  in  the  priest’s  office. 

14  And  thou  shalt  bring  his  sons,  and  clothe 
them  with  coats : 

15  And  thou  shalt  anoint  them,  as  thou  didst 
anoint  their  father,  that  they  may  minister  unjo 
me  in  the  priest’s  office  : for  their  anointing  shall 
surely  be  an  '’everlasting  priesthood,  throughout 
their  generations. 

16  Thus  did  Moses:  according  to  all  that  the 
Lord  commanded  him,  so  did  he. 

17  H And  it  came  to  pass,"  in  ithe  first  i-b.c. 
month,  in  the  second  year,  on  the  first  day  of  L1490- 
the  month,  that  the  tabernacle  was  reared  up. 

18  And  Moses  “reared  up  the  tabernacle,  and 
fastened  his  sockets,  and  set  up  the  boards  there- 
of, and  put  in  the  bars  thereof,  and  reared  up  his 
pillars. 

19  And  he  spread  abroad  "the  tent  over  the 
tabernacle,  and  put  the  covering  of  the  tent  above 
upon  it;  as  the  Lord  commanded  Moses. 

20  And  he  took  and  put  ‘the  testimony  into  the 
ark,  and  set  the  staves  on  the  ark,  and  put  the 
“mercy-seat  above  upon  the  ark. 

21  And  ‘he  brought  the  ark  into  the  tabernacle, 
and  set  up  the  veil  of  the  covering,  and  covered 
the  ark  of  the  testimony ; as  the  Lord  command- 
ed Moses. 

22  And  7he  put  the  table  in  the  tent  of  the  con- 
gregation, upon  the  side  of  the  tabernacle  “north- 
ward without  the  veil. 

23  And  he  aset  the  bread  in  order  upon  it, 
before  the  Lord  ; as  the  Lord  had  commanded 
Moses. 

24  And  he  put  bthe  candlestick  in  the  tent  of 
the  congregation,  over  against  the  table,  on  the 
side  of  the  tabernacle  southward. 

25  And  he  lighted  the  lamps  before  the  Lord 
as  the  Lord  commanded  Moses. 

26  And  he  put  the  “golden  altar  in  the  tent  of 
the  congregration,  before  the  veil. 

27  And  he  burnt  sweet  incense  thereon  ; as  the 
Lord  commanded  Moses. 

28  And  he  dset  up  the  hanging  at  the  door  of 
the  tabernacle. 

29  And  he  put  “the  altar  of  burnt-ofiering  by 
the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  tent  of  the  con- 
gregation, and  offered  upon  it  the  burnt-ofiering, 
and  the  meat-offering;  as  the  Lord  commanded 
Moses. 

30  And  he  set f the  laver  between  the  tent  of 


S4.  1 John  2:20.  m 29:36,37.  Lev.  8:11.  t Ileb.  holiness  of  holincsses.  u See 
on  29:1— 33.  Lev.  8:1— 13.  o See  on  28:41 . John  3:34.  17:19.  Heh.  10: 
10— 29.  1 John  2:20,27.  p 12:14.  30:31.  Num.  25:13.  Ps.  110:4.  Heh.  7:3,17, 
24.  q 2.  Num.  7:1.  9:1.  r 26:15— 30  . 36:20— 34.  s 26: 1— 14.  36:S— 19.  t 16: 
34.  25:16—21.  31:18.  Ps.  40:8.  u 37:6—9.  Rom.  3:25.  10:4.  Heb.4:16.  10:19 — 
21.1  J#hn2:2.  *3.26:33.35:12.  y4.  *24.  26:35.  a 25:30.  1.25:31—35. 

37:17—24.  John  8:12.  Rev.  1:20.  2:5.  c 30:1—10.  Rev.  8:3,4.  d 5.  26:36,37. 
38:9—19.  e 6 . 27:1— 8 . 38:1— 7.  Heb.  13:10.  f 7.  30:18-21.  3S:8.  F.*.  36:26. 


family  of  Aaron,  till  Christ  came  ; anti  in  him,  the  Substance 
of  all  these  shadows,  it  rests  forever. — The  sons  of  Aaron 
were  anointed  with  the  same  holy  oil  as  their  father;  but  it 
is  not  generally  supposed,  that  it  was  poured  on  their  heads, 
as  it  was  on  his.  At  least  this  is  never  mentioned  concerning 
any  other  than  the  high-priest..  (29:7.  Lev.  8:12.  21:10.  Ps. 
133:2.)  The  anointing  oil  was  “sprinkled  both  on  Aaron 
and  his  garments,  and  on  his  sons,  and  on  their  garments.” 
(29:21.  Lev.  8:30.) — In  this  respect,  “Moses  anointed  them, 
as  he  anointed  their  father:”  and  perhaps  some  of  the  oil 
might  be  applied  to  their  heads,  though  not  poured  on  them, 
as  on  that  of  their  father.  The  distinction  between  the 
anointed  priest,  or  high-priest,  and  the  other  priests,  seems 
marked  through  all  the  subsequent  part  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment, wherever  the  subject  is  introduced. 

V.  16.  Moses  4 took  the  same  care  in  erecting  the  taber- 
nacle, and  disposing  every  thing  in  its  place,  that  the  work- 
men had  done  in  making  all  things  according  to  the  mind  of 
God.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  17 — 33.  (Marg.  Ref.)  In  the  whole  of  this  solemn 
service,  Moses  acted  as  a priest,  and  as  a type  of  him,  who 
unites  in  his  own  person  the  officos  of  a Prophet,  Priest,  and 
King.  (Note,  Dent.  18:15 — 19.)  But  after  Aaron  and  his 

sons  were  fully  established  in  their  office,  it  does  not  appear 
that  Moses  performed  any  of  the  services  to  which  they 
were  especially  appointed.  As  however  he  went  into  the 
tabernacle  to  inquire  of  the  Lord,  it  may  he  supposed  that, 
on  these  occasions,  he  washed  his  hands  and  f«nM  at  the  laver 
as  Aaron  and  his  sons  did  in  their  daily  l’tinisl  aliens. — The 
time,  in  which  the  anointing  and  cunsec*  itirji  of  the  sacred 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XL. 


B.  C.  1490. 


the  congregation  and  the  altar,  and  put  water 
there,  to  wash  ivithal. 

31  And  Moses,  and  Aaron  and  his  sons,  «wash- 
ed  their  hands  and  their  feet  thereat. 

32  When  they  went  into  the  tent  of  the  con- 
gregration,  and  when  they  came  near  unto  the 
altar, > they  washed ; as  the  Lord  commanded 
Moses. 

33  And  he  reared  up  hthe  court  round  about 
Hie  tabernacle  and  the  altar,  and  set  up  the  hang- 
ing of  the  court  gate  : 'so  Moses  finished  the  work. 

34  11  Then  ka  cloud  covered  the  tent  of  the 
congregation,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  filled  the 
tabernacle. 


r John  13:10.  h 8.  27:9 — 16.  I 39:32.  1 Kings  6:9.  Zech.  4:9.  John  4:34.  17:4. 
5 Tim.  4:7.  Heb.  3:2-5.  k 13:21 ,22.  14:19,-20,24.  25:8,22.29:43.  33:9.  Lev. 
16:2.  Num.  9:15-23.  1 Kings  8:10.  2Clir.5;13.  Is.  6:4.  Ez.43:4— 7.  Hag. 2:7, 


vessels  took  place,  seems  to  have  been  the  same,  as  that  in 
which  Aaron  and  his  sons  were  consecrated  ; though  Moses 
in  this  general  narrative  did  not  specially  mention  it. 

V.  34,  35.  The  Lord  testified  his  acceptance  of  the  ser- 
vices of  the  people,  and  his  entire  reconciliation  to  them  as  a 
nation,  by  hi-:  gracious  residence  among  them  in  the  cloud, 
the  symbol  of  his  special  presence.  This  rested  above  the 
tabernacle,  while  a more  resplendent  glory  filled  it,  so  that 
Moses  himself  could  not  enter  for  a time ; but  probably  it 
afterwards  was  confined  to  the  holy  of  holies,  above  the 
mercy-seat  between  the  cherubim. 

V.  36 — 36.  ( Note , Num.  9:16 — 23.)  In  allusion  to  this 

special  guidance  of  Israel,  many  pious  persons  use  the 
expression,  “moving  of  the  cloud,”  as  denoting  the  providen- 
tial and  gracious  direction  which  God  now  affords  his  people  : 
and  doubtless  it  is  allowable  thus  to  accommodate  and  apply 
these  typical  passages  to  our  own  circumstances,  provided  it 
be  done  with  sobriety,  judgment,  and  caution.  But  we 
should  be  careful  not  to  introduce  a new  rule  of  duty  ; or 
give  occasion  to  uncertainty,  error,  or  enthusiasm,  by  a vague 
and  indeterminate  use  of  such  allusions.  We  are  not  under 
the  same  evident  infallible  guidance  that  Israel  was : the 
word  of  God,  soberly  explained,  is  our  only  and  our  sufficient 
rule  of  duty  ; and  in  understanding  it,  and  in  applying  general 
precepts  to  particular  circumstances,  good  counsel,  fervent 
prayer,  and  a careful  observance  of  Providence,  should  be 
employed.  Some  things  are  always  our  duty,  when  we  have 
opportunity  and  ability ; and  these  need  no  other  direction  : 
other  things  are  lawful  in  themselves  ; but  it  may  be  doubtful, 
whether  in  our  case  and  situation  they  are  advisable ; that 
is,  whether  they  are  likely,  all  things  considered,  to  conduce 
to  the  glory  of  God  and  our  own  real  good,  and  the  good  of 
our  brethren  and  neighbours.  When,  after  mature  consulta- 
tion and  fervent  prayer,  such  matters  still  remain  doubtful ; 
the  events  of  Providence  may  be  of  some  weight  in  the  deci- 
sion, especially  in  cases  where  self-denial  must  be  exercised, 
and  danger  encountered.  But,  when  any  undertaking  is 
evidently  wrong,  or  plainly  inexpedient,  or  unadvisable  in 
the  opinion  of  impartial  judges,  and  yet  the  inclination  leans 
that  way ; in  this  case,  that  which  men  call  the  “ moving  of 
the  cloud,”  or  the  opening  of  Providence,  is  generally  no  more 
than  a temptation  of  Satan.  The  suggestions  of  that  enemy 


35  Ami  Moses  'was  not  able  to  enter  into  the 
tent  of  the  congregation,  because  the  cloud  abode 
thereon,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  filled  the  tabei 
nacle. 

36  And  "'when  the  cloud  was  taken  up  from 
over  the  tabernacle,  the  children  of  Israel  'went 
onward  in  all  their  journeys : 

37  But  if  the  cloud  were  not  taken  up,  then 
they  journeyed  not,  till  the  day  that  it  was  taken 
up. 

38  For  the  cloud  of  the  Lord  was  upon  the 
tabernacle  by  day,  and  "fire  was  on  it  by  nigh 
in  the  sight  of  all  the  house  of  Israel,  throughou 
all  their  journeys. 


9.  11  Kings  8:11.  2 Chr.  5:14.  7:2.  Rev.  15:8.  m Num.  10:11— 13,33— 36. 

Neh.  9:19.  1 Cor.  10:1.  * Heb.  journeyed,  n Pa.  78:14.  105:39.  Is.  4:5,6. 


are  often  mistaken  for  divine  impressions ; and  men  fancy 
they  are  following  the  Lord,  when  they  are  gratifying  their 
own  wayward  inclinations.  Upon  the  whole,  in  all  matters, 
let  us  refer  “to  the  law  and  to  the  testimony.”  Plain  pre- 
cepts and  maxims  of  wisdom  are  far  surer  rules,  than  the 
most  ingenious  allusions  : and  the  book  of  Providence,  as 
well  as  the  supposed  guidance  of  the  Spirit,  must  be  exa- 
mined by,  and  brought  to  the  test  of,  the  plain  rules  of  the 
written  word,  “ which  are  the  light  of  our  feet  and  the  lantern 
of  our  paths.” 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  several  parts  of  divine  revelation,  the  distinct  offices  of 
Jesus  Christ,  and  the  various  graces  of  the  Christian  character, 
are  never  seen  in  their  glory  and  beauty,  till  they  are  viewed 
as  united  in  one  harmonious  whole ; which  whole  the  believer 
values,  desires,  and  seeks  to  call  his  own. — The  periodical 
return  of  the  seasons  should  remind  us  of  the  duties  to  God 
and  our  souls,  to  which  we  are  called : and  we  may  hope  for 
a good  year,  month,  week,  or  day,  if  we  begin  it  with  serious 
attention  to  the  worship  of  God,  and  solemn  dedication  of  our- 
selves to  him.  But  when  we  remember  that  within  this  very 
year,  which  was  entered  upon  in  so  promising  a manner,  the 
Lord  was  not  well  pleased  with  the  most  of  the  Israelites,  and 
doomed  “ their  carcasses  to  fall  in  the  wilderness we  may 
justly  fear,  lest  we  should  amuse  and  deceive  ourselves  with 
a form  of  godliness  : and  the  consideration,  how  few  of  them 
entered  Canaan,  should  warn  young  people  not  to  postpone 
the  care  of  their  souls  till  they  are  settled  in  life,  lest  that 
should  prove  too  late. — Happy  they,  who  like  Moses  receive 
repeated  testimony  from  God,  that  they  do  his  will  and  keep 
his  commandments:  But,  through  him,  let  us  look  unto  Jesus 

Christ,  who  collects  his  people  from  all  nations  and  ages;  and 
according  to  the  will  of  the  Father,  having  washed  them  in  his 
blood,  and  anointed  them  with  the  unction  of  his  grace,  forms 
them  into  one  holy  temple,  “ a habitation  of  God  through  the 
Spirit,”  in  which  he  dwells  to  illuminate,  to  purify,  to  guide, 
and  to  defend  them  through  life,  and  in  which  he  will  dwell 
for  ever.  Being  then  taught  by  the  Spirit  to  imitate  Christ, 
as  well  as  to  depend  en  him,  devoutly  to  attend  on  his  ordi- 
nances, and  obey  his  precepts ; we  shall  be  preserved  from 
losing  our  way,  and  be  “ led  in  the  midst  of  the  paths  of  judg- 
ment,” till  we  come  to  heaven,  the  habitation  of  his  holiness 


•4. 


Vol.  I. — 26 


( »!  ) 


THE  THIRD  BOOK  OF  MOSES, 


CALLED 

LEVITICUS. 


In  the  Hebrew  Bible  this  book,  like  the  preceding,  is  named  from  the  first  word  (N"'pv») : but,  after  the  Greek  translation,  we  call  p 
Leviticus  : because  it  records  the  solemn  consecration  of  Aaron  and  his  sons,  who  were  of  the  tribe  of  Levi,  to  be  the  priests  ot 
the  Lord,  nrid  the  confirmation  of  the  priesthood  to  their  descendants  in  all  subsequent  ages,  while  that  dispensation  endured  ; ana 
because  directions  for  their  various  ministrations  are  here  very  particularly  given  ; though  many  thing's  respecting  the  separation 
of  the  rest  of  the  tribe,  and  the  services  allotted  to  them,  are  recorded  in  the  subsequent  book.  It  contains  little  history,  except 
the  awful  death  of  Nadab  and  Abilin,  the  sons  of  Aaron,  as  soon  as  consecrated,  for  irreverence  in  their  sacred  office : and  it 
principally  cou-ists  of  ritual  laws,  delivered  to  Moses  from  above  the  mercy-seat,  during  the  first  month  after  the  Tabernacle  was 
erected  ; though  moral  piecepts  are  frequently  interspersed. — In  these  ceremonies  the  gospel  was  preached  to  Israel : and  the 
solemn  and  exact  manner,  and  the  many  repetitions,  with  which  they  are  enforced,  are  suited  to  impress  the  serious  mind  with  r. 
conviction,  that  something  immensely  more  important  and  spiritual,  than  the  external  observances,  is  couched  under  each  of  them. 
We  are  indeed  thus  taught,  that  all  true  religion  must  be  grounded  on  divine  revelation*  and  be  regulated  by  it ; and  not  be  left  in 
any  degree  to  human  invention  : yet  one  inspired  aposfle  calls  the  legal  institutions  “ beggarly  elements,”  and  “the  law  of  a 
carnal  commandment and  another  allows,  that  they  formed  “ a yoke  which  neither  they  nor  their  fathers  were  able  to  bear.” 
— But  if  we  look  carefully  into  the  New  Testament,  we  shall  be  convinced,  that  these  ordinances,  which  to  numbers  appear  so 
unmeaning  and  unreasonable,  were  not  only  “shadows  of  good  things  to  come,”  but  real  prophecies;  which,  being  exactly 
accomplished  in  the  gospel,  prove  the  book  in  which  they  are  found  to  be  divinely  inspired.  It  is  not  known  how  far  the  Israelites 
observed  the  singular  law  concerning  the  sabbatical  year,  anil  that  of  Jubilee,  which,  it  is  evident,  were  very  frequently  neglected; 
bui  no  impostor  would  have  ventured  to  enact  such  statutes;  much  less  to  have  committed  himself  by  these  words:  “And  if  ye 
shall  s.iy,  What  shall  we  eat  the  seventh  year  ? behold,  we  shall  not  sow,  nor  gather  in  our  increase.  Then  I will  command  my 
blessing  on  you  in  the  sixth  year,  and  it  shall  bring  forth  fruit  for  three  years.  And  ye  shall  sow  the  eighth  year,  and  eat  yet  of 
old  fruit  until  the  ninth  year  ; until  her  fruits  come  in,  ye  shall  eat  of  the  old  store.”  (25:20 — 22.)  Yet,  we  do  not  find,  in  the 
whole  history,  a single  complaint  that  this  extraordinary  promise  failed  of  an  exact  accomplishment.  The  twenty-sixth  chaptei 
likewise  contains  an  evident  prediction  of  the  present  state  of  the  nation  of  Israel,  which  amidst  all  its  dispersions  and  oppressions 
has  hitherto  been  preserved  a distinct  people,  apparently  in  order  to  the  performance  of  the  promises  made  them  in  the  close  of  the 
chapter.  It  seems  peculiarly  useful,  in  this  skeptical  age,  to  introduce  each  book  in  the  sacred  volume,  by  some  notice  of  those 
prophecies  found  in  it  which  have  received  an  evident  accomplishment,  many  ages  after  the  time  when  we  have  full  proof  the 
books  Were  extant ; as  this  tends  to  establish,  not  only  their  authenticity,  but  also  their  divine  authority,  far  more  than  human 
testimony  can  do. — In  addition  to  this  we  may  observe,  that  the  sacred  writers,  in  all  the  subsequent  parts  of  Scripture,  and  even 
our  Lord,  as  well  as  his  apostles,  quote  or  refer  to  this  book  in  language  which  proves,  both  that  it  is  the  genuine  work  of  Moses, 
and  also  that  the  statutes  contained  in  it  are  the  word  of  God  ; the  two  points  which  many,  called  Christians,  seem  at  present  ready 
to  concede  to  skeptics  and  infidels.  (2  Chron.  30:1b.  Ezra  7:6,12.  Matt.  8:4.  Luke  2:22 — 24.  Rom.  10:4,5.  Comp.  26:12.  with 
2 Cor.  6:16.  and  19:19.  with  Gal.  5:14.)  Let  us  therefore  adhere  to  the  testimony  of  these  unexceptionable  witnesses,  and  study  it 
as  a part  of  “ the  oracles  of  God  ;”  and  very  important  instruction  will  be  derived  from  it,  even  to  us  in  this  remote  age,  though 
(ve  are  no  longer  under  the  obligation  of  its  ritual  appointments. 


B.  C.  1490. 

CHAPTER  I. 

The  law  of  the  burnt -offering,  of  abuVocJc,  1 — 9 : of  a sheep , or  goat,  10 — 13  : 
of  fowls,  14—17. 

AND  the  Lord  acalled  unto  Moses,  and  spake 
unto  him  bout  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation, saying, 

a Ex.  19:3.  24:1,2,12.  29.42.  John  1:17.  b Ex.  25.22.  33:7  . 39:32.  40:34,35. 
Nura.  12:4,5.  c 22:18,19.  Hen.  4:3— 5.  1 ( hr.  16:29.  R«>m.  12:1,6.  Eph.  5:2. 
tl  6:9 — 13.  8:18—21.  Gen.  8:20.  22:2,8,13.  Ex.  24:5.  29:18,42.  32:6.  38:1.  Num. 

NOTES. — Chap.  I.  V.  1,  2.  The  laws,  recorded  in  the 
book  of  Exodus,  were  either  delivered  to  the  people  imme- 
diately from  Sinai,  or  to  Moses  on  the  top  of  that  mountain ; 
but  after  the  sanctuary  had  been  erected,  the  remaining  part  of 
the  law  was  delivered  to  Moses  by  an  audible  voice  from  the 
divine  glory,  which  first  filled  the  tabernacle,  and  then  rested 
above  the  mercy-seat.  When  this  glory  filled  the  holy  place, 
Moses  was  not  able  to  enter ; but  the  Lord  called  to  him  to 
draw  nigh,  and  as  he  stood  without  he  spake  the  laws  to  him. 
— The  word  rendered  offering , (pip  Corban , Mark.  T*1 1 . ) 
signifies  brought  near , and,  in  general,  means  any  oblation 
presented  to  God  ; and  therefore  the  meat-offerings,  regulated 
ti  the  next  chapter,  were  intended,  as  well  as  the  burnt- 
offerings,  &c. — The  sacrificing  of  innocent  animals  had  been 
an  institution  of  true  religion  from  the  fall  of  Adam;  and 
thence  by  tradition  it  was  derived  into  the  various  species  of 
false  religion,  which  prevailed  in  the  world. — Among  the 
worshippers  of  the  true  God,  no  animals  but  those  called  clean 
were  offered.  In  most  cases  the  head  of  the  family,  or  the 
person  presenting  the  sacrifice,  officiated  as  priest.  (Note, 
Ex.  24:5.)  The  blood  of  the  animal  was  shed,  and  then  the 
body  was  consumed  by  fire  on  an  altar  : or  sometimes  only  a 
part  of  it  ; and  then  the  remainder  was  feasted  on  by  the 
person  who  sacrificed,  along  with  his  family  and  friends. 
(Gen.  31:54.  Note,  Ex.  18:12.)  But,  under  the  Mosaic  dis- 
pensation, very  particular  laws  were  given  upon  this  subject, 
which  were  connected  with  the  exclusive  appointment  of 
Aaron’s  family  to  the  priesthood.  In  general,  all  the  sacrifices 
in  various  ways  typified  Christ ; and  also  shadowed  out  the  be- 
liever’s duty,  character,  privilege,  and  communion  with  God  : 
and  indeed,  if  we  except  the  divine  Person,  the  miracles,  and 
the  meritorious  mediation,  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  there  is  scarcely 
any  thing  in  the  whole  Scripture  spoken  of  him,  which  is  so 
appropriate,  as  not  to  have  also  a subordinate  meaning  that 
concerns  his  people ; and  therefore  we  need  not  hesitate  to 
apply  the  same  things,  both  to  Christ  and  to  Christians,  in 
different  respects. — Such  animals  only  were  allowed  in  sacri- 
fice, as  are  most  useful  and  valuable  to  man,  which  ho  is  able 
( 209  ) 


B.  C.  1490. 

2 Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and  say 
unto  them,  cIf  any  man  of  you  bring  an  offering 
unto  the  Lord,  ye  shall  bring  your  offering  of  the 
cattle,  even  of  the  herd,  and  of  the  flock. 

3 If  his  offering  be  da  burnt-sacrifice  of  the  head, 
let  him  offer  ea  male  without  blemish : he  shall 


28:3, 10, 11, 19, 23/21, 27, 31.  29:8—11,13.  Is.  1:11.  Hell.  10:8—10.  e3:l.  4:23. 

22:19—25,  Ex.  12:5.  Dent.  15:21.  Zech.  13:7.  Mai.  1:14.  Luke  1:35.  Ei)h.  6i 
27.  Heb.  7:26.  9:14.  1 Pet.  1:18,19.  2:22—24. 


to  possess  as  property,  and  the  increase  of  which  he  promotes : 
and  not  all  of  them ; but  those  only  which  are  most  domestic, 
harmless,  patient,  cleanly,  and  whose  flesh  is  most  commonly 
used  for  food.  Neither  filthy  swine,  nor  devouring  lions,  nor 
the  warlike  horse,  nor  the  subtle  fox,  nor  the  voracious  dog. 
nor  any  creature  which  subsists  on  animal  food,  was  appointed 
for  sacrifice ; nor  yet  the  timorous  hare  or  deer,  which  flees 
from  the  intercourse  of  man:  but  those  alone  which  repre- 
sented most  aptly  what  Christ  would  be,  and  what  his  people 
ought  to  be  ; as  the  laborious,  patient  ox  ; the  gentle,  harmless, 
and  cleanly  sheep ; and  the  tender,  loving  dove  : for  even  the 
useful  goat  was  sacrificed  far  less  frequently,  than  sheep  and 
oxen. — It  is  known  that  the  heathens  offered* various  animals, 
which  were  deemed  unclean  by  the  Israelites  ; especially 
swine  and  horses. 

V.  3.  The  burnt-offering,  or  the  offering  which  ascended , 
that  is,  in  smoke  from  the  altar,  was  the  principal  sacrifice, 
and  the  most  ancient.  No  part  of  it  was  eaten,  either  by  the 
priest  or  the  offerer ; but  the  whole,  when  it  had  been  duly 
prepared,  was  consumed  by  fire  on  the  altar,  as  consecrated 
to  the  Lord.  When  an  Israelite  brought  this  offering  to  the 
sanctuary,  he  professed  his  willing  devotedness  to  the  worship 
of  God:  and  the  transaction  aptly  represented  the  true 
believer’s  dedication  of  himself  without  reserve,  in  body  and 
soul,  to  the  service  and  glory  of  God,  whether  by  doing  or 
suffering  his  will ; “ whether  by  life  or  death  :”  (Phil.  1:20.) 
but  this  is  always  accompanied  by  repentance,  and  faith  in 
the  atonement  of  Christ.  Whatever  else  therefore  was 
denoted  by  these  sacrifices,  they  especially  typified  Christ 
in  the  intcnsencss  of  his  sufferings,  both  of  body  and  soul, 
when  he  gave  himself  a sacrifice  for  our  sins  ; and  when,  at 
the  time  that  man  shed  his  blood,  M it  pleased  the  Lord  to 
bruise  him  and  to  put  him  to  grief:”  and  they  likewise  showed 
forth  the  perfection  of  that  zeal  and  love,  with  wl  ich  he  volun- 
tarily went  through  his  inexpressible  sufferings.-  A male  with- 
out  blemish  was  deemed  the  most  complete  of.tne  kind  ; thus 
Christ  was  without  spot  or  blemish ; and  his  people  must 
serve  him  with  their  best  in  every  thing,  a' d they  re  in 


B.  C.  1430. 


CHAPTER  I. 


13.  C.  1490 


offer  it  of  f his  owi  v«  ut  .ary  will,  Rat  the  door  of 
the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  before  theLoRD. 

4 And  he  shall  hput  his  hand  upon  the  head  of 
the  burnt-offering1 : and  it  shall  ‘be  accepted  for 
him  to  make  kitonement  for  him. 

5 And  he  shall  kkill  the  bullock  before  the  Lord  : 
and  ‘the  priests,  Aaron’s  sons,  shall  bring  the 
blood,  and  '"sprinkle  the  blood  round  about  upon 
the  altar,  that  is  by  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation. 

6 And  he  shall  "flay  the  burnt-offering,  and  cut 
it  into  his  pieces. 

7 And  the  sons  of  Aaron  the  priest  shall  put 
‘fire  upon  the  altar,  and  Hay  the  wood  in  order 
upon  the  fife. 

8 And  the  priests,  Aaron’s  sons,  shall  slay  the 
parts,  the  head,  and  the  fat,  in  order  upon  the 
wood,  that  is  on  the  fire  which  is  upon  the  altar. 

9 But  his  'inwards  and  his  legs  shall  he  wash  in 
water:  and  the  priest  shall  “burn  all  on  the  altar, 
to  be  a burnt-sacrifice,  an  offering  made  by  fire,  of 
a ‘sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord. 

10  If  And  if  his  offering  be  "of  the  flocks,  namely,. 

r7.1G.  2-2:10.21 . Ex.  35:5,21 ,29.  36:3.  Ps.  40:8.  110:3.  2 Cor.  8:12.  9:7.  p 16: 
7.171.  Ex.  29:1.  Dem.  12  -1.6,13,14,27.  Et.  20:40.  John  10:7,9.  Eph.  2:18. 
h 3:2, S, 13.  4:4,15,24,29.  8:11,22.16:21.  Ex.  29:10,15,19.  Num.8:12.  In.  53:4— 
6.  2 Cor.  5,21.  i 22:21,87.  li.56:7.  Rom.  12.1.  Phil.  4:18.  ) 4:20,26,31 ,35.  5:6. 
6:7.  9:7.  16:24.  Nuin.  15:28  25:13.  2 Chr.  29:23,24.  Dan  9:24.  Rom.  3:25.  5:11. 

It  11.  3:2,8.13.  16:15.  2 Cl.r.  29:22— 24.  Mic.  6:6.  1 11,15.  2 Chr.  35:11.  Hob. 
10:11.  0111.3:2,8,13.  Ex.  21:6— S.  29:16.  Num.  18:17.  Is.  52:15.  Et.  36:25. 
Heb. 12:24.  1 Pol.  1:2.  n 7:8.  Gun.  3:21.  o 6: 12,13.  9:24.  10:1.  Klir.21: 


themselves  the  excellent  of  the  earth.  ( Ps . I G;3 . ) — The 
sacrifices  of  the  congregation,  -daily,  weekly,  monthly,  and 
annually,  as  well  as  those  for  the  great  feasts,  were  prescribed 
by  express  laws ; and  so  were  the  sin-otferings  and  the  tres- 
pass-offerings: but  the  burnt-offerings  here  spoken  of  were 
voluntary. — The  word  (wH)  rendered  voluntary  will,  may 
indeed  signify,  for  his  acceptance,  that  is,  that  he  might  be 
accepted  before  the  Lord.  £"0;.  28:38.  Is.  1:0:7.  Heb. 

Burnt-sacrifice.]  (t'l  nbf  ascendere.)  'OhoKavroipa. 

Sept. — ‘ Tota  cremanda. — Holocaustum,  sic  dictum,  quod  totum 
ignc  absumptum  sursum  ascenderet,  et  evanesceret.’  Robertson. 

V.  4.  The  offerer,  by  laying  his  hand  on  the  head  of  the 
young  bull  about  to  be  sacrificed,  acknowledged  the  Lord  as 
the  Giver  of  all  that  he  possessed ; and  surrendered  the 
animal  entirely  to  him,  for  the  purposes  of  his  glory.  But 
this  significant  action  more  especially  implied  an  humble  con- 
fession of  sin,  as  deserving  the  wrath  of  God,  and  the  penalty 
denounced  against  transgressing  the  law  ; with  a desire  that 
the  guilt,  (or  exposedness  to  punishment  and  death,)  might 
be  transferred  from  the  offerer  to  the  innocent  animal ; and 
that  the  shedding  of  its  blood,  and  the  burning  of  its  body  at 
the  altar  might  be  accepted,  instead  of  his  bearing  the  deserved 
vengeance  in  his  own  person. — Accordingly,  the  Lord  pro- 
mised that  it  should  be  “ accepted  for  him  to  make  atonement 
for  him.” — It  is  surprising  lhat  any  one  should  argue,  in  oppo- 
sition to  the  express  words  of  the  text,  that  it  was  not  an 
atoping  sacrifice ; merely  because  there  were  other  atoning 
sacrifices,  appointed  for  particular  occasions : for  this  was  a 
general  oblation,  when  a man  was  humbly  conscious  of  sin, 
in  numerous  instances  of  his  daily  conduct,  in  his  spirit  and 
temper,  and  in  his  best  services ; though  he  had  not  committed 
those  special  offences,  for  which  the  sin-offerings  or  trespass- 
offerings  were  required  ; or  those  against  which  death  was 
denounced,  and  no  sacrifice  appointed. — The  sacrifices,  which 
from  the  beginning  prefigured  “the  Lamb  of  God,  who  taketh 
away  the  sin  of  the  world,”  were  generally  burnt-offerings  ; 
and  so  were  the  morning  and  evening  sacrifices  offered  day 
by  day  continually.  Indeed,  the  sacrifice  of  Christ  was  pre- 
figured more  aptly,  and  far  more  frequently,  by  this  than  by 
any  other  oblation.  And  though  it  never  was  “possible  for 
the  blood  of  bulls  and  goats  to  take  away  sin,”  as  to  the  con- 
science ; yet  these  sacrifices  were  so  far  accepted  from  the 
Israelites  in  general,  that  their  peculiar  advantages  were 
continued  to  them,  through  the  typical  atonement,  notwith- 
standing their  numerous  offences. 

V . 5—9.  It  is  a common  opinion,  that  none  but  the  priests 
and  Levites  were  employed  in  killing  the  sacrifices,  and  pre- 
paring them  for  the  altar  ; but  it  does  not  seem  to  be  founded 
on  Scripture.  Indeed  Moses,  who  acted  as  a priest  in  the 
consecration  of  Aaron  and  his  sons,  was  directed  to  slay  the 
sin-offering,  the  burnt-offering,  and  the  ram  of  consecration : 
and  no  doubt  he  observed  the  direction.  (Note,  8:15.  Ex. 
29:11,19,20.)  After  the  seven  days  of  consecration  were 
expired,  Aaron  slew  his  own  sin-offering  and  burnt-offering, 
and  the  sin-offering  of  the  people  whom  he  represented. 
(9:8,15,18.)  And  in  the  days  of  Hezekiah,  the  Levites  slew 
the  paschal-lambs  for  such  as  were  not  clean.  (2  Chr.  30:17.) 
But  these  were  particular  cases  : and  in  general  the  person, 
who  brought  the  sacrifice,  was  required  to  slay  it:  which 
more  exactly  typified  Christ  crucified  by  sinners,  as  well  as 
for  them.  Indeed,  these  verses  seem  expressly  to  declare 
what  the  priests  should  do,  and  what  the  offerer.  The  offerer 
was  directed  to  kill  the  sacrifice,  and  the  priest  to  receive  and 


of  the  sheep,  ot  tf  the  goats,  for  a bn  rm-sacrifice 
he  shall  bring  it  xa  male  without  blemish. 

11  And  Hie  shall  kill  it  on  the  side  of  the  altar 
“northward  helore  the  Lord  : “and  the  priests, 
Aaron’s  sons,  shall  sprinkle  his  blood  round  about 
upon  the  altar. 

12  And  lie  shall  cut  it  into  his  pieces,  with  his 
head  and  his  fat:  and  the  priest  shall  lay  them  in 
order  on  the  wood  that  is  on  the  fire  which  is 
upon  the  altar. 

13  But  lie  shall  wash  the  inwards  and  the  legs 
with  water:  and  the  priest  shall  bring  it  all,  and 
burn  it  upon  the  altar:  it  is  a burnt-sacrifice,  an 
offering  made  by  fire,  of  a sweet  savour  unto  the 
Lord. 

14  H And  if  the  burnt-sacrifice,  for  his  offering 
to  the. Lord,  hbe  of  fowls;  then  he  shall  bring  his 
offering  of  turtle-doves,  or  of  young  pigeons. 

15  And  the  priest  shall  bring  it  unto  the  altar, 
and  'wring  off  his  head,  and  burn  it  on  the  altar: 
and  the  blood  thereof  shall  be  wrung  out  at  the 
side  of  the  altar. 

16  And  he  shall  pluck  away  his  crop  with  this 


26.  2 Chr.  7:1.  Mai.  1:10.  p Gen.  22:9.  Nell.  13:31.  q 8:18— 21.  9:13,14.  E*. 
29:17,18.  1 Hines  18:23,33.  r 13.8:21.  9:1-1  Ps.  51:6.  Jer.  4:14.  Mall.  23:25- 
28.  s 13,17.  3:11.  Ps.  66:15.  Zecb.  13:7.  Heb.  i:  14.  t Gen.  8:21.  2 Cor.  2:15. 
Eph.  5:2.  Phil.  4:18.  u 2.  Gen.  4:4.  8:20.  Is.  53:6,7.  Jolm  1:29.  Acts  8:32. 
x See  on  3.  4:23.  22:19.  Mai.  1:14.  ySeeonS.  z 6:25.  7:2.  a See  on  7— 9. 
9:12 — 1-1.  b 5:7.  12:8.  Luke  2:24.  2 Cor.  8:12.  *’  Ur,  pinch  off  tht  head  with 

the  nail.  | Or,  the  filth  thereof. 


sprinkle  the  blood.  Then  the  offerer  was  to  strip  off  the  skin, 
and  cut  the  animal  in  pieces ; and  the  priests  to  prepare  the 
fire,  and  lay  the  wood  in  order  upon  it,  and  the  several  parts 
of  the  sacrifice  on  the  wood,  in  that  manner  which  best  sub- 
served the  intention  of  speedily  consuming  them  to  ashes. 
It  seems  also  that  the  offerer  was  required  to  wash  the  legs 
and  intestines;  and  then  the  priests  laid  them  on  the  other 
parts  that  they  might  be  burned  on  the  altar.  It  is  however 
very  probable,  that  when  the  Levites,  and  afterwards  the 
Nethinims,  were  appointed  to  the  service  of  the  sanctuary, 
they  assisted  those  who  presented  the  sacrifices,  especially 
such  as  were  not  expert  at  these  employments. — A great 
part  of  the  expositions  of  many  learned  men,  on  this  part  of 
Scripture,  consists  of  the  opinions  held  by  the  Jewish  Rabbies 
on  the  subjects  treated  on.  But  I would  once  for  all  observe, 
that  the  Jewish  writers  knew  nothing  more  about  these 
ancient  rites,  with  any  certainly,  than  what  they  learned  from 
the  very  words  of  the  law,  to  which  we  have  equal  access. 
Most  of  them  quoted  as  authorities  on  such  questions,  lived 
many  centuries  after  sacrifices  had  ceased  in  consequence  ol 
the  destruction  of  the  temple : and  the  few  who  lived  at  a 
more  early  period  could  only  know,  at  most,  (he  practice  of 
the  priests,  at  a time  when  the  traditions  of  the  elders  had 
greatly  corrupted  their  religion.  Every  degree  of  attention 
therefore  to  their  opinions,  further  than  as  they  throw  light' 
upon  the  words  of  the  sacred  writer,  is  sanctioning  these 
traditions ; and  always  adds  something  to  the  law,  takes 
something  from  it,  or  alters  something  in  it. — The  sacri- 
fices offered,  during  the  consecration  of  Aaron  and  his  sons, 
and  of  the  sanctuary,  seem  to  have  been  consumed  by  fire 
kindled  in  the  common  way  ; but  afterwards,  the  fire  which 
came  down  from  heaven  was  preserved  and  tended  by  the 
priests, and  the  sacrifices  were  consumed  by  it. — The  “sprin- 
kling of  the  blood”  denoted  the  application  of  the  atonement, 
to  render  the  religious  services  of  the  offerer  acceptable  to  a 
holy  God  : and  the  particular  mention  of  washing  the  inwards 
and  legs,  might  signify  the  inward  purity  and  the  outward 
holy  walk,  which  became  the  worshippers  of  God,  and  were 
found  absolutely  perfect  in  Jesus  Christ.  The  expression, 
“ of  a sweet  savour  to  the  Lord,”  must  be  supposed  to  refer 
in  a subordinate  sense  to  the  devotion  of  the  offerer ; but  in 
a far  higher,  to  the  sacrifice  of  Christ  thus  typified,  and  the 
glorious  display  of  the  divine  perfections  made  in  it.  (Notes, 
Gen.  8:20—22.  Eph.  5:1,2.) 

Y.  11.  ItJs  not  said,  that  the  other  burnt-offerings  should 
be  slain  on  The  north  side  of  the  altar  ; but  it  is  generally 
understood,  that  this  was  peculiar  to  the  larger  victims.  The 
reason  is  not  known. 

V.  13.  Though  the  sacrifice  of  a ram  or  he-goat  was 
much  less  expensive  than  that  of  a young  hull ; yet  it  was 
equally  accepted  when  expressive  of  the  offerer’s  repentance, 
faith,  and  devotedness  to  God  ; and  when  it  accorded  to  his 
circumstances. 

Y.  14 — 17.  No  birds  but  turtle-doves,  or  young  pigeons, 
(the  former,  say  some,  being  best  when  full  grown,  and  the 
latter,  when  young,)  were  allowed  in  sacrifice  at  the  altar. 
Even  the  other  tame  fowls  were  passed  by,  either  as  feeding 
grossly,  or  as  fierce  in  their  nature  ; but  the  cleanly,  gentle 
nature  of  the  dove  aptly  typified  the  holy,  harmless  Saviour, 
and  represented  the  character  of  his  true  disciples. — As  the 
blood  of  this  sacrifice  also  must  be  sprinkled  or  poured  ou' 
by  the  priest,  he  was  ordered  to  kill  it,  lest  the  l-lood  should 
be  wasted,  being  but  little  in  all.  The  prieje  was  nisi* 
( 203  ) 


iJ  C.  1490 


LEVITICUS, 


B.  C.  1490- 


feathers,  and  cast  it  beside  the  altar,  on  the  east 
part,  cby  the  place  of  the  ashes. 

17  And  he  shall  cleave  it,  with  the  wings  thereof, 
but  ‘'shall  not  divide  it  asunder : and  the  priests 
shall  burn  it  upon  the  altar,  upon  the  wood  that  is 
upon  the  fire:  “it  is  a burnt-sacrifice,  an  offering 
made  by  fire,  of  a sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord. 
CHAPTER  II. 

The  law  of  the  meat-offerings  of  flour,  with  oil  and  incense, raw  or  baken , 1 — 
10.  No  leaven  or  honey  lobe  used  in  them,  11.  The  first  fruits  not  lobe  buimed 
on  the  altar , 12.  Salt  to  be  used  with  every  offering , 13.  The  meat- 
offering  of  first-fruits  in  the  ear , 14—16. 

AND  when  any  will  offer  a “meat-offering  unto 
the  Lord,  his  offering  shall  be  of  bfine  flour  ; 
and  he  shall  “pour  oil  upon  it,  and  put  ‘‘frankin- 
cense thereon. 

2  And  he  shall  bring  it  to  Aaron’s  sons,  the 
priests:  and  he  shall  take  thereout  his  handful  of 
the  flour  thereof,  and  of  the  oil  thereof,  with  all 
the  frankincense  thereof ; and  the  priest  shall  burn 
“the  memorial  of  it  upon  the  altar,  to  be  an  offering 
made  by  fire,  of  a sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord. 

3  And  i the  remnant  of  the  meat-offering  shall 
6e  Aaron’s  and  his  sons’ : it  is  a thing  ^most  holy 
of  the  offerings  of  the  Lord  made  by  fire. 

4  H And  if  thou  bring  an  oblation  of  a hmeat- 


c4:12.  6:10,11.  d Gen.  15:10.  e 10,13.  Rom.  12:1.  Heb.  10:6— 12.  13:15,16. 
a 6:14— 18,20— 23.  9:17.  Num.  15:4— 21.  Is.  66:20.  John  6:35.  b Ex.  29:2. 
Num.  7:13,19.  Joel  1:9.  2:14.  c 4—8,15,16.  7:10—12.  1 John  2:20.27.  Jude  20. 
d Mai.  1:11.  Luke  1:9,10.  Rev.  8:3.  e 9.  5:12.  6:15.  24:7.  Ex.  30:16.  Num.  5: 
18.  Neh.  13:14,22.  Is.  66:3.  -lets  10:4.  f 6:16,17,26.  7:9.10:12.  21:22.  Num. 
18:9.  1 Sam.  2:28.  g 6:17.  10:12.  21:22.  Ex.  29:37.  Num.  18:9.  h 1 Chr.  23: 


required  to  prepare  it  for  the  altar,  in  which  great  exactness 
was  needful.  It  was  the  sacrifice  of  the  poor,  and  as  accept- 
able as  more  costly  oblations,  when  brought  in  a right,  spirit : 
it  was  therefore  proper  the  priests  should  attend  particularly 
to  it,  though  neither  splendid  in  itself,  nor  attended  with  any 
perquisites  to  them  ; (7:8.)  to  teach  them,  that  the  souls  of 
the  poor  were  to  be  as  carefully  watched  over  as  those  of 
the  wealthy. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  might  have  been  said  of  all  these  sacrifices,  w To  what 
purpose  is  this  waste  ?”  All  these  bulls,  and  rams,  and  goats, 
might  have  been  “ sold  for  very  much,  and  given  to  the  poor,” 
and  would  have  supported  very  many  indigent  families  : why 
then  burn  all  this  flesh  upon  the  altar?  Yet  were  they 
appointed  by  God  himself,  and  were  “ a sweet  savour  unto 
him.”  That  can  never  be  wasted  which  is  spent  in  a manner 
acceptable  to  the  Lord,  and  honourable  to  his  name : and  be 
our  obedience  ever  so  expensive,  we  can  be  no  losers  in  the 
event ; for  he  can  supply  our  wants,  and  repay  our  losses,  and 
also  furnish  us  with  a sufficiency  to  give  to  the  poor,  whom 
we  have  always  with  us.  But,  if  an  Israelite  might  not 
grudge  the  expense,  labour,  and  inconvenience  of  his  religion  ; 
how  inexcusable  are  we,  if  we  ungratefully  refuse  the  easy, 
pleasant,  and  reasonable  service  which  is  required  of  us  under 
the  Christian  dispensation  ! Indeed,  the  Lord  always  prevents 
us  with  his  goodness.:  and  we  can  no  more  offer  the  sacrifice 
of  a broken  heart,  or  of  praise  and  thanksgiving,  than  an 
Israelite  could  offer  a bull  or  a goat,  except  as  God  hath  first 
given  unto  us.  Or  his  own  we  present  unto  him ; and  the 
more  we  do  in  his  service,  the  greater  are  our  obligations  to 
him,  both  for  the  will,  the  ability,  and  the  opportunity.  ( Note , 
1 Chr.  29:10 — 19.) — Though  in  many  things  he  leaves  us  to 
determine  the  proportion  which  shall  be  immediately  spent 
in  his  service,  whether  of  our  time  or  of  our  substance ; and 
though  two  doves,  or  two  mites,  may  in  some  cases  be  more 
acceptable  than  thousands  of  gold  and  silver  in  others  ; yet, 
where  Providence  hath  put  more  into  a man’s  power,  such 
scanty  oblations  will  not  be  accepted : because  they  are 
no  proper  expressions  of  a willing  mind.  “ But  this  I say, 
he  which  soweth  sparingly  shall  reap  also  sparingly ; and  he 
which  soweth  bountifully  shall  reap  also  bountifully.” — While 
we,  in  all  these  sacrifices,  have  our  own  sinfulness  and 
Christ’s  sufferings  brought,  to  remembrance,  we  should  call 
upon  ourselves  to  renew  our  repentance  ; to  exercise  faith  in 
the  Saviour,  and  love  to  him  ; to  reflect  deeply  upon  the  free- 
ness and  vastness  of  his  love  to  us,  and  the  immense  price 
which  our  salvation  cost  him : that  so  we  may  deduce  argu- 
ments and  motives  to  increase  our  abhorrence  of  all  sin,  and 
determination  of  heart  against  it ; and  our  devotedness  in  body 
and  soul  to  his  service,  whatever  he  may  call  us  to  renounce, 
venture,  do,  or  suffer  for  his  sake.  Nor  let  us  forget,  that 
though  our  bodies  should  be  living  sacrifices  unto  God,  yet 
the  body  of  sin  must  be  destroyed ; the  flesh  with  its  lusts 
crucified  ; and  the  soul  baptized  with  the  Holy  Spirit  and  with 
fire,  consuming  all  its  dross,  and  kindling  all  holy  affections 
there.  Nay,  possibly , we  may  not  only  be  called  to  other 
suffering  and  self-denying  services,  but  even  to  lay  down  our 
lives  for  him,  who  Was  made  a sacrifice  for  our  sins.  In  the 
mean  time,  contemplating  those  animals,  which  were  ap- 
pointed as  emblems  of  the  Saviour’s  purity,  patience,  meek- 
ness, and  usefulness  ; let  us  endeavour  and  pray  to  be  enabled 
Wfiranscribe  every  amiable  and  heaven. j Jnc  in  his  perfect 
( 204  ) 


offering  baken  in  (lie  oven,  it  shall  be  'unleavened 
cakes  of  fine  flour  mingietl  with  oil,  or  unleavenea 
kwafers  anointed  with  oil. 

5 And  if  th}’  oblation  be  a meat-offering'  baken 
'in  a pan,  it  snail  be  of  fine  flour  unleavened, 
mingled  with  oil. 

6 Thou  shalt  “part  it  in  pieces,  and  pour  oil 
thereon  : it  is  a meat-offering. 

7 And  if  thy  oblation  be  a meat-offering  baken  in 
the  frying-pan,  itshall  be  made"o/ fine  flour  with  oik 

8 And  thou  shalt  bring  the  meat-offering  that  is 
made  of  these  things,  unto  the  Lord:  and  when  it 
is  presented  unto  the  priest,  he  shall  bring  it  unto 
the  altar. 

9 And  the  priest  shall  take  from  the  meat* 
offering  a memorial  thereof,  and  shall  burn  it  upon 
the  altar : it  is  °an  offering  made  by  fire,  ot  a 
sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord. 

10  And  rthat  which  is  left  of  the  meat-offering, 
shall  be  Aaron’s  and  his  sons’ : it  is  a thing  most 
holy  of  the  offerings  of  the  Lord  made  by  fire. 

If  If  No  meat-ofiering  which  ye  shall  bring  unto 
.the  Lord  shall  be  made  with  leaven  : for  ye  shall 
burn  9no  leaven,  nor  any  ‘honey,  in  any  offering 
of  the  Lord  made  by  fire. 


29.  Ex.  46:20.  i 7:12.  Ex.  12:8.  1 Cor.  5:7.  k Ex.  16:31 . 29:2.  * Or,  on  a fid 
plate,  or  slice,  m 1:6.  n See  on  1,2.  o Ex.  29: 18.  Rom.  12:1.  15:16.  Phil. 
2:17.  4:18.  p See  on  3.  q6:17.  Ex.  12:19,20.  Matt.  16:6.12.  Mark8:15.  Luke 
12:1.  1 Cor.  5:6— 8.  Cal.  5:9.  r Prov.  24:13.  25:16,27.  Luke  21:34.  Acta  14:22. 
1 Pet.  4:2. 


character  into  our  own  temper  and  conversation  ; that  wc 
may  be  conformed  to  his  image,  and  walk  in  his  steps,  as  an 
evidence  that  we  are  washed  in  his  blood,  and  stand  accepted 
in  his  righteousness,  “ in  whom  the  Father  is  well  pleased.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  II.  V.  1 — 3.  Meat-offerings  were 
appointed  along  with  other  sacrifices  ; but  these,  here  pre- 
scribed, were  offered  alone,  as  a voluntary  oblation : yet  the 
single  circumstance  that  a part  of  them  was  eaten  by  the 
priests,  shows  them  to  have  been  entirely  of  a different  nature 
from  the  burnt-offerings.  Some  expositors  say,  that  the 
Israelites,  who  could  not  afford  any  other  sacrifice,  might 
bring  this : but  a sufficient  quantity  of  flour,  oil,  and  frankin- 
cense, would  not,  except  in  very  peculiar  cases,  be  less  expen- 
sive than  a single  pigeon. — The  meat-offerings  may  typify 
Christ,  as  presented  to  God  for  us,  and  as  being  the  bread  of 
life  to  our  souls  ; but  they  rather  seem  to  have  been  a thank- 
ful acknowledgment  to  God  for  providential  blessings:  and  to 
have  represented  good  works  as  acceptable  to  God,  when 
performed  in  the  proper  manner.  They  are  therefore  men- 
tioned after  the  burnt-offerings  ; for  without  a believing  reli- 
ance on  the  sacrifice  of  Christ,  and  devotedness  of  heart  to 
God,  other  services  could  not  be  accepted. — They  must  con- 
sist of  fine  flour,  one  of  the  most  useful  of  the  productions  of 
the  earth  ; with  oil  poured  upon  it,  which  was  used  as  butter 
is  with  us,  and  was  therefore  proper  for  an  oblation  which 
was  food  for  the  priests : it  might  also  denote  the  necessity  of 
the  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  are  often  represented 
by  anointing  with  oil.  Frankincense  likewise  was  .added, 
which  might  represent  the  intercession  of  Christ.  All  the 
frankincense  and  part  of  the  oil  and  flour,  as  burned  upon  the 
altar  of  bumt-ojfering , might  remind  the  people,  that  their 
best  services  must  be  offered  through  the  atonement  of  th© 
Saviour,  presented  through  him,  and  done  for  his  sake ; and 
that  their  good  works  would  thus  come  up  as  a memorial 
before  God,  and  also  be  serviceable  to  men.  This  was  signi- 
fied by  the  residue  of  the  meat-offering  being  eaten  by  the 
priests,  who  alone  might  partake  of  “the  most  holy  things.” 

V.  4 — 8.  Some  of  these  meat-offerings  would  be  prepared, 
before  they  were  presented,  in  different  ways  according  to  the 
customs  of  those  times  : but.  oil  must  always  be  used,  either 
as  mixed  with  them,  or  poured  on  them  ; and  a part,  must  be 
burned  on  the  altar,  as  an  oblation  to  God,  before  the  priests 
ate  the  remainder.  Tt.  is  supposed  that  provision  was  made 
in  the  court  of  the  tabernacle  and  temple,  for  preparing  those 
meat-offerings;  and  perhaps  this  was  the  case  when  Israel 
was  settled  in  Canaan,  and  such  oblations  were  greatly  mul- 
tiplied; but  the  law  seems  rather  to  imply  that,  the  offerers 
first  made  thorn,  and  then  brought  them  to  the  priests. 

V.  9.  The  priest,  and  not.  the  offerer,  seems  to  have 
taken  the  portion  from  the  meat-offerings  which  he  burned  on 
the  altar,  though  the  second  verse  leaves  this  rather  doubtful. 

V.  11  Leavened  bread,  and  probably  honey,  might  bo 
offered  for  the  use  of  the  priests  ; hut  no  part,  of  ii  must  be 
burned  on  the  altar.  (Marg.  Ref.  q,  r.  Note.  7:12- — 14.) — 
Leaven  is  the  known  emblem  of  pride,  malice,  and  hypocrisy, 
as  honey  may  he  of  sensual  indulgence : and  these  are  oppo- 
site to  the  believer’s  character,  and  hindevances  to  his  fruit- 
fulness. Christ  was  perfect  in  humility,  truth,  and  love:  his 
suffering  life  and  agonizing  death  were  the  opposite  to  worldly 
pleasure;  and  his  people  must  follow  him  and  be  conformed 
to  him. — It  is  thought  that  leaven  and  honey  were  much  used 
by  the  heathen  in  their  sacrifices  : but  we  kr.  <v<  scarcely  any 


B.  C.  1190. 


CHAPTER  III.  B.  C.  1490. 


12  As  for  “the  oblation  of  the  first-fruits,  ye 
shall  offer  them  unto  the  Lord:  but  they  shall 
not  ’be  burnt  on  the  altar  for  a sweet  savour. 

13  And  every  oblation  of  thy  meat-offering 

shalt  thou  season  ‘with  salt;  neither  shalt  thou 
suffer  “the  salt  of  the  covenant  of  thy  God  to  be 
lacking  from  thy  meat-oflering : with  all  thine 
offerings  thou  shau  offer  salt.  # 

14  IT  And  if  tin  'U  offer  “a  meat-offering  of  thy 
first-fruits  unto  the  Lord,  thou  shalt  offer,  for  the 
meat-offering  of  thy  first-fruits,  green  ears  of  corn 
dried  by  the  fire,  even  >corn  beaten  out  of  full 
ears. 

15  And  thou  shalt  ‘put  oil  upon  it,  and  lay 
frankincense  thereon : it  ts  a meat-offering. 

16  And  the  priest  shall  burn  “the  memorial  of 
it,  part  of  the  beaten  corn  thereof,  and  part  of  the 
oil  thereof,  with  all  the  frankincense  thereof:  it  is 
an  offering  made  by  lire  unto  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  III. 


The  law  of  the  peace-offerings,  of  the  herd,  1 
goal , 12 — 16.  A 


A 


•5  : of  the  flock,  6 — 11 : of  a 
*A  prohibition  to  eat  the  fat,  or  the  blood,  17. 

ND  if  his  oblation  be  “a  sacrifice  of  peace-of- 
fering, if  he  offer  it  of  the  herd,  whether  it 


be  a male  or  female ; he  shall  offer  it  bwithout 
blemish  before  the  Lord. 

2 And  he  shall  “lay  his  hand  upon  the  head  ol 
his  offering,  and  dki!l  it  at  the  door  of  the  taber 
nacle  of  the  congregation  : and  Aaron’s  sons  the 
priests  shall  sprinkle  the  blood  upon  tin  alta' 
round  about. 

3 And  he  shall  oiler  of  the  sacrifice  of  the  peace- 
offering, an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord  , 
'the  ’lilt  that  covereth  the  inwards,  and  all  the  fat 
that  is  upon  the  inwards : 

4 And  the  two  kidneys,  and  the  fat  that  is  on 
them,  which  is  by  the  flanks,  and  the  tcaul  above 
the  liver,  with  the  kidneys,  it  shall  he  take  away. 

5 And  fAaron’s  sons  shall  burn  it  on  the  altar 
supon  the  burnt-sacrifice,  which  is  upon  the  wood 
that  is  on  the  fire:  it  is  an  offering  made  by  fire, 
of  a sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord. 

6 H And*  if  his  offering  for  a sacrifice  of  peace 
offering  unto  the  Lord,  hbe  of  the  flock,  ‘male  or 
female ; he  shall  offer  it  without  blemish.* 

7 If  he  offer  a lamb  for  his  offering,  then  shall 
he  koffer  it  before  the  Lord. 

8 And  ‘he  shall  lay  his  hand  upon  the  head  ol 


• 23:10,11,17.  Ex.  22:20.  23:19.  Num.  15:2C.  Deut. 26:10.  2 Chr.  31:5.  1 Cor. 
15:20.  Rev.  14:4.  * Heb.  ascend.  t Ezra  7:22.  Ez.  43:24.  Matt.  5:13.  Mark 
9:49,50.  Col.  4:6.  u Num.  18:19.  2 Chr.  13:5.  x 23:14— 17,20.  Num.  23:2. 
Deut.  26:2.  Prov.  3:9,10.  v 2 Kings  4:42.  zSeeonl.  a See  on  2,9.  Ps.  141:2. 
a 7: 11 — 21,29 — 34  . 22:19—21.  Ex.20;24.  24:5.29:28.  Num.  6: 14.  7:17.  Judg. 
20:26.  21:4.  1 Chr.  21:26.  Prov.  7:14.  Ez.  45:15.  Am.  5:22.  Rom.  5:1,2.  Col.  1: 
20.  1 John  1:3.  b See  on  1:3.  cl:4,5.  8:22.  16:21,22.  Ex. 29:10.  Is.  53:6. 


2 Cor.  5:21.  1 John  1:9,10.  d 1:11.  Zech.  12:10.  Acts  2:38— 38.  3:15,26.  4:10 — 
12,26 — 28.  e 16.  4:8,9.  7:3,4.  Ex.  29:22.  Deut.  30:6.  Ps.  119:70.  Prov.  23:26. 
Is.  6:10.  Ez.  36:26.  Matt.  13:15.  15:8.  Rom.  5:5.  6:6.  ’ Or,  suet.  | Or,  mid- 
riff over  the  liver , and  over  the  kidneys,  f 1:9.  4:31,35.  6:12.  9:9,10.  Ex.  29: 
13.  1 Sam.  2:15,16.  1 Kings  8:6-L  2 Chr.  35:14.  Ez.  44:7,15.  g6:12.  1 Pet.  2:5. 
h 1.  1:2,10.  Is.  60:7.  i Gal.  3:28.  k 1.  Eph.  5:2.  Heb.  9:14.  1 See  on  2—5. 


tiling  of  their  customs  in  those  early  ages ; and  afterwards 
they  in  some  things  imitated  the  Israelites,  and  in  others 
adopted  contrary  observances. 

V.  12.  These  first-fruits  seem  to  be  such  as  individuals 
brought,  for  a voluntary  oblation  out  of  all  their  increase ; 
and  not  such  as  were  offered  by  the  congregation  at  the  festi- 
vals. In  this  case,  honey  and  leaven  might  form  a part,  as 
the  priests  used  the  whole  for  food,  and  no  part  was  burned 
f>n  the  altar.  ( Notes , 23:15 — 21.  Num.  15:17 — 21.) 

V.  13.  Salt  of  the  covenant , &c.J  Covenants  were  gene- 
rally ratified  at  an  amicable  feast,  in  which  salt  was  always 
used  ; hence  it  became  an  emblem  of  friendship.  Many 
scriptures  represent  reconcilation  to  God,  and  communion 
with  him,  as  a feast  to  which  the  Lord  in  ites  us,  and  at 
which  he  ratifies  his  covenant  with  us.  Salt  is  an  emblem  of 
incorruption  ; and  while  this  use  of  it  intimated  the  perpetuity , 
yea  eternity , of  the  covenant  made  with  believers;  it  also 
represent  ed  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Spint,  by  which  their  ser- 
vices and  worship  are  acceptable  to  God  through  Jesus 
Christ,  and  their  example  and  conversation  useful  and  instruc- 
tive to  mankind  ; in  counteracting  the  effects  of  human  depra- 
vity, and  communicating  a savour  of  piety  around  them. 
(Marg.  Ref.  1,  u.) 

V.  14 — 16.  These  first-fruits  also  seem  to  have  been  the 
voluntary  oblation  brought  by  individuals,  of  the  finest  ears  of 
coni  out  of  the  field,  before  the  harvest  was  ripe,  and  prepared 
by  drying  or  parching  them  at  the  fire,  and  then  beating 
them  out  for  use.  As  this  was  intended  to  be  an  early 
acknowledgment  of  the  Lord’s  goodness  in  giving  the  increase 
of  the  earth ; and  as  corn  was  used  in  this  form  for  food  among 
the  Israelites,  (1  Sam.  25:18.)  it  was  presented  as  a meat- 
offering, and  the  rules  before  given  were  to  be  observed  in 
respect  of  it. — Cain  brought  this  kind  of  oblation;  but  Abel 
brought  also  the  firstlings  of  his  flock.  (Note,  Gen.  4:3 — 5.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

There  is  that  excellency  in  Christ,  and  in  his  mediatorial 
work,  which  no  types  and  shadows,  however  varied  and 
multiplied,  can  adequately  represent:  and  our  need  of  him  is 
so  entire,  and  our  reliance  on  him  should  be  so  constant,  that 
we  ought  never  to  lose  sight  of  it  in  any  thing  we  do.  Even 
our  sacrifices  of  praise  and  thanksgiving,  our  works  of  mercy, 
charity,  and  righteousness,  yea,  every  good  work,  must  spring 
from  his  grace,  and  from  love  to  him ; ascend,  as  it  were,  with 
his  sacrifice  from  the  altar  of  burnt-offering ; and  be  presented 
through  his  intercession ; that  u whatsoever  we  do,  in  word 
6'A  l in  deed,  we  may  do  all  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
g«ung  thanks  to  God  and  the  Father  by  him.”  Thus 
presented,  our  acknowledgments  of  common  mercies,  and 
our  most  ordinary  actions  of  justice  and  benevolence  to  men, 
and  especially  of  kindness  to  his  servants  and  to  the  poor,  will 
be  “a  sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord.”  (Note,  Col.  3:16,17.) 
But  let  us  take  care,  that  we  leaven  not  our  works  with 
pride  and  ostentation,  hypocrisy  or  malice  ; or  spoil  them  with 
indulging  “fleshly  lusts  which  war  against  the  soul:”  and 
that  they  be  seasoned  with  the  salt  of  grace,  and  continued 
in  with  perseverance ; that  so  they  may  be  comfortable  to  us, 
honourable  to  God,  and  instrumental  to  the  good  of  others. 
In  all  this  we  must  look  unto  Jesus,  and  follow  his  example, 
devoting  the  first  and  best  of  every  thing  which  we  possess  to 
die  service  of  God  through  him. 

NOTES. — Chap.  III.  V.  1.  The  original  name  for  this 
oblation  is  nat)  a sacrifice  of  peace , or  peaces ; for  the 


word  is  plural. — Peace,  in  Scripture,  is  often  used  for  all 
kinds  of  prosperity  and  comfort ; and  the  language  may  imply 
that,  through  the  typical  priesthood  and  atoning  sacrifices, 
Israel  would  enjoy  all  blessings  in  the  favour  of  God,  dwelling 
among  them  upon  a mercy-seat,  while  they  adhered  to  his 
worship  and  service. — The  burnt-offerings  were  wholly  con- 
sumed on  the  altar ; the  priests  had  a part  of  the  meat-offer- 
ing; but  the  peace- offering  was  divided  between  the  altar, 
the  priests,  and  the  offerer,  and  formed  a kind  of  feast,  in 
which  the  Lord,  and  his  priests  and  people,  met  together. — 
Either  male  or  female  of  the  herd  or  flock,  if  without  blemish, 
might  be  offered  in  these  sacrifices,  both  being  good  for  food ; 
but  pigeons  or  turtle-doves  are  not  mentioned:  for  the  division 
of  such  small  creatures  into  the  proper  proportions  would 
have  been  inconvenient. — The  peace-ode  rings  seem  to  have 
especially  represented  the  application  of  the  redemption  of 
Christ  to  the  heart  and  conscience ; the  communications  of 
peace  and  comfort  through  him;  and  the  sweet  communion 
which  his  reconciled  people  hold  with  him,  and  with  each 
other,  in  his  ordinances:  (Matt.  26:29.  liev.  3:20.)  while 
w his  flesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  his  blood  is  drink  indeed”  to 
their  souls  ; and  while,  they  are  enabled  to  exercise  faith  in 
his  atonement,  loVe  and  gratitude  to  him,  and  love  to  each 
other  for  his  sake,  with  enlarged  hearts  rejoicing  in  each 
other’s  comfort,  and  communicating  to  one  another's  necessi- 
ties. The  peace-offerings  might  likewise  intimate,  that  all 
the  blessings  which  sinners  enjoy  come  through  the  sacrifice 
of  Christ;  and  that  the  greatest  sweetness  even  of  temporal 
mercies  arises  from  receiving  them  as  the  fruit  of  his  atone- 
ment and  the  pledges  of  his  love,  and  frim  sharing  them  with 
his  people.  They  were  voluntary  oblations,  either  in  the 
performance  of  a vow,  in  acknowledgment  of  mercies  received, 
in  seeking  some  special  blessing  from  God,  or  in  expressing 
love  to  his  worship,  his  priests,  and  people. 

V.  2 — 5.  When  the  offerer  laid  his  hand  on  the  head  of 
the  peace-offering,  it  may  be  supposed  that  he  both  confessed 
his  sins,  and  devoted  the  animal  to  God,  as  a typical  atone- 
ment, to  suffer  in  his  stead ; and  also  rendered  t hanks  for  the 
mercies  which  he  had  received,  and  prayed  for  the  blessings 
which  he  sought. — From  the  language  here  used,  it  seems 
evident,  that  the  offerer  slew  the  sacrifice,  and  brought  the 
portion  that  was  burnt  on  the  altar,  devoting  it  to  God ; and 
that  the  priests  only  sprinkled  the  blood,  and  burnt  the  fat  on 
the  altar,  along  with  the  daily  burnt-offerings,  or  on  the  fire 
which  had  been  prepared  for  them.  (Note,  7:29 — 34.) — This 
observance  might  denote  that  we  should  be  inward  and  hearty 
in  all  our  services,  calling  u on  our  souls,  and  all  that  is 
within  us”  to  exercise  repentance,  faith,  love,  and  gratitude ; 
and  giving  up  our  hearts  to  the  Lord.  Or  it  may  rather 
imply,  that  our  inward  lusts  must  be  mortified,  if  we  would 
have  peace  and  communion  with  God ; especially,  that  the 
insensibility  and  obduracy  of  the  heart  and  conscience  mus/ 
be  removed ; for  fatness  of  heart  is  a scriptural  represen- 
tation of  this  insensibility,  as  the  fat  of  a living  animal  is 
supposed  to  be  destitute  of  feeling. — This  was  to  be  laid  on 
the  burnt-offering : for  no  self-denial,  mortification  of  the  flesh, 
or  devotedness  to  God  can  find  acceptance  with  God,  excep 
through  the  sacrifice  of  Christ,  and  by  the  supply  of  his  Spirit, 
which,  as  fire,  consumes  our  lusts  and  purifies  our  hearts. — 
When  these  appointments  had  been  complied  with,  the  priests 
had  a portion  of  the  peace-offering  assigned  them,  and  then  tho 
offerer  and  his  friends  religiously  feasted  upon  the  remainder 

( 205  ) 


u.  1490. 


LEVITICUS. 


B.  C.  14 JO 


hi  4 offering',  and  kill  it  before  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregration : and  Aaron’s  sons  shall  sprinkle 
the  blood  thereof  round  about  upon  the  altar. 

9 And  he  shall  offer  of  the  sacrifice  of  the 
peace-offering,  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the 
Lord:  the  fat  thereof  and  mthe  whole  rump,  it 
shall  he  take  off  hard  by  the  back-bone:  and  the 
fat  that  covcreth  the  inwards,  and  all  the  fat  that 
is  upon  the  inwards: 

10  And  the  two  kidneys,  and  the  fat  that  is 
upon  them,  which  is  by  the  flanks?  and  the  caul 
above  the  liver,  with  the  kidneys,  it  shall  he  take 
away. 

11  And  the  priest  shall  burn  it  upon  the  altar: 
it  is  "the  food  of  the  offering  made  by  fire  unto 
the  Lord. 

12  II  And  if  his  offering  be  °a  goat,  then  he 
6hall  offer  it  before  the  Lord. 

13  And  he  shall  Hay  his  hand  upott  the  head  of 
it,  and  kill  it  before  the  tabernacle  of  the  congre- 
gations and  the  sons  of  Aaron  shall  sprinkle  the 
blood  thereof  upon  the  altar  round  about. 

14  And  he  shall  offer  thereof  his  offering,  even 
an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord  ; the  fat 
that  covereth  the  inwards,  and  all  the  fat  that  is 
upon  the  inwards, 

15  And  trie  two  kidneys,  and  the  fat  that  is 
upon  them,  which  is  by  the  flanks,  and  the  caul 
above  the  liver,  with  the  kidneys,  it  shall  he  take 
away. 

16  And  the  priest  shall  burn  them  upon  the 
altar : Hi  is  the  food  of  the  offering  made  by  fire, 
for  a sweet  savour.  All  the  fat  is  the  Lord’s. 

17  It  shall  be  a sperpetual  statute  for  your  gene- 
rations throughout  all  your  dwellings,  that  ye  ‘eat 
neither  fat  nor  "blood. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


The  law  of  the  sin-offering  for  a priest , 1—12  : for  the  congregation,  13—21  ft 
for  a ruler , 22 — 26  : for  a private  person , 27—35. 


AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2 Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  saying, 
If  a soul  shall  sin  “through  ignorance  against  any 
of  the  commandments  of  the  Lord,  concerning 
filings  bwhich  ought  not  to  be  done,  and  shall  do 
against  any  of  them  : 

3 If  cthe  priest  that  is  anointed  do  sin  according 
to  the  sin  ol  the  people ; then  let  him  bring  for  his 
sin  which  he  hath  sinned,  da  young  bullock  without 
blemish  unto  the  Lord,  elor  a sin-offering. 

4 And  he  shall  'bring  the  bullock  unto  the  door 
of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  before  the 
Lord;  and  shall  Hay  his  hand  upon  the  bullock’s 
head,  and  kill  the  bullock  before  the  Lord. 

5 And  the  priest  that  is  anointed  shall  Hake  of 
the  bullock’s  blood,  and  bring  it  to  the  tabernacle 
of  the  congregation. 

6 And  the  priest  shall  ‘dip  his  finger  in  the  blood, 
and  sprinkle  of  the  blood  kseven  times  before  the 
Lord,  before  the  veil  of  the  sanctuary. 

7 And  the  priest  shall  put  some  of  the  blood 
upon  ‘the  horns  of  the  altar  of  sweet  incense  be- 
fore the  Lord,  which  is  in  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation ; and  shall  pour  mall  the  blood  of  the 
bullock  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar  of  the  burnt- 
offering,  which  is  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation, 

8 And  he  shall  take  off  from  it  "all  the  fat  of  the 
bullock  for  the  sin-offering ; the  fat  that  covereth 
the  inwards,  and  all  the  fat  that  is  upon  the  in- 
wards. 

9 And  the  two  kidneys  and  the  fat  that  is 
upon  them,  which  is  by  the  flanks,  and  the  caul 


m 7:3.  8:25.  9:19.  Ex.  29:22.  n 15.  21:6,8,17,21,22.  22:25.  Num  28:2  Ez.  44: 
7.  Mai.  1:7,12.  Rev.  3:20.  o 1 : 10.  9:3,15.  10:16.  Matt.  25:32,33.  Rom.  8:3. 
S Cor.  5:21.  uScon  2-5.  1 Pet.  2:24.  3:18.  q See  on  11.  r 4:8— 10.  7:23— 
25.  17:6.  1 Sam.  2:15,16.  2Chr.7:7.  Matt.  22:37.  s 6:18.  7:36.  16:34.17:7.  23:14. 
Num.  19:21.  t Deot.  3214.  \'eli.8:10.  ti  7:26.  17:10— 14.  Gen.  9:4.  Dent.  12:16, 
23.  1 Sam.  14  :32,33.  Ez.  33:25.44:7,15.  Matt.  26:28.  Acts  15:20,21.  1 Tim.  4:4. 
a 5: 15,17.  Num.  15:22— 29.  Deot.  19:4.  1 Sam.  14:27.  Is.  19:12.  ITim  1:13. 


V.  9.  As  the  tail,  or  rump,  of  the  sheep  is  large  and  fat 
in  those  countries,  it  was  added  to  the  inward  fat  to  be  burned 
upon  the  altar. 

V.  11.  The  food , &c.]  This  part  of  the  offering  fed  the 
sacred  fire,  which  was  emblematical  of  the  divine  justice, 
and  typified  the  satisfaction  made  for  sin  by  the  death  of 
Christ.  Communion  with  God,  as  reconciled  to  believers 
through  this  atonement,  is  in  this  ceremonial  constantly 
represented  as  a feast  in  which  God  meets  with  his  worship- 
pers ; and  therefore  that  portion  of  the  sacrifice,  which  was 
consumed  on  the  altar,  is  often  called  the  bread , or  food , of 
God  ; as  the  reader  may  see  by  turning  to  the  scriptures 
referred  to  in  the  margin. — What  with  the  daily  sacrifices, 
the  occasional  burnt-offerings,  and  the  fat  of  the  peace-offer- 
ings and  other  sacrifices,  the  fire  upon  the  altar  would  gene- 
rally be  supplied.  (16) 

V.  17.  That  ye  eat  neither  fat  nor  blood.]  That  is, 
neither  the  blood  which  is  contained  in  the  larger  veins  and 
arteries,  nor  the  suet  or  the  fat  which  is  within  the  animal : 
for  the  blood  which  assumes  the  form  of  gravy,  and  the  fat 
which  is  intermixed  with  the  other  flesh,  might  be  eaten. 
This  law  not  only  related  to  the  sacrifices,  but.  to  all  the 
cattle  which  the  Israelites  slaughtered  for  food ; which  might 
teach  them  self-denial.  But  especially  it  led  them  to  observe 
the  distinction  between  common  and  sacred  tilings ; it  pre- 
served them  uninfected  with  the  superstitions  of  idolaters,  and 
separate  from  their  company ; and  it  tended  to  impress  them 
more  deeply  with  the  idea  of  some  most  important  mystery, 
inculcated  in  shedding  the  blood  and  burning  the  fat  of  the 
solemn  sacrifices.  (Note,  7:23 — 27.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Penitent  confessions,  and  a believing  dependence  on  Christ, 
must  accompany  all  our  thanksgivings,  praises,  and  prayers ; 
and  even  all  our  undertakings  or  enjoyments,  if  we  would 
prosper  and  be  comfortable.  He,  as  the  Prince  of  Peace, 
having  “ made  peace  with  the  blood  of  his  cross,”  now  preaches 
it  to  sinners  who  are  afar  off:  through  him  the  believer  is 
reconciled  to  God  ; and  having  his  peace  in  his  conscience 
and  heart,  he  is  disposed  to  follow  peace  with  all  men.  Thus 
peace  is  his  legacy,  his  privilege,  and  his  employment ; and 
to  be  peaceable,  and  a peace-maker,  are  his  distinguished 
characteristics.  ‘ Feeding  in  his  heart  upon  Christ  by  faith 
with  thanksgiving,’  he  enjoys  sweet  communion  with  God  and 
his  saints ; becomes  lively  and  zealous  in  religious  exercises  ; 
learns  to  treat  divine  things,  and  especially  the  blood  of  atone- 
ment, with  sacred  reverence;  and  grows  gradually  more  and 
more  indilferent  about  sensual  indulgences,  while  at  the  same 
time  he  has  double  relish  for  common  mercies.  He  becomes 

C 206  } 


Heh.5:2.  9:7.  b 27.  Gen.  20:9.  Jam.  3:10.  c8:12.  21:10—12.  Ex.  29:7,21. 

d 14.  9:2.  16:6.11.  Ez.  43:19.  e 5:6.  Ex.  29:14.  30:10.  Num.  8:8.  Ezra  8:35. 
Rom.  8:3.  2 Cor.  5:21.  Heb.  5:3.  7:27,28.  f 1:3.  Ex.  29:10,11.  gSeeonl:4. 
16:21.  Is.  53.6.  Dan.  9:26.  1 Pet.  3:18.  h 16,17.  16:14,19.  Num.  19:4.  1 John 
1:7.  i 17,25,30,34.  8:15.  9:9.  16:14,19.  Num.  19:4.  k 14:16,27.  25:8.  26:18,24, 
28.  Josh.  6:4,8.  18:15.  9:9.  16:18.  Ex.  30:1— 10.  Heb.  9:21—25.  m 18:34.  5:9, 
8:15.  Eph.  2:13.  n See  on  3:3— 5,9— 11,14— 16. 


also  liberal  and  zealous,  and  increases  his  social  enjoyments, 
by  sharing  them  with  others  around  him ; and  by  avoiding 
selfishness,  pride,  and  contention,  which  are  the  bane  of  real 
happiness. — Thus  amiable,  useful,  and  happy  are  consistent 
Christians  : may  the  Lord  multiply  grace,  mercy,  and  peace 
to  all  who  have  attained  to,  or  are  aspiring  after  such  privi- 
leges, and  who  would  bear  such  a character  ; and  may  ne  fill 
all  the  nations  of  the  earth  with  these  sons  of  peace  and  love. 
Amen. 

NOTES. — Chap.  IV.  V.  2.  If  a soul  sin.]  Thatis,  if 
any  person  sin.  The  soul  is  the  agent,  the  body  only  the 
instrument,  in  committing  sin : it  must  however  be  allowed, 
that  this  exact  precision  is  not  observed  in  the  language  of  the 
Scriptures. — The  “sin-offering”  seems  to  have  been  appointed 
for  such  violations  of  express  prohibitions,  when  ignorantly 
and  heedlessly  fallen  into,  (especially  in  those  things  which 
more  immediately  related  to  the  worship  of  God,)  as,  if  com- 
mitted presumptuously , were  punishable  with  death. 

V.  3.  “ The  priest  that  is  anointed”  is  generally  supposed 
to  mean  the  high-priest,  who  was  most  solemnly  anointed : 
and,  as  he  was  the  typical  mediator  between  God  and  the 
people,  and  their  appointed  representative,  the  whole  nation 
was  more  immediately  concerned  in  his  transgression,  than  in 
that  of  the  other  priests  ; who,  (if  not  here  included,)  were 
under  the  same  law  in  this  respect  as  the  common  Israelites. 
If  the  high-priest  were  so  ignorant  of  the  divine  law,  as  to 
violate  some  express  precept  unwittingly  ; or  so  regardless  of 
it,  as  to  do  this  heedlessly  ; he  must  he  very  criminally  negli- 
gent, and  would  be  likely  to  mislead  the  people  also : his  crime 
therefore  was  peculiarly  heinous. — The  same  original  word 
fnxton  or  nxtin)  is  rendered  both  sin,  and  sin-offering ; 
(Dan.  9:24.  Heb.)  and  this  remark  may  throw  light  on  some 
passages  in  the  New  Testament.  (Rom.  8:3.  2 Cor.  5:21.) 

V.  4 — 7.  The  high-priest  himself,  if  he  were  exclusively 
meant  in  this  law,  was  required  to  kill  the  sin-offering,  and 
to  perform  the  several  ceremonies  here  instituted.  This 
might  tend  to  awaken  his  conscience  the  more  to  a sense  of 
his  guilt.  Laying  his  hand  on  the  head  of  the  innocent  animal, 
as  confessing  his  sin,  and  transferring  to  it  his  guilt,  or  desert 
of  death;  then  shedding  its  blood,  and  witnessing  its  dying 
agonies ; and  afterwards  sprinkling  the  atoning  blood  seven 
times  before  the  veil,  and  applying  it  to  the  horns  of  the  golden 
altar;  evinced  that  this  oflence,  though  committed  ignorantly, 
had  polluted  all  his  services  : nor  could  any  thing,  which  ho 
did,  be  profitable  either  to  himself  or  the  peopte,  except  it 
were  expiated  by  the  blood  of  the  sin-offering.  The  seven- 
fold sprinkling,  which  was  only  used  in  extraordinary  Tisea, 
shewed  the  difficulty  of  atoning  for  his  heinous  <>r  uuj 


B C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


B.  C. 1490. 


above  the  liver,  with  the  kidneys,  it  shall  he  take 

10  As  it  was  taken  off  from  the  bullock  of  the 
sacrifice  of  peace-offerings:  and  the  priest  shall 
burn  them  upon  the  altar  of  the  burnt-offering. 

11  And  “the  skin  of  the  bullock,  and  all  his  flesh, 
with  his  head  and  with  his  legs,  artd  his  inwards 
and  his  dung, 

12  Even  the  whole  bullock  shall  he  carry  forth 
‘without  the  camp,  unto  a clean  place  where  '’the 
ashes  are  poured  out,  and  burn  him  on  the  wood 
with  fire:  'where  the  ashes  are  poured  out,  shall 
he  be  burnt. 

13  H And  if  the  whole  congregation  of  Israel 
sin  ^through  ignorance,  and  the  thing  be  hid  from 
the  eyes  of  the  assembly,  and  they  have  done 
somewhat  against  any  of  the  commandments  of 
the  Lord,  concerning  things  which  should  not  be 
done,  and  rare  guilty : 

14  When  the  sin  which  they  have  sinned 
against  it  is  known,  then  the  congregation  shall 
offer  a 'young  bullock  for  the  sin,  and  bring  him 
before  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

15  And  ‘the  elders  of  the  congregation  shall 
“lay  their  hands  upon  the  head  of  the  bullock 
before  the  Lord  : and  the  bullock  shall  be  killed 
before  the  Lord. 

16  And  xthe  priest  that  is  anointed  shall  bring 
of  the  bullock’s  blood  to  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation. 

17  And  the  priest  shall  dip  his  finger  in  some  of 
the  blood,  and  sprinkle  it  seven  times  before  the 
Lord,  even  before  the  veil. 

18  And  he  shall  put  some  of  the  blood  upon  the 
horns  of  the  altar,  which  is  before  the  Lord,  that. 
is  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  shall 
pour  out  all  the  blood  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar 
of  the  burnt-offering,  which  is  at  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

19  And  he  shall  take  all  his  fat  from  him,  and 
burn  it  upon  the  altar. 

20  And  he  shall  do  with  the  bullock  as  he  did 
with  the  bullock  for  a sin-offering,  so  shall  he  do 
with  this : and  the  priest  shall  make  an  ^atonement 
for  them,  and  it  shall  be  forgiven  them. 

21  And  he  shall  carry  forth  the  bullock  without 

0 21 . 6:30.  8:14—17  . 9:8—11.  16:27.  Ex.  89:14.  Num.  19:5.  Ps.  103:12.  Heb. 
13-11 — 13.  * Heb.  to  without  the  camp.  13:46.  Num.  5:3.  15:35.  19:3.  p 6: 

10,11.  t Heb.  at  the  pouring  out  of  the  ashes,  q See  on  1,2.  5:2,5.  Num.  15: 
25-29.  Josh.  7:21—26.  1 Tim.  1:13.  Heb.  10:26— 29.  r 5:5,17.  6:4.  Ezra  10. - 
19.  Hos.  5:15.  marg.  1 Cor.  11:27.  s See  on  3.  t Ex.  24:1.9.  Num.  1 1 :16,25. 
Deut.2l:3— 9.  u See  on  4.  1:4.  *6:21.  x See  on  5— 12.  Heb.  9:12 — 14.  y 1: 
4.  5:6.  6:7.  12:8.  11.18.  Ex.  32:30.  Num.  15:25.  Pan.  9:24.  Rom.  5:11.  Gal. 
3:13.  Heb.  1:3.  2:1  . 9:14.  10:10— 12.  1 John  1 :7.  2:2.  z 16:15,21.  2 Chr.  29: 
21—24.  Etra  8:35.  Matt.  20:28.  2 Cor.  5:21.  1 Tim.  2:5,6.  a Ex.  18:21.  Num. 


V.  11.  The  skin  and  the  flesh  of  the  sin-offerings  in  gene- 
ral were  the  perquisite  of  the  priests:  (7:7,8.  10:16,17.)  but 
when  the  high-priest  offered  the  sin-offering  for  himself,  or  for 
the  congregation,  the  whole  was  burnt ; as  a more  effectual 
expression  of  the  greatness  of  the  offence,  and  the  abhorrence 
D which  he  held  it.  ( Marg . Ref.) 

V.  12.  Thus  the  guilt  was  typically  conveyed  away  from 
the  whole  congregation,  who  were  otherwise  liable  to  suffer 
for  it. — Christ,  who  was  made  sin,  or  a sin-offering,  for  us, 
suffered  without  the  gate  of  Jerusalem,  as  bearing  away  the 
sin  of  his  people  ; that  when  it  is  sought  for,  it  may  nowhere 
be  found. — ( Note , Heb.  13:9 — 14.)  This  was  also  expressive 
of  the  nature  of  true  repentance,  which  expels  sin  with  abhor- 
rence, drives  it  to  a distance  out  of  the  camp,  and  refuses  to 
have  any  thing  more  to  do  with  it. 

Place  where  the  ashes  are  poured  out.]  See  Note,  6:8 — 13. 

V.  13 — 21.  The  sin  of  the  whole  congregation  required 
the  same  expiation  as  that  of  the  high-priest.  By  a criminal 
oversight , or  misconstruction  of  the  law,  it  might  happen,  that 
some  prohibition  of  the  ceremonial  institutions  should  be  gene- 
rally violated,  and  thus  become  the  sin  of  the  nation  at  large  ; 
even  when  the  worship  at  the  sanctuary  was  regularly  main- 
tained, and  idolatry  carefully  shunned : and  in  this  case,  when 
the  error  was  discovered,  the  national  sin-offering  was  ap- 
pointed.— The  elders  (who  are  distinguished  from  the  con- 
gregation) were  directed  to  lay  their  hands  on  this  sacrifice, 
as  confessing  their  sin  and  the  sin  of  the  people,  and  typi- 
cally laying  the  guilt,  upon  the  animal ; not  only  as  the  repre- 
sentatives of  the  nation,  hut  also  as  the  principals  in  the  crime, 
who  had  misled  the  people.  It  is  not  said  who  should  slay 
the  sacrifice  ; but  probably  this  was  done  by  one  of  the  elders, 
or  perhaps  of  the  priests,  as  the  part  of  the  high-priest  is  sepa- 
rately mentioned.  The  other  ceremonies  exactly  accord 
wilh  those  of  the  high-priest’s  sin-offering. 

V.  22—26.  The  word  (m-®'),  rendered  “ ruler  ” frequently 


the  camr>,  and  burn  him  ns  lie  burned  the  first  bul- 
lock: it  is  'a  sin-offering  for  the  congregation. 

22  H When  a “ruler  hath  sinned,  and  ''done 
somewhat  through  ignorance  against  any  of  the 
commandments  of  the  Lord  his  Gad,  concerning 
things  which  should  not  be  done,  and  is  guilty; 

23  Or  cif  his  sin,  wherein  he  hath  sinned,  come 
to  his  knowledge;  he  shall  brin"  his  offering,  da 
kid  of  the  goats,  a male  without  blemish. 

24  And  he  shall  lay  his  hand  upon  the  head  of 
the  goat,  and  kill  it  ein  the  place  where  they  kill 
the  burnt-offering  before  the  Lord  : 'it  is  a sin- 
offering. 

25  And  the  priest  shall  take  of  the  blood  of  the 
sin-offering  with  his  finger,  and  6put  it  upon  the 
horns  of  the  altar  of  burnt-offering,  and  shall  pour 
out  his  blood  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar  of  burnf- 
offering. 

26  And  be  shall  burn  all  his  fat  \ipon  the  altar, 
as  hthe  fat  of  the  sacrifice  of  peace-offerings  : and 
the  priest  shall  make  'an  atonement  for  him  as 
concerning  his  sin,  and  it  shall  be  forgiven  him. 

27  And  if  tany  one  of  the  ^common  kpeople  sin 
through  ignorance,  while  he  doeth  somewhat 
against  any  of  the  commandments  of  the  Lord, 
concerning  things  which  ought  not  to  be  done, 
and  be  guilty ; 

28  Or  if  his  sin,  which  he  hath  sinned,  come  to 
his  knowledge  : then  he  shall  bring  his  offering,  a 
kid  of  the  goats,  ‘a  female  without lilemish,  lor  his 
sin  which  he  hath  sinned. 

29  And  he  shall  mlay  his  hand  upon  the  head  of 
the  sin-offering,  and  slay  the  sin-offering  in  the 
place  of  the  burnt-offering. 

30  And  the  priest  shall  take  of  the  blood  thereof 
with  his  finger,  and  put  it  upon  the  horns  of  the 
altar  of  burnt-offering,  and  shall  pour  out  all  the 
blood  thereof  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar. 

31  And  he  shall  take  away  “all  the  fat  thereof, 
as  the  fat  is  taken  away  from  off  the  sacrifice  of 
peace-offerings ; and  the  priest  shall  burn  it  upon 
the  altar,  for°a  sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord  : and 
the  priest  shall  make  an  atonfement  for  him,  and  it 
shall  be  forgiven  him. 

32  And  if  he  bring  Pa  lamb  for  a sin-offering, 
he  shall  bring  it  a female  ‘•without  blemish. 

16:2.  2 Sam.  21:1— 3.  24:10— 17.  b See  on  2,13.  c 14.  2 Kings  22:10— 13.  d 9: 
3.23:19.  Num.  7.16,22,28,34.  15:24.28:15,30.  29.5,11,16,19.  Rom.  8.3.  e 1:11. 
6:25.7:2.  I See  on  3.  % 7,18,30,34.  8:10,15.  9:9.  16:18.  Heb.  9:22.  li  3—10, 
35.  Sen  on  3:5.  6:20—30.  t See  on  20.  Num.  15:28.  1 Heb.  any  soul.  2. 
Num.  15:27.  § Heb.  people  of  the  land.  V See  on  2,13.  Ex.  12:49.  Num.  5: 
6.  15:16.29.  123.  Gal.  3:28.  m See  on  4,15,24.  Heb.  1U:4— 14.  u 3:14. 

01:9.3:5.  Ex.  29:18.  Ezra  6:10.  Job  42:8.  Ps.  40:6,7.  51:16,17.  69:30,31.  Is. 
42:21.  53:10.  Matt.  3:17.  Eph.  5:2.  1 Pet.  2:4,5.  p John  1:29.  1 Pet.  1.19.20. 
q Eph.  5:27.  Heb.  9:14.  1 Pet.  2:22.  3:18. 

denotes  the  head  of  a tribe ; but  the  Jews  understand  it  to 
mean  the  president  of  the  sanhedrim  or  national  council. 
When  the  nation  had  judges,  or  kings,  or  any  ruler  distinct 
from  the  high-priest,  he,  as  well  as  those  next  under  him  in 
authority  over  the  several  tribes,  would  be  concerned  in  this 
law.  Yet  the  sin-offering  to  be  offered  for  him,  when  he  dis- 
covered his  offence,  was  not.  only  of  less  value  than  that 
appointed  for  the  high-priest  or  congregation,  but  it  was  sacri- 
ficed with  very  different  rites  : for  it  was  not  expected  that 
the  civil  magistrates  should  understand  the  ordinances  of  reli- 
gion so  well  as  the  high-priests  ; nor  was  he  so  absolutely  the 
representative  of  the  nation  before  God,  as  this  typical  media- 
tor.— As  the  ruler’s  sacrifice  was  a sin-offering  of  a distinct 
nature  from  those  before  mentioned,  it  was  slain  in  the  same 
place  where  the  burnt-offerings  were.;  whereas  the  other  sacri- 
fices were  killed  in  any  part  of  the  court.  Any  priest,  as  far 
as  it  appears  from  the  text,  might  officiate;  the  blood  was  not 
carried  into  the  sanctuary,  nor  was  the  body  burnt  without 
the  camp,  hut  eaten  by  the  priests. 

V.  27 — 35.  The  sin-offering  for  one  of  the  people  was  of 
something  less  value  than  that  of  the  ruler ; but  it  was  pre- 
sented with  exactly  the  same  ceremonies.  The  transgression 
of  the  high-priest  and  that  of  the  whole  congregation  brought 
a kind  of  typical  pollution  on  the  interior  part  of  the  sanc- 
tuary, as  endangering  the  very  essence  i -cligion  : the  blood 
of  the  sin-offering  was  therefore  applied  to  the  altar  of  incense  ; 
for  without  expiation  the  typical  intercession  could  no  longer 
be  accepted.  But  the  sin  of  the  ruler,  or  of  the  private 
Israelite,  did  not  interrupt  this  important  observance:  the 
blood  of  the  sin-offering  therefore  was  only  applied  to  the 
altar  ofburnt-offering,  that  their  sacrifices  might  there  be  pre- 
sented with  acceptance.  Wc  may  suppose,  tnat  some  place 
was  made  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar,  to  receive  and  carry 
away  the  blood  of  the  victims  : and  that  various  methods  were 
used  to  preserve  the  court  sweet  and  clean,  while  so  many 

( 207  ) 


B.  C.  1490. 


LEVITICUS 


B.  C. 1490 


33  And  rhe  shall  lay  his  hand  upon  the  head  of 
the  sin-offering,  and  slay  it  for  a sin-offering,  in 
the  place  where  they  kill  the  burnt-offering. 

34  And  the  priest  shall  take  of  the  blood  of  the 
sin-offering  with  his  finger,  and  put  it  upon  'the 
horns  of  the  altar  of  burnt-offering,  and  shall  pour 
out  all  the  blood  thereof  at  the  bottom  of  the 
altar. 

35  And  he  shall  take  away  all  the  fat  thereof,  as 
the  fat  of  the  lamb  is  taken  away  from  the  sacrifice 
of  the  peace-offerings:  and  the  priest  shall  burn 
them  upon  the  altar,  ‘according  to  the  offerings 
made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord  : and  the  priest  shall 
make  an  atonement  for  his  sin  that  he  hath  com- 
mitted, and  it  shall  be  forgiven  him. 

CHAPTER  V. 

The  law  of  the  trespass-offering , in  some  special  cases,  1 — 13 : in  respect  of 
holy  things,  14- — 19. 

AND  if  aa  soul  sin,  and  bhear  the  voice  of 
swearing,  and  is  a witness,  whether  he  hath 
seen  or  known  of  it ; if  he  do  not  utter  it,  then 
he  shall  ‘bear  his  iniquity. 

2  Or  if  a soul  dtouch  any  unclean  thing, 

See  on  4.  29 — 31.  s 30.  John  17:19.  t See  on  3:5.  a 15,17.  4:2.  Ez.  18: 
4,20.  bEx. 22:11.  Judg.  17:2.  1 Kings  8:31 . 22.  Hi.  2 Chr.  18:15.  Pro v.  29: 
2-* *.  30:9.  Matt.  26:63.  c 17.  7:18.  17:16.  19:8.20:17.  Nnm.9:13.  Ps.  38:4.  Is. 
5":  11.  1 Pet.  2:24.  d 7:21.  11:24,28,31,39.  Num.  19:11.13— 16.  Deut.  14:8.  Is. 
57  11.  2 Cor.  6:17.  e4,17.  Fs.  19:12.  Luke  11:44.  ( See 'm  4:\3.  g 13:45,46. 
15-  22:4— 6.  Num.  19:11— 16.  h 27:2,  &c.  Josh.  2:14.  9:15.  Judg.  1 1:31.  21 : 


whether  it  be  a carcass  of  an  unclean  beast,  ora 
carcass  of  unclean  cattle,  or  the  carcass  of  unclean 
creeping  things,  and  if  it  be  'hidden  from  him  ; 
he  also  shall  be  unclean,  ‘and  guilty. 

3 Or  if  he  touch  sthe  uncleanness  of  a man, 
whatsoever  uncleanness  it  be  that  a man  shall  be 
defiled  withal,  and  it  be  hid  from  him ; when  he 
knoweth  of  it,  then  he  shall  be  guilty. 

4 Or  if  a soul  swear,  pronouncing  with  his  lips 
hto  do  evil,  or  to  do  good,  whatsoever  it  be  that  a 
man  shall  pronounce  with  an  oath,  and  it  be  hid 
from  him  ; when  he  knoweth  of  it,  then  he  shall 
be  guilty  in  one  of  these. 

5 And  it  shall  be  when  he  shall  be  guilty  in  one 
of  these  things , that  he  shall  'confess  that  he  hath 
sinned  in  that  thing. 

6 And  he  shall  bring  his  ktrespass-offering  unto 
the  Lord  for  his  sin  which  he  hath  sinned,  'a 
female  from  the  flock,  a lamb  or  a kid  of  the  goats, 
for  a sin-offering;  and  mthe  priests  shall  make  an 
atonement  for  him  concerning  his  sin. 

7 If  And  nif  "he  be  not  able  to  bring  a lamb, 
then  he  shall  bring  for  his  trespass  which  he  hath 

7,18.  1 Sam.  1:11.  14:84— 28.  24:21,22.25:22.  2 Sam.  21:7.  2 Hines  6:31.  Ps. 
132:2—5.  Ec.  5:2 — 6.  Ez.  17:18,19.  Malt.  14:7.9.  Acts 23:12.  i 16:21 . 26:40. 
Num.  5:7.  Ezra  10: 1 1 ,12.  Job  33:27.  Prov.  28:13.  Jt.  . 3:13.  1 John  1:3—10. 
k 4:28,32.  6:6  . 7:1—7.  14:12,13.  19:21,22.  Num.  6:12.  Er.  40:39.  42:13.  44:29. 
46:20.  14:28,32.  m See  on  4:20.  n 11.  12:8.  14:21.  2 Cor.  8:12.  Jam.  2:5,6. 

* Heb.  his  hand  cannot  reach  to  the  sufficiency  of  a lamb. 


animals  were  continually  slaughtered  in  it. — It  is  observable 
that  the  words,  41  a sweet  savour  to  the  Lord,”  are  added  to 
none  of  these  sin-offerings,  but  that  of  the  private  Israelite  ; 
which  might  anply  an  encouragement  to  offenders  to  present 
their  offerings  when  conscious  of  having  sinned,  though  their 
sin  was  not  known  by  others  ; for,  though  less  costly  than 
those  appointed  for  other  orders,  they  would  be  equally 
acceptable  to  God. — In  all  the  cases  however  it  is  implied, 
that  the  atonement  would  be  accepted,  and  the  offence  par- 
doned. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  evident  that  God  hath  never*had  any  infallible  vicege- 
rent in  his  church  on  earth  ; for  even  the  high-priest  appointed 
by  himself,  with  Urim  and  Thummim,  who  had  access  to  his 
oracle  in  the  holy  place  to  inquire  of  him,  and  the  whole 
church  of  God  under  that  dispensation,  were  supposed  liable 
to  fall  into  sins  of  ignoyince , and  to  sanction  by  their  autho- 
rity, example,  and  general  usage,  such  practices  as  were 
directly  contrary  to  some  of  the  commandments  of  God.  All 
pretensions  therefore  to  infallibility,  whether  in  an  individual, 
or  in  a multitude,  are  presumptuous  usurpations,  claims  of 
arrogance,  and  sure  marte  of  Antichrist. — We  are  indeed  all 
liable  to  err,  and  ignorance  is  an  alleviation  of  guilt;  yet  it  is 
not  a sufficient  excuse  : with  the  Bible  in  our  hands,  it  is 
generally  the  effect  of  pride,  sloth,  and  inattention ; and  would 
be  avoided,  were  we  duly  anxious  to  know  the  truth  and  the 
will  of  God  ; and  our  consequent  transgressions  arise  from 
want  of  circumspection.  We  have  need  therefore  to  use 
frequent  self-examination,  joined  with  serious  perusal  of  the 
Scriptures,  and  earnest  prayers  for  the  convincing  influences 
of  the  Spirit  of  God,  that  we  may  detect  our  sins  of  igno- 
rance, ir*  order  that  we  may  repent  of  them,  and  so  obtain 
forgiveness  through  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ. — But  let  us 
beware  of  presumptuous  sins  : for  though  they  also  may  be 
forgiven  inrough  his  all-sufficient  sacrifice ; yet  when  they 
gain  the  dominion,  they  often  provoke  God  to  leave  the 
offender  to  final  impenitence  and  unbelief. — They  who  sus- 
tain public  characters  much  more  dishonour  God  and  injure 
others  by  their  sins,  than  more  obscure  individuals:  they  have 
therefore  double  need  of  circumspection,  and  earnest  prayer 
for  the  divine  teaching  and  assistance ; and  they  have  also  a 
peculiar  right  to  expect  a place  in  the  prayers  of  others,  who 
are  all  interested  in  their  conduct.  This  is  especially  the 
case  of  ministers  of  the  gospel,  in  whom  ignorance  of  God’s 
commandments  is  peculiarly  shameful  ; to  whose  sacred  cha- 
racter every  sin  is  a direct  contradiction  ; and  whose  evil 
examples  will  operate  as  a fatal  and  swift-spreading  infection. 
In  all  cases  public  scandals  require  public  confession,  however 
contrary  to  the  pride  of  our  hearts. — Nations,  in  their  political 
capacity,  should,  by  their  rulers,  prevent,  or  punish  and  purge, 
our  national  sins,  if  they  would  escape  national  calamities. — 
None  are  so  highly  advanced  in  rank,  or  so  sacred  by  their 
office,  as  to  bo  excused  from  exercising  repentance  and  humi- 
liation before  God,  or  as  to  have  no  occasion  for  the  atone- 
ment of  Christ  : and  none  a e so  low  and  inconsiderable,  as 
either  to  be  exempted  from  ‘he  same  duties,  or  excluded  from 
the  same  advantages.  Let  us  then  learn  in  this  way  to  put 
away  the  guilt,  the  love,  and  the  practice  of  sin.  And  let  us 
adopt  the  language  of  the  Psalmist,  44  Who  can  understand 
his  errors?  Cleanse  thou  me  from  secret  faults.  Koep 
back  thy  servant  also  from  presumptuous  sins  : let  them  not 
have  dominion  over  mo  : then  shall  I be  upright,  and  I shall 
be  innocent  from  the  great  transgression.  Let  the  words  of 
my  mouth,  and  the  meditation  of  mv  heart  be  acceptable  in  thy 
mght, O Lord,  my  Strength  and  my  Redeemer.*1  Ps.  19:12—14. 

( 208  ) 


NOTES. — Chap.  V.  V.  1.  If  a man  were  adjured,  or 
required  upon  oath  to  bear  testimony  in  a court  of  ju»iice, 
and  did  not  declare  what  he  knew, -though  he  did  not  bear 
positive  false  witness,  he  must  consider  himself  as  guilty  of  a 
great  sin  ; and  exposed  to  punishment  from  God,  however  he 
might  escape  detection  from  men. 

V.  2,  3.  When  a man  had  in  any  respect  contracted  cere- 
monial uncleanness,  and  had  neglected  the  appointed  purifi- 
cation ; or  had  inadvertently  attended  upon  sacred  things 
while  thus  unclean  ; he,  by  his  carelessness,  contracted  guilt 
before  God. 

V.  4.  This  relates  to  rash  oaths  and  vows  which  a man 
was  afterwards  unable  to  perform,  or  which  it  would  have 
been  sinful  in  him  to  adhere  to. — Of  these  some  instances 
are  referred  to  in  the  margin. — The  expression,  44  he  shall  be 
guilty  in  one  of  these,”  is  supposed  by  some  to  mean,  that  he 
who  had  rashly  sworn  to  do  an  unlawful  thing,  must  be  guilty 
either  of  breaking  his  oath,  or  of  adding  sin  to  sin  by  keeping 
it,  and  would  either  way  need  a trespass-offering. 

V.  5.  Confess.]  This  implies  a voluntary  acknowledgment 
of  the  offence,  from  conviction  of  conscience,  previous  to  a 
discovery  of  it  by  man.  Perhaps  some  punishment  would 
have  been  awarded,  if  the  offender  had  been  detected  before 
he  had  made  his  confession.  The  typical  sacrifices  could 
only  exempt  the  offerer  from  the  temporal  effects  of  his  sin, 
and  not  purge  the  conscience  from  guilt  ; and  the  benefit  of 
the  efficacious  sacrifice  of  the  great  Antitype  belongs  only  to 
those  who  humbly  confess  their  sins,  and  seek  an  interest  ir 
it  by  faith.  As  this  referred  equally  to  the  three  cases  before 
stated,  and  was  preparatory  to  a trespass-offering  for  each  , 
it  is  plain  that  all  the  sacrifices  appointed  in  this  chapter 
were  trespass- offerings : yet  many  expositors  are  of  another 
opinion. 

V.  6.  The  difference  between  the  sin-offering  for  the  high- 
priest,  or  for  the  whole  congregation,  and  that  for  the  ruler, 
or  for  a common  Israelite,  was  briefly  noted  in  the  former 
chapter:  and  the  distinction  between  the  latter  sin-offering 
and  the  trespass-offering , should  here  be  clearly  and  precisely 
stated.  Few  things  have  more  perplexed  commentators ; and 
the  discordant,  and  even  opposite  sentiments  of  the  most 
learned  and  laborious  expositors  yield  little  satisfaction,  at 
least  to  the  author’s  mind. — It  is  evident  on  the  one  hand  that 
the  two  words,  translated  sin-off eiing , and  trespass-offering , 
are  often  used  for  each  other,  as  the  attentive  reader  even  of 
the  translation  may  observe  ; yet,  on  the  other  hand,  the  mar- 
ginal references  show,  that  these  are  frequently  mentioned  as 
distinct  kinds  of  sacrifice;  (Marg.  Rtf.  k :)  and  indeed  the 
blood  of  the  sin-offering  was  put  on  the  horns  of  the  altar, 
while  that  of  the  trespass-offering  was  sprinkled  about  the 
altar.  (9.4:25,30.)  The  word  (oitn)  rendered  44  trespass- 
offering”  signifies  also  trespass,  as  that  rendered  44  sin-offering* 
signifies  also  sin  ; which  is  a strong  proof  that  the  guilt  or 
exposedness  to  punishment,  was  typically  translated  from  the 
offender  to  the  innocent  animal  which  was  to  he  sacrificed. 
The  root  whence  it  is  derived  signifies  to  he  guilty , with  refer- 
ence either  to  actual  criminality , or  to  the.  consciousness  oj 
that  criminality  ; and  the  same  word  is  used  when  the  pro- 
phet says,  44  Thou  shall  make  his  soul  an  offering  for  sin  * 
or  a trespass-offering . Is.-  53:10.  But  this  does  not  show  the 
nature  of  the  trespass-offering,  or  how  it  differed  from  the 
sin-offering. — In  general,  neither  of  them  were  v oluntary  obla- 
tions, as  the  peace-offerings,  and  many  of  the  burnt-offerings 
were  : but  some  of  ihe  sin-offerings  were  appointed  at  stated 
seasons,  and  others  were  required  in  particular  eases;  while 
all  the  trespass-offerings  were  occasional.  The  sin-offering 


. C 1 100. 


CHAPTER  V. 


B.  C.  1490, 


committed,  “two  turtle-doves,  or  two  young  pi- 
geons, unto  tlic  Lord  ; tone  for  a sin-oflering,  and 
the  other  for  a burnt-offering. 

8 And  he  shall  bring  them  unto  the  priest,  who 
shall  oiler  that  which  is  for  the  sin-offering  first, 
and  iwring  off  his  head  from  his  neck,  but  shall 
not  divide  it  asunder. 

9 And  he  shall  rsprinkle  of  the  blood  of  the  sin- 
offering  upon  the  side  of  the  altar ; and  the  'rest 
of  the  blood  shall  be  wrung  out  at  the  bottom  of 
the  altar:  it  is  a sin-offering. 

10  And  he  shall  offer  the  second  for  a burnt- 
offering,  according  to  the  ‘manner:  and  the  priest 
‘shall  make  an  atonement  for  him  for  his  sin  which 
he  hath  sinned,  and  it  shall  be  forgiven  him. 

11  11  But  "if  he  be  not  able  to  bring  two  turtle- 
doves. or  two  young  pigeons ; then  he  that  sinned 
shall  Dring  for  his  offering  xthe  tenth  part  of  an 
ephah  of  ffine  flour  for  a sin-oflering ; he  shall  put 
•no  oil  upon  it,  neither  shall  he  put  any  frankin- 
cense thereon : afor  it  is  a sin-offering. 

12  Then  shall  he  bring:  it  to  the  priest,  and  the 
priest  shall  take  his  handful  of  it,  even  ba  memo- 
rial thereof,  and  burn  it  on  the  altar,  caccording  to 
the  offerings  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord  : it  is  a 
sin-offering. 

13  And  dthe  priest  shall  make  an  atonement  for 
him,  as  touching  his  sin  that  he  hath  sinned  in 


one  of  these,  and  it  shall  be  forgiven  him;  and 
the  remnant  'shall  be  the  priest’s,  as  a meat-offer- 
ing. 

14  If  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

15  If 'a  soul  commit  a trespass,  and  sin  through 
ignorance,  sin  the  holy  things  of  the  Lord  ; then 
he  shall  bring  for  his  trespass,  unto  the  Lord,  ha 
ram  without  blemish  out  of  the  flocks,  with  'thy 
estimation  by  shekels  of  silver,  after  kthe  shekel  of 
the  sanctuary,  for  a trespass-offering. 

16  And  he  shall  'make  amends  for  the  harm  that 
he  hath  done  in  the  holy  thing,  and  shall  add  rathe 
fifth  part  thereto,  and  give  it  unto  the  priest : "and 
the  priest  shall  make  an  atonement  for  him  with 
the  ram  of  the  trespass-offering,  and  it  shall  be 
forgiven  him. 

17  And  if  °a  soul  sin,  and  commit  any  of  these 
things  which  are  forbidden  to  be  done  by  the  com- 
mandments of  the  Lord;  rthough  he  -wist  it  not, 
yet  is  he  guilty,  land  shall  bear  his  iniquity. 

18  And  he  rshall  bring  a ram  without  blemish 
out  of  the  flock,  with  thy  estimation,  "for  a tres- 
pass-offering unto  the  priest : and  ‘the  priest  shall 
make  an  atonement  for  him  concerning  his  igno- 
rance wherein  he  erred,  and  wist  it  not ; and  it 
shall  be  forgiven  him. 

19  It  is  a trespass-offering:  he  hath  certainly 
"trespassed  against  the  Lord. 


ol:ll,15.  Malt.  8:16.  10:16.  I.uke  2:24.  p 8,9.  9:3.  11:22,31.  15:14,15,30.  16: 
5.  Heb.  10.6— 10.  q 1:15.  r See  on  1:5.  4:25,30,34  . 7:2.  s 4:7,18,25.  'Or, 
ordinance.  See  on  1:14 — 17.  t 6.  nSeeonl.  x Ex.  16:18,36.  y2:l.  Nura. 
7:13,19,  &c.  15:4 — 9.  z 2:1,2,4,5,15,16.  Num.  5:15.  a 6,9,12.  2 Cor. 5:21.  b 2: 
2,9,16.  6:15.  Num.  5:26.  Acts  10:4.  Eph.  5:2.  c 1:9,13,17.  2:9.  3:5,11.  4:35. 
d 6.  4:20,31.  e 2:3,10.  7:6.  1 Sam.  2:28.  Hos.  4:8.  1 Cor.  9:13.  f 1,2.  4:2. 


g 16.  7:1,6.  10:17,18.  22:1—16.24:5—9.  27:9—33.  Num.  18:9—32.  Deul.  12:5— 
12,26.  15:19,20.  26:1—15.  h 18.  6:6.  Ezra  10:19.  i 27:2— 8,12,13,17,18,23— 27. 
k Ex.  30:13.  1 22:14.  Ex.  22:1,3,4.  Ps.  69:4.  Luke  19:8.  Acts  26:20.  m 6:4,5. 

Num.  5:7.  n 6,13.  Heb.  9:13,14.  1 John2:l, 2.  o 1.  4:2— 4,13.  p 15.  Ps.  19: 
12.  Luke  12:48.  Rom.  14:23.  q See  nn  c.  1.  r See  on  15,16.  s6:6.  1 Tun.  2; 

5,6.  t 1:4.  4:20.  6:7.  u Ezra  10:2.  Ps.  51:4.  Mai.  3:8.  2 Cor.  5:19—21. 


seems  t«  have  been  the  expiation  of  offences  committed  in 
matters  of  religion,  from  a mistake  or  inadvertency  respecting 
the  law.  But  the  trespass-offerings  were  required  for  the 
casual  deviations  from  the  ritual  law,  when  known,  through 
inattention  or  surprise ■'  or  for  crimes  committed  against  the 
moral  precepts,  which  implied  injustice  to  men.  In  short,  all 
the  cases,  in  which  trespass-offerings  were  appointed,  may 
be  referred  to  the  following  heads:  First,  Transgressions  of 
the  ritual  law,  by  oversight  or  surprise.  When  a man  disco- 
vered his  offence  in  this  case,  he  was  required  to  bring  a tres- 
pass-offering, as  guilty  and  needing  an  atonement  and  forgive- 
ness from  God.  (2,3.)  The  trespass-offering  of  the  leper 
seems  to  have  been  of  this  nature ; for  amidst  the  various  and 
exact  rules  laid  down  for  his  conduct,  it  could  hardly  be  sup- 
posed that  he  had  never  once  deviated  from  any  of  them,  at 
least  by  oversight ; (14:12.)  and  that  required  in  a particular 
case  of  the  Nazarite,  was  evidently  of  this  kind.  (Num.  6:9 — 
12.)  Secondly,  Such  as  were  appointed  when  a man  had 
violated  the  moral  law,  in  some  particular  which  was  injurious 
to  his  neighbour  ; even'if  he  had  sinned  wilfully  and  know- 
ingly, provided  some  circumstances  in  the  case  exempted  him 
from  punishment  by  the  magistral*.  (Notes,  G:2 — 7.  19:20 — 

22.)  Thirdly,  Such  as  were  required,  where  an  inadvertent 
infringement  of  a moral  precept  of  the  first  table,  might  also 
prove  injurious  to  man.  (Note,  4.)  Lastly,  Such  as  were 
appointed  for  trespasses  inadvertently  committed  in  holy 
things,  which  violated  both  the  ritual  and  moral  law,  and  were 
a robbery  of  God  and  an  injustice  to  the  priests.  (IS — 19. 
Mai.  3:8,9.) — The  burnt-offerings  were  typical  atonements 
for  sin  in  general,  especially  against  the  moral  law ; but 
these  were  superadded  on  particular  occasions. 

V.  7 — 10.  The  preceding  sacrifice  was  the  same  as  had 
been  appointed  for  the  sin-offering  of  the  common  people ; 
and  it  was  offered  with  the  same  observances,  except  that  the 
blood  was  not  put  on  the  horns  of  the  altar.  (4:25,34.)  But, 
as  deviations  from  some  or  other  of  the  numerous  and  parti- 
cular ritual  laws  would  frequently  be  committed,  even  where 
considerable  pains  had  been  taken  to  understand  and  observe 
them ; it  was  proper  that  a less  expensive  sacrifice  should  be 
appointed  for  the  poor,  who  otherwise  might  be  discouraged 
from  owning  their  offences,  when  conscious  of  them : and  the 
gracious  and  condescending  Lord  was  pleased  to  accept  two 
turtle-doves,  or  young  pigeons,  from  him  who  could  not  afford 
a lamb  or  a kid.  One  of  these  was  offered  as  a sin-offering, 
and  as  such  was  eaten  by  the  priests,  (which  appointment 
had  a typical  meaning,  as  it  will  hereafter  appear  ; Note, 
10:16 — IS.)  and  the  other  was  consumed  on  the  altar,  as  a 
•mrnt-offering ; for  otherwise  no  part  of  tho  oblation  would 
have  been  presented  immediately  to  God.  Thus  the  two 
instinct  sacrifices  made  one  trespass-offering  . and  therefore 
*ne  dove  could  not  be  accepted,  as  in  the  case  of  the  volun- 
«iry  burnt-offerings.  (1:14 — 17.) 

V.  11—13.  In  general,  it  might  have  been  supposed  that 
two  young  pigeons,  (the  smallest  animals  allowed  in  sacri- 
fice,) would  have  been  procured,  as  readily  as  the  oblation 
here  substituted  : but  circumstances  might  render  it  impracti- 
cable, at  some  seasons  of  the  year,  for  a poor  man  to  procure 
them  ; and  in  this  case  of  necessity,  an  offering  of  fine  flour 
would  be  accepted,  when  presented  with  voluntary  confession 
Vol.  I.— 27 


of  sin.  The  tenth  part  of  an  ephah  was  about  five  pints. — 
Part  of  this  oblation  was  burnt  on  the  altar,  “ upon  the  offer- 
ings made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord,”  (so  the  words  may  more 
properly  be  rendered,)  as  accepted  through  those  oblations; 
and  the  rest  was  eaten  by  the  priests. — No  oil  or  frankincense, 
which  were  presented  with  the  voluntary  meat-offerings,  were 
brought  with  this  oblation,  as  it  especially  expressed  the 
sorrow  of  the  offender,  and  the  sufferings  of  Christ  for  sin. 

V.  15,  16.  When  any  one  had  failed  of  paying  the  full  of 
his  tithes,  first-fruits,  or  other  oblations,  and  had  unwittingly 
kept  back  any  part  of  the  portion  which  the  Lord  demanded, 
or  had  eaten  of  the  holy  things  of  which  none  but  the  priests 
should  eat;  he  was  required,  not  only  to  make  restitution  in 
standard-money,  adding  a fifth  part  to  it,  but  also  to  offer  a 
ram  for  a trespass-offering,  as  soon  as  he  discovered  his 
defraud. — The  priest  was  to  estimate  the  value  of  that  in 
in  which  the  offerer  had  trespassed  : and  his  estimation  must- 
be  taken  by  the  offender. 

Y.  17 — 19.  This  case  is  supposed  to  differ  from  the 
preceding,  merely  in  that  the  person  concerned  was  not 
entirely  certain  whether  he  had,  or  had  not,  committed  the 
trespass.  Upon  recollection  he  was  led  to  suspect,  that  he 
had  eaten,  or  otherwise  used,  some  portion  of  that  which 
was  allotted  to  the  priests,  and  which  God  had  forbidden 
others  to  partake  of ; but  yet  he  could  not  be  certain,  whether 
this  had  actually  been  the  case  or  not.  This  construction 
is  gathered  from  the  variety  of  terms  used  about  it — “his 
ignorance  wherein  he  erred,  and  wist  (or  knew)  it  not.” 
It  is  therefore  called  the  doubtful-offering.  Yet  the  man  must 
consider  himself  as  guilty,  and  burdened  with  the  suspected 
iniquity  ; till  he  had  brought  his  trespass-offering,  and  made 
restitution,  according  to  the  estimation  of  the  priest,  though 
without  adding  the  fifth  part.  In  this  doubtful  case,  let  the 
offender  take  the  safest  course,  and  bring  his  trespass-offeringv 
This  would  serve  to  render  the  people  more  circumspect  in 
such  things. — As  the  offences  in  these  latter  instances  were 
more  complicated,  than  in  those  in  the  former  part  of  the 
chapter,  a more  valuable  trespass-offering  was  required. — 
The  offences  specified  in  this  chapter,  may  serve  to  illustrate 
the  apostle’s  meaning,  when  he  says,  “ The  law  entered,  that 
sin  might  abound.”  (Note,  Rom.  5:20,21.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  law  of  God  is  so  exceedingly  broad,  the  occasions  of 
sin  in  this  wicked  world  so  numerous,  and  we  are  so  propense 
to  evil,  that  we  have  need  to  fear  always,  and  to  pray  con- 
tinually that  we  may  be  preserved ; to  look  before  us  every 
step  in  such  a perilous  path  ; and  to  keep  a guard  on  all  our 
senses,  members,  and  faculties  ; especially  on  our  tongues, 
which  are  unruly  and  mischievous,  and  the  instruments  of 
much  iniquity.  With  a tender  conscience  and  “ the  heart 
of  flesh,”  we  shall  seldom  so  transact  business,  form  engage- 
ments, spend  time  in  company,  or  even  alone,  or  in  God’s 
ordinances,  as  not  to  find  somewhat  upon  recollection,  which 
will  grieve  and  humble  us  : and  the  true  Christian  is  daily 
pleading  guilty  before  God,  and  seeking  forgiveness  through 
the  blood  of  Christ,  on  the  account  of  much  better  services, 
than  those  which  others  boast  of  as  meritorous. — In  infinite 
condescension  the  salvation  of  the  gospel  is  so  free,  that  the 
poorest  penitent  is  not  excluded ; and  so  full,  that  the  mos> 
( 209  ) 


13.  C.  1490. 


LEVITICUS, 


B.  C.  1-190. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

The  trespass-offering  for  sins  done  wi/tingly,  1 — 7.  The  law  for  the  priest 

respecting  the  burnt-o faring,  and  the  meat-offering,  8 — 18.  The  high-priest's 

meat-offering , 10 — 23.  The  law  of  the  sin-offering , 24 — 30. 

A ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2  If  a soul  sin,  and  ‘commit  a trespass 
against  the  Lord,  and  blie  unto  his  neighbour  cin 
that  which  was  delivered  him  to  keep,  or  'in  fel- 
lowship, or  in  a thing  taken  away  by  violence,  or 
hath  ddeceived  his  neighbour ; 

3 Or  'have  found  that  which  was  lost,  and  lieth 
concerning  it,  and  f sweareth  falsely  ; in  any  of  all 
these  that  a man  doeth,  sinning  therein  : 

4 Then  it  shall  be,  sbecause  ne  hath  sinned  and 
is  guilty,  that  he  shall  restore  that  ''which  he  took 
violently  away,  or  the  thing  which  he  hath  deceit- 
fully gotten,  or  that  which  was  delivered  him  to 
keep,  or  the  lost  thing  which  he  found ; 

5 Or  all  that  about  which  he  hath  sworn  falsely, 
he  shall  even  'restore  it  in  the  principal,  and  shall 
add  the  fifth  part  more  thereto,  and  give  it  unto 
him  to  whom  it  appertaineth,  in  the  day  fof  his 
trespass-offering. 

6 And  he  shall  bring  his  trespass-offering  unto 
the  Lord,  ia  ram  without  blemish  out  of  the  flock, 
with  thy  estimation  for  a trespass-offering,  unto 
the  priest. 

7 And  the  priest  shall  kmake  an  atonement  for 

him  before  the  Lord:  and  it  shall  be  forgiven 
him,  for  any  thing  of  all  that  he  hath  done,  in  tres- 
passing therein.  [Practical  Observations  .3 

8 And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

9 Command  Aaron  and  his  sons,  saying.  This 
is  the  law  of  'the  burnt-offering:  (it  is  the  onrnt- 
offering,  ^because  of  mthe  burning  upon  the  altar 
all  night  unto  the  morning,  and  the  fire  of  the  altar 
shall  be  burning  in  it.) 

10  And  the  priest  shall  put  on  his  "linen  gar- 
ment, and  his  linen  breeches  shall  he  put  upon  his 
flesh,  and  take  up  the  ashes  which  the  fire  hath 

• 5:15,19.  Num.  5:6 — 8.  Ps.51:4.  b 19: 11 . Gen.  26:7.  John  8:44.  Acts  5:4.  Kph. 
4:25.  Col. 3:9.  Rev.  22:15.  c Ex.  22:7 — 10.  * Or,  in  dealing.  Heb  .inputting 

of  the  hand.  Is.  21:2.  24:16.  33:1 . Hab.  1:13.  d Prov.  24:28  . 26: 19.  Is.  59:13 
— 15.  Jer.  9:5.  .Am.  8:5.  Mic.  6:10— 12.  e Ex.  23:4.  Dent.  22: 1—3.  f 19:12. 
Ex.  22:9— 11.  Prov.  30:9.  Jer.  7:9.  Zech.  5:4.  Mai.  3:5.  g 4:13 — 15.  5:3,4. 
b Gen.  21:25.  Job20:19.  24:2.  Is. 59:6.  >>..18:7,12,18.  Am. 3:10.  Mic. 2:2. 
Zeph.  1:9.  i 5:16.  Ex.  22:1,4,7,9.  Num.  5:7,8.  1 Sam.  12:3.  Prov.  6:30,31.  Is. 
58:6,9.  Luke  19:8.  t Or,  of  his  being  found  guilty.  Heb.  of  his  trespass. 
Matt.  5:23,24.  i 5:15,18.  Is.  53:10,1 1 . k 4:20, 26, 31.'  5:10,13.18.  Ex.  34:7.  Ez. 
IS:21— 23,26,27.  '33:14— 16,19.  Mic.  7:18.  1 John  1:7,9.  2:1,2.  1 See  on  l.Ex.29: 

burdened  conscience  here  finds  complete  relief:  yet  is  the 
evil  of  sin  so  displayed,  as  to  fill  pardoned  sinners  with 
abhorrence  and  dread  of  it ; seeing  that  not  the  least  trans- 
gression can  be  forgiven,  but  through  the  agonizing  death  of 
the  great  Emmanuel.  They  therefore,  whose  sins  are  indeed 
forgiven,  will  walk  circumspectly,  and  be  frequently  examining 
their  hearts  and  lives  ; and  when  they  but  suspect  evil,  they 
will  have  recourse  to  this  one  great  atonement.  They  will  be 
careful  to  bear  no  false  witness,  and  to  withhold  no  required 
information;  to  avoid  rash  oaths,  and  carelessness  in  the 
performance  of  their  vows  and  engagements ; and  to  render 
to  God,  to  the  king,  and  to  every  one,  their  due  ; and  should 
they  after  all  discover  that  they  have  failed,  they  will  scru- 
ulously  make  ample  restitution  to  their  utmost  ability,  ac- 
nowledge  their  fault  without  extenuation,  and  seek  forgive- 
ness both  of  God  and  of  the  injured  party. 

NOTES. — Chap.  VI.  V.  2 — 7.  These  verses,  as  they 
relate  to  a trespass-offering,  would  have  been  more  properly 
annexed  to  the  preceding  chapter : and  they  are  so  in  the 
Hebrew.  The  various  offences  specified  in  them  were  directly 
and  wilfully  injurious  to  man ; but  they  were  also  trespasses 
against  God,  both  in  themselves,  and  as  in  some  of  them  a 
false  oath  had  been  taken.  “Because  he  hath  sinned,  and 
is  guilty that  is,  he  is  conscious  of  his  sin,  and  willing  to 
acknowledge  it.  If  the  offender  had  been  convicted , he  would 
have  been  exposed  to  punishment  by  the  magistrate  ; and 
must,  in  some  of  the  cases,  have  made  larger  restitution  to 
the  injured  person : but  as  he  voluntarily  confessed  his  crime, 
which  seemed  to  imply  repentance,  he  was  only  required  to 
add  a fifth  part  of  the  value  of  the  defraud  or  robbery,  accord- 
ing to  the  valuation  of  the  priest,  and  give  it  to  the  injured 
person:  he  must,  however,  also  bring  a trespass-offering  to 
the  Lord.  This  was  evidently  intended  to  show,  that  disobe- 
dience to  God  is  the  great  evil,  even  of  those  crimes  which 
are  injurious  to  man : and  that  repentance  and  works  meet 
for  repentance,  though  needful  in  order  to  forgiveness,  cannot 
atone  for  sin,  which  can  only  be  expiated  by  the  blood  of 
Christ,  and  pardoned  through  faith  in  his  name. — Some 
explain  the  priest’s  estimation , as  relating  to  the  value  of  the 
ram,  which  was  to  bo  greater  or  less  according  to  the  degree 
of  the  offence. 

V.  8 — 13.  In  the  preceding  part  of  this  hook,  Moses  was 
directed  to  instruct  the  people  concerning  several  of  the  sacri- 
l 210  ) 


"consumed,  with  the  burnt-offering'  on  the  altar, 
and  he  shall  put  them  ''beside  the  altar. 

1 1 And  he  shall  ‘‘pul  off  his  garments,  and  put 
on  other  garments,  and  carry  forth  the  ashes  'with 
out  the  camp  unto  a clean  place. 

12  And  “the  fire  upon  the  altar  shall  be  burning 
in  it,  it  shall  not  be  put  out : and  the  priest  shall 
‘burn  wood  on  it  every  morning,  and  lay  the  burnt- 
offering  in  order  upon  it,  and  he  shall  burn  there- 
on the  fat  of  the  peace-offerings. 

13  The  fire  shall  ever  he  burning  upon  the  altar : 
it  shall  never  go  out. 

14  H And  this  is  the  law  of  “the  meat-offering : 
the  sons  of  Aaron  shall  offer  it  before  the  Loro, 
before  the  altar. 

15  And  he  shall  take  of  it  his  handful,  of  the 
flour  of  the  meat-offering,  and  of  the  oil  thereof, 
and  all  the  frankincense  which  is  upon  the  meat- 
offering,  and  shall  burn  it  upon  the  altar,  for  a 
sweet  savour,  even  “the  memorial  of  it  unto  the 
Lord. 

16  And  xthe  remainder  thereof  shall  Aaron  and 
his  sons  eat : with  ^unleavened  bread  “shall  it  be 
eaten  in  the  holy  place : in  the  court  of  the  taber 
nacle  of  the  congregation  they  shall  eat  it. 

17  It  shall  not  be  “baken  with  leaven:  I have 
given  it  unto  them  for  their  portion  of  my  offerings 
made  by  fire : bit  is  most  holy,  as  is  the  sin-offer- 
ing, and  as  the  trespass-offering. 

18  "All  the  males  among  the  children  of  Aaron 
shall  eat  of  it : Ht  shall  be  a statute  for  ever  in 
your  generations  concerning  the  offerings  of  the 
Lord  made  by  fire  : 'every  one  that  loucheth 
them  shall  be  holy. 

19  *fl  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

20  This  is  fthe  offering  of  Aaron  and  of  his 
sons,  which  they  shall  offer  unto  the  Loud,  in  the 
day  when  he  is  anointed:  sthe  tenth  part  of  an 
ephah  of  fine  flour  for  ha  meat-offering  perpetual, 

38— 42.  Num.  28:3.  J Or,/or  the  livmins.  mI2,13.  n 16:4.  Ex.  28:40— 43. 
39:27—29.  Ez. 44:17,18.  Rev. 7:13.  19:8,14.  o 1:9,13,11.  Num.  16:21,35.  Ps. 20: 
3.  marg.  p 1:16.  q 16  23,24.  K>.44'19.  . 4:12,21.  14:40,41.  16:27. 

Hell.  13:1—113.  s 9:24.  Num.  4:13,14.  Mark  0:48  49.  HeO.  10:27.  I 1:7—9.  3: 
3—5,9—11,14—16.  Ex.  29:38— 42.  Nell.  13:31.  u See  on  2:1,2.  Num.  15:4,6,9. 
John  6:32.  r .See  on  2:2,9.  x 2:3,10.  5:13.  Ez.  44:29.  1 Cor.  9:13— 15.  y Ex. 
12:8.  1 Cor.  5:8.  z 2G.  10:12,13.  Num.  18:9.10.  n 2:11.  1 Pel. 2:22.  b25.  2:3. 
7:1,6.  Ex.  29:33,34,37.  c 29.  21:21,22.  Num.  18:10.  (1  Nee  on  3: 17.  e 22-5— 7. 
Ex.  29:37.  Hag.  2:12 — 14.  Zech.  14:211,21.  1 Pel.  1 :16.  2:9.  I Num.  18:26— 32. 
Heb.  5:1.  8:3,4.  g 5:11.  Ex.  16:36.  h2:l,&c.  Ex. 29:35-42.  Num.  28:3— 10. 

fices  to  be  brought  by  them : but  here  he  was  ordered  to 
command  the  priests,  respecting  sdme  particulars  of  their 
official  services. — It  is  generally  thought,  that  the  stated  even- 
ing burnt- offering  was  laid  on  the  iu!far  by  pieces,  so  as  to 
continue  burning  during  the  whole  night,  till  the  time  of  the 
morning  burnt-offering  ; which  was  consumed  more  speedily, 
at  least  when  other  sacrifices  were  brought,  in  order  to  make 
room  for  them.  This,  however,  is  not  deducible  from  the 
text;  but  only  that  the  fire  must  be  kept  in  during  the  night, 
as  well  as  the  day,  and  never  be  permitted  to  go  out.  As 
soon  as  the  priests  and  the  tabernacle  were  fully  consecrated, 
the  fire  on  the  altar  was  kindled  from  heaven  ; and  it  must 
not  be  suffered  to  go  out,  and  then  be  replaced  by  ordinary 
fire. — Prom  this  law  and  some  report  of  this  custom  in  Israel, 
it  is  probable,  that  the  gentiles  derived  their  sacred  perpetual 
fires,  which  were  very  common  in  different  nations  : but  they 
did  not  understand  that  this  fire  was  an  intended  type  of  the 
eternal  avenging  justice  of  God,  and  the  perpetual  efficacy 
of  Christ’s  all-sufficient  atonement. — In  order  to  keep  the 
fire  clear  and  pure,  directions  were  also  given  concerning  the 
ashes  of  the  flesh  and  wood  consumed  on  the  altar  : ami,  as 
whatever  touched  it  was  relatively  holy,  the  priests  in  their 
sacred  garments  must  remove  them ; and  then  put  off  their 
priestly  vestments,  to  carry  these  ashes  out  of  the  camp  to  a 
clean  place  in  the  ordinary  garments  of  Israelites.  Probably, 
after  the  Levites  were  set  apart,  and  given  to  Aaron  and  his 
sons,  they  performed  this  as  well  as  other  menial  services 
about  the  sanctuary. 

V.  14 — 18.  (Notes,  2.)  Many  of  the  oblations  were  in- 
tended as  a provision  for  the  families  of  the  priests : but.  the 
meat-offerings  were  most  holy,  and  must  therefore  be  eaten 
with,  or  as,  unleavened  bread,  by  the  priests  alone,  and  their 
male  children,  who  were  priests  by  birth,  though  not  yet  of 
age  to  officiate. — The  priests  were  types  of  Christ ; and  the 
command  that  they  should  eat  these  meat-offerings  and  sin- 
offerings,  seems  to  have  intimated,  that,  they  would  typically 
bear  and  expiate  the  sins  of  the  people,  and  that  they  should 
take  pleasure  in  their  work.  (Marg.  Rtf .1 — The  clause, 

“ Every  one  that  toucheth  them  shall  he  holy,”  implies  that 
the  priests  nuM  not  cat  of  these  oblations,  when  under  any 
ceremonial  defilement;  and,  as  some  think,  that  all  the  uten- 
sils used  about  them  must  he  holy,  and  not  he  emoloj  .*d  ;r, 
onj'  other  way. 


6.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


E.  C.  1490. 


•alf  of  it  in  the  morning  and  half  thereof  at 
night. 

21  In  'a  pan  it  shall  be  made  with  oil,  and  when 
tt  is  baken,  thou  shalt.  bring  it  in  : and.  the  baken 
pieces  of  the  rneat-offering  shalt  thou  offer  for  a 
sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord. 

22  And  the  priest  of  his  sons,  that  kis  anointed 
in  his  stead,  shall  offer  it : it  is  a statute  lor  ever 
unto  the  Lord,  it  shall  be  ‘wholly  burnt. 

23  For  every  meat-offering  for  the  priest  shall 
be  wholly  burnt;  '"it  shall  not  be  eaten. 

24  H And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

25  Speak  unto  Aaron  and  to  his  sons,  saying, 
This  is  "the  law  of  the  sin-offering : °in  the  place 
where  the  burnt-offering  is  killed,  shall  the  sin- 
offering  be  killed  before  the  Lord  : Pit  is  most 
holy 

26  The  ‘‘priest  that  offereth  it  for  sin  shall  eat 
it:  in  the  holy  place  shall  it  be  eaten,  rin  the 
court  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

27  Whatsoever  shall  'touch  the  flesh  thereof 
shall  be  holy  : and  when  there  is  sprinkled  of  the 

12:5.  7:9.  I Chr.9:31.  k4:3.  Dent.  10:6.  Heb.  7:23.  I 8:21.  Ex. 29:22— 25.  Is. 
53:10.  m 16,17.  2:10.  n See  on  4:3,  &c.  21,24,33,34.  o 13:3,5,11.  4:33.  p 17. 
21:22.  q 10:17,18.  Num.  18:9,10.  Ex.  44:28,29.  46:20.  Hos.4:8.  r Ex.  27:9— 
18.38:9—19.40:33.  Es. 42:13.  s 18.  Ex.  29:37.  30:29.  Hag. 2: 12.  t 11:32. 
2 Cor.  7:1,11.  u 11:33.  15:12.  Heb.  9:9.10.  x Seeon  IS.  y 4:3— 21.  10:18.  16: 


V.  20 — 23.  This  oblation  seems  to  have  been  required  of 
the  high-priest  alone,  44  on  the  day  in  which  he  was  anointed,” 
and  from  that  time,  every  morning  and  evening  as  long  as  he 
continued  in  the  office  ; and  then  in  like  manner  of  his  suc- 
cessor : for,  by  the  sins  of  Aaron  may  be  understood,  his 
descendants  and  successors  in  the  high  priesthood,  in  their 
generations.  Perhaps  the  words,  44  anointed  in  his  stead,”  may 
signify,  not  only  the  person  who  succeeded  to  the  high  priest- 
hood, when  the  high-priest  died,  but  also  the  next  in  succes- 
sion, as  anointed  to  officiate  in  his  stead,  while  living,  should 
any  thing  incapacitate  him. — The  whole  of  this  meal-offering, 
when  duly  prepared,  was  consumed  on  the  altar,  probably 
being  laid  upon  the  daily  hurnt-offering  by  the  priest  who 
officiated : and  neither  of  this  prescribed  oblation,  nor  of  the 
voluntary  meat-offerings  of  the  priests,  must  any  part  be 
eaten;  but  the  whole  must  be  dedicated  to  the  Lord. — The 
priests  typically  bore  and  expiated  the  sins  of  the  people,  but 
they  could  not  actually  atone  for  them:  they  therefore,  in 
respect  of  their  own  sacrifices,  and  some  others,  ate  no  part, 
but  burnt  the  whole ; which  was  a typical  translation  of  the 
guilt  from  themselves  and  the  people  to  Christ  and  his  sacri- 
fice, who  actually  bore  and  expiated  them. — This  meat- 
offering might  also  represent,  that  the  best  duties  and  services, 
even  of  the  high-priest  himself,  could  be  accepted  only  through 
the  great  Antitype : and  that  he  and  his  brethren  must,  never- 
theless, daily  abound  in  good  works  and  in  personal  religion, 
in  the  most  devoted  and  disinterested  manner. 

V.  25 — 29.  The  sin-offerings  for  the  ruler,  or  for  indi- 
viduals, were  slain  where  the  burnt-offerings  were.  The 
priest  who  officiated  had  for  his  perquisite  the  whole  carcass, 
on  which  he  and  his  sons,  and  any  other  of  the  priests  whom 
he  invited,  might  feast  in  the  court  of  the  tabernacle,  during 
the  day  on  which  it  was  sacrificed.  But  none  might  touch 
the  flesh  of  it,  except  such  as  were  holy  persons,  and  free 
from  ceremonial  defilement:  and,  if  the  garment  of  the  offerer 
or  any  other  person  was  sprinkled  with  the  blood,  it  must  be 
washed  in  the  court  of  the  tabernacle : nay,  when  Xhe  flesh 
was  sodden  in  an  earthen  vessel,  which  was  porous  and  might 
retain  some  part  of  it,  the  vessel  must  be  broken:  and  even 
a brazen  one  must  be  carefully  scoured  and  washed.  This 
shows  that  all  the  oblations  were  sodden  or  boiled ; and  none 
roasted,  except  the  paschal  lamb  in  the  houses  of  the  Israel- 
ites.—All  these  regulations  were  calculated  to  express  the 
polluting  nature  of  sin,  and  the  translation  of  guilt  from  the 
sinner  to  the  sacrifice ; yet  so  that  it  was  not  actually  taken 
away,  but  in  some  sense  adhered  to  them:  and  they  denoted 
that  a more  efficacious  sacrifice  was  represented  by  them. — 
They  might  .also  intimate,  that  no  one  must  pretend  to  any 
share  with  Christ  in  atoning  for  sin ; that  none  but  the  spiritual 
priesthood,  which  is  separated  from  the  world  and  sin,  and 
truly  devoted  to  God,  have  any  real  benefit  from  the  sacrifice 
of  Christ,  or  truly  feed  upon  him  in  their  hearts ; and  that  his 
atonement  becomes  to  many  an  occasion  of  additional  guilt 
and  deeper  condemnation,  through  their  contempt  or  perver- 
sion of  it ; but  that  the  youngest  and  most,  infirm  believer  is 
as  certainly  interested  in  this  salvation,  as  the  most  mature 
and  established,  though  not  honoured  with  so  much  usefulness.* 

V.  30.  (Note,  4:12.)  This  is  an  additional  law  concern- 
ing the  sin-offerings  for  the  high-priest,  or  the  whole  congre- 
gation: and  it  was  also  a general  rule  for  the  stated  sin-ofler- 
mgs.  These  seem  to  have  been  a more  explicit  type  of 
Christ’s  suffering  without  Jerusalem,  as  devoted  to  a death 
>rononneed  accursed  in  the  law,  than  any  other  of  the  Mosaic 
•*istitutions : while  the  priest  at  the  same  time  carrying  the 
blood  into  the  sanctuary,  applying  it  to  the  golden  altar,  and 
sprinkling  it  before  the  veil,  most  aptly  represented  the 
Redeemer  rising,  ascending,  and  appearing  iu  the  presence 

( 2U  > 


blood  thereof  upon  any  garment,  thou  shalt  ‘was. 
that  whereon  it  was  sprinkled  in  tne  holy  place. 

28  But  “the  earthen  vessel  wherein  it  is  sodden 
shall  be  broken : and  if  it  be  sodden  in  a brazen 
pot,  it  shall  be  both  scoured,  and  rinsed  in  water. 

29  All  “the  males  among  the  priests  shall  eat 
thereof:  it  is  most  holy. 

30  And  ?no  sin-offering  whereof  any  of  the 
blood  is  brought  into  the  tabernacle  of  the  con 
gregation,  to  reconcile  withal  in  the  holy  place , 
shall  be  eaten  : it  shall  be  burnt  in  the  fire. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

The  law  for  the  priests,  of  the  trespass-offering,  1 — 10  : and  of  the.  pea:* 
offering,  11 — 34.  The  whole  summed  up,  35—38. 

LIKEWISE  this  is  “the  law  of  the  tretpass- 
oflering  : hit  is  most  holy. 

2 In  cthe  place  where  they  kill  the  burnt-offer- 
ing, shall  they  kill  the  trespass-offering  : and  dthe 
blood  thereof  shall  he  sprinkle  round  about  upon 
the  altar. 

3 And  he  shall  offer  of  it,  eall  the  fat  thereof ; 
the  rump,  and  the  fat  that  covereth  the  inwards, 

27,28.  Heb.  9:11,12. 13:11.  a 5:  1:6—7.  14:12,13.  19:21,22.  Num.  6:12.  El.  40:39. 
44:29.  46:20.  b6:17.  21:22.  c 1:3,5,11.  4:24,29,33.  6:25.  d 1:5.  3:2,8.  5:9.  I«. 
52:15.  Ez. 35:25.  Heb.  9:19— 22.  11:28.  12:24.  I Pel.  1:2.  e See  un  3:3-5.9— 
11.4:8—10.  Ex.  29:13.  Pa.  51:6,17. 


of  God  for  us ; and,  in  virtue  of  his  atonement  and  by  his  inter- 
cession, rendering  both  our  persons  and  services  accepted. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 7.  It  is  impossible  to  enumerate  all  the  various 
methods,  in  which  men,  prompted  by  covetousness,  have 
contrived  unjustly  to  appropriate  their  neighbour’s  properly. 
Human  laws  must  indeed  discriminate  as  to  punishments, 
with  reference  to  the  welfare  of  the  community:  but  all  these 
methods  of  injustice  are  alike  violations  of  the  divine  law  ; 
(not  excepting  the  case  of  keeping  what  is  found,  when  the 
owner  can  be  ascertained  ;)  and  they  are  generally  accom- 
panied with  lies,  and  frequently  with  perjury. — Would’  the 
offender,  therefore,  escape  the  vengeance  of  God,  (though  he 
be  not  exposed  to  punishment  from  man,)  he  must  both  make 
ample  restitution,  if  in  his  power,  and  seek  forgiveness,  by 
faith  in  that  one  offering  which  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the 
world/ — Confession  of  sin  makes  no  satisfaction  to  justice: 
our  municipal  laws,  therefore,  do  not  require  the  offender  to 
plead  guilty,  or  to  criminate  himself,  nor  will  it  avail  for  the 
mitigation  of  his  sentence  ; and  the  case  is  the  same  in  respect 
of  the  law  and  justice  of  God.  But,  before  his  mercy-seat, 
that  man  alone  who  ingenuously  confesses  his  sin,  and 
condemns  himself,  obtains  the  benefit  of  Christ’s  satisfaction, 
the  free  forgiveness  of  all  sin,  and  the  full  comfort  of  it.  Our 
God  approves  of  that  state  of  heart  which  produces  this 
conduct,  as  right  and  reasonable  in  a sinner:  and  no  one, 
who  is  unfeignedly  of  a contrite  spirit,  will  either  depend  on 
any  thing  for  forgiveness,  but  free  mercy  through  the  blood 
of  Christ,  or  wilfully  continue  in  sin,  or  fail  to  bring  forth  tht 
fruits  meet  for  repentance. 

V.  8 — 30.  The  efficacy  of  die  priesthood  and  mediation 
of  Christ  is  perpetual,  and  we  can  never  approach  to  God  in 
his  name,  by  day  or  by  night,  unseasonably : thus  should  the 
fire  of  our  holy  affections,  the  exercise  of  our  faith  and  love, 
of  prayer  and  praise,  be  constant  and  without  ceasing  also ; 
and  we  should  be  watchful  and  unwearied  in  well-doing. 
The  true  ministers  of  Christ  especially  should  have  the  fire 
of  their  zeal  constantly  burning,  and  their  spiritual  sacrifices 
ascending ; being  44  instant  in  season  and  out  of  season,”  in 
their  important  work ; without  sloth,  weariness,  or  dissipation , 
with  all  reverence  and  exactness;  and  not  deeming  the 
meanest  service  beneath  them  or  admitting  of  a careless 
performance. — Such  ministers,  though  they  need  continual 
forgiveness  themselves,  will  yet  be  very  useful  in  bringing 
men  to  repent,  to  seek  and  find  forgiveness,  and  to  become 
44  zealous  of  good  works  ;”  and  they  alone  have  a w'ell-ground  * 
ed  claim  to  be  maintained  from  the  sanctuary.  But  they 
will  also  be  the  last  persons  to  be’  peremptory  in  their  demands 
of  this  nature,  to  be  discontented  with  their  provision,  o” 
attentive  to  their  own  interest  or  indulgence.  Rather  they 
will  make  it  their  study  to  convince  the  people  thp.t  they 
44  seek  not  theirs , but  them that  they  would  far  gather 
promote  their  sanctification,  than  profit  by  their  sins;  and 
that  they  desire  to  be  examples  to  the  flock,  in  practicing 
what  they  preach,  in  foregoing  their  just  claims,  and  m seeking 
the  glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  souls,  even  when  their  dili- 
gence meets  with  no  recompense,  or  a very  ungrateful  return, 
from  man.  Above  all,  they  will  teach  the  people,  both  by 
word  and  deed,  to  shun  the  defilement  of  sin,  to  treat  sacred 
things  with  serious  regard,  to  reverence  the  atoning  blood  ol 
Christ,  and  in  a holy  manner  to  apply  its  benefits ; not  thence 
taking  encouragement  to  sin,  but  deducing  powerful  motives 
for  devoted  obedience  unto  God.  May  the  Lord  send  form 
many  such  labourers  into  his  harvest,  for  the  honour  of  Jesus, 
the  great  Head  of  the  Church  ! 

NOTES. — Chap.  VIT.  V.  1 — 1J.  In  the  ‘ase ofthe  sin- 
otfernig  and  the  trespass- offering,  me  hole  sacnf?e  wa 


B.  C.  1490. 


LEVITICUS 


4 And  the  tw'.  kid  leys,  and  the  fat  that  is  on 
them,  which  is  by  the  flanks,  and  the  caul  that  is 
above  the  liver,  with  the  kidneys,  it  shall  he  take 
away. 

5 And  the  priests  shall  f burn  them  upon  the 

altar,  for  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord  : 
it  is  a trespass-offering'.  • 

6 Every  emale  among  the  priests  shall  eat 
thereof : it  shall  be  eaten  in  the  holy  place  : it  is 
most  holy. 

7 As  the  sin-offering  is,  so  is  hthe  trespass-offer- 
ing : there  is  one  law  for  them : the  priest  that 
maketh  atonement  therewith  shall  have  it. 

8 And  the  priest  thatoffereth  any  man’s  burnt- 
offering,  even  the  priest  shall  have  to  himself 
'the  skin  of  the  burnt-offering  which  he  hath 
offered. 

9 And  all  ithe  meat-offering  that  is  baken  in 
the  oven,  and  all  that  is  dressed  in  the  frying-pan, 
and  ’in  the  pan,  kshall  be  the  priest’s  thatoffereth 

tt. 

10  And  everv  meat-offering  mingled  with  oil, 
and  dry,  shall  all  the  sons  of  Aaron  have,  'one  as 
much  as  another. 

11  11  And  this  is  the  law  of  mthe  sacrifice  of 
peace-offerings,  which  he  shall  offer  unto  the 

Lord. 

12  If  he  offer  it  for  a "thanksgiving,  then  he 
shall  offer  with  the  sacrifice  of  thanksgiving  un- 
leavened cakes  mingled  with  oil,  and  "unleavened 
wafers  anointed  with  oil,  and  cakes  mingled  with 
oil,  of  fine  flour,  fried. 

13  Besides  the  cakes,  he  shall  offer  for  his  offer- 
ing rleavened  bread,  with  the  sacrifice  of  thanks- 
giving of  his  peace-offerings. 

14  And  of  it  he  shall  offer  one  out  of  the  whole 
oblation,  for  ’an  heave-offering  unto  the  Lord, 
and  it  shall  be  rthe  priest’s  that  sprinkleth  the  blood 
of  the  peace-offerings. 

15  And  the  flesh  of  the  sacrifice  of  his  peace- 
offerings  for  thanksgiving  shall  sbe  eaten  the  .same 
day  that  it  is  offered : he  shall  not  leave  any  of  it 
until  the  morning. 

16  But  if  the  sacrifice  of  his  offering  lbe  a vow, 
or  “a  voluntary  offering,  it  shall  be  eaten  the  same 

f 1:9,13.  2:2,9, 16.  3:18.  Gal.  2:20.  5:24.  1 Pet.  4:1,2.  g 6:16—18,29.  Num. 
18:9,10.  h 6:25,26  14:3.  i 1:6.  4:11.  Gen.  3:21.  Ex.  29:14.  Num.  19:5. 
Rom.  13:14.  Phil.  3:9.  j 2:4 — 7.  * Or,  on  the  flat  plate,  or  slice.  2:5.  marg. 

k 2:3,10.  5:13.  6:16—19.  1 Cor.  9:7,13.  Gal.  6:6.  1 Ex.  16:18.  2 Cor.  8:14. 

m See  on  3.  22:18—21.  n 22:29.  2Chr.29.31.  33:16.  Neh.  12:43.  Ps. 50:13,14, 
23.  103:1,2.  107:8,21,22.116:17.  Jer.  33:11.  IIos.  14:2.  Luke  17:16,18.  Rom. 
1:21.  2 Cor.  9:11—15.  Eph.  5.20.  Heb.  13:15.  1 Pet.  2:5.  o2:4.  6:16.  Num.  6: 
15.  p 23:17.  Am.  4:5.  Matt.  13:33.  1 Tim.  4:4.  q See  on  Ex.  29:27,28.  Num. 
15:1.9—21.  18:24—28.31:29,41.  r6:2G.  Num.  18:8— 11,19,26— 32.  s 22:29,30. 
See  on  Ex.  12:10.  16:19.  Ec.  9: 10.  John  9:4.  2 Cor.  6:2.  Heb.  3:13— 15.  t 22: 
18—21.  23:38.  Num.  15:3.  Peut.  12:6,11,17,23.  Ps.  66:13.  116:14,18.  Nah.l:15. 
u 22:23,29.  Dent.  12:6.  Ez.  46:12.  x J9:S— 8.  y Gen.  22:4.  Ex.  19:11.  Hos.  6: 


divided  between  the  altar  and  the  priest ; and  the  offerer  had 
no  share  in  it,  as  he  had  in  the  peace-offerings.  The  former 
was  an  expression  of  repentance  and  sorrow  for  sin,  and  was 
therefore  more  properly  accompanied  by  fasting  than  by  feast- 
ing, but  feasting  was  very  suitable  to  the  occasions  of  the  peace- 
offerings,  which  denoted  communion  with  a reconciled  God 
in  Christ,  the  joy  and  gratitude  of  a pardoned  sinner,  and  the 
privileges  and  cheerful  services  of  a believer.  The  remem- 
brance of  sin  is  never  pleasant  to  a true  Christian;  but  the 
remembrance  of  the  former  kindnesses  of  God,  and  his  answers 
to  prayer,  and  the  expectation  of  future  benefits,  always  are 
so. — The  priest,  who  offered  the  sacrifice,  in  some  cases,  had 
all  that  was  not  burnt  for  his  own  perquisite,  which  would 
encourage  and  recompense  a constant  attendance.  In  other 
cases  all  the  priests  shared  alike,  which  might  forward  friendly 
intercourse  and  fellowship  with  each  other.  The  skin  belonged 
to  the  priest  who  offered  the  sacrifice  ; 4 that  is,’  say  the  Jewish 
writers  with  considerable  probability,  4 the  skins  of  sacrifices 
brought  by  individuals ; while  those  of  the  public  sacrifices 
were  sold  to  defray  the  expenses  of  repairing  the  tabernacle.’ 

V.  12 — 14.  Besides  the  different  kinds  of  unleavened 
cakes  and  wafers  brought  with  other  sacrifices,  leavened 
bread  was  presented  with  the  peace-offerings  for  mercies 
received ; for  a thankful,  cheerful  meal  was  intended,  and 
such  bread  was  usual  at  feasts.  One  loaf  or  cake  of  this 
bread  was  presented  to  the  Lord  as  a heave-offering,  and 
eaten  by  the  priest;  but  none  was  burnt  on  the  altar.  ( Note , 
2:11  ) 

Y.  15 — 18.  In  the  prohibition  of  any  part  of  the  sacrifices 
being  k<*pt  unto  the  third  day , when  it  would  begin  to  putrefy, 
there  might  he  a reference  to  Christ,  who  rose  again  in  about 
the  same  time,  and  saw  no  corruption.  But,  more  evidently, 
the  Israelites  were  thus  cautioned  against  procrastination  in 
tendering  thanks,  in  paying  vows,  or  in  seeking  spiritual 
( 212  ) 


B.  C.  149Gk 

day  that  he  offereth  his  sacrifice : and  on  the  inor 
row  ‘also  the  remainder  of  it  shall  be  eaten. 

17  But  the  remainder  of  the  flesh  of  the  sacri- 
fice, yon  the  third  day  shall  be  'burnt  with  fire. 

18  And  if  any  of  the  flesh  of  the  sacrifice  of 
his  peace-offerings  be  eaten  at  all  on  the  third  day 
ait  shall  not  be  accepted,  neither  shall  it  bbe  imputed 
unto  him  that  offereth  it : it  shall  be  °an  abomina- 
tion, and  the  soul  that  eateth  of  it  ahall  rtbear  his 
iniquity. 

19  And  the  flesh,  that  'toucheth  any  unclean 
thing , shall  not  be  eaten,  it  shall  be  burnt  with 
fire : and  as  for  the  flesh,  all  that  be  clean  shall 
eat  thereof. 

20  But  the  soul  that  eateth  of  the  flesh  of  the 
sacrifice  of  the  peace-offerings,  that  pertain  unto 
the  Lord,  < having  his  uncleanness  upon  him,  even 
that  soul  shall  be  cut  off  from  his  people. 

21  Moreover,  the  soul  that  shall  touch  any  un- 
clean thing,  as  ethe  uncleanness  of  man,  or  any 
''unclean  beast,  or  any  ‘abominable  unclean  thing, 
and  eat  of  the  flesh  of  the  sacrifice  of  peace-offer- 
ings which  pertain  unto  the  Lord,  even  that  soul 
shall  be  kcut  off  from  his  people. 

22  51  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

23  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  saying, 
Ye  .shall  eat  no  manner  of  'fat,  of  ox,  or  of  sheep, 
or  of  goat. 

24  And  the  fat  of  the  'beast  that  dieth  of  itself, 
and  the  fat  of  that  which  is  torn  with  beasts,  may 
be  used  in  any  other  use  : but  ye  shall  in  nowise 
eat  of  it. 

25  For  whosoever  eateth  the  fat  of  the  'beast, 
of  which  men  offer  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto 
the  Lord,  even  the  soul  that  eateth  it,  "‘shall  be 
cut  off  from  his  people. 

26  Moreover,  "ye  shall  eat  no  manner  of  blood, 
whether  it  be  of  fowl  or  of  beast,  in  any  of  your 
dwellings. 

27  Whatsoever  soul  it  be  that  eateth  any  man- 
ner of  blood,  even  “that  soul  shall  be  cut  off  from 
his  people. 

28  51  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

29  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  saying, 
rHe  that  offereth  the  sacrifice  of  his  peace-offer- 

2.1  Cor.  15:4.  z 6:22,23.  10:16.  Ex.  12:10.  20:14.  a 10:19.  19:7,8.  21:23,25. 
Jer.  14:10,12.  Hos.  8:13.  Am.  5:22.  Mai.  1:10.13.  b Num.  18:27.  Rom.  4:11. 
c 11:10,11,41.  Is.  1:11—14.  65:4.  66:3.  Luke  16:15.  d 5:17.  10:17.  17:16.  19:8, 
20:17,19.22:16.  Is.  53:11,12.  Ez.  18:20.  Heb.  9:28.  I Pet.  2:24.  e 11:24—39. 
Num.  19:11— 16.  Lukell:41.  Acts  10: 15,16,28.  Rom.  14: 14,20.  2 Cor.  6:17.  Tit. 
1:15.  f 15:2,  &c.  g5:2, 3.  13:1— 3.  15:3— 12.  22:4.  Num.  19:11— 16.  1:11:24— 
42.  Deut.  14:7,8,10,12— 20.  i 11:10— 13,20,41,42.  Petit.  14:3.  Ez.  4:14.  k 20. 
25,27.  17:10,14.  18:29.  Gen.  17:14.  Ex.  12:15,19.  30.33,38.  13:16,17.  1:8—10. 

17:6.  Deut.  32:38.  1 Sam.  2: 15— 17,29.  Acts  23:27.  Rom.  8:18.  13.13.  t Heb.ror- 
cass.  17:15.  22:8.  Ex.  22:31.  Deut.  14:21.  Ez.  1:14.  44:31.  } Ver.  20,27.  in  21. 

0 3:17.17:10—14.  Gen. 9:4.  1 Sam.  14:33,34.  Ez. 33:25.  Acta  15:20,29.  Eph. 1:7. 

1 Tim.  4:4.  o 20,21,25.  Heb.  10:29.  p 3:1.  Col.  1:20.  1 John  1:7. 


blessings;  against  superstition;  and  against  distrust  and 
covetousness.  And  they  were  taught  to  use  hospitality  to 
their  friends  and  to  the  poor,  without  grudging ; for,  if  they 
spared,  they  only  spared  for  the  fire;  except  they  would,  by 
disobedience,  prevent  the  acceptance  of  their  sacrifice,  and 
even  render  it  an  abomination. — The  thank-offering  must  he 
entirely  eaten  on  the  same  day  on  which  it  was  sacrificed : 
for  we  should  especially  make  haste,  when  recent  mercies 
have  excited  our  gratitude,  to  express  it  by  fervent  thanks- 
givings ; and  the  Lord’s  kindness  to  us  should  peculiarly 
enlarge  our  hearts  in  bounty  to  our  brethren. — If  these  laws 
were  wilfully  broken,  the  offender  would  44 hear  his  iniquity;’* 
nor  was  any  sacrifice  appointed : hut  an  inadvertent  violation 
of  them  must  he  expiated  by  a trespass-offering. 

V.  20.  Cut  off  from  his  people.]  We  find  no  rule  or 
example,  leading  to  suppose  that  this  was  a law,  which  the 
priest  or  the  civil  magistrate  was  empowered  to  execute, 
either  by  solemn  excommunication,  or  by  death.  It  seems 
rather  to  have  been  an  awful  denunciation  of  divine  vengeance. 
The  offenders  would  deserve,  and  might  expect,  to  he  cut  off 
by  some  immediate  judgment  of  God ; and  no  sacrifice  was 
appointed  to  expiate  their  guilt.  (Marg.  lief,  k.) 

V.  23 — 27.  (JVoie}  3:17.)  The  prohibition  of  the  fat,  ->r 
suet,  was  restricted  to  such  animals  as  were  offered  in  sacri- 
fice ; hut  that  of  the  blood  was  extended  to  all  kinds  of  land 
animals.  The  former  taught  reverence  to  the  altar  and 
ordinances  of  God ; hut  the  latter  had  especial  respect  t the 
atoning  blood  of  Christ. 

V.  29 — 34.  The  offerer  was  required,  with  his  «wn  hands 
to  bring  these  parts  of  the  sacrifice  to  the  priest,  that  the  obla- 
tion of  them  might  appear  his  own  voluntary  action.  Tho 
breast,  (which  seems  to  have  included  tho  \\h«.lo  of  what  is 
at.  present,  in  cutting  up  slaughtered  animals,  divided  into  the 
two  breasts,)  having  been  solemnly  waved  to  and  fn>,  a< 


£3.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


B.  C.  1490 


ings  unto  the  Lord,  shall  bring  his  oblation  unto 
the  Loro,  of  the  sacrifice  of  his  peace-offer- 
ings. 

30  ‘'His  own  hands  shall  bring  the  offerings  of 
the  Loro  made  by  fire;  the  fat  with  the  breast, 
it  shall  he  t ring,  that  rthe  breast  may  be  waved 
for  a wave-offering  before  the  Lord. 

31  And  the  priest  shall  burn  the  fat  upon  the 
altar : but  ’the  breast  shall  be  Aaron’s  and  his 
sons’. 

32  And ’the  right  shoulder  shall  ye  give  unto 
the  priest  for  an  heave-offering,  of  the  Sacrifices 
of  your  peace-offerings. 

33  He  among  the  sons  of  Aaron,  "that  offereth 
the  blood  of  the  peace-offerings  apd  the  fat,  shall 
have  the  right  shoulder  for  his  part. 

34  For  xthe  wave-breast  and  the  heave-shoul- 
der have  I taken  of  the  children  of  Israel,  from  off 
the  sacrifices  of  their  peace-offerings,  and  have 
given  them  unto  Aaron  the  priest,  and  unto  his 
sons,  yby  a statute  for  ever,  from  among  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel. 

35  H This  is  the  portion  'of  the  anointing  of 
Aaron,  and  of  the  anointing  of  his  sons,  out  of 
the  offerings  of  the  Lord  made  by  fire,  in  the  day 
when  ahe  presented  them,  to  minister  unto  the 
Lord  in  the  priest’s  office; 

36  Which  the  Lord  commanded  to  be  given 
them  of  the  children  of  Israel,  in  the  day  that  he 
anointed  them,  by  a statute  for  ever,  throughout 
their  generations. 

37  This  is  bthe  law  of  the  burnt-offering,  "of  the 
meat-offering,  dand  of  the  sin-offering,  eand  of  the 
trespass-offering,  and  fof  the  consecrations,  and 
*of  the  sacrifice  of  the  peace-offerings  ; 

38  Which  the  Lord  commanded  Moses  in 
mount  Sinai,  in  the  day  that  he  hcommanded  the 
children  of  Israel  to  offer  their  oblations  unto  the 
Lord,  in  the  wilderness  of  Sinai. 


Q 3:3,4,9,14.  Ps.  110:3.  John  10:18.  2Cor.  8:12.  r 8:27.  9:21.  See  on  Ex. 
29:24—28.  Nil  in.  6:20.  s 34  . 5:13.  6:16,26.  8:29.  Num.  18:18.  1 8:25,26. 

9:21.10:14.  Num.  6:20.  18:18,19.  Deut.  18:3.  1 Cor.  9:13,14.  u 3.  6:26. 
x See  on  30 — 32.  y Ss- on  3:17.  Ex. 29:9.  7.8:10—12,30.  Ex.  29:7,21.  40: 
13—15.  Is.  10:27.  01:1.  John  3:34.  2 Cor.  1:21.  1 John  2:20,27.  nEx.28:l. 
29:1.  Num.  18.7— 19.  hi:  6:9— 13.  Ex.  29:38— 42.  c2:6:14— 18.  d 4:  6:24 
—30.  e 1—7.  5:  6:1— 7.  f6:20— 23.  Ex. 29:1.  g 11 — 21.3:  h Set  on  1:1. 

• Ex.  29:1— 4.  b Ex.  28:2— 4,40— 43.  39:1— 31,41 . c Ex.  30:23— 37.  40:12— 15. 
d See  on  Ex.  29:1,2.  Heb.  7:27.  e Num.  20:8.  21:16.  1 Chr.  13:5.  15:3.2Chr. 


devoted  to  God,  was  eaten  by  the  priests  in  general : but  the 
right  shoulder,  having  been  heaved  upwards,  as  in  like 
manner  given  to  the  Lord,  was  the  perquisite  of  the  officiat- 
ing priest.  This  might  intimate,  that  as  Christ,  with  his 
whole  heart  and  all  his  power,  serves  the  interest  of  his 
Church,  so  ought  the  priests  to  serve  God  and  the  congre- 
gation. (A Tote,  Ex.  29:22 — 28.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  faithful  ministers  of  religion  will  indeed  readily  forego 
their  own  interest  or  indulgence,  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the 
good  of  souls : yet  it  should  be  noticed,  what  ample  provision 
God  himself  of  old  made  for  them  ; and  that  in  proportion  to 
their  diligent  attendance  at  his  courts.  And  we  have  no 
reason  to  suppose  from  the  New  Testament,  that  he  would 
now  have  them  doomed  to  indigence;  or  that  those  persons 
do  their  duty,  who  live  in  plenty,  and  permit  them  to  continue 
in  perplexing  straits:  while  the  more  willing  any  of  them  are 
“ to  suffer  all  things,  rather  than  hinder  the  gospel  of  Christ,” 
the  more  inexcusable  are  those,  who  allow  them  to  be  losers 
by  their  disinterestedness. — Every  thing  is  beautiful  in  its 
season:  there  is  a time,  when  the  Lord  calls  to  weeping  and 
fasting,  and  a time  when  thankful  joy  admits  of  festivity : 
indeed,  godly  sorrow  for  sin,  and  believing  meditation  upon  the 
Saviour’s . bitter  sufferings,  prepare  for  feasting  upon  his 
spiritual  provisions,  and  rejoicing  in  his  holy  comfort.  The 
infinite  sufficiency  which  is  in  Christ,  furnishes  a plenteous 
feast  for  ali  even  the  vilest  sinners,  who  accept  of  his  gracious 
invitations:  the  true  believer  therefore  longs  for  all  around 
him,  yea,  for  the  whole  world,  to  share  with  him  in  his  felicity. 
And  the  same  principle,  counteracting  natural  selfishness, 
covetousness,  and  distrust,  and  inspiring  gratitude  and  con- 
fidence in  God,  as  well  as  good-will  to  man,  will  enlarge  his 
heart  to  liberality  in  temporal  things,  and  render  him  willing 
to  communicate,  and  ready  to  distribute.  Nor  is  any  one  a 
loser  by  so  doing:  rather  they  are  losers  indeed,  who  are  of 
a contrary  spirit ; as  they  lose  the  blessing  of  God  upon  their 
substance,  and  the  comfortable  enjoyment  of  it;  together  with 
the  acceptance  and  benefit  of  their  religious  services.  For 
whatever  professions  may  be  made  of  repentance,  faith,  love, 
or  holy  joy : if  the  heart  be  leavened  with  allowed  covetous- 
ness or  malice,  or  absorbed  in  selfishness,  every  religious 
performance  will  be  deemed  an  abomination ; and  the  self- 
deceived  wretch,  who  thus  presents  it,  will  be  exposed  to  the 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

The  Lord  commands  Moses  to  consecrate  Aaron  and  his  sons,  1 — 5.  //• 

washes  anil  clothes  them  ; and  anoints  Aaron  ; nntl  also  the  tabernacle  and  it 
furniture,  the  al'ar  and  the  Inver , 6 — 13.  The  sin-offering,  burnt-offering 
and  ram  of  consecration  sacrificed  for  Aaron  and  his  sons,  with  the  appointed 
rites , 14 — 92.  The  place  ana  lime  of  their  consecration , 33 — 36.  « 

ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2  Take  "Aaron  and  his  sons  with  him,  and 
bthe  garments,  and  the  "anointing  oil,  and  da  bul- 
lock for  the  sin-offering,  and  two  rams,  and  a basket 
of  unleavened  bread. 

3 And  'gather  thou  all  the  congregation  toge- 
ther unto  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congre- 
gation. 

4 And  Moses  fdid  as  the  Lord  commanded 
him ; and  the  assembly  was  gathered  together 
unto  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congrega- 
tion. 

5 And  Moses  said  unto  the  congregation,  This 
is  the  thing  which  the  Lord  ^commanded  to  be 
done. 

6 U And  Moses  brought  Aaron  and  his  sons, 
and  b washed  them  with  water. 

7 And  'he  put  upon  him  the  coat,  and  girded 
him  with  the  girdle,  and  clothed  him  with  the 
robe,  and  put  the  ephod  upon  him,  and  he  girded 
him  with  the  curious  girdle  of  the  ephod,  and 
bound  it  unto  him  therewith. 

8 And  he  put  kthe  breastplate  upon  him  : also 
he  put  in  tlie  breastplate  ‘the  Urim  and  the 
Thummim. 

9 And  he  put  mthe  mitre  upon  his  head  ; also 
upon  the  mitre,  even  upon  his  fore-front  did  he 
put  the  golden  plate,  the  holy  crown ; as  the  Lord 
commanded  Moses. 

10  And  Moses  took  "the  anointing  oil,  and 
anointed  the  tabernacle  and  all  that  was  therein, 
and  sanctified  them. 

11  And  "he  sprinkled  thereof  upon  the  altar 
seven  times,  and  anointed  the  altar,  and  all  his 


5:2-6.  30:2,13,25.  Neh.8;l.  Ps.22:25.  Acta  2:1.  19,13,17,29,35.  Ex.  39:1,5,7, 
21,26,29,31,32,42,43.  Deut. 12:32.  Matt.  28.20.  1 Cor.  11:23.  15:3.  g Ex*29:4, 
4c.  h Ex.  29:4.  40:12.  1's.  51:2,7.  Is.  1:16.  Ex.  36:25.  Zech.  13:1.  John  13:8—10. 
1 Cor.  6:11.  Eph.  5:26.  Heb. 9:10.  10:22.  Rev.l:5,6.  7:14.  iSeeon  Ex. 28:4. 
29:5.  39:1,4c.  Is.  61:3,10.  Rom.  3:27.  13:14.  Gal.  3:27.  k Ex.  28:15— 29.  39:8 
— >21.  Cant.  8:6.  Is.  59:17.  Eph.  6:14.  1 The6.  5:8.  1 See  on  Ex.  28:30.  Ezra  2:63. 
m Ex.  28:4,36—38.  29:6  . 39:28—30.  Zech.  3:5.  6:11-14.  Phil.  2:9—11.  a Ex. 
30:23-29.  40:9—11.  o 4:6,17.  16:14,19.  Is.  52:15.  Ez.  36:25.  Tit.  3:6. 


awful  wo  of  “ bearing  his  own  iniquity.” — Delays  often  cause 
good  purposes  and  holy  affections  to  wear  off  without  effect ; 
and  we  frequently  lose  the  benefit  of  divine  ordinances,  by 
improperly  conducting  ourselves  after  them. — To  approach 
the  throne  of  grace,  or  the  Lord’s  table,  unclean  through  unre- 
pented sin ; or  in  proud  contempt  and  careless  neglect  of  the 
cleansing  blood  of  Christ,  and  the  sanctifying  influences  of  his 
Spirit ; is  an  awful  presumption,  and  will  be  terribly  punished, 
except  it  be  repented  of : yet,  on  such  services  do  multitudes 
depend  to  atone  for  their  sins,  and  to  merit  everlasting  life  1 But 
indeed  any  presumptuous  sin,  unless  truly  repented  of,  must 
exclude  a man  from  every  ivell-grounded  expectation  of  divine 
favour,  and  expose  him  to  awful  vengeance.  “ Let  us  there- 
fore have  grace,  whereby  we  may  serve  God  acceptably,  with 
reverence  and  godly  fear ; for  our  God  is  a consuming  fire.” — 
For  the  honour  of  God,  and  for  an  example  to  others,  we 
should,  in  some  cases,  be  as  explicit  as  possible  in  our  profes- 
sion of  faith,  and  in  dedicating  ourselves  and  all  we  have  to 
the  Lord : and  we  ought  at  all  times  to  do  his  will,  seek  his 
glory,  and  serve  his  people,  after  the  example  of  Christ,  with 
our  whole  heart  and  soul.  Thus  performing  the  work  that  he 
assigns  us,  we  may  thankfully  receive  the  portion. which  he 
allots  us ; and  be  satisfied  that,  whatever  treatment  we  meet 
with  from  man,  he  will  both  graciously  supply  our  wants,  and 
accept  of  our  endeavours  ; while  with  joyful  hope  we  look 
forward  to  the  period  when  he  will  “ present  us  faultless 
before  the  presence  of  his  glory,  with  exceeding  joy.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  VIII.  V.  2.  This  consecration  o i 
Aaron  and  his  sons  had  been  prescribed  some  time  before, 
but  was  delayed  urUil  the  tabernacle  had  been  prepared,  and 
the  laws  of  the  several  sacrifices  given.  ( Notes,  Ex.  29:1— 
37.) 

V.  3 — 5.  The  congregation  was  assembled,  that  they 
might  witness  the  consecration  of  Aaron  and  his  sons  ; and 
be  impressed  with  the  conviction  that  they  had  not  intruder 
themselves  into  this  important  office,  but  were  called  to  it  by 
Jehovah  himself. 

V.  6 — 14.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  29:1 — 12. 

V.  15.  The  beginning  of  this  verse  may  be  rendered, 
“ And  Moses  slew  it,  and  took  the  blood,  &c.”  We  find  it 
expressly  said  in  Exodus,  that  Moses  slew  these  sacrifices' 
(Ex.  29:11.)  yet,  in  general,  the  offerer  seems  to  have  killed 
his  own  sacrifice.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  1:5 — 9.) 

C 213  ) 


B.  C.  K90  LEVITICUS.  B.  C.  .4*', 


vessels,  both  the  laver  and  his  foot,  to  sanctify 
them. 

12  A nd  Phe  poured  of  the  anointing  oil  upon 
Aaron’s  head ; and  anointed  him  to  sanctify 
him.  • 

13  And  Moses  ^brought  Aaron’s  sons,  and  put 
coats  upon  them,  and  girded  them  with  girdles, 
and  'put  bonnets  upon  them  ; as  the  Lord  com- 
manded Moses. 

14  ^ And  rhe  brought  the  bullock  for  the  sin- 
offering:  and  Aaron  and  his  sons  ’laid  their 
hands  upon  the  head  of  the  bullock  for  the  sin- 
offering. 

15  And  ‘he  slew  it,  and  “Moses  took  the  blood, 
and  put  it  upon  the  horns  of  the  altar  round  about 
with  his  finger,  and  purified  the  altar  ; and  poured 
the  blood  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar,  and  sanctified 
it,  ’to  make  reconciliation  upon  it. 

16  And  he  took  *all  the  fat  that  was  upon  the 
inwards,  and  the  caul  above  the  liver,  and  the 
two  kidneys,  and  their  fat,  and  Moses  burned  it 
upon  the  altar. 

17  But  nhe  bullock  and  his  hide,  his  flesh  and 
his  dung,  he  burnt  with  fire  without  the  camp  ; as 
the  Lord  commanded  Moses. 

18  IT  And  he  brought  ‘the  ram  for  the  burnt- 
offering  : and  Aaron  and  his  sons  laid  their  hands 
upon  the  head  of  the  ram. 

19  And  he  killed  it,  and  Moses  sprinkled  the 
blood  upon  the  altar  round  about. 

20  And  he  cut  the  ram  into  pieces,  and  Moses 
burnt  the  head,  and  the  pieces,  and  the  fat. 

21  And  he  washed  the  inwards  and  the  legs  in 
water  ; and  Moses  burnt  the  whole  ram  upon  the 
altar  : it  was  a burnt-sacrifice  for  aa  sweet  savour, 
and  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord  ; as 
the  Lord  commanded  Moses. 

22  H And  he  brought  the  other  ram,  bthe  ram 
of  consecration  : and  Aaron  and  his  sons  laid 
their  hands  upon  the  head  of  the  ram. 

23  And  he  slew  it,  and  Moses  ‘took  of  the 
blood  of  it,  and  put  it  upon  the  tip  of  Aaron’s 
right  ear,  and  upon  the  thumb  of  his  right  hand, 
and  upon  the  great  toe  of  his  right  foot. 

24  And  he  brought  Aaron’s  sons,  and  Moses 
put  of  tine  blood  upon  the  tip  of  their  right  ear, 
and  upon  the  thumbs  of  their  right  hands,  and 
upon  the  great  toes  of  their  right  feet : and 

p 4:3.  Ex.  28:41. 29:7.  30:30.  Ps.  133:2.  q Ex.  28:40,41.29:8,9.  40:14,15.  Ps.  132: 
9.  Is. 61:6, 10.  1 Pel.  2:5,9.  Rev.  1:6.  5:10.  • Heb.  bejuud.  r 2.  4:3— 12.  16:6. 
Ex.  29:10— 14.  Is.  53:10.  Ex.  43:19.  Rum.  8:3.  2Cor.5:21.  Heb.  7:26— 28. 
1 Pet.  3:18.  s See  on  1:4.  4:4.  16:21.  t 1:8,11.  3:2,8.  Ex.  29:10,11.  n 4:7,17, 
18,30.  Ex.  29:12,36,37.  Ex.  43:19— 27.  Heb.  9:18— 23.  v 6:30.  16:20  . 2 |,r.  29- 
21.  Ex.  45:20.  Dan.  9:24.  Rom.  5:10.  2 Cor.  5:18—21.  Eph.  2:16.  Col.  1:21.  Heb 
2:17.  x See  on  3:3 — 5.  4:8,9.  Ex.  29:13.  v 4:11, 12.21.  6:30.  16:27.  Ex.  29:14 
Gal.  3:13.  Heb.  13:11— 13.  z Sot  on  1:4— 13.  Ex.  29:15— 18.  a 1:17.  2:9.  Geo. 


V.  IH — 21.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , Ex.  29:13 — 18. 

V.  22 — 24.  The  sin-offering  implied  that.  Aaron  and  his 
sons  deserved  to  have  their  blood  shed ; and,  after  death,  to 
be  made  a sacrifice  to  the  offended  justice  of  God  ; instead  of 
being  able  to  bear  and  atone  for  the  sins  of  the  people,  and 
being  honoured  as  intercessors  for  them,  and  typical  repre- 
sentatives of  the  Saviour.  The  burnt- offering  denoted,  that, 
being  pardoned  and  accepted  through  the  atonement  of  Christ, 
they  willingly  and  thankfully  dedic&ted  themselves  without 
reserve,  to  be  consecrated  unto  God  for  this  sacred  ministry. 
The  ram  of  consecration  was  their  peace-offering ; and  repre- 
sented that,  as  reconciled  unto  God,  they  had  fellowship  with 
him,  and  delighted  in  his  service  and  in  being  wholly  employed 
in  it ; that  he  would  accept  and  honour  their  services  and 
ministrations ; that  they  were  thankful  for  past  and  present 
benefits,  and  confided  in  him  for  future  sufficiency  and  accept- 
ance. Accordingly,  the  several  laws  prescribed  in  the  forego- 
ing chapters  were  observed  by  Moses,  the  officiating  priest ; 
with  Only  such  additions  and  variations,  as  had  a peculiar 
reference  to  their  enlire  separation  to  God  for  the  work  of  the 
priesthood.  (Note,  Ex.  29:19 — 21.) 

V.  25 — 32.  Moses,  as  the  priest,  had  the  breast,  and 
Aaron  and  his  sons  the  remainder,  except  the  right  shoulder, 
which  was  laid  on  rhe  altar  with  the  fat.  This,  in  all  />ther 
peace-offerings,  belonged  to  the  officiating  priest:  but,  as 
Moses  was  the  only  priest  till  Aaron  and  his  sons  were  fully 
consecrated,  and  as  the  whole  breast  belonged  to  him  ; so  it 
seems  to  have  been  appointed  on  this  occasion,  that  the 
shoulder  should  be  laid  on  the  altar,  rather  than  left  to  lie 
burnt  witli  the  residue  in  some  other  place,  according  to  the 
law  of  the  peace-offerings.  ( Note,  Ex.  29:22 — 28.) 

V.  33 — 35.  During  seven  da3's,  Aaron  and  his  sons  abode 
Constantly  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle,  not  being  yet  allowed 
( 214  ) 


Moses  sprinkled  the  Diood  upon  i 2 altar  ronna 
about. 

25  And  he  took  dthe  fat,  and  the  rump,  and  ; . 
the  fat  that  was  upon  the  inwards,  and  the  cau. 
above  the  liver,  and  the  two  kidneys,  and  their  fat 
and  the  right  shoulder. 

26  And  out  of  the  basket  of  unleavened  bread, 
that  was  before  the  Lord,  lie  took  one  unleavened 
cake,  and  a cake  of  oiled  bread,  and  one  wafer, 
and  put  them  on  the  fat,  and  upon  the  right 
shoulder. 

27  And  he  put  all  upon  Aaron’s  hands,  and 
upon  his  sons’  hands,  ’and  waved  them  for  a 
wave-oflering  before  the  Lord. 

28  And  Moses  took  them  from  off  their  hands, 
and  burnt  them  on  the  altar,  upon  the  burnt-offer- 
ing : f they  were  consecrations  for  a sweet  savour  : 
it  is  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 

29  And  Moses  took  nhe  breast,  and  waved  ii 
for  a wave-offering  before  the  Lord  : for  of  the 
ram  of  consecration  it  was  Moses’s  part ; as  the 
Lord  commanded  Moses. 

30  And  Moses  took  of  hthe  anointing  oil,  and  01 
the  blood  which  was  upon  the  altar,  and  sprinkled 
it  upon  Aaron,  and  upon  his  garments,  and  upon 
his  sons,  and  upon  his  sons’  garments,  with  him : 
and  sanctified  Aaron  and  his  garments,  and  his 
sons,  and  his  sons’  garments  with  him. 

31  And  Moses  said  unto  Aaron,  and  to  his  sons, 
‘Boil  the  flesh  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation  : and  there  keat  it  with  the  breaa 
that  is  in  the  basket  of  consecrations,  as  I com- 
manded, saying,  Aaron  and  his  sons  shall  eat  it. 

32  And  that  which  'remaineth  of  the  flesh  and 
of  the  bread,  shall  ye  burn  with  fire. 

33  And  ye  shall  not  go  out  of  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation  in  seven  days,  until 
the  days  of  your  consecration  be  at  an  end : for 
mseven  days  shall  he  consecrate  you. 

34  As  “he  hath  done  this  day,  so  the  Lord 
hath  commanded  to  do,  to  make  an  atonement 
for  you. 

35  Therefore  shall  ye  abide  at  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  day  and  night 
seven  days,  and  “keep  the  charge  of  the  Lord, 
that  ye  die  not : for  so  I am  commanded. 

36  So  ‘‘Aaron  and  his  sons  did  all  things  which 
the  Lord  commanded  by  the  hand  of  Moses. 

8:21.  Ex.  29:18.  Eph.  5:2.  b 2,29.  7:37.  Ex.  29:19,31.  Rev.  1 :5, 6.  c 14:14.17, 
28.  Ex.  29:20.  Rom.  6:13,19.  12:1.  1 Cor.  6:20.  Phil.  1:20.  2:17.  il  Set  on  3:9. 
Ex. 29:22— 25.  e See  un  7:30,31.  fSeeon22.  (7:34.  Ex.  29:26,27.  la.  66:20. 
1 Cor.  10:31.  h See  on  Ex.  29:21.  30:30.  Gal.  5:22-25.  1 Cel.  1:2.  1 John  2:27. 
i 6:28.  Ex.  29:31,32.  Ez. 46:20—94.  k 10:17.  John  6:51 ,53— 56.  I 7:17.  Ex.  12: 
10.  29:31.  m 14:8.  Ex. 29:30, 35.  Num.  19:12.  Ex.  43:25—27.  n Hub,  7:16,27. 
10:11,12.  o 10:1.  Num.  3:7.  9:19.  Debt.  11:1.  1 Kings  2:3.  1 Tim.  1:3,4,18.  5: 
21.  0:13,17,20.  2 Tim.  4:1.  p Ex.  39:43. 


to  enter  into  it.  We  may  suppose,  that  such  accommoda- 
tions were  provided  for  them  as  were  necessary:  but  it  seems 
that  they  watched,  at  least  by  turns,  day  and  night  all  the 
while.  On  each  of  these  days,  a sin-offering,  a Inwnt-offer- 
ing,  and  a peace-offering  of  consecration,  were  sacrificed,  with 
exactly  the  same  ceremonies  as  on  the  fir^t  day,  and  they 
were  expressly  warned,  that  it  would  be  at  the  peril  of  their 
lives,  if  they  neglected  to  observe  the  commands  given  them. 
All  this  was  suited  to  show  the  ineffieacy  of  these  oblaiions 
and  purifications:  and  that  they  were  only  “shadows  of  good 
things  to  come.” — One  sabbath  must  have  occurred  during  the 
time  of  their  consecration ; perhaps  it  was  on  the  last  day  ol 
the  seven : and  it  has  been  observed,  that  the  Lord  Jesus,  our 
great  High-Priesr,  came  to  Jerusalem  and  to  the  temple,  on 
the  day  after  the  sabbath,  and  five  days  before  the  passover. 
which  he  spent  in  labours  and  watchings,  and  was  crucified 
on  the  sixth  day  ; then  he  rested  on  the  sabbath-day,  and 
arose  the  next  morning,  as  having  fully  completed  his  conse- 
cration. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

In  these  types  we  see  our  great  High-Priest,  as  solemnly 
appointed,  anointed,  and  invested  in  his  sacred  office ; and, 
by  his  own  blood,  and  the  influences  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  sanc- 
tifying the  ordinances  of  religion  to  the  benefit  of  Ins  people; 
and  to  the  honour  of  God,  who,  for  his  sake,  accepts  our 
worship,  though  we  are  sinners  and  our  services  polluted 
with  sin.  We  may  also  rejoice  that  lie,  though  free  from 
Rin  himself,  yet,  “having  suffered  being  tempted  ” is  41  a mer- 
ciful and  faithful  High-Priest,”  full  of  tender  compassion  to 
the  feeble-minded  and  tempest-tossed  soul;  and  that,  having 
finished  his  consecration  and  sacrifices  upon  earth  as  our 
perfected  High-Priest,  he  44  for  ever  appears  in  the  |i*e<ence 
of  God  for  us.”  Hut  when  those  heavenly  things  wtne 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  IX 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Tti e newly  consecrated  priests , directed  by  Moses , enter  on  their  office,  l — 7 : 
and  offie^  sacrifices  for  themselves  and  for  the  people,  8 — 21.  Moses  and 
Aaron  bless  the  people  ; and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  appears , 22,  23.  Fire 
from  before  the  Lord  consumes  the  sacrifices,  and  the  people  worship,  24. 

ND  it  came  to  pass  on  '‘the  eighth  day,  that 
Moses  called  Aaron  and  his  sons,  and  the 
elders  <of  Israel. 

2 And  he  said  unto  Aaron,  Take  thee  ba  young 
calf  for  a sin-offering,  and  ca  ram  for  a burnt-offer- 
ing, without  blemish,  and  offer  them  before  the 

Lord. 

3 And  unto  the  children,  of  Jsrael  thou  shalt 
speak,  saying,  dTake  ye  a kid  of  the  goats  for  a 
sin-offering  ; and  ea  calf,  and  a lamb,  * both  of  the 
first  year,  without  blemish,  for  a burnt-offering ; 

4 Also  sa  bullock  and  a ram  for  peace-offerings, 
to  sacrifice  before  the  Lord  ; hand  a meat-offering 
mingled  with  oil : for  to-day  the  Lord  will  appear 
unto  you. 

5 And  they  brought  that  which  Moses  com- 
manded, before  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation : 
'and  all  the  congregation  drew  near,  and  stood 
before  the  Lord. 

6 And  Moses  said,  This  is  the  thing  which  the 
Lord  commanded  that  ye  should  do : and  kthe 
glory  of  the  Lord  shall  appear  unto  you. 

7 And  Moses  said  unto  Aaron,  Go  unto  the 

a 8:33.  14:1(1,23.  15:14.  Ez.  43:27.  b 7,8.  4:3.  8:14.  Ex.  29:1.  Heb.  7:27.  10: 
10—14.  c8.1S.  (14:23.  16:5  15.  Ezra  6:17.  10:19.  Is.  53:10.  Rom.  8:3.  2 Cor. 
5:21.  Heb. 9:26— 28.  1 Pet. 2:24.  3:18.  eSeeon2.  f 12:6.  14:10.23:12.  Ex. 
12:5.  g See  on  3:  h See  on  2: — 6:14— 23.  Num.  15:3 — 9.  i Ex.  19:17.  Dent. 
31:12.  1 Chr.  15:3.  2 Chr.  5;2,3.  Neh.8:l.  k23.  Ex.  16:10.  24: 16.  40:34,35. 

shadowed  forth  in  the  persons  and  priesthood  of  men  ; what 
care  was  taken  to  show  that  they  were  not  appointed,  for 
any  worthiness  of  such  an  honour,  or  capacity  for  such  a 
service,  in  themselves,  when  they  were  not  admitted  to 
appear  before  God,  except  through  the  shedding  of  the  blood, 
and  the  burning  of  the  bodies,  of  so  many  innocent  and  useful 
animals ; through  repeated  washings,  sprinklings,  and  anoint- 
ings, with  change  of  garments,  and  every  observance  which 
could  mark  them  in  themselves  to  be  guilty  and  polluted  in 
his  sight,  and  show  that  they  defiled  all  they  touched  1 Surely 
this  was  intended  to  lead  the  people  to  expect  a nobler  priest- 
hood, better  sacrifices,  and  a more  effectual  atonement  and 
intercession : and  we  must  be  blind  indeed,  yea,  willingly 
ignorant,  if  it  do  not  teach  us,  that  nothing  can  atone  for 
sin,  or  render  a sinner  accepted  of  God,  but  the  righteous- 
ness, blood,  and  intercession  of  the  holy  Jesus,  our  great 
High-Priest ; which  are  always  accompanied  with  his  sancti- 
fying grace  poured  into  every  believer’s  heart. — Doubtless, 
when  Aaron  offered  his  sin-offering,  he  would  remember, 
with  mixed  humiliation,  admiration,  and  gratitude,  his  recent 
transgression  in  making  the  golden  calf,  and  the  Lord’s  for- 
giveness of  it ; and  would  acknowledge  that  he  deserved  him- 
self to  be  made  a sacrifice  to  offended  justice  with  those  who 
perished,  instead  of  being  appointed  to  so  honourable  an 
office.  This  would  teach  him  lowliness  of  mind,  and  com- 
passion and  tenderness  to  other  poor  sinners,  seeing  “ he 
himself  was  so  compassed  with  infirmity.”  Thus  was  “ boast- 
ing excluded the  whole  glory  given  to  God,  and  a prepara- 
tion made  for  Aaron’s  properly  bearing  the  honour  of  the 
priesthood,  and  performing  its  duties.  In  like  manner,  our 
God  prepares  his  true  ministers  for  their  office:  he  teaches 
them  the  knowledge  of  him  and  of  themselves;  he  convinces 
them  of  their  guilt  and  sinfulness,  and  brings  them  to  a simple 
dependence  on  Christ  for  every  thing  needful  for  their  own 
salvation.  Thus  they  lean)  to  consider  themselves  as  no 
better  than  the  vilest  sinners;  except  as  the  Lord  hath  made 
them  to  difTer,  by  interesting  them  in  the  Redeemer’s  sacri- 
fice, washing  them  in  his  blood,  arraying  their  souls  in  his 
righteousness,  and  anointing  them  with  his  grace.  Whilst 
they  feed  upon  his  spiritual  provision,  and  are  happy  in  com- 
munion with  him ; and  whilst  their  hearts  are  fraught  with 
love  to  Christ,  and  compassion  for  their  fellow-sinners  : they 
are  prepared  and  qualified  for  the  work,  and  disposed  to 
“ give  themselves  wholly  to  it ;”  and  to  be  constant,  perse- 
vering, tender,  and  affectionate  in  it : and  they  are  made 
willing  to  forego  all  personal  considerations,  that  they  may 
point  out  the  Saviour  to  perishing  sinners,  and  assist  the 
spiritual  sacrifices  of  believers,  to  the  glory  of  God  and  to 
the  salvation  of  souls.— But,  indeed,  all  true  Christians  are 
consecrated  to  be  spiritual  priests:  and  we  should  seriously 
ask  ourselves,  whether  we  are  conscious  of  such  a consecra- 
tion, as  “ bought  with  a price,  to  glorify  God,  in  body  and 
spirit  which  are  his?”  whether  we  are  partakers  of  this  wash- 
ing, anointing,  and  arraying  in  the  robes  of  righteousness  and 
salvation?  whether  in  our  daily  walk  we  study  to  maintain 
the  honour  of  the  priestly  character?  and  whether  we  abound 
n “ spiritual  sacrifices  acceptable  to  God  through  Jesus 
Christ?”  If  so,  let  us  not  despise,  disdain,  or  despair  of  our 
Allow-sinners  ; but,  remembering  what  we  have  done,  and 
how  we  a.e  saved,  let  us  seek  and  pray  for  their  salvation 
too.  Yet  at  last,  our  whole  life,  after  our  conversion,  is  only 


altar?  and  'offer  thy  sin-offering',  and  thy  burnt- 
offering,  and  make  an  atonement  for  thyself,  and 
for  the  people,  and  ""offer  the  offering  of  the  people 
and  make  an  atonement  lor  them,  as  the  Lord 
commanded. 

8 H Aaron  therefore  went  unto  the  altar,  "and 
slew  the  calf  of  the  sin-offering,  which  was  lot 
himself. 

9 And  the  sons  of  Aaron  brought  the  blood 
unto  him  : and  °he  dipt  his  finger  in  the  blood,  and 
put  it  upon  the  horns  of  the  altar,  and  poured  out 
the  blood  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar. 

10  But  Pthe  fat,  and  the  kidneys,  and  the  caul 
above  the  liver  of  the  sin-offering  he  burnt  upon 
the  altar;  *>as  the  Lord  commanded  Moses. 

11  And  "the  flesh  and  the  hide  he  burnt  with 
fire,  without  the  camp. 

12  And  he  slew  "the  burnt-offering;  and  Aaron’s 
sons  presented  unto  him  the  blood,  which  he 
sprinkled  round  about  upon  the  altar. 

13  And  they  presented  the  burnt-offering  unto 
him,  with  the  pieces  thereof,  and  the  head : and 
he  burnt  them  upon  the  altar. 

14  And  he  did  wash  the  inwards  and  the  legs, 
and  burnt  them  upon  the  burnt-offering  on  the 
altar. 

15  H And  he  brought  the  people’s  offering,  and 


1 Kings  8:10— 12.  Ez.  43:2.  14:3,20.8:34.  1 Sam.  3:14.  Heb.  5:3.  7:27.  9 7. 
m4:16— 20.  Heb. 5:1.  1:1:4,5.4:4,29.  o 4:6,7,17,18,25,30.  8.15.  16:18.  Ileb. 
9:22,23.  10:4—19  p See  on  3:3— 5,9— 11.  4:8—12.  8:16.  Ps.  51:17.  q4:8.  r Set 
on  4:11,12.  8:17.  16:27,28.  a See  on  1:  8:18—21.  Eph.  5:2,25— 27. 


a week  of  consecration,  as  God’s  priests,  to  offer  up  spiritual 
sacrifices  in  his  courts  above,  throughout  an  eternal  sabbath. 
Let  us  then  improve  our  present  opportunity,  wait  with 
patience  and  perseverance,  and  cheerfully  expect  this  high 
and  everlasting  honour. 

NOTES. — Chap.  IX.  V.  1 — 7.  On  the  eighth  day, 
after  the  consecration  of  Aaron  and  his  sons  had  begun, 
Aaron  was  directed  to  enter  on  his  sacerdotal  ministrations: 
but  though  so  many  sin-offerings  had  been  brought,  and  so 
many  solemn  rites  of  purification  had  been  exactly  observed  ; 
his  first  oblation  must  be  another  sin-offering  for  himself!  As, 
however,  no  particular  offence  was  to  be  expiated,  but  merely 
the  defects  of  his  preceding  services,  a calf  of  the  first  year, 
instead  of  a young  bullock,  was  appointed  ; yet  some  think 
that  he  was  thus  reminded  of  his  sin,  in  making  the  golden 
calf. — After  offering  this  and  his  own  burnt-offering,  the  next 
sacrifice  was  a sin-offering  for  the  people ; not  a young 
bullock,  as  required  for  any  special  transgression,  but  a kid 
of  the  goats  as  on  the  great  day  of  atonement.  After  the  sin- 
offering  and  burnt-offering  of  the  people  had  been  sacrificed, 
peace-offerings  were  added,  on  which  they  might  feast  before 
God : but,  as  the  priests  would  have  a part  of  the  oblations 
brought  by  the  people,  they  presented  no  peace-offering. 
During  the  preceding  days,  there  had  been  no  peculiar  disco- 
veries of  the  divine  presence  or  glory  ; and  the  sacrifices  seem 
to  have  been  offered  with  common  fire,  as  on  former  occa- 
sions : but  now,  in  honour  of  Aaron’s  typical  priesthood,  and 
to  sanction  what  had  been  done,  the  Lord  intended  to  display 
his  presence  and  glory,  and  the  people  must  therefore  prepare 
to  meet  him. 

V.  8 — 11.  It  seems  evident  from  the  narrative,  that 
Aaron  personally  (though  assisted  by  his  sons)  slew  his  own 
sacrifices ; and  also  those  of  the  people  as  their  representa- 
tive, though  perhaps  the  elders  assisted  in  this  part  of  the 
service.*  The  Levites  were  not  yet  set  apart  for  their  work ; 
and  the  most  laborious  part  of  such  offices  afterwards  devolved 
on  them,  or  on  the  Nethinims.  On  this  occasion,  however, 
Aaron  and  his  sons  took  the  lead,  as  well  in  killing  and 
preparing  the  sacrifices,  as  in  burning  the ‘sin-offerings.  It 
does  not  appear  that  the  blood,  either  of  the  sin-offerings 
described  in  the  preceding  chapter,  or  of  this  for  Aaron,  was 
brought  into  the  sanctuary : yet  the  bodies  were  burned  with- 
out the  camp.  The  priests  ate  the  sin-offerings  of  the  people, 
as  typically  bearing  their  iniquity  ; but  they  could  not  bear 
their  own  sin ; and  therefore  they  ate  no  part  of  any  sin- 
offerings  sacrificed  for  themselves,  but  the  whole  was  carried 
forth  out  of  the  camp,  as  taken  quite  away  by  Christ  the 
great  Antitype. 

V.  12 — 14.  It  is  not  certain,  whether  these  burnt-offer- 
ings, and  the  fat  of  the  other  sacrifices,  were  consumed  by 
common  fire,  as  on  the  former  days ; or  only  laid  in  readi- 
ness, till  the  fire  from  the  Lord  fell  and  consumed  the 
whole. 

Y.  15.  Aaron  prepared  the  sin-offering  of  the  people  as 
he  had  his  own;  but  it  is  not  certain,  whether  it  was  then 
burnt  without  the  camp,  or  afterwards  on  the  altar.  It  ought 
no'  to  have  been  burnt  at  all,  but  eaten  by  him  and  his  sons. 
(Notes,  10:10—20.) 

V.  17.  Besi'le  the  burnt-sacrifice,  &c.]  It  is  probable, 
that  from  the  first  setting  up  of  the  altar,  Mosc  had  offered 
on  it  the  morning  and  evening  sacrifice  of  a lamb  for  a burnt 

( 215  ) 


B.  C.  1490, 


LEVITICUS 


B.  C.  1490, 


took  ‘the  goat  which  was  the  sin-offering-  for  the 
people,  and  slew  it,  and  offered  it  for  sin,  as  the 
first. 

16  And  he  brought  the  burnt-offering,  and  offer- 
ed it  according  to  the  ‘manner. 

17  And  he  brought  “the  meat-offering,  and  Hook 
an  handful  thereof,  and  burnt  it  upon  the  altar, 
‘beside  the  burnt-sacrifice  of  the  morning. 

18  He  slew  also  the  bullock  and  the  ram,  for  ?a 
sacrifice  of  peace-offerings  which  was  for  the  peo- 
ple : and  Aaron’s  sons  presented  unto  him  the 
Wood,  which  he  sprinkled  upon  the  altar  round 
about, 

19  And  ‘the  fat  of  the  bullock,  and  of  the  ram, 
the  rump,  and  that  which  covereth  the  inwards, 
and  the  kidneys,  and  the  caul  above  the  liver. 

20  And  “they  put  the  fat  upon  the  breasts,  and 
he  bburnt  the  fat  upon  the  altar  : 

21  And  “the  breasts  and  the  right  shoulder 
Aaron  waved  for  a wave-offering,  before  the 
Lord  ; as  Moses  commanded. 

22  And  Aaron  dlifted  up  his  hand  towards  the 
people,  and  blessed  them : and  came  down  from 
offering  of  the  sin-offering,  and  the  burnt-offering, 
and  peace-offerings. 

L See  on  4:27 — 31.  Is. 53:10.  Heb.  2:17.  * Or,  ordinance.  1:3 — 10.  u2:l,2. 
t Heb  .filled,  his  hand  out  of  it.  x Ex.  29.38 — 42.  y See  on  3;  7:11 — 18.  Rom.  5:1, 
10.  Eph.  2: 14—17.  Col.  1:20.  zSeeonlO.  a 7:29— 34.  b 3:14 — 17.  c 7:30— 34. 
Ex.  29:27,28.  d Gen.  14:18— 20.  Num.  6:23— 27.  Deni.  10:8.  21:5.  1 Kings  8: 
65.  IChr.  23:13.  2 Chr.  6:3.  1*8.72:17.  Mark  10:16.  Luke  24:50.  Acts  3:26. 
2 Cor.  13:14.  Heb.  7:6,7.  1 Ret.  3:9.  e Luke  1:21,22.  Heb.  9:24— 28.  f See  on 
6.  Nmn.  14:10.  16:19,42.  g Gen.  4:3,4.  15:17.  Ex.  3.2.  Judg.  6:21.  13:19,20,23. 
1 Kings  18.38.  1 Chr.  21:26.  2 Chr.  7:1— 3.  Ps.20:3.  marg.  h Gen.  17:3.  1 Kings 
18:39.  Ezra  3:11.  a Ex.  6:23.  24:1,9.  28:1.  b 16:12.  Ex.  27:3.  38:3.  Num.  16: 
6,7,16,17,46.  Heb.  9:4.  c Ex.  30:1—9,34—36.  31:11.  37:29.  40:27.  1 Kings  13. 

offering  ; and  accordingly,  it  had  been  offered  on  the  morning 
&f  this  memorable  day. 

Y.  22,  23.  When  Aaron  had  finished  his  sacred  work  at 

altar,  he  blessed  the  people  before  he  left  the  place : that 
is,  he  prayed  for  them,  pronounced  a blessing  on  them  in  the 
name  of  God,  and  encouraged  their  hopes  of  the  divine  accept- 
ance in  their  services.  This  seems  to  have  been  always  consi- 
dered as  a part  of  his  priestly  office  ; and  orders  are  after- 
wards given  about  it.  (Notes,  Num.  6:23 — 27.)  He  then 
came  down ; (for  the  altar  seems  to  have  been  rather  raised 
above  the  rest  of  the  court ;)  and  he  entered  into  the  taber- 
nacle with  Moses,  who  doubtless  directed  him  how  to  per- 
form the  appointed  services  there,  as  he  had  before  shown 
him  how  to  order  the  sacrifices  at  the  altar.  Then  they  both 
united  in  again  blessing  the  people  ; and,  while  thus  employed, 
the  divine  glory  appeared  resplendent  from  the  cloud,  resting 
on  the  tabernacle,  and  probably  filling  it ; which  denoted  the 
Lord’s  acceptance  of  it  for  his  typical  dwelling-place  in 
Israel. 

V.  24.  This  fire  came  forth  from  the  visible  glory  before 
mentioned.  Perhaps  the  former  sacrifices  had  already  been 
consumed,  and  the  latter  had  been  placed  upon  the  altar ; when 
fire  from  before  the  Lord  rapidly  consume^  them.  This  fire 
was  afterwards  long  preserved  upon  the  altar.  By  this  token 
the  Lord  signified  his  acceptance  of  the  vicarious  atonement; 
as  the  fire  which  represented  his  righteous  vengeance  con- 
sumed the  sacrifice  and  spared  the  sinners.  On  witnessing 
this  awful,  but  probably  expected  scene,  the  people  shouted 
with  exultation,  and  prostrated  themselves  in  adoring  wor- 
ship.— Thus,  our  sins  having  been  laid  upon  Christ,  and 
divine  justice  satisfied  by  his  atonement,  mercy  is  extended 
and  grace  given  to  every  true  believer.  ( Marg . Ref.  g.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

After  the  example  of  Aaron  and  his  sons,  and  of  him 
whom  Aaron  typified,  the  ministers  of  Christ  should  consi- 
der their  ordination  as  “ filling  their  hands  ;”  and  without 
delay  enter  upon  their  important  business : for  he  that 
properly  desires  that  office,  desires  not  honour,  profit,  ease, 
or  pleasure,  but  “ a good  work  :”  so  that,  without  waiting  to 
receive  even  the  congratulation  of  his  friends,  he  should  set 
about  it;  and  not  deem  any  thing,  which  is  honourable  to 
God,  or  useful  to  the  Church,  or  to  a single  individual,  too 
laborious,  mean,  or  disgusting.  He  should  also  first  take 
heed  to  himself;  and  be  careful  that  his  public  ministrations 
do  not  interrupt  his  personal  religion,  and  the  care  of  his  own 
soul.  And  all  persons  should  remember,  that  the  exercise  of 
repentance,  faith,  and  devotedness  to  God,  and  communion 
with  him  in  his  ordinances,  is  not  merely  the  work  of  a few 
days,  at  the  commencement,  of  a **e!igious  profession,  but  the 
daily  business  of  the  believer’s  whole  life. — Words  can  never 
express  the  energy,  with  which  these  multiplied  sacrifices,  all 
at  once  superseded  by  the  death  of  Christ,  mark  the  insuffici- 
ency of  all  other  atonements,  and  the  efficacy  of  his  u one 
offering  of  himself ;”  and  teach  us  that  our  best  services  need 
washing  in  his  blood  ; and  that  the  guilt  of  our  best  sacrifices 
needs  expiating  by  one  more  pure  and  noble  than  they.  Let 
us  then  be  thankful  that  “we  have  such-a  High-Priest  over 
the  House  of  God,”  who  hath  no  sin  of  his  own  to  atone  for, 
and  who,  by  his  1 one  oblation  of  himself  once  offered,’  hath 
( 216  ) 


23  And  Moses  and  Aaron  went  into  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation,  and  ecame  out  and 
blessed  the  people:  and  ‘the  glory  of  the  Lord 
appeared  unto  all  the  people. 

24  And  Hhere  came  a fire  out  from  before  the 
Lord,  and  consumed  upon  the  altar  (he  burnt- 
offering,  and  the  fat : which  when  all  the  people 
saw,  ''they  shouted  and  fell  on  their  faces. 

CHAPTER  X. 

Nadab  and  Abiliu,  burning  incense  icith  strange  fi<  e,  arc  consumed  by  fire  from 
the  Lord , 1, 2.  Moses  shows  the  reason  of  this  judgmen',  and  orders  heir 
burial  ; while  Aaron  holds  his  )>eace , 3 — 5.  Aaron  and  his  o her  sons  are  for* 
bidden  to  mourn,  6,7  ; and  are  prohibited  from  drinking  wine , or  strong  nrink , 
when  going  into  the  sanctuary , 8 — 11.  Moses  gives  dircc  ions  about  eating 
the  holy  things , 12 — 15.  A mistake  is  discovered  about  the  people's  sin-offer* 
ing  ; A loses  reproves  the  priests,  and  Aaron  excuses  it,  16 — 20. 

AND  “Nadab  and  Abihu,  the  sons  of’  Aaron, 
took  either  of  them  his  bcenser,  and  put  fire 
therein,  and  cput  incense  thereon,  and  offered 
dstrange  fire  before  the  Lord,  ewnich  he  com 
manded  them  not. 

2 And  there  went  out  f fire  from  the  Lord  and 
devoured  them,  and  ethey  died  before  the  Lord. 

3 Then  Moses  said  unto  Aaron,  This  is  it  that 
the  Lord  spake,  saying,  hl  will  be  sanctified  in 
them  that  come  nigh  me,  and  ‘before  all  the  people 
I will  be  glorified.  And  kAaron  held  his  peace. 


1,2.  2 Chr.  26: 16—20.  Ps.  141:2.  Jer.  44:8,15,19— 21.  Luke  1:9—11.  Rev.  8:1 
—5.  <19:24.  16:12.  Num.  16:18,46.  e Ex.  30:9.  Deut.  4:2.  12:32.  17:3.  Jer. 

7:31.19:5.32:35.  f 16:1.  Num.  3:3,4.  16:35.  26:61.  I Chr.  24:2.  gNum.  16:32 
33,49.  1 Sam.  6:19.  1 Chr.  13:10.  15:13.  Acts  5:5,10.  1 Cor.  10:11.  h 8:35.  21: 
6.  2*2:9.  Ex.  14:4.  19:22.29:43,44.  Num.  20:12.  Deut.  32:51.  1 Sam.  6:20 
1 Chr.  15:13.  Ps.  89:7.  119:120.  Is.  52:11.  Ez.  20:41.  He!..  12:28.29.  i 1 Sam.  2t 
30.  Is.  49:3.  Ez. 28.22.  John  13:31,32.  14:13.  Acts  5:11— 13.  2The».  1:10 
1 Pet.  4:17.  k Gen.  18:25.  1 Sam.  3:18.  Job  1:20,21.  2:10.  Ps.39:9.  46:10.  la 

39:8.  Malt.  10:37. 


fully  atoned  for  the  sins  of  all  his  people.  Having  offered  hia 
sacrifice,  and  being  risen  from  the  dead,  he  blessed  his  church 
before  he  entered  the  holy  place,  to  appear  in  the  presence  of 
God,  and  to  make  intercession  for  us  : (Note,  Luke  24:50 — 

53.)  whence  he  will  shortly  come'  again;  and  with  the  full 
consent  of  prophets,  apostles,  saints,  and  angels,  make  good 
his  benediction,  in  the  everlasting  felicity  of  every  true  Israelite. 
In  the  mean  time,  he  will  manifest  himself,  and  show  the 
glory  of  the  Father  to  those  who  wait  upon  him,  though  not 
to  the  world. — Let  us,  however,  remember  with  holy  awe, 
that  the  same  agonies  of  the  beloved  Son  of  God,  which  assure 
the  humble  penitent  of  exemption  from  the  deserved  fiery  ven- 
geance of  divine  justice,  loudly  proclaim  the  inevitable 
destruction  of  such  as  proudly  and  impenitently  neglect,  or 
hypocritically  abuse,  so  great  salvation  : for  he,  who  in  awful 
justice  M spared  not  his  own  Son,”  will  not  spare  them. 
Finally,  let  us  attend  on  the  means  of  grace;  and,  as  it  were, 
lay  the  wood  in  order,  and  prepare  the  sacrifice,  and  wail 
and  pray,  till  the  u baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost  and  of  fire” 
burn  up  our  corrupt  affections,  kindle  the  flame  of  true  devo- 
tion, and  enable  us  to  offer  “ spiritual  sacrifices,  acceptable 
to  God  through  Jesus  Christ.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  X.  V.  1,  2.  The  golden  calf  had 
occasioned  a lamentable  delay  in  erecting  the  tabernacle ; 
and  now  the  sin  of  Nadab  and  Abihu  caused  an  awful  inter- 
ruption in  the  opening  of  the  service.  Next  to  Moses  and 
Aaron,  none  stood  higher,  or  were  more  likely  to  be  honour- 
able in  Israel,  than  these  two  young  men.  Perhaps  they 
were  elated  with  this  distinction,  and  were  influenced  by 
pride  and  ostentation  ; it  is  also  probable  they  were  in  some 
measure  heated  with  wine.  (Note,  8 — 11.)  Being  fully  con- 
secrated, and  considering  the  burning  of  incense  as  the  most 
honourable  part  of  their  office,  they  were  impatient  to  enter 
upon  it:  ana,  at  the  season,  when  the  people  were  prostrated 
in  adoration  of  the  manifested  presence  and  glory  of  God, 
they  rashly  and  presumptuouly,  without  orders , which  they 
should  have  waited  for;  both  at  once,  which  was  never  prac- 
tised; and  with  fire  taken,  not  from  the  altar  of  burnt-offer- 
ing, but  probably  from  under  the  peace-offerings  ; attempted 
to  enter  the  tabernacle  to  burn  incense,  though  it  was  not  the 
hour  at  which  this  service  was  appointed  to  be  done.  Perhaps, 
they  intended  to  place  their  censers  on  the  golden  altar. 
This  conduct  evidenced  great  irreverence,  and  might  have 
been  a very  bad  precedent  to  their  brethren  and  successors  ; 
to  prevent  which,  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  make  them  an 
example  to  t he  Old  Testament  church  at  its  first  formation, 
by  causing  the  fire  from  his  presence  to  slay  them  suddenly, 
without  consuming  their  bodies,  or  their  clothes  ; (Note,  Num. 
10:35.)  as  Ananias  and  Sapphira  were  struck  dead  at  the  first 
establishment  of  the  New  Testament  church.  (Note,  Arts 
5:1—11.) 

V.  3.  The  priests  were  especially  intended  by  the  words, 
“them  that  come  nigh  me;”  and  some  of  the  texts  referred 
to  in  the  margin  show,  that  they  had  been  repeatedly  warned 
in  this  respect,  in  order  that  their  example  might  edify  tho 
people.  Indeed,  this  accords  to  the  tenor  of  divine  revelation 
m every  part : and  not  only  ministers,  but  all  who  worship  God, 
are  often  reminded,  that  if  they  do  not  honour  him,  no  will 
honour  himself  m their  punishment. — Even  the  wn*  of  a 


D.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  X. 


B.  C.  1 190 


4 And  Moses  called  Mishael  and  Elzaphan,  the 
sons  of  'Uzziel  the  uncle  of  Aaron,  and  said  unto 
them,  Come  near,  "’carry  your  brethren  from  be- 
fore the  sanctuary  out  of  the  camp. 

5 So  they  went  near,  and  carried  them  in  their 
coats  out  of  the  camp;  as  Moses  had  said. 

6 And  Moses  said  unto  Aaron,  and  unto  Elea- 
zar and  unto  Ithamar  his  sons,  "Uncover  not.  your 
lieads,  neither  rend  your  clothes ; lest  ye  die,  and 
lest  “wrath  come  upon  all  the  people:  but  let  your 
brethren,  the  whole  house  of  Israel,  bewail  the 
burning'  which  the  Lord  hath  kindled. 

7 And  rye  shall  not  go  out  from  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  lest  ye  die  : for 
sthe  anointing  oil  of  the  Lord  is  upon  you.  And 
they  did  according  to  the  word  of  Moses. 

8 IT  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Aaron,  saying, 

9 Do  'not  drink  wine  nor  strong  drink,  thou, 
nor  thy  sons  with  thee;  when  ye  go  into  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation,  lest  ye  die.  * It  shall  be 
a statute  for  ever  throughout  your  generations : 

10  And  that  ye  may  ‘put  difference  between  holy 
and  unholy,  and  between  unclean  and  clean  : 

11  And  “that  ye  may  teach  the  children  of  Israel 
all  the  statutes  which  the  Lord  hath  spoken  unto 
them  by  the  hand  of  Moses.  [Practical  observations .] 

1 Ex.  6:18,22.  Num.  3:19.  I Chr.  6:2.  m Luke  7:12.  Acts  5:6,10.  8:2.  n 13:45. 
21:1— 15.  Num.  5:18.  6:6,7.  11:6.  Deui.  33:9.  Jer.  7:29.  Ez.  24:16,17.  Mic.  1: 
16.  o Num.  16:22,41— 47.  Josh.  7:1,11.  22:18,20.  2 Sam.  24:1,15— 17.  p 21 : 12. 
Matt.  8:21,22.  Luke  9:60.  q 8:12,30.  Ex.  28:41.  30:30.  40:13—15.  Acts  10:38. 

2 Cor.  1:21.  r Num.  6:3,20.  Prov.  31:4,5.  Is.  28:7.  Jer.  35:5,6.  Ez.  44:21.  Luke 
1:15.  Eph.  5:18.  1 Tim.  3:3,8.  5:231  Tit.  1:7.  s See  on  3:17.  t 11:47.  20:25. 

sinner’s  acceptance,  though  full  of  encouragement,  and  an 
especial  manifestation  of  the  mercy  of  God,  clearly  reveals 
his  awful  justice  and  holiness ; and  solemnly  and  loudly  pro- 
claims that  he  will  be  approached  with  reverence,  and  in 
sincere  abhorrence  of  all  sin:  but  this  is  often  overlooked. 
The  Lord  hath  therefore  seen  good,  under  both  dispensa- 
tions, to  deter  men  from  perverting  his  mercy,  by  terrible 
threatenings  and  awful  judgments ; and  we  have  reason  to 
think,  that  the  death  of  Nadab  and  Abihu  had  a very  salutary 
and  durable  effect,  especially  upon  Aaron  and  his  sons,  and 
their  successors.  But  with  what  exquisite  anguish  must  the 
heart  of  Aaron  have  been  torn  ! and  what  dismay  must  have 
seized  upon  him,  at  this  unlooked-for  and  most  afflicting 
stroke  ! His  own  sons — his  eldest  sons — just  consecrated  to 
so  high  and  important  an  office, — concerning  whom  he  had 
doubtless  formed  the  most  pleasing  hopes; — cut  off  suddenly, 
in  such  a state  of  mind,  by  the  immediate  judgment  of  God, 
for  presumptuous  disobedience,  and  publicly,  as  an  example 
to  all  Israel! — Each  of  these  reflections  must  have  struck  a 
dagger  into  his  heart,  and  have  aggravated  the  agony  to 
which  he  was  all  at  once  reduced,  from  a confluence  of  the 
most  delightful  sensations.  This  must  have  been  the  effect 
of  every  reflection,  but  one  ; namely,  on  the  justice,  wisdom, 
and  love  of  God ; his  sovereign  right  to  dispose  of  him  and 
his,  as  he  saw  good ; and  the  important  purposes,  for  his 
glory  and  the  good  of  his  people,  which  would  thence  result : 
and  this  thought  seems  to  have  so  far  quieted  his  mind,  as  to 
repress  every  hard  and  murmuring  thought,  and  to  bow  his 
will  into  reverent  submission ; as  well  as  to  stop  his  mouth, 
and  prevent  him  from  uttering  one  complaining  word ! — 
Without  doubt,  he  would  now  recollect  the  golden  calf,  with 
deep  humility  and  admiration  of  the  Lord’s  patience  towards 
him.  Indeed,  in  all  respects,  he  seems  to  have  been  pecu- 
liarly supported  by  divine  grace  on  this  most  trying  occasion. 

V.  4,  5.  It  is  far  more  probable,  that  Nadab  and  Abihu 
were  struck  dead  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle,  than  that  they 
had  actually  entered:  for  Moses  and  others  seem  to  have 
witnessed  the  catastrophe,  which  would  not  have  been  the 
case,  had  they  been  wilhin.  The  sacerdotal  garments  being 
thus  polluted,  were  no  longer  fit  for  use,  and  they  seem  to  have 
been  buried  in  them. — Mishael  and  Elzaphan  were  Levites: 
the  service  allotted  them  was  an  impressive  lesson ; and  when 
they  carried  the  dead  bodies  through  the  camp,  they  pre- 
sented to  the  view  of  the  people  a most  affecting  sight,  which 
would  be  an  important  caution  and  a solemn  warning  to  them 
all. 

V.  6.  Different  opinions  have  been  formed,  concerning 
the  prohibition  contained  in  the  words  rendered,  u Uncover 
not  your  heads."  But,  as  it  must  denote  something  imme- 
diately to  be  done  or  omitted,  the  opinion  that  the  priests 
were  forbidden  to  put  off  their  sacerdotal  bonnets,  as  well  as 
to  rend  their  clothes,  is  most  probable.— Aaron,  however, 
and  his  surviving  sons,  were  forbidden  to  express  their  grief 
by  the  customary  tokens ; that  they  might  not  seem  to  reflect 
on  the  divine  justice  and  goodness ; to  teach  them  to  subject 
their  strongest  passions  to  reason  and  conscience ; and  to 
remind  them,  that  in  comparison  of  the  divine  glory,  even  the 
nearest  relations  must  be  disregarded.  And  as  they  had  so 
lately  been  anointed  to  their  sacred  and  important  office,  with 
which  even  the  safety  of  the  nation  was  intimately  connected ; 
they  must  not,  on  any  personal  consideration,  suffer  their 
Vol.  I 28 


12  IT  And  Moses  spake  unto  Aaron,  ana  unto 
Eleazar,  and  unto  Ithamar,  his  sons  that  were  left, 
"Take  the  meat-offering  that  remaineth  of  the 
offerings  of  the  Lord  made  by  fire,  and  eat  it 
without  leaven  beside  the  altar:  “lor  it  is  mos< 
holy. 

13  And  ye  shall  eat  it  in  the  holy  place,  because 
it  is  thy  due  and  thy  sons’  due,  of  the  sacrifices 
of  the  Lord  made  by  fire : for  so  I am  com- 
manded. 

14  And  Hhe  wave-breast  and  heave-shoulder 
shall  ye  eat  in  a clean  place  ; thou  and  thy  sons, 
and  thy  daughters  with  thee  : for  they  be  thy  due, 
and  thy  sons’  due,  which  are  given  out  ef  the 
sacrifices  of  peace-offerings  vl  '.-he  children  of 
Israel. 

15  The  heave-shoulder,  and  the  wave-breast 
shall  they  bring,  with  the  offerings  made  by  fire 
of  the  fat,  to  wave  it  for  a wave-offering  before 
the  Lord,  and  it  shall  be  thine  and  thy  sons’  with 
thee,  by  a statute  for  ever ; as  the  Lord  hath 
commanded. 

16  H And  Moses  diligently  sought  Hhe  goat  of 
the  sin-offering,  and  behold  it  was  burnt : and  he 
was  “angry  with  Eleazar  and  Ithamar,  the  sons  of 
Aaron  which  were  left  alive,  saying, 

Jer.  15:19.  Ez.  22:26.  44:23.  Tit.  1:15.  1 Pet.  1:14— 16.  uDeut.24:8.  33:10. 

2 Chr.  17:9.  30:22.  Nell.  8:2,8.  9:13,14.  Jer.  2:8.  18:18.  Mel.  2:7.  Matt.  28:20. 
Acts  20:27.  1 Thes.  4:2.  v 2:  6:15-18.7:9.21:22.  Ex.  29:2.  Num.  18:9,10.  Ez. 
44:29.  x 21:22.  y 7:29— 34  . 9:21 . Ex.  29:21— 28.  Num.  18:1 1 . John  4 34.  z6: 
26,30.  9:3,15.  a Ex.  32:19— 22.  Num.  12:3.  Matt.  5:22.  Mark  3:5.  10:14.  Eph. 
4:26. 


services  to  be  interrupted.  For  had  they  also  provoked  the 
Lord  to  slay  them,  the  people  would  have  been  left  without 
priest  or  sacrifice,  exposed  to  the  just  wrath  of  God.  Yet 
neither  on  this  occasion,  nor  at  any  subsequent  period,  was 
another  family  appointed  to  succeed,  in  case  that  of  Aaron 
should  be  extinct. — The  people  in  general,  however,  were 
allowed  to  bewail  this  event,  which  doubtless  they  did,  with 
the  usual  expressions  of  sorrow. 

Y.  8 — 11.  As  the  sin  of  Nadab  and  Abihu  seems,  in  part 
at  least,  to  have  been  occasioned  by  a degree  of  inebriation  ; a 
law  was  on  this  account  enacted,  that  the  priests  should  drink 
no  wine,  nor  intoxicating  liquor,  either  before  or  during  their 
ministrations  in  the  sanctuary ; in  order  that  their  judgments 
might  be  unclouded  by  the  fumes  of  intemperance,  especially 
when  required  to  practise  or  interpret  the  law  of  God.  This 
command  was  immediately  giv en  to  Aaron,  to  encourage  him 
by  such  a token  of  regard ; and  because  the  Lord  would  not 
have  it  appear,  as  if  Moses  had  not  sympathized  in  his  affiio 
tion,  or  had  intended  to  charge  him  with  criminality  in  this 
respect. 

V.  12 — 15.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Moses  at  this  time  repeated, 
or  explained  and  enforced,  the  laws  before  given ; lest  the 
interruption  which  had  taken  place  should  cause  Aaron  and 
his  sons  to  forget  them. — The  meat-otfering,  as  most  holy, 
must  be  eaten  by  the  priests,  or  the  sons  of  the  priests,  in  the 
holy  place ; but  the  portion  allotted  them  of  the  peace-offer- 
ings might  be  eaten  in  any  clean  place,  with  their  families. 

V.  16 — 18.  The  sacrifice  here  spoken  of  was  a sin-offer- 
ing »for  the  congregation;  yet,  as  it  was  a goat,  and  not  a 
young  bull,  (no  doubt  by  special  direction,)  the  blood  was  not 
carried  into  the  sanctuary,  to  be  put  upon  the  altar  of  incense, 
or  sprinkled  before  the  veil ; and  therefore  the  flesh  ought  not 
to  have  been  burnt  without  the  camp,  or  upon  the  altar;  but, 
when  the  priests  had  done  eating,  to  have  been  consumed  in 
the  same  manner  as  the  remaining  flesh  of  the  other  sacrifices. 
It  is  not  evident,  whether  this  was  done  by  inadvertency,  or 
because  Aaron,  from  the  state  of  his  mind,  drew  a wrong 
conclusion.  Moses,  however,  was  angry  at  this  deviation 
from  the  divine  precept,  and  probably  feared  tnat  further 
rebukes  would  be  the  consequence.  He  therefore  expostu- 
lated with  Eleazar  and  Ithamar;  not  with  Aaron,  lest  he 
should  add  to  his  heavy  distress. — His  language  is  remark- 
able; “God  hath  given  it  to  you  to  bear  the  iniquity  of  the 
congregation,  &c.”  Sinners,  who  suffer  deserved  punishment 
are  said  to  “ eat  of  the  fruit  of  their  own  ways,  and  to  be  filled 
with  their  own  devices.”  Prov.  1:31.  Thus  the  priests,  by 
eating  the  sin-offering  of  the  people  were  represented  as 
bearing  their  iniquity  for  them:  but  in  burning  without  the 
camp  their  ovm  sin-offerings,  and  all  qther  sacrifices,  the  blood 
of  which  was  carried  into  the  sanctuary,  they  owned  that 
they  were  only  types  ; and  that  both  their  own  iniquity,  and 
that  of  the  people,  must  be  finally  transferred  to  the  great 
Antitype,  and  effectually  expiated  by  him. — 4 God  bestowed 
upon  the  priests  this  reward  of  their  service,  that  tney  might 
be  more  willing  to  take  upon  them  the  people’s  sins,  and  to 
make  an  expiation  carefully  for  them.  And  indeed,  the  very 
eating  of  the  people’s  sin-offering  argued  the  sins  of  the  people* 
in  some  sort,  laid  upon  the  priests,  to  be  taken  away  by  them 
Which  being  done,  they  had  reason  to  rejoice  also  in  a feast 
upon  this  sacrifice,  which  God  had  been  pleased  to  accept, 
for  the  taking  away  of  the  sins  of  the  people.  From  whence 

t 217  ) 


B.  C 1490. 


LEVITICUS. 


B.  C.  1 190 


17  Wherefore  have  ye  not  eaten  the  sin-offer- 
ing in  the  holy  place,  seeing  it  is  most  holy,  and 
God  hath  given  it  you  bto  hear  the  iniquity  of  the 
congregation,  to  make  atonement  for  them  before 
the  Lord  ? 

18  Behold,  cthe  blood  of  it  was  not  brought  in, 
within  the  holy  place : ye  should  indeed  have 
eaten  it  in  the  holy  place , das  I commanded. 

19  And  Aaron  said  unto  Moses,  Behold,  'this 
day  have  they  offered  their  sin-offering  and  their 
burnt-offering  before  the  Lord  ; and  such  things 
hive  befallen  me  : and  if  I had  eaten  the  sin-offer- 

b 16:22.  22:16.  Ex.  28:38,43.  Nnm.  18:1.  Is.  53:11.  Ez.  4:4— 6.  18:19,20. 
Heb.  9:28.  1 Pet.  2:24.  c 6:30.  d6:26.  e 9:8,12,15.  f I)eut.  12:7.  26:14. 


ing  to-day,  f should  it  have  been  accepted  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord  ? 

20  And  when  Moses  heard  that,  ehe  tvas  con- 
tent. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

What  beasts  might  be  eaten  and  what  might  not , 1 — 8 : zehat  fishes,  9 — 12  : vW 
birds , or  flying  creatures , 13—23.  How  ritual  uncleannese  would  be  contract - 
ed , by  touching  the  carcasses  of  unclean  animals  ; and  how  it  must  be  clean** 
ed,  24 — 40.  Reptiles  not  to  be  eaten , 41 — 43.  The  reason  of  these  laws, 
44—47. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  and  to 
Aaron,  saying  unto  them, 

2 Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  saying, 

1 Sam. 1:7, 8.  Hos.9:4.  Mai. 2:13.  Phil. 4:4.  g 2 Cbr.  30:18— 20.  Matt.  12:8 
—7,20. 


the  sacrifice  of  Christ  may  be  explained,  who  is  said  to  bear 
our  iniquity , (as  the  priest  is  here  said  to  do,)  all  our  sins 
being  laid  on  him;  who  took  upon  him  to  make  an  expiation 
for  them  by  the  sacrifice  of  himself.  For  the  priest  here,  by 
eating  of  the  sin-offering,  receiving  the  guilt  upon  himself, 
may  well  be  thought  to  prefigure  one,  who  should  be  both 
priest  and  sacrifice  for  sin:  which  was  accomplished  in 
Christ.’  Dp.  Patrick. 

V.  19,  20.  Though  Eleazar  and  Ithamar  were  addressed, 
Aaron  alone  replied ; conscious  perhaps  that  the  sin-offering 
had  been  burnt  by  his  directions,  or  that  he  had  not  been 
sufficiently  careful  that  it  should  be  rightly  disposed  of.  He 
acknowledged  that,  in  this  respect,  the  rule  had  not  been 
Exactly  observed : but  he  intimated  that,  in  other  things,  his 
surviving  sons  had  been  very  attentive  to  their  duty,  and  had 
offered  the  sin-offering  and  burnt-offering  for  the  people,  (for 
so  he  seems  to  mean,)  with  much  circumspection.  Indeed, 
the  deviation  which  had  been  made,  was  by  no  means  the  effect 
of  a presumptuous  disregard  to  the  divine  command  ; and  such 
things  had  befallen  him,  that  he  could  not  have  eaten  the 
sacred  feast  with  calmness  and  cheerfulness,  though  he  had 
submitted  to  the  will  of  God  in  the  awful  dispensation.  And, 
as  his  mind  was  agitated  with  various  conflicting  passions, 
and  depressed  with  a sense  of  his  unworthiness  ; he  could  not 
suppose  that  his  service  would  have  been  acceptable,  if  he 
had  attempted  it. — With  this  excuse  Moses  was  satisfied ; 
being  sensible  that  Aaron  had  borne  his  alfliction  in  a proper 
manner ; that  he  could  not  possibly  with  cheerfulness  have 
eaten  the  holy  things;  and  that  he  intended  to  do  right  in 
burning  them.  It  seems  also,  that  the  Lord  approved  of  this 
determination. 

Their  sin-offering.  Sic.  (19)  The  priests  had,  on  the  same 
day  44  offered  their  sin-offering,  and  their  burnt-offering,” 
which  were  burnt ; and  through  inadvertency,  they  had  dis- 
posed of  the  sin-offering  of  the  people  in  the  same  manner. 
This  may  be  the  meaning ; and  then  the  sin-offering  of  the 
eople  was  not  burned  intentionally , by  Aaron’s  direction,  but 
y the  mistake  of  his  sons. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 11.  With  what  solemn  attention  should  we  hear 
these  words  of  the  great  and  terrible  Lord  God,  44 1 will  be 
sanctified  in  them  that  come  nigh  me,  and  before  all  the 
people  I will  be  glorified  !”  Contemplating  with  holy  awe  his 
majesty,  purity,  and  avenging  justice,  we  may  well  exclaim, 
44  My  flesh  trembleth  for  fear  of  thee,  and  I am  afraid  of  thy 
judgments.”  Nay,  even  the  discoveries  of  his  boundless 
mercy,  as  revealed  in  the  gospel,  and  of  the  way  in  which 
that  mercy  is  exercised,  are  suited  to  form  our  spirits  to 
humble  reverence  united  with  filial  confidence. — Alas  ! when 
we  consider  from  what  motives,  and  in  what  manner,  great 
numbers  of  those  who  are  called  the  44  priests  of  the  Lord,” 
draw  nigh  to  him  in  their  sacred  services  ; and  what  effects 
their  spirit,  conduct,  and  ministrations,  are  suited  to  produce 
on  the  people  ; we  cannot  but  wonder,  that  examples  of  seve- 
rity, like  that  before  us,  are  not  frequently  made.  But  assu- 
redly, unless  repentance  intervene,  the  Lord  will,  before  the 
assembled  world,  44  be  glorified”  in  the  dreadful  punishment  of 
those  who  have  thus  openly  dishonoured  him,  and  who  have  led 
others  also  to  despise  his  ordinances  or  revile  his  truth. — It 
behooves  us,  however,  to  beware,  not  only  of  profaneness,  or 
gross  irreverence  in  this  sacred  work,  but  likewise  of  strange 
fire.  Great  earnestness  and  fervency  may  be  shown,  when 
we  are  actuated  by  no  better  motives  than  an  eager  desire 
of  distinguishing  ourselves,  of  acquiring  honour  or  advan- 
tage, or  of  promoting  the  credit  and  success  of  the  party  to 
which  we  are  attached.  Our  zeal  may  result  from  enthu- 
siasm and  unscriptural  confidence  ; it  may  be  exercised  with 
bitterness  and  malevolence  ; it  may  excite  us  to  call  for  fire 
from  heaven  on  our  opponents,  or  to  kindle  the  flames  of  per- 
secution on  earth ; and  in  various  ways  it  may  be  no  other 
than  the  heat  and  vehemence  of  selfish  passions.  This  is 
strange  fire,  not  k indled  at  the  altar  of  burnt-offering,  not  the 
fruit,  of  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  not  a heavenly  fervour  of  love  to 
God  and  man,  inducing  humble,  earnest,  affectionate,  and 
patient  endeavours,  by  warranted  means  alone,  to  promote 
the  cause  of  religion  in  the  world,  and  especially  among  those 
with  whom  we  are  immediately  connected.  But.  not  minis- 
ters alone  are  concerned : all  who  profess  to  worship  God, 
44  draw  nigh  to  him  .and  if  their  lives  do  not  honour  him,  he 
vill  at  length  glorify  himself  in  their  awful  destruction. — We 
need  not,  however,  go  further  than  ourselves : for  when  we 
( 218  ) 


duly  consider  the  holiness  of  our  heart-searching  Judge,  and 
the  adorations  of  the  heavenly  host,  and  then  reflect  on  our 
•prayers  and  praises ; we  must  be  ready  to  say,  “Wo  is  me, 
I am  undone  ! because  I am  a man  of  unclean  lips,  and  i 
dwell  in  the  midst  of  a people  of  unclean  lips ; for  mine  eyes 
have  seen  the  King,  the  Lord  of  Hosts !”  Is.  6:5.  And 
nothing  but  the  sense  of  pardoning  love  through  the  atonement 
of  Christ,  his  gracious  promises,  and  the  consolations  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  can  embolden  us  in  attempting  to  serve  and  wor- 
ship our  Holy  God.  Yet,  even  thus  encouraged,  we  should 
look  diligently  to  ourselves  and  to  our  rule,  that  we  may 
approach  him  in  the  appointed  manner,  and  in  a recollected, 
humble  spirit;  fearing  the  rebukes  with  which  he  chastens 
his  own  people,  even  though  delivered  from  the  dread  of  the 
everlasting  punishment  reserved ^for  his  enemies. — Honours 
and  distinctions  are  dangerous,  because  they  tend  to  excite 
and  invigorate  the  pride  and  ambition  of  our  hearts ; we 
should  therefore  be  peculiarly  watchful  over  ourselves,  and 
earnest  in  prayer  to  be  kept  humble,  when  the  Lord  is  oleased 
to  employ  us  in  any  useful  and  reputable  service,  or  in  any 
way  to  advance  us  above  our  brethren.  And  as  all,  who 
would  serve  God,  must  44  take  heed,  that  their  hearts  be  not 
overcharged  with  surfeiting  and  drunkenness ;”  so  the  minis- 
ters of  religion  especially  should  keep  at  the  greatest  distance 
from  this  hateful  vice.  Above  all  other  men  they  need  clear 
heads  and  sound  judgments,  as  well  as  upright  hearts ; not 
only  that  44  they  themselves  die  not,”  but  that  they  may  ‘‘put 
a difference  between  holy  and  unholy,”  44  and  leach  the  people 
all  that  the  Lord  hath  spoken.”  They  are  peculiarly  re- 
quired to  watch  and  be  sober,  that  they  may  rise  superior 
even  to  their  natural  affections,  that  they  may  be  able  to 
govern  every  passion,  and  be  examples  to  others  of  that 
supreme  love  of  God,  which  subordinates  all  other  regards  : 
for  the  important  work  of  their  ministry  must  not  be  inter- 
rupted, lest  wrath  come  upon  the  people  also.  Indeed,  we 
all  should  learn  to  mourn  and  rejoice,  as  though  we  mourned 
and  rejoiced  not ; for  we  may  be  assured,  that  all  our  com- 
forts must  be  counterbalanced  with  trials,  and  all  our  honours 
with  “some  thorn  in  the  flesh,  lest  we  should  be  exalted 
above  measure.”  But  the  remembrance  of  former  sins  may 
well  stop  our  mouths,  and  produce  silent  submission  under 
our  bitterest  sorrows : 44  for  it  is  of  the  Lord’s  mercy  we  are 
not  consumed ;”  and  we  have  still  many  unmerited  comforts 
remaining,  and  encouraging  prospects  before  us.  However 
great  our  inward  anguish  may  be,  we  should  learn  to  suppress 
the  rising  murmur,  to  44  keep  our  mouth  as  with  a bridle,” 
and  be  careful  that  we  do  not  reflect  upon  God.  If  we  thus 
profit  by  these  examples  of  his  severity,  we  shall  have  “ a wit- 
ness in  ourselves”  of  the  wisdom  and  goodness  of  God,  in  this 
part  of  his  dealings  with  mankind. 

V.  12 — 20.  Though  our  improper  attendance  on  religious 
ordinances  may  expose  us  to  wrath,  yet  we  must  not  neglect 
them.  Some  indeed,  by  unworthily  receiving  the  Lord’s 
supper,  ‘have  provoked  the  Lord  to  plague  them  with  divers 
diseases,  and  with  sundry  kinds  of  death  ;’  yet  others  should 
not,  on  that  account, 4 neglect  this  bounden  duty  and  service  ;* 
on  the  contrary,  44  let  a man  examine  himself,  and  so  let  him 
eat  of  that  bread,  artd  drink  of  that  cup.”  Nor  need  an  humble 
communicant,  who  comes,  4 not  trusting  in  his  own  righteous- 
ness, hut  in  the  Lord’s  mercy,’  be  discouraged  ; for  he  knows 
how  to  distinguish  between  presumptuous  rashness  or  con- 
temptuous disobedience,  and  the  involuntary  infirmities  or 
unallowed  mistakes  of  the  conscientious.  After  the  example 
of  Christ  also,  his  ministers,  while  taking  heed  that  all  is  done 
in  the  prescribed  manner,  noticing  whatever  is  amiss,  and  on 
some  occasions  expressing  a holy  indignation,  and  rebuking 
with  all  authority  ; must  be  cautious  not  to  confound  inad- 
vertencies with  intended  disobedience,  or  to  grieve  those 
whom  the  Lord  has  wounded  : they  must  rather  make  allow- 
ances, and  accept  of  excuses ; and  44  restore  those  who  have 
been  overtaken  in  a fault,  in  the  spirit  of  meekness,  consider- 
ing themselves,  lest  they  also  bo  tempted.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  XI.  V.  1.  Aaron  was  at  this  time 
fully  established  in  the  high  priesthood,  and  these  laws  related 
to  such  things  as  fell  especially  under  the  cognizance  i n.m 
and  his  sons  ; he  was  therefore  addressed  along  win  Moses 
on  this  occasion. 

V.  2.  The  Creator  pronounced  all  his  works  separately 
good . and  altogether,  when  finished,  very  good : (Note,  Gen. 
1:31.)  yet  the  distinction  between  clean  and  unclean  animals 
was  known  even  before  the  flood  ; though  probably  it  onij 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XI.  B C 1490, 


•These  are  the  beasts  which  ye  shall  eat,  among 
all  the  beasts  that  are  on  the  earth. 

3 Whatsoever  bparteth  the  hoof,  and  is  cloven- 
footed, and  Ccheweth  the  cud  among  the  beasts, 
that  shall  ye  eat. 

4 Nevertheless,  these  shall  ye  not  eat,  of  them 
that  chew  the  cud,  or  of  them  that  divide  the 
hoof:  ns  the  camel,  because  he  cheweth  the  cud, 
but  divideth  not  the  hoof ; he  is  unclean  unto 
you. 

5 Ann  dthe  coney,  because  he  cheweth  the  cud, 

but.  divideth  not  the  hoof:  he  is  unclean  unto 
you.  « 

6 And  the  fhare,  because  he  cheweth  the  cud, 
but  divideth  not  the  hoof:  he  is  unclean  unto 
you. 

7 And  the  eswine,  though  he  divideth  the  hoof, 
and  be  cloven-footed;  yet  he  cheweth  not  the 
cud  : he  is  unclean  to  you. 

8 Of  their  tlesh  ye  shall  not  eat,  and  their 
carcass  ye  shall  not  touch : hthey  are  unclean  to 
you. 

9 H These  shall  ye  eat,  of  all  that  are  in  the 
waters : ‘whatsoever  hath  fins  and  scales  in  the 
waters,  in  the  seas,  and  in  the  rivers,  them  shall 
ye  eat. 

10  And  all  that  have  not  fins  nor  scales  in  the 
seas,  and  in  the  rivers,  of  all  that  move  in  the 
waters,  and  of  any  living  thing,  which  is  in  the 
waters;  ithey  shall  be  an  abomination  unto 
you. 

11  They  shall  be  even  an  abomination  unto 

ou : ye  shall  not  eat  of  their  flesh,  but  ye  shall 

ave  their  carcasses  in  abomination. 

12  Whatsoever  hath  no  fins  nor  scales  in  the 
waters,  that  shall  be  an  abomination  unto  you. 

13  'll  And  these  are  they  which  ye  shall  have  in 
abomination  among  the  fowls,  they  shall  not  be 

a Deut.  14:3— 8.  Ez.4:l4.  Dan.  1:8.  Mall.  15:11.  Mark  7:15— 19.  Rom.  14:2,3, 
14,15.  1 Tim.  4:1 — 6.  Heb.  13:S.  bPs.l:l.  Prov.  9:6.  2 Cor.  6: 17.  c Deut.  6:6,7. 
Ps.  1:2.  Prov.  2:1,2,10.  Acts  17:11.  1 Tim.  4:15.  d'Ps.  104:18.  Prov.  30.26. 
e Job  36:14.  Matt.  7:26.  Rom.  2:18— 24.  Phil.  3:18,19.  2 Tim.  3:5.  Tit.  1:16. 
f Rev.  21:8.  g Is.  65:4.  66:3,17.  Matt.  7:6.  Luke  8:33.  15:15.  2 Pel.  2:18— 22. 
a 5 .2.  Is.  52:11.  Hos.  9:3.  Mark  7:2,15,18.  Acts  1U:11— 15,23.  15:2  J.  Rom.  14: 
14—17,21.  I Cor.  8:8.  2 Cor.  6:17.  Col.  2:16,21—23.  Heb.  9:10.  i Deut.  14:9, 
10.  j 7:18.  Dent.  14:3.  Ps.  139:21,22.  Prov.  13:20  . 29:27.  Rev.  21-8.  k Deut. 


related  to  sacrifices.  But  at  this  time,  very  particular  laws 
were  enacted  respecting  the  people’s  diet,  and  the  ceremonial 
uncleanness  contracted  by  touching'  the  carcasses  of  unclean 
animals.  These  laws  seem  to  have  been  enacted,  in  the  first 
place,  as  a test  of  obedience,  like  the  prohibition  to  Adam  of 
the  tree  of  knowledge  and  to  teach  the  Israelites  habits 
of  self-denial,  and  the  government  of  their  appetites.  Secondly, 
to  keep  them  distinct  from  other  nations,  both  by  throwing 
hinderances  in  the  way  of  their  social  intercourse  with  them, 
and  by  establishing  the  distinction  between  clean  and  unclean, 
which  was  applicable  to  persons  as  well  as  things : when 
therefore  this  distinction  was  no  longer  to  be  observed,  Peter 
was  instructed  by  a vision,  which  had  relation  to  the  distinc- 
tion of  meats,  “ not  to  call  any  man  common  or  unclean.” 
(iVbfe,  Acts  10:9 — 1G.)  Many  also  of  these  forbidden  ani- 
mals were  occasions  of  superstition  and  idolatry  to  the 
Jleathen.  Thirdly,  to  teach  them  to  make  distinctions  be- 
tween holy  and  unholy,  in  the  choice  of  companions,  and  in 
forming  intimate  connexiens.  And  fourthly,  the  propensities 
of  these  animals  taught  them  what  manner  of  persons  they 
ought  to  be  : for  if  the  pure,  useful,  gentle,  patient  nature  of 
the  animals  appointed  for  sacrifice,  was  emblematical  of  the 
Saviour’s  character,  it  is  obvious  to  conclude,  that  the  exclu- 
sive prescription  of  some  animals  for  the  diet  of  the  Lord’s 
people  was  also  significant.  Some  have  even  thought  that 
the  allowance  of  the  slaughter  of  innocent  animals , for  the 
food  of  sinful  man , forms  a continued  type  of  the  purchase 
and  application  of  the  salvation  of  Christ,  and  of  our  trans- 
formation into  his  image,  while  we  spiritually  “ eat  his  flesh 
and  drink  his  blood.” 

V.  3 — 8.  “ Parting  the  hoof”  may  denote  separation  from 
sin  and  the  world,  and  distinguishing  between  truth  and  error, 
good  and  evil ; while  “ chewing  the  cud”  aptly  represents 
serious,  pleasant,  habitual  meditation  upon  the  truths  and 
Tecepts  of  the  word  of  God,  in  order  to  a holy  conversation, 
/“hese  are  united  in  the  experience  and  character  of  the  true 
Christian ; but  hypocrites  show  that  they  do  neither  in  sin- 
.erity,  by  evidently  attempting  to  separate  between  profession 
tnd  practice ; and  therefore  they  are  as  unclean  as  the  avowed 
infidel  or  profligate. — The  fox,  the  dog,  the  lion,  the  wolf,  and 
ndeed  animals  in  general  which  are  carnivorous,  neither  chew 
ihe  cud  nor  divide  the  hoof;  other  animals  do  only  the  one, 
find  wete  therefore  unclean.  The  former  are  apt  emblems 
if  'he  c-afty,  the  covetous,  the  cruel,  and  the  fierce;  many 
th.  •>  l.i  .ter,  of  the  lewd,  the  sensual,  and  the  carnally  minded ; 


eaten  ; they  are  an  abomination  : kthe  eagle,  an  i 
the  ossifrage,  and  the  ospray, 

14  And  the  vulture,  and  the  kite,  after  nis  kind  : 

15  Every  ‘raven  after  his  kind: 

16  And  "’the  owl,  and  the  night-hawk,  and  the 
cuckoo,  and  the  hawk,  after  his  kind, 

17  And  the  little  owl,  and  the  cormorant,  and 
the  great  owl, 

18  And  the  swan,  and  the  pelican,  and  the  gier 
eagle, 

19  And  the  stork,  the  heron  after  her  kind,  and 
the  lapwing,  and  the  bat. 

20  All  fowls  that  "creep,  going  upon  all  four 
shall  be  an  abomination  unto  you. 

21  Yet  these  may  ye  eat  of  every  flying  creep- 
ing thing  that  goeth  upon  all  four,  which  have 
legs  above  their  feet,  to  leap  withal  upon  the 
earth : 

22  Even  these  of  them  ye  may  eat : “the  locust 
after  his  kind,  and  the  bald  locust  after  his  kind, 
and  the  beetle  after  his  kind,  and  the  grasshopper 
after  his  kind. 

23  But  all  other  flying  creeping  things,  whici 
have  four  feet,  sliallbe  an  abomination  unto  you. 

24  And  for  these  ye  shall  he  unclean  : whoso- 
ever I’toucheth  the  carcass  of  them  shall  be  un- 
clean until  the  even. 

25  And  whosoever  beareth  aught  of  the  carcass 
of  them  shall  swash  his  clothes,  and  be  unclean 
until  the  even. 

26  The  carcasses  of  every  beast  which  divideth 
the  hoof,  and  is  not  cloven-footed,  nor  cheweth 
the  cud,  are  unclean  unto  you : every  one  that 
toucheth  them  shall  be  unclean. 

27  And  whatsoever  goeth  upon  his  paws, 
among  all  manner  of  beasts,  that,  go  on  all  four, 
those  are  unclean  unto  you  : whoso  toucheth  their 
carcass  shall  be  unclean  until  the  even. 


14:12— 20.  Job  39:27— 30.  Jer.  4:13.  43:40.  Lam.  4:19.  Hab.  1:8.  Man.  21:28. 
Rom.  3:13— 17.  1 Gen.  8:7.  1 King3  17:4,6.  Prov . 3U : 1 7.  I. like  12:24.  m Pa. 
102:6.  Is.  13:21.22.  34:11—15.  John  3:19— 21.  Bull.  4:18,19.  5.7—11.  1 ’Hies. 5: 
5—7.  Rev. 18:2.  nMalt.6:24.  1 hil.  3: 18,19.  1 John  2:15— 17.  Jude  10,19. 

o Matt.  3:4.  Mark  1:6.  p 27,31.  1 Cor.  15:33.  2 Cor.  6:17.  Eph.  2:1— 3.  6:11. 
Heb.  9:26.  q 28:40.  14.8.  15:5.  16:28.  Ex.  19:10,14.  Num.  19:8,10,19,21.  31: 
24.  Zed:.  13:1.  Joint  13:8.  Acts  22:16.  IIcb.9:10.  Rev.  7:14. 


whilst  the  sheep  and  ox,  and  other  animals  which  unite  the 
two,  aptly  teach  us  what  we  ought  to  be,  and  with  whom  we 
should  associate.  The  foot  of  the  camel  is  divided  on  the 
upper  part  of  it,  but  it  is  strongly  joined  beneath  ; so  that  he 
does  not  “part  the  hoof.”  It  is  doubled  whether  the  words 
rendered  coney  and  hare , be  properly  translated ; because  it 
is  not  known  that  these  animals  chew  the  cud.  They  were, 
however,  unclean.  The  swine  is  the  emblem  of  filthiness  ; 
but  it  is  marked  as  unclean  on  the  same  ground  as  the  other 
animals.  It  is  probable,  that  the  peculiar  aversion  of  the 
Jews  to  the  swine,  arose  from  those  animals  being  commonly 
sacrificed  in  the  worship  of  idolaters.  Some  think  that  the 
flesh  of  the  unclean  animals  was  prohibited  as  unwholesome  ; 
yet  the  flesh  of  hares  and  rabbits  seems  to  be  as  wholesome 
as  that  of  sheep  and  goats. — The  Israelites  were  not  only 
forbidden  to  eat  the  flesh  of  the  unclean  beasts,  but  they  must 
not  touch  their  dead  bodies  : and  consequently  the  use  of  their 
skins,  and  even  of  their  fat,  was  interdicted. 

V.9  — 12.  Frogs,  amphibious  creatures,  sea-monsters, 
eels,  and  several  species  of  fishes,  were  thus  prohibited  as 
an  abomination ; but  the  emblem  is  very  obscure  : some  of 
them  may  re,»  -esent  such  persons  as  attempt  to  reconcile  in 
their  conduct  t.ie  service  of  God  and  mammon. 

V.  13 — 20.  H^re  the  critics  find  abundance  of  work;  and 
if  this  law  were  m.-'  in  force,  it  would  be  necessary  to  decide 
upon  the  meaning  t.  f the  original  words,  many  of  which  are 
used  in  no  other  pa  of  Scripture,  except  in  the  parallel 
passage  in  Deutero.^oi  (Deut.  14:11 — 20.)  Many  of  the 

unclean  birds  are  horce  and  ravenous ; others  feed  very 
grossly  ; several  instinctively  love  darkness  and  desolate 
places ; and  few  of  them  are  generally  eaten  at  present 
The  harmless,  loving  dove,  and  such  as  were  of  a cleanly 
nature,  were  allowed  for  food  ; and  the  emblem  is  easily 
applied. 

V.  21,  22.  The  several  species  of  locusts,  here  excepted 
from  the  general  prohibition,  (for  the  words  rendered  beetle 
and  grasshopper , are  supposed  to  mean  different  kinds  of 
locusts,)  have,  besides  four  feet  on  which  to  walk  or  crawl 
on  the  earth,  two  longer  legs  on  which  they  leap.  Locusts 
have  been  eaten  by  many  nations,  and  are  at  this  da}'. — 
“ After  his  kind,”  means  all  of  this  kind. 

V.  26,  27.  Not  only  those  beasts  which  have  single  hoofs, 
as  horses  and  asses,  were  unclean,  but  such  likewise  as 
divided  the  feet  into  paws,  or  more  than  two  pa. is,  as  1’cos, 
tigers,  and  many  other  beasts. 

( *219  ) 


P.  C.  1491). 


LEVITICUS, 


B.  C.  1490 


28  And  lie  that  beareth  the  carcass  of  them 
shall  wash  his  clothes,  and  be  unclean  until  the 
even : they  are  unclean  unto  you. 

29  "il  These  also  shall  he  unclean  unto  you 
among  the  'creeping  things  that  creep  upon  the 
earth  ; the  weasel,  and  'the  mouse,  and  the 
tortoise  after  his  kind, 

30  And  the  ferret,  and  the  chameleon,  and  the 
izard,  and  the  snail,  and  the  mole. 

31  These  are  unclean  to  you  among  all  that 
creep : whosoever  doth  touch  them,  when  they  be 
dead,  shall  be  unclean  until  the  even. 

32  And  upon  whatsoever  any  of  them,  when 
they  are  dead,  doth  fall,  it  shall  be  unclean; 
whether  it  be  any  vessel  of  wood,  or  raiment,  or 
skin,  or  sack,  whatsoever  vessel  it  be,  wherein  any 
work  is  done,  ‘it  must  be  put  into  water,  and  it 
shall  be  unclean  until  the  even ; so  it  shall  be 
cleansed. 

33  And  every  earthen  vessel  whereinto  any  of 
them  falleth,  whatsoever  is  in  it  shall  be  unclean ; 
and  uye  shall  break  it. 

34  Of  all  meat  which  may  be  eaten,  that  on 
which  such  water  cometh,  shall  be  unclean  : and 
all  drink  that  may  be  drunk  in  every  such  vessel, 
shall  be  unclean. 

35  And  every  thing  whereupon  any  part  of 
their  carcass  falleth,  shall  be  unclean  ; whether  it 
be  oven,  or  ranges  for  pots,  they  shall  be  broken 
down : for  they  are  unclean,  and  shall  be  unclean 
unto  you. 

36  Nevertheless,  a fountain  or  pit,  ‘wherein 
there  is  plenty  of  water,  shall  be  clean  : but  that 
which  toucheth  their  carcass  shall  be  unclean. 

37  And  if  any  part  of  their  carcass  fall  upon 
any  “sowing-seed  which  is  to  be  sown  ; it  shall  be 
clean. 


r Ps.  10:3.  17:14.  Hah.  2.6.  Luke  12:15.  10:14.  Col;3:5.  2Tim.3:2— 5.  sis. 
66:17.  t 6:28.  15:12.  Tit.  2:14.  3:5.  1 John  1:7.  u 14:45.  2 Cor.  5.1—  8.  Phil. 
3:21.  * Heb.  a gathering  together  of  waters,  x 1 Cor.  15:37.  y 15.5,7.  Num. 
19:11.  z See  6n  25.  17:15.  22:8.  Deut.  14:21.  Is.  1:16.  Ez.  4:14.  36:25.  44:31. 
Zech.  13:1.  1 Cor.  6:11.  1 John  1:7.  a Gen.  3:14,15.  Is.65:25.  Mic.  7:17.  Malt. 


V.  31 — 33.  When  they  be  dead.  (31)  The  unclean  animals 
did  not  render  a person  unclean,  who  touched  them  when 
alive  ; for  many  of  them  were  beasts  of  burden,  as  the  horse, 
ass,  and  camel.  Yet,  even  with  this  limitation,  the  law 
would  be  to  us  extremely  burdensome : for  instance,  a dead 
mouse,  cat,  weasel,  or  squirrel,  falling  upon  earthen  vessels, 
ovens,  or  rangers,  would  render  it  necessary  to  destroy  them : 
and  even  When  vermin  or  reptiles  were  killed,  the  removal  of 
their  carcasses,  or  those  of  any  animal  that  died  of  itself, 
would  occasion  pollution.  (32 — 35.)  This  indeed  was  only 
ceremonial ; yet,  it  would  often  exclude  persons  from  public 
ordinances  and  society  ; and  much  circumspection,  in  pro- 
perly purifying  themselves  and  their  furniture,  would  be 
requisite,  and  a constant  circumspection  to  avoid  contracting 
defilement.  This  evidently  represented  the  necessity  of  the 
44  sanctification  of  the  Spirit  unto  obedience  the  daily  pursuit 
of  true  holiness,  in  the  exercise  of 44  repentance  towards  God, 
and  faith  towards  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;”  and  habitual  watch- 
fulness and  self-examination. 

V.  34 — 38.  If  water,  from  any  vessel  thus  rendered  un- 
clean, fell  on  such  food  as  was  before  clean,  this  must  not 
afterwards  be  eaten ; nor  must  water  be  drunk  from  such  a 
vessel.  But  water  in  a well  or  pit,  into  which  any  carcass 
had  fallen,  was  not  unclean ; but,  when  afterwards  brought 
or  drawn  from  it,  might  be  used. — This  exception  seemed 
necessary,  in  order  that  water  for  the  various  ablutions  might 
be  procured. — Corn  for  food,  if  the  carcass  of  any  creature 
fell  into  it,  must  not  be  used  till  washed  and  cleansed:  but 
this  was  not  needful  in  seed-corn,  except  it  Was  steeped  in 
water ; and  then  it  must  be  washed  in  other  water. 

V.  39,  40.  The  carcasses  of  unclean  animals,  in  whatever 
way  they  died  or  were  killed,  rendered  those  unclean  who 
touched  them;  but  the  carcasses  of  the  clean  animals  did  not 
pollute,  except  when  they  died  in  any  way  by  which  (he  blood 
was  not  separated  from  them.  In  this  case,  if  anyone  inad- 
vertently ate  of  them,  he  contracted  uncleanness,  and  needed 
t/ie  appointed  cleansing. 

V.  41 — 45.  The  serpent,  by  which  the  devil  tempted  Eve, 
was  condemned  to  move  on  his  belly,  and  to  eat  dust ; and 
deceivers,  liars,  slanderers,  and  murderers,  of  every  descrip- 
tion, with  all  who  hate  God  and  diffuse  the  poison  of  impiety 
among  men,  are  in  Scripture  called  the  seed  of  the  serpent, 
and  the  children  of  the  devil.  (Note,  Gen.  3:14,15.)  Other 
reptiles  aptly  represent  the  earthly  minded  and  sensual ; and 
probably  this  was  the  implied  instruction  of  the  prohibition. 
The  word  abomination  denotes  an  union  of  hatred  and  terror. 
The  frequent  use  of  this  word  concerning  these  animals, 
would  have  a great  tendency  to  render  the  Israelites  peeu- 
narly  circumspect  in  keeping  aloof  fVom  them ; and  shows 

i 220  ) 


38  But  if  any  water  be  put  upon  the  seed,  and 
any  part  of  their  carcass  fall  thereon  ; it  shall  be 
unclean  unto  you. 

39  And  if  any  beast,  of  which  ye  may  eat,  die  ; 
he  that  ^toucheth  the  carcass  thereof  shall  be  un- 
clean until  the  even. 

40  And  he  that  'eateth  of  the  carcass  of  it,  shall 
wash  his  clothes,  and  be  unclean  until  the  even : 
he  also  that  beareth  the  carcass  of  it  shall  wash 
his  clothes,  and  be  unclean  until  the  even. 

1 H And  every  creeping  thing  that  creepeth 
upon  the  earth  shall  be  an  abomination : it  shall 
Hot  be  eaten. 

42  Whatsoever  “goeth  upon  the  belly,  and  what 
soever  goeth  upon  all  four,  or  whatsoever  Thath 
more  feet  among  all  creeping  things  that  creep 
upon  the  earth ; them  ye  shall  not  eat,  for  they 
are  an  abomination. 

43  Ye  bshall  not  make  ty ourselves  abominable 
with  any  creeping  thing  that  creepeth,  neither 
shall  ye  make  yourselves  unclean  with  them,  that 
ye  should  be  defiled  thereby. 

44  For  CI  am  the  Lord  your  God:  ye  shall 
therefore  sanctify  yourselves  anddye  shall  be  holy; 
for  I am  holy : neither  shall  ye  defile  yourselves 
with  any  manner  of  creeping  thing  that  creepeth 
upon  the  earth. 

45  For  I am  the  Lord  "that  bringeth  you  up 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  to  be  your  God  : ye 
shall  therefore  fbe  holy  ; for  I am  holy. 

46  This  is  sthe  law  of  the  beasts,  and  of  the 
fowl,  and  of  every  living  creature  that  moveth  in 
the  waters,  and  of  every  creature  that  creepeth 
upon  the  earth  : 

47  To  hmake  a difference  between  the  unclean 
and  the  clean,  and  between  the  beast  that  may  be 
eaten  and  the  beast  that  may  not  be  eaten. 

3:7.  23:33.  John  8:44.  2 Cor.  11:3,13.  Tit.  1:12.  1 Heb.  dol/t  mulliply  Jeet. 
b 41,42.  20:25.  } Heb.; your  souls,  c See  on  Ex.  20:2.  <110:3.19:2.  20:7,26. 
Ex.  19:6.  Deut.  14:2.  1 Sara.  6.20.  Ps.  99:5,9.  Is.  6:3— 5.  Am.  3:3.  Matt.  5:48. 
1 Pet.  1:15,16.  2:9.  e Ps.  105:43 — 45.  f Se.  on  44.  1 Thes.  4:7.  g 7:37.  14:54. 
15:32.  Ez.  43:12.  h 10:10.  Ez.  44:23.  Mai.  3:18.  Rom.  14:2,3,13-23. 


how  we  should  abhor  and  dread  the  contagion  of  wicked 
companions,  and  the  poison  of  false  doctrines. — The  argument 
deduced  from  the  holiness  of  Jehovah,  who  redeemed  Israel 
from  Egypt,  and  separated  them  from  other  nations,  to  enforce 
their  diligent  attention  to  these  rules  concerning  external 
purity,  proves  much  more  conclusively,  that  his  redeemed 
worshippers  should  be  44  holy  in  all  manner  of  conversation.” 
(Note,  1 Pet.  1:13 — 1C.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Whilst  we  enjoy  our  Christian  liberty,  as  exempted  from 
burdensome  observances,  and  are  allowed  the  use  of  so  many 
kinds  of  wholesome  and  palatable  food,  from  which  Israel 
was  restricted,  let  us  not  forget  to  be  thankful,  and  to  serve 
God  with  joyfulness  of  heart,  that  we  are  indulged  in  this 
abundance  of  all  things  : and  let  us  be  careful  not  to  use  our 
44  liberty  as  an  occasion  to  the  flesh.”  Even  at  this  day,  “to 
the  unbelieving  all  things  arc  unclean  ; yea,  to  all  except 
those  who  receive  them  with  thanksgiving,  and  to  whom  they 
are  sanctified  by  the  word  of  God  and  prayer:  and  such  will 
not  be  slaves  to  their  appetites;  but  both  in  the  quality  and 
quantity  of  what  they  eat  and  drink,  will  consider  what  fits 
them  for  God’s  service ; and  what  suits  their  circumstances, 
and  consists  with  temperance,  justice,  and  charity,  that  they 
may  do  all  to  his  glory. — The  Lord  hath  redeemed  and  called 
his  people,  that  they  may  be  holy  even  as  he  is  holy  : we 
should  therefore  come  out,  and  be  separate  from  the  world  ; 
we  must  renounce  the  company  of  the  ungodly,  and  all  inti- 
mate and  needless  connexions,  with  those  who  are  dead  in 
sin  ; we  should  be  44  a peculiar  people  zealous  of  good  works  ;” 
44  followers  of  God  as  dear  children  ;”  devoted  to  him,  con- 
formed to  the  image  of  his  Son,  and  associating  with  his 
people  : and,  if  we  would  not  commit  wickedness,  we  must 
watch  and  pray  against  temptation. — Let  us  also  remember, 
that  in  this  sinful  world  we  are  contracting,  not  ceremonial , 
but  moral  pollution  every  day ; and  except  we  are  con- 
tinually washing  44  in  the  Fountain  opened  for  sin  and  for 
uncleanness,”  we  can  have  no  fellowship  with  a holy  God  on 
earth,  or  admission  into  a holy  heaven  : and  that  this  will  be 
the  case  till  the  evening  of  death,  when  all  who  have  been 
thus  washed  shall  be  clean  for  ever;  but  they  that  are  found 
“filthy  shall  be  filthy  still,”  even  to  eternity.  We  should 
therefore  spare  no  pains,  nor  grudge  any  expense  or  self- 
denial,  which  we  may  he  called  to  in  the  pursuit  of  holiness ; 
we  should  walk  very  circumspectly,  frequently  employ  our- 
selves in  self-examination, and  be  far  more  careful  to  discover, 
and  to  avoid  or  wash  ivway,  the  pollution  of  sin.  than  the 
Israelite  would  he  about  his  ceremonial  uncleanness  ; waiting 
with  glad  expectation  our  dismission  from  this  sin!  »l  world. 
For  though  death,  being  the  wages  of  sin,  is  in  itself  pollu 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


B.  C.  1490 


/HAPTER  XII. 

The  lato  of  a toonAtn's  uncleanness  by  childbirth,  1 — 5.  Her  subsequent  puri- 
fication, 6 — 8. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  saying, 
•If  a woman  have  conceived  seed,  and  borne  a 
man-child:  then  she  shall  be  unclean  seven  days; 
J’according  to  the  days  of  the  separation  for  her 
infirmity  she  shall  be  unclean. 

3  And  in  the  ceighth  day,  the  flesh  of  his  fore- 
skin shall  be  circumcised. 

4  And  she  shall  then  continue  'fin  the  blood  of 
her  purifying  three  and  thirty  days : she  shall 
touch  no  hallowed  thing,  nor  come  into  the  sanc- 
tuary, until  the  days  ot  her  purifying  be  fulfilled. 

5  But  if  she  bear  a 'maid-child,  then  she  shall 
be  unclean  two  weeks,  as  in  her  separation ; and 
she  shall  continue  in  the  blood  of  her  purifying 
threescore  and  six  days. 

6  If  And  when  the  days  of  her  purifying  are 
fulfilled,  for  a son  or  for  a daughter : she  shall 
bring  f a lamb  "of  the  first  year  for  a burnt-offering, 
and  a young  pigeon  or  a turtle-dove  for  a sin- 
offering,  unto  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation  unto  the  priest ; 

7  Who  shall  offer  it  before  the  Lord,  and  smake 
an  atonement  for  her,  and  she  shall  hbe  cleansed 


from  the  issue  of  her  blood.  This  is  the  law  for 
her  that  hath  borne  'a  male  or  a female. 

8  And  if  fshe  be  not  kable  to  bring  a lamb,  then 
she  shall  bring  two  turtles,  or  two  young  pigeons: 
the  one  for  the  burnt-offering,  and  the  other  for  a 
sin-offering : and  the  priest  shall  ‘make  an  atone- 
ment for  her,  and  she  shall  be  clean. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Rules  for  distinguishing  the  plague  of  leprosy , 1 — 44.  The  conduct  prescribed 
to  lepers , 45,  46.  The  leprosy  in  garments,  47—59. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  and  Aaron, 
saying, 

2  When  a man  shall  have  in  the  skin  of  his 
flesh,  a "rising,  “a  scab,  or  bright  spot,  and  it  be 
in  the  skin  of  his  flesh  like  bthe  plague  of  leprosy ; 
then  che  shall  be  brought  unto  Aaron  the  priest,  or 
unto  one  of  his  sons  the  priests. 

3  And  the  priest  dshall  look  on  the  plague  in 
the  skin  of  the  flesh : and  when  the  hair  in  the 
plague  is  turned  white,  and  the  plague  in  sight 
be  'deeper  than  the  skin  of  his  flesh  ; it  is  a plague 
of  leprosy:  and  the  priest  shall  look  on  him  and 
f pronounce  him  unclean. 

4  If  the  bright  spot  be  white  in  the  skin  of  his 
flesh,  and  in  sight  be  not  deeper  than  the  skin,  and 
the  hair  thereof  be  not  turned  white ; then  the  priest 
shall  sshut  up  him  that  hath  the  plague  seven  days. 


I Gen.  1:28.  3:16.  Job  14:4.  15:14.  Ps.51:5.  Rom.  5:12 — 19.  b 15:19.  cGen. 
11:12.  Luke  1:59.  2:21.  John  7:22,23.  Rom.  4:11,12.  Gal. 3:17.  Phil.  3:5.  Col. 
2:11.  d 15:25 — 28.  eCen.3:13.  1 Tim. 2:14,15.  f 1:10.  5:5-10.  John  1:29. 
1 Pel.  1:18,19.  * Heb.  a son  of  his  year,  g See  on  1:4.4:20,26,31.  Job  1:5. 

h 15:28 — 30.  i Gal.  3:28.  | Heb.  her  hand  find  not  sufficiency  of  a lamb,  k 5: 
7.  Luke  2:22,24.  2 Cor.  8:9.  1 4:26.  * Or,  swelling,  a 14:56.  Deut.  28:27.  Is. 


tion,  and  issues  in  corruption,  yet  to  the  believer  its  sting  is 
not  only  removed,  but  its  uncleanness  is  destroyed  ; and,  as 
a desirable  messenger,  it  conveys  him  home  to  his  Father’s 
holy  and  blissful  habitation. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XII.  V.  2—5.  For  one  week  the 
mother  of  a male  child,  and  for  a fortnight  the  mother  of  a 
female,  was  ceremonially  unclean  herself,  and  rendered  all 
who  touched  her  unclean : during  the  remainder  of  the  terms 
here  prescribed,  the  mother  was  secluded  from  sacred  ordi- 
nances, but  communicated  no  pollution  to  others. — The  time 
appointed  for  the  female  child  was  double;  for  by  that  sex 
sin  first  entered : but  in  Christ  this  stigma  is  removed.  When 
the  seven  days  were  expired,  and  the  touch  of  the  mother  no 
longer  caused  pollution, .the  male  child  was  to  be  circumcised. 
This  was  enjoined  to  Abraham,  as  the  seal  of  the  covenant 
made  with  him;  {Notes,  Gen.  17:  Rom.  4:9 — 17.)  and  it  was 
also  incorporated  with  the  law,  as  distinguishing  the  worship- 
pers of  Jehovah  from  idolaters. 

V.  6,  7.  The  sacrifices,  appointed  on  this  occasion,  were 
not  peace-offerings,  as  expressing  gratitude  and  joy,  which 
might  have  been  expected  : but  a burnt-offering,  implying  a 
solemn  dedication  of  both  mother  and  infant  unto  God ; and 
a sin-offering  to  make  atonement,  and  to  bring  sin  to  remem- 
brance, that  it  might  be  repented  of  and  expiated. 

V.  8.  Here  again  the  case  of  the  poor  is  specially  pro- 
vided for.  (Notes,  Luke  2:21 — 24.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

What  could  the  infinitely  wise  God  intend  by  all  these  in- 
Ititutions,  but  to  bring  a charge  of  guilt  and  pollution  against 
the  whole  species,  as  born  of  Adam’s  fallen  race  ? Doubt- 
less this  charge  is  well  grounded : and  the  Lord,  knowing  how 
prone  men  are  to  deny  or  forget  their  real  character  and  situ- 
ation, thus  purposed  to  hold  up  the  memorial  of  them  conti- 
nually before  their  eyes ; and  “ by  line  upon  line,  and  precept 
upon  precept,”  to  teach  them  this  salutary  lesson ; that  man, 
from  his  conception  in  the  womb  to  his  grave,  is  an  unclean 
creature  ; that  he  contracts  guilt,  through  this  defilement,  even 
in  the  most  lawful  and  necessary  actions ; and  that  he  pro- 
pagates the  same  depraved  nature  to  his  offspring : insomuch 
that,  except  as  the  atonement  of  Christ  and  the  sanctification 
of  the  Spirit  prevent,  the  original  blessing,  “increase  and 
multiply,”  is  become  to  the  fallen  race  a dire  curse,  and  the 
communication  of  sin  and  misery : for  “ who  can  bring  a clean 
thing  out  of  an  unclean  ? Not  one.”  This  should  teach  us 
habitual  humiliation  before  God,  and  to  rejoice  in  our  domes- 
tic comforts  with  trembling;  to  walk  watchfully;  to  search 
out  the  evil  that  cleaves  to  our  ordinary  actions  ; and  to  give 
diligence  that  we  may  secure  the  salvation  of  the  gospel. — 
As  we  are  so  unworthy  of  every  good,  we  have  the  greater 
reasori  to  be  thankful  for  all  our  mercies,  and  to  unite  the 
exercise  of  repentance  and  faith,  with  all  our  sacrifices  of 
praise  And  thanksgiving. — When  those  women,  who  profess 
godliness,,  have  been  preserved  in  childbirth ; though  ex- 
empted from  these  burdensome  ceremonies,  they  should  deem 
themselves  doubly  bound  to  take  the  earliest  opportunity  of 
rendering  public  unfeigned  thanks  to  God  for  such  a mercy  : 
they  should  acknowledge  the  justice  of  God  in  all  the  pains 
and  perils  which  through  sin  have  come  upon  the  sex:  and 
join  all  with  penitent  confessions  of  guilt,  renewed  application 
to  the  blood  of  Christ  for  forgiveness,  and  dedication  of  them- 


3:17.  b 14:3,35.  Ex.  4:6,7.  Num.  12:10,12.  2Sarr,.3:29.  2 Kings  5:1,27.  2Chr. 
26:19—21.  Is.  1:6.  c Deut.  17:8,9.  24:8.  Matt.  8:4.  Mark  1:44.  Luke6:H.  17: 
14.  d 2.  10:10.  Ez.  44:23.  Hag.2:ll.  Mai. 2:7.  e 2 Tim. 2:16,17.  3:13. 
f Matt.  16:19.  18:17,18.  John  20:23.  1 Cor.  5:4— 6.  2 Thes.  3:14,15.  1 Tim. 
1:20.  gDeut.  13:14.  1 Tim.  5:24. 


selves  unto  God  through  him.  And  whilst  these  sacrifices  of 
praise,  for  mercies  in  some  sense  common  to  both  parents, 
are  offered  with  united  hearts  by  both ; conscious  that  their 
infant  offspring  hath  from  them  derived  a depraved  nature, 
and  is  come  into  an  evil  world,  how  proper  it  is  that  with 
harmonious  consent  they  devote  their  child  unto  the  Lord  ; 
and  take  comfort  from  the  assurance,  that  the  “ covenant  is 
made  with  them,  for  their  good,  and  the  good  of  their  children 
after  them!”  for  “in  Christ  Jesus  there  is  neither  male  nor 
female.”  Finally,  let  us  bless  God,  that  the  Saviour  “was 
made  of  a woman,  made  under  the  law,  that  he  might  redeem 
them  that  were  under  the  law,  that  we  might  receive  the 
adopti<M>  of  sons :”  and  also  that  “ for  our  sakes  he  became 
poor,  that  we  through  his  poverty  might  be  made  rich.” 
(Notes,  Gal.  4:4—7.  1 Tim.  2:15.) 

NOTES— Chap.  XIII.  V.  1,  2.  As  the  law  contained 
in  the  preceding  chapter,  was  easily  understood  and  applied, 
it  was  addressed  to  Moses  only  ; but  as  that  contained  in  this 
chapter  and  the  next,  involved  many  difficulties,  of  which  the 
priests  were  the  appointed  judges,  it  was  given  to  Aaron 
likewise. — Whatever  diseases,  in  some  respects  like  that 
here  described,  had  been  known  in  other  nations  ; it  is  evident 
from  the  very  language  used,  that  this  disease  was  in  great 
measure  peculiar  to  Israel. — It  is  called  “ the  plague  of  le- 
prosy,” which  implies  that  it  was  generally,  if  not  always,  in- 
flicted by  the  immediate  judgment  of  God.  Indeed,  this  must 
be  evident  from  a careful  consideration  of  the  scriptures 
referred  to  in  the  margin.  No  remedy  is  any  where  men- 
tioned : nay,  it  is  implied  in  the  answer  of  the  king  of  Israel 
respecting  the  leprosy  of  Naaman,  that  it  could  not  be  cured 
but  by  the  immediate  power  of  God.  (2  Kings  5:7.)  When 
any  one  supposed  that  he  was  visited  with  this  disorder,  or  it 
was  suspected  by  those  about  him ; he  was  not  directed  to  con- 
sult a physician,  but  to  apply  to  the  priests:  great  care  was 
required,  and  many  particular  rules  given,  in  order  to  distin- 
guish it  from  other  maladies  ; and  when  it  was  removed,  the 
diseased  person  is  more  frequently  said  to  be  cleansed,  than 
healed. — It  does  not  appear  to  have  been  infectious,  as  many 
suppose  ; but,  as  ceremonial  pollution  was  communicated  to 
all  who  touched  the  leper,  he  was  excluded  from  the  society 
of  the  people,  as  well  as  from  the  courts  of  the  Lord:  and 
when  the  leprosy  was  cleansed,  he  was  not  readmitted,  till 
after  divers  sacrifices  and  purifications.— All  this  seems  to 
represent  the  state  of  a sinner,  whose  heart  is  entirely  un- 
sanctified, and  in  whom  sin  has  dominion  : whatever  his  pro- 
fession may  be, he  has  yet  no  benefit  from  the  great  Sacrifice 
for  sin,  nor  is  he  meet  for  communion  with  God,  or  his  peo;  le 
on  earth,  much  less  in  heaven,  unless  he  be  cleansed  : and  as 
we  proceed,  we  shall  perceive  many  other  things  admitting  of 
an  apt  accommodation. — A few  hints,  however,  must  suffice 
on  this  intricate,  and  to  us  not  very  interesting  subject.  Yet 
we  must  suppose  that  the  all-wise  Legislator  had  some  impor- 
tant meaning  in  these  institutions;  and  therefore  we  should 
not  blame  the  sober  attempts  of  those,  who  modestly  point 
out  what  seems  to  them  to  have  been  intended.  Indeed,  the 
scriptures  referred  to  in  the  margin  generally  give  the  best 
intimations  on  the  subject. 

V.  3 — 8.  The  hair  turned  white,  in  the  diseased  part,  may 
denote  the  case  of  those  who  grow  hoary  in  sin,  and  yet  go 
on  in  it ; and  the  plague  apparently  deeper  than  the  skin,  bg 

( 221  ) 


B.  L.  J490.  LEVITICUS.  B.  C.  1490. 


5 Aqd  the  priest  shall  'look  on  him  the  seventh 
day:  and,  behold,  if  the  plague  in  his  sight  be  at 
a stay,  and  the  plague  spread  not  in  the  skin; 
then  the  priest  shall  shut  him  up  seven  days 
more. 

6 And  the  priest  shall  look  on  him  aarain  the 
seventh  day : and,  behold,  if  the  plague  he  some- 
what dark,  and  the  plague  spread  not  in  the  skin  ; 
tiie  priest  shall  '“pronounce  him  clean  : it  is  but  “a 
scab:  and  he  shall  '“wash  his  clothes,  and  be  clean. 

7 But  if  'the  scab  spread  much  abroad  in  the 
skin,  after  that  he  hath  been  seen  of  the  priest  for 
his  cleansing  ; he  shall  be  seen  of  the  priest  again. 

8 And  if  the  priest  see,  that,  behold,  the  scab 
spreadeth  in  the  skin  ; then  the  priest  shall  “"pro- 
nounce him  unclean  ; it  is  a leprosy. 

9 If  When  the  plague  of  leprosy  is  in  a man, 
then  he  shall  be  brought  unto  the  priest : 

10  And  the  priest  "shall  see  him:  and,  behold, 
if  the  rising  be  white  in  the  skin,  and  it  have  turn- 
ed the  hair  white,  and  there  be  "quick  raw  flesh  in 
the  rising ; 

11  It  is  an  old  leprosy  in  the  skin  of  his  flesh, 
and  the  priest  shall  pronounce  him  unclean,  and 
shall  not  shut  him  up  : for  he  is  unclean. 

12  And  if  a leprosy  break  out  abroad  in  the 
skin,  and  the  leprosy  "cover  all  the  skin  of  him 
that  hath  the  plague,  from  his  head  even  to  his 
foot,  wheresoever  the  priest  looketh  ; 

13  Then  the  priest  shall  consider:  and,  behold, 
if  the  leprosy  have  covered  all  his  flesh,  he  shall 
pronounce  him  clean  that  hath  the  plague : it  is  all 
turned  white  : he  is  clean. 

14  But  when  Praw  flesh  appeareth  in  him,  he 
shall  be  unclean. 

15  And  the  priest  shall  see  the  raw  flesh,  and 
pronounce  him  to  be  unclean:  for  the  raw  flesh  is 
unclean  : it  is  a leprosy. 

16  Or  if  the  raw  flesh  “flurn  again,  and  be 
changed  into  white  ; he  shall  come  unto  the  priest : 

17  And  the  priest  shall  see  him ; and,  behold, 
if  the  plague  be  turned  into  white  ; then  the  priest 
shall  pronounce  him  clean  that  hath  the  plague : 
he  is  clean. 

18  If  The  flesh  also,  in  which,  even  in  the  skin 
thereof,  was  ra  boil  and  is  healed, 

19  And  in  the  place  of  the  boil  there  be  a white 
rising,  or  a bright  spot  white,  and  somewhat  red- 
dish, and  it  be  showed  to  the  priest : 

20  And  if,  when  the  priest  seeth  it,  behold,  it 
be  Bin  sight  lower  than  the  skin,  and  the  hair  there- 
of be  turned  white  ; the  priest  shall  pronounce 
him  unclean : it  is  a plague  of  leprosy  broken  out 
of  the  boil. 

h Is. 11:3, 4.  42:3.  Rom.  14:1 . Judrt  22,23.  i 2.  Deut.  32:5.  Jam.  3:2.  It  11:25.28,40. 
14:8.  Ps.  19:12.  Pra».20:9.  Jolm  13:8—10.  2 Cor.  7:1.  Hob.  9:10.  10:22.  1 John 
1:7-9.  127,35,36.  Ps.  38:3.  Is.  1:5,0.  Rom.  6:12— 14.  2 Tim.  2:16,17.  m See 
on  3.  Mall. 15:7,8.  ,4clo8:21.  Phil.  3:18,19.  2Pet. 2:19.  n 3,4.  Nurn.  12:10— 
12.  2 Kings  5:27.  2 Chr.  26:20.  * Heb.  the  quickening  of  living  flrsh.  14,15,24. 
Prov.  12:1.  Am.  5:10.  John  319, 20.  7:7.  o 1 Kings  8:33.  Job  40:4.  42:6.  Is.  64: 
6.  John  16:8,9.  Rom.  7:14.  1 John  1:8— 10.  p 10.  q Rom  7:14—24.  Gal.  1:14 


opposed  to  a superficial,  cutaneous  disorder,  may  mark  those 
evil  courses,  which  result  from  the  habitually  corrupt  state  of 
the  heart,  as  distinguished  from  sins  fallen  into  through  sud- 
den temptation. — If  the  case  were  doubtful,  the  priest  must 
shut  up  the  person  for  a week  or  two,  if  needful : which  im- 
plies the  care  ministers  should  take,  in  discriminating  between 
cases  which  at  first  view  appear  alike.  If  then  the  disease 
appeared  to  be  stopped,  and  no  peculiar  symptoms  of  leprosy 
were  seen,  it  was  concluded  to  be  some  other  disorder,  and 
the  priest  pronounced  him  clean ; yet,  having  been  considered 
as  a leper,  he  must  wash  his  clothes  before  he  went  into  so- 
ciety, or  to  the  courts  of  the  Lord. — On  the  other  hand,  the 
spreading  of  the  disease  was  a proof  that  it  was  a leprosy  ; 
as  it  is  evident,  that  a man  who  grows  worse  and  worse,  after 
convictions  and  reproofs,  is  under  the  dominion  of  sin. 

V.  9 — 17.  The  principal  symptoms  to  bo  noted  in  these 
verses,  are  u the  quick  raw  flesh  in  the  tumour,”  indicating  a 
sharp  corrosive  humour,  breaking  through  the  skin  in  a parti- 
cular part.  It  was  thus  distinguished  from  a disorder,  called 
indeed  the  leprosy,  but  of  another  nature,  which  freely  broke 
out  in  a white  scurf  all  over  the  body,  but  without  the  raw 
flesh.  The  former  indicated  an  inveterate  leprosy,  and  when- 
ever it  appeared  rendered  the  person  unclean;  but  the  latter 
4id  not.  As  these  are  thus  contrasted,  the  latter  apfly  repre- 
sents that  con  piousness  of  sin,  which  produces  unreserved 
ingenuous  confessions,  and  patience  of  reproof,  and  the  former 
may  perhaps  denote  the  d sposition  of  unhumbled  sinners  to 

( ‘m  ) 


21  But  if  the  priest  look  on  it,  and,  behold, 
there  be  no  white  hairs  therein,  and  if  it  be  not 
lower  than  the  skin,  but  be  somewhat  dark  ; then 
the  priest  shall  shut  him  up  seven  days. 

22  And  if'  it  spread  much  abroad  in  the  skin, 
then  the  priest  shall  pronounce  him  unclean  ; it  is 
a plague. 

23  But  if  the  bright  spot  ‘stay  in  his  place,  and 
spread  not,  it  is  a burning  boil ; and  the  priest 
shall  pronounce  him  clean. 

24  H Or  if  there  be  any  flesh,  in  the  s*in 
whereof  there  is  ta  hot  burning,  and  the  quick 
flesh  that  burnetii  have  a white  bright  spot,  some- 
what reddish  or  white ; 

25  Then  the  priest  shall  look  upon  it : and,  be- 
hold, if  the  hair  in  the  bright  spot  be  "turned 
white,  and  it  be  in  sight  deeper  than  the  skin  ; it 
is  a leprosy  broken  out  of  the  burning : where- 
fore the  priest  shall  pronounce  him  unclean  : it  is 
the  plague  of  leprosy. 

26  But  if  the  priest  look  on  it,  and,  behold, 
there  be  no  white  hair  in  the  bright  spot,  and  it  be 
no  lower  than  the  other  skin,  hut  be  somewhat 
dark;  ““then  the  priest  shall  shut  him  up  seven 
days. 

27  And  the  priest  shall  look  upon  him  the 
seventh  day ; and  if  it  be  spread  much  abroad  in 
the  skin,  then  the  priest  shall  pronounce  him  un- 
clean : >“it  is  the  plague  of  leprosy. 

28  And  if  the  bright  spot  stay  in  his  place,  and 
spread  not  in  the  skin,  but  it  be  somewhat  dark  : 
it  is  a rising  of  the  burning,  and  the  priest  shall 
pronounce  him  clean  ; for  it  is  an  inflammation  of 
the  burning. 

29  H If  a man  or  woman  hath  a plague  “upon 
the  head  or  the  beard  ; 

30  Then  the  priest  shall  see  the  plague : and, 
behold,  if  it  be  in  sight  deeper ’than  the  skin,  and 
there  be  in  it  a yellow  thin  hair ; then  the  priest 
shall  pronounce  him  unclean : it  is  a dry  "scall, 
even  a leprosy  upon  the  head  or  beard. 

31  And  if  the  priest  look  on  the  plague  of  the 
seal!,  and,  behold,  it  be  not  in  sight  deeper  than 
the  skin ; and  that  there  is  no  black  hair  in  it : 
then  the  priest  shall  shut  up  him  that  hath  the 
plague  of  the  scall  seven  days. 

32  And  in  the  seventh  day  the  priest  shall 
look  on  the  plague : and?  behold,  if  the  scall 
spread  not,  and  there  be  in  it  no  byellow  hair, 
and  the  scaH  be  not  in  sight  deeper  than  the 
skin ; 

33  He  shall  be  shaven,  but  the  scall  shall  he  not 
shave  : and  the  priest  shall  shut  up  him  that  hath 
the  scall  seven  days  more. 

—16.  Phil.  3:6— 8.  1 Tim.  1:13— 15.  r Ex.  9:9.  15:26.  2 Kins.  20:7.  Job  2:7. 
Ps.  38:3—7.  Is.  38:21.  s See  on  3.  Molt.  12:45.  John  5:14.  2 Pet.  2.20.  t Gen. 
38:26.  2 Sam.  12:13.  2 Chr.  19:2,3.  Job  34:31,32.  40:4,5.  Prov.  28:13.  Mult.  .6: 
75.  2 Cor.  2:7.  Gal.  6:1.  lPel.4:2,3.  t Heb.  a turning  of  f.re.  In.  3:24.  u 4 : 18 
— 20.  x 4,5,33.  ySee  cm  2.  x 1 Kinss  12:28.  Ps.  53:4.  Is.  1:8.  5:20.  9:15.  Mio. 
3:11.  Matt. 6:23.  13:14,15.  John  16:2,3.  Act* 22:3,4.  26:9,10.  2 Cor.  4:3.4. 
2The*.  2:11,12.  a 34— 37.  14:54.  b 30.  Matt. 23:5.  I.uke  18:9— 12.  Rom. 2:23. 


resist  conviction,  and,  amidst  the  clearest  evidence  of  crimi- 
nality, to  be  angry  with  the  mildest  faithful  reprover. 

V.  18 — 23.  These  verses  direct  the  priests  how  to  dis- 
tinguish between  any  ordinary  malady,  which  might  follow  an 
old  ulcer  after  it  had  been  healed,  and  the  leprosy  breaking 
out  in  the  spot. — The  word  rendered  “reddish”  probably 
signifies  very  shining , and  seems  distinguished  from  a dusky 
white , as  a symptom  of  leprosy. — The  44  leprosy  broken  out 
of  the  boil,”  may  represent  the  return  of  a professed  believer 
to  the  habitual  practice  of  sin,  when  44  his  last  state  becomes 
worse  than  the  first.” 

V.  24 — 28.  This  passage  is  supposed  to  state  the  case  of 
such  as  had  been  hurt  by  fire  ; for  the  introductory  words 
may  be  rendered, 44  Or  the  flesh,  when  there  shall  be  in  the  skin 
a burning  of  fire"  &c.  This  would  leave  a scar  ; and  a leprosy 
might  appear  in  the  spot,  and  must  be  distinguished  from  the 
scar  by  the  rules  here  given. — It  may  be  discovered  on  careful 
investigation,  whether  sin  or  grace  rules  in  the  heart,  from 
the  effects  produced  by  various  external  events  on  a man’s 
spirit  and  conduct. 

V.  29 — 37.  The  priests  wero  here  taught,  to  distinguish  the 
leprosy  among  the  hair,  on  the  head  or  heard,  from  oilier  dis- 
orders which  might  resemble  it.  The  yellow  thin  hair,  instead 
of  the  white,  was  here  the  symptom  of  leprosy,  in  conra  \ion 
with  the  marks  before  laid  down,  and  the  black  hair  »<!  the 

If  therefore  neither  of  these  ap]  *r  ’he 

person  had  been  shut  up  seven  days,  the  case  still  ivmninc  J 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


34  Ami  in  cthe  seventh  day  the  priest  shall  lool< 
on  the  scall:  and  behold,  if  the  scall  ‘‘be  not 
spread  in  the  skin,  nor  be  in  sight  deeper  than  the 
skin  ; then  the  priest  shall  pronounce  him  clean  : 
‘and  he  sha  wash  his  clothes,  and  be  clean. 

35  But  if  the  scall  f spread  much  in  the  skin 
after  his  cleansing ; 

36  Then  the  priest  shall  look  on  him  : and,  be- 
hold, if  the  scall  be  spread  in  the  skin,  the  priest 
shall  not  seek  for  yellow  hair ; he  is  unclean. 

37  But  if  the  scall  be  in  his  sight  at  a stay,  and 
that  there  is  black  hair  grown  up  therein ; the 
scall  is  healed,  he  is  clean : and  the  priest  shall 
pronounce  him  clean. 

38  11  If  a man  also,  or  a woman,  have  in  the 
skin  of  their  flesh  bright  spots,  even  white  bright 
8 pots ; 

39  Then  the  priest  shall  look  : and,  behold,  "if 
the  bright  spots  in  the  skin  of  their  flesh  be  darkish 
white ; it  is  a freckled  spot  that  groweth  in  the 
skin ; he  is  clean. 

40  11  And  the  man  whose  ’hair  is  fallen  off  his 
head,  he  is  bald : yet  is  he  clean. 

41  And  he  that  hath  his  hair  fallen  off  from  the 
art  of  his  head  toward  his  face,  he  is  forehead- 
aid  : yet  is  he  clean. 

42  And  if  there  be  in  the  bald  head,  or  bald 
forehead,  a white  reddish  sore ; it  is  a leprosy 
sprung  up  in  his  bald  head,  or  his  bald  forehead. 

43  Then  the  priest  shall  look  upon  it:  and,  be- 
hold, the  rising  of  the  sore  be  ivhite  reddish  in 
his  bald  head,  or  in  his  bald  forehead,  as  the  le- 
prosy appeareth  in  the  skin  of  the  flesh ; 

44  He  is  a leprous  man,  he  is  unclean:  the 
priest  shall  pronounce  him  butterly  unclean ; his 
plague  is  in  his  head. 

45  H And  the  leper  in  whom  the  plague  is,  'his 
clothes  shall  be  rent,  and  his  head  bare,  and  he 
shall  kput  a covering  upon  his  upper  lip,  and  shall 
cry,  ‘Unclean,  unclean. 

46  All  the  days  wherein  the  plague  shall  be  in 
him,  he  shall  be  defiled  ; he  is  unclean  : he  shall 
dwell  alone,  “without  the  camp  shall  his  habita- 
tion be. 

47  "IT  The  "garment  also  that  the  plague  of  le- 
prosy is  in,  whether  it  be  a woollen  garment,  or  a 
linen  garment, 

48  Whether  it  be  in  the  warp,  or  woof,  of  linen 

c 1 John  4:1.  Jude  22.  Rev. 2:2.  d 23.  eSeeon  6.  f7:27.  2 Tim.  2:16,17.  3: 

13.  g Ec.  7:20.  Rom.  7:22  — 25.  Jam.  3:2.  ’Heb . head  is  pilled.  h Job  36: 

14.  Malt.  6:23.  2 Pet.  2:1.2.  2 John  8— 10.  i Gen.  37:29.  Job  1:20.  Jer.  3:25.  Joel 

2:13.  k Ez. 24:17.22.  Mic.  3:7.  1 Job  42:6.  Is.  6:5.  52:11.  64:6.  Lam.  4:15. 

Lake  5:8.  7:6,7.  17:12.  m Num.  5.2.  12:14,15.  2 Kings  7:3.  15:5.  2 ( hr.  26:21. 
Lam.  1:8.  1 Cor.  5:9— 13.  2 Thes.  3:6,14.  1 Tim.  6:5.  Ileb.  12:15,16.  Rev.  21: 


doubtful,  and  he  must  be  shut  up  other  seven  days. — Yet,  at 
last,  if  the  disorder  spread  much,  after  the  priest  had  pro- 
nounced him  clean,  he  was  to  be  deemed  leprous,  even  though 
no  yellow  hairs  appeared. 

V.  38,  39.  Such  spots  as  are  called  freckles  are  here  dis- 
tinguished from  leprosy.— May  not  the  while,  very  shining, 
yellow,  gold  colour,  which  in  all  cases  distinguished  the  leprosy 
from  other  disorders,  and  which  are  opposed  to  black,  or 
darkish  white,  be  emblematic  of  the  pride,  self-complacency, 
and  ostentation,  or  of  the  boasting  and  glorying  in  things  either 
evil  or  worthless,  which  mark  the  servant  of  sin,  as  contrasted 
with  the  modesty  and  humility  of  the  true  penitent? — Even 
“ the  bright  spots,”  in  this  case,  are  said  to  be  darkish  white. 

V.  40 — 44.  The  leprosy  in  the  bald  head  is  here  distin- 
guished from  mere  baldness. — The  word  rendered  “reddish," 
here  also  means  very  shining. — It  is  observable,  that  he  that 
was  leprous  in  the  head  was  pronounced  “ utterly  unclean.” 
This  may  represent  the  dangerous  case  of  those  who  are 
emboldened  in  wickedness  by  infidel  or  heretical  principles. 

Y.  45, 4(1.  The  leprosy  was  a disgrace  to  a man’s  character ; 
it  incapacitated  him  for  business,  secluded  him  Trom  the  so- 
ciety even  of  his  nearest  friends,  and  that  of  all  persons 
except  lepers  like  himself ; and  even  shut  him  out  from  the 
sanctuary  of  God : yet  he  must  abide  by  the  decision  of  the 
priest,  and  humble  himself  under  the  divine  rebuke  ; proclaim 
his  own  shame,  and  show  peculiar  indications  of  self-abase- 
ment, and  of  submission  to  the  righteousness  of  God. 

V.  47—59.  The  leprosy  in  garments  was  evidently  super- 
natural, and  peculiar  to  the  Israelites.  The  word  rendered 
“greenish,”  means  the  most  vivid  green. — The  different  kinds 
of  garments  mentioned  are  put  for  every  sort  which  they 
should  use. — This  extraordinary  case  might  denote  the  ma- 
lignity and  defiling  nature  of  sin,  and  the  necessity  there  is 
of  parting  with  all  occasions  of  transgression,  “ hating  even 
the  garment  spotted  with  the  flesh.”  Such  spotted  garments 


B.  C.  1490. 

or  of  woollen,  whether  in  a skin,  or  in  any  'thing 
made  of  skin  : 

49  And  if  the  plague  be  greenish  or  reddish  in 
the  garment,  or  in  the  skin,  either  in  the  warp  or 
in  the  wool,  or  in  any  Hhing  of  skin ; °it  is  a 
plague  of  leprosy,  and  shall  be  showed  unto  the 
priest. 

50  And  the  priest  shall  look  upon  the  plague, 
and  shut  up  it  that  hath  the  plague  seven  days. 

51  And  he  shall  look  on  the  plague  on  the 
seventh  day : if  the  plague  be  spread  in  the  gar 
ment,  either  in  the  warp,  or  in  the  woof,  or  in  a 
skin,  or  in  any  work  that  is  made  of  skin ; th» 
plague  is  a fretting  leprosy  ; it  is  unclean. 

52  He  shall  therefore  (’burn  that  garment, 
whether  warp  or  woof,  in  woollen  or  in  linen, 
or  any  thing  of  skin,  wherein  the  plague  is:  for  it 
is  a '(fretting  leprosy ; it  shall  be  burnt  in  the  fire. 

53  And  if  the  priest  shall  look,  and,  behold, 
the  plague  be  not  spread  in  the  garment,  either 
in  the  warp,  or  in  the  woof,  or  in  any  thing  of 
skin ; 

54  Then  the  priest  shall  command  that  they 
wash  the  thing'  wherein  the  plague  is,  and  he  shall 
shut  it  up  seven  days  more. 

55  And'  the  priest  shall  look  on  the  plague 
"after  that  it  is  washed:  and,  behold,  if  the 

lague  have  not  changed  his  colour,  and  the  plague 
e not  spread  ; it  is  unclean,  thou  shalt  burn  it  in 
the  fire  ; it  is  fret  inward,  whether  ht  be  bare 
within  or  without. 

56  And  if  the  priest  look,  and,  behold,  the 
plague  be  somewhat  dark  after  the  washing  of  it: 
then  he  shall  jend  it  out  of  the  garment,  or  out  Oi 
the  skin,  or  out  of  the  warp,  or  out  of  the  woof. 

57  And  if  it  appear  still  in  the  garment,  either 
in  the  warp,  or  in  the  woof,  or  in  any  thing  of 
skin  ; it  is  a spreading  plague  : thou *  3shalt  burn 
that  wherein  the  plague  is,  with  fire. 

58  And  the  garment,  either  warp  or  woof,  or 
whatsoever  thing  of  skin  it  be,  which  thou  shalt 
wash,  if  the  plague  be  departed  from  them,  then 
it  shall  ‘be  washed  the  second  time,  and  shall  be 
clean. 

59  This  is  the  law  of  the  plague  of  leprosy  in 
a garment  of  woollen  or  linen,  either  in  the  warp 
or  woof,  or  any  thing  of  skins,  to  pronounce  it 
clean,  or  to  pronounce  it  unclean. 

27.  22:15.  n Is.  3:16—24.  59:6.  61:6.  Ez.  16:16.  Rom.  13:12.  Eph.  4:22.  Col.  3 

3.  Jade  23.  t Heb.  work  of.  } Heb.  vessel , or  instrument,  o See  on  2.  p 11: 
35.  Dent.  7:25,26.  Is.  30:22.  Acts  19:19,20.  q 14:44,45.  r Ez.  24:13.  Heb.  6:4 
— 7.  2 Pel.  1:9.  2:20 — 22.  § Heb.  it  be  bald  in  the  head  thereof,  or  in  the  fore- 
headthereof . e Is.  33:14.  Matt.  2*2:7.  25:41.  Rev.  21:8,27.  I 2 Kings  5: 10,14. 
Ps.  51:2.  2 Cor.  7:1.  12:8.  Heb.  9:10.  Rev.  1:5.  7:14. 


are  those,  however  rich  and  beautiful,  which  are  the  incen- 
tives to  pride  and  lust. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  a question  of  the  utmost  importance,  whether  sin 
possess  dominion  in  our  hearts,  or  not.  For  if  it  do,  we  have 
no  interest  in  Christ,  no  fellowship  with  Christians,  no  real 
communion  with  God  in  his  ordinances,  no  inheritance  in  his 
kingdom,  no  meetness  for  that  holy  habitation:  but,  if  sin  be 
dethroned,  though  it  dwell  within,  and  cause  much  conflict 
and  disquietude,  and  even  produce  defilements  in  our  conduct 
and  in  our  best  services,  which  require  us  to  humble  ourselves 
before  God  ; yet  we  are  his  children,  accepted  in  the  Beloved, 
and  have  the  seal  of  his  Spirit  in  our  hearts.  We  should 
therefore  be  willing  to  give  this  important  matter  a fair  trial, 
according  to  the  sacred  oracles,  using  the  assistance  of  mi- 
nisters and  experienced  Christians;  but,  above  all,  opening 
the  case  to  our  heart-searching,  compassionate  High-Priest 
above.  Though  we  ought  to  be  jealous  of  ourselves,  and  ready 
to  suspect  the  worst,  we  should  not  deem  every  infirmity,  or 
occasional  misconduct,  an  evidence  of  hypocrisy  or  unconver- 
sion : but  should  judge  impartially  ; duly  considering,  on  the  one 
hand,  the  imperfect  state  of  Christians  in  this  world,  and  on 
the  other,  adverting  to  the  numbers  “ who  think  themselves 
something  when  they  are  nothing.” — The  ministers  of  Christ 
peculiarly  need  exact  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures,  and  expe- 
rimental acquaintance  with  the  nature  and  effects  of  divine 
grace,  as  well  as  much  caution,  attention,  and  tenderness, 
when  they  are  called  upon  to  deal  thus  with  men’s  consciences 
in  doubtful  cases ; that  they  may  neither  deceive  some,  nor 
distress  others:  and  they  must  be  sure  to  do  nothing  rashly, 
or  without  mature  examination. — They  who  desire  to  ascer- 
tain the  state  of  their  own  souls,  should  not  decide  hastily  \ 
but  should  wait  upon  the  Lord,  and  on  the  ministry  of  the 
word,  week  afier  week:  and  if  on  such  occasions  they  sepa- 
rate themselves  more  than  usual  from  the  world,  that  thev 
( 222  j 


LEYITICUS. 


B.  C.  149G 


B.  C.  149C. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

The  ceremonies  and  sacrifices  appointed , when  a leper  had  been  healed,  1 — 32. 

The  lei/rosy  in  a house,  and  the  cleansing  of  it,  33 — 53.  The  subject  cloeed, 

Si— 57. 

ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying;, 

2  This  shall  be  “the  law  of  the  leper,  bin  the 
day  of  his  cleansing : che  shall  be  brought  unto 
the  priest: 

3 And  the  priest  shall  go  forth  dout  of  the  camp: 
and  the  priest  shall  look,  and.  behold,  if  the  plague 
of  leprosy  ebe  healed  in  the  leper ; 

4 Then  shall  the  priest  command  to  take  for 
him  that  is  to  be  cleansed, 1 two  'birds  alive  and 
clean,  and  ^cedar-wood,  and  hscarlet,  and  ‘hyssop. 

5 And  the  priest  shall  command  that  one  of  the 
birds  be  killed  in  an  kearthen  vessel  over  running 
water : 

6 As  for  'the  living  bird,  he  shall  take  it,  and  the 
cedar-wood,  and  the  scarlet,  and  the  hyssop,  and 
shall  mdip  them  and  the  living  bird  in  the  blood  of 
the  bird  that  was  killed  over  the  running  water. 

7 And  he  shall  "sprinkle  upon  him,  that  is  to  be 
cleansed  from  the  leprosy,  "seven  times,  and  shall 
Ppronounce  him  clean,  and  shalMet  the  living  bird 
loose  ‘into  the  open  field. 

8 And  he  that  is  to  be  cleansed  shall  "wash  his 
clothes  and  shave  off'  all  his  hair,  and  “wash  him- 
self in  water,  that  he  may  be  clean ; and  after  that 
he  shall  come  into  the  camp,  and  shall  tarry  abroad 
out  of  his  tent  ‘seven  days. 

9 But  it  shall  be  on  the  seventh  day,  that  he 

a 54—57.  13:59.  bNum.6:9.  c Malt.  8:2 — 4.  Mirk  1:40 — 44.  Luke5:13-I4. 
17:14.  d 13:46.  e Ex.  15:26.  2 Kings  5:3,7,8,14.  Job  5:18.  Matt.  10:8.  11:5. 
Luke4:27.  7:22.  17:15— 19.  1 Cor.  6:9— 11.  11:14.5:7.12:8.  * Or,  sparrows. 
g6,49— 52.  Num.  19:6.  h Heb.  9:19.  i Ex.  12:22.  Num.  19:18.  Ps.  51:7.  k Num. 
5:17.  2 Cor.  4:7.  5:1.  13:4.  Heb. 2:14.  IJohnl4:19.  Rom. 4:25.  5:10. 
Phil.  2:9—11.  Heb.  1:3.  Rev.  1:18.  m 51—53.  Zech.  13:1 . Rev.  1:5.  n Num. 
19:18,19.  Is.  52:15.  Ez.  36:25.  John  19:34.  Heb.  9:13  19.  10:22.  12:24.  1 Pet.  1: 
2.  1 John  5:6.  o 51.  4:6,17.  8:1:.  16:14,19.  2 Kings  5:10,14.  Ps.  51:2,7.  Eph. 
5:26,27.  p 13:13,17.  q 16:22.  Dan.  9:24.  Mic.  7:19.  Heb.  9:26.  1 Heb.  upon 

may  in  secret  search  the  Scriptures,  and  pour  out  their  hearts 
more  frequently  and  fully  in  prayer,  it  will  greatly  conduce  to 
a satisfactory  solution.  But  even  if  this  question  is  resolved, 
and  we  are  humbly  satisfied  that  we  are  real  Christians,  we 
must  remember  that  u in  many  things  we  offend  all and  that 
we  have  occasion  for  continual  washing  in  the  blood  of  Christ. 
— On  the  other  hand,  when  it  is  plain,  on  scriptural  grounds, 
that  a man  is  unconverted  and  unclean ; it  is  right  that  he 
should  know  it,  and  that  others  should  be  warned  to  withdraw 
from  his  polluting  society.  And  how  dreadful  is  the  case  of 
those  whom  the  decisions  of  faithful  ministers,  the  conduct  of 
true  believers,  and  the  express  testimonies  of  God’s  word, 
concur  in  declaring  unmeet  to  partake  of  sacred  ordinances ; 
and  consequently  inadmissible  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  if 
they  live  and  die  in  this  state ! Even  on  earth  all  their  pos- 
sessions, comforts,  and  performances,  are  defiled ; if  they  do 
not  also  contaminate  the  principles  and  conduct  of  others. 
Yet  still  there  is  hope  in  this  case;  for  by  the  gospel  that 
leprosy  is  cleansed,  which  the  law  could  but  discover.  It  is 
therefore  the  only  wisdom  of  him  who  discovers  this  to  be  his 
case,  to  condemn  himself,  to  submit  to  God,  and  to  seek  the 
mercy  and  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  to  watch  against 
the  self-deceptions  to  which  the  human  heart  is  prone  ; to  be- 
ware of  self-preference,  on  account  of  those  splendid  distinc- 
tions which  men  admire,  but  which  are  often  abominations  in 
the  sight  of  God  ; and  to  apply  to  the  Saviour,  as  he  of  old, 
“ Lord,  if  thou  wilt,  thou  canst  make  me  clean.”  But  would 
they  hear  him  say,  “ I will,  be  thou  clean  ;”  they  must  re- 
nounce every  other  plea,  be  willing  to  part  with  every  sin, 
and  every  occasion  of  sin,  submit  to  his  rebukes,  attend  upon 
his  directions,  and  give  him  all  the  praise  for  their  deliverance 
from  so  dreadful  a malady.  Finally,  if  we  have  in  some 
measure  experienced  his  cleansing  power,  we  shall  gradually 
become  willing  to  put  off  this  leprous  garment  of  the  body, 
and  leave  it  to  be  refined  in  the  grave,  that  we  may  be  for 
ever  with  the  Lord. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XIV.  V.  1 — 3.  No  means  are  here 
appointed  for  healing  the  leper ; the  cleansing  mentioned 
being  no  ether  than  his  ceremonial  purification , previously  to 
his  readmission  to  sacred  ordinances  and  to  society,  when 
the  Lord  had  been  pleased  to  remove  the  plague : and  the 
rules  given  very  aptly  represent  many  of  the  duties  of  repent- 
ing sinners,  as  well  as  those  of  ministers  respecting  them. — 
It  seems  the  priests  might  visit  the  lepers,  and  even  touch 
them,  without  contracting  uncleanness;  and  the  seasonable 
instruction  which  they  might  give  them,  as  well  as  the  assist- 
ance that  they  would  be  able  to  afford  them  in  their  devotions, 
might  often  render  this  a great  mercy  and  comfort  to  them 
tinder  their  affliction. 

V.  4 — 7.  The  “ two  birds,”  one  slain  over  springing  water 
in  an  earthen  vessel,  and  the  other  set  at  liberty,  having  been 
dipped  in  this  mixture  of  blood  and  water,  may  signify  Christ 
shedding  his  blood  for  sinners,  and  then  rising  and  ascending 
into  heaven,  there  to  appear  in  the  presence  of  God  for  us: 

‘ ( 224  ) 


shall  “shave  all  his  hair  off  his  head,  and  his  beard, 
and  his  oyebrows,  even  all  his  hair  he  shall  shave 
off:  and  he  shall  wash  his  clothes,  also  he  shall 
wash  his  flesh  in  water,  and  he  shall  be  clean. 

10  And  on  the  ^eighth  day  he  shall  Hake  two 
‘he- lambs  without  blemish,  and  one  “ewe-lamb  ‘of 
the  first  year  without  blemish,  and  b three  tenth- 
deals  of  fine  flour  for  ca  meat-offering  mingled 
with  oil,  and  one  dlog  of  oil. 

11  And  the  priest  that  maketh  him  clean,  shall 
'present  the  man  that  is  to  be  made  clean,  and 
those  things  before  the  Lord,  at  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation  : 

12  And  the  priest  shall  take  one  he-lamb  and 
offer  him  for  f a trespass-offering,  and  the  bg  of 
oil,  and  Ewave  them  for  a wave-offering  before 
the  Lord. 

13  And  he  shall  slay  the  lamb  hin  the  place 
where  he  shall  kill  the  sin-offering  and  the  burnt- 
offering  in  the  holy  place : for  ‘as  the  sin-offering 
is  the  priest’s,  so  is  the  trespass-offering : kit  is 
most  holy. 

14  And  the  priest  shall  take  some  of  the  blood  of 
the  trespass-offering,  and  the  priest  shall  put  it 
‘upon  the  tip  of  the  right  ear  of  him  that  is  to  be 
cleansed,  and  upon  the  thumb  of  his  right  hand, 
and  upon  the  great  toe  of  his  right  foot. 

15  And  the  priest  shall  take  some  of  the  log  of 
"•oil,  and  pour  it  into  the  palm  of  his  own  left 
hand : 


the  face  of  the  field,  r 11:25.  13:6.  15:5-8.  Ex.  19:10,14.  Num.  8:7.  Rex.  7. 
14.  s 8:6.  1 Pet.  3:21.  Rex.  1:5,6.  18:33—35.13:5.  u Num.  6:9.  8:7.  x 23. 
9:1.15:13,14.  y Malt.  8:4.  Mark  1:44.  Luke  5:14.  z 1:10.  John  1:29.  1 Pel. 
1:19.  a 4:32.  Num.  6:14.  % Heb.  the  daughter  of  her  year.  1)23:13.  Ex. 29: 
40.  Num.  15:9  . 28:20.  c 2:1.  Num.  15:4—15.  John  6:33,51.  d 12,15,21,24.  e 8: 
3.  Ex.  29:1—4.  Num.  8:6—11,21.  f5:2,3, 6,7,18,19.  6:6.  Is.53:l0.  g7:30.  8t 

27— 29.  Ex.  29:24.  h 1:5,11.  4:4,24.  i 7:7.  10:17.  k 2:3.  7:6.  21 :22.  18:23, 
24.  Ex.  29:20.  Is.  50:5.  Rom.  6:13,19.  12:1.  1 Cor.  6:20.  2 Cor.  7:1.  Phil.  1:20. 
1 Pet.  1:14,15.  2:5,9,10.  Rev.  1:5,6.  in  P*.  45:7.  John  3:34.  1 John  2:20. 


or  the  bird  that  was  slain  may  represent  the  Saviour  dying 
for  our  sins ; and  the  living  bird,  the  sinner,  preserved  and 
liberated,  by  being  washed  in  his  atoning  blood,  and  the  puri- 
fying grace  of  his  Spirit ; and  being  set  free  from  sin  and 
Satan,  “seeking  those  things  which  are  above,  where  Christ 
sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God.”  The  “cedar-wood,”  a 
supposed  emblem  of  the  soundness  of  the  cleansed  leper’s 
fiesh,  may  denote  the  sincerity  of  the  true  convert’s  heart, 
and  the  incorruptible  nature  of  true  grace : the  “ scarlet,”  as 
distinguished  from  the  glistening  whiteness  of  the  leprosy, 
might  imply  that  the  man  was  recovered  to  his  former  ruddy 
complexion,  and  represent  the  true  penitent  as  come  to  him- 
self and  to  his  right  mind ; the  “ hyssop,”  a shrub  commonly 
used  in  the  legal  sprinklings,  might  signify  faith,  of  small  esti- 
mation among  men,  but  of  great  efficacy  in  applying  the 
salvation  of  Christ  to  the  soul ; or  it  might  show  that  mean 
instruments  may  be  useful  in  directing  sinners  to  Christ 
These  were  to  be  dipped  in  the  blood  and  water : for  all  our 
sincerity,  repentance,  and  faith,  are  derived  from  the  Holy 
Spirit,  and  are  accepted  only  through  the  blood  of  the  Saviour. 

V.  8,  9.  The  healed  leper,  who  was  about  to  cleanse  him- 
self from  ceremonial  pollution,  was  required  to  wash  his 
clothes,  and,  after  “shaving  off  all  his  hair"  to  wash  his 
body  also.  Then  he  was  admitted  into  the  camp ; but  it  is 
supposed  he  was  obliged  there  to  lodge  in  some  hut,  apart 
from  his  family  and  all  society,  during  seven  days : and  then, 
having  again  shaved,  and  washed  his  clothes  and  his  body, 
he  was  restored,  as  clean,  to  his  family  and  the  congregation 
of  God. — Thus  the  penitent,  having  in  private  conference 
with  the  ministers  of  Christ,  and  in  the  secret  exercises  of 
faith  and  prayer,  got  some  comfortable  hope  of  acceptance, 
proceeds  to  put  away  all  the  remainder  of  his  sins,  an<* 
seriously  to  prepare  himself  for  a more  solemn  profession  ol 
his  faith  in  the  public  ordinances  of  the  gospel,  and  in  com- 
munion with  the  Lord’s  people. 

V.  10 — 20.  To  show  that  the  leprosy  was  to  be  con 
sidered,  both  as  a judgment  immediately  inflicted  by  the 
Lord,  and  also  as  an  emblem  of  a transgressor  under  the 
condemnation  and  dominion  of  sin;  these  multiplied  sacrifices 
and  purifications  were  required  before  the  healed  leper  was 
fully  restored  to  the  privileges  of  an  Israelite.  A trespass- 
offering,  a sin-offering,  and  a burnt-offering,  must  be  presented 
by  him;  perhaps  the  trespass-offering  for  the  deviations  from 
the  prescribed  rules,  which  might  have  been  fallen  into  during 
his  leprosy  ; the  sin-offering  for  the  offence  which  exposed 
him  to  this  plague ; and  the  burnt-offering  as  a renewed 
dedication  of  himself  to  the  Lord.  Peace-offerings  might 
indeed  afterwards  he  accepted  as  voluntary  oblations,  but 
they  did  not  suit  a leper’s  condition,  till  fully  restored  to  com- 
munion with  the  people  of  God.  Meat-offerings  for  each  of 
these  sacrifices  were  also  required,  and  a small  quantity  of 
oil,  the  emblem  of  the  sanctifying  A log  was  al  out 

three  quarters  of  a pint. — The  priest  pre>«>a«<d  the  man  and 
his  oblations,  bill  the  mar  himself  seems  tr  have  kdle  1 the 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XIV.  B.  C.  1490. 


16  And  the  pnebt  .bar  lip  his  right  finger  in 
the  oil  that  is  in  his  left  hand,  and  shall  sprinkle  of 
the  oil  with  his  finger  seven  times  "before  the 
Lord. 

17  And  of  the  rest  of  the  oil  that  is  in  his  hand, 
shall  the  priest  put  upon  °the  tin  of  the  right  ear 
of  him  that  is  to  be  cleansed,  and  upon  the  thumb 
of  his  right  hand,  and  upon  the  great  toe  of  his 
fight  foot,  upon  the  blood  of  the  trespass-offer- 
ng. 

18  And  Pthe  remnant  of  the  oil  that  is  in  the 
priest’s  hand,  he  shall  pour  upon  the  head  of  him 
that  is  to  be  cleansed : and  the  priest  shall  make 
ian  atonement  for  him  beihre  the  Lord. 

19  And  the  priest  shall  offer  rthe  sin-offering, 
and  make  an  atonement  for  him  that  is  to  be 
cleansed  from  his  uncleanness,  and  afterward  he 
shall  kill  the  burnt-offering. 

20  And  the  priest  shall  “offer  the  burnt-offering, 
and  the  meat-offering,  upon  the  altar:  and  the 
priest  shall  make  an  atonement  for  him,  and  he 
shall  be  clean. 

21  IT  And  if  he  be  ‘poor,  and  ‘cannot  get  so 
much ; then  he  shall  take  "one  lamb  for  a trespass- 
offering  tto  be  waved,  to  make  an  atonement  for 
him,  and  one  tenth-deal  of  fine  flour  mingled 
with  oil  for  a meat-offering,  and  a log  of  oil; 

22  And  two  turtle-doves,  or  two  young  pigeons, 
such  as  he  is  able  to  get ; and  the  one  shall  be  a 
sin-offering,  and  the  other  a burnt-offering. 

23  And  he  shall  bring  them  on  the  eighth  day, 
for  his  cleansing,  unto  the  priest,  unto  the  door  of 
the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  before  the 
Lord. 

24  And  *the  priest  shall  take  the  lamb  of  the 
trespass-offering,  and  the  log  of  oil,  and  the  priest 
shall  wave  them  for  a wave-offering  before  the 

Lord. 

25  And  he  shall  kill  the  lamb  of  the  trespass- 
offering, and  the  priest  shall  take  some  of  the  blood 
of  rthe  trespass-offering,  and  put  it  upon  the  tip 
of  the  right  ear  of  him  that  is  to  be  cleansed,  and 
upon  the  thumb  of  his  right  hand,  and  upon  the 
great  toe  of  his  right  foot. 

26  And  the  priest  shall  pour  of  the  oil  into  the 
palm  of  his  own  left  hand. 

27  And  the  priest  shall  sprinkle  with  his  right 

li  4:6,17.  Luke  17:18.  1 Cor.  10:31,  o8:3l).  Ex. 23:20,21.  F.z.  36:27.  John  1:16. 
Til. 3:3— 6.  1 Pet. 1:2.  p8:12.  Ex. 29:7.  2 Cor.  1:21,22.  Eph.  1:17,18.  q4:26, 
31.5:16.  r 12.  12:6—8.  Rom.  8:3.  2 Cor  5:21.  a 10.  Eph.  5:2.  1 1:14.  5:7.  12:8. 
1 Sam.  2:8.  Job  34:19.  Prov.  17:5.  22:2.  Luke  6:20.  21:2—4.  2 Cor.  8:9,12.  Jam. 
2:5,6.  * Heb.  his  hand  reach  not.  u See  on  10.  t Heb.  for  a leaving,  x See 
on  10— 13.  y See  on  14— 20.  Ps.  40:6.  Ec.5:l.  z 18,20.  Ex.  30:15,16.  John  17: 
19.  1 John  2:1,2.  5:6.  a 22.  12:8.  15:14,15.  Luke  2:24.  Rom.  8:3.  b 2,54—  57. 

sacrifices. — The  ceremonies,  observed  on  this  occasion,  are 
exceedingly  similar  to  those  used  in  consecrating  the  priests. 
The  principal  difference  was,  that,  common  oil  was  sprinkled 
seven  times  before  the  Lord,  and  put  over  the  blood  on  the 
right  ear,  the  thumb,  and  the  great  toe  of  the  leper,  and  also 
poured  on  his  head ; whereas  the  holy  anointing  oil  was 
sprinkled  with  the  blood  on  the  garments  of  the  priests,  and 
poured  only  on  the  head  of  the  high-priest.  But,  in  the  former 
case,  the  blood  was  that  of  a sin-offering , taking  away'  the 
guilt  of  crimes,  in  which  the  members  of  the  body  had  been 
instruments,  and  thus,  typically  preparing  them  in  general 
for  the  Lord’s  service  ; in  the  latter,  it  was  the  blood  of  “ the 
ram  of  consecration,”  by  which  the  priests  were  set  apart  to 
their  special  service.  This  similarity  was  very  instructive. 
For  every  true  penitent  is,  through  Christ,  a spiritual  priest.; 
and  no  priest,  except  the  Saviour  himself,  vyas  ever  any  better 
than  a cleansed  leper. — According  to  the  emblem  here  given, 
the  Christian’s  dedication  of  himself  to  the  Lord,  at  his  table, 
should  be  the  counterpart  of  what,  has  secretly  passed  between 
God  and  his  soul : and  the  exercise  of  repentance  and  faith 
should  always  be  followed  by  this  public  profession;  in  pre- 
paring for  which,  the  counsel  and  approbation  of  pious  and 
experienced  ministers  may  be  very  useful. 

V.  21 — 32.  The  condescension  of  the  Lord  to  the  case  of 
the  poor,  in  these  institutions,  is  very  instructive.  Yet  not 
one  ceremony  was  omitted  in  the  poor  man’s  cleansing, 
though  the  sacrifices  were  cheaper.  Even  in  this  case,  one 
.amb  was  absolutely  necessary;  which  might  intimate,  that 
no  sinner  could  ever  have  beep  saved,  had  it  not  been  for 
“ the  Lamb  t-hat  was  slain",  and  hath  redeemed  us  to  God 
with  his  blood.” — It  is  remarkable,  that  the  priest,  in  putting 
the  oil  upon  the  head  of  him  that  was  to  be  cleansed,  is  said 
to  “ make  an  atonement  for  him  ;”  which  may  imply,  that 
the  work  of  the  Spirit  seals  our  interest  in  the  great  atone- 
ment, as  well  as  enables  us  to  apply  it. 

Vol.  I. — 29 


finger  some  of  the  oil  that  is  in  his  left  hand,  seven 
times  before  the  Lord. 

28  And  the  priest  shall  put  of  the  oil  that  is  in 
his  hand,  upon  the  tip  of  the  right  ear  of  him  the 
is  to  be  cleansed,  and  upon  the  thumb  of  his  right 
hand,  and  upon  the  great  toe  of  his  right  foot, 
upon  the  place  of  the  mood  of  the.  trespass-offer- 
ing. 

29  And  the  rest  of  the  oil  that  is  in  the  priest  s 
hand,  he  shall  put  upon  the  head  of  him  that  is  to 
be  cleansed,  ‘to  make  an  atonement  for  him  before 
the  Lord. 

30  And  he  shall  offer  the  "one  of  the  turtle- 
doves, or  of  the  young  pigeons,  such  as  he  can 
get; 

31  Even  such  as  he  is  able  to  get,  the  one  for  a 
sin-offering,  and  the  other  for  a burnt-offering, 
with  the  meat-offering.  And  the  priest  shall  make 
an  atonement  for  him  that  is  to  be  cleansed,  before 
the  Lord. 

32  This  is  bthe  law  of  lnm  in  whom  is  the  plague 
of  leprosy,  ‘whose  hand  is  not  able  to  get  that 
which  pertaineth  to  his  cleansing. 

33  11  And  ‘the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  and 
unto  Aaron,  saying, 

34  When  dye  be  come  into  the  land  of  Canaan, 
“which  I give  to  you  for  a possession,  and  1 1 put 
the  plague  of  leprosy  in  a house  of  the  land  of 
your  possession ; 

35  And  he  that  owneth  the  house  shall  come 
and  tell  the  priest,  saying,  It  seemeth  to  me  there 
is  as  it  were  "a  plague  in  the  house  ; 

36  Then  the  priest  shall  command  that  they 
♦empty  the  house,  before  the  priest  go  into  it  to 
see  the  plague,  that  all  that  is  in  the  house  ''be 
not  made  unclean:  and  afterward  the  priest  shall 
go  in  to  see  the  house. 

37  And  he  shall  look  on  the  plague,  and,  behold, 
if  the  plague  be  in  the  walls  of  the  house,  ‘with 
hollow  strakes,  greenish  or  reddish,  which  in  sight 
are  lower  than  the  wall ; 

38  Then  the  priest  shall  go  out  of  the  house  to 
the  door  of  the  house,  and  shut  up  the  house  seven 
days. 

39  And  the  priest  shall  come  again  the  seventh 
day,  and  shall  look : and,  behold,  if  the  plague  be 
kspread  in  the  walls  of  the  house  ;' 


13:59.  c See  on  10,21.  Pj. 72:12— 14.  136:23.  1 Cor.  1 :27,28.  d23:10.  25:2 
Num.  35:10.  Deut.  12:1,8.  19:1.  26:1.  27:3.  e Gen.  12:7.  13:17.  17:8.  Nwn. 
32.32.  Deut.  12:9,10.  32:49.  Josh.  13:1.  f Ex.  15:26.  Deut.  7:15.  1 Sam.  2:6.  Is. 
45:7.  Am.  3:6.  Mic.6:9.  g Deut.  7:26.  Josh. 7:21.  1 Sam.  3:12— 14.  1 Kings  13: 
34.  Ps.  91:10.  Prov.  3:33.  Zecb.  5:4.  } Or,  prepare,  h 1 Cor.  15:33.  2 Tira. 
2:17,18.  Heb.  12:15.  Rev.  18:4.  i 13:3,19,20,42,49.  k 13:7,8,22,27,36,51. 


V.  34 — 53.  This  extraordinary  plague  is  expressly  spoken 
of!  as  immediately  inflicted  by  the  hand  of  God ; and  it  is  very 
probable  it  was  one  method,  in  which  he  rebuked  the  idolatry 
or  iniquity  which  men  committed  in  their  houses,  and  the 
dishonest  or  sacrilegious  gain  which  they  brought  into  them, 
when  the  magistrate  did  not  detect  and  punish  them.  Indeed, 
the  plague  of  leprosy  in  genesa!  may  well  be  considered,  as 
one  of  the  punishments  in  those  cases,  where  it  is  said,  “that 
man  shall  bear  his  iniquity:”  and  yet  the  criminal  escaped 
the  sword  of  the  magistrate. — Many  expositors  endeavour  to 
account  in  part  for  this  singular  disorder  from  natural  causes, 
and  likewise  consider  many  of  these  rules  and  restrictions,  as 
cautions  against  infection : but  there  is  not  the  most  remote 
intimation  in  these  laws,  or  any  where  in  Scripture,  that  the 
disorder  was  at  all  infectious. — The  methods  to  be  taken,  ir 
respect  of  the  leprosy  in  houses,  are  very  similar  to  those 
prescribed  in  the  other  cases ; and  also  the  ceremonies  of 
purification,  when  the  plague  was  removed  ; only  no  sacrifiees 
were  in  this  case  brought  to  the  altar. — It  might  represent 
the  prevalence  of  sin  in  families,  churches,  and  nations  ; and 
it  very  aptly  described  the  state  of  Israel,  when  idolatry  had 
so  infected  the  whole  nation,  that  it  must,  as  unclean,  be 
demolished,  and  carried  captive  to  Babylon,  the  unclean 
metropolis  of  idolatry. — The  rules  prescribed  seem  to  imply 
the  care  with  which  they  who  fear  God,  should  protest 
against  prevailing  iniquities,  and  separate  from  them  ; and  the 
attention  and  pains  which  magistrates,  ministers,  and  masters 
of  families  should  employ,  in  checking,  restraining,  censuring,, 
and  punishing  sin,  in  preventing  its  progress,  and  in  promot- 
ing reformation.  They  may  also  be  emblems  of  the  methods 
which  the  Lord  takes  with  nations  and  churches,  before  he 
proceeds  to  extremities  ; and  of  the  certain,  shameful,  and 
miserable  destruction,  which  awaits  them,  when  these  methods 
prove  unsuccessful : and  they  likewise  intimate  that  the  Lord 
frequently  gives  men  up  to  that  filthiness,  in  which  they  have 

( 225  ) 


8.  C.  1490 


LEVI'j 

40  Then  the  priest  shall  command  that  they 
•take  awa>  the  stones,  in  which  the  plague  is,  and 
they  shall  cast  them  into  an  unclean  place  with- 
out the  city. 

41  And  he  shall  cause  the  house  to  be  scraped 
within  round  about,  and  they  shall  pour  out  the 
dust  that  they  scrape  off,  without  the  city,  minto 
an  unclean  place. 

42  And  “they  shall  take  other  stones,  and  put 
them  in  the  place  of  those  stones:  and  he  shall 
take  other  mortar,  and  shall  plaster  the  house. 

43  And  if  "the  plague  come  again,  and  break 
out  in  the  house,  after  that  he  hath  taken  away 
the  stones,  and  after  he  hath  scraped  the  house, 
and  after  it  is  plastered ; 

44  Then  the  priest  shall  come  and  look,  and, 
behold,  if  the  plague  be  spread  in  the  bouse,  it  is 
Pa  fretting  leprosy  in  the  house:  it  is  unclean. 

45  And  he  shall  ibreak  down  the  house,  the 
stones  of  it,  and  the  timber  thereof,  and  all  the 
mortar  of  the  house : and  he  shall  carry  them  forth 
out  of  the  city  'into  an  unclean  place. 

46  Moreover  he  that  goeth  into  the  house,  all 
the  while  that  it  is  shut  up,  "shall  be  unclean  until 
the  even. 

47  And  he  that  lieth  in  the  house,  shall  wash 
his  clothes:  and  he  that  eateth  in  the  house,  shall 
‘wash  his  clothes. 

48  And  if  the  priest  ’shall  come  in,  and  look 
upon  it,  and,  behold,  the  plague  hath  not  spread 
in  the  house,  after  the  house  was  plastered : then 
the  priest  shall  pronounce  the  house  clean,  “because 
the  plague  is  healed. 

49  And  he  shall  take  "to  cleanse  the  house  two 
birds,  and  cedar-wood,  and  scarlet,  and  hyssop*. 

50  And  he  shall  kill  the  one  of  the  birds  in  an 
earthen  vessel,  over  running  water. 

51  And  he  shall  take  the  cedar-wood,  and  the 
hyssop,  and  the  scarlet,  and  the  living  bird,  and 
dip  them  in  the  blood  of  the  slain  bird,  and  in  the 
running  water,  and  sprinkle  the  house  seven  times. 

52  And  he  shall  cleanse  the  house  with  the  blood 
of  the  bird,  and  with  the  running  water,  and  with 
the  living  bird,  and  with  the  cedar- wood,  and 
with  the  hyssop,  and  with  the  scarlet. 

53  But  he  shall  let  go  the  living  bird  out  of  the 

I Ps.  101:5,7,8.  Pmv.  22:10.25:4,5.  Is.  1:25,28.  Mutt.  18:17.  John  15:2.  1 Cor.  5: 
5,8,13.  Tit. 3:10.  2JohnlO, 11.  Rev. 22,6, 14— 16.21).  m Job  36:13,14.  Is.  65: 1. 
Matt. 8:28.  24:51.  1 Tim.  1:20.  Her.  22:15.  n Gen.  18:19.  Josh.  24:15.  2Chr.  17: 
7—9.  19:5—7.  29:4,5.  Ps.  101:6.  Acts  1:20—26.  1 Tim.  5:9,10,21,22.  2Tim.2.2. 
Tit.  1:5-9.  o Jer.  6:28— 30.  Ea.  24:13.  p 13:51,52.  q2  Kinas  17:20— 23.  25:1 — 
12,25.26.  E’.z.  5:4.  Matt.  22:7.  24:2.  Rom.  11:7—11.  Rev.  11:2.  r See  on  41. 
6 11:24,25,28.  15:5—8,10.  17:15.  22:6.  Num.  19:7— 10,21,22.  tSceon8,9. 


delighted. — Thus  also  sin  is  so  interwoven  with  the  fabric  of 
the  human  body,  that  it  must  be  taken  down  by  death:  but  if 
previously  the  leprosy  be  cleansed,  and  sin  be  dethroned  and 
mortified,  the  soul  will  be  received  into  the  holy  mansions  of 
the  blessed,  and  the  body  also  will  be  raised  incorruptible ; 
otherwise  both  soul  and  body  must  at  last  be  carried  forth  out 
of  the  city  of  God,  to  that  unclean  place  u prepared  for  the 
devil  and  his  angels.” — Yea,  the  earth  itself  must  be  destroyed 
by  fire,  as  the  unclean,  leprous  habitation  of  the  polluted  sons 
of  men. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

When  u God,  who  is  rich  in  mercy,  for  his  great  love, 
wherewith  he  loved  us,  even  when  we  were  dead  in  sms, 
quickens  us”  by  his  Spirit,  we  soon  evidence  the  change,  by 
sincerely  repenting,  and  forsaking  all  our  evil  ways ; we 
discover  a right  judgment,  and  disposition  of  heart,  and 
become  the  servants  of  the  Lord  ; but  especially  we  are  led, 
by  the  ministry  of  the  word,  to  see  the  suitableness  and 
preciousness  of  the  atoning  blood,  and  the  sanctifying  grace 
of  Jesus  Christ;  and  gladly  washing  in  M tbs  fountain  opened 
for  sin  and  for  uncleanness,”  we  in  heart  and  affection  ascend, 
whither  the  risen  Saviour  is  gone  before.  They,  who  are 
thus  delivered  from  the  prevailing  power  of  sin,  endeavour 
continually  to  “cleanse  themselves”  more  and  more  “from 
^11”  remaining  “ filthiness  of  flesh  and  spirit,  and  to  perfect 
holiness  in  the  fear  of  God and  they  should  deem  it  their 
duty  and  privilege,  without  needless  delay,  yet  with  previous 
examination  and  serious  preparation,  to  seek  admission  to  the 
communion  of  the  saints;  that \vith  them  they  may  publicly 
orofess  thefir  faith,  and  their  grateful  love  to  the  Saviour,  in 
jhe  ordinance  of  his  appointment.  Considering  themselves 
as  bought  with  a price,  they  now  desire  to  do  all  in  the  name 
of  Christ,  and  through  him  “to  glorify  God  with  body  and 
spirit,  which  are  his.” — This  is  the  true  cleansing  of  a leper, 
and  his  subsequent  admission  into  the  courts  of  the  Lord’s 
house;  or  the  consecration  of  an  unclean  sinner  to  the 
f'.nrilual  priesthood. — Have  we  then  the  inward  rmscious- 
( 226  ) 


,'icus:  b.  c.  i49u. 

city  into  the  opeii  fields,  and  make  an  atonement 
for  the  house:  and  it  shall  be  clean. 

54  11  This  is  nhe  law  for  all  manner  of  plague, 
of  leprosy,  and  "scall, 

55  And  for  "the  leprosy  of  a garment,  and  ol 
an  house, 

56  And  bfor  a rising,  and  for  a scab,  and  for  a 
bright  spot  : 

57  To  "teach  Uvhen  it  is  unclean,  and  when  it 
is  clean:  dthis  is  the  law  of  leprosy. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Laics  respecting  Ike  running  issues  of  men , 1 — 18  ; and  of  women , 19 — 3S. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  and  “to 
Aaron,  saying, 

2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and  say 
unto  them,  bWhen  any  man  hath  a ’running  issue 
out  of  his  flesh,  because  of  his  issue  he  is  unclean. 

3  And  this  shall  be  his  inicleanness  in  his  issue : 
whether  his  flesh  run  with  his  issue,  or  his  flesh  be 
stopped  from  his  issue,  it  is  his  uncleanness. 

4  Every  bed,  whereon  he  lieth  that  hath  the 
issue,  is  unclean : and  every  Rhing  whereon  he 
sitteth  shall  be  "unclean. 

5  And  whosoever  toucheth  his  bed,  shall  'hvash 
his  clothes,  and  bathe  himself  in  water,  and  he  un- 
clean until  the  even. 

6  And  he  that  sitteth  on  any  thing,  whereon  he 
sat  that  hath  the  issue,  shall  wash  his  clothes,  and 
bathe  himself  in  water,  and  be  unclean  until  the 
even. 

7  And  be  that  toucheth  the  flesh  of  him  that 
hath  the  issue,  shall  wash  his  clothes,  and  bathe 
himself  in  water,  and  be  unclean  until  the  even. 

8  And  if  he  that  hath  the  issue  spit  upon  liim 
that  is  clean ; then  lie  shall  'wash  his  clothes,  and 
bathe  himself  in  water,  and  he  unclean  until  the 
even. 

9  And  what  saddle  soever  he  rideth  upon  that 
hath  the  issue,  shall  he  unclean. 

10  And  whosoever  toucheth  any  tiling  that  was 
under  him,  shall  be  unclean  until  the  even : and 
he  that  beareth  any  of  those  things,  shall  wash  his 
clothes,  and  bathe  himself  in  water,  and  he  unclean 
until  the  even. 

11  And  whomsoever  lie  toucheth  that  hath  the 
issue,  (and  hath  not  rinsed  his  hands  in  water,)  he 

* Heb.  in  coming  in  shall  come  in,  Si c.  n 3.  Job  5:18.  Hos.  6:1.  M irk  5:29,34. 
Luke  7:21.  x See  on  4—7.  v ‘2,3*2.  6:9,14,25.  7:1,37.  11:46.  15:3*2.  Num.  5:29. 
6:13.19:14.  z 13:30,31.  r 13:47 — 59.  1-13:2.  c 10:10.  Jer.  15: 19.  Ez.  44:23. 
f Heb.  in  the  day  of  the  unclean , and  in  the  da'/  of  the  clean.  d Deni. 
24:8.  h 11:1.  13:1.  ’ b22:4.  Num.  5:2.  2 Sam.  3:29.  Mark  7.20— 23.  * Or, 

running  of  the  reins.  Heb  .vessel,  c Tit.  1:15.  <111:25,28.  14:9,9,46,47.  17: 
15.  Num.  19:10.  Heb.  10:22.  Rev.  7:14.  e Is.  1 : 16.  J»rn.  4:8. 

ness  of  such  a change  ? and  have  we  thus  joined  ourselves 
to  the  Lord  and  to  his  people?  If  so,  let  us  give  him  the 
praise  ; let  us  humbly  remember  what  we  were  ; let  us  abound 
in  spiritual  sacrifices  according  to  our  ability  and  opportunity  ; 
let  us  follow  after  holiness ; and  let  us  compassionate  other 
poor  lepers,  and  seek  and  pray  for  their  cleansing  also. — All 
these  ancient  institutions  should  remind  us  of  the  odious 
nature  and  the  desert  of  sin,  and  the  absolute  necessity  of  the 
blood  of  Christ,  to  render  our  repentance,  and  the  best  of  our 
“ fruits  meet  for  repentance,”  acceptable  before  a holy  God ; 
and  that  all,  w ho  are  interested  in  the  blood  of  the  Redeemer, 
partake  of  his  Spirit,  and  are  devoted  to  bis  service.  They 
likewise  call  on  us  to  watch  and  pray ; and  to  look  well  to 
our  hearts,  to  our  households,  anil  to  the  Church  of  God: 
that  in  our  places  we  may  search  and  purge  out  our  iniquity, 
and  so  prevent  its  prevalence  to  the  destruction  of  those  with 
whom  we  are  connected.  For  the  readiness  of  God  to 
pardon  the  true  believer  is  not  more  manifest,  than  his  deter- 
mination to  destroy  impenitent  sinners. — Let  us  all  then  take 
warning,  and  cry  earnestly  to  him  to  cleanse  our  souls  before 
we  die,  that  we  may  never  enter  the  place  where  unclean 
spirits  are  tormented;  hut  that,  “when  this  earthly  house  of 
our  tabernacle  shall  be  dissolved,  we  may  have  a building  of 
God,  a house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens.” 
NOTES.— Chai>.  XV.  V.  2.  It  is  not  needful  for  us 
particularly  to  consider  the  laws  contained  in  this  chapter: 
they  arc  not  binding  on  us;  and  the  emblematical  instruction 
may  be  sufficiently  understood  from  the  Practical  Observa- 
tions. In  some  cases,  the  disease  mentioned  was  contracted 
by  licentiousness;  in  others  it  might  be  tin*  result  of  shameful 
secret  practices  ; and  even  the  diseases  and  infirmities,  which 
were  only  an  affliction,  and  had  no  immediate  connexion  with 
personal  and  actual  sin,  were  nil  originally  the  consequence 
of  the  sinful  state  of  humun  nature  : nay,  the  cases,  in  which 
neither  positive  disease  nor  actual  sin  was  implied,  might  ho 
tlviji  marked,  to  show  how  a fallen  nature  p<>  iutes  every 
thing  we  do. 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


B.  C.  1490. 


shall  wash  h's  clothes,  and  bathe  himself  in  water, 
and  be  unclean  until  the  even. 

12  And 'the  vessel  of  earth,  that  he  toucheth 
which  hath  the  issue,  shall  he  broken  : and  every 
vessel  of  wood  shall  De  rinsed  in  water. 

13  And  when  he  that  hath  an  issue  is  cleansed 
of  his  issue ; then  he  shall  number  to  himself 
seven  days  for  his  cleansing',  hand  wash  his  clothes, 
nd  bathe  his  flesh  in  running  water,  and  shall  be 
lean. 

14  And  on  the  eighth  day  he  shall  take  to  him 
two  turtle-doves,  or  two  young  pigeons,  and  come 
before  the  Lord,  unto  the  door  of  the  taoernwAe 
of  the  congregation,  and  give  them  unto  the  priest. 

15  And  the  priest  shall  offer  them,  kihe  one  for 
sin-offering,  and  the  other  for  a burnt-offering  ; 

and  the  priest  shall  make  'an  atonement  for  him 
before  the  Lord,  for  his  issue. 

16  And  mif  any  man’s  seed  of  copulation  go  out 
from  him,  then  he  shall  wash  all  his  flesh  in  water, 
and  be  unclean  until  the  even. 

17  And  every  garment,  and  every  skin  whereon 
is  the  seed  of  copulation,  shall  be  washed  with 
water,  and  be  unclean  until  the  even. 

18  The  woman  also  with  whom  man  shall  lie 
with  seed  of  copulation,  they  shall  both  bathe 
themselves  in  water,  and.be  “unclean  until  the 
even. 

19  U And  if  a woman  have  an  issue,  and  “her 
issue  in  her  flesh  be  blood,  she  shall  be  "put  apart 
seven  days : and  whosoever  toucheth  her,  shall  be 
unclean  until  the  even. 

20  And  '’every  thing  that  she  lieth  upon  in  her 
separation,  shall  be  unclean  : every  thing  also  that 
she  sitteth  upon,  shall  be  unclean. 

21  And  whosoever  toucheth  her  bed,  shall  wash 
his  clothes,  and  bathe  himself  in  water,  and  be 
unclean  until  the  even. 

22  And  whosoever  toucheth  any  thing  that  she 
sat  upon,  shall  wash  his  clothes,  and  bathe  himself 
n water,  and  be  unclean  until  the  even. 

16:28.  11:32,33.  2Cor.5:l.  Phil.  3:21.  g28.8:33.  9:1.  14:8.  Num. 12:14.  19: 
11.12.  h Jer.  33:8.  Ez.  36:25— 29.  2 Cor.  7:1 . 129,30.12:6,8.14:22,23.  k 5: 
7—10.  14:19,20,30,31.  1 See  on  4:20.  12:7.  Num.  15:25  . 25:13.  m22:4.  Deiil. 
23:10,11.  n 1 lx.  19:15.  1 Sum.  21-4,5.  Px.  51:5.  1 Cor.  6:12.  1 The*.  4:4,5.  Heb. 
13:4.  o 12:2.  Lam.  1 :8,9,I7.  Ez.  36:17.  * Heb.  in  her  separation,  p See  on 

V.  11.  If  the  diseased  person  rinsed  his  hands  in  water, 
just  before  he  touched  any  one,  he  did  not  communicate 
pollution  ; otherwise  he  did. 

V.  13 — 15.  The  purification  and  sacrifices,  when  this 
disorder  was  removed,  were  not  very  dissimilar  to  some  of 
those,  which  were  appointed  at  the  cleansing  of  a leper;  but 
the  sacrifices  were  less  expensive,  and  only  a sin-offering  and 
a burnt-offering  were  required. 

V.  16 — IS.  In  these  cases,  as  well  as  that  of  one  who 
contracted  pollution  by  touching  an  unclean  person,  nothing 
but  ablution  was  required.  This  part  of  the  law  the  Jews 
might  observe  at  present ; but  it  is  said  they  do  not  think 
themselves  bound  by  it,  now  they  have  no  temple,  and  live  in 
other  lands  ; as  it  had  reference  to  the  sanctuary  of  God  and 
the  holy  land.  (31) 

Y.  24.  When  this  was  done  in  presumption,  it  was  to  be 
punished  with  death  if  detected  ; and  if  not,  the  offenders 
might  expect  to  be  cut  off  by  the  judgment  of  God:  (20:18.) 
but  when  inadvertently,  this  purification  was  to  be  observed. 
This  restriction  must  not  be  considered  as  merely  ceremonial ; 
for  the  nature  of  the  case,  and  the  punishment  denouncer 
against  wilful  transgressors,  combine  to  prove'' it  to  be  of 
perpetual  moral  obligation. 

Y.  28.  It  is  not  said,  that  the  woman  must  “wash  her 
clothes,  and  bathe  her  flesh  in  running  water,”  as  it  had  been 
of  the  man.  (13)  The  reason  of  this  difference  does  not 
appear. 

V.  31.  This  shows,  that  these  laws  were  principally 
intended  to  impress  the  minds  of  the  Israelites  with  reverence 
for  the  sanctuary:  and  on  the  one  hand,  to  show  them  what 
need  they  had  of  circumspection  and  purity  of  heart  and  life, 
in  order  to  worship  the  holy  God  with  acceptance : and  on 
the  other  hand,  that  being  sinners  in  a world  full  of  tempta- 
tions and  defilements,  they  would  continually  need  forgiveness, 
through  the  great  atonement  typified  by  all  the  sacrifices, 
and  the  sanctification  of  the  Spirit  shadowed  forth  by  all  the 
purifications.  While  they  were  encamped  in  the  desert,  it 
would  not  be  very  burdensome  to  bring  the  prescribed  obla- 
tions ; but  after  they  were  settled  in  .Canaan,  many  of  them 
at  a great  distance  from  the  tabernacle,  this  would  become 
nuch  more  difficult. — We  may  however  observe,  that  many 
of  the  cases  stated  only  required  such  washings  as  might  any 
where  be  performed ; and  that  those  respecting  which  sacri- 
Sces  were  appointed,  wou.d  more  rarely  occur.  We  may 


23  And  if  it  be  on  her  bed,  or  on  any  thing 
whereon  she  sitt  eth,  when  he  toucheth  it ; he  shat, 
be  unclean  until  the  even. 

24  And  if  tany  man  lie  with  her  at  all,  ano  her 
flowers  be  upon  him,  he  shall  be  unclean  seven 
days  : and  all  the  bed  whereon  he  lieth  shall  b** 
unclean. 

25  And  if  a woman  have  an  issue  of  her  blood 
rmany  days  out  of  the  time  of  her  separation,  or  if 
it  run  beyond  the  time  of  her  separation  ; all  the 
days  of  the  issue  of  her  uncleanness  shall  be  as 
the  days  of  her  separation  ; she  shall  be  unclean. 

26  Every  bed  whereon  she  lieth  all  the  days  oi 
her  issue,  shall  be  unto  her  as  the  bed  of  her  sepa- 
ration : and  whatsoever  she  sitteth  upon  shall  be 
unclean,  as  the  uncleanness  of  her  separation. 

27  And  whosoever  toucheth  those  things  shall  be 
unclean,  and  “shall  wash  his  clothes,  and  bathe 
himself  in  water,  and  be  unclean  until  the  even. 

28  But  if  she  be  cleansed  of  her  issue,  then  she 
shall  'number  to  herself  seven  days,  and  after  that 
she  shall  be  clean. 

29  And  on  the  eighth  day  she  shall  take  unto 
her  two  turtles,  or  two  young  pigeons,  and  bring 
them  unto  the  priest,  to  the  doorof  the  tabernacle 
of  the  congregation. 

30  And  the  priest  shall  offer  the  one  for  a sin- 
offering  ; and  the  other  for  a burnt-offering:  and 
the  priest  shall  make  an  atonement  for  her  before 
the  Lord,  for  the  issue  of  her  uncleanness. 

31  H Thus  “shall  ye  separate  the  children  of 
Israel  from  their  uncleanness,  "that  they  die  not 
in  their  uncleanness,  when  they  defile  my  taber- 
nacle that  is  among  them. 

32  This  is  nhe  law  of  him  that  hath  an  issue, 
and  of  him  whose  seed  goetii  from  him,  and  is  de- 
filed therewith  ; 

33  And  ’of  her  that  is  sick  of  her  flowers,  and 
of  him  that  hath  an  issue,  of  the  man,  and  of  the 
woman,  “and  of  him  that  lieth  with  her  which 
is  unclean. 


4—9.  q 33.  20:18.  Ez.  .8:6.  22:10.  r Malt.  9:20  Mark  5:25.  Luke  8:43. 
s5 — 8.13,21.  17:15,16.  Zech.l3:l.  i See  an  13— 15.  u 11:47.  13:59.  Num. 5: 
3.  Dent.  24:8.  Ez.  44  23.  Heb.  12:15.  x 41:23.  Num.  5:3.  19:13,20.  Ez.  5:11. 
23:38.44:5-7.  1 Cor.  3:17.  y 1—18.  13:59.  14:2,32,54— 57.  Ez.  43:12.  z 19— 30. 
a 24.  20:18. 


also  suppose,  that  provided  these  were  brought,  when  the 
person  who  had  been  unclean  first  came  to  the  sanctuary,  it 
would  suffice  ; though  distance  or  other  hindrances  pre- 
vented its  being  done  immediately,  at  the  expiration  of  the 
seven  days. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  have  great  cause  for  thankfulness  that  we  need  fear 
no  defilement  but  that  of  sin  ; and  have  no  occasion  for  any  of 
these  ceremonial  and  burdensome  purifications  ; yet  when  we 
consider  how  nearly  we  are  beset  with  occasions  of  moral 
uncleanness,  by  day  and  by  night,  alone  and  in  company 
nay,  sleeping  as  well  as  awake,  we  may  well  say  with  David, 
44  Who  can  understand  his  errors?  Cleanse  thou  me  from 
secret  faults.” — And  these  laws  may  remind  us  that  God  sees 
all  those  things,  which  are  totally  concealed  from  human  eyes, 
and  escape  the  censure  of  mortal  men.  Being  unholy  crea- 
tures, and  having  to  do  with  so  holy  a God,  we  must  for  ever 
have  been  banished  from  his  presence,  had  he  not  said,  44  From 
all  their  filthiness  w’ill  I cleanse  them  and  both  provided 
the  fountain  for  our  purification,  and  appointed  the  means.  In 
the  daily  exercise  of  self-examination,  repentance,  and  faith 
in  the  one  sin-offering  of  Christ,  and  by  daily  prayer  for  his 
sanctifying  grace,  we  seek  and  find  this  purification,  and  this 
purily  of  heart,  with  which  we  shall  be  admitted  to  44  see 
God.” — While  we  observe  the  rule  of  God’s  word,  and  aim 
at  his  glory  through  Jesus  Christ,  all  things  become  pure  to 
us  : but  every  thing  is  an  occasion  of  increasing  and  com- 
municating defilement  to  the  impenitent  and  unbelieving. 
With  serious  recollection  and  humble  reverence,  we  should 
approach  our  holy,  heart-searching  God  in  his  ordinances 
and  in  our  daily  walk  be  careful  to  “possess  our  vessels  in 
sanctification  and  honour  consulting  expediency  and  avoid- 
ing excess  in  things  most  lawful,  and  being  careful  not  to  be 
“brought  under  the  power  of  any.” — Many  of  our  diseases 
may  remind  us  of  our  personal  transgressions;  all  our  infir- 
mities evince  that  we  are  sinners:  thence  we  should  learn 
patience,  and  take  occasion  to  humble  ourselves  before  God 
more  earnestly  to  seek  forgiveness  ; and  to  wait  with  cheer- 
ful expectation  for  the  coming  of  him  44  who  shall  change  oui 
vile  body,  that  it  may  be  fashioned  like  unto  his  gloridus  body 
according  to  the  working,  whereby  he  is  able  even  to  sub- 
due all  things  to  himself.”  (Note,  Phil.  3:20,21.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  XVI.  V.  I.  The  appointment  of  th« 
annual  day  of  atonement  tended  to  encourage  Aaron,  by  the 
( 227  ) 


B.  C.  l-iao  LEVITICUS 

CHAPTER  XVI. 


The  high-pric :•  must  not  enter  the  moat  holjy  place  at  all  times  : but,  on  a day 
of  atonemen  ysarly  observed,  having  shun  a sin-offering  for  himself,  ana 
another  for  i he  oeople , he  must  enter  with  the  sprinkling  of  blood,  awl  burn- 
ing of  incer»se,  1 — 17.  The  al.ar  of  incense,  purified  with  blood,  18,  19. 
The  scape-goat  tent  away,  awl  burnt-offerings  sacrificed,  and  the  sin  offerings 
burnt  without  the  camp,  20 — 28.  The  day  of  this  solemnity  instituted , 
29—34. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  after  "the 
death  of  the  two  sons  of  Aaron,  when  they 
offered  before  the  Lord,  and  died  : 

2  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Speak  unto 
Aaron  thy  brother,  that  bhe  come  not  at  all  times 
nto  the  holy  place  within  the  veil,  before  the 
mercy-seat,  which  is  upon  the  ark ; "that  he  die 
not:  for  I will  appear  din  the  cloud  upon  'the 
mercy-seat. 

3  Thus  shall  f Aaron  come  into  the  holy  place  : 
with  ea  young  bullock  for  a sin-offering,  and  ha 
ram  for  a burnt-offering. 

4  He  shall  put  on  the  ‘holy  linen  coat,  and  he 
shall  have  the  linen  breeches  upon  his  flesh,  and 
shall  be  girded  with  the  linen  girdle,  and  with  the 
linen  mitre  shall  lie  be  attired  : these  are  holy 
garments  ; ktherefore  shall  he  wash  his  flesh  in 
water,  and  so  put  them  on. 

5  And  he  shall  take  of  the  congregation  of  the 
children  of  Israel,  'two  kids  of  the  goats  for  a sin- 
offering,  and  one  ram  for  a burnt  offering. 

6  And  Aaron  shall  offer  his  bullock  of  the  sin- 
offering,  ""which  is  for  himself,  and  make  "an 
atonement  for  himself,  and  for  his  house. 

7  And  he  shall  take  the  two  goats,  and  "present 


a 10:1,2.  b Ex.  26:33,51.  40:20, 21.  1 Kings  8:6.  Heb.  9:3,’ 7,8.  10:20.  c 13.  8: 
33.  N»m.  4:19.  17:10.  Matl.  27:51.  Heb.  4:14 — 16.  10:19.  d Ex.  40:35.  1 Kings 
8:11,12.  2 Chr.  5:14.  e Ex.  25. 17— 22.  f Heb.  9.7,12,24,25.  g 4:3.  8:14.  Num. 
29:7—11.  b 1:3,10.  8:18.  9.3.  i 6:10.  Ex.  23:2,40— 13.  39:27—29.  Is.  53:2.  Ex. 
44:17,18.  Luke  1:35.  Phil.  2:7.  Heb.  2:14.  7:2S.  It 8:6.  Ex. 29:4.  30:20.  40:12, 
31,32.  Rev.  1:5,6.  1 4:14.  8:2,14.  9:8— 16.  Num.  29:11.  2 Chr.  29:21.  Ezra  6: 
17.  Ez. 45:22,23.  Rom. 8:3.  Heb. 7:27,28.  10:5—14.  ra8:14— 17.  Heb.  9:7. 


assurance  that  he  would  be  continued  and  accepted  in  the 
priesthood  ; and  to  instruct  him  and  his  sons  how  to  avoid  l lie 
sin  and  punishment  of  Nadab  and  Abihu : for  they  would  be 
perfectly  safe  whilst  they  adhered  to  the  rule,  and  that  exam- 
ple would  render  them  attentive  to  it. 

V.  2.  The  ordinary  priests  went  into  the  sanctuary,  where 
the  golden  candlestick  and  the  table  of  show- bread  were 
placed  ; and  there,  without  “ the  veil, before  the  mercy-scat,” 
they  burnt  incense  upon  the  golden  altar,  one  at  a time  : but 
they  went  no  further.  (Notes,  Ex.  30:7,8.  Luke  1:8 — 10.  Heb. 
9:0,7.)  The  high-priest  alone  went  within  the  veil  into  the  holy 
of  holies,  where  the  ark  of  the  covenant  was  ; and  that  only 
on  one  day  in  the  year : and  it  was  at  the  peril  of  his  life,  if  at 
any  other  time,  or  in  any  other  manner,  on  ordinary  occasions, 
he  ventured  into  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  of  which  the  cloud 
of  glory  above  the  mercy-seat  was  the  symbol ; for  the  visible 
glory  seems  to  have  shone  from  the  midst  of  a cloud. — When 
the  tabernacle  was  to  be  removed,  and  on  some  other  occa- 
sions, deviations  from  this  strict  rule  became  indispensable. 
(Notes,  Num.  4:5.  2 Chr.  29:12 — 19.) — The  worship  ap- 
pointed by  the  law  was  intimately  connected  with  sensible 
objects,  which  are  less  revered  when  rendered  familiar : hut 
that  of  the  New  Testament,  being  more  simple,  is  maintained 
entirely  by  faith ; and  the  objects  of  it  are  admired  and 
adored,  in  proportion  to  the  frequency  and  intenseness  with 
which  we  meditate  upon  them  : the  Israelites  therefore  were 
commanded  to  keep  their  distance,  but  we  are  invited  to  draw 
near. 

V.  3.  The  daily  sacrifice  doubtless  preceded  the  solem- 
nities appointed  in  this  chapter. 

V.  4.  The  repeated  washings  of  the  high-priest  might 
typify  Christ’s  perfect  purity;' but  they  more  evidently  re- 
minded him  of  his  own  sinfulness. — He  performed  the  appro- 
priate services  of  this  day,  in  the  mean  garments  of  the  ordi- 
nary priests,  not  in  his  own  rich  robes  : for  Christ  made  atone- 
ment for  us  in  his  holy  human  nature,  having  laid  aside  his 
robes  of  majesty  when  he  assumed  “ the  form  of  a servant 
and  as  man  he  even  now  intercedes  for  us.  (1  Tim.  2:5 — 7.) 

V.  fi.  The  word  “ offer”  seems  in  this  verse  to  mean  no 
more  than  to  present  the  bullock  before  the  Lord,  with  con- 
ession  of  sins,  and  earnest  prayer  that  it  might  be  accepted 
as  an  expiatory  sacrifice.  (11) 

V.  8 — 40.  The  word  rendered  w the  scape-goat,”  (Ststj7 
comp,  of  ry  a she-goat,  and  Sin  to  go  away),  signifies  “the  goat 
which  went  away.”  But  the  Jews  say,  that  the  place,  to 
which  the  goat  was  led,  is  intended,  and  not  the  goat  itself. — 
Probably,  however,  our  translation  is  as  expressive  of  the 
meaning  of  the  type,  as  any  other  for  which  it  could  be 
changed.  The  other  goat  was  allotted  to  the  Lord  to  he  sacri- 
ficed to  him  ; and  this  was  sent  away  into  a separate  place , 
at.  a distance  from  the  tents  and  dwellings  of  Israel.  (22. 
marg.) — The  dying  goat  represented  Christ  suffering  for  our 
sins  ; “ the  scape-goat,”  Christ  rising  to  carry  into  effect  the 
purposes  of  his  death  in  the  actual  forgiveness  and  justifica- 
( 228  ) 


B.  C.  1490 

them  before  the  Lord,  at  the  door  of  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation. 

8 And  Aaron  shall  '’cast  lots  upon  the  two  goats  ; 
one  lot  lor  the  Lord,  and  the  other  lot  lor  the 
'scape-goat. 

9 And  Aaron  shall  bring  the  goat  ‘Uipon  which 
the  Lord’s  lot  'fell,  and  offer  him  for  a sin 
offering. 

10  But  the  goat  on  which  the  lot  fell  to  be  "the 
scape-goat,  shall  be  presented  alive  before  the 
Lord,  \o  make  an  atonement  with  him,  and  to 
‘let  him  go  for  a scape-goat  into  the  wilder- 
ness. 

11  M And  Aaron  shall  bring  “the  bullock  of  the 
sin-offering,  which  is  ibr  himself,  and  shall  make 
an  atonement  lor  himself,  and  for  his  house,  and 
shall  kill  the  bullock  of  the  sin-offering,  which  u 
for  himself. 

12  And  he  shall  take  a censer  full  of  burning 
coals  of  fire  ’'from  off  the  altar  before  the  Lord, 
and  his  hands  full  of  “sweet  incense  beaten  small 
and  bring  it  within  the  veil. 

13  And  he  shall  put  the  incense  upon  the  fire 
before  the  Lord,  that  Hhe  cloud  of  the  incense 
may  cover  the  mercy-seat  that  is  upon  the  testi- 
mony, that  he  die  not. 

14  And  he  shall  take  of  “the  blood  of  the  bul- 
lock, and  sprinkle  it  with  his  finger  upon  the  mercy- 
seat  eastward  : and  before  the  mercy-seat,  shall  he 
sprinkle  of  the  blood  with  his  finger  seven  times. 

[Practical  Observations .] 


n 9:7.  Ezra  10:18,19.  Job  1:5.  Ez.  43:19— 27.  o 1:3.  4:4.  12:6,7.  Matt.  16:21. 
Rom.  12:1.  p Num.  26:55.  33:54.  Josh.  18:10,11 . 1 Nam.  14:41 ,42.  Prov.  16:33.  Ex. 
48:29.  John  1:7.  Acts  1:23 — 26.  * Heb.  Azazel.  q Acts  2:23.  4:27,28.  t Heb. 
went  up.  r 21,22.  s Is.  53:10,11.  Rom.  4:25.  Heb.  7:26.  9:23,24 . 1 John  2:2.  3:16 
t 14:7.  ' u See  on  3,6.  v 10:1.  Num.  16:18,46.  Heb.  9:14.  1 John  1:7.  xEx.30: 
34—38.  31:11.  37:29.  Rev. 8:3,4.  y Ex. 25:21.  Heb.  1:14 — 16.  7 25.  9:24.  1 John 
2:1,2.  z 4:5,6,17.  8:11.  Rom.  3:24— 26.  Heb.  9:7,25.  10:4,10—12,19.12:24. 

tion  of  his  believing  people.  A goat  was  clean  by  the  law, 
yet  not  cleanly  as  the  sheep  in  the  opinion  of  man  ; nay, 
goats  are  the  emblem  of  the  wicked  in  the  representation  of 
the  day  of  judgment.  (Matt.  25:32,33.)  Thus  Christ  seemed 
to  men  a sinner,  but  was  absolutely  sinless  ; and  when  “num- 
bered among  transgressors,”  he  died  by  the  sentence  of  man 
as  a malefactor,  but  in  the  purpose  of  God  as  a Sacrifice. — 
Two  kids  of  the  goats  having  been  provided  as  a sin-offering, 
it  was  decided  by  lot  which  should  be  slain  and  which  should 
escape.  A lot  is  a solemn  appeal  to  God  in  a doubtful  mat- 
ter, relative  to  practice,  as  an  oath  is  in  testimonies  and 
engagements  ; and  each  of  them  ought  to  be  the  last  resource, 
when  other  methods  of  decision  fail,  and  to  be  used  as  a 
solemn  act  of  religion,  or  not  at  all.  It  is  therefore  an  unan- 
swerable objection  to  all  lotteries  and  games  of  chance,  that 
they  are  a profanation  of  a religious  ordinance : for  so  it  is 
every  where  spoken  of  in  Scripture.  “ The  lot  is  cast  into 
the  lap,  but  the  whole  disposal  of  ii  is  of  the  Lord  :”  they  are 
therefore  an  appeal  to  God  to  decide  in  a matter  of  covetous- 
ness, or  of  diversion ; and  so  form  a species  of  “ taking  his 
name  in  vain,”  not  much  unlike  rash  and  profane  swearing  in 
trifling  conversation,  or  when  men  are  striking  bargains. 

V.  1 1 — 14.  After  the  high-priest  had  slain  the  sin-offering 
for  himself  and  his  family,  he  seems  to  have  left  the  other 
priests  to  prepare  the  blood,  the  fat,  and  the  flesh  of  the 
sacrifice ; and  to  have  taken  a censer  full  of  burning  coals 
from  off  the  altar,  and  as  much  incense  as  both  his  hands 
would  hold,  wNich  doubtless  was  put  into  a cup  or  plate  for 
that  purpose.  With  these  he  entered  within  the  veil, 
immediately  putting  the  incense  on  the  coals,  and  causing  the 
smoke  to  ascend  before  the  mercy-seat;  without  which  ho 
must  not  have  gone  thither  on  pain  of  death.  He  then  seems 
to  have  fetched  the  blood  of  his  own  sin-offering,  and  to  have 
sprinkled  it  as  prescribed  : then  to  have  gone  forth  again,  and 
to  have  killed  the  people’s  sin-offerings,  and  with  the  blood  of 
them  to  have  entered  the  third  time  ; and  to  have  left  tho 
censer,  till  he  had  applied  the  blood  to  the  altar  of  incense, 
and  then  to  have  entered  the  fourth  time  to  fetch  it  away. — 
All  that  the  Jewish  writers  have  very  copiously  advanced  on 
the  manner  in  which  the  services  of  this  day  were  performed, 
can  only  show  how  they  understood  the  Scriptures  which 
relate  to  the  subject:  and  in  some  cases  what  variations,  and 
additions  to  the  divine  appointments  they  made,  which 
contribute  little  to  our  edification:  for  it  should  be  kept  in 
mind,  that  what  learned  men  extract  from  them  on  these 
subjects,  was  written  long  after  the  temple  was  finally 
destroyed  by  the  Romans,  and  the  Mosaic  ceremonial  thus 
actually  abolished  ; and  many  of  their  assertions  are  directly 
contrary  to  the  words  of  the  law. — As  the  mercy-seat  was 
placed  at  the  west  end  of  the  tabernacle,  the  word  eastward 
must  oither  mean,  that  the  high-priest  stood  eastward  of  the 
mercy-scat  when  he  sprinkled  the  blood ; or  that  it  was 
sprinkled  on  that  part  of  the  mercy-scat  wUVch  faced  the 
east. 


Ii.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XVI, 


B.  C.  1490, 


*15  U Then  “shall  he  kill  the  goat  of  the  sin- 
offering  that  is  for  the  people,-  and  “bring  his  blood 
within  the  veil,  and  do  with  that  blood  as  he  did 
with  the  blood  of  the  bullock,  and  sprinkle  it  upon 
the  mercy-seat,  and  before  the  mercy-seat. 

16  And  he  shall  make  can  atonement  for  the 
holy  place,  because ,of  the  uncleanness  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  and  because  of  their  transgressions 
in  all  their  sins:  and  so  shall  he  do  for  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation  that  ‘remaineth  among 
them,  in  the  midst  of  their  uncleanness. 

17  And  there  shall  be  ‘‘no  man  in  the  tabernacle 
of  the  congregation,  when  he  goeth  in  to  make  an 
atonement  in  the  holy  place,  until  he  come  out, 
'and  have  made  an  atonement  for  himself,  and  for 
his  household,  and  for  all  the  congregation  of 
Israel. 

18  And  he  shall f go  out  unto  the  altar  that  is 
before  the  Lord,  and  make  an  atonement  for  it; 
and  shall  take  of  the  blood  of  the  bullock,  and  of 
the  blood  of  the  goat,  and  put  it  upon  the  horns 
of  the  altar  round  about. 

19  And  he  shall  sprinkle  of  the  blood  upon  it 
with  his  finger  seven  times,  and  cleanse  it,  and 
shallow  it  from  the  uncleanness  of  the  children  of 
Israel- 

20  IT  And  when  he  hath  made  an  end  of ‘‘recon- 
ciling  the  holy  place,  and  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation,  and  the  altar,  he  shall  bring  the  'live 
goat : 

21  And  Aaron  shall  klay  both  his  hands  upon 

*5,9.  Hcb.  2:17.  5:3.  9:7,25.  b 2.  Heb.  6:19.  9:3,7,12.  c 18.  8:15.  Ex. 29:36,37. 
Ez.  45:18,19.  John  14:3.  Heb.  9:22,23.  • lleb .dwcllcth.  <1  Ex. 34:3.  Is.  53  6. 
Da, i.9:24.  Luke  1:10.  Acls  4: 12.  1 Tim.  2:5.  Heh.  1:9.  1 Pel.  2:24.  3:18.  ell), 
11.  f 16.  Ex.  3U:10.  John  17:19.  Heb  2:11.  5:7,8.  g Ex.  43:18 — 22.  Ztch.  13: 
1.  h 16.  6:30.  8:15.  Ez.  45:20.  2 Cor.  5:19.  Col.  1:20.  i Rom.  4:25.  8:3-1.  Heb. 
7:25.  Rev.  1:18.  k Se.on  1:4.  Ex. 29:10.  126:40.  Ezra  10:1.  Neh. 1:6,7.  9:3, 
4c  Ps.  32:5.  51:3.  Pan.  9:3— 20.  m Is.  53:6.  2 Cor.  5:21.  t Heb.  o man  oj 


V.  15  16.  The  uncleanness  of  the  people,  and  all  their 
manifold  transgressions,  contaminated  even  the  tabernacle 
that  was  among  them,  and  all  its  furniture;  yea,  the  holy  of 
holies;  even  if  none  either  of  the  priests  or  people  had 
entered,  during  the  whole  preceding  year.  4 See,’  says 
Ainsworth,  4 the  horrid  filthiness  of  sin !’ — Thus  the  depravity 
of  the  human  heart  renders  the  best  services  of  man  defiled, 
so  that  he  needs  the  atonement  of  the  blood  of  Christ  to 
render  them  acceptable. 

V.  17.  The  high-priest  was  the  grand  type  of  Christ, 
under  the  Mosaic  dispensation,  and  this  .solemnity  more 
especially  represented  his  sufferings  for  us  on  earth,  and  his 
intercession  for  us  in  heaven : the  express  prohibition  there- 
fore of  any  man,  even  of  the  priests,  to  enter  into  the  taber- 
nacle while  the  high-priest  performed  this  typical  service, 
emphatically  showed,  that  no  sacrifice,  no  intercession,  must 
so  much  as  in  appearance  be  joined  with  those  of  Christ,  in 
his  mediatorial  work. — It  is  said,  that  the  high-priest  spent  a 
considerable  part  of  the  day  in  prayer  for  himself,  his  family, 
and  the  congregation ; and  without  doubt  this  would  be  the 
case  with  those  high-priests  who  fulljr  entered  into  the 
design  of  the  sacred  service. 

V.  18,  19.  The  altar  of  incense  is  generally  supposed  to 
be  here  intended  ; for  this  ceremony  had  been  appointed  for 
that  altar,  but  not  for  the  altar  of  burnt-offering,  at 'The  foot 
of  which  all  the  residue  of  the  blood  was  poured  out.  ( Note , 
Ex.  30:9,10.)  The  typical  meaning  also  requires  this  inter- 
pretation : for  every  thing  within  the  sanctuary  was  purged 
with  the  blood  shed  without,  at  the  altar  of  burnt-offering  ; as 
the  efficacy  of  our  Lord’s  intercession  in  heaven  is  derived 
from  his  sacrifice  here  on  earth. — Aaron  came  out  of  the  most 
holy  place  into  the  holy  place  for  this  part  of  the«service. 

V.  20 — 22.  The  word  rendered  44  reconciling,”  is  the 
same  as  that  before  translated  44  make  atonement,”  and  it 
signifies  to  cover  or  hide. — When  the  high-priest  had  sprinkled 
the  blood  of  the  two  sin-offerings,  separately,  in  the  most  holy 
place,  upon  the  mercy-sear,  and  afterwards  seven  times  each 
in  the  holy  place  before  the  mercy-seat,  and  applied  it  to  the 
altar  of  incense ; he  then  came  out  of  the  tabernacle,  and 
laying  both  his  hands  on  the  head  of  the  live  goat,  he  con- 
fessed over  it  all  the  sins  of  Israel  of  every  kind  with  their 
various  aggravations.  Thus  the  guilt  was  typically  trans- 
ferred to  it,  in  respect  of  the  temporal  punishment : for  such 
sacrifices  44  could  not  make  him  that  did  the  service  perfect, 
as  pertaining  to  the  conscience;”  much  less  could  they 
actually  remove  the  guilt  of  every  individual  in  Israel,  whether 
penitent  Dr  impenitent.  But  by  this  annual  confession  and 
atonement,  the  judgments  of  God  were  averted  from  the 
nation.  The  Lord  still  condescended  to  dwell  among  them, 
as  his  worshippers,  notwithstanding  their  past  transgres- 
sions ; and  they  continued  to  enjoy  the  benefit  of  his  ordi- 
nances and  oracles. — In  the  latter  days  of  the  Jewish  church 
he  high-priest  had  a form  of  confession  : but  God  prescribed 
♦one.  An  attentive  observant  f the  divine  law,  and  of  the 


the  head  of  the  live  goat,  and  ‘confess  over  him 
all  the  iniquities  of  the  children  of  Israel,  and  all 
their  transgressions  in  all  their  sins,  "“putting  them 
upon  the  head  of  the  goat,  and  shall  send  him 
away  by  the  hand  of  ‘a  lit  man  into  the  wilderness. 

22  And  the  goat  shall  “bear  upon  him  all  their 
iniquities,  unto  a land  ffiot  inhabited ; and  he  slial1 
let  go  the  goat  in  the  wilderness. 

23  And  Aaron  shall  come  into  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation,  and  “shall  put  off  the  linen  gar- 
ments, which  he  put  on  when  he  went  into  the 
holy  place,  and  shall  leave  them  there. 

24  And  he  shall  Pwash  his  flesh  with  water  in 
the  holy  place,  and  put  on  ibis  garments  and  come 
forth,  and  otter  rhis  burnt-offering,  and  the  burnt- 
offering  of  the  people,  "and  make  an  atonement 
lor  himself,  and  for  the  people. 

25  And  ‘the  fat  of  the  sin-offering  shall  he  burn 
upon  the  altar. 

26  And  “he  that  let  go  the  goat  for  the  scape- 
goat, shall -x wash  his  clothes,  and  bathe  his  flesh 
in  water,  and  afterward  come  into  the  camp. 

27  And  the  bullock  for  ? the  sin-offering,  and  the 
goat  for  the  sin-offering,  whose  blood  was  brought 
in  to  make  atonement  in  the  holy  place,  shall  one 
carry  forth  'without  the  camp,  and  they  shall  burn 
in  the  fire  their  skins,  and  their  flesh,  and  their  dung. 

28  And  he  that  burneth  them,  “shall  wash  his 
clothes,  and  bathe  his  flesh  in  water,  and  after- 
ward he  shall  come  into  the  camp. 

29  H And  this  shall  be  a statute  for  ever  unto 


opportunity.  n 1*.  53: 11,12.  John  1:29.  Gal.  3:13.  Heb.  9:28.  1 Pel.  2:24. 
1 Heb.  of  separation,  Ps.  103:12.  Ex. 18:22.  Mic.  7:19.  o4.  Ez.  42:14.  44:19. 
Rom.  8:3.  lhil.  2:6— 11.  Heb  9:28.  p 4.  8:6.  14:9.  22:6.  Ex.  29:4.  Heb.  6:10. 
10:19— 22.  Rer.  1:5,6.  q 8:7—  9.  Ez.  28:4,  4c.  29:5.  r3,5.  s 17.  t 6.  4 8— 
10,19.  Ex.  29:13.  u 10,21,2!.  x 28.  14:8.  15:6— 11,27.  Nura.  19:7,8.21.  Heb. 
7:19.  5-4:11,12,21.6:30.8:17.  z Mali.  27:31— 33.  Heb.  13:11-1.1.  a See 

on  26. 


people’s  conduct,  with  suitable  previous  consideration,  would 
enable  him  to  do  it  much  more  profitably  without  one. — 
When  the  sins  of  Israel  had  thys  been  44  put  upon  the  head 
of  the  goat,”  a proper  person  was  sent  to  lead  him  away  into 
the  wilderness,  to  a place  sufficiently  distant  from  the  habita- 
tions of  men  ; and  there  to  let  him  go  at  liberty,  bearing 
upon  him  their  sins,  never  more  to  be  heard  of. — Christ 
44 bare  our  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree;”  they  were  im- 
puted to  him,  and  he  bare  the  punishment  due  to  them : this 
was  typified  by  the  goat  which  was  slain  and  burnt.  He 
then  ascended  into  heaven,  and  by  his  intercession  grounded 
on  his  atonement,  renders  our  persons  and  services  accepted: 
this  was  typified  by  the  high-priest  entering  with  the  blood 
and  incense  into  the  most  holy  place.  In  consequence  of 
this,  the  sins  of  all  believers  are  entirely  forgiven;  and  they 
a»*e  dealt,  with,  as  if  they  had  never  committed  them : this 
was  shadowed  by  the  scape-goat  sent  away  into  the  wilder- 
ness. 

V.  23 — 25.  When  the  scape-goat  hod  been  sent  away, 
“bearing  on  him  all  the  iniquities  of  Israel,”  the  high-priest, 
going  into  the  tabernacle,  put  off  his  linen  garments,  and  left 
them  there  ; (the  Jews  say,  never  to  be  worn  again  ;)  and 
then,  having  44  washed  his  flesh  with  water  in  the  holy  place,” 
he  put  on  the  rich  garments  which  were  peculiar  to  his  office : 
for  the  more  humiliating,  sorrowful,  and  penitential  part  of  the 
solemn  service  was  now  ended,  and  way  was  made  for  joy 
and  exultation. — The  word  here  rendered  wash,  is  very 
frequently  translated  bathe;  (26,28.)  but  it  is  obvious,  that  it 
cannot  exclusively  mean  the  covering  of  the  whole  body  with 
water  ; for  there  was  no  provision  made  for  this,  either  in  the 
holy  place,  or  in  the  court  of  tl\p  tabernacle,  which  probably 
induced  the  translators  to  render  it  wash  in  this  connexion  , 
but  whether  the  hands  and  feet  alone  were  washed,  or  somo 
of  the  other  parts  of  the  body,  or  every  part  of  it,  seems  to 
have  depended  on  circumstances.  (15:6,7,13,16.)  The  high- 
priest,  having  touched  the  scape-goat,  seemed  to  have  con- 
tracted a degree  of  ritual  uncleanness,  which  his  washing 
might  refer  to. — He  then  offered  his  own  burnt-offering:  and 
also  that  of  the  people,  which  probably  means  one  prescribed 
in  a subsequent  law:  ( Num . 29:8.)  though  some  suppose 
this  to  have  been  offered  in  the  morning,  and  that  the  burnt- 
offering  here  mentioned  was  the  evening  sacrifice  ; all  the 
intervening  time  having  been  taken  up  in  the  solemn  services 
of  the  day.  By  these  oblations,  Aaron  made  a further  atone- 
ment for  himself  and  the  people,  at  the  altar  of  burnt-offering 
and  thus  the  expiation  was  completed,  in  respect  of  all  things 
pertaining  to  the  instituted  worship  of  Israel. — As  the  bodies 
of  the  sin-offerings  were  reserved  till  the  other  solemnities 
were  finished,  before  they  were  carried  out  of  the  ramp  to 
be  burned  ; so  the  fat  of  them  was  likewise  kept  to  be  .’aid  on 
the  altar  upon  the  burnt-offerings  : for  we  have  no  reason  U 
suppose,  that  this  also  was  mentioned  out  of  bs  prope-  ruer. 

V.  26 — 28.  To  show  still  further  the  defiling  nat»  r o 
sin,  and  the  insufficiency  of  these  typical  ex]  iti  ms ; both  he 
( 229  ) 


B.  £ 4490. 


LEVITICUS. 


B.  C.  1490 


you : that  '’in  the  seventh  month,  on  the  tenth  day 
of  the  month,  ye  'shall  afflict  your  souls,  and  ddo 
no  work  at  all,  whether  it  he  one  of  your  own 
country,  or  a stranger  that  sojourneth  among  you. 

30  For  on  that  day  shall  the  priest  make  an 
atonement  for  you,  “to  cleanse  you,  that  ye  may  be 
clean  from  all  your  sins,  before  the  Lord. 

31  It  shall  be  fa  sabbath  of  rest  unto  you,  and 
ye  shall  afflict  your  souls  by  a statute  for  ever. 

32  And  sthe  priest  whom  he  shall  anoint,  and 
whom  he  shall  ’consecrate  hto  minister  in  the 
priest’s  office  in  his  father’s  stead,  shall  make  the 
atonement,  and  shall  ‘put  on  the  linen  clothes,  even 
the  holy  garments. 

33  And  he  shall  make  kan  atonement  for  the 
holy  sanctuary : and  he  shall  make  an  atonement 
for  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  for  the 
altar : and  he  shall  make  an  atonement  for  the 
priests,  and  for  all  the  people  of  the  congregation. 

b 23:27—32.  Ex.  30:10.  Nura.  29:7.  I Kings  8:2.  Ezra  3:1.  c Ps.  35:13.  69: 
10.  Is.  53:3,5.  Dan.  10:3,12.  1 Cor.  11:31.  2 Cor.  7:10,11.  d 23:3,7,8,21,28, 
S 1,36.  Ex.  12:16.  20:10.  Is.  58:13.  Heb.  4:10.  o Ps.  51 :2,7,10.  Jer.  33:8.  Er.. 
36:20—27.  Eph.5:26.  Tit.  2:14.  Heb.  9:13,14.  10:1,2.  1 John  1:7— 9.  123:32. 

25:4.  Ex.  31:15.  35:2.  g4:3,5,16.  * Heb.  Jill  his  hand.  Ex.29:9.  marg.  hE*. 


who  led  away  the  scape-goat,  and  he  who  burnt  the  sin- 
offering,  contracted  defilement  and  needed  purification. 
Note , 6:30.) — Jerusalem  in  later  ages  anwered  to  the  camp 
in  the  wilderness.  (Note,  Heb.  13:9 — 14.) 

V.  29 — 31.  The  Israelites,  all  over  the  camp  at  this  time, 
and  all  over  the  land  afterward  in  Canaan,  were  required  to 
spend  this  day  in  solemn  humiliation  before  God  for  their 
sins ; in  godly  sorrow,  penitent  confessions,  and  devotional 
exercises,  either  in  secret,  or  in  their  families  and  assemblies : 
and  for  this  purpose  all  other  business  was  laid  aside.  Fast- 
ing is  not  expressly  mentioned  ; but  it  is  generally  supposed 
to  be  implied,  with  several  other  expressions  of  contrition, 
and  instances  of  self-denial.  The  day  must  also  be  observed 
as  a most  solemn  sabbath,  on  which  no  work  mignt  be  done, 
either  by  an  Israelite  or  a stranger ; for  u afflicting  their 
souls”  for  sin  would  be  sufficient  employment.  (Marg.  Ref. 
c.  Note , Acts  27:9.) — Various  reasons  are  assigned,  why  the 
tenth  day  of  the  seventh  month  was  particularly  appointed: 
but  there  seems  no  certainty  in  any  of  them. 

V.  32 — 34.  None  except  the  high-priest  was  allowed  to 
perform  the  solemn  service  of  this  day;  and  “he  could  not 
continue  by  reason  of  death it  was  therefore  appointed,  that 
he,  among  Aaron’s  descendants,  who  was  anointed  to  the 
high-priesthood  through  succeeding  generations,  should  thus 
make  atonement  for  the  sanctuary,  the  priests,  and  the 
people,  once  every  year. — Moses  anointed  and  consecrated 
Aaron,  and  probably  Eleazar;  but  it  is  not  expressly  said  by 
whom  the  high-priests  in  succession  should  be  anointed.  It 
is  generally  thought,  that  the  eldest  son  of  the  high-priest,  (if 
a proper  person,)  or  the  next  in  succession,  was  previously 
anointed  and  consecrated,  that  he  might  officiate,  if  any  thing 
occurred  to  prevent  the  high-priest,  as  sickness  or  ceremonial 
•ncleanness:  and  then  he  entered  on  that  office  when  his 
predecessor  died.  It  is  probable,  in  this  case,  that  the  high- 
priest  himself  anointed  his  successor:  if  this  had  not  been 
done  we  may  suppose  that  the  chief  of  the  priests,  in  age  or 
authority,  anointed  the  eldest  of  the  sons  of  the  deceased 
high-priest,  who  had  no  defect  or  impediment:  or  perhaps,  a 
subsequent  anointing  also  was  used  after  the  high-priest’s 
death  ; as  David,  after  having  been  anointed  by  Samuel  to 
succeed  Saul,  was  repeatedly  anointed  after  Saul’s  death, 
when  he  entered  on  his  regal  office.  (1  Sam.  16:12,13. 
Notes , 2 Sam.  2:4.  5:3.) — The  words  rendered  “whom  he 
'shall  anoint,”  seem  only  to  mean,  who  shall  be  anointed ; and 
may  be  rendered,  “ whom  one  shall  anoint.” — Many  learned 
men  imagine,  that  these  atonements  expiated  nothing  but  the 
guilt  contracted  by  transgressing  the  ceremonial  law ; and 
they  seem  to  think  it  actually  prevailed  for  the  full  and  final 
ardon  of  these  offences,  to  all  for  whom  they  were  offered : 
ut  the  varied  expressions  used  on  this  occasion,  show  that 
all  kinds  of  sins  were  alike  atoned  for:  (16,21.)  and  the 
apostle’s  argument  (Heb.  9:8 — 10.)  proves  that  no  sin  was 
thus  actually  pardoned,  as  to  the  conscience.  All  true 
believers,  using  these  as  means  of  grace,  were  pardoned  and 
accepted  for  the  sake  of  the  great  Antitype  and  his  atone- 
merf. : the  temporal  punishment,  for  sins  of  every  kind,  was 
averted  by  the  offering  in  that  case  instituted  ; but  there  were 
many  crimes  for  which  no  sacrifice  was  appointed.  The 
annual  expiation  of  national  guilt,  however,  prevented  the 
forfeiture  of  the  national  covenant : but  in  idolatrous  times  it 
was  either  utterly  neglected,  or  very  carelessly  attended  to; 
and  when  the  Substance  came,  all  these  shadows  lost  their 
use  and  efficacy:  tor  the  words  rendered  “ everlasting,”  and 
“for  ever,”  in  this  connexion  mean  perpetual  during  that 
typical  dispensation.  (Note,  Gen.  17:7,8.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  C — f>-4.  These  varied  shadows  of  good  things  to  come 
lead  us  into  almost  unavoidable  repetitions  ; for  it  must  surely 
be  inexcusable  to  shut  our  eyes  that  we  may  not  see,  or 
seeing  to  refrain  from  noting,  though  repeatedly,  these  mani-  , 
( 230  ) 


34  And  this  shall  be  ’an  everlasting  statute  unto 
you,  to  make  an  atonement  for  the  children  oi 
Israel,  for  all  their  sins,  monce  a year.  And  he  did 
as  the  Lord  commanded  Moses. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

The  blood  of  beasts  slaughtered  for  food , must  be  offered  to  the  Lord , that  no 
sacrifices  -may  be  off  ere  l to  devils,  1 — 9.  No  blood  must  be  eaten , nor  that 
■which  died  of  itself , 10 — 16. 

ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2  Speak  unto  Aaron,  and  unto  his  sons,  and 
unto  all  the  children  of  Israel,  and  say  unto  them, 
This  is  the  thing  which  the  Lord  hath  command- 
ed, saying, 

3 What  man  soever  there  be  “of  the  house  of 
Israel,  bthat  killeth  an  ox,  or  lamb,  or  goat  in  the 
camp,  or  that  killeth  it  out  of  the  camp, 

4 And  cbringeth  it  not  unto  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  .he  congregation,  to  offer  an  offering 
unto  the  Lord  before  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord  ; 
dblood  shall  be  imputed  unto  that  man  : “lie  hath 


29:29,30.  Num. 20:26— 28.  iSeeonl.  k See  or,  16.18,19,24.  123:31.  Nura. 

29.7.  m Ex.  30:10.  Heb.  9:7,25.  10:3,14.  a 8, 12,13, 15.  b Dent.  12:5— 7, Il- 
ls,20— 22,26,27.  c 1:3.  Ez.  20:40.  John  10:7,9.  14:6.  (17:18.  I's.  32:2.  Rora. 
4:6.  5:13,20.  Ihifemot  18,19.  els.  66:3. 


fold  remembrances  of  sin,  as  chargeable  upon  the  best  of  men 
in  their  most  holy  actions ; as  polluting  all  things  that  the 
sinner  touches ; yet  atoned  for  by  nothing  except  blood,  and 
nobler  blood  than  that  of  bulls  and  goats.  Doubtless  these 
are  so  many  demonstrations,  that  we  rightly  understand  what 
the  New  Testament  teaches  of  Christ,  when  we  consider  him 
as  the  Substance  of  all  these  shadow's;  and  his  Church  the 
building,  for  which  all  these  scaffoldings  were  prepared. 
Here,  in  a type,  we  view  our  great  High-Priest,  our  Sacri- 
fice, our  Advocate,  our  Savioifr  from  sin.  Thus  he  veiled 
his  glory.  “ Because  the  children  were  partakers  of  flesh 
and  blood,  he  also  himself  likewise  took  part  of  the  same,” 
and  appeared  in  human  nature,  yet  free  from  sin ; though  ho 
had  richer  robes  of  glory  and  beauty,  when  angels  saw  and 
adored  him  “ in  the  form  of  God,”  as  their  Creator  and  Lord. 
By  the  one  sacrifice  of  himself  he  made  an  actual  atonement 
for  sin  on  earth;  and  with  the  same  human  nature,  and  with 
his  own  blood,  he  ascended  into  heaven,  to  appear  before  the 
Father’s  mercy-seat,  to  present  the  incense  of  his  prevailing 
intercession  for  his  people  ; in  which  service  none,  even  of  the 
spiritual  priesthood,  must  presume  to  unite  *vith  him.  Thenco 
with  his  spiritual  presence  he  meets  his  assembled  disciples, 
and  renders  his  ordinances  sanctifying  to  them,  and  accept- 
able to  God ; and  at  the  end  of  the  world  he  “ will  come  in 
his  own  glory,  and  in  the  glory  of  his  Father,”  to  complete 
the  grand  design. 

Y.  15 — 34.  Jlere  also  in  another  glass,  we  see  the  Saviour 
in  the  sin-offering  of  the  goat.  In  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh, 
he  suffered  without  the  camp,  by  the  hands  of  wicked  men, 
but  according  to  the  purpose  of  God ; while  in  the  scape-goat 
we  see  him  rising,  and  bearing  the  sins  of  all  true  believers 
into  the  land  of  forgetfulness.  But  in  how  many  things  do 
these  shadows  fail  of  truly  representing  the  substance!  It 
was  very  evident  “ that  the  way  into  the  holiest  was  not  made 
manifest,”  when  the  high-priest  himself  must  enter  so  seldom, 
and  so  circumspectly,  on  pain  of  death.  Jesus  needed  not 
to  offer  sacrifice  for  his  own  sin ; for  he  w as  without  sin. 
Though  “ the  Lord  caused  to  meet  on  him  the  iniquities  o( 
us  all,”  yet  he  thence  contracted  no  pollution,  nor  needed 
any  purification,  having  perfectly  expiated  the  whole.  And 
feebly  indeed  do  “ the  holy  places  made  with  hands”  shadow 
forth  the  heaven  of  heavens  ; or  the  smoke  of  the  fragrant 
gums,  for  a few  hours  in  a year,  his  continued  and  meritorious 
advocacy. — Nor  are  the  benefits  which  Israel  as  a nation 
derived  from  this  annual  atonement,  or  the  external  privileges 
thus  continued  to  them,  at  all  comparable  to  “ the  access 
with  boldness  to  the  throne  of  grace,”  the  mercy,  the  peace, 
the  spiritual  and  everlasting  blessings,  and  consolations, 
which  true  believers  in  all  ages  enjoy  through  the  alonement 
of  the  Son  of  God  ! — Yet  let  it  be  remembered  that  none  but 
humbled  souls,  who  “ repent  and  bring  forth  fruits  meet  for 
repentance,”  can  derive  true  comfort  from  these  privileges. 
The  proud,  the  carnal,  the  impenitent  and  unbelieving,  have 
but  the  shadow  still ; a shadow  oflen  of  their  own  de\  ising,  not 
of  God’s  appointing.  It  was  not  requisite  that  Christ  should 
suffer  more  than  once  ; but  we  need  constantly  to  look  to 
him:  and,  besides  our  daily  exercise  of  repentance,  seasons 
set  apart  from  time  to  time  to  afflict  our  souls,  to  humble 
ourselves  before  God,  and  to  mortify  our  sinful  desires,  are 
very  profitable,  and  have  in  all  ages  met  with  the  approba- 
tion of  God,  and  been  sanctioned  by  the  example  of  holy 
men.  Nor  will  this  mar  our  holy  joy:  ir w ill  rather  purify 
it;  it  will  endear  the  Saviour,  and  greatly  assist  us,  in  so 
looking  unto  him,  that  we  may  not  he  weary  or  faint  in  our 
minds,  either  in  doing  his  will  or  suffering  for  his  sake. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XVII.  V.  3—7.  The  language  of 
this  passage  evidently  means,  that  the  Israelites,  while  in  the 
wilderness,  must  not  kill  any  of  those  aninals  which  wero 
appointed  to  be  sacrificed,  even  for  food,  elsewhere,  either  m 
the  camp,  or  without*  hut  must  bring  them  all,  as  peac#- 


B.  C.  1490.. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


B.  C.  M90 


shed  blood ; and  that  man  shall  'be  cut  off  from 
among  his  people : 

5 To  the  end  that  the  children  of  Israel  may 
bring  their  sacrifices,  which  they  offer  6in  the  open 
field,  even  that  they  may  bring  them  unto  the 
Lord,  unto  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation unto  the  priest,  ''and  offer  them for  peace- 
jfferings  unto  the  Lord. 

6 And  the  priest  shall  sprinkle  the  blood  upon 
the  altar  of  the  Lord,  at  the  door  of  the  taberna- 
cle of  the  congregation,  and  Jburn  the  fat  for  a 
sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord. 

7 \nd  they  shall  no  more  offer  their  sacrifices 
kuntc  devils,  after  whom  they  have  'gone  a whor- 
ing. This  shall  be  a statute  for  ever  unto  them 
‘throughout  their  generations. 

8 And  thou  shalt  say  unto  them,  Whatsoever 
man  there  he  of  the  house  of  Israel,  or  of  the 
strangers  which  sojourn  among  you,  mthat  offereth 
a burnt-offering  or  sacrifice, 

9 And  briiweth  it  not  unto  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  to  offer  it  unto  the 
Lord  ; even  that  man  shall  be  cutoff  from  among 
his  people. 

10  H And  whatsoever  man  there  he  of  the 
house  of  Israel,  or  of  the  strangers  that  sojourn 
among  you,  "that  eateth  any  manner  of  blood  ; °I 

f 10,14.  18:29.  20:3,16,18.  Gen.  17:14.  Ex.  12:15,19.  Num.  15:30,31.  BGen.21: 
33  . 22:2,13.  31:51.  Deul.  12:2.  1 Kings  14:23.  2 Kings  16:4.  17:10.  2Chr.28:4. 
Ex.  20:28  . 22:9.  h 3:  7:11—21.  Ex.  24:5.  i 3:2,8,13.  ) 3:5,11 ,16.  4:31.  Ex. 

29:13.  Num.  18:17.  k Dent.  32:17.  2 Chr.  11:15.  Ps.  106:37.  John  12:31.  14:30. 
1 Cor.  10:20.  2 Cor.  4:4.  Eph.  2:2.  Rev.  9:20.  120:5.  Ex.  34:15.  Deut.  31:16. 
Jer.  3:1.  Ez.  23:8.  Rev.  17:1— 5.  m 10.  1:2.  Judg.  6:26.  1 Sam.  7:9.  10:8.16: 
2.  2 Sam.  24:25.  1 Kings  18:30—38.  Mai.  1:11.  n 11.3:17.  7:26,27.  19:26.  Gen. 
9:4.  Dent.  12:16,23.  15:23.  1 Sam.  14:33.  Ez.  33:25.  44:7.  Acts  15:20,29.  Heb. 


offerings,  to  the  door  of  the  tabernacle ; that  the  blood  might 
be  sprinkled,  the  fat  burnt  on  the  altar,  and  the  due  portion 
allotted  to  the  priest,  according  to  the  laws  before  given. — 
It  may  be  supposed,  that  few  animals,  in  proportion  to  the 
multitudes  of  Israel,  would  at  this  time  be  slain ; the  manna 
being  their  principal  sustenance : and  when  they  came  into 
Canaan,  and  many  of  them  lived  far  from  the  sanctuary, 
they  might  kill  cattle  for  food  in  any  place.  “ Even  as  the 
roe  buck,  and  au  the  hart,  so  shalt  thou  eat  them.”  (Deut. 
12:15,22.)  These  animals,  therefore,  or  any  other  clean 
animal,  not,  appointed  for  sacrifice,  if  caught  in  the  wilder- 
ness, might  be  eaten,  without  being  brought  to  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle.  In  the  mean  while,  the  transgression  of  this  law 
would  be  imputed  to  any  Israelite,  as  a capital  crime ; even 
as  if  he  had  committed  murder ; and,  if  the  magistrate  did 
not  punish  him,  God  himself  would  “ cut  him  off  from  among 
his  people." — This  law  was  intended  to  honour  the  divine 
institutions,  and  to  put  an  end  to  the  custom  of  offering  sacri- 
fices “ in  the  open  field,”  or  in  any  place  indiscriminately,  by 
habituating  the  people  to  bring  all  their  oblations  to  the  taber- 
nacle ; nay,  to  present  the  animals  slain  for  food  as  a sacri- 
fice to  God. — It  was  also  meant  as  a preservative  from  idol- 
atry, which  was  even  at  that  time  secretly  practised,  in 
direct  violation  of  the  national  covenant.  For  idolatry  is 
evidently  intended ; when  it  is  said,  that  the  people  “ sacri- 
ficed to  devils,  after  whom  they  had  gone  a whoring ,”  the  com- 
mon term  for  idolatry  in  the  Scriptures.  The  word  (Di'jny) 
translated  “ devils,”  is  taken  from  the  roughness  of  a goat , 
and  indeed  signifies  goats:  and  many  translate  it  satyrs , 
which  are  fabled  to  have  appeared  in  the  form  of  goats  in  the 
woods  to  their  votaries  ; and  it  is  certain,  that  several  ima- 
ginary deities  of  the  Gentiles  were  often  worshipped  by  images, 
formed  nearly  in  the  shape  of  goats. — Our  translation,  how- 
ever, is  not  improper : for  all  idolatry  in  fact  deifies  devils,  by 
rendering  worship  to  those  ambitious  spirits,  even  as  all 
wickedness  is  serving  them ; and  by  both  Satan  aspires  to 
be  honoured  as  the  god  and  prince  of  this  world.  (A Tote, 
1 Cor.  10:18 — 22.) — The  prohibition  of  offering  sacrifices 
elsewhere  than  at  the  sanctuary,  was  of  perpetual  obliga- 
tion ; though  the  people  were  afterwards  allowed  to  kill 
animals  for  food  in  any  place.  (Notes,  Deut.  12:5 — 7,22.) — 
The  whole  kingdom  of  Israel,  from  the  days  of  Jeroboam, 
habitually  violated  this  law  : and  through  the  reigns  of  most 
of  David’s  successors,  the  kingdom  of  Judah  was  in  great 
measure  guilty  of  the  same,  whilst  “the  people  sacrificed 
upon  the  high  places.”  In  some  cases  the  Lord  dispensed 
with  the  letter  of  it,  by  accepting  sacrifices  from  his  prophets 
on  particular  occasions,  which  were  offered  elsewhere : for 
the  typical  import  formed  the  grand  intention  of  the  cere- 
monial law. — The  worship  of  God  at  the  tabernacle  repre- 
sented the  sinner's  approach  to  God  in  Christ,  and  through 
his  mediation:  but  sacrifices,  offered  elsewhere,  generally 
evinced  a proud,  contemptuous  neglect  of  that  great  salvation. 

V.  8,  9.  A mixed  multitude  accompanied  Israel  out  of 
Egypt,  many  of  whom  probably  had  before  this  returned: 
but  some  might  still  continue,  and  strangers  from  other  parts 
might  come  on  different  occasions.  None  of  these  however 
were  permitted,  in  the  camp  of  Israel,  while  sojourning  in  the 


will  even  set  my  face  against  that  soul  that  eateth 
blood,  and  will  cut  him  off  from  among  his  people. 

11  For  the  life  of  the  flesh  is  in  the  blood,  and 
pI  have  given  it  to  you  upon  the  altar,  to  make  a a 
atonement  for  your  souls  : for  it  is  the  blood  that 
maketh  an  atonement  for  the  soul. 

12  Therefore  I said  unto  the  children  of  Israel, 
No  soul  of  you  shall  eat  blood,  ’’neither  shall  any 
stranger  that  sojournelh  among  you  eat  blood. 

13  And  whatsoever  man  there  be  of  the  chil 
dren  of  Israel,  or  of  the  strangers  that  sojourr 
among  you,  which  ’hunteth  and  catcheth  any  beast 
or  fowl  that  may  be  eaten,  he  shall  even  "pour  out 
the  blood  thereof,  and  cover  it  with  dust. 

14  For  it  is  sthe  life  of  all  flesh,  the  blood  of  it  is 
for  the  life  thereof:  therefore  I said  unto  the  children 
of  Israel,  Ye  shall  eat  the  blood  of  no  manner  of 
flesh  : for  the  life  of  all  flesh  is  the  blood  thereof: 
whosoever  eateth  it  shall  be  cut  off'. 

15  And  ‘every  soul  that  eateth  'that  which  died 
of  itself , or  that  which  was  torn  with  beasts, 
(whether  it  be  one  of  your  own  country,  or  a 
stranger,)  he  shall  “both  wash  his  clothes,  and 
bathe  himself  in  water,  and  be  unclean  until  the 
even  : then  shall  he  be  clean. 

16  But  if  he  wash  themnot,  nor  bathe  his  flesh; 
then  “he  shall  bear  his  iniquity. 

10:29.  o20:3— 6.  26:17.  Ps.  34:16.  Jer. 21 :10.  44:1 1 . Ez.  14:8.  15:7.  p8:15. 
16.11,14—19.  Matt.  20:28.  26:28.  Mark  14:24.  Rom.  3:25.  5:9.  Eph.  1:7.  Col. 
1:14,20.  Heb.  9:22.  13:12.  1 Pet.  1:2.  1 John  1:7.  2:2.  Rev.  1:5.  p Ex.  12:49. 
* Heb.  hunteth  any  hunting . r Deut.  12:16.  15:23.  1 Sam.  14:32 — 34.  Job  16:18. 
Ea.  24:7.  a 11.  Gen.  9:4.  Deut.  12:23.  t 22:8.  Ex.  22.31.  Deut.  14:21 . Ez.  4: 
14.44:31.  t Heb.  a carcass,  u 1 1 :25.  15:5,10,21 . Num.  19:8,19,21.  Rev.  7:14. 
x 5:1.  7.18.  19:8.  20:17,19,20.  Num.  19:20.  Is.  53:11.  John  13:8.  Heb.  9:28. 
1 Pet.  2:24. 


wilderness,  or  afterwards  residing  among  them  in  the  land  01 
Canaan,  to  offer  sacrifices  of'  any  kind  to  their  idols,  or  any 
sacrifice  even  to  Jehovah,  except  at  the  sanctuary:  and  il 
any  one  resolutely  violated  this  law,  he,  as  well  as  the  rebel 
lious  Israelite,  would  be  cut  off  from  among  his  people.  It  is 
certain,  that  in  after  ages  many  uncircumcised  persons 
brought  sacrifices  to  the  temple,  which  were  offered  by  the 
priests  in  their  behalf,  though  they  themselves  might  not 
enter  into  the  inner  court;  and  it  does  not  appear  that  this 
was  a violation  of  the  law.  Many  learned  men,  however 
understand  all  these  passages,  in  which  strangers  are  men- 
tioned, of  proselytes , or  circumcised  Gentiles , and  the  Septua* 
gint  is  thought  to  favour  this  interpretation.  But  the  proselytes 
of  this  description,  in  ordinary  cases,  seem  to  have  been 
incorporated  with  the  Israelites : and  the  rules,  here  and 
elsewhere  given,  may  relate  to  the  case  of  such  persons,  from 
other  countries,  as  were  not  fully  proselyted  to  the  religion  of 
Israel,  whether  they  ever  resided  among  the  Israelites  or 
not. 

V.  10 — 16.  This  prohibition  has  repeatedly  been  consi- 
dered. (Marg.Ref.  Notes,  3:17.  Gen.  9:3,4.  Acts  15:19 — 
21.)  The  expression,  “ I will  set  my  face  against  that 
man,”  implies  the  highest  degree  of  indignation  and  avenging 
justice ; and  is  seldom  used,  except  for  idolatry,  or  some  very 
aggravated  wickedness.  (Note,  20:2 — 5.) — The  reason  of 
the  prohibition  is  several  times  repeated ; namely,  because 
the  life  of  the  animal  is  in  the  blood,  and  it  was  appointed  at 
the  altar  to  make  atonement  for  the  lives  of  the  people  ; as  a 
type  of  him,  who  gave  himself  a sacrifice  for  our  sins,  to  save 
our  souls  from  eternal  death. — This  law  extended  even  to 
clean  animals  taken  in  hunting,  or  wild  fowl,  as  well  as  all 
tame  land-animals ; and  the  covering  of  the  blood  with  dust 
taught  the  people,  that  some  great  mystery  was  implied  in 
the  atonement  of  blood,  and  tended  to  create  a reverence  ol 
it:  for  the  same  reason  they  were  forbidden  to  eat  the 
animals  which  died  of  themselves  ; for  the  blood  was  in  them 
also. — Yet  this  is  not  forbidden  in  such  energetic  language  as 
the  eating  of  blood  in  other  cases  ; and  a ceremonial  purifica 
tion  was  appointed,  in  case  of  failure,  which  is  generally 
understood  of  inadvertent  transgressions.  The  stranger  was 
included  in  this  statute  also;  and  yet  the  Israelites  might  give 
that  which  died  of  itself  to  the  “strangers  within  theip 
gates,”  or  sell  it  to  aliens.  (Note,  Deut.  14:21.)  This  seems 
to  establish  a distinction  among  strangers,  according  as  they 
had  in  some  degree  embraced  the  religion  of  Israel,  or  tho 
contrary.  It  also  marked  a distinction  between  directly 
eating  the  blood,  either  as  actually  separated  from  the  flesli,. 
or  as  wilfully  retained  in  it ; and  eating  it  with  the  flesh  when 
it  was  unavoidably  combined  with  it.  The  former  was 
expressly  forbidden  to  all  the  sons  of  Noah,  the  latter  only  to. 
Israel : but  after  the  use  of  blood  in  sacrifice  ceased,  tho 
reason  of  the  restriction  in  both  cases  was  taken  entirely  away. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  should  greatly  reverence  all  the  Lord’s  appointments,, 
and  it  is  at  their  peril  if  men  contemn  or  change  them : but 
the  greatest  danger  lies  in  neglecting  the  salvation,  which  is 
in  Jesus  Christ.  “ In  him  dwelleth  all  the  fulness  of  tho 
Godhead  bodily.”  “ He  that  honourelh  not  the  Son,  lionoureth' 

C 231  ) 


E.  0.  1490. 


LEVITICUS 


E.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

V’le  customs  of  Egypt  and  Canaan  to  be  avoided , and  God's  commands  obey- 
ed , I — 5.  Laws  restricting  marriage  among  relations,  6 — 18  : and  against 
base  lusts  and  idolatries , enforced  by  the  Judgments  about  to  be  excculedon 
the  Canaanites , 19 — 30. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

A 2 Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
say  unto  them,  I “ am  the  Lord  your  God. 

3 After  bthe  doings  of  the  land  of  Egypt 
wherein  ye  dwelt,  shall  ye  not  do:  and  'after  the 
doings  of  the  land  of  Canaan,  whither  I bring  you, 
shall  ye  not  do  : neither  shall  ye  walk  in  their 
ordinances. 

4 Ye  shall  ddo  my  judgments,  and  keep  mine  or- 
dinances, to  walk  therein:  I am  the  Lord  your  God. 

5 Ye  shall  therefore  keep  my  statutes  and  my 
judgments  : 'which  if  a man  do  he  shall  live  in 
them  : • I am  the  Lord. 

6 U None  of  you  shall  approach  to  auv  that  is 
'near  of  kin  to  him,  eto  uncover  their  nakedness  : 
I am  the  Lord. 

7 The  nakedness  of  thy  father  or  the  naked- 
ness of  thy  mother,  shalt  thou  not  uncover : she  is 
thy  mother,  thou  shalt  not  uncover  her  nakedness. 

8 The  nakedness  hof  thy  father’s  wife  shalt  thou 
not  uncover  : it  is  thy  father’s  nakedness. 

9 The  nakedness  of  'thy  sister,  the  daughter  of 
thy  father,  or  daughter  of  thy  mother,  whether 
she  he  born  at  home,  or  born  abroad,  even  their 
nakedness  thou  shalt  not  uncover. 


l 11:44.  19:3,4,10,34.  20:7.  Gen.  17:7.  Kit. 6:7.  2u:2.  Ps.  3312.  Ez.  20:5,7,19, 
£0.  I.  Ez.  20:7,3.  23:8.  Epli.  5:7—11.  1 Pel.  4:2—4.  c20:23.  Ex.  23:24.  Den. 
12:4,30,31.  Jev.  10:2,3.  Rom.  12:2.  <4  25.  19:37.  20:22.  Dent.  4 : 1 ,2.  6: 1 . Ps. 
105:45.  119:4.  Ex.  20:19  . 36:27.  37:24.  Luke  1:6.  John  13:14.  e Ex.  20: 1 1 ,13, 
SI.  Luke  10:28.  Horn.  10:5.  Gel.  3:12.  f Ex.  6:2,6,29.  Mat.  3:6.  • Heb. 

remainder  of  his  flesh.  g7— 19.  20:11,12,17— 21.  It  20:11.  Gen. 35:22.  19:4. 


not  the  Father,  that  sent  him.”  “And  he  that  gathereth 
not  with  him  scattereth.”  If  then  his  human  nature  be  the 
true  temple,  in  which  God  dwells  and  will  be  worshipped  ; — 
“ if  his  name  be  Emmanuel — “ if  this  be  the  true  God,  and 
eternal  Life;” — may  we  not  add,  “Little  children,  keep  your- 
selves from  idols?”  (Note,  1 John  5:20,21.)  Surely  all 
who  value  their  own  souls,  should  look  to  themselves  in  an 
age  and  nation,  where  men,  called  Christians,  spend  their  lives 
in  degrading  him,  whom  prophets  and  apostles  shed  their 
blood  to  glorify,  and  “whom  all  the  angels  of  God  worship.” 
For  though  we  may  offer  our  spiritual  sacrifices  in  every 
lace,  yet  unless  we  come  by  Christ  as  our  Way,  trust  in 
1m  as  our  all-sufficient  Atonement  and  almighty  Saviour, 
and  worship  God  in  him;  our  services  will  be  found  an 
abomination,  and  our  hope  a delusion.  From  such  tempta- 
tions of  the  enemy  we  should  keep  at  the  utmost  distance,  by 
adhering  to  the  word  of  God,  constantly  attending  on  his 
ordinances,  and  depending  on  his  grace  alone ; and  lie  will  in 
that  case  preserve  us  from  the  snares  of  our  crafty  and 
malicious  enemy:  while  faith  in  Christ,  and  love  to  him  and 
bur  brethren,  will  sanctify  even  our  ordinary  meals,  and  con- 
vert them  into  spiritual  sacrifices. — Though  the  prohibitions 
vve  have  been  reading  are  no  longer  in  force,  we  may  learn 
from  them  to  adore  the  mystery  of  atoning  blood  with  deep 
veneration  ; to  use  our  liberty  without  cruelty  or  sensuality ; 
and  to  exercise  habitual  self-denial  and  circumspection,  while 
we  seek  to  “purify  ourselves  from  all  filthiness  of  flesh  and 
spirit,  perfecting  holiness  in  the  fear  of  God.”  But  let  pre- 
sumptuous, careless  sinners  tremble : for  if  God  “ set  his  face 
against  them,”  he  will  at  length  cut  thorn  olf  with  terrible 
vengeance. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XVIII.  V.  2 — 4.  Many  of  thelaws, 
enacted  in  this  and  the  following  chapters,  were  extremely 
different  from  the- maxims  and  customs  of  other  surrounding 
nations;  and  this  introduction,  though  applicable  to  the 
general  conduct,  of  Israel,  seems  particularly  to  have  related 
to  these  laws.  The  great  Lawgiver,  therefore,  again  and 
again  confirms  his  statutes  by  adding,  “ I ant  Jehovah  your 
God ;”  intimating  that  he  would  be  obeyed  in  all  his  require- 
ments.— The  people  were  especially  warned  against  the 
customs  of  Egypt  and  Canaan,  because  most  in  danger  from 
those  nations ; but  others  doubtless  were  also  meant. 

V.  5.  IV hich  if  a- man  rlo,  &e.]  By  an  upright  obexlienee 
to  the  moral  precepts,  and  a believing  attendance  on  the 
appointed  ordinances  of  the  law,  not  only  temporal  advantages, 
but  the  favour  of  God  and  eternal  life  might  be  expected  ; 
though  not  as  a merited  recompense.  But  probably  the  Lord 
intended  thus  to  warn  the  Israelites  of  the  danger  not  only  of 
’incurring  condemnation  by  neglecting  these  commandments, 
hut  of  resting  in  their  imperfect  obedience,  instead  of  looking 
through  them  to  “ Christ,  as  the  end  of  the  law  for  righteous- 
ness to  every  one  that  boiieveth,”  as  he  alone  perfectly 
fulfilled  its  demands.  (Note,  Ez.  20:11.)  Si.  Paul  repeat- 
edly quotes  this  text  as  descriptive  of  the  righteousness  of 
the  law,  in  distinction  from  the  righteousness  of  faith:  and 
this  also  shows,  that  the  words  relate  to  something  more 
Ihiportar"  u.Jn  temporal  prosperity.  ( Marg . Ref.  e.) 

( 232  ‘ 


10  The  nakedness  of  thy  son’s  daughter,  or  of 
thy  daughter’s  daughter,  even  their  nakedness 
thou  shalt  not  uncover  : for  theirs  is  thine  own 
nakedness. 

1 1 The  nakedness  of  thy  father’s  wife’s  daugh- 
ter, begotten  of  thy  father,  she  is  thy  sister,  thou 
shalt  not  uncover  her  nakedness. 

12  Thou  shalt  not  uncover  the  nakedness  of 
thy  ^father’s  sister : she  is  thy  father’s  near  kins- 
woman. 

13  Thou  shalt  not  uncover  the  nakedness  of  thy 
mother’s  sister : for  she  is  thy  mother’s  near  kins- 
woman. 

14  Thou  shalt  not  uncover  the  nakedness  of  thy 
Mather’s  brother,  thou  shalt  not  approach  to  his 
wife  : she  is  thine  aunt. 

15  Thou  shalt  not  uncover  the  nakedness  ol 
thy  ‘daughter-in-law : she  is  thy  son’s  wife,  thou 
shalt  not  uncover  her  nakedness. 

16  Thou  shalt  not  uncover  the  nakedness  of  thy 
■"brother’s  wife  ; it  is  thy  brother’s  nakedness. 

17  Thou  shalt  not  uncover  the  nakedness  of  "a 
woman  and  her  daughter,  neither  shalt  thou  take 
her  son’s  daughter,  or  her  daughter’s  daughter,  to 
uncover  her  nakedness;  for  they  are  her  near 
kinswomen;  °it  is  wickedness. 

18  Neither  shalt  thou  take  fa  wife  to  her  sister, 
pto  vex  her,  to  uncover  her  nakedness,  besides  the 
other  in  her  life-fiwie. 


Deut.  22:30.  27:20.  2S»m.  16:21,22.  Ex.  22:10.  Am. 2:7.  lCor.5:l.  120:17. 
Deul.  27:22.  2 Sam.  13:11 — 14.  Ex.  22:11.  j 20:19.  Ex.  6:20.  k20:20.  120:12 
Gen.  38:18,26.  Ex.  22:11.  m 20:21.  Deul.  25:5.  Malt.l4:3,4.  22:24.  Mark  6: 
17.  12:19.  Luke  3:19.  n 20:14.  Deut. 27:23.  Amox  2:7.  o20:14.  • Or, one ui/t 
to  another.  Gen.  4:19.  29:28.  p Gen.  30:15.  1 Sam.  1:6 — 8.  Mai. 2:15. 


V.  C — 17.  As  these  laws  forbad  marriage  betwixt  near 
relations,  they  certainly  prohibited  unchastity  between  them, 
and  every  approach  to  it : and  this  may  account  in  part,  for 
the  singular  manner  in  which  they  are  expressed. — The  mar- 
riage of  parents  and  children,  or  grandchildren,  &c.  in  all  the 
variations  here  spoken  of,  has  something  in  it  at  first  glance 
unnatural ; and  would  be  destructive  of  all  authority  and  sub- 
ordination, which  are  of  the  greatest  importance  to  society. 
In  the  marriages  of  nephews  with  aunts,  somewhat  of  the  same 
kind  may  be  perceived:  and  it  is  observable  that  the  marriage 
of  uncles  with  their  nieces  is  not  prohibited,  though,  from  ihe 
supposed  parity  of  the  case,  it  is  included  in  our  laws.  The 
only  collateral  relations  which  are  forbidden  to  marry,  are 
brothers  and  sisters,  by  whole  or  half  blood,  or  by  affinity, 
legitimate  or  illegitimate.  The  first  marriages  indeed  of 
Adam’s  posterity  must  have  been  of  brothers  and  sisters ; 
and  therefore  we  cannot  pronounce  them  immoral  in  them- 
selves. But,  as  human  nature  now  is,  it  is  very  expedient 
that  those,  who  are  so  much  together  in  youth,  should  by  such 
a restriction  be  taught  to  look  upon  all  intercourse  as  pro- 
hibited and  incestuous ; which  must  assist  in  keeping  out 
temptations  to  evil.  It  is  moreover  desirable,  that  by  inter- 
marriages, relationship,  and  its  endearments  and  benevolence 
should  be  diffused,  and  an  unsocial  separation  of  families  pre- 
vented; and  this  is  the  tendency  of  these  laws.  They  are 
therefore  to  be  considered,  either  as  moral  in  themselves,  or 
so  nearly  connected  with  other  moral  obligations,  as  to  be  pro- 
per to  be  observed  by  all  mankind  ; and  in  general  the  wiser 
heathens  have  deemed  such  marriages  unlawful,  and  ab- 
stained from  them.  It  is  elsewhere  enjoined,  that  if  a man 
died  without  issue,  his  surviving  brother  should  marry  his 
widow.  ( Note , Deut.  25:5 — 10.)  But,  as  this  appointment 
respected  special  purposes  under  the  Mosaic  dispensation,  the 
prohibition  of  marrying  a brother’s  wife  is  absolute  to  us ; and. 
by  parity  of  reason,  that  of  a woman  marrying  the  husband  of 
her  deceased  sister. — Some  laws  on  this  subject  seem  essen- 
tially necessary,  and  have  always  been  judged  to  he  so  by 
legislators,  heal  hen  as  well  as  Chrbtian.  Yet  if  these  laws 
are  not  obligatory  under  the  Christian  dispensation,  there  is  no 
law  of  God  in  force  regulating  marriages,  nor  any,  restricting 
the  intermarriages  of  the  nearest  relations. — Did  the  Lord 
then  intend  to  leave  his  church  under  the  New  Testament, 
wholly  without  law  in  this  most  important  concern.?  or  hath 
he  confirmed  his  own  pre-existing  law,  as  of  moral  obligation? 
St.  Paul’s  language  concerning  the  incestuous  Corinthian, — 
“Such  fornication  as  is  not  named  among  the  Gentiles,  that 
one  should  have  his  father’s  wife,”  (1  Cor.  5:1.) — implies  that 
Christians  had  a rule  in  this  respect,  and  a stricter  rule  than 
the  Gentiles:  yet  that  rule  can  be  found  only  in  this  chapter. 
The  restrictions  here  imposed  are  all  of  moral  tendency,  and 
highly  beneficial : as  missionaries  and  others,  who  attempt  to 
propagate  Christianity  among  the  heathen,  know  and  feel 
more  than  other  Christians  ; because  others  live  among  those, 
who  are  habitually  restricted  by  them.  I therefore  must  con 
sidcr  these  laws  as  in  equal  force  at  this  day  an  ong  Chris- 
tians, as  they  wore  formerly  in  Israel:  those  mplied  uv 
parity  of  reason,  as  well  as  those  more  cxpres»h  mentioned 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XIX 


B.  C.  1490. 


19  H Also  thou  slialt  not  approach  unto  a woman 
to  uncover  her  nakedness,  'ias  long  as  she  is  put 
apart  for  her  uncleanness. 

20  Moreover  thou  shalt  not  lie  carnally  with 
thy  neighbour’s  wife,  to  defile  thyself  with  her. 

21  And  thou  shalt  not  let  any  of  thy  seed 
•pass  through  the  fire  lto  Molech,  neither  shalt 
thou  “profane  the  name  of  thy  God : I am  the 
Lord. 

22  Thou  shalt  not  lie  with  ’mankind,  as  with 
womankind : it  is  abomination. 

23  Neither  shalt  thou  lie  with  any  *beast  to  de- 
file thyself  therewith : neither  shall  any  woman 
stand  before  a beast  to  lie  down  thereto:  it  is 
^confusion. 

24  “Defile  not  ye  yourselves  in  any  of  these 
things:  “for  in  all  these  the  nations  are  defiled 
which  I cast  out  before  you. 

25  And  “the  land  is  defiled:  “therefore  I do  visit 
the  iniquity  thereof  upon  it,  and  the  land  itself 
rivomiteth  out  her  inhabitants. 

26  Ye  shall  therefore  “keep  my  statutes  and  my 


q 15: 19, 24.  20: IS.  Ez.  13:5.  22:10.  r 20:10.  Ex.  20:11.  Dent.  5:18.  22-22,2$. 
SSain.il  3,1.27.  !«.  :Q9— 32.  Mnl.3:5.  Mull.  5:27,28.  Rom.  2:22.  1 Cor.  6: 
9.  liiil.  5:19.  lleb.  13.4.  820:2.  Dent.  12:31.  18:10.  2 Kings  15:3.  21 :6.  23:10. 
P,.  105:37,33.  ler.  7:31. 19:5.32:35.  Ez.  20:31.23:37,39.  t 1 Kini-s  11:7,33.  ,'mos 
5:26.  Aria  7:43.  M n 19:12.  20:2— 5.  21:6  . 22  2.32.  Ez.  33:20— 23.  Mai. 

1:12.  Rom.  1:33.  2:24.  v 2013.  Gen.  19:5.  Judg.  19:38.  I Kings  14:24.  Rom. 
1-25,27.  1 C-.r.6:9,  1 Tim.  1:10.  Jinlr  7.  x 20:15,16.  Ex.  22:19.  v 20: 12.  z 31). 
Jer.  0:1.  Malt.  15:18— 20.  Mark  7:10-23.  1 Cor.  3:17.  >20:22,23.  Dent.  12: 


according  lo  the  regulation  of  our  ecclesiastical  law  ; perhaps 
with  the  single  exception  of  an  uncle  being  prohibited  to  marry 
nis  niece.  Yet  even  this  exi’-'-ntion  may  be  doubtful,  and  is 
not  to  be  insisted  on. 

V.  18.  Some  think,  tha  mis  verse  contains  an  express 
prohibition  of  polygamy  ; supposing  the  word  sister  merely  to 
signify  a wife,  which  'he  person  spoken  of  had  already  mar- 
ried. But  though  the  Mosaic  law  contains  no  explicit  allow- 
ance of  polygamy  yet  there  is  no  other  passage  which 
favours  the  interpretation  of  this  text  as  a direct  law  against 
it,  and  many  things  in  the  whole  subsequent  history  imply  a 
connivance  at  it.  The  context  also  seems  to  suggest  a more 
literal  interpretation  ; namely,  the  marrying  of  two  sisters 
together.  This  conduct  in  Jacob  proved  a source  of  vexation 
both  to  Leah  and  Rachel ; who  \yere  more  jealous  of  each 
other  than  of  the  handmaidens  whom  they  willingly  gave  to 
their  husband  : and  perhaps  it  would  be  found  on  trial,  that 
those  who  before  had  lived  together  in  the  intimate  equality 
of  this  near  relationship,  would  be  more  apt  to  rival  each 
other,  if  married  to  the  same  man,  than  strangers  would  be  ; 
at  least  their  jealousies  and  bickerings  would  be  more  uri- 
Eeemly  and  distressing.  As  a woman  might  not  in  ordinary 
cases  marry  the  brother  of  her  deceased  husband;  it  can 
hardly  be  supposed,  that  it  was  allowable  for  a man  to 
marry  the  sisier  of  his  wife,  even  after  her  decease  ; though 
this  verse  seems  not  to  contain  a prohibition  of  it. — These 
are  all  the  restrictions  on  marriage,  which  are  contained  in 
the  divine  law ; and  such  as  pride,  covetousness,  or  human 
policy  have  superadded,  do  not  seem  to  have  proved  beneficial 
to  mankind. 

V.  21.  Molech  is  nearly  the  same  as  the  word  always 
rendered  king,  and  is  of  similar  meaning  with  Baal,  which 
signifies  lord,  or  governor.  It  is  generally  supposed,  that  the 
sut.  was  worshipped  under  the  name  of  Molech.  Children 
on  some-  occasions  were  consecrated  to  him,  by  passing 
through  the  fire  : but  at  other  times,  one  of  the  family  was 
Eacrificed  *.o  him,  in  a most  cruel  manner,  in  order  to  secure 
is  favoui  and  protection  to  the  rest.  {Note,  20:2 — 5.)  The 
former  piactice  is  supposed  to  be  here  meant. — The  several 
abominations,  afterwards  mentioned,  certainly  were  practised 
by  the  heathens,  even  in  their  religious  worship  ; as  it  might 
be  proved  by  the  remaining  unexceptionable  testimonies  of 
pagan  writers  themselves. 

V.  21 — 30.  The  word  abomination,  repeatedly  used  in 
•Jiese  verses,  seems  especially  to  refer  to  the  vile  and  unnatu- 
ral practices  above  spoken  of.  Incestuous  marriages  indeed 
of  the  gross  kind  always  were  an  abomination  ; but  some  of 
tnose  above  prohibited  had  in  certain  circumstances  been 
necessarily  allowed,  nay,  virtually  enjoined,  by  the  Creator 
himself ; and  though  in  other  circumstances  they  are  highly 
inexpedient  and  wisely  prohibited,  yet  they  must  not  be 
classed  with  the  unnatural  practices  here  reprobated  with 
such  decided  abhorrence. — The  observance  of  the  divine  laws 
respecting  marriage,  would  be  a strong  barrier  to  Israel,  to 
keep  them  at  a great  distance  from  the  abominations  of  the 
heathen  : the  example  of  the  Canaanites,  on  whom  they  were 
commissioned  to  execute  the  vengeance  of  God,  would  be  a 
salutary  but  awful  warning:  and  at  length,  when  they  never- 
theless copied  the  example  of  the  devoted  nations,  and  were 
driven  out  of  the  promised  land,  the  denunciation,  here  im- 
plied, was  proved  to  be  a prediction  of  what  would  take 
place  in  remote  ages. — Nothing  can  exceed  the  energy  of  the 
strong  figure  lipre  used,  of  a land  loathing  and  vomiting  out 
its  inhabitants. 

Vol.  I —30 


judgments,  and  shall  not  commit  any  of  these 
abominations;  neither  any  of  your  own  nation, 
fnor  any  stranger  that  sojourneth  among  you  ; 

27  (For  all  these  ^abominations  have  the  men 
of  the  land  done,  which  were  before  you,  and  the 
land  is  defiled  ;) 

28  That  the  land  hspue  not  you  out  also,  when 
ye  defile  it,  as  it  spued  out  the  nations  that  were 
nefore  you. 

29  For  whosoever  shall  commit  any  of  these 
abominations,  even  the  souls  that  commit  them 
shall  be  'cut  off  from  among  their  people. 

30  Therefore  shall  ye  keep  mine  ordinance,  that 
ye  commit  not  any  one  of  these  kabominable  cus- 
toms, which  were  committed  before  you,  and  that 
ye  defile  not  yourselves  therein : 'I  am  the  Lord 
your  God. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

Miscellaneous  lairs , moral  and  ceremonial , being  in  general  repetitions , or  ex- 
planationsi,  of  precerla  before  given , 1 — 37. 

ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying*, 

2 Speak  unto  all  the  congregation  of  the 


31.18:12.  b Num.  35: 33,34 . Ps.  106:38.  Is.  2-1:5.  Jer.  2:7.  16:18.  Ez.  36:18. 
Horn.  8:22.  c Ps.  89:32.  Is.  26:21 . Jer.  5:9,29.  9:9.  14:10.  23:2.  Hos.2:13.  8: 
13.9:9.  (128.20:22.  e 5,30.  Eeut.  4:1 ,2,40.  12:32.  Ps.  11)5:44,45.  Luke8:15. 
11:28.  John  14:15,21— 23.  15:14.  f 17:8,10.  g24.  Deut. 20:18  . 23:18  . 25:16. 
27:15.  1 Kings  14:24.  2 Kings  16:3.  21:2.  2 Chr.  36:14.  Ez.  16:50.  22. 1 1.  Hos. 
9:10.  b 25.  Jer.  9:19.  Ez.  36:13,17.  Rom.  8:22.  Rev.  3:16.  i 17:10.  20:6.  See 
on  Ex.  12:15.  k See  on  27.  Deni.  18:9— 12.  \Seton2. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

If  we  would  obey  the  divine  commands,  we  must  break  off 
bad  customs,  and  also  renounce  conformity  to  the  world : for 
wherever  we  go,  we  shall  find  its  maxims  and  observances, 
in  many  things,  directly  opposite  to  the  law  of  God  ; yet  en- 
forced with  an  authority  which  rivals  his,  and  which  is  dis- 
obeyed with  great  difficult}',  and  at  the  expense  of  much  con- 
tempt and  reproach.  But  the  broad,  smooth,  frequented  paths 
of  the  world  lead  to  destruction  ; the  ways  of  God  to  life  eter- 
nal : every  one  of  his  commandments  is  also  good  in  itself, 
and  conducive  to  the  peace,  comfort,  and  true  honour  of  the 
human  species;  and  he  is  as  kind  in  what  he  prohibits,  as  in 
what  he  allows.  He  formed  mankind  for  social  life,  created 
them  male  and  female,  instituted  marriage,  and  blessed  it ; he 
hath  formed  the  regulations  of  it  in  wisdom  and  love,  for  the 
good  of  individuals,  of  families,  and  of  society, — of  the  pre- 
sent and  of  succeeding  generations.  Where  his  laws  are 
observed,  the  most  important  advantages  follow:  where  they 
are  disregarded,  disgrace,  disease,  and  numberless  most 
destructive  evils  ensue. — But  what  a sink  of  iniquity  is  the 
human  heart,  that  ii  should  he  necessary  to  prohibit  such 
detestable,  filthy,  and  cruel  practices,  as  are  here  mentioned! 
That  ever  it  should  enter  into  the  minds  of  rational  crea- 
tures to  serve  the  devil  and  their  own  lusts,  with  degradation 
far  beneath  the  brutes  themselves!  From  this  polluted 
fountain  the  earth  hath  been  filled  with  abominable  crimes  in 
all  ages,  and  the  very  creation  groans  under  the  burden  of 
man’s  iniquity : and  though  one  land  after  another  vomiteih 
out  its  inhabitants,  as  unable  any  longer  to  endure  their 
wickedness^  and  though  one  generation  is  swept  away  after 
another  into  the  grave;  yet  still  the  earth  is  filled  with  sin. 
Ere  long  it  shall  he  burnt  up  with  all  its  works:  and  “new 
heavens  and  a new  earth,  in  which  dwelleth  righteousness,” 
shall  succeed.  But  unless  we  he  previously  cleansed  in  the 
f )unfain  of  the  Redeemer’s  blood,  and  have  a “ new  heart 
given  us,  and  a new  spirit  put  within  us,”  we  shall  not  find 
admission  there.  Let  us  then  profit  by  the  awful  examples 
of  vengeance  recorded,  and  fear  the  threatenings  denounced, 
in  the  sacred  oracles : let  us  mortify  the  deeds  of  the  body, 
and  learn  self-denial:  and  above  all,  aware  of  the  deceitful- 
ness and  wickedness  of  the  human  heart,  let  us  walk  watch- 
fully, and  humbly  dependent  upon  the  grace  of  God  sought  in 
earnest  prayer.  Then  we  shall  escape  ihe  condemnation  of 
the  wicked,  and  the  Lord  himself  Mill  he  our  God  and  our 
Portion  for  ever. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XIX.  V.  2.  Holiness  consists  in 
separation  from  sin,  devotedness  to  God,  and  conformity  to 
his  moral  excellences,  which  are  also  transcribed  in  his  holy 
law.  Without  holiness  we  cannot  walk  with  God,  or  have 
fellowship  with  him  : and  though  an  external , or  ceremonial , 
purity  was  called  being  “ holy  to  the  Lord  yet  it  was  only 
as  an  emblem  of  that  purity  of  heart  whbh  was  especially 
intended.  ( Note , 1 Pet.  1:13 — 16.)  This  injunction  is 
repeated  on  different  occasions,  to  enforce  the  several  prohi- 
bitions to  which  it  is  annexed.  ( Mar g.  Ref.)  Should  the 
worshippers  of  a holy  God  copy  the  vile  practices  of  abomi- 
nable idolaters  ? 

Y.  3.  In  order  to  understand  most  of  these  precepts,  an 
attentive  mind  and  an  obedient  heart,  in  the  reader,  are  more 
requisite  than  the  labour  of  the  expositor. — “ Every  man,” 
whatever  his  age,  wisdom,  or  wealth  may  he,  is  commanded 
“ to  fear  his  mother,”  (here  placed  first,)  “and  his  father.” 
That  is,  to  treat  them  with  respecl  and  tenderness,  fearing  to 
grieve  or  offend  them,  and  reverencing  their  authority  an 

( 233  ) 


B.  C.  143*>.  LEVITICUS.  * B.  C.  1490. 


children  of  Israel,  and  say  unto  them,  “Ye  shall  be 
holy : for  I the  Loud  your  God  am  holy. 

3 Ye  shall  Tear  every  man  his  mother  and  his 
father,  and ‘keep  my  sabbaths : I am  the  Lord 
your  God. 

4 Turn  ye  ‘'not  unto  idols,  nor  make  to  your- 
selves 'molten  gods  : I am  the  Lord  your  God. 

5 And  if  ye  otter  fa  sacrifice  of  peace-offerings 
unto  the  Lord,  sye  shall  offer  it  at  your  own 
will. 

6 It  hshall  be  eaten  the  same  day  ye  offer  it,  and 
on  the  morrow : and  if  aught  remain  until  the 
third  day,  it  shall  be  burnt  in  the  fire. 

7 And  if  it  be  eaten  at  all  on  the  third  day,  it  is 
'abominable  ; kit  shall  not  be  accepted. 

8 Therefore  every  one  that  eateth  it  shall  hear 
his  iniquity,  because  he  hath  profaned  the  hallow- 
ed thing  of  the  Lord  : and  that  soul  shall  be  cut 
off  from  among  his  people. 

9 And  when  'ye  reap  the  harvest  of  your  land, 
thou  shalt  not  wholly  reap  the  corners  of  thy  field, 
neither  shalt  thou  gather  the  gleanings  of  thy 
harvest. 

10  And  thou  shalt  not  “glean  thy  vineyard, 
neither  shait  thou  gather  every  grape  of  thy  vine- 
yard ; "thou  shalt  leave  them  lor  the  poor  and 
stranger:  1 am  the  Lord  your  God. 

a 11:4-1 ,45.  2U : 7 .‘211 . 21:9.  Ex.  13:6.  Is.  6:3,4.  Am.  3:3.  Mall.  5:48.  2 Cor.  6:14 
— 16.  7 1.  1 IVt.  1:15,16.  b Ex. 211:12.  21:15,17.  Deot.  21 : 18-21 . 27: 16.  Frov. 
1:S.  6:20,21.  23:22  . 30:11,17.  Hz.  22:7.  Mai.  1:6.  Mult.  15:4— 6.  Eph.6:!—  3. 
Heb.  14.9.  c 25:2.  Ex.  16:29.  2U:8.  31:13—17.  Is.  56:4— 6.  58:13.  Ez. 40:12,20. 
24-.  cl  2S:1.  See  on  Ex.  20:3— 5.  1 Cor.  10:14.  I John  6:21.  e Ex.  20:23.  32: 

4.  35:17.  Dr,  ,1.27.15.  Hah.  2:18.  f3:  24:21.  Ex.  21:5.  2Clir.31:2.  Ez.  45:15 
—17.  46:2,12.  K|ih.  2:13,14.  c 1:3.  22:19,23,29.  1:7:11—17.  i Is.  1:13.  65:4. 
66-3.  Jit.  16:8.  kSeeon  7:18 — 41.  22:23,45.  123:42.  Deal.  24:19— 21.  Ruth 
2:2.15.14.  m jMdt.  8:2.  Is.  17:6.  24:13.  Jer.  49:9.  Oh.  5.  Mic.  7:1.  n25:6.  06: 
2.  Kx. 20:15,17.  22:1,7,10— 12.  Dent.  5:19.  Jer.6:13.  7:9— 11.  Zech.  5:3.4.  8: 
10,17.  1 Cor.  6:8— 1--.  K|:h.4:2S,  p 1 Kings  13: 18.  Ps.  101 :7.  116:11.  Jer.  9:3— 

5.  Acts  5:3,4.  Hum.  3:4.  Kp!,.  1:25.  Col.  3.9.  d im.  1:10.  Rev. 21:8.  q 6:3.  Ex. 
2.1:7.  Dei, 1.3:11.  P«.  15:4.  Jer.  4:2.  7:9.  Zech.  5:4.  Mai.  3:5.  Mall.  5:33,31. 
Jam.  5.12.  r 18:21.  24:11,15,16.  s Prov.  20: 10.  22:22.  Jer.  22:3.  Ez.  22:29. 


11  t Ye  “shall  not  steal,  neither  deal  falsely 
neither  rlie  one  to  another. 

12  And  8ye  shall  not  swear  by  my  name  falsely, 
neither  shalt  thou  ‘profane  the  name  of  thy  God: 

I am  the  Lord. 

13  Thou  shalt  not  ’defraud  thy  neighbour,  nei 
ther  rob  him;  ‘the  wages  of  him  that  is  hired  shall 
not  abide  with  thee  all  night  until  the  morning. 

14  Thou  shalt  not  "curse  the  deaf  nor  put  a 
stumbling-block  before  the  blind,  but  shalt  “fear 
thy  God : I am  the  Lord. 

15  Yeshall  do^no  unrighteousness  in  judgment: 
thou  shalt  not  respect  the  person  of  the  poor,  nor 
honour  the  person  of  the  mighty : but  in  righ- 
teousness shalt  thou  judge  thy  neighbour. 

16  Thou  shalt  not  go  up  and  down  7as  a tale- 
bearer among  thy  people : neither  shalt  thou  “stand 
against  the  blood  of  thy  neighbour : I am  the 
Lord. 

17  Thou  shalt  not  Tate  thy  brother  in  thine 
heart . thou  shalt  in  any  wise  “rebuke  thy  neigh- 
bour, ‘and  not  suffer  sin  upon  him. 

18  Thou  shalt  not  ‘'avenge,  nor  bear  any  grudge 
against  the  children  of  thy  people,  but  “thou  shalt 
love  thy  neighbour  as  thyself : I am  the  Lord. 

19  v Ye  shall  keep  my  statutes  Thou  shalt 
not  let f thy  cattle  gender  with  a diverse  Kind: 

Mark  10:19.  Luke  3:13.  1 Tlies.  4:6.  l Deut.  24:14,15.  Job31:39.  Jer.22:13. 
Mai.  3:5.  Jam.  5:4.  u Dcut.  27:18.  Rom.  12:14.  14:13.  1 Cor.  8 8— 13.  10:32. 
Rev.  2.14.  x 32.  25:17.  Gen.  42:18.  Nell.  5:15.  1 l ei.  1:17.  y 35.  Ex.  18:21. 
23:2,3,7,8.  Ileul . 1 : 17.  16: 19.  25: 13— 16  . 27:1 9.  2 Cbr.  19:6,7.  I s.  82:2.  Pror. 
18:5.  24:23.  Jam.  2:6—9.  z Ex.  23:1.  Ps.  15:3.  50:20.  Prov.  11:13.  20:19.  Jer. 
6:28.9:4.  Ez.  22:9.  1 Tim.  3:11.  2 Tim.  3:3.  Tit.  2:3.  1 Pel.  2:1.  a Ex.  20:16. 
23:7.  1 Kings  21:10—13.  Malt.  26:60,61.  27:4.  Acts6:!l-13.  24:4—9.  b Gen. 
27:41.  Prov.  26:24— 26.  1 John  2:9,11.  3:12—15.  c Ps.  141:5.  I rov.  9:8.  27:5,6. 
Malt.  18:15—17.  Luke  17:3.  Gal. 2:11— 14.  6:1.  Eph.  5:11.  1 Tim.  5 20.  Til.  1: 
13.  2:15.  * Or,  that  thou  bear  not  sin  for  him.  Rom.  1:32.  1 Cor.  5:2.  1 Tim. 
5:22.  2 John  10,11.  d Ex.  21:4,5.  I eui.32:35.  2 Sam.  13:22,28.  Prov.  20:22. 
Matt.  5:43,44.  Rom.  12:17,19.  13:4.  Gal. 5:20.  Eph.  4:31.  ( ol.3:8.  1 Pet.  2:1. 
e Matt.  5:43.  19:19.  22:39.  Miuk  12:31— 34.  Luke  10:27— 37.  Rom.  13:9.  Gal. 
5:14.  Jam. 2:8.  fGen.  36:24  . 2 Sam.  13:29.  18:9.  lKingsl:33.  Ezra  2:66. 


commands.  Children  are  apt  to  feel  most  love  for  their 
mother,  and  fear  of  the  father  ; and  when  arrived  at  maturity 
they  are  apt  to  treat  the  authority  of  their  mothers  with  ne- 
glect, though  they  may  be  kind  to  them.  To  obviate  this  pro- 
pensity, the  precept  seems  intentionally  to  be  thus  worded, 
and  thus  connected,  as  equally  indispensable  with  keeping  the 
sabbaths  of  God. 

V.  4.  The  word  (d'S^n)  rendered  idols , signifies  phan- 
toms, things  of  naught,  vanities , and  not  deities.  It  is  a word 
of  contempt  as  well  as  of  execration 

V.  5 — 8.  ( Notgs,  3:)  The  word  (S*od),  rendered  abomi- 
nable, (7)  is  used  concerning  the  flesh  of  unclean  animals. — 
(Is.  1)5:4.  Ez.  4:14.) — It,  however,  seems  to  mean  fetid.,  or 
corrupted,  and  therefore  abominable  ; and  to  be  used  figuratively 
of  the  flesh  of  an  unclean  animal. — Christ  rose  the  third  day, 
and  M saw  no  corruption ;”  and  to  keep  the  flesh  of  any  sacri- 
fice to  the  third  day  would  have  endangered  its  corruption, 
and  been  contrary  to  the  typical  meaning  of  that  appoint- 
ment.— Many  reasons  for  the  repetition  of  some  laws  more 
than  others,  might  arise  from  the  conduct  or  customs  of  the 
people,  or  those  of  the  surrounding  nations. 

V.  9,  10.  (Marg.  Ref.) — Where,  in  any  code  of  laws 
merely  human,  is  a requisition  to  be  found,  so  counteracting 
selfishness,  so  encouraging  liberality,  so  beneficently  consider- 
ing the  poor  and  needy,  while  the  more  wealthy  were  gather- 
ing in  their  abundance? 

V.  11,12.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  20:7,15. 

V.  13.  The  wages,  &c.]  That  is,  if  the  person  concerned 
required  payment. 

V.  14.  The  spirit  of  this  law  forbids  speaking  to  the  dis- 
advantage of  the  absent ; reproaching  and  insulting  the  meek  ; 
imposing  on  the  ignorant,  or  giving  them  bad  counsel ; and 
reviling  or  ridiculing  men’s  bodily  infirmities.  (Note,  Deut. 
27:18.) 

V.  15.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  23:1 — 9. 

V.  16.  A tale-bearer.]  The  original  word  (Sw)  seems 
to  imply  a pedter,  who  trades  in  scandal,  and  goes  from  place 
to  place,  bartering  one  slander  for  another,  to  the  injury  of 
all  parties  concerned.  This  infamous,  though  common  prac- 
tice, is  here  joined  with  conspiring  or  procuring  the  death  of 
another,  as  the  false  witnesses  did,  who  stood  up  against  the 
ife  of  Naboth,  of  Stephen,  yea,  of  Christ  himself.  (Marg. 
Ref.) 

V.  17.  If  any  one  have  injured  us,  instead  of  harbouring 
resentment,  venting  reproaches,  or  contriving  revenge,  we 
should  calmly  and  fairly  reason  the  matter  with  him  ; not 
only  in  order  that,  being  convinced  of  his  fault,  he  may  make 
proper  acknowledgments  and  reparation  to  us,  but  that,  he 
may  repent  and  obtain  forgiveness  from  God.  ( Notes,  Matt. 
18:15- -18.  and  P.  O.  15 — 22.)  This  seems  the  literal  import 
of  this  remarkable  precept;  but  the  spirit  of  it  extends  much 
further  ; and  shows  that  it  evinces  a want  of  love  to  others,  if 
we  see  them  commit  sin  and  continuo  in  it,  with  indifference, 
and  without  attempting  to  bring  them  to  repent  and  forsake 
( 234  ) 


their  evil  courses;  and  that  mild,  plain,  and  seasonable 
reproofs  are  the  best  expressions  of  love  to  our  brother  of 
which  we  are  capable,  though  very  difficult  and  generally 
urfwelcome. — It  is  like  seizing  a serpent,  which  is  about  to 
bite  a man  mortally,  at  the  hazard  of  being  bitten  ourselves. 
The  last  clause  is,  however,  by  some  supposed  to  mean,  that 
in  reproving  an  injurer,  we  should  be  careful  not  to  overcharge 
him,  or  needlessly  put  him  to  shame  before  others. 

Not  suffer  sin,  &c.]  u That  thou  bear  not  sin  for  him.” 
(Marg.) — This  meaning,  which  the  original  may  well  con- 
vey, would  imply,  that  neglecting  the  proper  means  of  restrain- 
ing others  from  sin,  renders  any  one  a 44  partaker  of  their 
evil  deeds  so  that  the  crimes  which  they  commit,  will  be 
imputed  to  the  negligent  person,  and  punished  in  him  also. 

V.  18.  Love  thy  neighbour , &c.l  This  law,  as  given  to 
the  Israelites,  seems  here  limited  to  their  brethren  of  the  house 
of  Israel  ; for,  as  they  would  at  first  live  among  the  devoted 
Canaanites,  whom  they  were  required  to  extirpate,  they  could 
not  extend  to  them  this  law  of  love  ; and  their  love  to  each 
other  was  a representation  of  that  special  love  which  we  owe 
to  our  believing  brethren  in  Christ  Jesus. — This  gave  rise  to 
the  narrow  interpretation,  which  the  scribes  put  upon  it ; 
though  they  might  have  seen  from  this  same  chapter  that 
others  also  were  included  in  it.  (Note,  33,34.) — The  whole 
law,  as  it  relates  to  our  duty  to  man,  44  is  briefly  compre- 
hended in  this  saying,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbour  as  thy- 
self;” (Note,  Rom.  13:8 — 10.)  which  is  so  often  quoted  in  the 
New  Testament,  and  so  higlily  commended. — It  evidently 
requires  that  we  should  be  as  unwilling  to  injure,  and  as  desi- 
rous to  benefit,  any  human  being,  as  we  are  unwilling  to  hurt, 
and  desirous  to  do  good  to  ourselves  ; and  this  in  relation  to 
body,  soul,  property,  character,  ease,  peace,  and  connexions  ; 
(Notes,  Ex.  20:13 — 17.)  and  that  we  should  honour  what  is 
honourable,  love  what  is  lovely,  commend  what  is  commend- 
able, excuse  what  is  excusable,  and  compassionate  what 
calls  for  pity:  even  as  we  would  have  others  to  do  in  our  own 
case. — This  one  rule,  properly  observed,  would  fill  the  world 
with  peace  and  happiness  ; even  as  full  as  it  now  is  of  dis- 
cord and  misery.  (Note,  Matt.  7:12.) 

V.  19.  These  practices  might  be  considered  as  an  attempt 
to  alter  the  original  constitution  of  God  in  creation:  and  the 
law  may  not  unaptly  be  regarded,  as  implying  a command  of 
44  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity”  in  all  things.  An  entiro 
dependence  on  the  mercy  of  God  through  tho  merits  and 
mediation  of  Christ ; a single  eye  to  his  will,  glory,  and  appro- 
bation ; and  an  expectation  of  happiness  from  him  alone  as 
our  Portion  ; may  bo  considered  as  required  by  tho  .spirit  o. 
it.  And  the  prohibition  may  fairly  be  accommodated  to  tho 
case  of  those  who  endeavour  to  reconcile  tho  service  of  God 
and  mammon  ; or  tho  pleasures  of  tho  world  and  those  of 
religion  ; to  unite  works  and  grace  in  tho  matter  of  justifica- 
tion: and  to  many  other  heterogeneous  and  unnaturul  com- 
mixtures. 

V.  20 — 22.  As  tho  woman  hero  spoken  of  was  neither 


B.  C.  1JH0. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


B.  C.  1490. 


thou  shalt  not  sow  thy  field  with  ^mingled  seed : 
neither  shall  a garment  mingled  of  linen  and  wool- 
•en  come  upon  thee. 

20  And  whoever  lieth  carnally  with  a woman 
♦.hat  is  a bondmaid  'betrothed  to  an  husband,  and 
not  at  all  redeemed,  nor  freedom  given  her  ; ‘she 
shall  be  scourged  : hthey  shall  not  be  put  to  death, 
because  she  was  not  free. 

21  And  he  shall  bring  his  'trespass-offering  unto 
the  Lord,  unto  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation,  even  a ram  for  a trespass-offering. 

22  And  the  priest  shall  make  an  atonement  for 
him  with  the  ram  of  the  trespass-offering  before 
the  Lord,  for  his  sin  which  he  hath  done  : land 
the  sin  which  he  hath  done  shall  be  forgiven  him. 

23  IT  And  kwhen  ye  shall  come  into  the  land, 
and  shall  have  planted  all  manner  of  trees  for  food, 
then  ye  shall  count  the  fruit  thereof  as  uncircum- 
cised : three  years  shall  it  be  as  ‘uncircumcised 
unto  you  : it  shall  not  be  eaten  of. 

24  But  in  the  fourth  year  mall  the  fruit  thereof 
shall  he  ‘holy,  to  praise  the  Lord  withal. 

25  And  in  the  fifth  year  shall  ye  eat  of  the  fruit 
thereof,  "that  it  may  yield  unto  you  the  increase 
thereof : I am  the  Lord  your  God. 

26  IT  Ye  shall  not  eat  any  thing-  "with  the  blood : 
neither  shall  ye  ruse  enchantment,  inor  observe 
times. 

27  Ye  shall  not  ' round  the  corners  of  your  heads, 
neither  shalt  thou  mar  the  corners  of  thy  beard. 

t Deut.  22:9—  II.  Matt.  9:16,17.  Rom.  11  :G.  2 Cor.  6:14— 17.  Gal.  3:9—11  • Or, 
abused,  by  any.  Heb.  reproached  by,  or,  for  man.  t Or,  they.  Heb.  there  shall 
be  a scourging,  h Ex.  21  :*2U,21 . Dent.  22:23,24.  i 5:  6:1 — 7.  j See  on  4:20, 
25.  k Steon  14:34.  1 12.3.22:27.  Ex.  6:12,30.  22:29,30.  Jer.6:10.  9:25,26. 
Acts  7:51.  m Num.  18:12,13.  1 -'em.  12: 17,18.  14:28,29.  18:4.  I Heb.  holiness 
of  , raises  to  the  LORD,  n 26:3,4.  Prov.  3:9,10.  Ec.  11:1,2.  Hag.  1:4— 6,9— 
11.  2:18,19.  Mai.  3:8—10.  o See  on  3:17.  7:25.  17:10—14.  Ueut.  12:23.  p Ex. 
7:11.8:7.  1 Sam.  15:23.  Jer.  10:2.  Dan.  2:10.  Mai.  3:5.  q Dent.  18:10,14. 
2 Kings  21:6.  2 Chr.  33:6.  r 21:5.  Is.  15:2.  Jer.  16:6.  48:37.  Ez.  7:18.  44:20. 
e Dent.  14:1.  I Kings  18:28.  Mark  5:5.  t Rev.  13:16,17.  14:9,11.  15:2.  16:2. 
19:20.  20:4.  § Heb. profane,  u 21:7.  Deut.  23:17.  Hos.4:12 — 14.  1 Cor.  6:15. 


fully  married,  nor  yet  in  any  degree  set  at  liberty  ; her  case 
was  made  different  from  that  of  a free  woman  espoused  to  a 
husband : for  then  both  parties  would  have  been  adjudged  to 
death.  (20:10.  Note , Deut.  22:22—27.)  Yet  the  crime 
was  heinous,  and  must  not  be  passed  over,  but  44  there  must 
be  a scourging,”  (a  most  severe  scourging,  as  the  word 
implies,)  probably  of  the  man  as  well  as  of  the  woman:  and 
he  must  also  offer  a I respass-offering  fur  his  sin,  as  the  ran- 
som of  his  life ; which  the  woman  having  no  property  was 
not  expected  to  do. — The  legal  sacrifices  could  not  atone  for 
sin,  as  pertaining  to  the  conscience,  in  such  a manner  that 
the  impenitent  should  he  actually  forgiven  in  respect  of  the 
eternal  judgment ; and  the  penitent  and  believing,  whether 
sin-offerings  or  trespass-offerings  were  sequired  or  not,  were 
certainly  pardoned  and  justified  through  the  Saviour  that 
was  to  come : there  was  therefore  no  real  difference  in  the 
situation  of  the  two  parties ; both  were  rescued  from  death  ; 
and  their  final  salvation,  or  the  contrary,  depended  on  some- 
thing widely  different  from  the  ceremonial  institutions.  The 
words  rendered  “ betrothed  to  an  husband,”  are  translated 
in  the  margin,  reproached  by,  or  far  man  ; as  if  they  im- 
plied, that  the  woman  was  previously  of  suspicious  charac- 
ter: and  this  has  been  by  some  considered  as  the  ground 
of  the  difference  between  this  and  other  cases  of  a similar 
kind. 

V.  23 — 25.  Whatever  was  unfit  for  use  was  accounted 
nncircumcised,  till  that  unfitness  was  removed,  or  ceased. 
The  fruit  of  young  trees  was  therefore  to  be  thus  deemed 
unclean , during  three  years  ; and  either  to  be  destroyed  before 
it  was  ripe,  or  left  to  perish.  On  the  fourth  year  it  was  con- 
secrated as  a thank-offering  to  praise  the  Lord : but  in  the 
Sfth  the  owner  might  eat  of  it,  and  expect  a blessing  to 
render  the  increase  abundant. — Some  suppose  that  this  law 
had  reference  to  the  idolatrous  customs  of  the  surrounding 
nations:  but  it  also  might  be  intended  to  teach  the  people  to 
wait  patiently  the  Lord’s  time  for  every  desirable  good,  and 
not  to  yield  to  the  eagerness  of  their  natural  appetites  and 
inclinations. — Thus  he  also  waits  for  the  maturity  of  our 
fruits  of  righteousness  ; though  our  first  attempts  to  glorify 
him  may  be  unmeet  for  that  purpose,  even  as  the  fruits  of 
drese  young  trees,  whilst  they  were  to  be  accounted  uncircum- 
deed. 

V.  26.  Use  enchantment,  &e.]  Astrological  calculations, 
O'  other  attempts  at  prediction  or  fortune-telling ; the  use  of 
s\  ells  and  charms  for  the  cure  of  diseases  ; with  many  other 
practices,  too  frequent  among  professed  Christians ; are 
attempts  to  revive  this  worship  of  Satan,  and  should  be 
abhorred  as  his  very  ordinances:  being  means  used  to  get 
help  and  information  elsewhere,  instead  of  depending  on  God, 
-ubmitting  to  him,  and  wailing  for  all  needful  good  from  him 
in  the  use  of  lawful  means.  (31) 

V.  27 — 29.  Some  explain  the  words,  “ Thou  shalt  not  mar 
•he  corners  of  thy  beard,"  as  forbidding  the  Israelites  to 


28  Ye  shall  not  make  any  'cuttings  in  your  flesh 
for  the  dead,  nor  ‘print  any  marks  upon  you:  I 
am  the  Lord. 

29  Do  not  ^prostitute  thy  daughter,  “to  cause 
her  to  be  a whore ; test  the  land  tall  to  whoredom, 
and  the  land  become  full  of  wickedness,. 

30  Ye  shall  xkeep  my  sabbaths,  and  >ri  /erence 
my  sanctuary  : I am  the  Lord. 

31  Regard  not  them  that  have  'familiar  spirits, 
neither  seek  after  wizards  to  be  defiled  by  them 

1 am  the  Lord  your  God. 

32  Thou  shalt  "rise  up  before  the  lioary  head 
and  honour  the  face  of  the  old  man,  and  tear  thy 
God  : 1 am  the  Lord. 

33  And  bif  a stranger  sojourn  with  thee  in  your 
land,  ye  shall  not  “vex  him. 

34  But  the  stranger  that  dwelleth  with  you 
shall  be  unto  you  as  one  born  among  you,  and 
“thou  shalt  love  him  as  thyself;  for  ye  were 
strangers  in  the  land  of  Egypt : 1 am  the  Lord 
your  God. 

35  Ye  shall  do  ‘‘no  unrighteousness  in  judgment, 
ein  mete-yard,  in  weight,  or  in  measure. 

36  Just  balances,  just  '“weights,  a just  ephah, 
and  a just  hin  shall  ye  have : ‘ 1 am  the  Lord 
your  God,  which  brought  you  out  of  the  land  of 
Egypt. 

37  Therefore  shall  ye  ^observe  all  my  statutes, 
and  all  iny  judgments,  and  do  them  : I am  the 
Lord. 


X Sceon3.  26:2.  y 10:3.  15:31.  16:2.  Gen. 28:16,17.  2Chr.  33:7.  36:14.  Ps.  89: 
7.  Ec.  5:1.  Ez.  9:6.  Matt.  21:13.  John  2:15,16.  2 Cor. 6: 16.  1 Pet.  4:17.  z 26. 
20:6.  Ex.  22:18.  Deut.  18:10—14.  1 Sam.  28:3,7— 9.  2 Kings  17:17.  21:6.  2 Chr. 
33:6.  Is.  8:19.  29:4.  47:13.  Acts  8:11.  13:6—8.  16:16— 18.  19:19.20.  Gal.  5:20. 
Rev.  21:8.  a I Kings  2:19.  Prov.  16:31 . 20:29.  fs.  3:5.  Lam.  5:12.  Rom.  13:7. 

I Tim.  5:1.  1 Pet.  2:17.  b Ex.  22:21.  23:9.  Dent.  10:18,19.  24:14.  Mai.  3:5. 

II  Or,  oppress.  Jer.  7:6.  Ez.  22:7,29.  c See  on  18.  Ex.  12:48,49.  Malt.  5:43. 
dSeeo/il5.  e Dent.  25:13,15.  Prov.  11:1.  16.11.20:10.  Ez.  22:12,13.  .‘m.8: 
5,6.  Mic.6:ll.  Malt.  7:2.  TI  Heb.  stones,  f See  on  Ex.  20:2.  g See  on  18:4, 
5.  Deut.  4:1,2, 5, 6.  5:1.  6:1,2.  8:1.  1 John  3:22,23. 


shave  their  beards:  but  if  this  had  been  intended,  it  would 
have  been  more  plainly  expressed.  ( Marg . Ref.  r,  s.)  The 
meaning  of  the  several  clauses  is  not  very  clear ; but,  no 
doubt  they  were  all  superstitious  practices  of  the  Heathens. 
And  perhaps  the  prohibition  of  the  twenty-ninth  verse  has 
also  relation  to  the  very  common  practices  of  idolaters  in 
honour  of  their  infamous  deities : and  indeed  nothing  could  so 
promote  lewdness  as  to  make  it  a part  of  religion. — But  alas, 
numbers  even  in  Christian  countries,  are  guilty  of  violating 
this  prohibition,  to  a degree  not  in  general  known,  or  sus- 
pected. 

V.  31.  Notes,  26.20:6.  Ex.  22:18. 

V.  32.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  33,  34.  The  Israelites  were  commanded  to  encourage 
strangers  to  reside  among  them,  that  they  might  learn  the 
knowledge  of  God,  and  of  his  truth,  law,  and  worship. 
Remembering  the  kind  usage  which  their  fathers  at.  first  met 
with  in  Egypt,  and  how  reasonable  it  appeared  to  them,  they 
were  required  to  imitate  it : and  remembering  how  cruel  and 
hard  they  deemed  their  subsequent  oppression,  they  were 
cautioned  to  avoid  copying  so  bad  an  example. — The  Jews 
most  unreasonably  expound  this  precept,  as  relating  only  to 
such  strangers  as  had  been  fully  proselyted  to  their  religion  ; 
whereas  the  reason  assigned  for  it  demonstrates,  that  all 
strangers  who  dwelt  among  them  were  intended.  By  such 
traditionary  glosses,  they  have,  ever  since  as  well  as  before 
the  coming  of  Christ,  explained  away  the  holy  commands  of 
God  ; so  that  their  comments  should  be  read  w ith  peculiar 
caution,  and  constant  reference  to  the  New  Testament. 

V.  35,  36.  Marg.  Ref.  Note , Ex.  20:17. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Though  41  the  Lord  is  rich  in  mercy  and  goodness,”  yet 
his  perfect  holiness  renders  it  impossible  that  we  should  be 
happy  in  him,  or  that  he  should  delight  in  us,  unless  we  ho 
made  holy  also ; those  therefore,  whom  he  especially  loves, 
he  effectually  sanctifies.  To  understand  the  nature  of  holi- 
ness, let  us  meditate  on  these  moral  precepts:  for  there  we 
shall  learn,  that  it  consists  in  reverencing  ihe  majesty  and 
authority  of  God,  in  loving  his  excellency,  in  gratefully  remem 
beringhis  mercies,  in  delighting  in  his  worship  and  service,  ir 
keeping  his  sabbaths,  and  reverencing  his  sanctuary  ; in  sub- 
mitting to  his  will,  and  confiding  in  his  power  and  love  : and 
that  it  includes  truth,  integrity,  equity,  and  universal  benevo- 
lence, love  to  our  brethren,  compassion  for  the  miserable, 
liberality  to  the  poor,  kindness  to  strangers  and  to  enemies, 
with  a suitable  regard  to  all  relative  duties ; and  also  purity, 
chastity,  sobriety,  and  an  habitual  government  of  the  appetites 
and  passions,  according  to  the  commandments  of  God. 
Would  we  know  in  what  manner  this  holiness  is  to  be 
attained,  we  must  consider  the  intention  and  meaning  o. 
the  positive  institutions  of  the  Scripture ; that  by  a believing 
attendance  on  those  which  the  New  Te  tament  enjoins  we 
may  through  them  receive,  from  the  Redeemer’s  fulness,  the 

( 235  ) 


B C.  14!»0.  LEVITICUS.  B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

The  man  mho  care  of  his  seed,  lo  Molech  must  be  stoned  ; or  the  Lord  mould 
ci  t him  off , with  those  who  connived  at  him,  and  those  who  consults  1 wizards , 
1--6.  lfolinr.sa  required,  7,8.  < 'apital punishments  appointed  for  him  who 

cursed  his  parents , or  committed  adultery,  or  some  hinds  of  incest,  or  unna- 
tural crimes  ; and  vengeance  denounced  on  such  as  violated  the  laics  concern- 
ing marriage,  9—21.  Exhortations  to  holy  obedience,  22 — 26.  Witches  and 
wizards  to  be  stoned,  27. 

ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2  Again,  thou  shalt  say  to  the  children  of 
Israel,  “Whosoever  he  beofthe  children  ofisrael,  or 
of  the  strangers  that  sojourn  in  Israel,  that  bgiveth 
any  of  his  seed  unto  Molech  ; he  shall  surely  be 
ut  to  death  : cthe  people  of  the  land  shall  stone 
im  with  stones. 

3 And  dI  will  set  my  face  against  that  man, 
and  will  cut  him  off  from  among  his  people  : be- 
cause he  hath  given  of  his  seed  unto  Molech,  eto 
defile  my  sanctuary,  and  to  f profane  my  holy 
name. 

4 And  if  the  people  of  the  land  do  any  ways 
'hide  their  eyes  trom  the  man,  when  he  giveth  of 
his  seed  unto  Molech,  '“and  kill  him  not ; 

5 Then  I will  set  my  face  against  that  man, 
and  ‘against  his  family,  and  will  cut  him  off,  and 
all  that  go  a hvhoring  after  him,  to  commit  whore- 
dom with  Molech,  from  among  their  people. 

6 And  the  soul  that  turneth  after  such  as  have 
^familiar  spirits,  and  after  wizards,  to  'go  a whor- 
ing after  them,  I -will  even  set  my  face  against 
that  soul,  and  will  mcut  him  off  from  among  his 
people. 

7 H "Sanctify  yourselves  therefore,  and  be  ye 
holy  : for  I am  the  Lord  your  God. 

8 And  °ye  shall  keep  my  statutes,  and  do  them : 
l am  the  Lord  which  Psanctify  you. 

9 For  every  one  that  icurseth  his  father  or  his 
mother,  shall  be  surely  put  to  death:  he  hath 
cursed  his  father  or  his  mother,  'his  blood  shall  be 
upon  him. 

a 17:8  13,15.  b 18:21.  Deut.  12:31.  18:10.  2 Kings  17:17.  23:10.  2Chr.28:3. 
33:6.  Ps.  106:33.  Is.  57:5,6.  Jer.  7:31.  32:35.  Ez.  16:20,21.  20:26,31.  23:37,39. 
/els 7:43.  Moloch.  c27.  24:14,23.  Nnm.  15:35,36.  Deut.  13:10,11.  17:5—7.21: 
21.  Acts  7 58,59.  tl  See  on  17:10.  1 Pel.  3:12.  e Num.  19:20.  Ez.  5:11.  23:38, 
39.  f 18:121.  Ez.  20:39.  2 Cor.  6:16.  gActsl7i30.  h Deut.  13:8.  Josh. 7:12. 
1 Sara.  3:13,14.  I King920:42.  Rev.  2:14.  i Ex.  20:5.  Jer.  32:28— 35,39.  1 17: 

7.  Ps. 106:39.  k 27.  See  on  19:26,31.  Deul.  18:10— 14.  Is.  8:19.  I Ex. 34:15, 16. 
Num.  15:39.  Ps.  73:27.  Ez.6:9.  Hos.  4:12.  m 1 Chr.  10:13,14.  n 11:44.  19:2. 
Eph.  1:4.  Phil.  2: 12,13.  Col. 3:12.  lThes.4:3,7.  Heb.  12:14.  1 Pet.  1:15^6. 
See  on  18:4,5.  19:37.  Matt.  5:19.  7:24.  12:50.  John  13:17.  Jam.  1:22.  Rev.  22, 


sanctifying  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  remembering  also, 
that  the  vanities  of  the  world,  and  the  superstitions  of  false 
religion,  are  as  much  the  means  of  sin , as  divine  ordinances 
are  m-ans  of  grace  ; and  therefore  we  must  withdraw  from 
them  lo  the  utmost  distance,  if  we  would  be  the  holy  people 
of  a holy  God. — As  he  is  peculiarly  attentive  to  the  poor,  if 
we  are  his  people  we  shall  be  so  too ; and  “ while  he  gives  us 
all  things  richly  to  enjoy,”  we  must  not  think  that  our  indigent 
brother  is  to  be  always  put  off  with  bare  necessaries,  but 
should  enable  him  to  taste  the  comforts  of  life  also ; not 
deeming  that  wasted  which  he  receives.  All  these  duties 
must  be  performed  from  a regard  to  the  Lord,  who  both 
avenges  the  ip:"ries  done,  and  recompenses  the  kindness 
shown  to  tho.j  who  cannot  avenge  themselves,  or  make 
return  for  the  benefits  they  receive  ; and  who  especially 
blesses  those  who  obey  their  parents,  and  give  honour  to 
whom  honour  is  due. — And  let  it  bo  well  noticed,  that  the 
great  Judge  of  the  world  not  only  observes  and  will  certainly 
punish  gross  and  scandalous  instances  of  injustice,  but  also 
the  petty  dishonesty  of  false  weights  and  measures : and  our 
consciences  ought  to  be  no  less  exact  and  minute. — Alas ! 
how  prone  to  iniquity  must  man’s  heart  be,  when  parents  are 
capable  of  prostituting  their  own  daughters  ; and  when  such 
shameful  practices,  instead  of  exciting  abhorrence,  are 
readily  imitated  till  they  overspread  whole  nations!  But 
though  some  crimes  are  more  enormous  than  others,  none 
can  be  expiated  save  by  the  blood  of  Christ,  or  forgiven 
without  repentance:  nor  should  any  precepts  of  the  Lord  be 
accounted  small ; but  we  must  show  our  simplicity  and  godly 
sincerity,  by  giving  every  part  of  religion  its  due  place  and 
proportion,  without  neglecting  or  perverting  any. — If  sin  is 
the  greatest  of  all  evils,  what  n?ed  have  we  to  be  thankful  to 
those  who  tell  us  plainly  of  our  faults,  and  will  not  suffer  sin 
upon  us  ! and  how  important  is  it  that  we  learn  to  perform 
this  duty  in  a proper  manner!  But  all  menshoidd  detest  the 
conduct  of  those  who  backbite  and  slander  others,  and  rob 
them  of  their  characters,  when  they  have  no  power  to  defend 
themselves. — Finally,  the  nearer  our  lives  and  tempers  are  to 
the  precepts  of  God’s  law,  the  happier  shall  we  be,  and  the 
happier  shall  we  render  all  arouru.  us,  and  the  better  shall  we 
adorn  the  go  spiel : let,  us  then  daily  and  earnestly  pray,  ‘ Lord, 
have  mercy  upon  us,  and  write  all  by  laws  in  our  hearts,  wc 
laseoch  thee.’  {K x.  20 : /J.  O.) 

NOTES.— Chap.  XX.  V.  2-  5 {Note,  18:21.)  Molech 
( 23G  ) 


10  And  the  man  that  committeth  adultery  with 
another  man’s  wife,  even  he  that  committeth  adul- 
tery witli  his  neighbour’s  wife,  “the  adulteier  and 
the  adulteress  shall  surely  be  put  to  death. 

11  And  the  man  that  ‘lieth  with  his  father’s 
wife  hath  uncovered  his  father’s  nakedness : both 
of  them  shall  surely  be  put  to  death ; “their  biood 
shall  be  upon  them. 

12  And  if  a man  ’lie  with  his  danghter-in-law, 
both  of  them  shall  surely  be  put  to  detail : they 
have  wrought  ’confusion ; their  blood  shall  be  upon 
them. 

13  If  a man  also  ffie  with  mankind,  as  he  lieth 
with  a woman,  both  of  them  have  committed  an 
abomination  : they  shall  surely  be  put  to  death  ; 
their  blood  shall  be  upon  them. 

14  And  if  a man  take  'a  wife  and  her  mother, 
it  is  wickedness  : they  shall  be  “burnt  with  fire, 
both  he  and  they ; that  there  be  no  wickedness 
among  you. 

15  And  if  a man  blie  with  a beast,  lie  shall 
surely  be  put  to  death;  and  ye  shall  slay  the 
beast. 

16  And  if  a woman  approach  unto  any  beast, 
and  lie  down  thereto,  thou  shalt  kill  the  woman 
and  "the  beast:  they  shall  surely  be  put  to  death; 
their  blood  shall  be  upon  them. 

17  And  if  a man  shall  take  his  dsister,  his  father’s 
daughter,  or  his  mother’s  daughter,  and  see  her 
nakedness,  and  she  see  his  nakedness,  it  is  a 
wicked  thing ; and  they  shall  he  cut  off  in  the 
sight  of  their  people : he  hath  uncovered  his 
sister’s  nakedness  ; he  shall  bear  his  iniquity. 

18  And  if  a man  shall  lie  with  a woman  “having 
her  sickness,  and  shall  uncover  her  nakedness,  he 
hath  "discovered  her  fountain,  and  she  hath  un- 
covered the  fountain  of  her  blood : and  both  of 
them  shall  be  cut  off  from  among  their  people. 

14.  p 21 :8.  Ex.  31:13.  Ez.  20:12  . 37:28.  1 Then.  5:23.  2Thes.2:13.  q Ex.  21, 
17.  Deul.  27:16.  Pro*.  20:20.  30:11,17.  Malt.  15:4.  Mark  7:10.  r 11— 13.16.27. 
Josh.  2:19.  Judg.  9:24.  2 Sam.  1:16.  1 Kings2:32.  Malt.  27:25.  s Deul.  92:22— 
24.  2 Sara.  12:13.  Ez.  23:45— 47.  John  8:4,8.  1 18:8.  Deut.  27:20.  .ra,2:7. 

1 Cor.  5:1.  u See  on  r.  9.  r 18:15.  Gen.  38:16,18.  Deut.  27:23.  x 18:23. 
y 18:22.  Gen.  19:5.  Judg.  19:22.  Rom.  1:26,27.  1 l or.  6:9.  ITim.  1:10.  Ju.le7. 
z 18:17.  Deul.  27:23.  Am.  2:7.  a 21:9.  Josh.  7: 16,25.  b 18:23.  Ex.  22:19. 
Deut.  27:21.  c Ex.  19:13.  21:28,32.  lleb.  12:20.  dl8:9.  Gen. 20:12.  Deul.  27: 
22.  2. Sam.  13:12.  Ez.22:14.  e 15:24.  18:19.  Ez.  18:6.  22:10.  -Heb .made 
naked. 


is  supposed  to  have  been  an  idol,  worshipped  by  the  Am- 
monites and  neighbouring  nations,  to  whom  they  sometimes 
offered  their  children  as  sacrifices  ; according  to  some  authors 
in  the  following  manner.  An  image  of  an  enormous  size, 
made  of  hollow  iron,  was  heated  with  great  fires  beneath; 
and  when  it  was  sufficiently  hot,  they  put  the  children  into 
its  arms,  where  they  were  burnt  to  death:  mean  time  their 
cries  were  drowned  in  the  noise  of  drums  or  trumpets,  and  of 
musical  instruments  played  on  for  that  purpose.  At  other 
times  the  children  only  passed  through  a fire,  or  between  two 
fires,  and  were  thus  devoted  to  this  demon.  The  former, 
however,  is  supposed  to  be  here  meant.*  Nothing  can  be 
conceived  more  horrible  than  such  practices.  Nothing  can 
more  demonstrate  the  madness  and  desperate  wickedness  of 
the  human  heart,  and  the  power  of  Satan,  than  that  there 
should  be  any  need  to  enact  such  laws  as  this,  and  to  pro- 
hibit parents  from  such  cruelty  to  their  own  offspring  on  pain 
of  death  ; except  it  be  that,  notwithstanding  numbers  cf 
Israelites  were,  from  age  to  age,  so  infatuated  as  to  persist 
in  this  barbarity!  (Marg.  Ref.  b.)  Committed  by  mcm,  it 
was  the  highest  imaginable  contempt  of  the  Name,  sanc- 
tuary, and  worship  of  God  ; and  a shameful  violation  of  their 
national  covenant  ! So  that  the  very  strangers  who  were 
allowed  to  sojourn  among  them,  must  pay  such  respect  to 
the  sanctuary  of  Jehovah,  who  dwelt  among  his  people, 
and  to  his  holy  name,  as  to  stand  aloof  from  these  abomi- 
nations, on  the  same  penalty  as  native  Israelites:  and  if  the 
criminal  escaped  the  sword  of  the  magistrate,  through  a 
wicked  connivance,  God  determined  to  execute  vengeance  on 
him,  on  his  family,  and  on  all  who  abetted  this  spiritual 
whoredom. — Ten  thousands  of  sacrifices  equally  horrible  are 
offered  in  India  annually,  and  connived  at  by  British  Rulers' 

V.  6.  Go  a whoring.]  This  expression  st  ill  further  proves . 
that  consulting  with  men  or  women,  who  practise,  or  pretend 
to , witchcraft  in  any  form,  is  a real  act  of  idolatry,  and  of 
worshipping  the  devil.  (27) 

V.  9.  His  blood  shall  be  upon  him.]  They  who  put  the 
offender  to  death  would  contract  no  guilt:  he  deseiml  his 
doom,  and  had  none  to  blame  but  himself.  (Note,  JEx.  21: 
15-17.) 

V.  10 — 19.  The  laws  before  given  against  these  several 
enormities,  (Note's,  1 8:0 — 23.)  are  hero  guarded  by  \ sen- 
tence of  death  to  be  inflicted  on  the  offenders  by  the  magis- 
trate. It  is  supposed  that  in  many  c»  this  punishment 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


B.  C.  1490. 


19  And  thou  shalt  not  uncover  the  nakedness 
of  thy  f mother’s  sister,  nor  of  thy  father’s  sister  : 
for  he  ^uncover  ;th  his  near  kin:  they  shall  bear 
their  iniquity. 

20  And  if  a man  shall  lie  with  his  huncle’s  wife, 
he  hath  uncovered  his  uncle’s  nakedness : they 
shall  bear  their  sin;  they  shall  die  'childless. 

21  And  if  a man  shall  take  khis  brother’s  wife, 
it  is  'an  unclean  thing:  he  hath  uncovered  his 
brother’s  nakedness,  they  shall  be  childless. 

22  H Ye  shall  therefore  keep  all  my  'statutes, 
and  all  my  '"judgments,  and  do  them;  that  the 
land  whither  I bring  you  to  dwell  therein  "spue 
you  not  out. 

23  <And  ye  shall  not  walk  "in  the  manners  of 
the  nations  which  I cast  out  before  you  : for  they 
committed  all  these  things,  and  therefore  I ab- 
horred them. 

24  But  'I  have  said  unto  you,  Ye  shall  inherit 
their  land,  and  I will  give  it  unto  you  to  possess 
it,  a land  that  floweth  with  milk  and  honey : I am 
the  Lord  your  God,  "which  have  separated  you 
from  other  people. 

25  Ye  shall  therefore  "put  difference  between 
clean  beasts  and  unclean : and  between  unclean 
fowls  and  clean : and  ye  shall  not  make  your 
souls  ‘abominable  by  beast  or  by  fowl,  or  by  any 
manner  of  living  thing  that  'creepeth  on  the 
ground,  which  I have  separated  from  you  as 
unclean. 

26  And  ye  shall  be  holy  unto  me : for  I "the 
Lord  am  holy,  and  have  "severed  you  from  other 
people,  that  ye  should  be  mine. 

27  A man  also  or  woman  that  hath  ?a  familiar 


spirit,  or  that  is  a wizard,  shall  surely  be  put  to 
death  : they  shall  stone  them  with  stones  ; "their 
blood  shall  be  upon  them. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

Laws,  for  the  mourning  and  marriages  of  the  priests,  1 — 8 : the  punishment  of 
a priest’s  daughter  convicted  of  fornication,  9 : the  mourning  and  marriage 
of  the  high  priest,  10 — 15  ; ana  the  bodily  blemishes  which  excluded  from  Hit 
work  of  the  priesthood,  16 — 24. 

AND  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  "Speak  unto 
the  priests  the  sons  of  Aaron,  and  say  unto 
them,  bThere  shall  none  be  defiled  for  the  dea 
among  his  people. 

2  But  for  his  "kin  that  is  near  unto  him,  that  is, 
for  his  mother,  and  for  his  father,  and  for  his  son, 
and  for  his  daughter,  and  for  his  brother. 

3  And  for  his  sister  a virgin,  that  is  nigh  unto 
him,  which  hath  had  no  husband ; for  her  may  he 
be  defiled. 

4  But  'he  shall  not  defile  himself,  being  a chief 
man  among  his  people,  to  profane  himself. 

5  They  shall  dnot  make  baldness  upon  their 
head,  neither  shall  they  shave  off  the  corner  of 
their  beard,  nor  make  any  cuttings  in  their  flesh. 

6  They  shall  be  "holy  unto  their  God,  and  not 
'profane  the  name  of  their  God;  for  the  offerings 
of  the  Lord  made  by  fire,  and  the  sbread  of  their 
God,  they  do  offer : therefore  they  shall  be  holy. 

7  They  shall  not  take  a wife  Hhat  is  a whore, 
or  profane  ; neither  shall  they  take  a woman  'put 
away  from  her  husband:  for  he  is  holy  unto  his 
God. 

8  Thou  shalt  ksanctify  him  therefore,  for  he 
offereth  the  bread  of  thy  God : he  shall  be  holy 
unto  thee  ; 'for  I the  Lord  which  sanctify  you  am 
holy. 


f 18:12,13.  Ex.  6:20.  g 18:6.  h 18:14.  iJobl8:19.  Pb.  109:13.  Jer.  22:30. 
Luke  1:7,25.  23:29.  k 18:16.  Matt.  14:4.  * Heb.  aseparation.  1 18:4,5,26. 

19:37.  1's.  19:8— 11.  105:45.  119:80,145,171.  Ez.  36:27.  m Ex.  21:1.  Deut.  4: 
45.5:1.  Ps.  119:20,106,160,164,175.  Is.  26:8,9.  n 18:25— 28.  26:33.  Deut.  28: 
25,26.  o 18:3,24,30.  Deut.  12-30,31.  Jer.  10:1,2.  p 18:27.  Deut.  9:5.  Ps.  78:59. 
Zech.  11:8.  q See  on  Ex.  3:8,17.  6:8.  r Ex.  19:5,6.  33:16.  Num.  23:9.  Dent. 
7:6.  14:2.  John  15:19.  2 Cor.  6:17.  1 Pet.  2:9.  s 11.  Deut.  14:3—21.  Acts  10:11 
—15,28.  Eph.  5:7-11.  1 11:43.  \ Ox,mnveth.  u7.  19:2.  Pa.  99:5,9.  Is. 6:3. 
80:11.  1 Pet.  J:15, 16.  Rev.  3:7.  4:8.  xTit.2:14.  y 19:31.  Ex.  22:18.  Deut. 


was  inflicted  by  strangling ; in  others  stoning  is  expressly 
appointed ; and  in  one  instance  burning  with  fire , though  the 
reason  of  this  latter  sanction  is  not  obvious.  It  is  not  said, 
that  the  criminals  should  be  burnt  alive  : and  when  Achan, 
by  the  express  direction  of  the  Lord,  was  burnt  with  fire,  he 
was  first  stoned : and  it  does  not  appear,  why  this  might  not 
be  the  case  in  the  present  instance,  and  on  similar  occasions. 
(Note,  Josh.  7:25,20.) 

V.  20,  21.  Childless.]  Marg.  Ref.  i. 

V.  22—26.  Notes,  18:24—30.  19:2. 

V.  27.  Note,  Ex.  22:18. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

When  neither  the  fear  and  love  of  God,  nor  regard  to  a 
future  and  eternal  recompense,  nor  any  motives  of  reason, 
truth,  decency,  and  the  welfare  of  society,  can  deter  men 
from  enormous  crimes ; it  is  needful  for  the  magistrate  to 
use  his  sword,  and  by  cutting  olf  a mortified  limb,  to  prevent 
further  mischief  to  the  body  politic.  Such  examples  of 
severity,  when  not  needlessly  multiplied,  are  wholesome 
lessons  ; and  the  lives  of  individuals,  thus  taken  away, 
prevent  the  increase  of  wickedness,  and  the  accumulation 
of  national  guilt.  But  if  magistrates  neglect  their  duty, 
and  criminals  evade  human  laws,  God  will  set  his  face 
against  them,  and  against  those  who  suffer  them  to  escape, 
and  even  against  their  families  likewise.  And  tto  pleas  of 
compassion,  or  of  indulgence  to  relations,  friends,  or  the 
female  sex,  will  be  noticed  in  excuse  of  this  criminal  lenity, 
which  emboldens  numbers  to  venture  on  crimes,  till  whole 
nations  are  corrupted,  and  desolating  judgments  prove  the 
awful  consequence. — Are  we  shocked  at  the  unnatural  cruelty 
of  ancient  idolaters,  in  sacrificing  their  children  to  the  devil  in 
the  form  of  an  idol  ? Alas ! there  are  vast  multitudes  of 
parents,  who,  by  their  pernicious  instructions  and  wicked 
examples,  and  by  the  mysteries  of  iniquity  into  which  they 
early  initiate  their  children,  effectually  devote  them  to  Satan’s 
service,  and  blindly  forward  their  everlasting  destruction,  in 
a manner  no  less  to  be  lamented.  But  what  an  account 
must  they  at  last  render  to  God!  and  what  a meeting  will 
they  have  with  their  children  at  the  day  of  judgment ! On 
the  other  hand  let  children  remember,  that  “ he  who  cursed 
father  or  mother  was  surely  put  to  death,'’  with  “ his  blood 
upon  his  own  head.”  Let  adul'erers  hear  the  judgment  of 
God  respecting  their  crimes;  and  remember  that  the  slack- 
less  of  human  justice,  and  the  impunity  which  now  embol- 
ditis  them  in  sin,  can  give  but  an  expiring  joy,  and  will 
probably  occasion  their  st  11  deeper  guilt  and  condemna- 
tion.— Tile  secret  and  unnatural  crimes,  of  which  many  arc 
conscious  who  conceal  them  from  men,  will  soon  be  brought 
•o  light,  and  into  judgment,  before  a holy  G id  : ana  crusir.al 


18:10—12.  1 Sam.  28:7,8.  rSeson9.  aHos.5:l.  Mai. 2:1,4.  b 11.  10:6,7. 
Num.  19:14,16.  Ez.  44:25.  c 18:6.  lThes.4:13.  * Or,  being  on  husban-l  among 
his  people,  he  shall  not  defile  himself  for  his  wife,  &c.  Ez.  24:16,17.  (\  10:6.  19-: 
27,28.  Deut.  14:1:  Is.  15:2.  22:12.  Jer.  16:6.  48  37.  Ez.  44:20.  Ain.  8:10.  Mic. 
1:16.  e 8.  10:3.  Ex.  28:36.  29:44.  Ezra  8:28.  1 Pet.  2.9.  f 18-21.  19:12.  Mai. 
1:6,11,12.  £ 3:11 . Ez.  44:7.  Mai.  1:7.  h 8.  Ez.  44:22.  1 Tim.  3: 1 1 . i Deut. 

24:1,2.  Is. 50:1.  k 6.  Ex.  19:10,14.  28:41.  29:1,43,44.  1 11.44,45.19:2.20:7,8. 
John  10:36.  17:19.  Heb.  7:26.  10:29. 


indulgences  will  surely  issue  in  dreadful  lamentations  here* 
after,  if  not  mourned  for  with  godly  sorrow  and  bitter  remorse 
in  this  world. — Such  crimes  caused  God  to  abhor  the  Canaan- 
ites,  and  he  will  much  more  abhor  them  in  his  professing 
people.  By  his  word  and  ordinances  he  hath  severed  us  from 
others,  and  is  known  by  the  name  of 44  The  Lord  that  sanc- 
tifieth  us.”  Let  us  then  separate  ourselves  from  the  com- 
pany and  practices  of  the  ungodly;  and  let  us  attend  on  his 
ordinances,  plead  his  promises,  and  seek  his  salvation : that 
we  may  be  holy  in  reality,  as  well  as  in  profession ; that  we 
may  learn  and  observe  the  difference  between  clean  and 
unclean  in  every  thing;  and  that  the  Lord  may  indeed  be 
our  God  and  Portion,  and  we  his  people  in  time  and  to 
eternity. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXI.  V.  1 — 5.  The  word  rendered 
the  dead , is  far  more  commonly  translated,  the  soul,  or  the  life. 
When  it  signifies  the  dead , it  means  the  body  of  some  crea- 
ture which  lately  had  life.  The  paucity  of  words,  in  most 
languages,  occasions  phrases  to  prevail  in  a sense  widely  dif- 
ferent from  the  primary  meaning  of  the  terms  composing 
them ; and  consequently  they  must  be  understood  according 
to  the  connexion. — The  clause  here  implies,  that  the  priests 
must  not  defile  themselves  for  any  person  whatever,  when 
dead,  except  the  near  relations  particularly  specified  ; and 
consequently  that  they  must  in  no  other  case  attend  a fune- 
ral or  enter  the  tent  where  a corpse  lay.  The  wife  is  not 
here  mentioned,  and  the  marginal  reading  (4)  seems  to  imply 
that  she  was  excepted ; yet  this  is  not  likely  ; and  when  Eze- 
kiel, who  was  a priest,  refrained  by  express  command  from 
signs  of  mourning  for  his  wife,  the  people  deemed  it  very 
strange.  Being  a distinguished  person  among  his  people,  his 
example  and  ministrations  were  of  great  importance  ; and  he 
must  not u profane  himself, ”or  separate  himself  from  his  sacred 
employments  on  any  ordinary  occasion.  (Notes,  Ez.  24:16 — 
24.) — By  these  restrictions,  and  the  prohibition  of  expressing 
grief  by  any  extravagant  or  superstitious  tokens,  the  priests 
were  taught  to  moderate  their  natural  passions  ; and  per- 
haps to  avow  their  belief  of  a future  state.  (Note,  1 The s. 
4:13—18.) 

V.  fi.  The  office  of  the  priests  in  offering  sacrifices,  (here 
called  41  the  bread  of  their  God,”  the  provisions  of  God’s 
house  and  altar,  where  he,  as  it  were,  came  and  feasted  with 
his  people,)  would  place  them  in  a conspicuous  light,  and 
many  would  note  their  conduct:  it  behooved  them,  therefore,  to 
be  very  circumspect,  lest  God  and  his  worship  should  he  dis- 
regarded, through  their  misconduct  even  in  lighter  matters. 

V.  7.  A priest  must  not  marry  a woman  who  had  been  a 
harlot,  though  penitent;  or  one  of  suspicious  character,  or 
ungodly  ; or  one  who  had  been  divorced,  as  it  might  be  pre- 

- ( 237  ) 


B.  C.  1490.  LEVITICUS.  B.  C.  1490. 


9 Ami  "“the.  daughter  of  any  priest,  if  she  pro- 
fane herself  by  playing  the  whore,  she  profaneih 
her  father : she  shall  be  “burnt  with  fire. 

10  'll  And  he  that  is  the  high-priest  among  his 
brethren,  “upon  whose  head  the  anointing  oil  was 
poured,  and  that  is  'consecrated  to  put  on  the 
garments,  shall  not  ^uncover  his  head,  "nor  rend 
his  clothes ; 

1 1 Neither  shall  he  go  in  to  any  dead  body,  nor 
defile  himself  for  "his  father,  or  for  his  mother : 

12  Neither  shall  he  "go  out  of  the  sanctuary, 
nor  profane  the  sanctuary  of  his  God ; “for  the 
crown  of  the  anointing  oil  of  his  God  is  upon 
him:  I am  the  Loro. 

13  And  he  shall  take  a wife  in  her  virginity. 

14  A widow,  or  a divorced  woman,  or  profane, 
or  an  harlot,  these  shall  he  not  take  : but  he  shall 
take  va  virgin  of  his  own  people  to  wife. 

15  Neither  shall  he  ""profane  his  seed  among  his 
peoples  for  I the  Lord  do  sanctify  him. 

16  M And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

17  Speak  unto  Aaron,  saying,  Whosoever  he  he 
of  thy  seed  in  their  generations,  that  hath  any 
^blemish,  "let  him  not  approach  to  offer  the  'bread 
of  his  God : 

18  For  whatsoever  man  he  he  that  hath  a ble- 
mish, he  shall  not  approach  : aa  blind  man,  or  a 

ro  lt'am.  2:17,34.  3:13.14.  Ez.  9.6.  Mai.  2:3.  Mall.  11:20—24.  1 Tim.  3:4,5.  Til. 
1:6.  n 20:14.  Gen.  38:24.  Josh.  7:15,25.  Is.  33:14.  Rev.21:8.  o8:12.  10:7.  16: 
32.  Ex.  29:29,30.  Num.  35:2.5.  Ps.  133.2.  p 8:7— 9.  Ex.  28:2— 4.  q 10:6.  13: 
45.  2Sam.  15:30.  Esth.  6:12.  rGen.  37:34.  Job  1:20.  Malt. 26:65.  si, 2. 
Nam.  6:7.  19:14.  l)eut.33:9.  Matt.  8:21,22.  12:46— 50.  Luke  9:59,60.  14:26. 
2 Cor.  5: 16.  110:7.  u Ex.  28:36.  Is.  61:1.  Acls  10:38.  v 7.  Ez.  44 :22.  2 Cor. 
11:2.  Rev.  14:4.  x Ezra  2:62.  9:2.  Neh.  13:23-29.  Mol.  2:11,15.  Rom.  11:16. 


sumed  that  it  was  for  some  misconduct.  All  the  male  children 
of  the  priests  were  priests  by  birth,  4 and  he  that  would  seek  a 
godly  seed  must  first  seek  a godly  wife.*  Henry. 

V.  8.  This  seems  addressed  to  Moses,  (and  to  all  subse- 
quent rulers  in  Israel,)  as  a command  to  exercise  his  authorit3r 
and  influence,  that  the  priests  might  be  preserved  from  unhal- 
lowed marriages,  and  from  every  other  thing  inconsistent  with 
their  sacred  character. 

V.  9.  Whoredom  in  a priest’s  daughter  would  be  highly 
disgraceful  to  religion,  and  a reflection  upon  the  parent’s  care  of 
his  family.  The  dreadful  punishment  denounced  by  God 
himself  would  not  only  be  a restraint  upon  the  children  ; 
( Note , 20:10 — 19.)  but  likewise  a lesson  to  the  parents  to 
watch  over  them,  to  keep  them  out  of  the  way  of  temptation, 
and  to  give  them  a proper  education. 

V.  10 — 15.  The  eldest  son  of  the  high-priest  is  supposed 
by  many  to  have  been  anointed  in  his  father’s  lifetime,  if  he 
came  to  a proper  age,  and  to  have  acted  as  his  deputy,  incase 
of  sickness  or  ceremonial  uncleanness  ; and  upon  his  death 
the  office  immediately  devolved  upon  him  ; nor  must  he  inca- 
pacitate himself  for  performing  it,  on  any  account  whatever. 
It  is  therefore  thought  that  he,  or  the  apparent  successor  to 
the  high-priesthood,  was  bound  by  these  rules,  as  well  as  the 
ligh-priest  actually  in  office. — The  high-priest,  however,  as 
the  immediate  type  of  Christ,  must  show  greater  superiority 
over  his  natural  affections,  and  be  more  circumspect  in  his 
whole  conduct  than  the  other  priests.  He  must  therefore 
marry  none  but  a virgin  ; nor  leave  any  stain  on  his  posterity, 
tither  by  his  own  improper  marriage,  or  by  allowing  them  to 
jarry  improperly.  Many  learned  men  indeed  think,  that  all 
Jie  priests  were  bound  by  the  law  of  marrying  none  but  vir- 
gins: but  they  can  bring  no  proof  of  it  from  Scripture , except 
from  Ezekiel’s  mystical  vision,  (Note,  Ez.  44:22.)  which  cer- 
.ainly  varies  in  many  things  from  the  law  of  Moses  ; and  the 
context,  in  this  chapter,  evidently  implies  the  contrary.  It  is 
more  properly  observed,  that  polygamy  was  virtually  forbid- 
den the  high-priest ; but  not  a second  marriage,  as  some  have 
imagined. 

V.  17 — 24.  These  several  blemishes  in  the  body  incapa- 
citated the  priests  for  some  of  their  sacred  work  ; yet  did  not 
exclude  them  from  their  maintenance,  or  from  subordinate 
services,  or  even  from  instructing  the  people.  They  were 
external  emblems  of  the  scandals  and  reproaches  of  sin,  rest- 
ing on  a man’s  character,  which  render  even  the  penitent  unfit 
for  the -ministry,  until  the  impression,  made  by  them  on  the 
minds  of  men,  be  done  away  by  a continued  course  of  good 
behaviour. — Learned  men  have  copiously  showed,  that  the 
pagans  literally  observed  several  of  these  rules  respecting 
priests  ; probably  they  originally  derived  their  usages  from  the 
law  of  Moses. — Some  have  argued  from  these  laws  that  a 
deformed  person,  or  one  who  wants  a limb,  or  is  otherwise 
materially  blemished,  should  not  be  a minister  of  the  gospel ; 
but  this  is  a groundless  imagination,  as  these  incapacitating  ble- 
mishes were  mere  shadows  of  a wrong  state  of  heart  and  mind. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

As  these  priests  were  typed  of  Christ,  so  all  ministers  espe- 
cially must  be  followers  of  him  ; that  their  example  may  eluci- 
date and  corroborate  their  instructions,  and  teach  the  people 
m imitating  them  t < imitate  the  &p.y*owr.  He  was  perfectly 
f 238) 


lame,  or  he  that  hath  a flat  nose,  or  any  thing  su- 
perfluous, 

19  Or  a man  that  is  broken-footed,  or  broken 
handed. 

20  Or  crook-backed,  or  fa  dwarf,  or  that  hath  a 
blemish  in  his  eye,  or  be  scurvy, »or  scabbed,  or 
bhath  his  stones  broken  : 

21  No  man  that  hath  a blemish  of  the  seed  of 
Aaron  the  priest,  shall  come  nigh  to  offer  the  offer- 
ings of  the  Lord  made  by  fire  : he  hath  a blemish, 
he  shall  not  come  nigh  cto  offer  the  bread  of  his 
God. 

22  He  shall  eat  the  bread  of  his  God  both  dof 
the  most  holy,  and,eof  the  holy  ; 

23  Only  he  shall  not  < go  in  unto  the  veil,  nor 
come  nigh  unto  the  altar,  because  he  hath  a ble- 
mish ; that  he  ^profane  not  my  sanctuaries : for  I 
the  Lord  do  sanctify  them. 

24  And  Moses  told  it  unto  hAaron,  and  to  hifl 
sons,  and  unto  all  the  children  of  Israel 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

The  priests  might  not  eat  of  the  holy  things  when  unclean,  1 — 9.  Who  might 
eat  of  them , 10 — 13.  The  restitution  to  be  made  by  him  who  had  unwittingly 
eaten  of  them,  14 — 16.  The  sacrifices  must  be  without  blemish,  and  above 
seven  days  old,  17 — 28.  The  law  of  eating  the  sacrifices  of  thanksgiving , 
29,  30.  Calls  to  obedience , 31 — 33. 

ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2 Speak  unto  Aaron,  and  to  his  sons,  that 


1 Cor.  7:14.  y 22:20— 25.  1 Thes.  2:10.  1 Tim.  3:2.  Heb.  7:26.  7.21.  10:3. 
Num.  16:5.  Ps.  65:4.  * Or,  food.  3:16.  n Is.  56:10.  Matt.  23:16,17,19.  1 Tiin. 
3:2,3, 7.  Til.  1:7,10.  t Or,  too  slender.  bDeut.23:l.  c6,8,l7.  (12:3,10.6: 
16,29.7:1.24:8,9.  Num.  18.9,10.  e 22: 10— 13.  Num.  18- 10.  fEx.3U:6— 8. 

40:26,27.  Ez.  44:9— 14.  g 12.  See  on  15:31.  h Mai.  2:1— ' 7.  Col.  4:17.  1 Tim. 
1:18.  2 Tim.  2:2. 


superior  to  all  natural  affections ; and  in  the  business  of  his 
heavenly  Father,  would  not  be  interrupted  or  biassed,  even 
by  his  regard  to  his  earthly  parent.  Absolutely  dead  to  the 
world,  and  filled  with  zeal  for  the  glory  of  the  Father  and 
compassion  to  the  souls  of  men,  he  was  unwearied  in  his 
labours,  and  persevering  in  his  sufferings  till  he  could  say, 
44  It  is  finished.”  Without  blemish,  and  separate  from  sin- 
ners, he  executed  his  priestly  office  on  earth:  and  being 
ascended  into  heaven,  he  is  preparing  his  church  of  redeemed 
sinners,  that  44  not  having  spot,  or  blemish,  or  any  such 
thing,”  he  may  espouse  it  as  a chaste  virgin  unto  himself  for 
ever:  and  he  requires  all  his  family  to  remember  the  relation 
in  which  they  stand  unto  him,  and  to  act  consistently.  What 
manner  of  persons  then  should  his  ministers  be?  Surely 
their  characters  should  be  free  from  scandal ; and  their  hearts 
from  the  dominion  of  sin,  and  from  the  love  of  filthy  lucre, 
worldly  honour,  and  sensual  indulgence ! They  should  he 
unwearied  and  cheerful  in  their  work,  44 giving  themselves 
wholly  to  it,”  and  letting  nothing  divert  them  from  it.  They 
should  be  patient  in  tribulations,  superior  to  the  power  of  their 
passions,  circumspect  in  their  walk,  cautious  in  their  connex- 
ions, and  exemplary  in  the  government  of  their  families. 
Nothing  is  of  more  importance  to  the  interests  of  religion  than 
the  unblemished  character,  and  the  sober,  decent,  and  respect- 
able conduct  and  demeanour  of  the  wives  and  children  of 
ministers:  for  the  people  wiil  always  think  themselves  autho- 
rized to  go  further  in  conformity  to  the  world,  and  its  vain 
fashions  and  customs,  and  in  pursuit  of  its  interests  and  plea- 
sures, than  the  minister  and  his  family  do ; and  will  interpret 
his  preaching  by  their  practising  ; supposing  him  accountable 
for  weir  misconduct,  or  as  giving  it  the  sanction  of  his  appro- 
bation. (Notes,  1 Tim.  3:2 — 5.) — Our  God  is  as  holy  now , 
as  when  he  commanded  the  offending  daughter  of  a priest  to 
be  burnt  with  fire  ; how  then  should  the  children  of  ministers 
tremble  lest  they  disgrace  the  character  of  their  parents,  pre- 
vent the  effects  of  their  ministry,  and  expose  themselves  to 
the  fierce  wrath  of  God!  Equally  careful  should  this  render 
ministers  of  their  children;  not  aiming  to  give  them  a genteel 
education,  in  conformity  with  the  customs  and  fashions  of  the 
world  ; hut  to  train  them  up  in  useful  knowledge,  with  sobriety, 
frugality,  and  industry,  and  in  the  fear  of  God  ; restraining  and 
correcting  every  evil  propensity,  setting  them  a good  example, 
and  offering  continual  prayers  for  them  ; for  the  child’s  wicked- 
ness will  be  considered  as  the  parent’s  reproach,  as  well  as 
affliction ; and  frequently  it  is  so,  though  not  always. — But 
we  are  all,  if  Christians,  spiritual  priests:  and  the  minister  is 
called  to  set  a good  example,  in  order  that  the  people  may 
imitate  it.  They  too  must  he  dead  to  the  world  and  separ 
rated  from  it : not  sorrowing  or  rejoicing,  desiring  or  pursuing, 
or  possessing  temporal  things,  in  t/ie  same  manner  as  others 
do  ; but  taking  the  Lord  for  their  Portion,  rejoicing  in  him 
continually,  delighting  in  his  service,  and  using  all  to  his  glory. 
Our  bodily  infirmities,  blessed  ho  God,  cannot  exclude  us 
from  his  heavenly  glory.  And  they,  who  on  many  accounts 
may  ho  disqualified  for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  may  servo 
God  with  comfort  in  other  situations  in  his  church.  Finally, 
such  as,  without  their  own  fault,  are  incapable  of  furl  her  ser- 
vice, must  neither  bo  despised,  nor  deprive  of  sizable  main- 
tenance. 


B.  C 1490. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


B.  C. 1490. 


they  ‘separate  themselves  from  the  holy  things  of 
tire  children  of  Israel,  and  that  they  bprofane  not 
my  holy  name  in  those  things  which  they  ‘hallow 
unto  me  : I am  the  Lord. 

3 Say  unto  them,  Whosoever  he  be  of  all  your 
seed  among  your  generations,  that  goeth  unto  the 
holy  things,  which-  the  children  of  Israel  hallow 
unto  the  Lord,  ''having  his  uncleanness  upon  him, 
that  soul  shall  be  cut  off ‘from  my  presence  : I am 
the  Lord. 

4 What  man  soever  of  the  seed  of  Aaron  is  fa 
leper,  or  hath  a 'running  issue ; he  shall  not  eat  of 
the  gholy  things,  huntil  he  be  clean.  And  whoso 
toucheth  any  thing  that  is  'unclean  by  the  dead,  or 
a man  kwhose  seed  goeth  from  him; 

5 Or  ‘whosoever  toucheth  any  creeping  thing, 
whereby  he  may  be  made  unclean,  raor  a man  of 
whom  he  may  take  uncleanness,  whatsoever  un- 
cleanness he  hath : 

6 The  "soul  which  hath  touched  any  such  shall 
ce  unclean  until  even,  and  shall  not  eat  of  the  holy 
things,  unless  he  wash  his  flesh  with  water. 

7 And  when  the  sun  is  down,  he  shall  be  clean, 
and  shall  afterward  eat  of  the  holy  things ; “be- 
cause it  is  his  food. 

8 That  which  fdieth  of  itself,  or  is  torn  with 
beasts,  he  shall  not  eat  to  defile  himself  therewith  : 
I am  the  Lord. 

9 They  shall  therefore  keep  mine  ordinance, 
lest  they  ibear  sin  for  it,  and  die  therefore,  if  they 
profane  it : I the  Lord  do  sanctify  them. 

10  There  shall  rno  stranger  eat  of  the  holy 
thing:  a sojourner  of  the  priest,  or  an  hired  ser- 
vant, shall  not  eat  of  the  holy  thing. 

11  But  if  the  priest  buy  any  soul  with  Uiis 
money,  he  shall  eat  of  it,  and  he  that  is  born  in 
his  house  : they  shall  eat  of  his  meat. 

12  If  the  priest’s  daughter  also  be  married  unto 
*a  stranger,  she  may  not  eat  of  an  offering  of  the 
holy  things. 

13  But  if  the  priest’s  daughter  be  a widow  or 
divorced,  and  have  no  child,  and  is  ‘returned  unto 
her  father’s  house,  ‘as  in  her  youth,  she  shall  eat 
of  her  father’s  meat ; but  there  shall  no  stranger 
eat  thereof. 

14  And  if  a man  "eat  of  the  holy  thing  unwit- 

3— 6.  15:31.  Num.  6:3— 8.  b 32.  18:21.  19:12.  20:3.  21:6.  c Ex.  13:12.  28: 
93.  Nnm.  18:32.  Deut.  15:19.  .17:20,21,  e Ex.  33:11,15.  Pa.  16:11.  51:11.  Matt. 
85:41.  2 Thes.  1:9.  f .-ee  on  13:2,3,44 — 46.  * Heb.  running  of  the  reins.  15:2, 
8.  g 2:3.10.  6:25-29.  21.22.  Nnm.  18:9,19.  h 14.2,  &c.  15:13—15.  i 21:1. 
Num.  19:11— 16.  k 15:16.  111:43, U.  m 15:7,19.  a 11:24,25.  15:5.16:24— 
*8.  Num.  19:7— 10.  1 Cor.  6:11.  Heb.  10:22.  o 21:22.  Num.  13:11— 19.  Deut. 
18:3,4.  1 Cor.  9:4.13,14.  p 17:15.  Ex.  22:31.  Deut.  14:21.  Ez.  44:31.  qlO-1,2. 
16:2.  Ex.  28:43.  Num.  18:22.32.  r 1 Sam.  21:6.  Matt.  12:4.  t Heb.  the  purchase 
of  his  money . Ceil.  17:13.  Num.  18:11 — 13.  X Heb.  a man,  a stranger,  s Gen . 
Mill,  t 10:14.  Num.  13:11— 19.  u 5:15— 19.  27:13,15.  x 9.  19:8.  Num.  18: 


NOTES.— Chap.  XXII.  V.  2.  “ Holy  things”  were  the 
parts  of  the  sacrifices  given  to  the  priests,  the  show-bread, 
and  whatever  was  more  immediately  presented  to  the  Lord. 
Some  were  most  holy,  to  be  eaten  only  by  the  priests  in  the 
sanctuary  ; others  were  holy,  to  be  eaten  by  them  and  their 
families  in  their  own  houses.  But  the  proportion  of  the 
tithes  which  belonged  to  the  priests,  and  many  other  perqui- 
sites, might  he  disposed  of  at  their  will. 

V.  3 — 9.  The  females,  as  well  as  the  males,  were  bound 
by  these  laws. — Yet,  as  the  holy  things  constituted  a consi- 
derable part  of  the  stated  maintenance  of  the  priests  and  their 
families,  the  uncleanness  contracted  in  some  of  the  specified 
cases,  was  speedily  and  easily  removed.  But  if  any  persons 
presumptuously  neglected  the  prescribed  rules,  they  would 

1 bear  sin  for  it,”  and  might  expect  to  be  cut  off  by  divine 
justice,  after  the  example  of  Nadab  and  Abihtt. 

Cut  off  from  my  presence.  (3)  Some  interpret  this  of  the 
offender  being  excluded  from  officiating  as  a priest;  others, 
of  his  being  cut  offhv  some  immediate  stroke  from  God. 

V.  10 — 13.  Boarders,  lodgers,  and  hired  labourers  or  ser- 
vants, not  being  a regular  part  of  the  priest’s  family,  were  not 
allowed  to  eat  of  the  holy  things  ; but  slaves,  whether  bought 
or  born  in  the  house,  as  a part  of  his  stated  family,  were. — 
If  his  daughter  married  a priest,  she  might  eat  of  them  in  right 
of  her  husband,  as  well  as  of  her  father;  but  if  she  married 
any  other  man  she  forfeited  that  right : and  if  left  a widow  with 
children,  she  and  they  formed  a family  distinct  and  separate 
from  the  priesthood ; but  if  left  a widow  without  children,  or 
if  being  divorced  she  returned  to  her  father’s  house  to  live 
with  him  as  in  her  youth,  she  became  again  a part  of  his 
family,  and  might  partake  of  the  holy  things. 

V.  14 — If).  The  presumptuous  transgressor  was  left  to 
the  judgment  of  God ; but  he,  who  inadvertently  ate  any  part 
jfwhat  belonged  to  the  priest,  was  required,  when  he  found 


tingly,  then  he  shall  put  the  fifth  part  thereol  unto 
it,  and  shall  give  it  unto  the  priest,  with  the  holy 
thing. 

15  And  they  shall  not  ‘profane  the  holy  things 
of  the  children  of  Israel  which  they  offer  unto  the 
Lord  ; 

16  Or  §sufler  them  Ho  bear  the  iniquity  of  tres- 
pass, when  they  eat  their  holy  things ; ‘for  I the 
Lord  do  sanctify  them. 

17  H And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

18  Speak  unto  Aaron,  and  to  his  sons,  and  unto 
all  the  children  of  Israel,  and  say  unto  them, 
"Whatsoever  he  be  of  the  house  of  Israel,  or *  lot 
the  strangers  in  Israel,  that  will  offer  his  oblation 
for  all  his  “vows,  and  for  all  his  dfree-will  offerings, 
which  they  will  offer  unto  the  Lord  for  a burnt- 
offering  : 

19  Ye  shall  offer  at  your  own  will  ea  male  with- 
out blemish  of  the  beeves,  of  the  sheep,  or  of  the 
goats. 

20  But  whatsoever  f hath  a blemish,  that  shall 
ye  not  offer : for  it  shall  not  be  acceptable  for  you. 

21  And  whosoever  offereth  a sacrifice  gof  peace- 
offerings  unto  the  Lord,  hto  accomplish  his  vow, 
or  a free-will  offering  in  beeves,  or  "sheep,  it  shall 
be  perfect  to  be  accepted  ; there  shall  be  no  ble- 
mish therein. 

22  'Blind,  or  broken,  or  maimed,  or  having  a 
wen,  or  scurvy,  or  scabbed,  ye  shall  not  offer  these 
unto  the  Lord,  nor  make  an  offering  by  fire  o. 
them  upon  the  altar  unto  the  Lord. 

23  Either  a bullock,  or  a ’’lamb,  that  hath  any 
thing  superfluous  or  lacking  in  his  parts,  that 
mayest  thou  offer  for  a free-will-ofiering ; but  for 
a vow  it  shall  not  be  accepted. 

24  Ye  shall  not  offer  unto  the  Lord  that  which 
is  bruised,  or  crushed,  or  kbroken,  or  cut ; neither 
shall  ye  make  any  offering  thereof  in  your  land. 

25  Neither  from  'a  stranger’s  hand  shall  ye  offer 
rathe  bread  of  your  God  of  any  of  these  ; because 
their  corruption  is  in  them,  and  blemishes  be  in 
them  : they  shall  not  be  accepted  for  you. 

26  IT  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

27  When  a bullock,  or  a sheep,  or  a goat,  is 
brought  forth,  then  it  shall  be  "seven  days  under 
the  dam:  and  from  the  eighth  day,  and  thence- 

32.  Ez.  22:26.  §0 r,  lade  themselves  with  the  iniquity  of  trespass  in  their 
eating,  r 7:18.  Ps.  38:4.  I».  53:11.12.  1 Pet.  2:24.  z 9.  See  on  20:8.  al7:ll), 
13.  b Nnm.  15:14— 16.  c 7:16.  23:38.  Num.  15:3.  Deut.12.fi.  Ps. 22:25.  5fi: 
12.  61:5,8.  65:1.  66:13.  116:14,13.  Ec.5:4.  Jon.  1:16.  2:9.  Nall.  1:15.  Acts  18: 
18.  d Num.  15:3.  Deut.  12:6,17.  16:10.  e 1:3,10.  4:32.  Ex.  12:5.  Matt. 27:4, 
19,24,54.  Luke  23:14,41,47.  John  19:4.  2 Cor.  5:21.  Kuh.5:27.  Heb.  9:14.  1 Fet. 
1:19.  2:22-24  . 3:18.  f2S.  Deut.  15:21.  17:1.  Mai.  1:8  13,14.  g 3:1.6.  7:11, 
he.  h Gen. 28.20.  35:1—3.  Deut. 23:21— 23.  P».50:l<.  Prov.711.  Ec. 5:4.5. 
II  Or,  goa'e.  i 21:18— 21.  II  Or,  iW,  k20.  Deut.  23:1.  1 Num.  15:14— 16. 

Ezra  6:8— 10.  m 21:6,8,21,22.  Mai.  1:7,8,12— 14.  n 12:2,3.  19:23,24.  Ex.  22  30 


out  his  mistake,  to  make  restitution  with  a fifth  part  added  to 
the  value  of  it.  This  the  priests  must  require,  that  the  hal- 
lowed things  might  not  be  applied  to  common  uses.  For  that 
would  indeed  be  allowing  the  people  to  burden  theinselvel 
with  guilt,  by  violating  the  divine  law  in  eating  the  hot* 
things:  while  that  very  action  typically  implied  a vain  at 
tempt  to  expiate  their  own  guilt;  instead  of  transferring  it  V 
the  priests,  who  were  in  this  respect  the  types  of  Chris' 
{Notes,  5:15,16.  10:16—18.) 

V.  18 — 24.  The  burnt-offerings  typified  Christ’s  unble- 
mished sacrifice,  and  denoted  the  offerer’s  entire  devotedness 
to  God  ; and  the  peace-offering  of  a vow  implied  an  indispen- 
sable duty  : in  these  cases,  therefore,  no  animal  having  any 
kind  of  blemish  would  be  accepted. — But  one  that  had  a dis- 
proportion in  its  limbs,  or  something  superfluous  or  wanting, 
might  be  accepted  as  a free-will-offering  ; when  love  for  the 
courts  and  altar  of  God,  and  for  his  brethren,  disposed  a man, 
without  any  previous  obligations,  to  offer  a sacrifice,  and  make 
a sacred  feast  for  his  friends,  for  the  priests,  and  for  the  poor 
Yet  even  in  this  case  such  animals  as  were  blemished,  or 
diseased  in  other  respects,  must  not  be  offered. — Without 
entering  into  the  particulars  of  these  defects  and  blemishes,  it 
is  obvious  that  the  word  translated  bullock  means  'a  young 
bull;  for  the  male,  unless  a bull,  was  blemished. — ft  is  evi- 
dent from  the  original  of  the  twenty-third  verse,  that  the 
words  often  translated  at  ytyur  own  will,  (29)  should  in  most 
places  be  rendered  for  your  acceptance.  (Note,  1:3.) 

V.  25.  As  an  intimation  of  the  Lord’s  purposes  of  mercy 
to  the  Gentiles,  they  were  encouraged  to  offer  sacrifices  to 
him  ; but  these  were  not  allowed  of,  unless  free  from  blemish. 
— Some  are  of  opinion,  that  the  Gentiles  were  not  allowed  to 
offer  any  sacrifices,  except  burnt-offerings : but  the  connexion 
of  this  verse  seems  unfavourable  to  that  supposition. 

V.  27.  From  the  same  time  as  the  male  children  were 
( 239  ) 


B.  C 1190.  LEVITICUS.  B.  C.  149o. 


forth,  t shall  he  accepted  for  an  offering  made  by 
fire  unto  the  Lord. 

28  And  whether  it  he  cow  or  'ewe,  °ye  shall  not 
kill  it  a»d  her  young  both  in  one  day. 

29  And  when  ye  will  offer  i'a  sacrifice  of  thanks- 
giving unto  the  Lord,  offer  it  at  your  own  will. 

30  On  the  same  day  it  shall  be  eaten  up ; ve 
shall  cleave  none  of  it  until  the  morrow : I am  the 
Lord. 

31  Therefore  shall  ye  rkeep  my  commandments, 
and  do  them  : I am  the  Lord. 

32  Neither  shall  ye  "profane  my  holy  name ; but 
lI  will  be  hallowed  among  the  children  of  Israel : 
I am  the  Lord  which  ^hallow  you, 

33  *That  brought  you  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt, 
to  be  your  God : I am  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

Laws  concerning  the  weekly  sabbath,  1 — 3 : the  passover,  the  feast  of  unleav- 
ened bread , and  the  sheaf  of  first-fruits , 4 — 14  : the  feast  of  Pentecost  ; 
with  a memento  to  leave  the  gleanings  for  the  poor,  15 — 22:  the  feast 
of  trumpets , 23 — 25  : the  day  of  atonement,  26 — 32  : the  feast  of  tabernacles, 
33  — 44.  • 

A ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2 Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and  say 
unto  them,  concerning  “the  feasts  of  the  Lord, 
which  ye  shall  bproclaim  to  be  holy  convocations, 
even  these  are  my  feasts. 

• Or,  ehe-zanl.  o Ex.  230  9.  34:26.  Deut.  14:21.  22:6,7.  p7:12.  1 s.  107:22. 

116:17.  Hos.  14:2.  linos  4:5.  Heb.  13: 15.  1 Pel.  2:5.  q 7:15— IS.  19.7.  Ex.  16: 
19,20.  r .See  on  18:4,5.  Num.  15:40.  Deut.4:40.  1 Thes.  4:1,2.  b See  on  2. 
18:21.  t 10:3.  Is.  5:16.  Matf.  6:9.  Luke  11:2.  u 16.  20:8.  21:8,15.  Ex.  19:5,6. 
John  17:17.  1 Cor.  1:2.  x 11:45.  19:36.  25:38.  Ex.  6:7.  20:2.  Num.  15:41. 
a 4,37.  Ex.  23:14— 17.  Is.  1:13,14.  33:20.  Lam.  1:4.  Hos.  2:11.  Nah.  1:15.  John 
5:1.  Col.  2:16.  b Ex.  32:5.  Num.  10:2,3,10.  2 Kin^s  10:20.  2 Chr.  30:5.  Ps. 
81:3.  Joel  1:14.  2:15.  Jon.  3:5—9.  c 19:3.  Ex.  16:23,29.  20:8—11.  23:12  . 31: 


dedicated  to  the  Lord  by  circumcision,  the  cattle  were 
deemed  meet  for  sacrifice : that  is,  say  the  Jewish  writers, 
when  one  sabbath,  which  sanctifies  all  things,  must  have 
passed  over  them.  (Note,  12:2 — 5.) 

V.  28.  The  reason  of  this  restriction  is  not  very  evident. 
The  practice  might  seem  cruel  and  unfeeling  ; yet  it  does  not 
seem  to  have  been  forbidden  thus  to  slay  other  cattle  for  food, 
besides  these  here  mentioned.  It  might  perhaps  refer  to 
some  pagan  superstition. 

V.  29,  30.  Note,  7:15—18. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Whilst  with  gratitude  we  recollect,  that  our  holy  and 
florious  High-Priest  is  not  liable  to  any  incapacitating  impe- 
diments to  the  discharge  of  his  office,  either  habitual  or 
incidental,  but  is  perfectly  such  an  one  as  became  us ; and 
that  his  unblemished  sacrifice  is  of  perpetual  efficacy  for 
“all  who  come  to  God  through  him;”  let  us  also  remember, 
that  the  Lord  requires  us  likewise  to  reverence  his  Name, 
his  truths,  his  ordinances,  and  his  commandments.  The 
man,  who  enters  into  the  ministry,  and  who  handles  the  word 
of  God,  or  administers  his  sacraments,  out  of  covetousness 
or  ambition,  whilst  he  indulges  in  known,  habitual  sin,  either 
openly  or  in  secret;  .and  those  professed  Christians  who 
make  religion  then*  pretence,  but  gain  their  object;  or  who 
approach  ihe  Lord’s  table  as  a step  to  preferment,  or  with  a 
heart  full  of  covetousness,  malice,  or  lust ; — sych  persons  I 
say,  presume  to  eat  of  the  holy  things  with  their  uncleanness 
upon  them,  and  must  answer  for  it  to  God.  Let  us  then 
beware  of  hypocrisy ; and  both  examine  ourselves,  and  seek 
to  be  purified  from  our  sinful  defilements,  in  the  blood  of 
Christ,  and  by  his  sanctifying  Spirit:  that  we  may  not  pro- 
fane the  Name  of  God  in  these  hallowed  things,  but  use  them 
with  acceptance,  to  his  glory,  and  to  our  own  benefit  and 
comfort;  and  when,  as  his  priests,  we  have  feasted  at  his 
table,  let  us  never  more  defile  ourselves  with  the  base 
pleasures  of  sin. — It  is  very  proper,  that  we  should  carefully 
distinguish  between  those  who  ought,  and  those  who  ought 
not,  to  eat  of  these  holy  things : and  we  shall  find,  if  we 
carefully  consult  the  Scriptuies,  that  the  man  who  atiempts 
to  expiate  his  own  sin,  or  to  justify  himself  before  God  by 
his  own  supposed  virtues,  puts  as  great  an  affront  on  Christ, 
whose  bleeding  love  to  sinners  he  professes  to  commemorate, 
as  he  who  comes  to  the  Lord’s  lable,  from  the  indulgence  of 
his  passions  by  direct  and  gross  immoralities.  This  is  a sin 
which  is  often  committed  unwittingly  ; hut  must  be  repented 
of,  if  men  would  not  bear  their  own  iniquities,  which  ‘is  a 
burden  too  heavy  for  them’  to  support.  Nor  can  the  minis- 
ter, who  loves  the  souls  of  the  people,  suffer  them  to  continue 
in  this  dangerous  delusion  ; but  must  call  upon  them,  not  only 
to  repent  and  forsake  their  sins ; hut  to  put  their  whole  trust 
in  the  atonement  of  Christ,  for  pardon  and  acceptance  with 
God : for  thus,  and  thus  only,  will  the  Lord  sanctify  them 
for  his  peculiar  people. — We  must  serve  the  Lord  with  the 
best  of  all  we  have  and  are  : yet  if  there  he  a willing  mind,  and 
an  upright,  humble,  thankful  heart,  with  a simple  depend- 
ence on  the  unblemished  sacrifice  of  Christ;  our  imperfect 
oblations  will  not  be  rejected  of  God,  and  will  he  useful  to 
our  fellow-creatures. — It  is  very  desirable  that,  strangers 
should  he  brought  acquainted  with  the  Saviour:  but  we  should 
6c  careful,  tha.  our  zeal  for  multiplying  converts  do  not  load 
us  to  encourage  .iypocrit.es,  “ whose  corruption  is  in  them,” 
( 240  ) 


3 cSix  days  shall  work  he  done,  but  the  seventh 
day  is  the  sabbath  of  rest,  an  holy  convocation : 
ye  shall  do  no  work  therein  : it  is  the  sabbath  of 
the  Lord  in  all  your  dwellings. 

4 II  These  are  the  feasts  of  the  Lord,  even  holy 
convocations,  which  ye  shall  proclaim  in  their 
seasons. 

5 dIn  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  first  month  at 
even  is  the  Lord’s  passover. 

6 And  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  same  month 
is  ethe  feast  of  unleavened  bread  unto  the  Lord  : 
seven  days  ye  must  eat  unleavened  bread. 

7 In  the  first  day  fye  shall  have  an  holy  convo- 
cation ; ye  shall  do  no  servile  work  therein. 

8 But  ye  shall  offer  an  offering  made  by  fire 
unto  the  Lord  seven  days  : in  the  seventh  day  is 
an  holy  convocation,  ye  shall  do  no  servile  work 
therein. 

9 H And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, o 

10  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and  sav 
unto  them,  eWhen  ye  be  come  into  the  land  which 
I give  unto  you.  hand  shall  reap  the  harvest  there- 
of, then  ye  shall  bring  a 'sheaf  of  'the  first-fruits 
of  your  harvest  unto  the  priest : 


15.  34:21.  35:2,3.  Deut.  5:13.  Is.  56:2,6.  58:13.  Luke  13.14.  23:56.  Acts  15:21. 
Rer.  1:10.  d Ex.  12:2—14.  13:3—10.  23:15.  Num.  9:2—7.  28:16.  Deut.  16:1 — 

7.  Josh.  5:10.  2 Chr.  35:18,19.  Matt.  26:17.  Mark  14:12.  Luke  21:7.  1 Cor.  5:7, 

8.  e Ex.  12:15,16.  13:6,7.  34:18.  Num.  28:17,13.  Deut.  16:8.  Acts  12:3,4. 
fNum.  28:18—25.  g Seeon  14:34.  h 2:12 — 16.  Ex. 23:16,19  . 31:22,26.  Num. 
15:2,18 — 21.  28:26.  Deut.  16:9.  Josh.  3:15.  * Or,  handful.  Heb.  O'uer.  i Prov. 
3:9,10.  Ez.  44:30.  Rom.  11:16.  1 Cor.  15:20—23.  Jura.  1:18.  Rev.  14:4. 


and  who  will  be  a scandal  to  the  cause. — Even  when  the 
reason  of  the  Lord’s  appointments  doth  not  appear,  or  when 
we  meet  with  many  repetitions  in  his  word ; we  may  profit- 
ably be  reminded  to  exercise  humility,  faith  in  his  wisdom, 
and  submission  to  his  authority,  who  deserves  from  us  the 
most  unreserved  obedience  and  confidence  in  every  thing. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXIII.  V.  2.  The  word  (D'lyiD) 
rendered  “feasts,”  properly  means  assemblies  convened  at  an 
appointed  time  andplace. — It  is  sometimes  translated  solem- 
nities. (Is.  33:20.)  The  day  of  atonement  was  a great 
solemnity , but  it  was  a fast. 

V.  3.  The  weekly  sabbath  was  the  greatest  of  all  these 
solemnities,  as  instituted  in  remembrance  of  the  creation,  to 
be  observed  through  all  generations. — It  is  called  “a  holy 
convocation ;”  and  it  may  he  supposed  at  least  to  have  been 
the  will  of  the  Lawgiver,  that  assemblies  for  religious  worship 
and  instruction  should  be  held  in  every  place,  as  well  as  for 
sacrifices  at  the  temple.  This  was  done  at  length  in  the 
synagogues ; but  besides  this,  it  was  also  to  be  observed  as  a 
sacred  rest  in  all  the  dwellings  of  Israel. 

Y.  4.  Ye  shall  proclaim,  &c.]  The  priests  were  directed 
to  give  notice  of  the  solemnities,  and  to  call  together  the 
holy  convocation  by  sound  of  trumpet.  It  would  also  devolve 
upon  then)  to  calculate  the  seasons  of  the  annual  feasts : and, 
in  order  that  the  computation  by  moons  might  coincide  as 
nearly  as  could  be  with  the  revolutions  of  the  sun,  proper 
intercalations  must  be  made  from  time  to  time.  For  twelve 
revolutions  of  the  moon  want  about  eleven  days  of  one  entire 
revolution  of  the  sun ; so  that  a month  must  have  been 
intercalated  sometimes  in  the  third,  and  at  others  in  the  second 
year;  in  order  that  the  fifteenth  day  of  Nisan  might  never 
precede  that  season  of  the  year,  which  the  offering  of  the 
first-fruits  required.  (Note,  10 — 14.) — Many  other  obser- 
vances would  require  the  same.  When  the  people  were 
settied  in  Canaan,  proclamation  must,  in  some  way,  he  made 
to  all  the  tribes,  that  there  might  be  no  error  or  disunion 
among  them. 

V.  5 — 8.  ( Notes,  and  P.  O.  Ex.  12:)  It  is  observable  that  in 
respect  of  all  the  solemnities,  except  the  weekly  sabbath  and 
the  day  of  atonement,  the  word  servile  is  added,  in  the  pro- 
hibition of  the  work  to  be  done  upon  them.  Hence  it  is  rea- 
sonably concluded,  that  several  things  of  a domestic  nature 
might  be  performed  on  the  other  solemnities,  which  must  not 
he  done  on  the  weekly  sabbath,  or  the  day  of  atonement. 
The  Jewish  writers  aro  very  particular  on  this  distinction: 
hut,  it  is  enough  to  state  in  general,  that  in  one  case  any 
work,  except  such  as  respected  commerce,  manufactures, 
agriculture,  or  menial  services,  was  allowable  ; hut  in  the 
other  none,  unless  strictly  speaking  necessary,  or  subservient 
to  the  exercise  of  piety,  charity,  and  humanity,  could  accord 
to  the  strictness  of  the*,  injunction. 

Y.  10 — 14.  The  word  rendered  sheqf  in  the  text  is  in  the 
original  omer,  as  in  the  margin. — It  is  supposed,  that  some 
barley,  (for  that  must  he  meant,)  having  been  reaped,  was 
dried  by  the  fire,  ground,  and  made  into  fine  flour;  enough  of 
which  to  fill  an  omer,  was  annually'  presented  in  ihe  namo  of 
the  whole  nation,  when  put  in  possession  of  Canaan,  with  a 
sacrifice,  a meat-offering,  and  a drink-offering. — The  sabbath 
here  mentioned  was  the  day  of  holy  convocation,  or  the  first 
day  of  unleavened  broad,  which  might  or  might  not  ho  the 
weekly  sabbath.  According  to  the  exact  letter,  (5 — 7,  and 


B.  (J.  1 490. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


B.  C.  1490. 


11  And  lie  shall  hvave  the  sheaf  before  the 
Loan,  to  be  accepted  lor  you  : on  the  morrow 
after  the  sabbath  the  priest  shall  wave  it. 

12  And  ye  shall  offer  that  day,  when  ye  wave 
the  sheaf,  kan  lie-lamb  without  blemish  of  the  first 
year  for  a burnt-offering  unto  the  Lord. 

• 13  And 'the  meat-offering  thereof  shall  be  two 
tenth-deals  of  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil,  an  offer- 
ing made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord  for  a sweet 
savour:  and  mthe  drink-offering  thereof  shall  be 
of  wine,  "the  fourth  part  of  an  liin. 

14  And  ye  shall  “eat  neither  bread,  nor  parched 
corn,  nor  green  ears,  until  the  self-same  aay  that 
ye  have  brought  an  offering  unto  your  God  : Ht 
shall  be  a statute  for  ever  throughout  your  gene- 
rations, in  all  your  dwellings. 

15  And  ye  shall  count  unto  you  ifrom  the 
morrow  after  the  sabbath,  from  the  day  that  ye 
brought  the  sheaf  of  the  wave-offering:  seven 
sabbaths  shall  be  complete. 

16  Even  unto  the  morrow  after  the  seventh 
sabbath,  shall  ye  number  rfiff.y  days,  and  ye  shall 
offer  a new  meat-offering  unto  the  Lord. 

17  Ye  shall  bring  out  of  your  habitations  ’two 
wave-loaves  of  two  tenth-deals : they  shall  be  of 
fine  flour  ; they  shall  be  baken  with  ‘leaven ; they 
are  “the  first-fruits  unto  the  Lord. 

18  And  ye  shall  offer  with  the  bread  “seven 
.ambs  without  blemish,  of  the  first  year,  and  one 

oung  bullock,  and  two  rams  : they  shall  lie  for  a 
urnt-offering  unto  the  Lord,  rwith  their  meat- 
offering, and  their  drink-offerings,  even  an  offer- 
ing made  by  fire  of  sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord. 

19  Then  ye  shall  sacrifice  ’one  kid  of  the  goats 
for  a sin-offering,  and  “two  lambs  of  the  first  year 
for  a sacrifice  of  peace-offerings. 

20  And  the  priest  shall  bwave  them  with  the 
bread  of  the  first-fruits  for  a wave-offering  before 
the  Lord,  with  the  two  lambs:  they  shall  be 
*holy  to  the  Lord  for  the  priest. 

19:21.10:14.  Ex*29:24.  k 1:10.  Heb.  10:10— 12.  1 Pet.  1:19.  12:14—16.  14:10. 
Num.  15:3-12.  m Ex.  29:40.41.  30:9.  Num.  28:10.  Joel  1:9,13.  2:14.  n Ex.  30: 
24.  Ex.  4:11.  45:24.  46:14.  o 19:23— 25.  25:2,3.  Gen.  4:4,5.  Josh.  5:11,12.  ,,3:17. 
10:11.  Deni.  16:12.  Neh.9:14.  Is.  19:8.  q 10,11.  25:8.  Ex.  34.22.  Hern.  16:9, 

16.  r Acts  2:1 . sNum.  28:26.  l 7:13.  Matt.  13:33.  u 10.  Ex. 22:29.  23:16, 

19.  34:22,26.  Hum.  15:19 — 21.  Deut.26:2.  Prov. 3:9,10.  Rom.  8:23.  1 Cor.  15: 

20.  Jam.  1:18.  Rev.  14:4.  x 12,13.  Num. 28:27— 31.  v Num . 15:4— 12.  z4:23 
—28.  16:15.  Num. 15:24.  Rom. 8:3.  2Cor.5:21.  a 3:  '7:11— 18.  b 17  . 7:29,30. 
Ex.  29:24.  Luke  2:14.  Eph.  2:14.  c7:31— 34.  8:29.10:14,15.  Num.  18:8— 12. 
Deut.  18:4.  (12,4.  Ex.  1216.  Deut.  16:11.  Is.  11:10.  e 14.  Gen.  17:7.  Ex.  12: 

17.  Num.  18:23.  119:9,10.  Deut.  16:11— 14.  24:19— 21.  Ruth  2:3— 7,16.  Job. 


Marg.  Ref.  d.)  Christ  was  crucified  on  this  day  of  holy 
convocation:  yet  whether  the  Jews  calculated  the  days  in 
another  manner,  or  not,  it  seems  not  to  have  been  thus 
observed  ; but  the  next  being  the  sabbath  was  a high  day,  and 
probably  was  kept  as  the  day  of  holy  convocation.  Thus 
the  first  day  of  the  week1  was  the  day  of  offering  the  first- 
fruits,  on  which  day  Christ  arose  the  first-fruits  from  the 
dead.  The  first-fruits,  presented  to  God  with  a saciifice, 
implied  that  the  title  of  the  Israelites  to  the  fruits  of  the  earth 
rested  on  the  gift  of  a reconciled  God,  through  the  sacrifice 
of  the  promised  Saviour ; and  that  the  comfortable  and  holy 
use  of  them  arose  from  their  devoting  themselves  and  their 
substance  to  his  service  and  glory. — They  also  prefigured 
Christ,  not  only  as  the  first-fruits  from  the  dead,  and  the 
earnest  of  the  great  harvest  of  the  resurrection,  but  as  the 
first-fruits  of  all  the  race  of  Adam ; and  who,  having  sanctified 
himself  to  be  obedient  to  the  precept,  and  to  endure  the 
penalty  of  the  law  of  God,  presented  himself  unto  the  Father 
as  the  earnest  of  an  innumerable  multitude  of  his  brethren, 
being  consecrated  to  God  through  him.  For  Christians  also 
themselves  are  a kind  of  first-fruits  of  God’s  creatures  : and 
while  they  partake  of  the  sanctifying  influences  of  the  Spirit 
as  the  first-fruits  of  glory,  their  feeble  worship  and  adoration 
are  the  first-fruits  of  their  eternal  hallelujahs.  (Jam.  1:18.) 

V.  15 — 21.  (Note.,  Ex.  23:14 — 18.)  By  the  time  of  “ the 
feast  of  weeks,”  or  the  Pentecost,  the  barley-harvest,  which 
was  eared  and  nearly  ripe  at  the  feast  of  the  passover,  would 
be  gathered  in ; and  the  wheat-harvest  ripe,  and  in  part 
reaped.  Of  this  latter,  therefore,  ihe  people  must  make 
another  acknowledgment  “ out  of  their  habitations,”  as  the 
first-fruits  were  from  the  field ; in  fine  flour  made  into  bread, 
and  leavened  as  for  food,  not  for  sacrifice.  This  was  to  he 
accompanied  with  burnt-offerings,  a sin-offering,  and  peace- 
offerings:  all  denoting  their  unworthiness  in  themselves,  their 
acceptance  through  Christ,  devotedness  to  God,  consequent 
comfortable  use  of  their  substance,  and  communion  with  God 
and  with  their  brethren.  Two  bullocks  and  but  one  ram  are 
mentioned  in  Numbers;  but  the  reason  of  this  difference  is 
not  evident : perhaps  it  was  left  to  the  option  of  the  priests  or 
rulers.  (Num.  28:27.) — The  feast  is  supposed  to  have  been 
Vol.  I. — 31 


21  And  ye  shall  '’proclaim  on  the  self-same  day 
that  it  may  be  an  holy  convocation  unto  you  : ye 
shall  do  no  servile  work  therein  : it  shall  be  ea 
statute  for  ev^r  in  all  your  dwellings  throughout 
your  generations. 

22  And  when  ye  reap  the  harvest  of  your  land, 
ftliou  shalt  not  make  clean  riddance  of  the  corners 
of  thy  field  when  thou  reapest,  neither  shalt  thou 
gather  any  gleanings  of  thy  harvest:  thou  shalt 
leave  them  unto  the  poor,  and  to  the  stranger : I 
am  the  Lord  your  God.  [ Practical  Observations .] 

23  H And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

24  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  saying,  sin 
the  seventh  month,  in  the  first  day  of  the  month, 
shall  ye  have  a sabDath,  a memorial  of  blowing  oi 
trumpets,  an  holy  convocation. 

25  Ye  shall  do  no  servile  work  therein  : hut  ye 
shall  offer  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 

26  H And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

27  Also  on  bthe  tenth  day  of  this  seventh  month 
there  shall  be  a day  of  atonement,  it  shall  be  an 
holy  convocation  unto  you : and  ye  shall  ’afflict 
your*souls,  and  koffer  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto 
the  Lord. 

28  And  ye  shall  do  no  work  in  that  same  day : 
for  it  is  ‘a  day  of  atonement,  to  make  an  atone- 
ment for  you  before  the  Lord  your  God. 

29  For  whatsoever  soul  it  be  mthat  shall  not  be 
afflicted  in  that  same  day,  he  shall  be  cut  off  from 
among  his  people. 

30  And  whatsoever  soul  it  be  that  doeth  any 
work  in  that  same  day,  "the  same  soul  will  I 
destroy  from  among  his  people. 

31  Ye  shall  do  no  manner  of  work:  it  shall  be 
a statute  for  ever  throughout  your  generations  in 
all  your  dwellings. 

32  It  shall  be  unto  you  °a  sabbath  of  rest,  and 
ye  shall  Pafflict  your  souls  : in  the  ninth  day  of  the 
month  at  even,  from  even  unto  even  shall  ye 
'celebrate  your  sabbath. 


31:16—21.  Pb.  112:9.  Prov.  11:24,25.  la.  58:7,8,10.  Luke  11:41.  2Cor.9:8-ll. 
(Num.  10:10.  29:1— 6.  1 Chr.  15:28.  2 Chr.  5:13.  Ezra  3:6.  Ps.  81 . 1—1.  98:6. 
Is. 27:13.  1 1 or.  15:52.  lThes.4:16.  h 16:29,30.  25  9.  Num.  29:7— 1 1.  i 16:31. 
Num.  29:7.  Ezra  8:21.  Ps.  35:13.  Is.  58:5.  Dan.  10:2,3.  Zecli.  12:10.  Acts  2:37, 
38.  2Cor.  7:10,11.  Jam.  4:9.  k 16:1 1,15.24.  1 16:34.  Is.  53:10.  I an.  9:24. 
Zech.  3:9.  Rom.  5:10,11.  Heb.  9:12,26.  10:10,14.  1 John  2:2.  4:10.  5:6.  m Sal 
on  27,32.  n 20:3.  Gen.  17:14.  Jer.  15:7.  Ez.l4:9.  Zeph.  2:5.  lCor.3:17. 
nSee  on  16:31.  Mall.  11:28— 30.  Heb.  4:3,11.  pSeeon27.  Is. 35:13.  51:17. 
69:10,11.  126:5,6.  Is.  57:15,18,19.  58:3— 7.  61:3.  Matt.  5:4.  1 Cor.  11:31, 
* Heb.  rest. 


held  in  remembrance  of  the  giving  of  the  law,  fifty  days  after 
the  departure  of  the  people  out  of  Egypt ; and  to  have  looked 
forward  to  the  pouring  out  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  fifty  days  after 
the  resurrection  of  Christ.  (Notes,  Ex.  19:1.  Acts  2:1.) 
Having  finished  and  presented  his  perfect  obedience  and 
acceptable  sacrifice,  as  the  first-fruits  unto  the  Father;  he* 
through  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost  to  the  apostles,  and  by 
the  conversion  of  three  thousand  souls  at  once,  presented  the 
other  first-fruits  of  the  Christian  church,  as  an  earnest  of  that 
harvest  of  innumerable  multitudes,  which  hath  been  gather- 
ing, and  shall  yet  be  gathered,  in  all  ages  and  nations  to  the 
end  of  time. 

V.  22.  Marg.  Ref.  f.  Note , 19:9,10. 

V.  24,  25.  (Note,  Num.  10:2 — 10.;  This  feast  seems  to 
have  been  instituted  on  the  first  day  of  the  seventh  month, 
both  because  the  civil  new  year  began  at  that  time ; and 
because  of  the  other  solemnities  observed  in  that  month, 
which  were  thus  announced. — The  blowing  of  trumpets 
especially  represented  the  preaching  of  the  gospel ; b 3*  which 
men  are  called  to  repent  of  sin,  and  accept  the  salvation  of 
Christ,  which  was  signified  by  the  day  of  atonement;  and  to 
rejoice  in  God,  and  become  strangers  and  pilgrims  upon, 
earth,  which  was  denoted  by  the  feast  of  tabernacles,. both 
of  which  were  observed  in  this  month. — Some  think,  that  the 
feast  of  trumpets  was  appointed  as  a memorial  of  the  creation, 
which  they  suppose  to  have  been  completed  at  this  season  of 
the  year. 

V.  26 — 32.  (Notes,  and  P.  O.  16:)  The  day  of  atone- 
ment was  only  five  days  before  the  feast  of  tabernacles:  and 
though  the  Israelites  were  not  required  to  attend  at  the  taber- 
nacle or  temple,  as  on  the  three  great  feasts;  yet  it  mkjht  be 
expected  that  many  of  them  would  come  in  time  to  be  present 
at  this  solemnity  al§o.  But  whether  they  did,  or  did  not, 
they  were  required  strictly  to  observe  the  day,  as  a most 
holy  sabbath,  and  a season  of  peculiar  mortification  and  self- 
denial,  on  pain  of  death  by  the  immediate  judgment  of  God. — 
All  these  meetings  tended  to  increase  their  acquaintance  and 
affectionate  intercourse  with  each  other. 

Afflict , &c.  (27)  Marg.  Ref.  i.  p. 

V.  34—36.  (Note,  Ex.  23:14—18.)  The  feast  of  taber- 

( 241  ) 


b.  C.  1490, 


LEVITICUS. 


B.  C.  1490. 


33  If  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  sayin", 

34  Speak  unto  the  children  oflsrael,  saying', sThe 
fifteenth  day  of  this  seventh  month  shall  be  the 
feast  of  tabernacles  for  seven  days  unto  the  Lord. 

35  On  the  first  day  shall  be  ran  holy  convoca- 
tion : ye  sh'all  do  no  servile  work  therein. 

36  'Seven  days  ye  shall  offer  an  offering  made 
by  fire  unto  the  Lord  : on  ‘the  eighth  day  shall 
be  an  holy  convocation  unto  you ; and  ye  shall 
offer  an  offering  made  hy  fire  unto  the  Lord  : it 
is  a 'solemn  assembly,  and  ye  shall  do  no  servile 
work  therein. 

37  These  are  “the  feasts  of  the  Lord,  which 
ye  shall  proclaim  to  be  holy  convocations,  to  offer 
an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord,  a burnt- 
offering,  and  a meat-offering,  a sacrifice,  and 

rink-offerings,  every  thing  upon  his  day: 

38  Beside  xthe  sabbaths  of  the  Lord,  rand 
Deside  your  gifts,  and  beside  all  your  vows,  and 
beside  all  your  free-will-offerings,  which  ye  give 
unto  the  Lord. 

39  Also  in  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  seventh 
month,  ‘when  ye  have  gathered  in  the  fruit  of  the 
land,  ye  shall  keep  a feast  unto  the  Lord  seven 
days  : aon  the  first  day  shall  be  a sabbath,  and  on 
the  eighth  day  shall  be  a sabbath. 

40  And  ye  shall  take  you  on  the  first  day  bthe 
'boughs  of  goodly  trees,  branches  cof  palm-trees, 
and  the  boughs  of  thick  trees,  and  willows  of  the 
brook  ; and  ye  shall  drejoice  before  the  Lord  your 
God  seven  days. 

41  And  ye  shall  keep  it  a feast  unto  the  Lord 


q Ex.  23:16  . 34:22.  Diut.  16:13— 15.  Ei.ra3:4.  Neh.  8:14.  Zech.  14:16— 19. 
John  1:14.  7:2.  Hell.  11:9,13.  r 7,8,34,45.  s Num.  29:12— 38.  1 2 Chi.  7:8- 
11.  Nch.  8:18.  John  7:37.  * Heb.  day  of  restrain'.  Deut.  16:8.  Joel  1:14. 

margins,  a See  on  2,4.  Dent.  16:16,17.  x See  on  3.  19:3.  Gen.  2:2,3.  Ex.  20:8 
—11.  y Num.  29:39.  Dent.  12:6.  1 Chr.  29:3— 8.  2 Chr.  35:7,8.  Ezra  2:68,69. 
T See  on  34.  Ex.  23:16.  Deut.  16:13.  a See  on  24,36.  bNeh.8:15.  Matt.  21:8. 
t Heb.  fruit,  c Ps.  92:12.  John  1213.  Rev.  7:9.  d Deut.  16:14,15.  la.  35:10. 
66:10.  John  16:22.  Rom.  5:11.  Phil.  3:3.  4:4.  1 Pet.  1:8.  e Gen.  33:17.  Num. 
9*1:2 — 5.  Neh.  8:16,17.  Jer.  35:10.  2 Cor.  5:1.  Heb.  11:13— 16.  f Dent.  31:10— 


nacles,  strictly  so  called,  is  supposed  to  have  continued  only 
seven  days,  during  which  all  the  Israelites  dwelt  in  booths, 
except  sickness  or  some  other  hinderance  prevented  them. 
(Notes,  39—42.  1 Kings  8:63—65.  Neh.  8:14 — 18.)— The 
eighth  day  is  thought  to  have  been  an  additional  festival, 
observed  in  gratitude  for  the  fruits  of  the  earih  which  had 
just  been  gathered  in  ; and  which,  it  is  said,  they  celebrated  in 
their  own  houses.  The  sacrifices  to  be  offered  during  this 
solemnity  are  elsewhere  specified.  (Notes,  Num.  29:12 — 38.) 

V.  37,  38.  The  weekly  sabbaths,  with  the  sacrifices,  first- 
fruits,  vows,  and  free-will-offerings, were  strictly  to  be  attended 
to ; though  these  stated  solemnities  might  sometimes  appear 
to  supersede  them,  or  to  interfere  with  them. 

V.  39 — 43.  This  annual  solemnity  was  especially  a com- 
memoration of  Israel’s  dwelling  in  tents  in  the  wilderness,  as 
well  as  of  their  fathers  having  lived  in  tents  in  Canaan;  to 
remind  the  nation  both  of  the  meanness  of  their  origin,  and 
also  of  the  greatness  of  their  deliverance.  Christ,  taber- 
nacling in  human  nature,  might  also  be  prefigured : but 
especially  the  believer’s  life  on  earth,  as  a joyful  stranger  and 
pilgrim,  whose  home  is  in  heaven,  whither  he  is  daily  jour- 
neying, is  very  aptly  represented.  ( Marg . Ref.  d,  e.) 

V.  44.  The  feasts.]  All  the  solemnities,  except  that  of 
the  new  moon,  are  here  enumerated. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 22.  We  should  not  overlook  the  admonition  of 
observing  u the  sabbath  of  the  Lord,”  not  only  in  public, 
“but  in  all  our  dwellings;”  both  ourselves,  and  in  our 
fami'iL/s:  allowing  our  domestics  to  cease  from  labour,  and 
teaching  them,  by  precept  and  example,  to  improve  their 
leisure ; in  order  that  their  souls  may  now  find  rest  in  Christ, 
and  at  length  enjoy  u the  rest  reserved  for  the  people  of 
God.” — We  should  also  learn  to  consider  the  time  employed 
in  the  service  of  God  as  profitably  spent;  and  to  esteem  his 
ordinances  as  holy  feasts,  relished  more  by  the  heaven-born 
soul  than  all  other  pleasures,  which  it  willingly  renounces  for 
the  sake  of  them.  A day,  thus  set  apart  for  the  business  of 
religion,  will  have  so  much  and  so  important  work  belonging 
to  it,  that  all  other  employment  mus;  be  postponed  to  make 
way  for  it. — Let  us  never  forget  “ to  honour  the  Lord  with 
our  substance,  and  with  the  first-fruits  of  all  our  increase  ; so 
shall  our  barns  be  filled  with  plenty,  and  our  presses  burst 
out  with  new  wine.”  And  “when  we  give  alms  of  such  things 
as  we  have,  behold  all  things  arc  clean  unto  us.”  Nor  will 
the  husbandman  ever  have  cause  to  complain,  that  ho  has 
less  profit  or  comfort  from  his  crop  ; because,  by  leaving  good 
gleanings,  he  hath  made  a little  harvest  for  the  poor  widow, 
and  .the  labouring  man  with  a large  family,  who  have  no  land 
or  crop  of  their  own. — In  all  these  solemnities  we  should  look 
unto  Jesus,  as  the  ireat.  Sacrifice  for  sin,  the  true  Paschal 
Lamb,  the  First-frn/s  unto  God,  our  Forerunner  to  glory, 
( 242  ) 


seven  days  in  the  year:  it  shall  be  a statute  for 
ever  in  your  generations  : ye  shall  celebrate  it  in 
the  seventh  month. 

42  Ye  shall  dwell  ein  booths  seven  days:  all 
that  are  Israelites  born  shall  dwell  in  booths. 

43  That  fyour  generations  may  know  that  I 
made  the  children  of  Israel  to  dwell  in  booths, 
when  I brought  them  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt: 
I am  the  Lord  your  God. 

44  And  Moses  ^declared  unto  the  children  of 
Israel  the  feasts  of  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Lawn  concerning  the  oil  for  the  lamps  of  the  golden  candlestick , and  the 

ordering  of  them , 1—4  : and  concerning  the  show-bread,  5—9.  Shelomith’s 

son  stoned  for  blasphemy , with  some  laws  repeated  on  that  occasion , 

10—23. 

ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2  Command  the  children  of  Israel,  athat  they 
bring  unto  thee  pure  oil-olive  beaten  for  the  light, 
to  cause  bthe  lamps  to  ’burn  continually. 

3 Without  the  veil  of  the  testimony,  in  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  shall  Aaron  order 
it  from  the  evening  unto  the  morning,  before  the 
Lord  continually  : it  shall  be  a statute  for  ever  in 
your  generations. 

4 He  shall  order  the  lamps  upon  the  cpure 
candlestick  before  the  Lord  continually. 

5 H And  thou  shalt  take  fine  flour,  and  hake 
dtwelve  cakes  thereof : two  tenth-deals  shall  be  in 
one  cake. 

6 And  thou  shalt  set  them  ein  two  rows,  six  on 
a row,  upon  the  fpure  table  before  the  Lord. 

7 And  thou  shalt  put  epure  frankincense  upon 


13.  Ps.  78:5,6.  g 1,2.  21:24.  Matt.  28:20.  a Ex.  27:20,21.  39:37.  40:24,25. 
Num.  8:2 — 4.  lSam.3:3,4.  b2Chr.13.ll.  Ps.  119:105,130.  Prov.  6:23.  Is. 
8:20.  11:2.  Matt.  4:16.  5:16.  25:1—  8.  Luke  1:79.  John  1:4,9.  5:35.  8:12.  Arts 
26:18.  2 Cor.  4:6.  Eph.  1:17,18.  5.8— 14.  I hil.  2: 15,16.  • Heb.  ascend,  c Ex. 
25:31—39.  31:8.  37:17-24.  Num.  3:31.  4:9.  1 Kings  7:49.  I Chr.  28:15.  Jer. 
52:19.  Zecl).  4:2,3,11— 14.  Heb.  9:2.  Rev.  1:20.2:1,5.  11:4.  d Ex.  25:30.  40:23. 
1 Kings  18:31.  Acts  26:7.  Jam.  1:1.  e 1 Cor.  14:40.  1 Ex.  25:23,24.  37:10— 

16.  39:36.  40:22,23.  1 Kings  7:48.  2 Chr.  4:19.  13:11.  Heb.  9:2.  g 2:2.  Eph.  lc 
6.  Heb.  7:25.  Rev. 8:3,4. 


the  provision  for  our  souls,  and  the  Fountain  of  grace;  from 
whose  fulness  the  Holy  Spirit  flows  to  all  his  people,  as  the 
Source  of  all  joy,  and  heavenly  hope,  and  victory  over  the 
world  and  every  enemy. 

V.  23 — 44.  Viewing  these  solemnities  together,  we  may 
consider  them  as  an  abstract  of  the  life  of  faith,  and  the  walk 
with  God. — Being  called  from  the  service  of  Satan,  and  from 
a worldly,  sensual  life,  the  true  penitent  begins  his  course 
with  the  sprinkling  of  the  Saviour’s  blood,  by  the  exercise 
and  upright  profession  of  faith  in  him. — In  godly  sorrow,  self- 
denial,  and  bearing  the  cross,  he  purges  out  the  old  leaven  o( 
malice  and  wickedness  ; feasts  upon  the  Passover  before  God, 
with  “ the  unleavened  bread  of  sincerity  and  truth ;”  tastes 
the  first-fruits  of  heavenly  joy,  and  offers  the  first-fruits  of 
heavenly  adoration;  yea,  presents  himself  and  all  that  he  has, 
to  be  as  the  first-fruits  unto  God,  and  consecrated  to  his 
glory.  That  law,  which  was  given  from  mount  Sinai,  written 
on  tables  of  stone,  and  lodged  in  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  (as 
an  emblem  of  its  being  honoured  in  the  Saviour’s  life  and 
death,)  he  now  desires  to  have  written  in  his  heart,  by  the 
Spirit  which  was  given  to  the  apostles  and  first  Christian!;  on 
the  day  of  Pentecost ; and  he  has  his  desire  granted,  and  his 
prayer  answered. — Still,  however,  the  trumpet  of  the  gospel, 
though  a joyful  sound,  often  reminds  him  to  renew  his  repent- 
ance, to  afflict  his  soul,  and  to  apply  to  the  atonement.  And 
indeed  they  who  do  not  thus  “afflict  their  souls”  for  sin, 
“shall  be  cut  off  from  among  the  people,”  notwithstanding  the 
atonement  and  their  professed  belief  of  if.  But  mourning  for 
sin  makes  way  for  heavenly  joy  ; and  from  his  depth  of 
humiliation,  the  Christian  soars  nearer  heaven,  and  leaves 
the  world  further  and  further  beneath.  A stranger  and 
pilgrim  here  below,  his  home  and  heart  are  above  ; where  bis 
Saviour,  who  once  tabernacled  on  earth,  now  in  human  nature 
dwells  in  glory:  and  as  his  assurance  increases  of  having  “ a 
building  not  made  with  hands  eternal  in  the  heavens,”  he 
becomes  desirous  of  “ departing  hence,  and  being  v\ith  Christ, 
which  is  far  better for  though  he  has  holy  feasts  from  time 
to  time  on  earth,  yet  they  suffer  many  interruptions,  and  have 
much  alloy ; and  he  expects  “ ihe  fulness  of  joy  at  God’s 
right  hand  for  evermore.” — May  the  God  of  all  grace  prepare 
the  heart  of  the  writer  and  of  every  reader  of  these  observa- 
tions, for  this  self-same  thing,  and  give  us  the  earnest  of  his 
Spirit,  through  Christ  Jesus.  Amen. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXIV.  V.  1—4.  Marg.  Rtf.  Note, 
Ex.  27:20,21. 

V.  5 — 9.  These  loaves  of  bread,  one  for  each  tribe,  pre- 
sented before  the  Lord  every  week,  and  afte’wnrds  eaten  by 
the  priests,  might  typify  Christ,  ns  '.he  Breao  of  life  and  the 
continual  Food  of  the  souls  of  his  peop  , having  offered  him- 
self unto  God  for  them.  Or  they  may  denote  the  services  of 
believers  presented  before  God  thr*Tigh  him,  and  accepted 


B C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XXV.  B.  C.  1490. 


each  row,  that  it  mny  be  on  hthe  bread  for  'a  me- 
morial, even  an  offering1  made  by  fire  unto  the 

Lord. 

8 Every  ksabbath  he  shall  set  it  in  order  before 
the  Lord  continually,  being  taken  from  the  chil- 
iren  of  Israel  by  an  everlasting  covenant. 

9 And  it  shall  be  'Aaron’s  and  his  sons’,  and 
■"they  shall  eat  in  the  holy  place ; for  it  is  most 
holy  unto  him,  of  the  offerings  of  the  Lord  made 
by  fire,  by  a perpetual  statute.  [Practical  observations .] 

10  U And  the  son  of  an  Israelitish  woman,  whose 
“father  was  an  Egyptian,  went  out  among  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel;  and  this  son  of  the  Israelitish  woman 
and  a man  ot  Israel  strove  together  in  the  camp; 

11  And  the  Israelitish  woman’s  son  “blasphemed 
the  name  of  the  LORD,  and  Pcursed : and  they 
•brought  him  unto  Moses ; (and  his  mother’s  name 
was  Shelomith,  the  daughter  of  Dibri,  of  the  tribe 
of  Dan  :) 

12  And  they  put  him  in  ward,  ‘that  rthe  mind 
of  the  Lord  might  be  showed  them. 

13  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

14  Bring  forth  him  that  hath  cursed  “without 
the  camp;  and  let 'all  that  heard  him  lay  their 
hands  upon  his  head,  and  “let  all  the  congregation 
stone  him. 

15  And  thou  shalt  speak  unto  the  children  of 
Israel,  saying,  Whosoever  curseth  his  God  shall 
vbear  his  sin. 

16  And  he  that  blasphemeth  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  he  shall  surely  be  put  to  death,  and  all  the 
congregation  shall  certainly  stone  him  : as  well 
the  stranger,  as  he  that  is  born  in  the  land,  when 


h John  6:35,51.  i Gen.  9:16.  Ex.  12:14.  13:9.  17:14.  Acts  10:4,31.  ICor.ll: 
23—25.  k Nam.  4:7.  1 Chr.  9:32.  23:29.  2 ( hr.  2:4.  Nell.  10:33.  Mail.  12:3—5. 
18:31.  1 S.im.  21 :6.  Mai.  1:12.  Malt.  12:4.  Mark  2:26.  J,uke6:4.  m 6:16.  10: 
17.  21:22.  Ex.  29:32.  n Ex.  12:39.  Nnm.  11:4.  o 15,16.  Ex.  20:7.  2 Sam.  12: 
14.  1 Kinss  20: 10,13.  2 Kings  18:30,35,37.  19:1—3,6,10.22.  2 Chr.  32:14—17.  Pa. 
74:18,22.  Matt.  26:65.  Acls6:ll— 13.  Rom. 2:24.  1 Tim.  1:13.  Rev.  16:11,21. 
p Job  1:5,11,22.  2:5,9,10.  Is.  8:21.  q Ex.  18:22,26.  Num.  15:33— 35.  • Heb. 

to  expound  unto  them  according  to  the  mouth  of  the  LORD.  r Ex.  18:15, 
16:23.  Num.  27:5.  36:5,6.  a 13:46.  Num.  5:2^-4.  15:35.  t Deni.  13:9.  17:7. 


for  his  sake.  Or  the  whole  may  mean  communion  between 
our  reconciled  Father,  and  his  adopted  children  in  Christ 
Jesus ; who,  as  it  were,  feast  at  the  same  table,  whilst  he  de- 
lights in  the  fruits  of  his  Spirit  in  their  hearts,  and  they  are 
"easted  with  his  love.  The  frankincense  placed  upon  each 
oaf  for  a memorial,  and  then  burnt  upon  the  altar,  may 
denote  either  the  advocacy  of  Christ,  or  the  sweet  influences 
of  his  Spirit,  which  are  a memorial  to  the  Lord,  to  ensure 
the  acceptance  of  the  believer’s  person  and  services.  This 
would  be  a sweet  savour  unto  God,  whilst  the  bread  would  be 
serviceable  to  the  priests ; which  applies  both  to  the  sacrifice 
of  Christ,  as  honourable  to  God  and  beneficial  to  man,  and 
also  to  the  good  works  of  his  people.  ( Eph . 5:2 — Phil.  4: 
18.) — The  bread  and  the  frankincense  formed  one  offering  ; of 
which  the  frankincense,  as  the  part  required  by  the  Lord, 
was  burnt  upon  the  altar,  among  the  offerings  made  by  fire 
unto  him. 

Tenth-deals  (5)  wy&V, tenth  parts : generally  supposed  to 
mean  of  an  ephah  ; being  the  same  as  the  omer : about  three 
quarts. — Pure  table.  (6)  Note,  Ex.  25:23 — 30. 

V.  10 — 12.  • No  doubt,  this  man  was  one  of  the  mixed 
multitude  who  accompanied  Israel  out  of  Egypt ; (Note,  Ex. 
12:37,38.)  but  it  is  uncertain  whether  he  had  ever  professed 
the  religion  of  Israel.  It  is  supposed  that,  by  reason  of  the 
dispute  between  him  and  an  Israelite,  he  was  Brought  before 
the  magistrates ; and  the  cause  being,  according  to  the  law  of 
God,  decided  against  him,  he  blasphemed,  or  cursed  Him, 
before  whose  tremendous  name  all  heaven  adores,  and  all  hell 
trembles!  The  words,  u of  the  LORD,”  are  added  in  the 
translation  ; but  with  a sort  of  solemn  reverence  are  omitted 
in  the  original,  as  if  the  sacred  writer  Scrupled  to  mention 
whose  name  it  was  that  the  man  blasphemed.  (15,16.)  This 
blasphemer’s  name  is  not  mentioned  •,  for  he,  who  thus  treated 
the  holy  name  of  God,  was  not  distinguished  by  having  his 
name  written  in  the  sacred  scriptures. 

V.  13 — 16.  By  the  express  command  of  God  himself,  all 
who  heard  the  blasphemy  were  required  to  lay  their  hands  on 
the  head  of  the  blasphemer ; as  solemnly  persevering  in  their 
lestimony,  and  as  devoting  him  to  death,  that  the  guilt  of  such 
•\  crime  might  not  rest  on  Israel ; and  avowing  that  his  blood 
was  upon  his  own  head,  and  that  all  the  rest  were  clear. 
This  was  done  after  he  had- been  brought  without  the  ramp, 
as  in  the  ca^e  of  the  sin-offering,  on  which  the  guilt  and 
merited  curse  of  Israel  was  laid  ; and  he  was  stoned  to  death, 
by  the  general  act  of  the  congregation.-  This  event  occa- 
ioi<*d  the  giving  of  a law  against  speaking  in  a reviling  and 
opprobrious  manner  of  the  God  of  Israel,  or  blaspheming  his 
sacred  name  ; in  which  all  strangers  dwelling  in  the  land 
were  included. — It  is  a vain  imagination  of  foe  Jews,  that  the 
very  mention  of  the  word  Jehovah  was  the  crime  intended ; 


he  “blaspheireth  the  name  of  the  LORD,  shall  w 
put  to  death. 

17  And  yhe  that  ♦killeth  any  man  shall  surely  be 
put  to  death. 

18  And  he  “that  killeth  a beast  shall  make  it 
good ; tbeast  for  beast. 

19  And  if  a man  cause  a blemish  in  his  neigh 
hour ; as  he  hath  done,  so  shall  it  be  done  to  him 

20  "Breach  for  breach,  eye  lor  eye,  tooth  for 
tooth : as  he  hath  -caused  a blemish  in  a man,  st 
shall  it  be  done  to  him  again. 

21  And  he  that  killeth  a beast,  he  shall  restore 
it : and  he  that  killeth  a man,  he  shall  be  put  to 
death. 

22  Ye  shall  have  bone  manner  of  law,  as  well 
for  the  stranger,  as  for  one  of  your  own  country  : 
for  I am  the  Lord  your  God. 

23  And  Moses  spake  unto  the  children  of  Israel, 
“that  they  should  bring  forth  him  that  had  cursed 
out  of  the  camp,  and  stone  him  with  stones  : and 
the  children  of  Israel  did  as  the  Lord  commanded 
Moses. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

The  law  of  the  sabba'ical  year,  1—7.  That  of  the  year  of  jubilee , 8 — 17. 
Various  laics,  relating  to  the  due  obseinance  of  the  sabbatical  year,  and  the 
year  of  jubilee , 18 — 3o. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  "in  mount 
Sinai,  saying, 

2 Speak  unto  the,  children  of  Israel,  and  say 
unto  them,  bWhen  ye  come  into  the  land  which  I 
give  you,  then  shall  the  land  ‘keep  a sabbath  unto 
the  Lord. 

3 Six  years  thou  shalt  sow  thy  field,  and  six 


u 20:2,27.  Num.  15:35,36.  Deut.  13:10.  21:21.  22:21.  Josh.  7:25.  John  8:59.  10i 
31—33.  Acls  7:58,69.  , 5:1.  20:16,17.  Num.  9:13.  x Ps.  74:10,18.  Malt.  12:31. 
Mark  3:28,29.  John  8:58,59.  10:33—36.  Acts  26:11.  I Tim.  1:13.  Jam.  2:7, 
yGen. 9:5,6.  Ex. 21:12— 14.  Num.  35:31.  t Heb.  smiteth  the  li  fe  of  a man. 
z Ex.  21:34-36.  | Heb  .life  for  life,  a Ex.  21:23— 25.  Deut.  19:21.  Matt. 5: 
38.  7:2.  b 17:10.  19:34.  Ex.  12:49.  Num.  9:14.  15:15,16,29.  c See  on  14—13. 
Num.  15:35,36.  Heb.  2:2,3.  10:28,29.  a Ex.  19:1.  Num. 1:1.  10:1 1 .12.  Gal.  4: 
24,25.  bSee  on  14:34.  Deut.  32:8,49.  3i:4.  Ps.  24:1,2.  115:16.  Is.  8:8.  Jer.  27: 
5.  * Heb.  rest.  23:32.  marg. 


for  it  certainly  is  implied  that  the  criminal  mentioned  it  with 
contempt  and  enmity,  nay,  malignant  execration. 

V.  17 — 22.  This  event  occasioned  a third  interruption  in 

giving  the  law:  and  these  precepts  also  are  here  repeated,  cn 
occasion  of  the  contest  with  this  son  of  a stranger.  (Notes, 
Ex.  21:12—36.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  Jesus  Christ  is  the  Light,  of  his  church,  yea, 
“the  Light  of  the  world:”  in  and  through  his  word  He 
shines:  and  his  ministers,  in  opening  and  alleging,  in  reason- 
ing and  persuading  from  the  Scriptures,  tend  and  order  the 
light,  which,  by  the  influences  of  his  Spirit,  illuminates  the 
minds  of  men  unto  salvation.  (Note,  Ps.  119:130.)  But  the 
people  who  enjoy  and  value  this  light,  must  defray  the 
expenses  of  it ; and  contribute  cheerfully  towards  its  shining 
brighter  and  wider,  and  continuing  to  future  generations  : and 
they  must  be  spoken  to  on  this  subject,  if  not  ready  of  them- 
selves.— By  this  light  we  shall  discern  the  spiritual  food  pre- 
pared for  our  souls,  first  presented  to  the  Father,  and  then 
distributed  to  us ; and  shall  daily,  but  especially  from  sabbath 
to  sabbath,  ‘feed  on  it  in  our  hearts  by  faith  with  thanks- 
giving :’  and  in  consequence  shall  render  worship  well  plead- 
ing unto  the  Lord,  and  perform  good  works  very  profitable 
to  his  people,  which  will  again  “abound  in  many  thanks- 
givings unto  God.”  Thus  we  shall  have  “fellowship  with 
the  Father,  with  his  Son  Jesus  Christ,”  and  with  the  brethren 
by  the  communion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  at  last  shall  all 
“be  presented  faultless  before  the  presence  of  his  glory  with 
exceeding  joy.” 

V.  10 — 20.  The  marriages  of  professed  believers  with 
ungodly  persons  produce  fatal  effects  even  to  posterity;  and 
contentions  between  men  often  make  way  for  blasphemies 
against  God : yet  profligate  manners  give  rise  to  wholesome 
laws.  But  how  wicked  soever  men  are,  nothing  must  be  done 
against  them  unadvisedly,  or  without  consulting  the  mind  and 
will  of  God,  as  now  completely  made  known  to  tis  in  his  holy 
word.  And  it  is  his  will  that  strangers,  or  those  of  another 
religion,  should  neither  be  oppressed,  nor  allowed  to  commit 
wickedness  with  impunity ; but  in  this  respect  be  treated  as 
other  members  of  society. — Blasphemy  against  God,  yea,  con 
tempt  of  him  expressed  in  words  or  actions,  is  in  its  owr 
nature  not  only  more  heinous  than  theft  or  robbery  of  any 
kind,  but  even  than  murder ; and  though  it  frequently  escapes 
unpunished  by  man,  yet  it  shall  by  no  means  escape  the 
righteous  vengeance  of  God. — The  solemn  and  public  execu- 
tion of  daring  offenders,  not  only  sets  a salutary  example,  but 
purges  away  national  guilt ; and  every  member  of  society 
bound  to  concur  in  his  place  in  bringing  such  criminals  to 
justice  ; yet  so  that  it  be  done  with  the  utmost  caution,  and 
that  none  bear  any  testimony  to  w hich  they'  can  .lot  s' and 
( 243  ) 


B.  C.  1490.  LEVITICUS.  B C.  1490 


jri-ars  thou  «f  hall,  irunt  thy  vineyard',  and  gather 
in  the  fruit  thereof; 

4 But  “in  the  seventl  year  shall  be  a sabbath  of 
rest  unto  the  land,  a sabbath  for  the  Lord  ; tiiou 
shalt  neither  sow  thy  field,  nor  prune  thy  vine- 
yard. 

5 That  which  dgroweth  of  its  own  accord  of 
thy  harvest,  thou  shalt  not  reap,  neither  gather 
the  grapes  of  "thy  vine  undressed  : for  it  is  a year 
of  rest  unto  the  land. 

6 And  the  sabbath  of  the  land  shall  be  meat  for 
you : "for  thee,  and  lor  thy  servant,  and  lor  thy 
maid,  and  for  thy  hired  servant,  and  for  thy  stran- 
ger that  sojourneth  with  thee, 

7 And  for  thy  cattle,  and  for  the  beast  that 
are  in  thy  land,  shall  all  the  increase  thereof  be 
meat. 

8 H And  thou  shalt  number  fseven  sabbaths  of 
years  unto  thee,  seven  times  seven  years,  and  the 
space  of  the  seven  sabbaths  of  years  shall  be  unto 
thee  forty  and  nine  years. 

9 Then  shalt  thou  cause  the  trumpet  fof  the 
jubilee  to  sound,  on  the  tenth  day  of  the  seventh 
month : in  hthe  day  of  atonement,  shall  ye  make 
the  trumpet  sound  throughout  all  your  land. 

10  And  ye  shall  hallow  the  fiftieth  year,  and 
‘proclaim  liberty  throughout  all  the  land  unto  all 
the  inhabitants  thereof:  it  shall  be  a jubilee  unto 
you  : and  ye  shall  return  kevery  man  unto  his 

ossession,  and  'ye  shall  return  every  man  unto 
is  family. 

11  A rajubilee  shall  that  fiftieth  year  be  unto 
you : "ye  shall  not  sow,  neither  reap  that  which 

c 20-23.  26:34, 35, 43.  Ex.  23:10,11.  2Chr.  36:21.  d 2 Kings  19:29.  Is.S7:30. 
• Heb.  thy  separation,  e Ex.  23:11.  Acts  2:44  . 4:32,34,35.  f 23;  15.  Gen.  2:2. 
t Heb.  loiul  of  sound.  Num.  10:10.  Ps.  89:15.  Act9  13:38,39.  Rom.  10:18.  15; 
19.  2 Cor.  5:19— 21.  1 Thes.  1:8.  g 10— 12.  27:17,24.  Num.  36:4.  h 16:20,30. 
23:24,27.  i Ex.  20:2.  Ezra  1:3.  Ps.  146:7.  Is . 49.9,24,25.  61 : 1-3.  63:4.  Jer.  34: 
8,13—17.  Zech.  9:11,12.  Luke  1:74.  4:18.  John  8:32— 36.  Rom.  6:17,18.  8:21. 
2 Cor.  3:17.  Gal.  4:25— 31.  5:1,13.  1 Pet.  2:16.  2 Pet.  2: 19,20.  k 13,26— 28,33, 
34  . 27:17—24.  1 Num.  36:2—9.  m 27:17.  n 5—7.  o 17.  19:13.  Deut.  16:19,20. 
Judg.  4:3.  1 Sam.  12:3,4.  2Chr.  16:10.  Neh.  9:36,37.  Job20:19,20.  Ps.  10:18. 
Prov.  14:31.  21:13.  22:16.  28:3,8,16.  Ec.  5:8.  Is.  1:17.  3:12—15  . 5:7  . 33:15.  58: 


What  enmity  against  God  must  be  in  the  heart  of  man,  when 
curses  and  blasphemies  against  him  proceed  out  of  his  mouth  ! 
And  if  “ he  that  despised  Moses’s  law  died  without  mercy 
of  “ what  punishment  will  they  be  thought  worthy,”  who 
despise  and  abuse  the  gospel  of  the  Son  of  God  ! Let  us 
learn  then  to  watch  against  anger  ; to  do  no  evil,  but  only 
good  to  all  men,  especially  to  the  household  of  faith ; to  avoid 
all  improper  connexions  with  wicked  people;  and  to  reve- 
rence and  honour  habitually  that  worthy  name  which  sinners 
blaspheme  or  despise. 

NOTES— Chap.  XXV.  V.  1—7.  (Notes,  Ex.  23: 
10 — 12.)  The  appointment  of  the  sabbatical  year  might  be 
intended,  among  other  reasons,  to  impress  the  minds  of  the 
people  more  forcibly  with  the  obligation  of  the  weekly  sab- 
bath, and  to  afford  them  more  leisure  for  the  study  of  the  law 
and  the  business  of  religion  ; as  well  as  to  give  the  poor  some 
relaxation  from  their  labours,  and  an  acquisition  to  their  enjoy- 
ments.— The  Israelites  were  thus  taught  to  live  by  faith  in  the 
rovidence  of  God,  to  receive  their  supply  from  his  hand,  and  to 
e generous  in  the  use  of  it : and  the  observance  was  a pro- 
fession that  they  were  the  worshippers  of  Jehovah,  and 
held  their  estates  immediately  of  him  by  a special  tenure. 
They  were  likewise  reminded  of  the  life  of  paradise,  before 
sin  had  laid  men  under  the  sentence  of  “ eating  bread  by  the 
sweat  of  their  brow  and  the  institution  might  typify  the 
believer’s  rest  of  soul  in  Christ  by  faith  on  earth,  and  the  rest 
of  heaven. — The  Israelites  did  not  get  possession  of  Canaan, 
till  seven  years  after  they  entered  the  land ; and  probably  the 
seventh  year  afterwards,  or  the  fourteenth  after  their  entrance, 
was  observed  as  a sabbatical  year.  It  is  supposed  to  have 
begun  in  autumn,  after  the  harvest  and  vintage. 

V.  8 — 13.  After  seven  returns  of  the  sabbatical  year  had 
been  completed,  notice  was  ordered  to  be  given  throughout 
the  land,  on  the  evening  of  the  great  day  of  atonement,  for 
the  observance  of  the  year  of  Jubilee  ; and  while  the  people 
were  seeking  forgiveness  of  their  own  sins  from  God,  it  might 
be  hoped,  that  they  would  be  more  disposed  to  kindness  to 
each  other.  Thus  the  proclamation  of  liberty  and  salvation 
by  the  gospel  results  from  the  atoning  sacrifice  of  the  Re- 
deemer ; and  is  intended  to  cheer  the  hearts  of  the  humble 
and  penitent. — This  notice  was  given  by  a peculiarly  sonorous 
and  animated  sound  of  trumpets;  for  this  seems  to  bo  the 
meaning  of  the  word  rendered  jubilee.— The  language  used 
by  the  sacred  writer,  absolutely  decides  that  the  year  of 
jubilee  was  not  the  same  as  the  seventh  sabbatical  year,  but 
the  year  afterwards,  that  is,  the  fiftieth,  and  not  the  forty- 
ninth  year ; and  similar  language  concerning  the  day  of  Pen- 
tecost is  always  thus  explained.  (23:15,16.  Deut.  16:9,10.) 
The  only  objection  of  any  weight,  which  can  bo  urged  against 
tills  opinion,  namely,  the  difficulty  of  the  na'  cr.  subsisting 
( 244  ) 


gVoweth  of  itself  In  it,  nor  gather  the  grapes  in  ' 
of  thy  vine  undressed. 

12  For  it  is  the  jubilee  ; it  shall  be  holy  unto 
you  : ye  shall  eat  the  increase  thereof  out  of  the 
field. 

13  In  the  year  of  this  jubilee  ye  shall  return 
every  man  unto  his  possession. 

14  H And  if  thou  sell  aught  unto  thy  neighbour 
or  buyest  aught  of  thy  neighbour’s  ha.td,  ye  shaL 
not  “oppress  one  another. 

15  According  "to  the  number  of  yeais  after  the 
jubilee  thou  shalt  buy  of  thy  neighbour,  and  ac- 
cording unto  the  number  of  years  of  the  fruits 
he  shall  sell  unto  thee  : 

16  According  to  the  multitude  of  years  thou 
shalt  increase  the  price  thereof,  and  according  to 
the  fewness  of  years  thou  shalt  diminish  the  price 
of  it:  for  according  to  the  number  of  the  years 
of  the  fruits  doth  he  sell  unto  thee.  * 

17  Ye  shall  not  therefore  oppress  one  another, 
but  thou  shalt  tfear  thy  God;  lor  I am  the  Lord 
your  God. 

18  IT  Wherefore  rye  shall  do  my  statutes,  and 
keep  my  judgments,  and  do  them  ; and  sye  shall 
dwell  in  the  land  in  safety. 

19  And  ‘the  land  shall  yield  her  fruit,  and  ye 
shall  eat  your  fill,  and  dwell  therein  in  safety. 

20  And  if  ye  shall  say,  “What  shall  we  eat  the 
seventh  year  ? behold,  we  shall  not  sow,  nor  gather 
in  our  increase  : 

21  Then  *1  will  command  my  blessing  upon 
you  in  the  sixth  year,  and  it  shall  bring  forth  Iruit 
for  Tthree  years. 

6.  Jer.  22:17.  Ez.  22:7,12,13.  Amos  5:11,12.  8:4 — 7.  Mic.  2:2.  6:10— 12.  7:3. 
Luke  3:14.  1 Cor.  6:8.  Jam.  5:1— S.  p27:18— 23.  Phil.  4:5.  q 43.  19:14,32. 
Gen.  20:11.  22:12.  39:9.  42:18.  Ex.  20:20.  r>eu'.25:!8.  1 Sam.  12:24.  2 Chr. 
19:7.  Neh.  5:9,15.  Ps.  19:9.  Prov.  1 :7.  Mai.  3:5.  Luke  12:5.  Acts  9:31 . 10:2,35. 
Rom.  3:18.  11:20.  r 19:37.  e 26:3— 12.  Deut.  12:10  . 28:1—14  . 33:12,28.  Pro*. 
1:33.  Jer.  7:3— 7.  23:6  . 25:5.  33:16.  Ez.  33:24— 26,29.  36:24— 28.  l Ps.  67:6. 
85:12.  Is.  30:23  . 65:21,22.  Ez.  34:25—28  . 36:30.  Joel  2:24,26.  u Num.  11:4,13. 
2 Kings  6:15— 17.  7:2.  2Chr.25:9.  Ps.  78:19,20.  Is.  50:2.  Matt.  6:25-  34  . 8:26. 
Luke  12:29.  Phil.  4:6.  Heb.  13:5,6.  x Gen  26:12.  41:47.  Ex.  16:29.  Deut. 28:3 
1 s.  1.43:3.  Prov.  10:22.  2Cor.  9:10.  y 4:8—11. 


for  two  years  without  sowing  their  ground,  is  afterwards 
expressly  obviated.  (Note,  20 — 22.) — This  institution  would 
form  a suitable  trial  of  the  people’s  faith,  and  served  to  illus- 
trate the  power  and  faithfulness  of  God  whenever  they  ob- 
served it : but  we  read  scarcely  any  thing  of  the  year  of  jubi- 
lee after  its  institution. 

V.  14 — 17.  Thus  it  was  provided  that  the  lands  of  Israel 
should  not  be  alienated  from  the  families?  to  which  they  were 
assigned  by  lot ; for  they  could  only  be  disposed  of  by  leases, 
at  a proportionable  price,  till  the  year  of  jubilee,  and  must 
then  return,  either  to  the  seller,  if  living,  or  to  his  next  heir. 
This  tended  to  preserve  the  tribes  and  families  of  Israel,  and 
consequently  their  genealogies,  distinct,  till  the  coming  of  the 
Messiah : it  would  also  prevent  the  exorbitant  wealth  of  some, 
and  the  extreme  poverty  of  Others  ; promote  a brotherly 
equality  among  them ; and  remind  them  not  to  oppress  their 
brethren. 

V.  20 — 22.  The  sabbatical  year  commenced  in  the  au- 
tumn of  the  sixth  year  ; at  the  close  of  the  eighth  year,  (or 
the  year  of  jubilee,)  according  to  the  civil  computation  of 
time,  when  two  full  years  had  passed  without  sowing  or  reap- 
ing, the  people  were  directed  to  make  preparation  for  the 
harvest  in  the  ninth  year,  and  it  was  expressly  promised,  that 
the  fruits  of  the  sixth  year  should  suffice,  not  only  for  the 
sabbatical  year,  (which  the  supposed  inquiry  more  directly 
mentions,)  but  also  for  the  year  of  jubilee,  and  till  the  crop 
was  ripe  in  the  following  year.  As  the  sixth  year  brought 
forth  fruits  for  three  years,  and  not  merely  for  two  ; it  is  evi- 
dent that  both  the  sabbatical  year,  and  the  year  of  jubilee 
were  distinctly  provided  for. — They  would  not  sow,  from  the 
sixth  to  the  eighth  year,  omitting  two  seed-times ; nor  reap 
from  the  sixth  to  the  ninth  year,  omitting  two  harvests.  Can 
any  thing  be  more  explicit  ? (Note,  8 — 13.) — No  legislator, 
unless  conscious  of  being  divinely  inspired,  would  have  com- 
mitted himself  by  enacting  such  a law  as  this  : nor  can  any 
thing  of  the  kind  be  found  among  the  systems  of  jurisprudence 
of  any  other  nations,  ancient,  or  modern. — It.  therefore  stands 
as  a proof  that  Moses  acted,  not  according  to  the  dictates  ol 
human  policy,  but  by  the  express  direction  of  the  almighty 
God. — 4 How  incredible  is  it,  that  any  legislator  would  have 
ventured  to  propose  such  a law  as  this : or  any  people  have 
submitted  to  receive  it,  exeept  in  consequence  of  the  fullest 
conviction  on  both  sides,  that  a divine  authority  had  dictated 
this  law,  and  that  a peculiar  Providence  *»ould  constantly 
facilitate  its  execution  { . . . Nothing  could  1 are  produced  this 
conviction,  but  the  experienee  or  the  belief  ol  so>nc  such  mira- 
culous interposition  as  the  history  of  the  Pvntateueh  details 
The  very  existence  of  this  law  is  a standing  monument, 
that  when  it  was  given  the  Mosaic  miracles  we  o fully  be- 
lieved. Now  the  law  was  coeval  with  the  witiusscs  of  the 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


B.  C.  l-i90. 


22  And  ye  shall  sow  the  ‘eighth  year,  and  eat 
yet  of  "old  fruit  until  the  ninth  year ; until  her 
fruits  come  in  ye  shall  eat  of  the  old  store. 

23  The  land  bshall  not  be  sold  'for  ever : ‘for  the 
land  is  mine,  for  dye  are  strangers  and  sojourners 
with  me. 

24  And  in  all  the  land  of  your  possession,  ye 
shall  grant  a ‘redemption  for  the  land. 

25  If  thy  brother  be  waxen  poor,  and  hath  sold 
away  some  of  his  possession,  and  f if  any  of  his  kin 
come  to  redeem  it,  then  shall  he  redeem  that  which 
liis  brother  sold. 

26  And  if  the  man  have  none  to  redeem  it,  and 
i himself  be  able  to  redeem  it : 

27  Then  elet  him  count  the  years  of  the  sale 
thereof,  and  restore  the  overplus  unto  the  man  to 
whom  he  sold  it,  that  he  may  return  unto  his  pos- 
session. 

28  But  if  lie  be  not  able  to  restore  it  to  him, 
then  that  which  is  sold  shall  remain  in  the  hand  of 
liim  that  hath  bought  it  until  the  year  of  jubilee: 
and  in  the  jubilee  it  shall  go  out,  and  hhe  shall  re- 
turn unto  his  possession. 

29  And  if  a man  sell  a dwelling-house  in  a wall- 
ed city,  then  he  may  redeem  it  within  a whole 
year  after  it  is  sold : within  a full  year  may  he  re- 
deem it. 

30  And  if  it  be  not  redeemed  within  the  space 
of  a full  year,  then  the  house,  that  is  in  the  walled 
city,  shall  be  established  forever  to  him  that  bought 
it,  throughout  his  generations : it  shall  not  go  out 
in  the  jubilee. 

31  But  the  houses  of  the  villages  which  have  no 
walls  round  about  them,  shall  be  counted  as  the 
fields  of  the  country  ; tthey  may  be  redeemed,  and 
they  shall  go  out  in  the  jubilee. 

32  Notwithstanding,  'the  cities  of  the  Levites, 
and  the  houses  of  the  cities  of  their  possession, 
may  the  Levites  redeem  at  any  time. 

33  And  if  $a  man  purchase  of  the  Levites,  then 
the  house  that  was  sold,  and  the  city  of  his  pos- 
session shall  go  out  in  the  year  of  jubilee : kfor  the 
houses  of  the  cities  of  the  Levites  are  their  posses- 
sion among  the  children  of  Israel. 

1 2 Kings  19:29.  Is.  37:30.  ajosh.  5:11,12.  b See  on  10.  1 Kings  21:3.  Ez.  48: 
14.  * Or,  to  be  quite  cut  off.  Heb  .for  cutting  off . c Deut.  32:43.  2 Chr.  7:20. 
Ps . 24 : 1 . 85:1.  Is. 8:8.  Hos.9:3.  Joel2:18.  d Gen.  47:9.  lChr.29:15.  Ps. 39:12. 
119:19.  Heb.  11:9— 13.  1 Pet.  2:11.  e 27,31,51— 53.  Rom.  8:23.  1 Cor.  1:30. 
Eph.  1:7,14.  4:30.  f Ruth  2:20.  3:2,9,12.  4:4—6.  Jer.  32:7,8.  2 Cor.  8:9.  Heb. 
2:13,14.  Rev.  5:9.  f Heb.  his  hand  hath  attained , and  found  sufficiency. 
5:7.  marg.  g 50 — 53.  h See  on  Is.  35:9,10.  Jer.  32:15.  1 Cor.  15:52 — 54.  IThes. 
4:13 — 18.  1 Pet.  1-4,5.  J Heb.  redemption  bdongeth  unto  it.  Ps.  49:7,8.  i Num. 
85:2 — 8.  Josh.  21:  § Or,  one  of  the  Levites  redeem  them.  kNum.  18:20—24. 
Deut.  18:1,2.  1 23.  .Acts  4:36,37.  m25.  Deut.  15:7,8.  Prov.  14:20,21.  17:5. 

19:17.  Mark  14:7.  John  12:8.  2 Cor.  8:9.  Jam.  2:5,6.  ||  Heb.  his  hand  failelh. 
I)  Ps.  37:26  . 41:1.  112:5,9.  Prov.  14:31  Luke6:35.  Acts  11:29.  Rom.  12:13,20. 


miracles  themselves.’  Graves  on  the  Pentateuch.,  Vol.  i. 
p.  230. 

V.  25 — 28.  The  nearest  relation  had  a claim  to  the  first 
refusal  of  the  lands,  which  were  to  be  sold : but  if  another 
had  bought  them,  the  kinsman  had  a right  to  redeem  them 
at  the  same  price,  deducting  for  the  time  during  which  the 
purchaser  had  enjoyed  them ; and  he  was  in  that  case 
appointed  to  keep  them  for  the  proprietor  till  the  year  of 
jubilee.  Or  the  seller,  if  he  afterwards  were  able,  might 
redeem  his  estate  : otherwise  it  continued  till  the  year  of 
jubilee,  when  it  returned  to  him  or  his  family  freely. — The 
kinsman  here  evidently  typified  Christ,  our  Brother  and 
Redeemer,  who  ransoms  our  lost  inheritance,  and  will  keep 
it  for  us  till  the  day  of  judgment",  when  he  will  restore  it 
unto  us : whereas  that  of  the  wicked  must  be  forfeited  for 
ever,  as  they  can  never  redeem  it,  and  have  none  to  redeem 
it  for  them. 

V.  29,  30.  The  houses  in  cities  and  walled  towns  did  not 
mark  the  distinction  of  families ; they  were  built  with  labour 
and  expense,  and  were  not  the  inheritance  of  fathers : they, 
would  also  want  continual  repairs,  and  undergo  great  alter- 
ations in  a little  time ; and  therefore  they  were  under  another 
law  than  the  rest  of  the  land.  These  houses  were  especially 
useful  for  commerce : and  this  allowance  of  acquiring  them 
as  permanent  property,  would  induce  strangers  to  come  and 
settle  among  the  Israelites;  and  be  an  encouragement  to 
proselytes  who  might  possess  houses  in  full  right,  though 
they  could  not  thus  obtain  lands. 

V.  32 — 34.  {Note,  Num.  35:2 — 8.)  The  houses  possess- 
ed by  the  Levites,  in  the  cities  afterwards  allotted  to  them, 
and  the  gardens  and  pastures  in  the  suburbs,  were  in  fact 
heir  only  permanent  estate  in  Israel : and  they  were  there- 
V>re  under  the  same  law  as  the  lands  of  the  other  tribes ; 
except  that,  (as  some  thins,'  any  Levite  might  redeem  the 
house  which  another  had  sola ; though  he  was  no  otherwise 


34  But  ’the  field  of  the  suburbs  of  their  cities 
may  not  be  sold  ; lbr  it  is  their  perpetual  posses- 
sion. 

35  H And  if  mthy  brother  be  waxen  poor,  and 
"fallen  in  decay  with  thee  ; ’’then  thou  slialt  "re- 
lieve him : yea , though  he  be  °a  stranger,  or  a 
sojourner  ; that  he  may  live  with  thee. 

36  Take  thou  no  fusury  of  him,  or  increase : 
but  Tear  thy  God  ; that  thy  brother  may  live  with 
thee. 

37  Thou  shalt  not  give  him  thy  money  upon 
usury,  nor  lend  him  thy  victuals  for  increase. 

38  I am  the  Lord  your  God,  ‘which  brought 
you  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  to  give  you 
the  land  of  Canaan,  ‘and  to  he  your  God. 

39  If  And  if  thy  brother  that  dwelleth  by  thee 
be  waxen  poor,  and  ‘he  sold  unto  thee  ; thou  shalt 
not  "compel  him  to  serve  as  a bondservant: 

40  But  as  an  hired  servant,  and  as  a sojourner, 
he  shall  be  with  thee,  and  shall  serve  thee  unto  the 
year  of  the  jubilee. 

41  And  '‘then  shall  he  depart  from  thee,  both  he 
and  his  children  with  him,  and  ‘shall  return  unto 
his  own  family,  and  unto  the  possession  of  his 
fathers  shall  he  return. 

42  For  they  are  ^my  servants,  which  I brought 
forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt : they  shall  not  be 
sold  t‘as  bondmen. 

43  Thou  shalt  not  ‘rule  over  him  witl\  rigour, 
“but  shalt  fear  thy  God. 

44  Both  bthy  bondmen,  and  thy  bondmaids, 
which  thou  shalt  have,  shall  be  of  the  heathen, 
that  are  round  about  you ; of  them  shall  ye  buy 
bondmen  and  bondmaids. 

45  Moreover,  ‘of  the  children  of  the  strangers 
that  do  sojourn  among  you,  of  them  shall  ye  buy, 
and  of  their  families  that  are  with  you,  which  they 
begat  in  your  land  : and  they  shall  be  your  posses- 
sion. 

46  And  ye  shall  take  them  as  an  inheritance  for 
your  children  after  you,  to  inherit  them  for  a pos- 
session ; ttthey  shall  he  your  bondmen  for  ever: 
but  over  your  brethren,  the  children  of  Israel,  ye 
shall  not  rule  one  over  another  with  rigour. 

2 Cor.  9:1 ,12 — 15.  Gal.  2:10.  1 John  3:17,  H Heb.  strengthen,  o 19:34.  Ex. 
23:9.  Dent.  10:18,19.  Malt.  25:35.  Heb.  13:2.  p Ex.  22:25.  reul.  23:19,20 
Neh.  5:7— 10.  Ps.  15:5.  Prov.  28:8.  Ez.  18:8,13.17.  22:12.  q See  . n 17.  Neh. 
5.9,15.  r See  on  Ex.  20:2.  s 11:45.  22:32,33.  Num.  15:41 . Je> . 31: 1 ,33.  32:38. 
Heb.  11:16.  L Ex.  21:2.  22:3.  Deut.  15: 12.  1 Kings  9.22.  2 Kings  4: 1 . Neh.  5: 
5.  Jer.  34:14.  **  Heb  .serve  thyself  with  him  with  the  service  of . 46.  marg. 

Jer.  25:14.  27:7.  30:8.  u Ex.  21 :3-  John  8:32.  Rom.  6: 14.  Til.  2:14.  x See  on 
10,28.  y 55.  Rom.  6:22.  1 Cor.  7:21 — 23.  ft  Heb.  with  the  sale  of  a bondman. 
z 46,53.  Ex.  1:13,14.  2.23.  3:7,9.  5:14.  Is.  47:6.  58:3.  Eph.  6:9.  Col.  4 : 1 . a See 
on  17.  Ex.  1:17,21.  Deut.  25:18.  Mai.  3:5.  bEx.  12:44.  Ps.  2:8,9.  Is.  14:1,2. 
Rev.  2:26,27.  c Is,  56:3 — 6.  Heb.  ye  shall  serve  yourselves  with  them.  See 


related  to  him,  than  as  one  of  the  same  tribe.  For  the 
clause,  “ And  if  a man  purchase  of  the  Levites,”  may  be 
rendered,  “ And  whoever  of  the  Levites  shall  redeem,  &c.” 
(Marg.) 

V.  35 — 37.  (Note,  Exod.  22:25 — 27.)  When  an  Israelite 
was  reduced  to  poverty,  and  lived  among  his  brethren  as  a 
stranger  and  sojourner,  without  any  possession  or  inherit- 
ance ; they  must  remember  to  treat  him  as  a brother,  both 
giving  to  him  liberally,  and  lending  him  what  he  wanted 
without  usury.  Indeed  poor  strangers  also  seem  to  be 
intended.  (Marg.  Ref.  p.) 

V.  39 — 43.  When  a man  was  sold  for  some  debt,  or 
fraud  for  which  he  could  not  make  restitution,  he  was  libe- 
rated at  the  end  of  seven  years.  (Notes,  Exod.  21:1 — 6.) 
But  if  he  voluntarily,  through  poverty,  sold  himself  without 
limitation  of  time;  or  from  love  to  his  master,  and  his  wife 
and  children,  had  refused  liberty  at  the  end  of  seven  years 
and  perhaps  if  he  had  been  sold  for  some  larger  debt,  or 
greater  crime  ; he  continued  a servant  for  life,  unless  the  year 
of  jubilee  intervened : but  then  he  was  set  at  liberty,  and 
returned  with  his  family  to  his  inheritance.  In  the  mean 
time,  his  master  must  not  treat  him  with  rigour  as  a slave, 
but  with  kindness  as  a hired  servant. 

V.  44 — 46.  The  Israelites  were  permitted  to  keep  slaves 
of  other  nations  ; perhaps  in  order  to  typify,  that  none  but  the 
true  Israel  of  God  participate  of  that  liberty  with  which  Chnist 
hath  made  his  people  free.  But  it  was  also  allowed,  in  order 
that  in  this  manner  the  Gentiles  might  become  acquainted 
with  true  religion:  (Gen.  17:10 — 13.  18:19.)  and  when  the, 
Israelites  copied  the  example  of  their  pious  progenitors, 
there  can  be  no  reasonable  doubt,  that  it  was  overruled  to 
the  eternal  salvation  of  many  souls.  It  foes  not,  however, 
appear  from  the  subsequent  history,  that  the  people  availed 
themselves  of  this  allowance  to  any  great  extent ; for  w e read 
but  little  of  slaves  from  among  the  Gentiles  possessed  r.v  mcra- 

( 245  ) 


B.  C 491.  LEVITICUS.  B.  C.  1490 


%7  II  And  i(  *a  sojourner  or  stranger  wax  rich 
■jy  thee,  and  thy  brother  that  dwelleth  by  him  wax 
poor,  and  sell  himself'unto  the  s:  ranger  or  sojourner 
by  thee,  or  to  the  stock  of  the  stranger’s  family: 

48  After  that  he  is  sold  he  may  be  redeemed 
again ; ‘'one  of  his  brethren  may  redeem  him: 

°49  Either  his  uncle,  or  his  uncle’s  son,  may  re- 
deem him,  or  any  that  is  nigh  of  kin  unto  him,  of 
his  family,  may  redeem  him  : or,  eif  he  be  able,  he 
may  redeem  himself. 

50  And  he  shall  f reckon  with  him  that  bought 
him  from  the  year  that  he  was  sold  to  him,  unto 
the  year  of  jubilee  : and  the  price  of  his  sale  shall 
be  according  unto  the  number  of  years ; ^according 
to  the  time  of  an  hired  servant  shall  it  be  with  him. 

51  If  there  be  yet  many  years  behind,  according 
unto  them  he  shall  give  again  the  price  of  his  re- 
demption, out  of  the  money  that  he  was  bought 
for. 

52  And  if  there  remain  but  few  years  unto  the 
year  of  jubilee,  then  he  shall  count  with  him,  and 
according  unto  his  years  shall  he  give  him  again 
the  price  of  his  redemption. 

53  And  as  a yearly  hired  servant  shall  he  be 
with  him  : ''and  the  other  shall  not  rule  \yith  rigour 
over  him  in  thy  sight. 

• Heb.  the  hand  of  a stranger,  See.  attain , &c.  1 bam.  2:7,8.  Jam.  2:5.  d See 
oa  25.  Neh.  5:8.  Hal. -1:4,5.  Heh.  2:11— 13.  e See  un  26.  127.  g 40,53.  Deut. 
15:18.  Job  7:1,2.  14:6.  Is.  16:14.  21:16.  li  See  on  43.  t Or,  hi/  these  means. 
1 40  41.  Ex.  21:2,3.  Is.  49:9,25.  52:3.  k 42.  Ex.  13:3.  20:2.  Ps.  116:16.  Is.  43:3. 
Luke  1:74,75.  Rom.  6:14,17,18,22.  1 Cor.  7:22,23.  9:19,21 . Gal.  5:13.  a 19:4.  Ex. 
20.4,5,23  . 23  24  . 34:17.  Deul.4:16— 19.  5:8,9.  16:21,22.  27:15.  Ps.97:7.  115:4—8. 
2:20  . 44:9—20.  48:5—8.  Jer.  10:3—8.  Acts  17:29.  Rom.  2:22,23.  1 Cor.  10:19, 20. 


V.  47 — 55.  In  case  any  of  the  strangers,  who  were 

allowed  to  sojourn  in  the  land,  (Notes,  Ex.  12:48,49.  22:21  — 
24.)  growing  rich,  should  purchase  a poor  Israelite  as  a slave, 
the  relations  of  the  slave  were  allowed  the  privilege  of 
redeeming  him  at  any  time:  or  if  property  came  into  his 
possession,  he  might  redeem  himself;  deducting  from  the 
purchase-money,  according  to  the  proportion  of  years  which 
had  passed  since  his  sale,  to  those  which  remained  till  the 
year  of  jubilee.  And  if  he  were  not  redeemed  before  that 
time,  he  was  then  entitled  to  liberty. — It  is  not  said  that  his 
relations  were  bound  to  redeem  him,  but  it  seems  to  have 
been  left  to  their  discretion. — The  father  is  not  mentioned ; 
for  it  could  hardly  be  conceived  he  would  let  his  son  sell 
himself,  if  he  likewise  had  not  been  impoverished.  The 
magistrates  also  were  to  take  care,  that  strangers  did  not 
oppress  such  Israelites  as  they  kepi  for  servants. — This  law 
exhibited  a type  of  Christ,  as  our  Brother,  redeeming  us  from 
the  bondage  of  sin  and  Satan,  to  be  his  servants. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  a desirable  privilege  to  have  seasons  of  relaxation 
from  worldly  care  and  employments,  that  we  rnay  have  more 
leisure  for  the  study  of  the  Scriptures,  and  the  concerns  of 
our  souls.  The  poor  labourer  too  should  be  allowed  such 
intervals : and  our  hearts  should  rejoice  to  see  him  refreshed 
from  his  toil,  and  enjoying  the  fruits  of  our  liberality.  All 
these  statutes  teach  us  44  to  beware  of  covetousness,  for  a 
man’s  life  consisteth  not  in  the  abundance  of  his  possessions;” 
to  exercise  willing  dependence  on  Providence  for  our  sup- 
port : to  be  contented  with  food  and  raiment  for  the  present, 
and  to  be  thankful  for  them  ; and  without  hesitation  to  leave 
the  future  to  that  God  whose  blessing  suffices  abundantly,  in 
various  ways  which  we  cannot,  imagine,  to  make  up  every 
suppo^d  loss,  which  might  be  feared  in  consequence  of 
simply  obeying  his  commandments. — We  should  also  consi- 
der ourselves  as  the  Lord’s  tenants  and  stewards,  if  we  have 
land  or  property;  and  use  it  accordingly:  and  not  only  be 
moderate  and  temperate  in  our  enjoyments,  but  kind  and 
gentle  to  our  inferiors,  u ready  to  distribute  and  willing  to 
communicate”  to  our  poor  brethren,  after  his  example,  who, 
44  thougli  he  was  rich,  yet  for  our  sakes  became  poor,  that 
we  through  his  poverty  might  be  rich.” — He  is  our  Redeemer, 
and  assumed  our  nature,  that  he  might  ransom  our  souls  from 
Satan’s  bondage,  into  which  we  had  been  sold  for  the  debts 
which  we  had  contracted,  and  for  the  crimes  that  we  had 
committed  ; nay,  into  which  we  had  foolishly  sold  ourselves, 
through  love  of  sinful  pleasures:  and  that,  together  with  our 
liberty,  he  might  also  redeem  our  forfeited  and  wasted  inhe- 
ritance, without  which  we  must  otherwise  have  been  to  all 
eternity  in  most  miserable  want.  Having  paid  the  ransom, 
and  entered  into  possession  of  the  inheritance  in  our  behalf, 
and  in  virtue  of  his  atonement;  he,  by  the  gospel’s  joyful 
sound,  from  age  to  age  proclaims  u liberty  to  the  captive,  and 
the  opening  of  the  prison  to  those  that  are  bound:”  (Notes, 
Is.  61:1 — 3.  Luke  4:16 — 19.)  and,  accompanying  this  procla- 
mation by  his  powerful  grace,  he  sets  his  people  at  liberty^; 
which  they  enjoy  with  rest  for  their  souls,  and  the  earnest  of 
heaven  through  faith  in  him  and  obedience  to  him.  When 
they  die,  their  souls  ascend  to  heavenly  rest;  and  ere  long  the 
last  trumpet  shall  sound  the  jubilee  of  the  resurrection,  “the 
redemption  of  the  body,”  unci  they  shall  be  then  put  in  final 
( 2 16  ) 


54  And  if  he  be  not  redeemed  fin  these  years, 
then  'he  shall  go  out  in  the  year  of  jubdee,  both  he, 
and  his  children  with  him. 

55  For  unto  me  the  children  of  Israel  are  ser- 
vants ; they  are  krny  servants  whom  I brought 
forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt:  I am  the  Lord 
your  God. 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Idolatry  again  forbidden , and  regard  to  the  Lord's  sabbaths  and  sanctuary  re 
quired,  1,2.  Blessings  ensured  to  the  people  white  obedient,  3 — 13.  judg- 
ments  threatened  in  case  of  disobedience , and  still  more  and  more  severe  at 
long  as  they  •persisted  in  it,  14 — 39.  Encouragements,  if  at  lenglti  they 
should  repent,  40 — 4G. 

YE  shall  “make  you  no  idols  nor  graven  image, 
neither  rear  you  up  a "standing  image,  neither 
shall  ye  set  up  any  fimage  of  stone  in  your  land, 
to  bow  down  unto  it : Tor  I am  the  Lord  your 
God. 

2  Ye  shall  bkeep  my  sabbaths,  and  reverence 
my  sanctuary  : I am  the  Lord. 

3  H cIf  ye  walk  in  my  statutes,  and  keep  my 
commandments,  and  do  them ; 

4  Then  ''I  will  give  you  rain  in  due  season,  and 
“the  land  shall  yield  her  increase,  and  the  trees  of 
the  field  shall  yield  their  fruit. 

5  And  your f thrashing  shall  reach  unto  the  vm 
tage,  and  the  vintage  shall  reach  unto  the  sowing- 

Rev.  13:14,15.  22:15.  *Or,  pillar.  | Or , figured  stone.  Heb.  a s one  of  picture. 
b See  on  19:30.  c 18:4,5.  Deut.  11:13 — 15.  28:1—14.  Josh.  23:14,15. 'Jude.  2.1. 
2.  Ps.  81 : 12 — 16.  Is.  1:19.  48:18,19.  Malt.  7:24, ’35.  Rom.  2:7— 10.  Rev.  22:14. 
d Deut.  28:12.  1 Kings  17:1.  Job  5:10.  37:11—13.  38:25—28.  Ps.  65:9— 13.  68:9. 
104:13.  Is.  5:6.  30:23.. Jer.  14:22.  Ez.  34:26,27.  Joel2:23.  Amos  4:7,8.  Malt. 
5:45.  Acts  14:17.  Jam.  5:7,17,18.  Rev.  11:6.  e25-21.  Ps.  67:6.  85:12.  Ez.  36: 
30.  Hag.  2:18,19.  Zech.8:12.  f Amos  9:13.  Matt.  9:37,38.  John  4:35,36. 


and  eternal  44  possession  of  the  purchased  inheritance  to  the 
praise  of  his  glory ;”  whilst  the  wicked  must  sink  into  44  the 
blackness  of  darkness  for  ever.”  We  cannot  ransom  our 
own  souls,  or  our  forfeited  inheritance ; but  let  us  not  44  neglect 
so  great  salvation,”  thus  freely  proposed,  and  the  fruit  of  such 
love  and  of  such  sufferings.  We  cannot  ransom  our  fellow- 
sinners:  but  we  may  recommend  Christ  to  them;  and  by  his 
grace  our  holy  lives  may  adorn  his  gospel,  express  our  love 
and  gratitude,  and  glorify  his  holy  name. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXVI.  V 1,2.  Mars.  Ref.  Notes , 
Ex.  20:4,5,8—10. 

V.  3,  4.  These  promises  to  Israel,  in  case  they  were 
obedient,  should  be  understood  with  a special  reference  to 
their  national  covenant;  As  long  as  they  maintained  a 
national  regard  to  the  worship,  sabbaths,  and  sanctuary  of 
God,  and  did  not  turn  aside  to  idolatry,  he  engaged  to  con- 
tinue to  them  various  temporal  mercies,  and  distinguishing 
religious  advantages.  Yet  even  among  the  Israelites,  indivi- 
duals were  not  uniformly  prosperous  or  afflicted,  according  to 
their  obedience  or  disobedience:  nay,  the  contrary  was  so 
commonly  the  case,  that  the  prophets  and  the  Psalmist,  in 
several  places,  speak  of  it  as  a peculiar  temptation;  (Marg. 
Ref.  d.  Notes,  Ps.  73.  Jer.  12:1 — 4.)  and  the  royal  preacher 
declares,  44  that  all  things  come  alike  to  all.”  (Note,  Ec.  9: 
1 — 3.)  But  national  prosperity  was  uniformly,  and  without 
one  exception,  the  effect  of  national  obedience,  and  national 
judgments  the  result  of  national  wickedness.  Israel  indeed 
was  under  a peculiar  covenant,  and  no  other  people  is 
governed  exactly  according  to  the  same  rule:  yet  still  God 
deals  with  nations  as  collective  bodies;  nothing  but  regard  to 
religion  and  righteousness  can  ensure  national  prosperity  ; 
and  wickedness  will  end  in  the  ruin  of  any  people,  especially 
where  the  word  of  God  and  the  light  of  the  gospel  are 
afforded.  Individuals  will  exist,  and  be  judged  and  recom- 
pensed in  a future  world  ; hut  bodies  politic  will  have  no 
future  existence,  and  are  therefore  recompensed  in  this 
world. — Concerning  individual  Christians,  it  is  enough  to 
say,  that  the  Lord  will  afford  them  as  much  temporal  pros- 
perity as  his  infinite  wisdom  secs  good  for  them ; that  in  one 
way  or  other,  their  comforts  are  proportioned  to  the  simplicity 
and  exactness  of  their  obedience;  and  that  they  frequently 
experience  the  Lord’s  kindness  to  them  in  his  providence, 
and  in  answer  to  their  prayers,  whether  according  to  the 
letter  of  these  temporal  promises  or  not.  Their  obedience 
has  a natural  tendency  to  exempt  them  from  a variety  of 
. miseries  which  others  endure,  and  to  secure  them  many 
comforts  of  body,  mind,  and  circumstances,  which  others  do 
not  enjoy;  all  their  trials  and  afflictions  are  needful  anti 
useful,  sanctified  to  them,  and  counterbalanced  by  inward 
peace:  and  upon  the  whole,  even  in  this  world,  including 
their  heavenly  hope,  they  have  by  far  the  largest  proportion 
of  true  felicity,  notwithstanding  ull  the  tribulation  and  perse- 
cution which  l hey  endure,  the  self-denial  which  they  exer- 
cise, and  the  correction  of  their  Father’s  love. — Those 
promises  may  also  he  considered  as  typical  of  the  spiritual 
prosperity,  health,  peace,  and  victory,  with  which  the  Lord 
favours  his  believing  people  when  walking  in  his  ways,  and 
of  the  blessings  which  his  church  enjoys.  From  the  beginning 
of  this  chapter,  and  other  passages  of  a similar  nature,  sot  ic 
learned  men  have  undertaken  to  show,  that  lie  church,  before 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XXYI. 


B.  C.  1490 


time  : and  ye  shall  "eat  your  bread  to  the  full,  and 
hdwell  in  your  land  safely. 

6 And  'I  will  give  peace  in  the  land,  and  kye 
shall  lie  down,  and  none  shall  make  you  afraid: 
and  I will  ‘rid  evil  beasts  out  of  the  land,  neither 
•shall  the  sword  go  through  your  land. 

7 And  ye  shall  chase  your  enemies,  and  they 
shall  fall  before  you  by  the  sword. 

8 And  mfive  of  you  shall  chase  an  hundred,  and 
an  hundred  of  vu  > shall  put  ten  thousand  to  flight; 
and  your  enemies  „nall  fall  before  you  by  the  sword. 

9 For  "I  will  have  respect  unto  you,  and  “make 
you  fruitful  and  multiply  you,  and  Pestablish  my 
covenant  with  you. 

10  And  ye  shall  seat  old  store,  and  bring  forth 
the  old  because  of  the  new. 

11  And  I will  rset  my  tabernacle  among  you: 
and  my  soul  shall  not  “abhor  you. 

12  And  ‘I  will  walk  among  you,  and  "will  be 
your  God,  and  ye  shall  be  my  people. 

13  *1  am  the  Lord  your  God  which  brought 
you  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  that  ye 
should  not  be  their  bondmen  ; and  rl  have  broken 
the  bands  of  your  yoke,  and  made  you  go  upright. 

[Practical  Observations.] 

14  H But * 1  2if  ye  will  not  hearken  unto  me,  and 
will  not  do  all  these  commandments ; 

15  And  if  ye  shall  "despise  my  statutes,  or  if 
your  bsoul  abhor  my  judgments,  so  that  ye  will 
not  do  all  my  commandments,  but  that  ye  "break 
my  covenant ; 

16  I also  will  do  this  unto  you ; I will  even 
^appoint  fover  you  "terror,  f consumption,  and  the 

g 25:19.  Ex.  16:8.  Dent.  11:15.  Joel  2:19,26.  Acts  14:17.  lTim.6:17.  h25:18. 
Job  11:18,19.  Ps.  46:1 — 7 . 90:1.  91 : 1—14.  Prov.  1 :33.  18:10.  Jer.  23:6.  Ez.  34:25 
—27.  Matt.  23:37.  1 Pel.  1:5.  i 1 Chr.22:9.  Ps.  29:11.  147:14.  Is.  9:7.  45:7.  Jer. 
30:10.  Hos.  2:18.  Mic.  4:4.  Zech. 9:10.  John  14:27.  Rom.  5:1.  Phil.  4:7— 9. 
k Ps.  3:5.  4:3.  127:1,2.  Prov.  3:24.  6:22.  Jer.  31:26.  Ex.  34:25.  Zeph.  3:13.  Ads 
12:6.  * Heh.  cause  to  cease.  Ex. 23:29.  2 Kings  2:24.  17:25,26.  Job  5:23.  Is. 
35:9.  Ez.  5:17.  14:15,21.  1 Ez.  14:17.  m Nnm.l4:9.  Dent.  28:7  . 32:30.  Josh. 
23:10.  Judg.  7:19—21.  1 Sam.  14:6— 16.  17:45—52.  1 Chr.  11:11.20.  Ps.  81:14, 
15.  n Ex.  2:25.  2 Kings  13:23.  Neb.  2:20.  Ps.  89:3.  138:6,7.  Jer.  33:3.  Heb.8: 
9.  o Gen.  17:6,7,20  . 26  4.  28:3,14.  Ex.  1:7.  I)eut.  28:4— 11.  Neh.  9:23.  Ps. 
107:38.  pGen.  6.18.  17:7.  Ex.  6:4.  Is.  55:3.  Ez.  16:62.  Luke  1:72.  q 25: 
22.  Josh.  5:11.  2 Kings  19:29.  Luke  12:17.  r Ex.  25:8.  29:45.  Josh.  22:19. 

1 Kings  8:13,27.  Ps.  76-2.  73:68,69.  132:13,14.  Ez.  37:26— 28.  Eph.  2:22.  Rev. 
21:3.  s 20:23.  Deut.  32:19.  Ps.  106:40.  Jer.  14:21.  Lam. 2:7.  Zech.  11:8.  tGen. 
3:8.  5:22,21.  6:9.  Deut.  23:14.  2 Cor.  6:16.  Rev.  2:1.  u Gen.  17:7.  Ex.  3:6.  6: 
7.  19:5,6.  Ps.  50:7.  68:18—20.  Is.  12:2.  41 .10.  Jer.  7:23.  11:4.  30:22.  31:33.  32: 
38.  Ez.  11:20.  36:28.  Joel  2:27.  Zech.  13:9.  Matt.  22:32.  Heb.  11:16.  Rev.  21: 
7.  x 25:38,42,55.  See  on  Ex.  20:2.  Ps.  81:6— 10.  1 Cor.  6:19,20.  y Ps.  116:16. 
Is.  51:23.  Jer.  2:20.  Ez.  34:27.  z 18.  Deut.  28:15.  Jer.  17:27.  Lam.  1:18.  Mai. 
2:2.  Acts  3:23.  Heb.  12:25.  a 43.  Num.  15:31.  2 Sam.  12:9,10.  2 Kings  17:15. 

2 Chr.  36:16.  Prov.  1:7,30.  Jer.  6:19.  Zech.  7:11— 13.  Acts  13:41.  1 Thes.  4:8. 


the  coming  of  Christ,  had  only  temporal  promises,  and  that 
the  law  of  Moses  was  enforced  merely  by  temporal  sanctions. 
This  however,  at  first  glance,  appears  very  paradoxical  to 
those  who  consider  the  language  of  ancient  believers,  and  the 
declarations  of  Christ  and  his  apostles  respecting  them  : 
(Matt.  8:11.  22:32.  Heb.  11:13 — 16,26,35.)  yet  it  has  not  a 
little  perplexed  many  serious  persons.  But  let  it  be  well 
considered,  that  “ the  covenant  which  was  confirmed  before 
of  God  in  Christ,”  with  Abraham  and  his  seed,  “ the  law 
which  was  four  hundred  and  thirty  years  after,  cannot  disan- 
nul, that  it  should  make  the  promise  of  none  effect.”  ( Nnte , 
Gal.  3:15 — 18.)  The  church  of  Israel  was  not  deprived  of 
any  part  of  the  light  previously  communicated,  when  God 
entered  into  a national  covenant  with  them ; and  a Saviour 
to  come,  and  a future  and  eternal  world,  were,  beyond  all 
doubt,  revealed  to  the  patriarchs  from  the  very  fall  of  Adam. 
The  examples  of  Abel,  and  Enoch,  and  Noah,  and  Abra- 
ham, recorded  by  Moses  himself,  as  introductory  to  the  law, 
powerfully  inculcated  these  grand  truths,  and  many  others 
connected  with  them.  The  belief  of  a Saviour  to  come,  a 
future  state  of  retribution,  and  the  resurrection  of  the  dead, 
was  generally  maintained  in  the  church  of  Israel,  during  all 
succeeding  ages,  to  the  coming  of  our  Lord.  ( John  11:24. 
Note,  Matt.  22:23 — 33.)  The  law,  as  to  individuals  in  things 
pertaining  to  the  conscience,  was  enforced  by  promises  and 
threatenings  to  be  fulfilled  in  the  eternal  world  : unbelievers, 
in  the  ipost  flourishing  times  of  religion,  and  most  prosperous 
state  of  the  nation,  remained  under  the  curse : believers 
always  were  interested  in  the  promises  made  especially  to 
Abraham;  but  the  nation,  as  a corporate  body, received  the 
law  with  only  temporal  sanctions.  Indeed  the  nature  of  the 
case  did  not  admit  of  any  other  ; though  in  every  age,  the 
careless  and  carnal  thence  deduced  erroneous  conclusions. 

V.  5.  Large  crops  of  corn,  and  plentiful  vintages,  would 
keep  the  people  constantly  employed,  and  consequently  well 
provided  for,  all  the  year  round. — This  is  by  some  considered 
as  an  emblem  of  the  abundant  increase  given  to  the  seed  of 
the  word  in  the  days  of  the  apostles  and  in  the  primitive 
times  of  Christianity. 

V.  7,  8.  Notes,  Deyt.  32:30,31.  Is.  30:15—17. 

V.  10.  This  promise  intimated,  that  the  people  ought 
not,  and  would  not  be  disposed,  to  build  new  barns  in  which 


burning  ague,  that  shall  ‘consume  the  eyes,  ant. 
cause  sorrow  of  heart:  and  ^ye  shall  sow  you. 
seed  in  vain  ; for  your  enemies  sltall  eat  it. 

17  And  I will  'set  my  face  against  you,  and  kye 
shall  be  slain  beiore  your  enemies : they  that  hate 
you  shall  reign  over  you  ; and  ye  shall  Jflee  when 
none  Dursueth  you. 

18  And  if  ye  will  not  yet  for  all  this  hearken 
unto  me,  then  I will  punish  you  mseven  times  more 
for  your  sins. 

19  And  "I  will  break  the  pride  of  your  power; 
and  °I  will  make  your  heaven  as  iron,  and  your 
earth  as  brass. 

20  And  ryour  strength  shall  be  spent  in  vain: 
for  lyour  land  shall  not  yield  her  increase,  neither 
shall  the  trees  of  the  land  yield  their  fruits. 

21  IT  And  if  ye  walk  '’contrary  unto  me,  and 
will  not  hearken  unto  me  ; I will  bring  seven  times 
more  plagues  upon  you,  according  to  your  sins. 

22  I will  also  send^  rwild  beasts  among  you, 
which  shall  3rob  you  of  your  children,  and  destroy 
your  cattle,  and  make  you  few  in  number,  and 
'your  high- ways  shall  be  desolate. 

23  And  if  “ye  will  not  be  reformed  by  me  by 
these  things,  but  will  walk  contrary  unto  me  ; 

24  Then  "will  I also  walk  contrary  unto  you, 
and  will  punish  you  yet  seven  times  for  your  sins. 

25  And  XI  will  bring  a sword  upon  you,  that 
shall  ^avenge  the  quarrel  of  my  covenant : and 
when  ye  are  gathered  together  within  your  cities, 
T will  send  the  pestilence  among  you  ; and  ye 
shall  be  delivered  into  the  hand  of  the  enemy. 

26  And  when  aI  have  broken  the  staff  of  your 

b Ps. 50:17.  Prov.  5:12.  Rom.  8-7.  «Gen. 17:14.  Ex.  19:5.  24:7.  Dent.  31:16. 
Is.  24:5.  Jer.  11:10.  31:32.  Ez.  16:59.  Heb.  8:9.  H Ps.  109:6.  t Heb.  ui. on  you. 
e Deut  28:65-67  . 32:25.  Job  15:20,21.  18:11.  20:25.  Ps.  73:19.  Is.  7:2.  Jer.  15: 
8.  20:*.  Heb.  10:31.  f Ex.  15:26.  Deut.  28:21,22,35.  g Deut.  28:32,34,67. 

1 Sam.  2:33.  Ps.  78:33.  Ez.  33:10.  Zech.  14:12.  h Deut.  28:33,51 . Judg.  6:3— 
6.11.  Job  31:8.  Is.  65:22— 24.  Jer.  5:17.  12:13.  Mic.  6:15.  Hag.  1:6.  i See  on 
17:10.20:5,6.  Ps.  68:1,2.  k Deut.  28:25.  Judg.  2:14 . 1 Sam.  4:10.  31:1.  Neh.  9: 
27— 30.  Ps.  106:41,42.  Jer.  19:7.  Lam.  1:5.  136.  Ps. 53:5.  Prov. 28:1.  m21, 

24,28.  Dan.  3:19.  n 1 Sam.  4:3,11.  Is.  2:12.  25:11.  26:5.  Jer.  13:9.  Ez.7:24. 
30:6.  Dan.  4:37.  Zeph.  3:11.  o Deut.  28:23.  1 Kings  17:1.  Jer.  14:1—6.  Luke 
4:25.  pPs.  127:1.  Is.  49:4.  Hab.  2:13.  Gal.  4:11.  q See  on  4.  Deut.  11 :17.  28: 
18,38—40,42.  Job  31:40.  Ps.  107:34.  Hag.  1:9 — 11.*  6:16.  1 Cor.  3:6.  t Oi , ai 
all  adventures  uith  me,  and  so  24.  r6.  Deut.  32:24  . 2 Kings  17:25.  Jer.  15:3. 

Ez.  5:17.  14:15,21.  s 2 King?  2:24.  t Judg.  5:6.  2 Chr.  15:5.  Is.  24:6.  33:8 
Lam.  1:4.  Ez.  14:15.  33:28.  Mic.  3:12.  Zech.  7:14.  uls.  1:16— 20.  Jer.  2:30 
5:3.  Ez.  24:13,14.  Am.  4:6— 12.  v2Sam. 22:27.  Job  9:4.  I s.  18:26.  x DeuU 
32:25,41.  Judg.  2: 14— 16.  Ps.  78:62— 64.  Is.  31:5,6.  Jer.  9:16.  14:12,13.  15:2—4. 
Lam.  2:21.  Ez.5:17.  6:3.  14:17.  21:4—17.  33:2.  y Deut.  32:35.  Ps.94:l.  Ez. 
20:37.  Heb.  10:28— 30.  z Num.  14:12.  16:49.  Deut . 28:21 . 2Sam.  24:15.  Jer. 
14:12.  34:10  . 29:17,18.  Am.  4:10.  Luke  21:11.  a Ps.  105:16.  Is.  3:1.  9:20.  Jer. 
14:12.  Lam.  4:3— 9.  Ez.  4:10,16.  5:16.  14:13.  Hos.  4:10.  Mic.  6:14.  Hag.  1.6. 

to  hoard  their  plenty  for  future  use:  (Notes,  Luke  12:15— 
21.)  but  that  they  would  bring  it  forth  to  make  room  for  the 
new ; and  so  dispose  of  it,  at  a low  price  or  freely,  to  the  poof 
and  needy ; having  a liberal  heart,  as  well  as  an  abundant 
provision. 

V.  11,  12.  The  continuance  of  the  ordinances  of  religion, 
among  the  Israelites,  was  the  chief  of  these  promises  ; but 
this  was  only  ‘ the  means  of  grace,’  and  a shadow  of  the 
privilege  of  every  true  believer.  Yet  the  language  here  used, 
if  duly  attended  to,  was  sufficient  to  convince  them,  that 
under  the  temporal  promises  made  to  them  as  a nation,  spi- 
ritual blessings  were  engaged  to  every  true  believer,  reaching 
even  to  eternity:  “ for  God  is  not  the  God  of  the  dead,  but 
of  the  living.” — The  expression,  “ My  soul  shall  not  abhor 
you,”  is  remarkable ; and  implies  that  it  was  an  act  of  mere 
mercy,  that  so  holy  a God  did  not  abhor  the  fellowship  of 
such  sinners,  as  they  were  when  most  obedient;  and  that  if 
they  were  rebellious  he  would  abhor  them.  (30,44.  Notes , 
Job  42:1 — G.  Ez.  36:31,32.) — In  the  days  of  Joshua,  of  some 
of  the  judges,  of  David  and  Solomon,  and  some  of  their 
successors,  these  prophetical  promises  had  their  accomplish- 
ment: and  indeed  this  chapter  and  the  twenty-eighth  of 
Deuteronomy , are  a prophetical  abstract  of  the  future  history 
of  Israel  even  to  this  day;  nor  has  it  yet  received  its  full 
accomplishment.  (Notes,  Ex.  23:20 — 30.) 

V.  14—18.  Marg.Ref. 

V.  19.  The  heavens  should  no  more  give  rain  than  if  they 
were  iron,  nor  the  earth  any  more  yield  corn  than  if  it  were 
brass  ; and  this  would  effectually  break  the  pride  of  Israel’s 
power.  (Note,  Deut.  28:23.) — This  prophecy  had  a remark- 
able accomplishment  during  the  long  famine  foretold  by 
Elijah  in  the  time  of  Ahab.  (1  Kings  17:  18:) 

V.  20.  Marg.  Ref.  Note , Hag.  1:5 — 11. 

V.  24.  Yet  seven  times.]  . The  Lord  repeatedly  declared 
that  he  would  render  the  miseries  of  rebellious  Israel  still 
more  and  more  dreadful ; as  Nebuchadnezzar  attempted,  by 
making  the  furnace  seven  times  hotter  than  usual,  to  increase 
the  torture  of  the  objects  of  his  vengeance.  His  indeed  was 
a mere  impotent,  foolish  effort;  but  the  Lord  was  able  tor 
accomplish  his  denunciations,  however  awful,  in  the  fullest 
sense.  (Note,  Ps.  90:11.) 

V.  25,  26.  When  the  sword  of  the  enemy  threatened  the' 

( 247  ) 


D.  C.  1490. 


LE  YTJ 

bread,  ten  women  shall  bake  your  bread  in  one 
oven,  and  the)’  shall  deliver  you  your  bread  again 
by  weight : and'ye  shall  eat,  and  not  be  satisfied. 

27  And  it'  ye  will  not  for  all  this  hearken  unto 
me,  but  walk  contrary  unto  me; 

28  Then  I will  walk  contrary  unto  you  also  ain 
fury : and  1,  even  I,  will  chastise  you  seven  times 
for  your  sins. 

29  And  bye  shall  eat  the  flesh  of  your  sons,  and 
the  flesh  of  your  daughters  shall  ye  eat. 

30  And  CI  will  destroy  your  high  places,  and 
cut  down  your  images,  and  cast  your  carcasses 
upon  the  carcasses  of  your  idols,  and  dmy  soul 
shall  abhor  you. 

31  And  T will  make  your  cities  waste,  fand 
bring  your  sanctuaries  unto  desolation,  and  ®I  will 
not  smell  the  savour  of  your  sweet  odours. 

32  And  '‘I  will  bring  the  land  into  desolation ; 
and  ‘your  enemies  which  dwell  therein  shall  be 
astonished  at  it. 

33  And  kI  will  scatter  you  among  the  heathen, 
and  will  draw  out  a sword  after  you ; and  your 
land  shall  be  desolate,  and  your  cities  waste. 

34  Then  ‘shall  the  land  enjoy  her  sabbaths  as 
long  as  it  lieth  desolate,  and  ye  be  in  your  enemies’ 
land : even  then  shall  the  land  rest,  and  enjoy  her 
sabbaths. 

35  As  long  as  it  lieth  desolate,  it  shall  rest ; 

a Is.  27:4.  59:H.  63:3.  66:15.  Jer.  21:5.  Ez.  5:13,15.  8:18.  Nah.  1:2,6.  b Dent. 
28:53—57.  2 Kings  6:28,29.  Jer.  19:9.  Lara.  2:20.  4:10.  Ez.  5:10.  Matt.  24:19. 
Luke 23:29.  c 1 Kings  13:2.  2 Kings  23:8,16,20.  2Chr.  14:3— 5.  23:17.  31:1. 
34:3—7.  Is.  27:9.  Jer.  8:1— 3.  Ez.  6:3—6,13.  d See  on  11,15.  20:23.  Ps.  78:58, 
56.  39:38.  Jer.  14:19.  e 2 Kings  25:4—10.  2CI,r.  36:19.  Nell. 2:3,17.  Is.  1:7.  21: 
10—12.  Jer.  4:7.  9:11.  Lara.  1:1.  2:7.  El.  6:6.  21:15.  Mlc.3:12.  fPs. 74:3-8. 
Jer.  22:5.  26:6,9.  52:13.  Lam. 1:10.  Ez.  9:6.  24:21.  Matt.  24:1,2.  Luke  21:5,6, 
24.  Acts  6:14.  g See  on  Gen.  8:21.  Is.  1:11—14.  66:3.  Am.  5:21—23.  Heb.  10: 
26.  Ii  Dent.  29:23.  Is.  1:7,8.  5:6,9.  6:11.  24:1.  32:13,14.  64:10.  Jer.  9:11.  25:38. 
44:2,22.  Lara.  5:18.  Ez.  33:28,29.  Dan.  9:2,18.  Hab.3:17.  Luke  21:20.  i Dent. 
28:37.  29:24—28.  1 Kings  9:8.  Jer.  18:16.  19:8.  Lam.  4:12.  Kz.  5:15  k JJeut. 
4:27.28:64—66.  Ps. 44:11.  Jer.9:16.  Lam.  1:3.  4:15.  Ez.  12:14,16. 20:23.  22: 
15.  Zeclt.  7:14.  L tike  21:24.  Jam. 1:1.  I 25:2-4,10.  2 Chr.  36.21.  mis. 24:5, 
6.  Rom.  8:22.  n Gen.  35:5.  Deul.  28:65—67.  Josh.  2:9—11.  5:1.  I Sam.  17:24. 


disobedient  Israelites,  they  would  flock  into  thedefenced  cities 
for  security ; but  the  Lord  declared,  that  in  this  case,  he 
would  commission  the  pestilence  to  pursue  them,  till  they 
should  be  compelled  to  surrender  themselves  into  the  hands 
of  the  besiegers : or  he  would  visit  them  with  the  most  dread- 
ful and  desolating  famines. — The  reader  who  consults  the 
marginal  references,  will  in  them  find  the  most  instructive 
comment  on  this  chapter;  and  be  more  and  more  convinced, 
as  he  proceeds,  that  it  is  a kind  of  prophetical  history  of  that 
nation,  even  to  this  present  time ; which  could  never  have 
been  written,  except  by  inspiration  of  God,  who  seeth  the 
events  of  the  most  remote  futurity  as  if  actually  present. — 
It  is  thought,  that  the  expression,  walk  contrary  to  me , implies 
that  the  people  would  remain  careless,  imputing  their  calami- 
ties to  chance  or  second  causes ; till  the  constant  increase  of 
them,  and  their  long  continuance,  should  convince  them,  that 
the  dreadful  vengeance  of  God  was  poured  out  upon  them. 

Avenge , &c.  (25)  Note,  Ez.  20:33 — 38. 

By  weight.  (26)  Note , Ez.  4:9 — 17. 

V.  29.  Eat  the  flesh,  &c.]  This  was  literally  fulfilled  in 
the  siege  of  Samaria  by  Benhadad  ; in  the  siege  of  Jerusalem 
by  the  Chaldeans ; and  in  the  last  siege  of  Jerusalem  by  the 
Romans,  as  is  recorded  by  the  Jewish  historian  Josephus. 
{Notes,  JDeut.  28:49 — 57.  2 Kings  6:28,29.  Lam.  4:10.) 

V.  30.  The  several  words  used  in  this  threatening,  relate 
to  different  kinds  of  idolatry  afterwards  prevalent  in  Israel. 
We  shall  hereafter  have  frequent  occasions  of  considering 
the  high  -places,  both  for  idolatry,  and  for  the  irregular  wor- 
ship of  Jehovah.  The  images  here  mentioned  are  supposed 
to  have  been  statues  dedicated  to  the  sun : and  the  word 
rendered  idols  (D3^V?j)  is  similar  to  that  which  signifies  dung 
(SS^>),  and  is  an  expression  of  extreme  contempt  for  their 
worthless,  filthy  objects  of  worship.  The  connexion  of  this 
verse  with  the  preceding  has  been  thought  to  imply,  that  the 
Israelites  would  be  more  attached  to  their  idols  than  even  to 
their  children.  But  the  order  is  more  remarkable,  if  consi- 
dered as  a prophecy.  Though  the  pious  kings  of  Judah, 
especially  Hezekiah  and  Josiah,  were  employed  by  the  Lord 
to  execute,  in  a measure,  this  sentence,  and  the  latter  burned 
the  bones  of  the  priests  on  the  altars  of  their  idols  ; and  though 
Sennacherib  cast  many  of  their  idols  into  the  fire,  when  he 
invaded  the  land ; yet  the  grand  fulfilment  of  the  prophecy 
was  subsequent  to  the  siege  of  Jerusalem  by  the  Chaldeans, 
in  which  the  people  had  actually  been  reduced  to  eat  their 
own  children.  The  desolations,  connected  with  that  event, 
effectually  swept  away  all  their  idols,  and  idol  altars,  and 
temples,  so  that  they  were  never  afterwards  restored.  Thus 
the  Lord,  abhorring  the  people  for  their  wickedness.  (11) 
cast  their  dead  carcasses  on  their  broken  or  degraded  idols,  and 
destroyed  tin;  idolaters  and  idolatry  at  once.  (Marg.  Ref.  c.) 

V.  31 — 35.  These  verses  also  contain  a prophecy,  both  of 
Israel’s  sin  and  punishment;  which  the  subsequent  history 
sufficiently  explains. — By  the  sanctuaries , some  understand 
( 243  ) 


,'ICUS.  B.  C.  1490. 

‘"because  it  did  not  rest  in  your  sabbaths,  when  ye 
dwelt  upon  it. 

36  And  upon  them  that  are  left  alive  of  you, 
“I  will  send  a tiiiiituess  into  their  hearts  in  the 
lands  of  their  enemies ; and  °the  sound  of  a 
'shaken  leal'  shall  chase  them;  and  they  shall  flee 
as  fleeing  from  a sword ; and  they  shall  fall  when 
none  pursueth. 

37  And  Pthey  shall  fall,  one  upon  another,  as  it 
were  before  a sword,  when  none  pursuetli : and 
iye  shall  have  no  power  to  stand  before  your 
enemies. 

38  Ami  rye  shall  perish  among  the  heathen,  and 
the  land  of  your  enemies  shall  eat  you  up. 

39  And  they  that  are  left  of  you  "snail  pine 
away  in  their  iniquity  in  your  enemies’  lands ; ‘and 
also  in  the  iniquities  of  their  fathers  shall  they  pine 
away  with  them. 

40  H If  “they  shall  confess  their  iriquity,  and  the 
iniquity  of  their  fathers,  with  their  trespass  which 
they  trespassed  against  me,  “and  that  also  they 
have  walked  contrary  unto  me ; 

41  And  that  I also  have  walked  contrary  unto 
them,  and  have  brought  them  into  the  land  of  their 
enemies ; if  then,  ? their  uncircumcised  hearts  be 
'humbled,  and  "they  then  accept  of  the  punish- 
ment of  their  iniquity  :• 

42  Then  hwill  1 remember  my  covenant  with 

2Kimra  7:6,7.  2 Chr.  14:14.  Job  15:21,22.  Ia. 7:2,4.  Ez. 21:7, 12.  o7,S,17.  Deul. 
1:44.  Prov.28:l.  Is. 36:17.  * Heb.  driven.  pjudg.7:22.  18am.  14:15,16.  Is. 

10:4.  Jer.  37:10.  q Num.  1 1:42.  Josh.  7: 12,13.  Juilg.  2:14.  r Lent.  4:27.  28: 
48,68.  Is. 27:13.  Jer.  42: 17,18,22.  44:12—14,27,28.  sDeut. 28:65  . 30:1.  Ps.  32: 
3,4.  Jer.  3:25.  Ez.  4:17.  24:23.  33:10.  t Ex.  20:5.  34:7.  Norn.  14:18.  Deul.  5: 
9.  Jer.  31:29.  Ez.  18:2,3,19.  Matt.  23:35,36.  Rom  11:8—10.  u Num.  5:7.  DeuL 
4:29 — 31.  30:1—3.  Josh.  7:19.  1 Kings  8:33— 36,47.  Neh.9:2.  Job  33:27,28.  I’s. 
32:5.  Prov.  28:13.  Jer.  31:48-20.  Ez. 36:31.  Dan.  9:3— 20.  Hos.  5:15.  6:1,2. 
Luke  15:18,19.  1 John  1:8—10.  x 21.24,27,28.  y Dent.  30:6.  Jer.  4 4.  6:10.  S: 
25,26.  Ez.  44:7.  Acts  7:51.  Rom.  2:28,29.  Gal.  5:6.  Phil.  3:8.  Col.  2:11.  z Ex. 
10:3.  1 Kings  21:29. 2 Chr.  12:6,7,12.  32:26.33:12,13,19,23.  Ez.  6:9  . 20:43.  Matt. 
23:12.  Luke  14:11.  18:14.  Jam.  4:6—9.  1 l et.  5:5,6.  a Ezra  9:13,15.  Neh.  9:33. 
Dan.  9:7— 14,18,19.  b Geu.  9:16.  Ex. 2:24.  6:5.  L’eut.4:31.  Pb.  106:45.  Ez.  16: 
60.  Luke  1:72. 


the  temple,  as  divided  into  the  holy  place  and  the  holy  of 
holies , with  its  several  courts:  but  others  include  the  high- 
places,  both  in  Judah  and  Israel,  in  which  God  was  wor- 
shipped : and  some  think  synagogues  also  were  meant  : 
but  the  next  clause,  “I  will  not  smell  the  savour  of  your 
sweet  odours,”  seems  to  confine  the  expression  to  places 
where  sacrifices  and  incense  were  offered. — After  the  Baby- 
lonish captivity,  the  temple-worship  was  restored,  and 
doubtless  the  Lord  accepted  the  oblations  of  his  faithful 
people : but  after  the  time  of  Christ,  the  whole  degenerated 
into  a mere  form  of  godliness;  and  the  destruction  of  the 
temple  by  the  Romans  finally  abolished  that  kind  of  service, 
because  a more  simple  and  spiritual  worship  had  been  intro- 
duced.— Indeed  the  dispersed  stale  of  the  Jews  since  that 
time,  more  fully  answers  the  import  of  the  subsequent  pre- 
dictions, than  even  the  desolations  of  the  Babylonish  captivily : 
during  that  calamity,  however,  the  land  enjoyed  its  sabbaths ; 
and  the  prophecy  seems  to  intimate,  that  this  part  of  the 
divine  law  was  generally  neglected  during  most  of  the  inter- 
vening ages.  (Note,  2 Chr.  36:21.) 

V.  36,  37.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , I hut.  28:65 — 67.  Is.  30: 
15—17. 

V.  38,  39.  The  ten  tribes  never  returned  to  their  own 
land,  as  a collective  body.  The  Jews,  wh,o  rebclliously  deter- 
mined to  go  into  Egypt,  miserably  perished  there.  (Jer.  42: 
— 44.) — Great  multitudes  of  the  other  Jews  remained  after- 
wards in  the  nations  where  they  were  dispersed  ; a large  pro 
portion  of  the  whole  multitude  of  Israelites  have  doubtless 
been  lost,  as  it  were,  in  the  nations  among  whom  they 
sojourned.  The  massacres  made  of  them,  in  many  countries 
and  different  ages,  have  been  very  great ; and  they  have  been 
more  generally,  durably,  and  cruelly  oppressed,  (ban  perhaps 
any  other  people.  For,  continuing  impenitent,  formerly  in 
idolatry  and  iniquity,  and  since  the  time  of  Christ,  in  obsti- 
nate unbelief ; they  lie  under  the  load  of  national  guill,  which 
has  been  accumulating  for  ages,  ami  pine  away  in  heartless, 
timid  despondency,  or  stupid  insensibility,  without  earnestly 
inquiring  into  the  causes  of  their  calamities,  or  using  proper 
means  of  redress  and  deliverance.  It  is  remarkable,  how 
exactly  this  passage  describes  the  general  character  of  tho 
Jews  at  this  day. 

Pine  away.]  Marg.  Ref.  s.  Notes,  Ez.  24:19 — 24.  33:10. 

V.  40.  After  all  these  threatening  to  the  nation  of  tem- 
poral calamities,  most  accumulated,  aggravated,  and  long 
continued,  which  were  a shadow  of  still  more  tremendous 
destruction  to  impenitent  individuals  in  a future  world ; the 
prophet  concluded  with  intimations  of  mercy  in  resoive  for  a 
remnant  of  the  people,  when  at  length  brought  to  repentance 
Thus,  previously  to  the  deliverance  of  the  Jews  ft  \ m the  Baby- 
lonish captivity,  Daniel  (with  whom  doubtless  numbers  con- 
curred) confessed  his  sins,  and  those  of  his  fathers  ar  I peo- 
ple, in  deep  humiliation.  (Notes,  Dan.  9* ' — 20.)— And 
afterwards,  before  their  further  establi'  tiucut  in  Judea,  Ezra 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


B.  C.  1490. 


Jacob,  and  also  my  covenant  with  Isaac,  ami  also 
my  covenant  with  Abraham  will  I remember : and 
■1  will  remember  the  land. 

43  The  land  also  shall  be  left  of  them,  and  ''shall 
enjoy  her  sabbaths,  while  she  lieth  desolate  without 
them : cand  they  shall  accept  of  the  punishment  of 
their  iniquity ; because,  even  because  they  'de- 
spised my  judgments,  and  because  etheir  soul 
abhorred  my  statutes. 

44  And  yet  for  all  that,  when  they  be  in  the 
land  of  their  enemies,  hI  will  not  cast  them  away, 
neither  will  'I  abhor  them,  to  destroy  them  utterly, 
and  kto  break  my  covenant  with  them : for  I am 
the  Lord  their  God. 

45  But  I will  'for  their  sakes  remember  the 
covenant  of  their  ancestors,  '"whom  I brought 
forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  "in  *he  sight  of  the 
heathen,  that  I might  be  their  God:  I am  the 
Lord. 

46  These  are  °the  statutes  and  judgments  and 
laws,  which  the  Lord  made  between  him  and  the 
children  of  Israel  Pin  mount  Sinai,  sby  the  hand  of 
Moses. 


cPs. 85:1,2.  136:23.  Ez.  36:1  — 15,33,34.  d See  on  34.  e See  on41.  1 King6  8: 
46—48.  2Chr.  33:12.  Jcfo  5:17.  34:31,32.  Ps.  50:15.  119:67,71,75.  Is.  26:16. 
Jer.  31:19.  Dan.  9:7— 9,14.  Heb.  12:5— 11.  f See  on  15.  2 Kings  17:7— 17. 
2 Chr.  36:14-16.  g 15.30.  Ps.  5017.  Am.  5:10.  Zech.  11:8.  John  7:7.  15:23,24. 
Rom.  8:7.  h Deut.  4:29,30.  2 Kings  13:23.  Neh.  9:31 . Ez.  14:22,23.  Rom.  11: 
2,26.  i See  on  11.  k Jer.  14:21.  33:20,21.  Ez.  16:60,61.  1 Gen.  12:2.  15:18.  17: 


and  Nehemiah,  and  the  people  with  them,  did  the  same,  and 
in  language  which  seems  evidently  to  refer  to  this  chapter. — 
(Notes,  Ezra  9:  Neh.  9:) 

V.  41,  42.  Pride,  impenitent  love  of  sin,  and  enmity  to 
Jehovah  and  his  worship,  proved  the  hearts  of  the  people  to 
be  uncircumcised,  that  is,  unrenewed  by  divine  grace ; for  cir- 
cumcision was  the  sacramental  sign  of  regeneration : but 
when  a change  took  place  they  would  be  humbled  before  God, 
acknowledge  his  hand,  and  submit  to  his  justice  in  all  their 
sufferings  ; they  would  seek  forgiveness  from  his  mercy,  and 
return  to  their  duty ; and  then  would  he  remember  and  deal 
with  them  according  to  the  covenant  made  with  their  fathers, 
respecting  Canaan,  the  type  of  heaven.  (Notes,  Deut.  10:16. 
30:1—10.  /er.4:3,4.  9:25,26.  Rom.  2:25—29.) 

Covenant.  (42)  It  is  observable,  that  it  is  not  said,  the 
Lord  would  remember  his  covenant,  ratified  with  Israel  at 
mount  Sinai ; but  the  covenant  made  with  their  progenitors, 
the  patriarchs,  long  before  the  Sinai  covenant.  The  future 
restoration  of  Israel  will  be  in  fulfilment  of  the  Abrahamic 
covenant.  (Notes,  Rom.  11:25 — 32.  Gal.  3:15 — 18.  Heb. 
6:13—20.) 

V.  43 — 45.  Notwithstanding  these  promises,  the  land 
would  certainly  be  desolated  ; and  the  preceding  calamities 
would  rest  on  the  people,  till  they  should  “accept  of  the 
punishment  of  their  iniquity,”  and  acquiesce  in  it,  as  just. — 
The  subsequent  verses  imply  a prediction  that  the  people 
would  thus  repent,  as  well  as  an  assurance  of  reconciliation 
to  the  penitent.  The  word  (anS),  rendered  “for  their  sakes,” 
may  more  literally  and  justly  be  translated  for  them,  or  in  their 
behalf. — A glorious  accomplishment  of  this  part  of  the  pro- 
phecy may  hereafter  be  expected,  by  the  conversion  of  the 
Jews  to  Christ,  and  probably  by  their  restoration  to  their  own 
land:  and  indeed,  after  the  fulfilment  of  the  previous  threat- 
enings,  in  their  present  dispersion  of  above  seventeen  hun- 
dred years’  duration,  they  are  still  most  marvellously  preserved 
a distinct  people,  evidently  in  order  to  this  most  desirable 
event.  (Notes,  Num.  23:9.  Jer.  30:10,11.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 13.  Our  true  interest  and  happiness  consists  in  wor- 
shipping the  Lord,  giving  him  our  hearts,  hallowing  his  sab- 
baths, reverencing  his  sanctuary,  and  doing  every  thing  with 
a believing  regard  to  that  Saviour,  “ in  whom  dwelleth  all  the 
fulness  of  the  Godhead  bodily.”  Our  obedience  indeed  can- 
not. justify  us  : but  that  obedience  which  takes  its  rise  from 
“ repentance  towards  God,  and  faith  towards  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  and  which  consists  in  an  humble  attendance  on  his 
ordinances,  and  an  unreserved  respect  to  all  his  command- 
ments ; both  evinces  that  we  are  justified,  and  will  induce 
peace  and  spiritual  copsolations  into  our  hearts,  with  the  hope 
of  glory,  and  the  blessing  of  God  upon  our  families  and  posses- 
sions ; so  that  the  most  afflicted  state  of  a consistent  Chris- 
tian is  more  comfortable  than  any  ungodly  prosperity,  how- 
ever great.  This  frame  of  mind  is  the  health  of  the  soul,  and 
vhe  antepast  of  heaven  ; while  God  sets  up  his  tabernacle  in 
us,  and  dwells  and  walks  with  us,  as  the  sure  pledge  of  eter- 
nal glory.  But  wilful  sin,  even  in  a believer,  will  grieve  the 
Spirit,  cloud  this  bright  prospect,  and  bring  darkness  and  dis- 
tress into  the  soul,  as  well  as  chastisements  from  his  heavenly 
father’s  rod. — Righteousness  also  exalteth  a nation,  and 
^mong  other  blessings,  especially  ensures  the  continuance  of 
the  gospel  with  it.  But  it  is  truly  wonderful,  that  the  Lord 
hath  not  long  since  so  abhorred  this  our  sinful  land,  as  to  de- 
prive us  of  our  other  manifold  mercies,  and  especially  of  the 
word  of  his  salvation,  which  has  been  so  greatly  neglected, 
eesp.sed  and  perverted. 

Vo;..  L— 32 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

L'iws  concerning  singular  van  s to  God , respecting  persons,  1 — 8 ; arul  cattle , 
9 — 13  ; and  houses  an  / lands,  14 — 23.  Firstlings  must  not  he  thus  dedicated, 
2S,  27,  Of  things  devoted  to  destruction.  28,  29.  The  law  of  lithes% 
3U— 34.  “ • 

ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying’, 

2  Sp  eak  unto  the  children  ot'Israel,  and  say 
unto  them,  “When  a man  shall  make  a singular 
vow,  the  persons  shall  he  for  the  Lord  by  thy 
estimation. 

3 And  bthy  estimation  shall  be,  of  the  male  from 
twenty  years  old  even  unto  sixty  years  old  ; even 
thy  estimation  shall  be  fifty  shekels  of  silver,  "after 
the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary. 

4 And  if  it  he  a female,  then  thy  estimation  shall 
be  dthirty  shekels. 

5 And  if  it  be  from  five  years  old  even  untc 
twenty  years  old ; then  thy  'estimation  shall  be  o, 
the  male  twenty  shekels,  and  for  the  female  ter 
shekels. 

6 And  if  it  be  efrom  a month  old  even  unto  five 
years  old ; then  thy  estimation  shall  be  of  the  male 
five  shekels  of  silver,  and  for  the  female  thy  esti  • 
mation  shall  be  three  shekels  of  silver. 


7,8.  Ex. 2.24.  19:5,6.  Rom.  11:12,23-26,28,29.  2 Cor.  3:15,16.  m22:33.  25:3* 
S.e  on  Ex.  20:2.  n Ps.  98:2,3.  Ez. 20:9, 14, 22.  o27:34.  Deut. 6: 1 . 12:1.  13:4.  John 
1:17.  p25: 1 . q 8:36.  Num.  4:37.  I 8.77:20.  a Gen. 28:20— 22.  Num.  6:2.  21  i 
2.  Deut. 23:21— 23.  Juclg.  11:30,31.  1 Sam.  1:11.  b 14.  5:15.  6:6.  Num.  18:16 
2 Kings  12:4.  mnrg.  c 25.  Ex.  30:13.  d Zech. 11:12,13.  Matt. 26:15.27:9,1* 
e Num. 3:40— 43.  18:14,16. 


V.  14 — 46.  Sooner  or  later,  sin  will  be  the  ruin,  as  well 
as  reproach,  of  every  people  ; and  our  national  violation  of 
the  sabbath,  contempt  of  the  ordinances  of  God,  opposition 
to  his  truth,  and  abhorrence  of  his  commandments,  after  our 
manifold  rebukes,  dangers,  and  deliverances,  which  wefe  in- 
tended to  bring  us  to  repentance  and  upright  obedience,  have 
a very  gloomy  aspect  on  this  yet  favoured  land.  It  we  con- 
tinue still  to  44  walk  contrary  to  God,”  we  may  expect  that 
he  will  punish  us  seven  times  more  than  he  has  done ; and 
that  he  will  avenge  the  quarrel  of  his  gospel  upon  us  ; and  if 
He,  who  has  all  creatures  in  his  hand  as  ministers  of  his  ven- 
geance, should  set  his  face  against  us,  who  can  conjecture 
where  the  contest  will  end  ? Oh  that,  being  deeply  humbled 
before  God,  and  ingenuously  confessing  our  sins,  we  might, 
'by  a general  revival  of  religion  and  reformation  of  manners, 
with  the  harmonious  concurrence  of  all  ranks  and  orders  of 
men,  avert  the  rising  storm  before  it  burst  upon  us ! — But 
though  national  judgments,  such  as  desolating  war,  pestilence, 
and  famine,  be  dreadful ; yet.  they  are  but  temporal  evils,  and 
personal  judgments  alone  are  eternal:  let  every  sinner  then 
tremble  for  himself,  take  warning  and  flee  from  the  wrath  to 
come. — The  career  of  iniquity  commences  in  contempt  of 
God’s  statutes,  and  hatred  of  his  service : and  ingratitude 
and  abuse  of  his  mercies  soon  make  way  for  the  hardening  of 
the  heart  under  afflictions,  and  against  convictions.  Such 
persons,  44  walking  contrary  to  God,”  will  find  that  he  walks 
contrary  to  them : and  as  they  turn  their  face  from  him,  he 
will  6et  his  face  against  them,  will  abhor  them,  pursue  them 
with  one  misery  after  another,  and  at  length  utterly  destroy 
them,  if  they  continue  impenitent ; and  the  stoutest  of  them 
will  find  their  hearts  wax  faint  and  tremble,  and  in  black 
despair  perceive  that  they  have  no  power  to  resist  or  escape, 
when  he  arises  to  execute  vengeance. — But  if  at  length  any 
sinner  be  deeply  humbled,  and  confess  his  guilt,  and  cry  for 
mercy  through  faith  in  Jesus  Christ,  and  according  to  the 
covenant  made  with  all  believers  in  him  ; God  will  remember 
that  covenant,  and  pardon  that  sinner  u according  to  the  mul- 
titude of  his  mercies so  that  none  need  despair,  and  44  pine 
away  in  their  iniquities.”  Whilst  we  joyfully  avail  ourselves 
of  such  a precious  privilege,  and  are  confirmed  in  our  faith 
even  by  the  desolate  and  dispersed  condition  of  the  disobe- 
dient Israelites  ; let  us  not  abhor  and  despise  them,  but  com- 
passionate them,  and  pray  that  they  may  at  lengt  h be  remem- 
bered according  to  the  covenant  made  with  their  fathers. — 
And  let  us  take  warning  not  to  imitate  their  infidelity,  and 
not  to  trust  in  external  distinctions. — God  grant  that  we  may 
in  this  our  day  effectually  consider  the  things  which  belong  to 
our  eternal  peace. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXVII.  V.  2— 8.  The  Israelites, 
from  an  extraordinary  zeal  and  love  to  the  worship  of  God, 
would  sometimes,  by  a solemn  vow,  dedicate  themselves,  or 
their  children,  to  the  immediate  service  of  the  Lord  in  the 
sanctuary  for  life : but  as  the  priests  and  Levites  were  set 
apart  by  God  himself  for  that  service,  and  none  were  allowed 
ed  to  interfere  with  their  work,  these  persons  could  only  be 
employed  in  the  lowest  and  most  laborious  services ; and  if 
too  great  numbers  thus  devoted  themselves,  they  would  bean 
encumbrance,  rather  than  an  advantage,  to  the  sanctuary.— 
The  Gibeonites  were  afterwards  employed  44  as  hewers  of 
wood  and  drawers  of  water and  perhaps  some  others,  who 
refused  to  redeem  themselves,  performed  menial  services  to 
the  priests  and  Levites.  Probably  these,  as  well  as  the 
Gibeonites,  were  called  JVethinim , or  dedicated  persons,  of 
whom  we  shall  read  hereafter.  (Notes,  Josh  9:27.  1 Chr . 

9:2. ) Samuel,  who  was  a Levite,  was  thus  dedicated  by  his 
( 249  ) 


C , L . 14 1! ./ • 


LE^  IT1CUS.  E.  C.  1 190. 


7 An.l  if  cr  oe  i' from  sixty  years  old  and  above ; 
if  it  be  a ma'e,  then  thy  estimation  shall  be  fifteen 
shekels,  and  for  the  female  ten  shekels. 

8 But  if  ho  be/poorer  than  thy  estimation,  then 
ne  shall  pi  'sent  himself  belbre  the  priest,  and  the 
priest  shah  value  him : according  to  his  ability  that 
vowed  shall  the  priest  value  him. 

9 H And  if  it  be  a beast,  whereof  men  bring  an 
offering  unto  the  Lord  ; all  that  any  man  giveth 
of  si  eh  unto  the  Lord  shall  be  holy. 

1 0 He  ’’shall  not  alter  it,  nor  change  it,  a good 
far  a bad,  or  a bad  for  a good : and  if  he  shall  at 
all  change  beast  for  beast,  then  it  and  the  exchange 
thereof  shall  be  holy. 

1 1 And  if  it  be  anv  ‘unclean  beast,  of  which  they 
do  not  offer  a sacrifice  unto  the  Lord  ; then  he 
shall  present  the  beast  before  the  priest : 

12  Anl  the  priest  shall  value  it,  whether  it  be 
goo  1 or  bad ; 'as  thou  valuest  it,  who  art  the 
priest,  so  shall  it  be. 

13  B it  if  he  will  at  all  redeem  it,  kthen  he  shall 
add  a fifth  part  thereof  unto  thy  estimation. 

14  <il  And  when  a man  shall  ’sanctify  his  house 
to  be  holy  unto  the  Lord;  then  the  priest  shall  es- 
timate it,  whether  it  be  good  or  bad:  mas  the  priest 
shall  estimate  it,  so  shall  it  stand. 

1 5 And  if  he  that  sanctified  it  will  redeem  his 
house,  “then  he  shall  add  the  fifth  part  of  the 
money  of  thy  estimation  unto  it,  and  it  shall  be  his. 

16  And  if  a man  shall  sanctify  unto  the  Lord 
some  part  °of  a field  of  his  possession ; then  thy 
estimation  shall  be  according  to  the  seed  thereof: 
fan  Wi  >mer  of  barley-seed  shall  be  valued  at  fifty 
shekels  of  silver. 

17  If  he  sanctify  his  field  from  the  year  of  jubi- 
lee, according  to  thy  estimation  it  shall  stand. 

18  But  if  he  sanctify  his  fietd  ‘’after  the  jubilee; 
then  the  priest  shall  reckon  unto  him  the  money 
according  to  the  years  that  remain,  even  unto  the 

fPs.  90.10.  *5:7.  128.  11:21,22.  Mar!:  14:7.  Luke  21:1— 4.  2 Cor.  8:12.  h 15 
— 33.  Jam.  1:8.  i Dent.  93:18.  Mah  1:11.  * Hub.  according  to  thy  estimation,  I 
O priest,  &c.  k 1(1,15, 19.  5:16.  6:4,5.  2*2:14.  121.  25:29—31.  Num.  18:14. 

m 12.  n Sec  on  13.  o \cts  4:34 — 37.  5:4.  t Or,  the  land  of  an  homer,  ftc. 
pis. 5:10.  Ez.  45:11— 14.  Hog.  3:2.  q 25:15,16,27,51 ,52.  rSf*onl3.  s 25: 
10,29,31.  1 28,29.  Pent.  13:17.  Josh.  6:17.  Ezra  10:8.  Ez.  44:29.  margins. 

mother  ; and,  not  being  redeemed,  he  was  employed  about 
the  sanctuary  from  his  childhood,  long  before  the  age  when 
the  Levites  entered  upon  their  office. — Perhaps  some  others, 
who  dedicated  themselves  or  their  children,  were  thus  employ- 
ed : yet  in  general  they  were  allowed,  or  even  ordered,  to  be 
redeemed,  at  the  valuation  here  prescribed  ; which  was 
equitable  and  moderate,  and  was  reduced  still  lower  in  cases 
of  poverty.  Children  might  not  thus  devote  themselves;  but 
their  parents  might  devote  them.  The  women,  if  not  redeem- 
ed, would  find  employment  in  spinning,  weaving,  and  making 
the  garments  for  the  priests,  or  washing  for  them,  and  in 
various  other  ways ; as  we  may  suppose  the  Gibeonitish 
women,  and  the  wives  of  the  Nethinim  did. 

V.  9 — 13.  If  any  particular  animal  were  thus  vowed  unto 
the  Lord,  it  was  to  be  accounted  holy,  and  must  not  be  ex- 
changed ; but  must  be  sacrificed,  provided  it  were  fit  for  sacri- 
fice : otherwise  it  was  to  he  valued  and  sold ; but  at  a dearer 
rate  to  him  who  vowed  it  than  to  another  person,  as  a rebuke 
for  his  rashness  and  inconstancy.  Some  suppose  that  the 
money  was  put  into  the  treasury  of  the  sanctuary,  to  defray 
the  expenses  of  the  worship  there  performed:  others,  that  the 
priests  had  it  for  their  own  use. — The  difference  between  this 
singular  vow  and  ordinary  vows , seems  to  have  been  this : — 
tfye  ordinary  vow  was  made,  when  in  quest  of  some  blessing, 
or  when  some  special  mercy  was  received  : the  person  who 
vowed  engaged  to  offer  certain  sacrifices  of  burnt-offerings  or 
peace-offerings  unto  the  Lord  ; and  it  included  nothing  else. 
But  a singular  vow  was  the  solemn  dedication  of  a man’s  person 
nr  child,  or  some  part  of  his  property,  to  the  immediate  use  of 
the  sanctuary,  or  of  the  priests;  with  special  designation , 
whether  fit  for  sacrifice  or  not. 

V.  1(5.  A man  was  not  allowed  to  alienate  in  this  man-, 
ner  his  whole  patrimony,  hut  only  some  part  of  a field:  he 
might  express  his  good-will  for  the  house  of  God,  but  he  must 
not  impoverish  his  own  family. 

An  homer , &c.]  That  is,  as  much  land  as  required  a ho- 
mer of  barley  to  sow  it.  An  omer  was  only  the  tenth  part  of 
an  ephah  ; a homer  contained  ten  ephahs,  or  above  eight 
bushels  Winchester  measure. 

V.  17— 19.  Notes,  25:11—  30. 

V . 20—24.  If  the  person  who  dedicated  his  land  refused  to 
redeem  it,  it  became  the  perpetual  inheritance  of  the  priests, 
and  could  only  be  leased  out  till  the  year  of  jubilee.  If  he 
had  sold  his  right  in  it  to  another  man,  afler  having  made  his 
vow  ; he  forfeited  that  right , but  the  purchaser  did  not  suc- 
ceed to  it.  A man  could  not  thus  alienate  such  land,  as  by 
( 250  ) 


year  of  the  jubilee,  and  it  shall  he  abated  from  thy 
estimation. 

19  And  if  he  that  sanctified  the  field  will  in  any 
wise  redeem  it;  rthen  he  shall  add  the  filth  part  of 
the  money  of  thy  estimation  unto  it,  and  it  shall 
be  assured  to  him. 

20  And  if  he  will  not  redeem  the  field,  or  if  lie 
have  sold  the  field  to  another  man,  it  shall  not  be 
redeemecTany  more. 

21  But  if  the  field, ’when  itgoeth  out  in  the  jubilee, 
shall  be  holy  unto  the  Lord,  as  a field  'devoted: 
the  possession  thereof  shall  be  the  "priest’s. 

22  And  if  a man  sanctify  unto  the  Lord  a field 
which  he  hath  bought,  which  is  not  of  the  fields 
of  xhis  possession  ; 

23  Then  the  priest  shall  reckon  unto  him  the 
worth  of  >thy  estimation,  even  unto  the  year  of  the 
jubilee,  and  he  shall  give  thine  estimation  in  that 
day,  as  a holy  thing  unto  the  Lord. 

24  In  the  year  of  the  jubilee  the  field  shall  re 
turn  unto  him  of  whom  it  was  bought,  even  'to 
him  to  whom  the  possession  of  the  land  did  belong. 

25  And  “all  thy  estimations  shall  he  according 
to  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary : Twenty  gerahs 
shall  be  the  shekel. 

26  Only  the  Ifirstlingof  the  beasts,  'which  should 
be  the  Lord’s  firstling,  no  man  shall  sanctify  it : 
whether  it  be  ox  or  sheep,  it  is  the  Lord’s. 

27  And  if  it  be  of  an  unclean  beast,  then  he  shad 
redeem  it  according  to  thine  estimation,  and  shall 
add  a fifth  part  of  it  thereto : or  if  it  be  not  redeem- 
ed, then  it  shall  be  sold  according  to  thy  estima- 
tion. 

28  If  Notwithstanding,  dno  devoted  thing  that  a 
man  shall  devote  unto  the  Lord,  of  all  that  he 
hath,  both  of  man  and  beast,  and  of  the  field  of 
his  possession,  shall  be  sold  or  redeemed,:  every 
devoted  thing  is  most  holy  unto  the  Lord. 

29  None  devoted,  which  shall  be  devoted  of 

u Num.  18:14.  Ez.  44:29.  x 25:10,25.  y 12,18.  z20.  25:28.  n S.  h Ex  30:13. 
Num.  3:47.  18.16.  Ez.  45:12.  J Heb.  first-born,  Sc.  c Ex.  13:2,12,13.  22: 
30.  Num.  18:17.  Peul.  15:19.  dSteon21.  Ex.  22:20.  Num.  21:2.3.  Deul. 
7:1,2.  13:15,16.20:16,17.25:19.  Josh. 6: 17— 19.26  . 7:1,11— 13, 25.Jude.  11:30, 
31.21:5.11,18.  1 Sam.  14:21—28,38—45.  15:3,18,32,33.  Mall.  25.41. Acts  23:12— 
14.  Rom.  9:3.  1 Cor.  16:22.  Gal.  3:10,13. 


law  returned  at  the  year  of  jubilee  to  the  family  of  which  it 
had  been  bought ; but  if  he  had  vowed  it,  he  must  redeem  it 
at  the  estimation  made  of  it.  Houses  and  lands,  if  thus  vowed, 
became  the  property  of  the  priests  at  the  year  of  jubilee  ; un- 
less redeemed  by  him  that  vowed  them.  This  was  an  addi- 
tional reason,  why  the  fifth  part  should  in  that  case  be  added 
to  the  priest’s  estimation  of  them. 

V.  26,  27.  As  these  firstlings  were  the  Lord’s  before,  it 
would  have  been  a solemn  mockery  to  pretend  to  make  them 
a matter  of  a singular  vow  ; for  they  were  already  appointed, 
if  clean,  to  be  sacrificed.  But  if  an  unclean  firstling  were 
thus  dedicated  to  God,  the  owner  might  redeem  it,  as  another 
unclean  firstling,  though  not  with  a lamb,  hut  with  its  estima- 
tion in  money,  adding  to  it  a fifih  part;  and  if  he  refused  to 
redeem  it,  it  was  killed,  and  sold  for  the  benefit  of  the  priests, 
or  the  support  of  the  sanctuary. 

V.  28, 29.  Tiie  word  (D"»n),  here  rendered  a devoted  thing , 
implies  an  anathema , or  curse.  Persons  thus  devoted,  were 
by  solemn  vows  consigned  to  utter  destruction  without  re- 
demption: but  then  this  vow  could  not  be  valid,  if  contrary  to 
any  part  of  the  divine  law  ; and  in  that  case  the  person 
making  it  needed  repentance  and  forgiveness.  In  respect  of 
thbigs  devoted , they  were  either  utterly  destroyed  by  fire,  or 
wholly  dedicated  to  religious  uses.  The  Lord  himself  thus 
devoted  the  Amalekites,  and  the  Canaanites  in  general,  and 
the  inhabitants  of  Jericho  in  particular;  but  he  reserved  the 
precious  metals  for  the  sacred  treasury.  And  the  Israelites 
thus  devoted  the  cities  of  Arad.  (Note,  Num.  21:1 — 3.)  — 
Probably  Jephthah’s  vow,  and  his  manner  of  performing  it, 
arose  from  a misconstruction  of  this  law;  for  whatever  was 
thus  devoted  was  surely  to  be  put  to  death,  if  no  divine  law 
forbad:  hut  the  people  rescued  Jonathan,  whom  his  father 
Saul  had  thus  rashly  and  unwittingly  devoted,  and  doubtless 
they  acted  properly.  (Notes,  Judg.  11:3*1 — 40.  1 Sam. 

14:36—46.) 

V.  30 — 34.  The  custom  of  dedicating  the  tenth  part  of 
any  profit  or  increase  to  religious  uses,  was  doubtless  moro 
ancient  than  the  Mosaic  law:  (Notes,  Gen.  14:18 — 20.  28:20 
— 22.)  and  learned  men  have  shown  that  (probably  from 
tradition)  it  prevailed  in  many  nations ; though  not  so  regu- 
larly as  in  Israel.  From  the  law  afterwards  given  concern- 
ing the  division  of  these  tithes,  it  is  evident  that  they  were 
intended  to  be  a considerable  part  of  the  stated  inain'enance 
of  the  priests  and  Levites;  (Num.  18:21 — 32.)  and  they  must 
therefore  be  carefully  distinguished  from  the  second  tithes,  on 
which  the  people  feasted  before  the  Lord,  with  the  Levites. 


B C.  1490 


CHAPTER  I. 


B.  C.  1490 


men,  shall  be  redeemed : but  shall  surely  be  put  to 
death. 

30  IT  And  'all  the  tithe  of  the  land,  whether  of 
the  seed  of  the  land,  or  of  the  fruit  of  the  tree,  is 
the  Lord’s  : it  is  holy  unto  the  Lord. 

31  And  if  a man  will  fat  all  redeem  aught  of 

his  tithes,  he  shall  add  thereto  the  fifth  part  there- 
of. * 

32  And  concerning  the  tithe  of  the  herd,  or  of 

• . e3.  14:20.28:2a.  Num.  18:21—24.  Deut.  12:5,6.  14:22,23.  2 Chr.  31:5,6,12. 
Neh.  12.37,33.  12:44.  13:5,12.  Mil.  8:8—10.  Mmt.  23:23.  Luke  11:42.  18:12. 


(Note,  Deut.  14:22 — 29.)  The  regulations  here  made  would 
prevent  the  introduction  of  a modus  in  collecting  the  tithes, 
as  well  as  impropriations , and  various  other  methods,  which , 
have  in  many' places  reduced  almost  to  beggary  the  clergy, 
for  whose  maintenance  tithes  were  originally  given.  What- 
ever may  be  said  in  this  case,  where  tithes  are  only  a human 
institution  ; it  would  certainly  have  been  wrong  where  they 
were  an  express  divine  appointment.  Yet  doubtless  this  law 
teaches,  that  they  u who  labour  in  the  word  and  doctrine” 
have  a right  to  a maintenance,  and  ought  not  to  be  defrauded 
of  it.  . 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  good  to  be  zealously  affected,  and  liberally  disposedj  to 
the  service  and  sanctuary  of  the  Lord:  but  consideration 
should  precede,  and  prudence  should  direct,  the  application 
of  our  liberality ; otherwise  rash  vows,  and  inconstancy  in 
performing  them,  will  dishonour  God  and  embarrass  our  own 
minds. — We  should  dedicate  ourselves  and  our  families  to  his 
service,  according  to  the  situation  of  life  in  which  the  provi- 
dence of  God  has  placed  us.  But  may  we  not  aptly  accom- 
modate these  44  singular  vows  of  persons”  to  the  case  of  those, 
who,  perhaps  with  good  intention , but  great  impropriety , are 
determined  to  leave  their  proper  employments,  and  to  enter 
into  the  ministry ; or  to  those,  who  resolve  to  bring  up  their 
children  to  that  sacred  office,  before  they  can  know  whether 
they  will  be  properly  qualified  or  disposed  for  such  a service  ? 
Too  many  seem  to  forget,  that  there  are  other  ways  of  glori- 
fying God  and  serving  his  church,  besides  preaching  the  gos- 
pel: and  though  no  general  rules  can  be  prescribed  in  such 
cases  ; yet  much  caution,  deliberation,  prayer,  patient  waiting, 
and  submission  to  Providence,  should  precede  every  person’s 
leaving  another  calling  to  enter  into  the  ministry.  Nor  should 


the  flock,  even  of  whatsoever  spasseth  under  the 
rod,  the  tenth  shall  be  holy  unto  the  Lord. 

33  He  shall  not  search  whether  it  be  good  or 
bad,  ''neither  shall  he  change  it : and  if  he  change 
it  at  all,  then  both  it  and  the  change  thereof  shal*. 
be  holy  : it  shall  not  be  redeemed. 

34  These  are  ‘the  commandments  which  the 
Lord  commanded  Moses,  for  the  children  ot 
Israel  kin  mount  Sinai. 


Heb.  7:5-9.  f 13.  gjer.33:13.  Ez.  29:37.  Mic.7:14.  h 10.  i 26:46.  Deut. 
4:45.  John,  1:17.  kNum.  1:1.  Gal.  4:21,25.  Heb.  12:18—25. 

any  resolutions  or  vows  be  considered  binding,  unless  the  Lord 
allows  them,  by  giving  proper  qualifica lions  and  dispositions, 
and  opening  a regular  door  of  admission  in  his  providence. 
Otherwise  such  persons  had  better  endeavour  themselves, 
and  bring  up  their  children,  to  honour  God  by  their  example, 
influence,  and  substance  in  a private  character : for  to  this 
day  he  will  choose  his  own  ministers,  whom  he  employs  in  his 
sanctuary,  without  regarding  our  partial  or  selfish  desires  and 
intentions. — Aur  houses,  lands,  cattle,  and  substance  should 
be  possessed  and  used  to  his  glory ; and  a portion  dedicated 
immediately  to  the  support  of  his  worship,  and  tp  promote  his 
cause,  is  acceptable  to  him,  if  done  with  a constant  and 
willing  mind,  and  in  prudence  and  equity.  But  he  neither 
approves  of  those  who  grudge  his  servants  their  support,  nor 
of  those  who  injure  their  families,  and  perhaps  their  creditors, 
by  an  imprudent  or  ostentatious  profusion  in  these  respects ; 
nor  yet  of  those  who  rashly  engage,  and  inconstantly  retract 
their  engagements.  But  let  us  not  forget  that  we  sinners 
were  devoted  to  utter  destruction,  as  under  the  curse  of  a 
broken  law;  and  that  Jesus  willingly  devoted  himself  to  be 
44  made  a curse  for  us,”  and  tasted  the  bitterness  -of  death, 
yea,  the  wrath  of  the  Father,  for  our  redemption.  The  doom 
of  those  who  neglect  this  great  salvation  will  be  irreversible ; 
and  it  will  by  the  omnipotent  Judge  be  said  to  them,  44  Depart 
from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the 
devil  and  his  angels.”  Let  us  then  flee  to  him  as  a Saviour 
for  refuge  ; and,  receiving  the  reconciliation,  let  us  yield  our- 
selves to  him,  without  wishing  or  desiring  a change,  to  be 
unto  him  a holy  people,  that  44  his  name  may  be  glorified  in 
us,”  living  and  dying,  and  for  ever ; 44  and  we  glorified  in  him, 
according  to  the  grace  of  our  God,  and  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.”  (Note,  2 Thes.  1:11,12.) 


THE  FOURTH  BOOK  OF  MOSES, 

CALLED 

NUMBERS. 


This  book  takes  its  name  from  the  repeated  numberings  of  the  people  and  of  the  Levites,  which  it  records.  It  derives  this  name 
(as  the  preceding  books  do  theirs)  from  the  Septuagint;  but  the  names  of  ttye  others  stand  in  the  original  Greek,  while  this  is 
translated  into  English.  It  is  called  in  the  original.  ("Oioa)4  In  the  loilderness from  the  account  which  it  contains  of  the  Israel- 
ites in  the  wilderness.  It  opens  with  an  account  of  the  arrangement  of  the  twelve  tribes  into  regular  encampments,  in  four  divi- 
sions under  their  several  leaders,  around  the  tabernacle  ; the  care  of  which,  and  of  all  its  furniture,  was  committed  to  the  Levites, 
in  three  divisions,  according  to  their  families.  The  history  of  Israel  afterwards  proceeds  : and  the  sacred  writer  having  recorded 
that  instance  of  rebellion  which  provoked  God  “ to  swear  in  his  wrath  that  they  should  not  enter  into  his  rest,”  gives  an  account 
of  the  continuance  of  the  Israelites  in  the  wilderness  for  above  thirty-eight  years  : and  the  whole  is  intermixed  with  many  laws, 
moral  and  ceremonial. — In  confirmation  of  the  united  testimony  of  antiquity,  that  Moses  wrote  the  books  ascribed  to  him,  which  is 
uniformly  sanctioned  by  all  the  sacred  writers,  and  in  an  especial  manner  by  our  Lord  and  his  apostles  ; it  may  be  useful  to  the 
6tudious  reader  to  notice,  how  constantly  the  laws  and  facts  of  this  book  are  referred  to  in  all  the  subsequent  parts  of  Scripture,  as 
things  of  established  credit  and  notoriety  ; which  never  could  have  been  the  case,  had  not  the  book  been  well  known  among  the 
Israelites.  In  general,  the  marginal  references,  if  carefully  consulted,  will  most  fully  establish  this  point : in  particular,  the  mi- 
nistrations severally  allotted  to  the  priests  and  Levites  ; the  unbelief  and  rebellion  which  excluded  this  generation  of  Israel  from 
Canaan  ; their  subsequent  wanderings  for  almost  forty  years  in  the  wilderness  ; the  conquest  of  the  countries  possessed  by  Sihon 
and  Og  ; and  the  settlement  of  two  tribes  and  a half  east  of  Jordan,  are  pre-supposed  as  notorious  facts  in  every  subsequent  part 
of  the  sacred  Volume.  But  the  prophecies  delivered  by  Balaam,  which  have  already  received  a most  signal  accomplishment,  not 
only  prove  the  narrative  to  be  genuine,  and  that  Balaam  spake  by  the  Spirit  of  prophecy  : but  as  introduced  in  close  connexion 
with  the  history,  long  before  any  of  the  predictions  were  fulfilled,  or  in  human  probability  likely  to  be  so  ; they  form  a collateral 
argument,  that  the  book  itself  was  divinely  inspired  : for  in  this  manner  the  Lord  has  seen  good  to  set  his  seal  to  most,  if  not  all, 
of  the  several  books  of  holy  writ. 


B.  C.  1490. 

CHAPTER  I. 

f%e  Lord  commands  Moses  to  number  Israel,  and  appoints  by  name  a prince 
from  each  tribe  to  assist  him,  1—16.  The  number  of  each  tribe , and  the 
sum  total,  17 — 46.  The  Levites  are  not  numbered  with  the  rest,  being  to 
serve  at  the  tabernacle , 47 — 54. 

A ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  ain  the  wil- 
derness  of  Sinai,  bin  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation,  con  the  first  day  of  the  second 

a 10:12.  fix.  19:1.  Lev.  27:34.  b Ex . 25:22.  Lev.  1: 1 . c 9:1 . 10:11.  Ex. 40:17. 
1 Kings  6:1.  *126:2—1,63,64.  Ex.  30:12.  38:26.  2Sam.24:2,3.  1 Chr.  21:2. 

NOTES. — Chap.  I.  V.  1 — 3..  Though  the  sum  total  in 
this  chapter  is  exactly  the  same  with  that  before  mentioned, 
the  numbering  cannot  be  the  same ; for  that  preceded  the 


B.  C.  1490. 

month,  in  the  second  year  after  they  were  come 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  saying, 

2 Take  ye  dthe  sum  of  all  the  congregation  of 
'the  children  of  Israel,  f after  their  families,  by  the 
house  of  their  fathers,  with  the  number  of  their 
names,  every  male  by  tbeir  polls  : 

3 From  ^twenty  years  old  and  upward,  all  that 

eOen.  49:1 — 3.  Ex.  1:1— 6.  f 18,22,26,  &c.  Ex.  6:14— 19.  g 14:29.  32:11.  Ei 
30.14. 


construction  of  the  tabernacle,  which  was  set  up  on  the  first 
day  of  the  first  month,  and  the  bases  were  formed  of  the  silver 
collected  upon  that  occasion ; whereas  this  was  ordered  on 

( 251  ) 


B C.  1430. 


NUMBERS. 


B.  C.  1490. 


pic  Ilal)le  to  go  forth  to  war  in  Israel:  thou  and 
Anion  shall  number  them  'by  their  armies. 

4 1i  And  with  you  there  shall  be  a man  of 
every  tribe,  kevery  one  head  of  the  house  of  his 
fathers. 

5 And  these  are  the  names  of  the  men  that  shall 
Stand  with  you  : Of  the  tribe  of  Reuben;  'Elizur, 

he  son  of  Shedeur. 

6 Of  Simeon ; '"Shelumiel,  the  son  of  Zuris- 
haddai. 

7 Of  Judah;  “Nahshon,  the  son  of  Ammina- 
dab. 

8 Of  Issachar ; "Nethaneel,  the  son  of  Zuar. 

9 Of  Zebulun;  I'Eliab,  the  son  of  Helon. 

10  Of  the  children  of  Joseph : of  Ephraim; 
lElishama,  the  son  of  Ammibud  : of  Manasseh  ; 
rGamaliel,  the  son  of  Pedahzur. 

1 1 Of  Benjamin  ; sAhidan,  the  son  of  Gideoni. 

12  Of  Dan;  tAhiezer,  the  son  of  Arrftnishacklai. 

13  Of  Asher;  “Pagiel,  the  son  of  Ocran. 

14  Of  Gad;  IEliasaph,  the  son  of  Deuel. 

15  Of  Naphtali ; yAhira,  the  son  of  Enan. 

16  These  were  Hhe  renowned  of  the  congrega- 
tion, princes  of  the  tribes  of  their  fathers,  “heads 
of  thousands  in  Israel. 

17  *H  And  Moses  and  Aaron  took  these  men 
which  are  expressed  by  their  names : 

18  And  they  assembled  all  the  congregation 
together  on  the  first  day  of  the  second  month  ; and 
they  declared  btheir  pedigrees  after  their  families, 
cby  the  house  of  their  fathers,  according  to  the 
number  of  the  names,  from  twenty  years  old  and 
upward,  by  their  polls. 

19  ''As  the  Lord'  commanded  Moses,  so  he 
numbered  them  in  the  wilderness  of  Sinai. 

20  And  the  children  of  Reuben,  “Israel’s  eldest 
son,  by  their  generations,  after  their  families,  by 
the  house  of  their  fathers,  according  to  the  num- 
ber of  the  names,  by  their  polls,  every  male  from 
twenty^  years  old  and  upward,  all  that  were  able 
to  go  forth  to  war  ; 

21  Those  that  were  numbered  of  them,  even  of 
the  tribe  of  Reuben,  'were  forty  and  six  thousand 
and  five  hundred. 

22  H Of  the  children  of  ^Simeon,  by  their 
generations,  after  their  families,  by  the  house  of 
their  fathers,  those  that  were  numbered  of  them, 
according  to  the  number  of  the  names,  by  their 

h Dem.  3:18.  2 fhr.  17:13 — IS.  26:1 1 — 13.  133:1.  Ex.  12:17.  k 16.  17:3. 

23  1.11.  Kx.  18:25.  Jnsli.  22:14.  12:10.7:30.10:18.  m 2:12.  7:36.  10:19. 
n 7:3.  7:12.  10:14.  Ruth  1:13—22.  Molt.  1:2— 5.  Naasson.  o 2:5.  7:18.  10:15. 
p 2:7.  7:24.  1U:  16.  q2:18.  7:18.  10:22.  1 Chr.  7:25.27.  r 2:20  . 7:54.  10:23. 

e 2:22.  7:60.  10.21.  1 2:25.  7:68.  10:2$.  n 2:27.  7:72.  10:26.  x 7:«.  10:2  •.* 

So*  «r/f 2:11.  V 2:29.  7:78.  10:27.  t7:2.  16:2.  26:9.  Judx.  6:15. 1 Chr.  27: 
16—22.  a 4.  Ex.  18:21,25.  Dem.  1:15.  1 Sam. -.2:7.  23:23.  Mic.  5:2.  b Ezra 


the  first  day  of  the  second  month.  (Ex.  38:25 — 28.  40:2.) 
— The  Levit.es  were  exempted  both  from  the  tribute  and 
from  war,  and  consequently  were  not  included  in  either 
account.  None  seem  to  have  been  numbered  who  were  un- 
serviceable, whether  through  age  or  infirmities  ; but  as 
u there  was  not  one  feeble  person  among  their  tribes”  when 
they  left  Egypt,  we  may  suppose  there  were  very  few  at  this 
time.  (Note,  Eop.  13:17,18,  latter  part.)  Yet  all  the  women, 
the  minors,  and  probably  the  old  men,  were  omitted ; as  well 
as  the  m xed  multitude  which  came  up  with  them  out  of 
Egypt.  Each  iribe  was  reckoned  in  even  numbers;  no  less 
sum  than  fifty  being  mentioned,  and  that  but  in  one  instance  ; 
(25)  as  they  were  ranked  under  rulers  of  thousands,  of 
hundreds,  and  of  fifties,  yet  according  to  their  tribes,  families, 
and  households ; it  is  probable  they  were  registered  accord- 
ingly, with  the  omission  of  the  odd  numbers:  and  the  altera- 
tions had  been  so  few  since  the  former  account  was  taken, 
that  it  made  no  difference  in  the  round  sum.  Some  indeed 
infer  from  this  circumstance,  that  not  one  had  died  in  the 
intervening  space : but  if  this  were  allowed,  it  must  also  be 
supposed,  that  no  individual  had  attained  the  age  of  twenty 
years  in  that  time;  which  is  totally  improbable!  They  were 
numbered  in  order  to  illustrate  the  divine  faithfulness  in  thus 
increasing  the  seed  of  Jacob  ; to  prepare  the  way  for  their 
regular  march  and  encampments,  as  now  about  to  depart  from 
Sinai ; and  in  order  to  their  being  trained  up  for  the  wars  and 
conquests  of  Canaan  ; as  well  as  to  ascertain  their  genealogies, 
in  order  to  the  division  of  the  land  by  lot. — The  Israelites  had 
now  continued  almost  a year  at  mount  Sinai.  (Note,  Ex. 
49:1.) 

V.  5 — 10.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  heads  of  the  tribes  are 
here  arranged,  according  to  the  mothers  of  Jacob’s  sons. 
Those  of  Leah  are  first  placed  in  the  order  of  their  birth)  and 
ttien  those  of  Rachel ; but.  Ephraim,  the  younger  son  of 
( 252  ; 


polls,  every  ma.e  irom  twenty,  years  old  and  up- 
ward, all  that  were  able  to  go  lorth  to  war; 

23  Those  that  were  numbered  of  them,  even  of 
the  tribe  of  Simeon,  hwe?re  fifty  and  nine  ihousand 
and  three  hundred. 

24  H 01'  the  children  of  'Gad,  by  tneir  genera- 
tions, after  their  families,,  by  the  house  of  their 
fathers,  according  to  the  number  of  the  names, 
from  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  all  that  were 
able  to  go  lorth  lo  war ; 

25  Those  that  were  numbered  of  them,  even  of 
the  tribe  of  Gad,  were  kforty  and  five  thousand 
six  hundred  and  fifty. 

26  11  Of  the  children  of  'Judah,  by  their  gene- 
rations, after  their  families,  by  the  house  of  their 
lathers,  according  to  the  number  of  the  names, 
from  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  all  that  were 
able  to  go  forth  to  war  ; 

27  Those  that  were  numbered  of  them,  even  of 
the  tribe  of  Judah,  were  mthreescore  and  fourteen 
thousand  and  six  hundred. 

28  H Of  the  children  of  "Issachar,  by  their 
generations,  after  their  families,  by  the  house  of 
their  fathers,  according  to  the  number  of  the 
names,  from  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  all  that 
were  able  to  go  forth  to  war ; 

29  Those  that  were  numbered  of  them,  even  ol 
the  tribe  of  Issachar,  were  "fifty  and  four  thousand 
and  four  hundred. 

30  U Of  the  children  of  I’Zebulun,  by  their 
generations,  after  their  families,  by  the  house  of 
their  fathers,  according  to  the  number  of  the 
names,  from  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  all 
that  were  able  to  go  forth  to  war ; 

31  Those  that  were  numbered  of  them,  even  ol 
the  tribe  of  Zebulun,  were  i fifty  and  seven  thou- 
sand and  four  hundred. 

32  H Of  the  children  of  "Joseph,  namely,  of  the 
children  of  Ephraim,  by  their  generations,  after 
their  families, .by  the  house  of  their  fathers  accord- 
ing to  the  number  of  the  names,  from  twenty  years 
old  and  upward,  all  that  were  able  to  go  forth 
to  war 

33  Those  that  were  numbered  of  them,  even  of 
■the  tribe  of  Ephraim,  1 were  forty  thousand  and 
five  hundred. 

34  Of  the  children  of  Manasseh,  by  their  gene- 
rations, after  their  families,  by  the  house  of  their 

2:59.  Nell.  7:61.  Heb.  7:3,6.  margins,  c See  on  2.  il  26:1,2,  2 Sam.  24:1 — 10. 
e Den.  29:32.  49:3,4.  1 Chr.  5:1.  f2:10,U.  26:7.  gGen.  29.33.  34:25— 30.  42: 
24.49:5,6.  h 2:. 3u  25:8,9,14.  26:14.  i Gen.  30:10,11.  49:19.  k 2:15.  26:18. 

1 Gen.  29:35.  49:8—12.  1 Chr.  5:2.  m 2:3,4  . 26:22.  2Snm.  24:9.  2 Chr.  17:14 
—16.  n Gen.  3U;18.  49:14,15.  o 1:6.  26:25.  p Gen. 30:20.  49: 13.  q 2:8.  26: 
27.  r Gen.  30:24.  37:  39:— 18:  49:22-26.  s Gen.  48:5.  Dem.  33:17.  t 2 : 1 9 
26:37. 


Joseph,  is  placed  first.  Afterwards  the  sons  of  the  hand- 
maids are  mentioned  ; but  it  is  observable,  that  Bilhah’s 
eldest  son  is  first  named,  and  the  two  sons  of  Zilpah  next, 
yet  the  youngest  first ; and  at  last  Napntali,  the  other  son  of 
Bilhah.  This  arrangment  is  not  easily  accounted  for:  nor  is 
it  adhered  to  in  the  subsequent  part  of  the  chapter* — 
Elishama,  the  son  of  Ammihud,  (10)  was  Joshua’s  grand- 
father. (1  Chr.  7:26,27.) 

V.  17— 21.  Marg.  Ref.  Comp.  26:7. 

V.  22,  23.  Marg.  Ref.  Note , 26:14. 

V.  24.  The  tribe  of  Gad  marched  along  with  that  of 
Simeon,  under  the  standard  of  Reuben  ; and  it  seems  on  that 
account  to  have  been  introduced  in  this  order.  The  other 
tribes  also  are  classed  together  according  to  their  encamp- 
ments, and  the  order  of  their  subsequent  march  ; and  not  ac- 
cording to  the  arrangement  before  given  of  their  princes. 

V.  25.  Comp.  26:18. 

V.  26,  27.  Jacob  had  given  Judah  the  pre-eminence  in 
his  prophetical  blessing;  and  that,  tribe  was  to  have  the  pre- 
cedency in  the  encampments  of  Israel:  accordingly  God  hud 
increased  them  more  than  any  of  their  brethren ; indeed,  to 
more  than  double  the  number  of  some  of  the  tribes. — Ephraim 
and  Manasseh,  according  to  the  same  prophecy,  were  num- 
bered as  distinct  tribes,  Ephraim  having  the  superiority  as  it 
had  been  foretold;  and  Joseph  indeed  appears  14  a fruitful 
bough:”  yet  the  tribe  of  Judah  was  more  numerous,  by  one 
thousand  nine  hundred  men,  than  these  two  tribes  united. — 
(32—35.  26:22.  Notes,  Gen.  49:8  10,22—26.) 

V.  28 — 46.  Marg.  Ref.  Comp.  26:23 — 51. 

V.  47 — 50.  The  Leviles  were  by  this  regulation  exempted 
from  war,  because  they  were  appointed  to  another  special  ser- 
vice. It  is  evident  that  they  had  not  been  included,  when  thft 
half  shekel  each  was  collected  from  those  who  were  num- 
bered ; for  intimations  had  all  along  bccngi«ti.  * <i  the  Loi  In 


B.  C 4D0. 


CHAPTER  II.  B.  C.  1490. 


fathers,  according  to  the  number  of  the  names, 
from  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  all  that  were 
able  to  go  forth  to  war ; 

35  Those  that  were  numbered  of  them,  even  of 
the  tribe  of  Manasseh,  were  "thirty  and  two  thou- 
sand and  two  hundred. 

36  H Of  the  children  of  "Benjamin,  by  their 
generations,  after  their  families,  by  the  house  of 
their  fathers,  according  to  the  number  of  the 
names,  from  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  all 
that  were  able  to  go  forth  to  war ; 

37  Those  that  were  numbered  of  them,  even  of 
the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  were  ^thirty  and  five  thou- 
sand and  four  hundred. 

38  H Of  the  children  of  'Dan,  by  their  genera- 
tions, after  their  families,  by  the  house  of  their 
fathers,  according  to  the  number  of  the  names, 
from  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  all  that  were 
able  to  go  forth  to  war ; 

39  Those  that  were  numbered  of  them,  even  of 
the  tribe  of  Dan,  were  "threescore  and  two  thou- 
sand and  seven  hundred. 

40  If  Of  the  children  ofbAsher,  by  their  genera- 
tions, after  their  families,  by  the  house  of  their 
fathers,  according  to  the  number  of  the  names, 
from  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  all  that  were 
able  to  go  forth  to  war ; 

41  Those  that  were  numbered  of  them,  even  of 
the  tribe  of  Asher,  were  "forty  and  one  thousand 
and  five  hundred. 

42  If  Of  the  children  of  dNaphtali,  throughout 
their  generations,  after  their  families,  by  the  house 
of  their  fathers,  according  to  the  number  of  the 
names,  from  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  all  that 
were  able  to  go  forth  to  war ; 

43  Those  that  were  numbered  of  them,  even  of 
the  tribe  of  Naphtali,  were  "fifty  and  three  thou- 
sand and  four  hundred. 

44  If  These  f are  those  that  were  numbered, 
which  Moses  and  Aaron  numbered,  and  the 
princes  of  Israel,  being  twelve  men : each  one 
was  for  the  house  of  his  fathers. 

45  So  were  all  those  that  were  numbered  of 
the  children  of  Israel,  by  the  house  of  their  fathers, 
from  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  all  that  were 
able  to  go  forth  to  war  in  Israel ; 

46  Even  all  they  that  were  numbered  were 

u 2:2).  25:34.  Gen.  48:19,20.  x Gen.  35:16— 18.  44:20.  49:27.  , 2:23.  26: 

II.  Jude.  20. 14 — 18.  2 Chr.  17:17.18.  7.  Gen.  30:5,6.  49:16,17.  a2:26  . 26: 

43.  I,  Gen.  30:12,13.  49:20.  c2:28.26:47.  d Gen.  30:7,8  . 49:21.  e2:30.  28: 

50.  C2 — 16  . 26:64.  g 2:32.  23:10.  26:51.  Gen.  13:16.  K.x.  12:37.  33:26.  Deut. 
10:22.  1 Kings  4:20.  2 Chr.  13:3.  He1).  11:11,12.  Rev.  7:4—9.  h2:33.  3:  4 : 26: 
57-62.  1 Chr.  6:  21:6.  i 3:5— 10.  4:15,25—33.  Ex.  32.26— 29  . 38:21.  1 Chron. 
23:  25:  26:  Ezra  8:25— 30,33,34.  N(Ji.  12:8,22  47.  13:5,10—13,22.  k53  . 20:11. 

Ex.  31:18.  33:21.  Ps.  122:4.  12:17.3:23-38.  10:21.  m 4:5— 33.  10:17,21. 


intentions  respecting  them,  which  were  on  this  occasion  more 
explicitly  declared.  (Note,  Ex.  30:11 — 16.) 

V.  51.  Notes,  4:5—18. 

V.  53.  The  wrath  of  God  would  have  come  on  the  whole 
congregation,  if  the  service  of  the  sanctuary  had  been  ne- 
glected ; or  if  the  people  had  indiscriminately  entered  into  the 
tabernacle,  or  attempted  to  remove  it  when  they  marched. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

From  noting  the  faithfulness  of  God  to  his  promises,  how- 
ever large,  and  however  improbable  the  performance  might 
appear  in  the  case  of  Israel;  we  may  take  courage  in  expect- 
in-', and  praying  for,  the  accomplishment  of  those  which  yet 
remain  to  be  fulfilled,  to  ourselves,  and  to  the  church  of  God. 
And  again,  by  considering  the  astonishing  manner  in  which 
this  immense  multitude  of  men,  besides  women,  children,  and 
strangers,  were  fed,  watered,  and  provided  for  in  the  wilder- 
ness ; we  may  learn  to  trust  the  Lord  for  such  things  as  are 
needful  for  us  and  our  families.  Yet  when  we  recollect  how 
soon,  and  in  what  manner,  their  carcasses  fell  in  the  wilder- 
ness; we  may  also  be  reminded  to  revere  the  awful  justice  of 
God,  to  prepare  for  death,  which  is  continually  making  such 
ravages ; and  to  repent  and  depart,  from  sin  which  produces 
such  fatal  effects. — We  here  also  see,  as  in  a glass,  the  true 
Israel  of  God  ; “a  number  which  no  man  can  number,”  yet 
all  known  by  name,  and  written  in  the  book  of  life,  by  the 
Captain  of  our  salvation.  They  are  his  willing  subjects,  and 
do  not  “ despise  dominion,”  whether  of  magistrates  or  minis- 
ters, as  acting  by  commission  from  him;  they  are  indeed  men 
of  peace,  yet  marshalled,  armed,  and  prepared  for  battle  ; 
and  they  are  daily  assaulted,  whilst  on  earth,  by  many  ene- 
mies : but  under  the  command  and  protection  of  their  Cap- 
lain,  they  shall  all  finally,  one  after  anothe-,  be  crowned  con- 
querors.— Nor  are  ministers  discharged  irom  this  war;  but 
must  he  careful  “ not  to  entangle  themselves  with  the  affairs 
of  this  life,  that  they  may  please  him,  who  hath  chosen  them 


*six  hundred  thousand,  ana  tnree  thousand,  ana 
five  hundred  and  fitly. 

47  11  But  hthe  Levites,  after  the  tribe  of  their 
fathers,  were  not  numbered  among  them. 

48  F or  the  Lord  had  spoken  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

49  Only  thou  shalt  not  number  the  tribe  J 
Levi,  neither  take  the  sum  of  them  among  tl *  * 
children  of  Israel ; 

50  But  ‘thou  shalt  appoint  the  Levites  over  kthe 
tabernacle  of  testimony,  and  over  all  the  vessels 
thereof,  and  over  all  things  that  belong  to  it : they 
shall  bear  the  tabernacle,  and  all  the  vessels  thereof 
and  they  shall  minister  unto  it,  and  shall  ‘encamp 
round  about  the  tabernacle. 

51  And  when  the  tabernacle  sefteth  forward 
mthe  Levites  shall  take  it  down ; and  when  the 
tabernacle  is  to  be  pitched,  the  Levites  shall  set  it 
up : and  "the  stranger  that  cometh  nigh  shall  be 
put  to  death. 

52  And  the  children  of  Israel  shall  "pitch  their 
tents,  every  man  by  his  own  camp,  and  every  man 
by  his  own  standard,  throughout  their  hosts. 

53  But  the  Levites  rshall  pitch  round  about  the 
tabernacle  of  testimony,  that  ‘There  be  no  wrath 
upon  the  congregation  of  the  children  of  Israel : 
and  rthe  Levites  shall  keep  the  charge  of  the  taber- 
nacle of  testimony. 

54  And  the  children  of  Israel  did  "according 
to  all  that  the  Lord  commanded  Moses,  so  did 
they. 

CHAPTER  II. 

A command  that  the  people  should  encamp  according  to  their  tribes,  1,2. 
Judah,  Issachar,  Zebulun,  on  the  east;  Ine  first  division, 3 — 9.  Reuben , 
Simeon,  Gad,  on  the  south:  the  second  division,  10 — 16.  The  Levites 
around  the  tabernacle  in  the  midst,  17.  Ephraim,  Manasseh,  Benjamin , 
on  the  west;  the  third  division,  18 — 21.  xJan,  Asher,  Naphtali,  on  the 
north,  and  in  the  rear  25—31.  A general  recapitulation,  32 — 34. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  and  unto 
Aaron,  saying, 

2 Every  man  of  the  children  of  Israel  "shall 
pitch  by  his  own  standard,  with  bthe  ensign  of  their 
father’s  house : ‘far  off  "about  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation  shall  they  pitch. 

3 H And  on  the  east  side,  toward  the  rising  of 
the  sun,  shall  they  ofdthe  standard  of  the  camp  of 
Judah  pitch,  throughout  their  armies  : and  "Nah- 
shon  the  son  of  Amminadab  shall  be  captain  of  the 
children  of  Judah. 


n 3:10,38.  16:40.  18:22.  Lev.  22:10— 13.  1 Sam.  6:19.  2 Sam.  6:7.  o 2:34. 
p 50.  q 8:19.  16:46.  18:5.  Lev.  10:6.  Jer.  5:31.  23:15.  Acts  20:28— 31.  r 3:7,8. 
8:24,25.18:3—5.  31:30,47.  1 Chr.  23:32.  2 Chr.  13:10.  s2:34.  Ex. 40:16,32. 
Mall.  28:20.  a 3,10.  1:52.  10:14,18,22,25.  b la.  11 : 10 — 12.  18:3.  Zech.9:16. 

* Heb.  over  against.  Josh.  3:4.  c 1:50,53.  Ps.  76:11.  Is.  12:6.  Ex.  43:7.  I hil. 
1:27.  Col.  2:19.  Rev.  4:2-5.  cl  Gen.  49:8— 10.  Judg.  1 :1 ,2.  1 Chr.  5:2.  el-7. 
7:12,17.  10:14.26:19—22.  Ruth  4:20.  1 Chr.  2:10.  Matt.  1:4.  Luke  3:32,33. 
Naasson. 


to  be  soldiers,”  yea,  officers  in  his  army  ; and  they  must  learn 
“ to  endure  hardship  as  good  soldiers.”  ( Note,  2 Tim . 2:3 — 7. ) 
If  exempted  from  secular  concerns,  it  is  in  order  that  they 
may  be  the  more  given  up  to  the  study  and  preaching  of  the 
word  of  God,  and  to  prayer,  which  are  the  chief  weapons  of 
their  warfare ; for  by  these  means  they  may  endeavour  to 
avert  the  wrath  of  God  from  the  people.  As  Christians  are 
separated  from  the  world,  so  ministers  should  be  still  more 
detached  from  its  pursuits  and  employments,  and  examples 
to  the  flock ; ‘ not,’  says  Mr.  Henry,  ‘ affecting  to  seem 
greater,  but  aiming  to  be  really  better,  every  way  better,  than 
others.’ 

NOTES. — Chap.  II.  V.  2.  The  Israelites  encamped 
in  four  grand  divisions,  with  the  tabernacle  in  the  centre  ; yet 
at  some  distance  from  it,  as  a token  of  awe  and  reverence. — 
The  sanctuary  and  the  ark,  as  pledges  of  Jehovah’s  special 
favour,  were  in  reality  the  glory  and  defence  of  the  people  ; 
yet  the  people  were  stationed,  as  if  they  had  been  the  guar- 
dians of  the  sanctuary,  and  no  enemy  could  approach  it 
without  forcing  the  way  through  their  hosts.  Religion  is  in- 
deed our  protection  ; yet  it  is  our  duty  to  support  its  cause 
and  interest  with  our  whole  power  and  ability. — This  en- 
campment is  computed  to  have  formed  a moveaple  city  ot 
twelve  miles  square:  and  many  think  that  the  door  of  every 
tent  faced  the  tabernacle,  that  thence  the  people  might  wor- 
ship towards  this  token  of  God’s  presence  upon  a mercy-seat- 
We  know  nothing  certain  concerning  the  standards  of  the 
several  tribes : but  it  is  highly  improbable  that  they  should 
have  been  the  figures  of  any  animals,  as  the  Jewish  writers 
assert;  for  this  might  have  proved  an  occasion  to  idolatry, 
and  indeed  it  was  deemed  unlawful  in  after  ages. 

V.  3.  The  tribe  of  Judah,  from  which  Christ  sprang,  was 
appointed  to  the  highest  station,  and  under  it  were  ranked 
the  tribes  of  Issachar  and  Zebulun,  Judah’s  younger  brethren 
by  the  same  mother. — The  tribe  of  Reuben,  Jacob’s  eldest 
l 253  ) 


B.  C.  1 190. 


NUMBERS. 


E.  C.  1490. 


4 And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  numbered 
of  them,  1 were  threescore  and  fourteen  thousand 
and  six  hundred. 

5 And  those  that  do  pitch  next  unto  nim  shall 
he  the  tribe  of  Issachar:  sand  Nethaneel  the  son 
of  Zuar  shall  be  captain  of  the  children  of  Issa- 
char. 

6 And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  numbered 
thereof,  were  hfifty  and  lour  thousand  and  four 
hundred. 

7 Then  the  tribe  of  Zebulun ; and  ’Eliab  the  son 
Helon  shall  be  captain  of  the  children  of  Zebulun. 

8 And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  numbered 
thereof,  there  kfifty  and  seven  thousand  and  four 
hundred. 

9 All  that  were  numbered  in  the  camp  of  Judah 
were  an  hundred  thousand  and  fourscore  thousand 
and  six  thousand  and  four  hundred,  throughout 
their  armies  : ’these  shall  first  set  forth. 

10  if  On  the  south  side  shall  be  the  standard  of 
the  camp  of  “Reuben,  according  to  their  armies: 
and  the  captain  of  the  children  of  Reuben  shall  be 
"Elizur,  the  son  of  Shedeur. 

11  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  numbered 
thereof,  were  °lbrty  and  six  thousand  and  five 
hundred. 

12  And  those  which  pitch  by  him  shall  be  the 
tribe  of  Simeon  : and  the  captain  of  the  children 
of  Simeon  shall  be  rShelumiel  the  son  of  Zuris- 
haddai. 

13  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  numbered 
of  them,  were  “ififty  and  nine  thousand  and  three 
hundred. 

14  Then  the  tribe  of  Gad:  and  the  captain  of 
the  sons  of  Gad  shall  be  ‘Eliasaph  the  son  ofReuel. 

15  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  numbered 
of  them,  were  "forty  and  five  thousand  and  six 
hundred  and  fifty. 

16  All  that  were  numbered  in  the  camp  of 
Reuben,  were  lan  hundred  thousand  and  fifty  and 
one  thousand  and  four  hundred  and  fifty,  through- 
out their  armies  : and  "they  shall  set  forth  in  the 
second  rank. 

17  “If  Then  xthe  tabernacle  of  the  congregation 
shall  set  forward,  with  the  camp  of  the  Levites  in 
the  midst  of  the  camp  : as  they  encamp  so  shall 
they  set  forward,  every  man  in  his  place,  by  their 
standards. 

18  If  On  the  west  side  shall  be  the  standard  of 
the  camp  of  ^Ephraim,  according  to  their  armies : 
and  the  captain  of  the  sons  of  Ephraim  shall  be 
"Elishama  the  son  of  Ammihud. 

19  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  numbered 
of  them,  were  "forty  thousand  and  five  hundred. 

(1:27.26:22.  B 1:8.  7:13,23.  10:15.  h 1:29.  26:25.  1 1:9.  7 24,29.  10:16.  It  1: 
31.26:26,27.  1 10:14.  m Gen.  49:3,4.  1 Chr.  5: 1.  n 1:5.  7:30,35.  10:18.  o 1: 
21.26:7.  p 1:6.  7:36,41.  10:19.  q 1:23.  26:14.  r 1:14.  7:42,47.  10  *20.  Son  nf 
Deuel,  s 1:25.  26:18.  t 9.24.31.  ti  10:18.  x 2.  1:50— 53.  3:38.  10:17,21. 

1 Cor.  14:40.  Col.  2:5.  y 1:32.  10:22.  Gen.  48:5,14— 20.  Dent.  33:17.  Ps.  80:2. 
t 1:10.  7:48,53.  10:22.  1 Chr.  7:26,27.  a 1:33.  26:37.  b 1:10.  7:54,59.  10:23. 

son,  though  degraded,  was  appointed  to  lead  the  second 
squadron,  under  whom  ranked  the  tribe  of  Simeon  his  younger 
brother,  and  that  of  Gad,  the  eldest  son  of  ZiTpah,  Leah’s 
handmaid. — The  three  tribes  descended  from  Rachel  formed 
the  third  squadron:  and  the  three  other  tribes,  descended 
from  the  concubines,  formed  the  fourth,  under  the  command 
of  a cap‘ain  of  the  tribe  of  Dan  ; concerning  which  Jacob 
prophesied,  “ Dan  shall  judge  his  people,  as  one  of  the  tribes 
of  Israel.” — Thus  the  whole  arrangement  was  formed  in  evi- 
dent wisdom,  as  well  as  sovereign  aut  hority,  so  as  to  conduce 
to  peace,  and  perpetuate  relative  affection.  ( Marg . Ref.) 

V.  5.  Nethaneel.]  The  remembrance  of  the  God  of  their 
fathers,  which  many  of  the  Israelites  retained  during  their 
bondage  in  Egypt,  appears  from  the  names  which  they  gave 
their  children  as  Nethaneel , which  signifies,  the  gift  of  God: 
Eliah , my  God  a father : Elizur , my  God  a rock;  Shclumicl , 
God  my  price:  Eliasaph , my  God  hath  added:  Elishama , 
my  God  hath  heard , &c. 

V.  fi— 10.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  17.  When  the  people  were  encamped,  one  division  of 
the  congregation  was  placed  at  each  quarter  over  against  the 
sanctuary  ; but  when  they  marched,  two  divisions  went  be- 
fore and  two  after  it.  (Note,  10:21.) 

V.  18—34.  Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Ex.  38:26—28. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  Lord  in  his  overruling  providence,  as  certainly,  though 
with  less  observation,  appoints  tho  hounds  of  our  habitation 
tnd  our  rank  ira  life,  as  he  did  tho  encampments  of  Israel  in  the 
( 254  ) 


20  And  by  him  shall  be  the  tribe  of  Manasseh : 
and  the  captain  of  the  children  of  Manasseh  shall 
be  bGamaliel  the  son  of  Pedahzur. 

21  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  numbeied 
of  them,  were  'thirty  and  two  thousand  and  two 
hundred. 

22  Then  the  tribe  of  Benjamin  : and  the  cap- 
tain of  the  sons  of  Benjamin  shall  be  dAbidan  the 
son  of  Gideoni. 

23  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  numbered 
of  them,  were  "thirty  and  five  thousand  and  four 
hundred. 

24  All  that  were  numbered  of  the  camp  of 
Ephraim  were  < an  hundred  thousand  and  eight 
thousand  and  an  hundred,  throughout  their  ar- 
mies : sand  they  shall'go  forward  in  the  third 
rank. 

25  IT  The  standard  of  the  camp  of  Dan  shall  be 
on  the  north  side  by  their  armies  : and  the  captain 
of  the  children  of  Dan  shall  be  hAhiezer  the  son 
of  Ammishaddai. 

26  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  numbered 
of  them,  were  ‘threescore  and  two  thousand  and 
seven  hundred. 

27  And  those  that  encamp  by  him  shall  be  the 
tribe  of  Asher  : and  the  captain  of  the  children  ol 
Asher  shall  be  kPagiel  the  son  of  Ocran. 

28  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  numbered 
of  them,  were  ’forty  and  one  thousand  and  five 
hundred. 

29  Then  the  tribe  of  Naphtali : and  the  captain 
of  the  children  of  Naphtali  shall  be  “Ahira,  the  son 
of  Enan. 

30  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  numbered 
of  them,  ivere  “fifty  and  three  thousand  and  four 
hundred. 

31  All  they  that  were  numbered  in  the  camp  of 
Dan,  were  “an  hundred  thousand  and  fifty  and 
seven  thousand  and  six  hundred : Pthey  shall  go 
hindmost  with  their  standards. 

32  H These  are  those  which  were  numbered  of 
the  children  of  Israel,  by  the  house  of  their  fa- 
thers : all  those  that  were  numbered  of  the  camps, 
throughout  their  hosts,  were  ‘’six  hundred  thou- 
sand and  three  thousand  and  five  hundred  and 
fifty. 

33  Bufthe  Levites  were  not  numbered  among 
the  children  of  Israel ; as  the  Lord  commanded 
Moses. 

34  And  the  children  of  Israel  did  "according  to 
all  that  the  Lord  commanded  Moses : 'so  they 
pitched  by  their  standards,  and  so  they  set  for- 
ward, every  one  after  their  families,  according  to 
the  house  of  their  fathers. 


el:35.  26:34.  d 1:11.  7:60,65.  10:24.  c 1:37.  26:41.  (9,16,31 . g 10:21.  hi 
12.  7:66,71.  10:25.  i 1:39.  26:43.  k 1 :13  . 7:72,77.  10:26.  11:41.26:47.  ml 
15.7:78,83.10:27.  n 1:42,43.  26:50.  o9, 16,21.  p 10:25.  q 9.  1:46.  11:21.  26 
51.  Ex.  12:37.  38:26.  r 1:47— 49.  a 1:54.  Ex. 39:42.  P«.  119:6.  Luke  1:6.  12 
10:28.  23:9,10,21.  24:5,6. 


wilderness.  It  is  therefore  our  duty  and  interest  to  he  con- 
tented with  our  place,  and  to  endeavour  to  occupy  it  in  a 
proper  manner  ; without  attempting  to  desert  it,  or  wishing 
to  change  it  ; without  murmuring,  ambition,  or  covetousness. 
And  if  he  M who  ordercth  all  things  after  the  counsel  of  his 
own  will,”  hath  allotted  our  station  near  to  his  word  and  ordi- 
nances, and  hath  taught  us  to  believe  in  the  divine  Redeemer, 
we  have  abundant  reason  to  he  thankful.  Though  in  a wil- 
derness, in  a cottage,  in  poverty,  we  have  no  reason,  and 
surely  should  have  no  disposition,  to  envy  those  who  possess 
stately  mansions,  elegant  gardens,  or  cultivated  estates,  hut 
have  no  lot  in  Israel,  nor  inheritance  in  Canaan. — The  Lord  is 
a God  of  order  andof^eace  ; and  he  commands  that  all  things 
in  his^hurch  should  be  done  “decently  and  in  order and  “that 
all  things  be  done  in  peace.”  It  would  bo  well  if  in  attempt- 
ing to  accomplish  the  former  purpose,  according  to  their  own 
idea  of  decency  and  order,  all  denominations  of  Christians 
had  not  too  much  lost  sight  of  the  latter  injunction.  It  is  desi- 
rable that  real  Christians  should  be  of  one  judgment : hut  i! 
that  cannot  bo  obtained,  it  is  of  great  importance  that  they 
be  of  one  heart ; and  that,  like  these  four  squadrons  of  Israel, 
they  should  live  in  harmony  with  one  another;  and  in  their 
different  encampments  surround  the  ark,  as  all  of  one  family, 
embarked  in  one  common  interest,  and  marching  to  tho  same 
heavenly  Canaan:  and  that  they  be  upon  their  guard  against 
the  suggestions  of  those  enemies,  who  would  persuade  them 
to  quarrel  about  their  different,  ensigns,  and  to  draw  the  sword 
of  war  against  their  brethren  ; instead  of  being  Valiant  fo| 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  III. 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  III. 

The  sons  of  Aaron,  1—4.  The  Levites  given  to  them  for  assistants,  instead 
of  the  first-bqrn , 5 — 13.  The  Levites  numbered  according  to  the  three  fami- 
lies o>  Gershon,  Kohath,  and  Merari  ; and  their  several  charges  assigned 

them,  14 — '1.  I ' f ises  ana  Aar  "n,  38,  39.  The  first-born  changed 

for  the  Levites,  and  the  redemption  of  the  uver/dus,  40 — 51. 

THESE  also  are  the  “generations  of  Aaron  and 
Moses  in  the  day  that  the  Lord  bspake  with 
Moses  in  mount  Sinai. 

2  And  these  are  'the  names  of  the  sons  of 
Aaron ; Nadab  the  first-born,  and  Abihu,  Elea- 
zar,  and  Ithamar. 

3  These  are  the  names  of  the  sons  of  Aaron, 
dthe  priests  which  were  anointed,  ‘whom  ehe  con- 
secrated to  minister  in  the  priest’s  office. 

4  And4  Nadab  and  Abihu  died  before  the  Lord, 
when  they  offered  strange  fire  before  the  Lord  in 
the  wilderness  of  Sinai,  and  they  had  no  children: 
?and  Eleazar  and  Ithamar  ministered  in  the  priest’s 
office  in  the  sight  of  Aaron  their  father. 

. 5 H And  the  Lord  siiake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

6  hBring  the  tribe  of  Levi  near,  and  present 
them  before  Aaron  the  priest,  that  they  may  minis- 
ter unto  him. 

7  And  they  shall  'keep  his  charge,  and  the 
charge  of  the  whole  congregation,  before  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation,  to  kdo  the  service  of 
the  tabernacle. 

8  And  'they  shall  keep  all  the  instruments  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  the  charge  of 
the  children  oflsrael,  to  do  the  service  of  the  taber- 
nacle. 

9  And  mthou  sbalt  give  the  Levites  unto  Aaron, 
and  to  his  sons;  they  are  wholly  given  unto  him 
out  of  the  children  of  Israel.  * 

10  And  thou  sbalt  appoint  Aaron  and  his  sons, 
and  "they  shall  wait  on  their  priest’s  office  : "and 
the  stranger  that  cometh  nigh  shall  be  put  to 
death. 

11  H And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 
12  And  I,  behold,  >’I  have  taken  the  Levites 
from  among  the  children  of  Israel,  instead  of  all 
the  first-born  that  openeth  the  matrix  among  the 
children  of  Israel ; therefore  the  Levites  shall  be 
mine. 

13  Because  iall  the  first-born  are  mine  ; for  ron 
the  day  that  I smote  all  the  first-born  in  the  land 
of  Egypt,  I hallowed  unto  me  all  the  first-born  in 
Israel,  both  man  and  beast ; mine  they  shall  be  : 1 
am  the  Lord. 


a Gen.  2:4. 5:1.  10:1.  Ex.  6:  15,20,25.  Mad.  1:1.  b 1:1.  Lee.  25:1. 27:34.  c26: 
60.  Ex.  6:23.  28:1.  I Chr.  6:3.  24:1.  <1  F.x.  28:41. 40:13,15.  Lev.  8:12,30. 

’ Ileb.  whose  hand  "e  filled.  e Ex.  29:1 — 37.  Lev.  8:  9.  Heb.  7:28.  f 26:61. 
Lev.  10: 1 . 1 Chr.  24:2.  e 1 Chr.  24: 1— ' S.  h 1 :49— >53.  2:17,33.  8:6— 15,22— 26. 
16:9—11.18:2—6.  Ex.  32:26—29.  Deut.  33:3.9.  i 3:32.  8:26.  31 :30.  1 Chr.  23: 
28 — 32.  26:26.  k 1:50.8:11,15,24—26.  I 4:15,28,33.10:17,21.  1 Chr.  26.20— 28. 
Ezra  8:24—81.1.  la.  92:11.  in  8:19.  18:6.  Eph.  4:8,11.  n 18:7.  1 Chr.  6:49.  Ez. 
44:8.  Arts  6:3,4.  Horn.  12:7.  1 Tim.  4:15.16.  o 38.  1:51.  16:35,40.  18:3.  1 Sam. 
6:19.  2 Sam.  6:7.  2 Chr.  26:16— 21.  Heb.  8:4.  p 41.  8:16. 18:6.  q 8:17.  18:15. 


tlie  truth,  and  against  the  common  enemies  of  their  religion. 
Then  would  the  church  be  “ comely,  and  terrible  as  an  army 
with  banners  and  not  the  less  so  for  being  divided  into  differ- 
ent squadrons,  encamped  or  marching  separately ; provided 
each  division  vied  with  all  the  others,  which  should  be  most 
zealous  for  the  cause  of  God  and  truth,  and  most  careful  to 
“adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things:” — “Let 
then  brotherly  love  continue  and  may  the  Lord  prosper  the 
attempts,  and  increase  the  numbers  of  those  who  “ endeavour 
to  keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace  !”  (Notes, 
Eph.  4:1—6.  Phil.  1:27—30.2:1—4.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  III.  V.  1 — 3.  The  sons  of  Moses 
are  not  particularly  mentioned  on  this  occasion,  having  no 
distinction  conferred  on  them  above  their  brethren.  This 
was  a singular  instance  of  his  disinterested  moderation,  and 
submission  to  the  appointment  of  God  ; who,  in  proof  of  the 
divine  legation  of  his  servant,  willed  him  to  act  in  a manner 
so  contrary  to  all  other  eminent  men : for  they  almost  univer- 
sally seek  the  advancement  of  their  posterity.— Aaron  is 
here  first  mentioned,  because  the  honour  of  the  priesthood 
was  conferred  upon  him  and  his  sons ; while  those  of  Moses 
were  only  common  Levites,  and  therefore  classed  among 
them.  (1  Chr.  23:14 — 20.  Notes,  11.  26:24—27.) 

V.  4.  In  the  sight — ] That  is,  according  to  Aaron’s 
direction,  under  his  eye,  and  in  concurrence  with  him. 
Thus,  by  attending  to  his  prudent  counsel,  they  were  pre- 
served from  the  sin  and  punishment  of  their  brethren.  Their 
regular  and  reverential  ministrations  would  doubtless  afford 
much  consolation  to  Aaron  after  his  affliction. 

V.  5 — 10.  There  was  at  this  time  much  work  to  be  done, 
and  only  three  priests  to  perform  it : some  assistants  were 


14  H And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  in  the 
wilderness  of  Sinai,  saying, 

1 5 Number  the  children  of  Levi,  after  the  house 
of  their  fathers,  by  their  families ; “every  male 
from  a month  old  and  upward  sbalt  thou  number 
them. 

16  And  Moses  numbered  them  according  to  the 
fword  of  the  Lord,  as  he  was  commanded. 

17  And  'these  were  the  sons  of  Levi,  by  their 
names  ; Gershon,  and  Kohath,  and  Merari. 

18  And  these  are  the  names  of  the  sons  of  Ger- 
shon, by  their  families;  “Libni,  and  Shimei. 

19  And  the  sons  of  Kohath,  by  their  families ; 
"Amrani,  and  Izehar,  Hebron,  and  Uzziel. 

20  And  the  sons  of  Merari,  by  their  families ; 
rMahli,  and  Mushi.  These  are  the  families  of  the 
Levites,  according  to  the  house  of  their  fathers. 

21  H Of  Gershon  was  the  family  “of  the  Lib 
nites,  and  the  family  of  the  Shimites  : these  are 
the  families  of  the  Gershonites. 

22  Those  that  were  numbered  of  them,  ac- 
cording to  the  number  of  all  the  males,  from  a 
month  old  and  upward,  even  those  that  were  num- 
bered of  them,  were  "seven  thousand  and  five 
hundred. 

23  The  families  of  the  Gershonites  shall  pitch 
bbehind  the  tabernacle  westward. 

24  And  the  chief  of  the  house  of  the  father  of  the 
Gershonites,  shall  be  Eliasaph  (lie  son  of  Lael. 

25  And  cthe  charge  of  the  sons  of  Gershon,  in 
the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  shall  be  dthe 
tabernacle,  and  the  tent,  the  covering  thereof,  and 
“the  hanging  for  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation: 

26  And  ‘the  hangings  of  the  court,  and  the  cur- 
tain for  the  door  of  the  court,  which  is  by  the 
tabernacle,  and  by  the  altar  round  about,  and  sthe 
cords  of  it,  for  all  the  service  thereof. 

27  II  And  hof  Kohath  was  the  family  of  the 
Amramites,  and  the  family  of  the  Izeharites,  and 
the  family  of  the  Hebronites,  and  the  family  of 
the  Uzzielites:  these  are  the  families  of  the  Ko- 
hathites. 

28  In  the  number  of  all  the  males,  from  a month 
old  and  upward,  were  'eight  thousand  and  six 
hundred,  kkeeping  the  charge  of  the  sanctuary. 

29  The  families  of  the  sons  of  Kohath  shall 
pitch  'on  the  side  of  the  tabernacle  south 
ward. 


Ex.  13:2,12.  34:19.  Lev.  27:26.  Luke  2:23.  Heb.  12:23.  r Ex.  12:29,30.  13:15. 
s 22,28,34,39,40,43.  18:16.26:62.  t Heb .moolh.  t 26:57,58.  Gen. 46:11.  Ex. 
6:16.  1 Chr.  6:1,2,16-19.  Gers  om.23:6— 23.  u Ex.  6:17.  1 Chr.  6:17.20.  x Ex. 
6:18,20.  1 Chr.  6:18,38.  23:12,13,18,19,20.  Izhnr.  y Ex.  6:19.  1 CI.r.  6:19,29, 
47.23:21,23.  X.  18.  a 4:38— 10.  b 1:53.  2:17.  c 7.  4:24— 28.  7 7.  10:17.  1 Chr. 
9:14—33.23:3-2.26:21,22.  2 Chr.  31:2,11—18.  Ezra  8:28— 30.  Mark  13.34.  Rom. 
13:6 — 8.  Col.  4:17.  I Tim.  1:18.  d Ex.  25:9.  26:1— 14.  36:8— 19.  40:19.  e Ex. 
26:36,37.36:37.38.40:28.  f Ex.  27:9— 16.  38:9— 16.  s Ex.  35:18.  h See  on 
19.  1 Chr.  23:12.  26:23.  i 4:35,36  k 7,31.  123.  1:53. 


therefore  necessary  to  attend  on  the  more  ordinary  services, 
whilst  they  sprinkled  the  blood,  burned  the  fat,  and  offered 
incense,  especially  when  the  tabernacle  was  to  be  taken 
down,  and  carried  with  them  in  their  marches.  That  no 
improper  persons,  none  “ who  were  not  called  of  God,”  might 
be  employed,  the  tribe  of  Levi  was  on  this  occasion  set  apart 
for  these  services.  To  this  tribe  Moses  and  Aaron  belonged: 
it  had  been  signalized  by  its  zeal  against  idolatry  in  the 
matter  of  the  golden  calf.  (Notes,  Ex.  33:27 — 29.  Deut. 
33:9.)  It  was  by  far  the  smallest  tribe  of  all:  and,  in  short, 
it  seemed  good  in  the  sight  of  God  to  choose  the  Levites  to 
approach  to  him,  in  preference  to  the  other  Israelites.  (Note, 
Ps.  G5:4.)  Several  intimations  had  before  been  given  of  this 
purpose  of  God,  but  it  was  now  more  fully  and  expressly 
declared. — The  services  allotted  to  the  Levites,  at  this  time 
and  in  subsequent  ages,  may  be  most  exactly  known  by 
carefully  consulting  the  Scriptures  referred  to  in  the  margin, 
and  the  notes  made  on  them. 

V.  13.  Some  learned  men  have  argued,  that  the  first-born 
of  each  family  were  the  priests  of  the  Lord  by  birth,  before 
this  change;  but  this  has  no  scriptural  ground.  Indeed,  the 
very  mention  of  the  day,  and  occasion  of  the  first-born  having 
been  hallowed,  proves  that  no  such  custom  or  notion  had 
previously  existed.  (Notes,  Ex.  13:2,11 — 16.  24:5.)  The 
Levites,  as  substituted  for  the  first-born,  were  not  admitted 
to  the  priesthood ; nor  were  they  exchanged  for  the  first-born 
of  mature  age,  but  for  the  young  first-born  children.  ( Marg. 
Ref.) 

V.  14 — 19.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  G:1 4 — 25. 

V.  25,  26.  Marg.  Ref.  4:23—28.  7:7. 

V.  27—31.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  4:5—16.  7:4—9. 

, ( 255  ) 


E.  C.  1490. 

30  And  the  chief  of  the  house  of  the  father  of 
the  families  of  the  Kohathites,  shall  be  Elizaphan 
the  son  of  Uzziel. 

31  And  their  charge  shall  be  mthe  ark,  and 
the  table,  and  the  candlestick,  and  “the  altars, 
and  the  vessels  of  the  sanctuary  wherewith  they 
minister,  and  “the  hanging,  and  all  the  service 
thereof. 

32  And  pE,eazar  the  son  of  Aaron  the  priest 
shall  be  chief  over  the  chief  of  the  Levites,  and 
have  the  oversight  of  them  that  keep  the  charge 
of  the  sanctuary. 

33  H Of  Merari  was  ithe  family  of  the  Mahlites, 
and  the  family  of  the  Mushites:  these  are  the 
families  of  Merari. 

34  And  those  that  were  numbered  of  them,  ac- 
cording to  the  number  of  all  the  males,  from  a 
month  old  and  upward,  were  rsix  thousand  and 
two  hundred. 

35  And  the  chief  of  the  house  of  the  father  of 
the  families  of  Merari  was  Zuriel,  the  son  of  Abi- 
hail : nhese  shall  pitch  on  the  side  of  the  taberna- 
cle northward. 

36  And  'under  the  custody  and  charge  of  the 
sons  of  Merari,  shall  be  ‘the  boards  of  the  taber- 
nacle, and  the  bars  thereof,  and  the  pillars  thereof, 
and  the  sockets  thereof,  and  all  the  vessels  there- 
of, and  all  that  serveth  thereto, 

37  And  the  pillars  of  the  court  round  about, 
and  their  sockets,  and  their  pins,  and  their 
cords. 

38  11  But  those  that  encamp  before  the  taber- 
nacle "toward  the  east,  even  before  the  tabernacle 
of  the  congregation  eastward,  shall  be  Moses  and 
Aaron,  and  his  sons,  “keeping  the  charge  of  the 
sanctuary,  >'for  the  charge  of  the  children  of  Israel: 
and  the  stranger  that  cometh  nigh  shall  be  put  to 
death. 

39  All  that  were  numbered  of  the  Levites, 
which  Moses  and  Aaron  numbered  at  the  com- 
mandment of  the  Lord,  throughout  their  families, 
all  the  males  from  a month  old  and  upward  were 
•twenty  and  two  thousand. 


*i  4:4—16.  Ex.  25:10— 40.  37:1—24.  n Ex.  27:1— 8.  30:1—10.  37:25—29.  38:1 
—7.  o Ex.  26:31— 33.  36:35,36.  p 4:16,27.  20:25-  28.  2Kings25:18.  1 Chr. 
9:14—20.26:20—24.  q See  on20.  1 Chr.  6: 19. 23:21.  r 5:43,44.  a 23,29. 
• Heb . the  office  of  the  charge,  t 4:29— 33.  7:8.  Ex.  26:15— 29,32,37.  27:9— 
19.  36:20-34,36.38:17—20.  u 23,29,35.  1:53.2:3.  x 18:1—5.  1 Chr.  6:48,49. 


V.  32.  Eleazar,  who  was  next  in  succession  to  the  high- 
priesthood,  was  appointed  to  rule  those  who  were  placed  over 
all  the  Levites,  in  respect  of  their  different  services,  and  to 
allot  those  of  each  family  their  own  work.  The  special 
charge,  in  the  constituent  parts  of  the  sanctuary,  allotted 
to  each  division,  may  be  clearly  seen  by  examining  the 
marginal  references. 

V.  36.  Marg.  Ref.  4:29—33.  7:8. 

V.  38.  The  three  divisions  of  the  Levites  being  stationed 
on  the  west,  the  south,  and  the  north,  of  the  sanctuary ; the 
east,  or  fore-front,  which  was  the  most  important  station,  was 
guarded  by  Moses  and  the  priests,  who  thus  were  at  hand  to 
exclude  all  improper  persons. 

V.  39.  The  sum  total  of  the  Levites  was  22,300 ; “ of 
Gershon  7,500:”  (22)  of  “ Kohath  8,600 :”  (28)  “of  Merari 
6,200.”  (34)  But  the  300  of  the  Levites  are  supposed  to  be 
the  first-born  of  their  several  families,  after  the  departure 
out  of  Egypt*  who  were  already  devoted  to  the  Lord : and  we 
must  acknowledge  a peculiar  interposition  of  Providence  in 
this  near  coincidence  in  the  number  of  the  Levites,  and  that 
of  the  first-born.  (43) 

V.  41 — 43.  The  first-born,  in  any  company,  must  in 
general  at  least  amount  to  one  in  eight  or  ten ; whereas  the 
number  here  mentioned,  was  scarcely  one  in  fifty  of  all  the 
males  young  and  old : for  there  were  above  600,000  adults,  and 
perhaps  almost  as  many  under  age.  It  is  therefore  evident, 
that  none  were  numbered,  but  those  who  had  been  born  after 
the  destruction  of  the  first-born  of  Egypt.  This  indeed 
seems  the  meaning  of  the  law,  which  referred  to  the  future, 
and  not  to  the  past;  (Ex.  13:2.)  and  it  is  evident  that  the 
firstlings  of  the  cattle  were  thus  reckoned.  Indeed  45,000  of 
both  sexes,  which  is  rather  more  than  double  the  first-born 
males,  seems  a vast  number  of  first-born  children  within  the 
space  of  one  year  : but  upon  reflection,  we  shall  find  it  by  no 
means  improbable,  that  among  1 ,200,000  persons  of  both  sexes, 
who  were  above  twenty  years  of  age,  (and  many  might  marry 
much  younger  than  that  age,)  there  should  be  within  that 
time  50,000  marriages  : that  is,  about  the  twelfth  part  of  the 
company  iff  marriageable  persons  of  each  sex.  Especially 
if  we  consider  that  multitudes  might  bo  inclined  to  marry, 
when  they  found  they  were  about  to  enjoy  liberty : and  when 
( 256  ) 


B.  C.  1490. 

40  IT  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  “Number 
all  the  first-born  of  the  males  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  from  a month  old  and  upward,  and  take 
the  number  of  their  names. 

41  And  thou  shalt  take  the  Levites  for  me,  (I 
am  the  Lord,)  instead  of  all  the  first-born  among 
the  children  of  Israel ; and  the  cattle  of  the  Le- 
vites, instead  of  all  the  firstlings  among  the  cattle 
of  the  children  of  Israel. 

42  And  Moses  numbered,  as  the  Lord  com- 
manded him,  all  the  first-born  among  the  children 
of  Israel. 

43  And  all  the  first-born  males,  by  the  number 
of  names,  from  a month  old  and  upward,  of  those 
that  were  numbered  of  them,  bwere  twenty  and 
two  thousand  two  hundred  and  threescore  and 
thirteen. 

44  H And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

45  Take  “the  Levites  instead  of  all  the  first 
born  among  the  children  of  Israel,  and  the  cattle 
of  the  Levites  instead  of  their  cattle,  and  the 
Levites  shall  be  mine:  I am  the  Lord. 

46  And  for  those  that  are  to  be  dredeemed,  of 
the  two  hundred  and  threescore  and  thirteen  of 
the  first-born  of  the  children  of  Israel,  “which  are 
more,  than  the  Levites ; 

47  Thou  shalt  even  take  ffive  shekels  apiece  by 
tlie  poll;  after  sthe  shekel  of  the  sanctuary  shalt 
thou  take  them : (the  shekel  is  twenty  gerahs :) 

48  And  thou  shalt  give  the  money,  wherewith 
the  odd  number  of  them  is  to  be  redeemed,  unto 
Aaron  and  to  his  sons. 

49  And  Moses  took  the  redemption  money  of 
them,  that  were  over  and  above  them  that  were 
redeemed  by  the  Levites. 

50  Of  the  first-born  of  the  children  of  Israel 
took  he  the  money;  ha  thousand  three  hundred 
and  threescore  and  five  shekels,  after  the  shekel  of 
the  sanctuary. 

51  And  Moses  ‘gave  the  money  of  them  that 
were  redeemed,  unto  Aaron  and  to  his  sons,  ac- 
cording to  the  word  of  the  Lord,  as  the  Lord 
commanded  Moses. 


y See  on  7,8,10.  2 4:47,48.  26:62.  Mitt.  7:14.  a See  on  12,15,45.  Ex.  32i 
26—29.  b 39.  c 40.  d 18:15.  Ex.  13:13.  e 39,43.  f 18:16.  Lev.  27:0. 

g 50.  Ex.  30:13.  Lev.  27:25.  Ez.  45:12.  h 46,47.  i 48.  16:15.  1 Sam.  12:3,4. 
Ada  20:33.  1 Cor.  9:12. 


they  recollected,  that  the  promises  made  to  Israel  peculiarly 
respected  a very  rapid  increase,  and  thal  there  would  doubtless 
be  a very  great  blessing  upon  them  in  this  respect. — The  first- 
born Israelites  were  therefore  all  unfit  for  service  on  this 
emergency:  and  as  they  were  the  heirs  of  their  several 
families,  they  probably  would  not  have  been  very  willing  when 
of  age  to  become  servants  to  the  priests ; and  consequently 
the  change  would  be  as  acceptable  to  the  relations  of  those 
who  were  set  aside,  as  to  those  who  were  substituted  in  their 
stdad. — It  seems,  however,  that  the  Levites  and  their  posterity 
were  thus  dedicated  to  God,  only  in  lieu  of  the  first-born  at 
that  time ; Cor  the  law  concerning  the  presentation  and 
redemption  of  the  first-born  was  in  force  through  all  succeed- 
ing generations,  until  the  days  of  Christ.  (Luke,  2:22,23.) 

V.  44 — 51 . Either  it  was  determined  by  lot,  who  should 
pay  the  redemption  money,  and  for  whom  the  Levites  should 
be  accepted ; or  it  was  paid  by  a common  tax : or,  as  some 
think,  they  began  with  the  eldest ; and  so  the  youngest,  not 
being  changed,  were  redeemed. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Whilst  we  consider  Jesus,  our  great  High-Priest,  appointed 
of  the  Father,  and  intrusted  with  the  charge  of  the  sanctuary 
and  of  the  whole  congregation,  and  keeping  that  charge  witn 
unremitting  attention,  and  entire  faithfulness,  love,  and  power  ; 
we  should  recollect,  that  his  ministers,  as  presented  unto  him 
and  ministering  before  him,  have  a solemn  charge  committed 
to  them  also.  They  are  called  upon  to  wait  in  their  office ; to 
serve  the  Lord  with  reverence;  to  offer  no  strange  fire;  tc 
do  nothing  of  their  own  mind,  or  in  their  own  spirit ; and  with 
all  diligence  and  fidelity  to  follow  the  instructions  and  copy 
the  example  of  their  Lord  But  it  is  of  the  utmost  import- 
ance that  each  should  know  his  own  post  and  duty  ; that  no 
part  of  the  work  may  bo  neglected  ; and  that  there  may  bo 
no  interference,  and  no  occasion  given  for  envy,  ambition,  or 
discontent.  No  service  required  by  such  a Master  can  bo 
either  mean  or  hard;  for  he  will  put  honour  upon  tho  faithful 
in  the  lowest  situation,  and  will  provide  assistance  where  the 
work  is  too  laborious.  Christians  also,  though  not  engaged 
in  tho  ministry,  havo  a work  to  do,  and  a charge  to  keep ; and 
must  remember,  that  as  all  men  are  the  Lord’s  by  creation, 
believers  are  his  by  redemption ; and  that,  as  the  ministry 


NUMBERS. 


D.'C.  1 11)0. 


CHAPTER  IY. 


B.  C.  1 490 


CHAPTER  IV. 

A command  to  number  the  family  of  Kohalh  from  thirty  to  fifty  years  old 
1 — 3.  The  most  holy  things  to  be  carried  by  them,  having  been  p re pared 
and  covered  by  the  priests,  4 — 15.  The  charge  of  Eleazar,  16.  Moses  and 
Aaron  solemnly  charged  about  covering  the  holy  things,  17 — ' 20.  The  ser- 
vice and  burden  of  the  eons  of  Gershon,  from  thirty  to  fifty , 21—28  ; and  of 
the  Mcrarites,  29—33.  The  number  of  the  Kohathites , 34—37  ; of  the  Ger- 
ehonites,  38—41 ; and  of  the  Merarites , 42—14.  The  sum  total,  45—49. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  and  unto 
Aaron,  saying, 

2  Take  the  sum  of  the  sons  of  “Kohath  from 
among  the  sons  of  Levi,  after  their  families,  by 
the  house  of  their  fathers, 

3  From  thirty  years  old  and  upward,  even 
until  fifty  years  old,  all  that  'enter  into  the  host,  to 
''do  the  work  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congrega- 
tion. . [Practical  Observations. 1 

4  This  shall  he  "the  service  of  the  sons  of  Ko- 
hath in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  about 
the  most  holy  things. 

5  And  f when  the  camp  setteth  forward,  ^ Aaron 
shall  come,  and  his  sons,  and  they  hshall  take  down 
the  covering  veil,  'and  cover  the  ark  of  testimony 
with  it ; 

6  And  shall  put  thereon  the  covering  of  bad- 
gers’ skins,  and  shall  spread  over  it  ka  cloth  wholly 
of  blue,  and  shall  put  in  ‘the  staves  thereof. 

7  And  upon  ‘"the  table  of  show-bread  they  shall 
spread  a cloth  of  blue,  and  put  thereon  the  dishes, 
and  the  spoons,  and  the  bowls,  and  covers  to 
"cover  withal : and  the  continual  bread  shall  be 
thereon. 

8  And  they  shall  sp^ad  upon  them  °a  cloth  of 
scarlet,  and  cover  the  same  with  a covering  of 
badgers’  skins,  and  shall  put  in  the  staves  thereof. 

9  And  they  shall  take  a cloth  of  blue,  and  cover 
Pthe  candlestick  of  the  light,  and  his  lamps,  and 
his  tongs,  and  his  snuff-dishes,  and  all  the  oil- 
vessels  thereof,  wherewith  they  minister  unto  it. 

10  And  they  shall  put  it,  and  all  the  vessels 
thereof,  ^within  a covering  of  badgers’  skins,  and 
shall  put  it  upon  a bar. 

1 1  And  upon  ' the  golden  altar  they  shall  spread 
a cloth  of  blue,  and  cover  it  with  a covering  of 
badgers’  skins,  and  shall  put  to  the  staves  thereof. 


12  And  they  shall  take  all  "the  instruments  oi 
ministry,  wherewith  they  minister  in  the  sanc- 
tuary, and  put  them  in  a cloth  of  blue,  and  cove." 
them  with  a covering  of  badgers’  skins,  and 
shall  put  them  on  a bar. 

13  And  they  shall  take  away  ‘the  ashes  from 
the  altar,  and  spread  “a  purple  cloth  thereon : 

14  And  they  shall  put  upon  it  "all  the  vessels 
thereof,  wherewith  they  minister  about  it,  even  the 
censers,  the  flesh-hooks,  and  the  shovels,  and  the 
'basins,  all  the  vessels  of  the  altar;  and  they  shall 
spread  upon  it  a covering  of  badgers’  skins,  and 
put  to  the  staves  of  it. 

15  And  when  Aaron  and  his  sons  have  made  an 
end  of  covering  the  sanctuary,  and  all  the  vessels 
of  the  sanctuary,  as  the  camp  is  to  set  forward  ; 
y after  that,  the  sons  of  Kohath  shall  come  to  bear 
it : but  “they  shall  not  touch  any  holy  thing,  lest 
they  die.  "These  things  are  the  burden  of  the 
sons  of  Kohath  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congre- 
gation. 

16  IT  And  to  bthe  office  of  Eleazar  the  son  of 
Aaron  the  priest  pertaineth  ‘the  oil  for  the  light, 
and  dthe  sweet  incense,  and  “the  daily  meat-offer- 
ing, and  fthe  anointing  oil,  sand  the  oversight  of 
all  the  tabernacle,  and  of  all  that  therein  is,  in  the 
sanctuary,  and  in  the  vessels  thereof. 

17  IT  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  and  unto 
Aaron,  saying, 

18  hCut  ye  not  off  the  tribe  of  the  families  of 
the  Kohathites  from  among  the  Levites : 

19  But  thus  do  unto  them,  that  they  may  live 
and  not  die,  when  they  approach  unto  the  most 
holy  things ; Aaron  and  his  sons  shall  go  in,  and 
appoint  them  every  one  to  his  service,  and  to  his 
burden. 

20  But  'they  shall  not  go  in  to  see  when  the 
holy  things  are  covered,  lest  they  die. 

21  IT  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, ^ 

22  Take  also  kthe  sum  of  the  sons  of  Gershon, 
throughout  the  houses  of  their  fathers,  by  their 
families : 


Luke 
10— 
e 24 


a See  on  3:19,27.  b 8:24 — 26.  Gen.  41 :46.  1 Chr.  23:3,24— 27.  28:12  13  T 
3:23. 1 Tim.  3:6.  c 2 Kings  11:4— 12.  2 Chr.  23:1—  fl.  2 Cor.  10:3,4.  Enh' 6- 
Jj-1  J™.-  I;!8.  tl  3:7,8.  16:9.  1 Clir.  6:48.  23:4,5,28-32.  1 Tim.  3:1 . « 
30.3:311,31.  Murk  13:34.  12:16,17.10:14.  g 5.  3:27 — 32.  h Ex  26-31—33' 
36:35.40:3.  Mat!.  27:51.  Heb.  9:3. 10:20.  i Ex.  25:10— 22.  37:1— 8.  2 Sam’ 
6:V9-„a  A,'f11,-1.3'  Cx.  35:19.39:1,41.  1 Ex.  25:14,15.  1 King,  S:™! 

m Ex. 25:23 — .30.37:10 — 16.  Lav.  24:5 — 8. *  * Or,  pour  out.  o6  7 9]l 15 

p Ex.  25:31— 39.  37:17—24.  Ps.  119:105.  Rev.  1:20.  2.1.  q 6,12.  r Ex’.  30:1— 


10.  37:25—28.  s 3:8.  Ex.  25:9.  1 Chr.  9:29.  2 Chr.  4:11,16,19,22.  I Ex.  27-3-- 
5.  Lev, 6:12,13.  » 6 — 9,1 1 ,12.  Ex.  39:1,41.  xEx.3S:l— 7.  tOr.  tovl, 

y 8:9.  10:21.  Ileut.31:9.  2 Sam.  6:3.  1 Chr.  15:2,15.  7.3:38.  1 Sam.  6 19  2Sam 
6:6,7.  1 Chr.  13:9,10.  Heb.  12:18— 29.  a 3:30,31.  b 3:32.  cEx.256  27-20 

21.  Lev.  24:2.  d Ex.  30:34— 38  . 37:29.  e Ex.  29:39— 11.  fEx  30-23—33’ 

* Acts  20:28.  1 Pet.  5:2.  h 16:32.  17:10.  18:5.  Lev.  10:2.  Jer.38:23.  i 15  19' 
Ex.  19:21.  1 Sam.  6:19.  Heb.  10:19,20.  Rev. 11:19.  k See  on  3:18  21  '24. 


was  appointed  for  their  benefit,  they  are  required  to  strengthen 
the  hands  and  to  encourage  the  hearts  of  those,  who  minister 
before  the  Lord  in  their  behalf. — Blessed  be  God,  we  may  all 
at  present  enter  even  into  the  holiest,  without  danger  of 
death,  nay,  with  assurance  of  acceptance  and  life  eternal,  if 
tve  come  by  faith  in  Jesus  Christ.  Still  however  we  must 
regret,  that  the  Lord’s  people  form  a very«mall  proportion  of 
the  whole  multitude  of  mankind;  and  we  should  be  reminded 
to  pray  for  the  sending  forth  of  more  faithful  ministers: 
for  when  they  are  increased,  it  is  a hopeful  sign  that  the  Lord 
is  about  to  accomplish  great  things  in  increasing  his  church 
Nor  let  us  forget,  that  children,  though  unfit  for  service,  were 
numbered  as  part  of  this  holy  tribe ; “ for  of  such  is  the 
kingdom  of  God.”  But  whilst  we  desire  that  our  offspring 
should  be  numbered  among  the  Lord’s  peculiar  people,  and 
that  they  should  excel  in  holiness;  let  us,  after  the  example 
of  Moses,  be  indifferent  about  every  other  distinction  and 
interest,  either  for  them  or  for  ourselves. 

NOTES.  Chap.  IV.  V.  3.  The  people  were  numbered 
for  war  from  twenty  years  of  age;  but  the  Levites  were  not 
numbered  for  the  service  of  the  sanctuary  till  thirty.  This, 
however,  had  special  reference  to  the  charge  and  burden  of 
emoving  the  tabernacle : for  they  entered  as  probationers  at 
wenty-five;  (Notes,  8:24— 26.)  and  in  David’s  time,  when  the 
work  was  more  extensive,  but  not  so  heavy,  they  were  admit- 
ted at  twenty  years  old.  (Note,  1 Chr.  23:24— 28.)— Jesus 
Ihnst  deferred  entering  on  his  public  work  till  he  was  thirty 
years  of  age:  John  the  Baptist  seems  to  have  be»un  his 
ministry  rather  earlier  in  lire.— The  Levites  also  had  an 
honourable  discharge  from  the  most  laborious  parts  of  their 
employment,  after  twenty  years  service,  though  they  were 
still  to  be  occupied  in  one  way  or  other.— These  laws  are  not 
binding  in  the  letter  of  them  upon  the  ministers  of  the  cospel  • 
'*ut  they  may  afford  them  much  useful  practical  instruction  ’ 

V.  5.  The  law  prohibiting  any  person  except  the  high- 
pnest  on  one  day  m the  year,  to  enter  into  the  most  holy 
place,  must  have  admitted  of  an  exception,  while  the  Israeli- 
tes were  continually  removing  in  the  wilderness : that  excep- 
on  therefore  was  expressly  made  ; and  the  directions  given 
Vol.  I. — 33 


relating  to  it  must  be  religiously  observed,  or  the  service 
could  not  be  safely  performed.— While  the  cloud  rested  on  the 
tabernacle,  the  general  rule  was  in  force ; but  when  it  was 
removed,  then  the  priests  might  enter  to  prepare  the  sacred 
vessels  for  removal. 

V.  6.  These  coverings  were  intended  not  so  much  for 
security  and  decent  respect,  as  for  concealment  ; and  they 
marked  not  only  the  reverence  due  to  holy  things,  but  the 
mysteriousness  of  the  things  signified  by  those  types,  and 
the  darkness  of  that  dispensation.— Some  suppose  that  the 
cloth  of  blue  represented  the  azure  firmament,  which  inter- 
poses between  us  and  the  majesty  of  heaven. — The  covering 
of  badgers’  skins,  made  for  the  tabernacle,  was  carried  by  the 
Gershonites;  (24,25. ) but  this  was  one  made  to  conceal  and 
shelter  the  ark,  when  it  was  to  be  carried. 

V.  7.  Continual  bread..]  The  Israelites  might 'be  able  to 
procure  corn  enough  from  the  adjacent  countries,  even  when 
in  the . wilderness,  to  make  the  show-bread,  and  to  present 
the  daily  meat-offerings. 

V.  13,  14.  The  embers  of  the  sacred  fire  seem  to  have 
been  removed  in  the  grate,  which  was  carried  apart  from  the 
brazen  altar;  (Note,  Ex.  27:1—8.)  both  being  covered  from 
view  by  purple  cloths. 

V.  15.  Marg.  Ref.  z. 

V.  16.  Eleazar  himself,  perhaps  with  the  other  priests, 
was  required  to  carry  the  oil  for  the  light  the  incense,  and 
the  flour  for  the  daily  meat-offering,  and  the  holy  ointment; 
besides  superintending  the  Levites.— It  may  be  supposed, 
that  he  himself  catried  no  more  of  the  oil  than  for  oresent 
use.  (Note,  Ex.  30:22 — 33.) 

V.  18.  Eleazar  and  the  priests  would  be  chargeable  with 
the  death  of  the  Kohathites,  if  they  failed  to  give  them  proper 
cautions  and  directions ; or  permitted  them  to  gaze  irreve- 
rently or  curiously  upon  the  holy  things,  which  they  might 
carry,  but  must  not  see.  (20) 

V.  22—26.  Marg . Ref. 

Y.  27,  28.  The  Levites  were  under  the  command  of  the 
priests.  Eleazar  exercised  this  authority  in  general,  as  next 
in  succession  to  Aaron  and  he  in  particular  wap  placed  over 
( 257  ) 


B.  C.  1400. 


NUMBERS. 


B.  C.  1490 


23  From  Unity  years  old  and  upward  until 
fifty  years  ,(d  f-fialt  thou  number  them;  all  that 
enter  in  to  'peiform  the  service,  to  do  the  work 
in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

24  This  is  the  service  of  the  families  of  the 
Gershonites,  to  serve,  and  for  'burdens. 

25  And  they  shall  bear  mthe  curtains  of  the 
tabernacle,  and  the  tabernacle  of  the  congrega- 
tion, his  covering,  and  the  covering  of  the  bad- 
gers’ skins  that  is  above  upon  it,  and  the  hanging 
for  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

26  And  the  hangings  of  the  command  the 
hanging  lor  the  door  of  the  gate  of  the  court, 
which  is  by  the  tabernacle  and  by  the  altar  round 
about,  and  their  cords,  and  all  the  instruments  of 
their  service,  and  all  that  is  made  for  them;  so 
shall  they  serve. 

27  At  the  tappointment  of  Aaron  and  his  sons 
Bhall  be  all  the  service  of  the  sons  of  the  Gershon- 
ites, in  all  their  burdens,  and  in  all  their  service: 
and  ye  shall  appoint  unto  them  in  charge  ail  their 
burdens. 

28  This  is  the  service  of  the  families  of  the 
sons  of  Gershon,  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congre- 
gation : and  their  charge  shall  be  "under  the  hand 
of  Ithamar  the  son  of  Aaron  the  priest. 

29  H As  for  “the  sons  of  Merari,  thou  shalt 
number  them  after  their  families,  by  the  house  of 
their  fathers  : 

30  F rom  thirty  years  old  and  upward  even  unto 
fifty  years  old  shalt  thou  number  them,  every  one 
that  entereth  into  the  ^service,  to  do  the  work  of 
the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

31  And  this  is  ' the  charge  of  their  burden,  ac- 
cording to  all  their  service  in  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation ; the  boards  of  the  tabernacle, 
and  the  bars  thereof,  and  the  pillars  thereof,  and 
sockets  thereof, 

32  And  the  pillars  of  the  court  round  about, 
and  their  sockets,  and  their  pins,  and  their  cords, 
with  all  their  instruments,  and  with  all  their  ser- 
vice : and  by  name  ye  shall  reckon  lUhe  instru- 
ments of  the  charge  of  their  burden. 

33  This  is  the  service  of  the  families  of  the 
sons  of  Merari,  according  to  all  their  service  in 
the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  "under  the 
hand  of  Ithamar  the  son  of  Aaron  the  priest. 

34  H And  Moses  and  Aaron,  and  the  chief  of 
the  congregation,  numbered  the  sons  of  the 
Kohathites,  after  their  families,  and  after  the  house 
of  their  fathers; 

35  From  ‘thirty  years  old  and  upward  even 
unto  fifty  years  old,  every  one  that  entereth  into 
the  service,  for  the  work  in  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation. 

1 See  on  3.  * Ileb.  to  mar  the  warfare.  3.  ‘2Cor.6:7.  10:3,  -1.  1 Tim. 1:18. 

2 Tim.  2:3,4.  4:7.  t Or,  carriage,  m Sec  on  3:25,26.  7:5 — 7.  } Heb.  mouth. 

Luke  1 :70.  1 Cor.  11:2.  n 33.  1 Cor.  12:5,6.  o See  on  3:33-35.  § fleb.  war- 


the  Kohathites ; while  Ithamar,  his  younger  brother,  com- 
manded the  Gershonites  and  Merarites.  (33) 

V.  32.  Reckon  the  instruments.]  An  inventory  seems  to 
have  been  taken  of  every  particular,  even  to  the  pins  belong- 
ing to  each  part ; that  nothing  might  be  wanting,  when  the 
tabernacle  was  to  be  set  up. 

V.  44.  Three  thousand  and  two  hundred.]  The  family  of 
Merari  was  smaller  than  either  of  the  other  families  of  Levi; 
yet  there  was  in  it  a greater  number  of  able  men ; and  they 
were  charged  with  the  heaviest  part  of  the  sanctuary:  and 
though  wagons  were  afterwards  provided  for  them,  yet  the 
loading  and  unloading  of  the  sockets,  and  other  things  of 
great  weight,  would  require  much  strength.  (Comp.  36,40. 
■with  3:22,28,34.)  The  sum  total  of  effective  Levites  was  very 
small,  compared  with  that  of  the  other  tribes:  (48)  yet  there 
wo.uld  be  more  by  far  than  could  at.  once  be  employed  in  (his 
service.  But  they  might  carry  by  turns  and  case  one  another, 
and  thus  do  the  whole  expeditiously  and  cheerfully.  They 
would  also  have  their  own  tents  to  remove,  and  their  own 
families  to  take  care  of. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 3.  The  minister  of  Christ  ought  not  on  any  account 
to  strive  or  war  with  carnal  weapons^  yet  he  must  “enter 
into  the  host  of  llm  Lord;’5  and  both  in  his  personal  conflict 
against  sin  and  Satan,  and  in  the  duties  of  his  important 
calling,  he  must  boldly  fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,”  with 
the  appointed  weapons  of  his  warfare,  sound  doctrine,  fervent 
rayer,  and  a holy  example.  Peculiar  gravity,  prudence, 
umility,  ripeness  of  judgment,  experience,  meekness,  anti 

( 258  ) 


36  And  those  that  w#e  numbered  of  them,  by 
their  families,  were  ‘two  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  fifty. 

37  These  tvere  they  that  were  numbered  of  the 
families  of  the  Kohathites,  all  that  might  do 
service  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation, 
which  Moses  and  Aaron  did  number,  according 
to  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  by  the  hand  of 
Moses. 

38  And  those  that  were  numbered  of  the  sens 
of  Gershon,  throughout  their  families,  and  by  the 
house  of  their  fathers ; 

39  From  thirty  years  old  and  upward  even  unto 
fifty  years  old,  every  one  that  entereth  into  the 
service,  for  the  work  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation ; 

40  Even  those  that  were  numbered  of  them 
throughout  their  families,  by  the  house  of  their 
fathers,  were  "two  thousand  and  six  hundred  and 
thirty. 

41  These  are  they  that  were  numbered  of  the 
families  of  the  sons  of  Gershon,  of  all  that  might 
do  service  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation, 
whom  Moses  and  Aaron  did  number,  according  to 
the  commandment  of  the  Lord. 

42  And  those  that  were  numbered  of  the 
families  of  the  sons  of  Merari,  throughout  their 
families,  by  the  house  of  their  fathers, 

43  From  thirty  years  old  and  upward,  even 
unto  fifty  years  old,  every  one  that  entereth  into 
the  service  for  the  work  iH  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation ; 

44  Even  those  that  were  numbered  of  them, 
after  their  families,  were  *three  thousand  and  two 
hundred. 

45  These  be  those  that  were  numbered  of  the 
families  of  the  sons  of  Merari,  whom  Moses  and 
Aaron  numbered,  according  to  the  word  of  the 
Lord  by  the  hand  of  Moses. 

46  All  those  that  were  numbered  of  the  Levites, 
whom  Moses  and  Aaron  and  the  chief  of  Israel 
numbered,  after  their  families,  and  after  the  house 
of  their  fathers ; 

47  F rom  thirty  years  old  and  upward  even  unto 
fifty  years  old,  reVery  one  that  came  to  do  the 
service  of  the  ministry,  and  the  service  of  the 
burden  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation ; 

48  Even  those  that  were  numbered  of  them, 
Hvere  eight  thousand  and  five  hundred  and  four- 
score. 

49  According  to  the  commandment  of  the 
Lord  they  were  numbered  by  the  hand  of  Moses, 
every  one  according  to  his  service,  and  according 
to  his  burden  : thus  were  they  numbered  of  him. 
as  the  Lord  commanded  Moses. 


fare.  Set  on  3:23.  1 Tiro.  6:12.  p See  on  3:36,37.  7:8,9.  q 3:8.  7: 1 . Ex.i>. 
9.  98:17.  1 Chr.  9:39.  i-28.  Is.  8:6.  .3:23,30.  8*4,26.  1 Chr.  23:3,87.  tSi 

28.  u 3:22.  x 3:34.  y 15,24,37.  Rom.  12:6— 8.  I Cor.  12:4— 31.  zS.39. 


patience,  are  necessary,  in  order  to  a due  performance  of  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  to  the  glory  pf  God,  the  edification  of 
the  church,  and  the  silencing  of  gainsayers ; and  ministers 
are  exposed  to  many  temptations  from  the  smiles  and  frowns 
of  men,  from  popularity  and  opposition.  It  is  therefore  far 
more  advisable  for  those,  who  are  intended  for  this  sacred 
service,  to  spend  much  previous  time  in  retirement,  study, 
meditation,  and  communion  with  God,  that  t hey  may  come 
forth  well  prepared  and  furnished  for  usefulness,  when  a 
proper  occasion  is  afforded  ; than  that  they  should,  by  an 
indiscreet  and  hurtful  zeal,  be  allowed  or  encouraged  to 
violate  the  apostle’s  rule,  by  prematurely  entering  on  public 
services.  ( Note , 1 Tim.  3:6.)  From  the  neglect  of  this 
caution,  many  mischiefs  have  arisen,  both  to  individuals  and 
to  the  cause  of  God.  When,  however,  men  are  engaged, 
and  have  health  and  strength,  and  work  assigned  them,  they 
should  lose  no  time,  and  miss  no  opportunities  of  usefulness; 
for  these  may  be  regretted,  but  cannot  he  recalled. — As  tho 
faithful  servants  of  God  grow  in  years,  and  their  natural  vigour 
abates,  they  must  not  bfe  censured,  if  they  in  some  respects 
moderate  their  labours,  especially  in  those  services  which 
require  great  exertion.  And  if  it  please  God  to  lay  them 
quite  aside  by  sickness  and  infirmity,  they  may  still  serve  the 
church  of  God  by  their  prayers,  and  an  exair*, V/c  of  faith 
pat  ience,  and  obedience  ; and  they  are  si  ill  entitled  to  respec  t 
and  maintenance.  They  ought  not  indeed,  and  will  not 
desire,  to  cease  from  labour  whilst  capable  of  it  : but.  they 
must  not  murmur,  if  they  aro  thus  discharged,  or  if  they  see 
others  11  increase  whilst  they  decrease.”  For  the  Lord  wi 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  V. 


B.  C.  1490 


CHAPTER  V. 

The  leper.* *  and  unclean  to  be  excluded  from  the  camp . 1 — 4.  The  laio  of 
restitution  enforced.  5— 10.  The  trial  to  be  made  of  a woman  suspected 
by  her  husband  of  aiultenj,  11 — ftl. 

ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2  Command  the  children  of  Israel,  that 
they  “put  out  of  the  camp  every  leper,  band  every 
one  that  hath  an  issue,  cand  whosoever  is  defiled 
by  the  dead : 

3 Both  male  and  female  shall  ye  put  out,  dwith- 
out  the  camp  shall  ye  put  them ; that  they  cdefile 
not  their  camps,  'in  the  midst  whereof  I dwell. 

4 And  tht  ch  ldren  of  Israel  did  so,  and  put 
them  out  without  the  camp : as  the  Lord  spake 
unto  Moses,  so  did  the  children  of  Israel. 

5 'll  And  the  Loud  spake  unto  Moses,  sajing, 

6 Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  gW  hen  a 
man  or  woman  shall  commit  any  sin  that  men 
commit,  to  do  a trespass  against  the  Lord,  and 
that  person  be  guilty: 

7 Then  they  shall  ''confess  their  sin  which  they 
have  done ; and  he  shall  recompense  his  trespass 
■with  the  principal  thereof,  and  add  unto  it  the 
fifth  part  thereof,  and  give  it  unto  him  against 
whom  he  hath  trespassed. 

8 But  if  the  man  ihave  no  kinsman  to  recom- 
pense the  trespass  unto,  let  the  trespass  he  recom- 
pensed unto  the  Lord,  even  to  the  priest,  kbeside 

r 12:11.  L/v.  13:46.  Deiu.  24:8,9.  2 Kinjs  1:3.  b Lev.  15:2—27.  c 9:6—10.  19: 
11— 16.  31:19.  Lev.  21:1.  d 1 Cor.  5:7— 13.  2 Cor.  6:17.  2 Thes.  3:6.  Tit.  3:10. 
Ileb.  12:15,16.  2 John  10,11.  Rev. 21:27.  e 19:22.  Ha*.  2:13,14.  fLev. 26:11, 
12.  Dent. 23:14.  Pa.  68:18.  Is.  12:6.  2 Cor.  6:16.  Rev.  21:3.  g Lev.  5:1— 4,17. 
6:2,3.  h Lev.  5:5.  26:40.  .Tosh.  7:19.  Job  33:27,28.  Ps.32:5.  F'rov.28:13.  1 John 
1:8—10.  i Lev.  5:15.  6:4,5.  Luke  19:8.  ) Lev.  25:25,26.  k Lev.  6:6,7.  • Or, 

do  his  work  by  a succession  of  servants : and  he  will  let  them 
all  see,  that  he  can  do  without  them;  that  the  work  is  in  his 
hand;  that  when  he  employs  them,  he  does  not  need  them; 
and  that  he  can  easily  send  out  others  in  their  stead,  when 
they  are  no  longer  serviceable. 

V.  4 — 49.  Though  we  are  not  under  the  comparative 
obscurity  and  severity  of  the  Mosaic  dispensation;  yet  we 
should  remember  that  heavenly  things  must  be  treated  with 
reverence,  and  not  curiously,  contemptuously,  or  presump- 
tuously inquired  into.  It  is  very  dangerous  to  attempt  being 
“ wise  above  what  is  written,”  in  respect  of  those  great  mys- 
teries which  relate  to  the  infinite  God,  and  his  works  and 
ways ; or  to  intrude  into  those  things  over  which  he  hath 
purposely  thrown  a veil.  And  the  ministers  of  God,  and 
those  who  have  attained  to  a superior  degree  of  influence 
or  authority,  should  caution  and  deter  their  juniors,  and  the 
people,  from  such  intrusion.  Indeed,  the  rule  holds  good  in 
all  things:  we  ought  to  prevent  others  from  committing  sin  to 
the  utmost  of  our  ability,  as  far  as  consists  with  other  relative 
duties;  and  we  are  accessary  to  the  guilt  and  the  ruin  of 
those,  who  perish  through  our  neglect.  (Note,  1 Tim.  5:21, 
22.) — But  though  the  Lord  is  great  and  holy,  and  vengeance 
belongeth  unto  hint;  and  we  are  mean,  polluted,  and  guilty 
creatures ; we  may  yet  approach  him  with  safety,  comfort, 
and  confidence,  in  the  way  which  he  hath  opened,  provided 
we  use  the  appointed  means,  and  observe  the  directions 
which  he  has  given.— In  this  moveable  world  changes  await 
us:  but,  to  whatever  place  we  remove,  we  must  be  sure  to 
take  our  religion  with  us,  to  prefer  the  house  and  worship  of 
God  to  our  temporal  interests,  and  to  serve  him  with  the 
prime  of  our  health  and  strength.  Ere  long  this  earthly 
house  of  our  tabernacle  will  be  taken  down ; hut  if  it  hath 
been  “a  habitation  of  God  through  the  Spirit,”  this  great  and 
solemn  removal  will  be  all  under  the  hand  of  Jesus,  our 
merciful  High-Priest : he  will  give  his  angels  a charge  to 
convey  our  souls  invisibly  to  glory;  and  all  the  constituent 
parts  of  the  tabernacle  shall,  by  his  power,  be  brought 
together  to  heaven,  and  there  raised  up  again  incorruptible, 
immortal,  and  glorious;  “and  so  shall  we  ever  be  with  the 
• jOrd let  us  therefore  quicken  and  comfort  ourselves  and 
••ach  other  with  these  words.  (Notes,  Rom.  8:10,11.  1 Thes. 

*13— 18.) 

NOTES.— Chap.  V.  V.  1 — 4.  The  camps  of  Israel 
\ eing  now  formed,  with  the  sanctuary  of  God  in  the  centre  ; 
irders  were  given,  that,  in  honour  of  him  who  thus  conde- 
scended to  dwell  among  them,  the  lepers  and  unclean  persons 
. hould  be  excluded  from  the  camp,  according  to  laws  at 
/liferent  times  given  on  these  subjects.  (Mars.  Ref. 

\ Votes,  12:14,15.  Lev.  13:45,46.  15:)  «. 

V.  6.  That -men  commit!]  These  words  seem  to  intimate, 
nat  Adam's  children  are  very  prone  to  acts  of  fraud  and 
’ishonesty  : though  each  of  them 's  u a trespass  against  the 
P RD.” — The  expression,  “ and  that,  person  be  guilty,”  does 
lot  merely  refer  to  his  actual  criminality,  but.  to  his  con- 
iciousness  of  guilt  respecting  it : for  this  case  must  be  distin- 
guished from  that  of  a person  detected  in  dishonesty,  which 
e attempted  to  conceal. 

V.  7,  8.  If  the  person  injured  were  dead,  restitution 
would  of  course  be  made  to  his  heir ; but  if  he  had  '^0  n-> 


the  ram  of  the  atonement  whereby  an  atonement 
shall  be  made  for  him. 

9 And  every  ‘offering'  of  all  the  holy  things  ol 
the  children  of  Israel,  which  they  bring  unto  th»? 
priest,  shall  be  his. 

10  And  every  man's  'hallowed  things  shall  by 
his : whatsoever  any  man  giveth  the  priest,  it 

shall  be  his.  [Practical  Observations.'] 

11  H And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

12  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and  say 
unto  them,  mIf  any  man’s  wife  go  aside,  ard 
commit  a trespass  against  him, 

13  And  a man  "lie  with  her  carnally,  and  it  be 
hid  from  the  eyes  of  her  husband,  and  be.  kept 
close,  and  she  be  defiled,  and  there  be  no  witness 
against  her,  neither  she  he  taken  with  the  manner  ; 

14  And  "the  spirit  of  jealousy  come  upon  him, 
and  he  be  jealous  of  his  wife,  and  she  he  defiled ; 
or  if  the  spirit  of  jealousy  come  upon  him,  and  he 
be  jealous  of  his  wife,  and  she  be  not  defiled ; 

15  Then  shall  the  man  bring  his  wife  unto  the 
priest,  and  he  shall  bring  ijier  offering  for  her,  the 
tenth  part  of  an  ephah  of  barley-meal:  he  shall 
pour  no  oil  upon  it,  nor  put  frankincense  thereon: 
for  it  is  an  offering  of  jealousy,  an  offering  of  me- 
morial, ^bringing  iniquity  to  remembrance. 

16  And  the  priest  shall  bring  her  near,  and  rset 
her  before  the  Lord. 


heave  offering.  18:8,9.19.  Ex.  29:28.  I Lev.  6:17,18,26  . 7:6— 14.  10:13.22:2,3. 
Deut.  18:3,4.  Ex.  44:29,30.  1 Cor.  9:7— 13.  m 19,20.  Prov.  2:16,17.  n Lev.  18: 
20.  20:10.  Prov.  7:18, t9.  30:20.  o 30,  Prov. 6:34.  Cant . 8:6.  1 Cor.  10:22. 
I»  Lev.  5:11.  Hos.  3:2.  q 1 KiiiSs  17:18.  Ez.  29:16.  Ileb.  10:3.  rLev.  1:3.  Jer. 
17:10.  Heb.  13:4.  Rev  2:22,23. 


near  relation,  to  whom  the  restitution  might  properly  be 
made,  the  priest  was  appointed  to  receive  it,  when  the 
criminal  offered  the  trespass-offering. — Doubtless  real  poverty 
would  excuse  a man  : yet  this  exception  is  not  made  ; for 
men  are  ready  enough  to  find  out  excuses  for  themselves, 
where  their  own  interest  is  concerned.  They  therefore,  who 
establish  general  scriptural  rules  of  duty,  should  not  be 
censured,  though  they  do  not  mention  every  particular  excep- 
tion.— This  law  conclusively  shows  the  absolute  necessity  of 
restitution,  in  one  form  or  other,  where  actual  poverty  does 
not  hinder,  either  to  the  injured  person,  to  his  relations,  to 
the  poor,  or  to  pious  uses  ; for,  as  Mr.  Henry  observes,  ‘ it 
is  certain,  while  that  which  is  got  by  injustice,  is  knowingly 
retained  in  the  hands,  the  guilt  of  the  injustice  remains  upon 
the  conscience,  and  is  not  purged  by  sacrifice  or  offering, 
prayers  or  tears ; for  it  is  one  and  the  same  continued  act  of 
sin  persisted  in'  Some  say,  that  this  doctrine  tends  to  embar- 
rass tender  consciences  : but  it  is  the  doctrine  of  right  reason, 
and  of  the  word  of  God ; and  it  is  rather  calculated  to  detect 
hypocrites,  and  to  direct  such  as  have  tender  consciences  to 
a proper  conduct,  which,  springing  from  faith  in  Christ,  will 
make  way  for  inward  peace. 

V.  9,  10.  This  law  tended  to  encourage  the  priests  in 
constant  attendance  on  their  work:  for  what  any  priest 
received  of  the  people,  in  private  sacrifices  or  oblations, 
belonged  to  him,  and  was  not  divided  with  his  brethren. 

V.  12.  The  remarkable  law  which  follow^,  was  no  doubt 
intended  to  fortify  the  minds  of  the  Israelitish  women  in 
the.  hour  of  temptation,  when  opportunity,  importunity,  and 
secrecy  werq  combined  ; and  to  render  them  watchful  against 
all  occasions  of  exciting  suspicion  in  the  breasts  of  their  hus- 
bands. On  the  other  hand,  it  was  calculated  to  prevent  the 
cruel  treatment  from  husbands,  which  such  suspicions  might 
produce,  “through  the  hardness  of  their  hearts,”  when  the 
crime  could  not  be  proved,  or  the  rage  of  jealousy  allayed ; 
and  it  would  also  lessen  the  number  of  hasty  divorces.  If 
properl#  regarded,  the  guilty  could  hardly  escape,  or  the 
innocent  remain  under  injurious  suspicions;  and  in  many 
ways  it  would  subserve  the  interests  of  purity  and  of  domestic 
peace,  both  by  constantly  holding  out  a salutary  warning, 
and  by  the  alarm  which  would  be  raised  whenever  it  was 
carried  into  execution. 

V.  13,  14.  God  had  commanded  that  the  adulterer  and 
adulteress  should  be  put  to  death,  if  detected  and  the  fact 
proved:  {Lev.  20:10.)  but  when  the  husband  entertained 
suspicions  on  some  probable  grounds,  and  could  not  bring 
proof ; he  was  allowed  to  make  this  solemn  appeal  to  a heart* 
searching  God,  and  to  put  his  wife  on  the  awful  trial.  If  no* 
grossly  criminal,  it  must  be  supposed  she  had  been  too  regard 
less  of  appearances.  (2  Cor.  8:21.  1 Thes.  5:22.) 

V.  15.  This  coarse  offering,  without  oil  or  frankincense 
implied  the  baseness  of  the  crime  of  which  the  woman  waw 
suspected,  and  the  mournful  state  of  the  family.  It  was  n</ 
an  atoning  sacrifice,  but  an  oblation  for  a memorial , as  solemnly 
referring  the  decision  to  the  Lord,  and  calling  upon  him  to 
bring  the  iniquity  to  remembrance,  and  to  punish  it  in  case 
the  accused  was  guilty.  (Mrcrg.  Ref.) 

V.  lfi,  17.  As  this  process  could  not.  be  carried  on,  except 
at  the  sanctuary  ; the  trouble  and  expense  attending  it  would 
( 259  ) 


Li.  C.  j!!)0. 


NUMBERS, 


B.  C.  1490. 


17  And  the  priest  si.  ill  take  “holy  water  in  an 
earlhern  vessel;  and  'of  the  dust  that  is  in  the 
floor  of  the  tabernacle  the  priest  shall  take,  and 
put  it  into  the  water. 

18  And  the  priest  shall  set  the  woman  before 
the  Loan,  and  "uncover  the  woman’s  head,  “and 
put  the  oflbring  of  memorial  in  her  hands,  which 

the  jealousy-offering' : and  the  priest  shall  have 
iit  his  hand  "the  hitter  water  that  causeth  the  curse. 

19  And  the  priest  shall  ^charge  her  by  an  oath, 
and  say  unto  the  woman,  If  no  man  have  lain 
with  thee,  and  if  thou  hast  not  gone  aside  to 
uncleanness  'with  another  instead  of  thy  husband, 
be  thou  free  from  this  bitter  water  that  causeth 
the  curse : 

20  But  if  thou  hast  gone  aside  to  another  in- 
stead of  thy  husband,  and  if  thou  be  defiled,  and 
some  man  hath  lain  with  thee  beside  thine  husband  ; 

21  Then  the  priest  shall  charge  the  woman 
with  'an  oath  of  cursing:  and  the  priest  shall  say 
unto  the  woman,  “The  Loan  make  thee  a curse 
and  an  oath  among  thy  people,  when  the  Lord 
doth  make  thy  thigh  to  hot,  and  thy  belly  to 
swell : 

22  And  this  water  that  causeth  the  curse  shall 
bgo  into  thy  bowels,  to  make  thy  belly  to  swell, 
and  thy  thigh  to  rot.  And  "the  woman  shall  say, 
dAmen,  amen. 

23  And  the  priest  shall  “write  these  curses  in  a 
book,  and  he  shall  fblot  them  out  with  the  bitter 
water ; 

■ 19:2-9.  Ex.  30:18.  I Job.  2:12.  Jer.  17:13.  I,nm.3:22.  John  8:6.8.  u Lev. 
13:43.  I'  or.  11.15.  Heb. 4:12,13.  * 15,25,26.  x 17,22,24.  1 tin. 29:18.  1 Sam. 
15:32.  i ruv.  5:4.  He.  7:28.  Is.  38: 17.  Jer.  2:19.  Rev.  1U:9,1U.  y Matt.  26:63. 
* Or,  being  in  he  power  of  thy  husband.  Heb.  under  thu  husbanl.  Rom.  7:2. 
Gr.  7.  Josh.  6:26.  1 Sam.'  14:21.  Neb.  11L29.  Malt . 26  74.  a Is.  65:1.5.  Jer. 
29:2-2.  f Heb  .fall.  2 Chr.  21:15.  Frov.  10:7.  1.27.  Ps.  109:18.  Pro  v.  1:31. 
Ez.  3:3.  c : enL  27:15— 26.  Job  31 :21 ,22,39,10.  Ps.  7:4.5.  cl  Ps.  41 :13.  72: 19. 
8J:52.  John  3:3,11.  5:24, 23.  6:53.  Gr.  e Ex.  17  14.  Dem.  31:19.  2 Chr.  34:24. 


render  men  cautious  how  they  instituted  it  without  some 
urgent  reason.  It  is  generally  supposed,  that  the  water  of*  t he 
laver  in  the  court  of  the  tabernacle  is  meant;  being  called 
holy  because  of  its  separation  from  ordinary  uses.  This 
was  put  into  a mean  and  brittle  vessel,  and  dust  from  the 
floor  of  the  tabernacle  was  cast  into  it  for  the  women  to 
drink:  ^11  this  implied  the  disgrace  which  she  lay  under,  the 
shame  §o  which  she  would  be  exposed  if  guilty,  and  the  pu- 
nishment that  she  would  justly  endure  ; in  which  every  thing 
relating  to  the  worship  of  a holy  God,  would,  as  it  were,  com- 
bine together  for  her  destruction. — This  watci'was  called  the 
bitter  water,  from  the  bitter  effects  which  would  follow,  when 
drunk  by  a guilty  person.  (18,19.  Note , 27.) 

V.  19.  Instead  of  thy  husband.]  Or,  “being  under  the 
power  of  thy  husband  ;”  that  is,  a married  woman,  which  was 
marked  as  the  grand  aggravation  of  the  crime  charged  on  her. 
(Marx.  Ref.) 

V.  22.  Amen , Amen.]  This  two-fold  solemn  consent  of 
the  woman  to  the  awful  appeal  to  God,  referring  to  boih  parts 
of  it,  implied  a hearty  desire  to  he  dealt  with  according  to 
her  innocence  or  guilt : and  an  acknowledgment  of  the  justice 
of  God,  in  inflicting  his  dreadful  vengeance  upon  such  as  were 
guilty.  This  appeal  could  not  be  made  by  a person  who  was 
consciously  guilty,  without  the  most  entire  hardness  of  heart 
and  presumptuous  defiance  of  God,  and  even  atheistical  unbe- 
lief: and  every  circumstance  was  suited  to  warn  and  alarm 
the  w oman,  that,  if  guilty,  she  might  rather  confess  her  crime, 
than  venture  the  terrible  consequences.  The  Jewish  writers 
say,  that  if  she  refused  this  oath,  and  confessed  her  guilt,  she 
was  not  put  to  death,  but  only  divorced  without  a dowry. 

V.  23.  The  words  of  the  oath  or  curse  were  written  on  a 
piece  of  parchment,  which  was  called  a book  at  tflat  time  ; 
and  the  writing  was  washed  off  into  the  water,  as  if  the 
curse  had  been  infu-ed  in  ir,  that  the  woman  might,  drink  it. 

V.  27.  The  water,  by  its  natural  efficacy,  could  not  harm 
an  innocent  person.  But  if  any  woman  added  to  the  crime 
of  adultery,  the  awful  guilt  of  such  a deliberate  perjury,  God 
would  supernaturally  thus  punish  her. — The  Jews  have  a 
tradition  that  the  adulterer  also  would  die  of  a similar  dis- 
ease at  the  same  time;  which  probably  was  not  altogether 
unlike  that  loathsome  distemper,  with  which  God  has  in 
these  latter  ages  shown  his  abhorrence  of  lewdness  ; yet  it 
was  far  more  immediate  in  its  effects. 

V.  31 . Even  when  the  husband’s  jealousy  was  groundless, 
he  would  not  he  accounted  guilty,  if  he  took  this  method  of 
clearing  up  the  matter:  but  otherwise  it  would  lead  him  to 
do  those  things  which  would  bring  guilt  upon  him.  This  law 
is  a singular  proof  of  the  divine  legation  of  Moses.  No  mere 
politician  would  have  thought  of  such  a law,  which  at  first 
sight  generally  appears  harsh  and  strange:  yet  the  effect, 
when  carried  into  execution,  must  have  been  in  all  respects 
most  salutary,  and  worthy  of  the  divine  wisdom.  Again,  it 
could  not  he  carried  into  execution,  without  a miracle:  and 
( 2fi0  ) 


24  And  lie  shall  cause  the  woman  to  drink  the 
bitter  water  that  causeth  the  curse:  -gand  the 
water  that  causeth  the  curse  shall  enter  into  her, 
and  become  bitter. 

25  Then  the  priest  ''shall  take  the  jealousy- 
offering out  of  the  woman’s  hand,  and  shall  'wave 
the  offering  before  the  Lord,  and  oiler  it  upon  the 
altar. 

26  And  the  priest  shall  take  an  handful  of  :.he 
offering,  even  kthe  memorial  thereof,  and  burn  it 
upon  the  altar,  and  afterward  shall  cause  the  wo- 
man to  drink  the  water. 

27  And  when  he  hath  made  her  to  drink  the 
water,  then  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  'if  she  be 
defiled,  and  have  done  trespass  against  her  hus- 
band, that  the  water  that  causeth  the  curse  shall 
enter  into  her,  and  become  bitter,  and  her  belly 
shall  swell,  and  her  thigh  shall  rot:  and  the  wo- 
man mshall  be  a curse  among  her  people. 

28  And  nif  the  woman  be  not  defiled,  but  be 
clean ; then  she  shall  be  free,  and  shall  conceive 
seed. 

29  This  is  °the  law  of  jealousies,  Pwhen  a wife 
goeth  aside  to  another  instead  of  her  husband,  and 
i$  defiled  ; 

30  Or  when  the  spirit  of  jealousy  cometh  upon 
him,  and  he  be  jealous  over  his  wife,  and  shall  set 
the  woman  before  the  Lord,  and  the  priest  shall 
execute  upon,  her  all  this  law  : 

31  Then  shall  the  man  ^be  guiltless  from  ini- 
quity, and  this  woman  shall  rbear  her  iniquity. 


Job  31:35.  Jer.  51:60 — 64.  1 Cor.  16:21,22.  Rev.  20:12.  f Ps.  51 :1 ,9.  Is.  43:25. 
44:2-2.  Acts  3: 19.  g Zech.  5:3,4.  Mai.  3:5.  h 15,18.  i Ex.  29:24.  k Lev.  2:2 
5:12.6:15.  I 20.  Prov.  5:4,1 1 . Ec.  7:26.  Rom.  6:21 . 2 Lor.  2:16.  Heb.  10:28 
—30.  2 Pel.  2.10.  m Deut.  28:37.  Ps.  83:9— 11.  13.65:15.  Jer.  24:9  . 29:18,22. 
42:18.  Zech.  8:13.  n 19.  Mic.  7:7— 10.  2 Cor.  4:17.  1 Pet.  1:7.  o Lev.  7:11. 
11:46.13:59.14:54—57.15:32,33.  p 12— 15.  q Ps.  37:6.  r 9:13.  Lev.  20:10, 
17—20.  Ez.  18:4.  Rom.  2:8,9. 


no  legislator,  pretending  to  be  sent  by  God,  would  have 
committed  himself,  by  an  institution  which  might  at  any  time 
disprove  his  claim. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  The  people  of  God  should  separate  from  such 
as  are  unclean  by  impenitent  iniquity,  and  exclude  them  as 
far  as  they  are  able  from  their  fellowship:  and  then  if,  under 
the  mask  of  hypocrisy,  they  affront  the  Lord  and  profane  his 
holy  ordinances  by  an  unhallowed  intrusion,  they  do  it  at  their 
peril.  But  assuredly  such  shall  never...  “ that  holy  city, 
where  the  tabernacle  of  God  shall  be  with  men,  and  he  will 
dwell  with  them  ;”  but  will  be  left  without,  “ where  is  weep- 
ing and  wailing,  and  gnashing  of  teeth.”  In  this  miserable 
company,  will  most  certainly  be  found  those  unrighteous  per- 
sons who  have  unjustly  obtained,  and  as  unjustly  keep  pos- 
session of,  their  neighbour’s  property  : and  he  who  pretends 
to  piety,  and  thus  encourages  himself  in  dishonesty  by  a 
professed  dependance  on  the  atonement  of  Christ,  as  grossly 
affronts  him,  as  that  man  does,  who  substitutes  his  own  ho- 
nesty or  morality  in  the  stead  of  His  merits  and  sacrifice,  at 
the  price  of  his  acceptance  with  God  ! Indeed  the  confes- 
sion, the  restitution,  and  the  trespass-offering  must  always 
go  together. — It  is  the  will  of  God,  not  only  that  his  ministers 
should  be  provided  for,  but  that  the  most  diligent  and  zealous 
should  receive  the  greatest  encouragement ; though  alas  ! 
this  is  seldom  attended  to,  as  far  as  these  concerns  fall  under 
the  management  of  men. 

V.  11 — 31.  The  Lord’s  abhorrence  of  adultery,  and  his 
vengeance  against  it,  appear  conspicuous  in  this  chapter : and 
though  we  have  neither  a law  of  a jealous}  offering  to  detect 
adulterers,  and  adulteresses,  nor  any  method  of  bringing  them 
to  condign  punishment;  so  that  they  may  e.ther  conceal  or 
glory  in  their  shame,  and  the  impunity  with  which  they  trans- 
gress : yet  assuredly  their  sin  will  at  last  find  them  out ; for 
God  himself  will  detect  the  most  secret  offenders,  and  con- 
found the  most  daring.  Indeed,  his  providence  often  stamps 
infamy  upon  sinners  of  this  description,  by  those  dreadful 
diseases  with  which  he  visits  them,  and  with  which  they  in- 
fect, plague,  and  curse  one  another  m this  world  ; and  his 
word  denounces  the  severest  vengeance  against  them  in  the 
world  to  come.  But  ail  approaches  to  this  horrid  crime  must 
be  studiously  avoided : and  married  persons  especially  should 
act  in  such  a manner  as  to  inspire  mutual  confidence  in  each 
other;  and  eacip  of  them  should  avoid  every  intimacy,  and 
every  word  and  look,  which  may  excite  uneasiness  in  the 
other’s  breast.  For  conjugal  affection  is  prone  to  jealousy, 
and  Satan  delights  in  exciting  “a  spirit  of  jealousy”  in  the 
hearts  of  husbands  and  wives;  knowing  that  it  is  alike  tor- 
menting to  suspect  and  to  be  suspected.  He  blows  also  that 
such  suspicions  subvert  domestic  peace,  set.  asi  le  familv-reli- 
gion  and  the  pious  education  of  children,  and  ex.  lose  both  par- 
ties to  manifold -temptations : so  that  what  began  with  heed- 
less imprudence  and  groundless  ;ealousy  oflei  term:  nates  in 


D.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


The  Nazavite'e  tote,  1—9.  Ilis  rule,  incase  he  unavoidably  contracted  uti- 
cleanness,  9 — 12.  His  sacrifices  and  observance*  at  the  erpiration  of  his 
void,  13 — 21.  The  blessing  which  the  priests  were  to  pronounce  on  the 
people,  22-27. 

ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and  say 
unto  them,  “When  either  man  or  woman  shall 
separate  themselves  bto  vow  a vow  of  a Nazarite, 
*to  separate  themselves  unto  the  Loan ; 

3 He  shall  separate  himself  “from  wine,  and 
strong  drink,  and  shall  drink  no  vinegar  of  wine, 
or  vinegar  of  strong  drink  : neither  shall  he  drink 
any  liquor  of  grapes,  nor  eat  moist  grapes,  or 
dried. 

4 All  the  days  of  his  ^separation  shall  he  eat 
nothing  that  is  made  of  the  Ivine-tree,  from  the 
kernels  even  to  the  husk. 

5 All  the  days  of  the  vow  of  his  separation, 
there  shall  no  drazor  come  upon  his  head ; until 
the  days  be  fulfilled,  in  the  which  he  separateth 
himself  unto  the  Lord,  he  shall  be  holy,  and  shall 
iet  the  locks  of  the  hair  of  his  head  grow. 

6 All  the  days  that  he  separateth  himself  unto 
the  Lord,  ehe  shall  come  at  no  dead  body. 

7 He  shall  not  make  himself  f unclean  for  his 
father,  or  for  his  mother,  for  his  brother,  or  for  his 
sister,  when  they  die  ; because  the  Consecration 
of  his  God  is  upon  his  head. 

.5,6.  Ex.  33:18.  Lev.  20:26.  Prov.  18:1.  Rom.  1:1.  2Cor.  6:17.  Gal.  1:16.  Heb. 
7:26.  b Lev.  27 :2.  1 Sam.  1.28.  Am.  2:11,12.  Luke  1 :15.  Acts  21:24.  'Or.lo 
make  themselves  Nnzarites.  c Lev.  10:9.  Judg.  13:14.  Prov.  31:4,5.  Jer.  35:6 
—8.  Luke  7:33,34.  21:34.  Eph.5:18.  lThe«.S:22.  lTim.5:23.  f Or,  Naza- 
ritee  p.  t Heb.  vineof  the  wine,  d Judg.  13:5.  16:17.  1 Sam.  1:11.  Lam.  4: 
7.8.  I Cor.  11:10 — 15.  e 19:11— 16.  Lev.  19:28.  Jer.  16:5,6.  Ez.24:16— 18. 


deep  criminality  and  the  most  fatal  consequences.  We 
should  “abstain  from  all  appearance  of  evil and  watch  and 
pray  continually,  that  we  may  neither  excite  nor  indulge  such 
di  e suspicions.  If,  however,  we  have  a clear  conscience  and 
a true  faith,  we  may  be  calm  under  the  most  injurious  asper- 
sions ; and  God  in  due  time  will  clear  up  our  characters,  and 
convert  our  affliction  into  a blessing. — But  how  should  men 
tremble  at  the  thoughts  of  appealing  to  God,  when  their  own 
hearts  condemn  them  1 “ for  God  is  greater  than  their  hearts, 
and  knoweth  all  things,”  and  he  will  be  sure  at  length  tremen- 
dously to  revenge  such  a daring  affront. — Sensual  lusts  will 
certainly  end  in  bitterness ; and  they  who  delight  in  cursing 
shall  be  filled  with  it. — Finaily,  such  as  allow  iniquity  in  their 
hearts,  under  a profession  of  faith,  will  find  that  all  the  doc- 
trines of  God’s  word,  (by  which  the  true  believer  becomes 
joyful  and  fruitful  in  the  works  of  righteousness :)  all  the 
ordinances  of  his  house,  and  all  the  dispensations  of  his  provi- 
dence, concur  to  increase  their  guilt,  obduracy,  and  condem- 
nation. * 

NOTES. — Chap.  VI.  V.  2.  The  word  “Nazarite” 
signifies  one  who  is  separated.  The  Lord  himself  set  apart 
Samson  and  John  the  Baptist  before  their  birth,  to  be  Na- 
zarites  all  their  days : Samuel  was  devoted  by  his  mother  to 
be  a perpetual  Nazarite,  when  he  was  “asked  of  the  Lord:” 
and  the  family  of  the  Rachabites  were  a sort  of  Nazarites 
from  one  generation  to  another,  by  the  injunction  of  Jonadab 
their  progenitor.  (Notes,  Jer.  35:)  But  in  general  the  Na- 
zarites became  such  by  a voluntary  vow,  which  any  person 
might  make,  of  peculiar  separation  from  the  world  and 
devotedness  to  the  exercises  of  religion,  for  a limited  time, 
and  under  certain  regulations.  (Notes,  30:) — Among  the 
distinguishing  favours  which -God  conferred  on  Israel,  it  is 
stated  that  “ he  raised  up  of  their  young  men  for  Nazarites 
whence  we  may  infer,  that  their  prayers,  examples,  and 
instructions,  were  considered  as  a public  blessing.  (Am. 
2:11,12.)  The  Jews  say,  that  this  vow  could  not  he  made  for 
less  than  thirty  days,  but  St.  Paul  seems  to  have  taken  it  for 
no  more  than  seven  days.  (.dels  21:24 — 27.) 

To  separate  themselves.]  nunS,  inf.  hiph.  from  -63,  to  be 
separate : whence  'i'tj,  a Nazarite.  Hence  the  word  is  ren- 
dered in  the  margin,  1 to  make  themselves  Nazarites .’  The 
word  (Mbs')  rendered  “separate  themselves,”  in  the  first 
clause,  is  the  same  as  is  used  concerning  the  making  of  a 
singular  vow;  (Lev.  27:2.)  and  seems  to  convey  the  idea  of 
a person’s  acting  from  an  extraordinary  zeal  for  God  and  re- 
ligion.— This  use  of  the  two  distinct  words  seems  to  imply, 
that  the  singular  vow,  and  the  vow  of  the  Nazarite,  were  in 
some  things  of  a similar  nature.  (Note,  Lev.  27:2 — 8.) 

V.  3,  '4.  “Drinking  wine,”  or  strong  drink  of  any  sort,  13 
an  emblem,  both  in  its  nature  and  effects,  of  the  intoxicating 
pleasures  of  sin  and  sense ; and  from  this,  in  every  form,  and 
from  all  approaches  to  it,  the  Nazarites  were  commanded 
most  scrupulously  to  abstain. — There  is  nothing  in  Scripture 
vhich  bears  the  most  remote  affinity  to  the  religious  orders 
of  the  church  of  Rome,  except  these  Nazarites  : but  mark 
the  difference,  or  rather  the  opposition  ! The  religious  in 
that  church  are  forbidden  to  marry ; but  no  such  restriction 
was  laid  upon  the  Nazarites.  They  are  commanded  to 
abstain  from  meats;  but  the  Nazarites  might  eat  any  food 


B.  C.  1490 

8 All  the  days  of  his  separation  he  is  holy  untt? 
the  Lord. 

9 And  if  any  man  die  very  suddenly  by  him, 
sand  he  hath  defiled  the  head  of  his  consecration  , 
then  he  shall  hshave  his  head  in  the  day  of  his 
cleansing,  on  the  seventh  day  shall  he  shave  it. 

10  And  'on  the  eighth  day  he  shall  bring  two 
turtles,  or  two  young  pigeons;  to  the  priest,  to  the 
door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

1 1 And  the  priest  shall  loffer  the  one  for  a sin- 
offering,  and  the  other  for  a burnt-offering,  and 
make  an  atonement  for  him,  for  that  he  sinned  by 
the  dead,  kand  shall  hallow  his  head  that  same 
day. 

12  And  he  shall  consecrate  unto  the  Lord  the 
d s of  hit-  separation,  and  shall  bring  a lamb  of 
t first  year  for  'a  trespass-offering;  mbut  the 
d s that  were  before  shall  "be  lost,  because  hi' 
separation  was  defiled. 

13  H And  this  is  the  law  of  the  Nazarite : when 
the  days  of  his  separation  "are  fulfilled,  he  shall  be 
brought  unto  the  door  of  the  t bernacle  of  the 
congregation ; 

14  And  he  shall  offer  his  offering  unto  the  Lord, 
"one  he-lamb  of  the  first  year  without  blemish  for 
a burnt-offering,  and  rone  ewe-lamb  of  the  first 
year  without  blemish  for  a sin-offering,  and  qone 
ram  without  blemish  for  peace-offerings. 


Malt. 8:21,22.  Luke9:59,60.  2 Cor.  5:16.  f9:6.  Lev.  21:1,2,10— 12.  Ez.  44:25. 
§ Heb  .separation,  g 19:14 — 19.  h 18.  Acts  18:18,  21:23,24.  i Lev.  5:7 — 10. 
14:22,23.15:14,29.  ) Lev.  5:8— 10.  14:30,31.  k5.  1 Lev.  5:6.  14.24.  m El. 
18:24.  Matt.  3:15.  24:13.  John  8:29— 31.  Join. 2:10.  2Johu8.  II  Heb.  fall. 
n Acts  21:26.  o Lev.  1:10— 13.  I Chr.  15:26.  p Lev.  4:32.  q Lev.  3:6. 


allowed  to  other  Israelites.  They  are  not  generally  prohi- 
bited wine,  even  on  fasting  days ; but  the  Nazarites  might  not 
drink  it  at  any  time.  Their  vow  is  perpetual  to  the  end  of 
their  lives;  but  the  Nazarites  vow  was  only  for  a limited 
time,  at  his  own  discretion ; and  in  certain  cases  not  unless 
allowed  by  husbands  or  parents.  A similar  contrast  may 
often  be  discerned,  between  the  rules  of  men’s  invention,  for 
fasting  and  for  extraordinary  sanctity,  and  the  precepts  of 
Scripture. 

Y.  5.  This  inattention  to  the  hair,  by  which  it  was  left  to 
grow  and  to  hang  neglected,  would  give  the  Nazarites  a 
singular  appearance  of  mortification  to  the  world,  and  disre- 
gard to  the  body.  It  might  also  denote  their  peculiar  subjec- 
tion to  the  Lord;  (Note,  1 Cor.  11:2 — 16.)  and  it  served  to 
distinguish  them  from  other  men,  as  they  passed  through  the 
streets. 

V.  6,  7.  The  Nazarites  were  not  allowed  to  attend  the 
funerals  of  their  nearest  relations ; by  which  they  were  repre- 
sented as  more  “ holy  to  the  Lord”  than  the  ordinary  priests, 
and  in  this  particular  ranked  with  the  high  priests.  (Notes, 
Lev.  21:1—5,10—15.) 

V.  9 — 12.  No  penalty  was  appointed  for  those  who  wil- 
fully violated  their  vow  of  being  Nazarites,  nor  any  sacrifice 
required  of  them ; they  must  answer  for  such  profane  trifling 
with  the  Lord  another  day.  But  if,  by  the  very  sudden  death 
of  any  person  near  them,  they  contracted  uncleanness  they 
would  not  only  be  unclean  seven  days,  and  require  purifying 
as  other  Israelites  did ; but  they  must  offer  sacrifices  of  atone- 
ment at  the  tabernacle  or  temple,  lose  all  the  past  time,  and 
begin  over  again  to  consecrate  their  appointed  season  of  se- 
paration to  the  Lord.  And  how  often  soever  this  might  take 
place,  in  every  renewed  instance,  the  whole  time  which  had 
been  vowed,  must  be  entered  upon  again. — Though  the  pollu- 
tion contracted  was  involuntary,  yet  it  was  a transgression 
of  the  ceremonial  law,  and  as  such  required  expiation ; and  in 
some  instances,  due  care  might  not  be  taken.  In  one  way  or 
another,  however,  a degree  of  sin  would  doubtless  be  commit- 
ted ; and  therefore  the  Nazarite  must  appear  before  God  as  a 
sinner,  with  the  offerings  required  of  a man  who  had  been  un- 
clean by  a running  issue  and  was  healed,  and  with  a trespass- 
offering. (Lev.  15:13 — 15.)  This  was  suited  to  render  the 
Nazarites  very  circumspect  in  their  whole  conduct.  No 
ceremonial  uncleanness  caused  this  interruption,  except  the 
touch  of  the  dead  body  of  man ; for  death  came  in  by  sin, 
and  was  thus  accounted  unclean,  till  the  death,  burial,  and 
resurrection  of  Christ,  as  it  were,  sanctified  death  and  the 
grave  to  his  people.  But  the  soul  dead  in  sin,  and  in  the 
dead  works  attending  that  state,  are  still  as  polluted  and 
polluting  as  ever. 

V.  13 — 20.  By  these  sacrifices  and  ceremonies,  at  the 
expiration  of  his  term,  the  Nazarite  was  taught  to  confess, 
that  his  performance  of  the  vow  needed  atonement  and  for- 
giveness, being  mixed  with  sin  ; to  acknowledge  that  tho 
honour  of  all  which  was  done  well  belonged  to  the  Lord ; and 
that,  though  he  was  no  longer  a Nazarite,  he  was  still  by 
duty  and  choice  the  devoted  servant  of  the  Lord,  and  con- 
sidered communion  with  a reconciled  God  as  the  delight  of  his 
soul.  The  hair  was  shaven  off,  as  a token  that  the  vo  v was 
accomplished ; and  was  burnt,  not  on  the  altar,  a*  If  / t could 
( 261  ) 


II  < 1490. 


NUMBERS. 


B.  G.  1490 


15  And  ra  basket  of  unleavened  bread,  cakes  of 
line  (lour  mingled  with  oil,  and  wafers  of  unleav- 
ened bread ‘anointed  with  oil,  and  their  meat-offer- 
ing, and  their  ‘drink-offerings. 

16  And  the  priest  shall  bring  them  before  the 
Lord,  and  shall  offer  his  sin-offering,  and  his 
burnt-offering. 

17  Ami  he  shall  oiler  the  ram  for  a sacrifice  of 
peace-offerings  unto  the  Lord,  with  a basket  of 
unleavened  bread : the  priest  shall  ofier  also  his 
meat-offering,  and  his  drink-oliering. 

18  And  the  Na/,arite  shall  “shave  the  head  of 
l.is  separation  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation;  and  shall  take  the  hair  of  the  head 
of  Ins  separation,  vand  put  it  in  the  fire  which  is 
under  the  sacrifice  of  the  peace-offerings. 

19  And  the  priest  shall  take  the  “sodden  shoulder 
of  the  ram,  and  one  unleavened  cake  out  of  the 
basket,  and  one  unleavened  wafer,  and  shall  ?put 
them  upon  the  hands  of  the  Nazarite,  after  the 
hair  of  his  separation  is  shaven. 

r Lev.  5:4.  8:2.  9:4.  John  6:50— 59.  s Ex.  29:2.  t 15:5,7,10.  Is.  62:9.  Joel  1:9, 
13.  2:14.  l(  o,  . 10:31.  11:26.  u 5,9.  Acts  18:18.  21:24,26.  v Luke  17:10.  Eph. 
1:6.  X Lev.  8:31.1  Sam. S: IS.  y Ex .29:23— 27.  Lev. 7:30. 8:27.  z5:25.  Lev.  9:21 . 
10:15.  23.11.  a 18:18.  Lev.  7:31,34.  1,  Ps.  16:10,11.  Ec.  9:7.  Is. 25:6. 3.5:10.  53: 
10—12.  Zech.  9:15,17.  10:7.  Matt. 26:29.  Mark  14:25.  John  17:4,5.  19.30.  2 Tim. 
4:7.8.  c See  on  5:29.  tl  Ezra  2:69.  Gal.  6:6.  Heb.  13:16.  e Gen.  14:19,20.  24:60. 
27:27—29.  28:3,4.  47:7,10.  44:20.  Lev. 9:22,23.  Deul.  33:1.  1 Chr.  23:13.  Luke 
21:50,51.  Horn.  1:7.  1 Cor.  1:3.  2 Cor.  13:14.  Heb.  7:1,7.  11:20,21.  I Pet.  1:2. 
2 Pet.  1:2,3.  2 John  3.  f Ruth  2:4.  Ps.’134:3.  1 Cor.  14:16.  Eph.  6:24.  Phil.  4: 


make  atonement,  but  under  the  peace-offerings , implying  the 
gracious  acceptance  of  such  services  by  a God  of  peace  and 
love.  The  left  shoulder,  when  boiled,  was  given  by  the  Na- 
zarites  to  the  priests,  in  addition  to  their  portion  out  of  the 
peace-offerings.  (Note,  Lev . 7:29 — 34.) 

V.  21.  Besides  that,  &c.]  If  the  Nazarite  were  poor,  he 
would  be  accepted  in  simply  performing  what  his  vow  re- 
quired ; hut  if  he  had  it  in  his  power,  it  would  be  proper  to 
offer  free-will-offerings  also.  It  seems  the  pious  friends  of 
the  Nazarites  sometimes  were  at  charges  with  them  on  these 
occasions ; and  that  they  feasted  together  on  the  sacrifices, 
having  probably  taken  the  vow  upon  them  for  a few  days  be- 
forehand. (Note,  Acts  21:22 — 26.) 

V.  23.  The  priests,  in  this  action,  typified  the  Lord  Jesus, 
who  came  to  bless  us  ; 44  and  who,  while  he  was  blessing  his 
disciples,  was  parted  from  them,  and  was  taken  up  into 
heaven.”  As  the  ministers  of  the  Lord,  the  priests  very 
solemnly  prayed  for  the  people,  and  pronounced  a blessing 
upon  them  : the  apostolical  epistles  are  most  of  them  begun 
or  closed  with  a similar  benediction  : and  it  has  been  a com- 
mon and  very  proper  custom,  for  the  minister,  in  Christian 
assemblies,  to  dismiss  the  congregation  in  the  same  manner  ; 
both  as  expressing  his  affectionate  good-will  to  them,  and  his 
fervent  prayers  for  them ; and  as  assuring  them  in  the  name 
of  God,  that  a blessing  will  attend  on  those  who  are  indeed 
the  Lord’s  believing  people : for  hypocrites  can  have  no 
share  in  these  special  benefits. 

Y.  24 — 26.  The  word  Jehovah  is  three  times  solemnly 
repeated  in  this  benediction,  and  the  Jews  themselves  have 
supposed  that  there  is  some  great  mystery  contained  in  that 
repetition.  When  we  compare  it  with  the  form  of  Christian 
baptism,  u Into  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son, 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;”  with  the  blessing  that  St.  Paul 
pronounced  on  the  Corinthians,  which  is  in  common  use  in 
our  places  of  worship  ; and  with  John’s  salutation  of  the 
churches;  (Notes,  Matt.  28:19,20.  2 Cor.  13:14.  Rev.  1:4 — 
6.)  we  can  be  at  no  loss  to  determine  what  that  mystery  is. 
When  sinners  repent  and  believe,  they  are  blessed  with  all 
spiritual  blessings  by  the  triune  God  of  salvation,  the  Father 
who  chose,  the  Son  who  redeemed,  and  the  Holy  Spirit  who 
sanctifies  and  comforts  all  the  elect  people  of  God. — To 
abide,  in  body  and  soul,  under  the  almighty  protection  of  God 
our  Saviour ; and  to  enjoy  his  favour,  as  the  smile  of  a loving 
Father,  or  as  the  enlightening,  cheering  beams  of  the  sun  ; 
while  he  mercifully  forgives  our  sins,  pities  our  sorrows, 
supplies  our  wants,  satisfies  our  desires,  and  communicates 
sweet  peace  to  the  conscience  and  consolation  to  the  heart; 
and  whilst  he  graciously  accepts  our  persons  and  services, 
and  prepares  us  for  eternal  glory : — these  things  form  the 
substance  of  this  blessing,  and  the  sum  total  of  all  blessings; 
and  in  such  a rich  inventory,  worldly  joys  arc  not  deemed 
worthy  to  be  mentioned.  The  texts  referred  to  in  the  margin, 
throw  great  light  on  the  several  words  here  used.  The 
nation  of  Israel  collectively  seems  to  have  been  especially 
intended  ; and  the  Lord  will  assuredly  bless  lus  people  Israel, 
and  all'  who  are  Israelites  indeed. — Can  any  man,  after 
carefully  considering  the  words  of  this  blessing,  help  being 
a.uo.iished,  to  hear  learned  divines  seriously  maintain,  that 
the  Israelites  were  taught  in  the  law  to  expect  only  temporal 
advantages,  and  that  the  precepts  were  enforced  only  by 
temporal  promises  and  threatenings? 

V.  27.  Put  my  name,  &c.]  That  is,  4 They  shall  bless 
them  in  my  name,  as  my  people;  as  such  pray  for  them ; and 
direct  ihem  to  expect  and  ask  all  hlcssings  from  mo  : and  so 
doing  thev  shall  not  bo  disappointed  ; for  my  Name , by  which 
( 262'  ) 


20  And  'the  .priest  shall  wave  them  for  a wave- 
offering  before  the  Lord;  this  is  holy  for  the 
priest,  ^ with  the  wave-breast,  and  heave-shoulder : 
and  ’’after  lh*t,  the  Nazarite  may  drink  wine 

21  This  is  cthe  law  of*  the  Nazariie  who  hath 
vowed,  and  of  his  offering  unto  the  Lord  for  his 
separation,  dbesidcs  that  that  his  hand  shall  get: 
according  to  the  vow  which  he  vowed,  so  he  must 
do  after  the  law  of  his  separation. 

[ Practical  O'jsci  eat  ions .] 

22  H And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying-, 

23  Speak  unto  Aaron,  and  unto  his  sons,  saying, 
On  this  -vvise  eye  shall  bless  the  children  of  Israel, 
saying  unto  them, 

24  ‘The  Lord  bless  thee,  and  ekeep  thee  ; 

25  The  Lord  hn,ake  his  face  shine  upon  thee, 
and  be  ‘gracious  unto  thee ; 

26  The  Lord  Mift  up  his  countenance  upon 
thee,  and  'give  thee  peace. 

27  And  they  shall  mput  my  name  upon  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  and  “I  will  bless  them. 


23.  Rev.  1:4,5.  g Ps.  91:11.  121:4— 7.  Is.  27:3.  42  6.  John  17.11.  Phil.  4:7 

1 Thus.  5:23.  1 Pet.  1:5.  Jmle  24.  1:  Ps.21:6.  31:16.  67  1.  80:1—3,7,19.  119:135. 
Dan.  9:17.  i Gen.  43:29.  Ex.  33:49.  Mai.  1:9.  John  1:17.  I:  Ps.4:6.  42:5.  89: 
15.  Acts  2:28.  I Ps.  29:11.  Is.  26:3,12.  57:19.  Mic.  5:5.  L|lke2:14.  John  14:27. 
16:33.20:21,26.  Acts  10:36.  Rom.  5:1.  15:13,33.  Eph.  2:1 1—17.  6:23.  Phil.  4:7. 

2 Tiies.  3:16.  m Ex?  3:13— 15.  6-.3.  34:5— 7.  Deul.  23:10.  2Chr.  7:14.  Is.  43;7. 
Jer.  11:9.  Dan.  9:18,19.  Mall.  28:19.  n Geu.  12:2.3.  32:26.29.  1 Chr.  4:10.  Ps. 
67:7.  115:12.  Eph.  1:3. 


they  are  called,  shall  he  their  honour,  security,  confidence, 
and  comfort.’ 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 21.  While  we  rejoice  in  Christ  Jesus,  as  perse- 
vering in  the  work  for  which  he  had  separated  and  sanctified 
himself,  without  contracling  any  defilement, or  shrinking  from 
self-denial  or  suffering,  till  he  had  completed  it,  and  arrived 
with  honour  and  glory  unspeakable  44  at  the  joy  set  before 
him let  us  not  forget,  that  he  is  our  Example,  as  well  as 
our  Surety.  For  his  sake  we  must  renounce  worldly  plea- 
sures, 44  abstain  from  fleshly  lusts,”  separate  from  sinners, 
touch  no  unclean  thing,  be  indifferent  about  the  indulgence  or 
adorning  of  our  bodies,  be  intent  about  the  feeding  and  adorning 
of  our  souls,  make  an  open  profession  of  our  faith,  moderate 
natural  affections,  be  abstracted  from  worldly  cares,  be  spi- 
ritually minded  and  devoted  to  God’s  service,  zealous  for  his 
glory,  and  desirous  to  be  an  example  and  a blessing  to  his 
people,  and  to  all  around  us. — If  after  profession  of  faith  in 
Christ,  any  wilfully  and  finally  apostatize  and  return  to 
wickedness,  44  there  remains  no  other  sacrifice;  but  a certain 
fearful  looking  for  of  judgment,  and  fiery  indignation.”  (Note, 
Heb.  10:26,27.)  While  we  judge  that  the  true  Nazarite 
never  thus  entirely  renounces  his  vow  of  separation,  we 
should  also  remember  that  he  may  and  will  inadvertently 
commit  sin  and  contract  defilement;  and  then  he  must  renew 
his  repentance,  exercise  faith  in  Christ,  and  begin  all  over 
again,  as  when  he  first 44  fled  for  refuge  to  the  hope  set  before 
him.”  And  when  the  Christian  is  finishing  his  course  ot 
faith  and  holiness,  of  self-denial  and  bearing  the  cross,  and  is 
about  to  close  his  eyes  in  death,  and  open  them  in  the  realms 
of  uninterrupted  joy ; he  will  still  acknowledge  that  he  has 
nothing  to  trust  to  hut  the  blood  of  Christ,  since  the  best 
which  he  hath  done  has  been  mixed  with  sin,  and  needs  for- 
giveness ; he  will  give  the  glory  to  the  Lord  of  all  that  he  hath 
done  in  any  measure  well ; he  will  value  reconciliation  and 
communion  with  God  as  his  only  comfort,  and  depart  with 
thankful  acknowledgments  for  the  past;  perhaps  with  joyful, 
at  least  with  peaceful,  expectations  for  the  future,  to  go  and 
drink  the  new  wine  of  the  kingdom  with  his  beloved  Redeemer 
in  the  realms  of  bliss. 

V.  22 — 27.  Blessings  at  all  times,  and  of  every  kind,  will 
certainly  be  bestowed  on  all  true  believers ; hut  when  they 
shall  have  finished  their  course  and  kept  the  faith  to  the  end 
of  their  days,  their  great  High-Priest  will  especially  pro- 
nounce them  blessed  in  the  name  of  the  triune  Jehovah, 
which  is  put  upon  them : then  will  ho  shine  and  stnile  upon 
them  ineffable  joys;  then  will  he  wipe  all  tears  from  their 
eyes,  and  be  gracious  to  them  for  ever.  In  hopes  of  this 
immortal  crown,  let  us  here  cheerfully  endure  the  cross:  let 
us  fear  nothing  hut  dishonouring  our  profession:  let  us  ever 
be  prepared  for  the  approach  of  death,  which  often  cornea 
44  very  suddenly.”  Let  us  he  very  watchful  in  a world  so  full 
of  pollutions:  let  us  remember,  that  the  higher  wo  stand  in 
the  profession  of  holiness,  the  slighter  inadvertency  will  dis- 
grace us,  and  dishonour  our  God.  And  may  the  Lord  keep, 
and  bless,  and  comfort  in  life,  and  at  death,  and  for  ever,  with 
all  the  blessings  of  salvation,  the  writer  and  every  reader td 
these  remarks,  Amen! 

NOTES— Chap.  VII.  V.  1—3.  Those  tMngs  which 
had  been  expressly  commanded,  were  first  performed : for  it 
is  evident  that  the  tabernacle  was  erected,  the  nrivsts  conse- 
crated, the  people  numbered,  the  camp  formed,  the  Lovites 
appointed  to  their  services,  and  all  things  put  into  a r<  gular 
train  for  carrying  on  the  service  of  the  sanctuary,  before 
these  voluntary  oblations  were  made  by  Ow  p inces.  Indeed. 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  YII. 


B.  C . . 190 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Tht  princes  of  Israel  present,  at  the  dedication  of  the  sanctuary , six  covered 
wagons  and  twelve  oxen,  which  the  Lord  directs  to  be  given  to  the  Levites, 
1—5.  Each  of  the  twelve  princes,  on  twelve  succeeding  days,  brings 
oblations  and  sacrifices,  10—88.  The  Lord  speaks  to  Moses  from  the  mercy- 
seat,  89. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  on  the  day  that  Moses 
‘had  fully  set  up  the  tabernacle,  and  had 
banointed  it,  and  sanctified  it,  and  all  the  instru- 
ments thereof,  both  the  altar,  and  all  the  vessels 
thereof;  and  had  anointed  them,  and  ‘sanctified 
them: 

2  That,lthe  princes  of  Israel,  heads  of  the  house 
of  their  lathers  (who  were  the  princes  of  tlie  tribes, 
"and  were  over  them  that  were  numbered,)  'of- 
fered : 

3  And  they  brought  their  offering  before  the 
Lord,  six  covered  wagons,  and  twelve  oxen;  a 
wagon  for  two  of  the  princes,  and  for  each  one 
an  ox  : and  they  brought  them  before  the  taber- 
nacle. 

4  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

5  fTake  it  of  them,  that  they  may  be  to  do  the 
service  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation ; 
and  thou  shalt  give  them  unto  the  Levites,  to 
every  man  according  to  his  service. 

6  And  Moses  took  the  wagons  and  the  oxen, 
and  gave  them  unto  the  Levites. 

7  sTwo  wagons  and  four  oxen  he  gave  unto 
the  sons  of  Gershon,  according  to  their  service. 

8  And  ''four  wagons  and  eight  oxen  he  gave 
unto  the  sons  of  Merari,  according  unto  their  ser- 
vice, under  the  hand  of  Ithamar,  the  son  of  Aaron, 
th£  priest. 

9  But  unto  the  sons  of  Kohath  he  gave  none; 
‘because  the  service  of  the  sanctuary  belonging 
unto  them  was  that  they  should  bear  upon  their 
shoulders. 

10  11  And  the  princes  offered  for  kdedicating  of 
the  altar,  in  the  day  that  it  was  anointed,  even  the 
princes  offered  their  offering  before  the  altar. 

11  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  'They  shall 
offer  their  offering  each  prince  on  his  day,  for  the 
dedicating  of  the  altar. 

12  And  he  that  offered  his  offering  the  first  day, 
was  '"Nahshon  the  son  of  Amminadab,  of  the 
tribe  of  Judah. 

13  And  his  offering  was  one  silver  "charger, 
the  weight  whereof  was  an  hundred  and  thirty 
shekels,  one  silver  bowl  of  seventy  shekels,  after 

a En.  40:17—19.  bEi.  30:23—30.  I.ev.  8:10,11.  c Gen. 2:3.  Ex.  13:2.  1 Kings 
8:64.  Matt.  23:19.  cl  See  on  1:4 — 16.  * Heb.  who  stood,  e Ex.  35:27.  1 Chr. 
29:6— 8.  2 Chr.  35:8.  Ezra  2:68,69.  Neh.  7:70— 72.  f Ex.  25:2.  35:5.  Ps.  16:2, 
3.  Tit.  3:8.  g 3:25,26.  4:24—26.  h 3:36,37.  4:31—33.  i 3:31 . 4:5— 16.  2 Sam. 
6:6,13.  1 Chr.  15:3,13.  23(26.  k Deut.  20:5.  1 Kings  8:63.  2 Chr.  7:5,9.  Ezra  6: 
16.  Neh.  12.27.  Ps.  30:  title.  John  10:22.  1 I Cor.  14:33  40.  m 2:3.  10:14.  Gen. 
49:8.  Matt.  1:4.  Luke  3:32.  Naasson.  n Ex.  25:29.  Ezra  1:9,10.  8:25.  Jer.  52: 

this  supposes  that  more  time  had  elapsed,  since  Moses  had 
begun  to  set  up  the  tabernacle,  than  was  employed  in  anoint- 
ing and  dedicating  it,  and  in  consecrating  the  priests:  but 
perhaps  the  language  used  was  intended  to  take  in  likewise 
the  arrangements  made  concerning  the  encampment  of  the 
tribes  around  the  sanctuary,  and  the  charge  of  it  assigned  to 
the  priests  and  Levites.  As,  however,  the  princes  are  the 
same  as  presided  over  the  numbering  of  the  people  ; and  as 
they  afterwards  offered  in  the  order  of  their  encampments, 
nol  in  that  of  the  seniority;  (which  is  shown  by  comparing 
this  chapter  with  the  second;)  we  must  conclude  that  these 
regulations  had  previously  been  made.— The  wagons  are 
supposed  to  have  been  neat  carriages,  such  as  were  then  used 
to  ride  in;  yet  made  very  strong:  and  some  think  they  were 
richly  decorated,  as  well  as  Covered  to  keep  out  the  wet  or 
dust. 

V.  4 — 9.  It  seems  that  Moses  hesitated  on  the  propriety 
of  receiving  this  oblation,  and  about  the  disposal  of  it,  till  he  had 
consulted  the  Lord.  The  sockets  of  silver  and  brass  alone 
are  computed  to  have  weighed  more  than  eight  tons,  which 
would  be  fully  sufficient  to  load  four  strong  wagons : so  that 
the  sons  of  Merari  would  still  have  much  to  carry  upon  their 
shoulders  ; as  probably  the  sons  of  Gershon  also  had.  The 
Kohathites  had  in  all  only  a moderate  weight. ; and  in  reve- 
rence to  the  sacred  things,  they  were  expressly  ordered  to 
carry  them  at  all  times  upon  their  shoulders.  As  the  priests 
were  of  this  family,  they  often  assisted  in  this  service.  The 
neglect  of  this  rule  was  David’s  first  and  chief  mistake,  when 
’Tzzah  was  smitten.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  6:3,12,13.) 

V.  10.  It  is  probable  that  there  was  some  difference  of 
rank  and  possessions  among  the  Israelites  even  in  Egypt : 
and  consequently  at  their  departure,  the  chief  men  would 
obtain  a larger  port' <n  of  the  spoil;  by  which  means  they 


“the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary,  both  of  them  were 
full  of  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil,  lor  a Pmeat-ofler 
ing: 

14  One  ispoon  of  ten  shekels  of  gold,  full  o. 
"incense : 

15  “One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of 
the  first  year,  for  a burnt-offering : 

16  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  la  sin-offering: 

17  And  fora  sacrifice  of  “peace-offerings,  two 
oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the 
first  year.  This  was  the  offering  of  Nahshon  the 
son  of  Amminadab. 

18  H On  the  second  day  "Nethaneel  the  son  of 
Zuar,  prince  of  Issachar,  did  offer. 

19  He  ^offered  for  his  offering  one  silver  char- 
ger, the  weight  whereof  was  an  hundred  and  thirty 
shekels,  one  silver  bowl  of  seventy  shekels,  after 
the  shekel  of  tbe  sanctuary^  both  of  them  full  of 
fine  flour  mingled  with  oil,  lor  a meat-offering 

20  One  spoon  of  gold  of  ten  shekels,  full  ol  in- 
cense : 

21  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of  the 
first  year,  for  za  burnt-offering : 

22  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a sin-offering : 

23  And  lor  a sacrifice  of  “peace-offerings,  two 
oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the 
first  year.  This  was  the  offering  of  Nethaneel  the 
son  of  Zuar. 

24  H On  the  third  day  ''Eliab  the  son  of  Helon, 
prince  of  the  children  of  Zebulun,  did  offer. 

25  His  offering  was  one  silver  charger,  the 
weight  whereof  was  an  hundred  and  thirty  shekels, 
one  silver  bowl  of  seventy  shekels,  after  the  shekel 
of  the  sanctuary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine  flour 
mingled  with  oil,  for  a meat-offering  : 

26  One  golden  spoon  of  ten  shekels,  full  of  in- 
cense : 

27  One  “young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of 
the  first  year,  for  a burnt-offering  : 

28  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a sin-offering  : 

29  And  for  a sacrifice  of  peace-offerings,  two 
oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the 
first  year.  This  was  the  offering  of  Eliab  the  son 
of  Helon. 

30  If  On  the  fourth  day  ‘’Elizur  the  son  of  She-' 
deur,  prince  of  the  children  of  Reuben,  did  offer. 

31  His  offering  was  one  silver  charger,  of  the 
weight  of  an  hundred  and  thirty  shekels,  one  silver 
bowl  of  seventy  shekels,  after  the  shekel  of  the 


19.  Dan.  5:2.  Zech.  14:20.  Matt.  14:8,11 . o Ex.  30:13.  Lev.  27:3,25.  p Lev. 
2:1.  q 4:7.  Ex.  37:16.  1 Kings  7:50.  2 Kings  25:14,15.  8 Chr.  4:2*.  24:14.  r Ex. 
30:7,8,34—38.  35:8,  sLev.l:  t Lev.  4:23.  u Lev.  3:  2 Cor. 5:19— 21.  x 1:8. 
2:5.  y See  on  12—  it.  lGen.8:20.  Rom. 12:1.  Eph.5:2.  a Lev.  7:11— 13. 
1 Kings  8:63.  Prov.  7:14.  Col.  1:20.  b 1:9.  2:7.  cPs.  50:8— 14. 51 :16.  Is.  1:11. 
Jer.  7:22.  Amos  5:22.  (11:5.2:10. 

• 

were  enabled  to  present  these  oblations.  Yet  some  persons 
conjecture,  that  the  princes  offered  not  only  in  the  behalf,  but 
at  the  expense,  of  their  several  tribes. 

V.  11.  As  the  princes  were  preparing  to  bring  their  obla- 
tions all  at  once,  the  Lord  ordered,  that  they  should  present 
them  separately ; both  to  prevent  confusion,  to  increase  the 
solemnity,  that  the  priests  might  not  be  overburdened  with 
work,  and  that  they  might  have  leisure  to  grow  more  expert 
by  daily  practice.  And,  as  a large  proportion  of  the  sacri- 
fices was  feasted  upon,  both  by  the  priests  and  people,  it 
would  also  prevent  excess  or  waste,  and  promote  hospitality, 
to  have  only  one  oblation  at  a time.  Though  one  tribe  was 
more  numerous  and  wealthy  than  another,  they  all  presented 
exactly  the  same  oblations  and  sacrifices;  for  they  were  all 
equally  inlerested  in  the  sanctuary  and  worship  of  God,  and 
were  all  willing  to  express  an  equal  affection  for  them.  Every 
one’s  offering  is  nevertheless  particularly  mentioned ; for  the 
Lord  takes  pleasure  in  recording  the  willing  services  of  his 
people. 

V.  12.  Nahshon  is  the  only  one,  who  is  not  called  a 
prince,  in  the  history  of  this  transaction..  Some  suppose  that 
this  was  a humiliating  circumstance,  intended  to  counter- 
balance his  pre-eminence ; others  conjecture,  that  this  title- 
was  omitted,  because  it  was  reserved  for  Christ,  who  was  to 
descend  from  this  tribe:  but  perhaps  it  was  considered  as 
needless,  seeing  he  was  the  principal  person  in  the  whole 
company. 

Y.  13,14.  The  silver  chargers,  or  dishes,  might  be  useful 
for  the  meat-offerings,  and  to  contain  the  flesh  of  the  sacri- 
fices when  the  priests  feasted  upon  it.  The  silver  bowls 
would  be  useful  for  the  drink-offerings,  and  to  receive  tho 
blood  for  sprinkling  ; and  the  golden  spoons  were  suited  to  tho 
service  of  the  altar  of  incense.  (Note,  Ex.  2523—30  , 

( 263  I 


B.  C.  1490.  NUMBERS.  . B.  C.  1490. 


sanctuary;,  both  jf  t\  em  full  of  fine  flour  mingled 
with  oil,  lor  a meat-offering : « 

32  One  golden  spoon  of  ten  shekels,  full  of  'in- 
cense. 

33  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of  the 
first  year,  lor  a burnt-offering  : 

34  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a sin-offering : 

35  And  for  a sacrifice  of  peace-offerings,  two 
oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the 
first  year.  This  was  the  offering  of  Elizur  the 
son  ol’Shedeur. 

36  H On  the  fifth  day  fShelumiel  the  son  of 
Zurishaddai,  prince  of  the  children  of  Simeon, 
did  offer. 

37  His  offering  was  one  silver  charger,  the 
weight  whereof  was  an  hundred  and  thirty  shekels, 
one  silver  bowl  of  seventy  shekels,  after  the  she- 
kel of  the  sanctuary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine 
flour  mingled  with  oil,  for  a meat-offering  : 

38  One  golden  spoon  of  ten  shekels,  full  of 
incense : 

39  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  eone  lamb  of 
the  first  year,  for  a burnt-offering  : 

40  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a sin-offering : 

41  And  for  a sacrifice  of  peace-offerings,  two 
oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the 
first  year.  This  was  the  offering  of  Shelumiel  the 
son  of  Zurishaddai. 

42  H On  the  sixth  day  hEliasaph  the  son  of 
Deuel,  prince  of  the  children  of  Gad,  offered. 

43  His  offering  was  one  silver  charger,  of  the 
weight  of  an  hundred  and  thirty  shekels,  a silver 
Dowl  of  seventy  shekels,  after  the  shekel  of  the 
sanctuary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine  flour  'mingled 
with  oil,  for  a meat-offering : 

44  One  golden  spoon  of  ten  shekels,  full  of 
incense : 

45  One  kyoung  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of 
the  first  year,  for  a burnt-offering: 

46  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a sin-offering : 

47  And  for  a sacrifice  of  peace-offerings,  two 
axen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the 
first  year.  This  was  the  offering  of  Eliasaph  the 
son  of  Deuel. 

48  *11  On  the  seventh  day  'Elishama  the  son  of 
Ammihud,  prince  of  the  children  of  Ephraim, 
offered. 

49  His  offering  was  one  silver  charger,  the 
weight  whereof  teas  an  hundred  and  thirty  shekels, 
one  silver  bowl  of  seventy  shekels,  after  the  shekel 
of  the  sanctuary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine  flour 
mingled  with  oil,  for  a meat-offering : 

50  One  golden  spoon  of  ten  shekels,  full  of 
incense  : 

5 1 One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of  the 
first  year,  for  aburnt-offering  : 

52  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a sin-offering. 

53  And  for  a sacrifice  of  peace-offerings,  two 
oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the 
first  year.  This  was  the  offering  of  Elishama  the 
son  of  Ammihud. 

54  H On  the  eighth  day  offered  mGamaliel  the 
son  of  Pedahzur,  prince  of  the  children  of  Manas- 
seh. 

55  His  offering  was  one  silver  charger,  of  the 
weight  of  an  hundred  and  thirty  shekels,  one  silver 
bowl  of  seventy  shekels,  after  the  shekel  of  the 
sanctuary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled 
with  oil,  for  a meat-offering  : 

56  One  golden  spoon  of  ten  shekels,  full  of 
incense : 

57  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of  the 
fPst  year,  for  a burnt-offering: 

58  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a sin-offering  : 

59  And  for  a sacrifice  of  peace-offerings,  two 

■e  Pa.  66:15.  Mai.  till.  l,uke  1:10.  Rev.  8:3.  fl:6.2:12  B fix.  12:5.  John  1 : 
*9.  Acu8:32.  1 Pel.  1:19.  Rev.  5:6.  h 1:14.  2:11.  Son  of  Rouel.  ll.tr.  2:9. 
14  10.  Hob.  1:9.  1 John  2:27.  k P«.  40:6.  la.  53:4.  2 Cor.  9:21.  11:10.2:1?. 
m 1:10.  2:20.  n 1:11.  2:22.  oPs. 141:2.  lo.  66:20.  Don.  9:27.  Rom.  15:16. 


Probably,  the  princes  had  noticed,  that  the  tiirnilure  for  the 
tabernacle  was  not,  in  these  particulars,  suited  to  the  rest,  or 
was  not  sufficient  for  the  purpose. 

V.  83.  Offering .]  JCorbnn,  hore  and  in  all  the  other 
places,  where  it  thus  occurs  in  this  chapter.  ( Mark  7:11.) 

I 264  ) 


oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the 
first  year.  This  was  the  offering  of  Gamaliel  the 
son  of  Pedahw  r. 

60  On  the  ninth  day  "Abidan  the  son  of  Gide 
oni,  prince  of  the  children  of  Benjamin  offered. 

61  His  offering  was  one  silver  charger,  the 
weight  whereof  was  an  hundred  and  thirty  shekels, 
a silver  bowl  of  seventy  shekels,  after  the  shekel 
of  the  sanctuary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine  flour 
mingled  with  oil,  for  a meat-offering. 

62  One  golden  spoon  of  ten  shekels,  full  of 
“incense : 

63  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lanlb  of  the 
first  year,  for  a burnt-offering: 

64  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a sin-offering : 

65  And  for  a sacrifice  of  peace-offerings,  two 
•oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of'  the 
first  year.  This  was  the  offering  of  Abidan  the 
son  of  Gideoni. 

66  H On  the  tenth  day  pAhiezer  the  son  of  Am- 
mishaddai,  prince  of  the  children  of  Dan,  offered. 

67  His  offering  was  one  silver  charger,  the 
weight  whereof  was  an  hundred  and  thirty  shekels. 
one  silver  bowl  of  seventy  shekels,  after  the  shekel 
of  the  sanctuary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine  flour 
mingled  with  oil,  for  a meat-offering  : 

68  One  golden  spoon  of  ten  shekels,  full  of 
incense : 

69  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of  the 
first  year,  for  a burnt-offering  : 

70  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a sin-offering: 

71  And  for  a sacrifice  of  peace-offerings,  two 
oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  jambs  of  the 
first  year.  This  teas  the  offering  of  Ahiezer  the 
son  of  Ammishaddai. 

72  IT  On  the  eleventh  day  iPagiel  the  son  of 
Ocran,  prince  of  the  children  of  Asher,  offered. 

73  His  offering  was  one  silver  charger,  the 
weight  whereof  was  an  hundred  and  thirty  shekels. 
one  silver  bowl  of  seventy  shekels,  after  the  shekel 
of  the  sanctuary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine  flour 
mingled  with  oil,  for  a meat-offering : 

74  One  golden  spoon  of  ten  shekels,  full  of 
incense  : 

75  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of  the 
first  year,  for  a burnt-offering: 

76  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a sin-offering: 

77  And  for  a sacrifice  of  peace-offerings,  t\vo 
oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the 
first  year.  This  was  the  offering  of  Pagiel  the 
son  of  Ocran. 

78  H On  the  twelfth  day  'Ahira  the  son  of  Enan, 
prince  of  the  children  of  Naphtali,  offered. 

79  His  offering  was  one  silver  charger,  the 
weight  whereof  was  an  hundred  and  t hirty  shekels, 
one  silver  bowl  of  seventy  shekels,  after  the  shekel 
of  the  sanctuary,  both  of  them  full  of  fine  flour 
mingled  with  oil,  for  a meat-offering: 

80  One  golden  spoon  of  ten  shekels,  full  of 
incense : 

81  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  lamb  of  the 
first  year,  for  a burnt-offering: 

82  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a sin-offering: 

• 83  And  for  a sacrifice  of  peace  offerings,  two 
oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  lambs  of  the 
first  year.  This  was  the  offering  of  Ahira  the 
son  of  Enan. 

84  H This  was  "the  dedication  of  the  altar,  in 
the  day  when  it  was  anointed  by  the  'princes  of 
Israel : twelve  chargers  of  silver,  twelve  silver 
bowls,  twelve  spoons  of  gold  ; 

85  Each  charger  of  silver  weighing  an  hundred 
and  thirty  shekels,  each  bowl  seventy : all  the 
silver  vessels  weighed  “two  thousand  and  four 
hundred  shekels,  "after  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary. 

Phil.  4:18.  Heb.  13:15.  p 1:12.  2:25.  q 1:13.  2:27.  1-115.2:2?.  .Sim  10. 

1 ( hr.  29.(5—  8.  F.lrn  9:68.69.  Neh.  7:71) — 72  Is.  50:6— 10.  Ill'll.  13:10.  Rer. 
21:14.  I Judf.  5:9.  Nell.  3:9.  li  1 Chr,  22  14.  29:4,7.  Kim  8:29,29.  * Sit 

on  13. 


V.  84.  Probably,  the  term  dedication  was  used  for  this 
solemn  public  oblation  « if  the  princes,  as  representatives  of 
their  tribes,  to  the  service  of  the  altar;  and  not  for  its  first 
consecration  by  Moses. 

V.  89.  The  Lord  spake  to  M so*  i r an  audible  voice  oi 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


B.  C.  1490 


B.  C.  1 190. 

86  The  golaen  spoons  were  twelve,  full  of  in- 
cense, weighing'  ten  slukels  apiece,  after  the 
shekel  of  the  sanctuary  : all  th6  sold  of  the  spoons 
was  an  hundred  and  twenty  shekels. 

87  All  the  oxen  for  the  burnt-offering  were 
twelve  bullocks,  the  rairs  twelve,  the  lambs  of  the 
first  year  twelve,  with  .heir  meat-offering:  and 
the  kids  of  the  goats,  foi  sin-offering,  twelve. 

88  And  all  the  oxen  for  the  sacrifice  of  the 
peaos-otferings  were  twenty  and  four  bullocks,  the 
rams  sixty,  the  lie-goats  sixty,  the  lambs  of  the 
first  year  sixty.  This  was  the  dedication  of  the 
altar  after  "that  it  was  anointed. 

89  II  And  when  Moses  was  gone  into  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation  xto  speak  with 
"him,  then  ?he  heard  the  voice  of  one  speaking 
unto  him  from  off  the  mercy-seat  that  was  upon 
the  ark  of  testimony,  from  between  the  ‘two 
cherubims  : and  he  spake  unto  him. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

The  lamps  of  the  candlestick  lighted,  1—4.  The  Leviles  consecrated , 5—22. 

Their  age  and  time  of  service,  23 — -26. 

ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2  Speak  unto  Aaron,  and  say  unto  him, 
When  thou  “lightest  the  lamps,  the  seven  lamps 
shall  give  light  over  against  the  candlestick. 

3 And  Aaron  did  so:  he  lighted  the  lamps 
thereof  over  against  the  candlestick  ; as  the  Lord 
commanded  Moses. 

4 And  bthis  work  of  the  candlestick  was  of 
beaten  gold ; unto  the  shaft  thereof,  unto  the 
flowers  thereof,  teas  “beaten  work : according 
unto  dthe  pattern  which  the  Lord  had  showed 
Moses,  so  he  made  the  candlestick. 

5 V And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

6 Take  the  Levites  from  among  the  children  of 
Israel,  and  “cleanse  them. 

7 And  thus  shalt  thou  do  unto  them,  to  cleanse 

v 1,10,81.  i 12:8.  Ex.  33:9— 11.  • That  is,  Gad.  y 1:1.  Ex.  25:22.  Lev.  1: 1 . 
Utli.  4:16.  7.  Ex.  25:18— 21.  1 Saw.  4:4.  1 Kings  6:23.  Ps.  80:1.  1 Pet.  1:12. 

a Ex.  35:37.  87:18.19,23.  40:35.  Lev.  24:1,2.  Ep.  119:105,130.  Is.  8:20.  Malt. 
5 14.  John  1.9.  2 Pet.  1:19.  Rev.  1:12,20.2:1.  4:5.  b Ex.  25:31—39.  37:17—24. 
c Ex.  25:8.  37:7,17,22.  d Ex.  25:9,40.  1 Chr.  28:11— 19.  Heb.  8:5. 9:23.  e Ex. 
19:15.  2 Cor.  7:1.  Jam.  4:8.  f Lev.  8:6.  14:7.  Is.  52:15.  Ez.  35:25.  Heb.  9:10. 
g 19:9, 1(J, 13, IS, 19.  Ps.  51:7.  Heb.  9:13.  * Heb.  let  them  cause  a razor  to 

pass  over,  ft c.  Lev.  14:8,9.  h 19:7.8,10,19.31:20.  Gen.  35:2.  Ex.  19:10.  Lev. 
15:6,10,11,27.  16:23.  Ps.  51:2.  Jer.  4:14.  Malt.  23:25,26.  Jam.  4:8.  1 Pet.  3:21. 


this  occasion,  as  he  had  often  before  done  ; and  as  he  pro- 
bably spake  to  the  high-priests  afterwards,  when  they  inquired 
ofhim  by  Urimand  Thummim.  ( Note , Ex.  28:30.) — ‘This 
audible  articulate  voice  from  God,  which  was  perceived  by 
human  ears,  represented  God  as  if  he  were  incorporate,  and 
may  well  be  looked  upon  as  an  earnest  of  that  great  Mys- 
tery, “God  manifest  in  the  flesh,”  who  in  the  fulness  of  time 
became  a man,  and  spake  to  the  Jews  familiarly  in  their  own 
language.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

They  whom  Providence  distinguishes  as  princes,  nobles,  or 
wealthy  persons,  should  take  the  lead  and  set  the  example  in 
every  good  work,  with  liberal  hearts  devising  “ liberal  things 
for  this  is  the  proper  improvement  of  their  talents.  But  a 
liberal  mind  should  be  under  the  direction  of  prudence  and 
discretion : and  the  circumstances  of  the  times,  the  state  of 
the  church  and  its  ministers,  and  the  necessities  of  those 
around  them  should  be  considered ; that  nothing  may  be 
wasted  in  useless  expense,  but  all  wisely  directed  to  the  sub- 
stantial benefit  of  those  who  need  it. — The  servants  of  God 
have  no  occasion  to  be  discouraged  in  the  prospect  either  of 
heavy  services,  or  of  fiery  trials  : for  he  can  send  them  sea- 
sonable and  unexpected  relief  whenever  he  pleases  ; and  will 
be  sure  to  proportion  his  assistance  to  their  necessities. — 
Every  thing  in  the  worship  of  God  should  be  “done  decently 
and  in  order,”  and  as  may  best  promote  edification.  On  some 
occasions  it  may  be  proper  to  employ  a great  deal  of  time, 
and  to  expend  much  money  in  his  immediate  worship : and  the 
growing  Christian  will  not  be  weary  or  complain  of  this  ; but 
will  account  it  his  gain,  his  pleasure,  and  his  honour.  All 
our  works  of  piety  and  charity  must  be  accompanied  with  an 
humble  acknowledgment  of  our  sinfulness,  and  a believing 
dependence  on  the  sacrifice  of  Christ;  they  must  spring  from 
love  to  God,  gratitude  to  him  for  the  blessings  of  redemption, 
an  unreserved  surrender  of  ourselves  to  his  service,  and  a dis- 
position to  delight  in  doing  his  will,  and  in  rendering  him  all 
the  praise.  Such  good  works  are  “spiritual  sacrifices,  ac- 
ceptable to  God  through  Jesus  Christ.”  The  Lord  delights  to 
honour  those  who  thus  honour  him.  He  remembers  and  records 
their  expressions  of  faith  and  love.  In  this  world  he  com- 
n.unes  with  his  disciples  from  his  mercy-seat,  by  answering 
their  prayers,  and  counselling  and  comforting  their  hearts  : 
and  he  will  at  the  day  of  judgment,  publish  to  the  assembled 
universe,  distinctly  and  pari  jularly,  the  fruits  of  holiness, 
Vol.  I.— 34 


them:  'Sprinkle  ctvater  of  purifying  upon  them, 
and 'let  them  shave  a 11  their  flesh,  and  let  .them  '‘wasn 
their  clothes,  and  so  make  themselves  clean. 

8 Then  let  them  take  ‘a  young  hullock  with  khis 
meat-offering,  even  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil,  ana 
'another  young  bullock  shalt  thou  take  for  a sin 
offering. 

9 And  Thou  shalt  bring  the  Levites  before  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation  : and  thou  “snail 
gather  the  whole  assembly  of  the  children  of 
Israel  together. 

10  And  thou  shalt  bring  the  Levites  before  the 
Lord,  and  "the  children  of  Israel  shall  put  their 
hands  upon  the  Levites  : 

1 1 And  Aaron  shall  foffer  the  Levites  before  the 
Lord,  for  an  ^offering  of  the  children  of  Israel, 
that  Rhey  may  rexecute  the  service  of  the 
Lord. 

12  And  the  ^Levites  shall  lay  their  hands  upon 
the  heads  of  the  bullocks : and  thou  shalt  offer 
rthe  one  for  a sin-offering,  and  the  other  for  a 
burnt-offering,  unto  the  Lord,  to  make  an  "atone 
ment  for  the  Levites. 

13  And  thou  shalt  set  the  Levites  before  Aaron, 
and  before  his  sons,  'and  offer  them  for  an  offering 
unto  the  Lord. 

14  Titus  shalt  thou  “separate  the  Levites  from 
among  the  children  of  Israel ; “and  the  Levites 
shall  he  mine. 

15  And  after  that  shall  the  Levites  ?go  in  to  do 
the  service  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation : 
and  thou  shalt  cleanse  them,  'and  offer  them  for 
an  offering. 

16  For  they  are  wholly  given  unto  me  from 
among  the  children  of  Israel ; "instead  of  such  as 
open  every  womb,  even  instead  of  the  first-horn 
of  all  the  children  of  Israel,  have  I taken  them 
unto  me. 


Rev.  7:14.  i Ex.  29:1,3.  Lev.  1 ;3.  8:2.  k 15:8,9.  Lev.  2:1.  1 Lev.  4:3,14. 

16:3.  la.  53:10.  Rom.  8:3.  2 Cor.  5:21.  m Ex.  29:4.  40: 12.  n Lev.  8:3.  o 3: 
45.  Acts  6:6.  13:2,3.  1 Tim.  4:14.  5:22.  | Heb  .wave.  } Heb.  wave-offering . 
6:20.  Ex.  29:24.  Lev.  7:30.  8:27,29.  § Heb.  they  may  be  to  execute,  &c. 

p 1:49—53.  3:5—43.  q Ex. 29:10.  Lev.  1:4.  8:14.  16:21.  r 8.  0:14.16.  Lev.  5: 
7,9,10.  8:14,18.  9:7.  14:19,20,22.  Heb.  10:4—10.  9 Lev.  1:4.  4:20,35.  8:34.  16:6, 
11,16—19.  Heb.  9:22.  t 21 . See  on  11.  18:6.  Rom.  12:1 . 15:16.  u 6:2. 
Debt.  10:8.  Rom.  1:1.  Gal.  1:15.  Heb.  7:26.  x 17.  3:45.  16:9,10.  18:6.  Mai.  3: 
17.  v 11.  3:23—37.  4:3—32.  1 Chr.  23:  25  : 26:  z See  on  11,13.  3:12.  a 3:12,45. 


which  by  his  grace  they  produced  on  earth:  as  evincing  them 
to  be  the  heirs  of  the  “ kingdom  prepared  for  his  people,  from 
before  the  foundation  of  the  world.”  [Notes,  and  P.  O.Mati. 
25:31 — 4G.) 

NOTES. -Chap.  VIII.  V.  2—4.  The  shaft  of  the 
candlestick  was  all  in  one  piece  : but  the  seven  lamps  were 
formed  separate,  and  might  be  taken  off,  or  fixed  upon  it,  as 
occasion  required.  (Note,  Ex.  25:31 — 39.) — It  is  a tradition 
of  the  Jews,  that  the  middle  lamp  was  lighted  from  the  altar 
of  burnt-offering,  and  the  other  lamps  from  it,  which  being 
done,  each  lamp  gave  light  to  the  part  of  the  sanctuary  “over 
against  it.” — Pattern.  (4)  Notes,  Ex.  25:9,40. 

V.  6 — 8.  The  Levites  were  not  distinguished  from  the 
other  Israelites,  by  any  prescribed  garments : nor  were  they 
washed  or  anointed,  after  the  manner  in  which  Ihe  priests  had 
been;  but  though  they  were  set  apart  with  less  solemnity, to 
mark  the  inferiority  of  their  office,  and  because  they  were  not 
so  expressly  typical  of  Christ  as  the  priests  were  ; ( Notes,  Lev. 
8:  9:)  yet  there  was  equally  a remembrance  of  sin,  both  in 
its  guilt  and  defilement,  and  of  the  need  of  atonement  and 
sanctification,  in  the  separation  of  them  to  their  office.  Their 
clothes  were  washed  ; they  were  sprinkled  with  the  water  ol 
purifying;  (Notes,  19:)  a sin-offering  and  a burnt-offering 
were  sacrificed  in  their  behalf;  and  they  shaved  all  their 
flesh,  according  to  the  ceremony  of  the  leper’s  purification 
(Note,  Lev.  14:8,9.)  This  might  denote  “the  laying  apart 
all  filthiness,  and  superfluity  of  naughtiness  ;”  the  mortifica- 
tion of  natural  depravity,  and  the  renouncing  of  unnecessary 
worldly  avocations  and  employments,  that  they  might  more 
entirely  devote  their  time  and  attention  to  the  services  assign- 
ed them. 

V.  9 — 11.  The  words  translated  “the  whole  assembly, 
often  signify,  the  elders  or  principal  persons  in  the  several 
tribes  ; who,  as  the  representatives  of  the  whole  congregation 
laid  their  hands  on  the  heads  of  the  Levites  : thus  expressin 
their  ready  consent  to  the  substitution  of  them  in  the  stea 
of  the  first-born,  and  their  surrender  of  them  to  the  Lord  for 
the  purpose  of  serving  at  the  sanctuary  : and  then  Aaron,  by 
some  significant  action,  offered  them  as  a wave-offering  to 
the  Lord.  (11.  marg.) 

V.  12.  Notes,  Ex.  29:10,11.  Lev.  1:4.  16:20—22. 

V.  14—18.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  3:41—43.  Ex.  13:2,11 

—16. 

V.  19.  When  Aaron  had  offered  the  Levites  af  an  offe» 

( 265  ) 


B.  Cv  v i'K). 


• NUMBERS. 


13.  C.  MOO. 


17  For  haJI  the  first-born  of  the  children  of 
{ir.oel  are  mine,  both  mail  and  beast:  ‘on  the  day 
that  I smote  every  first-born  in  the  land  of  Egypt, 
dl  sanctified  them  for  myself. 

18  And  1 have  taken  the  Levies  for  all  the 
first-born  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

19  And  eI  have  given  the  Levites  as  'a  gift  to 
Aaron,  and  to  his  sons,  from  among  the  children 
of  Israel ; to  do  the  service  of  the  children  of 
Israel  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and 
to  make  an  atonement  for  the  children  of  Israel : 
fthat  there  be  no  plague  among  the  children  of 
Israel,  when  the  children  of  Israel  come  nigh  unto 
the  sanctuary. 

20  And  Mpses,  and  Aaron,  and  all  the  congre- 
gation of  the  children  of  Israel,  did  to  the  Levites 
according  unto  all  that  the  Lord  commanded 
Moses  concerning  the  Levites,  so  did  the  children 
of  Israel  unto  them. 

21  And  the  Levites  gvvere  purified,  and  they 
washed  their  clothes  ; and  Aaron  hoffered  them  as 
an  otfering  before  the  Lord  ; 'and  Aaron  made  an 
atonement  for  them  to  cleanse  them. 

22  And  kafter  that  went  the  Levites  in,  to  do 
their  service  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation 
before  Aaron,  and  before  his  sons : as  the  Lord 
had  commanded  Moses  concerning  the  Levites,  so 
did  they  unto  them. 

23  H And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

24  This  is  it  that  belongeth  unto  the  Levites; 
•from  twenty  and  five  years  old  and  upward  they 
shall  go  in  to  hvait  upon  the  service  of  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation : 

b Ex.  13:5,12,13.  Luke  2:23.  c Ex.  12:29.  Pa.  78:51.  105:36.  135:8.  Heb. 
11:23.  il  Kx.  13:14,15.  29:44.  Lex.  27:14,15,26.  Ex.  20:12.  John  10:36.  17:19. 
Heb.  10:29.  Jam.  119.  e 3:6— 9.  18:2— 6.  1 Chr. 23:28— 32.  Ex. 44:11— 14. 
* Heb.  given,  f 1:53.  16:46.  18:5.  .1  Sam,  6:19.  2 Chr.  26:16— 20.  g See  on 
7.  19:12,19.  h Sec  on  11,13,15.  3:12.  i 12.  k 15.  2 Chr.  30:15 — 17,27.  31:2, 
35  3—15.  i 4:3,23.  1 Chr.  23:3,24— 27.  28:12,13.  f Heb . war  the  warfare 

of,  be.  1 Cor.  9:7.  2 Cor.  10:4.  1 Tim.  1:18.  6:12.  2 Tim.  2:3— 5.  J Heb.  re- 
turn from  the  warfare  of,  &c.  4:23.  2 Tim.  4:7.  m 1:53.3:32.  18:4.31:30. 


ing  unto  the  Lord,  the  Lord  gave  them  back  to  Aaron,  who 
might  now  with  comfort  make  use  of  their  assistance,  "in, 
or  at,  the  tabernacle that  is,  in  the  court ; or  “ about  the 
tabernacle, when  it  was  removed.  They  likewise  assisted 
in  offering  those  sacrifices,  by  which  atonement  was  made. 
This  and  the  other  services  allotted  them  being  duly  per- 
formed, without  any  unallowed  intrusion  of  the  other  tribes, 
would  preserve  the  people  from  those  terrible  effects  of  the 
divine  displeasure  which  they  might  otherwise  apprehend. 

V.  24.  At  the  age  of  twenty-five  the  Levites  began 
to  attend  upon  the  ordinary  services  of  the  tabernacle  : but 
they  were  neither  required,  nor  allowed,  to  assist  in  its 
removal,  till  they  were  thirty  years  old.  Probably,  at  the 
age  of  twenty-five  the  Levites  were,  in  after  ages,  solemnly 
admitted  to  their  office,  according  to  the  prescribed  order  of 
this  chapter. 

V.  25,  2(i.  The  Levites,  above  fifty  years  of  age,  might 
superintend  and  assist  their  junior  brethren  in  the  ordinary 
offices;  and  give  them  and  the  people  counsel  and  instruc- 
tion : but  they  were  exempted  from  carrying  the  tabernacle, 
and  trom  other  laborious  services.  (Note,  4:3. ) — It  is  remark- 
able, that  no  law  was  made  concerning  the  age  at  which  the 
priests  >noul:i  begin  to  officiate  ; and  though  various  blemishes 
disqualified  them  for  the.  service  of  the  sanctuary,  yet  they 
continued  their  ministrations  till  death,  if  capable.  On  the  other 
hand,  nothing  is  said  concerning  any  bodily  defects  or  ble- 
mishes disqualifying  the  Levites  : but  the  timeoftheir  service 
is  expressly  set  tied.  Their  work  was  far  more  laborious  than 
that  of  the  priests ; it  is  probable  that,  without  necessity,  the 
priects  would  not  begin  very  early  to  officiate;  and  the 
wisdom  and  experience  of  age  would  increase,  rather  than 
diminish,  their  fitness  for  the  sacred  duties  of  their  office. 
practical  observations. 

Jesus  Christ  is  the  only  Light  of  this  dark  world  ; in  virtue 
of  his  atonement  he  diffuses,  by  his  holy  word  and  Holy 
Spirit,  divine  light  around ; anil  all  that  is  called  illumination, 
but  is  not  derived  from  that  source,  is  but,  the  greater  and 
more  dangerous  darkness.  (Notes,  Is.  8:20.  Matt.  fi:22, 
23.) — Faithful  and  able  ministers  in  searching  the  Scriptures, 
comparing  one  part  with  another,  and  with  what  they  observe 
and  experience;  and  imparting  knowledge  by  preaching  the 
gospel,  and  by  various  other  methods,  are,  in  their  several 
places,  “burning  and  shining  lights,”  communicating  the  light 
received  from  Christ  to  those  over  against  them,  in  their 
congregations  and  neighbourhoods:  and  private  Christians  do 
the  same  in  their  several  connexions,  when  their  knowledge 
and  profession  of  the  truth  are  accompanied  with  the  orna- 
ment of  a holy  and  exemplary  conversation.  In  this  way, 
one  is  enlightened  from  another,  and  truth  and  righteousness 
will  he  diffused  ere  long  through  all  the  nations  of  the  earth. — 
But  so  poTIled  is  every  one  horn  of  Adam’s  fallen  race,  that 
( 266  ) 


25  A nil  from  the  ag’e  of  fifty  years  they  shall 

5cea.se  waiting  upon  the  service  thereof , and  shall 
serve  no  more  ; * 

26  But  shall  minister  with  their  brethren  in  tl^ 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  mto  keep  th. 
charge,  and  shall  do  no  service.  Thus  shall  ihou 
do  unto  the  Levites  touching  their  charge. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

The  observance  of  the  passover  enforced , 1 — 5.  The  case  of  some  who  w*re 
unclean.  6 — 8.  The  passover  to  be  observed  in  the  second  month  by  suck 
as  could  not  keep  it  in  ile  season,  9 — 14.  The  cloud  directs  the  removals 
and  encampments  of  Israel , 15 — 23. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  in  the  wil- 
derness of  Sinai,  "in  the  first  month  of  the 
second  year  after  they  were  come  out  of  the  land 
of  Egypt,  saying, 

2  Let  the  children  of  Israel  also  ’’keep  the  pass- 
over  at  chis  appointed  season. 

3  In  the  fourteenth  day  of  this  month  ’at  even 
ye  shall  keep  it  in  his  appointed  season  : daccord- 
ing  to  all  the  rites  of  it,  and  according  to  all  the 
ceremonies  thereof,  shall  ye  keep  it. 

4  And  Moses  spake  unto  the  children  of  Israel, 
that  they  should  keep  the  passover. 

5  And  they  kept  the  passover  on  the  fourteenth 
day  of  the  first  month  at  even,  in  the  wilderness 
of  Sinai ; ‘according  to  all  that  the  Lord  com- 
manded Moses,  so  did  the  children  of  Israel. 

6  H And  there  were  certain  men,  who  were  fdefiled 
by  the  dead  body  of  a man,  that  they  could  not 
keep  the  passover  on  that  day ; and  sthey  came 
before  Moses  and  before  Aaron  on  that  day? 

7  And  those  men  said  unto  him,  We  are  defiled 
by  the  dead  body  of  a man  ; wherefore  are  we 


1 Chr.  23-32.  26:20— 29.  Ex.  44:8,11.  a S c on  1:1.  Ex.  40:2.  b Ex.  12:7,3, 
&c.  c 28:16.  Ex.  12:6,14.  Lev.  23:5.  Deul.  16:1,2.  Josh.  5:10.  2 Chr.  35:1. 
Ezra  6:19.  Mark  14:12.  Luke  22:7.  1 Cor.  5:7,8.  * Heb.  between  the  tr.o  even- 
ings. Ex.  12:6.  marg.  Heb.  9:26.  d 11,12.  See  on  Ex.  12:7—11.  e 8:20.  29:40. 
Gen.  6:22.7:5.  Ex.  39:32,42.  Deut.  1 :3.  4:5.  Matt.  28:20.  John  15:14.  Acts  26: 
19.  Heb.  3:5.  11:8.  f5:2.  6:6,7.  19:11,18.  John  18:28.  g 15:33.  27:2.  Ex.  18:15, 
19,26.  Lev.  £4:11. 


none  can  approach  or  serve  God,  except  as  an  humble  penitent 
he  plead  guilty,  depend  upon  the  Saviour’s  atoning  blood, 
and  be  sanctified  by  his  Holy  Spirit.  And  if  the  heart  be 
cleansed  by  divine  grace,  the  outward  conduct  and  conver- 
sation will  be  clean  likewise. — The  Lord  himself  hath  pro- 
vided and  appointed  the  method  and  means  of  our  cleansing, 
and  giving  us  “ exceeding  great  and  precious  promises”  for 
our  encouragement : but,  “ having  these  promises,”  we  are 
exhorted  to  “ cleanse  ourselves  from  all  filthiness  of  flesh  and 
spirit,  perfecting  holiness  in  the  fear  of  God ;”  ( Note,  2 Cor 
7:1.)  and  to  lay  aside  and  put  off  our  sinful  pursuits  and  indul- 
gences, that  we  may  glorify  God  “with  our  bodies  and  our 
spirits,  which  are  his,”  as  “ bought  with  a price.”  Everj* 
real  Christian  is  thus  cleansed  from  sin,  separated  from  ths 
world,  and  presented  to  the  Lord,  “as  a living  sacrifice  holy 
and  acceptable  to  him :”  but  the  ministers  of  Christ  especially. 
When  these  are  regularly  appointed  to  the  sacred  office,  with 
the  approbation  of  their  brethren  and  of  the  church  of  God; 
and  when  faithful  and  diligent  in  their  work ; so  far  from 
being  considered  as  a useless  part  of  the  community,  (as 
they  are  often  profanely  represented,)  they  may  fairly  be 
shown  to  be  the  most  useful  members  of  society,  by  their 
examples,  labours,  and  prayers,  in  repressing  sin  which 
ruineth,  and  in  promoting  righteousness  which  exalteth  any 
people ; and  in  making  known  that  great  atonement  by  which 
the  wrath  of  God  is  averted  from  our  guilty  souls,  and  from 
guilty  nations.  Let  persons  of  another  stamp,  called  minis- 
ters, plead  for  themselves  as  they  can:  but  those  who  act  up 
to  this  character  should  never  be  deserted  by  men,  and  will 
never  be  forsaken  by  the  Lord,  in  their  old  age;  they  may 
still  he  useful  by  their  counsel  and  influence;  and  “when  the 
chief  Shepherd  shall  appear,  they  shall  receive  a crown  of 
glory  which  fadeth  not  away.”*  (Note,  1 Pet.  5:1 — 4.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  IX.  V.  1 — 5.  This  passage  is  dated 
before  any  other  of  the  events  recorded  in  this  book  : name.y 
in  the  first  month  of  the  second  year,  or  the  next  year  a (lev 
Israel  left  Egypt.  * (1:1.  Note , Ex.  40:2.) — It  is  generally 
thought,  that  the  Passover  was  no  more  celebrated  after  thi* 
time,  till  the  people  arrived  in  Canaan.  (Notes,  Josh.  5:2 — 
10.)  The  difficulty  of  procuring  flour,  during  their  frequcif, 
removals,  might  be  one  reason,  that  the  observance  was  no 
more  required  in  the  desert ; and  ibis  renewed  commtfml 
would  make  way  for  the  more  regular  celebration  of  it  in 
Canaan.  This  interruption  however  intimated,  that  these 
ordinances  were  only  a shadow  of  good  things  to  come,  and 
not  intended  for  perpetuity  in  the  church.  (Notes,  and  P . O. 
Ex.  12:) 

V.  6 — 8.  The  laws  respecting  ceremonial  defilement  had 
not  at  this  time  been  explicitly  given:  yet  sc /oral  intimations 
had  been  made,  which  created  scruples  in  the  cuiecnnces  o( 
these  persons,  who  probably  had  been  under  the  necessi'j  af 


D.  C.  1490 


CHAPTER  IX. 


IP  C.  149'v 


kept  back,  A. a "wo  maj  not  offer  an  offering  of 
the  Loan  in  Ilia  appointed  season  among  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  r 

8 And  Moses  said  unto  them,  'Stand  still,  and 
kI  will  hear  what  the  Lord  will  command  con- 
cerning you. 

9 And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

10  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  saying,  If 
any  man  of  you,  or  of  your  posterity,  shall  'be 
unclean  by  reason  of  a dead  body,  or  be  in  a 
journey  afar  off,  myet  he  shall  keep  the  passover 
unto  the  Lord. 

11  The  "fourteenth  day  of  the  second  month  at 
even  they  shall  keep  it,  °and  eat  it  with  unleavened 
Dread  and  bitter  herbs. 

12  They  fshall  leave  none  of  it  unto  the  morn- 
ing, nor  'ibreak  any  bone  of  it:  "according  to  all 
the  ordinances  of  the  passover  they  shall  keep  it. 

13  But  the  man  that  is  clean,  and  is  not  in  a 
journey,  and  fforbeareth  to  keep  the  passover, 
even  the  same  soul  shall  be  cut  off  from  among 
his  people ; ‘because  he  brought  not  the  offering 
of  the  Lo  p.d  in  his  appointed  season,  that  man 
shall  "bear  his  sin. 

14  And  *if  a stranger  shall  sojourn  among  you, 
and  will  keep  the  passover  unto  the  Lord  ; ac- 
cording to  the  ordinance  of  the  passover,  and  ac- 
cording to  the  manner  thereof,  so  shall  he  do  : ye 
shall  have  ojie  ordinance,'  both  for  the  stranger, 
and  for  him  that  was  born  in  the  land. 

15  H And  ^on  the  day  that  the  tabernacle  was 
reared  up,  ’the  cloud  covered  the  tabernacle, 
namely,  the  tent  of  the  testimony:  and  at  even 
there  was  upon  the  tabernacle  as  it  were  the  ap- 
pearance of  fire  until  the  morning. 

h 2.  2 Chr.  30:17-19.  i Ex.  14:13.  2 Chr.  20:17.  k 27:5.  John  7:17.  17:8. 

1 Cor.  11:23.  Hr!,.  3:5,5.  | 6,7.  m Matt.  5:24.  1 Cor.  1128.  n 2 Chr.  30:2 
—15.  o Ex.  12:3.  p Ex.  12:10.  q Ex.  12:46.  John  19:36.  r 3.  Ex.  12: 
43.  s 15-30.  19:13.  Pen.  17:'4.  Ex.  12:15.  I.rr.  17:4,10.14— 16.  Heh.  6:6. 10: 
26—29.  12:25.  I See  on  2.3,7.  n 5:31.  Lev.  20:21).  22:9.  Ex.  23:49.  Heb.  9.28. 
x Ex.  12:18,19.  Lev.  22:25.  24:22.  Is.  56:3— 7.  Eph.2.19— 22.  y Ex.  40:2,18. 

attending  the  funeral  of  some  relation.  They  counted  it  their 
duty  and  privilege  to  eat  the  passover,  but  feared  to  eat  it 
vvit^  their  uncleanness  upon  them  ; they  therefore  desired  to 
know  what  they  ought  to  do,  and  very  properly  referred  the 
case  to  the  decision  of  Moses,  who  applied  for  direction  to  the 
Lord.  This  seems  to  have  occurred  at  the  time,  when  the 
rest  of  the  congregation  were  about  to  celebrate  the  pass- 
over. — The  passover  is  here  called  “ the  offering  of  the 
Lord;”  being  a solemn  sacrifice,  though  no  part  of  it  was 
burnt  on  the  altar. 

V.  10 — 14.  The  appointment  of  a passover  in  the  second 
month,  for  those  who  were  defiled  at  the  regular  season, 
implied  a prohibition  of  its  being  eaten  by  any  person  cere- 
monially unclean.  It  must  be  supposed,  that  they  who  were 
at  a great  distance  on  a journey,  had  a good  reason  for  being 
from  home  at  that  season,  and  could  not  reach  the  place  of 
the  tabernacle  in  due  time.  The  feast  of  unleavened  bread 
might  be  observed  at  a distance  from  the  sanctuary,  and  even 
by  the  ceremonially  unclean  : it  is  therefore  thought  by  many, 
that  it  was  not  kept  after  the  passover  in  the  second  month  ; 
yet  Hezekiah,  when  he  celebrated  the  passover  in  the  second 
month,  observed  the  feast  of  unleavened  bread,  and  that 
during  fourteen  days.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  30:2 — 4,21 — 25.) 
Women  and  children,  and  such  as  were  not  required  to  go 
ap  to  the  sanctuary  at  the  three  great  feasts,  were  not  parti- 
cularly concerned  in  the  law;  at  least  not  in  the  annexed 
denunciation  against  such  as  wilfully  neglected  the  passover, 
and  who  might  expect  to  be  visited  by  some  divine  judg- 
ment.— They,  who  were  unclean  or  at  a distance  in  the 
second  month,  were  not  allowed  to  keep  the  passover  in  any 
subsequent  month. — Strangers,  renouncing  idolatry,  might 
live  among  the  Israelites  : but  if  they  desire  to  keep  the  pass- 
oyer,  they  and  the  males  of  their  households  must  be  circum- 
cised ; and  in  all  things  they  must  conform  to  the  law  con- 
cerning it ; and  then  they  would  be,  m that  respect,  partakers 
of  the  privileges  enjoyed  by  those  who  were  Israelites  by 
birth.  (Mara.  Ref.  Note,  Ex.  12:48,49.) 

V.  15.  “ The  tent  of  the  testimony”  was  the  west  end 
of  tile  tabernacle  over  the  most  holy  place,  where  the  ark  of 
foe  covenant,  with  the  tables  of  the  law  was  placed,  which 
testified  Israel  to  be  the  Lord’s  people,  and  him  to  be  their 
God.  (Notes,  Ex.  25:10—22.) 

V.  1C— 23.  (Notes,  Ex.  13:21,22.  40:36—38.)  The 
moving  or  abiding  of  the  cloud,  as  the  signal  of  Israel’s 
marching,  or  continuing  in  their  encampm -nts,  would  doubt- 
less often  try  the  patience  of  the  people,  and  he  very  incon- 
venient to  them:  yet  we  do  not  find,  amidst  all  their  rebellions, 
•hat  they  ventured  to  act  in  direct,  opposition  to  these  intima- 
x.ons  of  the  divine  will,  except  in  on  ' instance.  (14:40 — 45.) — 
Onkelos,  an  old  Jewish  commentator,  in  many  places  para- 


16  So  it  was  "alwny : the  clout!  covered  it  by 
day,  and  the  appearance  of  fire  by  night. 

' 17  And  ’’when  the  cloud  was  taken  lip  from  the 

tabernacle,  then  after  that  the  children  of  Israel 
journeyed : ‘and  in  the  place  where  the  cloud 
abode,  there  the  children  of  Israel  pitched  their 
tents. 

18  At  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  journeyed  : ''and  at  the  command 
ment  of  the  Lord  they  pitched : as  long  as  the 
cloud  abode  upon  the  tabernacle  they  rested  in 
their  tents. 

19  And  when  the  cloud  'tarried  long  upon  the 
tabernacle  many  days,  then  the  children  of  Israel 
'kept  the  charge  of  the  Lord,  and  journeyed  not. 

20  And  so  it  was  when  the  cloud  was  a few 
days  upon  the  tabernacle  : according  to  the  com- 
mandment of  the  Lord  they  abode  in  their  tents, 
ami  according  to  the  commandment  of  the  Lord 
they  journeyed. 

21  And  so  it  was  when  the  cloud  tahode  from 
even  unto  the  morning,  and  that  the  cloud  was 
taken  up  in  the  morning,  then  they  journeyed  : 
whether  it  was  by  day  or  by  night  that  the  cloud 
was  taken  up,  they  journeyed. 

22  Or  whether  it  were  two  days,  or  a month,  or 
a year,  that  the  cloud  tarried  upon  the  tabernacle, 
remaining  thereon,  the  children  of  Israel  f abode 
in  their  tents,  and  journeyed  not : but  when  it  was 
taken  up  they 'journeyed. 

23  At  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  they  rested 
in  their  tents,  and  at  the  commandment  of  the 
Lord  they  journeyed  : sthey  kept  the  charge  ol 
the  Lord,  at  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  by 
the  hand  of  Moses. 


1 14:14.  Ex.  14:19,20.24  . 33:9,10  . 40:34.  Ps.  78:14.  105:39.  Is.  4:5.  Ez.  10:3,4. 
1 Cor.  10:1 . a Ex.  13:21,22.  40:38.  Deut.  1:33.  Nell.  9: 12,19.  0 10:11,33,34. 

Ex.  40:35.37.  Ps.  80:1,2.  c Ex.  33:14,15.  Ps.  32:8.  73:24.  John  10:3,4,9.  <1  20. 
10:13.  Ex.  17:1.  2John  6.  * Heb. prolonged,  e See  on  1:52,53.  3:8.  f Heb. 
wa/t.  f See  on  17.  Ex.  40:36,37.  Dent.  1 :6, 7.  2:3,4.  Ps.  77:20.  Prov.  3:5,6. 
Acts  1:4.  g 19.  Gen.  26:5.  Josh. 22:3.  Ez.  44:8.  Zech.3:7. 


phrases  the  words  rendered,  “ at  the  commandment  of  the 
Lord,”  at  the  mouth  of  the  Word  of  the  LORD.  This  shows 
that  the  ancient  Jews  had  some  knowledge  of  the  doctrine 
with  which  the  apostle  John  sublimely  opens  his  gospel. — 
The  case  of  two  or  three  millions  of  people,  shut  up  in  a 
dreary  wilderness,  for  almost  forty  years,  without  ever  see- 
ing house,  or  garden,  or  corn-field ; and  that  as  completely  as 
if  the  highest  walls,  garrisoned  by  the  most  valiant  troops,  had 
surrounded  them  ; when  compared  with  their  rebellions  in 
other  things,  and  their  submission  in  this  respect,  most 
strikingly  shows,  that  they  were  convinced  beyond  the  possi- 
bility of  doubt,  that  resistance  must  bo  unavailing : yet  nothing 
short  of  having  witnessed  the  miracles  recorded  in  these 
books,  could  have  induced  this  strong  conviction. 

* PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  are  so  immersed  in  the  things  of  time  and  sense,  that 
the  most  pure  minds  have  need  to  be  repeatedly  “ stirred  up, 
by  way  of  remembrance,”  to  such  duties  as  they  have  before 
been  instructed  in.  (Notes,  2 Pet.  1:12 — 15.  3:1 — 4.) — Alas  ! 
in  what  a sad  dilemma  are  multitudes  of  professed  Christians  ! 
They  are  habitually  unclean,  through  indulged  lusts  and  unre- 
pented sins,  and  cannot  approach  the  Lord’s  table  without  a 
presumptuous  profanation:  yet  in  slaying  away  they  neglect 
‘their  bounden  duty  and  service  ;’  and  virtually  confess  that 
they  have  no  part  in  Christ,  but  are  liable  to  bear  the  heavy 
load  of  their  own  iniquity,  and  to  be  cut  off  by  the  righteous 
judgment  of  God  ; not  so  much  for  disregarding  this  outward 
sign,  as  for  neglecting  the  great  salvation  itself.  When,  how- 
ever, this  becomes  their  burden,  and  they  sincerely  inquire 
what  they  must  do,  considering  the  ordinances  of  God  as  their 
duty  and  privilege,  and  every  impediment  as  their  affliction; 
their  case  then  becomes  hopeful.  For  they  are  directed  to 
the  “Fountain  open  for  sin  and  for  uncleanness  and  having 
been  “ washed  and  sanctified,  and  justified  iD  the  name  of  the 
Lord  Jesus,  and  by  the  Spirit  of  our  God,”  they  may  approach 
with  comfort  to  partake  of  that  sacred  feast.  But  men  should 
reflect,  that  if  they  are  not  prepared  for  the  Lord’s  table,  they 
are  not  fit  lor  death  and  judgment ; and  that  it  is  very  ungrate* 
ful  for  Christians  tb  neglect  the  command  of  him  who  loved 
us,  and  gave  himself  for  our  sins,  and,  as  with  his  dying  lips, 
said  to  his  disciples,  “ Do  this  in  remembrance  of  me.” 
Under  difficulties  and  distress  of  conscience  it  is  proper  to 
consult  pious  and  faithful  ministers,  and  plainly  to  state  the 
case  unto  them.  And  it  becomes  them  to  be  accessible  to 
such  inquirers ; and  not  only  to  offer  them  the  best  counsel 
they  can,  but  in  doubtful  cases  to  take  time  for  deliberation, 
and  consulting  the  word  of  God,  and  prayer,  in  order  to  give 
them  a satisfactory  solution  : and  as  the  Lord  makes  a dif- 
ference between  occasional  defilements  and  presumptuous 
disobedience,  they  should  do  the  same.  (Note,  2 Chr.  3616 
( 267  ) 


R.  U.  ;490. 


NUMBERS. 


B.  C.  149U 


CHAPTER  X. 

Directions  for  making  awl  us:ng  trie  silver  trumpets,  1 — 10.  The  Israelites 
Journey  from  Sinai  to  lJarni,  11 — 13  ; and  he  nr  ter  in  which  they  marched , , 
14- --23.  Moses  entreats  Hohab  to  continue  with  them,  2d — 32.  His  prayer 
at  the  removing , a»d  the  resting  <>f  the  ark , 33 — 36. 

ND  thg  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2  Make  thee  “two  trumpets  of  silver  ; bof  a 
whole  piece  shall,  thou  make  them,  that  thou 
mavest  use  them  for  cthe  calling  of  the  assembly, 
and  for  the  journeying  of  the  camps. 

3 And  when  dthey  shall  blow  with  them,  all -the 
assembly  shall  assemble  themselves  to  thee,  at  the 
door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

4 And  if  they  blow  but  with  one  trumpet,  then 
the  princes,  which  are  “heads  of  the  thousands  of 
Israel,  shall  gather  themselves  unto  thee. 

5 When  ye  ' blow  an  alarm,  then  sthe  camps 
that  lie  on  the  east  parts  shall  go  forward. 

6 When  ye  blow  an  alarm  the  second  time, 
then  hthe  camps  that  lie  on  the  south  side  shall 
take  their  journey : they  shall  blow  an  alarm  for 
their  journeys. 

7 But  when  the  congregation  is  to  be  gathered 
together,  'ye  shall  blow,  but  ye  shall  not  sound  an 
alarm. 

8 And  kthe  sons  of  Aaron  the  priests  shall  blow 
with  the  trumpets : and  they  shall  be  to  you  for 
an  ordinance  for  ever  throughout  your  genera- 
tions. 

9 And  if  ye  go  to  war  in  your  land  against  the 
enemy  that  ‘oppresseth  you,  “then' ye  shall  blow 
an  alarm  with  the  trumpets:  and  ye  shall  be  "re- 
membered before  the  Lord  your  God,  and  ye  shall 
be  saved  from  your  enemies. 

10  Also  °in  the  day  of  your  gladness,  and  in 
your  solemn  days,  and  in  the  beginnings  of  your 
months,  ye  shall  blow  with  the  trumpets  over  your 
burnt-offerings,  and  over  the  sacrifices  of  your 
peace-offerings;  that  they  may  be  to  you  for  ra 
memorial  before  your  God : I am  the  Lord  your 

God.  [ Practical  Observations.'] 

11  11  And  it  came  to  pass,  son  the  twentieth  day 

» 2 Kings  12:13.  2 Chr.  5:12.  b Ex.  25-18,31.  Eph.  4:5.  c 7.  Ps.  81:3.  89:15. 
Is.  1:13.  Hos.  8:1.  Jnel  1:14.  d Jer.  4:5.  Joel  2:15,16.  e See  on  1 4— 16.  7:2. 
Ex.  18:21.  Deut.  1:15.  16:7.  Is.  58:1.  Joel  2:1.  g2:3— 9.  h2:10— 16.  i 3.4. 
k 31:6.  Josh.  6:4— 16.  1 ( hr.  15:24.  16:6.  2 Chr.  13: 12— 15.  1 Judg.  2:18.  3:27. 

4:2.  6:9,34.  7.16-21.  10:8,12.  1 Sam.  10:18.  Pa.  106:42.  mis.  18:3.  58:1.  Jer. 
4:5,19,21.  6:1,17.  Ex.  7:14.  33  3— 6.  Hos.  5 8.  Am.  3:6.  Zeph.  1:16.  1 Cor.  14: 
8.  n Gen.  8:1 . Ps.  106:4.  136:23.  Luke  1:72— 74.  o 29:1.  Lev.  23,24  . 25:9,10. 

1 Chr.  15-2S.  16:42.  2 ( hr.  5:12,13  . 7.6.  29:26,28.  Ezra  3:10.  Neh.  12:35.  Ps. 
81:3.  89:15.98:5,6.  150:3.  Is.  27: 13.  55: 1—4.  Matt.  11:28.  1 Cor.  15:52.  1 Thes. 
4:16,18.  Rex. 22:17.  p Ex.  28:29.  30:16.  Josh.  4:7.  1 Cor.  11:21—26.  q 1:1.  9: 

— 20.) — We  may  often,  without  our  own  fault,  be  deprived  of 
the  opportunity  of  attending  on  divine  ordinances  ; hut  in  lhat 
case  we  shall  not  lose  the  blessing  : and  when  thus  kept  away 
at  one  time,  we  should  be  doubly  careful  to  improve  the  next 
opportunity. — Blessed  be  God,  that  we  strangers  of  the  Gen- 
tiles are  admitted  to  participate  in  the  blessings  of  “ Christ 
our  Passover,  who  was  sacrificed  for  us but  let  us  be  care- 
ful to  celebrate  the  sacred  feast  after  the  prescribed  manner  ; 
as  true  penitents  and  spiritual  pilgrims,  with  the  unleavened 
bread  of  sincerity  and  truth.  (Note,!  Cor.  5:fi — 8.) — Though 
we  are  not  under  the  miraculous  direction  of  the  cloud  ; yet 
the  providence  of  God  appoints  the  bounds  of  our  habitation, 
and  his  word  is  the  perfect  and  sufficient  rule  of  our  conduct. 
Wherever  our  lot  is  cast,  let  us  study  contentment.  When- 
ever called  upon  to  remove,  let  us  be  careful  that  we  act 
according  to  the  commandment  of  our  God,  and  in  depend- 
ence on  his  promises,  in  the  patience  of  hope,  and  quietly 
wailing  for  his  salvation  : and  when  we  pass  through  tempta- 
tion and  tribulation,  or  the  gloomy  vale  of  death,  if  his  pre- 
sence go  with  us,  we  must  be  safe  and  shall  be  happy.  Let 
us  beg  of  him,  therefore,  to  choose  for  us  our  places  of  abode 
in  this  world,  our  time  of  removal  out  of  it,  and  our  everlast- 
ing inheritance ; for  he  never  chose  to  the  final  disadvantage 
of  those,  who  were  enabled  to  refer  all  their  concerns  to  his 
decision. 

NOTES. — Chap.  X.  V.  2. — 10.  These  silver  trum- 
pets were  evidently  intended  to  typify  the  preaching  of  the 
gospel.  (Notes,  Lev.  23:24,25.  Ps.  89:15 — 18.  Is.  27:12,13.) 
The  priests  alone  were  allowed  to  blow  them;  and  as  there 
were  at  that  time  but  two  priests,  the  sons  of  Aaron  the  high- 
priest,  only  two  trumpets  were  made  : but  we  read  after- 
wards “of  one  hundred  and  twenty  priests  sounding  with 
trumpets.”  (2  Clir.  5:12.)  In  allusion  to  the  uses  assigned 
to  Ihem,  in  this  place,  and  in  others  referred  to  in  the  margin, 
and  which  do  not  seem  to  require  explanation  ; (Marg.  Ref. 
e — p ;)  we  may  observe  that  the  gospel  sounds  (lie  alarm  to 
sinners  ; calls  them  to  repentance  ; proclaims  liborty  to  cap- 
tives and  slaves ; collects  the  spiritual  worshippers  of  God, 
in  all  ages  and  nations,  to  keep  their  solemn  fasts  of  godly 
sorrow,  and  feasts  of  holy  joy ; summons  them  to  become 
( 268  ) 


of  the  second  month,  in  the  second  year,  that  rthe 
cloud  was  taken  up  trout  off  the  tabernacle  of  the 
testimony. 

12  Ami  the  children  of  Israel  "took  their  jour- 
neys 'out  of  the  wilderness  of  Sinai ; a ltd  the  cloud 
rested  in  "the  wilderness  of  Paran. 

13  And  they  first  Took  their  journey,  according 
to  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  by  the  hand  of 
Moses. 

14  It  In  The  first  place  went  the  standard  ot  the 
camp  of  the  children  of  Judah,  according  to  their 
armies:  and  over  his  hosts  was  "Nahshon  the  son 
of  Amminadab. 

15  And  over  the  host  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
of  Tssachar,  was  Nethaneel  the  son  of  Zuar. 

16  And  over  the  host  of  the  tribe  of  the  chil- 
dren of  bZebulun,  was  Eliab  the  son  of  Helon. 

17  And  “the  tabernacle  was  taken  down:  and 
dthe  sons  of  Gershon  and  the  sons  of  Merari  set 
forward,  bearing  the  tabernacle. 

18  H And  the  standard  of  “the  camp  of  Reuben 
set  forward,  according  to  their  armies : and  over  his 
hosts  t vas  f Elizur  the  son  of  Shedeur. 

19  Andover  the  host  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
of  ^Simeon,  ivas  Shelumiel  the  son  of  Zurishaddai. 

20  And  over  the  host  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
of  Gad,  vms  ''Eliasaph  the  son  of  Deuel. 

21  And  'the  Kohathites  set  forward,  bearing  the 
sanctuary  ; and  'the  other  did  set  up  the  taberna- 
cle against  they  came. 

22  And  the  standard  of  kthe  camp  of  the 
children  of  Ephraim  set  forward,  according  to 
their  armies  : and  over  his  host  was  ‘Elishama  the 
son  of  Ammihud. 

23  And  over  the  host  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
of  Manasseh,  was  mGamaliel  the  son  of  Pedahzur. 

24  And  over  the  host  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
of  Benjamin,  was  "Abidan  the  son  of  Gideoni. 

25  11  And  the  standard  of  °the  camp  of  the* 
children  of  Dan  set  forward,  which  was  rthe  rear- 
ward of  all  the  camps  throughout  their  hosts : and 

1,5,11.  Ex.  40:2.  r See  on  9:17 — 23.  «33:16.  Ex . 13:26.  40:36.  Deut.  1:19. 

l 1:1.  91.  33:15.  Ex.  19:1,2.  u 12:16.  13:3.26.  Gen.  21 :21  Deut.  1:1.  *3:2. 

1 Sam.  25:1  Hub.  3:3.  X 9:23.  y 2:3-9.  26: 19— 27.  Gen.  49:8.  i Aim  1-7, 
7:12.  a 1:8.  7:18.  bl:9.  7:34.  c 1:51.  Heb.  9.11.  12:28.  2 1 et.  1:14.  (13: 

25,26,36,37  . 4:24-33.7:6—8.  e 2:1(1— 16.  26:5— 18.  f 1:5.  7:35.  gl:6.  7:36. 
h 1:14.  2:14.  Son  of  Heuel.  7:42.  i 2: 17.  3:27—32.  4:4—16.  7:9.  I Chr.  15:2, 
12 — 15.  ’ That  is,  the  Gershonites  and  the  Merarites.  17.  1:51.  k 2: 18 — 24. 

26:23— 41.  Gen.  48:19.  Ps.  80:1,2.  11:10.7:48.  m 1:10.  7:54.  n 1:11.  7:60. 
o2:28—31.  26.42— 51.  Gen.  49:16,17.  p Deut.  25: 17,18.  Josh.  6:9.  Is.  52.12. 
58:8. 


strangers  anti  pilgrims  upon  earth ; directs  and  encourages 
their  heavenly  journey  ; excites  them  to  combat,  against 
Satan,  the  world,  and  sin;  animates  them  with  the  assurance 
of  victory;  calls  their  attention  to  the  sacrifice  of  Christ; 
explains  it,  and  tends  suitably  to  affect  them  with  it ; and  is  a 
constant  memorial  of  the  Lord’s  gracious  presence  with  them, 
for  their  encouragement  and  protection,  and  for  a terror  and 
dismay  to  all  their  enemies.  (2  Chr.  13:12.) — The  distinct 
ways  of  sounding  the  trumpets  were  doubtless  well  under- 
stood both  by  priests  and  people:  and  this  might  imply,  that 
the  word  of  God  should  be  rendered  as  plain  as  possible  to 
every  description  of  those  who  hear  it.  ( JVote,  1 Cor.  14:6 — 
12‘) 

V.  11 — 13.  After  the  Israelites  had  continued  nearly 
a year  at  mount  Sinai,  (Ex.  19:1.)  to  settle  every  thing  re- 
specting their  future  worship,  they  began  their  march  to  Ca- 
naan ; whither  they  might  speedily  have  arrived,  had  they  not 
renewed  their  rebellions.  This  may  typically  teach  us,  that 
though  true  religion  begins  with  the  knowledge  of  the  holy 
law,  and  humiliation  for  sin ; yet  we  should  also  press  for- 
ward, and  44  go  on  towards  perfection,”  in  an  acquaintance  with 
Christ  and  his  gospel,  and  those  effectual  encouragements, 
motives,  and  assistances  to  holiness,  which  it  proposes. — Pre- 
viously to  the  removal  of  the  cloud,  the  people  seem  to  have 
had  an  express  command  to  set  out  on  their  journey.  (JVote9 
Deut.  1:6 — 8.)  In  consequence  of  this  we  may  suppose,  that 
they  had  got  all  ready  for  their  march,  when  the  removing  of 
the  cloud  gave  the  signal  for  their  actually  setting  off;  and 
that,  in  general,  they  had  time  allowed  fo:  Jnese  purposes. 

V.  21.  The  Gershonites  and  Merarites,  who  marched 
before  the  Kohathites  for  that  purpose,  t"m)  set  up  the  luier- 
nacle,  to  receive  the  sacred  things  wnen  the  Kohathites 
arrived  with  them. 

V.  25.  This  division  not  only  brought  up  the  rear  of  Israel, 
hut  also  gathered  under  it  such  ns  were  left  behind  through 
weariness,  and  the  mixed  multitude  which  followed  them,  and 
those  who,  being  unclean,  were  excluded  from  the  camp. 

V.  29.  It.  is  most  probable,  that  Jethro  was  the  same  per- 
son as  Reuel,  or  Raguel;  and  that  Hob  .o  was  his  son,  and 
Moses’s  brother-in-law,  who  had  remrmod  ^ ith  Moses  and 


CHAPTER  XI. 


B.  C 1190. 


B.  C.  1490. 

over  his  host  was  ?Ahiezer  the  son  of  Ammishad- 
dai 

26  And  over  the  host  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
of  Asher,  was  'Pagiel  the  son  of  Ocran. 

27  And  over  the  host  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
of  Napht  ali,  teas  ‘Ahira  the  son  of  Enan. 

28  ‘Thus  were  the  journeyings  of  the  children 
of  Israel,  ‘according  to  their  armies,  when  they 
set  forward- 

29  H And  Moses  said  unto  Hobab,  the  son  of 
“Raguel  the  Midianite,  Moses’s  father-in-law,  We 
are  journeying  unto  the  place  of  which  “the  Lord 
said,  I will  give  it  you  : Jcome  thou  with  us,  and 
we  will  do  thee  good  ; zfor  the  Lord  hath  spoken 
good  concerning  Israel. 

30  And  he  said  unto  him,  I will  not  go ; but  I 
‘•will  depart  to  mine  own  land,  and  to  my  kindred. 

31  And  he  said,  Leave  us  not,  I pray  thee : 
forasmuch  as  thou  knowest  how  we  are  to  encamp 
in  the  wilderness,  and  thou  mayest  be  to  us  bin- 
stead  of  eyes. 

32  And  it  shall  be,  if  thou  go  with  us,  yea,  it 
shall  be,  that  cwhat  goodness  the  Lord  shall  do 
into  us,  the  same  will  we  do  unto  thee. 

33  11  And  they  departed  from  dthe  mount  of  the 

q 1:12.  7:66.  rl:13.  7:72.  sl:I5.7:78.  • Hcb.  these,  t 35,36  . 2:34.  24:4, 

5.  Caul.  6:10.  1 Cor.  14:33,40.  Col.  2:5.  a Ex.  2:18.  Jteuel.  3:1.  18:1,27.  x Gen. 
12:7.13.15.15:18.  Acts  7.5.  y Joclg.  1:16.  4:11.  1 Sam.  15:6.  I s.  34:8.  Is.  2: 
8.  Jer.  50:5.  Zech.  8:21 — 23.  Rev.  22:17.  z 23:19.  Gen.  32:12.  Ex.  3:3.  6:7,8. 
Til.  1:2.  Heb.6:!8.  a Gen.  12:1.  31:30.  Ruth  1:15— 17.  Ps. 45:10.  Luke  14:26. 
2Cor.  5:16.  Heb.  11:8,13.  bJob29.15.  Ps.  32:8.  1 Cor.  12:14— 21.  Gal. 6:2. 

c Jude.  1:16.  1 John  1:3.  d Ex.  3.1.  19:3.  24:17,18.  e Deni.  9:9.  31:26.  Josh. 
4:7.  Jude. 20:27.  1 Sam.  4:3.  Jer.  3:16.  Heb.  13:20.  f Ex.  33:14,15.  Dent.  1:33. 
Josh.  3:2—6,11—17.  Jer.  31:8,9.  g Ps.  95: 11.  Is.  23:12.  66:1.  Jer.  6:16.  Matl. 


Israel  when  his  father  departed  from  them ; or  had  come  to 
them  afterwards. 

V.  31,  32.  Though  the  people  were  under  the  immediate 
direction  of  God  in  their  march ; yet,  in  respect  of  the  con- 
veniences or  inconveniences  of  the  places  through  which  they 
passed,  they  might  receive  profitable  cautions  and  instruc- 
tions from  a person  acquainted  with  the  desert. — Some  how- 
ever translate  the  words  rendered  “ thou  mayest  be  unto  us 
instead  of  eyes,”  in  the  past  tense,  and  interpret  it  as  a thank- 
ful acknowledgment  of  the  advantages  which  Israel  had  de- 
rived from  Hobab’s  counsel  and  direction ; for  which  they 
could  make  him  no  amends,  except  he  would  go  with  them, 
and  share  the  kindness  which  the  Lord  had  in  reserve  for 
them  in  the  promised  land,  whither  they  reasonably  expected 
soon  to  arrive.  But  others  interpret  the  words  to  signify, 
that  (like  his  father  Jethro)  he  might  be  very  useful  to  Moses 
by  his  advice,  and  should  be  admitted  among  his  select 
counsellors,  if  he  would  continue  in  thecamp.  We  may  sup- 
pose, that  Hobab  was  withdrawn  from  his  first  purpose,  and 
accompanied  them.  We  shall  hereafter  read  of  his  posterity : 
and  it  is  probable,  that  an  inheritance  was  assigned  them  in 
Canaan.  The  whole  passage  implies  that  Hobab,  like  his 
father,  was  a wise  and  pious  man,  a devoted  worshipper  of 
the  God  of  Israel ; and  that,  on  the  supposition  that  he  “re- 
turned to  his  kindred,”  (30)  he  did  not  return  to  idolatry. 
( Notes , Ruth  1:11 — 17.) 

V.  33,  34.  It  is  doubtful,  whether  on  this  occasion  the  ark 
was  carried  separately  before  the  camp,  or  with  the  other  sa- 
cred things  in  the  midst  of  it.  The  cloud,  however,  (which 
above  was  diffused  as  a canopy  over  the  heads  of  the  people 
in  the  day,  and  afforded  light  to  them  by  night,)  rested  be- 
neath upon  the  ark  in  such  a manner,  that  in  directing  their 
march,  the  ark  on  which  it  rested  might  very  properly  be  said 
to  go  before  them , to  single  out  the  particular  spot  on  which 
they  were  to  halt  for  refreshment ; and  after  three  days,  the 
spot  on  which  they  were  to  encamp. 

V.  35,  3G.  Moses,  as  the  leader,  though  Aaron  was  the 
high-priest,  solemnly  addressed  the  Lord  in  this  emphatical 
prayer,  the  former  part  of-  which  David  used,  probably  on  a 
similar  occasion.  (Note,  Ps.  68: 1 — 3.)  The  expression, 
“the  many  thousands  of  Israel,”  is  In  the  original,  the  ten 
thousand  thousands  of  Israel,  among  whom  Moses  thus  be- 
sought the  Lord  again  to  manifest  his  presence,  and  to  take 
up  his  residence. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  The  trumpet  of  the  gospel,  being  God’s  ap- 
pointed ordinance,  demands  the  serious  attention  of  all  to 
whom  it  is  sent.  Let  our  character,  situation,  trials,  or  duty, 
oe  what  they  may,  this  trumpet,  when  skilfully  used  by  the 
ministers  of  Christ,  will  give  such  a distinct  sound,  as  at  one 
•ime  or  another  exactly  to  suit  our  case;  and  to  afford  us 
that  warning,  direction,  encouragement,  or  exhortation,  of 
vhich  we  stand  in  need:  and  in  this  manner  we  should  expect 
to  be  counselled  and  comforted  by  the  Lord.  But  they  who 
sound  this  trumpet  ought  to  be  very  skilful,  faithful,  and  affec- 
tionate, and  observant  both  of  the  word  of  God,  of  their  ow  n 
hearts,  and  of  the  situations  bf  the  people ; lest  they  give  false 
alarms,  or  neglect  to  give  the  alarm  when  necessary  ; lest  by 
an  uncerlain  sound  they  encourage  such  as  need  reproof,  or 
disov-uiage  ihe  nearts  of  such  as  should  bo  comforted;  or  in 


Lord  three  days’  journey : and  'the  ark  of  the 
covenant  of  the  Lord ' went  before  them  in  tht 
three  days’  journey,  to  search  out  «a  resting-place 
for  them. 

34  And  hthe  cloud  of  the  LoRif  was  upon  then 
by  day,  when  they  went  out  of  the  camp- 

35  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  ark  set  for 

ward,  that  Moses  said,  'Rise  up,  Lord,  and  let 
thine  enemies  be  scattered ; and  let  them  that  hate 
thee  flee  before  thee.  * 

36  And  when  it  rested,  he  said,  '‘Return,  O 
Lord,  unto  the  'many  thousands  of  Israel. 

CHAPTER  XI. 


The  people  complain , and  the  fire  of  the  Lord  burns  among  them,  but  is  quenched 
through  Moses’s  prayer , 1,2;  the  place  is  called  Tabevah,  3.  TV.ey 
grow  weary  of  manna,  and  lust  for  flesh,  A — 9.  Moses  complains,  10 — 15. 

God  promises  to  give  him  seventy  assistants  ; nnd  fi-sh  to  the  people  for  a 
month,  16 — 2).  Moses's  faith  is  staggered,  21 — 23.  God.  gives  of  his  Spivit 
to  seventy  elders,  24,  25.  Two  prophesy  in  the  camp  : Joshua  would  forbid 
them  ; but  Moses  reproves  him,  26 — 30.  The  quails  are  sent  in  oast  abun- 
dance, but  in  wrath,  31 — 35. 


AND  *when  the  people  'complained,  'it  displeas- 
ed the  Lord:  and  the  Lord  heard  it ; and 
his  anger  was  kindled:  and  bthe  fire  of  the  Lord 
burnt  among  them,  and  consumed  them  that  were 
in  "the  uttermost  parts  of  the  camp. 

2 And  the  people  dcried  unto  Moses ; and  when 


11:23—30.  Heb. 4:3— 11.  h Ex.  13:21,22.  Neh.  9:12,19.  Ps.  105:39  irs.68i 
1,2. 132:8.  Is.  51:9.  k Ps.  90:13 — 17.  f Heb.  ten  thousand  thousands.  Gen.24:60. 
a 10:33.20:2—5.21:5.  Ex.  15:23,24.  16:2,3,7,9.  17:2,3.  Lain.  3:39.  1 Cor.  10:10. 
Jude  16.  * Or,  were  as  it  were  complainers.  t Heb.  it  was  evil  in  the  cars 

of  the  LORD.  Gen.  38:10.  2 Sam.  11:27.  marg.  Jam.  5:4.  b 16:35.  Lev.  10: 
2.  Dent.  32:22  . 2 Kings  1:12.  Job  1:16.  Ps.  78:21.  106:18.  Is.  30:33.  33:14.  Nah. 
1:5.  Mark  9:43— 49.  Heb.  12:29.  c Deut.  25:18.  d 21:7.  Ps.  78.34,35.  Jer.  37: 
3.42:2.  Acts  8:24. 


any  other  way  defeat  those  ends  for  which  the  preaching  o. 
the  word  is  intended. — “Blessed  is  the  people  who  know  the 
joyful  sound,”  and  clearly  understand  its  meaning,  whether  it 
call  them  to  watch  and  pray,  to  weep  or  rejoice,  to  attack 
their  enemies  or  to  resist  their  assaults,  to  march  forward  with 
alacrity,  or  to  endure  the  labours  of  the  way  with  patient  per- 
severance ; and  who  so  understand  its  sound,  as  to  pay  it 
that  prompt  obedience,  which  the  disciplined  soldier  pays  to 
the  sound  of  the  trumpet.  Such  persons  will  never  be  left 
destitute  of  encouragement,  instruction,  or  counsel,  through 
the  whole  of  their  journey.  Though  they  “have  here  no 
continuing  city,”  but  are  always  removing  from  one  wilder- 
ness to  another:  yet,  by  hearkening  to  the  word  of  God,  they 
will  follow  the  ark  in  all  their  removals,  and  be  taught  habi- 
tually to  depend  on  the  promises  and  perfections  of  God  and 
the  mediation  of  his  Son,  to  obey  his  commands,  and  imitate 
his  example,  in  their  proper  place  aqd  station;  and  ever  to 
abide  under  the  care  of  his  providence,  enjoy  the  comforts  of 
his  Spirit,  and  have  fellowship  with  him  in  his  ordinances. 

V.  11 — 36.  The  Lord  himself  goes  before  his  believing  peo- 
ple, to  find  them  out  resting-places  from  time  to  time  by  the 
way:  he  will  give  them  rest  to  their  souls  on  earth,  until  he 
bring  them  to  his  heavenly  felicity ; he  will  arise  to  scatter  his 
and  their  enemies,  and  “ all  that  hate  him  shall  flee  before  him 
and  he  will  abide  with  every  individual,  and  with  all  the  thou- 
sands and  millions  of  Israel,  “ always  even  unto  the  end  of 
the  world:”  for  he  has  promised,  that  he  will  “never  leave 
them  nor  forsake  them,”  and  this  is  the  substance  of  all  their 
prayers  and  desires. — While  we  are  thus  journeying  to  the 
place  of  which  the  Lord  hath  spoken  to  us,  and  hath  engaged 
to  give  us ; we  should  endeavour,  by  our  general  good  be- 
haviour and  tranquil  cheerfulness,  by  special  acts  of  kindness, 
and  by  pressing  exhortations  and  persuasions,  to  induce  our 
relatives,  friends,  and  neighbours  to  attend  us;  aiming  to  con- 
vince them,  that  the  Lord  is  with  us,  that  he  hath  spoken 
good  concerning  us ; that  he  hath  good  in  reserve  for  us,  and 
that  it  is  for  their  true  advantage  to  accompany  us  ; frankly 
proposing  to  them  a participation  in  all  our  privileges  and 
comforts,  and  assuring  them  of  all  the  kindness  which  God 
shall  enable  us  to  do  unto  them.  ( Note , 1 John  1:3,4.)  By 
persevering  attempts  of  this  kind,  and  by  fervent  prayers,  we 
may  frequently  overcome  the  reluctance  of  those,  who  at  first , 
were  unwilling  to  renounce  the  pleasures  of  sin,  or  the  inte- 
rests of  the  world,  or  who  were  loth  to  encounter  the  hard- 
ships of  the  journey,  or  who  valued  not  the  promised  inherit- 
ance.— Though  in  every  thing  our  dependence  must  be  ulti- 
mately placed  upon  the  Lord,  yet  we  may  use  the  services  o» 
men  as  instruments  of  good  to  us,  and  should  in  our  turn  aim 
to  do  them  good ; and  thus  we  may  be  as  eyes  and  ears  and 
hands  to  each  other,  for  our  mutual  comfort,  and  to  the  glory 
of  our  common  Lord.  We  should  also  be  careful,  that  we 
begin  every  undertaking,  especially  those  in  which  the  cnurch 
of  God  is  concerned,  with  earnest  prayer  for  direction,  assist 
ance,  and  success:  and  not  only  ministers,  but  magistrates 
and  princes  also,  should  be  men  of  prayer,  as  well  as  of  acti- 
vity, integrity,  and  ability ; for  whatever  talents  and  instru- 
ments are  employed,  the  Lord  alone  sends  prosperity.  Fi- 
nally, in  all  our  supplications  at  the  throne  of  grace,  the  many 
thousands  of  Israel  should  without  fail  be  remembered  by  us. 
NOTES. — Chap.  XI.  V.  1 — 3.  “ The  people  were  as 
( 261)  ) 


r».  i i -too. 


NUMBERS. 


R.  C. 1400. 


Moses  'prayed  unto  ihe  Lord,  fthe  fire  ‘was 
quenched. 

3 And  lie  called  the  name  of  the  place  fTabe- 

rali;  because  the  fire  of  the  Lord  burnt  among 
them.  » 

4 tl  And  *the  mixed  multitude  that  was  among 
them  Tell  a lusting:  and  hthe  children  of  Israel 
also  Swept  again,  and  said,  ‘Who  shall  give  us 
flesh  to  eat  ? 

5 We*remember  kthe  fish  which  we  did  eat  In 
Egypt  freely : the  cucumbers,  and  the  melons,  and 
the  leeks,  and  the  onions,  and  the  garlick  : 

6 But  now  'our  soul  is  dried  away  : there  is 
nothing  at  ail,  besides  this  manna,  before  our  eyes. 

7 And  mthe  manna  was  as  coriander-seed,  and 
the  “colour  thereof  as  the  colour  of  "bdellium. 

8 And  “the  people  went  about,  and  gathered  it, 
and  ground  it  in  mills,  or  beat  it  in  a mortar,  and 
rbaked  it  in  pans,  and  made  cakes  of  it:  and  the 
’taste  of  it  was  as  the  taste  of  fresh  oil. 

9 And  when  rthe  dew  fell  upon  the  camp  in  the 
night,  the  manna  fell  upon  it. 

10  II  Then  Moses  heard  the  people  ’weep 
throughout  their  families,  every  man  in  the  door 
of  his  tent : and  'the  anger  of  the  Lord  was 
kindled  greatly  ; "Moses  also  was  displeased- 


e 14:13— 20.  Gen.  18:23— 33.  Ex.  32:10 — 14,31,32.  34:9.  Deut.  S:19,20.  Ps. 
106:23.  Is.  37:4.  Jer.l5:l.  Am.  7:2— 6.  Jam. 5:16.  1 John  8:16.  f 16:45— 
48.  Heh.  7:26.  1 John.  2:1,2.  * Heb.  sunk.  t That  is,  A burning.  Lent.  9: 
22.  g Ex.  12:38.  Lev.  24:10,11.  Neh.  13:3.  t Heb.  lustxl  a lust.  ' h 1 Cor. 
15:33.  § Heb.  returned  and  wept.  i Ps.  78:18 — 2l.  106:14.  Rom.  13:14. 

! Cor.  10.6.  k Ex.  16:3.  Is.  17:14.  Phil.  3:19.  121:5.  2 Sam.  13:4.  m Ex. 
16:14,15,31.  1 Cor.  1 23,24.  Rev.  2:17.  ||  Heb.  rye  of  it  as  the  eye  of. 

n Gen.  2:12.  o Ex.  16:1  >— 18.  John  6:27,33— 58.  p Ex.  16:23.  q Ex.  16:31. 
r Ex.  16:13,14.  ' eut.  32  > s 7,  m-Uj  M.»:40.  s 14:1,2. 16:27.31:5.  Ps. 
105:25.  t Dent. 32:22.  P-.  78:21,59.  Is.  5:25.  Jer.  17:4.  u 12:3.20:10— 13. 
Ps.  105:32,33.  Mark  3:5.  lb:14.  v 15.  Ex.  17:4.  Deut.  1:12.  Jer.  15:10,18.  20: 


it  were  complainers  ;”  ( marg .)  that  is,  they  murmured  against 
Moses,  and  against  the  Lord. — When  we  consider  the  won- 
derful works  wrought  for  Israel  before  their  eyes  ; the  excel- 
lent laws  which  they  had  received;  the  mild  government 
under  which  they  lived;  the  manner  in  which  their  camp  was 
victualled,  watered,  guarded,  and  guided;  and  the  tokens 
which  they  enjoyed  of  the  Lord’s  special  presence  and  favour  ; 
we  are  apt  to  inquire,  what  grounds  of  complaint  they  could 
have.  But  some  would  be  dissatisfied,  that  they  and  their 
friends  were  excluded  from  the  government,  and  from  the 
priesthood;  some  would  murmur  af  being  kept  so  long  in  the 
wilderness ; others  would  be  weary  with  marching  three  days 
together  without  resting,  except  merely  to  take  present 
refreshment ; and  various  occasions  of  discontent  would  be 
found  among  so  large  a multitude.  Since  the  sin  committed 
in  respect  of  the  golden  calf,  the  people  had  appeared  obe- 
dient and  tractable,  and  the  rulers  liberal  and  cheerful  in 
affording  assistance  ; but  their  evil  dispositions,  though  over- 
awed, were  not  slain:  they  therefore  speedily  revived,  and 
produced  more  fatal  effects  than  ever.  The  Lord  being  thus 
provoked,  made  them  sensible  of  the  power  of  his  fiery  indig- 
nation. Probably,  some  of  them  were  destroyed,  as  Nadab 
and  Abihu  had  been,  by  fire  from  the  Lord,  or  by  flashes  of 
lightning,  perhaps  from  the  fiery  pillar.  Though  they  had 
several  times  before  murmured,  they  had  not  been  thus  pu- 
nished : for,  not  having  known  so  much  of  the  Lord’s  will,  nor 
seen  so  much  of  his  glory,  nor  experienced  so  much  of  his 
kindness,  they  were  before  more  excusable  than  at  this 
time. — Yet  even  now  tin:  lire  seems  only  to  have  consumed 
some  of  those,  who  resorted  to  the  uttermost  parts  of  the 
camp,  to  associate  with  the  mixed  multitude:  (4)  and  when 
Moses,  at  the  request  of  the  people,  prayed,  it  was  at  once 
quenched. — The  place,  however,  acquired  a new  name  from 
this  lire  that  consumed  the  criminals. — Taberah.]  A burning. 
(Marg.) 

V.  4 — 9.  This  lusting  for  other  food  than  manna  began 
among  the  mixed  multitude  ; hut  it  seems  to  have  rapidly 
spread  among  the  Israelites,  and  to  have  anew  excited  their 
impatient  lamentations  and  murmurings.  They  were  not,  on 
this  occasion,  merely  guilty  of  discontent,  and  an  inordinate 
desire  of  flesh  to  eat ; but  they  limited  the  power  of  God,  as  if 
it  were  impossible  for  him  to  give  them  it  in  their  present 
circumstances.  The  subsequent  particulars  are  mentioned 
concerning  the  manna,  in  order  to  illustrate  the  goodness  of 
the  Lord  to  Israel,  in  giving  them,  without  trouble  or  expense, 
so  suitable,  nourishing,  and  palatable  a food ; and  which 
afforded  them  variety  also,  by  the  different  ways  in  which  it 
might  he  prepared.  (Notes,  Ex.  10:22 — 27,31.)  Thus  the 
ingratitude  and  unreasonableness  of  the  people  in  their  lust- 
ing s were  strongly  marked. — It  is  nowhere  intimated  that 
they  were  sickly  or  feeble,  in  consequence  of  feeding  con- 
tinually upon  manna;  though  the  greediness  of  their  appetite 
for  other  food  drank  up  their  spirits,  and  caused  u their  soul 
uo  dry  away.” — It  would  not  indeed  have  been  proper  for  them 
to  have  slain  all  their  numerous  flocks  and  herds,  nor  would 
the  whole  have  satisfied  their  lusting s : yet,  had  they  not  been 
too  covetous,  oir  too  desirous  of  dainty  meats,  they  might 
( 270  ) 


11  And  Moses  said  unto  the  Lord,  vWherefore 
hast  thou  aliiicted  thy  servant?  and  xvvherelore 
have  I not  found  favour  in  thy  sight,  that  thou 
layest  the  burden  of  all  this  people  upon  me? 

12  Have  I conceived  all  this  people?  have  I 
begotten  them,  that  thou  shouldest  say  unto  me, 
^Carry  them  in  thy  bosom  (zas  a nursing- father 
beareth  the  sucking  child)  unto  nthe  land  which 
thou  swarest  unto  their  fathers  ? 

13  b Whence  should  I have  flesh  to  give  unto  all 
this  people  ? for  they  weep  unto  me,  saying,  Give 
us  flesh,  that  we  may  eat. 

14  I am  cnot  able  to  bear  all  this  people  alone, 
because  it  is  too  heavy  for  me. 

15  And  if  thou^  deal  thus  with  me,  ,lkill  me,  1 
pray  thee,  out  of  hand,  if  I have  found  favour 
in  thy  sight ; and  elet  me  not  see  my  wretched 
ness. 

16  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Gather  unto 
me  t seventy  men  of  the  elders  of  Israel,  whom 
thou  knowest  to  be  the  elders  of  the  people,  and 
^officers  over  them ; and  bring  them  unto  the  taber 
nacle  of  the  congregation,  that  they  may  stand 
there  with  thee. 

17  And  hI  will  come  down,  and  'talk  with  thee 
there  ; and  kI  will  take  of  the  Spirit  which  is  upor 


7—9,14—18.  Mai.  3:14.  2 Cor.  11:28.  x Job  10:2.  Ps.  130:3.  143:2.  Lam.  3: 
22,23,39,40.  v Is.  40  1 1 . Kz.  31:23.  John  10:11.  z Is.  49: 15,23.  Gal.  4:19 
1 Tliee.  2:7.  a Gen.  22:16,17.  26:3.  50:24.  Ex.  13:5.  b Malt.  15:33.  Mark  8: 
4.9:23.  c Ex.  18:18.  Dent.  1:9— 12.  Ps.  89:19.  Is.  9.6.  Zech.6:13.  2<or.2: 
16.  d 1 Kings  19:4.  Job  3:20— 22.  6:8— 10.  7: 15.  Jon.  4:3, 8,9.  Phil.  1:20 — 24. 
Jam. 1:4.  e Jer.  15: 18.  20: 13.  Zeph.3:J5.  f Gen.  46:27.  Ex.  4:29.  24:1,9. 
Ez.  8:11.  Luke  10:1,17.  g Deut.  1 ; 15. 16:18.  31:28.  h 25.  12:5.  Gen.  11:5. 
18:21.  Ex.  19:11,20  . 34:5.  John  3:13.  i 12:8.  Gen.  17:3,22. 18:20— 22,33.  k 27: 
18.  1 Sam.  10:6.  2 Kings  2:9,15.  Neh.  9:20.  Is.  44:3.  59:20.21.  Joel  2:28.  John 
7:39.  Rom.  8:9,  1 Cor.  2.12.  12:1—11.  1 Thes.4:8.  1 Pet.  1:22.  Jude  19. 


from  time  to  time  have  feasted  upon  flesh,  by  presenting 
peace-offerings  to  the  Lord.  But  to  their  dissatisfied  mind 
every  thing  appeared  worthless,  in  comparison  of  the  Egyp- 
tian diet,  which  they  speak  of  particularly,  and  with  great 
regret;  though  probably  it  was  nothing  better  than  the  most 
ordinary  food  of  the  very  poorest  of  the  people  ! ( Note , Ex. 

16:1—3.) 

V.  10.  The  former  complaining  seems  to  have  been  only 
a secret  discontent ; but  this  broke  out  ii  tc  an  open  and 
general  dissatisfaction,  and  portended  a revolt.  It  was  there- 
fore extremely  provoking  to  God ; “ it  was  evil  also  in  the 
eyes  of  Moses.”  (Heb.) 

V.  11 — 15.  Moses  had  indeed  a very  difficult  and  burden- 
some service  : and  the  expressive  similitude  which  he  used 
would  be  betier  understood  by  the  Israelites,  than  it  is  by  us; 
being  taken  from  the  circumstance  of  the  fathers  carrying  the 
young  children,  during  their  long  marches  in  the  wilderness, 
for  which  the  mothers  were  generally  unable.  (Marg.  Ref. 
y,  z.)  He  cannot  however  be  excused  in  imitating  t lie  people, 
by  murmuring  against  the  Lord ; in  complaining  of  the 
honours  and  favours  bestowed  upon  him ; in  expostulating 
with  God  as  if  he  dealt  unkindly  and  unjustly  with  him;  in 
magnifying  his  own  services,  and  speaking  as  if  he  were 
required  to  supply  the  people  with  flesh  ; and  above  all,  in 
begging  for  immediate  death,  as  his  only  possible  relief,  and 
as  the  greatest  instance  of  favour  which  the  Lord  could  show 
him.  (Marg.  Ref.  d.  Note,  Jer.  20:14 — 18.) 

V.  16.  IVhom  thou  knowest , &c.]  Moses  had  said,  that 
“ he  was  not  able  to  hear  all  the  people  alone:”  (14)  the 
Lord  therefore  graciously  condescended  to  assign  him  helpers, 
whom  he  might  choose  for  himself,  out  of  such  persons  as  he 
knew  to  be  elders , not  only  in  respect  of  years,  but  in  wisdom 
and  ability;  and  in  the  influence  and  authority,  which  they 
possessed  in  their  several  tribes  and  divisions.  It  is  most 
probable,  that  in  consequence  of  Jethro’s  advice,  (Notes, 
Ex.  18:17 — 26.)  Moses  before  this  had  assistants  in  the 
administration  of  justice,  and  in  the  affairs  of  civil  govern- 
ment : but  it  had  been  reserved  to  him  w to  he  for  the  people 
to  Godward.”  In  this  department  the  Lord,  on  this  occasion, 
appointed  him  coadjutors,  endued  with  special  wisdom  and 
grace  for  that  service  ; whose  assistance,  counsel,  and  autho- 
rity he  might,  use,  in  allaying  the  tumults,  quieting  the  minds, 
or  opposing  the  violence  of  the  people.  The  Sanhedrim,  or 
council  of  seventy  persons,  in  the  after- ages  of  the  Jewish 
nation,  seems  to  have  been  a continuance,  or  imitation,  of 
this  council  assigned  to  Moses.  The  number  is  supposed  to 
have  been  taken  from  the  number  of  persons  who  went  down 
into  Egypt.  (Marg.  Ref.  f.) 

V.  17.  Moses  would  not  on  this  account  have  less  of  the 
influences  of  the  Spirit  of  truth,  wisdom,  boldness,  power,  and 
holiness:  but  the  elders  would  he  endued  with  a measure  of 
the  same  Spirit,  that  they  might  be  enabled  and  disposed 
cordially  to  concur  with  him  in  salutary  measures,  for  the 
people’s  good:  ns  lamps  are  lighted  one  from  another  withott* 
any  diminution  of  the  light  of  the  lamps  from  which  they  are 
ligiited.  (Notes,  25.  2 Kings  2:9,10.  Is.  59  10,21.) 

V.  18.  The  people  were  about  to  witness  an  »ntra-  di» 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


B.  C.  1490 


l/tce,  mul  will  put  if  upon  them  : and  ‘they  shall 
bear  the  burden  of  the  people  with  thee,  that  thou 
bearif  not  thyself  alone,  l Practical owz-oomom.] 

18  And  say  thou  unto  the  people,  ""Sanctify 
yourselves  against  to-morrow,  and  ye  shall  eat 
flesh  : for  "ye  have  wept  in  the  ears  of  the  Lord, 
saying,  Who  shall  give  us  flesh  to  eat?  for  °it  was 
well  with  us  in  Egypt:  therefore  the  Lord  will 
give  you  flesh,  and  ye  shall  eat. 

19  Ye  shall  not.  eat  one  day,  nor  two  days,  nor 
five  days,  neither  ten  days,  nor  twenty  days; 

20  But  even  a 'whole  month,  until  it  come  out 
at  your  nostrils,  ‘’and  it  be  loathsome  unto  you : 
because  that  ye  have  ‘‘despised  the  Lord  which  is 
among  you,  and  have  wept  before  him,  saying, 
Why  came  we  forth  out  of  Egypt? 

21  And  Moses  said,  the  people  among  whom 
I am,  are  "six  hundred  thousand  footmen  ; and 
thou  hast  said,  I will  give  them  flesh,  that  they 
may  eat  a whole  month. 

22  Shall  sthe  flocks  and  the  herds  be  slain 
for  them  to  suffice  them  ? or  shall  all  the  fish  of 
the  se«  be  gathered  together  for  them  to  suffice 
them  ? 

23  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  ‘Is  the 
Lord’s  hand  waxed  short  ? "thou  shalt  see  now 
whether  my  word  shall  come  to  pass  unto  thee,  or 
not. 

24  1i  And  Moses  went  out,  and  told  the  people 
the  words  of  the  Lord,  and  "gathered  the  seventy 
men  of  the  elders  of  the  people,  ‘and  set  them 
round  about  the  tabernacle. 

25  And  the  Lord  'came  down  in  a cloud,  and 
spake  unto  him,  and  "took  of  the  Spirit  that  was 
upon  him,  and  gave  it  unto  the  seventy  elders : 
and  it  came  to  pass  that,  when  the  Spirit  rested 
upon  them,  "they  prophesied,  and  did  not  cease. 

26  But  there  remained  two  of  the  men  in  the 

1 Ex.  18:2-2.  Act. 6:3,4.  m Gen.  35:2.  Ex.  19:10,15.  Josh.  7:13.  n 1.4—6.  Ex. 

18:3— 7.  Jiulg.  21 -2.  o Sec  on  5.  14:2.3.  Acts  7:39.  * Hel).  month  of  days. 

Ex.  15:8.13.  p 21:5.  Ps. 78:27-30.  Prov.  27:7.  q I Sam.  2:30.  2 Sam.  12:10. 
Mai.  1-6.  Acts  13:41.  1 Thes.  4:8.  r 1 :46.  2:32.  Gen.  12:2.  Ex.  12:37.  38:25. 
e 2 Kings  7:2.  Mau.  15:33.  M.vk  6:37.  8:4.  Luke  1:18,34.  John  6:6,7.  t Gen. 
18:14.  Ps.  73:41.  Is. 50  2 . 59:1.  Mic.  2:7.  Malt.  19:26.  Luke  1:37.  u23:19. 

2 Kings  7:2,17-19.  Jer.  44:28,29.  K/..  12:25.  24:14.  Malt. 24:35.  x See  on  16, 
26.  v 17.  12:5.  Ex.  34:5.  40:33.  Ps.  99:7.  Luke  9:34,35.  zSeeonk,  17. 
2 Kings  2:15.  Jam.  1:17.  a 1 Sam.  10:5,6.10.  19:20— 24.  Joel2:28.  Acts2:17, 


camp,  the  name  of  the  one  was  Eldad,  and  tne 
name  of  the  other  Medad  : and  the  Spirit  rested 
upon  them,  (and  they  were  of  them  that  were 
written,  hut  ‘’went  not  out  unto  the  tabernacle,) 
and  they  prophesied  in  the  camp. 

27  And  there  ran  a young  man,  and  told  Moses 
and  said,  Eldad  and  Medad  do  prophesy  in  the 
camp. 

28  And  "Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  the  servant  of 
Moses,  one  of  his  young  men,  answered,  and  said, 
dMy  lord  Moses,  forbid  them. 

29  And  Moses  said  unto  him,  "Enviest  thou  for 
my  sake.?  1 2 Would  God  that  all  the  Lord’s  people 
were  prophets,  and  ilhat  the  Lord  would  put  his 
Spirit  upon  them. 

30  And  Moses  gat.  him  into  the  camp,  he  and 
the  elders  of  Israel. 

31  H And  there  went  forth  ha  wind  from  the 
Lord,  ’and  brought  quails  from  the  sea,  and  let 
them  fall  by  the  camp,  as  it  were  ‘a  day’s  journey 
on  this  side,  and  as  it  were  a day’s  journey  on  the 
other  side,  round  about  the  camp,  and  as  it  were 
two  cubits  high  upon  the  face  of  the  earth. 

32  And  the  people  stood  up  all  that  day,  and  all 
that  night,  and  all  the  next  day,  and  they  gathered 
the  quails : he  that  gathered  least  gathered  ten 
khomers;  and  they  spread  them  all  abroad  for 
themselves  round  about  the  camp. 

33  And  ‘while  the  flesh  was  yet  between  their 
teeth,  ere  it  was  chewed,  the  wrath  of  the  Lord 
was  kindled  against  the  people;. and  the  Lord 
“smote  the  people  with  a very  great  plague. 

34  And  he  called  the  name  of  that  place  4Kib- 
roth-hattaavah : because  there  they  buried  the 
people  that  lusted, 

35  And  the  people  "journeyed  from  Kibroth- 
hattaavah  "unto  Hazeroth  ; and  ^abode  at  Haze- 
roth. 


18.  11:28.  21:9—11.  1 Cor.  11:4,5.  14:1—3,32.  2 Pet.  1:21.  b Ex.  3:11.  4:13,14. 
1 Sam.  10:22.  20:26.  Jer.  1:6.  36:5.  c See  on  Ex.  17:9.  d Mark  9:38,39.  Luke 
9:49,50.  John  3:26.  e 1 Cor.  3:3,21.  13:4.  Phil.  2:3.  Jam.  3:14,15.  4:5.  5:9. 
1 Pet.  2:1.  f ActB  26:29.  1 Cor.  14:5.  Phil.  1:15— 18.  g Matt.  9:37,33.  Luka 
10:2.  h Ex.  10*13,19.  15:10.  Ps.  135:7.  i Ex.  16:13.  Ps.  78:26— 23.  105:40. 
tH  eb.  the  way  of  a day . k Ex.  16:36.  Ez.  45:11.  1 Ps.  78 : 30,31 . 106:14,15. 
m 16:49.  25:9.  Deut.28:27.  J That  is,  The  graves  of  lust.  33:16.  Leut.  9:22. 
1 Cor.  10:6.  n 33:17.  o 12:16.  Oeul.  1:1.  § Heb.  they  were  in,  &c. 


nary  manifestation  of  the  divine  power,  in  sending  them  flesh 
to  eat:  but  as  they  had  greatly  displeased  the  Lord,  by  lust- 
ing for  it,  with  bitter  complaints  against  him  and  contempt  of 
him,  they  might  expect  likewise  a display  of  his  righteous 
indignation;  except  they  humbled  themselves,  sought  forgive- 
ness, and  were  found  in  a better  frame  of  spirit ; and  thus 
endeavoured  to  avert  t^e  impending  storm. 

V.  19,  20.  About  a year  before  this,  the  people  had  for 
one  day  been  thus  feasted  : (Ex.  16:13.)  but  now  such  plenty 
was  about  to  he  afforded  them,  for  a whole  month,  and  they 
would  use  it.  so  greedily,  that  at  last  they  would  entirely  loathe 
the  food,  which  they  had  so  inordinately  craved. 

V.  21 — 23.  Some  suppose  that  Moses  only  expressed  his 
admiration;  or  inquired  into  the  method  how  this  wonderful 
provision  was  to  be  furnished.  (Note,  Luke  1:34 — 38.)  But 
the  Lord’s  answer  implies  that  there  was  also  a measure  of 
unbelief;  which  was  the  more  criminal,  after  he  had  seen  such 
effects  of  the  divine  power  in  Egypt  and  at  the  Red  Sea: 
nor  could  he  suppose  that,  the  Lord’s  hand  was  shortened. 
Moses  seems  however  to  have  been  fully  satisfied  with  the 
further  assurance  given  him,  without  any  other  information. 

V.  25.  The  persons  selected  on  this  occasion,  being  en- 
dued with  the  Holy  Spirit,  either  praised  God  with  such  fer- 
vency and  in  such  exalted  strains ; or  they  spake  in  so  fluent 
and  edifying  a manner,  in  exhorting  the  people,  and  were 
bo  raised  above  themselves  in  wisdom  and  utterance,  that 
ail  around  them  were  sensible  they  spake  by  a divine  influ- 
ence: perhaps  they  likewise  foretold  future  events.  (Marg. 
Ref.  a.)  These  gifts  were  a divine  sanction  to  their  appoint- 
ment, as  assistants  to  Moses  in  governing  the  nation. — The 
words  ('do'  R-)  rendered  “ did  not  cease,”  may  be  translated 
added  no  further.  They  prophesied  on  that  occasion,  but  not 
afterwards  ; for  they  were  designed  to  be  magistrates,  not 
prophets:  or  they  prophesied  only  when  “the  Spirit  rested 
upon  them.”  It  is  ovident  that  the  Lord  continued  to  them 
the  Spirit  of  wisdom  and  knowledge,  to  fit  them  for  the  office, 
to  which  he  thus  sealed  their  commission  by  the  gift  of  pro- 
phecy. (Note,  17.) 

V.  26.  Some  suppose,  that  these  two  persons  were  cere- 
monially unclean  ; but  others  think  that  they  humbly  declined 
so  arduous  an  office,  or  were  reluctant  to  engage  in  it,  and 
(herefore  did  not  go  forth  to  Moses  at  the  tabernacle.  The 
Spirit  of  God  however,  singled  them  out  in  the  camp,  and 
there  they  prophesied. 


V.  28,  29.  Joshua  would  have  had  Eldad  and  Medad 
silenced,  lest  they  should  occasion  a schism,  or  rival  Moses: 
but  Moses  was  not  in  the  least, afraid  of  such  effects  from 
that  Spirit  which  God  had  put  upon  him  and  them  ; and  he 
did  not  in  the  least  seek  his  own  glory,  but  the  glory  of  God, 
and  the  advantage  of  his  people.  (Note,  Mark  9:38—40. 
John  3:25,26.) — ‘ The  gift  of  prophecy  was  a distinct  thing 
from  the  gift  of  government : for  he  did  not  wish  they  might 
all  be  made  rulers  ; than  which  nothing  could  have  been  more 
absurd.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  31,  32.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Ex.  16:13.)  By  a most 
astonishing  miracle,  an  immense  multitude  of  quails  (some 
kind  of  wild  fowl)  was  collected,  and  driven  on  with  a vehe- 
ment wind,  till  wearied  out  with  their  flight,  they  settled 
round  the  camp  of  Israel ; and  for  about  twenty  miles  on  every 
side  they  lay  above  a yard  deep  on  the  ground,  incapable  ol 
flying  away  ; so  that  the  Israelites  in  general  spent  thirty-six 
hours  in  taking  them,  without  much  intermission.  And  after- 
wards what  they  did  not  eat  at  this  time,  they  dried,  by  spread- 
ing them  round  the  camp,  so  that  they  were  able  to  keep  them 
during  the  remainder  of  the  month. — A homer  was  an  ass’s 
load,  or  almost  eight  bushels.  Ten  homers  was  an  immense 
quantity  for  every  individual,  or  even  for  every  head  of  a 
family  ; but  the  whole  was  evidently  intended  to  illustrate  the 
power  of  God,  and  the  eagerness  with  which  the  people 
seized  upon  this  provision. 

V.  33,  34.  The  sin  of  the  people  did  not  consist  in  desir- 
ing suitable  food,  or  in  eating  such  as  the  Lord  sent  them ; 
but  in  eagerly  craving  unnecessary  indulgence,  and  intem- 
perately  gratifying  their  appetites.  The  Lord  therefore, 
having  shown  his  power  by  sending  this  immense  'supply, 
punished  their  discontent,  ingratitude,  and  lusting,  and  by  a 
pestilence  executed  immediate  vengeance  on  the  ringleaders 
of  the  rebellion.,  (Ps.  78:26 — 31.)— What  multitudes  are 
there  in  all  places,  who  shorten  their  lives  by  excess  of  one 
kind  or  other;  and  whose  sepulchres  might  justly  be  called, 
“ Kibroth-hattaavah,  because  there  they  buried  the  people 
that  lusted  !” 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  I — 17.  Fallen  man  is  a discontented  creature:  for 
having  forsaken  his  proper  rest,  he  feels  himself  uneasy  and 
wretched  how  much  soever  he  is  prospered  or  distinguished. 
Ambition,  sensuality,  covetousness,  and  malice,  are  disease* 
of  the  soul,  which  are  not  abated,  but  increased  by  indulgence 
( 271  4 


B.  C.  1490. 


NUMBERS 


B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Miriam  and  Aaron  speak  against  Moses,  1,  2.  Hie  singular  meekness,  3. 
God  vindicates  Moses,  and  punishes  Miriam  with  a leprosy , 4 — 10.  Aaron 
submits,  and  Moses  intercedes  for  Miriam,  11 — 13.  The  Lord  directs  that 
she  should  be  shut,  out  of  the  camp  seven  days  ; and  afterwards  the  people 
march  to  the  wilderness  of  Paran,  14 — 16. 

AND  aMiriam  and  Aaron  spake  against  Moses, 
because  of  the  ‘Ethiopian  woman  whom  he 
had  hnarried : bfor  he  had  married  an  Ethiopian 
woman. 


a Matt.  10:36.  12:48.  John  7:5.  15:20.  Gal.  4:16.  * Or,  Cushite.  Ex.  2:16,21. 

t Heb.  taken,  b Gen.  24:3,37.  26:34,35.  27:46.  28:6 — 9.  34.14,15.  41:45.  Ex. 
34:16.  Lev.  21:14.  c 16:3.  Ex.  4:30.  5:1 . 7:10.  15:20,21.  Mic.  6:4.  d 11:29. 
Prov.  13:10.  Rom.  12:3,10.  Phil. 2:3,14.  1 Pet.  5:5.  e 11:1.  Gen.  29:33.  2 Sam. 


and  they  who  are  under  the  power  of  them,  like  persons  in  a 
fever,  are  continually  desirous  of  changing  their  place  or  pos- 
ture ; as  if  that  were  the  cause  of  the  disquietude,  which 
indeed  springs  merely  from  distemper!  While  this  is  the 
case,  every  appointment  of  God  must  excite  secret  or  open 
complaint : and  though  discontent  has  its  abatements  and 
paroxysms ; yet  there  is  no  cure  till  the  soul  return  to  its 
rest,  in  the  knowledge,  love,  and  favour  of  God,  and  in  a cor- 
dial reli  \nce  on  his  wisdom,  truth,  and  power,  and  in  acquies- 
cense  ip  his  will.  But  the  Lord  sees  and  hears,  and  is  dis- 
pleased at  our  murmurs,  though  concealed  from  men : the 
greater  k ndnesswe  have  received  from  him,  the  severer  cor- 
rection w ■»  may  expect  when  we  thus  offend  : and  they  who 
escape  hia  chastening  rod,  will  at  length  experience  the  dread- 
ful effects  of  hi#  fiery  indignation. — It  should  be  well  consi- 
dered, that  sinners  are  far  more  indebted  to  their  pious  friends 
than  they  are  aware  of ; and  many  will  cry  to  them  to  advise 
them  and  pray  for  them  in  their  distresses  and  dangers,  who 
despised  and  hated  them  before  : nor  should  they  ever  on  any 
account  refuse  such  requests.  But  it  is  especially  happy  for 
us,  that  Jesus  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for  us ; when 
in  our  troubles  we  cry  unto  him  to  help  us,  and  to  quench  the 
fire  of  divine  wrath  which  our  sins  have  kindled.  Yet  alas  ! 
how  soon  do  we  forget  the  smart  and  terror  of  our  chastise- 
ments, and  relapse  into  our  former  offences  with  still  deeper 
aggravation ! nay,  when  we  are  surrounded  with  mercies,  we 
are  capable  of  overlooking  them  all,  and  of  deeming  one  slight 
inconvenience  an  intolerable  grievance ! On  the  other  hand, 
forgetting  the  anguish  under  which  we  have  groaned  in  some 
former  situation,  from  which  we  are  now  delivered,  ( Ex . 1:14. 
2:23,24.  3:7 — 9.)  we  can  murmur  and  fret  at  the  absence  of 
one  imaginary  or  worthless  advantage,  which  we  then  pos- 
sessed : and  scarcely  any  of  our  repinings  arise  from  the  want 
of  what  is  really  needful  and  proper  for  us  ; but  relate  to 
such  things,  as  are  in  one  way  or  other,  fuel  to  our  lusts. 
Nay,  the  choicest  blessing  which  God  can  bestow,  even  the 
very  gospel  of  salvation,  is  slighted  and  despised  by  us,  if  we 
have  not  every  thing  exactly  to  our  mind,  when  we  are  under 
the  influence  of  this  evil  disease!  We  can  readily  blame 
and  express  our  astonishment  at  the  perverseness  of  the 
Israelites  : but  their  conduct  is  only  a picture  of  our  hearts, 
a fair  specimen  of  human  nature  ; and  we  have  every  one  of  us 
murmured  and  complained  before  now,  with  as  little  reason, 
and  with  as  much  folly  and  ingratitude,  as  they  did.  Let  us 
then  watch  our  own  hearts ; let  us  repress  the  first  emotions 
of  discontent  and  inordinate  desire  ; let  us  consider  frequently 
how  many  unmerited  mercies  we  worthless  sinners  enjoy ; 
let  us  pray  earnestly  for  grace,  “to  be  satisfied  with  such  things 
as  we  have  and  to  refer  to  the  wisdom,  love  and  faithfulness 
of  God,  the  choice  of  what  kind  our  temporal  supplies  shall 
be,  with  the  measure  of  them,  and  the  time  and  manner  of 
receiving  them.  This  is  the  more  requisite,  because  we  are 
constantly  reminded,  that  the  most  eminent  saints  were  some- 
times evidently  defective,  in  the  very  graces  by  which  they 
were  most  distinguished  : so  that  Moses  himself  expressed  a 
distrust,  an  impatience,  and  a peevishness,  which  cannot  be 
excused,  and  must  not  be  imitated.  We  have  therefore 
nothing  to  trust  in  but  the  mercy  of  God  and  the  merits  of 
Christ;  and  we  are  taught  to  watch  and  pray  continually  lest 
we  enter  into  temptation. — It  is  also  worth  noting,  that  we 
seldom  wish  for  death,  but  when  we  are  fretful  and  impa- 
tient, and  consequently  unfit  to  meet  it  comfortably  and  pro- 
perly.— As  eminent  stations  are  confessedly  attended  with 
weighty  cares  and  burdens,  to  all  those  especially  who  study 
to  fill  them  in  such  a manner  as  to  be  nursing-fathers  to  the 
people  ; (and  they  who  do  not  must  have  an  awful  account  to 
render  of  their  abused  talents  ;)  we  may  learn  to  be  contented 
with  a more  obscure  situation,  and  cheerfully  to  bear  our 
lighter  afflictions. — But  the  Lord  is  very  gracious  to  his  ser- 
vants ; he  considers  their  trials  and  weakness  ; and  both  for- 
gives their  sins,  sends  them  help  in  difficulties,  affords  them 
comfort  in  communion  with  him,  and  exceeds  their  largest 
expectations.  He  can  also  easily  multiply  either  good  magis- 
trates or  ministers,  or  improve  the  qiujifications  of  those 
already  raised  up,  by  “the  supply  of  the  Spirit  of  Jesus 
Christ;”  and  this  should  excite  us  to  pray  earnestly  to  him 
for  these  important  blessings. 

V.  18 — 35.  In  general,  the  Lord  secs  it  best  for  those 
whom  he  loves,  to  be  poor,  to  fare  hardly,  and  to  receive  their 
supply  from  day  to  day.  And  whatever  the  world  may  think, 
an  inheritance  in  heaven,  and  a provision  by  the  way,  though 
mean  and  scanty,  if  sought  by  daily  prayer,  and  received  with 
gratitude  from  our  heavenly  Father’s  love,  is  “ better  than 
the  riches  of  many  wicked and  has  in  it  more  sweetness, 
( 272  ) 


2 And  they  said,  'Hath  the  Lord  in  deed 
spoken  only  by  Moses  ? dhath  he  not  spoken  also 
by  us  ? And  'the  Lord  heard  it. 

3 (Now  the  man  Moses  was  'very  meek,  Rabove 
all  the  men  which  were  upon  the  lace  of  the 
earth.) 

4 And  hthe  Lord  spake  suddenly  unto  Moses, 
and  unto  Aaron,  and  unto  Miriam,  ‘Come  out,  ye 


11:27.  l's.  94:7 — 9.  Is.  37:4.  Ez.  35:12,13.  f Ts.  147:6.  148:4.  Mat!.  5:5.  11:29. 
25:5.  2 Cor.  10:1.  1 Thes.  2:7.  Jam.  3:13.  1 Pet.  3:4.  e 11:10—15.  20:10—12. 
Pa.  106:32,33.  2 Cor.  11:5.  12:11.  Jam.  3:2,3.  l:Ps.76:9.  i 16:16-  -21. 


and  less  vexation  anH  temptation.  ( Note,Ps . 37:16,17.)  But 
if  he  sometimes  surrounds  his  people  with  plenty,  it.is  not  for 
an  occasion  of  excess,  but  for  a trial  of  their  temperance  and 
moderation,  and  that  they  may  have  a sufficiency  for  every 
good  work : and  to  abuse  abundance  shows  a sensual  mind, 
and  will  expose  a man  to  the  heavy  wrath  of  God.  (Notes, 
Luke  16:19 — 26.)  Against  such  luxury  and  excess  every 
true  Christian  should,  by  his  example  at  least , enter  a pro- 
test : but  alas  ! too  many  are  more  apt  to  catch  the  infection  of 
lusting  and  self-indulgence  from  the  world,  or  from  the  more 
worthless  kind  of  professed  believers,  than  to  manifest  a 
decided  disapprobation  of  it:  and  numbers  who  would  bo 
thought  Christians,  though  surrounded  with  far  greater  variety 
than  the  Israelites  were,  are  ready  to  complain,  that  they  are 
outdone  in  wealth,  splendour,  and  the  pride  of  life,  by  their 
neighbours:  and  perhaps  at  some  times  are  ready  even  to 
grow  weary  of  their  religion ; to  think  that  it  was  well  with 
them  in  Egypt;  to  allow  a hankering  after  forsaken  pleasures, 
almost  to  covet  their  former  bondage,  and  to  inquire  why  they 
came  forth  thence.  If  we  are  conscious  that  this  hath  been 
the  secret  thought  of  our  heart,  let  us  repent  without  delay, 
and-  entreat  God  that  it  may  be  forgiven ; lest  he  send  us  the 
things  which  we  have  inordinately  desired,  and  by  his  heavy 
indignation  render  them  a curse  to  us.  For  it  is  not  from 
want  of  power  or  love,  that  he  doth  not  at  all  times  indulge 
the  desires  of  his  people ; but  because  his  wisdom  sees  that 
those  things,  which  they  desire  as  a blessing,  would  be  inju- 
rious to  them : and  if  they  do  not  acquiesce  in  his  appoint- 
ments, he  will  perhaps  be  induced  to  convince  them  by  bitter 
experience. — Even  while  the  Lord  is  evidently  giving  helpers 
to  his  faithful  servants,  by  answering  our  prayers  for  the 
pouring  out  of  his  Spirit  from  on  high ; “ the  spirit,  which" 
naturally  “is  in  us,  lusteth  to  envy,”  in  behalf  of  our  friends 
and  our  party,  or  ourselves ; and  disposes  us  to  wish  to  silence 
those  who  follow  not  with  us.  Yet  the  Lord  gives  more  grace, 
and  they  who  are  wisely  zealous  for  his  glory,  and  truly  love 
the  souls  of  men,  will  rejoice  in  the  increase  of  useful  instru- 
ments, though  they  should  rival  and  eclipse  them,  or  their 
beloved  and  revered  pastors.  Indeed,  if  all  the  present  num- 
ber of  the  Lord’s  people  were  rendered  real,  able,  authorized 
ministers  of  Christ,  the  world  is  wide  enough ; and  there 
might  be  work  fenough  for  them,  in  calling  sinners  to  “ repent- 
ance towards  God  and  faith  towards  the  Lord  Jesus,”  and  in 
feeding  and  edifying  his  church. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XII.  V.  1,2.  Moses  had  at  this  time 
been  so  long  married  to  Zipporah,  that  there  is  some  difficulty 
in  understanding,  how  his  conduct  in  that  respect  should  at 
length  give  occasion  to  Miriam  and  Aaron  to  oppose  him: 
yet  there  is  no  intimation  that  Zipporah  was  dead  or  divorced, 
or  that  he  had  married  another  woman ; and  it  is  utterly 
incredible,  that  after  the  giving  of  so  great  a part  of  the  law, 
he  should  himself  take  to  wife  a stranger,  or  one  of  another 
nation ; or  that  the  Lord  should  unreservedly  sanction  what 
he  had  done.  (Ex.  34:16.)  No  intimation  is  any  where 
given,  that  Moses  ever  had  any  other  wife  than  Zipporah  ; 
or  that  he  acted  at  all  improperly  in  this  rqspect.  The  word 
rendered  “ an  Ethiopian  woman,”  signifies  a Cushite , which 
properly  means  a descendant  of  Cush;  (Gen.  10:6 — 8.)  but 
it  is  used  with  some  latitude  ; and  it  is  generally  supposed  to 
include  other  tribes,  besides  the  posterity  of  Cush,  either  in 
Asia,  or  Africa.  It  is  probable,  that  Zipporah  was  a de- 
scendant of  Abraham  by  Keturah;  (Note,  Ex.  2:16.)  now  the 
different  tribes,  which  sprang  from  Abraham  by  her,  inhabited 
some  parts  of  Arabia,  and  were  greatly  blended  with  the 
Ishmaelites,  and  perhaps  also  with  some  of  the  race  of  Cush. 
(Note,  Gen.  25:1 — 4.)  In  this  large  sense,  Zipporah  might 
be  called  a Cushite:  and  though  this  was  said  of  her  at  first 
contemptuously  ; yet  not  being  altogether  erroneous,  accord- 
ing to  the  common  way  of  speaking,  Moses  did  not  contradict 
it. — Miriam  seems  to  be  mentioned  first,  as  the  leader  in  this 
opposition.  It  appears  that  the  Lord  had  on  some  occasions 
spoken,  not  only  by  Aaron,  but  also  by  her : and  probably  it 
was  thought  that  Zipporah  and  her  relations  had  too  much 
influence  with  Moses.  The  name  of  Aaron  had  not  been 
mentioned  in  the  appointment  of  the  seventy  elders;  and  this 
might  give  umbrage  to  him  and  Miriam.  Perhaps  (here  had 
been  some  private  jar  between  Miriam  and  Zipporah;  though 
no  blame  at  all  is  laid  on  the  latter  in  the  narrative.  But 
probably  it  was  a general  opinion,  that  Moses’s  wife,  being  a 
foreigner,  was  a disgrace  to  him  and  the  people  : and  that  he 
ought  to  put  her  away,  and  marry  an  israclitish  woman. 

V.  3.  Moses,  writing  as  moved  by  the  Holy  Spirit, 
impartially  records  his  own  faults,  and  unreservedly  speaks 
of  the  grace  of  God  bestowed  upon  him.  Meekness  is  hero 


B.  C.  1 190. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


B.  C.  1491 


three,  unto  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 
And  they  three  came  out. 

5 And  the  Lord  came  down  kin  the  pillar  of 
tire  cloud,  and  stood  in  the  door  of  the  tabernacle, 
and  called  Aaron  and  Miriam:  and  they  both 
came  forth. 

6 And  he  said,  Hear  now  my  words : If  there 
be  ‘a  prophet  among  you,  I the  Lord  will  make 
myself  known  unto  him  min  a vision,  and  will 
speak  unto  hftn  in  na  dream. 

7 My  servant  “Moses  is  not  so,  who  is  pfaithful 

in  all  mine  house.  « 

8 With  him  will  I speak  '’mouth  to  mouth,  even 
apparently,  and  not  in  rdark  speeches ; and  the 
•similitude  of  the  Lord  shall  he  behold : where- 
fore then  'were  ye  not  afraid  to  speak  against  my 
servant  Moses  ? 

9 And  "the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
against  them,  and  he  departed. 

10  And  "the  cloud  departed  from  off  the  taber- 
nacle ; and.  >behold,  Miriam  became  deprous, 
w kite  as  snow : and  Aaron  looked  upon  Miriam, 
and  behold,  she  was  leprous. 

1 1 And  Aaron  said  unto  Moses,  Alas ! my  lord,  aI 
beseech  thee,  May  not  the  sin  upon  us,  wherein  we 
have  done  foolishly,  and  wherein  we  have  sinned. 

k 11:25  Ex.  34:5.  40:33.  Ps.99:7.  I Gen.  20:7.  Ex.  7:1.  Ps.  105:15.  Matt. 23:31, 
34,37.  I. nke  2:':G.  K|ih.  4:11.  Rev.  11:3,10.  m Gen.  15:1.  40:2.  Job  4:13.  33:15. 

i.  89:19.  Ez.  1:1.  Dan.  8:2.  10:3,16.17.  t.uke  1:11,22.  Acts  10:11,17.  22:17,18. 
n Gen.  31:10,11.  1 Kings  3:5.  Jer.  23:28.  Dan.  7:1.  Matt.  1:20.  2:12,13,19. 
oDeut. 18:13.  Matt.  11:9,11.  Acts  3:22,23.  7:3t.  plCor.4:2.  1 Tim.  3:15. 
Heb.3:3— 6.  q 1414.  Ex.  33:11.  Deut. 34:10.  1 Tim.  6:16.  rPs.49:4.  Ez.  17: 
2.  20:49.  Malt.  13:35.  John  15:15.  1 Car.  13:12.  s Ex.  24:10,11.  33:23  . 34:5—7. 
Dent.  4:15.  is.  40:18.  46:5.  John  1:18.  14:7-10.  15:24.  2 Cor.  3:18.  4:4— 6.  Col. 
1:15.  He!). 1:3.  t Ex.  34:30.  Lnkel0:16.  1 Thes.  4:8.  2Pet.2:10.  Jude 

8.  u 11:1.  Hos.  5:15.  x Ex.  33:7— 10.  Ez.  10:4,5,18,19.  llos.9:12.  Matt.  25: 


contrasted  with  pride,  wrath,  and  resentment..  Moses,  not- 
withstanding the  extraordinary  honours  put  upon  him,  was 
exceedingly  humble,  modest,  unassuming,  patient  of  contra- 
diction, forbearing,  and  ready  to  forgive : and  the  whole 
history,  especially  that  in  this  chapter,  proves  this  testimony 
to  be  true. — Several  of  the  sacred  writers  have  spoken  of 
themselves,  as  enabled  by  divine  grace  to  act  with  great 
integrity  and  holiness  in  most  trying  circumstances,  yet 
without  any  vainglory  or  ostentation ; and  our  Lord  says  of 
himself,  “ I am  meek  and  lowly  in  heart.”  It  is  therefore  a 
senseless  cavil  to  adduce  this  declaration,  as  a proof  that 
Moses  was  not  the  author  of  this  book,  in  opposition  to  the 
unanimous  tradition  of  antiquity,  and  the  testimony  of  Christ, 
and  his  apostles  in  the  New  Testament. — As  Moses  was  so 
meek,  he  took  no  notice  of  the  affair,  to  resent  it,  or  to  punish 
any  persons  for  their  misconduct ; and  it  was  therefore  the 
more  necessary  tj^at  the  Lord  himself  should  plead  his  cause. 

V.  4 — 8.  Aaron  ar.d  Miriam,  with  Moses,  were  sum- 
moned to  the  tabernacle,  probably  by  an  audible  voice  from 
the  cloud ; where  the  Lord  expostulated  with  them.  He  made 
himself  known  in  dreams  and  visions  to  other  prophets,  when 
their  bqdily  senses  were  locked  up,  ( Marg . Ref.  m,  n.)  or 
by  dark  signs  and  obscure  parables,  which  they  often  did  not 
well  understand.  But  to  his  faithful  servant  Moses  he  spake 
openly  ; when  he  was  fully  awake ; in  the  clearest  and  most 
intelligible  language  imaginable  ; and  constantly,  almost  from 
day  to  day,  as  a man  converses  with  his  friend.  He  also  was 
admitted  to  “ behold  the  similitude  ofthe  Lord  the  “express 
image  of  his  person,”  even  his  eternal  Son  appearing  in 
visible  glory.  This,  Aaron  and  Miriam  knew,  and  could  ndt 
deny : and  seeing  Moses  had  been  honoured  and  favoured 
so  far  above  them,  they  should  have  been  afraid  of  opposing 
him ; as  Aaron  had  feared  to  approach  him,  when  his  face 
shone,  on  his  descending  from  Sinai.  (Ex.  34:30.) 

V.  9,  10.  The  removal  of  the  cloud,  which  seems  to  have 
entirely  disappeared  till  after  Miriam  was  readmitted  into  the 
camp,  expressed  the  Lord’s  displeasure ; and  Miriam,  as  the 
ringleader,  directly  became  leprous.  Aaron  was  spared  in 
honour  of  the  priesthood : yet  he  was  severely  rebuked  in  the 
punishment  of  Miriam,  and  in  being  the  priest  appointed  to 
examine  her,  and  pronounce  her  unclean  ; which  is  implied 
when  it  is  said,  “Aaron  looked  upon  Miriam.”  (Lev.  13: 
2,12.) 

V.  11 — 13.  Aaron  submitted  to  God  and  to  Moses:  yet 
his  confession  was  by  no  means  so  ingenuous  and  unreserved, 
as  might  have  been  expected.  The  doleful  condition  of 
Miriam,  and  the  disgusting  appearance  which  she  made,  are 
very  strongly  marked  in  the  similitudes  here  used  ; which  also 
may  help  us  to  conceive  something  of  the  loathsomeness  of 
that  disease,  which  is  the  special  emblem  of  our  sinfulness. 

V.  14,  15.  If  Miriam  had  provoked  her  father  to  dis- 
grace her  by  some  marked  expression  of  anger,  she  would 
have  shown  her  sorrow  and  shame  by  a temporary  solitude, 
ind  not  at  once  come  again  before  him.  A similar  conduct 
under  the  divine  rebuke  was  therefore  prescribed  her. 
When  she  honoured  God  in  leading  the  praises  of  Israel, 
(Note,  Ex.  15:20,21.)  she  was  honoured  as  oneof  the  chief 
ornaments  of  the  nation : but  now  for  her  contempt  of  God, 
Vol.  I.— 35 


12  Let.  her  not  be  cas  one  dead,  dof  whom  the 
flesh  is  half  consumed,  when  he  cometh  out  ot 
his  mother’s  womb. 

13  And  Moses  'cried  unto  the  Lord,  saying. 
Heal  her  now,  O God,  I beseech  thee. 

14  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  If  he. 
father  had  but  fspit  in  her  face,  should  she  not  be 
ashamed  seven  days?  Met  her  be  shutout  from 
the  camp  seven  days,  and  after  that  let  hei  be 
received  in  again. 

15  And  Miriam  was  hslmt  out  from  the  camp 
seven  days : ’and  the  people  journeyed  not,  ktil. 
Miriam  was  brought  in  again. 

16  And  ‘afterward  the  people  removed  from 
Hazeroth,  and  pitched  in  the  rowilderness  of  Paraiv 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Moses  sends  twelve  men  to  search  the  land , 1 — 16.  He  instructs  them,  17 — 20. 
They  return  after  jorty  days  ; and  ten  of  them  bring  a discouraging  report , 
from  which  Caleb  and  Joshua  dissent , 21 — 33. 

\ ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

-“A-  2 “Send  thou  men,  that  they  may  search 
the  land  of  Canaan,  which  I give  unto  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel : bof  every  tribe  of  their  fathers 
shall  ye  send  a man,  every  one  ca  ruler  among 
them. 

3 And  Moses,  by  the  commandment  of  the 

41.  v Deut. 24:9.  z Lev.  13:2,3.  &c.  2 Kings  5:27.  15:5.  2Chr.  26:19.20.  a Ex. 
12:32'.  1 Sam.  2:30'  12:19.  15:24,25.  1 Kings  13:6.  Jer.  42:2.  Acts  8:24.  Rev.  3: 
9.  b 2Sam.  19:19.24:10.  2Chr.  16:9.  Ps.  38:1—5.  Prov.  30:32.  cPs.88:4,S. 
Eph.  2:1—5.  Col.  8:13.  1 Tim.  5:6.  d Job  3: 1C.  Ps.  58:8.  1 Cor.  15:8.  e 14:2, 
13—20.16:41,46—50.  Ex.  32:10— 14.  1 Sam.  12:23.  15:11 . Mall.  5:44,45.  Luka 
6:28.23:34.  Acts  7:60.  Rom. 12:21.  f Deut.  25:9.  Job  30:10.  Is.  5l):6.  Matt. 26: 
67.  Heb.  12:9.  g 5:2,3.  I.ev.  13:45,46.  14:8.  2 Uhr.  26:20,21 . h Deut.  24:8,9. 
i Gen.  9:21—  23.  Ex.  20:12.  k I am.  3:32.  Mic.  6:4.  7:8,9.  Ilab.  3:2.  111:35. 
33:18.  m 10:12.  13.3,26.  Gen.  21:21.  1 Sam.  25:1.  H»b.3:3.  aDeut.  1:22—25. 
Josh. 2:  b 1:4.34:18.  c 11:16.  Ex.  18:25.  Deut.  1:15. 


she  was  lightly  esteemed,  and  expelled  the  camp  as  if  she 
were  a disgrace  to  it  1 — Her  leprosy  seems  to  have  been 
cleansed  directly,  in  answer  to  the  prayer  of  Moses:  and 
after  seven  days’  purification,  we  may  suppose  the  legal  sa- 
crifices were  offered.  In  the  mean  time  the  people  waited 
for  her ; both  as  a tebuke  to  them,  who  were  disposed  to  join 
in  opposition  to  Moses  and  to  the  Lord  ; and  as  a decent  re- 
spect to  her. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

They  who  are  especially  honoured  of  God  must  expect  the 
severest  and  most  repeated  trials  from  men ; and  even  from 
those  whom  they  most  love,  and  to  whom  they  have  been 
most  useful. — The  contentions  among  brethren,  and  among 
believers,  are  not  only  the  effects  of  remaining  pride,  ambi- 
tion, envy,  and  selfishness ; but  should  be  traced  back  to  ihe 
malicious  policy  of  Satan,  who  thus  devises  to  disgrace  the 
gospel,  and  weaken  the  hands  and  discourage  the  hearts  of 
its  best  friends : and  when  the  mind  is  disposed  for  contests, 
the  most  frivolous  and  groundless  pretences  will  suffice  to  ex- 
cite or  to  vindicate  them.  They  who  are  exposed  to  such 
provocations  need  much  meekness,  and,  waiting  simply  upon 
ihe  Lord,  will  from  him  receive  it:  while  the  less  anxious  we 
are  to  justify  or  revenge  ourselves,  the  more  certainly  will 
he  plead  our  cause,  and  clear  our  character  from  every  un- 
just aspersion.- — If  it  was  so  criminal  and  dangerous  to  oppose 
the  faithful  and  honoured  servant  of  the  Lord  ; how  dreadful 
will  be  their  doom,  who  dishonour,  despise,  or  oppose  “ha 
beloved  Son,  in  whom  he  is  well  pleased!”  (Note,  Heb. 
3:1 — 4.) — They  who  exalt  themselves  will  be  abased,  and  fall 
into  disgrace,  if  not  into  destruction  : and  they  who  speak 
against  the  Lord’s  servants  may  soon  be  constrained  to  make 
the  most  humiliating  submission  and  supplications  to  (hem, 
and  to  confer  on  them  the  most  honourable  titles  and  com- 
mendations. (Note,  Rev.  3:8,9.)  But  it  is  well  when  re- 
bukes produce  penitent  confessions : for  those  offenders  with 
whom  this  is  the  case,  though  corrected  and  disgraced,  shall 
be  pardoned  ; their  brethren,  even  though  they  have  been 
deeply  affronted  or  injured  by  their  misconduct,  will  earnestly 
pray  for  them  ; Jesus  himself  will  intercede  for  them ; and 
they  shall  in  due  time  be  restored  to  comfortable  fellowship 
with  God  and  his  church,  and  with  renewed  strength  pursue 
their  heavenly  pilgrimage.  But  it  was  happy  for  Aaron,  and 
it  is  well  for  us,  that  the  church  of  God  has  “ such  a High- 
Priest  as  became  us,  who  is  holy,  harmless,  and  undefiled, 
separate  from 'sinners,  and  made  higher  than  the  heavens.” 
( Notee,  Heb.  7:26—28.  8:1,2.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  XIII.  V.  2.  The  Israelites  had  now 
by  several  stages  arrived  at  the  southern  border  of  Canaan; 
and  they  might  have  gone  up  and  taken  immediate  posses- 
sion, had  no  breach  intervened.  We  find  elsewhere,  that  the 
people  first  proposed  to  Moses  this  design  of  searching  the 
land  ; who,  not  suspecting  the  distrust  and  unbelief  which 
had  suggested  it,  approved  the  proposal,  and  asked  counsel  o»‘ 
tJieLord.  He,  having  been  provoked  by  their  former  rebel 
lions,  permitted  it,  and-gave  directions  accordingly  ; in  orclei 
to  a further  discovery  of  their  wickedness,  the  display  of  his 
own  glory,  and  for  the  instruction  of  his  church  in  all  ages 
(Note,  Deut,  1:22 — 28.)  There  was  indeed  no  urgent  neces 
( 273  ) 


B.  C.  1400. 


NUMBERS.  B.  C.  1490. 


Lord,  sent  them  ‘'from  the  wilderness  of  Paran: 
all  thos<  men  were  heads  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

4 And  these  were  their  names;  Of  the  tribe  of 
Reuben  ; Shammua,  the  son  of  Zaccur. 

5 Of  the  tribe  of  Simeon ; Shaphat,  the  son  of 
Hori. 

6 Of  the  tribe  of  Judah;  'Caleb,  the  son  of 
Jephunneh. 

7 Of  the  tribe  of  Issachar;  Igal,  the  son  of 
Joseph. 

8 Of  the  tribe  of  Ephraim ; 1 Oshea,  the  son  of 
Nun. 

9 Of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin ; Palti,  the  son  of 
Raphu. 

10  Of  the  tribe  of  Zebulun;  Gaddiel,  the  son 
of  Sodi. 

1 1 Of  the  tribe  of  Joseph,  namely , of  the  tribe 
of  Manasseh ; Gaddi,  the  son  of  Susi. 

12  Of  the  tribe  ol  Dan;  Ammiel,  the  son  of 
Gemalli. 

13  Of  the  tribe  of  Asher;  Sethur,  the  son  of 
Michael. 

14  Of  the  tribe  of  Naphtali ; Nahbi,  the  son  of 
Vophsi. 

15  Of  the  tribe  of  Gad;  Geuel,  the  son  of 
Machi. 

16  These  are  the  names  of  the  men  which 
Moses  sent  to  spy  out  the  land.  And  Moses 
called  eOshea  the  son  of  Nun,  hJehoshua. 

17  And  Moses  sent  them  to  spy  out  the  land  of 
Canaan,  and  said  unto  them,  Get  you  up  this  way 
•southward,  and  go  up  into  'the  mountain  ; 

18  And  see  kthe  land  what  it  is ; and  the  people 
that  dwelleth  therein,  whether  they  be  strong  or 
weak,  few  or  many  ; 

19  And  what  the  land  is  that  they  dwell  in, 
whether  it  be  good  or  bad  ; and  what  cities  they 
be  that  they  dwell  in,  whether  in  tents,  or  in  strong- 
holds ; 

20  And  what  the  land  is,  'whether  it  be  fat  or 
lean,  whether  there  be  wood  therein  or  not : and 
be  ye  of  mgood  courage,  and  bring  of  the  fruit  of 

a See  on  12:16.  32:S.  Dent.  1:19.  9,23.  e 30.  11:6,24,30,38.  26:65.  31:19.  Josli. 
11:6—15.  15:13—19:  Jn.l».  1 : 10— 15.  1 Chr.  4:15.  116.  Jehoshua.  11:28.27:18, 
21.  Ex.  17:9—13.21:13.  32:17.  Deul.  31.7,8,11,23.  31  9.  Josh.  1:1—9,16.  Joshua. 
pHos.  1:1.  Rom.  9:25.  h See  on  8.  Matt.  1:21 — 23.  Acts  7:45.  Heb.  4:8. 
/reus.  i 21.  Geo.  12:9.  13:1.  Josh.  15:3.  Jud*.  1:15.  j 14:40.  Gen.  14:10. 
Deut.  1:44.  Judg.  1:9,19.  kEx.3:8.  Es.  34:14.  1 Neh.  9:25,35.  m 30.31. 

Pout.  31:6— 8.23.  Jush.  1.6,9.  2:3,22,23.  1 Chr.  22: 11.  Heb.  13.6.  o 23,24.  Mic. 
71.  o 20:1 . 27:14.  33:36.  34:3,4.  Dent.  32:51.  Josh.  15:1.  p Josh.  19:28.  q2 
ham.  8.9.  Am.  6:2.  r Josh.  11:21,22.  15:13,14.  Judg.  1:10.  s Gen.  13: 18.  23  2. 
Jcsh.  14:13— 15.  21.13.  2 Sam.  2:1,11.  t Ps.  78:12,43.  Is.  19: 1 1.  30:4.  * Or, 


sity  to  search  a land  which  the  Lord  had  chosen  for  them, 
and  into  which  he  had  undertaken  to  lead  them ; but  there 
was  no  evil  in  the  thing  itself : and  had  it  not  been  for  the 
unbelief  and  rebellion  of  most  of  the  persons  concerned,  the 
consequent  report  might  have  served  greatly  to  encourage 
their  faith  and  hope.  The  number  and  rank  of  the  spies, 
had  they  all  been  like  Caleb  and  Joshua,  might  have  had 
very  good  effect  on  the  people. 

V.  16.  Oshea  may  signify  Save  thou , being  a prayer  for 
salvation  : Jehoshua  may  signify,  He  will  save , being  an  assu- 
rance of  salvation  in  answer  to  prayer.  But  very  able  critics 
seem  conclusively  to  support  the  opinion,  that  the  former 
name  denotes  salvation:  the  latter,  (with  the  addition  of  part 
of  the  name  Jehovah,)  signifies  the  LORD  Salvation. 
The  change  of  Joshua’s  name  on  this  occasion,  (for  the  men- 
tion of  him  before  by  this  name,  may  be  considered  as  an  an- 
ticipation of  the  historian,  for  the  sake  of  perspicuity,)  seems 
to  have  been  intended  as  an  encouragement  to  him  and  his 
associates,  confidently  to  expect  protection  and  safety  from 
the  Lord.  It  is  well  known  that  Jesus  is  the  same  name, 
f>rmed  to  a Greek  termination  ; and  he  is  the  Lord  our  Sal- 
vation, of  whom  Joshua  was  an  eminent  type.  ( Marg . 
Ref.  Note , Matt.  1:20,21.) 

V.  20.  Good  courage.]  The  service  in  which  the  spies 
were  employed,  required  great  courage  ; for  they  could  ex- 
pect no  favour  from  the  Canaanites,  in  case*  they  were  de- 
tected and  apprehended,  and  they  must  therefore  go  forth  at 
the  hazard  of  their  lives.  It  would  likewise  be  necessary  for 
them,  in  order  that  by  their  example  and  report  they  might 
encourage  the  people.  This  courage,  in  their  circumstances , 
could  only  spring  from  strong  faith,  which  Caleb  and  Joshua 
possessed,  but  the  rest  did  not. 

V.  21,  22.  Entering  at  the  southern  border,  the  spies 
surveyed  the  whole  land,  even  to  the  northern  extremities  ; 
and  returned  back  by  Hebron,  which  was  then  called  Kirjath- 
arba,  and  was  possessed  by  a family  of  gigantic  stature. — 
The  decided  and  explicit  manner  in  which  Moses  declares 
exactly  how  long  Hebron  was  built  before  Zoan,  (though 
probab.y  no  other  author  gives  the  least  account  when  either 
( 274  ) 


the  land.  (Now  the  time  was  the  time  of  "the  first 

ripe  grapes.) 

21  11  So  they  went  up,  and  searched  the  land 
"from  the  wilderness  of  Zin  unto  pRehob,  as  men 
come  to  sHamath. 

22  And  they  ascended  by  the  south,  and  came 
unto  Hebron,  where  rAhiman,  Sheshai,  and  Tal 
mai,  the  children  of  Anak,  were.  (Now  'Hebron 
was  built  seven  years  before  lZoan  in  Egypt.) 

23  And  they  came  unto  the  'broftk  ol'  Eshcol, 
and  cut  down  from  thence  a branch  with  one 
cluster  of  grapae,  and  they  bare  it  between  two 
upon  a staff:  and  they  brought  of  the  pomegra- 
riates,  and  of  the  figs. 

24  The  place  was  called  the  'brook  ^Eshcol, 
because  of  the  cluster  of  grapes  which  the  children 
of  Israel  cut  down  from  thence. 

25  And  they  returned  from  searching  of  the 
land  after  “forty  days. 

26  If  And  they  went  and  came  to  Moses,  and  to 
Aaron,  and  to  all  the  congregation  of  the  children 
of  Israel,  unto  the  wilderness  of  Paran,  to  *Kadesh ; 
and  brought  back  word  unto  them,  and  unto  all 
the  congregation,  and  showed  them  the  fruit  of  the 
land. 

27  And  they  told  him,  and  said,  We  came  unto 
the  land  whither  thou  sentest  us,  and  surely  *it 
fioweth  with  milk  and  honey:  and  this  is  the  fruit 
of  it. 

28  Nevertheless,  the  people  be  'strong  that 
dwell  in  the  land,  and  the  cities  are  walled,  and 
very  great:  and  moreover  we  “saw  the  children  of 
Anak  there. 

29  The  bAmalekites  dwell  in  the  land  of  the 
south ; and  cthe  Hiltites,  and  the  Jebusites,  and 
the  Amorites,  dwell  in  the  mountains ; and  the 
Canaanites  dwell  by  the  sea,  and  by  the  coast  of 
Jordan. 

30  And  ‘'Caleb  stilled  the  people  before  Moses, 
and  said,  Let  us  go  up  at  once,  and  possess  it;  for 
we  are  well  able  to  overcome  it. 

31  But  the  men  that  went  up  with  him  said,  'We 


valley.  24.  32:9.  Dent.  1:24.  f Or,  valley.  23.  t That  is,  a cluster  of  grapes. 
u 14:33,34.  Ex.  24:18  . 34:28.  x 20:1.16  . 32:8.  33:36.  Deut.  1:1*9.  Josh.  14:6. 
v 14:8.  Ex.  3:8,17.  13:5.33:3.  Lev.  20:24.  Deut.  1:25.  6:3.  11:9.  26:9,11,15. 
27:3.  31:20.  Josh.  5:6.  Jer.  11:5.  32:22.  Ez. 21.6.15.  i Deut.  1:28.  2:10,11,21. 
3:5.  9:1.2.  a 22,23.  Josh.  11:22.  15:14.  Judg.  1:20.  1.  14:43.  24:20.  Gen.  14:7. 
Ex.  17.8—16  Judg.  6:3.  1 Ram.  14:48.  15:3,  &c.  30:1.  Ps.  83:7.  c See  on  Geu 
15:19-21.  Ex.  3:8,17.  d 14:6—9,24.  Josh  14:6,7.  Ps.  27.1,2.  60:12.  1 18:10.11. 
Is  41:10-16.  Horn.  8:31.  Phi).  4:13.  Heb.  11:33.  e 32:9.  Deut.  1:28.  Josh.  14» 
8.  Heh.  3:19. 


of  them  was  founded,)  shows  a consciousness  of  authentic 
information,  and  a freedom  from  all  fear  of  being  contra- 
dicted, even  by  the  Egyptians,  who  were  proud  of  their  an- 
tiquity, and  may  well  be  considered  as  an  internal  evidence 
that  the  history  is  genuine. 

V.  23,  24.  In  some  spot  near  the  borders  of  the  land, 
the  spies  met  with  an  extraordinary  bunch  of  grapes,  which 
they  cut  off,  with  the  branch  on  which  it  grew,  and  carried  to 
their  brethren  : this  was  an  apt  emblem  of  the  earnests  of 
heavenly  joys,  which  believers  receive  on  earth  in  the  conso- 
lations of  the  Holy  Spirit.  (Notes,  2 Cor.  1:21,22.  £ph. 
1:13,14.)  Some  suppose  that  Caleb  and  Joshua  alone 
brought  this  cluster;  the  others  not  being  so  favourably  dis- 
posed towards  Canaan,  or  willing  to  labour  in  order  to  recom- 
mend it.  From  this  event,  the  place  was  afterwards  called 
u The  Brook,”  or  the  valley , “ of  Eshcol Eshcol  signifying 
a cluster. 

V.  26 — 29.  The  spies  could  not  deny  that,  the  land  was 
rich  and  fruitful  ; but  it  is  evident  they  meant  to  insinuate, 
that  this  was  of  no  consequence,  as  the  inhabitants  were  ex- 
ceedingly powerful.  The  Amalekites  would  assault  them,  if 
they  attempted  to  pass  them  in  entering  the  country  ; and  the 
situation,  wealth,  or  gigantic  stature  of  the  other  nations, 
rendered  them  invincible. 

V.  30.  Caleb  may  signify  all  heart:  and  lie  was  evidently 
a man  of  true  courage,  steadfastly  facing  danger  in  the  path  of 
duty,  in  the  exercise  of  vigorous  faith,  and  entire  dependence 
on  God.  When  the  report  of  I lie  other  spies,  by  a misre- 
presentation of  the  truth,  had  excited  a tumult  among  the 
people  against  Moses,  Caleb  stood  forth  to  still  them,  doubt- 
less with  the  concurrence  of  Joshua.  He  did  not  sa>,  ‘Lot 
us  go  and  attack  the  Canaanites  :’  but,  “ Let  us  go  up  at 
once,  and  possess  the  land:”  as  if  he  thought  the  forty  days 
spent  in  searching  the  land  had  been  too  long  a delay,  and 
was  impatient  to  take  possession  of  the  country  which  God 
had  given  them.  (Note,  Josh.  14:6 — 13.) 

V.  31.  These  persons  were  deficient  in  courage,  in  thu® 
fearing  the  Canaanites,  when  such  a multitude  were  ah  en- 
gaged to  fight  for  themselves  and  their  families  : but  when  we 


B.  C.  1-190. 


CHAPTER  XIV.  B.  C.  1490 


be  not  able  to  go  up  against  the  people ; for 
they  are  stronger  than  we. 

32  And  they  'brought  up  an  evil  report,  of  the 
land  which  they  had  searched,  unto  the  children 
of  Israel,  saying,  The  land,  through  which  we 
have  gone  to  search  it,  is  a eland  that  eateth  up 
the  inhabitants  thereof:  and  all  the  people  that 
we  saw  in  it  are  ‘men  of  a great  stature. 

33  And  there  we  saw  ''the  giants,  the  sons  of 
Anak,  which  come  of  the  giants  : and  ‘we  were  in 
our  own  sight  as  grasshoppers,  and  so  we  were 
in  their  sight. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

The  people  mu- mur,  and  propose  returning  to  Egpyt ; and  threaten  to  stone 
Caleb  and  Jmh  a,  while  they  in  vain  attempt  to  pacify  them,  1 — 10.  God 
threatens  to  destroy  them  at  once , but  Moses  intercedes,  and  prevails  for 
iheir  rescue  ; yet  that  generation  is  doomed  to  fall  in  the  wilderness,  Caleb 
and  Joshua  excepted,  11 — 35.  The  men  who  raised,  the  evil  report,  die  by  the 
36 — 33.  The  people  attempt  to  inarch  to  Canaan;  but  are  warned, 
y Moses,  and  smitten  by  their  enemies,  39—15. 

AND  all  the  congregation  lifted  up  their 
voice,  and  cried;  and  the  people  wept  that 
night. 

2  And  all  the  children  of  Israel  bmurmured 
against  Moses,  and  against  Aaron  : and  the  whole 
congregationsaid  unto  them,  cWould  God  that  we 

f 14:36,37.  Matt.  23:13.  g See  on  23.  E*.  36:13.  Am.  2:9.  * Heb.  men  of 
statures.  2 Sam.  21:20.  Heb.  1 Chr. 20:6.  marg.  h Deut.  1:28.  2:10.  3:11.  9: 
2.  1 Sam.  17:4— 7.  2 Sam.  21:20— 22.  1 Chr.  11:23.  i 1 Sam.  17:42.  Is.  40.22. 
a 11:1—4.  Deut.  1:45.  b 16:41.  Ex.  15:24.  16:2,3.  17:3.  Deut.  1:27.  Ps.  106: 
25.  1 Cor.  10:10.  Phil.  2:14,15.  Jude  16.  c 28,2.4.  11:15.  1 Kings  19:4.  Job  3:1 1. 
7:15,16.  Jon.  4:3,8.  d Pa.  78:40.  Jer.  9:3.  e 31,32.  f Deut.  17:16.  28:68. 
Neh.  9:16.17.  Duke  17:32.  Acts  7:39.  Heb.  10:38,39.  11:15.  2 Pet.  2:21,22. 

g 16:4.22,45.  Gen.  17:3.  Lev.  9:24.  Josh.  5:14.  7:10.  1 Kings  18:39.  1 Chr.  21: 
16.  £z.  9:3.  Dan.  10:9.  Mall.  26:39.  Rev.  4:10.  5:14.  7:11.  h 24,30,^.13:6,8, 


consider  the  mighty  works  of  the  Lord,  which  they  had  wit- 
nessed in  Egypt,  at  the  Red  Sea,  and  in  the  wilderness,  even 
to  that  present  day,  their  unbelief  appears  the  more  surpris- 
ing. Had  the  Canaanites  been  a thousand  limes  stronger 
Jian  Israel,  they  could  not  be  stronger  than  Israel’s  God,  as 
Pharaoh  had  found  to  his  cost. 

V.  32.  Some  suppose  that  there  was  a great  mortality  in 
the  land  just  at  the  time,  by  which  the  Lord  was  weakening 
his  enemies,  and  fighting  for  Israel ; but  which  the  spies  per- 
versely ascribed  to  an  unwholesome  climate.  At  the  same 
time  that  they  represented  the  country  fruitful  and  populous, 
and  all  the  people  of  great  stature,  and  powerful  and  pros- 
perous; they  inconsistently  speak  of  the  land  as  eating  up  its 
inhabitants ! 

V.  33.  As  grasshoppers .]  That  is,  1 They  despised  us 
as  puny  creatures;  and  we,  conscious  of  ouj  insignificance 
and  feebleness,  trembled  before  them.’ — It  seems  they  passed' 
as  travellers,  and  were  not  suspected  by  the  inhabitants. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  righteous  Lord  frequently  gives  up  to  their  own  de- 
vices, such  persons  as  confide  in  their  own  wisdom  and  policy 
in  preference,  or  in  opposition,  to  his  express  word  of  promise  : 
and  even  obedience  to  his  commandments,  if  formal  and 
hypocritical,  may  prove  an  occasion  of  men’s  falling  into 
delusjon,  sin,  and  misery.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  25:6- — 10,13.)  We 
should,  therefore,  take  heed  both  what,  we  do,  and  in  what 
manner  and  with  what  spirit  we  do  it ; as  the  same  action 
may  spring  from  contrary  motives,  and  will  certainly  be  pro- 
ductive of  contrary  effects  to  ourselves,  according  to  the  inten- 
tion md  disposition  of  our  hearts. — Of  the  numbers  whose 
names  crowd  the  page  of  history,  nay,  even  of  those  whose 
names  are  written  in  the  Scriptures,  the  greater  part  are  re- 
corded to  their  perpetual  disgrace  1 Happy  they,  and  they 
only,  whose  names  are  written  in  the  book  of  life,  in  the  regis- 
ters of  eternity,  as  the  people  of  the  “Lord  our  salva- 
tion.”— In  the  exercise  of  faith  and  hope,  and  by  careful 
investigation  of  the  sacred  word,  we  may  profitably  search 
out  the  heavenly  country,  and  hear  a good  report  concerning 
,t;  and  take  encouragement  to  go  up  in  the  strength  of  the 
Lord  and  possess  it  at  once.  But  carnal  sense,  and  carnal 
preachers  and  professors,  are  not  to  be  trusted  in  this  busi- 
ness : and  unbelief  overlooks  the  promises  and  power  of  God, 
magnifies  every  danger  and  difficulty,  and  fills  the  heart  with 
overwhelming  discouragement. — May  God  help  us  to  believe, 
and  we  shall  then  find  all  things  possible!  Faith  will  still  the 
tumult  of  our  passions,  and  inform  us  far  beyond  the  report 
of  either  sense  or  reason  : whilst  earnests  of  heavenly  joys 
will  form  a “witness  within  ourselves,”  that  will  confute  the 
false  testimony  of  those  who  deny  the  reality  or  the  excel- 
lence of  spiritual  blessings;  and  will  animate  us  in  “seeking 
those  things  which  are  above,”  nay,  render  us  willing  to  de- 
art and  to  be  with  Christ,  which  is  far  better  than  all  things 
ere  below. 

NOTES. — 4Hhap.  XIV.  V.  1.  The  people  in  general 
vented  thc-ir  discontent  and  despondency,  as  children  are  apt 
o do,  in  clamorous  lamentations  and  wailings. 

V.  2 — 4.  Nothing  can  be  conceived  more  absurd,  as  well 
*s  rebellious,  than  the  whole  conduct  of  Israel  on  this  occa- 
sion. Surely  it  would  have  been  at  least  as  eligible  to  fall 
soldierlike,  sword  in  hand,  in  attempting  to  conquer  Canaan, 


had  died  in  the  land  of  Egypt!  or  would  Clod  we 
had  died  in  this  wilderness! 

3 And  wherefore-  hath  dthe  Lord  brought  ua 
unto  this  land,  to  fall  by  the  sword,  that  “our  wivet 
and  our  children  should  be  a prey?  were  it  not 
better  lor  us  to  return  into  Egypt  ? 

4 And  they  said  one  to  another,  'Let  us  make 
a captain,  and  let  us  return  into  Egypt. 

5 Then  Moses  and  Aaron  efell  on  their  faces 
before  all  the  assembly  of  the  congregation  of  the 
children  of  Israel. 

6 And  hJoshua  the  son  of  Nun,  and  Caleb  the 
son  of  Jephunneh,.  which  were  of  them  that 
searched  the  land,  'rent  their  clothes. 

7 And  they  spake  unto  all  the  company  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  saying,  The  land,  which  we  passed 
through  to  search  it,  is  inn  exceeding  good  land. 

8 If  the  Lord  kdelight  in  us,  then  he  will  bring 
us  into  this  land,  and  give  it  us ; a land  which 
floweth  with  milk  and  honey. 

9 ‘Only  rebel  not  ye  against  the  Lord,  neither 
fear  ye  the  people  of  the  land  : for  they  mare  bread 
for  us ; their  ’defence  is  departed  from  them,  and 
"the  Lord  is  with  us ; fear  them  not. 

10  But  “all  the  congregation  bade  stone  them 


30.  i Gen.  37:29.31.44:13.  Josh.  7:6.  Judg.  11:35.  2 Sam.  3:31.  2 Kings  1S:3I. 
Job  1:20.  Joel  2:12,13.  Mall.  26:65.  j 13.27.  Deut.  1 :25.  6:10.11 . 8:7— 9. 
k Teut.  10:15.  2 Sam.  15:25,26  . 22:20.  1 Kings  10:9.  Ps.  22:8.  147:10,11. 

Is.  62:4.  Jer.  32:41.  Zeph.3:17.  Rom.  8:31.  1 Deut.  9:7,23,24.  Is.  1:2. 

63:10.  Dan.  9:5,9.  Phil.  1:27.  m 24:8.  Deut.  32:42.  Ps.  14:4. 7114.  * Heb. 

shadow.  Ps.  91:1.  121:5.  Is.  30:2,3.  32:2.  n Gen.  48:21.  Ex.  33:16.  Deut.  7:21. 
20:1—4.31:6,8.  Josh. 1:5.  2 Chr.  15:2.  32:8.  Ps.  46:1,2,7.  la.  8:9,10.  41:10. 

Matt.  1:23.  Rom.  8:31.  o Ex.  17:4.  1 Sam.  30:6.  Matt.  23:37.  Acts  7:52,59. 


as  to  die  slaves  in  Egypt,  or  by  famine  or  pestilence  in  the 
wilderness  ! Had  it  been  possible  for  them  to  reach  Egypt, 
they  might  have  expected  much  more  severe  treatment, 
than  that  which  had  formerly  extorted  their  doleful  groans. 
But  that  must  have  been  absolutely  impracticable  ; for  could 
they  expect  to  be  miraculously  guided,  victualled,  and  watered 
in  their  rebellious  retrograde  march?  Yet  without  this, 
such  a company  could  never  have  traversed  that  waste  howl- 
ing wilderness ; hut,  without  any  immediate  judgment  from 
God,  must  inevitably  have  perished.  The  whole  was  a 
strong  indication  of  the  most  horrible  ingratitude,  blasphemy, 
and  rebellion.  The  Lord  was  directly  charged  with  an  inten- 
tion of  bringing  them  out  of  Egypt,  by  alluring  them  with  the 
most  encouraging  promises,  on  purpose  to  destroy  them  and 
their  families  : and  the  whole  present  government  of  his 
express  appointment,  was  to  be  set  aside,  and  a new  leader  # 
chosen,  in  opposition  to  him,  and  in  defiance  of  him  ; nay,  it 
seems  one  was  actually  appointed.  (Neh.  9:17.)  Such  is 
human  nature ! and  such  counsellors  are  discontent  and  pas- 
sion ! 

V.  5.  Moses  and  Aaron  being  shocked  at  the  blasphemy 
and  rebellion  of  the  people,  expecting  some  terrible  judgment 
upon  them,  perhaps  entreating  them  to  desist  from  their  fatal 
purposes,  fell  down  before  them  on  their  faces,  to  deprecate 
the  divine  displeasure  by  their  prayers. 

V.  fi.  Rent  their  clothes .]  This  was  a common  expres- 
sion of  intense  grief  or  deep  abhorrence.  (Marg.  Ref.  i.) 

V.  7 — 9.  Caleb  and  Joshua,  with  great  intrepidity,  and 
in  the  most  energetic  language,  contradicted  the  evil  report 
of  the  other  spies.  The  land  was  exceedingly  good  ! and  if 
the  Lord  delighted  in  Israel,  as  they  had  every  reason  to 
expect  he  would,  unless  they  forfeited  his  favour  by  their  sin  ; 
he  would  bring  them  into  this  most  desirable  land,  by  the 
same  power  which  had  rescued  them  from  Egypt.  They  had 
indeed  great  reason  to  fear  rebelling  against  the  Lori*; 
otherwise  they  had  nothing  to  dread  from  their  enemies ; 
who,  having  filled  up  the  measure  of  their  iniquity,  weie 
deprived  of  the  providential  defence  of  God,  and  exposed  to 
his  holy  indignation. — The  expression,  u they  are  bread  for 
us,”  denoted  that  the  wealth  and  prosperity  of  the  Canaanites 
would  afford  Israel  the  more  abundant  present  support  and 
future  accommodation. 

V.  10.  Perhaps  the  other  spies,  counting  this  language  a 
reproach  of  their  conduct  and  a charge  of  direct  falsehood,  or 
else  the  rulers  of  the  tribes  and  families  first  gave  the  word: 
and  it  soon  became  the  general  outcry  through  the  who'll 
multitude,  that  they  who  were  nearest  should  immediately 
stone  them;  that  is  not  only  Caleb  and  Joshua,  hut  Moses 
and  Aaron  also,  as  it  seems  probable  from  the  narration. 
And  now  dreadful  deeds  would  have  been  done,  had  not 
the  Lord  interposed  to  calm  this  tumult  of  the  people  by  a 
visible  display  of  his  glory,  probably  like  the  fire  on  ‘h^  top 
of  Sinai,  which  intimidated  them  for  the  moment. 

V.  11,  12.  This  is  the  abrupt  language  of  astonishment 
and  indignation.  The  Israelites  had  been  tried  and  spared 
so  long  to  no  purpose,  and  still  proceeded  in  their  unbelie, 
and  provocations,  to  such  a degree,  that  it  was  in  vain  to  bear 
with  them  any  longer.  (Matt.  17:17.  Mar\.  9:19.)  Toe 
Lord  therefore  declared  their  deservings , in  his  threatening  to 
destroy  them  at  once;  and  his  faithfulness , in  renewing  his 
( 275  ) 


B.  C.  I 100. 


NUMBERS. 


with  Stones.  And  The  "lory  of  the  Lord  appeared 
n the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  before  all 
the  children  ol  Israel. 

11  H And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  iHow 
mug  will  this  people  'provoke  me?  and  how  long 
will  it  be  ere  they  'believe  me,  lor  all  the  signs 
which  I have  showed  among  them  ? 

12  1 will ‘smite  them  with  the  pestilence,  and 
disinherit  them,  and  uwill  make  of  thee  a greater 
nation,  and  mightier  than  they. 

13  And  Moses  said  unto  the  Lord,  xThen  the 
Egyptians  shall  hear  it,  (for  thou  broughtest  up 
this  people  in  thy  might  from  among  them ;) 

14  And  they  will  tell  it  to  the  inhabitants  of  this 
(ana  : for  nhey  have  heard  that  thou,  Lord,  art 
among  this  people;  that  thou,  Lord,  'art  seen 
tace  lo  lace ; and  that  athy  cloud  standeth  over 
them ; and  that  thou  goest  before  them,  by  day- 
time in  a pillar  of  a cloud,  and  in  a pillar  of  fire 
by  night. 

15  Now  if  thou  shalt  kill  all  this  people  bas 
one  man,  then  the  nations,  which  have  heard  the 
lame  of  thee,  will  speak,  saying, 

16  Because  “the  Lord  was  not  able  to  brin°- 
this  people  into  the  land  which  he  sware  unto 
them,  therefore  he  hath  slain  them  in  the  wil- 
derness. 

17  And  now,  I beseech  thee,  let  the  power  of 
my  Lord  be  great,  according  as  thou  hast  spoken, 
saying, 

18  The  Lord  is  dlong-suffering,  and  of  great 
mercy,  forgiving  iniquity  and  transgression,  and 
by  no  means  clearing  the  guilty  ; visiting  the  ini- 


B.  C. 1490 


& i0,:6’  fx,\ 24;16,17.  40:34.  L»r.  9:23.  q 27.  Ex.  10:3.  16:28. 
rrov.  1.2*.  Jer.4:14.  Uos.8:5.  Matt.  17:17.  r Dent  °-7  8 22  23  P* 

15<J4  ti'h'  - £:?'?'4V  J0**1-  Mar^  9:19.'  John  10:33.12:37: 

L?  M Heli.  3T3.  t 16:46—49.  2 o:9.  Ex.  5:3.  2 Sam.  24:1,12—15.  u See  on  Ex 

32:12.  Deut.  9:26— 28.  32:27.  Josh.  7:8,9.  I s.  106:23.  Ez  20-9  ll’ 

Lhiii-lS  li  Tt'p1 ^ 1 1u2:|-oGe"-3S:30-  Ex.  33:11.  Deut.  5:4.  34:1  o! 

'Alv.  14  ,9‘  01  • 13:12.  1 John  3:2.  a 9:15 — 21.  Ex.  13  21  22  40-38  Neh 

on  eL9' 34  S6  7y:Ip  6:!6o  cAi?e,lt-  9:2S-  32:26,27.  Josh.  7:9.' d See 

Mf,  :h  if-  M.C.7U8.  Nah.  1:2,3.  Rom.  3.24-20. 

R.  Vi  4.7,V,\Xj8J4”.3li?-  Lo",'P8,:?44  ft.  20  8,9.  Dan.  9: 

L.  1 N.^.7,  I it.  3.4—7.  g Ex.  32:10— 14.33:17.  Ps.  78:38.  106:7,8,45.  Jon. 

proposal  of  fulfilling  his  promises  to  the  posterity  of  Moses. 
(Note,  Ex.  32:7 — 10.) 

19.  In  this  earnest  prayer,  Moses  does  not  in 
the  least  excuse  the  sin  of  Israel,  or  object  to  the  justice  of 
. the  awful  sentence,  or  a gue  that  such  a conduct  would  not 
consist  with  the  divine  truth  and  goodness:  but  he  pleads  the 
appearance  which  it  would  have,  and  the  construction  which 
the  iiigyphans  and  neighbouring  nations  would  put  upon  it,  in 
their  communications  with  each  other.  They  had  witnessed, 
or  heard  of,  the  miracles  which  God  had  wrought  for  Israel 
and  the  promises  which  he  had  made  to  the  nation  ; and  would 
never  think  of  ascribing  their  destruction  to  the  true  cause, 
but  conclude  that  Jehovah  was  unable  to  fulfil  his  engage- 
men  s.  He  therefore  prays  that  the  Lord  would  show  his 
great  power  ; not  in  their  immediate  destruction,  but  in  spar- 
ing them,  an.!  m performing  his  promises  to  them.  He  further 
pleads  the  name  of  the  Lord,  which  had  been  proclaimed 
before  him;  and  the  examples  of  his  former  forgivenesses, 
from  the  departure  of  Israel  out  of  Egypt  to  that  day : thus 
he  argues,  that  consistently  with  his  character  God  could  do 
it ; and  that  former  experience  encouraged  him  still  to  expect 
it.  (Note,  Ex.  34:5 — 7.)  Moses  referred  to  the  very  words, 
in  which  the  name  of  the  Lord  had  been  proclaimed;  though 
some  expressions  might  seem  unsuitable  to  his  purpose.  But 
it  is  probable,  he  did  not  expect  to  prevail  so  entirely,  as  that 
all,  even  the  most  guilty,  should  be  exempted  from  punish- 
ment ; or  that  the  nation  should  not  be  visited  with  lighter 
judgments,  descending  even  to  their  posterity  ; but  only, ’’that 
they  should  not  all  be  consumed  in  a moment,  or  the  nation 
entn ely  disinherited.  No  doubt  Moses  was  convinced,  that 
the  glory  of  the  justice  and  holiness  of  God  was  concerned  : 
and  that  it  was  necessary  to  show  by  some  decisive  measure, 
that  he  would  not  suffer  his  commandments  to  be  trampled 
upon,  lus  promises  despised,  or  his  threatenmgs  disregarded: 
yet  he  p.cadea,  that  the  honour  of  his  power  and  faithfulness, 
in  the  view  of  the  nations,  required  him  to  mitigate  or  defer 
the  punishment  oi  Israel ; and  that  he  could  magnify  his  mercy 
^utfcourmg  his  justice.  (Notes,  Ex.  32:11—14. 

V . 20,  21.  The  Lord  granted  the  prayer  of  Moses,  and 
, ,no  "^mediately  destroy  the  whole  congregation  : but  he 
declared,  that  he  would  also  take  occasion,  from  the  rebellions 
i T iiu  hy  !“3  dea,mSs  with  them,  to  make  known  his 
glory  to  all  the  nations  of  the  earth.  (Note,  Ex.  32:34,35.)  This 
he  confirmed  by  an  irreversible  oath  ; and  accordingly,  wher- 
ever the  Scriptures  have  been  made  known,  men  of  every  age 
and  nation  have  learned  the  glorious  perfections  of  God,  and 
his  means  of  governing  his  rat  ional  creatures,  from  the  history 
of  Israel,  in  which  these  particulars  are  most  strikingly  illus- 
( 276  ) 


quity  of  the  fathers  upon  the  children,  unto  the 
third  and  fourth  generation  : 

19  'Pardon,  I beseech  thee,  the  iniquity  of  this 
people,  according  unto  the  greatness  of  thy 
mercy,  sand  as  thou  hast  forgiven  this  people  from 
Egypt  even  ‘until  now. 

20  And  the  Lord  said,  I have  pardoned,  ac- 
cording to  thy  word  : 

21  But,  bax  truly  as  I live,  'all  the  earth  sbhllbe 
filled  with  the  glory  of  the  Lord. 

22  Because  all  those  men  kwh:ch  have  seen  my 

glory,  and  my  miracles  which  I did  in  Egypt,  and 
in  the  wilderness,  and  have  'tempted  me  now 
these  mten  times,  and  have  not  hearkened  to  my 
voice : 1 

23  (Surely  “they  shall  not  see  the  land  which  I 
sware  unto  their  fathers ; neither  shall  any  of 
them  that  provoked  me  see  it ; 

24  But  “my  servant  Caleb,  because  he  had 
another  spirit  with  him,  and  hath  ^followed  me 
fully,  him  will  I bring  into  the  land  whereunto  he 
went ; and  his  seed  shall  possess  it. 

25  (Now  Mie  Amalekites,  and  the  Canaanites 
dwelt  in  the  valley.)  To-morrow  rturn  you,  and 
get  you  into  the  wilderness,  hy  the  way  of  the 
Bed  Sea. 

[Practical  Observations .] 

26  H And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moces,  and  unto 
Aaron,  saying, 

27  «How  long  shall  I bear  with  this  evil  congre- 
gation, which  murmur  against  me  ? ll  have  heard 
the  murmurings  of  the  children  of  Israel,  which 
they  murmur  against  me. 


Mic.  7:18.  Jam.  5:15. 1 John  5:14 — 16.  • Or,  hitherto  h Deut  32-40 
4-  “S18-  ier‘  22:24‘  Ez.  5:11.  18:3.33:11,27.  Zenh.2:9  iPs'  72^9  Vlfb  2-‘ 

17:2MPs1'965  9°‘l06‘  1 ‘V  I r ,ej5*  1 :31-34.  A.  95:9,10.  He'b.3:17.  I Ex'. 

r?lal,3:15.  Mall. 4:7.  1 Cor.  10:9.  Heb.  3:9.  m Gen 
31:7  41.  Job  19:3.  t Heb.  If  they  see.  » 26:64.32:11.  Dent.  1:35.  Neh  9-23,* 
Ps.  95:1 1.  106:26.  Ez.2U:15.  Heb.  3:18.  4:3.  o 6— 9.  13:30.  26:65.  Deut  136 

Pa^EMT^i.1;81*  16:28  “‘9- 


trated : and  in  process  of  time  all  nations  shall  bo  filled  with 
ms  glory  in  the  same  manner. 

V.  22,  23.  After  all  the  displays  of  the  power  and  all  the 
experience  of  the  goodness  and  truth  of  God,  with  which  the 
Israelites  had  been  favoured ; they  had  again  and  again  put 
these  perfections, of  Jehovah  lo  a new  trial,  by  their  mur- 
murs, and  proved  his  patience  by  their  disobedience.  Ha 
therefore  most  solemnly  protested,  that  not  one  of  that  per- 
verse generation,  who  had  thus  provoked  him,  should  inherit 
the  promised  land. — Ten  times,  signifies  many  times,  a 
definite  number  being  used  for  an  indefinite.  ( Marg.  Ref.  m. ) 

V.  24.  Caleb  perhaps  took  the  more  active  part  on  this 
occasion : and  as  Joshua  was  designed  to  be  the  successor  of 
Moses,  Caleb  is  the  more  frequently  spoken  of,  though 
Joshua  was  evidently  included.  (30)  Caleb  had  “ another 
spirit  with  him,  even  a spirit  of  faith  and  holiness:  (Note, 
?iCot-„4:I37'18-)  he  ,llerefore  “followed  the  Lord  fully;” 
(literally,  fulfilled  after  me:)  that  is,  he  had  faithfully 
discharged  the  service  to  which  he  had  been  called,  and  was 
ready  for  any  service,  however  perilous  or  self-denying,  to 
which  the  Lord  should  call  him ; for  he  simply  believed  his 
word,  embraced  his  promises,  observed  his  directions,  obeyed 
his  commandments,  depended  on  his  faithfulness,  power,  and 
goodness ; and  confidently  expected  that  matters  would  even- 
tuaHy  take  place  exactly  as  he  had  said,  notwithstanding 
difficulties  or  improbabilities.  This  he  did  with  perseverance 
and  courage,  though  influence,  example,  terrors,  and  suffer- 
mgs,  combined  to  divert  him  from  his  course : and  ho  was 
willing  to  venture  or  endure  whatever  was  necessary  in  so 
doing.  In  consequence,  he  at  first  met  with  haired,  reproaches, 
and  dangers : hut  he  survived  his  enemies  and  their  opposition, 
and  at  length  had  honour  from  God  and  man,  much  comfort, 
and  a valuable  recompense.  (Note,  Josh.  14:6— 15.)— The 
posterity  of  the  rebels  inherited  Canaan;  but  Caleb  and  lus 
posterity  inherited  Hebron,  where  the  Anakims  dwelt,  whom 
he  and  the  other  spies  had  seen;  but  they  were  discouraged, 
and  he  was  not.  a ’ 

V.  25.  “ The  Amalekites  and  Canaanites  dwell  in  the 
valley ; to-morrow,  Sic.”  Thus  the  passage  may  ho  read 
Wlt  >jUc  il1.  Par<|nthesis.  If  the  people  went  forward,  they 
would  tall  into  the  hands  of  their  enemies  who  were  waiting 
for  them  ; and  the  Lord  would  not  protect  thorn.  Nay,  ho 
commanded  them  to  return  into  the  howling  wilderness,  which 
they  had  passed,  as  if  about  to  go  back  to  the  Red  Sea  and 
Egypt,  fins  command  must  have  been  inexpressibly  mor- 
tifying. 

V.  27 — 30.  Probably  some  new  murmuis  arose,  which 
gave  occasion  to  this  expostulation,  and  thn  more  explicit 
sentence  of  exclusion  of  that  generation  from  t annan.— Thus 


B.  C.  1-190. 


CHAPTER  XIY.  B.  C.  149CH 


28  Say  unto  them,  aJIs  truly  as  1 live,  saith  the 
Lord,  *as  ye  have  spoken  in  mine  ears,  so  will  I 
do  to  you : 

29  Your  ^carcasses  shall  fall  in  this  wilderness; 
and  'all  that  were  numbered  of  you,  according  to 
your  whole  number,  from  twenty  years  old  and 
upward,  which  have  murmured  against  me. 

30  Doubtless  ye  shall  not  come  into  the  land 
concerning'  which  1 'sware  to  make  you  dwell 
therein,  “save  Caleb  the  son  of  Jephunneh,  and 
Joshua  the  son  of  Nun. 

31  But  your  blittle  ones,  which  cye  said  should 
be  a prey,  them  will  I bring  in,  and  they  shall 
know  dthe  land  which  ye  have  despised. 

32  But  as  for  you,  “your  carcasses,  they  shall 
fall  in  this  wilderness. 

33  And  your  children  f sliall  Hvander  in  the 
wilderness  eforty  years,  and  hbear  your  whore- 
doms, until  your  carcasses  be  wasted  in  the  wil- 
derness. 

34  ‘After  kthe  number  of  the  days  in  which  ye 
searched  the  land,  even  forty  days,  (each  day  for  a 
year,)  'shall  ye  bear  your  iniquities,  even  forty 
years  ; and  mye  shall  know  my  tbreach  of  promise. 

35  I the  Lord  have  said,  “I  will  surely  do  it 
unto  all  “this  evil  congregation,  that  are  gathered 
together  against  me  : in  this  wilderness  they  shall 
be  consumed,  and  there  they  shall  die. 

36  IT  And  Pthe  men  which  Moses  sent  to  search 
the  land,  who  returned,  and  made  all  the  congre- 

ii  Seem  21,28.26:61,65.32:11.  Deut.  1:35.  Ps.  S0:8,9.  il.  y 32,33.  1 Cor. 
10:5.  Heb.  3:17.  Jiule  5.  z 1:45.  * Heb.  lift cd  up  my  hand.  Gen. 14:22.  a 38. 
26:65.32  12.  Deut.  1:36— 38.  b 26:4,64.  Deut. 1:39.  c 3.  tl  Gen.  25:34.  1's. 
106:24.  Pro*.  1:25,30.  Matt.  22:5.  Acts  13:41.  Heb. 12:16,17.  e See  on  29. 
f 32:13.  Josh.  14:10.  Ps.  107:4,10.  t Or,  feed,  g 33:38.  Deut.  1:3.2:14.  h 5: 
31.  Kz.  23:31,45— 49.  i 13:25.  2 Clir.  36:21.  k Ps.  95:10.  Kz.  4:6.  Dan.  9:24. 
Ke*. 11:3.  I 18:23.  Lev.  20:19.  Ps.  38:4.  Ez.  14:10.  m 1 Kings 8:56.  Ps.  77: 
8.105:42.  Heb. 4:1.  J Or,  altering  of  my  purpose,  Deut.  31:16,17.  ISam. 

“ the  Lord  sware  in  his  wrath,  that  they  should  not  enter 
into  his  rest;”  and  irrevocably  condemned  them  to  wander  in 
the  wilderness  for  forty  years,  and  never  to  see  city,  or  town, 
or  cultivated  field,  till  that  generation  was  dead,  and  their  chil- 
dren grown  up  to  inherit  the  land,  according  to  his  promise 
to  their  fathers.  (Note,  Ps.  95:9—11.)  Having  sworn  by 
himself,  and  pledged  the  honour  of  all  his  perfections,  the 
sentence  was  made  absolute  and  irreversible  ; and  his  almighly 
ower  shut  them  up  in  the  desert,  as  effectually  as  if  it  had 
een  surrounded  with  the  highest  and  strongest  walls  imagin- 
able.— The  Levites,  who  were  numbered  from  a month  old, 
were  not  included;  for  it  is  evident  that  Eleazar,  the  son  of 
Aaron,  assisted  Joshua  in  dividing  the  land  of  Canaan  after 
the  conquest  of  it;  (Josh.  14:1.)  though  he  was  old  enough  to 
officiate  in  the  priest’s  office  before  this  time,  and  was  chief 
over  the  Levites.  The  women  and  minors,  with  Caleb  and 
Joshua,  were  also  excepted. — The  promises  were  made  to 
the  descendants  of  the  patriarchs,  and  not  to  the  individuals 
of  this  generation. 

V.  31 . Know  the  land.]  The  children  of  these  Israelites, 
By  possessing  Canaan,  knew  *vhat  a good  land  their  fathers 
had  despised. 

V.  33.  (Notes,  1 Cot.  10:1 — 5.  Jude  5 — 8.)  Forty  years 
elapsed,  from  the  departure  of  Israel  out  of  Egypt  to  their 
entrance  into  Canaan ; and  the  whole  term  is  evidently 
included. — The  word  rendered  wander,  signifies  feed:  and 
thus  implies,  that  the  Israelites  should  move  from  place  to 
lace  in  the  deserts,  as  shepherds  in  many  countries  do,  who 
ave  no  certain  dwelling,  but  go  from  one  district  to  another 
seeking  pasture  for  their  flocks. — The  word  “whoredoms”  is 
generally  used  for  idolatry ; and  it  is  thought  that  this  doom 
was  denounced  on  the  people  for  their  sin  in  worshipping  the 
golden  calf,  and  for  their  other  idolatries;  as  well  as  for  the 
transgression  which  they  had  just  committed.  (Note,  Ex. 
32:34,35.) 

V.  34.  Neither  the  text,  nor  the  marginal  reading,  seems 
to  convey  the  precise  meaning  of  the  word  ('nNun)  rendered, 
“ My  breach  of  promise.”  Some  translate  it,  ‘Ye  shall  know 
the  fury  of  my  anger,'  or  'my  vengeance.’  But  perhaps  it 
may  signify  my  disannulling.  The  words  may  either  mean, 
that  the  people  should  know  whether  the  Lord,  having  pro- 
nounced sentence  against  them,  would  disannul  it,  or  not ; 
that  is,  they  should  experience  the  truth  of  it : or  that  they 
should  know,  that  whilst  his  promises  stood  firm  to  the  believ- 
ing and  obedient,  hypocrites  and  apostates  had  no  benefit 
from  them.  They  perhaps  would  consider  this  exclusion  as  a 
“ breach  of  promise :”  but  he  would  show  that  it  was  only  a 
delay  made  for  wise,  righteous,  and  gracious  purposes;  and 
that  he  would  fulfil  the  promises  to  their  descendants. 

V.  39 — 45.  The  Israelites  lamented  very  much  that  the 
sentence  of  exclusion  had  been  pronounced;  and,  like  Esau 
in  similar  circumstances,  they  sought  with  tears  to  have  it 
reversed:  (Notes,  Gen.  27:38.  Hah.  12:15-17.)  but  their 
subsequent  conduct  proved  that  they  had  not  sorrowed  to 
repei  .ance.  They  were  not  truly  humbled  for  their  most 


gation  to  murmur  against  him,  by  bringing  up  a 
slander  upon  the  land  ; 

37  Even  those  men,  that  did  bring  up  the  cvi 
report  upon  the  land,  ndied  by  the  plague  befort 
the  Lord. 

38  But  'Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  and  Caleb  the 
son  of  Jephunneh,  which  were  of  the  men  that 
went  to  search  the  land,  lived  still. 

39  And  Moses  told  these  sayings  unto  all  the 
children  of  Israel : and  the  people  “mourned  greatly. 

40  And  they  ‘rose  up  early  in  the  morning,  and 

fat  them  up  into  the  top  of  the  mountain,  saying, 
.0,  we  be  here,  and  will  go  up  unto  the  place 
which  the  Lord  hath  promised : for  we  have 
sinned. 

41  And  Moses  said,  Wherefore  now  xdo  ye 
transgress  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  ? ?but 
it  shall  not  prosper. 

42  'Go  not  up,  for  the  Lord  is  not  among  you; 
that  ye  be  not  smitten  before  your  enemies. 

43  For  “the  Amalekites  and  the  Canaanites  are 
there  before  you,  and  ye  shall  fall  by  the  sword  : 
bbecause  ye  are  turned  away  from  the  Lord  ; 
therefore  the  Lord  will  not  be  with  you. 

44  But  “they  presumed  to  go  up  unto  the  hill- 
top : nevertheless,  dthe  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord,  and  Moses,  departed  not  out  of  the  camp. 

45  Then  “the  Amalekites  came  down,  and  the 
Canaanites  which  dwelt  in  that  hill,  and  smote 
them,  and  discomfited  them,  even  unto  ‘Hormah. 

2.30.  Zech.  11:10.  n23:19.  0 28,29.  26:65.  1 Cor.  10:5,11.  Heb.  3:19.  p 13- 
30—33.  q 12.  16:49.25:9.  Jer.28:16, 17.  29:32.  1 Cor.  10:10.  Heb.  3:17.  r26: 
65.  Josh. 14:6— 10.  sEx.33:4.  Pro*.  19:3.  Mall.  8:12.  Heb.  12:17.  I Dent. 
1:41.  Ec.  9:3.  Mall.  7:21— 23.  25:11, 12.»  Luke  13:25.  x 25.  2 Chr.  24:20. 
v Joh  4:9.  Jer.  2:37.  32:5.  z Deul.  1:42.  *Josh.  7:8,12.  Ps.  44:1,2— 11.  a 25. 
13:29.  Lev.  26:17.  Dent.  28:25.  b Judg. 16:20.  lChr.28:9.  2 C hr.  15:2.  Is. 
63:10.  H os.  9:12.  c 15:30.  Deut.  1:43.  d 10:33.  ISam.  4:3— 11.  e See  on 
43.  Ex.  17:16.  Deut.  1:44.  32:30.  Josh. 7:5,11,12.  f21:3.  Judg.  1:17. 


heinous  sin : having  repeatedly  escaped,  they  concluded 
that  the  Lord  would  not  proceed  to  extremities  ; and  being 
convinced  by  the  death  of  the  spies  that  they  had  sinned, 
they  vainly  hoped  that  an  alteration  of  conduct  would  produce 
at  least  a mitigation  of  the  sentence.  But  the  irreversible 
oath  was  sworn,  and  they  only  added  one  rebellion  to  ano- 
ther. The  Lord  bad  expressly  commanded  them  to  return 
into  ihe  wilderness  towards  the  Red  Sea  ; (25)  and  Moses, 
with  the  priests  who  used  to  carry  the  ark,  protested  against 
their  presumption.  The  Lord,  their  Defence,  had  been  pro- 
voked to  leave  them;  the  Amalekites  and  Canaanites  waited 
for  them  ; the  honour  of  the  divine  justice  was  concerned  to 
punish  them ; and  accordingly  it  is  probable,  that  a great 
slaughter  of  them  was  made  by  their  victorious  enemies. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 25.  We  shall  not  derive  the  full  benefit  from  Scrip- 
ture, unless  we  consider  it  as  the  history  of  human  nature; 
written  with  an  infallible  and  perfectly  impartial  pen  ; and 
are  aware  that  we  ourselves  are  disposed  to  act,  in  similar 
circumstances,  exactly  after  the  same  manner  as  the  Israel- 
ites did.  If  we  are  conscious  of  this,  we  shall  see,  in  the 
chapter  before  us,  a very  humiliating  picture  of  our  own 
hearts,  which  may  be  of  great  advantage  to  us.  For  we 
must  perceive,  that  it  is  natural  to  sinful  man  to  believe  a lie 
in  preference  to  the  faithful  word  of  God  ; and  this  gives 
Satan  and  his  instruments  their  grand  advantage,  in  opposing 
religion  and  deceiving  souls.  In  this  spirit  of  unbelief,  we 
are  prone  to  harbour  hard  thoughts  of  God,  to  rebel  against 
him,  to  torment  ourselves,  and  to  rush  headlong  upon  our 
own  destruction  ; and  we  should  be  completely  ruined,  if  our 
wishes  were  granted  us,  when  discontent  and  unbelief  influ- 
ence our  hearts  : for  we  are  capable  of  quarrelling  even  with 
our  choicest  mercies,  nay,  of  impatiently  desiring  those  very 
evils,  which  at  other  times  are  most  dreaded ! But  we 
should  watch  and  pray  against  the  first  beginnings  of  this 
ungrateful  and  rebellious  frame  of  mind ; and  keep  a guard 
at  the  door  of  our  lips,  when  such  thoughts  arise  in  our 
hearts:  for  the  Lord  frequently  takes  rebels  at  their  word, 
and  sends  them  the  judgment,  or  Ihe  death,  for  which  they 
rashly  wish. — But  the  madness  of  a discontented  heart  is  as 
manifest  in  its  resolves,  as  in  its  desires,  or  wishes.  Nor  is 
there  any  thing  so  impracticable,  or  so  desperate,  that  man 
dares  not  attempt  it,  when  ragifig  in  feeble  rebellion  against 
the  will  of  God  : as  if  he  could  overpower  Omnipotence,  and 
disannul  the  appointments  of  his  Maker  1 Entreaties,  coun- 
sels, encouragements,  and  warnings,  at  such  a time,  are  vain, 
or  only  enrage  the  more:  and  thus  Solomon’s  words  are 
illustrated,  “ Let  a bear  robbed  of  her  whelps  meet  a man, 
rather  than  a fool  in  his  folly.”  (Note,  Prov.  17:12.)  But 
the  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  possessing  the  soul,  produces 
a contrary  disposition  : the  servants  of  the  Lord  under  this 
influence  are  inclined  to  stoop,  and  to  venture  or  suffer  any 
thing,  in  order  to  rescue  infatuated  sinners  from  impending 
ruin  : and  while  they  abhor  their  crimes,  they  compassionate 
their  persons,  and  both  plead  with  them  n.if  i a for  them, 
(.  -77  ) 


B.  C.  1490.  NUMBERS.  B.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

The  law  of  the  mat-offerings  and  drink-offerings  to  be  brought  toith  the 
sacrifices  ; in  which  strangers  are  included , 1—16.  The  heave-offering  of 
dough , 17—21.  The  sin-offerings  of  the  congregat  ion , and  of  private  per- 
sons for  sins  of  ignorance , 22 — 29.  The  punishment  of  presumption , 
exempli  tied  in  the  stoning  of  a sabbath-breaker , 30 — 36.  Fringes  to  be  worn, 
37—41 . ' . 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying’, 

2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and  say 
unto  them,  aWhen  ye  be  come  into  the  land  of 
your  habitations,  which  I give  unto  you, 

3  And  bwill  make  an  offering  by  fire  unto  the 
Lord,  ca  burnt-offering,  or  da  sacrifice  in  'per_ 
forming  a vow,  “or  in  a free-will-offering,  or  fin 
your  solemn  feasts,  to  make  ga  sweet  savour  unto 
the  Lord,  of  the  herd  or  of  the  flock  ; 

4  Then  shall  he  that  offereth  his  offering  unto 
the  Lord,  bring  ha  meat-offering  of  a tenth-deal 
of  flour,  mingled  with  ‘the  fourth  part  of  an  hin 
of  oil. 

5  And  kthe  fourth  part  of  an  hin  'of  wine  for  a 
drink-offering  shalt  thou  prepare,  with  the  burnt- 
offering  or  s icrifice,  for.  one  lamb. 

6  Or  mfor  a ram,  thou  shalt  prepare  for  a meat- 


,  18.  Lev.  11:34  . 23:10.  25:2.  Deut.  7:1,2.  12:1,9.  b Ex.  29:18,25,41.  Lev  i:9, 
13,17.  10:13.  c Lev.  1:1,  &c.  cl  Lev.  7: 16  . 22: 18— 23.  Deut.  12:11.  ■ Heb. 

separating.  Lev.  27:2.  e Lev.  22:21 ,23.  Deut.  12:6, 17.  16: 10.  128:16-19,27. 

29  1.8.13,  &c.  Lev.  53:8,12,36.  Deed.  16:1— 17.  g On.  8:21.  Ex.  29:18.  Matt. 
S;17.  Eph.  5:2.  Phil.  4:18.  h Ex.  29:40.  Lev.  2:1.  6:14.  7:9,10.  23:13.  Is.  66: 

even  when  they  see  them  full  of  enmity  and  rage  against 
them. — The  Lord  will  afford  peculiar  protection,  and  singu- 
lar marks  of  regard,  to  those  who,  in  genuine  love,  venture  to 
stem  the  torrent  of  prevailing  iniquity,  without  being  intimi- 
dated by  the  scorn  and  malice  of  their  enemies ; and  the  dis- 
plays of  his  glory  are  sufficient  to  dismay  the  stoutest  spirits 
of  rebels,  and  to  encourage  the  hearts  of  his  servants  in  the 
most  extreme  danger.  TWbugh  millions  of  the  Lord’s  pro- 
fessed people  perish  in  unbelief  and  disobedience,  his  cove- 
nant and  promises  stand  sure:  and,  whilst  he  glorifies  his 
truth  and  mercy  in  his  dealings  with  his  faithful  servants,  he 
takes  occasion  from  the  perverseness  of  unbelievers  more  ex- 
tensively and  durably  to  glorify  his  whole  name.  With  the 
glory  of  God  at  heart,  and  the  word  of  God  dwelling  within 
us,  we  cannot  pray  amiss,  or  plead  in  vain.  Intercessors  of 
this  character  are  an  invaluable  blessing  to  any  people,  though 
seldom  much  esteemed,  and' often  treated  .with  the  basest  in- 
gratitude : but  while  they  avert  temporal  judgments,  and  pre- 
vail for  the  conversion  of  many  individuals,  their  prayers  will 
not  prevent  the  final  destruction  of  obstinate  and  impenitent 
sinners. 

V.  26 — 45.  In  his  hottest  displeasure,  the  Lord  knoweth 
now  to  distinguish  between  the  righteous  and  the  wicked, 
and  to  exercise  his  faithfulness  and  mercy,  as  well  as  his  jus- 
tice and  holiness,  according  to  the  characters  of  men:  so 
that  they  who  manifest  “ another  spirit,”  and  follow  him 
fully,  being  valiant  and  patient  in  his  cause,  shall  in  due 
time  have  the  distinguished  credit  and  comfort  of  their  faith- 
fulness.— But  dreadful  is  the  case  of  those  against  whom 
the  oath  of  God  is  gone  forth!  for  as  it  is  the  irreversible  se- 
curity of  the  covenant  of  grace,  for  the  u strong  consolation  of 
all  who  have  fled  for  refuge  to  lay  hold  on  the  hope  set  before 
them;”  (Note,  Heb.  6:16 — 20.)  so  it  seals  irrevocably  the 
doom  of  those  who  provoke  him  to  u swear  in  his  wrath,  that 
they  shall  never  enter  into  his  rest.”  And  it  is  in  vain  to 
oppose  the  execution  of  the  sentence  ; as  the  Lord  can  fence 
around  the  waste  howling  wilderness,  and  convert  it  into 
a prison,  in  which  effectually  to  confine  the  most  outrage- 
ous rebels,  so  that  they  can  by  no  efforts  escape.  These 
truths  are  plain  and  important  ; yet  sinners  will  not  take 
warning,  but  persist  in  their  rebellion,  only  varying  the  mode 
of  it  : and  they  are  often  blind  enough  to  think  that  one  act 
of  disobedience  may  atone  for  another, — a hypocritical  un- 
commanded form  of  devotion,  for  gross  profaneness  or  injus- 
tice ! But  evil  pursueth  them  : many  plagues  remain  for  all 
who  go  on  still  in  their  wickedness  ; and  they  may  read  their 
own  condemnation,  when  the  Lord’s  people  separate  from 
them,  and  protest  against  them. — But,  in  this  history  of  those 
who  were  excluded  from  Canaan,  let  us  advert  to  a case  of 
infinitely  greater  and  more  universal  importance.  A heavenly 
rest  is  revealed  and  proposed  to  us  in  the  sacred  oracles. 
The  ministers  of  Christ  describe  it  as  an  exceedingly  good 
land,  flowing  with  richer  blessings  than  milk  and  honey,  and 
freely  given  to.all  in  whom  the  Lord  delighteth:  and  the  very 
proposal  of  such  a blessing  to  us  by  his  gospel  is  a token  for 
good.  They  point  out  the  way  in  which  sinners  must  come, 
and  the  means  which  they  must  use,  if  they  would  enter  this 
good  land  : they  assure  them  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  that, 
notwithstanding  all  their  gudt,  depravity,  and  weakness, — not- 
withstanding the  power,  malice,  and  number  of  their  ene- 
mies,— the  Lord  will  bring  them  into  it  and  give  it  them,  if 
they  rebel  not  against  him  by  neglecting  so  great  salvation  ; 
and  that  they  need  fear  no  opposition,  since  even  conflicts, 
temptations,  and  persecutions  will  eventually  do  them  good. 
They  exhort  them  to-day  to  hearken  to  the  voice  of  the 
l ord  ; they  warn  them  not  to  harden  their  hearts,  and  pro- 

( 278  ) 


offering'  two  tenth-deals  of  flour,  mingled  with  the 
third  part  of  an  hin  of  oil. 

7 And  for  a drink-offering,  thou  shalt  offer  th. 
third  part  of  an  hin  of  wine,  for  a sweet  savour 
unto  the  Lord. 

8 And  when  thou  preparest  a bullock  for  a 
burnt-offering,  or  for  a sacrifice  in  performing  . 
a vow,  or  “peace-offerings  unto  the  Lord  : 

9 Then  shall  he  bring  with  a bullock  °a  meat 
offering  of  three  tenth-deals  of  flour,  mingled  with 
half  an  hin  of  oil. 

10  And  thou  shalt  bring  for  ra  drink-offering 
half  an  hin  of  wine,  for  an  offering  made  by  fire 
of  a sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord. 

11  Thus  shall  it  be  done  for  one  bullock,  or  for 
one  ram,  or  for  a lamb,  or  a kid. 

12  According  to  the  numDer  that  ye  shall  pre- 
pare, so  shall  ye  do  to  every  one  according  to 
their  number. 

13  All  that  are  born  of  the  country  shall  do 
these  things  after  this  manner,  in  offering  an  offer- 
ing made  by  fire  of  a sweet  savour  unto  The  Lord. 

20.  Mil].  1:11. -Rom.  15:16.  Heb.  13:16.  i 28:5.  Ex.  29:40.  Lev.  2 15.  14:10. 
23:13.  Judg.  9:9.  Ex.  46:14.  k28:7,14.  1 Judg.  9:13.  Ps.  116:13.  Cant.  1:4.  Zech. 
9:17.  Malt.  26:28,29.  PI, il.  2:17.  2 Tim.  4:6.  m 4.  23:12—14.  n He. on  Lev.  3:1. 
7:11—18.  o29:9.  Lev.  6:14.  7:37.  14:10.  1 Chr. 21:23.  Neh.  10:33.  Et. 42:13. 
46:5,7,11,15.  Joel  1:9.  2:14.  p See  on  5.  6:15. 


voke  him  by  delay  ; and  admonish  them  to  “ take  heed  that 
there  be  not  in  them  an  evil  heart  of  unbelief,  in  departing 
from  the  living  God.”  (Notes,  Heb.  3:14 — 19.  P.  O.  7 — 19.) 
In  such  addresses  and  exhortations,  and  in  fervent  prayers 
for  them,  they  must,  and  will,  and  do,  persist  with  unceas- 
ing importunity,  in  the  face  of  hatred,  contempt,  and  persecu- 
tion, so  long  as  hope  is  left.  But  alas  ! most  men  “ despise 
the  pleasant  land,  and  believe  not  the  word  of  God  they 
place  no  dependence  on  his  promises  ; are  discouraged  by  the 
prospect  of  real  or  imaginary  difficulties  and  dangers  ; do  not 
think  even  heaven  worth  so  much  trouble  and  self-denial  ; 
prefer  a portion  in  this  world,  and  harden  their  hearts  till  it 
be  too  late  ; till  their  exclusion  is  irreversibly  determined, 
and  then  they  unavailingly  regret  their  folly.  How  many 
also,  who  appear  to  set  out,  through  unbelief  grow  weary, 
and  in  their  hearts,  perhaps  in  their  conduct,  return  hack  to 
the  world  : and  many,  who  profess  to  have  searched  out  the 
good  land,  bring  an  evil  report  upon  it  ; and  either  by  their 
doctrine,  or  by  their  evident  attachment  to  temporal  inte- 
rests, and  carelessness  about  spiritual  things,  weaken  the 
hands  of  believers,  and  strengthen  those  of  unbelievers  ! 
These,  being  ringleaders  in  wickedness,  will  have  the  first 
share,  or  the  largest  proportion  of  divine  vengeance. — “ Let 
us  then  fear,  lest  a promise  being  left  us  of  entering  into  the 
Lord’s  rest,  any  of  us  should  seem  to  come  short  of  it  let 
us  take  warning  from  the  fate  of  Israel,  lest  we  perish  “after 
the  same  example  of  unbelief:”  (Note,  Heb.  4:1,2.)  let  us 
be  afraid  of  nothing,  hut  of  “provoking  the  Lord  to  swear  in 
his  wrath,  that  we  shall  never  enter  into  his  rest  let  us  go 
forth  depending  on  his  mercy,  power,  promise,  and  truth  ; let 
us  follow  him,  fully  prepared  to  venture  or  sutler  every  thing 
for  his  sake  : and  he  will  assuredly  be  with  us,  and  bring  our 
souls  to  everlasting  rest  in  heaven. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XV.  V.  2.  That  generation  ot 
Israel  was  doomed  to  fall  in  the  wilderness,  and  the  whole 
congregation  to  wander  in  it  forty  years  ; during  which  space 
many  new  provocations  and  judgments  were  likely  to  inter- 
vene, which  might  seem  to  threaten  their  final  exclusion  from 
Canaan  : yet,  as  the  Lord  actually  intended  to  put  the  rising 
generation  into  possession  of  it,  he  enacted  these  laws  as  a 
pledge  and  assurance  of  his  purpose,  and  as  a token  of  his 
being  thus  far  reconciled. — We  read  that  the  people  conti- 
nued at  Kadesh  many  days  ; during  which  time,  it  is  probable 
numbers  died  : and  while  they  lay  encamped,  we  may  suppose 
these  regulations  were  made.  (Note,  Deut.  1:46.) 

V.  3 — 12.  In  the  wilderness,  while  the  people  had  neither 
corn-fields,  nor  vineyards,  nor  olive-yards,  hut  lived  upon 
manna,  they  could  not  easily  bring  meat-offering  and  drink- 
offerings;  and  these  seem  not  to*  have  been  then  required. — 
The  meat-offerings  before  prescribed  were  offered  srpa 
ralely : (Notes,  Dev.  2:)  but  those  here  appointed  accompa- 
nied all  animal  sacrifices  except  that  of  doves.  The  Jew- 
ish expositors  say,  that  the  whole  of  these  oblations  was 
burnt  on  the  altar  : but  this  is  not  enjoined  in  the  law  itself; 
and  perhaps  only  a portion  was  burnt,  and  the  remainder 
was  eaten  by  the  priests:  and  the  drink-offering  was  disposed 
of  in  a similar  manner.  These  sacrifices  not  only  typified 
Christ,  with  all  fulness  of  spiritual  blessings  in  him  for  our 
use,  even  all  which  is  well  pleasing  and  honourable  to  the 
Father ; but  they  likewise  shadowed  forth  the  pleasure  which 
a reconciled  God  takes  in  the  services  of  his  redeemed  people, 
and  the  delight  which  they  take  in  communion  with  him. 
This  was  represented  by  their  feasting  together:  and  there- 
fore all  those  things  were  directed  to  he  brought,  which  were 
of  general  use  at  feasts  ; and  in  due  proportions,  accord  ng  to 
the  kind  or  number  of  the  sacrifices. — A tenth-deal  w*  tlu» 


B.  C.  1490.  CHAPTER  XY.  B.  C.  1490 


14  Aiul  if  a stranger  sojourn  with  you,  or  who- 
soever be  among  you  in  your  generations,  and  will 
offer  an  offering  made  by  fire  of  a sweet  savour 
unto  the  Loro  ; as  ye  do,  so  he  shall  do. 

15  <iOne  ordinance  shall  be  both  for  you  of  the 
congregation,  and  also  for  the  stranger  that  so- 
journeth  with  you,  ran  ordinance  for  ever  in  your 
generations : as  ye  are,  so  shall  the  stranger  be 
before  the  Lord. 

16  One  law,  and  one  manner,  shall  be  for  you 
and  for  the  stranger  that  sojourneth  with  you. 

17  H And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

18  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and  say 
unto  them,  ‘When  ye  come  into  the  land  whither 
I bring  you, 

19  Then  it  shall  be,  that  ‘when  ye  eat  of  the 
bread  of  the  land,  ye  shall  offer  up  an  heave-offer- 
ing unto  the  Lord. 

20  Ye  shall  offer  up  “a  cake  of  the  first  of  your 
dough,  for  an  heave-offering : as  ye  do  Tthe  heave- 
offering of  the  thrashing-floor,  so  shall  ye  heave  it. 

21  Of  the  first  of  your  dough  ye  shall  give  unto 
the  Lord,  wan  heave-offering  in  your  generations. 

22  It  And  xif  ye  have  erred,  and  not  observed 
all  these  commandments  which  the  Lord  hath 
spoken  unto  Moses, 

23  Even  all  that  the  Lord  hath  commanded 
you  by  the  hand  of  Moses,  from  the  day  that  the 
Lord  commanded  Moses,  and  henceforward 
among  your  generations ; 

24  Then  it  shall  be,  fff  aught  be  committed  by 
ignorance,  ’without  the  knowledge  of  the  congre- 
gation ; that  all  the  congregation  shall  offer  ‘one 
young  bullock  for  a burnt-offering,  for  a sweet 
savour  unto  the  Lord,  with  his  meat-offering,  and 
his  drink-offering,  according  to  the  (manner,  and 
"one  kid  of  the  goats  for  a sin-offering. 

25  And  bthe  priest  shall  make  an  atonement  for 
all  the  congregation  of  the  children  of  Israel,  and  it 
shall  be  ‘forgiven  them  ; for  it  is  ignorance  : and 
they  shall  bring  their  offering,  a sacrifice  made  by 

q 29.  9:14.  Ex.  12:49.  Lei.  24:22.  Gal.  3:28.  Eph.2.11— 22.  Col.  3:11.  r 10:8. 
18:8.  Ex.  12:14,24,43.  1 Sam.  30:23.  sSt-m!.  Deut.26;l.  t Josh.  5:11,12. 
u 18:12.  Ex.  23:19.  Dent.  26:2—  1U.  Neh.  10:37.  Prov.  3:9,10.  Ex.  44:30.  Malt. 
6:33.  Rom.  11:16.  1 Cor.  15:20.  Jam.  1:18.  Rev.  14:4.  v Lev. 2:14.  23:10, 
16,17.  w 18:26.  Ex.  29:28.  x Lev.  4:2,13,14,22,27  . 5:13,15—17.  Ps.  19:12. 
Luke  12:48.  y See  on  Lev.  4:13.  * Heb.  from  the  eyes.  z See  on  Lev.  4:14 — 
21.  t Or,  ordinance.  a 28:15.  Lev.  4:23.  2 Chr.  29:21— 24.  Ezra  6: 17.  8:35. 
b See  on  Lev.  4:20,26.  Rom.  3:25.  1 John  2:2.  c Luke  23:34.  Acts  13:39.  <1  See 
on  Lev.  4:27,28.  Acts  3:17.  17:30.  I Tim.  1:13.  e Lev.  4:35.  f See  on  15.  9:14. 


same  as  an  omer,  or  about  five  pints : a bin  is  computed  by 
some  to  have  been  twice  as  much.  ( Tables  at  the  end.) 

V.  14 — 16.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  intention  of  this  law  might 
be,  to  induce  strangers  to  attend  the  worship  and  ordinances 
of  God  ; to  intimate  to  the  Israelites,-  that  if  they  became 
profligate  and  ungodly,  they  would  be  treated  as  strangers: 
and  to  signify  that  in  due  time  the  Gentiles  would  be  fully 
admitted  into  the  church.  Though  uncircumcised  persons 
might  not  eat  the  passover,  they  might  offer  other  sacrifices 
in  the  appointed  way,  if  they  were  so  disposed.  These 
regulations  referred  to  sacrifices  and  ordinances  only ; not  to 
public  offices,  nor  to  marriages. 

V.  17 — 21.  (Notes,  Lev.  23:15 — 21.)  The  oblation  be- 
fore prescribed,  seems  to  have  been  a general  acknowledg- 
ment from  the  people  at  large : but  this  was  an  oblation  from 
every  one  that  reaped  a harvest : who  was  required,  pre- 
viously to  tasting  it  himself,  to  offer  a portion  of  dough  as  a 
leave-offering  to  the  Lord.  This  is  supposed  to  have  been 
given  to  the  priests  in  their  several  cities,  and  not  carried  to 
.he  tabernacle. 

V.  22—29.  This  law  concerning  sins  of  ignorance,  being 
entirely  diverse  from  one  before  considered,  occasions  con- 
siderable difficulty.  (Notes,  Lev.  4 :)  Some  explain  that 
law  as  relating  to  sins  of  commission,  this  to  sins  of  omission: 
others  explain  the  one  of  inadvertent  violations  of  the  moral 
law,  and  the  other  of  the  transgressions  of  the  ceremonial  law : 
and  some  think  that  related  to  the  whole  nation,  this  to  any 
one  tribe : or  that  to  the  bulk  of  the  nation,  this  to  the  rulers 
and  elders. — The  Jews  say,  that  the  former  law  referred  to 
such  national  transgressions  through  heedlessness,  as  con- 
sisted with  the  maintenance  of  the  prescribed  worship  in  the 
main,  but  that  this  especially  respected  the  case  of  the  na- 
tion, when  through  inattention,  and  the  example  and  autho- 
rity of  wicked  rulers,  they  had  turned  aside  and  committed 
•dolatrv,  or  conducted  their  worship  directly  contrary  to  law; 
yet  through  a culpable  ignorance,  and  not  in  presumption. 
This  was  evident  ly  the  case  under  several  of  their  kings,  and 
.he  explanation  seems  well  grounded. — The  law  concerning 
individuals,  who  sinned  through  ignorance,  does  not  so  mate- 
•ially  differ  from  that  before  given.  The  marginal  references 
•nay  assist  the  student  ill  forming  his  judgment  on  the  several 


fire  unto  the  Lord,  and«their  sin-offering  before  the 
Loud,  for  their  ignorance. 

26  And  it  shall  be  forgiven  all  the  congregation 
of  the  children  of  Israel,  and  the  stranger  tna 
sojourneth  among  them;  seeing  all  the  people, 
were  in  ignorance. 

27  H And  if  ‘'any  soul  sin  through  ignorance, 
then  he  shall  bring  a she-goat  of  the  first  year  for 
a sin-offering. 

28  And  ‘the  priest  shall  make  an  atonement  for 
the  soul  that  sinneth  ignorantly,  when  he  sinneth 
by  ignorance  before  the  Lord,  to  make  an  atone- 
ment for  him  ; and  it  shall  be  forgiven  him. 

29  Ye  shall  have  f one  law  for  him  that  Jsinneih 
through  ignorance,  both  for  him  that  is  horn  among 
the  children  of  Israel,  and  for  the  stranger  that 
sojourneth  among  them. 

30  But  the  soul  that  sdoeth  aught  Spresiimptu- 
ously,  ( whether  he  be  born  in  the  land,  or  a stran- 
ger,) the  same  hreproacheth  the  Lord  ; and  that 
soul  shall  be  cut  off  from  .among  his  people. 

31  Because  he  hath  'despised  the  word  of  the 
Lord,  and  hath  broken  his  commandment,  that 
soul  shall  utterly  be  cut  off : khis  iniquity  shall  be 
upon  him. 

32  H And  while  the  children  of  Israel  were  ir 
the  wilderness,  they  found  a man  'that  gathered 
sticks  upon  the  sabbath-day. 

33  And  they  that  found  him  gathering  sticks, 
■“brought  him  unto  Moses  and  Aaron,  and  unto  all 
the  congregation. 

34  And  they  "put  him  in  ward,  because  it  was 
not  declared  what  should  he  done  to  him. 

35  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  “The  man 
shall  be  surely  put  to  death : all  the  congregation 
shall  Pstone  him  with  stones  without  the  camp. 

36  And  all  the  congregation  brought  him  with- 
out the  camp,  and  stoned  him  with  stones,  and  he 
died  ; as  the  Lord  commanded  Moses. 

37  11  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

38  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and  bid 


Lev.  16:29.  17:15.  Rom.  3:29,30.  } Heb  .riocth.  g 9:13.  1 144.  Gen.  17:14. 

Ex.  21:14.  I.ev.  20:3,6,10.  Dent. 1:43.  17:12.  29:19,20.  P«.  19:13.  Mall.  12:32 
Heb.  10:26,29.  2 Pel.  2:10.  § Heb.  I rilh  onhighhrmd.  hPs.69:9.  74:18,22.79: 
12.89:51.  Prov.  14:31.  la.  37:23,24.  i Lev.  26:15,43.  2 8am.  12:9  Ps.  119:126. 
1’rov.  13:13.  Is.  30:12.  1 Thes.  4:8.  Heb.  10:28.  k Lev.  5:1.  Ps.  38:4.  Is.  53:6, 
Ez.  18:20.  1 Pet. 2:24.  1 Ex.  16:23,27,28.  20:8— 10.  35:2,3.  m John  8:3,  &c. 
n Lev.  24:12.  u Ex.  31:14,15.  p See  on  Lev.  24:14,23.  1 Kings  21:13.  Aela  7:58. 
Heb.  13:11,12. 


interpretations  before  stated : but  the  difference  of  sentiment, 
on  such  a subject,  does  not  at  all  interfere  with  the  practical 
instructions  of  the  passage. 

V.  30,  31.  To  do  aught  presumptuously,  implies  that  it  is 
done  wilfully,  deliberately,  in  contempt  of  the  authority  oi 
God’s  word,  in  defiance  of  his  justice,  u with  a high  hand,” 
(marg".)  and  in  direct  rebellion.  Suchaconduct  “reproacheth 
the  Lord,”  as  if  his  commands  were  needless,  unreasonable, 
and  inimical  to  man’s  happiness  ; as  if  his  authority  were  only 
fit  to  be  trampled  under  foot ; his  favour  were  not  desirable, 
or  his  wrath  not  to  be  feared  ; in  short,  as  if  it  were  more 
advantageous  to  rebel  against  him  than  to  serve  him.  (Marg. 
Ref.  g,  h,  i.  Notes , 2 Sam.  12:9,10.)  Many  crimes  will  be 
found  to  be  sins  of  presumption,  which  did  not  appear  such  to 
the  offender,  at  the  time  when  he  committed  them.  Whenever 
we  set  our  own  inclinations  in  opposition  to  the  known  com- 
mand of  God  ; and  when  God  saith,  Thou  shalt  not , our  con- 
duct replies,  But  I will ; we  are  guihy  of  sins  of  presumption* 
and  though  the  matter  be  in  itself  trivial,  yet  the  daring  re- 
bellion is  exceedingly  atrocious.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  15:22,23.) 
For  an  offender  of  this  kind  no  sacrifice  was  appointed  : he 
was  condemned  to  bear  his  own  iniquity,  and  to  be  utterly  cut 
off : in  most  cases  by  a public  execution,  in  others  by  the 
immediate  judgment  of  God.  (Note,  2 Sam.  12:13.) 

V.  32 — 36.  This  example  was  evidently  introduced  to 
illustrate  the  foregoing  law.  A certain  person  was  observed 
gathering  sticks  on  the  sabbath-day,  in  contempt  of  the  com- 
mandment : and  he  was  condemned  as  a presumptuous  of- 
fender to  be  stoned,  for  a warning  to  the  rest;  which  sen- 
tence was  executed  the  next  day.  (Note,  Heb.  2:1 — 4.) 

V.  38 — 40.  The  word  rendered  “fringes,”  denotes  an 
ornament  resembling  a flower , which  Jieing  added  to  the  bot- 
tom of  the  skirts  of  thegoutward  garment,  and  tied  together 
on  each  division  of  it,  by  a riband  or  lace  of  a blue  colour, 
placed  upon  the  fringes,  would  render  the  wearer  conspicuous 
among  strangers.  But  it  was  especially  intended  as  a mark 
of  distinction,  which  thelraelifes  themselves  might  frequently 
look  upon,  and  so  be  put  in  mind  of  their  character  and  obli- 
gations as  the  worshippers  and  servants  of  Jehovah  : that 
they  might  remember  and  keep  his  commandments,  and  act 
consistently  in  all  places,  companies,  and  transactions  ; not 

( 279  > 


B.  n.  147  . 


NUMBERS. 


B.  C.  1471 


them  that  they  make  them  “Cringes  in  the  borders 
of  their  garments,  throughout  their  generations, 
and  that  they  put  upon  the  fringe  of  the  borders 
a riband  of  blue. 

33  And  it  shall  be  unto  you  for  a fringe,  that 
ye  may  look  upon  it,  and  rremember  all  the  com- 
mandments of  the  Lord,  and  do  them;  and  that 
>ye  seek  not  after  your  own  heart,  and  your  own 
eyes,  after  which  ye  use  to  lgo  a whoring; 

40  That  ye  may  remember  and  do  all  my  com- 
mandments, and  ube  holy  unto  your  God. 

41  I am  the  Lord  your  God,  which  xbrought. 
you  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  to  be  your  God:  I 
am  the  Lord  your  God. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Korah,  Dathan, and  Abiram , openly  rebel  ; and  Moses  falls  down  before  God , 
1 — 4.  Moses  remonstrates  with  Korah  for  seeking  the  priesthood  ; and  sends 
for  Dathan  and  Abiram , who  refuse  to  come, 5 — 15.  Korah  an  l his  company 
tjurn  incense , and  draw  together  the  congregation.  The  ploiy  of  the  Lord 
appears,  16 — 19.  He  threatens  to  consume  them;  but  is  stayed  by  the 
prayer  of  Closes  and  Aaron,  29 — 22  By  divine  command , Moses  calls  the 
people  away  from  the  tents  of  the  rebels , and  denounces  their  doom  ; the 
earth  opens  and  suallows  up  some,  while  fire  consumes  those  who  burnt 
incense,  23 — 35.  Their  censers  are  reserved  to  cover  the  altar,  for  ame- 
morial  to  posterity,  3d — 40.  'The  rebellion  is  renewed;  c plague  breaks 
out,  but  is  stopped  by  Aaron  burning  incense,  41 — 48.  The  number  that 
died,  19.  50 

NOW  aKorah,  the  son  oflzhar,  the  son  Kohath, 
the  son  of  Levi,  and  Dathan  and  Abiram, 
the  sons  of  Eliab,  and  On,  the  son  ofPeleth,  bsons 
of  Reuben,  took  men  ; 


qDeut.  22:12.  Ma  *.  9:20.  23:5.  Luke8:44.  rEx.l3:9.  Deut.  6:6— 9.  11:18 

—21,28—32.  Prov : 3: 1 . s Ueut. 29:19.  Job  3L7.  Pruv.  28:26.  Ec.  11:9.  Jer.  9: 
14.  Ex.  6:9.  t Ex.  34: 15,15.  i s.  73:27.  106:39.  Hos.  2:2.  Jam.  4:4.  u Lev.  11: 
41.45.  19:2.  Rom.  12:!.  Eph.  1:4.  Col.  1:2.  1 Thes.4:7.  1 Pet.  1:15,16.  x Lev. 
22:33.  25:38.  Ps.  105:45.  .Ter.  31:31—33.  32:37—41.  Ez.  36:25— 27.  1 Pet.  2:9,10. 
a 23:9.10.  21:3.  Ex. 6 :l$, 21.  Jude  11.  b Gen.  49:3,4.  1 Chr.  5:1,2.  c Gen  6:4. 
1 Chr.  5:24.  12:30.  Ez.  16:14.  23:10.  d 11.  12:1,2.  14:1—4.  Ps.  106:16.  Acts 
7:39,51.  * Keb.  It  is  much  for  you.  e Ex.  19:6.  Ezra  9:2.  Is.  1:11 — 16.  Jer. 


following  their  own  corrupt  inclinations,  or  yielding  to  the 
allurements  of  their  senses.  These  they  had  ever  shown  a 
strong  propensity  to  prefer  before  the  will  of  God,  and  had 
thus  frequently  been  seduced  into  idolatry , as  well  as  other 
heinous  sins. — Christ  was  obedient  to  this  law;  for  the  word 
translated  “ the  hem,”  or  border,  means  the  fringe  of  his 
garment:  and  the  Pharisees  ostentatiously  enlarged  their 
fringes. — It  is  remarkable  that  the  modern  Jews  generally 
neglect  this  precept  which  they  might  obey  , while  many  parts 
of  their  religion  are  become  absolutely  impracticable. — Some 
have  argued  that  it  would  prevent  much  wickedness  among 
the  clergy,  if  they  were  always  obliged  to  appear  in  their 
peculiar  habits : hut  wretchedly  abandoned  must  that  cler- 
gyman be,  who  needs  such  a restraint  from  open  wicked- 
ness. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  should  study  to  order  our  conduct  in  obedience  to  the 
several  commands  of  God,  in  that  manner  which  may  best 
conduce’  to  his  glory,  and  be  useful  to  those  around  us.  And, 
if  “ repentance  towards  God,  and  faith  towards  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,”  he  connected  with  godliness,  righteousness, 
love,  and  temperance,  in  our  daily  walk,  we  shall  attain  that 
end. — When  our  chief  delight  is  sought  in  the  ordinances  of 
God,  and  in  communion  with  him,  we  shall  find  access  and 
acceptance:  and  grateful,  adoring  love,  connected  with  benifi- 
rence  and  temperance,  will  lead  to  the  comfortable  enjoyment 
of  temporal  blessings.  But  alas  ! we  fallen  creatures  are 
always  violating  one  or  another  of  God’s  commandments, 
when  most  circumspect : and  even  those  slips  which  are 
accounted  small,  and  which  spring  from  ignorance  or  inad- 
vertency, are  not  pardonable  but  through  atoning  blood. 
Blessed  be  God  for  the  all-sufficient  sacrifice  of  Christ : to 
this  the  true  believer  may  always  have  recourse  ; and  he 
alone  feels  his  need  of  it  continually,  and  cannot  pervert  it 
into  an  encouragement  to  sin. — But  let  presumptuous  sinners 
tremble ; for  though  that  great  sacrifice  is  available  for  all 
who  humbly  repent  and  depend  upon  it ; it  enhances  the  guilt 
of  those  who  contemptuously  reject  it,  or  hypocritically  pro- 
fess to  rely  on  it,  while  they  allow  themselves  in  iniquity. 
Nor  have  any  persons  greater  cause  to  tremble,  than  they 
who,  in  hold  contempt  of  God’s  authority  violate  the  holy  rest 
of  the  sabbath-day  ; for  though  they  at  present  escape  punish- 
ment, yet  unless  they  repent,  the  Lord  will  at  length  u utterly 
cut  off  their  souls,  with  their  iniquity  upon  them:”  and  it 
must,  be  far  worse  with  us  as  a nation  than  it  was  with  Israel, 
when  they  provoked  God  in  the  desert ; for  they  generally 
regarded  the  sabbath,  we  almost  universally  break  it. — As 
we  sinners  of  the  Gentiles  are  now  fully  admitted  to  share 
the  benefit  of  the  Saviour’s  atoning  blood,  we  should  be  abun- 
dant in  our  spiritual  sacrifices  of  praise  and  thanksgiving  ; we 
should  boldly  profess  our  faith  in  the  sight  of  the  world,  and 
circumspectly  walk  according  to  it.  We  should  use  every 
means  of  refreshing  our  memories,  in  respect  to  the  precepts 
of  our  God,  of  animating  and  quickening  our  obedience,  and 
of  arming  our  minds  against  temptation.  We  should  learn 
to  mortify  all  our  sinful  inclinations,  and  to  regulate  and  sub- 
ordinate such  as  are  not  sinful  in. themselves,  that  we  may 
net  “ think  our  own  thoughts,  speak  our  own  words,  or  find 
( 280  ) 


2 And  they  rose  up  before  Moses,  with  certain 
of  the  children  of  Israel,  two  hundred  and  fifty 
princes  of  the  assembly,  'famous  in  the  congrega- 
tion, men  of  renown : 

3 And  they  agathered  themselves  together 
against  Moses,  and  against  Aaron,  and  said  unto 
them,  ' Ye  take  too  much  upon  you,  seeing  'all  the 
congregation  are  holy,  every  one  of  them,  and 
The  Lord  is  among  them : wherefore  then  lift  ye 
up  yourselves  above  the  congregation  of  the  Lord? 

4 And  when  Moses  heard  it,  .she  fell  upon  his 
face : 

5 And  he  spake  unto  Korah,  and  unto  all  his 
company,  saying,  Even  to-morrow  The  Lord  will 
show,  who  are  his,  and  huho  is  holy ; and  “will 
cause  him  to  come  near  nnto  him : 'even  him 
whom  he  hath  chosen,  will  he  cause  to  come  near 
unto  him. 

6 This  do  ; "Take  you  censers,  Korah,  and  all 

his  company ; * 

7 And  put  fire  therein,  and  put  incense  in  them 
before  the  Lord  to-morrow  : anil  it  shall  be, " that 
the  man  whom  the  Lord  doth  choose,  he  shall  be 
holy : ye  take  “too  much  upon  you,  ye  sons  of 
Levi. 

8 And  Moses  said  unto  Korah,  Hear,  I pray 
you,  ye  sons  of  Levi : 


7:3—12.  Malt.  3:9,10.  Rom.  2:28,29.  f 14:14.  35:34.  Ex.  29:45,46.  Ps.  68:17. 
g 45.  14:5.  20:6.  Josh.  7:6.  h Mai.  3:13.  2Tim.2:19.  i 3.  Lev.  21:6— 8,12- 
15.  Is.  61:5,6  . 1 Pet.  2:5—9.  Rev.  1:6.  5:9,10.  k Ex.  28.43.  Lev.  10:3.  Ps.  65: 
4.  Ez.  40:46.  44:15,16.  Eph.  2:13.  Heb.  10:19— 21.  117:5.  Ex.  23:1.  Lev.  8:2. 
1 Sam  2:28.  Ps  , 105:26.  John  15:16.  3cls  1:2,24.  13:2  15:7.22:14.  2 Tim.  2:3, 
4.  m 35— 40,46-48.  Lev.  10:1.  16:12,13.  1 Kines  18:21—  24.  n See  on  3:5. 
Eph.  1:4.  2Thes  2:13.  1 Pet.  2:9.  o 3.  1 Kings  18:17,18.  Malt.  21:23-27. 


our  own  pleasure but  that  we  may  seek  the  glory  of  the 
Lord,  and  do  his  commandments,  as  his  redeemed  and  holy 
people. 

NOTES?— Chap.  XVI.  V.  1 — 4.  We  are  not  informed 
of  the  date  of  this  rebellion : but  probably  it  was  soon 
after  the  congregation  had  been  sentenced  to  wander  in  the 
wilderness. — It  is  remarkable  how  the  giving  of  laws,  and  the 
breaking  out  of  rebellions,  are  interchanged  in  this  history; 
for  sin,  by  the  commandment,  takes  occasion  to  show  itself 
and  its  exceeding  sinfulness.  (Note,  Rom.  7:9 — 12.) — 
Korah  was  a near  relation  to  Moses  and  Aaron  : (Marg. 
Ref.  a.)  he  was  discontented  with  being  an  ordinary  Levitc, 
in  subjection  to  the  priests,  and  became  a competitor  with 
Aaron  and  his  sons  for  the  priesthood.  Dathan  and  Abiram, 
the  sons  of  Reuben,  Jacob's  first-born,  seem  to  have  aspired 
to  the  supreipe  authority,  as  rivals  to  Moses  ; probably  being 
also  displeased  with  the  pre-eminence  of  ihe  tribe  of  Judah. — 
On  is  only  once  mentioned ; either  he  repented,  or  he  was  of 
small  note  in  the  transaction.  The  former  rebellions  had 
been  mere  popular  tumults:  but  this  was  a regular  conspiracy, 
headed  by  persons  of  consequence,  abetted  by  many  of  the 
princes,  and  favoured  by  most  of  the  congregation.  Korah  is 
supposed  to  have  been  the  first  mover  of  this  insurrection  ; 
but  having  engaged  Dathan  and  Abiram,  by  their  assistance 
lie  soon  gained  over  others,  who  were  men  of  reputation  and 
influence  among  the  people:  and  they  intimated,  that  both  the 
civil  government  and  priesthood  had  been  usurped  by  Moses 
and  Aaron,  without  any  commandment  from  God.  Yet  they 
allowed  that  the  Lord  was  among  them,  and  had  shown  them 
special  regard,  when  this  could  be  rendered  subservient  to 
their  purpose:  and,  by  maintaining  that  all  the  people  were 
alike  holy,  they  attempted  to  overturn  the  whole  system,  civil 
and  religious,  which  the  Lord  had  established  among  them. 
Notes,  Ex.  19:6.)  The  two  hundred  and  fifty  princes,  who 
o not  appear  to  have  been  exclusively  Levites,  hut  heads  of 
the  families  in  the  several  tribes,  under  the  idea  that  the 
people  were  all  holy  as  the  worshippers  of  God,  thought  they 
had  as  good  a right  to  officiate  in  tile  priest’s  office,  as  Aaron 
and  his  sons.  They  likewise  accused  both  Moses  and  Aaron 
of  “taking  too  much  upon  them,”  and  of  “lifting  themselves 
up  above  the  congregation  of  the  Lord  ;”  because  every  thing 
respecting  the  priesthood,  the  services  of  the  Levites,  and 
the  arrangement  of  the  camps,  was  settled  according  to  their 
word,  without  the  counsel  or  approbation  of  them  and  their 
friends.  They  therefore  thought  that  this  extraordinary 
authority  ought  to  cease ; and  that  they,  and  the  other  princes, 
should  thenceforth  be  consulted,  and  share  the  dominion. — 
The  priesthood  was  the  pretext;  yet  the  civil  authority  was 
likewise  assailed. — Moses  fell  on  his  face  to  deprecate  the 
wrath  of  God.  and  to  seek  his  direction, 

V.  5 — 7.  (Note,  Ps.  65:4.)  Moses  was  directed  to  chal- 
lenge thoso  who  aimed  at  the  priesthood,  to  refer  the  matter 
in  this  way  to  the  Lord’s  decision,  if  they  would  venture  on 
so  perilous  an  appeal  : and  it  was  appointed  for  the  morrow, 
that  they  might  consider  and  deliberate  upon  il,  and  so  be 
induced  to  decline  it. — Nadah  and  Abihu,  though  priests,  had 
been  cut  off  for  burning  incense  with  strange  fire  ; and  i, 
would  he  at  their  own  peril,  if  these  pcrsi-i  s,  »ho  were  no 


B.  C.  1-171. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


L.  C.  1171 


9 Secmeth  it  but  t'a  small  thing  unto  you,  that 
the  Goil  of  Israel  hath  'iseparateil  you  from  the 
congregation  of  Israel,  to  bring  you  near  to  him- 
self, to  do  the  service  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
Lord,  and  to  stand  before  the  congregation  to 
minister  unto  them? 

10  And  he  hath  brought  thee  near  to  him,  and 
all  thy  brethren  the  sons  of  Levi  with  thee : rand 
seek  ye  the  priesthood  also  ? 

11  For  which  cause,  both  thou  and  all  thy  com- 
pany are  gathered  together  ‘against  the  Lord  : 
and  ‘what  is  Aaron,  that  ye  murmur  against 
him? 

12  And  Moses  sent  to  call  Dathan  and  Abiram, 
the  sons  of  Eliab  ; “which  said,  We  will  not  come 

up. 

13  Is  it  ‘a  small  thing  that  thou  hast  brought  us 
up  rout  of  a land  that  floweth  with  milk  and  honey, 
‘to  kill  us  in  the  wilderness,  except  “thou  make 
thyself  altogether  a prince  over  us  ? 

14  Moreover,  bthou  hast  not  brought  us  into  a 
jand  that  floweth  with  milk  and  honey,  or  given  us 
inheritance  of  fields  and  vineyards:  wilt  thou  "put 
out  the  eyes  of  these  men  ? we  will  not  come  up. 

15  And  Moses  was  ‘very  wroth,  and  said  unto 
the  Lord,  ‘‘Respect  not  thou  their  offering : eI  have 
not  taken  one  ass  from  them,  neither  have  I hurt 
one  of  them. 

16  And  Moses  said  unto  Korah,  f Be  thou  and 
all  thy  company  ^before  the  Lord,  thou  and  they, 
and  Aaron  to-morrow : 

17  And  take  every  man  his  censer,  and  put 
incense  in  them,  and  bring  ye  before  the  Lord 
every  man  his  censer,  two  hundred  and  fifty  cen- 
sers ; thou  also,  and  Aaron,  each  of  you  his  censer. 

18  And  they  took  every  man  his  censer,  and  put 

p 13.  Gen.  SO:  15.  1 Sam.  18:23.  2 Sam.  7:19.  Is.  7:13.  Ez.  34:18.  1 Cor.  4:3.  q Is 
53.  3:41—15.  8:14—16.  18:2—6.  Deal.  10:8.  2 Chr.  35:3.  Neh.  12:44.  Ez.  44:10, 
11.  Acts  13:2.  r Prov.  13:10.  Mail.  20:21,22.  Luke  22:24.  Rom.  12:10.  Phil.  2: 
3.  3 John  9.  s 3.  1 Sam.  8:7.  Luke  10:16.  John  13:20.  Rom.  13:2.  I Ex.  16:7,8, 
17:2.  1 Cor.  3:5.  u Prov.  29:9.  Is.  3:5.  1 Pet.  2:13,14.  Jude  8.  x See  on  9. 
y 11:5.  Ex.  1:11,22.  2:23.  z 20:3,4.  Ex.  16.3.  17:3.  aEx.2:14.  Ps.  2:2,3. 

Luke  19:14.  Acts  7:2>— 27,35.  b 45:8— 10.  See  on  Ex.  3:8,17.  Lev.  20:24. 

• Heb. fiorcour.  c 12:3.  Ex.  32:19.  Matt.  5:22.  Mark  3:5.  Ej.h.4:26.  d 6,7. 
Gen.  4:4,5.  e l Sam.  12:3,4.  Acts  20:33,34.  1 Cor.  9:15.  2 Cor.  1:12.7:2.  12:14 
— 17.  1 Thes.  2:10.  f See  on  6,7.  g 1 Sam.  12:7.  2 Tim.  2:14.  h 1,2.  i 42. 


priests,  ventured  on  this  highest  part  of  the  sacerdotal  office. 
(Note,  2 Chr.  26:16—23.) 

V.  8 — 11.  In  these  verses  Moses  particularly  addressed 
Korah,  and  the  other  sons  of  Levi,  and  charged  them  with 
despising  the  special  honour  which  God  had  vouchsafed  them, 
m appointing  them  to  the  service  of  the  sanctuary  ; and  with 
seeking  the  priesthood  also.  By  this  it  appears,  that  while 
Korah  charged  Aaron  and  his  sons  with  exercising  a usurped 
authority  ; he  really  meant,  by  the  assistance  of  the  Levites 
and  people,  to  exclude  them  and  to  seize  upon  the  honour  and 
emolument  o their  sacred  office  for  himself  and  his  family ! 
and  that  whilst  they  all  pretended  to  rise  up  against  Aaron, 
they  were  in  fact  gathering  together  in  rebellion  against  'the 
Lord. 

V.  12 — 14.  Moses,  as  the  ruler  whom  God  had  placed 
over  Israel,  summoned  Dathan  and  Abiram  to  appear  before 
him,  to  infornrhim  of  ihe  cause  of  this  insurrection : but  they, 
doubtless  aspiring  to  the  government,  would  not  own  his 
authority,  and  insolently  refused  to  appear  before  him.  They 
likewise  absurdly  and  basely  spake  of  Egypt,  where  they  had 
groaned  in  abject  servitude,  in  the  very  language  which  the 
Lord  had  used  concerning  tire  land  of  promise ! and  sarcasti- 
cally accused  Moses  of  deceiving  them  with  vain  expectations 
of  a valuable  inheritance,  which  they  were  never  likely  to  see ; 
and  of  usurping  dominion  over  the  nation.  They  charged 
him  likewise  with  attempting  to  impose  on  the  people,  with 
pretences  of  acting  by  divine  authority,  and  for  their  advantage 
while  he  was  sacrificing  all  their  interests  to  the  establish- 
ment of  a usurped  authority ; as  if  he  had  attempted  to  put 
out  their  eyes,  that  he  might  lead  them  when  blind  wherever 
he  chose. — The  cloak  of  religion  did  not  so  well  serve  the 
purposes  of  those,  who  aspired  to  the  civil  government ; and 
therefore  they  never  mentioned  the  Lord  at  all ; but  ascribed 
all  to  Moses,  as  if  they  had  never  witnessed  any  miracles,  or 
divine  interpositions  ! 

V.  15.  Respect  not,  See.]  That  is,  the  offering  of  incense 
by  Korah  a-  •!  his  company,  who  were  confederates  with 
Dathan  and  Abiram.  Much  mere  seems  to  have  been 
meant  than  was  expressed.  Moses  prayed,  that  some 
evident  effect  of  divine  wrath  might  vindicate  his  injured 
character,  and  confirm  his  authority  in  Israel.  He  was 
indeed  their  ruler,  under  God ; but,  so  far  from  oppressing 
!hem,  he  had  not  imposed  the  smallest  tax  on  them,  nor 
aken  even  as  a present,  so  much  as  an  ass  from  one  of 
hem.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  1 Sam.  12:2 — 7.) 

V.  16 — 18.  The  former  challenge  was  now  again  repealed: 
Vol.  I.— 36 


fire  in  them,  and  laid  incense  thereon,  and  stood 
in  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation 
with  Moses  and  Aaron. 

19  And  “Korah  gathered  all  the  congregation 
against  them  unto  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  o 
the  congregation:  and  ‘the  glory  of  the  Lorp 
appeared  unto  all  the  congregation. 

[Practical  Observations .] 

20  H And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  and  unto 
Aaron,  saying, 

21  kSeparate  yourselves  from  among  this  con- 
gregation, ‘that  I may  consume  them  in  a moment. 

22  And  "‘they  fell  upon  their  faces,  and  said,  O 
God,  “the  God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh,  shall  “one 
man  sin,  and  wilt  thou  be  wroth  with  all  the  con- 
gregation ? 

23  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

24  Speak  unto  the  congregation,  saying,  pGet 
you  up  from  about  the  tabernacle  of  Rorah, 
Dathan,  and  Abiram. 

25  And  Moses  rose  up,  and  went  unto  Dathan 
and  Abiram ; and  ithe  elders  of  Israel  followed 
him. 

26  And  he  spake  unto  the  congregation,  saying, 
■Depart,  I pray  you,  from  the  tents  of  these  wicked 
men,  and  touch  nothing  of  theirs,  lest  ye  be  cou- 
sumed  in  all  their  sins. 

27  So  they  gat  up  from  the  tabernacle  of  Korah, 
Dathan,  and  Abiram,  on  every  side : and  Dathan 
and  Abiram  came  out,  and  ‘stood  in  the  door  of 
their  tents,  and  their  wives,  and  their  sons,  and 
their  little  children. 

28  And  Moses  said,  ‘Hereby  ye  shall  know  that 
the  Lord  hath  sent  me  to  do  all  these  works ; for 
I have  not  done  them  “of  mine  own  mind. 

29  If  these  men  die  Rhe  common  death  of  all 


12:5.  14:10.  Ex.  16.7,10.  Lev.  9:6,23.  k Gen.  19:15— 22.  Jer.51:6.  Acts2:40. 
2 Cor.  6:17.  Eph.  3:6,7.  Rev.  18:4.  145.  14:12,15.  Ex.  32:10.  33:5.  Pa.  73:19. 
Is.  37:36.  m 4,45.  14:5.  n 27:16.  Job  12:10.  Ec.  12:7.  Is.  57:16.  Zech.  12:L 
Heb.  12:9.  o Gen.  18:23— 25.  2 Sara.  24: 1,17.  1 Cor.  13:7.  p See  on  21.  q 11: 
16,17,25,30.  r See  on 21 — 24.  Gen.  19:12— 14.  Deut.  13:17.  Is.  52:11.  Malt'  10. 
14.  Acls8:20.  13:51.  s 2 Kings  9:30,31.  Job  9:4.  40:10,1 1 . Prov.  16:18.  18:12. 
Is.  28:14.  I Ex.  4:1— 9.  7:9.  Deul.  18:22.  John  5:36.  11:42.  14  11.  u 24:13. 
1 Kings  18:36.  Jer.  23:16.  Ez.  13:17.  John  5:30.  6:38.  t Heb.  as  evert/  man 
diet/l . 


but  Aaron  and  Korah  were  directed  to  appear  together  on 
this  occasion,  as  the  competitors  for  the  priesthood,  between 
whom  the  Lord  was  about  to  decide.  It  is  certain  that  the 
company  met  in  the  court  of  the  tabernacle,  and  not  in  the 
sanctuary ; and  that  Aaron  in  this  critical  emergency  was 
required  to  burn  incense  in  the  court,  though  it  was  not  exactly 
regular:  (46)  for  the  sanctuary  could  not  have  contained  sc 
large  a company  without  great  inconvenience;  and  the 
people  would  not,  in  that  case,  have  witnessed  the  event, 
as  they  evidently  did. 

V.  19.  While  the  Levites,  and  others  of  their  party, 
presumptuously  burnt  incense:  Korah,  instead  of  directly 
joining  the  company  according  to  the  requirement  of  Moses, 
seems  to  have  been  employed  with  vast  success,  in  stirring 
up  the  whole  congregation  to  rebellion.  By  these  means  he 
gathered  them  together  to  witness  the  event  of  the  context: 
and  probably  he  intended  to  seize  the  disputed  prize,  perhaps 
with  the  slaughter  of  all  who  attempted  opposition,  had  not 
the  terrific  appearance  of  the  divine  glory  overawed  and 
intimidated  him  and  his  party. 

V.  22.  The  God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh.]  Man  is  a 
spirit  embodied  in  flesh,  the  creature  and  subject  of  God. 
This  relation  of  God  to  the  spirits  of  mortal  men  seems  to  be 
here  pleaded,  as  a reason  why  he  should  not  indiscriminately 
punish  the  whole  congregation:  for  he  was  acquainted  with 
the  inmost  spirits  of  men,  and  could  not  be  imposed  upon ; 
but  could  distinguish  both  the  innocent  from  the  guilty,  and 
the  tempters  from  the  tempted:  and  Moses  and  Aaron  seem 
charitably  to  have  hoped,  that  Korah  alone  had  sinned  pre- 
sumptuously ; and  that  the  rest  had  been  misled,  and  had 
sinned  ignorantly. 

Y.  24.  By  this  command  the  Lord  admitted  the  plea  oi 
Moses  and  Aaron  ; and  they  who  testified  their  repentance, 
by  separating  from  the  ringleaders  of  the  rebellion,  were 
exempted  from  their  punishment.  Thus  the  congregation 
escaped.,  though  many  rebels  perished  in  their  presumption. 

V.  26.  The  rebels,  with  all  that  belonged  to  them  were, 
as  an  accursed  thing',  devoted  to  utter  destruction.  (Notes, 
Lev.  27:28,29.  Josh.  7:13 — 15,23 — 26.)  The  people  there- 
fore were  forbidden  to  touch  tiny  thing  belonging  to  them ; 
that  they  might  enter  a solemn  protest  against  their  wicked- 
ness, acknowledge  the  justice  of  their  punishment,  and  express 
their  fear  of  being  involved  in  it. 

V.  27.  Though  the  insurgents  were  of  different  tribes, 
they  had  quitted  their  proper  situartions  in  the  camp,  ana 
pitched  their  tents  close  together ; or  they  had  formed  one 
( 281  ) 


b. C 1471. 


NUMBERS 


B.  C.  1471 


men,  or  if  they  be  "-visited  after  the  visitation  of 
all  men  ; then  nhc  Lord  hath  not  sent  me  : 

30  But  if  the  Lord  'make  "a  new  thing-,  and  the 
earth  open  her  mouth,  and  swallow  them  up,  with 
all  that  appertain  unto  them,  and  “they  go  down 
quick  into  the  pit ; then  ye  shall  understand  that 
these  men  have  provoked  the  Lord. 

31  And  it  came  to  pass  as  he  had  made  an  end 
of  speaking  all  these  words,  that  bthe  ground 
clave  asunder,  that  was  under  them: 

32  And  cthe  earth  opened  her  mouth,  and  swal- 
owed  them  up,  and  their  houses,  and  dall  the 
men  that  appertained  unto  Korah,  and  all  their 
goods. 

33  They,  and  all  that  appertained  to  them,  went 
down  alive  “into  the  pit,  and  the  earth  closed  upon 
them:  and  'they  perished  from  among  the  con- 
gregation. 

34  And  all  Israel  that  were  round  about  them 
efled  at  the  cry  of  them  : for  they  said,  hLest  the 
earth  swallow  us  up  also. 

35  And  there  'came  out  a fire  from  the  Lord, 
and  consumed  the  ktwo  hundred  and  fifty  men 
that  offered  incense. 

36  H And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

37  Speak  unto  Eleazar,  the  son  of  Aaron  the 
priest,  that  he  take  up  'the  censers  out  of  the 
burning,  and  scatter  thou  the  fire  yonder;  for 
they  are  “hallowed. 

38  The  censers  of  these  "sinners  against  their 
own  souls,  let  them  make  them  broad  plates  for  a 
covering  of  the  altar  ; lor  they  offered  them  before 
the  Lord,  therefore  they  are  hallowed  : and  they 
shall  be  °a  sign  unto  the  children  of  Israel. 

Z Ex.  20:5.  32:34.  Job  35:15.  15.10:3.  Jer.  5:9.  Lara.  4:22.  yl  Kings  22: 
23.  2 Ohr.  18:27.  * Heb.  create  a creature.  Is.  45:7,12.  z Job  31:3.  Is.  23:21. 
43:19.  Jer.  31:22.  n Ps.  55:15.  b 26: 10.  Dent.  11 :6.  Ps.  106:17.  c30.Gen.4: 
11.  Is.  5:14.  Rev.  12:16.  d 26:11.  27:3.  I Chr.  6:22,37.  Ps.  84:  85:  88:  titles. 
e Ps.  9:15.  55:23.  69:15.  143:7.  Is.  14:9,15.  Ez.  32: 18, .30.  f Jude  11.  g Is.  33: 
3.  Zech.  1-1:5.  Rev.  6:15— 17.  h 17:12,13.  i 11:1.  26:10.  Lev.  10:2.  Ps.  106: 
18.  k See  on  2.  1 See  on  7,18.  m See  on  Lev.  27:28.  nl  Kings  2:23.  Prov. 
1:18.  20:2.  Hab.  2:10.  o 40.  17:10.  26:10.  Ez.  14:8.  1 Cor.  10:11.  2 Pet.  2:6. 


large  tent,  as  the  rendezvous  of  the  whole  party.  (24)  Yet 
Dathan  and  Abiram  at  this  time  were  in  their  own  tents; 
and,  in  the  height  of  impiety  and  insolence,  appeared  with  all 
fcheir  families  at  the  doors,  as  setting  Moses  the  servant  of 
the  Lord  at  defiance. 

V.  28 — 34.  The  solemn  and  express  appeal  to  God,  and 
the  prediction  given  by  Moses,  combined  with  the  awful 
event  incontestably  to  demonstrate,  that  he  acted  by  divine 
authority  in  all  those  things  respecting  which  he  was  accused 
of  assuming  too  much. — It  is  probable,  that  Korah  was 
swallowed  up  with  Dathan  and  Abiram,  and  their  families; 
though  some  think  that  he  perished  by  fire.  Such  of  his 
household  as  remained  in  the  tent,  perished ; but  his  sons 
survived:  hence  it  may  be  concluded,  that  they  separated 
themselves  from  the  transgressors.  ( Notes , 26:10,1 1.) — The 
criminals,  when  they  saw  their  doom  inevitable,  cried  out  so 
lamentably,  that  the  Israelites  who  were  at  a distance  were 
alarmed  lest  the  same  judgment  should  overtake  them  also. — 
The  word  translated  the  pit,  is  often  rendered  hell:  but,  as 
the  little  children,  and  the  property  also,  went  down  into 
this  pit;  we  must  allow,  that  the  word  means  the  grave , 
or  an  unseen  state , whether  of  body  or  soul.  (Note,  Ps,  16: 
10.) 

Make  a new  thing.  (30)  Marg.  Note , Jer.  31:21,22. 

Y.  35.  These  two  hundred  and  fifty  persons  seem  to 
have  been  not  only  slain  by  the  fire,  but  also  entirely  con- 
sumed ; being  themselves  made  awful  sacrifices  to  the  justice 
of  God,  whose  priesthood  and  sacrifices  they  had  despised. 
For  no  mention  is  made  of  the  burial  of  their  bodies,  as  in  the 
case  of  Nadab  and  Abihu. — Aaron  may  be  supposed  to  have 
stood  close  by  the  persons  thus  consumed,  as  by  most  tremen- 
dous lightning ; and  not  only  to  have  escaped  unhurt,  but  to 
have  been  exempt  from  terror,  confidently  expecting  the 
decision  of  Jehovah  in  his  favour. — Moses  was  at  some 
distance,  as  it  appears,  with  the  other  company : for,  probably, 
the  two  awful  judgments  took  place  at.  the  same  time. 

V.  37 — 40.  These  censers,  having  been  once  presented 
to  God,  and  used  in  burning  incense,  though  in  an  uncom- 
manded  manner,  must  never  more  be  employed  about  ordi- 
nary purposes  : but  to  impress  the  greater  veneration  for 
that  typical  institution,  they  were  consecrated  to  the  Lord, 
and  used  in  such  a manner  as  to  remain  a constant  and  use- 
ful memorial  to  the  people  who  brought  the  sacrifices,  and  to 
the  Levites  who  assisted  in  offering. — It  was  an  awful  em- 
ployment for  Eleazar  to  gather  them  from  amidst  the  dread- 
ful conflagration  ; and  must  have  reminded  him  of  the  some- 
what similar  fate  of  his  brethren.  (Notes,  Leu.  10:1 — 3.) — 
Eleazar  was  appointed  to  this  service,  in  order  perhaps  to 
mark  him  out.  as  successor  to  the  high  priesthood.  Aaron 
was  full}  employed,  and  some  think  ho  might  have  contracted 
( 282  ) 


39  And  Eleazar  the  priest  took  the  brazen 
censers,  wherewith  they  that  were  burnt  had 
offered  ; and  they  were  made  broad  plates  for 
covering  of  the  altar  : 

40  To  be  a memorial  unto  the  children  of'Israe 
Pthat  no  stranger  which  is  not  of  the  seed  o. 
Aaron,  icome  near  to  offer  incense  belbre  the 
Lord,  that  he  be  not  as  Korah  and  as  his  com 
pany  ; as  the  Lord  said  to  him  by  the  hand  o* 
Moses. 

41  H But  on  the  morrow  rall  the  congregation 
of  the  children  of  Israel  murmured  against  Moses, 
and  against  Aaron,  saying,  “Ye  have  killed  the 
people  of  the  Lord. 

42  And  it  came  to  pass,  ‘when  the  congregation 
was  gathered  against  Moses,  and  against  Aaron, 
that  they  looked  toward  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation : and,  behold,  the  cloud  covered  it, 
and  "the  glory  of  the  Lord  appeared. 

43  And  Moses  and  Aaron  came  before  the  ta- 
bernacle of  the  congregation. 

44  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

45  "Get  you  up  from  among  this  congregation, 
that  I may  consume  them  as  in  a moment.  ?And 
they  fell  upon  their  faces. 

46  And  Moses  said  unto  Aaron,  Take  a censer, 
and  put  fire  therein  “from  off  the  altar,  “and  put 
on  incense,  and  go  quickly  unto  the  congregation, 
and  make  ban  atonement  for  them : for  “there  is 
wrath  gone  out  from  the  Lord;  the  plague  is 
begun. 

47  And  Aaron  took  as  Moses  commanded,  dand 
ran  into  the  midst  of  the  congregation ; and, 
behold,  the  plague  was  begun  among  the  people : 

p 3:38. 18:4 — 7.  Lev. 22:10.  2 Chr.  26:18-20.  Judell.  q 1 Kings  13:1— 3.  2Chr. 
26:16—21.  r See  on  1—7.  14:2.  Ps.  106:13,23.  Is.  26:11.  s 3.  2 Sam.  16:7,8. 

1 Kings  18:17.  Jer.  37:13,11.  38:4.  43:3.  Am.  7: 10.  Matt.  501.  Acts  5:28.  21:28. 

2 Cor.  6:8.  t 19.  u 19.  14:10.  20:6.  Ez.  16:7,10.  24:16  . 40:34,35.  LeT.9:23. 
x See  on  21 ,26.  y 22.  20:6.  1 Chr. 21: IS.  Malt. 26:39.  z Lev.  9:24.  10:1.  16: 
12,13.  Is.  6:6,7.  Rom.  5:9,10.  Heb.  7:25-27.  9:25,26.  Rev.  8:3—5.  a Ps.  141: 
2.  Mai.  1:11.  bKx.30:7— 10.  I.ev.  16:11— 16.  1 John  2:1,2.  c 1:53.  8:19.  11: 
33.  18:5.  1 Chr.  27:24.  Ps.  106:29.  d Matt.  5:41.  Rom.  12:21. 


defilement  ; but  no  mention  is  at  all  made  of  the  dead  bodies, 
which  seem  to  have  been  entirely  consumed,  leaving  not  the 
least  remains. — The  fire  in  the  censers,  as  unhallowed,  was 
thrown  aside,  probably  among  the  ashes. — It  was  the  intent 
of  the  rebels  to  injure  Moses  and  Aaron;  but  in  effect, they 
brought  destruction  upon  themselves  both  in  body  and  soul, 
even  as  if  they  had  expressly  designed  it. 

V.  41 — 43.  While  the  congregation  with  one  voice  most 
absurdly  imputed  the  opening  of  the  earth,  and  the  consum- 
ing fire,  to  Moses  and  Aaron,  as  if  they  had  caused  them  ; 
they  impiously  called  the  persons  thus  perishing  in  their  re- 
bellion, w the  people  of  the  Lord  !”  Nothing  can  possibly 
be  imagined  more  perverse  and  provoking  than  such  a con- 
duct.— It  is  likely,  that  the  cloud  had  disappeared  for  a while, 
during  the  dreadful  scenes  which  had  been  exhibited  : but 
now,  >vhen  the  whole  congregation  was  gathered  against 
MoSes  and  Aaron,  as  about  to  proceed  to  further  violence, 
it  reappeared,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  was  seen  in  it. — 
Moses  and  Aaron  seem  to  have  gone  to  the  tabernacle  for 
security,  and  to  intercede  for  the  people. 

V.  45 — 50.  Notwithstanding  the  intercession  of  Moses 
and  Aaron,  while  prostrated  before  the  tabernacle,  the  Lord 
proceeded  to  execute  vengeance  on  the  rebellious  Israelites, 
in  so  awful  a manner  as  evidently  to  show  them,  that  he 
could  have  consumed  the  whole  multitude  in  a moment.  It 
is  probable,  that  when  great  numbers  were  dying,  (perhaps 
the  most  daring  of  the  insurgents,)  by  a sudden  stroke  from 
an  invisible  hand  ; and  still  more  and  more  were  seized  with 
death,  even  by  hundreds  and  thousands  at  once : the  outcries 
of  the  sufferers,  and  their  neighbours,  made  Moses  acquainted 
with  the  dire  calamity  ; and  he,  most  cordially  attached  tc 
the  cause  of  his  ungrateful  brethren,  immediately  proposed 
to  Aaron,  without  the  loss  of  a moment,  to  take  fire  from  the 
altar  of  burnt-offering,  and  to  put  on  incense,  and  to  go  ana 
burn  it  in  the  very  midst  of  the  dying  Israelites  ; that  thus  the 
honour  of  the  Lord’s  own  institutions  might  he  engaged  in  the 
cause.  The  faith,  courage,  and  love  to  the  peoj  <e,  which 
Aaron  also  manifested  in  running , at  his  advanced  age. 
without  regard  to  consequences,  into  the  midst  of  an  enraged 
mu/titude,  and  a devouring  pestilence,  were  very  illustrious  . 
and  the  success  was  a decisive  proof  of  the  accent  ablcnoss 
and  efficacy  of  his  priesthood,  and  consequently  of  its  divine 
appointment.  Whilst  -they  Vvlio  presumed  to  hum  incense, 
were  themselves  consumed  ; by  nis  burning  of  incense,  the 
plague,  which  was  so  rapidly  wasting  the  congregut  on.  was 
instantly  stayed  ! In  this  lie  was  an  eminent  type  of  Christ, 
of  his  priesthood,  and  his  intercession,  by  which  his  atone- 
ment is  rendered  effectual  to  our  salvation.  (Ma  g.  lief. 
Note,  Ps.  99:6.)  Aaron  did  not  return  to  Moses,  till  th« 
plague  had  entirely  ceased. 


B C 1471 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


B.  C.  1471, 


•and  he  pul.  on  acense,  and  made  an  atonement 
for  the  people. 

48  And  'he  stood  between  the  dead  and  the 
living ; and  the  plague  was  stayed. 

49"  Now  they  that  died  it)  the  plague  were 
^fourteen  thousand  and  seven  hundred, beside  them 
that  died  about  the  matter  of  Korah. 

50  And  Aaron  hreturned  unto  Moses,  unto  the 
door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation . and 
the  plague  was  stayed. 

• See  on  a.  46.  Dent.  33:10,11.  Is.  53:10— 12.  f 18,35.  2.3:8 — 11.  2Sam.  24:16, 
17,23.  IChr. 21:26.  I Thee.  1:10.  1 Tim.  2:5,6.  Jam.  5:16.  1 John  5:14.  g32 
—35.25:9.  IChr. 21:14.  lleb.2:l— 3.  10:28,29.  12:25.  h 43.  1 Chr.  21:26— 30. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 19.  On  reading  this  chapter ‘we  may  well  inquire, 
for  what  purpose  these  events  were  thus  particularly  re- 
corded. In  order  to  derive  instruction  from  them,  we  should 
remember  that  the  house  of  Israel  was  “planted  a noble  vine, 
wholly  a right  seed  ;”  nor  can  we  reasonably  suppose  that 
they  were  of  a more  perverse  and  wicked  disposition  than 
other  people.  But  we  have  in  their  history  an  unflattering 
picture  of  human  nature,  a thorough  dissection  of  the  human 
heart.  Were  any  other  number  of  men  circumstanced, 
roved,  and  left  to  themselves  as  they  were:  and  were  their 
istory  written  with  as  complete  information  and  as  impartial 
a pen,  they  would  appear  at  least  as  black  as  Israel.  The  se- 
cret history  of  every  individual,  who  lives  and  dies  in  sin,  es- 
pecially from  under  the  means  of  grace,  when  made  known  at 
the  day  of  judgment,  will  be  found  a similar  compound  of  in- 
fidelity, ingratitude,  rebellion,  and  absurdity  ; yea,  the  true 
believer  sees  in  his  former  conduct,  and  feels  in  his  daily  ex- 
perience, that  his  heart  is  of  the  same  kind  as  that  of  Israel. 
This  trial  was  therefore  made  of  human  nature,  in  order  to 
expose  the  deceitfulness  and  desperate  wickedness  of  the 
human  heart ; that  we  might,  as  in  a glass,  see  the  reflection 
of  our  own  character ; be  led  to  examine  and  watch  our  own 
thoughts,  desires,  and  motives  ; to  judge  and  condemn  our- 
selves ; to  become  sensible  of  our  need  of  pardoning  mercy, 
and  sanctifying  grace  ; and  so  learn  to  seek  them  heartily  and 
earnestly.  Instead  therefore  of  expressing  our  surprise  and 
indignation  at  these  ancient  rebels,  let  us  look  to  ourselves  ; 
and  we  shall  soon  become  sensible  that  “ the  spirit  that  is  in 
us  lusteth  to  envy,"  pride,  ambition,  and  covetousness. — 
These  restless  passions  are  continually  called  forth  in'o  ex- 
ercise : and  whatever  advantages  men  enjoy,  by  their  rank 
in  life,  or  station  in  the  church  of  God  ; though  wealthy, 
“famous  in  the  congregation,  and  men  of  renown so  long  as 
God  withholds  any  imagined  blessing,  or  advances  any  one 
above  them,  they  experience  those  insatiable  cravings,  which 
•are  only  increased  by  indulgence. — Except  these  lusts  are 
subdued  by  the  grace  of  God,  suitable  occasions  and  tempta- 
tions would  induce  any  man  on  earth  to  despise  the  dominion 
which  God  hath  placed  over  him  ; to  treat  every  exercise  of 
authority  as  usurpation  and  oppression  ; to  aspire  at  a law- 
less independence,  or  to  seize  upon  the  authority  for  himself 
and  his  party  ; and  to  account  all  inferior  favours  and  mercies 
but  a small  thing.  Nor  can  any  wisdom,  equity,  or  excel- 
lence in  superiors  or  competitors,  abate  envy  and  enmity  ; or 
stop  the  mouths  of  those  from  slanderous  accusations,  who 
are  under  the  power  of  these  hateful  passions.  This  un- 
grateful and  injurious  conduct  towards  man,  is  often  accom- 
panied with  infidel  daring  rebellion  against  God ; which  no 
evidences,  no  judgments,  no  warnings,  no  mercies  can  re- 
press : or  if  they  give  its  malignity  a temporary  check,  it  af- 
terwards breaks  out  the  more  desperately.  And  if  it  should 
appear  better  to  suit  the  purpose,  he  is  capable  of  cloaking  his 
ambition  and  selfishness  under  a pretence  to  godliness,  and  a 
hypocritical  profession  of  being  the  Lord’s  holy  people. — Such 
is  human  nature  ! Such  are  our  hearts!  yea,  worse  than 
this,  even  “ desperately  wicked ; who  can  know  them  ?” 
Such  they  would  appear  to  be,  if  fully  proved  : such  they 
nave  in  a measure  appeared  already,  when  put  to  the  trial. 
And,  comparing  the  Lord’s  kindness  to  us  with  our  conduct 
towards  him,  during  our  past,  lives,  we  may  each  of  us  ex- 
claim, “It  is  of  his  mercies  that  we  are  not  consumed,”  -s 
Korah  and  his  company  were  ! — One  dreadful  effect  of  this 
depravity  is  the  daring  presumption,  with  which  numbers 
intrude  into  the  sacred  ministry,  from  the  base  motives  of 
covetousness  and  ambition,  and  love  of  ease  or  indulgence, 
without  any  suitable  dispositions,  without  any  delight  in  the 
work  or  love  for  it,  any  zeal  for  the  honour  of  God,  or  any 
deep  compassion  for  the  souls  of  perishing  signers.  Yet  will 
such  men  dare  to  say,  in  the  most  solemn  manner,  before 
God  and  his  congregation,  ‘ that  they  judge  themselves 
moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost  to  take  this  office  upon  them 
though  they  are  not  only  conscious  of  hypocrisy  in  this  de- 
claration, but  deride  the  very  inquiry  as  enthusiasm  ! Of 
such  conduct  the  Author  himself  was  guilty,  and  to  the  end 
of  his  days  would  be  abased  before  God  on  account  of  I 
it,  and  admire  and  adore  the  patience  and  loving-kindness  of 
the  Lord,  that,  instead  of  being  visited  alter  the  manner  of 
Korah,  it  hath  pleased  God  to  give  him  repentance  and  for- 
giveness ; and  to  employ  him  in  the  work  of  the  ministry, 
with  some  small  degree  of  usefulness  . “ for  where  sin  hath 
abounded,  grace  hath  much  more  abounded.”  And  he  men- 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

7 Tie  Lord  commands  twelve  rods,  one  from  each  tribe,  u..h  the  name  written 
on  it,  to  be  laid  up  before  the  ark,  l — 5.  Aaron's  rod  alone  buds,  blos- 
soms, and  bears  a/Trwn<l8,6 — 9.  It  is  laid  up  for  a memorial,  10,  11.  The 
people  are  affrighted,  and  despond,  12,  13. 

ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying’, 

2 Speak  unto  the  children  of’  Israel,  an<i 
take  of  every  one  of  them  a rod,  according  to  the 
house  of  their  fathers,  of  “all  their  princes,  ac- 
cording to  the  house  of  their  fathers,  twelve  '’rods : 
write  thou  every  man’s  name  upon  his  rod. 

al:5— 16.  2:3—30.  10:14—27.  b Gen.  49:10.'  Ex.  4:2,17.  Pa.  110:2.  125:3.  Eu 
19:14.  21:10,13.  37:16—20.  Mic.  7.14. 


tions  this  humiliating  subject,  not  only  that  the  pious  reader 
may  bless  God  in  his  behalf ; but  that  he  may  hope  and  pray 
earnestly  and  constantly  for  others,  who  lie  under  the  same 
guilt,  that  they  may  experience  the  same  grace.  For  our 
God  44  hath  mercy  on  whom  he  will  have  mercy.” 

V.  20 — 50.  The  Lord  will,  first  or  last,  manifest  44  who 
are  his,”  44  whom  ne  hath  chosen,”  44  and  who  are  holy :”  for 
it  is  not  enough  that  we  have  his  word  in  opr  hand,  or  his 
name  in  our  mouth,  unless  we  really  believe  his  truth,  and 
keep  his  commandments:  44  nor  will  doing  the  service  of  the 
sanctuary,”  and  “ standing  before  his  congregation,”  though 
with  acceptance  from  man,  and  usefulness  also,  prevent  the 
doom  of  the  hypocritical  and  rebellious  ; nay,  rather  _ they 
will  aggravate  it.  And  wo  be  to  them,  who  refuse  to  judge 
or  condemn  themselves,  till  the  Judge  detects  and  condemns 
their  iniquity  ! — He  is  44  the  God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh 
all  creatures  obey  him ; and  frequently  in  this  world  he 
makes  examples  of  the  wicked,  to  deter  others  from  sin. 
But  if  in  his  long-suffering  he  spare  them  here,  and  they 
still  persist  in  rebellion,  relapsing  again  and  again,  after  so- 
lemn warning,  and  with  still  greater  aggravations,  as  numbers 
do ; their  doom  will  be  the  more  dreadful  at  last : and  they  will 
indeed  be  cast  alive  into  the  bottomless  pit,  and  the  fire  of 
hell  will  continually  torment,  but  never  consume  them. 
(Note,  Heb.  2:1 — 4.) — Let  sinners  then  take  warning  from 
such  awful  judgments,  lest  they  too  be  swallowed  up:  let 
them  separate  from  the  wicked,  and  have  no  fellowship  with 
their  unfruitful  works,  but  rather  reprove  and  protest  against 
them,  if  they  would  not  be  associated  with  them  in  punish- 
ment. But  the  Lord  knows  how  to  distinguish  between  the 
deluded  and  the  presumptuous,  the  penitent  and  the  impeni- 
tent ; and  to  glorify  his  mercy  towards  the  one,  while  he  mag- 
nifies his  justice  upon  the  other,  and  records  their  doom  for  a 
useful  lesson  to  succeeding  generations. — Let  us,  however, 
turn  from  such  awful  objects  to  contemplate,  admire,  and  imi- 
tate the  effects  of  divine  grace  in  the  conduct  of  Moses  and 
Aaron,  in  their  patience,  fortitude,  meekness,  forgiveness  o. 
injuries,  and  unwearied  labours  and  prayers  for  the  welfare  of 
their  ungrateful  enemies.  May  we  have  the  same  testimony 
of  our  conscience  to  our  integrity  and  benevolence,  whenever 
we  are  falsely  accused : may  we  be  thus  angry  without  sin- 
ning, and  thus  able  to  u bless  them  that  curse  us 44  not  being 
overcome  with  evil,  but  overcoming  evil  with  good.”  Then 
will  the  Lord  protect,  vindicate,  and  honour  us  in  due  time,  in 
the  presence  of  our  opposers,  and  we  shall  be  blessed  our- 
selves and  blessings  to  others. — But  we  may  in  all  this  look 
unto  Jesus,  dying  for  us,  when  enemies ; praying  for  his  cru- 
cifiers ; hastening  between  the  dead  and  the  living,  with  the 
incense  of  his  meritorious  intercession,  to  stay  the  plague 
which  sin  had  occasioned,  and  by  which  multitudes  have 
perished,  and  by  which  we  all  must  otherwise  have  been 
eternally  ruined.  Through  him  we  are  spared  and  live:  may 
44  his  love  constrain  us  to  iive  no  longer  to  ourselves,  but  to 
him  who  died  for  us,  and  rose  again.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XVII.  V.  2—5.  The  rebellious 
spirit  excited  by  Korah  and  his  company  was  so  violent,  and 
had  spread  so  widely  through  all  the  tribes,  that  even  the 
awful  judgments  recorded  in  the  foregoing  chapter  did  not 
effectually  repress  it.  It  therefore  pleased  the  Lord  to  bring 
the  point  in  contest  to  decision,  by  a miracle,  significant  in 
itself,  and  harmless  in  its  effects.  He  had  before  expressly 
named  the  princes  of  the  several  tribes,  without  exact  regard 
to  primogeniture:  (Note,  1:5 — 16.)  and  he  had  appointed 

Aaron  to  the  priesthood,  and  also  to  he  prince  or  representa- 
tive of  the  tribe  of  Levi.  (Note,  3:5 — 10.)  To  confirm  his 
authority,  to  establish  the  priesthood  in  his  family,  and  finally 
to  silence  all  other  claims,  and  all  murmurs  on  this  account, 
were  the  express  ends  proposed  on  this  occasion.  ( Notes , 
16:1 — 7.) — The  rods  seem  to  have  been  sceptres,  or  badges  of 
authority  used  by  the  princes : but  some  think  they  were  all 
cut  out  of  the  same  almond-tree  on  this  occasion. — The  wri- 
ting was  doubtless  formed  in  such  a manner,  as  to  render  them 
certainly  distinguishable : and  the  Lord  expressly  foretold,  that 
one  of  them,  and  but  one,  should  blossom,  to  determine  the 
tribe  and  priesthood  which  he  had  chosen. 

V.  6 — 11.  Moses,  who  had  access  at  all  times  into  the 
most  holy  place,  left  the  rods  before  the  ark  all  night ; and  in 
the  morning  that  of  Aaron  was  covered  with  buds,  and  blos- 
soms, and  ripe  almonds ; but  those  of  the  other  princes, 
(though  probably  they  were  all  made  of  the  wood  of  the 
almond-tree,)  were  unchanged.  Thus,  beyond  all  dispute, 
the  Lord  showed  his  choice  of  the  tribe  of  Levi,  and  of  Aaroa 
( 263  ) 


B.  C 470. 


B.  C.  1470 


NUMBERS. 


3 At  d thou  shall  write  Aaron’s  name  upon  the^ 
rod  of  Levi : for  one  rod  shall  be  for  cthe  head  of 
the  house  of  their  fathers. 

4 And  thou  shalt  lay  them  up  in  the  tabernacle 
of  the  congregation,  ‘‘before  the  testimony,  where 
I will  meet  with  you. 

5 And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  the  man’s  rod 
•whom  I shall  choose,  shall  f blossom  : and  eI  will 
make  to  cease  from  me  the  murmurings  of  the 
children  of  Israel,  whereby  hthey  murmur  against 
you. 

6 ^ And  Moses  spake  unto  the  children  of 
Israel ; and  every  one  of  their  princes  gave  him 
*a  rod  apiece,  for  each  prince  one',  according  to 
their  fathers’  houses,  even  twelve  rods : and  the 
rod  of  Aaron  was  among  their  rods. 

7 And  Moses  laid  up  the  rods  before  the  Lord, 
in  ‘the  tabernacle  of  witness. 

8 And  it  came  to  pass,  that  on  the  morrow 
Moses  went  into  the  tabernacle  of  witness : and, 
behold,  the  rod  of  Aaron,  for  the  house  of  Levi, 
was  i budded,  and  brought  forth  buds,  and  bloomed 
blossoms,  and  yielded  almonds. 

9 And  Moses  brought  out  all  the  rods  from 
before  the  Lord  unto  all  the  children  of  Israel:  and 
they  looked,  and  tooit  every  man  his  rod. 

10  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  kBring 
Aaron’s  rod  again  before  the  testimony,  to  be  kept 
‘for  a token  against  the  h-ebels ; and  thou  shalt 
quite  take  away  their  murmurings  from  me,  that 
they  die  not. 

11  And  Moses  did  so : as  the  Lord  commanded 
him,  so  did  he. 

12  And  the  children  of  Israel  spake  unto  Moses, 
saying,  "’Behold,  we  die,  we  perish,  we  all  perish. 

t 3:2,3. 18:1,7.  Ex.  6;16, 20.  d Ex.  25:16— 22.29:42,43.  30:6,36.  eSee  on  16:5.  f8. 
Is.  5:24.  11:1.  27:6.  35:1,2.  Hos.  14:5.  g 10.  Is.  13:11.  Ez.  16:41.  23:27.  h See 
on  16:11.  * Heh.  a rod  for  one  prince,  a rod  for  one  -prince.  See  "n  2.  i 18:2. 

Ex.  38:21.  Acts  7:44.  ) Seeonb.  f.  Gen.  40:10.  Ps.  110:2.  132: 17,18.  Cant.  2:3. 
Is.  4:2.  E?..  17:24.  John  15:1—6.  k Heb.  9:4.  1 16:38,40.  Ex.  16:32.  Deut.  31:19 
— -2S.  f Heb.  children  of  rebellion.  1 Sam.  2:12  . 30:22.  Ps.  57:4.  Is.  1:2.  Hos. 
10:9.  Eph.  2:2,3.  5:6.  m 26:11.  Prov.  19:3.  Heb.  12:5.  n 1:51-53.  18:4 — 7. 
o'Gen.  3:3.  1 Sam.  6:19— 21.  2 Sam.  6:6— 12.  1 Chr.  13:11-13.  15:13.  Ps.  130: 
3,4.  Acts  5:5,11—14.  p 16:26  . 32:13.  Deut.  2:16.  Job  34:14,15.  Ps.  90:7.  Is.22. 

as  his  priest. — Accordingly,  the  rod  of  Aaron  was  laid  up 
“for  a token  against  the  rebels,”  and  probably  continued  in 
that  very  state  to  future  ages  ; (Heb.  9:4.)  and  no  mention  is 
made  in  the  whole  history  of  Israel  of  any  further  murmurs  on 
this  account.  ‘ This  was  a fit  emblem  of  the  Messiah’s  resur- 
rection, as  declarative  ...  of  his  priesthood’s  being  acceptable 
to  God ; nothing  being  more  fit  to  represent  one  raised  from 
the  dead,  than  a dead  branch ...  restored  to  vegetable  life, 
and  made  to  bud,  and  blossom,  and  bring  forth  fruit.’  Mac- 
laurin. 

V.  12,  13.  The  language  of  these  verses  is  exceedingly 
descriptive  of  a forced  submission,  attended  with  terror  and 
despondency,  and  an  inward  revolting  against  an  appoint- 
ment which  they  dared  no  longer  oppose.  And  it  signifi- 
cantly expresses  the  state  of  mind  and  heart  of  the  people, 
and  the  greatness  of  the  ferment  which  prevailed  among  them. 
In  the  preceding  events,  they  “despised  the  chastening  of  the 
Lord  ; ” and  now  “ they  fainted  when  rebuked  by  him.  ” 
(Note,  Heb.  12:4—8.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Though  “the  Lord  hath  no  pleasure  in  the  death  of  the 
wicked yet  such  is  his  holiness  and  justice,  that  continuance 
in  sin  is  inseparable  from  ruin:  he  therefore  graciously 
removes  the  occasions  of  offending,  that  men  may  be  pre- 
served from  condemnation.  He  gives  all  proper  satisfaction 
to  those  who  are  disposed  to  be  convinced,  and  manifest  the 
equity  of  his  determinations  to  every  impartial  and  humble 
inquirer : but,  as  we  have  no  claim  to  his  favours,  “ he  does 
what  he  willeth  with  his  own,”  and  deigns  not  to  assign  his 
reasons  for  making  one  man  to  differ  from  another. — Our  Lord 
Jesus  was  unanswerably  demonstrated  to  be  the  “ great  High- 
Priest  over  the  house  of  God,”  by  his  resurrection  from  the 
dead,  and  when  “ the  rod  of  his  strength  went  forth  out  of 
Zion,  and  multitudes  were  made  wilting  in  the  day  of  his 
lower,  in  the  beauties  of  holiness;”  and  when  through  him, 
* Israel  shall  blossom,  and  bud,  and  fill  the  face  of  the  work 
vith  fruit,”  it  will  appear  still  moro  illustriously  divine. 
(Notes,  Ps.  110:3.  Is.  26:19.  27:2—6.)  Nor  shall  those 
uinisters,  whom  he  chooses,  remain  as  dry  rods  before  him 
nd  his  church : but,  more  or  less,  sooner  or  later,  they  shall 
“bud,  and  blossom,  and  bear  fruit;”  both  that  of  holiness  in 
their  lives,  and  that  of  usefulness  in  their  ministry.  And 
•vhen  they  are  opposed  and  persecuted,  they  may  hope  with 
increasing  confidence  for  more  signal  success;  in  order  that 
their  adversaries  may  bo  silenced,  tile  faith  of  the  Lord’s  peo- 
ple established,  and  their  own  hearts  encouraged  in  their  work 
of  faith  and  labour  of  love. — And  whether  this  usefulness  be 
more  immediate,  or  he  longer  waited  and  prayed  for,  it  will 
< 284  ) 


13  "Whosoever  cometh  "any  thing  near  unto 
the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord  shall  die : shall  we  be 
^consumed  with  dying  ? 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

The  charge  of  the  priests  and  Leviles , 1 — 7.  The  portion  of  the  priests , 

0 20.  The  li'hee  assigned  to  the  Leviles,  and  the  lithe  of  that  iilhe  to  th* 

priests,  21 — 32. 

AND  the  Lord  said  unto  Aaron,  aThou  and  thy 
sons,  and  thy  father’s  house  with  thee,  shall 
*>bear  the  iniquity  of  the  sanctuary  ; and  thou  and 
thy  sons  with  thee  shall  bear  the  iniquity  of  your 
priesthood. 

2 And  thy  brethren  also  of  the  tribe  of  Levi, 
the  tribe  of  thy  father,  bring  thou  with  thee,  that 
they  may  be  "joined  unto  thee,  and  dminister  unto 
thee  : "but  tnou  and  thy  eons  with  thee  shall 
minister  before  the  tabernacle  of  witness. 

3 And  they  shall  keep  thy  charge,'  and  the 
charge  of  all  the  tabernacle:  ‘only  they  shall  not 
come  nigh  the  vessels  of  the  sanctuary  and  the 
altar,  that  ^neither  they,  nor  ye  also  die. 

4 And  they  shall  be  joined  unto  thee,  and  keep 
the  charge  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation, 
for  all  the  service  of  the  tabernacle  : and  ha  stran- 
ger shall  not  come  nigh  unto  you. 

5 And  ‘ye  shall  keep  the  charge  of  the  sanctu- 
ary, and  the  charge  of  the  altar ; that  there  be 
kno  wrath  any  more  upon  the  children  of  Israel. 

6 And  ‘I,  behold,  mI  have  taken  your  brethren  the 
Lcvites  from  among  the  children  of  Israel ; to  you 
they  are  "given  as  a gift  for  the  Lord,  to  do  the 
service  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

7 Therefore  thou  and  thy  sons  with  thee,  shall 
keep  your  priest’s  office  for  every  thing  of  the 
altar,  and  "within  the  veil ; and  ye  shall  serve  : I 


a 17:3,7,13.  Heb.  4:15.  b22.  14:34.  Ex. 28:38.  Lev.22:9.  Ez.  3:18,19.  Acts  20: 
25  27.  Heb.  13:17.  r 4.  Gen.  29:34.  d See  on  3:6— 9.  8: 19,22.  e4:15.  16:40. 

17  7.  1 Clir.  16:39,40.  2Chr.  30:16.  Ez.  44:15.  f Lite  on  3:25.31 ,36  . 4:19,20. 
e 4:15.  h 1 :51.  3:10.  1 Sam.  6:19.  2 Sam.  6:6,7.  i 8:2.  Ex.  27:21.  30:7.  Lev. 
24:3.  1 Chr.  9:19,23,33.  24:5.  1 Tim.  1:18.  3:15.  5:21.  6:20.  k 8:19.  16:46.  Jer. 
23:15.  Zech.  10:3.  I Gen.  6:17.  9:9.  Ex.  14:17.  31:6.  Is.  48:15.  51:12.  Ez.  34: 
11,20.  m See  on  3:12,45.  u See  on  3:9.  8:16 — 19.  oLev.l6:2,12 — 14.  Heb.  9; 
3—6. 


be  “fruit  which  shill  remain”  before  the  Lord,  to  his  ever- 
lasting glory,  and  their  eternal  recompense  ; and  in  the  church 
for  the  good  of  many,  after  they  have  finished  their  course. 
(Notes,  John  15:12 — 16.  v.  16.) — But  alas!  when  man’s  pre- 
sumption is  checked,  and  his  self-sufficiency  is  abated,  lie 
naturally  verges  to  the  opposite  extreme  : and,  in  unbelieving 
despondency  arising  from  hard  and  injurious  thoughts  of  God, 
neglects  divine  ordinances,  lest  he  should  be  guilty  of  profan- 
ing them : buries  his  talent  in  the  earth,  lest  lie  should  be 
condemned  for  wasting  it;  and  often  justifies  himself  in  both, 
because  he  cannot  merit  heaven  by  his  good  works ! — The 
Lord  give  us  grace  to  avoid  all  the  extremes,  into  which  an 
evil  heart  and  a subtle  enemy  combine  to  betray  us ! 

NOTES. — Chap.  XVIII.  V.  1.  Aaron  and  his  family 
were  now  confirmed  in  the  priesthood  against  all  competitors ; 
and  the  people  were  exceedingly  terrified  lest  the  tabernacle 
should  occasion  their  destruction:  but,  to  counterbalance  the 
honour  conferred  on  the  former,  and  to  allay  the  terrors  and 
abate  the  envy  of  the  latter,  it  was  declared  that  the  priests 
must  bear  the  blame  of  every  thing,  which  was  not  properly 
conducted  in  respect  of  the  tabernacle  and  its  service ; and 
that  the  people  had  in  this  respect  nothing  to  fear,  except  a 
presumptuous  intrusion  into  the  places  and  services,  from 
which  they  were  by  the  law  excluded.  But  the  priests  must 
be  very  circumspect,  active,  and  exemplary,  both  in  their 
ministrations  and  conversation,  else  they  would  soon  be  laden 
with  guilt,  which  their  sacrifices  could  not  expiate. 

V.  2 — 6.  Levi  signifies  joined,  (Gen.  29:34.)  and  the 
name  seems  alluded  to  in  this  appointment.  The  Lcvites, 
though  brethren  to  the  priests,  were  given  to  them  as  ser- 
vants ; and  the  menial  and  most  laborious  parts  of  tho  ser- 
vice, in  the  court  of  the  tabernacle,  were  allotted  them: 
but  the  priests  alone  might  minister  within  the  sanctuary,  and 
sprinkle  the  blood,  and  order  the  sacrifices  at.  tho  altar  of 
burnt-offering.  Nay,  tho  Lcvites  must  not  look  upon  the 
sacred  vessels  which  they  carried,  till  they  were  covered. 
(Notes,  4:5 — 18.)  The  ordinary  priests  performed  the  other 
services  ; and  the  high-priest  once  every  year  entered  within 
the  veil. 

V.  7.  A service  of  gift.]  Tho  priests  were  thus  taught 
to  account  their  work  and  charge  to  bo  a special  gift  and 
favour  from  God,  and  not  to  consider  them  as  a disagreeable 
appendage  to  tho  distinction  and  emolument  of  their  office. 
(Marg.  Rif.  p.) 

V.  10.  “The  most  holy  place"  here  signifies  the  precincts 
of  the  tabernacle,  which  wero  most  lio,y,  compared  with  the 
houses  or  tents  of  tho  priests. — It  was  ver  V proper  on  this 
occasion,  to  renew  the  grants  before  ins  llolc  the  priests  ; and 


B.  C.  1470. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


B.  C.  1470. 


have  given  your  priest’s  office  unto  you  fas  a ser- 
vice of  gift:  and  ithe  stranger  that  cometh  nigh 
shall  be  put  to  death. 

8 ^ And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Aaron,  Behold,  I 
also  have  givea  .oee  rthe  charge  of  mine  heave- 
offerings,  of  all  toe  hallowed  things  of  the  children 
of  Israel ; unto  thee  have  I given  them,  'by  reason 
of  the  anointing,  and  to  thy  sons,  by  an  ordinance 
for  ever. 

9 This  shall  be  thine  of  the  most  holy  things 
reserved  from  the  fire : every  oblation  of  theirs, 
‘every  meat-offering  of  theirs,  and  "every  sin-ofier- 
ing  of  theirs,  and  *every  trespass-offering  of  theirs, 
which  they  shall  render  unto  me  shall  be  most  holy 
for  thee,  and  for  thy  sons. 

10  In  rtlie  most  holy  place  shalt  thou  eat  it: 
•every  male  shall  eat  it : it  shall  be  holy  unto  thee. 

11  And  this  is  thine;  "the  heave-offering  of 
their  gift,  with  all  the  wave-offerings  of  the  children 
of  Israel : I have  given  them  bunto  thee,  and  to 
thy  sons,  and  to  thy  daughters  with  thee,  by  a 
statute  for  ever : 'every  one  that  is  clean  in  thy 
house  shall  eat  of  it. 

12  All  the  ‘best  of  the  oil,  and  all  the  best  of  the 
wine,  and  of  the  wheat ; dthe  first-fruits  of  them 
which  they  shall  offer  unto  the  Lord,  them  have 
I given  thee. 

13  And  'whatsoever  is  first  ripe  in  the  land, 
which  they  shall  bring'  unto  the  Lord,  shall  be 
thine  : every  one  that  is  clean  in  thine  house  shall 
eat  of  it  . 

14  Every  thing  ‘devoted  in  Israel  shall  be  thine. 

15  Every  t hirin'  that  sopeneth  the  matrix,  in  all 
flesh  which  they  bring  unto  the  Lord,  whether  it 
be  of  men  or  beasts,  shall  be  thine : nevertheless, 
hthe  first-born  of  man  shalt  thou  surely  redeem, 
and  the  firstling  of  unclean  beasts  shalt  thou  re- 
deem. 

16  And  those  that  are  to  be  redeemed  from  a 
month  old  shalt  thou  redeem,  ‘according  to  thine 
estimation,  for  the  money  of  five  shekels,  after  the 
shekel  of  the  sanctuary,  kwhich  is  twenty  gerahs. 

17  But  'the  firstling  of  a cow,  or  the  firstling  of 
a sheep,  or  the  firstling  of  a goat,  thou  shalt  not 
redeem,  they  are  holy : mthou  shalt  sprinkle  their 
blood  upon  the  altar,  and  shalt  burn  their  fat  for 
an  offering  made  by  fire,  for  a sweet  savour  unto 
the  Lord. 


p 16:5 — 7.  1 Sam.  2:28.  John  3:27.  Rom.  15:15,16.  Eph.  3:8.  Heb.  5:4. 
q 4.  3:38.  16:10.  r 5 9.  Lev.  6:16,18,20.  7:6,32-34.  10:14,15.  Deut.  12:6, 
21.  6:13.  s Ex.  29:21,29.  40:13,15.  Lev.  7:35.  8:30.  21:10.  Is.  10:27.  Heb.  1: 
9.  1 Jolm  2:20,27.  t Lev.  2:2,3.  10:12,13.  ti  Lev.  4:22.27.  6:25,26.  10:17. 
x Lev.  5:6.  7:1.  14:13.  y Ex.  29:31 ,32.  Lev.  6:16,26.  7.6.10:13,17.14:13. 
i Lev.  6:18,29  . 7:6  . 21:22.  a 8.  Ex.  29:27,28.  Lev.  7: 14,30— 34.  b Lev.  10:14. 
Deut. 18:3.  c Lev.  22:2,3,11— 13.  * Heb  .fat.  d 15:19— 21.  Ex.  22:29.  23:19. 
84:26.  Lev.  2:14.  23:17,20.  Deut.  18:4.  26:2.  Neh.  10:35-37.  e Ex.  22:29.  Jer. 
24:2.  Hos.  9:10.  Mic.7:l.  f Lev.  27:28.  Fz.  44:29.  mkrg.  « 3:13.  Ex.  13:2,12. 
34:20.  Ijev.  27:25.  h Ex.  13:13  . 34:20.  Lev.  27:27.  i 3:47.  Lev.  27:2-7.  k Ex. 


18  And  the  flesh  of  them  shall  he  thine,  "as 
the  wave-breast  and  as  the  right,  shoulder  are 
thine. 

19  All  "the  heave-offerings  of  the  holy  thir.gs 
which  the  children  of  Israel  offer  unto  the  Lord, 
have  I given  thee,  and  thy  sons  and  thy  daughter! 
with  thee,  by  a statute  lor  ever:  it  is  >’a  covenani. 
of  salt  for  ever  before  the  Lord  unto  thee,  and  tc 
thy  seed  with  thee. 

20  *0  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Aaron,  iThou 
shalt  have  no  inheritance  in  their  land,  neither 
shalt  thou  have  any  part  among  t hem : 1 'am  thy 

fiart  and  thine  inheritance  among  the  children  of 
srael. 

21  And  behold,  I have  given  the  children  of 
Levi  all  "the  tenth  in  Israel,  for  an  inheritance,  for 
their  service  which  they  serve,  'even  the  service  of 
the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

22  Neither  must,  the  children  of  Israel  hence- 
forth “come  nigh  the  tabernacle  of  the  congrega- 
tion, lest  they  xbear  sin,  ‘and  die. 

23  But  the  Levites  shall  ?do  the  service  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  they  shall  bear 
their  iniquity.  It  shall  be  a statute  for  ever 
throughout  your  generations,  that  'among  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  they  have  no  inheritance. 

24  But  "the  tiihes  of  the  children  of  Israel, 
which  they  offer  as  an  heave-offering  unto  the 
Lord,  I have  given  to  the  Levites  to  inherit; 
therefore  I have  said  unto  them,  Among  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  they  shall  have  no  inheritance. 

25  II  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  pay- 

ins'! 

26  Thus  speak  unto  the  Levites,  and  say  unto 
them,  When  ye  take  of  the  children  of  Israel*  the 
tithes  which  I have  given  you  from  tjiem  for  your 
inheritance,  bthen  ye  shall  offer  up  an  heave-offer- 
ing of  it  for  the  Lord,  even  ca  tenth  part  of  the 
tithe. 

27  And  this  your  heave-offering  shall  be  reck- 
oned unto  you  das  though  it  were  'the  corn  of  the 
thrashing-floor,  and  as  the  fulness  of  the  wine- 
press. 

28  Thus  ye  also  shall  offer  an  heav,  offering 
unto  the  Lord,  of  all  your  tithes  which  ye  receive 
of  the  children  of  Israel ; ‘and  ye  shall  give  there- 
of the  Lord’s  heave-offering  to  Aaron  the  priest 
29  Out  of  all  your  gifts  ye  shall  offer  every 

30:13.  Lev.  27:25.  Ez.  45:12.  1 Deut.  15:19 — 22.  m See  on  Lev.  3:2 — 5.  n Ex. 
29:26—28.  Lev.  7:31— 34.  o 8.  15:19— 21.  31:29.41.  l ev.  7:14.  Deut.  12:6. 
2 Chr.  31:4— 10.  p Lev.  2:13.  2 Chr.  13:5.  q 23,24.  26:62.  Lent.  10:9.  12: 12. 
14:27,29.  Josh.  14:3.  r Deut.  18:1,2.  Josh.  13:14,33.  18:7.  Ps.  16:5.  73:26.  142* 
5.  Lam.  3:24.  Ez.  44:28.  1 Cor.  3:21— 23.  Rev.  21:3.  s24— 26.  Lev.  27:30— 32. 
Pent.  12:17— 19.  14:22—29.  2 t hr.  31:5,6,12.  Neh.  10:37— 39-  12:44.  13:12 
Heb.  7:5—9.  t 6.  3:7,8,  1 Cor.  9:13,14.\Gal.  6:6.  u 7.  1:51.  3:1U,38.  x See  on 
Lev.  20:20.  22:9.  f Heb.  to  die.  y See  on  3:7.  z See  on  20.  a Mai.  3:8—10. 
h See  on  19.  c Neh.  10:38.  d Lev.  6:19 — 23.  e 30.  15:20.  Deut.  15:14.  2 Kings 
6:27.  Hos.  9:1,2.  f Gen.  14:18.  Heb.  6:20.  7:1—10. 


which  have  already  been  considered.  ( Marg . Ref.  Notes, 
Lev.  6:14 — 18.  7:1—10.) 

V 11-14.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Tax.  2:1—14.  7:29—34. 
23:15—21. 

V.  15—18.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  ExA3:U—lG.  Lev.  27: 

V.  19.  A covenant  of  salt.]  Note,  Lev.  2:13. — The  Lord 
established  it,  as  a perpetual  and  stable  covenant,  with  the 
family  of  Aaron,  and  an  unalterable  statute  to  Israel,  all  the 
time  they  possessed  Canaan,  that  the  priests  should  have  these 
perquisites  for  themselves  and  their  families;  by  reason  of 
their  anointing  to  the  sacred  office. 

V.  20.  No  inheritance,  &c.]  The  priests  and  Levites 
possessed  houses  and  lands  for  gardens  and  pasturage  in  the 
suburbs  of  their  cities ; and  they  might  purchase  estates  to 
the  year  of  jubilee  : but  they  had  no  portion  allotted  them  in 
the  division  of  the  land  of  Canaan  ; for  it  was  the  will  of 
God,  that  they  should  be  maintained  by  that  portion,  which 
he  reserved  to  himself  as  a rent  out  of  the  estates  of  the 
other  Israelites.  Thus  they  were  exempted  from  many  avo- 
cations and  snares,  which  the  cultivation  and  improvement 
of  lands  would  have  occasioned  ; and  were  plentifully  supplied 
with  every  thing  needful  and  comfortable.  At  the  same  time, 
their  interests  were  placed  in  an  inseparable  connexion  with 
the  maintenance  of  the  worship  of  God  : for  if  the  people 
vecame  generally  irreligious  or  idolatrous,  they  would  neither 
bring  sacrifices  nor  pay  tithes.  And  indeed  the  nature  of 
nan,  and  the  entail  of  the  priesthood  and  sacred  ministry 
•jpon  one  family  and  tribe,  would  render  it  proper  to  employ 
every  tie  and  motive,  to  engage  them  to  support  the  worship 
of  God  to  the  utmost  of  their  ability. 

V.  2! . The  Lord,  by  this  statute,  gave  the  Levites  a clear 
tenth  of  the  whole  increase  of  the  land  ; that  is,  of  the  labour 


and  improvements,  as  well  as  of  the  estates  of  all  the  other 
tribes.  This  was  a large  proportion  for  by  far  the  smallest 
tribe ; and,  when  joined  to  all  the  rest  assigned  them,  was  an 
abundant  provision.  But  the  other  tribes  would  have  also  the 
advantages  accruing  from  trade  and  manufactures,  in  which 
the  Levites  were  not  allowed  to  be  occupied. — This  tenth 
seems  to  have  been  the  common  stock  of  the  tribe,  and 
divided  among  them  accordingly : and  this  would  obviate  that 
common  bad  effect  of  tithes  ; namely,  the  contentions  which 
arise  about  them,  between  ministers  and  the  people  of  their 
peculiar  charge  : as  the  tithes  were  not  paid  toan  individual, 
but  to  a collective  body  : or  rather  they  were  presented  as  an 
oblation  to  God,  who  was  pleased  to  give  them  to  the  Levites. 
(U.) 

V.  25 — 32.  The  foregoing  regulations  were  delivered  to 
Aaron,  and  by  him  to  the  people : but  this  law,  immediately 
relating  to  the  interests  of  him  and  his  family,  was  given  by 
Moses. — The  Levites,  receiving  tithes  of  the  people,  gave  a 
tithe  of  them  to  the  priests ; and  some  have  conjectured  that 
the  tenth  of  this  tithe  was  allotted  for  the  high-priest’s  support, 
according  to  the  pre-eminence  to  which  he  was  advanced 
This  tithe  of  the  tithes  was  the  oblation  of  the  Levites  to  the 
Lord,  and  as  acceptable  as  that  which  was  paid  out  of  the 
estates  of  the  other  Israelites ; and  when  it  had  been  offered 
of  the  best,  they  might  use  the  rest  with  comfort  and  a good 
conscience,  as  if  it  had  been  the  produce  of  their  own  lands. 
But  they  would  pollute  the  holy  things , if  they  used  the  tithes 
without  separating  the  portion  assigned  to  the  griests. 

The  hallowed  part.  (29)  That  part  which  was  most  pro- 
per to  be  selected  as  Imllowerl,  or  devoted  to  God,  who 
requires  the  best  of  all  things  to  be  employed  in  his  immediate 
service. 

( 285  ) 


B.  0.  1470. 


NUMBERS. 


B.  C.  1470. 


he?  vc  offering  of  the  Lord,  of  all  the  'best  there- 
of even  the  hallowed  part  thereof,  out  of  it. 

40  Therefore  thou  shalt  say  unto  them,  When 
ye  have  heaved  gr,he  best  thereof  from  it,  then  it 
shall  he  counted  unto  the  Levites  as  the  increase 
ot  the  thrashing  oor,  and  as  the  increase  of  the 
wine-press. 

31  Ami  ye  shall  eat  it  hin  every  place,  ye  and 
your  households:  for  it  is  ‘your  reward  for  your 
service  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

32  And  ye  shall  kbear  no  sin  by  reason  of  it, 
when  ye  have  heaved  from  it  the  best  of  it : neither 
shall  ye  'pollute  the  holy  things  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  lest  ye  die. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

The  water  of  separation  directed  to  be  made  with  the  ashes  of  a red  heifer; 
and  all  who  prepared  these  mutt  be  cleansed  from  pollution , 1 — 10.  The 
cases  in  which  the  water  was  to  be  used,  and  how : the  soul  that  neglect- 
ed it  to  be  cut  off ; and  the  person  that  sprinkled  it  to  be  cleansed,  11 
—2*2. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  and  unto 
Aaron,  saying, 

2  This  is  "the  ordinance  of  the  law  which  the 
I.ord  hath  commanded,  saying,  Speak  unto  the 
children  of  Israel,  that  they  bring  thee  ba  red 
heifer  without  spot,  wherein  is  cno  blemish,  and 
dupon  which  never  came  yoke. 

3  And  ye  shall  give  her  unto  Eleazar  th?  priest, 
that  he  may  bring  her  forth  “without  the  camp, 
and  one  shall  slay  her  before  his  face. 

• Hel i.fat.  e 28.  Gen.  43:11.  Deul.  6:5.  Prov.  3:9,10.  Mai.  1:8.  Matt.  6: 
83.  10:37—39.  Phil.  3:8,9.  h Petit.  11:22,23.  i Matt.  10:10.  Luke  10:7.  1 Cor. 
9:10—11.  Gal.  6:6.  1 l ira.  5:17,18.  k 22.  Lev.  19:8.  22: 16.  1 Lev.  22:2,15. 

a 31:21.  Heb.  9:10.  b 6.  Lev.  14:6.  Is.  1:18.  Rev.  1:5.  t.  See  on  Ex.  12:5.  Lev. 
22:20—23.  Lake  1:35.  Heb.  7:26.  I Pet.  1: 19.  2.22.  dDeut.21:3.  1 Sam.  6:7. 

Lam.  1:14.  Joint  10:17,18.  Phil.  2:6-8.  e 5:2.  15:36.  Lev.  4:12,21.  13:45,46. 
16:27.  24:14.  Heb.  13:11— 13.  f Lev.  4:6,17.  16:14,19.  Heb.  9:13,14.  12:24. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  office  of  a minister  is  a good  work,  and  an  important 
charge  ; and  to  be  employed  and  trusted  in  it,  to  be  approved 
faithful  and  made  useful,  is  the  greatest  honour  and  favour 
which  God  ever  confers  upon  mortal  man.  But  it  is  weighty 
and  perilous  : “ the  iniquity  of  the  priesthood,”  and  “ of  the 
sanctuary,”  forms  the  most  aggravated  guilt,  and  will  sink  the 
mercenary,  the  careless,  and  the  profligate  minister  into  the 
deepest  condemnation ; besides  occasioning  wrath  upon  the 
people,  and  dragging  them'  down  with  him  into  destruction. 
Ail  therefore,  who  are  thus  employed,  should  “ rejoice  with 
trembling  and  “ take  heed  to  themselves,  and  to  their  doc- 
tripe  ;”  not  “ entangling  themselves  in  the  affairs  of  this  life  ,” 
(Note,  2 Tim.  2:3 — 7.)  but  considering  the  Lord  as  their  Por- 
tion, tile  interests  of  godliness  as  their  interests,  and  the  glory 
of  God  in  the  salvation  of  souls,  as  their  grand,  their  sole 
object.  They  who  desire  this  good  work  should  look  to  it, 
that  their  molives,  dispositions,  and  qualifications  are  such, 
as  may  give  them  a reasonable  ground  to  hope,  that  they  will 
“ be  approved  of  God,  as  workmen  that  need  not  be 
ashamed  and  that  the  maintenance  which  they  receive,  may 
be  indeed  “ for  their  service  in  the  sanctuary.” — On  the  other 
hand  it  is  the  Lord’s  pleasure,  “ that  they  who  preach  the 
gospel  should  live  of  the  gospel,”  and  he  preserved  from  the 
anxieties  and  temptations  of  pinching  poverty  ; that  they  may 
have  no  occasion  to  engage  in  secular  business,  or  inducement 
to  flatter  the  rich,  or  lo  be  silent  out  of  pecuniary  considera- 
tions. Nay,  it  is  his  will,  that  they  should  not  only  have 
enough  to  maintain  their  families,  and  punctually  to  discharge 
their  debts;  but  that  they  should  have  a surplus  for  pious  and 
charitable  uses,  and  that  they  should  thus  employ  it : not  luxu- 
riously spending,  or  covetously  hoarding  it,  but  living  them- 
selves, and  leaving  their  families  to  live,  in  dependence  on 
Providence.  It  is  therefore  criminal  not  only  to  defraud,  but 
to  be  niggardly  to,  the  ministers  of  God,  and  their  maintenance 
must  not  be  considered  as  an  alms  or  an  imposition,  but  their 
just  due,  as  the  Lord’s  portion  out  of  men’s  estates,  which 
being  withheld  will  pollute  the  enjoyment  of  all  tho  rest. — 
Whatsoever  is  offered  to  the  Lord  must  he  of  the  best ; and 
they  who  have  him  for  their  inheritance,  will  be  well  provided 
for  in  this  world  and  in  the  next,  without  tho  embarrassments 
and  cares  which  perplex  others. — Let  us  then  endeavour  to 
know  and  do  our  own  work  diligently ; to  he  contented  with 
our  daily  bread,  and  thankful  fur  it;  to  seek  our  inheritance 
and  our  treasure  in  heaven  ; to  “set  our  affections  on  things 
above  ;”  to  have  our  conversation  heavenly ; to  consider  our- 
selves as  “strangers  and  pilgrims  upon  earth;”  and  to  leave 
the  eager  pursuit  of  earthly  things  to  those  who  know  no 
better  tree  ires  to  be  desired  or  enjoyed. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XIX.  V.  2.  Intimations  had  before 
been  given,  concerning  the  method  of  purification  from  cere- 
monial defilement,  which  is  prescribed  in  this  chapter.  (8:7.) — 
The  red  colour  of  the  heifer  being  expressly  insisted  on,  must 
be  supposed  to  have'  had  some  meaning.  Atrocious  guilt  is 
spoken  of  as  crimson  and  scarlet ; blood  is  the  atonement  for 
sin  ; ard  the  vengeance  executed  by  the  Lord  on  his  enemies, 
b represented  by  his  garments  being  red  with  their  blood,  (/s. 
( 23S  ) 


4 And  Eleazar  the  priest  shall  take  of  her 
blood  with  his  finger,  and  'sprinkle  of  her  blood 
directly  before  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation 
seven  times. 

5 And  one  shall  burn  the  heifer  in  his  sight ; 
sher  skin,  and  her  flesh,  and  her  blood,  with  her 
dung,  shall  he  burn. 

6 And  the  priest  shall  take  ''cedar-wood,  and 
hyssop,  and  scarlet,  and  cast  it  into  the  midst  of 
the  burning  of  the  heifer. 

7 Then  the  priest  shall  'wash-  his  clothes,  and 
he  shall  bathe  his  flesh  in  water,  and  afterward  he 
shall  come  into  the  camp,  and  the  priest  shall  be 
unclean  until  the  even. 

8 And  he  that  burnetii  her  shall  wash  his  clothes 
in  water,  and  bathe  his  flesh  in  water,  and  shall 
be  unclean  until  the  even. 

9 And  a man  that  is  lelean  shall  gather  uj:  the 
ashes  of  the  heifer,  and  klay  them  up  without  the 
camp  in  a clean  place  ; and  it  shall  be  kept  lor  the 
congregation  of  the  children  of  Israel,  for  'a  water 
of  separation  ; it  is  a purification  for  sin. 

10  And  he  that  gathereth  the  ashes  of  the 
heifer  shall  mwash  his  clothes,  and  be  unclean 
until  the  even : and  “it  shall  be  unto  the  children 
of  Israel,  and  unto  the  stranger  that  sojourneth 
among  them,  for  a statute  for  ever. 

1 1 H He  that  “toucheth  the  dead  body  of  any 
'man  shall  be  unclean  seven  days. 


1 Pet.  1:2.  g Ex.  29:14.  Lev.  4:11,12,21.  Pe.  22:14.  Is.  53: 10.  hl.ev.  14:4,6, 
49.  Ps.  51:7.  Is.  1:18.  Heb:  9:19— 23.  i 8,19.  Lev.  11 :25,40.  14:8,9.15:5.16:26 
—28.  118.  9:13.  2 Cor.  5:21.  Heb.  7:26.  k 17.  1 13,20,21.  6-6,12.  31:23,24. 

Lev.  15:20.  Zech.  13:1.  2 Cor.  7:1.  m See  on  7,8,19.  n 15:15,16.  Ex.  12:49. 
Rom.  3:29,30.  Col.  3:11.  o 16.  5:2.  9:5,10.  31:19.  Lev.  11:31.  21:1,11.  Hag.  2: 
13.  Rom.  5,12.  2 Cor.  6:17.  Eph.2:l.  Heb.  9:14.  ' Heb.  soul  of  man. 


63:2.)  Perhaps  these  things  might  be  alluded  to. — Christ 
never  bare  the  yoke  of  sin ; nor  would  he  have  been  subject 
to  the  yoke  of  the  law,  except  for  our  sakes  and  as  our 
Surety.  ( Note , Gal.  4:4 — 7.) 

V.  3.  The  high-priest  must  not  on  any  account  know- 
ingly contract  defilement;  and  therefore  the  next  priest  to 
him  officiated  in  this  ceremony,  not  only  at  this  time,  but 
probably  on  all  future  occasions  of  the  same  kind. 

V.  4.  Before  the  tabernacle .]  Either  towards  the  taber- 
nacle when  without  the  oaVnp,  as  it  is  generally  thought ; o. 
in  the  court  of  the  tabernacle,  when  the  solemnity  without  the 
camp  was  finished. 

V.  5 — 10.  This  oblation  differed  from  all  other  sacrifices, 
in  that  the  heifer  was  slain,  not  in  the  court  of  the  tabernacle, 
but  without  the  camp  ; the  greater  part  of  the  blood,  and  ali 
the  fat  were  burned  with  the  skin  and  carcass;  and  the  same 
things  were  cast  into  the  burning,  which  had  been  appointed 
in  the  case  of  a leper  when  cleansed.  ( Note , Lev.  1 4:4 — 7.) 
Yet  it  is  evident,  that  it  was  for  substance  an  atoning  sacri- 
fice ; and  the  typical  purifying  efficacy  of  the  ashes  was 
derived  from  the  typical  expiation,  made  by  the  spotless 
animal  thus  slaughtered. — Every  circumstance  was  ordered, 
so  as  to  impress  the  mind  with  an  idea  that  the  heifer  was 
extremely  polluted  and  polluting;  and  that  by  thus  carrying 
the  pollution  out  of  the  camp,  it  made  way  for  the  purification 
of  the  people.  Even  Eleazar,  by  superintending  the  transac- 
tion and  sprinkling  the  blood,  was  rendered  unclean,  as  well 
as  he  who  burned  the  heifer : and  when  a clean  person  had 
collected  the  ashes,  he  also  in  some  decree  partook  of  the 
pollution  ! — Thus  Christ,  our  unblemished  Sacrifice  and 
Sanctification,  bearing  our  sins,  suffered  without  Jerusalem 
by  the  hands  of  the  Romans,  yet  by  the  decree  and  under  tho 
inspection  of  the  chief  priests:  and  though  his  death  was 
u according  to  the  determinate  counsel  and  foreknowledge  o! 
God;”  yet  every  one  concerned  in  it  contracted  guilt  and 
pollution  of  the  most  aggravated  kind. — The  ashes  of  tho 
heifer  thus  prepared,  and  carefully  kept  apart  from  those  oS 
the  wood  with  which  it  was  burned,  were  laid  up  in  some 
clean  place  without  the  camp,  that  the  water  of  separation 
(or  the  water  for  purifying  those  who  were  separated  fot 
ceremonial  pollution)  might  be  made,  by  putting  a small 
quantity  of  them  into  spring-water.  This  water  must  be 
frequently  wanted  by  the  whole  multitude  of  Israelites:  yet, 
as  a little  would  suffice,  the  ashes  of  one  heifer  might  last  for 
some  considerable  time  ; and  the  nature  of  ashes,  which  do 
not  easily  corrupt,  might  also  typify  tho  abiding  efficacy  of 
the  atonement  ofChrist.  Hut  that  man  must  be  endued  with 
an  uncommon  measure  of  credulity,  who  can  believe  the 
assertions  of  tho  Rabhies,  that  the  ashes  of  this  one  heifer 
lasted  the  whole  nation,  and  the  strangers  sojourning  among 
them,  till  the  days  of  Solomon! — It  is  reasonable  to  suppose, 
that  after  the  people  were  settled  in  Canaan,  ashes  for  this 
purpose  were  placed  in  every  neighbourhood,  for  the  con- 
venience of  all  who  needed  them. 

V.  11.  It  does  not  appear  that  the  touch  of  an  unclean 
person,  or  of  any  other  tiling,  required  nis  hi  rdensomo  puri- 
fication, except  that  of  a dead  human  bcdy%  or  grant,  flw  — 


ft.  C.  1490. 


CHAPTER  XX 


E.  C.  1490 


12  He  shall  '’purify  himself  with  it  on  the  third 
day,  and  on  the  seventh  day  he  shall  be  clean: 
but  if  he  purify  not  himself  the  ‘'third  day,  then 
the  seventh  day  he  shall  not  be  clean. 

13  Whosoever  toucheth  the  dead  body  of  any 
man  that  is  dead,  and  rpurifieth  not  himself,  de- 
fileth  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord;  and  that  soul 
shall  be  cut  oil-  from  Israel : because  ‘the  water  of 
separation  was  not  sprinkled  upon  him,  he  shall  be 
unclean  ; ‘his  uncleanness  is  yet  upon  him. 

14  This  is  the  law  when  a man  dieth  in  a tent : 
all  that  coine  into  the  tent,  and  all  that  is  in  the 
tent,  shall  be  unclean  seven  days. 

15  And  "every  open  vessel  which  hath  no  cover- 
ing bound  upon  it,  is  unclean. 

16  And  whosoever  “toucheth  one  that  is  slain 
with  a sword  in  the  open  fields,  or  a dead  body, 
or  ?a  bone  of  a man,  or  ‘a  grave,  shall  be  unclean 
6even  days. 

17  And  for  an  unclean  person  they  shall  take  of 
the  'ashes  of  the  burnt  heifer  of  purification  for 
sin,  and  'running  water  shall  be  put  thereto  in  a 
vessel : 

18  And  "a  clean  person  shall  take  hyssop,  and 
dip  it  in  the  water,  and  sprinkle  it  upon  the  tent, 
and  upon  all  the  vessels,  and  upon  the  persons 
that  were  there,  and  upon  him  that  touched  a 
bone,  or  one  slain,  or  one  dead,  or  a grave  : 

19  And  the  clean  person  bshall  sprinkle  upon 
the  unclean  on  the  third  day,  and  on  the  seventh 
day : and  on  'the  seventh  day  he  shall  purify 
himself,  and  wash  his  clothes,  and  bathe  himself 
in  water,  and  shall  be  clean  at  even. 

20  But  the  man  that  shall  be  unclean,  and  ‘'shall 
not  purify  himself,  that  soul  shall  be  cut  off  from 
among  the  congregation,  because  he  hath  defiled 
the  sanctuary  of  the  Lord  : the  water  of  separa- 
tion hath  not  been  sprinkled  upon  him ; he  is 
unclean. 


1)17,18.  Ps.51:7.  Ez.  36:25.  Acts  15:9.  Re*.  7:14.  q 31:19.  Ex.  19:11,15.  Lev. 
7:17.  Hos.  6:2.  1 Cor.  15:3,4.  r 15:30.  Lev.  5:3.6,17.  15:31.  Heb.  2:2,3.  10: 
29.  Re*.  21:8.  22:11,15.  s 18.  8:7.  t Lev.  7:20.  22:3.  Prov.  14:32.  John  8:24. 
u 31:20.  Lev.  11:32.  14:36.  x 11.  31:19.  y Ez.  39:11—16.  z Melt.  23:27.  Luke 
11:44.  * Heb.  dust.  9.  t Heb.  living  waterb  shall  be  given.  Gen.  *26;19.  marg. 
Cant.  4:15.  John  4:10,11.  7:38.  Rev.  7:17.  a 9.  Ps.51:7.  Ez.  36:2-5-27.  John 
15:2,3.  17:17,19.  1 Cor.  1:30.  Heb.  9:14.  b Eph.  5:25— 27.  Tit.  2:14.  3:3—5. 
I John  1:7.  2:1,2.  Jude23.  Rev.  1:5,6.  c 12.  31:19.  Gen.  2:2.  Lev.  14:9.  d See 
on  13.  15:30.  Gen.  17:14.  Mark  16:16.  Acts  13:39—41.  Rom.  2:4,5.  2 Pet.  3:14. 
Rev.  22:11.  e Lev.  1 1 ;25,4U.  16:26—28.  Heb.  7:19.  9:10,13,14.  10:4.  fLev.7: 


It  is  worthy  of  notice,  that  no  object  is  so  offensive  to  our 
senses  as  a human  body  in  a state  of  putrefaction  ; for  death 
in  man  alone  is  the  wages  of  sin,  the  execution  of  the 
sentence  of  God’s  law  upon  a condemned  criminal.  The 
hatefulness  of  sin  is  therefore  strongly  marked  in  the  circum- 
stances of  this  purification : but  through  Christ  the  very 
nature  of  death  is  changed  to  the  believer,  and  the  defilement 
of  it  is  removed. 

V.  12—20.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  21.  The  Jews  say,  that  ‘ even  Solomon  could  not 
understand  the  mystery,  how  the  same  water  should  pollute 
the  clean  person,  and  cleanse  the  polluted.’  But  the  defiling 
nature  of  sin,  and  the  insufficiency  of  the  ceremonial  observ- 
ances, except  m their  reference  to  Christ,  are  denoted:  and 
.he  mystery  is  revealed  to  him,  who  “beholds  the  Lamb  of 
God,  that  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world.” 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

They  who  seem  to  lay  an  exclusive  claim  to  reason,  yet 
allow  the  divine  inspiration  of  the  Scriptures,  and  will  not 
say  that  God  commands  any  thing  unreasonable , should 
seriously  consider  what  rational  account  can  be  given  of  these 
appointments,  or  what  use  can  be  made  of  them,  if  we  do  not 
refer  them  to  those  doctrines,  which  they  object  to,  or  per- 
haps deride.  But  comparing  them  with  the  New  Testament, 
and  with  the  undeniable  character  of  human  nature,  the 
propriety  and  instructi  ve  use  of  them  become  evident.  Fallen 
man  is  actually  sunk  in  some  respects  below  the  beasts  that 
perish,  and  is  in  a most  abject  condition,  an  object  of  the 
divine  displeasure  and  abhorrence:  yet,  by  an  astonishing 
•nfatuation,  he  admires  and  flatters  himself,  loses  sight  of  his 
(lliliiness,  and  accounts  his  very  death  as  a matter  of  course, 
instead  of  an  ignominious  execution  upon  the  body,  and  an 
introduction  to  a more  dreadful  condemnation  of  the  immortal 
sou!!— Now,  his  true  condition  was,  in  these  institutions, 
presented  before  his  eyes,  and  the  humiliating  consideration 
forced  upon  his  attention.  Here  we  learn  the  defiling  nature 
of  sin,  which  contaminates  whatever  it  touches ; and  we  are 
warned  to  avoid  “ evil  communications,  which  corrupt  good 
manners;”  and  not  to  associate  with  sinners  unless  to  benefit 
them,  and  then  with  great  fear  and  care,  lest  instead  of 
cleansing  them  we  should  be  defiled  by  them.  From  the 
pollution  of  sin  we  must  be  cleansed,  or  we  never  can  enter 
Beaven ; nor  can  it  be  removed,  except  in  a method  of  the 


21  And  it  shall  be  a perpetual  statute  unt6 
them,  that  'lie  that  sprinkleth  the  watfcr  of  sepa- 
ration shall  wash  his  clothes,  and  he  that  toucheth 
the  water  of  separation  shall  he  unclean  until 
even. 

22  And  f whatsoever  the  unclean  person  touch- 
eth shall  be  unclean  : and  gthe  soul  that  toucheth 
it  shall  be  unclean  until  even. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

The  people  come  to  Zin , where  Miriam  dies , 1.  They  murmur  for  wat‘r, 
2—6.  Moses  speaks  to  the  people  in  anger  and  unadvisedly,  and  smites  the 
rock,  instead  of  speaking  to  it,  as  ordered;  water  is  given,  but  Moses  and 
Aaron  are  doomed  to  die  in  the  wilderness,  7 — 13.  Edom  refuses  Israel 
a passage  through  their  land,  14 — 21.  At  mount  Hor,  Aaron  res  gns  hi* 
priesthood  to  Eleazar , and  dies ,22 — 29. 

THEN  came  the  children  of  Israel,  even  the 
whole  congregation,  “into  the  desert  of  Zin, 
in  the  first  month:  and  the  people  abode  in  bKadesh; 
and  'Miriam  died  there,  and  was  buried  there. 

2  And  there  was  dno  water  for  the  congrega 
tion : and  they  'gathered  themselves  together 
against  Moses  and  against  Aaron. 

3  And  the  people  chode  with  Moses,  and  spake, 
saying,  f Would  God  that  we  had  died  ®when  our 
brethren  died  before  the  Lord. 

4  And  hwhy  have  ye  brought  up  the  congrega- 
tion of  the  Lord  into  this  wilderness,  ’that  we  and 
our  cattle  should  die  there  ? 

5  And  wherefore  have  ye  made  us  to  come  up 
out  of  Egypt,  to  bring  us  in  unto  'this  evil  place  ? it 
is  no  place  of  seed,  or  of  figs,  or  vines,  or  of  pome- 
granates ; neither  is  there  any  water  to  drink. 

6  And  Moses  and  Aaron  went  from  the  pre- 
sence of  the  assembly,  unto  the  door  of  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation,  and  kthey  fell  upon  their 
faces ; and  'the  glory  of  the  Lord  appeared  unto 
them. 

7  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

8  Take  rathe  rod,  and  gather  thou  the  assembly 
together,  thou  and  Aaron  thy  brother,  and  "speak 

19.  Hag. 2:13.  g Lev.  15:5.  Matt.  15:19,20.  Mark  7.21— 23.  a 13:21.  27:11 
33:36.  Dent.  32:51.  h 16.  Ps.29:8.  c 12:1,111,15.  26:59.  Ex. 2:4,7.  15:20.  Mic 
6.4.  il  Ex.  15:23,24.  17:1—4.  e 11:1—6.  16:3,19,42.21:5.  Ex.  16:2,7,12.  1 Cor. 
10:10,11.  f 14:1,2.  Ex.  16:2,3.  Job  3:10,1 1 . g 11:33,34.  14:36,37.  16:31 — 35, 
49.  Lam.  4:9.  h 11:5.  Ex.  5:21.  17:3.  Ps.  106:21.  Ads 7:35,  39,40.  i 16:13, 
14,41.  Ex. 14:11  12.  16:3.  ] 16:14.  Petit.  8:15.  Neh.  9:21.  Jer.  2.2,6.  Ez.  20:36. 
k 14:5.  16:4,22,45.  Ex.  17:4.  Josh.  7:6.  1 Chr.  21 : 16.  Ps.  109:3,4.  Mall.  26:39. 
112:5.  14:10.  16:19,42.  Ex.  16:10.  m21:15— 18.  Ex.  4:2,17.  7:20.  14:16.  17: 
5,9.  n Gen.  18:14.  Josh.  6:5,20.  Ps.  33:9.  Matt.  21:21.  Mark  11:22—24.  Luko 
11:13.  John  4:10— 14.  16:24.  Acts  1:14.  2:1— 4.  Rev.  22:1,17. 

Lord’s  own  appointing.  The  atoning  sacrifice  of  Christ  is 
the  only  purchase  of  our  purification ; his  Holy  Spirit  apply- 
ing salvation  to  the  soul  is  the  only  efficient  cause;  the  living 
water  and  the  ashes  of  the  sacrifice , the  pardoning  efficacy 
and  the  sanctifying  grace,  are  never  separated.  By  faun, 
(like  this  bunch  of  hyssop,)  in  the  use  of  the  instituted  means, 
we  are  both  justified  and  sanctified.  Thus  the  guilt  and 
dominion  of  sin  are  removed,  and  its  pollution  by  repeated 
applications  gradually  cleansed  away,  until  at  length  its 
existence  is  finally  destroyed.  No  degree  of  guilt  or  pollution 
can  bar  the  salvation  of  that  man  who  avails  himself  of  this 
provision : but  the  least  sin  will  for  ever  ruin  such  as  pre- 
sumptuously despise  and  neglect  it.  Though  we  cannot 
contrive,  merit,  or  effect  salvation  for  ourselves  or  others; 
yet  we  may  use,  or  we  may  neglect,  the  means  of  applica- 
tion : and  we  may  be  instrumental  either  to  tho  salvation,  or 
to  the  destruction,  of  those  connected  with  us.  And  ever, 
they,  who  are  most  usefi.il  to  their  fellow-sinners,  should 
recollect  that  they  also  need  cleansing ; not  only  in  their 
other  conduct,  but  even  in  respect  to  their  most  honest  and 
zealous  endeavours  to  save  the  souls  of  their  fellow-sinners. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XX.  V.  1.  For  more  than  thirty- 
seven  years,  Israel  had  now  abode  in  the  wilderness,  con- 
fined as  in  a prison  by  the  power  of  God ; during  all  which 
time,  scarcely  any  thing  is  recorded  about  them,  except  that 
the  old  generation  had  almost,  all  died  off,  and  a new  one  was 
risen  up  in  their  stead.  But  in  the  first  month  in  the  forlivt-s 
year,  the  history  is  resumed,  and  we  find  them  at  Kadesh  .n 
the  wilderness  of  Zin,  on  the  confines  of  fanaan,  not  in  that 
of  Sin,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Ret.  Sea.  (Ex.  16:1.) 
Here  Miriam,  who  must  have  been  at  least  one  hundred  and 
thirty  years  of  age,  died  and  was  buried. — This  Kadesh  is 
supposed  to  have  been  a different  place  from  Kadesh-barnea 
before  mentioned,  and  further  from  the  south  of  Canaan  ; so 
that  Israel  could  not  in  that  route  enter  Canaan,  without  pass- 
ing through  a part  of  the  land  of  Edom. 

Y.  2 — 5.  It  is  not  recorded,  how  long  the  water  from  tho 
rock  in  Horeb  followed  Israel,  or  whence  they  had  been  su]>- 
plied.  But  being  at  this  time  in  want  of  water,  the  new  gene- 
ration imitated  the  rebellion  of  their  fathers,  hy  murmuring, 
desponding,  wishing  they  had  been  struck  dead  by  the  hand 
of  God  as  others  of  the  nation  liaa  been,  and  quarrelling  with 
Moses  and  Aaron.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

( 287  > 


E.  C. 1490. 


NUMBERS 


B.  C.  149C 


ye  unto  the  rock  before  their  eyes,  and  it  shall  give 
forth  his  water,  and  thou  shalt  “bring  forth  to  them 
water  out  of  the  rock  : so  thou  shalt  give  the  con- 
gregation and  their  beasts  drink. 

9 And  Moses  took  the  rod  from  Pbefore  the 
Lord,  as  he  commanded  him. 

10  And  Moses  and  Aaron  gathered  the  congre- 
gation together  before  the  rock,  and  he  said  unto 
them,  Hear  now,  ‘'ye  rebels  ; must  rwe  fetch  you 
water  out  of  this  rock? 

11  And  Moses  lifted  up  his  hand,  and  with  his 
rod  he  “smote  the  rock  twice : and  'the  water  came 
out  abundantly:  and  the  congregation  drank,  and 
their  beasts  also. 

12  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  and  Aaron, 
Because  ye  “believed  me  not,  "to  sanctify  me  in  the 
eyes  of  the  children  of  Israel,  therefore  yye  shall 
not  bring  this  congregation  into  the  land  which  I 
have  given  them. 

13  This  is  Hhe  water  of  'Meribah ; because  the 
children  of  Israel  strove  with  the  Lord,  and  “he 

Tiias  sanctified  in  them.  [Practical  Observations."] 

14  *il  And  bMoses  sent  messengers  from  Kadesh 
unto  the  king  of  Edom,  Thus  saith  cthy  brother 
'srael,  Thou  knowest  all  the  travail  that  hath 
fbefallen  us  ; 

15  How  dour  fathers  went  down  into  Egypt, 
and  we  have  “dwelt  in  Egypt  a long  time  ; and 
the  Egyptians  f vexed  us  and  our  fathers. 

16  And  when  =we  cried  unto  the  Lord,  he  heard 
our  voice,  and  hsent  an  Angel,  and  hath  brought 
us  forth  out  of  Egypt ; and,  behold,  we  are  in 
Kadesh,  a city  in  the  uttermost  of  thy  border. 

17  Let  us  pass,  I pray  thee,  'through  thy  coun- 
try : we  will  not  pass  through  the  fields,  or  through 
the  vineyards,  neither  will  we  drink  of  the  water 
of  the  wells ; we  will  go  by  the  king’s  high-way, 
we  will  not  turn  to  the  right  hand. nor  to  the  left, 
•jntil  we  have  passed  thy  borders. 

0 Neh.  9:15.  Ps.  78:15.16.  105:41.  114:8.  18.41:17,18.43:20.48:21.  p 17:10. 
q Deut.  9:24.  Ps.  108:32,33.  Malt.  5:22.  Luke  9:54,55.  Acts  23:3-5.  Eph.  4: 
20.  Jain.  3:2.  r 11:22,23.  Gen.  40:8.  41:16.  Dan.  2:28— 30.  Acts  3:12-16. 
14:9— 15.  R-om.  15:17— 19.  1 Cor.  3:7.  s 8.  Lev.  10:1.  1 Sam.  15:13,14,19,24. 

1 Kings  13:21—24.  1 Chr.  13:9,10.  15:2,13.  Matt.  28:20.  Jam.  1:20.  I Ex.  17:6. 
Dent.  8:15.  1 1 os . 13:5.  1 Cor.  10:4.  n 11:21,22.  2 Chr.  20:20.  Is.  7:9.  Mall.  17: 
17,20.  Luke  1:20,45.  Rom.  4:20.  x 27:14.  Lee.  10:3.  Deut.  1:37.  32:51.  Is.  8: 
13.  1 Pet.  3:15.  y 24.  11:15.  Deut.  3:23—26  . 32:49,50  . 34:4.  Josh.  1:2.  John  1: 
17.  z Deut.33’8.  Ps.  106:32.  * That  is,  strife.  Ex.  17:7.  Deut.  32:51.  Meribah - 
Kadesh.  a Is.  5:16.  Ez.  20:41.  36:23.  38:16.  b Judg.  11:16,17.  cGen.32:3,4. 
Deut.  23:7.  Obad.  10—12.  Mai.  1:2.  f Heb./ctmd  us.  Ex.  18  8.  d Gen  46:6. 


V.  8.  It  has  been  shown,  that  the  waters  from  the  rock  in 
Horeb  typified  the  sanctifying  and  comforting  influences  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  communicated  to  us  through  the  atonement 
of  Chrisr,  when  smitten  for  our  sins.  (Notes  and  P.  O.  Ex. 
17:1 — 7.)  The  smiting  of  the  rock  needed  not  to  be  repeated : 
for  though  it  was  not  the  same  rock,  it  was  the  outward  sign 
of  the  same  spiritual  benefit.  ( Note , 1 Cor.  10:1 — 5.)  It 
was,  therefore,  only  requisite  to  speak  to  it.  And  thus,  Christ 
having  been  once  smitten,  “ and  wounded  for  our  transgres- 
sions,” needs  not  to  be  smitten  any  more ; but  only  to  be  spoken 
tp  by  the  prayer  of  faith  accompanying  the  preaching  of  the 
gospel ; and  the  waters  will  flow  forth. — The  pretended  sacri- 
fice of  the  mass  seems  to  be  an  imitation  of  Moses’s  error,  in 
repeatedly  smiting  the  rock,  when  he  ought  only  to  have  spoken 
to  it. 

V.  9.  As  Moses  utook  the  rod  from  before  the  LORD” 
many  suppose  t hat  M the  rod  of  Aaron  which  blossomed”  was 
meant : hut  it  is  not  improbable,  that  the  rod,  with  which 
Moses  wrought  so  many  miracles,  was  also  generally  laid  up 
in  the  sanctuary.  Whatever  rod  was  meant,  it  was  only  in- 
tended to  be  a token  of  the  divine  power  to  he  exerted,  and 
ought  not  to  have  been  used  in  smiting  the  rock. 

V.  10 — 13.  Though  the  people  were  rebels , and  .Moses 
called  them  so  at  other  times  without  offence,  yet  he  evidently 
upake  at  this  time  in  an  angry  spirit.  He  also  assumed 
hor.cur  to  himself  and  to  Aaron,  instead  of  giving  glory  to 
Gad,  when  he  inquired,  “Must  we  fetch  you  water  out  of 
this  rock?”  He  seems  not  firmly  to  have  believed  that  the 
water  would  be  given,  and  he  did  not  think  it  sufficient  to 
“speak  to  the  rock,”  and  therefore  he  hastily  smote  it,  and 
repeated  the  stroke  immediately;  though  the  sign  of  speaking 
was  probably  intended  as  a rebuke  to  the  people,  who  were 
hot,  so  obedient  to  the  Lord’s  command  as  the  very  rocks  were. 
In  this  view  of  his  conduct  we  perceive  that  he  was  very  cul- 
pable ; the  Lord  considered  it  as  exceedingly  dishonourable 
to  his  name;  and  he  knew  Aaron  likewise  to  bo  highly  crimi- 
nal : though  the  water  therefore  was  not  withheld,  yet  the  relief 
to  Israel  was  followed  by  a severe  rebuke  to  Moses  and 
Aaron,  and  a sentence  of  exclusion  from  Canaan. — They 
were  eminent  characters:  the  eyes  of  all  Israel  were  upon 
them  ; and  their  improper  conduct,  and  want  of  confidence  in 
the  power  and  faithfulness  of  God,  rendered  it  expedient  that 
( 238  ) 


18  And  Edom  said  unto  him,  Thou  shalt  not 
pass  by  me,  lest  I come  out  against  thee  with  the 
sword. 

19  And  the  children  of  Israel  said  unto  him, 
kWe  will  go  by  the  high-way;  and  if  I and  my 
cattle  drink  of  thy  water,  then  I will  pay  for  it . 
I will  only,  without  doing  any  thing  else,  go  through 
on  my  feet. 

20  And  he  said,  'Thou  shalt  not  go  through. 
And  Edom  came  out  against  him  with  much 
people,  and  with  a strong  hand. 

21  Thus  Edom  refused  to  give  Israel  passage 
through  his  border : mwherefore  Israel  turned 
away  from  him. 

22  II  And  the  children  of  Israel,  even  the  whole 
congregation,  journeyed  from  "Kadesh,  and  came 
unto  "mount  Hor. 

23  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  and 
Aaron  in  mount  Hor,  by  the  coast  of  the  land  of 
Edom,  saying, 

24  Aaron  shall  be  Pgathered  unto  his  people : 
for  he  shall  not  enter  into  the  land  which  I have 
given  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  ^because  ye  re- 
belled against  my  Lvord  at  the  water  of  Meribah. 

25  "Take  Aaron  and  Eleazar  his  son,  and  bring 
them  up  unto  mount  Hor; 

26  And  “strip  Aaron  of  his  garments,  and  put 
them  upon  Eleazar  his  son  : and  Aaron  shall  be 
gathered  unto  his  people,  and  shall  die  there. 

27  And  Moses  did  as  the  Lord  commanded; 
and  they  went  up  into  mount  Hor  in  the  sight  of 
all  the  congregation. 

28  And  Moses  stripped  Aaron  of  his  garments, 
and  ‘put  them  upon  Eleazar  his  son  : and  Aaron 
“died  there  in  the  top  of  the  mount : and  Moses 
and  Eleazar  came  down  from  the  mount. 

29  And  when  all  the  congregation  saw  that 
Aaron  was  dead,  they  "mourned  for  Aaron  thirty 
days,  even  all  the  house  of  Israel. 


Acts  7:15.  e Gen.  15:13.  Ex.  12:40.  fll:5.  16:13.  Ex.  1 : 11— 11,16,22.  5:14. 
Acts  7:19.  g Ex.  2:23,24.  3:7—9.  6:5.  14:10.  h Ex.  3:2— 6.  14:19.  23:20.  33; 
2.  121:1,22— 24.  Deut.  2:1—4,27,29.  It  Deut.  2:6,28.  I 18  Gen.  27:41.  32:6 
Judg.  11:17,20.  Ps.  120:7.  Ez.  35:5,11.  Am.  1:11.  m Deut.  2:4— 8.  23:7.  Jmlg 
11:18,24.  ul,14,16.  13:26.  33:36,37.  Ez.  47:19.  48:28.  o21:4.  33:37,38.  34:7 

p 27:13.  31:2.  Gen.  15:15.  25:8,17  . 35:29.  49:29,33.  Deut.  32:50.  Judg.  2:10 
2 Chr.  34:28.  q See  on  11,12.  % Heb.  vwuth.  4:27.  mars,  r 33:38,39.  b Ei 
29:29,30.  Is.  22:21,22.  Heb.  7: H, 23 ,24.  t 27:16— 23.  Deal.  31:7,8.  34:9.  1 Chr 
22:11.12,17.  23:5—9.  Acts  20:25-29  . 2 Pet.  1:15.  u 33:38,39.  Pent.  10:6.  32:4! 
50.  34:5.  Heb.  7:24,25.  xGen.  50:10.  Deut.  34:8.  2 Chr.  35:24,25.  Acts  8:2. 


he  should  be  sanctified  in  their  punishment.  (Note,  Ps.  105 
32,33.) — The  other  place,  where  water  had  been  brought  ou’ 
of  the  rock  was  called  Meribah ; but  it  was  called  also  Mas* 
sah:  this  was  Meribah- Kadesh,  (Marg.  Ref.  z.) 

V.  14 — 21.  The  descendants  of  Esau,  now  grown  into 
a flourishing  kingdom,  were  not  unacquainted  with  the  rela- 
tion in  which  the  Israelites  stood  to  them,  nor  with  tljcir  bond- 
age in  Egypt  and  deliverance  from  it,  their  continuance  in 
the  wilderness,  and  their  pretensions  to  Canaan.  With  them 
Moses  pleaded  the  brotherly  relation,  to  move  natural  affec- 
tion; the  past  distresses  of  the  people,  to  excite  compassion 
and  the  favour  of  the  Lord  to  them,  who  by  the  Angel  of  Ilia 
presence  guided  and  protected  them,  to  influence  their  hopes 
and  fears.  He  engaged  also  that  the  people  should  pass 
through  with  all  convenient  speed,  on  the  king's  highway 
doing  no  harm,  and  paying  even  for  the  water  which  they 
drank:  this  being  the  direct  road  into  the  land  promised  to 
their  fathers. — But  the  Edomites  suspected  their  intentions, 
retained  their  old  enmity,  denied  their  request,  and  threatened 
them  with  war.  Yet  the  Israelites  were  not  allowed  to  molest 
them ; but  were  required  do  set  an  example  of  forbearance, 
by  taking  a long  circuit  round  their  country.  Hence  it  is  evi- 
dent, that  so  long  as  they  were  under  the  conduct  of  Moses 
and  Joshua,  they  did  not  wage  war  from  resentment  or  rapa- 
city, but  according  to  the  commandment  of  God  ; and  that  he 
pointed  out  to  them  the  people  on  whom  they  were  required 
to  execute  his  righteous  vengeance,  and  whose  countries  they 
should  receive  for  an  inheritance ; nor  would  they  have  been 
successful,  if  they  had  assaulted  any  others.  (Notes,  14:2 — 
4,39 — 45.  21:21 — 25.  31:2.) — The  Edomites  seem  to  have 
been  governed  by  dukes  or  military  lenders,  when  Israel 
came  out  of  Egypt;  but  now  a king  ruled  over  them.  (Ex, 
15:15.  Notes,  Gen.  36:31 — 43.) 

V.  22 — 28.  At  the  command  of  God,  delivered  by  Moses, 
Aaron  seems  to  have  put  on  the  rich  pontifical  garments,  and 
in  them  to  have  ascended  the  mountain;  where  they  were 
taken  off  from  him  by  Moses,  and  put  on  liis  son  Eleazar, 
who  was  now  invested  with  the  high  priesthood.  This  being 
done,  Aaron  immediately  expired  : and  though  he  leff  the 
world  under  a divine  rebuke,  yet  ho  died  a a pardoned  sin- 
ner with  the  hope  and  earnest  of  glory,  and  probably  without 
terror  or  reluctance.  Doubtless  the  command  giv*>»»  to 


B.  C.  1452. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


B.  C.  1*452. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

gsrael  is  assaulted  by  a Canaanitish  king,  and  utterly  destroys  him,  his 
people,  arid  his  cities,  1 — 3.  The  pe  >ple  murmur,  and  are  punished  with 
fiery  serpents;  but,  confessing  their  s n,  they  are  healed  by  means  of  a 
brazen  serpent,  4 — 9.  Theu  go  forward  several  stages;  and  compose  a 
tong  on  finding  water , 10 — $0.  They  conquer  Sihon,  and  Og,  kings  of  the 
Amorites,  21 — 35. 

AND  when  "king  Arad  the  Canaanite,  which 
dwelt  in  the  south,  heard  tell  that  Israel  came 
by  bthe  way  of  the  spies ; cthen  he  fought  against 
srael,  and  took  some  of  them  prisoners. 

2  And  Israel  '1  vowed  a vow  unto  the  Lord,  and 
said,  If  thou  wilt  indeed  deliver  this  people  into 
my  hand,  then  eI  will  utterly  destroy  their  cities. 

3  And  the  Lord  'hearkened  to  the  voice  of 
Israel,  and  delivered  up  the  Canaanites;  and  they 
utterly  destroyed  them  and  their  cities : and  he 
called  sthe  name  of  the  place  ‘Hormah. 

4  It  And  they  journeyed  from  hmount  Hor,  'by 

» 33:40.  Jo«h.  12:14.  Jiidg.  1:16.  0 13:21,22.14:43.  cDeut.2:32.  Jn>h.7:5. 

11:19,20.  Ps.  44:3,4.  cIGeu. 28:20.  Judj.  11:30.  1 Sam.  1:11.  2Sam.l5:7,8. 
Pa.  56:12,13.  116:18.  132:2.  c l.ev.  27:28,29.  Dent.  13:15.  Josh.  6:17,26.  1 Cor. 
16:22.  f.  s.  10:17.  91:15.  102:17.  g 14:45.  Dent.  1:44.  I Sam.  30:30.  • Tlmt 
Is.  urler  deaructiort.  1:20:22.23,27.  33:41.  i 14:25.  Dent.  1:40.  k20:18— 21. 

Deiu. 2:5—8.  Jmlg.  11:18.  132:7,9.  Ex.  6:9.  Acts  14:22.  1 Tlies.  3:3,4.  t Of, 
grieve  . Het>.  shortened,  m 11:1—6.  14:1—4.  16:13,14,41.  17:12.  Ex.  14:11. 


Moses,  and  the  service  assigned  him  must  have  awakened 
in  him  many  painful  feelings,  when  he  considered  his  own 
perhaps  deeper  guilt. — Not  enter , $*c.  (24)  4 A manifest  token 
that  the  earthly  Canaan  was  not  the  utmost  felicity,  at 
which  God’s  promises  aimed  ; because  the  best  men  among 
them  were  shut  out  of  it.5  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 13.  Well  might  Moses  say,  “ All  our  days  are 
passed  in  thy  wrath  ; we  spend  our  years  as  a tale  that  is 
told  when  during  so  long  a period  he  witnessed  nothing 
worth  recording,  but  the  death  of  many  hundreds  of  thou- 
sands of  his  brethren  ! (Notes,  Ps.  90:  title.  7 — 10.) — Even 
to  this  day  man’s  life  passes  away  almost  in  the  same  man- 
ner : for  what  is  it  but  a tedious  repetition  of  the  same  dull 
occurrences,  with  evident  proofs  of  our  folly  and  guilt,  and  of 
the  Lord’s  anger  tempered  with  mercy,  u till  it  be  cut  off,  and 
we  fly  away  ?”  Thus  the  longest  life  soon  comes  to  a close ; 
and  the  only  advantage  that  the  most  eminent  possess  above 
the  more  obscure  is,  that  they  do  not  die  quite  so  unnoticed. 
O Lord,  44  so  teach  us  to  number  our  days  that  we  may  apply 
our  hearts  unto  wisdom  !” — The  propensity  to  sin  is  evidently 
not  the  fault  of  any  one  man  or  people,  but  of  human  na- 
ture ; and  therefore  one  generation  after  another  manifests 
the  same  disposition  to  unbelief,  impatience,  and  rebellious 
murmurs. — We  can  easily  exclaim  against  the  Israelites  in 
this  respect,  afler  all  which  they  had  witnessed  and  expe- 
rienced : but  had  we  been  in  their  place,  cooped  up  in  the 
wilderness  ; confined  mainly  to  one  kind  of  food  ; at  a dis- 
tance from  all  the  delicacies  and  varieties  with  which  even 
the  poorest  in  a fertile  land  are  comparatively  feasted  during 
the  revolutions  of  the  seasons  and  their  several  productions  ; 
should  not  we  too  have  been  fretful  and  impatient  ? Not  that 
we  should  have  had  either  right  or  reason  to  complain  ; but 
because  we  are  proud  and  sensual,  and  consequently  hard  to 
please. — But  why  question  whether  we  should  have  rebelled  ? 
when  Moses  and  Aaron  stand  condemned  with  Israel,  though 
not  of  the  same , yet  of  similar  unbelief,  rebellion,  and  anger. 
Even  Moses,  the  meekest  man  on  earth  “ spake  unadvisedly 
with  his  lips  and  we  are  constrained  repeatedly  to  notice 
the  most  eminent  saints  defective  in  their  most  distinguishing 
excellencies.  (Note,  Gen.  12:11 — 1G.) — Under  long  conti- 
nued trials,  the  best  of  men  prove,  that  44  sin  dwelleth  in 
them nay,  old  age  gives  advantage  to  some  evils,  and  to 
none  more  than  a peevish  spirit. — But  in  proportion  to  the 
eminence  of  a man’s  character,  and  the  notoriety  of  his 
offence,  it  will  dishonour  and  displease  God  : (Note,  Ec. 
10:1.)  and  by  putting  us  to  shame  for  our  sins,  he  will  ob- 
tain that  honour  which  we  have  neglected  to  render  him. 
Whilst  impenitent  sinners  escape  punishment  in  this  world, 
being  w reserved  unto  the  day  of  judgment  the  Lord  marks 

the  offences  of  hte  people  with  alarming  severity,  yet  still  in 
mercy:  and  notwithstanding  our  unworthiness,  he  provides 
for  our  wants,  and  answers  our  prayers,  when  we  call  upon 
him  for  a supply  of  the  wafers  of  life,  which  flow  from  the 
Rock  of  salvation. 

V.  14 — 29.  Here  again,  let  us  learn  to  imitate  the  im- 
partiality of  the  historian;  the  silent  submission  of  him  and 
of  Aaron  ; and  the  example  of  Israel  to  insolent  and  inju- 
rious Edom.  Thus  upright  and  inoffensive,  candid  in  our 
declarations,  and  open  in  our  profession  of  religion  ; — thus 
fair  in  our  proposals,  slow  to  anger,  and  ready  to  forgive  ; — 
thus  willing  to  give  up  our  convenience,  and  even  recede 
from  our  right  rather  than  contend  about  it,  should  we  be  : 
and  when  we  cannot  44  overcome  evil  with  good,”  we  should 
leave  the  Lord  to  plead  our  cause  in  his  own  time  and  man- 
ner.— The  word  of  God  will  surely,  perhaps  speedily,  be  ful- 
filled in  his  providence.  Shortly  death  will  strip  the  richest, 
wisest,  and  most  honourable  of  all  their  distinctions,  except 
true  grace  have  made  them  to  differ  ; but,  in  that  case,  when 
they  leave  all  the  rest  to  others,  this  will  be  their  own  for 
ever.  Having  served  their  generation,  they  need  not  wish  to 
Vol.  I.— 37 


the  way  of  the  Red  Sea,  to  "compass  the  and  o. 
Edom : and  ‘the  soul  of  the  people  was  much 
'discouraged  because  of  the  way. 

5 And  the  people  mspake  against  God,  and 
against  Moses,  Wherefore  have  ye  brought  us  up 
out  of  Egypt  to  die  in  the  wilderness  ? for  there 
is  no  bread,  neither  is  there  any  water ; "and  our 
soul  loatheth  this  light  bread. 

[Practical  Observations. ] 

6 And  the  Lord  sent  "fiery  serpents  among  tht 
people,  and  they  hit  the  people ; and  much  peo- 
ple of  Israel  died. 

7 Therefore  the  people  came  to  Moses,  and 
said,  rWe  have  sinned;  for  we  have  spoken 
against  the  Lord,  and  against  thee  : “ipray  unto 
the  Lord  that  he  take  away  the  serpents  from 
us.  rAnd  Moses  prayed  for  the  people. 


15:24.16:2,3,7,8.17:2,3.  Ps.  78:19.  n 11:7— 9.  Ex.  16:15,31.  T«. 78:24,25. 

Prov.  27:7.  o Gen . 3: 14,15.  Dent.  8:  IS.  Is.  14:29.  30:6.  Jer.8:17.  Am.9:3,4. 
1 Cor.  10:9.  pEx.9:27,28.  18am.  12:19.  15:24,30.  Is. 78:34.  Matt. 27:4.  qEx. 
8:8,28.  1 Kings  13:6.  Jer.  37:3.  Acts  8:24.  r 112.  14:17—20.  Gen. 20:7.  Ex. 
32:11,30.  Deul.  9:20,26-29.  1 Sam.  12:20— 23.  Jot>  42:10.  Is.  106:23.  Jer.l5:l: 
Rom.  10:1. 


survive  their  usefulness ; nur  can  that  correction  be  reasona- 
bly complained  of,  which  hastens  a man’s  entrance  into  hea- 
ven.— When  eminently  good  men  die,  rivalship,  envy,  re- 
sentment, and  prejudice,  which  often  render  them  uneasy 
while  they  live,  die  also  ; and  survivors  very  commonly  ho- 
nour and  mourn  for  those,  whom  when  living  they  opposed 
and  reviled  ! This  respect  for  their  memory  is  indeed  a tri- 
bute due  to  them  ; but  it  is  of  little  consequence  what  others 
think  and  say  of  them,  when  dead,  except  they  then  receive 
their  testimony  and  follow  their  example. — Blessed  be  God, 
our  High-Priest  at  death  relinquished  not  his  priesthood  to 
another,  but  rose  again  to  complete  his  design,  and  ever 
liveth  to  make  intercession  for  us.  {Note,  Heb.  7:23 — 25.) 
Having  the  fulness  of  the  Spirit,  he  raises  up  a succession  of 
ministers  and  Christians  to  preach  and  profess  his  truth 
from  age  to  age ; and  he  hath  consigned  the  robe  of  his 
righteousness  to  all  his  spiritual  posterity,  for  their  accepted 
appearance  before  God. — If  we  be  his  indeed,  though  we  be 
separated  from  our  dearest  friends,  and  must  shortly  be  ab- 
sent from  the  body ; yet  we  shall  never  be  separated  from 
him  : “ for  he  that  is  joined  to  the  Lord  is  one  spirit.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXI.  V.  1 — 3.  Before  the  people  set 
out  to  march  round  the  country  of  Edom,  the  king  of  those 
Canaanites  who  inhabited  the  southern  part  of  the  couutry, 
knowing  their  intentions  of  invading  the  land,  remembering 
that  they  had  formerly  searched  it,  and  now  learning  that 
th#y  approached  his  borders,  attacked  them  in  the  wilder- 
ness, and  took  some  prisoners,  which  elated  him  and  discou- 
raged them.  But  this  disadvantage  induced  the  Israelites  to 
place  their  whole  dependence  on  the  Lord ; and  to  devote  the 
cities  and  property  of  the  assailants  to  utter  destruction, 
if  he  should  render  them  victorious  ; their  persons  being 
already  thus  devoted  by  God  himself.  In  this  confidence 
they  waged  war  with  them,  and  pushed  forward  to  their  cities,, 
which  they  took  and  utterly  destroyed,  and  called  the  name 
Hormah  ; that  is,  utter  destruction,  (marg.)  that  none  might 
ever  after  build  cities  on  the  same  ground.  The  clause  ren- 
dered “ king  Arad  the  Canaanite,”  may  very  properly  he 
translated,  “ the  Canaanite,  the  king  of  Arad and  he  is 
elsewhere  called  “ the  king  of  Arad.”  (Josh.  12:14.) — Some 
argue  that  the  Israelites  did  not  at  this  time  destroy  the 
cities,  but  only  devoted  them ; and  that  Joshua  afterwards 
destroyed  them : supposing  that  the  cities  of  Arad  lay  be- 
yond the  country  of  Edom.  But  our  knowledge  of  the 
ancient  geography  of  those  parts  is  very  imperfect  ; and  tlie 
account  of  the  transaction  seems  given  by  Moses,  and  not 
inserted  afterwards  by  another  person. 

V.  4,  5.  The  Israelites  were  not  permitted  to  force  their 
way  through  the  land  of  Edom,  but  were  led  back  into  the 
wilderness,  as  if  about  to  return  to  the  Red  Sea.  The  road 
perhaps  proved  heavy  or  rough ; water  was  scarce  ; and 
they  grew  weary  of  living  so  long  on  manna,  which  probably 
they  fancied  was  not  hearty  enough  to  support  them  under 
such  fatigues.  They  had  expected  directly  to  enter  Canaan, 
and  their  retrograde  journey  wy.s  a grievous  disappointment. 
Few  of  them  had  ever  lived  upon  bread ; and  even  that  cir- 
cumstance might  concur  in  enhancing  to  their  imaginations 
the  satisfaction  of  having  that  kind  of  food.  It  seems  also 
that  water  failed  them,  and  they  endured'  some  hardship  • 
but  their  spirits  were  imbittered,  as  well  as  discouraged : and 
they  relapsed  into  their  old  sin  of  distrustful  murmuring 
against  Moses  and  against  God.  (Marg.  Ref.  m.  n.) 

V.  6—9.  Serpents  of  various  kinds  abounded  in  the  wil- 
derness: but  they  had  been  restrained  from  hurting  the  peo- 
ple, till  they  provoked  God  to  send  them  to  assail  the  camps, 
in  which  they  soon  did  dreadful  execution,  and  caused  still 
greater  consternation.  They  were  called  fiery  serpents,  as 
some  think,  from  their  colour,  which  resembled  polished  brass  ; 
others  deduce  the  epithet  from  the  inflammation,  like  the 
burning  of  fire,  which  immediately  followed  their  bite.  The 
people  were  at  length,  by  this  judgment,  made  sensible  of 
( 2S9  ) 


B.  C 1452.  NUMBERS.  B.  C.  1452. 


8 And  'the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Make  thee 
a fiery  serpent,  and  set  it  upon  a pole  : and  it 
shall  come  to  pass,  that  every  one  that  is  bitten, 
when  he  looketh  upon  it,  shall  live. 

9 And  Moses  made  ‘a  serpent  of  brass,  and  put 
it  upon  a pole,  and  it  came  to  pass,  that  if  a ser- 
pent had  bitten  any  man,  “when  he  beheld  the 

Serpent  of  hrass,  *he  lived.  [Practical  Observations .] 

10  H And  the  children  of  Israel  ?set  forward, 
and  pitched  in  Oboth. 

1 1 And  they  journeyed  from  Oboth,  and  pitched 
at  'Ije-abarim,  in  the  wildefness  which  is  before 
Moab,  toward  the  sunrising. 

12  From  thence  they  removed,  and  pitched  in 
•the  valley  of  Zared. 

13  From  thence  they  removed,  and  pitched  “on 
the  other  side  of  Arnon,  which  is  in  the  wilderness 
that  cometh  out  of  the  coasts  of  the  Amorites  : 
for  Arnon  is  the  border  of  Moab,  between  Moab 
and  the  Amorites. 

14  Wherefore  it  is  said  bin  the  book  of  the  wars 
of  the  Lord,  ’What  he  did  in  the  Red  Sea,  and 
in  the  brooks  of  Arnon  ; 

15  And  at  the  stream  of  the  brooks  that  goeth 


• Ps.  106:43—45.  145:8.  I 2 Kings  18:4.  John  3:14,15.  12:32.  Rom.  8:3.  2 Cor. 
5 21.  uls.  45:22.  Zech.  12:10.  John  1:29.  Hob.  12:2.  1 John  3:8.  * John 

6:40.  Rom.  1:17.  5:20,21.  y 33:43 — 45.  * 0 r,  heaps  of  Abarim.  7.  Dent.  2:13, 
14.  the  brook  Ze  cd.  a 14.  2*2:36.  Deut.  2:24.  Juda.  11:18.  Is.  16:2.  Jer.  48: 
20.  bJosh.  .0:13.  2 Sam.  1:18.  t Or,  Vaheb  in  Suphah.  c 28.  Deut.  2:9, 
18.  Is. 15:1.  jHeh . leaneth.  djudg.9:21.  e 2U.S.  Ex.  17:6.  Is.  12:3.  41:17, 

their  fault,  and  entreated  Moses  to  pray  for  the  removal  of  the 
serpents,  which  he  readily  did.  Yet  they  were  not  removed : 
but  Moses  was  commanded  to  form  an  image  of  a serpent  of 
brass  exactly  like  them,  to  affix  it  to  a long  pole,  or  standard, 
and  to  place  it  in  a conspicuous  part  of  the  camp ; and  to 
this,  they  who  had  been  bitten  were  directed  to  look.  No- 
thing could  in  itself  be  less  suited  to  give  relief  than  this  ex- 
pedient : but  it  was  the  Lord’s  appointment : and  by  this 
token  the  sufferers  must  express  their  eniire  dependence  on 
him,  and  submissively  expect  a cure  from  him  alone.  Ac- 
cordingly, whoever  looked,  however  desperate  his  case,  or 
feeble  his  sight,  or  distant  his  situation,  was  infallibly  and  per- 
fectly cured ; and  manifested  his  recovery,  by  becoming  ca- 
pable of  the  services  to  which  he  was  called,  or  marching  in 
his  place  when  the  camp  was  removed ; but  if  any  one  would 
shut  his  eyes,  or  turn  his  back  on  the  brazen  serpent,  and 
depend  for  help  on  any  thing  else  ; he  must  inevitably  die. 
This  forms  a very  significant  type  of  our  salvation  by  Jesus 
Christ.  The  Lord,  provoked  by  man’s  first  apostacy,  hath 
permitted  that  old  Serpent,  the  tempter,  the  devil,  to  commu- 
nicate his  baleful  venom  to  the  whole  human  race,  which 
operates  to  their  destruction:  and  numbers  in  consequence 
have  perished,  are  perishing,  and  will  perish.  But  “God  so 
loved  the  world,  as  to  give  his  only-begotten  Son,  that  who- 
soever believeth  in  him  should  not  perish , but  have  everlasting 
life.”  The  Saviour  was  indeed  perfectly  free  from  sin,  but 
he  assumed  44  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh ( Note , Rom.  8:3,4.) 
he  was  numbered  with  malefactors,  and  crucified  with  them ; 
and  it  is  observable  that  the  supposed  crime  for  which  he  suf- 
fered, namely,  u making  himself  equal  with  God,”  was  con- 
sidered by  his  enemies  as  the  essence  of  diabolical  ambition, 
usurpation,  and  blasphemy.  Having  thus  been  44  made  Sin 
for  us,”  he  is  now  held  forth  in  the  gospel  to  all  nations  ; 
(Note,  2 Cor.  5:18 — 21.)  and  when  any  poor  sinner  is  made 
sensible  of  his  guilt  and  danger,  and  humbly  prays  for  mercy 
and  deliverance,  he  is  commanded  to  look  unto  Jesus,  as  dying 
upon  the  cross  for  the  transgressions  *of  “the  law  given  by 
Moses and  renouncing  all  other  confidences,  and  looking  in 
faith,  with  a desire  of  salvation,  and  in  obedience  to  God ; 
and  persevering  from  day  to  day  in  the  use  of  the  appointed 
means ; he  obtains  effectual  relief,  and  at  length  a perfect 
deliverance,  even  though  weak  in  faith,  and  though  Satan’s 
emptations  as  yet  harass  his  soul.  For  faith  in  a crucified 
Saviour  is  the  appointment  of  God,  and  rendered  effectual  by 
his  grace : and  though  man’s  reasoning  pride  considers  it  as 
foolishness,  all  believers  experience  it  to  be  “ the  power  of 
God  to  salvation.”  (Note,  John  3:14,15.) — The  command 
.given  to  Moses,  to  make  an  image  of  a serpent,  shows  that 
forming  images  is  no  violation  of  the  moral  law ; unless  in- 
tended as  representations  of  God  ; or  worshipped  when  made, 
as  tee  Israelites  afterwards  worshipped  the  brazen  serpent. 
(Notes,  Ex.  20:4.  2 Kings  18:4.) — It  is  thought  that  the  sight 
of  a serpent,  or  the  image  of  one,  tends  to  increase  the  ma- 
lady of  him  who  has  been  bitten : and  some  naturalists  have 
said  the  same  of  the  sight  of  brass ; yet  that  of  the  brazen 
serpent  healed  the  people.  4 The  sight  of  Christ  crucified, 
naturally  filled  his  crucifiers  only  with  anguish,  when  they 
beheld  him  whom  they  had  pierced,  and  were  convinced  he 
was  their  Messiah ; but  by  the  grace  of  God,  became  their 
only  salvation  through  faith  in  him.’  Bp.  Patrick. — The 
Jews  in  general  allow,  that  there  was  some  mystery  in  this 
appointment;  but  they  will  not  understand  the  mystery  till 
tticy  become  Christians. 

( 290  ) 


down  to  the  dwelling  of  eAr,  and  *lieth  upon  the 
border  of  Moab. 

16  And  from  thence  they  went  to  llBeer;  that 
is  the  well  whereof  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses, 
'Gather  the  people  together,  and  I will  give  them 
water. 

17  Then  < Israel  sang  this  song,  ^Spring  up,  C 
well ; "sing  ye  unto  it : 

18  The  sprinces  digged  the  well,  the  nobles  o< 
the  people  digged  it,  by  the  direction  q/'hthe  law- 
giver, with  their  staves.  'And  from  the  wilderness 
they  went  to  Mattanah  : 

19  And  from  Mattanah  to  Nahaliel:  and  from 
Nahaliel  to  Bamoth  : 

20  And  from  Bamoth  in  the  valley  that  is  in  the 
’’country  of  Moab,  kto  the  top  of  "Pisgah,.  which 
looketh  toward  ’’Jeshimon. 

21  11  And  Israel  'sent  messengers  unto  Sihon 
king  of  the  Amorites,  saying, 

22  Let  me  pass  through  thy  land : we  will  not 
turn  into  the  fields,  or  into  the  vineyards ; we  will 
not  drink  of  the  waters  of  the  well ; hut  we  will 
go  along  by  the  king’s  high- way,  until  we  be  past 
thy  borders. 


18.43:20.  49:10.  John.  4: 10,14.  1:37-39.  He*.  21 :6.  22:1 ,17.  f Ex.  15:1,3. 
Ps.  105:2.  106:12.  Is.  12:1,2,5.  Jam.  5:13.  § I leb.  ascend.  II  Or,  answer. 

g 2 Clir.  17:7— 9.  Neh.  3:1,5.  1 Tim.  16:17,18.  I.  Deut.  5:31.  33.4.  Is.  33-22. 
John  1:17.  Jam.  4:12.  i .<3:45-47.  IT  Heb.  field.  22:1.  26:63.  33:49,50.  Deni 
1:5.  k 23:14.  Deut.  3:27.  4:49.  34:1.  **  Or.,  the  hill,  ft  Or,  the  wilderness.  23: 
28.  i 20:14— 19.  Deut.  2:25,28.  Judg.  11 : 19— 21 . 

V.  10.  “Oboth,”  signifies  bottles  ; (Job  32:19.  Heb.)  and 
probably  the  place  was  so  called,  from  the  people’s  carrying 
water  thence  in  bottles  for  their  use  in  the  desert. 

aw  (plur.  Jvaw  or  rvotf)  generally  signifies  one  who  has  a 
familiar  spirit,  4 because,’  says  Buxlorf,  4 he  brings  forth  ora- 
cles out  of  a swelling  belly,  as  out  of  a bottle.’ — See  Leo. 
19:31.  20:6.  1 Sam.  28:3,  &c.  Is.  8:19,  et  al. — The  only 
place  in  which  this  word  signifies  a bottle  is  Job  32:19,  yet  this 
is  probably  the  original  meaning. 

V.  11 — 15.  After  some  more  journeys,  the  Israelites  en- 
camped in  the  borders  of  Moab,  to  the  east  of  Canaan  : and 
as  the  sacred  historian  was  about  to  relate  the  conquest  of 
Sihon  and  Og,  kings  of  the  Amorites,  and  the  devices  of  Ba- 
lak  king  of  Moab  ; he  briefly  mentioned  the  boundaries  which 
separated  their  kingdoms. — Arnon  (a  small  rivulet,  arising  in 
the  adjacent  mountains,  and  falling  into  the  Dead  Sea,)  ran 
through  the  wilderness  to  which  the  Amorites  had  extended 
their  dominion,  and  thus  formed  one  of  these  boundaries  : and 
as  Israel  had  passed  this  brook  without  molesting  the  Moab- 
ites, (though  they  seem  to  have  gone  through,  or  close  by, 
Some  part  of  their  country,)  and  were  encamped  in  the  land 
of  the  Amorites;  it  appeared  that  they  had  given  no  provo- 
cation to  the.  Moabites  or  Ammonites.  On  this  ground  Jcph- 
thah  long  afterwards  vindicated  the  right  of  his  people  to  that 
part  of  the  country  of  Sihon  and  Og,  which  the  Ammonites 
claimed  as  their  due  ; and  which  had  once  belonged  to  them  ; 
but  the  Amorites  had  conquered  it  before  the  Israelites  came 
thither.  (Notes,  Judg.  1 1:12 — 27.)  Instating  this  subject, 
Moses  referred  to  a book  called  44  The  wars  of  Jehovah,” 
which  some  suppose  to  have  been  extant  before  this  time,  and 
others  to  have  been  written  on  this  occasion,  perhaps  by  an 
Israelite:  for  it  can  hardly  be  thought,  that  an  Amorite,  or 
any  idolater,  would  have  used  the  name  of  Jehovah  in 
recording  the  successes  of  Sihon.  If,  however,  this  was  an 
ancient  record,  Moses  quoted  it  (as  Paul  did  the  writings  of 
the  heathen  poets,)  in  order  to  determine  the  question  by  the 
authority  of  their  own  writers.  But  if  a pious  Israelite  wrote 
a history  of  the  transactions  which  he  had  witnessed,  or  of 
which  he  had  received  an  authentic  account,  he  might  natu- 
rally call  it  44  the  wars  of  Jehovah  and  the  previous  con- 
quest of  this  region  by  the  Amorites  might  be  considered  by* 
him  as  an  interposition  of  Israel’s  God  for  his  people. — 
(Notes,  26 — 30.  Deut-  32:8.)  And  if  the  history  were  known 
to  be  authentic,  it  would  suit  Moses’s  purpose  to  refer  the 
reader  to  it,  for  fuller  information  on  the  subject  which  he  had 
briefly  mentioned. — As,  however,  the  point  in  question,  though 
of  importance  at  that  time,  had  no  direct  connexion  with  the 
grand  concerns  of  religion,  this  44  book  of  the  wars  of  the 
Lord”  has  long  since  been  lost. 

fVhat  he  did  in  the  Red  Sea,  &c.  (14)  It  docs  not  appear 
how  the  passage,  as  it  stands  in  our  translation,  could  suit  the 
purpose  of  the  sacred  historian.  He  himself  fully  recorded 
the  works  of  Jehovah,  both  at  the  Red  Sea,  and  in  giving 
Israel  the  victory  over  Sihon  and  Og,  at  the  brooks  of  Arnon. 
But  the  words  rendered  44  He  did  in  the  Red  Sea,”  are  very 
obscure.  In  the  margin  it  stands  Vaheb  in  Suphah,  in  f ho 
Hebrew  hbidS  2m  ns*.  There  is  here  no  pronoun  answering 
to  he,  and  2m  is  preceded  by  2N.  The  clause  seems  there- 
fore to  mean,  4 What  the  Amorite,  or  Sihon,  had  done  to 
4 Vaheb , a prince,  or  place,  in  a region  call:  d Suphah .’ 
(Note,  Dent.  1:1.) 

V.  16 — 18.  Tne  people  wanting  water,  the  1 ord  prevented 
their  murmurs  by  promising  them  a supply : ai  d W his  direc 


B.  C.  1452. 


CHAPTER  A XI. 


J3.  C.  1452. 


23  Ani  mSihon  would  not  suffer  Israel  to  pass 
through  his  border;  but  Sihon  gathered  all  his 
people 'together,  and  went  out  acainst  Israel  into 
the  wilderness:  and  he  came  tonJahaz, and  lought 
against  Israel : 

24  And  “Israel  smote  him  with  the  edge  of 
the  sword,  and  possessed  his  land  from  I'Arnon 
unto  Jabok;  even  unto  the  children  of  Ammon : 
for  the  border  of  the  children  of  Ammon  was 
strong. 

25  And  Israel  took  all  these  cities : and  Israel 
id  welt  in  all  the  cities  of  the  Amorites,  rin  Hesh- 
bon,  and  in  all  the  "villages ‘thereof. 

26  For  Heshbon  ivas  the  city  of  Sihon  the  king 
of  the  Amorites,  who  had  fought  against  the 
former  king  of  Moab,  and  taken  all  his  land  out  of 
his  hand,  even  unto  Arnon. 

27  Wherelbre  “they  that  speak  in  proverbs  say, 
Come  into  Heshbon,  let  the  city  of  Sihon  be  built 
and  prepared  ; 

28  For  there  is *  *a  fire  gone  out  of  Heshbon,  a 
flame  from  the  city  of  Sihon : it  hath  consumed 
"Ar  of  Moab,  and  the  lords  of  the  high  places  of 
Arnon. 


m Dent.  2:30—32.  29:7,8.  nJude.ll:20.  In.  15:4.  Jer.  48:34.  o32:l— 4,33— 

42  lleut.  2:31— 37.  Josh.  9:10.  12:1— 3.  13:8— 10.  24:8.  Judg.  11:21— 23.  Neh. 
9:22.  Pa.  133:10— 12.  136:19.  Amns2:9.  p See  on  13.  Gen.  32:22.  Pent.  3:16. 
q 31.  32:33—42.  Dent.  2 12.  r Cent.  7:4.  Is.  15:4.  16:8,9.  Jer.  48:2,34,45. 

• Heb.  daughters.  K*.  16:46.49,53.  s 14.  Is.  14:4.  Hab.2:6.  t Judg.  9:20. 
13.10:16.  Jer.  48:45,46.  Am.  1 :4, 7, 10, 12, 14.  2:2,5.  u See  on  15.  Deut.  2: 
8,18.  Is.  15:1.  v Jude.  11:24.  1 Kings  11:7,33.  2 Kings  23:13.  Jer.  48:7,13,46. 

1 Cor.  8:4,5.  x Ueu.  49:23.  2Sam.  11:24.  Pe.  18:14.  y 32:34.  Josh.  13:17.  Is. 

tion  given  by  Moses  “ the  lawgiver,”  when  the  people  had 
been  gathered  together  to  witness  the  event,  the  princes,  with 
their  staves  only,  opened  the  dry  and  sandy  surface  of  the 
earth,  and  the  water  flowed  in  such  abundance,  that  the 
place  was  called  11  Beer,”  or  the  i veil ; and  the  people  ex- 
pressed their  joyful  admiration  and  gratitude  in  a song  of 
praise. 

V.  21 — 25.  The  kingdoms,  at  this  time  governed  by  Sihon 
and  Og,  and  lying  between  the  country  of  Moab  on  the  south 
or  south-west,  and  that  of  Ammon  on  the  north-east,  and 
bounded  by  the  river  Jordan  on  the  west,  were  included  in 
the  grant  made  to  Abraham ; and  so  indeed  was  the  whole 
region  as  far  as  the  Euphrates  : yet  the  Israelites  did  not  ex- 

• pect  at  this  time  to  possess  it ; but  to  pass  through,  that  they 

might  directly  invade  the  country  situated  between  Jordan 
and  the  Mediterranean  Sea.  We  find  however,  that  the 
Lord,  while  he  forbade  them  to  assault  the  Edomites,  Moab- 
ites, and  Ammonites,  assured  them  that  he  would  give  them 
the  country  of  Sihon  and  Og.  {Deut.  2:24.  3:2.)  And  the 
obedience  of  Israel,  under  the  conduct  of  Moses,  shows  that 
neither  revenge,  ambition,  avarice,  nor  carnal  policy,  but  the 
command  of  God,  directed  them  with  whom  to  wage  war. — 
(Note,  20:14 — 21.)  Nay,  after  this  assurance  the  people, 
no  doubt  by  the  direction  of  Moses,  sent  ambassadors  to 
Sihon,  requesting  a peaceable  passage  through  his  couhtry, 
on  the  same  friendly  terms  as  had  been  proposed  to  the 
Edomites.  He  however  not  only  refused  them,  but  went  out 
to  attach  them  : they  were  therefore  directed  to  meet  him  in 
battle  , and,  hiding  victorious,  they  slew  him,  and  tooa  posses- 
sion of  all  his  cities  and  all  his  dominions,  as  the  first-fruits 
of  their  conquests.  (Notes,  Deut.  2:24 — 37.) — The  morites 
were  descended  from  Ham  by  Canaan;  but  the  Moabites  and 
Ammonites  were  the  posterity  of  Lot,  Abraham’s  nephew. 
(Gen.  10:15 — 17.  19:37,38.) — The  strength  of  the  border 

of  Ammon  was  the  reason  why  the  Amorites  had  not  seized 
on  tha'  country  also. 

V.  2!) — 30.  Here  again  Moses  particularly  takes  notice, 
that  Heshhor,  which  had  belonged  to  the  Moabites,  was  at 
this  time  the  city  of  Sihon,  who  had  vanquished  the  king  of 
Moab,  and  taken  it  from  him,  with  the  rest  of  the  country 
even  to  the  river  Arnon.  And  on  this  occasion  he  quotes 
some  poem,  or  song,  composed  on  account  of  these  victories, 
in  proverbs,  or  parables,  (short,  emphatical,  figurative,  sub- 
lime, or  elegant  sentences,)  which  was  sung  among  the  Amor- 
ites, though  perhaps  not  committed  to  writing.  In  this  poem 
the  Amorites  invite  one  another,  in  exulting  language,  to 
come  and  inhabit  Heshbon,  now  become  the  city  of  Sihon  ; 
and,  in  a kind  of  insolent  triumph,  speak  of  the  destruction  of 
&r  and  other  titles  of  Moab,  the  slaughter  of  the  princes,  with 
<he  captivity  and  abject  misery  of  the  people.  This  seems 
to  have  been  merely  a vain-glorious  poetical  boast : for  though 
the  Amorites  took  from  the  Moabites  Heshbon  and  the  adja- 
cent regiofl  ; yet  it  does  not  appear  that  they  made  any  fur- 
<hcr  conquests. — It  is  supposed  that  Sihon  was  the  common 
tame  of  tre  kings  of  this  district,  as  Pharaoh  of  the  Egyptian 
-uonarchs  ; and  that  some  preceding  king  obtained  these  vic- 
tories, and  took  these  countries  from  a former  king  of  Moab. — 
Chemosh  was  the  principal  idol  of  the  Moabites.  (Mars. 
- *tef.  v.) 

V.  34.  Og  was  a giant,  and  very  formidable ; the  people 
therefore  feared  to  attack  him,  till  the  Lord  thus  encouraged 
them.  (Marg.  Ref  d.  h.  Note,  Deut.  3:11.) 


29  Wo  to  thee,  Moab!  thou  art  undone, ’() 
people  of  Chemosh  : he  hath  given  his  sons  that 
escaped,  and  his  daughters,  into  captivity  unto 
Sihon  king  of  the  Amorites. 

30  We  xhave  shot  at  them  : Heshbon  isperishet. 
even  unto  vDibon,  and  we  have  laid  them  wastt 
even  unto  Nophah,  which  reacheth  unto  Medeba. 

31  Thus  Israel  dwelt  in  the  land  of  the  Amor- 
ites. 

32  And  Moses  sent  to  spy  out  "Jaazer,  and  they 
took  the  villages  thereof,  and  drove  out  the  Amor 
ites  that  were  there. 

33  H And  bthey  turned,  and  went  up  by  the  way 
of  cBashan:  and  dOg  the  king  of  Bashan  went 
out  against  them,  he  and  all  his  people,  to  the 
battle  at  Edrei. 

34  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  eFear  him 
not:  ffor  I have  delivered  him  into  thy  hand,  and 
all  his  people,  and  his  land  ; and  thou  shall  do  to 
him  5as  thou  didst  unto  Sihon  king  of  the  Amorites, 
which  dwelt  at  Heshbon. 

35  So  they  hsmote  him,  and  his  sons,  and  all  his 
people,  until  there  was  none  left  him  alive : and 
they  possessed  his  land. 


15:2,9.  Jer.  48:18,22.  z 32:33— 42.  Deut.  3:16,17.  Josh.  12:1—6.  13:8—32.  a 32: 
1,35.  Is.  16:8,9.  Jer.  48:32.  Jaze ,.  b Deul.  3:1—6.  29:7.  Josh.  13:12.  cDent. 
32:14.  Ps.  22:12.  68:15.  Is.  33:9.  Ez.27:6.  35*18.  Am.  4:1.  d 32:33.  Deut.  1 :4. 
3:1.  4:47.  29:7.  Josh.  9:10.  12:4.  13:30.  e 14:9.  Deut.  3:2,11 . 20:3.  31 :6.  Josh. 
10:8,25.  Is.  41  13.  f Deut.  3.3.  7:24.  Josh.  8:7.  Judg.  11:30.  1 Sam.  23:4. 
2 Sam.  5:19.  I Kings  20:13.28.  2 Kings  3:18.  g24,25.  h Deut. 3:3— 17.  29.8. 

Josh.  12:4—6.  Ps.  135:11,12.  136:17—21.  Rom.  8:37. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 5.  The  enemies  of  God  are  always  the  enemies  of 
his  people  ; and  they  often  at  first  prosper  in  their  attempts 
against  them,  but  at  last  they  will  be  utterly  destroyed.  For 
losses  sustained  by  true  Christians,  in  their  spiritual  conflicts, 
by  taking  them  off  from  self-dependence,  and  exciting  them 
to  call  upon  God  for  help,  subserve  their  final  victory:  and 
being  enabled  to  say,  “ When  I am  weak,  then  am  I strong, 
for  the  power  of  Christ  rests  upon  me,”  they  become  invincible. 
— But  alas ! how  soon  are  the  judgments  and  mercies  of  our  God 
forgotten  by  us  ! and  how  prone  are  we  to  relapse  into  former 
sins,  though  we  have  suffered  for  them,  and  even  repented  of 
them!  how  apt  to  magnify  every  difficulty,  to  despise  our 
choicest  mercies,  to  be  impatient  of  delays,  to  distrust,  to  mur- 
mur, and  to  rebel  1 Nay,  where  the  dominion  of  sin  is  broken, 
it  dwells  within,  and  often  breaks  out ; sometimes  even  openly 
to  the  dishonour  of  God,  and  the  grief  of  his  faithful  servants  ; 
and  under  sharp  trials,  even  the  true  believer  may  be  so  dis- 
couraged and  tempted,  and  so  yield  to  temptation,  as  to  unde-- 
value  the  “Bread  of  life,”  and  the  benefit  of  divine  ordinances 
as  if  they  were  “ light  food,”  and  almost  to  wish  that  he  had 
never  set  out  in  the  ways  of  God  1 (Ps.  73:13,14.)  But  he 
will  soon  be  ashamed  of  these  thoughts,  if  ever  harboured  in 
his  mind.  We  have  need  however  to  “ watch  and  pray,  that 
we  enter  not  into  temptation : ” and  it  is  profitable  for  us  to 
be  aware  of  the  enemy  within,  as  well  as  of  the  enemies 
around  us;  especially  in  times  of  grievous  disappointment 
and  tedious  discouragement. — But  “whom  the  Lord  loveth 
he  chasteneth and  thus,  as  well  as  by  his  judgmen's  upon 
hypocrites,  he  excites  a salutary  terror  in  their  minds,  and 
brings  them  back  to  his  ways  with  weeping  and  supplication : 
and  when  they  repent  and  acknowledge  their  offence,  he 
removes  the  dreaded  destruction,  though  perhaps  the  smart 
of  the  rod  may  continue  for  a time. 

V.  6 — 9.  The  Lord  knows  how  to  over  rule,  not  only  the 
bite  of  poisonous  serpents,  but  the  persecutions  of  wicked 
men,  and  the  temptations  of  the  devil,  for  the  good  of  thosa 
whom  he  loves:  and  our  prayers  are  often  most  desirably 
answered,  when  the  letter  of  the  request  is  not  granted.  (Note, 
2 Cor.  12:7 — 10.) — The  Lord  can  relieve  us  from  our  dangers 
and  distresses,  by  the  means  which  we  should  deem  most 
unpromising ; of  which  he  hath  given  proof  in  redeeming  so 
many  souls  from  hell,  from  Satan,  and  sin,  and  bringing  them 
to  holiness  and  eternal  life,  by  the  manifestation  of  his  Son  in 
the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,  by  his  agonizing  and  accursed 
death  upon  the  tree,  and  by  the  preaching  of  the  despised 
doctrine  of  a crucified  Saviour. — Oh!  that  the  venom  of  tho 
old  serpent  inflaming  men’s  passions,  and  causing  them  to 
commit  those  sins,  which  must  otherwise  terminate  in  their 
eternal  destruction,  were  but  as  sensibly  felt,  and  the  danger 
as  plainly  apprehended,  as  the  Israelites  felt  the  pain,  and 
feared  the  death,  which  followed  from  the  bite  of  the  fiery 
serpents  ! Then  none  would  turn  away  from  Christ  and  his 
gospel:  then  would  a crucified  SavittUr  be  so  valued,  that  all 
things  else  would  “be  accounted  loss  for  hint:”  then,  without 
delay,  and  with  all  earnestness  and  simplicity  of  dependence, 
they  would  apply  to  him,  crying  “ Lord,  save  us,  we  perish : ’’ 
then  from  day  to  day  would  they  look  to  him  for  pardon  and  heal- 
ing, and  show  their  faith  by  their  works : nor  would  any  abuse 
the  freeness  of  his  salvation  to  them,  when  they  estimated 
the  price  which  it  cost  him : and  their  love  to  the  Saviour 
would  increase  their  dread  and  abhorrence  of  sin,  and  watch- 

(,  291  \ 


h.  1-5132. 


NUMBERS, 


B.  C 1452. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


$rael  encnmj  s in  the  plc.i* *s  of  Moab,  1.  lialak  king  of  Moab  sends  for 
Balaam  to  curse  the  peovle,2 — 7.  He,  forbidden  by  the  Lord,  refuses  to 
go,  8—14.  On  a second  .nessage  he  extorts  permission , and  goes , 15—21. 
An  Angel  npposes  him,  ind  he  is  rebuked  by  his  ass,  whose  mouth  God 
opens  ; he  beholds  the  Angel,  and  obtains  leave  to  proceed , 22—35.  lialak 
meets  him,  and  sacrifices,  36 — 41. 


AND  “the  children  of  Israel  set  forward,  and 
pitched  in  the  plains  of  Moab,  bon  this  side 
Jordan  by  Jericho. 

2  And  cBalak  the  son  of  Zippor  saw  all  that 
Israel  had  done  to  the  Amorites. 

3  And  dMoab  was  sore  afraid  of  the  people, 
because  they  were  many : and  Moab  was  dis- 
tressed because  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

4  And  Moab  said  unto  the  'elders  of  Midian, 

1 Now  shall  this  company  lick  up  all  that  are  round 
about  us,  as  the  oje  licketh  up  the  grass  of  the 
field.  eAnd  Balak  the  son  of  Zippor  was  king  of 
the  Moabites  at  that  time. 

5  He  hsent  messengers  therefore  unto  Balaam 
the  son  of  Beor,  to  'Pethor,  which  is  by  the  river 


of  the  land  of  the  children  of  his  people,  to  call 
him,  saying,  Behold,  there  is  a people  come  out 
from  Egypt : behold,  Hhey  cover  the  ‘ factfe  of  the 
earth,  and  they  abide  over  against  me. 

6 Come  now  therefore,  I pray  thee,  kcurse  me 
this  people,  for  they  are  too  mighty  for  me  : perad 
venture  I shall  prevail,  that  we  may  smite  them, 
and  that  I may  drive  them  out  of  the  land:  for  'I 
wot  that  he  whom  thou  blessest  is  blessed,  and  he 
whom  thou  cursest  is  cursed. 

7 And  the  elders  of  Moab,  and  the  elders  of 
Midian,  departed  with  the  ""rewards  of  divination 
in  their  hand : and  they  came  unto  Balaam,  and 
spake  unto  him  the  words  of  Balak. 

[Practical  Observations."] 

8 And  he  said  unto  them,  Lodge  here  “this 
night,  and  I will  bring  you  word  again,  as  the 
Lord  shall  speak  unto  me.  And  the  princes  of 
Moab  abode  with  Balaam. 

9 And  °Gdd  came  unto  Balaam,  and  said, 
pWhat  men  are  these  with  thee  ? 


a 21:20  . 33:48— 50.  36:13.  Dent.  34:1,8.  1.32:19.34:15.  Deut- 1:5.  3:8.  Josh. 
8:16.  c 21:3,20— 35.  <1  Ex.  15:15.  L eat . 2:25.  Josh.  2:10,11,24  . 9:24.  Ps.  53:5. 
Is.  23:5.  e 7.  25.15— 18.  31:8.  Josh.  13:21.  f 24:17.  Jer.  48:38.  g 2.  Judg.ll: 
25.  h Deut.  23:4.  Josh.  13:22.  24:9.  Neh.  13:2.  Mic.  6:5.  2 Pet.  2:15,16.  son  of 
Bosor.  Jude  1 1 . i 23:7.  Tent.  23:4.  j Gen.  13:16.  Ex.  1:7— 10.  Ps.  105:24. 

• Heb.  eye.  k 23:7,8.  24:9.  Gen.  12:3.  27:29.  Deut.  23:4.  Josh.  24:9.  ISam. 


17:43.  Neh.  13:2.  Ps.  109:17.18.  1 1 Kings  22:6,8, 13.  Ps.  109:28.  Prov.26.2.  Is. 
47:12,13.  Ez.  13:6.  Acts  8 9,10.  16:16.  m 1 Sam.  9:7,8.  Is.  56:11 . Ez. 13:19. 
Mic.  3:11.  Rom.  16:18.  1 Tim.  6.9,10.  Tit.  1:11 . 2 Pet.  2:15.  Jurle  11 . n 19,20. 
12:6.23:12.  Jer.  12:2.  Ez.  33:31.  o Gen.  20:3.  31 :24.  41 :25.  Dan.  2:45.  4:31 .32. 
Matt.  7:22.  24.24.  John  11:51.  p Gen.  3:9—11.  4:9.  16:8.  Ex.  4:2.  2 Kings, 2(1: 
14,15. 


fulness  against  temptation. — But  alas!  few  feel  their  need  of 
Christ  to  preserve  them  from  perishing;  and  though  he  still 
proclaims,  “ Look  unto  me,  and  be  saved ;”  most  men  die  in 
their  sins,  even  where  they  have  the  Bible  in  their  hands,  and 
Christ  in  the  gospel  “ evidently  set  forth  as  crucified  among 
them !”  But  how  will  they  escape,  who,  through  pride  and 
love  of  sin,  reject  this  simple  method  of  cure,  or  prefer  their 
own  inventions  to  this  suitable  and  divine  salvation?  or  who, 
perverting  the  doctrine,  presume  that  their  iniquities  are  par- 
doned, while  their  covetousness,  pride,  anger,  ambition,  lust, 
or  evil  tempers  betray  the  venom  of  the  old  serpent  to  be  in 
rull  force  within? 

V.  10 — 35.  Our  God  has  engaged  to  provide  for  his  peo- 
ple in  all  emergencies,  and  wells  of  salvation  are  opened  for 
inem  through  their  whole  pilgrimage : so  that  they  need  only 
use  the  appointed  means  with  simplicity  and  diligence,  and 
he  will  send  supplies  of  heavenly  consolations,  and  they  shall 
rejoice  in  celebrating  his  praises.  Nor  ought  they  to  be  un- 
thankful to  the  instruments  of  their  mercies,  temporal  or 
spiritual,  whether  they  be  princes,  nobles,  lawgivers,  magis- 
trates, ministers,  or  private  persons. — Still,  however,  we 
must  prepare  for  fresh  conflicts  and  enemies.  With  sin  and 
the  powers  of  darkness  we  must  make  no  peace  nor  truce ; 
we  must  not  even  treat  with  them ; and  it  is  vain  to  expect 
any  long  cessation  of  hostilities.  Even  our  neighbours,  with 
whom  we  would,  if  possible,  live  peaceably,  will  often  make 
themselves  ready  to  battle.  But,  trusting  in  the  Lord’s  pro- 
tection and  obeying  his  commands,  we  shall  be  more  than  con- 
querors over  every  assailant,  and  profit  by  all  their  attempts  to 
hurt.  us.  For  our  inheritance  is  sure  ; and,  in  the  Lord’s  time 
and  manner,  every  thing  will  concur  in  putting  us  in  posses- 
sion of  it. — But  worldly  inheritances  are  continually  changing 
their  masters : ill-gotten  gain  never  spends  well ; idolatrous 
dependences  fail  in  the  crisis  of  need ; and  the  destruction  of 
the  wicked,  being  appointed  of  God,  will  be  certainly  and 
speedily  effected. 

NOTES. — Chat.  XXII.  V.  1.  At  length  the  Israelites 
terminated  their  wanderings,  by  encamping  on  the  banks  of 
Jordan  over  against  Jericho,  where  they  abode,  until  they 
passed  over  into  Canaan.  The  plains,  in  which  they  en- 
camped, had  belonged  to  the  Moabites,  from  whom  they 
derived  their  name  ; but  Sihon  had  taken  them  from  the 
Moabites,  and  Israel  had  now  got  possession  of  them.  (2) 

V.  4.  The  Moabites  were  descended  from  Lot;  the  Mi- 
dianites  from  Abraham  by  Keturah.  (Gen.  19:37.  25:2.) 
They  lived  near  together,  and  were  united  in  interest ; as 
were  also  the  Ishmaelites,  and  Edomites,  and  Ammonites: 
but  they  were  all  enemies  to  Israel,  except  that  part  of  the 
Miaianites,  which  was  connected  with  Jethro,  Moses’s  father- 
in-law. — The  persons  here  called  “elders,”  seem  to  be  else- 
where called  princes , and  even  kings , according  to  the  lan- 
guage of  those  times.  (Marg.  Ref.  e.)  The  message  to 
them  appears  to  have  been  sent  with  the  concurrence  of  the 
principal  persons  in  Moab,  and  by  tho  general  sense  of  the 
nation  ; as  well  as  by  Balak  their  king. — They  all  thought, 
that  nothing  but  united  and  vigorous  resistance  could  preserve 
them:  for  either  they  had  not  heard,  that  Jehovah  had  for- 
bidden Israel  to  molest  them  ; or  they  disregarded  any  report 
which  they  had  heard  to  this  effect. — The  simile  which  they 
employed  is  extremely  expressive,  as  referring  to  the  complete 
instruction  which  Israel  had  made  of  Arad,  Sihon,  and  Og, 
with  the  nations  over  whom  they  reigned. 

V.  5.  It  is  the  general  opinion  of  expositors,  that  Balaam 
was  first  a prophet,  (and  as  some  think  a good  man,)  and 
that  afterwards  he  degenerated  and  became  a soothsayer ; 
yet  this  is  exceedingly  improbable,  and  unparalleled  in  Scrip- 
ture. Had  he  been  first  a prophet,  and  then  turned  aside  to 
( 292  > 


use  magical  arts  for  the  sake  of  gain,  he  would  scarcely  have 
“ sought  for  enchantments,”  when  he  went  for  the  express 
purpose  of  meeting  the  Lord,  whatever  he  did  at  other  times. 
It  is  not  intimated,  that  any  prophecies  were  spoken  by  him, 
except  those  contained  in  this  history,  which  certainly  are 
sufficient  to  entitle  him  to  the  name  of  u Balaam  the  pro- 
phet.” His  boasting  likewise  concerning  “ his  eyes  being 
opened,  and  his  seeing  the  visions  of  the  Almighty,”  seems 
especially  to  relate  to  the  events  here  recorded.  It.  appears 
therefore  more  probable,  that  he  was  originally  a diviner,  or 
magician  of  great  renown  : but  having  acquired  some  know 
ledge  of  the  true  God,  perhaps  by  hearing  of  the  wonderful 
works  performed  by  Moses  in  his  name,  he  endeavoured  to 
render  this  knowledge  subservient  to  his  interested  and  ambi- 
tious purposes,  by  professing  himself  a prophet  of  Jehovah, 
and  uttering  divinations  as  revelations  from  him.  Thus  the 
exorcists,  observing  how  efficacious  the  name  of  Jesus  proved 
in  the  mouth  of  the  apostle,  attempted  to  cast  out  devils, 
“adjuring  them  by  Jesus  whom  Paul  preached:”  ( Note9 
Acts  19:13 — 20.)  and  thus  Simon  Magus,  finding  the  miracles 
of  Philip  so  much  superior  to  the  effects  of  his  magic, 
embraced  Christianity ; and  afterwards  offered  Peter  money 
to  confer  on  him  the  same  power  which  he  exercised,  doubt- 
less intending  to  enrich  or  aggrandize  himself  by  it.  (Notes, 
Acts  8:9 — 24.)  On  this  supposition  Balaam’s  use  of  incanta- 
tions, even  in  seeking  Jehovah,  was  the  natural  effect  of 
the  association  of  his  old  practices  with  his  new  pretensions. 
It  is  not  certain,  whether  the  Lord  had  ever  spoken  to  him  or 
by  him  before  this  event,  though  probably  he  had;  but  he 
certainly  did  afterwards : yet  there  is  abundant  proof  that  he 
lived  and  died  a wicked  man,  and  an  enemy  to  God  and  his 
people.  (Notes,  31:8.  Deut.  23:3 — 5.  Mic.  6:3 — 5.  2 Pet.  2: 
15,16.  Jude  11 — 13.  Rev.  2:14 — 16.)  This,  however,  as  is 
evident  from  the  Scriptures,  has  by  no  means  been  a singular 
case.  (Notes,  Matt.  7:21 — 23.  1 Cor.  13:1 — 3.) — Balaam 
dwelt  in  or  near  Mesopotamia,  by  the  Euphrates,  the 
renowned  river  of  the  inhabitants  of  those  countries.  But 
his  reputation  had  reached  so  far,  and  he  was  so  celebrated, 
that  he  was  sent  for,  as  it  appears,  in  consequence  of  the 
counsel  given  to  Moab  by  the  elders  of  Midian;  being  the 
only  person  who  was  able  to  contend  with  Moses,  the  prophet 
of  Israel.  For  we  may  suppose,  that  they  ascribed  to  the 
superior  skill  of  Moses  in  some  unknown  arts,  all  that  power 
by  which,  notwithstanding  Pharaoh’s  determined  opposition, 
Israel  had  been  brought  out  of  Egypt,  had  subsisted  for  so 
many  years  in  the  wilderness,  and  had  obtained  their  late 
victories  over  the  Amorites. — Pethor.]  Deut.  23:4. 

V.  6.  Balak  had  some  general  notion  of  the  overruling  influ- 
ence of  an  invisible  Power,  and  at  the  same  time  such  an  opinion 
of  Balaam’s  interest  with  that  invisible  Power,  that  he  sup- 
posed he  could  do  nothing  so  effectual  to  conciliate  his  favour, 
as  to  pay  court  to  his  prophet : nay,  he  either  actually  thought, 
or  he  was  willing  to  compliment.  Balaam,  and  to  comfort 
himself,  with  the  supposition,  that  his  blessings  or  curses 
were  infallibly  ratified ! If  he  could  therefore  prevail  with 
Balaam  solemnly  to  curse  Israel  and  to  bless  Moab,  hn 
would  then  defy  Israel  and  declare  war  against  them,  not 
withstanding  all  the  wonders  of  which  he  had  heard  ! — It  has 
been  shown  by  learned  men,  that  many  of  the  heathen 
nations  thus  solemnly  cursed  their  enemies  in  the  name  of 
their  gods,  and  devoted  them  to  destruction,  before  they 
declared  war  against  thorn.  (1  Sam*  17:43.)  Anil  it  is  not 
impossible,  that  the  sentence  denounced  by  the  Lord  against 
the  nations  of  Canaan,  whom  he  devoted  to  destruction,  and 
employed  Israel  to  extirpate,  and  Israel’s  vow  concerning  the 
cities  of  Arad,  might  suggest  to  tho  Moabites  and  Midianites 
the  idea  of  engaging  Balaans  in  a similar  manner  to  devote  trie 


B.  C 452 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


B.  C.  1452. 


10  And  bn. vain  said  unto  God,  iBalak  tlie 
son  of  Zippor,  king  of  Moab,  hath  sent  unto  me, 
saying, 

11  Behold,  there  is  a people  come  out  of  Egypt, 
which  covereth  the  face  of  the  earth:  come  now, 
curse  me  them;  peradventure  I shall  'be  able  to 
overcome  them,  and  drive  them  out. 

12  And  God  said  unto  Balaam,  rThou  shaltnot 
go  with  them  : ‘thou  shalt  not  curse  the  people  : 
•for  they  art  blessed. 

13  And  Balaam  rose  up  in  the  morning,  and 
said  unto  the  princes  of  Balak,  Get  you  into  your 
land  : lor  llthe  Loro  refuseth  to  give  me  leave  to 
go  with  you. 

14  And  the  princes  of  Moab  rose  up,  and  they 
went  unto  Balak,  and  said,  '■Balaam  refuseth  to 
come  with  us. 

15  U And  Balak  sent  yet  again  ^princes,  more, 
and  more  honourable  than  they.' 

16  And  they  came  to  Balaam,  and  said  to  him, 
Thus  saith  Balak,  the  son  of  Zippor,  ’Let  no- 
thing, I pray  thee,  hinder  thee  from  coming  unto 
me ; 

17  For  'I  will  promote  thee  unto  very  great 
honour,  and  I ■'will  do  whatsoever  thou  sayest 
unto  me : come  therefore,  I pray  thee,  curse  me 
this  people. 

18  And  Balaam  answered  and  said  unto  the 
servants  of  Balak,  bIf  Balak  would  give  me  his 
house  full  of  silver  and  gold,  CI  cannot  go  beyond 
the  word  of  the  Lord  my  God,  to  do  less  or  more. 

q See  on  4 — 6.  * Heb.  prevail  in  Jighling  against  him . r 20.  Job  33.15 — 
17.  Matt.  27.19.  e 19.  23:3.13—15,19,23.  Mic.6:5.  t 23:20.  Gen.  12:2. 

Dent.  23:5.  33:29.  Ps.  144:15.  146:3 — 6.  Roin.  4:6,7.  11 :29.  E|»h.l:3.  u 14. 
Dent.  23:5.  x 13,37.  y 7,8.  Acts  10:7,8.  t Heb.  be  not  thou  letted  from,&c. 
l 24:11.  Dent.  16:19.  JEstli.  5:11.  7:9.  Matt.  4:8,9.  16:26.  a 23:2,3,29,30.  Malt. 
14:7.  b 24:13.  Tit.  1:16.  c I Kings  22:14.  2Chr.  18:13.  Dan.  5:17.  Acts  8:20. 

Israelites ; and  that  the  customs  of  other  nations  in  this  re- 
spect, were  derived  from  the  traditionary  report  of  these  events. 

V.  8.  Balaam  seems  to  have  been  fully  convinced,  that 
Jehovah  was  the  true  God,  and  the  Protector  of  Israel:  if 
therefore  “ his  heart  had  not  been  exercised  with  covetous 
practices,”  and  hankering  after  the  “ rewards  of  divination,” 
he  would  peremptorily  have  declared  that  he  durst  not,  and 
would  not,  undertake  any  thing  against  the  people  of  God. 
He  could  not  but  know,  that  it  was  vain  to  attempt  any 
opposition  to  Omnipotence : yet  he  had  such  unworthy  notions 
of  God,  as  to  think  that,  by  one  means  or  other,  he  would  be 
■nduced  to  renounce  the  cause  of  Israel,  and  espouse  that  of 
Moab  1 This  appears  to  have  been  the  project  which  he 
formed,  and  which  he  prosecuted  for  a long  time,  till  he  was 
still  further  given  up  to  infatuation  ! He  therefore  desired 
a night’s  time,  in  hopes  to  obtain  the"  Lord’s  consent  to  his 
journey;  and  he  evidently  expected  some  immediate  reve- 
lation. 

V.  9 — 14.  The  Lord,  for  wise  reasons,  saw  good  to 
answer  the  expectations  of  Balaam,  and  to  make  known  his 
will  in  a manner,  which  should  at  once  have  determined  him 
on  no  account  to  attempt  any  thing  in  the  business.  But 
though  he  declined  going  at  the  present;  he  did  not  preclude 
all  further  applications.  He  yielded  obedience  to  the  divine 
injunction,  but  as  it  seems  very  reluctantly.  He  did  not 
“ bring  the  messengers  word  again  as  the  Lord  spake  to 
him:”  for  he  mentioned  merely  the  refusal,  but  neither  the 
peremptory  manner,  nor  the  reason  of  it,  ‘ That  the  people 
were  blessed,  and  Balaam  should  not  curse  them.’  Had 
he  faithfully  reported  these,  they  would  have  conveyed  an 
important  warning  to  Balak  not  to  “meddle  to  his  hurt:”  but 
he  spake  as  one  inclinable  to  the  proposal,  and  not  without 
hope  of  obtaining  leave  ; and  as  his  words  appear  to  have 
been  reported  in  the  same  imperfect  manner,  Balak  naturally 
concluded  that  the  prophet  only  wanted  more  respect  and 
larger  promises. — The  constant  mention  of  the  name  of 
Balak,  shows  that  he  was  the  principal  person  concerned ; 
.hough  tlie  elders  or  princes  had  much  authority  and  influ- 
ence. 

V.  15 — 17.  As  Balak  concluded  that  Balaam  might  yet 
oe  induced  to  come,  he  sent  a greater  number  of  superior 
persons,  offering  him  any  terms  which  he  chose  to  demand  : 
and  in  return  he  expected  an  unreserved  compliance  ; so  that 
nothing,  no  not  even  his  conscience,  nor  the  command  of 
God,  should  prevent  his  coming  and  cursing  Israel  ! — His 
riberality  to  this  wicked  man  proved  him  sincere  in  his  con- 
fidence; as  the  penuriousness  of  some  professed  Christians, 
in  the  cause  of  their  religion,  proves  their  hypocrisy. 

V.  18.  Balaam  does  not  declare,  that  he  is  determined 
not  to  come ; nor  does  he  express  any  abhorrence  of  the 
crime  or  the  temptation;  but  he  “cannot  go”  without  the 
Lord’s  permission,  and  he  seems  to  regret  that  he  may  not 
avail  himself  of  so  liberal  an  offer.  These  touches  must  be 
•arefully  noted,  if  we  would  understand  this  instructive 
History. — He  speaks  also  of  “ the  Lord  his  God”  with  great 


19  Now  there  litre,  I pray  you,  ‘’tarry  ye  also 
here  litis  night, '.hat  I may  know  what  the  Lord 
will  say  unto  me  more. 

20  And  ‘God  came  unto  Balaam  at  night,  and 
said  unto  him,  i'll  the  men  come  to  call  thee,  rise 
up,  and  go  with  them  ; but  eyet  the  word  which 
I shall  say  unto  thee,  that  shalt  thou  do. 

21  And  Balaam ’‘rose  up  in  the  morning,  and 
saddled  his  ass,  and  went  with  the  princes  of 

Moab.  [Practical  Observations .] 

22  11  And  ’God’s  anger  was  kindled  because  he 
went  : and  kthe  Angel  of  the  Lord  ’stood  in  the 
way  for  an  adversary  against  him.  Now  he  was 
riding  upon  his  ass,  and  his  two  servants  were 
with  him. 

23  And  mthe  ass  saw  the  Angel  of  the  Lord 
standing  in  the  way,  and  his  sword  drawn  in  his 
hand  : and  "the  ass  turned  aside  out  of  the  way, 
and  went  into  the  field ; and  Balaam  smote  the 
ass,  to  turn  her  into  the  way. 

24  But  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  stood  in  a path 
of  the  vineyards,  a wall  being  on  this  side,  and  a 
wall  on  that  side. 

25  And  when  the  ass  saw  the  Angel  of  the 
Lord,  she  thrust  herself  unto  the  wall,  and  "crush- 
ed Balaam’s  loot  against  the  wall ; and  he  smote 
her  again. 

26  And  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  went  further, 
and  stood  in  a narrow  place,  '’where  was  no  way 
to  turn,  either  to  the  right  hand  or  to  the  left. 

27  And  when  the  ass  saw  the  Angel  of  the  Lord, 

tl  See  on  7,8.  1 Tim.  6:9,10.  2 Pet.  2:3,15.  Jiule  11.  e .See  tm  9.  f 1 Snm.  8:3 
—9.  12:12-. 9.  Ps. 81:12.  Hz.  14:2—5.  2 Tlies.  2:9— 12.  g 35.  23:12,26.  24:13. 
Ps.  33:10, 11.  78:30,31.  Is.  37:29.  Hos. 13:11.  I:  Prov.  1:15,16.  i 2 Kings  10: 
30.  Hos.  1:4.  k 35.  See  on  Gen.  48: 15,16.  Kx  3:2— 6.  Hos.  12:4,5.  132.  Ex 

4:24.  Lam. 2:4.  in 2 Kings  6:17.  I Clir.  21:16.  Dim. 10:7.  Acls22:9.  I Cor.  1: 
28,29.  u Jer.  8.7.  o Job  5:13— 15.  Is.  47:12.  pis. 26:11.  Hos.  2:6 


confidence;  but  this  might  be  done  merely  to  keep  up  his 
high  reputation:  or  he  might  deceive  lnmself;  for  it  is 
probable,  that  he  outwardly  worshipped  Jehovah. 

V.  19 — 21.  After  the  peremptory  answer  which  God  had 
given  Balaam,  he  should  have  spoken  to  this  effect ; 1 Say 
no  more  to  me  on  this  subject,  but  return  home,  and  make 
the  best  terms  you  can  with  Israel.  They  are  the  people  of 
the  true  God,  whom  he  is  determined  to  bless  ; and  you  can 
do  nothing  against  them,  by  stratagem  or  by  power,  human 
or  divine : for  my  part  I cannot,  I dare  not,  and  I would  not 
for  the  world,  presume  to  oppose  them  ; so  tempt  me  no 
more.’ — ‘ The  state  of  Balaam’s  mind  was  this:  He  wanted 
to  do  what  he  knew  to  be  very  wicked,  and  contrary  to  the 
express  command  of  God ; he  had  inward  checks  and 
restraints  which  he  could  not  entirely  get  over;  he  there- 
fore cast  about  for  ways  to  reconcile  this  wickedness  to  his 
duty.  How  great  a paradox  soever  this  may  appear,  as  it  is 
indeed  a contradiction  in  terms,  it  is  the  very  account  which 
the  Scripture  gives  of  him.’  Bp.  Butler. — But  he  was  the 
slave  of  covetousness,  and  entertained  dishonourable  thoughts 
of  God,  and  supposed  that  he  could  be  induced  to  change  his 
determination:  therefore  the  Lord  in  anger  gave  him  the 
permission,  which  he  so  wickedly  and  eagerly  desired.  It 
seems  he  was  in  such  haste,  that  he  did  not  wait  the  call  of 
Balak’s  princes,  but  arose  early  and  prepared  for  his  journey. 
The  clause,  “ yet  the  words  which  1 shall  say  unto  thee, 
that  thou  shalt  do,”  may  be  understood  either  as  an  injunc- 
tion, or  as  a prediction  of  the  event,  namely,  that  he  should  be 
constrained  to  speak  the  words  of  God,  and  not  be  able  to 
express  his  own  desires. 

V.  22.  The  Lord  permits  almost  an  infinity 'of  actions 
which  he  does  not  approve : (Notes,  1 Kings  22:19 — 23. 

Job  1:12.)  and  he  is  very  angry  with  those,  who  avail  them- 
selves of  his  permission  to  gratify  their  lusts.  “ They  think 
evil,  but  God  means  it  unto  good.”  Nay,  the  motive  even 
of  obedience  may  be  so  corrupt,  that  while  the  action  is 
approved,  God  may  abhor  the  principle  from  which  it  spring. — 
Balaam  was  instigated  by  covetousness  and  ambition:  (Note, 
2 Pet.  2:15,16.)  and  he  wickedly,  with  perseverance,  sought 
to  curse  a people  whom  the  Lord  had  blessed  : yet  he  seems 
to  have  had  no  attachment  to  Moab,  or  ill-will  to  Israel, 
except  for  filthy  lucre’s  sake.  The  Lord  therefore,  with 
evident  disapprobation,  gave  him  leave  to  go  with  the  princes 
of  Moab;  of  which  he  eagerly  availed  himself;  and  both  the 
motive  and  conduct  displeased  the  Lord,  who  therefore  met 
him  “as  an  adversary”  in  the  way. — His  avarice  was  the 
more  inexcusable,  as  he  could  already  afford  to  travel  with  two 
attendants.  Probably,  the  princes  of  Moab  having  been 
informed  of  his  determination,  had  gone  before  to  prepare 
matters  for  his  reception. 

V.  23 — 27.  Balaam’s  eyes  being  holden  that  he  could  not 
see  the  angel,  who  was  visible  to  the  ass,  was  an  emblem  of 
the  blindness  of  his  mind  to  that  eminent  and  evident  peril 
into  which  he  was  rushing  by  this  presumptuous  undertaking. 
Surely  the  singular  circumstances  of  this  occurrence  should 

( 293  ) 


B C.  1452. 


NUMBERS. 


B.  C.  1452. 


6<ie  fell  down,  u^idi  r Balaam;  fland  Balaam’s  anger 
was  kindled,  atd  he  smote  the  ass'with  a stafU 

28  And  the  Lord  ropened  the  mouth  of  the  ass, 
and  she  said  unto  Balaam,  ‘What  have  I done 
unto  thee,  that  thou  hast  smitten  me  these  three 
times  ? 

29  And  Balaam  said  unto  the  ass,  Because 
thou  hast  mocked  me : I would  there  were  a 
sword  in  mine  hand,  "for  now  would  1 kill  thee. 

30  And  the  ass  said  unto  Balaam,  Jim  not  I 
thine  ass,  ’upon  which  thou  hast  ridden  tever  since 
I was  thine,  unto  this  day  ? was  I ever  wont  to  do 
60  unto  thee  ? And  he  said,  Nay.  • 

31  Then  the  Lord  "opened  the  eyes  of  Balaam, 
and  he  saw  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  standing  in  the 
way,  and  his  sword  drawn  in  his  hand  : and  he 
'bowed  down  his  head,  and  Tell  flat  on  his  face. 

32  And  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto  him, 
y Wherefore  hast  thou  smitten  thine  ass  these  three 
times?  behold,  I went  out  to  Withstand  thee, 
because  Hhy  way  is  perverse  “before  me. 

33  And  the  ass  saw  me  and  turned  from  me 
these  three  times : unless  she  had  turned  from  me, 
bsurely  now  also  I had  slain  thee,  and  saved  her 
alive. 

34  And  Balaam  said  unto  the  Angel  of  the 
Lord,  CI  have  sinned ; for  I knew  not  that  thou 

9 Prov.  14:16.  27:3,4.  r Ex.  4:11.  Luke  1:37.  1 Cor.  1:19.  2Pet. 2:16.  ■ Rom. 
8:22.  t I’rov.  12:10,16.  Ec.  9:3.  * Heb.  who  hast  ridden  upon  me.  t Or,  ever 
since  thou  wast,  unto , &c.  1 Ccr.  1:27,28.  u 24:4.  marg.  16.  Gen.  21:19.  2 Kings 
6:17-20.  1 Chr.21:l6.  Luke  24:16,31.  Acts  26:18.  x Ex.  34:8.  Ps.  9:20.  John 
18:6.  \ Or,  bowed,  himself.  y 28.  Deut.25:4.  Ps.36:6.  147:9.  Jon.  4:11. 

Heb.  be  an  adversary  unto  thee.  22.  z Deut.  23:4.  Prov.28:6.  Mic.  6:5.  Acts 
3:10.  2Pet.  2:14,15.  a See  on  20,22,35.  Ex.  3:2— 6.  b 14:37.  16:33—35. 
I Kings  13:24—28.  c Ex.  9:27.  10:16,17.  1 Sam.  15:24.  24:17.  26-j.:.  Job  34:31; 


have  induced  him  to  consider  whether  he  were  in  the  right 
way  or  not — The  Angel,  &c.]  Note,  32. 

V < 28.  The  faculty  of  speech  in  man  is  the  gift  of  God, 
and  we  cannot  comprehend  how  we  ourselves  articulate  : we 
need  not  therefore  be  surprised  that  the  Lord  made  use  of  the 
mouth  of  the  “ ass  to  rebuke  the  madness  of  the  prophet,” 
and  to  shante  him  by  the  reproof  and  by  the  example  of  the 
brute.  Satan  spake  to  Eve  by  a subtle  serpent,  but  the  Lord 
chose  to  speak  to  Balaam  by  a dull  ass : for  he  does  not  use 
“ enticing  words  of  man’s  wisdom,”  but  works  by  instru- 
ments and  means  which  men  despise. — Some  expositors, 
unable  to  conceive  how  an  ass  could  speak,  have  thought,  (in 
direct  opposition  to  the  words  of  the  sacred  historian,)  that 
the  whole  was  only  a vision : but  can  they  indeed  conceive  or 
explain,  how  God  represented  these  things  to  Balaam’s  mind 
in  a vision '!  If  not,  the  difficulty  remains,  and  Omnipotence 
must  be  allowed  to  have  done  what  man  cannot  comprehend. 

V.  29,  30.  The  miracle  of  the  ass  speaking  might  asto- 
nish Balaam,  though  that  is  not  recorded ; or,  having  been  a 
magician,  he  had  witnessed  or  heard  of  strange,  portentous 
events,  and  perhaps  ascribed  it  to  magic  ; or  the  fury  of  his 
passion  resembled  mgdness,  and  the  prodigy  served  to 
increase  it. — Balaam  was  supposed  capable  of  destroying 
Israel,  or  at  least  making  way  for  their  destruction,  by  a 
curse  ; yet  he  could  not  kill  his  ass  for  want  of  a sword ! But 
the  Lord  reasoned  with  him  by  the  mouth  of  the  ass ; and, 
by  reminding  him  of  his  property  in  the  animal  and  his  benefit 
from  her,  and  that  she  had  not  been  accustomed  so  to  behave, 
he  taught  him  that  his  conduct  was  very  absurd,  and  prepared 
the  way  for  a more  full  discovery  of  his  wickedness. — The 
words  used  on  this  occasion,  seem  to  imply  that  Balaam  had 
ridden  on  this  ass  from  his  youth  : (marg.)  and  consequently 
that  she  had  been  a valuable  and  faithful  servant  to  him. — It 
must  have  been  peculiarly  humiliating  to  this  proud  man, 
who  boasted  “ of  his  eyes  being  open,  and  of  seeing  the 
visions  of  the  Almighty,”  to  be  reproved  and  silenced  from 
the  mouth  of  a brute.  As  the  Lord  both  appeared  to  the  ass 
and  spake  by  her,  before  Balaam  was  enabled  to  see  the 
vision,  lie  had  little  reason  to  boast  when  the  Lord  appeared 
to  him  and  spake  by  him. 

V.  32.  Thy  way  is  perverse  before  me.}  From  this  expres- 
sion, and  from  the  language  of  the  thirty-fifth  verse,  “ The 
word  that  1 shall  speak  unto  thee,”  we  may  be  satisfied  that 
this  was  the  angel  of  the  covenant,  the  second  person  of  the 
Trinity,  visibly  appearing  on  this  occasion. 

V.  33.  Balaam  was  thus  shown  that  he  owed  his  life  to 
that  supposed  ungovernableness  of  the  ass,  which  he  so  madly 
resented. 

V.  31,  35.  Though  Balaam  acknowledged  that  ho  had 
sinned  ; yet  he  excused  himself  as  being  ignorant  that  any 
opposition  was  made  to  him.  He  does  not  appear  to  have 
been  convinced  of  the  wickedness  of  his  undertaking ; and  it 
was  with  hesitation  that  he  proposed  to  return,  only  if  he 
might  not  proceed  except  at  the  hazard  of  his  life.  (Is.  57:17.) 
So  reluctant  was  he  to  give  up  “ the  wages  of  unrighteous- 
ness!” He  was  therefore  again  permitted  to  follow  his  own 
fool'sh  devices. 

V.  36 — 3S.  Balak,  hearing  that  Balaam  was  at  length 
coming,  to  show  his  joy,  and  to  honour  him,  went  to  the  borders 

V 294  ) 


stoodest  in  the  way  against  me : now  therefore,  dif 
it  "displease  thee,  I will  get  me  back  again. 

35  And  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto  Ba- 
laam, "Go  with  the  men : but  only  the  word  that 
fl  shall  speak  unto  thee,  that  thou  shalt  speak.  So 
Balaam  went  with  the  princes  of  Balak. 

36  And  when  Balak  heard  that  Balaam  was 
come,  Tie  went  out  to  meet  him  unto  a city  of 
Moab,  which  is  in  The  border  of  Arnon,  which  is 
in  the  utmost  coast. 

37  And  Balak  said  unto  Balaam,  Did  I not 
earnestly  send  unto  thee  to  call  thee  ? wherefore 
earnest  thou  not  unto  me  ? 'am  I not  able  indeed 
to  promote  thee  to  honour  ? 

38  And  Balaam  said  unto  Balak,  Lo,  I am  come 
unto  thee  : khave  I now  any  power  at  all  to  say 
any  thing?  'the  word  that  God  putteth  in  my 
mouth,  that  shall  I speak. 

39  And  Balaam  went  with  Balak,  and  they 
came  unto1IKirjath-huzoth. 

40  And  Balak  ""offered  oxen  and  sheep,  and  sent 
to  Balaam,  and  to  the  princes  that  were  with 
him. 

41  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow,  that 
Balak  took  Balaam,  and  brought  him  up  into  the 
"high  places  of  Baal,  that  thence  he  might  see  the 
"utmost  part  of  the  people. 

32.  Ps. 78:34.  Matt. 27:4,5.  dSeeon\2.  ||  Heb.  be  evil  in  thine  eyes.  11:1. 
1 Chr.2l:7.  Prov.  24:18.  margins,  e See  on  20.  Ps.  81:12.  Ts.  37:26— 29. 2 The*. 
2:9—12.  f See  on  20,21.  g Gen.  14: 17.  18:2.  46:29.  Ex.  18:7.  I Sam.  13:10. 
Acts  28:15.  h 21:13,14.  Deut.  2:24.  3:8.  Judg.  11:18.  Is.  16:2.  Jer.  48:20.  i 16, 
17.  24:11.  Matt.  4:8,9.  Luke  4:6.  k 18.  Ps.  33:10.  76:10.  Prov.  19:21.  Is.  44: 
25.  46:10.  47:12.  123:16,26.  24:13.  1 Kings  22:14.  2 Chr.  18:13.  fl  Or,  a city 
of  streets,  m 23:2,14,30.  Gen.  31:54.  Prov.  1:16.  u 25:2,3.  Deut.  12:2.  2 Chr. 
11:15.  Jer.  48:35.  o 23:13. 


of  his  land  to  meet  him.  Yet  he  could  not  but  express  his 
surprise,  that  he  had  not  come  at  first  when  such  a prospect 
of  honour  and  emolument  opened  before  him : and  Balaam’s 
answer  plainly  indicated  his  readiness  to  concur  in  Balak’s 
projects,  and  his  strong  desire  of  succeeding,  though  he 
feared  he  should  not  be  able.  Nay,  he  seems  to  have 
made  a merit  of  coming  through  the  midst  of  so  much  oppo- 
sition. 

V.  40,  41.  These  sacrifices  seem  to  have  been  offered  to 
the  gods  of  Moab,  by  whose  aid  Balak  hoped  to  prevail  over 
Israel,  through  Balaam’s  incantations;  for  he  was  not  yet 
aware  of  Balaam’s  project  of  drawing  over  the  God  of  Israel 
to  the  side  of  Moab  ; and  he  therefore  propitiated  his  idols, 
and  invited  Balaam,  with  the  princes,  to  feast  upon  the  sacri- 
fice. After  which,  without  loss  of  time,  the  idolatrous  king 
took  his  covetous  prophet  to  the  high  places  of  Baal,  that  he 
might  both  lake  a view  of  the  Israelites,  and  curse  them  by 
his  gods. — “ Baal”  signifies  lord  or  governor,  and  was  a name 
common  to  many  idols.  Probably  this  Baal  was  the  same  as 
Chemosh,  the  god  of  Moab.  (Jer.  48:13,46.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 7.  Our  life  is  a succession  of  wanderings  which 
will  shortly  close  upon  the  brink  of  the  grave:  happy  they 
who  have  an  inheritance  in  the  Canaan  beyond  ! with  com- 
fort may  they  sit  down  on  the  banks  of  that  Jordan  which 
rolls  between,  and  with  composure  wait  the  Lord’s  call  to  pass 
over  and  possess  the  promised  land.  But  the  ungodly  “ are 
consumed  with  terrors though  more  generally  “ afraid  of 
them  who  can  only  kill  the  body,”  than  of  “ Him  who  is  able 
to  destroy  both  body  and  soul  in  hell.” — The  prosperity  of 
the  church,  instead  of  inducing  sinners  to  seek  a share  in  its 
felicity,  generally  excites  their  envy,  hatred,  and  terror,  and 
stirs  up  the  spirit  of  persecution:  but  the  crafty  methods, 
which  ungodly  politicians  take  to  secure  themselves,  gene- 
rally involve  them  in  more  speedy  ruin. — That  propensity  to 
religion,  which  results  from  reason  and  conscience,  and  the 
corrupted  remains  of  tradition,  is,  through  the  depravity  of 
our  nature,  generally  productive  of  absurd  superstitions  and 
abominable  idolatries;  by  means  of  which  Satan,  that  ambi- 
tious spirit,  is  consulted  and  depended  on  for  information  and 
assistance  ; his  ministers  aro  caressed  and  honoured  ; and  his 
rites  attended  on  with  immense  degradation,  trouble,  and 
expense.  (Notes,  Is.  57:9,10.  Mic.  0:6 — 8.  Col.  2:20 — 23.) — 
Great  knowledge  of  doctrinal  truth  may  fill  the  minds  of  very 
wicked  men;  many  convictions  may  disquiet  their  con- 
sciences; and  excellent  words  may  proceed  from  their  lips 
but  the  smallest  degree  of  sanctifying  grace  is  infinitely  pre- 
ferable to  the  most  shining  talents,  or  the  most  splendid  gifts 
of  knowledge,  utterance,  and  eloquence  ; yea,  to  those  of  pro- 
phecy and  miracles,  by  which  hypocrites  have  sometimes 
become  more  extensively  mischievous,  illustriously  infamous, 
heinously  criminal,  and  exquisitely  miserable.— Let  us  then 
covet  earnestly  and  diligently  that  licit  gif!  of  divine  love, 
which  springs  from  faith  and  hope,  and  never  failoth,but  shall 
endure  for  ever. — If  wo  had  learned  to  lay  up  our  treasure  in 
heaven,  and  to  seek  that  honour  which  cornel  h from  God  only, 
and  to  be  content  with  food  and  rainiei'. ; and  if  covetousness, 
ambition,  and  sensuality  were  greatly  norti'icd  witlr.n  us,  we 
should  have  little  !c  hope  or  fear  fron.  mail  and  bo  removed 


D C.  1-152. 


CHAPTER  XXIII 


B.  C.  1452. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

Balak  builds  seven  altars,  and  offers  sacrifices  on  them,  1,8.  Balaam  goes  to 
meet  the  Lord,  and  returning  blesses  Israel : Balak  remonstrates,  ami  Ba- 
laam excuses  it,  3 — 1*2.  Balak  sacrifices  in  another  place,  Balaam  blesses 
Israel  still  more  ; Balak  cannot  hinder  him,  13—26.  Balak  sacrifices  on 
the  top  of  Peor,  27—30. 

AND  Balaam  said  unto  Balak,  “Build  me  here 
bseven  altars,  and  prepare  me  here  “seven 
oxen  and  seven  rams. 

2  And  Balak  did  as  Balaam  had  spoken ; and 
Balak  and  Balaam  doffered  on  every  altar  a bul- 
lock and  a ram. 

3  And  Balaam  said  unto  Balak,  Stand  by  thy 
•burnt-offering,  and  I will  go  ; f peradventure  the 

.29.  Ex.  33:31.  Jude  11.  b Ex.  20:34  . 27:1, 4c.  ISam.  15:22.  2 Kings  18:22. 
P.,  50:8,9.  Prov.  15:8.  Is.  1:11— 15.  Matt.  23:14.  c 29:32.  1 Chr.  15:26.  2 Chr. 
29:21.  Job  42:8.  Ex.  45:23.  d 14,30.  e Gen.  8:20. 22:2,7,8,13.  Ex.  18:12.  Lex. 
1:  115.  22:8.9,34—35.  24:1.  • Or,  went  toiitary.  g 16.  22:9,20.  hSeeonl. 


far  out  of  the  way  of  temptation:  but,  as  there  is  so  much  of 
these  evils  still  remaining  in  the  heart,  we  all  have  cause  to 
dread  and  shun  those  connexions,  which  almost  every  one 
covets ; I mean  connexions  with  ungodly  men,  who  are  able 
to  promote  us  to  honour  and  affluence.  These  are  especially 
dangerous  to  such  as  are  called  to  speak  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord:  for  by  their  influence,  by  fair  promises  exciting  large 
expectations,  and  by  showing  great  kindness  and  flattering 
respect,  they  prevail  with  many  to  sacrifice  conscience,  judg- 
ment, character,  and  the  fear  of  God,  to  the  humour  and 
inclination  of  their  patrons,  and  to  flatter  and  countenance 
their  sinful  practices. — The  attraction  is  almost  irresistible, 
the  heart  is  deceitful : and  who,  that  values  his  soul  and 
knows  himself,  would  venture  into  such  a perilous  situation  ? — 
Therefore  “ avoid  them,  pass  not  near  them,  turn  from  them, 
and  pass  away.” 

V.  8 — 21.  There  have  always  been  many  “who  loved  the 
wages  of  unrighteousness,”  and  paid  their  court  to  those  who 
could  bid  highest  and  reward  best.  Some  of  this  character 
act  the  hypocrite,  and  ostentatiously  avow  their  knowledge  of 
God,  and  intimacy  with  him,  to  cloak  their  wicked  intentions ; 
nay,  they  in  this  manner  deceive  themselves,  calling  “ the 
Lord  their  God,”  while  they  neither  keep  his  commandments 
nor  seek  his  salvation. — These  men  do  not  hate  sin,  and  they 
love  its  wages  ; and  thus  they  mistake  gain  for  godliness,  and 
covetousness  for  wisdom.  (Note,  1 Tim.  6:6 — 10.)  Fear 
restrains  them  for  a time  from  those  outward  crimes,  which 
they  are  inwardly  desirous  of  committing;  and  this  restraint 
they  mistake  for  conscientiousness.  Convictions  struggle 
against  temptations,  though  overcome  by  them ; and  this  they 
mistake  for  the  conflict  between  flesh  and  spirit.  (Note,  Rom. 
7:18 — 21.  conclusion.)  But  they  parley  with  the  enemy,  and 
nibble  at  the  bait;  they  seek  excuses,  and  watch  for  opportu- 
nities ; they  wrest  the  Scriptures,  explain  away  the  prohibi- 
tion or  theatening,  or  seek  diligently  for  some  evasion ; and 
even  seem  to  crave  leave  to  commit  their  darling  sin. — Thus 
they  provoke  God  to  “ give  them  up  to  their  own  hearts’  lusts ;” 
Satan  is  permitted  to  increase  the  force  of  the  temptation ; 
providential  dispensations  are  misinterpreted  into  a favourable 
indication  ; and,  by  the  ingenuity  of  a wicked  heart,  aided  and 
prompted  by  the  enemy,  they  at  length  find  some  method  of 
expecting  impunity,  in  following  their  own  wicked  inclinations. 
(Note,  2 Thes.  2:8 — 12.) — When  persons  are  once  judicially 
“ given  over  to  a strong  delusion  to  believe  a he,”  all  their 
boasted  knowledge  and  Wisdom  fail  them  ; and  they  are  left  to 
form  such  dishonourable  notions  of  God,  such  erroneous 
opinions  in  religion,  and  such  absurd  projects  in  practice,  as 
evidence  their  folly  and  ignorance,  and  expose  their  desperate 
wickedness.  Nor  does  this  appear  more  surprising  in  any 
thing,  than  in  their  strong  confidence  that  the  Lord  favours 
them,  and  their  presumptuous  hope  that  he  will  side  with 
them,  notwithstanding  the  manifest  iniquity  of  their  conduct. 

Y.  22 — 41.  The  Lord  knows  how  to  restrain  the  most 
desperate  rebels,  and  over  rule  their  efforts  against  him  and 
his  cause,  to  his  own  glory  and  the  good  of  his  church.  By 
the  way,  as  well  as  at  the  end  of  their  course,  he  will  mani- 
fest himself  to  be  their  adversary : and  though  they  be  not 
convinced,  but  rush  through  every  hinderance  to  the  gratifi- 
cation of  their  lusts,  these  obstructions  will  one  day  rise  up 
in  judgment  against  them  to  their  confusion ; and  every  check, 
which  stopped  the  sinner’s  career  for  a time,  but  did  not  hin- 
der his  continuance  in  sin,  will  increase  his  final  condemna- 
tion.— Such  is  man’s  folly  and  madness,  that,  with  all  his 
boasted  powers,  he  may  be  sent  to  school  to  the  most  stupid 
of  the  animals : for  though  God  hath  “ formed  us  wiser  than 
the  beasts  of  the  field,”  sin  hath  made  us  more  foolish:  (Job 
35:11.  Prov.  6:6.  Is.  1:3.)  and  the  conduct  of  the  ox  and  the 
ass  towards  their  possessors,  yea,  their  inhuman  abusers, 
"orms  a continued,  though  silent  reproach  of  our  forgetful- 
ixess  of  God,  of  our  ingratitude  and  rebellion ; and  may  lead 
• « to  conceive  in  what  language  they  might  address  us,  and 
how  they  might  plead  the  cause  of  their  Creator,  and  their 
own  cause,  against  us,  to  our  shame  and  confusion,  if  the 
Lord  should  open  their  mouths.  How  might  they  reproach 
multitudes  with  their  abuse  of  God’s  gift,  in  the  cruel  tyranny 
exercised  upon  them ! with  their  senseless  anger  vented  in 
oaths  and  cursings,  revilings  and  unmerciful  blows  “uriously 
bestowed  upor  a brute  beast,  ev  m to  their  own  loss . How 


Lord  will  come  to  meet  me  : and  whatsoever  he 
showeth  me  I will  tell  thee.  And  he  'went  to  an 
high  place. 

4 And  *God  met  Balaam : and  he  said  unto  him. 
hI  have  prepared  seven  altars,  and  I have  ofierea 
upon  every  altar  a bullock  and  a ram. 

5 And  the  Lord  'put  a word  in  Balaam’s  mouth 
and  said,  Return  unto  Balak,  and  thus  thou  sha 
speak. 

6 And  he  returned  unto  him ; and,  lo,  )he  stooa 
by  his  burnt-sacrifice,  he,  and  all  the  princes  oi 
Moab. 

7 And  he  ktook  up  his  parable,  and  said,  Balak 

In.  58:3,4.  Mau.  20:12.  Luke  18:12.  John  16:2.  Rom.  3:27.  E|)h.2:9.  i 16. 

35.  Dent.  18:18.  Prov.  16:1,9.  Is.  51:16.  59:21.  Jer.  1:9.  Luke  12:12.  John  11:51. 
13.  k 18.  21:3,15,23.  Job  27:1.  29:1.  P».  78:2.  Ez.  17:2.  20:49.  Mic.2:4.  Hah. 
2:6.  Mau.  13:35.  Mark  12:12. 


might  they  expose  man’s  cruelty  to  his  own  species,  yea,  to 
his  own  soul  and  body ; and  his  excessive  animal  indulgence ; 
as  if  his  understanding  only  served  him  to  invent  methods  of 
being  more  exquisitely  a brute,  by  refining  in  sensual  gratifi- 
cation ! — -Little  cause  then  have  we  to  be  proud  of  our  reason, 
which  fails  to  preserve  us  from  such  absurd  and  destructive 
excesses ; or  of  the  faculty  of  speech  which  is  so  shamefully 
abused:  and  it  may  serve  to  abate  our  self-admiration,  to 
reflect  that,  if  God  pleases,  he  can  make  a dull  ass  see  fur- 
ther, and  speak  better,  than  any  of  us.  Let  us  then  watch 
and  pray  against  corrupt  and  unreasonable  passions;  and 
listen  to  the  voice  of  God,  as  speaking  to  us  by  all  the  crea- 
tures with  which  we  are  surrounded. — How  little  are  the 
people  of  God  in  general  aware  of  the  machinations,  which 
are  forming  against  them ; whilst  all  the  policy  and  power  on 
earth  and  in  hell  are  combined  for  their  destruction ! (Notes, 
Job  1:9—12.  P.  O.  6—12.  Note,  Ps.  37:12—1.5.)  Yet 
they  need  not  fear,  with  distressing  anxiety ; for  “ he  that 
keepeth  Israel  neither  slumbereth  nor  sleepeth.”  The  Lord 
sees  through  every  plot,  and  “ no  weapon  formed  against  his 
church  shall  prosper.”  (Notes,  Is.  54:15 — 17.  Rom.  8:35 — 
39.)  He  restrains,  intimidates,  and  infatuates,  as  he  pleases. 
He  hath  blessed  true  believers,  and  of  him  alone  it  can  be 
said,  “He  whom  thou  blessest  is  ble'ssed,  and  he  whom  thou 
cursest  is  cursed.”  Let  us  therefore  cast  our  lot  among  them, 
and  then  we  shall  be  safe  and  happy ; “ for  if  God  be  for  us, 
who  can  be  agauist  us  ?”  “ O Lord  God  of  hosts,  blessed  is 
the  man  who  irusteth  in  thee!”  Oh,  give  us  true  faith,  and 
increase  it  more  and  more  ! 

NOTES— Chap.  XXIII.  V.  I,  2.  Balaam  had  heard, 
that  the  Israelites  had  an  altar,  on  which  they  offered  bulls 
and  rams,  and  in  doing  this  were  accepted  by  Jehovah  : 
and  he  seems  to  have  foolishly  fancied,  that  by  going  beyond 
them  in  the  number  of  altars  and  sacrifices,  the  Moabites 
might  draw  the  Lord  over  to  their  side,  and  obtain  leave  to 
curse  and  destroy  Israel.  It  does  not  appear  from  the  his- 
tory, that  he  either  dissuaded  Balak  from  his  purpose  of  war- 
ring against  Israel,  or  exhorted  him  and  his  people  to  repent- 
ance : but  in  the  ianguage  of  authority  or  consequence,  he 
directed  Balak  to  build  “seven  altars,  &c.”  and  Balak,  with 
great  obsequiousness,  complied  with  his  expensive  demands. 
It  is  evident  that  Balaam  intended  these  sacrifices  to  be 
offered  to  the  God  of  Israel ; and  probably  he  influenced  Balak 
to  join  him  in  this  respect  likewise.  (4) 

V.  3.  The  Lord  had  before  met  Balaam  in  anger,  and 
greatly  terrified  him : but,  having  offered  such  costly  sacri- 
fices, he  now  hoped  that  he  would  countenance  his  design ; 
yet  conscious  guilt  induced  him  to  add  “peradventure.” — 
Probably  Balaam  used  incantations  in  his  retirement,  to 
obtain  a favourable  meeting  from  the  Lord,  such  as  he  had 
formerly  employed  in  his  soothsayings.  (23.  Note,  24:1,2.) — 
Formal  converts  very  frequently  intermingle  their  supersti- 
tious, philosophical,  or  carnal  notions,  with  the  truths,  ordi- 
nances, and  precepts  of  God  ; and  from  this  source,  almost  all 
the  corruptions  of  the  Christian  religion  have  been  deduced. 

V.  4 — 6.  The  Lord  had  important  designs  in  meeting 
and  speaking  to  this  wicked  man,  notwithstanding  the  unwar- 
ranted method  in  which  he  sought  him.  He  thus  encouraged 
and  admonished  Israel,  and  his  church  in  all  ages ; he  warned 
their  enemies ; and  he  discovered  the  depths  of  wickedness 
which  are  in  man’s  heart.— Balaam,  instead  of  being  ashamed 
of  his  atrocious  wickedness,  seems  to  have  boasted  of  his 
service,  in  prevailing  on  Balak  to  offer  so  many  and  costly 
sacrifices  to  Jehovah.  But  he  was  blind  indeed,  to  suppose 
that  the  God  of  Heaven  would  be  pleased  with  sacrifices,, 
offered  in  hypocrisy,  without  repentance,  faith  i Ve,  and  . be- 
dience ; merely  out  of  covetousness  and  malice,  and  with  an 
intention  of  cursing  and  destroying  his  people ! The  Loro 
however,  gave  him  his  message  which  he  could  not  but  de- 
liver; (Note,  22:19 — 21.)  and  he  soon  returned  to  Balak  and 
his  princes,  who  doubtless  had  joined  with  Balaam,  in  pray- 
ing for  leave  to  curse  and  destroy  Israel.  (Mark  5:7,12  ' 

V.  7.  8.  Balaam  began  his  speech  in  the  solemn  style  oi 
prophecy,  which  approached  that  of  poetry : and  the  Lord, 
probably  by  filling  him  with  the  dread  of  his  power  and  wrath, 
constrained  him  reluctantly  to  pronounce  blessings  on  his 
people.  He  guided  the  mouth  of  this  wicked  man,  to  speak 
words  as  contrary  to  the  desires  of  his  heart,  as  those  of  tha. 
( 295  ) 


B.  C.  1452. 


NUMBERS. 


B.  C.  1452 


the  king  of  Moab  hath  brought  me  from  Aram, 
>ut  of  the  mountains  of  the  east,  saying •,  mCome, 
curse  me  Jacob;  and  come,  “defy  Israel. 

8 "How  shall  I curse,  whom  God  hath  not 
cursed  ? or  how  shall  I defy,  whom  the  Lord  hath 
not  defied  ? 

9 For  from  the  top  of  the  rocks  I see  him,  and 
from  the  hills  I behold  him : lo,  the  people  shall 
Pd  well  alone,  and  tshall  not  be  reckoned  among 
the  nations. 

10  Who  'can  count  the  dust  of  Jacob,  and  the 
number  of  "the  fourth  part  of  Israel  ? Let  'me  die 
•the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  let  my  last  end  be 
like  his! 

11  And  Balak  said  unto  Balaam,  What  hast 
thou  done  unto  me  ? UI  took  thee  to  curse  mine 
enemies,  and,  behold,  thou  hast  blessed  them  alto- 
gether ! 

12  And  he  answered  and  said,  xMust  I not 
take  heed  to  speak  that  which  the  Lord  hath  put 

in  my  mouth  ? [ Practical  Observations.] 

122:5.  Gen.  10:22.  28:2,7.  Dent.  23:4.  m22:6, 11,17.  n 1 Sam.  17:10,25,26,36, 
45.  2 Sam.  21:21.  23:9.  o20,23.  la.  44:25.  47:12,13.  p Ex.  19:5,6.  33:16.  Lieut. 
33:26.  Esth.3:8.  2Cor.  6:17.  Tit.  2:14.  1 Pet.  2:9.  n Deut.  32:8.  Ezra  9:2. 
Jer.  46:28.  Am.  9:9.  Rom.  15:8— 10.  Eph.  2:12— 14.  r Gen.  13:16.  22:17.  28; 
14.  s 2:9,16,24,31.  • Heli.  my  soul,  or,  my  life,  t Ps.  37:37.  116:15.  la.  57:1, 
2.  Luke  2:29,30.  1 Cor.  3:21,22.  15:53—57.  Phil.  1:21— 23.  2Tim.  4:6— 8.  2 Pet. 


ass  were  superior  to  the  powers  of  the  brute : and  if  we  duly 
advert  to  the  temper  of  the  speaker,  we  shall  perceive  that 
the  Lord  spake  by  Balaam  as  entirely  as  by  the  ass ; that 
the  divine  power  was  as  really  and  effectually  put  forth  in 
this  case  as  in  the  other ; and  that  Balaam  had  no  more  to 
glory  in  thifti  the  animal,  but  much  indeed  to  be  ashamed  of. 
( Note,  22:28.) — Balaam  was  sent  for  from  Aram,  or  Meso- 
potamia, to  curse  Israel,  and  thus  disdainfully  to  set  them  at 
defiance : and  he  confessed  that  he  came  with  that  intent,  in 
order  that  Balak  might  war  against  them.  But,  as  the  Lord 
nad  not  “ cursed  and  defied  them,"  (that  is,  had  not  rejected 
them,  or  determined  to  treat  them  as  enemies,)  he  would  not 
allow  Balaam  to  curse  them ; though  “ the  curse  causeless” 
could  have  done  them  no  hurt,  and  might  have  deceived  and 
hardened  Balak. — Defy.  (7)  Notes , 1 Sam.  17:8 — 10,25,26, 
42— 44. 

V.  9.  Beholding  the  regular  encampment  of  the  Israelites, 
6pparatefrom  other  people,  Balaam  was  led  to  speak  language 
suited,  not  only  to  that  situation,  but  to  the  peculiar  favour 
shown  them,  and  to  their  separation  from  other  nations,  by 
laws,  religion,  and  character,  as  a holy  people ; in  all  which 
they  were  a type  of  true  Christians. — The  words,  however, 
are  a most  extraordinary  prophecy,  whicn  has  now  been 
accomplishing  for  above  three  thousand  years.  The  distinc- 
tion between  Israel  and  the  Gentiles,  may  in  some  sense  be 
traced  back  to  the  calling  of  Abraham  ; it  was  recognised  and 
established  by  the  giving  of  the  law  and  the  Sinai-covenant; 
and  after  the  final  captivity  of  the  ten  tribes,  the  Jews,  (as 
the  nation  was  thenceforth  generally  called,)  were  kept  a dis- 
tinct people  through  the  Babylonish  captivity,  and  in  subse- 
quent ages,  by  their  peculiar  way  of  living,  even  when  among 
other  nations,  which  was  always  noted,  and  made  a reproach 
to  them,  as  the  effect  of  bigotry.  Since  the  destruction  of 
Jerusalem,  they  have  been  scattered  as  aliens  through  many 
countries : yet  they  still  “ dwell  alone,  and  are  not  reckoned 
among  the  nations for  they  have  been  preserved  from  being 
confounded  with  their  conquerors  and  oppressors  in  foreign 
lands,  in  a manner  absolutely  unprecedented  in  the  history  of 
the  world.  (Note,  Jer.  30:10,11.)  This  prediction  is  the 
more  wonderful,  as  the  Israelites  had  at  this  time  no  settle- 
ment; and  their  peculiar  laws  and  constitution  could  be  very 
little  known  to  Balaam.  How  then,  except  by  divine  revela- 
tion, could  he  possibly  have  foreseen  this  striking  peculiarity 
of  that  people? — The  distinction  itself  between  Jews  and  Gen- 
tiles, which  subsisted  in  every  age,  is  a fulfilment  of  it. 

V.  10.  The  multitudes  of  Israel  were  innumerable  as  the 
particles  of  the  dust,  according  to  the  promises  made  to  their 
fathers.  (Marg.  Ref.  r.)  Even  “the  fourth  part”  of  them, 
or  one  of  their  four  grand  encampments,  could  not  be  num- 
bered.— As  Balaam  spoke  the  words  of  God,  with  some  un- 
derstanding of  their  meaning,  and  some  conviction  of  their 
truth,  we  may  consider  the  concluding  part  of  this  verse,  as 
an  important  ancient  testimony  to  the  doctrines  of  the  immor- 
tality of  the  soul,  and  of  a future  state  of  retribution.  He  not 
only  bore  testimony  to  the  temporal  felicity  oflsrael,  and  to 
their  character  as  a righteous  people  ; but  he  also  acknow- 
ledged, that  the  righteous  are  happy  in  death,  and  beyond  it. — 
That  calmness  with  which  the  true  believer  expects  and  sub- 
mits to  the  stroke  of  death ; that  hope  full  of  immortality 
which  supports  him  at  the  solemn  season ; and  that  prospect 
of  eternal  felicity  in  another  world,  in  which  he  rejoices,  and 
which  he  recommends  to  others  ; render  his  latter  end  desira- 
ble, even  in  the  judgment  of  those  wicked  people,  whose  con- 
victions respecting  a future  judgment  check  them  in  their  sin- 
ful pursuits  with  fears  of  eternal  misery ; and  who  would  be 
glad  of  deliverance  from  the  horror  of  dying  in  sin,  and  sinking 
iuto  hell,  if  it  could  be  obtained  without  repentance  and  self- 

( 296  ) 


13  IT  And  Balak  said  unto  aim,  Come,  I pray 
thee,  with  me  Junto  ancther  place,  from  whence 
thou  mayest  see  them : thou  shalt  see  but  the 
'utmost  part  of  them,  and  shalt  not  see  them  all; 
and  “curse  me  them  from  thence. 

14  And  he  brought  him  into  the  field  of  Zophim. 
to  the  top  of  ’Pisgah,  and  bbuilt  seven  altars,  anti 
offered  a bullock  and  a ram  on  every  altar. 

15  And  he  said  unto  Balak,  Stand  here  by  thy 
burnt-offering,  “while  I meet  the  LORD  yon- 
der. 

16  And  the  Lord  met  Balaam,  and  dput  a 
word  in  his  mouth,  and  said,  Go  again  unto 
Balak,  and  say  thus. 

17  And  when  he  came  to  him,  behold,  he  stood 
by  his  burnt-offering,  and  the  princes  of  Moab 
with  him.  And  Balak  said  unto  him,  “What  hath 
the  Lord  spoken  ? 

18  And  he  took  up  his  parable,  and  said,  fRise 
up,  Balak,  and  hear ; hearken  unto  me,  thou  son 
of  Zippor. 


1:13—15.  Rev.  14:13.  u See  on  7,8.  24:10.  Ps.  109:17—20.  x 20,26.  22:38. 
24:13.  Prov.  26:23.  H'om.  16:18.  Til.  1:16.  y 1 Kings  20:23,28.  Mic.  6:5.  i22: 
41.  a Josh.  24  9.  Ps.  109:17.  Jam.  3:9,10.  t Or,  the  hill.  21:20.  Deut.  3:27. 
marg  4:49.  34:1.  marg.  b 1,29.  Is.  1:10,11.  46:6.  Hos.  12:11.  c See  on  3. 
22:8.  d Set  on  5.  22:35.  24:1.  e 26.  1 Sam.  3:17.  fJudg.  3:20. 


denial.  They  wish,  they  hope,  and  in  some  sense  they  intend, 
to  “die  the  death  of  the  righteous :”  but  the  love  of  wealth, 
honour  or  pleasure,  in  one  form  or  other,  keeps  them  from 
living  the  life  of  the  righteous.  They  therefore  procrastinate, 
and  quiet  their  consciences  with  the  hope  of  future  amend- 
ment ; or  they  rest  in  some  false  confidence,  some  superficial 
reformation,  or  external  change ; or  they  despise  that  only 
salvation,  by  which  a sinner  can  be  righteous  before  God. 
( Note  and  P.  O.  Luke  13:22 — 30.)  Thus  many,  who  wish 
to  “die  the  death  of  the  righteous,”  live  impenitent  and  perish 
in  sin,  as  Balaam  did. — ‘ The  object  now  before  us  is  the 
most  astonishing  in  the  world.  A very  wicked  man,  under 
a deep  sense  of  God  and  religion,  persisting  still  in  his  wicked- 
ness, and  preferring  the  wages  of  unrighteousness,  even  when 
he  had  before  him  a lively  view  of  death,  and  that  approach- 
ing period  of  his  days,  which  should  deprive  him  of  all  the 
advantages,  for  which  he  was  prostituting  himself;  and  like- 
wise a prospect,  whether  certain  or  uncertain,  of  a future 
state  of  retribution ! All  this  joined  with  an  explicit  wish, 
that  when  he  was  to  leave  this  world  he  might  be  in  the  con- 
dition of  a righteous  man ! Good  God,  what  inconsistency, 
what  perplexity  is  here ! With  what  different  views  of  things*, 
with  what  contradictory  principles  of  action,  must  such  a mind 
be  torn  and  distracted ! It  was  not  an  unthinking  careless- 
ness by  which  he  ran  headlong  into  vice  and  folly,  without 
making  a stand  to  ask  himself  what  he  was  doing:  no,  he 
acted  upon  the  cool  motives  of  interest. ...  Neither  was  he 
totally  callous  to  impressions  of  religion,  what  we  call  aban- 
doned; for  he  absolutely  denied  to  curse  Israel.  When  rea- 
son resumes  her  place, ...  he  owns  and  feels,  and  is  actually 
under  the  influence  of  the  divine  authority,  whilst  he  is  car- 
rying on  his  views  to  the  grave,  the  end  of  all  temporal  great- 
ness ; under  this  sense  of  things,  with  the  better  character 
and  more  desirable  state  present, . . . full  before  him, ...  in  his 
thoughts,  in  his  wishes,  voluntarily  to  choose  the  worse! 
What  fatality  is  here  ! Or,  how  otherwise  can  such  a cha- 
racter be  explained?  And  yet,  strange  as  it  may  appear,  it 
is  not  altogether  an  uncommon  one.  Nay,  with  some  small 
alterations  and  put  a little  lower,  it  is  applicable  to  a consider- 
able part  of  the  world. . . For  if  the  reasonable  choice  be  seen 
and  acknowledged,  and  yet  men  make  the  unreasonable  one  ; 
is  not  this  the  same  inconsistency  which  appeared  unaccounta- 
ble? . . . Men’s  strong  attachments  to  this  present  world ; their 
hopes,  fears,  and  pursuits,  are  beyond  all  proportion  to  the 
known  value  of  the  things  they  respect. . . . They  try  lo  make 
a composition  with  the  A lmighty. . . . Those  of  his  commands 
they  will  obey ; but  as  to  the  others,  they  will  make  all  atone- 
ments in  their  power. ...  Indulgences  before,  or  atonements 
afterwards,  are  all  the  same : and  they  add  faint  hopes  and  half- 
resolves of  making  a change  at  one  time  or  other.’  tip.  Duller. 

V.  12.  Balaam  attempted  to  make  a merit  of  necessity  ; 
and  when  he  was  constrained  to  bless  Israel,  ho  would  be 
thought  very  obedient  to  the  Lord  in  so  doing.  Yet  after  he 
had  declared  that  God  had  not  cursed  them,  and  he  could 
not,  ho  persisted  in  his  endeavour.  Indeed,  ho  seems  t« 
have  hoped,  that  he  should  at  length  obtain  permission  in 
this  respect  ;*for  he  had  been  allowed  to  come  at  the  second 
time,  though  this  had  been  refused  him  at  the  first.  ( Notes, 
22:9—14,19—21.) 

V.  13.  Balak  seems  to  have  thought  that  Balaam’s  mind 
was  indisposed  for  cursing  Israel,  by  seeing  their  numerous 
and  orderly  encampments  all  at  once  ; he  therefore  hoped  to 
prevail,  in  cursing  one  division  first,  against  which  he  proba- 
bly intended  to  commence  hostilities.  Or  he  suporstltiouily 
thought  one  place  more  suited  to  the  purpose  halt  another, 
(Note,  1 Kings,  20:23 — 25.) 

V.  14— 18.  Marg.  Rtf.  Notes,  1 -8. 


B.  C * 452 


CHAPTER  XXIII.  B.  C.  1432. 


19  God  ''is  n>  a man  that  lie  should  lie,  neither 
the  son  o!'  man  that  he  should  repent:  hath  he 
6aid,  and  shall  lie  not  doit?  or  hath  he  spoken, 
and  shall  he  not  make  it  good  ? 

20  Behold,  1 have  received  commandment  to 
bless;  and  hhe  hath  blessed,  and  'I  cannot  reverse  it. 

21  He  Jhath  not  beheld  iniquity  in  Jacob, 
neither  hath  he  seen  perverseness  in  Israel : kthe 
Lord  his  God  is  with  him,  and  ‘the  shout  of  a 
King  is  among  them. 

22  ‘"God  brought  them  out  of  Egypt:  he  hath 
as  it  were  "the  strength  of  an  unicorn. 

23  Surely  there  is  °no  enchantment  "against 
Jacob,  neither  is  there  any  divination  against 
Israel : Paccording  to  this  time  it  shall  be  said  of 
Jacob  and  of  Israel,  'iWhat  hath  God  wrought! 

24  Behold,  the  people  shall  rise  up  ras  a great 
lion,  and  lift  up  himself  as  a young  lion  : she  shall 

glSnm.  15:29.  Ps.  89:35.  Hub.  2:3.  Mai.  3:6.  Luke21:33.  Rom.  11:29.  Tit. 
1:2.  Hell.  6:13.  Jam.  1:17.  h 22:12.  lien.  12:2.  22:17.  i 22:18,38.  John  10: 
27—29.  Rom.  6:3s, 39.  1 Pel.  1:5.  jjer. 50:20.  Hot.  14:2—1.  Mic.  7:18—29. 
Rom.  4:7,8.  9:14.8:1.  2t'or.5:19.  k Kx.  13:21.  29:45,46.  33:14— 16.  34:9. 
Judg.  6: 13.  2Chr.  13:12.  Ps.  23:4.  46:7,11 . Is.  8:10.  12:6.  41:10.  Ez.  48.35. 
Man.  1:23.  2 Cor.  6:1$.  I Ps.  47:5— 7.  89:  IS.  97:1.  Ia.  33:22.  Luke  19:37,38. 
2 Cor,  2:14.  m'22:5.  Ex. 9:16.  14:18.  20:2.  Ps.68:35.  n Job  39:10,11.  Ps.  22: 
21.  o 22:6  . 24:1.  Gen.  3:15.  Mall.  16:18.  Luke  10:18,19.  Rom.  16:20.  Rev. 


V.  19,  20.  Men  are  deceitful,  changeable,  easily  induced 
to  revoke  their  engagements,  or  unable  to  fulfil  them.  On  the 
contrary,  God  is  perfectly  sincere,  faithful,  unchangeable, 
almighty  : and  though,  after  the  manner  of  man,  he  is  said 
to  repent  of  the  kindness  that  he  has  shown,  when  his  crea- 
tures by  ingratitude  provoke  him  to  withdraw  his  bounty  ; 
and  of  his  judgments  denounced,  when  sinners  repent,  or 
when,  in  answer  to  prayer,  he  delays  the  execution  of  them  ; 
(Notes,  Gen.  6:fi,7.  Jer.  18:7 — 10.)  yet  in  the  event  it  will 
be  found,  that  every  promise  and  engagement  made  to  be- 
lievers was  exactly  accomplished,  and  all  his  threatenings 
against  unbelievers  completely  and  finally  executed. — This 
declaration,  by  the  mouth  of  Balaam,  had  a peculiar  refer- 
ence to  the  state  of  Israel : God  had  absolutely  determined 
to  bless  them  ; he  had  plainly  revealed  this  purpose,  and 
Balaam  had  reluctantly  shown  it  to  Balak.  Yet  they  were 
vainly  attempting,  by  importunity,  to  induce  the  Lord  to 
alter  his  mind  and  revoke  his  word  ! Balaam,  however,  was 
constrained  to  own  that  “ he  had  received  to  bless  (com- 
mandment is  not  in  the  original ;)  blessings  on  Israel  were 
put  into  his  mou’h,  and  he  could  by  no  means  reverse  them. 

V.  21.  The  national  sins  of  Israel,  in  former  years,  had 
been  pardoned,  and  the  people  were  not  at  that  time  gene- 
rally guilty  of  idolatry  or  rebellion,  but  were  in  an  obedient 
disposition,  had  much  true  religion  among  them,  and  were 
comparatively  righteous,  and  favoured  by  the  Lord.  The 
nation  was  also  a type  of  believers,  in  whom  God  beholds 
not  iniquity  or  perverseness ; none  allowed,  none  unrepented 
or  unsubdued,  and  none  unpardoned.  (Notes,  Jer.  50:20. 
Mic.  7:18 — 20.)  While  this  was  the  case,  God,  as  reigning 
over  them,  protecting  them,  and  leading  them  forth  to  vic- 
tory, was  among  them  ; of  whose  power  they  had  so  much 
experience,  that  they  were  inspired  with  triumphant  confi- 
dence ; and  at  his  word  were  ready  to  shout,  or  blow  the 
trumpet  for  the  battle,  and  attack  their  enemies  with  assur- 
ance of  success. 

V.  22.  The  word  rendered  unicorn,  is  variously  inter- 
preted ; but  the  rhinoceros  is  most  generally  supposed  to  be 
meant. — Israel,  strengthened  by  the  Lord,  who  brought  him 
out  of  Egypt,  was  as  invincible  among  the  nations,  as  the 
rhinoceros  among  quadrupeds,  and  was  as  terrible  to  them. 
(Mary.  Ref.  24:8.) 

V.  23.  It  seenis  here  to  be  taken  for  granted,  that  Satan 
exercised  some  power  in  answer  to  the  expectations  of  those 
who  used  enchantments.  But  Israel  was  so  immediately 
under  the  divine  protection,  that  nothing  of  this  kind  could 
injure  him. — Some,  however,  render  the  words  as  meaning, 
that  no  enchantment  or  divination  was  used  in  Israel;  and 
.-■onsequently  the  miracles  of  Moses  were  wrought  by  the 
power  of  God.  (Marg.) — The  favour  at  that  time  shown  to 
Israel  was  a specimen  of  the  protection  always  afforded  the 
people  of  God  ; the  remembrance  of  which  would  encourage 
Hie  faith,  and  inspire  the  praises,  of  future  ages  ; while  with 
idmiration  they  would  consider  what  God  had  wrought. 
(Marg.  Ref.  Nbte,  2 Thcs.  1:5 — 10,  latter  part.) 

V.  24.  At  length  Balaam  not  only  blessed  Israel,  but 
likewise  denounced  the  doom  of  all  their  enemies  ; which 
might  have  been  a warning  to  Balak,  and  to  himself  also,  to 
assist  from  the  vain  and  perilous  attempt.  (Note,  Gen.49;8,9.) 

Drink  the  blood,  &c.]  The  wild  beasts  gorge  the  blood, 
as  well  as  devour  the  flesh,  of  the  slaughtered  prey  : and  it  is 
indisputable,  that  many  tribes  of  barbarians  have  actually,  in 
the  triumph  of  insulting,  revengeful  victory,  drunk  the  blood 
of  their  enemies.  But  as  far  as  Israel  is  concerned,  it  can 
only  signify  the  completeness  of  their  victories. 

V.  25.  Balak  seems  still  to  have  thought  Balaam’s  bless- 
ings as  efficacious  as  his  curses,  and  therefore  wished  to 
silence  him  ; for  he  yet  hoped  to  prevail  against  Israel. 
(Note,  22:6.) 

Vol.  I.— 38 


not  lie  down  until  he  eat  of  the  prey,  and  drink 
the  blood  of  the  slain. 

25  And  Balak  said  unto  Balaam,  ‘Neither  curst 
them  at  all,  nor  bless  them  at  all. 

26  But  Balaam  answered  and  said  unto  Balak, 
Told  not  I thee,  saying,  “All  that  the  Lord 
speaketh,  that  I must  do? 

27  U And  Balak  said  unto  Balaam,  “Come,  I 
pray  thee,  I will  bring  thee  into  another  place; 
yperadventure  it  will  please  God  that  thou  mayest 
curse  me  them  from  thence. 

28  And  Balak  brought  Balaam  unto  the  top  of 
Peor,  that  looketh  toward  “Jeshimon. 

29  And  Balaam  said  unto  Balak,  “Build  me 
here  seven  altars,  and  prepare  me  here  seven  bul- 
locks and  seven  rams. 

30  And  Balak  did  as  Balaam  had  said,  and 
offered  a bullock  and  a ram  on  every  altar. 

12:9.  -Or,  in.  p Pb.  44:1— 3.  136:13— 20.  Is.  63:9— 12.  Dan.  9:15.  Mic.  6:4,5. 
7:15.  qPs.  31:19  . 64:9.  126:2,3.  Is.  41  :4.  John  11:47.  Acts  1:16.  5:12,14.  10:38. 
15:12.  Gal.  1:23,24.  1 Thes.  1:8,9.  r24:B,9.  Gen.  49:9.  Detil.  33:20.  Ps.  17:12. 
Prov. 30.30.  Is.  31:4.  Amos  3:8.  Rev. 5:5.  s24:17.Gen.  49:27.  Dan.  2:44.  Mic. 
5:8,9.  Zech.  10:4,5.  12:6.  Rev.  19:11—21.  IPs. 2:1— 3.  u 12.  22:18.38.  21:12, 
13.  1 Kings22:14.  2Chr.  18:13.  Acts4:19, 20  . 5:29.  x 13.  y See  on  19,20.  Job 
23:13.  Prov.  19:21.  21:30.  Is.  14:27.  46:10,11.  Mai. 3.6.  Ron).  11:29.  z21:20. 

a See  on  1 ,2. 


V.  27.  It  will  please  God.]  At  length  Balak  spake  as 
one,  who  had  entered  into  Balaam’s  original  plan  ; and  who 
hoped,  by  change  of  place,  (and  perhaps  times  or  days  also,) 
and  by  repeating  his  expensive  sacrifices,  to  render  God 
propitious  to  him,  and  so  to  obtain  leave  to  curse  Israel ; 
though  Balaam  himself  seems  almost  to  have  despaired  of 
prevailing. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 12.  Proud  and  wicked  men  spare  no  pains,  and 
grudge  no  expense,  when  they  imagine  that  they  can  pur- 
chase the  favour  of  God,  or  induce  him  lo  connive  at  their 
mischievous  designs.  And  such  is  man’s  ignorance  of  the 
divine  perfections  and  of  true  religion,  that  multitudes  find 
teachers  to  encourage  them  in  these  vain  hopes  ; while  they, 
neither  mortify  their  lusts,  nor  humble  themselves  before 
God : and  these  in  return  have  their  covetousness  gratified, 
by  such  pupils,  and  for  such  instructions  ! — Mere  Pharisees 
have  frequently  exceeded  the  true  people  of  God  in  the 
measure  of  external  services,  and  of  partial  mortification: 
and  not  knowing  of  any  thing  more  excellent,  they  are  thus 
confirmed  in  self-confidence  and  self-preference ; they  “ trust 
in  themselves  that  they  are  righteous,  and  despise  others:* 
and  even  boast  of  their  services,  at  the  very  time  when  their 
hearts  are  full  of  malice  and  wickedness ! But  the  Lord 
abhors  pompous  externals  and  superstitions,  nay,  even  the 
most  zealous  attendance  on  his  own  ordinances,  while  the 
heart  remains  destitute  of  repentance,  faith,  and  love  to  him 
and  to  his  servants  ; and  still  more,  when  this  devotion  is  the 
cloak  of  hypocrisy,  and  covers  injustice  and  oppression. — 
(Notes,  Prov.  15:8,9.  Is.  1:10—15.  Jer.  7:8—11.  Am.  5:21 
— 24.) — The  spiritual  worship  of  his  people  is  of  another 
kind : a broken  and  contrite,  a believing  and  thankful,  a pure 
and  upright  heart,  are  more  suitable  to  his  nature,  and  more 
precious  in  his  sight,  than  “ thousands  of  rams,  and  ten  thou- 
sands of  rivers  of  oil.” — As  true  Christians  are  peculiarly 
favoured,  so  are  they  peculiarly  characterized : they  “ dwell 
alone  they  are  despised  by  the  surrounding  multitudes, 
whom  they  pity  while  separated  from  their  company,  and 
with  whom  they  desire  no  fellowship : their  maxims,  customs, 
laws,  and  conduct,  are  dissimilar  from  those  of  all  other  men: 
their  inheritance,  their  home,  their  citizenship  are  in  heaven: 
their  affections,  conversation,  pursuits,  and  pleasures,  are 
heavenly:  and,  while  they  are  deemed  “the  filth  of  the  world, 
and  the  offscouring  of  all  things,”  and  not  fit  to  live  ; the  Lord 
accounts  them  “the  excellent  of  the  earth,”  “of  whom  the 
world  is  not  worthy.”  (Note,  Phil.  3:20,21.  Col.  3:1 — 4. 
Heb.  11:35 — 38.)  Though  few,  hitherto  in  every  place,  when 
compared  with  the  ungodly,  they  are  very  numerous  in  all: 
may  the  Lord  multiply  them  a hundred  fold,  how  many  soever 
they  be ! Though  despised  by  those  who  know  them  not, 
they  often  attract  the  reverence  even  of  such  wicked  men  as 
are  acquainted  with  them:  but  it  is  frequently  accompanied 
with  hatred  and  resentment.  Yet  many  of  the  wicked,  while 
through  domineering  lusts  and  prevailing  temptations,  they 
espouse  an  opposite  interest,  and  lead  a contrary  life,  secretly 
account  the  righteous  happy ; and  wish  to  have  their  lot  with 
them  at  death,  and  in  the  eternal  world:  but  in  vain ; for  can 
they  who,  in  defiance  of  conviction,  choose  to  serve  SaU  » 
and  their  sins  in  this  world,  reasonably  expect  to  be  ‘ nun., 
bered  with  the  saints  in  glory  everlasting?’  There  aro 
indeed  many  whom  the  devil  and  his  servants  do  not  honoul 
with  their  hatred ; but  despise,  and  only  despise,  as  suspect- 
ing no  harm  to  the  cause  from  their  example,  influence,  or 
endeavours.  But  let  not  such  mere  professors  of  religion  deem 
themselves  interested  in  those  precious  privileges  which  be- 
long to  the  true  Israel  of  God. 

V.  13 — 30.  Notwithstanding  disappointments  and  ularms, 
the  lusts  of  wicked  men  revive  and  reign  : for,  while  some  are 
pushed  forward  by  implacable  malice  and  envy,  others  are 
( 297  ) 


B.  C.  1452.  NUMBERS.  B.C.  1452. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Balaam  iesiste  from  enchantments , and  predicts  the  happiness  of  Israel 
and  the  destruction  of  hie  enemies , 1—9.  lialak , being  greatly  enraged , dis- 
misses Balaam,  10—13.  Balaam  prophesies  of  the  Star  of  Jacob , the  ruin 
of  several  nations , and  very  remote  events,  14 — 25. 

AND  when  Balaam  “saw  that  it  pleased  the 
Lord  to  “bless  Israel,  he  went  not,  as  bat 
other  times,  'to  seek  for  enchantments,  but  he  set 
his  face  toward  the  wilderness. 

2  And  Balaam  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  he  saw 
Israel  “abiding  in  Ids  tents  according  to  their 
tribes  ; and  dthe  Spirit  of  God  came  upon  him. 

3  And  “he  took  up  his  parable,  and  said,  Balaam 
the  son  of  Beor  hath  said,  and  the  man *  1 whose 
eyes  are  open  hath  said ; 

4  He  hath  said,  which  heard  the  words  of  God, 
which  'saw  the  vision  of  the  Almighty,  e falling 
into  a trance,  but  having  his  eyes  open  : 

5  How  goodly  are  thy  tents,  0 Jacob!  and  thy 
tabernacles,  O Israel ! 

6  As  the  valleys  are  they  spread  forth,  has 
gardens  by  the  river’s  side,  'as  the  trees  of  lign- 

• 22:13.  23:20.  SMC.  I Sam.  24:20.  2S.2, 25.  Rev.  2:14.  b23:3,15.  • Heb  .to 
the  meeting  of . 23:23.  c 5.  2:2,  &c.  23:9,10.  Cant.  6:4,10.  il  11:2S— 29.  1 Sam. 
10:10.  19:20,23.  2 Chr.  15:1.  Matt.  7:22.  10:4,8.  Luke  10:20.  John  11:49— 51. 
e See  on  23:7.  t Heb.  who  had  his  eyes  shut , but  now  opened.  4,16.  22:31.  f See 
an  12:6.  Gen.  15:12.  I s.  89:19.  Dan.  8:26,27.  Acts  10:10,19.  22:17.  2 Cor.  12:1 
—4.  g 22:31.  Ez.  1:23.  Dan.  8:17,18.  10:15,16.  Rev.  1:10,17.  h Gen.  2:8— 10. 
13:10.  Cant.  4:12—15.  6:11.  Is.  58:11.  Jer.  31:12.  Joel  3:18.  i Ps.  1:3.  Jer.  17: 
8.  j Ps.  104:16.  Is.  41:19.  61:3.  k Ps.  92:12,13.  Ez.  31:3,4.  47:12.  1 Ps.  68:26. 
Prov.  5:16— 18.  Is.  48:1.  m Ps.  93:3,4.  Jer.  51 :13.  Rev.  17:1,15.  u Ezra  4:20. 


induced  to  concur  in  persecution  by  insatiable  avarice  and 
restless  ambition.  But  the  Lord  “ is  of  one  mind,  who  can 
turn  him?”.  He  will  infallibly  perform  his  kindest,  largest 
promises  to  his  people  ; and  execute  his  most  terrible  denun- 
ciations on  his  enemies:  and,  while  earth  and  hell  combine 
their  power  and  policy  to  prevent  it,  the  Lord  “ sitteth  in  the 
heavens,”  “hath  them  in  derision,”  and  will  soon  “speak  to 
them  in  his  wrath,  and  vex  them  in  his  sore  displeasure.” 
(Note,  Ps.  2:4 — 6.)  Let  believers  then  rejoice  in  his  un- 
changeableness, his  truth,  and  power ; but  let  the  wicked 
tremble  at  the  alarming  thought,  and  make  haste  to  “ flee 
from  the  wrath  to  come.”  If  the  Lord  sees  that  we  trust  in 
his  mercy,  and  accept  of  his  salvation;  that  we  do  not  indulge 
in  any  secret  sin,  or  continue  in  presumptuous  rebellion,  but 
uprightly  endeavour  to  serve  and  glorify  him ; we  may  be 
sure  that  our  past  offences  are  pardoned,  and  “buried  in  the 
depths  of  the  sea,”  no  more  to  hurt  us,  than  if  they  had  never 
been  committed.  Then  indeed  the  Lord  hath  blessed  us, 
and  “given  commandment  to  bless  us,”  and  he  will  never 
suffer  it  to  be  reversed;  and  if  Satan  cannot  deceive  or  defile 
us,  he  cannot  hurt  us  by  machinations  or  temptations,  by 
enchantments  or  divinations.  The  Lord,  having  all  hearts 
ami  all  tongues  in  his  hand,  can  not  only  restrain  the  malice 
of  our  enemies,  but  constrain  them  to  speak  well  of  us,  and 
do  well  to  us ; to  confess  their  impotency,  to  condemn  them- 
selves, and  to  foretell  their  own  misery  with  their  own  mouth, 
even  while  they  madly  persist  in  their  destructive  opposition  ; 
and  to  acknowledge,  with  reluctant  admiration,  the  work  of 
God  for  us  and  in  us. — Well  then  may  the  believer  triumph 
in  his  King,  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  and  re-echo  with  grateful 
exultation,  “ What  hath  God  wrought !”  Oh,  the  wonders  of 
nis  providence  and  grace ! (Note,  Ps.  12fi:l — 3.)  The  won- 
de  rs  of  his  redeeming  love,  of  his  pardoning  mercy,  of  his 
new-creating  Spirit ! What  a change  in  our  state,  our  cha- 
racter, and  our  prospects  ! Every  former  mercy  now  be- 
comes an  earnest  of  still  further  blessings;  and  from  past 
deliverances  we  infer  the  certainty  of  final  victory  and  eternal 
triumphs.  Thus  shall  every  true  believer,  thus  ‘shall  the 
whole  church  of  God,  be  u unto  him  for  a name,  and  for  a 
praise  ;”  whilst  wi'h  their  eyes  they  shall  behold  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  wicked.  But  is  this  the  reader’s  character  and 
felicity  ? Let  us  seriously  examine  ourselves,  and  earnestly 
entreat  the  Lord  to  decide  this  infinitely  important  question. 
To  this  let  us  aspire ; this  let  us  pursue  with  unremitting 
diligence  and  undiverted  attention:  let  us  watch  and  pray 
always,  for  our  enemies  are  vigilant,  indefatigable,  and  mali- 
cious : and  surely  we  ought  to  be  as  unwearied  in  glorifying 
God,  and  doing  good,  as  his  enemies  are  in  doing  mischief. 
Even  Balaam’s  retirement  to  meet  the  Lord,  and  Balak’s 
assiduous  attention  to  his  burnt-sacrifices,  and  rising  up  to 
hear  the  message  from  God,  may  furnish  us  with  profitable 
dints ; if  we  apply  them  to  ourselves,  in  pursuing  nobler 
obiects,  from  higher  motives,  and  for  other  purposes. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXIV.  V.  1,2.  It  is  evident  that 
Balaam  had  used  enchantments,  or  incantations  of  some 
kind,  even  when  he  went  to  meet  the  Lord ; but  he  had  been 
constrained  to  return  with  answers  the  very  reverse  of  his 
wishes  and  intentions ; and  therefore  he  deemed  it  to  no  pur- 
pose to  repeat  them.  (Note,  23:3.)  It  is  not  agreed  among 
expositors,  nor  is  it  easy  to  decide,  whether  he  desperately 
determined  to  curse  Israel  without  permission,  and  thus  to 
satisfy  Balak  and  earn  his  reward,  yet  was  constrained  on 
Jhe  contrary  i,.?  p'-onounce  further  blessings;  or  whether,  under 
a pang  of  conviction,  he  desisted  from  his  purpose  for  the 
present,  and  freely  yielded  himself  to  the  powerful  impulse 
( 298  ) 


aloes  Jwhich  the  Lord  hath  plantetl,  and  kas  cedar- 
trees  beside  the  waters. 

7  He  shall  'pour  the  water  out  of  his  buckets, 
and  his  seed  shall  be  in  “many  waters,  and  "his 
king  shall  be  higher  than  °Agag,  and  Phis  kingdom 
shall  be  exalted. 

•8  sGod  brought  him  forth  out  of  Egypt,  he  hath 
as  it  were  the  strength  of  an  unicorn:  he  rshall  eat 
up  the  nations  his  enemies,  and  shall  “break  their 
bones,  and  ‘pierce  them  through  with  his  arrows. 

9 He  "couched,  he  lay  down  as  a lion,  and  as  a 
great  lion  ; ’who  shall  stir  him  up  ? *blessed  is  he 
thatblesseth  thee, and cursedishe  thatcurseth  thee. 

10  And  Balak’s  anger  was  kindled  against 
Balaam,  and  he  rsmote  his  hands  together:  and 
Balak  said  unto  Balaam,  2I  called  thee  to  curse 
mine  enemies,  and,  behold,  thou  hast  altogether 
blessed  them  these  three  times. 

It  Therefore  now  flee  thou  to  thy  place:  “I 
thought  to  promote  thee  unto  great  honour;  but, 
lo,  bthe  Lord  hath  kept  thee  back  from  honour. 


Pa.  2:6— 10.  18:43.  John  1:49.  Phil.  2:10,11.  Rev.  19:16.  o 1 Sam.  15:8,32,33. 
p 2 Sam.  6:12.  1 King.  4:21.  1 Chr.  14:2.  Is.  2:2.  9:7.  Dan.  2.44.  Rev. 11:15. 
q 21 :5.  See  on  23:22.  r 14:9.  23:24.  Deut.7:l.  a Ps.2:9.  Is.  38:13.  Jer.  50:12. 
Dan.  6:24.  t Dent.  32:23,42.  Ps.  21 :12.  u Gen.  49:9.  Job  38:39,40.  v See  on 
23:24.  Job  41:10.  Pa.  2:12.  x Gen.  12:3.  27:29.  Ps.  122:6.  Mull.  25:40,45.  Alii 
9:5.  y Job  27:23.  Ez.  21:14,17.  22:13.  >22:6,11,17.  23:11.  1 lent.  23:4,5.  Joah. 
24:9,10.  Neh.  13:2.  o22:17,37.  b Matt.  19:28— 30.  Ads  8:20.  Pint.  3.8.  Heb. 
11:24—26.  1 Pel.  5:2,3.  2 John  8. 


of  the  Spirit  of  God  coming  upon  him,  though  he  afterwards 
returned  to  his  wicked  projects. 

V.  3,  4.  These  verses  may  more  literally  be  rendered, 
“ He  took  up  his  parable  and  said,  Balaam  the  son  of  Beor 
hath  said,  and  the  man  whose  eye  was  shut  hath  said ; he 
hath  said  who  heard  the  words  of  God,  who  saw  the  vision 
of  the  Almighty ; falling,  and  his  eyes  were  opened.”  The 
word,  rendered  “ are  open,”  is  generally  agreed  to  signify 
shut,  (marg.)  and  the  clause  “into  a trance”  is  not  in  the 
original.  Balaam  is  supposed  to  refer  to  the  time  when  his 
ass,  seeing  the  Angel,  (whom  he  himself  could  not  see,)  fell 
down  with  him  ; and  then  his  eyes  were  opened,  and  he  lay 
prostrate  on  the  earth.  But  perhaps  he  also  meant  that  his 
eyes  had  been  shut,  when  he  thought  of  cursing  Israel,  but 
were  now  opened  to  perceive  that  the  Israelites  were  blessed; 
or  that  itis  bodily  eyes  were  shut  in  his  visions,  while  those 
of  his  understanding  were  opened. 

V.  5,  6.  As  valleys  verdant,  fruitful,  and  widely  extended ; 
as  luxuriant  gardens  on  the  banks  of  a fertilizing  river;  as 
aromatic  trees  diffusing  a fragrant  smell,  or  as  cedars  most 
stately  to  behold,  planted  as  it  were  by  God  himself  in  a well- 
watered,  fertile  soil,  and  wanting  no  human  culture  ; — such  did 
the  ramps  of  Israel  appear,  and  such  Would  be  tile  prosperity 
of  that  favoured  people  ! 

Lign-aloes.  (6)  Or,  the  wood  of  aloes ; ‘an  aromatic 
1 tree,  . . . which  widely  diffuses  a very  agreeable  smell.’ — 
Robertson.  The  word  is  rendered  aloes,  Prov.  7:17.  as  (he 
feminine  plural  is,  Ps.  45:8.  (Heb.  9.)  Cant.  4:14. 

V.  7 — 9.  Israel  would  be  abundantly  replenished  with 
heavenly  blessings;  and,  ns  seed  sown  in  a well-watered 
place,  so  his  multitudes  would  increase  still  more  mid  more. 
At  length  his  king  would  be  higher  than  Agag;  which  seems 
to  have  been  the  name  of  the  several  kings  of  Amalek  it. 
succession : though  some  think  that  Agag,  whom  Skill  con- 
quered and  Samuel  slew,  was  foretold  by  name  long  before 
his  birth,  as  Josiah  and  Cyrus  afterwards  were.  (Note, 

1 Sam.  15:32,33.)  The  Amalekites  were  at  this  time  very 
powerful,  and  their  king  renowned  and  prosperous : hut  it 
was  here  predicted,  that  Israel  should  in  due  time  be  governed 
by  more  prosperous  princes,  who  would  be  far  greater  and 
more  celebrated  than  those  of  the  Amalekites.  Saul,  the 
first  king  of  Israel,  who  seems  to  have  been  especially  in- 
tended, subjugated  the  Amalekites  and  their  king : hut  after- 
wards the  kings  of  Israel  were  far  more  highly  cxaitcd. — 
(Note,  20.)  The  kingdom  of  Christ,  however,  is  generally 
allowed  to  be  predicted;  as  exalted  far  above  t he  highest 
of  all  earthly  kingdoms. — Perhaps  Balaam  hoped  at  last  to 
share  the  blessedness  of  Israel  by  thus  blessing  them;  but 
he  did  it  reluctantly,  and  not  from  love,  and  therefore  lie  was 
not  included.  He  however  predicted  Israel';  successes  under 
their  most  prosperous  kings,  and  the  spiritual  prosperity  and 
felicity  of  the  church  of  Christ,  and  of  all  its  cordial  friends : 
and  warned  all  its  enemies,  from  Balak  to  his  latest  succes- 
sors, to  desist  from  the  ruinous  contest,  involving  himself  also 
in  the  general  sentence.  (]\larg.  Rif.  Notes,  23:23,24. 
Gen.  12:1—3.  49:8,9.) 

V.  10,  11.  Balak  was  at  length  enraged  to  the  greatest 
degree,  and  expressed  his  indignation  in  the  most  furious 
manner:  and,  not  without  n mixture  of  scorn  ami  disdain  oi 
Balaam,  for  having  missed  so  fair  a prospect" of  advancing 
himself  from  regard  to  the  God  of  Israel,  lie  sternly  com- 
manded him  to  depart  immediately. 

V.  12,  13.  Balaam  had  repeatedly  confessed  Ids  inability 
to  go  beyond  the  word  of  t lie  Lord:  hut  here  lie  appears 
disposed,  not  only  to  vindicate  his  conduct  to  BcLU,  hut  also 


B.  C.  1452. 


CHAPTER  A A i V . 


B.  C.  1452. 


12  And  Balaam  said  unto  Balak,  'Spake  I not 
also  to  thy  messengers,  which  thou  sentest  unto 
me,  saying, 

13  If  Balak  would  give  me  his  house  full  of 
silver  and  gold,  I cannot  go  beyond  the  command- 
ment, of  the  Lord,  to  do  either  good  or  bad  of 
mine  own  mind ; but  what  the  Lord  saith,  that 

will  I speak  ? [Practical  Observations.'] 

14  And  now,  behold,  I go  unto  my  people : come, 
therefore,  and  ’'I  will  advertise  thee  what  this 
people  shall  do  to  thy  people  in  'the  latter  days.. 

15  H And  f lie  took  up  his  parable,  and  said, 
Balaam  the  son  of  Beor  hath  said,  and  the  man 
whose  eyes  are  open  hath  said  ; 

16  He  hath  said,  ?which  heard  the  words  of 
God,  and  knew  the  knowledge  of  the  Most  High, 
which  saw  the  vision  of  the  Almighty,  falling  into 
a trance,  but  having  his  eyes  open; 

1 7 'T  shall  see  him,  but  not  now  ; I shall  behold 
him,  but  not  ni  h ; there  shall  come  'a  Star  out  of 

e See  on  22:  19,38.  <1  Ste  on  17.  31:7— 18.  Mic.  6:5,  Rev.  2:10,14.  eGen.49: 

1.  Ii.  24:22.  Ji-r. 48:47.  49:39.  Dun.  2:23.  10:14.  Hos.  3.5.  Acti  2:17.  Q Tim.  3:1. 
13,1.23.7.18.  .loli  27:1.  Molt.  13:35.  g See  on  1.  2 Sam.  23:1 ,2.  10or.8:l. 
13:2.  IiJ,,  19.25 — 27.  Zech.  12:10.  Jude  11,  14,15.  Rev.  1:7.  i Mall.  2:2— 9. 
Lukel:7S.  2 Pol.  1:10.  Rev. 22:16.  It  lien.  49:10.  I'a.  45:6.  78:70— 72.  110:2. 
Is.  9:7.  Luke  1 32,33.  Heb.  1:8.  * Dr,  smile  through  the  princes  of  Moab. 
1 Sam.  14:38.  mnrg.  Zech.  10.4.  12sam.  8:2.  2 Kings  3:5,26,27.  1 Chr.  18: 

2.  Jet.  43:4  5.  m « '.en.  4:25,26.  5:3— 29.  Seth.  Ps.  72:8— 11.  Rev.  11:15.  n Gen. 
27:29,40.  2 Sum.  8:14.  Ps.  60:  title.  8—12.  Ib.  34:5.  63:1.  Amos  9:12.  oGen. 


Io  intimate,  that  from  the  first  he  had  only  waited  to  know 
the  will  of  the  Lord,  that  he  might  obey  it.  ( Marg . Ref. 
Note,  22:18.) 

V.  14.  Balak,  probably  in  a measure  calmed  by  Balaam’s 
expostulation,  permitted  him  to  proceed. — As  the  word 
rendered  advertise,  generally  signifies  counsel,  many  think  it 
refers  to  the  diabolical  advice  which  Balaam  gave  Balak, 
either  at  this  time  or  afterwards:  but  this  is  not  probable; 
because  what  follows  relates  to  those  things  which  Israel 
would  do  to  Moab,  not  what  Moab  should  do  to  Israel ; and 
the  expression  “ the  latter  days”  always  denotes  a very 
distant  period.  [Marg.  Ref.  e.) 

V.  16.  (Note,  1,  2.)  Balaam  here  spake  with  increasing 
confidence  of  the  revelations  made  to  him  ; and  though  similar 
words  were  used  by  true  prophets,  yet  from  so  wicked  a man 
they  have  an  air  of  ostentation.  He  indeed  seems  to  have 
courted  applause  and  admiration,  when  ready  to  despair  of 
accumulating  riches.  “ The  secret  of  the  Lord  is  with 
them  that  fear  him;”  (Note,  Ps.  25:14.)  but  Balaam  had 
little  reason  to  boast  of  his  knowledge  of  God  and  heavenly 
things. 

V.  17.  Balaam’s  introduction  to  the  subsequent  predic- 
tion is  very  remarkable ; and  implies  that  it  related  to  events 
which  could  only  be'  known  by  the  Spirit  of  prophecy, 
enabling  him  to  penetrate  into  the  remotest  futurity. — Balaam 
would  see  Him,  the  grand  Object  to  be  made  known,  but  not 
at  present ; he  would  contemplate  his  glory,  but  at  a great 
distance.  (Notes,  Job  19:23—27.)  Some  think  lhat  he  also 
foreboded  his  own  doom,  as  sentenced  to  “depart  accursed,” 
by  the  Judge  at  his  second  ciming.  (iVbtes,  Matt.  25:41 — 
4li.  Luke  16:22,23.) — The  Star  coming  out  of  Jacob,  and 
the  Sceptre,  or  regal  authority,  rising  in  Israel,  may  refer 
in  a subordinate  sense  to  David,  as  reigning  over  Israel  with 
great  reputation,  and  gaining  considerable  victories  over  the 
Moabites  and  Olliers  ; and  to  the  kings  of  his  race  as  ruling 
over  Judah,  and  still  further  subjugating  the  Moabites  and 
tile  neighbouring  nations.  But  the  prophecy  had  its  full 
accomplishment  in  the  exalted  Kingdom  and  spiritual  victo- 
ries of  Jesus  Christ.  (Note,  Gen.  49:10.) — Some  suppose, 
that  by  Sheth,  an  ancestor  or  head  of  some  Moabitish  tribe 
is  meant ; but  others  think  that  Seth  the  son  of  Adam-and 
'.he  progenitor  of  the  whole  post-diluvian  world,  is  intended; 
ind  this  seems  the  best-grounded  interpretation. — The  word 
rendered  “destroy,”  is  only  used  in  this  place  and  one  more 
in  Scripture;  (Is.  22:5.)  and  some  think  it  here  means  build 
up,  for  it  is  derived  from  a word  which  signifies  a wall:  yet, 
as  it  seems  to  be  there  properly  rendered  “ breaking  down,” 
its  use  in  that  passage  does  not  favour  this  interpretation. — 
Thel.XX  have  Ttpovopcvoci,  will  lead  captive , or  spoil.  If  then 
it  means  destroy , or  spoil , it  may  refer  to  Christ’s  subverting 
the  strong  foundations  of  the  several  great  monarchies,  which 
have  successively  prevailed  on  eartlq  with  that  of  Satan,  the 
god  and  prince  of  this  world;  and  subverting  the  corrupt  state 
of  things  among  all  the  posterity  of  Adam,  by  setting  up  his 
heavenly  kingdom,  and  filling  the  earth  with  his  glory.  (Notes, 
Dan.  2:44,4-5.  Rev.  20:1 — 6.)  The  Jewish  writers  in  general 
interpret  this  prophecy  principally  of  the  Messiah. — Onkelos, 
one  of  their  most  renowned  paraphrasts,  has  these  words: 
* When  a prince  shall  arise  of  the  house  of  Jacob,  and  Christ 
shall  he  anointed  of  the  house  of  Israel ; he  shall  slay  the 
princes  of  Moab,  and  rule  over  all  the  sons  of  men.’  The 
rest  agree  with  him. — Had  the  house  of  David  in  general 
been  meant,  a single  star  would  hardly  have  been  mentioned. 
A Star  was  the  known  emblem  of  the  Messiah  ; and  one  of 
the  impostors,  who  pretended  to  be  the  Messiah  in  the  primi- 
tive times,  called  himself  Barchochebas,  or  the  son  of  a star. 


Jacob,  and  ka  Sceptre  shall  rise  out  of  Israel,  and 
shall  ’smite  the  corners  of  'Moab,  and  destroy  ■"all 
the  children  of  Sheth. 

18  And  "Edom  shall  be  a possession  : Seir  also 
shall  be  a possession  lor  his  enemies ; . and  Israel 
shall  do  valiantly. 

19  Out  “of  Jacob  shall  come  he  that  shall  have 
dominion,  and  rshall  destroy  him  that  remaineth  ol 
the  city. 

20  And  when  he  looked  on  Amalek,  hetookuphis 
parable,  and  said,  Amalek  u-as1  the  firsl  oft  he  nations, 
hut  this  latter  end  4 shall  be  that  he  perish  lor  ever. 

21  And  he  looked  on  rthe  Kenit.es ; and  took  up 
his  parable,  and  said,  Strong  is  thy  dwelling-place, 
and  thou  puttest  thy  nest  in  a rock  : 

22  Nevertheless,  Hhe  Kenite  shall  be  wasted, 
"until  'Asshur  shall  carry  thee  away  captive. 

23  And  he  took  up  his  parable,  and  said,  Alas! 
who  shall  live  ‘when  God  doelh  this? 

24  And  ships  shall  come  from  the  coast  of  “Chi t- 


49:10.  Pb.  2:1-12.  72:10,11.  Is.  11:10.  Mic.  5:2,4.  Malt.  28:18.  1 Cor.  15:35. 
Enh.  1:20— 22.  Phil.  2:10,11.  Heb.  1:8.  1 Pel.  3:22.  Rev.  19:16.  p Ps.  21:7— 10. 
Matt.  25:46.  Luke  19:12,27.  f Or,  the  first  of  the  nations  that  warred  against 
Israel . Ex.  17:8.  q Judg.  6:3.  1 Sam.  14:48.  15:3 — 8.  27:8,9.  30:1,17.  1 Chr. 
4:43.  K»th.3:l.  7:9,10.  9:14.  } Or,  shall  be  even  to  destruction,  r Gen.  15; 
19.  § Heb.  Kain.  ||  Or,  how  long  shall  it  be  ere  Asshur  carry  thee  away 

captive ? s Gen.  10:11.  Ezra  4:2.  Ps.83:8.  Hos.  14:3.  t 23:23  . 2 Kings  5:1. 
u Geu.  10:4.  Is. 23:1.  Dan.  7:19,20.  8:5—8,21.  10:20.  11:30. 


Our  Lord  calls  himself, The  bright  and  morning  Star  :* 
(Note,  Rev.  22:16,17.)  and  the  Christian  fathers  were  gene- 
rally of  opinion,  that  this  prophecy  being  known  in  the  East, 
prepared  the  way  for  the  wise  men  following  the  star  which 
appeared  at  the  birth  of  Christ.  (Note,  Matt.  2:1,2.)  In  this 
grand  and  spiritual  sense  of  the  prophecy,  Israel  represents 
the  true  church  of  God,  and  Moab  and  Edom  her  enemies. 
(Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  18,  19.  The  marginal  references  show  the  fulfilment 
of  this  prophecy  in  the  victories  of  David  and  Israel,  under 
him  and  his  descendants,  w hich  were  typical  of  the  triumphs 
of  David’s  Son,  who  shall  destroy  all  u that  will  not  have  him 
to  reign  over  them,”  however  they  may  attempt  to  secure 
themselves.  David  and  Solomon  had  indeed  extensive  domi- 
nions in  those  regions;  yet  not  answerable  to  the  words, 
44  He  that  shall  have  dominion,”  which  emphatically  describe 
Christ, 44  the  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords.”  (Notey  Rev 
19:11—16.) 

V.  20.  The  Amalekites  constituted  one  of  the  mosi 
ancient  and  prosperous  of  the  nations,  and  they  were  the  first 
who  attacked  the  Israelites;  (marg.)  but  Balaam  predicted 
their  final  destruction ; and  thus,  without  knowing  it,  confirmed 
the  sentence  which  the  Lord  by  Moses  had  denounced  against 
them.  (Notes,  Ex.  17:14 — 16.)  This  prophecy  was  accom- 
plished by  Saul  and  David,  after  whose  days  but  few  vestiges 
of  that  once  flourishing  people  can  be  traced ; and  no  history 
now  remains  of  them. 

V.  21,  22.  Jethro,  a Midianite,  is  called  a Kenite , (Judg. 
1:16.)  and  it  is  most  probable  the  Midianitcs  in  general  are 
here  meant;  who,  dwelling  in  a rocky  country,  deemed  them- 
selves safe  from  the  assaults  of  their  enemies.  But,  notwith- 
standing this,  they  were  wasted  by  the  Israelites;  till  at 
length  they  were  carried  captive  by  the  Assyrians,  as  it  is 
supposed,  about  the  time  of  the  captivity  of  the  ten  tribes. 
The  Kenites  indeed  are  mentioned  among  the  nations  whose 
land  the  Lord  engaged  to  give  to  the  posterity  of  Abraham : 
( Gen.  15:19.)  but  they  seem  to  have  been  extinct'before  Israel 
conquered  Canaan,  as  they  are  not  once  mentioned  in  the 
history  ; and  they  could  not  be  the  people  intended  by  Balaam? 
w ho  perhaps  saw  at  a distance  the  rocks  and  fastnesses  of 
the  Midianites. 

V.  23,  24.  Having  paused  awhile,  Balaam  seems  to  have 
sighed,  and  made  this  exclamation ; either  mealing  that  the 
predicted  desolations  would  be  so  dreadful,  that  it  would  be 
miserable  to  live  during  such  calamities;  or  that  the  time  was 
so  distant,  that  all  who  then  heard  him  would  have  been  dead 
a long  time  before  it  arrived.  He  might  refer  to  the  desola- 
tions by  the  Assyrians  which  he  had  predicted  ; or  rather  to 
those  by  the  Greeks  and  Romans,  as  the  next  clause  may 
properly  be  rendered  44  For  ships  shall  come,”  &c. — The 
coasts  or  isles  of  Chittim  always,  in  Scripture,  mean  the 
regions  of  Europe,  bordering  on  the  Mediterranean;  espe- 
cially the  Greeks  or  Romans.  The  passage  is  therefore  an 
evident  prediction  of  the  victories  of  the  Greeks,  or  Mace- 
donians, under  Alexander  and  his  successors  ; and  of  those  of 
the  Romans  after  them.  The  latter  especialty,  coming  from 
far  in  ships,  overturned  the  several  kingdoms  in  the  western 
part  of  Asia,  and  possessed  them  ; causing  dreadful  afflictions 
lo  the  people,  who  inhabited  the  ancient  Assyria ; but  still 
greater  to  the  Hebrews,  especially  in  the  last  destruction  ol 
Jerusalem.  And  they  have  ever  since  been  tyrannizing,  in 
one  form  or  other,  over  the  world  and  the  church ; but  shall 
at  length  be  destroyed  as  entirely  as  the  Amalekites  were. 
This  part  of  the  prediction  is  not  yet  fulfilled.  (Notes,  Rev. 
18:) — It  is  well  worthy  our  notice,  that  the  final  d truction  of 
Amalek  and  Rome  is  foretold  ; but  only  the  iffliciUTi  of 
( 299  ) 


13.  C UU. 


NUMBERS 


B.  C.  1-152, 


tim,  and  shall  afflict  Asshur,  *anrl  shall  afflict  Eber, 
J'and  he  also  shall  perish  for  ever. 

25  And  Balaam  rose  up,  and  went  'and  return- 
ed to  his  place  : and  Balak  also  went  his  way. 
CHAPTER  XXV. 

The  Israelites  commit  whoredom  and  idolatry , being  templed  by  the  women 
of  Moab  an!  Mi  'inn,  1 — 3.  God  commands  the  criminals  to  be  slain,  4, 
6 Phinehas  kills  Zinvi  and  t'osbi,  and  the  plague  which  wasted  Israelis 
stay'd,  6—9.  God  app/oves  his  zeal,  and  gives  him  the  covenant  of  a per- 
petual priesthood  ; an  L commands  Moses  to  make  war  against  the  Midian- 
ites,  10-18. 

AND  Israel  abode  in  aShittim,  and  bthe  people 
began  to  commit  whoredom  with  the  daugh- 
ters of  Moab. 


I Get..  10:21—25.  14:13.  Dan.  9:20,27.  Mali.  24:15.  Luke  20:24.  23:29— 31.  John 
11:48.  y Dan.  2:35,45.  7:23—26.  11:45.  Rev.  18:2— 24.  ill.  31:8.  Josh.  13:22. 
a 33:49<rJosh.  2.1.  3:1.  Mic.  6:5.  b 31:15,16.  Ec.7:26.  1 Cor.  10:8.  c Ex.  34: 
15,16.  1 Kings  11:1-6.  1 Cor.  10:20,27,28.  2 Cor.  6:16,17.  Rev.  2:14.  d Ex.  20: 
6.  23.24.  Joeli.  23:7,16.  1 Kings  19:18.  e 5.  Deut.  4-3,4.  Ps.  106:28,29.  Hos.  9: 


Asshur  and  Eber.  The  regions  intended  by  Asshur  remained 
but  a short  time  under  the  dominion  of  the  Romans,  and 
were  afterwards  again  governed  by  their  own  princes ; and 
the  Hebrews  continue  a distinct  and  numerous,  though 
oppressed  and  scattered  people  to  this  day,  evidently  in 
order  to  the  accomplishment  of  the  prophecies  respecting 
their  conversion  to  Christ,  and  their  subsequent  prosperity; 
and  this  is  one  good  proof  that  the  Hebrews  were  meant, 
and  not  any  other  obscure  tribe,  as  some  think. — What  a 
surprising  series  of  prophecy  have  we  here  in  few  words, 
which  in  former  accomplishments  hath  already  evidenced  to 
successive  generations  the  divine  authority  of  the  Scriptures  ; 
and  shall  to  future  ages  demonstrate  the  same  truth  with 
undeniable  evidence!  1 Thus,’  says  Dr.  Lightfoot,  ‘Balaam, 
instead  of  cursing  the  church,  curseth  Amalek  the  first,  and 
Rome  the  last,  enemy  of  the  church.’ — ‘ His  bearing  witness 
to  Moses  and  Israel,  is  somewhat  like  Judas’s  attesting  the 
innocence  of  Christ.’  Bp.  Newton . 

V.  25.  Though  Balaam  for  the  present  desisted  from  his 
purpose  of  cursing  Israel;  yet  he  was  not  rendered  more 
friendly  to  them,  or  cured  of  his  avarice,  which  at  length 
suggested  to  him  a still  more  diabolical  plan. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 13.  The  enemies  of  the  church  may  renew  their 
attacks,  or  vary  them  as  they  please ; yet  they  can  gain  no 
real  advantage : for  it  pleases  the  Lord  to  bless  his  people, 
and  he  will  make  all  their  opposers  see,  and  feel,  and  acknow- 
ledge it;  which  will  fill  them  with  rage  and  desperation. 
Nay,  in  some  cases,  they  are  constrained  to  allow  the  excel- 
lence of  the  righteous,  as  well  as  to  forebode  their  prosperity. 
Under  the  protection  of  Judah’s  Lion,  believers  securely  rest ; 
and  whoever  disturbs  them , will  stir  him  up  as  an  enemy : for 
he  only  suffers  the  malice  of  the  wicked  to  proceed,  till  it  hath 
accomplished  his  purposes  for  the  good  of  his  people,  and  he 
then  at  ises  to  execute  vengeance  on  their  oppressors.  ( Notes, 
Ps.  76:10.  Is.  10:5—7,12 — 19.)  But  while  he  renders  those, 
who  would  curse  or  injure  his  servants,  most  miserable  under 
his  awful  displeasure,  he  abundantly  blesses  all  who  heartily 
pray  for  them  and  seek  their  peace. — They,  who  are  kept 
from  worldly  honour  and  affluence  by  an  upright  heart  and  a 
good  conscience,  will  be  great  gainers:  and  the  minister  of 
Christ  especially,  who  faithful  to  his  trust,  with  meekness 
.and  firmness,  reproves  the  wickedness  of  those,  who  had 
thought  to  promote  him  to  honour,  will  have  “ a hundredfold 
more  in  this  present  time,  and  in  the  world  to  come  everlast- 
ing life.”  But  such  persons  as  have  light  enough  in  their 
minds,  and  restraint  enough  upon  their  consciences,  to  induce 
their  hesitation  at  going  the  whole  length  which  a wicked 
patron  may  require ; and  thus  lose  his  favour,  and  hinder  their 
t>wn  preferment,  continuing  still  the  slaves  of  sin,  and  the 
enemies  of  God ; are  very  miserable  in  this  world,  and  likely 
to  be  so  in  the  world  to  come.  Let  us  not  then  attempt  to 
serve  God  and  Mammon,  or  halt  between  Jehovah  and 
Baal:  but  l«t.  us  follow  the  Lord  fully,  and  he  will  make  up 
every  loss  to  us;  while  the  consent  of  wicked  men  in  sin, 
will  at  length  issue  in  bitter  hatred  and  severe  recriminations. 

V.  14 — 25.  Many  foreseethe  miseries  coming  upon  others, 
who  do  not  suspect  far  greater  and  nearer  miseries  which  await 
themselves.  ( Note,  31:8. ) But  what  benefit  would  accrue  to  us, 
what  cause  should  we  have  to  glory  or  rejoice,  if  we  “ under- 
stood all  mysteries  and  all  knowledge  ;”  if  we  could  penetrate 
the  secrets  of  the  most  remote  futurity,  and  develope  ihe 
book  of  the  divine  decrees  ; “ if  we  saw  the  visions  of  the 
Almighty,  and  knew  the  knowledge  of  the  Most  High,”  and 
had  our  eyes  open  to  see  things  hidden  from  all  others,  “since 
the  foundation  of  the  world  ;”  while  distant  nations  and  suc- 
cessive ages  were  destined  to  celebrate  our  fame ; if  at  the 
same  time  we  remained  the  slaves  of  covetousness,  ambition, 
lust,  or  malice  ; impenitent  and  unpardoned,  under  the  wrath 
of  God,  doomed  “ lo  the  fire  that  never  shall  be  quenched, 
and  the  worm  that  never  dieth  ?” — All  these  endowments 
would  but  aggravate  our  guilt,  and  enhance  our  condemnation. 
Nor  is  there  any  indissoluble  bond  between  extensive  and 
exact  knowledge,  even  in  theological  subjects,  and  “ that  holi- 
ness without  which  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord.”  Let  us  then 
“take,  heed  lest  the  light  which  is  in  us  bo  darkness  ; for  if  it 
hould  prove  so,  alas ! how  great  will  that  darkness  be !” 
( 300  ) 


2 And  ctliey  called  the  people  unto  the  sacrifices 
of  their  gods : and  the  people  did  eat,  and  dbowed 
down  to  their  gods. 

3 And  Israel  'joined  himself  unto  Baal-peor: 
and  ‘the  anger  ot  the  Lord  was  kindled  against 
Israel. 

4 And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Take  sail  the 
heads  of  the  people,  hand  hang  them  up  before 
the  Lord  against  the  sun,  ‘that  the  fierce  anger  ol 
the  Lord  may  be  turned  away  from  Israel. 

5 And  Moses  said  unto  the  kjudges  of  Israel, 
'Slay  ye  every  one  his  men  that  were  joined  unto 

Baal-peOr.  [Practical  Observations 

10.  f Josh.  22:17.  judg.  2:14,20.  Ps.  90:11.  Jer.  17:4.  e 14,1.5,18.  Ex.  18: 
25.  Josh. 23:2.  h Deul.  13:6-9,13,15.  21:23.  2Sam.  21:6,9  Esth.  7:9,10.  ilL 
Josh.  7:25,26.  Ps.  85:3,4.  Jon.  3.9.  k Ex.  18:21,25,26.  1 Ex.  22:20.  32:27,28. 

Deut.  17:3—5.  1 Kings  18:40. 


(Note,  Matt.  6:22,23.)  Let  us  seriously  examine  whether, 
or  in  what  respects,  our  knowledge,  attainments,  experience, 
or  profession,  excel  those  of  Balaam.  No  fluency  nor  excel- 
lency of  speech,  even  in  preaching  or  in  prayer ; no  gifts  of 
knowledge  or  prophecy;  no  “visions  and  revelations  of  the 
Lord  ;”  are  intrinsically  and  decidedly  superior  to  the  boasted 
endowments  of  this  wretched  man,  who  “loved  the  wages  of 
unrighteousness,”  and  died  the  enemy  of  God  and  his  people. 
But  a broken  and  contrite  heart  ; a simple  dependence  on 
the  Redeemer’s  atoning  blood  and  sanctifying  grace;  a cheer- 
ful subjection  to  the  divine  command,  and  submission  to  his 
will ; an  habitual  aim  to  glorify  God  and  benefit  his  people ; 
are  less  splendid,  but  far  more  excellent  attainments,  and 
invariably  “accompany  salvation.”  (Note,  Heb.  6:9,10.) 
No  vainglorious  hypocrite  ever  possessed  these  ; yet  the 
feeblest  true  believer  is  in  some  measure  conscious  of  them, 
and  is  daily  longing  and  praying  for  more  of  them : while 
perhaps,  through  an  error  in  judgment,  and  through  Satan’s 
subtlety,  he  overlooks  all  these  infallible  evidences  of  saving 
grace ; and  indulges  desponding  fears,  because  he  cannot 
emulate  some  boasting  Balaam’s  gifts. — But  let  such  persons 
bless  the  Lord,  and  rejoice  in  what  he  hath  done  for  them. 
Here  by  faith  they  behold  the  Saviour  nigh  unto  them ; shortly 
shall  they  see  him  nigh,  as  come  to  complete  their  redemp- 
tion, aqd  consummate  their  felicity : whilst  the  wicked  shall 
be  “ punished  with  an  everlasting  destruction  from  his  pre- 
sence.”— Yet  the  Lord  will  glorify  himself  and  benefit  his 
church  by  the  gifts,  and  in  the  doom,  even  of  hypocrites  ; and 
in  these  prophecies  we  may  discern  both  the  misery  of  the 
ungodly  ; the  vanity  of  all  worldly  dependences  and  pre-emi- 
nence ; the  approaching  destruction  of  every  enemy  who 
hath  done  evil  in  the  sanctuary  ; the  consequent  triumphs  o. 
the  church  ; and  the  universal  spread  of  the  gospel,  notwith- 
standing afflictions,  persecutions,  and  damnable  heresies ; 
while  they  assure  our  faith  in  all  the  promises  w hich  respect 
our  own  salvation. 

NOTES. — Chap  XXV.  V.  1 — 3.  It  is  expressly  said, 
in  several  places,  that  the  temptation  by  which  the  Israelites 
were  seduced,  was  the  effect  of  Balaam’s  counsel  to  Balak; 
(31:15,16.  Rev.  2:14.)  yet  we  read  in  the  conclusion  of  the 
preceding  chapter,  that  “ BaJaam  rose  up,  and  w ent  and 
returned  to  his  place.”  He  was,  however,  afterwards  slain 
among  the  princes  of  Midian  : (Note,  31:8.)  and  it  may 
therefore  be  supposed  that  he  directly  went  home  in  sullen 
despondency,  where  after  a time  Satan  suggested  this  infernal 
counsel  to  him  ; that  he  then  returned  to  propose  it  to  Balak  ; 
and  that,  waiting  to  observe  its  success  and  to  enjoy  his  rew  ard, 
he  was  slain  by  the  Israelites.  Many  commentators  however 
suppose,  that  he  gave  Balak  this  counsel  before  he  went  home ; 
and  consequently  they  must  conclude,  that  he  returned  to  claim 
his  recompense  when  his  project  had  succeeded,  or  to  give 
further  advice.  (Marg.  Ref.) — This  wicked  man  could  not 
obtain  leave  to  curse  Israel : but  he  instructed  Balak  how  to 
seduce  Israel  to  bring  a curse  upon  themselves;  or  at  least 
to  deprive  themselves  of  the  Lord’s  immediate  protection,  and 
to  provoke  such  judgments  as  would  diminish  their  numbers 
and  discourage  their  hearts. — ‘Not  daring,  as  a prophet,  to 
assist  the  king  of  Moab,  he  considers  whether  some  other 
means  might  not  be  found.  . . . One  would  not  think  it  possible 
that  the  weakness  even  of  religious  self-deceit,  in  its  utmost 
excess,  could  have  so  poor  a distinction,  so  fond  an  eva- 
sion, to  serve  itself  of!  But  so  it  was;  and  he  could  think  of 
no  other  method,  than  to  betray  the  children  of  Israel  to  pro- 
voke his  wrath,  who  was  their  only  Defence. — He  could  not 
forego  the  rewards  of  unrighteousness ; he  therefore  first 
seeks  for  indulgences ; and  when  these  could  not  be  obtained, 
ho  sins  against  the  whole  meaning,  end,  and  design  of  the 
prohibition  ! And  surely  the  impious  counsel  he  gavo  to 
Balak  . . . was  a greater  piece  of  wickedness  than  if  he  had 
cursed  Israel  in  words!  . . . He  seeks  indulgences  for  plain 
wickedness ; which  not  being  able  to  obtain,  he  glosses  over 
that  same  wickedness,  dresses  it  up  in  a new  form,  in  order 
to  make,  it  pass  off  more  easily  with  himself!  That  is,  ho 
deliberately  contrives  to  deceive  and  impose  upon  himself, 
in  a matter  which  he  knew  to  be  of  the  utmost  import- 
ance ! . . . This  was  the  man  who  desired  to  “die  the  death 
of  the  righteous,  and  that  his  last  end  might  be  bko  his.”  * Bp. 


CHAPTER  XXV.  B.  C.  1459 


6 H And,  behold,  one  of  the  children  of  Israel 
came,  and  brought  unto  his  brethren  ma  Midian- 
itish  woman,  "in  the  sight  of  Moses,  and  in  the 
sight  of  all  the  congregation  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  who  were  “weeping  before  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

7 And  when  iphinehas,  the  son  of  Eleazar,  the 
son  of  Aaron,  the  priest,  saw  it,  he  rose  up  from 
among  the  congregation,  and  took  ia  javelin  in 
his  hand ; 

8 Anti  he  went  after  the  man  of  Israel  into  the 
tent,  and  "thrust  both  of  them  through,  the  man 
of  Israel,  and  the  woman  through  her  belly.  'So 
the  plague  was  stayed  from  the  children  oflsrael. 

9 And  those  that  died  in  the  plague  were  ‘twenty 
and  four  thousand. 

10  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

11  Phinehas,  the  son  of  Eleazar,  the  son  of 
Aaron  the  priest,  hath  “turned  my  wrath  away 
from  the  children  of  Israel,  while  he  was  zealous 
'for  my  sake  among  them,  xthat  I consumed  not 
the  children  of  Israel  in  my  jealousy. 

m 14,15.  22:4.  31:2,9—16.  n 15:30,31.  Deut.  29:19— 2L.  Jer.  3:3.  8:12^36:23. 
42:15—13.  43:4 — 7.  44:16,11.  2 Pet.  2:13— 15.  Jude  13.  oJudg.2:4.  Erra9:l— 
4.  10:6 — 9.  Is.  22:12.  Ex.  9:4—6.  Joel  2:17.  p Ex.  6:25.  Josh.  22:30,31.  Judg. 
20:28.  q 1 Sam.  18:10,11.  19:9.  r5,ll.  Ps.  106:29— 31.  s 16:46— 18.  2 Sam. 
24:25.  IChr.  21:22.  1 4,5.16:49,50.  Deut.  4:3,4.  I Cor.  10:8.  u Josh.  7:25, 
26.  2 Sam.  21:14.  * Heb.  with  iny  zeal.  2 Cor.  11:2.  z Ex.  20:5.  84:14.  Deut. 
4:24.  29:20.32:16,21.  Josh.  24:19.  1 Kings  14:22.  Ps.  78:58.  Ez.  16:38.  Nah.l: 


Butler. — Under  the  mask  of  friendship,  an  intercourse  with 
Israel  was  opened,  and  some  of  the  women  of  Moab  and 
Midian,  (who  were,  it  seems,  by  no  means  backward  to  such 
an  infamous  undertaking,)  were  employed  to  allure  the  people 
to  a criminal  intercourse.  This  made  way  for  an  invitation  to 
those  idolatrous  feasts,  where  every  species  of  licentiousness 
was  practised ; and  this  being  readily  complied  with,  the 
Israelites  flocked  in  great  numbers,  and  greedily  joined  in  this 
abominable  worship:  (Note  and  P.  O.  1 Kings  11:1 — 8.) 
for  ‘ the  ordinary  charms  unto  idolatry,  were  good  victuals 
and  bad  women.’  Bp.  Patrick. — These  Israelites  had  hitherto 
been  preserved  from  connexions  with  heathen  women,  amidst 
all  their  rebellions ; and  therefore  it  is  said,  “ the  people 
began  to  commit  whoredom  with  the  daughters  of  Moab.” — 
The  women  of  Moab  perhaps  were  the  first  tempters  ; but 
those  of  Midian  at  length  became  more  generally  and  deeply 
criminal.  ( Note,  17,18.) — “ Baal-peor,”  or  the  lord  of  Peor, 
might  be  the  same  as  Chemosh,  the  god  of  Moab.  (Note, 
22:40,41.) 

V.  4,  5.  Many  principal  persons,  in  the  several  tribes 
and  families,  seem  to  have  been  ringleaders  in  this  compli- 
cated provocation;  and  it  is  probable,  that  the  Lord  had 
already  sent  a plague  which  was  making  dreadful  ravages. — 
If,  therefore,  the  people  at  large  would  not  have  this  idolatry 
interpreted  into  a national  forfeiture  of  the  covenant,  and  be 
destroyed  by  the  pestilence  as  one  man,  immediate  ven- 
geance must  be  executed  on  the  chief  transgressors,  by  putting 
them  to  death,  and  hanging  them  up  ignominiously,  as  a 
sacrifice  to  the  justice  of  God.  (Note,  Ex.  32:27 — 29.) 
The  words  “ joined  unto  Baal-peor,”  seem  to  imply  an 
exception  for  such  as  had  sinned,  but  had  speedily  repented. 
The  notorious  criminals  of  every  rank  were  slain  by  the 
magistrates  directly  ; but  perhaps  none  except  the  more  emi- 
nent persons  were  ignominiously  hung  up  for  a warning  to  all 
the  survivors.  From  comparing  the  sum  total  of  those  who 
died  by  the  plague  (9)  with  that  mentioned  by  Paul,  (1  Cor. 
10:8.)  it  is  thought  that  no  less  than  one  thousand  persons 
were  thus  executed  in  a summary  manner. 

V.  6 — 8.  This  action  of  Zimri  and  Cosbi  was  done  in 
direct  defiance  of  God  himself;  as  well  as  of  Moses,  and  of 
the  congregation,  who  in  great  multitudes  were  penitently 
confessing  their  sins,  and  deprecating  the  divine  displeasure. 
That  a man  should  thus  triumph  in  his  wickedness,  and  dare 
the  sword  of  justice,  while  numbers  were  dying  by  the  sword 
of  the  magistrate,  and  much  greater  multitudes  by  the  hand 
of  God,  was  the  greatest  insult  and  outrage  imaginable  upon 
all  authority,  divine  and  human ; — upon  all  order,  and  even 
upon  common  decency.  Phinehas  was  the  second  priest,  and 
successor  to  the  high-priesthood,  and  doubtless  as  high  in 
authority  as  in  rank.  As  a magistrate,  he  was  commissioned 
by  Moses  and  by  God  to  slay  “ those  who  were  joined  to 
Baal-peor.”  Zimri  was  notoriously  and  avowedly  guilty ; but 
while  others  trembled  to  come  near  him,  Phinehas  boldly 
executed  vengeance  upon  him  and  his  infamous  paramour  at 
once.  No  conduct  could  in  every  view  be  more  unexcep- 
tionable ; nor  can  it  ever  be  drawn  into  a precedent  to  coun- 
tenance acts  of  private  revenge,  of  religious  persecution,  or 
even  of  irregular  public  vengeance.  The  objections  therefore 
of  some  infidels,  to  this  part  of  Holy  Scripture,  expose  their 
ignorance,  or  disingenuity,  as  much  as  their  hatred  of  this 
sacre’  book  For  there  is  not  one  of  them,  (religion  out  of 
the  question,/  but  in  such  a crisis,  when  a daring  rebel  set 
the  regule  - magistracy  at  defiance,  and  evidently  meant  to 
instigate  I he  people  to  revolt,  would  have  allowed,  that  the 
welfare  of  the  community  was  the  chitf  law,  and  that  so  extra- 


12  Wherefore  say,  Behold,  ?I  give  unto  him 
niy  covenant  of  peace. 

13  And  he  shall  have  it,  and  'his  seed  after  him, 
even  the  covenant  of  “an  everlasting  priesthood ; 
because  he  was  "zealous  lor  his  God,  and  made 
an  “atonement  for  the  children  of  Israel. 

14  Now  the  name  of  the  Israelite  that  was 
slain,  even  that  was  slain  with  the  Midianitish 
woman,  was  Zimri,  the  son  of  Salu,  da  prince  of 
a tchief  house  among  'the  Simeonites. 

15  And  the  name  of  the  Midianitish  woman 
.that  was  slain,  was  Cosbi,  the  daughter  of  >Zur ; 
he  was  head  over  a people,  and  of  a chief  house 
in  Midian. 

16  D And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing) 

17  Wex  the  Midianites,  and  smite  them  : 

18  For  they  hvex  you  with  their  wiles,  where- 
with they  have  ‘beguiled  you  in  the  matter  of 
Peor?  and  in  the  matter  of  Cosbi,  the  daughter  of 
a prince  of  Midian,  their  sister,  which  was  slain 
in  the  day  of  the  plague  for  Peor’s  sake. 

2.  Zeph.  1:18.  3:8.  1 Cor.  10:22.  yNeh. 13:29.  Mai. 2.4,5.  z!Sam.2:30. 

1 KingB  2:27.  1 Chr.  6:4— 15,50— 53.  a Ex.  40:15.  Is.  61:6.  Jer.  33:17,22.  Heb. 
7:11,17,18.  1 Pel. 2:5,9.  Rev.  1:6.  bl  Kings  19:10,14.  Po.  106:31.  119:139.  John 
2:17.  Acta  22:3 — 5.  Rom.  10:2 — 4.  c Ex.  32:30.  Josh.  7:12.  2 Sam.  21:3.  Heb. 
2:17.  1 John  2:2.  d 4,5.  2 Chr.  19:7.  | Heb.  house  of  a father,  e 1:23.  26:14. 
f 31:8.  Josh. 13:21.  g 31 :2.  Rev.  18:6.  h 31:15,16.  Gen.  26:10.  Ex.  32:21,35. 
Rev. 2:11.  i Gen.  3:13.  2 Cor.  11:3.  2 Pet.  2:14,15,18. 


ordinary  a case  required  an  extraordinary  remedy ; and 
would  have  applauded  a decisive  measure,  though  irregu- 
lar : yet,  after  all,  this  does  not  appear  in  the  least  to  have 
been  so. 

V.  11 — 13.  The  congregation  had  wept  before  the  Lord, 
and  doubtless  many  had  joined  with  Moses  in  prayer  and 
supplication  : yet  this  act  of  Phinehas,  by  which,  being  zeal- 
ous for  the  glory  of  God,  he  had  inflicted  condign  punish- 
ment on  two  arrogant  offenders,  and  thus  offered  an  atoning 
sacrifice  to  the  divine  justice,  is  exclusively  mentioned  as 
having  “ turned  away  the  wrath  of  God  from  Israel,”  and 
prevented  their  destruction.  It  was  therefore  “ imputed  to 
him  for  righteousness.”  (Note,  Ps.  106:28 — 31.)  Let  who 
would  censure  it  in  succeeding  ages,  the  heart-searching  God 
declared  his  approbation  of  it  as  a righteous  action  ; and  he 
rewarded  it  by  giving  to  Phinehas  “ his  covenant  of  peace,” 
ensuring  to  him  personally,  no  doubt,  all  the  blessings  of  his 
favour  and  friendship,  in  this  world  and  in  the  next ; but,  in 
particular,  engaging  that  the  high-priesthood,  the  office  of  a 
typical  mediator  and  peace-maker,  should  be  continued  in 
his  family  by  “ an  everlasting,”  or  perpetual  covenant. — 
Phinehas  was  the  eldest  son  of  Eleazar,  the  eldest  son  of 
Aaron  : but  there  was  no  express  law  limiting  the  high- 
priesthood  to  the  eldest  son  ; he  might  die  before  his  father  ; 
his  children  might  die,  or  be  incapacitated  : so  that  there 
was  no  certainty  of  his  and  of  their  succession  till  this  promise 
was  made. — The  high-priesthood  continued  in  the  family  of 
Phinehas  till  about  the  days  of  Eli,  who  was  descended 
from  Ithamar ; and  it  is  not  known  on  what  account  that 
branch  was  substituted.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  2:30 — 35,36.  I 
Kings  2:26,27.)  It  soon,  however,  returned  into  that  of 
Phinehas,  in  which  it  is  probably  supposed  to  have  con- 
tinued till  the  time  of  Herod  the  great,  if  not  till  that  dispen- 
sation came  to  an  end. 

V.  14,  15.  The  names  and  rank  of  these  offenders  are 
thus  declared,  in  order  to  illustrate  the  heroical  impartiality 
of  Phinehas. — Zur  is  numbered  among  the  kings  of  Midian, 
who  were  slain  by  Israel.  (31:8.) 

V.  17,  18.  Balaam’s  counsel  seems  to  have  been  first 
given  to  Balak,  king  of  Moab  ; yet  probably  the  Midianitish 
women,  especially  of  the  higher  ranks,  as  Cosbi  was,  were 
the  principal  tempters;  and  the  nation  of  Midian  seems, 
more  generally  and  heartily,  to  have  come  into  the  execrable 
measure  than  that  of  Moab : they  were  therefore  first 
selected  to  be  made  examples  of,  for  a warning  to  the 
Moabites,  who  were  spared  at  this  time.  ( Notes,  31.  Deut. 
23:3—5.  2 Sam.  8:2.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 5.  The  friendship  of  the  wicked  is  more  dangerous 
than  their  enmity:  for  none  can  prevail  against  the  servants 
of  God,  except  by  tempting  them  to  sin  ; no  enchantment  can 
injure  them,  except  the  fascination  of  worldly  interests  and 
pleasures  ; nor  would  the  enemy  of  souls  be  so  much  gratified 
by  casting  them  into  a fiery  furnace,  as  by  alluring  them  to 
criminal  indulgences.  When  once  the  fence  of  the  divine 
command  is  broken,  the  progress  from  one  kind  and  degree 
of  sin  to  another  is  almost  unavoidable ; and  when  the  barrier 
of  female  modesty  is  removed,  the  transition  to  the  most  im- 
pudent licentiousness  is  frequently  very  sudden  ; nor  are  any 
persons  more  pestilential  to  the  human  species,  than  beautiful 
abandoned  women.  Numbers  in  every  age  are  brought  to 
an  ignominious  execution,  and  immensely  greater  multitudes 
are  hurried  to  the  grave  by  dreadful  diseases,  in  consequence 
of  listening  to  their  allurements  : in  short,  “ their  feet  lead 
down  to  death,  and  their  steps  take  hold  of  hell.”  Yet  mu! 

( 301  ) 


B.  C.  1152. 


NUMBERS. 


13.  C.  1152 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

The  people  are  numbered  by  divine  command:  the  number  of  each  tribe, 
and  the  turn  total,  I — 51.  The  law  for  the  division  of  the  promised 
loivl,  52 — 55.  Tht  Levi  tea  are  numbered , 57 — 62.  None  left  of  those  before 
numbered,  but  Caleb  and  Joshua,  63 — 65. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  “after  the  plague,  that  the 
Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  and  unto  Elp-izar, 
the  son  of  Aaron,  the  priest,  saying, 

2  bTake  the  sum  of  all  the  congregation  of  the 
children  of  Israel,  from  twenty  years  old  and  up- 
ward, throughout  their  fathers’  house,  all  that  are 
able  to  go  war  in  Israel. 

3  And  Moses  andEleazar  the  priest  spake  witfy 
them  in  'the  plains  of  Moab,  by  Jordan  near 
Jericho,  saying, 

4  Take  the  sum  of  the  people , from  twenty  years 
old  and  upward  ; as  the  Lord  dcommanded  Moses 
and  the  children  of  Israel,  which  went  forth  out  of 
the  land  of  Egypt. 

5  It  Reuben,  'the  eldest  son  of  Israel : fthe 
children  of  Reuben;  Hanoch,  of  whom  cometh 
the  family  of  the  Hanochites : of  Pallu,  the  family 
of  the  Palluites : 

6  Of  Hesron,  the  family  of  the  Hesronites : of 
Carmi,  the  family  of  the  Carmites. 

7  These  are  the  families  of  the  Reubenites: 
and  they  that  were  nutpbered  of  them  were  eforty 
and  three  thousand  and  seven  hundred  and  thirty. 
8 And  the  sons  of  Pallu  ; Eliab. 

9  And  the  sons  of  Eliab ; Nemuel,  and  Dathan, 
and  Abiram.  This  is  that  Dathan  and  Abiram 
which  were  hfamous  in  the  congregation,  who 
strove  against  Moses  and  against  Aaron  in  the 
company  of  Korah,  when  they  strove  against  the 
Lord  : 

10  And  ‘the  earth  opened  her  mouth,  and  swal- 
lowed them  up,  together  with  Korah,  when  that 
company  died,  what  time  the  fire  devoured  two 
hundred  and  fifty  men  : and  Jthey  became  a sign. 

11  Notwithstanding,  kthe  children  of  Korah 
died  not. 

12  H The  sons  of  Simeon,  after  their  families: 
of  'Nemuel,  the  family  of  the  Nemuelites ; of 
Jamin,  the  family  of  the  Jaminites  : of  mJachin, 
the  family  of  the  Jachinites  : 

13  Of  “Zerah,  the  family  of  the  Zarhites : of 
Shaul,  the  family  of  the  Shaulites. 

14  These  are  the  families  of  the  Simeonites, 
“twenty  and  two  thousand  and  two  hundred. 

o25:9.  b See  on  1:2,3.  Ex.  30:12.  38:25,26.  c63.  22:1.  31:12.  33:48.  35:1. 

Deul.  4:46 — 49.  34:1,6,8.  d 1:1.  1 Chr.  21:1.  e Gen.  29:32.  49:2,3.  lC'hr.5: 
1.  fGen.  46:9.  Ex.  6.14.  1 Chr.  5 3.  g Decreased  2770.  1:21.  2:11.  Ii  16: 
1,2.  Ps.  10117  Jude  11.  i 16:31— 35.  27:3.  Ps.  106:17,18.  1 16:38.  lSam.2: 

54.  Jrr.  29:22.  Ei.  14:9.  1 Cor.  10:5.  2 Pel.  2:6.  .lode  7.  k Ex.  6:24.  1 Chr.  6. 
22 — 28.  Ps.42;  44:  45:  &c.  titles.  1 Gen.  46:10.  Ex.  6:15.  Lemuel,  m 1 Chr. 
4:24.  Jarih.  n Gen.  46:10.  Zohar . o Decreased  37,100.  1:22,23.  2:12,13. 
pGen.  46:16.  Ziphion , Haggai , Shuni , Ezbon , Eri , Arodi,  Areli.  q decrcas - 


titudes,  increasing  multi! tides,  throng  the  fatal  path,  regard- 
less of  the  law  of  God,  in  defiance  of  his  vengeance,  and  in 
neglect  of  the  dictates  of  common  sense,  universal  observa- 
tion, ami  their  own  painful  experience  of  the  fatal  effects! 
( P . O.  Prov.  2:10—22.  Nate,  5:14.  P.  O.  1—14.)  Butlet  him 
who  would  have  health,  credit,  and  comfort  in  this  world,  or 
escape  the  wrath  to  come,  “ flee  youthful  lusts,”  and  shun  such 
fascinating  tempters,  as  he  would  persons  infected  with  a 
baleful  pestilence. — In  collective  bodies  there  is  generally  a 
diversity  of  characters  : we  should  not  therefore  indiscrimi- 
nately condemn  all  for  the  crimes  of  some,  which  perhaps  the 
others  detest  and  lament ; and  our  gracious  Lord  always  dis- 
tinguishes between  the  penitent  and  the  obstinate  transgressor. 

V.  G — 18.  The  more  highly  advanced  in  rank  or  authority 
offenders  are,  the  deeper  aggravation  attends  their  crimes, 
and  the  more  extensive  is  the  influence  of  their  pernicious 
example  ; it  is  therefore  of  vast  importance,  that  judgment 
should  be  administered  without  respect  of  persons.  Yet  there 
have  always  been  those,  who  would  attempt  to  elude,  out- 
brave, or  bribe  human  justice.  When  this  is  the  case,  zeal 
for  the  honour  of  God,  and  the  welfare  of  society,  should 
excite  all  invested  with  authority , to  disregard  every  personal 
consideration,  in  stepping  forward,  and  bringing  an  over- 
grown offender  to  condign  punishment.  And  they  who,  by 
any  warrantable  means,  boldly  attempt  to  check  the  progress 
of  daring  wickedness  shall  be  honoured  and  recompensed  by 
God,  though  they  be  censured  and  hated  by  men  for  so 
doing.  None  will  be  more  surely  and  severely  punished 
titan  they,  who,  after  Satan’s  example,  as  his  agents,  and 
with  his  subtlety,  tempt  others  to  wickedness. — The  Lord 
will  chastise  his  offending  people  ; hut  their  tempters  he  will 
utterly  destroy  : and  how  dreadful  the  change  to  those,  who 
sink  together  from  the  indulgence  of  sinful  pleasure  into  the 
( 302.) 


15  IT  The  children  of  Gad,  after  their  families 
of  pZephon,  the  family  of  the  Zephonites  ;•  o 
Haggi,  the  family  of  the  Haggites:  of  Shuni,  the 
family  of  the  Shunites. 

16  Of  Ozni,  the  family  of  the  Oznites  : of  Eri, 
the  family  of  the  Erites : 

17  Of  Arod,  the  family  of  the  Arodites:  of 
Areli,  the  family  of  the  Arelites. 

18  These  are  the  families  of  the  children  of 
Gad,  according  to  those  that  were  numbered  of 
them,  ‘'forty  thousand  and  five  hundred. 

19  H The  sons  of  Judah  were  rEr  and  Onan : 
and  Er  and  Onan  died  in  the  land  of  Canaan. 

20  And  the  sons  of  Judah,  after  their  families, 
were  : of'Shelah  the  family  of  the  Shelanites  ; of 
‘Pharez,  the  family  of  the  Pharezites  ; “of  Zerah, 
the  family  of  the  Zarhites. 

21  And  the  sons  of  Pharez  were  : of  Hezron, 
the  family  of  the  Hezronites : of  Hamul,  the 
family  of  the  Hamulites. 

22  These  are  the  families  of  Judah,  according 
to  those  that  were  numbered  of  them,  “threescore 
and»sixteen  thousand  and  five  hundred. 

23  II  Of  rthe  sons  of  Issachar,  after  their 
families:  of  Tola^  the  family  of  the  Tolaites:  of 
Pua,  the  family  of  the  Punites  : 

24  Of  Jashub,  the  family  of  the  Jashuhites;  of 
Shimron,  the  family  of  the  Shimronites. 

25  These  are  the  families  of  Issachar,  according 
to  those  that  were  numbered  of  them,  “threescore 
and  four  thousand  and  three  hundred. 

26  IT  Of  “the  sons  of  Zebulun,  after  their 
families : of  Sered,  the  family  of  the  Sardites  : of 
Elon,  the  family  of  the  Elonites : of  Jahleel,  the 
family  of  the  Jahleelites. 

27  These  are  the  families  of  the  Zebu  1 unites, 
according  to  those  that  were  numbered  of  them, 
bthreescore  thousand  and  five  hundred. 

28  IT  The  'sons  of  Joseph,  after  their  families, 
were  Manasseh  and  Ephraim. 

29  Of  the  sons  of  Manasseh  : of  dMachir,  the 
family  of  the  Machirites : and  Machir  begat 
Gilead  ; of  Gilead  come  the  family  of  the  Gileadites. 

30  These  are  the  sons  of  Gilead  : of  'Jeezer, 
the  family  of  the  Jeezerites : of  Helek,  the  family 
of  the  Helekites : 

31  And  of  Asriel,  the  family  of  the  Asrielites: 
and  of  Shechem,  the  family  of  the  Shechemites : 

ed  5150.  1:24,25  . 2:14,15.  r Gen.  38:1— 10.  46:12.  lrhr.2:3.  s Gen.  38:5. 

11,14,26.  1 Chr. 4:21.  t Gen.  38:27-29.  46:12.  Rmh4:18-22.  1 Chr.  2:3,  hi. 
Neh.  11:4,6.  Perez.  Mall.  1:3.  Ruke  3:33.  Phnres.  u Gen.  38:30.  46:12.  Za- 
rad.  1 Chr.  2:4.  Neh.  11:24.  x Increased  1900.  1:26  27.  2:3,4.  y l.en  46:13. 
Tola.  Phuvah.  Job.  7.  Increased  9900.  1:28,29.  2:5,6.  a Gen.  46:14.  b In* 
creased  3100.  1:30,31.2:7,8.  c Gen.  41 :51, 52.  46:20.  48:5,13-20.  <132:39,40. 
36:1.  Deut.  3:15.  Josh.  17:1.  Judg.5:14.  1 Chr.  7:14— 19.  * Called  Abiezcr. 

Josh.  17:2.  Judg.  6:11,24,34.  8-2. 


torments  of  hell-fire  ! — How  infatuated  are  men,  who  wan- 
tonly provoke  the  vengeance  of  that  God  who  can  so  easily 
destroy  them  ! — But  let  us  not  close  our  reflections  without 
looking  to  Jesus,  who,  in  zeal  for  the  Lord  of  hosts,  and  love 
to  his  people,  made  an  atonement,  not  with  the  blood  of 
others,  but  with  his  own  blood,  that  we  might  not  be  con- 
sumed ; and  who  is  in  consequence  established  in  an  ever- 
lasting priesthood  after  the  order  of  Melchizedek,  a High- 
Priest  upon  the  royal  throne  of  universal  and  everlasting 
dominion. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXVI.  V.  1,2.  [Notes,  1:2:)— The 
plague,  above  recorded,  iiad  swept  away  the  last  of  that 
devoted  generation,  which  provoked  the  Lord  to  11  swear  in 
his  wrath  that  they  should  not  enter”  Canaan  : and  lie  com- 
manded that  the  people  should  again  be  numbered,  (this 
being  the  third  time,)  both  to  illustrate  his  faithfulness  to  his 
promises,  and  to  prepare  for  the  division  of  the  promised 
land.  Not  only  the  tribes,  but  the  families  of  Israel  are  here 
registered  ; that  is,  the  names  of  those  sons,  or  grandsons,  of 
the  patriarchs,  who  were  the  progenitors  of  the  grand  sub- 
divisions in  the  several  tribes. 

V.  10.  Together  with  Korah.]  This  verse  seems  to  de- 
termine, that  Korah  was  swallowed  up  with  Dathan  and 
Abiram.  (Note,  1 0:28 — 34.) 

V.  11.  The  sons  of  Korah,  not  consenting  to  their  father’s 
crime,  or  speedily  repenting,  were  preserved  when  he  w as 
cut  off,  and  afterwards  became  eminent,  in  the  service  of  the 
sanctuary.  (Marg.  Ref.  k.) 

V.  14.  The  immense  decrease  of  this  tribe  renders  it 
probable,  that,  influenced  by  the  example  of  Zimri,  the 
Simeonites  had  been  peculiarly  criminal  in  the  late  w icked- 
ness; and  that  multitudes  of  them  had  died  hv  the  plague. 
(Marg.) 


B.C.  452.  CHAPTER  XXYI.  B.  C.  1459. 


32  And  of  Sheinida,  the  family  of  the  Shemida- 
ites:  and  of  Hepher,  the  family  of  the  Hepher- 
ites. 

33  And  “Zclophehad  the  son  of  Hepher  had  no 
sons,  but  daughters  : and  the  names  ot  the  daugh- 
ters of  Zelophehad  were  Mahlah,  and  Noah, 
Hoglah,  Milcah,  and  Tirzah. 

34  These  are  the  families  of  Manasseh,  and 
those  that  were  numbered  of  them, f fifty  and  two 
thousand  and  seven  hundred. 

35  These  are  the  sons  of  Ephraim,  after  their 
families  : of  Shuthelah,  the  family  of  the  Shuthal- 
hites : of  t'Becher,  the  family  of  the  Bachrites : of 
Tahan,  the  family  of  the  Tahianites. 

36  And  these  are  the  sons  of  Shuthelah  : of 
Eran,  the  family  of  the  Eranites. 

37  These  are  the  families  of  the  sons  of 
Ephraim,  according  to  those  that  were  numbered 
ot  them,  '’thirty  and  two  thousand  and  five  hun- 
dred. These  are  the  sons  of  Joseph  after  their 
families. 

38  IT  The  'sons  of  Benjamin,  after  their  families : 
of  Bela,  the  family  of  the  Belaites;  of  Ashbel, 
the  family  of  the  Ashbelites : of  kAhiram,  the 
family  of  the  Ahiramites. 

39  Of 'Shupham,  the  family  of  the  Shuphamites : 
of  Hupham,  the  family  of  the  Huphamites. 

40  And  the  sons  of  Bela  were  ,nArd  and  Naa- 
man : of  Jlrd,  the  family  of  the  Ardites : and  of 
Naaman,  the  family  of  the  Naamites. 

41  These  are  the  sons  of  Benjamin,  after 
their  families:  and  they  that  were  numbered  of 
them  were  “forty  and  five  thousand  and  six  hun- 
dred. 

42  IT  These  are  the  sons  of  Dan,  after  their 
families  : of  °Shuham,  the  family  of  the  Shuham- 
ites.  These  are  the  families  of  Dan,  after  their 
families. 

43  All  the  families  of  the  Shuhamites,  according 
to  those  that  were  numbered  of  them,  were  I'three- 
6Core  and  four  thousand  and  four  hundred. 

44  IT  Of  he  children  of  Asher,  after  their 
families  : of  Jimna,  the  family  of  the  Jimnites  : 
of  Jesui,  the  family  of  the  Jesuites : of  Beriah, 
the  family  of  the  Beriites. 

45  Of  the  sons  of  Beriah  : of  Heber,  the  family 
of  the  Heberites  : of  Malchiel,  the  family  of  the 
Malchielites. 

46  And  the  name  of  the  daughter  of  Asher  wan 
rSarah. 

47  These  are  the  families  of  the  sons  of  Asher, 
according  to  those  that  were  numbered  of  them, 
who  tuere  sfifty  and  three  thousand  and  four  hun- 
dred. 

48  IT  Of  ’the  sons  of  Naphtali,  after  their  fami- 
nes : of  Jahzeel,  the  family  of  the  Jahzeelites  : of 
Guni,  the  family  of  the  Gunites : 

e 27:1.  35:10-12.  f Tnr  eased  20,500.  1 :34, 35  . 2:20,21.  g 1 Chr.  7:20,21. 
Bared.  Tahnth.  Eladnh.  Ttiknth.  h Decreased.  8000.  1:32,33.  2:18,19.  i 1 Chr. 
7:6 — 12.  k 1 Chr.  8:21.  Ahetrak.  1 Gen.  46:21.  Eki.  Muppim  and  Hup  vim. 
m l Chr.  8:3.  Addar.  n Increased  10,200.  1:36,37.  2:22,23.  o Gen.  46.23. 
HusMm.  p Increased  1700.  1:38,29.  2:25,26.  qGen.  46:17.  Jimnah.  Ishuak. 
Isui.  1 Chr.  7:80.  Imnak.  Isuah.  Ishuai.  r Gen.  46:17.  Serah.  s Increased 
11,900.  1:40,41.  2:27,28.  t Gen.  46:24.  u 1 Chr.  7:13.  Shallum.  x Decreased 
8000.  1:42,43.  2.29,30.  y Sum  total  decreased  1820.  1:46.  2:32. -Job  12:20—23. 


V.  51.  The  increase  or  decrease  of  each  tribe,  and  of  the 
whole  multitude,  having  been  noticed  in  the  margin,  further 
annotation  is  rendered  needless. 

V.  53 — 56.  The  division  of  Canaan  was  to  be  made 
according  to  the  register  now  formed  ; and  the  quantity  of 
land  was  to  be  proportioned  to  the  numbers  of  each  tribe : but 
the  situation  was  to  be  determined  by  lot,  both  to  the  tribes 
and  to  individuals.  Thus  the  decreasing  of  any  tribe  in  the 
wilderness,  proved  the  decrease  of  their  future  political  import- 
ance and  affluence,  in  all  succeeding  ages.  (Notes,  Josh. 
14:3—5.18:19:) 

V.  57 — 61.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  6:14—20.  Lev. 

10:1,2. 

V.  62 — 65.  As  the  Levites  were  not  numbered  from 
twenty  years  of  age,  they  were  not  here  included. — Upon 
exact  inquiry,  it  was  found  that  not  one  man  remained  of 
those,  concerning  whom  the  Lord  had  “sworn  in  his  wrath 
that  they  should  not  enter  into  his  rest.”  Thus  his  word  was 
magnified,  and  an  intimation  was  given  that  a speedy  entrance 
into  Canaan  might  be  expected.  We  may  entertain  a pleas- 
ing hope,  that  the  temporal  punishment  was  sanctified  to 
multitudes,  to  bring  them  to  repentance  before  they  d ed ; 


49  Of  Jezer,  the  family  of  the  Jezerites : of 
“Shillem,  the  family  of  the  Shillemites. 

50  These  are  the  families  of  Naphtali,  according 
to  their  families  : and  they  that  were  numbered  of 
them  were  ’‘forty  and  five  thousand  and  four  hun- 
dred. 

51  These  were  the  numbered  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  ^six  hundred  thousand  and  a thousand 
seven  hundred  and  thirty. 

52  H And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

53  Unto  'these  the  land  shall  be  divided  for  an 
inheritance,  according  to  the  number  of  names. 

54  To  “many  thou  shaft  'give  the  more  inherit- 
ance, andto  few  thou  shalt  tgive  the  less  inherit- 
ance : to  every  one  shall  his  inheritance  be  given, 
according  to  those  that  were  numbered  of  him. 

55  Notwithstanding,  the  land  shall  be  divided 
bby  lot : according  to  the  names  of  the  tribes  of 
their  fathers  they  shall  inherit. 

56  According  to  the  lot  shall  the  possession 
thereof  be  divided  between  many  and  few. 

57  IT  And  “these  are  they  .that  were  numbered 
of  the  Levites,  after  their  families : ‘'of  Gershon, 
the  family  of  the  Gershonites : of  Kohath,  the 
family  of  the  Kohathites  : of  Merari,  the  family  of 
the  Merarites. 

58  These  are  the  families  of  the  Levites  : the 
family  of  the  Libnitps,  the  family  of  the  Hebron- 
it  s,  the  family  of  the  Mahlites,  the  family  of  the 
Mushites,  the  family  of  the  Korathites.  And  Ko- 
hath begat  Amram. 

59  And  the  name  of  Amram’s  wife  vias  eJoche- 
bed,  the  daughter  of  Levi,  whom  her  mother  bare 
to  Levi  in  Egypt : and  she  bare  unto  Amram, 
Aaron  and  Moses,  and  Miriam  their  sister. 

60  And  f unto  Aaron  was  bom  Nadab  and 
Abihu,  Eleazar  and  Ithamar. 

61  And  eNadab  and  Abihu  died,  when  they 
offered  strange  fire  before  the  Lord. 

62  And  Those  that  were  numbered  of  them, 
were  twenty  and  three  thousand,  all  males  from  a 
month  old  and  upward  : for  ‘they  were  not  num- 
bered among  the  children  of  Israel,  kbecause 
there  was  no  inheritance  given  them  among  the 
children  of  Israel. 

63  These  ' are  they  that  were  numbered  by 
Moses  and  Eleazar  the  priest,  who  numbered  the 
children  of  Israel  in  the  plains  of  Moab,  by  Jordan 
near  Jericho. 

64  But  among  these,  There  was  not  a man  of 
them  whom  Moses  and  Aaron  the  priest  number- 
ed, when  they  numbered  the  children  of  Israel  in 
the  wilderness  of  Sinai. 

65  For  the  Lord  had  said  of  them,  "They  shall 
surely  die  in  the  wilderness.  And  there^  was  not 
left  a man  of  them,  “save  Caleb  the  son  df  Jephun 
neh,  and  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun. 

r.  Josh.  11:23.  14:1.  Ps.  105:44.  a 33:54.  * Heb.  multiply  his  inheritance. 

t Heb.  diminish  his  inheritance.  b 56.  33:54.  34:13.  Josh.  14:2.  17:14.  18: 
6,10,11.  19:1,10,17,24,32,40.  Prov.  16:33.  18:18.  Acts  1:26.  c Gen.  46:11.  Ex. 
6:16—19.  1 Chr.  6:1,  &c.  rl  See  on  3:4.  e Ex.  2:1.2.  6:20.  f3:2.  g3:4.  Ler. 
10:1,2.  1 Chr.  24:1,2.  h Increased  1000.  3:39.  4:47,48.  i See  on  1:49.  k 18: 
20-24.  35:2—8.  Dent.  10:9.  14:27— 29.  18:1,2.  Josh.  13:14,33.  14:3.  1 

on  3.  ml:  2:  Deut.  2:14,15.  n 14:28,29.  Dent.  32:49,50.  Ps.  90:3— 7.  1 Co-.  10c 
5,6.  Heb.  3:17,18.  Jude  5.  o See  on  14:38. 


and  so  became  (he  means  of  their  eternal  salvation,  as  a 
blessed  effect  o{  the  respite  granted  them.  Of  all  this  multi- 
tude there  was  not  one  man  aged  sixty,  except  Moses, 
Caleb,  Joshua,  and  some  of  the  Levites. — It  is  not  expressly 
said  Whether  the  women  were,  or  were  not,  involved  in  the 
sentence. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Death  is  continually  making  awful  havoc  of  the  human 
species,  and  causing  surprising  revolutions  in  families  and 
nations ; yet  all  is  appointed  in  perfect  wisdom,  justice,  and 
truth.  This  should  excite  us  to  meditate  upon  the  odious 
nature  and  destructive  tendency  of  sin,  the  deserving  cause 
of  all  these  devastations;  and  to  take  occasion  to  renew 
repentance,  to  seek  forgiveness,  to  value  the  salvation  of 
Christ;  to  remember  how  frail  we  are,  to  prepare  for  the 
approaching  summons,  and  to  fill  up  our  remaining  days  in 
“ serving  our  generation  according  to  the  will  of  God.”  Then 
death  will  be  disarmed  of  his  sting,  become  our  friend,  and 
convey  us  to  heaven,  when  our  appointed  period  on  earin  is 
finished. — But  unrepent.ed  sin  arms  death  with  unutterable 
horrors : and  lasting  infamy  perhaps  in  this  world,  and  ever- 
lasting shame,  contempt,  and  misery  in  another,  will  be  the 
( 303  ) 


U.  C.  1 552. 


NUMBERS. 


B C.  1452. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

The  dftiph'crs  of  Zelophehad  ask  Jor  their  fa:  her' s inh «<  itanc*,  1 — 5.  The  late 
of  inheritance,  6—11.  Motes  io  warned  of  his  a proaching  dealt; 
and,  in  answer  to  his  prayer,  Joshua  is  up/tomled  to  succeed  him,  12 — 
23. 

THEN  came  the  daughters  of  “Zelophehad,  the 
son  of  Hepher,  the  son  of  Gilead,  the  son  of 
Machir,  the  son  of  Manasseh,  of  the  families  of 
Manasseh  the  son  of  Joseph  : and  these  are  the 
names  of  his  daughters;  Mahlah,  Noah,  and 
Hogiali,  and  Milcah,  and  Tirzah. 

2  And  bthey  stood  before  Moses,  and  before 
Eleazar  the  priest,  and  before  the  princes  and  all 
the  congregation,  by  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation,  saying, 

3  Our  lather 'died  in  the  wilderness,  and  he  was 
not  din  the  company  of  them  that  gathered  them- 
selves together  asamst  the  Lord  in  the  company 
of  Korah  ; but  'died  in  his  own  sin,  and  had  no 
sons. 

4  Why  f should  the  name  of  our  father  be  'done 
away  from  among  his  family,  because  he  hath  no 
son  : “Give  unto  us  therefore  a possession  among 
the  brethren  of  our  father. 

5  And  hMoses  brought  their  cause  before  the 
Lord. 

6  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

7  The  daughters  of  Zelophehad  speak  right: 
'thou  shalt  surely  give  them  ^ possession  of  an  in- 
heritance among  their  father’s  brethren  : and  thou 
shalt  cause  the  inheritance  of  their  father  to  pass 
unto  them. 

8  And  thou  shalt  speak  unto  the  children  of 
Israel,  saying,  If  a man  die,  and  have  no  son,  then 
ye  shall  cause  his  inheritance  to  pass  unto  his 
daughter. 

9  And  if  he  have  no  daughter,  then  ye  shall 
give  his  inheritance  unto  his  brethren. 

• 26:33.  36:1— 12.  Josh.  17:3 — 6.  1 Chr.  7:15.  b 15:33,34.  Ex.  1 8: 13,14,1  &— 26. 
Dent.  17:8— 10.  c 14:35.  26:64,65.  d 16:1 — 3,19,32 — 35,49.  26:9,10.  e Ex.  18: 
4.  Rom.  5:1*2,21.  6:23.  f Ps.  109:13.  Prov.  13:9.  * Heb.  diminished.  gJosh. 
17:4.  h Ex.  18:15—19.  25:22.  Lev.  24:12,13.  Prov.  3:5,6.  i 36:2.  Us. 68:5.  Jer. 
49:11.  Gal.  3:28.  k Lev.  25:25,49.  Ruth  4:3—6.  Jer.  32:8.  1 35:29.  1 Sam.  30: 
25.  m 33:47,48.  Deut.  3:27.  32:49.  31:1—4.  n 31:2.  See  on  Gen.  25:8,17. 
o20:24— 28.  33:38.  Deut.  10.6.  32:50.  p 20:8— 13.  Deut.  1 :37  . 32:51,52.  Ps. 
106:32,33.  q 20:1,13,24.  Ex.  17:7.  r 16:22.  Heb.  12:9.  e Deut.  31:14.  1 Sam. 
12:13.  1 Kings  5:5.  Jer.  23:4,5.  Ez.  34:11— 16,23.  37:24.  Malt.  9:38.  John  10:11. 

doom  of  those  who  are  “ driven  away  in  their  wickedness,” 
however  famous  and  renowned  they  were  among  their  ill- 
judging  fellow-sinners.  While  the  Lord  punishes  the  iniquity 
of  the  fathers  upon  their  unbelieving  posterity,  he  preserves 
those,  who  do  not  imitate  their  parents  in  sin,  from  sharing 
their  punishment:  and  the  infamy  of  the  father  only  makes 
the  piety  and  usefulness  of  the  son  more  noticed.  (Notes,  Ez. 
18:2 — 20.)  The  word  of  God  will  be  surely  performed;  and 
the  eye  of  the  Lord  can  discern,  and  his  arm  can  reach,  every 
sinner  in  the  midst  of  surrounding  multitudes:  yet  respites 
give  space  and  opportunity  for  repentance.  The  promises 
likewise  are  irrevocable,  and  they  who  follow  the  Lord  fully, 
shall  certainly  at  length  have  the  comfort  of  it.  In  all  our 
different  sijuations  in  life,  let  us  submit  to  the  sovereignty  of 
the  Lord,  admire  his  equity  and  wisdom,  and  be  thankful  for 
his  goodness ; and  desire  above  all  things  an  inheritance  in 
the  heavenly  Canaan. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXVII.  V.  1 — 4.  In  the  orders  for  the 
division  of  the  land  just  given,  no  provision  had  been  made  for 
females  in  case  of  the  failure  of  male  issue.  (26:52 — 56.)  The 
five  daughters  of  Zelophehad,  therefore,  considered  themselves 
as  left  destitute,  having  neither  father  nor  brother,  and  being 
themselves  entirely  overlooked : and  they  agreed  to  refer  the 
case  to  Moses  and  the  rulers,  whether  it  were  not  equitable 
that  they  should  inherit  their  father’s  portion,  especially  as  he 
had  not  incurred  a forfeiture,  any  more  than, (.lie  other  Israel- 
ites, who  were  all  involved  in  one  common  sentence.  There 
sras  therefore  no  sufficient  reason,  that,  his  memory  should  be 
disgraced,  as  if  his  line  were  extinct,  when  he  had  left  so 
many  children.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  5 — 1 1 . As  no  law  had  been  given  concerning  females 
inheriting  in  defect  of  male  issue,  Moses  consulted  the  Lord 
about  it : and  he  not  only  allowed  the  justice  of  the  claim 
made  by  the  daughters  of  Zelophehad,  but  also  gave  “ a 
statute  of  judgment,”  by  which  the  magistrates  might  deter- 
mine such  causes,  both  in  the  division  of  Canaan,  and  in  after 
ages. — It  is  generally  supposed,  that  brothers  and  relations 
in  the  line  of  the  father  are  exclusively  meant ; as  one  great 
object  was  to  preserve  the  genealogies  distinct. 

V.  12 — 14.  Either  this  order  was  repeated,  or  the  per- 
formance of  it  was  postponed  till  sometime  after,  as  a variety 
of  events  took  place  in  the  interval.  (Notes,  20:10 — 13,22 — 
28.  Deut.  32:45—52.) 

V.  15 — 17.  We  find  from  another  place,  that  Moses,  on 
this  occasion,  earnestly  requested  to  enter  Canaan  ; but  this 
prayer  was  not  grained.  (Note,  Deut.  3:23 — 28.)  His  chief 
( 304  ) 


10  And  if  he  have  no  brethren,  then  ye  shall 
give  his  inheritance  unto  bis  fathers  brethren. 

1 1 And  if  his  father  have  no  brethren,  then  ye 
shall  give  his  inheritance  unto  his '‘kinsman  that  is 
next  to  him  of  his  family,  and  he  shall  possess  it : 
and  it  shall  be  unto  the  children  of  Israel  'a  statute 
of  judgment ; as  the  Lord  commanded  Moses. 

12  11  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Get  thee 
up  into  this  “mount  Abarim,  and  see  the  land 
which  I have  given  unto  the  children  of  Israel. 

13  And  when  thou  hast  seen  it,  “thou  also  shalt 
he  gathered  unto  thy  people,  °as  Aaron  thy  brother 
was  gathered. 

14  For  Pye  rebelled  against  my  commandment 
in  the  desert  of  Zin,  in  the  strife  of  the  congrega- 
tion, to  sanctify  me  at  the  water  before  their  eyes: 
that  is  the  water  of  iMeribah  in  Kadesh,  in  the 
wilderness  of  Zin. 

15  And  Moses  spake  unto  the  Lord,  saying, 

16  Let  the  Lord,  rthe  God  of  the  spirits  ol  all 
flesh,  “set  a man  over  the  congregation, 

17  Which  may  ‘go  out  before  them,  and  which 
may  go  in  before  them,  and  which  may  lead  them 
out,  and  which  may  bring  them  in ; that  the  con- 
gregation of  the  Lord  be  not  “as  sheep  which 
have  no  shepherd. 

18  And  the  Lord  .said  unto  Moses,  xTake  thee 
Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  ?a  man  in  whom  is  the 
Spirit,  and  day  thine  hand  upon  him  ; 

19  And  set  him  before  Eleazar  the  priest,  and 
before  all  the  congregation : and  “give  him  a 
charge  in  their  sight. 

20  And  thou  shalt  bput  some  of  thine  honour 
upon  him,  that  all  the  congregation  of  the  children 
of  Israel  cmay  be  obedient. 

21  And  dhe  shall  stand  before  Eleazar  the  priest, 
who  shall  ask  counsel  for  him,  after  the  judgment 

Acts  20:28.  1 Pet.  5:3 — 4.  t Deut.  31:2.  lSam.8:20.  18:13.  2 Sam. 5:2.  1 Kin?. 
3:7.  2 Chr.  1:10.  John  10:3,4.  u 1 Kings  22: 17.  2 Chr.  18:16.  Ez.  34:5.  Zech. 
10:2.  13:7.  Matt.  9:36.  10:6.  15:24.  M*rk  6:34.  x See  on  11:23.  13:8,16.  Ex. 
17:9.  Dent.  3:28.31:7,8,23.  34:9.  y 11:17.  Gen.  41:38.  Judg.3:10.  11:23.  1 Sam 
16:13,14,18.  John  3:34.  Acts6:3.  1 Cor.  12:4— 11.  z23.  Deut. 34:9.  Acts6:6, 

8:15-19.  13:3.  19:6.  1 Tim.  4:14.  5:22.  Heb.-6:2.  a Deut.  31:7.  L.uke  9:1 — 5. 
10:2-11.  Acts  20:28-31.  Col.  4:17.  1 Tim.  5:21. 6:13-17.  2 Tim.  4:1—6.  b 11: 
17,29.  1 Sam.  10:6,9.  2 Kings  2:9,10.15.  1 Chr.  29:23,25.  c Josh.  1:16— 13. 
d Josh.  9:14.  Judg.  1:1. 20:18,23,26— 28.  1 Sam.  23:9.  28:6.  30:7. 


concern  however  was  about  the  congregation,  that  they  migh* 
not  be  left  without  a magistrate  to  rule  and  judge  them,  or  r 
commander  to  lead  them  against  their  enemies,  lest  they 
should  be  “ as  sheep  without  a shepherd.”  ( Marg.  Ref.  t 
u.  Note, Matt.  9:36 — 38.)  And,  as  the  Lord  “ knew  whaS 
was  in  man,”  (John  2:25)  he  alone  could  appoint  them  such 
an  able,  faithful,  and  affectionate  ruler.  (Note,  16:22) 

V.  18.  Joshua  had  long  attended  on  Moses  ; and,  being 
endowed  with  the  Spirit  of  wisdom  and  courage,  was  eminent 
for  faith  and  piety  : but  he  had  not  hitherto  been  publicly 
recognised  as  his  successor.  (Notes,  1 1:16.  Ex.  17:8 — 13.24: 
12 — 14.  32:17.)  At  this  time,  however,  he  was  solemnly  set 
apart  for  that  important  and  arduous  station,  by  imposition 
of  Moses’s  hands  ; a ceremony  frequently  mentioned  in 
Scripture,  in  designating  men  to  a peculiar  office,  or  giving 
authority  to  perform  it.  (Marg.  Ref.) — It  is  very  remarkabln, 
that  Moses  never  intimated  a desire  that  one  of  his  sons  should 
succeed  him,  as  Eleazar  had  succeeded  Aaron  ; nor  do  we 
find  that  they  had  this  expectation:  on  the  contrary,  they 
seem  to  have  acquiesced  in  the  Lord’s  determination,  and 
without  envy  or  murmuring,  to  have  obeyed  and  honouroc 
Joshua.  (Note,  1 Chr.  23:14.) 

V.  19.  Give  him  a charge .]  That  is,  1 Seriously  instruct 
him  in  the  important  duties  of  his  place,  warn  him  to  bo  upon 
his  guard  against  its  temptations,  and,  in  the  most  earnest 
manner,  charge  it  upon  his  conscience  to  be  diligent  and 
faithful  in  it.’  Such  should  episcopal  charges  be!  (Marg. 
Ref.) — This  was  done  before  the  high-priest  and  all  the 
congregation. 

V.  20.  Joshua  was  admitted  to  a present  share  in  the 
authority,  that  the  people  might  be  accustomed  to  obey  and 
honour  him.  (Note,  Josh.  1:16 — 18.) — Moses  lived,  and  was 
very  busily  employed,  some  time  after  this  warning : and 
Joshua  would  be  very  useful  to  him,  in  easing  him  of  the 
burden  of  the  civil  government,  whilst  he  gave  himself  w holly 
to  attend  on  the  interests  of  religion. 

V.  21.  Moses  asked  counsel  of  the  Lord  himself  imme- 
diately ; hut  all  the  future  rulers  of  Israel  were  directed  to 
consult  the  Lord  by  the  high-priest.  (Note,  Ex.  28:30.)  No 
doubt  Joshua  obeyed  this  direction,  though  it  is  not  particu- 
larly recorded.  One  instance,  however,  in  which  he  wns 
negligent,  is  mentioned  as  an  exception  to  his  general  conduct. 
(Note,  Josh.  9:14,15.) — As  none  of  the  subsequent  rulers  of 
Israel  descended  from  Moses,  they  had  the  less  temptation 
unduly  to  magnify  him  ; and  their  testimony  concerning  him 
becomes,  on  that  account,  tho  more  unexceptionable. 


B.  C.  14.V2. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII 


B.  C.  1452. 


of  *Urim  before  t!ie  Lord  : f at  bis  word  shall  they 
go  out,  ami  at  his  word  they  shall  come  in,  both 
be,  and  all  the  children  of  Israel  with  him,  even 
all  the  congregation. 

22  And" Moses  did  as  the  Lord  commanded 
him : and  he  took  Joshua,  and  set  him  before 
Eleazar  the  priest,  and  before  all  the  congrega- 
tion. 

23  And  he  laid  his  hands  upon  him,  and  egave 

him  a charge ; as  the  Lord  commanded  by  the 
hand  of  Moses.  * 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Laws  for  the  daily  burnt  offerings,  and  those  of  the  sabbath,  1 — 10  : those  of 
the  new  moons,  11—15  : those  of  the  Passover, and  the  feast  of  unleavened 
bread,  16—25  : and  those  for  the  feast  of  Pentecost,  26—31. 

ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2  Command  the  children  of  Israel,  and  say 
unto  them,  My  offering,  and  *my  bread  for  my 
sacrifices  made  by  fire,  for  a ‘sweet  savour  unto 
me,  shall  ye  observe  to  offer  unto  me  cin  their  due 
season. 

3 And  thou  shalt  say  unto  them,  This  is  the 
offering  made  by  fire  which  ye  shall  offer  unto  the 
Lord:  dtwo  lambs  of  the  first  year  without  spot, 
klay  by  day,  for  a continual  burnt-offering. 

4 The  one  lamb  shalt  thou  offer  in  the  morning, 
•and  the  other  lamb  shalt  thou  offer  ?at  even. 

5 And  fa  tenth  part  of  an  ephah.of  flour  for  a 
meat-offering,  mingled  with  the  fourth  part  of  an 
bin  of  beaten  oil. 

6 It  is  g a continual  burnt-offering,  which  hwas 
ordained  in  mount  Sinai  for  a sweet  savour,  a 
sacrifice  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 

7 And  the  drink-offering  thereof  shall  be  the 
fourth  part  of  an  hin  for  the  one  lamb:  in  the 

e Ex.  28:30.  Lev.  8:8.  Dent.  33:8.  lSera.28:6.  Earn  2:63.  Neh.  7:65.  !See 
on  17.  1 Sam. 22:10— 15.  e See  on  19.  Dent.  3:28.  31 :7, 8.  a Lev.  3:11.  81:6,8. 
Mai.  1:7,12.  b 15:3,7,24.  Ex. 29:18.  Lev.  1 :9, 13, 17.  2C'or.2:15.  E|:h.  5:2.  Phil. 
4:18.  * Heb.  savour  of  my  rest.  Gen.  8:21.  Ez.  16:19.  20:41.  marg.  c 9:2,3, 7, 
13.  Ex.  23:15.  Ps.  81:3.  d Ex.  29:38,39.  Lev.  6:9.  Ez.  46:13— 15.  John  1:29. 
1 Pet.  1:19,20.  Rev.  13:8.  t Heb.  in  a day.  Dan.  8:13.  11:31.  12:11.  e 1 Kings 
18:29,36.  Ezra  9:4,5.  Ps.  141:2.  Dan. 9:21.  J Heb.  between  the  two  evenings. 
9:3.  Ex.  12.6.  marg.  f 15:4,5.  Ex.  29:38— 42.  Lev.  2:1.  g Ex.  29:42.  Lev.  6: 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  assured  faith  that  the  word  of  the  Lord  would  be  per- 
formed in  due  season,  and  the  desire  of  an  interest  in  the 
promised  inheritance,  which  these  young  women  manifested  ; 
together  with  the  modest,  open  manner  in  which  they  pre- 
ferred their  petition,  are  well  worthy  of  imitation.  The 
readiness  also  of  Moses  to  attend  to  their  application,  and  to 
seok  counsel  from  the  Lord  about  it,  should  be  copied  by 
magistrates,  ministers,  and  all  intrusted  with  authority. — The 
earnestness  likewise  with  which  Moses,  under  the  divine 
rebuke  and  on  the  verge  of  death,  pleaded  for  the  congrega- 
tion ; his  anxiety  for  their  welfare  after  his  decease  ; and  his 
disinterestedness,  with  the  peaceful  submission  of  his  sons  to 
the  undistinguished  lot  of  ordinary  Levites,  are  excellent 
models  for  our  spirit  and  conduct. — Even  when  we  do  not  by 
impenitent  wickedness  exclude  ourselves  from  the  inheritance 
of  heaven  : all  our  sufferings  in  this  world,  and  our  final  dis- 
solution, must  be  considered  as  the  efTect  of  our  sins.  (3) — 
The  word  of  God  is  the  only  standard  of  faith  and  practice  ; 
yet  sobriety  and  impartiality  are  requisite,  to  enable  us  to 
apply  general  rules  to  particular  circumstances  : but  when 
difficulties,  relative  to  practice,  are  fairly  proposed  and  solidly 
resolved,  they  become  adjudged  cases,  extensively  and  dura- 
bly useful.  Jesus  alone  ever  liveth  to  rule  and  protect  his 
church  ; and  all  others  have  their  subordinate  and  temporary 
services,  which  having  finished,  they  must  be  “ gathered  to 
their  fathers :”  and  though  their  dismission  may  be  with  a 
rebuke  for  some  miscarriages,  the  prospect  of  heaven,  and 
the  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  will  induce  a peaceful  and  sub- 
missive acquiescence.  Progressive  sanctification  always 
evidences  itself  by  a proportionate  regard  to  the  interests  of 
true  religion,  which  will  be  enhanced  by  the  evident  approach 
of  death  ; and  the  more  any  one  hath  experienced  the  burden 
of  important  stations,  the  more  sensible  will  he  be,  that  none 
but  the  Lord  can  furnish  a man  for  such  services,  or  support 
him  in  them.  We  should  therefore  with  all  earnestness  apply 
to  him  who  hath  the  fulness  of  the  Spirit,  to  set  suitable  per- 
sons over  his  congregations  : even  such  men,  as  by  their 
example  and  instructions,  and  by  the  proper  exercise  of 
authority,  may  go  before  the  people  and  take  care  of  them, 
that  they  be  not  “ as  sheep  which  have  no  shepherd.”  But 
no  one  can  be  fully  qualified  for  any  service  in  the  church, 
who  is  destitute  of  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  however 
learned,  eloquent,  ingenious,  or  sagacious  he  may  otherwise 
be.  (18)— They  who  are  appointed  to  public  stations,  as 
magistrates  or  ministers,  should  be  solemnly  charged  to  at- 
end  to  their  duties  ; and  the  people  should  honour  and  obey 
(hem,  and  pray  for  them  : and,  thus  supported,  they  need  not 
fear  the  most  difficult  services  ; for  the  grace  of  the  Lord 
shall  be  sufficient  for  them. — In  Joshua’s  succession  we  are 
Vol.  L — 39 


holy  place  shalt  thou  cause  the  strong  wine  to  bo 
poured  unto  the  Lord  for  a drink-offering. 

8 And  the  other  lamb  shalt  thou  offer  at  even: 
as  the  meat-offering  of  the  morning,  and  as  tlie 
drink-offering  thereof  thou  shalt  offer  it  a sacri- 
fice made  by  fire,  of  a sweet  savour  unto  the 
Lord. 

9 And  on  the  ksabbath-day,  two  lambs  of  the 
first  year  without  spot,  and  two  tenth-deals  of  flour 
for  a meat-offering,  mingled  with  oil,  and  the 
drink-offering  thereof 

10  This  is  ‘the  burnt-offering  of  every  sabbath, 
beside  "’the  continual  burnt-offering,  and  his  drink- 
offering. 

11  IT  And  “in  the  beginnings  of  your  months  ye 
shall  offer  a burnt-offering  unto  the  Lord  ; "two 
young  bullocks  and  one  ram,  seven  lambs  of  the 
first  year  without  spot. 

12  And  Pthree  tenth-deals  of  flour  for  a meat- 
offering mingled  with  oil,  for  one  bullock ; and  two 
tenth-deals  of  flour  for  a meat-offering  mingled 
with  oil,  for  one  ram ; 

13  And  a several  tenth-deal  of  flour,  mingled 
with  oil  for  a meat-offering,  unto  one  lamb  ; for  a 
burnt-offering  of  a sweet  savour,  a sacrifice  made 
by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 

14  And  their  drink-offerings  shall  be  half  an  bin 
of  wine  unto  a bullock,  and  the  third  part  of  an 
hin  unto  a ram,  and  a fourth  part  of  an  hin  unto  a 
lamb : this  is  the  burnt-offering  of  every  month, 
throughout  the  months  of  the  year. 

15  And  "one  kid  of  the  goats  for  a sin-offering 
unto  the  Lord  shall  be  offered,  "besides  the  con- 
tinual burnt-offering,  and  his  drink-offering. 

9.  2 Chr.  2:4.  31:3.  Ezra  3:4.  P».  50:8.  Ez.  46:14.  Am.  5:25.  h Ex.  24:18.  29: 
36 — 42.  31:18.  i 14,31.  See  on  15:5,7,10.  Ex.  29:40.  30:9.  Lev.  23:13.  Is.  57:6. 
Joel  1:9,13.  2:14.  Phil. 2:17.  Gr.  k Ex. 20:8— 11.  Ps.  12:1— 4.  Is.  58:13.  Ex. 
20:12.  Rev.  1:10.  lEz.46:4,5.  m 23  . 29:6,11,16,19,22,25,31,34,38,39  n 10:10. 

1 Sam.  20:5.  2 Kings  4:23.  1 Chr.  23:31.  2 Chr.  2:4.  Ezra  3:5.  Neh.  1(J:33. 

Ps.  40:6— S.  81:3.  Is.  1:13,14.  66:23.  Ez.  45:17,18.  46:1,6.  Hos.  2:11.  Amos  8. 
6.  Gal.  4:10.  Col.  2:6,16.  o 19.  Heb.  10:10— 14.  p 15:4— 12.  29:10.  Ez.  46:5— 7. 
q See  on  2.  r 22.  15:24.  Lev.  4:23.  16:15.  Rom.  8:3.  2 Cor.  5:21.  s See  on  3,10. 

likewise  reminded,  “ that  the  law  was  given  by  Moses,” 
which  by  reason  of  our  transgression  could  not  bring  any  ot 
us  to  heaven  : “ but  grace  and  truth  came  by  Jesus  Christ,” 
to  accomplish  the  salvation  of  every  believer.  (Note,  John 
1:17.) 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXVIII.  V.  1,  2.  The  ceremonial 
worship  had  been  greatly  interrupted,  during  the  continuance 
of  the  Israelites  in  the  wilderness:  and  as  a new  generation 
had  arisen,  who  were  children  or  minors  when  the  law  was 
given ; and  as  they  were  about  to  enter  on  the  wars  of 
Canaan,  and  to  take  possession  of  the  promised  land  ; it  was 
proper  to  remind  them  not  to  neglect  the  ordinances  of  God, 
either  in  the  hurry  and  peril  of  the  one,  or  in  the  satisfactions 
of  the  other.  Some  things  circumstantially  new  arc  con- 
tained in  these  chapters,  intermingled  with  the  repetition  of 
former  appointments;  and  they  are  regularly  arranged,  as 
they  respected  daily,  weekly,  monthly,  and  annual  institu- 
tions. My  bread.  (2)  Marg.  Ref.  a.  Note,  Lev.  3:11. 

V.  3 — 8.  The  daily  sacrifices  no  doubt  were  constantly 
offered  in  the  wilderness  in  the  same  manner  as  they  were 
ordained  or  offered  at  mount  Sinai : hut  it  was  proper  here 
again  to  renew  the  appointment  of  them,  with  that  of  the 
other  sacrifices,  which  might  have  been  in  part  intermitted. 
(Note,  Ex.  28:38 — 41.)  The  wine  to  be  poured  on  the 
sacrifice  must  be  the  best  of  the  kind  ; and  wine  is  still  the 
memorial  of  the  blood  of  Christ,  shed  for  the  ransom  of  many 
for  the  remission  of  sins. — In  the  holy  place.  (7)  .At  the 
altar,  in  the  inner  court  of  the  tabernacle. 

V.  9,  10.  This  was  a new  injunction,  aptly  significant  ot 
the  extraordinary  devotions  which  should  distinguish  the  sab- 
bath. Probably,  two  lambs  were  on  that  day  offered  in  the 
morning,  and  two  in  the  evening. 

V.  11 — 15.  (Marg.  Ref.  n.)  The  Lord  having  “ap- 
pointed the  moon  for  certain  seasons,”  required  his  worship- 
pers to  observe  (he  new  moons,  by  offering  several  burnt- 
offerings,  with  the  accustomed  meat-offerings,  and  drink- 
offerings,  and  a sin-offering,  in  addition  to  the  daily  sacrifice. 
Thus  they  were  taught  to  acknowledge  the  living  and  true 
God,  at  a season  when  idolaters  in  general  were  worshipping 
the  moon  itself,  or  some  other  abominable  idol ; (Notes,  Dent. 
4:19.  Job  31:24 — 28.  Ps.  104:19.  148:3. ) and  to  renew  their 
dedication  of  themselves  to  his  service,  at  the  beginning  of 
each  month.  St.  Paul  mentions  the  new  moons  among  those 
institutions,  that  were  a shadow  of  which  Christ  was  the  sub- 
stance ; yet  nothing  typical  appears  in  them,  except  the 
numerous  sacrifices  then  offered.  (Note,  Col.  2:10,17.) 

V.  16—25.  ( Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  12:  Lev.  23:4—8.)— 
The  several  offerings  for  the  passover,  and  the  feast  of  unlea- 
vened bread,  had  not  before  been  appointed ; among  which 
the  “goat  for  sin-offering  to  make  an  atonemert  for  you,* 
( 305  ) 


B.  C.  1452. 


NUMBERS. 


16  H And  11  ‘the  fourteenth  day  of  the  first 
month  is  the  passover  of  the  Lord. 

17  And  in  "the  fifteenth  day  of  this  month  is 
the  feast : seven  days  shall  unleavened  bread  be 
eaten. 

18  In  Hhe  first  day  shall  be  an  holy  convoca- 
tion ; ye  shall  do  no  manner  of  servile  work 
therein. 

19  But  ye  shall  offer  a sacrifice  made  by  fire, 
for  a burnt-offering  unto  the  Lord;  Uwo  young 
bullocks,  and  one  ram,  and  seven  lambs  of  the 
first  year : 'they  shall  be  unto  you  without  ble- 
mish. 

20  And  their  meat-offering  shall  be  of  flour 
mingled  with  oil : three  tenth-deals  shall  he  offer 
for  a bullock,  and  two  tenth-deals  for  a ram  ; 

21  A several  tenth-deal  shalt  thou  offer  for 
every  lamb,  throughout  the  seven  lambs  : 

22  And  “one  goat  for  a sin-oflering,  to  make  an 
atonement  for  you. 

23  Ye  shall  offer  these,  bbeside  the  burnt-offer- 
ing in  the  morning,  wljich  is  for  a continual  burnt- 
offering. 

24  After  this  manner  ye  shall  offer  daily, 
throughout  the  seven  da'ys,  the  meat  of  the  sa- 
crifice made  by  fire,  of  a sweet  savour  unto  the 
Lord:  it  shall  be  offered  beside  the  continual 
burnt-offering,  and  his  drink-offering. 

25  And  'on  the  seventh  day  ye  shall  have  an 
holy  convocation ; dye  shall  do  no  servile  work. 

26  H Also  ein  the  day  of  the  first-fruits,  when 
ye  bring  a new  meat-offering  unto  the  Lord,  after 
your  weeks  be  out,  ye  shall  have  an  holy  convoca- 
tion ; ye  shall  do  no  servile  work. 

27  But  ye  shall  offer  the  burnt-offering  for  a 
sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord  ; f two  young  bullocks, 
one  ram,  seven  lambs  of  the  first  year; 

28  And  their  meat-offering  of  flour  mingled 
with  oil,  three  tenth-deals  unto  one  bullock,  two 
tenth-deals  unto  one  ram. 

29  A several  tenth-deal  unto  one  lamb,  through- 
out the  seven  lambs ; 

30  Jlnd  eone  kid  of  the  goats,  to  make  an  atone- 
ment for  you. 

31  Ye  shall  offer  them,  beside  the  continual 
burnt-offering,  and  his  meat-offering,  (they  shall  be 
unto  you  Hvithout  blemish,)  and  their  drink-offer- 
ings. 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

The  sacrifices  to  be  offered  at  the  feast  of  trumpets,  1 — 6 : on  the  day  of 
atonement,  7 — 11  : at  the  feast  of  tabernacles , 12 — 40. 

A ND  in  the  “seventh  month,  on  the  first  day  of 
the  month,  ye  shall  have  an  holy  convocation  ; 

t 9:3—5.  Ex.  12:2—11,43—49.  Lev.  23:5— 8.  Deut.  16:1—8.  Ez.  45:21— 24.  Matt. 
25:2,17.  Luke  22:7,8.  Acts  12-3,4.  1 Cor.  5:7,8.  u Ex.  12:15— 17.  13:6.  Lev. 
23:6.  x Ex.  12:16.  Lev.  23:7,8.  y Ez.  45:21—25.  z 29:8.  Lev.  22  20.  Deut.  15: 
21.  1 Pet.  1:19.  a Seeon  15.  b See  on  3,10.  c Ex.  12:16.  13:6.  Lev. 23:8. 
d 18,26  . 29:1,12,35.  Lev.  23:3,8,21,25,35,36.  e Ex.  23:16.  34:22.  Lev.  23:10,15 
—21.  De.it.  16:9—11.  Acts  2:1,  &c.  1 Cor.  15:20.  Jam.  1:18.  f 11,19.  Lev.  23:18, 
19.  g 15,22.  15:24.  2 Cor.  5:21.  Gal.  3.13.  1 Pet.  2:24.  3:18.  h Mai.  1:13,14. 
a Lev.  23:24,25.  Ezra  3:6.  Neh.  7:73.  b 10:1—10.  I Chr.  15:28.  Ps.  81:3.  89: 
15.  Is.  27:13.  Zech.  9:14.  Mark  16:15,16.  Rom.  10:14— 18.  15:16—19.  c 8,36. 


should  not  he  overlooked.  (22,30.  29:5,11,16,19,22,25,28,31, 
34,38.)  The  daily  burnt-offering  must  not  be  omitted,  though 
so  many  other  sacrifices  were  required.  (24,31.) 

V.  26 — 31.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , Ex.  23:14 — 18.  Lev. 
23:15—21. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  are  again  reminded  of  the  perpetual  efficacy  of  the  one 
sacrifice  of  Christ,  and  of  our  continual  need  of  it:  and  also 
of  the  constancy  with  which  the  Christian  should  wait  upon 
God  in  his  ordinances,  both  as  means  of  deriving  grace  from 
the  fulness  of  Christ,  and  of  rendering  to  the  Lord  the  glory 
due  unto  him,  as  our  Creator,  our  providential  Benefactor, 
and  the  God  of  our  salvation.  These  subjects  indeed  are  not 
new  tous,  yet  they  may  stir  up  our  minds  by  a salutary  rcpc- 
titior. — No  hurrying  employments,  or  perilous  situations,  or 
prosperous  circumstances,  should  induce  slackness  in  reli- 
gious exercises  ; nay,  they  should  excite  greater  diligence  in 
seeking  help  from  the  Lord,  or  in  giving  thanks  to  him.  And 
when  young  persons  are  about  to  settle  in  life,  and  remove  to 
habitations  of  their  own,  it  is  peculiarly  the  duty  of  ministers, 
parents,  and  pious  friends,  to  admonish  them  from  the  first  to 
establish  the  worship  of  God  in  their  families  ; which  will  pre- 
vent much  subsequent  trouble,  and  bring  a blessing  on  them, 
and  on  all  that  they  nprigiitly  engage  in.  Every  day  should 
at  lea>t.  begin  and  end  with  prayer  and  praise:  sabbaths  call 
for  a double  measure  of  personal  and  family  religion:  and 
seasons  of  peculiar  humiliation  for  sin,  of  seeking  any  special 
I 3UG  \ 


B.  C.  1452. 

ye  shall  do  no  servile  work  . it  is  a day  of  'blow- 
ing the  trumpets  unto  yon. 

2 And  ye  shall  offer  a burnt-offering  for  a 
sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord  : cone  young  bullock, 
one  ram,  and  seven  lambs  of  the  first  year  with- 
out blemish : 

3 And  their  meat-offering  shall  be  of  flour 
mingled  with  oil,  three  tenth-deals  for  a bullock, 
and  two  tenth-deals  for  a ram, 

4 And  one  tenth-deal  for  one  lamb,  tl  roughou* 
the  seven  lambs : 

5 And  done  kid  of  the  goats  for  a sin-offering, 
to  make  an  atonement  for  you  : ' 

6 Beside  'the  burnt-offering  of  the  month,  and 
his  meat-offering,  and  fthe  daily  burnt-offering, 
and  bis  meat-offering,  and  their  drink-offerings, 
^according  unto  their  manner,  tor  a sweet  savour, 
a sacrifice  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 

7 H And  ye  shall  have  hon  the  tenth  day  of  this 
seventh  month  an  holy  convocation  ; and  ye  shall 
’afflict  your  souls : ye  shall  not  do  any  work 
therein. 

8 But  ye  shall  offer  a burnt-offering  unto  the 
Lord  for  a sweet  savour ; one  young  bullock, 
one  ram,  and  seven  lambs  of  the  first  year;  they 
shall  be  unto  you  ^without  blemish  : 

9 And  their  kmeat-offering  shall  be  of  flour 
mingled  with  oil,  three  tenth-deals  to  a bullock, 
and  uvo  tenth-deals  to  one  ram, 

10  A several  tenth-deal  for  one  lamb,  through- 
out the  seven  lambs : 

11  One  kid  of  the  goats  for  a sin-offering, 
'beside  the  sin-offering  of  atonement,  and  mthe 
continual  burnt-otfering,  and  the  meat-offering  of 
it,  and  their  drink-offerings. 

12  H And  on  "the  fifteenth  day  of  the  seventh 
month  ye  shall  have  an  holy  convocation  : .ye  shall 
do  no  servile  work,  and  ye  shall  keep  a feast  unto 
the  Lord  seven  days. 

13  And  ye  shall  offer  a bnrnt-offering,  a sacri- 
fice made  by  fire,  of  a sweet  savour  unto  the 
Lord  ; "thirteen  young  bullocks,  two  rams,  and 
fourteen  lambs  of  the  first  year ; they  shall  be 
without  blemish : 

14  And  their  meat-offering  shall  be  of  flour 
mingled  with  oil,  three  tenth-deals  unto  every 
bullock  of  the  thirteen  bullocks,  two  tenth-deals 
to  each  ram  of  the  two  rams, 

15  And  a several  tenth-deal  to  each  lamb  of 
the  fourteen  lambs; 

16  And  Pone  kid  of  the  goats  for  a sin-offering, 
beside  the  continual  burnt-offering,  his  meat- 
offering,  and  his  drink-offering. 

28:19,27.  Heb.  10:10— 14.  d See  on  28:15.22,30.  e Sfe  on  28:11— 15.  f See 
on 28:3—8.  Ex.  29:38— 42.  I.ev.  6:9.  g 18,21.  9:14.  15:24.  Ii  Lev.  15:29—  31. 
23:27.  i Lev.  16:29.  Ezra  8:21.  Fa.  35:13.  126:5,6.  1».  22:12.  58.3—5.  Zech.  7: 
3.  12:10.  Matt.  5:4.  Luke  13:3,5.  Acta 27:9.  Hum.  6:6.  1 Cor.  9:47.  3 Cor.  7:9 
—II.  Jam.  4:8— 10.  12,13.28:19.  k See  on  15:3-12.  I Lev.  16:3,5,9.  la.  53: 
10.  Don.  9:24— 26.  Heh.  7:27.  9:25— 28.  in  See  on  6.  28:3-8.  n Ex. 23:16. 
34:22.  Lev.  23:34—43.  Deut.  16.13,14.  Neh . 8: 14 ,18.  Hi.  45:25.  Zech.  14:16— 
19.  John  1:14.  Heb.  11:9— 13.  o 2,8.  28:11,19,27.  Ez.ra3:4.  Heb.  10:12-14. 
p See  on  11. 

blessing,  of  solemn  self-examination  previous  to  approaching 
the  Lord’s  table,  or  of  remembering  signal  mercies  received, 
require  time  still  more  entirely  set  apart  for  such  purposes. 
But  we  must  take  care  that  one  duty  does  not  preclude 
another;  and  that  all  he  accompanied  with  the  exercise  of 
repentance,  faith,  and  love  to  the  Lord  Jesus  ; and  with 
righteousness  and  true  holiness  in  our  whole  conduct ; other- 
wise God  will  abhor  our  most  solemn  services  and  abundant 
devotions.  ( Note , 23:4 — 6.) 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXIX.  V.  1—0.  There  were  rnoro 
solemnities  in  the  seventh  month  than  in  any  of  the  other 
months.  It  formed  a kind  of  vacation  between  the  harvest 
and  the  ensuing  seed-time  ; and  these  solemnities  during  that 
season  might  intimate,  that  the  ordinances  of  God  are  the 
rational  refreshment  from  the  fatigue  of  business;  and  that 
religion  docs  not  at  all  interfere  with  our  true  interest  even 
in  this  world. — They  had  all  been  before  appointed,  hut  the 
sacrifices  to  ho  severally  offered  on  them  were  at  this  timo 
very  particularly  prescribed.  (Notc^  Iav.  23:24,25.) 

V.  7 — 11.  ( Notes,  Lev.  16:  23:26 — 32.)  Even  on  the  day 
of  atonement,  “the  kid  of  the  goats,  for”  an  additional  “sin- 
offering,”  and  the  morning  and  evening  burnt-offering,  must 
not  he  omitted. 

V.  12—37.  {Notes,  Lev.  23:34— 36,39— 43.)  The  decrease 
of  the  number  of  bullocks,  which  were  sacrificed  on  the  seve- 
ral days  of  this  feast,  until  on  the  Inst  and  great  day  only  one 
was  offered,  is  the  most  observable  circumstance  in  this  law. 


n.  c i io!». 


CHAPTER  XXX.  B.  C.  1452 


17  V 1 1 1 on  the  second  day  ye  shall  offer* twelve 
younj.  bullocks,  two  rams,  fourteen  lambs  of  the 
first  year  without  spot: 

18  And  their  meat-offering,  and  their  drink- 
offerings,  for  the  bullocks,  for  the  rains,  and  for 
the  lambs,  shall  be  according  to  their  number, 
'after  the  manner; 

19  And  one  kid  of  the  goats  for’ a sin-offering, 
beside  the  continual  burnt-offering,  and  the  meat- 
offering  thereof,  and  their  drink-offerings. 

20  And  on  the  third  day  eleven  bullocks,  two 
ranis,  fourteen  lambs  of  the  first  year  without 
blemish: 

21  And  their  meat-offering,  and  their  drink- 
offerings,  for  the  bullocks,  lor  the  rams,  and  for 
the  lambs,  shall  be  according  to  their  number,  after 
the  manner ; 

22  And  one  goat  for  a sin-offering,  beside  the 
continual  burnt-offering,  and  his  meat-offering, 
and  his  'drink-offering. 

23  And  on  the  fourth  day  ten  bullocks,  two 
rams,  and  fourteen  lambs  of  the  first  year  without 
blemish : 

24  Their  meat-offering,  and  their  drink-offer- 
ings, for  the  bullocks,  for  the  rams,  and  for  the 
lambs,  shall  be  according  to  their  number,  after 
the  manner ; 

25  And  one  kid  of  the  goats  for  a sin-offering, 
beside  the  "continual  burnt-offering,  his  meat- 
offering, and  his  drink-offering. 

26  And  on  the  fifth  day  nine  bullocks,  two  rams, 
and  fourteen  lambs  of  the  first  year  without  spot: 

27  And  their  meat-offering,  and  their  drink- 
offerings,  for  the  bullocks,  for  the  rams,  and  for 
the  lambs,  shall  be  according  to  their  number, 
after  the  manner ; 

28  And  one  goat  for  a sin-offering,  beside  the 
continual  burnt-offering,  and  his  meat-offering, 
and  his  drink-offering. 

29  And  on  the  sixth  day  eight  bullocks,  two 
rams,  and  fourteen  lambs  of  the  first  year  without 
blemish : 

30  And  their  meat-offering,  and  their  drink- 
offerings,  for  the  bullocks,  for  the  rams,  and  for 
the  lambs,  shall  be  according  to  their  number, 
after  the  manner : 

31  And  one  goat  for  a sin-offering,  beside  the 

q 13.20,  Sc.  Ps.  40:6  . 50:8,9.  51:16,17.  69:31.  Is.  1:11.  Jer.  7:22,23.  Hos.6:6- 
Horn. 12:1.  Hell.  8: 13.  9:2-14.  r 6.  15:4— 12.  28:7,H.  . 11 ,22,25.  Am.  8:14 

IPs. 16:4.  Joel  1:9,13.  2:14.  II  See  on  11.  John  8:31.  Acts  13.43.  Rom. 2-7. 
Gal.  2:5.  6:9.  2 Tins.  3: 13.  Heb.  3:14.  10:39.  13: 15.  X Lev.  23:36.  John  7:37 
—39.  Rev. 7:9-17.  * Or,  after.  y Lev.  23:2.  lChr.23:31.  2rhr.3t:3.  Eira 
3:5.  Nell.  1":33.  Is.  1:14.  /.6:21.Lev  7:11, &c.  22:21-23.  23:38.  Dent.  12:6. 
1 Cor.  10:31.  a Kx.  40:16.  Dent.  4:5.  Matt.  28:20.  Acts  20:27.  1 Cor.  15:3. 


And  the  reason  of  this  regulation  is  not  evident ; unless  it  be 
intimated  that  the  Mosaic  institution  would  gradually  wax  old, 
and  at  length  vanish  away,  when  the  promised  Messiah  came. 
( Note , Heb.  8:7 — 13.) 

V.  38.  The  sin-offering  was  offered  along  with  fhe  other 
sacrifices,  at  all  these  solemn  feasts  ; ‘being  a shadow  of  the 
passion  of  ChrisJ,  for  whose  sake  all  our  sacrifices  are  accept- 
able unto  God  the  Father.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  39.  The  peace-offerings  were  always  the  voluntary 
oblations  of  individuals ; and  therefore  none  were  required  as 
public  sacrifices  of  the  congregation,  on  any  of  the  festivals ; 
though  pious  princes  and  others  frequently  brought  them. 
(1  Kings  8:63—65.  2 Chr.  30:21—25.  Ezra  3:5,6.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

If  we  would  well  understand  the  Scriptures,  we  must  be- 
stow pains  in  comparing  one  part  with  another ; for  the  Lord 
seems  to  have  arranged  them  purposely  to  exercise  our  dili- 
gence, and  to  distinguish  those  who  value  the  knowledge  of 
the  truth  from  such  as  do  not.  (Prov.  2:1— 9.)— We  are  here 
again  reminded  that  the  trumpet  of  the  gospel,  even  the  glad 
tidings  of  salvation,  calls  us  to -mourn  for  sin,  and  to  receive 
the  atonement,  before  we  can  truly  rejoice  in  the  Lord;  and 
to  be  strangers  and  pilgrims  upon  earth,  constantly  bringing 
our  “spiritual  sacrifices,  which  are  through  Christ  Jesus  to 
the  praise  and  glory  of  God.”  The  more  consolation  we 
receive,  the  more  abundant  and  unwearied  should  we  be  in 
se-rving  him ; and  a spiritual  mind  will  be  refreshed  and  re- 
created by  the  ordinances  of  God,  after  the  fatigue  of  worldly 
care  and  labour,  more  than  any  carnal  person  can  be  with 
festivity  and  dissipation.  The  spiritually  minded  therefore  will 
value  ieisure  and  opportunity  of  attending  at  the  courts  of 
God  as  a privilege,  while  the  worldly  seek  for  excuses;  they 
will  not  suppose  that  public  ordinances  render  secret  devotion 
unnecessary,  or  that  the  prayers  of  the  ministers  supersede 
be  ''ecessity  of  their  own  ; much  less  will  they  imagine  that 


continual  burnt-offering,  bis  meat-offering,  and 
bis  drink-offering. 

32  And  on  the  seventh  day  seven  bullocks,  two 
rams,  and  fourteen  lambs  of  the  first  year  without 
blemish : 

33  And  their  meat-offering,  and  their  drink- 
offerings,  for  the  bullocks,  lor  the  rams,  and  for 
the  lambs,  shall  be  according  to  their  number, 
after  the  manner ; 

34  And  one  goat  for  a sin-offering,  beside  the 
continual  burnt-offering,  his  meat-offering,  and 
his  drink-offering. 

35  On  the  "eighth  day  ye  shall  have  a solemn 
assembly,  ye  shall  do  no  servile  work  therein. 

36  But  ye  shall  offer  a burnt-offering,  a SLcri- 
fice  made  by  fire,  of  a sweet  savour  unto  the 
Lord;  one  bullock,  one  ram,  seven  lambs  of  the 
first  year  without  blemish  : 

37  Their  meat-offering,  and  their  drink-offer- 
ings, for  the  bullock,  for  the  ram,  and  for  the 
lambs,  shall  be  according  to  their  number,  aftei 
the  manner; 

38  And  one  goat  for  a sin-offering,  beside  the 
continual  burnt-offering,  and  his  meat-offering, 
and  his  drink-offering. 

39  TT  These  things  ye  shall  ’do  unto  the  Lord 
in  your  >set  feasts,  'besides  your  vows,  and  your 
free-will-offerings,  for  your  burnt-offerings,  and 
for  your  meat-offerings,  and  for  your  drink-offer 
ings,  and  for  your  peace-offerings. 

40  And  "Moses  told  the  children  of  Israel,  ac- 
cording to  all  that  the  Lord  commanded  Moses. 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

Votes  not  to  be  broken,  1,  2.  Those  of  a minor  daughter  might  be  disallowed 
by  her  father,  3 — 5.  Those  of  a wife  by  her  husband,  6—8.  The  vows  of  a 
widow,  and  of  a divorced  woman,  9 — 16 

AND  Moses  spake  unto  "the  heads  of  the 
tribes,  concerning  the  children  of  Israel, 
saying,  This  is  the  thing  which  the  Lord  hath 
commanded. 

2 If  a man  bvow  a vow  unto  the  Lord,  or 
‘swear  an  oath  dto  bind  his  soul  with  a bond  ; 
he  shall  not  ‘break  his  word,  'he  shall  do  accord- 
ing to  all  that  proceedeth  out  of  his  mouth. 

3 11  If  a woman  also  vow  a vow  unto  the 
Lord,  and  bind  herself  by  a bond,  being  in  hex 
father’s  house  in  her  youth ; 


Heb.  3:2,5.  a 1:4— 16.  7:2.  34:17— 28.  Ex.  18:25.  Deut.  1 :13 — 17.  b 21  2. 

Gen. 28:20— 22.  Lev.  27:2,  &c.  Deut.  23:21 ,22.  Judp.  11:11,30,31,35,39.  Ps. 
56:12.  76:11.  119:106.  Prov.  20:25.  c Ex.  20:7.  Lev.  5:4.  Matt.  5:33,34.  14:7. 
Acts  23:12.  2 Cor.  1:23.  11:9—11.  d 3,4,10.  Matt.  23:16,18.  Gr.  Acts  23:12,14, 
21.  * Heb.  profane.  Ps.  55:20.  marg.  e Job  22:27.  Ps.  22:25.  50:14.  66:13,14. 
116:14,18.  Ec.  5:4,5.  Nah.  1:15. 


the  merits  of  Christ,  and  his  sacrifice  for  them,  render  their 
personal  obedience  and  good  works  unnecessary.— Every 
thing  reminds  us  of  our  sinfulness:  our  very  repentance  and 
faith  in  Christ,  being  imperfect,  need  forgiveness  through  him  ; 
and  whether  we  mourn  for  sin,  or  rejoice  in  the  Lord  and 
praise  him  for  his  mercies,  ■“  the  life  that  we  live  in  the  flesh” 
must  be  “by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God,”  and  attended  with 
a constant  reliance  on  his  atoning  sacrifice;  until  at  the  close 
we  go  to  be  with  him,  behold  his  glory,  and  extol  his  mercy, 
“xvho  hath  loved  us,  and  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his  own 
blood  ;”  “to  whom  be  honour,  and  glory  for  ever.  Amen.” 

NOTES— Chap.  XXX.  V.  1.  Heads.]  Marg.  Ref.  a. 
The  elders  or  magistrates  were  required  to  make  these  laws 
known  through  their  respective  tribes. 

V.  2.  (Notes,  Lev.  27:1 — 29.)  If  a man  vow  to  do  any 
thing  sinful  in  itself,  he  ought  deeply  to  repent  of  the  sin  which 
he  has  committed  ; for  no  vow  or  oath  can  bind  him  to  break 
the  command  of  God.  (Notes,  Judg.  11:30,31.  Ec.  5:4 — 7. 
Acts  23:12 — 22.) — Some  vows  relate  to  the  performance  of 
what  was  previously  our  indispensable  duty  ; and  such  a vow 
is  implied  in  our  attendance  on  the  Lord’s  table.  But  there 
are  things  of  a discretionary  nature  ; as  Jacob’s  vow  concern- 
ing the  proportion  of  his  substance  which  he  would  set  apart 
for  religious  purposes  ; (Note,  Gen.  28:20 — 22.)  Paul’s  so. emn 
determination  to  take  nothing  of  the  Corinthians ; the  Na- 
zarites’  vow;  the  vows  concerning  undemanded  sacrifices 
anrl  vows  of  abstinence  in  respect  of  things  lawful,  for  a 
limited  season.  VowS  in  such  things  may  on  some  occasions 
be  properly  made  ; but  they  are  a kind  of  promissory  oatns, 
and  should  be  formed  with  solemnity,  and  religiously  observed  ; 
seeing  the  life  or  soul  is  bound  as  a surety  for  the  performance 
of  them. 

V.  3 — 5.  An  unmarried  woman  in  her  father’s  house  was 
required  to  notify  her  vows  to  her  father:  anil  if  he  did  not 
refuse  his  consent,  she  was  bound  by  them ; but  if  lie  did, 
( 307  ) 


B.  C 1452. 


NUMBERS, 


B.  C.  1452. 


4 And  her  father  hear  her  vow,  and  her  fbond 
wherewith  she  hath  bound  her  soul,  and  her 
ather  shall  hold  his  peace  at  her;  then  all  her 
vows  shall  stand,  and  every  bond  wherewith  she 
hath  bound  her  soul  shall  stand. 

5 But  ifeher  father  disallow  her  in  the  day  that 
he  heareth  ; not  any  of  her  vows,  or  of  her  bonds, 
wherewith  she  hath  bound  her  soul,  shall  stand  : 
and  the  Lord  shall  forgive  her,  because  her  father 
disallowed  her. 

6 And  if  she  had  at  all  an  husband  when  'she 
vowed,  or  uttered  aught  out  of  her  lips,  where- 
with she  bound  her  soul ; 

7 And  her  husband  heard  it,  and  held  his  peace 
at  her  in  the  day  that  he  heard  it : then  her  vows 
shall  stand,  and  her  bonds  wherewith  she  bound 
her  soul  shall  stand. 

8 But  if  hher  husband  disallowed  her  on  the 
day  that  he  heard  it ; then  he  shall  make  her  vow 
which  she  vowed,  and  that  which  she  uttered 
with  her  lips,  wherewith  she  bound  her  soul,  of 
none  effect:  and  the  Lord  shall  forgive  her. 

9 U But  every  vow  of  ‘a  widow,  and  of  her 
that  is  divorced,  wherewith  they  have  bound 
their  souls,  shall  stand  against  her. 

10  And  if  she  vowed  in  her  husband’s  house,  or 
bound  her  soul  by  a bond  with  an  oath ; 

11  And  her  husband  heard  it,  and  held  his 
peace  at  her,  and  disallowed  her  not : then  all 
her  vows  shall  stand,  and  every  bond  wherewith 
she  bound  her  soul  shall  stand. 


12  But  if  her  husband  hath  utterly  made  them 
void  on  the  day  he  heard  them ; then  whatsoever 
proceeded  out  of  her  lips  concerning  her  vows,  or 
concerning  the  bond  of  her  soul,  shall  not  stand : 
her  husband  hath  made  them  void ; and  the  Lord 
shall  forgive  her. 

13  Every  vow,  land  every  binding  oath  kto 
afflict  the  soul,  her  husband  may  establish  it,  or 
her  husband  may  make  it  void. 

14  But  if  her  husband  altogether  hold  his  peace 
at  her  from  dav  to  day ; then  he  established  all 
her  vows,  or  all  her  bonds,  which  are  upon  her ; 
he  confirmeth  them,  because  he  held  his  peace  at 
her,  in  the  day  that  he  heard  them. 

15  But  if  he  shall  any  ways  make  them  void, 
after  that  he  hath  heard  them  ; then  ‘lie  shall  bear 
her  iniquity. 

16  These  mare  the  statutes  which  the  Lord 
commanded  Moses,  between  a man  and  his  wife, 
between  a father  and  his  daughter,  being  yet  in 
her  youth  in  her  father’s  house. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

The  Israelites , by  divine  command , war  against  the  Midiamt es,  slay  the  m-n, 
with  their  kings,  and  Balaam  ; and  take  the  women  and  children  with  much 
spoil , 1 — 12.  Moses  is  wroth  with  the  officers  for  sparing  the  women  ; and 
orders  them  with  the  male  children  to  be  stain , 13 — 18.  The  warriors . 
captives , and  spoil  are  vurified,  19 — 24.  The  partition  of  the  cattle  ana 
the  captives,  25—47.  The  oblation  of  the  officers  and  soldiers,  48—54. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2 “Avenge  the  children  of  Israel  of  bthe 
Midianites;  afterward  shalt  thou  be  “gathered 
unto  thy  people. 

3 And  Moses  spake  unto  the  people,  saying, 


f Seeon2 . gHos.6:6.  Matt.  15:4 — 6.  Mark7:10 — 13.  Epli .6:1.  * Heb .her 
vows  were  upon  her.  Ps.  56:12.  h Gen.  3:16.  1 Cor.  7:4.  Eph.  5:22 — 24. 
i Luke  2:37.  Rom.  7:2.  J 1 Cor.  11:3,9.  1 Pet.  3:1— 6.  k See  on  29:7.  Lev. 
16:29.  23:27,32.  Ezra  8:21.  Ps.  35:13.  Is.  58:5.  1 Cor.  7:5.  15,8,12.  Lev.  5:1. 


ra  5:29,30.  Lev.  11:46,47.  13:59.  14:54—57.  15:32.33.  a 3.  2-5:17.19.  Dent.  32: 
35.  Jndg.  16:24,28—30.  Ps.  94:1-3.  Is.  1:24.  Nah.l;2.  Luke21:22.  Rom.  12: 
19.  13:4.  IThes.  4:6.  Heb.  10:30.  Rev.  6:10.  18:20.  19:2.  1)25:6,14—18.  Gen. 
25:1—4.  Ex. 2:16.  c27:13.  Gen.  15:15.  25:8,17.  Judg.  2:10.  > els  13:36. 


they  were  disannulled,  and  the  obligation  ceased.  If  she  had 
vowed  discreetly  and  properly,  44  she  had  done  well  that  it 
was  in  her  heart,”  and  her  willing  mind  would  be  accepted  ; 
if  otherwise,  her  fault  would  be  forgiven. — In  many  instances 
such  vows  might  not  only  be  disagreeable  to  a parent,  but 
prejudicial  to  the  whole  family. — It  is  supposed  by  many 
expositors,  that?  by  parity  of  reason,  minor  sons  were  under 
the  same  restnetion  in  respec*  of  their  vows  : but  if  they 
were  intended  also,  it  is  extraordinary  that  daughters  exclu- 
sively should  be  mentioned.  The  males  were  certainly 
allowed  more  liberty  in  various  cases  than  the  females:  the 
vows  of  the  latter  might  be  adjudged  more  prejudicial  to 
families  ; or  the  sons,  being  more  immediately  under  the 
father’s  tuition,  might  be  thought  less  liable  to  be  inveigled 
into  rash  engagements  of  this  kind. 

V.  6 — 8.  Married  women  were  under  the  same  law,  as 
unmarried  young  women,  for  reasons  at  least  equally  cogent. 

V.  9 — 1(3.  The  vows  made  by  a widow,  or  a divorced 
woman,  even  if  she  had  returned  to  live  in  her  father’s  house, 
could  not  be  disannulled  by  him. — The  vows  made  by  a mar- 
ried woman  were  obligatory  on  her  when  she  became  a widow, 
or  was  divorced,  if  her  husband  had  allowed  of  them ; but  not 
if  he  had  disannulled  them. — The  words  to  afflict  her  soul , 
(Marg.  Ref.  k,)  imply  that  such  vows  had  often  respect  to 
seasons  of  fasting  and  abstinence. — If  a husband  at  first 
seemed  to  allow  his  wife’s  vow,  and  afterwards  hindered  her 
from  performing  it,  the  guilt  became  his,  and  he  might  expect 
to  be  punished  for  the  violation  of  his  wife’s  vow. — With  this 
chapter  before  our  eyes,  we  may  form  a judgment  of  the 
impiety,  injustice,  and  absurdity  of  the  vows  of  celibacy  and 
chastity,  which  children,  and  even  wives,  are  encouraged  to 
take,  and  required  to  observe,  in  the  Romish  church,  without , 
and  even  against , the  consent  of  parents  and  husbands  ! 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  cannot  too  strictly  engage  ourselves  to  be  the  Lord’s, 
and  in  all  things  to  live  to  his  glory : but  we  may  incon- 
siderately vow  things  impracticable,  inexpedient,  not  within 
crur  own  choice,  or  not  consistent  with  relative  duties. — The 
peace,  comfort,  and  true  interest  of  families,  and  the  exercise 
of  the  parental  and  conjugal  authority,  are  of  such  conse- 
quence to  communities  and  to  religion,  that  the  Lord  will 
sooner  disannul  a solemn  vow,  than  authorize  any  thing  that 
is  inconsistent  with  them.  What  regard  therefore  should  all 
persons,  especially  those  in  inferior  relations,  pay  to  these 
important  obligations!  and  how  willing  should  they  be  to  give 
tip  every  personal  inclination  in  observing  them ! Blind 
guides  indeed,  in  all  ages,  have  attempted  14  to  make  the 
Lommandments  of  God  of  none  effect  through  their  tridi- 
Mons^hind,  that  they  might  finger  the  corban , (the  money 
},\vcn  to  God,  and  to  them  as  his  receivers,)  have  authorized 
disobedience  to  parents,  to  husbands,  and  to  magistrates. — 
(Notes,  Matt.  15:3 — 6.  Mark  7:11,12.)  But  the  whole  Scrip- 
ture teaches  us,  and  divine  grace  induces  every  individual, 
from  the  highest  motives,  and  with  the  greatest  encourage- 
ments, to  act  properly  m the  several  relations  of  life  for  the 
Lord's  sake.  Wo  should  ihen  attend  carefully  to  those 


duties,  to  which  we  are  solemnly  engaged  by  our  very  pro- 
fession of  Christianity:  and  from  the  performance  of  these 
vows  no  authority  of  husbands,  parents,  or  magistrates  can 
release  any  one;  for  “we  must  obey  God  rather  than  man.” 
And  in  respect  of  the  rest,  we  should  be  cautious  and  circum- 
spect, and  seek  counsel  ojf  the  Lord  in  prayer : 44  for  it  is  better 
not  to  vow,  than  to  vow  and  not  pay.”  But  if  we  have  engaged 
ourselves,  let  us  never  think  of  going  back,  because  we  have 
altered  our  mind,  or  become  averse  from  the  thing  engaged 
in  ; for  our  souls  are  bound  for  the  performance,  and  the  Lord 
abhors  our  trifling  in  such  holy  and  sacred  concerns.  (Notes, 
Gen.  35:1.  Ps.  56:12.  66:13,1 1.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXXI.  V.  2.  Vengeance  belongeih 
only  to  God,  and  to  those  whom  he  deputes  to  be  his  minis- 
ters of  vengeance,  as  magistrates  in  ordinary  cases ; and 
they  who,  without  commission  from  him,  execute  private 
revenge , or  out  of  ambition,  avarice,  or  resentment,  wage 
war  and  desolate  kingdoms,  must  one  day  answer  for  it. — 
(Notes,  Dent.  32:34,35.  Rom.  12:17 — 21.  13:3 — 5.)  If, 
however,  the  Lord,  instead  of  punishing  sinners  by  earth- 
quakes, pestilences,  or  famines,  is  pleased  expressly  to  com- 
mand any  person  or  people  to  avenge  his  cause,  (3)  this 
commission  justifies , nay  sanctifies , war,  massacre,  or  devas- 
tation. None  can  at  present  show  such  commission  ; but  the 
Israelites  could  : for  the  public  miracles  wrought  among  them, 
and  for  their  benefit,  were  as  the  broad  seal  of  heaven  ratify- 
ing this  commission,  and  vindicating  all  which  they  did  by 
virtue  of  it.  It  is  therefore  absurd  to  censune  Moses,  Joshua, 
and  Israel,  for  the  dreadful  slaughter  made  by  them.  God 
himself  passed  sentence  of  condemnation,  and  employed 
them  merely  as  executioners  : and  unless  it  could  he  proved 
that  the  criminals  did  not  deserve  their  doom,  or  that  the  l rd 
had  no  right  to  punish  his  rebellious  creatures,  and  dispose  o 
them  and  their  property  as  he  pleased  ; such  objectors  only 
show  their  enmity  to  God,  by  becoming  the  unsolicited  advo- 
cates of  his  enemies.  The  knowledge  of  the  inexpressible 
evil  of  sin,  of  which  men  make  light,  hut  which  God  infi- 
nitely abhors,  produces  proportionable  acquiescence  in  all  the 
terrible  judgments  executed  on  the  nations,  which  had  filled 
up  the  measure  of  their  iniquities. — The  conduct  of  the  lead- 
ers in  these  wars  was  regulated  by  the  express  command  of 
God ; and  the  executioners  were  more  than  once  reproved  for 
being  too  lenient,  hut  never  for  being  too  severe:  (Notes,  14 
— 18.  1 Sam.  15:8 — 19,32,33.)  and  yet  man’s  natural  com- 
passion recoils  from  the  consideration  of  the  slaughter  which 
they  made:  as  indeed  the  execution  of  justice  is  never 
intended  to  gratify  ’he  finer  feelings  of  benevolence,  but  to 
excite  dread  and  hori  ->r.  Hence  we  may  dravV  a very  forci- 
ble argument,  that  the  consequence  of  41  tin*  day  of  wrath, 
and  revelation  of  the  righteous  judgment  of  God,  will  by  no 
means  accord  to  those  rules  which  men,  ignorant  of  the  evil 
of  sin  and  proud  of  their  own  benevolence,  have  devised  for 
him;  and  which  they  would  wrest  the  Scriptures  to  counte- 
nance, though  evidently  contrary  to  the  constant  tenor  of 
them.  If  they  cannot  reconcile  with  their  own  ideas  of  jus- 
tice and  goodness,  the  severi: les  inlliot^  l upon  the  Midiu/i- 


B.  C.  1452. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 


13.  C.  1452. 


Arm  some  of  yourselves  unto  the  war,  and  let 
them  go  against  the  Midianites,  and  'avenge  the 
Lord  of  Midian. 

4 'Of  every  tribe  fa  thousand,  throughout  all 
the  t\  .bes  of  Israel,  shall  ye  send  to  the  war. 

5 So  there  were  delivered  out  of  the  thousands 
of  Israel,  a thousand  of  every  tribe,  twelve  thou- 
sand armed  for  war. 

6 And  Moses  sent  them  to  the  war,  a thousand 
of  every  tribe,  them  and  ePhinehas  the  son  of 
Eleazar  the  priest,  to  the  war,  with  hthe  holy  in- 
struments, and  the  trumpets  'to  blow  in  his  hand. 

7 And  they  warred  against  the  Midianites,  as 
the  Lord  commanded  Moses;  and  they  'slew  all 
the  males. 

8 And  they  slew  kthe  kings  of  Midian,  beside 
the  rest  of  them  that  were  slam ; namely,  Evi,  and 
Rekem,  and  'Zur,  and  Hur,  and  Reba,  five  kings 
of  Midian  : "’Balaam  also,  the  son  of  Beor,  they 
■slew  with  the  sword. 

9 And  the  children  of  Israel  took  all" the  women 
of  Midian  captives,  and  their  little  ones,  and  took 
the  spoil  of  all  their  cattle,  and  all  their  nocks,  and 
all  their  goods. 

10  And  they  “burnt  all  their  cities  wherein  they 
dwelt,  and  all  their  goodly  castles,  with  fire. 

1 1 And  they  ''took  all  the  spoil,  and  all  the  prey, 
both  of  men  and  of  beasts. 


ii  Ex.  17:9— 13.  e 25:11,13.  Ex.  17:16.  Lex.  26:95.  Judg.  5:2,23.  2 Kings  9: 
7.  10:30.  Jer.  46:10.  50:28.  * Heb.  a thousand  of  ali  ibe,  a thousand  of  a 

tribe.  1' I.ev. 26:8.  Judg.  7:2.  1 Sam.  14:6.  e25:7— 13.  h 14:44.  32:20— 22. 

F.x.  21. 9.  Josh.  6:4— 6,13— 15.  1 Sam.  4:4.5,17.  14:18.  23:9.  2 Sain.  11:11. 
i 10:8,9.  2 f 'hr.  13:12— 15.  j Deut.  20:13,14.  Judg.  21:11.  1 Sam.  27:9. 

1 Kings  11:15,16.  k 22:4.  Josh.  13:21 . 125:15,18.  m 22:10.  24:25.  Josh.  13: 

22.  Ps.  9:16.  10:2.  1 Tim.  6:9,10.  2 Pet.  2:15.  Jude  11.  Rev.  2.14.  19:20.  n 15, 
16.  Deut. 20: 14.  2 Che.  28:5,8— 10.  o Josh.  6:24.  1 Sam.  30:1.  1 Kings  9:16.  Is. 

ites,  Canaanites,  and  Amalekites,  by  the  express  command 
of  a just  and  good  God ; let  them  allow  that  they  are  incom- 
petent to  determine  what  conduct  becomes  the  Judge  of  the 
world  ; and  that  it  is  more  safe,  wise,  and  humble,  simply  to 
believe  his  testimony,  and  “ to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,” 
leaving  the  government  of  the  universe  to  him,  than  rashly  to 
dispute  about  things  which  are  evidently  out  of  their  province, 
and  of  which  they  know  nothing  further  than  the  Lord  is 
pleased  to  inform  them.  (Note,  Deut.  29:29.)  Death  in 
every  case  is  the  wages  of  sin,  and  all  diseases  fulfil  the 
counsels  of  God : why  then  may  he  not  employ  the  sword  of 
a warrior,  as  well  as  a fever,  in  depriving  sinners  of  their  for- 
feited life '?  Or  why  should  it  be  unjust  or  cruel  in  Moses  or 
Joshua  to  obey  the  command  of  God  in  this  respect,  and  yet 
righteous  and  holy  in  an  angel  to  obey  a similar  command ; 
as  when  the  angel  slew  185,000  men  of  Sennacherib’s  vast 
ariny?  (Note,  2 Kings  19:35.)  Moses  had  beheld  with 
grief  and  indignation  the  temptation,  the  sin,  and  the  punish- 
ment of  Israel : and  in  witnessing  the  success  of  this  war, 
just  before  his  death,  he  saw  a specimen  of  the  Lord’s  ven- 
geance on  the  enemies  of  Israel,  and  of  his  kindness  to  his 
people. — The  Midianites  had  been  most  criminal,  and  there- 
fore at  the  present  the  vengeance  was  restricted  to  them. — 
( Note,  25:17,18.) 

V.  3.  The  Israelites  were  reminded  by  this  language  not 
to  indulge  private  resentment,  but  to  be  influenced  by  zeal  for 
the  glory  of  God ; and  to  act  as  his  servants  in  inflicting 
punishment  on  his  enemies.  (Note,  Judg.  16:28.) 

V.  4 — 6.  Twelve  thousand  was  a small  number,  in  pro- 
portion either  to  all  Israel,  or  to  the  forces  with  which  they 
were  to  encounter ; for  the  Lord  would  teach  them  not  to 
trust  in  an  arm  of  flesh,  but  in  his  almighty  power  and  faith- 
ful promise.  As  they  were  under  the  conduct  of  the  cap- 
tains of  thousands,  and  of  hundreds,  they  probably  had  no 
general,  and  therefore  Joshua  is  not  mentioned.  Phinehas, 
the  zealous  avenger  of  the  insulted  honour  of  God,  (Notes, 
25:6 — 13.)  was  ordered  <o  accompany  them  with  “ the  holy 
instruments,”  by  which  some  understand  the  silver  trumpets  ; 
but  others  suppose  that  the  second  priest,  the  high  priest’s 
deputy  and  successor,  consulted  the  Lord  on  such  occasions 
with  the  breastplate  of  judgment ; or  that  the  ark  was  carried 
with  them.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  7.  They  slew  all  ilie  males .]  The  victorious  Israelites 
did  not  extirpate  the  nation  of  Midian,  which  subsisted  and 
was  powerful  long  after:  but  they  slew  all  the  males,  without 
giving  quarter,  as  far  as  they  proceeded,  which  probably  was 
as  far  as  those  tribes  reached  from  which  the  tempters  chiefly 
cam  t. 

1 8.  ( j\targ.  Ref.  k,  1.) — Balaam,  blinded  by  covetous- 
ness, and  “ hardened  by  the  deceitfulness  of  sin,”  perished 
among  the  enemies  of  Israel ; which  some  think  he  foreboded, 
when  he  wished  “ to  die  the  death  of  the  righteous.”  Thus 
“ he  went  to  his  own  place,”  as  Judas  afterwards  did;  and 
their  characters  have  a great  resemblance  to  each  other. 
(Notes,  22:5.  25:1 — 3.  Acts  1:16 — 18,25.)— Whatever  infor- 
mation Moses  might  receive  concerning  Balaam  and  Balak, 
no  doubtless  received  it  more  exactly  by  inspiration  from 


12  And  they  hrouglit  the  captives,  and  the 
prey,  and  the  spoil,  unto  Moses  and  Eleazar  the 
priest,  and  nto  the  congregation  of  the  children 
of  Israel,  unto  the  camp  at  91116  plains  of  Moab. 
which  are  by  Jordan,  near  Jericho. 

[ Practical  Observationt.'] 

13  H And  Moses,  and  Eleazar  the  priest,  and 
all  the  princes  of  the  congregation,  'went  forth  to 
meet  them  ‘without  the  camp. 

14  And  Moses  was  ‘wroth  with  the  officers  of 
the  host,  with  the  captains  over  thousands,  and 
captains  over  hundreds,  which  came  from  the 
'battle. 

15  And  Moses  said  unto  them,  "Have  ye  saved 
all  the  women  alive  ? 

16  Behold,  "these  caused  the  children  of  Israel, 
through  the  counsel  of  Balaam,  to  commit  tres- 
pass against  the  Lord  ?in  the  matter  of  Peor,  ‘and 
there  was  a plague  among  the  congregation  of  the 
Lord. 

17  Now  therefore,  “kill  every  male  among  the 
little  ones,  and  kill  every  woman  that  hath  known 
man  by  lying  with  fifim. 

18  But  all  the  women-children  that  have  not 
known  a man  by  lying  with  him,  bkeep  alive  lor 
yourselves. 

19  And  do  ye  ‘abide  without  the  camp  seven 
days : whosoever  hath  killed  any  person,  and 

1:7.  Rev.  18:8.  pJosh.8:2.  q See  on  22:1.  r Gen.  14:17.  1 Sam.  15: 12.  30: 
21.  s 12,22 — 24  . 5:2.  19  11.  1 12  3.  Ex.  32:19,22.  Lev.  10:16.  ISam.  15:13,14. 
1 Kings  20:42.  2 Kines  13:19.  Ej>h.4:26.  t Heb.  host  of  war.  u Deut.  2:34. 
20:16—18.  Josh.  6:21.  8:25.  10:40.  11:14.  1 Sam.  15:3.  Ps.  137:8,9.  Ter.  48:10. 
To..  9:6.  x 25:1 — 3.  Prov.  23:27.  Ec.  7:26.  2FeC.2:15.  Rev. 2:14.  y2S:I8. 

Dent.  4:3.  Josh.  22:17.  z25:9.  a Judg. 21 : 11 ,12.  J Heb.  a male,  b Lev.  25; 
44.  Deut.  20:14.  21:10—14.  2Chr.  28:8— 10.  la.  14:2.  c 5:2.  19:11,  &c.  1 Chr. 
22:8. 


God : and  it  was  very  proper  that  it  should  be  thus  circum- 
stantially recorded,  for  the  information,  encouragement,  and 
Caution  of  God’s  people  in  all  ages,  concerning  the  secret 
machinations  of  their  enemies  ; and  for  the  warning  of  those 
who  unite  in  wicked  counsels  against  them. 

V.  10.  The  Israelites  were  not  allowed  at  present  to 
inherit  any  part  of  that  country ; and  therefore  they  in  this 
manner  disabled  the  Midianites  from  rallying  their  forces  and 
renewing  the  war,  as  well  as  executed  the  vengeance  of  the 
Lord  upon  them. 

V.  14 — 18.  The  sword  of  war  should  spare  women  and 
children,  as  incapable  of  resisting;  but  the  sword  of  justice 
knows  no  distinction,  except  that  of  guilty  or  not  guilty,  and 
more  or  less  guilty. — This  war  was  the  execution  of  a righ- 
teous sentence  upon  a guilty  nation,  in  which  the  women 
were  the  principal  criminals ; and  perhaps  particular  instruc- 
tions had  been  given  on  this  head:  therefore  Moses  was 
angry,  when  he  found  that  the  women  had  been  spared.  If 
those  concerned  in  the  detestable  project  of  Balaam,  had 
been  preserved  as  captives,  they  would  have  been  a constant 
temptation  to  the  people ; and  they  could  not  be  known  from 
the  rest  except  by  miracle.  Orders  were  therefore  given  to 
put  all  the  women  to  death,  and  the  male  children;  and  only 
to  spare  the  female  children,  who  could  not  be  supposed  to 
have  been  culpable ; and  who,  being  brought  up  among  the 
Israelites,  would  not  tempt  them  to  idolatry. — It  has  been 
groundlessly  asserted  that  Moses  authorized  the  Israelites  to 
make  concubines  of  the  whole  number  of  female  children,  or 
even  promiscuously  to  debauch  them  ; and  a formidable  objec- 
tion against  his  writings  has  been  grounded  on  this  strange 
supposition.  But  the  whole  tenor  of  the  law,  and  especially 
a statute  hereafter  to  be  considered,  proves  the  contrary. 
(Note,  Deut.  21:10 — 14.)  They  were  merely  permjtted  to 
possess  them  as  female  slaves  ; while  all  the  laws  concerning 
marriage  and  concubinage,  and  against  fornication  and  whore- 
dom, were  in  full  force,  in  this  as  well  as  in  other  cases. — 
But  what  shall  we  say  of  the  execution  of  all  the  male  infants, 
who  could  not  be  personally  guilty  in  this  matter  ? The 
Lord  commanded  it,  in  this  and  many  other  instances  : and 
u shall  not  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth  do  right?”  Had  they 
lived,  they  might  have  conspired  to  avenge  the  death  of  their 
parents  on  Israel:  and  the  example  was  thus  rendered  more 
tremendous,  warning  parents  not  to  imitate  the  guilt  of  the 
Midianites,  lest  they  should  involve  their  beloved  offspring  in 
destruction.  (Notes,  Ex.  20:5.  2 Kings  2:23,24.)  The  Scrip- 
ture addresses  men’s  natural  affection  by  promises  and  threat- 
enings,  in  which  their  children  also  are  included:  and  in  a 
future  state  the  Lord  may,  for  what  we  know,  turn  the  tem- 
poral sufferings  of  children  into  an  infinite  mercy  to  them. — 
It  should  also  be  remembered  that  children  are  constantly 
involved  in  the  desolations  occasioned  by  famines,  pestilences, 
and  earthquakes.  (Notes,  16:27 — 34.  Jon.  4:9—11.) 

V.  19 — 24.  The  Israelites  had  acted  by  the  Lord’s  com- 
mission; yet  they  had  contracted  pollution  by  touching  the 
dead : and  the  spoil,  having  been  used  by  idolaters,  must  be 
purified  also  in  the  prescribed  manner;  which  would  form  « 
pattern  for  succeeding  wars.  Thus  the  law  was  reduced  ta 
( 309  ) 


B.  C.  1452.  NUMBERS.  B.  C.  1452. 


whosoever  hath  touched  any  slain,  purify  both 
yourselves  and  your  captives  on  the  third  day, 
and  on  the  seventh  day. 

20  And  purify  all  your  draiment,  and  all  ‘that  is 
made  of  skins,  and  all  work  of  goats’  hair,  and  all 
things  made  of  wood. 

21  And  Eleazar  the  priest  said  unto  the  men  of 
war  which  went  to  the  battle,  eThis  is  the  ordi- 
nance of  the  law  which  the  Lord  commanded 
Moses ; 

22  Only  the  gold,  and  the  silver,  the  brass,  the 
iron,  the  tin,  and  the  lead, 

23  Every  thing  that  may  f abide  the  fire,  ye 
shall  make  it  go  through  the  fire,  and  it  shall  be 
clean ; nevertheless  ejt  shall  be  purified  with  the 
water  of  separation  : and  all  that  abideth  not  the 
fire  hye  shall  make  go  through  the  water. 

24  And  ‘ye  shall  wash  your  clothes  on  the  se- 
venth day,  and  ye  shall  be  clean,  and  afterward  ye 
6hall  come  into  the  camp. 

25  H And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

26  Take  the  sum  of  the  prey  'that  was  taken, 
both  of  man  and  of  beast,  thou,  and  Eleazar  the 
priest,  and  the  chief  fathers  of  the  congrega- 
tion: 

27  And  divide  the  prey  into  ktwo  parts,  be- 
tween them  that  took  the  war  upon  them,  who 
went  out  to  battle,  and  between  all  the  congrega- 
tion ; 

28  And  'levy  a tribute  unto  the  Lord  of  the 
men  of  war  which  went  out  to  battle : mone  soul 
of  five  hundred,  both  of  the  persons,  and  of  the 
beeves,  and  of  the  asses,  and  of  the  sheep. 

29  Take  it  of  their  half,  and  give  it  unto  Ele- 
azar the  priest,  for  “an  heave-offering  of  the 
Lord. 

30  And  tha  children  of  Israel’s  half,  thou  shalt 
take  one  portion  of  fifty,  of  the  persons,  of  the 
beeves,  ot  the  asses,  and  of  the  tflocks,  of  all 
manner  of  beasts,  °and  give  them  unto  the  Levites, 
which  rkeep  the  charge  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
Lord. 

31  And  Moses  and  Eleazar  the  priest  did  as  the 
Lord  commanded  Moses. 

32  And  the  booty,  feeing  the  rest  of  the  prey 
which  the  men  of  war  had  caught,  was  six  hun- 
dred thousand  and  seventy  thousand  and  five 
thousand  sheep, 

33  And  threescore  and  twelve  thousand  beeves, 

34  And  threescore  and  one  thousand  asses, 

35  And  thirty  and  two  thousand  persons  in  all, 
of  women  that  had  not  known  man  by  lying  with 
him. 

36  And  the  half,  which  was  the  portion  of  them 
that  went  out  to  war,  was  in  number  three  hundred 

d 19:14 — 16/22.  Gen.  35:2.  Ex.  19:10.  • Heb.  instrument,  or,  vessel  of 

skins,  e See  on  30:16.  f Is.  43:2.  Zech.  13:9.  Mai.  3:2,3.  Matt.  3:11.  1 Cor. 
3:13.  1 Pet.  1:7.  4:12.  Rev.  3:18.  g8:7.  19:9,17.  h Lev.  11:32.  15:17.  Eph.  5: 
26.  Tit.  3:5,6.  1 Pet.  3:21.  i 19:19.  Lev.  11:25.  14:9.  15:13.  t Heb.  of  the 
captivity,  k Josh.  22:8.  1 Sam.  30:24,25.  I s.  68:12.  I Gen.  14:20.  Josh.  6:19, 
24.  2 Sam.  8:11,12.  1 Chr.  18:11.  26:26,27.  Prov.  3:9,10.  Is.  18:7.  23:18.  60:9. 
Matt.  22:21.  m 30,47.  n 18:26.  Ex.  29:27.  Dent.  12:12,19.  + Or,  goats.  o28. 
18:24—28.  p 3:7,8,25,  &c.  18:1— 5,23.  1 Chr.  9:27-29.  23:32  . 26.20— 27.  Acts 

practice  under  the  inspection  of  the  lawgiver.  ( Marg . Ref. 
19:11 — 1 9. ) — All  the  metals  known,  till  these  modern  times, 
are  here  mentioned  together. 

V.  25 — 31.  To  prevent  dispute,  and  for  a rule  to  after 
times,  the  Lord  ordered  the  distribution  of  the  cattle  and  the 
female  captives,  between  the  soldiers  and  the  congregation ; 
and  that  a portion  from  each  should  be  reserved  for  the  priests 
and  Levites.  The  Levites  received  ten  times  as  much  as  the 
priests,  being  vastly  more  numerous  ; and  the  twelve  thou- 
sand soldiers  had  more  than  all  the  rest  of  Israel.  The 
arrangement,  seems  to  have  given  universal  satisfaction. — No 
horses  or  camels  are  mentioned.  (JWarg.  Ref.) 

V 35.  The  number  of  the  female  children,  when  consi- 
dered as  bearing  proportion  to  the  men,  women,  and  male 
children  who  were  slain,  suggests  an  awful  idea  of  the  terri- 
ble vengeance  which  God  took  upon  the  enemies  of  him,  and 
of  his  people ! Amalek,  who  first  warred  with  Israel,  was 
long  spared  ; but  Midian,  who  first  tempted  them  to  idolatry, 
was  speedily  and  most  tremendously  punished. 

V.  47.  It  does  not  appear,  that  a single  ox,  or  sheep,  or 
ass,  was  required  by  Moses,  as  his  portion  ; or  given  to  him 
by  the  people : yet  he  had  a family,  as  well  as  others,  for  which 
m provision  had  been  made,  above  the  common  lot  of  Levites  ! 

' iVb/es,  16:15.) 

V.  4H — 54  The  success  of  this  detachment  had  been 
( 310  ) 


thousand  and  seven  and  thirty  thousand  and  five 
hundred  sheep : 

37  And  the  Lord’s  tribute  of  the  sheep  was  six 
hundred  and  threescore  and  fifteen. 

38  And  the  beeves  were  thirty  and  six  thousand, 
of  which  the  Lord’s  tribute  was  threescore  and 
twelve. 

39  And  the  asses  were  thirty  thousand  and  five 
hundred,  of  which  the  Lord’s  tribute  was  three- 
score and  one. 

40  And  the  persons  were  sixteen  thousand,  of 
which  the  Lord’s  tribute  was  thirty  and  two  per- 
sons. 

41  And  Moses  gave  the  tribute  which  was  the 
Lord’s  heave-offering  unto  ^Eleazar  the  priest ; 
as  the  Lord  commanded  Moses. 

42  And  of  the  children  of  Israel’s  half,  which 
Moses  divided  from  the  men  that  warred, 

43  (Now  the  half  that  pertained  unto  the  con- 
gregation, was  three  hundred  thousand  and  thirty 
thousand  and  seven- thousand  and  five  hundred 
sheep, 

44  And  thirty  and  six  thousand  beeves, 

45  And  thirty  thousand  asses  and  five  hundred, 

46  And  sixteen  thousand  persons,') 

47  Even  of  the  children  of  Israel’s  half,  Moses 
took  one  portion  of  fifty,  both  of  man  and  of  beast, 
and  gave  them  unto  rthe  Levites  which  'kept  the 
charge  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord  ; as  the 
Lord  commanded  Moses. 

48  H And  the  officers  which  were  over  thousands 
of  the  host,  the  captains  of  thousands,  and  cap- 
tains of  hundreds,  came  near  unto  Moses  : 

49  And  they  said  unto  Moses,  Thy  servants 
have  taken  the  sum  of  the  men  of  war  which  are 
under  our  Charge,  and  there  ‘lacketh  not  one  man 
of  us : 

50  We  have  therefore  brought  “an  oblation  for 
the  Lord,  what  every  man  hath  'gotten,  of  jewels 
of  gold,  chaihs,  and  bracelets,  rings,  earrings, 
and  tablets,  to  make  “an  atonement  for  our  souls 
befotc  the  Lord. 

51  And  ?Moses  and  Eleazar  the  priest  took  the 
gold  of  them,  even  all  wrought  jewels. 

52  And  all  the  gold  of  the  "offering  that  they 
offered  up  to  the  Lord,  of  the  captains  of  thou- 
sands, and  of  the  captains  of  hundreds,  was  six- 
teen thousand  seven  hundred  and  fifty  shekels. 

53  (For  Hhe  men  of  war  had  taken  spoil,  every 
man  for  himself.) 

54  And  Moses  and  Eleazar  the  priest  took  the 
gold  of  the  captains  of  thousands  and  of  hundreds, 
and  brought  it  into  the  tabernacle  of  the  congre- 
gation, for  “a  memorial  for  the  children  of  Israel 
before  the  Lord. 


20:28.  1 Cor. 4:2.  Col.  4:17.  Hob.  13:17.  q 29—  31.  18:8,19.  Mull.  10:10.  1 Cor. 

9:10—14.  Gal.  6:6.  1 Tim.  5:17.  Heb.  7: 1—6,9— 12.  r 18:21—24.  Pent.  12:17 

19.  Lake  10:1 — 8.  I Thes.  5:12,13.  s See  on  30.  F».  134:1 . Ii. 56:10, II.  § Heb. 
hand,  t 1 Sam.  30:18,19.  Pa.  72:14.  John  18:9.  n Ps.  107:15,21,2-1.  116:12,17. 
II  Heb. found,  x Ex.  30,12,15,16.  I.ev.  17:11.  v 7:2 — 6.  IT  Heb.  heave-offering. 
zDeul. 20:14.  a 16:40.  Ex.  30;  16.  Josh.  4:7  P».  18:49.  103:1,2.  115:1.  145.7. 
Zech.  6:14.  Luke  22:19.  Acts  10:4. 


extraordinary  ; so  small  a company  overcoming  and  cutting 
off  such  immense  multitudes,  and  taking  so  large  a spoil : hut 
their  preservation  was  still  more  remarkable  ; not  one  indi- 
vidual having  been  slain,  or  even  wounded  that  we  find  ! In 
acknowledgment  of  this,  the  officer^  presented  the  wrought 
gold,  (all  of  it  probably,)  which  they  had  found  among  the 
spoil,  as  an  oblation  to  the  Lord,  “to  make  an  atonement  for 
their  souls;”  or  to  be  employed  in  that  service  of  God  by 
which  atonement  was  typically  made.  (Note,  Ex.  30:1 1 — 16.) 
Thus  they  confessed,  that,  instead  of  claiming  a reward,  they 
needed  forgiveness  of  what  had  been  sinful ; and  desired  thus 
to  express  their  gratitude  for  the  preservation  of  their  lives, 
which  might  justly  have  been  taken  away. — Some  think  the 
private  soldiers  had  taken  a booty  of  this  kind  which  they 
reserved  to  themselves : and  others,  that  the  officers  presented 
the  offering  in  the  name  of  the  soldiers  aWo. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 12.  “ The  triumphing  of  the  wicked  is  short.”  Tho 
pleasures  and  advantages  of  sin  are  bought  at  an  enormous 
price  ; and  the  vengeance  of  the  Lord  is  always  sure,  and 
sometimes  speedy  and  sudden. — “It  is  a fearful  thing  to  fall 
into  the  hands  of  the  living  God;”  {Note,  Heb.  10:28 — 31.) 
and  if  his  temporal  judgments  are  so  dreadful,  what  will  bo 
the  caso  of  sinners  “ when  the  Lord  Je-.us  shall  he  revealed 
from  heaven  with  (laming  fire,  taking  vengeance  on  them  that 


B.  C.  1452.  CHAPTER  XXXII. 

CHAPTER  XXXII. 


1%s  tribes  of  Reuben  and  Oad  request  an  inheritance  eastward  of  Jordan,  1 
—5.  Moses  sharply  remonstrates  with  them,  6 — 15.  They  explain  ; Moses 
is  satisfied  ; and  a conditional  grant  is  made  to  them  and  half  the  tribe  of 
Manasseh,  16 — 33.  They  rebuild  the  cities , tfc.  34 — 42. 

NOW  “tue  children  of  Reuben  and  the  children 
of  Gad  had  a very  great  multitude  of  cattle  : 
and  when  they  saw  the  land  of  bJazer,  and  the 
land  of  Gilead,  that,  behold,  'the  place  was  a place 
for  cattle ; 

2  The  children  of  Gad  and  the  children!  of 
Reuben  came  and  spake  unto  Moses,  and  to  Elea- 
zar  the  priest,  and  unto  the  princes  of  the  congre- 
gation, saying, 

3  dAtaroth,  and  Dibon,  and  Jazer,  and  'Nim- 
rah,  and  f Heshbon,  and  Elealeh,  and  eShebam, 
and  Nebo,  and  hBeon ; 

4  Even  'the  country  which  the  Lord  smote 
before  the  congregation  of  Israel,  is  a land  for 
cattle,  and  thy  servants  have  cattle. 

5  Wherefore,  said  they,  kif  we  have  found  grace 
in  thy  sight,  let  this  land  be  given  unto  thy  ser- 
vants for  a possession,  and  ’bring  us  not  over  Jor- 
dan. 

6  And  Moses  said  unto  the  children  of  Gad, 
and  to  the  children  of  Reuben,  Shall  your  brethren 
go  to  war,  and  mshall  ye  sit  here  ? 

7  And  "wherefore  ‘discourage  ye  the  heart  of 
the  children  of  Israel,  from  going  over  into  the 
land  which  the  Lord  hath  given  them  ? 

8  Thus  did  your  fathers,  “when  I sent  them 
from  Kadesh-barnea  to  see  the  land. 

9  For  when  they  went  up  into  Pthe  valley  of 
Eshcol,  and  saw  the  land,  they  discouraged  the 
heart  of  the  children  of  Israel,  that  they  should 

■ 210— 15.  26:5—7,15—18.  Gen.  29:32.  30:10,11.  b 3.  21:32.  Jaazer.  Josh.  13: 
25.  2 Sum.  21:5.  Is.  16:8,9.  c 26.  Gen.  13:10,11.  Jer.  50:19.  Mic.7:I4.  1 John 
2:16.  d 1.34— 38.  Josh.  13:17.  Is.  15:2— 4.  Jer. 48:22,23.  e 36 . Beth-nimrah. 
Is.  15:6.  Nimrim.  121:25,26,28.  Judg.  11:26.  Neh.9:22.  Is.  15:4.  16:8,9.  Jer. 
48:2,34,45.  g 38.  S'Mmnli.  Josh.  13:19.  Is.  16:8.  Jer.48:32.  Sibmak.  h 38. 
Banf-meon.  i Dent.  2:24 — 35.  k Gen.  19:19.  Ruth  2:10.  1 Sam.  20:3.  2 Sam. 
14:22.  Esth.  5:2.  Jer.  31:2.  lDeut.l:37.  3:25,26.  Josh.  7:7-  m2  Sam.  11:11. 

1 Cor.  13:5.  Phil. 2:4.  n 9.  21 :4.  Deut.  1 :28.  * Heb.  break.  Acts  21:13.  o See 
on  13:2—20.  14:2.  Deut.  1:22,23.  Josh.  14:6,7.  p 13:23—33.  14:1—10.  Deut.  1: 

know  not  God,  and  that  obey  not  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ;”  (Note,  2 Thes.US — 10.)  Let  us  then  take  warning, 
and  “ flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,”  to  that  Saviour,  who  alone 
is  able  to  deliver  us : and,  depending  on  his  assistance,  let  us 
declare  war  against  every  corrupt  passion,  by  which  we  have 
been  induced  to  dishonour  God,  and  bring  guilt  and  misery 
upon  ourselves.  This  is  indeed  a holy  war,  in  which  we  must 
utterly  destroy  every  one  of  the  enemies  of  our  souls,  or  they 
will  certainly  ruin  us  : to  this  the  trumpet  of  the  gospel  calls 
and  encourages  us  ; and  in  it  we  may  depend  upon  the  Lord  for 
counsel  and  assistance.  Here  we  ought  to  indulge  the  deepest 
resentment ; and,  without  thinking  of  peace  or  truce,  should 
prosecute  the  quarrel  to  the  utter  extermination  of  our  enemies, 
root  and  branch,  with  unrelenting  severity ; not  sparing  our 
strongest,  nor  overlooking  our  feeblest  lusts,  which,  if  not  cru- 
cified, will  soon  become  formidable  and  produce  fatal  effects. — 
In  all  our  undertakings,  we  must  not  only  make  the  Lord  our 
confidence,  but  adhere  to  his  orders  and  instructions  ; and  thus 
we  may  expect  all  desirable  success,  notwithstanding  inter- 
posing difficulties. — While  we  forgive  and  pray  for  all  our  ene- 
mies, we  should  entertain  the  deepest  abhorrence  of  the 
conduct,  and  most  carefully  shun  the  company,  of  those  who 
have  once  attempted  to  draw  us  into  sin.  Nor  will  any  be 
more  severely  punished  by  the  Lord  than  tempters,  especially 
of  his  people  ; except  it  be  those  who,  against  the  convictions 
of  their  own  conscience,  have  counselled  and  encouraged  them 
so  to  do. 

V.  13 — 54.  There  is  no  natural  disposition  of  the  heart 
which  doss  not  require  to  be  moderated  and  regulated  ; for 
even  our  humanity  and  compassion,  as  well  as  our  resent- 
ment, must  be  subjected  to  the  command  of  God  ; or  we  shall 
spare  and  encourage  those  whom  the  Lord  would  have 
reproved,  corrected,  or  treated  with  severity,  and  so  bring 
anger  from  him  upon  ourselves  : and  surely,  it  must  be  highly 
criminal  in  the  sight  of  God,  for  us  to  imagine  ourselves  more 
merciful  and  compassionate  than  he  is.  This  is  especially  the 
case  with  magistrates,  ministers,  heads  of  families,  and  all  in- 
trusted with  authority.  They  who  have  been  faithful  in  inferior 
stations  may  expect  to  be  employed  in  more  important  ser- 
vices : but  even  when  we  have  attended  to  our  bounden  duty, 
we  need  purifying  in  the  blood  of  Christ,  and  by  his  grace, 
from  the  guilt  and  pollution  adhering  to  our  best  performances. 
God  so  abhors  murder,  and  would  have  us  to  abhor  it,  that  he 
hath  represented  even  that  bloodshed  which  he  commanded, 
as  in  seme  degree  contaminating  those  concerned  in  it.  He 
likewise  approves  and  requires  exact  equity  in  all  our  trans- 
actions ; nor  should  we  dare  to  appropriate  any  gain,  of  which 
we  cannot  conscientiously  devote  a portion  to  that  God  who 


B.  0.  1452. 

not  go  into  the  land  which  the  Lord  had  given 
them. 

10  And  ithe  Lord’s  anger  was  kindled  the 
same  time,  and  he  sware,  saying, 

11  Surely  none  of  the  men  that  came  up  out  ot 
Egypt,  'from  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  shall 
see  the  land  which  I sware  unto  Abraham,  unto 
Isaac,  and  unto  Jacob ; because  they  have  not 
’wholly  followed  me ; 

12  Save  Caleb  the  son  of  Jephunneh  the  Kene- 
zite,  and  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun:  “for  they  have 
wholly  followed  the  Lord. 

13  And  the  Lord’s  anger  was  kindled  against 
Israel,  and  he  made  them  ‘wander  in  the  wilder- 
ness forty  years,  "until  all  the  generation  that 
had  done  evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  was 
consumed. 

14  And,  behold,  ye  are  risen  up  in  your  fathers’ 
stead,  "an  increase  of  sinful  men,  no  augment  yet 
the  fierce  anger  of  the  Lord  toward  Israel. 

15  For  'if  ye  turn  away  from  after  him,  “he 
will  yet  again  leave  them  in  the  wilderness,  and 
bye  shall  destroy  all  this  people. 

16  H And  they  came  near  unto  him,  and  said, 
cWe  will  build  sheepfolds  here  for  our  cattle,  and 
cities  for  our  little  ones ; 

17  But  uwe  ourselves  will  go  ready  armed 
before  the  children  of  Israel,  until  we  have  brought 
them  unto  their  place : and  our  little  ones  shall 
dwell  in  the  fenced  cities,  because  of  the  inhabit- 
ants of  the  land. 

18  We  “will  not  return  unto  our  houses,  until 
the  children  of  Israel  have  inherited  every  man 
his  inheritance. 

19  For  ‘we  will  not  inherit  with  them  on  yonder 

24—28.  q 14:11,23.  Deut.  1:34 — 40.  Ps.  95:1 1.  Ez.  20:15.  Heb.  3:8— 19.  r!4:29. 
26:2,64,65.  Deut.  2:14,15.  t Heb.  fulfilled,  after  me.  s 14:24,30.  26:65.  Deut. 
1:36.  Josh.  14:8,9.  t 14:33— 35.  Deut.  2:14.  Ps.  78:33.  u 26:64.  Deul.2:lS 
x Gen.  5:3.  8:21.  Neh.  9:24— 26.  Job  14:4.  Is.  1:4.  57:4.  Ez.  21:21 . Matt.  23:31 
—33.  Luke  11:48.  jtets  7:51,52.  y Deut.  1:34,35.  Ezra  9:13,14.  10:10.  z t.ev 
26:14—18.  Deut.  28:15, &c.  30:17—19.  Josh.  22: 16— 1 8.  2 Chr.  7:19— 22.  15:2. 
aNum.  14:30— 35.  b Jer.  38:23.  Matt.  18:7.  Rom.  14:15,20,21.  1 Cor.  8:11,12. 
e 34—42.  Gen.  33:17.  d 29—32.  Deut.  3:18—20.  Josh.  4:12.13.  e Josh.  22:4,5. 
fGen.  13:10— 12.  14:12.  2 Kings  10:32,33.  15:29.  1 Chr.  5:25,26.  Prov. 20:21. 

“ hates  robbery  for  burnt-offering,”  and  for  which  we  cannot 
thank  him  as  the  Giver. — This  rule,  if  well  observed,  would 
render  us  incapable  of  fraud,  extortion,  oppression,  or  any  kind 
of  iniquity  or  sinful  compliances.  But  besides  the  exact  rules 
of  honesty,  we  should  liberally  give  to  the  Lord,  and  dispose 
of  in  pious  and  charitable  uses,  a proportion  of  all  our  acqui- 
sitions ; particularly  when  commemorating  special  deliver- 
ances: and  though  the  blood  of  Christ  has  made  the  effec- 
tual atonement  for  our  souls,  such  oblations  arc  proper  evi- 
dences of  our  faith,  and  of  the  sincerity  of  our  love;  they  are 
acknowledgments  that  we  are  unworthy  of  all  our  mercies ; 
and  expressions  of  our  gratitude  to  God  and  zeal  for  his  glory, 
and  of  our  love  to  our  fellow-Christians. 

NOTES— Chap.  XXXII.  V.  1—5.  ( Marg . Ref.) 
This  proposal  of  the  Reubenites  and  Gadites  seemed  to  im- 
ply a disregard  to  the  land  of  Canaan,  a distrust  of  the  Lord’s 
promise,  and  a reluctance  to  encounter  the  difficulties  and 
dangers  of  conquering  and  expelling  the  inhabitants.  And 
indeed  when  we  compare  their  petition  “ not  to  be  brought 
over  Jordan,”  with  the  earnestness  with  which  Moses  en- 
treated to  pass  over;  we  cannot  but  conclude,  that  they  did 
not  behold  in  the  rest  of  Israel  in  Canaan,  that  type  of  heaven 
which  he  and  other  believers  doubtless  did.  ( Note,  Deut. 
3:23—28.) 

V.  6 — 15.  (Notes,  13:  14:)  It  was  very  natural  for  Moses 
to  suspect,  that  sloth  and  cowardice,  the  effects  of  unbelief 
suggested  the  petition  of  the  descendants  of  Gad  and  Reuben  ; 
and  he  therefore  remonstrated  with  them  very  plainly  on  their 
conduct.  He  feared  that  they  “were  risen  up,  an  increase  of 
sinful  men,”  like  those  who  provoked  the  Lord  to  “swear  in 
his  wrath  that  they  should  not  enter  into  his  rest.”  (Note,  Ps. 
95:9 — 11.  Heb.  3:7 — 19.  4:1,2.)  Indeed  he  was  apprehensive 
that  their  example  would  induce  their  brethren  to  renew  the  old 
provocation,  and  so  to  destroy  the  whole  nation.  But,  though 
they  were  in  some  degree  faulty,  they  were  not  so  deeply 
criminal  as  he  supposed. — It  is  not  known  on  what  account 
Caleb,  or  rather  Jephunneh,  is  called  the  Kenezite  : probably 
from  some  ancestor  of  the  family,  of  whom  nothing  remains 
on  record.  (Josh.  14:14.) 

V.  16 — 19.  This  proposal  was  very  equitable,  and  it  was 
honestly  made  and  faithfully  executed.  It.  did  not  imply  that 
all  the  men  capable  of  bearing  arms  should  go,  and  so  leav9 
their  families  and  possessions  defenceless ; but  a sufficient 
detachment:  accordingly  forty  thousand  went  out  of  about  a 
hundred  thousand.  (Notes,  Josh.  1:12 — 15.  22:1 — 5.) 

V.  20.  From  the  expression,  “before  the  Lord,”  it  has 
been  concluded,  that  the  Israelites  carried  the  ark  with  them* 
in  all  the  wars  of  Canaan. — It  was  very  encouraging  to  repra. 

( 311  ) 


B.  C.  1452.  NUMBERS.  B.  C.  1452. 


side  Jordan,  or  forward;  decause  our  inheritance 
is  fallen  to  us  ''on  this  side  Jordan  eastward. 

20  And  'Moses  said  unto  them,  If  ye  will  do 
this  thing,  if  ye  will  go  armed  before  the  Lord 
to  war, 

21  And  will  go  all  of  you  armed  over  Jordan 
before  the  Lord,  until  he  hath  driven  out  his 
enemies  from  before  him, 

22  And  the  kland  be  subdued  before  the  Lord; 
then  afterward  ye  shall  return,  and  'be  guiltless 
before  the  Lord,  and  before  Israel;  and  “this 
land  shall  be  your  possession  before  the  Lord. 

23  But  "if  ye  will  not  do  so,  behold,  ye  have 
sinned  against  the  Lord  ; and  °be  sure  your  sin 
will  find  you  out. 

24  Build  ye  cities  for  your  little  ones,  and  folds 
for  your  sheep ; and  do  that  which  hath  proceeded 
out  of  your  mouth. 

25  And  the  children  of  Gad  and  the  children  of 
Reuben  spake  unto  Mosee,  saying,  Thy  servants 
will  do  as  my  lord  commapieth. 

26  Our  little  ones,  our  w.  /es,  our  flocks,  and  all 
our  cattle,  shall  be  there  in  the  cities  of  Gilead. 

27  But  thy  servants  will  pass  over,  every  man 
Panned  for  war,  before  the  Lord  to  battle,  ias  my 
lord  saith. 

28  So  concerning  them  Moses  commanded 
Eleazar  the  priest,  and  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun, 
and  the  chief  fathers  of  the  tribes  of  the  children 
of  Israel : 

29  And  Moses  said  unto  them,  rIf  the  children 
of  Gad  and  the  children  of  Reuben  will  pass  with 

ou  over  Jordan,  every  man  armed  to  battle 
efore  the  Lord,  and  the  land  shall  be  subdued 
before  you  ; then  ye  shall  give  them  the  land  of 
Gilead  for  a possession  : 

30  But  if  they  will  not  pass  over  with  you 

g Josh.  12:1— 6.  13:8.  li  32.  34:15.  Josh.  1:14,15.  i Deut.  3:18— 20.  JmIi.  1:13. 
—15.  4:12,13.  22:2—4.  k Josh.  10:30,42.  11-23.  18:1.  Ps.44:l— 4.  78:55.  1 Josh. 
2:19.  2 Sam.  3:58.  m Deut.  3:12— 17.  Josh.  13:8,23—32.  22:9.  n Lev.  26:14, 
&c.  Deut.  28:15,  &c.  o Gen.  4:7.  44:16.  Ps.  14U:11.  Prov.  13:21.  Is.  3:11.  59:1, 
2,12.  Rom. 2:9.  1 Cor.  4:5.  p 17.  2 Cor.  10:4,5.  Kph.  6:10— 18.  2 Tim.  4:7,8. 
qll:28.  12:11.  36:2.  r See  on  20— 23.  s Josli.  22: 19.  t See  on  1.  Deut.  3: 12— 
17.  29:8.  Josh.  12:6.  13:8,  &c.  22:4.  u 34:14.  1 Chr.  5:18.  12:31.  26:32.  v2l: 


sent  the  forces  which  they  were  about  to  attack,  as  the  ene- 
mies of  God,  and  God  himself  as  leading  Israel  on  to  victory. — 
It  does  not  appear,  that  the  tabernacle  and  ark  were  perma- 
nently stationary,  till  after  the  land  had  been  subdued.  (Note, 
Josh.  18:1.) 

V.  23.  If  the  persons  concerned  prevaricated,  and  so  im- 
posed on  men  ; or,  if  they  afterwards  refused  to  fulfil  their 
engagement;  God  would  most  certainly  detect  and  expose 
their  wickedness,  and  inflict  condign  punishment  on  them  for 
it. — Sin  pursues  the  criminal,  as  the  hound  does  the  hunted 
animal ; and  will  at  length  overtake  him,  seize  on  him,  and 
destroy  him.  (Note,  Prov.  13:21.) 

V.  29.  It  was  proper  that  this  country,  (which  seems 
hitherto  to  have  been  possessed  in  common  by  the  people,) 
should  be  allotted  to  some  of  the  tribes ; and  Reuben  and 
Gad  having,  perhaps  too  hastily,  petitioned  for  it,  it  was 
granted  them:  but  it  was  a situation  very  distant  from  the 
sanctuary ; it  greatly  interrupted  their  intercourse  with  their 
brethren  ; it  was  very  much  exposed  to  their  enemies,  and 
uneasy  to  themselves  ; and  they  seem  to  have  been  dispos- 
sessed sooner  than  the  other  Israelites.  (Notes,  2 Kings  15: 
29.  1 Chr.  5:25,26.) 

V.  33.  The  country  eastward  of  Jordan  was,  it  seems, 
too  large  for  the  two  tribes  of  Reuben  and  Gad  alone ; and 
therefore  in  consequence  of  the  conquest  of  Gilead  by  the  de- 
scendants of  Machir,  a division  of  the  tribe  of  Manasseh  like- 
wise had  their  inheritance  there,  probably  by  their  own  con- 
sent. (39 — 42 . — Notes,  Josh.  13:7 — 33.) 

V.  38.  Their  names  being  changed.]  When  tho  people 
rebuilt  the  cities  for  their  own  habitations,  they  changed  the 
names  of  such  of  them,  as  were  called  after  the  idols  of  the 
former  inhabitants.  Yet  several  of  them  seem  afterwards  to 
have  recovered  their  old  names,  and  indeed  to  have  been  seized 
on  by  the  Moabites  and  others. 

V.  41.  Jair  was  the  descendant  of  Machir  and  Manas- 
seh in  the  female  line  : but  from  Judah  in  the  male  line.  ( Notes, 
1 Chr.  2:21 — 23.)  Yet  joining  himself  to  the  Manassites  on 
this  occasion,  his  posterity  was  ever  after  reckoned  among 
them.  (Note,  Dent.  3:14.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Covetousness,  ambition,  impatience,  or  other  carnal  in- 
ducements, influence  most  men  in  choosing  their  worldly  set- 
tlements; whereas  they  ought  to  consider  in  the  first  place, 
whether  they  are  likely  to  be  convenient  for  attending  the 
ordinances  of  God,  and  favourable  to  communion  with  his 
people.  If,  however,  Christians  are  betrayed  into  such  an 
improper  conduct,  their  iniquity  will  correct  them,  and  they 
( 312  ) 


armed,  ’they  shall  have  possessions  among  you 
in  the  land  of  Canaan. 

31  And  the  children  of  Gad  and  the  children 
of  Reuben  answered,  saying,  As  the  Lord  hath 
said  unto  thy  servants,  so  will  we  do. 

32  We  will  pass  over  armed  before  the  Lord 
into  the  land  of  Canaan,  that  the  possession  of 
our  inheritance  on  this  side  Jordan  may  be  ours. 

33  And  'Moses  gave  unto  them,  even  to  the 
children  of  Gad,  and  to  the  children  of  Reuben, 
and  unto  "half  the  tribe  of  Manasseh  the  son  of 
Joseph,  vthe  kingdom  of  Sihon  king  of  the  Anion- 
ites, and  the  kingdom  of  Og  king  of  Bashan,  the 
land,  with  the  cities  thereof,  in  the  coasts,  even  the 
cities  of  the  country  round  about 

34  And  the  children  of  Gad  built  xDibon,  and 
Ataroth,  and  rAroer, 

35  And  Atroth,  Shophan,  and  'Jaazer,  and 
Jogbehah, 

36  And  “Beth-nimrah,  and  Beth-aran,  bfenced 
cities  ; and  folds  for  sheep. 

37  And  the  children  of  Reuben  built  "Heshhon, 
and  Elealeh,  and  Kirjathaim. 

38  And  Nebo,  and  Baal-meon,  (their  names 
being  changed,)  and  Shibmah : and  ‘gave  ‘'other 
names  to  the  cities  which  they  builded. 

39  And  the  children  of  “Machir  the  son  of 
Manasseh  went  to  Gilead,  and  took  it,  and  dis- 
possessed the  Amorite  which  was  in  it. 

40  And  Moses  fgave  Gilead  unto  Machir  the 
son  of  Manasseh  ; and  he  dwelt  therein. 

41  And  eJair  the  son  of  Manasseli  went  and 
took  the  small  towns  thereof,  and  called  them 
hHavoth-jair. 

42  And  Nobah  went  and  took  Kenath,  and  the 
villages  thereof,  and  called  it  Nobah,  after  his  own 
name. 


23—35.  Deut.  2:30—33  . 3:1—8.  Ps.  135:10,11.  136:18—21.  x Sec  on  3.  21:30. 
33:45,46.  y Dent. 2:36.  Is.  17:2.  z 1,3.  Jazer.  a See  on  3.  Nvnrah.  b 24. 
c See  on  3.  21:27.  Is.  15:4.  * Heb.  they  called  by  names  the  names  of  the  cities* 
cl  Gen.  26:1«.  Ex.  23:13.  Josh.  23:7.  Ps.  16:4.  Is.  46:1.  e 26:29.  Gen.  50:28. 
Josh.  17:1.  f Deut.  3:13 — 15.  Josh.  13:29-^-31.  gl  Chr.  2:21 — 23.  h Judg.  10* 
4.  1 Kings  4:13. 


will  surely  suffer  for  their  folly.  (Notes  and  P.  O.  Gen  13: 
14 :)  But  men  in  general,  even  when  called  Christians,  have 
not  that  faith  which  explores  the  unseen  world,  or  that  spi- 
ritual mind  which  supremely  values  heavenly  blessings. 
Earthly  things  suit  their  carnal  minds,  and  arc  apprehended 
by  their  senses;  these  they  prefer  as  their  portion:  but  it 
proves  unsatisfactory  and  vexatious,  they  arc  speedily  driven 
out  of  it;  and  having  no  inheritance  beyond  the  grave,  they 
will  eternally  bewail  their  wretched  choice,  while  believers 
eternally  rejoice  in  theirs. — We  are  utterly  inexcusable,  if  we 
do  not  profit  by  the  examples  of  those,  whose  sins  and  punish 
ments  are  recorded  for  our  warning.  Yet  so  depraved  is 
human  nature,  that  one  generation  rises  up  after  another,  M an 
increase  of  sinful  men”  walking  in  the  steps  of  those  who 
perished  before  them,  and  thus  still  more  and  more  augment- 
ing the  fierce  anger  of  the  Lord.  Nor  does  the  wickedness 
of  men  merely  destroy  their  own  souls;  for  it  murders  those 
of  others  also,  while  their  examples,  influence,  and  persuasions, 
encourage  numbers  in  sin,  or  discourage  them  from  "serving 
the  Lord;  and  while  the  crimes  of  professed  Christians  in- 
crease the  prejudices  or  harden  the  hearts  of  Jews,  Moham- 
medans, and  Gentiles  against  the  gospel.  (Note,  j Matt.  18:7 
— 9.)  They,  however,  who  are  deeply  acquainted  with  tho 
human  heart,  and  have  been  long  conversant  with  perverse 
and  rebellious  people,  are  sometimes  too  suspicious.  Bui 
such  suspicions  frequently  arise  from  zeal  for  the  honour  of 
God,  and  love  to  the  souls  of  men:  (2  Cor.  11:2.)  and  it  is 
generally  best  to  disclose  them,  and  to  remonstrate  with  the 
suspected  persons;  for  this  may  either  withdraw  them  from 
their  purpose,  or  give  them  an  opportunity  of  explaining  them- 
selves. And  even  when  they  are  faulty  in  some  degree,  wo 
should  be  ready  to  accept  of  reasonable  excuses,  and  to  ac- 
cede to  equitable  proposals;  yet  with  such  express  conditions 
and  lim:*Ttions  as  may  supersede  occasions  of  future  conten- 
tion.— All  men  ought  to  consider  the  interests  of  others  as 
well  as  their  own;  and  the  law  of  love  requires  (hem  recipro- 
cally to  labour,  venture,  and  suffer  for  each  other,  as  occasion 
requires.  But  especially  it  is  becoming  in  tho  people  of  God 
to  be  disinterested  and  public-spirited:  and  they  cannot  con- 
sistently account  any  thing  too  great  to  forego,  to  endure,  or 
to  attempt,  in  opposing  the  common  enemies  of  the  cause,  in 
promoting  the  salvation  of  souls,  and  in  securing  the  heavenly 
inheritance.  If  God  hath  formed  us  to  this  dLposi  ion,  xve 
hall  avoid  all  appearance  of  evil,  net  with  equity  and  love, 
have  a sanctified  and  comfortable  use  <.f  our  worldly  posses- 
sions, and  so  pass  through  things  temporal  as  not  finally  to 
lose  the  good  things  which  are  etema.. 


B 12  1452.  CHAPTER  XXXIII.  B.  C 1452. 


CHAPTER  XXXin. 

A re:ord  of  foity-two  Journeys  of  Israel , 1 — 49.  A charge  to  destroy  the  Ca- 
naanitee  and  their  idols , 50 — 66. 

THESE  are  the  journeys  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  which  went  forth  out  of  the  land  of 
Egypt,  “with  their  armies,  bunder  the  hand  of 
Moses  and  Aaron. 

2 And  Moses  wrote  their  goings  out  according 
to  their  “journeys,  by  Tie  commandment  of  the 
Lord:  and  these  are  thtir  journeys  according  to 
their  goings  out. 

b.  c.n  3 And  They  departed  from  Rameses  'in 
I49l->  the  first  month,  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  the 
first  month  : on  the  morrow  after  the  passover, 
the  children  of  Israel  went  out  f with  an  high 
hand,  in  the  sight  of  all  the  Egyptians. 

4  For  the  Egyptians  ^buried  all  their  first-born, 
which  the  Lord  had  smitten  among  them  : hupon 
their  gods  also  the  Lord  executed  judgments. 

5  And  the  children  of  Israel  ‘removed  from 
Rameses,  and  pitched  in  Succoth. 

6  AndUhey  departed  from  Succoth,  and  pitched 
in  Etham,  which  is  in  the  edge  of  the  wilderness. 

7  And  kt.hey  removed  from  Etham,  and  turned 
again  into  Pi-hahiroth,  which  is  before  Baal- 
zephon  ; and  they  pitched  before  Migdol. 

8  And  ‘they  departed  from  before  Pi-hahiroth, 
and  passed  through  the  midst  of  the  sea  into  the 
wilderness,  and  went  three  days’ journey  in  the 
wilderness  of  Etham,  and  pitched  in  Marah. 

9  And  rathey  removed  from  Marah  and  came 
unto  Elim  : and  in  Elim  were  twelve  fountains  of 
water,  and  threescore  and  ten  palm-trees : and 
they  pitched  there. 

10  And  they  removed  from  “Elim,  and  encamped 
by  the  Red  Sea. 

11  And  they  removed  from  the  Red  Sea,  and 
encamped  in  the  wilderness  of  Sin. 

12  And  they  took  their  journey  out  of  the  wil- 
derness of  Sin,  and  encamped  in  Dophkah. 

13  And  they  departed  from  Dophkah,  and 
encamped  in  Alush. 

14  And  they  removed  from  Alush,  and  encamped 
at  “Rephidim,  where  was  no  water  for  the  people 
to  drink. 

b.  c.  a 15  And  rthey  departed  from  Rephidim, 
H9°.  J ancj  pitched  in  the  wilderness  of  Sinai. 

16  And  ithey  removed  from  the  desert  of  Sinai, 
and  pitched  at  'Kibroth-hattaavah. 

17  And  'they  departed  from  Kibroth-hattaavah, 
and  encamped  at  Hazeroth.  « 

18  And  'they  departed  from  Hazeroth,  and 
pitched  in  Rithmah. 

19  And  they  departed  from  Rithmah,  and 
pitched  at  Rimmon-parez. 

20  And  they  departed  from  Rimmon-parez,  and 
pitched  in  Libnah. 

a Ex.  12:37,51.  13:18.  h Josh.  24:5.  1 Sam.  12:8.  Ps.  77:20.  Mic.  6:4.  c9:17 
—23.  10:6,13.  Deul.  1:2.  10:11.  d Gen.  47:11.  Ex.  1:11.  12:37.  e Ex.  12:2. 
13:4.  f Ex.  14:8.  Ps.  105:38.  I«.  52:12.  Mic.  2:13.  g Ex.  12:29,30.  Ps.  105:36. 
h Ex.  12:12.  18:11.  Is.  19:1.  Zeph.  2: 11.  Rev.  12-7,8.  i£x.  12:37.  I Ex.  13: 
20.  k8.  Ex.  14:2,9.  1 Ex.  14:22,  &c.  15:22-26.  m Ex.  15:27.  n Ex.  16:1. 
17:1.  oEx.17:1— 8.  pEx. 19:1,2.  q 10:11— 13,33.  Deut  1.6.  • That  is,  the 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXXIII.  V.  1,  2.  In  this  chapter 
the  sacred  historian  has  brought  into  one  view  the  journeys 
and  encampments  of  Israel,  from  Egypt  to  the  banks  of  Jor- 
dan.— The  clause,  “by  the  commandment  of  the  Lord,” 
may  refer  either  to  the  journeys  which  were  all  taken  at  his 
word,  or  to  the  register  of  them  which  was  written  by  his  ex- 
press direction.  The  Jews  in  general  explain  it  of  the  latter, 
and  suppose  that  it  was  intended  to  encourage  them  in  their 
present  dispersions  and  wanderings ; which  they  persuade 
themselves  will  likewise  terminate  in  their  settlement  in  Ca- 
naan, under  the  rule  of  their  expected  Messiah  : and  this, 
though  not  exactly  as  they  suppose,  will  eventually  be  the 
case.  But  one  of  their  Rabbies  has  truly  said,  that  ‘their 
Redeemer  was  born  before  him  who  reduced  them  to  this  last 
captivity an  opinion  which  is  well  worthy  of  their  serious 
consideration  I 

V.  3—7.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , Ex.  12:29—42.  13:20.  14:2 
-9. 

Buried , &c.  (4)  This  mournful  employment  took  off  the 
^noughts  of  the  Egyptians,  from  the  pursuit  of  Israel,  for  a 
time. 

V.  8.  The  wilderness  of  Etham  seems  to  have  extended 
-onsiderably  on  each  side  of  the  Red  Sea,  and  round  the  bay, 
n which  that  sea  terminates.  (Note,  Ex.  14:24,25.) 

Vol.  I. — 4 


21  And  they  removed  from  ‘Libnah,  and  p tche<. 
at  Rissah. 

22  And  they  journeyed  from  Rissah,  and  pitched 
in  Kehelathan. 

23  And  they  went  from  Kehelathah,  and  pitched 
in  mount  Shapher. 

24  And  they  removed  from  mount  Shapher,  ana 
encamped  in  Haradah. 

25  And  they  removed  from  Haradah,  and 
pitched  in  Makheloth. 

26  And  they  removed  from  Makheloth,  and 
encamped  at  Tahath. 

27  And  they  departed  from  Tahath,  and  pitched 
at  Tarah. 

28  And  they  removed  from  Tarah,  and  pitched 
in  Mithcah. 

29  And  they  went  from  Mithcah,  and  pitched 
in  Hashmonah. 

30  And  they  departed  from  Hashmonah,  and 
encamped  at  “Moseroth. 

31  And  they  departed  from  Moseroth,  and 
pitched  in  ^Bene-jaakan. 

32  And  the*  removed  from  Bene-jaakan,  and 
encamped  at  mor-hagidgad. 

33  And  they  went  from  Hor-hagidgad,  and 
pitched  in  “Jotbathah. 

34  And  they  removed  from  Jotbathah,  and 
encamped  at  Ebronah. 

35  And  they  departed  from  Ebronah,  and 
encamped  at  ‘Ezion-gaber. 

36  And  they  removed  from  Ezion-gaber,  i-b.  c. 
and  pitched  in  bthe  wilderness  of  Zin,  which  L 1153 
is  Kadesh. 

37  And  they  removed  from  “Kadesh,  and  pitched 
in  mount  Hor,  in  the  edge  of  the  land  of  Edom. 

38  And  dAaron  the  priest  went  up  into  i-b.c. 
mount  Hor,  at  the  commandment  of  the  Lord,  l‘45!? 
and  died  there  in  the  fortieth  year  after  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  were  come  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt, 
in  the  first  day  of  the  fifth  month. 

39  And  Aaron  was  an  hundred  and  twenty  and 
three  years  old  when  he  died  in  mount  Hor. 

40  And  'king  Arad  the  Canaanite,  which  dwelt 
in  the  south,  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  heard  of  the 
coming  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

41  And  f they  departed  from  mount  Hor,  and 
pitched  in  Zalmonah. 

42  And  they  departed  from  Zalmonah,  and 
pitched  in  Punon. 

43  And  they  departed  from  Punon,  and  ^pitched 
in  Oboth. 

44  And  they  departed  from  Oboth,  and  pitched 
in  ‘Ije-abarim,  in  the  border  of  Moab. 

45  And  they  departed  from  Iim,  and  pitched  in 
Dibon-gad. 

46  And  they  removed  from  bDibon-gad,  and 
encamped  in  ‘Almon-diblathaim. 

graves  of  lust.  11:4,34.  r 11:35.  s 12:16.  t Deut.  1:1.  Iyiban.  u Deut.  10: 
6.  Mosera.  xlChr.l:42.  y Dent.  10:7:  Gudgodah.  i Dent.  10:7.  Jo  f bat  A 
a 14:25.  Deut.  2:8.  1 Kings  9:26.  22:48.  Ezion-geber.  2 Chr.  20:36.  b 13:21 
20:1.27:14.  Deut.  32:51.  c 20:22,23.  21 :4.  (1  20:24—28.  Deut.  10:6.  32:50. 

e See  on  21:1 — 3.  f 21:4.  *21:10.  t Or,  hears  of  Abarim.  21 :1 1.  h 32:34. 
Is.  15:2.  Jer.  48:18.  i Jer.  48:22.  Beth-diblathaim.  Ez.6:14.  Diblath. 


V.  9—14.  (Notes,  Ex.  15:22 — 24,27.  16:1.  17:1,2.)  Doph- 
kah and  Alush  arc  not  mentioned  elsewhere ; probably  no- 
thing remarkable  occurred  at  these  places. 

V.  15.  (Note,  Ex.  19:1,2.)  The  subsequent  continuance 
of  Israel,  in  the  wilderness  ofSinai,  comprises  all  the  remain- 
ing part  of  Exodus,  all  the  Leviticus,  and  to  the  tenth  chapter 
of  this  book.  (Note,  10:11 — 13.) 

V.  16 — 18.  (11:33 — 35.  12:16.) — Rithmah  seems  to  have 
been  in  the  wilderness  of  Paran,  near  Kadesh-barnea. 

V.  19 — 29.  We  read  nothing  elsewhere  of  the  encamp> 
ments  mentioned  in  these  verses. 

V.  30,  31.  It  is  said  elsewhere,  (Note,  Deut.  10.-C,".) 
“ They  took  their  journey  from  Beerolh  of  the  children  cf 
Jaakan  to  Mosera:”  yet  here  this  seems  reversed,  “ they  de- 
parted from  Moseroth,  and  pitched  in  Bene-jaakan,”  or,  the 
sons  of  Jaakan. — Either  different  places  are  meant,  or  the 
people  journeyed  back  again  nearly  to  the  same  place.  Pro- 
bably no  mention  is  made  of  any  but  their  principal  stations. 

V.  32—34.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  35,  36.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  13:21,22.  20:1. 

V.  37—39.  21:4.  Ex.  7:7.  Notes,  20:22—28. 

V.  40.  Note,  21:1—3. 

V.  43,  44.  Note,  21:10. 

V.  i5 — 49.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  word  “Abel,”  sigmfi*- 
( 313  ) 


B.  C 1452. 


NUMBERS. 


B.  C.  1452. 


47  And  they  removed  from  Almon-diblathaim, 
and  pitched  in  kthe  mountains  of  Abarim  before 
Nebo. 

48  And  they  departed  from  the  mountains  of 
Abarim,  and  pitched  'in  the  plains  of  Moab,  by 
Jordan  near  Jericho. 

49  And  they  pitched  by  Jordan,  from  mBeth- 
iesimoth  even  unto  'Abel-shittim,  in  the  plains  yl' 
Moab. 

50  II  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  "in  the 
plains  of  Moab,  by  Jordan  near  Jericho,  say- 
ing, 

51  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and  say 
unto  them,  “When  ye  are  passed  over  Jordan  into 
the  land  of  Canaan  ; 

52  Then  Pye  shall  drive  out  all  the  inhabitants 
of  the  land  from  before  you,  and  destroy  all  their 
pictures,  and  destroy  all  their  molten  images,  and 
quite  pluck  down  all  their  high  places. 

53  And  ye  shall  dispossess  the  inhabitants  of  the 
land,  and  dwell  therein  : ifor  I have  given  you 
the  land  to  possess  it. 

54  And  rye  shall  divide  the  land  by  lot  for  an 
inheritance  among  your  families,  and  to  the  more 
ye  shall  Igive  the  more  inheritance,  and  to  the 
fewer  ye  shall  Igive  the  less  inheritance:  every 
man’s  inheritance  shall  be  sin  the  place  where  his 
lot  falleth : according  to  the  tribes  of  your  fathers 
ye  shall  inherit. 

55  But  if  ye  will  not  drive  out  the  inhabitants 
of  the  land  from  before  you  ; then  it  shall  come  to 
pass,  that  those  which  ye  let  remain  of  them 
shall  be  pricks  in  your  eyes,  and  thorns  in  your 

b 21:20.  Dent.  32:49.  34:1.  1 SceonYlA.  m Josh.  13:20.  Ez.  25:9.  -Or, 

the  nlains  of  Shittim.  25:1 — 9.  Ex.  25:5,10,23.  Josh.  2:1.  n 48,49.  o Dent. 
7:1.  9:1.  Josh.  3:17.  p Ex.  23:24,31— 33.  34:12— 17.  Deut.  7:2— 5,25,26.  12: 
2,3,30,31.  20:16—18.  Josh.  1 1 :12.  23:7.  Juclg.  2:2.  q Deut.  32:8.  Pa.  24: 
1,2.115:16.  Jer  27:5,6.  Dan.  4:17,25,32.  Matt.  20:15.  r Sre  on  26:53— 56. 
t Heh.  multiply  his  inheritance.  26:54.  t Heb.  diminish  his  inheritance. 
b Josh.  15:1— 12.  16:1,  &c.  17:1,  &c.  18:11,  &c.  19:1 — 48.  t Deut.  7:4,16.  Josh. 
23:13.  Judg.  1:21—33.2:3.  Pa.  105:34—36.  Ez.  28:24.  u Lev.  18:28.  20:23.  Deut. 


also  mourning;  and  perhaps  it  was  added  to  the  name  Shittimy 
where  Israel  grievously  sinned  and  suffered  in  the  matter  of 
Baal-peor,  to  express  the  lamentation  made  on  that  account. 
— Probably  the  Israelites  first  gave  names  to  many  of  the 
places  in  the  desert,  by  which  they  were  afterwards  known. 

V.  51 — 53.  (JMarg.  Ref.  p,  q.  Note , Ex.  34:11 — 17.) 
This  repeated  command  rendered  it  the  indispensable  duty  cf 
the  Israelites  to  extirpate  the  Canaanites  by  every  means  in 
their  power,  and  as  fast  as  they  could  subdue  them  ; neither 
yielding  to  cowardice,  sloth, or  self-indulgence;  nor  settingup 
the.ir  own  notions  of  clemency  in  opposition  to  the  sentence  of 
the  righteous  Judge,  which  they  were  commissioned  to  exe- 
cute.— But  they  must  also  destroy  all  monuments  of  their 
abominable  idolatries,  however  precious  the  materials,  or 
curious  the  workmanship. — Groves,  altars,  and  images,  on 
hills  and  mountains,  were  called  “high  places.” 

V.  55,  5G.  The  general  duty  of  Israel  became  the  par- 
ticular duty  of  each  tribe,  after  the  division  of  the  land,  in 
that  portion  allotted  to  them:  and  the  subsequent  history 
proves  that  these  denunciations  were  real  prophecies , which 
have  been  wonderfully  accomplished  even  to  this  *day. — 
During  many  ages,  the  remnant  of  the  devoted  nations  were 
exceedingly  troublesome  to  the  Israelites,  even  “as  pricks 
in  the  eyes  and  thorns  in  the  side,”  which  would  be  a constant 
and  almost  intolerable  torture:  (Marg.  Ref.  t.  Note , Josh. 
23-‘13.)  and  at  length,  as  they  persisted  in  imitating  their 
idolatries  and  atrocious  crimes,  they  were  punished  as  the 
Lord  proposed  to  punish  the  Canaanites  ; being  expelled  from 
their  country  with  tremendous  slaughter,  first  by  the  Assy- 
rians and  Chaldeans,  and  at  length  more  completely  by  the 
Romans. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  very  useful  to  record  the  principal  events  of  our  own 
lives,  and  of  the  Lord’s  dealings  with  his  church  : and  frequent 
meditation  on  these  subjects  tends  to  awaken  gratitude,  to 
excite  repentance  and  humiliation,  and  to  encourage  our  faith 
and  hope  in  God. — Few  of  the  periods  of  our  lives  can  be  re- 
flected on,  without  reminding  us  of  the  Lord’s  goodness,  ami 
of  our  own  ingratitude  and  disobedience  : these,  like  a twofold 
thread,  run  entwined  together  through  the  whole  of  our  expe- 
rience, and  our  unworthiness  renders  the  kindness  of  God 
more  admirable,  while  his  kindness  shows  our  sins  more 
inexcusable. — VVe  could  not  reasonably  wish  to  pass  over 
again  any  stages  of  our  pilgrimage,  except  we  could  hope,  by 
the  grace  of  God,  to  shun  the  sins  which  wo  committed,  or  to 
embrace  those  opportunities  of  glorifying  God  which  before,  we 
slipped.  But  if  wc  are  upright  in  these  desires,  they  s!  .ill  he 
graciously  accepted:  and  we  may  be  thankful  that  we  have 
travelled  thus  far  towards  a better  country;  we  may  set.  up 
our  Ebenezcr,  and  praise  him  who  hath  helped  us  hitherto; 
and  wc  may  trust  in  him  to  bring  us  safe  to  our  journey’s  end. 

( 314  ) 


sides,  and  shall  vex  you  in  the  find  wherein  ye 
dwell. 

56  Moreover,  it  shall  come  to  pass, u that  I shall 
do  unto  you  as  I thought  to  do  unto  them. 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

The  boundaries  of  Canaan,  1 — 15.  The  names  of  the  men  who  were  chosen  tv 
divide  the  land,  16 — 29. 

ND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2  Command  the  children  of  Israel,  and  say 
unto  them,  When  ye  come  into  the  land  of 
Canaan;  (“this  is  the  land  that  shall  fall  unto  you 
for  ban  inheritance,  even  the  land  of  Canaan  with 
the  coasts  thereof :) 

3 Then  your  “south  quarter  shall  be  from  the 
wilderness  of  Zin,  along  by  the  coast  of  Edom, 
and  your  south  border  shall  be  the  outmost  coast 
of  the  dsalt  sea  eastward. 

4 And  your  border  shall  turn  from  the  south  to 
the  ascent  of  “Akrabbim,  and  pass  on  to  fZin  : and 
the  going  forth  thereof  shall  De  from  the  south  to 
sKadesh-barnea,  and  shall  go  on  to  hHazar-addar, 
and  pass  on  to  Azmon. 

5 And  the  border  shall  fetch  a compass  from 
Azmon  unto  'the  river  of  Egypt,  and  the  goings 
out  of  it  shall  be  at  kthe  sea. 

6 And  as  for  the  western  border,  ye  shall  even 
have  'the  great  sea  for  a border : this  shall  be 
your  west  border. 

7 And  this  shall  he  your  mnorth  border:  from 
the  great  sea  ye  shall  point  out  for  you  mount 
Hor. 

8 From  mount  Hor  ye  shall  point  out  your 


28:63.29:28.  Josh.  23:15,16.  2 Chr.  36:17— 20.  Ez.  33:24— 29.  I.uke  21:23,21. 
a 33:51,53.  Gen.  12:6,7.  13:15—17.15:16—21.17:8.  Deul. 1:7,8.  Ps.  78:55. 
105:11.  Ez. 47:1'4.  Acts  17:26.  b Ps.  16:5,6.  Jer.  3:19.  Acts  26:  IS.  Euh.l:14, 
18.  1 Pel.  1:3,4.  c Ex. 23:31.  Josh.  15:1-12.  Ez. 47:19.  rtCien.  14:3.  Josh.  3: 
16.15:2.  Ez.  47:8,18.  e Josh.  15:3.  Judg.  1:36.  f 3.  13:21 . 20:1.  33:36,37. 
g 13:26.  32:8.  h Josh.  15:3,4.  i Gen.  15:18.  Josh.  15:4,47.  1 Kings  8:65.  Is. 
27:12.  k 6,7.  1 Josh.  1:4.  9:1.  15:12,47.  23:4.  Ez. 47:10, 15, 20.  m3, 6, 9, 10. 


— But,  whatever  be  our  character  and  state,  every  day,  week, 
month,  and  year,  whether  prosperous  or  adverse,  carries  us 
forward  to  our  “long  home,”  and  conveys  the  unbeliever 
nearer  to  the  gates  of  hell,  the  believer  nearer  to  the  joys  ol 
heaven ; and  not  only  those  days  which  are  marked  for  somo 
important  transaction  or  event,  but  those  which  glide  away 
unnoticed  and  are  speedily  forgotten. — Soon  will  our  wander- 
ings end,  and  our  eternal  state  be  irrevocably  fixed;  how 
important  then  is  the  present  moment! — Happy  are  the}', 
whom  the  Lord  now  “guides  with  his  counsel,  and  will”  at 
length  “ receive  to  his  glory !”  To  this  felicity  the  gospel 
calls  us:  “Behold,  now  is  the  accepted  time!  behold,  now  is 
the  day  of  salvation  !” — Let  sinners  seize  the  precious  oppor- 
tunity, and  flee  for  refuge  to  the  hope  set  before  them.  Let 
us  all  behold  with  trembling,  and  keep  at  a distance  from  “the 
graves  of  the  lusters  let  us  fear  the  doom  of  the  unbelievers, 
concerning  whom  the  “Lord  sware  in  his  wrath  that  they 
should  not  enter  into  his  rest ;”  let  us  shun  the  Mcribahs  and 
3Iassahsi  at  which  so  many  have  perished  in  their  murmurings 
and  rebellions.  Let  us  rather  prefer  the  hitter  waters  of 
Marah , sweetened  with  the  consolations  of  the  gospel. — Let 
us  not  loiter  in  our  journey,  nor  think  of  returning  to  Egypt, 
nor  fear  interposing  enemies,  difficulties,  or  death  itself.  Let 
us  but  redeem  our  time  to  glorify  God,  and  serve  our  genera- 
tion, and  he  will  carry  us  safe  through  all  to  his  eternal  king- 
dom.— But  except  we  separate  from  sinners,  avoid  occasions 
of  evil,  and  crucify  our  lusts,  we  must  perish : and  if  we  show 
any  quarter  to  our  sinful  propensities,  they  will  gather  strength 
by  indulgence,  mar  the  comfort  of  our  lives,  and  perhaps  “bo 
pricks  in  our  eyes  and  thorns  in  our  sides”  when  we  lie  upon 
a death-hod. 

NOTES — Chap.  XXXIV:  V.  3 — 5.  It  was  absolutely 
necessary  that  the  boundaries  of  the  land,  of  which  the 
Israelites  were  commissioned  to  dispossess  and  extirpate  the 
inhabitants,  should  be  exactly  ascertained  : because  they  were 
not  commissioned  to  push  their  conquests  any  further  at  t/uii 
timey  or  at  any  time  in  the  same  manner;  though  it  was  tlio 
divine  purpose  at  length  to  put  them  in  possession  of  miun 
more  extensive  territories.  ( Notes , Gen.  15:18 — 21.  Ev. 
23:31.) — The  boundary  of  the  land  towards  the  south  was  hero 
fixed,  as  beginning  from  the  southern  extremity  of  the  Dead 
Sea,  extending  to  the  west  in  a winding  direction,  past  the 
desert,  of  Zin  and  the  borders  of  Idumea  to  Kadesh-barnea, 
and  thence  to  the  place  where  the  river  of  Egypt  ran  into  the 
Mediterranean  sea. 

V.  6.  The  Mediterranean  sea  was  the  western  boundary. 

V.  7 — 9.  Mount  Hor,  hero  mentioned,  was  at  the  oppo- 
site extremity  of  the  land,  from  that  mount  Hor  oil  which 
Aaron  died.  It  seems  to  have  been  a ridge  of  mount  ldhanus, 
which  was  the  northern  boundary,  extending  from  the  M«  di- 
terranean  sea,  southward  ofZidon  to  the  springs  1 Jordan. 


B.  C.  1452. 


CHAPTER  XXXV, 


B.  C.  1452 


border  unto  "the  entrance  of  Hamath : and  the 
goings  forth  of  the  border  shall  be  to  Zedad. 

9 And  the  border  shall  go  on  to  Ziphron,  and 
the  goings  out  of  it  shall  be  at  Hazar-enan  : this 
sliall  be  your  north  border. 

10  And  ye  shall  point  out  your  ea^t  border  from 
“Hazar-enan  to  Shepham. 

11  And  the  coast  shall  go  down  from  Shepham 
to  pRiblah,  on  the  east  side  of  Ain : and  the 
border  shall  descend,  and  shall  reach  unto  the 
'side  of  <>the  sea  of  Chinnereth  eastward. 

12  And  the  border  shall  go  down  to  Jordan, 
ard  the  goings  out  of  it  shall  be  at  rthe  salt  sea : 
this  shall  be  your  land,  with  the  coasts  thereof 
round  about. 

13  And  Moses  commanded  the  children  of 
Israel,  saying,  “This  is  the  land  which  ye  shall  in- 
herit Dy  lot,  which  the  Lord  commanded  to  give 
unto  the  nine  tribes,  and  to  the  half  tribe. 

14  For  ‘the  tribe  of  the  children  of  Reuben, 
according  to  the  house  of  their  fathers,  and  the 
tribe  of  the  children  of  Gad,  according  to  the 
house  of  their  fathers,  have  received  their  inherit- 
ance, and  half  the  tribe  of  Manasseh  have  re- 
ceived their  inheritance. 

15  The  two  tribes  and  the  half  tribe  have  re- 
ceived their  inheritance  uon  this  side  Jordan  near 
Jericho,  eastward,  toward  the  sunrising. 

16  U And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

17  These  are  the  names  of  the  men  which  shall 
divide  the  land  unto  you : “Eleazar  the  priest,  and 
y Joshua  the  son  of  Nun. 

18  And  ye  shall  take  one  zprince  of  every  tribe, 
to  divide  the  land  by  inheritance. 

19  And  the  names  of  the  men  are  these : Of 
the  tribe  of  Judah,  “Caleb  the  son  of  Jephunneh. 

20  And  of  the  tribe  of  the  children  ot  Simeon, 
Shemuel  the  son  of  Ammihud. 

21  Of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  Elidad  the  son  of 
Chislon. 

22  And  the  prince  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
of  Dan,  Bukki  the  son  of  Jogli. 

n 13.21.  Josh.  13'5,6.  2Sam.8:S.  2 Kings  14:25.  Jer.  39:5.  Ez.  47:  IS— 20.  oEz. 
47:17.  p2  Kings  23:33.  25:6.  Jer.  39;5, 6.  52:10,26,27.  * Heh.  shoulder,  q Dent. 
3:17.  Josh.  11:2.  Chinnerot/i.  19:35.  Luke  5:1.  Gennesaret.  John  6:1.  Sea 
Of  Tiberias,  r 3.  Gen.  13:10.  14:3.  19:24—26.  s Josh.  14:1,2.  t 32:33.  Dent. 


V.  10 — 12.  Jordan  was  only  a small  stream,  till  it  united 
with  other  rivulets,  and  formed  the  sea,  or  lake,  of  Chinnereth, 
or  Gennesaret,  or  Tiberias;  but  afterwards,  emerging  on  the 
opposite  end  of  the  lake,  it  became  a considerable  river,  then 
more  generally  known  by  the  name  Jordan.  It  seems,  how- 
ever, in  its  whole  course,  including  the  sea  of  Chinnereth  and 
the  Dead  Sea,  to  have  been  the  eastern  boundary  ofCanaan, 
roperly  so  called,  whicli  formed  a country  not  more  than  one 
undred  and  sixty  miles  long,  and  about  sixty  broad. — Moses 
was  born  in  Egypt,  and  never  had  an  opportunity  of  making 
a survey  of  the  countries  beyond  Jordan.  (Deut.  3:25.)  Yet 
he  has  given  an  exact  geographical  description  of  them,  which 
accords  with  the  whole  subsequent  history,  and  with  ancient 
history  in  general.  Whatever  opportunity  he  might  have  had, 
in  those  early  times,  of  gaining  information,  it  cannot,  reason- 
ably be  doubted,  but  that  he  was  guided  by  the  Holy  Spirit, 
in  thus  specifying  the  grant  which  God  made  to  Israel. — The 
Dead  Sea,  once  a still  more  fertile  country  than  Canaan, 
might  be  a useful  lesson  to  Israel,  to  shun  those  sins  which 
brought  destruction  upon  Sodom  and  Gomorrah ; and  the 
wilderness  might  call  to  remembrance  their  wanderings,  re- 
bellions, and  mercies  there ; and  t.  e border  of  Egypt  might 
remind  them,  “ that  they  had  been  bondmen,  but  that  the 
Lord  their  God  had  redeemed  them.” 

V.  13 — 15.  The  countries  already  conquered,  and  con- 
ditionally assigned  to  the  two  tribes  and  a half,  lay  without 
these  boundaries : but  the  Israelites  might  make  alliances  with 
other  nations,  not  included  in  this  grant ; and  they  were  not 
allowed  to  dispossess  or  extirpate  them,  as  they  did  the 
devoted  Canaanites.— During  the  reigns  of  David  and  Solo- 
mon they  possessed  a much  larger  country : yet,  through 
their  own  sloth  and  wickedness,  they  seldom  actually  enjoyed 
the  whole  even  of  the  land  here  granted  to  them. 

V.  1G — 29.  This  appointment  of  the  persons  who  should 
divide  the  land,  gave  assurance  of  conquest  to  Israel;  and  to 
the  persons  themselves  of  preservation  from  the  sword,  and 
from  natural  death,  during  the  wars  with  the  Canaanites. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  people  of  God,  though  generally  poor,  are  said  “ to 
mherit  the  earth  ;”  because  “ a little  that  the  righteous  hath, 
is  better  than  the  riches  of  many  wicked.” — For  the  bounds 
ot  /heir  habitation,  and  the  measure  of  their  provision,  are 
assigned  them  by  the  only  wise  God,  their  heavenly  Father, 
in  subserviency  to  their  salvation,  and  the  increase  of  grace 


23  The  prince  of  the  children  of  Joseph,  lor 
the  tribe  of  the  children  of  Manasseh,  Hanniel 
the  son  of  Ephod. 

24  And  the  prince  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
of  Ephraim,  Kemuel  the  son  of  Shijphtan. 

25  And  the  prince  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
of  Zebulun,  Elizaphan  the  son  of  Parnach. 

26  And  the  prince  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
of  Issachar,  Paltiel  the  son  of  Azzan. 

27  And  the  prince  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
of  Asher,  Ahihud  the  son  of  Shelomi. 

28  And  the  prince  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
of  Naphtali,  Pedahel  the  son  of  Ammihud. 

29  bThese  are  they  whom  the  Lord  commanded 
to  divide  the  inheritance  unto  the  children  of 
Israel  in  the  land  of  Canaan. 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 

Forty-eight  cities  with  their  suburbs  to  be  given  to  the  Levites , 1 — 8.  Six  to 
be  cities  of  refuge , 9 — 15.  Laws  respecting  murder  and  manslaughter , 
16 — 34. 

AND  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  “in  the  plains 
of  Moab,  by  Jordan  near  Jericho,  saying, 

2  Command  bthe  children  of  Israel,  that  they 
give  unto  the  Levites,  of  the  inheritance  of  their 
possession,  cities  to  dwell  in : and  ye  shall  give 
also  unto  the  Levites  suburbs  for  the  cities  round 
about  them. 

3  And  the  cities  shall  they  have  to  dwell  in,  cand 
the  suburbs  of  them  shall  be  for  their  cattle,  and 
for  their  goods,  and  for  all  their  beasts. 

4  And  the  suburbs  of  the  cities  which  ye  shall 
give  unto  the  Levites,  shall  reach  from  the  wall 
of  the  city  and  outward,  a thousand  cubits  round 
about. 

5  And  ye  shall  measure  from  without  the  city 
on  the  east  side  two  thousand  cubits,  and  on  the 
south  side  two  thousand  cubits,  and  on  the  west 
side  two  thousand  cubits,  and  on  the  north  side 
two  thousand  cubits,  and  the  city  shall  be  in  the 
midst:  this  shall  be  to  them  the  suburbs  of  the 
cities. 

6  And  among  the  cities  which  ye  shall  give  unto 

3:12— 17.  Josh.  13:8— 12.  14:2,3.  u 32:32.  x Josh.  11:1.  19:51.  y See  on  13: 
8,16.  1:M.  a 13:30.  14:6,24,30,38  . 25:66.  b Josh.  19:51.  a 22: 

1.  26:63.  31:12  . 33:50.36:13.  Deut.  34:1,8.  1)  Lev.  25:32,33.  Josh.  14:3,4.21:2. 
Ez.  45:1— 8.  48.8,22.  1 Cor.  9:10— 14.  c Josh.  21:11.  2 Cl)r.  1 1:14.  Ez.45:2. 


and  peace  in  their  souls.  Their  numbers  have  likewise 
hitherto  been  few:  and  they  have  commonly  been  despised 
and  neglected,  by  the  multitude  of  the  turbulent  and  wicked 
of  the  world.  But  “ the  eye  of  the  Lord  is  upon  them;” 
“his  Name  is  their  strong  Tower  ;”  he  “ knoweth  what  things 
they  have  need  of,”  and  hath  reserved  for  them  a more  endur- 
ing inheritance  in  heaven  ; and  “ they  are  kept  by  his  power 
through  faith  unto  salvation.”  May  we  cast  our  lot  among 
them,  and  not  covet  riches,  nor  seek,  in  any  improper  way, 
to  increase  our  temporal  provision ; may  we  be  careful  not  to 
live  beneath  our  privileges,  through  sloth  or  indulgence ; may 
we  enjoy  the  earnest  of  the  Spirit  in  our  hearts,  as  an  assur- 
ance of  victory  and  eternal  life ; and  when  our  warfare  is 
ended,  may  we  be  welcomed  to  the  heavenly  Canaan  hy 
Jesus,  the  Prince  of  all  the  tribes  of  the  redeemed,  to  our 
everlasting  and  complete  satisfaction. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXXV.  V.  2 — 8.  These  cities, 

reserved  for  the  priests  and  Levites,  were  designed,  not 
only  for  their  accommodation,  but  likewise  that  they  might 
reside  as  religious  instructers  in  the  several  parls  of  the  land, 
and  conveniently  go  to  the  adjacent  towns  and  villages,  or 
receive  those  who  thence  resorted  to  them.  They  might  also 
dwell  elsewhere  on  some  occasions,  and  those  of  other  tribes 
might  live  in  these  cities  as  their  tenants. — Though  the  typical 
temple  service  was  limited  to  one  place  ; yet  reading,  expound- 
ing, and  enforcing  the  law  of  God,  with  prayer  and  praise, 
were  not  thus  confined,  but  might  be  attended  lo  any  where, 
with  reference  to  the  appointed  sacrifices  and  priesthood, 
and  to  the  ark  of  the  covenant.- — Thus  the  curse  pronounced 
on  Levi  (Gen.  49:7.)  was  turned  into  a blessing,  both  to  them, 
and  to  Israel  in  general. — Many  of  the  cities  spoken  of  seem 
to  have  been  like  our  market-towns  ; and  they  were  very 
numerous  in  that  populous  and  fruitful  country.  The  suburbs 
of  a thousand  cubits  nearest  the  city  would  serve  for  gardens 
and  out-houses  ; and  the  larger  suburb  of  another  thousand, 
at  a greater  distance,  would  yield  pasture  for  the  flocks. 
The  whole  seems  to  have  extended  nearly  three  quarters  of 
a mile  on  every  side  of  each  city ; and,  though  forty-eight 
such  cities  with  the  suburbs,  in  addition  to  the  tithes  and 
other  perquisites,  would  be  a very  plentiful  provision  for  this 
small  tribe,  it  does  not  appear  that  the  people  complained  of 
it  as  exorbitant. 

Cities  for  refuge.  (G)  Marg.  Ref  d.  .Note,  11:15. 

V.  11 — 15.  In  order  to  exprey  the  ireater  abhorrence  of 

( 315  ) 


B.  0 1452. 


NUMBERS, 


B.  C 1452. 


the  Levites,  there  shall  be  dsix  cities  for  refuge, 
which  ye  shall  appoint  for  the  manslayer,  that  he 
may  flee  thither : and  ‘to  them  ye  shall  add  forty 
ana  two  cities. 

7 So  all  the  cities  which  ye  shall  give  to  the 
Levites  shall  be  'forty  and  eight  cities : them  shall 
ye  give  with  their  suburbs. 

8 And  the  cities  which  ye  shall  give  shall  be  f of 
the  possession  of  the  children  of  Israel : efrom 
them  that  have  many  ye  shall  give  many ; but 
from  them  that  have  lew  ye  shall  give  few  : every 
one  shall  give  of  his  cities  unto  the  Levites  accord- 
ing to  his  inheritance  which  'he  inheriteth. 

[ Practical  Observations.'] 

9 II  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

10  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and  say 
unto  them;  hWhen  ye  be  come  over  Jordan  into 
the  land  ol  Canaan, 

11  Then  'ye  shall  appoint  you  cities  to  he  cities 
of  refuge  for  you  ; that  the  slayer  may  flee  thither, 
which  killeth  any  person  tat  unawares. 

12  And  they  shall  be  unto  you  cities  for  refuge 
kfrom  the  avenger ; that  the  manslayer  die  not, 
'until  he  stand  before  the  congregation  in  judg- 
ment. 

13  And  of  these  cities  which  ye  shall  give,  six 
cities  shall  ye  have  for  refuge. 

14  Ye  shall  give  “"three,  cities  on  this  side  Jor- 
dan, and  three  cities  shall  ye  give  in  the  land  of 
Canaan,  which  shall  be  cities  ol  refuge. 

15  These  six  cities  shall  be  a refuge,  " both  for 
the  children  of  Israel,  and  for  the  stranger,  and 
for  the  sojourner  among  them ; that  every  one 
that  killeth  any  person  unawares  may  flee  thither. 

16  And  °if  he  smite  him  with  an  instrument  of 
iron,  so  that  he  die,  he  is  a murderer : ''the  mur- 
derer shall  surely  be  put  to  death. 

17  And  if  he  smite  him  swithHhrovving  a stone, 
wherewith  he  may  die,  and  he  die,  he  is  a mur- 
derer : the  murderer  shall  surely  be  put  to  death. 

18  Or  if  he  smite  him  with  an  hand-weapon  of 
wood,  wherewith  he  may  die,  and  he  die,  he  is  a 
murderer : the  murderer  shall  surely  be  put  to 
death. 


a 13,14.  Deut.  4:41— 43.  Josh.  20:2,7,8.  21 :3, 13,21 ,27,32,38.  Ps.  9:9. 62:7,8.  142; 
4,5.  Is.  4:6.  Matt.  11:28.  Heb.  6:18.  * Heb.  above  them  ye  shall  give. 

e Josh.  21:3 — 42.  1 Chr.  6:54 — 81.  fGen.49:7.  Ex.  32:28,29.  D'eut.  33:8— 1 1. 
Josh.  21:3.  g 28:54.  33:54.  Ex.  16:18.  2 Cor.  8:13,14.  t Heb.  they  inherit. 
h 34:2.  Lev.  14:34.  25:2.  Deut.  12:9.  19:1,2.  i See  on  6.  Josh.  20:2.  J Heb.  by 
error.  22,23.  Ex.  21:13.  Deut.  4:42.  19:4,5.  k 19,25—27.  Deut.  19:6.  Josh.  20: 
S— 6,9.  2 Sam.  14:7.  124.  Deut.  19:11,12.  Josh.  20:4— 6.  m Deut.  4 :41—  43. 

19:8—10.  Josh.  20:7 — 9.  n 15:16.  Ex.  12:49.  Rum.  3:29.  Gal.  3:28.  o 22— 24. 
Deut.  19:11— 13.  p 30— 33.  Gen.  9:5,6.  Ex.  21 : 152 — 14.  Lev.  2-1:17.  qEx.21: 

18.  § Heb.  a stone  of  the  hand.  r 12,21,24,27.  Deut.  19:6,12.  Josh.  20:3,5. 


murder,  and  to  provide  the  more  effectually  for  the  punish- 
ment of  the  murderer,  the  prosecution  and  execution,  by 
ancient  custom,  devolved  upon  the  nearest  relation,  or  next 
heir,  or  “the  redeemer;”  (so  the  word  rendered  avenger 
signifies  ;)  the  very  person  to  whom  the  right  of  redemption 
belonged  ; who  in  notorious  cases  might  pursue  the  criminal 
any  whither,  and  execute  vengeance  without  the  formalities 
of  a trial.  This  custom,  under  certain  restrictions,  was  sanc- 
tioned by  the  divine  law : for  it  must  be  supposed,  that  the 
avenger  was  not  authorized  to  put  any  one  to  death  on  mere 
suspicion ; as  the  magistrates  and  congregation  might  not 
inflict  this  punishment,  except  the  fact  was  proved  by  the 
testimony  of  two  witnesses.  (Note,  24—30.)  But,  even  if 
the  person  was  certainly  known,  an  equitable  and  merciful 
provision  was  also  made,  for  the  security  of  those  who  had 
unintentionally  shed  blood.  Six  cities  were  appointed  in 
different  parts  of  the  land,  to  which  they  might  flee  for  refuge 
and  be  safe,  until  they  had  a fair  trial  before  the  proper  magis- 
trates. One  or  other  of  these  cities  would  lie  within  half  a 
day’s  journey  of  every  part  of  the  land.  It  would  rarely 
occur  that  the  avenger  of  blood  would  be  on  the  spot,  and 
none  else  had  a right  to  assault  or  detain  the  manslayer ; at 
least  if  no  malicious  intention  was  manifest.  These  unhappy 
men  would  therefore  generally  get  the  start  of  their  adver- 
saries, and  very  few  of  them  be  overtaken  before  they  gained 
the  place  of  refuge.  But  then  they  must  leave  their  families, 
employments,  and  most  important  interests^  and  dearest  com- 
forts : and  they  must  neither  loiter,  nor  yield  to  weariness, 
nor  regard  difficulties,  nor  slacken  their  pace,  till  they  had  got 
safe  within  the  walls  of  the  city  ; which  secured  them,  in  virtue 
of  the  divine  institution,  and  not  by  its  own  natural  strength. — 
Tne  Jewish  writers  inform  us,  that,  to  afford  every  facility 
to  those  who  thus  fled  for  their  life,  the  road  to  these  cities 
was  always  preserved  in  good  repair;  and  way-posts,  in- 
scribed Refuge,  were  placed  wherever  needful,  that  they 
nr  rht  not  so  much  as  hesitate  for  a moment.  All  strangers 
frj  a sojourners,  whether  proselytes  or  not,  were  allowed  the 
( 316  ) 


19  The  'revenger  of  blood  himself  shall  s’ay 
the  murderer:  when  he  meeteth  liim  he  shall  s'ay 
him. 

20  But  8if  he  thrust  him  of  hatred,  or  hun  at 
him  lby  laying  of  wait  that  he  die  ; 

21  Or  in  enmity  smite  him  with  his  hand,  that 
he  die : he  that  sriiote  him  shall  surely  be  put  tc 
death:  for  he  is  a murderer:  the  revenger  o 
blood  shall  slay  the  murderer  when  he  meeteth 
him. 

22  But  if  he  thrust  him  suddenly  “without 
enmity,  or  have  cast  upon  him  any  thing  without 
laying  of  wait; 

23  Or  with  any  stone,  wherewith  a man  may 
die,  seeing  him  not,  and  cast  it  upon  him  that  he 
die,  and  was  not  his  enemy,  neither  sought  his 
harm : 

24  Then  'the  congregation  shall  judge  between 
the  slayer  and  the  revenger  of  blood,  according  to 
these  judgments ; 

25  And  the  congregation  shall  deliver  the  slayer 
out  of  the  hand  of  the  revenger  of  blood,  and  the 
congregation  shall  restore  him  to  the  city  of  his 
refuge,  whither  he  was  fled : and  he  shall  ?abide 
in  it  unto  the  death  of  the  high-priest,  which  was 
'anointed  with  the  holy  oil. 

26  But  if  the  slayer  shall  at  any  time  come 
without  the  borders  of  the  city  of  his  refuge, 
whither  he  was  fled  ; 

27  And  the  revenger  of  blood  find  him  with- 
out the  borders  of  the  city  of  his  refuge,  and  the 
revenger  of  blood  kill  the  slayer  ; uhe  shall  not  be 
guilty  of  blood : 

28  Because  ahe  should  have  remained  in  the 
city  of  his  refuge  until  the  deal  h of  the  high-priest : 
but  bafter  the  death  of  the  high-priest,  the  slayer 
shall  return  into  the  land  of  his  possession. 

29  So  these  things  shall  be  for  ca  statute  of  judg- 
ment unto  you,  throughout  your  generations,  in 
all  your  dwellings. 

30  Whoso  killeth  any  person,  the  murderer 
shall  be  put  to  death  by  dthe  mouth  of  witnesses: 
but  one  witness  shall  not  testify  against  any  person 
to  cause  him  to  die. 


s Gen.  4:6,8.  2 Sam.  3:27.  13:22,28,29.  20:10.  1 Kings  2:5,6,32,33.  Prov.26:2!. 
28:17.  Luke  4:29.  l 1 Sam.  18:10,1 1 .25.  19:9—12.  20:1.  23:7—9.  24:11.  l’e.  10: 
7—11).  11:2.  35:7,8.  57:4—6.  Frov.  1 : 18,19.  Mark  6:19,24— 26.  Acta  20:3.  23:21. 
u 11.  Ex.  21:13.  Leut.  19:5.  Josh.  20:3,5.  x See  on  12.  y 28.  Josh.  20:6.  Rom. 
3:24—26.  Eph.  2: 16— 18.  Heb.  4:14—16.  7:25—28.  9:12—15.  10:19—22.  z Ex- 
29:7.  Lev.  8: 12.  21 : 10.  ||  Heb.  no  blood  ahull  be  to  him.  Ex.  22:2.  Deut.  19:6, 

10.  n John  15:4—6.  Acts  11:23.  27:31.  Heb.  3:14.  6:4—8.  10:26—30,39.  bHeb. 
9:11,12,15—17.  c See  on  27:1.  d Petit.  17:6,7.  19:15.  Matt.  18:16.  John  8:17, 
18.  2 Cor.  13:1.  1 Tim.  5:19.  Heb.  10:28.  Rev.  11:3. 


benefit  of  this  provision:  for  the  tradition  of  the  Jews,  that 
none  but  proselytes  were  intended,  most  evidently  contra- 
dicts the  text.  The  region  eastward  of  Jordan  was  nearly 
as  long  as  that  to  the  west  of  the  river,  and  therefore  three 
cities  were  appointed  in  each  division. 

V.  16 — 23.  The  several  instances  here  adduced  on  each 
side,  in  order  to  illustrate  the  grand  principle  of  the  law,  and 
the  difference  between  the  unfortunate  manslayer  and  the 
murderer,  are  not  intended  to  mark  the  distinction  between 
sudden  anger  and  malice  prepense  ; (which  latter  is  indeed  an 
aggravation,  but  not  essential  to  murder  :)  hut  between  inten- 
tionally striking  a man  with  any  weapon  likely  to  cause  death, 
or  in  wrath  from  hatred,  or  with  a design  of  doing  him  injury  ; 
and  an  unintentional  blow,  at  unawares,  and  without  seeking 
his  harm,  which  alone  is  here  considered  as  manslaughter. — 
(Note,  Deut.  19:2 — 10.) 

V.  24 — 30.  After  the  manslayer  had  been  received  into 
the  city  of  refuge,  the  avenger  of  blood  could  only  act  as 
prosecutor  ; and  the  magistrates,  in  the  presence  of  the 
people,  were  appointed  to  decide  the  cause  according  to  the 
rules  here  laid  down.  Probably  the  accused  person  was 
tried  at  cm*  near  the  place,  where  the  deceased  had  been  slain, 
and  where  evidence  could  most  easily  be  brought : and  in  case 
ho  was  acquitted  by  the  decision  of  the  judges,  and  with  the 
approbation  of  the  people,  ho  was  conveyed  hark  to  the  city 
of  refuge,  where  he  was  protected,  as  u kind  of  prisoner  at 
large,  till  the  death  of  the  high-priest ; when  the  public  loss, 
and  the  grief  occasioned  by  it,  might  he  supposed  to  swallow 
up  all  personal  regrets  and  resentments : and  then  he  was 
permitted  to  return  to  his  house  and  estate.  But  if,  in  the 
meanwhile,  he  ventured  to  leave  the  city,  and  the  avenger 
met  him  and  slew  him,  he  was  supposed  to  merit  his  doom, 
by  thus  neglecting  the  appointment  of  God  for  his  preserva- 
tion, and  the  avenger  must  not  bo  punished.  This  shows 
that  in  other  cases,  if  the  avenger  slew  an  innocent  man,  on 
surmise,  he  was  liable  to  the  punishment  i>f  a murderer. — 
But  if,  by  the  testimony  of  two  crediblo  witnesses,  the  man 


B.  C.  1455, 


CHAPTER  XXXVI 


B.  C.  1452. 


31  Moreover,  e>  0 shall  take  no  satisfaction  for 
the  life  of  a murderer,  which  is  'guilty  of  death  : 
but  he  shall  be  surely  nut  to  death. 

32  And  ye  shall  take  'no  satisfaction  ior  him 
that  is  fled  to  the  city  of  his  refuge,  that  he  should 
come  again  to  dwell  in  the  land,  until  the  death  of 
the  priest. 

33  So  ye  shall  not  pollute  the  land  wherein  ye 
are;  for  blood,  «it  defileth  the  land : fthe  land  can- 
not be  cleansed  of  the  blood  that  is  shed  therein, 
but  by  the  blood  of  him  that  shed  it. 

34  hDefile  not  therefore  the  land  which  ye  shall 
inhabit,  wherein  'I  dwell:  for  I the  Lord  ‘dwell 
among  the  children  of  Israel. 

a Gen  9:5,6.  Ex.  21:14.  Dent.  19:11— 13.  2Sam. 12:13.  1 Kings  2:28— 34.  Ps. 
61:14,16.  • Hob.  faulty  to  die.  fAcl»4:12.  Gal.  2:21 . 3:10— 13,22.  Rex.  5: 

9.  gLev. 18:25.  Dent.  21:1— 8,23.  2 Kings  23:26.  24:4.  Ps.  106:38.  Is.  26:21. 
Et. 22:24—27.  Hos.  4:2,3.  Mic.4:ll.  Mall. 23:35.  Luke  11:50,51.  t Heb. 
there  can  be  no  expiation  fur  the  land.  h 5:3.  Lev.  20:24 — -28.  i Ps.  135:21. 

who  had  tied  to  the  city  of  refuge  for  any  other  person  tried 
for  murder,)  was  adjudged  guilty,  lie  must,  without  fail,  be 
put  to  death  : yet  if  only  one  witness  supported  the  charge, 
though  he  appeared  guilty,  lie  must  not  be  thus  punished. 

V.  31 — 34.  Incase  murder  was  proved  against  a man,  no 
atonement  or  ransom  might  be  accepted  for  his  life  ; but,  how- 
ever otherwise  distinguished,  he  must  be  put  to  death  : nay, 
further,  no  atonement  or  compensation  might  purchase  the 
manslayer  the  liberty  of  leaving  the  city  of  refuge,  before  the 
death  of  the  high-priest  1 Because  murder  was  to  be  consi- 
dered, not  so  much  as  the  private  injury  of  an  individual,  as 
the  crime  of  the  nation,  which  could  only  be  expiated  by  the 
death  of  the  offender  ; and  as  defiling  the  land,  till  thus 
expiated.  (Note,  Deut.  21:1 — 9.)  Does  not  this  fully  prove, 
that  the  connivance  of  our  government,  in  the  burning  of 
widows  and  in  human  sacrifices,  and  in  other  species  of  murder 
committed  in  our  East  Indian  dominions,  under  the  pretext  of 
an  idolatrous  religion,  is  wholly  unjustifiable,  and  burthens 
our  land  and  all  connected  with  those  distant  regions,  with  the 
guilt  of  blood,  not  expiated  by  that  of  those  who  shed  it  ? — 
The  vengeance  of  God  might  be  expected  on  the  nation  of 
Israel,  if  the  magistrates  and  people  neglected  their  duty 
in  this  respect ; and  especially,  as  to  the  land  in  which 
the  Lord  himself  condescended  to  dwell  by  his  temple  and 
ordinances. 

This  remarkable  law,  expressive  of  the  deepest  detesta- 
tion of  murder,  yet  providing  most  effectually  against  the 
innocent  being  punished  with  the  guilty,  is  likewise  an  instruc- 
tive typical  representation  of  the  salvation  of  the  gospel. 
“ The  wrath  of  God  is  revealed  from  heaven  against  all 
ungodliness  and  unrighteousness  of  men.”  “ It  is  appointed 
unto  men  once  to  die,  and  after  death  is  the  judgment,”  with 
its  eternal  consequences.  In  the  mean  while,  a Refuge  is 
provided  and  revealed  in  Christ  Jesus.  His  ministers  warn 
sinners  to  “ flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,”  and  instruct  and 
exhort  them  to  “ flee  for  refuge,  to  lay  hold  on  the  hope  set 
before  them.”  All  things  are  prepared  for  the  reception  of 
those  who  obey  this  call.  By  faith  they  discern  both  their 
danger  and  Refuge.  Then  fear  urges  and  hope  animates. 
Should  death,  like  the  avenger  of  blood,  find  them  without, 
destruction  is  inevitable.  All  is  at  stake  : this  is  their  “ one 
thing  needful.”  Now  no  longer  will  they  be  amused,  or 
bribed,  or  persuaded  to  loiter.  Even  their  choicest  earthly 
comforts,  and  most  important  temporal  interests,  appear  com- 
paratively worthless.  They  “ count  all  but  loss  . . . that  they 
may  win  Christ,  and  be  found  in  him.”  They  apply  ear- 
nestly to  him,  and  follow  his  instructions.  They  are  wel- 
comed into  the  Refuge  which  he  hath  provided.  “ There  is 
lio  condemnation  to  them  who  are  in  Christ  Jesus  but  a 
trial  must  take  place  before  the  assembled  world,  by  which 
those  who  have  a right,  as  true  believers,  to  this  Refuge,  will 
be  distinguished  from  all  who  have  only  a dead  faith.  At 
present  true  believers  abide  in  him,  and  cleave  to  him  in  the 
obedience  of  faith  and  love  ; and  at  length  in  virtue  of  the 
death  of  their  great  and  gracious  High-Priest,  they  will  be 
restored  to  their  forfeited  inheritance. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 8.  The  provision  which  God  hath  appointed  for  his 
ministers,  was  not  intended  to  pamper  them  in  pride,  sloth,  or 
self-indulgence  ; and  thus  to  disqualify  them  for  their  work, 
and  teach  them  to  dislike  and  despise  it  : but  to  free  them 
from  distracting  care,  and  to  leave  them  at  leisure  wholly  to 
employ  themselves  in  their  important  duties  ; and  to  seize 
every  opportunity  of  conciliating  the  people,  and  gaining 
attention  to  their  instructions.  So  that  the  grant,  and  the 
effect  of  it  when  properly  used,  were  intended  ultimately 
and  mainly  for  the  advantage  of  those  who  gave,  not  of  those 
who  received  it.  But  the  sinfulness  of  man’s  heart  perverts 
the  wisest  constitutions,  human  and  divine  : and  the  abuse 
made,  alas  1 by  too  many  affords  others  a plausible  pretext 
for  neglecting  their  duty.  Thus  both  are  criminal,  but  they 
who  furnish  the  excuse  have  the  deeper  guilt. — It  is  very 
profitable  for  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  frequently  to  confer 
together.  This  tends  to  increase  mutual  love,  and  gives 
younger  ministers  especially  the  opportunity  of  profiting  by 
•he  knowledge,  experience,  and  observations  of  their  seniors  : 


CHAPTER  XXXYI. 

A difficulty  shown  by  the  Manassites  resjiecting  daughters  inheriting,  — 5, 
Such  must  marry  in  their  own  tribe , 6 — 9.  Zclonhehad's  daughters 
are  married  to  the  sons  of  their  father's  brother , 10 — lo. 

AND  the  chief  fathers  of  the  families  of  the 
children  of  “Gilead,  the  son  of  Machir,'the 
son  of  Manasseh,  of  the  families  of  the  sons  of 
Joseph,  came  near,  and  spake  before  Moses,  and 
before  the  princes,  the  chief  fathers  of  the  children 
of  Israel ; 

2 And  they  said,  bThe  Lord  commanded  my 
lord  to  give  the  land  for  an  inheritance  by  lot  to 
the  children  of  Israel : and  my  lord  was  com- 
manded by  the  Lord  cto  give  the  inheritance 
of  Zelophehad  our  brother  unto  his  daughters, 


Is.  57:15.  Hos.  9:3.  2 Cor.  6:16,17.  Rev.  21:3,27.  k 5:3.  Ex.  25:8.  29:45,46. 
1 Kings  6:13.  Ps.  132:14.  Is.  8:18.  a 26:29— 33.  27:1.  Josh.  17:2,3.  1 Chr.  7: 
14—16.  b 26:55,56.  27:1— 7 . 33:54.  Josh.  13:6.  14:1,2.  c27:7.  Josh.  17-.a-6. 
Job  42: 15. 


but  above  all  they  should  pray  much  together,  for  each  other 
personally , for  a blessing  on  each  other’s  labours,  for  a bless- 
ing on  the  word,  and  for  the  success  of  the  gpspel  and  the 
enlargement  of  the  church,  in  every  place.  And  when,  with 
this  advantage,  access  to  a number  of  willing  hearers  can  be 
obtained,  a minister  of  Christ  has  abundant  reason  for  con- 
tent and  thankfulness. — In  the  maintenance  of  the  ministry, 
in  the  support  of  divine  worship,  in  the  provision  for  the 
poor,  or  in  any  other  good  work,  equality  and  proportion 
should  be  considered,  both  by  those  who  contribute,  and 
those  who  receive  ; for  that  donation  is  liberality  from  the 
poorer,  which  is  shamefully  scanty  in  those  of  superior 
affluence. 

V.  9 — 34.  It  is  very  important  in  the  administration  of 
justice,  that  the  guilty  should  not  escape,  and  that  the  inno- 
cent should  not  suffer  : and  though  the  prosecution  and  exe- 
cution of  criminals  be  a painful,  and  in  many  cases  an  odious 
employment;  yet  it  is  necessary,  and  therefore  it  is  a duty 
which  should  be  performed  by  those  concerned,  from  regard 
to  public  justice,  and  the  welfare  of  society.  This  is  espe- 
cially the  case  with  murder  in  all  its  forms,  and  under  all  dis- 
guises, which  so  pollutes  the  land,  that  nothing  but  the  blood 
of  the  murderer,  whatever  be  his  rank  or  quality  can  cleanse 
it.  Alas  ! that  unscriptural  and  absurd  distinctions,  and  con- 
cessions to  the  maxims  of  proud  ungodly  men,  should  cause 
so  many  atrocious  murders  to  pass  unpunished,  the  guilt  of 
which,  with  accumulating  weight  will,  it  is  seriously  to  be 
apprehended,  help  to  sink  this  nation  into  destruction  ! — this 
nation  which  hath  so  long  been  favoured  in  a peculiar  manner 
in  God’s  providence,  and  where  he  hath  so  long  dwelt  by  his 
word  and  ordinances ; but  which,  infidelity,  profaneness,  and 
licentiousness,  threatening  to  deluge  all  before  them,  mark  to 
be  ripening  apace  for  ruin  ; except,  in  answer  to  the  prayers 
of  the  remnant  of  his  people,  u the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  lift  up 
a standard  against  them !”  Let  us  all  then  with  one  consent 
present  our  supplications  in  behalf  of  our  beloved  country, 
that  reformation  and  a general  revival  of  pure  religion  may 
avert  the  judgments  of  God. — The  restrictions,  dangers,  and 
inconveniences,  which  unintentional  bloodshed  occasioned, 
should  impress  us  with  horror  at  the  thought  of  even  heed- 
lessly occasioning  death ; and  should  increase  our  caution 
and  circumspection,  as  well  as  watchfulness  over  our  passions, 
and  also  our  earnestness  in  praying  to  be  preserved  from  such 
a calamity. — But,  above  all,  let  sinners  take  warning  without 
delay  to  flee  for  refuge  to  Jesus  Christ,  whatever  they 
renounce,  venture,  *and  suffer  : let  them  not  stop  short,  turn 
back,  or  loiter  : let  them  not  fear  a repulse  ; for  the  Refuge 
is  appointed  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  all  such,  as  are  sen- 
sible of  their  danger,  and  flee  to  lay  hold  on  the  hope  set 
before  them,  how  vile  soever  they  have  been.  Let  them 
abide  in  Christ,  and  show  their  faith  by  a thankful  obedience 
to  him,  who  died  for  sinners,  and  rose  again  : let  them  be 
careful  not  to  pervert  this  refuge  by  encouraging  themselves 
in  unrepented  sin  : and  let  them  wait  the  appointed  time,  and 
they  shall  certainly  at  length  be  restored  to  liberty,  and  rein- 
stated in  their  forfeited  inheritance.  The  Lord  grant  that 
neither  the  writer,  nor  any  of  the  readers,  may  he  4i  of  those 
who  draw  back  unto  perdition but  that  we  all  may  be  “ of 
those  who  believe  to  the  saving  of  the  soul !” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXVI.  V.  1—12.  It  does  not 
appear  that  Manasseh  left  any  son  but  Machir,  or  Machir 
any  son  but  Gilead ; from  whose  posterity,  in  different  families, 
this  whole  numerous  tribe  had  sprung.  To  one  division  of  it 
a portion  had  been  assigned  eastward  of  Jordan : but  Zelo- 
phehad was  of  that  division,  to  which  an  inheritance  was  after- 
wards allotted  west  of  Jordan ; yet,  expecting  the  promised 
land,  the  elders  of  the  Manassites  proposed  a difficulty,  upon 
the  adjudged  case  of  Zelophehad’s  daughters.  ( Notes , 27:1 — 
11.) — If  the  females  should  inherit,  in  defect  of  male  issue, 
and  should  intermarry  with  other  tribes,  they  would  diminish 
the  interest  and  weaken  the  influence  of  their  own  tribes,  and 
give  occasion  to  future  confusion,  and  perhaps  contention. 
The  Manassites  therefore  referred  the  case  to  Moses ; and 
he,  by  the  authority  of  God,  annexed  a clause,  which  would 
effectually  keep  the  tribes  and  inheritances  distinct,  as  long 
as  it  was  observed.  Heiresses  were  not  allowed  to  marry 

( 317  i 


B.  C.  Uu2.  DEUTERONOMY.  B.  C.  1452. 


3 And  if  they  be  married  to  any  of  the  sons  of 
the  other  tribes  of  the  children  of  Israel ; then 
shall  their  inheritance  be  taken  from  the  inherit- 
ance of  our  fathers,  and  shall  be  put  to  the  in- 
heritance of  the  tribe  'whereunto  they  are  re- 
ceived : so  shall  it  be  taken  from  the  lot  of  our 
inheritance. 

4 And  when  dthe  jubilee  of  the  children  of 
Israel  shall  be,  then  shall  their  inheritance  be  put 
unto  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  whereunto  they 
are  received : so  shall  their  inheritance  be  taken 
away  from  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  of  our 
fathers. 

5 And  Moses  commanded  the  children  of 
Israel,  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord,  say- 
ing. The  tribe  of  the  sons  of  Joseph  'hath  said 
well. 

6 This  is  the  thing  which  the  Lord  doth  com- 
mand concerning  the  daughters  of  Zelophehad, 
saying,  Let  them  hnarry  to  whom  they  think  best : 
f only  to  the  family  of  the  tribe  of  their  father  shall 
they  marry. 

7 So  shall  not  the  inheritance  of  the  children  of 
Israel  remove  from  tribe  to  tribe  ; for  every  one  of 

Heb.  unto  whom  they  shall  be.  cl  Lev.  25:10 — 18,23.  Is.  61:2.  Luke  4 : 18,19. 
e 27:7.  Dent.  5:28.  T Heh.  be  wives,  f 12.  Gen.  24:57,58.  J Heb.  cleare 
to  9.1  Kings  21:3  g 1 Chr.  23.22.  h Ex.  39:42,43.  Lev . 24:23.  2 Chr.  30: 12. 

out  of  their  own  tribe, .though  within  those  bounds  they  might 
consult  their  own  inclinations.  Probably  there  had  been 
some  prospect  of  Zelophehad’s  daughters  marrying  into 
another  tribe ; as  both  their  character  and  expected  inherit- 
ance would  induce  overtures  from  different  quarters : but 
when  the  will  of  God  was  declared,  all  parties  acquiesced, 
and  they  were  married  to  their  own  cousim ; not  out  of  neces- 
sity, for  there  were  many  thousands  within  the  assigned  limits  ; 
but  by  choice,  and  perhaps  because  these  were  the  next  heirs 
of  the  family;  and  we  may  hence  learn  that  there  is  nothing 
improper  insuen  marriages,  as  it  has  often  been  groundlessly 
supposed. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

No  laws,  however  excellent,  express,  or  multiplied,  can 
reach  every  particular  case  which  may  arise ; and  still  room 
will  be  left  for  the  exercise  of  sound  judgment,  and  common 
sense.  But  when  these. are  regulated  according  to  the  true 
meaning  of  the  word  of  God,  and  in  dependence  on  divine 
teaching,  they  will  guide  us  through  all  perplexities,  as  far  as 
our  immediate  duty  is  concerned.  Yet  the  Lord  frequently 
eaves  us  to  feel  our  difficulties,  that  we  may  be  habituated 


the  children  of  Israel  shall  tkeep  himself  to  the 
inheritance  of  the  tribe  of  his  fathers. 

8 And  eevery  daughter,  that  poesesset.h  an  in- 
heritance in  any  tribe  of  the  children  of  Israel, 
shall  be  wife  unto  one  of  the  family  of  the  tribe  of 
her  father,  that  the  children  of  Israel  may  enjoy 
every  man  the  inheritance  of  his  fathers. 

9 Neither  shall  the  inheritance  remove  from  one 
tribe  to  another  tribe  ; but  every  one  of  the  tribee 
of  the  children  of  Israel  shall  keep  himself  to  his 
own  inheritance. 

10  H Even  has  the  Lord  commanded  Moses,  so 
did  the  daughters  of  Zelophehad  : 

11  For  ‘Mahlah,  Tirzah,  and  Hoglah,  and 
Milcah,  and  Noah,  the  daughters  of  Zelophehad, 
were  married  unto  their  father’s  brother’s  sons. 

12  And  they  were  married  *into  the  families  of 
the  sons  of  Manasseh,  the  son  of  Joseph  ; and 
their  inheritance  remained  in  the  tribe  of  the 
family  of  their  father. 

13  These  are  kthe  commandments  and  the 
judgments,  which  the  Lord  commanded  by  the 
hand  of  Moses  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  ‘in  the 
plains  of  Moab  by  Jordan  near  Jericho. 


Mall.  28:20.  127:1.  § Heb.  to  some  that  were  of  the  families,  k Lev.  7:37, 
38.  11:46.  13:59.  14:54—57.  15:32.33.  27:34.  126:3.  33:50.  35:1. 


to  refleci,  to  search  the  Scriptures,  and  to  trust  him  more 
simply. — All  our  inclinations  ought  to  be  subjected  to  the  will  of 
God:  and  in  contracting  marriage,  future  consequences  to  pos- 
terity, as  well  as  to  ourselves  and  our  connexions,  should  be 
taken  into  consideration. — The  Scriptures  indeed  suppose 
that  esteem,  affection,  and  preference,  are  requisite  in  this 
important  relation;  but  they  know  nothing  of  that  irrational, 
ungovernable,  and  idolatrous  passion,  which  regardless  of  ali 
consequences,  and  in  defiance  of  all  authority,  rushes  head- 
long upon  gratification ; which  is  neither  moderated  by  discre- 
tion, nor  subordinated  to  the  will  of  God ; which  is  not  rational 
esteem,  nor  tender  friendship,  nor  congenial  affection,  but 
something  vastly  more  rapturous,  unintelligible,  and  undc- 
finable ; and  which,  with  all  its  refinements,  is  inconsistent 
with  common  sense,  the  interests  of  society,  the  happiness 
of  domestic  life,  and  the  Christian  religion. — Finally,  though 
it  is  prudent  to  foresee  and  prevent  disputes  about  temporal 
property,  it  would  be  better  if  we  were  equally  quicksighted 
and  attentive  in  respect  of  our  spiritual  and  eternal  interests. 
But  “ the  children  of  this  world  are  wiser  in  their  generation 
than  the  children  of  light.” 


THE  FIFTH  BOOK  OF  MOSES, 

CALLED 


DEUTERONOMY. 


This  oook  is  named  by  the  Jews,  as  in  some  former  instances,  from  one  of  the  first  words  (O'*0T.)  Some  however,  call  it, The 
Book  of  Reprehensions , from  the  reproofs  contained  in  it-,  others  style  it  Torah  (mm,)  or  the  Law  ; and  Misva  (7WD,  17:18 
Heb.)  which  is  nearly  the  same  as  Deuteroncmy , the  name  taken  from  the  Septuagint  in  our  version ; which  signifies  a sccona 
law , or  a repetition  of  the  law.  Indeed  several  of  the  laws  before  given  are  repeated:  sometimes  with  further  explanations, 
and  enforced  by  the  most  animated  and  pathetic  exhortations  and  expostulations;  and  therefore  Moses  generally  speaks  in  tha 
first  person,  and  directly  addresses  the  people.  In  the  former  books  he  spake  as  a lawgiver,  merely  declaring  the  statutes,  which 
God  had  delivered  to  him.  But  here  ne  is  more  generally  a preacher,  enforcing  on  a new  generation,  the  laws  before  given 
with  illustrations,  warnings,  exhortations,  and  persuasions,  frequently  in  the  highest  style  of  simple  pathetic  eloquence.  The  most 
remarkable  events  of  the  preceding  history  are  likewise  recapitulated,  and  applied  to  practical  purposes.  These  repetitions  were 
peculiarly  proper,  in  his  circumstances  ; and  the  way  in  which  Moses  applied  them,  was  exceedingly  adapted  to  leave  a deep 
and  durable  impression  on  the  hearts  and  consciences  of  the  people. — But  several  new  laws  are  likewise  added,  and  various  other 
things  not  before  mentioned. — The  last  two  months  of  Moses’s  life,  which  he  knew  to  he  his  concluding  scene,  were  employed 
in  delivering  and  committing  to  writing  the  several  parts  of  this  book  ; so  that  it  contains  his  dying  exhortations  to  Israel : and 
his  active  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  fervent  love  to  his  people,  with  the  various  methods  which  ne  employed  for  their  benefit 
in  his  concluding  days,  are  very  remarkable. — Having  reminded  them  of  the  Lord’s  dealings  with  their  fathers  and  with  them, 
and  of  their  past  rebellions,  he  enforced  obedience  to  all  his  commandments  with  unequalled  pathos  and  energy,  and  almost  from 
every  imaginable  motive.  He  set  before  them,  in  prophetical  blessings  and  curses,  the  consequences  of  their  conduct ; and  gave 
directions  for  writing  the  law  on  pillars  of  stone,  and  ratifying  its  principal  parts  in  a most  extraordinary  manner,  from  mount 
EIkiI  and  mount  Gerizim.  (27:) — He  then  formed  the  substance  of  his  instructions,  exhortations,  and  Namings,  into  a prophetical 
songi  (31:32:) — and  finally  pronounced  blessings,  evidently  prophetical,  on  their  several  tribes.  (33:) — Thus  far  (lie  hook  was 
no  doubt  written  by  him,  and  has  every  mark  of  being  genuine  ; hut  at  the  close  some  other  person  informs  us,  that  Moses  having 
ascended  mount  Nebo,  viewed  the  promised  land,  and  died,  and  was  buried  by  the  Lord  himself,  and  lamented  by  Israel  thirty 
clays.  (34:) — It  is  an  honourable  circumstance  to  this  portion  of  Scripture,  that  our  Lord  took  all  tho  texts  from  it,  with  which 
ne  baffled  Satan’s  temptations  : and  it  is  in  both  testaments  quoted  as  the  work  of  Moses,  and  the  word  of  God.  (1  Kings  2:3. 
2 Chr.  23:4.  Dan.  9:13.  Matt.  4;4,7,10.  John  1:45.  diets  3:22.  7:37.  Rom.  10;6,8.  1 Cor.  9:9  Gal.  3:10— 13.— The  prophecies 
also  contained  in  it.  are  most  explicit  and  numerous,  and  unanswerably  demonstrate  its  divine  original.  They  have  been 
evidently  fulfilling  during  a course  of  above  three  thousand  years;  and  yet  some  of  them  remain  unaccomplished.  Of  this  the 
reader  will  judge  for  himself  on  carefully  considering  the  Notes  on  the  chapters  here  referred  to.  (4;  18:  29:  29:  31*  33:) 

1 318  ) 


U.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  I, 


B.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  1. 

Moses,  toward  the  end  of  the  fortieth  year  of  Israel's  continuance  in  the  wil- 
derness, addresses  the  people,  1 — 5.  He  relates  how  the  Lord  directed  them 
to  leave  Horeb,  6 — 8 ; and  appointed  him  assistants  in  the  government  ,9 — 
IS  ; how  they  passed  the  desert  to  Kadesh-barnea,  and  sent  spies  to  search 
the  land  ; and  through  their  report,  brought  on  themselves  the  sentence  of 
exclusion  from  the  promised  land , by  their  unbelief , 19 — 46. 

THESE  be  the  words  which  Moses  spake  unto 
all  Israel,  "on  this  side  Jordan,  in  the  wilder- 
ness, in  the  plain  over  against  'the  Red  sea, 
between *  l,Paran,  and  Tophel,  and  Laban,  and 
"Hazeroth,  and  Dizahab. 

2 ( There  are  eleven  days  ’journey  from  Horeb, 
t*by  the  way  of  mount  Seir,  "unto  Kadesh-barnea.) 

3  And  it  came  to  pass  ' in  the  fortieth  year,  in 
the  eleventh  month,  on  the  first  day  of  the  month, 
that  Moses  spake  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  ac- 
cording unto  all  that  the  Lord  had  given  him  in 
commandment  unto  them ; 

4  After  she  had  s.ain  Sihon  the  king*of  the 
Amorites,  which  dwelt  in  Heshbon,  and  Cte  the 
king  of  Bashan,  which  dwelt  at  Astaroth  in  Edrei : 

5  On  this  side  Jordan,  in  the  land  of  Moab, 
began  Moses  hto  declare  this  law,  saying, 
b.  c.  i G The  Lord  our  God  spake  unto  us  ’in 
U90.  J Horeb,  saying,  kYe  have  dwelt  long  enough 
in  this  mount : 

7  Turn  you,  and  take  your  journey,  and  go  to 
‘the  mount  of  the  Amorites,  and  unto  tall  the 
places  ni»h  thereunto,  “in  the  plain,  in  the  hills, 
and  in  the  vale,  and  in  the  south,  and  by  the 
sea-side,  to  the  land  of  the  Canaanites,  and 
unto  Lebanon,  unto  "the  great  river,  the  river 
Euphrates. 

8  Behold,  I have  Jset  the  land  before  you : go 
in  and  possess  the  land  "which  the  Lord  sware 
unto  your  fathers,  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  to 
give  unto  them,  and  to  their  seed  after  them. 

[Practical  Observations.'] 

a Num.32:5, 19,32  . 34:15.  £5:14.  Josh.  9:1,10.  22:4,7.  * Or,  Zuph.  b 33:2.  Gen. 
21:21.  Num.  10:12.  12:16.  13:3,26.  1 Sam.  2-5:1.  Hub.  3:3.  c Num.  11:35.  33: 
17,18.  d 44.  2 4,8.  Num.  20:17— 21.  e 2: 14.  9:23.  Num.  13:26. 32:8.  Josh.  14: 
6.  fNum.  20:1.  33:38.  g 2:26— 37.  3:1— 11 . Num.  21:21— 35.  Josh.  12:2— 6. 
13:10—12.  Neh.  9:22.  Ps.  135:11.  136:19,20.  h 4:8.  17:18,19.31:9.32:46. 

I 5:2.  Ex.  3:1.  17:6.  k Ex.  19:1.2.  Num.  10:11— 13.  1 Gen . 15:16— 21 . Ex. 

23:31.  Num.  34:3 — 12.  Josh.  24:15.  Am.  2:9.  t Heb . all  his  neighbours,  mil: 
11.  Josh.  10:40.  11:16,17.  nll:24.  Josh. 1:4.  2Sam.8:3.  1 Chr. 5:9.  18:3. 

IHeb.  siven.  o Gen.  12:7  13:14,15.15:16.17:7,8.26:3,4.28:13.  p Ex.  18:18. 
Num.  11:11—14,17.  q 10:22.  28:62.  Gen.  15:5.  22:17.  28:14.  Ex.  12:37.  32:13. 
Num:  1:46.  1 Chr.  27:23.  Neh.  9:23.  r2.Sam.24:3.  lChr.21:3.  Pa.  115:14. 

• Gen.  49:25.  Num.  6:27.  22:fc.  t 9.  Ex.  18:13—16.  Num.  11:11—15.  1 Kings 


NOTES. — Chap.  I.  V.  1.  “ The  words,”  as  here  men- 
tioned, seem  to  mean  the  subsequent  exhortations  which 
Moses  delivered  to  the  principal  persons  in  Israel,  that  they 
might  make  them  known  in  their  several  tribes  and  families. 
Perhaps  he  spake  Some  of  the  principal  passages  many  times 
over  to  the  people  in  general,  assembled  in  large  companies 
for  that  purpose : but  there  is  no  ground  to  suppose  that  his 
voice  was  miraculously  rendered  audible  to  the  whole  nation 
at  once,  as  some  have  asserted. — The  names  of  places,  here 
mentioned,  seem  intended  to  mark  out  the  spot,  where  Israel 
was  encamped,  as  contiguous  to  all  of  them : but  it  is  not 
easy  to  make  this  out.  The  marginal  reading,  Zuph,  instead 
of  “ the  Red  Sea,”  seems  preferable,  as  there  is  nothing  in 
the  original  for  sea.  Probably-  Zuph  was  a place  in  the 
country  of  Moab.  (Note,  Num.‘i\:\\ — 15.)  There  might 
also  be  other  places  called  Paran  and  Hazeroth,  besides  those 
before  read  of,  which  were  remote  from  the  present  encamp- 
ment of  Israel. — The  word  rendered  “ on  this  side,”  may 
mean  at  the  passage  of  Jordan.  No  doubt  the  eastern  side 
was  intended. 

Red  Sea.]  f|'D. — nsiD3,  Num.  21:14. — Zuph  (marg.) 

would  more  properly  be  Soph ; as  it  is  spelt  with  Santech, 
not  Zain.  Thisconfirtns  the  opinion  above  stated,  that  the 
clause,  rendered  “ the  Red  Sea,”  means  the  same  place  in 
Moab  which  is  mentioned  in  Num.  21:14. 

V.  2.  This  seems  to  have  been  introduced  to  remind  the 
Israelites,  that  their  own  misconduct  alone  had  occasioned 
their  tedious  wanderings : otherwise  they  might  long  before 
have  been  settled  in  peaceable  possession  of  Canaan  ; as  in 
eleven  days  they  might  have  marched  from  Horeb  to  the 
borders  of  the  land. — It  does  not  appear,  that  the  march 
of  Israel  from  Horeb  to  Kadesh-barnea,  at  the  first,  took 
up  much  time.  (6 — 8,19,20.  Num.  10:12,13.  13:3, 2G.  14:25. 
32:8.) 

V.  5.  This  law.]  The  word  law  is  at  some  times  used 
with  considerable  latitude,  and  at  others  with  more  exact 
precision,  which  is  generally  perceivable  from  the  context. 
This  book  does  not  contain  another  law,  distinct  from  that  of 
the  foregoing  books  • and  it  is  evident  it  comprises  much  more 
than  a repetition  of  the  law  before  given.  “ This  law  ” must 
therefore  mean  the  commands  of  God,  enforced  by  arguments 
deduced  from  their  reasonableness  and  authority,  from  the 


9 IT  And  I spake  unto  you  at  that  time,  saying, 

>’I  am  not  able  to  bear  you  myself  alone : 

10  The  Lord  lyour  God  bath  multiplied  you, 
and,  behold,  ye  are  this  day  as  the  stars  of  heaven 
for  multitude. 

11  (The  Lord  God  of  your  fathers  "make  you 
a thousand  times  so  many  more  as  ye  are,  “and 
bless  you,  as  he  hath  promised  you  !) 

12  How  can  I myself  alone  ‘bear  your  cum- 
brance,  and  your  burden,  and  your  strife  ? 

13  §Take  ye  “wise  men,  and  understanding,  and 
known  among  your  tribes,  and  I will  make  then 
rulers  over  you. 

14  And  ye  answered  me,  and  said,  The  thing 
which  thou  hast  spoken  is  good  for  us  to  do. 

15  So  "I  took  the  chief  of  your  tribes,  wise 
men,  and  known,  and  "made  them  heads  over 
you,  ^captains  over  thousands,  and  captains  over 
hundreds,  and  captains  over  fifties,  and  captains 
over  tens,  and  officers  among  your  tribes. 

16  And  I “charged  your  judges  at  that  time, 
saying,  "Hear  the  causes  between  your  brethren, 
and  judge  righteously  between  every  man  and  bis 
brother,  and  bthe  stranger  that  is  with  him. 

17  Ye  "shall  not  "respect  persons  in  judgment ; s 
but  dye  shall  hear  the  small  as  well  as  the  great; 
"ye  shall  not  be  afraid  of  the  face  of  man,  for 
fthe  judgment  is  God’s:  and  ethe  cause  that  is 
too  hard  for  you,  bring  it  unto  me,  and  I will 
hear  it. 

18  And  I hcommanded  you  at  that  time  all  the 
things  which  ye  should  do. 

19  IT  And  when  we  departed  from  Horeb,  we 
went  'through  all  that  great  and  terrible  wilder- 
ness, which  ye  saw  by  the  way  of  the  mountain 
of  the  Amorites,  as  the  Lord  our  God  com- 
manded us : and  kwe  came  to  Kadesh-barnea. 

20  And  ! said  unto  you,  Ye  are  come  unto 

3:8,9.  Ps.  89:19.  2 Cor.2:I6.  3:5.  §Heb.fioe.  n Ex.  18:21.  Num.  11:16,13. 
Acts  1:21—23.  6:2-6.  x 16:18.  Ex.  18:25,26.  II  Heb.  gave.  Eph.  4:11.  iNiinu 
31:14.  1 Sam.  8:12.  17:18.  22:7.  7.27:11.  31:14.  Num.  27:19.  I Thes.2:ll.'l  Tim. 
5:21.6:17.  a 16:19.  Ex. 23:2,3,7,8.  Lev.  19:15. 2 Sam. 23:3.  2 Chr.  19:6—10.  Pa. 
58:1.  John  7:24.  b 10:18,19.  24:14.  Ex.  22:21.  23:9.  Lev.  24:22.  c 10:17.  1 Sam. 
16:7.  2 Sam.  14:14.  Prov.  24:23.  Luke  20:21.  Acls  10:34,35.  Rom.  2:11.  Eph.  6: 

9.  Col.  3:25.  Jam.  2:3,9.  1 1 el . 1:17.  IT  Heb.  acknowledge  faces,  tl  Ex.  23:3, 
6,7.  1 Sam.  12:3,4.  Job  22:6— 9.  29:11—17.  31:13—16.  Ps.  82:3,4.  I'rov.  22:22, 
23.  Jer.  5:28,29.  Am.  5:11,12.  Mic.  2:1— 3.  3:1—4.  7:3,4.  Jam.  2:2— 4,6. 
e 1 Kings  21:8—14.  Job  31:34.  Prov.  29:25.  Matt.  22:16.  Mark  12:14.  1 Thes.  2« 

4.  f2  Chr.  19:6.  g 17:8— 10.  Ex.  18:18,26.  h 4:5,40.  12:28,32.  Matt.  28:20. 
Act6  20:20,27.  i 8:15.  32:10.  Num.  10:12.  Jer.  2:6.  k See  on2.  Num.  13.26. 


consequences  of  obedience,  and  from  the  experience  of  former 
years. 

V.  f — 8.  Moses,  being  about  to  recapitulate  some  re- 
markable particulars  of  the  preceding  narrative,  as  introduc- 
tory to  his  exhortations,  began  with  Israel’s  departure  from 
Horeb.  They  had  continued  there  almost  a year  : and  as 
the  law  had  then  been  given,  and  the  worship  at  the  tabernacle 
fully  instituted  ; they  needed  to  stay  there  no  longer,  but  go 
directly,  (as  on  a journey^ather  than  a warfare,)  and  possess 
the  promised  land  ; both  Wat  which  was  more  properly  called 
Canaan,  and  also  the  other  countries  even  to  the  Euphrates. 
(Notes,  Num.  10:11—13,34.) 

V.  11.  In  rather  more  than  two  hundred  years,  the  people 
had  multiplied  to  much  more  than  ten  thousand  times  the 
number  of  which  they  had  consisted  1 The  promises  of  God 
did  not  limit  their  future  increase,  nor  did  the  faith  and  prayer 
of  Moses  ; for  a large  definite  is  taken  for  an  indefinite  num- 
ber.— Under  Pharaoh  the  increase  of  Israel  excited  jealousy 
and  cruelty  : (Note,  Ex.  1:9,10.)  hut  Moses  delighted  in  it, 
and  prayed  that  it  might  be  still  far  greater.  This  was  a 
tacit  reproof  of  their  murmurings  and  wishes  to  return  into 
Egypt : and  he  evidently  meant  to  remind  them,  that  he 
sought  not  his  own  grandeur  or  advantage,  hut  their  good  r 
and  that  in  the  most  laborious,  patient,  and  disinterested 
manner.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  12 — 18.  The  counsel,  here  referred  to,  seems  to  have 
been  suggested  by  Jethro  before  the  giving  of  the  law.  (Notes, 
Ex.  18:13 — 26.)  Moses  in  consequence  proposed  it  to  the 
Lord,  who  approved  it ; and  then,  with  the  concurrence  of 
the  people,  it  at  length  took  place  about  the  time  when  they 
departed  from  Horeb,  and  at  no  great  distance  from  that  of 
the  appointment  of  the  seventy  elders.  (Notes,  Num.  11:16 
— 30.)  The  captains,  however,  must  have  been  distinct  from 
the  elders,  and  much  more  numerous  : being  according  to  the 
number  of  the  thousands  and  hundreds,  over  whom  they  pro- 
bably presided  in  a civil  and  military  capacity,  yet  with 
subordination ; and  therefore  the  superiors  of  them  might  be 
called  judges.  Or  these  judges  might  be  the  seventy  elder* 
appointed  soon  afterwards. 

V.  22 — 28.  (Notes,  and  P.  O.  Num.  13:14.)  The  peopl* 
proposed  this  measure  from  unbelief;  Moses  mistaking  their 
intention,  approved  of  it ; and  the  Lord,  being  justly  displeased, 

( 319  ) 


3.  C.  14 IS.  DEUTERONOMY.  B.  C.  1452. 


•the  mountain  of  the  Amontes,  which  the  Lord 
our  God  doth  give  unto  us. 

21  Behold,  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  set  the 
land  before  thee : go  up  and  possess  it,  as  the 
Lord  God  of  thy  fathers  hath  said  unto  thee : 
rafear  not,  neither  be  discouraged. 

22  And  ye  came  near  unto  me  every  one  of 
you,  and  said,  11  We  will  send  men  before  us,  and 
they  shall  search  us  out  the  land,  and  bring  us 
word  again  by  what  way  we  must  go  up,  and  into 
what  cities  we  shall  come. 

23  And  the  saying  pleased  me  well : and  I took 
twelve  men  of  you,  one  of  a tribe. 

24  And  "they  turned  and  went  up  into  the 
mountain,  and  came  unto  the  valley  of  Eshcol, 
and  searched  it  out. 

25  And  they  took  of  the  fruit  of  the  land  in 
their  hands,  and  brought  it  down  unto  us,  and 
brought  us  word  again,  and  said,  It  is  a good  land 
which  the  Lord  our  God  doth  give  us. 

26  Notwithstanding  Pye  would  not  go  up,  but 
rebelled  against  the  commandment  of  the  Lord 
your  God. 

27  And  ye  murmured  in  your  tents,  and  said, 
Because  “Hhe  Lord  hated  us,  he  hath  brought  us 
forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  to  deliver  us  into 
the  hand  of  the  Amorites,  to  destroy  us. 

28  Whither  shall  we  go  up  ? our  brethren  have 
'discouraged  our  heart,  saying,  rThe  people  is 
greater  and  taller  than  we  ; the  cities  are  great 
and  walled  up  to  heaven  ; and,  moreover,  awe 
have  seen  the  sons  of  the  Anakims  there. 

29  Then  I said  unto  you,  ‘Dread  not,  neither 
be  afraid  of  them. 

30  The  Lord  your  God  which  goeth  before 
ou,  "he  shall  fight  for  you,  ’according  to  all  that 
e did  for  you  in  Egypt  before  your  eyes : 

31  And  yin  the  wilderness,  where  thou  hast  seen 
how  that  the  Lord  thy  God  ‘bare  thee  as  a man 
doth  bear  his  son,  in  all  the  way  that  ye  went, 
until  ye  came  into  this  place. 

32  Yet  in  this  thing  aye  did  net  believe  the 
Lord  your  God, 

33  Who  went  bin  the  way  before  you,  to  search 
you  out  a place  to  pitch  your  tents  in,  cin  fire  by 

I See  on  7,8.  m20:l.  Num.  13:30.  14:8,9.  Josh. 1:9.  Ps.  27:1— 3.  46:1,7,11. 
Is.  41:10.  43:1,2.  I.uke  12:32.  Hell.  13:6.  n See  on  Num.  13:1— 20.  o See  on 
Num.  13:21— 37.  Jo«h.  2:1,2.  p Num.  14: 1—4.  P».  106:24,25.  Is.  63:10.  Acts 
7:51.  q 9:28.  Ex.  16:3,8.  Num.  14:3.  21 :5.  Matt.  25:24.  Luke  19:21.  • Heb. 

melted.  20:8.  marg.  Ex.  15:15.  Josh.  2:9,11,24.  marg.  14:8.  Is.  13:7.  Ez.  21:7. 
r 9:1.  Nurn.  13:23—33.  s 9:2.  Josh.  11:22.  15:14.  Judg.  1:10,20.  2 Sam.  21:16— 
22.  t See  on  21.  u 20:1— 4.  Ex.  14:14,25.  Josh.  10:42.  1 Sara.  17:45,46.  2 Chr. 
14:11,12.  32:8.  Neh.4:20.  Ps.  46:11.  Is.  8:9,10.  Rom.  8:31.  x Ex.  7:— 15:  Pa. 
78:11-13,43-51.  105:27—36.  v Ex.  16:  17:  Neh.  9:12— 23.  Pe.  78: 14— 28.  105: 
39—41.  z 32:11,12.  Ex.  19:4.  Num.  11:11,12,14.  la.  46:3,4.  63:9.  Hos.  11:3,4. 
Acts  13:18.  marg.  a 2 Chr.  20:20.  Pa.  78:22.  106:24.  Ia.  7:9.  Heb.  3:12,18,19. 
Jude  5.  b Ex.  13:21.  Num.  10:33.  Pa.  77:20.  Ez.  20:6.  c Ex.  13:21 ,22.  14:19, 

permitted  them  to  follow  their  owmcounsel,  which  proved  in- 
jurious to  them  only  through  their  sin  and  folly.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  29 — 31 . Moses,  in  bitterness  of  spirit,  when  greatly 
tried,  had  hastily  spoken,  as  if  he  had  been  required  to  bear 
Israel  as  a man  does  his  son;  (Note,  Num.  11:11 — 15.)  but 
he  here  tacitly  retracted  it,  and  allowed  that  the  Lord  himself 
had  thus  borne  or  carried  them. — The  arguments,  which  he 
at  that  time  used  with  them,  taken  from  their  past  experience 
of  God’s  poVerful  protection  and  tender  care,  are  here  ad- 
duced, though  not  related  in  the  account  of  these  transactions. 

V.  32 — 36.  Moses  here  addressed  another  generation,  and 
not  that  which  had  been  sentenced,  for  unbelief  and  disobe- 
dience, to  fall  in  the  wilderness : but  many  of  them  might  be 
concerned,  though  not  at  that  time  of  age  ; the  rest  in  general 
showed  a disposition  to  imitate  the  sin  of  their  fathers ; and 
they  formed  the  same  nation,  the  same  body  corporate, 
though  not  the  same  individuals.  (Notes,  Ex.  13:21,22.  40:36 
—38.  Num.  14:22—24.) 

V.  37.  It  was  natural  for  Moses  here  to  introduce  this 
subject,  though  the  event  took  place  many  years  after  that, 
of  which  he  was  discoursing : for  it  would  occur  to  his  mind 
that  he  also  was  excluded,  and  thus  involved  in  the  general 
sentence,  in  consequence  of  a temptation  which  the  unbelief 
of  the  people  had  laid  in  his  way.  This  he  mentioned,  not  to 
excuse  himself  but  to  humble  them  ; and  remind  them,  that 
they  heard  the  words  of  a dying  man,  and  of  one  to  whose 
deatn  they  had  been  accessary.  (Note,  Num.  20:10 — 13.) 

V.  39 — 44.  (Note  Num.  14:31 — 45.)  Bees  with  their 
fierce  stings  attack  such  as  offend  them,  and  are  not  easily 
induced  to  desist;  so  that  they  assault,  and  have  been  known 
to  kill,  both  men  and  cattle  that  approached  their  hives. 

V.  45.  Note,  Heb.  12:15—17. 

V.  46.  It  is  nowhere  said  how  long  Israel  continued  at 
Kadesh-barnea : but  they  had  encamped  there  during  many 
( 320  ) 


night,  to  show  you  by  what  way  ye  should  go. 
and  in  a cloud  by  day. 

34  And  the  Lord  beard  the  voice  of  your  words 
and  was  wroth,  dand  sware,  saying, 

35  Surely  there  shall  not  one  of  these  men  of 
this  evil  generation  see  that  good  land,  which  I 
sware  to  give  unto  vour  fathers ; 

36  Save  "Caleb  the  son  of  Jephunneh,  he  shaF. 
see  it;  and  to  him  will  I give  the  land  that  he  hath 
trodden  upon,  and  to  his  children,  because  he  hath 
t wholly  followed  the  Lord. 

37  Also  f the  Lord  was  angry  with  me  for  your 
sakes,  saying,  Thou  also  shalt  not  go  in  thither. 

38  But  eJoshua  the  son  of  Nun,  hwhich  stand- 
eth  before  thee,  he  shall  go  in  thither : ’encourage 
him ; for  he  shall  cause  Israel  to  inherit  it. 

39  Moreover,  kyour  little  ones,  which  ye  said 
should  be  a prey,  and  your  children,  'which  in  that 
day  hftd  no  knowledge  between  good  and  evil, 
they  shall  go  in  thither,  and  unto  them  will  I give 
it,  and  they  shall  possess  it. 

40  But  as  for  you,  mturn  ye,  and  take  your 
journey  into  the  wilderness,  by  the  way  ol  the 
Red  Sea. 

41  Then  ye  answered  and  said  unto  me,  "We 
have  sinned  against  the  Lord  ; we  will  go  up  and 
fight,  according  to  all  that  the  Lord  our  God 
commanded  us.  And  when  ye  had  girded  on 
every  man  his  weapons  of  war,  ye  were  ready  to 
go  up  into  the  hill. 

42  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  Say  unto  them, 
"Go  not  up,  neither  fight : rfor  I am  not  among 
you ; lest  ye  be  smitten  before  your  enemies. 

43  So  I spake  unto  you,  and  ye  would  not  bear, 
<ibut  rebelled  against  the  commandment  of  the 
Lord,  and  +went  presumptuously  up  into  the  hill. 

44  And  the  Amorites  which  dwelt  in  that 
mountain,  came  out  against  you,  and  ‘chased  you 
as  bees  do,  and  destroyed  you  in  Seir,  even  sunto 
Hormah. 

45  And  ‘ye  returned,  and  wept  before  the  Lord  : 
but  the  Lord  would  not  hearken  to  your  voice,  nor 
give  ear  unto  you. 

46  So  ye  abode  "in  Kadesh  many  days,  accord- 

ing unto  the  days  that  ye  abode  there. 

. 

20,24.  40:34—38.  Num.  9:15 — 22.  10:11,12.  14:14.  Neh.  9:12.  Ps.  78:14.  105:39. 
Is. 4:5,6.  Zech.2:f.  d2:M.15.  Num.  14:22—30  . 32:8—13.  Ps. 95:11.  Ex. 20:1.5. 
Heb.  3:8— 11.  e Num.  13:6,30  . 26:65  . 32:12  . 34:19.  Josh.  14:6—11.  Jmlg.  1:12 
—13.  t Heb.  fulfill'd,  lo go  after.  Num.  14.24.  f 3:26.  4:21.  34:4.  Num.  20: 
12.  27:14.  Ps.  106:32,33.  g Sre  on  Num.  13:8,16.  14:30,38.  26:65.  h Ex.  17  9 
-14.  24:13.  33:11.  1 Sam.  16:22.  Prov.  22:29.  i3:2S.  31:7,8,14,23.  Num.  27: 

18— 23.  Josh.  1:1,6— 9.  kNum.  14:3,31.  1 Is.  7:15,16.  Jon.  4:11.  Horn.  9:11 
Eph.2:3.  m See  on  Num.  14:25.  n See  «n  Nura.  14:39.40.  2*2:34.  Pi-ot.  19:3. 
o Num.  14:41,42.  p Lev.  26:17.  Josh.  7:8— 13.  1 Sam.  4:2,10.  Is.  30.17.  59:!  ,2. 
Hos.  9:12.  q Ia.  63:10.  Acts  7:51 . Rom.  8:7,8.  } Heb.  ye  were  presumptuous , 
and  went  up.  Num.  14:44.  r 28:25.  32:30.  P».  118:12.  Is.  7:18.  s Num.  14:15. 
21:3.  t Pa.  78:34.  Heb.  12:17.  uNura.  14:25,34  . 20:1,22.  Judg.  11:16,17. 

days,  before  they  were  sentenced  to  return  by  the  way  of  the 
Red  Sea ; and  they  remained  there  many  days  afterwards. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 8.  The  faithful  servants  of  the  Lord,  with  advan- 
cing years  and  experience,  frequently  acquire  increasing  repu- 
tation for  wisdom,  integrity,  and  disinterested  philanthropy,  as 
well  a 9 pious  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God.  This  adds  to  their 
influence,  and  gives  weight  to  their  instructions ; and  when 
favoured  with  health,  they  may,  with  vast  advantage,  re- 
double their  diligence  in  enforcing  the  truths,  which  they 
before  had  taught,  upon  the  consciences  of  the  people,  that 
they  may  have  them  in  remembrance  after  their  decease. 
(Note,  2 Pet.  1:12 — 15.)  While  they  draw  nearer  to  the 
heavenly  world,  they  often  seem  to  breathe  a purer  air,  and 
all  their  words  have  a heavenly  savour ; their  motion  accele- 
rates, as  they  approach  their  rest ; their  earnestness  increases, 
when  they  can  he  influenced  by  no  earthly  motive  ; and  their 
confidence  and  comfort  acquire  strength,  in  defiance  of  the 
approaching  king  of  terrors.  Under  such  circumstances  their 
instructions  are  doubly  impressive,  and  frequently  have  a 
durable  effect  upon  the  survivors.  They  should  then  seize 
every  occasion  of  reminding  the  people  of  the  wisdom,  power, 
truth,  and  love  of  God,  as  manifested  in  his  dealings  with  them : 
and  there  are  times  when  they  may  also,  consistently  with 
deep  humility,  speak  of  their  own  conduct,  their  love  to  souls, 
their  faithful  labours,  their  self-denial,  and  patient  sufferings 
in  the  arduous  work  about  which  they  arc  engaged  ; in  ordei 
to  obviate  prejudice,  and  to  obtain  a more  favourable  attention 
to  further  exhortations.  But  it  is  likewise  necessary  to  show 
the  people  their  transgressions,  that  they  may  he  duly  hum- 
bled ; to  warn  them  against  the  fatal  effects  of  unbelief  and 
sin ; to  point  out  the  advantages  of  confidence  in  God  and 
obedience  to  him;  and  to  unite  confessions  of  their  own  im- 
perfection and  sinfulness,  (37)  both  to  avoid  giving  needless 


B.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  II. 


CHAPTER  II. 

Msses  reminds  the  people  of  the  command  given  them  not  to  meddle  t cith 
Edom,  Moab,  or  Ammon  : he  introduces  some  fragments  of  very  ancient 
history : and  touches  on  the  continuance  of  Israel  during  forty  years  in 
the  wilderness , till  the  rebellious  generation  tons  dead,  1—23.  The  grant 
and  conquest  of  the  kingdom  of  Sihon,2i — 37. 

THEN  "we  turned  and  took  our  journey  into 
the  wilderness  by  the  way  of  the  Red  Sea. 
as  the  Lord  spake  unto  me  : and  bwe  compassed 
mount  Seir  many  days. 

2  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  me,  saying, 

3  Ye  have  compassed  this  mountain  'long 
enough:  turn  you  northward. 

4  And  command  thou  the  people,  saying,  dYe 
are  to  pass  through  the  coast  of  your  brethren 
the  children  of  Esau,  which  dwell  in  Seir,  and 
"they  shall  be  afraid  of  you  : f take  ye  good  heed 
unto  yourselves  therefore. 

5  Meddle  not  with  them ; for  I will  not  give  you 
of  their  land,  'no  not  so  much  as  a foot-breadth  ; 
^because  I have  given  mount  Seir  unto  Esau/or  a 
possession. 

6  Ye  shall  hbuy  meat  of  them  for  money,  that 
ye  may  eat ; and  ye  shall  also  buy  water  of  them 
for  money,  that  ye  may  drink. 

7  For  the  Lord  thy  Gtfd  hath  'blessed  thee  in 
all  the  works  of  thy  hand;  khe  knoweth  thy  walk- 
ing through  this  great  wilderness : 'these  forty 
years  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  been  with  thee ; 
thou  hast  lacked  nothing. 

S And  '"when  we  passed  by  from  our  brethren 
the  children  of  Esau,  which  dweit  in  Seir,  through 
the  way  of  the  plain  from  nElath,  and  from  Ezion- 
gaber,  we  turned,  and  passed  by  the  way  of  the 
wilderness  of  Moab. 

0 And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  tDistress  not  the 
Moabites,  neither  contend  with  them  in  battle; 
for  I will  not  give  thee  of  their  land  for  a posses- 


!nl:A°‘m“7!t14.i?5-,™bl:2N“ra'2':4'  JudS-  11:18.  c7,14.  1:6.  d 23:7.  Num. 
? U7?.V=°P  l°7,3r  rle.,E?- Num. 22:3.4.  24:14— 18.  f.Mntt.  5:16. 
L'i><e  12. 15.  Eph.  5:15.  T h»l.  2:15.  Col.  4:5.  * Het).  even  to  the  trending  of  th 


offence,  to  suggest  encouragement,  and  to  excite  persona 
humiliation. 

V.  9—46.  It  is  exceedingly  profitable  for  us  frequently  0 
meditate  on  the  history  of  our  past  lives,  and  to  set  apart  tirm 
for  that  purpose  ; to  divide  our  years  into  distinct  periods  ; ti 
review  them  separately ; to  give  thanks  for  the  mercies  o 
c-ach  successive  period ; and  to  confess  and  seek  forgivenes: 
of  all  our  sins,  as  far  as  we  remember  them : and  thus  endea 
vouring  to  revive  suitable  affections,  with  earnest  prayers  an< 
simple  dependence  on  the  Lord,  to  renew  our  acceptance  o 
his  salvation,  and  the  surrender  of  ourselves  to  his  service.— 
Without  repeating  the  observations  before  made  on  the  his 
tory  here  recapitulated,  we  may  take  notice  in  general  tha 
nothing  but  total  unbelief,  and  the  disobedience  connectec 
with  it,  can  exclude  any  sinner  from  the  promised  rest;  tha 
unbelief,  partially  operating  in  disobedience,  occasions  mani' 
fold  abatements  and  delays  in  our  comforts  ; that  our  own  expe- 
dients seldom  avail  to  much  good  purpose , that  courage,  in  thi 
an(l  the  path  of  duty,  enables  the  possessot 
to  follow  the  Lord  wholly,”  to  disregard  all  obstructions,  tt 
triumph  over  all  opposition,  and  to  seize  the  promised  blessings 
that  all  the  mercies  which  we  receive  render  our  distrust  mort 
inexcusable;  that  the  sins  of  some  are  the  temptations  o 
others,  and  tend  to  involve  them  in  guilt  and  punishment ; tha 
worldly 'sorrow  is  seldom  better  than  impatience  and  rebellior 
and  unbelief,  and  thus  worketh  death ; and  that  they  who  do  no 
exercise  godly  sorrow  in  due  time,  and  obey  the  call  of  mercy 
must  weep  with  bitter  unavailing  sorrow,  when  the  sentenct 
of  condemnation  is  irrevocably  past.  Finally,  we  may  observe 
that  every'  public  and  honourable  trust  implies  a very  heavy 
and  laborious  duty,  and  that  frequently  the  duty  is  particularly 
described  in  Scripture  .-Happy  is  it  for  themselves,  and  foi 
those  around  them,  when  men  diligently  search  out  such  pas- 
sages as  describe  their  duties,  and  show  what  manner  o 
persons  they  ought  to  be,  in  that  station  of  life  in  which  th, 
providence  of  God  has  placed  them:  while  they  seriously 
meditate  on  them,  and  pray  over  them ; and  then  in  the  feai 
of  Lod,  as  under  his  eye,  and  with  reference  to  the  day  o 
judgment,  endeavour  to  regulate  their  public  and  private  con- 
duct  according  to  them.  v 

NOTES.— Chap.  II.  V.  3.  Here  again  an  almost  tota 
silence  is  observed,  concerning  more  than  thirty-seven  year 
of  the  time  which  the  Israelites  passed  in  the  wilderness' 
( Note,  Num.  20:1 . ) W e may  hoivever  suppose,  that  Moses 
Aaron,  and  the  priests  and  Levites,  yvere  diligently  employed 
in  instructing  the  people ; and  that  many  even  “ of  them 
Vol.  I. — 41 


B.  C.  1451. 


sion,  because  I have  given  °Ar  unto  nthe  children 
of  Lot  for  a possession. 

10  The  lEmims  dwelt  therein  in  times  past,  a 
people  great  and  many,  and  tall  as  the  Anakims ; 

11  Which  also  were  accounted  giants,  ras  the 
Anakims  ; but  the  Moabites  call  them  Emims. 

12  The  "Horims  also  dwelt  in  Seir  before-time  : 
but  the  children  ot  Esau  ‘succeeded  them,  when 
they  had  destroyed  them  from  before  them,  anti 
dwelt  in  their  $stead,  ‘as  Israel  did  unto  the  land 
ol  his  possession  which  the  Lord  gave  unto  them. 

13  Now  rise  up,  said  I,  and  get  you  over  the 
"brook  “Zered : and  we  went  over  the  brook 
Zered. 


14  And  the  space  in  which  we  came  from  ■> 
"Kadesh-barnea,  until  we  were  come  over  the 
brook  Zered,  was  thirty  and  eight  years  ; ?until 
all  the  generation  ol  the  men  of  war  were  yvasted 
out  from  among  the  host,  as  the  Lord  sware  unto 
them. 

15  For  indeed  zthe  hand  of  the  Lord  was 
against  them,  to  destroy  them  from  among  the 
host,  until  they  were  consumed. 

16  U So  it  came  to  pass  when  all  the  men  of  war 
were  consumed  and  dead  from  among  the  people, 

17  That  the  Lord  spake  unto  me,  saying, 

18  Thou  art  to  "pass  over  through  Ar,  the  coast 
of  Moab,  this  day. 

19  And  when  thou  contest  nigh  over  against  the 
children  of  Ammon,  distress  them  not,  nor  med- 
dle with  them  : for  I will  not  give  thee  of  the  land 
of  the  children  of  Ammon  any  possession,  because 
I have  given  it  unto  the  children  of  Lot  for  a 
possession. 

20  (That  also  was  accounted  a land  of  giants : 

giants  dwelt  therein  in  old  time,  and  the  Ammon- 
ites call  them  'Zamzummims ; » 


28.  p 19.  Gen.  19:36,37.  Pe.  83:8.  q 11.  Gen.  14:5.  r See  on  1 :28.  9:2  Num 
13:22  28  s 22.  Gen.  14:6  . 36:20-30.  1 Cnr.  1 :3S-42.  1 Heh.  -Merited  them. 
Gen. 35:31— 43.  1 Chr.  1:43—  54.  |Heb .room.  1 32—37.3:1—11.  Num.  21:21, &c. 
II  Ur,  vnliry.  Num.  13:23.  mare,  u Num.  21:12.  Zn.red.  x 1:2,19,46  Num  13- 
26.  y 1:34,35.  Num.  14:28— 35.26:64,65.32:11.  Ps.  78:33.  90:3,9. 106:26.  Ez.  20: 
15.  1 Cor.  10:5.  Heb.  3:8 — 19.  Jude  5.  z Judg.  2:15.  1 Sam.  5:6,9.11. 7 13  Ps 

Is.  15:1.  b See  on  5,9.  Gen. 

19.38.  Jndg.  11:13 — 27.  2 Chr. 20:10.  c Gen.  14:5.  Zuzims. 


whose  carcasses  fell  in  the  wilderness,”  were  thus  prepared 
for  heaven ; while  the  survivors  yvere  humbled  and  proved, 
in  order  to  their  entrance  into  the  promised  land.  In  the 
mean  time  the.Canaanites,  elated  with  their  first  success,  and 
perceiving  their  dreaded  invaders  entangled  in  the  wilderness, 
greyv  more  insolent  and  daring  in  wickedness,  and  ripened 
apace  for  destruction. 

V.  4—7.  On  comparing  this  passage  with  the  texts  referred 
to  in  the  margin,  it  appears  that  the  Edomites  refused  the 
Israelites  a passage  into  the  heart  of  their  country,  but 
allowed  them  to  march  through  some  parts  of  the  confines  ; 
and  that  they  generally  sold  them  provisions,  though  perhaps 
m some  instances  they  refused  to  do  it.  (Note,  Num.  20:14 

21.)  The  manna  was  still  continued;  yet  the  people 
would  naturally  desire  change  of  diet  when  they  came  near 
cultivated  regions.  This  they  might  purchase  of  the  Edom- 
ites, but  they  yvere  not  permitted  to  plunder,  because  God 
himself  had  given  mount  Seir  to  the  descendants  of  Esau  for 
their  inheritance.  Nor  had  Israel  any  need  to  covet  the  pos- 
sessions of  Edom,  seeing  the  Lord  had  noticed,  guided,  and 
guarded  them  during  all  their  yvanderings  in  the  wilderness  : 
and  for  forty  years  had  blessed  them  yvitli  an  abundant  supply 
of  every  needful  good. — Moses  called  the  Edomites  brethren , 
though  they  yvould  not  acknoyvledge  or  act  according  to  that, 
relation.  Thus  the  Israelites  yvere  taught  to  forgive  their  ene- 
mies, before  they  were  employed  to  execute  vengeance  on 
the  enemies  of  the  Lord  ; and  to  obey  his  command  in  leaving 
nations  unmolested,  before  they  fulfilled  his  word  in  dispos- 
sessing and  destroying  the  Amorites  and  Canaanites.  (Note 
Num.  21:21  25.)  It  is  also  observable  that  the  opposition 

of  Edom  is  not  here  mentioned  ; for  the  Spirit,  which  spake 
by  Moses,  would  not  needlessly  repeat  grievances,  but  bury 
them  in  oblivion. 

V.  10,  11.  All  the  nations  here  mentioned  appear  to  have 
been  the  posterity  of  Ham,  who  lay  under  the  prophetical  curse 
of  Noah,  which  yvas  thus  executed  upon  this  part  of  them  by 
the  Moabites  and  Edomites. 

V.  12.  Israel  hid  at  the  time  when  Moses  spake  this, 
conquered  Silion  and  Og,  and  taken  possession  of  their 
countries,  as  Edom  had  done  to  the  Horims.  122  Note 
Gen.  36:20.)  V ' ’ 

V.  15.  Num.  16:45,49.  21:6.  25:9. 

V.  20 — 23.  These  fragments  of  ancient  history  yvere  intto 
duced  to  encourage  the  Israelites.  If  the  Lord  destroyed 
these  gigantic  people  before  the  posterity  of  Lot,  and  of 
Esau  ; what  cause  had  the  posterity  of  Abraham,  Isaac  and 
( 321  ) 


B.  C.  1451. 


DEUTERONOMY. 


B.  0.  1451 


21  A people  dgreat  and  many,  and  tall  as  the  Ana- 
nims  ; 'but  the  Lord  destroyed  them  before  them, 
and  they  succeeded  them,  and  dwelt  in  their  stead  : 

22  As  he  did  to  the  children  of  f Esau  which 
dwelt  in  Seir,  when  he  destroyed  gthe  Horims 
from  before  them;  and  they  succeeded  them,  and 
dwelt  in  their  stead,  even  unto  this  day : 

23  And  hthe  Avims,  which  dwelt  in  Hazerim, 
even  unto  'Azzah,  kthe  Caphtorims,  which  came 
forth  out  of  Caphtor,  destroyed  them,  and  dwelt 
in  their  stead.) 

24  U Rise  ye  up,  take  your  journey,  and  pass 
over  'the  river  Arnon  : mbehold,  I have  given  into 
thy  hand  Sihon  the  Amorite,  king  of  Heshbon, 
and  his  land  ; 'begin  to  possess  it,  and  contend 
with  him  in  battle. 

25  This  day  will  I begin  "to  put  the  dread  of 
thee,  and  the  fear  of  thee,  upon  the  nations  that 
are  under  the  whole  heaven,  who  shall  hear  report 
of  thee,  and  shall  tremble  and  be  in  anguish 
because  of  thee. 

26  And  I sent  messengers  out  of  the  wilderness 
of  "Kedemoth  unto  Sihon  king  of  Heshbon,  I'with 
words  of  peace,  saying, 

27  Let  'ime  pass  through  thy  land : I will  go 
along  by  the  highway,  I will  neither  turn  unto  the 
right  hand  nor  to  the  left. 

28  Thou  shalt  sell  me  meat  for  money,  that  I 
may  eat ; and  give  me  water  for  money,  that  I 
may  drink : ronly  I will  pass  through  on  my  feet, 

29  (As  Hhe  children  of  Esau  which  dwelt  in 
Seir,  and  the  Moabites  which  dwelt  in  Ar,  did 

on  10,11.  1:28.3:11.  6 22.1,1,15.11:54.  Jer.  27:7,8.  Hab.  1:10,11.  fGen. 
36:8-  e 12.  Geu. 14:6.  36:20 — 30.  1 Chr.  1:38,  &c.  It  Josh.  13:3.  Avites.  i 1 Kings 
■4:24.  Jer.  25:20.  Zeph.  2:4.  Zech.  9:5.  Gaza.  k Gen.  10:14.  Jer.  47:4.  Amos  9: 
7.  Acts  17:25.  136.  Num.  21 :1£— 15.  Judg.  11 : 18— 21 . m Josh.  6: 16.  2 Chr.  36: 
23.  Ezra  1:2.  Jer.  27:5.  Ez.  29:20.  Dan.  2:38.  4:17.  * Heb.  begin,  possess. 

n 11:25.  2S:  10.  Ex.  23:27.  Josh.  2:9—12.  9:24.  2 Kings  7:6,7.  PsA05:33.  Jer. 
S3: 9.  Rev.  3:9.  o Josh.  13:18.  21:37.  p 20:10, 11.  Esth.  9:30.  Matt.  10:12— 15. 
Luke  10:5.6,10— 12.  q 6.  Num.  21 :22,23.  Judg.  11:19.  r Num.  20:19.  s 23.3,4. 
Nuns.  20:18.  Judg,  11:17,18.  1 4:1,21,40  . 5:16  . 9:6  . 25:15.  Ex.  20:12.  Josh.  1: 


Jacob,  his  chosen  servants  and  friends,  to  fear  the  Anakims, 
or  the  Canaanites  ? especially  as  Israel  acted  by  commission 
from  God,  and  had  his  promise  as  their  security  of  success, 
and  the  pledge  of  it  in  his  presence,  and  the  wonders  which 
he  had  already  wrought  for  them ; and  as  they  were  the  only 
nation  of  worshippers  of  the  Loud,  in  the  ordinances  of  his 
institution,  which  could  be  found  on  earth.  4 This  is  so  often 
repeated  to  possess  the  minds  of  the  Israelites  with  a sense 
of  God’s  providence,  which  rules  every  where ; displacing 
one  people,  and  settling  another  in  their  stead  ; and  fixing 
their  bounds  also,  which  they  shall  not  pass  without  his  leave.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  24,  25.  The  Israelites  had  hitherto  possessed  neither 
lands  nor  cities,  but  had  been  supported  by  miracles  as 
wanderers  in  the  waste  desert;  (Note,  Num.  14:27 — 30.) 
but  now  they  were  to  begin  to  possess  houses  and  estates,  and 
to  subsist  as  other  people  did. — The  dread  of  Israel,  which 
had  been  excited  among  the  nations,  when  the  Egyptians  were 
destroyed  in  the  Red  Sea,  had  subsided ; but  now  the  Lord 
would  begin  to  impress  it  far  more  deeply  and  extensively, 
and  to  render  it  effectually  subservient  to  the  success  of  his 
people.  ( Notes , Ex.  15:14 — 16.  Josh.  2:8 — 11.  9:24.) 

V.  26.  The  Lord’s  secret  purposes  cannot  possibly  be 
either  the  rule  or  motive  of  man’s  conduct;  and  therefore 
they  can  in  no  degree  affect  the  innocence  or  criminality  of 
his  actions. — Whatever  the  Lord’s  intentions  or  intimations 
to  Israel  were,  Sihon,  not  knowing  them,  could  not  be  induced 
by  them , but  by  arrogance  and  presumption,  to  refuse  the  pro- 
posal of  peace  made  to  him.  (Notes,  Matt.  26:21 — 24.  Acts 
2:22 — 24.)  Had  he  acceded  to  it,  he  would  doubtless  have 
been  spared:  but  the  Lord,  for  wise  and  righteous  reasons, 
was  pleased  to  leave  him  to  himself,  well  knowing  what  the 
consequence  would  be.  Thus  this  message  served  to  dis- 
cover his  wickedness,  and  to  illustrate  the  justice  of  God  in 
his  destruction. 

V.  28,  29.  It  is  probable  that  the  Edomites  and  Moabites 
sold  provisions  to  the  Israelites,  though  they  would  not  grant 
them  a passage  through  their  borders.  (Note,  4 — 7.) 

V.  30.  Hardened.]  Notes,  Ex.  4:21.  7:13,22,23.  8:15. 
9:12 — 16.  14:3 — 9. — God  ‘gave  him  over  to  his  own  inflexible 

humour,  which  was  set  upon  violent  courses ; from  which 
God  did  not  divert  him,  because  he  intended  to  destroy  him. 
. . . As  it  is  a sin , this  cannot  be  ascribed  unto  God  ; but  as  it 
is  a punishment,  might  justly  be  inflicted  by  him  upon  Sihon 
for  his  former  sins.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  31 — 37.  Mar g.  Ref . Notes,  Num.  21:21 — 25.31:2. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  servants  of  Godr  while  they  despise  worldly  riches  in 
comparison  of  a treasure  in  heaven,  and  often  live  and  die 
poor,  bequeath  to  their  posterity  the  most  durable  possessions, 
in  the  blessings  which  God  had  promised  to  bestow  upon  them, 
5>r  the  sake  of  their  parents. — 44  The  earth  is  the  Lord’s,  and 

( 322  ) 


unto  me ;)  until  I shall  pass  over  Jordan,  ‘into  th« 
lanJ  which  the  Lord  our  God  giveth  us. 

30  But  Sihon  king  of  Heshbon  would  not  let  us 
pass  by  him  : for  “the  Lord  thy  God  hardened  his 
spirit,  and  made  his  heart  ‘‘obstinate,  that  he  might 
deliver  him  into  thy  hand,  as  appearelli  this  day. 

31  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  Behold,  I have 
begun  to  rgive  Sihon  and  his  land  before  thee : 
begin  to  possess,  that  thou  mayest  inherit  his 
land. 

32  Then  “Sihon  came  out  against  us,  he  and  all 
his  people,  to  fight  at  Jahaz. 

33  And  “the  Lord  our  God  delivered  him  before 
us,  and  bwe  smote  him,  and  his  sons,  and  all  his 
people. 

34  And  we  took  all  his  cities  at  that  time,  and 
'utterly  destroyed  ‘the  men,  and  the  women,  and 
the  little  ones  of  every  city ; we  left  none  to  re- 
main : 

35  Only  dthe  cattle  we  took  for  a prey  unto 
ourselves,  and  the  spoil  of  the  cities  which  we 
took. 

36  From  'Aroer,  which  is  by  the  brink  of  the 
river  of  Arnon,  and  from  the  city  that  is  by  the 
river,  even  unto  Gilead,  there  was  f not  one  city 
too  strong  for  us;  the  Lord  our  God  delivered 
all  unto  us  : 

37  Only  gunto  the  land  of  the  children  of  Am- 
mon thou  earnest  not,  nor  unto  any  place  of  the 
river  hJabbok,  nor  unto  the  cities  in  the  moun- 
tains, nor  unto  whatsoever  the  Lord  our  God 
forbad  us. 


11 — 15.  u See  on  Ex.  4:21.  Num.  21:23.  Josh.  11 :19,20.  Judg.  11:20.  Rom.  9« 
17—23.  x Is.  48:4.  y See  on  24.  1:8.  z Num.  21 :23— 30.  Judg.  11 :20— 23. 
Nell.  9:22.  Ps.  12U:7.  135:11.  136:19.  a 3:2,3.  Geu.  14:20.  Josh.  21:44.  Judg.  1; 
4.  7:2.  b 29:7, S.  Josh.  10:30—42.  c 7:2.26.  20:16—18.  Lev.  27:28,29.  Num.  21: 
2,3.  Josh.  7:11  8:25,26.  9:24.  11:14.  1 Sam.  15:3,3.9.  t Hel>.  ever,,  city  of  men, 
and  women,  and  little  ones,  d 20:14.  Num.  31 :9 — 11.  Josh.  8: ‘27.  e 3:12.  4. 
48.  Josh.  13:9.  Is.  17:2.  Jer.  48:19.  f Josh.  1:5.  Ps.  44:3.  13.41:15,16.  Rom.  d: 
31.  g 5,9,19.  3-.  16.  Judg.  11:15.  h Gen.  32:22.  Num.  21:24.  Josh.  12:2. 


the  fulness  thereof ;”  and  with  perfect  justice,  absolute  sove- 
reignity, and  irresistible  power,  he  assigns  to  every  people 
the  countries  which  they  inhabit,  and  dispossesses  them  to 
make  way  for  others,  as  he  sees  good  : (Note,  32:8.)  but  none 
can  plead  his  grant  to  excuse  the  violences  which  ambition, 
rapacity,  or  revenge  induce  them  to  commit  ; though  unde- 
signedly  they  fulfil  his  secret  purposes. — When  nations  or 
individuals  are  ripe  for  destruction,  the  Lord  in  awful  judg- 
ment gives  them  up  to  final  and  total  obduracy;  and  their 
deperate  wickedness  both  occasions  their  ruin,  and  manifests 
his  righteousness.  Then  the  wisest  are  infatuated,  and  the 
boldest  are  intimidated  ; they  tremble,  and  are  in  anguish, 
and  perish,  as  instructive  examples  to  the  survivors. — But, 
calling  off  our  attention  from  the  enemies  of  God,  to  reflect 
upon  his  dealings  with  Israel,  we  are  led  to  meditate  upon 
years  spent  in  vanity  through  our  transgressions  and  his  indig- 
nation. A succession  of  uninteresting  events  and  changes,  of 
trifling  employments  and  pursuits,  of  disappointed  expecta- 
tions and  unsatisfying  enjoyments,  wear  out  the  life  of  man, 
and  bring  one  generation  after  another  to  the  grave.  Indeed 
ever  since  the  sentence  was  passed  upon  offending  man, 
44Diist  thou  art,  and  unto  dust  shalt  thou  return,”  44  the  hand  of 
the  Lord  hath  been  against  us  to  destroy  us  until  we  are  con- 
sumed:” nor  can  wisdom,  learning,  authority,  wealth,  courage, 
vigour  of  constitution,  or  eminence  of  reputation,  procure  any 
exemption  or  respite,  in  this  universal  execution  : nay,  even 
faith  and  piety  plead  in  vain  for  another  passage  to  the  hea- 
venly felicity.  (Note,  2 Cor.  5:1 — 4.) — What  the  mouth  of  the 
Lord  hath  spoken,  his  hand  is  engaged  to  perform.  W retched 
then  are  they  who  abide,  and  die,  under  the  incumbent  weight 
of  that  “wrath  of  God  which  is  revealed  from  heaven  against 
all  ungodliness  and  unrighteousness  of  men.”  (Notes,  Rom. 
1:17 — 20.)  But  happy  those  whom  “Jesus  hath  delivered 
from  the  wrath  to  come,”  and  to  whom  he  hath  “given  the 
earnest  of  his  Spirit  in  their  hearts.”  44  All  things  are  theirs 
all  the  promises  of  God  belong  to  them,  and  are  ratified  by 
covenant  and  by  oath.  His  arm  is  engaged  on  their  behalf  to 
perform  all  his  word : 44  He  knows,”  guides,  guards,  and  ap- 
proves their  path,  while  44  walking  through  this  great  wilder- 
ness:” for  the  twenty,  thirty,  fifty,  sixty,  or  even  eighty  years 
of  their  past  lives,  they  have  lacjted  nothing,  hut  have  had  all 
with  a peculiar  blessing.  (Notes,  (Jen.  48:15,16.  49:18.)  The 
Lord  is  their  Portion,  nor  need  they  envy  the  prosperity,  or 
covet  the  possession,  of  any  worldling.  Ho  who  hath  pre- 
pared for  them  an  incorruptible  inheritance,  and  taught  them 
in  the  first  place  to  seek  it,  will  provide  for  them  all  that  in 
needful  and  profitable  by  the  way.  They  have  only  to  sub- 
mit to  his  disposal;  to  depend  on  him;  to  abstain  from  what 
he  forbids,  and  deny  themselves  when  h i requires  if,  in  his 
providence  or  by  his  precept : to  receive  what  he  gives  with 
thankfulness,  and  to  use  it  with  mod.  ration,  and  to  glorify  him 
and  adorn  their  profession,  hy  an  \ prighi,  generous,  dismte**- 


B C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  III. 


B.  C.  45 


CHAPTER  III. 

Israel's  victory  over  0*r  king  of  Bashan,  1 — 11.  Hi#  kingdom  and  that  of 
Sihon  are  given  to  the  two  trines  and  a half , 12—17.  17u-  command  given  to 

them  and  Joshua,  13—22.  Moset  prays  to  enter  the  promised  land , but  is 
refused  ; yet  is  permitted  to  sec  it,  23 — 29. 

THEN  we  turned,  and  went  up  the  way  to 
Bashan ; and  “0g  the  king  of  Bashan  came 
out  against  us,  he  and  all  his  people,  to  battle  at 
Edrei. 

2 And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  bFear  him  not: 
for  I will  deliver  him,  and  all  his  people,  and  his 
land,  into  thy  hand  ; and  thou  shalt  do  unto  him 
cas  thou  didst  unto  Sihon  king  of  the  Amorites, 
which  dwelt  at  Heshbon. 

3 So  dthe  Loro  our  God  delivered  into  our 
hands  Og  also  the  king  of  Bashan,  and  all  his 
people  : and  we  smote  him  until  none  was  left  to 
nim  remaining. 

4 And  we  took  eall  his  cities  at  that  time  ; there 
was  not  a city  which  we  took  not  from  them, 
threescore  cities,  'all  the  region  of  Argob,  the 
kingdom  of  Og  in  Bashan. 

5 All  these  cities  were  sfenced  with  high  walls, 
gates,  and  bars,  besides  unwalled  towns  a great 
many. 

6 And  hwe  utterly  destroyed  them,  'as  we  did 
unto  Sihon  king  of  Heshbon,  utterly  destroying 
the  men,  women,  and  children  of  every  city. 

7 But  tall  the  cattle  and  the  spoil  of  the  cities, 
we  took  for  a prey  to  ourselves. 

8 And  we  took  at  that  time  out  of  the  hand  of 
the  two  kings  of  the  Amorites,  kthe  land  that  was 
on  this  side  Jordan,  from  the  river  of  Arnon  unto 
mount  Hermon ; 

9 ( Which  'Hermon  the  Sidonians  call  Sirion, 
and  the  Amorites  call  it  mShenir  ;) 

10  All  "the  cities  of  the  plain,  and  all  Gilead, 
and  all  Bashan,  unto  Salchah  and  "Edrei,  cities  of 
the  kingdom  of  Og  in  Bashan. 

11  For  only  Og  king  of  Bashan  remained  of 
the  remnant  of  giants  : behold,  his  bedstead  ivas 
a bedstead  of  iron ; is  it  not  in  pRabbath  of  the 
children  of  Ammon  ? inine  cubits  was  the  length 
thereof,  and  four  cubits  the  breadth  of  it,  after  the 
cubit  of  a man. 

12  11  And  this  land  which  we  possessed  at  that 
time,  rfrom  Aroer,  which  is  by  the  river  Arnon, 
and  half  mount  Gilead,  and  the  cities  thereof, 
gave  I unto  the  Reubenites  and  to  the  Gadites. 

13  And  sthe  rest  of  Gilead,  and  all  Bashan, 
being  the  kingdom  of  Og,  gave  I unto  the  half- 
tribe of  Manasseh  : all  the  region  of  Argob,  with 
all  Bashan,  which  was  called  the  land  of  giants. 

14  lJair  the  son  of  Manasseh  took  all  the 
country  of  “Argob,  unto  the  coasts  of  "Geshuri, 
and  Maachathi,  and  called  them  after  his  own 
name,  yBashan-havoth-jair,  unto  this  day. 

a 1:4.  4:47.  29:7.  31:4.  Num.  21:33— 35.  Josh.  9:10.  12:4.  13:30.  1 Kings  4:19. 
Neh.  9:22.  I s.  135:10.11.  136:20.  h 11.  20:3.  Num.  14:9.  2:  hr. 20:17.  Is.  41: 
10.  43:5.  Acts  18:9.  27:24.  Rev.  2:10.  c 2:24— 37.  Num.  21 :23-25.  d See  on 
2:33,34.  Num.  21:35.  Josh.  13:12.30.  e Num.  32:33—42.  Josh.  12:4.  13:30,31. 

1 Kinas4:13.  g 1:28.  Num.  13:28.  Huh.  11:30.  h See  on  2:34  . 20:16— 18.  I.ev. 
27:28,29.  Num.  21:2.  Josh.  11:14.  i See  on  2.  2:34.  i 2:35.  Josh.  8:27.  11:11— 
14.  k Num.  32:33— 42.  Josh.  12:2-6.  13:9— 12.  14:43.  I s.  29:6.  89:12.  133:3. 
Cant  .4:8.  m 1 Chr.  5:23.  Ez.  97:5.  Senir.  n4'49.  o Num.  21:33.  Josh.  12:4. 
13:12,31.  p 2 Sam.  12:26.  Jer.  49:2.  Ez. 21:20.  Amos  1:14.  Rabbah.  q 1 Sam. 
17:4.  Am.  2:9.  r 2:36.  4:48.  Num.  32:33-  38.  Josh.  12:2— 6.  13:9— 12,14— 28. 
2 Kings  10:33.  s Num.  32  39— 42.  Josh.  13:29— 32.  1 Chr.  5:23-26.  t 1 Chr. 
2:21—23.  u See  in  4 x Josh.  13:13.  2 Sam.  3:3.  10:6.  13:37.  v Num.  32:41. 
t.  Hen.  50:23.  Num. 26:29.  32:40.  Josh.  17:1,3.  22: 7.  a Num.  32:33—38.2  Sain. 
24:5.  b 2:37.  Gen.  32:22.  Num.  21:24.  Josh.  12:2.  c See  or.  Num.  34:11 . Josh. 


ested,  forgiving,  and  blameless  deportment,  not  injurious  to 
their  enemies,  nor  needlessly  burdensome  to  their  friends  ; 
and  “by  doing  to  all  men,  as  they  would  they  should  do  unto 
them.”  In  this  case,  the  vanity  of  the  world  cannot  prevent 
their  comfort,  nor  can  its  opposition  interrupt  the  serenity  of 
•heir  minds : their  inheritance  cannot  be  affected  by  the  revo- 
utions  of  kingdoms,  or  the  mutability  of  earthly  possessions  ; 
death  cannot  hurt  and  need  not,  alarm  them ; all  will  combine 
in  preparing  them  for  heaven,  and  giving  them  the  anticipa- 
tion, and  introducing  them  to  the  enjoyment,  of  those  plea- 
-ures  which  never  satiate  and  will  never  end. 

NOTES.— Chap.  III.  V.  I— 10.  Marg.  Ref.  Note, 
Num.  21:34. 

V.  11.  It  is  probable  that  Og  was  descended  from  a 
-ace  of  giants,  of  larger  stature  lhan  even  the  Anakims. — If 
his  bedstead  of  iron  was  intended  for  use,  and  not  for  osten- 
tation, his  bulk  must  have  been  enormous  : as  it  was  at  least 
five  yards  long,  and  above  two  broad.  Either  the  Ammon- 
ites seized  on  it,  or  they  bought  it  of  the  Israelites;  and  car- 
rying it  to  Rabbath,  it  was  tiiere  preserved  as  a monument 


15  And  I gave  Gilead  unto  ’Machir. 

16  And  unto  "tne  Reubenites,  and  unto  the 
Gadites,  I gave  from  Gilead  even  unto  the  river 
Arnon,  halt  the  valley,  find  the  border,  even  unto 
the  "river  Jabbok,  which  is  the  border  of  the 
children  of  Ammon  ; 

17  The  plain  also,  and  Jordan  and  the  coast 
thereof,  from  "Chinnereth  even  unto  dthe  sea  of 
the  plain  even  the  salt  sea,  under  ‘Ashdoth-pisgah 
eastward. 

18  And  eI  commanded  you  at  that  time,  saying, 
The  Lord  your  God  hath  given  you  this  land  to 

ossess  it : ye  shall  pass  over  armed  before  yeur 
rethren  the  children  of  Israel,  all  that  are  tmeet 
for  the  war. 

19  But  your  wives,  and  your  little  ones,  and 
your  cattle,  (for  1 know  that  ye  have  much  cattle,) 
shall  abide  in  your  cities  which  I have  given 
you  : 

20  Until  the  Lord  have  given  rest  unto  your 
brethren,  as  well  as  unto  you,  and  until  they  also 
possess  the  land  which  the  Lord  your  God  hath 
given  them  beyond  Jordan : and  then  shall  ye 
•return  every  man  unto  his  possession  which  I 
have  given  you. 

21  And * * * *  SI  commanded  Joshua  at  that  time, 
saying,  Thine  eyes  have  seen  all  that  the  Lord 
your  God  hath  done  unto  these  two  kings : hso 
shall  the  Lord  do  unto  all  the  kingdoms  whither 
thou  passest. 

22  Ye  shall  not  (ear  them  ; 'for  the  Lord  your 
God  he  shall  fisrht  for  you. 

23  And  kI  besought  the  Lord  at  that  time, 
saying, 

24  0 Lord  God,  thou  hast  begun  to  show  thy 
servant  'thy  greatness,  and  thy  mighty  hand  : for 
mwhat  god  is  there  in  heaven  or  in  earth,  that  can 
do  according  to  thy  works,  and  according  to  thy 
might  ? 

' 25  I pray  thee  let  me  go  over  and  see  "the  good 
land  that  is  beyond  Jordan,  that  goodly  mountain 
and  Lebanon. 

26  But  "the  Lord  was  wroth  with  me  for  your 
sakes,  and  would  not  hear  me:  and  the  Lord 
said  unto  me,  fLet  it  suffice  thee  ; speak  no  more 
unto  me  of  this  matter. 

27  Get  thee  iup  into  the  top  of  'Pisgah,  and 
“lift  up  thine  eyes  westward,  and  northward,  and 
southward,  and  eastward,  and  behold  it  with 
thine  eyes  : for  thou  shalt  not  go  over  this  Jordan. 

28  But  'charge  Joshua,  and  encourage  him,  and 
strengthen  him  ; ‘for  he  shall  go  over  before  this 
people,  and  he  shall  cause  them  to  inherit  the  land 
which  thou  shalt  see. 

29  So  we  abode  in  the  "valley  over  against 
Beth-peor. 

12:3.  d 4:49.  Gen.  13:10.  14:3.  19:28,29.  Num.  34:12.  Josh.  3:16.  12:3.  15:2,5. 

18:19.  * Or , the  springs  of  Pisgah,  or , the  hill.  Num.  23:14.  eNum.32:2C 
— 24.  .Tosh.  1:12 — 15.  4:12,13.  22.1 — 9.  t Heb.  sons  of  power,  f Josh.  22:4,8. 
g Num,  27:18-23.  h Josh.  10:25.  1 Sam.  17:36,37.  Ps.  9:10.  2Cor.  1:10.  12:10 

Eph.  3:20.  2 Tim.  4:17,18.  i 1:30.  20:4.  Ex.  14:14.  Num.  21:34.  Josh.  10:42. 
2 • hr.  13:12  . 20:17,29.  Ps.  44:3.  k 2 Cor.  12:8.  1 11:2.  Neh.  9:32.  Ps.  106:2. 

145:3,6.  Jer.  32:18— 21.  m Ex.  15:1 1 . 2 Sam.  7:22.  Ps.  35:10.  7M  9 . 86:8  . 89- 
6.8.  Is.40:18,25.  Jer.  10:6.  Pan.  3:29.  n 4:21,22.  11:11,12.  Ex.  3:8.  Num.  32: 

5.  E?..  20:6.  ol:37.  31:2  . 32:51,52.  34:4.  Num.  20:7— 12.  27:12—14.  Ps.  106: 
32,33.  Is.  53:5,6.  Matt.  26:39.  p 1 Chr.  17:4,12,13.22:7-  9.28:2—4.  Matt.  20. 
22.  2 Cor.  12:8,9.  q 34:1-4.  Num.  27:12.  + Or,  the  hill.  17.  r Gen.  13:14, 

15.  s 1-38  . 31:3,7,23.  Num.  27:18—23.  1 Chr.  22:6,1 1 — 16  . 28:9,10,20.  1 Tim. 
6:13,14.  2Tim.2:l— 3.  4:1— 6.  t Josh.  1 :2.  3:7— 17.  John  1:17.  Acts.  7:45. 
Heb.  4:8.  Jesus,  u 4:3,46.  34:6.  Num.  25:3.  33:48,49. 


of  his  stature,  or  of  Israel’s  victory : for  neither  his  vast  strength, 
nor  his  numerous  fortified  cities,  could  secure  him  against  God, 
who  fought  for  his  people. — This  race  of  giants  was  soon  ex- 
tinct ; hut  others  remained  within  the  land  ofCanaan,  of  whom 
we  read  in  the  history  of  David.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  17:4 — 7,45 — 
49.  2 Sam.  21:15—22.) 

V.  12 — 22.  “Bashan-havoth-jair”  (14)  signifies  Bashan 
the  villages  of  Jair. — The  words,  “unto  this  day,”  were  per- 
haps added  by  Ezra,  to  show  how  long  these  places  retained 
their  names.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Num.  32:  Josh.  13:22:) 

V.  23 — 28.  This  prayer  of  Moses  arose  from  a high  valua- 
tion of  the  promised  land,  and  an  earnest  desire  of  witnessing 
the  power  and  faithfulness  of  the  Lord,  in  putting  the  Israelites 
in  possession  of  it,  by  destroying  their  enemies.  He  had  pre- 
vailed in.  behalf  of  Israel  more  than  once,  in  apparently  simi- 
lar circumstances  : and  his  request  did  not  displease  the  Lord 
though  for  an  example  to  Israel,  he  did  not  see  good  to  grant 
it. — Thus  Moses  prevailed  for  others,  but  for  himself  he  coulo. 
not  prevail ; which  made  him  the  more  exact  type  of  Christ 
who  “ saved  others,  himself  he  could  not  save,”  that  is,  eon- 
t 323  ) 


B.  C.  1 ill. 


DEUTERONOMY. 


B.  C.  1451 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Earnest  erhcrtations  h . obedience,  and  dissuasivea  jrom  idolatry , 1— 24. 
Prophetical  warning*  of  the  consequence*  of  disobedience,  and  promises 
of  mercy  to  the  penitent,  25—31.  The  Lord's  special  care  oj  Israel , 
and  his  wonderful  works  for  them,  32 — 40.  Three  cities  of  refuge  appointed 
eastward  of  Jordan,  41—43.  An  introduction  Co  the  following  exhortations, 
44—49. 

NOW  therefore  hearken,  0 Israel,  “unto  the 
statutes,  and  unto  the  judgments,  which  I 
teach  you,  for  to  do  them,  bthat  ye  may  live,  and 
go  in  and  possess  the  land  which  the  Lord  God 
of  your  fathers  givetli  you. 

2  Ye  shall  not  cadd  unto  the  word  which  I 
command  you,  neither  shall  ye  diminish  aught 
from  it,  that  ye  may  keep  the  commandments  of 
the  Lord  your  God,  which  I command  you. 

3  Your  eyes  have  seen  dwhat  the  Lord  did 
because  of  Baal-peor : for  all  the  men  that  followed 
Baal-peor,  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  destroyed  them 
from  among  you. 

4  But  ye  that  did  'cleave  unto  the  Lord  your 
God  are  alive  every  one  of  you  this  day. 

5  Behold  >'I  have  taught  you  statutes  and  judg- 
ments, even  as  the  Lord  my  God  commanded 

« 8,45.  5:1.  6:1.2  . 8 1.  11:1,32.  Lev.  19:37  . 20:8.  22:31.  Pa.  105:45.  Ez.  11:20. 
36:27.  37:21.  Malt.  23:20.  I, uke  1:6.  John  15:14.  b Le».  18:5.  £>.20:11,21. 
Rom. 10:5.  e 12.32.  Josh.  1:7.  Prov. 30:6.  Matt.  5:18.43.  15:2— 9.  Mark  7:1  — 
13.  Gal.  3:15.  Rev.  22: 18.19.  d Num.  25:1—9.  31:16.  Josh.  22:17.  Ps.  106:28, 
29.  Hos.  9:10.  e 10:20.  13:4.  Josh.  22$.  23:8.  Ruth  1:14—17.  Ps.  63:S.  143:6 
—11.  Is. 26-20.  Ez.  9:4.  John  6:67—69.  lets  11:23.  Rom.  12:0.  Rev.  14:4.  20: 
4.  f 1.  Mall.  23:20.  dels  20:27.  1 Cor.  11:23.  15:3.  1 Thes.  4:1,2.  Heb.  3:5. 
6 Job  28:28.  Pa.  19:7.  111:10.  119:93-100.  Prov.  1:7.  14:8.  Jer.8:9.  2 Tim.  3:15. 


sistently  with  the  purpose  of  saving  others.  ( Mark  15:31. 
Notes,  Num.  20:10—13.  27:15—20.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Nothing  more  hastens  the  destruction  of  sinners  than  over- 
looking the  examples  of  divine  justice  set  before  them  for 
their  warning,  and  rushing  forward  in  the  same  steps,  which 
have  brought  others  to  a miserable  end. — Ail  those  advan- 
tages,  with  which  men, are  naturally  pleased,  eventually  con- 
duce to  their  more  speedy  ruin  and  deeper  condemnation, 
whenever  they  increase  their  pride,  security,  and  boldness  in 
transgression : so  far  are  riches,  power,  worldly  wisdom,  and 
courage,  from  profiting  their  ungodly  possessors !— No  arm 
can  be  strong  when  the  contest  is  against  the  Almighty  ; and 
he  that  assaults  the  church  wages  war  against  God.  In  this 
case  especially  “ the  battle  is  not  to  the  strong,  nor  the  race 
to  the  swift;”  his  most  insolent  and  presumptuous  enemies 
will  soon  he  down  in  despair ; and  his  feeblest  and  most  timid 
friends  have  no  cause  to  fear.  His  promise  secures  success 
in  every  undertaking,  in  which  they  are  required  to  engage  ; 
and  not  only  victory,  but  abundant  advantage  from  every  foe 
that  assaults  them,  “for  the  wealth  of  the  sinner  is  laid  up 
for  the  just.”  Every  experience  of  the  Lord’s  faithfulness  is 
a sure  pledge  of  further  mercies,  and  ere  long  all  his  people 
shall  be  made  more  than  conquerors,  and  enter  upon  the  full 
possession  of  their  everlasting  rest. — “ This  is  the  heritage  of 
the  servants  of  the  Lord,  and  their  righteousness  is  of  me, 
saith  the  Lord.”  (Notes.  Is.  54:15 — 17.  Rom.  8:35 — 39.) 
Arc  we  then  of  that  number  ? Do  we  seek  reconciliation 
unto  God  through  Jesus  Christ,  as  “ the  one  thing  needful  ?” 
Do  we  trust  his  grace,  plead  his  promises,  listen  to  his  voice, 
and  keep  his  commandments?  Then  assuredly  “all  things 
will  work  together  for  our  good.” — But  unbelief  excludes  men 
from  heaven:  a dead  inactive  faith  deceives  and  ruins  thou- 
sands: and  even  the  sins  of  believers  are  chastened  with 
sharp  trials,  the  withholding  of  wonted  comforts,  and  the 
refusal  of  their  prayers  for  such  mercies,  as  are  not  imme- 
diately connected  with  salvation.  If  this  should  be  the  case 
with  us,  let  us  kiss  the  rod,  and  seek  to  profit  by  our  chasten- 
ing. And  if  we  have  the  earnests  and  prospects  of  heaven  ; 
let  this  suffice  us,  let  us  acquiesce  in  the  Lord’s  will,  and 
speak  no  more  to  him  of  those  things  which  he  sees  good  to 
refuse  us. — When  we  are  about  to  leave  the  world,  the  same 
principle  which  before  induced  us  to  contribute,  as  we  w^re 
able,  to  promote  the  cause  of  God  and  the  good  of  his  church, 
will  dispose  us  to  rejoice  in  the  prospect  of  the  good  work 
being  carried  on  by  other,  and  more  honoured  instruments; 
and  will  make  us  wish  to  close  our  eyes,  encouraging  our  sur- 
vivors to  be  valiant  for  the  truth,  assured  that  the  Lord  will 
fight  for  them  and  make  them  successful. 

NOTES.— Chap.  IV.  V.  1.  The  power  of  God  and 
his  love  to  Israel,  as  delineated  in  the  foregoing  recapitula- 
tion of  their  history,  are  in  this  chapter  improved  by  a variety 
of  practical  admonitions  and  exhortations.  The  abstract  of 
the  argument  may  he  thus  stated:  4 As  the  Lord  hath  mani- 
fested himself  so  able  and  willing  to  deliver,  protect,  and 
bless  you,  take  heed  that  you  do  not  forfeit  his  favour  by  diso- 
bedience ; but  from  gratitude  for  past  mercies,  and  in  order 
to  secure  the  continuance  of  his  favour,  mako  it  your  constant 
study  to  worship  him  alone,  to  depend  on  his  promises,  per- 
fections, and  providence,  and  to  submit  to  his  authority ; as  a 
nation  governed  by  his  judgments,  and  as  individuals  “ walk- 
ing in  all  his  ordinances  and  commandments.”  This  is  your 
true  wisdom  ; this  will  certainly  advance  you  to  greatness, 
prosperity,  and  reputation,  and  secure  your  felicity : whereas 
tho  contrary  conduct  will  surely  involve  you  in  misery  and 
( 324  ) 


me,  that  ye  should  do  so  in  the  land  whither  ye 
go  to  possess  it. 

6 Keep  therefore,  and  do  them ; for  «this  ti 
your  wisdom  and  your  understanding  in  the  sight 
of  the  nations,  which  shall  hear  all  these  statutes, 
and  say,  '’Surely  this  great  nation  is  a wise  and 
understanding  people. 

7 For  ‘what  nation  is  there  so  great,  Jwho  hath 
God  so  nigh  unto  them,  as  the  Lord  our  God  is 
in  all  things  that  we  call  upon  him  for  ? 

8 And  what  nation  is  there  so  great,  that  hath 
kstatutes  and  judgments  so  righteous,  as  all  this 
law  which  I set  before  you  this  day? 

9 Only  take  heed  to  thyself,  and  'keep  thy  soul 
diligently,  lest  thou  forget  the  things  which  thine 
eyes  have  seen,  and  mlest  they  depart  from  thy 
heart  all  the  days  of  thy  life  : but  "teach  them  thy 
sons,  and  thy  sons’  sons  ; 

10  Specially  “the  day  that  thou  stoodest  before 
the  Lord  thy  God  in  Horeb,  when  the  Lord  said 
unto  me,  Gather  me  the  people  together,  and  1 
will  make  them  hear  my  words,  that  they  may 

Jam. 313.  hIKing»  4:34  10:6—69.  Dan.  1:20.  4:9.  5:11— 16.  Zech.  8:20— 23 
Mai.  3:12.  i Nmn.  23:9,21.  2 Sam.  7.23.  Is.  43:4.  j 5:26.  Ps.  46:1.  73:28.  145: 
IS.  148:14.  Is.  55:6.  Euli.  2:12—22.  Jam.  4:8.  k 1(1  12,13.  Ps.  19:7—11.  119:86, 
96,127,128.  147:19,20.  Rom.  7:12— 14.  2Tim.  3:16,17.  115,23.  Prov.  3:1,3.  4 
20—23.  Luke  8:18.  Heb.  2:3.  Jam.  1:22.  m Jmh.  1:18.  I s.  119:11.  Prov.  3:I~ 
3,21.  4.4.  7:1.  Heb.  2:1.  Rev.  3:3.  n 6:7.  11:19.  29:29.  31:19.  Gen.  18:19.  E>. 
13:8,9,14—16.  Josh,  4:6,7,21.  Ps.  34:11— 16.  71:18.78:3—8.  Prov.  1 :8.  4:1— 13 
23:26.  Is. 38:19.  Eph. 6:4.  o5:2.  Ex.  19:9,16.  20:18.  Heb.  12:18,25. 

ruin.’  The  subsequent  practical  instructions  seem  to  be 
thus  inferred  from  the  preceding  history  ; and  they  are  cn«* 
forced  by  every  argument  and  every  motive  imaginable. — 
The  national  covenant  made  with  Israel  is  indeed  con- 
stantly referred  to : yet  the  wholfc  may  be  accommodated  to  the 
case  of  true  Christians  ; whilst  it  more  directly  suits  the  case 
of  nations  favoured  with  the  light  of  revelation. — The  Israel- 
ites had  witnessed  many  instances,  in  which  disobedience 
was  punished  with  immediate  death.  Their  fathers  had  been 
doomed  to  die  in  the  wilderness:  nor  could  they  expect  to 
possess  Canaan  if  not  obedient.  Obedience  cannot,  merit 
salvation:  but  it  is  the  only  evidence  that  we  partake  of  “the 
gift  of  God,  which  is  eternal  life  through  Jesus  Christ :”  and 
disobedience  both  deserves  eternal  destruction,  and  when  per- 
sisted in,  renders  it  inevitable.  (Note,  Ez.  18:30 — 32.) 

V.  2.  To  add  any  thing  to  the  commands  of  God,  as 
obligatory  upon  the  conscience,  or  an  essential  part  of  reli- 
gion, seems  to  charge  him  with  an  oversight;  and  is  as 
affronting  to  his  wisdom,  as  to  diminish  any  thing  from  it  is  to 
his  authority  and  goodness.  And  human  traditions  or  appoint- 
ments, when  not  explicitly  distinguished  from  the  law  of  God, 
as  comparatively  of  no  authority,  and  kept  entirely  subordi- 
nate have  always  been  the  competitors  of  the  sacred  word, 
and  tended  to  render  it  of  none  effect.  ( Marg . Ref.  Note , 
Matt.  15:3 — 6.) — Some  explain  the  word  add  to  he  merely  a 
caution  against  sins  of  commission  ; and  diminish , against 
sins  of  omission  : hut  this  comes  far  short  of  the  Irue  mean- 
ing.— This  prohibition  is  supposed  to  have  been  extremely 
useful,  in  preserving  entire  the  text  of  these  ancient  books ; 
by  deterring  even  those  who  most  openly  broke  the  law,  or 
explained  away  its  meaning,  or  contended  virulently  with 
each  other  about  religious  opinions  and  practices,  from  adding 
to,  or  taking  from,  the  words  of  the  Scriptures  themselves. 
(12:32.  Notes,  Prov.  30:5,6.  Rev.  22:18—21.) 

V.  3,4.  (Notes,  Num.  25:)  It  appears  from  this  appeal, 
that  the  pestilence,  as  well  as  the  sword  of  the  magistrates, 
singled  out  the  guilty  persons  and  spared  the  rest.  (Ps.  91:6 
— 8.)  4 The  legislator,  in  order  to  deter  the  Jews  from  idola- 

try, alludes  to  this  fact,  but  he  notices  no  circumstance  but 
one,  which,  though  in  the  original  narrative  not  stated,  was 
infinitely  the  most  important  to  advert  to  on  this  occasion ; 
but  which  no  persons,  hut  spectators  of  the  fact,  and  per- 
fectly acquainted  with  every  individual  concerned  in  it,  could 
possibly  feel  the  truth  of.’  Graves  on  the  Pentateuch , Vol.  1. 
pp.  137,  138. 

V.  5.  The  people  had  been  often  ready  to  conclude,  that 
Moses  taught  them  by  his  own  authority ; but  at  the  close  ot 
his  life  ho  solemnly  assured  them,  that  ho  had  instructed  their* 
exactly  as  the  Lord  had  commanded  him,  neither  more,  nor 
less,  nor  otherwise. — This  is  a most  express  declaration, 
that  he  was  divinely  inspired;  and  utterly  incompatible  with 
integrity  of  character,  if  he  was  not. 

V.  6 8. — Israel  was  a 44  great  nation,”  highly  honoured  by 
having  the  tabernacle,  ark,  and  ordinances  of  God  in  the 
midst  of  them,  and  by  his  powerful  interposition  in  the.r 
behalf,  whenever  they  earnestly  called  upon  him  for  help. 
Even  the  surrounding  nations  could  not  help  observing  this, 
while  Israel  adhered  to  the  worship  of  God,  which  was  their 
true  wisdom:  and  indeed,  taking  in  tho  whole  time  from 
Moses  to  this  day,  what  nation  has  been  so  greatly  distin 
guished  as  they  have  been  ? — Their  laws  also,  whether  moral 
or  judicial,  in  proportion  as  they  are  examined,  and  com- 
ired with  the  laws  of  other  nations,  will  appear  to  ovor> 
ipartial  judge  most  equitable  and  excellent. 

V.  9.  Keep  thy  sou/—]  Note , Proe. 4:23. 


B.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


B.  C.  145i 


learn  to  tTcar  me  all  the  days  that  they  shall  live 
upon  the  earth,  and  that  they  may  teach  their 
children. 

1 1 A nd  ye  came  near,  and  '(stood  under  the 
mountain,  and  the  mountain  burned  with  fire 
unu  the  ‘midst  of  heaven,  with  darkness,  clouds, 
and  thick  darkness. 

12  And  rthe  Lord  spake  unto  you  out  of  the 
midst,  of  the  fire  : ye  heard  the  voice  of  the  words, 
but  saw  ’no  similitude : fonly  lye  heard  a voice. 

13  And  "he  declared  unto  you  his  covenant, 
which  he  commanded  you  to  perform,  even  ’ten 
commandments ; and  die  wrote  them  upon  two 
tables  of  stone. 

14  And  the  Lord  commanded  me  ’at  that  time 
to  teach  you  statutes  and  judgments,  that  ye  might 
do  them  in  the  land  whither  ye  go  over  to  possess 
it. 

15  “Take  ye  therefore  good  heed  unto  your- 
selves, (for  ye  saw  no  manner  bof  similitude  on  the 
day  that  the  Lord  spake  unto  you  in  Horeb  out 
of  the  midst  of  the  fire,) 

16  Lest  ye  'corrupt  yourselves , and  make  you  a 
graven  image,  the  similitude  of  any  figure,  dthe 
likeness  of  male  or  female ; 

17  The  likeness  of  any  beast  that  is  on  the 
earth,  the  likeness  of  any  winged  fowl  that  fiieth 
in  the  air ; 

IS  The  likeness  of  any  thing  that  creepeth  on 
the  ground,  the  likeness  of  any  fish  that  is  in  the 
waters  beneath  the  earth : 

19  And  lest  thou  lift  up  thine  eyes  unto  heaven, 
and  'when  thou  seest  the  sun,  and  the  moon,  and 
the  stars,  even  all  rthe  host  of  heaven,  shouldest 
be  driven  to  worship  them,  and  serve  them,  ewhich 
the  Lord  thy  God  hath  ^divided  unto  all  nations 
under  the  whole  heaven. 

20  But  the  Lord  hath  taken  you,  and  brought 
you  forth  out  of  hthe  iron  furnace,  even  out  of 

p 5:2.1.  Ex.  20:20.  1 Sam.  12:24.  Luke  L50.  Rev.  19:5.  q5:23.  Ex. 19:16— 18. 
30:18,19.  * Hub.  heart,  r 5:4.22.  . 15.  Num.  12:8.  Is.  40:18.  Col.  1:15.  1 Heb. 
tare  « noire.  I 33.33.  Ex.  211.22.  1 Kino  19:13.13.  Is.  40:3,6.  Malt.  3:3,17. 
17:5.  J.Jin  12.2S—  5.1.  2 Pet.  1:17. IS.  u 5:1— 21.  Ex.  19:5.24:17,18.  Heb.  9:19, 

20.  x 10:4.  Ex.  31:23.  v 9:9—11.  10:1—5.  Ex.  21:12.  31:18.  31:28.  2 Cor.  3:7. 
Heb.  9:4,  v.  Ex.  21:  22:  23:  Ps.  105:44,43.  a See  on  9,23.  Josh.  23:11.  1 Chr. 
28:9.10.  f toy. 4.23.27.  Jer.  17:21.  Met.  2:15.  b See  on  12.  2 Cor.  1.4-6.  Heb. 
1:3.  e 5:9.  Ex.  21:1,5.  Ps.  106:19.20.  Rom.  1:22— 24.  <1  23.  Is.  40:18.  John  1: 

21.  Acts  17:29.  1 Tim.  1:17.  e 17:3.  2 Kings  23:4,5,1 1 . Job  31:26,27.  Jer.  8:2. 
Ex.  8:16.  Am.  5:23.26.  I Gen.  2:1.  2 Kings  17:16.  21:3.  Jer.  19:13.  Zeph.  1:5. 
Acts  7:42.  Rum.  1:25.  e Gen.  1 1G — 18.  Josh.  10: 12.13.  Nell.  9:6.  Ps.  71: 16, 17. 
13*5:7 — 9.  148:3 — 5.  Jer.  31 :35.  33:25.  Matt.  5:45.  t Or,  imparled,  hi  Kings 
8:51.  Jr.  11.4.  i 9:25,29.  32:9.  Ex.  19:5,6.  Ps.  2S:9.  33: 12.  135: 4.  Is.  63:17,18. 
Kph.  1:18.  l it.  2:14.  1 • et.  2:9.  k See  on  1 :37  . 3.26  . 31 :2.  Num.  20:12.  Ps. 
106:32,33.  11  Kings  13:21,22.  Am.  3:2.  Ifeh.  12:6— 10.  2 Pet.  1:13— 15.  m See 
on  9.  27:9.  Josh.  23:11.  Mail.  24:4.  Luke  12:15.  21:8.  Heb.  3:12.  n 6:1*2.  29: 


V.  11.  The  midst  of  heaven.]  The  fire  and  smoke  filled 
the  atmosphere  to  a great  height;  as  the  fowls  are,  in  the 
original,  said  44  to  fly  in  the  open  firmament  of  heaven.” — 
(17.  Notes,  Gen . f.b— 8.  Ex.  19:16—20.) 

V.  13.  (Notes,  Ex.  20:24.)  The  ten  commandments  were 
the  foundation  of  the  national  covenant  made  with  Israel,  as 
well  as  of  the  covenant  of  works,  though  not  exactly  in  the 
same  manner:  and,  when  written  in  the  heart,  they  form  the 
evidence,  that  the  covenant  of  grace  by  faith  in  Jesus  Christ 
is  ratified  with  us.  (Notes,  Jer.  31:33,34.  Heb.  8:7 — 13.) 

V.  15 — 18.  Let  any  one  carefully  examine  the  multiplied 
and  varied  expressions  of  these  verses ; and  then  let  him 
form  his  judgment,  and  bring  in  his  verdict,  respecting  the 
use  of  images,  in  religious  worship,  in  the  church  of  Rome, 
and  elsewhere.  (Note,  Ex.  20:4.) 

V.  19.  The  propensity  of  mankind  to  idolatry,  and  the  ar- 
tifice of  Satan,  would  concur  to  drive  the  people  into  this 
species  of  it.  It  is  indeed  extremely  irrational  to  rpake  the 
creatures  of  God  his  rivals ; and  to  allow  the  instruments  of 
his  bounty  to  rob  him  of  his  glory : but  the  worship  of  the 
splendid  and  useful  luminaries  of  heaven  is  far  more  plausible 
than  ariy  other  idolatry,  and  therefore  more  carefully  to  be 
guarded  against.  The  declaration  that  the  God  of  Israel 
had  formed  the  sun,  moon,  and  stars,  and  given  all  nations  the 
benefit  of  them,  was  well  suited  to  this  purpose,  and  to  mark 
to  every  reader  the  infinite  distance  between  the  glorious 
Creator  and  the  noblest  of  his  creatures.  (Marg.  Ref.  g. 
Note,  Job  31:24—28.) 

V.  20.  The  iron  furnace.]  This  strong  expression  forcibly 
•narks  the  misery  which  the  Israelites  endured,  and  the  dan- 
ger to  which  they  were  exposed,  in  the  Egyptian  bondage. — 
Thence  they  were  brought  forth  to  be  u unto  the  Lord  a 
nfcople  of  inheritance.”  All  the  revenue  of  worship,  obedience, 
\nd  praise,  which  the  Lord  receives  from  this  lower  world, 
is  paid  him  by  his  redeemed  people,  by  whom  alone  he  is 
loved,  in  whom  he  delights,  and  for  whose  sake  the  frame  of 
nature  is  preserved.  As  the  apostle  says  : 44  All  things  are 
yours  ; whether  Paul,  or  Apollos,  or  Cephas,  or  the  world, 


Egypt,  to  be  unto  him  ’a  people  of  inheritance,  an 
ye  are  this  clay.  • r Prncficnl  Observations . ] 

21  H Furthermore,  kthe  Lord  was  angry  with 
me  for  your  sakes,  and  svvare  that  I should  not 
go  over  Jordan,  and  that  I should  not  go  in  unto 
that  good  land,  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth 
thee  for  an  inheritance. 

22  But  '1  must  die  in  this  land,  I must  not  go 
over  Jordan ; but  ye  shall  go  over,  and  possess 
that  good  land. 

23  Take  mheed  unto  yourselves,  "lest  ye  forget 
the  covenant  of  the  Lord  your  God,  which  he 
made  with  you,  and  "make  you  a graven  image, 
or  the  likeness  of  any  thing-  which  the  Lord  thy 
God  hath  forbidden  thee. 

24  For  the  Lord  thy  rGod  is  a consuming  fire, 
even  jealous  God. 

25  When  thou  shalt  'beget  children,  and  chil- 
dren’s children,  and  ye  shall  have  remained  long 
in  the  land,  and  shall  ’corrupt  yourselves,,  and  make 
a graven  image,  or  the  likeness  of  any  thing,  and 
shall  'do  evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  to 
provoke  him  to  anger  ; 

26  I “call  heaven  and  earth  to  witness  against 
you  this  day,  that  xye  shall  soon  utterly  perish 
from  off  the  land  whereunto  ye  go  over  Jordan  to 

ossess  it,  ye  shall  not  prolong  your  days  upon  it, 
ut  shall  utterly  be  destroyed. 

27  And  the  Lord  shall  •''scatter  you  among  the 
nations,  and  ye  shall  be  left  few  in  number  among 
the  heathen,  whither  the  Lord  shall  lead  you. 

28  And  there  zye  shall  serve  gods,  the  work  of 
men’s  hands,  wood  and  stone,  which  “neither  see, 
nor  hear,  nor  eat,  nor  smell. 

29  But  bif  from  thence  thou  shalt  seek  the  Lord 
thy  God,  thou  shalt  find  him,  if  thou  seek  him 
'with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul. 

30  When  thou  art  in  tribulation,  and  Jall  these 
things  §are  come  upon  thee,  even  'in  the  latter 


25.  31:20.  Josh.  23:16.  I Chr.  16:15.  Is.24:5.  Jer.  31:32.  Ex.  16:59.  o Seeon 
16.  Ex. 20:4,5.  p 9:3.  32:22.  Ex. 24:17.  Pe.21:9.  Is.  30:33.  33:14.  Jer.2l:12— 
14.  Nah.  1:6.  Zeph.  1:18.  Iltb.  12:29.  q 6:11.  29:20  . 32:16,21.  Ex.  20:5  . 34: 

14.  Ps.  78:58.  Is.  42:8.  Nah.  1:2.  1.  or. 10:22.  r31:16— 18.  Juiig.  2:8— 15. 

s See  16.  31:29.  Ex.  32:7.  Hos.  9:9.  I 2 Kings  17:17—19.21:2.14—16.  2 Chr. 
36.12—16.  1130:18,19.  31:28.  32:1.  Is.  1:2.  Jer.  2:12.  6:19.  22:29.  Ex.  36:4. 
Mic.  1:2.  6:2.  x 29:28.  Lev.  18:28.  26:31—3.5.  Josh.  23:16.  Is.  6:11.  24:1—3. 
Jer.  44-22.  Ex.  33:28.  Luke21:24.  y 28:62— 61.  Neh.l:3.  Ex.  12. 15.  32:26 

x 28:36,64.  I Sam. 26:19.  Jer.  16:13.  Ex.  20:32,39.  Acls  7:12.  a Ps.  115:4— 7. 
135:1.5.  Is.  44:9  . 45.20  . 46:7.  Jer.  10:3,9.  b 30-10.  l.ev.  26:39—42.  2 Chr.  15:4, 

15.  Neh.  1.9.  Is. 55:6,7.  Jer.  29: 12— 14.  c30:2.  1 Kings  8:47.48.  2 Kings  10:31. 

23:3.  2 Chr.  15:12.  31:21.  Ps.  119:2,10,58,145.  Jer.  3:10.  d 1 Kings  8146— 53 
2 Chr.  6:36 — 39.  Dan.  9:11— 19.  § Heb.  hare  Jound  thee.  31:17.  Ex.  18:8. 

marg.  e 31:29.  Gen.  49:1.  Num.  24:20.  Jer.  23:20.  Dan.  10:14.  Hos.  3:5.  Heb. 
1:2. 


or  life,  or  death,  or  things  present,  or  things  to  come  : all  are 
yours  ; and  ye  are  Christ’s,  and  Christ  is  God’s.”  (Note,  1 
Cor.  3:18—23.) 

V.  21 — 24.  Th<2  consideration,  that  Moses  was  excluded 
from  Canaan  for  one  offence,  was  both  suited  to  impress  the 
people  with  the  sense  of  the  Lord’s  mercy  in  sparing  them, 
notwithstanding  their  many  and  heinous  transgressions  ; and 
to  warn  them  of  the  consequence  of  renewing  their  rebellions, 
and  of  running  into  idolatry  : for  their  merciful  God  was  also 
“ a jealous  God,  and  a consuming  fire.” — It  seems  that  when 
Moses  pleaded  earnestly  for  a reversal  of  the  sentence,  the 
Lord,  to  silence  him,  confirmed  it  with  an  oath.  (Note,  3: 
23—28.) 

V.  25 — 28.  Many  expressions  in  this  prophecy  evidently 
refer  to  times  much  later,  than  even  the  Babylonish  captivity. 
The  Jews  could  not  then,  with  any  propriety,  be  said  to  have 
u utterly  perished  ” out  of  the  promised  lt,nd,  as  they  returned 
to  it  at  the  end  of  seventy  years  : but  their  present  state,  in 
which  they  have  been  u scattered  among  the  nations  ” for 
almost  eighteen  hundred  years,  without  any  access  to  their 
own  land  ; and  their  condition,  as  dispersed  individuals,  not 
as  a nation  under  a regular  government,  answer  the  language* 
of  the  prediction  with  great  exactness.  They  do  not  indeed 
at  present  worship  images ; except  as  in  popish  countries  they 
sometimes  conceal  their  religion,  and  conform  to  the  idolatrous 
worship  there  performed,  in  order  to  escape  persecution  ; but 
they  are  grossly  ignorant  of  the  true  God  : 44  for  he  that 
honoureth  not  the  Son,  honoureth  not  the  Father  that  sent 
him.”  (Notes,  John  5:20 — 23.  8:54 — 59.)  Numbers  of  Is 
raelites  also  have  doubtless  been  incorporated  with  idolaters. 

V.  29 — 31.  44  A jealous  God”  hath  fulfilled  the  threatenings 
before  denounced  on  the  rebellious  Israelites  : but  he  is  also 
a merciful  God,  and  waits  to  receive  them,  either  as  a nation 
or  individually,  whenever  they  repent,  and  turn  to  him  with 
all  their  hearts,  in  the  obedience  of  faith.  After  all  that  hath 
come  on  the  nation,  especially  in  their  present  long-continued 
dispersion,  they  are  still  preserved  a distint  t people,  by  a 
most  astonishing  interposition  of  Providence  ; e ridently  in 
( 32 5 ) 


c.  <:.  14 .1 


DEUTE 

days,  r if  thou  turn  to  the  Lord  thy  God,  and 
halt  he  '-obedient  unto  his  voice  ; 

31  (F(,irhtlie  Lord  thy  God  is  a merciful  God;) 
ne  will  not  forsake  thee,  neither  destroy  thee,  nor 
‘forget  the  covenant  of  thy  fathers,  whicn  he 
swart'  unto  them. 

32  IT  For  kask  now  of  the  days  that  are  past, 
which  were  before  thee,  since  the  day  that  God 
created  man  upon  the  earth,  and  ask  ‘from  the 
one  side  of  heaven  unto  the  other,  whether  there 
hath  been  any  such  thing- as  this  great  tiling  is,  or 
hath  been  heard  like  it  ? 

33  Did  ever  people  mhear  the  voice  of  God 
speaking  out  of  tne  midst  of  the  fire,  as  thou  hast 
heard,  and  live  ? 

34  Or  hath  God  assayed  to  go  and  “take  him  a 
nation  from  the  midst  of  another  nation,  by  “temp- 
tations, i'by  signs,  and  by  wonders,  and  by  war, 
and  iby  a mighty  hand,  and  by  a stretched-out 
ann,  rand  by  great  terrors,  according  to  all  that 
the  Lord  your  God  did  for  you  in  Egypt  before 
your  eyes  ? 

35  Unto  thee  it  was  showed,  that  thou  mightest 
‘know  that  the  Lord  he  is  God  ; there  Hs  none 
else  beside  him. 

36  Out  uof  heaven  he  made  thee  to  hear  his 
voice,  that  he  might  instruct  thee ; and  upon  earth 
lie  showed  thee  his  great  fire,  and  thou  heardest 
his  words  out  of  the  midst  of  the  fire. 

37  And  “because  he  loved  thy  fathers,  therefore 
he  chose  their  seed  after  them,  and  brought  thee 
out  yin  his  sight  ‘with  his  mighty  power  out  of 
Egypt; 

38  ro  adnve  out  nations  from  before  thee, 
greater  and  mightier  than  thou  art , to  bring  thee 
in,  to  give  thee  their  land  for  an  inheritance,  bas 
it  is  this  day. 

39  Know  therefore  this  day,  ‘and  consider  it 
in  thine  heart,  that  dthe  Lord  he  is  God  in  heaven 

f 30:10.  Lam.  3:40.  Hos.  14:2,3.  Joel  2:12,13.  Acts  3:19.  26:20.  g Is.  1:19. 
Jer.  7:23.  Zech.  6:15.  Heb.  5:9.  h Ex.  34:6,7.  Num.  14:18.  2 Chr.  30:9. 
Neh.  1:5.  9:31.  Ps.  86:5,15.  116:5.  145:8,9.  Jon.  4:2.  Mic.7:13.  i Lev.  26:42, 
45.  Ps.  105:8.  111:5,9.  Jer.  14:21.  Luke  1:72.  k Job  8:8.  Pa.  44:1.  Joel  1:2. 
130:4.  Matt.  24:31.  Mark  13:27.  m 5:24— 26.  9:10.  Ex.  20:18,19.  24:11.  33:20. 
Judg.  6:22.  n Ex.  1:9.  3:10,17—20.  o7:19.  29:3.  Ex.  9:20,21.  10:7.  p Ex.  7: 
3.  Ps.  78:12,48— 53.  q 5:15.  6:21.  7:8,9.  Ex.  6:6.  13:3.  1 Pel.  5:6.  r26:8.  34: 
12.  Ex.  12:30—33.  si  Sam.  17:45—47.  I Kings  18:36,37.  2 Kings  19:19.  Ps.  58: 
11.  83:18.  t ?2.39.  Ex  15:11.  1 Sam.  2 2.  Is.  44:6,8  . 45:5,18/22.  Mark  12:29, 
32.  1 John  5:20,21.  n 33.  Ex.  19:9,19  . 20:18—22.24:16.  Neh.  9:13.  Heb.  12:18, 
25.  x 7:7—9.  9:5.  10:15.  Ps.  105:6—10.  Is.  41:8,9.  Jer.  31:1.  Mai.  1:2.  Luke  1: 
72, 73.  Rom.  9:5.  v 2 Chr.  16:9.  Ps.  32:8.  34: 15.  i See  on  34.  Ps.  114:  133:10 


remembrance  of  the  covenant  confirmed  with  their  fathers  ; 
and  in  order  to  the  fulfilment,  as  prophecies,  of  these  condi- 
tional promises,  when  the  u Spirit  of  grace  and  supplications” 
shall  be  poured  out  on  them,  and  they  shall  look  in  penitent 
faith  to  .their  crucified  Messiah.  (Notes,  Lev.  26:40 — 42. 
Num.  23:9.  1 Kings  SAG — 53.  Jer.  30:10,11.  Hos.  3:4,5. 
Zech.  12:9—14.) 

V.  32,  33.  During  above  two  thousand  five  hundred  years, 
from  the  creation,  no  reccyd,  nor  even  report,  existed  of  such 
events  as  the  Israelites  had  witnessed,  nor  of  any  at  all  simi- 
lar to  them. 

Fire.  (33)  Impostors  have  sometimes  deceived  men  by 
voices,  supposed  to  be  uttered  by  some  deity,  but  never  as 
spoken  out  of  the  midst  of  a most  tremendous  fire,  in  the 
sight  and  hearing  of  numbers,  to  whose  senses  the  appeal 
v as  made. 

V.  34.  Temptations.]  The  commands,  judgments,  and 
respites,  by  which  Pharaoh  was  required  to  let  Israel  go, 
made  trial  of  his  temper,  and  discovered  his  unwillingness  to 
obey,  and  his  inability  to  resist.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  35 — 40.  Nothing  had  occurred  in  the  history  of  the 
world  at  that  time,  and  nothing  has  taken  place  during  much 
more  than  three  thousand  years  since,  that  at  all  resembled 
the  interposition  of  God,  to  deliver  one  nation  out  of  the  midst 
of  another  more  powerful  nation,  which  had  long  enslaved  it, 
by  two  unarmed  men,  entirely  through  miracles,  and  contrary 
to  all  human  probability ; or  that  was  any  thing  like  his  deal- 
ings with  them  at  Sinai  and  in  the  wilderness.  The  very 
singularity  of  the  transactions,  though  attested  beyond  all 
reasonable  doubt,  gives  a plausible  pretence  for  skepticism. 
But  miracles  must  be  extraordinary  events , or  they  would 
cease  to  deserve  the  name ; and  an  adequate  reason  is 
assigned  for  this  extraordinary  interposition  of  Jehovah,  at 
a time  when  all  nations  were  ready  to  sink  into  idolatry : for 
he  intended  thus  effectually  to  show  men  in  general,  and  his 
chosen  people  in  particular,  that  he  alone  was  the  true  God 
in  heaven  and  earth ; and  that  all  the  deities  of  the  nations 
were  mere  names,  or  lying  vanities,  who  could  not  at  all 
prelect  or  help  their  worshippers,  or  resist  his  power.  (Marg. 
Ref  Note,  Ex.  9:13 — 16.) 

V 41 — 43.  The  first  exhortation,  or  tn  rmon,  (so  to  speak) 

< 32G  ) 


RONOMY.  B.  C.  14b, 

above,  ami  upon  the  earth  beneath  ; there  is  non« 
else. 

40  Thou  shalt  'keep  therefore  his  statutes  and 
his  commandments,  which  I command  thee  this 
day,  that  ' it  may  go  well  with  thee,  and  with  thy 
children  after  thee,  and  that  thou  mayest  prolong 
thy  days  upon  the  earth,  which  the  Lord  thy 
God  giveth  thee,  for  ever. 

41  H Then  Moses  Severed  three  cities  on  this 
side  Jordan  toward  the  sunrising  ; 

42  That  '‘the  slayer  might  flee  thither,  which 
should  kill  his  neighbour  unawares,  and  hated  him 
not  in  times  past ; and  that,  fleeing  unto  one  cif 
these  cities,  lie  might  live  : 

43  JYamely,  ‘Bezer  in  the  wilderness,  in  the 
plain  country  of  the  Reubenites  : and  kRamoth  in 
Gilead  of  the  Gadites ; and  'Golan  in  Bashan  of 
the  Manassites. 

44  H And  this  mis  the  law  which  Moses  set  be- 
fore the  children  of  Israel: 

45  These  " are  the  testimonies,  and  “the  statutes, 
and  the  judgments,  which  Moses  spake  unto  the 
children  of  Israel,  after  they  came  forth  out  ol 
Egypt ; 

46  On  Pthis  side  Jordan,  in  the  valley  <iover 
against  Beth-peor,  in  the  land  of  Sihon  king  of 
the  Amorites,  who  dwelt  at  Heshbon,  whom 
rMoses  and  the  children  of  Israel  smote,  after  they 
were  come  forth  out  of  Egypt : 

47  And  they  possessed  his  land,  and  ‘the  land 
of  Og  king  of  Bashan,  two  kings  of  the  Amorites, 
which  were  on  this  side  Jordan,  toward  the  sun- 
rising : 

48  F rom  'Aroer,  which  is  by  the  bank  of  the 
river  Arnon,  even  unto  mount  “Sion,  which  is 
Hermon. 

49  And  all  the  plain  on  this  side  Jordan  east- 
ward, even  unto  tne  sea  of  the  plain,  “under  the 
springs  of  Pisgah. 

—15.  Is.  51:9— 11.  63:11,12.  « 7:1.  9:1—5.  11:23.  Ex  . 23:27,28.  Josh.  3:10. 

Pa.  44:2,3.  8 2:31—37.3:1—16.8:18.  c 32:29.  1 Chr.  28:9.  Is  1:3.  5:12.  Hos. 
7:2.  d See  on  35.  Josh. 2:11.  Uhr.29:ll.  2 Chr.  20:6.  P,.  115:3.  135:6.  ! mi. 
4:35.  e Sec  on  1,6.  28:1-14.  I.e*.  22:31 . 26: 1—13.  Jer.  1 1 :4.  John  14: 15,21  — 
24.  f5:16.  6:3,18.  12:25— 28.  22:7.  E|ih.  6:3.  ITim.  4:8.  e Num.  35:14,13 

Josh.  20:2— 9.  h 19:1— 10.  Num.  35:6,11,12,13— 28.  I!eli.6:18.  i Josh.  20:8. 
k Josh.  21:38.  1 4: 13.  22:3,4.  1 Chr.  6:80.  1 Josh.  21:27.  1 Chr.  6:71. 

m 1:5.  17:18,19.  27  3,8,26.  33:4.  Lev.  27:34.  Num.  33:13.  Mai.  4:4.  John  1:17. 
n 6:17,20.  1 Kings  2:3.  Ps.  119:2, 14.22, 2i,  111.  o See  nn  I.  p 47.  Seeonl:5 
Num. 32:19.  q 3:29.  r 1 :4  . 2:30— 36.  3:8  Num.  21:21— 32.  s See  on  3:1— 14 
29:7,8.  Num.  21:33-35.  I 2:36.  3:12.  Josh.  13:24,  &c.  u 3:9.  Ps.  133:3.  j 3- 
17.  34.1.  Josh.  13:20. 


of  this  book  ends  with  the  preceding  verse:  and  the  appoint- 
ment of  the  cities  of  refuge  has  no  visible  connexion  with 
what  goes  before,  or  with  what  follows : but  probably  Moses 
performed  that  service,  before  he  delivered  his  next  discourse, 
that  he  might  show  how  this  important  concern  was  to  be  regu- 
lated. (Note,  Josh.  20:7 — 9.)  Thus  he  lost  no  part  of  his 
short  remaining  time,  but  filled  up  the  whofe  with  speaking  or 
acting  for  the  good  of  the  people. 

V.  44.  (Note,  1:5.)  This  is  evidently  an  introduction 
to  the  discourse  of  the  subsequent  chapters.  Moses  having 
practically  improved  some  particulars  in  the  history  of  Israel, 
proceeded  to  repeat  and  enforce  the  laws  which  he  had 
before  delivered,  with  additions  and  explanations,  beginning 
with  the  ten  commandments. 

V.  46.  Beth-peor.]  Or,  u The  house  of  Poor.”  Proba- 
bly a temple  of  Baal-peor  was  full  in  the  view  of  the  people, 
while  Moses  was  pressing  upon  them  the  worship  of  Jeho- 
vah alone;  and  perhaps  that  very  temple,  where  so  many 
had  sinned  to  their  own  destruction. 

V.  48.  Mount  Sion,  &c.]  (Marg.  Ref.)  Not  mount 
Zion,  but  Sion,  which  was  on  the  east  of  Jordan,  and  north- 
wards towards  Lebanon. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATION’S. 

V.  1 — 20.  Every  instance  of  the  Lord’s  kindness  to  us  is 
a conclusive  argument  to  enforce  our  obedience  to  his  com- 
mandments ; and  will  either  influence  us  to  obey  him,  or 
testify  against  us,  and  enhance  our  condemnation.  Indeed, 
all  his  commandments  are  so  reasonable,  equitable,  and 
salutary,  that  if  we  were  not  blinded  and  infatuated  by  Satan, 
a wise  regard  to  our  own  interest  would  induce  us  to  observe 
them:  for  they  are  only  righteous  and  kind  rules,  which  the 
all-wise  Creator  has  affectionately  prescribed  to  his  rational 
creatures ; by  attending  to  which  they  may  secure  their  own 
felicity,  and  conduce  to  that  of  each  other,  while  they  render 
him  the  glory  duo  unto  his  name.  None  of  them  can  ho  broken 
without  injuring  ourselves  and  others,  as  well  as  dishonouring 
God:  and  a peaceful  conscience,  well-regulated  passions  ana 
appetites,  a sweet  sense  of  his  favour,  an  unspeakable  pleasure 
in  his  ways,  and  complete  harmony  and  love  with  each  other, 
together  with  henith  of  body  and  vigour  of  mind,  must  be  the 
consequences  of  perfect  obedience  to  them.  Even  now,  in 


B.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  V. 


B.  C.  1-tf. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Motit  shows  that  God  mode  a covenant  with  Israel  at  Horeb,  1 — 5.  He  sets 

the  ten  commanilments  before  them,  6 — 21.  He  relates  hoio,  at  the  people's 

request,  he  had  received  the  law  from  God  for  them , 31  He  exhorts 

them  to  obedience , 32,  3S. 

\ ND  Moses  called  “all  Israel,  and  said  unto 
J\.  them,  bHear,  O Israel,  the  statutes  and  judg- 
ments which  I speak  in  your  ears  this  day,  that  ye 
may  learn  them,  and  'keep,  and  do  them, 
re.  c.  2 The  Lord  cour  God  made  a covenant 
L >«i.  with  us  in  Horeb. 

3 The  Lord  ‘'made  not  this  covenant  with  our 
fathers,  but  with  us,  even  us,  who  are  all  of  us 
here  alive  this  day. 

4 The  “Lord  talked  with  you  face  to  face  in  the 
mount,  out  of  the  midst  of  the  fire, 

5 (I  fstood  between  the  Lord  and  you  at  that 
time,  to  show  you  the  word  of  the  Lord  : for  ye 
were  afraid  by  reason  of  the  fire,  and  went  not  up 
into  the  mount,)  saying, 

6 «I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  '‘brought 
thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  from  the  house  of 
'bondage. 

a 1:1 . 29:2.10.  h See  on  4:1.  * Heb.  keep  to  do  them.  Matt.  23:3.  e 4:23.  Ex. 
19:5,6.  24:8.  Heb.  8:6—13.  9:19—23.  d 29:10—15.  Gen.  17:7,21.  l*s.  105:8—10. 
Jer.  3*2:38 — 40.  Gal.  3:17— 21.  Heb.  8:8.  e 24— 26.  4:33,36.34:10.  Ex.  19:9,19. 
20:22.  33:11.  Ntim.  12:9.  f 27.  Gen.  18:22.  Ex.  19:16.  20:18—21.  Num.  16:48. 
Ps.  106:23.  Jer.  30:21.  Zech.  3:1—5.  Gal.  3:19.  Heb.  9:24.  12:18—24.  g6:4. 

See  on  Ex.  20:2.  Lev.  26:1,2.  ti  Ps.  81:5— 10.  f Heb.  servants,  i See  on  Ex. 

proportion  as  wo  are  enabled  to  obey  them,  these  blessed 
effects  follow : and  the  case  is  the  same  with  nations  as  with 
individuals.  They  therefore  will  one  day  appear  to  be  the 
only  “ wise  and  understanding  people,”  (however  now 
derided  as  fools,)  who  make  the  law  of  God  the  rule  of  their 
whole  conduct,  without  “ adding  to  it  or  diminishing  from  it 
and  that  very  light  which  discovers  their  wisdom,  will  detect 
the  folly  and  madness  of  those  pretenders  to  superior  under- 
standing, who  reject  the  divine  testimony,  and  disregard  the 
divine  authority : so  that  at  length  it  will  be  undeniably 
evident,  that  true  religion  is  but  another  name  for  wisdom, 
honour,  and  felicity.  Even  in  this  world  experience  decides, 
that  they  who  forsake  the  Lord  plunge  themselves  into  many 
miseries,  and  often  into  sudden  destruction : and,  notwith- 
standing self-denial  and  persecutions,  the  temporal  advan- 
tages of  piety  are  vastly  more  satisfactory,  than  the  most 
splendid  acquisitions  of  prosperous  wickedness ; even  apart 
from  the  comforts  of  the  Holy  Spirit  and  the  hope  of  glory  on 
the  one  hand,  or  the  remorse  and  terrors,  which  are  more 
sensibly  felt  than  honestly  acknowledged,  on  the  other : for 
“ godliness  hath  both  the  promise  of  this  life  and  of  that 
which  is  to  come.”  (Notes,  1 Tim.  4:G — 10.  6:G — 10.) — But 
it  we  would  secure  these  advantages,  with  hearts  like  ours, 
in  such  a world  as  this,  in  the  midst  of  temptations  and 
enemies,  we  must  apply  our  minds  seriously  both  “ to  know 
and  to  consider”  the  works  and  the  word  of  God  : we  must 
“ take  great  heed  unto  ourselves,  and  keep  our  souls  dili- 
gently,” lest  the  good  impressions  which  are  excited  depart 
out  of  our  hearts,  without  producing  any  abiding  effects : for 
while  our  duty  and  happiness,  as  well  as  God  himself  and  his 
service,  are  always  the  same;  our  sense  of  them  is  alas! 
exceedingly  variable,  and  even  apt  to  wear  out  of  our  minds. 
(Note,  Hth.  2:1 — 4.)  We  should  therefore  “watch  and  pray 
always,”  that  we  may  not  be  entangled  by  those  snares  which 
are  laid  in  every  ace : we  should  keep  a strict  and  constant 
guard  upon  our  imaginations,  affections,  senses,  and  appe- 
tites: our  minds  must  be  armed  with  every  imaginable  motive 
which  can  encourage  hope,  excite  fear,  and  influence  our  love 
or  hatred;  that  in  patience,  courage,  and  self-denial,  we 
may  be  prepared  for  labour,  trials,  and  for  the  cross,  in  what- 
ever form  it  is  laid  in  our  way.  All  this,  and  much  more 
must  be  attended  to,  if  we  would  walk  safely  and  comfortably 
with  God,  through  this  world  to  glory. — But  trusting  in  Christ 
by  faith  in  his  blood ; and  drawing  from  his  fulness  wisdom, 
strength,  and  grace,  it  will  become  practicable  and  pleasant. — 
Nothing  is  more  essential  in  this  important  concern,  than 
just  apprehensions  of  the  perfections  of  God ; since  universal 
history  reminds  us  of  man’s  astonishing  propensity  to  idolatry. 
We  must  not  therefore  trust  to  our  vain  reasonings,  or  indulge 
our  gross  imaginations  ; but,  by  faith,  derive  our  knowledge  of 
God  from  revelation  alone ; particularly  attending  to  the 
displays  which  he  hath  made  of  his  power,  justice,  goodness, 
mercy,  and  truth,  in  the  various  dispensations  there  recorded. 

V.  21 — 49.  We  ought  carefully  to  study  our  obligations  to 
God,  am,  nis  character,  with  the  relations  in  which  we  stand 
to  him  ; his  law  and  worship ; our  own  situation  as  sinners 
under  a dispensation  of  mercy;  and  the  nature  of  that 
gracious  covenant  to  which  we  are  invited  to  accede : since 
far  more  interesting  discoveries  are  made  to  us,  than  ever 
Israel  saw  from  mount  Sinai ; and  far  greater  mercies  are 
conferred  on  us,  than  they  experienced  in  Egypt,  in  the 
wilderness,  or  in  Canaan.  One  speaks  to  us  of  infinitely 
superior  dignity  to  Moses,  who,  on  our  account,  was  not, 
like  him,  -'eprived  nerely  of  a greatly  desired  and  much 
regretted  temporal  s tisfaction,  but  who  even  bare  upon  the 
Cross  the  wrath  and  curse  of  Bod  for  our  sins,  and  Git  the 


7 Thou  'shalt  have  none  other  gods  befoiv 
me. 

8 Thou  shalt  not  make  thee  any  'graven  image 
or  any  likeness  of  any  thing  that  is  in  heavei 
above,  or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  w 
in  the  waters  beneath  the  earth. 

9 Thou  kshalt  not  bow  down  thyself  unto  them, 
nor  serve  them : for  I the  Lord  thy  God  am  'a 
jealous  God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers 
upon  the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth  gene 
ration  of  them  that  hate  me, 

10  And  ‘"showing  mercy  unto  thousands  ot 
them  that  “love  me,  and  keep  my  commandments 

11  Thou  “shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord 
thy  God  in  vain  : for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him 
guiltless  that  taketh  his  name  in  vain. 

12  pKeep  the  sabbath-day  to  sanctify  it,  as  the 
Lord  thy  God  hath  commanded  thee. 

13  sSix  days  thou  shalt  labour,  and  do  all  thy 
work : 

14  But  the  seventh  day  is  rthe  sabbath  of  the 
Lord  thy  God  : in  it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work, 

20:3.  Matt.  4:10.  John  5:23.  1 John  5:21.  iSeeon4:16.  k See  on  Ex.  20:4— 
6.  ] See  on  Ex.  34.7,14.  m Is.  1 : 16 — 19.  Jer.  32: 18.  Dan.  9:4.  Matt.  7:21— 27. 
Gal.  5:6.  1 John  1:7.  n 6:5,6.  10:12,13.  John  14:15,21— 23.  15:14.  Rom.  8:23. 
Jam.  1:25.  1 John  5:2,3.  o6:13.  See  on  Ex.  20:7.  Lev.  19:12.  Jer.  4:2.  Matt. 
5:33,34.  Jam.  5:12.  |j  See  on  Ex.  20:8— 11 . Is.  56:6  . 58:13.  q Ex.  23:12.  35: 
2,3.  Ex.  20:12.  Luke  13:14 — 16.  23:56.  rGen.2:2.  Ex.  16:29,30.  Heb.4:4. 


unspeakable  agony  in  all  its  bitterness.  And  now,  instead  ot 
the  language  and  displays  of  fiery  indignation,  he  pleads  with 
us  by  his  dying  love,  and  in  mild  accents  of  mere}’,  not  to 
neglect  so  great  salvation. — Nay,  our  God,  while  awfully 
jealous  for  the  glory  of  his  name,  and  “ a consuming  Fire”  to 
all  impenitent  sinners,  is  yet  most  merciful,  ready  to  forgive, 
and  willing  to  be  gracious  to  all  who  turn  to  him  in  true  repent- 
ance. If  then,  after  all  our  rebellions,  we  at  last  seek  him 
with  all  our  heart  and  with  all  our  soul,  and  become  obedient 
to  his  voice,  (fleeing  for  refuge  to  lay  hold  upon  the  hope  set 
before  us,)  he  will  yet  pardon  us,  and  ratify  to  us  all  the 
blessings  of  the  everlasting  covenant.- -But  apostles,  prophets, 
and  ministers,  yea,  heaven  and  earth  also,  will  testily  against 
us,  if  we  44  refuse  him  that  speaketh.”  (Note,  Heb.  12:22 — 
25.)  Even  our  natural  affection  to  our  children  may  suggest 
additional  motives  to  obedience ; for  when  the  Lord  loves  the 
parents,  he  often  chooses  and  blesses  the  children  after  them, 
especially  when  they  diligently  instruct  them  in  the  same 
good  way.  (Note,  Gen.  18:18,19.)  Thus  may  we  seek  an 
entail  of  heavenly  blessings  upon  our  latest  posterity  : and 
both  parents  and  ministers  may  learn  profitably  from  Moses, 
to  instruct  their  children  and  people,  with  fervour  and  faith- 
fulness, even  to  the  close  of  their  lives,  in  all  that  the  Lord 
had  taught  them,  with  a mixture  of  firmness,  affection,  and 
gravity,  suited  to  such  important  occasions.  (Notes,  2 Tim. 
4:1 — 5.  2 Pet.  1:12 — 15.) — Finally,  as  the  present  dispersion 
of  the  Jews  shows  this  chapter  to  have  been  a prophecy,  as 
well  as  a sermon  ; let  us  not  forget  to  pray  for  them,  that  in 
their  tribulation,  even  now  in  these  latter  days,  they  may  seek 
the  Lord,  and  be  reinstated  in  the  privileges  of  the  covenant 
made  with  their  fathers. 

NOTES. — Chap.  V.  V.  3.  The  Sinai  covenant  was 
different  from  that  made  with  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob; 
for  that  was  personal,  and  related  mainly  to  spiritual  bless- 
ings ; this  was  national,  and  especially  stated  the  terms,  on 
which  the  possession  of  the  promised  land,  and  other  privi- 
leges, would  be  continued  to  Israel.  (Notes,  Gen.  17:1 — 8. 
Ex.  19:5.  Gal.  3:15 — 18.)  But  this  language  may  also  mean, 
that  the  covenant  made  at  Horeb,  was  as  obligatory  on  the 
generation  whom  Moses  then  addressed,  as  on  those  who 
were  immediately  present,  when  the  law  was  delivered,  and 
the  covenant  ratified.  For  they  were  a collective  body, 
incorporated  by  charter,  the  obligations  and  advantages  of 
which  descended  to  the  successors  of  those  to  whom  it  was 
first  conceded.  Some  indeed  whom  Moses  addressed  had 
been  present  at  the  giving  of  the  law,  though  under  age ; but 
most  of  them  were  then  unborn,  or  children  : yet  the  covenant 
made  with  their  fathers  included  them  likewise. — Thus  all, 
favoured  with  revelation,  are  bound  to  submit  to  it,  equally 
with  those  to  whom  it  was  first  given ; though  they  do  no* 
behold  the  miracles  bv  which  it  was  authenticated:  for  there 
are  other  evidences  of  its  divine  authority,  which  gather  force 
by  revolving  ages*,  and  they  who  submit  to  it  have  equal 
benefits,  with  those  to  whom  it  was  first  communicated. 

V.  4—11.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  28,29.  Ex.  19:16—20 
20:1—7,18—25. 

V.  12 — 15.  (Notes,  Ex.  20:8 — 11.) — The  words  u As  the 
Lord  thy  God  hath  commanded,”  here  introduced  in  record- 
ing the  giving  of  the  law  from  mount  Sinai,  seem  to  imply  an 
appointment  of  the  sabbath,  previous  to  that  transaction.— 
The  original  reason  for  hallowing  the  sabbath,  taken  from  the 
creation,  is  not  here  mentioned.  This  indeed  must  eve 
remain  valid,  and  it  was  well  known  to  the  people.  But  they 
were  also  required  to  remember  their  oppressed  state  in 
Egypt,  and  their  wonderful  deliverance  : and  while  they  wor- 
shipped and  gave  thanks  to  their  great  and  gracious  Deliverer 

( 327  t 


B.  C.  1451 


DEUTERONOMY. 


B.  C.  145 


thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor  thy  daughter,  nor  thy  man- 
servant, nor  thy  maid-servant,  nor  thine  ox,  nor 
thine  ass,  nor  any  of  thy  cattle,  nor  "thy  stranger 
that  is  within  thy  gates  : that  ‘thy  man-servant 
and  thy  maid-servant  may  rest  as  well  as  thou. 

15  And  "remember  that  thou  wast  a servant  in 
•ne  land  of  Egypt,  and  that  vthe  Lord  thy  God 
brought  thee  out  thence,  “through  a mighty  hand, 
and  by  a stretched-out  arm:  therefore  the  Lord 
thy  God  commanded  thee  to  keep  the  sabbath- 
day. 

16  •''Honour  thy  father  and  thy  mother,  as  the 
Lord  thy  God  hath  commanded  thee : that  *thy 
days  may  be  prolonged,  and  that  it  may  go  well 
with  thee,  in  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
giveth  thee. 

17  Thou  “shalt  not  kill. 

16  Neither  bshalt  thou  commit  adultery. 

19  Neither  “shalt  thou  steal. 

20  Neither  dshalt  thou  bear  false  witness  against 
thy  neighbour. 

21  Neither  “shalt  thou  desire  thy  neighbour’s 

wife,  neither  shalt  thou  covet  thy  neighbour’s 

house,  his  field,  or  his  man-servant,  or  his  maid- 
servant, or  his  ox,  or  his  ass,  or  any  thing  that  is 
thy  neighbour’s. 

22  H These  ‘words  the  Lord  spake  unto  all 
your  assembly,  in  the  mount  out  of  the  midst  of 
the  fire,  of  the  cloud,  and  of  the  thick  darkness, 
with  a great  voice;  and  he  added  no  more  : and 
she  wrote  them  in  two  tables  of  stone,  and  de- 
livered them  unto  me. 

23  And  it  came  to  pass,  hwhen  ye  heard  the 
voice  out  of  the  midst  of  the  darkness,  (for  the 
mountain  did  burn  with  fire,)  that  ye  came  near 
unto  me,  even  all  the  heads  of  your  tribes,  and 
your  elders ; 

24  And  ye  said,  Behold,  the  Lord  our  God  hath 
showed  us  his  glory,  and  his  greatness,  and  Kve 

■ Neh.  13:15—' 21.  t Lev.  25:44— 40.  Xeh.  5:5.  u 15:15.  16: 12.  21:19—22.  Is. 
51:1,2.  Eph. 2:11, 12.  v See  on  6.  Ps.  116:16.  Is.  63:9.  Luke  1:74,75.  Tit.  2: 
li  i See  an  4:34— 37.  y See  an  Ex.  20: 12.  Lev.  19:3.  Matt.  15:4— 6.  ( o] . 3: 
2t  z 4:40.  27:16.  Eph.  6:2,3.  a See  on  Ex.  20:13.  Malt.  5:21,22.  b Set  an 
Ex. 20:14.  Luke  18:20.  Jam.  2:10,11.  e See  on  Ex.  20:15.  Rom, 13.9.  Eph.  4: 
28.  (119:16—21.  Seem  Ex.  20: 16.  23: 1 . 1 Kings  21: 13.  Prov.  6: 19.  19:5,9. 
e See  on  Ex.  20:17.  1 Kings 21:1— 1.  Mic.  2:2.  Hah.  2:9.  I.nke  12:15.  Rom.  7: 
7.8.  1 Tim. 6:9,10.  Heb.  13:5.  tSeeoni.  4:12—15,36.  Ex.  19:18,19.  g Se-on 
4:13.  Ex. 24:12.  31:18.  li  Ex. 20:18,19.  Heb.  12:18— 21.  i See  on  4,5.  )4: 

33.  lien.  32:30.  Ex.  33:20.  Jnilg.  13:22.  k 18:16.  33:2.  2Cor.  3:7—9.  Gal.  3:10, 
21,22.  Heb.  12:29.  * Heb  .add.  to  hear.  1 See  on  4:33.  m Gen.  6:12.  Is.  40:6. 


humanely  to  allow  respite  from  labour  to  their  servants,  and 
even  heathen  slaves,  and  piously  to  afford  the  man  opportunity 
of  becoming  acquainted  with  Jehovah,  and  worshipping  him  ; 
from  which  advantages,  they  themselves  had  been  cruelly  and 
impiously  restricted  by  their  Egyptian  oppressors.  Thus, 
while  the  judicial  law  supposed  the  existence  of  slavery 
among  the  Jews;  this,  and  similar  regulations,  when  duly 
complied  with,  were  calculated  to  convert  the  slavery  of  the 
heathen  in  Israel  into  a blessing  to  their  souls,  by  bringing 
them  under  the  means  of  gr.ace,  and  putting  them  in  the  way 
of  obtaining  the  privileges  of  God’s  peculiar  people.  (Note, 
Ex.  21:2.)  And  amidst  the  enormities  of  modern  slavery, 
if  it  could  truly  be  said,  that  all  the  slaves  rested  from  all 
labour  on  the  Lord’s  day,  being  allowed  and  required  to  keep 
it  holy  ; and  were  so  instructed  on  it  in  the  nature  of  genuine 
Christianity , as  to  afford  them  an  adequate  opportunity  of 
being  made  partakers  of  its  blessings;  it  would  plead  more 
powerfully  for  its  being  suffered  to  exist,  than  all  other  rea- 
sons which  have  been  urged  in  its  favour. 

V.  16 — 21.  There  are  several  unimportant  variations  from 
the  law  as  delivered  from  Sinai ; but  the  substance  is  entirely 
the  same.  ( Marg . Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  20:12 — 17.) 

V.  22 — 27.  Several  particulars  are  here  added  which  were 
not  mentioned  in  the  narrative ; and  all  well  calculated  to 
illustrate  the  greatness  of  the  consternation  excited  among 
the  people,  by  the  giving  of  the  law  from  mount  Sinai. — (Marg 
Ref.  Note,  Ex.  20:18 — 20.) 

V.  28,  29.  When  the  people  were  impressed  with  the 
terror  of  immediate  destruction  from  (he  voice  of  God  speak- 
ing from  mount  Sinai,  and  were  conscious  that  they  could  not 
thus  approach  him,  hut  desired  a mediator  by  whom  he  might 
speak  to  them  ; and  when  they  promised  to  hear  and  obey  that 
mediator;  they  spake  well:  and  had  they  properly  under- 
stood their  own  request,  and  been  permanently  disposed 
according  to  it,  all  would  have  proceeded  and  terminated 
happily.  But  the  Lord,  in  very  affecting  and  emphatical  lan- 
guage, suggests  that,  it  was  not  so:  for  he  saw  that,  though 
they  were  alarmed,  they  were  neither  duly  humbled,  nor  pre- 
pared to  receive  in  faith  the  promised  mediator  whom  Moses 
typified,  nor  disposed  to  walk  in  the  ways  of  holy  obedience. 
This  language  shows  us  what.  God  approves,  delights  in,  and 
a :cept*,  as  honourable  to  his  name,  right  in  itself,  and  profit- 
( 32S  ) 


have  heard  his  voice  out  of  the  midst  of  the  fire  . 
we  have  seen  this  day  that  God  doth  talk  with 
man,  and  )he  liveth. 

25  Now  therefore  why  shou  d we  die  ? forkthis 
great  fire  will  consume  us.  If  we  ‘hear  the 
voice  of  the  Lord  our  God  any  more,  then  we 
shall  die. 

26  For  'who  is  there  of  ma!l  flesh,  that  hath 
heard  the  voice  of  the  "living  God  speaking  out 
of  the  midst  of  the  fire,  as  we  have,  and  lived  ? 

27  Go  thou  near,  and  “hear  all  that  the  Lord 
our  God  shall  say  ; and  speak  thou  unto  us  all 
that  the  Lord  our  God  shall  speak  unto  thee,  and 
we  will  hear  it  and  do  it. 

28  And  the  Lord  heard  tne  voice  of  your 
words,  when  ye  spake  unto  me,  and  the  Lord 
said  unto  me,  I have  heard  the  voice  of  the  words 
of  this  people,  which  they  have  spoken  unto 
thee  : '■they  have  well  said  all  that  they  have 
spoken. 

29  "iOh,  that  there  were  such  an  heart  in  them, 
that  they  would  fear  me,  and  rkeep  all  my  com- 
mandments always,  "that  it  might  be  well  with 
them,  and  with  their  children  for  ever  ! 

30  Go  say  to  them,  Get  you  into  your  tent3 
again. 

31  But  as  for  thee,  stand  thou  here  by  me,  and 
'I  will  speak  unto  thee  all  the  commandments,  and 
the  statutes,  and  the  judgments,  which  thou  shalt 
teach  them,  that  they  may  do  them  in  the  land 
which  I give  them  to  possess  it. 

32  Ye  shall  "observe  to  do  therefore  as  the 
Lord  your  God  hath  commanded  you  : xye  shall 
not  turn  aside  to  the  right  hand  or  to  the  left. 

33  Ye  shall  nvalk  in  all  the  ways  which  the 
Lord  your  God  hath  commanded  you  : that  ye 
may  live,  and  that  it  may  be  "well  with  you,  and 
that  ye  may  prolong  your  days  in  the  land  which 
ye  shall  possess. 


Rom.  3 20.  n Josh.  3:10.  Ps.  42:2.  84:2.  Jer.  10:10.  Dan.  6:26.  Mall.  26:63. 
Acts  14:15.  2 Cor.  6:16.  lThea.  1:9.  o on  Ex. 20:19.  Heb.  12:19.  p 18:17. 
Num.  27:7.  36:5.  q 32:29,30.  Ps.  81 : 13— 15.  Is.  48: 18.  Jer.  44:4.  Man.  23:37. 
Luke  19:42.  2 Cor.  5:20.  6:1.  llel..  12:25.  r 11:1.  Ps.  106-3.  119:1—5.  Luke  11: 
28.  John  15:14.  Rev. 22:14.  s 16  . 4:4(1.  6:3,18.  12:25.28.  19:13.  22:7.  Rutli  3: 
1.  Ps.  19:11.  Is.  3:10.  Jer.  22:14,15.  Eph.  6:3.  Jam.  1:25.  t See  on  1.  4:1,5.45s 
6:1.  11:1.12:1.  Ez.  20:11.  Mai.  4:4.  Gal.  3:19.  n 6:3.23.  8:1.  11:32.  44:8. 
2 Kings  21:8.  K:.  87:24.  x 4:1,2.  12:32  . 28:14.  Josh.  1:7  23:6.  Ps.  125:5.  Prov. 
'4:27.  2 Pet.  2:21.  y Ps.  119:6.  Jer. 7:23.  Luke  1:6.  Rom.  *2.7.  iSeeon^B. 
1 Tim.  4:8. 


able  to  his  rational  creatures : and  is  highly  encouraging  to 
those  who  are  humbly  desirous  of  salvation,  and  consciously 
willing  to  obey  the  commands  of  God  ; and  who  earnestly 
pray  for  grace  to  enable  them  so  to  do.  For  it  evinces  the 
Lord’s  readiness  to  assist  and  accept  them;  and  shows  that 
he  does  not  delight  in  punishment  for  its  own  sake,  but  only 
when  the  righteous  purposes  of  his  government  render  it 
necessary  ; as  the  merciful  prince  does  not  delight  in,  yea, 
indeed,  weeps  over,  the  death-warrant,  which  a variety  of 
important  considerations  render  it  indispensably  necessary 
he  should  sign.  But  we  should  not  attempt  to  infer  any  thing 
from  such  passages,  respecting  the  conduct  of  God  towards 
impenitent  sinners,  or  the  method  of  his  dispensing  his  unme- 
rited favours  ; for  it  is  the  evident  intention  of  them  to  give  us  a 
practical,  useful  view  of  the  subject,  unencumbered  with  the 
niceties  of  speculation  ; and  we  should  he  very  careful  to  ad- 
mit nothing  which  tends  to  counteract  that  important  design. 
(Notes,  32:29.  Ps.  81:13—15.  Is.  48:17—19.  Ez.  18:23. 
Luke  19:41 — 14.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  word  of  God  is  spoken  to  us,  that  we  may  learn, 
retain,  and  practise  it;  for  in  this  all  religion  is  ultimately 
centred,  and  without  it  the  whole  is  hut  a dead  carcass,  not 
only  worthless  but  abominable.  Of  this  practice  the  divine 
law  is  the  universal,  immutable,  and  everlasting  rule  : but  we 
transgressors  have  no  disposition,  ability,  or  encouragement, 
to  obey  that  law,  but  what  is  derived  from  the  new  covenant 
of  mercy  and  grace,  made  with  us  through  the  mediation  of 
Christ.  He  continually  stands  between  the  holy  God  and 
the  sinner  who  comes  by  faith  in  his  name,  both  to  ensure  his 
acceptance,  and  assist  his  obedience.  The  words  he  once 
spake  on  earth  are  written  in  the  Scriptures;  and  from  age 
to  age  sinners  are  invited  to  accede  to  his  covenant,  and 
share  the  promised  blessings:  which  invitation  cannot  bo 
finally  refused,  without  ensuring  eternal  destruction ; and 
nothing  except  such  refusal  can  ruin  ns.  But  wo  must 
remember  that  good  words  may  be  spoken,  good  resolutions 
formed,  and  transient  convictions  experienced,  nay  excellent 
words  used  in  prayer,  even  by  those  who  persist  in  unbelief 
through  prevailing  pride  and  love  of  sin.  ( f such  wf*  nay 
say,  4*  On,  that  there  were  such  a heart  in  them.”  But  we 
should  also  add  a prayer  for  ours*)  ;es,  and  for  each  other ; 


B.  C 1451. 


CHAPTER  VI.  B.C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Barnett  exhoi  rations  to  obedience,  united  with  various  instructions  and 
cautions , l — 19.  In  what  manner  the  children  were  to  be  instructed , 2U 
—25. 

NOW  tliese  are  “the  commandments,  the  sta- 
tutes, and  the  judgments,  which  the  Lord 
your  God  commanded  to  teach  you,  that  ye  might 
do  them  in  the  land  whither  ye  'go  to  possess  it  : 

2  That  thou  mightest  bfear  the  Lord  thy  God, 
to  keep  all  his  statutes,  and  his  commandments, 
which  I command  thee;  thousand  thy  son,  and 
thy  son’s  son,  all  the  days  of  thy  life,  and  that 
dthy  days  may  be  prolonged. 

3  Hear,  therefore,  0 Israel,  eand  observe  to  do 
it ; that  it  may  be  well  with  thee,  and  f that  ye 
may  incremse  mightily,  as  the  Lord  God  of  thy 
fathers  hath  promised  thee, gin  the  land  that  fluw- 
eth  with  milk  and  honey. 

4  Hear,  0 Israel ; hThe  Lord  our  God  is  one 
Lord.  * 

5  And  ’thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  kwith 

a See  on  4:1,5.14,45.  5:31.  12:1.  Lev.  27:34.  Mum.  36:13.  ■ Heb.  pass  ovp  . 

b See  on  4:10.  10:12,20.  131.  Gen.  22: 12.  Ex.  20-20.  Job  23:28.  . s.  111:10. 
123:1.  Prov.  16:6.  Ec.  12:13.  Luke  12:5.  1 Pet.  1:17.  c 7.  Gen.  18:19.  P*.78:4 
—8.  <14:4'.  5:16,33.  22:7.  Prov.  3:1,2,16.  1 Pet.  3:10,11.  e See  on  4:6.  5:32. 
f Gen.  12:2.  13:16.  15:5.  22:17.  26:4.  23:14  Ex.  1:7.  Acts  7:17.  g Ex.  3:8. 
h 4:35,36.  5:6.  1 Kings  IS  21.  1 Chr.  29  10.  Is.  42:8.  44:6,8.  45:5,6.  Jer.  1U:  10, 
11.  Mark  12:29.32.  John  17  3.  1 Cor.  8:4— 6.  1 Tim.  2:5.  i 10:12.  11:13.  30.6. 
Matt.  22:37.  Murk  12:30.33.  Luke  10.27.  1 John  5:3.  k 4.29.  2 Kings  23:25. 
Matt.  10.37.  John  14:20.21.  2 t or.  5:14,15.  1 11:18.  32:46.  Ps.  37:31.  40:8.  119: 


and  beg  of  the  Lord  that  he  would  give  us  such  a heart 
“ that  we  may  fear  him,  and  keep  all  his  commandments, 
always:”  and  we  may  present  such  a petition  in  faith,  for  the 
Lord  delights  in  bestowing  his  blessings  on  those  who  have 
been  taught  to  value  them,  and  to  seek  them  in  the  name  of 
Jesus  Christ. — Let  sinners  then  tremble  at  this  fiery  law,  and 
flee  for  refuge  to  the  Saviour  ; let  professed  Christians  exa- 
mine carefully,  whether  their  faith  be  accompanied  wi.h  a 
desire  of  having  that  law  written  in  their  hearts,  and  reduced 
to  practice  in  their  whole  conduct : and  let.  believers  make  it 
more  and  more  their  study  and  delight,  that  they  may  do  as 
the  Lord  God  hath  commanded  them,  without  u turning  aside 
to  the  right,  hand  or  to  the  left.”  Thus,  by  universal  godli- 
ness, righteousness,  temperance,  patience,  purity,  and  love, 
and  an  exact  regard  to  every  relative  duty,  they  will  best 
evince  their  faith,  adorn  the  gospel,  glorify  the  Lord,  he  use- 
ful to  their  fellow-creatures,  entail  a blessing  on  their  children, 
and  ripen  fur  glory.  In  attending  to  these  important  con- 
cerns, we  need  repeated  instructions  and  admonitions:  let  us 
then  not  deem  it  tedious  frequently  to  hear,  read,  and  medi- 
tate on  the  same  truths  and  precepts.  Let  us  learn  to  hal- 
low the  Lord’s  sabbaths,  and  set  an  example  of  attending  on 
his  ordinances : and,  remembering  that  our  servants  are  of 
the  same  nature  with  ourselves,  and  equally  in  need  and 
capable  of  the  same  inestimable  salvation,  Jet  us  allow  them 
also  suitable  relaxation  from  labour,  and  opportunity  for  hal- 
lowing the  sabbath,  and  learning  the  way  of  peace  afid  holiness. 

NOTES. — Chap.  VI.  V.  1.  Here  and  in  similar  pas- 
sages, u the  commandments”  seem  to  denote  the  moral  law  ; 
“the  statutes,”  the  ceremonial  law;  and  “the  judgments,” 
the  judicial  law. 

V.  4.  Th  • threefold  mention  of  the  divine  names,  and  the 
plural  number  of  the  original  word  translated  God,  are  sup- 
posed by  many  commentators,  ancient  and  modern,  to  be  a 
plain  intimation  of  a Trinity  of  Persons,  even  in  this  express 
declaration  of  the  unity  of  the  Godhead,  to  the  exclusion  of 
the  many  lords  and  gods  of  the  heathens,  and  in  opposition 
to  them.  (Note,  Gen.  1:1.)  ‘Some  of  the  Jews  themselves 
have  thought  there  was  something  extraordinary  in  it,  that 
the  name  of  God  should  be  thrice  mentioned  : . . . which  signi- 
fies three  Midoth , or  properties,  they  confess,  which  they 
sometimes  call  three  Faces , or  Emanations , or  Sanctifications , 
or  Numerations;  though  they  will  not  call  them  three  Per- 
sons.’ Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  5.  The  foregoing  verse  contains  the  first  article  of  our 
creed  ; and  this  is  “the  fir  t and  great  commandment,”  which 
briefly  comprehends  the  whole  of  the  first  table  of  the  law. — 
The  love  of  God  perfectly  consists  with  the  fear  of  him 
before-mentioned  : (2)  yea,  the  more  we  love  him,  the  more 
wo  shall  regard  his  authority,  reverence  his  majesty,  fear  to 
offend  or  dishonour  him,  and  be  careful  to  render  unto  him 
•hat  worship  which  he  requires. — Human  laws  can  only  take 
cognizance  of  the  outward  conduct:  but  the  law  of  the  heart- 
searching God  requires  Love,  the  seat  of  which  is  in  the 
mmost  soul.  That  love  comprises  a supreme  valuation  of 
nis  infinite  excellence  and  amiableness ; an  entire  desire  of 
She  knowledge  and  enjoyment  of  him  as  our  felicity ; cordial 
telight  in  contemplating  his  manifested  glories,  and  in  wor- 
\hipping  and  obeying  him ; lively  gratitude  for  all  his  innu- 
merable and  invaluable  mercies ; zeal  for  his  glory ; and  an 
ardent  desire  that  all  our  fellow-creatures,  in  conjunction 
with  us,  may  thus  know,  love,  worship,  obey,  and  serve  him. 
These  dispositions  and  affections  are  required  to  be  as  large 
as  the  powers  of  the  soul  itself,  and  to  engross  and  fill  the 
whole,  to  the  entire  e 'elusion  of  all  iontrary  affections,  and 
Vo L.  I. 42 


all  thine  heart,  and  with  all  thy  sou  and  with  all 
thy  might.  1 

6 And  these  words,  which  I command  thee  this 
day,  'shall  be  in  thine  heart. 

7 And  thou  mshalt  'teach  them  diligently  unto 
thy  children,  and  "shalt  talk  of  them  when  thou 
sittest  in  thine  house,  and  when  thou  walkest  by 
the  way,  and  when  thou  best  down,  and  when 
thou  risest  up. 

8 And  °thou  shalt  bind  them  for  a sign  upon 
thine  hand,  and  they  shall  be  as  frontlets  between 
thine  eyes. 

9 And  thou  shalt  Pwrite  them  upon  the  posts  ot 
thy  house,  and  on  thy  gates. 

10  And  it  shall  be,  when  the  Lord  thy  God 
shall  have  brought  thee  into  'the  land  which  he 
sware  unto  thy  fathers,  to  Abraham,  to  Isaac,  and 
to  Jacob,  to  give  thee  rgreat  and  goodly  cities 
which  thou  buildest  not, 

11  And  houses  full  of  all  good  things  which 
thou  filledst  not,  and  wells  digged  which  thou 


11,98.  Prov.  2: 10.  3:1—3.  7:3.  Is  51:7.  Jer. 31.3?  Luke2:51.  ?.  o.2Cor.3:3. 
Col.  3:16.  2 John  2.  m2  See  or  79.10.  11:19.  Gen.  18:19.  Ex.  12:26,27.  13: 
14,15.  Ps.  78:4 — 6.  E|ih.6:4.  t Heb.  whet,  or  sharpen,  n Ruth  g:4, 12.  4:11. 
Ps.  37;3U.  40:9,10.  119:46.  129:8.  Prov.  6:22.  10:21.  15:2.7.  Mai.  3:16.  Matt. 
12:35.  Luke  6:45.  Kph.4:29.  Col.  4:6.  1 Pet.  3:15.  o 11:18.  Ex.  13:9,16.  Num. 
15:38,39.  Prov.  6:21.  7:3.  Matt.  23.5.  Hel).2:l.  p 1 1 :2l).  Ex.  12:7.  Job  19:23— 
25.  Is.  30:8.  57*8.  Hah.  2:2.  qGen.  13:15—17.  15:18.  26:3.  28:13.  r Josh.  24. 
13.  Nell.  9.25.  Ps.  78:55.  105:44. 


the  regulation  and  moderation  of  all  other  affections,  in  entire 
subordination  and  subserviency  to  this  governing  principle  : 
so  that  nothing  should,  in  any  sen^e,  or  in  any  degree,  be 
loved  by  us,  hut  for  the  Lord’s  sake,  and  according  to  his 
commandment.  Thus  are  we  reasonalily  required  to  “love 
the  Lord  our  God,”  both  for  what  he  is  in  himself,  what  he 
hath  done  for  us,  and  what  he  is  and  will  be  to  us  ; and  that 
uniformly,  constantly,  perfectly,  and  progressively. — What- 
ever our  natural  capacities  may  he,  or  to  whatever  improve- 
ments we  may,  in  this  or  in  a future  world,  attain,  the  Lord 
commands  us  to  give  him  the  whole:  and  were  our  love  thus 
perfect,  our  worship,  obedience,  and  submission  also  would 
he  perfect ; nor  could  it  ever  possibly  vary,  or  fall  short  of  our 
whole  strength  and  power,  without  a variation  or  diminution 
of  this  inward  principle.  Yet  even  this  would  admit  o. 
degrees  and  increase,  from  the  first  dawning  of  reason  in  the 
infant,  (such  as  was  the  holy  child  Jesus,)  in  progressive 
enlargement  to  the  highest  possible  exaltation  of  the  angelic 
nature.  For  no  creature,  to  all  eternity,  can  ever  love  God 
in  measure  equal  to  his  excellence,  which  is  infinite  as  his 
incomprehensible  being ; but  each  might  and  ought  to  love 
the  Lord,  to  the  utmost  extent  of  all  the  powers  which  the 
Creator  has  bestowed  on  him.  This  would  at  once  secure  to 
God  the  glory  due  to  his  name;  and  to  his  creatures,  that 
felicity  of  which  he  hath  formed  them  capable.  Thus  it  is 
with  angels  in  heaven  ; thus  it  was  with  man  before  his  apos- 
tacy.  But  alas!  the  “carnal  mind”  of  fallen  man,  “is 
enmity  against  God and  as  we  all  are  by  nature  destitute  of 
this  love  of  God  ; we  all  love  ourselves,  the  world,  and  our 
favourite  sinful  indulgences  and  pursuits,  with  all  our  heart , 
our  mind , our  soul,  and  strength , and  therefore  sacrifice  every 
thing  »o  these  idols.  But  in  regeneration  an  internal  revolu- 
tion takes  place;  the  usurpers  are  dethroned,  the  Lord  him- 
self takes  possession  of  the  heart,  and  becomes  the  supreme 
object  of  our  love  : yet  so  long  as  sin  dwelleth  in  us,  we  never 
love  God  according  to  the  full  perfection  of  ibis  precept;  but 
our  love  in  all  the  exercises  and  effects  of  it,  is  often  inter- 
rupted, and  at  best  comparatively  languid.  All,  however, 
that  comes  short  of  this  perfect  love,  is  sin,  and  needs  for- 
giveness ; and  therefore  our  best  obedience  can  do  nothing 
towards  our  justification.  Yet  this  law  is  our  standard  : by 
progressive  sanctification  we  are  renewed  in  conformity  to  it; 
and  “ the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect”  are,  in  this 
respect,  already  made  equal  to  the  angels  in  heaven.  (Notes, 
Ex.  20:3.  Matt.  22:37.  Mark  12:28—34.) 

V.  6.  In  thine  heart.]  That  is,  ‘ Let  these  words  be 
treasured  up  in  thy  memory,  rooted  in  thy  judgment,  and 
reigning  in  thy  affections;  that  they  may  become  habitually 
the  subjects  of  converse  and  meditation,  to  the  exclusion  of 
all  such  as  are  of  a contrary  or  inferior  nature.’ 

V.  7 — 9.  The  Israelites  were  commanded  to  take  every 
method  of  making  the  knowledge  of  the  divine  law  familiar 
to  them  and  to  their  families ; that  every  object  which  they 
beheld  might  serve  as  a memorial  of  it.  Some  ihink,  that  the 
subsequent  directions  should  be  considered  only  as  figurative 
language,  strongly  enforcing  the  grand  principle:  but  several 
of  them  at  least  seem  to  have  been  intended  literally , accord- 
ing to  the  circumstances  of  those  times;  though  the  Jews  in 
latter  ages  have  run  into  a most  frivolous  superstition,  by 
resting  in  the  outward  observance.  Such  external  methods, 
however,  may  be  less  necessary  at  present,  where  copies  of 
the  Bible  are  cheap  and  numerous:  but  the  duty  of  diligently 
teaching  children  from  the  word  of  God,  and  frequently  and 
openly  conversing  together  concerning  it,  remains  the  same. 
{1H8 — 21.  Note , Matt.  23:5—7.) 

( 329  ) 


b L.  1451. 


DEUTERONOMY. 


B.  C.  1451. 


di-'gedst  not,  vineyards  and  olive-trees  which  thou 
lantedst  not;  ‘when  thou  shalt  have  eaten  and 
e full  ; 

12  Then  beware  lest  thou  forget  the  Lord 
which  brought  thee  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt, 
frorr  the  house  of  'bondage. 

13  Thou  shalt  ‘fear  the  Lord  thy  God,  and 
serve  him,  and  ushalt  swear  by  his  name. 

14  Ye  shall  xnot  go  after  other  gods,  ?of  the 
gods  of  the  people  which  are  round  about  you  ; 

15  (For  the  Lord  thy  God  Hs  a jealous  God 
among  you;)  alest  the  anger  of  the  Lord  thy  God 
be  kindled  against  thee,  and  bdestroy  thee  from  otf 
the  face  of  the  earth. 

16  Ye  shall  not  ‘tempt  the  Lord  your  God,  as 
ye  ‘'tempted  him  in  Massah. 

17  Ye  shall  ‘diligently  keep  the  commandments 
of  the  Lord  your  God,  and  his  testimonies,  and 
his  statutes,  which  he  hath  commanded  thee. 

18  And  thou  f shalt  do  that  which  is  right  and 
good  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  ; *that  it  may  be 
well  with  thee,  and  that  thou  mayest  go  in  and 
possess  the  good  land  which  the  Lord  sware  unto 
thy  dithers ; 

19  To  'cast  out  all  thine  enemies  from  before 

thee,  as  the  Lord  hath  spoken.  f 

20  IT  Jbid  'when  thy  son  asketh  thee  hn  time  to 
come,  saying,  What  mean  the  testimonies,  and 
the  statutes,  and  the  judgments,  which  the  Lord 
our  God  hath  commanded  you  ? 


s 7:1-2 — 18.  32:15.  Jmlg.  3:7.  Pro*.  30:8,9.  Jer.  2:31,32.  Ez.  16:10 — 20.  Malt. 
19:23.24  * Heb.  bondmen , nr  servants,  t Sec  on  2.  5:29.  10:12,20.  13:4. 

Malt.  4:10.  Luke  4:3.  u Lev.  19:12.  Josh.  2:12.  Ps.  15:4.  Is.  45:23.  65:16.  Jer. 
4:2.5:7.12:16.  x 8:19.  11:28.  Ex.  34:14— 16.  Jer.  25:6.  1 John  5:21 . y 13. 
7.  z See  on  4:24.  Ex.  20:5.  I Cor.  10:22.  a 7:4.  11:17.  Nutn.  32: 10— 15.  Ps.  90: 
7,11.  b Gen.  7: 1.  Ex.  32: 12.  1 Kings  13:34.  Am.  9:8.  c Matt.  4:7.  Luke  4:12. 
d Ex.  17:2.7.  Num.  20:3,4,13.21:4,5.  Ps.  95:8,9.  1 Cor.  10.9.  Heb.  3:8,9. 
e 1,2.  11:13,22.  Ex.  15:26.  Ps.  119:1.  1 Cor.  15:58.  Til.  3 8.  Heb.  6:11.  2 Pel. 
1:5—10.3:14.  f 8:11.  12:25,28.  13:18.  Pa.  19:11.  Is.  3:10.  Ez.  18:7, 19, 21, 27. 
33:11,16,19.  Hos.  14:9.  John  8:29.  Rom.  12:2.  g SeeoniAO.  5:29.33.  h Ex. 
23:28— 30.  Num.  33:52,53.  Judg. 2:1-3.  3:1—4.  i See  on  7.  Ex.  12:26.  13:14. 


V.  12.  Then  beware , &e.]  Notes , Ps.  62:8- — 10.  Prov. 
30:7—9.  Jer.  9:23,24.  Dan.  4:28—33.  Matt.  19:23— 2fi.  1 

Tim.  6:17 — 19.  Jam  1:9 — 11.  ‘In  all  time of  our 

wealth  ; . . . Good  Lord  deliver  us.’  Litany. 

V.  13.  As  an  act  of  religious  worship,  on  important  occa- 
sions, the  Israelites  were  commanded  to  appeal  to  Jehovah 
by  a solemn  oath;  and  not  to  any  of  the  imaginary  deities  of 
the  nations  around  them.  This  command  fully  proves  the 
lawfulness  of  oaths:  for  the  unchangeable  God  could  not 
expresssly  enjoin  any  thing,  in  itself  contrary  to  his  own  moral 
law.  (Note,  Matt.  5:33 — 37.) 

V.  14,  15.  Marg.  R'f.  Notes , Ex.  20:4,5.  34:11 — 17. 

V.  16 — 19.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  17:1 — 7. 

V.  20 — 24.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  13:8 — 10.  Josh.  4:20 — 
24.  Ps.  78:3—8. 

V.  25.  If  the  Israelites  attended  on  the  typical  ceremo- 
nies and  sacrifices  in  a penitent  and  believing  manner,  and 
showed  that  they  were  “ without  guile”  in  this  respect,  by  a 
conscientious  regard  to  all  the  other  parts  of  the  divine  law  ; 
they  would  he  accepted  through  the  promised  Redeemer,  as 
if  their  obedience  had  been  complete,  though  in  itself  it  would 
he  imperfect.  On  the  other  hand,  by  habitually  neglecting 
any  part  of  the  law,  their  obedience  in  other  respects  would 
be  rendered  useless,  and  their  partiality  would  evince  their 
hypocrisy.  (Notes,  Malt.  7:21 — 27.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  knowledge  of  the  spirituality  and  excellence  of  the 
holy  law  is  suited  to  show  sinful  man  his  need  of  a Saviour, 
and  to  prepare  his  heart  to  welcome  a gratuitous  salvation  : 
and  the  gospel  is  calculated  to  magnify  and  honour  the  law, 
not  only  in  the  perfect  obedience  of  the  Son  of  God  to  its 
holy  precept,  and  in  his  willing  subjection  to  its  awful  curse  ; 
but  in  bringing  back  apostate  rebels  and  enemies,  by  repent- 
ance, faith,  forgiveness,  and  renewing  grace,  to  love  God 
supremely  in  tins  world,  and  pcrfectlxj,  even  as  angels  love 
him,  in  the  world  above.  In  proportion  as  we  possess  that 
“faith  which  thus  worketh  by  love."  (Note,  Gal.  5:1 — 6.) 
we  shal1  delight  in  his  commandments,  ordinances,  and 
people' , we  shall  savour  heavenly  converse  and  heavenly 
cxer  uses  ; and  “ our  meditation  of  him  will  be  sweet.” — But 
alas  '.  that  very  conduct,  which  this  chapter  prescribes  to 
Israel,  could  scarcely  be  reduced  to  practice  among  men 
called  Christians,  without  exciting  almost  universal  contempt 
and  disgust  ! To  be  continually  speaking  of  the  truths  and 
commands  of  God,  upon  our  journeys,  in  our  families,  and  in 
company  ; to  make  religion  our  first  subject  in  the  morning, 
and  our  last  at  night  ; and  to  quote  Scripture  on  every  suit- 
able occasion,  without  reserve  or  apology,  as  those  who  glory 
and  delight  in  it,  would  certainly  bring  upon  us  the  charge  of 
affectation,  of  enthusiasm,  or  of  hypocrisy.  This  lamentably 
discovers  to  how  low  an  ebb  religion  has  fallen  among  pro- 
fessed Christians  ! but  unless  the  truths  and  preempts  of  the 

( 330  ) 


21  Then  thou  sha.t  say  unto  thy  son,  kWe 
were  Pharaoh’s  bondmen  in  Egypt,  and  the  Lord 
brought  us  out  of  Egypt  with  a mighty  hand. 

22  And  the  Lord  ‘showed  signs  and  wonders 
great  and  *sore,  upon  Egypt,  upon  Pharaoh,  and 
upon  all  his  household,  ^before  our  eyes  ; 

23  And  he  brought  us  out  from  thence,  that  he 
might  bring  us  in,  “to  give  us  the  land  which  he 
sware  unto  our  fathers. 

24  And  the  Lord  commanded  us  to  do  all  these 
statutes,  to  fear  the  Lord  our  God,  °lor  our  good 
always,  that  Phe  might  preserve  us  alive,  as  it  is 
at  this  day. 

25  And  4it  shall  be  our  righteousness,  if  we 
observe  to  do  all  these  commandments  before  the 
Lord  our  God,  as  he  hath  commanded  us. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

The  nations  of  Canaan  must  be  utterly  destroyed,  and  no  leagues  or  marriages 
made  with  t’^em  ; in  order  to  avoid  idolatry , and  because  Israel  teas  the 
chosenpeovle  of  God , I — 8.  Obedience  enforced  by  the  Lord's  justice  and 
mercy,  ana  by  promises  of  victory  and  prosperity,  9 — 24.  Images  to  be 
entirely  destroyed,  25,  26. 

WHEN  “the  Lord  thy  God  shall  bring  thee 
into  the  land  whither  thou  goest  to  possess 
it,  and  hath  cast  out  many  nations  before  thee,  Hite 
Hittites,  and  the  Girgashites,  and  the  Amorites, 
and  the  Canaanites,  and  the  Perizzites,  and  the 
Hivites,  and  the  Jebusites,  seven  nations  ‘greater 
and  mightier  than  thou; 

2 And  when  the  Lord  thy  God  shall  ddeliver 
them  before  thee,  thou  shalt  smite  them,  and 


Josh.  4:6,7,21 — 24.  Prov.  *22:6.  t Heb.  to-morroic.  k 5:6,15.  15:15.  26:5 — 9. 
See  on  Ex.  20:2.— Neh.  9:9,10.  Ps.  136:10—12.  Is.  51:1.  Jer.  32:20,21.  Rorru 
6:17.18.  Eph.  2:11,12.  I See  on  4:34.  Ex.  7:  8:  9:  10:  11:  12:  14:  Ps.  135:9. 
x Heb.  evil,  m 1:30.  3:21.  4:3.  7:19.  Ps.  58:10,11.  91:8.  n 10,18.  1:8, 35.  See 
on  Ex.  13:5.  o 10:13.  Job  35:7,8.  Prov.  9:12.  Is.  3:10.  Jer.  32:39.  Matt.  6:33. 
Rom.  6:21,22.  p 4:1,4.  8:3.  Ts.  41:2.  66:9.  Rom.  10:5.  q 24:1 Lev.  18:5. 
Ps.  106:30,31.  119:6.  Prov.  12:28.  Ex.  20:11.  Luke  10:28,29.  Rom.  10:3, 5, 61- 
Gal.  3:12.  Jam.  2:10.  a See  on  4:28.  6:1,10,19,23.  9:4.  H:29.  31:20.  Ex.  6:8 
15:17.  Num.  14:31.  Ps.  44:2,3.  78:55.  b Gen.  15: 18— 21 . Ex.  23:23,28  33:2. 
c See  on 4:38.  4:1— 3.  20:1.  d 23,24  . 3:3.  23:14.  Gen.  14:20.  Josh.  10:24,25, 
30,32,42.  21:44.  Judg.  1:4. 

sacred  volume  are  indeed  written  in  our  hearts,  and  practised 
in  our  lives,  all  our  profession  or  conversation  will  be  but 
lip-labour , and  justty  condemned  as  hypocritical. — Though 
every  condition  in  life  exposes  us  to  peculiar  snares  ; yet  none 
is  so  dangerous,  and  so  commonly  ruinous,  as  prosperity  and 
alHuence  ; for  pride,  love  of  the  world,  forgetfulness  of  God, 
and  disregard  to  eternal  things,  like  poisonous  weeds,  natu- 
rally grow  from  our  wicked  hearts,  when  fattened  (so  to 
speak)  with  the  manure  of  wealth.  So  that  the  greater  favours 
we  receive  from  a bountiful  Providence,  the  more  ungrate- 
fully we  generally  behave  ! Let  none  of  us  then  be  desiious 
or  in  haste  to  be.  rich.  (Note,  1 Tim.  (5 :(> — 10.) — Let  those 
who  are  rich,  or  growing  rich,  tremble,  u and  beware  lest 
they  forget  the  Lord.”  Their  danger  is  great,  but  “with  God 
all  things  are  possible  let  them  seek  to  him  for  grace  suffi- 
cient. If  poor,  let  us  learn  to  be  content,  and  thankful  for 
our  safer  lot  : and  instead  of  being  anxious  to  get  wealth  for 
our  children,  (which  is  like  building  a wall  to  keep  them  out 
of  heaven,)  let  us  be  careful  to  explain  the  scriptural  truths, 
precepts,  ordinances,  and  history  to  them,  and  to  all  com- 
mitted to  our  care;  to  make  edifying  observations  to  them  on 
the  occurrences  of  Providence  ; and  to  encourage  their  inqui- 
ries, by  giving  them  plain,  familiar,  and  full  answers  ; endea- 
vouring by  every  means  to  show  them  the  nature,  reasona- 
bleness, and  advantage  of  true  religion ; confirming  the  whole 
with  the  example  of  serious  godliness,  in  every  part  and  in 
every  occurrence  of  life  ; united  with  an  affectionate  exercise 
of  our  authority,  and  fervent  prayers  for  and  with  them. 
Thus  will  it  be  well  with  us  and  them ; and  we  may  hope  for 
an  incorruptible  inheritance  for  them,  and  for  ourselves,  when 
all  the  wealth  of  this  world  shall  be  n«>  more. 

NOTES. — Chap.  VII.  V.  I — 4.  The  number  and  names 
of  these  nations,  here  vary  from  those  which  had  been  before 
mentioned.  (Note,  Gen.  15:18 — 21.)  In  a long  course  of 
years  many  revolutions  would  take  place  ; some  tribes  would 
be  extinct,  or  incorporated  with  others,  and  some  would  have 
changed  their  names.  But  they  were  the  posterity  of  the 
same  people,  inhabiting  the  same  land  ; and  they  hao  no\V 
filled  up  the  measure  of  their  iniquities.  Israel  wf.s  there- 
fore commissioned  to  execute  divine  vengeance  : and  they 
were  not  only  junified  in  all  they  did  ; hut  they  actually 
offended,  and  were  themselves  punished  for  not  more  entirely 
extirpating  them.  Yet  they  would  by  no  means  have  been 
justified,  if  they  had,  from  love  of  conquest  and  thirst  ol 
dominion,  carried  on  such  bloody  wars  against  any  nation 
not  expressly  included  in  their  commission : their  conduct 
therefore  can  form  no  precedent  to  others,  nor  in  the  least 
excuse  the  murder  and  rapine,  which  mad  ambition  has  in  ah 
ages  been  committing.  (Notes,  Num.  21:21 — 25.  31:2.) — 
The  Lord  was  pleased  in  this  solemn  transaction,  not  only  ft 
show  his  abhorrence  of  sin  ; but,  by  thus  executing  vengeance 
upon  guilty  nations,  to  teach  all,  who  regard  the  Scripture!* 


13.  C.  1452. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


13.  C.  1452, 


•utterly  desl  roy  them : thou  shalt  f make  no  cove- 
nar  t with  tl  em.  nor  show  mercy  unto  them : 

3 Neither  shall  thou  «make  marriages  with 
them;  thy  daughter  thou  shalt  not  give  unto  his 
son,  nor  his  daughter  shalt  thou  take  unto  thy 
son. 

4 For  they  will  turn  away  thy  son  from  follow- 
ing me,  that  they  may  serve  other  gods  : hso  will 
the  anger  of  the  Lord  be  kindled  against  you, 
and  destroy  thee  suddenly. 

5 But  thus  shall  ye  deal  with  them:  ye  shall 
•destroy  their  altars,  and  break  down  their 'images, 
kand  cut  down  their  groves,  and  ‘burn  their  graven 
images  with  fire. 

6 For  thou  art  man  holy  people  unto  the  Lord 
thy  God:  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  chosen  thee 
“to  be  a special  people  unto  himself,  above  all 
people  that  are  upon  the  face  of  the  earth. 

7 The  LoRD°did  not  sethis  love  upon  you,  nor 
choose  you,  because  ye  were  more  in  number 
than  any  people ; (for  i’ye  were  the  fewest  of  all 
people ;) 

8 But  ■ibecause  the  Lord  loved  you,  and  be- 
cause he  would  keep  rthe  oath  which  he  had 
sworn  unto  your  fathers,  hath  “the  Lord  brought 
you  out  with  a mighty  hand,  and  redeemed  you 
out  of  the  house  of  bondmen,  from  the  hand  of 
Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt. 

9 Know,  therefore,  that  the  Lord  thy  God  he  is 
God,  the  'faithful  God,  “which  keepeth  covenant 
and  mercy  with  them  that  love  him  and  keep  his 
commandments,  to  “a  thousand  generations  ; 

10  And  ^repayeth  them  that  hate  him  to  their 
face,  to  destroy  them  : he  will  not  be  “slack  to  him 
that  "hateth  him,  he  will  repay  him  to  his  face. 

11  Thou  shalt  therefore  bkeep  the  command- 
ments, and  the  statutes,  and  the  judgments,  which 

1 command  thee  this  day  to  do  them. 

12  Wherefore  it  shall  come  to  pass,  -if  cye 
hearken  to  these  judgments,  and  keep  and  do  them, 
that  dthe  Lord  thy  God  shall  keep  unto  thee  Jhe 
covenant  and  the  mercy  which  he  sware  unto  thy 
fathers. 

13  And  “lie  will  love  thee,  and  bless  thee,  and 
multiply  thee  : f he  will  also  bless  the  fruit  of  thy 
womb,  and  the  fruit  of  thy  land,  thy  corn,  and  thy 

c 20:16.17.  Lev.  27:28,29.  Num.  33:52.  Josh.  6:17— 25.  8:24.  9:24.  16:28.40. 
11:11,12.  f 211:10,11.  Ex.  23:32,33.  34:12— 16.  Josh.  2:14.  9:18— 21.  Judg. 
1:21.  2:2.  2 Sam.  21:2.  g Sen.  6:2.3.  Ex.  34:15,16.  Josh.  23:12,13.  Jiidg.  3:6, 
7.  1 Kings  11:2.  Ezra  9:1,2.  Neh.  13:23—27.  2 Cor.  6:14-17.  h 6:15.  32.16,17. 
Ex.  26:5.  Jmlg.  2:1 1, 20.  3:7,8.  10:6,7.  i 12:2,3.  Ex.  23:24  . 34:13.  2 Kings  23: 
6—14.  • lieb.  Statues,  or  pillars.  16:22.  Lev.  26:1.  It  Judg.  6:25,26.  145.9: 

21.  Ex.  32:20.  m26:19.  28:9.  Ex.  19:5.6.  P».  50:5.  Jer.  2:3.  Am.  3:2.  1 Cor. 
6:19,20.  Tit.  2:14.  I Pet. 2:5,9.  n Mai.  3:17.  mam.  Tit.  2:14.  o I s.  11.5:1. 
Roin.  9:11— 15,18,21.  11:6.  1 John  3: 1 . 4:10.  p 10:22.  Is.  51:2.  Mall.  7:14. 
Lake  12:32.  Rom.  9:27—29.  n 4:37.  9:4,5.  10:15.  1 Sam.  12:22.  2 Sam.  22:20. 
Ps.  44:3.  Is.  43:4.  Jer.  31:3.  7,eph.  3:17.  Malt.  11:26.  Bah.  2:4,5.  2Thes.2: 
13.14.  Til.  3:3— 7.  1 John  4:19.  r Gen. 22: 16—  IS.  Ex.  32:13.  Ps.  105:8— 10,42. 
L ike  1:55,72,73.  Heb.6:13— 18.  s See  on 4:20,34  Ex.  13.3,14.  t Ex.  34:6,7..  Ps. 
119:75.  146:6.  Is.  49:7.  Lam. 3:23.  1 Cor.  1:9.  10:13.  2Cor.l:18.  lTheo.5:24. 

2 Thes.  3:3.  2 Tim.  2:13.  Tit.  1:2.  Heb.  6:18. 10:23.  11:11.  1 John  1:9.  u5:10. 
Gen.  17:7.  Ex.  20:6.  Neh.  1:5.  Dan.  9:4.  Rom.  3:28.  I Cor.  8:3.  Jam.  1:12. 
x l hr.  16:15.  y 5:9.  32:41.  Ps.  21:8,9.  Prov.  11.31.  Is.  59:18.  Nah.l:2.  Rom. 
1*2:19.  z 2 Pet.  3:9,10.  a Ex. 20:5.  John  15:23,24.  b 5m  on  4:1.  5:32.  John 
14:1-5.  t Heb.  because.  c28:l.  Lev. 26:3.  djSeeon9.  Ps.  105:8 — 10.  Mic.7: 


the  real  cause  of  the  heavy  calamities  with  which,  in  the 
ordinary  course  of  his  providence,  he  punishes  one  kingdom 
after  another. 

V.  6 — 8.  (Notes,  2£r.l  9:5,6.)  The  Lord  chose  Israel  in  the 
single  person  of  Abraham  : from  him  they  were  multiplied  to 
seventy  persons,  when  they  went  down  into  Egypt  ; and 
though  they  were  very  numerous  in  proportion  when  he 
brought  them  from  thence,  yet  they  were  far  less  so  than 
many  other  ancient  nations  ; and  probably  than  either  the 
Egyptians  from  whom  they  were  delivered,  or  the  Canaaiiites 
whose  land  they  inherited.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  9—14.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 28:1—14.  Ex.  34:5—7. 
Ijev.  26:3 — 12. — A thousand  generations.  (9)  1 Chr.  16:15. 
Note , Ex.  20:6. 

V.  15.  The  Israelites,  if  obedient,  would  have  been  sub- 
ject to  no  maladies  but  those  common  to  fallen  men,  and 
generally  very  healthy  and  long-liv«d  ; being  graciously  ex- 
empted from  pestilential  diseases,  which  often  most  tremen- 
dously scourge  guilty  nations;  and  from  such  maladies  in 
particular  as  they  had  witnessed  in  Egypt,  by  which  God 
afflicted  their  cruel  oppressors,  but  of  which  we  know  nothing 
with  certainty.  (Ex.  15:26.)  This  must  be  referred  to  the 
national  covenant . for  though  godliness  commonly  secures  the 
most  solid  temporal  advantages ; yet  temporal  blessings  were 
net  even  among  them,  uniformly  dispensed  to  individuals 
according  to  their  obedience:  but  they  were  to  the  nation,  with 
an  exactness,  which  is  not  observed  towards  any  other  oeople. 
LN*te,  Lev.  26:3,4.) 


wine,  and  thine  oil,  the  increase  of  thy  kine,  and 
the  flocks  of  thy  sheep,  in  the  land  which  he  sware 
unto  thv  fathers  to  give  thee. 

14  Thou  shalt  be  ^blessed  above  all  people 
there  shall  not  be  hinale  or  female  barren  among 
you,  or  among  your  cattle. 

15  And  the  Lord  will  take  away  from  tiiee  all 
sickness,  and  'will  put  none  of  the  evil  diseases  o( 
Egypt,  which  thou  knovvest,  upon  thee  : but  wiV 
lay  them  upon  all  them  that  hate  thee. 

16  And  thou  shalt  kconsume  all  the  people  whim 
the  Lord  thy  God  shall  deliver  thee  : ‘thine  eyes 
shall  have  no  pity  upon  them  ; neither  shalt  thou 
serve  their  gods ; mlor  that  will  he  a snare  unto 
thee. 

17  If  “thou  shalt  say  in  thine  heart,  “Thest 
nations  are  more  than  I,  how  can  1 dispossess 
them  r 

18  Thou  Pshalt  not  be  afraid  of  them;  but  shall 
well  ^remember  what  the  Lord  thy  God  did  unto 
Pharaoh,  and  unto  all  Egypt ; 

19  The  “great  temptations  which  thine  eyes 
saw,  and  the  signs  and  the  wonders,  and  the 
mighty  hand,  and  the  stretched-out  arm,  whereby 
the  Lord  thy  God  brought  thee  out ; so  shall  the 
Lord  thy  God  do  unto  all  the  people  of  whom 
thou  art  afraid. 

20  Moreover,  the  Loro  thy  God  will  send  the 
•hornet  among  them,  until  they  that  are  left,  and 
hide  themselves  from  thee,  he  destroyed. 

21  Thou  shalt  not  be  affrighted  at  them:  for 
'the  Lord  thy  God  is  among  you,  “a  mighty  God 
and  terrible. 

22  And  the  Lord  thy  God  will  iput  out  those 
nations  before  thee  by  little  and  little : “thou 
mayest  not  consume  them  at  once,  lest  the  beasts 
of  the  field  increase  upon  thee. 

23  But  Hlie  Lord  thy  God  shall  deliver  them 
5unto  thee,  and  “shall  destroy  them  with  a mighty 
destruction,  until  they  be  destroyed. 

24  And  "he  shall  deliver  their  kings  into  thine 
hand,  and  thou  shalt  destroy  btheir  name  from 
under  heaven ; “there  shall  no  man  he  able  to 
stand  before  thee,  until  thou  have  destroyed 
them. 

25  The  dgraven  images  of  their  gods  shall  ye 


2D.  I.uke  1:72,73.  e See  on  7.  28:4.  Ex.  23:25.  Ps.l:3.  11:7.  144:12—15.  John 
14:21.  15:19.  16:27.  628:3—5,11,15—18.  Job  42:12.  Prov.  1U:22.  Mai.  3,10,11, 
Malt.  6:33.  g 33:29.  Ps.  115:15.  147:19,20.  h 28:4,11.  Lev.  26:9.  Ps.  127:3. 
i 28:27,60.  Ex.  9:14.  15:26.  Ps.  105:36,37.  k Set  on  2.  I 13:8.  19:13.21.  25:12. 
Jer.  21:7.  m 12:30,31.  Ex.  23:33.  34:12-16.  Num.  33:55.  Josh.  23:13— 16. 
Ju.lg. 2:3,12.  3:6.  8:27.  Pi.  106:36.  1 Cor.  15:33.  n 8:17.  15:9.  18:21.  Is.  14: 
13.  47:8.  49:21.  Jer.  13:22.  Luke  9:47.  o Nnm.  13:32.  Josh.  17:16—18.  p See 
on  1:29.  3:0.  31:6.  Ps.  27:1,2  . 46:1,2.  Is.  41:10— 14.  q Ex.  7:— 14:  Judg.  6:13. 
Ps.  77:11.  78:11,42—51.  105:5,26—36.  135:6—10.  136:10—15.  Is.  51:9,10.  63:11 
— 15.  r See  on  4:34.  11:2— 4.  Neh.  9:10,11.  Jer.  32:20,21.  Ez.  20:6— 9.  s Ex. 
23:28-30.  Josh  24:12.  tNum.  11:20.  14.9.14,42.  16:3.  23:21.  Josh  3:10.  2t'hr. 
32:8.  Ps.  46:5,7,11.  Is.S;9,l0.  Zech. 2: 10.11 . 1 Cor.  14:25.  u 10:17.  26:8. 
1 Sam.  4:8.  Neh.  1:5.  4:14. -9:32.  Zech.  12:2 — 5.  J Heb  .pluck  off.  xEx.23: 
29,30.  Josh.  15:63.  y See  on  2.  § Heb.  before  thy  face.  9:3.  z 2:15.  8:20.  Is. 
13:6.  Jer.  17:18.  Joel  1:15.  2 Thes  1:9.  r Josh.  10:24,25:42.  12:1,  &c.  b 9:14. 
25:19.  29:20.  Ex.  17:14.  Ps.  9:5.  Prov.  10:7.  Jer.  10:1 1 . Zeph.  1:4.  cll:25. 
Josh.  1:5.  10:8.  23:9.  Rom.  8:37.  1 Cor.  15:57.  d See  07 j 5.  12:3.  £x.  32:20. 
1 Chr.  14:12.  Is.  30:22. 


V.  16— 2L  Marg.  Ref.  Hornet.  (20)  Notes , Ex.  8:24. 
23:28. 

Y.  22.  (Note,  Ex.  23:29,30.)  The  Israelites  had  been 
repeatedly  commanded  to  attempt  the  immediate  and  entire 
extirpation  of  the  devoted  nations:  as  far  as  sloth,  cowardice, 
or  unbelief  induced  them  to  spare  them,  they  sinned ; and  to 
punish  this  and  their  other  sins,  as  well  as  to  prove  them,  the 
Lord  was  pleased  to  permit  a considerable  remnant  of  these 
nations  to  remain  among  them.  (Notes,  Judg.  2:1 — 5.  3:1 — 
4.)  His  conduct  was  the  result  of  a settled  plan  ; but  this 
plan,  being  secret  from  them,  was  neither  their  rule,  nor  duty, 
nor  motive. — Thus  he  commands  the  entire  mortification  of 
every  sin,  which  is  our  rule  of  duty  ; and  yet  many  intimations 
aje  given  in  Scripture,  that  sin  is  never  totally  destroyed  in 
this  world,  even  in  the  best  of  saints:  but  it  actually  prevails 
much  more,  perhaps  in  all  Christians,  than  it  would,  if  they 
were  more  watchful  and  diligent. 

V.  24.  Their  kings , &c.]  Notes , Josh.  8:29.  10:24,28. 
12:7—24. 

V.  25,  26.  In  detestation  of  idolatry,  as  utterly  polluting  the 
most  precious  things  which  had  been  abused  in  it,  and  in 
order  to  stop  its  hateful  progress,  the  Lord  gave  his  worship- 
pers this  self-denying  command,  totally  to  destroy  even  tho 
valuable  metals  of  the  graven  images,  and  all  the  rich  orna*- 
rnents  devoted  to  them ; yea,  to  detest  and  abhor  them,  on 
penalty  of  being  themselves  abhorred  and  accursed  by  the 
Lord.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Josh.  6:17 — 19.  7:1,10 — 26.  P 
^0.  10—26.) 

( 331  ) 


B.  C.  1451 


DEUTERONOMY. 


B.  C.  1451 


burn  with  fire:  ‘thou  shalt  not  desire  the  silver  or 
gold  that  is  on  them,  nor  take  it  unto  thee,  lest 
thou  be  fsnared  therein;  for  it  is  «an  abomination 
to  the  Lord  thy  God. 

26  Neither  hshalt  thou  Lr^ig  an  abomination 
into  thy  house,  lest  thou  be  a cursed  thing  like  it : 
but  thou  shalt  utterly  detest  it,  and  thou  shalt 
utterly  abhor  it ; for  it  is  a cursed  thing. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Exhortations  and  cautions , enforced  by  arguments  drawn  from  the  Lord's 
former  dealings  with  Israel , and  the  good  land  intended  fur  them  ; from 
the  dangers  to  which  they  would  be  exposed  ; and  from  the  effects  of  diso- 
bedience, I — 20. 

ALL  the  commandments  which  I command 
thee  this  day  shall  aye  observe  to  do,  that  ye 
may  live,  and  multiply,  and  go  in,  and  possess 
the  land  which  the  LoRDSware  unto  your  fathers. 
2 And  thou  shalt  bremember  all  the  way 

e Josh.  7:1,21.  f Judg.  8:24— 27.  Zeph.  1:3.  1 Tim.  «:9,10.  g 17:1.  23:18. 

Rev.  17:5.  h 13:17.  Lev.  27:28.29  Josh.  6:17— 24.  7: 1 tc.  11—26.  Hab.  2: 
ft— 11.  Zech.  5:4.  i Is.  2:20.  30:22.  Ez.  11:18.  Hos.  14:8.  Rom.  2:22.  a See 
on  4:1.  5:32,33.  6:1— 3.  Ps.  119:4— 6 1 The*. 4:1,2.  b See  on  1:\8.  Ps.  77: 
11.  106:7.  Eph.  2:11,12.  2 Pet.  1: 12,-3,  3:1,2.  c 1 :33.  2:7.  29:5.  Ps. 136:16. 
Amos  2:10.  d 2 Chr.  32:25,25.  33:12,19,23.  Job  42:5,6.  Is.  2:17.  Luke  18:14. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

All  the  commandments  of  God  are  equally  the  result  of 
infinite  wisdom,  justice,  and  goodness ; but  not  all  alike  level 
to  our  comprehension,  and  suited  to  our  ideas.  Assured, 
therefore,  that  the  righteous  Lord  will  not  do  unrighteously , 
but  exercise  his  sovereignty  with  perfect  equity,  whether  we 
can  perceive  it  or  not;  when  he  commands,  it  is  our  duty 
unreservedly  to  obey : and  this  is  the  never-failing  effect  of 
true  and  strong  faith.  ( Notes  and  P.  O.  Gen.  22:) — As  the 
rebellion,  ingratitude,  and  wickedness  of  man  arc  so  atrocious  ; 
it.  is  more  admirable  that  so  many  are  spared,  than  that  others 
are  punished : and  a proper  understanding  of  the  evil  of  sin, 
and  of  the  mystery  of  a crucified  Saviour,  will  enable  us  to  per- 
ceive, in  some  measure,  the  justice  of  God  in  all  the  punish- 
ments, temporal  and  eternal,  which  he  inflicts.  We  should, 
however,  be  thankful  to  be  employed,  not  as  executioners  of 
his  vengeance,  but  as  the  messengers  of  his  love  and  compas- 
sion. We  are  called  to  exercise  our  severity  against  our  own 
lusts;  and  with  these  enemies  we  must  wage  unremitting  war, 
and  give  them  no  quarter.  Indeed  this  chapter  strongly  incul- 
cates two  most  important  lessons : namely,  that  being  obedient 
we  have  no  occasion  to  fear  any  enemies  or  events  whatever; 
for  our  Redeemer  from  the  dominion  of  sin  and  Satan  will,  “ as 
a mighty  and  terrible  One,”  fight  for  us  till  all  our  foes  be  de- 
stroyed, and  our  victory  and  felicity  be  completed  : but,  on 
the  other  hand,  we  are  most  emphatically  warned  of  the  dan- 
ger resulting  from  disobedience.  This  we  must  ever  keep  in 
mind  amidst  our  greatest  success,  and  even  progress  in  grace  ; 
for  we  still  continue  frail  and  depraved,  and  liable  to  be  baf- 
fled by  temptation,  and  have  therefore  always  need  for  vigil- 
ance and  circumspection.  Indeed,  we  shall  not  be  able,  after 
all,  to  extirpate  our  sins,  except  by  little  and  little ; nor  must 
we  expect  that  the  conflict  will  cease,  till  we  drop  our  bodies 
in  the  grave.  But  the  more  we  live  by  faith,  and  watch  and 
pray  diligently,  the  less  will  they  prevail  and  interrupt,  our 
enjoyments. — Not  our  merit  or  loveliness,  but  the  Lord’s  free 
Love , (of  which  he  has  assigned  no  reason,  but  because  he 
would  love  us  and  choose  us  for  Christ’s  sake,)  forms  the 
source  of  our  salvation,  and  of  all  our  consequent  blessings; 
and  therefore  u he  will  never  leave  us,  nor  forsake  us.” 
(Notes,  Rom.  5:6 — 10.  8:28—31.  Eph.  2:4—10.  Tit.  3:5—7. 
1 John  4:9 — 12.)  But  if  we  belong  to  this  chosen  remnant, 
(which  hitherto  hath  been  “the  fewest  of  all  people,”)  we 
shall  by  this  very  consideration  be  induced  to  render  him  the 
more  unreserved,  disinterested,  and  self-denying  obedience, 
to  the  contempt  of  gold^  and  every  earthly  good,  when  they 
come  in  competition  with  his  precept,  or  his  glory.  And 
should  we  ever  he  tempted,  through  covetousness,  (that  com- 
mon idolatry  which  God  abhors,)  to  do  otherwise,  we  shall 
find  that  we  have  “ brought  an  accursed  thing  anti  an  abomi- 
nation into  our  house,”  which  must  he  cas'  out  with  detesta- 
tion, if  we  would  not  be  an  accursed  thing  like  unto  it.  ( Note , 
Zech.  5:1 — 4.)  For  we  are  continually  reminded  that  the 
Lord  is  no  more  “slack  in  repaying  them  that  hate  him,”  than 
willing  to  “show  mercy  to  those  who  love  him*and  keep  his 
commandments:”  nor  will  he  be  more  severe  with*  any,  than 
with  avaricious,  fraudulent,  hypocritical  professors  of  our  holy 
faith. — We  cannot  be  too  compassionate  to  sinners,  but  we 
may  easily  he  too  complaisant  to  them  : nor  can  we  stand  too 
much  aloof  from  intimacies,  alliances,  or  intermarriages  with 
them ; for  that  lias  ever  been,  and  ever  must  be,  a snare  to 
the  people  of  God.  ( Notes , 2 Rings  8:2fi.  1 1:1,2.  2 Chr.  18:1 . 
19:2.)  Indeed  all  occasions  of  sin  must  be  shunned;  for  our 
hearts  are  so  inflammable,  that,  we  should  fear  every  spark 
which  may  light  upon  them : nor  can  we  be  losers  by  renoun- 
cing such  sources  of  gain,  as  expose  us  to  those  temptations, 
which  experience  shows  to  be  too  strong  for  us.  For  we  shall 
enjoy  the  present  felicity  of  the  Lord’s  holy  people,  above  all 
other  people  of  the  earth,  in  proportion  to  the  number  and 
raJue  of  those  things,  wfiich  we  renounce  for  his  sake;  as 
Christ  has  oromised  his  suffering  disciples  “a  hundredfold 
( 332  1 


which  the  Lord  thy  God  cled  thee  these  forty 
years  in  the  wilderness,  dto  humble  thee,  and 
to  'prove  thee,  fto  know  what  was  in  thine  heart, 
whether'  thou  wouldest  keep  his  commandments, 
or  no. 

3 And  he  humbled  thee,  and  suffered  thee  to 
hunger,  and  efed  thee  with  manna,  which  thou 
knevvest  not,  neither  did  thy  fathers  know,  that 
he  might  make  thee  know,  that  man  hdoth  not 
live  by  bread  only,  but  by  every  werd  that  pro- 
ceedeth  out  of  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  doth  man' 
live. 

4 Thy  'raiment  waxed  not  old  upon  thee, 
neither  did  thy  foot  swell,  these  forty  years. 

5 Thou  shalt  also  Iconsider  in  thine  heart,  that 
kas  a man  chasteneth  his  son,  so  the  Lord  thy 
God  chasteneth  thee. 

6 Therefore  thou  shalt  keep  the  commandments 

Jam.  4:6,10.  1 Pel.  5:5,6.  e 16.  13:3.  Gen.  22:1.  Ex.  15:25.  16:4.  2 Chr.  32:31. 
Ps.  81 :7.  Prov.  17:3.  Mai.  3:2,3.  Jam.  1:3.  1 Pel.  1:7.  fjer.  17  9.10.  John  2< 
25.  Rev.  2:23.  g Ex.  16:2,3,12—35.  Ps.  73:23—25.  105:40.  1 Coi . 10:3.  h P«. 
37:3.  1114:23.  Mail.  4:4.  I. uke  4:4.  12:29,30.  Ileb.  13:5.6.  i 29:5.  Nell.  9:21. 
Malt.  6:25-30.  j See  on  4:9,23.  Is. 1:3.  Ez.  12:3.  18:28.  k 2 Sam.  7:14.  Job  5l 
17,18.  Ps.  89:32  . 94:12.  Prov.  3:12.  1 Cor.  11:32.  Heb.  12:5— 11.  Rev.  3:19. 


more  in  this  present  world,  and  in  the  world  to  come  everlast 
ing  life.”  (Note,  Matt.  19:29,30.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  VIII.  V.  1.  All  the  commandments.] 
Note,  Matt.  19:10—22. 

V * 2 . The  Israelites  were  afflicted  and  proved , in  order 
that  they  might  be  humbled.  They  were  not  previouslj'  aware 
of  the  wickedness  of  their  own  hearts,  and  never  suspected 
that  they  were  capable  of  such  crimes  as  they  actually  com- 
mitted: but  the  Lord  well  knew  all  their  latent  evil  propensi- 
ty: and  for  their  good,  and  that  of  multitudes  in  every  age  to 
the  end  of  the  world,  he  was  pleased  to  put  them  to  the  proof; 
that  upon  full  and  fair  trial  their  real  character  might  be 
ascertained.  (Notes,  Prov.  17:3.  Jer.  17:9,10.)  They  were 
therefore  led  through  a variety  of  difficult  circumstances  ; and 
were  favoured  by  manifold  miraculous  evidences  of  the 
Lord’s  special  presence  with  them,  and  regard  to  them.  They 
were  sometimes  thwarted,  at  other  times  indulged  : they  were 
brought  into  dangers  and  straits,  and  miraculously  delivered  : 
they  were  disappointed  in  many  expectations,  and  favoured 
in  many  things  beyond  expectation : they  were  sometimes 
severely  punished  for  their  sins,  that  they  might  take  warning; 
and  at  other  times  mercifully  pardoned,  that  they  might 
fake  courage.  But  the  result  of  the  trial  undeniably  was, 
that  they  were  always  prone  to  distrust,  to  murmur,  and  to 
he  ungrateful:  they  were  invariably  disposed  to  depreciate 
their  mercies,  and  to  magnify  their  trials  and  difficulties  as 
intolerable  and  insuperable ; to  limit  the  power  and  suspect 
the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord,  after  all  their  experience  of 
both  ; to  lust,  envy,  and  rebel ; to  mutiny,  apostatize,  and  fail 
into  idolatry.  In  short,  it  appeared  that  they  were  so  stilf- 
necked  and  hard-hearted,  that  no  patience,  but  the  infinite 
patience  of  God,  could  have  borne  with  them : nor  could  they 
be  restrained  from  the  most  desperate  rebellions,  but  by  the 
terrible  examples  of  thousands  struck  dead  by  the  avenging 
hand  of  divine  justice.  All  this  had  a direct  tendency,  when 
reflected  on,  to  convert  their  self-admiration  into  self-abhor- 
rence; to  render  them  sensible  of  their  guilt,  folly,  and  weak- 
ness ; and  to  bring  them  to  a suitable  conviction  of  their  entire 
dependence  upon  the  mercy  of  God  for  every  thing,  and  their 
manifold  obligations  to  him  for  his  goodness  to  them  in  times 
past ; and  finally  to  produce  and  preserve  that  poverty  of  spirit, 
which  is  radically  necessary  to  the  life  of  faith  ami  the  walk 
with  God.  ( Note,  Matt.  5:3. ) — They  should  likewise  be  consi- 
dered as  a fair  specimen  of  human  nature:  any  other  people, 
any  individual  proved  as  they  were,  would  appear  as  rehellio  3 
as  they  do,  were  the  result  as  impartially  recorded.  And  every 
one’s  own  experience  will  have  the  same  effect  upon  him, 
except  he  view  himself  through  a false  medium,  or  he  lulled 
asleep  by  carelessness,  or  intoxicated  by  pride:  for  none  o» 
us  live  one  week,  without  renewed  evidences  of  our  own 
weakness,  folly,  and  depravity. 

V.  3.  When  all  ordinary  means  of  sustenance  failed,  and 
the  people  must  have  perished  with  hunger;  at  the  word 
of  the  Lord  the  manna  descended,  and  afforded  them  a suit- 
able, sufficient,  and  constant  supply.  Their  frequent  mur- 
murs and  ingratitude,  and  their  inability  to  help  themselves, 
were  calculated  to  humble  them  ; and  the  unexpected  nicthoa 
in  which  they  were  provided  for,  served  to  teach  them,  that 
tlu*  Lord  was  not  confined  to  ordinary  means,  and  that  they 
needed  not  to  use  sinful  methods  of  obtaining  the  necessaries 
of  life : for  when  he  speaks  the  word,  a supply  "’ill  he  sent  in 
one  way  or  another;  and  that  word  alone  can  entirely  he 
depended  on.  (Note,  Matt.  4:3,4.) 

V.  4.  The  Israelites,  doubtless,  brought  out.  of  Egypt 
more  raiment  than  what  they  had  upon  them ; they  might 
manufacture  the  fleeces  of  their  flocks  in  the  wilderness ; 
and  they  might  he  favoured  in  Providence  with  other  sup- 
plies: yet  when  wo  consider  their  immense  numbers,  their 
situation,  and  long  continuance  in  the  wilderness,  and  the 
strong  expressions  hero  made  use  of ; there  sterns  no  cascn 
to  question  the  constant  and  most  extraordinary  nuraujlou* 


B.  C.  1451 


CHAPTER  IX 


B.  C.  1451 


of  the  Lord  thy  God,  to  'walk  in  his  ways,  and  to 
fear  him. 

7 For  the  Lord  thy  God  bringeth  thee  into  a 
good  land  ; ma  land  of  brooks  ot  water,  of  foun- 
tains, and  depths,  that  spring  out  of  valleys  and 
hills ; 

8 A land  of  "wheat,  and  "barley,  and  Pvines, 
and  fig-trees,  and  pomegranates ; a land  of  'oil- 
alive  and  honey ; 

9 A land  wherein  thou  shalt  eat  bread  without 
scarceness,  thou  shalt  not  lack  any  thing  in  it ; a 
land  i whose  stones  are  iron,  and  out  of  whose 
hills  thou  mnyest  dig  brass. 

10  When  'thou  hast  eaten  and  art  full,  then 
thou  shalt  bless  the  Lord  thy  God,  tor  the  good 
land  which  he  hath  given  thee. 

11  "Beware  that  thou  forget  not  the  Lord  thy 
God,  in  not  keeping  his  commandments,  and  his 
judgments,  and  his  statutes,  which  I command 
thee  this  day : 

12  Lest,  Hchen  thou  hast  eaten  and  art  full,  “and 
nast  built  goodly  houses  and  dwelt  therein  ; 

13  And  when  Hhy  herds  and  thy  flocks  multi- 
ply, and  thy  silver  and  thy  gold  is  multiplied,  and 
all  that  thou  hast  is  multiplied  ; 

14  Then  Hhine  heart  be  lifted  up,  "and  thou 
forget  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  brought  thee 
forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  from  the  house  of 
bondage ; 

15  Who  “led  thee  through  that  great  and  terrible 

15:33.  Ex.  18:20.  2Chr.  6:31.  Ps.  128:1.  Luke  1:6.  m 6:10,11.  11:10-12.  Ex. 
3:8.  Neb.  9:24,25.  Ps.  65:9— 13.  Ex.  20:6.  n 32:14.  2 Sam.  4:6.  I Kings  5:11. 
Pa.  81:16.  147:14.  Ex.  27:17.  o 2 Chr.  2: 10-15.  John  6:9,13.  u Is.  7:23.  Jer. 
5:17.  Hos.  2:8,22.  Mic.4:4.  Hab.3:17.  * Heb.  olive-tree  of  oil.  q 33:25.  Josh. 
22:9.  1 Chr.  22:14.  Job 28:2.  r6:U,12.  Ps.  Iu3:2.  Malt.  14:19.  John  5:23.  Rom. 
14:6.  1 Thes.  5:18.  1 Tim.  4:4,5.  sPs.  108:21.  Pro v.  1:32.  30:9.  Ez.  16:10— 15. 
Hos.  2:3.9.  1 28:47.  31:20.  3*2:15.  Hos.  13:5,6.  u Ec.  2:1.  Jer.  2214,15.  E*.  11: 
3.  Am.  5:11.  Hag.  1:4.  Luke  17:28.  x Gen.  13:1— 5.  Job  1:3.  Ps.  39:6.  Luke 
12:13—21.  y 17:20.  2 Chr.  26:16.  32:25.  Jer.  2:31.  1 Cor.  4:7,8.  z See  on  11. 

interposition  of  God  in  this  respect,  as  well  as  in  others. — 
We  may,  however,  safely  reject  the  Jewish  tradition,  that  the 
garments  grew  along  with  the  bodies  of  the  young  people ; 
not  because  it  is  too  difficult  to  be  credited,  but  because  it 
wants  the  warrant  of  scriptural  testimony,  and  does  not 
appear  to  have  been  in  the  least  necessary : for  the  grown 
persons  might  wear  the  clothes  of  those  who  died,  and  the 
young  might  take  theirs. 

V.  5.  The  punishments  inflicted  upon  the  Israelites, 
though  destructive  to  individuals,  were  national  blessings, 
salutary  to  the  survivors,  and  suited  to  warn  them,  and  con- 
ducive to  their  preservation  and  prosperity : even  as  a father 
chastises  his  son,  not  for  his  hurt,  but  that  he  may  escape 
ruin,  and  be  wise  and  happy.  (Note,  Ps.  94:12 — 14.  Prov. 
3:11,12.  Heb.  13:4—13.) 

V.  G — 20.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  16:  17:  Num.  21:6 
— 9. — Stones,  &c.  (9)  There  were  no  mines  in  Egypt: 

this  would  therefore  be  a new  thing  to  the  Israelites.  ( Job 
28:2.) — Beware,  &e.  (11)  Note,  G:12. — My  power,  Stc. 

(17)  Notes,  1 Chr.  29:10 — 19.  Don.  4:28—33. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Our  obedience  cannot  he  sincere,  unless  we  “observe  to  do 
all  the  commandments  of  the  Lord  so  that  whilst  any  one 
is  broken,  with  allowance  and  habitually,  that  is  a conclusive 
proof  of  hypocrisy. — In  order  to  sinful  man’s  rendering  to 
God  acceptable  obedience,  he  must  be  humbled,  and  proved, 
and  made  sensible  of  his  weakness,  sinfulness,  and  misery. 
And  when  the  severest  chastenings  and  the  most  painful 
experiences,  effect  this  conviction,  they  are  evidences  of  the 
Lord’s  special  love,  and  of  his  merciful  intention  “ of  doing 
us  good  at  the  latter  end,”  which  should  make  us  thankful  for 
them.  Indeed,  it  is  impossible  that  we  can  be  truly  penitent, 
or  believe  in  Christ  and  love  him,  or  become  meek,  patient, 
and  forgiving,  or  attain  to  any  part  of  the  Christian  temper 
and  character,  without  humiliation.  Nothing  indeed  can 
render  even  the  most  suitable  outward  dispensations,  and 
inward  conflicts,  effectual  for  these  ends,  without  the  sancti- 
fying influences  of  the  Spirit  of  God  : but  it  is  our  duty  to  be 
often  employed  in  “ remembering  all  the  way  in  which  the 
Lort  hath  led  us in  recollecting  the  many  evidences  we 
have  . .ven  of  our  own  ingratitude  and  perverseness,  and  of 
the  deceitfulness  and  wickedness  of  our  hearts  ; and  in  con- 
sidering the  proofs  which  we  have  had  of  (iis  power  and  love, 
in  supplying  our  wants,  extricating  us  out  of  difficulties,  pre- 
venting the  bad  effects  of  our  misconduct,  and  overruling  for 
our  good,  events  which  appeared  fraught  with  ruin  and 
destruction.  Hence  we  may  learn  to  cease  from  self-confi- 
dence, and  to  trust  in  the  Lord  for  every  thing  ; hence  we 
may  draw  arguments  against  sin,  and  motives  to  obedience  ; 
and  learn  to  watch  against  pride,  unbelief,  and  forgetfulness 
of  God. — The  food  out  of  the  earth,  the  water  from  the 
clouds,  and  the  raiment  new  from  year  to  year,  which  our 
God  provides,  calls  fox  no  less  gratitude  from  us,  than  the 
miraculous  provision  did  from  Israel:  md  perhaps  he  does 


wilderness,  wherein  were  bfieiy  serpents  and 
scorpions,  and  drought,  where  there  was  no 
water  ; cwho  brought  thee  forth  water  out  ol‘  the 
rock  of  flint. 

16  Who  l,fed  thee  in  the  wilderness  with 
manna,  which  thy  fathers  knew  not,  that  ehe  might 
humble  thee,  and  that  he  might  prove  thee,  Ho  do 
thee  good  at  thy  latter  end ; 

17  And  Hhou  say  in  thine  heart,  hMy  power, 
and  the  might  of  mine  hand,  hath  gotten  me  this 
wealth. 

18  But  thou  shalt  remember  the  Lord  thy 
God : for  it  is  ‘he  that  givetli  thee  power  to  get 
wealth,  kthat  he  may  establish  his  covenant,  whick. 
he  svvare  unto  thy  fathers,  as  it  is  this  day. 

19  And  it  shall  he,  if  thou  do  at  all  forget  the 
Lord  thy  God,  and  walk  after  other  gods,  and 
serve  them,  and  worship  them,  'I  testify  against 
you  this  day,  that  ye  shall  surely  perish. 

20  As  the  nations  which  the  Lord  destroyeth 
before  your  face,  so  shall  ye  perish ; because  ye 
would  not  be  obedient  unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord 
your  God. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Israel  assured  of  victory , not  for  their  righteousness , but  through  the  wicked- 
ness of  their  enemies , 1 — 6 : reminded  of  their  rebellions,  and  of  the  Lord's 
mercies,  7 — 29. 

HEAR,  O Israel : Thou  art  to  apass  over 
Jordan  this  day,  to  go  in  to  possess  bnations 
greater  and  mightier  than  thyself,  Ccities  great, 
and  fenced  up  to  heaven, 


a See  ora  1:19.  Ps.  136:16.  Is.  63:13.  Jer.  2:6.  b Num.  21:6.  Hos.  13:5.  c Ex 
17:6.  Num.  20:11.  Ps.  78:15.  105:41.  114:8.  Is.  35:7.  1 Cor.  10:4.  d See  on  3 
Ex.  16:15.  e See  on  2.  f Jer.  24:5,6.  Rom.  8:28.  2 Cor.  4:17.  Heb.  12:10,11- 
Jam.  1:12.  1 let.  1:7.  eSeeonlM.  h 9:4.  Is.  10:8— 14.  Dan.  4:30.  Hos.  12- 
8.  Hab.  1:16.  2 Cor.  4:7.  i Ps.  127:1,2.  1441.  Prov.  10:22.  Hos.  2:8.  k 7:8,12 
1 4:26  . 28:50—68.  29:25—28.  30:1S.19.  Josh. 23: 13.  1 Sam.  12:25.  I an.  9:2.  Am. 
3:2.  Zeph.  1:18.  3:6.  Luke  12:47,48.  13:3,5.  n 3:18.  11  31.  27  2.  Josh.  1:11.  3. 
6,14,16.4:5,19.  b See  on  4:38  . 7:1.  11.23.  c 1:28.  Num.  16:22,28,32,33. 


not  suffer  us  previously  to  hunger,  nor  confine  us  to  the  same 
provision;  but  indulges  us  in  a vast  variety,  which  he  was 
pleased  to  deny  them. — The  word  of  the  Lord  first  gave  to 
the  earth  its  fertility,  and  still  continues  it;  his  blessing  ren- 
ders our  food  nutrimental : and  did  he  command  the  air  to 
sustain  us,  it  would  be  equally  obedient.  He  appoints  the 
measure  of  our  support,  however  sent ; and  his  promise,  that 
they  who  “fear  him  shall  not  want  ony  good,”  is  our  only 
security  for  a future  sufficient  supply,  till  we  arrive  at  our 
journey’s  end. — But  in  this  respect,  the  believing  poor  have 
the  advantage : as  they  more  easily  perceive  their  provision 
coming  from  the  Lord,  in  answer  to  prayer,  and  find  less  di£» 
ficulty  in  simply  trusting  him  for  daily  bread  : so  that  they 
taste  a sweetness  in  it,  generally  unknown  to  the  affluent, 
while  they  are  exempt  from  many  of  their  temptations.  For 
when  men  possess  large  estates,  or  are  engaged  in  extensive 
and  productive  commerce;  when  their  herds  and  Hocks,  and 
gold  and  silver,  are  multiplied  ; they  find  it  very  difficult  to 
expect  and  receive  their  daily  bread  in  simple  dependence, 
prayer,  and  thankfulness ; and  to  remember  that  the  “ Lord 
alone  gives  them  the  power  to  get  wealth,”  so  as  to  give  him 
all  the  praise,  and  to  use  it  all  to  his  glory.  When  “ they 
have  eaten  and  are  full,  and  have  built  goodly  houses,  and 
dwelt  therein,”  they  find  the  temptation  to  pride,  to  forgetful- 
ness of  God,  and  to  love  of  the  world,  very  strong : they 
are  apt  to  fail  in  reducing  to  practice  the  humbling  lessons 
which  they  had  before  learned  ; and  are  prone  to  grow  care- 
less, to  spend  their  riches  on  themselves,  and  to  neglect  the 
one  thing  needful.  (Notes*  Jer.  2:31,32.  Hos.  13:5 — 8.) — 
This  is  a “ slippery  place,”  whence  many  are  “ cast  down 
into  destruction :”  (Ps.  73:18.)  let  those  who  are  placed  on 
it  “ rejoice  with  trembling;”  and  let  them  “watch  and  pray 
always,”  that  they  may  escape  the  fate  of  those  multitudes, 
who  have  “ utterly  perished  through  their  prosperity.”  Let 
us  all  be  sober  and  vigilant,  and  persevere  in  prayer;  for  we 
tread  a dangerous  path:  let  us  beg  of  God  that  we  may 
rather  be  chastened  with  his  children,  than  be  left  to  grow 
secure  in  sin  with  his  enemies : and  may  we  be  taught  to 
hunger  after,  and  feast  upon  the  hidden  Manna,  and  drink  of 
the  waters  of  life  from  the  wells  of  salvation  ; encouraged  to 
active,  self-denying  obedience  by  the  prospect  of  “an  inherit- 
ance incorruptible,  undefiled,  and  that  fadelh  not  away, 
reserved  in  heaven  for”  all,  “ who  are  kept  by  the  power 
of  God,  through  faith,  unto  salvation.”  (Note.  1 Pet.  1: 
3-5.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  IX.  V.  1.  It  is  generally  supposed 
that  Moses  here  began  a new  discourse  ; which  he  intro- 
duced, as  he  had  done  the  first,  with  referring  to  some  parts  ot 
the  history  of  Israel : and  afterwards,  in  the  following  chap- 
ters, he  practically  applied  it  to  their  consciences.  But  in 
the  former  discourse  he  mainly  expatiated  on  the  wonderfu. 
works  of  God ; in  this  he  dwells  chiefly  upon  the  wicked 
works  of  Israel. — By  this  day  is  meant,  that  the  long-expected 
time  was  just  at  hand. 


( 333  ) 


B.  C.  1451.  DEUTERONOMY.  B.  C.  1451. 


2 A people  ‘'great  and  tan,  the  children  of  the 
Anakims,  whom  thou  knowest,  and  of  whom  thou 
host  heard  say,  “Who  can  stand  before  the  children 
of  Anak : 

3 fUnderstand  therefore  this  day,  that  the  Lord 
thy  God  is  he  which  egoeth  over  before  thee ; as 
ha  consuming  fire,  'he.  shall  destroy  them,  and  he 
shall  bring  them  down  before  thy  face : so  shalt 
thou  drive  them  out,  and  destroy  them  quickly,  as 
the  Lord  hath  said  unto  thee. 

4 ‘■Speak  not  thou  in  thine  heart,  after  that  the 
Lord  thy  God  hath  cast  them  out  from  before 
thee,  saying,  For  my  righteousness  the  Lord  hath 
brought  me  in  to  possess  this  land;  but  'for  the 
wickedness  of  these  nations  the  Lord  doth  drive 
them  out  from  before  thee. 

5 Not  for  thy  righteousness,  or  for  the  upright- 
ness of  thine  heart  dost  thou  go  to  possess  their 
land ; but  for  the  wickedness  of  these  nations  the 
Lord  thy  God  doth  drive  them  out  from  before 
thee,  and  mthat  he  may  perform  the  word  which 
the  Lord  sware  unto  thy  fathers,  Abraham,  Isaac, 
and  Jacob. 

6 “Understand  therefore,  that  the  Lord  thy 
God  giveth  thee  not  this  good  land  to  possess  it, 
for  thy  righteousness ; for  thou  art  °a  stitf-necked 
people. 

7 “il  pRemember,  and  forget  not,  how  thou  pro- 
vokedst  the  Lord  thy  God  to  wrath  in  the  wilder- 
ness: ifrom  the  day  that  thou  didst  depart  out  of 
the  land  of  Egypt,  until  ye  came  unto  this  place, 
ye  have  been  rebellious  against  the  Lord. 

8 Also  .rin  Horeb  ye  provoked  the  Lord  to 
wrath,  so  that  the  Lord  was  angry  with  you  to 
have  destroyed  you. 

b.c.]  9 When  'I  was  gone  up  into  the  mount,  to 

1491  -J receive  the  tables  of  stone,  even  ‘the  tables  of. 
the  covenant  which  the  Lord  made  with  you, 
“then  l abode  in  the  mount  forty  days  and  forty 
nights;  *1  neither  did  eat  bread  nor  drink  wa- 
ter : 

10  And  the  Lord  delivered  unto  me  two  tables 
of  stone,  ^written  with  the  finger  of  God;  and  on 
them  was  written  according  to  'all  the  words 
which  the  Lord  spake  with  you  in  the  mount, 
out  of  the  midst  of  the  fire,  in  the  day  of  the 
assembly. 

1 1 And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  forty  days 
and  forty  nights,  that  the  Lord  gave  me  the  two 
tables  of  stone,  even  athe  tables  of  the  covenant. 

12  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  bArise,  get  thee 
down  quickly  from  hence;  for  thy  people  which 
thou  hast  brought  forth  out  of  Egypt  have 
“corrupted  themselves:  they  dare  quickly  turned 
aside  out  of  the  way  which  I commanded  them  ; 
they  have  made  them  a molten  image. 

13  Furthermore,  the  Lord  spake  unto  me, 

d Ste  on2:ll,12,21.  e 7:34.  Kx.  9:11.  Johll:I0.  Pan. 8:4.  11:16.  Nah.  1 :6. 
f 6.  Matt.  15:10.  Mark  7:14.  Rpli.  5:17.  2130.  20:4.  31:3.  Josh.  3:14.  Mic. 
2:13.  Rev.  10:11—16.  h 4:24.  Is.  27:4  . 30:27,30,33.  33:14.  Nah.  1:5,6.  9Thw. 
1:8.  Heh.  12:29.  i 7:1.2,16,23,24  Ex.  23:29— 31.  1b.  41 :10 — 16.  I!nm.8:31. 
k 5.  7:7, S.  8:17.  Ex.  36:2-2,32.  Rom.  11:3,90.  1 Cor.  4:7.  Bph.  2:4,5.  9 Tim.  1 :9. 
Tit. 3:3-5.  112:31.18:12.  Gen.  15:16.  I .<•».  18:21,25.  miien.!2:7.  13:15. 

15  7.  17:8.  98:4.  28:13.  Ex.  32:13.  Ex.  20:14.  Mic.  6:20.  Luke  1:54,55.  Acts  3: 
25.  13:32,33.  Horn. 11:28.  15:8.  n See  on  3,4.  Ex.  20:44.  o 13.  111:16.  31:27. 
Ex.  32:9  . 33:3  . 34:9.  2 Chr.  30:8.  35:13.  i s.  78:8.  Is.  48:3,4.  Ex.  2:4.  Zech  7: 
11,12.  Acts  7:51.  Horn.  5:20.21.  p8:2.  Ex.  16:61— 63.  20:43.  36:31.32.  1 Cor. 
15:9.  Eph.  2:1! . 1 Tim.  1:13— 15.  n 32:5,6.  Ex.  14:11.  16:2.  17:2.  Num.  11:4. 

14  1,  Ac.  16:1,  Ac.  20:2—5.  21:5.  25  2.  Neh.  9:16—18.  Ps.  78  8,  Ac.  95:8—11. 
r Ex.  32:1— 6.  Pa.  106:19— 22.  ■ Ex.  94:19,18.  115.  Ex.  31:18.  31:28.  Jer.  31: 
31,32.  Gal.  4:21.  u Ex. 24:18  . 34:28.  I Kings  19:8.  Mutt.  4:2.  x 18.  1 Kings 
13:8,9.  9 King*  6.22.  v 10:4.  Mall.  19:28.  Luke  11:90.  2 Cor.  3:3.  licit.  8:10. 

X 4:10 — 15.  .5:6—21.  18:16.  Ex.  19:18.  20:1—18.  n x’es  on  l 9.— Num.  10:33. 
Heb  9:4.  b See  on  EX.  32:7,8.  c 4:16  . 31:29.  32.5.  Gen.  6:11, 12.  Jude  10. 


V.  2.  Anakims.]  2:28.  Notes,  Num.  13:33.  Josh.  11:21 — 
23.  15:14. 

V.  4 — 6.  Marg.  Ref.  For  thy  righteousness.  (G)  ‘He 
repeats  it  a third  lime,  that  if  it  were  possible,  he  might  root 
out  of  the  Israelites  the  opinion  of  their  own  deserls^bcfore 
he’  (God,)  ‘ rooted  out  the  Canaanites  out  of  their  country.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  7—17.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , Ex.  32: 

V.  18.  The  transgressions  of  the  people  rendered  this 
second  fbrtjp  days’  fasting  necessary  to  Moses.  Their  pardon 
was  indeed  in  some  sense  obtained,  before  he  ascended  the 
mount;  yet  probably  much  of  the  time  which  he  spent  there 
was  employed  in  supplication : and  when  he  descended  the 
second  time  with  the  tallies  of  the  law  in  his  hands,  the 
pnrdon  was,  as  it.  were,  ratified  and  sealed.  (Marg.  Ref. 
Notes , Ex.  34:1—10,27—35.) 

( 334  ) 


saying,  eI  have  seen  this  people,  and,  behold,  it  is 
a rst.ifi-  necked  people. 

14  sLet  me  alone,  that  I may  destroy  them,  and 
hblot  out  their  name  from  under  heaven:  ‘and  I 
will  make  of  thee  a nation  mightier  and  greater 
than  they. 

15  So  kI  turned  and  came  down  from  the 
mount,  and  'the  mount  burned  with  fire : and  the 
two  tables  of  the  covenant  were  in  my  two  hands. 

16  And  mI  looked,  and,  behold,  ye  had  sinned 
against  the  Lord  your  God,  and  had  made  you  a 
molten  calf:  ye  had  turned  aside  quickly  out  of  the 
way  which  the  Lord  had  commanded  you. 

17  And  I took  the  two  tables,  and  c ist  them  out 
of  my  two  hands,  and  brake  them  Before  your 
eves. 

18  And  "I  fell  down  before  the  Lord,  as  at  the 
first,  forty  days  and  forty  nights : I did  neither  eat 
bread  nor  drink  water,  because  of  all  your  sins 
which  ye  sinned,  in  doing  wickedly  in  the  sight  of 
the  Lord,  to  provoke- him  to  anger. 

19  For  °I  was  afraid  of  the  anger  and  hot 
displeasure  wherewith  the  Lord  was  wroth 
against  you  to  destroy  you.  rBut  the  Lord 
hearkened  unto  me  at  that  time  also. 

20  And  the  Lord  was  Very  angry  with  Aaron 
to  have  destroyed  him : and  I prayed  for  Aaron 
also  the  same  time. 

21  And  rI  took  your  sin,  the  calf  which  ye  had 
made,  and  burnt  it  with  fire,  and  stamped  it,  and 
ground  it  very  small,  even  until  it  was  as  small  as 
dust : and  I cast  the  dust  thereof  into  the  brook 
that  descended  out  of  the  mount. 

22  And  at  ‘Taberah,  and  at  'Massah,  and  at 
“Kibroth-hattaavah,  ye  provoked  the  Lord  to 
wrath . 

23  Likewise,  “when  the  Lord  sent  you  from 
Kadesh-barnea,  saying,  Go  up  and  possess  the 
land  which  I have  given  you ; then  Jye  rebelled 
against  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  your  God, 
and  ’ye  believed  him  not,  nor  hearkened  to  his 
voice. 

24  Ye  have  been  “rebellious  against  the  Lord 
from  the  day  that  I knew  you. 

25  Thus  bI  fell  down  before  the  Lord  forty 
days  and  forty  nights,  as  I fell  down  at  the  first: 
because  the  Lord  had  said  he  would  destroy  you. 

26  I “prayed  therefore  unto  the  Lord,  and  said, 
O Lord  God,  destroy  not  thy  people,  and  thine 
inheritance,  ‘'which  thou  hast  redeemed  through 
thy  greatness,  “which  thou  hast  brought  forth  out 
of  Egypt  with  a mighty  hand. 

27  'Remember  thy  servants,  Abraham,  Isaac, 
and  Jacob:  elook  not  unto  the  stubbornness  of  this 
people,  nor  to  their  wickedness,  nor  to  their  sin  ; 

28  Lest  the  land  whence  thou  broughtest  us  out 
say,  hBecause  the  Lord  was  not  able  to  bring 

d 16.  Jndg.  2:17.  Gal.  1:6.  e Gen.  11:5.  18:21.  Ex.  32:9.  Pa.  50:7.  Jer. 711 
13:27.  Hns.  6:10.  Mnl.  3:5.  (SeconS.  2 Hines.  17: 14 . g Ex.  32: 10— 13.  Is.  62- 
6,7.  Jer.  14:11.  15:1.  Lnke  11:7— 10.  18:1 — 8.  h 29:20.  Ex.  32:32,33.  P».9:5. 
109:13.  Prov.  10:7.  Rev.  3:5.  i Num.  14: 1 1 ,12.  k Ex.  82:14,15.  1 4:11.  5:23. 
Ex.  9:33.  19:18.  Ileb. 12:18.  in  Ex.  32,19.  Acls  7:40,41 . n See  un  9.  Fx. 
34:28  . 2 Sam,  12:16.  o 8.  Ex.  32: 10,11.  Null.  1 :2— 7.  p 10:10.  Ex.  32: 14 . 33: 
17.  P*.99:6.  106:23.  Am.  7:2, 3, 5, 6.  Jem.  5:16,17.  q Ex. 32:2-5,21,35.  Ileb.  7: 
26—28.  r Sec  on  Ex.  32:20.  [s.  2:18— 21.  30:2-2.  31:7.  Hoe.  8:11.  s Num.  11: 
1—5.  t Ex.  17—7.  n Num.  11:4,34.  x 1 : 19,  Ac.  Num.  13: 1—  3.  y See  on 
Num.  14:1—4,10—41.  Is.  63:10.  7.1:32,33.  Ps.  78:22.  106:24,25.  Heb.  3:18.19. 
4:2.  a 6,7.  3127.  Arts  7:51.  b See, on  16.  c Ex . 32: 11— 13  . 34:9.  Num.  14 : 13 
—19.  Ps.  99:6.  106:23.  Jer.  14:21.  <129.  32:9.  Ps.  74:1,2.  Is.  63:19.  r 7:8.  13: 

5.  15:15.  21:8.  26:7,8.  Ex.  16.13.  2S«m.  7:23.  Nell.  1:10.  Ps.  77  15.  107:2.  Is. 
44:23.  Mic.  6:4.  Tit.  2:14.  IRu.  9:12.  Rex.  5:9.  f Ex.  3:6,16.  6:3— 8.  13.5.  39: 
13.  Jer.  14:21.  g Kx.  39:31,32.  1 Sum. 95.95.  Is.  43:94, 25.  Jer.  50:90.  Mic.  7: 
19.  1:32:26,27.  Ex . 32: 1'2.  Num.  14:15,16.  Jueh.  7:7-9.  Ps. 115:1,2.  U.  43:25. 
48:9— 11.  Jer.  14:7— 9.  Ex.  20:8,9,14.  Dan.  9:18,19 


V.  19.  Marg.  Ref.  p. 

V.  20.  Marg.  Ref.—e\.  Notes,  Ex.  32:2—6,35,30 

V.  21.  Mara.  Ref.  Note,  Ex.  32:20. 

V.  22,23.  Notes,  Ex.  17:7.  Num.  1 1:1 — 3,33,34.  j3:  14: 

V.  24.  31:27.  Note,  Num.  20:10—13. 

Y.  25.  Some  conclude  that  Moses  fasted  three  times,  forty 
days  each ; but  there  is  no  sufficient  grounds  in  the  narration 
to  think  that  ho  did.  This  verso  is  evidently  a resumption 
of  tho  subject  after  a digression  ; such  ns  are  commonly  found, 
whero  the  heart  is  much  engaged,  and  the  speaker  is  more 
solieilotis  to  impress  lire  hearers  for  their  good,  than  to  gain 
their  applause.  St.  Paul’s  epistles  abound  in  such  digre  isions, 
which  somelimes  obscure  the  senso  oven  to  the  at  entive 
rentier. 

V.  26—29.  Notes,  and  P O.  Ex.  24:  32-  33:  34  : Num. 
11:  13:  14: 


B.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  X 


B.  C.  145 


them  into  the  land  which  he  promised  them,  and 
because  he  hated  them,  he  hath  brought  them  out 
to  slay  them  in  the  wilderness. 

29  Yet  ‘they  are  thy  people,  and  thine  inherit- 
ance, kwhich  thou  broughtest  out  by  thy  mighty 
power,  and  by  thy  stretched-out  arm. 

CHAPTER  X. 

Motet  relates  the  mercy  of  (Jod,  in  again  giving  the  tables  of  the  law , conti- 
nuing the  priesthood,' separating  Levi,  ana  hearing  hit  prayer  for  the  people , 

1 — 1 1 . Hence  he  exhorts  them  to  obedience , 12—22. 

AT  that  time  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  “Hew 
thee  two  tables  of  stone  like  unto  the  first, 
and  come  up  unto  me  into  the  mount,  and  bmake 
thee  an  ark  of  wood. 

2  And  I will  write  on  the  tables  the  words  that 
were  in  the  first  tables,  which  thou  brakest,  and 
Hhou  sbalt  put  them  in  the  ark. 

3  And  di  made  an  ark  of  shittim-wood,  and 
“hewed  two  tables  of  stone  like  unto  the  first,  and 
went  up  into  the  mount,  having  the  two  tables  in 
mine  hand. 

4  And  f he  wrote  on  the  tables,  according  to  the 
first  writing : ?t.he  ten  'commandments,  hwhich 
the  Lord  spake  unto  you  in  the  mount,  'out  of  the 
midst  of  the  fire  fin  the  day  of  the  assembly : and 
the  Lord  gave  them  unto  me. 

5  And  kI  turned  myself  and  came  down  from 
the  mount,  and  ‘put  the  tables  in  the  ark  which  I 
had  made,  and  '“there  they  be,  as  the  Lord  com- 
manded me. 

6  H And  the  children  of  Israel  “took  their  jour- 
ney from  Beeroth  of  the  children  of  Jaakan  to 
“Mosera:  rthere  Aaron  died,  and  there  he  was 
buried  : and  Elea/.ar  his  son  ministered  in  the 
priest’s  office  in  his  stead. 

126  . 4:20.  1 Kings 8:51.  Nell.  1:10.  Ps.  93:7.  1U0:3.  Is.  63:19.  k See  on  26.  4:34. 
a 4.  Ex. 34:1, 2, 4.  bo.  Ex. 23:10— 15.  c 5.  Ex. 25:16— 22.  40:20.  1 Kings  8:9. 
Heb.  9:4.  d Ex.  37:1—9.  el.  Ex.  34:4.  f See  on  9:10.  Ex.  34 :28.  gl:13. 

• Heb.  words,  h 5:4— 21 . Ex.  20: 1—17.  i 4:11— 15.  5:22— 26.  Ex . 19:18.  Ileb. 
12:18,19.  j 9:10.  18:16.  Ex.  19:17.  k9:15.  Ex.  32:15.  1 See  on  2.  Ex.  25:16. 

40:20.  m Josb.  4:9.  1 Kings  8:8,9.  n Num.  10:6,12,13.  33:1,2.  oNmn.  33:30 
— 33.  Moseroth.  llor-ha-gidzad.  Jo  that  hah.  p Num.  20:23— 28  . 33:38.  q Ex. 
29:1,  &c.  Lev.  8.9.  Num'  1 47— 53.  3:  4:  8:  16:9,10.  18:  John  15:16.  Acts  13:2. 
Horn.  1:1.  2 Cor.  6:17.  Cal.  1.15.  r Num.  3:31. 4:15.  1 Kings  8:3,4, 6.  1 Chr.  15: 
12—15,26  . 23:26  . 2 Chr.  5:4,5.  s 18.5.  2 Chr.  29:11.  Ps.  134:2.  135:2.  Jer.  15: 
19.  Ez.  44:11,16.  t 21:5.  Num.  6:23-26  . 2 Chr.  30:27.  u 18:1,2.  Num.  18:20 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

They  who  enlist  under  the  Lord’s  standard,  must  neither 
despise  their  enemies,  nor  tremble  at  them.  In  themselves 
indeed  they  are  formidable ; but  not  to  be  dreaded  by  those 
who  have  an  almighty  arm  on  their  side.  Yet  we  should 
count  our  cost,  and  consider  what  our  vocation  will  certainly 
expose  us  to,  lest  we  should  turn  back  in  the  day  of  battle. 
(Notes,  Luke  11:25 — 33.)  For  unless  we  so  value  salvation 
as  to  be  willing  to  venture,  suffer,  and  sacrifice  every  thing 
for  it,  our  profession  will  begin  with  hypocrisy,  and  probably 
end  in  apostacy.  Such  soldiers  “ the  Captain  of  our  salva- 
tion” wants  not,  and  he  therefore  plainly  tells  us  what  we  are 
to  expect,  even  in  as  strong  language  as  we  can  use  in  our 
most  desponding  moments.  (1,2.1:27,28.)  But  he  engages 
to  go  before  us  as  “ a consuming  Fire :”  and  in  that  case, 
hard  things  will  become  easy,  and  we  may  rejoice  and 
triumph  in  our  sharpest  conflicts  and  severest  trials. — So 
strong  is  our  propensity  to  pride,  that  it  will  intrude  under  one 
pretence  or  another : and  if  it  be  evident  that  the  might  of  our 
arm  has  not  gotten  us  our  wealth,  we  shall  bo  ready  to  con- 
ceive that  our  righteousness  has  merited  and  procured  for  us 
the  special  favour  of  the  Lord ; though  in  reality  our  wicked- 
ness be  more  evident  than  our  weakness.  To  remove  that 
ignorance  or  forgetfulness,  which  occasions  the  increase  of 
this  absurd  self-adulation,  ministers  must  labour  and  be  will- 
ing to  give  offence,  by  declaring  to  the  people  their  trans- 
gressions ; and  must  not  only  lay  the  facts  before  their  eyes, 
but  argue  from  them,  and  apply  the  subject  to  their  con- 
sciences for  conviction. — When  the  secret  history  of  each 
individual  shall  be  produced  at  the  day  of  judgment,  “ every 
mouth  will  be  stopped,  and  all  the  world  will  be  proved  guilty 
before  God.”  As  we  are  spared  in  infinite  mercy,  we  should 
anticipate  that  solemn  season,  and  be  glad  of  every  assistance 
in  reviewing  our  past  conduct ; that  judging  and  condemning 
ourselves  in  this  world,  we  may  not  be  then  judged  and  con- 
demned of  the  Lord.  For  now  One  intercedeth  for  us  before 
the  mercy-seat,  who  not  only  fasted  forty  days,  but  died  upon 
the  cross,  for  our  sins ; through  whom  we  may  approach  and 
supplicate  for  unmerited  mercy,  and  eternal  life  as  the  gift  of 
God  in  him.  “ For  his  sake,”  not  “for  our  righteousness,” 
but  for  “ the  praise  of  his  glory,”  and  according  to  the  tenor 
of  the  covenant  of  grace,  the  Lord  bestows  these  blessings 
upon  us : and  though  we  have  the  verdict  of  our  own  con- 
sciences as  well  as  the  testimony  of  God,  against  us,  “ that 
we  have  been  rebellious”  from  the  beginning  of  our  lives,  yea, 
stub  >orn  and  stiff-necked ; yet  when  we  humbly  call  on  him, 
he  w 11  save  us,  write  his  law  in  our  hearts,  and  not  suffer  our 
•nemies  to  triumoh  in  our  destruction. — Alas ' that  even 


7 From  thence  they  journeyed  unto  Gudg'odah: 
and  from  Gtidgodah  to  Jotbath,  a land  of  rivers 
of  waters. 

8 11  At  that  time  ithe  Lord  separated  the  tribe 
of  Levi,  to  rbear  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord  “to  stand  before  the  Lord  to  minister  unto 
him,  and  ‘to  bless  in  his  name,  unto  this  day. 

9 Wherefore  “Levi  hath  no  part  nor  inheritance 
with  his  brethren  ; the  Lord  is  his  inheritance, 
according  as  the  Lord  thy  God  promised  him. 

10  11  And  “I  stayed  in  the  mount  according  to 
the  'first  time,  forty  days  and  forty  nights  : and 
nhe  Lord  hearkened  unto  me  at  that  time  also, 
and  the  Lord  would  not  destroy  thee. 

11  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  “Arise,  Jtake 
thy  journey  before  the  people,  that  they  may  go 
in  and  possess  the  land  which  I svvare  unto  their 
fathers  to  give  unto  them. 

12  H And  now,  Israel,  “what  doth  the  Lord 
thy  God  require  of  thee,  but  bto  fear  the  Lord 
thy  God,  "to  walk  in  all  his  ways,  and  dto  love 
him,  and  to  serve  the  Lord  thy  God  “with  all  thy 
heart  and  with  all  thy  soul. 

13  To  keep  the  commandments  of  the  Lord 
and  his  statutes,  which  I command  thee  this  day 
f for  thy  good  ? 

14  Behold,  ®the  heaven,  and  the  heaven  of 
heavens,  is  the  Lord’s  thy  God,  hthe  earth  also 
with  all  that  therein  is., 

15  Only  the  Lord  ‘had  a delight  in  -thy  fathers 
to  love  them,  and  he  chose  their  seed  after  them, 
even  you  above  all  people,  as  it  is  this  day. 

16  kCircumcise  therefore  the  foreskin  of  your 
heart,  and  be  no  more  'stiff-necked. 


—24  . 26:62.  Josh.  14:3.  Ex.  44:28.  x 9:18,25.  Ex.  24:18  . 34:28.  t Or,  former 
dan.  y 3:23— 27  . 9:19.  Matt.  27:42.  z Ex. 32:34  . 33:1.  } Heb.  so  i„  journey. 
a Jer.  7:22,23.  Mic.  6:8.  Mau.  11:29,30.  1 John  5:3.  b 6:13.  Ps.  128:1.  Jer.  32: 
39,40.  Acts  9:31.  1 Pet.  1:17.  c See  on  5:33.  Josh.  22:5.  Ps.  81:13.  Ez.  11:20. 
Tit.  2:11,12.  1 Pet. 1:15,16.  d Ste  m 6:5.  11:13.  Mail.  22:37.  Mark  12:29— 33. 
Luke  10:27.  11:42.  Rom. 8:28.  1 John  2:15.  4:19,20.  5:2,3.  e See  on  4:2J.  f6: 
24.  Prov.  9:12.  Jer.  32:39.  Jam.  1:25.  gl  Kings  8.27.  2 Chr.  6:18.  Neh.  9:6. 
Ps.  115:16.  148:4.  Is.  66:1.  h Gen.  14:19.  Ex.  9:29.  Ps.  24:1.  Jer.  27:5,6.  1 Cor. 
10:26,28.  i See  on  4:37.  7:7,8.  Nnm.  14:8.  Rom.  9:13—23.  k 30:6.  Lev.  26:41. 
Jer.  4:4,14.  Rom.  2:28,29.  Col.  2:11.  1 See  on  9:6,13.  31:27.  Jam.  4:6,7. 


believers  should  have  so  many  Massahs , and  Taberahs,  and 
Kibroth-hattaavahs,  to  remember:  yet.  we  should  by  no  means 
forget  them  : but  thence  draw  arguments  for  deeper  humility 
more  lively  gratitude,  more  simple  dependence,  and  more 
earnest  prayers  for  the  grace  of  God  to  hold  up  our  goings  in 
his  ways  ; and  for  a more  watchful  walk,  and  a life  more 
devoted  to  his  service.  This  consideration  should  endear  to 
us  the  compassionate  Intercessor  for  sinners,  and  induce  us 
to  desire  and  value  a place  in  the  prayers  of  God’s  people: 
and  we  should  also  learn  to  compassionate  and  pray  for  our 
fellow-Christians,  and  for  all  men;  and  “in  meekness  to 
restore  such  as  have  been  overtaken  in  a fault,”  and  to 
encourage  them,  when  they  show  any  hopeful  tokens  of 
repentance.  (Note,  Gal.  b:  1 — 5.) 

NOTES.— Chap.  X.  V.  1—5.  It  is  evident  that  the 
ark  of  the  covenant,  and  not  a temporary  ark,  was  here 
intended  ; for  the  two  tables  of  the  law  continued  in  it,  at 
the  time  when  Moses  delivered  this  discourse. — Probably, 
before  he  ascended  the  mount  the  second  time,  he  gave  ex- 
press orders  to  Bezaleel  to  get  the  ark  ready  against  he  came 
down  ; and,  having  directed  and  ordered  the  making  of  it,  he 
speaks  as  if  he  had  made  it : thus  Solomon  is  said  to  have 
builded  the  temple,  which  he  caused  to  be  builded  by  the 
hands  of  others.  Some  however  think,  that  Moses  prepared 
the  ark  himself  as  made  of  shittim-wood,  and  carried  it  up  with 
the  tables  into  the  mount : and  that  Bezaleel  afterwards  cover- 
ed it  with  gold.  ( Marg . Ref.  Notes , Ex.  25:10 — 21.  34:1 — 3.) 

V.  6.  7.  These  verses  so  break  in  upon  the  connexion  of 
Moses’s  discourse,  and  give  such  an  account  of  the  names 
of  places,  that  they  perplex  commentators.  But  several  of 
the  places  mentioned,  seem  to  have  had  more  names  than 
one  : (marg.  Note,  Num.  33:30 — 39.)  and  some  particulars, 
which  for  want  of  further  information  we  cannot  reconcile 
with  other  accounts,  might  he  perfectly  intelligible  to  the 
Israelites.  It  is  evident,  that  Moses  did  not  much  regard 
exactness  of  method  in  this  discourse  : yet,  perhaps  by  some 
means  a transposition  has  taken  place  ; for  these  verses 
would  come  in  more  regularly  afier  the  eleventh  verse. 

V.  8,  9.  At  that  time.]  Not  after  Aaron’s  death,  but 
soon  after  the  breach  was  made  up,  which  the  golden  call 
had  occasioned.  (Notes,  Num.  3:5 — 10.  18:20,21.) 

V.  10.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , Ex.  34:8—10,28. 

Y.  11.  Notes , Ex.  32:34,35.  33:1- -3,12— 16. 

V.  12—15.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 6:4,5.  7:6—8.  Is.  41:8,9. 
Rom.  9:4,5.  11:25—32. 

V.  16.  Moses  here  cautioned  the  people  not  to  rest 
in  the  outward  seal  of  circumcision,  by  which  they  went 
distinguished  as  the  professed  worshippers  of  Jehoyab 
( 335  ) 


B.  C.  1451. 


DEUTERONOMY. 


B.  C.  1451. 


17  For  the  Lord  your  God  is  mGod  of  gods, 
and  “Lord  of  lords,  “a  great  God,  a mighty,  and 
a terrible,  which  Pregardeth  not  persons,  nor 
taketh  reward. 

18  He  idoth  execute  the  judgment  of  the  fa- 
therless and  widow,  and  “loveth  the  stranger,  in 
giving  him  food  and  raiment. 

19  “Love  ye  therefore  the  stranger:  for  ye  were 
strangers  in  the  land  of  Egypt. 

20  Thou  shalt  ‘fear  the  Lord  thy  God,  him 
shalt  thou  serve,  and  to  him  shalt  thou  “cleave, 
and  "swear  by  his  name. 

21  He  is  Uhy  praise,  and  he  is  thy  God,  'that 
hath  done  for  thee  these  great  and  terrible  things 
which  thine  eyes  have  seen. 

22  Thy  fathers  went  down  into  Egypt  “with 
threescore  and  ten  persons ; and  now  the  Lord 
thy  God  hath  made  thee  bas  the  stars  of  heaven 
for  multitude. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Love  and  obedience  to  God  enforced  from  his  past  kindnesses,  and  the  good 
lajid  prepared  for  the  people , l — 12.  Conditional  promises,  warnings,  and 
exhortations,  13 — 25.  A blessing  and  a curse  set  before  the  people,  with 
orders  to  j/ublish  them  from  mount  Gerizim  and  mount  Ebal,  26 — 32. 

THEREFORE  athou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy 
God,  and  bkeep  his  charge,  and  chis  statutes, 
and  his  judgments,  and  his  commandments  alway. 


m Josh.  22:22.  I Clir.  16:25,26.  Ps.  136:2.  Dan.  2:47.  11:33.  n Ps.  136:3.  Rev. 
17:14.19:16.  o7:2l.  Nell.  1 :5.  4: 14.  9:32.  Job  37:22,23.  Ps.  99:3.  Jer. 20:11. 
p 2 Chr.  19:7.  Job  34:19.  Mark  12:14.  Act^l0:34.  Rom. 2:11.  Gal.  2:6.  Eph.6: 
0.  CqI.  3:2.5.  T Pet.  1:17.  q Ps.  68:5.  M3:6.  146.9.  Is.  1:17.  Jer.  49.11.  Hos.  14:3. 
r Pa.  145:9.  Matt.  5:45.  Acts  14:17  s Ex.  22:21.  Lev.  19:33,34.  LukeG:35.  10: 
£8—37.  17 :I8.  Gal.  6:10.  Jam.  2:15,16.  1 John  3: 17,18.  t6:13.  1 :4.  Matt.  4:10. 
Luke  4:8.  o4:4.  11:22.  13:4.  Josh.  23:8.  Acts  11:23.  Rom.  12:9.  x3Vfon6: 
13.  Ps.  63:11.  v Ex.  15:2.  Ps.  22:3.  Is.  12:2— 6.  60: 19.  Jer.  17: 14.  Luke  2:32. 
Rev. 21:23.  z4:32—  35.  1 gam.  12:24.  2Sam.7:23.  Ps.  106:22.  Is.  64:3.  Jer.  32: 
20,21.  aGen.  46:27.  Ex.  1:5.  Acts  7:14.  b 1:10.28:62  Gen.  15:5.  Nuni.  26:51 , 


but  to  seek  earnestly  that  inward  renewal  to  the  divine 
image,  and  mortification  of  all  depraved  affections,  of  which 
circumcision  was  the  outward  sign,  and  which  distinguishes 
the  spiritual  worshipper.  ( Notes , Rom.  2:25 — 29.  Phil.  3:1  — 
7.  5:3.)  The  figurative  language  here  used  denotes  the 
removal  of  that  blindness  from  the  understanding,  that  obsti- 
nacy and  perverseness  from  the  will,  and  that  insensibility, 
carnal  self-love,  and  idolatrous  love  of  worldly  things,  which 
render  us  morally  incapable  of  loving  God  according  to  his 
commandments,  or  profiting  either  by  his  mercies  or  his 
iudgments.  (Note,  Gen.  17:9 — 12.)  This  change  is  there- 
fore the  subject  both  of  promises  and  of  precepts.  As  we 
.Right  to  love  God  with  our  whole  heart,  it  must  be  our  duty 
to  remove  whatever  prevents  our  thus  loving  him  ; and  we 
are  accordingly  commanded  to  do  so.  (Ezek.  18:30 — 32. 
Acts  3:19 — 21.)  But  we  are,  as  fallen  sinners,  of  a contrary 
disposition  : and  this  contrariety  to  God  and  his  law  is  ori- 
ginal sin,  the  source  of  all  our  actual  transgressions,  and  the 
very  essence  of  guilt  and  misery  ; u because  the  carnal  mind 
is  enmity  against  God  ; for  it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God, 
neither  indeed  can  be  : so  then  they  that  are  in  the  flesh 
cannot  please  God.”  (Note,  Rom.  8:5 — 9.)  In  this  condi- 
tion the  gospel  addresses  us,  with  invitations,  promises,  and 
precepts  : and  when  we  are  convinced  of  the  reasonableness 
and  necessity  of  the  required  change,  and  perceive  our  utter 
inability  to  effect  it,  we  have  recourse  to  the  promises  ; and 
pleading  them  in  prayer,  as  well  as  using  all  other  means  of 
grace,  we  wait  on  the  Lord  to  work  it  in  us  ; nor  do  we  ever 
wait  and  trust  in  vain.  (Notes,  Ps.  51:10.  Jer.  4:3,4.  17:14. 
31:18-20.  Ez.  11:17—20.) 

V.  17.  As  the  Lord  did  not41  regard  persons,”  the  Israel- 
ites must  expect,  in  case  they  imitated  the  crimes  of  the 
nations,  on  whom  they  were  commissioned  to  execute  the 
judgments  of  God,  that  he  would  find  instruments  at  length  to 
inflict  similar  vengeance  on  them  ; notwithstanding  those  out- 
ward distinctions  which  they  disgraced,  and  religious  advan- 
tages on  which  they  presumed.  (Notes,  Acts  10:34,35. 
Rom.  2:1 — 11.) 

V.  18,  19.  The  universal  care  and  kindness  of  God,  in  his 
providence,  to  persons  of  all  nations  and  characters,  are  ex- 
pressed by  this  language.  He  is  represented  as  the  universal 
Patron  of  all  those  who  are  peculiarly  exposed  to  oppression  or 
ill-treatment  ; as  strangers  are  in  a foreign  country,  of  which 
the  Israelites  had  had  painful  experience  in  Egypt.  They 
were  therefore  required  to  imitate  the  example  of  the  Lord 
who  had  been  so  kind  fo  them,  not  that  of  the  Egyptians, 
who  had  been  so  cruel  to  them.  (Marg.  Ref.) — It  is  evi- 
dent, that  unproselyted  Gentiles  are  meant ; who  were  no 
more  of  the  religion  of  Israel,  than  the  Israelites  were  of  the 
religion  professed  by  the  Egyptians.  Notwithstanding  these 
plain  precepts,  the  Jews  in  after  ages  were  remarkable  for 
their  contempt,  hatred,  and  ill-treatment  of  other  nations: 
and  they  deemed  themselves  justifiable  in  this  conduct ; 
which  tended  very  much  to  their  own  ruin  after  the  coming 
of  Christ,  as  it  haidencd  them  against  the  gospel  when 
preached  to  the  Gentiles  also. 

V 20 — 22.  Marg.  Rqf. 


2 IT  And  dknow  you  tins  day  : for  I speak  not 
with  your  children  which  have  not  known,  and 
which  have  not  seen  “the  chastisement  of  the  Lord 
your  God,  f his  greatness,  ehis  mighty  hand,  and 
his  stretched-out  arm, 

3 And  hhis  miracles,  and  his  acts,  which  he  did 
in  the  midst  of  Egypt,  unto  Pharaoh  the  king  of 
Egypt,  and  unto  all  his  land  ; 

4 And  what  he  did  unto  the  army  of  Egypt, 
unto  their  horses,  and  to  their  chariots,  'how  he 
made  the  water  of  the  Red  Sea  to  overflow  them 
as  they  pursued  after  you,  and  how  the  Lord  hath 
destroyed  them  unto  this  day  ; 

5 And  Hvhat  he  did  unto  you  in  the  wilderness, 
until  ye  came  into  this  place ; 

6 And  what  khe  did  unto  Dathan  and  Abiram, 
the  sons  of  Eliab,  the  son  of  Reuben ; how  the 
earth  opened  her  mouth,  and  swallowed  them  up, 
and  their  households,  and  their  tents,  and  all  the 
‘substance  that  ivas  hn  their  possession,  in  the 
midst  of  all  Israel. 

7 But  •your  eyes  have  seen  all  the  great,  acts  of 
the  Lord,  which  he  did. 

8 '"Therefore  shall  ye  keep  all  the  command- 
ments which  I command  you  this  day,  “that  ye 
may  be  strong,  and  go  in  and  possess  the  land, 
whither  ye  go  to  possess  it : 

62.  Neh.  9:23.  Heb.  11:12.  a See  on  6:5.  10:12.  30:16—20.  I s.  116:1.  b Lev.  8: 
35.  Zech.3:7.  c.See  on  4:1,5,40.  6:1.  Ps.  105:45.  Luke  1:74,75.  <18:19.  29s 
10.  Prov.  22:19.  Acts  26:22.  e<Sfgo-i8:2 — 5.  f See  on  5:24.  9:26.  g See  on  7: 
19.  h See  on  4:34.  7:19.  Ps.  78:12,13.  105:27,  &c.  135:9.  Jer.  32:20,2 1 . i Ex. 
14:27,28.  15:4,9,10,19.  i's.  106:11.  Heb.  11:29.  j s.  77:20.  78:14,  &c.  105:39— 
41.  106:12,  &c.  k Num.  16:1,31—33.  26:9,10.  27:3.  I s.  106.17.  * Or,  living 

substance  uhich  followed  them,  t Heb ..nt  their  feet.  15.3.  7:19.  I s.  1CG:2. 
145:4—6,12.  150:2.  m5e«  on  8:10,11.  10: 12—  1 5.  26: 16— 19.  28:47.  Pb.  116:12 
—16*  n 31:23.  Josh.  1:6,7.  Ps.  138:3.  Is.  40:31.  Dan.  10:19.  2 Lor.  12:9, lU. 
Eph.  3:16.  6:10.  Phil.  4:13.  Col.  1:11. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  gospel  of  Christ,  when  truly  believed,  prepares  the 
heart  to  receive,  love,  and  obey  the  holjr.  law  of  God  ; in 
imitation  of  him,  who  said,  44 1 delight  to  do  thy  will,  yea,  thy 
law  is  within  my  heart  :”  (Notes,  Ps.  40:fi — 8.  John  4:31 — 34. 
Ro?n.  7:22 — 25.)  and  this  forms  the  conclusive  proof  that  our 
sins  are  pardoned,  and  that  God  is  reconciled  to  us.  And 
44  what  doth  the  Lord  require  of  us,”  even  by  the  strictest 
precept  of  the  law,  as  given  to  his  redeemed  people  through 
the  hands  cf  the  Mediator,  which  should  hinder  us  from  de- 
lighting in  his  service  ? Having  received  so  many  mercies 
and  favours,  and  having  such  gracious  promises  of  assistance 
and  acceptance,  we  cannot  say  that  we  want  either  motive, 
ability,  or  encouragement  for  obedience.  His  majesty  and 
purity,  and  his  excellent  loving-kindness  and  mercy,  render 
it  equitable  and  reasonable,  that  we  should  fear  and  love  him 
with  all  our  soul  ; and  from  the  united  influence  of  fear  and 
love,  that  we  should  obey  his  commandments,  worship  him  in 
his  ordinances,  and  walk  in  all  his  ways.  His  command- 
ments are  also  for  our  good,  and  restrain  us  from  nothing,  but 
what  is  destructive  of  our  own  happiness,  and  that  of  others  ; 
and  require  nothing,  but  what  conduces  to  inward  tranquillity 
and  present  comfort. — In  proportion  as  we  obey  his  precepts, 
we  bear  his  image,  and  reflect.  44  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  our 
God,”  the  beauty  of  his  holiness,  of  his  equity,  truth,  and 
love  ; of  his  compassion  and  condescension  (though  he  is  so 
highly  exalted,)  to  the  mean,  to  the  vile,  to  the  oppressed 
and  wretched.  And  what  pleasure  so  divine,  what  honour 
so  exalted,  what  privilege  so  desirable,  what  ornament,  praise, 
or  distinction  so  great,  as  to  have  44  the  God  of  gods,  and 
Lord  of  lords”  for  our  Father  and  our  Friend,  to  walk  with 
him,  and  be  like  him  ? 44  This  honour  have  all  his  saints  !” 

To  this  they  are  chosen:  this  is  the  fruit  of  his  special 
love,  the  eflcct  of  his  converting  grace,  and  the  earnest  of 
eternal  glory.  Having  had  a delight  in  our  believing  ances- 
tors, he  has  favoured  us  with  his  gospel  above  many  of  the 
nations  of  the  earth  ; and  he  has  continued  the  ministry  of 
his  word,  and  has  had  a remnant  of  believers,  among  us 
hitherto,  which  may  he  increase  to  an  innumerable  multitude ! 
But  let  us  fear  coming  short  of  his  great  salvation  ; for  the 
Lord  is  terrible  as  well  as  merciful ; and, 44  without  respect  of 
persons,  he  judgeth  according  to  every  man’s  work.”  (Note, 
l Pet.  1:17 — 21.)  Let  us  use  the  means  of  grace,  and  pray 
earnestly  that  he  may  circumcise  our  hearts,  and  wash  them 
from  every  wickedness:  let  us,  without  delay  or  reserve, 
come  to  him  and  cleave  to  him  as  our  reconciled  God  in  Jesus 
Christ,  that  we  may  love,  serve,  and  obey  him  acceptably  ; 
and  be  daily  44  changed  into  his  imago  from  glory  to  glory 
by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  XI.  V.  1.  This  verse  is  the  practical 
improvement  of  the  conclusion  of  the  foregoing  chapter; 
while  the  next  verse  begins  another  view  of  the  subject. 

V.  2 — 9.  Moses  seems  here  to  have  addressed  himsoi. 
particularly  to  the  ciders , who  lmd  in  I heir  youth  w itnessed 
the  wonderful  works  which  the  Lord  had  wrought  both  for 
them  and  among  them ; and  who  were  hound  to  remember 
them  for  their  own  warning,  and  likewise  that  they  migh 

( 336  ) 


B.  ('.  1451. 


CHAPTER  XL 


B.  C.  145. 


9 Aiul  that  ye  may  “prolong  your  days  in  the 
land  which  the  Lord  Psware  unto  your  fathers  to 
•five  unto  them,  « *id  to  their  seed,  sa  land  that 
floweth  with  milk  and  honey. 

10  For  the  land,  whither  thou  goest  in  to  pos- 
sess it,  is  not  as  the  land  of  Egypt,  from  whence 
ye  came  out,  where  thou  sowedst  thy  seed,  and 
“wateredst  it  with  thy  foot,  as  a garden  of  herbs  : 

11  But  ‘the  land  whither  ye  go  to  possess  it,  is 
a land  of  hills  and  valleys,  and  drinketh  water  of 
the  rain  of  heaven ; 

12  A land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  "careth  for : 
‘the  eyes  of  the  Lord  thy  God  are  always  upon  it, 
from  the  beginning  of  the  year  even  unto  the  end 
of  the  year. 

13  H And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  ye  shall 
hearken  “diligently  unto  my  commandments  which 
I command  you  this  day,  *to  love  the  Lord  your 
God,  and  to  serve  him  with  all  your  heart,  and 
with  all  your  soul, 

14  That  rl  will  give  you  the  rain  of  your  land 
in  his  due  season,  the  first  rain  and  the  latter  rain, 
that  thou  mayest  gather  in  thy  corn,  and  thy  wine, 
and  thine  oil. 

15  And  “I  will  ‘send  grass  in  thy  fields  for  thy 
cattle,  that  thou  mayest  seat  and  be  full. 

16  “Take  heed  to  yourselves,  that  “your  heart 
be  not  deceived,  and  ye  turn  aside,  and  serve 
other  gods,  and  worship  them ; 

17  And  then  dthe  Lord’s  wrath  be  kindled 
against  you,  and  he  “shut  up  the  heaven  that  there 
be  no  rain,  and  that  the  land  yield  not  her  fruit, 
and  lest  fye  perish  quickly  from  off  the  good  land 
which  the  Lord  giveth  you. 

18  H Therefore  shall  sye  layup  these  my  words 
in  your  heart,  and  in  your  soul,  and  bind  them  for 
ha  sign  upon  your  hand,  that  they  may  be  as 
frontlets  between  your  eyes. 

19  And  ’ye  shall  $each  them  your  children, 
speaking  of  them  when  thou  sittest  in  thine  house, 
and  when  thou  walkest  by  the  way,  when  thou 
best  down,  and  when  thou  risest  up. 

20  And  thou  shalt  write  them  upon  the  door- 
posts of  thine  house,  and  upon  thy  gates; 

t>4:40.  5:16.  6:2.  Ps.  34:12,  &c.  Prov.  3:2,16.  9:11.  10:27.  p See  on  6:18.  9:5. 
q See  on  Ex.  3:8.  £%.  20:6.  rZech.  14:18.  s See  on  8:7 — 9.  Gen.  27:28.  Ps. 
65:12,13.  104:10—13.  Is.  23:1.  Jer.  2:7.  Heb.6:7.  * Het).  seekclh.  tl  Kings 

9:3.  Ezra  5:5.  Ps.  33:18.  34:15.  Jer.24:6.  u 8,22.  See  on  6:17.  Ps.  119:4. 
x See  on  4.29.  6:5,6.  10  12.  y 28:12.  Lev.  26:4.  Job  5:10,11. 37:11— 13.  Ps.65: 
9—13.  Jer.  14:22.  Ez.  34:26.  Joel  2:22,23.  Jam.  5:7.  z 1 Kings  18:5.  Ps.  104:14. 
Jer.  14:5.  Joel  1:18.  2:22.  f Heb.  give,  a 6:11.  8:10.  Joel  2:19.  Hag.  1.6.  Mai. 
3:10.11.  b See  on  4:9,23.  Luke  21:8,34,36.  Heb.  2:1.  3:12.  4:1.  12:15.  c 13:3. 
29: IS.  Job  31:27.  Is.  44.20.  Jam.  1:26.  I John  5:21.  Rev.  12:9.  13:14.20:4. 
d See  on  6:15.  30:17,13.  e 28:23,24.  1 Kings  8:35.  17:1.  2Cbr.6:26.  7:13.  Jer. 
14:1—6.  Am.  4:7.  Hag.  1:9— 11.  f4:26.  8:19,20.  Josh.  23: 13-16.  g See  on  6: 
6—9.32:46.  Ex.  13:9,16.  Ps.  119:11.  Prov.  3:1 . 6:20— 23.  7:2,3.  Col.  3:16. 'Heb. 
2:1.  2 Pel.  1:12.  3:1,2.  h Mult.  23:5.  i 4:9,10.  Ps.  34:11.  78:5,6.  Prov.  2:1. 


testify  them  to  the  rising  generation  who  had  not  been 
eye-witnesses  of  them.  (Notes,  Ex.  14:26 — 30.  15:17.  Num. 
16.) 

V.  10, 11.  Rain  seldom  falls  in  Egypt,  ( Zech . 14:18,19.) 
and  the  land  is  chiefly  watered  by  the  inundations  of  the  river 
Nile ; which  generally  cause  great  fertility,  but  also  occasion 
the  people  much  labour  in  digging  trenches,  and  forming  con- 
veyances for  the  water  into  the  different  parts  of  the  country, 
as  if  they  were  watering  a garden.  And  especially  the  me- 
thods taken  to  prevent  a famine,  in  case  the  Nile  should  not 
swell  to  its  usual  height,  were  indeed  immensely  laborious  and 
expensive ; but  at  the  same  time  so  successful,  that  entire 
famines  have  been  seldom  known  • since  they  have  been 
used.  In  digging  the  canals  and  trenches,  and  in  the  various 
engines  for  raising  the  water,  and  pouring  it  out  on  the  land, 
the  foot  as  well  as  the  hand  must  be  frequently  employed. 
But  the  Israelites  in  Canaan,  “ a land  of  hills  and  valleys,  that 
drinketh  water  of  the  rain  of  heaven,”  would  be  entirely  ex- 
empted from  these  labours. — Moses  employs  all  kind  of  argu- 
ments to  engage  the  people  to  obedience. 

V.  12.  These  expressions  imply  that  the  fruitfulness  of 
that  favoured  land  arose  from  a special  interposition  of  Pro- 
viderfce  for  it,  as  the  intended  residence  of  his  people.  (Note, 
32:8.)  At  this  day  the  same  country  is  remarkably  barren, 
that  special  favour  being  withdrawn. 

V.  13 — 17.  The  Israelites  were  here  reminded,  that  the 
fertility  of  the  promised  land  depended  entirely  on  God ; and 
that  they  would  have  no  ground  to  expect  this  favour,  unless 
they  cleaved  to  him  in  love  and  obedience.  But  in  this  case 
he  would  certainly  send  rain  in  due  season  and  proportion ; 
especially  the  former  rain  to  prepare  the  ground  for  the  seed, 
and  the  latter  rain  to  bring  forward  the  harvest:  but  if  they 
ran  into  idolatry,  they  must  expect  to  be  punished  by  famine 
and  desolating  judgments.  (Notes,  28:1 — 14,24.  Lev.  26:3,4, 

19-) 

Vol.  I.— 43 


21  That  kyour  days  may  lie  multiplied,  and  the 
days  of  your  children,  in  the  land  which  the  Lord 
sware  unto  your  fathers  to  give  them,  ‘as  the  days 
of  heaven  upon  the  earth. 

22  For  mif  ye  shall  diligently  keep  all  these 
commandments  which  I command  you  to  do  them, 
"to  love  the  Lord  your  God,  to  walk  in  all  his 
ways,  and  “to  cleave  unto  him ; 

23  Then  will  the  Lord  rdrive  out  all  these 
nations  from  before  you,  and  ye  shall  possess 
greater  nations,  and  mightier  than  yourselves. 

24  "lEvery  place  whereon  the  soles  of  your  leei 
shall  tread  shall  be  yours : from  the  wilderness, 
and  Lebanon,  from  the  river,  the  river  Euphrates, 
even  unto  the  uttermost  sea  shall  your  coast 
be. 

25  There  shall  rno  man  be  able  to  stand  before 
you  : for  the  Lord  your  God  shall  lay  the  fear  of 
you  and  the  dread  of  you  upon  all  the  land  that 
ye  shall  tread  upon,  “as  he  hath  said  unto  you. 

26  H Behold,  lI  set  before  you  this  day  a bless- 
ing and  a curse  ; 

27  “A  blessing,  if  ye  obey  the  commandments 
of  the  Lord  your  God,  which  I command  you 
this  day ; 

28  And  xa  curse,  if  ye  will  not  obey  the  com- 
mandments of  the  Lord  your  God  ; but  turn  aside 
out  of  the  way  which  I command  you  this  day, 
to  go  after  other  gods  which  ye  have  not  known. 

29  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  the  Lord 
thy  God  hath  brought  thee  in  unto  the  land 
whither  thou  goest  to  possess  it,  that  thou  shalt 
yput  the  blessing  upon  mount  Gerizim,  and  the 
curse  upon  mount  Ebal. 

30  Are  they  not  on  the  other  side  Jordan,  by 
the  way  where  the  sun  goeth  down  in  the  land,  of 
the  Canaanites,  which  dwell  in  the  champaign 
over  against  “Gilgal,  beside  the  plains  of  Moreh  ? 

31  For  “ye  shall  pass  over  Jordan  to  go  in  to 
possess  the  land  which  the  Lord  your  God 
giveth  you,  and  ye  shall  possess  it,  and  dwell 
therein. 

32  And  bye  shall  observe  to  do  all  the  statutes 
and  judgments  which  I set  before  you  this  day. 


4:1,  Stc.  !>.  38:19.  k Xee  on  4:40.  5:16.  6:2.  Prov.  3:2,16.  4:10.  9:11.  I Ps.72: 
5.  89:28,29.  Is.  65:20.  Rev.  20:6.  m See  on  13.  6:17.  n See  on  13.  Malt.  22: 
37.  2 Tim.  4:8.  1 John  5:2,3.  o See  on  10:20.  30:20.  Gen.  2:24.  Acts  11:23. 
2 Cor.  11:2,3.  p 4:38.  7:1.2,22,23.  9:5.  Ex. 23:27— 3U.  34:11.  u Gen.  15.18-21. 
Ex. 23:31.  Josh.  1:3,4.  14:9.  1 Kings  4:21,24.  2Chr.9:2S.  r on  2:25.  7:24. 
Josh.  1:5.  2:9.  5:1.  a Ex.  23:27.  1 30:1.5—  0.  Gal.  3:10,13,14.  u 28:1— U. 

I.ev. 26-3—13.  Ps.  19:11.  Is.  1:19.  3:10.  Mali.  5:3—12.  25:31,  &c.  Luke  tl:2S. 
John  13:17.  14:21— 23.  Rom.  2:7.  Jam. 1:25.  Rev.  22:14.  x 28:15,  Ac.  29:19 
—28.  Lev. 26:14,  Sc.  Is.  1:20.  3:11.  Mall. 25:41.  Rom.  2:8,9.  Gal.  3:10. 
v27;12— 26.  Josh.  6:30— 35.  r.  Josh.  5:9.  Juilg.  7:1 . a9:l.  Josh.  1:11.  3-.13— 

17.  bSee  on  5:32,33.  12:32.  Ps.  119:6.  Mall.  7:21— 27.  28:20.  Ltikol:6.  John 
15:14.  1 Tiles.  4:1,2. 


V.  18 — 21.  (Notes,  6:6 — 9.) — The  expression,  “as  the 
days  of  heaven  upon  the  earth,"  denotes  exceedingly  long  and 
prosperous  lives  to  individuals,  and  the  continuance  of  the 
nation  in  Canaan  to  the  end  of  the  world  ; which,  doubtless, 
would  have  been  the  consequence  of  hearty,  unreserved  obe- 
dience. (Mar g.  Ref.  Note,  Is.  65:21 — 23.) 

V.  22—25.  Mars.  Ref.  Notes,  Gen.  15:18—21.  Ex.  23: 
31.  Num.  34:1—12. 

V.  26 — 30.  This  significant  ceremony  is  afterwards  more 
explicitly  commanded,  and  the  blessing  and  curse  enlarged 
on;  and  likewise  the  observance  of  it  recorded.  (Notes,  2T. 
12 — 27.  Josh.  8:30 — 35.)  Gilgal  was  on  the  west  side  of  Jor- 
dan, not  far  from  the  place  where  Israel  passed  that  river; 
and  the  Canaanites  dwelt  over  against  Gilgal,  near  the  plain 
of  Moreh:  (Gen.  12:6.)  so  that  the  blessing  and  the  curse 
were  to  be  pronounced  nigh  to  the  place,  where  Abraham  the 
blessed  had  formerly  resided.  This  appointment  of  it  at  this 
time  was  a pledge  of  Israel’s  passing  over  Jordan. — In  this 
world  we  believe,  and  in  part  experience,  that  the  righteous 
are  blessed  and  the  wicked  are  accursed:  but  beyond  the 
grave  the  reality  and  extent  of  the  blessing,  and  of  the  curse, 
will  be  more  perfectly  apprehended. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

There  are  certain  grand  principles  in  religion,  which  must 
be  introduced  upon  every  subject;  and  repetitions  in  respect 
of  them  are  so  necessary  and  becoming,  that  no  learned  inge- 
nuity or  eloquence  can  compensate  for  the  omission.  Such 
are  repentance  of  sin;  faith  in  Jesus  Christ;  whatever  re- 
lates to  his  person,  love,  atonement,  and  grace ; regenera 
tion ; love  to  God  and  man,  and  the  future  state  of  righteous 
and  eternal  retributions.  The  more  full  the  heart  of  the 
speaker  or  writer  is  of  “ the  good  treasure,”  the  more  will  he 
enlarge  on  these  subjects ; to  the  disgust  of  such  as,  under 
the  influence  of  pride  and  worldly  affections,  savour  not  hea- 
venly things.  In  one  way  or  another  they  will  be  continually 
( 337  ) 


B.  C.  1451 


DEUTERONOMY. 


B.  C.  145! 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Monuments  of  idolatry  must  be  destroyed , 1—4.  A place  must  be  appointed 
fur  sacrifices , oblations,  and  the  holy  things  ; allowing  the  people  however 
to  eat  flesh  in  other  places,  yet  without  the  blood  ; and  reserving,  to  the 
priests  and  Leviles  their  portion,  5 — 28.  The  idolatries  of  the  Cunaaniles 
must  not  be  inquired  after , 29 — 32. 

THESE  are  “the  statutes  and  judgments  which 
ye  shall  observe  to  do  in  the  land  which  the 
Lord  God  of  thy  fathers  giveth  thee  to  possess 
it,  ball  the  days  that  ye  live  upon  the  earth. 

2  Ye  shall  “utterly  destroy  all  the  places  wherein 
the  nations  which  ye  shall  'possess  served  their 
gods,  dupon  the  high  mountains,  and  upon  the 
hills,  and  under  every  green  tree. 

3  And  ye  shall  foverthrow  their  altars,  and 
break  their  pillars,  eand  burn  their  groves  with 
fire;  and  ye  shall  hew  down  the  graven  images  of 
their  gods,  fand  destroy  the  names  of  them  out  of 
that  place. 

4  Ye  eshall  not  do  so  unto  the  Lord  your 
God. 

5  But  llunto  the  place  which  the  Lord  your 
God  shall  choose  out  of  all  your  tribes,  to  put  his 
name  there,  even  unto  his  'habitation  shall  ye  seek, 
and  thither  thou  shalt  come-: 

6  And  thither  ye  shall  bring  kyour  burnt-offer- 
ings, and  your  sacrifices,  and  your  'tithes,  and 
heave-offerings  of  your  hand,  and  your  vows,  and 
your  free-will-offerings,  and  the  firstlings  of  your 
herds,  and  of  your  flocks. 

a See  on  4:1,2,5,45.  6:1,2.  b 19.  4:10.  1 Kings  8:40.  Job.  7:1.  P».  104.33.  146: 
2.  c See  oo.7:=.25.2S.  Ex.  23:21.  34:12-17.  Num.  33:51— 52.  Judg.  2:2.  -Or, 
inherit,  d Num.  22:41.  2 Kings  16:4.  17:10,11.23:13.  Jer.  3:6.  Ez.  20:28.29. 
Hos,  4:13.  t Heb.  break  down.  e2  Kings  18:4 . 23:14.  2 Chr.  14:3.  1 <:3.  3J:3. 
Jer.  17:2.  Mic.  5: 14.  f Ex.  23:13.  Ps.  16:4.  Hos.  2:17.  Zech.  13:2.  Rev.  13: 1 . 
g 30,31.  16:21,22.20:18.  Lev.  20:23.  h 11.  16:2.  Josh.  9:27.  18:1.  1 Kings  8:16, 
20.  14:21.  1 Chr.  22:1.  2 Chr.  7: 12.  Ps.  78:68 . 87:2,3.  John  4:20— 22.  Heb.  12  22. 
Rev.  14:1.  i Ex.  15.2.  25:22.  Num.  7:89.  1 Kings  8 27.  Ps.  132:13,14.  Is.  65:1, 
2.  Acts  7:48— 50.  Eph. 2:20-82.  Col.  2:9.  k Lev.  17:3—9.  Ez.  20:40.  1 17.  14: 
22,23.  15:19,20.  26:2.  Lev.  27:32,33.  Num.  18:15— 17.  Mai.  3:8,10.  Luke  11:42. 
18:12.  m 18.  14:23.  15:20.  Is.  23:18.  n 12,18.  16:11  — 15.  26:11.  27:7.  Lev. 23: 


resumed,  in  connexion  with  every  doctrine  and  precept ; and 
as  the  practical  improvement  of  every  mercy  or  judgment,  or 
every  threatening,  example,  warning,  or  exhortation.  Indeed 
they  must  he  used  as  the  bread  and  salt  are  to  our  meals, 
and  they  who  are  duly  aware  of  their  vast  importance,  will 
watch  for  opportunities  of  introducing  them,  being  unwilling 
to  relinquish  the  hope  of  gaining  attention  to  them,  as  to  mat- 
ters of  indispensable  necessity. — All  the  Lord’s  kindness  to 
us,  all  his  wonderful  works,  his  awful  judgments,  and  his 
precious  promises,  are  intended  to  induce  our  love  and  obe- 
dience to  him  ; without  which  our  faith  is  dead,  our  knowledge 
vain,  our  hope  delusion  and  presumption,  and  we  must  be 
miserable  for  ever. — Upon  condition  of  perfect  love  and  obe- 
dience, the  law  of  God  sets  before  us  a blessing;  denouncing 
also  a curse  upon  the  disobedient : but  we  have  broken  the 
law,  and  are  under  its  curse,  without  remedy  from  ourselves. 
(Notes,  Gal.  3:6 — 14.)  In  infinite  mercy,  however,  the  gos- 
pel again  sets  before  us  44 a blessing  and  a curse:  a blessing 
if  we  obey  ” the  call  to  repentance,  faith,  and  newness  of  life  ; 
but  an  awful  curse,  if  we  neglect  so  great  salvation.  (Note, 
Heb.  2:1 — 4.  12:22 — 25.)  Let  us  then  thankfully  welcome 
these  glad  tidings  of  great  joy;  and  “give  the  more  earnest 
heed  to  the  things  that  we  have  heard,  lest  at  any  time  we 
should  let  them  slip :”  let  us  not  harden  our  hearts,  but  hear 
this  voice  of  God  while  it  is  called  to-day,  and  while  he  so 
kindly  invites  us  to  come  to  him  upon  a mercy-seat.  Urged 
on  by  fear  of  coming  short,  animated  by  hope  of  obtaining 
the  prize,  and  drawn  by  love,  let  us  “give  diligence  to  make 
our  calling  and  election  sure.”  (Notes,  2 Pet.  1:5 — 11.)  And 
recollecting  all  that  we  have  heard,  learned,  and  experienced 
of  the  Lord’s  power,  faithfulness,  righteousness,  and  mercy, 
from  our  very  youth,  let  us  bear  testimony  of  them  to  the 
rising  generation.  Indeed  we  should  make  these  the  subjects 
of  our  daily  converse,  and  endeavour  to  bequeath  them  as  a 
legacy  to  our  children:  that  they,  as  well  as  we,  may  be 
“strong  in  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,”  encouraged  in 
fighting  “ the  good  fight  of  faith,”  made  conquerors  over  every 
enemy,  and  obtain  an  inheritance  in  that  better  land,  which  the 
eyes  of  the  Lord  watch  over,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shineth 
upon  and  blesseth,  to  all  eternity. — We  should  not  however 
forget,  that  we  have  no  reason  to  expect  even  temporal  com- 
forts, personal,  domestic,  or  public;  or  the  continuance  of 
our  exiernal  religious  advantages,  by  which  the  Lord  hath 
hitherto  shown  his  constant  care  of  this  land;  except  as  we 
• cleave  to  him  in  fear,  and  love,  and  holy  obedience:  for  in  all 
1 things  sin  and  misery  are  most  closely  connected. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XII.  V.  2—1.  (Note,  7:25,26.) 
Among  these  monuments  of  idolatry  no  mention  is  made  of 
temples:  and  it  is  probable  that  the  tabernacle  in  the  wilder- 
ness was  the  first,  building  ever  formed,  as  a habitation  for 
the  Deity ; and  that  a misunderstanding  of  its  meaning  and 
intention  gave  rise  to  the  custom  of  building  temples  in  after 
ages.  (Note,  Ex.  25:8.)  Before  this,  num  seem  to  have 
Worshipped  in  high  or  in  shady  places,  as  favourable  to  con- 
( 338  ) 


7 And  there  mye  slm”  eat  before  the  Lord  your 
God  ; and  "ye  shall. rejoice  in  all  that  ye  put  your 
hand  unto,  ye  and  your  households,  wherein  the 
Lord  thy  God  hath  blessed  thee. 

8 Ye  shall  not  do  after  all  the  things  that  we  do 
here  this  day,  “every  man  whatsoever  is  right  in 
his  own  eyes. 

9 For  ye  are  not  as  yet  come  to  the  Prest  and 
to  the  inheritance,  which  the  Lord  your  God 
giveth  you. 

10  But  when  lye  go  over  Jordan,  and  dwell  in 
the  land  which  the  Lord  your  God  giveth  yon 
to  inherit,  and  when  he  giveth  you  rest  from  all 
your  enemies  round  about,  so  that  'ye  dwell  in 
safety : 

11  Then  there  shall  be  "a  place  which  the  Lord 
your  God  shall  choose,  to  cause  his  name  to  dwell 
there,  thither  shall  ye  bring  all  that  I command 
you ; your  burnt-offerings,  and  your  sacrifices, 
your  tithes,  and  the  heave-offering  of  your  hand, 
and  all  tyour  choice  vows  which  ye  vow  unto  the 
Lord. 

12  And  lye  shall  rejoice  before  the  Lord  your 
God,  ye,  and  your  sons,  and  your  daughters,  and 
your  men-servants,  and  your  maid-servants,  and 
“the  Levite  that  is  within  your  gates  ; "forasmuch 
as  he  hath  no  part  nor  inheritance  with  you. 

13  rTake  heed  to  thyself,  that  thou  offer  not 
thy  burnt-offerings  in  every  place  that  thou  seest: 


40.  Ps.  128:1,2.  Mai.  2:13.  Acts  2:46.  Phil.  4:4.  oNum.  15:39.  Judg.  17:6.  21: 
25.  Prov.  21:2.  Am.  5:25.  Acts  7:42.  p 25:19.  1 Kings  8:56.  1 Chr.  23:25.  Mic. 
2:10.  Hub.  4:8,9.  I Pet.  1:3,4.  q 3:27.  4:22.  9:1.  11:31.  Josh. 3:17.  4:1,12. 
r 33:12.28.  f.cv.  25:18,19.  1 Sam.  7:12.  1 Kii:gs4:25.  Ps.4:8.  Prov.  1.33.  Jer. 
23:6.  32:37.  33:11.  Kz.  28:26  . 34:25,28  . 38:8.  s See  on  5.  14:23.  15:20.  16  2, 
Sic.  17:8.  18.6  . 23:16  . 26:2.  31:11.  Josh.  18:1.  1 Kings  8: 13:29.  Jer.  7:12.  Jolm 
4:20 — 23.  + Heb  the  choice  of  your  rows,  t See  on  7.  14:26,27.  1 Kings  8:66. 
2 Chr.  29:36  . 30:21—26.  Neh.  8:10-12.  ft.  100:1,2.  147:1.  1 John  1:3,4.  u 19 
14:27.  16:1], !4.  18:6.  26:12.  x 10:9.  18:1,2.  See  on  Num.  18:20.23,24.26 
Josh.  13:14,33.  14:4.  y 6.  Lev.  17:3,4.  1 Kings  12:28—32.  15:34.  2 Chr.  15:17. 


templation,  or  as  supposed  to  be  peculiarly  sacred  to  rhe 
Deity,  which  custom  was  in  many  countries  retained  long 
afterwards.  But  the  Israelites  were  strictly  enjoined  to  de- 
stroy every  thing  which  could  keep  up  the  memory,  that  such 
and  such  places  had  been  sacred  to  any  particular  idol ; and 
even,  as  far  as  possible,  to  erase  from  the  memory  of  man 
the  very  names  of  their  false  gods:  that  the  idolatry  itself 
might  sink  into  oblivion,  through  all  the  land  of  their  inherit- 
ance. (Note,  Ex.  23:13.)  And  especially,  they  must  by  no 
means  imitate  the  Canaanites,  by  offering  sacrifices  in  such 
places  as  they  chose  for  themselves,  however  suitable  they 
might  think  them  for  that  purpose. 

V.  5 — 7.  The  people  had  before  been  directed  to  bring 
all  their  sacrifices  to  the  door  of  the  tabernacle.  (Notes, 
Ijev.  17:3 — lJ.)  But  at  this  time  the  general  command  was 
particularly  explained,  with  reference  to  the  promised  land ; 
and  was  expatiated  on  in  a manner  which  evinced  that  it  was 
of  great  importance.  Idolatry  and  superstition,  would  be 
prevented,  and  the  true  Object  and  prescribed  method  01 
worship  adhered  to,  when  all  the  sacrifices  were  offered  al 
the  same  place,  by  the  priests  appointed  for  that  purpose. 
Brotherly  love  and  harmony  in  religion  would  be  promoted, 
by  the  people  thus  constantly  meeting  together  from  every 
part  of  the  land,  and  joining  in  sacred  ordinances.  And  the 
temple,  sacrifices,  priests,  and  especially  the  ark  of  the  cove- 
nant, were  typical  of  Christ,  through  whom  alone  God  can 
be  acceptably  worshipped  by  sinners.  Where  the  ark,  in  the 
most  holy  place  of  the  sanctuary,  was  stationed  by  divine 
appointment;  there  the  Lord  44 put  his  name”  as  the  one 
living  and  true  God,  the  God  of  Israel,  “a  just  God  and  a 
Saviour.”  (Ex.  20:24.  Notes,  Ex.  34:5 — 7.  Is.  45:20 — 22.) 
There  he  made  known  his  glorious  perfections ; and  there 
only  in  ordinary  cases,  would  he  accept  the  sacrifices  of  his 
people;  that  they  might  feast  before  him  with  holy  joy,  as 
peculiarly  in  all  things  favoured  and  blessed  by  him.  Yet 
prayer  and  praise  might  he  offered  any  where,  with  reference 
to  the  sacrifices  at  the  altar,  and  the  sprinkling  of  the  hid'd 
before  the  ark. — The  place  was  not  at  this  time  appointed: 
for  that  was  to  be  done  after  the  people  had  got  possession  of 
the  land.  Accordingly,  Shiloh  was  long  the  appointed  place 
and  after  some  changes,  Jerusalem  was  chosen  for  the  pur- 
pose, and  continued  to  enjoy  that  distinction  till  the  cruci- 
fixion of  Christ.  (Notes,  Josh.  18:1.  1 Sam.  4:3 — 11,19 — 22. 
Ps.  78:61—69.  132:7 — 9,13,14.  Jer.  7:12—15.) 

V.  8,  9.  The  ceremonial  observances  were  greatly  inter- 
rupted in  the  wilderness,  by  the  want  of  many  things  requisite 
to  the  due  performance  of  them,  when  the  people  had  no  corn- 
fields, vineyards,  or  olive-yards;  or  bv  their  constant  re- 
movals: and  many  things  were  connived  at,  which  were  not 
according  to  the  strictness  of  the  law.  It  is  plain,  that  in  the 
best  of  times  hitherto,  many  things  have  been  neglected  or 
defective  in  the  church  of  God : and  the  typical  meaning  ol 
these  institutions  was  tho  main  thing  contained  in  them:  fot 
they  were  scarcely  ever  exactly  observed  in  any  age. 


B C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


B.  C.  1451 


14  But  ‘in  the  place  which  the  Lord  shall 
choose  in  one  of  thy  tribes,  there  thou  shalt.  offer 
thy  burnt-offerings,  and  there  thou  shalt  do  all  that 

1 command  thee. 

15  Notwithstanding,  ‘'thou  mayest  kill  and  eat 
flesh  in  all  thy  gates,  whatsoever  thy  soul  lusteth 
after,  according  to  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  thy 
God,  which  lie  hath  given  thee  : bthe  unclean  and 
the  clean  may  eat  thereof,  as  of  the  roe-buck,  and 

of  the  hart. 

16  Only  “ye  shall  not  eat  the  blood;  ye  shall 
pour  it  upon  the  earth  as  water. 

17  H Thou  mayest  not  eat  within  thy  gates 
dthe  tithe  of  thy  corn,  or  of  thy  wine,  or  of  thy  oil, 
or  the  firstlings  of  thy  herds,  or  of  thy  flock,  nor 
anv  of  thy  vows  which  thou  vowest,  nor  thy  free- 
will offerings,  or  heave-offering  of  thine  hand ; 

18  But  'thou  must  eat  them  before  the  Lord 
thy  God  in  the  place  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
shall  choose,  thou,  and  thy  son,  and  thy  daughter, 
and  thy  man-servant,  and  thy  maid-servant,  and 
the  Levite  that  is  within  thy  gates  : and  thou  shalt 
'rejoice  before  the  Lord  thy  God  in  all  that  thou 
puttest  thine  hands  unto. 

19  sTake  heed  to  thyself  that  thou  forsake  not 
the  Levite  'as  long  as  thou  livest  upon  the  earth. 

20  H When  the  Lord  thy  God  shall  enlarge  thy 
border,  has  he  hath  promised  thee,  and  thou  shalt 
say,  'I  will  eat  flesh,  because  thy  soul  longeth  to 
eat  flesh  ; thou  mayest  eat  flesh,  whatsoever  thy 
soul  lusteth  after. 

21  If  the  place  which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath 
chosen  Ho  put  his  name  there,  be  too  far  from 
thee ; then  thou  shalt  kill  of  thy  herd  and  of  thy 
flock,  which  the  Lord  hath  given  thee,  as  I have 
commanded  thee,  and  thou  shalt  eat  in  thy  gates 
whatsoever  thy  soul  lusteth  after. 

22  Even  kas  the  roe-buck  and  the  hart  is  eaten, 
so  thou  shalt  eat  them  ; the  unclean  and  the  clean 
shall  eat  of  them  alike. 

E See  on  5:l\.  Ps.5:7.  9:11.  2 Cor.  5:19.  Heb.  10:19 — 22.  13:15.  n 21:22.  Lev. 
17:3—5.  b 14:5.  15:22,23.  c Gen.  9:4.  See  on  Lev.  7:26,27.  17:10-13.  Act. 
15:29.  1 Tim.  4:4.  dSeeon6,ll.  14:22—20.25:12,14.  Lev.  27:30— 32.  Nura. 
18:21,  &c.  e See  nn  12,19.  15:20.  f See  on  7.  Ps.  32:11.  68:3.  I rov.  3:17.  Is. 
12:3.  1 els  2. 45.  16:34.  Gal.  5:22.  Phil.  3:1  — 3.  g 14:27—29.  2 C'hr.  11 : 13,14. 
31:4—21.  \'eb  10:31—  39.  1 Cor.  9:10— 14.  • Heb.  all  Hu,  days.  See  on  1.  h See 
on  11:24.  19:3.  Gen.  15:18—21.  28:14.  Ex. 23:31  34:24.  i See  on  15.  Gen.  31: 
30.  Num.  11:4.20,34.  2 Sam.  13:39.  23:15.  Ps.  63:1.  84:2.  107:9.  119:20,40,174. 

2 C'er.  9:14.  Phil.  1 :8.  2:26.  j See  on  5,1! . 14:23.24.  16:8,11.  26:2.  Ex.  20:24. 
1 Kings  11:21. ‘2  Chr.  12:13.  Ezra  6:12.  k See  on  15.  t Heb.  strong.  1 Gen. 
9:4.  Lev.  3:16,17.  17:11,14.  Matt.  20:28.  Rev.  5:9.  m 16.15:23.  n 28.  See  on 


V.  10—14.  Marg.  Ref . Notes , 5—7.  16:3—6. 

V.  15,  16.  Marg.  Ref.  Note , 22. 

V.  17,  18.  Tithes.  (17)  This  means  the  second  tithe; 
(Notes,  14:22 — 29.  26:12 — 15.)  for  the  Levites  received  the 
whole  of  the  other.  (Notes,  Num.  18:20 — 32.)  In  like 
manner  every  male  firstling  was  the  portion  of  the  priests 
alone  ; (Num.  18:17,18.)  so  that  either  the  female  firstling,  or 
some  other  of  their  young  cattle,  being  presented  as  peace- 
offerings,  were  thus  to  be  feasted  on  before  the  Lord. 

V.  22.  All  animals  slain  for  food  in  the  wilderness,  were 
ordered  to  be  brought  as  peace-offerings  to  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle ; so  that  the  unclean  were  in  fact  at  that  time  for- 
bidden to  eat  any  flesh  at  all:  (Notes,  Lev.  17:10 — 16.)  but 
this  restriction  was  taken  off  when  they  entered  on  the  pro- 
mised land. — The  clean,  &c.l  Notes,  15:19 — 23. 

V.  29—31.  Notes , Lev.  18:21,24—30.  Ps.  106:35—38. 

Jer.  10:2. 

V.  32.  Note,  4:2. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  cannot  serve  God  and  Mammon,  nor  worship  the  true 
God  and  idols,  nor  depend  upon  Christ  Jesus  and  superstitious 
or  self-righteous  confidences.  No  coalition  ought  so  much 
as  to  be  attempted  in  these  cases. — True  religion  springs 
from  the  subversion  of  every  false  dependence,  and  the 
dethroning  of  every  idol,  and  tends  to  the  extirpation  of  every 
nval  and  opponent,  that  the  Lord  may  be  our  only  Portion 
and  Salvation,  and  receive  all  our  worship  and  obedience. 
Nor  can  we  ever  approach  him  with  acceptance,  but  in  the 
way  which  he  has  revealed,  and  in  the  ordinances  which  he 
has  appointed ; for  neither  our  wisdom  nor  our  imagination, 
is  in  this  case  at  all  to  be  trusted.  (Note,  Ex.  25:40.)  In 
Christ  Jesus,  as  in  the  true  Temple,  u all  the  fulness  of  the 
Godhead  dwells  bodily;”  to  him  we  come  by  humble  faith, 
and  receive  the  pardon,  the  reconciliation,  and  the  grace 
which  he  bestows  from  his  mercy-seat : thus  we  learn  to  love 
him,  to  obey  his  commandments,  and  to  present  our  spiritual 
sacrifices  of  prayer  and  praise,  and  every  work  of  compassion 
and  kindness  performed  for  his  sake.  There  we  find  accept- 
ance of  our  imperfect  services,  and  learn  to  delight  in  obe- 
dience ; for  the  ways  of  our  reconciled  Father  are  u ways  of 
pleasantness  and  all  his  paths  are  peace:1  and  the  repeated 


23  Only  be  tsure  that  tnou  eat  not  the  blood: 
for  'the  blood  is  the  life;  and  thou  mayest  not  eat 
the  life  with  the  flesh. 

24  Thou  shalt  not  eat  it;  mthou  shalt  pour  it 
upon  the  earth  as  water. 

25  Thou  shalt  not  eat  it ; "that  it  may  go  well 
with  thee,  and  with  thy  children  after  thee,  “when 
thou  shalt  do  that  which  is  right  in  the  sight 
the  Lord. 

26  H Only  thy  Pholy  things  which  thou  hast 
and  ffhy  vows,  thou  shalfflake,  and  go  unto  the 
place  which  the  Lord  shall  choose. 

27  And  thou  shalt  oiler  rthy  burnt-offerings,  the 
flesh  and  the  blood,  upon  the  altar  of  the  Lord 
thy  God:  'and  the  blood  of  thy  sacrifices  shall  be 
poured  out  upon  the  altar  of  the  Lord  thy  God, 
and  thou  shalt  eat  the  flesh. 

28  ‘Observe  and  hear  all  these  words  which  I 
command  thee,  “that  it  may  go  well  with  thee, 
and  with  thy  children  after  thee  for  ever,  when 
thou  doest  that  which  is  good  and  right  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord  thy  God. 

29  H When  the  Lord  thy  God  shall  'cut  off  the 
nations  from  before  thee,  whither  thou  goest  to 
possess  them,  and  thou  Isucceedest  them,  and 
dwellest  in  their  land; 

30  Take  heed  to  thyself  wthat  thou  he  not 
snared  §by  following  them,  after  that  they  be 
destroyed  from  before  thee : and  that  thou  in- 
quire not  after  their  gods,  saying,  “How  did  these 
nations  serve  their  gods : even  so  will  I do  like- 
wise. 

31  Thou  -'shalt  not  do  so  unto  the  Lord  thy 
God:  for  every  abomination  Ho  the  Lord  which 
he  hateth;  have  they  done  unto  their  gods : for 
'even  their  sons  and  their  daughters  they  have 
burnt  in  the  fire  to  their  gods. 

32  What  thing  soever  I command  you  observe 
to  do  it : “thou  shalt  not  add  thereto,  nor  diminish 
from  it. 


4:40.  5:16.  P.,  112:2.  Is.  3:10.  48:18,19.  Ez.  33:25.  o See  on  6:18.  13:18.  Ex. 
15:26.  1 Kings  11:38.  p 6:11,18.  Num.  5:9,10.  18:19.  q See  on  Gen.  28.20 
Lev.  22:18.  18am.  1:21 — 21.  Ps.  66:13 — 15.  r See  on  Lev.  1:5,9,13.  sLev.4. 
30.  17:11.  t 24:8.  See  on  Ex.  34:11.  Lev.  19:37.  2 Chr.  7:17.  Nell.  1:5.  Ps.  105- 
45.  Ez.  37:24.  John  15:3,10,14.  u Sie  on  25.  v 9:3.  19:1.  Ex. '23:23.  Josh.  23 
4.  Ps.  78:55.  J Heb.  inheritesl,  or, posseseest  them,  w 7:!6.  Ex.  23:31 — 33* 
Lev.  18:3.  Num.  33:52.  Jinl*.  2 2,3.  Ps.  106:34—38.  Ez.  20:28.  § Heb.  after 

them,  x Jer.  10:2.  Ez.  20:32.  Rom. 12:2.  Eph.4:17.  1 Pet.  4:3,4.  y 18:9.  Lev. 
18:3,25—30.  2 Kings  17:15—17.  21 :2.  2 Chr.  33:2.  36:14.  II  Heb.  of  the.  z Lev. 
18:21.  20:2.  Jer. 7:31.  32:35.  Ez. 20:31.  23:37.  Mic.6:7.  a 4:2.  13:18.  Josh.  1: 
7.  Prov.  30:6.  Matt.  28:20.  Rev.  22:18,19. 


calls  to  “ rejoice  before  the  Lord,”  here,  as  well  as  in  the 
New  Testament,  should  be  peculiarly  noticed.  (Notes, 
Phil.  4:4.  1 Pet.  1:8,9.)  This  holy  joy  will  be  excited  in  our 
hearts,  and  generally  preserved  and  increased,  in  proportion 
as  we  abound  in  love  and  good  works.  But  we  must  not  be 
satisfied  even  with  that  measure  of  diligence,  which  passes 
current  in  the  visible  church;  where  too  often  many  allow 
themselves,  and  are  connived  at  by  others,  in  u doing  what- 
soever is  right  in  their  own  eyes.”  We  must  consider  what 
the  word  of  God  requires : we  must  remember  those  primitive 
times,  when  u great  grace  was  upon  all”  the  company  of 
Christians,  and  reflect  how  they  lived ; and  we  must  by  faith 
contemplate  those  who  have  arrived  at  their  rest  and  inherit- 
ance, and  endeavour  to  conceive  how  they  love  the  Lord  and 
rejoice  in  serving  him,  and  be  ourselves  pressing  forwarc 
after  that  perfection. — If  we  would  have  a comfortable  use  of 
our  possessions,  and  be  happy  in  domestic  life,  we  should 
honour  God  with  our  substance,  worship  him  in  our  familes, 
and  train  up  our  children  and  servants  to  attend  on  all  his 
ordinances.  Nay,  “whether  we  eat,  or  drink,  or  whatever 
we  do,  we  should  do  all  to  the  glory  of  God :”  but  this  cannot 
be  done,  without  observing  the  rules  of  strict  temperance, 
and  submission  to  Providence,  in  our  use  of  his  good  creatures, 
and  having  all  u sanctified  by  the  word  of  God  and  prayer 
or  without  separating  a portion  for  the  poor,  and  for  the  pro- 
vision of  such  as  labour  in  the  word  and  doctrine,  and  seek 
not  an  inheritance  of  temporal  things  among  their  brethren, 
and  must  therefore  not  be  forgotten  by  them.  We  must 
likewise  u do  all  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  giving  thank3 
to  the  Father  through  him :”  and  exercise  in  every  thing  that 
dominion  over  our  appetites  which  becomes  his  disciples,  and 
those  who  savour  heavenly  things.  And  it  behooves  us  to 
watch  against  being  ensnared  by  the  examples,  maxims, 
fashions,  and  persuasions  of  the  world  ; for  if  wc  yield  at  ali 
to  them,  even  in  the  desires  of  our  hearts,  they  will  draw  us 
irUo  further  abominations.  But  “ whatsoever  the  Lord  com- 
mands,  that  must  we  observe  and  do,  without  adding  to  it,  or 
diminishing  from  it,”  that  “it  may  be  well  with  us,  and  witli 
our  children  after  us  for  ever.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  XIII.  V.  1 — 5.  It  is  here  supposed, 
that  professed  prophets  would  arise  and  “ give  signs  ana 

( 339  ) 


B.  C.  1451 


DEUTERONOMY. 


B.  C.  145* 


HAPTER  XIII. 

E*ticer$  to  idolatry  mast  be  put  to  death , 1 — 5.  Even  the  nearest  relations 
must  a: cute  them,  and  lead  the  way  m stoning  them,  6 — 11.  Idolatrous  cities 
must  be  utterly  destroyed,  12 — 18. 

IF  there  arise  among  you  “a  prophet;  or  ba 
dreamer  of  dreams,  and  giveth  thee  a sign  or  a 
wonder; 

2  And  'the  sign  or  the  wonder  come  to  pass 
whereof  he  spake  unto  thee,  saying,  Let  us  go 
after  other  gods,  which  thou  hast  not  known,  and 
let  us  serve  them  : 

3  Thou  shalt  dnot  hearken  unto  the  words  of 
that  prophet  or  that  dreamer  of  dreams  : for  the 
Lord  your  God  'proveth  you,  to  know  whether 
fye  love  the  Lord  your  God  with  all  your  heart 
and  with  all  your  soul. 

4  Ye  shall  ?walk  after  the  Lord  your  God,  and 
fear  him,  and  keep  his  commandments,  and  obey 
his  voice,  and  ye  shall  serve  him  hand  cleave  unto 
him. 

5  And  that  'prophet,  or  that  dreamer  of  dreams, 
shall  he  put  to  death ; because  he  hath  spoken  'to 
Hum  you  away  from  the  Lord  your  God,  which 
brought  you  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  and 
redeemed  you  out  of  the  house  of  bondage,  to 
thrust  thee  out  of  the  way  which  the  Lord  thy 
God  commanded  thee  to  walk  in:  so  shalt  thou 
kput  the  evil  away  from  the  midst  of  thee. 

a 1 King.  13:18.  I«.  9:15.  Jer.6:I3.  23:11.  Ez.  13:2,3,23.  Zee.  13:4.  Mall.  7:15. 
24:11.  Luke  6:26.  2 Pel. 2:1.  1 John  4:1.  h Jer.  23:25— 28.  27:9.  29:8,24.  marg. 
Zech.  10:2.  c 18:22.  Ex.  7:22.  1 Kings  13.3.  Man.  7:22,23  . 24:24  . 2 Cor.  11: 
13 — 15.  2 Thes.  2:9—11.  Rev.  13:13,14.  ,1  Is.  8:20.  Acts  17:11.  Eph. 4:14.  I John 
4:1.  e See  on  8:2.  Ps. 66: 10.  81:7.  1 Cor.  11:19.  lJohn2:I9.  4:4.  f See  on 
6:5.  2 Cor.  8:8.  gSeeon6:\3.  2 Kings  23:3.  2 Chr.  34:31 . Mic.  6:8.  Luke  1:6. 
Col.  1:10.  1 Thes.  4:1,2.  h See  on  10:20.  30:20.  Rom.  6:13.  1 Cor.  6:17.  i 18:20. 

1 Kings  18:40.  Is.  9:14,15.  28:17,18.  Jer.  14:15.  28.15—17.  29:21,22.  Zech.  13:3. 
Rev.  19:20.  * Heb.  revolt  against,  j 10.  7:4.  Jer.  50:6.  Ac's  13:8.  2 Tim.  4:4, 

wonders,”  (that  is,  predict  remarkable  events  which  would 
come  to  pass  accordingly,  or  work  apparent  miracles,)  and 
then  endeavour  to  seduce  the  people  into  idolatry.  Thus  a 
divine  interposition  would  be  pleaded  in  support  of  a practice 
directly  contrary  to  the  first  principles  of  true  religion,  as 
stated  in  the  sacred  Scriptures.  But  those  first  principles 
having  been  sufficiently  demonstrated,  and  it  being  impossible 
that  God  should  contradict  himself ; the  Israelites  were  com- 
manded to  treat  the  prophet  as  a deceiver,  and  his  apparent 
miracles  and  prophecies  as  impostures  ; and  to  consider  that 
the  Lord  permitted  such  things,  in  order  to  prove  whether 
they  were  cordially  devoted  in  love  to  his  worship,  or  were 
glad  of  a pretence  for  turning  aside  to  idolatry.  (Note,  8:2.) 
Nay,  they  must  put  the  deceiver  to  death  without  mercy. — 
The  existence  and  perfections  of  the  one  living  and  true 
God  are  fully  proved  by  the  works  of  creation  and  providence ; 
file  revelation  made  to  Israel  by  Moses  had  been  authen- 
ticated by  the  most  public  and  stupendous  miracles ; and  the 
worship  of  Jehovah  alone  was  the  fundamental  principle  of 
that  revelation.  No  miracles  therefore  could  be  admitted  as 
a proof  that  the  people  might  violate  the  first  and  great  com- 
mandment of  the  law,  just  before  given  from  mount  Sinai: 
for  it  was  impossible  such  miracles  could  be  wrought  by 
Jehovah,  and  if  wrought  by  another,  he  must  be  the  rival 
and  enemy  of  Jehovah. — Those  things  indeed  in  the  law 
given  by  Moses,  which  related  to  the  external  forms  of 
worship , being  changeable  in  their  nature,  might  be  super- 
seded by  a future  revelation ; and  here  the  evidence  of 
miracles,  if  public  and  incontestable,  was  admissible.  Yet  it 
is  observable,  that  our  Lord  and  his  apostles  did  not  rest  the 
Christian  revelation  on  miracles  only,  but  they  constantly 
appealed  to  the  Old  Testament ; the  prophecies  and  promises 
of  which,  when  fairly  interpreted,  were  suited  to  raise  an 
expectation  of  exactly  such  a change  in  externals  as  they 
effected,  and'which  at  the  same  time  fully  established  all  the 
grand  principles  and  requirements  of  preceding  revelations. 
In  all  cases  where  the  evident  testimony  of  the  sacred  oracles 
is  not  evaded  or  contradicted,  miracles  may  be  considered  as 
the  seal  of  God,  to  the  doctrine  taught  by  those  who  work 
them  : but  when  the  grand  principles  of  Scripture  are 

opposed,  they  must  be  allowed  insufficient  to  counterbalance 
the  immense  weight  of  evidence  by  which  that  has  been 
authenticated. — We  are  too  much  in  the  dark  to  determine 
exactly  what  created  power  can  effect,  and  what  are  its 
imits : and  it  seems  undeniable  that  Satan,  if  permitted, 
could  produce  changes  in  nature  which  would  to  us  appear 
miraculous : or  give  intimations  of  events  speedily  to  take 
/dace,  which  would  seem  prophetical : though  neither  of  them 
would  be  at  all  worthy  to  be  compared  with  the  stupendous 
miracles  recorded  in  Scripture,  or  the  system  of  prophecy 
herein  contained.  But  as  we  may  be  sure  this  enemy  will 
never  interpose  to  confirm  the  holy  truths  of  Christianity. 
(Note,  Matt.  12:25,26.)  so  we  may  rest  satisfied,  that  Cxod 
will  not  permit  him  to  deceive  his  upright  servants;  though 
he  may  allow  him  to  prove  them,  and  to  show  the  difference 
between  them  and  plausible  hypocrites.  (Notes,  Matt.  24: 
23—  25  Rev.  13:8 — 10.) — As  the  revelation  of  the  truth  and  , 
( 340  ) 


6 If  'thy  brother,  the  son  of  thy  mother,  or  th® 
son,  or  thy  daughter,  or  the  wife  of  thy  bosom,  or 
thy  friend,  mwhich  is  as  thine  own  soul,  "entice 
thee  secretly,  saying,  Let  us  go  and  serve  other 
gods,  "which  thou  hast  not  known,  thou,  nor  thy 
fathers ; 

7 Namely,  of  the  gods  of  the  people  which  are 
round  about  you,  nigh  unto  thee,  or  far  off  from 
thee,  from  the  one  end  of  the  earth,  even  unto  the 
other  end  of  the  earth  ; 

8 Thou  shalt  not  Pconsent  unto  him,  nor 
hearken  unto  him ; neither  ‘'shall  thine  eye  pity 
him,  neither  shalt  thou  spare,  neither  shalt  thou 
conceal  him ; 

9 But  "thou  shalt  surely  kill  him:  ’thine  hand 
shall  be  first  upon  him  to  put  him  to  death,  and 
afterwards  the  hand  of  all  the  people. 

10  And  thou  shalt  ‘stone  him  with  stones,  that 
he  die:  because  he  hath  sought  to  thrust  thee 
away  from  the  Lord  thy  God,  "which  brought 
thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  from  the  house  of 
‘bondage. 

1 1 And  yall  Israel  shall  hear  and  fear,  and  shall  do 
no  more  any  such  wickedness  as  this  is  among 
you. 

12  H If  thou  xshalt  hear  say  in  one  of  thy  cities 
which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  given  thee  to  dwell 
there,  saying, 

5.  k 17:7.  19:19.  22:21,24.21:7.  1 Cm  . 5:13.  Heb.  12:14,15.  117:2,3.  28:54. 

Prov.  18:24.  Mic.  7:5— 7.  Matt.  12:48— 50  . 2Cor.5:16.  m 1 Sam.  18:1,3 

20:17.  2 Sam.  1:26.  n Job31:27.  Gal. 2:4.  Eph. 4:14.  Col. 2:4.  2 Pet.  2:1. 
1 John2:26,27.  Rev.  12:9.  13:14.  20:3.  o 32:16— 18.  Juilg.  2:13.  5:8.  10:6. 
1 Kings  11:5— 7.  2 Kings  17:30,31.  p Ex. 20:3.  Prov.  1:10.  Gal.  1:8,9.  1 John  5: 
21.  qSeeon  7:16.  19:13.  Ez.5:ll.  9:5,6.  r 17:2— 7.  Mall.  10:37.  Luke  14:26. 
s 17:7.  John  8:7.  Acts  7:68.  I 21:21 . Lev.  20:2,27.  24: 14— 16,23.  Nun.  15:35, 
36.  Josh.  7:25.  2 Chr.  24:21.  o See  on  Ex.  20:2.  t Heb. bondmm.  v 17:13 
I9;20.  Prov.  19:25.  21:11.  1 Tim.  5:20.  x Josh.  22:11,  &c.  Judg.20:l,  &c. 


will  of  God  is  now  completed,  we  have  no  reason  to  expect 
miracles ; though  it  is  nowhere  expressly  declared,  that  nc 
more  true  miracles  shall  ever  be  performed ; and  perhaps 
such  may  be  wrought  on  some  future  very  extraordinary 
occasions,  as  the  fall  of  Antichrist,  the  conversion  of  the  Jews, 
or  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles.  But  all  the  pretended  miracles 
of  the  church  of  Rome,  being  performed  in  favour  of  idolatry, 
superstition,  and  antiscriptural  principles,  claims,  and  prac- 
tices, are  so  many  proofs  that  she  is  the  principal  Antichrist 
foretold  in  the  New  Testament.  (Notes,  2 Thes.  2:8 — 12. 
1 Tim.  4:1 — 5.  Rev.  13:13 — 17.) — All  impressions,  visions, 
and  revelations,  or  pretences  to  miraculous  or  prophetical 
powers,  adduced  in  support  of  unscriptural  tenets,  are 
evidently  diabolical  delusions  or  human  impostures:  and  it 
brought  in  favour  of  scriptural  principles,  they  weaken  the 
evidence  of  them,  and  disgrace  the  cause  of  truth.  So  far 
ought  we  to  be,  therefore,  from  listening  to  the  vain  reason- 
ings of  infidels  or  heretics,  against  the  authenticated  doctrines 
and  precepts  of  Scripture,  that  we  should  consider  even 
apparent  miracles  wrought  in  such  a cause,  as  only  permitted 
in  order  to  prove  and  try  us.  We  are  taught  in  the  Scripture 
to  expect  that  both  profane  scoffers,  and  pretenders  to  mira- 
cles, will  thus  assault  us  ; and  if  we  properly  consider  this, 
the  fact  itself  will  “ turn  to  us  for  a testimony.”  “ Thus  it 
is  written,  and  thus  it  must  be.” 

V.  6 — 11.  By  this  law,  every  Israelite  was  bound  in  con- 
science to  inform  against,  to  prosecute,  and  to  assist  at  the 
execution  of  any  one,  even  the  nearest  relalion  or  friend,  who 
attempted  to  persuade  him  to  idolatry.  (Notes,  33:9.  Ex. 
32:27 — 29.  Matt.  10:37 — 39.)  Yet  it  is  observable  that  parents 
and  husbands  are  not  expressly  mentioned,  in  the  list  of  those 
who  were  to  be  thus  accused  ; perhaps  out  of  deference  to 
the  divine  appointment  of  authority  and  subordination  in 
families. — This  singular  institution  would’ powerfully  operate 
to  produce  an  abhorrence  of  idolatry,  and  to  render  every  one 
afraid  of  harbouring  a thought  in  his  heart,  which  he  could  not 
disclose  to  his  nearest  relations  without  risking  his  life. — Israel 
was  under  a peculiar  covenant,  of  which  idolatry  was  the 
grand  forfeiture ; and  this  could  not  he  prevented  from  be- 
coming a national  sin,  unless  individuals,  and  even  cities,  that 
were  guilty  of  it,  were  punished  by  public  authority.  They 
were  in  a special  manner  under  the  government  of  God  as  a 
nation,  and  this  crime  was,  as  it  were,  high  treason.  They 
were  also  a single  nation  surrounded  by  idolaters,  and  prone 
to  idolatry  themselves  in  a surprising  degree. — These  reasons 
for  punishing  this  crime  by  death  do  not  now  exist,:  and  there 
is  no  command  or  precedent  in  the  New  Testament,  com- 
manding or  authorizing  magistrates  to  use  the  sword  of  pub- 
lic justice,  in  punishing  their  subjects  for  matters  merely  of 
conscience  towards  God  ; nor  does  it  seem  at  all  to  accord 
with  the  spirit  of  Christianity:  much  loss  can  this  law  autho- 
rize persecution  in  general.  Even  the  Israelites  were  not 
commanded  nor  allowed  to  punish  idolaters  as  such ; bu* 
merely  apostates  from  the  worship  of  the  true  God  to  idolatry 
within  the  limits  of  their  own  nation:  nor  were  they  required 
or  allowed  thus  to  propagate  the  worship  of  Jehovah. 

V.  12 — 18.  “ The  children  of  Belial,”  are  reU»‘«  \vh  b cast 


B.  C.  1451 


CHAPTER  XIV 


B.  C.  1451 


13  Certain  men,  "the  ^children  of  Belial,  'are 
gone  out  from  among  you,  and  have  withdrawn 
the  inhabitants  of  their  city,  saying,  Let  us  go 
and  serve  other  gods,  which  ye  have  not  known ; 

14  Then  shalt  thou  "inquire,  and  make  search, 
and  ask  diligently  : and  behold,  if  it  be  truth,  and 
the  thing  certain,  that  such  abomination  is 
wrought  among  you ; 

15  Thou  shalt  surely  smite  the  inhabitants  of 
that  city  with  the  edge  of  the  sword,  bdestroying 
it  utterly,  and  all  that  is  therein,  and  the  cattle 
thereof  with  the  edge  of  the  sword. 

16  And  thou  shalt  gather  all  the  spoil  of  it  into 
the  midst  of  the  street  thereof,  and  shalt  burn 
with  fire  the  city,  and  all  the  spoil  thereof  every 
whit,  for  the  Lord  thy  God ; and  it  shall  be  "an 
neap  for  ever,  it  shall  not  be  built  again. 

17  And  there  shall  dcleave  nought  of  the  tcursed 
thing  to  thine  hand:  that  'the  Lord  may  turn 
from  the  fierceness  of  his  anger,  and  show  thee 
mercy,  and  have  compassion  upon  thee,  and 
multiply  thee,  fas  he  hath  sworn  unto  thy  fa- 
thers ; 

18  When  thou  shalt  hearken  to  the  voice  of  the 
Lord  thy  God,  sto  keep  all  his  commandments, 
which  I command  thee  this  day,  to  do  that  which 
is  right  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  thy  God. 

• Hr.  ,«.{>•  men.  y Ju.lg.  19:22.  20:13.  1 Sam.  2:12.  10:27.  25:17,25. 
2 am.  10:7  . 20:1.  23:6.  1 Kings  21:10,13.  2 Chr.  13:7.  John  8:44.  2Cor.6:I5. 

I III, 1,3:111.  ■/.  1,19.  2 Kings  17:21.  I John  2:19.  Jude  19.  a 17:4.  19:1 8.  Num. 
35  30.  Is.  11  3,4.  John 7:24.  1 Tim.  5:19.  b2:34.  7:2,16.  Ex.  23:24.  I.ev.27: 

2-1.  1 ,s  i.  : 1 7 — 21.24.  Jniig. 20:48.  Re*.  17:16.  18:18—24.  19:2,3.  c Num.  21: 
2.8.  Jnsli.  6:26.  8:28.  Is.  17:1.  25:2.  Jer.  49.2.  Mie.  1:6.  d See  on  7:26.  Josh. 
6:13.  f Or,  denote  I . See  on  Lev. 27:28,29.  1 Cor.  16:22.  e Josh.  7:26  . 22:20. 
r lieu.  22  16. 17.  23:4,24  . 28:14.  g See  on  12:25,28,32.  Malt.  6:33.  7:21,24. 


oT  the  yoke  of  the  divine  law;  for  this  is  only  another 
name  for  the  children  of  the  devil.  (Marg.  Ref.  y.) — In  case 
a report  prevailed,  that  a whole  city  in  Israel  had  renounced 
the  worship  of  God  and  established  idolatry,  the  rulers  and 
magistrates  were  required  first  fairly  to  investigate  the  case ; 
and  if  the  fact  were  fully  proved,  they  were  commanded  to 
s’ay  all  the  inhabitants,  and  burn  the  city  with  all  the  spoil  of 
it  w as  an  accursed  thing,”  devoted  to  destruction,  a sacrifice 
to  the  offended  justice  of  God.  Thus  the  same  dreadful 
punishment  was  appointed  for  idolatrous  Israelites,  as  they 
had  been  employed  to  inflict  on  the  devoted  Canaanites : 
and  the  city  itself,  like  Jericho  and  the  cities  of  Arad, 
must  be  so  entirely  destroyed,  as  never  more  to  be  rebuilt, 
except  by  an  act  of  direct  rebellion  against  God.  (Notes, 
Nu?n.2\:[ — 3.  Josh.  6:17 — 21.) — Many  distinctions  have  been 
made,  both  by  Jewish  and  Christian  expositors,  to  abate  the 
severity  of  this  law  ; but  the  text  gives  no  countenance  to  any 
of  them.  It  should  not  indeed  be  supposed  that  the  crime 
was  charged  on  the  city,  unless  a majority  of  the  inhabitants 
concurred  in  it ; or  that  any  individuals  who  had  entirely 
escaped  the  general  contagion,  might  not  separate  from  their 
guilty  neighbours ; and  perhaps  space  might  on  some  occa- 
sions be  allowed  for  repentance.  The  destruction  of  the  spoil 
would  evince,  that  the  prosecution  and  execution  were  not  the 
effect  of  avarice,  but  of  zeal  for  the  honour  of  God  and  reli- 
gion ; and  nothing  can  be  conceived  more  suited  to  restrain 
the  people  from  idolatry  than  this  statute.  (Note,  7:25,26.) 
But  we  never  read  that  it  was  carried  into  execution ; (Note, 
Josh.  22:12 — 16.)  and  have  reason  to  think  that  this  neglect 
was  a national  sin,  which  hastened  the  Babylonish  captivity. 
Had  some  mortified  limbs  been  cut  off,  the  life  of  the  state 
might  have  been  prolonged.  (Mic.  1:13.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  of  the  greatest  importance  to  be  well  acquainted  with 
the  truths  and  precepts  of  revelation,  and  well  established  in 
them:  for  we  may  expect  to  be  proved,  not  only  with  that 
trial  of  our  faith  which  requires  us  to  suffer,  or  to  renounce 
our  worldly  interests,  for  conscience’  sake  ; but  by  such  plau- 
sible temptations  as  “Satan  transformed  into  an  angel  of 
light,”  can  set  before  us,  to  impose  upon  us  with  evil  in  the 
guise  of  good,  and  with  error  in  the  appearance  of  truth : nor 
can  any  thing  be  effectually  opposed  to  such  temptations,  but 
a plain,  express  testimony  of  Scripture.  In  order  to  render 
these  temptations  more  dangerous,  our  cafty  foe  often  sends 
them  by  persons,  whom  we  have  been  accustomed  to  look  up 
to  as  superiors,  teachers,  and  men  of  God  ; or  by  those,  for 
whom  we  entertain  the  most  tender  affection:  the  former  we 
can  scarcely  think  capable  of  deceiving,  or  of  being  deceived ; 
to  the  latter,  we  can  hardly  find  in  our  hearts  to  refuse  any 
request.  But  we  must  remember,  that  in  all  this  “ the  Lord 
our  God  doth  prove  us  ;”  he  is  our  Master,  and  we  must  call 
no  man  master  upon  earth  : if  therefore  the  servant  contradicts 
the  Lord,  we  must  believe  the  latter  and  not  the  former. — 
The  love  and  duty  which  we  owe  to  God  are  so  immensely 
superior  to  all  other  obligations,  that  we  must  act  even  to- 
wards our  dearest  friends,  as  though  we  hated  them,  when 
his  command  or  his  glory  requires  it.  (Note,  Luke  14:25 — 
il  ) And  if  the  offending  relative  must  not  be  spared  or 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Israel  rjxust  be  distinguished  from,  other  nations  in  their  mourning , 1,2;  and 
in  their  diet , 3 — 21 . A tithe  of  their  increase  to  be  eaten  before  the  I/irtL  ; 
or  the  price  of  it  to  be  spent  at  the  appointed  place  in  religious  feasting , 
22 — 27:  but  every  third  year  to  be  given  in  works  of  charity  and  piety 
28,  29. 

YE  are  "the  children  of  the  Lord  your  God 
bye  shall  not  cut  yourselves,  nor  make  any 
baldness  between  your  eyes,  for  the  deaa  : 

2  For  "thou  art  an  holy  people  unto  the  Lord 
thy  God,  and  the  Lord  hath  chosen  thee  to  be  a 
peculiar  people  unto  himself,  above  all  the  nations 
that  are  upon  the  earth. 

3  Thou  shalt  not  deat  any  abominable  thing-. 

4  These  are  "the  beasts  which  ye  shall  eat : the 
ox,  the  sheep,  and  the  goat, 

5  The  hart,  and  the  roe-buck,  and  the  fallow- 
deer,  and  the  wild  goat,  and  the  'pygarg,  and  the 
wild  ox,  and  the  chamois : 

6  And  every  beast  that  < parteth  the  hoof,  and 
cleaveth  the  cleft  into  two  claws,  and  cheweth  the 
cud,  among  the  beasts ; that  ye  shall  eat. 

7  Nevertheless,  these  eye  shall  not  eat,  of  them 
that  chew  the  cud,  or  of  them  that  divide  the 
cloven  hoof;  as  the  camel,  and  the  hare,  and  the 
coney:  for  they  chew  the  cud,  but  divide  not  the 
hoof;  therefore  they  are  unclean  unto  you. 

8  And  hthe  swine,  because  it  divideth  the  hoof, 

a Gen.  6:2,4.  Ex.  4:22,23.  Ps.  82:6,7.  Jer.3:!9.  Hoa.  1:10.  John  1:12.  11:52. 
Rom.  8:16.  9:8,26.  2 Cor.  6: 18.  Gal.  3:26.  Hob.  2:10.  1 John  3:1,2,10.  5:2.  b I.ev. 
19:27,28.  21:5.  Jer.  16:6.  41:5.47:5.  1 Tires.  4:13.  c 21.  See  on  7.6.  26:18,19.28: 
9.  Ex.  19:5,6.  Lev.  11:45.  19:2.20:26.18.6:13.62:12.  Ez. 21:2.  Dan.  8:24.  12:7. 
Tit.  2:14.  1 Pet.  2:9.  d Lev.  11:43.  20:25.  Is.  65:4.  Ex.  4:14.  Arts  10:13,14 
Rom.  14:14.  Tit.  1:15.  e See  on  Lev.  11:2 — 8.  * Or,  bison.  Heb . dishnn.  f Ps. 
1:1,2.  Prov.  18:1.  2Cor.6:17.  g Matt.  7:22,23,26  . 2Tim.3:5.  Tit. 1:16.  2Pel. 
2:18—22.  h Is.  65:4.  66:3,17.  Luke  15:15,16.  2 Pet.  2.22. 

pitied,  but  be  put  to  death,  according  to  the  law  of  God  ; 
surely  we  are  called  upon,  not  only  to  refuse  compliance  with 
those  temptations  which  are  enforced  by  our  relations,  but 
plainly  to  protest  against  the  dangerous  tempters,  sharply  to 
reprove  them,  and  if  we  cannot  reclaim  them,  to  renounce 
their  friendship. — Nor  must.  we  more  regard  the  examples  of 
multitudes,  who  establish  fashions  of  ungodliness,  and  put 
piety  out  of  countenance,  as  singularity,  preciseness,  or  un- 
necessary scrupulosity.  Still  we  must  “cleave  to  the  Lord, 
and  Ibve  him,  and  walk  after  him,”  and  not  after  the  world  : 
keeping  his  commandments,  and  attending  on  his  worship, 
however  others  revile  or  ridicule  us  for  our  adherence  to  them. 
— The  fear  and  service  of  God  form  the  true  interest  of  com- 
munities as  well  as  of  individuals  ; and  the  progress  of  ungod- 
liness precedes  the  approach  of  public  calamities,  both  in  the 
nature  of  things,  and  in  the  just  judgment  of  God.  The 
magistrate,  therefore,  in  good  policy  as  well  as  in  duty,  is 
bound  to  employ  his  authority  to  repress  wickedness  and  pro- 
mote religion  ; which  may  be  done  by  various  means,  without 
wielding  the  persecutor’s  sword,  or  violating  the  rights  of  pri- 
vate judgment  and  liberty  of  conscience  ; especially  by  coun- 
tenancing and  encouraging  the  faithful  preaching  of  God’s 
word.  But  the  end  of  all  human  punishments,  yea,  of  all  the 
threatenings  and  judgments  of  God,  is  this;  “ that  men  should 
hear  and  fear,”  and  repent,  and  forsake  their  sins,  “ that  the 
fierce  wrath  of  God”  may  be  averted  from  individuals,  and 
from  nations. — However  enormous  any  crime  may  be,  and 
however  necessary  the  punishment  of  it,  none  must  be  pro- 
ceeded against  without  diligent  investigation  and  full  proof: 
and  every  one  concerned  in  the  prosecution  of  criminals, 
should  be  careful  to  make  it  evident,  that  he  is  influenced, 
not  by  selfish  motives,  but  by  a regard  to  public  justice.  Yet 
they  who  connive  at  and  conceal  those  enormous  crimes, 
which  ought  to  be  punished  by  the  magistrate,  become  par- 
takers of  the  guilt,  and  the  obstinate  in  wickedness  are  near 
destruction:  we  must  therefore  separate  from  them  if  we 
would  escape  their  doom. — But  we  should  carefully  observe, 
that  we  have  even  greater  cause  to  fear  the  wrath  of  our 
holy  Lord  God,  under  the  Christian  dispensation,  than  the 
Israelites  had  ; because  those  spiritual  judgments,  now  in- 
flicted, are  infinitely  more  terrible  than  the  most  solemn  exe- 
cution of  criminals  by  the  sword  of  justice  ; and  the  more 
entirely  the  wicked  escape  punishment  in  this  world,  the 
greater  will  be  their  misery  in  the  world  to  come. — Let  us 
then  fear  the  spiritual  idolatry  of  covetousness,  and  the  love 
of  worldly  pleasure;  and  be  careful  not  to  countenance  them 
in  our  families,  by  our  example,  or  by  the  education  of  our 
children  : and  may  we  also  “ abstain  from  all  appearance  o. 
evil,”  and  in  every  thing  “do  that  which  is  right  in  the  eyes 
of  the  Lord  our  God.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XIV.  V.  1,  2.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes, 
Ex.  19:5,6.  Lev.  19:27—29. 

V.  3 — 20.  (Notes,  Lev.  11 :)  The  word  rendered  “the 
pygarg”  (5)  marks  out  a kind  of  deer,  the  hinder  parts  of 
which  are  white : “ the  wild  ox”  is  generally  cailed  the  buf- 
falo : “ the  chamois”  is  supposed  to  be  a kind  of  goat,  remark- 
able for  jumping  as  it  walks  or  runs ; called  also  the  camelo 
pardalis. 


> 341  ) 


B.  C.  1451. 


DEUTERONOMY. 


B.  C.  1451 


yet  chew'Ah  not  t’ne  cud,  it  is  unclean  unto  you  : 
ye  shall  i )t  eat  of  their  flesh,  nor  ‘touch  their  dead 
carcass. 

9 These  lye  shall  eat  of  all  that  are  in  the 
waters:  all  that  have  fins  and  scales  shall  ye  eat. 

10  And  whatsoever  hath  not  fins  and  scales  ye 
may  not  eat ; it  is  unclean  unto  you. 

11  Of  all  clean  birds  ye  shall  eat. 

12  But  kthese  are  they  of  which  ye  shall  not 
eat : the  eagle,  and  the  ossifrage,  and  the  ospray, 

13  And  the  glede,  and  the  kite,  and  the  vulture 
after  his  kind, 

14  And  every  raven  after  this  kind, 

15  And  the  owl,  and  the  night-hawk,  and  the 
cuckoo,  and  the  hawk  after  his  kind, 

16  The  little  owl,  and  the  great  owl,  and  the 
swan, 

17  And  the  pelican,  and  the  gier-eagle,  and  the 
comorant, 

18  And  the  stork,  and  the  heron  after  her  kind, 
and  the  lapwing,  and  the  bat. 

19  And  ‘every  creeping  thing  that  flieth  is  un- 
clean unto  you  : they  shall  not  be  eaten. 

20  But  of  all  clean  fowls  ye  may  eat. 

21  Ye  shall  not  eat  of  many  thing  that  dieth  of 
itself : thou  shalt  give  it  unto  "the  stranger  that  is 
in  thy  gates,  that  he  may  eat  it ; or  thou  mayest 
sell  it  unto  an  alien : for  thou  art  °an  holy  people 
unto  the  Lord  thy  God.  PThou  shalt  not  seethe 
a kid  in  his  mother’s  milk. 

22  K Thou  shalt  utruly  tithe  all  the  increase  of 
thy  seed,  that  the  field  bringeth  forth  year  by  year. 

23  And  thou  shalt  reat  before  the  Lord  thy 
God,  in  the  place  which  he  shall  choose  to  place 
his  name  there,  the  tithe  of  thy  corn,  of  thy  wine, 
and  of  thine  oil,  and  the  firstlings  of  thy  herds, 
and  of  thy  flocks;  that  thou  mayest  learn  to  fear 
the  Lord  thy  God  always. 

24  And  if  the  way  be  too  long  for  thee,  so  that 
thou  art  not  able  to  carry  it;  or  “if  the  place  be 

i Lev.  11:26,27.  j See  on  Lev.  11:9— 12.  k See  on  Lev.  1 1 .13 — 19.  1 Lev.  11: 
20— 23.  Phil.  3:19.  m Lev.  17:15.  22:8.  Kz.4:14.  Acts  15:20.  n Ex.  12:43— 
45.  Lev.  19:33.31.  o See  on  2.  Dan.  8:24.  12:7.  1 Per.  1.16.  p Ex.  23:19. 
31-26.  Rom.  12:2.  q26:12— 15.  Lev.  27:30— 33.  Num.  18:21.  Neh.  10:37. 
r 12.5— 7.17.18.  15:19,20.  s 1 1 ;21.  12:21.  Ex.  23:31 . t See  on  12:5.  u Ezra  7: 
15-17,22.  Malt. 21:12.  Mark  11:15.  Jolm2:l4— 16.  v 12: 15.20,21 . Ps.  106: 
11.  1 Cor.  6:12,13.  10:6.  ■ Heb.  asketh  of  thee,  x 12:7,12,18.  26:11.  v 29. 
12:12,19.  Gal.  6:6.  1 Tim.  5:17.  z 29.  18:1,2.  Num.  18:20.  a See  on  22'.  26 : 


V.  21 . The  allowance  to  give  the  flesh  of  any  animal,  that 
died  of  itself,  to  a poor  sojourner ; or  to  sell  it  to  an  alien, 
either  journeying  through  the  country,  or  living  on  the  bor- 
ders of  it ; proves  beyond  controversy,  that  the  law  restrict- 
ing diet  was  entirely  ceremonial , though  it  conveyed  moral 
instruction,  and  answered  at  that  time  valuable  religious  pur- 
poses: for,  had  the  obligation  to  abstain  from  certain  meats 
been  of  a moral  nature,  disregard  to  it  would  have  been  sin- 
ful in  heathens  as  well  as  in  Israelites ; and  these  must  no 
more  be  accessary  to  the  commission  of  sin  by  others,  than 
commit  it  themselves.  It  should  also  be  observed,  that  as 
the  blood  was  not  separated  from  these  animals,  so  this  allow- 
ance likewise  proves,  that  the  restriction  from  eating  blood  is 
not  of  moral  obligation.  ( Note , Lev.  17:10 — 16.) 

V.  22 — 29.  (Notes,  12:17,18.  26:12 — 15.)  These  verses 
require  a second  tithe  from  the  produce  of  the  land,  which, 
with  that  appropriated  for  the  maintenance  of  the  Le- 
vites,  amounted  to  a fifth  part.  Two  years  together  the 
people  were  commanded  to  bring  this  second  tithe  to  Jeru- 
salem, either  in  kind  or  in  money ; and  to  feast  upon  it  reli- 
giously before  the  Lord,  that  they  might  be  drawn  to  spend 
the  more  time  at  the  temple,  in  the  society  of  the  priests,  at 
the  ordinances  of  God,  and  among  their  brethren.  But  the 
third  year  they  were  required  to 'spend  it  in  hospitably  enter- 
taining and  relieving  the  Levite,  the  stranger,  the  fatherless, 
and  ths  widow ; that  is,  in  every  kind  of  hospitality  and 
chancy.  This  appointment  was  evidently  intended  to  coun- 
teract the  covetousness,  distrust,  and  selfishness  of  the  human 
heart ; to  promote  friendliness,  liberality,  and  cheerfulness ; 
to  raise  a perpetual  fund  for  the  use  of  the  poor ; and  to 
teach  the  people  that  they  would  never  so  comfortably  enjoy 
their  worldly  portion,  as  when  they  shared  it  with  their  neces- 
sitous brethren.  They  were  taught  to  convert  the  common 
blessings  of  Providence  into  a sacred  ordinance,  by  accom- 
p inying  their  most  free  use  of  them  with  the  exercises  of 
religion  : and  this  was  the  way  to  learn  to  fear  God  always, 
and  to  obtain  his  blessing  upon  all  the  works  of  their  hands. — 
Some  vindicate  feasting  from  these  laws:  and  certainly  such 
temperate,  religious,  and  charitable  feasting,  is  allowable  and 
beneficial.  (Note,  Luke  14:12 — 14.)  But  what  has  this  in 
common  with  sensual,  luxurious,  and  ungodly  banquets  ? 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Those  whom  CVjd  hith  chosen  to  be  his  children,  he  will 

( 342  ) 


too  far  from  thee,  ‘which  the  Lord  thy  God  shall 
choose  to  set  his  name  there,  when  the  Lord  thy 
God  hath  blessed  thee  : 

25  Then  shalt  thou  turn  it  into  money,  and 
bind  up  the  money  in  thine  hand,  and  shalt  go 
unto  the  place  which  the  Lord  thy  God  shall 
choose. 

26  And  thou  shalt  “bestow  that  money  foi 
whatsoever  vthy  soul  lusteth  after,  for  oxen,  01 
for  sheep,  or  for  wine,  or  for  strong  drink,  or  for 
whatsoever  thy  soul  ‘desireth : and  “thou  shalt 
eat  there  before  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  thou  shalt 
rejoice,  thou  and  thine  household  ; 

27  And  ?the  Levite  that  is  within  thy  gates, 
thou  shalt  not  forsake  him : for  die  hath  no  part 
nor  inheritance  with  thee. 

28  At  athe  end  of  three  years  thou  shalt  bring 
forth  all  the  tithe  of  thine  increase  the  same  year, 
and  shalt  lay  it  up  within  thy  gates. 

29  And  the  Levite,  (because  he  hath  no  part 
nor  inheritance  with  thee,)  and  bthe  stranger,  and 
the  fatherless,  and  the  widow,  which  are  within, 
thy  gates,  shall  come,  and  shall  eat  and  be  satis- 
fied; “that  the  Lord  thy  God  may  bless  thee  in 
all  the  work  of  thine  hand  which  thou  doest. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

On  the  seventh  year  the  debts  of  the  poor  must  be  remitted  ; nevertheless  1M 
people  must  give  and  lend  liberally , 1 — 1 1 . Hebreio  servants  must  be  released 
in  the  seventh  year , unless  unwilling  to  depart , 12 — 18.  The  male  firstlings 
of  catl^e  are  devoted  to  God,  19 — 23. 

AT  the  end  of  every  “seven  years  thou  shalt 
make  a release. 

2 And  this  is  the  manner  of  the  release  : Every 
'creditor  that  lendeth  aught  unto  his  neighbour 
shall  release  it;  he  shall  not  bexactr<  of  his  neigh 
hour,  or  of  his  brother ; because  it  is  called  the 
Lord’s  release. 

3 Of  ca  foreigner  thou  mayest  exact  it  again  : 
but  that  which  is  thine  with  thy  brother,  thine 
hand  shall  release  ; 


12— 15.  Am.  4:4.  b 16:1 1 ,14.  24:19— 21.  26: 12,13.  Ex.  22:22.  Lev.  19:34.  Job 
31:16—21.  Luke  14:12-14.  Heb.  13:2.  Juin.  1:27.  c 15:10.  Ps . -4 1 I . Pi-ov.  3:9, 
10.  11:24.  19:17.  Is.  58:7— 12.  Mai.  3:10,11.  Lube 6:35.  11:41.  2 Cor.  9:6— 1 1. 
X 31:10.  Ex.  21:2.  23:10,11.  Lev.  25:2— 4.  Is.  61:1— 3.  Jer.  34 :S— IS.  Luke  4: 
IS,  19.  * Heb.  master  of  the  lending  of  his  hand,  b Neh.  5:7— 11.  19.58:3 

Am.  8:4— 6.  Matt . 6: 12,14,15.  18:2.5-35.  Luke  6:34—88.  7:42.  Jam.  2:13.  c 23: 
20.  Ez.  46:16,17.  Matt.  17:25,26.  John8:35.  lCor.6:6,7.  Gal. 6:10. 


form  to  be  a holy  people,  of  a peculiar  and  heavenly  disposi- 
tion, and  u zealous  of  good  works.”  As  they  are  so  highly 
distinguished  from  other  people,  they  must  be  careful  to  set 
an'  example  of  holy  moderation  in  all  their  affections,  and  to 
avoid  every  thing  which  may  disgrace  their  profession. — 
Having  a Father  in  heaven,  who  ever  liveth  to  supply  all 
their  wants  and  to  make  up  every  loss,  they  need  not  mourn 
for  earthly  friends  disconsolately,  as  others  do. — The  Lord 
prohibits  us  nothing  but  in  a wise  and  kind  regard  to  our  wel- 
fare. The  language  of  his  prohibitions,  rightly  interpreted, 
is,  1 u Do  thyself  no  harm do  not  wound  thyself ; do  not 
ruin  thy  health,  thy  reputation,  thy  domestic  comfort,  thy 
peace  of  mind ; especially  do  not  murder  thy  soul ; be  not 
the  vile  slave  of  thy  appetites  and  passions;  do  not  render  all 
around  thee  miserable,  and  thyself  the  most  wretched  of  all : 
hut  aspire  at  that  which  is  noble,  excellent,  permanent,  and 
useful.5  Considering  these  prohibitions,  in  connexion  with  the 
manifold  indulgences  which  he  allows  us,  we  must  acknow- 
ledge that  we  should  all  he  happy,  if  we  consulted  our  own 
and  each  other’s  welfare,  as  much  as  the  law  of  God  does.— 
Making  that  our  rule  of  enjoyment,  we  should  use  providen- 
tial blessings  in  subserviency  to  religious  edification,  to  out 
own  inward  peace  and  satisfaction,  to  the  promotion  of  bro- 
therly love,  and  to  our  mutual  usefulness.  That  “Wisdom’s 
ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness,”  is  a truth,  of  which  every 
man  will  have  experimental  proof  in  proportion  to  his  devoted- 
ness to  God.  May  we  then  choose  and  pursue  this  happi- 
ness, and  compassionate  and  pray  for  those  deluded  millions 
who  seek  for  pleasure  in  sin,  which  is  the  only  cause  of  all 
the  misery  in  the  universe : and  let  us  learn  to  value  every 
earthly  advantage,  as  enabling  us  to  glorify  God,  by  dissemi- 
nating the  knowledge  of  his  truth,  and  by  communicating  to 
the  relief  of  our  distressed  brethren  and  fellow-creatures. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XV.  V.  2.  Exact.]  The  debtoi 
no  doubt  was  hound  in  conscience  to  pay  his  debt,  if  able,  at 
that  or  any  future  time  ; but  the  creditor  was  not  allowed  to 
sue  for  it,  nor  the  magistrate  to  enforce  the  payment  of  it  : at 
least,  if  it  appeared  that  the  debtor  could  not  without  inconve- 
nience part  with  the  money.  The  word  exact  seems  to  imply 
such  a limitation  ; and  tlio  law  was  evidently  intended  for 
the  relief  of  the  indigent,  not  for  the  Security  of  the  fraudu 
lent.  (Notes,  Neh.  5:1—13.  Is.  58:3—7.  Malt.  6:12.) 

V.  3.  The  Israelites  wore  not  allowed  to  oppress  foreign- 


B.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


B.  C.  1451. 


4 ‘Save  when  there  shall  be  no  poor  among 
you;  for  the  Lord  shall  dgreatly  bless  thee  in  the 
land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  givetli  thee  for  an 
inheritance  to  possess  it : 

5 eOnly  if  thou  carefully  hearken  unto  the  voice 
of  the  Lord  thy  God,  to  observe  to  do  all  these 
commandments  which  I command  thee  this  day. 

6 For  the  Lord  thy  God  blesseth  thee,  as  he 
promised  thee ; and  ' thou  shalt  lend  unto  many 
nations,  but  thou  shalt  not  borrow ; and  ethou 
shalt  reign  over  many  nations,  but  they  shall  not 
reign  over  thee. 

7 If  there  be  among  you  a poor  man  of  one  of 

thy  brethren  within  any  of  thy  gates,  in  thy  land 
which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee,  hthou  shalt 
not  harden  thine  heart,  nor  shut  thine  hand  from 
thy  poor  brother ; ] 

8 But  'thou  shalt  open  thine  hand  wide  unto 
lam,  and  shalt  surely  lend  him  sufficient  for  his 
need,  in  that  which  he  wanteth. 

9 Beware  Jthat  there  be  not  a thought  in  thy 
wicked  heart,  saying,  The  seventh  year,  the  year 
of  release,  is  at  hand  ; and  kthine  eye  be  evil 
against  thy  poor  brother,  and  thou  givest  him 
nought,  and  ‘he  cry  unto  the  Lord  against  thee, 
and  it  be  msin  unto  thee. 

10  Thou  shalt  surely  give  him,  and  "thine  heart 
shall  not  be  grieved  when  thou  givest  unto  him  : 
“because  that  for  this  thing  the  Lord  thy  God 
shall  bless  thee  in  all  thy  works,  and  in  all  that 
thou  puttest  thine  hand  unto. 

11  For  Pthe  poor  shall  never  cease  out  of  the 
land  : therefore  I command  thee,  saying,  sThou 
shalt  open  thine  hand  wide  unto  thy  brother,  to 
thy  poor,  and  to  thy  needy,  in  thy  land. 

12  H Jind  rif  thy  brother,  an  Hebrew  man,  or 
an  Hebrew  woman,  be  sold  unto  thee,  and  serve 
thee  six  years  ; then  in  the  seventh  year  thou  shalt 
let  him  go  free  from  thee. 

• Or,  to  the  end  that  there  be.  d See  on  14:29.  28:8,11.  Prov.  11:24,25.  44:21 . 23: 
27.  Is.  53:10,11.  e See  on  4:9.  11-18—15.  28:1—15.  Lev.  26:8— 14.  Josh.  1:7.  Ps. 
19:11.  Is.  1:19,20.  Phil.  1:27.  f 23:12,44.  Ps.  37:21,26.  112:5.  Prov.  22:7.  Luke 
6:35.  c 28:18.  1 Kings  4:21,24. 2 L’hr.  9:26.  Ezra  4:20.  Neh.  9:27.  h 9.  Prov.  21: 
13.  Matt.  18:30.  Jam.  2:15,16.  1 John  3:16, 17.  iPs. 37:21.  112:5—9.  145:16. 
Prov.  11:24.25.  19:17  . 22:9  . 28:8,27.  Ec. 11:1,2,6.  Malt.  5:42.  Luke  6:34— 36. 
2 Cor.  8:7— 9.  9:5—13.  j Prov.  4:23.  Jer.  17:10.  Matt.  15:19.  Mark  7:21,22. 
Rom.  7:8,9.  Jam.  4:5.  t Heb.  word  with  thine  heart  of  Belial,  k 28:54—56. 
Prov. 23:6  . 24  9 . 28:22.  Malt.  20:15.  Jam.  5:9.  1 Pet.  4:9.  124:15.  Ex.  3:7. 

22:23.  Job  34:28.  Ps.9:12.  Prov.  21:13.  Jam.  5:4.  m Matt. 25:41 ,42.  Jam.  4:17. 
1 John  3:15 — 17.  n Matt. 25:40.  Acts20:35.  Rom.  12:8.  2 Cor.  9:7.  1 Tim.  6:18, 
19.  I Pel.  4:11.  o5eeo«4.  14:29.  Pb.  41:1.  Prov.  11:24,25.  Is.  32:8.  58:10. 


ers,  or  to  do  injustice  to  them  ; yet  a difference  was  here 
made  between  strangers  and  their  brethren.  We  ought  to  do 
exact  justice  to  all  ; but  in  showing  kindness,  we  must  espe- 
cially regard  “the  household  of  faith.” 

V.  4 — 6.  Had  the  Israelites  fulfilled  the  terms  of  the 
national  covenant,  their  great  prosperity  would  have  entirely 
banished  poverty  from  among  them.  Yet  the  Lord  foresaw 
that  they  would  not  be  thus  obedient,  and  foretold,  that  “ the 
poor  should  never  cease  from  among  them,”  (11)  but  always 
remain  as  a trial  of  their  disposition  to  do  good  for  his  sake. 
But  the  words,  “ Save  when  there  shall  be  no  poor  among 
you,”  may  imply  that  they  ought  so  liberally  to  relieve  every 
poor  brother,  that,  all  being  comfortably  provided  for,  no 
poverty  might  be  visible  among  them : according  to  the 
margin,  “ To  the  end  that  there  may  be  no  poor  among  you.” 
(Notes,  28:1—14.  Lev.  26:3—12.) 

V.  9,  10.  The  righteous  and  merciful  demands  of  the 
divine  law  excite  the  dormant  enmity  of  man’s  wicked  heart, 
and  prove  an  occasion  of  increasing  his  guilt.  (Notes,  Rom. 
7:7 — 14.)  for  the  same  law  condemns  every  rising  thought  of 
sin.  The  Israelites  were  therefore  exhorted  to  beware  lest 
fills  equitable  statute  should  awaken  their  covetousness  ; and 
lest  they  should  evade  it  by  refusing  to  lend  the  poor  in  their 
distress,  or  by  only  lending  them  in  a niggardly  and  grudging 
manner.  The  caution  may  be  considered  as,  in  this  respect, 
a divinely  inspired  comment  on  the  law  of  “ loving  our  neigh- 
bour as  ourselves.”  (Marg.Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  23:10,11.  Leo. 
25:1—7.  Matt.  7:12.) 

V.  11.  Marg.  Ref.  p. 

V.  13 — 15.  This  addition  to  the  law  before  commented 
on,  (Notes,  Ex.  21:2 — 11.)  is  likewise  a divine  interpretation 
of  the  law  of  love,  which  was  enforced  upon  the  Israelites  by 
the  consideration  of  their  redemption  from  the  Egyptian  bon- 
dage, the  manner  in  which  the  Egyptians  were  constrained 
'o  pay  them  their  wages,  and  the  prosperity  to  which  the 
Lord  had  advanced  them. — The  proportion,  which  was  to  be 
bestowed  on  servants  when  liberated,  was  not  fixed  ; but  it 
was  left  to  every  one’s  conscience  in  the  sight  of  God,  when 
all  circumstances  had  been  well  considered.  Kindness  and 
charity  to  poor  servants  and  labourers,  and  other  mean  per- 
sons, scarcely  forms  a part  of  heathen  ethics,  or  is  so  much 
•&  hinted  at  by  their  moralists. 


13  And  when  thou  sendest  him  out  free  fion 
thee,  ‘thou  shalt  not  let  him  go  away  empty  : 

14  Thou  shalt  furnish  him  liberally  out  of  tli?* 
flock,  and  out  of  thy  floor,  and  out  of  thy  wine 
press  : (f  that  wherewith  ‘the  Lord  thy  God  hath 
blessed  thee,  thou  shalt  give  unto  him. 

15  And  “thou  shalt  remember  that  thou  wast  a 
bondman  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  the  Lord  thy 
God  redeemed  thee : therefore  I command  thee 
this  thing  to-day. 

16  And  it  shall  be,  *if  he  say  unto  thee,  I will 
not  go  away  from  thee ; (because  he  loveth 
thee  and  thine  house,  because  he  is  well  with 
thee ;) 

17  Then  thou  shalt  take  an  awl,  and  thrust  it 
through  his  ear  unto  the  door,  and  he  shall  be  thy 
servant  yfor  ever : and  also  unto  thy  maid-servant 
thou  shalt  do  likewise. 

18  It  shall  not  seem  hard  unto  thee,  when  thou 
sendest  him  away  free  from  thee ; for  he  hath 
been  worth  'a  double  hired  servant  to  thee,  in 
serving  thee  six  years : and  the  Lord  thy  God 
shall  bless  thee  in  all  that  thou  doest. 

19  If  All  “the  firstling  males  that  come  of  thy 
herd,  and  of  thy  flock,  thou  shalt  sanctify  unto 
the  Lord  thy  God  : bthou  shalt  do  no  work  with 
the  firstling  of  thy  bullock,  nor  shear  the  firstling 
of  thy  sheep : 

20  Thou  “shalt  eat  it  before  the  Lord  thy  God, 
year  by  year,  in  the  place  which  the  Lord  shall 
choose,  thou  and  thy  household. 

21  And  dif  there  be  any  blemish  therein,  as  if 
it  be  lame,  or  blind,  or  have  any  ill  blemish,  thou 
shalt  not  sacrifice  it  unto  the  Lord  thy  God: 

22  Thou  shalt  eat  it  within  thy  gates  : “the  un- 
clean and  the  clean  person  shall  eat  it  alike,  as  the 
roe-buck,  and  as  the  hart. 

23  Only  ' thou  shalt  not  eat  the  blood  thereof : 
thou  shalt  pour  it  upon  the  ground  as  water. 


2 Cor.  9:8 — 11.  Phil . 4: 18,19.  Heb. 13:16.  pProv.22:2.  Matt. 26:11.  Mark  14; 

7.  John  12:8.  q See  on  8.  Matt.  5:42.  Luke  12:33.  Acts  2:45.  4:32— 3i.  11:28— 
30.  2 Cor.  8:2 — 9.  1 John  3: 16— 18.  r See  on  l.  Ex.  21:2-6.  Lev.  25:39— 41. 
Jer.  34:14.  John  8:35,36.  a Gen.  31:42.  Ex.  3:21.  Lev.  25:42— 44.  Prov.  3:27, 
28.  Jer.  22: 13.  Mai.  3:5.  Col.  4:1.  t Neh.  8: 10.  Prov.  10:22.  1 Cor.  16:2.  u 5t 
14,15.16:12.  Ex.  20:2.  Matt.  6:14,15.  18:32,33.  Eph.  1:7.  2:12.  4:32.  5:1,2. 
Tit.  2:14.  1 John  3:16.  4:9— 11.  x See  on  Ex.  21:5,6.  Ps.40:6— 8.  v Lev.  25- 
39—42.  1 Sam.  1:22.  z Is.  16:14.  21:16.  Luke  17:7,8.  a Ex.  13:2,12.  34:19. 
Lev. 27:26.  Num.3:13.  Rom. 8:29.  Heb.  12:23.  b 12:5-7,17.  14:23.  16:11,14. 
Num.  18:15.  c See  on  12:5 — 7.  (117:1.  Lev.  22:20— 24.  el2:21,22.  f See  on 
12:16.  Lev.  7:26.  1 Sam.  14:32.  Ez.  33:25. 


Y.  17.  Hence  it  appears  that  female  servants  were  some- 
times purchased  for  labour,  without  any  purpose  of  espousing 
them ; and  that  they  were  under  the  same  law  as  the  men- 
servants.  (Note,  Ex.  21:3 — 6.) 

V.  18.  It  seems  that  it  was  not  customary  for  hired  ser- 
vants to  serve  longer  than  three  years  at  one  time;  lest  their 
condition  should  too  much  resemble  that  of  those  who  sold 
themselves  through  poverty,  or  were  sold  for  their  debts  or 
crimes. 

V.  19 — 23.  The  firstling,  being  a male,  was  sacrificed, 
and  those  parts  which  were  not  burnt  upon  the  altar,  were 
eaten  by  the  priests.  • But  if  it  were  a female,  it  was  offered 
as  a peace-offering,  and  feasted  upon  by  the  offerer  and  his 
friends  ; except  it  were  blemished  : and  then,  whether  male 
or  female,  it  was  slain  when  young,  and  eaten  as  ordinary 
food,  but  without  the  blood.  (Note,  12:22.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  profitable  for  us  often  to  recollect  that  we  are  debtors 
to  divine  justice,  have  nothing  to  pay,  ( Note,  Luke  7:40 — 43.) 
and  are  liable  to  be  sent  to  the  prison  of  hell  on  that  account  ; 
and  that  we  are  slaves,  and  poor,  and  perishing  : but  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  becoming  poor,  and  shedding  his 
blood,  hath  made  an  infinite  provision  for  the  payment  of  our 
debts,  the  ransom  of  our  souls,  and  the  full  and  everlasting 
supply  of  all  our  wants.  This  provision  is  revealed  and  pro- 
posed to  us,  and  we  are  invited  to  partake  of  it  “ freely, 
without  money  and  without  price.”  When  therefore  the  gos- 
pel is  clearly  preached,  “ the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord,” 
the  year  of  release  is  proclaimed ; and  all  who  truly  believe 
become  partakers  of  Christ,  of  his  freedom,  and  of  all  his 
unsearchable  riches.  (Notes,  Is.  61:1 — 3.  Luke  4:16 — 19.) 
These  favoured  persons  especially  he  requires,  with  the  mild 
accents  of  love,  to  perform  the  same  duties  which  the  law 
demanded  under  awful  penalties.  Thus  professed  Christians 
are  called  upon  to  prove  that  their  faith  is  living  and  works 
by  love  ; and  to  show  the  sincerity  of  their  love  to  Christ, 
by  acts  of  liberal  kindness  to  their  brethren  for  his  sake. 
To  favour  this  trial,  among  other  reasons,  the  poor  always 
continue  among  us,  and  are  appointed  as  the  representatives 
and  receivers  of  our  gracious  Lord ; that  by  remitting  their 
debts,  relieving  their  distresses,  and  communicating  to  their 
comfort,  we  may  express  our  gratitude  to  our  divine  Bcne- 
< 343  ' 


B G 1451. 


DEUTERONOMY. 


B.  C.  1451 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


The  laws  concerning  the  three  great  annual  feasts  recapitulated,  with  an 
in'unrt-on  that  every  one  should  then  offer  according  to  his  ability , I — 17. 
The  appointment  and  duties  of  magistrates,  18—20.  Groves  and  images 
prohioi led,  21,  22. 

OBSERVE  “the  month  of  Abib,  and  keep  the 
passover  unto  the  Lord  thy  God  : bfor  in  the 
month  of  Abib  the  Lord  thy  God  brought  thee 
forth  out  of  Egypt  by  night. 

2 Thou  shalt  therefore  ‘sacrifice  the  passover 
unto  the  Lord  thy  God,  of  the  flock  and  the 
herd,  din  the  place  which  the  Lord  shall  choose 
to  place  his  name  there. 

3 Thou  shalt  eat  'no  leavened  bread  with  it : 
seven  days  shalt  thou  eat  unleavened  bread  there- 
with, even  the  bread  of  affliction ; (for  sthou 
earnest  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  in  haste  ;) 
that  thou  hmayest  remember  the  day  when  thou 
earnest  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  all  the  days 
of  thy  life. 

4 And  ‘there  shall  be  no  leavened  bread  seen 
with  thee  in  all  thy  coasts  seven  days ; 'neither 
shall  there  any  thing-  of  the  flesh,  which  thou 
sacrificedst  the  first  day  at  even,  remain  all  night 
until  the  morning. 

5 Thou  mayest  not  'sacrifice  the  passover 
within  any  of  thy  gates,  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
giveth  thee: 

6 But  at  the  place  which  the  Lord  thy  God  shall 
choose  to  place  his  name  in,  there  thou  shalt  sacri- 
fice the  passover  kat  even,  at  the  going  down  of 
the  sun,  at  the  season  that  thou  earnest  forth  out 
of  Egypt. 

7 And  thou  shalt  'roast  and  eat  it  min  the  place 
which  the  Lord  thy  God  shall  choose  : and  thou 
shalt  turn  in  the  morning,  and  go  unto  thy  tents. 

8 “Six  days  thou  shaft  eat  unleavened  bread, 
and  on  the  seventh  day  shall  be  a 'solemn  assembly 
to  the  Lord  thy  God ; thou  shalt  do  no  work 
therein. 


9 U "Seven  weeks  shalt  thou  number  unto  thee : 
begin  to  number  the  seven  weeks  from  such  time 
as  thou  beginnest  to  put  the  sickle  to  the  corn. 

10  And  thou  shalt  keep  the  feast  of  weeks  unto 
the  Lord  thy  God  Pwith  fa  tribute  of  a free-will- 
offering  of  thine  hand,  which  thou  shalt  give  untfy 
the  LORD  thy  God,  ‘'according  as  the  Lord  thy 
God  hath  blessed  thee: 

11  And  rthou  shalt  rejoice  before  the  Lord  thy 
God,  thou,  and  thy  son,  and  thy  daughter,  and  thy 
man-servant,  and  thy  maid-servant,  and  the  Levite 
that  is  within  thy  gates,  and  the  stranger,  and  the 
fatherless,  and  the  widow,  that  are  among  you,  in 
the  place  which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  chosen  1o 
place  his  name  there. 

12  And  ’thou  shalt  remember  that  thou  wast  a 
bondman  in  Egypt:  and  thou  shalt  observe  and 
do  these  statutes. 

13  If  Thou  shalt  observe  ‘the  feast  of  taber- 
nacles seven  days,  after  that  thou  hast  gathered 
in  thy  §corn  and  thy  wine. 

14  And  “thou  shalt  rejoice  in  thy  feast,  thou, 
and  thy  son,  and  thy  daughter,  and  thy  man- 
servant, and  thy  maid-servant,  and  the  Levite, 
the  stranger,  and  the  fatherless,  and  the  widow, 
that  are  within  thy  gates. 

15  “Seven  days  shalt  thou  keep  a solemn  feast 
unto  the  Lord  thy  God,  in  the  place  which  the 
Lord  shall  choose ; ^because  the  Lord  thy  God 
shall  bless  thee  in  all  thy  increase,  and  in  all  the 
works  of  thine  hands ; therefore  thou  shalt  surely 
rejoice. 

16  “Three  times  in  a year  shall  all  thy  males 
appear  before  the  Lord  thy  God,  rn  the  place 
which  he  shall  choose  ; in  the  feast  of  unleavened 
bread,  and  in  the  feast  of  weeks,  and  in  the  feast 
of  tahernacles : and  "they  shall  not  appear  before 
the  Lord  empty. 

17  Every  man  shall  give  "as  he  bis  able,  accord- 


a Ex.  12.2,  &c.  Lev.  23:5.  Num.  9:0—5.  23:16.  b Ex.  12:29— 42.  13:4  . 23:15. 
34:18.  c Ex.  12:5—7,  Num. 28:19.  2Chr.35:7.  Malt. 26:2,17.  Mark  14:12. 
Luke  '22:8.15.  1 Cor.  5:7.  d See  on  12:5,11,14,18.  e Ex.  12:15,19,20,39.  13:3 
—7.  34:18.  Lev.  23:6.  Nma.  9:11.  28:17.  I Cor.  5:8.  f 1 Rings  22:27.  I s. 
102:9.  127:2.  Zeeh.  12:11).  2 Cor. 7: 10,11 . IThes.  1:6.  g Ex . 12:32,33,39. 
h Ex.  12:11,26,27.  13:7 — 9.  Ps.  11 1:4.  Luke22:19.  1 Cor.  11:24-26.  i Ex. 
12:15.  13:7.  34:25.  1 See  on  Ex.  12:10.  -Or,  kill.  See  on  2.  12:5,6. 

k Ex.  12:6.  Num. 9:3,11.  Malt.  26:20.  Ileb.  1:2,3.  9:26.  1 Pet.  1:19,20. 

I Ex.  12:8,9.  2 Chr.  35:13.  Ps.  22:14,15.  m2, 6.  2Kings23:23.  John  2:13.  11: 
55.  n Ex.  12:13,16.  13:7,8.  Lev.  23:6— 8.  Num.  28:17— 19.  t Heb.  rest/ aint. 
Lev.  23:36.  2 Chr.  7:9.  Neh.8:18.  Joel  1:14.  margins.  o 10,16.  Ex.  23:16. 
34:22.  Lev.  23:15,16.  Num. 28:26— 30.  2Chr.8:13.  Acts  2:1.  1 Cor.  16:8. 


p Num.  31:28,37.  Prov.  3:9,10.  | Or,  sufficiency.  16.  Lev.  5:7.  12:8.  25:26. 

margins,  q 17.  Prov.  10:22.  Joel  2:14.  Hag.  2:15— 19.  Mai.  3:10,11.  1 Cor.  16t 
2.  2 Cor.  8:10,12.  9:5—11.  r 14.  See  on  12:7,12,18.  Is.  64:5.  66:10— 14.  Hnb. 
3:18.  Rom.  5:11.  2 Cor.  1:24.  Phil.  4:4.  s See  on  5:15.  15:15.  Rom.  6:17.18. 
Eph.  2:1—3,11.  t 31:10.  Ex.  23:16.  34:2*2.  Lev.  23:34— 36.  Num.  29: 12,  Ac. 
2 Chr.  5:3.  7:8—10.  8:13.  Ezra 3:4.  Neh.  8:14— 18.  Zech.  14:16— 18.  John  7:2. 
§ Heb  .floor  and  thy  winepress,  u Sec  on  12:12.  26:1 1 . Neh.  8:9—12.  Ec.  9:7. 
is.  12:1—6  . 25:6—8  . 30:29.  35:10.  1 Thes.  5:16.  x Lev.  23:36—42.  Num.  29: 
12—38.  y See  on  10.  7:13.28:8—12.  30:16.  r Ex.  23:14— 17  . 34:22,23.  1 Kings 
9:25.  a Ex.  23. 15.  34:20.  1 Chr.  29:3— 9,14— 17.  Ps.  96:8.  Prov.  3:9,10.  Is.  23: 
18.  60:6 — 9.  Hag.  1:9.  Matt.  2:11.  Mark  12:3.  ||  Heb.  according  o the  gift  of 
his  hand,  b See  on  10.  Lev.  27:8.  Ezra  2:63.  Mark  12:41— 44.  2 Cor. 8: 12.  9:6,7. 


factor,  and  honour  and  adorn  his  holy  religion.  (Notes, 
Matt.  12:46 — 50.  25:31 — 46.)  In  proportion  as  faith  and  love 
prevail  they  will  triumph  over  the  selfishness  of  the  heart,  and 
over  the  ingratitude  of  the  world  ; exclude  those  numerous  ex- 
cuses which  result  from  unbelief,  distrust,  and  covetousness  ; 
and  lead  us  to  abound  in  this  grace  also. — The  aim  of  every 
Christian  should  be  daily  u to  do  good  to  all  men,  especially  to 
them  that  are  of  the  household  of  faith:”  and  to  open  his  hand 
liberally^  in  giving  or  in  lending,  according  to  his  ability  and 
according  to  the  necessity  of  his  brethren,  that  distressing  po- 
verty may  have  no  place  among  the  followers  of  Christ ; especi- 
ally searching  out  such  as  are  most  modest,  humble,  and  back- 
ward to  complain,  or  to  obtrude  upon  the  notice  of  others. — 
Though  this  is  no  more  than  a small  acknowledgment  of  ines- 
timable favours  already  received  ; yet  it  shall  be  considered 
as  u lending  to  the  Lord,”  and  be  abundantly  recompensed. 
Let  all  then  watch  and  pray  against  an  envious,  grudging, 
selfish  heart.  We  need  never  fear  being  losers,  when  the 
Lord  stands  security  for  the  debt  ; nor  carrying  matters  to 
excess  whilst  we  fall  so  far  short  of  his  measure  of  love  to  us  : 
and  that  which  the  world  often  calls  prudence,  will  be  found 
the  greatest  folly.  In  the  exercise  of  this  loving-kindness, 
those  ought  especially  to  he  provided  for,  who  have  been 
useful  to  us,  and  spent  their  strength  in  our  service : and, 
instead  of  “ it  seeming  hard  to  us,”  when  we  thus  communi- 
cate to  their  comfort ; we  should  be  ambitious  of  rendering 
all  who  live  in  our  families  or  are  connected  with  us,  so  well 
satisfied,  that  they  may  love  us  and  our  houses,  and  count  it 
their  privilege  to  abide  in  their  situation.  Such  a Master  is 
ou‘r  God : all  who  make  trial  of  his  service  will  account  it 
perfect  freedom,  and  consider  it  their  happiness  to  join  them- 
selves to  him,  to  serve  him  with  all  they  nave  and  are,  and  to 
dwell  in  his  house  as  hia  willing  servants  for  ever  and  ever. — 
But  let  us  not  leave  this  subject  without  noticing  the  benevo- 
lent spirit  which  pervades  the  sacred  Scriptures.  For  where, 
in  all  the  admired  writings  of  the  Greeks  and  Romans  and 
other  pagans,  shall  we  find  so  much  benevolence  and  kind- 
ness to  debtors,  slaves,  and  indigent  persons  inculcated,  as 
in  this  single  chapter  ? 

NOTES— Chat.  XVI.  V.  1.  By  night.)  The  Israel- 
ites did  not  actually  sjt  off  on  their  journey  till  the  approach 

( 344  ) 


of  morning:  hut,  while  eating  the  passover,  and  holding  them- 
selves in  readiness  during  the  nighty  the  first-born  of  Egypt 
were  destroyed,  which  made  way  for  their  release  ; and  after- 
wards by  night  they  passed  the  Red  Sea,  when  their  deliver- 
ance was  completed. — Moses  repeated  these  laws,  as  with 
his  dying  lips,  to  this  new  generation,  just  before  their 
entrance  into  Canaan,  to  leave  the  deeper  impression  upon 
their  minds.  (Notes,  Ex.  \2:2\ — 37.  14:19 — 31.) 

V.  2.  The  word  passover  is  here  used  for  the  various 
sacrifices  offered  at  that  festival,  whether  of  the  flock,  (as 
the  paschal  lamb,)  or  of  the  herd.  ( Note , John  18:28 — 32, 
beginning.) — In  the  place , &c.]  Note,  12:5 — 7. 

V.  3 — 6.  The  use  of  unleavened  bread  was  required  to 
be  general  through  the  land,  by  which  they,  who  were  con- 
fined at  home,  testified  their  concurrence  with  those  who  ate 
the  passover  at  the  tabernacle:  but  that  was  appointed  to  be 
slain  and  eaten,  only  in  the  place  where  the  tabernacle  was 
situated.  Thither  the  males  were  required  to  come,  both  at 
the  passover  and  the  two  other  great  feasts,  unless  unavoida- 
bly prevented  : and  the  women,  though  not  commanded,  fre- 
quently attended  them. — The  people  when  about  to  leave 
Egypt  ate  the  paschal  lamb  in  the  posture  of  travellers;  and 
therefore  their  departure  seems  to  be  dated  from  the  time  of 
eating  it.  ( Notes,  Ex.  12:3—20.  13:3—7.  Lev.  23:5—8. 
Num.  9:1—14.  28:16—25.) 

V.  7.  In  the  morning .]  Incase  of  urgent  necessity,  the 
Israelites  might  return  home  the  next  morning  after  eating 
the  passover.  Some,  however,  think  this  means  the  morning 
after  the  conclusion  of  the  feasts ; and  the  celebration  of 
them  employed  the  day  on  which  the  passover  was  eaten,  six 
intervening  days,  and  the  last  concluding  day  of  a solemn 
assembly;  being  eight  in  the  whole,  from  the  fourteenth  to 
the  twenty-first  day  of  the  month  inclusive. 

V.  9.  To  put  the  sickle.]  That  is,  to  reap  the  sheaf  of 
first-fruits,  which  was  presented  on  the  first  day  of  unlea- 
vened dread.  (Mar g.  Rtf . Notes.  Ex.  23:14-  13.  Lev.  23: 
15—21.) 

V.  11.  Shall  rejoice*  &c.l  Note,  12:5 — 7.  V O. 

V.  13— 17.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  31:10— 13  Lsv  23:34— 
43.  Num.  29:12 — 38.  I Kings  8:63 — 05.  .%<•*.,  IcM — 18. 

Zcch  14:16—19.  John  7:37— 39. 


B.  C.  1451. 


CI-IAPTI 

mg  to  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  thy  God  which  lie 
hath  given  thee. 

18  tI  ‘Judges  and  officers  slialt  thou  make  thee 
in  all  thy  gates  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth 
thee  throughout  thy  tribes : and  they  shall  judge 
the  people  with  just  judgment. 

19  Thou  shalt  not  dwrest  judgment  5 thou  shalt 
not  'respect  persons,  neither  take  a gilt;  for  a gift 
doth  blind  the  eyes  of  the  wise,  and  pervert  the 
’words  of  the  righteous. 

20  I That  which  is  ^altogether  just  shalt  thou 
follow,  that  thou  mayest  Klive,  and  inherit  the  land 
which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee. 

21  H Thou  shalt  not  hplant  thee  a grove  of  any 
trees  near  unto  the  altar  of  the  Lord  thy  God, 
which  thou  shalt  make  thee. 

22  Neither  shalt  thou  set  thee  'up  any  Jimage, 
‘which  the  Lord  thy  God  hateth. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

The  sacri  fices  are  required  to  be  unblemished.  1.  Idolaters  to  be  punished 
with  death,  2—7.  Difficult  cases  must  be  referred  to  the  priests  and  judges 
at  the  sanctuary , and'  s /ch  as  refused  to  submit  to  their  decision  put  to 
death,  8—13.  Instructions  concerning  the  appointment  and  duly  of  a king, 

14—20. 

THOU  “shalt  not  sacrifice  unto  the  Lord  thy 
God  any  bullock  or  'sheep  wherein  is  blemish, 
or  bany  evil-liivouredness  ; ‘for  that  is  an  abomi- 
nation unto  the  Lord  thy  God. 

2  IT  If  there  be  found  among  you,  within  any  of 
thy  gates  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee, 
dman  or  woman  that  hath  wrought  wickedness  in 

c 1:16.  17:9,12.  19:17,18.21:2.  Ex.  18:25,26.  21:6.  1 Chr.  23:4.  26:29.  2 Chr. 
19:5-7.  Ps.  82:2,3.  Kom.  13:1— 6.  d 24:17.  27:19.  Ex.  23:2,6—8.  Lev.  19: 
15.  1 Nua.  8:3.  12:3.  Job  31:21,22.  Prov.  17:23.  Ec.7:7.  Is.  1:17,23.  33:15. 
Jer.  5:28.  Ex.  22:12.  Mic.7:3.  Hub.  1:4.  Zeph.  3:3—5.  Acts  16:37.  23:3.  e See 
on  1:16,17.  10:17.  Ex.  23:7,9.  Prov.  24:28.  Acts  10:34.  * Or,  matters,  t Heb*. 
Justice,  justice,  f 25:13— 16.  Mic.  6:8.  Phil.  4.8.  g See  on  4:1.  Ez. 18:5,9. 
Tom.  10:5.  h Ex.  34:13.  Judg.  3:7.  1 Kings  14:15.  16:33.  2 King*  17:16.  21:3. 
2 Chr.  33:3.  i Ex.  20:4.  Lev.  26:1.  f Or,  statue,  or  pillar,  k 12:31.  Jer.  44: 
4:  Zech.  8:17.  Hev.  2:6,15.  a 15:21 . See  on  Ex.  12:5.  Lev.  22:20— 25.  Mal.l: 
8,13,14.  Heb.  9:14.  1 Pet.  1:19.  * Or, goat,  b Gen.  41:3,4,19.  c 23:18.  31:4. 


V.  18,  19.  Besides  the  judges  of  the  principal  court  held 
near  the  tabernacle,  to  which  in  difficult  and  important  cases 
appeals  might  be  made  ; inferior  magistrates  must  be  ap- 
pointed in  every  part  of  the  land,  who  should  execute  their 
office  in  the  gates,  or  most  public  places,  in  every  city  or  con- 
siderable town,  to  administer  justice  in  the  simplest  and 
cheapest  manner.  But  the  same  integrity,  impartiality,  and 
disinterestedness,  were  required  in  them,  as  in  the  superior 
magistrates.  (Notes,  Ex.  18:17— 23.  23:1—3,6—9.  2 Chr. 

19:5—11.) 

V.  21.  Groves  having  been  generally  adopted  in  the  wor- 
ship of  idols,  and  made  the  scenes  of  the  vilest  abominations, 
were  expressly  and  repeaiedly  prohibited  in  the  worship  of 
God.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  frequent  repetition  of  the  same  laws,  forms  a humili- 
ating reproach  of  man’s  unteachableness  in  spiritual  things ; 
for  God  does  nothing  in  vain. — From  the  example  of  Moses, 
ministers  and  parents  may  learn  to  renew  their  instructions 
and  admonitions  with  their  latest  breath,  that  the  survivors 
may  have  them  associated  with  every  remembrance  of  them. 

' Note,  2 Pel.  1:12 — 15.) — A believer  should  not  forget,  for  one 
day,  his  original  state  of  guilt  and  misery,  his  gracious  de- 
liverance, and  the  price  which  it  cost  the  Redeemer  ; that 
gratitude  and  joy  in  the  Lord  may,  during  the  residue  of  his 
.ife,  be  mingled  with  godly  sorrow,  mortification  of  sin,  and 
humble  patience  under  the  tribulations  which  lie  in  the  way  to 
the  kingdom  of  heaven. — Every  one  of  our  services  must  be 
performed  in  communion  with  the  church  of  Christ,  and  in 
dependence  on  him,  our  Temple,  Altar,  Sacrifice,  and  Pass- 
over  ; “being  accompanied  with  the  unleavened  bread  of 
sincerity  and  truth.”  We  should  indeed  be  thankful  that  our 
attendance  on  God’s  ordinances  does  not  require  such  long 
and  expensive  journeys,  as  that  of  Israel  did  : but  if  our  hearts 
be  right  with  God,  we  shall  so  delight  in  his  service,  that  the 
labour  required  in  it  will  be  our  pleasure,  or  we  shall  be 
ashamed  that  it  is  not.  The  expense  incurred  in  making  the 
heart  of  the  poor  and  destitute  rejoice,  according  to  the  Lord’s 
blessing  upon  us,  will  be  our  own  heartfelt  satisfaction : and 
we  shall  not  so  much  as  wish  to  “ appear  before  the  Lord 
empty  but  shall  desire  to  be  “ rich  in  good  works,  ready  to 
listribute,  and  willing  to  communicate,”  in  whatever  can  glo- 
rify God  or  do  good  to  mankind.  (Note,  Heb.  13:15,16.)  For 
vhile  the  Lord  so  graciously  even  commands  us  to  rejoice 
before  him,  we  should  desire  to  help  the  joy  of  all  our  bre- 
thren.— Let  us  likewise  note  that  magistracy  is  theexpres3  ap- 
pointment of  God  : as  such  we  are  bound  to  submit  to  it,  with 
thankfulness  for  its  advantages,  patience  under  the  incon- 
vsniences  attending  its  undue  administration,  and  prayers  for 
Mose  placed  over  us.  (Notes,  Rom.  13:1 — 8.)  But  magis- 
trates likewise  should  consider  their  accountableness  to  God 
for  the  use  of  their  authority ; and  study  to  know  and  do  their 
Vol.  I.— 44 


R XVII.  B C.  1451. 

the  sight  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  ein  transgressing 
his  covenant ; 

3 And  hath  gone  and  served  other  gods,  and 
worshipped  them,  either  fthe  sun,  or  moon,  or  any  of 
the  host  of  heaven,  evvhich  I have  not  commanded ; 

4 And  it  be  told  thee,  and  thou  hast  heard  of  it, 
and  ''inquired  diligently,  and,  behojd,  it  be  true, 
and  the  thing  certain,  that  such  abomination  is 
wrought  in  Israel : 

5 Then  shalt  thou  bring  forth  that  man,  or  that 
woman,  which  have  committed  that  wicked  thing, 
unto  thy  gates,  even  that  man  or  that  woman,  and 
shalt  'stone  them  with  stones  till  they  die. 

6 At  kthe  mouth  of  two  witnesses,  or  three  wit- 
nesses, shall  he  that  is  worthy  of  death  be  put  to 
death  ; but  at  the  mouth  of  one  witness  he  shall 
not  be  put  to  death. 

7 The  'hands  of  the  witnesses  shall  be  first 
upon  him  to  put  him  to  death,  and  afterward  the 
hands  of  all  the  people ; mso  thou  shalt  put  the 
evil  away  from  among  you. 

8 H If  there  “arise  a matter  too  hard  for  thee 
in  judgment,  “between  blood  and  blood,  between 
plea  and  plea,  and  between  stroke  and  stroke, 
being  matters  of  controversy,  within  thy  gates  ; 
then  shalt  thou  arise,  and  Pget  thee  up  into  the 
place  which  the  Lord  thy  God  shall  choose : 

9 And  thou  shalt  come  unto  sthe  priests  the 
Levites,  and  unto  the  judge  that  shall  he  in  those 
days,  and  inquire  ; and  “they  shall  show  thee  the 
sentence  of  judgment. 

25:16.  Prov.  6:16.  11:1.15:8.20:10.  (1  5.13:6.29:18.  e 4:23.  29:25.  31:20. 

Lev. 26. 15,25.  Josli.  7:11,15.  23: 16.  Judg.2:20.  2KineslS:12.  Jtr.31:32.  Ex. 
16:38.  Hos.6:7.  8:1.  Heb. 8:9,10  fSeeo«4:19.  2KinBs21:3.  Job  31:26,27. 

Jer.  8:2.  Ex.  8:16.  g Jer.  7.22,23,31 . 19.5.  32:35.  h 13:12-14.  19:18.  Prov. 
25:2.  John  7:51.  i 13:10,11.  21:21.  22:21,24.  Lev.  24:14,16.  Josh.  7:25.  k 19: 
15.  Num. 35:30.  Malt.  18:16.  John  8:17,18.  2 Cor.  13:1 . 1 Tirn . 5:19.  Heb.  10: 
28.  1 13:9.  Acts  7:58.  in  12.  13:5.  19:19.  24:7.  Jude.  20:13.  1 ( or.  5:13.  n 1: 

17.  Ex.  18.26.  1 Kings  3:16 — 28.  2 Chr.  19:8—10.  o 19.4,10,11.  Ex.  21 :13,14,20, 
22.22:2.  Num.  35:11,  &c.  p See  on  12:5.  Ps.  122:5.  q Jer.  18:18.  Hag.  2:11. 
Mai.  2:7.  r 19:17— 21 . Ex.  44:24. 


duty  in  uprightness,  disinterestedness,  and  impartiality ; that 
they  may  both  be  public  blessings,  and  heirs  of  everlasting 
life,  as  the  true  disciples  of  him  who  u loveth  righteousness, 
and  hateth  iniquity.”  And  none  of  us  should  fear  any  thing 
so  much,  as  doing  that  “which  the  Lord  our  God  hateth.” 
NOTES. — Chap.  XVII.  V.  1.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes  Lev . 
22:18—25. 

V.  2 — 7.  The  expression  11  within  any  of  thy  gates,”  de- 
noted all  residing  in  the  cities,  and  all  who  went  in  and  came 
out  at  the  gates  of  them:  so  that  it  included  the  inhabitants 
of  the  whole  land. — This  law  enjoined  that  those  who  com- 
mitted idolatry  should  be  stoned,  as  well  as  those  who  seduced 
others  to  commit  it:  for  that  crime  especially  “transgressed 
the  covenant,”  and  would  become  a national  forfeiture,  if  not 
thus  punished. — Had  men  been  commanded  to  worship  crea- 
tures, however  exalted,  it  might  have  been  complained  of  as 
a degradation ; much  more  if  they  had  been  required  to  wor- 
ship beasts,  inanimate  figures,  and  stocks  or  stones.  But  God 
“had  not  commanded”  such  practices,  nay,  he  had  expressly 
forbidden  them ; and  they  were  entirely  man’s  own  foolish 
inventions,  and  Satan’s  abominable  suggestions. — This  law 
was  the  magistrate’s  rule  in  administering  justice  to  indivi- 
duals ; as  that  before  considered  regulated  informations  of  idol- 
atry, and  the  punishment  of  cities,  which  were  guilty  of  that 
crime.  ( Notes,  13:)  In  both  cases  the  witnesses  were  re- 
quired to  take  the  lead  in  the  execution  of  the  criminal,  that 
they  might  be  rendered  more  cautious  in  their  testimony:  for 
though  the  false  witness  was  the  actual  murderer  of  the  per- 
son put  to  death  unjustly,  yet  perhaps  he  would  not  be  so 
shocked  by  it,  when  another  wfes  the  executioner  of  the  sen- 
tence, as  when  he  himself  was  required  to  perform  that  pain- 
ful office. 

Two  witnesses , &c.  (6)  (Notes,  19:15 — 21.  Num.  35:24 — 30. 
Matt.  18:15 — 17.  1 Tim.  5:19,20.)  Great  weight  is  laid  on 
this,  throughout  the  Scripture ; and  is  matter  of  serious  in- 
quiry, whether  in  any  ordinary  case,  the  testimony  of  on© 
unsupported  witness,  even  of  fair  character,  should  be  de- 
pended on,  especially  when  the  life,  of  man  is  at  stake. 

V.  8 — 13.  This  law  is  addressed  to  the  magistrates  before 
mentioned  in  the  different  parts  of  the  land.  (Note,  16:18, 
19.) — In  many  cases  of  life  and  death,  or  of  property,  or  con- 
cerning the  law  of  retaliation,  they  might  find  perplexing  diffi- 
culties. (Marg.  Ref.  o.)  Such  causes  were  therefore  to 
be  referred  to  the  decision  of  the  superior  tribunals,  which 
would  be  held  at  the  place  where  the  tabernacle  would  be 
fixed.  (Ex.  18:22.) — The  priests  and  Levites,  having  the 
most  leisure,  and  being  especially  appointed  to  the  study  of 
the  law,  which  was  not  only  the  rule  of  conscience,  but  like- 
wise the  law  of  the  land,  by  their  learning  would  be  best  quali- 
fied to  act  as  judges ; and  probably  the  sanhedrim  and  other 
superior  courts  of  justice  were  chiefly  composed  of  them, 
though  not  without  some  persons  of  the  other  tribes.  u Th# 

( 345  ) 


B.  C.  1451. 


DEUTERONOMY. 


B.  C.  1451. 


10  And  ’thou  shalt  do  according  to  the  sen- 
tence, which  they  of  that  place  winch  the  Lord 
shall  choose  shall  show  thee:  and  thou  shalt 
observe  to  do  according  to  all  that  they  inform 
thee : 

1 1 According  to  ‘the  sentence  of  the  law  which 
they  shall  teach  thee,  and  according  to  the  judg- 
ment which  they  shall  tell  thee,  thou  shalt  do: 
thou  shalt  not  decline  from  the  sentence  which 
they  shall  show  thee,  uto  the  right  hand  nor  to  the 
left. 

12  And  the  man  that ’will  do  presumptuously, 
'and  will  not  hearken  unto  "the  priest  that  stand- 
eth  to  minister  there  before  the  Lord  thy  God, 
or  unto  the  judge,  even  that  man  shall  die ; and 
rthou  shalt  put  away  the  evil  from  Israel. 

13  And  all  the  people  ‘shall  hear,  and  fear,  and 
do  no  more  “presumptuously. 

14  H When  bthou  art  come  unto  the  land  which 
the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee,  and  shalt  possess 
it,  and  shalt  dwell  therein,  and  shall  say,  “I  will  set 
a king  over  me,  like  as  all  the  nations  that  are 
about  me : 

15  Thou  shalt  in  any  wise  set  him  king  over 
thee  dwhom  the  Lord  thy  God  shall  choose  ; one 

■ Matt.  23:2,3.  t Josh.  1:7.  Mai.  2:8,9.  Rom.  13:1— 6.  Tit.  3:1.  1 Pet.  2:13— 15. 
S Pet.  2:10.  Jude  8.  u 20.  5:32.  28:14.  Josh.  1 :7.  23:6.  2. Sam.  14:19.  Prov.  4: 
27.  v 13:5,11.  Num.  15:30.  Ezra  10:8.  Ps.  19:13.  Hos.  4:4.  Matt.  10:14.  Heb. 
10:26 — 29.  ’ Heb.  not  to  hearken,  x 10:8.  19:5,7.  Luke  10:16.  John  12:48.20: 
23.  1 Thee.  4:2,8.  ySeeonl.  13:5.  Prov.  21:11.  1 Tim.  5:20.  z See  on  13:1 1 . 
a See  on  Num.  15:30,31 . h 7:1.  12  9,10.  18:9.26:1,9.  Lev.  14:34.  Josh. 1:13. 
e 1 Sam.  8:5—7  19,20.  12:19.  cl  1 Sam.  9:15,16.  10:24.  16:12,13.  2 Sam.  5:2. 

1 Chr.  12:23.  22:10  . 28:5.  Ps.  2:2.6.  e Jer.  30:21 . Matt.  22: 17.  fl  Sam.  8:11. 

2 Sam.  8:4.  1 Kings  1:5.  4:26.  10:26—28.  2Chr.9:25.  Ps.20:7.  Is.  36:8,9.  g Is. 
31:1—3.  Jer.  42:14.  Ez.  17:15.  h 28:68.  Ex.  13:7.  14:13.  Num.  14.3,4.  Jer.  42: 

judge”  here  mentioned  (9)  may  mean  either  the  high-priest, 
or  such  other  supreme  magistrate,  as  God  from  time  to  time 
should  raise  up  among  them.  To  these  the  appeal  must  be 
made : and,  with  all  their  advantages,  it  was  not  likely  they 
would  give  a false  sentence,  while  they  continued  free  from 
gross  apostacy  in  religion,  and  corruption  in  morals.  As,  how- 
ever, the  law  related,  not  to  matters  of  faith  and  conscience , 
but  merely  to  the  administration  of  justice  in  the  land  ; it  would 
be  better  that  an  individual  should  sometimes  be  aggrieved, 
than  that  the  advantages  of  magistracy  should  be  abridged : 
therefore  he  who  presumptuously  refused  to  submit,  whether 
magistrate  or  private  person,  was  ordered  to  be  put  to  death. 
(Mar^.  Ref.  v — z.) — In  every  state  there  must  be  some  final 
award,  from  which  there  lies  no  appeal ; and  that  must  be 
submitted  to,  even  though  in  some  cases  it  should  be  unjust: 
but  this  gives  no  countenance  to  the  monstrous  claim,  which 
some  have  made,  of  being  absolute  interpreters  of  doctrines 
and  precepts , in  matters  of  conscience , to  which  all  ought  to 
submit,  however  evidently  their  decisions  contradict  the  word 
of  God.  In  this  case  it  suffices  to  say,  u we  must  obey”  and 
believe  “God  rather  than  man as  Peter  replied  to  the  suc- 
cessors of  those  very  persons,  to  whom  this  authority  was 
originally  given,  and  on  whom  it  had  at  that  time  devolved. 
(Notes,  Acts  4:13— 22.  5:29 — 31.) 

The  priests  the  JLevites.  (9)  The  priests,  who  were  also 
Levites,  seem  especially  intended.  Yet  the  ordinary  Levites 
acted  as  magistrates  in  the  days  of  David,  (Notes,  1 Chr. 
23:2 — 6.  26:29.)  but  probably  in  inferior  situations. 

V.  1 4.  The  appointment  of  a king  is  not  here  commanded, 
nor  so  much  as  counselled;  nay,  it  is  implied,  that  such  a 
change  in  their  government  would  originate  from  a desire  of 
being  “like  the  nations,”  to  whom  God  would  have  his  peo- 
ple unlike:  and  it  is  certain  that  they  sinned  when  they  asked 
a king.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  8:1 — 9.  12:16 — 19.)  Yet  the  Lord 
foresaw  that  this  would  tal*e  place,  and  he  previously  gave 
rules  respecting  it. — They  therefore  argue  very  inconclusively, 
who  infer  the  lawfulness  of  slavery,  polygamy,  or  divorces, 
from  those  laws  which  suppose  their  existence,  and  establish 
regulations  concerning  them : for  all  such  questions  must  be 
determined  by  the  plain  precepts  or  general  tenor  of  Scrip- 
ture, and  not  by  these  judicial  regulations.  (Note,  Ex. 
21:2.) 

V.  15.  Though  the  people  sinned  in  the  days  of  Samuel, 
by  desiring  a king ; yet  they  obeyed  this  law  in  referring  the 
choice  of  one  to  God.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  8:19 — 22.  10:17 — 22. 
11:12 — 15.  2 Sam.  5:1,2.)  He  first  chose  Saul:  but  rejecting 
him,  he  chose  David,  and  then  Solomon,  whose  posterity 
reigned  till  the  Babylonish  captivity.  The  Israelites  were 
forbidden  to  set  a stranger  over  them ; not  so  much  lest  he 
should  oppress  them,  as  lest  he  should  lead  them  into  idolatry. 
This  referred  to  a King  whom  they  should  appoint  for  them- 
selves; not  to  a ruler  which  in  providence  might  be  placed 
over  them,  without  their  own  concurrence,  or,  as  a punish- 
ment of  their  sins:  (Jer.  27:12,14,17.  Note,  Jer.  29:4 — 7.) 
but  the  interpreters  of  the  law,  in  the  days  of  Christ,  deduced 
from  this  clause  the  unlawfulness  of  submitting  to  a foreign 
yoke,  and  incited  the  people  to  continual  rebellions,  which 
at  length  terminated  in  their  ruin.  (Note,  Matt.  22:15 — 22.) 

V 16.  Multiplying  horses  for  chariots  of  war  and  cavalry, 

( 34G  ) 


“from  among  thy  brethren  shalt  thou  set  king  over 
thee  : thou  mayest  not  set  a stranger  over  thee, 
which  is  not  thy  brother. 

16  But  he  shall  not  f multiply  horses  to  himself, 
nor  Bcause  the  people  to  return  to  Egypt,  to  the 
end  that  he  should  multiply  horses:  forasmuch  as 
the  Lord  hath  said  unto  you,  hYe  shall  henceforth 
return  no  more  that  way. 

17  Neither  'shall  he  multiply  wives  to  himself, 
that  his  heart  turn  not  away;  kneither  shall  he 
greatly  multiply  to  himself  silver  and  gold. 

18  And  it  shall  be  when  he  sitteth  upon  the 
throne  of  his  kingdom,  'that  he  shall  write  him  a 
copy  of  this  law  in  a hook,  “out  of  that  which  is 
before  the  priests  the  Levites  : 

19  And  “it  shall  be  with  him,  and  he  shall  read 
therein  all  the  days  of  his  life  ; that  he  may  learn 
to  fear  the  Lord  his  God,  to  keep  all  the  words  ot 
this  law,  and  these  statutes,  to  do  them : 

20  That  “his  heart  be  not  lifted  up  above  his 
brethren,  and  that  i'he  turn  not  aside  from  the 
commandment,  to ‘‘the  right  hand  or  to  the  left;  to 
the  end  that  he  may  prolong  his  days  in  his 
kingdom,  he  and  his  children,  in  the  midst  "of 
Israel. 


15,16.  Hos.  11:5.  iGen.  2:24.  2 Sam.  3:2— 5.  1 Kinca  11:1— 4.  Neh.  13:26.  Mai. 
2:15.  Man.  19:5.  k 1 Kinss  10:21.  Ps.  62:10.  Prov.  30:8,9.  Matt.  6:19,20.  13- 
22.  19:23,24.  I.uke  12:15.  1 Tim. 6:9,17.  1 2 Kings  11 :12.  m 31:9,25,26.  2 King! 
22:8.  2 Chr.  34:15.  n 6:6—9.  11:18.  Josh.  1:8.  I s.  1:2.  119:97—100.  John  5.39 
2 Tim.  3:15—17.  o8:2,13,14.  2 Kings  14:10.  2 hr.  25:19.  26:16  . 32:25,26  . 33: 
12,19,23.  34:27.  Pa.  131:1,2.  Is.  2:12.  Dan. 5:20— 23.  Hab.2:4.  2 Cor.  12:7. 
1 Pel.  5:5.  p See  nn  4:2.  5:32.  12:25,28,32.  I Kings  15:5.  q See  on  11.  1 Sam. 
13:13.14.  15:23.  1 Kings  11:12,13,34,36  . 2 Kings  10:30.  Ps.  19:11.  132:12.  Prov. 
27:24.  Ec.  8:13. 


or  for  luxury,  would  increase  the  splendour  of  the  monarch, 
and  form  a ground  of  confidence  distinct  from  a proper  confi- 
dence in  God,  and  inconsistent  with  it,  and  with  considering 
him  as  the  glory  of  Israel.  Egypt  abounded  in  horses;  and 
the  desire  of  multiplying  these  would  induce  the  prince  to 
encourage  a trade  with  that  kingdom ; and  this  might  make 
way  for  the  Israelites'being  again  subjugated  by  the  Egyptians, 
or  at  least  corrupted  by  their  idolatries  and  vices.  Whereas, 
it  was  the  command  of  God  that  they  should  no  more  return 
thither,  but  be  totally  detached  from  them. — According^  we 
find,  that  till  the  days  of  Solomon,  horses  were  little  used  by 
the  Israelites,  and  they  had  not  much  intercourse  with  Egypt : 
but  afterward  th*e  horses  of  that  kingdom  proved  a continua1 
source  of  temptation  and  sin  to  them.  (Notes,  1 Kings  10 
24—29.  Ps.  20:6—8.  Is.  30:15—17.  31:1—3.) 

V.  17.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  2 Sam.  5:13 — 16.  1 Kings 
11:1—8. 

V.  18 — 20.  Some  interpret  this  command,  of  the  book  o* 
Deuteronomy  alone:  but  it  is  most  probable,  that  the  whole 
law  was  intended : and  if  Moses,  with  his  immense  engage- 
ments, found  time  for  compiling  and  writing  the  whole,  it 
could  not  be  an  intolerable  task  imposed  upon  any  future 
prince  to  transcribe  it.  This  would  have  a very  great  effect 
in  rendering  him  well  acquainted  with  the  law  in  every  par* , 
for  writing  not  only  assists  the  memory,  hut  causes  us  to 
notice  every  single  word  of  what  wc  transcribe.  It  is  probable, 
however,  that  this  law  was  very  seldom  observed  bv  the  kingf 
of  Judah,  and  never  by  those  of  Israel.  (Marg.  Rtf.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  are  continually  called  on  to  remember  the  pure  and 
spotless  sacrifice  of  Christ,  and  reminded  to  serve  God  with 
the  best  of  our  abilities,  time,  and  possessions  : otherwise  our 
professed  obedience  will  be  an  abomination.  To  him  all  wor- 
ship and  love  belong:  and  idolatry  and  irreligion  of  every  kind 
will  assuredly  be  punished,  in  this  world  or  in  the  next,  with 
at  least  as  great  severity  as  those  crimes  which  disturb  the 
peace  of  society. — We  are  also  repeatedly  cautioned  against 
rashness  in  bearing  testimony,  or  in  punishing  accused  per- 
sons ; that  the  innocent  may  not  ho  involved  in  the  same  doom 
with  the  guilty. — Ministers  and  .magistrates  should,  in  their 
several  places,  give  diligence  to  obtain  exact  and  extensive 
knowledge,  as  well  as  to  act  with  integrity  and  impartiality, 
that  they  may  not  mislead  or  injure  those,  who  place  confi- 
dence in  their  decisions.  In  both  cases,  however,  there  lies 
an  appeal  to  tho  infallible  Teacher  and  Judge  of  the  world, 
who  will  set  all  right,  and  effectually  redress  all  those  that 
trust  in  him. — The  presumptuous  offender,  who  refused  to 
submit  to  the  award  of  human  justice,  with  all  its  imperfections, 
was  condemned  to  die  : of  what  puni  hment  then  will  the  obsti- 
nate rebel  against  the  righteous  Governor  of  tho  universe  be 
adjudged  worthy  ? and  with  what  vengeance  will  he  be  recom- 
pensed, who  despises  or  abuses  the  grace  of  the  gospel? 
(Note,  Heb,  10:28 — 31.) — Tho  Lord  sees  1 1 1 « * hearts  of  his 
own  people  too  much  disposed  to  he  like  the  world  around 
them;  and  for  their  chastisement  he  frequently  permits  them 
to  obtain  the  objects  of  their  foolish  desires;  still  regulating 
the  whole  ultimately  for  their  good. — The  higher  any  person 
is  exalted,  the  more  strongly  must  he  be  tempted  to  pride, 
covetousness,  luxury,  and  lust,  those  fatal  enemies  to  true 


B.C.  145). 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


13.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

portion  of  the  priests  arul  Levites,  1—8.  Idolatry  and  witchcraft  prohi- 
bited, 9 — 14.  A prophet  litre  unto  Moses  promised , 15 — 19.  False  prophets 
must  be  put  to  death , 20.  How  they  were  to  be  known,  21,  22. 

THE  priests  the  Levites,  and  all  the  tribe  of 
Levi,  “shall  have  no  part  nor  inheritance  with 
Israel : bthey  shall  eat  the  offerings  of  the  Lord 
made  by  fire,  and  his  inheritance. 

2  Therefore  shall  they  have  no  inheritance 
.nong  their  brethren  ; “the  Lord  is  their  inherit- 
ance, as  he  hath  said  unto  them. 

3  And  this  shall  be  the  priest’s  due  from  the 
people,  from  them  chat  ‘'offer  a sacrifice,  whether  it 
be  ox  or  sheep  : and  they  shall  give  unto  the  priest 
ihe  shoulder,  and  the  two  cheeks,  and  the  maw. 

4  The  “first-fruit  also  of  thy  corn,  of  thy  wine, 
and  of  thine  oil,  and  the  first  of  fthe  fleece  of  thy 
sheep,  shalt  thou  give  him. 

5  For  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  ^chosen  him  out 
of  all  thy  tribes,  to  stand  to  minister  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord,  him  and  his  sons  for  ever. 

6  And  if  a Levite  hcome  from  any  of  thy  gates 
out  of  all  Israel,  where  he  sojourned,  and  'come 
with  all  the  desire  of  his  mind  'unto  the  place 
which  the  Lord  shall  choose ; 

7  Then  he  shall  minister  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord  his  God,  'as  all  his  brethren  the  Levites  do, 
which  stand  there  before  the  Lord. 

8  They  shall  have  'like  portions  to  eat,  beside 
’that  which  cometh  of  the  sale  of  his  patrimony. 

a 10:9.  12:19.  Num.  18:20.  26:62.  Josh.  13:33.  18:7.  1 Pet.  5:2—1.  b Num.  18: 
8,9.  Josh.  13:14.  1 Cor.  9:13.  cGen.  15:1.  I s.  16:5.  73:24—26.  84:11.  119:57. 
Is. 61:6  Lain,  3:24.  1 Pet.  2:5,9.  Rev.  1-5,6.  il  12,27.  Lev.  7:30-34.  e26:9, 

10.  Ex.  22:29.  23:19.  Lev.  23:10,17.  Num.  18:12—24.  2 Chr.  31:4—10.  Neh.  12: 
44—17.  f Job  21:20,  g 10:8.  Ex.  28:1 , &c.  Num.  3:10.  16:5,9,10.  17:5— 9.  25: 
13.  h See  on  Num.  35:2,3.  i Ps.  26  8.  27:4.  63:1,2.  84:10.  1 Till).  3:1.  I Pet. 
5:2.  j See  on  12:5.  16:2.  k 2 Chr.  31:2-4.  ll.ev.  7:8.9,14.  Nch,  12:44,47. 
Luke  10:7.  I Cor.  9:7 — 14.  1 Tim  5:17,18.  * Heb.  hie  sale  by  the  fathers,  m See 
on  12.29,30.  Lev.  18:26,27,30.  n 12:31.  Lev.  18:21.  2U:2— 5.  2 Kings  16:3.  17: 

godliness.  Against  those  evils,  princes  especially  need  to 
watch,  and  ought  to  be  cautioned  by  those  who  have  access 
to  them  ; lest  the  extensive  influence  of  their  example  and 
authority  should  become  ruinous  to  millions,  who  look  up  to 
them  for  protection  and  prosperity.  But  alas ! who  hath  bold- 
ness, disinterestedness,  and  zeal,  sufficient  to  venture  the  loss 
of  their  favour,  and  the  consequences  of  their  displeasure,  by 
* eminding  them  of  such  salutary  but  offensive  truths  ? ( Notes, 

1 Kings  22:8,13,14,26,27.)  Almost  all  men  rather  choose  to 
occupy  the  more  pleasing  and  profitable  place  of  flatterers  ; 
and  the  remaining  few  either  observe  a timid  silence,  or  soon 
are  driven  from  the  verge  of  courts.  ( Note , Amos  7:12,13.) 
Kings  themselves  have  therefore  the  more  need  to  be  employed 
in  the  daily  study  of  the  Scriptures,  and  of  whatever  can  en- 
able them  to  understand  the  Scripture  ; that  they  may  become 
well  acquainted  with  the  truth  and  will  of  God  ; and  learn  that 
true  wisdom,  which  begins  in  the  fear  of  him,  and  in  habitual 
regard  to  his  authority,  and  to  that  great  day  of  account,  in 
which  there  will  be  no  respect  of  persons.  But  alas  1 how 
much  of  God’s  word  is  overlooked  by  his  professed  people ! 
One  is  almost  induced  to  think  that  this  chapter  was  omitted 
in  Solomon’s  copy  of  the  law,  and  in  those  of  the  other  Kings  of 
Israel  and  Judah.  And  might  not  an  impartial  and  well-in- 
formed person  suppose  the  same  respecting  some  of  our  Bibles, 
with  reference  to  those  chapters  which  immediately  instruct 
men  in  the  duties  of  their  several  stations,  and  improvement 
of  their  talents,  especially  the  highest  and  most  important, 
stations,  in  the  community,  and  in  the  church  of  God  '!  We 
all  however  ought  more  carefully  and  exactly  to  study  the 
Scriptures,  to  examine  ourselves,  to  watch  our  hearts,  to 
avoid  temptations,  and  to  pray  for  faith  and  grace,  by  which 
we  may  be  enabled  to  observe  all  the  commandments  of  God; 
for  “ in  keeping  of  them  there  is  great  reward.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XVIII.  V.  1,  2.  Mar g.  Ref 
V.  3.  The  two  cheeks,  (probably  the  whole  head  with  the 
tonguo,)  and  the  maw,  are  supposed  to  have  been  at  this  time 
first  glinted  out  of  the  peace-offerings,  in  addition  to  what 
had  before  been  allotted  the  priests  and  Levites : for  they 
are  not  mentioned  in  the  preceding  laws.  ( Note , Lev.  7:29 
— 34.) 

V.  4,  5.  The  proportion  of  each  particular  to  be  offered 
as  first-fruits  is  nowhere  fixed ; and  it  seems  to  have  been 
^eff  to  every  man’s  own  conscience,  according  to  his  circum- 
stances, and  as  a test  of  his  zeal  and  liberality. 

V.  6 — 8.  It  seems  that  the  Levites  officiated  by  courses, 
or  according  to  some  rule,  from  their  first  establishment  in 
Canaan : but  if  any  one,  out  of  his  course,  from  cordial  love 
of  the  ordinances  and  courts  of  the  Lord,  preferred  officiating 
as  a servant  to  the  priests  at  the  sanctuary,  to  living  at  his 
own  city,  he  was  to  be  encouraged  by  some  addition  to  his 
maintenance.  The  words  rendered  u the  sale  of  his  patrimony” 
are  variously  interpreted,  and  are  obscure  to  us ; but  probably 
*hey  mean,  that  the  Levite  must  not  be  deprived  of  any  part 
jf  what  would  otherwise  accrue  to  him,  whether  from  the  sale 


9 H When  thou  art  come  into  the  iand  w hici* 
the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee,  mthou  shalt  not 
learn  to  do  after  the  abominations  of  those  na 
tions. 

10  There  shall  not  be  found  among  you  any 
one  that  "maketli  his  son  or  Ins  daughter  to  pass 
through  the  fire,  or  “that  useth  divination,  or  an 
observer  of  times,  or  an  enchanter,  or  a witch, 

11  Or  a charmer,  or  a consulter  with  familiar 
spirits,  or  a wizard,  For  a necromancer. 

12  For  all  that  do  these  things  are  an  abomina- 
tion unto  the  Lord:  and  because  lof  these  abo- 
minations the  Lord  thy  God  doth  drive  them  out 
from  before  thee. 

13  Thou  “shalt  be 'perfect  with  the  Lord  thy 
God. 

14  For  these  nations,  which  thou  shalt  'possess, 
hearkened  unto  observers  of  times,  and  unto 
diviners:  but  as  lor  thee,  the  Lord  thy  God  “hath 
not  suffered  thee  so  to  do. 

15  The  Lord  thy  God  will  raise  up  unto  thee 
la  Prophet  from  the  midst  of  thee,  of  thy  brethren, 
“like  unto  me ; “unto  him  ye  shall  hearken : 

16  According  to  all  that  thou  desiredst  of  the 
Lord  thy  God  in  Horeb,  ?in  the  day  of  the 
assembly,  saying,  “Let  me  not  hear  again  the 
voice  of  the  Lord  my  God  : neither  let  me  see  this 
great  fire  any  more,  that  I die  not. 

17  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  “They  have 
well  spoken  that  which  they  have  spoken. 


17.  21:6.  2 Chr.  28:3.  Pa.  106:37,38.  Jer.  19:4—6.  32:35.  o Ex.  22:18.  I.ev.  19: 
26,31.  20:26,27.  1 Sam.  28:3,7,9.  1 Chr.  10:13.  2 Chr.  33:6.  Is.  8:19,20.  47:13. 
Acts  19:19.  Gal.  5:20.  p 1 Sam.  28:11— 14.  qSe«  r.n  9:4.  Lev.  18:24,27. 

r Gen.  6:9.  17:1.  Job  1 :1 ,8.  Ps.  37:37.  Mall.  5:48.  Phil.  3: 12,15.  Rev.  3:2.  t Or, 
upright,  or,  sincere.  1 Or , inherit.  s 5-e  on  10.  Ps.  147: 19,20.  Acts  14:16. 
118,19.  John  1:45.  Acts  3:22,23.  7:37.  u 5:5.  34:10  Luke  24:19.  1 Tim.  2:5. 
Heb.  3:2— 6.  x Matt.  17:5.  Luke  9:35.  10: 16.  John  6:29.  Heb.  1:2.  2:1— 3. 

1 John  3:23.  y9:10.  z 5:24— 28.  Ex.  20:19.  Heb.  12:19.  a See  on5:28. 


of  his  portion  of  the  tithes,  or  the  rent  of  houses  in  the  cities 
allotted  to  that  tribe,  or  any  private  property  which  he  had 
acquired. — Some  indeed  suppose,  that  the  priests  exclusively 
are  meant;  because  the  expression,  u minister  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord”  properly  belongs  to  them  ; and  because  the 
Levites  had  no  portions  out  of  the  sacrifices.  But  in  perform- 
ing their  services  at  the  tabernacle  they  ministered  to  the 
Lord,  though  as  servants  to  the  priests.  (I  Sam.  2:18.  3:1.) 
And  as  the  people  were  repeatedly  enjoiipd  to  be  liberal  to 
them,  they  would  doubtless,  at  the  sanctuary,  frequently 
share  the  peace-offerings,  and  all  other  oblations  ; except  the 
holy  things,  of  which  none  but  the  priests  and  their  families 
might  eat.  (12:12,18,19.  14:29.  16:11.)  Both  priests  and 
ordinary  Levites  indeed  seem  to  be  intended. 

V.  9 — 12.  The  several  terms  here  employed,  must  include 
every  species  of  that  superstition  or  idolatry,  which  consists 
in  seeking  such  information  or  help  from  invisible  beings,  real 
or  supposed,  as  cannot  be  obtained  from  God  ; or  in  establish- 
ing other  rules  of  conduct  than  his  precepts,  explained  by  the 
sober  use  of  our  rational  faculties.  And  we  can  expect  no 
instruction  or  help  from  him  except  in  the  use  of  such  means 
as  are  naturally  efficacious,  or  in  attending  on  his  instituted 
ordinances.  The  translation  itself,  without  criticising  the 
original  terms,  indisputably  proves  that  the  venerable  trans - 
lators  supposed  all  calculations  of  lucky  or  unlucky  days  for 
undertaking  any  enterprise,  all  attempts  to  charm  away  dis- 
eases by  unmeaning  observations,  all  amulets  or  spells  by  way 
of  preservative,  as  well  as  every  kind  of  fortune-telling,  to  be 
prohibited. — Not  only  would  such  practices  be  abominable  in 
the  Israelites;  but  they  were  so  offensive,  even  in  the  Ca- 
naanites,  as  to  form  a chief  cause  of  their  dreadful  extirpation : 
being  all  of  them  either  human  imposture,  or  diabolical  delu- 
sion ; and  either  way  conducive  to  the  gratification  of  that 
ambitious  spirit,  who  aspires,  in  every  form,  to  be  the  god  and 
prince  of  this  world.  (Marg.  Ref  Notes , Ex.  22:18.  Lav. 
18:21,24—30.  19:26.  20:2—5.)  x 

Y.  13.  Be  perfect .]  That  is,  Be  singly  dependent  on  the 
Lord , and  devoted  to  him.  (Notes,  Job  1:1.  Matt.  5:43 — 48.) 

V.  15 — 19.  In  order  to  counteract  the  temptation,  to 
which  the  Israelites  would  he  exposed,  to  imitate  the  Gen- 
tiles in  the  various  arts  of  divination : the  Lord  gave  them 
inthnations,  that  he  intended  to  afford  them  supernatural 
information,  as  far  as  profitable  for  them. — Many  expositors, 
both  Jewish  and  Christian,  suppose  that  a succession  of  pro- 
phets, till  the  times  of  the  Messiah,  is  intended  in  the  pro- 
mise. But  if  this  be  well  grounded,  (as  the  context  may 
seem  to  give  some  countenance  to  it,)  they  must  be  consi- 
dered as  speaking  by  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  and  as  preparing 
the  way  for  his  coming  ; without  which  all  the  rest  would  by 
no  means  have  been  an  adequate  completion  of  it.  This 
however  is  certain,  that  it  is  a prediction  which  has  had  ils 
main  accomplishment  in  our  blessed  Saviour.  As  the  great 
Antitype,  he  resembled  Moses  more  than  any  other  prophet 
ever  did  ; and  with  much  greater  exactness,  than  he  did  any  ol 

( 347  ) 


D.  C.  > 451. 


DEUTERONOMY. 


B.  C.  1451 


18  1 will  braise  them  up  a Prophet  from  among 
thnr  brethren,  "like  unto  thee,  and  dwili  put  my 
words  in  his  mouth ; and  ehe  shall  speak  unto  them 
all  that  I shall  command  him. 

19  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  fwhosoever 
will  not  hearken  unto  my  words,  which  he  shall 
speak  in  my  name,  I will  require  it  of  him. 

20  But  ethe  prophet  which  shall  presume  to 
speak  a word  in  my  name  which  I have  not  com- 
manded him  to  speak,  or  that  shall  speak  fcin  the 
name  of  other  gods,  even  that  prophet  shall  die. 

21  And  if  thou  say  in  thine  heart,  'How  shall 
we  know  the  word  which  the  Lord  hath  not 
spoken  ? 

b See  on  15.  c 5:5.  3S:5.  Ex.  40:26— 29.  Nam.  12:6— 8, S3.  Ps. 2-6.  110:4.  Is. 
9.6.7.  Ztrch.  6:13.  Luke  24: 19.  Gal.  3:19,20.  1 Tim.  2:5.  Heb.  3:5,6.  7:2*.  12: 
24,25.  d Is.  50:4.  51:16.  John  17:8.  e John  4:25.  8:28.  12:49,50.  15:15.  f Mark 
16:16.  Acts  3:23.  Heb.  3:7.  10:26.  12:25,26.  g 13:5.  Jer.  14:14,15.23:13—15,31. 

the  prophets  or  typical  persons  mentioned  in  the  Old  Testa- 
ment.— Bom  in  the  reign  of  a persecuting  tyrant,  his  life 
was  sought  in  his  infancy,  and  wonderfully  preserved  whilst 
many  other  infants  were  destroyed.  (Notes,  Ex.  2:  Matt.  2:) 
At  the  entrance  of  his  work,  he  rejected  the  proposal  of 
“ the  kingdoms  of  the  world,  and  the  glory  of  them  as 
Moses  did  the  prospect  of  honour  and  affluence  in  Egypt  ; 
and  preferred  a suffering,  poor,  and  despised  life.  (Notes, 
Matt.  4:8 — 11.  Heb.  11:24 — 26.)  He  was  opposed  by  those 
very  persons,  for  whose  sake  he  had  thus  voluntarily  impo- 
verished himself ; yet,  in  the  appointed  time  and  manner,  he 
accomplished  the  redemption  of  his  people.  (Note,  Acts 
7:30 — 36.)  His  meekness  and  patience  far  exceeded  those  by 
which  Moses  was  distinguished.  He  united  in  one  person 
the  offices  of  Prophet,  Priest,  and  King.  His  transfiguration 
reminds  us  of  Moses’s  face  shining  when  he  came  down  from 
the  mount.  He  feeds  his  people  with  the  true  manna,  and 
gives  them  living  water  to  drink.  Many  of  his  miracles 
resembled  those  of  Moses ; but  especially  his  commanding 
the  winds  and  waves,  and  walking  upon  the  sea,  remind  us 
of  the  Red  Sea  divided  at  the  word  of  Moses,  that  Israel 
might  pass  through.  He  was  opposed  by  his  brethren  as  well 
as  by  the  people  ; and  was  especially  objected  to  for  espous- 
ing the  Gentiles  as  his  church.  All  the  prophets  and  apostles 
spake  as  his  delegates ; even  as  all  the  former  enforced  the 
law  of  Moses : the  whole  Scripture  is  his  word,  and  all  mi- 
nisters obtain  their  authority  and  receive  their  instructions 
from  him.  His  knowledge  of  the  Father,  and  his  intimate 
fellowship  with  him,  are  unexampled  and  appropriate.  His 
life  was  spent,  and  laid  down,  for  the  benefit  of  his  people, 
and  for  their  sins;  and  his  resurrection  precluded  the  exact 
knowledge  of  his  ^pulchre,  and  should  have  prevented  the 
superstitious  veneration  for  it.  When  he  left  his  disciples  he 
promised  them  another  Teacher  and  Comforter,  as  Moses, 
before  he  left  Israel,  promised  them  a Prophet  like  unto  him- 
self. And  it  will  most  awfully  be  required  of  those  who 
reject  his  salvation,  who  will  not  hearken  to  his  instructions, 
or  who  refuse  to  have  him  to  reign  over  them.  (Notes,  Acts 
2:22,23.  7:37 — 43.)  But  the  grand  point  in  which  this  resem- 
blance calls  for  our  attention,  is  that  marked  out  to  us  in  the 
sixteenth  Verse.  Moses  acted  as  mediator  between  God  and 
Israel,  when  the  people,  appalled  at  the  terrors  of  mount 
Sinai,  said,  u Let  us  not  hear  again  the  voice  of  the  Lord 
our  God,  neither  let  us  see  this  great  fire  any  more,  that  we 
die  not.;”  and  when  the  Lord  said,  M They  have  well  spoken 
that  which  they  have  spoken.”  (Notes,  5:22 — 29.  Ex.  20:18 
'—20.)  Thenceforth  the  Lord  put  his  words  into  the  mouth 
of  Moses,  through  whose  intervention  they  were  instructed, 
in  a manner  more  suited  to  their  character  and  circumstan- 
ces; and  through  whose  intercession  they  were  specially 
favoured  as  the  people  of  God.  But  Christ  is  the  “One 
Mediator  between  God  and  man.”  He  was  “raised  up  from 
the  midst  of  his  brethren yea,  he  assumed  our  nature  for 
that  very  purpose.  “No  man  knoweth  the  Father  but 
the  Son,  and  he  to  whom  the  Son  will  reveal  him.”  (Note, 
Matt.  11:27.)  To  these  “ it  is  given  to  know  the  mysteries 
of  the  kingdom  of  heaven ;”  but  to  such  as  as  refuse  to  hear 
him,  “all  things  are  spoken  in  parables.”  “ No  man  comcth 
to  the  Father  but  by  him:”  for  “he  is  able  to  save  to  the 
uttermost  all  that  come  to  God  by  him;  seeing  he  ever  liveth 
to  make  intercession  for  them.”  No  one  of  Adam’s  fallen 
race  can  know  God,  or  learn  his  truth  and  will,  or  approach 
him  with  comfort  and  acceptance,  except  through  Christ; 
any  more  than  Israel  could  have  endured  the  revelation  of 
God,  and  his  words  from  Sinai’s  fiery  top,  without  the  typical 
mediation  of  Moses.  This  is  unspeakably  the  most  impor- 
tant resemblance,  and  so  decided  and  unambiguous  a divine 
declaration  on  this  infinitely  important  subject,  in  this  ancient 
book,  is  peculiarly  worthy  of  observation. — In  other  things  a 
lively  fancy  might  trace  some  specious  similitude  between 
several  prophets  and  Moses;  but  in  this,  none  except  Jesus 
"Jhrist  ever  bore  the  most  remote  resemblance  to  him.  At 
he  same  time  ibis  prediction  was  a plain  intimation,  that  the 
dispensation  of  Moses,  and  the  law  which  he  gave,  (except 
as  coincident  with  ‘he  preceptive  part  of  all  divine  revelation,) 
were  to  endure  only  for  a time  : for  not  only  would  prophets 
true  to  enforce  his  law ; but  another  Prophet  also  like  to 

( 348  ) 


22  When  a prophet,  kspeaketh  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord,  'if  the  thing:  follow  not,  nor  come  to 
pass,  that  is  the  thing  which  the  Lord  hath  not 
spoken,  but  the  prophet  hath  spoken  it  "’presump- 
tuously ; thou  shalt  not  be  afraid  of  him. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

The  law  concerning  the  cities  of  refuge  enforced  and  explained , 1 — 13.  Land? 
marks  must  not  be  removed , 14.  Ttoo  witnesses  required  in  a criminal  cause, 
15.  How  the  false  witness  must  be  jjunished , 16 — 21. 

WHEN  the  Lord  thy  God  "hath  cut  off  the 
nations,  whose  land  the  Lord  thy  God 
giveth  thee,  and  thou  'succeedest  them,  and 
dwellest  in  their  cities,  and  in  their  houses ; 


27:15.  Ei.  13:6.  Malt.  7:15.  2Fel.2:l,2.  h 13:1,2.  1 King.  18:19,27,40.  Jer.  2: 
8.  Zech.  13:3.  Rev.  19:20.  1 1 Thes.  5:24.  1 John  4:1—3.  Rev.  2:2.  k Jer.  28: 
1—14.  1 13:2.  2 Kings  20:1.  Jon.  3:4.  4:2.  Zech.  1:5,6.  roSO.  Jer.  28: 15— 11. 

a 6:10.  7:1,2.  12:1.  17:14.  * Heb.  inheritest,  or  posstssest.  12:29.  marg. 

him,  who,  as  a Lawgiver  and  Mediator,  would  introduce  a 
new  and  more  spiritual  and  permanent  dispensation.  (Notes, 
Heb.  7:1 1 — 17.  8:7—13.) 

V.  20 — 22.  These  verses  contain  a clear  prediction,  that 
there  should  “ also  arise  false  prophets  among  the  people,” 
and  at  length  deceivers  pretending  to  be  the  promised  Mes- 
siah ; and  they  constitute  a direct  command  to  the  rulers  to 
punish  them  with  death,  as  presumptuous  transgressors  of 
the  divine  law.  If  such  impostors  spake  in  the  name  of  any 
other  God  than  Jehovah,  the  case  was  clear,  and  no  fur- 
ther proof  of  guilt  was  needful ; and  accordingly  Elijah  ordered 
the  immediate  execution  of  all  Baal’s  prophets.  (Note, 

1 Kings  18:40.)  If  the  pretended  message  from  God  was 
evidently  contrary  to  the  grand  principles  of  the  law,  the 
case  coincided  with  that  before  stated.  (Note,  13:1 — 5.)  If 
a man  only  exhorted  the  people  to  obey  the  commands  of 
God,  he  certainly  needed  no  other  credentials  : but  if  his 
message  was  doubtful  in  this  respect ; and  being  required  to 
give  some  proof  of  his  divine  mission,  he  should  declare  that 
such  or  such  an  event  would  take  place  at  a certain  time,  (as 
Moses  had  done  repeatedly  to  .Pharaoh,)  and  the  event  did 
not  take  place;  the  people  might  be  sure  he  was  a deceiver, 
and  need  not  fear  his  denunciations. — When  a prophet  threat- 
ened judgments  on  the  people  for  their  sins,  there  was  always 
an  implied  hope  of  mercy  in  case  they  repented : and  in  some 
instances,  general  promises  of  prosperity  might  be  connected 
with  the  supposition  of  continued  good  behaviour.  (Note, 
Jer.  18:7 — 10.)  But  when  made  absolute,  and  when  the  time 
was  fixed,  (as  in  Hananiah’s  prediction,  Jer.  28:)  the  failure 
was  full  proof  of  imposture.  The  Jews,  in  demanding  of  our 
Lord  a sign  from  heaven,  after  all  the  undeniable  and  benefi- 
cent miracles  which  he  bad  performed,  seem  to  have  had  this 
law  in  mind.  But  his  doctrine  perfectly  accorded  to  the  pre- 
ceding Scriptures  rightly  understood;  he  appealed  to  the  tes- 
timony of  Moses  and  the  prophets,  as  well  as  that  of  John 
the  Baptist,  in  connexion  with  his  own  miracles  ; every  thing 
in  the  preceding  dispensations  was  suited  to  lead  the  impar- 
tial and  pious  mind  to  expect  such  a Messiah  as  he  was,  and 
such  a change  as  he  showed  an  intention  to  Hfect ; and 
finally,  it  was  foretold,  that  he  should  he  put  to  death  by  the 
teacliers  and  rulers  of  Israel : he  would  therefore  give  tin  m 
no  other  sign  than  that  of  Jonah,  which  being  answered  in 
his  death  and  resurrection  on  the  third  day,  was  in  all  respects 
perfectly  satisfactory.  (Notes,  Matt.  12:38 — 12.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  ministers  of  the  gospel  should,  by  a decent  provision, 
be  preserved  from  pressing  temptations  to  entangle  themselves 
with  the  affairs  of  this  life,  that  they  may  he  a!  leisure  fur 
their  proper  employment  ; and  they  are  absolutely  inexcusa- 
ble, if  covetousness,  and  other  carnal  principles,  engage 
them  in  contentions,  lawsuits,  or  selfish  projects.  (Note, 

2 Tim.  2:3 — 7.) — We  do  nothing  to  good  purpose,  that  «<■ 
do  not  engage  in  “ with  all  the  desire  of  our  mind.”  1 1 is  v.  ell 
when  this  influences  us  “ to  leave  all  for  the  sake  of  Christ, 
and  the  gospel.”  Hs  will  not  suffer  such  disciples  to  “ lo«c 
their  reward  ;”  and  it  is  his  appointment,  that  those  ministers, 
who  “labour  most  in  the  word  and  doctrine”  should  be  best 
provided  for.  Yea,  they  who  will  do  no  more  in  God's  ser- 
vice than  man  will  pay  them  for,  are  not  worthy  of  being 
called  the  ministers  of  Christ  at  all.  (Note,  Mai.  1:9 — 11. ) — 
Christians  are  required  simply  to  trust  the  Lord,  and  submit  to 
him;  and  cannot  want  any  information,  security,  or  assist- 
ance, which  he  will  not  afford  them:  and  the  Lord  their  God 
not  only  doth  not  suffer  them  to  do  such  things  as  he  abhorred 
in  the  Canaanites,  and  will  much  more  ahhor  in  them  ; hut 
he  calls  upon  them  to  bear  testimony  against  every  evil  work. 
We  have  a Prophet  like  unto  Moses,  but  infinitely  superior 
to  show  us  the  truth  nnd  will  of  God,  the  way  of  acceptance 
and  of  holiness  ; nay,  to  “show  us  the  Father ;”  for  “ he  that 
hath  seen  him  hath  seen  tho  Father:”  “he  dwelleth  in  the 
Father,  and  the  Father  in  him.”  (Note,  John  14:7 — 14.) 
Yet  is  he  raised  up  from  among  his  brethren,  nnd  dwell* 
likewise  in  human  nature.  That  view  ofGod  which  he  gives, 
will  not  terrify  or  overwhelm,  hut  encourage  ns:  he  speaks 
with  fraternal  affection  and  divine  authority  conjoined.  Wo 
then  be  to  those  who  refuso  to  hearken  to  his  v >iee,  to 
accept  of  his  salvation,  or  yield  obedience  to  his  sway  Bu* 


B.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


B C.  1451. 


2 Thou  shalt  bseparate  three  cities  for  thee  in 
the  midst  of  thy  land,  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
giveth  thee  to  possess  it. 

3 Thou  shalt  'prepare  thee  a way,  and  divide 
the  coasts  of  thy  land,  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
giveth  thee  to  inherit,  into  three  parts,  that  every 
slayer  may  flee  thither. 

4 And  this  is  the  case  of  dthe  slayer  which  shall 
flee  thither,  that  he  may  live : whoso  killethhis  neigh- 
jour  ignorantly,  whom  he  hated  not  ‘in  time  past ; 

5 As  when  a man  goeth  into  the  wood  with  his 
neighbour  to  hew  wood,  and  his  hand  fetcheth  a 
stroke  with  the  axe  to  cut  down  the  tree,  and  the 
'head  slippeth  from  the  (helve,  and  ^lighteth  upon 
his  neighbour,  that  he  die ; 'he  shall  flee  unto  one 
of  those  cities  and  live : 

6 Lest  fthe  avenger  of  the  blood  pursue  £he 
slayer,  while  his  heart  is  hot,  and  overtake  him, 
because  the  way  is  long,  and  "slay  him ; whereas 
he  was  snot  worthy  of  death,  inasmuch  as  he 
nated  him  not  ’’in  time  past. 

7 Wherefore  I command  thee,  saying,  Thou 
shalt  separate  three  cities  for  thee. 

8 And  if  the  Lord  thy  God  henlarge  thy  coast, 
as  he  hath  sworn  unto  thy  fathers,  and  give  thee  all 
the  land  which  he  promised  to  give  unto  thy 
fathers ; 

9 ('If  thou  shalt  keep  all  these  commandments 
to  do  them,  which  I command  thee  this  day, 
to  love  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  to  walk  ever  in 
his  ways  :)  then  shalt  thou  add  three  cities  more 
for  thee,  beside  these  three  : 

10  That  ’innocent  blood  be  not  shed  in  thy 
land,  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee  for  an 
inheritance,  and  so  blood  be  upon  thee. 

11  But  kif  any  man  hate  his  neighbour,  and  lie 
in  wait  for  him,  and  rise  up  against  him,  and  smite 
him  "mortally  that  he  die,  and  fleeth  into  one  of 
these  cities ; 

12  Then  the  elders  of  his  city  shall  send  and 
fetch  him  thence,  and  deliver  him  into  the  hand 
of  the  avenger  of  blood,  that  he  may  die. 

b 4:11 — 43.  Ex.  21:13.  Num.  33:10— 15.  Josh.  2U:2— 7.  Heb.  6:18.  c Is.  35:8.  57: 
14.  62:10.  Heb.  12:13.  d 4:42.  Num.  35:15 — 24.  * Heb.  from  yesterday  the 

thirdday.  6.  Gen. 31:2.  Josh.  3:4 . I Chr.  11:2.  Is.  30:33.  margins.  t Heb. 
iron.  2Kings6:5 — 7.  1 Heb.  wood.  § Heb  .findeth.  eNiim.35:z5.  Prov. 27:12. 
Is.  32:2.  f Num.  35:12.  Josh. 20:5. 2Sam.  14:7.  ||  Heb.  smile  him  in  life.  g21: 
22.  Jer.  26: 15.16.  II  Heb.  from  yesterday  the  third  day.  4.  h 11:24,25.  12:20. 
Gen.  15:18-21.  28:14.  Ex.  23:31.  1 Kings  4:21.  Ezra  4:20.  i See  on  11 :22— 25. 
41:32.  j 13.  21:8.  1 Ki»°s2:31.  2 Kings  21:16.  24:4.  Ps.  94:21.  Prov.  6:17.  Is. 
69:7.  Jer. 7:6,7.  Joel3:19.  Jon.  1:14/  Matt.  27:4,5.  k27:24.  Ex. 21:12— 14. 

Num.  35. 16 — 21.  Prov.  28:17.  "Heb  .inlife.  1 1 Kings  2:5,6,28— 34.  m7.16. 
13:8.  25:12.  Ez.  16:5.  n21:9.  Gen.  9:6.  Lev.  24:17,21.  Num.  35-33,34  . 2 Sam. 


'•appy  they  who  trust  and  obey  him  ! He  will  lead  them  into 
the  paths  of  safety  and  of  peace  ; he  will  teach  them  to  dis- 
tinguish his  ministers  from  those  of  Satan,  however  disguised ; 
and  he  will  preserve  them  from  every  delusion,  until  he  bring 
them  to  the  land  of  perfect  light,  purity,  and  felicity. 

NOTES— Chap.  XIX.  V.  2—10.  (Notes  and  P.  O. 
Num.  35:9 — 34.  Josh.  20:)  Three  cities  of  refuge  had  already 
been  allotted  on  the  east  of  Jordan;  (4:41 — 43.)  and  the 
other  three  were  ordered  to  he  set  apart,  as  soon  as  the 
people  were  settled  in  the  country  west  of  Jordan : and  in 
case  their  boundaries  should  in  after  ages  be  enlarged,  three 
more  were  to  he  added.  In  selecting  these  cities  they  were 
commanded  to  be  careful  to  proportion  the  distances,  “ that 
the  way  might  not  be  too  long”  to  some  one  of  them,  from 
any  part  of  the  land : and  the  way  was  also  to  be  prepared ; 
“ that  innocent  blood  should  not  be  shed  in  their  land,”  by  the 
avenger  of  blood  overtaking  the  unfortunate  manslayer, 
before  he  arrived  at  a place  of  refuge. — The  promise  of  still 
further  enlarging  the  possessions  of  Israel,  was  conditional; 
and  by  their  disobedience  they  so  far  forfeited  it,  that  these 
additional  cities  of  refuge  seem  never  to  have  been  appointed. 
The  Jews  flatter  themselves  with  the  expectation  of  a future 
accomplishment  of  these  promises,  when  this  addition  will  be 
made. 

V.  11.— 13.  Notes,  Ex.  21:12 — 14.  Num.  35:16— 23. 

V.  14.  As  landmarks  constituted  the  customary  method 
of  distinguishing  landed  property  in  those  days ; removing 
them  would  be  a crime  among  the  Israelites,  similar  to 
forging,  altering,  destroying,  or  concealing  the  title-deeds  of 
estates  at  this  day ; and  it  would  occasion  atrocious  injustice, 
and  make  way  for  dispute  and  lawsuits.  (Mar.  Ref.) 

V.  15 — 21.  One  witness  was  insufficient  to  prove  a crime 
against  any  person ; (Notes,  17:2 — 7.  1 Tim.  5:19,20.)  and 

if  his  evidence  was  suspected  to  be  false,  he  would  himself 
be  liable  to  a prosecution.  But  as  it  might  be  difficult  to 
decide  such  a cause,  it  must  be  referred  to  the  supreme 
court : and  if  on  strict  inquiry  he  was  found  guilty,  the  law  of 
retaliation  must  be  adopted  and  strictly  executed,  as  the 


13  mThine  eye  shall  not  pity  him  ; hut  “thou 
shalt  put  away  the  guilt  of  innocent  blood  from 
Israel,  that  it  may  go  well  with  thee. 

14  H Thou  “shalt  not  remove  thy  neighbour’s 
land-mark,  which  they  of  old  time  have  set  in 
thine  inheritance,  which  thou  shalt  inherit  in  the 
land  that  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee  u* 
possess  it. 

15  H One  witness  shall  not  rise  up  against  a 
man  for  any  iniquity,  or  for  any  sin,  in  any  sin 
that  he  sinneth  : rat  the  mouth  of  two  witnesses, 
or  at  the  mouth  of  three  witnesses,  shall  the  matter 
be  established. 

16  If  9a  false  witness  rise  up  against  any  man, 
to  testify  against  him  tt that  which  is  wrong ; 

17  Then  both  the  men,  between  whom  the 
controversy  is,  shall  stand  before  the  Lord,  “before 
the  priests  and  the  judges  which  shall  be  in  those 
days. 

18  And  the  judges  shall  make ’diligent  inquisi- 
tion : and,  behold,  if  the  witness  he  a false 
witness,  and  hath  testified  falsely  against  his 
brother  ; 

19  Then  ‘shall  ye  do  unto  him,  as  he  had 
thought  to  have  done  unto  his  brother : "so  shah 
thou  put  away  the  evil  from  among  you. 

20  And  those  which  remain  shall  xhear,  and 
fear,  and  shall  henceforth  commit  no  more  any 
such  evil  among  you. 

21  And  ythine  eye  shall  not  pity;  6/if  “life  sh< rh 
go  for  life,  eye  for  eye,  tooth  for  tooth,  hand  for 
hand,  foot  for  foot. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

The  priest  required  to  exhort  the  soldiers  before  they  engage  tn  battle , 1 — 4. 
What  persons  the  officers  must  permit  to  retire , 5 — 9.  How  the  cities,  which 
acceptor  refuse  peace,  must  be  treated,  10 — 15.  The  devoted  nations  to  be 
extirpated,  16 — 18.  Fruit-trees  must  be  spared  in  a siege . 19,  20. 

WHEN  thou  “goest  out  to  battle  against 
thine  enemies,  and  seest  bhorses  and  chari- 
ots, and  a people  more  than  thou,  be  not  afraid  of 
them  : for  “the  Lord  thy  God  is  with  thee,  which 
brought  thee  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 

2 And  it  shall  be,  when  ye  are  come  nigh  unto 

21:1,14.  o 27:17.  Job  24:2.  Prov.  22:28.  23:10.  Hos.5:10.  j)  17:6.  Num.  35:30. 
1 Kilies  21:10,13.  Mall.  18:16.  26:60,61.  John  8:17.  2 Cor.  13.1.  1 Tun.  5:  IS 
Heh.  10:28.  Kev.  11:3— 7.  q Ex.  23:1— 7.  1 King. 21: 10— 13.  P».  27:12.  35:11 , 
Mark  14:55— 59.  Acts6;13.  tt  Or,  falling  aicagB  r 17:9.21:5.  Mai.  2:7.  Matt. 
23:2,3.  s See  on  13:14.  17:4.  2 Chr.  19:6,7.  Job  29:16.  t Prov.  19:5,9.  Jer.  14: 
15.  Man. 6:24.  u 13:5.  17:7.  19:20.21:20,21.  22:21,24.  24:7.  x 13:11.  17:7,13. 
Prov. 21:11.  Rom.  13:3,4.  1 Tim.  5:20.  y Sec  on  13.  z Ex.  21:23— 25.  Lev. 
24:17—21.  Matt.  5:38,39.  a 3:21,22.  7:1.  b Josh.  10:5— 8.  11:4—6,9.  Jurig. 
4 3—9.  2 Chr.  14:11.  20:12.  Ps.  20:7.  33.16.17.  Is.  31:1.  37:24,25.  c See  o i 
2:7.  Gen.  26:3.  Josh.  1:5.9.  Judg.  6:12.  2 Chr.  32:7,8.  Ps.  46:7,11.  118:6.  Is 
7:14.  8:9,10.  43:2.  Horn. 8:31. 


impartial  rule  of  the  magistrates  in  punishing  him,  without 
yielding  to  pity  ; that  the  fatal  effects  of  false  and  malicious 
testimony  might  be  prevented.  (Murg.  Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

In  conveying  instruction,  familiar  examples  and  illustrations, 
though  taken  from  the  most  ordinary  occupations  or  scenes 
of  life,  are  of  very  great  use,  to  give  determinate  ideas  of  the 
thing  to  be  inculcated : and  in  laws  especially,  precision 
should  be  studied,  that  the  distinction  between  the  innocent 
and  the  guilty,  and  between  a man’s  crime  and  his  calamity, 
may  be  as  plainly  specified  as  it  is  possible.  For  whether 
the  criminal  escape  unpunished,  or  the  innocent  suffer,  injus- 
tice is  committed  ; and  in  case  of  bloodshed,  guilt  is  brought 
upon  the  land  where  it  takes  place.  On  such  occasions 
compassion  for  the  offender  may  become  cruelty  to  numbers : 
it  must  therefore  be  moderated  ; or  counteracted  by  the  fear 
of  God,  the  love  of  justice,  and  general  benevolence.  Bui 
to  avoid  the  horrid  crime  of  murder,  we  must  watch  and  pray 
against  the  first  emotions  of  hatred  and  anger : and  to  be  , 
preserved  from  injustice,  we  must  beware  of  covetousness, 
which  is  wonderfully  ingenious  in  devising  such  methods  ot 
defrauding  as  may  escape  detection,  censure,  or  human 
punishment.  (Notes,  Ex.  26:1 3,15,1 7. ) — Alas!  what  a re- 
proach is  it  to  the  whole  human  species,  that  God  himself 
forbids  the  testimony  of  any  one  man  to  be  taken  in  things  ot 
consequence  ! Verily  he  judges  all  men  to  be  liars,  and  none 
absolutely  and  in  all  cases  to  be  trusted  ; which  is  not  only  a 
caution  to  judges  and  juries,  but  a reason  for  watchfulness 
and  humiliation  to  us  all. — Few  crimes  are  more  atrocious 
in  their  nature,  pernicious  in  their  effects,  or  affronting  to 
God,  than  bearing  false  witness  in  matters  of  great  import- 
ance ; and  with  us  especially,  since  it  is  always  connected 
with  perjury.  It  is  greatly  to  be  wished-  that  it  was  more 
commonly  and  severely  punished  by  man,  according  to  this 
most  excellent  and  equitable  law:  but  it  will  assuredly  meet 
with  its  due  punishment  from  a righteous  God ! Let  all 
Christians  however  be  cautious  not  only  in  bearing  publit 
testimony,  but  also  not  to  propagate  private  slatiders ; and  ie‘ 

( 349  ) 


B.  C.  1451 


DEUTERONOMY 


B.  C.  1451 


(lie  battle,  that  dthe  priest  shall  approach,  and 
speak  unto  the  people, 

3 And  shall  say  unto  them,  Hear,  0 Israel;  Ye 
approach -this  day  untc  battle  against  your  ene- 
mies; 'let  not  your  hearts  "faint;  fear  not,  and  do 
not 'tremble,  neither  (be  ye  terrified  becauseof  them: 

4 For  the  Lord  your  God  is  he  that  goeth  with 
you,  sto  fight  lor  you  against  your  enemies,  to 
save  you 

5 And  the  hofficers  shall  speak  unto  the  people, 
saying,  What  man  is  there  that  hath  built  a new 
house,  and  hath  not  ‘dedicated  it?  let  him  go  and 
return  to  his  house,  lest  he  die  in  the  battle,  and 
another  man  dedicate  it. 

6 And  what  man  is  he  that  hath  planted  a vine- 
yard, and  hath  not  yet  Jeaten  of  it?  let  him  also 
go  and  return  unto  his  house,  klest  he  die  in  the 
cattle,  and  another  man  eat  ofit. 

7 And  what  man  is  there  that  hath  'betrothed  a 
wife,  and  hath  not  taken  her?  let  him  go  and 
return  unto  his  house,  “lest  he  die  in  battle,  and 
another  man  take  her. 

8 And  the  officers  shall  speak  further  unto  the 
people,  and  they  shall  say,  What  man  is  there 
that  is  “fearful  and  faint-hearted  ? let  him  go  and 
return  unto  his  house,  “lest  his  brethren’s  heart 
Sfaint  as  well  as  his  heart. 

9 And  it  shall  be,  when  the  officers  have  made 
an  end  of  speaking  unto  the  people,  that  they 
6hall  make  captains  of  the  armies  uto  lead  the 
people. 

10  H When  thou  comest  nigh  unto  a city  to 
fight  against  it,  Pthen  proclaim  peace  unto  it. 

11  And  it  shall  be,  if  it  make  thee  answer  of 
peace,  and  open  unto  thee,  then  it  shall  be,  that 
all  the  people  that  is  found  therein  shall  be  ^tribu- 
taries unto  thee,  and  they  shall  serve  thee. 

i]  Num.  10:8,9.  31:6.  Judg.  20:27,23.  1 Sam.  14:18.  30:7,8.  2 Chr.  13:12.  e Ps. 
27:1—3.  Is.  35:3,4.  41:10—11.  Matt.  10:16,23,31 . Eph.  6-11—18.  lTlies.5:14. 
Heb.  12" 12,13.  Rev.  2:10.  * Heb.  be  tender,  t Heb.  make  haste.  Is. 28:16.  f Ps. 
3:6  Is.  8:12,13.  Matt.  8:26.  Mark  16:6— 18.  Acts  18:9,10.  27:24.  1 Tim.  6:12. 
Heb.  13:6.  g 1:30  . 3:22.  11:25.  32:30.  Ex.  14:14.  Josh.  10:42.  23:10.  Ps.  144:1, 
2.  Rom.  8.37.  h 1:15.  16:18.  Num.  31:14,43.  1 Sam.  17:18.  i Neh.  12:27.  Ps. 
30.  Title.  X Keb.  made  it  common.  Lev.  19:23 — 25.  Jer.  31:5.  k Is.  65:22. 
Zeph.  1:13.  1 2*2:23— 25.  24:5.  Matt.  1 : 18.  m 23:30.  Luke  14:18— 20.  2 Tim. 
2,4.  n 1:28  . 23:9.  Judg.  7:3.  Luke  9:62.  Acts  15:37,38.  Rev.  3:16.  21:8.  o Num. 
13:31—33.  14:1—3.  32:9.  I Cor.  15:33.  § Heb.  melt.  See  on  1:28.  marg.  Ex. 

15:f5.  ||  Heb.  to  be  in  the  head  of  the  people,  p 2 Sam.  20:13 — 20.  Is. 57:19, 
Zech.  9:10.  Luke  10:5,6.  Acts  10:33.  2 for.  5:18— 21 . 6:1.  Eph.  2:17.  q Lev. 


those  whose  consciences  accuse  them  of  these  or  other 
crimes,  without  delay  flee  for  refuge  to  the  hope  set  before 
us  in  Jesus  Christ. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XX.  V.  1 — 4.  In  all  the  wars  which 
Israel  waged  according  to  the  will  of  God,  they  might 
assuredly  expect  his  special  assistance.  This  should  have 
been  their  oifly  confidence;  of  this  his  former  wonderful 
works  were  their  assurance;  and  of  these  the  priests  were 
required  to  remind  them  for  their  encouragement.  It  is  gene- 
rally thought,  that  one  of  the  most  considerable  of  the  priests 
always  accompanied  their  armies,  to  perform  the  service 
there  stated. 

V.  5 — 9.  The  Israelites  were  accustomed  to  enter  on 
their  houses  when  finished,  by  making  a cheerful  feast  for 
their  friends  ; accompanied,  as  it  seems  reasonable  to  con- 
clude, with  a solemn  act  of  devotion,  by  which  their  habita- 
tions were  put  under  the  immediate  protection  of  God,  and 
the  blessings  of  his  grace  and  peace  were  supplicated,  that 
they  might  prove  houses  of  harmony  and  piety.  ( Note , Ps.  30: 
title.) — It  is  probable  that  these  regulations  were  not  intended 
to  take  place  in  the  first  wars  of  Canaan,  in  which  all  who 
were  able  were  required  to  enlist;  but  in  those  in  which  the 
nation  might  afterwards  engage.  They  however  contain  a 
remarkable  illustration  of  the  Lord’s  condescension  to  all  the 
allowable  affections  of  human  nature,  and  were  calculated  to 
compose  armies  constituted  of  persons  whose  minds  were 
free  from  discomposure  and  dismay.  Some  suppose  that  the 
fearful  were  such  as  were  intimidated  by  a guilty  conscience  ; 
and  thence  infer  that  atrocious  sinners  are  an  encumbrance 
and  a curse  to  armies,  as  well  as  churches.  (23:9.  JVt/tes, 
Josh.  7:10 — 12.  P.  O.  10 — 15.  Judg.  7:2,3.)  This  is  indeed 
very  different  from  the  principles  of  modern  tactics,  and  the 
practice  of  modern  statesmen  and  commanders. — However, 
until  the  cowards  were  dismissed,  the  subordinate  officers 
must  not.  be  appointed. 

V.  10 — 18.  We  must  suppose,  in  the  cases  here  intended, 
.hat  the  Israelites  had  some  warrantable  cause  of  levying 
var  ; which  covet  ou*;n  *.ss,  ambition,  and  the  thirst  of  dominion 
iould  not  he.  When,  therefore,  they  had  been  injured  or 
assaulted  by  any  foreign  na  i >n,  they  were  required  to  pro- 
ceed in  i he  manner  here  prescribed:  for  the  Lord  purposed 
by  these  means  to  enlarge  their  dominions,  whilst  they  con- 
tinued obedient  There  were  doubtless  wise  reasons  why 
( 350  ) 


12  And  if  it  will  make  no  peace  with  thee, 
but  will  make  war  against  thee,  then  thou  shall 
besiege  it. 

13  And  when  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  delivered 
it  into  thine  hands,  rthou  shalt  smite  every  male 
thereof  with  the  edge  of  the  sword. 

14  But  ’the  women  and  the  little  ones,  and  the 
cattle,  and  all  that  is  in  the  city,  even  all  the  spoil 
thereof  shalt  thou  "take  unto  thyself;  and  thou 
shalt  eat  the  spoil  of  thine  enemies,  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  hath  given  thee. 

15  Thus  shalt  thou  do  unto  all  the  cities  which 
are  very  far  off  from  thee,  which  are  not  of  tl  e 
cities  of  these  nations. 

16  But  ‘of  the  cities  of  these  people,  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  doth  give  thee  for  an  inheritance, 
thou  shalt  save  alive  nothing  that  breatheth  : 

17  But  “thou  shalt  utterly  destroy  them,  namely, 
xthe  Hittites  and  the  Amorites,  the  Canaanites, 
and  the  Perizzites,  the  Hivites,  and  the  Jebusites, 
as  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  commanded  thee:. 

18  That  they  rteach  you  not  to  do  after  all 
their  abominations,  which  they  have  done  unto 
their  gods;  so  should  ye  sin  against  the  Lord 
your  God. 

19  H When  thou  shalt  besiege  a city  a long 
time,  in  making  war  against  it  to  take  it,  thou 
shalt  not  destroy  the  trees  thereof  by  forcing  an 
axe  against  them  : for  thou  mayest  eat  of  them, 
and  Hhou  shalt  not  cut  them  down  ("for  the  “tree 
of  the  field  is  man’s  life)  T,to  employ  them  in  the 
siege. 

20  Only  the  trees,  which  thou  knowest  that 
they  he  not  trees  for  meat,  thou  shalt  destroy,  and 
cut  them  down ; band  thou  shalt  build  bulwarks 
against  the  city  that  maketh  war  with  thee,  until 
it  Ttbe  subdued. 


25:42—44.  Josh.  9:22,23,27.  11:19,20.  16:10.  Judg.  1:28,30— 35.  1 Kings  9:21 ,22 
Ps.  120:7.  Luke  19:14.  r See  on  Num.  31 :7, 17, IS.  1 Kings  1 1 : 15,16.  Ps.  2:6— 
12.  21:8,9.  110:1.  Luke  19:27.  2Thes.  1:7—9.  s Num.  3L9, 12. 18,35,  Sic.  Josh 
8:2.  11:14.  2Chr.  11:13— 15.  2U:25.  Ps.  68:12.  Rom.  8:37.  H IJeh.  spoil.  1 7: 
2,3,16.  Num.  21:2.  Josh.  6: 17,21.  9:24,27.  10:28,40.  11:11,12.14.  u Is.  34:5,6. 
Jer.  48:10.  50:35—40.  Ez.  38:21— 23.  Rev.  19:18.  x See  on  7:1.  v 7-4,5.  12j 
30,31.  Ex.  23:33.  Josh.  23:13.  Judg.  2:3.  Ps.  106:34—40.  1 Cor.  15:31.  2 Cor 
6:17.  Eph.  5:11.  2Thes.  3:14.  1 Tim.  6:5.  2 Tim.  2: 17,18.  Rev. 18:3— 5 

7.  Matt  3:10.  7:15—20.  21:19.  Luke  13:7— 9.  John  15:2— 8.  •*  Or,  for,0  . an 
the  tree  of  the  held  is  to  be  employed  in  the  siege,  a 24:6.  tt  Heb.  to  go  from 
before  thee,  b 1 .28.  2 Chr.  26:15.  Ec.  9:14.  Is.  37:33.  Jer.  6:6.  33:1.  £*.17:17. 

Heb.  come'dovm. 


they  were  not  only  allowed,  but,  as  it  seems,  commanded , to  put 
to  death  all  the  males  who  were  capable  of  resistance.  The 
lives  and  property  of  all  men  are  the  Lord’s,  forfeited  to  his  jus- 
tice  to  be  disposed  of  at  his  pleasure  and  for  his  glory.  These 
regulations,  however,  are  not  the  rule  of  our  conduct,  which 
must  be  directed  by  the  general  law  of  love ; and  that  prohibits 
unnecessary  bloodshed  and  plunder,  in  war  as  well  as  in  peace. 
— One  reason  of  this  serverity  might  be,  to  shadow  forth  the 
fatal  consequences  of  persisting  in  rebellion,  and  enmity  against 
God,  and  in  contempt  of  the  proposal  of  peace  and  reconcilia- 
tion set  before  men  in  the  gospel. — Some  are  of  opinion  that 
no  terms  of  peace  might,  in  any  case  whatever,  be  offered  or 
allowed  to  the  devoted  inhabitants  of  Canaan;  because  then 
measure  of  wickedness  was  filled  up,  and  they  would  be  a 
constant  temptation  to  the  Israelites:  but.  wc  shall  meet  with 
events  in  the  course  of  this  history,  which  will  not  easily  com- 
port with  the  absolute  interpretation.  (Notes,  Josh.  2:8— 1<L  f>: 
22,23.  9:  11:19,20.)  Others,  therefore,  suppose  the  meaning  to 
be,  that  in  case  the  Canaanites  rejected  peace  and  servitude, 
this  entire  extirpation  was  to  take  place:  whereas  only  the 
grown  males  were  to  be  put.  to  death,  in  other  cities,  in  similar 
circumstances;  and  the  rest  of  the  inhabitants  reduced  to 
subjection,  as  tributaries  under  the  rulers  of  Israel,  but  not 
to  personal  slavery. — The  Jewish  writers  assert  that  they 
might  not  be  spared  unless  they  renounced  idolatry  : but  this 
would  introduce  a law  enacting  persecution,  which  is  no- 
where to  be  found  in  Scripture,  nor  any  thing  like  one.  The 
Canaanites,  as  condemned  criminals,  were  ordered  for  execu- 
tion ; and  it  is  doubtful,  whether  peace  were  to  be  offered  them 
on  any  terms  ; and  idolatrous  Israelites  were  to  be  capit  illy 
punished : but  the  nation  had  no  commission  to  use  the  sword 
in  propagating  religion;  though  some  Christian  writers  ex- 
press themselves  as  if  they  had. 

V.  19,20.  The  original  words  rendered  “for  the  tree  ol 
the  field  is  man’s  life,”  are  variously  interpreted  ; (marg.)  bu* 
our  translation  probably  gives  the  true  meaning.  Tho  in- 
struction evidently  is,  that  tho  Israelites  should  not  make  un- 
necessary waste  of  filings  useful  to  man’s  life,  as  fruit-trees 
were;  and  therefore  in  sieges  they  should  form  their  ma 
chines  of  timber-trees  only. 

PR  ACTICA  L OBSF.RV  ATIONS. 

War  is  an  express  appeal  to  tho  righteous  Governor  r.i  the 
world,  and  should  be  undertaken  and  conducted  upon  such 


B.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  XXI.  B.  C.  145 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

Expiation  to  be  made  for  the  land  from  murder,  when  the  murderer  was  con- 
cealed, 1 — 9.  How  the  marriage  of  an  Israelite  with  a captive  maid  must  be 
regulated , 10 — 14.  The  first-born  not  to  be  disinherited  to  please  the  belovctl 
wife , 15—17.  The  rebellious  son  to  be  stoned,  18—21.  Malefactors  not  to 
remain  all  night  on  a tree,  22,  23. 

IF  one  be  “found  slain  in  the  land  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  ^ivetli  thee  to  possess  it,  lying 
in  the  field,  and  it  be  not  known  who  hath  slain 
him  ; 

2  Then  bthy  elders  and  thy  judges  shall  come 
forth,  and  they  shall  measure  unto  the  cities  which 
are  round  about  him  that  is  slain. 

3  And  it  shall  be,  that  the  city  which  is  next 
unto  the  slain  man,  even  the  elders  of  that  city 
shall  take  can  heifer  which  hath  not  been  wrought 
with,  and  which  hath  not  drawn  in  the  yoke. 

4  And  the  elders  of  that  city  shall  bring  down 
the  heifer  unto  a rough  valley  which  is  neither 
eared  nor  sown,  and  dshall  strike  off  the  heifer’s 
neck  there  in  the  valley: 

5  And  the  priests  the  sons  of  Levi  shall  come 
near:  efor  them  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  chosen^ 
to  minister  unto  him,  and  to  bless  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord,  and  'by  their  'word  shall  every  contro- 
versy and  every  stroice  be  tried  ; 

6  And  all  the  elders  of  that  city,  that  are  next 
unto  the  slain  man  shall  Hvash  their  hands  over 
the  heifer  that  is  beheaded  in  the  valley. 

7  And  they  shall  answer  and  say,  hOur  hands 
have  not  shed  this  blood,  neither  have  our  eyes 
seen  it. 

8  Be  merciful,  0 Lord,  unto  thy  people  Israel, 
whom  thou  hast  redeemed,  and  ‘lay  not  innocent 

a Pg.  5:6.  9:12.  Pi-ov.  28:17.  Is.  26  21 . Acts  23-4.  I)  See  on  16 : 18,19.  Roin.  13: 
3,4.  eNum.  19:2.  Jer.  31:13.  Matt.  11:23— 33.  Phil.  2:8.  d 1 l et.  2:21— 24.  3: 
IS.  e See  ott  10:8.  18:5.  N..m,  6:22— 27.  1 Chr.  23:13.  f See  on  17:8— 12.  Mai. 
2:7.  * Heh.  mouth,  * Job  6:30.  Pi.  19:12.  26:6.  51:2,7,14.  73:13.  Jer.  2:22. 
Matt.  27:24.25.  Heb.  9:10.  h Num.  5:19— 28.  2Sttm.  10:8.  Job  21:21— 23,37— 
40.  Ps.  7:3,4.  : Num.  35:33  2 Sam.  3:28.  2 Kinns  24:4.  Jer. 26:15.  Et.  22:3,24, 
£5.  Jou.  1:14.  Matt.  23:35.  1 Thes.  2:15,16.  t Heb.  in  the  midst,  k See  on  19: 


principles,  and  such  only,  as  he  approves.  When  the  cause 
warrants  this  awful  appeal,  our  confidence  should  be  placed, 
not.  in  chariots  and  horses,  not  in  fleets  and  armies,  not  in  ex- 
erienced  commanders  and  brave  soldiers,  but  in  the  Lord  of 
osts  himself. — Though  the  faithful  ministers  of  religion  are 
generally  slighted  by  those  who  “jeopardy  their  lives  in  the 
high  places  of  the  field  :”  yet  in  reality  none  so  much  want  their 
instructions,  counsels,  and  prayers,  both  individually , and 
with  respect  to  the  common  cause.  Nor  is  any  valour  rational, 
but  that  which  springs  from  faith,  a good  conscience,  a sense 
of  duty,  reliance  on  God,  and  a hope  of  heaven : for  he  who 
neither  44  fears  those  who  kill  the  body,  nor  him  who  is  able 
to  destroy  both  body  and  soul  in  hell,”  is  not  valiant,  but  ab- 
solutely mad. — In  war  itself,  justice  and  the  love  of  peace 
should  dictate  every  measure ; the  voice  of  humanity  should 
be  heard  distinctly,  even  in  the  noise  of  battle ; and  wanton 
cruelty  or  waste  should  never  sully  the  soldier’s  reputation. — 
Yet  in  all  cases  and  with  every  possible  mitigation,  the  hor- 
rors of  war  must,  when  reflected  upon,  give  pain  to  the  feel- 
ing heart:  and  can  only  he  considered  as  evidences  of  the  de- 
pravity of  man,  and  the  power  and  malice  of  Satan ; and  of 
the  just  vengeance  of  God,  who  thus  scourges  a guilty  world. 
May  he  hasten  the  time  when  “swords  shall  be  beaten  into 
ploughshares,  and  men  shall  learn  war  no  more !” — But  how 
dreadful  is  the  case  of  those,  who  are  engaged  in  unequal  con- 
test with  their  Maker,  who  refuse  his  proposals  of  peace,  and 
who  will  not  submit  to  be  his  servants  and  render  him  the  easy 
tribute  of  worship  and  praise,  and  subjection  to  his  easy  yoke, 
and  kind  commandments ! Inevitable  ruin  awaits  them.  May 
we  follow  peace  with  God  and  man  ; and  wage  war  against  our 
lusts  and  the  powers  of  darkness,  with  undaunted  courage 
and  unrelenting  severity.  In  this  contest,  neither  the  num- 
ber nor  power  of  our  enemies  should  dismay  us;  nay,  our 
own  weakness  should  not.  cause  us  to  tremble  or  faint : for 
the  Lord  himself  will  fight  for  us,  and  save  us;  and  all  his 
wonders  wrought  for  his  church  ensure  our  victory.  But  none 
can  fight  this  good  fight,  whose  hearts  are  inordinately  at- 
tached to  worldly  objects,  or  who  are  afraid  of  the  cross,  or 
the  conflict ; for  they  will  themselves  desert,  and  discourage 
others.  Above  all,  ministers  should  be  valiant  in  the  cause, 
and  by  their  example,  as  well  as  exhortations,  animate  the 
people  for  the  contest.  Finally,  whilst  we  show  no  mercy 
to  any  sin,  and  will  have  no  friendship  with  any  tempter;  let 
us  show  a spirit  of  peace,  forgiveness,  and  benevolence  to- 
wards all  mankind. 

VOTES.  Chap.  XXI.  V . 1 — 9.  This  law  was  enacted 
to  increase  the  horror  of  murder,  and  to  promote  the  detection 
of  the  criminal,  by  a public  and  solemn  transaction,  under 
the  management  of  the  magistrates  of  the  nearest  city,  asso- 
ciated with  the  priests ; by  putting  numbers  upon  inquiry  ; by 
calling  upon  every  one  to  clear  himself;  and  by  warning  all 
men  not  to  conceal  the  criminal.— The  “ heifer  which  had  not 


blood  'unto  thy  people  of  Israel’s  charge.  And 
the  blood  shall  be  forgiven  them. 

9 So  kshalt  thou  put  away  the  guilt  of  innocent 
blood  from  among  you,  'when  thou  shalt  do  that 
which  is  right  in  th^ sight  of  the  Lord. 

10  H When  mthou  goest  forth  to  war  against 
thine  enemies,  and  the  Lord  thy  God  hath 
delivered  them  into  thine  hands,  and  thou  hast 
taken  them  captive, 

11  And  seest  among  the  captives  a beautiful 
woman,  and  hast  "a  desire  unto  her,  “that  thou 
vvouldest  have  her  to  thy  wife ; 

12  Then  thou  shalt  bring  her  home  to  thine 
house,  and  Pshe  shall  shave  her  head  and  jpare 
her  nails ; 

13  And  she  shall  put  the  raiment  of  her  cap- 
tivity from  off'  her,  and  shall  remain  in  thine 
house,  and  ^bewail  her  father  and  her  mother  a 
full  month  : and  after  that  thou  shalt  go  in  unto 
her,  and  be  her  husband^  and  she  shall  be  thy  wife. 

14  And  it  shall  be,  if  thou  have  no  delight  in 
her,  then  thou  shalt  let  her  go  whither  she  will, 
but  rthou  shalt  not  sell  her  at  all  for  money,  thou 
shalt  not  make  merchandise  of  her,  'because  thou 
hast  humbled  her. 

15  If  a man  have  'two  wives,  one  beloved, 
and  another  hated,  and  they  have  borne  him  chil- 
dren, both  the  beloved  and  the  hated  : and  if  the 
first-born  son  be  hers  that  was  hated  ; 

16  Then  it  shall  be,  "when  he  maketh  his  sons 
to  inherit  that  which  he  hath,  that  he  may  not 
make  the  son  of  the  beloved  first-born,  before  the 
son  of  the  hated,  which  is  indeed  the  first-born : 


12,13.  113:18.  2 Kincs  10:30.31.  m-See  on  20:10— 16.  nGen.6:2.  12:14,15. 

29:18—20.  34:3,8.  Judg.  14:2,3.  prov.  6:25.  31,:  10,30.  o Nuin.  31:18.  p 1 Cor. 
11:6.  Eph,  4:22.  } Or , suffer  to  grow.  Heb.  make,  or,  dress,  q Ps.  45:10,1 1. 
Luke  14:26,27.  r Ex.  21:7— 11.  s 22:19,24,29.  Gen.  34:2.  Judg.  19:24.  iGen. 
29:30,31,33.  1 Stun.  1:4,5.  u 1 Chr.  26:10.  2 Chr.  11 :19-22.  21 :3.  Rom.  8:29. 
Phil.  4:8.  Heb.  12:16,17. 


drawn  in  the  yoke,”  represented  the  murderer,  the  son  of  Be- 
lial, who  refused  to  bear  the  yoke  of  God’s  law : and  the 
“rough  valley”  might  denote  the  worthlessness  of  the  crimi- 
nal’s character,  or  the  disagreeableness  of  the  transaction. 
“Striking  oft' the  neck  of  the  heifer,”  not  by  the  priests  but  by 
the  elders,  expressed  the  desert  of  the  criminal,  and  their 
readiness  thus  to  punish  him  if  they  could  detect  him.  44  W ash- 
ing their  hands,”  was  an  external  sign  of  the  protestation  of 
innocence  and  ignorance  concerning  the  murder,  which  they 
were  required  to  make:  (Note,  Matt.  27:24,25.)  the  prayer, 

which  the  priests  are  supposed  to  have  added,  strongly  de- 
clared that  murder  contaminates,  and  leaves  guilt  upon  every 
land  and  every  person,  that  dpes  not  endeavour  by  all  proper 
means  to  bring  the  criminal  to  condign  punishment:  (Note, 

Num.  35:31 — 34.)  and  the  whole  shadowed  forth  the  atone- 
ment and  intercession  of  Christ,  through  which  iniquity  is 
pardoned  by  a merciful  God  to  his  redeemed  people. 

V.  10 — 14.  The  case  here  regulated  would  inevitably 
take  place  on  some  occasions  : and  this  statute  implies  no 
approbation  of  an  Israelite’s  marrying  a heathen  captive, 
induced  merely  by  her  beauty  ; especially  as  it  does  not 
exclude  the  case  of  those  who  were  previously  married.  If, 
however,  a man  became  enamoured  of  his  captive,  he  was 
not  allowed  to  use  force  or  authority  to  gratify  his  inclination, 
or  to  proceed  with  precipitation  ; but  to  take  time  for  reflec- 
tion. (Note,  Num.  31:14 — 18.)  By  taking  the  captive  into 
the  house,  and  there  keeping  her  retired,  her  disposition 
would  be  discovered  more  easily,  and  if  that  proved  disa- 
greeable, the  passion  might  abate.  The  becoming  attire  and 
ornaments,  in  which  she  might  be  taken  captive,  being 
changed  for  the  mean  habit  of  a mourner,  might  tend  to 
diminish  her  attractions.  “Shaving  her  head” would  certainly 
have  this  effect  ; and  the  words  rendered  paring  her  nails , 
seem  rather  to  mean,  letting  them  grow.  Some,  however, 
think  she  was  in  this  interim  to  be  instructed  in  the  law  ; and 
that  these  were  external  tokens  of  her  renouncing  idolatry 
and  embracing  the  religion  of  Israel.  Her  gri#ef  also  for  the 
death  of  her  parents  if  slain,  or  for  her  separation  from  them 
would  subside,  and  her  mind  be  more  reconciled  to  her  con- 
dition ; and  if  at  last  the  Israelite  continued  in  the  same 
mind,  he  might  marry  her. — But  in  case  he  humbled  her,  and 
afterwards  did  not  choose  to  continue  her  as  his  wife,  he 
must  not  keep  her  as  a slave,  or  sell  her,  but  must  give  her 
her  liberty,  and  act  towards  her  according  to  the  regula- 
tions made  concerning  women  when  divorced  by  their  hus- 
bands. (Notes,  24:1 — 4.)  All  these  circumstances  would  help 
to  increase  the  caution  of  the  Israelites,  and  tend  to  prevent 
them  from  rashly  entering  into  these  improper  connexions. 

V.  15 — 17.  This  law  does  not  apnear  exclusively  to  apply 
to  the  case  of  polygamy,  but  to  him  also  who  had  two  wives 
in  succession.  In  either  case,  the  double  portion,  which 
according  to  custom  was  allotted  to  the  heir,  must  be  given 
( 351  ) 


B.  C.  1451.  DEUTERONOMY.  B.  C.  1451. 


17  But  he  shall  acknowledge  the  son  of  the 
hated  for  the  first-born,  xby  giving  him  a double 
portion  of  all  "that  he  hath : tor  he  is  Uhe  begin- 
ningof  his  strength;  the  right  of  the  first-born  is  bis. 

18  IT  If  a man  have  'a  stubborn  and  rebellious 
son,  which  will  not  “obey  the  voice  of  his  father,  or 
the  voice  of  his  mother,  and  that , bwhen  they 
have  chastened  him.  cwill  not  hearken  unto  them ; 

19  Then  shall  his  father  and  his  mother  lay 
hold  on  him,  ‘'and  bring  him  out  unto  the  elders  of 
his  city,  and  unto  the  gate  of  his  place : 

20  And  they  shall  say  unto  the  elders  of  his 
city,  This  our  son  is  stubborn  and  rebellious,  he 
will  not  obey  our  voice;  ehe  is  a glutton  and  a 
drunkard. 

21  And  kill  the  men  of  his  city  shall  stone  him 
with  stones  that  he  die : ®so  shalt  thou  put  evil 
away  from  among  you ; and  all  Israel  shall  hear, 
and  fear. 

22  IT  And  if  a man  have  committed  ha  sin 


x Gen.  25:5,6,32,34.  1 Chr.  5:1,2.  f Heb.  that  is  found  with  him.  y Gen.  49:3. 
Ps.  105:36.  z Prov.  28:24.  30:11,17.  Is.  1:2.  a 27:16.  Ex.  20:12.  21:15,17. 
Lev.  19:3.  21:9.  Prov.  15:5.20:20.  Ez.  22:7.  b8:5.  2 Sam.  7:14.  Prov.  13:24. 
19:18.  22:15.  23:13,14.  29:17.  Heb.  12:9 — 11.  c Is.  1:5.  Jer.  5:3.  31:18.  Kz.24: 
13.  Amos.  4:11,12.  d 2.  16:18.  25:7.  Zech.  13:3.  e Prov.  19:26  . 20:1.23:20,21, 
29—35.  f 13:10,11.  17:5.  Lev.  24:16.  Num.  15:35.  g 13:5.  19:19,20.  22:21,24. 

to  the  eldest  son,  though  not  the  son  of  the  best  beloved 
wife  ; which  would  counteract  the  effect  of  unjust  and  unrea- 
sonable partialities,  and  be  a sort  of  compensation  to  her  who 
had  the  misfortune  to  be  comparatively  slighted  and  hated. 
(Notes,  Gen.  29:30—35.  49:3,4.  I Chr.  5:1,2.) 

V.  18 — 21.  This  law  has  great  wisdom  and  mercy  couched 
under  its  apparent  severity  ; and  it  could  not  fail  of  produ- 
cing most  salutary  effects,  as  far  as  any  regard  was  paid  to 
it.  The  parents  were  the  only  prosecutors  ; both  must  concur 
in  the  prosecution , and  the  elders  of  the  city  must  decide  the 
cause.  The  prosecution  could  not  be  admitted,  but  for  stub- 
bornness and  rebellion,  connected  with  gluttony  and  drunken- 
ness, and  persisted  in  after  rebukes  and  corrections  : and 
these  vices  tended  directly  to  ruin  families  and  communities. 
The  offender  must  be  convicted,  and  proved  incorrigible,  by 
evidence  sufficient  to  induce  the  judges  to  denounce  sen- 
tence, and  the  men  of  the  city  to  execute  it.  Natural  affec- 
tion would  seldom  be  so  overcome,  even  by  the  basest  crimes , 
as  to  admit  both  parents  thus  to  join  in  prosecuting  a son, 
much  less  to  do  so  without  sufficient  cause : and  in  the  very 
few  instances,  in  which  hasty  rage,  or  implacable  resentment 
might  induce  parents  to  attempt  such  a horrid,  unnatural 
murder,  as  a needless  prosecution  must  imply ; the  most 
effectual  precautions  were  taken  to  prevent  the  consequences. 
The  execution  of  the  law  must  of  course  very  seldom  take 
place;  and  if  ever  it  did,  it  could  not  fail  to  excite  general 
attention  and  alarm,  and  prove  a salutary  warning  to  tens  of 
thousands. — Its  very  existence,  as  far  as  known,  would 
exceedingly  strengthen  the  authority  of  parents  ; give  weight 
to  their  commands,  reproofs,  and  corrections  ; and  create  an 
additional  fear  of  provoking*their  deep  resentment.  It  would 
fortify  young  men  against  the  enticements  of  bad  companions, 
and  the  force  of  strong  temptations,  and  thus  check  the  pro- 
gress of  wickedness.  Moreover,  it  would  be  a constant 
admonition  to  parents  to  watch  over  their  children,  and  not 
improperly  to  indulge  them,  or  withhold  correction  ; but  to 
establish  their  authority  over  them  while  young,  to  pray  for 
them,  to  check  the  first  buddings  of  vice,  and  to  set  them  a 
good  example.  This  statute  therefore,  so  harmless  and  bene- 
ficial in  its  operation,  yet  so  contrary  to  human  policy,  rather 
proves  than  invalidates  the  divine  authority  of  the  book  in 
which  it  stands  recorded. — No  impostor  would  ever  have 
thought  of  enacting  such  a law. 

V.  22,  23.  The  Israelites  did  not  execute  criminals  by 
strangulation , as  among  us,  or  by  crucifixion  ; yet  after  they 
were  dead,  in  detestation  to  their  crimes,  their  bodies  were 
sometimes  ignominiously  suspended,  or  gibbeted,  on  a tree, 
or  piece  of  wood.  But  in  honour  of  human  nature,  (at  first 
formed  after  the  image  of  God,  afterwards  made  the  Temple 
in  which  “all  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead  dwells,”  and.  here- 
after in  innumerable  instances  to  partake  of  a glorious  resur- 
rection;) the  body  of  an  Israelite  might  not  hang  all  night  in 
this  situation,  whatever  his  crimes  had  been  ; as  that  would 
even  defile  the  land.  (Notes,  Josh.  8:29.  2 Sam.  21:9 — 14. 
John  19:31 — 37.)  In  the  current  opinion,  they  who  were 

thus  suspended,  were  deemed  accursed  of  God , and  devoted 
to  uttep  destruction : but  the  Holy  Spirit  doubtless  dictated 
this  expression  with  reference  to  him  who  w was  made  a curse 
for  us.”  (Note,  Gal.  3:10 — 14.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Those  laws  are  framed  most  wisely,  which  have  the  most 
effectual  tendency  to  prevent  crimes  and  punishments  ; and 
by  this  rule  let  the  reader  judge  of  the  laws  before  us,  com- 
pared with  the  municipal  laws  of  other  countries.  For  what- 
ever can  increase  our  horror  of  enormous  wickedness,  or 
cause  the  conscience  to  recoil  at  the  thought  of  it,  must 
counteract  the  violence  of  the  passions  and  the  force  of 
temptations,  and  excite  watchfulness  against  the  occasions 
( 332  ) 


worthy  of  death,  and  he  be  to  be  put.  to  death, 
and  'thou  hang  him  on  a tree  ; 

23  His  body  shall  not  remain  all  night  upon  the 
tree,  but  thou  shalt  in  any  wise  bury  him  that 
day ; (for  khe  that  is  hanged  is  'accursed  ot 
God ;)  that  'thy  land  be  not  defiled,  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee  for  an  inheritance. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

Strayed  catjle  and  lost  property  to  be  restored , and  another's  ass  or  ot,  xf 
fallen,  to  be  lifted  up,  1 — 4.  The  sexes  to  be  distinguished  by  apparel , 5. 
The  dam  not  to  be  taken  with,  her  young.  6,  7.  Battlement .•>  to  be  made  on 
every  house,  8.  Improper  mixtures  to  be  avoided,  9 — 11.  Fringes  to  be 
worn  on  garments,  i2.  The  case  of  a woman  accused  of  unchastity  before 
marriage,  13 — 21.  Adultery  to  be  punished  with  death,  the  betrothed  virgin 
being  adjudged  a wife,  22 — 24.  Rapes  to  be  punished  with  death , 25—27, 
Of  fornication,  28,  29.  Incest  forbidden,  30. 

THOU  “shalt  not  see  thy  brother’s  ox  or  his 
sheep  go  astray,  and  bhide  thyself  from  them; 
thou  shalt  in  any  case  bring  them  again  unto  thy 
brother. 

2 A*id  if  thy  brother  be  not  mgh  unto  thee,  or 
if  thou  know  him  not,  then  thou  shalt  bring  it 
unto  thine  own  house,  and  it  shall  be  with  tnee 

h 19:6  . 22:26.  1 Sim.  26:16.  Mali.  26:66.  Act,  23:29.  25:11,25.  26:31.  i Jo,h.  8: 
29.  10:26,27.  2 Sam.  4:12.  21:6,9.  Luke  23:33.  John  19:31— 38.  k 2 Cor 
5:21.  Gal.  3:13.  • Heb.  the  curse  of  God.  7:26.  Num.  25:4.  Josh.  7:12. 

Rom.  9:3.  1 Cor.  16:22.  1 I.er.  18:25.  Num.  35:34.  a Ex.  23:4.  Ez.  34: 

4,16.  Malt.  10:6.  15:24.  18:12,13.  Luke  15:4— 6.  Jam.  15:19,20.  lPel.2: 
25.  b 3,4.  Lev. 20:4.  Prov. 24:11.  28:27.  Is. 8:17.  58:7.  Luke  10:31,32. 


and  inlets  to  disobedience.  The  dread  of  murder  should  espe- 
cially be  deeply  impressed  on  every  heart  : and  in  detecting 
and  punishing  all  who  in  any  form  are  guilty  of  it,  magis- 
trates, ministers,  old  and  young,  ought  to  concur  ; and  that 
man  should  be  adjudged  a public  enemy,  not  only  who  is 
accessory  to  the  commission  of  this  crime,  but  who  assists 
the  criminal  in  eluding  or  escaping  justice,  by  which  the  guilt 
of  innocent  blood  rests  upon  the  land. — But  alas ! all  that 
most  of  us  can  do,  in  preventing  the  increase  of  this  national 
guilt , is  by  our  earnest  prayers. — Reason  and  religion,  with 
combined  force  forbid  us  to  lay  the  reins  upon  the  neck  of  our 
headstrong  lusts,  and  command  us  to  teach  our  strongest 
inclinations  to  brook  denial  or  delay,  and  to  view  the  objects 
of  our  inordinate  affections,  as  stript  of  all  their  adventitious 
charms,  and  with  all  their  defects  and  deformities,  in  order  to 
abate  the  vehemence  of  passion.  Considering  things  thus 
coolly,  we  may,  perhaps  before  it  be  too  late,  have  our  admi- 
ration change  into  disgust,  and  many  fatal  consequences 
may  be  prevented.  But  inhumanity,  treachery,  and  injustice, 
can  in  no  case  be  palliated  or  excused,  though  called  by  soft 
names,  and  varnished  over  with  plausible  pretences. — Irre- 
gular indulgences  frequently  end  in  dislike  and  ill-treatment 
of  the  very  object  that  was  inordinately  loved  ! thus,  instead 
of  compensation  for  an  injury,  (for  which  indeed  no  adequate 
compensation  can  be  rendered,)  more  injuries  are  committed. 
— The  Lord  will  plead  the  cause  of  the  oppressed,  and  will  not 
allow  that  injustice  should  be  done  to  any  one,  either  from 
partiality  or  covetousness.  And  let  it  not  be  passed  over 
slightly,  that  great  iniquity  is  frequently  committed  by  men, 
in  disposing  of  their  substance  by  will  ; and  sometimes  this 
forms  the  last  action  of  their  lives. — Disobedience  to  parental 
authority  must  he  extremely  criminal,  when  so  severe  a 
punishment  of  it  was  denounced  by  God  himself ; nor  is  it 
less  provoking  to  him  now,  though  it  generally  escapes 
punishment  in  this  world. — But  when  young  people  early  be- 
come slaves  to  their  appetites,  the  heart  soon  grows  hard, 
and  the  conscience  callous,  and  we  can  expect  no  otlie.*  than 
obstinate  rebellion  and  utter  destruction.  They  who  woulc 
escape  ruin,  must  flee  youthful  lusts,  listen  to  the  instructions 
of  their  parents,  and  submit  to  reproof  and  ^correction ; and 
if  parents  would  not  have  their  children  their  greatest  sorrow, 
they  should  “ train  them  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of 
the  Lord.” — What  then  do  we  deserve  for  our  rebellion 
against  “ the  Father  of  our  spirits  ?’*  We  were  indeed  under 
an  awful  curse  ; but  Christ  hath  purchased  redemption  by 
becoming  a curse  for  us  : yet,  whilst  we  continue  in  sin,  no 
benefit  will  thence  accrue  to  us  ; but  rather  our  condemna- 
tion will  thus  be  aggravated.  Let  us  then  fear  adding  obsti- 
nacy to  rebellion  : and  let  us  remember,  that  though  the 
human  body  after  death  ought  not  to  bo  treated  with  degrada- 
tion by  man  ; yet  God  will  doom  both  the  bodies  and  souls 
of  the  wicked,  “to  depart  accursed  into  everlasting  fire,  pre- 
pared for  the  devil  and  his  angels  ;”  while  “ the  righteous 
shall  shine  forth  as  the  sun  in  the  kingdom  of  their  Father.* 
NOTES —Ciiap.  XXII.  V.  1—4.  (Note,  Ex.  23:4, 
5.)  The  nature  of  the  case  here  leads  us  to  understand  by 
brother , any  human  being ; as  our  Lord  explains  the  word 
neighbour.  When  the  owner  of  lost  goods  is  not  known,  the 
finder  at  least  knows  that  they  are  not  his  ; nor  can  be,  unless 
after  diligent  search  and  waiting  no  owner  can  bo  found. 

V.  5.  The  prohibition  no  doubt  was  intended  to  exclude 
the  customs  of  the  heathen  worshippers,  who  shamefully 
violated  it  for  the  worst  of  purposes : yet  it  is  of  mortal  ten - 
dency,  and  of  general  obligation;  as  it  is  added,  “for  all  that 
do  so  are  an  abomination  unto  the  Lord,”  which  is  never 
annexed  to  a merely  ceremonial  institution.  The  practice 
prohibited  is  not  only  indecent  and  of  bad  appearance,  but 
has  in  **11  ages  been  made  subservient  to  lewdnoss,  and  to 


13.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


B.  C.  1451 


jntil  thy  brother  seek  after  it,  and  'thou  shalt 
restore  it  to  him  again. 

3 In  like  manner  shalt  thou  do  with  his  ass,  and 
so  shalt  thou  do  with  liis  raiment ; and  with  all 
.ost  things  of  thy  brother’s,  which  he  hath  lost, 
and  thou  hast  found,  shalt  thou  do  likewise:  thou 
mayest  not  hide  thyself. 

4 Thou  shalt  not  see  thy  brother’s  ass  or  his 

ox  fall  down  by  the  way,  and  hide  thyself  from 
them  ; dthou  shalt  surely  help  him  to  lift  them  up 
again.  * 

5 The  'woman  shall  not  wear  that  which 
pertaineth  unto  a man,  neither  shall  a man  put  on 
a woman’s  garment : for  all  that  do  so  are  'abomi- 
-nation  unto  the  Lord  thy  God. 

6 If  a bird’s  nest  chance  to  be  before  thee  in 
the  way,  in  any  tree,  or  on  the  ground,  whether 
they  he  young  ones,  or  eggs,  and  the  dam  sitting 
upon  the  young,  or  upon  the  eggs,  sthou  shalt  not 
take  the  dam  with  the  young : 

7 But  thou  shalt,  in  any  wise,  let  the  dam  go, 
and  take  the  young  to  thee : hthat  it  may  be  well 
with  thee,  and  that  thou  mayest  prolong  thy 
days. 

8 When  thou  buildest  a new  house,  ’then  thou 
shalt  make  a battlement  for  Jthy  roof,  that  kthou 
bring  not  blood  upon  thine  house,  if  any  man  fall 
from  thence. 

9 Thou  'shalt  not  sow  thy  vineyard  with  diverse 
seeds;  lest  the  ‘fruit  of  thy  seed  which  thou  hast 
sown,  and  the  fruit  of  thy  vineyard,  be  defiled. 

10  Thou  shalt  not  plough  with  an  ox  and  an  ass 

together.  ^ 

11  Thou  shalt  not  wear  a garment  of  diverse 
sorts,  as  of  woollen  and  linen  together. 

12  Thou  shalt  make  thee  mfringes  upon  the 
four  'quarters  of  thy  vesture,  wherewith  thou 
coverest  thyself. 

13  U If  any  man  take  a wife,  and  ngo  in  unto 
her,  and  hate  her, 

14  And  give  “occasions  of  speech  against  her, 
and  bring  up  an  evil  name  upon  her,  and  say,  I 
took  this  woman,  and  when  I came  to  her,  I found 
her  not  a maid  : 

15  Then  shall  the  father  of  the  damsel  and  her 
mother  take  and  bring  forth  the  tokens  of  the 
damsel’s  virginity,  unto  the  elders  of  the  city  in 
the  gate  : 

16  And  the  damsel’s  father  shall  say  unto  the 
elders,  I gave  my  daughter  unto  this  man  to  wife, 
and  he  hateth  her ; 

17  And  lo,  he  hath  given  occasions  of  speech 

c Malt.  7:12.  I Thes.  4:6.  d Ex.  23:5.  Malt.  5:44.  Luke  10:29—37.  Rom.  15: 
1.  2 Cor.  12:15.  Gal.  6:1.2.  lThes.5:ll.  Heb.  12.12,13.  e 1 Cor.  11:4— 15. 
f See  on  18:12.  eGen.8:17.  32:11.  Lev. 22:28.  Prov.  12:10.  Hos.  10:14.  h See 
on  4:40.  i Ex.  21:28 — 36.  22:6.  Rom.  14:13.  1 Cor.  10:32.  Phil.  1:10.  1 Thes. 
5:22.  i 2 Sam.  11:2.  Is.  22:1.  Jer.  19:13.  Matt.  10:27.  Mark  2:4.  Acts  10:9. 
k Ez.  3:18,20.  33:2—9.  Matt.  18:6,7.  Acts  20:26,27.  ILev.  19:19.  Matt.  6:24. 
9:16.  Rom.  11:6.  2Cor.l:12.  6:14—16.  11:3.  Jam.  1:6— 8.  3:10.  * Heb./ut- 

ness,  m Nu m.  15:38,39.  Matt.  23:5.  t Heb.  wings,  n Geo.  29:23,31.  Judg. 

obtain  opportunities  of  perpetrating  the  grossest  crimes ; to 
prevent  which  it  is  of  great  importance,  that  the  distinction  of 
the  sexes  should  be  visibly  marked  in  their  garments,  without 
variation. — Let  stage-players  and  others  of  similar  occupa- 
tions well  consider,  (among  many  other  and  great  evils  con- 
nected with  their  line  of  life,)  how  they  will  answer  to  God, 
for  their  continual  violation  of  this  express  commandment. 
And  they  who  encourage  and  reward  them  for  this  disobe- 
dience, should  ask  themselves  how  far  they  are  accessaries 
to  their  guilt:  and  let  young  people  remember  that  this  change 
of  apparel  is  not  to  be  considered  as  a frolic,  but  as  an  act  of 
rebellion  against  God. — The  spirit  of  the  commandment  also 
requ  res  the  distinction  of  the  appearance,  deportment,  and 
occupations  of  the  sexes.  A man  appearing  effeminate,  and 
affecting  the  appropriate  employments  of  women ; and  a 
woman  of  a masculine  appearance  and  behaviour,  who  en- 
gages in  the  exercises  of  men ; are  unnatural  and  offensive 
characters.  (Note  1 Cor.  11:2 — 16.) 

V.  6,  7.  The  design  of  this  law  might  be  to  enjoin  the 
exercise  of  tenderness  and  compassion,  and  to  prevent  the 
destruction  of  any  species  of  animals.  But  perhaps  some  of 
these  requirements  were  intended  for  tests,  by  which  it  would 
be  proved,  whether  the  people  would  prefer  the  will  of  God  to 
their  own  inclination,  when  the  reason  of  the  command  was 
not  obvious.  (Note,  Gen.  2:16,17.) 

V.  8.  The  roofs  of  the  houses  in  those  countries  were 
generally  flat,  and  used  for  various  purposes,  as  may  be  seen 
by  consulting  the  marginal  references.  If  therefore  no  battle- 
ment were  made,  the  builder  would  fail  of  taking  proper  pre- 

Vol.  I. — 45 


against  her,  saying,  I found  not  thy  daughter 
a maid ; and  yet  these  are  the  tokens  of  my 
daughter’s  virginity : and  they  shall  spread  the 
cloth  before  the  elders  of  the  city. 

18  And  the  elders  of  that  city  shall  take  that 
man,  and  chastise  him; 

19  And  they  shall  amerce  him  in  an  hundred 
shekels  of  silver,  and  give  them  unto  the  father  ol 
the  damsel,  because  he  hath  brought  up  an  evil 
name  upon  a virgin  of  Israel,  and  she  shall  be  his 
wife:  rhe  may  not  put  her  away  all  his  days. 

20  But  if  this  thing  be  true,  and  the  tokens  of 
virginity  be  not.  found  for  the  damsel ; 

21  Then  they  shall  bring  out  the  damsel  to  the 
door  of  her  father’s  house,  and  the  men  of  her  city 
shall  “istone  her-  with  stones  that  she  die ; because 
'she  hath  wrought  folly  in  Israel,  to  play  the 
whore  in  her  father’s  house : 'so  shalt  thou  put 
evil  away  from  among  you. 

22  If  If  'a  man  be  found  lying  with  a woman 
married  to  an  husband,  then  they  shall  both  of 
them  die,  both  the  man  that  lay  with  the  woman, 
and  the  woman.  So  shalt  thou  put  away  evil 
from  Israel. 

23  If  a damsel  that  is  a virgin  be  “betrothed 
unto  an  husband,  and  a man  find  her  in  the  city, 
and  lie  with  her: 

24  Then  ye  shall  bring  them  both  out  unto  the 
gate  of  that  city,  and  ye  shall  stone  them  with 
stones  that  they  die;  the  damsel,  because  she 
cried  not,  being  in  the  city  ; and  the  man,  because 
he  hath  humbled  his  neighbour’s  "wife : ?so  thou 
shalt  put  away  evil  from  among  you. 

25  But  if  a man  find  a betrothed  damsel  in 
the  field,  and  the  man  l force  her,  and  lie  with 
her;  then  the  man  only  that  lay  with  her  shall  die: 

26  But  unto  the  damsel  thou  shalt  do  nothing ; 
there  is  in  the  damsel  'no  sin  worthy  of  death  : for 
as  when  a man  riseth  against  his  neighbour,  and 
slayeth  him,  even  so  is  this  matter  : 

27  For  he  found  her  in  the  field",  and  the 
betrothed  damsel  “cried,  and  there  was  none  to 
save  her. 

28  If  a man  find  ba  damsel  that  is  a virgin, 
which  is  not  betrothed,  and  lay  hold  on  her,  and 
lie  with  her,  and  they  be  found  ; 

29  Then  the  man  that  lay  with  her,  shall  give 
unto  the  damsel’s  father  fifty  shekels  of  silver,  and 
she  shall  be  his  wife ; 'because  he  hath  humbled 
her,  he  may  not  put  her  away  all  hi.s  days. 

30  A dman  shall  not  take  his  father’s  wife,  nor 
'discover  his  father’s  skirt. 


15:1,2.  Eph. 5:28,29.  o 19.  Ex.  20:16  . 23:1.  Prov.  18:8,21 . p29.  24:1— 4. 
Matt.  19:8,9.  q22,24.  13:10.  17:5.  21:21.  Lev. 24:16,23.  Num.  15:35,36.  rGen. 
34:7.  Lev.  21:9.  2 Sara.  13:13.  a 13:5.  17:7.  19:19.  t Lev.  20:10.  Num.  5:22— 
27.  Ez.23:45— 47.  John8:4,5.  Heb.  13:4.  u Seeon  20:7.  Matt.  1:18,19.  x Gen. 
29:21.  Matt.  1:20,24.  y 21,24.  13:5.  1 Cor.  5:2,13.  J Or , take  strong  hold  ot 
her.  2 Snm.  13:14.  z See  on  21:22.  alCor.l3:7.  b See  on  Ex. 22:16,17. 
0 19,24.21:14.  d27:20.  Lev.  18:8.  20:11.  1 Cor.  5:1.  e Ruth  3:9.  Ez.  16:8. 


cautions,  and  might  occasion  the  death  of  some  person  who 
chanced  to  fall  from  it ; and  this  would  in  a measure  render 
him  guilty,  and  his  house  defiled.  (Notes,  Ex.  21:28 — 3,6.) 

Y.  9 — 12.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Lev.  19:19.  Num.  1 5:38—40. ) 

Y.  13 — 21.  This  law,  like  many  others,  was  intended  to 
prevent  wickedness,  by  the  fear  of  detection  and  punishment. 
The  dread  of  a future  discovery,  productive  of  such  tremen- 
dous consequences,  could  not  fail  to  increase  the  natural  bar- 
riers of  chastity,  and  counteract  the  effects  of  sinful  passions 
and  strong  temptations,  among  the  young  women  of  Israel. 
And  it  would  also  prevent  a hard-hearted  husband  from  roll- 
bing  his  injured  wife  of  her  reputation,  when  his  affections 
were  transferred  to  another  object.  The  imposition  practised 
by  a woman  upon  the  man  she  married,  was  considered  in  this 
case  as  equivalent  to  infidelity  to  his  bed  after  marriage. 

V.  23 — 27.  In  these  laws,  the  betrothed  damsel  was  con- 
sidered as  the  wife  of  the  man  to  whom  she  was  engaged, 
though  they  had  not  come  together;  and  therefore  the  criirte 
was  adjudged  adultery.  (Notes,  Matt.  1:18 — 21.)  But  a 
charitable  supposition  is  admitted  in  the  damsel’s  favour,  in 
case  she  was  found  in  a solitary  place.  (24.  Marg.  Ref!) 

V.  28,  29.  Note,  Ex.  22:16,17. 

V.  30.  Marg.  Ref. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

If  we  duly  regarded  the  golden  rule  of  “ doing  to  others  a* 
we  would  they  should  do  unto  us,”  many  particular  precoy  n 
of  God’s  word  might  be  omitted.  Equity  and  benevolence 
would  teach  us,  not  to  regard  trouble  and  expense  in  doing  a 
kind  action  to  our  neighbour ; and  would  remind  us,  that  we 
( 353  ) 


3.  C.  145; 


DEUTERONOMY. 


B.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

What  Israelites  must  not  enter  into  the  congregation , 1,2.  An  Ammonite , or 
Moabite,  is  excluded  to  the  tenth  genera,  ion,  an  Edomite  or  Egyptian  to  the 
third,  3—8.  The  camps  of  Israel  to  be  kept  pure  from  moral,  ceremonial, 
and  natural  pollution,  9—14.  Fugitive  slaves  to  be  protected,  15,  16. 
Whoredom,  sodomy,  and  usury,  to  be  strictly  guardecPagainst , 17 — 20.  Vows 
must  be  performed,  21 — 23.  How  to  act  in  a neighbour's  vineyard  and  com- 
field,  24, 25. 

HE  that  is  awounded  in  the  stones,  or  hath  his 
privy  member  cut  off,  bshall  not  enter  into 
the  congregation  of  the  Lord. 

2  A "bastard  shall  not  enter  inlo  the  congrega- 
tion of  the  Lord  ; even  to  his  tenth  generation 
shall  he  not  enter  into  the  congregation  of  the 
Lord. 

3  An  ''Ammonite  or  Moabite  shall  not  enter  into 
the  congregation  of  the  Lord;  even  to  their  tenth 
generation  shall  they  not  enter  into  the  congrega- 
tion of  the  Lord  for  ever  : 


L Lev.  21:17—21.  22:22-21.  Gal.  3:29.  b 2,3,8.  Nell.  13:1—3.  Is.  56-3,4.  Lam. 
1:10.  c Is.  57:3.  Zecli.  9:6  John  8:4 1 . Heb.  12:8.  d Rulh  4:6,13— 22.  Nell.  4: 
3,7.13:1,23.  e 2:28,29.  Gen.  11:17,18.  1 Sam. 25:11.  I Kings  18:4.  Is.  63:9. 
Zech.  2:8.  Matt.  25.45.  Acts  9.4.  f See  on  Num.  22:5  7,lj7.  Neh.  13:2.  e Num. 
22:35.  23:5— 12,16— 26.  24:9.  Mic.  6:5.  Rom.  8 31.  2 Cor.  4:17.  h 7:7,8.  33:3. 


can  have  no  property  in  any  thing  that  is  found,  so  long  as 
there  is  a probability  of  discovering  the  owner.  If  a merciful 
man  would  assist  another’s  beast  that  was  fallen  down,  much 
more  should  we  should  we  hasten  to  the  relief  of  a brother, 
who  is  fallen  into  distress  or  poverty  : and  above  all  we  should 
be  ready  to  restore  in  the  spirit  of  meekness,  him  who  has 
been  overcome  by  temptation,  and  has  fallen  into  sin;  con- 
scious that  we  may  soon  want  the  same  gentleness  and  as- 
sistance.— If  we  would  approve  ourselves  to  be  the  peculiar 
people  of  God,  we  must  have  respect  to  his  will  and  glory, 
and  not  to  the  vain  fashions  of  the  world.  Even  in  putting  on 
our  garments,  as  well  as  in  eating  and  drinking,  all  must  be 
done  with  a serious  regard  to  the  preservation  of  our  own  and 
others’  purity  in  heart  and  action ; that  our  garb  may  testify 
whose  servants  we  are,  and  remind  us  what  our  conduct  ought 
to  be.  {Notes,  Rom.  12:1,2.  1 Cor.  10:29 — 33.  Col.  3:16,17. 
I Tim.  2:8 — 10.)  Our  obedience  should  also  be  universal, 
and  not  only  to  the  weightier,  but  even  to  the  minuter  mat- 
ters of  the  law,  that  it  may  be  well  with  us.  Yea,  our  eye 
should  be  single,  our  heart  simple,  and  our  behaviour  in  all 
things  consistent. — The  violation  of  chastity,  being  so  great  a 
wickedness,  and  in  females  especiall}'  of  such  fatal  conse- 
quences ; how  cautious  should  they  be  what  company  they 
keep,  what  places  they  frequent,  to  what  language  they  listen, 
what  books  they  read,  and  into  what  situations  they  venture  ! 
Indeed  both  men  and  women  should  seriously  and  daily 
meditate  on  God’s  abhorrence  of  unchastity ; on  the  certain 
detection  and  punishment  of  the  wicked  in  a future  state,  and 
the  fatal  effects  which  will  probably  follow  in  this  world:  that 
their  minds  may  be  fortified  against  temptation,  by  a dread  of 
sin  and  of  its  consequences.  How  carefully  should  parents 
keep  out  of  the  sight  and  way  of  their  children,  whatever  can 
pollute  their  imaginations  or  inflame  their  passions ! and  how 
should  all  join  in  execrating  those  wretches,  who  wantonly 
bring  ruin  upon  their  fellow-creatures  for  the  sake  of  gratify- 
ing a mean  sensual  inclination!  Nor  is  the  cruelty  of  those 
much  less  to  be  abhorred,  who  rob  the  innocent  of  their  repu- 
tation by  infamous  slanders,  from  malice  or  any  other  base 
passion. — We  should  never  forget  the  peculiar  atrociousness 
of  adultery  in  every  form,  and  the  punishment  which  awaits 
those  who  are  guilty  of  it.  We  may  also  recollect,  that  all 
deception  in  contracting  marriage  is  both  very  wicked,  and  a 
source  of  future  misery  ; that  the  nearer  we  stand  related  to 
God,  the  more  inexcusable  are  our  crimes, 44  folly  in  Israel” 
being  worse  than  elsewhere ; and  that  the  most  favourable 
construction  should  be  put  on  doubtful  actions,  and  a discrimi- 
nation made  between  different,  degrees  of  criminality.  Finally, 
our  purity  should  be  dearer  to  us  than  our  life ; and  our  cry  to 
God  for  help  in  temptation  should  be  no  less  earnest,  than  the 
cry  of  a person  in  danger  of  being  murdered.  When  we  thus 
call  upon  him,  he  is  ever  near  and  ready  to  assist  us,  and  his 
.grace  will  be  always  sufficient  for  us. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXIII.  V.  1.  It  is  evident  that  this 
law  was  not  meant  to  exclude  mutilated  Israelites,  either  from 
the  common  benefits  of  civil  society,  or  any  essential  religious 
advantages;  but  merely  to  lay  them  under  a disgraceful  dis- 
tinction. This  would  tend  to  discourage  parents  from  thus 
mutilating  their  children ; a practice  which  was  exceedingly 
common  in  those  ages  and  countries.  To  this  they  might  often 
be  induced  by  the  custom  which  prevailed,  of  employing 
eunuchs  in  the  houses  of  the  great  and  the  courts  of  princes : 
so  that  they  often  rose  to  the  highest  posts  of  honour  and 
authority.  {Notes,  2 Kings  20:17,18.  Dan.  1:3 — 7.)  Some 
expositors  therefore  consider  the  phrase, 44  shall  not  enter  into 
the  congregation  of  the  Lord,”  as  meaning,  that  they  should 
be  incapable  of  hearing  any  office  in  that  government,  which 
was  placed  over  the  people  of  God,  who  must  thus  enter  a 
protest  against  this  custom,  and  deliver  selfish  parents  from 
this  temptation.  But  others  think  that  the  persons  intended 
might  not  enter  the  inner  court  of  the  sanctuary,  or  join  in 
celebrating  the  sacred  feasts,  as  in  full  communion  with  the 
congregation  of  the  Lord  ; hut  must  be  contented  to  worship 

( 354  ) 


4 ‘Because  they  met  you  not  with  bread  and 
with  water  in  the  way,  when  ye  came  forth  out  cl 
Egypt;  and  f because  they  hired  against  thee 
Balaam  the  son  of  Beor,  of  Pethor  of  Mesopota- 
mia, to  curse  thee. 

5 Nevertheless  gthe  Lord  thy  God  would  not 
hearken  unto  Balaam;  but  the  Lord  thy  God 
turned  the  curse  into  a blessing  unto  thee, ‘‘because 
the  Lord  thy  God  loved  thee. 

6 Thou  shalt  'not  seek  their  peace  nor  their 
’prosperity  all  thy  days  for  ever. 

7 Thou  shalt  not  abhor  an  Edomite  ; for  Jhe  u 
thy  brother:  thou  shalt  not  abhor  an  Egyptian ; 
kbecause  thou  wast  a stranger  in  his  land. 

8 The  children  that  are  begotten  of  them  shall* 
‘enter  into  the  congregation  of  the  Lord,  in  their 
"Third  generation. 

Ps.  73:1 . Jer.  31:3.  Ez.  16:8.  Mai.  1:2.  Rom.  9:13.  11:28.  Eph.  2:4.5.  i 2 Sam. 
8.2.  12:31.  Ezra  9:12.  Neh.  13:23— 25.  • Heb  .good,  j Gen.  25:24— 26,30.  Num. 
20:14.  Ob.lU— 12.  Mai.  1:2.  k 10:19.  Gen.  45:17,18.  46:7.  47:6,12,27.  Ex.22i 
21.  23:9.  Lev.  19:34.  Ps.  105:23.  Acta  7:10— 18.  1 Seeon  1.  Rom. 3:29,30.  Eph 
2:12,13.  m 2,3.  Ex.  20:5,6. 


without,  as  uncircumcised  Gentiles  were  allowed  to  do.  In 
deed  it  is  probable  that  the  exclusion  related  to  both  these 
particulars:  for,  as  the  blemished  priests  might  not  officiate  at 
the  altar,  it  is  reasonable  to  conclude,  that  the  blemished 
Israelite  mu«t  neither  enter  the  inner  court  of  the  sanctuary, 
nor  fill  up  an>  public  office  in  the  congregation ; in  order  that 
the  people  and  c'dinances  of  God  might  be  preserved  in  purity 
and  honour. 

V.  2.  The  word  “bastard”  must  be  understood  according 
to  the  judicial  law , which  does  not  regard  the  children  of  a 
concubine,  when  owned  by  the  father  as  spurious;  but  only 
those  which  sprang  from  such  connexions  as  were  expressly 
prohibited  wkh  an  annexed  penally,  and  who  would  therefor© 
be  often  disowned  and  always  disgraceful;  or  the  offspring  of 
harlots,  whose  fathers  were  not  known.  The  exclusion  of 
such  persons,  and  their  posterity,  from  the  court  of  the  sanc- 
tuary, and  from  public  offices,  would  not  be  a hardship  on 
them,  worthy  to  be  put  in  competition  with  the  advantage 
arising  from  the  tendency  of  this  law,  to  restrain  men  from 
such  practices  as  would  disgrace  their  offspring  from  age  to 
age. — Some  expositors,  especially  the  Jewish,  suppose  that  by 
“not  entering  into  the  congregation  of  the  Lord”  we  should 
understand,  not  marrying  an  Israclitish  woman ; but,  as  the 
bastards,  being  Israelites,  were  forbidden  to  intermarry  with 
the  Geptiles,  this  interpretation  would  leave  them  scarcely  any 
opportunity  of  marrying : which  the  mention  of  their  posterity 
supposes  them  to  do.  For  the  allowance  to  marry  Hebrew 
slaves,  or  proselyted  Gentile  slaves,  seems  only  made  to  avoid 
the  difficulty;  and  the  distinction  has  no  foundation  in  Scrip- 
ture: for  Hebrew  slaves,  and  gentiles  when  fully  proselyted, 
were  a part  of  the  congregation  of  the  Lord,  and  admissible 
to  all  sacred  ordinances  ; with  only  the  exception  made  in  tlte 
next  verses. 

V.  3 — 5.  It  is  supposed  that  the  Ammonites  were  the  more 
criminal,  in  refusing  to  assist  the  Israelites ; though  nothing 
is  recorded  concerning  it : as  the  Moabites  were  in  hiring 
Balaam  to  curse  them.  They  were  both  descended  from  an 
incestuous  connexion  : {Note,  Gen.  19:31 — 38.)  yet  that  is  not 
here  mentioned,  but  merely  their  enmity  to  Israel.  It  was 
therefore  settled  by  a perpetual  ordinance  44  for  ever,”  that  the 
descendants  of  an  Ammonite  or  Moabite,  who  had  been 
proselyted,  should  not  enler  into  the  congregation  to  the  tenth 
generation:  and  some  interpret  this  to  mean,  that  his  posterity 
must  never  be  admitted.  {Note,  Neh.  1 3:1 — *-3. ) — As  Ruth 
the  Moabitess  was  married  to  Boaz,  and  from  her  David  and 
the  kings  of  his  race  descended  ; it  has  been  thought  that  the 
law  only  related  to  males,  and  not  to  females:  of  this  however 
no  sufficient  proof  seems  to  be  given.  It  does  not  appear  that 
intermarriages  were  particularly  intended  ; and  the  conduct  of 
Boaz,  being  required  by  another  law,  was  not  faulty:  {Note, 
Ruth  4;1 — 8.)  perhaps  the  excellent  character  of  Ruth  might 
be  supposed  to  except  her  and  her  posterity  from  the  genera! 
rule;  and  in  respect  to  David  and  the  kings  of  his  line,  they 
were  not  chosen  by  Israel,  but  appointed  by  God  himself. 
Had  the  law  been  intended  to  prohibit  intermarriages  with  the 
several  persons  mentioned,  no  doubt  that  would  have  been 
expressly  stated  ; as  it  is,  when  intermarriages  with  the  Ca- 
naanites  and  other  idolaters  are  forbidden. 

V.  6.  This  did  not  prohibit  the  Israelites  from  showi 
kindness  to  individuals  among  the  Moabites  and  Ammonites, 
especially  when  proselyted  ; much  less  did  it  allow  them  to 
make  war  on  them  without  reason,  or  to  refuse  them  terms 
of  peace : but  it  merely  forbade  them  to  enter  into  any  strict 
alliance  with  the  nations  so  long  as  they  existed,  or  intimate 
connexions  with  individuals  while  they  continued  idolaters. 
This  was*  the  more  requisite,  as  that  part  of  Israel,  which 
dwelt  east  of  Jordan,  bordered  upon  the  Ammonites  and 
Moabites,  and  they  were  continually  liable  to  be  seduced  <r 
injured  by  them. 

V.  7, 8.  The  Edomites  wore  more  nearly  related  to  Israel, 
than  the  Moabites  and  Ammonites  were  ; and,  therefor®, 
though  they  had  in  some  degree  veen  unfriendly,  they  mutt 


B.  C.  1451 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


B.  C.  1451 


9 11  When  the  host  goeth  forth  against  thine 
enemies,  then  "keep  thee  from  every  wicked  tiling. 

10  If  there  be  among  you  any  man  "that  is  not 
clean,  by  reason  of  uncleanness  that  chanceth  him 
by  night,  then  shall  be  go  abroad  out  of  the  camp, 
he  shall  not  come  within  the  camp  : 

11  But  it  shall  be, ‘‘when  evening  "cometh  on, 
he  shall  iwash  himself  with  water  : and,  when  the 
sun  is  down,  he  shall  come  into  the  camp  again. 

12  Thou  shalt  have  a place  also  without  the 
camp,  whither  thou  shalt  go  forth  abroad. 

13  And  thou  shalt  have  a paddle  upon  thy 
weapon  : and  it  shall  be  when  thou  1 wilt  ease 
thyself  abroad,  thou  shalt  dig  therewith,  and  shalt 
turn  back,  and  rcover  that  which  cometh  from 
thee : 

14  For  the  Lord  thy  God  ‘walkethin  the  midst 
of  thy  camp,  to  deliver  thee,  and  to  give  up  thine 
enemies  before  thee  : therefore  shall  thy  camp  be 
holy,  that  he  see  no  hmclean  thing  in  thee,  and 
turn  away  from  thee. 

15  S Thou  ‘shalt  not  deliver  unto  his  master  the 
servant  which  is  escaped  from  his  master  unto 
thee : 

16  He  "shall  dwell  with  thee,  even  among  you, 
in  that  place  which  he  shall  choose,  in  one  of  thy 
gates  where  it  ^liketli  him  best : Tthou  shalt  not 
oppress  b:rn. 

17  11  There  "shall  be  no  "whore  of  the  daugh- 
ters of  Israel,  nor  a “sodomite  of  the  sons  of  Israel. 

n Josh. 7:11— 13.  Jutlg.  20:26.  2 Chr.  19:4.20:3— 13.  31:20,21.  32:1—22.  Luke  3: 
14.  Rev.  19:11— 14.  o Lev  15:16.  Num.  5:2,3.  1 Cor.  5:11— 13.  p Lev.  11:25. 
1117—23.  ■ Heb . tumelh  toward,  q Lev.  14:9.  15:5,11,13.  22:6.  Ps.  51:2,7. 

FX.  36:25.  Malt.  3:11.  Luke  11:38,39.  Kph. 5:26,27.  Heb.  9:9,10.  10:22.  1 Pel. 
3:21.  Rev.  1:5.  t Heb.  shlestdown.  r Kt.  24:6-8.  • Gen.  17:1.  I, ev.  26:12. 
2 Cor.  6:16.  J Heb.  nakedness  of  any  thins,  t 1 Sam.  30:15.  Ob.  14.  Philem. 
10—19.  m Is.  16:3,4.  Luke  15:15-24.  Tit.  3:2,3.  § Heb.  is  good  for  him. 
v Ex.  22:21.  23:9.  Jer.  7:6.  Zech.  7:10.  Mai.  3:5.  Jam.  2:6.  w 22:21,29.  Lev. 
19:29.  ||  <V,  sodumitess.  Rom.  1:26.  x Gen.  19:5.  Judg.  (9:22.  1 Kings  14: 

24.  15:12  . 22:46.-  2 Kings  23.7.  Horn.  1:27.  1 Cor.  6:9.  1 Tim.  1:10.  y Ez.  16: 

be  regarded  more  favourably,  and  not  shunned  and  excluded 
from  them,  as  the  nations  before  mentioned.  And  as  the  Is- 
raelites had,  at  first  in  their  extreme  distress,  been  hospitably 
entertained  in  Egypt ; they  were  required  to  forgive  the  sub- 
sequent oppression  which  they  had  suffered,  and  to  requite  the 
precedmg  kindness : so  that  the  descendants  of  a proselyte, 
either  of  Edom  or  Egypt,  in  the  third  generation  must  be 
allowed  to  become  entitled  to  all  the  privileges  of  a native 
Israelite. 

V.  9 — 14.  These  precepts  not  only  related  to  the  camp  of 
Israel,  previously  to  their  conquest  of  the  promised  land,  and 
settlement  in  it;  hut  at  all  times  when  they  went  forth  to  fight 
their  enemies.  They  were  first  reminded  to  use  vigorous 
measures  for  reformation,  and  to  pay  a strict  attention  to  their 
ceremonial  purifications;  ( Notes , Lev.  15  :)  and  then  not  to 
forget  a due  regard  to  natural  cleanliness,  not  only  from  de- 
cency and  for  health’s  sake,  but  from  respect  to  that  God  of 
purity,  who,  as  it  were,  headed  their  armies  and  encamped 
among  them ; and  also  as  an  emblem  of  their  inward  purity.  * 

V.  15,  16.  We  cannot  suppose,  that  this  law  required  the 
Israelites  to  entertain  slaves,  who  had  robbed  their  masters, 
or  left  their  service  without  cause;  but  such  only  as  were 
cruelly  treated,  and  fled  to  them  for  protection,  especially  from 
.the  neighbouring  nations.  (Marg.  Ref.)  To  such  they  were 
commanded  to  afford  shelter  and  show  great  kindness ; both 
in  order  to  recommend  their  religion,  and  to  give  them  an  op- 
portunity of  learning  it. 

V.  17,  18.  The  magistrate  was  commanded  not  to  connive 
at,  (much  less  to  license,)  houses  of  prostitution  and  unclean- 
ness ; and  not  to  allow  any  person  openly  to  carry  on  the  in- 
famous trade  of  a prostitute  or  sodomite,  but  to  expel  and 
extirpate  such  nuisances  to  the  uttermost. — The  words  used 
denote  persons  dedicated , or  consecrated , that  is,  to  the  basest 
kinds  of  lewdness ; according  to  the  infamous  licentiousness 
and  unnatural  vices  of  en  openly  perpetrated  at  the  temples 
of  idolaters,  from  which  much  of  the  gains  of  the  priests  and 
priestesses  arose.  For  neither  in  this,  nor  any  other  place, 
where  the  word  sodomite  is  used  in  our  translation,  is  there,  in 
the  original,  any  allusion  to  Sodom,  or  its  inhabitants.  (Marg. 
Ref.  x.  Heb.)— The  priests  must  not  receive  any  oblations  or 
sacrifices  brought  by  persons  of  such  vile  characters':  for  God 
would  not  accept  them ; though  they  should  attempt  to  cloak 
heir  wickedness,  or  compensate  for  it,  by  making  and  per- 
forming religious  vows.  [Prov.  7:14.)  If  the  price  of  a dog 
be  understood  literally,  not  only  the  meanness  of  the  animals, 
but  their  greediness,  and  resemblance  of  shamelessly  lewd 
persons,  must  be  considered  as  the  reason  of  the  restriction, 
and  the  extraordinary  association.  ( Marg . Ref.)  Many, 
however,  understand  it  of  the  hire  of  unnatural  crimes:  yet 
figurative  language  seems  hardly  admissible  in  statutes. 

V.  19,20.  Note,  Ex.  22:25—27. 

V.  21 — 23.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Gen.  28:20 — 22.  Num. 

30:2.  Ec.  5:4-  7 


18  Thou  shalt  not  bring  the  ?hire  of  a whore 
or  the  price  “of  a dog,  into  the  house  of  the  Lord 
thy  God  "for  any  vow:  for  even  both  these  are. 
abomination  unto  the  Lord  thy  God. 

19  II  Thou  shalt  not  blend  upon  usury  to  thy 
brother : usury  of  money,  usury  ,of  victuals, 
usury  of  any  thing  that  is  lent  upon  usury. 

20  Unto  ca  stranger  thou  mayest  lend  upon 
usury,  but  unto  thy  brother  thou  shalt  not  lend 
upon  usury : dthat  the  Lord  thy  God  may  bless 
thee  in  all  that  thou  settest  thine  hand  to,  in  the 
land  whither  thou  goest  to  possess  it. 

21  "When  thou  shalt  vow  a vow  unto  the  Lord 
thy  God,  thou  shalt  not  slack  to  pay  it : for  the 
Lor'd  thy  God  will  surely  require  it  of  thee ; and 
it  would  be  sin  in  thee. 

22  But  if  thou  shalt  forbear  to  vow,  it  shall  be 
no  sin  in  thee. 

23  ‘ That  which  is  gone  out  of  thy  lips  thou 
shalt  keep  and  perform  ; even  a free-will-offering, 
according  as  thou  shast  vowed  unto  the  Lord  thy 
God,  which  thou  hast  promised  with  thy  mouth. 

24  H When  thou  comest  into  thy  neighbour’s 
vineyard,  then  hthou  mayest  eat  grapes  thy  fill,  at 
thine  own  pleasure  ; but  thou  shalt  not  put  any  in 
thy  vessel. 

25  When  thou  comest  into  the  standing  corn  of 
thy  neighbour,  ‘then  thou  mayest  pluck  the  ears 
with  thine  hand  : but  thou  shalt  not  move  a sickle 
unto  thy  neighbour’s  standing  corn. 


33.  zPs. 22:16.  Prov. 26:11.  Is.  56:10,11.  Mott.  7:6.  Phil.  3:2.  2Pet.2-22. 
liev. 22:15.  » See.'*  21.  12-6.  Lev.  7:16.  Ps.  5:4— 6.  Is.  61:8.  Hah.  1:13.  Mai. 
1:14.  b Ex.  22:25.  Lev.  25:35— 37.  Neh.  5: 1— 7.  Ps.  15:5.  Ex.  18:7, S,  13, 16— 18. 
22:12.  Luke  6:34,35.  c 14:21.  15:3.  Lev.  19:33,34.  d See  on  15:10.  Prov.  19: 
17.  Is.  1:19.  Luke  14:14.  1 Cor.  15:58.  e 18.  Gen.  28:20.  35:1— 3.  Lev.  27:2, 
«tc.  Num.  30:2,  Sic.  Ps.  56:12.  66:13,14.  76:11.  116:18.  Jon.  1:16.  2:9.  Nah.  1: 
15.  f Judg.  11:30,31,35.  1 Sam.  1 :11.  Prov.  20:25.  Ec.  5:4,5.  g 1 Sam.  14:24. 
Jer.  44:25-27.  Mark  6:22,23.  Acts  23:12,21.  h Rom.  12:13.  1 Cor.  10:26.  Heb. 
13:5.  i Mate  12:1,2.  Mark  2:23.  Luke  6:1,2. 


V.  24,  25.  This  law  was  a valuable  kindness  to  the 
labourer,  the  poor,  the  widow,  and  the  traveller ; it  was  a 
pledge  to  the  Israelites  of  the  fruitfulness  of  the  land,  whilst 
they  continued  obedient;  it  inculcated  liberality,  and  at  the 
same  time  instructed  them  not  to  encroach  upon  each  other. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  ought  to  value  the  privileges  of  the  Lord’s  people,  both 
for  ourselves  and  for  our  children,  above  all  other  advantages ; 
and  should  carefully  avoid  whatever  may  throw  a hinderance 
in  the  way  of  their  possessing  them.  No  personal  blemishes, 
no  crimes  of  progenitors,  no  difference  of  nations,  can  exclude 
us  from  these  blessings:  but  an  unsound  heart  will  deprive  us 
of  them;  and  a bad  example,  an  improper  education,  and 
even  unsuitable  marriages,  may  occasion  the  loss  of  them  to 
our  children. — The  conduct  of  God,  as  the  righteous  Gover- 
nor of  the  universe,  is  not  recorded  for  the  imitation  of  private 
persons ; hut  all  men  ought  to  follow  the  example  of  his  pa- 
tience, lenity,  readiness  to  forgive,  and  kindness  to  his  ene- 
mies. Nor  should  we  ever  forget  how  he  turns  the  curses  of 
opposers  into  blessings,  in  behalf  of  those  whom  he  loves, 
and  teaches  to  love  him. — The  more  imminent  and  evident 
the  danger  we  are  exposed  to,  the  greater  should  be  our  watch- 
fulness, diligence,  in  self-examination,  and  earnestness  in 
prayer  for  forgiveness,  peace  with  God,  and  protection  from 
him:  and  the  scourge  of  war  should  remind  the  governors  of 
kingdoms,  and  the  commanders  of  armies,  to  exert  themselves 
for  reformation,  and  an  attendance  upon  the  ordinances  of 
God.  Nor  can  the  help  of  the  Lord  be  warrantably  depended 
on  by  societies,  or  by  individuals,  while  iniquity  is  indulged 
and  connived  at. — No  natural  filthiness  is  so  loathsome  to 
our  senses,  as  the  uncleanness  of  the  heart  is  offensive  to  a 
holy  God : in  vain  therefore  do  men,  by  pompous  forms  of 
godliness,  costly  oblations,  or  multiplied  acts  of  showy  benefi- 
cence, strive  to  compensate  for  their  iniquity,  while  they  in- 
dulge unlawful  inclinations.  Such  services  are  an  attempt 
to  bribe  the  Judge  of  the  earth  to  “acquit  the  wicked hut 
he  abhors  the  blasphemous  endeavour.  It  is  the  bounden 
duty  of  legislators  and  magistrates,  to  do  all  in  their  power, 
to  prevent,  to  repress,  and  extirpate,  the  recesses  of  licentious- 
ness here  forbidden;  and  surely  immensely  more  might  be 
done,  than  is  so  much  as  attempted  in  Christian  countries,  or 
in  this  land,  and  its  great  cities:  but  whether  they  can  or 
cannot  banish  such  pernicious  criminals,  God  will  exclude  for 
ever  from  the  holy  city,  and  shut  up  for  ever  in  the  lake  of 
fire,  all  who  persist  in  or  encourage  them. — The  people  of 
God  must  also  keep  at  a distance  from  cruelty  and  oppres- 
sion: and  ever  be  ready  to  patronise  the  cause  of  the  op- 
pressed. Fidelity  to  their  engagements,  and  liberality  without 
grudging  to  all  around  them,  should  mark  their  characters; 
for  God  is  able  to  make  all  sufficiency  to  abound  towards 
them : and  at  the  same  time  they  should  be  the  last  persons 
encroach  upon  others.  In  fine,  temperai?.*.  chastity,  purity, 
equity,  mercy,  and  truth,  are  the  mi  - '’•Jits  of 

( 355  ) 


B.  C.  1451 


DEUTERONOMY. 


B.  C.  145 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

The  law  of  divorcee,  I — 4.  Newly  married  men  exempted  fjr  one  year  from 
war  ana  public  services,  5.  Laws  for  the  punishment  of  men-stealers  ; con- 
cerning pledges,  and  the  separation  of  lepers,  6 — 13.  The  hire  of  servants 
not  to  be  detained,  14,  15.  Parents  and  children  not  punishable  for  each 
other's  crimes,  16.  Justice  must  be  done  to  the  friendless,  17,  18.  Liberal 
glear.ings  to  be  left  for  the  poor,  19—22. 

WHEN  a man  “hath  taken  a wife,  and  married 
her,  and  it  come  to  pass  that  she  find  no 
favour  in  his  eyes,  because  he  hath  found  some 
■uncleanness  in  her;  then  blet  him  write  her  a bill 
of  'divorcement,  and  give  it  in  her  hand,  cand 
send  her  out  of  his  house. 

2 And  when  she  is  departed  out  of  his  house, 
ds'ne  may  go  and  be  another  man’s  wife. 

3 And  if  the  latter  husband  hate  her,  and  write 
her  a bill  of  divorcement,  and  giveth  it  in  her 
hand,  and  sendeth  her  out  of  his  house  ; or  if  the 
latter  husband  die,  which  took  her  to  be  his  wife : 
4 "Her  former  husband,  which  sent  her  away, 
may  not  take  her  again  to  be  his  wife,  after  that 
she  is  defiled ; for  that  is  abomination  before  the 
Lord  : and  fthou  shalt  not  cause  the  land  to  sin 
which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee  for  an  in- 
heritance. 

5  H When  man  hath  taken  a new  wife,  he 
shall  not  go  out  to  war,  ^neither  shall  he  be 
charged  with  any  business,  but  he  shall  be  free  at 
home  one  year,  and  shall  hcheer  up  his  wife  which 
he  hath  taken. 

6  IT  No  man  'shall  take  the  nether  or  the  upper 
millstone  to  pledge  : for  he  taketh  a vian's  klife  to 
pledge. 

7  If  a man  be  'found  stealing  any  of  his  bre- 

a 21:15.  22:13.  Ex.  21:10. *  * Heb.  matter  of  nakedness,  b 3.  Jer.  3:8.  Matt. 
5:31.  19:7—9.  Mark  10:4—12.  t Heb.  cutting  off.  Is.  50:1.  r.  22:19,29.  Mai.  2:16. 
Matt. 1:19.  Luke  16:18.  1 Cor.  7:1 1,12.  d Lev.  21 :7, 14.  22:13.  Num.  30:9.  Ez.44: 
22.  Matt.  5:32.  Mark  10: 11.  1 Cor.  7: 15.  e Jer.  3:1.  f Lev.  18:24— 28.  Josh.  22: 
17,18.  g See  on  20:7.  Gen.  2:24.  Matt'.  19:4—6.  Mark  10:6—9.  1 Cor.  7:10—15. 
Eph.  5:28,29.  Tit.  2:4,5.  J Heb.  not  am / thing  shall  pass  upon  him.  h Prov. 
5:18.  Ec.  9:9.  1 Cor.  7:29.  i Ex.  22:26,27.  Rev.  18:22.  k20:19.  Gen.  44:30. 

Luke  12:15.  1 Ex  . 21 .16.  Ez.  27: 13.  1 Tim.  1 : 10.  Rev. 18:13.  m See  on  Ex. 
21:16.22:1—4.  n See  on  19:19.  o Lev.  13:  14:  Matt.  8:4.  Markl:44.  Luke 


that  Spirit,  which  dwells  in  all  the  true  disciples  of  Jesus 
Christ. 

NOTES. — Ciiap.  XXIV.  V.  1 — 4.  Divorces  were 
always  a deviation  from  the  original  institution  of  marriage, 
consequent  upon  man’s  depravity  as  a fallen  creature,  arising 
from  the  inconstancy  of  his  mind  and  the  impetuosity  of  his 
passions.  This  customary  deviation  God  did  not  please,  in 
the  judicial  law,  the  magistrate’s  rule,  totally  to  prohibit;  lest 
it  should  occasion  the  cruel  treatment,  or  even  the  murder,  of 
those  women,  who  were  become  disagreeable  to  their  husbands. 

• The  uncleanness,  on  account  of  which  the  Israelites  were  w suf- 
fered, for  the  hardness  of  their  hearts,  to  put  away  their  wives,” 
was  not  adultery,  or  any  suspicion  of  it ; for  both  these  cases 
were  otherwise  provided  against:  (22:22.  Lev. 20:10.  Notes, 
Num.  5:12 — 31 . ) but  some  ceremonial  uncleanness,  or  diseaes, 
or  some  natural  or  moral  objection  which  formed  a real  griev- 
ance— In  the  days  of  Christ,-  the  Jewish  teachers,  having  con- 
strued the  permission  into  a commandment,  extended  it  to  the 
most  frivolous  matters  ; so  that  a licentious  mind  could  not  de- 
sire more  allowance.  Hence  divorces  prevailed  to  the  disuse  of 
polygamy,  and  to  the  still  greater  hardship  of  the  women,  who 
were  sent  away,  one  after  another,  under  colour  of  this  law,  on 
various  pretexts,  to  make  way  for  a new  object  of  the  roving 
affections.  This  accounts  for  the  discourses  of  Christ  being 
more  explicitly  against  divorces ; though  the  reason  of  them 
equally  determines  against  polygamy  ; u for  from  the  beginning 
it  was  not  so.”  • Notes , Matt.  5:31,32. 19:3 — 9.  Mark  10:2 — 12.) 
— But  whilst  divorces  were  allowed,  they  were  also  regulated. 
A man  could  not  in  a fit  of  anger  send  away  his  wife,  hut  must 
have  time  for  reflection,  while  the  legal  instrument  was  pre- 
paring. For  he  must  give  her  a bill  of  divorce  properly  au- 
thenticated, and  properly  specifying  the  reason ; and  we  may 
suppose  some  provision  was  also  made  her  out  of  her  hus- 
band’s substance.  And  it  was  no  part  of  God’s  law  to  pro- 
hibit either  party  from  marrying  again  ; which  restraint,  when 
imposed  by  an  absurd  policy,  is  often  no  better  than  authoriz- 
ing fornication.  The  woman  might  marry  again  and  again, 
if  set  at  liberty ; but  she  must  never  more  return  to  her  for- 
mer husband.  This  restriction,  while  it  would  operate  as  a 
check  to  inconstancy  and  rashness  in  the  husband,  would  pre- 
vent the  shameful  practice  of  exchanging  and  lending  wives, 
which  prevailed  in  many  nations.  Israel  would  be  preserved 
from  that  national  guilt  which  such  crimes  enhance;  and,  as 
far  as  these  regulations  were  adhered  to,  some  of  the  worst 
effects  of  divorces  would  in  good  measure  he  prevented. 

V.  5.  This  most  condescending  exemption  would  operate 
in  fixing  the  affections  of  married  persons,  and  in  preventing 

♦ divorces;  for  early  or  long  separations  tend  to  alienate  the 
affections,  and  form  temptations  to  inconstancy. 

V.  6.  Hand-mills  were  then  generally  used,  in  every 
family  for  Ending  their  corn  ; and  men  would  be  deprived  of 
( 356  ) 


thren  of  the  children  of  Israel,  and  maketh  mer 
chandise  of  him,  or  selleth  him  ; mthen  that  thicl 
shall  die,  "and  thou  shalt  put  evil  away  from  anions, 
you. 

8 H Take  heed  in  "the  plague  of  leprosy,  that 
thou  observe  diligently  and  do  according  to  all 
that  the  priests  the  Levites  shall  teach  you : as  I 
commanded  them,  so  ye  shall  observe  to  do. 

9 '-Remember  what  the  Lord  thy  God  did  unto 
iMiriam  by  the  way,  after  that  ye  were  come  forth 
out  of  Egypt. 

10  ^1  When  thou  dost  §lend  thy  brother  any 
thing,  thou  shalt  not  go  into  his  house  to  fetch  his 
pledge. 

11  Thou  shalt  stand  abroad;  and  the  man, 
to  whom  thou  dost  lend,  shall  bring  out  the  pledge 
abroad  unto  thee. 

12  And  "if  the  man  be  poor,  thou  shalt  not  sleep 
with  his  pledge. 

13  In  any  case  thou  shalt  'deliver  him  the 
pledge  again  when  "the  sun  goe:h  down,  that  he 
may  sleep  in  his  own  rairrtent,  and  bless  thee ; and 
it  "shall  be  righteousness  unto  thee  beiore  the 
Lord  thy  God. 

14  Thou  shalt  not  ^oppress  a hired  servant 
that  is  poor  and  needy,  whether  he  be  of  thy 
brethren,  or  of  thy  strangers  that  are  in  thy  land 
within  thy  gates : 

15  At  'his  day  thou  shalt  give  him  his  hire, 

neither  shall  the  sun  go  down  upon  it;  for  he  is 
poor,  and  "setteth  his  heart  upon  it;  “lest  he  cry 
against  thee  unto  the  Lord,  and  it  be  sin  unto 
thee.  • 


5;  14.  17:14.  pLuke  17:32.  1 Cor.  10:6,11.  qNum.5:Q.  12:10— IS.  2 Kings  7: 
3.  2 Chr.  26:20,21 . r See  on  15:8.  § Heb.  lend  the  loan  of  any  thing  to  thy 

brother,  s 17.  Job  22:6  . 24:3,9.  t Ex.  22:26.  Job  24:7,8.  29:11—13.  31:16—20. 
E?..  18:7,12,16.  83:15.  Amos  2:8.  2 I im.  1 16— 1-3.  u 15.  Eph.  4:26.  x6:95. 

15:9,10.  Pb.  106:31.  112:9.  13.58:8,  Dan. 4:27.  Jam.  1:27.  2:13-17.  yI.ev.2T* 
40—43.  Job  24:10, LI.  31:13-15.  Prov.  14:31.  22:16.  Ez.  22:7.  Amos  2:7.  4:1. 
8:4.  Mai.  3:5.  Luke  10:7.  z Lev.  19:13.  Prov.  3:27,28.  Jer.  22:13.  Mutt.  20:8. 
Mark  10:19.  ||  Heb.  liftethhis  soul  unto  it.  Ps.  24:4.  25: 1 . 86:4.  a 15:9.  Ex. 
22:23,24.  Job  31:38.  34:28.  35:9.  Prov.  22:22,23.  23:10,11.  Is.  5:7.  Jam.  5:4. 

the  means  of  preparing  their  necessary  food,  if  their  millstones 
were  taken  from  them.  The  same  reason  holds  good  against 
receiving  in  pledge,  or  distraining  for  debt,  any  of  those  instru- 
ments of  labour,  by  which  men  are  accustomed  to  earn  their 
livelihood.  ( Marg . Ref.  Note,  Ex.  22:25 — 27.) 

V.  7.  Christianity  has  annihilated  that  distinction  of  na- 
tions, which  for  typical  and  political  reasons,  was  during  a time 
established  ; and  in  this  respect  every  man  is  now  our  brother, 
whatever  be  his  nation,  complexion,  or  creed.  How  then 
can  the  merchandise  of  men  and  women  be  carried  on.  with- 
out transgressing  this  commandment,  or  abetting  those  who 
do?  An  inhabitant  of  England,  if  lie  stay  at  home,  and  steal 
a horse,  or  a sheep,  is  condemned  to  death : but  if  he  take  a 
voyage  to  Africa,  he  may  steal,  or  purchase  of  those  who  do 
steal,  hundreds  of  men  and  women,  and  not  only  escape  with 
’impunity,  but  grow  great  like  a prince.  According  to  the 
law  of  God,  whoever  stole  cattle  restored  four  or  five  fold, 
whoever  stole  one  human  being,  though  an  infant  or  an  idiot, 
must  die.  May  we  not  call  upon  British  legislators  to  rectify 
this  flagrant  abuse? — Since  this  was  written,  the  author,  with 
tens  of  thousands  more,  has  to  bless  God,  that  this  expecta- 
tion has  been  answered,  in  the  abolition  of  the  slave-trade,  by 
an  act  of  the  legislature  ; but  further  powerfully  coercive 
measures  are  still  needful,  fully  to  accomplish  the  benevolent 
design.  (Notes  Ex.  21:15 — 17.  Rev.  18:11 — 19.) 

V.  9.  The  leprosy  of  Miriam  was  inflicted  by  the  Lord, 
and  she  humbled  herself  under  the  rebuke,  notwithstanding 
her  rank  and  character:  yet  she  was  excluded  from  the  camp 
during  seven  days  ; but  was  restored  upon  her  submission  at 
the  request  of  Moses.  Hence  the  people  might  learn  how 
to  submit  themselves  in  similar  circumstances.  (Notes  and 
P.  O.  Lev.  13:  14:  Num.  12:) 

V.  10 — 13.  Though  the  Israelites  might  not  take  increase 
of  their  brethren,  they  might  take  a pledge  ; provided  it  were 
something  which  the  borrower  could  conveniently  part  with, 
and  which  he  willingly  proposed.  But  if,  in  his  necessity, 
he  brought  what  he  could  not  well  spare,  they  were  com- 
manded from  conscience  towards  God,  to  restore  it  by  sun- 
set : and  this,  when  done  from  a right  motive,  would  bo 
accepted  as  an  act  of  righteousness  by  a merciful  God,  and 
rewarded  accordingly  ; and  he  would  also  punish  the  noglec* 
of  it.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes , Ex.  22:25 — 27.  Ez.  18:5 — 9.) 

Not  go  into  his  house,  &c.  (10)  4 As  if  the  legislator  sairi, 

Intrude  not  into  his  abode,  if  he  is  not  willing  to  expose  to 
the  stranger’s  eye  the  humiliating  circumstances  of  want  and 
nakedness,  which  attend  his  destitute  state  : or  perhaps  there 
is  some  little  monument  of  his  better  days,  which  he  reserves 
to  console  his  misery,  which  he  would  not  wish  the  person  o. 
whom  he  implores  aid,  to  see,  lest  he  should  demand  that  in 
pledge,  and  either,  if  denied,  refuse  reliof,  or  by  tearing 
away  this  almost  sacred  relic,  to  which  lis  I Kart  clings,  to 


B.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


16  The  Mathers  shall  not  be  put  to  death  for 
the  children,  neither  shall  the  children  be  put  to 
death  for  the  fathers : every  man  shall  be  put  to 
death  for  his  own  sin. 

17  Thou  shalt  not  'pervert  the  judgment  of  the 
stranger,  nor  of  the  fatherless,  dnor  take  a widow’s 
raiment  to  pledge : 

18  But  'thou  shalt  remember  that  diou  wast 
a bondman  in  Egypt,  and  the  Lord*  thy  God 
redeemed  thee  thence : therefore  I command  thee 
to  do  this  thing. 

19  When  ftnou  cuttest  down  thine  harvest  in 
thy  field,  and  hast  forgot  a sheaf  in  the  field, 
thou  shalt  not  go  again  to  fetch  it : Mt  shall  be  for 
the  stranger,  for  the  fatherless,  and  for  the  widow ; 
that  the  Lord  thy  God  hmay  bless  thee  in  all  the 
works  of  tliinc  hands. 

20  When  thou  beatest  thine  olive-tree,  thou 
shalt  not  "go  over  the  boughs  again  : it  shall  be  for 
the  Stranger ; for  the  fatherless,  and  for  the  widow. 

21  When  thou  'gatherest  the  grapes  of  thy 
vineyard,  thou  shalt  not  glean  it  'afterward : it 
shall  be  for  the  stranger,  for  the  fatherless,  and 
for  the  widow. 

22  And  kthou  shalt  remember  that  thou  wast 
a bondman  in  the  land  of  Egypt:  therefore  I 
command  thee  to  do  this  thills'. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

Hot  more  than  forty  stripes  must  be  inflicted  on  malefactors , 1 — 3.  Oxen 
treading  out  the  corn  not  to  be  muzzled,  4.  The  widow  of  him  who  died 
childless  to  be  mairied  by  his  brother , who,  if  he  refused  to  take  her , must  be 
disgraced,  5—10.  The  punishment  of  an  immodest  woman,  11,  12.  Just 
weights  and  measures  io  be  used,  13—16.  The  memory  of  Amalek  to  be 
blotted  out,  17 — 19. 

IF  there  be  a 'controversy  between  men,  and 
they  come  unto  judgment  that  the  judges  may 


b 2 Kings  14:5,6.  2 Cbr.  25:4.  Jer.  31:29,30.  Ez.  18:20.  c 16:19.  27:19.  Ex.  22: 
21,22.  23:2,6,9.  1 Sam.  12:3,4.  Job 22:8,9.  29:11-17.  Ps.82:l— 5.  94:3—6,20,21. 
Pror.  22:22.  31:5.  Ec.  5:8.  Is.  1:23.  3:15.  33:15.  Jer.  5:28  . 22:3.  Es. 22:7,29. 
Amos  5:7— 12.  Mic.  2:1,2.  7:3.  Zech.7:l0.  Mai.  3:5.  Luke  3:14.  Jam.  2:6. 
d See  on  Ex.  22:26.  eSeeon22.  5:15.  15:15.  16:12.  f Lev.  19:9,10.  23:22. 
Ruth  2:16.  g 20.21.  See  on  14:29.  26:13.  h 15:10.  Job3I:16— 22.  42:12.  Ps. 
41:1—3.  112:9.  Prov.  11 .24,25.  14:21.  19:17.  Is.  32:8.  58:7—11.  Luke  6:35,38. 
14:13,14.  2 Cor.  9:6-8.  1 John  3:17—19.  • Heb.  boufh  il  after  thee,  i See  on 
19.  Lev.  19:9,10.  f Heb.  after  thee,  k 18.  See  on  5:14,15.  7:8.  Is.  51:1 . 2 Cor. 
8-8,9.  Eph.  5:1,2.  1 John  5:10,11.  a 16:18 — 20.  17:8,9.  19:17— 19.  Ex.  23:6,7. 


imbitter  his  distress.  No,  says  the  law,  the  hovel  of  the 
poor  must  be  sacred  as  a holy  asylum  : the  eye  of  scorn 
and  the  foot  of  pride  must  not  dare  to  intrude  : even  the  agent 
of  mercy  must  not  enter  abruptly  and  unbid,  without  consult- 
ing the  feelings  of  its  wretched  inhabitant.’ — Graves  on  tha 
Pentateuch , Vol.  ii.  p.  27. — It  need  scarcely  be  said,  how 
worthy  these  well-grounded  remarks  on  the  humane  require>- 
ments  of  the  divine  law  are  of  the  serious  consideration  of  an 
concerned  in  granting  or  refusing  relief  to  paupers  in  this 
Christian  land  ; and  in  respect  of  the  conditions , on  which 
relief  is  generally  granted  or  withheld. 

V.  14,  15.  Marg.  Ref.  Note , Lev.  19:13. 

V.  16.  God  himself,  who  can  bring  good  to  individuals  out 
df  public  calamities,  might  justly  involve  the  children  in  the’ 
parent’s  punishment ; but  he  would  not  allow  the  magistrate 
to  do  it,  especially  in  matters  of  life  and  death.  ( Notes , Ex. 
20:5.  2 Kings  14:5,6.) 

V.  17,  18.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 5:12—15.  15:13—15. 

V.  19—21.  Marg.  Ref.  Note , Lev.  19:9,10. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  impetuous  lusts  and  selfish  hardness  of  men’s  hearts, 
if  not  restrained  by  a constant  miracle,  or  subdued  by  divine 
grace,  will  inevitably  occasion  manifold  abuses  in  every 
society,  contrary  to  the  moral  law  of  God  ; nor  can  the  best 
human  laws,  or  their  most  impartial  and  steady  administra- 
tion, wholly  prevent  them.  But  these  abuses  proportionably 
mar  all  our  comforts,  and  neither  conscience  nor  prudence 
will  permit  a true  Christian  to  join  in  them. — Even  where 
Providence,  or  indiscreet  choice  in  marriage,  hath  allotted  a 
Christian  a trial,  instead  of  a useful  and  pleasant  companion ; 
he  will  from  his  heart  prefer  this  affliction,  to  such  relief  as 
tends  ultimately  to  licentiousness,  confusion,  and  misery:  and 
divine  grace  will  sanctify  it,  support  him  under  it,  and  teach 
him  so  to  behave  as  will  gradually  render  it  more  tolerable. 
But  every  method  should  be  .used  to  cement  the  affections  of 
married  persons,  and  to  exclude  temptations  to  inconstancy. 
While  we  leave  those  to  the  tribunal  of  God,  who  prosper  by 
the  most  horrible  oppression,  or  most  infamous  traffic  ; it  suf- 
fices here  to  observe,  that  there  are  readers  who  would  be 
disgusted,  were  we  to  follow  the  inspired  writer,  in  his  re- 
lated exhortations  to  humiliation  before  God,  to  purity, 
r;ety,  justice,  mercy,  kindness,  impartiality,  and  beneficent 
consideration  of  the  poor  and  destitute,  the  fatherless,  the 
widow,  and  the  stranger,  and  to  enlarged  liberality  in  every 
thing. — It  is  not  hard  to  prove  that  these  things  are  calculated 
to  ensure  from  our  merciful  and  gracious  God,  in  answer  to 
the  prayers  of  those  who  partake  of  our  kindness,  a blessing 
upon  every  work  of  our  hands,  instead  of  the  curse  which  is 


B.  C.  1451 

judge  them,  then  they  shall  justify  the  righteous 
and  condemn  the  wicked. 

2 And  it  shall  be  if  the  wicked  man  be  '’worth  • 
to  be  beaten,  that  the  judge  shall  cause  him  to  lit 
down,  and  to  be  beaten  before  his  face,  according 
to  his  fault  by  a certain  number. 

3 Forty  stripes  he  may  give  him,  and  'not 
exceed:  lest,  if  he  should  exceed,  and  beat  him 
above  these  with  many  stripes,  then  thy  brother 
should  seem  dvile  unto  thee. 

4 Thou  shalt  not  'muzzle  the  ox  when  he 
‘treadeth  out  the  corn. 

5 H If  brethren  dwell  together,  and  one  of  them 
die  and  have  no  child,  the  wife  of  the  dead  shall 
not  marry  without  unto  a stranger : her  'husband’s 
brother  shall  go  in  unto  her,  and  take  her  to  him 
to  wife,  and  perform  the  duty  of  an  husband’s 
brother  unto  her. 

6 And  it  shall  be,  that  nhe  first-born  which  she 
beareth,  shall  succeed  in  the  name  of  his  brother, 
which  is  dead,  hthat  his  name  be  not  put  out  of 
Israel. 

7 And  if  the  man  like  not  to  take  his  'brother’s 
wife,  then  let  his  brother’s  wife  ‘go  up  to  the  gate 
unto  the  elders,  and  say,  My  husband’s  brother 
refuseth  to  raise  up  unto  his  brother  a name  in 
Israel,  he  will  not  perform  the  duty  of  my  hus- 
band’s brother. 

8 Then  the  elders  of  the  city  shall  call  him,  and 
speak  unto  him : and  if  he  stand  to  it,  and  say,  I 
like  not  to  take  her : 

9 Then  shall  his  brother’s  wife  come  unto  him 
in  the  presence  of  the  elders,  and  Moose  his  shoe 
from  off'  his  foot,  and  'spit  in  his  face,  and  shall 

2 Sam.  23:3.  2 Chr.  19:6— 10.  Job29:7— 17.  Ps.  58:1,2.  82:2 — 4.  Prov.  17:15. 
31:8,9.  Is.  1:17,23  . 5:23.  11:4  . 32:1,2.  Jer.  21:12.  Kz.  44:24.  Mic.  3:1,2.  Hab. 
1:4,13.  Mai.  3:18.  Mall.  3:10.  b Mall.  10: 17.  27:26.  Luke  12:47.  Acls  5:40. 
16:22—24.  I Pei.  2:20,21.  c 2 Cor.  1 1 :24,25.  d Job  18:3.  Luke  15:30.  18:9—12. 
Jam.  2:2,3.  e Prov.  12:10.  I Cor.  9:9,10.  1 Tim.  5:17,18.  • Heb.  thrasheth.  Is. 
28:27.  Hos.  10:11.  f Malt.  22:24.  Mark  12:19.  Luke  20:28.  t Or,  next  kins- 
man. lien.  38:8  Ruth  1:12,13.  3:9.  4:5.  g Gen. 38:9,10.  h 9:14.  29:20.  Ruth 
4:10.  Ps.  9:5.  109:13.  J Or,  next  kinsman's  wife,  i 21:19.  Ruth  4:1 — 7. 
k Ruth  4:7,8.  Is.  20:2.  Mark.  1:7.  John  1:27.  1 Nurn.  12:14.  Job  30:10.  Is. 

50:6.  Matt.  26:67.  27:30.  Mark  10:34. 


brought  down  by  the  cry  of  the  oppressed  ; the  only  difficulty 
is,  to  bring  our  minds  habitually  and  steadily  to  attend  to 
them  in  our  daily  walk  and  conversation. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXV.  V.  1.  Marg.  Ref.  a.  Notes , 
Job  29:7—17.  Ps.  82:2—4.  Prov.  31:8,9.  Is.  1:16—20. 

^ V.  2,  3.  Many  crimes  had  been  mentioned,  for  which  no 
punishment  was  specified.  In  ali  these  cases  it  is  supposed 
that  scourging  was  used  at  the  discretion  of  the  magistrates, 
and  according  to  the  degree  and  aggravations  of  the  crime. 
This  punishment  was  inflicted  in  open  court,  under  the 
inspection  of  the  judge,  and  without  respect  to  the  rank  of 
the  criminal.  [Marg.  Ref.)  But  lest  the  malefactor  should 
seem  vile,  as  a slave  or  a beast,  the  number  of  forty  stripes 
must  not  be  exceeded  ; and  lest  they  should  miscount,  the 
Jewish  magistrates  always  confined  themselves  to  thirty-nine, 
which  St.  Paul  repeatedly  endured.  (2  Cor.  11:24.) — If 
petty  offences  were  more  generally  thus  chastised,  and  capi- 
tal punishments  were  less  frequent  among  us,  it  might  be 
immensely  more  advantageous  to  the  community.  But  the 
excessive  severity  of  inflicting  several  hundred  lashes  for  one 
crime,  tends,  among  other  thing’s,  to  prejudice  the  minds  of 
Englishmen  against  this  punishment  ; though  it  is  peculiarly 
salutary,  when  prudently  and  moderately  inflicted  on  young 
offenders  especially. 

V.  4.  The  Israelites  and  most  of  the  ancients,  were  accus- 
tomed to  beat  out  their  grain  with  the  feet  of  oxen  or  with 
instruments  drawn  by  them.  (Notes,  Hos . 10:9 — 11.  1 Cor. 
9:7—12.  1 Tim.  5:17,18.) 

V.  5 — 10.  The  custom  here  regulated  had  long  prevailed  ; 
(Notes,  Gen.  38:8,14 — 16.)  and  was  probably  introduced  to 
preserve  some  remembrance  of  those  who  died  childless.  It 
seems  to  have  been  adopted  in  the  Mosaic  law,  mainly  to 
keep  the  inheritances  separate,  as  allotted  to  each  family, 
and  to  preserve  the  genealogies  distinct  until  the  coming  of 
Christ  ; as  well  as  to  provide  for  the  destitute  widow,  when 
the  estate  devolved  on  the  next  heir.  If  a married  man  died 
without  issue,  his  brother  or  near  kinsman  was  required  to 
marry  the  widow  ; and  the  eldest  son  of  this  marriage  inhe- 
rited the  estate  of  the  deceased,  and  thus  preserved  his  name 
in  the  genealogies. — If  any  one  refused  to  comply  with  this 
custom,  being  averse  from  the  person  or  character  of  tho 
widow,  he  must  be  publicly  disgraced.  By  pulling  off  the 
shoe  he  was  rendered  like  the  slaves,  who  generally  went 
barefoot  ; and  the  widow  even  spit  in,  or  before,  his  face,  in 
contempt  of  the  man  who  had  thus  disgraced  her,  and  shown 
such  disrespect  to  the  memory  of  the  deceased. — It  is  not 
agreed  among  commentators,  whether  married  men  were  coiw 
cerned  in  this  law  or  not ; and  it  is  not  material  to  , a?  4 

( **57  ) 


B.  L,  1451. 


DEUTERONOMY. 


13.  C.  1451. 


answer  anil  say  "Go  shall  it  be  done  unto  that 
man  that  wiH  no  build  up  his  brother’s  house. 

10  And  his  na  ne  shall  be  called  in  Israel,  The 
house  of  him  that  hath  his  shoe  loosed. 

11  H Whei.  men  strive  together,  one  with 
another,  and  the  wife  of  the  one  draweth  near  for 
“to  deliver  her  husband  out  of  the  hand  of  him 
that  smiteth  him,  and  putteth  forth  her  hand,  and 
taketh  him  by  the  secrets  ; 

12  Then  thou  shalt  cut  off  her  hand,  °thine  eye 
shall  not  pity  her. 

13  H Thou  shalt  not- have  Pin  thy  bag  'diverse 
weights,  a great  and  a small. 

14  Thou  shalt  not  have  in  thine  house  ’diverse 


measures,  a great  and  a small. 

15  But  thou  shalt  have  a perfect  and'  just 
weight,  a perfect  and  just  measure  shalt  thou 
have  ; 'Uhat  thy  days  may  be  lengthened  in  the 
land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee. 

16  For  all  that  do  such  things,  and  rall  that  do 
unrighteously,  are  an  abomination  unto  the  Lord 
thy  God. 

17  H Remember  “what  Amalek  did  unto  thee 
by  the  way,  when  ye  were  come  forth  out  of 
Egypt ; 

18  How  he  met  thee  by  the  way,  and  smote  the 
hindmost  of  thee,  even  all  that  were  feeble  behind 
thee,  when  thou  wast  faint  and  weary:  and  lhe 
feared  not  God. 

19  Therefore  it  shall  be,  "when  the  Lord  thy 
God  hath  given  thee  rest  from  all  thine  enemies 
round  about,  in  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
giveth  thee  for  an  inheritance  to  possess  it,  that 


*thou  shalt  blot  out  the  remembrance  of  Amalek 
from  under  heaven ; thou  shalt  not  forget  it. 
CHAPTER  XXVI. 

The  thankful  aclcnowledgments  tobemade  at  presenting  the  first-fruits , 1 — 1L. 
A profession  and  prnyer  for  every  third  year  respecting  the  second  lithe 
12 — 15.  A summary  of  the  covenant  between  God  and  Israel,  16 — 19. 

AND  it  shall  be  “when  thou  art  come  in  untc 
the  la^id  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee 
for  an  inheritance,  and  possessest  it,  and  dwellest 
therein ; 

2  That  bthou  shalt  take  of  the  first  of  all  the 
fruit  of  the  earth,  which  thou  shalt  bring  of  thy 
land  that  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee,  and  shall 
put  it  in  a basket,  and  shalt  cgo  unto  the  place 
which  the  Lord  thy  God  shall  choose  to  place  his 
name  there. 

3  And  thou  shalt  go  unto  dthe  priest  that  shall 
be  in  those  days,  and  say  unto  him,  I profess  this 
day  unto  the  Lord  thy  God,  that  lam  come  unto 
the  country  'which  the  Lord  sware  unto  our 
fathers  for  to  give  us. 

4  And  the  priest  shall  take  the  basket  out  of 
thine  hand,  and  set  it  down  < before  the  altar  of  the 
Lord  thy  God. 

5  And  thou  shalt  speak  and  say  before  the 
Lord  thy  God,  eA  Syrian  hready  to  perish  was  my 
father,  and  ’he  wem  down  into  Egypt,  and 
sojourned  there  with  ka  few,  and  ‘became  there  a 
nation,  great,  mighty,  and  populous  : 

6  And  mthe  Egyptians  evil  entreated  us,  and 
afflicted  us,  and  laid  upon  us  hard  bondage : 

7  And  when  nwe  cried  unto  the  Lord  God  ol 
our  fathers,  the  Lord  heard  our  voice,  and  “looked 


m Gen.  38:8— 10.  Ruth  4:10, 11.  1 Sam.  2:30.  nRom.3:8.  1 Tim.  2:9.  o See 

on  19:13,21.  p I.ev.  19:35,36.  Prov.  16: 1 1 . 20: 10.  Ez.  15:10,11.  Am. 8:5  Mic. 
11,12.  * Heb.  astone  and  a stone.  t Heb.  an  ephah  and  an  ephah.  q 4:40. 
5:16,33.  6:18.  11:9.  17:20.  Ex.  20:12.  Ps.  34:12.  Eph.  6:3.  I Pet.  3:10.  r 18:12. 
22:5.  Prov.  11:1.  20:23.  Am.  8:5— 7.  1 Cor.  6:9— 1 1 . lThes.4:6.  Rev. 21:27. 
t Ex.  17:8.  Num. 24:20.  25:17,18.  t Neb.  5:9,15.  Ps.  36:1.  Prov.  16:6.  Rom. 
3:18.  u Josh.  23-1.  x 9:14.  Ex.  17:14,16.  Judg.  6:3.  7:12,22— 25.  1 Sam.  14: 
48.  15:  27:8.  30:1—17.  1 Chr.  4:13.  Esth.  3:1.  7:10.  9:7—10.  Ps.  83:7—17. 
t 5:31.  6:1,10.  7:1.  12:1,9.  17:14.  18:9.  Num.  15:2,18.  b 16:10.  18:4.  Ex.  23: 
16,19.  34:26.  Lev.  2:12,14.  Num.  18:12,13.  2 Kings  4:42.  2 Chr.  31:5.  Nell.  10: 


3>-37.  12:44.  13:31.  Prov.  3:9,10.  Jer.  2:3.  Ez.  20:40.  44:30.  48:14.  Rom.  8: 
23.  11:16.  16:5.  1 Cor.  15  20,23.  16:2.  Jam.  1:18.  Rev.  14:4.  c See  on  12:5,6. 
Josh.  18:1.  2 Chr.  6:6.  (119:17.  Heb.  7:26.  10:21.  13:15.  1 Pet.  2:5.  e Gen.  17k 
8.26:3.  Pa.  105:9,10.  Luke  1:72,73.  Heb.  6:16— 18.  f Matt.  5:23.24.  23:19. 
Heb.  13:10—12.  g Gen.  24:4  . 25:20.  28:5  . 31:20,24.  Hos.  12.12.  h Gen.  27:41. 
31:40.43:1,2.  45:7,11.  Is.  51:1,2.  i Gen.  46:1— 7.  Ps.  105:23,24.  Acts  7:15. 
k Gen.  46:27.  Ex.  1:5.  1 See  on  10:22.  Gen  47:27.  Ex.  1:7,12.  m 4;20.  Ex.I: 
11,14,16,22.  5.9,19,23.  n Ex.  2:23— 25.  3:9.  6:5.  Ps.  50:15.  103:1.2.  116:1-4. 
Jer.  33:3.  Eph.  3:20,21.  o Ex.  4:31.  1 Sam.  9:16.  2 Sam.  16:12.  Ps.  102:19,20, 
119:132. 


had  reference  to  a particular  case  which  no  longer  exists,  and 
our  duty  is  not  in  the  least  affected  by  the  determination. — 
l Notes , Ruth  4:1—10.  Matt.  22:23—33.) 

V.  13 — 16.  The  Israelites  were  not  only  fordidden  to  use 
diverse  weights  and  measures,  a large  one  to  buy  with,  and  a 
small  one  to  sell  with  : but  they  were  not  allowed  to  keep 
such  in  their  houses.  It  is  observable  that  these  too  common 
practices  are  branded  as  u an  abomination  to  the  Lord” 
equally  with  idolatry,  adultery,  and  other  most  scandalous 
crimes.  (Marg.  Ref.  p,  r.) 

V.  17 — 19.  ( Notes , Ex.  17:8 — 16.)  The  Lord  commanded 
Moses  to  write  the  sentence  against  Amalek,  M as  a memo- 
rial” in  a book  : and  accordingly  he  here  again  repeats  it 
almost  at  the  close  of  the  whole  law,  that  it  might  not  be  for- 
gotten by  posterity.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

In  administering  justice,  impartiality  in  distinguishing  be- 
tween the  innocent  and  the  guilty,  and  proportioning  punish- 
ments to  crimes,  is  peculiarly  requisite  ; but  it  is  generally 
advisable  to  incline  towards  the  side  of  lenity  rather  than 
that  of  severity,  aiming  at  the  reformation,  and  not  the  de- 
struction of  the  criminal,  as  far  as  public  security  will  admit. 
Every  punishment  should  be  inflicted  with  solemnity,  and  in 
most  cases  publicly,  that  all  the  spectators  may  be  impressed 
with  dread,  and  be  warned  not  to  offend  in  like  manner. — 
And  though  criminals  must  be  put  to  shame,  as  well  as  to 
pain,  for  their  warning  and  humiliation  ; yet  care  should  be 
taken,  if  possible,  that  they  do  not  appear  totally  vile  : lest 
having  no  further  reputation  to  lose  they  should  become  des- 
perate.— Kindness  is  due  not  only  to  men,  but  even  to  the 
beasts  ; and  every  living  creature  which  contributes  to  our 
ease,  pleasure,  or  advantage,  should  receive  from  us  such 
reciprocal  satisfactions  as  it  is  capable  of,  in  proportion  to 
the  benefits  conferred  : much  more  then  should  servants  and 
labourers  be  suitably  recompensed  ; and,  by  parity  of  reason, 
ministers,  who  are  instrumental  to  men’s  salvation,  should  be 
maintained  comfortably  at  their  expense. — In  all  our  actions 
we  ought  to  aim  at  the  good  of  those  around  us,  especially 
of  the  Lord’s  people ; and  to  promote  the  continuance  of  true 
religion  in  the  next  generation,  and  its  diffusion  into  those 
places  which  are  at  present  destitute  of  it : and  in  contract- 
ing marriage  particularly  we  should  u seek  a godly  seed,” 
who  may  preserve  the  name  of  deceased  believers,  and  fill  up 
their  places  in  the  church  ; in  every  way  showing  respect  to 
dead,  and  kindness  to  living  relatives  : for  whatever  disgrace 
we,  without  cause,  put  upon  others,  will  in  the  event  rebound 
upon  ourselves. — A solemn  and  testified  ratification  ought  to 
distinguish  the  honourable  relation  of  marriage  from  all  illicit 
connexions  ; and  married  persons  should  be  known  as  such, 
to  preserve  them  and  others  from  temptation  : and  though 
( 358  ) 


affections  cannot  be  forced,  yet  they  should  be  subordinated 
to  reason  and  religion. — The  customs  and  manners  of  different 
ages  may  render  that  consistent  with  female  delicacy  at  one 
time,  which  would  not  be  deemed  so  at  another  : but  there 
are  certain  outrages  to  modesty,  which  no  age  can  tolerate, 
no  provocation  or  extremity  palliate  ; but  \vhich  must  ever  be 
branded  with  infamy,  and  should  be  punished  with  unpitying 
severity. — Every  kind  and  degree  of  fraud  is  abhorred  by  the 
■ighteous  God,  and  should  be  dreaded  by  us  ; for  dishonest 
gain  always  brings  a curse  upon  men’s  property,  families,  and 
souls  : and  the  day  of  judgment  will  bring  strange  things  to 
light  in  this  respect.  Happy  they  who  now  judge  themselves  , 
and  thus  repent,  and  forsake  their  sins,  that  they  may  not  be 
condemned  at  that  awful  season. — Let  every  persecutor  and 
injurer  of  the  Lord’s  people  hear,  and  take  warning  from  the 
example  of  the  Amalekites : however  they  now  cast  off' the 
fear  of  God,  and  behave  with  cruelty  and  despite  to  the 
meek  and  poor  ; he  will  one  day  plead  the  cause  of  his  ser- 
vants, avenge  all  the  injustice  done  them,  and  “blot  out  the 
name  of  every  enemy  from  under  heaven  and  the  longer 
judgment  tarries,  the  more  dreadful  will  be  its  execution 

‘^NOTES— Chap.  XXVI.  V.  1—4.  All  the  people, 
when  settled  in  Canaan,  were  required  to  present  annually 
some  part  of  its  several  kinds  of  fruits,  and  the  first  ripe  of 
each  ; of  which  the  priests  had  the  use,  after  it  had  been 
solemnly  offered  to  God  with  a thankful  acknowledgment  of 
his  faithfulness,  and  after  it  had  been  placed  before  the  altar. 
The  quantity  was  not  prescribed  ; (Note,  15:13 — 15.)  for  it 
was  a free-will-offering,  to  the  denial  of  their  own  appetite, 
which  would  especially  crave  the  first  ripe  fruit.  (Mic.  7:1.) 
Every  production  would  not  be  ripe  at  the  same  time,  and 
some  could  not  be  preserved  till  the  rest  were  ready.  It 
is,  therefore,  generally  thought  that  these  first-fruits  wero 
presented  at  the  feast  of  Pentecost,  by  those  who  went  up 
together  to  worship  : but  we  must  suppose,  that  the  best  and 
choicest,  and  such  as  could  be  preserved  were  thus  presented, 
and  the  rest,  as  occasion  required,  were  offered  to  the  priests 
in  their  several  cities  ; or,  as  others  think,  carried  to  the 
sanctuary  at  some  other  time.  (Note,  Jer.  24:1.) 

V.  5 — 11.  Jacob  is  called  ua  Syrian,”  because  he  lived 
many  years  in  Padan-aram,  or  Mesopotamia,  which  was  one 
division  of  Syria.  His  mother  also  was  a Syrian  by  birth. 
(Marg.  Ref.  g.) — He  was  greatly  distressed  when  he  went 
to  Laban  ; and  when  ho  returned,  his  life  was  endangered, 
both  from  him,  and  from  his  brother  Esau.  (Notes,  Grn. 
28: — 32:)  He  was  afterwards  ready  to  perish  oy  famine  in 
Canaan,  which  occasioned  his  removal  info  Egypt,  where  hi* 
posterity  were  miserably  enslaved:  (Notes,  Gen.  46:  Ex 
1:2.)  yet,  notwithstanding  all  these  straits  and  dangers,  the 


B.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


B.  C.  1451 


on  our  affliction,  and  our  labour,  and  our  oppres- 
sion : 

8 And  i’the  Lord  brought  us  forth  outofEgypt 
with  a *nighty  hand,  and  with  an  out-stretched 
arm,  ana  with  great  terriblencss,  and  with  signs 
and  with  wonders. 

9 And  '‘he  hath  brought  us  into  this  place,  and 
hath  give.i  us  this  land,  even  ra  land  that  floweth 
with  milk  and  honey. 

10  And  now,  behold,  "I  have  brought  the  first- 
fruits  of  the  land  which  thou.  0 Lord,  hast  given 
me.  ‘And  thou  shalt  set  it  before  the  Lord  thy 
God,  "anil  worship  before  the  Lord  thy  God. 

11  And  thou  shalt  ’■rejoice  in  every  good  thing 
which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  given  unto  thee, 
and  unto  thine  house,  thou,  and  the  Levite,  and 
the  stranger  that  is  among  you. 

12  11  When  thou  hast  made  an  end  of' tithing 
all  the  tithes  cf  thine  increase,  ythe  third  year, 
which  is  the  year  of  tithing,  and  “hast  given  it 
unto  the  Levite,  the  stranger,  the  fatherless,  and 
tbe  .widow,  that  they  may  eat  within  thy  gates, 
and  be  filled ; 

13  Then  thou  shalt  say  before  the  Lord  thy 
God,  I have  brought  away  the  hallowed  things  out 
of  mine  house,  and  also  have  given  them  unto  the 
“Levite,  and  unto  the  stranger,  to  the  fatherless, 
and  to  the  widow,  according  to  all  thy  command- 
ments, which  thou  hast  commanded  me  ; bI  have 
not  transgressed  thy  commandments,  neither  have 
I ‘forgotten  them ; 

14  I have  not  ‘'eaten  thereof  in  my  mourning, 
neither  have  I taken  away  aught  thereof  for  any 
unclean  use,  nor  given  aught  thereof  for  ‘the 
dead  ; but  I have  hearkened  to  the  voice  of  the 
Lord  my"  God,  and  have  done  according  to  all 
that  thou  hast  commanded  me. 


p See  on  4:34.  5:15.  Ex.  12:37,41 ,51 . 13:3.  14:16,  &c.  Ps.  78:12,13.  105:27 
—38.106:7—10.  Is.  63:12.  q Josh.  23:14.  1 Sam.  7:12.  Ps.  105:44.  107:7,8. 
Acts  26:22.  r Ex.  3:8.  Ez.  20:6,15.  s See  on  2.  16:17.  1 Chr.  29:14.  Rom. 
12:1.  1 Pel.  4:10,11.  14.18:4.  Kx. 22:29.  Nnm.  18:11— 13.  u 6:10— 13.  Ps. 
22:27,29.85:9.  95:6.  Is.  66:23.  Rex.  22:9.  x See  on  12:7,12,18.  16:11.  28.47. 
Ps.  63:3 — 5.  100:1.2.  Is. 65:14.  Zech.9:17.  Acls  2:46,47.  Phil. 4:4.  lTim.6:17, 
18.  y See  on  14:22— 28.  z 12:17— 19.  16:14.  Prov.  14:21.  Phil.  4:18,19.  a 12. 
14:29.  24:19— 21.  Job  31:16— 20.  b Ps.  18:21— 24.  26:1—3.  Acls24:16.  2Cor. 
1:12.  11:31.  1 Tiles.  2:10.  1 John  3:17-22.  c Ps.  119:93,139,141,153,176.  Prov. 
3:1.  d 16:11.  I.ev.  7:20.  21 : 1 ,1 1 . Ilos.  9:4 . Mai.  2:13.  c Ps.  106:28.  Ez.  24: 
17.  f See  on  7.  1 Kings  8:27.43.  Ps.  102:19,20.  Is.  57:15.  63:15.  66:1,2.  Zech. 

Lord’s  promises  to  him  had  been  punctually  performed. 
These  mercies  the  Israelites  were  directed  to  acknowledge 
Annually,  in  this  public  and  solemn  manner,  in  order  to 
humble  them  ; to  remind  them  of  their  obligations  to  love  and 
serve  God,  and  to  offer  him  their  tribute  of  praise  and 
gratitude  ; and  thus  to  render  them  more  cheerful  and  libe- 
ral in  the  enjoyment  of  his  bounty. 

V.  12 — 15.  This  related  to  the  second  tithe  before  consi- 
dered. (Note,  1 4:22  —29. ) — * Two  years  together  they  paid 
the  Levites’  tithe,  and  the  festival  tithe  : but  in  the  third  year, 
they  paid  the  Levites’  tithe,  and  the  poor  man’s  tithe : that  is, 
what  was  wont  in  other  years  to  be  spent  in  feasting,  was 
wholly  spent  every  third  year  upon  the  poor.’  Merle , quoted  by 
Bp.  Patrick. — Once  in  three  years  this  solemn  protestation 
was  required  from  every  proprietor  of  land  in  Canaan,  proba- 
bly in  the  presence  of  the  priests  at  the  tabernacle.  They  all 
declared,  that  the  whole  of  this  second  tithe  had  been  em- 
ployed to  those  purposes  for  which  it  was  appropriated  : and 
that  no  part  had  been  used  by  them  in  mourning,  or  at  fune- 
rals, which  rendered  them  unclean ; or  in  any  superstitious 
CCTemony,  in  imitation  of  the  idolaters  around  them.  As  the 
matter  lay  very  much  between  God  and  their  conscience,  this 
protestation  was  the  more  suitable,  and  would  tend  both  to 
remind  them  of  their  duty  and  render  them  afraid  of  neglect- 
ing it.  ( Marg . Ref.  Notes,  12:5 — 7.  18:6 — 8.) 

V.  17 — 19.  By  thus  personally  acceding  to  the  national 
covenant,  every  Israelite  openly  professed  himself  the  servant 
and  worshipper  of  Jehovah,  and  engaged  to  walk  obediently 
in  his  commandments : and  by  admitting  each  into  it  indivi- 
dually, as  well  as  the  nation  as  an  incorporated  society,  the 
Lord  avouched  himself  to  be  their  God,  their  Protector,  and 
Portion ; and  engaged  that  while  they  were  obedient  he  would 
prosper  them,  and  advance  them  to  honour  and  distinction 
above  all  other  nations,  as  well  as  continue  to  them  the 
religious  advantages  by  which  they  were  distinguished  from 
all  others.  This  was  a figure  of  that  covenant-relation  which 
subsists  between  a reconciled  God  and  every  true  believer  ; 
and  of  the  privileges  and  duties  belonging  to  it  and  resulting 
from  it. 

Peculiar  people.  (18)  nSlD  D)t.  Note,  Ex.  19:5. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Whatever  God  at  any  time  has  promised,  will  assuredly  in 
due  season  be  fulfilled,  notwithstanding  obstacles,  improbabili- 
. ties,  and  delays  : and  in  all  our  comforts  we  should  observe 


15  'Look  down  from  thy  holy  habitation, fron 
heaven,  and  «bless  thy  people  Israel,  and  the  lane 
which  thou  hast  given  us,  as  thou  swarest,  untf 
our  fathers,  a land  that  floweth  with  milk  and 
honey. 

16  1i  '‘This  day  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  com- 
manded thee  to  do  these  statutes  and  judgments : 
thou  shalt  therefore  ‘keep  and  do  them  with  all 
thine  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul. 

17  Thou  hast  '‘avouched  the  Lord  this  day  ti 
be  thy  God,  'and  to  walk  in  his  ways,  and  to  keep 
his  statutes,  and  his  commandments,  and  his  judg 
ments,  and  to  mhearken  unto  his  voice  : 

18  And  "the  Lord  hath  avouched  thee  this  day 
to  be  his  peculiar  people,  as  he  hath  promised 
thee,  and  that  thou  shouldest  keep  all  his  com- 
mandments; 

19  And  to  make  thee  “high  above  all  nations 
which  he  hath  made,  in  praise,  and  in  name,  and 
in  honour  ; and  that  thou  mayest  be  an  holy  people 
unto  the  Lord  thy  God,  as  he  hath  spoken. 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

A command,  to  write  the  law  on  plastered  stones,  set  up  on  mount  Ebal ; 
where  an  altar  of  whole  stones  must  be  built,  and  sacrifices  offered,  1 — 10. 
Six  tribes  are  directe  I to  stand  to  bless  on  mount  Gerizim  ; and  six  to  curse, 
on  mount  Ebal,  11 — 13.  Curses  to  be  pronounced  by  the  Levites,  and  con- 
firmed by  the  people,  14 — 26. 

AND  Moses,  with  the  elders  ef  Israel,  com 
manded  the  people,  saying,  “Keep  all  the 
commandments  v/hich  I command  you  this  day. 

2 And  it  shall  be,  bon  the  day  when  ye  shall 
pass  over  Jordan,  ‘unto  the  land  which  the  Lord 
thy  God  giveth  thee,  that  thou  shalt  set  thee  up 
dgreat  stones,  and  plaster  them  with  plaster  : 

3 And  “thou  shalt  write  upon  them  all  the 
words  of  this  law,  when  thou  art  passed  over,  that 
thou  mayest  go  in  unto  the  land  which  the  Lord 


2:13.  Matt.  6:9.  Acts  7:49.  g Ps.  27:9.  51:18  . 90:17.  115:12—15.  137:5,6.  Jer. 
31:23.  h See  on  4:1 — 6.  6:1.  11:1.  12:1,32.  Malt.  28:20.  i 6x5,17.  8:2.  13:3,4. 
John  14:15,21—24.  1 John  5:2,3.  k 5:2,3.  Ex.  15:2.  24:7.  Is.a2:2.  44:5.  Zech. 
13:9.  Acts  27:23.  Rom.  6:13.  1 Cor.  6:19,20.  1 See  on  10:12,13.  13:4,5.  30:16. 

Josh.  22:5.  1 Kings  2:3,4.  m Nee  on  13:18.  15:5.  n See  on  7:6.  14:2.28:9.  Ex. 
19:5,6.  Jer.  31:32—34.  Ez.36:23— 27.  Tit.  2:14.  o 4:7,8.  28:1.  Ps.  148:14.  Is. 
62:12.  66:20,21.  Jer.  13:11.  33:9.  Ez.  16:12— 14.  Zenh.3:19.  1 l et.  2:5.  Rex. 
1:5,6.  a Seeon4:l— 3.  11:32.  26:16.  Luke  11:28.  John  15:14.  1 Thes.  4:1,2 
Jam.  2:10.  b 6:1.  9:1.  11:31.  Josh.  1:11.  4:1,5.  o 3.  See  on  26: 1 . d Ez.  11 
19.  36:26.  e Josh.  8:32.  Jer.  31:31— 33.  2 Cor.  3:2,3.  Heb.8:6— 10.  10:16. 


his  faithfulness  as  well  as  his  goodness. — It  is  advantageous  to 
meditate  frequently  on  the  Lord’s  dealings  with  us,  and  to  con- 
sider from  how  low  an  estate,  and  through  what  impediments, 
he  hath  brought  us  to  our  present  comforts  and  prospects : and  it 
is  so  edifying  to  others,  on  proper  occasions,  to  speak  on  these 
humiliating  and  enlivening  subjects,  that  whatever  leads  us  to 
them  is  well  worthy  of  regard. — It  is  surely  most  reasonable, 
both  by  word  and  deed,  to  ascribe  unto  God  the  glory  due 
unto  his  name.  We  should  honour  him  with  our  first  and 
best  in  every  thing,  to  the  denial  of  our  own  appetites  and  pas- 
sions. On  some  occasions  it  is  honourable  to  God,  and  edifying 
to  the  church,  when  it  is  done  publicly : it  is  always  a source 
of  rejoicing  to  ourselves  when  it  is  done  properly. — At  the 
day  of  judgment  we  must  render  an  account  of  every  thing 
committed  to  our  stewardship ; it  is  therefore  our  wisdom  to 
be  frequently  calling  ourselves  to  a previous  account,  how  we 
employ  our  time,  possessions,  or  endowments. — We  must  be 
watchful,  not  only  to  avoid  dishonesty ; but  that  “our  con- 
versation may  be  without  covetousness,”  that  pious  and 
charitable  uses  have  their  portion,  and  that  temperance  and 
beneficence  be  duly  regarded  by  us,  in  obedience  to  the  com- 
mandments of  our  God.  Thus  shall  we  evince  that,  according 
to  the  covenant  of  grace  in  Jesus  Christ,  the  Lord  is  our  God, 
and  we  are  his  people ; and  that  we  are  waiting,  in  his  ap- 
pointed way,  for  the  performance  of  his  gracious  and  glorious 
promises. — It  may  at  some  times  consist  wi(Ji  humility,  and 
tend  to  edification,  openly  to  protest  our  integrity;  and  the 
consciousness  of  it  is  always  matter  of  rejoicing,  and  of  confi- 
dence at  the  throne  of  grace:  and  in  all  our  applications  we 
should  remember  to  plead  for  peculiar  blessings  on  our  fellow- 
Christians,  and  for  the  extending  of  those  blessings  to  our  fel- 
low-sinners even  to  the  ends  of  the  earth. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXVII.  V.  I.  In  the  foregoing  chap- 
ter, Moses  closed  his  repetition  and  explanation  of  the  law,, 
with  such  additions  as  were  requisite  ; and  here,  in  conjunction 
with  the  seventy  elders,  he  proceeded  to  enjoin  two  solemn 
observances  to  be  attended  to,  after  the  entrance  of  Israel 
into  Canaan:  the  former  was  done  to  assist  their  memories,, 
the  latter  to  affect  their  hearts. 

V.  2.  This  command  was  given  by  Moses,  in  his  lifetime 
but  it  must  be  obeyed,  when,  after  his  death,  Israc-1  had  en- 
tered Canaan.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  3,  4.  Some  expositors  think,  that  the  whole  book  o 
Deuteronomy  was  written  on  these  plastered  stones ; asn. 
(.  359  ) 


B.  C.  1451.  DEUTERONOMY.  B.  C.  1451 


thy  God  giveth  thee,  fa  land  that  floweth  with  milk 
and  honey,  as  the  Lord  God  of  thy  fathers  hath 
promised  thee. 

4 Therefore  it  shall  be,  when  ye  be  gone  over 
Jordan,  that  ye  shall  set  up  these  stones,  which  I 
command  you  this  day,  ein  mount  Ebal,  and  thou 
shalt  plaster  them  with  plaster. 

5 And  ''there  shalt  thou  build  an  altar  unto  the 
Lord  thy  God,  an  altar  of  stones:  ‘thou  shalt  not 
lift  up  any  iron  tool  upon  them. 

6 Thou  shalt  build  the  altar  of  the  Lord  thy 
God  of  whole  stones  ; and  thou  shalt  offer ‘‘burnt- 
offerings  thereon  unto  the  Lord  thy  God. 

7 And  thou  shalt  offer  ‘peace-offerings,  and 
shalt  eat  there,  and  mrejoice  before  the  Lord  thy 
God. 

8 And  "thou  shalt  write  upon  the  stones  all  the 
words  of  this  law  °very  plainly. 

9 And  Moses,  and  the  priests  the  Levites,  spake 
unto  all  Israel,  saying,  Take  heed,  and  hearken,  O 
Israel ; rthis  day  thou  art  become  the  people  of  the 
Lord  thy  God. 

10  Thou  ‘ishalt  therefore  obey  the  voice  of  the 
Lord  thy  God,  and  do  his  commandments  and  his 
statutes,  which  I command  thee  this  day. 

1 1 It  And  Moses  charged  the  people  the  same 
day,  saying, 

12  These  shall  stand  upon  "mount  Gerizim  to 
bless  the  people,  when  ye  are  come  over  Jordan ; 
‘Simeon,  and  Levi,  and  Judah,  and  Issachar,  and 
Joseph,  and  Benjamin. 

13  And  these  shall  stand  upon  ‘mount  Ebal  'to 
curse ; "Reuben,  Gad,  and  Asher,  and  Zebulun, 
Dan,  and  Naphtali. 

f See  on  6:3.  23:9.  Lev.  20:24.  Num.  13:27.  14:8.  Josh.  5:6.  Jer.  11:5.  32:22. 
g 11:29,30.  h Ex.  24:4.  Josh.  8:30,31.  1 Kings  18:31.32.  i Ex.  20:25.  y See 
on  Lev.  1:  Eph.  5:2.  I See  on  Lev.  3:  7:11 — 17.  Acts  10:36.  Rom.  5:1 ,10.  Eph. 
2:16,17.  Col.  1:20.  Heb.  13:20,21.  m Sge  on  12:7,12.  16:11,14.  28:11.  2 Clir. 
30:23—27.  Neh.8:l0.  Ps.  100:1,2.  Is.  12:3.  61:3,10.  Hab.  3:18.  Phil.  3:3.  4:4. 
r.Seeon3.  o Hab.  2:2.  John  16:25.  2 Cor.  3:12.  p See  on  26:16,17.  Pom. 6:17, 
18,22.  1 Cor.  6:9— II.  Eph.  5:8,9.  1 Pet.  2:10,11 . q ‘See  on  10: 12,13.  11:1,7, 
8.  Lev.  19:2.  Mic.  4:5.  6:8.  Matt.  5:48.  Eph.  4:17 — 24.  1 Pet.  1:14— 16.  4: 
1—3.  r 11:26—29.  Josh.  8:33,34.  Judg.  9:7.  s Gen.  29:33—35.  30:18,21.  35: 
18.  t See  on  4.  * Heb.  for  a cursing,  ii  Gen.  29:32.  30:6 — 13,20  . 49:3,4. 
x 33:9,10.  Josh.  8:33.  Neh.'  8:7,8.  Mai.  2:7—9.  y 28:16—19.  Gen.  9:25.  1 Sam. 
26:19.  Jer.  11:3.  z See  on  4:15-23.  5:8.  Ex.  20:4,23.  32:1— 4.  34:17.  Lev.  19: 
4.26:1.  Is.  44:9,10,17.  a 29:17.  1 Kings  11 :5— 7.  2 Kings  23:13.  2 Chr.  33:2.  Is. 


that  they  were  twelve  in  number,  according  to  the  tribes  of 
Israel.  Others  restrict  the  writing  to  the  preceptive  part  of 
it;  others  to  the  ten  commandments  only ; while  many  are  of 
opinion  that  the  latter  part  of  this  chapter  alone  was  meant. 
Indeed,  as  the  stones  were  placed  upon  mount  Ebal,  whence 
the  curses  were  denounced,  it  is  probable  that  these  were 
added : but  we  may  conclude,  that  at  least  the  ten  command- 
ments, and  the  great  outlines  of  the  whole  law,  were  likewise 
inscribed  in  the  most  legible  manner.  (8) 

V.  5 — 7.  In  ordinary  cases  no  altar  might  be  used,  except 
the  brazen  one  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle:  but  on  this  oc- 
casion, the  Lord  directed  an  altar  of  rough  stones  to  be  formed, 
in  order  to  a renewed  confirmation  of  the  covenant,  similar  to 
that  used  when  it  was  first  ratified  at  mount  Sinai.  (Notes, 
Ex.  20:21 — 25.  24:3 — 8.)  This  altar  built  upon  mount  Ebal, 
and  the  sacrifices  of  burnt-offerings  on  this  occasion  offered, 
aptly  taught  the  people  that  the  curse  of  the  law  could  he  re- 
moved by  him  alone,  who  gave  himself  an  atoning  sacrifice  for 
sinners:  and  the  peace-offerings  with  the  sacred  feast  implied, 
that  joyful  communion  with  a reconciled  God  may  be  main- 
tained through  Jesus  Christ,  notwithstanding  the  most  tre- 
mendous curses  of  the  law. 

V.  8 — 10.  Mar g.  Ref.  Notes,  Matt.  28:19,20.  1 Thess. 
4:1—5. 

V.  12,  13.  Mount  Gerizim  and  mount  Ebal  lay  near  to- 
gether with  a valley  between  ; and  what  was  spoken  in  a loud 
voice  on  the  one  might  be  heard  on  the  other.  (Note,  Judg. 
9:7.)  No  doubt  the  blessings,  as  well  as  the  curses,  were 
audibly  pronounced  and  ratified  in  a general  manner,  by  the 
tribes  appointed  for  that  purpose : so  that  by  this  solemnity  all 
Israel  deliberately  consented  to  the  national  covenant;  de- 
clared that  they  expected  the  blessings  stipulated  to  them, 
only  in  a way  of  obedience ; and  confessed  that,  individually 
and  nationally,  they  should  merit,  and  might  expect,  to  be 
accursed  of  God,  if  they  were  disobedient  to  his  command- 
ments. But  some  priests  and  Levites  were  chosen  to  pro- 
nounce from  mount  Ebal  the  subsequent  particular  curses  ; 
(14)  though  the  tribe  of  Levi  stood  on  mount  Gerizim.  No 
mention  is  made  of  any  special  acts  of  obedience,  on  account 
of  which  blessings  were  pronounced;  as  the  blessings  do  not 
belong  to  those  who  obey  some  and  neglect  others  of  God’s 
commandments;  u for  he  that  keeneth  the  whole  law,  and 
offendeth  in  one  point,  is  guilty  of  all.”  (Notes,  Matt.  19:16 
*22.  Jam.  2:8 — 13.)  No  man  therefore  can  claim  the  re- 
#r*npense  of  his  obedience  as  a debt;  but  all  must  receive  it 

an  unmerited  favour : and  the  silence  of  the  Scriptures  is 

( 360  I 


14  And  '‘the  Levites  shall  speak,  and  say  unto 
all  the  men  of  Israel  with  a loud  voice, 

15  ^Cursed  6c  the  man  that'maketh  any  graven 
or  molten  image,  “an  abomination  unto  the  Lord, 
the  work  of  the  hands  of  the  craftsman,  band 
putteth  it  in  a secret  place:  "and  all  the  people 
shall  answer,  and  say,  Amen. 

16  Cursed  be  Jhe  that  setteth  light  by  his  father 
or  his  mother : and  all  the  people  shall  say,  Amen. 

17  Cursed  e6c  he  that  removeth  his  neighbour’s 
landmark  : and  all  the  people  shall  say,  Amen. 

18  Cursed  6e  fhe  that  maketh  the  blind  to 
wander  out  of  the  way:  and  all  the  people  shall 
say,  Amen. 

19  Cursed  be  he  that  eperverteth  the  judgment 
of  the  stranger,  fatherless,  and  widow  : and  all  the 
people  shall  say,  Amen. 

20  Cursed  be  hhe  that  lieth  with  his  father’s 
wife;  because  he  uncovereth  his  father’s  skirt: 
and  all  the  people  shall  say,  Amen. 

21  Cursed  be  'he  that  lieth  with  any  manner  of 
beast ; and  all  the  people  shall  say,  Amen. 

22  Cursed  be  khe  that  lieth  with  his  sister^  the 
daughter  of  his  father,  or  the  daughter  of  his 
mother : and  all  the  people  shall  say,  Amen. 

23  Cursed  6e.‘he  that  lieth  with  his  mother-in- 
law:  and  all  the  people  shall  say,  Amen. 

24  Cursed  mbe  he  that  smiteth  his  neighbour 
secretly : and  all  the  people  shall  say,  Amen. 

25  Cursed  be  he  that  "taketh  reward  to  slay  an 
innocent  person:  and  all  the  people  shall  say,  Amen. 

26  “Cursed  be  he  that  rconnrmeth  not  all  the 
words  of  this  law  to  do  them : and  all  the  people 
shall  say,  Amen. 

44:19.  £t.  7:30.  Du.  1131.  Matt.  34:1$.  Rev.  17:4,5.  b Geu.  31:19,34.  P». 
44:20  21.  Ez.  8:7 — 12.  14:4.  e See  on  Num.  5:22.  Jer.  11 :5.  28:6.  Mall.  6:13. 
1 1 'nr.  14:16.  d 21 :18 — 21 . Ex.  20:12.  21:17.  Le*.  19:3.  Prox.  30:11— 17.  Ex. 
22:7.  Malt.  15:4-6.  e 19:14.  Prov.  22:28  . 23:10,11.  f See  on  Lev.  19:14.  Job 
29:15.  Prov.  28:10.  In.  56:10.  Matt.  15:14.  Rev. 2:14.  gSeeon  10:18.  24:17. 
Ex.  22:21— 24.  23:2,8,9.  Ps.  82:2-4.  Prov.  17:23.  31:5.  Mic.  3:9.  Mai.  3:5. 
h 22:30.  Gen.  35:22.  49:4.  Lev.  18:8.  20:11.  2 Sam.  16:22.  1 Cltr.  5:1.  Ex.  22:10. 
Am.  2:7.  1 Cor.  5:1.  i Ex.  22:19.  Lev.  18:23.  20:15.  It  Lev.  18:9.20:17.  3 Sam. 
13:1,8—14.  Ex.  22: 11.  1 Lev.  18:17.  20:14.  in  19:11.  Ex.  20:13.  21:12,14.  Lev. 
24:17.  Num.  35:31.  2 Sam.  3:27.  11:15—17.  12:9—12.  13:28  . 20:9,10.  n 10:17. 
16:19.  Ex. 23:7,8.  Ps.  15:5.  Ex.  22:12,13.  Mic.  3:10,11.  7.2,3.  Mali . 26: 15.  27: 
3,4.  Acts  1:18.  o See  on  v.  15.  Ps.  119:21.  Matt.  25:41.  1 Cor.  16:22.  n Jer. 
11:3.  Ex.  18:24.  Rom.  3:19,20.  Gal.  3:10. 


to  be  considered  in  such  cases,  as  conveying  important  in- 
struction.— It  is  observable,  that  all  the  tribes  appointed  to 
bless  were  descended  from  Leah  and  Rachel  the  freo- 
women ; and  Reuben  who  had  been  disgraced  for  his  miscon- 
duct, with  Zebulun  the  youngest  of  Leah’s  sons,  were  addeef 
to  the  four  tribes  descended  from  the  bond-women,  to  com- 
plete the  number  of  tribes,  which  stood  on  mount  Ebal  to 
ratify  the  curses.  (Note,  Josh.  8:30 — 35.) 

V.  15.  The  curses  here  denounced  were  specially  intended 
in  every  case,  as  a restraint  from  secret  wickedness.  Several 
of  the  crimes  specified,  if  proved  against  any  one,  exposed  him 
to  capital  punishment ; as  idolatry,  incest,  murder,  and  others. 
But  in  many  cases  the  criminal  might  elude  detection,  and 
punishment  by  the  magistrate  : yet  let  him  not  hope  to  escape 
with  impunity  ; for  the  dreadful  curse  of  God  would  rest  upon 
him;  and  at  length  vengeance  would  certainly  overtake  him,  if 
he  continued  impenitent.  (24) — The  word  Amen , which  the 
people  were  required  to  add,  after  each  of  these  curses,  implied 
their  express  assent  to  it,  or  confirmation  of  it : not  as  desiring 
that  they  or  their  brethren  should  be  accursed  ; but  as  declar- 
ing their  conviction  that  the  guilty  would  be  accursed ; that 
they  deserved  to  be  so;  and  that  they  expected  to  bo  them- 
selves accursed,  if  they  committed  the  crimes  thus  op<mly 
protested  against.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Num.  5:22.  1 Kings 
1:36,37.  Jer.  28:6,7.) — The  objection  often  made  to  the  so- 
lemnity prescribed  by  the  church  of  England  on  Ash- Wednes- 
day, that  people  go  to  church  to  curse  their  neighbours , is  very 
frivolous:  for  the  Amen,  now  spoken  by  Christians,  means 
neither  more  nor  less,  than  that  which  God  commanded  the 
Israelites  to  annex  to  the  same  curses ; and  under  every  dis- 
pensation, they  who  live  in  the  practice  of  gross  wickedness 
are  accursed,  and  should  be  reminded  of  it. 

V.  16.  Marg.  Ref.  Note , Ex.  21:15 — 17. 

V.  17.  Marg.  Ref.  Note,  19:14. 

V.  18.  Maketh  the  blind  to  wander.]  By  parity  of  reason, 
it  is  at  least  equally  criminal  wittingly  to  give  pernicious  coun- 
sel to  the  ignorant,  or  to  injure  those  jvho  cannot  take  care  of 
themselves.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Eev.  1 9;1 4. ) 

V.  19 — 25.  Marg  Ref. 

V.  26.  This  is  rendered  by  St.  Paul  u Cursed  is  evory 
one  that,  continucth  not  in  all  things  which  are  written  in  the 
book  of  the  law,  to  do  them,”  nearly  according  to  th«  Septua- 
gint : and  so  as  evidently  to  include  Lto  whole  law.  Tho 
wore!  all  is  hero  in  Italics;  and  probably  deferents  to  St. 
Paul’s  quotation  of  the  verse,  Gal,  3:10,  *jiduce  1 the  ' ciiernblo 
translators  to  insert  it;  yet  it  would  have  bt^n,  u east  in* 


B.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 


B.  C.  145H 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 


Bleedings  promised  to  Israel,  while  obedient , 1 — 14  : and  awful  curses,  of 
every  kind  imaginable,  denounced  if  they  were  disobedient , 16 — 68. 

AND  it  shall  come  to  pass,  ail’  thou  slialt 
hearken  diligently  unto  the  voice  of  the  Loan 
thy  God,  to  observe  and  bto  do  all  his  command- 
ments which  1 command  thee  this  day,  that  the 
Lord  thy  God  'will  set  thee  on  high  above  all 
nations  of  the  earth  : 

2  And  all  these  blessings  shall  ''come  on  thee 
and  overtake  thee,  if  thou  shalt  hearken  unto  the 
voice  of  the  Loud  thy  God. 

3  Blessed  ‘shalt  thou  be  in  the  city,  and  blessed 
shah  thou  be  (in  the  field. 

4  Blessed  shall  be  the  efruit  of  thy  body,  and 
the  fruit  of  thy  ground,  and  the  fruit  of  thy  cattle, 
the  increase  of  thy  kine,  and  the  flocks  of  thy 
sheep. 

5  Blessed  shall  be  hthy  basket  and  thy  "store. 

6  Blessed  shalt  thou  'be  when  thou  comest  in, 
and  blessed  shah  thou  be  when  thou  goest  out. 

7  The  Lord  Jshall  cause  thine  enemies,  that 
rise  up  against  thee,  to  be  smitten  before  thy 
face : they  shall  come  out  against  thee  one  way, 
and  "flee  before  thee  seven  ways. 

8  The  Lord  shall  'command  the  blessing  upon 
thee,  min  thy  'store-houses,  and  in  all  that  thou 
"settest  thine  hand  unto;  and  he  shalt  bless  thee 
in  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee. 

9  The  Lord  shall  “establish  thee  an  holy  people 
unto  himself,  fas  he  hath  sworn  unto  thee,  if  thou 


shalt  keep  the  commandments  of  the  Lord  thy 
God,  and  walk  in  his  ways. 

10  And  all  people  of  the  earth  shall  see,  that 
thou  art  ‘'called  by  the  name  of  the  Lord  ; rand 
they  shall  be  afraid  of  thee. 

11  And  the  Lord  shall  make  thee  "plenteous 
fin  goods,  in  the  fruit  of  thy  §body,  and  in  the 
fruit  of  thy  cattle,  and  in  the  fruit  of  thy  ground, 
in  the  land  which  the  Lord  sware  unto  thy  fathers 
to  give  thee. 

12  The  Lord  shall  'open  unto  thee  ms  good 
treasure,  the  heaven  to  give  the  rain  unto  thy 
land  in  his  season,  and  “to  bless  all  the  work  of 
thine  hand : and  thou  shalt  fiend  unto  many 
nations,  and  thou  shalt  not  borrow. 

13  And  the  Lord  shall  make  thee  ''the  head, 
and  not  the  tail : and  thou  shalt  be  above  only, 
and  thou  shalt  not  be  beneath  ; fif  that  thou 
hearken  unto  the  commandments  of  the  Lord  thy 
God,  which  I command  thee  this  day  to  observe 
and  to  do  them : 

14  And  'thou  shalt  not  go  aside  from  any  of 
the  words  which  I command  thee  this  day,  to 
the  right  hand  or  to  the  left,  to  go  after  other 
gods  to  serve  them. 

15  H But  it  shall  come  to  pass,  fif.thou  wilt  not 
hearken  unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord  thy  God  to 
observe  to  do  all  his  commandments  and  his 
statutes  which  I command  thee  this  day;  that ball 
these  curses  shall  come  upon  thee,  and  overtake 
thee. 


i See  on  11:13.  13:5.  27:1.  Rx.  15:26.  Lev.  26:3.  I s.  106:3.  111:10.  Is.  1:19.  3: 
10.  55:2,3.  Jer.  11:4.  12:16.  17:21.  Luke  11:28.  b Ps.  119:6,128.  Luke  1:6.  John 
15:11.  Gal.  3:10.  Jam.  2:10,11.  c &e  cm  26: 19.  I s.  91 : 14.  148:14.  Luke  9:48. 
Rom. 2:7.  d 15.45.  Zecli.  1:6.  1 Tim. 4:8.  e Ps.  107:36,37.  128:1— 5.  141:12 
-15.  Is.  65:21— 23.  Zeeh.  8:3—5.  f Gen.  26:12.  39:5.  Am.  9:13,14.  Hag.  2:19. 
M:il.  3.10,11.  git.  7:13.  lien.  22:17.  49:25.  Lev. 26:9.  Ps.  107:38.  127:3.  128: 
3.  Prov.  10:22.  13:22.20:7.  li  26:2.  Ex.  23:25.  * Or,  doush,  or  kneading 

troughs,  i 31 :2.  Num.  27:17.  2 Sam.  3:25.  2 Ohr.  1:10.  Ps.  121:8..  j 25.  32:30. 
Lev.  26:7,8.  2 Sam.  22:38—41.  Ps.  89:23.  k Jo$li.  8:22.  10:10,11,42.  1 Sam. 
7:3,4,10,11.  2 Clir.  11:2 — 6,9 — 15.  19:4  . 20:22—25.31:20,21.32:21,22.  1 Lev. 
25:21.  Ps.  42:8.  44:4.  133:3.  m Lev.  26:4,5,10.  Ps.  144:13.  Prov.  3:9,10. 
ring.  2: 19.  Mai.  3:10,11.  t Or,  barns.  2 Kings  6:27.  Malt.  6:26.  13:30.  Luke 

my  view,  better  to  render  the  verse  literally,  if  it  had  been 
merely  to  prevent  cavils  and  objections ; such  as  modern 
Jews  make  against  both  them  and  the  apostle.  (See  Answer 
to  Rabbi  Crooll , by  the  Author , pp.  227,228.)  The  cavil  in- 
deed is  ignorant ; for  the  word  all  was  inserted  by  the  Greek 
translators,  called  the  LXX,  long  before  even  St.  Paul’s 
days;  who  took  it  for  substance  as  he  found  ii.  The  mean- 
ing is  exactly  the  same  with  it  or  without  it.  (28:1.)  Hence 
we  learn,  that  continual  obedience  is  the  confirmation  here 
spoken  of;  and  are  likewise  taught,  that  these  curses  were 
intended  not  only  to  deter  the  Israelites  from  sin,  but  to  show 
them  their  need  of  mercy,  and  to  establish  the  distinction  be- 
tween “ the  righteousness  of  faith,”  and  “the  righteousness  of 
works.”  This  especially  must  be  the  meaning  of  the  last 
verse,  by  which  all  the  Israelites  were  evidently  called  on  to 
condemn  themselves,  as  deserving  of  the  curse  denounced : 
and  this  truth,  properly  perceived,  forms  the  grand  prepara- 
tion of  heart  for  understanding  and  valuing  the  salvation 
of  the  gospel. — All  these  curses  were  denounced  against  trans- 
gressors, not  of  the  ritual  law,  but  the  nyral ; each  of  the 
special  instances  being  referrible  to  one  or  other  of  the  ten 
commandments.  ( Notes , Gal.  3:6 — 14.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

As  our  fallen  nature  is  entirely  indisposed  to  retain  suitable 
impressions  of  heavenly  things;  we  ought  to  use  every  pro- 
per means  of  assisting  our  memories,  awakening  our  con- 
sciences, and  affecting  our  hearts  with  them.  But,  blessed  be 
God,  the  numerous  copies  of  the  Scriptures  among  us,  if  pro- 
perly studied,  and  thus  familiarized  to  our  minds,  may  super- 
sede the  necessity  of  such  methods  as  were  prescribed  to 
Israel : and  the  end  of  the  gospel  ministry  is,  and  the  aim  of 
all  preachers  ought  to  be,  to  make  the  word  of  God  as  plain 
as  possible  to  the  meanest  capacities.  Yet,  unless  the  Holy 
Spirit  efficaciously  prosper  their  labours,  men  will  not,  even 
by  these  means,  be  “ made  wise  unto  salvation  we  should 
therefore  continually  and  earnestly  beseech  the  Lord  to  be- 
stow this  blessing  upon  us.  But  without,  the  interposition  of 
the  atoning  blood  of  Christ,  we  sinners  can  neither  have  com- 
munion with  a holy  God,  nor  perform  any  acceptable  obe- 
dience to  him:  for  his  righteous  law  peremptorily  requires  an 
uninterrupted,  spiritual,  and  persevering  obedience  to  every 
irecept ; and  condemns  all  without  exception,  who  at  any 
time,  or  in  any  instance,  transgress  it.  Under  its  awful  curse 
we  transgressors  remain,  till  the  redemption  of  Christ  be  ap- 
plied to  our  hearts:  and  under  that  curse  every  unbeliever 
will  perish  for  ever,  and  be  constrained  to  acknowledge  the 
\istice  of  his  condemnation.  Happy  they,  who  now  “ sub- 
mit to  the  righteousness  of  God,”  and,  being  self-condemned, 
beek  salvation  from  his  mercy  through  Jesus  Christ,  acccord- 
mg  to  that  new  covenant,  of  which  he  is  Surety : for  them 
* there  is  no  condemnation,”  their  **  salvation  is  for  ever,  and 
Vol.  Ii — 46 


12:18,24,25.  n See  on  15:10.  o See  on  7:6.  26:18,19.  29:13.  Gen.  17:7. 
Ex. 19:5,6.  Is.  1:26  . 62:12.  Tit.  2:14.  1 Pet.  2:9— 11.  p See  on  7:8.  13:17. 
29:12.  Jer.  11:5.  Heb.  6:13 — 18.  q Num.  6:27.  2 Chr.  7:14.  Is.  63:19.  DaD.  9: 

18,19.  r Sec  on  4:6—8.  11:25.  Ex.  12:33.  14:25.  Josh. 5:1.  1 Sam.  18:12— 15, 

28,29.  Jer.  33:9.  Rev.  3:9.  s See  on  4.  30:9.  Lev.  31:9.  1 Or,  for  good. 

§ Heb.  belly.  Job  19:17.  Ps.  132:11,  margins.  1 11:14.  Lev.  26:4.  Job  38:22. 

Ps.  65:9— 13.  135:7.  Joel  2:23,24.  u See  on  14:29.  15:10.  v 44.  15:6.  Prov.  22: 
7.  x Num.  24:18,19.  Is.  9:14,15.  y See  on  1.  4:6— 9.  Phil.  1:27.  z See  on  5* 
32.  11:26—23.  Josh.  23:6.  2 Kings22:2.  Prov.  4:26,27.  a Lev.  26:14.  Lam.  2: 
17.  Dan.  9:11—13.  Mai.  2:2.  Rom.  2:8,9.  b See  on  2.  27:15-26  . 29:20.  Js.  3: 
11.  Gal.  3:10. 


their  righteousness  shall  not  be  abolished  ;”  and  every  blessing 
is  ensured  to  them  by  promise,  by  covenant,  and  by  oath.  But 
none,  who  live  in  the  habitual  practice  of  known  sin,  are  par- 
takers of  these  privileges  ; and,  however  they  may  conceal 
their  wickedness  from  the  cognizance  of  the  magistrates,  or 
the  censures  of  ministers  and  the  church,  the  curse  of  God 
will  fall  upon  them,  with  weight  proportioned  to  their  abused 
privileges  and  hypocritical  profession. — Wherever  “the  grace 
of  God  bringeth  salvation,”  it  teaches  the  believer  to  “deny 
ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  and  to  live  soberly,  righteously, 
and  godly  in  this  present  world ;”  confirming  all  the  v^ords  oi 
the  divine  law,  and  delighting  in  them,  after  the  inward  man, 
though  he  cannot  render  it  a perfect  and  unfailing  obedience. 
In  this  evangelical  dependence  and  conscientious  walk,  true 
peace  and  solid  joy  are  to  be  found.  Thus  God  may  be  glori- 
fied and  man  benefited;  and  magistrates,  ministers,  and  per- 
sons of  every  rank,  should  unitedly  employ  all  their  authority, 
influence,  and  example,  to  promote  this  our  holy  religion. 

NOTES— Chap.  XXVIII.  V.  1,  2.  This  chaptei 
greatly  resembles  the  twenty-sixth  chapter  of  Leviticus, 
which  was  addressed,  almost  forty  years  before,  to  the  fore- 
fathers of  this  generation  of  Israel  at  mount  Sinai.  It  con- 
tains a very  copious  and  affecting  exposition  of  the  blesifing 
and  the  curse  mentioned  in  the  foregoing  chapter,  with  many 
things  evidently  prophetical  of  the  events,  which  have  befallen 
the  nation  to  this  very  day.  ( Marg . Ref.) 

V.  3 — 14.  (Notes,  Lev.  26:3 — 12.)  In  a variety  of  expras- 
sions,  every  kind  of  prosperity,  personal,  relative,  and  public; 
in  their  property  and  enjoyments  : in  their  temporal  advance- 
ment and  spiritual  privileges  ; are  engaged  to  the  Israelites, 
while  they  continued  obedient : and  their  succeeding  history 
furnishes  full  demonstration,  that,  as  long  as  they  adhered  to 
the  worship  and  service  of  God,  it  was  uniformly  thus  with 
them  as  a nation . and  in  some  degree  individually.  Their 
remarkable  prosperity  in  every  thing,  while  obedient,  con- 
vinced the  surrounding  nations,  that  they  were  immediately 
protected  and  assisted  by  the  Lord,  whose  name  they  wor- 
shipped, and  whose  people  they  professed  to  be  ; insomuch, 
that  they  were  often  afraid  to  assault  them.  Consulting  the 
marginal  references  will  lead  to  the  best  exposition  of  the 
terms  employed,  and  frequently  point  out  the  fulfilment  of  the 
promises  and  threatenings. 

The  head , &c.  (13)  That  is,  they  should  be  more  ho- 
nourable than  other  nations,  and  have  dominion  over  them 
as  in  the  days  of  David  and  Solomon.  ^ (Notes,  13,44  I* 
9:13—17.) 

V.  15.  All  the  terrible  curses  which  were  denounce# 
against  the  Israelites  when  disobedient,  have  indeed  uni 
formly  “ overtaken  them,”  in  every  situation,  and  in  ever# 
country,  from  that  day  to  this  ; as  it  must  be  evident  to  «i 
those  who  are  in  the  least  acquainted  with  their  history 
( 361  ) 


l>.  C 1451. 


DEUTERONOMY.  B.  C.  1451. 


16  Cursed  shalt  thou  be  cin  the  city,  ancl  cursed 
shalt  'lion  be  ‘'in  the  field. 

17  Cursed  shall  be  ‘thy  basket  and  thy  store. 

18  Cursed  shall  be  ' the  fruit  of  thy  body,  and 
fthe  fruit  of  thy  land,  the  increase  of  thy  kine  and 
the  flocks  of  thy  sheep. 

19  Cursed  shalt  thou  be  hwhen  thou  comest  in, 
and  cursed  shalt  thou  be  when  thou  goest  out. 

20  The  Lord  shall  ‘send  upon  thee  cursing, 
'vexation,  and  rebuke,  in  all  that  thou  settest thine 
hand  unto  "lor  to  do,  'until  thou  be  destroyed, 
and  until  thou  perish  quickly ; because  of  the 
wickedness  of  thy  doings  whereoy  thou  hast  for- 
saken me. 

21  The  Lord  shall  make  mthe  pestilence  cleave 
nnto  thee,  until  he  have  consumed  thee  from  off 
the  land  whither  thou  goest  to  possess  it. 

22  The  Lord  shall  smite  thee  with  na  consump- 
tion, and  with  a fever,  and  with  an  inflammation, 
and  with  an  extreme  burning,  and  with  the  'sword, 
and  with  “blasting,  and  with  mildew : and  they 
shall  pursue  thee  until  thou  perish. 

23  And  Pthy  heaven  that  is  over  thy  head  shall 
be  brass,  and  the  earth  that  is  under  thee  shall  be 
iron. 

24  The  Lord  shall  ‘imake  the  rain  of  thy  land 
powder  and  dust : from  heaven  shall  it  come 
down  upon  thee,  until  thou  be  destroyed. 

25  The  Lord  shall  ‘cause  thee  to  be  smitten 
before  thine  enemies  : thou  shalt  go  out  one  way 
against  them,  and  flee  seven  ways  before  them  ; 
and  “shalt  be  'removed  into  all  the  kingdoms  of 
the  earth. 

26  And *  l * *thy  carcass  shall  be  meat  unto  all  fowls 

c See  on  3.  Prov.  3:33.  Is.  24:6 — 12.  43:28.  Jer.  9:11.  26:6.  44:22.  Lam. 
.1:1.  2:11 — 22.  4:1 — 13.  Mai.  4:6.  d 55.  Gen.  3:17,18.  4:11,12.  5:29.  8:21, 
22.  1 Kings  17:1,5,12.  Jer.  11:2-5,18.  Lam.  5:10.  Joel  1:4,8-18.  2:3.  Am. 
4:&— 9.  Hag.  1.9— 11.  2:16,17.  Mai.  3:9—12.  e See  on  5.  Ps.  69:22.  Prov.  1:32. 
Hog.  1:6.  Zech.  5:3,4.  Mai.  2:2.  Luke  16:25.  (Seeoni.  5:9.  Job  18:16— 19. 
Ps.  109:9— 15.  Lam.  2:11,12,20.  Hos.  9:11— 14.  Mai.  2:3.  Luke 23.29,30.  g See 
on  16.  Lev.  26: 19,20,25.  Hab.3:17.  h See  on  6.  Judg.  5:6,7.  2 Chr.  15:5.  i I s. 
7:11.  Mai. 2:2.  k Ps.  80:4— 16.  Ia.  30:17.  51:20.  66  15.  Zech.  14:12,13.  John  3: 
36.  IThes.  2:16.  * Heb . which  thou  icnuldest  do.  I See  on  4:26.  Lev.  26:31 — 
33,38.  Josh.  23: 16.  m Ex.  5:3.  Lev.  26.25.  Num.  14:12.  16:46—49.  25:9.  2 Sam. 
24:15.  Jer.  15:2.  16:4.21:6,7.  24:10.  Am.  4:10.  Matt.  24:7.  n See  on  Lev.  26: 
16.  2Chr.  6:23.  Jer.  14:12.  tOr.d/ow-Ac  o 1 Kings  S:37.  Am.  4:9.  Hag.  2:17. 
p Lev.  26:19.  I Kings  17  1.  18:2.  Jer.  14:1— 6.  Am.  4:7.  q 12.  Gen.  19:24.  Job 
18:15.  Is.  5:21.  Am.  4:11.  r See  on  7.  32:30.  Lev.  26: 17,36,37.  Is.  3U:  17.  s Jer. 
15:2—9.  24:9.  29:18.  34:17.  Ez.  23:46.  Luke  21:24.  J Heb.  for  a removing. 

V.  16' — 22.  Marg.  Ref p 

V.  23.  The  language  is  remarkable  : 44  Thy  heaven 
that  part  of  the  heaven,  which  was  over  the  country  of 
Israel,  should  have  no  more  moisture  in  it  than  brass  has  : 
and  consequently  their  land  would  become  hard  w as  iron,” 
for  want  of  rain  ; while  the  clouds  might  give  showers  in 
abundance,  and  the  earth  be  moist  and  fruitful  in  other 
regions. 

V.  24.  Instead  of  the  rain  in  its  appointed  seasons,  the 
Lord  declared  that  he  would  visit  the  people  with  such  ex- 
treme drought,  as  should  render  their  land  dry  dust  and  barren 
sand  ; which,  rising  in  the  air  in  vast  quantities,  would  thence 
descend  in  hot  showers,  destroying  the  remnant  of  vegetation, 
and  almost  suffocating  all  living  creatures.  A drought  of  this 
kind  occurred  in  the  time  of  Ahab.  Jeremiah  also  laments 
one  that  was  very  terrible:  (Notes,  Jer.  14:)  and  it  is 

remarkable  that  this  formerly  fertile  land  is  at  present  noted 
for  its  sterility  ; and  is  so  thinly  inhabited,  as  scarcely  to 
contain  a hundredth  part  of  its  ancient  inhabitants,  even 
according  to  the  largest  computation! 

V.  25.  This  prediction  was  in  some  degree  verified,  when 
the  Assyrians  carried  away  the  ten  tribes  ; and  by  the  Baby- 
lonish captivity,  and  its  consequences:  but  it  has  been  re- 
ceiving a more  singular  accomplishment  for  almost  eighteen 
hundred  years,  in  the  dispersion  of  the  Jews  all  over  the 
earth,  subsequent  to  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  by  the 
Romans. 

V.  26.  To  be  deprived  of  burial  was  in  general  accounted 
by  the  Israelites  a dire  addition  to  other  calamities.  (Marg. 
Ref.  Note,  2 Sam.2\:d — 14.) 

V.  27.  Marg.  Rtf. 

V.  28.  In  the  siege  of  Jerusalem  by  the  Chaldeans  this 
was  the  case,  as  it  appears  from  the  history : but  in  that  by 
Titus  and  the  Romans,  and  in  the  subsequent  conduct  of  the 
miserable  relics  of  the  Jews,  their  infatuation  was  so  evident, 
that  every  one  who  reads  of  their  conduct  must  he  convinced, 
they  were  given  up  to  judicial  blindness  and  madness,  or  they 
never  could  have  been  so  bent,  upon  their  own  destruction. 
While,  by  their  obstinate  resistance  to  the  Roman  power, 
without  the  least  prospect  of  escaping,  they  ensured  their 
own  miseries  ; by  their  intestine  rage  they  became  the  exe- 
cutioners of  the  wrath  of  God  upon  themselves,  almost  saved 
their  enemies  the  trouble  of  destroying  them,  and  absolutely 
put  it  out  of  their  power  to  preserve  them.  (34) 

V.  21).  (Marg.  Ref.)  Only  oppressed,  kc.]  The  unjust 

( 362  ) 


of  the  air,  and  unto  the  beasts  of  the  earth,  and 
no  man  shall  fray  them  away. 

27  The  Lord  shall  smite  thee  xwith  the  botch 
of  Egypt,  and  with  the  remerods,  and  with  Hho 
scab,  and  with  the  itch,  whereof  thou  canst  not 
be  healed. 

28  The  Lord  shall  smite  thee  “with  madneso 
and  blindness,  and  astonishment  of  heart. 

29  And  thou  shalt  bgrope  at  noonday,  as  the 
blind  gropeth  in  darkness,  and  thou  shalt  not 
prosper  in  thy  ways ; and  “thou  shalt  be  only 
oppressed  and  spoiled  evermore:  and  nr  mai' 
shall  save  thee. 

30  dThou  shalt  betroth  a wife,  and  another 
man  shall  lie  with  her : thou  “shalt  build  an  house 
and  thou  shalt  not  dwell  therein : thou  sha.. 
plant  a vineyard,  and  shalt  not  ^gather  the  grapes 
thereof. 

31  Thine  fox  shall  be  slain  before  thine  eyes, 
and  thou  shalt  not  eat  thereof : thine  ass  shall  be 
violently  taken  away  from  before  thy  face,  and 
shall  not  "be  restored  to  thee  : thy  sheep  shall  be 
given  unto  thine  enemies,  and  thou  ahalt  have 
none  to  rescue  them. 

32  Thy  ssons  and  thy  daughters  shall  be  given 
unto  another  people ; and  thine  eyes  shall  look  an’a 
hfail  with  longing  lor  them  all  the  day  long : and 
there  shall  be  no  might  in  thine  hand. 

33  The  ‘fruit  of  thy  land,  and  all  thy  labours, 
shall  a nation  which  thou  knowest  not  eat  up ; and 
'thou  shalt  be  only  oppressed  and  crushed  alway ; 

34  So  that  thou  shalt  be  kmad  for  the  sight  o' 
thine  eyes  which  thou  shalt  see. 

35  The  Lord  shall  smite  thee  in  the  knees,  anu 


t 1 Sam.  17:44 — 46.  Ps.  79:1—3.  Is.  34:3.  Jer.  7:33  . 8:1.  16:4.  19:7  . 34:20.  Ez. 
39:17—20.  x 35.  Ex.  9:9.  15:26.  y 1 Sam.  5:6,9,12.  Ps.  78:65.  t Lex.  13:2— 
8.  21:20.  Is.  3:17.  a 1 Sam.  16:14.  Ps.  60:3.  Is.  6:9,10.  19:11— 17.  42:19.  Jer. 
4:9.  Ez.  4: 17.  Luke  21  -.23,26.  Acts  13:41.  2 Tlies.  2:9— 11.  I)  Job  5:14.  12:25. 
Ps.  69:23,24.  I-s.  59:10.  Lam.  5:17.  Zeph.  1:17.  Horn.  11:7—10,25.  2 Cor.  4:3,4. 
c Judg.  3:14.  4:2,3.  6:1—6.  10:8.13:1.  1 Sam.  13:5 — 7,19 — 22.  Nell.  9:26— 28,37. 
Ps.  106:40—42.  Lam. 5:8.  Luke  21:24.  .4  20:6,7,  Job  31:10.  Jer.8.10.  Ho.. 4:2. 
e Job  31:8.  Is.  5:9,10.  65:21,22.  Jer.  12:13.  I.nm.'5:2.  Am.  5:11.  Mic.6:15. 
Zeph.  1:13.  § Heb.  profane . or,  use  it  as  common  meal.  20:6.  mart;,  f Jude. 
6:4.  Job  1:14,15.  ||  Heb.  return,  g 18,41.  Num.  21 :29.  2 Chr.  29:9'.  Neh.5:8 
—5.  Jer.  15:7— 9.  16:2—4.  Ez.  24:25.  Joel  3:6.  Am.  5:27.  Mic.4:10.  h 65.  Job 
11:20.  17:5.  Pa.  69:3.  119:82,123.  Is.  38:14.  Lam.  2:11.  4:17.  5:17.  i See  on 
30.  Is.  1:7.  Jer.  5:17.  8:16.  ) See  on  29.  Jer.4:17.  k See  on  23.  Is.  33:14.  Jer. 
25:15,16.  Rev.  16:10,11. 


and  cruel  exactions  and  oppressions,  accompanied  by  every 
token  of  contempt  and  abhorrence,  with  which  the  Jews  havo 
been  treated,  in  almost  every  nation,  and  during  every  age, 
since  the  times  of  Christ,  can  scarcely  he  conceived,  except 
by  those  who  are  conversant  in  their  history : but  it  is  impos- 
sible, within  the  limits  of  this  exposition,  fully  to  elucidate  so 
compendious  a prophecy  ; and  it  must  suffice  to  say,  that 
no  people  on  earth  have  been  so  long  and  so  generally 
insulted,  oppressed,  and  crushed,  as  they  have  been,  accord- 
ing to  the  testimony  both  of  their  own  writers  and  of  others. 

V.  30,  31.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  32.  No  might.]  Neither  power  to  resist  the  violence 
done  them,  nor  money  to  redeem  their  enslaved  offspring. — 

1 In  several  countries,  in  Spain  and  Portugal  particularly, 
their  children’  [those  of  the  Jews]  4 have  been  taken  from 
them,  by  order  of  the  government,  to  he  educated  in  the 
popish  religion.  ..  .The  fourth  council  of  Toledo  ordered,  that 
all  their  children  should  be  taken  from  them  for  fear  they 
should  partake  of  their  errors,  and  that  they  should  be  shut 
up  in  monasteries,  to  be  instructed  in  the  Christian  truths. . . . 
And  when  they  were  banished  from  Porlugal,  4 the  king,’  says 
Mariana,  4 ordered  all  their  children  under  fourteen  years  of 
age,  to  be  taken  from  them,  and  baptized  : a practice  not  at 
all  justifiable,’  adds  (he  historian — 4 because  none  ought  to  be 
forced  to  become  Christians,  nor  chilurcn  to  be  taken  from 
their  parents.’  Bp.  Newton. 

V.  34.  (Marg  Ref.  Note , 28.)  4 After  the  destruction 
of  Jerusalem  by  Titus,  some  of  the  worst  of  the  Jews  took 
refuge  in  the  Castle  of  Masada  ; where,  being  closely  be- 
sieged by  the  Romans,  they,  at  the  persuasion  of  Eleazar, 
their  leader,  first  murdered  their  wives  and  children  ; then  ten 
men  were  chosen  by  lot  to  slay  the  rest ; this  being  done,  one 
of  the  ten  was  chosen  in  like  manner  to  kill  the  other  nine  ; 
which  having  executed,  he  set  fire  to  the  place,  and  then 
stabbed  himself.  There  were  nine  hundred  and  sixty  who 
perished  in  this  miserable  manner  : and  only  two  women  and 
five  boys  escaped,  by  hiding  themselves  in  (lie  aqueducts 
under  ground.’  Bp.  Newton. 

V.  35.  Marg.  Ref.  (Notes,  Job  2:7.8.)  • 

V.  36.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  former  clause  of  this  verso 
was  especially  accomplished,  when  Zedekiah  and  his  people 
were  carried  captives  to  Babylon.  Without  doubt  the  Israel- 
ites in  general,  who  wero  carried  captives  by  the  Assyrians, 
and  many  of  the  Jews  in  Chaldea,  wore  finally  incorporated 
with  the  nations  among  whom  they  lived,  and  were  given  up 


13.  C.  1 441 


CHAPTER  XXVIII, 


B.  C.  1451 


m the  legs  with  'a  so  e hotu  that  cannot  be 
healed,  fmm  the  sole  of  ay  loot  unto  the  top  of 
thy  head. 

36  The  Lord  shall  "“bring  thee,  and  thy  king 
which  thou  shalt  set  over  thee,  unto  a nation 
which  neither  thou  nor  thy  fathers  have  known  : 
and  “there  shalt  thou  serve  other  gods,  wood  and 
stone. 

37  And  thou  shalt  “become  an  astonishment,  a 
proverb,  and  a by-word,  among  all  nations  whither 
the  Lord  shall  lead  thee. 

38  Thou  I’shalt  carry  much  seed  out  into  the 
field,  and  shalt  gather  but  little  in  : Tor  the  locust 
shall  consume  it. 

39  Thou  shalt  plant  vineyards  and  dress  them; 
but  shalt  neither  drink  of  the  wine,  nor  gather  the 
grapes : Tor  the  worms  shall  eat  them. 

40  Thou  shalt  have  olive-trees  throughout  all 
thy  coasts,  but  thou  shalt  not  “anoint  thyself  with 
the  oil : for  thine  olive  shall  cast  his  fruit. 

41  Thou  shalt  beget  sons  and  daughters,  but 
‘thou  shalt  not  enjoy  them : ‘for  they  shall  go  into 
captivity. 

42  Ail  "thy  trees  and  fruit  of  thy  land  shall  the 
locust  “consume. 

43  The  stranger  that  is  within  thee  ““shall  get 
up  above  thee  very  high  : and  thou  shalt  come 
down  very  low. 

44  He  shall  flend  to  thee,  and  thou  shalt  not 
lend  to  him  : he  shall  be  the  head,  and  thou  shalt 
be  the  tail. 

45  Moreover  “all  these  curses  shall  come  upon 
thee,  and  shall  pursue  thee,  and  overtake  thee, 
till  thou  be  destroyed ; "because  thou  hearkenedst 
not  unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  to  keep 
his  commandments  and  his  statutes  which  he 
commanded  thee. 

46  And  they  shall  be  upon  thee  for  ba  sign  and 
for  a wonder,  and  upon  thy  seed  for  ever. 

47  Because  thou  “servedst  not  the  Lord  thy 
God  with  joyfulness  and  with  gladness  of  heart, 
for  the  abundance  of  all  things  ; 

48  Therefore  shalt  thou  “’serve  thine  enemies, 
which  the  Lord  shall  send  against  thee,  "in  hun- 
ger, and  in  thirst,  and  in  nakedness,  and  in  want 
of  all  things  : and  he  shall  put  f a yoke  of  iron 
upon  thy  neck,  until  he  have  destroyed  thee. 

49  If  The  Lord  shall  bring  nation  against 

\Seeonil.  Job2:6,7.  Is.  06.  3:17, 24.  m 2 Kintts  17:4— 6.  24:12—15.  25:6,7. 
2t'hr.  33:11.  36:6.20.  Is.  39:7.  Jer.  22:11 .12,24— 27.  24:8— 10.  39:5—7.  52:8—11. 

I, am.  4.20.  Ez.  12:12,13.  n64.  See<m4:2S.  Jer.  16:13.  Ez.  20:32,33,39.  o Sec 
on  23.  29:22-28.  1 Kings  9:7,8.  2Chr.7:20.  Is.  44:13,14.  Jer.  24:9.  25.9.  Joel 
2:17.  niarg.  Zech.8:13.  pis.  5:10.  Mic.  6:15.  Hag.  1:6.  q Ex . 10:14,15.  Joel 
2:3,25.  Am.  4:9.  7:1,2.  r Joel  1 :4— 7.  2:2— 4.  Jon.  4 7.  s Ps.  23:5.  104:15. 
Mic.  6:15.  * Heb.  they  shall  not  be  thine,  t See  on  32.  Lam.  1:5.  u See  on 
38,39.  Am.  7:1,2.  10r,po8*ei*.  x Judg.  2:3,14,15.  4:2,3.  10:7—10.  14:4.  15: 

II, 12.  1 Sam.  13:3 — 7,19— 23.  2 Kings  17:20,23.  24:14-16.  John  18:31.  19  15. 
y See  on  12,13.  T.um.  1 :5.  z See  on  5.  29:20,21.  Lev.  26:28.  Prov.  13:21.  Is. 
1:20.  65:14  15.  Jer.24:9, 10.  Lam.  2:15 — 17.  Ez.  7:15.  14:21 . a See  on  11:27, 
23.  Ps.  119:21.  Jer.  7:22— 25.  b 37.59.  29:20,28.  Is.  8:18.  Jer.  19:8.  25:18.  Ez. 
14:8.23:32,33.36:20.  c See  on  12:7— 12.  16:11.  32:13— 15.  Neh.  9:35.  1 Tim. 
6:17—19.  d2Chr.  12:8.  Neh.  9:35— 37.  Jer.  5:19.  17:4.  e Jer.  44:17,18,22,27. 
Lam.  5:2— 6.  Ez.  4:16,17.  f Is.  47:6.  Jer.  27:12,13.  28:13,14.  Matt.  11:29. 


to  their  idolatry.  But  some  think,  that  the  violence  frequently 
done  the  Jews  in  popish  countries,  through  which  they  are 
compelled  by  severe  persecutions  to  conceal  their  religion, 
and  to  worship  the  images  of  saints  and  angels,  was  also  pre- 
dicted. (Note,  63.)  , 

V.  37.  The  name  of  Jew  has  long  been  a proverbial  mark 
of  detestation  and  contempt,  among  all  the  nations  whither 
they  hive  been  driven ; and  is  so  to  this  day:  so  that  Chris- 
tians, Mohammedans,  and  Pagans  join  in  it.  ‘You  use  me 
like  a Jew.  . . . None  but  a Jew  would  have  done  this. .1 
would  not  have  done  so  to  a Jew.5  Bp.  Patrick. — This  is 
fact ; but  doubtless  it  is  wicked,  thus  to  reproach  those  who 
are  under  the  divine  rebuke,  and  who  are  living , though 
reluctant , witnesses  of  the  truth  of  our  holy  religion,  and  of 
the  Lord’s  indignation  against  those  who  reject  or  oppose  it; 
and  they,  who  thus  reproach  them,  are  generally  too  closely 
copying  this  part  of  their  example.  (Marg.  Ref , o.  Note , 
Is.  65:13— 15.) 

V.  38—41.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Is.  5:8—10.  Hag.  1:5— 
11.  2:15—19.  Mai.  3:7—12. 

V.  43,  44.  These  verses  had  an  early  accomplishment  in 
the  time  of  the  Judges,  as  well  as  in  later  ages.  (Note,  13.) 
The  remains  of  the  conquered  nations  were  permitted  to  rise 
up  against  the  Israelites,  to  gain  the  ascendency  over  them, 
and  cruelly  to  oppress  them,  jvhenever  their  sins  had  pro- 
voked the  Lord. 

V.  45.  Marg.  Ref.  Note,  15. 

V.  46.  The  miseries  and  persecutions,  which  the  Jews 


thee  from  far,  from  the  end  of  the  earth,  as  swift 
has  the  eagle  flieth;  ‘a  nation  whose  tongue  thou 
shalt  not  J understand  ; . * 

50  A nation  §of  Jfierce  countenance,  which 
kshall  not  regard  - the  person  of  the  old,  nor  show 
favour  to  the  young : 

51  And  he  shall  eat  'the  fruit  of  thy  cattle,  and 
the  fruit  of  thy  land,  until  thou  he  destroyed  : 
“"which  also  shall  not  leave  thee  either  corn,  wine, 
or  oil,  or  the  increase  of  thy  kine  or  flocks  of  thy 
sheep,  until  he  have  destroyed  thee 

52  And  he  shall  "besiege  thee  in  all  thy  gates, 
until  thy  high  and  fenced  walls  come  down, 
wherein  thou  trustedst,  throughout  all  thy  land : 
and  he  shall  besiege  thee  in  all  thy  gates,  through- 
out all  thy  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath 
given  thee. 

53  And  thou  shalt  eat  “the  fruit  of  thine  own 
"body,  the  flesh  of  thy  sons  and  of  thy  daughters, 
vvhich  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  given  thee,  in  t;  <f 
siege,  and  in  the  straitness  wherewith  thine  env 
mies  shall  distress  thee  : 

54  So  that  the  man  that  is  tender  among  you, 
and  very  delicate,  i’his  eye  shall  be  evil  toward  his 
brother,  and  toward  “Uhe  wife  of  his  bosom,  and 
towards  the  remnant  of  rhis  children  which  he 
shall  leave  : 

55  So  that  he  will  not  give  to  any  of  them  the 
flesh  of  his  children,  whom  he  shall  eat;  because 
he  hath  nothing  left  him  in  the  “siege  and  in  the 
straitness,  wherewith  thine  enemies  shall  distress 
thee  in  all  thy  gates- 

56  The  tender  and  ‘delicate  woman  among  you, 
which  would  not  adventure  to  set  the  sole  of  her 
foot  upon  the  ground,  for  delicateness  and  tender- 
ness, “her  eye  shall  he  evil  towards  the  husband 
of  her  bosom,  and  towards  her  son,  and  towards 
her  daughter. 

57  And  towards  her  "young  one  that  ““cometh 
out  from  between  her  feet,  and  towards  her  chil- 
dren which  she  shall  bear  : for  she  shall  eat  them 
for  want  of  all  things,  secretly,  in  the  siege  and 
straitness,  wherewith  thine  enemy  shall  distress 
thee  in  thy  gates. 

58  Tf  thou  wilt  not  observe  to  do  all  the  words 
of  this  law  that  are  written  in  i his  book,  that  thou 
mayest  Tear  this  srlorious  and  fearful  name,  THE 

LORD  THY  GOD  ; 


eNum.  24:24.  Is.  5:26— 30.  Jer.  5:15— 17.  Dan.  9:26.  Hah. 1:6,7.  Luke  19:43, 
44.  1,  Jer.  4:13.  48:40.  49:22.  Lam.  4:19.  Ez.  17:3,12.  Ho3.8:l.  Matt.  24:28. 
i Jer.  5:15.  Ez.  3:6.  1 Cor.  14:21.  1 Heb.  /tear.  § Heb.  strong  of  face.  Prov. 
7:13.  He.  8:1.  margins.  ) Dan.  7:7.  8.23.  k 2 Chr.  36: 17:  Is.  47:6.  Has. 13: 
16.  Luke  19:44.  21:23,24.  1 See  on  33.  Is.  1:7.  12:8.  m I. ev.  26:26.  Jer.  15:13. 
17:3.  Ez.  12:19.  Hub.  3:16,17.  n Lev.  26:25.  2 Kings  17:5.6.  18.13.  24:10.11. 
£5: 1 — 4.  .Ter.  21:4— 7.  37:8.  39:1—3.  52:4—7.  Ex.  4:1— 8.  Dan.  9:26.  Zed,.  12: 
a.  14:2.  Mull.  22:7.  24:15,16.  Luke  19  43,44.  21:20—24.  o 18,55,57.  Lev.  26: 
29.  2 Kings  6:28,29.  Jer.  19:9.  Lam.  2:20.  4:10.  Ex.  5:10.  Malt.  24:19.  ||  Ileb. 
belly.  pSeeonl5:9.  Prov.  23:6.  28:22.  Matt. 20:15.  q 13:6.  28am. 12:3. 
Mic. 7:5,  rl’s.  103:13.  Is, 49:15.  Malt. 7:9— 11.  Luke  11:1 1 — 13.  s Jer.5:!0. 
34:2.  52:6.  t Is.  3:16.  Lam.  4:3 — 6.  u See  on  51.  11  Heb.  after-birth,  x Gen. 
49:10.  y See  on  15.  Lev.  26:14,15.  Jer.  7.9  10,26— 28.  * 6:13.  Ex.  3:14,15.  6:3. 
34:5—7.  Ps.  83:18.  Is.  42:8.  Jer.  5:12.  Matt.  10:28.  Heb.  10:30,31 . 12:28,29. 


have  endured,  and  which  in  some  measure  they  still  endure, 
without  apparent  prospect  of  redress,  are  unparalleled  in  the 
history  of  mankind,  both  for  their  weigh!,  their  number,  and 
their  duration  : yet  after  all  their  oppressions  and  massacres 
with  which  they  have  been  wasted,  and  the  long-continued 
dispersion  by  which  they  have  been  scattered,  they  still  remain 
a distinct  and  very  numerous  people  !•  (Notes,  Nvm.  23:9. 
Jer.  30:10,11.)  These  evcnls,  compared  with  the  favour  of 
God  in  ancient  times  manifested  towards  them,  and  with  the 
predictions  concerning  them,  should  not  only  excite  c*ir  asto- 
nishment,  but  turn  unto  us  for  a testimony;  and  should  serve, 
instead  of  successive  miracles,  to  assure  us  of  the  truth  of  the 
Scriptures.  And  when  the  predictions  likewise,  concerning 
their  conversion  to  Christ,  shall  be  accomplished,  the  whole 
taken  together  will  indeed  be  a sign  and  a wonder  to  all  the 
nations  of  the  earth,  and  become  the  forerunner  of  a general 
success  of  true  Christianitv.  (Note,  Rom.  11:11 — 15.) 

V.  47,  48.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Jer.  27:2,3.  28:13,14. 

V.  49 — 57.  Though  the  Chaldeans  are  often  described 
tinder  the  similitude  of  an  eagle,  yet  it  is  generally  agreed, 
that  these  verses  especially  predict  the  desolations  brought 
on  the  Jews  by  the  Romans,  the  last  and  most  terrible  ene- 
mies of  that  nation ; who  came  from  a country  far  more  dis- 
tant than  Chaldea ; whose  standard  was  an  eagle;  who  spake 
a language  to  which  the  Jew's  w'ere  then  entire  strangers, 
being  wholly  unlike  the  Hebrew,  of  which  the  Chaldee  was 
merely  a dialect ; whose  victories  were  rapid  ; whose  appear- 
ance was  terrible  ;■  whose  yoke  was  an  iron  yoke,  and  the 
( 363  ) 


B.  C.  1451.  DEUTERONOMY.  B.  C.  1451 


59  Then  the  Lord  will  make  “thy  plagues 
wonderful,  and  the  plagues  of  thy  seed,  even  great 
plagues  and  of  long  continuance,  and  sore  sick- 
nesses, and  of  long  continuance. 

60  Moreover,  he  will  bring  upon  thee  ball  the 
diseases  of  Egypt,  which  thou  wast  afraid  of,  and 
they  shall  cleave  unto  thee  : 

61  Also  every  sickness,  and  every  plague,  which 
is  not  written  in  the  book  °f  this  law,  them  will 
the  Lord  ‘bring  upon  thee,  until  thou  be  de- 
stroyed. 

62  And  ye  shall  be  left  cfew  in  number,  whereas 
e were  das  the  stars  of  heaven  for  multitude: 
ecause  thou  wouldest  not  obey  the  voice  of  the 

Lord  thy  God. 

63  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  as  the  Lord 
“rejoiced  over  you  to  do  you  good,  and  to  multiply 
you;  so  the  Lord  will  frejoice  over  you  to  destroy 
you,  and  to  bring  you  to  nought : and  ye  shall  be 

a 46.  29:20 — 28  . 31:17,18.  33:22,86.  1 Kings  9:7— 9.  16:3,4.  Lam.  1:9,12.  4:12. 
Dan.  9:12.  Hos.  3:1.  Mark  13:19.  b Set;  on  7:15.  Ex.  15:26.  * Heb.  cause  to 

ascend,  c 4:27.  Lev. 26:22.  2 Kings  13:7.  24:14.  Neb.  7:4.  Is.  1:9.  24:6.  Jer. 
42:2.  52:28—30.  Mark  13:20.  Rom.  9:27—29.  d See  on  10:22.  Neh.  9:23.  Rom. 
9:27.  e 30:9.  Is.  62:5.  Jer.  32:41.  Mic.7:18.  Zeph.  3:17.  Luke  15:6— 10,23,24, 
32.  f Prov.  1:26.  Is.  1:24.  Ea.  5:13.  33:11.  g 7:22.  marg.  Jer.  12:14,15.  18:7. 


havoc  which  they  made  of  the  nation  was  most  tremendous. 
By  their  armies  Jerusalem  was  at  length  besieged,  sacked, 
and  utterly  desolated : and  during  this  siege,  the  famine  was 
so  extreme,  that  even  rich  and  delicate  persons,  both  men 
and  women,  ate  their  own  children,  and  concealed  the  horrible 
repast  lest  others  should  tear  it  from  them.  ‘ Women  snatched 
the  food  out  of  the  very  mouths  of  their  husbands,  and  sons  of 
their  fathers,  and  (what  is  most  miserable)  mothers  of  their 
infants.’  Josephus.  IVars  of  the  Jews.  Book  v.  Ch.  x.  Sect. 
3. — ‘ In  every  house,  if  there  appeared  any  semblance  of  food, 
a battle  ensued,  and  the  dearest  friends  and  relations  fought 
with  one  another;  snatching  away  the  miserable  provisions 
of  life.’  Book  vi.  Ch.  m.  Sect.  3. — ‘A  woman  distinguished 
by  birth  and  wealth,  after  she  had  been  plundered  by  the 
tyrants,’  (or  soldiers,)  ‘of  all  her  other  possessions, . . . boiling 
her  own  sucking  child,  ate  half  of  him,  and  concealing  the 
other  half,  reserved  it  for  another  time.’  Book  vi.  Ch.  iii. 
Sect . 4. — Perhaps  the  histories  of  all  other  nations  on  earth 
together,  do  not  contain  so  many  well-authenticated  instances 
of  this  most  horrid  effect  of  desperate  hunger,  as  are  found  in 
that  of  the  Jews,  according  to  this  most  extraordinary  ancient 
prediction  of  their  celebrated  lawgiver.  (Marg.  Ref.  on  53 — 
57.  Notes , I^ev.  26:29.  2 Kings  6:28,29.  Ijam.  4:10.) — After 
Jerusalem  had  beer:  utterly  desolated  by  the  Romans,  they 
were  continually  so  provoked  bv  the  insurrections  and  daring 
crimes  of  the  Jews,  that  they  persecuted  them  even  almost 
to  extirpation:  so  that  when  the  numbers  destroyed  in  the 
siege,  (not  less  than  1,100,000,)  and  the  tens  of  thousands 
which  were  afterwards  slaughtered  year  after  year  in  every 
country,  are  considered,  it  appears  wonderful  that  there  were 
any  remains  of  them  left. 

Young  one.  (57)  Marg. 

V.  58.  (Marg.  Ref.) — Written.']  Moses  here  as  a 
preacher,  appeals  to  the  law,  as  at  this  time  written  in  a book. 

V.  59.  The  plagues  of  the  Jews  have  been  indeed  made 
wonderful  : and  the  Babylonish  captivity,  the  punishment  of 
their  complicated  idolatries,  was  so  inconsiderable,  either  for 
the  misery  or  continuance  of  it,  compared  with  their  sufferings 
since  they  rejected  and  crucified  their  Messiah ; that  the  su- 
perior malignity  of  that  crime,  above  all  which  went  before  it, 
is  legibly  written  in  the  punishment.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note> 
Gen.  49:10.) 

V.  61.  After  this  tremendous  catalogue  of  curses,  lest 
there  should  be  any  possible  temporal  misery,  which  had  not 
seen  mentioned,  the  whole  is  comprised  in  one  general  denun- 
•ation  ; that  every  species  and  every  degree  of  misery  should 
?ome  upon  them,  if  they  still  continued  disobedient. 

V.  63.  The  miseries  of  his  creatures  are  not  in  themselves 
loasing  to  the  Lord : but  he  is  pleased  with  that  display  of 
is  justice,  truth,  wisdom,  and  power,  which  become  him  as 
the  Judge  of  all  the  earth.  (Note,  Jer.  32:39 — 41.) — ‘Adrian, 
.. . after  a strange  desolation  before  mentioned,  prohibited  by 
a public  decree,  ratified  with  the  Senate’s  consent,  any  Jew 
to  come  within  sight  of  Judea.’  Bp.  Patrick.  Thus  the 
Tews  were  totally  expelled  from  the  land  of  promise  and 
very  attempt  to  settle  them  again  in  it  has  hitherto  been  in- 
effectual : so  that  to  this  day  fewer  of  them  are  found  in  that 
country,  than  almost  in  any  other. 

V.  64.  A Jewish  writer,  quoted  by  Bp.  Patrick,  has  these 
words:  ‘In  the  Roman  captivity,  the  Jews  were  dispersed 
end  dissipated  through  all  the  regions  of  the  east  and  of  the 
west.  For  every  nation  of  which  the  Roman  army  consisted, 
when  they  returned  to  their  own  countries,  carried  some  of 
them  along  with  them,  into  Greece,  Germany,  Italy,  Spain, 
France,  and  all  other  countries,  which  either  Christians  or 
Mohammedans  now  possess.’  Indeed  it  is  certain  they  have 
been  ever  since  scattered  abroad  throughout  the  earth:  so 
that,  as  to  their  national  existence , the  judgments  of  God  have 
pursued  them  even  to  their  destruction.— ‘It  s too  common 
; 364  ; 


^plucked  from  off  the  land  whilher  thou  goest  to 
possess  it. 

64  And  the  Lord  shall  hscatter  thee  among  all 
people,  from  the  one  end  of  the  earth  even  unto  the 
other;  and  ‘there  thou  shalt  serve  other  gods, 
which  neither  thou  nor  thy  fathers  have  known, 
even  wood  and  stone. 

65  And  among  these  nations  Jshalt  thou  find  no 
ease,  neither  shall  the  sole  of  thy  foot  have  rest; 
but  kthe  Lord  shall  give  thee  there  a trembling 
heart,  and  'failing  of  eyes,  and  sorrow  of  mind. 

66  And  thy  life  shall  hang  in  doubt  before  thee : 
raand  thou  shalt  fear  day  and  night,  and  shalt.  have 
none  assurance  of  thy  life. 

67  In  “the  morning  thou  shalt  say,  Would  God 
it  were  even  ! and  at  even  thou  shalt  say,  Would 
God  it  were  morning  ! for  the  fear  of  thine  heart 
wherewith  thou  shalt  fear,  and  for  the  sight  of 
thine  eyes  which  thou  shalt  see. 

24:6.  31:29,40.  42:10.  Dan. 7:8.  h See  on 4:27,28.  Lev.  26:33.  Nil:.  1:8.  Jer. 
16:13.  Luke  21:24.  i See  on  36.  Jer.  16:13.  ) Gen.  8:9.  Is.  57:21.  412.5:12—17. 
20:32—35.  Arnos  9:4,9,10.  kLev.  26:38.  Is.  51:17.  £2.12:18,19.  lies.  11: 10,11. 
Hab.  3:16.  Luke  21:26.  1 Lev. 26:16.  Is.  65:14.  Lam.  3:65.  Mall.  24:8.  Ro.n. 

11:10.  m 67.  Lam.  1:13.  Heb.  10:27.  Rev.  6:15— 17.  n See  on  34.  Job 7:3,4. 
Rev.  9:6. 


for%the  Jews,  in  popish  countries  to  comply  with  the  idolatrous 
worship,  . . . and  to  bow  down  to  stocks  and  stones,  rather 
than  their  effects  should  be  confiscated.’  Bp.  Newton. — ‘The 
Spanish  and  Portugal  inquisitions  reduce  them  to  the  dilemma 
of  being  either  hypocrites,  or  burnt. — The  number  of  these 
dissemblers  is  very  considerable.  . . . They  are  so  much  the 
more  dangerous,  for  not  only  being  very  numerous,  but  con- 
founded with  the  ecclesiastics,  and  entering  into  all  the  eccle- 
siastical dignities.  . . . The  most  surprising  thing  is,  that  this 
religion  spreads  from  generation  to  generation,  and  still  sub- 
sists in  the  persons  of  dissemblers  in  a remote  posterity.  In 
vain  the  great  lords  of  Spain  make  alliances,  change  their 
names,  and  take  ancient  scutcheons  ; they  are  still  known  to 
be  of  Jewish  race,  and  Jews  themselves.  The  convents  of 
monks  and  nuns  are  full  of  them.  .. . Orobio,  who  relates  tho 
fact,  knew  these  dissemblers:  he  was  one  of  them,  and  bent 
the  knee  before  the  sacrament. — Moreover  he  brings  proofs 
of  his  assertion,  in  maintaining,  that  there  are  in  the  syna- 
gogue of  Amsterdam,  brothers  and  sisters,  and  near  relations, 
to  good  families  in  Spain  and  Portugal ; and  even  Franciscan 
monks,  and  Dominicans,  and  Jesuits  who  come  to  do  penance, 
and  make  amends  for  the  crime  they  have  committed  in  dis- 
sembling.’ Basnage's  History  of  the  Jews. — As  the  latter 
part  of  this  prophecy  evidently  relates  to  the  present  state  of 
the  Jews  ; (and  this  even  their  own  writers  allow  ;)  the  predic- 
tion, that  in  their  dispersed  state  “ they  should  serve  other 
gods,  which  neither  they  nor  their  fathers  had  known,  even 
wood  and  stone,”  seems  so  evidently  to  mark  out  this  hypo- 
critical compliance  with  the  new  idolatry  of  the  antichristians, 
in  the  worship  of  the  images  of  saints  and  angels,  as  even 
to  add  to  the  credibility  of  the  extraordinary  facts  here  stated 
by  their  historian. 

V.  65 — 67.  The  dispersed  Jews  would  find  no  alleviation 
or  respite  from  misery.  Accordingly  they  have  hitherto  found 
no  country,  in  which  they  are  treated  as  denizens  ; all  sus- 
pect them  as  enemies,  and  behave  to  them  as  aliens ; if  they 
do  not  harass,  oppress,  and  persecute  them.  It  may  he  use- 
ful to  state  a fact  or  two,  out  of  very  many,  in  illustration  of 
these  verses. — A dreadful  massacre  was  made  of  the  Jews  at 
Lisbon,  in  the  year  1506,  for  three  days  together;  ‘where 
men  were  not  suffered  to  die  of  their  deadly  wounds,  hut  were 
dragged  by  their  mangled  limbs  into  the  market-place,  where 
the  bodies  of  the  living  and  the  slain,  with  others  half  alive  and 
half  dead,  were  burnt  together  in  heaps.  The  spectacle  was 
so  horrible,  that  it  quite  astonished  the  rest  of  tins  wretched 
people,  two  thousand  of  which  perished  in  this  barbarous 
manner.  Parents  durst  not  mourn  for  their  children,  nor 
children  sigh  for  their  parents;  ...  so  that  their  hearts  nc 
doubt  were  ready  to  break  with  grief.’  ...  ‘A  decree  was 
made,’  ...  (in  Spain  1493,)  ‘ that  all  the  Jews  should  either 
change  their  religion,  or  quit  the  country  in  three  months.  . .. 
Three  hundred  thousand,  old  and  young,  men  and  women, 
went  away  on  foot  in  one  day,  not  knowing  whither  to  go. 
Some  went  into  Portugal,  others  into  Navarre,  where  they 
conflicted  with  many  calamities : for  some  became  a prey,  or 
perished  by  famine  and  pestilence.  And  therefore  others 
committed  themselves  to  the  sea:  . . . hut  there  they  met  with 
new  disasters:  for  many  were  sold  for  slaves  when  they  came 
on  any  coast,  many  were  drowned,  many  burnt  in  the  ships 
that  were  set  on  fire. — After  this  a plague  . . . swept  away  the 
rest  of  the  miserable  wretches,  who  were  hated  by  all  man- 
kind: so  that  all  that  vast  number  perished,  . . . except  a very 
few.’  Bp.  Patrick. — Nothing  seems  more  suited  to  confirm  a 
sensible  but  hesitating  inquirer  concerning  the  truth  of  reve- 
lation, than  a careful  comparison  of  this  chapter,  and  of  t ho 
prophecies  of  the  New  Testament  respecting  the  Jews,  with 
their  actual  history  to  the  present  day : this  appears  to  he 
capable  of  effecting  every  thing,  which  any  external  evidence 
imaginable  can  effect;  and  tho  demonstration  *h/nce  iodueod 


B.  C.  1451 


CHAPTER  XXIX 


B.  C.  1451 


68  And  the  Lord  shall  “bring  thee  into  Egypt 
again  with  ships,  by  the  way  whereof  I spake  unto 
thee.  Thou  shalt  see  it  no  more  again  ; and  p there 
ye  shall  be  sold  unto  your  enemies  for  bondmen 
and  bondwomen,  and  no  man  shall  buy  you. 
CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Motes  reminds  Israel  of  the  Lord's  wonderful  works,  in  order  to  their  again 
ratifying  the  covenant,  1 — 9.  He  addresses  all  who  were  required  to  do  this, 
10—17.  He  tremendously  denounces  the  doom  of  presumptuous  trans- 
gressors, 18 — 28.  He  distinguishes  between  things  secret , and  things 
resealed , 29. 

THESE  are  athe  words  of  the  covenant,  which 
the  Lord  commanded  Moses  to  make  with 


• 17:16.  Jer.  43:7.  41:12.  Hos.8:l3.  9:3.  p Ex.  20:2.  Neh.5:8.  Esth.  7:4. 
Joel  3:3—7.  Luke  21:24.  n 12:21,25.  Lev.  26:44, 45.  2 Kings  23:3.  Jer.  11:2,6. 
34:18.  Acts  3:25.  b 4 10— 13,23.  5:2,3.  Ex.  19:3— 5.  24:2—8.  Jer.  31:32.  Heb. 
8:9.  c See  on  Ex.  19:4.  Josh.  24:5,6.  Ps.  78:43— 51.  105:27—36.  d See  on  4: 


and  which  may  be  continually  re-examined  at  leisure,  and 
with  deliberation,  seems  more  convincing  than  miracles:  for 
these  are  transient  acts,  and  can  only  be  reviewed  in  the  testi- 
mony with  which  they  are  authenticated.  ‘What  stronger 
proofs  can  we  desire  of  the  divine  legation  of  Moses  ? — How 
these  instances  may  affeet  others  I know  not,  but  for  myself 
I must  acknowledge,  they  not  only  convince,  but  amaze  and 
astonish  me  beyond  expression.’  Bp.  Newton. 

V.  68.  Many  of  the  Jews  rebelliously  went  into  Egypt 
after  the  Babylonish  captivity,  and  there  miserably  perished. 
(Notes,  Jer.  41: — 44:)  Multitudes  went  thither,  and  settled 
under  the  successors  of  Alexander.  But  this  verse  seems 
especially  to  point  out  an  event,  which  took  place  subsequent 
to  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  by  Titus,  and  the  desolation 
made  by  Adrian.  Numbers  of  the  captives  were  sent  by  sea 
into  Egypt,  (as  well  as  into  other  countries,)  and  sold  for 
slaves  at  a vile  price,  and  for  the  meanest  offices ; and  many 
thousands  were  left  to  perish  from  want : for  the  multitude  was 
so  great,  that  purchasers  could  not  be  found  for  them  all  at  any 
price.  God  had  brought  the  nation  out  of  Egypt  triumphantly, 
and  had  forbidden  them  to  return;  and  had  not  their  sin  in- 
curred the  severest  vengeance,  he  would  never  have  permitted 
them  to  he  forced  thither : but,  by  their  iniquities,  they  pro- 
voked him  to  reduce  them  to  as  abject  a condition,  as  that 
from  which  he  had  redeemed  them  ; nay,  more  abject  and 
wretched. — Mr.  Henry  closes  his  comment  upon  this  most 
awful  chapter,  with  mentioning  a wicked  man,  who  was  so 
enraged  at  the  threatenings  contained  in  it.  that  he  tore  the 
leaf  out  of  his  Bible.  * But,’  says  this  pious  author,  ‘to  what 
purpose  is  it  to  deface  a copy,  whilst  the  original  stands 
upon  record,  in  the  divine  counsels,  by  which  it  is  unalterably 
determined,  that  “ the  wages  of  sin  is  death,”  whether  men 
will  hear,  or  whether  they  will  forbear  ?’ 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

In  vain  doth  human  language  exhaust  its  powers,  in  at- 
tempting to  express  the  whole  meaning  of  these  important 
erms,  the  blessing,  and  tiie  curse  of  Almighty 
3od.  All  events  are  absolutely  at  his  disposal,  all  crea- 
tures are  his  servants,  and  he  can  make  us  as  happy,  or  as 
miserable  as  he  pleases.  If  he  determine  to  bless  us,  he  can 
command  a confluence  of  health,  riches,  and  reputation;  and 
will  give  fruitful  fields,  flourishing  families,  and  peaceful 
habitations,  in  case  these  be  good  for  us.  He  can  advance 
men  above  their  neighbours,  and  cause  them  to  triumph  over 
their  enemies : he  can  communicate  every  temporal  good, 
along  with  the  ordinances  of  his  courts,  and  the  graces  of  his 
Spirit.  He  can  even  connect  great  honour  with  deep  humility ; 
and  give  success  in  every  undertaking,  comfort  in  every  con- 
nexion, and  amindance  of  all  things,  with  a thankful,  liberal, 
and  spiritual  mind : yet  all  this  is  very  little  compared  with 
that  future,  everlasting,  and  complete  felicity,  in  the  contem- 
plation of  which  our  thoughts  and  our  language  are  absolutely 
swallowed  up. — On  the  other  hand,  if  the  Lord  purpose  t*  in- 
flict vengeance,  what  miseries  can  his  curse  inflict  even  in 
this  present  world  1 An  assemblage  of  direful  diseases,  rack- 
ing pains,  pinching  poverty,  and  dreary  famine,  with  armies 
of  victorious  enemies,  exercising  every  cruelty  enhanced  by 
galling  insult,  are  ready  to  obey  his  mandate.  At  his  word 
too,  remorse  seizes  the  conscience,  and  anguish  and  despair 
possess  the  heart ; yea,  maddening  rage,  envy,  and  impotent 
revenge,  join  with  disappointed  ambition,  avarice,  and  lust,  to 
render  the  whole  soul  one  wild  tumult  of  conflicting  passions, 
to  obliterate  every  tender  feeling,  and  to  infatuate  the  devoted 
wretch,  by  depriving  him  of  all  power  to  extricate  himself,  and 
plunging  him  still  deeper  into  utter  ruin.  His  own  wretchedness 
will  be  also  aggravated  by  witnessing  the  distress  of  friends, 
relatives,  and  children,  rendered  miserable  through  his  crimes  : 
and  ail  this,  and  far  more  than  words  can  describe,  may  with 
accumulating  weight  press  upon  him,  for  wearisome  weeks, 
and  months,  and  years,  without  prospect  of  relief  but  from 
death,  the  thought  of  which  appals  the  soul  with  still  deeper 
horrors.  But  this  is  only  “ the  beginning  of  sorrows”  to  those, 
who  are  under  the  curse  of  God : what  will  then  be  their  un- 
abating and  everlasting  misery  in  that  world,  where  “ their 
worm  never  dieth,  and  the  fire  is  not  quenched  ?”  Yet  to  such 
wretchedness  is  every  one  exposed,  who  lives  in  disobedience 
to  God’s  commandments ; and  his  wrath  is  revealed  from  hea- 
ven  expressly  for  our  warning,  “ that  we  may  fear  this  glorious 
and  fearful  name,  the  Lord  our  God.”  None  will  suffer 


the  children  of  Israel  in  the  land  of  Moab,  bheside 
the  covenant  which  he  made  with  them  in  Hoieb 

2 And  Moses  called  unto  all  Israel,  and  saio 
unto  them,  cYe  have  seen  all  that  the  Lord  did 
before  your  eyes  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  unto  Pha- 
raoh, and  unto  all  his  servants,  and  unto  all  his 
land: 

3 The  great  dtemptations  which  thine  eyes 
have  seen,  the  signs,  and  those  great  miracles  : 

4 Yet  the  Lord  hath  not  “given  you  an  hear, 
to  perceive,  and  eyes  to  see,  and  ears  to  hear, 
unto  this  day. 


32—35.  7:13,19.  Neh.  9:9—  It.  e See  on  2:30.  Prov. 20:12.  Is.  6:9,10.  63:11. 
Ez.  36:26.  Mall. 13:11— 15.  John  8:43.  12:38—  40.  Acls  25:26,27.  Rom.  11:1-. 
10.  2 Cor.  3:15.  Eph.  4:18.  2 ’Hies.  2:10— 12.  2 Tim.  2:25.  Jam.  1:13—17. 


any  misery  above  his  deserts : but  indeed  we  are  all  exposed 
to  this  awful  curse  for  breaking  the  law  of  God.  Yet,  blessed 
be  his  name,  we  are  under  so  gracidus  a dispensation,  that 
nothing  but  obstinate  impenitence  can  expose  us  to  the  more 
tremendous  part  of  it.  u Christ  hath  redeemed  us  from  the 
curse  of  the  law,  being  made  a curse  for  us,v  and  having 
borne,  in  his  own  person,  the  substance  of  all  that  agony  and 
anguish,  which  our  sins  had  merited,  and  which  we  must  other- 
wise have  endured  for  ever.  To  those  who  believe  in  him, 
“ there  is  no  condemnation:”  all  temporal  calamities  are  Con* 
verted  into  salutary  chastisements  ; whatever  be  their  propor- 
tion of  temporal  blessings,  every  thing  is  given  or  withheld,  as 
most  conduces  to  their  final  and  eternal  felicity;  and  even  in 
this  present  world,  their  comfort  and  happiness  is  far  superior 
to  that  of  the  most  prosperous  sinner.  To  this  Refuge  and 
Salvation  let  sinners  flee ; in  these  privileges  let  believers  re- 
joice, and  serve  their  reconciled  God  with  gladness  of  heart, 
for  the  “ abundance”  of  all  spiritual  blessings  with  which  he 
has  blessed  them;  while  gratitude  to  the  Saviour,  meditation 
on  his  sufferings,  and  a consciousness  of  their  own  deserts,  re- 
concile them  to  every  cross  and  self-denial.  But  let  none  call 
these  blessings  their  own,  who  do  not  endeavour*  to  observe 
and  do  all  the  commandments  of  God,  with  uprightness  of 
heart : for  even  the  believer  can  enjoy  the  present  comfort  of 
them,  no  further  than  he  “exercises  himself  to  have  a con- 
science void  of  offence  towards  God  and  man.” — As  u all 
things  work  together  for  good  to  them  who  love  God so  all 
things  concur  in  ruining  his  enemies,  and  in  enslaving  to  the 
vilest  of  masters  those  that  refuse  to  obey  him,  whose  ‘ser- 
vice is  perfect  freedom.’  Even  prosperity  increases  their 
pride  and  insolence,  their  table  becomes  a snare,  the  curse  of 
God  imbitters  their  blessings ; and  it  will  pursue  them,  until 
it  overtake  and  sink  them  into  final  destruction. — As  these 
predictions  concerning  the  Israelites,  compared  with  their 
accomplishment,  demonstrate  the  divine  inspiration  of  the 
Scriptures ; how  should  the  example  of  that  people  warn  all 
who  see  and  hear  these  things,  not  to  provoke  the  Lord  to 
anger  by  disobeying  his  commands,  and  despising  his  gospel ! 
— But  let  all  who  love  the  truth  and  word  of  God,  remember 
to  pity  and  pray  for  the  conversion  of  the  benighted  Jews  : 
and  likewise  to  beseech  the  Lord  in  behalf  of  our  much  favour- 
ed, but  much  offending  land  ; that  reformation,  and  the  revival 
of  true  religion,  may  preserve  us  from  being  bereaved  of  our 
distinguished  mercies,  and  feeling  those  miseries,  from  which 
we  have  hitherto  been  graciously  exempted. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXIX.  V.  1.  The  covenant  ratified 
with  this  new  generation,  (like  the  law  given  them,)  was 
substantially  the  same,  as  that  before  ratified  with  their 
fathers  at  mount  Sinai. — In  this  chapter  the  covenant  is  pro- 
posed, and  the  consequences  of  violating  it  are  declared:  but 
a more  explicit  ratification  of  it  was  afterwards  made,  from 
mount  Gerizim  and  mount  Ebal.  (Notes,  27:  Josh.  8:30 — 35.) 

V.  2,  3.  Numbers  of  the  persons  addressed  had,  in  their 
youth  been  eye-witnesses  of  the  miracles  referred  to,  and 
could  attest  the  reality  of  them  to  their  children  and  juniors. 
( Marg . Ref.) 

V.  4.  Fallen  man  never  makes  a proper  use  of  his  senses 
and  faculties,  and  of  religious  instruction  and  outward  advan- 
tages, without  the  special  preventing  grace  of  God.  An 
entire  indisposedness  to  that  which  is  spiritually  good,  and  a 
strong  propensity  to  evil,  the  effects  of  our  fall  in  Adam,  are 
the  sources  of  all  actual  wickedness,  and  render  us  the  objects 
of  the  Lord’s  holy  abhorrence,  and  righteous  displeasure.  No 
doubt  Omnipotence  could  overcome  these  hinderances  in  every 
man  : but  the  exercise  of  the  power  of  God  is  directed  by 
infinite  wisdom,  and  regulated  as  most  conductive  to  his  glory. 
No  sinner  can  deserve  so  valuable  a benefit  from  his  offended 
Creator  ; but  every  man  might  righteously  have  been  left  to 
the  effects  of  his  corrupt  propensities,  which  are  never  in  the 
holy  Scriptures  admitted  as  an  excuse  for  sinful  actions.  In- 
deed men  in  general  perceive  no  occasion  for  renewing  grace : 
they  have  no  desire  after  it,  and  will  use  no  means  to  obtain  it. 
But  on  the  contrary,  by  their  voluntary  wickedness,  they  do 
violence  to  natural  conscience  and  the  common  sense  of  man- 
kind, and  thus  crten  provoke  God  judicially  to  leave  them  to 
themselves.  (Note,  2 Thes.  2:8 — 12.)  He  has,  however, 
appointed  certain  methods  to  be  employed,  to  convince 
sinners  that  the  change  is  absolutely  necessary  : and  they 
are  commanded  and  encouraged  to  seek  it.  Thus  the  path  of 
( 365  ) 


B.  C.  1451 


DEUTERONOMY. 


B.  C.  1451, 


5 And  I have  ted  you  forty  years  in  the  wilder- 
ness : fyour  clothes  are  not  waxen  old  upon  you, 

, sand  thy  shoe  is  not  waxen  old  upon  thy  loot. 

6 Ye  have  not  '‘eaten  bread, ‘neither  have  ye 
drunk  wine  or  strong  drink;  that  ye  might  know 
that  I ain  the  Lord  your  God. 

7 And  when  ye  came  unto  this  place,  )Sihon 
the  king  of  Heshhon,  and  Og  the  king  of  Bashan, 
came  out  against  us  unto  battle,  and  we  smote  them. 

8 And  we  took  their  land,  and  gave  it  for  an 
inheritance  unto  the  Ileubenites,  and  to  the 
Gadites,  and  to  the  half-tribe  of  Manasseh. 

9 kKeep  therefore  the  words  of  this  covenant, 
and  do  them,  that  ye  may  prosper  in  all  that  ye  do. 

10  *51  Ye  'stand  this  day  all  of  you  before  the' 
Lord  your  God;  your  captains  of  your  tribes, 
your  elders,  and  your  officers,  with  all  the  men  of 
Israel. 

11  Your  little  ones,  your  wives,  and  thy 
mstranger  that  is  in  thy  camp,  from  “the  hewer 
of  thy  wood  unto  the  drawer  of  thy  water  : 

12  That  °thou  shouldest  "enter  into  covenant 
with  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  Pinto  his  oath,  which 
the  Lord  thy  God  maketh  with  thee  this  day  : 

f See  on  8:4.  Neh.  9:21.  Matt.  6:31,32.  g Josh.  9:5,13.  Matt.  10 — 10.  h See 
on  8:3.  Ex.  16:12,35.  Neh.  9:15.  Ps.  78:24,25.  i Num.  16:14.  20:8.  1 Cor.  10:4. 
Eph.  5:18.  12:24—37  . 3:1—17.  Num.  21:21— 35.  32:33-42.  Ps.  135:10— 12. 
136:17—22.  k Sec  on  1 . 4 ;6.  Josh.  1 :7.  1 Kings  2:3.  Ps.  26:10.  103:17,18.  Is. 
56:1,2,4—7.  Jer.  50:5.  Luke  11:23.  Heb.  13:20,21.  14:10.31:12,13.  2 Chr. 

23:16.34:29—32.  Neh.  8:2.  9:1,2,38.  10:28.  Joel  2:16,17.  Rev.  6:15.  20:12. 
m 5:14.  Ex.  12:38,48,49.  Num.  11:4.  n Josh.  9:21— 27.  Gal.  3:28.  Col.  3: 11 . 


13  That  he  may  ^establish  thee  to-day  for  a 
people  unto  himself,  and  that  rhe  may  he  unto 
thee  a God,  as  he  hath  said  unto  thee,  and  as  he 
hath  sworn  unto  thy  lathers,  to  Abraham,  to 
Isaac,  and  to  Jacob. 

14  Neither  with  you  only  “do  I make  this 
covenant  and  this  oath  : 

15  But  with  him  that  standeth  here  with  us 
this  day  before  the  Lord  our  God,  and  'also  with 
him  that  is  not  here  with  us  this  day  ; 

16  (For  ye  know  how  we  have  dwelt  in  the 
land  of  Egypt,  and  how  we  came  “through  the 
nations  which  ye  passed  by  ; 

17  And  ye  have  seen  their  abominations,  and 
their  tidols,  wood  and  stone,  silver  and  gold, 
which  were  among  them :) 

[ Practical  Observations .] 

18  Lest  there  “should  be  among  you  man,  or 
woman,  or  family,  or  tribe,  whose  heart  tu^neth 
away  this  day  from  the  Lord  our  God,  to  go  and 
serve  the  gods  of  these  nations,  ?lest  there  should 
be  among  you  a root  that  beareth  tgall  and 
wormwood : 

19  And  it  come  to  pass,  when  he  heareth  the 

o 5:2,3.  Ex. 19:5,6.  Josh.  24:25.  2Kings  11:17.  2 Chr.  15:12— 15.  -Heb  .pan. 
p 14.  2 Chr.  15:12— 15.  Neh.  10:28,29.  q See  on  7:6.  26:18,19.  28:9.  r See  on 
Gen.  17:7.  Ex.  6:7.  Jer.  31:36.  32:38.  Heb. 11:16.  s Jer.  31:31— 34.  Heb.  8: 
7—12.  I See  on  5:3.  Jer.  32:39.  50:5.  Acts  2:39.  1 Cor.  7.14.  n 2:4,9,19,24. 
3:1,2.  t Heb.  dungy  gods,  x 11:16,17.  13:1— 15.  17:2 — 7.  Heb.3:12.  y Jer. 
9.15.  Hos.  10:4.  Amos6:12.  Acts8:23.  Heb.  12:15.  J Or,  a poisonful  herb. 
Heb.  rosh. 


duty  and  safety  is  made  plain  ; and  they  who  attend  to  these 
instructions,  44  receive  the  blessing  from  the  God  of  salvation,” 
the  Giver  of  44  every  good  and  perfect  gift;”  (Notes,  Jam. 
1:13 — 18.)  who  at  last  will  convince  all  his  enemies  that  they 
alone  were  to  blame  for  their  sins. — The  faithful  minister  will 
be  thankful  when  any  receive  44  hearts  to  perceive  and  eyes 
to  see:”  (Note,  Matt.  13:16,17.)  but  while  so  many  remain 
blinded  to  their  own  character,  interest,  and  duty,  he  must 
wait,  with  earnest  expectation  and  prayer,  for  a more  exten- 
sive blessing,  and  will  seem  to  think  nothing  done,  as  long  as 
so  much  remains  undone.  This  appears  to  have  been 
precisely  the  feeling  of  Moses  at  this  time.  There  were 
doubtless  many  exceptions  ; yet  the  bulk  of  the  people  still 
remained  insensible  to  the  real  design  and  tendency  of  all  that 
the  Lord  had  spoken  and  done  among  them  ; and  multitudes 
had  provoked  him  to  give  them  up  to  their  own  hearts’  lusts. 
This  grieved  the  pious  and  affectionate  spirit  of  Moses,  who 
used  this  language,  not  only  to  reprove  their  hardness  of  heart, 
but  also  to  warn,  instruct,  and  excite  them  : for  if  44  God  had 
not  given  them  a heart  to  perceive,  and  eyes  to  see,”  it  was 
undeniable  that  they  had  wilfully  hardened  their  hearts,  and 
stupified  their  consciences  against  every  thing  which  they  had 
seen  and  heard. — 4 Maimonides  rightly  and  judiciously  ex- 
plains these  words,  when  he  saith,  44  They  had  not  disposed 
themselves  to  receive  this  grade  from  God.”’  Bp.  Patrick. 
It  may,  however,  be  worth  the  reader’s  while  to  compare  this 
statement  with  the  words  of  the  apostle:  “Work  out  your 
own  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling ; for  it  is  God  that 
workeih  in  you  both  to  will  and  to  do,  of  his  good  pleasure.” 
And  also  with  the  language  of  our  Liturgy,  and  Articles  ; 
4 Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us,  and  incline  our  hearts  to  keep 
this  law.’ — 4^e  have  no  power  to  do  good  works,  pleasant 
and  acceptable  to  God,  without  the  grace  of  God  by  Christ 
preventing  us  that  we  may  have  a good  will,  and  working  in 
us  when  we  have  that  good  will.’  Article  x. 

V.  5,  6.  (Notes,  8:2,3.)  By  the  special  blessing  of  God  on 
the  manna,  which  the  people  despised  as  light  bread,  that 
immense  multitude  had  been  preserved  as  healthy  and  fit  for 
their  various  exercises,  as  any  other  people  on  the  productions 
of  the  corn-field  and  vineyard. — Moses  here  reports  the  very 
words  of  God,  as  if  he  had  himself'addressed  the  people. 

Clothes,  &c.  (5)  Note,  8:4. — As  by  far  the  greatest  part  of 
the  clothing  of  all  ranks  and  ages  in  Israel,  were  made  of 
linen,  for  which  they  had  no  resources  in  their  own  posses- 
sions, and  exceedingly  little  opportunity  of  obtaining  supplies 
from  others;  the  reality  and  greatness  of  the  miraculous 
interposition  in  this  behalf,  were  the  more  extraordinary. 

V.  7—9.  2:32—37.  3:1—11.  Notes,  Num.  21:21—34.  32: 

V.  10 — 12.  The  national  covenant,  made  with  Israel,  was 
in  some  tilings  a shadow  of  the  covenant  of  grace ; as  it  also 
represented  the  outward  dispensation  of  the  gospel.  (Note, 
Ex.  19:5.)  This  covenant  is  confirmed  with  true  believers 
“for  the  good  of  them  and  of  their  children  after  them:”  and 
in  their  families,  the  profession  of  Christianity  is  principally 
continued.  (Notes,  Jer.  32:39 — \\.  Acts  2:21 — 40.  Rom.  11: 
16 — 21.)  Thus  they  enjoy  permanent  religious  advantages, 
which  are  seldom  withdrawn,  unless  they  renounce  the  reli- 
gion of  their  forefathers,  or  evince  a total  disregard  of  it.  As 
Others  likewise  embrace  the  gospel,  their  families  also  become 
a part  o’*  the  visible  church,  which  thus  spreads  from  nation 
to  nation,  and  descends  from  one  generation  to  another.  The 
infant-offspring,  therefore,  of  such  persons  as  are  favoured 
with  the  gospel,  aro  greatly  interested  in  the  conduct  of  their 
( 366  ) 


parents  : and  they  who  value  the  blessings  of  the  new  cove- 
nant as  their  own  portion,  and  desire  them  as  the  portion  of 
their  beloved  children,  and  intend  to  bring  them  up  accord- 
ingly, seem  equally  authorized  and  required  to  bring  them 
under  the  external  obligations,  and  to  seek  for  them -the 
external  pledges  of  it,  as  these  Israelitish  parents  were. — This 
transaction  might,  in  many  ways,  at  the  time  and  afterwards, 
benefit  both  the  parents  and  their  offspring;  as  it  had  a direct 
tendency  to  stir  up  the  parents  to  pray  for  their  children,  and 
to  instruct  them  as  they  grew  up : and  if  when  they  came  to 
years  of  understanding,  they  were  reminded  how  solemnly 
they,  as  well  as  their  parents,  had  entered  into  covenant  with 
God,  it  would  tend  to  restrain  their  passions,  awaken  their 
consciences,  and  excite  them  personally  to  seek  the  covenant 
blessings,  which  could  only  be  forfeited  by  their  own  wilful 
sins.  (Note,  Mark  10:13 — 16.)  It  therefore  pleased  God  to 
order  the  covenant  to  be  ratified,  not  only  by  the  principal 
persons  in  Israel,  or  by  the  adults ; but  by  the  women  and 
children,  nay,  by  the  strangers  and  meanest  slaves  , that  is, 
by  the  whole  company. 

V.  13 — 15.  The  oath,  which  the  Lord  sware  unto  Abra- 
ham, Isaac,  and  Jacob,  is  here  adduced  as  confirming  the 
covenant  made  with  the  nation  of  Israel;  yet  St.  Paul  refers 
to  it  as  the  security  of  all  who  “have  fled  for  refuge  to  lay 
hold  upon  the  hope  set  before  them”  in  the  gospel : for  by  it 
temporal  blessings,  and  the  means  of  grace,  were  ensured  to 
the  posterity  of  the  patriarchs  according  to  the  flesh  ; and 
likewise  the  special  blessings,  which  Abraham  was  personally 
interested  in  by  the  righteousness  of  faith,  to  all  his  spiritual 
seed  of  believers;  who  are  sealed  with  the  true  circumcision 
of  the  heart.  (Notes,  Gen.  17:1—12.  Rom.  4:9 — 12.  Gal. 
3:6 — 22.  Heb.  6:13 — 20.) — Even  such  as  were  absent,  and  the 
unborn  children  of  the  whole  company,  to  the  latest  posterity, 
were  included  in  the  covenant : since  .nothing  but  apostacy, 
idolatry,  or  rejection  of  the  promised  Saviour,  could  cut  off  the 
entail  of  the  national  advantages  ; and  nothing  but  personal 
unbelief  and  disobedience  could  prevent  individuals  from 
sharing  in  the  spiritual  blessings. 

V.  16,17.  (Marg.Rcf.)  4 They  had  opportunity  in  Egypt 
of  seeing  too  much  of  their  vile  idolatries.  And  so  thejr  had 
as  they  passed  by  the  country  of  Moab  and  Midian,  when 
some  had  been  seduced  to  the  worship  of  Baal-peor.’  Bp, 
Patrick. 

V.  18.  This,  and  the  following  verses  referred  to  the 
curses  of  the  preceding  chapters,  and  taught  the  people  to 
dread  the  infliction  of  them  upon  individuals,  and  families,  as 
well  as  on  the  nation  at  large,  if  they  violated  the  covenant 
now  proposed  to  them,  especially  by  idolatry,  however  secret. 
This  crime,  in  an  Israelite,  must  be  preceded  by  wilful  apos- 
tacy from  God,  and  contemptuous  defiance  of  him : it  was  an 
explicit  renunciation  of  the  covenant,  and  an  act  of  direct 
rebellion. — There  is  something  similar  in  the  case  of  those 
who  have  been  baptized,  and  brought  up  under  the  dispensation 
of  the  gospel,  if  they  become  infidels  or  live  wicked  lives: 
they  more  implicitly  renounce  God  and  refuse  the  blessings 
of  his  covenant,  than  any  other  persons  can  do. — The  word 
translated  gall , may  mean  hemlock,  or  some  other  poisonous 
plant.  The  enmity  of  man’s  heart  against  God  is  a root 
which  bears  the  poisonous  and  bitter  fruits  of  idolatry,  impiety, 
hypocrisy  and  every  kind  of  wickedness.  (Note,  Acts  8:18 
— 24.)  A person  of  corrupt  principles  and  bad  character,  is 
likewise  a root  which  produces  an  increase  >f  these  pesti- 
ferous plants,  by  his  persuasions,  influence  ind  example  • 


B.  0.1451.  CHAPTER  XXIX.  B.  C 1451. 


words  of  -this  curse,  "that  he  bless  himself  in  his 
heart,  saying,  I shall  have  peace,  ‘’though  I walk 
m the  'imagination  of  mine  heart  cto  add  hlrunken- 
ness  to  thirst. 

20  The  Lord  ‘hvill  not  spare  him,  but  then  the 
anger  of  the  Lord  and  “his  jealousy  shall  ‘smoke 
against  that  man,  and  gall  the  curses  that  are 
written  in  this  hook  shall  lie  upon  him,  and  the 
Lord  shall  hblot  out  his  name  from  under  heaven. 

21  And  the  Lord  shall  ‘separate  him  unto  evil 
out  of  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  according  to  all  the 
curses  of  the  covenant  that  '<are  written  in  this 
book  of  the  law  : 

22  So  that  I he  generation  to  come  of  your 
children,  that  shall  rise  up  after  you,  and  the 
stranger  that  shall  come  from  a far  land,  shall  say, 
when  they  see  the  plagues  of  that  land,  and  the 
sicknesses  hvhich  the  Lord  hath  laid  upon  it; 

23  And.  that  the  whole  land  thereof  is  ‘‘brim- 
stone, an; I ‘salt,  and  burning,  that  it  is  not.  sown, 
nor  beareth,  nor  any  grass  groweth  therein,  "’like 
the  overthrow  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  Admah 

i See  on  12.  Gen.  2:17.  n 17:2.  Nnm.  15:30.  Ps.  10:4— 6,11.  49:18.  94:0,7.  Prov. 
29:1.  Jem  5:12,13.  7:3 — II.  23:15 — 17.  44:10.17,27.  Ez..  13:10,22.  Eph.  5:6. 
bNum.  15:30.  Ec.  11:9.  Rom.  1:21.  2(.’or.  10:5.  Eph. 4:17.  * Or,  stublxji'nness. 
Jer.  3:17.  7:24.  margins,  c Job  15:10.  34:7.  Is.  3U:  1 . 56:12.  Eph.  4:19.  1 Heb. 
the  dninken  t>  the  thirsty.  (IPs.  78:50.  Prov.  6:34.  Is.  27:11.  Jer.  13:14.  Ez.  5: 
II.  7:4,9.  8:18.  9:10.  *24:14.  Rom.  8:32.  11:21.  2 Pet.  2:4,5.  e Ex.  20:5.  34;  14. 
Ps.  78:58.  79:5.  Cant.  8:5.  Ez.  8 3,5.  23:25.  36:5.  Nah.  1:2.  Zeph.  1:18.  1 Cor. 
10:22.  f Ps.  18:8.  74:1.  Heb.  12:29.  g27:15— 25  . 28:15— 68.  h See  on  9:14. 
£5:19.  Ex.  32:32,33.  Ps.  69:23.  Rev.  3:5.  i Josh.  7:  Ez.  13:9.  Mai.  3:18.  Matt. 
24:51.  25:32,41,45.  } Heb.  is  written.  % Heb.  wherewith  he  LORD  hath  mnxle 
itsic/c.  k Job  18:15.  Is.  34:9.  Luke  17:29.  Rev.  19:20.  1 Judg.  9:45.  I s.  107: 
34.  Jer.  17:6.  Ez.  47:11.  Zeph.  2:9.  Luke  14:34,35.  m Gen.  14:2.  19:24,25. 


and  the  attempts  of  idolatrous  Israelites  to  entice  others  to 
the  same  practices,  till  they  became  general,  seems  to  have 
been  especially  meant.  ( Notes , 2 Tim.  2:11 — 18.  5:17,18. 
Heb.  12:15—17.) 

V.  19,  20.  Unbelief  and  false  principles  cherish  presump- 
tuous hopes  of  impunity  ; and  in  this  way  men  embolden 
themselves  and  one  another  in  wickedness,  and  expect  to  be 
happy,  notwithstanding  the  awful  threatenings  of  the  sacred 
Scriptures.  (Note,  Ec.  6:11 — 13.)  Thus  “ they  walk  in  the 
imagination  of  their  heart  to  add  drunkenness  to  thirst.”  This 
seems  to  be  a metaphorical  expression,  denoting  the  eager 
gratification  of  depraved  inclinations ; while  men  greedily 
drink  down  iniquity,  as  the  drunkard  does  his  liquor,  without 
regard  to  consequences.  (Note,  Job  15:14—16.)  The  ar- 
rangement of  the  words  in  the  original  has  led  some  to  render 
them,  “ to  add  thirst  to  drunkenness  ;”  and  then  they  imply 
tlie  insatiableness  of  men’s  sinful  passions,  which  hanker  for 
more  and  more  indulgence  after  the  greatest  excesses.  But 
some  think  that  the  expression  relates  to  the  zeal,  with  which 
sinners  try  to  corrupt  others  ; as  if  the  land  which  was  over- 
flowed, should  pour  out  its  waters  to  deluge  that  which  still 
continued  capable  of  cultivation.  Perhaps  it  may  also  refer 
to  the  sensual  excesses,  which  were  employed  as  incentives 
to  the  worship  of  idols,  and  which  tended  greatly  to  promote 
idolatry. — More  terrible  words  can  scarcely  be  conceived  than 
those  which  follow : and  as  they  respected  the  people  of 
Israel,  their  accomplishment  has  been  equally  remarkable. 
( Marg . Ref.) 

V.  21 — 25.  The  tremendous  destruction  of  individual 
transgressors  b here  considered,  as  connected  with  the  ruin 
of  the  nation,  through  the  fatal  effects  of  corrupt  influence 
and  bad  examples.  The  warning  then  becomes  prophetical, 
and  coincides  with  the  predictions  already  considered.  ( Notes, 
4:25 — 28.  28:15 — 67.)  The  entire  desolations  during  the 
Babylonish  captivity,  and  the  waste  and  sterile  condition  of 
that  once  fruitful  land,  from  the  taking  of  Jerusalem  by  the 
Romans  to  this  day,  are  foretold  in  emphatical  language.  But 
the  most  striking  circumstance  is  this;  the  Jews  themselves 
(along  with  strangers  and  enemies)  are  introduced,  ascribing 
all  these  calamities  to  the  wrath  of  God  against  them  for 
their  sins,  especially  their  idolatry.  (Marg.  Ref.  n — p. 
Note,  Jer.  40:2,3.)  In  numberless  instances  this  has  been 
verified  in  the  judgment  formed  of  them  by  others  : and  the 
Jews  in  general  at  present  concur  in  the  decision. — The 
barrenness  of  the  land  of  Canaan  at  present,  contrasted  with 
the  description  of  its  fertility  contained  in  the  Scriptures,  has 
ied  infidels  to  bring  forward  many  specious  arguments,  or  sub- 
tle insinuations,  against  the  divine  authority,  and  indeed  the 
veracity  of  the  sacred  writers : for  present  appearances  lepd 
them  to  conclude  that  it  never  could  have  been  so  fruitful  as 
it  is  -epresented  in  Scripture.  But  they  seem  not  at  all  aware, 
that  in  the  pains  which  they  take  to  show  the  present  steri- 
lity of  those  regions,  they  authenticate  the  very  Book  which 
they  intend  to  oppose : and  illustrate  the  fulfilment  of  the  pro- 
phecies delivered  by  Moses,  whose  credit  as  an  historian,  and 
as  an  inspired  writer,  they  aim  to  undermine.  For  who  can 
deny,  that  these  ancient  records  predict  the  singular  barren- 
ness of  the  promised  land  in  subsequent  ages,  as  the  just 
punishment  of  Israel’s  apostacy  and  wickedness  ; as  well  as 
describe  its  extraordinary  fruitfulness,  when  God  put  Israel 
in  possession  of  it  ? \Vho  can  say,  even  on  rational  grounds, 


and  Zeboim,  which  the  Lord  overthrew  in  his 
anger,  and  in  his  wrath  : 

24  Even  all  nations  shall  say,  "Wherefore  hath 
the  Lord  done  thus  unto  this  land  ? what  meaneth 
the  heat  of  this  great  anger? 

25  Then  men  shall  say,  “Because  I’they  have 
forsaken  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  God  of  their 
fathers,  which  he  made  with  them  when  he 
brought  them  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 

26  For  ‘‘they  went  and  served  other  gods  and 
worshipped  them,  rgods  whom  they  knew  not,  and 
11 whom  he  had  not  ‘‘given  unto  them  : 

27  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
against  this  land,  to  brk>g  upon  it  "all  the  curses 
that  are  written  in  this  book  : 

28  And  the  Lord  ‘rooted  them  out  of  their  land 
in  anger,  and  in  wrath,  and  in  great  indignation, 
and  cast  them  into  another  land,  “as  it  is  this  day. 

29  The  ‘secret  things  belong  unto  the  Lord 
our  God  ; but  those  things  which  are  ^revealed 
belong  unto  us,  zand  to  our  children  for  ever,  that 
we  may  do  all  the  words  of  this  law. 


Jer.  20:16.  Hos.  11:8,9.  Am.  4:11.  n 1 Kings  9:8,9.  2 Ohr.  7:21,22.  Jer.  22:& 
Lam.  2:15 — 17.  4:12.  Ez.  14:23.  Rom.  2:5.  o Is.  47:6.  Jer.  40:2,3.  50:7 
plKings  19:10-14.  Is.  24. 1—6.  Jer.  22:9.  31:32.  Heb.  8:9.  q Judg.  0:12,13.  5 
8.  2 Kings  17:7— 18.  2 Chr.  36:12— 17.  Jer.  19:3— 13.  44:2-6.  r28:64.  J Or, 
who  had  not  given  to  them  any  portion.  H Heb.  divided,  s 20,21.  27: 15,  & c . 
28:15,  &c.  Lev.  26:14,  &c.  Pan.  9:11—14.  128:25,36,64.  1 Kings  14:15.  2 Kings 
17:18,23.  2 Chr.  7:20.  Fs.  52:5.  I Vov.  2:22.  Jer.  42:10.  Luke  21 :23, 24.  u 6:24. 
8:18.  Ezra  9:7.  Dan.  9:7.  x Job  11:6,7  . 28:28.  Ps.  25:14.  Prov.  3:32.  Jer.  23. 18. 
Dan.  2:18,19,27— 30.  4:9.  Am. 3:7.  Matt.  13:35.  John  15:15.  21 :22.  Attsl:7. 
Rom.  11:33,3*1.  16:25,26.  I Cor.  2:16.  y Ps.  78:2— 7.  Is.  8:20.  Matt.  11:27—30. 
13:11.  John  20:31.  Rom.  16:26.  2 Tim.  1:5.  z See  on  6:7.  30:2. 


that  the  Almighty  God  cannot  effect  such  a change  ? or  object 
to  the  declaration,  “A  fruitful  land  makelh  he  barren,  for  the 
wickedness  of  them  who  dwell  therein?”  (Ps.  107:34.)  And, 
whatever  second  causes  have  concurred,  undoubtedly  “ thus 
it  was  written,”  and  thus  it  is  ; “and  this  God  hath  wrought, 
and  it  is  marvellous  in  our  eyes.”  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  26.  The  Lord  not  only  did  not  command  the  idolatry 
of  Israel,  but  he  did  every  thing  which  was  proper  to  keep  them 
from  so  degrading  an  abomination. — The  clause  .rendered, 
“ which  he  had  not  given  them,”  may  however  mean,  that 
the  false  gods  never  conferred  any  benefits  on  them.  (Marg.) 

V.  28.  As  it  is  this  day .]  Probably  the  clause  was  added 
by  Ezra,  or  by  some  scrib«,  who  had  witnessed  the  desolations 
jif  the  Babylonish  captivity.  But  the  emphasis  of  it,  as 
acknowledging  the  accomplishment  of  this  ancient  prophecy, 
supposing  the  words,  “ as  it  is  this  day,”  to  be  spoken  by  a 
modern  Jew,  after  the  long-continued  dispersion  of  th^nation, 
is  inconceivably  enhanced. 

V.  29.  It  is  here  intimated,  that  many  things,  in  the  divine 
councils  and  conduct,  might  appear  very  dark  to  the  Israeli:  es. 
They  would  be  ready  to  propose  questions  about  those  future 
events,  which  were  foretold  in  general  terms ; and  to  raise 
objections  against  the  Lord’s  dealings  with  them.  The  awful 
curses  might  appear  needlessly  severe,  and  they  would  inquire 
into  the  reasons  of  them,  with  irreverent  curiosity,  and  a 
disposition  to  justify  themselves  and  the  nation.  Of  this 
disposition  Satan  might  avail  himself,  and  tempt  them  to 
unbelief;  to  entertain  hard  thoughts  of  God,  and  his  law  and 
service  ; to  excuse  their  disobedience  ; or  to  indulge  vain 
speculations  instead  of  attending  to  their  duty.  They  were 
therefore  cautioned  against  these  delusions,  by  an  important 
distinction  of  easy  and  universal  application.  Man  ought 
not  to  intrude  into  those  things,  which  it  has  pleased  God  to 
conceal  from  him : for  who  can  penetrate  into  the  secrets  of 
his  wisdom  ; or  discover  his  decrees  and  counsels,  the  reasons 
of  his  conduct,  and  the  mysteries  of  his  nature,  further  than 
he  reveals  them  ? (Notes,  Is.  40:12 — 17.  45:9,10.  Rom. 
11:33 — 36.)  “Secret  things  belong  to  the  Lord;”  and  all 
inquiries  into  them  are  arrogant  and  presumptuous.  But  ho 
has  revealed  every-. thing  that  can  be  really  beneficial;  and 
our  attention  in  this  respect  should  -reach  to  the  whole  of  these 
discoveries, and  terminate  with  them.  “Those  things  which 
are  revealed  belong  to  us ;”  not  to  increase  our  stock  of  barren 
notions,  but  to  encourage  and  regulate  our  obedience,  “ ti  at 
we  may  do  all  the  words  of  this  law.”  They  belong  also  to 
our  children,  and  to  them  we  should  communicate  the  instrttc 
tion  which  God  has  afforded  us.— Almost  all  the  heresies  and 
controversies  which  have  corrupted  the  purity  or  disturbed 
the  peace  of  the  church  in  every  age,  have  originated  from 
disregard  to  this  distinction  ; from  vain  attempts,  by  human 
reasonings  and  authority,  to  fill  up  supposed  chasms  in  reve- 
lation, and  to  make  it  more  apparently  consistent  and  systema- 
tical, than  it  has  pleased  God  to  make  it ; from  deducing 
disputable  consequences  from  revelation  ; or  from  tracing 
back  its  sacred  mysteries  to  some  unrevealed  antecedent 
causes.  But  the  silence  is  as  instructive  as  the  language  of 
Scripture  : its  truths  must  be  apprehended  by  humbte  faith  , 
and  they  disdain  to  be  comprehended  or  modelled  by  our 
proud  reason.  They  are  intended  to  subserve  practice  : not 
to  gratify  curiosity,  or  foment  angry  controversies  Yet  there 
is  danger  on  the  other  side;  and  a dispositi/ir  o speak  of 
( 367  ) 


B C.  1451. 


DEUTERONOMY. 


B.  C.  1451 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

Prophecies  and  promisee  of  mercy  to  Israel  in  after  ages,  1—10.  The  nearness 
and  plainness  of  the  things  enjoined , 11 — 14.  Life  and  death  solemnly  set 
before  the  people , 15—20. 

AND  “it  shall  come  to  pass  when  all  these 
things  are  come  upon  thee,  bthe  blessing  and 
the  curse  which  I have  set  before  thee,  and  “thou 
shalt  call  them  to  mind  among  all  the  nations 
dwhither  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  driven  thee  : 

2  And  shalt  “return  unto  the  Lord  thy  God, 
and  shalt  obey  his  voice,  according  to  all  that  I 

a See  on  4:30.  Lev.  53:40—46.  b 15,19.  11:26—58.  21.  28:  29:18—23.  Lev.  26: 
z 1 Kings  8:41,48.  Is.  46:8.  Ez.  18:28.  Luke  15:11.  d Gen.  4:14.  Jer.  8:3.  e 4: 
28—31.  Neh.  1:9.  Is.  55:6,1.  Lam.  3:32,40.  Hos.  3:5.  6: 1 .2.  14:1— 3.  Joel  2: 
12,13.  Zech.  12:10.  2Cor.3:16.  16:5.  13:3.  1 Chr.  29:9,11.  Fa.  41:12.  119:80. 

many  things,  concerning  which  a great  deal  is  revealed  in 
Scripture,  as  immaterial , or  not  to  be  understood ; and  to 
sink,  (so  to  speak)  as  far  as  men  are  able,  a large  portion  of 
the  “ whole  counsel  of  God  ;”  as  if  it  had  better  never  have 
been  written;  not  only  tends  to  obscure  divine  truth,  but  to 
countenance  the  too  prevailing  opinion  that  the  language  of 
the  sacred  oracles  is  obscure,  and  conveys  no  clear  and  dis- 
tinct or  even  safe  meaning,  w’ithout  some  note,  or  comment, 
or  safeguard. — Such  writers,  if  God  had  consulted  them, 
would  have  advised  the  omission  of  many  parts  of  revealed 
truth,  especially  in  the  epistles  of  St.  Paul. — But  all  the 
revealed  things  belong  to  us.  To  know  the  perfections  of 
God,  and  our  obligations  to  love  and  serve  him;  our  relations 
to  him  and  to  the  eternal  world;  our  state  and  character 
as  sinners,  and  our  duty  as  under  a dispensation  of  mercy ; 
to  know  the  way  of  acceptance,  and  the  source  of  grace 
and  comfort  in  Jesus  Christ : to  understand  our  duty  as 
redeemed  sinners,  with  respect  to  our  several  stations  and 
relations  in  life;  our  talents  and  the  way  of  improving  them, 
with  the  motives  and  assistances  and  encouragements  which 
revelation  proposes ; and  to  be  aware  of  the  enemies  and 
dangers  to  which  we  are  exposed,  and  the  means  of  escape, 
and  the  consequences  of  our  conduct : — this  is  the  substance 
of  useful  knowledge,  and,  when  reduced  to  practice,  consti- 
tutes heavenly  wisdom.  This  the  Scriptures  plainly  reveal: 
by  this  light  we  may  live  and  die  comfortably,  and  be  happy 
eternally ; after  having  on  earth  glorified  God,  served  our 
generation,  and  led  our  dying  exhortations  and  blessings  as  a 
bequest  to  posterity.  But  all  which  man  attempts  to  add  to 
revealed  truth,  or  substitute  in  its  place,  is  merely  an  ignis 
fatuus , which  bewilders  the  benighted  traveller ; and,  while 
it  amuses  him  with  its  glimmering^misleads  him  into  the  pit 
of  destruction,  and  leaves  him  to  sink  in  it.  (Notes,  Is.  8:29. 
Matt.  6:22,23.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 17.  They  who  have  consented  to  the  new  covenant 
of  mercy  and  -grace  in  Jesus  Christ,  and  have  given  up 
themselves  to  be  his  people,  should  embrace  every  opportu- 
nity of  renewing  the  open  profession  of  their  hopes,  obliga- 
tions, and  grateful  love  ; and  of  avowing,  to  the  world  and  to 
the  church,  that  they  desire  to  “ walk  worthy  of  God,  who 
has  called  them  to  his  kingdom  and  glory.”  It  is  delight- 
ful to  behold  numbers  of  the  rising  generation  come  forward 
to  consent  to  the  same  covenant,  and  acknowledge  their  obli- 
gations and  purposes,  by  divine  grace,  “ of  walking  by  the 
same  rule,  and  minding  the  same  things.”  In  order  to  this, 
the  nature  and  blessings  of  the  covenant  ought  to  be  proposed 
to  men  in  general,  who  should  be  exhorted  and  invited  with 
all  earnestness  to  lay  hold  on  it : the  encouragements  of  the 
gospel  should  be  stated,  and  the  awful  consequences  of  ne- 
glecting so  great  salvation  declared  with  the  greatest  solem- 
nity, the  most  urgent  expostulations,  and  the  most  affection- 
ate warnings.  In  these  things  all  are  alike  concerned ; kings 
and  princes,  captains  and  senators,  rich  and  poor,  bond  and 
free:  and  blessed  be  God,  the  strangers  of  the  Gentiles,  nay, 
the  most  abandoned  sinners,  are  invited,  and  should  be  even 
“compelled  to  come  in,”  and  to  participate  the  gracious  feast, 
as  far  as  energetic  arguments  and  earnest  persuasions  can 
prevail.  Even  infants,  though  yet  unconscious  of  i heir  wants, 
duties,  and  privileges,  are  concerned;  and  they  should  be  de- 
voted to  God,  and  brought  up  for  him,  as  the  children  of  the 
covenant  and  the  seed  of  the  church. — But  though  means 
should  be  used  by  every  man  with  his  neighbour;  (Notes, 
Is.  2:2 — 5.  Mic.  4:1 — 4.  Zech.  3:9,10.)  yet  God  alone  can 
give  men  “ a heart  to  perceive,  eyes  to  see,  and  ears  to  hear,” 
for  good  and  saving  purposes.  We  must,  therefore,  seek  the 
blessing  from  him ; and  give  him  the  praise  when  it  is  vouch- 
safed.— While  the  true  Christian,  or  the  zealous  minister, 
moun  s that  so  few  believe  and  obey  the  gospel,  in  compa- 
rison of  the  multitudes  who  are  “ blinded  by  the  god  of  this 
world  ; the  consideration  should  add  fervency  to  his  prayers 
for  others,  and  to  his  grateful  praises  on  his  own  account. — 
Every  mere.v,  which  we  enjoy,  should  bind  us  more  strictly 
to  cheerful  obedience ; and  every  divine  truth,  if  properly 
•eceived,  will  have  a practical  and  holy  effect  upon  us : nor 
can  we  expect  to  prosper  in  the  best  sense,  “ unless  we  keep 
and  do  the  words  of  his  covenant.” 

V.  18 — 29.  That  covenant  which  is  ratified  by  tho  pro- 
mise and  oath  of  God,  to  all  who  believe  in  the  name  of  the 
divine  Mediator,  is  established  on  bettor  promises  than  the 
covenant  made  with  the  nation  of  Israel ; and  socui  es  to  them 

( 368  ) 


command  thee  this  day,  thou  and  thy  children, 
'with  all  thine  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul; 

3 That  sthen  the  Lord  thy  God  will  turn 
thy  captivity,  and  have  compassion  upon  thee, 
and  will  return  and  hgather  thee  from  all  the 
nations  whither  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  scattered 
thee. 

4 If  any  of  thine  he  driven  out 'unto  the  utmost 
parts  of  heaven,  from  thence  will  the  Lord  thy 
God  gather  thee,  and  from  thence  will  he  fetch 
thee : 


Jer.  3:10.  4:14.  29:13.  Eph.6.24.  g Pa.  106:45—41.  126- 1—3.  la.  56:8.  Jer.  3l< 
10.  Lam.  3:22.  Rom.  11:23,26,31.  h Ezra  1:1— 4.  Ps.  141:2.  Jer.  32:31.  Kz.34l 
12,13.  36:24.  Zech.  8:1,8.  i 28:64.  Is.  11:11—16.  Ez.  39:25—29.  Zeph. 3:19,20. 


all  things  pertaining  to  eternal  salvation.  (Notes,  2 Sam . 
23:5.  Is.  55:1 — 3.  Heb.  8:3 — 6.)  Yet,  alas  ! many,  who  only 
deceive  themselves,  suppose  that  they  are  interested  in  these 
blessings,  and  thence  take  encouragement  to  continue  in  sin. 
The  lusts  of  their  heart  were  never  mortified  by  converting 
grace  ; and  therefore  when  occasion  offers,  they  spring  up 
into  practices  as  poisonous  and  as  bitter  as  hemlock  and 
wormwood.  Thus  many  are  defiled,  or  hardened  in  preju- 
dice, unbelief,  and  ungodliness  ; or  buoyed  up  in  vain  confi- 
dence : and  the  dire  evil  eats  as  a canker,  pervades  great 
multitudes,  and  corrupts  whole  churches  ; while  the  tempters 
themselves  “ draw  back  unto  perdition,”  or  perhaps  propa- 
gate pestilential  heresies.— But,  however  the  curses  de- 
nounced in  Scripture  may  be  disbelieved  and  despised,  their 
tremendous  effects  will  assuredly  convince  the  most  daring 
sinners,  without  distinction  of  rank  or  sex,  and  without  regard 
to  multitudes,  “that  it  is  a fearful  thing  to  fall  into  the  hands 
of  the  living  God.”  And  though  the  heart  of  man  now  rages 
in  enmity  against  them  ; the  period  is  approaching,  when  not 
only  spectators,  but  the  criminals  themselves,  whilst  enduring 
their  direful  accomplishment,  will  be  constrained  to  admit  the 
justice  of  their  own  condemnation. — But  it  is  the  grand  design 
of  Satan  to  embolden  men  in  sin  by  the  hopes  of  impunity  , 
and  as  they  are  prone  to  flatter  themselves,  they  love  to  bo 
flattered  by  others  ; and  find  many  ready  to  assure  them,  that 
“they  shall  have  peace,  though  they  walk  afier  the  imagina- 
tion of  their  hearts,”  and  gratify  their  favourite  passions. — 
They  persuade  themselves,  and  find  others  concur  with  them, 
that  they  need  not  be  so  strict,  and  that  God  will  not  be  so 
severe,  as  vulgar  readers  of  the  Bible  imagine  : and  so,  by 
some  ingenious  interpretation,  they  evaporate  the  force  of 
these  awful  declarations,  till  they  fall  fast  asleep  in  the  jaws 
of  destruction ! And  should  some  faithful  minister,  out  of 
love  to  their  souls,  address  them  in  scriptural  language,  con- 
cerning “ the  curse  of  God”  and  “ the  wrath  to  come ;”  he  would 
be  liberally  repaid  with  reproaches,  and  branded  as  a bigot, 
an  uncharitable  wretch,  a man  of  a vulgar  and  narrow  mind, 
an  enthusiast,  or  a madman.  But  the  Lord  will  not  spare 
such  presumptuous  transgressors,  who  treat  his  truth  as  a lie, 
blaspheme  his  justice  as  cruelty,  and  set  his  vengeance  at 
defiance : against  such  persons  “ his  anger  and  jealousy  will 
smoke,  and  all  the  curses  that  are  written  in  this  book  will  rest 
upon  them  ;”  “ their  names  shall  he  blotted  out  from  under 
heaven,”  and  they  shall  be  “ separated  unto  evil”  afar  off 
from  the  company  of  the  redeemed  ; where  full  conviction 
shall  be  attended  with  “ weeping,  wailing,-  and  gnashing  of 
teeth,”  in  anguish  .and  despair. — But  these  things  are  not 
written,  nor  are  these  observations  made,  God  is  witness,  in 
order  that  this  misery  should  be  endured  by  those  who  are 
thus  addressed : but  that  all  that  hear  and  read,  may  take 
“ warning  and  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come  ;”  that  they  may 
profit  by  the  divine  judgments  upon  others ; that  they  may 
flee  for  refuge  to  the  hope  of  the  gospel ; that  they  may  fear 
coming  short  of  the  grace  of  God  ; that  they  may  deny  their 
sinful  inclinations  every  indulgence,  and  watch  against  the 
beginnings  of  evil  and  the  inroads  of  negligence ; and,  above 
all,  that  they  may  shudder  at  the  thought  of  venturing  upon 
sin,  by  abusing  the  grace  of  the  gospel. — Many,  who  them- 
selves are  ungodly,  can  readily  enough  perceive  tho  steps  by 
which  others  descend  to  destruction,  and  acknowledge  the 
justice  of  their  punishment  ; though  they  are  blind  to  tile 
sentence  of  condemnation  which  hangs  over  them  also.  Bui 
let  evory  one  of  us  look  to  his  own  caso  : let  us  avoid  sloth 
and  dissipation,  and  deeply  reflect  on  thoso  infinitely  impor- 
tant subjects ; let  us  be  careful  not  to  repress  our  convictions, 
nor  indulge  in  empty  speculations,  hold  conjectures,  and 
impious  objections  to  the  truths  and  ways  of  God  ; and  let  us 
not  curiously  pry  into  unrovealed  things.  On  tho  contrary, 
may  we  use  revelation  “as  tho  lantern  of  our  paths,”  by 
which  to  see  tho  safe  and  happy  road  through  this  dark  and 
dangerous  world,  that  we  may  walk  in  it  ourselves,  and  point 
it  out  to  our  children  also. — In  that  world  above,  whither  this 
light  will  guide  the  humble  and  obedient  believer,  even  things 
which  are  now  secret  will  be  discovered ; all  darkness  and 
difficulties  will  vanish  ; perfect  light  will  sliino  upon  all  tho 
counsels  and  judgments  of  God;  and  the  whole  will  terminate 
in  universal  and  everlasting  approbation,  admiration,  grati- 
tude, praise,  and  felicity. 

NOTES— Chap.  XXX.  V.  1—10.  This  passago  evi- 
dently refers  to  tho  prophetical  denunciations  of  the  two  pre- 
ceding chapters,  which,  as  it  has  been  shown,  had  their  main 


0.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


B.  C.  1451 


5 And  the  Lord  thy  God  will  bring  thee  into 
the  land  which  thy  fathers  possessed,  and  thou 
shalt  possess  it ; and  he  will  do  thee  good,  and 
multiply  thee  above  thy  fathers. 

6 And  the  Lord  thy  God  Hvill  circumcise  thine 
heart,  and  the  heart  of  thy  seed,  kto  love  the 
Lord  thy  God  with  all  thine  heart,  and  with  all 
thy  soul,  that  thou  mayest  live. 

7 And  the  Lord  thy  God  will  'put  all  these 
curses  upon  thine  enemies,  and  on  them  that  hate 
thee,  which  persecuted  thee. 

8 And  rathou  shalt  return  and  obey  the  voice  of 
the  Lord,  and  do  all  his  commandments,  which  I 
command  thee  this  day. 

9 And  the  Lord  thy  God  will  "make  thee 
plenteous  in  every  work  of  thine  hand,  in  the  fruit 
of  thy  body,  and  in  the  fruit  of  thy  cattle,  and  in 
the  fruit  of  thy  land,  for  good  : for  the  Lord  will 
again  “rejoice  over  thee  for  good,  as  he  rejoiced 
over  thy  fathers : 

10  If  thou  shalt  rhearken  unto  the  voice  of  the 
Lord  thy  God,  to  keep  his  commandments  and 
his  statutes  which  are  written  in  this  book  of  the 
law,  and  if  thou  ‘'turn  unto  the  Lord  thy  God 
with  all  thine  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul. 

It  H For  this  commandment  which  I command 
thee  this  day,  rit  is  not  hidden  from  thee,  neither 
is  it  far  oft': 

12  It  is  mot  in  heaven,  that  thou  shouldest  say, 
Who  shall  go  up  for  us  to  heaven,  and  bring  it 
unto  us,  that  we  may  hear  it,  and  do  it  ? 


I 10:16.  Jet-.  4:4.  9:25.  32:33.  Ez.  11:19,20.  36:26,27.  John  3:3 — 7.  Rom.  2:28, 
29.  11:26.  2 Cor.  5:17.  Col.  2:11.  k 6:5.  Ex. 29:6.  Malt.  22:37.  Rom.  8:28. 
1 Cor.  8.3.  Jam.  1:12.  2:5.  1 John  1:7,16— 19.  5:3,4.  I Nnm.  24:14  Pa.  137:7 — 
9.  Is.  10:12.  14:1,2.  Jer.  25:12 — 16,29.  50:33,34  . 51:24—26,34—37*  Lam.  3:64 
—66.  4:21,22.  Ez.25:3, 6,8, 12.15.  Am.  1:3,6,9,11,13.  Zech.  12:3.  m See  m2. 
Prov.  16:1.  Is.  1:25,26.  Jer.  31:33.  32:39,40.  Ez.  11:19,20  . 36.27  . 37:24.  Rom. 
11:25,27.  E[ih.2:16.  Phil.  2:13.  n See  on  23:4,11—14.  l.ev.  26.4—  6,9,10.  o28; 
63.  Is.  62:5.  65:19.  Jer.  32:41.  33:9.  Zepll.  3:17.  Luke  15:6— 10,32.  John  15:11. 
p See  o/i  2,8.  q Nch.  1.9.  Ez.  18:21.  3311,14,19  Acts  3:19.  26:20.  rPs.147: 
19,20.  Is.  45:19.  Rom.  15:25,25.  Col.  1:25,27.  s Prov.  30:4.  John  3:13.  Rom.  10: 
6.7.  I Acts  10:22,33.  16:9.  Rom.  10:14,15.  n Prov. 2:1—  5.  3:13—18.  8:11.16: 
16.  Malt. 12:42.  John  6:27.  Acts  8:27,  Sic.  x Ez.  2:5.  33:33.  Luke  10:11,12.  John 


accomplishment  in  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  by  the  Ro- 
mans, and  in  the  subsequent  dispersion  of  the  Jews  to  the 
present  day : little  doubt  therefore  can  remain  that  these  pro- 
phetical promises  are  yet  unnaccomplished ; and  that  the 
relics  of  the  nation  shall,  in  some  future  and  not  very  distant 
period,  be  converted  to  Christ , and  probably  be  gathered 
together  and  reinstated  in  Canaan.  (Notes,  4:29 — 31.  Lev. 
26:40 — 45.  1 Kings  8:46 — 53.)  The  language  here  used  is 

in  a great  measure  absolute  ; not  containing  merely  a condi- 
tional encouragement,  but  predicting  an  event  which  would 
assuredly  take  place  : for  the  Lord  himself  engaged  to  “ cir- 
cumcise the  hearts”  of  the  people  ; and  when  this  has  taken 
place  ; and  divine  love  has  supplanted  the  love  of  sin,  they 
certainly  will  consider  and  repent,  and  return  to  God  and 
obey  him.  ( Notes,  10:16.  Gen.  17:9 — 12.  Rom.  2:25 — 29.)And 
then  he  will  rejoice  over  them  to  do  them  good,  and  prosper 
hem  in  all  things ; and  at  the  same  time  he  will  terribly  pnn- 
-sh  their  enemies,  who  have  cruelly  insulted  and  oppressed 
them.  (Notes,  28:37.  Jer.  31:31— 40.  32:39— 41 . Ez.  36:25 
—38.  37:20—28.  38:  39:23—29.  Zech.  12:9—14.  Rom. 
11:16—32.) 

V.  11 — 14.  What  Moses  hn  spake  of  the  commandment, 
St.  Paul  applied  to  the  metho  ' ,f  a sinner's  justification,  by 
faith  in  Jesus  Christ.  (Not  Rom.  10:5 — 11.)  For  the 
covenant,  proposed  to  Israel  in  e form  of  commandments, 
did  not  consist  of  the  moral  lau  done,  obedience  to  which 
especially  constitutes  “ the  righteousness  of  works  but  of 
the  ceremonial  law  also,  in  which  Christ  was  typified,  “ as 
the  end  of  the  law  for  righteousness  to  every  one  that  be- 
lieveth  and  though  a large  proportion  of  the  Israelites 
mistook  the  nature  of  these  instructions,  (as  multitudes  of 
professed  Christians  utterly  misunderstand  the  sacraments  of 
the  New  Testament,)  yet  in  the  legal  ordinances,  their  dis- 
pensation of  the  gospel  was  principally  contained.  There 
never  was,  since  the  fall  of  man,  more  than  one  way  to  heaven  ; 
which  is  marked  out  in  both  Testaments,  though  not  with 
equal  clearness  and  precision.  Moses  therefore  assuredly 
meant  to  include  that  way  of  acceptance,  which  the  apostle 
more  explicitly  described  ; and  St.  Pauls  words  implied  the 
same  conscientious  obedience,  of  which  Moses  more  fully 
treated. — Under  both  Testaments,  the  word  of  God  brings  the 
good  and  right  way  near  to  us:  so  that  we  need  not  travel 
for  instruction,  as  ancient  philosophers  did ; nor  seek  infor- 
mation from  men,  at  immense  labour  and  expense  ; nor  need 
we  anxiously  or  curiously  desire  to  be  wise  above  what  is 
written.  For  the  sacred  Scriptures  will  suffice  for  every  useful 
urpose,  if  we  make  ourselves  acquainted  with  them  ; if  we 
elieve  and  love  them,  and  treasure  them  up  in  our  hearts  in 
order  to  reduce  them  to  practice.  (Notes,  Col.  2:8 — 10.  2 
Tim.  3:14 — 17.)  The  expression  “ in  thy  mouth  and  in  thy 
Vol.  I.— 47 


13  Neither  is  it  beyond  the  sea,  that  thou 
shouldest  say,  ‘Who  shall  “go  over  the  sea  lor  us. 
and  bring  it  unto  us,  that  we  may  hear  it,  and  do  it 

14  But  the  word  is  “very  nigh  unto  thee,  Un  thy 
mouth,  and  in  thy  heart,  that  thou  mayest  do  it. 

15  H See,  'I  have  set  before  thee  this  day  life 
and  good,  and  death  and  evil ; 

1G  In  that  I command  thee  this  day  “to  love  the 
Lord  thy  God,  to  walk  in  his  ways,  and  to  keep 
his  commandments,  and  his  statutes,  and  his  judg- 
ments, that  thou  mayest  live  and  multiply ; and 
the  Lord  thy  God  shall  bless  thee  in  the  land 
whither  thou  goest  to  possess  it. 

17  But  bif  thine  “heart  turn  away,  so  that  thou 
wilt  not  hear,  but  shalt  be  drawn  away  and  wor- 
ship other  gods,  and  serve  them  ; 

18  I ddenounce  unto  you  this  day,  that  ye  shall 
surely  perish,  and  that  ye  shall  not  prolong  your 
days  upon  the  land  whither  thou  passest  over  Jor- 
dan, to  go  to  possess  it. 

1 9 eI  call  heaven  and  earth  to  record  this  day 
against  you,  f that  I have  set  before  you  life  and 
death,  blessing  and  cursing  : therefore  ^choose 
life,  hthat  both  thou  and  thy  seed  may  live ; 

20  That  thou  mayest  'love  the  Lord  thy  God, 
and  that  thou  mayest  obey  his  voice,  and  that 
thou  mayest  kcleave  unto  him ; (for  he  is  'thy  Life, 
and  the  Lenoth  of  thy  days  :)  that  ™thou  mayes 
dwell  in  the  land  which  the  Lord  sware  unto  thy 
fathers,  to  Abraham,  to  Isaac,  and  to  Jacob,  to 
give  them. 


5:46.  Acts  13:26,38—41.  28:23—28.  Heb.  2:1-3.  y Jer.  12:2.  Ez.  33:31.  Matt. 
7:21.  Rom.  10:8— 10.  z 1,19.  11:26.  28:1,4c.  32.47.  Mark  16:16.  John  3:16. 
Gal.  3:13,14.  5:6.  1 John  3:23.  5:11,12.  aSttoti  S.  1 Cor.  7:19.  I John  5:2,3 
b See  on  29:18—23.  1 Sam.  12:25.  John  3:19— 21.  c 17:17.  lKingsll:2.  Pro* 
1:32.  14:14.  2 Tim.  4:4.  Heb.  3:12.  12:25.  d 8:19,20.  31:29.  Josh . 23:15,16. 
Is.  63:17.18.  e See  on  4:26.  31  ;28  . 32: 1 . Is. 1:2.  Jer.  22:29,30.  1 Tim.  5:21. 
f See  on  15.  11:26.  g Josh.  24:1.5— 22.  Ps.  1 19:30,11 1 ,173.  Prov.  1:29.  8:36. 
Is.  56:4.  Luke  10:42.  h Jer.  32:39.  Acts2:39.  i See  on  6jl6.  10:12.  11:2*4. 
k See  on  4:4.  10:20.  Josh.  23:8.  Acts  11:23.  Rom.  12:9.  IPs.  27:1.  36:9.  66:9. 
John  11:25,26.  14:6.  17:3.  Acts  17:25.  Gal. 2:20.  Col.  3:3,4.  Rev. 21 .6.  22:1,17. 
m See  on  4:40.  5:16.  11:9.  12:10. 


heart,”  seems  to  refer  to  the  time,  when  “ the  Lord  shall 
circumcise  the  hearts”  of  the  Jews.  (6) 

V.  15— 20.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  11:29,30.  27:28:)  The 
exhortations  of  these  verses,  as  addressed  to  the  nation  of 
Israel,  are  indeed  enforced  chiefly  by  temporal  sanctions  : 
but  the  use  which  the  apostle  makes  of  the  preceding  verses, 
fully  warrants  our  application  of  them  to  the  hearts  and  con- 
sciences of  individuals,  by  the  more  powerful  motives  of 
eternal  recompense. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

“ The  holy  Scriptures  are  able  to  make  us  wise  unto 
salvation,  by  faith  in  Jesus  Christ;”  and  “ thoroughly  to  furnish 
us  for  every  good  work.”  And  the  instruction  which  they 
convey,  forces  itself  upon  our  attention,  judgments,  con- 
sciences, and  affections,  by  every  argument,  warning,  and 
encouragement,  which  can  render  it  impressive  and  efliclcious. 
But  in  vain  does  a kind  Providence  bring  these  advantages 
near  ; in  vain  do  ministers  endeavour  to  convey  divine  truths 
to  the  conscience,  in  the  most  convincing  manner  ; if  men 
will  thrust  them  away  in  unbelief  and  love  of  sin  : nor  will 
hearing,  understanding,  or  disputing  about  them,  avail  us,  i 
they  do  not  sink  into  our  hearts  and  influence  our  conduct. 
When  eternal  salvation  is  thus  proposed  unto  us,  and  the 
acceptance  or  refusal  of  it  fairly  referred  to  our  choice  ; 
nothing  can  prevent  our  felicity,  but  our  own  folly  and  wicked- 
ness : and  they  who  refuse  the  offered  grace,  eventually 
choose  and  love  death  and  perdition,  and  are  cruel  to  their 
own  souls.  The  ministers  of  Christ  ought  therefore  plainly 
to  declare,  that  except  sinners  repent,  they  will  surely  perish  , 
as  well  as  to  set  before  them  in  the  most  solemn  and  affecting 
manner,  “ life  and  death,  blessing  and  cursing  that  if  they 
cannot  prevent  their  destruction,  they  may  deliver  their  own 
souls.  And  in  this  case,  not  only  will  they  at  last  become 
witnesses  against  them  : but  heaven  and  earth  will  bear 
record,  that  they  deserve  their  doom,  and  have  none  to  blame 
but  themselves. — But  are  we  sensible  of  the  reality  and 
importance  of  the  eternal  state  ? Do  we  “choose  that  good 
part  which  shall  never  be  taken  from  us  ?”  Let  us  beg  of  God 
1o  “ circumcise  our  hearts,”  to  subdue  our  lusts,  and  to 
implant  his  love  : then  shall  we  be  prepared  for  serious 
reflection,  for  godly  sorrow,  and  true, repentance  : then  shall 
we  value  his  salvation,  and  hope  in  his  mercy:  then  shall  we 
return  to  him  as  our  Rest  and  Portion,  worship  and  obey  him  as 
the  Lord  our  God,  and  cleave  unto  him  as  our  Father  and  our 
Friend.  Then  will  every  ordinance,  and  every  act  of  obedience, 
be  pleasant  ; love  and  gratitude  will  enlarge  our  hearts  ; anrt 
justice,  temperance,  truth,  and  kindness  will  mark  our  paths. 
Eve'ry  good  gift  will  be  communicated  from  a reconciled  God  : 
every  enemy  will  by  degrees  be  subdued,  and  at  length  destroy- 
ed ; and  a blessing  will  be  reserved  for  our  posterity,  when  we 
( 369  ) 


B.  C.  1451.  DEUTERONOMY.  B.  C 1451. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

I kies  trcourages  the  people  and  Joshua,  1 — 8.  He  delivers  the  law  to  die 
p.ytsls,  and  orders  it  to  be  publicly  read  every  seventh  year , 9 — 13.  The 
i\'o*mns  Moses  and  Joshua  of  the  futui e aposlacy  and  calami' ies  of 
Israel and  orders  a song  to  be  made  to  testify  against  them,  14 — 22. 
Most  • rives  Joshua  a charge,  finishes  the  booh  of  the  law , directs  the  Leviles 
concerning  it,  and  convenes  the  elders  to  hear  the  song,  23 — 3(J. 

AND  Moses  went  and  spake  these  words  unto 
all  Israel. 

2  And  he  said  unto  them,  "I  am  an  hundred  and 
twenty  years  old  this  dav;  bI  can  no  more  go  out 
and  come  in:  also  the  Lord  hath  said  unto  me, 
eThou  shalt  not  go  over  this  Jordan. 

3  The  Lord  ‘'thy  God,  he  will  go  over  before 
thee,  and  he  will  destroy  these  nations  from  before 
thee,  and  thou  shalt  possess  them : ' and  Joshua, 
he  shall  go  over  before  thee,  as  the  Lord  hath 
said. 

4  And  f the  Lord  shall  do  unto  them  as  he  did 
to  Sihon  and  to  Og,  kings  of  the  Amorites,  and 
unto  the  land  of  them  whom  he  destroyed. 

5  And  the  Lord  shall  give  them  up  before  your 
face,  that  ye  may  do  unto  them  ^according  unto  all 
the  commandments  which  I have  commanded  you. 

6  ''Be  strong,  and  of  a good  courage,  'fear  not, 
nor  be  afraid  of  them ; for  the  Lord  thy  God,  he 
it  is  that  doth  go  with  thee  ; khe  will  not  fail  thee, 
nor  forsake  thee. 

7  And  Moses  called  unto  Joshua,  and  said  unto 
him  in  the  sight  of  all  Israel,  'Be  strong,  and  of  a 
good  courage  : mfor  thou  must  go  with  this  people 
unto  the  land  which  the  Lord  hath  sworn  unto 


a 34:7.  Ex.  7:7.  Josh.  14 ; 10,11 . Ps.  90:10.  Acts  7:23.  b See  on  34:7.  Nnm.  27: 
17.  2 Sam.  21:17  I Kings  3:7.  c 3:26,27.  4:21 ,22.  32:48—  52.  Nnm.  20:12.  27: 
13,14.  Acts  20:25  . 2 I et.  1:13,14.  d Sec  on  9:3.  Gen.  48:21.  Ps.  146:3—6.  e 7, 
8,14,23.  3:28.34:9.  Num.  27:21.  Josh.  1:2.  3:7.  4:14.  Acts  7:45.  Heb.  4:8. 
Jesus,  f 2 : 33.  3 3—11,21.  7:2,16.  Ex.  23:28— 31 . See  on  Nnm.  21 :24— 35. 
g 7:23-25.  20:16,17.  Ex.  23:32,33.  34. 12- 16.  Num.  33:52-56.  h 7,23.  Josh. 
1:6.7, 9.  10:25.  1 Chr.  22:13.  28:10,20  . 2 Chr.  32:7.  Ps.  27:14.  Hag.  2:4.  Zech. 
8:13.  1 Cor.  18:13.  Eph.  6:10.  2Tim.  2:1.  i 20:1,3.  Num.  14,9.  Ps.27:l.  Is. 
41:10.  51:12.  Luke  12:32.  Rev.  21:8.  k 4:31.  Josh.  1:5.  1 Chr.  28:20.  Is.  41:13 
— 17.  Heb.  13:5.  I See  on  6.  Dan.  10:19.  m See  on  e 3.  1:38.  3:28.  John  1: 


are  gone  to  glory.  And  should  the  only  wise  God  see  good 
to  withhold  temporal  benefits,  and  command  afflictions  as  our 
lot,  he  will  support  and  comfort  us,  and  all  will  have  a salutary 
and  a happy  event.  In  the  mean  time,  tender  compassion 
and  expanded  benevolence  will  dictate  fervent  prayers  for  our 
fellow-sinners,  near  and  far  off,  and  excite  assiduous  en- 
deavours to  communicate  the  same  blessings  to  them  : and 
the  twofold  hope  of  the  triumphs  of  true  religion  upon  earth 
over  all  opposition,  and  of  the  complete  and  speedy  deliverance 
of  our  own  souls  from  sin  and  all  its  consequences,  will  gild 
our  most  gloomy  prospects,  and  cheer  our  darkest  hours. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXXI.  V.  2.  Moses  had  not  expe- 
rienced any  decay  of  nature  : (Note,  34:7.)  but  his  time  of 
life,  as  well  as  the  express  declaration  of  the  Lord,  made  it 
evident,  that  he  could  no  longer  perform  the  duties  of  his 
important  situation.  Yet,  after  the  copious  warnings  and 
exhortations  of  the  preceding  chapters,  he  had  still  other 
methods  to  use,  in  order  to  impress  the  minds  of  the  people 
more  forcibly  and  durably. 

V.  3 — 8.  (Marg.  Ref.) — He  will  not  fail,  &c.  (fi)  1 This 
promise,  which  here  is  general,  in  the  next  verse  but  one  is 
particularly  made  to  Joshua.  . . . And  it  is  applied  by  the  apos- 
tle to  all  faithful  Christians,  to  encourage  their  hope  of  being 
conducted  through  all  difficulties  and  dangers,  unto  their  hea- 
venly inheritance.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Josh.  1:5.  Note,  Heb.  13:5, 6.) 

V.  9.  Some  understand  this  of  the  book  of  Deuteronomy 
alone:  but  it  is  far  more  reasonable  to  conclude,  that  the 
whole  law  was  delivered  to  the  priests  and  elders,  a copy 
perhaps  to  the  principal  person  in  each  tribe  ; besides  one  to 
be  deposited  by  the  side  of  the  ark.  It  may  be  supposed,  that 
afterwards  many  more  copies  would  be  taken ; though  they 
would  not  he  greatly  multiplied  in  that  infancy,  as  it  were,  of 
writing.  The  ordinary  Leviles  of  the  family  of  Kohath  gene- 
rally carried  the  ark,  when  the  priests  had  covered  it ; but  on 
great  occasions,  the  priests,  who  were  of  the  family  of  Kohath, 
performed  this  service.  (Marg.  Ref.  s.) 

V.  10 — 13.  The  people  had  before  been  commanded,  by 
every  means  in  their  power,  to  become  acquainted  themselves, 
and  to  make  their  children  acquainted,  with  the  truths  and 
precepts  delivered  to  them:  (Notes,  0-7 — 9.  11:18 — 21.)  but  in 
these  verses,  a method  is  enjoined,  of  rendering  them  known 
to  the  nation  in  general,  which  the  rulers  must  superintend 
and  carry  into  effect. — Every  seventh  year,  the  law  was  to 
be  publicly  read,  and  the  people  must  be  summoned  to  assem- 
ble that  they  might  hear  it.  Doubtless  this  was  not  merely 
confined  to  one  person  or  place ; but  numbers  were  engaged 
in  different  situations,  so  that,  every  one  might  have  an  oppor- 
tunity of  hearing : and  the  Jews  have  a tradition  that  the 
king,  judge,  or  high-priest,  was  the  chief  reader,  in  the  court 
of  the  tabernacle  or  temple;  and  they  add  several  particulars 
concerning  the  manner  in  which  the  service  was  performed, 
which  only  contained  their  opinion  how  it  ought  to  have  been 
( 370  ) 


their  fathers  to^give  them ; and  thou  shall  cause 
them  to  inherit  it. 

8 And  the  Lord,  nhe  it  is  that  doth  go  before 
thee:  “he  will  be  with  thee,  he  will  not  fail  thee, 
neither  forsake  thee : fear  not,  neither  be  dis- 
mayed. 

9 H And  pMoses  wrote  this  law,  and  ^delivered 
it  unto  rthe  priests  the  sons  of  Levi,  'which  bare 
the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  and  unto  all 
the  elders  of  Israel. 

10  And  Moses  commanded  them,  saying,  'At 
the  end  of  every  seven  years,  in  the  solemnity  o 
the  year  of  release,  in  the  feast  of  tabernacles, 

11  When  all  Israel  is  come  "to  appear  before 
the  Lord  thy  God,  ’in  the  place  which  he  shal 
choose,  ’thou  shalt  read  this  law  before  all  Israel 
in  their  hearing. 

12  >Gather  the  people  together,  'men,  and 
women,  and  children,  and  thy  stranger  that  is 
within  thy  gates,  “that  they  may  hear,  and  that 
they  may  learn,  and  fear  the  Lord  your  God,  and 
observe  to  do  all  the  words  of  this  law ; 

13  And  that  btheir  children,  which  have  not 
known  any  thing,  may  hear,  and  learn  to  fear  the 
Lord  your  God,  as  long  as  ye  live  in  the  land 
whither  ye  go  over  Jordan  to  possess  it. 

[ Practical  Observations .] 

14  11  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Behold, 
thy  days  approach  “that  thou  must  die : call 
Joshua,  and  present  yourselves  in  the  tabernacle 
of  the  congregation,  that  ‘'I  may  give  him  a 

17.  n 9:3.  Ex.  13:21 ,22.  33: 14.  oSeeortG.  Josh.  1:5,9.  Is.  8:9,10.  43:1,2. 
Rom.  8:31.  p22— 24.  Num.  33:2.  Don.  9:13.  Mai.  4:4.  Mark  10:4,5.  12:19. 
Luke  20:28.  John  1:17,45.  5:46.  q 24— 26.  17:18.  rHos.4:6.  Mai. 2:7.  iNum. 
4:15.  Josh. 3:14 — 17.  6:12.  1 Kings  8:3.  I Chr.  15:2,12— 15.  t 15:1,2.  See  on 
Lev. 23:34— 13.  u 16:16,17.  Ex.  23:16,17  . 34:24.  Ps.  84-7.  v See  on  12:5. 
x Josh.  8:34,35  . 2 Kings23:2.  Neh.  8:1— 8,13,18.  9:3.  I.uke 4:16,17.  Acts  13l 
15.15:21.  y See  on  4: 10.  x 6:6,7.  Exra  10:1 . Ps. 19:7— 11.  John  5:39.  2 Tim. 
3:15—17.  r 29:29.  Ps.  34:11— 14.  b See  on  6:7.  11:2.  Ps.  78:6,7.  Prov.  22:6. 
Eph.  6:4.  c See  on  2.  34:5.  Num.  27:13.  Josh.  23:14.  2 Kings  1:4.  Ee.9:5.  U. 
38:1.  (123.  See  on  Num.  27:19,20.  Ads 20:23— 31 . 2 Tim.  4:1— 4. 


done. — The  sabbatical  year,  and  the  feast  of  tabernacles, 
were  selected  for  this  ordinance  ; (Notes,  Lev.  23:34 — 30,39 — 
43.  25:1 — 7.)  when  the  people,  being  more  exempt  than  usual 
from  employment  and  care,  might  be  supposed  to  assemble 
at  the  sanctuary  in  greater  numbers  than  at  other  times.:  and 
though  the  men  alone  were  obliged  to  attend  at  the  festivals, 
it  might  be  supposed  that  many  of  the  women,  children,  and 
servants,  would  come  on  this  occasion. — A few  instances  of 
the  observation  of  this  command  are  recorded;  (Notes,  2 
Kings  23:2.  Neh.  8:1 — 9,14 — 18.  9:3  13:1 — 3.)  but  the  neglect 
of  it  seems  to  have  been  one  main  cause  why  the  nation  was 
so  soon  carried  away  into  idolatry  and  iniquity.  “The  peo- 
ple perished  for  lack  of  knowledge,”  through  the  ignorance  or 
remissness  of  the  rulers  and  priests. — The  plenty  and  cheap- 
ness of  Bibles,  indeed,  place  the  inhabitants  of  ibis  favoured 
land  in  a very  different  situation  from  that  of  the  Israelites ; 
so  that  we  can  hardly  form  a due  conception  of  their  disad- 
vantages in  this  respect.  Indeed  the  case  was  the  same  to  a 
considerable  degree,  not  only  till  the  coming  of  Christ,  but 
even  till  the  art  of  printing  was  invented : for  copies  of  the 
Scriptures  never  became  so  plentiful  and  cheap,  as  to  enable 
poor  people  in  general  to  procure  llu  m,  till  this  invaluable, 
though  much  perverted  discovery  was  made:  and  yet  exact 
investigation,  excited  by  means  of  the  excellent  British  and 
Foreign  Bible  Society,  indisputably  proves,  that  hitherto  an 
immense  number  of  families  among  nominal  Christians,  have 
been  destitute  of  the  Sacred  Scriptures.  But  a hope  is,  by 
the  same  measures,  excited,  that  ere  long  no  family  will  re- 
main unsupplied  with  the  sacred  volume ; no  individual  left 
incapable  of  reading  it. — And  whoever  has  read,  in  the  history 
of  the  reformation  in  England,  the  pains  and  devices  which 
numbers  employed,  to  get  even  scraps  of  the  English  transla- 
tion of  the  sacred  books,  when  wdiole  copies  could  neither  be 
procured,  nor  safely  possessed;  and  with  what  avidity  they 
flocked  to  read  the  Scriptures,  and  hear  them  read,  when 
placed  in  the  parish  churches;  and  the  extensive  usefulness 
of  these  means,  which  many  now  think  of  little  importance; 
will  be  the  better  able  to  realize  the  state  of  the  Israelites, 
and  to  judge  of  the  wisdom  and  goodness  of  this  divine  ap- 
pointment, for  the  instruction  of  the  people  at  large,  in  the 
knowledge  and  fear  of  God. — In  aft  er  ages,  the  law  and  pro- 
phets were  read  every  sabbath-day,  at  least , in  the  syna- 
gogues all  over  the  land ; which  had  a vast  effect  in  prevent- 
ing idolatry  after  the  Babylonish  captivity. — The  public  read- 
ing of  the  Scriptures  is  indeed  an  honour,  which  should  in  all 
places  be  shown  them;  it  is  likewise  equivalent  to  the  minis- 
ter’s producing  his  commission  and  instructions,  the  touch- 
stone and  warrant  of  his  doctrine;  and  an  important  means 
of  bringing  men  in  general  acquainted  with  other  parts  of 
them,  besides  those  short  texts,  which  it  is  become  customary 
to  select  as  the  subject  of  our  sermons:  and  there  is  every 
reason  to  believe,  that  the  reading  >f  the  Scriptures  in  all  tho 


D.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 


B.  C.  1451. 


charge.  Anil  Moses  and  Joshua  went,  and  •pre- 
sented themselves  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congre- 
gation. 

15  And  the  Lord  fappeared  in  the  tabernacle 
in  the  pillar  of  a cloud:  and  the  pillar  of  the  cloud 
stood  over  the  door  of  the  tabernacle. 

16  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Behold, 
*thou  shalt  'sleep  with  thy  fathers  ;_and  this  people 
will  rise  up,  hand  go  a whoring  after  the  gods  of 
the  strangers  of  the  land  whither  they  go  to  be 
among  them,  and  will  'forsake  me,  and  ‘‘break  my 
covenant  which  I have  made  with  them. 

17  Then  ‘my  anger  shall  he  kindled  against 
them  in  that  day,  and  mI  will  forsake  them,  and  I 
will  "hide  my  face  from  them,  and  they  shall  he 
devoured,  and  many  evils  and  troubles  shall  tbefall 
them ; so  that  they  will  say  in  that  day,  "Are  not 
these  evils  come  upon  us,  because  our  God  is  not 
among  us? 

18  And  pI  will  surely  hide  my  face  in  that  day, 
for  all  the  evils  which  they  shall  have  wrought,  in 
that  they  are  turned  unto  other  gods. 

10  Now  therefore  write  ye  "this  son°r  for  you, 
•and  teach  it  the  children  of  Israel : ‘put  it  in  their 
mouths,  that  this  song  may  be  "a  witness  for  me 
against  the  children  of  Israel. 

20  For  "when  I shall  have  brought  them  into 
the  land  which  I sware  unto  their  fathers,  nhat 
floweth  with  milk  aftd  honey ; and  they  shall  'have 
eaten.and  filled  themselves,  and  "waxen  fat ; "then 
will  they  turn  unto  other  gods,  and  serve  them, 
and  provoke  me,  and  break  my  covenant. 

21  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  many  evils 
and  troubles  are  befallen  them,  that  "this  song 
shall  testify  tagainst  them  as  a witness ; for  it 
shall  not  be  forgotten  out  of  the  mouths  of  their 

e Ex.  34:‘2.  Josh.  24:1.  1 Sam.  10:19.  Job  1:6  2:1.  Rom.  12:1.  Jude  24.  f See 
on  Ex.  33:9,10.  40:38.  Ps.  99:7.  g Gen.  25:8  2 Sam.  7:12.  Is.  57:2.  Acts  13:36. 
• Heb.  lied<wn.  Job  20:11.  h Ex.  32:6.  34:  J5.  Lev. 20:3— 6.  Judg.  2:17.  Ps. 
73:27.  106:39.  Is.  57.3— 8.  Jer.  3:1—  3.  Ez.  16.25—36.  23:5— 8,  &c.  Hob.  2:2— 5. 
Rev.  17:2— 5.  19:2.  i 32:15.  Judg.  2:12.  10:6,13.  Jer.  2:11— 13.  k Lev.  26:15. 
Judg.  2.20.  Jer.  31:32.  I See  on  29:20  . 32:21,22.  Judg.  2:14,15.  Ps.2:12. 
90.11.  m l Chr.  28:9.  2 Chr.  15:2.  Jer.  23:33,39.  Hos.9:12.  n 32:20.  Job 
13:24.  Ps.  27:9.  30:7.  89:46.  104:29.  Is.  8:17.  64:7.  Ez.  39:29.  t Heb.  find. 
Neb.  9:32.  mar*.  Job  34111.  o See  on  29:24— 27.  Num.  14:42.  Judg.  6:13.  Is. 
6317.  p See  on  16,17.  r 22,30  . 32: 1 ,&c  44,45.  s.  See  on  4.9,10.  6:7.  11:19. 
t 4:15.  2Sam.  14:3.  Is.  51:16.  59:21.  Jer.  1:9.  u 21:26.  Ez.2.5.  Mall.  10:18. 
John  12:48.  x See  on  6:10— 12.  7:1.  8:7.  v See  on  Ex.  3:8,17.  z 8:10— 14. 
Neb.  9:25,23.  a 32:15.  Neh.  9:25,35.  Ps.  17: 10.  73:7.  119:70.  Jer.  5:28.  50:1 1. 


parish  churches  in  this  kingdom,  proves  the  means  of  salva- 
tion to  many  souls,  who  are  in  great  measure  left  destitute  of 
other  means  of  instruction.  It  were  however  to  be  wished, 
that  the  several  clergymen,  employed  in  this  service,  were 
mindful  to  read  the  appointed  portions  audibly,  distinctly,  and 
deliberately  ; as  this  would  give  probable  ground  to  expect  far 
more  extensively  beneficial  effects,  to  result  from  so  laudable 
an  institution. 

V.  14,  15.  Joshua,  not  being  a priest,  never  went  within 
the  tabernacle:  and  the  context  leads  us  to  conclude,  that 
Moses  and  he  stood  before  the  door  of  it  at  this  time. — “The 
pillar  of  the  cloud”  generally  rested  on  the  top  of  the  taber- 
nacle ; but,  on  particular  occasions,  it  removed  to  the  entrance, 
and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  appeared  in  it.  ( Note , 23.) 

V.  If),  17.  Marg.  Ref.  Note , Judg.  6:13. 

V.  18.  When  God  withholds  his  gracious  influences, 
man’s  evil  inclinations  invariably  lead  him  into  sin ; and  when 
he  withdraws  his  protection  and  blessing,  (which  is  implied 
by  the  figurative  expression  of  “hiding  his  face,”)  man  neces- 
sarily sinks  into  misery.  Our  dependence  on  God  is  in  every 
respect  absolute : and  it  is  proper  we  should  know  it ; that  we 
may  fear  to  provoke  him,  and  seek  to  please  him:  that  we 
may  wholly  trust  him,  and  give  him  all  the  praise  of  our 
knowledge,  holiness,  and  felicity ; but  that  we  may  abhor  the 
blasphemy  of  charging  our  sin  or  folly  to  his  account,  from 
whose  unchangeable  perfection  good  and  only  good  can  flow. 
( Notes , 29:4.  Jam.  1:13 — 18.) 

V.  19.  Poetry,  when  well  composed,  and  upon  an  inte- 
resting subject,  is  exceedingly  attractive,  as  well  as  easily 
lived  and  retained  in  the  memory:  and  in  almost  every  na- 
tion in  the  earlier  stages  of  civilization  and  literature,  men 
delight  in  poetical  compositions,  which  are  learned,  recited,  or 
sung  with  a sort  of  enthusiastic  eagerness.  (Note,  Ex.  15:1.) 
To  this  propensity  of  the  human  mind  the  Lord  was  pleased 

adapt  his  instructions.  A sacred  song,  containing  the  sub- 
vance  of  the  preceding  addresses,  was  appointed  to  be  com- 
posed by  Moses,  doubtless  under  divine  inspiration:  with 
whom  Joshua,  as  his  coadjutor  and  successor,  was  joined  : 
and  on  him  it  would  devolve,  to  see  that  the  subsequent  com- 
mand was  obeyed.  For  the  people  were  required  to  learn  it, 
\nd  to  teach  it  to  their  children,  from  generation  to  generation. 
Thus  they  would  have  it  frequently  in  their  memories  and 
fnouths  when  the  other  parts  of  the  law  were  generally  neg- 
lected: and  indeed  God  himself  engaged  that  it  should  not  be 


seed : for  dI  know  their  imagination  which  they 
%o  about  even  now,  before  I have  brought  them 
into  the  land  which  I sware. 

22  Moses  'therefore  wrote  this  song  the  same 
day,  and  taught  it  the  children  of  Israel. 

23  And  ‘he  gave  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun  a 
charge,  and  said,  Be  strong,  and  of  a good  courage: 
for  sthou  shalt  bring  the  children  of  Israel  into  the 
land  which  I sware  unto  them ; and  1 will  be  with 
thee. 

24  V And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Moses  had 
made  an  end  of  hwriting  the  words  of  this  law  ir 
a book,  until  they  were  finished, 

25  That  Moses  commanded  the  Levites,  which 
'bare  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  saying, 

26  Take  this  book  of  the  law,  and  put  it  kin  the 
side  of  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  your 
God,  that  it  may  be  there  for  'a  witness  against 
thee. 

27  For  mI  know  thy  rebellion,  and  thy  "stiff- 
neck:  behold,  while  I am  yet  alive  with  you  this 
day,  °ye  have  been  rebellious  against  the  Lord  ; 
and  how  much  more  after  my  death  ? 

28  ^Gather  unto  me  all  the  elders  of  your  tribes, 
and  your  officers,  that  I may  speak  these  words  in 
their  ears,  and  scall  heaven  and  earth  to  record 
against  them. 

29  For  I know  that  after  my  death  ye  will 
utterly  "corrupt  yourselves,  and  turn  aside  from 
the  way  which  I have  commanded  you  : "and  evil 
will  befall  you  in  'the  latter  days,  because  ye  will 
do  evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  to  provoke  him  to 
anger  through  the  work  of  your  hands. 

30  And  Moses  "spake  in  the  ears  of  all  the 
congregation  of  Israel  the  words  of  this  song,  until 
they  were  ended. 


Ei.  34:16,20  Hos.  13:6.  b See  on  16,17.  c See  on  19.  } Heb  .before,  d Gen. 
6:5.  8:21.  Ps.  139:2.  Is.  46:10.  Ez.  38:10,11.  Hos.  5:3.  John  2:24 ,25.  Acls  2: 
23.4:28.  § Heb.  do.  e See  on  9,19.  f See  on  7,8,14.  Josh.  1 :5 — 9.  g See  on 
3.  3:28.  Acts  7:45.  h Sec  on  9.  17:18.  i See  on  9.  kl  Kings  8:9.  2 Kings  22:3 
—II.  2 Chr.  34:14,15.  1 See  on  19.  2 Kings  22:13— 19.  Rom.  3:19,20.  Gal.  2:19. 
m 32:20.  n See  on  9:6.  Ex.  32:9.  2 Chr.  30:8.  Ps.  78:8.  Is.  48:4.  Acts  7:51. 
o See  on  9:24.  p See  on  12.  29:10.  Ex.  18:25.  Num.  11:16,17.  q 4:26.  ^ee  on 
30:19.  32:1.  Is.  1:2.  Luke  19:40.  r 32:5.  Judg.  2:19.  Is.  1:4.  Hos.  9:9.  Acts  20: 
30.  2 Tim.  3:1—6.  2 Pet.  1:14,15.  2:1,2.  s 28:15,&c.  29:18—28.  Lev.  26:14, &c. 
Luke  19:42— 44.  21:24.  t 4:30.  Gen.  49:1.  Job  19:25.  Ez.  38:8.  1 Tim.  4:1. 
2 Tim.  3:1.  Heb.  1:2.  2 Pet.  3:3.  uSeeon4:5.  John  12:49.  Acts  20:27.  Heb. 
3:2,5. 


forgotten.  (21) — This  song,  (which  was  also  a prophecy,) 
in  after  ages,  wnen  the  predictions  contained  in  it  had  received 
their  accomplishment,  would  vouch  the  divine  inspiration  of 
Moses  ; show  the  cause  of  the  people’s  miseries  ; bear  witness 
to  the  justice  of  God  against  their  wickedness ; and  form  a 
powerful  call  to  them  to  repent  and  return  to  him  as  the  only 
method  in  which  they  could  obtain  deliverance.  (Notes,  32.) 

V.  20,  21.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 32:15.  Prov.  30:7—9.— 
I know , &c.  £21)  The  Lord  knows  what  is  in  man,  and 
whither  his  inclinations  will  lead  him  if  left  to  himself ; and 
nothing  can  be  more  undeniable , or  more-  incomprehensible , 
than  his  foresight  of  the  innumerable  volitions  of  rational 
agents,  to  the  remotest  futurity,  and  his  method  of  overruling 
them  all  to  accomplish  his  wise  and  righteous  purposes,  with- 
out in  the  least  interfering  with  their  free  agency.  Thus 
neither  his  forekowledge,  nor  his  deep  decrees,  cause  or  ex- 
cuse man’s  wickedness,  or  diminish  the  punishment  which 
sinners  will  justly  suffer.  (Note,  Ez.  38:10. ) 

V.  23.  (Note,  Num.  27:19. ) ‘The  Lord,  who  had  hitherto 
spoken  by  Moses,  now  spake  to  Joshua  himself,  and  gave 
him  this  charge.’  Bp.  Patrick.  The  language  must  imply 
this;  or  else  Moses  repeated  to  him  the  very  words  of  God, 
and  in  his  name.  (14.  Notes,  Josh.  1:1 — 8.) 

V.  26.  In  the  side  of  the  ark.]  In  a coffer,  or  box, 
without  the  aTk.  (Marg.  Ref.  k.) — This  appears  to  have 
been  a correct  b.nd  authentic  copy  of  the  five  books  of 
Moses,  probably  written  w ith  his  own  hand  ; which  would  be 
reserved,  that,  in  case  of  errors  or  disputes,  or  defect  of 
other  copies,  it  might  be  referred  to,  and  would  be  a witness 
against  the  sins  of  Israel,  whenever  it  was  examined. — This 
is  an  express  declaration,  that  Moses  himself  was  the  writer 
of  the  whole  law,  in  that  very  form  in  which  it  was  kept  by 
the  priests  in  tfye  sanctuary.  (Note,  2 Kings  22:8 — 14.) 

V.  29.  These  repeated  declarations  were  in  fact  prophe- 
cies, which  have  been  accomplishing  ever  since.  (Marg. 

Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 13.  It  is  very  profitable  for  us  to  consider  how  life 
passes ; and  how  much  of  our  day  is  spent,  in  proportion  to 
the  progress  made  in  the  work  allotted  us ; that  we  may  be  the 
more  earnest  in  preparing  for  our  final  account,  and  in  ten- 
dering our  remaining  services  to  the  church  and  to  tne  world 
— Even  when  old  age  is  healthy  and  vigorous,  sve  should  re- 
member that  the  limits  of  human  life  are  fixed,  by  him  who 

( 371  ) 


B.  C.  1 u l 


DEUTERONOMY. 


B.  C • 1451 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

The  song  of  Mi  tea,  contrasting  the  perfections  of  God , an  I his  special  good- 
ness to  Israel  , with.  Israel's  ingratitude  and  aposlacy,  1 — 18  : and  pedicling 
terrible  judgeients  on  them  for  their  sins,  which  would  yet  end  in  mercy , 19 
— 43.  Moses  exhorts  the  people  to  set  their  hearts  on  the  words  which  he 
had  spoken,  44 — 47.  The  Lord  orders  him  to  go  up  to  mount  Nebo , to  view 
thepromised  land , and  die,  48 — 52. 

GIVE  aear,  O ye  heavens,  and  I will  speak; 
and  hear,  O earth,  the  words  of  my  mouth. 

i 4:23.  30:19.  31:28.  Ps.  49:1,2.  50:4.  Is.  1:2.  Jer.2:12  . 6:19  . 22:29.  b 2 Sam. 
23:4.  Jub  29:22/23.  Ps.  72:6.  Is.  55:10,11.  IIos.  6:4.  14:5.  1 Cor.  3:6— 8.  Heb. 
6:7.  cEz.  34:26.  Mic.  5:7.  Zech.  10:1.  d Ex.  3: i3— 16.  6:3.  20:24.  34:5— 7. 
P*.  29:1.2.  89:16— 18.  105:1— 5.  145:1—10.  Jer.  10:6,7.  23:6.  Matt.  1:23.  6:3. 
John  17:6,26.  e5:24.  1 Clir.  17:19,21.  29:11.  Ps.  145:3.  150:2.  Jer.  10:6.  Eph. 

hath  denounced  the  sentence  of  death  against  us.  Nor  need 
we,  if  believers,  desire  to  live  in  this  world  : for  we  must 
feel  pain,  experience  conflict  and  temptation,  and  witness 
iniquity,  while  we  continue  here  : and  when  our  journey  is 
ended,  and  our  victory  completed,  God  will  raise  up  other 
instruments  by  which  to  carry  on  his  great  designs  : and  be 
himself  the  ever-living  Guardian  of  those,  about  whom  we 
are  most  aff^tionately  anxious.  We  have  only  to  do  our 
work,  and  if  able,  to  be  doubly  active  when  the  shadows  of 
the  evening  approach  ; and,  with  all  our  influence  and  zeal, 
endeavour  to  impress  divine  truths  upon  our  survivors,  con- 
firming our  living  profession  with  our  dying  testimony. — Satan 
constantly  aims  to  embolden  men  in  sin,  and  intimidate  them 
from  duiy:  we  should  therefore  animate  ourselves  and  each 
other  to  obedience,  and  awe  our  minds  from  sin,  by  meditating 
on  the  promises  and  denunciations  of  God’s  word. — But  the 
human  heart  is  so  insensible,  that  every  method  should  be 
tried,  to  keep  up  a due  attention  to  the  truths,  precepts,  and 
worship  of  God  among  men:  and  all  opportunities  should  be 
embraced,  and  every  avenue  to  the  heart  seized  to  excite 
some  useful  conviction,  and  to  stir  up  the  remembrance  of 
some  forgotten  doctrine  or  neglected  duty.  (Note,  2 Pet. 
1:12—15.) 

V.  14 — 29.  Not  only  the  bulk  of  mankind,  but  even  the 
best  of  men,  need  repeated  encouragements  and  charges,  to 
engage  them  steadily  in  the  work  of  God,  especially  in 
arduous  and  perilous  services  in  this  evil  world. — But  the 
Lord  will  never  fail  nor  forsake  such  as  trust  in  him  : they 
may  therefore  be  strong  and  of  a good  courage,  however  nu- 
merous, malicious,  or  powerful  their  enemies  are  ; for  in 
such  a cause,  and  with  such  a Helper,  they  shall  certainly 
triumph  over  all  opposition,  till  every  promise  in  the  book  of 
God  has  been  accomplished.  Every  former  mercy  to  the 
church  or  to  themselves,  warrants  the  assurance  of  future  suc- 
cesses, and  they  are  “ encompassed  with  a cloud  of  wit- 
nesses” who  un'tedly  testify  the  achievements  of  faith. — To 
the  priests,  the  l ord’s  ministers,  is  the  written  word  of  God 
especially  committed,  to  be  by  them  preserved  and  delivered 
uncorrupted  unto  the  people;  and  men,  women,  children,  and 
strangers  should  be  diligently  instructed  from  it,  that  they 
may  learn  to  fear  and  serve  God  in  the  obedience  of  faith. 
Every  ordinance,  every  copy  of  the  Scriptures,  every  faith- 
ful sermon,  every  pious  book,  every  psalm,  or  hymn,  which  is 
printed,  read,  or  sung,  nay,  the  very  words  of  men’s  own 
mouths,  will  rise  up  in  judgment  and  bear  yvilness  for  God, 
against  those,  who,  notwithstanding  all,  forsake  him,  and 
commit  iniquity.  And  to  his  holy  abhorrence  of  sin  we  must 
ascribe  all  the  miseries  which  are  endured  on  earth,  as  well 
as  the  torments  which  are  reserved  for  the  wicked  in  hell. — 
Alas  ! that  the  liberality  of  the  Lord  should  oqpasion  increas- 
ing ungodliness  ; and  that,  prosperity  should  generate  ingrati- 
tude ! Hence  it  becomes  necessary  for  the  Lord  to  correct 
those  most,  whom  he  loves  best  ; and  hence  we  have  all 
need  to  fear  prosperity  more  than  the  severest  affliction,  and 
to  be  doubly  watchful  and  instant  in  prayer  under  *the  smiles 
of  Providence.  (P.  O.  b:  latter  part.  P.  O.  8:  ibid.) — The 
more  accurately  wise  and  holy  men  have  studied,  and  the 
longer  they  have  observed  human  nature,  comparing  it  with 
the  word  of  God,  the  more  they  have  perceived  and  lamented 
its  proneness  to  rebellion  : and * when  the  most  powerful 
restraints  fail  to  deter  men  from  sin,  with  what  impetuosity 
will  they  rush  into  it  when  left,  to  follow  their  own  inclinations! 
But  if  we  grieve  to  see  the  present  prevalence  of  wickedness, 
and  entertain  gloomy  apprehensions  of  yet  increasing  un- 
godliness ; let  us  remember  that  thus  it  was  with  Moses, 
with  the  apostles,  and  with  most  of  those  who  have  served 
God,  and  their  generation:  and  having  used  our  influence, 
and  poured  out  our  prayers,  to  prevent  it  as  much  as  vvo  can  ; 
let  us  leave  the  matter  with  him  who  will  maintain  his  own 
cause,  and  v/ho  is  w able  to  keep  us  from  falling,  and  to  pre- 
sent us  faultless  before  the  presence  of  his  glory  with  exceed- 
ing joy.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXII.  V.  1.  This  hob!  and  po- 
etical invocation  of  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  or  the  whole 
creation,  to  attend  to  what  was  about  to  be  spoken,  and  to 
judge  between  the  Lord  and  his  worshippers,  was  adapted, 
and  intended,  to  convey  a strong  idea  of  the  vast  importance 
of  the  subject,  and  to  awaken  the  seriousness  and  attention 
of  all  who  should  hear  or  read  it.  (Marg.  Ref .) 

V.  2.  As  the  rain  and  dew,  gently  distilling,  soften  the 
earth  and  produce  a beautiful  verdure  and  fertility ; so  this 
song  tended,  and  the  inspired  writer  aimed,  to  soften  the 
Israe  »tes  into  repentance,  and  gently  to  insinuate  into  their 
minds  those  good  instructions,  which,  by  the  divine  blessing, 

( 372  ) 


2 My  doctrine  shall  bdrop  as  the  rain,  my 
speech  shall  distil  as  the  dew ; as  the  small  rain 
upon  the  tender  herb,  and  cas  the  showers  upon 
the  grass : 

3 JBecause  l1I  will  publish  the  name  of  the  Lord  : 
eascribe  ye  greatness  unto  our  God. 

4 He  is  *the  Rock,  «his  work  is  perfect ; for  hall 

1:19.  f 18,30,31.  1 Sam.  2:2.  2 Sam.  22:2,3,32,47.  23:3.  Ps.  18:2.  61:2—4.  92: 
15.  Is.  26:4.  marg.  28:16  . 32:2.  Matt.  16:16— 18.  1 Cor.  10:4.  1 Pet.  2:6, 
g Gen.  1:31.  Pe.  18:30.  19:7.  138:8.  Matt.  5:48.  Jam.  1.17.  h 10:18.  Gen.  13. 
25.  1 Snv..  2 2.  Job  8:3.  35:14.  Ps.  9:16.  97:2.  99:4.  10L1.  103:6.  Is.  30:18. 
Je: . 9:24.  Dan.  4:37.  John  5:22,23.  Rom.  1:32.  2:2,5.  Jam.  4:12.  Rev.  15:3,4. 


might  ro.oder  them  fruitful  in  good  works,  and  prosperous  in 
the  Lord’s  favour:  and  such  would  be  the  effect  as  to  many. 
(Marg.  Ref.) — Some  interpret  the  former  clause  of  xhejudg- 
meats  of  God,  which  like  torrents  of  impetuous  rain  sweep 
down  all  before  them  ; and  observe  that  the  effect  of  this  song 
was  to  hasten  and  aggravate  the  miseries  of  obstinate  sin- 
ners, by  rendering  their  conduct  more  inexcusable. 

V.  3.  To  “publish  the  name  of  the  Lord,”  is  to  delineate 
the  glorious  perfections  and  character  of  Jehovah,  even  of 
that  God  whom  the  Israelites  forsook  for  their  worthless 
idols.  (Notes,  Ex.  34:5 — 7.  Matt.  11:25 — 27.  28:19,20. 

John  1:18.  17:25,26.) — To  u ascribe  greatness  unto  our  God,” 
is  to  acknowledge  his  self-existence,  eternity,  omnipresence, 
omniscience,  almighty  power,  and  universal  absolute  authority 
(Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  1 Chr.  29:10— 19.  Dan.  4:1— 3,34— 37. 
Matt.  6:13.  Rom.  11:33—36.) 

V.  4.  M He  is  the  Rock.”  This  is  the  first  time  God  is 
called  a rock  in  Scripture : and  the  expression  seems  to  de- 
note that  his  unchangeable  power,  faithfulness,  and  love,  as 
revealed  in  the  promised  Saviour,  form  an  immoveable  foun- 
dation, on  which  we  may  build  our  hopes  of  felicity  ; and  that 
under  his  protection  we  may  find  refuge  from  all  our  enemies, 
and  in  all  our  troubles : as  the  rocks  in  those  countries  fre- 
quently sheltered  the  inhabitants  from  the  heat  of  the  sun, 
from  impetuous  tempests,  and  from  hostile  invasions.  (Notes, 
30:31.  1 Sam.  2:1,2.  2 Sam.  22:2, 3.  Ps.  61:1,2.  Is.  32:1,2. 
Matt.  16:18.) — “His  work  is  perfect.”  Absolute  perfection 
is  in  God  alone : relative  perfection  is  all  that  belongs  to  crea- 
tures ; and  it  belongs  to  them  all,  as  he  at  first  made  them;  to 
a worm  as  much  as  to  an  archangel.  Every  work  of  God  is 
the  result  of  perfect  goodness,  the  contrivance  of  perfect  wis- 
dom, and  the  effect  of  perfect  power  ; and  is  complete  in  its 
kind  and  for  its  use,  and  to  fill  its  appointed  station  in  the 
grand  scale  of  existence.  Every  providential  dispensation  is 
perfectly  expressive  of  his  divine  justice,  truth,  goodness,  and 
wisdom.  His  law  is  perfectly  holy,  just,  and  good  ; and  is 
exactly  suited  to  answer  the  ends  which  he  proposed  in  giving 
it*  his  gospel  is  perfect  also,  and  suited  to  answer  still  nobler 
and  more  important  ends.  The  Mosaic  dispensation  was 
perfectly  adapted  to  its  purpose  for  the  appointed  period. 
The  New  Testament  dispensation  has  a higher  and  more 
enlarged  kind  of  perfection.  Every  part  of  the  universal  plan 
is  perfectly  fitted  to  the  station  which  it  occupies,  and  the 
whole  is  a perfect  plan,  and  will  at  length  be  perfectly  exe- 
cuted ; as  will  every  work  which  God  has  begun  : nor  could 
any  alteration  be  made  in  any  of  his  works,  without  propor- 
tionably  deducting  from  their  excellency.  All  real  defect 
arises  from  another  quarter,  from  apostacy  and  rebellion,  and 
their  consequences.  Much  imagined  defect  is  real  excellence  ; 
and  the  objections  made  to  it  are  the  offspring  of  pride  and 
ignorance.  If  that  which  suits  its  place,  and  answers  the 
intention  of  its  Maker,  were  advanced  to  a higher  rank  ol 
beauty  and  dignity,  its  relative  excellence  would  be  destroyed. 
So  long  as  the  distinction  between  the  infinite  and  absolute 
perfection  of  the  Creator,  and  the  finite  capacities  of  the 
creature,  remains,  there  can  be  no  end  of  such  vain  attempts 
of  increasing  created  perfection  by  advancing  it  to  superior 
dignity  : and  the  idea  leads  to  the  supposition  of  a perfect 
kingdom,  where  all  are  rulers  and  none  subjects.  These 
things  should  not  be  overlooked  by  those  on  the  one 
hand,  who  are  continually  discovering  supposed  defects  in 
the  works  of  God,  without  knowing  the  intention  of  the  great 
Contriver  ; nor  on  the  other  hand  by  those  who  speak  of 
reason  and  of  the  law  of  God,  when  distinguishing  them 
from  revelation  and  from  the  gospel,  in  such  degrading  lan- 
guage, as  seems  to  imply,  either  that  God  is  not  the  Giver 
of  them,  or  that  things  opposite  to  each  other  may  proceed 
from  the  same  immutable  Fountain  of  light,  truth,  and  holi- 
ness. These  were  intended,  and  are  calculated,  for  distinct 
purposes  ; and  man’s  perversion  of  them  is  alone  to  be  found 
fault  with. — “ All  his  ways  are  judgment.”  All  the  dealings 
of  God  with  his  rational  creatures  are  regulated  by  infallible 
wisdom  and  perfect  justice.  “ Ho  is  a God  of  truth,”  of  entire 
veracity,  sincerity,  and  fidelity  : — “ and  without  iniquity 
never  using  his  power  or  authority  to  oppress  or  injure  any  , 
never  requiring  more  than  his  duo  ; never  punishing  any 
of  his  innumerable  subjects  who  have  not  deserved  it,  or 
above  their  deserts.  And  “just  a§d  right  is  ho  none 
therefore  can  havo  any  cause  to  revolt  against  him.  as  the 
world  in  general,  and  as  Israel  in  particular,  had  done. 

(Marg,  Ref.  Notes , Ps,  25:8)9.  is,  45:20 — 25.  Mic* 

7:  IS— 20.) 

V.  5.  “The  work  of  God  is  perfect so  that  sin  and  its 
effects  cannot  originate  from  him.  The  rebellious  Israelites 


B.  C.  1451 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 


B.  C.  1451 


his  ways  are  ) ulgment : 'a  God  of  truth,  and 
•without  iniquity,  just  and  right  is  he. 

5 'They  ha\e  'corrupted  themselves;  ttheir 
spot  is  not  the  spot  of  his  children:  they  are  ma 
perverse  and  crooked  generation. 

6 Do  ye  thus  “requite  the  Lord,  °0  foolish 
people  and  unwise?  is  not  he  t'thy  Father  that 
sham  bought  thee?  hath  he  not  'made  thee,  and 
established  thee? 

7 ’Remember  the  days  of  *old,  consider  the 
years  of  ’many  generations : ‘ask  thy  father,  and 
lie  will  show  thee ; thy  elders,  and  they  will  tell 

thee. 

8 When  the  “Most  High  "divided  to  the  nations 
their  inheritance,  when  he  separated  the  sons  of 
Adam,  die  set  the  bounds  of  the  people  according 
to  the  number  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

9 For  "the  Lord’s  portion  is  his  people;  Jacob 
is  the  dot  of  his  inheritance. 

I Ps.  31.5.  610.  83:10.  S3. 3.  100:5.  146:S.  Is.  25:1.  Jer.  10:10.  John 

1:14,17.  11:6.  kJol>34:10 — 12.  Ps.  9*2:15.  Hab.  1:13.  Rom.  3:5.  * Heb.  He 

hath  corrupted  to  himself . 1 See  on  4:16.  31:29.  Gen.  6:12.  Ex.  32:7.  Judg. 
2:19.  Is.  1:4.  IIos.  9:9.  ' Zeph.  3:7.  2 Cor.  11:3.  1 Or,  that  they  are  not  his 

children,  that  is  their  blot.  John  8:41,44.  1 John  3:8 — 10.  m 9:24.  Ps.78:8. 
125:5.  Prov.  2:15.  Is.  1:4.  Mutt.  3:7.  16:4.  17:17.  Luke 4:41.  Acts  7:51.  Phil. 
2:15.  n IS.  Pfe.  116:12,13.  Ia.  L;2.  2 Cor.  5:14,15.  Tit.  2:11— 14.  o Ps.  74:18. 
Jer.  4:22.  5:21.  Gal.  3:1—3.  n Ex.  4:22,23.  Is.  63:16.  Mai.  1:6.  Luke  15:18— 
20.  John  8:41.  Rmn.  8:14,15.  Gal.  3:26.  4:6.  1 John  3:1.  q Ex.  15:16.  Ps.74:2. 
Is.  43:3,4.  Arts  20:28.  1 t or.  6:20  . 7:23.  2 Pet.  2:1.  r 15.  Job  10:8,9.  Ps.  95:6. 
100:3.  149:2.  Is.  27:11.  43:7.  44:2.  s Job  20:4.  Ps.  44:1.  77:5.  119:52.  Is.  63:11. 
Lam.  5:21.  } Heb.  generation  and  generation.  Ps.  10:6.  77:8.  marg.  t 4:32. 
Ex.  13:14.  Judg.  6:13.  Job  8:3— 10.  Ps.  44:1.  77:5,6,11,12.  78:3,4.  Is.  46:9. 

therefore  u corrupted  themselves,”  and  must  bear  the  blame 
of  their  perverse  ingratitude.  (Notes,  Jam.  1:13 — 18.)  The 
worshippers  of  God  are  in  general  called  his  children.  But 
the  wickedness  of  Israel,  notwithstanding  the  many  judg- 
ments and  mercies,  and  the  warnings  and  encouragements 
which  concurred  to  deter  them  from  sin  and  bring  them  to 
repentance,  frequently  manifested  that,  they  were  indeed  the 
children  of  another  father,  whose  hateful  image  they  bore. — 
The  marginal  reading  implies,  that  it  was  their  blot , or  dis- 
grace, that  they  were  not  the  children  of  God  ; these  indeed 
have  their  spots  and  blemishes,  but  habitual  unrepented  sin  is 
not  one  of  them.  The  words  of  John  the  Baptist,  of  Christ, 
and  of  his  apostles,  to  the  Jews  who  rejected  the  gospel,  form 
an  instructive  comment,  on  this  verse.  [Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 
Matt.  3:7—10.  23:13—33.  John  8:37—47.  Acts  7:51—53. 
13:38—41.) 

V.  6.  God  had  acted  as  a Father  to  Israel,  though  they 
had  renounced  the  relationship  of  children  to  him  by  their 
apostacy  and  idolatry,  and  were  u not  worthy  to  be  called 
his  sons.”  (Notes,  Is.  63:7 — 10,15 — 19.  64:6 — 8.)  He  had 
created  them  men  ; he  had  ransomed  them  from  Egypt  by 
desolating  that  country ; and  he  had  formed  them  into  a 
church  and  nation  incorporated  with  special  privileges:  so 
that  the  folly  of  their  rebellions  was  equal  to  the  ingratitude 
of  them  ; for  they  could  not  injure  the  Lord,  but  would  inevi- 
tably ruin  themselves. 

V.  7.  This  song  would  be  in  the  mouth  of  great  numbers 
who  were  unacquainted  with  the  books  of  Moses,  or  had  not 
access  to  them : they  were  therefore  called  upon  in  it  to 
inquire  of  their  fathers  and  elders,  concerning  their  original 
many  ages  before  ; who  would  inform  them  of  the  distinguish- 
ing kindness  which  God  had  shown  to  their  prdgenitors,  and 
to  the  children  for  their  sakes.  This  might  both  stir  them  up 
to  the  study  of  ihe  Scriptures,  as  far  as  they  had  opportunity : 
and  discover  to  them,  in  general,  their  obligations,  both  of 
gratitude  and  interest,  to  adhere  to  the  worship  and  service  of 
Jehovah.  (Note,  31:19.) 

V.  8.  When,  according  to  the  purpose  of  “ the  Most 
High,”  the  earth  was  divided  in  the  days  of  Peleg  among  the 
descendants  of  Adam  and  Noah;  (Note,  Gen,  11:1,2.) — 
Jehovah  so  overruled  it,  according  to  his  secret  designs  of 
love  to  Israel,  that  the  posterity  of  accursed  Canaan  should 
have  that  land,  which  he  had  selected  as  the  suitable  and 
Bi^hcient  portion  of  the  descendants  of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and 
Jacob ; foreseeing  that,  by  the  time  th£se  would  multiply  into 
a.  nation,  the  Canaanites  would  fill  up  the  measure  of  their 
iniquities,  and  merit,  utter  Extirpation.  Thus  Israel  received 
their  portion  in  a high  state  of  cultivation,  and  replenished 
with  cities,  towns,  and  villages,  prepared  for  their  reception. 

V.  9.  That  part  of  the  human  race  which  the  Lord  pecu- 
liarly values  and  cultivates,  as  a man  does  his  own  estate,  and 
from  which  he  receives  his  whole  revenue  of  spiritual  worship 
and  willing  obedience,  was  typified  by  Israel,  and  was  under 
that  dispensation  chiefly  found  among  that  people. — (Marg. 
Ref.  Jer.  10:16.  1 Pet.  2:9,10.) 

V.  10.  Israel  was  first  formed  into  a nation,  in  a desolate 
wilderness,  where  nothing  was  heard  before  but  the  howling 
if  the  beasts  of  prey.  Here  the  Lord  chose  that  people, 
covenanted  with  them,  and  became  their  King ; and  under 
his  government,  guidance,  and  protection,  they  were  pre- 
served and  provided  for : and  though  he  led  them  about  in 
die  desert  during  forty  years,  the  time  was  not  lost;  for 
there  he  instructed  and  trained  them  for  the  conquest  and 
possession  of  the  promised  land.  And  when  the  Amalekites, 


10  He  "found  him  in  a desert  land,  and  in  the 
waste  howling  wilderness:  he  “led  him  about,  bhe 
instructed  him,  "he  kept  him  as  the  apple  of  his  eye. 

1 1 As  dan  eagle  stirreth  up  her  nest,  fluttereth 
over  her  young,  spreadeth  abroad  her  wings, 
taketh  them,  beareth  them  on  her  wings ; 

12  So  "the  Lord  alone  did  lead  him,  and  there 
was  fno  strange  god  with  him. 

13  He  made  him  Grille  on  the  high  places  of  the 
earth,  that  he  might  eat  the  increase  of  the  fields, 
and  he  made  him  to  suck  ''honey  out  of  the  rock, 
and  oil  out  of  the  flinty  rock; 

14  ‘Butter  of  kine,  and  milk  of  sheep,  with  fat 
of  lambs,  and  rams  ol'  the  breed  kof  Bashan,  and 
goats,  with  'the  fat  of  kidneys  of  wheat;  and  thou 
didst  drink  the  pure  mblood  of  the  grape. 

L Practical  Observations.’] 

15  U But  "Jeshurun  waxed  fat,  and  °kicked : 
thou  art  Pwaxen  fat,  thou  art  grown  thick,  thou 

u Num.  24:16.  Ps.  7:17.  50:14.  82:6.  91:1,9  . 92:8.  Is.  14:14.  ban.  4:17,24,25. 
5:18.  Acts  7:48.  x Gen.  10:25,32.  11:9.  Ps.  115:16.  Acts  17:26.  y Gen.  10: 15 — 
19.  15:18—21.  z 26:18,19.  Ex.  15:16.  19:5,6.  1 Sam.  10:1.  Ps.  135:4.  Is.  43:21. 
Jer.  10:16.  51:19.  Eph.  1:18.  1 Pet. 2:9,10.  § Heb.  cord  Mic.  2:5.  a8:15,16. 
Neh.  9:19 — 21.  Ps.  107:4,5.  Cant.  8:5.  Jer.  2:6.  Hos.  13:5.  ||  Or,  compassed 

him  about,  b 4:36.  Neh.  9.20.  Ps.  32:7— 10.  147:19,20.  Rom.  2:18.  3:2.  c Ps. 
17:8.  1 ruv.  7:2.  Zech. 2:8.  d Ex.  19:4.  Is.  31:5.  40:31.  Rev.  12:14.  e 1:31. 
Neh.  9:12.  Ps.  27:11.  78:14,52,53.  80:1.  136:16.  Is.  ?6:4.  63:9- 13.  f Is.  43: 
11,12.44:7,8.  g 33:26,29.  Is.  58:14.  Ez.  36:2.  h Ex.  3:8.  Job  29:6.  Ps.  81:16. 
Is.  48:21.  Ez.  27:17.  i Gen.  16:8.  Judg.  5:25.  2 Sam.  17:29.  Job  20:17.  Is.  7:15, 
22.  k Ps.  2*2:12.  Ez.  39:18.  Am.  4:1.  Mic.  7:14.  1 Ps.  147:14.  m Gen.  49:11, 
12.  Matt.  26:28,29.  John  6:55,56.  n 33:5,26.  Is.  44:2.  o 1 Sam.  2:29.  p St* 
on  31:20.  Job  13.27.  Ps.  17:10.  73:7.  119:70.  Is.  6.10.  Acts28:27.  Rom.2:4,5. 


Arad,  Balak,  and  others,  attempted  to  injure  them,  his  power 
enclosed  them  about  and  kept  them  safe ; even  as  the  apple , 
or  pupil,  of  the  eye  is  preserved,  both  by  the  wise  contrivance 
of  the  Creator,  and  by  the  jealous  care  of  the  possessor, 
from  external  violence.  (Marg.  Ref.)  It  is  remarkable 
that  in  the  original  of  this  sublime  specimen  of  ancient  po- 
etry, the  future  and  past  tenses  are  so  interchanged,  that  the 
reader  is  sometimes  led  back  to  the  times  of  the  patriarchs, 
and  views  the  deliverance  of  Israel  and  the  transactions  that 
followed  as  future  : — “He  shall  find,  &c.”  At  others,  he  is 
suddenly  carried  forward  to  distant  ages,  and  witnesses  the 
predictions  as  already  accomplished.  Thus  he  is  made  as 
it  were  a spectator  of  all  the  events  which  are  spoken  of,  and 
a witness  of  the  divine  glory,  and  of  Israel’s  perverseness,  in 
every  part  of  them. 

V.  11,  12.  The  eagle  is  remarkable  for  her  tender  care 
of  her  young,  and  for  the  pains  that  she  uses,  and  the  methods 
which  she  employs,  in  teaching  them  to  fly  ; stirring  them  up 
eut  of  the  nest,  fluttering  in  the  air  over  them  to  show  them 
how  to  use  their  wings,  and  even  carrying  them  upon  her  own 
wings : so  that  in  order  to  destroy  the  young  eagles,  the  body 
of  the  old  one  must  on  some  occasions  first  be  pierced.  Thus 
the  Lord,  by  the  message  of  Moses  and  Aaron,  excited  and 
encouraged  the  enslaved  Israelites  to  leave  Egypt,  and  effec- 
tually assisted  and  protected  them  in  so  doing.  And  by  the 
gospel,  and  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  he  excites  sin- 
ners to  leave  Satan’s  bondage,  and  instructs,  defends,  and 
effectually  assists  them.  The  last  circumstance  of  the  eagle’s 
tender  care  of#her  young  is  beautifully  emblematical  of  His 
love,  who  interposed  between  divine  justice  and  our  guilty 
souls,  and  “bare  our  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree.”  In 
both  Testaments,  young  birds,  taken  care  of  by  the  old  one, 
are  emblems  of  the  church’s  safety  under  the  Redeemer’s 
protection:  but  in  the  Old  Testament  the  eagle  is  selected 
as  descriptive  of  his  power:  in  the  New,  the  hen  is  sub- 
stituted, as  most  expressive  of  his  condescension  and 
grace.  ( Notes,  Ex.  19:4.  Matt.  23:37 — 39.)  None  of  the 
gods  of  the  nations  had  the  least  share  in  those  wonderful 
works  of  love,  which  Jehovah  wrought  for  Israel : how  absurd 
and  base  then  was  it  to  join  them  with  him,  or  prefer  them 
to  him,  as  the  objects  of  their  worship  ! 

V.  13.  The  Lord  caused  Israel,  as  a triumphant  con 
queror  riding  in  grand  procession,  to  possess  the  fortified 
cities  and  inaccessible  mountains,  which  the  Canaanites 
thought  secure  from  their  assaults.  In  this  fertile  land,  the 
rocky  parts,  which  were  the  least  valued,  and  which  in  other 
countries  are  generally  unproductive,  by  the  peculiar  blessing 
of  God  afforded  them  great  quantities  of  the  finest  honey  and 
oil.  (Marg.  Rtf.)  The  preceding  verses  referred  to  previ- 
ous events:  but  here  prediction  evidently  begins;  being  writ- 
ten in  the  past  tense  by  way  of  anticipation,  but  expressly  for 
the  use  of  future  ages. 

V.  14.  The  language  of  this  song,  according  to  the  genius 
of  poetry,  especially  the  Eastern  poetry,  abounds  with  bold 
metaphors  which  sometimes  obscure  the  meaning:  but  this 
verse  may  serve  as  a specimen,  according  to  which  others 
less  perspicuous  must  be  interpreted.  A grain  of  wheat,  be- 
ing shaped  somewhat  like  the  kidney,  which  is  surrounded  in 
cattle  with  the  choicest  fat,  and  the  wheat  of  Canaan  being 
remarkably  fine,  the  sacred  writer  calls  it  “ the  fat  of  kidneys 
of  wheat:”  and  the  production  of  the  red  or  purple  grape,  re- 
sembling the  colour  of  blood,  is  called  “ the  pure  blood  of  the 
grape.” 

Butter,  &c.|  4 The  use  of  butter  was  very  ancient  among 

( 373  ) 


B a.  1451.  DEUTERONOMY.  B.  C.  1451. 


art  covered  with  fatness : ''then  he  forsook  God 
which  made  him,  and  lightly  esteemed  rthe  Rock 
of  his  salvation. 

16  They  ’provoked  him  to  jealousy  with  strange 
gods,  with  ‘abominations  provoked  they  him  to 
anger. 

17  They  “sacrificed  unto  devils,  'not  to  God  ; 
to  Tgods  whom  they  knew  not,  xto  new  gods 
that  came  newly  up,  whom  your  fathers  feared 
not. 

18  Of  rthe  Rock  that  begat  thee  thou  art  un- 
mindful, and  hast  ’forgotten  God  that  formed 
thee. 

19  And  “when  the  Lord  saw  it,  he  ^abhorred 
them,  because  of  the  provoking  bof  his  sons  and  of 
his  daughters. 

20  And  he  said,  CI  will  hide  my  face  from  them, 
I will  see  what  their  end  shall  be : for  they  are  lla 

q 6:10— 12.  8:10—11.  31:20.  Neh.  9:25,26.  Is.  1:4.  Jer.  2:7.  5:7,28,29.  Hos.  13: 
6.  r See  oni.  Ps.  18:46.  89:26.  95:1.  s 5:9.  1 Kings  14  22.  Nah.  1:1,2.  1 Cor. 
10:22.  t Seeon  7:25.  l.ev.  18:27.  2 Kings23:13.  u Lev.  17:7.  Ps.  106:37,38. 
1. Cor.  10:20.  1 Tim.  4:1.  Rev.  9:20.  * Or,  which  were  not  God.  21.  Jer.  10: 

15.  1 Cor.  8:4.  10:19.  v 28:64.  Is.  44:8.  xJudg.  5:8.  y See  on  4,15.  z 6:12. 
8:11,14,19.  Ps.  9:17.  44:20—22.  106:21.  Is.  22:10,11.  Jer.  2:3-2.  3:21.  Hos.  8:14. 
a Lev.  26: 11,30.  Judg.  2:14.  Ps.  5:4,5. 10:3.  78.59.  106:40.  Am.  3:2,3.  Zech.  11: 
8.  Rev.  3:16,  T Or,  despised.  Lam. 2:6.  b Ps.  82:6,7.  Is.  1:2.  Jer.  11:15.  c See 
on  31:17,18.  Job  13:24.  $4.29.  Ps.  104:29.  Is.  64:7.  Jer.  18:17.  Hos.  9:12.  d See 
on  5.  Is.  65:2— 5.  Matt.  11:16,17.  Luke  7:31,32.  e 2Chr.20:20.  Is.  7:9.  30:9. 
Matt.  17:17.  Mark  9:19.  Luke  18:8.  2Thes.  3:2.  Heb.  11:6.  f S>e  on  16.  Ps. 
78:58.  g 1 Sam.  12:21.  1 Kings  16:13,26.  Ps.31:6.  Jer.  8:19.  10:8.  14:22.  Jon. 

the  Hebrews;  though  but  lately  known  to  the  Greeks.5  Bp. 
Patrick.  (Marg.  Ref.  i.) 

V.  15.  The  word  u Jeshurun”  seems  to  mean,  The  upright 
one;  and  Israel  was  such  by  profession,  and  comparatively  so 
in  reality,  for  some  time:  but  when  greatly  prospered,  the 
people  degenerated,  and  grew  untractable  and  rebellious  ; like 
the  cattle  that  kick  against  the  goad,  instead  of  being  excited 
by  it  to  labour.  (Note,  1 Sam.  2:29.)  They  used  their  abun- 
dance intemperately,  and  grew  proud  and  luxurious.  This 
rendered  them  forgetful  of  God  and  ungrateful  to  him,  and 
indisposed  them  for  his  spiritual  worship  and  holy  service : 
(Note,  Is.  6:9,10.)  in  proportion,  they  became  attached  to 
the  sensual  worship  of  filthy  idols,  to  which  they  apostatized, 
forsaking  and  lightly  esteeming  their  great  and  gracious  Bene- 
factor : and  when  they  were  reproved  by  the  prophets,  or 
corrected  by  the  Lord,  they  were  fired  with  indignation,  and 
revolted  more  and  more.  (Note,  Is.  1:5,6.) 

V.  17.  The  word,  rendered  devils,  means  destroyers:  and 
such  the  false  gods  proved  to  their  worshippers,  instead  of 
benefactors.  Thus  Satan  is  called  by  the  apostle  Abaddon 
and  Apollyon,  the  one  of  which  in  Hebrew,  and  the  other  in 
Greek,  signifies  a destroyer  : (Note,  Rev.  9:11.)  and  our  Lord 
says  44  he  was  a murderer  from  the  beginning.  (John  8:14.) 
Apostate  spirits  therefore  are  evidently  meant:  and  indeed 
the  whole  system  of  idolatry,  and  of  every  species  of  false 
religion,  ultimately  centres  in  the  worship  and  service  of  Sa- 
tan ; who,  as  the  proud  rival  of  God,  ambitiously  aspires  to  be 
the  god  and  king  of  this  world.  Not  only  were  the  evil  genii 
of  the  heathens  in  reality  devils ; but  their  good  genii  also, 
and  all  their  demons  or  gods,  as  far  as  they  had  any  distinct 
existence.  Whether  a mere  phantom,  or  some  peculiar  de- 
mon under  the  name  of  Baal  or  Jupiter,  or  some  deceased 
hero,  or  the  virtues  and  vices,  were  worshipped  under  these 
images ; the  things  which  were  sacrificed  unto  them  44  were 
sacrificed  unto  devils:55  and  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose,  that 
the  same  word  should  in  an  idolater’s  vocabulary  be  used  in  a 
good  sense,  as  signifying  a deity,  which  in  the  word  of  God, 
a id  in  the  language  of  his  worshippers,  signifies  a demon,  or 
d jvil.  (Marg.  Ref . Note  A Cor.  10c  18 — 22.)  In  this  sys- 
tem of  Satan,  old  gods,  or  44  new  gods  that  newly  came  up,” 
( vhat  a monstrous  absurdity!)  the  deification  of  living  as 
well  as  of  deceased  men,  the  change  from  one  idolatry  to  ano- 
ther in  ceaseless  variety,  equally  suited  his  purpose.  This 
explains  the  secret  of  that  intercommunity  of  gods  and  reli- 
gions, which  the  liberal  and  candid  Heathens  (as  many  now 
affect  to  call  them,)  universally  allowed  of,  but  which  the 
bigoted  Jews  would  not  conform  to;  who  were  therefore  hated 
and  despised  for  their  uncharitable  singularity,  by  which  they 
condemned  all  their  neighbours.  The  Jews  were  indeed  faulty 
in  despising  and  hating  the  Gentiles,  and  were  really  charge- 
able with  bigotry  in  some  respects:  yet  the  worshippers  of 
Jehovah  could  not  possibly  have  any  intercommunity  with 
the  worshippers  of  the  devil ; Satan. himself  would  have  aim- 
ed at  no  more,  and  the  whole  law  of  God  forbade  it.  For  the 
same  reason,  different  modes  of  irreligion,  or  false  religion, 
miy  admit  ot  this  candid  intercommunity ; but  true  Christian- 
ity cannot  thus  be  warped : and  therefore  many,  who  pride 
themselves  upon  their  candour  and  liberality  of  sentiment,  can 
scarcely  find  words  sufficiently  to  express  their  contempt  of 
those  bigots,  who  explicitly  declare  that  there  is  but  one  way 
of  a sinncr\s  acceptance  and  sanctification ; and  that  no  man, 
who  is  not  interested  in  the  merits  and  atoning  sacrifice  of  the 
divine  Saviour,  and  a partaker  of  his  regenerating  Spirit,  can 
ossibly  obtain  heaven,  or  escape  condemnation,  whatever  be 
is  moral  character  among  men.  Yet  all  Christians  should 
maintain  this  scriptural  ground : and  then  by  showing  others 
( 374  ) 


very  froward  generation,  'children  in  whom  is  no 
faith. 

21  They  have  f moved  me  to  jealousy  with  that 
which  is  not  God ; they  have  provoked  me  to 
anger  ewith  their  vanities : and  hl  will  move  them 
to  jealousy  with  those  which  are  not  a people,  I 
will  provoke  them  to  anger  with  a foolish  nation. 

22  For  ‘a  fire  is  kindled  in  mine  anger,  and 
ishall  burn  unto  Hhe  lowest  hell,  and  kshall  §con- 
sume  the  earth  with  her  increase,  and  set  on  fire 
'the  foundations  of  the  mountains. 

23  I will  roheap  mischiefs  upon  them ; I wil 
"spend  mine  arrows  upon  them. 

24  They  shall  be  “burnt  with  hunger,  and  de 
voured  with  “burning  heat,  and  with  bitter  destruc- 
tion : I will  also  send  pthe  teeth  of  beasts  upon 
them,  with  the  poison  of  ^serpents  of  the  dust. 

25  The  "sword  without,  and  terror  "within, 

2:8.  Acts  14:15.  h Hos.  1:10.  Rom.  9:25.  10:19.  11:11—14.  1 1 et.  2:9,10.  i 29: 
20.  Norn.  16:35.  Fa. 21:9.  83:14.  97:3.  Is. 66:15,16.  Jer. 4:4.  15:11.  17:4.  Lam. 
2:3.4:11.  Ez.  36:5.  Nah. 1:6.  Mai.  4:1,2.  Mark  9:43— 13.  2Tlirs.  1:9.  Heh. 
12:29.  Jude  7.  J Or , hath  burned,  j Ps.  86:13.  Is.  30:33.  Zeph.3:8.  Matt.  10- 
28.18:9  . 23:33.  § Or,  hath  consumed,  k 29:23.  Is.  £1:6,19,20.  1 Job  9:5,6. 

Ps.  46:2.  144:5.  Is.  54:10.  Mic.  1:4.  Nah.  1:5.  Hah.  3:10.  m 23:15,  &c.  Lev. 
26:18,24,28.  I«.  24:17,18.  Jer.  15:2,3.  Ez.  14:21.  Matt.  24:7,8.  n Ps,  7:12,13. 
Lam.  3:13.  Ez.  5:16.  o 28:53— 57.  Jer.  14:18.  Lam.  4:4— 9.  5:10.  l|  Heb. 
burning  coals.  Ps.  18,12 — 14.  120:4.  Hab.  3:5.  p Lev.  26:22.  Jer.  15:3.  16:4. 
Ez.  5:17.  14:15,21.  q Gen.  3:14.  49:17.  Is.  65:25.  Am.  9:3.  r Lev. 26:36,37. 
Is.  30:16,17.  Jer.  9:21.  Lam.  1:20.  Ez.7:15.  2 Cor.  7:5.  IT  Heb  .from  ths  cham- 
bers. 


all  civil  respect  and  tender  kindness ; by  manifesting  continu- 
ally a disposition  to  sympathize  with  them,  and  a readiness 
to  relieve  them,  with  modesty  and  courteousness  ; they  should 
endeavour  to  convince  them  that,  not  proud  bigotry  and  uncha- 
ritable severity,  but  regard  to  the  truth  of  God’s  word,  and  a 
reluctance  to  do  any  thing  to  buoy  up  the  groundless  hopes 
of  those  who  neglect  the  great  salvation  of  the  gospel,  influ- 
ence them  in  making  this  profession.  (Notes,  2 Cor.  6:14 — 18. 
2 John  7 — 11.) 

V.  18.  ‘God,  the  author  of  thy  being;  who  “formed  thee** 
into  a kingdom  of  priests.5  Bp.  Patrick.  (Notes,  4,30,31.) 

V.  19,  20.  The  Israelites  are  called  44  the  sons  and 
daughters”  of  Jehovah’  in  respect  to  privilege  ; while,  be- 
cause of  their  character,  that  relation  is  disowned.  (5) — Having 
received  their  natural  and  national  existence,  and  all  their 
peculiar  advantages,  from  the  Lord,  they  so  provoked  him  by 
multiplied  idolatries,  that  he  abhorred,  or  disdained  them,  and 
as  it  were  turned  them  out  of  his  house ; and  declared  that 
he  would  withdraw  his  protection  and  withhold  his  wonted 
interposition  in  their  favour:  and  even  afterwards,  whilst  they 
groaned  under  their  miseries,  that  he  would  look  on  as  an 
unconcerned  spectator,  until  they  were  brought  to  the  utmosl 
extremities  ; because  they  were  a froward  and  perverse 
generation,  destitute  alike  of  faith  and  faithfulness.  (Marg 
Ref.  Notes,  Lev.  26:30.  Is.  63:10.  Zech.  11:7 — 9.) 

V.  21.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  20:5.  34:11  — 17.)  Many 
of  the  judgments  inflicted  on  the  offending  Israelites,  by  the 
Canaanites,  Philistines,  Midianites,  Chaldeans,  and  others, 
might  form  a partial  accomplishment  of  this  prediction:  blit 
the  apostle  applies  it,  no  doubt  most  justly,  to  the  calling  of 
the  Gentiles  into  the  church.  (Rom.  10:19.) — The  Jews, 
proud  of  their  abused  privileges,  had  not  only  treated  the 
heathen  as  foolish  and  vile,  which,  as  given  up  to  base 
idolatries,  they  doubtless  were ; but.  even  as  dogs  compared 
with  themselves,  to  whom  as  children  they  supposed  that 
all  spiritual  blessings  exclusively  and  unalterably  belonged ; 
(Note,  Matt.  15:25 — 28.)  and  it  therefore  provoked  the  jealousy 
of  the  Jews  to  a degree  of  indignant  rage,  to  see  them  enter 
into  the  church,  and  admitted  to  equal  privileges  with  them- 
selves. This  eventually  tended  to  their  own  entire  exclusion  ; 
and  has  even  to  this  very  day  exceedingly  exasperated  them 
against  Christianity.  (Note,  1 IVics.  2:13 — 16.) 

V.  22.  The  tremendous  effects  of  the  wrath  of  God  are 
here  represented  under  the  metaphor  of  a fire,  which,  kindled 
upon  the  surface  of  the  earth,  should  burn  even  to  its  centre ; 
and,  according  to  a very  general  notion  of  the  ancients,  quite 
through  to  the  place  of  miserable  departed  spirits.  The  word 
here  used,  (S'lNtr,  $<$>7?,  Sept.)  signifying  4 the. unseen  state,* 
seems  to  intimate  that  the  wrath  of  God  would  pursue  its 
objects,  after  death,  to  that  place  “where  their  worm  never 
dieth,  and  the  fire  is  not  quenched.”  (Note,  Ps.  16:8 — 11.) 

Eowest  hell.]  Note,  Ps.  86:12,13. 

V.  24.  Serpents  of  the  dust.]  Or,  4 serpents  which  crawl 
upon  and  lick  the  dust.5 — (The  word  (o^nr,)  rendered  44  ser- 
pents,” is  used  by  Micah  in  a similar  sense.  Alic.  7:17.  Heb.) 
— The  marginal  references  best  explain  the  highly  poetical 
language  of  those  prophetical  denunciations. 

V.  25.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  26,  27.  The  idolatry  and  rebellions  of  Israel  deserved, 
and  the  justice  of  God  seemed  to  demand,  that  they  should 
be  banished  to  the  remotest  corners  of  the  earth,  where  they 
might  never  more  be  heard  of,  or  even  that  they  should  be 
entirely  extirpated:  but  ho  knew  that  his  enemies  would  mis- 
understand this  event,  and  would  in  conscqucnco  ho  elated 
with  insufferable  insolence,  and  emboldened  !<  utter  blas- 
phomies,  and  to  deny  all  that  was  rocoru  jd  of  I is  wondorful 


c.  1451.  • CHAPTER  XXXII.  B.  C.  1451 


shall  ‘destroy  both  ‘the  young  man  and  the  virgin, 
ihe  suckling  also,  with  the  man  of  gray  hairs. 

26  I said,  lI  would  scatter  them  into  corners,  I 
would  make  the  remembrance  of  them  to  cease 
from  a mong  men ; 

27  Were  it  not  that  I feared  the  wrath  of  the 
enemy,  “lest  their  adversaries  should  behave  them- 
selves strangely,  and  lest  vthey  should  say,  'Our 
baud  is  high,  and  the  Lord  hath  not  done  all 
this. 

28  For  they  are  wa  nation  void  of  counsel, 
neither  is  there  any  understanding  in  them. 

29  Oh,  'that  they  were  wise,  that  they  under- 
stood this,  that  Hhey  would  consider  their  latter 

end! 

30  How  should  ‘one  chase  a thousand,  and  two 
put  ten  thousand  to  flight,  except  their  Rock  had 
•sold  them,  and  the  Lord  had  bshut  them  up  ? 

31  For  “their  rock  is  not  as  our  Rock,  even  our 
enemies  themselves  being  judges.  . 

32  For  their  vine  is  }of  the  vine  of  Sodom,  and 
of  the  fields  of  Gomorrah:  dtheir  grapes  are 
grapes  of  gall,  their  clusters  are  bitter : 

• Heb.  bereave.  s Lara.  2:19— W.  4:4.  t 28:25,36,37,64.  Ler.  26:33,38.  Luke 
21:24.  u 1 Sam.  12:22.  Is.  37:28,29,35.  47:7.  Lam.  1:9.  Ei.  20:13,14,20— 22. 
Zech.  1:14,15.  v Ex.  32:12.  Num.  14:15,16.  Josh.  7:9.  Ps.  115:1,2.  Is.  10: 
8—15.  37:10,12—23.  Dan.  4:30—37.  t Or,  nurhigh  hand  and  not  the  LORD 
hath  done  all  this.  w6.  Job  28:28.  Ps.  81:12.  Prov.  1:7.  Is.  27:11.  29:14.  Jer. 
4:22.  8:9.  Hos.4:6.  Mutt.  13:14,15.  Rom.  11:25.  1 Cor.  8:19.  x 5:29.  Ps.  81: 
13.  107:15,43.  Is.  48:18,19.  Hos.  14:9.  Luke  19:41,42.  y Is.  10:3.  47:7.  Jer.  5: 
91.  17:11.  Lam.  1:9.  L ike  12:20.  16:19 — 25.  z Lev. 26:8.  Josh.  23:10.  Judg. 
7:22,23.  1 Sam.  14:15—17.  2Chr. 24.24.  Is. 30:17.  a Judg.2:14.  3:8.  Ps.  44:12. 
I*.  50:1.  52:3.  Mutt  18:25.  b Job  11:10.  16:11.  Ps.31:8.  c Ex.  14:25.  Num. 
23  3,23.  1 Sam.  2:2.  4:S.  Ezra  1:3.  6:9—12.  7:20,21.  Jer. 40:3.  Dan.  2:47.  3:29. 
4:26,27.  % Or»  worse  than  the  vine  of  Sodom.  Is.  1:10.  Lam.  4:6.  Ez.  16:45— 

works  in  Egypt  and  at  the  Red  Sea.  ( Notes , Ex.  32:11 — 14. 
Num.  14:13 — 19.  Eh.  20:7 — 9.)  He  therefore  determined  to 
spare  the  nation:  and  he  still,  for  similar  purposes,  continues 
the  Jews  as  living  witnesses  of  the  truth  of  the  Scriptures. 
For  no  doubt,  the  triumphs  of  modern  infidels  would  have 
been  more  insolent,  and  their  blasphemies  more  abundant,  had 
there  been  no  tracer  of  such  a people  as  Israel  any  where 
discoverable  upon  earth. — By  a bold  figure,  the  sacred  poet 
ascribes  to  the  Almighty,  language  taken  from  the  conduct  of 
men,  who  are  deterred  from  such  things,  as  they  have  a strong 
inclination  to,  through  fear  of  disagreeable  consequences.  As 
God  abhorred  idolatry,  pride,  and  blasphemy,  and  was  deter- 
mined not  to  give  this  occasion  for  them,  he  is  said  “ to  fear 
the  wrath  of  the  enemy;”  because  he  acted  as  men  do  when 
thus  afraid.  (Notes,  Gen.  6:6,7.  2 Kings  18:28 — 35.) 

V.  29.  The  Israelites,  had  they  been  wise,  would  have 
attended  to  these  warnings  and  instructions,  and  reflected  on 
the  consequences  of  their  conduct ; and  so  avoided  all  such 
things  as  led  to  personal  or  national  ruin,  and  observed  all 
such  as  conducted  to  prosperity  and  felicity  : thus  they  would 
have  “ considered  their  latter  end.” — For,  notwithstanding  all 
the  predictions  which  had  been  delivered,  they  would  certainly 
have  prospered  had  they  been  obedient:  and  notwithstanding 
the  divine  decrees,  it  is  equally  certain  that  none  will  come 
short  of  eternal  life,  but  the  impenitent  and  unbelieving. — It 
is  so  agreeable  to  the  divine  holiness  and  love  that  his  rational 
crealures  should  be  obedient  and  happy,  and  that  sinners 
should  repent,  believe,  and  b»  saved,  that  he  is  represented 
as  desiring  and  even  wishing  for  it.  This  must  be  understood 
in  the  same  manner  as  his  “ fearing  the  wrath  of  the  enemy 
. with  reference  to  the  conduct  which  he  approves  in  us,  and  not 
with  respect  to  his  own  government  of  the  world,  which  is  in 
all  respects  perfectly  wise,  righteous,  faithful,  and  good,  though 
often  too  deep  for  our  investigation.  (Notes,  5:28,29.  Ps.  81:13. 
Ez.  33:11.  Matt.  23:37—39.  Luke  19:42 — 44.) 

V.  30,  31.  Unless  the  Israelites  had  provoked  God  by 
their  crimes  to  sell  them  as  slaves,  and  to  deliver  them,  as 
malefactors  shut  up  in  prison,  into  the  hands  of  their  enemies, 
no  power  could  possibly  have  prevailed  against  them.  For  he 
would  have  continued  to  be  their  omnipotent  Protector  and 
Helper ; and,  in  that  case,  they  would  have  been  uniformly 
victorious  over  all  assailants,  according  to  the  examples 
recorded  in  Scripture.  (Marg.Ref.  z,  a,  b.)  How  amazingly 
different  from  this  has  their  condition  been  during  above 
1700  years  '.—The  idols  of  the  Gentiles,  on  which  they  professed 
to  depend,  had  never  equalled  the  wondrous  works  of  Jeho- 
vah, even  by  their  own  confession ; and  therefore  they  could 
never  have  prevailed  against  Israel,  had  not  their  Rock  and 
Defender  been  turned  from  them,  yea,  turned  against  them. 
(Marg.  Ref.  c.) 

V.  32,  33.  The  nation  of  Israel,  though  planted  a generous 
vine,  of  an  excellent  stock,  in  a rich  soil,  and  with  every 
advantage  of  culture,  did  not  bring  forth  the  good  fruits  of 
righteousness  : (Notes,  Is.  5:2 — 7.  Jer.  2:20,21.)  nay,  it  even 
rivalled  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  in  wickedness:  and  as  this 
conduct  in  them  was  more  dishonourable  to  God,  and  more 
poisonous  to  the  minds  of  others,  by  prejudicing  them  against 
God  and  religion,  it  would  therefore  be  eventually  more  bitter 
to  themselves. — Thus  Josephus  describes  the  Jews  before 
their  ruin  by  the  Romans : — * They  were  a more  atheistical 


33  Their  wine  is  ethe  poison  of  dragons,  and 
the  cruel  venom  of  asps. 

34  Is  not  this  f laid  up  in  store  with  me,  and 
sealed  up  among  my  treasures  ? 

35  sTo  me  oelongeth  vengeance  and  rccom 
pense : htheir  foot  shall  slide  in  due  time  : for  the 
day  of  their  calamity  is  at  hand,  and  ‘the  things 
that  shall  come  upon  them  make  haste. 

[ Practical  Observations .] 

36  For  kthe  Lord  shall  judge  his  people,  and 
'repent  himself  for  his  servants : when  he  seeth 
that  tlieir  §power  is  gone,  and  there  is  mnone  shut 
up,  or  left. 

37  And  he  shall  say,  “Where  are  their  gods, 
their  rock  in  whom  they  trusted  ; 

38  Which  did  “eat  the  fat  of  their  sacrifices, 
and  drank  the  wine  of  their  drink-offerings?  let 
them  rise  up  and  help  you,  and  be  "your  pro- 
tection. 

39  See  now  that  H,  even  I,  am  he,  and  there  is 
no  god  with  me:*  “d  kill,  and  I make  alive;  I 
wound,  and  I heal : “neither  is  there  any  that  can 
deliver  out  of  my  hand. 


51.  Matt.  11:24.  d29:18.  I«.  5:4.  Heb.  12:15;  e Job  20:14— 16.  P».  58:4.  140. 
3.  Jer.  8:14.  marg.  Rom.  J:13.  f Job  14:17.  Jer.  2:22.  Hoa.  13:12.  Rom.2:5. 

1 Cor.  4:5.  Rev.  20:12,13.  g 43.  Ps.  94:1.  Nall.  1:2,6.  Rom.  12:19.  13:4.  Heb.  10: 
30.  h Ps.  73:17— 19.  Prov. 4:19.  Is.  8:15.  Jer. 6:21.  13:16.  1 Pel.  2:8.  ill.  5:19. 
30:12,13.  60:22.  Hab.  2:3.  Luke  18:7,8.  2 Pet.  2:3.  3:8— 10.  k Ps.  7:8.  50:4. 
96:13.  135:14.  IJurlg.2:18.  Ps.  90:13.  106:45.  Jer.  31:20.  Joel2:14.  Amos  1:8, 
6.  §Heb.taR.  m 1 Kings  14:10.  21:21.  2 Kings  9:8.  14:26.  nJudg.  10:14. 

2 King*  3:13.  Jer.  2:28.  oLev.  21:21.  Ps.  50:13.  Ez.  16:18,19.  Hos.  2:8.  Zeph. 
2:11.  ||  Heb.  an  hiding  for  you.  p Is.  41:4.  45:5,22.  46:4.  48:12.  Heb.  1:12. 
Rev.  1:1L  2:8.  q 1 Sam.  2:6.  2 Kings  5:7.  Job  5:18.  Ps.  68:20.  Is.  43:13.  Ho*. 
6:1.  John  8:24.  Rev.  1:18.  r Job  10:7.  Ps.  50:22.  Is.  43:13.  Mic.  5:8. 


generation  than  the  inhabitants  of  Sodom.’ — ‘There  was  no 
act  of  wickedness  that  was  not  committed;  nor  can  one 
imagine  any  thing  so  bad  that  they  did  not  do ; endeavouring, 
publicly  as  well  as  privately,  to  excel  one  another,  both  in 
impiety  towards  God  and  injustice  to  their  neighbours.’ — 
‘Had  not  the  Romans  destroyed  them,  the  earth  would  have 
opened  and  swallowed  them,  or  fire  from  Jieaven  would  have 
consumed  them.’  (Marg  Ref.  Note,  Ez.  16:48 — 51.) 

V.  34,  35.  All  the  wickedness  of  Israel  was  noticed  and 
registered,  as  in  a book,  by  the  Lord,  until  the  appointed 
time  of  vengeance:  and  it  would  then  appear  that  it  had  been 
reserved  in  store,  to  be  produced  against  them,  to  manifest 
his  justice  in  tlieir  punishment;  even  as  a man  seals  up  his 
treasures,  and  deposits  them  in  a secure  place  till  he  wants  to 
use  them. — For  it  belongeth  to  God,  the  Judge  of  all,  to 
execute  vengeance  on  the  wicked  ; it  is  his  peculiar  office 
and  prerogative ; so  that  none  are  authorized  to  take  ven- 
geance, except  as  commissioned  by  him.  (Note,  Num.  31:2.) 
But  in  perfect  wisdom  he  waits  the  most  proper  season  ; and 
though  his  judgments  seem  to  linger,  they  in  reality  make 
haste  and  are  at  hand.  For  when  sinners  deem  themselves 
most  secure,  and  suppose  that  their  foot  stands  firm,  he  causes 
it  to  slide  in  due  time,  and  they  suddenly  fall  into  destruction. 
(Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Heb.  10:28—31.) 

V.  36.  The  Lord  pleaded  the  cause  of  the  pious  remnant 
of  Israel  in  every  age ; he  rescued  the  Jews  from  the  Baby 
lonish  captivity ; the  Messiah  appeared  in  the  appointed 
season  ; and  the  nation  has  from  time  to  time  received  many 
gracious  deliverances : but  as  this  sacred  poem  relates  to  the 
same  events  which  have  already  been  considered  in  the  pre- 
ceding chapters ; this  part  also  certainly  refers  to  mercies 
(still  reserved  for  them,  even  their  future  conversion  and 
restoration. — When  the  appointed  period  shall  arrive,  the 
Lord  will  plead  their  cause,  and  avenge  them  on  all  their 
oppressors ; he  will  change  his  conduct  towards  them,  as  a 
man  does  when  he  repents  ; but  not  till  he  has  brought  them 
into  utter  distress,  so  that  none  shall  be  any  where  shut  up, 
and  exempted  from  hostile  depredations  ; or  left,  who  shall 
not  be  carried  captive,  and  at  the  mercy  of  their  conquerors : 
and  he  will  continue  their  punishment,  till  they  are  brought 
to  renounce  all  dependence  on  human  help.  (Notes,  Is.  63: 
15—19.64:  Ez.  36:25—32.  Hos.  2:14— 17.  3:4,5.  14:1—8. 
Zech.  12:9 — 14.  Rom.  11:25 — 32.) — This  evidently  predicts 
the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  by  the  Romans,  the  consequent 
desolations  of  their  land,  and  the  long-continued  dispersion 
which  has  ensued. 

V.  37 — 39.  It  is  most  obvious  to  understand  this,  not  is  a 
reproach  cast  on  the  Jews  by  their  enemies,  but  as  the 
rebuke  of  God  in  his  providence ; exposing  Israel’s  folly  in 
sacrificing  to  worthless  idols,  and  as  it  were  feasting  them  on 
their  abundance.  Let  the  idolaters,  in  their  distress,  apply 
for  help  to  the  objects  of  their  abominable  worship,  and  not 
expect  it  from  Jehovah  whom  they  had  so  basely  forsaken. 
(Notes,  Judg.  10:13,14.  Hos.  2:8,9.)  But  the  rejection  and 
crucifixion  of  the  Messiah  may  be  considered  as  a continu- 
ation of  these  idolatries,  and  the  completion  of  their  national 
guilt:  and  of  all  this  complicated  wickedness  he  will  make 
the  Jews  deeply  sensible,  before  he  appears  to  deliver  them 
from  their  present  miseries.  Then  they  will  learn  that  there 
is  no  God  but  Jehovah  ; that  he  alone  is  able  to  save  and 
( 375  ) 


h C.  1451 


DEUTERONOMY. 


B.  C.  1451 


.10  For  S1  lift  up  my  hand  to  heaven,  and  say,  I 
live  I or  eve  i. 

<”  If  I ‘ivhet  my  glittering  sword,  and  mine 
hand  take  hold  on  judgment : UI  will  render  ven- 
geance to  mine  enemies,  and  will  reward  vthem 
that  hate  me. 

42  I will  xmake  mine  arrows  drunk  with  blood, 
and  my  sword  shall  devour  flesh;  and  that  with 
the  blood  of  the  slain,  and  of  the  captives,  from 
the  beginning  of  revenges  upon  the  enemy. 

43  'Rejoice,  *0  ye  nations,  with  his  people  ; for 
he  will  zavenge  the  blood  of  his  servants,  and  will 
render  vengeance  to  his  adversaries,  and  awiM  be 
merciful  unto  his  land,  and  to  his  people. 

44  11  And  Moses  came  and  '’spake  all  the  words 
of  this  song  in  the  ears  of  the  people,  he,  and 
'Hoshea  the  son  of  Nun. 

45  And  Moses  made  an  end  of  speaking  all 
these  words  to  all  Israel. 

46  And  he  said  unto  them,  cSet  your  hearts 
unto  all  the  words  which  I testify  among  you  this 
day ; which  ye  shall  command  your  children  to 
observe,  to  do  all  the  words  of  this  law. 

eGen.14-22.  Ex.  6:8.  Num.  14:28^-30.  Jer  4:2.  Heb.  6:17,18.  Rev.  10:5,6.  t Ps. 
7:12.  Is.  27:1.  34:5,6.  66:16.  Ei.  21:9,10,14,30.  Zeph.2:12.  u Sec  on  35.  Is.  1: 
24.  59:1b.  66:6.  v 5:9.  See  on  Ex.  20:5.  Rom.  1:30.  8:7.  2 Tim.  3:4.  x See  on 
23.  Ps.  63:23.  Is.  34:6—8.  Jer.  46:10.  Ez.  35:6— 3.  38:21, 22.  * Or,  praise  /iis 

people,  ve  nations  ; or , sing  ye.  y Gen.  12:3.  1 Kings  8:43.  Ps.  22:27.  Is.  11: 
10.  19.2$, 25.  Luke  2: 10,11,32.  Acts  13.47,48.  Rom.  15:9— 13.  Rev.  5:9,10.  z See 
on  35.  Job  13:24.  Jer.  13:14.  Lam.  2:5.  Luke  19:27,13,44.  21:2*2-24.  Rom.  12: 
19.  Rev.  6:10. 15.2,4.  18:2,20.  19:2.  a Ps.  85:1.  b See  on  31:22,30.  t Or,  Joshua. 


to  destroy,  to  afflict  and  prosper,  and  that  none  cantleliver 
men  out  of  his  hand.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note-,  1 Sam.  2:4 — 8.) 

V.  40 — 42.  44  Lifling  up  the  hand”  was  at  that  time  customary 
in  taking  solemn  oaths  : (Marg.  Ref.  s.)  and  when  Jehovah 
sware  by  his  own  self-existence  and  eternity,  the  sentence, 
whether  of  mercy  or  of  judgment,  became  irrevokable  and  ir- 
reversible. And  therefore,  if  the  Lord  prepared  for  vengeance, 
as  a man  for  battle,  and  put  his  hand  to  the  dreadful  work  of 
executing  judgment  on  the  wicked,  he  would  do  it  effectually  ; 
nor  should  any  of  those,  who  had  provoked  his  indignation, 
he  able  either  to  resist  or  escape.  Especially  he  will  revenge 
himself  upon  all  those,  who  at  any  time  have  injured  his  people, 
(Notes,  Is.  34:  63:1 — 6.  Rev.  19:11 — 21.) — The  words  ren- 
dered 44  from  the  beginning  of  revenges  on  the  enemy are 
obscure,  and  may  mean,  4 from  the  highest  to  the  lowest  of 
.he  enemy.’ — This  conclusion  seems  to  relate  to  the  final 
deliverance  of  Israel,  and  the  destruction  of  all  who  op- 
>ose  that  deliverance,  and  of  every  enemy  of  God  and  his 
people : and  future  events  may  hereafter  illustrate  this  part 
of  the  prophecy,  as  history  has  explained  the  foregoing  parts 
of  it. 

V.  43.  When  the  Gentiles  were  called  into  the  church, 
and  the  Jews  who  opposed  it  were  severely  punished,  this 
prophecy  began  to  he  accomplished : but  when  upon  their 
future  conversion,  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles  shall  be  brought 
in,  and  all  opposers  be  destroyed,  it  will  be  completely  fulfil- 
led. The  restoration  of  the  Jews  to  their  own  land,  and  its 
subsequent  fertility,  seem  also  predicted.  (Notes,  Rom.  11:11 
—15.  15:8—13.) 

V.  45 — 52.  Moses,  having  delivered  the  preceding  pro- 
phetical song  to  Israel,  with  earnest  attestations  and  exhorta- 
»ions,  continuing  the  44  labour  of  love”  to  his  latest  breath, 
.received  the  summons  from  God  to  take  a view*  of  the  promised 
land,  and  then  close  his  eyes  in  death.  (iVofes,  3:23 — 28. 
34:1—6.  Num.  20:10—13,22—28.  27:15— 17.)— The  expres- 
sion, 44  gathered  unto  thy  people,”  must  here  relate  to  the 
soul,  not  to  the  body ; for  none  of  Moses’s  people  were  buried 
on  mount  Abarim:  yet  the  words  are  not  used  exclusively  of 
the  righteous.  (Note,  Gen.  25:7, S.) — 4 The  Israelites  should 
have  learnt,  that  as  Moses  left  them  short  of  the  promised 
land,  and  could  not  bring  them  into  possession  of  it,  so  his 
law  did  not  contain  a perfect  revelation  of  God’s  will,  but 
they  were  to  expect  something  beyond  it.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 14.  Divine  truths,  if  proposed  with  solemnity  and 
affection,  and  accompanied  by  fervent  prayers,  resemble  the 
gentle  dews  and  rains  which  refresh  and  fructify  the  earth: 
and  while  numbers,  alas ! turn  away  from  instruction  with 
meglect  an  „ dislike,  many  in  every  age  welcome  the  blessing, 
and  show  the  beneficial  tendency  of  it  in  their  holy  and  useful 
lives.  (Note,  Ps.  72:4 — 7.) — When  the  glorious  perfections 
©f  God,  and  his  dealings  with  mankind  in  general,  and  with 
every  individual,  and  their  real  character  and  conduct  towards 
him,  shall  he  completely  made  known  to  the  whole  world, 
either  his  mercy  in  their  salvation,  or  his  justice  in  their  con- 
demnation, will  he  universally  acknowledged  by  all.  In  every 
controversy  between  the  great  Creator,  and  his  rational  crea- 
tures, the  heavens  and  the  earth,  and  every  part  of  the 
the  world,  will  be  witnesses  for  him  44  to  declare  his  righ- 
eousness,”  and  to  convict  and  silcnco  all  who  have  rebelled 
against  him:  for  the  benefits  which  he  has  already  conferred, 
.ay  them  under  so  strong  obligat  ions  entirely  to  love  and  serve 
%dm.  that  their  ingratitude  and  disobedience  admit  of  no  ex- 
I 376  ) 


47  For  it  is  dnot  a vain  thing  for  you,  because 
it  is  your  life : and  through  this  thing  ye  shall 
prolong  your  days  in  the  land  whither  ye  go 
over  Jordan  to  possess  it. 

48  And  “the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  that  self- 
same day,  saying, 

49  Get  thee  up  into  this  'mountain  Abarim, 
unto  mount  Nebo,  which  is  in  the  land  of  Moab, 
that  is  over  against  Jericho  ; sand  behold  the  land 
of  Canaan,  which  I give  unto  the  children  of  Israel 
lor  a possession ; 

50  And  die  in  the  mount  whither  thou  goest 
up,  and  hbe  gathered  unto  thy  people ; ‘as  Aaron 
thy  brother  died  in  mount  Hor,  and  was  gathered 
unto  his  people : 

51  Because  kye  trespassed  against  me  among 
the  children  of  Israel,  at  the  waters  of  tMeribah- 
kadesh,  in  the  wilderness  of  Zin ; 'because  ye 
sanctified  me  not  in  the  midst  of  the  children  of 
Israel. 

52  Yet  mthou  shalt  see  the  land  before  thee, 
but  thou  shalt  not  go  thither,  unto  the  land  which 
I give  the  children  of  Israel. 

See  on  Num.  13:8,16.  c See  on  6:6.7.  11:18.  IChr. 22:19.  Ez.40:4.  Luk» 
9:44.  Heb. 2:1.  d 80:19.  Lev.  18:5.  Prov.  3:1,2,18,22.  4:22.  Is.  45: 19.  Mall.  6- 
33.  Horn.  10  5,6.  1 Tim.  4 8.  6:6—8.  1 Pet.  3:10— 12.  2Pet.  1.3,16.  Rev.  22:14. 
e Num.  27:12,13.  f 34:1.  See  on  Num.'33:47, 48.  s34:2— 5.  Is.  33:17.  2Cor. 
5:1.  h Geu.  15:15.  See  on  25:8,17.  49:33.  Dan.  12.13.  i Num.  20:25,28.  33: 
38.  k 3:23— 27.  Num.  20:11.12,24  . 27:14.  J (li , strife  at  K.dtsh.  Num. 20: 
13,14.  1 See  on  Lev.  10:3.  1 Kings  13:21— 26.  1 Pel.  4:17.  m 49.  34: 1—3.  Num. 
27:12.  Heb.  11:13,39. 

case.  (Note,  Rom.  1:18 — 20.)  Yea,  every  advantage,  by 
which  any  of  them  are  distinguished  from  others,  increases 
their  obligation  and  aggravates  the  guilt  of  transgression. — In 
our  own  case  we  should  recollect  that  our  favoured  land,  not 
less  desirable  in  many  respects  than  Canaan  itself;  the  place 
of  our  abode,  if  peculiarly  pleasant  or  suitable  ; our  temporal 
provision,  and  the  abundance  which  many  possess,  with  a 
variety  of  other  advantages  national  and  personal ; are  as 
much  the  special  gift  and  appointment  of  God  to  us,  as  the 
land  of  promise  was  to  Israel,  and  as  really  demand  our 
gratitude  and  cheerful  obedience. — We  too,  as  well  as  they 
are  singularly  favoured  with  the  light  of  revelation  and  the 
ordinances  of  true  religion,  and  are  professedly  the  Lord’s 
people.  We  hear  continually  of  a redemption  far  more 
precious  than  that  of  Israel  out  of  Egyptian  bondage,  and 
are  invited  to  partake  its  inestimable  blessings : but  unless 
we  are  44  redeemed  from  all  iniquity,  and  purified  to  the  Re- 
deemer as  a peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good  works,”  all  our 
privileges  will  only  increase  our  condemnation. — And  alas  ! the 
dark  and  deep  stains  of  every  atrocious  wickedness,  which 
mark  our  national  character,  are  not  44  the  spots  of  God’s 
children,”  but  demonstrate  that  in  general  we  afe  Christians 
only  in  name : and  comparing  our  mercies  with  our  conduct, 
it  may  well  be  said  to  us,  44  Do  ye  thus  requite  the  Lord,  O 
foolish  people  and  unwise  ? Is  not  he  thy  Father  that  hath 
bought  thee  ? hath  he  not  made  thee,  and  established  thee  ?* 
— Indeed  he  found  us  all  dead  in  sin,  and  slaves  to  Satan, 
and  basely  in  love  with  our  chains : and  even  when  44  warned 
to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,”  and  invited  to  liberty  and 
felicity,  we  were  disposed  to  cleave  to  the  world  and  shrink 
from  the  difficulties  and  perils  of  a godly  life.  But  his  Spirit 
quickened  our  souls,  stirred  us  up  from  the  dust,  sweetly  and 
powerfully  showed  us  our  danger  and  our  refuge,  gave  us 
effectual  assistance,  and  led  us  in  paths  which  we  had  not 
before  known.  Thus  we.  became  the  redeemed  servants  of 
God,  44  his  portion  and  the  lot  of  his  inheritance,”  yea,  his 
beloved  children  and  heirs  of  eternal  glory  ; and  were  favoured 
with  hojy  consolations  and  earnests  of  heavenly  felicity.  Yet, 
alas ! how  often  have  we  all  merited  the  reproach  of  ingrati- 
tude and  folly!  How  frequently  have  we  44  grieved  his  Holy 
Spirit,”  even  if  we  have  been  kept  from  dishonouring  his 
name!  How  often  have  wc  moved  him  to  jealousy  by  our 
inordinate  attachment  to  earthly  objects  ! How  many  times 
have  we  provoked  him  to  hide  his  face  from  us,  and  to  chas- 
ten us  for  our  sins,  44  that  we  might  not  he  condemned  with 
the  world!”  In  short  how  much  reason  do  we  find  on  the 
retrospect,  to  humble  ourselves  before  God,  and  to  plead  with 
him  for  his  mercy’s  sake,  to  pardon  our  sins,  to  renew  oat 
souls,  and  44  to  establish  our  goings  in  his  ways,  that  our  fool* 
steps  slip  not !” 

V.  15 — 35.  It  is  a striking  proof  of  human  depravity,  that 
prosperity  almost  always  increases  pride  and  ungodliness,  as 
well  as  luxury  and  sensuality.  Our  national  riches  and  suc- 
cesses have  manifestly  produced  this  hateful  effect:  like 
44Jeshurun,  we  have  grown  fat  and  kicked:”  and  the  most 
daring  infidelity,  impiety,  and  profligacy,  which  abound  on 
every  side,  prove  that  we  have  forsaken  God,  and  provoked 
him  to  jealousy,  even  as  the  Israelites  did  by  their  multiplied 
idolatries  and  enormous  crimes.  Indeed  it  is  an  observation, 
which  every  reflecting  man  has  had  occasion  to  make,  that 
many  who  in  adversity  or  low  circumstances  behaved  well, 
and  seemed  favourable  Jo  religion,  when  her  >mo  prosperous 
and  wealthy  grow  insolent,  and  profane,  and  snem  to  -xiy  ui  to 


B.  C.  14j1 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 


B.  C.  1451 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

Notts  records  the  displays  of  the  Lord's  majesty , and  hit  love  to  Israel,  1 — 5. 
He  pronounces  a prophetical  blissing  on  each  of  the  tribes , 6 — Uo  : and 
shows  in  general  their  felicity  at  the  people'of  God,  26—29. 

AND  this  is  “the  blessing1,  wherewith  Moses 
bthe  man  of  God  blessed  the  children  of  Israel 
belore  his  death. 

2 And  he  said,  The  Lord  Ccame  from  Sinai, 
and  rose  up  from  Seir  unto  them;  he  shined  forth 

a Gen.  27:4.27—29.  49:1; 23.  Luke  24:50,51.  John  14:27.  16:33.  17;  b Josh.  14; 
6.  Judg.  13:6.  1 Sam.  2:27.  9:6,7.  livings  13:1,6.  Ps.  BO:  title.  1 Tim. 6:11. 
2 Tim.  3:17.  2 Pet.  1:21.  c Ex.  19:18-20.  Judg.  5:4.5.  Hab.  3:3.  dPs.  68:7,8, 
17.  Dan.  7:9,10.  Acts  7:53.  Gal.  3:19.  2 Thes.  1:7.  Heb.2:2.  J«  tie  14.  Rev.  5:11. 
• Heb.ajSreo/Zaw.  5:22.  2 Cor.  3:7,9.  Ga!.  3:10.  Heb.  12:20.  e 7:7,8.  Ex. 

God,  u We  are  lords:  we  will  come  no  more  unto  thee.”  Of 
this  class  of  apostates,  most  faithful  ministers  in  large  cities 
have  to  lament  over  many  affecting  instances ; nay,  of  those 
who  still  wish  to  be  thought  Christians,  and  so  deem  them- 
selves branches  of  the  true  Vine,  what  numbers  are  there  of 
whom  it  must  be  said,  M Their  vine  is  of  the  vine  of  Sodom, 
and  their  wine  the  poison  of  dragons,  and  the  cruel  venom  of 
asps.” — Thus  men  “ treasure  up  wrath  against  the  day  of 
wrath,  and  revelation  of  the  righteous  judgment  of  God,  who 
will  render  to  everyone  according  to  his  deeds.”  u For  a fire 
is  kindled  in  his  anger,  and  shall  burn  to  the  lowest  hell  ;”  as 
well  as  41  consume  the  earth  with  its  increase.”  It  is  awful 
to  think  of  the  unnumbered  multitudes,  who  thus  live  and  die, 
and  perish  in  their  sins:  while  at  the  same  time  they  add 
continually  to  the  load  of  our  national  guilt,  which  more  and 
more  loudly  calls  for  divine  vengeance  on  the  land,  and  to 
which  we  should  ascribe  all  our  calamities  and  pressures.  In- 
deed, sooner  or  later  iniquity  must  be  our  ruin,  unless  pre- 
vented by  a general  revival  and  enlarged  success  of  pure 
Christianity  among  ns  : and  not  only  our  commerce  and  other 
temporal  advantages  will  be  given  to  others,  but  even  our  re- 
ligious privileges  will  be  transferred  to  some  of  those  nations, 
whom  we  now  despise  as  rude  and  ignorant  savages.  For, 
as  we  have  provoked  the  Lord  to  jealousy  by  our  crimes  and 
lying  vanities,  he  may  probably  provoke  us  to  jealousy  and 
indignation  by  the  very  people  whom  we  most  disdain.  And 
should  he  no  more  regard  us  than  we  have  done  him,  it  may 
easily  be  seen  what  our  end  must  be.  To  him  44  belongeth 
vengeance  and  recompense,  and  the  feet  of  his  enemies  will 
slide  in  clue  time ; for  the  day  of  their  calamity  is  at  hand.” 
But  44  to  the  Lord  our  God”  likewise  “belong  mercies  and 
forgivenesses  ;”  he  is  slow  to  anger  and  ready  to  forgive  ; he 
44  works  for  his  own  name’s  sake,  that  it  should  not  be  polluted 
among  the  heathen  ;”  he  spares  us  when  we  deserve  wrath ; 
and  he  bears  long  with  his  professed  worshippers,  lest  he 
should  embolden  the  blasphemies  of  his  open  enemies ; he 
14  waits  to  be  gracious,”  and  u in  wrath  remembers  mercy.” 
Hence  it  is,  that  our  guilty  land  has  hitherto  been  preserved 
from  desolating  judgments  and  dire  extremities.  Hence  it  is 
that  individually  we  are  spared,  and  are  not  now  in  the  depths 
of  hell.  44  Oh,  that  men  were  wise,  that  they  understood  this, 
that  they  would  consider  their  latter  end.” — But  alas!  viewed 
in  this  light,  after  all  our  improvements  in  science  and  politi- 
cal sagacity,  it  may  not  only  be  said  of  us, 44  They  are  children 
in  whom  is  no  faiih ,”  but  even,  “ They  are  a nation  void  of 
counsel,  neither  is  there  understanding  in  them.”  For  if  the 
Lord  indeed  favoured  us,  nay,  if  he  were  not  provoked  to  sell 
us  and  shut  us  up  in  the  hand  of  our  enemies,  we  should  have 
nothing  to  fear  from  them.  Yet  how  few  think  of  using  any 
proper  means  of  ensuring  his  protection  ! what  eagerness  is 
shown  in  engaging  the  assistance  of  an  arm  of  flesh ! In 
men’s  private  conduct  too,  how  little  earnestness  is  manifested 
in  the  infinitely  important  concerns  of  eternity,  compared  with 
.their  activity  about  the  perishing  trifles  of  this  dying  world  ! 
'But  surely  man’s  wisdom  consists  not  in  sagacity  about  things 
of  momentary  duration,  but  in  44  considering  his  latter  end,” 
and  in  preparing  for  his  final  account ; in  seeking  deliverance 
from  eternal  punishment,  and  a title  to  eternal  felicity.  Nay, 
even  in  this  present  world,  the  hope  of  heaven,  and  the  joys 
which  God  communicates  to  his  faithful  servants,  unspeakably 
exceed  all  the  pleasures  which  the  possession  of  the  whole 
earth  could  confer : and  neither  the  sensual,  the  ambitious,  nor 
the  covetous ; nor  yet  the  devotees  of  superstition,  nor  the 
worshippers  of  saints  and  angels ; can  so  much  as  imagine 
tliat  44  their  rock  is  as  our  rock,”  or  their  portion  comparable 
to  the  Christian’s  eternal  inheritance. — Oh,  that  men  would 
then  be  persuaded  to  build  their  hopes  on  Christ  the  sure 
Foundation,  and  to  seek  the  waters  of  life  which  he  gives  to 
all  who  thirst  for  them  ! — For  so  merciful  is  our  God,  and  so 
well  are  all  things  ordered  in  the  new  Covenant,  that  none  are 
excluded  from  these  blessings,  except  such  as  44  lightly  esteem 
die  Rock  of  salvation because  they  cleave  to  other  confl- 
lences,  or  prefer  the  service  of  sin  and  Satan. 

V.  36 — 52.  Not  only  are  all  the  blessings  of  a kind  Provi- 
dence abused  in  the  service  of  sin  by  ungodly  men,  but  even 
the  means  of  grace,  and  the  doctrines  of  Christianity,  are  per- 
verted to  the  basest  purposes,  through  the  pride  and  lusts  of 
the  human  heart.  44  The  salvation  of  the  righteous  is”  there- 
ore  entirely  44  from  the  Lord  and  his  special  grace  renders 
he  invitations  of  his  word  effectual  to  their  conversion.  And 
whether  nations,  or  churches,  or  individuals  depart  from  him, 
Jieir  recovery  must  originate  from  the  same  source.  But 
Vol.  I.— 48 


from  mount  Panin,  and  he  came  with  dten 
thousands  of  saints:  from  his  right  hand  wait  'a 
fiery  law  for  them. 

3 Yea,  ehe  loved  the  people:  fall  his  saints  arc 
in  thy  hand:  and  sthey  sat  down  at  thy  feet; 
every  h one  shall  receive  of  thy  words. 

4 'Moses  commanded  us  a law,  even  kthe  in 
heritance  of  the  congregation  of  Jacob. 

5 And  he  was  ‘king’  in  "'Jeshurun,  when  the 

19  .3, e.  Ps.  47:1.  147:la, 20.  Jet.  31:3.  Has.  11:1.  Mai. 1:2.  Rom.  9:11— 13 
Eph.  2:4.5.  f 7:6.  1 Sam.  2:9.  Ps.  50:5.  Jer.  32:10.  John  10:28,29.  Rom.  8:35- 
39.  Col.  3:3,4.  1 Pet.  1:5.  g Luko2:46.  8.35.  10  39.  .Icls22:3.  h Fro*.  2:1 
1 Thes.  1:6.  4:1.  i John  1 : 17.  7: 19.  k 9:26— 29.  Ps.  1 19:72,1 1 1 . G«n.  36:31 
Ex.  18.19.  Num.  16:13— 15.  Judg.8:22, 23.  9:2.  17:6.  m See  on  32:15. 

when  the  Lord  has  purposes  of  mercy,  he  frequently  leaves 
transgressors  to  endure  very  grievous  sufferings,  in  conse- 
quence of  their  crimes  ; and  follows  them  with  one  stroke  aflei 
another,  each  more  heavy  than  the  preceding : and  at  the  same 
time  he  lets  them  feel  that  they  can  procure  deliverance  from 
no  other  hand  than  his,  and  that  it  is  vain  to  seek  it  from  their 
sins  and  worldly  idols,  for  which  they  have  forsaken  him,  and 
to  which  they  have  devoted  their  time  and  talents.  Thus  he 
seems  to  say  to  them, 44  See  now,  that  I,  even  T,  dm  He  ; and 
there  is  no  god  with  me.  I kill  and  I make  alive  ; I wound 
and  I heal,  neither  is  there  any  that  can  deliver  out  of  mj 
hand.”  ( Notes , Hos.  5:15.  6:1 — 3.)  Then,  “coming  to  them- 
selves,” and  dreading  lest  he  should  irrevocably  swear  in  his 
wrath  that  they  shall  have  their  portion  with  his  enemies, 
they  are  led  to  cry  for  mercy,  and  to  humble  themselves  be- 
fore him,  conscious  that  their  power  is  gone,  their  danger 
urgent,  and  their  crimes  inexcusable.  And  when  this  takes 
place,  he  will  judge  them  as  his  people, 44  and  repent  concern 
ing  his  servants  ;”  he  will  deliver  them  from  their  enemies,  and 
terminate  their  miseries ; he  44  will  rejoice  over  them  to  do 
them  good,”  and  all  his  friends  and  servants  will  rejoice,  yea 
the  broken  hearts  of  the  penitents  likewise  shall  be  filled  with 
joy  and  consolation.  Thus  he  made  the  nations  to  rejoice 
with  his  people  in  the  primitive  times  ; and  many  of  us  sinners 
of  the  Gentiles  share  the  same  joy  : and  thus  he  will  at  length 
restore  the  Jews  to  their  long-forfeited  privileges ; and  while 
he  avenges  them  of  their  enemies,  he  will  be  merciful  to  his 
people  and  to  his  land. — Indeed  there  has  been  a long  conflict 
on  earth  between  the  cause  of  truth  and  holiness,  and  that  of 
error  and  ungodliness  ; but  this  likewise  shall  terminate  in  the 
final  and  universal  triumph  of  true  religion,  and  in  the  ruin  of 
all  its  opponents ; which  will  be  the  prelude  to  the  eternal 
separation  between  the  friends  and  enemies  of  God  in  the 
unseen  world. — Ere  long  this  change  will  take  place  with  each 
of  us ; and  we  shall  soon  he  required  to  44  put  off  this  our 
tabernacle.”  Happy  they,  who  are  called  to  meet  death  from 
being  faithfully  employed  in  the  work  of  the  Lord ! and  who 
die  with  the  promised  inheritance  full  in  view,  and  with  a clear 
assurance  of  eternal  life. — Yet  let  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord 
walk  circumspectly,  lest  some  false  step  which  they  have 
taken  should  be  remembered  against  them  upon  a death-bed, 
and  render  that  closing  scene  less  comfortable.  Let  us  all  be 
contented  in  obscurity  and  poverty,  if  allotted  to  us,  as  most 
favourable  to  godliness:  let  the  rich  and  prosperous  rejoice 
with  trembling,  lest  they  should  have  their  portion  in  this 
world:  and  let  them  watch  and  pray,  lest  t hey  should  be  lifted 
up  to  their  hurt.  Let  us  all  recommend  religion  to  our  children, 
and  to  those  around  us,  as  44  no  vain  thing,”  but  our  eternal 
life  : and  let  us  entreat  the  Lord  without  ceasing,  that  the  bless- 
ings of  it  may  be  extended  to  the  remotest  nations  of  the  earth. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXIII.  V.  I.  To  all  the  preceding 
precepts,  exhortations,  warnings,  and  prophecies,  in  prose 
and  in  poetry,  Moses  added,  before  his  final  parting,  a solemn 
benediction.  This  may  be  considered,  as  the  expression  oi 
his  cordial  good-will  to  the  people,  and  his  fervent  prayers  for 
them,  notwithstanding  the  severe  rebukes  and  awful  curses 
which  he  had  uttered ; or  rather  as  a prophecy  which  related 
to  the  situation  and  circumstances  of  the  several  tribes.  It 
exceedingly  resembled  the  blessings  which  Jacob  pronounced 
upon  his  sons  ; and  intimated  that,  notwithstanding  the  rebel- 
lions of  Israel,  and  the  foregoing  alarming  predictions,  the 
Lord  had  blessings  in  reserve  for  them.  (Notes,  Gen.  49:1, 
2,28.) — It  is  probable,  that  the  heads  of  the  several  tribes 
gathered  around  Moses,  after  he  had  received  the  summons 
recorded  in  the  close  of  the  former  chapter,  and  just  before 
he  ascended  the  mount  where  he  ended  his  life : and  that  he 
delivered  to  them,  both  by  word  of  mouth,  and  in  writing, 
these  his  last  dying  words.  Doubtless  this  parting  interview 
was  very  pathetic  ; and  as  the  people  could  no  longer  question 
his  disinterested  faithful  affection  to  them,  it  was  likely  to 
make  a deep  and  durable  impression. — The  whole  transaction 
reminds  us  of  the  44  Prophet  like  unto  Moses,”  who  discoursed 
with  his  disciples  the  night  before  his  crucifixion  for  their  con- 
solation, concluding  with  a most  affectionate  prayer  for  them; 
(John  14: — 17-‘)  and  blessed  them  just  when  he.  parted  from 
them  to  ascend  into  heaven.  (Note,  Luke  24:50 — 53.)-  —The 
phrase,  “the  man  of  God,”  here  first  used,  implies  a man  that 
is  wholly  devoted  to  God;  and  it  is  generally  spoken  of  pro- 
phets, or  extraordinary  teachers  of  his  truth.  ( Marg . Ref.  b. 

V.  2.  The  benedictions  pronounced  on  this  occasion,  were 
introduced  with  a brief  retrospect  on  former  mercies  ; tne  lan- 
guage of  which  is  very  poetical : and  it  likewise  refers  to 
( 377  ) 


B.  C.  1451.  DEUTERONOMY.  B.  C.  1451. 


heads  of  the  peo;  le  and  the  tribes  of  Israel  were 
gathered  toge ■ he*. 

6 II  Let  “Reuben  live,  and  not  die  ; and  let  not 
his  men  be  few. 

7 H And  this  is  the  blessing  of  Judah:  and  he 
said,  Hear,  Loro,  the  voice  of  Judah,  “and  bring 
him  unto  his  people : Piet  his  hands  be  sufficient 


n Gen.  49:3,4.  Num.  32:31,32.  Josh.  22: 1—9.  o Gen.  49:8— 12.  Judg.  1:1,  te.  Ps. 
78  68  70  Mir..  5:2,3.  Mai.  3:1.  Hah.  7:14.  p 2 Kam.  3:1.  5:1 ,19,24.  1 Chr.  12:22. 
2Chr.  17:12— 13.  Is.  9:7.  Rev.  19:13-16.  q 2 Sam.  7:9— 11,12.  Ps.  2:  20:2.  21 : 
1 8.  110:1,2.  Lukr  19.27.  1 Cor.  15:25.  Rev.  20:10— 15.  r E*.  28:30,36.  Lev. 


scenes,  which  would  be  much  better  conceived  by  the  Israel- 
ites than  they  can  be  by  us.  When  Jehovah  came  down, 
to  manifest  his  glory,  and  promulgate  his  law,  from  mount 
Sinai,  either  the  splendour  of  his  majesty  illuminated  the  dis- 
tant mountains  of  Seir  and  Paran  ; or  his  approach  was  pre- 
ceded by  some  glorious  appearances  from  those  mountains, 
as  the  rising  sun  is  ushered  in  by  the  light  of  the  dawning  day : 
or,  as  some  think,  the  words  relate  to  the  continued  and  glo- 
rious presence  of  God  with  Israel,  while  they  were  in  the 
desert,  near  to  those  mountains.  ( Notes , Ps.  68:7,8.  Hah. 
3:3 — 5.) — At  mount  Sinai,  however,  he  was  attended  by  u ten 
thousands  of  saints,”  or  holy  ones,  or  holy  angels : who  minis- 
tered to  him  in  that  grand  display  of  his  divine  majesty. 
(Notes,  Ex.  19:16—20.  Ps.  68:17.  Gal.  3:19—22.  Heb.  2:1 — 
4.  Jude  14 — 16.)  Thence  he  gave  the  law,  not  only  speaking 
it  with  a loud  voice  from  the  midst  of  the  fire,  but  writing  it 
upon  tables  of  stone,  which  he  delivered  to  Israel  as  a sacred 
deposit ; and  he  enforced  obedience  to  it  with  his  whole  power 
and  authority  ; for  it  “went  from  his  right  hand  for  them.”  It 
is  called  a fiery  law , not  only  as  delivered  from  the  midst  of 
fire,  but  because  of  th e fiery  indignation  to  which  all  trans- 
gressors are  doomed,  except  as  they  find  mercy  through  the 
gospel.  Its  sanctifying  effects  also,  when  written  in  the  hearts 
of  believers  by  the  finger  of  the  Spirit,  where,  as  fire,  it  con- 
sumes the  lusts,  purifies  the  affections,  and  assimilates *the 
soul  to  its  own  holy  nature,  may  perhaps  be  intimated. 

V.  3.  Even  the  promulgation  of  this  fiery  law  was  the 
effect  of  the  Lord’s  special  love  to  Israel ; and  in  connexion 
with  the  gospel,  as  delivered  to  them  under  the  legal  ceremo- 
nies, (the  shadows  of  good  things  to  come,)  it  was  the  grand 
means  of  rendering  them  holy,  and  consequently  safe  and 
happy.  (Notes,  Ex.  20:1.  John • 1:17.) — As  externally  a 
Holy  people,  they  were  taken  under  his  immediate  protection, 
while  they  “ sat  at  his  feet”  and  received  his  instructions  ; 
even  as  all  his  true  saints  are  “kept  by  the  power  of  God, 
through  faith  unto  salvation.”  ( Marg . Ref.  Note , 1 Pet. 
1:3—5.) 

V.  4,  5.  The  law  was  given  from  God,  and  by  Moses; 
who  was  also  the  mediator  of  that  covenant,  by  which  the 
congregation  of  Jacob’s  posterity  was  incorporated,  and 
which  secured  to  them  their  temporal  inheritance,  while  they 
retained  their  national  fidelity.  Yet  the  law  itself,  as  com- 
prising the  whole  revelation  made  to  them,  was  their  most 
valuable  inheritance ; as  it  showed  them  the  way  of  peace 
and  life  eternal,  and  ensured  these  blessings  ttf  all  who  truly 
attended  to  it. — In  giving  the  law,  Moses  acted  as  a prophet : 
but.  he  was  also  in  reality  “a  king;”  for  he  possessed  all  the 
authority,  and  performed  all  the  functions  of  a king  ; though 
he  neither  took  upon  him  the  name  or  the  state  of  royalty, 
nor  received  any  tribute  from  Israel ; and  though  he  joined 
with  him  the  heads  of  the  people,  and  of  the  tribes,  both  as 
nis  council,  and  as  subordinate  magistrates.  (Note,  18: 
15 — 19.) — Some  suppose,  that  Jehovah  himself  is  here 
meant  ; and  doubtless  he  was  King  over  Israel  in  all  ages, 
and  in  an  especial  manner,  whoever  were  his  deputies:  for 
ii.  this  sense,  the  judges  were  kings,  as  really  as  David  and 
Solomon,  though  not  so  called. 

V.  6.  The  order  in  which  the  tribes  are  here  blessed,  is 
different  from  all  those  elsewhere  observed. — Reuben  the 
first-born,  though  degraded  by  Jacob,  and  superseded  by 
Judah  as  to  the  precedency  in  the  encampments,  is  here 
first  mentioned.  (Note,  Gen.  49:3,4.)  Notwithstanding 
these  disgraces,  and  the  rebellion  in  the  wilderness,  under 
Dathan,  Abirain,  and  On,  in  which  many  of  this  tribe  perished, 
Moses  predicted  that  it  should  not  be  destroyed,  hut  should 
be  multiplied  to  a great,  number;  by  which  he  also  expressed 
his  cordial  good-will  to  them,  notwithstanding  their  personal 
misconduct  towards  him.  As  the  Reubenites,  having  received 
their  inheritance  east  of  Jordan,  were  preparing  to  pass  over 
Jordan,  and  fight  for  their  brethren,  we  may  also  suppose  that 
some  reference  is  had  to  this  circumstance,  and  that  the 
b.essing  implies  a prayer  for  their  protection. — The  Septua- 
gint  join  Simeon  with  Reuben  in  this  benediction  : but  it  is 
probable,  that  they  did  so  merely  because  Simeon  is  not 
mentioned  in  the  chapter.  (Note,  8.) 

V.  7.  (Note,  Gen.  49:8 — 12.)  Judah  was  the  governing 
and  conquering  tribe ; and  Moses  prayed  that  he  might  be 
rotected  and  rendered  'victorious,  when  he  went  forth  to 
attle,  and  be  brought  back  triumphant  to  his  people  ; and 
that  the  tribe  might  have  sufficient  forces  from  among  them- 
4 selves,  and  from  the  other  tribes ; and  especially  the  help  of 
the  Lord  of  Hosts  himself.  This  was  evidently  a prophecy 
♦ which  was  fulfilled  to  Judah  till  the  days  of  Christ,  and  in 
nira  shall  be  accomplished  to  the  end. — Some  commentators 

( 378  ) 


for  him;  land  be  thou  an  help  to  him  from  his 

enemies.  [ Practical  Observations.'] 

8 IT  *And  of  Levi  he  said,  rLet  thy  Thummim 
and  thy  Urim  be  “with  thy  holy  one,  whom  thou 
didst  lprove  at  Massah,  and  with  whom  thou 
didst  strive  at  the  waters  of  Meribah; 

9 Who  usaid  unto  his  father  and  to  his  mother, 


8-8.  Num.  27:21.  1 Sam.  28:6.  Ezra  2:63.  Neh.  7:65.  b Lev.  21:7.  Num.  16:5. 
2 Chr. 23:6.  Ezra  8.28.  Ps.  16:10.  106:16.  Heb.  7:29.  Rev.  3:7.  (8:2.3.16.  Ex. 
17:7.  Num. 20:13.  Pa. 81:7.  u Ex. 32:26— 29.  Lev.  10.6.21:11.  Mai. 2:5.  MaU. 
10:37.  12:48.22:16.  Luke  14:26.  2 Cor.  5:16.  Gal.  1: 10.  1 Tiles.  2:4.  1 Tim.  6:21. 


interp/et  the  clause,  “ bring  him  to  his  people,”  as  predicting 
the  coming  of  the  Messiah.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  8.  (Note,  Gen.  49:5 — 7.) — Levi  arid  Simeon  had  been 
left  under  a severe  rebuke  by  Jacob : and  the  tribe  of  Simeon 
had  in  nowise  distinguished  itself;  on  the  contrary,  it  had 
been  notoriously  guilty  in  the  transgression  of  Baal-peor,  and 
was  greatly  reduced  in  the  wilderness.  (Notes,  Num.  25:6 
— 8.  26:14.)  A portion  therefore  was  assigned  it  within  the 
lot  of  Judah,  with  which  it  was  in  great  measure  incorporated: 
and  perhaps  for  that  reason,  it  was  not  separately  mentioned 
in  this  prophecy.  (Note,  Josh.  19:1 — 9.) — But  tho  curse  of 
Levi  had  been  turned  into  a blessing,  on  account  of  the 
transactions  here  referred  to.  Levi  was  the  dying  prophet’s 
own  tribe  ; but  he  only  mentioned  it  as  the  tribe  which  the 
Lord  had  chosen  for  himself:  and,  as  the  welfare  of  Israel  was 
so  immediately  connected  with  the  Levitical  priesthood,  ho 
expatiated  the  more  in  his  benediction  and  prophecy  concern- 
ing it.  The  Urim  and  Thummim,  or  illuminations  and  perfeo* 
tiuns,  (Note,  Ex.  28:30.)  by  which  the  high-priest  inquired  of 
the  Lord,  formed  one  distinguishing  token  of  his  favour  to  this 
tribe  : and  Moses  prophetically  prayed  for  the  continuance  of 
these  to  the  succeeding  high-priests,  during  man}'  generations ; 
which  jmplied  also  the  continuance  of  all  needful  gifts  and 
graces  to  every  order  of  that  tribe,  that  they  might  fill  up 
their  several  places,  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  maintenance 
of  true  religion  in  Israel. — It  is  however  confessed  by  the 
Jews,  that  the  “Urim  and  Thummim”  were  lost  in  tho 
Babylonish  captivity,  and  that  nothing  was  substituted  in 
their  room:  hut  in  our  “ Holy  One,”  our  great  High-Priest, 
whom  Aaron  and  his  sons  feebly  shadowed  forth,  the  things 
signified  remain,  and  from  him  are  communicated  to  all  his 
true  ministers  and  people,  according  to  their  measure.  (Notes, 
Eph.  4:7 — 13.) — There  were  two  Miribahs,  one  of  which  Is 
also  called  Massah,  where  probably  Aaron  and  the  Levites 
remarkably  distinguished  themselves,  in  opposing  the  mur- 
murs of  the  people.  (Marg.  Ref.  t.)  At  the  other  Meribah 
Aaron  was  found  faulty:  (Note.  Num.  20:10 — 13.)  yet  there 
is  a tradition  that  the  tribe  of  Levi  approved  themselves 
faithful.  The  prophet,  however,  in  this  passage,  seems  to 
have  referred  to  some  remarkable  instances  not  elsewhere 
recorded,  in  which  the  Levites  were  tried,  and  honourably 
distinguished  themselves  in  the  cause  of  God. 

V.  9.  In  the  provocation  of  the  golden  calf,  the  Levites, 
at  God’s  command,  inflicted  punishment  on  the  ringleaders, 
without  respect  to  rank  or  relation,  and  in  a very  zealous  and 
impartial  manner.  (Note,  Ex.  32:27 — 29.)  Perhaps  somo 
of  their  own  tribe  and  near  relations  were  deeply  involved  in 
that  guilt,  whom  they  no  more  spared  than  other  criminals: 
and  though  men  might  censure  this  severity,  yet  God  highly 
approved  of  it,  and  honoured  those  who  so  honoured  him. 
( Notes,  Num.  25:6—13.  Luke  14:25—27.  2 Cor.  5:16.) 

V.  10.  Besides  olfering  sacrifices,  officiating  at  the 
sanctuary,  and  acting  as  magistrates,  the  priests  and  Levites 
w ere  the  authorized  puolic  teachers,  through  the  cities  and 
villages  in  the  several  tribes  of  Israel.  Too  many  of  them, 
however,  in  after  ages,  were  more  attentive  to  their  perquisites 
than  to  their  duty;  (as  it  is  generally  the  case  in  similar 
collective  bodies;)  and  the  ignorance  and  wickedness  of  the 
people  were  frequently  chargeable  upon  their  negligence  and 
scandalous  lives ; so  that  the  prophets  were  extraordinary 
messengers  sent  from  God,  especially  to  reprove  the  priests 
and  Levites,  and  stir  them  up  to  their  duty. — Some  learned 
men  indeed  think,  that  the  prophets  were  the  only  teachers  of 
Israel ; and  that  publicly  instructing  the  people  was  no  regular 
part  of  the  office  assigned  to  the  priests  or  Levites,  except  as 
some  of  them  acted  as  magistrates.  But  tin?  preceding 
statement  accords  far  better  with  the  language  of  Scripture, 
here  and  elsewhere.  (Marg.  reading  and  Marg.  Ref.  on  it. 
Note , 2 Chr.  17:7—9.  30:21,22.  Ezra  7:6—10.  Neh.  8:5—7. 
Mai.  2:4—9.) 

V.  11.  The  Levites  had  no  landed  inheritance,  but  wero 
maintained  out  of  the  portion  which  God  had  reserved  for 
himself ; by  which  their  interests  were  connected  with  tho 
support  of  his  worship.  On  this  provision  Moses  predicted 
a special  blessing  from  God.  Some  indeed  interpret  this 
clause,  of  their  abilities  for  their  sacred  ministry , that  the  Lord 
would  both  enable  them  for  their  work,  and  prosper  them  in 
it. — The  faithful  discharge  of.  their  office  might  give  offence, 
and  so  raise  up  enemies  against  them ; while  avarice  would 
prompt  numbers  to  defraud  them,  or  even  to  seek  the  abolition 
of  the  whole  order,  as  useless,  that  they  might  seize  upon 
the  revenues:  but  vengeance  was  prophetically  denounced 
against  all  who  should  hate  them,  or  rise  up  against  them, 
on  any  account  whatever;  as  enemies  to  God  and  religion, 


B.  C.  1451 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 


B.  C.  1451 


I have  not  seen  him ; neither  did  he  acknowledge 
his  brethren  nor  knew  his  own  children  : for  they 
have  observed  thy  word,  and  kept  thy  covenant. 

10  'They  shall  teach  Jacob  thy  judgments,  and 
Israel  thy  law;  ’they  shall  put  incense  ^before 
thee,  and  “whole  burnt-sacrifice  upon  thine  altar. 

11  Bless,  Loan,  Tiis  substance,  and  'accept 
tiro  work  of  his  hands : ‘smite  through  the  loins 
of  them  that  rise  against  him,  and  of  them  that 
hate  him,  that  they  rise  not  again. 

12  11  And  of  Benjamin  he  said,  bThe  beloved  of 
the  Lop.n  shall  dwell  in  safety  by  him;  and  the 
LORD  shall  ‘cover  him  all  the  day  long,  and  he 
shall  dwell  between  his  shoulders. 

13  H And  of  dJoseph  he  said,  Blessed  of  the 
Lord  be  his  land,  for  the  precious  things  of 
heaven,  for  ‘the  dew,  and  for  the  deep  that 
coucheth  beneath, 

14  And  for  'the  precious  fruits  brought  forth 
by  the  sun,  and  for  the  precious  things  §put  forth 
by  the  "moon, 

15  And  sfbr  the  chief  things  of  the  ancient 
mountains,  and  for  the  precious  things  of  the  last- 
ing hills, 

16  And  for  the  precious  things  of  Hhe  earth 
and  fulness  thereof;  and  for  ‘the  good-will  of  him 
that  dwelt  in  the  bush  ; let  the  blessing  come 

• Or,  let  them  teach.  17:9—11.  21:8.  Lev.  10:11.  2 Chr.  17:8—10  . 30:22.  Nell. 
8:1 — 9,13 — 15,18.  Kz.  44:23,24.  Hos.  4:6.  Mai. 2:6— 8.  Mate.  23:2,3.  John 
21:15,16.  tOr , /el  them  put.  Ex. 30:7,8.  Num.  16:40,46.  1 Sam. 2:28.  2 < hr. 
26:18.  Luke  1:9,10.  Heb. 7:25.  9:*24 . Rev.  8:3 — 5.  1 Heb.  at  thy  nose,  x Lev. 
1:9,13,17.  9:12,13.  Ps.  51:19.  Ez.  43:27.  y 18:1— 5.  Num.  18:8— 20.  35:2-8. 
l 2 Sam.  24:23.  Ps.  20:3.  Ez.  20:40,41.  43:27.  Mnl.  1:8—10.  a Is.  29:21.  Jer. 
15:10.  Am.  5:10.  Matt.  10:14,15.  Luke  10:10— 12,16.  I Thes.  4:8.  b -See  on  27 
—29.  Josh.  18:11—  28.  Judg.  1:21.  1 Kings  12.21.  2 Chr.  11:1.  15:2.  17:17—19. 
Ps. 132:14.  Is.  37:22,35.  cPs.91:4.  Is.  51:16.  Matt.  23:37.  d See  on  Gen.  48: 
5,9,15 — 20  . 49.22 — 26.  e 32:2.  Gen.  27-28,29.  Job  29: 19.  Ps.  110:3.  Prov.  3:20. 
19:12.  Is.  13:4.  Hos.  14:5.  Mic.  5:7.  Zech.S:12.  f28:8.  Lev.  26:4.  2 Sam.  23: 
4.  Ps.  65:9— 13.  74:16.  84:11.  Mai.  4:2.  Matt.  5:45.  Acts  14:17.  1 Tint.  6:17. 
§ Heb.  thrust  forth.  ||  Heb.  moons.  Ps.  8:3.  104:19.  Rev.  22:2.  g Gen.  49:26. 


and  even  to  ihe  true  interests  of  the  nation.  (Note,  Mai. 

3:7—12.) 

V.  12.  (Note,  Gen.  49:27.)  The  tribe  of  Benjamin  had 
their  inheritance  adjoining  to  mount  Zion  : and  part  of  Jeru- 
salem, and  as  some  suppose,  the  temple  itself,  was  situated 
within  it.  This  was  a distinguishing  token  of  the  Lord’s 
love  to  them:  the  sanctuary  was  their  security  while  they 
adhered  to  it ; for  they  were  covered  by  the  protection  of  the 
Lord  continually,  and  had  his  power  engaged  in  their  behalf. — 
This  tribe  adhered  to  the  family  of  David  and  the  worship 
of  God,  when  the  ten  tribes  revolted  and  apostatized ; and 
thus  it  became  inseparably  united  and  incorporated  with  that 
of  Judah ; and  was  preserved  in  consequence,  when  the  ten 
tribes  were  scattered  among  the  nations.  (Marg.  Ref.  b.) 

V.  13 — IB.  It  is  here  predicted,  that  the  inheritance  of 
the  tribes  descended  from  Joseph,  should,  through  the  blessing 
of  God,  he  peculiarly  fertile.  By  the  seasonable  rains  and 
refreshing  dews, — those  precious  things  which  come  down 
from  above  and  make  the  earth  fruitful, — and  by  the  springs 
which  issue  from  beneath,  and  the  benign  influences  of  the 
sun,  all  kinds  of  valuable  productions,  peculiar  to  each 
revolving  moon  in  succession,  would  be  abundantly  afforded. 
The  mountains  and  hills  of  Joseph  would  grow  vines,  and 
olives,  and  timber-trees ; and  from  beneath  would  be  dug 
metals  and  minerals,  and  stone  for  building.  In  short,  their 
land  should  abound  with  every  precious  production,  that  the 
earth  and  its  fulness  can  afford;  all  which,  with  a variety  of 
spiritual  privileges,  would  descend  upon  these  tribes  of 
Ephraim  and  Manasseh,  from  the  good-will  and  peculiar 
kindness  of  Jehovah. — The  first  appearance  of  the  Lord 
in  the  burning  bush,  seems  to  have  been  recollected  with 
grateful  pleasure  by  the  dying  prophet;  and  he  characterized 
Him,  who  would  thus  bless  the  sons  of  Joseph,  from  this 
circumstance,  that  he  condescended,  as  “the  God  of  Abra- 
ham” and  of  his  seed,  to  dwell  in  a mean  hush  ; and  had  now 
taken  up  his  more  abiding  residence  in  the  midst  of  Israel, 
who  was  equally  unworthy  of  such  an  honour ; but  would  in 
like. manner  he  preserved  by  his  gracious  presence.  (Notes, 
Ex.  3:2 — G.) — Joseph  had  been  especially  beloved  by  Jacob  ; 
he  was  renowned  for  piety,  wisdom,  and  usefulness  ; his 
memory  was  dear  to  Israel  and  to  Moses.  On  these  accounts 
Moses  enlarged  in  blessing  his  posterity,  which  evidently 
refers  to  the  prophetical  blessing  Jacob  had  pronounced  on 
him,  under  the  same  title  of  “ him  that  was  separated  from 
ais  brethren.”  (Note,  Gen.  49:22 — 2G.) 

V.  17.  Joseph,  as  if  he  had  been  the  first-born,  had  the 
birthright  and  the  double  portion,  instead  of  Reuben;  and 
Joshua,  under  whom  Canaan  was  conquered,  was  of  the  tribe 
of  Ephraim.  Many  proofs  were  given  by  these  tribes  of  their 
courage,  and  they  were  signalized  with  much  success,  being 
powerful  among  their  brethren  and  victorious  over  their  ene- 
mies. This  is  .figuratively  noted  by  Joseph’s  being  as  “the 
firstling  of  his  bullock,  and  his  horns  being  as  the  horns  of 
unicorns,  with  which  he  should  push  the  people  together  to 
the  ends  of  the  earth,”  or  to  the  extremities  of  the  land.  The 


upon  the  head  of  Joseph,  kand  upon  the  top  of  the 
head  of  him  that  was  separated  from  his  brethren. 

17  His  glory  is  like  the  firstling  of  his  bullock, 
and  'his  horns  are  like  the  horns  of ’’unicorns : 
with  them  mhe  shall  push  the  people  together  tc 
the  ends  of  the  earth  ; and  they  are  "the  ten  thou 
sands  of  Ephraim,  and  they  are  the  thousands  ol 

Manasseh.  [Practical  Observations.] 

18  H And  of  Zebulun  he  said,  ‘Rejoice,  Zebu- 
lun,  in  thy  going  out ; and  Issachar,  in  thy  tents. 

19  They  shall  Pcall  the  people  unto  the  moun- 
tain ; there  'They  shall  otter  sacrifices  of  righteous- 
ness : for  they  shall  ‘suck  of  the  abundance  of  the 
seas,  and  of  treasures  hid  in  the  sand. 

20  H And  of  Gad  he  said,  ‘•Blessed  be  he  that 
enlargeth  Gad  : ‘he  dwelleth  as  a lion,  and  “tear- 
eth  the  arm  with  the  crown  of  the  head. 

21  And  he  provided  'the  first  part  for  himselfj 
because  there,  in  “a  portion  of  the  lawgiver,  was 
he  "seated ; and  Tie  came  with  the  heads  of  the 
people,  he  executed  the  justice  of  the  Lord,  and 
his  judgments  with  Israel. 

22  ITAnd  of  Dan  he  said,  ‘Dan  is  a lion’s 
whelp;  he  shall  leap  from  Bashan. 

23  if  And  of  Naphtali  he  said,  “O  Naphtali,, 
satisfied  with  favour,  and  full  with  the  blessing  of 
the  Lord  ; bpossess  thou  the  west  and  the  south. 

Ilal).  3:6.  Jam. 5:7.  hPs.24:l.  50:12.  89:11.  Jer.  8:16.  marg.  1 Cor.  10:26,28. 

i Ex.  3:2-4.  Mark  12:26.  Luke  2:14.  Acts  7:30— 33.  2 Cor.  12:7— 10.  k Gen. 
37:28,36.  39:2,3.  43:32.  45:9—11.  See  on  49:26.  Heb.  7:26.  INum. 23:22.  24:8 
Job  39:9,10.  Ps.  22:21 . 29:6.  92:10.  Is.  34:7.  IT  Heb.  a unicorn,  m 1 King* 
22:11.  2 Chr.  18:10.  Ps.  44:5.  n Gen.  48:19.  Nnm.  26:34,37.  Hos.  5:3.  6:4.  7:1. 
o Gen.  49:13— 15.  Josh.  19:11.  Judg. 5:14.  pis. 2:3.  Jer.  50:4,5.  Mic. 4:2. 
q Ps.  4:5.  50:13— 15.  51:16,17.  107.22.  Heb.  13:15,16.  lPet.2:5.  1-32:13.1. 

60:5,16.  66:11,12.  s Gen.  9:26,27.  Josh.  13:8,24—28.  1 Chr.  4:10.  12:37,38.  Ps. 
18:19,36.  t 1 Chr.  5:18— 21.  12:8— 14.  u Mic.  5:8.  v Num.  32:1— 6.  x Nnm. 
32:33.  Josh.  1:14.  22:4.  ••  Heb.  cielei.  y Nnm.  32:16,21 . Josh.  4:12,13.  Jude. 
5:2,11.  z Gen.  49:16,17.  Josh.  19:47.  Judg.  13:2,24,25.  14:6,19.  15:8,15.  16:30. 
18:27.  I Chr.  12:35.  a Gen.  49:21.  Is.  9:1,2.  Matt.4:13,16.  11:23.  b Josh.  19i 
32—39. 


descendants  of  Joseph  were  also  remarkable  for  their  num- 
bers ; but  in  both  respects  Ephraim  exceeded  Manasseh,  as 
Jacob  had  foretold,  and  Moses  here  attested  ; though  Ephraim 
was  much  decreased  in  the  wilderness,  and  was  then  less 
numerous  than  Manasseh.  ( Marg . Ref.  on  Num.  26:34,37, 
Notes , Gen.  48:15—22.) 

V.  18,  19.  Zebulun  and  Issachar,  sons  of  Leah,  were 
united  in  this  blessing,  and  their  inheritances  in  Canaan,  as 
appointed  by  lot,  lay  together.  (Notes,  Josh.  19:10 — 23.)  It 
was  predicted  that  Zebulun  would  prosper,  and  consequently 
w rejoice  in  his  going  out that  is,  say  some,  as  a merchant ; 
“for  he  was  a haven  of  ships.”  (Notes,  Gen.  49:13 — 15.) 
Thus  “he  sucked  the  abundance  of  the  seas  and  of  the  trea- 
sures hid  in  the  sand:”  that  is,  he  reaped,  as  it  were,  the  har- 
vest of  the  sea,  or  worked  its  mines.  In  this  case,  we  may 
understand  his  “calilng  the  people  to  the  mountain,”  of  the 
endeavours  which  those  of  this  tribe  would  use,  in  bringing  the 
strangers,  with  whom  they  traded,  acquainted  with  true  reli- 
gion.— But,  as  the  Zebulunites  were  situated  at  a distance 
from  the  Mediterranean  sea,  and  upon  the  sea  of  Tiberias; 
perhaps  their  fishery  was  intended,  and  not  their  foreign  trade  : 
and  in  this  way,  the  sea  yields  a revenue  more  valuable  than 
the  productions  of  mines  of  gold,  and  almost  equal  to  the  har- 
vest of  the  plain. — Of  Issachar  it  is  foretold,  that  he  should 
prosper,  and  “ rejoice  in  his  tents,”  as  a shepherd  tending  his 
flock.  And  both  Zebulun  and  Issachar  would  be  zealous  for 
the  ordinances  of  God,  and  in  “offering  the  sacrifices  of 
righteousness ” out  of  their  just  gains;  and  would  use  their 
influence  in  persuading  others  to  accompany  them  to  the 
mountain  at  Jerusalem,  on  which  Moses  foresaw  that  the 
temple  would  be  built,  but  which  lay  very  distant  from  the 
lot  of  these  tribes,  which  was  in  Galilee. 

V.  20,  21.  (Note,  Gen.  49:19.)  The  increase  of  Gad  is 
here  predicted,  as  the  immediate  work  of  the  Lord,  and  to  be 
acknowledged  with  adoring  gratitude.  When  this  tribe,  in 
conjunction  with  Reuben,  obtained  his  petition  for  a posses- 
sion east  of  Jordan,  of  the  first-fruits  of  Israel’s  conquest  s,  “ he 
provided  the  first  part  for  himself,  and  was  seated  in  a por- 
tion of  the  lawgiver;”  that  is,  in  the  portion  which  Moses  the 
lawgiver  had  allotted  him:  (Notes,  Num.  32:29—41.)  for 

most  of  the  tribes  had  their  inheritance  assigned  them  by 
Joshua  and  Eleazar : in  this  he  dwelt  as  a lion ; and  when 
any  of  the  surrounding  nations  att  acked  him,  he  not  only  tare 
their  arm,  enfeebling  their  power,  but  their  head  too  in  bringing 
them  under  subjection.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  1 Chr.  5:18 — 
22.  12:15.) — After  the  Gadites  were  establisned  in  their  own 
settlements,  they,  and  the  tribe  of  Reuben  and  the  half  tribe 
of  Manasseh,  marched  boldly  across  Jordan  along  with  the  rest 
of  Israel,  to  assist  in  executing  the  righteous  judgments  of  God 
on  the  Canaanites.  (Notes,  Josh.  1:12 — 15.  22:1—4.) 

V.  22.  (Note,  Gen.  49:16,17.)  Jacob  had  compared  Dan 
to  a serpent,  but  Moses  likened  him  to  a young  lion,  when 
leaping  from  Bashan  he  irresistibly  seized  his  prey  In  Sam- 
son, who  was  of  this  tribe,  both  these  emblems  were  realized; 
and  when  the  Danites  suddenly  seized  the  country  at  the 
( 379  ) 


B.  C.  1451 


DEUTERONOMY.  B.  C.  1451. 


24  II  And  of  Asher  lie  said,  Let c Asher  be  blessed 
with  children ; dlet  him  be  acceptable  to  his  bre- 
thren, and  ‘let  him  dip  his  foot  in  oil. 

25  ‘Thy  shoes  shall  be  iron  and  brass;  fand  as 
thy  days,  so  shall  thy  strength  be. 

26  II  There  is  «none  like  unto  the  God  ofhJesh- 
urun,  who  'rideth  upon  the  heaven  in  thy  help,  and 
in  his  excellency  on  the  sky. 

27  The  keternal  God  is  thy  'Refuge,  and  "’un- 
derneath are  the  everlasting  arms:  and  he  shall 


cGen.49:‘J0.  Ps  115:15.  128:3,6.  d Prov.  3:3,4.  Ec.  12:10.  Acts  7:10.  Rom. 
14:18.  15:31.  e Job  29:6.  ' Or,  under  thy  shoes  shall  be  iron.  8:9.  Luke  15: 

22.  Eph.  6:15.  f 2 Chr.  15:9.  Ps.  138:3.  Is.  40:29.  41:10.  lCor.lO:13.  2Cor. 
12:9,10.  Eph.f:10.  Phil.  4:13.  Col.  1:11.  g Ex.  15:11.  Ps.  86:8.  Is.  40:18,25. 
43:1!— 13.  Je  . 10:6.  h See  on  32: 15.  i Ps.  18:10  . 68:4,33.34.  104:3.  Is.  19:1. 
Hab.  3:8.  k 1 Sam.  15:29.  Ps.  90:2.  102:24.  Is.  9:6.  57:15.  Jer.  10:10.  Mic.5:2. 
1 Tim.  1:17.  Heb.  9:14.  I Ps.  18  2.  27:5.  36:7.  46:1,7,11.  48:3.91:1,2,9,15. 
Prov.  18:10.  Is.  32:2.  Luke  13:34.  Phil.  3:9.  m Gen.  49:24.  Prov.  10:25.  Cant. 


northern  extremity  of  Canaan,  they  were  like  the  young  lion 
leaping  on  the  defenceless  cattle.  ( Judg . 15:  16:  18:) 

V.  23.  ( Note , Gen.  49:21.)  Great  peace  and  prosperity, 
from  the  special  favour  of  the  Lord,  were  predicted  to  Naph- 
tali  : ana  it  is  a tradition  of  the  Jewish  writers,  that  though 
the  lot  of  this  tribe  lay  in  the  northern  part  of  the  land,  yet  it 
was  so  remarkably  fruitful,  that  they  generally  brought  the 
first-fruits  before  the  other  tribes. — The  lot  of  Naphtali  lay  to 
the  south  of  that  country  on  which  Dan  seized;  and  near  to 
the  setz  of  Tiberias:  (“possess  thou  the  sea  and  the  south:” 
Deb.)  for  the  situation  of  this  tribe  in  relation  to  the  Danites 
seems  intended. 

V.  24,  25.  ( Note , Gen.  49:20.)  Asher  signifies  blessed: 

and  to  this  tribe  Moses  predicted  a numerous  increase,  with 
much  love  and  friendship  from  their  brethren ; and  likewise 
most  excellent  olive-oil  in  vast  abundance. — Some  suppose 
that  the  promise, 11  Thy  shoes  shall  be  iron  and  brass,”  referred 
to  the  productive  mines  of  iron  and  brass,  which  abounded  in 
Asher’s  lot,  and  were  thus  continually  under  his  feet;  but  it 
has  long  been  interpreted  as  a proverbial  expression ; which 
indeed  is  the  most  natural  and  obvious  meaning  of  the  words. 
If  a man  were  about  to  travel  in  rough  roads,  or  to  climb 
craggy  precipices,  or  to  be  stationed  upon  a slippery  eminence, 
it  would  be  useful  for  him  to  have  plates  or  spikes,  of  iron  or 
brass  fixed  to  his  shoes : and,  in  like  manner,  the  Lord  would 
prepare  Asher  for  every  difficulty  which  he  would  have  to 
encounter.  According  to  this  interpretation,  the  words,  “ And 
as  thy  days,  thy  strength,”  are  explanatory  of  the  preceding 
clause,  and  signify,  that  as  the  day  of  trial  required,  strength 
should  be  communicated ; or,  as  some  expound  the  passage, 
‘As  thy  wants,  so  shall  be  thy  sufficiency.5  (Note,  Epk. 
6:14—17.) 

V.  26.  Moses  added  to  this  prophetical  blessing  on  each 
tribe  in  particular,  a declaration  of  the  glory  of  God  and  the  hap- 
piness of  Israel  in  general,  and  these  were  his  last  words  which 
are  recorded. — The  “God  of  Jeshurun”  (Note,  32:15.)  “rides 
upon  the  heavens ;”  that  is,  he  comes  in  glorious  majesty,  and 
with  irresistible  force,  to  defend  his  people,  and  destroy  their 
enemies;  and  in  so  doing  displays  all  his  excellencies,  his 
wisdom,  justice,  truth,  and  love,  in  the  most  conspicuous  man- 
ner. (Notes,  Ps.  104:3.  Is.  19:1.) 

V.  27,  28.  The  eternity,  immutability,  and  almighty 
power  of  God,  form  the  secure  Refuge  and  the  firm  support* 
of  his  people,  in  all  dangers,  pressures,  and  difficulties:  for 
his  arms  of  everlasting  and  unfailing  power  are  put  under 
them  to  sustain  them.  (Note,  32:4.)  The  word  rendered 
“ Refuge,”  literally  signifies  Dwelling-place,  for  God  is  their 
Home,  Rest,  and  Felicity.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ps.  90:1,2. 
John  6:52 — 58.)  This  would  secure  to  Israel  the  conquest  of 
Canaan,  and  enable  them  to  execute  the  divine  command  in 
the  destruction  of  its  inhabitants  : and  it  would  likewise  ensure 
their  peaceable  andproperous  possession,  so  long  as  they  were 
obedient,  and  did  not  forfeit  thcii  national  covenant. — Alone: 
(28)  Note,  Num.  23:9. 

V.  29.  Israel,  being  thus  saved  by  the  Lord,  and  rendered 
victorious  by  his  power,  as  their  Shield  and  Sword,  would 
become  terrible  to  their  enemies;  who  would  be  constrained 
to  dissemble  their  enmity,  and  yield  a feigned  or  reluctant 
submission,  as  the  Gibeonites  did  to  Joshua.  Thus  Israel 
would  be  a most  happy  nation,  and  have  most  extraordinary 
privileges. — But  the  true  “Israel  of  God”  possess  all  these 
blessings  in  the  noblest  sense,  and  have  them  secured  to  them 
by  still  more  precious  promises,  and  an  incomparably  better 
covenant.  (Notes,  Ps.  84:11,12.  Rom.  8:28 — 39.  Heb.  11: 
13—16.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 7.  The  faithful  servants  of  God  dare  not.  flatter  men 
in  their  sins,  or  shun  to  declare  his  whole  counsel  as  far  as 
they  are  able,  even  when  that  renders  it  necessary  to  denounce 
the  most  tremendous  curses  against  all  impenitent  sinners: 
but  at  the  same  time,  their  hearts  arc  full  of  the  most  com- 
passionate and  tender  love  ; and  could  those  whom  their  faith- 
fulness exasperates,  witness  their  affectionate  desires  and 
fervent  prayers  in  secret  for  them,  it  must  in  some  degree 
abate  their  resentment.  (Note,  Jer.  13:15 — 17.)  Nay,  even 
the  awful  warnings,  which  are  most,  convincing  and  alarming  to 
flic  conscience,  spring  from  tender  concern  for  the  eternal  wel- 
fare of  sinners  ; and  they  who  are  hated  for  giving  them,  corn? 

( 380  ) 


"thrust  out  the  enemy  from  before  thee,  and  shall 
say,  Destroy  them. 

28  •“Israel  then  shall  dwell  in  safety  alone  : i’the 
fountain  of  Jacob  shall  be  upon  a land  of  corn  and 
wine;  also  shis  heaven  shall  drop  down  dew. 

29  “Happy  art  thou,  O Israel : who  is  like  unto 
thee,  O people,  ’saved  by  the  Lord,  Mhe  Shield  cf 
thy  help,  and  who  is  “the  Sword  of  thy  excellency! 
and  thine  enemies  shall  be  f found  liars  unto  thee, 
and  "thou  shalt  tread  upon  their  high  places. 


2:6.  Is.  26:4.  1 Pel.  1:5.  Jude  24.  nS«  o«9:3.  John  10:28,29.  Rom. 8.2.  16: 
20.  Rev.  20:2,3,10.  o Ex.  33:16.  Num.  23:9.  Jer.  23:6.  33:16.  Ex.  34:25.  Rev. 
21:27.22:14,15.  p 8:7,8.  Ps.  68:26.  Prov.  5: 15— 18.  Is.  48: 1 . q See  on  13.  11: 
II.  32:2.  Gen. 27:28.  r 4:7,8.  Num.  23:20— 24  . 24:5.  2 Nam.  7:23.  Ps.  33:12. 
144:15.146:5.  s Is.  12:2.  45: 17.  1 Tim.  4:10.  t Gen.  15:1.  I s.  84:11.  115:9— 
11.  u Judg.  7:20.  Ps.7:12.  45  3.  Is.  27:1.  34:5,6.  Jer.  12:12.  47  6.  Rev.  1:16, 
19:21.  t Or,  subdued.  Ps.  18:44.  66:3.  81:15.  margins,  x 32:13.  Josh.  10:24, 
25.  Hab.  3:19. 


monly  live  and  die  praying  earnestly,  that  all  the  blessings  of  the 
new  covenant  may  be  communicated  to  their  enraged  persecu- 
tors. (Acts  7:51 — 60.) — Though  the  divine  law  is  “ holy,  just, 
and  good yet  when  fully  explained  and  enforced,  and  when 
applied  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  it  is  still  “a  fiery  law  ;”  and  some- 
times occasions  terrors,  as  great,  and  at  last  as  well  grounded, 
as  those  which  appalled  Israel,  when  they  heard  it  from  the 
midst  of  the  fire  upon  mount  Sinai.  (Note,  Heb.  12:18 — 21.) 
How  intolerable  then  is  the  thought  of  being  compelled  to  meet 
the  Judge,  at  the  consummation  of  all  things,  to  receiv.e  the 
eternal  sentence  according  to  it! — Yet  this  “fiery  law”  is 
most  useful  to  show  us  our  need  of  a Saviour,  and  the  nature, 
glory,  and  preciousness  of  his  salvation : and  when  delivered 
to  us  by  Jesus  Christ,  and  written  in  our  hearts  by  his  Spirit, 
it  peculiarly  evidences  the  Lord’s  love  to  us,  and  directs  us  how 
to  express  our  love  to  him.  They,  who  have  thus  received 
the  law  from  the  hands  of  the  Saviour,  are  “his  saints,”  who, 
“being  justified  by  faith,  have  peace  with  God  through  him , 
and,  secure  under  his  protection,  they  sit  down  at.  his  feet 
daily  to  derive  further  instruction  from  his  words,  acknowledg- 
ing him  as  their  King,  and  yielding  him  prompt  and  willing  obe- 
dience.— The  blessings  with  which  the  Lord  blesses  this 
“ church  of  the  first  born,”  are  suited  to  each  person’s  case, 
and  are  sufficient  for  them  in  every  situation  : and  whilst  every 
one  properly  fills  his  appointed  place,  all  become  blessings  to 
others  and  receive  benefit  from  them;  whether  appointed  to 
the  magistracy  or  ministry,  or  in  a more  private  situation ; 
and  whether  intrusted  with  wealth,  or  called  upon  to  labour 
for  bread,  or  even  when,  incapable  of  labour,  to  subsist  upon 
charity. 

V.  8 — 17.  They  who  are  employed  in  the  sacred  minis- 
try, should  be  tried  persons,  approved  of  God,  possessed  o 
enlightened  understandings,  sound  judgments,  and  upright 
hearts  ; that,  being  filled  with  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God,  and 
love  to  souls,  they  may  not  respect  the  persons  of  men,  nor  fear 
their  frowns.  They  should  be  entirely  superior  to  the  allure- 
ments of  covetousness  and  ambition,  and  even  to  an  undue  bias 
of  natural  affection ; not  desiring  the  advancement  or  afflu- 
ence of  their  brethren  or  children.  For  their  most  important 
employment  consists  in  teaching  men  the  truths,  precepts, 
and  ordinances  of  God,  with  all  faithfulness  and  diligence, 
i hat  they  may  observe  his  word  and  keep  his  covenant. 
They  should  therefore  give  themselves  wholly  to  the  study 
of  the  Scriptures  ; and  pour  out  their  fervent  prayers  to  the 
IiOrd,  to  increase  their  ability,  and  to  prosper  the  work  of 
their  hands  ; and  leave  it  to  him  to  provide  for  them  and  for 
their  families  after  them,  as  well  as  to  defend  them  and  plead 
their  cause  against  all  who  rise  up  against  them.  It  is  also 
the  duty  of  all  to  pray  for  the  ministers  of  the  Lord  ; that  he 
would  both  give  his  abundant  blessing  on  those  who  are 
faithful  and  able,  and  communicate  wisdom  and  grace  to  all 
who  bear  the  sacred  office,  that  they  may  be  rendered  bless- 
ings to  the  people  ; and  also  perpetuat  e a succession  of  such 
ministers  to  future  generations,  and  send  forth  skilful,  faith- 
ful, and  successful  labourers  into  every  part  of  the  earth. — 
To  be  situated  near  the  lively  ordinances  is  a precious  gift 
from  the  Lord  to  his  beloved  ; and  they,  who  value  and  im- 
prove this  privilege,  will  find1  their  situation  so  secure  and 
comfortable,  that  they  will  not  he  induced  to  change  it  for 
any  temporal  convenience,  emolument,  or  indulgence. — We 
should  thankfully  receive  from  the  blessing  of  the  Lord,  those 
valuable  productions,  which  the  fruitful  earth  yields  through 
the  successive  seasons  of  the  year,  by  the  genial  influences  ol 
the  heavens  above.  But  tho<e  good  gifts  which  come  down 
from  “ the  Father  of  lights,”  through  the  “ rising  of  the  Sun 
of  righteousness,”  and  the  pouring  out  of  his  Spirit,  are  infi- 
nitely more  precious : and  these  belong  to  all  who  are  sepa- 
rated from  others  by  faith  and  holiness.  For  he,  who  once 
deigned  to  dwell  in  the  bush,  still  dwells  in  all  Ins  people,  to 
sanctify  and  preserve  them:  and  thus  “ the  righteous  shall  be 
had  in  everlasting  remembrance.” 

V.  18 — 29.  Happy  are  they  who,  through  the  Messing  o.# 
God  on  any  honest  occupation,  arc  enabled  to  maintain  their 
families,  and  have  a heart  to  consecrate  their  gain  unto  the 
Lord  ; who  shrink  not  from  labour,  and  freely  incur  expenso, 
in  offering  “ spiritual  sacrifices  of  righteousness,  acceptable 
to  God  through  Jesus  Christ  and  who  zealously  improve 
every  opportunity  and  advantage  to  bring  others  to  j >in  with 


B.  C.  1451 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 


B.  C.  1451 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

Moses  ascends  m>unt  Nebo,  and  vi«ios  the  promised  land,  1 — 4.  His  death, 
bunal , anti  age,  and  Is  ad's  mourning  for  him , 5 — 8.  Joshua  succeeds 
him.  9.  No  prophet  arose  like  to  him , il)-^-i2. 

AND  Moses  went  up  from  the  plains  of  Moab 
unto  athe  mountain  of  Nebo,  to  the  top  of 
‘Pisgah,  that  is  over  against  Jericho:  and  the  Lord 
bshowed  him  all  the  land  of  Gildead  'unto  Dan, 

2  And  all  Naphtali,  and  the  land  of  Ephraim, 
and  Manasseh,  and  all  the  land  of  Judah,  dunto 
the  utmost  sea, 

3  And  the  south,  and  the  plain  of  the  valley  of 
Jericho,  'the  city  of  palm-trees,  unto  'Zoar. 

4  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  sThis  is  the 
.and  which  I sware  unto  Abraham,  unto  Isaac, 
and  unto  Jacob,  saying,  I will  give  it  unto  thy 
seed:  hI  have  caused  thee  to  see  it  with  thine 
eyes,  but  thou  shalt  not  go  over  thither. 


■ See  on  32:49.  Num.  27:12.  33:47.  • Or,  the  hill.  See  on  Num.  21:20.  marg. 
b-i.  3:27.  Num.  32:33 — ill.  Ex.  40:2.  Rev.  21:10.  c Gen.  14:14.  Josh.  19:47. 
Jude.  18:29.  d 11:24.  Ex.  23:31.  Num.  34:6.  Josh.  15:12.  e Judg.  1:16.  3:13. 
2Chr.  28:15.  f Gen.  14:2,8.  19:22.  Num.  34:3.  e Gen.  12:7.  13:15.  15:18—21. 
26:3.  2S:13.  t's.  105:9—11.  h 3:27.  3-2:52.  Num.  20:12.  John  1:17.  i Josh.  1:1. 
Mai.  4:4.  John  8:35,36.  2 Tim.  2:24.  Heb.  3:3—6.  21'et.  1:1.  Rev.  15:3.  k 31: 


them  in  so  reasonable  a service.  Having  chosen  and  secured, 
through  the  grace  of  God,  “ the  first  part  for  themselves,” 
even  “ that  good  part  which  shall  never  be  taken  from  them.” 
(Note,  Luke  10:38 — 41.)  what  can  they  do  so  becoming  and 
profitable,  as  to  assist  their  neighbours  in  seeking  the  same 
inheritance  ? — But  in  thus  decidedly  joining  with  the  Lord 
against  his  enemies,  they  must  expect  opposition,  and  they 
will  need  to  unite  the  boldness  of  the  lion,  the  wisdom  of  the 
serpent,  and  the  harmlessness  of  the  dove  in  their  character 
and  conduct.  Being  “satisfied,  however,  with  the  favour  of 
the  Lord,  and  filled  with  his  blessing,”  and  “being  accepta- 
ble to  their  brethren,”  and  useful  to  their  fellow-sinners,  they 
may  well  bear  this  trial.  For  all  difficulties  are  rendered 
advantageous  to  true  believers  : and  if  their  way  be  rough, 
their  “feet  shall  be  shod  with  the  preparation  of  the  gospel 
of  peace,”  and  their  strength  in  every  case  proportioned  to 
the  emergency.  (Note,  2 Cur.  12:7 — 10.) — No  words  can 
express  the  giorious  excellencies  of  “ the  God  of  Jeshurun,” 
or  the  privileges  and  felicity  of  his  believing  people.  The 
righteousness  in  which  they  are  justified  is  everlasting,  and 
their  salvation  is  secure.  Being  one  with  Christ  by  his  life- 
giving  Spirit,  they  are  already  “ saved  in  the  Lord  “ the 
eternal  God  is  their”  present  “ Refuge  his  everlasting  arms 
form  their  unfailing  support  ; all  his  perfections  are  engaged 
in  their  behalf;  he  will  hasten  to  their  assistance  with  invin- 
cible force  whenever  their  enemies  assault  them ; and  silence 
all  the  accusations  of  their  malicious  slanderers  : (Note,  Is. 
54:15 — 17.)  he  will  guard  their  peace  and  character,  as  well 
as  the  life  of  their  souls  ; he  “will  choose  their  inheritance” 
for  them,  and  put  them  in  possession  of  it;  and  there  shall 
they  dwell  alone,  (28)  when  their  4 inward  foes  shall  all  be 
slain,’ antUhe  devil  and  his  angels  driven  away  into  everlast- 
ing punishment.  There  shall  they  be  filled  with  the  love  of 
their  God  and  Saviour,  and  be  perfected  in  love  to  him  and 
to  each  other,  and  all  their  employment  shall  be  praise  and 
grateful  adoration.  There  will  the  felicity  of  every  happy 
inhabitant  reciprocally  enhance  that  of  all  the  rest ; nor  shall 
any  emulation  remain,  but  which  shall  most  love  and  glorify 
the  supreme  Object  of  their  united  affections  and  adoration, 
and  the  Source  of  all  their  joys, — God  help  us  to  seek,  and 
set  our  affections  on  those  things  which  are  above,  and  to 
detach  our  souls  from  earthly,  polluted,  perishing  objects  ; 
that  we  may  not  have  our  lot  in  the  regions  of  darkness  and 
despair,  but  with  “ the  Israel  of  God”  in  the  realms  of  love 
and  bliss  ineffable. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXIV.  V.  1—4.  The  last  chapter 
closed  the  words  and  writings  of  Moses,  and  this  chapter 
must  have  been  added  by  another  hand:  but  it  is  uncertain 
whether  by  Joshua,  or  by  Samuel,  or  by  some  other  prophet. 
Some  indeed  maintain,  that  Moses  himself  wrote  it,  by  the 
Spirit  of  prophecy.  This  however  is  not  at  all  probable  : but 
by  whomsoever  it  was  written,  the  information  must  have  been 
originally  communicated  by  immediate  revelation.  Perhaps 
the  three  last  verses  were  added  as  late  as  the  days  of  Ezra: 
but  all  the  subsequent  books  of  Scripture  assume  as  undoubt- 
ed facts  the  things  recorded  in  it. — Moses  appeared  reluctant 
to  leave  his  work  ; but  that  being  finished,  he  manifested  no 
unwillingness  to  die.  He  now  acquiesced  in  the  will  of  God 
who  refused  him  an  entrance  into  Canaan  : (Note,  3:23 — 
28.)  he  was  animated  with  the  immediate  prospect  of  glory, 
which  loosened  all  earthly  attachments,  and  supplied  him 
with  strength  and  spirits  to  ascend  the  mountain,  where  he 
was  to  put  off  the  tabernacle  of  his  body  ; and  it  seems  pro- 
vable that  he  went  alone,  and  died  without  a witness,  or  a 
companion  to  close  his  eyes. — Abarim  is  supposed  to  be  a 
ridge  of  mountains,  Nebo  the  highest  mountain  in  that  ridge, 
and  Pisgah  the  summit  of  that  mountain. — The  vision  of 
Moses  was  miraculously  assisted,  in  taking  a distinct  and  de- 
liberate survey  of  the  promised  land,  as  it  was  afterwards 
d:vided  among  the  tribes  of  Israel.  (Marg.  Ref.)  This 
would  gratify  his  endeared  affection  for  the  peoople  : and  it 


5 'So  Moses,  the  servant  of  the  Lord,  kdied 
there  in  the  land  of  Moab,  according  to  the  word 
of  the  Lord. 

6 And  'he  buried  him  in  a valley,  in  the  lane 
of  Moab,  over  against  Beth-peor : but  no  man 
knoweth  of  his  sepulchre  unto  this  day. 

7 And  Moses  ivas  man  hundred  and  twenty 
years  old  when  he  died:  "his  eye  was  not  dim, 
nor  his  'natural  force  abated. 

8 And  the  children  of  Israel  °wept  for  Moses 
in  the  plains  of  Moab  thirty  days:  so  the  days  ol 
weeping  and  mourning  for  Moses  were  ended. 

9 II  And  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun  was  'Tull  of  the 
Spirit  of  wisdom ; for  sMoses  had  laid  his  hands 
upon  him : and  rthe  children  of  Israel  hearkened 
unto  him,  and  did  as  the  Lord  commanded 
Moses. 


14  . 32:50.  Josh.  1:1,2.  1 Jude  9.  r 31:2.  Acts  7:23.30,36.  n Gen.  27:1.  48:10. 
Josh.  14:10,11.  f Heb. moisture fied.  o Gen. 50:3,10.  Num.  20:29.  1 Sam.  25: 
1.  Is.  57:1.  Acts  8:2.  p Ex.  31:3.  Num.  11:17.  1 Kings  3:9,12.  2 Kings  2:9,15. 
Is.  11:2.  Dan.  6:3.  John  3:34.  Col.  2:3.  q Num.  27:18—23.  Acts  6:6.  8:17—19. 
1 Tim.  4:14.  5:22.  r Josh.  1:16—18. 


was  also  a type  of  those  prospects  of  the  heavenly  rest,  which 
reconcile  the  believer  to  dissolution. 

V.  5.  “ Moses,  the  servant  of  the  Lord,”  was  obedient 

unto  death,  and  as  willingly  obeyed  this  as  he  had  any  fore- 
going command,  though  it  seemed  much  harder. — In  this  he 
resembled  Jesus  Christ : but  Moses  died  in  honour,  in  peace, 
and  in  the  most  easy  manner  ; our  Saviour  expired  on  the 
ignominious  and  torturing  cross  ! 

V.  6.  The  bones  of  Joseph  were  carried  into  Canaan 
to  be  interred : but  the  Lord  himself,  (the  immediate  ante- 
cedent to  the  pronoun  he,)  buried  the  body  of  Moses,  and  so 
concealed  it,  that  when  this  account  was  written  no  man 
knew  of  his  sepulchre  ; and  we  have  reason  to  conclude  it 
was  never  afterwards  found.  The  ministration  of  angels  was 
probably  employed,  but  no  human  assistance  ; and  we  may 
be  sure  nothing  was  placed  that  could  lead  to  a discovery. 
(Note,  Jude  9,10.)  No  doubt  this  precaution  was  used  to 
prevent  superstition  and  idolatry  ; as  many  ages  afterwards 
the  Israelites  burnt  incense  to  the  brazen  serpent  which  Moses 
made.  (Note,  2 Kings  18:4.)  But  not  being  allowed  to  ve- 
nerate the  relics  of  their  lawgiver,  they  seem  never  to  have 
been  guilty  of  that  species  of  superstition  which  has  so  long 
disgraced  the  Christian  church. — When  Moses  died,  the 
Lord  buried  him  ; but  when  Christ  died,  he  was  raised  from 
the  dead  : for  the  Mosaic  dispensation  was  superseded  by 
the  Christian,  but  Christianity  shall  endure  to  the  end 
of  time. — Nothing  can  be  conceived  more  directly  oppo- 
site to  Scripture,  than  the  tradition,  sanctioned  by  several 
ancient  Christian  writers,  and  apparently  favoured  by  some 
moderns,  tnat  Moses  did  not  die,  but  went  to  heaven  alive,  as 
Enoch  and  Elijah  did.  We  should  be  very  careful  not  to 
give  any  countenance  to  this  method  of  opposing  tradition, 
or  vain  reasonings,  to  the  divine  testimony  ; for  it  opens  the 
door  to  every  kind  of  skepticism. 

V.  7.  The  life  of  MosCs  was  remarkably  divided  into 
three  periods,  each  consisting  of  forty  years:  during  the  first 
he  sustained  the  rank  of  a courtier  ; during  the  second  he 
was  a shepherd  in  the  wilderness  ; and  during  the  third,  he 
filled  the  important  station  of  a lawgiver  and  “king  in  Jesh- 
urun.” (Ex.  7:7.  Num.  33:39.  Acts  7:23,30.) — Though  he 
lived  so  much  longer  than  the  most  of  his  contemporaries, 
(Ps.JK):10.)  he  had  experienced  no  failure  in  his  faculties,  but 
died,  not  by  the  course  of  nature,  but  according  to  the  will 
of  God,  when  his  work  was  finished.  Thus  also  Christ  died 
in  the  vigour  of  life. — |Some  suppose  that  the  shining  of 
Moses’s  face  continued  to  his  death. 

V.  8.  The  Israelites  not  only  paid  Moses  the  customary 
honour  at  his  death,  but  seem  to  have  been  deeply  sensible 
of  their  loss.  And  perhaps  even  those  who  formerly  wer^ 
refractory  and  rebellious,  when  he  had  opposed  their  sins, 
at  this  time  sincerely  lamented  the  loss  of  so  faithful  a friend. 

V.  9.  Notes , Num.  27:18 — 21.  Josh.  1:1 — 9. 

V.  10 — 12.  Whether  Joshua,  or  Samuel,  or  some  later 
writer,  inserted  these  words,  they  contain  an  acknowledg- 
ment, that  the  promise  made  to  Moses  had  not  at  that  time 
been  accomplished.  (Note,  18:15 — 19.)  No  prophet  had 
arisen  in  all  respects  qualified  and  honoured  of  God  as  Moses 
had  been,  nor  did  any  one  arise  until  the  coming  of  Christ: 
but  he  exceeded  Moses  as  the  Son  does  the  servant ; (Note, 
Heb.  3:1 — 6.)  and  not  only  was  known  of  the  Father  face  to 
face,  but  came  forth  from  the  bosom  of  the  Father  to  reveal 
him,  and  his  truth  and  salvation,  to  sinful  men.  Several  even 
of  the  Jewish  writers  are  sensible  that  this  passage  refers  to 
the  Messiah  ; for  one  of  them  writes  thus : — 1 It  cannot  be 
but  that  a prophet  shall  at  last  arise  like  to  Moses,  or  greater 
than  he  : for  the  King  Messiah  shall  be  as  great  or  greater. 
Therefore  these  words  are  not  to  be  expounded,  as  if  there 
should  never  be  such  a prophet : but  that  in  all  the  time  of  the 
following  prophets,  till  the  cessation  of  prophecy,  none  should 
arise  like  to  Moses.  But  after  that  there  shall  be  one  like 
him.  or  rather  greater  than  he.’  Doubtless  this  author  write* 

( 381  1 


B.  C.  1451.  JOSHUA.  B.  C.  1451. 


10  II  And  there  “arose  not  a prophet  since  in 
Israel  like  unto  Moses,  whom  ‘the  Lord  knew 
face  to  face ; 

1 1 In  all  "the  signs  and  the  wonders,  which  the 
Lord  sent  him  to  do  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  to 

h 18:15 — 18.  Acts  3:24,23.  7:37.  t 5:4,5.  Ex.  33:11.  Num.  12:6— 8. 

absurdly  enough,  in  supposing  the  cessation  of  prophecy  to 
take  place  before  the  corning  of  the  principal  Prophet.  Yet 
his  testimony  serves  to  show  that  the  ancient  Scriptures 
naturally  induced  an  expectation  of  a subsequent  and  more 
illustrious  revelation,  and  a far  more  honourable  person  than 
any  who  had  then  appeared. — Another  Jewish  writer  says, 
•on  the  words  of  Isaiah,  “ He  shall  be  exalted,  and  extolled, 
and  be  very  high (Is.  52:13.)  that  ‘ the  King  Messiah  shall 
be  exalted  above  Abraham,  extolled  above  Moses,  and  be 
very  high  above  the  angels  of  the  ministry.’  Upon  which  Con- 
radus  Pellicanus  thus  glosses,  and  concludes  his  commentary, 
as  I shall  do  mine,  ‘ What  it  is  to  be  above  the  angels  let  the 
Jews  explain  ; we  can  understand  nothing  by  it,  but  the  very 
44  Word  of  God,  which  was  in  the  beginning  with  God,  and 
was  God,  by  whom  all  things  were  made,  and  without  him 
nothing  was  made  that  was  made viz.  the  Lord  God  of  Hosts, 
to  whom  in  perfect  Unity,  God  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy 
Spirit,  be  all  honour  and  glory  forever,  Amen.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

As  we  must  ere  long  be  called  into  the  eternal  world,  our 
wisdom  and  happiness  consist  in  habitual  readiness  for  that 
solemn  event : and  if  we  have  experienced  the  salvation  of 
God,  we  are  prepared,  and  should  be  willing  to  depart  when- 
ever it  pleases  him. — To  u stand  with  our  loins  girded,”  dili- 
gently doing  our  proper  work,  and  waiting  the  summons  of 
the  Lord,  will  best  ensure  those  views  of  heavenly  rest,  and 
those  foretastes  of  joy,  which  gild  the  prospect,  and  cheer 
the  heart  of  believers  in  passing  that  last  gloomy  vale.  We 
need  not  be  anxious  about  the  presence  of  beloved  relatives, 


Pharaoh,  and  to  all  his  servants,  and  to  all  hu 
land  ; 

12  And  in  all  that  mighty  hand,  and  in  all  the 
great  terror,  which  Moses  showed  in  the  sight  of 
all  Israel. 


u 4:34.7.19.  Ps.  78:43— 53.  105:28—38. 


or  the  solace  of  the  Lord’s  people  or  ministers  in  our  dying 
moments  : for  should  our  departure  be  sudden,  alone,  or  even 
among  strangers,  the  love  and  presence  of  our  God  and 
Saviour  will  abundantly  suffice.  Still  less  should  we  be  con- 
cerned where  our  bones  are  laid;  as  the  burial  of  Christ  has 
consecrated  every  spot  where  a believer  is  interred,  and  his 
omnipotent  voice  will  at  length  raise  us  incorruptible.  But 
we  should  fear  leaving  any  occasion  of  sin  to  survivors:  for 
the  enmity  and  envy  which  follow  the  Lord’s  servants  while 
they  live,  are  frequently  changed  into  superstitious  regard  for 
them  after  their  decease  ; so  that  sometimes  even  their  mis- 
takes will  then  be  espoused,  and  their  failings  imitated : and 
many  eminent  saints,  now  in  glory,  could  they  again  revisit 
this  lower  world,  would  embrace  that  opportunity  of  burying, 
or  burning,  or  expunging  some  passages  out  of  writings  that 
they  have  left  behind,  perhaps  without  intention  of  being 
made  public  ; and  which  Satan  has  afterwards  made  use  of 
as  a handle  against  divine  truth,  far  beside  the  intention  of 
the  writer,  yet  under  the  venerable  sanction  of  his  established 
reputation. — While  respect  is  paid  to  the  memory  of  the 
deceased,  the  living  servants  of  God  ought  not  to  be  under- 
valued : for,  though  in  some  respects  inferior  to  their  prede- 
cessors, God  will  qualify  them  for  their  work.  His  authority 
should  therefore  be  honoured  in  them  ; and  the  measure  of 
wisdom  and  holiness,  which  he  has  given  them,  esteemed  and 
regarded.  And  as  Jesus  ever  liveth  to  take  care  of  his  own 
cause,  we  need  not  mourn  for  the  most  eminent  men,  “ as 
those  who  have  no  hope”  that  the  loss  will  be  made  up  to 
the  church  of  God.  * 


THE 

BOOK  OF  JOSHUA. 


Wb  now  enter  on  that  portion  of  the  Old  Testament,  which  is  commonly  distinguished  as  historical.  For  though  the  books  of  Moses 
contain  a large  proportion  of  history,  and  are  the  only  authentic  records  existing  of  those  primeval  ages  ; and  though  several  of 
the  prophetical  books  are  in  part  historical;  yet  these  having  been  denominated  “ the  /ato  and  the  prophets,”  from  the  grand 
peculiarities  of  each,  the  books  before  us  may  properly  be  called  historical,  by  way  of  distinction. — From  the  death  of  Moses  to 
that  of  Nehemiah,  at  least  1050  years  intervened  ; indeed  some  genealogies  in  Nehemiah  extend  beyond  that  period  : and  of  this 
succession  of  ages  these  books  contain  a connected  and  regular  narrative,  which  is  extremely  interesting  to  tne  sober  student,  as 
well  as  edifying  to  every  pious  reader. — If  we  except  some  Phenician  fragments,  filled  with  inconsistencies,  and  of  doubtful 
authority  ; and  a few  traditions  concerning  the  Egyptians  and  Assyrians,  distorted  by  the  most  extravagant  relations,  and  evidently 
replete  with  fables  : there  is  scarcely  any  thing  extant,  which  gives  us  the  least  information  of  what  was  transacted  in  any  of  the 
nations  of  the  work!,  during  by  far  the  greater  part  of  this  period.  For  it  does  not  yet  appear,  that  any  dependence  can  be  placed 
on  those  narratives  from  the  eastern  world,  which  have  lately  been  brought  into  Europe,  and  have  excited  considerable  attention  ; 
and  which  some  have  so  highly  extolled,  as  to  insinuate,  not  only  that  they  render  questionable  other  ancient  histories  hitherto  of 
approved  authority,  but  that  their  testimony  ought  to  have  some  weight  even  in  opposition  to  the  records  of  the  Scripture.  Yet  it  is 
notorious,  that  they  are  so  disfigured  by  fable  or  allegory,  as  to  be  .scarcely  intelligible;  and  that  they  relate  events  of  the  most 
extravagant  and  incredible  antiquity.  Leaving  these,  however,  till  fuller  investigation  has  shown  what  credit  they  deserve  ; it 
is  obvious  to  remark,  that  Herodotus,  who  used  to  be  called  the  father  of  history , is  supposed  to  have  been  contemporary  with 
Ezra  and  Nehemiah,  the  latest  writers  of  these  scriptural  records  : and  all  that  he  collected,  concerning  times  long  preceding  his 
own,  is  generally  allowed  to  be  of  doubtful  authority,  and  blended  with  much  that  is  altogether  fabulous.  Yet  the  history  on  which 
we  are  entering,  though  modern , compared  with  that  contained  in  the  books  of  Moses,  commences  at  least  1000  years  before  the 
days  of  this  father  of  history  ! And  (except  as  skeptics  choose  to  confound  well-attested  public  miracles,  wrought  by  the 
almighty  God,  for  the  most  important  of  all  purposes,  with  the  absurd  and  pernicious  fables  of  pagan  writers,)  the  whole  narrative 
is  exceedingly  probable  and  rational,  and  accords  with  the  known  character  and  general  conduct  of  mankind,  in  the  various 
circumstances  in  which  they  are  placed.  It  also  agrees  with  the  most  sober  traditions  and  detached  fragments  of  antiquity  ; and 
serves  to  elucidate  many  obscure  parts  of  profane  history,  and  to  decide  many  questions  in  respect  of  ancient  chronology.  It  also 
coincides  with  the  manners  and  customs  of  those  eastern  regious,  in  the  remotest  ages,  as  far  as  any  accounts  of  them  have  cume 
down  to  us. 

Many  learned  men  have  endeavoured  to  elucidate  Scripture  by  passages  from  pagan  writers  ; and  their  labours  have  not  been  useless : 
yet,  almost  uniformly,  one  hesitation  occurs  to  the  reflecting  reader  on  every  case  ; namely,  a doubt  whether  the  pagan  customs 
were  as  ancient  as  the  scriptural  narration,  which  they  were  adduced  to  illustrate  ; or  whether  the  scriptural  history  and  institutions 
were  not  the  real  source,  from  which  the  pagan  notions  and  customs  were  derived.  It  would  be  a very  interesting  employment,  to 
inquire  how  far,  on  the  other  hand,  ancient  history,  chronology,  and  even  geography,  and  various  things  connected  with  these 
branches  of  learning,  are  indebted  to  the  sacred  volume.  For  though  the  records  here  transmitted  to  us,  principally  refer  to  a people 
in  many  respects  far  from  considerable,  and  also  unjustly  despised  in  the  world  ; yet  they  continually  call  the  reader’s  attention 
to  the  most  ancient  transactions  of  all  the  surrounding  nations  : so  that  more  satisfactory  information  is  derived  from  the  Scriptures 
concerning  the  Egyptians,  the  Phenicians  or  Tyrians,  the  Syrians,  the  Assyrians,  the  Chaldeans,  and  even  the  Medes  and  Persians, 
than  from  the  writings  of  those  persons  who  profess  to  give  us  the  histories  of  those  nations. 

These  considerations  are  suited  to  impress  the  mind  of  the  reflecting  reader  with  a high  veneration  for  this  part  of  the  sacred 
Scripture,  which  beyond  comparison  is  in  all  respects  the  most  wonderful  book  in  the  world  ; but  the  nature  and  tendency  of  the 
history  here  given  us  should  still  more  endear  it  to  every  real  Christian.  Not  to  anticipate  the  instructions  which  will  be  deduced 
from  every  chapter,  it  may  in  general  be  observed,  that  the  whole  is  suited  to  make  known  to  us  the  perfections  and  providence  of 
God,  in  the  most  interesting  and  affecting  manner  ';  to  show  what  is  the  real  character  of  man  ; and  to  evince  both  the  immense 
importance  and  excellency,  and  the  genuine  nature,  of  true  religion. — Even  amidst  the  events  of  history,  types  and  prophecies  are 
interspersed,  especially  of  the  Redeemer,  who  is  never  wholly  kept  out  of  sight  in  any  part  of  the  sacrea  oracles.  Public  miracles, 
of  the  most  extraordinary  nature,  challenging  the  investigation  of  the  most  virulent  enemies,  and  wrought  on  purpose  to  confirm 
those  messages  from  God,  which  were  most  offensive,  either  to  idolatrous  rulers,  or  a rebellious  nation,  are  likewise  here  recorded. 

We  are  not  expressly  informed  who  was  the  writer  of  each  book  in  this  collection  ; hut  we  have  several  intimations,  that  the 
vrophets , or  seers , of  whom  continual  mention  is  made,  were  employed  in  this  service.  (1  Chr.  29:29.  2 Chr.  12:16.  20:31.  26:22  ) 
It  is  indeed  not  mprobible,  that  the  contemporary  prophets  wrote  the  principal  transactions  of  their  own  times,  under  the 
superintendence  * f the  Holy  Spirit,  by  whom  they  were  preserved  from  error  ami  partiality,  guided  in  selecting  such  facts  as  wen 
most  proper  to  be  recorded,  and  instructed  immediately  w here  ordinary  sources  of  information  failed ; and  that  subsequent  prophet* 

( 382  ) 


B.  C.  1451. 


B.  C.  1451. 

under  the 


CHAPTER  I. 


nderthe  same  superintendence,  2 rive  the  hiptnry  its  present  form.  Perhaps  some  parts  of  it  were  compiled  from  ancient  recordn, 
ua  late  as  the  times  of  Ezra,  who  was  himself  an  inspired  writer  ; and  the  rest  revised  by  him  and  his  assistants,  with  some  short 
notes,  elucidating  the  several  parts  of  the  narrative  : and  this  may  account  lor  a few  expressions,  which  seem  to  belong  to  later 
limes  than  those  of  the  events  related,  as  well  as  for  the  references  to  some  books  then  known,  but  not  now  extant. — Very  little 
history,  subsequent  to  the  days  of  Ezra,  is  transmitted  to  us  in  Scripture,  previous  to  that. contained  in  the  New  Testament ; and 
a few  incidents  or  genealogies,  which  seem  to  pertain  to  a rather  later  period,  might  be  added  by  the  prophet  Malachi.  But  the 
canon  of  the  Old  Testament,  for  substance  the  same  as  we  now  have  it,  was  evidently  settled  in  the  time  of  Ezra,  and  has  never 
since  received  anv  material  alteration.  . , , 

These  books,  however,  were  undoubtedly  a part  of  the  sacred  Scriptures,  to  which  our  Lord  and  his  apostles  continually  appealed, 
and  which  the  Jews  in  general  received  as  the  oracles  of  God,  and  as  given  by  inspiration  from  him. — And  it  is  exceedingly  worthy 
of  notice,  that  the  several  parts  of  the  Bible  thus  reciprocally  attest  each  other,  and  presuppose  the  undoubted  truth  of  the  history 
which  they  record,  and  the  divine  authority  of  the  doctrines  and  commandments  delivered  in  them  • so  that,  like  the  stones  m a 
well-constructed  arch,  each  supports  and  is  supported  by  all  the  rest.  In  particular,  the  Psalms,  the  prophetical  books,  and  eve/7 
part  of  ihe  Ne.v  Testament,  assume  as  acknowledged  truth,  that  these  historical  records  contain  undoubted  facts;  and  these 
several  divisions  of  the  sacred  Vohime  often  constitute  an  important  comment  on  each  other. 

The  hooks,  on  which  we  now  enter,  do  not  contain  a complete  political  history  of  Israel,  hut  merely  a connected  account  of  the 
most  material  events,  or  of  such  as  were  most  suited  to  convey  important  instruction:  and  because  transactions,  which  in  ihe 
general  estimate  of  mankind  are  considered  as  comparatively  little,  frequently  inculcate  the  most  salutary  lessons  of  heavenly 
wisdom  ; these  are  often  very  fully  recorded,  while  the  more  splendid  concerns  of  courts  and  camps  are  passed  over  in  silence,  or 
but  cursorily  noticed.  . , . _ , , , . . 

The  authority  and  value  of  this  division  of  the  sacred  Scriptures  being  thus  ascertained,  a few  additional  remarks  on  the  book  01 
Joshua,  with  which  it  opens,  may  suffice. — In  all  the  versions,  as  well  as  in  the  original,  it  is  named  from  Joshua,  either  as  the 
author,  or  as  the  principal  subject : and  it  is  probable  he  wrote  the  substance  of  it.  (24:26.)  The  writer  speaks  of  himself  as  a 
person  concerned  in  the  transactions  which  he  relates  : (5:1  ) and  the  mention  of  Rahab,  as  still  living  in  Israel,  implies  that  he 
was  a contemporary.  (6:25.)  But  some  passages  doubtless  were  added  afterwards,  perhaps  by  Phinehas,  or  rather  by  a subsequent 
prophet:  (19:47.  24:29—33.)  yet  several  things  adduced  as  proofs  that  the  book  was  written  at  a later  period,  by  no  means 
establish  that  conclusion. — Among  the  various  passages  in  which  the  history  contained  in  this  book  is  attested  by  other  sacred 
writers,  the  following  may  be  selected  : 1 Kings  16:34.  1 Chr.  2:7.  Ps.  114:3 — 5.  Jlcts  7:15.  13:19.  Heb.  4:8.  11:30, 31. •13:5.  Jam. 
2:25.  and  at  the  same  time  it  may  be  observed,  that  this  book  appeals  to  the  books  of  Moses,  as  then  extant  ; and  marks  repeatedly 
the  fulfilment  of  the  promises  and  predictions  contained  in  them,  or  confirms  them  as  undoubtedly  to  be  accomplished.  (1  :S.  8:30 
—35.  11:15,20,23.  14:2—9.  20:2.  21:43—45.  22:1—9.  23:6—16.  24:2—10,19,20.) 

The  Pagan  writers  were  in  some  measure  acquainted  with  this  history  ; and  several  of  their  fables  are  supposed  to  have  been  derived 
from  it : especially  the  story  of  Phaeton  driving  the  chariot  of  the  sun  for  the  space  of  one  day,  seems  to  have  originated  from  the 
sun’s  staying  his  course  for  one  clay,  at  the  word  of  Joshua  ; and  it  clearly  shows,  that  a tradition  prevailed  of  one  day,  in  ancient 
times,  having  been  wholly  unlike  all  others,  either  before  or  after  it. — It  is  probable  that  the  Carthaginians  were  originally 
Phenicians,  or  Canaanites,  who  fled  from  the  victorious  sword  of  Joshua,  first  to  Tyre,  whence  they  colonized  to  Africa. 

This  book  does  not  contain  any  explicit  prophecies  : except  as  the  warnings  given  ro  the  people,  to  expect  the  completion  of  those 
delivered  hv  Moses,  may  be  considered  as  prophetical  ; or  as  the  curse  denounced  on  him  that  should  rebuild  Jericho  was  of  that 
nature.  (6:26.)  But  Joshua  himself,  his  wars  and  victories,  and  the  inheritance  which  he  was  appointed  to  assign  to  Israel,  were 
typical  pre-intimations  of  Christ  and  his  conflicts  and  triumphs,  and  the  rest  reserved  for  all  his  true  people. — This  will  be  shown 
m»re  fully  as  we  proceed;  and  the  wars  which  Joshua  waged,  and  the  devastations  which  lie  made,  fully  vindicated  from  the 
objections  that  have  been  made  against  them. 

Expositors  have  generally  computed,  that  about  seventeen  years  passed  between  the  death  of  Moses  and  that  of  Joshua  ; seven 
of  which  were  spent  in  the  conquest  of  Canaan,  and  ten  in  the  peaceable  possession  of  the  land:  but  some  learned  men  think  that 
Joshua  survived  his  victories  twenty  years,  or  nearly. — Every  pan  of  tfce  hook  conveys  useful  instruction  ; but  the  exhortations, 
with  which  Joshua  er>ok  his  leave  of  the  people  just  before  his  death,  are  peculiarly  interesting  and  affecting. 


B.  C.  1451. 

CHAPTER  I. 

The  Lord  confirms  Joshua  as  the  successor  of  Moses , 1,2.  He  shows  the 
extent  of  the  promised  land,  and  instructs  and  encourages  Joshua,  3 — 9 ; who 
gives  orders  about  passing  over  Jordan,  10,  11  ; and  reminds  the  two  tribes 
and  a half  of  their  engagement , 12—15.  The  people  promise  obedience, 

16—18. 

NOW  after  “the  death  of  Moses,  the  servant  of 
the  Lord,  it  came  to  pass,  that  the  Lord 
spake  unto  bJoshua  the  son  of  Nun,  “Moses’s  mi- 
nister, saying. 

2  dMoses  my  servant  is  dead ; now  therefore 
'arise,  go  over  this  Jordan,  thou,  and  all  this 
people,  unto  the  land  which  I do  give  to  them, 
even  to  the  children  of  Israel. 

3  Every  place,  that  'the  sole  of  your  foot  shall 
tread  upon,  that  have  I given  unto  you,  as  I said 
unto  Moses. 

4  From  Hhe  wilderness  and  this  Lebanon  even 
unto  the  great  river,  the  river  Euphrates,  all  the 

a 12r3.  See  on  Deut.  33:1 . 34:5.  Acts  13:36,37.  Rom.  1:1.  Tit. 1:1.  Jam. 1:1. 
Rev.  1:18.  b Ex.  17:9— 13.  See  on  Nilm.  13:8,16.  Deut.  1:38.  31:3,113.34:9. 
Acts7:45.  Jesus,  c Ex.  24:13.  Num.  11:28.  1 Kings  19:16.  2 Kings  3:11.  4:27 
-29.  5:25—27.  Matt.  20:26,27.  Luke  16:10.  dSef  ona.  1.  Is.  42:1.  Heb.  3:5, 
6 . 7:23,24.  e Num. 27: 16-21 . Deut.  3:28.  31:7.  f 14:9.  Deut.  11:24.  Tit.  1:2. 
e Gen.  15:18— 21.  Ex.  23:31.  Num.  34:12— 18.  Deut.  1:7.  3:25.  11:24.  1 Chr. 
5:9.  18:3.  h Deut.  7:24.  20:4 . Ps.  46:11.  Rom.  8:31,37.  i 9,17.  3:7.  6:27.  Ex. 
6:12.  Deut.  31:23.  Matt.  28:20.  Acts  18:9,10.  2Tira.4:17.  j See  on  Deut.  31 :6 


NOTES. — Chap.  I.  V.  1,2.  The  beginning  of  this  book 
ts  connected  with  the  conclusion  of  Deuteronomy,  as  the 
continuation  of  the  preceding  history  ; and  in  the  title  given 
to  “ Moses,  the  servant  of  the  Lord,”  reference  is  made  to  it. 
(Deut.  34:5.)  We  are  not  informed,  whether  God  imme- 
diately revealed  himself  to  Joshua  on  this  occasion,  or  whether 
he  inquired  the  divine  will  by  the  high-priest.  (Num.  27:21.) 
The  ,Uath  of  Moses  made  it  necessary  for  Joshua  to  enter 
fully,  on  his  office.  (Notes,  Num  27:18 — 20.) — It  cannot  be 
supposed  that  Israel  passed  over  Jordan  before  the  thirty  days 
of  mourning  for  Moses  were  expired;  yet  perhaps  this 
renewal  of  Joshua’s  commission,  and  even  the  sending  out  of 
the  spies,  might  take  place  in  the  mean  while.  (2:1.) — The 
Mosaic  dispensation  was  introductory  to  that  of  the  gospel, 
and  the  formel-  must  expire  before  the  latter  could  appear  in 
its  glory.  The  moral  law  is  exceedingly  useful  to  the  church 
of  God,  and  to  every  believer : but  the  gospel  alone  can  con- 
duct us  to  the  heavenly  inheritance;  (Note,  John  1:17.)  and 
being  “dead  to  the  law"  as  the  ground  of  our  confidence,  is 
necessary  to  our  salvation  by  Jesus  Christ.  (Note,  Gal. 


B C.  1451. 

land  of  the  Hittites,  and  unto  the  great  sea 
towards  the  going  down  of  the  sun,  shall  be  your 
coast. 

5 There  hshall  not  any  man  he  able  to  stand 
before  thee  all  the  days  of  thy  life  : 'as  I was 
with  Moses,  so  I will  be  with  thee : J will  not  fail 
thee,  nor  forsake  thee. 

6 “Be  strong  and  of  a good  courage;  for  "unto 
this  people  shalt  thou  ‘divide  for  an  inheritance 
the  land  “which  I sware  unto  their  fathe.s  to  give 
them. 

7 Only  be  thou  stronu,  and  very  c,  urageous. 
that  thou  mayest  observe  to  do  according  to  all 
the  law  "which  Moses  my  servant  commanded 
thee : °turn  not  from  it  to  the  right  hand  or  to  the 
left,  Pthat  thou  mayest  'prosper  whithersoever  thou 
goest. 

8 This  ibook  of  the  law  shall  not  depart  out  of 


—8.  Is.  41 :10 — 16.  43-2 — 5.  Heb.  13:5.  k 7,9.  1 Sam.  4:9.  1 Kings  2:2.  1 Chr. 
2-2:13.  28:10.  2 Chr.  32:7,8.  Ps.  27:14.  Is.  35:3.4.  Dan.  10:19.  Mag.  2:4.  Zecli. 
8:9.  1 Cor.  16:13.  Eph.  6: 10.  2 Tim.  2: 1 . * Or , thou  shalt  cause  this  people  to 
inherit.  1 Num.  34:17— 29.  m Gen.  26:3.  n See  on  1.  11:15.  Num.  27:23. 
Deut.  31:7.  o Pent.  5:32.  12:32.28:14.  Prov. 4.27.  8:20.  p Deut.  29:9.  1 Kings 
2:3.  1 Chr.  2-2:13.  t Or,  do  wisely.  8.  marg.  q Deut.  6:6— 9.  11:18,19.17:18,18. 
30:14.  31:11.  Ps.  37:3d,31 . 40:10.  119:42,43.  Is.  59:21.  Matt.  12:35.  Eph.  4:29. 


2:17 — 21.)  These  things  were  typically  taught  by  the  death 
of  Moses,  and  the  succession  of  Joshua. 

Y.  3,  4.  Lebanon  seems  to  have  been  the  termination  of 
an  extensive  prospect,  which  lay  open  to  Joshua  at  this  time. — 
In  the  days  of  David  and  Solomon  the  whole  country  con- 
tained in  this  grant,  was  possessed  by  Israel,  or  tributary  to 
their  kings : but  in  general,  through  sin,  they  came  short  of 
that  prosperity  which  they  might  otherwise  have  enjoyed. 
(Notes,  Ex.  23:31.  2 Sam.  8:3.  1 Kings  4:21.) 

V.  5.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Deut.  31:3 — 8.  Heb.  13:5,6. 

V.  7.  The  successor  of  Moses,  that  eminent  servant  of 
God,  the  ruler  over  so  numerous  and  untractable  a people  as 
Israel,  and  that  people  the  worshippers  of  the  true  and  living 
God  ; and  the  commander  in  so  perilous  an  undertaking  as 
the  conquest  of  Canaan,  would  need  great  strength  of  grace 
and  courage  of  faith : especially  that  he  might  persevere  in  the 
path  of  duty,  unmoved  by  terrors,  difficulties,  or  persuasions, 
and  neither  “.turn  to  the  right  hand  nor  to  the  left;”  not  only 
observing  the  commandments  of  God  himself,  but  impartially 
exerting  his  authority  in  enforcing  them  on  all  the  p»opl(-, 

( 383  ) 


B.  C.  1451. 


JOSHUA. 


B.  C.  1451 


thy  mouth ; but  rthou  shalt  meditate  therein  day 
and  night,  that  thou  mayest  “observe  to  do  accord- 
ing to  all  that  is  written  therein:  for  then  thou 
shalt  make  thy  way  prosperous,  and  then  thou 
shalt  ‘have  good  success. 

9 ‘Have  not  I commanded  thee  ? Be  strong  and 
of  a good  courage  ; “be  not  afraid,  neither  be  thou 
dismayed : for  the  Lord  thy  God  is  with  thee 
whithersoever  thou  goest. 

10  H Then  Joshua  commanded  the  officers  of 
the  people,  saying, 

11  Pass  through  the  host,  and  command  the 
people,  saying,  Prepare  you  victuals ; for  within 
“three  days  vye  shall  pass  over  this  Jordan,  to  go 
in  to  possess  the  land  which  the  Lord  your  God 
giveth  you  to  possess  it. 

12  And  to  the  Reubenites,  and  to  the  Gadites, 
and  to  half  the  tribe  of  Manasseh,  spake  Joshua, 
saying, 

13  Remember  “the  word  which  Moses  the 
servant  of  the  Lord  commanded  you,  saying, 
The  Lord  your  God  hath  given  you  rest,  and 
hath  given  you  this  land. 

14  Your  wives,  your  little  ones,  and  your  cattle, 
shall  remain  in  the  land  which  Moses  gave  you 
on  this  side  Jordan  ; but  ye  shall  pass  before  your 
brethren  farmed,  all  "the  mighty  men  of  valour, 
and  help  them ; 

15  Until  bthe  Lors  have  given  your  brethren 
rest,  as  he  hath  given  you,  and  they  also  have 

rPs.  !:2,3.  19:11.  119:11,15,97,99.  Prov.  2:1— 5.  3:1.  Col.  3:16.  1 Tim.  4:14—16. 
• .See on  Dm.  5:99,39,39.  0:1—3.  Mall.  7:21,24.  28:20.  l.nke  11:28.  John  13:17. 
14:21.  Jam.  1:22 — 2-3.  Rev.  22:14.  ' Or,  do  wisely,  t Judg.  6 14.  2.8am.  13: 
28.  Acts  4: 19.  u See  on  Deut.  20: 1 . Ps.  27: 1 .2.  Jer.  1:7,8.  X 3:2.  Kx.  19: 1 1. 
2Kings2U:5.  Hos.  6:2.  y See  on  Deut.  9:1.  11:31.  z 22:2— 4.  Num.  32:20— 28. 
Dent.  3:18.  f Ileb.  marshalled  bv  flee.  Kx.  13:13.  a Deut. 20:8.  Rev.  17:14. 
b Nam.  32:11 — 22.  Gal.  5:13.  6:2.  ’Phil.  1:21—  26.  2:4.  c22:4,ttc.  1 Cor.  12:26. 
13:5.  d .Mum.  32:25.  Rom.  13:1— 5.  Tit.  3:1.  1 Pet.  2: 13— 15.  e See  on  5. 


which  alone  would  be  true  wisdom,  and  ensure  good  success 
in  his  arduous  undertakings.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  1 Kings 
3:5—14.  1 Chr.  22:11—13.  28:20,21.) 

V.  8.  It.  is  undeniable  from  the  language  here  used,  that 
Joshua  possessed  a written  copy  of  the  law : for  if  Moses  had 
not  himself  written  the  books  containing  it,  what  meaning 
would  there  have  been  in  this  exhortation? — By  constant 
meditation  the  good  treasure  of  divine  truth  must  be  deposit- 
ed in  Joshua’s  heart  } that  from  that  abundance  his  mouth 
might  speak  as  occasion  required,  for  the  conviction,  direc- 
tion, or  encouragement  of  the  people ; and  likewise  that  he 
might  know  the  duties  of  his  important  station.  (Notes, 
Deut.  6:6—9.  17:18.  Ps.  1:1— 3.  119:97—100.) 

V.  11.  The  manna  had  not  yet  ceased  to  fall;  (Note, 
5:11,12.)  but  probably  the  Israelites  used  more  of  other  pro- 
visions, after  they  had  taken  possession  of  the  kingdoms 
of  Sihon  and  Og:  and  in  the  hurry  of  passing  over  Jordan  and 
entering  an  enemy’s  country,  there  would  not  be  leisure  to 
gather  manna  enough  for  the  people.  In  general  they  were 
thus  directed  to  prepare  all  things  necessary  for  the  expedition. 
This  command  seems  to  have  been  given  after  the  return 
of  the  spies,  as  recorded  in  the  subsequent  chapter ; for  they 
were  absent  more  than  three  days.  (2:22.) 

V.  12 — 15.  The  gentleness  with  which  Joshua,  the  divinely 
constituted  successor  to  Moses,  entered  on  the  exercise  of  his 
authority,  may  be  contrasted  with  the  conduct  of  Rehoboam 
when  he  succeeded  Solomon.  (Notes,  1 Kings  12:1 — 15.) 
All  the  men  in  the  two  tribes  and  a half  able  to  bear  arms, 
had  engaged  to  go  over  Jordan  with  their  brethren : but  it  was 
doubtless  understood,  that  some  would  be  permitted  to  stay 
at  home  to  guard  their  families  and  flocks  ; and  the  selection 
was  left  to  Joshua.  (Notes,  Num.  32:16 — 19.) 

V.  16 — IS.  This  seems  to  have  been  the  answer,  not  only 
of  the  two  tribes  and  a half,  but  of  the  elders  or  rulers,  of 
the  people  in  general,  as  concurring  with  them.  They  ac- 
knowledged Joshua  as  their  governor,  expressly  engaged  to 
be  obedient,  and  determined  that  they  WI19  rebelled  against 
his  authority  should  be  put  to  death.  The  words,  “only  the 
Lord  thy  God  be  with  thee,”  may  be  understood  as  a desire 
or  prayer  that  this  might  be  the  case ; or  as  an  intimation,  that 
it  was  in  confidence  of  this  being  the  case,  that  they  engaged 
to  be  obedient.  In  this  sense  they  implied  a caution  to 
Joshua,  to  shun  every  thing  which  might  tend  to  disappoint 
this  expectation.  (Note,  1 Kings  1:36,37.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  removal  of  those,  who  have  been  faithful  and  useful, 
should  quicken  their  survivors  to  redoubled  earnestness  and 
activity ; both  to  make  up,  as  much  as  they  are  able,  the 
public  loss,  and  to  prepare  for  their  own  dissolution.  (Note, 
Ec.  9:10.)—  Every  one  of  the  Lord’s  servants,  having  per- 
formed the  work  assigned  him,  retires  to  rest,  and  others  are 
raised  up  to  succeed  until  their  services  also  are  finished; 
(Acts  13:36.)  and  generally  they,  vyho  in  the  close  of  life  arc 
most  honoured,  have  been  previously  submissive  and  diligent 
tzi  more  obscure  situations. — No  consciousness  of  inferiority, 

( 384  ) 


possessed  the  land  which  the  Lord  your  God 
giveth  them;  “then  ye  shall  return  unto  the  land 
of  your  possession,  and  enjoy  it,  which  Moses  the 
Lord’s  servant  gave  you  on  this  side  Jordan, 
toward  the  sunrising. 

16  And  they  answered  Joshua,  saying,  dAll 
that  thou  commandest  us  we  will  do,  and  whither- 
soever thou  sendest  us  wre  will  go  : 

17  According  as  we  hearkened  unto  Moses  in 
all  things,  so  will  we  hearken  unto  thee  : “only  the 
Lord  thy  God  be  with  thee,  as  he  was  with 
Moses. 

18  Whosoever  he  be  f that  doth  rebel  against  thy 
commandment,  and  will  not  hearken  unto  thy 
words  in  all  that  thou  commandest  him,  he  shall 
be  put  to  death  : sonly  he  strong,  and  of  a good 
courage. 

CHAPTER  II. 

Two  spies , sent  by  Joshua,  enter  Jericho , and  are  concealed  by  Rahab , 1—  *. 
She  informs  them  of  the  terror  which  had  seized  the  Canaanites,  8—11  ; ard 
covenants  with  them , 12 — 21.  They  return  and  make  their  report , 22 — 24 

AND  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun  'sent  out  of  “Shit- 
tim  two  men,  bto  spy  secretly,  saying,  Go 
view  the  land,  “even  Jericho.  And  they  went, 
and  came  into  an  dharlot’s  house  named  Rahab, 
and  dodged  there. 

2 And  it  was  “told  the  king  of  Jericho,  saying, 
Behold,  there  came  men  in  hither  to-night  of  the 
children  of  Israel,  to  search  out  the  country. 

3 And  the  king  of  Jericho  sent  unto  Rahab, 
saying,  f Bring  forth  the  men  that  are  come  to 


l Sam.  29:13.  1 Kings  1:37.  1 Chr.  28:20,21 . Ps.  20:1— 4,9.  118:25,26.  Mutt.  21: 

9.  1 Tim.  2:1,2.  f Dent.  17:12.  1 Sam.  11:12.  Ps.  2:1-6.  Luke  19:27.  Ileb.  10: 
28,29.  12:25.  g See  on  6.  Ezra  10:4.  Eph.6:10.  * Or,  had  sent,  n Num.  25 
1.33:49.  b Num.  13:17-21.  Judg.  18.2,14,17.  Matt.  10:16.  Eph. 5:15.  c 5: 

10.  6:1—24.  d 6:17,25.  Matt.  1:5.  Rachab.  20: 16.  21 :31 . Heb.  11:31.  Jam.  2:25. 
t He).,  lay.  e Ps.  127:1.  Prov.  21:30.  Is.  43:13.  Du.  4:35.  f 10:23.  Gen.  38:24. 
Lev. 24:14.  Job 21:30.  John  19:4.  Actsl2:4,6.  w 


insufficiency,  or  even  unworthiness,  should  induce  us  to 
decline  the  services  allotted  to  us:  for  the  same  fulness, 
whence  prophets  and  apostles  received  all  their  sufficiency, 
is  open  for  us  also;  (Note,  John  1:16.)  and  in  our  more 
limited  spheres,  and  for  the  duties  incumbent  on  us,  we  have 
a warrant  to  expect  that  “the  Lord  will  be  with  us,”  even  as 
he  was  with  Moses  or  Paul ; though  he  will  not  “ speak  to  us 
face  to  face,”  or  give  us  a vision  of  the  third  heaven,  and  of 
the  unutterable  things  there  displayed.  (Note,  2 Cor.  12:1  — 
6.) — That  man  needs  strong  faith  and  great  fortitude,  who 
in  this  evil  world  would  order  his  whole  conduct  according  lo 
the  rule  of  the  holy  Scriptures;  and  “not  turn  aside  to  the 
right  hand  or  to  the  left,”  on  account  of  any  temptation,  or 
through  fear  of  consequences:  but  as  God  himself  commands 
us  to  “ be  strong  and  courageous,”  we  should  consider  this 
precept  as  an  exhortation  to  cry  earnestly  to  him,  that  he  may 
give  us  strength  and  courage  ; and  in  this  dependence  we  may 
go  forth,  assured  that  nothing  can  stand  before  us  or  impede 
our  course  ; for  “ He  will  not  fail  us,  nor  forsake  us.” — But 
let  it  be  especially  noted,  that  well-grounded  confidence  is 
always  connected  with  proportionable  humility  and  conscien- 
tiousness : and  genuine  courage  chiefly  appears  in  daring  to  do 
our  duty,  though  censured  by  misjudging  friends,  or  slandered 
and  threatened  by  malicious  enemies.  That  we  may  be 
secured  from  deception,  and  be  assured  that  we  are  reproach- 
ed or  persecuted,  not  for  following  our  own  fancies,  but  for 
the  sake  of  truth  and  righteousness;  we  should  endeavour  by 
daily  meditation  and  prayer,  to  obtain  an  intimate  acquaint- 
ance with  the  precepts  as  well  as  the  promises  of  Scripture; 
for  thus  the  path  of  duty  will  be  evident  to  our  own  minds 
and  we  shall  be  able  to  explain  our  reasons  and  motive* 
satisfactorily  to  the  candid  and  pious,  when  occasion  requires ; 
as  well  as  to  use  our  influence  in  bringing  others  to  obey  our 
God. — If  we  proceed  according  to  his  instructions,  he  will 
afford  us  all  needful  assistance,  and  perhaps  “make  our  very 
enemies  to  be  at  peace  wilh  us!”  And  when  persons  of  dif- 
ferent ranks,  in  due  subordinal  ion,  harmoniously  concur  in 
promoting  the  welfare  of  the  church,  and  seeking  the  presence 
and  blessing  of  the  Lord,  the  prospect  of  success  is  very 
pleasing ; and  they  who  oppose  such  efforts  merit  the  severest 
punishment. — May  we  then  learn  to  trust  in  the  Lord;  to 
submit  to  those  whom  he  hath  placed  over  us  ; and  to  assist 
them  with  our  prayers,  and  in  every  way  that  we  are  able* 
and  may  we  endeavour  to  aid  one  another  in  the  most  disin- 
terested manner,  and  with  the  most  exact  punctuality  to 
every  engagement.  Especially  may  we  be  enabled  to 
submit  to  the  authority,  and  enlist  under  the  banner,  of  the 
Captain  of  our  salvation  ; to  ho  obedient  to  his  commands, 
and  to  fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,  in  concurrence  with  all 
who  love  his  name,  and  in  opposition  to  all,  within  and  with- 
out, that  opposes  his  authority:  for  whoever  refuses  to  obey 
him  must  inevitably  perish. 

NOTES. — Ciiap.  II.  V.  1.  The  beginning  of  this  verse 
maybe  read,  “ Now  Joshua  had  sent;”  ( marg .)  that  is,  be- 
fore the  orders  recorded  in  the  preceding  chapter.  (Not*, 


B. C ,451. 


CHAPTER  II. 


B.  C.  1451 


thee,  which  are  entered  into  thine  house : for  they 
be  come  Ho  search  out  all  the  country. 

4 And  the  woman  ''took  the  two  men,  and  hid 
them,  and  said  thus,  There  came  men  unto  me,  but 

1 wist  not  whence  they  were. 

5 And  it  came  to  pass  about  the  time  'of  shut- 
ting of  the  gate,  when  it  was  dark,  that  kthe  men 
went  out ; whither  the  men  went  I wot  not. : pur- 
sue after  them  quickly;  for  ye  shall  overtake  them. 

6 But  she  had  brought  them  up  'to  the  roof  of 
tire  house,  and  '"hid  them  with  the  stalks  of  flax 
which  she  had  laid  in  order  upon  the  roof. 

7 And  the  men  pursued  after  them  the  way  to 
Jordan,  unto  "the  fords : and  as  soon  as  they 
which  pursued  after  them  were  gone  out,  “they 
shut  the  gate. 

8 U And  before  thqy  were  laid  down,  she  came 
up  unto  them  upon  the  roof; 

9 And  she  said  unto  the  men,  rl  know ‘•that  the 
Lord  hath  given  you  the  land,  and  that  ryour  ter- 
ror is  fallen  upon  us,  and  that  all  the  inhabitants 
of  the  land  "faint  because  of  you. 

10  Forswe  haye  heard  how  the  Lord  dried  up 
the  water  of  the  Red  Sea  for  you,  when  ye  came 
out  of  Egypt : and  'what  ye  did  unto  the  two 

<r  Gen.  42:9 — 12.31.  2.8am.  10:3.  1 Chr.  19:3.  h Ex.  1:19.  2 Sara.  16:18,19.  17: 
20.  2 Kings  6:19.  i 7.  Neh.  13:19.  Is.  $0.11.  Ez.  46:1,2,12.  Rev. 21:25.  k Jer. 
50:20.  Rom.  3:7.3.  18.  l)eut.22:S.  2^n:n.ll:2.  Matt. 24:17.  m Ex.  2:2. 

2 Sam.  17:19.  1 Kings  18:4,13.  *2  Kings  11:2.  Jer.  36:25.  Col.  3:3.  Heb.  11:23. 

n Judv.  3:28.  12:5.  o5.  Acts  5:23.  p Ex.  18:11.  2 Kings  5:15.  Job  19:25.  Ec. 
812.  Heb.  11:1,2.  q Gen.  13:14— 17.  15:18—21.  Ex.  3:6— 3.  Dent.  32:8.  Ps. 
115:16.  Jer.  27:5.  Matt.  20:15.  r Ex.  23:27.  Deut.  2:25.  11:25.  28:1#.  Jutl*.  7: 
14.  1 Sam.  14:15.  2 Kings  7:G.  * Heb.  melt.  11.  1 Sam.  14:16.  2tam. 17:10. 

Ps.  112:10.  Is.  19:1.  Nall. 2:10.  s4:24.  Ex.  14:21— 31.  15:14— 16.  tNum.21: 


1:11.) — Itmight.be  very  useful  to  him  to  learn  many  things 
respecting  the  avenues  of  Canaan,  the  situation  of  Jericho, 
which  was  first  to  be  assaulted,  and  the  disposition  of  its  in- 
habitants: and  these  might  be  known  by  ordinary  means 
as  well  as  by  immediate  revelation.  Two  persons,  probably 
not  of  eminent  rank,  but  of  approved  prudence,  intrepidity, 
and  faith,  were  therefore  selected,  and  sent  by  Joshua  to 
search  out,  not  the  land  at  large,  but  Jericho  and  its  confines, 
to  bring  their  report  to  him,  and  not  to  the  congregation  : for 
the  word  “ secretly”  seems  to  refer  to  his  sending  them  ; not 
to  their  concealing  themselves  from  the  Canaanites: — “He 
secretly  sent  two  men,  &c.”  Most  likely,  this  measure  was 
adopted  according  to  some  intimation  of  the  will  of  God  ; 
for  the  spies  were  evidently  guided  and  protected  in  a pecu- 
liar manner,  and  many  important  good  consequences  result- 
ed from  their  enterprise.  (Notes,  Num.  13:)  They  un- 
dertook this  perilous  service  with  boldness  and  promptitude  ; 
and  passed  Jordan,  doubtless  at  the  fords,  the  river  not  having 
yet  overflowed  its  banks  as  it  did  soon  after.  Being  arrived 
a Jericho,  “ they  came  into  a harlot’s  house,  . . . and  lodged 
there.”  Perhaps  Rahab  kept  some  kind  of  a house  of  en- 
tertainment for  travellers ; especially  as  she  stated  that  “ two 
men  had  come  to  her”  of  whom  she  knew  nothing : yet  from 
the  testimony  of  two  apostles,  (Marg.  Ref.  d.)  there  can  be 
no  reasonable  doubt  but  she  had  been  a harlot , ‘ though  now, 
it  is  probable,  she  was  converted  by  the  faith  which  was 
wrought  in  her  ; which  was  so  eminent,  that  she  was  not 
only  admitted  into  the  society  of  God’s  people,  but  married 
into  a noble  family  of  the  tribe  of  Judah  from  whom  Christ 
sprang.’  Bp.  Patrick.  It  may  be  supposed  from  these  cir- 
cumstances, that  she  was  not  far  advanced  in  life  at  this 
time. — It  is  however  evident  from  the  whole  narrative,  that  the 
spies  were  led  thither  by  a special  providence;  and  that 
Rahab  entertained  them  out  of  regard  to  Israel  and  Israel’s 
God,  and  neither  for  lucre,  nor  for  any  evil  purpose. 

V.  2,  3.  The  twelve  spies,  sent  by  Moses,  seemed  to 
have  passed  unsuspected  through  the  whole  land  : yet  these 
two  ep  no  sooner  entered  Jericho  than  the  king  heard  of  it, 
and  sent  to  apprehend  them ; while  at  the  same  time  he,  and 
the  other  kings  of  the  country,  seem  entirely  to  have  neg- 
lected to  guard  the  passes  of  Jordan,  the  natural  barrier  of 
the  land!  (Note,  3:2.)  The  spies  were  known  or  supposed 
to  be  Israelites,  cither  by  their  apparel  or  appearance ; and 
their  business  in  that  case  could  not  be  doubted. 

V.  4 — ti.  The  words  translated  “ The  woman  took  the 
two  men,  and  hid  them,”  might  be  rendered,  “she  had  taken, 
. . . and  hidden  them.” — It  is  evident  that  Rahab  was 
acquainted  with  the  business  of  the  spies,  before  she  received 
the  message  from  the  king : and  being  sensible  of  the  danger 
to  which  they  would  be  exposed,  when  every  one  was  upon 
the  watch  as  aware  of  the  situation  and  purposes  of  Israel, 
and  perhaps  hearing  the  rumours  about  them,  she  had  previ- 
ously concealed  them  under  some  stalks  of  flax  which  were 
laid  on  the  flat  roof  of  her  house : and  by  her  answers  to  the 
messengers,  she  not  only  led  them  to  suppose  that  the  men 
were  gone,  but  also  that  she  was  very  desirous  that  they 
should  be  apprehended,  which  exceedingly  tended  to  prevent 
suspicion.— Various  opinions  have  been  formed  concerning 
Rahab’s  conduct  on  this  trying  occasion.  Some  object,  thal 
her  treachery  to  her  king  and  country  cannot  be  vindicated : 
Vol.  I. — 49 


kings  of  the  Amorites  that  were  od  the  othei 
side  Jordan,  Sihon  and  Og,  whom  ye  utterly  ue* 

Stl’OyCcl.  {Practical  Obatrvuiioi*.] 

1 1 And  as  soon  as  we  had  heard  these  thing*. 
"our  hearts  did  melt,  neither  'did  there  remain  any 
more  courage  in  any  man,  because  of  you : xfbr 
the  Lord  your  God,  he  is  God  in  heaven  above, 
and  in  earth  beneath. 

12  Now  therefore  I pray  you,  rswear  unto  me 
by  the  Lord,  since  I have  showed  you  kindness, 
“that  ye  will  also  show  kindness  unto  “my  father’s 
house  : and  bgive  me  a true  token : 

13  And  that  ye  will  save  alive  my  father,  and 
my  mother,  and  my  brethren,  and  my  sisters,  and 
all  that  they  have,  and  deliver  our  lives  from 
death. 

14  And  the  men  answered  her,  Our  life  Tor 
yours,  if  ye  utter  not  this  our  business.  And  it 
shall  be,  “when  the  Lord  hath  given  us  the  land, 
that  we  will  deal  kindly  and  truly  with  thee. 

15  Then  dshe  let  them  down  by  a cord  through 
the  window:  efor  her  house  was  upon  the  town- 
wall,  and  she  dwelt  upon  the  wall. 

16  And  she  said  unto  them,  fGet  ye  to  the 
mountain,  lest  the  pursuers  meet  you  ; and  hide 


24—35.  Deut.  2:30— 37.  3:1—8.  u See  on  5:1.  7:5.  14:8.  Deut.  1:28  . 20:8.  Is. 
13:7.  Nah.2:10.  t Heb.  rose  up.  Rev.  6:16.  x Deut.  4:39.  1 Kings  8:60.  Ps. 
83:18.  102:15.  Jer.  16:19—21.  Dan.  4:34,35.  6:25—27.  Zech.  8:20— 23.  y 9:15. 
l8— 20.  1 Sam.  30:15.  2 Chr.  36:13.  Jer.  12:16.  z 1 Sam.  20:14—17.  24:21,22. 
Eslh.  8:6.  2 Tim.  1:16— 18.  Jam.  2:13.  a 13.  Rom. 1:31.  1 Tim.  5:8.  b 18. 
Ex.  12:13.  Mark  14:44.  j Heb . instead  of  you  to  die.  lKinga2U:39.  c6:17, 
25.  Num.  10:29 — 32.  Judg.  1 :24,25.  2 Sam.  9:1 . Prov.  18:24.  Matt. 5:7.  d l*Sam. 
19:12— 17.  Ac  s 9:25.  2 Cor.  11:33.  e 6:20.  f 22.  1 Sara.  23:14,29.  Ps.  11:1. 


but  it  may  be  answered,  that  as  she  firmly  believed  the  God 
of  heaven  had  devoted  the  Canaanites  to  be  utterly  destroyed 
by  the  Israelites,  (9 — 11.)  she  must  either  side  with  Israel 
and  Israel’s  God  against  her  country,  or  perish  with  it  in  a 
hopeless ‘contest  against  the  Almighty:  so  that,  in  her  cir- 
cumstances, she  could  not  have  acted  otherwise,  if  influenced 
by  a true  and  living  faith.  ( Note , James  2:25,26.)  In  fact 
every  true  convert  equally  renounces  the  alliance  of  the 
Lord’s  enemies,  however  nearly  connected,  and  refuses  to 
join  with  them  in  rebellion  and  persecution  of  his  servants. 
(Notes,  Luke  14:25 — 27.  2 Cor.  5:16.)  But  as  no  people 
can  possibly  produce  such  an  authenticated  commission  from 
God  to  destroy  another  nation,  as  Israel  had  to  destroy  the 
Canaanites,  Rahab’s  conduct,  in  uniting  interests  with  the 
enemies  and  invaders  of  her  country,  though  her  absolute 
duty,  cannot  now  be  drawn  into  precedent. — In  respect  to  the 
falsehoods  that  she  uttered,  were  not  a general  question  of 
some  importance  and  of  great  difficulty  involved,  it  would  be 
most  obvious  to  resolve  it  into  her  ignorance  of  the  divine 
law  ; and  to  say,  that  the  principle  and  substance  of  her 
conduct  being  good  were  accepted,  and  that  the  sin  which 
incidentally  mixed  with  it  was  pardoned.  But  indeed,  if  it 
were  her  indispensabhe  duty  if  possible  to  protect  the  spies, 
and  there  were  no  other  conceivable  way  of  doing  this,  it 
seems  not  necessary  to  condemn  her  conduct  altogether. — 
Stratagems  of  war,  and  similar  impositions  upon  determined 
enemies  and  persecutors,  are  not  absolutely  condemned  in 
Scripture,  though  inconsistent  with  exact  veracity : (Marg. 
Ref.  h ;)  and  if  deception  could  in  any  case  be  justifiable,  we 
can  scarcely  imagine  one  in  which  it  would  be  more  so.  It 
is  however  certain,  that  in  no  case,  except  one  equally  extra- 
ordinary, ought  the  example  to  be  imitated.  (Notes,  Ex.  1* 
19.  1 Sam.  19:12—17.  21:1,2.  27:8—12.) 

V.  7.  w The  fords,”  or  passages,  were  no  doubt  parts  of 
the  river,  where  it  might  be  passed  without  danger,  either  by 
walking  or  swimming  across.  Here,  probably,  the  messen- 
gers waited  a considerable  time  to  intercept  the  spies  ; and 
lest  they  should  have  stayed  in  the  city,  the  gates  were 
immediately  shut  to  prevent  the  possibility  of  their  escape. — 
But  they  found  a way  of  getting  out  of  the  citj’,  and  in  due 
time  of  crossing  Jordan  at  the  fords.  (15,23.) 

V.  8 — 11 . Wc  have  here  an  account  of  Rahab’s  faith  and 
its  fruits,  which  are  spoken  of  with  decided  approbation  by 
the  apostles  Paul  and  James.  (Notes,  Heb.  11:31.  Jam. 
2:25,26.)  She  had  heard  of  the  miracles  which  God  had 
wrought  for  Israel,  and  the  promises  that  he  had  made  to 
them:  and  whilst  the  same  report  exasperated  or  intimidated 
the  other  inhabitants  of  the  land,  she  firmly  believed  Jeho- 
vah to  be  the  only  true  God  in  heaven  and  earth,  and  the 
Israelites  his  only  accepted  worshippers ; that  his  promises 
would  certainly  be  fulfilled  and  his  threatenings  take  effect ; 
and  that  there  was  no  way  of  escaping  his  vengeance,  but 
by  uniting  interests  with  his  people.  Indeed  Balaam  him- 
self seems  to  have  been  convinced  in  his  judgment  of  these 
grand  truths,  as  well  as  to  have  professed  them  with  his  lips  , 
but  then  his  ambitious  and  covetous  heart  abhorred  them,  and 
he  persisted  in  enmity  to  God  and  Israel:  while  the  conduct, 
of  Rahab  proved,  that  she  had  the  genuine  nrincirle  of  diviiV" 
faith,  which  induced  her  to  renounce  all  her  interests  among- 
the  devoted  Canaanites;  and  to  venture  l.er  life,  and  exporfb 
( 385  ) 


B.  C 1451.  JOSHUA.  B.  C.  1451 


/ourselves  the,  e three  days,  until  the  pursurers 
r>e  returned  : and  afterward  may  ye  go  your  wav. 

17  And  the  men  said  unto  her,  *We  will  be 
blameless  of  this  thine  oath  which  thou  hast  made 
us  swear. 

18  Behold,  when  we  come  into  the  land,  thou 
shalt  bind  this  line  of  hscarlet  thread  in  the  win- 
dow which  thou  didst  let  us  down  by ; and  thou 
shalt  'bring  'thy  father,  and  thy  mother,  and  thy 
brethren,  and  all  thy  father’s  household,  home 
unto  thee. 

1 9 And  it  shall  be,  that  kwhosoever  shall  go  out 
of  the  doors  of  thy  house  into  the  street,  ‘his 
blood  shall  be  upon  his  head,  and  we  will  be  guilt- 
less : and  whosoever  shall  be  with  thee  in  the 
house,  mhis  blood  shall  be  on  our  head,  if  any  hand 
be  upon  him. 

20  And  if  thou  utter  this  our  business,  then  “we 

g 20.  Gen.  24:3-8.  Ex.  20:7.  Num.  30:2.  2 Sara.  21:1,2,7.  h 21.  Lev.  14:1. 
Num.  4:8.  19:6.  Heb.9:19.  * Heb  .gather,  i 13.  6:23.  Gen.  7:1.  12:2.19:12 — 
17.  Ealh.  8:6.  Luke  19:9.  Acts  10:27,33.  11:14.  2 Tim.  1:16.  k Ex.  12:13,23. 
Num.  35:25—28.  I Kings  2:36—  42.  Malt.  24:17.  Acts  27:31.  Phil.  3:9.  Heb.  10: 
29.  1 John  2:27,28.  1 Lev.  20:9,11.  2Sam.  1:16  . 3:28,29.  Ez.  33:4,5.  Matt.  27: 


herself  to  the  imminent  danger  of  the  most  cruel  tortures,  in 
expressing  her  love  for  the  people  of  God.  ( Notes , Heb. 

11:1,2,5,6.) 

V.  12 — 16.  Rahab  asked  no  other  recompense  for  her  peril- 
ous service,  than  preservation  for  herself  and  her  near  rela- 
tions, when  the  promises  of  God  to  Israel  had  been  fulfilled. 
Even  the  regard  manifested  to  her  relatives,  who  were  not 
sensible  of  their  own  danger,  was  a genuine  effect  of  true 
grace.  Rahab  likewise  gave  the  spies  all  the  information  in 
her  power,  and  all  which  they  wanted ; and  she  deemed  the 
solemn  oath  of  Jehovah  a sufficient  security  for  the  per- 
formance of  their  engagements  ! When,  with  great  attention, 
caution,  and  trouble,  she  had  dismissed  them,  and  given  them 
proper  counsel,  she  performed  her  promise  of  secrecy ; and 
at  the  appointed  time  collected  her  relatives  into  her  house, 
as  it  had  been  agreed  : and  thus  without  reserve  joined  inter- 
ests with  the  people  of  God.  (Note,  6:22,23.)  Her  whole 
conduct  manifested  a reverential  fear  of  the  Lord,  an  entire 
belief  of  his  word,  a desire  and  hope  of  his  favour,  an  affection 
for  his  people,  and  a disposition  to  forsake,  venture,  and  suf- 
fer any  thing  in  his  cause.  Multitudes,  who  had  seen  all  the 
miracles  wrought  in  Egypt  and  in  the  wilderness,  and  who 
had  every  advantage  of  instruction  in  the  camp  of  Israel, 
continued  unbelievers ; very  few  indeed  manifested  such 
strong  faith,  such  holy  fear,  such  confidence  in  God,  and  such 
a disposition  to  labour  and  suffer  for  his  sake,  as  this  stigma- 
tized inhabitant  of  accursed  Jericho,  who  had  only  heard  a ge- 
neral and  indistinct  report  of  his  wonderful  works  for  Israel ! 
It  cannot  therefore  be  reasonably  doubted,  that  her  faith  had, 
before  this,  been  accompanied  with  deep  repentance  of  those 
sinful  practices,  from  which  she  derived  the  name  of  u the 
harlot;”  which  however  is  given  her  where  her  faith  and 
works  are  most  celebrated,  as  illustrating  the  great  evangeli- 
cal truth,  that  “ where  sin  hath  abounded,  grace  much  more 
aboundeth.”  The  same  principles'  would  also  prepare  her 
mind  to  receive  further  instruction  concerning  the  promised 
Messiah,  and  the  true  meaning  of  those  sacrifices  which 
typified  his  atonement,  when  that  further  advantage  was 
afforded  her.  (Notes,  Acts  10:1,2.  latter  half . 3 — 8,27 — 33.) 

V.  17 — 20.  These  spies,  not  doubting  that  Joshua  and 
Israel  would  confirm  the  transaction,  most  solemnly  assured 
Rahab  of  security  if  she  disclosed  not  the  business ; intima- 
ting, that  they  should  expect  death  by  some  judgment  of  God 
if  they  deceived  her ; yet  as  men  who  reverenced  an  oath, 
and  dreaded  the  guilt  of  perjury,  they  desired  to  have  the 
terms  of  the  agreement  precisely  stated  and  exactly  explain- 
ed before  they  parted ; and  they  selected  that  house  which 
had  protected  them,  to  be  the  refuge  of  those  who  were  found 
in  it,  when  others  were  utterly  destroyed. — Though  the  Israel- 
ites were  forbidden  to  form  any  alliance  with  the  nations 
of  Canaan,  yet  it  is  evident  that  individuals,  who  came  cor- 
dially into  their  interests,  might  be  spared.  (Notes,  9:19,20. 
11:19,20.) — This  passage  may  remind  us  of  the  door  sprinkled 
with  the  blood  of  the  paschal  lamb,  that  was  the  security 
of  Israel,  when  the  destroying  angel  was  slaying  the  first-born 
of  Egypt ; which  typified  the  sinner’s  security  under  the  pro- 
tection of  the  atoning  blood,  who  has  fled  to  it  for  refuge  from 
the  wrath  and  curse  of  an  offended  God.  (Note,  Ex. 
12:11—14.) 

V.  21.  It  is  probable,  that  Rahab  immediately  bound  the 
scarlet  line,  or  cord,  in  her  window ; that  no  suspicion  might 
be  excited  by  doing  it  when  Israel  approached  the  city. 

V.  23,  24.  Having  been  thus  wonderfully  protected  and 
restored  in  safety,  the  spies  seem  to  have  spoken  little  on  the 
strict  watch  kept  by  the  inhabitants  of  Jericho,  or  on  their 
own  narrow  escape.  But  they  reported  the  dismay  of  their 
enemies,  not  only  as  an  encouraging  circumstance,  but  as  a 
token  that  the  Lord  had  delivered  them  into  their  hands,  hav- 
ing thus  begun  to  perform  his  promises  in  their  behalf.  They 
seem,  however,  to  have  made  their  report  privately  to  Joshua, 
and  not  to  the  people  or  elders.  (Notes,  Num.  13:26 — 33. 

-20.) 


will  be  quit  of  thine  oath  which  thou  hast  made 
us  to  swear. 

21  And  she  said,  According  unto  your  words, 
so  be  it.  And  she  sent  them  away,  and  they  de- 
parted : °and  she  bound  the  scarlet  line  in  the 
window. 

22  And  they  went,  and  came  unto  the  moun- 
tain, and  abode  there  three  days,  until  the  pur- 
suers were  returned.  And  the  pursuers  sought 
them  throughout  all  the  way,  but  rfound  them  not 

23  So  the  two  men  returned,  and  descended 
from  the  mountain,  and  passed  over,  and  came  to 
Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  and  told  him  all  things 
that  befell  them. 

24  And  they  said  unto  Joshua,  iTruly  the  Lord 
hath  delivered  into  our  hands  all  the  land : for 
even  rall  the  inhabitants  of  the  country  do  haint 
because  of  us. 


24,25.  lets  18:6  . 20:26.  ra  14.  2 Sam.  4:11.  I Kings2:32.  Matt.  27:25.  n Sn 
on  17.  o See  on  18.  Matt.  7:24.  John  2:5.  pi  Sam.  19:10 — 12.  2 Sam.  17:20. 
Ps.  32:6,7.  q 1:8.  21:44,45.  Num.  13:32,33.  Prov. 25:13.  r See  on  9— 11.  P» 
48:5,6.  Rev.  6:16,17.  t Heb.  melt.  11.  5:1.  Ex.  15:15. 

V 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 11.  As  the  greatest,  wisest,  and  best  of  men  must 
on  many  occasions  use,  as  it  were,  the  eyes  and  ears  of  others ; 
it  is  of  prime  importance,  that  persons  should  be  select- 
ed, on  w hose  veracity  and  fidelity  firm  dependence  may  be 
placed. — The  Lord  has  u a remnant  according  to  the  elec- 
tion of  grace,”  in  many  unlikely  situations,  and  even  of  such 
as  have  previously  borne  very  bad  characters  ; for  he  will  glo- 
rify his  mercy  and  grace-in  saving  some  of  every  kind. — That 
reproach  of  former  sins,  which  rests  upon  the  reputation 
of  atrocious  offenders  after  they  are  pardoned,  ought  to  be  pa- 
tiently endured  : and  they  should  thence  take  occasion  to 
renew  their  repentance ; and  to  pour  out  their  earnest  prayers, 
that  their  future  conduct  may  both  demonstrate  the  reality, 
and  illustrate  the  nature,  of  that  grace  which  they  have  re- 
ceived ; that  those  may  be  ashamed,  who  persist  in  reviling 
them  ; and  that  many  may  glorify  God  on  their  account,  be 
edified  by  their  example,  and  encouraged  by  witnessing  their 
good  conversation  in  Christ. — The  feeblest  means,  when 
accompanied  by  the  divine  blessing,  produces  most  glorious 
effects  : while  the  carnal  heart,  if  left  to  itself,  grows  hardened 
in  infidelity  under  the  most  conclusive  evidence,  and  the  most 
convincing  ministry  of  the  world!  (Notes,  Mutt.  11:20 — 24. 
12:41,42.) — When  the  worst  of  sinners  truly  believe  the  w ord 
of  God,  a blessed  change  infallibly  takes  place  : for  the  divine 
Spirit,  through  the  exercise  of  faith,  excites  in  them  fear  ol 
wrath,  hatred  of  sin,  hope  of  mercy,  reverence  of  the  name 
and  authority  of  the  Lord,  and  love  to  him  and  his  people; 
which  are  manifested  by  such  actions,  as  they  have  opportu- 
nity and  ability  to  perform.-  Thus  they  are  led  to  repent, 
and  to  do  works  meet  for  repentance;  to  renounce  worldly 
objects  and  connexions,  as  far  as  evident  duty  requires  them ; 
and  to  unite  interests  with  the  people  of  God:  and  they  are 
prepared  for  self-denial,  and  to  venture  persecution  and  even 
death  itself,  rather  than  give  up  their  hope  and  pursuit  of  sal- 
vation. They  may  at  first  have  very  little  explicit  knowledge 
of  divine  truth  ; and  much  infirmity,  and  many  mistakes  may 
mix  with  their  endeavours  to  obey  God,  and  t«  do  good  to  his 
people : but  their  conduct  will  be  conscientious,  and  their  dis- 
position teachable,  and  their  light  will  increase  continually. 
(Notes,  Ps.  25:8,9.  Prov.  4:18,19.  Hos.  t .l— And  no 
faith,  which  is  not  manifested  by  these  good  fruits,  w ill  justify 
the  sinner  before  God,  or  even  his  profession  before  his  fellow- 
creatures. 

V.  12 — 24.  When  we  really  discover  the  danger  to  which 
our  souls  are  exposed,  from  the  wrath  of  an  offended  God,  and 
are  earnestly  seeking  salvation,  we  shall  begin  to  feel  for  those 
who  are  not  sensible  of  their  own  lost  condition.  This  will 
induce  us  to  attempt  doing  what  we  can  to  forward  the  salva- 
tion of  our  beloved  friends  and  relations  : and  thus  they  who 
have  been  the  grief  and  disgrace  of  their  families,  may,  by  the 
mercy  of  God,  become  their  protection  as  well  as  ornament. 
— If  we  lost  sinners  have  a prospect  of  escaping  destruction, 
we  should  not  seek  great  things  for  ourselves,  either  in  the 
world  or  in  the  church  : yet  such  distinctions  arc  often  confer* 
red  on  those  who  least  aspire  to  them. — While  we  are  serv- 
ing God,  and  employed  for  the  good  of  his  people,  we  may 
securely  confide  in  his  protection,  and  need  not  fear  what  man 
can  do  unto  us  ; as  the  dangers,  to  which  we  may  be  exposed, 
will  eventually  excite  the  greater  admiration  of  the  truth, 
love,  and  power  of  God  in  our  preservation  : yet  we  should  use 
every  prudent  and  lawful  means  of  safety  ; and  be  thankful 
to  the  instruments  of  it,  and  endeavour  to  recompense  them. 
But  even  in  exercising  gratitude,  we  must  not  oblige  our  bene- 
factors in  any  thing  contrary  to  the  will  of  God,  or  to  the  inter- 
ests of  his  people;  nor  flatter  them  with  the  hope  of  deliver- 
ance from  future  punishment,  except  in  the  method  of  the 
gospel : and  if  any  of  our  engagements  are  ratified  with  an 
oath,  the  utmost  reverence  and  caution  should  be  used  in 
taking,  and  the  greatest  exactness  in  fulfilling,  that  solemn 
obligation.— While  the  accomplishment  of  some  of  God’s 
promises,  is  a plodge  for  the  perft  \nanco  of  the  whole  to  the 


( 386  > 


B.  C.  1 151. 


CHAPTER  III 


B.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  III. 

Urael  arrives  at  J or  inn , 1 . The  officers  give  orders  concerning  the  passage  : 
and  Joshua  also  directs  both  priests  and  pox  le,  2—6.  The  J.ord  encourages 
and  instructs  Joshua,  7—9  : and  again,  Joshua  the  people  ; assuring  them 
that  (‘he  waters  would  he  divided  before  the  ark,  10 — 13.  The  waters  are  di- 
vided, and  Israel  passes  the  river , while  the  priests  bearing  the  ark,  stand  in 
the  midst  of  it,  14  —17.  t e 

AND  Joshua  arose  early  in  the  morning;  and 
they  removed  from  ‘’Shittim,  and  came  to 
Jordan,  he  and  all  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
lodged  there  before  they  passed  over. 

2  And  it  came  to  pass  after  cthree  days,  that 
the  officers  went  through  the  host ; 

3  And  they  commanded  the  people,  saying, 
dWhen  ye  see  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord  your  God,  and  ethe  priests  the  Levites 
bearing  it,  then  fye  shall  remove  from  your  place, 
and  go  after  it. 

4  Yet  there  shall  be  ea  space  between  you  and 
it,  about  two  thousand  cubits  by  measure  ; come 
not  near  unto  it,  that  ye  may  know  the  way  by 
which  ye  must  go ; for  ye  have  not  passed  this 
way  'heretofore. 

5  And  Joshua  said  unto  the  people,  hSanctify 
yourselves  : for  to-morrow  'the  Lord  will  do  won- 
ders among  you. 

6  And  Joshua  spake  unto  the  priests,  saying, 
kTake  up  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  and  pass  over 
before  the  people.  And  they  took  up  the  ark  of 
the  covenant,  and  went  before  the  people. 

7  IT  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua,  This  day 
will  I begin  to  'magnify  thee  in  the  sight  of  all 
Israel,  that  they  may  know  mthat  as  I was  with 
Moses,  so  I will  be  with  thee. 

8  And  thou  shalt  "command  the  priests  that 
bear  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  saying,  When  ye 
are  come  to  the  brink  of  the  water  of  Jordan,  °ye 
shall  stand  still  in  Jordan. 

a Gen  M'3  . s.  119:60.  Jer.  7:13.  25:3.  26:5.  Mark  1:35.  b 2: 1 . Num.  25:1.  Mic. 
6-5  c See  on  1 10,11 . cl  11.  See  on  Nnra.  10:33.  e 6,8,14-17.  4:10.6:6.  Num.  4: 
15.  Dent.  31:9,25. 2 Sam.  6:3,13.  1 Chr.  15:11,12.  f Ex.  13:21,22.  Malt.  8:19.  16: 
21.  Rev.  14:4.  g Ex.  3:5.  19:12.  Ps.  89  7.  Heb.  12:28,29.  * Heb.  since  yesterday 
and  the  third  lay.  Gen.  31:2.  Ex.  4:10.  1 Chr.  11:2.  Is.  30:33.  margins,  h 7: 
13  Ex.  19:10— 15.  Lev.  10:3.  20:7.  Num.  11:18.  1 Sum.  16:5.  Job  1:5.  Joel  2: 
16.  i 13,15.  Ps.  114:1—7.  k See  on  3.  Num.  4:15.  10:33.  Mic.  2:13.  John  14:2, 
3.  Heb.  6:20.  14:14.  1 Chr.  29:25.  2 Chr.  1:1 . Job  7:17.  John  17:1.  Phil.  1:20. 
2:9—11.  m See  on  1:5,17.  n 1 Chr.  15:11,12.  2Chr.  17:8,9.  29:4—11,15,27,30. 
SO:  12.  31:9,10.  35:2—6.  Neh.  12:24—28.  13:22,28.  o 17.  Ex.  14:13.  Lam.  3:26. 
p See  on  Deut.  4:1.  12:8.  q Num.  16:28—30.  1 Kings  18.36,37.  22:28.  Ps.  9: 

true  believer;  those  terrors  of  conscience,  and  that  sense  of 
divine  wrath,  which  dismay  the  ungodly,  but  do  not  bring 
them  to  repentance,  are  fearful  presages  of  approaching  de- 
struclion.  (Notes,  Prov.  10:24.  11:23.) 

NOTES.— Chap.  III.  V.  1.  Early  in  the  morning, 
Joshua  took  measures  for  the  removal  of  the  whole  congrega- 
tion and  all  their  baggage  and  possessions,  from  Shittim  to 
the  banks  of  Jordan,  which  is  supposed  to  have  been  about, 
seven  miles  distant.  There  they  arrived  in  the  course  of  the 
day;  and  lodged  that  night,  that  they  might  be  ready  to  pass 
o\  or  the  next  morning. 

Y.  2.  Three  days  from  the  orders  before  mentioned  had 
now  passed,  (1:11.)  and  perhaps  from  the  return  of  the  spies, 
during  which  time  the  people  had  made  all  requisite  prepara- 
tions. It  does  not  appear  whether  they  expected  a miraculous 
interposition  to  facilitate  their  passage,  or  whether  they  had 
thoughts  of  crossing  the  river  in  some  other  way : but  they 
were  very  obedient  and  tractable,  and  seem  to  have  harboured 
no  distrust,  about  the  event. — At  any  time,  the  passage  of  such 
a multitude  of  men,  women,  children,  flocks  and  herds,  with 
all  their  substance,  by  fords  or  other  ordinary  means,  must 
have  been  attended  with  much  difficulty  and  delay,  and  with 
great  danger  if  the  enemies  had  opposed  them;  but  when  Jor- 
dan overflowed  all  its  banks,  it  would  probably  have  been 
impracticable:  (15)  for  whatever  appearance  this  river  may 
make  to  modern  travellers,  the  whole  history  represents  it,  as 
\aving  been  at  that  time  a considerable  and  rapid  stream. — 
The  miraculous  passage  of  Jordan  was  peculiarly  suited  to 
attend  the  other  wonders  which  the  Lord  had  wrought  for 
israel.  Thus  their  entrance  into  Canaan  corresponded  with 
(heir  departure  out  of  Egypt;  (Notes,  Ex.  14:  15:)  and  the 
lismay  of  the  Canaanites  would  be  increased,  the  faith  of 
Israel  strengthened,  their  expectations  raised,  and  their  con- 
quests facilitated. — It  can  only  be  attributed  to  a supernatural 
power,  intimidating  or  infatuating  the  minds  of  the  Canaanites, 
that  they  never  attempted  to  defend  this  barrier  of  their  coun- 
try, or  to  obstruct  the  passage  of  Israel. 

V.  3,  4.  The  Levites,  of  the  family  of  Kohath,  carried  the 
ark,  in  ordinary  circumstances:  but  on  this  signal  occasion, 
as  well  as  some  others,  the  priests,  (who  were  of  that  family,) 
performed  this  service.  (Num.  4:15.  10:21.  Notes,  6:3 — 5. 
1 Kings  8:3.)  They  were  commanded  to  march  about  three 
quarters  of  a mile  before  the  people,  till  they  arrived  at  their 
destined  station  ; by  which  it  appeared  that  the  ark,  as  a pledge 
nf  Jehovah’s  protection  while  they  were  obedient,  secured 
the  people,  not  they  it.  A noble  defiance  of  the  enemies  of 


9 And  Joshua  said  unto  (he  children  of  Israel, 
Come  hither,  and  iffiear  the  words  of  the  Lord 
your  God. 

10  And  Joshua  said,  ^Hereby  ye  shall  know  that 
the  diving  God  is  'among  you,  and  that  he  wil 
without  fail  'drive  out  from  Defore  you  the  Canaan  • 
ites,  and  the  Hittites,  and  the  Hivites,  and  th 
Perizzites,  and  the  Girgashites,  and  the  Amorites 
and  the  Jebusites. 

11  Behold,  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  "the 
Lord  of  all  the  earth  Tpasseth  over  before  you  into 
Jordan. 

12  Now  therefore  "take  ye  twelve  men  out  of 
the  tribes  of  Israel,  out  of  every  tribes  a man. 

*13  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  as  soon  as  ?the 
soles  of  the  feet  of  the  priests  that  hear  the  ark  of 
the  Lord,  the  Lord  of  all  the  earth,  shall  rest  in 
the  waters  of  Jordan,  that  the  waters  of  Jordan 
shall  be  cut  off  from  the  waters  that  come  down 
from  above ; and  they  shall  'stand  upon  an 
heap. 

14  IT  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  people 
removed  from  their  tents  to  pass  over  Jordan, 
and  the  priests  "bearing  the  ark  of  the  covenant 
before  the  people ; 

15  And  as  they  that  bare  the  ark  were  come 
unto  Jordan,  and  bthe  feet  of  the  priests  that  bare 
the  ark  were  dipped  in  the  brim  of  the  water ; (for 
"Jordan  overfloweth  all  ids  banks  dall  the  time  of 
harvest ;) 

16  That  the  waters  which  came  down  from 
above  stood,  and  'rose  up  upon  an  heap,  very  far 
from  the  city  Adam,  that  is  Deside  f Zaretan;  and 
those  that  came  down  toward  the  sea  of  the  plain, 
even  sthe  salt  sea,  failed,  and  were  cut  off:  and 
the  people  passed  over  right  against  Jericho. 


16.  Is.  7:14.  2 Cor.  13:2,3.  r Deut.  5:26.  1 Sam.  17:26.  2 Kings  19:4.  Jer.  10: 

10.  Hos.  1:10.  Matt.  16:16.  John  6:69.  1 Thes.  1:9.  Heb.  10:31.  s 22:31.  Ex. 
17:7.  Deut.  31:17.  Judg.  6:12,13.  t See  on  Gen.  15.15— 18.  Ex.  3:8.  23:27— 30. 
33:2.  Deut.  7:1.  Ps.  44:2,3.  uPs.24:l.  Is.  54:5.  Jer.  10:7.  Mic.  4:13.  Zeph.  2i 

11.  Zech.  4:14.  6:5.  14:9.  v See  on  3— 6.  Is.  3:12.  x 4:9.  y 15,16.  Ex.  14:19 

—22.  7.16.  Ex.  15:8.  Ps.  33:7.  78:13.  114:3 — 5.  Hab.3:15.  a See  on  3,6.  6:3. 
Acts  7:44,45.  1 Cor.  1:24,25.  b 13.  Is.  26:6.  c4:18.  1 Chr.  12:15.  Jer.  12:5. 

49:19.  d 5:10— 12.  Lev.  23: 10-16.  Deut.  16:1— 9.  e See  on  13.  Is.  29:10. 

77:19.  Mall.  8:26,27.  14:24 — 33.  fl  Kings  4:12.  Zartanah.  7:46.  Zarlhan. 

g 15:2.  Gen.  14:3.  Num.  34:3.  Deut.  3:17. 


Israel  was  thus  given ; who  were  challenged  to  attack  the  un 
armed  priests,  or  to  seize  the  unattended  ark.  The  faith  and 
courage  of  the  priests  were  also  tried,  and  displayed  for  an 
example  to  the  people;  and  reverence  for  this  symbol  of  Je- 
hovah’s presence  was  expressed  in  a manner  suited  to  the 
nature  of  that  dispensation.  The  whole  congregation  would 
also  have  a fairer  opportunity  of  viewing  the  ark,  the  dividing 
of  the  waters,  and  “ the  way  by  which  they  were  to  go,”  than 
if  it  had  been  nearer;  and  as  they  witnessed  tho  obedience  of 
the  inanimate  creation  to  their,  covenant  God,  they  would  thus 
be  instructed  to  obey  likewise. 

V.  5.  Sanctify  yourselves.]  Note , Ex.  19:10 — 15. — Be- 
sides the  legal  purifications,  one  cannot  but  think  that  he  in- 
tended they  should  dispose  their  minds,  by  holy  meditations 
and  prayer  to  God  to  receive  his  benefits,  and  to  be  more  sen- 
sible of  them  when  they  were  bestowed  on  them.  Bp.  Patrick . 
(Notes,  2 Chr.  29:5.  Joel  2:15—17.) 

V.  7.  The  people  desired  to  see  that  God  was  with  Joshua, 
as  he  had  been  with  Moses;  (1:17.)  and  the  Lord  promised 
him,  (probably  by  immediate  revelation,)  that  by  dividing  the 
waters  of  Jordan,  he  would  put  honour  on  him,  as  he  had 
honoured  Moses  at  the  Red  Sea.  In  this  manner  the  Lord 
was  pleased  to  mark  out  the  persons,  whom  he  appointed  to 
govern  Israel,  till  in  the  days  of  Samuel  they  desired  to  have 
a king:  and  then  he  selected  Saul,  and  afterwards  David  and 
his  posterity,  to  that  office. — At  the  river  Jordan,  and  proba- 
bly at  Bethabara,  or  the  house  of  passage,  even  at  the  very 
same  place  where  Israel  passed  over  that  river,  the  Lord  Je- 
sus began  to  be  magnified  by  the  descent  of  the  Holy  Spin 4 
and  by  a voice  from  heaven.  ( John  1:28.  Notes,  Matt.  3:13 
-17.) 

V.  8.  At  the  brink  of  the  water  the  priests  were  commanded 
to  stop,  until  the  channel  of  Jordan  had  become  drjr ; and  then 
to  take  their  station  in  the  midst  of  it,  till  all  the  people  were 
passed  over.  (17) 

V.  10 — 13.  Joshua  in  calling  Jehovah  w the  living  God,” 
and  “ the  Lord,”  or  Proprietor  and  Governor,  u of  all  the 
earth,”  as  well  as  u the  God  of  Israel,”  seems  especially  to 
have  aimed  to  render  the  stupendous  miracle  about  to  be 
wrought,  (and  which  he  foretold,  that  it  might  be  the  more 
impressive,)  a convincing  proof  in  the  minds  of  the  people, 
that  all  the  gods  of  the  nations  were  idols  destitute  of  life  and 
power:  and  that  idolatry  (to  which  they  were  excessively 
prone,)  was  as  senseless,  as  it  was  impious  and  abominable. 
(Notes,  Deut.  4:35—40.  2 Kings  19:14—19.  Is.  54:4,5.) 

V.  15.  Jordan  overfloweth , &c.]  This  annual  inundatio» 
( 387  ) 


ft.  V.  1451. 


JOSHUA. 


B.  C.  1451 


17  And  hthe  priests  that  bare  ‘he  arn  of  the 
covenant  of  the  Loro  ’.stood  firm  on  dry  ground 
in  the  midst  of  Jordan,  and  kall  the  Israelites  pass- 
ed over  on  dry  ground,  until  all  the  people  were 
passed  clean  over  Jordan. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Twelve  men  are  appointed  to  take  twelve  clones  out  of  Jordan  for  a memo- 
rial;  ami  twelve  stones  me  set  up  in  the  midst  of  Jordan , 1 — 9.  The  peo- 
ple pose  over;  God  magnifies  Joshua;  >tnd  the  pnests  are  ordered  to 
bring  the  ark  out  of  Jordan,  which  then  overflows  as  before , 10 — 18.  The 
date  of  this  event,  19.  The  twelve  stones  are  set  up  in  Gilgal,  where  Israel 
encamped,  20—24. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  when  all  the  people 
awere  clean  passed  over  Jordan,  that  the 
Lord  spake  unto  Joshua,  saying, 

2  Take  you  btwelve  men  out  of  the  people,  out 
of  every  tribe  a man  ; 

3  And  command  you  them,  saying,  Take  you 


hence  out  of  the  midst  of  Jordan,  out  of  the  place 
where  'the  priests’  feet  stood  firm,  dtwelve  stones ; 
and  ye  shall  carry  them  over  with  you,  and  'leave 
them  in  the  lodging-place  where  ye  shall  lodge 
this  night. 

4 Then  Joshua  called  the  twelve  men  whom  he 
had  ‘prepared  of  the  children  of  Israel,  out  of 
every  tribe  a man; 

5 And  Joshua  said  unto  them.  Pass  over  before 
the  ark  of  the  Lord  your  God  into  the  midst  ol 
Jordan,  and  take  ye  up  every  man  of  you  a stone 
upon  his  shoulder,  according  unto  the  number  of 
the  tribes  of  the  children  of  Israel; 

6 That  this  may  be  sa  sign  among  you,  that 
hwhen  your  children  ask  their  fathers  'in  time  to 
come,  saying,  What  mean  ye  by  these  stones  ? 


h 3,6.  i 4:3.  2Ki»gs2:8.  kEx.  14  22,29.  Ps.66:6.  la.  25:8.  Heb.  11:29. 
a 3:17.  Deut.  27:2.  b 3:12.  Nura.  1:4—15.  13:2.  34:18.  Deut.  1:23.  1 Kings  18: 
SI.  Matt.  10:1— 5.  c See  on  3:13.  d 24:27.  Gen.  28:22.  1 Sam.  7:12.  Pa.  103: 
2.  111:4.  Luke  19:40.  e 8,19,20.  (Seeoni.  Mark3:14— 19.  r22:27.  Ex. 


12:14.  13:9.  31:13.  Num.  16:38.  Is.  55:13.  El.  20:12,20.  h Ex.  12:26,27.  13:14. 
Deut. 6:20,21.  11:19.  Ps.44:l.  71:18.  78:3—6.  Is.  38:19.  Acts2:39.  • Heb.  (a- 

morrow. 


arose  from  the  melting  of  the  snows  upon  mount  Lebanon. 
The  barley-harvest  was  at  hand,  or  already  begun  ; and  the 
overflowing  of  the  river  seems  to  nave  taken  place,  just  before 
[srael  was  commanded  to  pass  over  it,  which  served  to 
ender  the  miracle  more  incontestable  and  stupendous.  (2: 
7,23.) 

V.  16,  17.  The  waters  below  the  place  where  Israel  then 
was,  ran  off  towards  the  dead  or  salt  sea,  which  was  once  the 
nlain  of  Sodom,  and  lefr  the  channel  dry  for  the  space  of  seve- 
ral miles ; vvlulst  those  above  accumulated,  and  stood  like 
mountains  very  far  back  towards  the  sea  of  Tiberias,  without 
inundating  the  adjacent  country.  (J\Iarg.  Ref.  f,  g.)  As  an 
illustrious  example  of  faith  and  obedience,  the  priests,  who 
bare  the  ark,  marched  into  the  midst,  of  the  dry  channel,  and 
there  took  their  stand,  with  the  waters  piled  up  far  higher  than 
their  heads,  and  nothing  to  prevent  their  being  overwhelmed 
by  them,  but  the  invisible  power  of  God.  Here  they  abode 
all  day,  till  the  people,  encouraged  by  their  example,  had  in 
succession  marched  over  the  river,  with  all  that  appertained 
to  them,  and  were  safely  landed  on  the  further  shore  ! ( Notes , 
4:3 — 10.) — The  passage  through  the  Red  Sea  took  place  in 
the  night,  when  the  Israelites  were  fleeing  from  the  Egyptians 
with  great  trepidation : but  they  passed  Jordan  in  the  day- 
time, with  previous  warning,  leisurely,  directly  opposite  to 
Jericho,  and  with  a triumphant  defiance  of  the  Canaanites. — 
This  passage  of  Israel  over  Jordan  into  the  promised  land, 
af:er  their  weary  wanderings  in  the  wilderness,  evidently 
typified  the  believer’s  passage  through  death  to  heaven,  when 
he  has  finished  his  course  in  this  sinful  world. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

They  who  are  attentive  to  the  duties  of  their  station,  and 
enemies  to  sloth  and  self-indulgence,  are  likely  to  be  eminent 
and  useful;  and  they  alone. — We  ought  to  proceed  in  our 
appointed  course,  notwithstanding  remote  difficulties,  which 
may  appear  to  us  insurmountable  ; and  to  rely  on  the  Lord 
to  remove  them  when  the  critical  moment  arrives:  for  his 
interpositions  are  intended  to  excite,  not  to  supersede,  our 
activity.  But  we  should  look  well  to  the  path  of  our  feet, 
especially  when  u we  have  not  passed  that  way  heretofore.” 
(Notes,  Prov.  4:26,27. ) — The  precepts  of  the  word  of  God, 
his  providential  dispensations,  and  the  counsel  and  example  of 
his  ministers  and  people,  when  properly  attended  to  ; together 
with  the  inward  teaching  of  this  Holy  Spirit,  humbly  sought 
by  earnest  prayer ; will  make  our  way  plain  to  us,  though 
perplexed  in  itself:  (Note,  Prov.  3:5,6.  P.  O.  Is.  30:18 — 33.) 
and  we  cannot  in  general  go  wrong  in  keeping  close  to  the 
ordinances  of  God,  and  thus,  as  it  were,  following  the  ark  in 
all  its  removals.  In  so  doing,  we  need  nor  fear  rivers  of 
trouble,  mountains  of  difficulty,  or  hosts  of  opposing  foes ; 
but  confiding  in  the  faithful  promise,  the  almighty  power,  and 
covenant  love  of  our  God,  u the  living  God,  the  Lord  of  the 
whole  earth,”  we  may  proceed  with  boldness  and  alacrity. — 
Whether  we  be  called  to  endure  poverty,  pain,  reproach, 
persecution,  or  death,  we  are  following  ‘‘the  Author  and 
Finisher  of  our  faith :”  nor  can  we  set  our  foot  in  any  peril- 
ous or  arduous  spot,  through  the  whole  journey,  but  faith 
will  there  descry  the  print  of  the  Redeemer’s  foot,  who  trod 
that  very  path  to  glory  above,  and  who  calls  us  to  “ follow 
him,  that  where  he  is,  there  we  may  be  also.” — His  ministers 
especially,  are  required  to  set.  the  people  an  example  of 
obedience,  patience,  and  unshaken  confidence  in  him ; by 
abiding  in  those  perilous  or  difficult  stations  which  he  has 
assigned  them,  when  others  fear  to  pass  that  way ; and  in  so 
doing  they  may  expect  peculiar  support  and  protection: 
(Note,  Acts  8:1^.)  but  if  they  hesitate  to  take  the  lead  in 
facing  danger  and  enduring  hardship ; and  show  an  undue 
attention  to  their  own  ease,  security,  and  indulgence,  their 
exhortations  will  be  very  lightly  regarded. — The  more  ad- 
venturous we  are  in  the  path  of  duty,  the  greater  evidence  we 
shall  have  of  the  Lord’s  love  and  care  of  us ; for  he  will  not 
disappoint  the  expectation  of  faith,  hut  in  due  season  exceed 
our  most  enlarged  hopes.  But  would  we  experience  the 
more  signal  effects  of  his  love  and  power,  we  must  study  to 
put  away  from  us  the  pollutions  of  sin,  and  be  peculiarly  care- 
fill  not  “to  grieve  the  Holy  Spirit we  must  diligently  follow 
( 388  1 


his  directions,  and  give  him  all  the  glory. — Thus  the  Chris* 
tian’s  course  originates  from  “ the  working  of  the  mighty 
power  of  God,”  in  his  deliverance  from  the  yoke  of  sin 
and  Satan ; and  that  same  power  daily  carries  on  the  work 
of  “ renewing  him  in  the  spirit  of  his  mind,”  amidst  innu- 
merable snares,  temptations,  and  counteracting  obstacles: 
hut  in  the  last  conflict  especially,  he  will  find  that  the  Lord 
“ is  able  to  do  exceeding  abundantly  above  all  that  he  asks 
or  thinks,  according  to  that  power  which  now  worketh  in 
him;”  (Note,  Eph.  3:20,21.)  so  that  even  the  feeble  Chris- 
tian shall  conquer  in  this  conflict,  and  pass  safely  through 
this  path  beset  with  terrors.  This  shall  continue  invariably 
to  be  the  case,  till  all  the  company  of  the  redeemed  “ are 
clean  passed  over,”  and  landed  safe  on  Canaan’s  shore. — 
for  though  none  of  them  have  passed  this  way  heretofore ; 
yet  Jesus  their  Brother  and  Friend,  the  true  “ Ark  of  the 
covenant,”  has  gone  before,  and  crossed  the  river,  when  its 
floods  were  swelled  to  a tremendous  height : and  thus  he  has 
divided  the  floods  before  them.  He  safely’  reached  tho 
heavenly  shore,  when  he  rose  from  the  dead  as  the  first- 
fruits  of  his  people,  and  ascended  into  heaven  as  their  Fore- 
runner : and  he  began  to  be  magnified  in  the  sight  of  all  Israel, 
when,  thus  risen  and  ascended,  he  sent  down  his  Holy  Spirit, 
to  give  assistance  to  his  apostles,  and  success  to  his  holy 
gospel.  To  those  who  neglect  his  great  salvation,  death  may 
well  be  “ the  king  of  terrors :”  for  its  consequences  will  be  to 
them  tremendous  beyond  expression.  But  to  believers  even 
this  “king  of  terrors”  is  become  a friend.  “ To  them  to  live 
is  Christ,  and  to  die  is  gain.”  (Notes,  Phil.  1:19 — 26.) 
This  world  is  a dreary  wilderness,  and  they  are  often  weary 
of  their  toilsome  pilgrimage,  though  fed  with  the  Bread  of 
heaven,  and  drinking  the  Waters  of  life  from  the  Rock  of 
Salvation:  and  though  guided  and  guarded  by  their  gracious 
Redeemer  through  all  the  dangers  of  the  way ; in  their  de- 
liberate judgment,  they  count  it  “ far  better  to  depart  hence 
to  be  with  Christ :”  and  they  may  meet  death  in  the  most 
horrid  form  (like  Jordan  overflowing  all  his  hanks,)  without 
terror,  if  they  are  but  able  to  keep  the  eye  of  faith  fixed  upon 
the  Saviour,  and  on  the  inheritance  provided  for  them  >n 
heaven. — Let  us  then  treasure  up  our  experiences  of  his 
faithful  and  tender  care  during  the  whole. course  of  our  lives, 
that  they  may  come  in  aid  to  our  faith  and  hope  in  this  last 
conflict : let  us  carefully  consider  the  examples  of  others, 
whose  happy  death  we  witness,  or  of  which  we  read  and 
hear,  to  allay  our  fears  and  encourage  our  hearM : let  us 
prepare  daily  for  this  important,  season,  by  faith  and  repent- 
ance : and  a conscientious  attention  to  the  duties  of  our  station ; 
and  let  us  watch  and  pray  against  anxious  or  distressing  fears. 
The  Lord  will  provide  for  our  passage  over  this  Jordan,  when 
the  time  comes:  yea,  he  will  come  and  meet  us,  and  by  his 
animating  presence  invigorate  our  faith  and  hope;  till  we  join 
the  innumerable  multitude,  that  in  the  Canaan  above  are 
singing  the  praises  of  their  greater  Deliverer,  who  hath  both 
redeemed  them  from  far  worse  than  Egyptian  bondage,  and 
brought  them  safe  to  the  promised  land,  through  his  precious 
blood,  and  by  his  all-conquering  arm. 

NOTES.— Chap.  IV.  V.  2.  These  twelve  men  had 
before  been  selected,  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness.  (3:12.) 
One  was  chosen  out  of  every  tribe:  (4)  for  though  some  had 
received  their  inheritance  on  the  other  side  o^  Jordan,  they 
were  all  brethren,  united  in  interest  and  religion  ; and  it  was 
proper  they  should  all  join  in  perpetuating  the  memory  of  this 
signal  miracle. 

V.  3 — 9.  After  all  the  people  had  passed  over  Jordan, 
and  before  they  marched  to  the  place  of  encampment,  or  had 
any  opportunity  of  refreshing  themselves  and  taking  care  of 
their  families  ; they  were  required  to  use  proper  measures 
for  transmitting  to  posterity  a memorial  that  Jordan  had  been 
divided  “ before  the  ark  of  the  Lord;”  and  so  give  parents 
an  opportunity  of  instructing  their  children  concerning  the 
wonderful  works  of  God  for  Israel.  (Note,  20 — 24.) — Tho 
priests  patiently  and  courageously  kept  their  station,  not  only 
till  tho  whole  multitude  was  passed  over,  bu*  also  till  these 
twelve  men  had  returned  into  the  midst  ol  tho  rirer,  and 
taking  each  a largo  stone,  probably  as  great  as  no  cou  tl  carry 


B.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


B.  C.  1451. 


7 Then  ye  shall  answer  them,  That  'the  waters 
of  Jordan  were  cut  off  before  the  ark  of  the 
covenant  of  the  Lord  ; when  it  passed  over 
Jordan,  the  waters  of  Jordan  were  cut  off:  and 
these  stones  shall  be  for  a 'memorial  unto  the 
children  of  Israel  for  ever. 

8 And  the  children  of  Israel  kdid  so  as  Joshua 
commanded,  and  took  up  twelve  stones  out  of 
the  midst  of  Jordan,  as  the  Lord  spake  unto 
Joshua,  according  to  the  number  of  the  tribes  of 
the  children  of  Israel,  and  carried  them  over  with 
them  unto  the  place  where  they  lodged,  and  laid 
them  down  there. 

9 And  Joshua  'set  up  twelve  stones  in  the 
midst  of  Jordan,  in  the  place  where  the  feet  of 
the  priests  which  bare  the  ark  of  the  covenant 
stood : and  "'they  are  there  unto  this  day. 

10  For  the  priests  which  bare  the  ark  "stood 
in  the  midst  of  Jordan,  until  every  thing  was 
finished,  that  the  Lord  commanded  Joshua  to 
speak  unto  the  people,  according  to  all  that  °Moses 
commanded  Joshua:  and  the  people  fhasted  and 
•passed  over. 

11  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  all  the  people 
were  clean  passed  over,  sthat  the  ark  of  the  Lord 
passed  over,  and  the  priests,  in  the  presence  of 
the  people. 

12  And  the  children  of  Reuben,  and  the  chil- 
dren of  Gad,  and  half  the  tribe  of  Manasseh, 
passed  over  armed  before  the  children  of  Israel, 
as  Moses  spake  unto  them. 

13  About  forty  thousand,  "prepared  for  war, 
passed  over  before  the  Lord  unto  battle,  ”to  the 
plains  of  Jericho. 

14  11  On  that  day  the  Lord  ‘magnified  Joshua 

3:13— 16.  j See  on  6.  Ex.  12:11.  23:12.  30:16.  Num.  16:10.  Is.  66:3  marg. 

1 Cor.  11  on.  k -2 — 5.  1:16 — 18.  IPs.  111:2—  4.  m Gen.  26:33.  Dent.  34:6. 
Judg.  1:26.  1 Sam. '30:25.  2 Sam.  4:3.  2 Chr.  5:9.  Mali.  27:8.  28:15.  n See 
on  3:16,17.  ls.23:16.  o Num.  27:21— 23.  Deul.  31:9.  p Ex.  12:39.  Ps.  119:60. 
Pro*. 27:1.  Ec.  9:10.  2 Cor.  6:2.  Heb.  3:7,8.  q 18.  3:8,17.  r 1:14.  Num.  32:20 
—32.  * Or , ready  armed.  Eph.6:ll.  s5:10.  2Kings25:5.  Jer.  39:5.  52:8. 
t l 16—18.  See  on  3:7.  1 Cor.  10:2  u Ex.  14:31.  1 6am.  12:18.  1 Kings  3:28. 

2 Chr.  30:12.  Prov.  24:21.  Rom.  13:4.  v See  on  3:3— 6.  Ex.  25:16— 22.  Rev. 
11:19.  x Gen.  8:16— 18.  Dan.  3:26.  Acts  16:23,35— 39.  y See  on  3:13,15. 


had  returned  with  them  to  the  shore  ; and  until  twelve  stones 
had  been  set  up  in  the  midst  of  the  river.  The  twelves  stones 
were  taken  from  the  very  spot  where  the  priests  had  kept 
their  station  ; and  the  twelve  other  stones  were  set  up  in  the 
same  place.  As  the  water  would  there  be  always  of  consi- 
derable depth,  it  may  be  supposed  that  these  stones  were 
formed  into  a kind  of  pillar,  or  monument,  generally  visible 
from  the  banks  of  the  river. — The  concluding  words  might 
be  written  by  Joshua  at  the  close  of  his  life,  or  perhaps 
added  by  some  later  prophet.  (Marg.  Ref.  m.) 

V.  10.  Moses  commanded.]  We  do  not  read,  that  Moses 
gave  any  instructions  about  the  passage  of  Israel  over  Jordan : 
but  he  charged  Joshua  to  obey  the  Lord,  and  the  people  to 
be  observant  of  Joshua  ; to  which  they  peculiarly  attended 
on  this  occasion. — It  is  said,  w the  people  hasted,”  as  none  of 
them  wasted  any  time : perhaps  some  were  timorous  through 
unbelief;  but  there  was  no  undue  haste  or  confusion.  (Note, 
Is.  28:16,  conclusion.) 

V.  11.  The  people  ‘beheld  the  water  standing  still  on  a 
heap  while  the  ark  was  in  the  river  ; but  come  tumbling 
lown  when  it  was  gone  : which  demonstrated  that  it  was 
God’s  presence  with  them,  to  which  alone  they  owed  this 
miraculous  mercy.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  12,  13.  This  armed  body  of  men,  unencumbered  with 
families  or  flocks,  and  prepared  to  repel  the  enemy,  if  they 
should  attack  them,  would  leave  the  other  tribes  more  at 
liberty  to  attend  upon  their  personal  and  domestic  concerns. 
(Note,  1:12 — 15.) — Probably  the  inhabitants  of  Jericho  wit- 
nessed from  the  walls  of  the  city  this  astonishing  scene  ; and 
saw  their  invaders  encamp  in  those  very  plains,  where  it 
might  have  been  expected  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  would 
have  mustered  their  forces  to  oppose  them.  (Note,  3:2.) 

V.  14.  In  consequence  of  the  honour  which  God  put  on 
Joshua  on  this  occasion,  the  Israelites  stood  in  awe  of  him, 
and  submitted  to  his  authority  ever  after,  as  the  divinely 
appointed  successor  to  Moses  ; perceiving  that  the  Lord  was 
with  him,  as. he  had  been  with  Moses.  (Note,  1:16 — 18.) 

V.  15 — 18.  The  priests  did  not  quit  their  station,  till 
Joshua,  who  had  commanded  them  thither,  ordered  them 
thence ; nor  did  he  thus  order  them  till  the  Lord  commanded 
liim : so  obedient  were  all  parties  to  the  word  of  God,  and  so 
sntirely  confident  of  his  protection ! As  soon  as  the  priests 
nad  reached  the  shore,  and  the  ark,  the  symbol  of  the  Lord’s 
presence,  had  left  the  river,  the  waters  reverted  to  their  natural 
course,  and  flowed  over  all  the  banks  as  before ; showing  that 
the  power  of  him,  who  enacted  the  laws  of  nature,  had  on  this 
occasion  suspended  them,  for  the  display  of  his  glory  in  per- 
forming his  promises  to  the  people-  (Notes,  11.  Dan.  3:26,27.) 


in  the  sight  of  all  Israel ; and  “they  feared  him,  as 
they  feared  Moses,  all  the  days  of  his  life. 

15  And  the  Lord  spake  unlo  Joshua,  saying, 

16  Command  vthe  priests  that  bear  the  ark 
of  the  testimony,  that  they  come  up  out  of  Jor- 
dan. 

17  Joshua  therefore  commanded  the  priests, 
saying.  ‘Come  ye  up  out  of  Jordan. 

18  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  priests  that 
bare  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  were 
come  up  out  of  the  midst  of  Jordan,  and  rthe  soles 
of  the  priests’  feet  were  'lifted  up  unto  the  dry 
land,  ‘that  the  waters  of  Jordan  returned  unto 
their  place,  “and  'flowed  over  all  his  banks,  as 
they  did  before. 

19  And  the  people  came  up  out  of  Jordan  on 
the  tenth  day  of  the  bfirst  month,  and  encamped 
in  “Gilgal,  in  the  east  border  of  Jericho. 

20  And  dthose  twelve  stones,  which  they  took 
out  of  Jordan,  did  Joshua  pitch  in  Gilgal. 

21  And. he  spake  unto  the  children  of  Israel, 
saying,  'When  your  children  shall  ask  their 
fathers  hn  time  to  come,  saying,  What  mean 
these  stones  ? 

22  Then  ye  shall  let  your  children  know, 
"saying,  Israel  came  over  this  Jordan  on  dry 
land. 

23  For  the  Lord  your  God  dried  up  the  waters 
of  Jordan  from  before  you,  until  ye  were  passed 
over,  as  the  Lord  your  God  did  to  the  Red  Sea, 
“which  he  dried  up  from  before  us,  until  we  were 
gone  over  : 

24  That  hall  the  people  of  the  earth  might 
know  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  ‘that  it  is  mighty; 
that  kye  might  fear  the  Lord  your  God  "for  ever. 


t Heb.  phicked  up.  z Ex.  14:26 — 28.  a 3:15.  1 Chr.  12:15.  J Heb.  tcent.  Is.  8: 
8.  bEx. 12:2,3.  c 5:9.  10:6,43.  15:7.  1 Sam.  11: 14,15.  15:33.  Am.  4:4.  5:5. 
Mic.  6:5.  d See  on  3,8.  e See  on  6.  Ps.  105:2—5.  145:4 — 7.  § Heb.  to-morroic. 
{See  on  3:17.  Ex.  14:29.  15:19.  Ps.  66:5,6.  18.11:15,16.  44:27.51:10.  Rev.  16: 
12.  g Neh.  9:11.  Ps.  77:16— 19.  78:13.  Is.  43:16.  63:12— 14.  h Ex.  9:16.  Deut. 
23:10.  1 Sam.  17:46.  1 Kings  8:43.  2 Kings  5:15.  19:19.  Ps.  106:8.  Dan.  3:26— 
29.  6:26,27.  i Ex.  15:16.  1 Chr.  29:12.  Ps.  89:13.  k Ex.  14:31.  20:20.  Dent. 
6:2.  Pa.  76:6—8.  89:7.  Jer.  10:6,7.  32:40.  ||  Heb.  all  days. 


V.  19.  The  Israelites  passed  over  Jordan,  exactly  five  days 
short  of  forty  years  after  they  left  Egypt,  and  just  in  time  to 
prepare  for  the  celebration  of  the  passover,  upon  their  entrance 
into  Canaan,  as  they  had  celebrated  it  just  before  their 
departure  out  of  Egypt.  (Note,  Ex.  12:3 — 10.) 

Y.  20 — 24.  It  is  most  natural  to  conclude,  that  these  stones 
were  placed  separately  on  some  eminence,  where  they  would 
be  conspicuous : and  being  exactly  twelve,  according  to  the 
number  of  the  tribes  in  Israel,  and  probably  no  other  stones 
near,  at  all  like  them  in  size  and  kind ; they  would  naturally 
excite  inquiries,  how  they  came  there,  and  what  was  meant 
by  them.  Thus  the  miraculous  division  of  Jordan,  (as  com- 
pleting that  kindness  to  Israel,  which  was  begun  at  the  division 
of  the  Red  Sea,)  would  frequently  become  the  subject  of 
conversation,  both  among  the  Israelites,  and  those  who  came 
thither  from  distant  nations  ; the  tradition  of  this  event  would 
be  perpetuated  and  circulated  very  widely  ; and  even  the 
Gentiles  might  be  induced  to  examine  the  sacred  oracles,  and 
to  inquire  further  concerning  the  glorious  perfections  and 
wonderful  works  of  Israel’s  God. — In  these  respects  this 
memorial  would  tend  to  promote  true  religion  ; “ that  all  the 
people  of  the  earth  might  know  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  that  it 
is  mighty.”  But  it  would  especially  give  parents  an  oppor- 
tunity of  diverting  the  inquisitiveness  of  their  children  into  a 
profitable  channel,  by  encouraging  them  to  ask  questions  on 
the  subject ; and  by  giving  them  such  answers,  as  would  tend 
to  bring  them  acquainted  with  the  works  of  God,  and  to 
impress  them  with  the  fear  of  his  name  ; that  so  one  genera- 
tion after  another  might  be  confirmed  in  worshipping  him 
alone,  and  be  restrained  from  idolatry. — These  stones  are 
supposed  to  have  remained  till  the  days  of  Christ,  or  even 
longer.  (Notes,  Ex.  12:11 — 14.  13:8 — 10.  Ps.  78:3 — 8.111:4.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  works  of  the  Lord  are  so  worthy  of  remembrance^  and 
the  heart  of  man  is  so  prone  to  forget  them,  that  various 
methods  must  be  adopted  to  keep  them  in  remembrance. — 
Our  own  ease  should  be  disregarded,  and  our  ordinary  employ- 
ments or  refreshments  postponed,  that  we  may  lose  no  time 
in  rendering  to  the  Lord  the  tribute  of  praise  for  mercies 
received,  while  the  sense  of  gratitude  glows  in  the  heart,  and 
before  the  lively  impression  has  time  to  wear  off. — There  is  a 
peculiar  style  in  the  works  and  in  the  word  of  God : majestic 
in  simplicity,  expressive  and  emphatic  ; but  with  genuine 
dignity,  disdaining  the  encumbrance  of  useless  ornament  and 
affected  splendour.  Never  did  triumphal  columa  or  arch, 
with  all  the  magnificence  of  architecturr , form  ?o  proper  a 
monument  of  some  celebrated  victory,  as  did  tl  e twelve  ride 
stones  from  Jordan’s  channel  of  the  mu  cult  Is  passage  of 
( 389  4 


. c.  1451.  JOSHUA.  B.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  V. 

TK»  Canaanilcs  nre  affrighted,  1.  Joshua,  at  God's  command,  circumcises 
Israel : the  need  there  was  of  this,  2—8.  The  place  is  called  Gilgal,  9.  The 
passover  is  kept  at  Gilgal,  10,  11.  The  manna  ceases , 12.  One  appears  to 
Joshua,  calling  himself “ The  Captain  of  the  Lord's  host,"  13 — 15. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  when  “all  the  kings  of 
the  Amorites,  which  were  on  the  side  of 
Jordan  westward,  and  all  the  kings  of  the 
'Canaanites, d which  were  by  the  sea,  cheard  that 
the  Lord  had  dried  up  the  waters  of  Jordan  from 
before  the  children  of  Israel,  until  we  were  passed 
over,  that  their  heart  melted;  fneither  was  there 
spirit  in  them  any  more  because  of  the  children  of 
Israel. 

2  H At  that  time  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua, 
Make  thee  'sharp  knives,  and  ^circumcise  again 
the  children  of  Israel  the  second  time. 

3  And  Joshua  hmade  him  sharp  knives,  and 
circumcised  the  children  of  Israel  at  Uhe  hill  of 
the  foreskins. 

4  And  this  is  the  cause  why  Joshua  did  cir- 
cumcise : 'All  the  people  that  came  out  of  Egypt 
that  were  males,  even  all  the  men  of  War,  died  in 
the  wilderness  by  the  way  after  they  came  out  of 
Egypt. 

5  Now  all  the  people  that  came  out  were  cir- 
cumcised; but  all  the  people  that  were  born  in 
the  wilderness  by  the  way,  as  they  came  forth  out 
of  Egypt,  them  Hhey  had  not  circumcised. 

a 12:9—24  . 24:15.  Gen.  10:15—19.  15:18—21.  48:22.  Judg.  11:23.  2 Sam.  21:2. 
Ez.  16:3.  Am.  2:9.  c 17.12,18.  Gen.  12:6.  Ex.  23:28.  Jude.  1:1.  4:2.  Ezra  9:1. 
Ps. 135:11.  d Num.  13:29.  Judg.  3:3.  Zeph.  2:4— 6.  e Seenn2:9— 11.  Ex.  15: 
14,15.  Pa.  48:4— 6.  Rev.  18:10.  f 1 Sam. 25:37.  I Kings  10:5.  Is.  13:6— 8.  Ez. 
21:7.  Dan. 5:6.  • Or , knives  of  flint.  Ex. 4:25.  g Gen.  17:10— 14.  Deut.  10:16. 
30:6.  Rom.  2:29.  4:11.  Col.  2:11.  I:  Gen.  17:23-27.  Matt.  16:24.  ! Or, 

Gibeah  haaraloth.  i Num.  14:29.  26:64,65.  Deut.  2:16.  1 Cor.  10:5.  Heb.3:17 


6 For  the  children  of  Israel  ‘walked  forty  years 
in  the  wilderness,  till  all  the  people  that  were  men 
of  war,  which  came  out  of  Egypt,  were  consumed, 
because  they  obeyed  not  the  voice  of  the  Lord  * 
unto  whom  the  Lord  'sware,  that  he  would  not 
show  them  the  land,  which  the  Lord  sware  unto 
their  fathers  that  he  would  give  us,  ma  land  tha 
floweth  with  milk  and  honey. 

7 And  “their  children  whom  he  raised  up  ii 
their  stead,  them  Joshua  circumcised : for  the) 
were  uncircumcised,  because  they  had  not  circum- 
cised them  by  the  way. 

8‘  And  it  came  to  pass  *when  they  had  done 
circumcising  all  the  people,  that  they  abode  in 
their  places  in  the  camp  “till  they  were  whole. 

9 And  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua,  This  day 
have  I ^rolled  away  the  reproach  of  Egypt  from 
off'  you  : wherefore  the  name  of  the  place  is  called 
^Gilgal  unto  this  day. 

10  And  the  children  of  Israel  encamped  in 
Gilgal,  and  ^kept  the  passover  on  the  fourteenth 
day  of  the  month  at  even,  in  the  plains  of  Jeri- 
cho. 

11  And  they  did  eat  of  the  old  corn  of  the  land 
on  the  morrow  after  the  passover,  “unleavened 
cakes,  and  parched  corn  in  the  sell-same  day. 

12  And  'the  manna  ceased  on  the  morrow  after 
they  had  eaten  of  the  old  corn  of  the  land  ; neither 

—19.  i Deut.  12:8,9.  Hos.  6:6,7.  Matt.  12:7.  Rom.  2:26.  1 Cor.  7:19.  Gal.  5:6. 
6:15.  k Num.  14:32— 34.  Deut.  1:3.  2:7,14.  Ps.  95:10.11.  Jer.  2:2.  I Num.  14i 
23.  Heb.S-.ll.  m See  on  Ex.  3:8,17.  Ez.20:6,15.  Joel  3:18.  n Num.  14:31. 
Deut.  1:39.  + Heb.  when  the  people  had  made  an  end  to  be  circumcised. 

o (Jen.  34:25.  p Gen.  34:14.  1 Sam.  17:26,36.  Ps.  119:39.  Jer.  9:25.  Ez.  20:7. 
23:3,8.  Eph.  2:11,12.  § That  is,  rolling.  4:19.  q Ex.  12:3,  &c.  Num.  9:1— 5. 
rEx.  12:18—20.  13:6,7.  Lev. 23:6, 14.  s Ex.  16:35.  Neh.  9:20,21.  Rev.  7:16,17. 


Israel  into  Canaan,  under  the  conduct  of  the  ark  of  the  Lord. 
Such  is  the  instituted  memorial  of  the  Redeemer’s  dying  love; 
simple,  impressive,  and  entirely  calculated  to  show  forth  his 
death  and  passion  in  the  most  atfecting  manner  ; to  be  a 
suitable  profession  of  our  repentance,  faith,  and  grateful  love  ; 
and  to  express  our  devoteuness  to  him,  our  fellowship  with 
him  and  his  people,  and  our  expectation  of  future  harmonious 
felicity  in  the  realms  above.  Yet  all  this  is  veiled  under  so 
plain  an  exterior,  that  the  carnal  eye  can  see  no  comeliness 
or  excellency  in  it,  any  more  than  in  him  whose  love  is  com- 
memorated: and  to  make  it  suit  the  grovelling  minds  of  the 
worldly,  and  the  selfish  purposes  of  the  ambitious,  it  has  been 
dressed  up  with  pomp  and  parade  of  meaning  and  of  ceremony  ; 
which  have  so  disguised  and  perplexed  the  divine  appointment, 
that  many  of  the  true  disciples  of  Christ  have  been  strangely 
frighted  from  it,  as  if  some  formidable  mischief  lay  concealed 
within  ; to  the  dishonour  of  the  Lord,  and  the  detriment  of 
their  own  souls.  But  we  should  take  every  proper  occasion 
of  attending  on  that  sacred  ordinance,  learning  from  the  word 
of  God  its  simple  meaning  and  intention  ; and  should  gladly 
speak  of  them,  when  opportunity  is  afforded,  to  our  children, 
our  neighbours,  and  to  every  inquirer.  In  this,  and  in  every 
thing  else,  the  curiosity  of  children  should  be  improved  as  an 
opening  to  their  instruction : and  they  who  take  pleasure  in 
searching  out  the  works  of  the  Lord,  and  in  diffusing  their 
knowledge  among  strangers,  or  perpetuating  it  to  posterity, 
shall  more  and  more  understand  his  loving-kindness  and 
mercy.  (Ps.  107:43.) — Gladly  should  we  all  render  every 
service  we  can  to  the  church  of  God,  and  consider  ourselves 
as  having  one  common  interest  with  all  the  families  of  the 
redeemed,  however  separated  by  rivers,  seas,  or  mountains, 
or  by  the  more  unnatural  partition-walls  of  sects  and  parties : 
and  in  so  doing,  we  may  safely  commit  our  families  and  inter- 
ests to  the  protection  of  Israel’s  God. — When,  with  careful 
attention  to  the  commands  and  providence  of  God,  we  have 
taken  the  place,  and  engaged  in  the  service,  assigned  us  ; we 
ought  patiently  to  abide  in  it,  and  not  to  attempt  to  remove,  till 
ne  evidently  commands  us  thence.  Nothing  can  hurt  us  in 
doing  this,  and  nothing  should  intimidate  us  from  it.  In  like 
manner  also,  we  ought  patiently  to  wait  our  dismission  from 
this  sinful  world,  ready  to  depart,  but  willing  to  bear  the  cross 
and  maintain  the  conflict,  till  the  Lord’s  purposes  for  his  own 
glory  be  accomplished  in  us. — But  the  removal  of  the  righteous 
is  frequently  like  the  opening  of  the  flood-gates  of  divine  judg- 
ments upon  guilty  nations,  which  have  been  restrained  by 
their  presence,  example,  and  prayers  ; and  much  more  when 
the  ministers  atid  ordinances  of  God  are  removed,  may 
national  calamities  be  expected.  But  let  us  bless  God  that 
this  is  not  the  case  with  our  favoured  land  : let  us  unite  in 
prayer  that  it  may  not  be:  and  let  us  also  remember,  that  we 
may  derive  benefit  from  all  the  mercies  shown  to  his  church 
in  all  ages  and  nations,  and  should  bless  God  for  them  ; and 
every  recent  favour  should  excite  us  to  repeat  his  praises  for 
former  blessings. 

NOTES. — Chap.  V.  V.  1.  Great,  terror  had  before 
pervaded  the  minds  of  the  inhabitants  of  Canaan,  in  every 
part  of  the  country:  yet  the  kings  seem  to  have  kept,  up  their 
courage,  till  they  heard  that  the  barrier  of  the  land  had  been 
( 390  ) 


broken  through,  by  a miracle  similar  to  the  dividing  of  the 
Red  Sea;  and  that  the  whole  multitude  of  Israel  was  actually 
encamped  in  their  country,  with  the  express  purpose  of  pos- 
sessing it,  and  extirpating  the  former  inhabitants.  On  hearing 
this,  their  hearts  melted  with  terror,  as  wax  before  the  fire  ; 
and  this  both  anticipated,  and  facilitated  their  destruction. 
( Marg . Ref.) — The  words  “ IV e were  passed  over,”  inti- 
mates that  the  writer  was  one  of  the  company. 

Y.  2 — 8.  It  is  probable,  that  there  had  been  a general 
circumcision,  a short  time  before  the  departure  of  Israel  from 
Egypt,  of  all  those  who  were  then  found  uncircumcised : and 
with  reference  to  it,  this  circumcision,  w hich  took  place  imme- 
diately on  their  entering  the  promised  land,  was  called  “ the 
second  time.”  It  is  evident  that  the  Israelites,  who  had  been 
born  in  the  wilderness,  were  left  uncircumcised  : but  it  is  not 
so  manifest  whether  this  omission  arose  from  negligence  ; or 
whether  the  Lord  dispensed  with  it  during  their  wanderings, 
when  every  removal  would  have  rendered  it  dangerous  to 
many  infants  ; or  whether  the  nation  was  laid  under  a kind  ol 
interdict,  when  the  rebellious  generation  w as  doomed  to  die  in 
the  wilderness.  It  is  generally  agreed,  that  the  passover  was 
celebrated  only  once,  during  Israel’s  continuance  in  the 
desert ; and  the  people  there  did  not  want  any  mark  of  dis- 
tinction from  other  nations : so  that  circumcision,  in  respect 
of  its  principal  objects,  was  not  so  requisite  in  that  situation, 
as  after  they  were  settled  in  Canaan  ; where  every  instituted 
ordinance,  and  every  method  of  distinction  and  separation, 
must  be  used.  The  command,  however,  given  to  Joshua,  and 
by  him  to  the  people,  to  perform  this  painful  operation  on  so 
great  a multitude,  immediately  upon  entering  the  enemy’s 
country,  when  it  was  well  known  that  they  would  by  it  be  for 
some  time  utterly  disabled,  formed  a very  great  trial  of  their 
faith  t [Note,  Gen.  34:25 — 28.)  and  their  prompt  and  univer- 
sal obedience,  in  such  critical  circumstances,  manifested  a 
confidence  in  the  Lord’s  protection,  and  a submission  to  his 
will,  which  confirm  the  sentiment,  that  this  w as  the  best  of 
all  the  generations  of  Israel. — As  circumcision  might  bo 
performed  by  any  one  ; though  the  number  to  be  circumcised 
was  great,  the  whole  would  soon  be  completed,  probably  on 
the  first  day  after  their  passage  over  Jordan. 

V.  9.  When  the  Israelites  were  brought  into  the  promised 
land,  and  (he  covenant  of  the  Lord  was  thus  solemnly  ratified 
with  them,  as  the  seed  of  Abraham,  by  the  appointed  seal ; 
the  reproach  of  their  Egyptian  bondage,  and  idolatrous  cus- 
toms, was  rolled  away  ; and  it  was  plain,  that  the  Loro  had 
not  brought  them  forth  into  the  wilderness  to  destroy  them. 
(Notes,  Gen.  17:7 — 12,23 — 27.  R.r.  4:24— 2fi.  1 Sam.  17: 

25,26.) — The  word  “ Gilgal”  signifies  rolling.  The  same 
place  was  also  called  “ the  hill  of  the  foreskins because 
of  the  great  numbers  whose  foreskins  were  left  buried 
there.  (3) 

V.  10.  The  general  circumcision  of  the  people  was  pre- 
paratory to  the  solemn  observance  of  the  passover  in  its 
season  ; for  no  uncircumcised  person  might  cat  of  it.  (Notes% 
Ex.  12:43— 45,48,49.)  This  was  a proper  entrance  upon  the 
promised  land,  as  a holy  land.  The  celebration  of  the  pass- 
over  immediately  preceded  Israel’s  departure  c itt  of  Egypt ; 
and  formed  nearly  theii  first  employment  on  entering  Canaan  • 


B.  C.  1451. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


B.  C.  1450. 


had  the  children  of  Israel  manna  any  more ; 'but 
they  did  ea*  ff  the  fruit  of  the  land  of  Canaan 
that  year. 

13  IT  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Joshua  was  by 
Jericho,  that  "lie  lifted  up  his  eyes  ?nd  looked,  and 
behold,  there  stood  *a  Man  over  against  him,  with 
rhis  sword  drawn  in  his  hand  : and  Joshua  went 
unto  him,  and  said  unto  him,  ’■Art  thou  for  us,  or 
for  our  adversaries  ? 

14  And  he  said,  Nay;  "but  as  ‘Captain  of  the 
host  of  the  Lord  am  I now  come.  And  Joshua 
fell  on  his  face  to  the  earth,  and  did  worship,  and 
said  unto  him,  "What  saith  dmy  lord  unto  his 
servant  ? 

15  And  the  Captain  of  the  Lord’s  host  said 
unto  Joshua,  "Loose  thy  shoe  from  off  thy  foot ; 
for  the  place  whereon  thou  standest  is  holy.  And 
Joshua  did  so. 

t Deot.  6:10,11.  Prov.  13:22.  Is.  65:13,14.  John  4:38.  u Gen.  33:1,5.  Dun.  8:3. 
10:5.  x 6:2.  Gen.  18:2.  32:24—30.  Jmlg.  13:8,9,11,22.  Dan. 10:5.  Hos.  12:3-5. 
Zech.  1:8.  Rev. 1:13.  yN»m. 22:23.  1 Chr. 21:16, 17.  7.  1 Chr.  12:17,18.  a Ex. 
23:20—22.  Is.  55:4.  Dan.  10:13,21.  12:1.  Heb.  2.10.  Rev.  12:7.  19:11,14.  * Or, 
Prince,  b Gen.  17:3,17.  Lev.  9:24.  Num.  16:22,45.  Matt. 8:2.  Luke  5:12. 
Acts  10:25,26.  Rev.  19:10.  22:8,9.  c 1 Sam.  3:9,10.  Is.  6:8.  Acts  9:6.  d Ex.  4: 


for  they  were  both  brought  out  of  Egypt,  and  into  the  land  of 
their  inheritance,  “ that  they  might  keep  the  Lord’s  statutes, 
and  observe  his  laws.”  (Note,  Pa.  105:43 — 45.)  Having 
been  circumcised  on  the  eleventh  day  of  the  month,  they 
would  be  enabled  to  eat  the  passover  on  the  evening  of  the 
fourteenth  ; while  those  who  had  before  been  circumcised 
might  prepare  for  their  brethren : and  by  the  time  that  the 
days  of  unleavened  bread  were  ended,  they  would  be  per- 
fectly healed  and  fit  for  action.  In  the  mean  time  the 
Canaanites  were  intimidated,  and  restrained  from  assaulting 
them.  Nay,  their  very  confidence  in  thus  setting  their  ene- 
mies at  defiance,  while  they  attended  to  the  ordinances  of 
their  religion,  and  engaged  Jehovah  to  fight  their  battles,  if 
it  were  known  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  land,  would  tend 
to  increase  their  consternation.  (Note,  Ex.  34:24.) 

V.  11,  12.  The  people  would  find  abundance  of  old  corn 
in  the  deserted  granaries  of  the  affrighted  inhabitants  ; and 
the  barley  harvest  being  ripe,  after  offering  the  sheaf  of  first- 
fruits,  they  ate  also  new  parched  corn:  and  thus  the  manna, 
being  no  longer  necessary,  ceased,  after  having  been  sent 
them  regularly  for  almost  forty  years  '.  (Ex.  16:35.) 

V.  13 — 15.  Joshua  was  either  taking  a view  of  Jericho,  in 
order  to  attack  it,  or  employed  in  serious  meditation  and 
prayer,  or  both  alternately  ; when  he  was  surprised  with  the 
appearance  of  one,  in  form  as  “ a Man,  . . . with  his  sword 
drawn  in  his  hand.”  Joshua,  not  at  all  intimidated,  accosted 
him,  and  demanded  of  him  whether  he  was  an  ally  or  an 
enemy  ; and  he  received  for  answer,  that  he  was  come  not 
only  as  an  Ally,  but  as  Commander-in-chief  over  the  Lord’s 
host,  and  over  Joshua  himself:  upon  which  Joshua  recog- 
nised and  worshipped  him  as  his  Lord ; and  reverently  pros- 
trating himself  upon  the  earth,  waited  and  asked  to  know  his 
will.  Not  only  was  this  worship  received,  but  he  was  further 
commanded  to  show  the  same  token  of  respect  to  the  hea- 
venly vision,  which  had  been  required  when  the  Lord 
appeared  to  Moses  in  the  bush:  (Notes,  Ex.  3:2 — 6.)  and 
this  being  done,  he  received  from  him  the  orders  contained  in 
the  ensuing  chapter,  which  is  a continuation  of  the  subject, 
and  is  very  improperly  separated  from  the  close  of  this. — All 
these  circumstances  prove  beyond  a doubt,  that  this  armed. 
Man  was  no  other  than  the  Son  of  God,  Jehovah,  the 
second  Person  in  the  sacred  Trinity,  the  Captain  of  our  sal- 
vation, anticipating  his  incarnation,  and  assuring  Joshua  of 
success  in  this  war.  (Notes,  Gen.  32:30.  Hos.  12:3 — 6. 
Phil.  2:5 — 8.)  ‘ Jesus,  our  Lord,  the  Prince  of  his  Father’s 

host,  appearing  to  him  who  was  a type  of  him,  at  Jericho, 
with  a drawn  sword,  promised  to  be  the  Defender  of  his 
people.’  Arclibp.  Usher.  ‘ The  Angel,  who  suffered  himself 
to  be  worshipped,  and  by  whose  presence  the  place  where  he 
appeared  was  sanctified,  so  that  Joshua  was  commanded  to 
put  off  his  shoes,  no  doubt  was  he  whom  all  the  angels  in 
heaven  worshipped.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

How  dreadful  is  the  case  of  those,  who  are  irreversibly  de- 
voted to  destruction,  for  whom  no  mercy  is  reserved,  and  who 
see  tne  deserved  vengeance  of  God  advancing  towards  them 
with  steady  pace,  without  any  possibility  of  averting  or  escap- 
ing it  ! Such  will  be  the  horrible  situation  of  the  wicked, 
when  summoned  to  appear  before  the  tribunal  of  an  offended 
God.  Nor  can  words  express  the  anguish  of  their  feelings, 
or  the  greatness  of  their  terror,  when  they  shall  call  in  vain 
“ upon  the  rocks  and  mountains  to  fall  upon  them,”  and  hide 
them  from  the  intolerable  frown  of  their  angry  Judge,  and 
from  the  dire  sentence  which  he  is  prepared  to  execute  upon 
them.  As  “ men’s  hearts  cannot  endure,  or  their  hands  be 
strong,”  in  such  circumstances  ; oh,  that  they  would  now  take 
-varning,  even  before  it  be  too  late,  that  they  would  flee  for 
refuge  to  lay  hold  on  the  hope  set  before  them  in  the  salvation 
of  the  gospel !— The  maxims  and  conduct  of  the  church  of 
God  are  widely  different  from  those  of  the  world.  What 
•ther  general  ever  opened  a campaign  in  an  enemy’s  country, 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Jericho  ie  shut  up  : and  the  Lord  instructs  Joshua  how  to  conduct  the  sieg*, 

1 — 5.  Joshua  directs  the  priests  to  carry  the  ark  round  the  city,  precede* 
by  other  priests,  sounding  with  trumpets,  and  attended  by  the  people,  6,  7. 
They  thus  march  round  the  city  daily  for  six  days,  and  seven  times  on  tht 
seventh  day , 8 — 16.  The  city  and  all  in  it,  (except  Rahab  and  those  with  her,) 
are  devoted  to  destruction,  17 — 19.  The  people  shout,  the  walls  fall  down, 
and  the  city  is  taken  and  destroyed;  but  Rahab  is  preserved.  20 — 25.  A 
curse  is  denounced  on  him  who  should  rebuild  Jericho,  26.  Joshua  becomes 
renowned , 27. 

NOW  Jericho  ‘was  straitly  shut  up,  "becaus* 1 2; 

of  the  children  of  Israel : none  went  out,  and 
none  came  in. 

2  And  bthe  Lord  said  unto  Joshua,  "See,  I have 
given  into  thine  hand  Jericho,  and  the  king»there- 
of,  and  the  mighty  men  of  valour. 

3  And  dye  shall  compass  the  city,  all  ye  men  of 
war,  and  go  round  about  the  city  once.  Thu3 
shaft  thou  do  six  days. 

4  And  seven  priests  shall  bear  before  the  ark 
seven  "trumpets  of  rams’  horns  : and  the  seventh 

10,13.  Ps. 110:1.  Matt.  22:44.  Luke  1:43  . 20:42.  John  20:28.  Phil.  3:8.  e Ex. 
3:5.  Acts  7:32,33.  2 Pel.  1:18.  * Heb.  did  shut  up,  and  was  shut  up.  2:1.  *2  King* 
17:4.  a2:9 — 14.  Ps. 127:1.  b£g«07i5:13 — 15.  c 9:24.  8:1.  11:6— 8.  Judg.  11: 
21.  2 Sam.  5:19.  Neh.  9:24.  Dan.  2:21,44.  4:17,35.  5:18.  d7,14.  Num.  14:9. 

1 Cor.  1:21— 25.  2Cor.4:7.  e Lev.  25:9.  Num.  10:1— 10.  Judg.  7:7,8,15— 22. 

2 Chr.  13:12.  20:17,19,21.  Is.  27:13.  Zech.  4:6. 


in  the  manner  that  Joshua  did  ? On  such  occasions,  all 
attention  paid  to  the  exercises  of  religion  is  too  generally 
considered  as  a needless  waste  of  time.  Yet,  if  the  help  of 
God  be  indeed  the  best  security  for  success,  and  if  his  anger 
is  more  to  be  feared  than  the  sword  of  any  enemy,  it  will  be 
found  true  policy  to  begin  every  expedition  with  repentance 
of  sin,  and  attendance  on  the  solemn  worship  of  the  Lord, 
and  with  using  every  method  of  securing  his  protection  ; though 
to  a carnal  eye  that  method  may  appear  unfavourable  to  suc- 
cess. (Note,  Matt.  6:33,34.) — But  especially  the  Christian 
soldier  must  thus  begin  his  spiritual  warfare  : nor  can  he  face 
any  of  his  enemies  without  u the  circumcision  of  the  heart,” 
as  the  internal  M seal  of  the  righteousness  of  faith,”  and 
the  ratification  of  the  new  covenant  between  a reconciled 
God  and  his  soul.  (Notes,  Rom.  2:25 — 29.  4:9 — 12.)  Then 
feeding  on  Christ,  the  Paschal  Lamb  who  was  sacrificed  for 
sinners,  and  keeping  the  41  feast  with  the  unleavened  bread  of 
sincerity  and  truth,”  he  will  be  prepared  for  the  conflict. 
(Note,  1 Cor.  5:6 — 8.)  Yet  he  will  not  prosper  so  long  as  he 
neglects  any  of  the  ordinances  or  commandments  of  God  ; or 
lies  under  the  reproach  of  living  in  conformity  to  the  world,  or  of 
acting  in  any  respect  inconsistently  with  his  holy  profession. 
But  duly  attending  to  the  worship  of  God  and  the  means  of 
grace,  and  daily  girding  on  his  divine  armour,  he  may  boldly 
defy  all  his  enemies,  and  rest  assured  of  the  presence  and 
protection  of  the  great 44  Captain  of  salvation  whose  Person 
he  will  reverently  worship,  whose  orders  he  will  diligently 
observe,  on  whose  assistance  he  will  entirely  depend,  and  by 
whom  he  will  at  length  be  made  more  than  conqueror. — Many 
things  are  amiss  in  the  best  state  of  the  church  on  earth 
but  when  young  persons  have  not  so  much  as  the  appearance 
of  religion,  it  will  redound  to  the  reproach  of  their  parents, 
being  generally  the  consequence  of  their  misconduct.  When 
the  upright  believer  is  convinced  of  his  neglect  or  sin,  he  will 
readily  set  about  amendment,  and  when  he  is  in  a proper 
frame  of  mind,  he  will  account  the  most  self-denying  com- 
mands, or  mysterious  dispensations  of  the  Lord,  reasonable, 
wise,  and  kind.  Finally,  what  the  Lord  requires  of  his  people, 
he  will  supply  them  with  the  means  of  performing:  when  one 
source  of  provision  fails,  he  will  open  another  : nor  shall  the 
manna  for  their  souls  ever  fail,  till  they  arrive  at  the  Canaan 
above,  and  feast  on  its  rich  and  inexhaustible  provisions. 

NOTES.— Chap.  YI.  V.  1.  The  king  and  people  of 
Jericho  did  not  possess  courage  enough  to  attack  the  in 
vaders  ; but  they  shut  themselves  up  in  the  city,  where  doubt- 
less they  expected  to  defend  themselves  under  the  protection 
of  the  walls,  till  succours  should  arrive  from  other  quarters. 
It  does  not  appear  that  they  made  any  advances  toward  an 
accommodation. 

V.  2.  (Note,  5:13 — 15.)  It  is  indisputable  that.the  very 
person,  who  in  the  preceding  chapter  called  himself  44  the 
Captain  of  the  host  of  the  Lord,”  is  here  called  Jehovah, 

4 which  shows  he  was  not  a created  angel,  but  God  himself,, 
who  alone  could  promise  and  perform  what  follows.’  Bp, 
Patrick.  By  commission  from  him,  and  according  to  his  in- 
structions, Joshua  was  directed  to  conduct  his  hostilities 
against  the  Canaanites:  and  this  authority  sanctioned,  and 
even  sanctified  all  the  terrible  executions  with  which  it  was 
attended  ; the  sword  in  his  hand  being  the  sword  of  justice 
drawn  against  condemned  criminals.  (Notes,  Num.  31: 
2,14 — 18.) 

V.  3 — 5.  By  prescribing  this  extraordinary  method  of  be- 
sieging Jericho,  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  put  honour  upon  the 
ark  as  the  symbol  of  his  presence,  and  to  manifest  that  all  the 
victories  of  Israel  were  from  him  : for  this  was  a specimen  ol 
them.  The  faith  and  patience  of  the  people  were  thus  proved 
and  increased.  Their  regard  to  the  priesthood  likewise 
would  be  augmented and  they  would  be  induced  the  more 
readily  to  give  the  priests  their  dues,  when  the  Lord  had  thus 
employed  them  in  the  conquest  of  the  land.  The  preaching, 
of  the  gospel  also,  and  its  effects  were  typified. — The  words 
( 391  ) 


B.  C.  1461. 


JOSHUA. 


B.  C. 1450. 


day  ye  shall  compass  the  city  f seven  times,  and 
the  priests  shall  blow  with  the  trumpets. 

d And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  when  they 
*make  a long  blast  with  the  ranvs  horn,  and  when 
ye  hear  the  sound  of  the  trumpet,  all  hthe  people 
shall  shout  with  a great  shout : and  ‘the  wall  of 
the  city  shall  fall  down  'flat,  and  the  people  shall 
ascend  up  every  man  straight  before  him. 

6 IT  And  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun  called  the 
priests,  and  said  unto  them,  kTake  up  the  ark  of 
the  covenant,  and  let  seven  priests  Pear  seven 
trumpets  of  rams’  horns  before  the  ark  of  the 
Lord. 

7 And  he  said  unto  the  people,  Pass  on,  and 
compass  the  city,  and  let  him  ‘that  is  armed  pass 
on  before  the  ark  of  the  Lord. 

8 And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Joshua  had  spoken 
unto  the  people,  that  the  seven  priests  bearing  the 
seven  trumpets  of  rams’  horns  passed  on  rabefore 
the  Lord,  and  blew  with  the  trumpets  : and  the 
ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  followed  them. 

9 And  the  armed  men  went  before  the  priests 
that  blew  with  the  trumpets,  "and  the  +rearward 
came  after  the  ark,  the  priests  going  on,  and  blow- 
ing with  the  trumpets. 

10  And  Joshua  had  commanded  the  people, 
saying,  Ye  shall  not  shout,  nor  make  3any  noise 
with  your  voice,  neither  shall  any  word  proceed 
out  of  your  mouth  "until  the  day  I bid  you  shout ; 
then  shall  ye  shout. 

11  So  the  ark  of  the  Lord  compassed  the  city, 
going  about  it  once : and  they  came  into  the 
camp,  and  lodged  in  the  camp. 

12  And  pJoshua  rose  early  in  the  morning,  and 
sthe  priests  took  up  the  ark  of  the  Lord. 

13  And  seven  priests,  bearing  seven  trumpets 
of  rams’  horns  before  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  "went 

f Gen.  2:3.  7:2,3.  Lev.  4:6.  14:16.  25:8.  Num.23:l.  1 Kings  18:43.  2 Kings 
5:10.  Job 42:8.  Zerh.4:2.  Rev.  1:4,211.  5:1,6.  8:2,6.  10:3.  15:1,7.  16:1.  g 16, 
20.  Ex.  16:19.  h Jmlg.  7:20— 22.  I' Sam.  4:6.  17:20,52.  2Chr.  13:15.  Jer. 
50:15.  i Is.  25:12.  30:25  . 2 Cor.  10:4,5.  Heb.  11:30.  • Heb.  under  it.  k8,13. 

Sec  on  3:3.  Ex.  25:11.  Dent.  20:2—4.  Acts  9:1.  1 3.  1:14.  4:13.  m See  on  3,4. 
Hum.  32:20.  n 13.  Num.  10:25.  Is.  52:12.  58:8.  t Heb.  ga’hering  host.  I Heb 
your  voice  to  be  heard.  Is.  42:2.  Mutt.  12:19.  o 2 Sam.  5:23,24.  Is.  28:16. 
t*'ike  24:49.  Acts  1:7.  p See  onZ\\.  Gen.  22:3.  q <Seeon6 — 8.  John  2:5 — 8. 
6:1(1,11.  9:6,7.  Heb.  11:7,8.  r 1 Chr.  15:26.  Matt.  24:13.  Gal.  6:9.  s 3,11,15. 
t r-s.  119:147.  Matt.  28:1.  2 Pet.  1:19.  n See  on  4.  v See  on  5.  Judg.  7:20— 22. 
2 Chr.  13:15.  20:22,23.  § Or,  devoted.  7:1.  Lev.  27:28,29.  Num.  21:2,3.  1 Chr. 

(o'73Y'n  rvns'W,)  translated  “rams’  horns,”  may  be  rendered 
trumpets  of  the  jubilees,  that  is,  such  as  were  to  be  blown  in 
the  year  of  jubilee:  for  the  entrance  of  Israel  into  the  pro- 
mised land  was  indeed  a jubilee  to  them.  .( Notes , Lev.  25:8 
— 22.)  Instead  of  the  dreadful  trumpet  of  war,  they  were 
ordered  to  sound  the  trumpet  of  joy,  as  already  conquerors, 
in  the  anticipation  of  assured  faith.  The  word  signifying 
horn , occurs  indeed  in  the  fifth  verse;  but,  even  if  interpreted 
literally,  it  only  proves  that  horns  were  used,  without  restrict- 
ing the  meaning  to  rams'  horns : and  perhaps  horn  may  be 
understood  figuratively  for  trumpet.  (1  Chr.  25:5.)  No 
scriptural  instance,  on  any  other  subject,  is  adduced,  in  which 
signifies  a ram  ; that  it  has  this  meaning,  is  principally  in- 
ferred from  the  Chaldee  paraphrase.  Probably  the  trumpets 
oefore  made,  and  others  of  the  same  kind,  were  used  on  this 
occasion ; for,  as  the  number  of  the  priests  increased,  more 
trumpets  were  doubtless  formed,  either  of  silver,  or  of  some 
other  materials.  ( Note , Num.  10:2 — 10.) — The  repeated 
prescription  of  the  number  seven  must  not  pass  unnoticed: 
“Seven  priests,”  “seven  trumpets,”  “seven  days,”  and  “ se- 
ven times  on  the  seventh  day.”  ( Marg . Ref.  e,  f.)  This  at- 
tention to  the  number  seven , in  Scripture,  probably  had  refer- 
ence to  the  creation  of  the  world  in  six  days,  and  the  Lord’s 
resting  on  the  seventh,  which  completed  the  first  week:  this 
was  the  first  reason  assigned  for  the  sanctification  of  the  sab- 
bath, and  occasioned  the  measuring  of  time  by  the  periodical 
return  of  the  seventh  day,  in  most  ages  and  nations  ever  since. 
(Notes,  Gen.  2:2,3.)  One  of  these  seven  days  must  have 
been  a sabbath-day;  the  Jews  ^iy,  that  it  was  the  last,  on 
which  the  city  was  taken:  and  as  they  were  doing  the  work 
of  God,  for  his  glory,  no  objection  arises  against  it  from  the 
fourth  commandment ; any  more  than  againsi  the  man’s  car- 
rying his  bed  on  the  sabbath-day,  in  honour  of  Christ  who  had 
healed  him.  (Notes,  John  5:10 — 18.) 

V.  7.  It  may  be  supposed,  that  the  procession  was  made 
at  such  a distance,  as  to  be  out  of  the  reach  of  arrows  or  mis- 
sile weapons  from  the  walls.  It  would  be  needful  for  the 
army  to  go  before  in  order  to  level  the  fences  and  remove  all 
obstructions  in  passing  round  the  city.  So  unprecedented  a 
procession  would  doubtless  at  first  create  much  surprise,  and 
some  consternation,  among  the  inhabitants ; but  when  one 
day  passed  after  another,  and  no  effect* followed,  they  would 
probably  become  secure,  and  treat  the  wnole  with  derision  as 
a senseless  parade. 


on  continually,  and  blew  with  the  trumpets : and 
the  armed  men  went  before  them ; but  the  rear 
ward  came  after  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  the  priests 
going  on  and  blowing  with  the  trumpets. 

14  And  ‘the  second  day  they  compassed  the 
city  once,  and  returned  into  the  camp : so  they 

did  SIX  days.  [Practical  Observations.] 

15  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  seventh  day, 
that  they  rose  early,  ‘about  the  dawning  of  the 
day,  and  compassed  the  city  after  the  same  man- 
ner seven  times  : “only  on  that  day  they  compassed 
the  city  seven  times. 

16  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  seventh  time, 
when  the  priests  blew  with  the  trumpets,  Joshua 
said  unto  the  people,  vShout,  for  the  Lord  hath 
given  you  the  city. 

17  And  the  city  shall  be  ^accursed,  even  it,  and 
all  that  are  therein,  to  the  Lord  : “only  Rahab  the 
harlot  shall  live,  she  and  all  that  are  with  her  in 
the  house,  ^because  she  hid  the  messengers  that 
we  sent. 

18  And  ye,  ‘in  any  wise  keep  yourselves  from 
the  accursed  thing,  "lest  ye  make  yourselves  ac- 
cursed when  ye  take  of  the  accursed  thing,  and 
bmake  the  camp  of  Israel  a curse,  "and  trouble 
it. 

19  But  dall  the  silver,  and  gold,  and  vessels  of 
brass  and  iron,  are  "consecrated  unto  the  Lord  : 
they  shall  come  into  "the  treasury  of  the  Lord. 

20  So  the  people  shouted  when  the  priests  blew 
with  the  trumpets : and  it  came  to  pass,  when  the 
people  heard  the  sound  of  the  trumpet,  and  the 
people  shouted  with  a great  shout,  that  fthe  wall 
fell  down  “flat,  so  that  the  people  went  up  into  the 
city,  every  man  straight  before  him,  and  they  took 
the  city. 

21  And  they  ^utterly  destroyed  all  that  was  in 

2:7.  Ezra  10:8.  marg.  Is.  34:6.  Jer  46:10.  Ez.  39:17.  Mic.  4:13.  1 Cor.  16:22. 
Gal. 3:10,13.  x See  on '2:1.  y 22,23.  2:4— 6,22.  Gen. 12:3.  lSam,15:6.  Mall. 
10:41,42.  25:40.  Heb.  6:10.  11:31.  Jam.  2:25.  z Rom.  12:9.  2 Cor.  6:17.  Eph. 
5:11.  Jam. 1:27.  1 John  5:21.  a 7:1 ,11 ,12,15.  Deut.  7:26.  13:17.  1.7:11,12.  22: 
18— 20.  1 Sam.  14:28— 42.  Ec.9:18.  Jon. 1:12.  c 7:25.  2 Sam.  21 :1.  1 King. 
18:17.18.  d 2 Sam.  8:11.  1 Chr.  18:11.  26:20,26,28  . 28:12  . 2 Chr.  15:18.  31:12. 
Is.  23:17,18.  Mic.  4:13.  ||  Heh.  holiness.  I.e».  19:24.  mare.  Zech.  14:20,21. 
e 1 Kings  7:51.  14:26.  2 Kings  24:13.  1 Chr.  26:20.  Neh.  7:70,71.  10:38.  Jer.  38i 
11.  Man.  27:6.  Mark  12:41.  f See  on  5.  2 . 'or.  10:4,5.  Heb. 11:30.  3 Heb. 

under  it.  g 9:24,25.  10:28.39.  11:14.  Dent.  2:34.  7:2,3,16.  20:16,17.  1 Sam.  13c 
3,8,18,19.  1 Kings 20:42.  Jer. 48:18.  Rev.  18.21. 


V.  9.  The  armed  men  preceded  the  priests  who  blew  the  . 
trumpets,  and  those  who  carried  the  ark : but  after  them  the 
people  in  general  seem  to  have  followed,  with  some  persons- 
appointed  to  close  the  rear,  and  to  prevent  any  from  strag- 
gling from  the  main  body. 

V.  10.  This  implies,  that  a profound  silence  must  be  ol  • 
served,  and  that  no  conversation  was  allowed. 

V.  lrt.  Given  you  the  city. ] It  is  not  before  said,  that 

Joshua  had  given  the  people  this  assurance  : and  some  think 
that  he  was  directed  to  conceal  from  them  the  event  of  the 
procession,  in  order  to  make  the  fuller  proof  of  their  faith  and 
obedience.  (Notes,  3:2 — 4.)  —He  could  not  give  this  notice 
to  the  whole  oody,  except  by  messengers,  sent  to  make  pro- 
clamation in  different  places:  and  these  might  sufficiently  no- 
tify what  follows  also,  though  not  before  explicitly  mentioned. 

V.  17 — 19.  (Note,  Lev.  27:28,29.)  This  city  was,  as  it 
were,  the  first-fruits  of  Canaan,  and  as  such  wholly  devoted 
to  the  Lord.  The  only  advantages  which  the  people  derived 
from  this  miraculous  victory,  were  the  destruction  of  their 
enemies,  the  dominion  of  the  land,  and  the  enriching  of  the 
sanctuary.  For  every  living  creature  must  be  slain,  except 
Rahab,  and  those  who  had  taken  refuge  in  her  house:  what- 
ever part  of  the  spoil  was  not  consumed  with  fire,  was  ordered 
to  be  brought  into  the  treasury  of  the  Lord  : and  if  any  Is- 
raelite dared  to  appropriate  the  smallest  part  to  himself,  the 
curse  of  Jericho  would  rest  upon  him,  and  upon  the  camp  of 
Israel,  until  he  also  and  all  that  appertained  to  him  were  ut- 
terly destroyed.  (Notes,  7:  Deut.  7:25,26.  1 Sam.  15:1 — 3, 

8,9,22,23.  1 Kings  20:41,42.)  The  whole  was  to  be  made  a 
solemn  and  awful  sacrifice  to  the  justice  of  God  upon  a pev> 
pie  which  had  filled  up  the  measure  of  their  iniquities. 

V.  21.  The  Canaanites  were  ripe  for  destruction ; and  the 
Lord  was  pleased,  instead  of  destroying  them  by  a pestilence 
a famine,  an  earthquake,  a deluge,  or  fire  from  heaven,  to  cm 
ploy  t he  Israelites  as  the  executioners  of  his  vengeance,  both 
for  their  warning  and  instruction,  and  for  that  of  all  who  road 
these  records.  Had  an  angel  been  commissioned  to  slay  them, 
(as  one  did  Sennacherib’s  army,)  who  would  have  charged 
him  with  iniquity  or  cruelty  ? (Note,  2 Kings  19:35.) — In  all 
public  calamities  infants  arc  involved ; and  tens  of  thousands 
of  infants  die  in  great  agony  every  year.  Now,  either  God 
is  not  the  Agent  in  these  calamities,  (which  opinion,  though 
often  implied  in  men’s  reasonings  on  those  subjects,  is  not  far 
from  atheism;)  or  they  mu  t consist  with  the  moct  perfect  jus 


I 392  ) 


B.  C.  1450.  CHAPTER  VI.  B.  C.  J450. 


the  city,  both  man  and  woman,  young  and  old, 
and  ox,  and  sheep,  and  ass,  with  the  edge  of  the 
sword. 

22  But  ''Joshua  had  said  unto  the  two  men  that 
had  spied  out  the  country,  Go  into  the  harlot’s 
house,  and  bring  out  thence  the  woman,  and  all  that 
she  hath,  'as  ye  sware  unto  her. 

23  And  the  young  men  that  were  spies  went  in, 
and  brought  lout  Rahab,  and  her  father,  and  her 
mother,  and  her  brethren,  and  all  that  she  had ; 
and  they  brought  out  all  her  ‘kindred,  and  kleft 
them  without  the  camp  of  Israel. 

24  And  they  ‘burnt  the  city  with  fire,  and  all 
that  was  therein : '"only  the  silver,  and  the  gold, 

h 17.  2:1,  &c.  i 2:12 — 14,17 — 20  . 9:15,18—20  . 2 Sam.  21:2,7.  Pa.  15:4.  Ez.  17: 
13,16,18,19.  1 2: IS.  Gen.  12:2.  18:24.  19:29.  A«s27:24.  Heli.  11:7.  ■ Heb. 

families,  k Num.  5:2,3.  31:19.  Acts  1U:28.  1 Cor.  5:12.  Eph.  2:12.  1 8:28. 

Dtiut.  13:16.  2 Kings  25:9.  Rev.  17:16.18:8.  m See  on  19.  n 11:19,20.  Judg. 

tice  and  goodness.  What  injustice  then  could  there  be,  in 
his  ordering  the  destruction  of  a guilty  race  by  the  sword  of 
his  people?  Or  what  injustice  can  be  charged  on  them,  while 
executing  his  express  commission,  as  ratified  by  undeniable 
miracles  ? If  the  history  be  authentic,  this  was  the  case : 
and  that  must  be  judged  of  by  other  rules. — It  is  evident 
that  the  band  of  God  would  be  far  more  noticed  in  these  un- 
common events,  than  if  he  had  destroyed  his  enemies  by  the 
ordinary  course  of  second  causes  ; as  the  very  objections  and 
clamours  of  infidels  demonstrate:  and  the  malignity  of  sin, 
with  the  indignation  of  God  against  sinners,  and  his  power 
and  determination  to  inflict  condign  punishment  on  them, 
would  be  far  more  conspicuous  and  impressive.  Thus,  in  all 
governments,  solemn  public  executions,  in  which  the  punish- 
ment of  the  criminal  is  avowedly  inflicted  for  a specified  of- 
fence, have  always  been  deemed  far  more  suited  to  produce 
salutary  effects  on  the  minds  of  all  concerned;  than  secretly 
and  without  notice  putting  criminals  to  death  in  a dungeon,  or 
elsewhere.  In  short,  every  man,  who  by  reading  the  account 
of  these  awful  judgments,  in  any  age  or  place,  has  been  led  to 
a deeper  sense  of  the  evil  of  sin,  and  warned  to  repent  and 
seek  mercy  from  the  Lord,  will  to  eternal  ages  glorify  the  di- 
vine wisdom  and  goodness,  in  the  very  dispensations,  which 
embolden  the  blasphemies  of  the  impenitent  and  unbelieving. 
(Notes,  2.  Num.  31:2.) 

V.  22,  23.  As  Rahab’s  house  stood  upon  the  wall  of  the 
city,  the  preservation  of  it  must  have  been  the  effect  of  the 
Lord’s  special  care:  for  had  he  so  pleased,  she  might  have 
perished  when  the  wall  fell  down,  without  any  violation  of  the 
engagement  into  which  the  spies  had  entered  in  behalf  of 
Israel.  (Notes,  2:12 — 20.) — But  her  faith  saved  her:  this 
temporal  deliverance  was  the  pledge  of  eternal  felicity : she 
was  first  honoured  as  the  means  of  preservation  to  her  rela- 
tions ; and  then  she  became  a wife  and  mother  in  Israel,  and 
an  ancestor  of  David  and  of  Christ ! — She  and  all  her  relations 
were,  however,  excluded  from  the  camp  of  Israel,  till  they 
had  been  purified,  according  to  the  law. 

V.  25.  She  hid , &c.]  4 Which  proceeded  not  merely 

from  her  humanity,  but  was  a noble  act  of  courageous  faith.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  26.  Jericho,  as  devoted  to  utter  destruction , was  to  be 
left  a perpetual  desolation,  and  if  any  man  ventured  to  rebuild 
it,  he  would  do  it  at  his  peril.  {Note,  1 Kings  16:34.)  Pro- 
bably Joshua  bound  the  nation,  by  means  of  their  princes  and 
elders,  by  an  oath,  as  connected  with  this  curse,  that  they 
would  leave  it  in  ruins. 

V.  27.  No  wonder  that  the  fame  of  that  commander  was 
celebrated,  even  by  enemies,  before  whom  the  river  was  di- 
vided, and  the  strong  walls  of  the  city  fell  down,  without  any 
visible  cause. — Joshua  might  very  well  write  this  of  himself, 
as  the  whole  honour  was  referred  to  the  Loud  God  of  Israel. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 14.  When  sinners  are  repeatedly  warned  to  flee 
from  the  wrath  to  come,  and  alarmed  and  disquieted  in  their 
consciences  with  apprehensions  of  impending  vengeance,  and 
yet  harden  their  hearts  in  impenitence,  and  disdain  to  sue  for 
peace  or  ask  forgiveness  from  God  ; they  may  be  considered  as 
u devoted  to  utter  destruction  •”  nor  can  any  counsel,  courage, 
strength,  or  numbers,  afford  them  the  least  security,  iri  their 
infatuated  contest  with  the  Almighty. — When  the  Lord  effects 
his  purposes  by  such  means  and  instruments  as  we  deem  ade- 
quate ; our  views  are  apt  to  terminate  upon  them,  and  to  over- 
look Him  “ who  worketh  all  things  according  to  the  counsel 
of  his  own  will.”  To  obviate  this  propensity,  our  God  some- 
times deviates  from  the  common  track,  and  works  by  methods 
or  instruments,  which  in  themselves  appear  not  at  all  suited 
to  produce  the  intended  effect ; nay,  indeed  have  no  direct 
connexion  with  it.  {Notes,  Num.  21:6 — 9.  Ez.  37:1 — 10. 
John  9:4 — 7.)  But  it  is  our  duty  to  use  only  those  means 
which  the  Lord  appoints,  or  allows ; to  submit  to  his  will  and 
depend  upon  his  blessing ; and  with  patient  waiting  and  self- 
denying  diligence  to  expect  the  event ; and  we  shall  thus  suc- 
ceed as  far  as  is  conducive  to  our  real  good. — He  takes  peculiar 
pleasure  in  leading  men’s  attention  to  his  own  truths  and  ordi- 
nances ; in  exercising  their  faith  and  patience ; in  inuring  them 
to  submit  their  understandings  implicitly  to  his  teaching,  and 
their  will  to  his  authority ; and  in  securing  to  himself  their 
Vol.  I 50 


and  the  vessels  of  brass,  and  of  iron,  they  put  into 
the  treasury  of  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

25  And  Joshua  "saved  Rahab  the  harlot  alive, 
and  her  father’s  household,  and  all  that  she  had  ; 
and  °she  dwelleth  in  Israel  even  funto  this  day : 
because  she  hid  the  messengers  which  Joshua 
sent  to  spy  out  Jericho. 

26  It  And  Joshua  ^adjured  them  at  that  time, 
saying,  rCursed  be  the  man  before  the  Lord,  that 
riseth  up  ami  buildeth  this  city  Jericho : he  shall 
lay  the  foundation  thereof  in  his  first-born,  and  in 
his  youngest  son  shall  he  set  up  the  gates  of  it. 

27  So  "the  Lord  was  with  Joshua  ; and  ‘his 
fame  was  noised  throughout  all  the  country. 

1:24,25.  Acts  2:21 . o Matt.  1:5.  pSecon4:9.  q N.im.  5:19— 21 . 1 Sam.  14: 
24,  &c.  1 Kings  22: 16.  Matt.  26:63.  Acisl9:13.  r 1 Kings  16:34.  Mai.  1:4. 
s 1:5,9.  Gen.  39:2,3,21.  ])eut.  31:6.  Matt.  18:20.  28:2U.  Acts  18:9,10.  2 Cor. 
13:14.  2 Tim.  4:17,22.  t 9:9.  1 Sam.  2:30.  2 Sam.  7:9.  Matt.  4:24.  14:1. 


praises  and  thankful  acknowledgments.  In  promoting  true 
religion  especially,  he  works  by  means  and  instruments,  which 
the  proud,  the  learned,  the  wise,  and  the  wealthy,  of  this 
world  generally  despise.  The  doctrine  of  a crucified  Saviour, 
God  manifested  in  the  flesh,  as  the  only  foundation  of 
a sinner’s  hope  of  acceptance,  and  the  only  source  of  sanctify- 
ing grace  ; preached  by  ministers,  frequently  of  obscure  birth 
and  moderate  abilities,  and  destitute  of  the  advantages  of 
eminent  learning  or  eloquence ; sometimes  even  homely  in 
their  appearance  and  address  ; and  who  are  themselves  con- 
scious of  much  unworthiness,  and  insufficiency  for  so  arduous 
and  important  an  employ : — this,  I say,  from  generation  to* 
generation,  in  every  country  of  the  world,  has  been  the  Lord’s 
ordinary  method  of  accomplishing  those  purposes,  which  ph>» 
losophers,  moralists,  and  lawgivers,  have  attempted  in  vain ; 
namely,  of  teaching  numbers  44  to  do  good  who  have  been  ac- 
customed to  do  evil.”  The  disregarded  Trumpet  blown  by 
the  despised  minister, — 44  the  preaching  of  the  cross,  which  is 
foolishness  to  them  that  perish,” — is  only  the  token:  the  ope- 
ration is  from  God.  (Notes,  Rom.  1:13 — 16.  1 Cor.  1:20 — 31. 
2:3 — 5.  2 Cor.  4:7.  10:1 — 6.)  When  that  signal  is  given  in 
simple  dependence  upon  44  the  exceeding  greatness  of  his 
mighty  power,”  it  becomes  indeed  mighty  through  him  and  Sal- 
tan’s strong  holds  fall  before  it.  Thus,  at  different  periods,  have 
heathen  idolatry  and  Popish  superstition  sunk  before  this  trum- 
pet’s feeble  blast,  attended  with  the  shout,  the  fervent  united 
prayers  of  the  true  Israel. — At  some  future  period,  (perhaps 
commencing  early  in  the  seventh  thousand  years,)  this  gospel 
shall  be  preached  far  more  earnestly,  more  generally,  and 
more  successfully  than  ever;  all  Satan’s  remaining  bulwarks 
shall  fall  down  to  the  ground  ; 44  and  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth 
shall  become  the  kingdoms  of  the  Lord  and  of  his  Christ.* 
(Notes,  Is.  30:23 — 25.  Rev.  11:15 — J8.) — In  the  mean  time 
the  gospel  is  never  preached  in  vain,  in  any  nation,  city,  or 
village,  by  ministers  of  any  name  who  simply  seek  the  glory 
of  God  and  the  salvation  of  souls.  Let  experience  decide, 
whether  in  our  age  and  nation  this  same  44  foolishness  of 
preaching”  has  not  done  more  towards  checking  the  enormous 
progress  of  profligacy  and  open  ungodliness,  and  producing  a 
regard  to  the  ordinances  and  commandments  of  God  in  every 
part  of  the  land,  than  all  other  means  combined:  and  whether 
a greater  number  of  undeniable  instances  of  atrocious  sinners 
being  transformed  into  new  creatures,  leading  new  lives,  and 
becoming  excellent  relations  and  members  of  society  cannot 
be  produced,  among  those  who  profess  and  preach  44  Christ 
Jesus  and  him  crucified,”  than  among  those  who  patronise  a 
system,  deemed  more  rational,  wise,  and  liberal. — The  latter 
is  man’s  contrivance,  and  is  left  to  its  own  efficacy  ; the  former 
is  the  ordinance  of  God,  and  like  the  trumpets  sounding  round 
the  walls  of  Jericho,  is  rendered  effectual  by  his  almighty 
power. 

V.  15 — 27.  Would  we  witness  the  blessed  effects  of  the 
gospel,  the  ministers  of  Christ  must  strictly  adhere  to  the  di- 
rections of  their  Lord,  and  simply  expect,  pray,  and  wait  for 
his  blessing  ; not  yielding  to  weariness,  though  they  long  seem 
to  labour  in  vain.  They  must  be  44  instant  in  season,  and  out 
of  season;”  embracing  every  opportunity  of  preaching  the 
word  to  few  or  to  many,  every  day,  but  abounding  on  the 
Lord’s  day ; and  they  must  disregard  the  causeless  reproaches, 
scoffs,  and  slanders  of  opposers : but  be  careful  that  they  give 
no  occasion  to  those,  who  seek  occasion  of  speaking  reproach* 
fully.  The  people  also,  who  know  the  joyful  sound,  should 
show  their  concurrence  by  a diligent  attendance  upon  tho 
word  preached : they  should  endeavour  to  strengthen  the  hands 
and  encourage  the  hearts  of  the  ministers,  by  their  holy  exam- 
ples and  concurring  endeavours,  in  their  families  and  among 
their  connexions;  and  unite  in  earnest  and  constant  prayers 
for  the  blessing  of  God  upon  their  labours. — But  it  should  be 
peculiarly  noticed,  that  the  same  gospel,  which  proclaims 
salvation  to  the  chief  of  sinners  who  believe,  becomes  the 
occasion  of  increasing  and  accelerating  condemnation  to  the 
obstinate  and  impenitent ; who  are  never  more  in  danger  of 
immediate  destruction,  than  when  most  careless  and  secure. 
(1  Thes.  5:3.) — Where  the  Lord  hath  given  faith  he  will  in 
due  time  complete  salvation:  and  when  his  grace  is  be  towed 
upon  one  in  a family,  that  one  is  often  made  the  honoured  in- 
strument of  bringing  others  to  share  the  same  blessings. — Th« 
( 393  ) 


B.  C-  1450. 


JOSHUA. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


Achan  lakes  of  the  accursed  thing  ; and  Israel  is  defeated  before  Ai,\ — 5. 
Joshua,  with  the  elders,  humbles  himself,  and  complains  before  God,  6 — 
9 ; who  shows  the  cause , and  directs  him  how  to  proceed , 10 — 15.  Achan, 
taken  by  lot  confesses  his  crime,  16 — 23.  lie  and  all  belonging  to  himare 
stoned,  burned , and  destroyed,  24 — 26. 

BUT  the  children  of  Israel  “committed  a tres- 
pass in  the  accursed  thing:  bfor  “Achan,  the 
son  of  Carmi,  the  son  of  Zabdi,  the  son  of  Zerah, 
of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  ‘'took  of  the  accursed  thing : 
and  “the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled  against 
the  children  of  Israel. 

2  And  Joshua  sent  men  from  Jericho  to  fAi, 
which  is  beside  Hleth-aven,  on  the  east  side  of 
Beth-el,  and  spake  unto  them,  saying,  hGo  up 
and  view  the  country.  And  the  men  went  up 
and  viewed  Ai. 

3  And  they  returned  to  Joshua,  and  said  unto 
him,  Let  not  all  the  people  go  up : but  let  ‘about 
two  or  three  thousand  men  go  up  and  smite  Ai, 
ani  make  not  all  the  people  to  'labour  thither:  for 
they  are  but  few. 

4  So  there  went  up  thither  of  the  people  about 

a 22:16.  2 Chr.  24:18.  Ezra  9:6.  Dan.  9:7.  b 22:20.  c 1 Chr.  2:6,7.  Achcir. 
Zimri.  A Ste  on  6:17,18.  e 22:18.  2 Sam.  24:1.  1 Chr.  21:7.  Ec.  9:18.  Jon.  1: 
7,  lCor.5:l — 6.  Heb.  12:15,16.  fl2:9.  Gen.  12:8.  Hat.  Neh.  11:31.  Aija. 

g 18:12.  Gen.  28:19.  Hos.4:l5.  h 2: 1 . Prov.  2U:18.  24:6.  Matt.  10:16.  Eph.  5: 
15.  * Heb.  about  2000  men,  or  about  3000  men.  i Prov.  13:4.  21:25.  Luke  13: 
24.  Hcb.  4:11.  6:11,12.  2 Pet.  1:5,10.  k Lev.  26:17.  Deut. 28:25.  32:30.  Is.  30: 
17.59:2.  t Or,  Morad.  I See  on  2:9,11.  5:1.  Lev.  26:36.  Pa.  22: 14.  Is.  13:7. 
m Gen.  37:29,34.  Num.  14:6.  2 Sam.  13:31.  Ezra  9:3—5.  Eath.  4:1.  Job  1:20. 


severest  judgments  of  God,  however  they  are  at  present  ob- 
jected to,  will,  at  the  day  when  the  secrets  of  all  hearts  shall 
be  disclosed,  appear  most  perfectly  righteous. — Whoever  is 
honoured  as  an  instrument  in  the  Lord’s  work,  should  count 
the  glory  of  God  his  first  object,  and  patiently  wait  his  time 
and  manner  of  being  graciously  recompensed  ; for  a covetous, 
selfish  professor,  or  minister  of  religion,  who  is  more  attentive 
to  his  own  gain  than  to  the  glory  of  God,  is  not  only  accursed 
himself,  but  a curse  to  the  society  or  congregation  to  which  he 
belongs. — That,  can  never  be  lost  which  is  devoted  to  God, 
nor  wasted  which  is  spent  in  his  service ; and  not  the  least 
kindness  shown  to  any  of  his  people  for  his  sake  will  go  unre- 
warded.— But  how  deep  are  the  counsels  of  God  ! Grace 
abounds  to  some  of  the  chief  of  sinners,  while  vengeance  is 
poured  out  upon  others  ! His  salvation  and  his  curse  are  both 
for  ever  : and  wo  be  to  that  man  who  attempts  to  obliterate 
the  memorials,  or  disannul  the  attestations,  which  the  Lord 
has  made,  of  his  abhorrence  of  sin,  and  his  vengeance  against 
impenitent  sinners! 

NOTES. — Chap.  VII.  V.  1.  The  most  promising  ap- 
pearances had  been  often  blasted  by  the  sins  of  the  people; 
but  here  wrath  came  upon  the  whole  congregation,  through 
the  sin  of  one  man ! (Note,  22:20.) — Contrary  to  the  express 
command  of  God,  and  in  contempt  of  his  awful  curse,  (Note, 
6:17 — 19.)  Achan  had  ventured  to  appropriate  part  of  the 
spoil  of  Jericho.  The  temptation  was  strong:  and  there  is 
more  cause  to  wonder  that  none  else  were  guilty,  than  that 
one  was  ; especially  as  the  Israelites  were  comparatively 
poor,  and  such  treasures  as  Jericho  contained  were  alluring 
objects.  At  the  opening  of  the  worship  at  the  tabernacle,  we 
meet  with  one  striking  instance  of  the  severity  of  divine  jus- 
tice. (Notes,  Lev.  10:1 — 3.)  Here,  upon  the  commencement 
of  the  wars  of  Canaan,  we  read  of  another:  and  the  infancy 
of  the  Christian  church  presents  a similar  example.  (Note, 
Acts  5:1 — 11.)  All  these  were  doubtless  intended  to  increase 
reverence  and  godly  fear,  and  to  promote  circumspection ; as 
well  as  to  prevent  wickedness  in  general,  and  hypocrisy  in 
particular,  from  disgracing  the  camp  of  Israel,  or  the  church 
of  God. — That  the  example  of  Achan  might  excite  the  more 
general  vigilance  in  Joshua,  in  the  elders,  and  in  every  Israel- 
ite, they  were  given  to  understand,  that  the  guilt  of  an  indivi- 
dual, in  these  atrocious  crimes,  would  be  accounted  a national 
sin,  until  detected  and  punished : for  they  were  all  one  body ; 
nor  could  any  part  be  infected  with  so  dire  a disease,  without 
the  detriment  and  danger  of  the  whole. 

V.  2.  (Notes,  Gen.  12:8.  28:19.)  Beth-el,  which  signifies 
the  house  of  God , seems  to  have  been  afterwards  called  Beth- 
aven,  or  the  house  of  vanity,  when  the  golden  calf  was  placed 
there  to  be  worshipped:  yet  it  is  probable  the  name  Beth-aven 
was  far  more  ancient  than  that  event;  and  that  either  some 
town,  or  some  tract  of  land,  in  that  neighbourhood,  was  so 
called  in  the  days  of  Joshua.  (18:12.) — It  is  taken  for  grant- 
ed oy  some  learned  men,  that  terms  of  pqace  were  oftcrcd  to 
each  of  these  cities,  before  it  was  assaulted,  according  to  the 
law  given  by  Moses.  (Note,  Deut.  20:10 — 18.)  But  several 
things  in  that  law  could  be  applicable  only  to  cities  belonging 
to  other  nations,  and  not  to  the  devoted  Canaanites ; no  men- 
tion is  made  of  t his  in  the  history:  and  some  things  seem  irre- 
concilable with  the  supposition,  that  peace  was  offered  to 
these  cities.  4 The  Israelites  were  to  offer  peace  to  the 
Canaanites,  and  spare  their  lives,  on  condition  of  their  emi- 
grating forever  from  their  country ; or  renouncing  ido'atrv, 
adopting  the  principles  of  the  patriarchal  religion  contained  in 
the  precepts  of  Noah,  resigning  their  territory,  dissolving  their 
( 394  ) 


B.  C.  1450. 

three  thousand  men ; and  kthe/  fled  before  the 
men  of  Ai. 

5 And  the  men  of  Ai  smote  of  them  about 
thirty  and  six  men : for  they  chased  them  from 
before  the  gate,  even  unto  Shebarim,  and  smote 
them  in  t the  going  down:  'wherefore  the  hearts 
of  the  people  melted,  and  became  as  water. 

6 And  Joshua  mrent  his  clothes,  and  “fell  to 
the  earth  upon  his  face  before  the  ark  of  the 
Lord  “until  the  even-tide,  he  and  the  elders  of 
Israel,  and  Pput  dust  upon  their  heads. 

7 And  Joshua  said,  Alas ! O Lord  God,  ^where- 
fore  hast  thou  at  all  brought  this  people  over 
Jordan,  rto  deliver  us  into  the  hand  of  the  Amor- 
ites,  to  destroy  us?  “Would  to  God  we  had 
been  content,  ‘and  dwelt  on  the  other  side  Jordan  ! 

8 O Lord,  “what  shall  I say,  when  Israel  turncth 
their  tbacks  before  their  enemies' 

9 For  the  Canaanites,  and  all  the  inhabitants  of 
the  land  ’shall  hear  of  it,  and  shall  "environ  us 
round,  and  cut  off'  our  name  from  the  earth  : and 
“what  wilt  thou  do  unto  thy  great  name  ? 

[ Practical  Observations .] 


Acts  14:14.  n Num.  16:22,45.  2 Sam.  12:16.  o Jurtg.  20:23,26  . 21:2.  2 Sam. 
1:12.  p 1 Sam.  4:12.  2 Sam.  13:19.  Neh.  9:1.  Esth.  4:1.  Job  2:12.  Ez.  27-30. 
Jon.  3:6.  Mic.  1:10.  q Ex.  5:22,23.  Num.  14:3.  2 Kings  3:10.  Ps.  116:11.  Jer 
12:1,2.  Heb.  12:5.  r Ex.  14:11,12.  17:3.  Num.  20:4,5.  Matt.  17:17,20.  Mark 
8:17,18.  s Ex.  16:3.  t See  on  1:2 — 4.  u Ezra  9:10.  Hab.2:l.  Horn.  3.5,6. 
% Heb.  necks,  r Ex.  32:12.  Num.  14:13.  w Ps.  83:4.  124:2,3.  x Deut. 32:27. 
Ps.  106:6— 8.  Ez.  20:9.  /oe!2:17.  John  12:28. 


national  union,  and  submitting  to  become  slaves.  For  it 
is  evident,  that  they  could  not  tolerate  idolatry,  nor  enter 
into  any  equal  leagues,  which  the  idols  who  were  worship- 
ped as  the  guardian  gods  of  the  adverse  party,  must  be 
supposed  to  witness  and  sanction ; nor  leave  in  possession 
of  their  cities  and  lands,  those  nations,  whose  country  the 
great  Jehovah  had  assigned  to  them  as  their  peculiar 
inheritance.’  ...  * But  if  the  nations  of  Canaan  had  renounced 
idolatry,  and  submitted  to  slavery  or  emigration,  they  might 
have  been  preserved  from  extermination,  is  strongly  confirmed, 
by  that  passage  of  the  sacred  history,  which  adds  this  remark- 
able observation:  44  Joshua  made  war  a long  time  with  all 
these  kings. — There  was  not  a city  that  made  peace  with  the 
children  of  Israel,  save  the  Hivites,  the  inhabitants  of  Gibeon : 
all  others  they  took  in  battle  ; for  it  was  of  the  Lord  to  harden 
their  hearts,  that  they  might  come  against  Israel  in  battle,  that 
he  might  destroy  them  utterly,  and  that  they  might  have  no 
favour,  but  that  he  might  destroy  fhem,  as  the  Lord  command- 
ed Moses.”  ’ Graves  on  the  Pentateuch,  Vol.  ii.  note,  pp.  38— 
45.  (Note,  11:19,20.) — It  appears  evident,  that  had  the  Ca- 
naanites, or  any  part  of  them,  of  their  own  accord , sued  for 
jeace,  or  rather  for  the  sparing  of  their  lives,  on  the  terms 
lere  mentioned;  they  might  have  been  spared.  For  the  Is- 
raelites had  no  commission  to  pursue  into  other  lands  those 
who,  fleeing  from  the  sword  of  Joshua,  emigrated ; nm  did  any 
of  the  rulers  or  kings  of  Israel  afterwards  attempt  to  destroy 
the  subjected  remnant  of  the  ancient  inhabitants.  (Note,  1 
Kings  9:20 — 22.) — But  the  supposition  that  these  terms  were 
to  be  previously  proposed  to  them,  has  no  scriptural  founda- 
tion. (Notes,  9:3 — 5,14,15.) 

V.  3 — 5.  The  easy  conquest  of  Jericho  had  not  oily  en- 
couraged the  people  to  hope  for  great  success,  through  tlio 
power  of  the  Lord  fighting  for  them  ; hut  had  also  excited  a 
contempt  of  the  enemy,  and  a disposition  to  spare  themselves, 
and  to  expect  the  Lord  to  do  all  for  them,  without  using  the 
proper  means.  Even  Joshua  seems  to  have  formed  his 
measures  on  this  occasion,  without  asking  counsel  of  the 
Lord;  (Notes,  9:14,15.  Num.  27:21.)  who  left  all  parties  to 
follow  their  own  devices,  in  order  to  bring  to  light  and  punish 
A chan’s  sin.  Yet,  as  they  must  have  been  unsuccessful,  now 
that  the  Lord  had  left  them,  his  providence  should  he  observed 
in  this  circumstance ; for  the  discomfiture  of  the  whole  army 
would  have  been  far  more  discouraging,  than  that  of  a small 
company. — Being,  however,  left  to  themselves,  their  courage 
wholly  forsook  them,  and  they  fled  with  precipitation:  and 
though  the  loss  sustained  was  comparatively  small,  they  were 
excessively  dismayed  on  account  of  it. — Whether  those  who 
fell  were  secretly  guilty  of  any  atrocious  crimes  oi  not,  the 
Lord  was  no  doubt  righteous  in  this  dispensation. 

V.  6 — 9.  Joshua,  and  the  elders  of  Israel,  very  justly 
considered  this  ill  success  as  a divine  rebuke,  and  properly 
expressed  their  sorrow  and  humiliation  before  the  ark  of  the 
Lord,  in  the  most  self-abasing  posture,  and  with  tl  e custom- 
ary tokens  of  deep  distress.  ( Marg . Ref.  m,  n.)  Joshuas 
pleas  in  prayer  also  were  excellent ; and  his  concern  for  the 
honour  of  God,  far  more  than  even  for  the  fate  of  Israel,  if 
their  enemies  should  prevail  and  destroy  them,  was  the  ge- 
nuine language  of  44  the  spirit  of  adoption.”  (Notes,  Ex.  32: 

11 — 14.  Num.  14:13 — 19.)  Yet  this  was  evidently  mixed 
with  much  infirmity.  To  consider  this  trivial  check  as  tho 
forerunner  of  total  ruin;  to  inquire*  wherefore  the  Lord  had 
brought  them  over  Jordan ; ana  to  admit  tin*  thought,  that  it 
was  in  order  to  deliver  them  into  the  hands  of  the  Amorites, 
were  proofs  of  unboliof,  which  may  bo  accounted  fot,  but 


B.  C.  1450 


CHAPTER  VII.  B.  C.  1450. 


10  Aiul  the  Lord  said  uo’  > Joshua,  Get  thee 
up;  ^wherefore  'liest  thou  this  upon  thy  face? 

11  ‘Israel  hath  sinned,  and  they  have  also 
•transgressed  my  covenant  which  I commanded 
them ; for  they  have  even  taken  of  bthe  accursed 
thing,  and  have  also  'stolen,  and  ddissembled  also, 
and  they  have  put  it  even  “among  their  own  stuff. 

12  Therefore  fthe  children  of  Israel  could  not 
sland  before  their  enemies,  but  turned  their  backs 
belore  their  enemies,  because  they  were  accursed : 
‘neither  will  I be  with  you  any  more,  except  ye 
destroy  the  accursed  from  among  you. 

13  Up,  hsanctify  the  people,  and  say,  Sanctify 
yourselves  against  to-morrow;  for  thus  saith  the 
Lord  God  of  Israel,  There  is  ‘an  accursed  thing 
in  the  midst  of  thee,  0 Israel : thou  canst  not 
stand  before  thine  enemies,  until  ye  Hake  away 
the  accursed  thing  from  among  you. 

14  In  the  morning  therefore  ye  shall  be  brought 
according  to  your  tribes : and  it  shall  be,  that  ‘the 
tribe  which  the  Lord  taketh  shall  come  according 
to  the  families  thereof ; and  the  family  which  the 
Lord  shall  take  shall  come  by  households ; and 
file  household  which  the  Lord  shall  take  shall 
come  man  by  man. 

15  And  it  shall  be,  that  mhe  that  is  taken  with 
the  accursed  thing  shall  be  burnt  with  fire,  he  and 
all  that  he  hath;  because  nhe  hath  transgressed’ 
the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  and  because  he  hath 
“wrought  ‘folly  in  Israel. 

16  So  Joshua  Prose  up  early  in  the  morning, 


▼ Ex.  14.15.  1 Sam.  15:22.  16:1.  1 Chr.  22:16.  * Heb .fullest.  6.  z See  on 

1,20.21.  a 23:16.  Deut.  17:2.  Jud?.  2:20.  2 Kings  18:12.  Is.  24:5.  50:1,2.  Jer. 
31:32.  Hos.  6:7.  b See  on  6:18,19.  c Mai.  3:8,9.  Matt.  22:21.  d 2 Kings  5:25, 
26.  John  12:5,6.  Acts  5:1,2, 9.  Heb.  4:13.  e Lev.  5:15.  Hub.  2:6.  Zech.  5:4. 
f 22:18— 20.  Num.  14:45.  Ps.  5:4,5.  Prov.  28:1.  Is.  59:2.  Hah.  1:13.  g 6:18. 
De«u.  7:26.  h Jer.  6:8.  23:33.  Hos.  9:12.  h 3:5.  Ex.  19:10— 15.  Lam.  3:40, 
41.  Joel  2:16,17.  Zeph.  2:1,2.  i See  on  11.  2 Chr.  28:10.  Mall.  7:5.  k 1 Cor. 
5:1—6.11—13.  1 17,18.  1 Sam.  10:19—21.  14:41,42.  Prov.  16:33.  Jon.  1:7.  Acts 
1:24—25.  m 25,26.  Deut.  13:15,16.  1 Sam.  14:38,39.  n See  on  11.  o Gen.  34: 
7.  Judg.20:6.  2 Sam.  13:13.  t Or.  wickedness,  p See  on  3.1.  Gen.  22:3.  Ps. 
119:60.  Ec.  9:10.  q See  on  14.  r See  on  Gen.  38:30.  Zarnh.  Num.  26:20.  1 Chr. 
2:4—7.  s Num.  32:23. 1 Sam.  14:42.  Prov.  13:21 . Jer.  2:26.  Acts  5:1—10.  1 2 Tim. 


were  wholly  inexcusable,  especially  after  the  express  promises 
and  miraculous  successes  which  he  had  just  before  received. 
— To  attempt,  by  a qualifying  interpretation,  fully  to  vindi- 
cate so  high  a character  as  Joshua,  would  form  a perfect 
contrast  to  the  impartiality  of  the  sacred  historian. 

V.  10 — 12.  At  the  very  time,  then  the  Lord  showed  his 
gracious  acceptance  of  Joshua’s  humiliation  and  prayers,  he 
gently  rebuked  his  despondency  and  unbelief.  He  had  al- 
ready spent  a full  proportion  of  time  in  this  manner : and,  as 
chief  magistrate  he  had  other  work  to  do  ; which  when  he 
had  duly  performed,  he  might  expect  better  success.  ( Notes , 
Ezra  10:2—5.) — The  Lord  had  not  failed  of  his  promises, 
nor  was  he  unable  to  help  his  people : but  they  had  sinned  ; 
and  by  appropriating  a part  of  the  devoted  spoils  of  Jericho, 
they  had  exposed  themselves  to  the  wrath  of  God,  as  well  as 
deprived  themselves  of  his  protection  ; and  the  crime  was  so 
great,  that  unless  the  offender  were  made  a public  example, 
It  would  be  interpreted  as  a breach  of  covenant,  and  the 
Lord  would  not  any  more  be  with  the  people. — (Notes,  1. 
6:17—19.) 

V.  13 — 18.  The  Lord  did  not  point  out  the  criminal  im- 
mediately ; but  he  left  the  matter  in  ambiguity  for  some  time, 
and  at  last  brought  it  to  light  gradually : that  both  magistrates 
and  people  might  learn  to  do  their  duty,  and  to  keep  a vigil- 
ant eye  over  one  another ; and  that  the  delay  and  the  process 
might  make  the  transaction  more  solemn,  and  excite  the  more 
careful  self-examination,  and  sanctification  of  themselves,  by 
every  method  appointed  in  the  law.  (Note,  3:5. ) After  this, 
the  decision  Seems  to  have  been  made  by  lot,  as  an  appeal 
to  the  heart-searching  God.  (Note,  Prov.  1,6:33.)— The  feel- 
ings of  Achan  must  have  been  very  poignant,  when  he  was 
thus,  by  one  lot  following  another,  singled  out  as  the  accursed 
wrson,  for  whose  sake  wrath  was  come  upon  Israel.  (Notes, 
- Sam.  14:36 — 44.  Jon.  1:7 — 10.) — It  may  be  inquired  why 
Achan,  being  conscious  of  guilt,  did  not  abscond : but  it  may 
be  answered  that  his  flight  would  have  been  a confession  of 
the  crime,  which  perhaps  he  still  hoped  to  conceal;  he  could 
only  have  retired  among  the  devoted  Canaanites  ; and  he 
would  have  been  in  great  danger  of  being  intercepted,  had  he 
attempted  it.  Indeed  it  is  not  probable,  that  Joshua  and  the 
elders  publicly  disclosed  the  business,  till  the  morning  of  the 
decision. — Some  think  that  Achan,  being  deeply  penitent, 
waited  his  doom  in  submission  to  the  divine  justice : yet  in 
that  case  it  is  most  probable  that  he  would  have  made  an 
immediate  confession. — The  tribe,  family,  and  parentage  of 
the  offender  are  specified  with  great  exactness,  that  the 
infamy  might  not  rest  on  the  reputation  of  any  other  of  the 
same  name.  (Marg.  Ref.  r.) 

V.  19.  Without  the  least  reproach,  and  with  great 
meekness,  Joshua  gave  Achan  the  best  counsel  of  which  his 


'land  brought  Israe.  by  their  tribes ; and  the  tribe 
of  Judah  was  taken : 

17  And  lie  brought  the  “family  of  Judah:  and  li<. 
took  the  family  of  the  Zarhites:  and  he  brought 
the  family  of  the  Zarhites  man  by  man  ; and  Zabdi 
was  taken  : 

18  And  he  brought  his  household  man  by  man ; 
and  Achan,  the  son  of  Carmi,  the  son  of  Zahdi, 
the  son  Zerah,  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  “was  taken. 

[ Practical  Observations .] 

19  11  And  Joshua  said  unto  Achan,  ‘My  son, 
“give,  I pray  thee,  glory  to  the  Lord  God  of 
Israel,  anu  'make  confession  unto  him,  and  “tell  me 
now  what  thou  hast  done;  hide  it  not  from  me. 

20  And  Achan  answered  Joshua,  and  said, 
^Indeed  I have  sinned  against  the  Lord  God  of 
Israel,  and  thus  and  thus  have  I done. 

21  When  ZI  saw  among  the  spoils  a goodly 
“Babylonish  garment,  and  two  hundred  shekels 
of  silver,  and  a Hvedge  of  gold  of  fifty  shekels 
weight,  then  bI  coveted  them,  and  'took  them ; 
and,  behold,  dthey  are  hid  in  the  earth  in  the 
midst  of  my  tent,  and  the  silver  under  it. 

22  So  Joshua  sent  messengers,  and  they  ran 
unto  the  tent : and,  behold,  it  was  hid  in  his  tent, 
and  the  silver  under  it. 

23  And  they  took  them  out.  of  the  midst  of  the 
tent,  and  brought  them  unto  Joshua,  and  unto  all 
the  children  of  Israel,  and  *laid  them  out  before 
the  Lord. 

24  And  Joshua,  and  all  Israel  with  him,  'took 


2:25.  Tit. 2:2.  Jam. 1:20.  1 Pet. 3:8,9.  ulSam.  6:5.  Is. 4212.  Jer.  13:16. 
Luke  17:18.  John  9:24.  Rev.  16:9.  v Xum.  5:6.7.  2 Chr.  30:22.  33:12.  Ps.  32; 
5.51:3.  Prov. 28:13.  Jer.  3:12,13.  Dan.  9:4.  1 John  1:8— 10.  xl  Sam. 14:43. 
Jon.  1:8— 10.  y Gen.  42:21.  Ex.  10:16.  Xum.  22:34.  I Sam.  15:24,30.  Job  7: 
20.33.27.  Ps.  38:18.  Matt.  27:4.  z Gen.  3:6.  6:2.  2 Sam.  11:2.  Job31:l.  Ps. 
119:37.  Prov.  23:31. 28:22.  Matt.  5:28,29.  1 John  2: 15.16.  a Gen.  10:10.  mars. 
| Heb.  tongue,  b Ex.  20:17.  Deut.  7:25.  1 Kings  21:1,2.  2 Kings  5:20 — 27.  Hab. 
2:9.  Luke  12:15.  Rom.  7:7,8.  Eph.  5:3.  Col.  3:5.  1 Tim.  6:9, 10.  Heb.  13:5. 
2 Pet.  2:15.  c Prov.  4:23.  Mic.  2:1 ,2.  Jam.  1:15.  d 2 Sam.  11 :6-17.  2 Kings 
5:24,25.  Is.  28:15.  29:15.  Luke  12:2.  $ Heb.  poured,  e See  on  1.  Job  20:15. 
Prov.  15:27.  Ec.5:13.  Ez.  22:13,14.  1 Tim.  6:9,10. 


circumstances  could  possibly  admit.  He  addressed  him  even 
with  the  tender  appellation  of  “ My  son,”  and  exhorted  him  “to 
give  glory  unto  God  by  confessing  his  sin.”  This  would  imply 
an  acknowledgment,  that  the  commandment  was  reasonable, 
and  the  penalty  equitable ; that  he  himself  was  indeed  the 
transgressor,  and  merited  the  punishment.  It  would  give 
the  Lord  the  glory  of  his  omniscience,  justice,  holiness, 
authority,  and  truth,  and  indeed  of  all  his  perfections  ; and  by 
taking  shame  to  himself,  and  accepting  the  punishment  of  his 
sin  in  this  world,  Achan  might  best  seek  for  mercy  to  his 
soul  in  the  world  to  come.  (Note,  Ps.  51:  title. ) — Joshua’s 
conduct  in  this  difficult  service  is  worthy  of  the  imitation  of 
all  Christian  magistrates,  when  under  the  painful  necessity 
of  pronouncing  the  sentence  of  death  upon  criminals. 

V.  20.  Had  not  Achan’s  confession  been  extorted  by  the 
preceding  process,  and  delayed  till  lie  could  no  longer  conceal 
his  guilt,  he  might  justly  have  been  deemed  a true  penitent. 
Though  late,  however,  it  was  frank  and  ingenuous : he  not 
only  allowed  the  fact,  and  the  offence  against  Israel,  but 
acknowledged  “ that  he  had  sinned  against  the  Lord  God 
of  Israel he  descended  to  particulars,  attempted  no  excuse 
or  extenuation,  complained  not  of  the  severity  of  the  sentence, 
and  made  no  attempts  to  prevent  or  delay  its  execution. 
(Notes,  Job  33:27 — 30.  Jon.  1:8 — 16.  Luke  23:39 — 43.) 

V.  21.  The  temptation  entered  by  the  eye,  and  excited 
the  concupiscence  of  the  carnal  heart : thus  “ lust  was  con 
ceived  and  sin  brought  forth.”  (Notes,  Gen.  3:6.  Lx.  20:17 
Jam.  1:13 — 15.)  The  goodly  Babylonish  garment,  (some 
magnificent  robe  brought  from  Shinar,  or  Babylon,  doubtless  at 
a great  price,)  was  rescued  from  the  flames  ; and  gold  and  silver, 
to  the  amount  of  a hundred  pounds  sterling,  or  rather  more, 
were  sacrilegiously  kept  back  from  the  treasury  of  the  Lord. 
For  such  a goodly  price  did  Achan  render  himself  accursed , 
forfeit  the  fair  prospect  of  a rich  inheritance  in  Canaan,  be- 
•come  “the  troubler  of  Israel,”  and  ruin  his  whole  family, 
besides  the  imminent  danger  to  which  he  exposed  his  immortal 
soul ! No  sooner  had  he  got  possession  of  his  plunder  than  it 
became  his  burden:  had  he  not  been  miraculously  detected, 
he  would  have  been  consumed  with  terrors,  and  not  have  dared 
to  use  his  ill-gotten  treasure:  and  when  the  other  Israelites 
had  been  enriched,  and  enjoyed  their  abundance  with  credit 
and  a blessing,  he  would  have  lost  all  the  comfort  of  his  por- 
tion ! So  differently  do  the  objects  of  temptation  appear  at 
a distance,  from  whaA  they  do  when  apprehended,  and  when 
the  infatuation  ceases!  (Notes,  2 Kings  5:20 — 27.  Matt.  27 
3—5.) 

V.  22.  The  silver,  and  probably  the  gold  also,  lay  under 
4 the  garment  of  Shinar,’  as  it  is  called  in  the  original. 

V.  23.  The  accursed  thing  being  thus  separated  from 
Israel’*  substance,  and  “laid  before  the  Lord,”  both  evi- 
( 395  ) 


B.  C.  1450. 


JOSHUA. 


B.  C.  1450. 


Achan  the  son  of  Zerah,  and  the  silver,  and  the 
garment,  and  the  wedge  of  gold,  and  fhis  sons, 
and  his  daughters,  and  his  oxen,  and  his  asses, 
and  his  sheep,  and  his  tent,  and  all  that  he 
had ; and  they  brought  them  unto  ®the  valley  of 
Achor. 

25  And  Joshua  said,  hWhy  hast  thou  troubled 
us  ? the  Lord  shall  trouble  thee  this  day.  And 

{ 6:18,21.  Gen.  18:25.  Ex.2U:5.  Num.  16:27— 31.  Job  20:23—28.  gl5.7.  Is.  65: 
10.  llos.  2:15.  b 11  — 13.  6:13.  Gen.  31:30.  1 Kings  18:17,18.  1 Clir.  2:7.  Hub. 
2:6—0.  Gal. 5:12.  2Thes.l:6.  i Lev. 20:2.  21:14.  Devil.  13:10.  17:5.  21:21. 


denced  Achan’s  guilt,  and  the  innocence  of  others ; that  the 
wrath  of  the  Lord  might  rest  on  Aim,  and  he  turned  away  from 
them. 

V.  24.  His  sons,  &c.]  No  intimation  is  given  that  Achan’s 
sons,  or  any  of  his  family,  were  accessary  to  his  crime : 
nothing  but  their  punishment  can  excite  a suspicion  of  it. 
Magistrates  indeed  were  forbidden  to  put  the  children  to 
death  for  the  parents’  crimes,  unless  expressly  authorized  to 
do  so  by  God  himself : but  all  lives  are  the  Lord’s,  and  for- 
feited by  sin ; the  ungodly  deserve  worse  punishment  than 
temporal  death,  and  the  righteous  are  the  sooner  taken  to 
heaven.  Some  have  thought  thal  Achan’s  children  were  only 
spectators  of  his  awful  doom ; but  the  narrative  implies  that 
they  were  involved  in  it.  (25) — This  circumstance  would  be 
a vehement  expression  of  the  exceeding  enormity  of  the 
offence,  and  would  render  the  example  more  affecting  and 
alarming.  {Note,  Ex.  20:5.) 

V.  25,  26.  It  seems  that  Achan  and  his  family  were  first 
stoned,  and  then  burned ; which  might  denote  the  anger  of 
God,  that  beyond  death  will  pursue  and  punish  the  impeni- 
tent.— The  heap  of  stones  would  perpetuate  the  memory  of 
his  sin  and  punishment,  for  the  instruction  of  future  genera- 
tions: as  would  also  the  name  given  to  the  place,  which  sig- 
nifies Trouble.  {Note,  Hos.  2:14 — 17.)  Indeed  Achan  is 
himself  called  Achar,  or  Trouble,  in  the  subsequent  history. 
(Note,  1 Chr.  2:7.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  When  by  their  heinous  sins  men  provoke  the  Lord 
to  anger,  he  commonly  leaves  them  to  mistaken  counsels,  and 
thus  they  are  corrected  by  their  own  iniquity. — The  people 
of  God  can  never  expect  to  prosper  in  any  undertaking,  con- 
cerning which  they  have  not  inquired  of  him,  to  know  his  will 
and  implore  his  assistance;  {Note,  Prov.  3:5,6.)  or  in  which 
they  have  indulge/1  sloth  and  vain  confidence,  or  tempted  God 
by  the  neglect  of  proper  means.  But  human  nature  is  prone 
to  extremes:  like  children,  we  are  easily  elated  by  a little 
success,  and  presume  that  we  shall  carry  all  before  us : and 
when,  in  order  to  humble  us  and  check  our  self-confidence, 
the  Lord  is  pleased  to  throw  some  discouragement  in  our  way  ; 
we  are  easily  cast  down  into  despondency,  and  induced  to 
forebode  the  most  falal  consequences  ! — Every  failure  in  such 
undertakings,  as  evidently  accord  to  the  will  of  God,  and  the 
duty  of  our  place  and  station,  should#cause  us  to  humble  our- 
selves before  him,  to  flee  to 'his  mercy-seat,  to  pour  out  our 
hearts  in  prayer,  and  inquire  “wherefore  he  contendeth  with 
us and  to  plead  his  promises  and  the  glory  of  his  great 
name,  as  engaged  to  support  that  cause  which  we  are  en- 
deavouring to  promote,  whatever  becomes  of  us  and  our  worth- 
less names. — Yet  in  the  very  prayers  ofthe  best  of  men  there 
is  often  much  evil,  which  the  Lords  might  justly  condemn,  and 
for  which  he  frequently  rebukes  and  chastens  them  ; espe- 
cially when  they  appear  ungrateful  for  former  mercies,  and 
murmur  or  despond  on  account  of  present  trials,  distrust  his 
faithfulness,  or  suspect  his  future  intentions,  as  declared  by 
his  express  promises. 

V.  10 — 18.  “ What  shall  we  say  when  Israel  turneth  their 
backs  before  their  enemies?”  It  is  not  enough  that  the  forces 
be  recruited,  the  passes  strengthened,  the  cowards  punished, 
the  valiant  rewarded,  the  soldiers  animated  by  word  and  deed, 
and  the  ensuing  assault  conducted  with  more  skill  and  circum- 
spection. The  matter  is  not  thus  : “ Israel  hath  sinned,”  and 
God  is  provoked ; and  nothing  can  ensure  success,  till  his 
indignation  is  turned  away,  and  the  accursed  thing  is  removed 
out  of  the  camp.  Times  of  public  danger  and  calamity,  there- 
fore, with  nations  professing  Christianity,  peculiarly  require 
zeal  for  reformation:  notorious  criminals  ought  then  to  be 
searched  out,  and  brought  to  condign  punishment ; especially 
such  as  have  enriched  themselves  by  sacrilege,  perjurjr,  mur- 
der, oppression,  and  iniquitous  traffic.  While  such  criminals* 
are  suffered  to  escape  with  impunity  ; nay,  till  something 
effectual  has  been  done  towards  expiating  national,  guilt,  by 
the  execution  of  public  justice,  on  those  whoso  daring  crimes 
have  brought  the  wrath  of  God  on  a guilty  land  ; there  is  little 
cause  to  wonder,  if  th(\inhabilants  turn  their  backs  upon  their 
enemies,  and  little  hope  that  God  will  be  with  them  any  more, 
notwithstanding  their  fastings  and  prayers.  Since  these  things 
have  been  so  much  disregarded  in  protestant  countries,  they 
have  been  left,  to  quarrel  with  one  another ; and  to  become 
the  instruments  of  each  other’s  correction,  instead  of  being 
united  and  prospered,  in  repelling  the  assaults  of  their  com- 
mon enemies. — And  may  it,  not  also  be  seriously  questioned, 
whether  the  case  be  not  the  same,  with  respect  to  the  success 
of  the  gospel,  and  the  state  of  religion  among  us  ? It  is  to  be 
feared  that  there  has  often  been  more  zeal  shown,  in  support- 
ing the  interests  of  one  party  against  another,  than  for  the 
( 396  ) 


'all  Israel  stoned  him  with  stones,  and  '‘burned 
them  with  fire,  after  they  had  stoned  them  with 
stones. 

26  And  they  'raised  over  him  a great  heap  of 
stones  unto  this  day.  raSo  the  Lord  turned  from 
the  fierceness  of  his  anger : wherefore  the  name 
of  that  place  was  called  The  valley  of 'Achor  unto 
this  day. 

22:21—21.  k IS.  Gen. 38:21.  Lev. 20:11.  21:9.  18:29.  10:27.  2Sam.l8:17. 

Lain.  3:53.  m Oeul.  13:17.  2Sam. 21:14.  Is.  40:2.  Joel  2:13,18.  Jon.  3:9,10. 
Zech.  6:8.  * That  is,  trouble.  See  on  25. 


interests  of  vital  godliness  against  the  cause  of  infidelity,  pro- 
fligacy, and  formal  profession:  and  that  in  this  competition, 
men,  in  other  respects  conscientious,  not  only  accept  the 
proffered  support  of  some  one  not  unlike  covetous  and  sacri- 
legious Achan,  but  assiduously  seek  after  it.  It  is  still  more 
evident,  that  there  has  not  been  due  care  taken  to  censure  or 
exclude  such  persons,  as  are  evidently  the  slaves  of  avarice, 
worldly  lusts,  and  the  pride  of  life;  and  to  direct  the  search- 
ing word  of  God  to  their  consciences,  in  such  a manner  as 
effectually  to  make  them  understand,  that  their  profession  of 
the  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  their  attendance  on  the  ordinances, 
and  their  support  of  the  ministers  of  Christ,  will  never  save 
their  souls,  unless  their  idols  be  dethroned,  and  their  hearts 
and  lives  renewed  by  converting  grace.  There  is  reason  to 
fear  that  there  are  Achans  in  many  of  our  congregations, 
whose  lives  prejudice  men  against  the  truth,  and  bring  a 
secret  blight  on  our  ministry  : nor  “ will  the  Lord  be  with  us 
any  more,”  unless  we  use  our  best  endeavours,  without  any 
partial  or  personal  regards,  to  separate  them  from  among  us 
And  it  is  proposed  as  a matter  of  serious  inquiry,  whether 
the  present  lamentable  divisions  among  the  professors  of  evan- 
gelical iruth  ; the  confessedly  small  success  of  the  gospel,  com- 
pared with  that  of  former  times;  and  the  most  alarming  pro- 
gress of  open  infidelity ; be  not  in  great  measure  owing  to  the 
same  cause  as  Israel’s  defeat  before  Ai. — But  first  of  all  we 
should  look  into  our  own  hearts,  and  make  diligent  search, 
whether  there  be  not  some  accursed  things  there  which  God 
sees  and  abhors ; some  unmodified  lust,  some  iniquitous  gain 
“put  among  our  own  stuff ;”  some  withholding  from  God  and 
the  poor  their  dues,  in  order  to  gratify  avarice,  or  support 
luxury  and  the  pride  of  life.  If  this  is  the  case,  no  wonder 
we  do  not  prosper  in  our  souls,  or  in  our  ministry  ; no  wonder 
if  we  get  little  benefit  from  our  attendance  on  ordinances,  or 
see  no  considerable  effects  from  our  unremitted  and  most 
earnest  preaching  from  year  to  year.  Nor  can  we  expect  to 
prosper  any  better,  until  the  accursed  thing  be  destroyed  out 
of  our  hearts,  removed  out  of  our  houses,  and  forsaken  in  our 
lives.  Let  us,  however,  not  only  be  careful,  that  we  ourselves 
do  not  dissemble  any  secret  inquity ; but  remember  that  w© 
are  accountable  for  our  families  also,  if  we  do  not  use  all  our 
circumspection,  and  exert  our  utmost  authority,  to  preserve 
them  free  from  every  accursed  thing.  In  this  way  will  Israel 
prosper,  our  souls  be  “like  a watered  garden,”  and  “the  word 
of  God  have  free  course  and  be  glorified.”  He  will  be  with 
us  and  fight  for  us,  and  Israel  shall  no  more  turn  their  backs 
upon  their  enerpies. 

V.  19 — 26.  Would  we  avoid  the  commission  of  gross  ini- 
quity, we  must  “ make  a covenant  with  our  eyes  ” and  all  our 
senses  ; we  must  learn  to  behold  every  object  by  faith  through 
the  medium  of  God’s  word,  not  by  sense  through  the  medium 
of  a worldly  judgment  and  a carnal  mind  ; we  must,  repress 
the  first  movings  of  concupiscence,  and  pray  earnestly  not  to 
he  led  into  temptation;  we  must  habituate  ourselves  to  medi- 
tate on  the  future  consequences  of  sinful  gratifications  to  our 
characters,  families,  connexions,  and  temporal  interests, — to 
our  conscience,  peace,  and  eternal  concerns, — to  the  church 
of  God,  and  the  world  around  us ; and  to  place  ourselves,  by 
an  effort  of  the  imagination,  in  those  very  circumstances  in 
which  we  should  he,  were  the  sin  committed,  and  the  infatua- 
tion vanished  ; and  to  consider  w hat  our  judgment  and  feelings 
in  that  case  would  be.  We  should  also  treat  ail  expectations 
of  secrecy  and  impunity  as  the  delusions  of  Satan.  From 
our  Judge  we  can  conceal  nothing;  and  secreting  our  offences 
from  our  fellow-criminals  w ill  avail  us  very  lit  tie,  since  we  may 
be  sure  our  iniquity  will  at  length  find  us  out.  ( Note,  Num. 
32:23.)  We  should  also  accustom  ourselves  to  self-din ial  and 
patient  waiting;  for  the  blessings  that  God  reserves  for  his 
people  are  like  fruit,  which  will  be  w holesome  when  it  has  had 
time  to  ripen,  hut.  will  certainly  be  noxious  if  greedily  and  pre- 
maturely gathered. — When  we  are  conscious  that  we  have 
sinned,  we  should  ingenuously  confess  our  guilt ; and  if  the 
matter  requires  it,  we  should  glorify  God  and  take  shame  to 
ourselves,  by  an  open  acknowledgment  of  our  crimes,  and 
justify  him  in  all  the  punishments  which  we  now  endure:  for, 
blessed  be  his  name,  through  him  who  was  made  a curse  for 
us,  all  manner  of  sins  and  blasphemies  shall  he  forgiven  to 
the  true  penitent.  But  even  when  final  condemnation  is 
escaped,  what  terrible  effects  does  sin  produce  ! What  fatal 
consequences  often  ensue  in  this  world,  to  the  sinner  himself, 
and  to  all  connected  with  him ! How  “one  sinner  destroyeth 
muen  good!”  What  will  then  be  the  wrath  to  come!  Lei 
us  take  warning,  and  without  delay  flee  from  it  to  Jesus,  tho 
sinner’s  Friend. — Finally,  though  atrocious  criminals  should 
be  punished  with  unrelenting  firmness,  and  all  should  unite  in 
protesting  against  their  crimes  ; yet  their  misery  ^noukl  not  W 


B.  C.  1450. 


B.  C.  1450 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


CHAPTER  III. 

foshua  encouraged  and  instructed  by  God  to  form  an  ambushmcnt  against 
Ai,  1—8.  The  city  is  taken  and  destroyed  with  the  inhabitants , its  king 
hanged  up,  and  its  spoil  divided,  8 — 29.  .-In  altar  is  built  on  Ebal,  sacrifices 
are  offered,  the  law  is  written  on  stones,  and  the  blessings  and  curses  pro- 
noun c eel , as  Muses  had  commanded , 30—35. 

AND  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua;  “Fear  not, 
neither  be  thou  dismayed ; take  all  the  people 
of  war  with  thee,  and  arise,  go  up  to  Ai : “see,  I 
have  given  into  thy  hand  the  king  of  Ai,  and  his 
people,  and  his  city,  and  his  land. 

2  And  thou  shalt  cdo  to  Ai  and  her  king,  as 
thou  didst  unto  Jericho  and  her  king : donly  the 
spoil  thereof,  and  the  cattle  thereof,  shall  ye  take 
for  a prey  unto  yourselves.  “Lay  thee  an  ambush 
for  the  city  behind  it. 

3  So  Joshua  arose,  and  all  the  people  of  vvar, 
to  go  up  against  Ai : and  Joshua  chose  out  thirty 
thousand  mighty  men  of  valour,  and  sent  them 
away  fljy  night. 

4  And  he  commanded  them,  saying,  Behold,  ye 
shall  glie  in  wait  against  the  city,  even  behind 
the  city;  hgo  not  very  far  from  the  city,  but  be  ye 
all  ready : 

5  And  I,  and  all  the  people  that  are  with  me, 
will  approach  unto  the  city : and  it  shall  come  to 
pass,  when  they  come  out  against  us,  as  at  the 
first,  'that  we  ■null  flee  before  them, 

6 -(For  they  will  come  out  after  us,)  till  we 
have  'drawn  them  from  the  city ; for  they  will 
say,  iThey  flee  before  us,  as  at  the  first : therefore 
we  will  flee  before  them. 

7 Then  ye  shall  rise  up  from  the  ambush,  and 
seize  upon  the  city : kfor  the  Lord  your  God  will 
deliver  it  into  your  hand. 

8 And  it  shall  be,  when  ye  have  taken  the  city, 
that  ye  shall  'set  the  city  on  fire  : according  to  the 
commandment  of  the  Lord  shall  ye  do.  mSee,  I 
have  commanded  you. 

^ 9 IT  Joshua  therefore  sent  them  forth ; and  they 

went  to  lie  in  ambush,  and  abode  “between 
Beth-el  and  Ai,  on  the  west  side  of  Ai:  but 
Joshua  “lodged  that  night  among  the  people. 

10  And  Joshua  Prose  up  early  in  the  morning, 
and  numbered  the  people,  and  went  up,  he  and 
the  elders  of  Israel,  before  the  people  to  Ai. 

11  And  oall  the  people,  even  the  people  of  war 
that  were  with  him,  went  up,  and  drew  nigh,  and 
came  before  the  city,  and  pitched  on  the  north 
side  of  Ai : now  there  was  a valley  between  them 
and  Ai. 


aSeean 7:6.7, 9.  Dent.  1:21.  7:18.  31:8.  Ps.27:l.  46:11.  Is. 12:2.  41:10—16. 
43:2.  Jer.  46:27.  Matt.8:26.  b See  on  6:2.  Ps.44:3.  Dan.  2:21,31,38.  4:25,35. 
c 24,28,29.  See  on  6:21.  10:1,28.  Deni.  3:2.  d 27.  Deul.  20:14.  .!oh27:16,17. 
Ps.  39:6.  Prov.  13:22.  2S:20.  Jer.  17:11.  L.'ke  12:20,21.  e 7,9,12,14.19.  Judj. 
20  29— 33.  2 Clir.  13:13.  20:22.  Jer.  51:12.  f Mall.  24:39,50.  25:6.  !Thes.5:2. 
2 Pet.  3:10.  g 16.  Jml».  9:25.  20:29,33,36.  1 Sam.  15:2,5.  Acts  23:21.  I:  Ec.  7: 
19.9:16.  i Judg. 20:31,33.  Matt.  10:16.  * Heb. pulled.  16.  j Ex.  14:3.  15:9. 
J.idg.  20:32.  Ec.  8:11.  9:12.  kSeeonb.  1.  2Kings5:l.  Prov.  21:30,31.  1 28. 

6:24.  m 1:9,16.  Judg.  4:6.  2 Sam.  13:28.  n 12.  7:2.  Get:.  12:8.  Hat.  E7.ra2: 

insulted,  nor  their  immortal  souls  forgotten : but  calm  expos- 
tulations, serious  instructions,  and  compassionate  exhorta- 
tions, should  be  used  to  bring  them  to  repentance,  that  they 
may  obtain  mercy  from  God,  in  a future  world ; and  every 
method  should  be  adopted,  which  can  render  the  example  of 
public  justice  productive  of  as  deep  and  durable  an  impression 
as  possible,  upon'  the  minds  of  the  survivors. 

NOTES.— Chap.  VIII.  V.  1, 2.  Jericho  had  been  taken 
by  miracle,  without  danger  or  fatigue ; in  order  to  teach  the 
people  to  depend  on  God,  and  to  give  him  the  glory  of  all  their 
success.  But  they  seem  to  have  inferred  that  they  might  de- 
spise their  enemies  and  indulge  themselves.  (Note,  7:3 — 5.) 
They  were  therefore  in  the  next  instance  instructed,  that  dili- 
gence, self-denial,  and  the  exertion  of  all  their  powers,  both 
of  body  and  mind  were  required,  in  order  to  secure  success: 
and  the  whole  force  of  Israel  was  commanded  to  march 
against  this  small  city.  Some  think,  however,  that  this  was 
ordered,  that  all  might  equally  share  the  spoil. — An  ambush 
was  also  to  be  formed,  hy  the  command  of  God  himself;  for 
it  was  as  lawful  to  outwit  their  enemies,  as  to  overpower 
them.  No  treaties  were  violated,  no  oaths  broken,  no  false- 
hoods uttered;  and  it  cannot  be  requisite  to  inform  our  ene- 
mies of  our  intentions  and  purposes,  however  they  may  be 
deceived  by  appearances.  But  perjuries,  lies,  and  infractions 
of  treaties,  cannot,  in  any  war  or  in  any  case,  be  allowable 
or  excusable.  (Notes,  2:4 — 6.  9:19,20.  2 Sam.  21:1 — 3 

Ez.  17:15—21.  21:25—27.) 

V.  9 — 12.  There  is  some  difficulty  in  determining,  whether 
the  thirty  thousand  men,  first  mentioned,  (3,4.)  at  length  as- 
saulted the  city  openly,  whilst  only  the  five  thousand  lay  in 


12  And  he  took  about  “five  thousand  men,  and 
set  them  to  lie  in  ambush  between  Bcth-el  and  Ai, 
on  the  west  side  fof  the  city. 

13  And  when  they  had  set  the  people,  eve'K 
all  the  host  that  was  on  the  nortli  of  the  city, 
and  their  fliers  in  wait  "on  the  west  of  the  city ; 
Joshua  went  that  night  into  the  midst  of  trie 
valley. 

14  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  king  of  ‘Ai 
saw  it,  that  they  hasted  and  rose  up  early,  and  the 
men  of  the  city  went  out  against  Israel  to  battle, 
he  and  all  his  people,  at  a time  appointed,  before 
the  plain ; but  “he  wist  not  that  there  were  liers 
in  ambush  against  him  behind  the  city. 

15  And  Joshua  and  all  Israel  made  as  if  they 
were  beaten  before  them,  and  fled  "by  the  way  ot 
the  wilderness. 

16  And  all  the  people  that  were  in  Ai  were 
^called  together  to  pursue  after  them  : and  they 
pursued  after  Joshua,  and  were  ’drawn  away 
from  the  city. 

17  And  there  was  not  “a  man  left  in  Ai  or 
Beth-el,  that  went  not  out  after  Israel : and  they 
left  the  city  open,  and  pursued  after  Israel. 

18  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua,  “Stretch 
out  the  spear  that  is  in  thy  hand  toward  Ai ; for  I 
will  give  it  into  thine  hand.  And  Joshua  stretched 
out  the  spear  that  he  had  in  his  hand  toward  the 
city. 

19  And  “the  ambush  arose  quickly  out  of  their 
place,  and  they  ran  as  soon  as  he  had  stretched 
out  his  hand:  and  they  entered  into  the  city,  and 
took  it,  and  hasted,  and  set  the  city  on  fire. 

20  And  when  the  men  of  Ai  looked  behind 
them,  they  saw,  and  behold,  dthe  smoke  of  the 
city  ascended  up  to  heaven;  “and  they  had  no 
s power  to  flee  this  way  or  that  way : and  the 
people  that  fled  to  the  wilderness  turned  back 
upon  the  pursuers. 

21  And  when  Joshua  and  all  Israel  saw  that 
the  ambush  had  taken  the  city,  and  that  the 
smoke  of  the  city  ascended,  then  they  turned 
again,  and  slew  the  men  of  Ai. 

22  And  the  other  issued  out  of  the  cjty  against 

them  ; so  they  were  in  the  midst  of  Israel,  some 
on  this  side,  and  some  on  that  side : and  they 
smote  them,  so  that  they  <1et  none  of  them  remain 
or  escape.  [Practical  Oisenxilions.; 

23  And  «the  king  of  Ai  they  took  alive,  and 
brought,  him  to  Joshua. 

23.  Neh.7:32.  o Gen.  32:21.  p See  on  3:1.  6:12.  7:16.  Ps.  119:60.  q See  on 
1 — 5.  r See  on  2,3.  t Or,  of  Ai.  t Heb.  lying  in  wait . s 8,12.  t 5,16.  u Judg. 
20:34.  Ec.  9:12.  Dan.  4:31.  Matt.  21:39,50.  IThes.  5:1-3.  2 Pet.  2:3.  x 18:12. 
y Jude.  20:36— 39.  7.5,6.  Judg.  20:31.  Ps.9:16.  Ez.  38:1 1 — 522.  Rev.  16:14.  19: 
19—21.  a 3,24,25.  11:20.  Deut.2:30.  Job5:13.  Is.  19:11— 13.  b 7,28.  Ex.  8: 
5.  17:11.  Job  15:25.  c 6— 8.  d Gen.  19:28.  Id.  34- 1 0.  Rev.  18:9.  19:3.  e Job 
11:20.  Ps.  48:5,6.  76:5.  Am.  2:14— 16.  Rev.  6:15— 17.  § Heb.  hand,  f 6:21 
10:28.  11:11,12.  Deutr7:2.  Job20:5.  Luke  17:26— 30.  1 Thes.  5:3.  g29.  10:17. 
1 Sam.  15:8.  Rev.  19:20. 


ambush ; or  whether  the  whole  force  of  Israel  appeared  in 
arms  against  Ai,  and  the  thirty  thousand  formed  one  ambush- 
ment,  and  the  five  thousand  formed  a second  in  another  place. 
But  the  latter  opinion  agrees  best  with  the  narrative. 

V.  13, 14.  After  the  first  parly  was  sent  to  lie  in  ambush, 
a whole  day  seems  to  have  been  spent  in  making  prepara- 
tions : and  every  thing  being  ready,  Joshua  during  the  next 
night  drew  up  his  army  in  the  valley,  and  so  was  seen  in  the 
morning  by  the  king  of  Ai. 

V.  17.  Greater  infatuation  cannot  be  imagined,  than  upon 
so  trifling  an  advantage  as  the  former,  (7:4,5.)  and  so  slight 
an  appearance  of  further  success  as  the  present,  to  leave  the 
cities  defenceless  that  they  might  pursue  a numerous  army ! 
But  the  Canaanites  were  left  to  be  blinded  by  pride,  obstina- 
cy, and  rage  against  Israel,  in  order  to  their  more  speedy  de- 
struction. (Notes,  3:2.  9:1,2.  11:19,20.) — The  king  and  peo- 
ple of  Beth-el  appear  to  have  been  confederate  with  those  of 
Ai,  and  to  have  been  subdued  and  destroyed  at  the  same  time. 

V.  18.  Joshua  stretched  forth  his  hand  with  the  spear,  per- 
haps with  some  flag  upon  it,  at  the  time  when  God  commanded 
him : probably  it  was  a preconcerted  signal  to  those  who  were 
in  ambush,  expected  by  some  appointed  to  watch  for  it : and 
it  was  an  especial  token  of  the  divine  assistance.  He  seems 
to  have  remained  upon  some  eminence,  in  the  sight  of  the  Is- 
raelites, during  the  battle ; and  to  have  persevered  in  holding 
up  his  spear,  till  all  the  enemies  were,  destroyed  ; as  Moses 
had  done  with  his  rod,  during  Joshua’s  conflict  with  the  Ama- 
lekites.  (26  .Note,  Ex.  17:8 — 13.) — Thus  Joshua  conquered 
by  seeming  to  yield:  and  this  has  been  accommodated  to 
Christ,  when  “ by  death  he  overcame  him  who  had  the.power 
( 397  ) 


B.  ( . 1450.  JOSHUA.  B.  C.  1450. 


24  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Israel  had  made 
an  end  of  slaying  all  the  inhabitants  of  Ai  in  the 
field,  in  the  wilderness  wherein  they  chased  them, 
and  when  they  were  all  fallen  on  the  edge  of  the 
sword  until  they  were  consumed,  that  all  the 
Israelites  ''returned  unto  Ai,  and  smote  it  with  the 
edge  of  the  sword. 

25  And  so  it  was  that  all  that  fell  that  day, 
both  of  men  and  women,  were  twelve  thousand, 
even  all  the  men  of  Ai. 

26  For  Joshua  'drew  not  his  hand  back,  where- 
with he  stretched  out  the  spear  until  he  had 
utterly  destroyed  all  the  inhabitants  of  Ai. 

27  Only  “the  cattle  and  the  spoil  of  that  city, 
Israel  took  for  a prey  unto  themselves,  according 
unto  the  word  of  the  Lord,  which  he  commanded 
Joshua. 

28  And  Joshua  burnt  Ai,  and  made  it  'an  heap 
for  ever,  even  a desolation  '"unto  this  day. 

29  And  "the  king  of  Ai  he  hanged  on  a tree 
until  even-tide : and  “as  soon  as  the  sun  was 
down,  Joshua  commanded  that  they  should  take 
his  carcass  down  from  the  tree,  and  cast  it  at  the 
entering  of  the  grate  of  the  city,  and  raise  thereon 
Da  great  heap  of  stones,  that  remaineth  unto  this 
day. 

30  H Then  Joshua  obuilt  an  altar  unto  the 
Lord  God  of  Israel,  rin  mount  Ebal ; 

31  As  Moses  the  servant  of  the  Lord  com- 
manded the  children  of  Israel,  “as  it  is  written  in 
the  book  of  the  law  of  Moses,  an  ‘altar  of  whole 
stones,  over  which  no  man  hath  lifted  up  any  iron  : 

h 10:30— 41 . 11:10—14.  Num.  21:24.  i 18.  Ex.  17:11,12.  k 2.  11:14.  Num. 
31:22,26.  Ps.  50:10.  Mall.  20:15.  I Dent.  13:16.  2 Kings  19:25.  Is.  17:1.  25: 
2.  Jer.  9:11.  49:2.  50:26.  Mic.  3:12.  m See  on  4:9.  n 10:26,28,30,33.  Dent. 
21:23.  Eslh.  7:10.  Ps.  107:40.  110:5.  Acta  12:23.  Rev.  19:17,13,  0 10:27.  p 7: 
26.  2 Sara.  18.17.  q Gen. 8.20.  12:7,8.  r 33.  Dent.  1 1 :29.  27:4— 6,13.  s 34,35. 
1:8.  2 Kings  14:6.  22:8.  2 Clir. 25:4  . 35:12.  Kira  6:18.  Neh.l3:l.  Mark  12:26. 
t Ex.  20:21,25.  Dent.  27:5.  1 Kings  18:31,32.  u Ex.  18:12.  24:5.  Deut.  27:6,7. 
x Deut.  27:2,3,8.  y 23:2.  24:1.  ljeul. 27:12, 13.  29:10,11.  i 3:3,6,14.  4:10,18. 

of  death,”  deprived  the  king  of  terrors  of  power  to  hurt  his 
people,  and  prepared  the  way  for  the  utter  destruction  of  this 
last  enemy. 

V.  25.  The  men  of  Beth-cl,  who  aided  those  of  Ai,  seem 
not  to  be  included  in  this  number. 

V.  27.  Thus  the  people  began  to  receive  a gracious  recom 
pense  for  their  self-denial,  in  refraining  from  the  devoted  spoil 
of  Jericho;  Achan  having  already  received  the  just  punish- 
ment of  his  sacrilege. 

V.  28.  When  a few  houses  had  been  set  on  fire,  the  flame 
and  smoke  would  suffice  to  convince  the  men  of  Ai  of  their 
desperate  situation.  But  after  the  Israelites  had  plundered 
the  city,  the  whole  was  burnt  down,  and  left  to  be  a perpetual 
desolation:  and  the  ruins  continued  as  a proof  of  the  trans- 
action, till  the  close  of  Joshua’s  life,  and  probably  long  after, 
though  we  read  of  a city  of  nearly  the  same  name  in  Nehe- 
miah.  ( Neh . 11/31.  Aij a,  or  Aiya.) 

V.  29.  The  kings  of  Canaan  lay  under  the  same  curse  as 
their  subjects,  and  probably  were  more  deeply  criminal.  The 
reserving  of  the  king  of  Ai  for  a solemn  "execution,  would 
tend  to  strike  terror  into  the  other  kings,  contribute  to  the 
success  of  Israel,  and  give  their  proceedings  the  stamp  of  a 
judicial  process,  and  of  executing  the  vengeance  of  God  upon 
his  enemies.  (Notes,  10:24.  1 Sam.  15:32,33.  Is.  24:21,22.) 

V.  30—35.  (Notes,  Deut.  11:29,30.  27:)  As  soon  as 
Joshua  found  access  to  the  mountains,  Gerizim  and  Ebal, 
which  the  Lord  had  appointed ; he  without  delay,  and  not- 
withstanding the  unsettled  state  of  Israel,  and  the  machina- 
tions of  their  enemies,  proceeded  to  renew  the  ratification  of 
the  covenant  between  the  Lord  and  his  people,  as  it  had  been 
commanded  by  Moses.  Accordingly  he  built  the  occasional 
altar,  (Mar g.  Ref . I.)  and  offered  the  instituted  sacrifices; 
writing  the  law,  or  the  prescribed  abstracts  from  it,  on  the 
plastered  stones;  proclaiming  the  blessings  and  curses  from 
the  two  mountains,  according  to  the  appointed  form;  and 
reading  over  the  whole  taw  to  all  the  people. — It  is  evident, 
that  the  books  of  Moses,  as  written  by  him,  are  here  repeat- 
edly spoken  of  as  extant  at  the  time  of  this  transaction. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 22.  When  sin  is  repented  of,  and  put  away  as  “ an 
accursed  thing,”  we  may  expect  encouragement,  and  a bless- 
ing from  our  reconciled  God  and  Father:  and  the  more  we 
fear  him  with  filial  reverence,  and  dread  to  offend  him,  the 
ess  need  have  we  to  “ fear  what  man  can  do  unto  us.” — 
When  m e truly  believo,  and  rightly  understand,  that  “ with- 
out the  1 ord  we  can  do  nothing,”  that  our  sufficiency  and 
success  i lust  come  from  him,  and  that  all  the  glory  must  be 
rendered  to  him  ; we  «liall  be  far  from  lying  down  in  supine- 
ness and  self-indulgent  sloth : on  the  contrary,  we  shall  bo 
excited  to  use,  with  all  diligence  and  persoverance,  every 
commanded  and  allowable  means  ; and  to  seek  the  help  and 
bussing  of  God  to  render  them  effectual.  Indeed  inactivity, 

( 398  ) 


"and  they  offered  thereon  burnt-offerings  unto  the 
Lord,  and  sacrificed  peace-offerings. 

32  And  he  “wrote  there  upon  the  stones  a copy 
of  the  law  of  Moses,  which  he  wrote  in  the  pre- 
sence of  the  children  of  Israel. 

33  And  fall  Israel,  and  their  elders,  and  officers, 
and  their  judges,  stood  on  this  side  the  ark,  and 
on  that  side,  before  “the  priests  the  Levites,  which 
bare  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  as  well 
athe  stranger  as  he  that  was  born  among  them  : 
half  of  them  over  against  mount  Gerizim,  and 
half  of  them  over  against  mount  Ebal,  bas  Moses 
the  servant  of  the  Lord  had  commanded  before, 
that  they,  should  bless  the  people  of  Israel. 

34  And  afterward  che  read  all  the  words  of  the 
law,  dthe  blessings  and  cursings,  according  to  all 
that  is  written  in  the  book  of  the  law. 

35  There  ewas  not  a word  of  all  that  Moses 
commanded,  which  Joshua  read  not  before  all  the 
congregation  of  Israel,  f with  the  women,  and  the 
little  ones,  and  the  strangers  that  "were  conversant 
among  them. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

The  kings  of  Canaan  confederate  against  Israel , 1,2.  The  Gibeonites  by 
fraud  obtain  a covenant  of  peace , 15.  The  fraud  is  detected  : yet  their 

lives  are  snared  on  the  account  of  the  oath  sworn  to  than,  16—21.  They  are 
made  lona-servanls,  and  willingly  submit,  22 — 27. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  when  “all  the  kings  which 
were  bon  this  side  Jordan,  in  the  hills  and  in 
the  valleys,  and  in  all  the  coasts  cof  the  great  sea 
over  against  dLebanon,  ethe  Hittite,  and  the  Amor- 
ite,  the  Canaanite,  the  Perizzite,  the  Hivite,  and 
the  Jebusite,  heard  thereof, 


6:6.  Deut.  31:9,25.  1 Chr.  15:11—13.  « Ex.  12:49.  Lev.  24:22.  Num.  15:16,29. 
b See  on  311 — 32.  c Deut.  31:10— 12.  Nell.  8:2.3.  9:3.13:1.  d Lev.  26:  Deut 
27:14—26.  28  : 23:20.21.  30:19.  e Deut.  4:2.  Jer.  26:2.  Acts  20:27.  fDeul.29: 
11.  Ezra  10:1.  Neh.  8:2.  Joel  2:16.  Mark  10:14.  Acts  21 :5  * Heb.  wal/ctd, 

a 10:2—5,23,28—39.  11:1 — 5,10,11.  12:7—24.  b 1:15.  3:17.  5:1.  22:4,7.  Deni. 
4:49.  c 1:4.  15:12.  23:4.  Num.  34:6.  d 11:17.  12:7.  13:5.  Deut.  3:25.  e24:ll. 
Gen.  15:18—21.  Ex.  3:17.  23:23,31.  34:li.  DeUt.  7:1. 


because  we  can  do  nothing  of  ourselves,  when  the  Lord  has 
promised  effectual  help  to  those  who  call  upon  him,  must  he 
the  effect  of  man’s  perverseness  and  Satan’s  suggestions,  thus 
wresting  the  Scriptures  from  their  most  obvious  meaning: 
for  in  all  other  important  concerns,  common  sense  teaches  us, 
that  the  less  we  can  do  of  ourselves,  the  more  need  we  have 
to  seek  the  help,  and  to  observe  the  directions  of  those  who 
are  able  and  disposed  to  assist  us.  And  thus  to  he  diligent 
and  earnest  with  all  our  heart  and  soul  in  seeking  salvation, 
resisting  temptation  and  striving  against  sin,  is  true  Christian 
wisdom,  and  the  due  medium  between  the  extremes  to  which 
human  nature  is  propense  : for  in  such  an  arduous  conflict., 
we  need  both  exertion  and  much  assistance , and  they  who 
speak  as  if  a little  exertion  and  a little  help  might  suffice, 
know  nothing  experimentally  of  the  warfare. — In  every  un- 
dertaking, prudent  counsel  is  as  conducive  to  success,  as  vi- 
gorous exertion ; and  on  some  occasions  well-timed  yielding 
secures  the  advantage  better  than  pertinacious  opposition. — 
They,  who  u honour  the  Lord  with  their  substance,”  and  are 
not  in  haste  to  be  rich,  will  eventually  be  no  losers  ; yet 
Christians  must  wait  till  they  arrive  at  the  heavenly  Canaan 
to  receive  their  full  reward:  and  there  they  will  enjoy  their 
everlasting  portion,  when  that  of  worldlings  will  he  spent, 
and  their  souls  fixed  in  utter  misery.  Indeed  44  the  prospe- 
rity of  fools  destroys  them,”  and  their  short-lived  presumptu- 
ous rejoicing  will  speedily  end  in  lamentations,  and  mourning, 
and  wo. — As  the  Lord  gives  wisdom  to  those  whom  he  loves, 
and  means  to  prosner  ; so  he  infatuates  those  who  have  filled 
up  the  measure  ol  their  iniquity. 

V.  23 — 35.  It  is  our  duty  to  reverence  the  aged,  to  honour 
those  who  are  placed  in  authority  over  us,  and  to  compassion- 
ate the  weak  and  helpless,  the  feebler  sex  and  tender  age : 
but  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth  will  involve  all  the  impenitent 
in  one  common  condemnation,  without  any  other  distinction, 
than  that  of  their  different  degrees  of  guilt ; so  that  they  who 
have  abused  the  greatest  abilities,  riches,  or  authority,  will 
be  distinguished  by  the  largest  measure  of  divine  vengeance. — 
However  busy,  unsettled,  or  exposed  we  are,  the  eonccrns 
of  religion  must  have  our  first  attention  ; and  if  wo  44  seek  first 
the  kingdom  of  God  and  his  righteousness,  all  things  else  shall 
be  added  unto  us.”  In  doing  this  wo  must  rest  our  hope  on 
the  atonement  of  the  great  Redeemer  ; and  keep  the  holy  law 
of  God  continually  before  us,  as  the  rule  of  our  grateful  obe- 
dience. We  must  remember  the  awful  curses  of  the  old  co- 
venant, to  quicken  our  pace  in  fleeing  to  the  refuge  which  is 
appointed  us,  to  keep  alive  the  salutary  fears  of  coming 
short,  and  to  restrain  us  from  sin  in  an  hour  of  temptation. 
But  we  must  embrace  and  plead  the  precious  promises  of  the 
new  covenant,  for  our  encouragement,  in  denying  ourselves 
and  bearing  the  cross.  We  ought  also  to  instruct  our  fami- 
lies, and  train  up  our  children  in  the  knowledge  of  these 
most  important  subjects;  and  speak  of  them  freely  eve#  to 


B.  C.  1450 


CHAPTER  IX. 


B.  C.  1450. 


2 That  they  ' gathered  themselves  together  to 
fight  with  Joshua,  and  with  Israel,  with  one 
‘accord. 

3 And  when  the  inhabitants  of  sGibeon  heard 
what  Joshua  had  done  unto  '■  Jericho  and  to 
Ai, 

4 The)  did  'work  wilily,  and  went,  and  made 
as  if  they  had  been  ambassadors ; and  took  old 
sacks  upon  their  asses,  and  kwine  bottles,  old,  and 
rent,  and  bound  up  ; 

5 And  'old  shoes  and  clouted  upon  their  feet, 
and  old  garments  upon  them  ; and  all  the  bread,  of 
their  provision  was  dry  and  mouldy. 

6 And  they  went  to  Joshua  unto  mthe  camp  at 
Gilgal,  and  said  unto  him,  and  to  the  men  of  Israel, 
"We  be  come  from  a far  country  ; now  therefore 
make  ye  a league  with  us. 

7 And  the  men  of  Israel  said  unto  °the  Hivites, 
Feradventure  ye  dwell  among  us:  and  >’hovv  shall 
we  make  a league  with  you  ? 

8 And  they  said  unto  Joshua,  iWe  are  thy  ser- 
vants. And  Joshua  said  unto  them,  Who  are  ye  ? 
and  from  whence  come  ye  ? 

f 3 Chr.  20:1.  Fs.  2:1,2.  83:2— 8.  Prov.  11:21.  In.  8:9,10,12.  Joel3:9— 13.  AcU 
4:26 — 28.  Rev.  16:14.  20:8.9.  • Heb.  mouth.  ;17.  10:2.  2 Sam.  21:1,2.  h 6: 
8:  iGen.  31:18.  1 Kings  20:31-33.  Mull.  10:16.  Luke  16:8.  kPs.  119:83. 
Matt.  9:17.  Mark  2:22.  l.uke  5:37,38.  I 13.  Dent.  29:5.  33:25.  Luke  15:22. 
m5:10.  10:43.  n 9.  ] eut.  20:11—1 5.  1 Kings  8:41.  2Kings20:14.  o II  :19. 
Gen.  10:17.  31  2.  Ex.  3:8.  p Ex.  23:31— 33.  34:12.  Num.  33:52.  Dent.  7:8,3. 
20:16.  Judg.  2:2.  q 11.23,25,27.  Gen.  9:25,25.  Dent.  20:11.  I Kings  9:20,21. 

strangers,  who  are  conversant  among  us.  Happy  are  they,  who 
begin  early  in  life  to  attend  to  them : for  in  their  declining  age 
they  may  iook  back  with  comfort  to  their  early  engagements, 
and  the  unnumbered  benefits  which  they  have  derived  from 
them. 

NOTES.— Chap.  IX.  V.  1,  2.  The  inhabitants  of 
Canaan  in  general  must  have  heard,  that  the  Israelites  had 
passed  over  Jordan,  and  commenced  hostilities  : and  in  parti- 
cular, that  they  had  destroyed  Jericho  and  Ai;  and  solemnly 
covenanted  with  Jehovah,  as  if  already  in  possession  of  the 
country.  Had  they  not  been  intimidated  or  infatuated,  they 
would  with  combined  force  have  opposed  the  passage  of 
Israel  over  Jordan  ; but  after  all  the  miracles  which  had  been 
wrought,  an  accommodation,  if  possible,  was  the  only  thing 
which  they  could  .reasonably  attempt.  (Notes,  3 — 5.  5:1.) 
From  this,  however,  they  were  withheld  by  a desperate 
obstinacy  and  rage  ; and  being  ripe  for  vengeance,  they  were 
left  to  be  hardened,  and  blindly  to  rush  upon  destruction  of 
their  own  accord. — They  confederated  together  at  this  time ; 
but  subsequent  events  seem  lo  have  deranged  their  first  plans, 
and  delayed  their  proceedings.  The  varied  expressions  here 
used,  include  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  to  the  utmost  western 
and  northern  borders.  As  the  Girgashites  are  not  mentioned 
in  the  history  of  the  subsequent  wars,  (3:10.24:11.)  it  has 
been  concluded  that  they  generally  emigrated  after  the  fall  of 
Jericho. — This  might  indeed  be  the  case  : but  the  tradition  of 
one  of  their  Rabbies,  quoted  by  Selden,  that  three  letters  were 
written  by  Joshua,  before  the  invasion  of  the  land  by  Israel, 
purporting,  1 Let  those  who  choose  to  flee,  flee  ; let  those 
that  choose  peace,  enter  into  treaty  ; let  those  that  choose 
war,  take  up  arms :’  that  in  consequence  of  this,  the  Girgash- 
ites, believing  the  power  of  God,  fled  away  retreating  into 
Africa: — this,  I say,  has  no  foundation  in  Scripture,  and  is 
by  no  means  consistent  with  the  narrative  there  given.  See 
Graves  on  the  Pentateuch,  Vol.  II.  pp.  43,  44. 

V.  3 — 5.  The  Gibeonites  had  heard  of  the  late  destruction 
of  Jericho  and  Ai,  with  the  slaughter  of  all  the  inhabitants, 
as  well  as  of  the  former  miracles  wrought  in  Egypt ; and  also 
of  the  destruction  of  Og  and  Sihon,  with  their  subjects. 
(9,10.)  They  had  also  learned,  that  the  Israelites  were  com- 
manded to  destroy  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  land,  without 
entering  into  any  league  with  them,  or  giving  quarter ; and 
that  the  Lord  had  expressly  promised  to  give  them  the  victory 
oyer  them  all.  (24)  The  other  inhabitants  of  the  land  like- 
wise had  heard  the  same,  and  were  thus  rendered  the  more 
determined  in  their  opposition : but  the  Gibeonites,  or  at  least 
some  of  their  principal  men,  (for  it  does  not  appear  that  they 
had  a king,)  were  induced  to  believe  that  the  word  of  the 
Lord  would  certainly  be  accomplished,  and  that  all  opposition 
would  be  unavailing  ; and  they  concluded,  that  the  only  pros- 
pect of  safety  lay  in  an  accommodation,  upon  any  terms. 
Had  they  cast  themselves,  without  reserve,  upon  the  mercy 
of  Israel,  and  of  Israel’s  God,  there  is  no  doubt  that  they 
would  have  been  spared,  as  Rahab  and  her  relations  had 
been : for  though  the  Lord  would  not  allow  his  people  to  make 
exceptions  to  his  general  rule  of  destroying  the  Oanaanites, 
for  their  own  ease  and  emolument,  by  forming  alliances  with 
them  while  they  continued  idolaters  ; yet  in  this  and  all  other 
cases,  he  was  ready  to  favour  those  who  trusted  in  his  mercy. 
The  Gibeonites,  however,  not  being  acquainted  with  this  limi- 
tation, and  interpreting  the  general  command  in  its  utmost 
rigour,  despaired  of  being  preserved,  if  they  were  detected  ; 
but  they  supposed,  that  if  they  could  bring  the  rulers  of  Israel 
under  the  bond  of  an  oath,  even  by  means  of  deception,  that 


9 And  they  said  unto  him,  From  a very  far 
country  thy  servants  are  come,  rbecause  of  the 
name  of  the  Lord  thy  God:  for  "we  have  heard 
the  fame  of  him,  and  all  that  lie  did  in  Egypt, 

10  And  all  that  he  did  to  the  'two  kings  of  the 
Amorites  that  were  beyond  Jordan,  to  Sihon  king 
of  Heshbon,  and  to  Og  king  of  Bashun,  which 
was  at  “Ashtaroth. 

11  Wherefore  our  elders,  and  all  the  inhabit- 
ants of  our  country,  spake  to  us,  saying,  xTake 
victuals  hvith  you  lor  the  journey,  and  go  to  meet 
them,  and  say  unto  them,  'We  are  your  servants; 
therefore  now  make  ye  a league  with  us. 

12  This  "our  bread  we  took  hot  for  our  provi- 
sion out  of  our  houses  on  the  day  we  came  forth  to 
go  unto  you ; but  now,  behold,  it  is  dry,  and  it  is 
mouldy : 

13  And  these  bottles  of  wine,  which  we  filled, 
were  new,  and  behold  they  be  rent;  and  these 
our  garments  and  our  shoes  are  become  old,  by 
reason  of  the  very  long  journey. 

14  And  Jthe  men  took  of  their  victuals,  and 
"asked  not  counsel  at  the  mouth  of  the  Lord. 


2 Kings  10:5.  r 1 Kings  8:41 . 2 Chr.  6:32,33.  Nell.  9:5.  Ps.  72:19.  83.18.  148. 
13:  Is. 55:5.  » 24.  2:9,10.  Ex.  9:16.  15:14.  Num.  14:15.  Is.  66:19.  (Num. 21: 
24— 35.  Deul.  2:30— 37.  3:1— 7.  u 12:4.  Deul.  1 :4.  1 Chr.  6:71.  X 1:11.  Mini. 
1U:9,10.  Lnke9:3.  i Heb.  in  your  hand.  Gen.  43: 12.  y SeeonS.  Esth.8:l7. 
z See  on  -1,5.  } Or,  they  received  the  men  by  reason  of  their  victuals,  a Ex. 

28 : 3U . Num.  27:21.  Judg.  1:1.  20:18,28.  I Sam.  14:18,19  . 22:10  . 23:9—12.  30: 
7.8.  2 Sam. 2:1.  5:19.  1 Chr.  10:14.  Ezra  8:21.  Prov.  3:5,6.  Is.  30:2.  Jam.  1:5 


oath  would  secure  them  from  death.  Accordingly  they  formed 
a stratagem,  which  cannot  be  vindicated ; though  it  may 
admit  of  some  excuse,  from  their  imminent  danger,  and  from 
their  ignorance  of  the  divine  law  : and  they  succeeded  accord- 
ing to  their  expectation. — The  supposition  of  some  exposi- 
tors, that  these  Gibeonites  had  before  this  refused  terms  of 
peace  when  offered  them,  is  not  only  unsupported  by  facts 
but  it  is  contrary  to  the  general  tenor  of  the  narration. — The 
ambassadors,  probably,  were  the  chief  persons  among  them, 
but  they  pretended  to  be  sent  by  some  foreign  princes  ; and, 
according  to  the  customs  of  those  days,  when  inns  at  regular 
stages  were  not  known,  and  consequently  men  took  with  them 
provisions  for  their  journey,  as  is  now  done  for  q.  voyage  ; 
they  fitted  themselves  out  in  such  a manner,  that  they  appear- 
ed to  have  come  from  a very  distant  country,  to  show  that 
their  provisions  were  either  exhausted  or  spoiled  by  the  length 
of  their  journey,  and  even  their  clothes  and  vessels  worn  out. 
No  doubt  the  several  circumstances  were  artfully  devised, 
and  appeared  very  plausible  to  Joshua  and  Israel ; though 
we  cannot  so  well  judge  of  them  by  modern  manners  and 
customs. 

V.  7.  God  had  forbidden  Israel  to  enter  into  a league  with 
any  of  the  devoted  nations.  ( Marg . Ref.  p.)  An  equal 
league , say  many  learned  men  : but  the  Scripture  makes  no 
such  distinction.  Indeed  an  agreement  to  spare  the  lives  of 
such  persons  or  tribes,  as  chose  either  to  leave  the  country  : 
or,  renouncing  idolatry,  resigning  all  their  possessions,  and 
submitting  to  be  slaves,  to  continue  among  the  Israelites  ; is 
the  only  league,  which  it  is  supposed  might  be  made  with 
them.  But  even  this  does  not  appear  to  have  been  proposed 
to  them  beforehand. — Hivites.]  Marg.  Ref.  o. 

V.  8 — 11.  The  ambassadors  probably  meant  to  insinuate, 
that  the  Israelites  had  never  heard  the  name  of  their  country, 
because  of  its  great  distance  ; though  their  countrymen  had 
so  far  off  heard  the  report  of  the  works  which  God  had 
wrought  for  his  people,  in  desolating  Egypt  and  rescuing 
them,  and  in  destroying  before  them  the  kings  of  the  Amorites 
And  they  stated,  that  these  reports  had  so  impressed  their 
minds,  as  to  render  them  greatly  desirous  of  their  friendship; 
that  for  this  purpose  they  had  undertaken  a very  fatiguing 
journey ; and  that  the  nation  was  willing  to  become  the  tributa- 
ries of  Israel,  if  they  might  in  return  have  security  that  they 
should  not  be  destroyed  at  any  future  period,  by  their  increas- 
ing power  and  spreading  dominion. — At  the  same  time,  they 
artfully  avoided  mentioning  the  passage  of  Israel  over  Jordan, 
and  the  destruction  of  Jericho  and  Ai ; as  willing  it  should 
be  understood,  that  they  had  not  yet  heard  of  these  more 
recent  miracles  and  successes. — The  address  was  well 
calculated  to  insinuate  itself  into  the  minds  of  the  Israelites, 
who  would  doubtless  be  gratified  with  the  thought  of  being 
so  renowned,  that  their  power  was  dreaded,  and  their  friend- 
ship courted,  by  distp^t  nations  : while  the  favour  of  Joshua, 
and  of  the  more  pious  among  them,  would  be  conciliated  by 
the  respectful  mention  which  they  made  of  the  name  and 
works  of  Jehovah  ; especially  as  it  had  been  foretold  that 
these  miracles  should  produce  this  effect.  (Notes,  2 Sam. 
14:13—20.15:7—9.  Prov.  29:5.) 

V.  14,  15.  Joshua  and  the  chief  persons  in  Israel,  having 
examined  the  provisions  of  the  pretended  ambassadors,  hasthv 
concluded,  that  the  state  of  them  corroborated  the  account 
which  they  had  given  ; and  without  further  hesitation  entered 
into  league  with  them,  and  by  oath  engaged  that,  instead  of 
destroying,  they  would  protect  the  people  whom  they  repre- 
sented. This  precipitate  treaty,  entered  into  with  strangers 
( 399  > 


B.  C.  1450.  JOSHUA.  B.  C.  1456 


15  And  Joshua  bmade  peace  with  them,  and 
made  a league  with  them  to  let  them  live : and 
the  princes  oi  the  congregation  sware  unto  them. 

[Practical  Observations.] 

16  If  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  three 
days,  after  they  had  made  a league  with  them, 
"that  they  heard  that  they  were  their  neighbours, 
and  that  they  dwelt  among  them. 

17  And  the  children  of  Israel  journeyed,  and 
came  unto  their  cities  on  the  third  day.  Now 
their  cities  were  dGibeon,  and  Chephirah,  and 
Beeroth,  "and  Kiriath-jearim. 

18  And  the  children  of  Israel  smote  them  not, 
because  the  princes  of  the  congregation  f had 
sworn  unto  them  by  the  Lord  God  of  Israel. 
And  all  the  congregation  murmured  against  the 
princes. 

19  But  all  the  princes  said  unto  all  the  congre- 
gation, eWe  have  sworn  unto  them  by  the  Lord 
God  of  Israel : now  therefore,  we  may  not  touch 
them. 

20  This  we  will  do  to  them ; we  will  even  let 
them  live,  hlest  wrath  be  upon  us,  because  of  the 
oath  which  we  sware  unto  them. 

21  And  the  princes  said  unto  them,  Let  them 
live  ; but  'let  them  be  hewers  of  wood  and  drawers 

b2:12— 19.  6:22-25.  11:19.  Dent.  20:10,11.  2 Sam.  21:2.  Jer.  18:7,8.  c Prov. 
12:19.  d 10:2.  18:25—28.  I Chr.  21:29.  2Chr.  1:3.  Ezra 2:25.  Neh.  7:29.  e 15: 
9,60.  18:14.  1 Sam.  7:1.  1 Chr.  13:5,6.  2 Chr.  1:4.  f2  Sam.  21:7.  Ps.  15:4.  Ec. 
9:2.  g 20.  Ec.  8:2.  9:2.  Jer.  4:2.  h 2 Sam. 21 : 1— 6.  2 Chr.  36:13.  Prov.  20:25. 
Ez.  17:13—16.18,19.  Zech. 5:3,4.  Mai.  3:5.  Rom.  1:31.  1 Tim.  1:10.  i23.27. 

Deut.  29:11.  2 Chr.  2:18.  k See  on  15.  1 Gen.  3:13,14.  27:35,36,41—45.29:25. 


to  which  they  had  little  inducement  except  flattering  words 
and  fair  speeches,  showed  great  credulity  and  impolicy  : but 
the  chief  fault  of  Joshua  and  the  princes  was,  that  they  did 
not  ask  counsel  of  the  Lord,  in  a matter  of  such  importance, 
when  the  means  of  doing  so  were  always  present  with  them. 
(Note,  Num.  27:21) — It  does  not  however  appear,  that  it 
would  have  been  wrong,  if  they  had  received  the  submissions 
of  any  of  the  Canaanites  who  voluntarily  craved  mercy, 
professed  repentance,  and  renounced  idolatry  : and  therefore 
the  league  with  Gibeon  was  valid,  though  fraudulently  sought 
for,  and  impoliticly  entered  into. 

V.  17,  13,  The  people  seem  to  have  murmured,  because 
they  were  restrained  from  immediately  seizing  these  cities, 
and  plundering  them  : yet  they  at  length  possessed  them,  for 
we  find  them  mentioned  in  the  division  of  the  land.  ( Marg . 
Ref.  d,  e.) 

V.  19,  20.  Had  the  oath  engaged  the  princes  to  an  action 
tn  itself  unlawful,  it  would  not  have  been  binding : for  such 
an  oath  binds  him  who  has  taken  it  to  nothing  but  deep 
repentance  of  his  rashness  and  profaneness.  (Notes,  Matt. 
'.4:8 — 11.  Acts  23:12 — 22.)  But  it  was  not  in  itself  unlawful 
to  spare  the  lives  even  of  Canaanites,  in  such  circumstances. 
The  princes  had  indeed  been  imposed  upon  by  a false  pretext, 
but  they  had  solemnly  engaged  by  oath  to  the  deputies  of 
Gibeon,  that  they  would  let  their  people  live ; and  they  must 
not  violate  the  oath,  though  it  was  to  their  own  hurt.  (Ps. 
15:4.)  It  is  evident  that  God  approved  of  their  conduct  in 
this  respect,  and  was  displeased  with  Saul,  when  he  long 
afterwards  injured  the  Gibeonites.  (Note,  2 Sam.  21:1 — 3.) 
So  that  even  in  the  war,  which  by  special  commission  Israel 
waged  against  the  accursed  Canaanites,  the  infraction  of 
solemn  treaties,  and  the  violation  of  solemn  oaths,  were  by 
no  means  tolerated. — This  deserves  the  serious  consideration 
of  those  who  are  concerned  in  the  government  of  states  and 
kingdoms,  where  politicians  are  seldom  found  so  scrupulous 
as  these  princes  of  Israel,  when  interest,  and  popular  preju- 
dice or  clamour,  unite  to  tempt  them  to  break  through  their 
obligations.  And,  if  there  were  any  heretics,  more  certainly 
devoted  to  destruction  than  the  accursed  Canaanites ; none 
but  Antichrist  would  conclude,  that  no  faith  was  to  be  ob- 
served with  them,  or  that  the  most  solemn  oaths  sworn  to 
them  might  be  dispensed  with. 

y.  21 — 23.  The  original  curse  pronounced  upon  the 
descendants  of  Canaan  was,  that  they  should  be  “ the  ser- 
vants of  servants.”  (Note,  Gen.  9:24,25.)  If  the  Gibeonites, 
therefore,  would  have  their  lives  spared,  in  regard  to  the  oath 
of  God,  (which  was  all  that  was  expressly  engaged  for,)  they 
must  consent  to  become,  not  only  tributaries,  but  slaves  to 
Israel : especially  as  they  had  acted  deceitfully,  and  could 
not  expect  to  have  a treaty,  thus  obtained,  interpreted  in  any 
other  than  the  least  favourable  sense.  If  then  they  would 
consent  to  Income  “hewers  of  wood  and  drawers  of  water 
to  the  congregation,”  and  especially  to  the  priests  and  Levites 
at 't  he  house  of  God,  their  lives  should  be  spared. 

V.  24.  Whatever  the  sentiments  of  the  Canaanites  were 
concerning  Jehovah  and  his  people,  they  considered  Israel 
as  acting  according  to  the  command  of  their  God,  and  not 
merely  of  their  own  mind,  in  making  war  against  them  and 
seeking  to  exterminate  them.  Others  by  this  conviction  were 
Hardened  in  desperate  resistance,  but  the  Gibeonites  were 
induced  to  form  a project  for  escaping.  This  by  no  means 
( 400  ) 


of  water  unto  all  the  congregation ; kas  the  princes 
had  promised  them. 

22  And  Joshua  called  for  them,  and  he  spake 
unto  them,  saying,  'Wherefore  have  ye  beguiled  us, 
saying,  “We  are  very  far  from  you  ; when  ye 
dwell  among  us  ? 

23  Now  therefore  ye  are  "cursed ; and  there 
shall  'none  of  you  be  freed  from  being  bondmen 
and  "hewers  of  wood  and  drawers  of  water  for 
the  house  of  my  God. 

24  And  they  answered  Joshua,  and  said. 
Because  it  was  certainly  told  thy  servants,  hovv 
that  fthe  Lord  thy  God  commanded  his  servant 
Moses  to  give  you  all  the  land,  and  to  destroy  all 
the  inhabitants  of  the  land  from  before  you,  there- 
fore %e  were  sore  afraid  of  our  lives  because  of 
you,  and  have  done  this  thing. 

25  And  now,  behold,  rwe  are  in  thine  hand : Sas  it 
seemeth  good  and  right  unto  thee  to  do  unto  us,  do. 

26  And  go  did  he  unto  them,  and  delivered 
them  out  of  the  hand  of  the  children  of  Israel, 
that  they  slew  them  not. 

27  And  Joshua  'made  them  that  day  hewers  of 
wood  and  drawers  of  water  for  the  congregation 
and  for  the  altar  of  the  Lord,  even  unto  this  day, 
"in  the  place  which  he  should  chopse. 

2 Cor.  11:3.  m6,9,10.  n Sec  on  Gen.  9:25,26.  Lee.  27:28,29.  -Heb.nolie 
cut  off" from  you.  o21,27.  p Ex.  23:31— S3  Num.  33:51,52,55,56.  Deut.  7:1,2. 
23,24  . 20:15—17.  q Job  2:4.  Matt.  10:2?  r Oen.  16:6.  Jude.  3:15.  2 Sam.  24: 
14.  Is.  47:6.  Jer.  26:14.  38:5.  sJudg,10:15  1 Sam.  3:18.  Malt.  11:26.  t21, 

23.  1 Chr.  9:2.  Ezra  2:43.  8:20.  Neh.  7:60.  II -3.  Nefkinim.  u 18:1.  Deut.  12« 
5.  16:2,6,16.  2 Chr.  6:6.  Ps.  78:68.  132:13,14.  Iy.  14:32. 


consists  with  the  supposition,  that  peace  had  before  been 
offered  to  the  Canaanites,  and  that  the  Gibeonites  having 
once  refused  to  accede  to  it,  were  afterwards  driven  to  adopt 
the  measure  here  recorded.  (Note,  1,2.) 

V.  25,  26.  The  terms  proposed  must  have  appeared 
exceedingly  humiliating  and  rigorous,  when  we  consider  that 
u Gibeon  was  as  one  of  the  royal  cities,  and  all  the  men 
thereof  were  mighty,”  (10:2.)  and  that  not  even  the  chief 
persons  were  excepted  : and  this  forms  a considerable  proof, 
that  the  principal  men,  at  least,  were  actuated  by  faith  and  the 
fear  of  God.  It  seems  there  was  considerable  difficulty  at 
first,  in  protecting  the  Gibeonites  from  the  violence  of  the 
people,  who  were  greatly  dissatisfied  with  the  conduct  of  the 
princes  ; but  the  firmness  and  harmony  of  the  latter,  and  the 
manner  in  which  they  concluded  the  transaction,  at  length 
satisfied  all  concerned. 

V.  27.  The  cities  and  lands  of  the  Gibeonites  were  ceded 
to  Israel : and  the  people  were  made  the  servants  of  the 
priests  and  Levites,  to  do  the  meanest  and  hardest  work 
belonging  -to  the  sanctuary  ; and  probably  were  afterwards 
distinguished  by  the  name  of  Nethinim , or  dedicated  persons* 
(Note,  1 Chr.  9:2.)  Thus  the  matter  was  settled  to  the  satis- 
faction of  all  parties  : and  the  people  were  gratified  with 
having  the  estates  of  the  Gibeonites,  and  the  benefit  of  their 
services  in  the  sanctuary,  and,  while  they  continued  together 
for  themselves  also.  The  priests  and  Levites  had  a valuable 
acquisition,  and  would  not  only  be  exempted  from  much  hard 
labour,  but  set  at  liberty  to  attend  more  devotedly  to  their 
proper  work.  The  Gibeonites  preserved  their  lives  : and 
though  laid  under  a present  rebuke  for  their  prevarication ; the 
appointment  was  overruled  for  their  great  advantage,  by 
their  being  brought  into  the  courts  of  the  Lord,  and  employed 
so  favourably  for  the  good  of  their  souls : and  instead  of  being 
destroyed,  as  accursed  from  God , they  were  admitted  into 
his  service  as  wholly  devoted  to  him . — The  transaction  had 
also  a very  favourable  aspect  upon  the  Gentile  nations,  and 
pre-intimated  their  admission  into  the  church. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 15.  While  the  people  of  God  are  most  zealously 
engaged  in  devotion,  their  enemies  are  peculiarly  instigated 
by  Satan  to  confederate  against  them  : but  they  who  asso- 
ciate against  such  as  are  earnest  in  serving  the  Lord,  will 
only  the  more  speedily  be  broken  in  pieces.  (Note,  Is.  8: 
9,10.)  The  conduct  of  the  enemies  of  true  religion  is  indeed 
both  hateful  and  infatuated:  yet.  their  unanimity  might  often 
suggest  a profitable  hint  to  Christians;  to  shame  them  out  of 
their  intestine  contentions,  and  instruct  them  to  unite  in 
opposing  the  incursions  of  the  common  enemy. — Flattering 
words,  and  plausible  pretences  to  piety,  often  induce  even 
wise  and  good  men  too  easily  to  lay  aside  suspicion,  and 
oven  to  give  countenance  to  impostures:  nor  do  any  act  pru- 
dently, who  are  so  hasty  in  their  measures,  as  not  to  take  time 
for  consulting  the  Lord. — It  is  an  unspeakable  blessing  to  be 
under  the  government  of  those  who  fear  God,  and  are  anxious 
to  avert  his  impending  wrath  from  a guilty  land,  and  to  adopt 
decisive  measures  for  that  purpose  j since  these  will  gene- 
rally escape,  when  others  are  hurried  on /into  destruction 
by  hardened,  obstinate,  and  atheistical  rulers.  For  the 
same  warnings  and  promises  of  God’s  word,  and  the  same 
reports  of  his  mercy  to  his  people  and  judgments  upon 
his  enemies,  which  move  some  to  14  flee  from  the  wrath  to 


B. c.  1450. 

CHAPTER  X. 

Five  kings  war  against  Gibeon,  1 — 5.  Ai  the  request  of  the  Gibeonites  Joshua 
goes  to  assist  them;  and,  being  encouraged  bu  God,  he  routes  the  enemy 
with  great  slaughter;  while  still  greater  numbers  are  destroyed  by  hail- 
stones,  6—11.  At  Joshua's  word  the  sun  and  moon  stand  still,  1‘2— 15.  Ike 
hot  kings  are  discovered  in  a care,  and  shut  up  there , till  at  length  they  are 
ignominious ly put  to  death,  16 — 27.  Makkedah,  Libnah,  Lachish,  hglon, 
Hebron,  and  Debir,  a>  e taken  and  destroyed , with  the  king  of  Gcxer,and 
many  others,  ‘28 — 42.  The  army  returns  to  Gilgal,  43. 

NOW  it  came  to  pass,  when  nAdoni-zedek  king 
of  Jerusalem  had  heard  how  Joshua  had 
taken  Ai,  and  had  utterly  destroyed  it : (bas  he 
had  done  to  Jericho  and  her  king,  so  he  had  done 
to  Ai  and  her  king;  and  chow  the  inhabitants  of 
Gibeon  had  made  peace  with  Israel,  and  were 
among  them  ; 

2  That  dthey  feared  greatly,  because  Gibeon 
was  a great  city,  as  one  of  “the  'royal  cities,  and 
because  it  teas  greater  than  Ai,  and  all  the  men 
thereof  were  mighty. 

3  Wherefore  Adoni-zedek  fking  of  Jerusalem, 
sent  unto  Hoham  king  of  sHebron,  and  unto 
Piram  king  of  Jarmuth,  and  unto  Japhia  king  of 
hLachish,  and  unto  Debir  king  of  Eglon,  saying, 

4  Come  up  unto  me,  'and  help  me,  that  kwe  may 
smite  Gibeon : for  it  hath  made  peace  with  Joshua, 
and  with  the  children  of  Israel. 

a Gen.  14:18.  Heb.  7:1,2.  b 6:21.3:2,22— 29.  c 9:15— 27.  11:19,20.  0 2:9 — 13, 
J4.  Ex.  15:14—16.  Dent.  11:25.  28:10.  Ps.48:4— 6.  Prov.  1:26,27.  10:24.  Heb. 
10:27,31.  Rev.  6:15 — 17.  el  Sam.  27:5.  2 Sam.  12:26.  * Heb.  cities  of  the 

kingdom,  fl, 5.  12:10-13.  15:35,39,54,63.18:28.  g 14:15.  Gen.  23:2.  37: 14. 
Num.  13:22.  2 Sam.  2:11.  h2  Kings  18:14,17.  2 Chr.  11:9.  Mic.  1:13.  i Is.  8: 
9,10.  41:5—7.  Acts  19:24—27.  21:28.  Rev.  16:14.  20:8—10  k 9:15.  Matt.  16: 
24.  John  15:19.  16:2,3.  Acts  9:23.  2 Tim.  3:12.  Jam.  4:4.  1 Pet.  4:4.  1 6.  See 

come,”  and  to  seek  shelter  from  the  threatening  storm,  only 
increase  the  enmity  and  desperation  of  others. — When  the 
consciences  of  sinners  are  first  alarmed  with  the  dread  of 
wrath,  and  filled  with  the  anguish  of  remorse,  they  are 
generally  actuated  by  a “ spirit  of  bondage  ( Note,  Rom. 
8:14 — 17.)  and  being  greatly  ignorant  of  God,  of  his  law, 
and  his  gospel  of  rich  grace  abounding  even  to  the  chief 
of  sinners,  they  frequently  seek  relief  by  such  methods  as 
only  serve  to  increase  their  guilt  ; and  their  carnal  contri- 
vances, and  false  dependences,  are  seldom  free  from  assumed 
appearances  and  hypocritical  pretences,  by  which  they 
attempt  to  impose  upon  others,  and  do  actually  impose  upon 
themselves.  Yet  when  there  is  an  evident  earnestness  to 
escape  the  wrath  of  God,  we  may  confidently  expect  a happy 
event ; that  which  began  with  a large  mixture  of  evil,  may 
yet  end  well ; and  sinners,  who  were  under  an  awful  curse, 
may.become  blessed  and  a blessing. 

V.  16 — 27.  Tile  Lord  Jesus  (the  true  Joshua)  sees 
through  every  disguise  ami  abhors  all  iniquity ; yet  he  will 
not  reject  sinners,  either  on  account  of  former  crimes,  or  of 
the  manifest  evil  which  pollutes  their  endeavours  for  salva- 
tion. But  he  will  reprove  them,  and  convince  them  of  their 
guilt ; he  will  bring  them  to  repentance,  and  shame  them  out 
of  their  secret  hypocrisy ; he  will  teach  them  to  trust  in  his 
mercy  alone  ; he  will  save  their  souls  and  make  them  his 
servants  : and  though  he  correct  them  for  their  sins,  or  allot 
them  a low  station  and  hard  service  in  his  church  ; yet  he  will 
teach  them  to  acquiesce,  and  be  thankful,  and  readily  to  say, 
“ Behold,  we  are  in  thy  hand : as  it  seemeth  good  and  right 
unto  thee  to  do  unto  us,  do.”  And  indeed,  to  exchange  the 
highest  station  in  the  world,  for  the  meanest  place  among  the 
servants  and  in  the  courts  of  the  Lord,  though  it  appears  a 
degradation,  apd  is  a trial,  will  in  due  time  be  found  to  be 
very  great  preferment.  (Note,  Ps.  84:10.)  But  he  overrules 
many  things  for  his  own  glory,  and  the  advantage  of  his 
church,  which  are  not  done  according  to  his  commandments, 
and  consequently  are  not  examples  for  us  to  imitate. — 
Though  we  have  been  imposed  upon,  we  must  not  think  our- 
selves at  liberty  to  retaliate  : solemn  engagements  made,  even 
to  our  hurt,  must  be  conscientiously  adhered  to : and  much 
allowance  should  be  made  for  those  whose  minds  are  dis- 
quieted with  the  fear  of  impending  ruin,  and  who  have  not 
enjoyed  the  advantage  of  good  instruction. — But  if  men,  in 
order  to  save  their  lives,  are  considered  as  acting  reasonably, 
when  they  renounce  all  their  interests,  stoop  to  any  conces- 
sions, accept  of  any  terms,  and  become  willing  to  endure 
any  hardships:  how  reasonable  is  it,  that  we  should  be  influ- 
enced by  the  fear  of  eternal  punishment,  and  the  hope  of 
everlasting  life,  to  renounce  the  world,  mortify  our  lusts,  deny 
ourselves,  and  submit  to  the  cross  ; to  humble  and  abase  our- 
selves in  the  very  dust  before  God ; and  to  “ count  all  but 
dung,  that  we  may  win  Christ  and  be  found  in  him  1”  (Note, 
Phil.  3:8 — 11.)  that  we  should  be  in  haste  to  have  the  cove- 
nant of  peace  ratified  to  our  souls  ; to  cut  off  the  offending 
limb,  and  to  pluck  out  the  offending  eye  ; and  in  short,  to 
yield  up  ourselves  to  the  Lord  without  reserve,  craving  only 
that  our  souls  may  be  saved,  and  that  he  would  make  us  his 
servants,  though  in  the  lowest  place,  and  amidst  the  greatest 
hardships  ! In  coming  thus  to  the  Saviour,  we  do  not  pro- 
ceed upon  a peradventure : we  are  invited  to  draw  nigh,  and 
are  assured  that  “ whosoever  cometh  unto  him,  he  will  in  no- 
wise oast  out.”  But  let  us  take  heed,  that  we  come  and 
Voi.  I. — 51 


B.  C.  1450 

5 Therefore  the  five  'kings  of  the  Amorites, 
the  king  of  Jerusalem,  the  king  of  Hebron,  the 
king  of  Jarmuth,  the  kins;  of  Lachish,  the  king  of 
Eglon,  gathered  themselves  together,  and  went 
up,  they  and  all  their  hosts,  and  encamped  before 
Gibeon,  and  made  war  against  it. 

6 And  the  men  of  Gibeon  sent  unto  Joshua  mto 
the  camp  to  Gilgal,  saying,  "Slack  not  thy  hand 
“from  thy  servants;  come  up  to  us  quickly,  and 
save  us,  and  help  us : for  all  the  kings  of  the 
Amorites  that  dwell  in  the  Pmountaiiis  are  gathered 
together  against  us. 

7 So  iJoshua  ascended  from  Gilgal,  he,  and  all 
the  people  of  war  with  him,  and  all  the  mighty 
men  of  valour. 

8 And  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua,  "fear  them 
not;  for  I have  delivered  them  into  thine  hand  : 
there  shall  not  a man  of  them  stand  before  thee. 

9 Joshua  therefore  came  unto  them  suddenly, 
and  went  up  from  Gilgal  "all  night. 

10  And  ‘the  Lord  discomfited  theih  before 
Israel,  and  slew  them  with  a great  slaughter  “at 
Gibeon,  and  chased  them  along  the  way  that 
goeth  up  to  xBeth-horon,  and  smote  them  to  vAze- 
kah,  and  unto  zMakkedah. 


on  9:1,2.  Gen.  15:16.  m5:10.  9:6.  n 2 Kings 4:24 . o9:15.24,25.  Is.  33:22. 

n 21:11.  Dent.  1:15.  Ps.  125:2.  Luke  1:39.  q Is.  8:12,14.  r 1:5— 9.  8:1.  11:6. 
Dent.  3:2.  20:1—1.  Jurig.  4:14.  Ps.  27:1,2.  Is.  41:10— 15.  Rom.  8:31.  s 1 Sam. 
11:9— 11.  Prov.  22:29.  24:11— 12.  Ec.  9:10.  2 Tim.  2:3.  4:2.  I 11:8.  Judg.  4l 
15.  1 Sam.  7:10—12.  2 Chr.  14:12.  Ps.  18:14.  44:3.  78:55.  u 0.28:21.  X 16:3, 
5.  21:22.  1 Sam.  13:18.  y 11.  15:35.  Jer.  34:7.  z 28.  12:16.  15:41. 


cleave  to  the  Lord  with  an  upright  heart.  We  hope  indeed 
that  many  of  the  Gibeonites  were  true  believers,  though  not 
native  Israelites : but  we  are  sure  that  many  who  preach,  and 
write,  and  labour  very  diligently,  and  even  usefully  to  others, 
are  only  “hewers  of  wood  and  drawers  of  water  to  the  con- 
gregation of  the  Lord,”  and  have  no  inheritance  in  Israel, 
but  are  theifiselves  castaways. 

NOTES. — Ciiap.  X.  V.  1 — 5.  Adoni-zedek  signifies 
the  lord  of  righteousness,  and  this  king  was  probably  a 
descendant,  as  well  as  successor  of  Melchizedek,  “ the  king  ol 
righteousness ;”  though  he  retained  nothing  of  his  progenitor’s 
piety,  but  the  mere  name  which  his  conduct  belied.  It  cannot 
reasonably  be  doubted,  that  Jerusalem  was  the  same  place  as 
Salem  : (Notes,  Gen.  14:18 — 20.  Ps.  76:2.)  and  some  think 
it  obtained  the  name  Jerusalem,  about  the  time  when  Israel 
invaded  Canaan.— The  kings,  whose  dominions  lay  further 
north,  as  well  as  those  in  the  south,  had  confederated  against 
Israel,  and  probably  were  collecting  their  forces  for  a general 
assault:  (Note,  9:1,2.)  but  the  report  of  Gibeon’s  alliance 
with  Joshua,  induced  these  five  kings,  whose  territories  lay  in 
the  south,  and  near  to  the  encampment  of  Israel,  dreading 
the  consequences  of  such  an  example,  and  desirous  of  re- 
venge, to  attack  the  Gibeonites,  separately  and  in  haste, 
that  they  might  crush  them,  and  intimidate  others  from  imi- 
tating them ; and  that  so  they  might  be  afterwards  the  more  at 
liberty  to  attack  the  Israelites  : but  they  only  accelerated  and 
facilitated  their  own  destruction. — Jericho  and  Ai  seem  to 
have  been  the  key  of  the  land;  but  Gibeon  was  a larger  city, 
and  its  inhabitants  far  more  numerous  and  powerful. — The 
Gibeonites  were  among  the  Israelites,  as  allied  to  them 
and  under  their  protection ; but  not  as  living  in  their  camp  or 
quarters. 

V.  6.  The  Gibeonites  confided  in  Joshua  and  Israel,  that 
they  would  come  to  the  defence  of  those,  whom  they  had  admit- 
ted to  be  their  servants;  for  subjection  entitles  to  protection: 
and  they  so  confided  in  the  God  of  Israel,  that  they  did  not  doubt 
of  their  success  in  the  expedition.  But  they  informed  Joshua 
that  no  time  was  to  be  lost. — The  Amorites  were  the  most 
powerful  of  the  distinct  tribes  inhabiting  Canaan  ; and  there- 
fore all  the  inhabitants  are  sometimes  called  by  that,  general 
name.  For  Hebron  was  occupied  by  Hittites,  and  Jerusalem 
byjebusites  ; and  even  the  people  of  Gibeon,  who  are  gene- 
rally called  Hivites,  are  also  said  to  be  “ of  the  remnant  of 
the  Amorites.”  (2  Sam.  21:2.) 

V.  7.  The  headquarters  of  Israel  were  still  at  Gilgal. 

43.  Note,  5:10.)  There  Joshua  left  the  unarmed  multitude,. 

oubtless  with  a sufficient  guard  ; and  marched,  with  the  men 
of  the  most  approved  valour,  to  defend  the  Gibeonites  against 
the  kings  of  Canaan. 

V.  8.  The  enemies  hitherto  encountered  were  of  small 
force,  compared  with  the  troops  of  these  combined  kings  ; 
and  therefore  the  Lord  encouraged  Joshua  by  the  assurance 
of  a complete  victory. 

V.  9,  10.  Joshua  was  an  able  commander  ; his  army  con- 
sisted of  “ mighty  men  of  valour  ;”  his  measures  were  con- 
certed with  prudence,  and  executed  with  vigour  and  despatch  ; 
he  marched  all  night,  attacked  the  enemy  at  unawares,  and 
doubtless  his  troops  behaved  well:  yet  the  whole  victory  is 
ascribed  to  the  Lord.  (Notes,  Ps.  44:1 — 3.  144:1,10.) — 
Their  prudence,  courage,  and  strength  were  his  gift;  he  inti- 
midated and  confounded  their  enemies,  and  he  rendered  their 
measures  successful 

( 401  ) 


CHAPTER  X. 


B.  C.  1450. 


JOSHUA. 


B.  C.  145a 


U And  it  came  to  pass  as  they  fled  from  before 
Israel,  and  were  in  the  going  down  to  Beth-horon, 
that  "the  Lord  cast  down  great  stones  from 
heaven  upon  them  unto  Azekah,  and  they  died : 
they  were  more  which  died  with  hailstones,  than 
they  whom  the  children  of  Israel  slew  with  the 
sword. 

12  Then  spake  Joshua  to  the  Lord,  in  the  day 
when  the  Lord  delivered  up  the  Amorites  before 
the  children  of  Israel,  and  he  said  in  the  sight  of 
Israel,  bSun,  "stand  thou  still  upon  Gibeon ; and 
thou  Moon,  in  the  valley  of  cAjalon. 

13  And  the  sun  stood  still,  and  the  moon 
stayed,  duntil  the  people  had  avenged  themselves 
upon  their  enemies.  Is  not  this  written  in  the 
book  of  Masher?  So  ethe  sun  stood  still  in  the 
midst  of  heaven,  and  hasted  not  to  go  down  about 
a whole  day. 

14  And  f there  was  no  day  like  that,  before  it  or 
after  it,  that  ethe  Lord  hearkened  unto  the  voice 
of  a man  : hfor  the  Lord  fought  for  Israel. 

15  And  'Joshua  returned,  and  all  Israel  with 

him,  UntO  the  Camp  tO  Gilgal.  [Practical  Observations.] 

16  if  But  these  five  kings  fled,  kand  hid  them- 
selves ‘in  a cave  at  Makkedah. 

17  And  it  was  told  Joshua,  saying,  The  five 
kings  are  found  hid  in  a cave  at  Makkedah. 

18  And  Joshua  said,  '"Roll  great  stones  upon 
the  mouth  of  the  cave,  and  set  men  by  it  for  to 
keep  them ; 

19  And  "stay  ye  not,  hut  pursue  after  your 
enemies,  and  tsmi'te  the  hindmost  of  them;  "suffer 
them  not  to  enter  into  theii*-  cities  : for  the  Lord 
your  God  hath  delivered  them  into  your  hand. 


a Gen.  19:24.  Judg.  5:20.  Ps.  11:6.  18:12,13.  77:17.18.  Is.  28:2  . 3(1:30.  En.  13: 
11.  Rev. 11:19.  16:21.  b See  on  13.  Dent.  4:19.  1 7.3.  Job  9:7.  *1  26,27.  Ps.  19; 
4.  74:16.  148:3.  Is.  28:21.  38:8.  60:20.  Ain.8:9.  Hab.3:ll.  • Heb.  be  silent. 
Hab.  2:20.  marg.  Zech.2:13.  c 19:42.  Judg-  12:12.  Aijalon.  d Niim.31:2. 
Judg.  5:2.  16:28.  F,sth.8:13.  Luke  18:7.  Rev.  6:10.  1 Or,  the  w eight . Num. 

21:14.  2 Sam.  1:18.  ell, 14.  Ps.I9:4.  74:16,17.  136:7—9.  148:3.  Is. 24:23.  Joel 
2:10,31.  3:15.  Matt.  5:45.  24:29.  Acts  2:20.  Rev.  6:12.  8:12.  16:8.9.  21:23. 
f 2 Kings  20:10,11.  Is.  38:8.  g Zech.  4:6,7.  Matt.  21:21,22.  Mark  1 1 :22— 24. 
Luke  17:6.  b 42.  23:3.  Deut.  1:30.  i 6,43.  k Ps.  48:4— 6.  139:7—10.  Is.  2:10 
—12.  Am.  9:2,3.  Rev.  6:15-17.  lJudg.6:2.  1 Sam.  13:6.  Is.  2:19-22.  24:21, 


V.  II.  Hailstones  of  an  enormous  size  were  showered 
down  from  above,  and  directed  in  so  extraordinary  a manner 
by  the  Lord  himself,  that  they  smote  and  slew  the  fugitive  Ca- 
naanites  in  great  multitudes,  but  did  not  fall  upon  any  of  their 
pursuers!  (Marg.  Ref . Notes,  Ex.  9:33.  Rev.  16:17 — 21.) 

V.  12 — 14.  Joshua  doubtless  ac^ed,  on  this  occasion,  by 
an  immediate  impulse  upon  his  mind  from  the  Spirit  of  God. 
He  first  41  spake  to  the  Lord”  in  earnest  prayer ; and  then  to 
the  sun  and  moon,  as  by  authority  from  him,  commanding 
those  luminaries  to  stay  their  course.  This  he  did  publicly 
before  all  Israel,  that  they  might  hear  the  charge  which  he 
gave,  and  observe  the  obedience  of  these  heavenly  bodies.  It 
would  have  been  improper  either  that  he  should  speak,  or  that 
the  miracle  should  be  recorded,  according  to  the  terms  of 
modern  astronomy.  The  sun  appeared  to  the  Israelites  over 
Gibeon,  and  the  moon  over  the  valley  of  Ajalon,  which  is  sup- 
posed to  have  been  situated  in  a different  direction  : and  there 
they  appeared  to  be  stayed  in  their  course  for  44  a whole  day 
either  for  the  space  of  about  twelve  or  fourteen  hours,  or  for 
the  time  of  one  diurnal  revolution. — Many  inquiries  have  been 
made  concerning  the  way  in  which  this  miracle  was  wrought, 
and  many  difficulties  and  objections  have  been  urged  against 
understanding  it  literally.  But  the  fact,  as  far  as  we  are  concern- 
ed about  it,  is  authenticated  by  the  divine  testimony;  and  the 
manner  in  which  it  was  accomplished,  lies  entirely  out  of  our 
province,  because  beyond  our  discovery  and  comprehension. 
44  Is  any  thing  too  hard  for  the  Lord  ?”  This  question  forms 
a sufficient  answer  to  ten  thousand  difficulties,  which  puny 
objectors,  under  the  assumed  title  of  philosophers,  have  in 
every  age  been  starting  against  the  truth  of  God  in  his  writ- 
ten word.  (Note,  Gen.  7:10 — 12.) — As  there  are  no  records 
of  profane  history  so  ancient  as  this  event,  it  cannot  be  any 
cause  for  wonder,  that.  Pagan  authors  have  not  mentioned  it. 
Yet  some  intimation  of  it  seems  given  in  the  fable  of  Phaeton 
driving  the  chariot  of  the  Sun,  and  throwing  all  things  into 
disorder,  so  that  there  was  one  day  wholly  unlike  all  before 
or  after  it. — This  extraordinary  miracle  not  only  gave  Israel 
an  opportunity  of  completing  their  victory,  but  rendered  Joshua 
honourable  in  the  eyes  of  all  the  people  ; and  both  him  and 
them  terrible  to  the  surrounding  nations.  It  was  also  a pub- 
lic attestation,  that  the  God  of  Israel  was  the  Lord  of  the 
whole  earth,  and  of  the  heavens:  and  a protest  against  idola- 
try ; whilst  the  sun  and  moon,  the  worship  of  which  formed 
the  most  ancient  and  plausible  kind  of  idolatry,  were  obedient 
to  the  commands  of  the  servants  of  Jehovah,  the  God  of 
Israel.  (Note,  Deut.  4:19.) — The  book  of  Jasher  seems  to 
have  been  a collection  of  records  or  poems,  concerning  the 
chic/  events  of  the  wars  of  Israel.  In  this  collection,  it  is 

( 402  ) 


20  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Joshua,  and  the 
children  of  Israel  rhad  made  an  end  of  slaying' 
them  with  a very  great  slaughter,  till  they  were 
consumed,  that  the  rest  which  remained  of  them 
entered  into  fenced  cities. 

21  And  all  the  people  returned  ito  the  camp  to 
Joshua  at  Makkedah  in  peace ; "none  moved  his 
tongue  against  any  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

22  Then  said  .Joshua,  "Open  the  mouth  of  the 
cave,  and  bring  out  those  five  kings  unto  me  out 
of  the  cave. 

23  And  they  did  so,  and  brought  forth  those 
five  kings  unto  him  out  of  the  cave,  'the  king  of 
Jerusalem,  the  king  of  Hebron,  the  king  of  Jar- 
muth,  the  king  of  Laehish,  and  the  king  of  Eglon. 

24  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  they  brought  out 
those  kings  unto  Joshua,  that  Joshua  called  for  all 
the  men  of  Israel,  and  said  unto  the  captains  ot 
the  men  of  war  which  went  with  him,  Come  near, 
"put  your  feet  upon  the  necks  of  these  kings. 
And  they  came  near,  and  put  their  feet  upon  the 
necks  of  them. 

25  And  Joshua  said  unto  them,  "Fear  not,  nor 
be  dismayed,  be  strong  and  of  good  courage  : for 
nhus  shall  the  Lord  do  to  all  your  enemies  against 
whom  ye  fight. 

26  And  afterward  'Joshua  smote  them,  and 
slew  them,  and  "hanged  them  on  five  trees:  and 
they  were  hanged  upon  the  trees  until  the  even- 
ing. 

27  And  it  came  to  pass,  at  the  time  of  the 
going  down  of  the  sun,  that  Joshua  commanded, 
and  bthey  took  them  down  oft’  the  trees,  and  cast 
them  into  the  cave  wherein  they  had  been  hid, 


22.  Mic.  7:17.  m 22.  Judg.  9:46-49.  Job  21:30.  Am.  5:19.  9:1.  Mall.  27:66. 
n Ps.  18:37 — 41.  Jet".  48:10.  J Heb.  cut  off  the  tail.  Is.  9:14,15.  o 20.  2Snm. 
17:13.  20:6.  Jer.  8:14.  p 10.  8:24.  2 Chr.  13:17.  q 15— 17.  r Ex.  11:7.  Ii. 
54.7.57:4.  s See  on  16— 18.  t See  on  1,3,5.  u Deut.  33:29.  Judg.  8:20.  Ps. 
2:8—12.91:13.  107:40.110:1,5.149:8,9.  Is. 26:5,6  . 60:11,12.  Mai.  4:3.  Ron*. 
16:20.  Rev.  2:26,27.  x See  on  1:9.  Deut.  31 :6— 8.  1 Sam.  17:37.  Ps.  63:9.  77; 
11.  2 Cor.  1:10.  2 Tim.  4:17,18.  y See  on  Dent.  3:21 ,22.  7:19.  z J»dg.8:2l. 
1 Sam.  15:33.  a 8:29.  Num.  25:4.  Deut.  21 :2"2,23.  2 Sam.  21:6,9.  Esth.  2:23. 
7:9,10.  Matt. 27:5.  Gal.  3:13.  b2Sam.  18:17. 


probable,  there  were  further  particulars  concerning  this  mira- 
cle : or  a poem  on  the  occasion,  well  known  among  the  Israel- 
ites. (Notes,  Num.  21:11 — 15.  2 Sam.  1:18.) 

V.  15.  It  cannot  be  supposed  that  Joshua  would  march 
his  army  twenty  or  thirty  miles  in  the  midst  of  victory,  just 
after  the  above-mentioned  miracle  had  been  wrought,  to  give 
them  time  to  complete  the  destruction  of  their  enemies.  (19) 
This  verse  therefore  forms  an  evident  interruption  of  the  nar- 
rative ; it  is  not  found  in  some  versions  ; it  is  verbatim  the 
same  as  the  last  verse  of  the  chapter;  and  probably  was  in- 
serted here  by  the  error  of  some  ancient  transcribers. 

V.  16 — 18.  The  kings  escaped  the  hailstones  and  the 
sword,  only  to  be  reserved  to  a more  ignominious  death.  For 
the  cave,  in  which  they  took  shelter,  became  first  their  prison, 
and  then  their  grave.  (27.  Notes,  8:29.  2 Kings  19:36,37.) 

V.  20.  A few  stragglers  escaped  the  general  carnage,  and 
got  refuge  in  the  fenced  cities,  but  were  soon  followed  thither 
and  destroyed.  Some,  however,  might  flee  to  fenced  cities 
farther  to  the  north  of  the  land,  and  at  length  to  Tyre  or  Zi- 
don;  and  so  finally  escape  the  slaughter.  It  is  probable  that 
numbers,  in  the  more  northern  regions,  thus  fled  from  the 
sword  of  Israel ; and  produced  a superabundance  of  inhabit- 
ants in  those  ancient  cities,  which  made  way  for  the  colonies 
being  sent  into  Africa,  which  ancient  history  records ; and 
from  which  Carthage  especially  arose,  the  powerful  but  un- 
successful rival  of  Rome.  (Note,  Gen.  9:24,25.) 

V.  21.  Probably,  a camp  was  prepared  at  Makkedah,  for 
the  reception  and  accommodation  of  the  army  after  the  vic- 
tory, in  consequence  of  the  kings  being  imprisoned  in  the  cave 
near  to  it. — No  mention  is  made  of  any  Israelite  having  been 
killed,  missing,  or  wounded ; though  we  are  particularly  in- 
formed of  the  thirty-six  men  who  were  slain  before  Ai:  but 
all  are  said  to  have  returned  in  peace  to  the  camp.  (Notes, 
7:3 — 5.  Num.  31:48 — 54.)  It.  may  therefore  be  concluded, 
that  every  one  was  preserved : and  the  victory  was  so  com- 
plete, that  there  was  none  who  dared  so  much  as  to  speak  a 
word  in  contempt  or  reproach  of  the  Israelites.  (Note,  Ex. 
11:7.) 

V.  24,  25.  This  action  of  the  captains  was  not  intended 
as  a personal  insult  to  the  kings;  but  they  subscribed,  as  it 
were,  their  condemnation  as  the  haidenea  enemies  of  God, 
and  doomed  by  him  to  ignominy  and  destruction  : as  rejoicing 
in  his  victory  and  triumph  over  them,  and  as  taking  encourage- 
ment respecting  the  remaining  kings  of  Canaan.  (Marg, 
Ref.  u,  x.) — The  transaction  was  evidently  typical  of  the 
conquests  of  the  Redeemer,  as  rejoiced  in  by  his  peoplo  ; who, 
in  overcoming  their  spiritual  enemies  by  his  help,  anticipate 
that  glorious  season,  when  all  his  and  theii  bos  sha'1  bo  put 


B.  C.  1450. 


CHAPTER  X. 


B.  C.  1450. 


and  laid  great  stones  in  the  cave’s  mouth,  which 
remain  'until  this  very  day, 

28  ^1  And  that  day  Joshua  took  Makkedah,  and 
smote  it  with  the  edge  of  the  sword,  and  the  king 
thereof  he  utterly  destroyed,  dthem,  and  all  the 
souls  that  were  therein  ; he  let  none  remain  : 'and 
he  did  to  the  king  of  Makkedah  as  he  did  unto  the 
.ring  of  Jericho. 

29  Then  Joshua  passed  from  Makkedah,  and 
all  Israel  with  him,  unto  (Libnah,  and  fought 
against  Libnah : 

30  And  the  Lord  delivered  it  also,  and  the 
king  thereof,  into  the  hand  of  Israel ; and  he  smote 
it  with  the  edge  of  the  sword,  and  all  the  souls 
tha)  xeere  therein:  he  let  none  remain  in  it;  but 
did  unto  the  king  thereof  =as  he  did  unto  the  king 
of  Jericho. 

31  And  Joshua  passed  from  Libnah,  and  all 
Israel  with  him,  unto  hLachish,  and  encamped 
against  it,  and  fought  against  it : 

32  And  the  Lord  delivered  Lachish  into  the 
hand  of  Israel,  which  took  it  on  the  second  day, 
and  smote  it  with  the  edge  of  the  sword,  and  all 
the  souls  that  were  therein,  according  to  all  that 
he  had  done  to  Libnah. 

33  Then  Horam  king  of  'Gezer  came  up  to 
help  Lachish:  and  Joshua  smote  him  and  his 
people,  until  he  had  left  him  none  remaining. 

34  And  from  Lachish  Joshua  passed  unto 
kEglon,  and  all  Israel  with  him,  and  they  encamped 
against  it,  and  fought  against  it: 

35  And  they  took  it  'on  that  day,  and  smote  it 
with  the  edge  of  the  sword  ; and  all  the  souls  that 

;Secon4-9.  7:23.  d 32,3.3.37,39.  6:21.  Dent.  7:2,16. 20:16,17.  Ps. 21:8,9.  110: 
1.  Luke  19:27.  1 Tor.  15:25.  e 30.  8:2.  f 12:15.  15:42.  21:13.  2Kings8:22: 
19:8.  Jer.521.  g 28.  6:21.  8:2,29.  1:3,5.  12:11.15:39.  2 Kings  19:8.  2 Chr. 
11:9.  Mic.  1:13.  i 12.12.  16:3,10.  21:21.  Jmlg.  1:29.  1 Kings9:16,17.  lChr.6: 
67.20:1.  k 3.  12:12.  15:39.  1 32.  m 37.  Lev.  26:44.  Job  19:10.  n 3,5.  14:13, 
14.  15:54.  21:13.  Gen.  13:18.  Num.  13:22.  Judg.  1:10.  2 Rnm.  5:1— 5.  15:9,10. 

1 Chr.  12:23.  o 12.13.  15:15,49.21:15.  Judg.  1:11— 15.  p 33,37,40.  11:8.  Dent. 


under  his  feet.  (Notes,  Gen.  3:14,15.  Ps.  110:5,6.  Rom.  16: 
17—20.) 

V.  26,  27.  Marg.  Ref.  Note , 8:29. 

V.  28.  MaUkedah  seems  to  have  been  taken  by  a sudden 
onset,  the  very  day  on  which  the  other  victory  was  obtained, 
and  which  had  been  lengthened  out  by  the  sun  standing  still ; 
and  while  the  five  kings  were  ignominiously  suspended  before 
the  city. — Some  learned  men  however  think,  that  nothing 
more  is  meant  by  the  words  that  day,  than  that  Makkedah  was 
taken  on  the  same  day  on  which  it  was  assaulted. — We  are 
not  expressly  told,  how  the  king  of  Jericho  was  slain : but 
probably  he  was  hanged  up,  as  the  king  of  Ai  was,  and  as 
these  five  kings  were.  (Note,  8:29.) 

V.  31 — 3;.  The  king  of  Lachish  had  been  before  put  to 
death.  (23,26.) — Probably  a detachment  vanquished  the  king 
of  Gezer,  and  destroyed  his  people,  while  Joshua  and  the 
main  body  took  Lachish. 

V.  36,  37.  The  king  of  Hebron  was  one  of  the  five  before 
hanged:  (23,26.)  but,  as  some  time  had  now  elapsed,  proba- 
bly his  successor  had  been  appointed.  This  might  be  deemed 
the  more  necessary,  as  it  was  a considerable  place,  having 
olher  cities  dependent  upon  it. — It  is  not  agre'ed,  whether 
Caleb  at  this  time  conquered  the  Anakims,  or  whether  some 
of  them  now  escaped  to  Gaza;  (Note,  11:21 — 23.)  and  after- 
wards returning  got  possession  ofHcbron,  and  were  destroyed 
by  Caleb  when  the  land  had  been  divided.  The  latter  opinion 
seemsv more  consonant  with  the  history.  (Notes,  14:6 — 15. 
15:13,14.  Judg.  1:10—15.) 

V.  40 — 43.  When  the  Israelites  had  first  passed  Jordan, 
they  made  but  slow  progress.  Jericho  was  taken  by  miracle ; 
but  the  city  was  desolated,  and  all  the  spoil  was  destroyed, 
or  dedicated  to  sacred  uses.  (Notes,  6:17—19,26.)  They 
shared  the^spoil  of  Ai,  but  the  city  was  burnt  and  made  a 
heap.  ( Note,  8:28.)  Gibeon  surrendered  and  was  spared. 
(Notes,  9:)  But  when  their  faith,  patience,  and  obedience 
had  been  properly  proved,  their  success  was  more  rapid ; and 
they  were  enriched  by  the  spoil  of  all  these  cities,  and  by  tbe 
houses  both  of  the  cities  and  villages,  which  were  preserved 
'or  their  use  ; and  by  the  acquisition  of  all  the  adjacent  coun- 
try : and  its  flocks,  and  herds,  and  crops,  and  stores;  while 
the  inhabitants  were  either  destroyed  or  driven  away.  Thus 
God  gave  them  “ great  and  goodly  cities,  which  they  built  not ; 
houses  full  of  good  things,  which  they  filled  not ; and  wells 
digged,  which  they  digged  not.”  (.Deuf.  6:10, 11.) — The  Israel- 
is, however,  still  continued  in  a body  at  Gilgal,  and  did  not 
as  yet  inhabit  their  cities.— They  had  now  conquered  almost 
all  the  southern  part  of  the  land. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 15.  When  sinners  renounce  the  service  of  Satan 
and  the  friendship  of  the  world,  that  they  may  make  peace 

'*h  God  and  join  interests  with  Israel ; they  must  not  “ mar- 
vel if  the  world  hate  ’hem,”  if  their  former  friends  become 


were  therein  he  mutterly  destroyed  that  day, 
according  to  all  that  he  had  done  to  Lachish. 

36  And  Joshua  went  up  from  Eglon,  and  all 
Israel  with  him,  unto  “Hebron,  and  they  fought 
against  it: 

37  And  they  took  it,  and  smote  it  with  the  edge 
of  the  sword,  and  the  king  thereof,  and  all  th. 
cities  thereof,  and  all  the  souls  that  were  therein  . 
he  left  none  remaining,  (according  to  all  that  ht 
had  done  to  Eglon,)  but  destroyed  it  utterly,  and 
all  the  souls  that  were  therein. 

38  And  Joshua  returned,  and  all  Israel  with 
him,  to  °Debir : and  fought  against  it : 

39  And  he  took  it,  and  the  king  thereof,  and  ah 
the  cities  thereof,  and  they  smote  them  with  the 
edge  of  the  sword,  and  utterly  destroyed  all  the 
souls  that  were  therein  ; Phe  left  none  remaining: 
as  he  had  done  to  Hebron,  so  he  did  to  Debir, 
and  to  the  king  thereof;  as  he  had  done  also  to 
Libnah,  and  to  her  king. 

40  So  Joshua  smote  ?all  the  country  of  the  hills, 
and  of  the  south,  and  of  the  vale,  and  of  the 
springs,  and  all  their  kings : he  left  none  remain- 
ing, but  'utterly  destroyed  all  that  breathed,  ‘as 
the  Lord  God  of  Israel  commanded. 

41  And  Joshua  smote  them  from  ‘Kadesh- 
barnea  even  unto  “Gaza,  and  Iall  the  country  of 
Goshen  even  unto  Gibeon. 

42  And  all  these  kings,  and  their  land,  did 
Joshua  take  at  one  time;  ^because  the  Lord  God 
of  Israel  fought  for  Israel. 

43  And  Joshua  returned,  and  all  Israel  with 
him,  Hinto  the  camp  to  Gilgal. 


3:3.  2 Kings  10:11.  Ob.  18.  q 15:21—63.18:21—28.19:1—8,40—48.  r 35,37. 
1 Kings  15:29.  Ps.  9:17.  2Thes.  1:7:9.  s 6:17.  8:2,27.  9:24.  Ex.  23:31— 33.  34: 
12.  Dent.  7:2,16.  20:16,17.  t 14:6,7.  Nnm.  13:26.  32:8.  34:4.  Deul.  9.23. 
u Gen. 10:19.  Jutig.  16:1,21.  1 Sam.  6:17.  Zech.  9:5.  Acts  8:26.  xll:16.  15: 
51.  y 14.  Ex.  14:14,25.  Deut.20:4.  Ps.  44:3-8  . 46:1,7,11.  80:3.  118:6.  Is. 
8:9,10.  43:4.  Rom. 8:31-37.  z 15.  4:19.  1 Sam.  11:14. 


their  most  rancorous  foes,  and  if  they  meet  with  unexpected 
opposition  and  temptations.  For  thus  Satan  the  God  of  this 
world  discourages  many  who  are  convinced  of  their  danger, 
and  almost  persuaded  to  be  Christians;  but  are  so  afraid  of 
the  cross,  that  they  dare  not  venture  to  act  according  to  the 
dictates  of  their  consciences.  Yet  indeed  these  trials  should 
excite  new  converts  to  greater  diligence,  in  seeking  the  com- 
fortable assurance  that  the  covenant  of  peace  is  ratified  with 
them  by  a merciful  God;  in  surrendering  themselves  the  more 
unreservedly  to  his  service  ; and  in  applying  to  him  for  pro- 
tection and  deliverance.  For  the  meanest  and  most  feeble  ol 
those  who  have  just  begun  to  serve  the  Lord,  notwithstanding 
former  crimes  and  present  infirmities,  are  equally  entitled  to 
his  defence,  with  those  who  have  long  and  faithfully  been  his 
servants. — -They,  who  are  enemies  to  the  Lord’s  people 
because  they  belong  to  him,  are  adjudged  his  enemies  : nor  do 
any  sinners  more  hasten  and  augment  their  own  condemna- 
tion, than  such  as  combine  to  impede  the  progress  of  true 
religion,  by  persecuting  and  intimidating  those  who  seem  dis- 
posed to  serve  God. — No  difficulties  or  dangers  need  dismay 
the  believer,  when  in  the  path  of  duty  and  confiding  in  the 
Lord:  and  it  is  peculiarly  incumbent  upon  us  to  defend  and 
rescue  the  oppressed  and  afflicted,  who  have  exposed  them- 
selves to  trouble  for  our  sake  or  the  gospel’s,  and  who  look  to 
us  for  help.  In  such  a cause  we  ought  not  to  be  backward  to 
endure  hardship  and  fatigue,  and  expose  ourselves  to  loss  or 
inconvenience,  rather  than  grieve,  by  needless  delays,  those 
who  depend  on  our  aid. — The  assurance  of  divine  assist- 
ance should  animate  us  to  action,  and  to  devise  and  execute 
every  proper  plan  to  ensure  success:  and  when  we  trust  in 
the  Lord,  and  give  him  the  praise,  we  shall  experience  assist- 
ance in  some  measure  proportioned  to  our  boldness  and  dili- 
gence.—The  sun,  moon,  and  stars  in  their  courses,  (Note, 
Judg.  5:20.)  yea,  the  whole  creation,  will  fight  for  the  Lord’s 
people  against,  his  enemies,  though  not  so  miraculously,  yet  as 
effectually,  as  in  the  days  of  Joshua;  for  all  things  combine  to 
promote  the  salvation  of  the  righteous,  and  the  destruction  o. 
the  wicked.  How  infatuated  then  are  they  who  harden  thei. 
hearts  against  that  God,  whose  mandate  can  arm  all  the  uni- 
verse to  execute  vengeance  on  his  enemies! 

V.  16 — 43.  “ Though  hand  join  in  hand,  the  wicked  shall 
not  be  unpunished :”  their  wisest  counsels  prove  a snare  to 
entangle  them  ; their  most  valiant  and  vigorous  exertions  ex- 
pose their  weakness,  and  end  in  disgrace  and  dismay  ; their 
choicest  blessings  are  changed  into  a curse  ; and  their  secure 
retreats  become  their  prisons,  or  their  graves ! — Kings  and 
mighty  captains,  who  are  disobedient  to  God,  will  it  last  be 
treated  as  arch-rebels,  to  be  distinguished  only  by  the  deepest 
infamy  and  the  heaviest  vengeance:  and  all  the  Israel  of  God 
will  join  the  triumph  of  the  Captain  of  their  salvation,  in  tram- 
pling upon  the  necks  of  their  proudest  opposers,  and  exc^m- 
ing,  “ So  let  all  thine  enemies  perish,  O Lord  ” • */</_,  Pi. 

( 493  ) 


B.  C 1448.  JOSHUA.  B.  C.  1448 


CHAPTER  XI. 

The  remaining  Icings  ♦*/  Cana/in  confederate  against  Israel , 1 — 5.  God 
encourages  Joshua , who  attacks  and  conquers  them , 6—  9.  He  burns  Hazor , 
and  takes  the  cities  of  the  other  kings , and  destroys  the  inhabitants  in  obe- 
dience to  the  Lord,  10  —15.  A general  account  of  his  conquests,  16 — 18. 
The  hearts  of  the  Cunaanites  hardened,  19,20.  The  Anakims  destroyed , 
21,  22.  The  land  rests  from  roar,  23. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  when  *Jabin  king  of 
Hazor  had  heard  those  things , that  bhe  sent 
to  Jobab  king  of  cMadon,  and  to  frhe  king  of 
Shimron,  and  to  the  kin^  of  Achshaph. 

2  And  to  the  kings  that  were  ‘'on  the  north  of 
the  mountains,  and  of  the  plains  south  of  eChin- 
neroth,  and  in  the  valley,  and  in  the  borders  of 
‘Dor  on  the  west ; 

3  And  to  the  Canaanite  on  the  east  and  on  the 
west,  and  to  the  Amorite,  and  the  Hittite,  and 
the  Perizzite,  and  sthe  Jebusite  in  the  mountains, 
and  to  hthe  Hivite  under  'Hermon,  in  kthe  land  of 
Mizpeh.  , 

4  And  they  went  out,  they  and  all  their  hosts 
with  them,  much  people,  even  'as  the  sand  that  is 
upon  the  sea-shore  in  multitude,  with  horses  and 
chariots  very  many. 

5  And  when  mall  these  kings  were  ‘met  together, 
they  came  and  pitched  together  at  the  waters  of 
Merom,  to  fight  against  Israel. 

6  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua,  °Be  not 
afraid  because  of  them;  for  pto-morrow  about  this 
time  will  I deliver  them  up  all  slain  before  Israel : 

a 10.  12:19.  19:36.  .Judg.  4.2.17.  b 10:3,4.  Ps. 2:1—  4.  83:1—3.  Is.  26:11.  43:2, 
5—7.  0 12:19,20.19:45,25.  <121.  10:6.40.  I.nke  1 39.  e 12:3.  S«o»Niim. 
S4:ll.  Chinnerelh.  Luke  5:1.  Gennesaret.  f 12:23.  17:11.  JuHg.  1:27.  1 Kings 
4:11.  g 15:63.  Num.  13:29.  2 Sarr..  24:16.  h Judg.  3:3.  i 13:11.  Dent.  4:49. 
Ps.  89-12.  133:3.  Cant.  4:8.  k 18:25.  Judg.  20:1.  21:5,8.  1 Sam.  7:5 — 7.  10:17. 
1 Kings  15:22.  Jer.  40:6,10.  41:3,14.  1 Gen.  22:17.  32:12.  Judg.  7:12.  1 Sam. 
13:5.  2Sam.  17:11.  1 Kings  4:20.  m Ps.  3:1.  1 18:10— 12.  Is.  8:9.  Rev. 16:14. 


149:6 — 9.)  This  will  be  the  final  event  of  all  the  conflicts 
between  the  church  of  God  and  its  persecutors  : but  at  present 
we  are  called,  not  to  avenge  ourselves,  but  to  forgive,  love, 
and  pray  for  our  enemies ; and  endeavour  to  conquer  their 
hearts  with  persevering  patience  and  kindness.  The  Chris- 
tian’s warfare  is  of  another  nature:  our  most  dangerous  ene- 
mies are  our  own  lusts,  as  in  a league  with  the  powers  of 
darkness ; and  our  sharpest  conflicts  and  most  glorious  victo- 
ries consist  in  resisting  the  devil,  subduing  the  flesh,  and 
striving  against  sin.  In  this  war  we  must  form  no  alliance, 
and  give  no  quarter:  and  our  once  domineering  sin,  whether 
covetousness,  pride,  sensuality,  or  malice,  must  be  marked 
as  the  object  of  our  peculiar  enmity  and  opposition  ; this,  this 
especially,  must  be  crucified.  (P.  O.  1 Sam.  15:22 — 35, 
conclusion.  Notes , 2 Sam.  22:21 — 28.  Heb.  12:1.)  The  ac- 
tivity, vigilance,  courage,  and  wisdom,  which  this  warfare 
requires,  must  be  sought  in  earnest  prayer ; and  thus  we  must 
“ put  on  the  whole  armour  of  God:”  yet  in  trusting  him,  we 
must  by  no  means  abate  our  diligence  and  self-denial.  Nor 
must  we  be  satisfied  with  obtaining  some  important  victory, 
but  push  our  advantages,  and  pursue  our  scattered  enemies, 
searching  out  the  remains  of  sin  ; and  thus  aspire  at  further 
conquests,  till  we  have  set.  our  feet  upon  the  neck  of  every 
lust,  and  completed  its  entire  destruction.  In  so  doing  we 
may  confidently  expect  the  Lord’s  assistance  ; he  will  slay  our 
indwelling  sin,  and  yet  spare  us,  though  the  union  seem  in- 
separable : he  will  afford  us  light  during  our  whole  conflict, 
until  the  warfare  be  accomplished  ; he  will  make  one  victory 
the  forerunner  and  earnest  of  another  ; he  will  encourage  us, 
and.lead  us  on  from  strength  to  strength,  until  he  has  made  us 
more  than  conquer ors.  “ The  Lord  God  of  Israel  fighteth 
for  Israel and  when  he  has  exercised  our  faith,  patience, 
and  submission,  he  will  bring  us  to  the  mansions  above,  en- 
riched with  the  spoils  of  our  conquered  enemies,  to  join  in 
songs  of  everlasting  triumph  and  joyful  praise. — But  let  every 
Israelite  remember,  that  he  is  a soldier  belonging  to  a great 
army,  whom  he  is  to  assist  with  all  his  power.  Beside  those 
particular  advantages  which  he  obtains  for  his  own  soul,  the 
whole  company  are  trying  to  gain  advantages  against  the 
common  enemy,  by  daily  increasing  the  numbers  of  true  be- 
lievers. The  endeavours  indeed  of  an  individual  must  appear 
inconsiderable  ; but  the  combined  efforts  of  the  whole  multi- 
tude may  produce  vast  effects.  And  oh ! that  God  would 
incline  the  hearts  of  all  who  love  Jesus  Christ,  and  his  cause 
of  truth  and  righteousness,  to  lay  aside  their  petty  disputes 
and  self-seeking,  with  their  zeal  for  the  interests  of  a party, 
that  they  might  all  concur  in  this  glorious  warfare  ; w endea- 
vouring to  keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace 
boldly  professing  their  attachment  to  the  crucified  Saviour; 
and  striving  to  “let.  their  light  shine  before  men,  that  they 
may  see  their  good  works,  and  glorify  their  Father  which  is 
in  heaven. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XL  V.  1 — 3.  All  the  kings  between 
Jordan  and  the  Mediterranean  Sea,  from  north  to  south,  had 
confederated  against  Israel;  (Notes,  9:1,2.  10:1 — 5.)  but  it 
seems,  that  the  events  recorded  in  the  two  preceding  chapters 
bad  disconcerted  their  measures:  so  that  for  a time  the  kings, 
( 404  ) 


thou  shalt  though  their  rhorses,  and  burn  their 
chariots  with  fire. 

7 So  Joshua  came,  and  all  the  people  of  war 
with  him,  against  them  by  the  waters  of  Merom 
•suddenly,  and  they  fell  upon  them. 

8 And  the  Lord  delivered  them  into  the  hand 
of  Israel,  who  smote  them,  and  chased  them  unto 
tgreat  Zidon,  and  unto  tMisrephotb-maim,  and 
unto  the  valley  of  Mizpeh  eastward : and  they 
smote  them,  until  they  left  them  none  remaining. 

9 And  Joshua  did  unto  them  as  the  Lord  bade 
him : ‘he  houghed  their  horses,  and  burnt  their 
chariots  with  (ire. 

10  And  Joshua  at  that  time  turned  bark  and 
took  "Hazor,  and  smote  the  king  thereof  with  the 
sword  : for  Hazor  before-time  was  the  head  of  all 
those  kingdoms. 

11  And  they  smote  all  the  souls  that  were 
therein  with  the  edge  of  the  sword,  utterly  destroy- 
ing them : there  was  not  §any  left  to  breathe ; and 
he  burnt  Hazor  with  fire. 

12  Ami  xall  the  cities  of  those  kings,  and  all  the 
kings  of  them,  did  Joshua  take  and  smote  them 
with  the  edge  of  the  sword,  and  he  utterly  de- 
stroyed them,  7as  Moses  the  servant  of  the  Lord 
commanded. 

13  But  as  for  the  cities  that  stood  still  "in  their 
strength,  Israel  burned  none  of  them,  save  Hazor 
only  ; that  did  Joshua  burn. 

* Heb.  assembled  by  appointment,  o See  on  10:8.  Ps.  27:1,2.  46:11.  p 3:5. 
Judg.  20:28.  1 Sam.  11:9.  2 Chr.  20:16.  q 9.  2 Sam.  8:4.  rDent.  17:16.  Ps. 
20:7,8.46:9.147:10,11.  Is.  30:16.  31 : 1 . s 10:9.  1 Thes.  5:2,3.  t Or,  Zidon- 
rabbah.  19:28.  Gen.  10:15.  49:13.  Zech.  9:2.  J Or,  salt-pits.  Heb.  burning 6 
of  waters.  13:6.  t 6.  Ez.  39:9.  u See  on  1.  Judg.  4:2.  § Heb.  any  breath.  10: 
10.  x 10:28,30,32,35,37,39,40.  y 15.  8:8,31.  9:24.  10:40.  Nura.  33:52,53.  Deut. 
7:2. 20:16,17.  II  Heb.  on  th-.ir  heap.  Jer.  30:18. 


who  possessed  the  northern  parts  of  the  land,  remained  inac- 
tive ; and  as  Joshua  did  not  attack  them,  they  might  have  con- 
cluded that  Israel,  satisfied  with  their  present  acquisitions, 
would  push  their  conquests  no  further,  if  not  molested.  But 
their  enmity,  resentment,  and  apprehensions  would  not  permit 
them  to  be  quiet ; and  when  their  courage  revived,  they  re- 
newed their  confederacy.  (Notes,  Ex.  14:1 — 9.)  Thus  it  was 
doubtless  ordered  by  a divine  interposition,  that,  except  in 
Israel’s  crossing  over  Jordan  into  Canaan,  and  in  the  destruc- 
tion of  Jericho  and  Ai,  the  Canaanites  rushed  forward  upon 
their  own  ruin.  ( Note , 19,20.) — The  regions  here  mentioned 
seem  to  include  the  whole  country,  from  Jerusalem  on  the 
south,  to  the  utmost  borders  of  the  land  on  the  north.  The 
different  tribes,  descended  from  Canaan,  appear  to  have  been 
settled  in  every  part  of  it.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  4.  Josephus  states  this  army  at  three  hundred  thou- 
sand foot,  with  cavalry  and  chariots  in  proportion.  We  may 
with  certainty  infer  the  populousness  and  fertility  of  the  pro- 
mised land,  from  the  text  itself;  and  also  perceive  the  occa- 
sion which  Joshua  had  of  encouragement  : for  he  had  neither 
chariots  nor  horsemen  in  his  army.  (6) — It  is  generally 
thought,  that  the  horses,  both  for  the  cavalry  and  thechariot*, 
were  brought  out  of  Egypt,  and  not  bred  in  Canaan.  (iVble* , 
Deut,  17:16.  1 Kings  1 0:28,29.) 

V.  6.  By  cutting  some  sinews  of  the  legs,  the  horses  were 
rendered  incapable  of  service,  except  perhaps  in  agriculture, 
and  other  common  employments. — Joshua,  and  the  princes  of 
Israel,  might  have  thought  this  a good*opportunity  of  furnish- 
ing themselves  with  cavalry  for  future  use  ; but  they  were  not 
permitted  to  trust  in  chariots  and  horses,  and  were  therefore 
commanded  to  disable  or  destroy  the  whole.  This  com- 
mand formed  a proper  trial  of  their  faith  and  obedience*;  and 
their  prompt  compliance  implied  a confidence  in  God,  and  a 
contempt  and  defiance  of  the  most  formidable  enemies  and 
preparations  of  war,  which  was  becoming  their  character,  and 
honourable  to  his  name.  (9.  Notes , 17:16.  •7'i/c/gr.  1:19.  4:14,15. 
5:15,16.) 

V.  7,  8.  Though  the  armament  of  theso  kings  was  so 
exceedingly  formidable,  Joshua,  relying  on  the  Lord,  marched 
directly  to  attack  them  ; and  his  success  was  so  complete, 
that  the  whole  company  was  entirely  extirpated  or  dispersed, 
and  driven  out  of  the  land.  Probably,  a considerable  number 
of  fugitives  escaped  to  Zidon  and  Tyre.  (Note,  10:20.) 

V.  10,  11.  Joshua  had  now  carried  the  war  to  the  north- 
ern extremities  of  the  land,  even  to  the  great  and  ancient  city 
of  Zidon  : ho  then  turned  back  to  destroy  Hazor,  and  its  king 
who  had  taken  shelter  in  his  capital,  and  \n!io  was  at  the 
head  of  the  confederacy  ; (Note,  1 — 3.)  and  as  that  was  not 
intended  to  be  the  chief  city  of  the  Israelites,  it  was  ournt  to 
the  ground.  The  Canaanites,  however,  afierwards  rebuilt 
it;  and  it  became  the  capital  of  another  Jabin  in  the  time  of 
the  Judges.  (Note,  Judg.  4:2,3.) 

V.  13.  All  the  cities  which  were  taken  by  assault,  or  sur 
rendered  before  their  fortifications  were  destroyed,  were  left 
for  the  use  of  Israel,  except  Hazor  only. 

V.  15.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  3j:43.  Deut.  7:3,4.  1 Sam 
15:8,9,13—15,22. 


B.  C.  1450. 


CHAPTER  XI.  B.  C l 450. 


14  And  all  ‘the  spoil  of  these  cities,  and  the 
cattle,  the  children  of  Israel  took  for  a prey  unto 
themselves  : but  every  man  they  smote  with  the 
edge  of  the  sword,  until  they  had  destroyed  them, 
•neither  left  they  any  to  breathe. 

15  As  bthe  Lord  commanded  Moses  his  servant, 
•so  did  Moses  command  Joshua,  dand  so  did 
Joshua  : “he  "left  nothing  undone  of  all  that  the 
Lord  commanded  Moses. 

16  II  So  Joshua  took  f all  that  land,  the  shills, 
and  all  the  south  country,  and  all  hthe  land  of 
Goshen,  and  the  valley,  and  the  plain,  and  the 
mountain  of  Israel,  and  the  valley  of  the  same ; 

17  Even  from  'the  mount  Halak,  kthat  goeth  up 
to  'Seir,  even  unto  Baal-gad,  in  the  valley  of  Le- 
banon,under  mount  Hermon  : and  “all  their  kings 
ke  took,  and  smote  them,  and  slew  them. 

18  Joshua  made  war  "a  long  time  with  all  those 
kings. 

19  There  was  not  a city  that  made  peace  with 
the  children  of  Israel,  save  °the  Hivites,  the  in- 

»8:27.  Num.  31:9.  Dent.  6:10,11.  20:14.  nil.  10:40.  b See  on 'v.  12.  F.x.34: 
11—13.  c Dent.  7:2.  31:7.  <11:7.  Ex.  39:42,43.  Dent.  4:5.  2 Chr.  30:12.  Deut. 
4:2.12:32.  1 Sara.  15:1— 8,8,9,11,19— 22.  Matt.  23:23.  Duke  11:42.  Acts  20:20, 
27.  *Heb.  removed  nothing,  f Gen.  15:18—21.  Nuin.  34:2 — 13.  Dent.  34:2,3.  g 9: 
1.  12:8.  h 10:41.  i 21 . Ez.  17:23.  36:1 — 3,8.  t Or , the  smooth  mountain. 
k Gen.  32:3.  Deut.  2:1.  33:2.  13.1:4.12:7.13:5.  m 12:7— 24.  Deut.  7:24. 

o  23.  14:7 — 10.  o See  on  9:3— 27.  p See  on  Ex.  4:21 . 9:16.  Deut.  2:30.  Judg. 

V.  16.  The  land  of  Goshen.]  (10:41.)  This  district  of 
Canaan  seems  to  have  derived  its  name  from  the  land  of 
Goshen  in  Egypt ; (Gen.  47:6.)  perhaps  from  some  similarity 
to  that  region,  which  was  observed  in  it,  in  appearance  or 
fertility. — Some  think  that  “ the  mountain  of  Israel”  means 
Beth-el ; and  others  that  it  was  some  place  where  Jacob 
resided,  which  was  called  Israel  from  him. 

V.  17.  The  length  of  the  land  from  the  borders  of  Seir, 
or  Edom,  to  mount  Lebanon,  is  here  described. 

V.  18.  Caleb  was  forty  years  of  age  when  he  went  from 
Kadesh-barnea  to  spy  out  the  land,  and  he  was  eighty-five 
when  these  conquests  were  completed.  (14:7 — 10.)  Almost 
thirty-nine  years  of  this  time  were  spent  before  Israel  passed 
over  Jordan ; so  that  this  calculation  leaves  between  six  and 
seven  years  for  the  term  of  Joshua’s  wars. — The  whole  coun- 
try from  north  to  south  was  then  subjected,  and  all  the 
inhabitants,  with  whom  the  Israelites  had  met,  were  destroy- 
ed. The  subsequent  history  shows  that  the  nations  were  not 
exterminated,  but  that  numbers  concealed  themselves  till  they 
were  again  able  to  make  head  against  Israel ; and  many,  it  is 
supposed,  fled  to  Zidon  and  Tyre,  and  thence  migrated  into 
distant  countries  and  settled  colonies  in  them.  (Notes,  7,8. 
10:20.  Gen.  9:24,25.) 

V.  19,  20.  The  Lord  had  forbidden  Israel  to  make  any 
league  with  the  idolatrous  inhabitants  of  the  land;  but  the 
examples  of  Rahab  and  of  the  Gibeonites  show,  that  indivi- 
duals or  cities,  who  would  renounce  idolatry,  and  heartily 
come  into  the  interests  of  Israel,  might  be  spared.  The 
Canaanites  in  general,  however,  were  not  in  the  least  dis- 
posed to  do  this : and  they  never  so  much  as  proposed  any  terms 
of  accommodation.  “ For  it  was  of  the  Lord  to  harden 
their  hearts  :”  they  had  filled  up  the  measure  of  their  iniquity  ; 
and  were  judicially  left  to  blindness,  pride,  and  obstinate 
enmity,  and  to  the  power  of  Satan  : and  the  dispensations  of 
Providence  were  appointed  in  that  manner,  which  most  tend- 
ed to  render  them  pertinacious  in  resisting,  and  to  drive  them 
to  desperation ; in  order  that  they  might  bring  upon  them- 
selves that  vengeance  which  they  had  justly  merited,  and 
of  which  the  Lord  had  constituted  the  Israelites  his  execu- 
tioners, by  the  comman  (merit  given  to  Moses.  ( Marg . 
Ref.  Notes, Ex.  4:21.  9:12— 16.  14:3,4.  Deut.  2:30.)  This 
last  reason  is  added,  and  repeatedly  mentioned,  (15)  to  show 
that  Joshua  and  Israel  did  not  act  out  of  cruelty,  revenge,  or 
avarice ; but  simply  in  obedience  to  God,  which  alone  could 
induce  pious  men  to  make  such  undistinguishing  slaughter  of 
their  fellow-creatures  : and  doubtless,  many  of  them  did  very 
great  violence  to  their  own  feelings  and  inclinations,  while 
engaged  in  that  service.  (Notes,  Num.  20:14—21.  21:21—25. 
31:14—18.) 

V . 21 — 23.  The  Anakims,  whose  name  had  formerly  so  ter- 
rified the  unbelieving  Israelites,  no  ways  distinguished  them- 
selves in  this  war,  but  were  subdued  and  destroyed  with  the 
other  inhabitants.  (Marg.  Ref.  r.) — -It  seems  evident,  that  Jo- 
shua conquered  the  Anakims,  and  desolated  their  cities  before 
the  division  of  the  land : yet  several  of  the  principal  persons 
escaped  into  the  country  of  the  Philistines,  and  settled  there ; 
from  whom  Goliath,  and  the  other  giants  afterwards  mention- 
ed, descended.  But  after  a time  some  of  them  returned,  with 
followers,  and  rebuilt  the  cities:  and  Caleb  and  Othniel,  to 
whom  that  part  of  the  country  was  assigned,  vanquished  and 
destroyed  them  after  the  division  of  the  land,  perhaps  after 
he  death  of  Joshua.  (Notes,  10:36,37.  14:6 — 15.  15:13 — 17 
Tudg.  1:10 — 15.)  The  conquered  cities  had  doubtless  before 
tiis  been  garrisoned,  and  some  of  the  people  dispersed 
hrough  the  country  to  cultivate  the  lands  ; and  preparation 
was  now  making  for  the  regular  partition  of  it  among  their 


habitants  of  Gibeon  ; all  other  they  took  in  bat- 
tle. 

20  For  fit  was  of  the  Loud  to  harden  their 
hearts,  that  they  should  come  against  Israel  in 
battle,  that  he  might  destroy  them  utterly,  and 
that  they  might  have  no  favour,  but  that  he  migh 
destroy  them ; <ias  the  Lord  commanded  Moses. 

21  And  at  that  time  came  Joshua,  and  cut  ofi 
rthe  Anakims  from  the  mountains;  from  Hebron, 
from  Debir,  from  Anab,  and  from  all  the  moun- 
tains of  Judah,  and  from  all  the  mountains  ol 
Israel ; "Joshua  destroyed  them  utterly  with  their 
cities. 

22  There  was  none  of  the  Anakims  left  in  the 
land  of  the  children  of  Israel ; 'only  in  Gaza,  in 
Gath,  and  in  Ashdod,  there  remained. 

23  So  Joshua  took  the  whole  land,  “according  to 
all  that  the  Lord  said’unto  Moses,  and  Joshua 
gave  it  for  an  inheritance  unto  Israel,  "according  to 
their  divisions  by  their  tribes.  ?And  the  land 
rested  from  war. 


14:4.  1 Sim.  7:25.  1 Kings  12:15.  22:20—23.  2 Chr.  25:16.  Is.  6:9,10.  Rom.  9 
18,22,23.  qSee  on  12:15.  r 14:12— 14.  15:13.14.  Num.  13:22,33.  Deut.  1:23 
2:21.  Judg.  1:10,11,20.  Jer.  3:23.  9:23.  Am.  2:9.  s 10:42.  24:11,12.  Ps.  110:5,6 
149:6—9.  Rev.  6:2.  19:11— 21.  I Judg.  3:3.  1 Sam.  17.4.  2 Sam.  21 : 16— 22. 

1 Chr.  20:4 — 8.  u Ex.  23:27— 31.  34:11.  Num.  34:2— 13.  Deut.  11:23— 25. 
x 14:— 16:  18:  19:  'Num.  26:53,54.  y 14:15.  21:44  . 22:4  . 23:1.  Pa.  46:9 

2 Tim.  4:7,8.  Heb.  4:8,9. 


tribes  and  families.  New  occupations,  with  which  the  nation 
had  hitherto  been  entirely  unacquainted,  now  called  for  their 
attention  : but  the  Lord,  who  gave  them  the  land,  was  able  to 
teach  them  to  cultivate  it ; and  they  would  soon  make  pro- 
ficiency under  such  an  Instructer.  (Note,  Is.  28:23 — 29.) — 
Great  numbers  of  the  ancient  inhabitants  still  continued  in  the 
land,  or  waited  in  the  adjacent  countries  for  an  opportunity 
of  regaining  their  possessions : but,  for  the  present,  they  lay 
concealed,  or  remained  quiet  ; so  that  the  Israelites  were  not 
molested  by  their  assaults  or  incursions.  • 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  believer  must  never  put  off  his  armour,  or  expect  dura- 
ble peace,  till  he  closes  his  eyes  in  death  ; nay,  as  his  strength, 
consolations,  and  usefulness  are  increased,  he  may  expect 
more  heavy  trials  and  severe  conflicts  : but  while  he  continues 
watching  and  praying,  he  may  confidently  trust  that  none  of 
his  enemies  shall  be  permitted  to  assail  him,  till  he  is  pre- 
pared for  the  battle. — The  strongest  faith  would  naturally  grow 
weak,  if  we  were  left  to  ourselves  ; and  whenever  we  view 
difficulties  or  dangers  with  an  eye  of  sense,  our  hearts  are 
overwhelmed  with  discouragement.  But  Jesus  ever  liveth  to 
intercede  for  his  people,  and  their  faith  shall  not  fail,  however 
Satan  may  assault  them.  (Note,  Luke  22:31 — 34.)  By 
waiting  upon  the  Lord  they  renew  their  strength ; and  their 
hopes  revive,  and  their  hearts  rejoice,  even  in  the  midst  of 
tribulation.  Perplexing  trials  render  their  dependence  on 
God  more  simple,  their  prayers  more  fervent,  and  in  the  event 
their  gratitude  more  lively:  and  without  exception,  every 
cross  and  temptation,  which  the  believer  is  enabled  properly 
to  endure,  enriches  his  soul  with  increasing  holiness,  and  will 
enlarge  his  everlasting  inheritance. — The  possession  of  those 
things  on  which  the  carnal  heart  is  prone  to  depend,  is  unfa- 
vourable to  the  life  of  faith  and  the  walk  with  God  ; and  it  is 
immensely  better  to  be  without  secular  advantages,  than  to 
have  our  everlasting  interests  endangered. — They  who  pros- 
per in  the  ways  of  the  Lord,  attend  to  the  precepts  and 
directions  of  his  word  as  well  as  to  the  promises ; while  sim- 
plicity of  faith  is  shown  by  unreserved  obedience.  ( Notes% 
Heb.  11:8 — 10,13 — 10.) — The  servants  of  God  have  different 
employments  allotted  them  : but  every  service  requires  self- 
denial,  in  respect  of  some  or  other  of  our  natural  inclinations  ; 
and  therefore,  without,  the  habit  of  submitting  our  will  to  his 
command,  we  cannot  implicitly  follow  him.  Nay  frequently 
in  pleasing  God,  we  must  expose  ourselves  to  the  censure  and 
reproach  of  our  fellow-creatures;  and  our  best  actions  may 
by  ill  judging  men  be  supposed  to  result  from  the  worst  of 
principles : but  the  testimony  of  our  conscience,  and  the 
approbation  of  our  Judge,  will  compensate  all  consequences.— 
Would  we  approve  ourselves  upright,  w'e  must  “leave  no- 
thing undone  which  the  Lord  has  commanded  for  though* 
omissions  are  not  so  scandalous,  either  in  the  world  or  in  the 
church,  as  commissions,  they  are  as  certainly  acts  of  disobe- 
dience, and  effects  of  a will  unsubjected  to  the  divine  autho- 
rity.— However  tedious,  sharp,  and  difficult  the  believer’s  war- 
fare is,  his  patience  in  tribulation  may  be  encouraged  by  the 
joyfulness  of  hope  ; for  he  will,  ere  long,  rest  fronr  sin  and 
sorrow  in  the  Canaan  above. — But  how  dreadful  is  the  case 
of  the  obstinate  unbeliever,  who  is  not  moved,  either  by 
promises,  warnings,  judgments,  or  mercies,  to  seek  reconcili- 
ation to  his  offended  God  ! — When  transgressors  have  pro- 
voked Him  to  leave  them  to  themselves,  they  soon,  by  in- 
creasing presumption  and  hardness  of  heart,  make  way  for 
the  execution  of  this  purposed  vengeance,  and  for  the  display 
of  his  righteousness  in  their  eternal  destruction : (Note,  Rom. 
2:4 — G.)  nor  will  numbers,  strength,  or  q jirnal  confidences 
avail,  when  God  shall  arise  to  e>?  ut  judgment  on  hid 
l 405  ) 


B.  (J.  H52.  JOSHUA.  B.  C.  1451. 


CFAPTER  XII. 

A lift  of  the  kings  subdued  by  Moses,  eastward  of  Jordan , 1—6  : and  of  the 
one  and  thirty  kirr's  conquered  by  Joshua , westward  of  that  river , 7 — 24. 

NOW  these  are  the  kings  of  the  land  which 
the  children  of  Israel  smote  and  possessed 
their  land  “on  the  other  side  Jordan,  towards  the 
rising  of  the  sun ; bfrom  the  river  Arnon  cunto 
mount  Hermon,  and  all  the  plain  on  the  east ; 

2  dSihon  king  of  the  Amorites,  who  dwelt  in 
Heshbon,  and  ruled  from  Aroer,  which  is  upon  the 
bank  of  the  river  Arnon,  and  from  the  middle  of 
the  river,  and  from  halt  Gilead,  even  unto  the 
river  'Jabbok,  which  is  the  border  of  the  children 
of  Ammon : 

3  And  from  the  plain  to  the  f sea  of  Chinneroth 
on  the  east,  and  unto  ethe  sea  of  the  plain ; even 
the  salt  sea  on  the  east,  the  way  to  hBeth-jeshi- 
moth  : and  from  "the  south  under  fAshdoth-pis- 
gah. 

4  And  'the  coast  of  Og  king  of  Bashan,  which 
was  of  'the  remnant  of  the  giants,  that  kdwelt  at 
Ashtaroth  and  at  Edrei, 

5  And  reigned  in  'mount  Hermon,  and  in  raSal- 
cah,  and  in  all  Bashan,  "unto  the  border  of  the 
Geshurites,  and  the  Maachathites,  and  half  Gilead, 
the  border  of  Sihon  king  of  Heshbon  ; 

6  Them  "did  Moses  the  servant  of  the  Lord, 
and  the  children  of  Israel,  smite : and  Moses  the 
servant  of  the  Lord  pgave  it  for  a possession  unto 
the  Reubenites,  and  Gadites,  and  the  half-tribe  of 
Manasseh. 

7  H And  these  are  the  kings  of  the  country, 
which  Joshua  and  the  children  of  Israel  smote  son 
this  side  Jordan  on  the  west,  rfrom  Baal-gad  in 
the  valley  of  Lebanon,  even  unto  the  mount 
Halak,  that  goeth  up  to  sSeir;  which  'Joshua 
gave  unto  the  tribes  of  Israel  for  a possession, 
according  to  their  divisions  : 

8  In  "the  mountains,  and  in  the  valleys,  and  in 
the  plains,  and  in  the  springs,  and  in  the  wilder- 
ness, and  in  the  south  country  ; "the  Hittites,  the 
n.c.i  Amorites,  and  the  Canaanites,  the  Perizzites, 
U5U.J  t|ie  Hivites,  and  the  Jebusites. 

a 1:15.  12*2:4.  b Num.  21:13,21.  Dem.  2:24.  Judj.  U:1S.  Is.  16:2.  c 11:3,17-. 
De, u.  3:8,3.  4:48.  I s.  133:3.  d Num.  2t:23—  30.  Deul.  2:24— 37.  3:6— 16.  Neh. 
9:22.  Ps.  135:11.  136.19,20.  e Gen.  32:22.  Judg.  11:13,22.  f Seron  11:2.  John 
6:1.  Settof  Tiberias.  g3:16.  15:2,5.  (Jen.  14:3.  19:25.  Deni.  3:17.  h 13:20. 
•Or,  Ternan.  \ Or , the  springs  of  Pisgah,  or,  the  hill.  Num.  21  ‘.20.  Dent. 
3:17.  marg.  4:49.  i See  on  Num.  21:33— 35.  Dent.  3:1 — 7.  ) 13:12.  Deul.  3: 
11.  k See  on  Dent.  1 :4.  \ See  onl.  11:3.  Deul.  3:8,9.  4:47,48.  m 13:11. 

IJeut.  3:10.  nDeut.3:14.  1 Sam.  27:8.  2 Sam.  3:3.  13:37.  15:8.  23:34.  2 Kings 
25:23.  o Num.  21:24— 35.  p 13:8— 32.  Num.  32:29— 42.  Deul.  3:12— 17.  q 1. 
3:17.9:1.  r See  on  11:17.  13:5.  s (Jen.  45:6  . 32:3  36:8,20,30.  Dent.  2:1,4. 
t 1:3,4.  11:23.  13:— 19:  Deut.  1 1 :23.24.  k 10:40.  11:16.  x Gen.  15: 18— 21.  Ex. 
3:8.  23:23,23 — 31.  Deut.  7:1.  9:1.  y 6:2— 21.  7.8:1,  &c.  a See  on  10:23. 


enemies. — Those  trials  and  perils,  the  prospect  of  which 
deter  many  from  a life  of  godliness,  and  often  excite  the 
apprehensions  of  the  true  believer,  are  frequently  in  experi- 
ence too  inconsiderable  for  notice,  and  only  excite  shame  and 
surprise,  upon  the  recollection  of  the  alarms  which  they 
occasioned.  Let  sinners  then  take  warning  not  to  harden 
their  own  hearts,  lest  God  should  give  them  up  to  judicial 
hardness:  let  them  lay  down  their  arms  of  rebellion,  and 
humbly  sue  for  u peace,  and  they  shall  make  peace  the 
effect  of  which  shall  be  14  quietness  and  assurance  for  ever.” 
And  let  none  of  us  dread  any  thing  in  comparison  of  the 
wrath  of  God,  which  is  more  tremendous  than  we  can  possi- 
bly conceive.  ( Note , Ps.  90:11.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  XII.  V.  1 — G.  This  chapter  connects 
tho  history  of  the  conquest  of  Canaan  with  the  subsequent 
account  of  its  division  to  the  tribes  of  Israel.  The  passages 
referred  to  in  the  margin,  seem  to  give  all  the  useful  informa- 
tion that  can  be  collected  concerning  the  narrative.  ( Notes , 
Num.  21:21— 34.  32:29—41.  Deut.  2:24—37.  3:1—11.) 

V.  7.  44  Halak”  signifies  either  division,  or  smooth.  Per- 

haps this  mountain  divided  the  land  of  Judah  from  Idumea. 
( 1 1:17.  marg.) 

V.  14.  The  Israelites  utterly  destroyed  king  Arad  and 
his  cities,  in  the  lifetime  of  Moses,  and  called  the  name  of 
them  Hormah.  (Note,  Num.  21:1 — 3.)  Probably  44  the  king 
of  Arad,”  here  mentioned  is  the  same  person.  As  his  king- 
dom was  on  the  southern  border  of  Canaan,  and  not  east  of 
Jordan,  it  came  into  the  possession  of  Israel  under  Joshua  ; 
ana  therefore  he  is  numbered  in  that  division  of  kings.  Yet 
Hormah  is  here  mentioned  as  a distinct  kingdom  from  that  of 
Arad:  and  perhaps  there  was  another  place  of  that  name. 
(Num.  14:45.) 

V.  24.  Every  considerable  town  or  city  was  under  the  govern- 
ment of  a king,  who  possessed  the  adjacent  fields  and  villages, 
and  ruled,  as  it  is  generally  supposed,  with  despotic  sway : 
and  though  the  Canaanites  doubtless  waged  frequent  wars, 
( 406  ) 


9 The  king  of  r Jericho,  one  ; the  king  of  *Ai, 
which  is  beside  Beth-el,  one ; 

10  The  king  of  “Jerusalem,  one ; the  king  of 
bHebron,  one ; 

11  The  king  of  "Jarmuth,  one  ; the  king  of 
dLachish,  one ; 

12  The  king  of  eEglon,  one ; the  king  oi  < Gezer 
one ; 

13  The  king  of  sDebir,  one;  the  king  of  hGeder 
one ; 

14  The  king  of  'Hormah,  one ; the  king  ol 
kArad,  one  ; 

15  The  king  of 'Libnah,  one ; the  king  ofmAdub 
lam,  one ; 

16  The  king  of  “Makkedah,  one ; the  king  of 
0Beth-el,  one ; 

17  The  king  of  rTappuah,  one;  the  king  of 
iHepher,  one ; 

18  The  king  of  rAphek,  one : the  king  of  ILash- 
aron,  one  ; 

19  The  king  of  "Madon,  one ; the  king  of 
'Hazor,  one ; 

20  The  king  of  "Shimron-meron,  one  ; the  king 
of  xAchshaph,  one ; 

21  The  king  of  ^Taanach,  one;  the  king  ot 
'Megiddo,  one  ; 

22  The  king  of  “Kedesh,  one ; the  king  of 
bJokneam  of  "Carmel,  one; 

23  The  king  ofdDor,  in  the  coast  of  Dor,  one; 
the  king  of 'the  nations  of  f Gilgal,  one  ; 

24  The  king  of  sTirzah,  one  : all  the  kings 
thirty  and  one. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

What  parts  of  the  land  were  still  unsubdued , 1 — 6.  Joshua  is  directed  to  di- 
vide the  whole  by  lot.  7.  The  inheritance  of  the  two  tribes  and  a hal f,  8 — 13. 

The  borders  of  Reuben,  15 — 23;  of  Gad,  24 — 28;  of  the  half  tribe  of  Mar 

nasseh , 29 — 32.  No  inheritance  assigned  to  Levi,  14,  33. 

NOW  Joshua  awas  old  and  stricken  in  years; 

and  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  Thou  art  old 
and  stricken  in  years,  and  there  remaineth  yet 
very  much  land  *to  he  possessed. 

2 This  is  bthe  land  that  yet  remaineth:  all  cthe 
borders  of  the  Philistines,  and  all  dGeshuri, 

3 From  eSihor,  which  is  before  Egypt,  even 


h See  on  10:3,23,36,37.  c 10:3,23.  d 10:3,23,31,32.  e 10:3,23.  15:39.  f 10:33. 
g 10:3,38.  1.15:36.  i Num.  14:45.  21:3.  k Num.  21:1.  1 10:29,30.  m 1 Sam. 
2*2:1.  11 10:23.  o8:l7.  Gen.  12:8.  28:19.  Judg.  1:22.  p 15:34.  q 19:13.  1 King! 
4:10.  r 19:30.  1 Sam.  4:1.  1 Or,  Sharon.  33:9.  s 11:1.  111:1,10,11.  Jude. 

4:2.  u 11:1.  19:15.  x 11:1.  19:25.  y 17:11.  Judg.  5:19.  z 1 Kings  4:12 
2 Kings  23:29,30.  a 15:23.  19:37.  21:32.  b 19:11.  c 15:55.  1 Sam.  25.2.  Is. 
35:2.  d 11£.  17:11.  e Gen.  14:1,2.  Is.  9:1.  (See  on  4:19.  5:9,10.  g 1 KiDga 
16:23.  2 Kings  15:14.  a 14:10.  23:1,2.  24:29.  Gen.  18:11.  1 Kings  1:1.  Luke  1: 
7.  * Heb.  to  possess  it.  Deut.  31:3.  b Ex.  23:29 — 31.  Deut.  11  23, 24.  Judg. 
3:1.  c Gen.  10:14.  26:1.  Joel  3:4.  d 11,13.  12:5.  1 Sam.  27:8.  2 Sam.  3:3.  13: 
37,38.15:8.  eJer.2:18. 


and  gained  advantages  over  each  other ; yet  no  one  had  ac- 
quired the  sovereignty  of  the  whole. — When  Julius  Ccesar 
‘landed  in  Britain,  he  found  four  kings  in  the  single  county 
of  Kent:  how  many  then  must  there  have  been  in  the  whole 
Island! — A single  view  of  a good  map  of  ancient  Canaan 
will  show  the  reader  all  that  learned  men  have  conjectured 
or  determined  concerning  the  relative  situation  of  the  seve- 
ral places,  which  are  mentioned  in  this  and  the  followingchap- 
ters.  And  indeed  that  is  the  only  method  of  obtaining  a clecu 
idea  of  the  subject. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  enjoyment  of  present  blessings  should  revive  the  grate- 
ful remembrance  of  former  mercies:  and  the  benefit  derived 
from  the  labours  of  the  living  servants  of  the  Lord  should  re- 
mind us  to  respect  the  memories  of  those  who  have  hereto- 
fore served  Him  and  their  generation.  The  national  cove- 
nant, mediated  by  Moses,  engaged  many  temporal  advan- 
tages to  Israel ; but  Jesus  alone  brings  the  whole  multitude  of 
believers  to  the  promised  rest  and  inheritance : and  though 
his  true  people  enjoy  many  blessings  from  him  in  this  world: 
yet  they  do  not  enter  upon  the  possession  of  their  completo 
felicity,  till  they  pass  over  the  Jordan  of  death  to  the  man- 
sions above. — The  vengeance  of  a righteous  God,  inflicted 
upon  all  these  kings  and  their  numerous  subjects  for  their 
wickedness,  should  impress  our  minds  with  reverential  awe  of 
his  majesty  and  nurity,  and  with  dread  and  hatred  of  sin: 
while  tne  fruitful  land,  which  he  bestowed  upon  bis  chosen 
people,  and  thus  prepared  for  thoir  reception,  should  inspire 
our  hearts  with  humble  gratitude,  and  with  hope  and  confi- 
dence in  his  mercy.  In  both  instances  the  final  event  of  all 
things  is  represented ; when  the  wicked  44  shall  go  away  into 
everlasting  punishment,  and  tho  righteous  into  life  eternal." 
Let  us  then  44  flee  from  tho  wrath  to  come,”  and  seek  and 
pray  to  be  numbered  witli  tho  saints  h*jre,  that  we  may  bo 
numbered  with  them  in  glory  everlasting 
NOTES.— Chap.  XIII.  V.  1—5.  Joshua  i*  supposed 


B.  C.  1445. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


B.  C.  144c 


unto  the  borders  of  Ekron  northward,  f which  is 
counted  to  the  Canaanite  : sfive  lords  of  the  Phi- 
listines ; the  Gazathites,  and  the  Ashdothites,  the 
Eshkalonites,  the  Gittites,  and  the  Ekronites ; also 
the  hAvites : 

4 From  the  south,  all  'the  land  of  the  Canaan- 
ites,  and  'Mearah  that  is  beside  the  Sidonians, 
unto  kAphek,  to  the  borders  of  'the  Amorites : 

5 And  the  land  of  the  mGiblites,  and  all  “Leba- 
non toward  the  sunrising',  from  “Baal-gad  runder 
mount  Hermoii,  lunto  the  entering  into  Hamath. 

6 All  the  inhabitants  of  the  hill-country, 
from  Lebanon  unto  rMisrephoth-maim,  and  all  the 
Sidonians ; ‘them  will  I drive  out  from  before  the 
children  of  Israel:  ‘only  divide  thou  it  by  lot  unto 
the  Israelites  for  an  inheritance,  as  I have  com- 
manded thee. 

7 Now  therefore  divide  “this  land  for  an  in- 
heritance unto  the  nine  tribes,  and  the  half-tribe 
of  Manasseh, 

8 With  whom  the  Reubenites  and  the  Gadites 
have  received  their  inheritance,  which  “Moses 
gave  them,  beyond  Jordan  eastward,  even  as 
Moses  the  servant  of  the  Lord  gave  them: 

9 From  f Aroer,  that  is  upon  the  hank  of  the 
river  Arnon,  and  the  city  that  is  in  the  midst  of 
the  river,  and  ‘all  the  plain  Medeba  unto  Dibon  ; 

10  And  “all  the  cities  of  Sihon  king  of  the 
Amorites,  which  reigned  in  Heshbon,  unto  the 
border  of  the  children  of  Ammon; 

11  And  bGilead,  and  the  border  of  the  Ge- 
shurites  and  Maachathites,  and  all  mount  Hermon, 
and  all  Bashan  unto  Salcah: 

12  All  the  kingdom  of  cOg  in  Bashan,  which 
reigned  in  Ashtaroth  and  in  Edrei,  who  remained 
of  tlie  remnant  of  the  giants : for  dthese  did  Moses 
smite,  and  cast  them  out. 

13  Nevertheless,  the  children  of  Israel  “expelled 
not  the  Geshurites,  nor  the  Maachathites : but 
the  Geshurites  and  the  Maachathites  dwell  among 
the  Israelites  until  this  day. 

14  Only  funto  the  tribe  of  Levi  he  gave  none 
inheritance ; the  sacrifices  of  the  Lord  God  of 
Israel  made  by  fire  are  their  inheritance,  as  he  said 
unto  them. 

15  11  And  Moses  gave  unto  the  tribe  of  the 
children  of  Reuben  inheritance  according  to  their 
families : 


Gen.  10:15— 19.  Num.34:'2— 14.  gjuils.3:3.  1 Sam.  6:4,16,11.  Zeph.  2:5, 
nDeut.2:23.  Avims.  i 10:40.  11:3.  12:7,8.  * Or,  the  cave,  k 19:30.  1 Judg. 
1:34,35,  m 1 Kings  5:18.  mars.  Ps.  83:7.  Ez.27:9.  n Deut.  1:7.  3:25.  o 12: 
7.  p 11:17.  qNum.  34:8.  19.40:9.  Amos  6:2.  r 11:8.  s 23:13.  Gen.  15: 
18—21.  Ex.  23:30,31.  Judg.  2:21 — 23.  t Seeon  14:1,2.  u Num.  26:53— 56  . 33: 
54.  34:2-14.  Ez.  47:13— 23.  48:23-29.  x 4:12.  22:4.  Num.  32:33— 42.  Deut. 
3:12—17.  y 16.  12:2.  Deut.  3:12.16.  z Num.  21:30.  Is.  15:2.  Jer.  48:18,22. 
a See  on  Num.  21:24 — 26.  b 12:2— 5.  Deut.  4:47,48.  1 Chr.  2:23.  c 12.4. 
Deut.  3:10,11.  d 14:3,4.  Num.  21:23—35.  e 1 . 23:13.  Num.  33:55.  Judg-.  2:3. 
2 Sam.  3:3.  13:37,38.  f 33.  14:3,4.  Num.  18:20-  24.  Deut.  10:9.  12:12,19.  18:2. 
g 12:2.  Num.  21:28—30  . 32:35-38.  Deut.  3:12.  Is.  15:1,2,4.  16:7—9.  Jer.  48: 


to  have  been  about  one  hundred  years  of  age  at  this  time  ; 
though  not. being  informed  how  old  he  was  when  Israel  left 
Egypt,  we  can  only  conjecture  what  time  passed  between 
that  event  and  his  death,  at  the  age  of  one  hundred  and  ten 
years.  (24:29.)  It  is  probable,  however,  that  he  found 
himself  less  capable  of  military  services,  than  he  had  for- 
merly been.  (14:10,11.)  A large  proportion  of  the  land  yet 
remained  in  the  possession  of  the  ancient  inhabitants  ; and 
perhaps  he  supposed  that  the  division  was  not  to  take  place 
till  the  whole  was  actually  subdued.  But  the  Lord  was 
pleased  graciously  to  remove  his  anxiety,  and  to  direct  his 
conduct,  by  commanding  him,  whilst  he  was  able,  and  without 
further  delay,  to  make  preparation  for  dividing  the  land 
among  those  tribes  which  had  not  received  their  inheritance. 
The  whole  country,  not  excepting  the  parts  possessed  by  the 
ancient  inhabitants,  was  ordered  to  be  thus  allotted  to  Israel ; 
which  tended  to  remind  them  of  the  extent  and  certainty  of 
the  divine  promises,  and  to  encourage  them  to  seek  the  more 
comp.ete  performance  of  them.  It  was  also  a caution,  not  to 
enter  into  any  alliance  with  the  remains  of  the  devoted  na- 
tions : and  the  leaders  of  each  tribe  were  thus  excited  to 
.evy  war  against  those  Canaanites,  who  kept  them  out  of 
their  inheritance. — Sihor  was  “ the  river  of  Egypt,”  and 
some  think  a branch  of  the  Nile ; but  this  is  not  likely : it  was 
rather  some  small  rivulet  just  at  the  entrance  of  Egypt. — 
The  Philistines  were  not  descended  from  Canaan,  but  from 
Mizraim  the  son  of  Ham  : ( Gen.  10:6,13 — 20.)  yet  they  were 
numbered  with  the  Canaanites  in  this  distribution.  ( Marg . 
Ref.  d,  g,  m— q.) 

V.  6.  The  Israelites  had  acquired  the  land  by  conquest ; 
but  they  were  neither  allowed  to  seize  upon  what  they  could,  i 


16  And  their  coast  was  »from  Aroer,  that  is  op 
the  bank  of  the  river  Arnon,  and  the  city  that  is 
in  the  midst  of  the  river,  and  all  the  plain  by 
Medeba : 

17  Heshbon,  and  all  her  cities  that  are  in  the 
plain ; Dibon,  and  tBamoth-baal,  and  Beth-baa. 
meon, 

18  AndhJahaza,  and  Kedemoth,  and  Mephaath 

19  And  Kirjathaim,  and  Sibmah,  and  Zareb't 
shahar  in  the  mount  of  the  valley, 

20  And  'Beth-peor,  and  *Ashdoth-pisgah,  ano 
kBeth-jeshimoth, 

21  And  'all  the  cities  of  the  pisin,  and  all  the 
kingdom  of  Sihon  king  of  the  Amorites,  which 
reigned  in  Heshbon,  “whom  Moses  smote  “with 
the  princes  of  Midian,  Evi,  and  Rekem,  and  Zur, 
and  Hur,  and  Reba,  which  were  dukes  of  Sihon 
dwelling  in  the  country. 

22  “Balaam  also  the  son  of  Beor,  the  $sooth- 
sayer,  did  the  children  of  Israel  slay  with  the 
sword,  among  them  that  were  slain  by  them. 

23  And  the  border  of  the  children  of  Reuben 
was  Jordan,  and  the  border  thereof.  This  was 
the  inheritance  of  the  children  of  Reuben  after 
their  families,  the  cities  and  the  villages  thereof. 

24  U And  Moses  gave  inheritance  Punto  the 
tribe  of  Gad,  even  unto  the  children  of  Gad, 
according  to  their  families  : 

25  And  their  coast  was  Jazer,  and  all  the  cities 
of  Gilead,  and  ‘‘half  the  land  of  the  children  ot 
Ammon,  unto  Aroer,  that  is  before  pRabbah  : 

26  And  from  Heshbon  unto  "Ramath-mizpeh, 
and  Betonim;  and  from  ‘Mahanaim  unto  the 
border  of  “Debir ; 

27  And  in  the  valley,  Beth-aram,  and  “Beth- 
nimrah,  and  rSuccoth,  and  Zaphon,  the  rest  of 
the  kingdom  of  Sihon  king  of  Heshbon,  Jordan 
and  his  border,  even  unto  the  edge  of  the  sea  of 
“Chinnereth,  on  the  other  side  Jordan,  eastward. 

28  This  is  the  inheritance  of  the  children  of 
Gad,  after  their  families,  the  cities,  and  their 
villages. 

29  If  And  Moses  gave  inheritance  unto  the 
half-tribe  of  Manasseh : and  this  was  the  pos- 
session of  the  half-tribe  of  the  children  of  Ma- 
nasseh by  their  families. 

30  And  “their  coast  was  from  Mahanaim,  all 
Bashan,  all  the  kingdom  of  Og,  king  of  Bashan, 

21 — 24.  f Or,  the  high  places  of  Baal , and  the  house  of  Baal-meon.  Num.  21 : 
19  . 22:41.  32:38.  h 21:36,37.  Num.  21:23.  Jahaz.  1 Chr.  6:78,79.  Jahznh. 
iNum.25:3.  J Or,  springs  of  Pisgah,  or , the  hill '.  kEz.25:9.  I Deul.3.10. 
m Num.  21:24 — 35.  Deut.  2:30 — 36.  n Num.  31:8.  o Num.  22:5— 7.  24:1.  31:8. 
2Pet.2:15.  Jude  11.  Rev. 2:14.  19:20.  § Or,  diviner,  p Num.  32:34 — 36. 

o Num.  21:26— 30.  Deut.  2:19.  Judg.  11:13— 27.  r Deut.  3:11.  2 Sam.  11:1.  12; 
26.  Ez.  21:20.  Am.  1:14.  a 20:8.  Gen. 31:49.  Judg. 10:17.  11:11,29.  lKings22: 
3.  t 21:38.  Gen.  32:1,2.  2Sam.  2:8.  17:27.  u2Sam.9:5.  17:27,30.  Lodebar, 
x Num.  32:3,36.  yGen. 33:17.  Judg.  8:5,6,14— 16.  lKings7:46.  z 11:2.  123. 
Chinneroth.  Num.  34:11.  Deut.  3:17.  Luke  5:1.  Gennesaret.  a 26.  Num.  32: 
39— 41.  Deut.  3:13 — 15.  1 Chr.  2:21— 23. 


nor  to  have  it  all  in  common,  nor  to  share  it  out  by  consent 
or  arbitration;  but,  with  a solemn  appeal  to  God  himself,  to 
divide  it  by  casting  lots  : for  Canaan  was  his  land,  and  Israel 
was  his  people.  This  was  likewise  the  readiest  way  of  satis- 
fying all  parties,  and  preventing  discontent  and  discord  ; and 
it  most  aptly  typified  the  Lord’s  choosing,  in  his  infinite  wis- 
dom and  love,  the  temporal  provision  and  eternal  inheritance 
of  his  true  people. — As  every  tribe  had  its  inheritance  deter- 
mined by  lot ; so  it  is  probable,  that  afterwards  the  subdivi- 
sions to  every  family  and  each  individual  were  regulated  in 
the  same  manner : and  thus  their  estates  would  descend  to 
posterity,  not  so  much  as  the  inheritance  of  their  fathers,  as 
t(iat  which  the  Lord  had  immediately  assigned  them.  (Note,, 
Prov.  16:33.) 

V.  7— 13.  (Marg. Ref.  Notes,  Num.  32:29— 42.)— With 
whom.  (8)  That  is,  with  the  other  half-tribe  of  Manasseh. 

V.  14.  “The  sacrifices  made  by  fire”  included  all  the 
oblations,  of  which  any  portion  was  burnt  on  the  altar.  (33.) 

V.  15 — 20.  (Marg.  Ref.) — Dibon.  (17)  Dibon  seems 
to  have  been  situated  in  the  confines  of  Reuben  and  Gad, 
and  inhabited  by  some  of  each  tribe.  (Num.  32:34.)  The 
same  may  perhaps  be  said  of  Heshbon.  (26.  21:36 — 39.  1 
Chr.  6:80,81.) 

V.  21,  22.  Dukes  of  Sihon.]  (Num.  31:8.  Note,  Num. 
22:4.)  These  princes  of  Midian  are  here  called  Dukes  of 
Sihon,  probably  because  they  had  been  his  tributaries. 
(Deut.  2:30 — 37.) — These  authenticated  records  concerning 
the  boundaries  of  the  inheritances  belonging  to  each  tribe, 
were  intended  to  prevent  litigations,  or  decide  differences  a 
future  ages. — Balaam.  (22)  Notes,  Num.  22:5.  31  'B 

V.  24—28.  Marg.  Ref. 

I 407  ) 


B.  C.  1445.  JOSHUA.  B.  C.  1445. 


and  aYl  the  towns  of  Jair,  which  are  in  Bashan 
threescore  cities; 

3;  And  half  Gilead,  and  bAshtaroth,  and  Edrei, 
cities  of  the  kingdom  of  Og  in  Bashan,  were  per- 
taining unto  the  children  of  Machir  the  son  of 
Manasseh,  even  to  the  one  half  of  the  children 
jf  Machir  by  their  families. 

32  These  are  the  countries  which  Moses  did 
listribute  for  inheritance  in  the  plains  of  Moab, 
jn  the  other  side  Jordan  by  Jericho  eastward. 

33  Bnt  unto  'the  tribe  of  Levi  Moses  gave  not 
any  inheritance;  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  was  their 
inheritance,  as  he  said  unto  them. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

The  country  west  of  Jordan  to  be  divided  by  lot , to  the  nine  tribes  and  a half , 
l — 5.  Caleb  demands  Hebron  and  obtains  it,  6 — 15. 

AND  these  are  the  countries  which  the  children 
of  Israel  inherited  in  the  land  of  Canaan, 
‘which  Eleazar  the  priest,  and  Joshua  the  son  of 
Nun,  and  the  heads  of  the  fathers  of  the  tribes  of 
the  children  of  Israel,  distributed  for  inheritance 
to  them. 

2  By  blot  was  their  inheritance,  as  the  Lord 
commanded  by  the  hand  of  Moses,  for  the  nine 
tribes,  and  for  the  half-tribe. 

3  For  Moses  “had  given  the  inheritance  of  two 
tribes  and  an  half-tribe  on  the  other  side  Jordan: 
'’but  unto  the  Levites  he  gave  none  inheritance 
among  them. 

4  For  'the  children  of  Joseph  were  two  tribes, 
Manasseh  and  Ephraim:  therefore  they  gave  no 
part  unto  the  Levites  in  the  land,  'save  cities  to 
dwell  in,  with  their  suburbs  for  their  cattle,  and 
for  their  substance. 

5  As  the  Lord  commanded  Moses,  so  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  did,  and  they  divided  the  land. 

6  H Then  the  children  of  Judah  came  unto 
Joshua,  in  gGil£ral ; and  '‘Caleb,  the  son  of  Je- 
phunneh  ‘the  Kenezite,  said  unto  him,  kThou 
knowest  the  thing  that  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses 

hSeeoul2:4.  c 14.  18:7.  Num. 18:20.  Deut.  10:9.  18:1,2.  a See  on  Num. 
81:17— 29.  b Nam.  26:85, 5S.  33:54.  34:13.  Ps.  16:5,6.  Prov.  16:33.  18:18. 
Malt.  25:34.  cl3:8.  Nam.  32:29— 42.  Dent.  312— 17.  <1  Set  on  13:14,33. 

e Gen.  48:5.  1 Chr.  5:1,2.  f 21:2— 42.  Mum . 35:2— 8.  1 Cbr.  6:54—81.  el: 
19.10:43.  h Num.  13:6.  14:6.  i 14.  15:17.  Num.  32:12.  k Num.  14:24,30. 
Deut.  1:36—38.  I Num.  12:7,8.  Deut.  33:1.  34  5,10.  Jurlg.  13:6—8. 1 Kinks  13: 
1,14.  2 Kings  4:9,16,42.  8:7,11.  Ps.90:  title.  1 Tim.  6:11.  2Tim. 3:17.  m Num. 

V.  29—32.  Num.  32:39—42.  Deut.  3:13—17. 

V.  33.  As  Moses  was  himself  of  the  tribe  of  Levi,  he 
gave  a special  proof  that  he  acted  by  divine  authority,  in 
thus  overlooking  his  own  family  and  his  own  tribe  : for  though 
.he  Levites  were  well  provided  for,  yet  the  security  of  that 
provision  was  so  interwoven  with  Israel’s  adherence  to  the 
worship  of  God,  that,  had  they  universally  apostatized,  the 
Levites  would  have  been  left  destitute,  whilst  all  the  other 
tribes  would  have  had  possession  of  their  estates  ; that  is, 
without  some  immediate  divine  interposition. — Had  Moses 
acted  according  to  the  natural  bias  of  the  human  mind,  he 
would  probably  have  first  provided  for  his  own  tribe  ; but  on 
the  contrary,  he  expressly  appointed  that  they  should  have 
no  inheritance  in  Israel.  And  his  sons  appear  to  have  entered 
fully  into  the  disinterested  and  unambitious  spirit  of  their 
father  ; though  in  no  respect  distinguished  from  the  rest  of 
the  Levites.  ( Mar g.  Ref . Notes , Gen.  48:5.  Num.  3:1 — 
3.  18:20.)  The  way  in  which  this  subject  is  uniformly  men- 
tioned, implies  that  the  Levites  had  as  good  a title  to  their 
tithes  and  perquisites,  as  their  brethren  had  to  their  estates. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Old  age,  gradually  and  almost  insensibly,  creeps  upon  man- 
kind : and  though  their  infirmities  might,  one  would  think, 
suffice  to  remind  aged  persons  of  their  time  of  life  ; yet,  they 
generally  need  to  be  put  in  remembrance  of  it,  and  excited 
to  prepare  for  approaching  dissolution. — 44  Whatever  our  hand 
fmdeth  to  do,”  respecting  the  glory  of  God,  the  salvation  of 
our  souls,  or  the  good  of  our  fellow-creatures,  we  should  44  do 
it  with  our  might and  the  expectation  of  death,  as  well  as 
the  calamities  of  life  should  warn  us  to  redeem  our  time,  and 
seize  upon  present  opportunities  of  usefulness.  ( Note , Ec. 
9:10.)  Our  season  of  labour  and  of  service  will  soon  expire, 
and  we  shall  shortly  be  at  rest : we  ought  not  therefore  now 
to  indulge  sloth,  or  shrink  from  hardship;  yet  if  it  he  the 
Lord’s  will  to  lay  us  aside,  we  should  be  willing  to  leave  our 
designs  unfinished,  or  to  be  completed  hv  other  hands.  He 
knoweth  all  our  infirmities,  and  will  not  forsake  his  servants, 
when  old  and  incapable  of  work:  when  however  the  heart  is 
zealous,  they  who  cannot  perform  one  service,  will  devise  to 
he  useful  in  some  other  way,  though  not  equally  splendid  and 
honourable. — But  one  succession  after  another  of  godly  per- 
sons and  able  ministers  flies,  and  leaves  an  immense  propor- 
tion of  *he  earth  in  the  possession  of  the  great  enemy  of  God 
and  man  ; though  the  promise  assures  us  that  it  will  all  in  due 
( 403  ) 


'the  man  of  God,  concerning  me  and  thee  in 
mKadesh-barnea. 

7 Forty  years  old  was  I when  Moses  the  servant 
of  the  Lord  “sent  me  from  Kadesli-barnea  to  espy 
out  the  land ; and  °I  brought  him  word  again,  as  1 1 
was  in  mine  heart. 

8 Nevertheless,  my  brethren  that  went  tip  wifn 
me,  made  the  heart  of  the  people  melt:  but  I 
Pwholly  followed  the  Lord  my  God. 

9 And  Moses  sware  on  that  day,  saying,  sSu  ely 
the  land  whereon  thy  feet  have  trodden  shall  be 
thine  inheritance,  and  thy  children’s  for  ever; 
because  thou  hast  wholly  followed  the  Lord  my 
God. 

10  And  now,  behold,  the  Lord  hath  kept  me 
alive,  as  he  said,  these  rforty  and  five  years,  even 
since  the  Lord  spake  this  word  unto  Moses, 
while  the  children  of  Israel  ‘wandered  in  the 
wilderness ; and  now,  lo,  I am  this  day  fourscore 
and  five  years  old. 

11  As  “yet  I am  as  strong  this  day,  as  I was  in 
the  day  that  Moses  sent  me : as  my  strength  was 
then,  even  so  is  my  strength  now,  for  war,  both  to 
go  out  and  to  come  in. 

12  Now  therefore  give  me  this  mountain, 
whereof  the  Lord  spake  in  that  day ; (for  thou 
heardest  in  that  day  now  ‘the  Anakims  were  there, 
and  that  the  cities  were  great  and  fenced  :)  uif  so 
be  the  Lord  will  be  with  me,  then  I shall  be  able 
to  drive  them  out,  as  the  Lord  said. 

13  And  Joshua  “blessed  him,  and  ygave  unto 
Caleb,  the  son  of  Jephunneh,  Hebron  for  an  in- 
heritance. 

14  Hebron  therefore  became  the  inheritance  of 
Caleb,  the  son  of  Jephunneh,  the  Kenezite,  unto 
this  day  ; “because  that  he  wholly  followed  the 
Lord  God  of  Israel. 

15  And  “the  name  of  Hebron  before  was  Kir- 
jath-arba,  which  Jlrba  was  a great  man  among 
the  Anakims.  bAnd  the  land  had  rest  from  war. 


13.26.  n Num.  13:16— 20.  o Num.  13:26— 33.  14 :6— 10.  p 14.  Num.  14:24. 
Deut.  1:36.  Rev.  14:4.  q 1:3.  Num.  11:22—21.  r 1 1 : 18.  Num.  14  33,34.  • Heb. 
walked,  s Deut.  31 :2.  34:7.  Pa.  90;  10.  111:21,22.  Num.  13:28,33.  u Nura. 
11:8,9.21:31.  I Sam.  11:6.  2 Cbr.  14:11.  Ps.  1S:32— 34.  27:1— 3.  44:3.  60:12. 
118:10—12.  Rom.  8:31.  Phil.  4:13.  x‘22  6.  Gen.  47:7,10.  1 Sam.  1:17.  Cant. 6: 
9.  y 10:36,37.  15:13.  21:11,12.  Jutlg.  1-20.  1 Chr.  6:55,56.  i 8,9.  1 Cor.  15: 
58.  a 15:13.  Gen.  23:2.  b 11:23.  Judg.  3:11,30.  5:31.  8:28. 


time  be  wrenched  out  of  his  hands,  and  become  entirely  the 
kingdom  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  Indeed  none  of  us  in  this  world 
live  up  to  our  privileges  and  spiritual  blessings,  as  delineated  in 
tjie  word  of  promise  ; being  kept  out  of  possession  by  our  foes, 
and  especially  by  44  sin  that  dwelleth  in  us  but  this  consi- 
deration should  animate  us  to  be  active  and  courageous, 
and  to  expect  and  seek  for  still  greater  and  richer  acquisitions 
of  knowledge,  holiness,  and  heavenly  consolations. — In  the 
present  state  of  human  nature,  it  is  the  Lord’s  will  that  there 
should  be  distinctions  of  property,  that  every  one  may  know 
and  be  contented  with  his  own. — Wherever  our  habitation  is 
placed,  and  in  whatever  honest  way  our  portion  is  assigned 
us,  we  should  consider  them  as  allotted  us  by  God,  and 
acquiesce  and  be  thankful : and  every  prudent  method  should 
be  devised  to  prevent  litigations  about  property. — The  mer- 
cies of  the  Lord  to  his  people,  and  his  judgments  upon  his 
enemies,  especially  those  who  have  tempted  others  to  wick- 
edness, ought  never  to  be  forgotten,  and  should  frequently 
be  mentioned ; because  they  are  honourable  to  him,  and  pro- 
fitable subjects  for  our  meditation. — The  ministers  of  the 
Lord  should  study  to  show  that  they  are  peculiarly  indifferent 
about  worldly  interests:  and  the  people  should  take  care  that 
they  want  nothing  suitable  to  their  station ; that  they  may 
neither  he  discouraged,  nor  taken  o(T  from  serving  at  the 
altar.  But  happy  are  they,  who  have  the  Lord  God  of  Israel 
for  their  inheritance,  how  little  soever  of  this  world  falls  to 
their  share : his  providence  will  supply  their  temporal  neces- 
sities; and  his  ordinances  and  spiritual  consolations  will  feast 
their  souls,  until  they  arrive  at  that 44  fulness  of  joy,  and  those 
pleasures  which  are  at  his  right  hand  for  evermore.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XIV.  V.  3—5.  (Notes,  13:14—33.  21 
Num.  35:2 — 8.)  As  the  descendants  of  Joseph  formed  two 
tribes,  the  nation  consisted  of  twelve  tribes,  according  to  the 
number  of  Jacob’s  sons,  without  reckoning  the  tribe  of*  Levi 
and  as  Joseph  was  allowed  a double  portion,  Levi  was  other- 
wise provided  for. 

V.  6 — 15.  Before  the  persons,  appointed  for  that  service, 
(Note,  Num.  34:10 — 29.)  had  begun  to  divide  the  land  by  lot, 
Caleb  came  to  Joshua  at  Gilgal,  (where  probably  the  taber- 
nacle and  ark  of  the  Lord  still  remained,)  to  require  that  He- 
bron and  the  lands  adjacent  might  Vo  assigned  to  him ; and 
his  brethren  of  the  tribe  of  Judah  *ttcnde  I him,  iw  mipport- 
ing  his  claim.  It  is  probable,  that  when  the  oth'ir  spies  torn 
fied  the  people  about  the  Anaknn*  Amo  Hv*'  t in  Honron,  Ca 


D.  C.  1445. 


CHAPTER  XV.  B.  C.  1445. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

fbt  boundaries  of  the  lot  of  Judah , 1 — 12.  Caleb  takes  Hebron , 13,  14. 
Othnisl  having  taken  Debir , receives  ('aleb’s  < laughter  in  marriage  ; who 
obtains  a blessing  from  her  father,  15—19.  The  cities  in  the  lot  of  Judah , 
20—62.  The  Jebusites  retain  Jerusalem,  63. 

Hf1  HIS  then  was  "the  lot  of  the  tribe  of  the  chil- 
■*  dren  of  Judah  by  their  families:  bcven  to  the 
border  of  Edom ; the  wilderness  of  Zin  south- 
ward was  the  uttermost  part  of  the  south  coast,. 

2 And  their  south  border  was  front  the  shore 
of  the  "salt  sea,  from  the  ‘bay  that  looketh  south- 
ward. 

3 And  it  went  out  to  the  south  side  to  'Maaleh- 
acrabbim,  and  passed  alon"  to  dZin,  and  ascended 
up  on  the  south  side  unto  Kadesh-barnea,  and 
passed  alon?  to  Hezron,  and  went  up  to  Adar, 
and  fetched  a compass  to  Karkaa : 

4 From  thence  it  passed  towards  “Azmon,  and 
went  out  unto  i the  river  of  Egypt;  and  the  goings 
out  of  that  coast  were  at  the  sea.  This  shall  be 
your  south  coast. 

5 And  rthe  east  border  was  the  salt  sea,  even 
unto  the  end  of  Jordan : and  their  border  in  the 
north  quarter  was  from  the  bay  of  the  sea,  at  the 
uttermost  part  of  Jbrdan. 

6 And  the  border  went  up  to  ’’Bethhogla,  and 
passed  along  by  the  north  of  Beth-arabah ; and 

» 14:2.  Num. 26:55,56.  1>  Num.  33:37.  34:3— 5.  Ei.  47:19.  c3:16.  Gen.  14:3. 
Num.  34:3.  Ez.  47:8,18.  * Heb.  tongue.  Is.  11:15.  t Or,  the  going  up  to 

Acrabbim.  Num.  34:4.  Judg.  1:36.  d Gen.  14:7.  Num.  20:1.  32:8.  e Num. 
34:5.  f 13:3.  Ex.  23:31.  g Num.  34:12.  h 1819,20.  i 18:17.  k 15.  10:38,39. 
17:26.  Is. 65:10.  Hos.  2:15.  m 4:19.  5:10.  10:43.  nSSam.  17:17.  1 Kings  1:9. 


leb  proposed  to  take  that  place  for  his  inheritance,  and  to  wait 
for  it  till  the  Anakims  were  dispossessed:  and  that  by  divine 
direction  Moses  had  engaged  by  oath  that  it  should  be  so,  at 
the  time  when  the  Lord  declared  that  Joshua  and  Caleb  alone 
should  live  to  enter  the  promised  land.  (Notes,  Num.  14:24, 
27 — 30.)  Caleb  therefore  solicited  the  performance  of  this 
engagement,  and  spake  of  it  as  well  known  to  Joshua  and  all 
concerned.  He  likewise  took  occasion  to  rejoice  in  the  tes- 
timony of  the  Lord,  that  he  had  “ followed  hint  wholly and 
in  that  of  his  conscience,  that  he  had  given  “ his  report,  as  it 
was  in  his  heart and  having  intimated  how  the  other  spies 
discouraged  the  people  to  their  own  destruction,  he  thankfully 
mentioned  the  goodness  of  God,  in  keeping  him  alive  for  for- 
ty-five years,  whilst  all  that  generation  were  wasted  in  the 
wilderness,  and  amidst  all  the  perils  of  the  wars  in  Canaan  ; 
and  that  he,  at  eighty-five  years  of  age,  was  as  strong,  and  as 
capable  of  war,  as  he  had  been  at  forty.  All  this  became 
one,  who  was  so  eminent  a character  and  venerable  for  age : 
being  more  than  twenty  years  older  than  any  man  in  Israel, 
except  Joshua  and  some  of  the  Levites.  It  seems  from  the 
narration,  that  the  Anakims  had  again  possessed  themselves 
of  Hebron,  after  it  was  taken  by  Joshua,  and  that  Caleb  un- 
dertook to  drive  them  out  (Note,  11:21 — 23.)  This  he  was 
ready  to  attempt,  confiding,  not  in  his  own  strength  or  valour, 
or  in  the  assistance  of  his  brethren,  but  in  the  Almighty  God  : 
and,  in  order  to  mark  this  more  strongly,  though  it  does  not 
appear  that  he  doubted  the  event  he  thus  expressed  his  con- 
fidence : “ If  the  Lord  will  be  with  me,  then  I shall  be  able 
to  drive  them  out.” — Joshua  and  the  princes,  without  hesita- 
tion, consented  to  his  proposal : and  “ Joshua  blessed  him 
he  prayed  that  he  might  have  success  in  his  intended  expedi- 
tion, and  comfort  in  his  inheritance. — In  the  next  chapter  we 
read  of  his  driving  out  the  Anakims:  (Notes,  15:13 — 19.)  and 
when  the  lots  were  cast,  Hebron  fell  within  the  portion  of  Ju- 
dah, so  that  he  was  not  separated  from  his  brethren.  (15:54.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

They  who  desire  to  prosper  and  be  comfortable  in  their  un- 
dertakings and  possessions,  must  “acknowledge  the  Lord  in 
all  their  ways,”  refer  every  matter  to  his  decision,  and  regu- 
late their  whole  conduct  by  his  commaniS. — The  continuance 
of  our  lives,  notwithstanding  internal  decays  and  diseases, 
and  external  perils  and  injuries,  and  while  numbers  are  dying 
around  us,  ought  thankfully  to  be  acknowledged  as  the  Lord’s 
doing : and  if  health  and  vigour  are  enjoyed,  at  that  time  of 
life  which  to  others  is  labour  and  sorrow,  this  demands  peculiar 
gratitude.  But  old  age,  even  when  exempt  from  infirmity  and 
pain,  is  neither  honourable  nor  comfortable,  except  it  be  found 
in  the  way  of  righteousness ; for  a long  life,  spent  in  increas- 
ing guilt,  diffusing  wretchedness  and  wickedness,  and  “trea- 
suring up  wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath,”  will  prove  the  oc- 
casion of  proportionahly  deeper  condemnation.  But  they 
who  seek  the  Lord  early  and  “ follow  him  wholly,”  and  stand 
immoveably  firm  in  times  of  general  apostacy  and  prevailing 
ungodliness,  or  in  seasons  of  sharp  temptation  and  imminent 
danger ; if  afterwards  favoured  with  long  life,  and  enabled  to 
spend  it  in  glorifying  God  and  doing  good,  are  the  most  distin- 
guished and  honourable  of  the  human  species.  They  may 
V>ok  back  upon  their  lives  past,  spent,  by  the  grace  of  God, 
'n  some  measure  usefully ; and  they  may  look  forward  to  dis- 
•olution  as  speedily  approaching,  with  holy  consolation  — 
\ NoUs , 2 Tim.  4:6 — 8.  2 Pet,  1:12—15.)  They  have  a tes- 
Vol.  I.— 52 


the  border  went  tip  to  'the  stone  of  Bohan,  the  son 
of  Reuben. 

7 And  the  border  went  up  toward  bDebir  from 
'the  valley  of  Aclior,  and  so  northward,  looking 
toward  mGilgal,  that  is  before  the  going  up  t« 
Adumniim,  which  is  on  the  south  side  of  the  river 
and  the  border  passed  toward  the  waters  of  En- 
shemesh,  and  the  goings  out  thereof  were  at 
"En-rogel. 

8 And  the  border  went  up  by  the  “valley  of  the 
son  of  Hinnom,  unto  the  south  side  of  Hhe  Jebu- 
site,  the  same  is  Jerusalem  : and  the  border  went 
up  to  the  top  of  the  mountain  that  lieth  before  the 
valley  of  Hinnom  westward,  which  is  at  the  end 
of  <11116  valley  of  the  giants  northward. 

9 And  the  border  was  drawn  from  the  top  of 
the  hill  unto  the  fountain  of  the  water  of  'Neph- 
toah,  and  went  out  to  the  cities  of  mount  Ephron ; 
afld  the  border  was  drawn- to  ’Baalah,  which  is 
‘Kirjath-jearim. 

10  And  the  border  compassed  from  Baalah 
westward  unto  mount  Seir,  and  passed  along  unto 
the  side  of  mount  Jearim,  (which  is  Chesalon,)  on 
the  north  side,  and  went  down  to  “Beth-shemesh, 
and  passed  on  to  xTimnah  : 

1 1 And  the  border  went  out  unto  the  side  ol 
^Ekron  northward : and  the  border  was  drawn  to 


o 18:16.  2 Kings  23:10.  2Chr.28:3.  Jer.  7:31,32.  19:2,6,14.  p63.  18:28.  Judg. 
1:8,21.  19:10.  q 18: 16.  2 Sam.  5:18,22.  Is.  17:5.  the  valley  of  Rephaim.  r lo: 
15.  s2Sam.  6:2.  1 Chr.  13:6.  t 9:17.  Judg.  18: 12.  « 1 Sam.  6:12— 21.  x 57. 
Gen.  38:13.  Judg.  14:1,5.  y 45.  19:43.  1 Sam.  5:10. 


timony  to  their  characters  in  the  hearts  of  others,  and  may  re- 
joice in  the  testimony  of  their  own  consciences.  They  have 
much  to  be  thankful  for:  and  it  will  become  them,  and  they 
will  know  how  with  modesty  and  humility,  to  speak  of  all  that 
God  has  done  for  them  and  by  them ; which  will  encourage 
others,  and  redound  in  many  thanksgivings  to  his  name. 
Though  “ the  outward  man  decay,”  they  will  feel  themselves 
as  strong  for  their  spiritual  warfare  as  ever;  and  not  fear  by 
the  help  of  God  to  drive  out  every  enemy,  which  prevents 
their  possession  of  the  promised  inheritance.  Such  eminent 
believers  sometimes  survive  envy,  calumny,  and  prejudice ; 
their  sun,  which  has  long  been  obscured  by  intervening  clouds 
of  slanderous  reports,  groundless  jealousies,  and  rancorous 
enmity,  breaks  through  and  shines  with  bright  serenity  before 
it  sets.  God  himself  blesses  them:  all  around  perceive  it 
and  call  them  blessed,  and  concur  in  showing  them  distin- 
guishing respect:  and  great  usefulness  awaits  their  latter 
days,  their  closing  scene,  and  dying  testimony ; while  they 
declare  to  all  around  them,  that  the  Lord,  in  performing  his 
promises,  has  exceeded  their  largest  expectations. — Let  then 
young  persons  be  persuaded  to  seek  the  Lord  early  : let  tried 
and  tempted  Christians  be  encouraged  to  endure  and  wait  pa- 
tiently; and  let  those,  who  meet  with  opposition,  calumny, 
neglect,  or  ill  success  in  their  well-meant  endeavours  to  do 
good,  stand  their  ground  steadfastly. — Let  us  all  trust  in  the 
faithful  and  merciful  promises  of  God  without  w avering ; and 
aim  so  to  walk  with  him,  that  if  we  are  taken  aw  ay  more  early 
in  life,  we  may  be  found  ready  ; and  if  spared  till  old  age, 
may  close  it  honourably,  usefully,  and  comfortably. 

NOTES— Chap.  XV.  V.  1—12.  (Num.  34:3—6.) 
After  some  general  survey  of  the  land,  Joshua  proceeded  to 
allot  to  Judah,  Ephraim,  and  the  half  of  Manesseh,  their  situa- 
tions and  inheritances,  before  they  left  Gilgal : and  afterwards 
removing  to  Shiloh,  a more  extensive  and  accurate  survey 
seem3  to  have  been  made,  and  the  other  tribes  had  their  por- 
tions assigned  them  by  lot  also.  (Notes,  18:1 — 10.) — The 
inheritance,  which  Judah  actually  possessed,  was  large;  for 
it  was  intended  that  this  tribe  should  have  the  precedency, 
and  it  was  the  most  numerous  of  all  the  tribes.  But  that 
which  was  at  first  allotted  to  them,  contained  half  the  southern 
part  of  Canaan,  and  was  found  too  extensive  : so  that  some 
deductions  were  afterwards  made.  (Note,  19:1 — 9.) — The 
relative  Situation  of  the  tribes  seems  to  have  been  decided  by 
lot;  but  the  proportion  of  land  for  each,  to  have  been  deter- 
mined, in  some  measure,  by  the  discretion  of  the  persons  ap- 
pointed for  that  service. — “Bohan  the  son  of  Reuben,”  (6) 
was  either  one  of  Reuben’s  sons,  who  died  before  Jacob  left 
Canaan,  and  had  been  buried  in  the  place  here  mentioned; 
or  some  eminent  person  that  had  lately  died  there. — Several 
of  the  places  spoken  of  must  have  been  different  from  those 
called  elsewhere  by  the  same  names.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The 
portion,  here  marked  out,  was  bounded,  on  the  south,  by  the 
wilderness  of  Zin,  and  the  southern  coast  of  the  salt  sea;  on 
the  east  by  that  sea,  reaching  to  the  place,  at  which  it  receives 
the  waters  of  Jordan;  on  the  north,  by  a line  drawn  nearly 
parallel  to  Jerusalem,  across  from  the  northern  extremity  of 
the  salt  sea,  to  the  south  boundary  of  the  Philistines  and  to 
the  Mediterranean  Sea ; which  sea  was  its  boundary,  as  far 
the  river  of  Egypt. 

V.  13.  Gave.]  Or,  had  given.  (Note,  14:6-  -15.) — Hebron .] 
Note,  Num.  13:21,22. 

( 409  ) 


B C.  1445. 


JOSHUA. 


B.  C.  1445 


Snicron,  and  passed  along  to  zmount  Baalah,  and 
went  out  unto  Jabneel:  and  the  goings  out  of  the 
border  were  at  the  sea. 

12  And  the  west  border  was  to  athe  great  sea, 
and  the  coast  thereof.  This  is  the  coast  of  the 
children  of  Judah  round  about  according  to  their 
families. 

13  H And  unto  bCaleb,  the  son  of  Jephunneh, 
he  gave  a part  among  the  children  of  Judah, 
according  to  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  to 
Joshua,  even  'the  city  of  Arba,  the  father  of  Anak, 
which  city  is  Hebron. 

14  And  Caleb  drove  thence  cthe  three  sons  of 
Anak,  Sheshai,  and  Ahiman,  and  Talmai,  the 
children  of  Anak. 

15  And  he  went  Hup  thence  to  the  inhabitants 
of  Debir:  and  the  name  of  Debir  before  was 
Kirjath-sepher. 

16  And  Caleb  said,  He  that  smiteth  Kirjath- 
sepher,  and  taketh  it,  to  him  will  I give  Achsah 
my  daughter  to  wife. 

17  And  'Othniel  the  son  of'Kenaz,  the  brother 
of  Caleb,  took  it : and  he  gave  him  sAchsah  his 
daughter  to  wife. 

18  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  she  came  unto  him, 
that  she  moved  him  to  ask  of  her  father  a field  : 
and  ''she  lighted  off  her  ass ; and  Caleb  said  unto 
her,  What  wouldest  thou  ? 

19  Who  answered, 'Give  me  a '‘blessing;  for 
thou  hast  given  me  a south  land,  give  me  also 
springs  of  water.  And  he  gave  her  the  upper 
springs,  and  the  nether  springs. 

20  This  is  'the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  of  the 
children  of  Judah,  according  to  their  families. 

21  H And  the  uttermost  cities  of  the  tribe  of 
the  children  of  Judah,  toward  the  coast  of  Edom 
southward,  were  "'Kabzeel,  and  "Eder,  and  Jagur, 

22  And  Kinah,  and  Dimonah,  and  Adadah, 

23  And  “Kedesh.  and  Hazor,  and  Ithnan, 

24  I'Ziph,  and  iTelem.  and  Bealoth, 

25  And  Hazor,  Hndattah,  and  Kerioth,  and 
Hezron,  which  is  Hazor, 

26  Aman.  and  Shema,  and  rMoladah, 

27  And  Hazar-gaddah,  and  Heshmon,  and 
•Beth-palet, 

28  And  Hazar-shual,  and  "Beer-sheba,  and 
Bizjothjah, 

I 19:44.  a 47.  Num. 34:6,7.  Deul.  11.24.  Ki.  47:20.  b 14:6-15.  Num.  13:30. 
14:23,24.  Peat.  1:34  —36.  • Or.  Kirjnth-tirha.  14:15.  c 10:36,37.  11:21.  Num. 
13.22,33.  Judg.  1:10.20.  d 10:38.  Jude.  1 :11— 13.  c Judg.  3:9— 11.  f 14:6. 
Num.  32:12.  g lClir.  2:49.  h Gen.  24:64.  1 Sam.  23:23.  i Judg.  1:14.15. 
k Gen.  3311.  lSam.  25:27.  2 Cor.  9:5.  marg.  1 Gen.  49:8— 12.  Deut.  33:7. 
m Neli.  1125.  n Gen.  35:21.  o 12:22.  Num.  33:37.  Ileut.  1:19.  p 1 Sam.  23: 
14,19,24.  Ps.  54.  title,  q 1 Sam.  154.  rlChr.4:23.  sNeh. 11:26.  t 19:3. 
1 Chr.  4:28.  u 19:2.  Gen.  21:14,31— 33.  26:33.  x 10,1 1 . 19:  3.  yIChr.4:29. 

7.  19.4.  Num. 14:45.  Deut. 1:44.  Judg. 1:17.  a 19:5.  1 Sam.  27:6.  30:1.  1 Clir. 
12:1.  b Num.  34:11.  e Neb.  11:29.  d 19:41.  Judg.  13:25.  16:31.  e 12:17. 
110:3,23.  12:11.  Neh.  11:29.  g 12:15.  1 Sam. 22:1.  Mic.  1:15.  h 10:10.1  Sam. 


V.  14.  Caleb,  “the  Lord  being  with  him,”  drove  out  the 
Anakims.  It  is  not  said  that  he  slew  them;  hut  probably  they 
retired  again  to  the  Philistines  to  the  west  of  Hebron.  (Note, 
11:21—23.) 

V.  15  Debit — Ktrjath-sepher.]  These  names,  the  former 
signifying  a word,  or  oracle , the  latter,  the  city  of  a book,  have 
induced  the  opinion  that  this  city  was  a sort  of  academy,  or 
a depository  of  the  records  of  the  ancient  inhabitants.  It  is 
not  indeed  probable  that  writing  and  boohs,  in  our  sense  of 
the  words,  were  very  common  among  the  Canaanites:  but 
some  method  of  recording  remarkable  events  or  federal  trans- 
actions, and  a sort  of  learning,  was  doubtless  cultivated  in 
those  regions.  (Ads.  7:22.) 

V.  lfi,  17.  This  transaction  seems  here  introduced  by 
anticipation,  and  it  is  recorded  elsewhere.  (Note,  Judg.  1: 
10—15.) — Caleb  was  doubtless  desirous  to  excite  the  Israel- 
ites to  obtain  possession  of  their  inheritance : but  this  pro- 
posal was  also  well  calculated  to  secure  the  marriage  of  his 
daughter  with  a worthy  man,  who  perhaps  might  have  pre- 
viously entertainod  an  affection  for  her,  and  knew  the  value 
of  an  alliance  with  a person  so  eminent  for  faith  and  piety,  as 
Caleb  was.  Probably,  Debir  was  also  promised  as  her  dower. 
— Fathers,  among  the  Israelites,  (and  indeed  among  all  the 
ancients,)  seem  to  have  exercised  a more  absolute  authority, 
in  disposing  of  their  daughters  in  marriage,  than  is  customary 
among  us  ; and  these  generally  acquiesced  in  the  choice  made 
for  them.  The  case  is  the  same  in  many  countries  at  pre- 
sent. It  seems  the  Canaanites  had  recovered  the  possession 
of  Debir,  after  Joshua  had  taken  it ; but  it  was  in  this  manner 
again  taken  out  of  their  hands. 

Kemaz.  (17)  Probably  the  term  “ the  Kcnczite,”  used  of 
Caleb,  or  of  his  father  Jephunneh,  was  taken  from  Kcnnz. 
(JNote,  Num.  32:G — 15,  v.  12.) 

( 410  ) 


29  xBaalah,  and  Iim,  and  yAzem, 

30  And  Eltolad,  and  Chesil,  and  zHorniah, 

31  And  “Ziklag,  and  Madmannah,  and  Sansan 
nah, 

32  And  Lebaoth,  and  Shilhim,  and  bAin,  an. 
cRimmon  ; all  the  cities  are  twenty  and  nine,  with 
their  villages. 

33  And  in  the  valley,  dEshlaol,  and  Zoreah,  and 
Ashnah, 

34  And  Zanoah,  and  En-gannim,  eTappuah, 
and  Enam, 

35  f Jarmuth,  and  eAdullam,  Socoh,  and  hAze 
kah, 

36  And  'Sharaim,  and  Adithaim,  and  Gederah, 
hind  Gederothaim  ; fourteen  cities  with  their  vil 
lages. 

37  Zenan,  and  Hadashah,  and  Migdalgad, 

38  And  Dilean,  and  kMizpeh,  and  'Joktheel, 

39  mLachish.  and  "Bozkath,  and  “Eglon, 

40  And  Cabbon,  and  Lahmam,  and  Kithlish, 

41  And  Gederoth,  Beth-dagon,  and  Naamah, 
and  t’Makkedah  ; sixteen  cities  with  their  villages  : 

42  iLibnah,  and  rEther,  and  Ashan, 

43  And  Jiphtah,  and  Ashnah,  and  Nezib, 

44  And  sKeilah,  and  'Achzib,  and  “Mareshah, 
nine  cities  with  their  villages : 

45  xEkron,  with  her  towns  and  her  villages  : 

46  From  Ekron  even  unto  the  sea,  all  that  lay 
}near  yAshdod,  with  their  villages  : 

47  Ashdod  with  her  towns  and  her  villages, 
zGaza  with  her  towns  and  her  villages,  unto  “the 
river  of  Egypt,  and  the  great  sea,  and  the  border 
thereof: 

48  And  in  the  mountains,  Shamir,  and  bJattir, 
and  Socoh, 

49  And  Dannah,  and  cKirjath-sannah,  which  is 
Debir, 

50  And  Anab,  and  Eshtemoh,  and  Anim, 

51  And  JGosHen,  and  Holon,  and  eGiloh ; eleven 
cities  with  their  villages  : 

52  Arab,  and  Dumah,  and  Eshean, 

53  And  §Janum,  and  Beth-tappuah,  and  Aphe- 
kah, 

54  And  Humtah,  and  f Kirjath-arba,  (which  is 
HebronA  and  Zior  ; nine  cities  with  their  villages  : 

55  sMaon,  Carmel,  and  hZiph,  and  Juttah, 

56  And  Jezreel,  and  Jokdeam,  and  Zanoah, 


17:1  ilSam. 17:52.  t Or,  or.  k Judg.  20:1.  21:9.  1 Sam.  7:5,6,16.  10:17. 
12  Kings  14:7.  m 10:3,31,32.  12:11.  2 Kings  18:14,17.  19:8.  n 2 King,  22:1. 
o 10:3.  12:12.  p 1(1:21 ,28  . 12: 16.  q 10:29.  12:15.  2 Kings  8:22.  r 19:7.  » 1 .Sam. 
23:1,  Sc.  t Gen.  38:5.  Mic.  1:14  u Mic.  1 : 15.  x 13:3.  1 Sam.  5:10.  6:17. 
Ain.  1:8.  Zeph.  2-4.  Zech.  9:5— 7.  \ Heb.  by  the  place  of.  yl  Sam.  5:1,6. 
2 Chr.  26:6.  Neh.  13:23,24.  13.20:1.  Am.  1:8.  ?.  Judg.  16:1— 21.  Jer.  47:1,5. 

Am.  1:6,7.  Zeph.  2:4.  Acts  8:26.  a4.  13:3.  Ex. 23:31.  Num.  34:5.  b ‘21 : 14. 
c 15.  Judg.  1:11.  d 10:41.  11:16.  e 2 Sam.  15:12.  § Or,  Janus,  f 13.  14:15. 
Gen.  23:2.  g 1 Sam.  23:25.  25:2,7  . 2 Chr.  26:10.  Is.  35:2.  h 24.  1 Sam.  23:14, 
15.  25:1,2. 


V.  18,  19.  Caleb  had  his  inheritance  assigned  him,  in  a 
different  way  from  the  other  Israelites ; and  his  case  being 
thus  singular,  his  daughter,  when  married  to  a near  relation, 
was  allowed  to  inherit,  though  he  had  sons.  (Notes,  Ninn, 
27:1 — 11.) — As  Caleb  had  given  her  a portion  of  land  much 
exposed  to  the  sun,  and  not  well  supplied  with  water;  having 
obtained  the  approbation  of  Othniel,  she  petitioned  her  father 
to  give  her  another  field,  in  which  were  springs  of  water. 
This  she  called  a blessing,  both  as  a token  of  his  pate  mal 
affection,  and  as  conducing  to  the  comfort  of  her  situa/ion. 
Accordingly  Caleb  “gave  her  the  upper  springs  and  the 
nether  springs ;”  both  higher  and  lower  ground  well  watered. 

V.  33.  Twenty  and  wine.]  Thirty-eight  cities  are  numer- 
ated, but  nine  of  them  were  afterwards  allotted  to  Simeon. 
(Note,  19:1— 9.) 

V.  36.  Fourteen.]  Fifteen  names  are  mentioned,  but 
probably  the  last  two  names  belonged  to  the  same  place,  or 
the  latter  was  a kind  of  suburb  to  the  former.  (Marg.)  Thus 
Ramah  is  also  called  Ramathaim.  (1  Sa7n.  1:1, 19. j — The 
chief  use  of  these  catalogues  to  us,  consists  in  helping  us  to 
understand  some  passages  in  the  subsequent  history.  Several 
cities  of  the  same  name  are  here  enumerated,  and  different 
names  are  given  in  some  instances  to  the  same  place,  this 
occasions  difficulty  to  us,  hut  it  would  he  plain  enough  to  the 
Israelites;  and  something  of  the  same  kind  takes  place  in  the 
history  and  geography  of  other  countries. — The  lot  of  Judah 
contained  one  hundred  and  fourteen  cities  besides  country 
villages,  without  including  those  which  were  afterwards  given 
to  the  Simeonites.  The  land  must  have  been  immensely 
populous,  even  though  the  most  of  theso  cities  were  no  larger 
than  our  small  towns. 

V.  63.  Joshua  had  taken  the  king  of  Jerusalem,  hut  not  the 
city.  (10:22,23.)  Part  of  Jorusalom  was  in  the  lot  of  xuduh# 


B.  C 1445 


CHAPTER  XVI.  B.  e.  1444 


57  Cain,  Gibeah,  and  ‘Timnah;  ten  cities  with 
their  villages : 

58  Halnul,  Beth-zur,  and  kGedor, 

59  And  Maarah,  and  Beth-anoth,  and  Eltekon; 
six  cities  with  their  villages : 

60  'Kirjath-haal,  (which  is  Kirjath-jearim,)  and 
Rabbah  ; two  cities  with  their  villages : 

61  In  the  wilderness,  mBeth-arabah,  Middin, 
and  Secacah, 

62  And  Nibshan,  and  the  city  of  salt,  and  "En- 
gedi ; six  cities  with  their  villages. 

63  As  for  °the  Jebusites  the  inhabitants  of 
Jerusalem,  the  children  of  Judah  could  not  drive 
them  out:  but  the  Jebusites  dwell  with  the  chil- 
dren of  Judah  at  Jerusalem  unto  this  day. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

The  borders  of  Joseph's  posterity , west  of  Jordan , 1 — 4.  The  lot  of  Ephraim, , 
5—9  who  does  not  drive  out  the  Canaanites  from  Gezer , JO. 

AND  the  lot  of  the  children  of  Joseph  "fell 
from  Jordan  by  Jericho,  unto  “the  water  of 
Jericho  on  the  east,  to  the  wilderness  that  goeth 
up  from  Jericho  throughout  mount  Beth-el, 

2  And  goeth  out  from  bBeth-el  to  Luz,  and 
passeth  along  unto  the  borders  of  “Archi  to  Ata- 
roth. 

3  And  goeth  down  westward  to  the  coast  of 
Japhleti,  unto  the  coast  of  llBeth-horon  the  nether, 

110.  Gen.  38:12.  Judg.  14:1.  kl  Chr.  4:39.  1 18:14.  1 Sam.  7:1,2.  m 6.  13:18. 
n 1 Sam.  23:29.  24:1.  2 Chr.  20:2.  o Jude.  1:8,21 . 2 Sam.  5:6— 9.  1 Chr.  11:4—8. 
• Heb.  went  forth,  a 8:15.  15:61.  18:12.  2 Kines  2:19—21.  b 18:13.  Gen.  2S: 
19.  Judg.  1:22-26.  c2Sam.  16:16.  1 Chr.  27:33.  d 18:13.  1 Kings  9:16,17. 


and  part  in  that  of  Benjamin ; (18:28.  Note,  Deut.  33:12.) 
but  the  Jebusites  possessed  a part  of  it,  till  conquered  by 
David.  (Notes,  Judg.  1:8,21.  2 Sam.  5:G — 8.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

God  delights  to  honour  and  bless  those  who  honour  and 
obey  him,  and  to  answer  the  expectations  of  such  as  confide 
in  him:  and  wise  and  good  parents  will  humbly  endeavour  to 
copy  his  example,  in  their  conduct  towards  dutiful  and  obe- 
dient children. — It  is  a very  valuable  privilege  to  be  closely 
united  with  families  distinguished  for  faith  and  piety;  and  to 
contract  marriage  with  those  who  have  been  “ trained  up  in 
the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.” — When  the  charac- 
ter of  parents,  the  education  of  their  children,  and  the  chil- 
dren's consequent  prudent  and  pious  conduct  combine  ; there  is 
the  fairest  prospect  that  they  will  be  settled  in  life,  to  the 
mutual  comfort  and  advantage  of  all  the  parties  concerned. — 
Nature  teaches  us  to  desire  temporal  benefits  for  our  children: 
but  grace  will  teach  us  to  be  far  more  desirous  and  earnest, 
in  using  means  that  they  may  be  partakers  of  spiritual  bless- 
ings.— When  persons  in  the  married  state  consult  each  other’s 
comfort  and  advantage,  and  study  to  order  all  their  concerns 
with  mutual  confidence  and  agreement,  domestic  felicity  will 
be  their  recompense. — But,  if  affection  to  a creature  animates 
men  to  such  strenuous  efforts  and  perilous  adventures,  what 
will  the  love  of  God  our  Saviour  do,  if  it  bear  rule  in  our 
hearts?  (Note,  2 Cor.  5:13 — 15.)  The  desire  of  enjoying 
his  favour,  of  expressing  our  gratitude  to  him,  and  of  pro- 
moting.his  glory,  will  prove  a principle  of  self-denying  obe- 
dience and  patient  suffering  for  his  sake,  even  “stronger  than 
death”  itself.  (Cant.  8:6,7.  Phil.  1:19 — 26.)  And  if  earthly 
parents,  “ being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good  gifts  to  their 
children ; how  much  more  will  our  heavenly  Father  give  good 
things  to  those  who  ask  him  1” — Husbands  and  wives  commonly 
concur  in  seeking  accessions  to  their  temporal  riches,  and 
under  certain  limitations  it  may  be  allowable:  but  it  is  much 
better  when  they  concur  heartily  in  seeking  “ those  things 
which  are  above,”  and  praying  fir  these  spiritual  blessings, 
in  behalf  of  each  other,  of  their  children,  and  all  arotind  them. 
Indeed,  all  the  blessings  of  both  “ the  upper  and  the  nether 
springs,”  belong  to  the  children  of  God ; and,  as  related  to 
Christ,  they  have  the  first  or  the  largest  portion  for  his  sake, 
freely  given  them  by  the  F ather,  as  the  lot  of  their  inheritance. 
But  they  must  exert  themselves  vigorously  to  subdue  those 
enemies  within  and  without,  which  keep  them  out  of  posses- 
sion of  the  promised  blessings : and  he  is  ever  ready  to  assist 
all  who  call  upon  him  to  succour  them  in  this  warfare.  May 
the  Lord  then  excite  our  diligence  and  increase  our  faith,  that 
we  may  “be  strong  in  him  and  in  the  power  of  his  might;” 
and  then,  instead  of  saying,  “We  cannot  drive  them  out,”  we 
shall  exclaim,  “I  can  do  all  things,  through  Christ  who 

trengtheneth  me.”  (Note,  Phil.  4,10 — 13.) 

NOTES.— Chap.  XVI.  V.  1—8.  ( Marg . Ref.)  The 
inheritance  of  Ephraim,  and  the  half  tribe  ofManasseh,  ex- 
tended from  Jordan  to  the  Mediterranean  Sea,  across  the 
country.  It  lay  north  of  the  tribes  of  Judah,  Benjamin,  Si- 
meon, and  Dan,  and  south  of  the  other  tribes.  The  southern 
part  of  this  general  allotment  was  assigned  to  Ephraim,  and 
the  northern  to  Manasseh. 

V.  9.  Separate  cities .]  Some  cities,  which  fell  within 
the  lot  of  Manasseh,  seem  to  have  been  afterwards  as- 
signed to  the  Eph-aimites  who  more  wanted  them:  the 


and  to  Gezer  : and  the  goings  out  thereof  are  at 
“the  sea. 

4 So  r the  children  of  Joseph,  Manasseh  and 
Ephraim,  took  their  inheritance. 

5 H And  the  border  of  the  children  of  Ephraim, 
according  to  their  families,  was  thus ; even  the 
border  of  their  inheritance  on  the  east  side  was 
sAtaroth-addar,  unto  Bcth-horon  the  upper. 

6 And  the  border  went  out  toward  the  sea,  to 
hMichmethah  on  the  north  side,  and  the  border 
went  about  eastward  unto  'Taanath-shiloh,  and 
passed  by  it  on  the  east  to  Janohah  : 

7 And  it  went  down  from  Janohah  tokAtaroth, 
and  to  Naarath,  and  came  to  'Jericho,  and  went 
out  at  Jordan. 

8 The  border  went  out  from  "'Tappuah  west- 
ward unto  the  "river  Kanah  ; and  the  goings  out 
thereof  were  at  “the  sea.  This  is  the  inheritance 
of  the  tribe  of  the  children  of  Ephraim  by  their 
families. 

9 And  Pthe  separate  cities  for  the  children  of 
Ephraim  were  among  the  inheritance  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Manasseh,  all  the  cities  with  their  villages. 

10  And  ithey  drave  not  out  the  Canaanites 
that  dwelt  in  Gezer : but  "the  Canaanites  dwell 
among  the  Ephraimites  unto  this  day,  and  serve 
under  tribute. 


IChr.  7:24.28  . 2 Chr.  8:5.  eNum.34:6.  117:14.  g*.  18:13.  h 17:7.  118:1. 
k I Chr.  7:28.  1 3:16.  6:1,26.  Num.  33:48.  m 12: 17.  17:8.  n 17:9.  19:28.  oS, 
6.  Num.  31:6.  p 17:9.  q 15:63.  Judg.  1:29.  1 Kings  9:16.  r Num.  33:52-55. 
Deut.  7:1,2. 


same  probably  was  done  in  the  case  of  some  other  tribes. 
(17:9,11.) 

V.  10.  As  there  is  no  intimation  that  these  Canaanites 
renounced  idolatry,  and  came  heartily  into  the  interests  o{ 
Israel ; and  as  the  Ephraimites  were  strong  enough  to  sub- 
ject them  and  compel  them  to  pay  tribute  ; no  excuse  can  be 
made  for  their  conduct,  in  sparing  those  whom  God  command  • 
ed  them  to  destroy,  and  in  making  a league  with  them. 
(Notes,  17:11 — 18.)  But  they  consulted  their  present  ease 
more  than  either  their  duty,  the  common  good  of  Israel,  or 
their  own  true  and  durable  interest.  (Note,  Judg.  1:28.) — 
Gezer  seems  to  have  remained  in  the  hands  of  the  Canaanites 
till  the  days  of  Solomon.  (Note,  1 ICivgs  9:16.)  ‘The  thirst 
of  plunder,  and  the  indulgence  of  licentious  desires,  were 
completely  checked  and  defeated  in  the  Jewish  soldiery,  bv 
the  very  conditions  on  which  alone  they  were  enabled  to  sub- 
due the  condemned  nations:  and  ...  the  feelings  of  national 
hostility  ...were  controlled  and  mitigated,  by  solemnly  en- 
joining the  exercise  of  as  great  severity  in  punishing  idolatry 
among  ...  themselves,  as  they  were  compelled  to  exercise 
against  the  condemned  nations  of  Canaan : and  it  is  eviden 
from  the  event,  that  it  was  with  reluctance,  and  only  by  com 
pulsion,  they  exercised  these  severities,  because,  as  soon  as 
the  impulse  was  withdrawn,  they  ceased  to  exercise  any  such 
severity,  and  on  the  contrary  treated  with  culpable  lenity, 
and  regarded  with  a dangerous  complacency,  the  remnants  of 
those  impious  nations,  whose  total  extermination,  they  had 
been  warned  was  necessary  to  guard  against  ihe  contagion 
of  >!ieir  vices  and  idolatries.’  Graves  on  the  Pentateuch,  Vol. 
ii.  pp.  101,  102. — ‘Contenting  themselves  with  the  tributes 
which  were  paid  to  them,  they  grew  effeminate  ; . . . but  ap- 
plied themselves  to  the  cultivation  of  their  lands,  which  pro- 
ducing them  great  plenty  and  riohes,  they  neglected  the  regu- 
lar disposition  of  their  settlement,  and  indulged  themselves  in 
luxuries  and  pleasures.’  Josephus,  quoted  hy  Graves,  Vol.  ii. 
p.  132. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Our  situation  and  provision  in  ihis  present  life,  as  well  as 
our  future  inheritance,  are  appointed  by  the  only  wise  and 
righteous  God : and  we  should  learn  to  acknowledge  his  good- 
ness with  thankfulness,  and  be  contented  with  our  portion, 
whether  more  or  less  abundant;  because  he  knows  what  is 
best  for  us,  and  we  have  far  more  than  we  deserve.- — The  dis- 
tinctions of  property  accord  to  the  appointment  of  God,  and 
must  therefore  be  conscientiously  maintained:  nay,  so  far 
from  fraudulently  or  violently  attempting  to  entrench  on  them, 
we  must  not  covet  any  thing  that  is  another’s,  nor  envy  his 
prosperity,  but  rejoice  in  it.  Yet  brotherly  love  is  not  tena- 
cious, but  freely  imparts  what  is  superfluous,  for  the  good  of 
those  in  want,  saying,  “ What  is  that  between  me  and  thee  ?” 
We  should  indeed  in  all  things  be  more  happy,  did  we  more 
diligently  obey  our  God. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XVII.  V-  I Though  Manasseh  was 
the  first-born  of  Joseph,  yet  Ephraim  inherited  before  him. 
(16:  Note,  Gen.  48:17—20.) — Machir  is  supposed  to  have 
been  the  only  son  of  Manasseh,  at  least  who  lived  to  have 
children;  (Note,  1 Chr.  7:14,15.)  and  in  some  instances,  an 
only  son  is  called  the  first-born.  (Note,  Matt.  1:24,25.)  He 
was  a man  of  war ; probably  he  had  distinguished  himseli 
whilst  in  Egypt,  in  the  asault  which  the  Philistines  made  upon 
the  Ephraimites,  and  had  defended  his  brethren.  (Note,  . 

( 411  ) 


B.  C.  14-14 


JOSHUA, 


B.  C.  1444. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

lot  of  the  hal  f tribe  of  Manasseh , 1, 2.  The  cose  of  Zelophehnd' e daugh- 
ters^— 6.  The  borders  of  Manasseh,  7 — 11.  The  Canaanites  remain,  hut 
under  tribute , 12,  15.  The  sons  oj  Jouejitt  petition  Jor  another  tot , which 
Joshua  refuses  them , 14 — 18.  « 

THERE  was  also  a lot  for  the  tribe  of  Manas- 
seh,  tor  he  was  “the  first-born  of  Joseph;  to 
y tit,  for  ''Machir,  the  first-born  of  Manasseh,  the 
father  of  Gilead  : because  he  was  a man  of  war, 
therefore  he  had  “Gilead  and  Bashan. 

2  There  was  also  a lot  for  dthe  rest  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Manasseh  by  their  families:  I’or  'the 
children  of ' Abiezer,  and  for  the  children  of  Helek, 
and  for  the  children  of  Asriel,  and  for  the  chil- 
dren ofShechem,  and  for  the  children  of  Hepher, 
and  for  the  children  of  Shemida : these  were  the 
male  children  of  Manasseh,  the  son  of  Joseph,  by 
their  families. 

3  H But  fZelophehad,  the  son  of  Hepher,  the 
son  of  Gilead,  the  son  of  Machir,  the  son  of  Ma- 
nasseh, had  no  sons,  but  daughters ; and  these 
are  the  names  of  his  daughters,  Mahlah,  and  Noah, 
Hoglah,  Milcah,  and  Tirzah. 

4  And  they  came  near  before  eEleazar  the 
'est,  and  before  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  and 
efore  the  princes,  saying,  uThe  Lord  com- 
manded Moses  to  give  us  an  inheritance  among 
our  brethren.  Therefore  according  to  the  com- 
mandment of  the  Loan,  he  gave  them  an 
inheritance  among  the  brethren  of  their  father. 

5  And  there  fell  'ten  portions  to  Manasseh, 
kbeside  the  land  of  Gilead  and  Bashan,  which 
were  on  the  other  side  Jordan; 

6  Because  the  daughters  of  Manasseh  had  an 
inheritance  among  his  sons  : and  the  rest  of  Ma- 
nasseh’s  sons  had  the  land  of  Gilead. 

7  If  And  the  coast  of  Manasseh  was  from  Asher 
to  'Michmethah,  that  lieth  before  “Shechem*  and 
the  border  went  along  on  the  right  hand,  unto  the 
inhabitants  of  En-tappuah. 

8  JYoie  Manasseh  had  the  land  of  "Tappuah  : 
but  Tappuah,  on  the  border  of  Manasseh,  belonged 
to  the  children  of  Ephraim: 

9  And  the  coast  descended  unto  the  t river 
Kanah,  southward  of  the  river : “these  cities  of 
Ephraim  are  among  the  cities  of  Manasseh  ; the 

aGen.  41:51.  4<5:-2U.  4^:18.  Dent.  2107,  b Gen.  50:23.  Num.2G:29.  27:1.32: 
39,40.  Juclg.  5:14.  IChr.  2:23.  7:14, 15.  cNum.26:29.  32.33,40.  Pent.  S:13— 
15.  d Num.  25:23—32.  e Jude.  6:11.  8:2.  1 Chr.  7:18.  • Nam.  26:30.  Jeezer. 
( Nam. 26:33.  27:1.  36:2-11.  g 14:1.  Num.  34:17— 29.  h Num.  27:6,7.  Gal. 
3:23.  i 2,3,14.  k 13:29— 31.  Num.  32:33— 42.  1 16:6.  m 20:7.  21:21.  24:1,32. 
Gen.  31:2.  37.12,14.  Judg.  9:1.  1 Kings  12:1,25.  I Chr.  6:67.  n 12:17.  15:34,53. 
16:8.  t Or,  brook  of  rreds.  16  8.  o 16:9.  p 16:3,8.  19:29.  n 16:9.  I Chr.  7: 
29.  r 1 Sam.  31:10,12.  Beih-shan.  1 Kings4:12.  6 2 Kings  9:27.  1 Chr.  6:70. 
Bileam.  t 12:23.  Judg.  1:27.  1 Kings  4:1 1.  u 1 Sam.  23i7.  Ps.  83:10.  x 12: 
21.  Judg.  5:19.  y Judg.  1:27.  5:19.  1 Kings  4:12.  9:15.  2 Kings  9:27.  23:29,30. 


Chr.  7:21,22.)  And  as  his  posterity  were  supposed  to  inherit 
his  valour,  some  of  them  had  their  inheritance  east  of  Jordan, 
upon  the  frontiers,  that  they  might  defend  them.  ( Marg . 
Ref.) 

V.  2.  Num.  2G:29— 32.  1 Chr.  7:14— 19. 

V.  3 — 6.  Five  portions  wore  allotted  to  the  half  tribe  of 
Manasseh,  west  of  Jordan:  and  that  of  Hepher,  who  seems 
to  have  had  no  son  but  Zelophehad,  was  divided  among  his 
five  daughters.  So  there  were  ten  portions,  though  of  dif- 
ferent magnitude.  ( Notes,  Num.  27:1 — 11.  36:) 

V.  7 — 10.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  lot  of  Manasseh  had  that 
of  Ephraim  on  the  south,  and  the  Mediterranean  Sea  on  the 
west : but  on  the  north-west  it  bordered  on  Asher ; and 
towards  the  north-east,  on  Issachar.  (Notes,  16:1 — 9.  19: 
17—31.) 

V.  11 — 13.  The  inhabitants  of  some  of  these  cities  were 
subject  to  Manasseh : at  first  they  could  not  drive  them  out, 
for  want,  of  faith  and  courage  ; and  when  they  had  prevailed 
against  them,  they  let  them  remain  as  tributaries^contrary  to 
the  express  command  of  God.  (Note,  16:10.) — Three  coun- 
tries. (11)  Or,  districts. 

V.  14,  15.  Joshua  was  of  the  tribe  of  Ephraim,  and  his 
brethren  might  expect  some  special  favour  on  that  account. 
Their  inheritance  perhaps  was  less  valuable  than  that  of 
Judah;  and  as  they  thought,  only  sufficient  for  one  tribe,  and 
they  were  two:  a considerable  part  of  their  land  was  held 
by  the  ancient  inhabitants ; and  they  supposed  that  if  the 
Lord  blessed  and  increased  them  in  future,  as  he  had 
in  times,  past,  they  should  be  much  straitened  for  room. 
These  formed  the  grounds  and  encouragements  of  their  peti- 
ion.  But  they  evidently  undervalued  the  portion  which  the 
Lord  had  assigned  them  by  lot;  and  they  coveted  what  be- 
longed to  others,  while  they  neglected  to  get  possession  of 
their  own  land.  As  a great  people  they  were  better  able  to 
labour  and  to  fight,  to  clear  and  cultivate  the  unimproved 
( 412  ) 


coast  of  Manasseh  also  was  on  the  nortli  side  ol 
the  river,  and  rthe  outgoings  of  it  were  at  thz 
sea. 

10  Southward  it  was  Ephraim’s,  ana  north- 
ward it  was  Manasseh’s,  ana  the  sea  is  his  border, 
and  they  met  together  in  Asher  on  the  north,  ana 
in  Issachar  on  the  east. 

11  And  ^Manasseh  had  in  Issachar,  and  in 
Asher,  rBeth-shean  and  her  towns,  and  "Ibleara 
and  her  towns,  and  the  inhabitants  of  ‘Dor  and 
her  towns,  and  the  inhabitants  of  "En-dor  and  her 
towns,  and  the  inhabitants  of  'Taanach  and  her 
towns,  and  the  inhabitants  of  ^Megiddo  and  her 
towns,  even  three  countries. 

12  Yet  the  children  of  Manasseh  'could  not 
drive  out  the  inhabitants  of  those  cities,  but  the 
Canaanites  would  dwell  in  that  land. 

13  Yet  it  came  to  pass  when  the  children  of 
Israel  were  “waxen  strong,  that  they  bput  the 
Canaanites  to  tribute;  but  did  not  utterly  drive 
them  out. 

14  H And  the  children  of  Joseph  spake  unto 
Joshua,  saying,  Why  hast  thou  given  me  but  “one 
lot  and  one  portion  to  inherit,  seeing  I am  da  great 
people,  forasmuch  as  the  Lord  hath  blessed  me 
hitherto  ? 

15  And  Joshua  answered  them,  eIf  thou  be  a 
great  people,  then  get  thee  up  to  the  wood- 
country,  and  cut  down  for  thyself  there,  in  the 
land  of 'the  Perizzites,  and  of  the  igiants,  if  mount 
Ephraim  be  too  narrow  for  thee. 

16  And  the  children  of  Joseph  said,  The  hill  is 
not  enough  for  us : and  all  the  Canaanites  that 
dwell  in  the  land  of  the  valley’  have  echariots  of 
iron,  both  they  who  are  of  hBeth-shean  and  her 
towns,  and  they  who  are  of  the  valley  of  ‘Jezrcel. 

17  And  Joshua  spake  unto  the  house  of  Joseph, 
even  to  Ephraim,  and  to  Manasseh,  saying,  kThou 
art  a great  people,  and  hast  great  power ; thou 
shalt  not  have  one  lot  only  : 

18  But  'the  mountain  shall  be  thine;  for  it  is  a 
wood,  and  thou  shalt  cut  it  down : and  the  out- 
goings of  it  shall  be  thine  ; “for  thou  shalt  drive 
out  the  Canaanites,  though  they  have  iron  chariots, 
and  though  they  be  strong. 


2 Chr. 35:22.  Zech.  12:11.  Megiddon.  z 15:63.  16:10.  Ex.  23:29— 33.  Num. 
33:52—56.  Judg.  1:27,28.  Rom.  6:12— 14.  ajudg.  1:23.  2 Sam.  3:1.  Epli.6:10. 
Phil.  4:13.  2 Pet.  3.18.  b 16:10.  Deut.  20:1 1—18.  Judg.  1:30,33,35.  2 Chr.  8:7, 
8.  c Gen.  48:22.  Num. 26:34— 37.  Dent.  33:17.  d Gen.  48. 19.  e Luke  12:»8. 
f Gen.  13:7.  Ex. 33:2.  Ezra9:l.  J Or,  Reiihnims.  Gen.  14:5.  15:20.  2 Sam.  5: 
18:22.  glS.  1:19.  4:3.  hSeeonll.  i 19:18.  Judg.  6-33.  1 Kings  4:12.  18:46 
21:1,23.  2 Kina 9: 10, 37.  Hos.  1:4,5.  kSeeonH.  115.15:9.211:7.  mll-4— 
6.  13:6.  Num.  14:6— 9.  Deul.  20: 1-4.  P«.  27:1,2.  I».  41:10— 16.  51:12,13.  Rom. 
8:31,37.  Hclt.  13:6. 


woodlands,  and  to  dispossess  the  Canaanites.  And  as  the 
Lord  had  blessed  them  hitherto,  they  had  the  more  encou- 
ragement to  confide  in  his  assistance:  nor  would  Joshua  show 
partiality  to  his  kindred,  any  more  than  Moses  had  done. 

V.  16.  Chariots  of  iron.]  It  is  supposed,  that  these 
chariots  were  armed  with  sharp  scythes  from  the  axles,  on 
each  side,  underneath,  and  in  different  directions.  They 
were  drawn  by  swiff  and  strong  horses,  and  driven  by  expert 
charioteers,  who  were  generally  accompanied  by  warriors 
that  fought  from  the  chariots.  They  made  dreadful  havoc 
among  undisciplined  troops,  or  such  as  were  not  accustomed 
to  them ; and  were  exceedingly  formidable  in  the  first  onset. 
But  able  commanders,  by  a skilful  disposition  of  their  forces  ; 
and  well-disciplined  troops,  by  regular  and  expeditious  move- 
ments, rendered  their  force  and  fury  vain  : and  sometimes  by 
wounding  and  affrighting  the  horses,  they  were  driven  back 
upon  their  own  army  with  terrible  confusion  and  destruction. 
Wherever,  therefore,  war  became  a science , they  fell  into 
disuse  as  unwieldy  and  dangerous. — The  objection  niado 
uhy  the  children  of  Joseph,”  to  Joshua’s  exhortation,  was 
evidently  the  result  of  unbelief.  What  wero  chariots  of 
iron  to  the  Almighty  power  of  Israel’s  God?  (Notes,  11:4,5. 
Num.  13:30,31.  Judg.  4:10,14.) 

V.  17,  18.  Joshua  gently  reproved  the  claimants  for  calling 
their  portion  “one  lot,”  and  pointed  out  the  improvement  of 
which  it  was  capable  ; and  the  extensive  tracts  of  land,  which 
might  bo  cleared,  and  rescued  from  the  Canaanites : and  ho 
assured  them,  that  if  they  exerted  their  valour,  power,  and 
industry  in  dependence  on  the  Lord ; the  iron  chariots,  and 
the  strength  of  the  Canaanites,  would  prove  no  lur  to  their 
success  and  prosperity. — The  mountain,  or  wood,  Iwrc  spoken 
of,  had  perhaps  not  beforo  been  expressly  nllotteJ  to  these 
tribes;  yet  it  lay  within  or  near,  the  assigned  limits. 

PRACTICAL  013SERVATIOVS. 

Prudent  foresight,  and  believing  dependence  t)i.  the  Lord 


B.  C.  444. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


B.  C.  1444 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Ths  tabsmacls  is  tel  up  at  Shiloh,  l.  Joshua  causes  the  remainder  of  the 
land  to  be  described  in  seven  ]>arts,% — 9.  He  divides  it  by  lot,  10.  The 
lot  and  borders  of  Benjamin , 1 1 — 20.  Their  cities , 21 — 28. 

AND  the  whole  congregation  of  the  children 
of  Israel  assembled  together  at  "Shiloh,  and 
•"set  up  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  there : 
and  the  land  was  subdued  before  them. 

2  H And  there  remained  among  the  children  of 
arael  seven  tribes,  which  had  not  yet  received 
heir  inheritance. 

3  And  Joshua  said  unto  the  children  of  Israel, 
"How  long  are  ye  slack  to  go  to  possess  the 
land,  which  the  Lord  God  of  your  fathers  hath 
given  you  ? 

4  Give  out  from  among  you  ‘'three  men  for  each 
tribe;  and  I will  send  them,  and  they  shall  rise 
and  go  through  the  land,  and  "describe  it  accord- 
ing to  the  inheritance  of  them : and  they  shall 
come  again  to  me. 

5  And  they  shall  divide  it  into  seven  parts: 
fJudah  shall  abide  in  their  coast  on  the  south,  and 
»the  house  of  Joseph  shall  abide  in  their  coasts  on 
the  north. 

6  Ye  shall  therefore  describe  the  land  into 


a 19-51.  21:2.  22:9.  h Judg.  18:31.  1 Sam.  1:3,24.  4:3.4.  1 Kinga 2:27.  14:2,4. 
Ps.7S.60.  . ter.  7:12— 14.  26:6.  c Judg.  18:9.  Pror. 2 2— 6.  10:4.  13:4.15:19. 
Ec.9:I0.  Zrph.  3:16.  Matt.  20:6.  John  6:27.  Phil.  3:13,14.  2 Pet.  1:10,11.  d 3: 
12.  4:2.  Num.  1:4.  13:2.  e 6.9.  f 15:1,  (4c.  19:1— 9.  « IS:  17:  h 8.10.  14:2. 
Num.  26:54,55.  33:54  . 34:13.  Ps.  105:11.  Prov.  16:33.  18:18.  Acts  13:19.  i 13: 


for  the  performance  of  his  promises,  inducing  cheerful  obe- 
dience to  his  commands,  will  ensure  to  us  an  inheritance 
among  his  people  in  the  heavenly  Canaan,  and  every  thing 
truly  good  for  us  in  this  world. — But,  alas ! even  professed 
Christians  are  often  more  disposed  to  murmur,  envy,  and 
covet,  than  to  be  content,  thankful,  and  ready  to  distribute. 
Indeed  we  are  all  more  prone  to  grasp  at  what  belongs  to 
others,  than  to  manage  our  own  to  the  best  advantage,  and 
many  complain  of  poverty,  and  encroach  upon  the  bei^volence 
of  others,  because  they  rebel  against  the  sentence  of  divine 
justice,"  Thou  shalt  eat  thy  bread  in  the  sweat  of  thy  brow.” 
Men  excuse  themselves  from  labour  on  any  pretence : and 
nothing  serves  the  purpose  better,  than  having  rich  and 
powerful  relations  ; though  by  providing  for  them  these  are 
often  most  criminally  partial  and  unfaithful  in  disposing  of1 
those  funds,  with  which  they  were  intrusted  for  the  public 
benefit.  But  there  is  more  real  kindness  in  pointing  out  to 
men  the  advantages  within  their  reach,  that  they  may  be 
excited  to  improve  them,  than  in  gratifying  their  indolence 
and  profusion.  True  religion  gives  no  sanction  to  these  evils : 
“We  commanded,”  says  the  apostle,  “that  if  any  man 
would  not  work,  neither  should  he  eat and  many  of  our 
cannots  are  only  the  language  of  sloth,  which  magnifies  every 
difficulty  into  an  impossibility,  and  represents  every  danger 
as  inevitable  destruction. — This  is  especially  the  case  in  our 
spiritual  work  and  warfare:  but  even  our  professed  relation 
to  the  Captain  of  the  Lord’s  host  will  not  avail  us,  if  we  be 
indolent  and  self-indulgent.  Our  very  complaints,  that  com- 
forts are  withheld,  frequently  result  from  negligence  and  fear 
of  the  cross : and  when  convinced  that  we  can  do  nothing,  we 
are  apt  to  sit  still  and  attempt  nothing.  But  “ as  many  as 
the  Lord  loves,  he  rebukes  and  chastens and  if  we  belong 
to  him,  he  will  stir  us  up  to  be  diligent,  bold,  and  persevering 
in  well-doing ; to  break  our  league  with  every  sin,  and  re- 
nounce our  worldly  pleasures  and  sinful  interests ; to  rise 
superior  to  our  fears,  and  to  exert  our  best  endeavours.  Then 
our  complaints  will  be  silenced,  or  rather  turned  into  joyful 
thanksgivings:  and,  if  “ the  Lord  hath  blessed  us  hitherto,” 
this  should  suffice  to  shame  us  out  of  our  distrust  and  re- 
pinings. — May  he  teach  us  here  to  believe  and  obey,  and  give 
us  an  inheritance  among  his  saints  in  glory  everlasting! 

NOTES. — Chap-.  XVIII.  V.  1.  The  tribes  of  Judah, 
Ephraim,  and  Manasseh,  were  settled  in  their  possessions ; 
and  perhaps  many  others  were  dispersed  in  some  parts  of  the 
land  to  cultivate  it,  where  they  could  do  it  safely:  it  was 
therefore  proper,  that  the  tabernacle  should  be  removed  to  a 
more  central  situation  than  Gilgal,  where  it  had  hitherto 
remained ; and  Shiloh  was  selected  for  that  purpose,  doubt- 
less by  direction  from  the  Lord,  who  might  be  consulted  on 
the  occasion  by  Urim  and  Thummim.  {Notes,  Ex.  29:30. 
Num.  27:21.)  This  city  was  in  the  centre  of  Canaan,  and  as 
convenient  as  possible  for  all  the  tribes : and  it  was  proper 
that  the  ark  and  tabernacle,  the  visible  symbols  of  Jehovah’s 
presence,  and  the  glory  of  the  land,  which  stamped  a relative 
holiness  upon  it,  should  be  in  the  midst  of  it.  Shiloh  was  in 
the  lot  of  Ephraim,  the  tribe  to  which  Joshua  belonged  *.  and 
it  was  expedient,  that  the  sanctuary  should  be  near  the  resi- 
dence of  the  chief  governor. — The  name  of  this  city  is  the 
same,  as  that  by  which  Jacob  predicted  the  Messiah;  {Note, 
Gen.  49:10.)  and  some  expositors  suppose,  that  it  was  called 
Shiloh  on  this  occasion,  when  selected  for  the  resting-pia.ee 
of  the  ark,  and  the  observance  of  those  institutions  which 
typyfied  our  great  Peace-maker,  and  our  access  to  God 
through  his  atonement  and  intercession.— That  part  of  the 


seven  parts,  and  bring  the  description  hither  to 
me,  hthat  I may  cast  lots  lor  you  here  helore  the 
Lord  our  God. 

7 But  'the  Levites  have  no  part  among  you  ; for 
the  priesthood  of  the  Lord  is  their  inheritance:  kand 
Gael,  and  Reuben,  and  half  the  tribe  of  Manasseh, 
have  received  their  inheritance  beyond  Jordan 
on  the  east,  which  Moses  the  servant  of  the  Lord 
gave  them. 

8 And  the  men  arose,  and  went  away:  and 
Joshua  charged  them  that  went  to  describe  the 
land,  saying,  Go,  and  walk  through  the  land,  ana 
describe  it,  and  come  again  to  me,  'that  I may  hert 
cast  lots  for  you  before  the  Lord  in  Shiloh. 

9 And  the  men  went,  and  passed  through  the 
land,  and  described  it  by  cities  into  seven  parts,  in 
a book,  and  came  again  to  Joshua,  to  the  host  at 
Shiloh. 

10  And  Joshua  mcast  lots  for  them  in  Shiloh 
"before  the  Lord  : and  there  Joshua  divided  the 
land  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  according  to  their 
divisions. 

11  H And  the  lot  of  the  tribe  of  the  children  of 
Benjamin  came  up  according  to  their  families ; 


14,33.  Num.  18:20,23.  Deut.  10:9.  18:1,2.  k 13:8—31.  Num.  32:29— 41.  Deul. 
3:12—47.4:47,48.  1 See  on  6:10.  7,16— 18.  13:7.  11:1,2.15:1.  1 Sam.  14:41. 
Acts  1:24— 26.  Rom. 14:19.  mSteon6,8.  Prov. 18:13.  Ez.  47.22.  48:29.  Man. 
27:35.  Acts  13:19.  n Ps.  16:5,6.  47:4.  61:5.  John  17:2.  Acts26:18.  Col. 1:12. 


country  being  subdued,  the  Israelites  could  assemble  without 
interruption : and  all  personal  cares  and  employments  seem 
to  have  been  laid  aside,  while,  with  one  consent,  they  attended 
to  this  solemn  and  joyful  religious  duty.  No  doubt  those, 
who  still  continued  encamped,  removed  and  pitched  around 
the  tabernacle  as  they  had  before  done,  both  in  the  wilderness 
and  in  Canaan. — In  this  place  the  sanctuary  of  God  remained, 
till  the  ark  was  taken  by  the  Philistines  in  the  time  of  Eli  ; 
(1  Sam.  4:)  but  soon  after  it  seems  *o  have  been  removed  to 
Nob;  though  the  ark  was  placed  at  Kirjath-jearim,  probably 
till  David  removed  it  to  mount  Zion.  (Notes,  l Sam.  7:1,2. 
21:1,2.  2 Sam.  6:2.)  So  that  the  tabernacle  was  stationed  at 
Shiloh  between  three  and  four  hundred  years.  ( Afar g.  Ref.) 

V.  2.  The  dissatisfaction,  which  Ephraim  and  Manasseh 
had  expressed  respecting  the  inheritance  allotted  them,  seems 
to  have  induced  Joshua  to  staylhe  proceedings  of  the  persons 
employed  in  dividing  the  land,  till  the  camp  had  been  remo- 
ved to  Shiloh,  and  another  survey  had  been  made.  ( Notes . 
17:14—18.) 

V.  3 — 10.  The  people,  enriched  with  plunder,  and  living 
in  plenty,  were  more  intent  on  present  ease  and  indulgence, 
than  on  obtaining  possession  of  their  permanent  inheritances  ; 
which  could  not  be  done  without  new  dangers  and  fatigues. 
(Note,  16:10.)  In  the  mean  time  the  Canaanites  were 
recovering  strength  and  courage,  a great  part  of  the  land 
remained  uncultivated,  and  the  Israelites  were  impoverishing 
themselves,  and  contracting  bad  habits.— After  a year  or 
more  had  been  spent  in  this  manner,  whilst  they  were  but 
little  acquainted  with  that  part  of  the  land  which  was  not  yet 
divided,  Joshua  reproved  their  slackness,  and  directed  them 
how  to  proceed.  Some  general  survey  indeed  must  have 
been  made,  previous  to  the  allotment  of  portions  to  the  afore- 
mentioned tribes ; but  it  had  not  been  sufficiently  exact  and 
complete.  Three  persons,  therefore,  were  chosen  out  of 
every  tribe  concerned,  that  an  impartial  and  amicable  settle- 
ment might  be  made  ; and  perhaps  they  went  in  three 
companies  for  expedition.  These  surveyors,  according  to  the 
instructions  given  by  Joshua,  made  as  exact  a measurement 
and  discretion  of  the  country  as  they  could,  both  as  to  its 
extent  and  fertility  ; and  divided  the  remains  of  the  land  into 
seven  parts,  that  the  seven  remaining  tribes  might  have  their 
inheritances  assigned  them  by  lot ; the  situation  being  thus 
determined,  and  the  quantity  proportioned  to  their  numbers. 
While  employed  in  this  perilous  work,  they  were,  doubtless, 
peculiarly  emboldened  and  protected  by  the  Lord  ; and  the 
Canaanites  were  intimidated  and  restrained  from  assaulting 
them.:  so  that  they  all  returned  in  safety  to  Shiloh;  and 
Joshua  with  religious  solemnity  cast  lots  for  them  before  the 
Lord. — On  this  survey  it  appeared,  that.  Judah’s  portion  had 
been  made  disproportionately  large  : and  therefore  Simeon 
had  his  taken  out  from  it ; and  Dan  also,  at  least  in  part. 
[Notes,  19:1-9,40-48.) 

In  a book.  (9)  The  surveyors  seem  to  have  formed  some 
kind  of  map  of  the  country,  as  well  as  a description  of  it  in 
writing.  The  Egyptians,  from  the  situation  of  their  fields, 
as  annually  overflowed  by  the  Nile,  acquired  great  skill  in 
surveying  and  measuring  land : and  some  of  the  Israelites 
had,  no  doubt,  learned  this  from  them  : and  further  immediate 
teaching  from  God  might  be  vouchsafed  on  this  occasion. 
{Notes,  Ex.  31:1 — 6.) 

V.  11 — 20.  ( Marg . Ref.)  In  the  prophetical  blessing  of 
Moses,  Benjamin  is  placed  between  Judah  and  Joseph ; (for 
Levi  had  no  inheritance  assigned  him:)  and  at  length,  by  la!. 
the  portion  of  Benjamin  fell  between  them.  ( Notes,  Deut 

( 413  ) 


B.  C.  1444.  JOSHUA.  B.  C.  1444. 


and  the  coast  of  their  lot  came  forth  “between 
the  children  of  Judah  and  the  children  of  Joseph. 

12  And  their  border  on  the  north  side  was 
from  Jordan : and  the  border  went  up  to  the  side 
of  pJericho  on  the  north  side,  and  went  up  through 
the  mountains  westward ; and  the  goings  out 
thereof  were  at  'dhe  wilderness  of  Beth-aven. 

13  And  the  border  went  over  from  thence 
toward  Luz,  to  the  side  of  rLuz,  which  is  Beth-el, 
southward,  and  the  border  descended  to  Ataroth- 
addar  near  the  hill  that  lieth  on  the  south  side  of 
the  nether  sBeth-horon. 

14  And  the  border  was  drawn  thence,  and  com- 
passed the  corner  of  the  sea  southward,  from  the 
hill  that  lieth  before  Beth-horon  southward  ; and 
the  goings  out  thereof  were  at  ‘Kirjath-baal, 
which  is  Kirjath-jearim,  a city  of  the  children  of 
Judah.  This  ivas  the  west  quarter. 

15  And  the  south  quarter  was  from  the  end  of 
Kirjath-jearim,  and  the  border  went  out  on  the 
west,  and  went  out  to  the  well  of  waters  of 
“Nephtoah  ; 

16  And  the  border  came  down  to  the  end  of 
the  mountain  that  lieth  before  xthe  valley  of  the 
son  of  Hinnom,  and  which  is  in  nhe  valley  of  the 
giants  on  the  north,  and  descended  to  the  valley 
of  Hinnom,  to  the  side  of  ‘Jebusi  on  the  south, 
and  descended  to  “En-rogel, 

17  And  was  drawn  from  the  north,  and  went 
forth  to  En-shemesh,  and  went  forth  toward 
Geliloth,  which  is  over  against  the  going  up  of 
Adummim,  and  descended  to  bthe  stone  of  Bohan 
the  son  of  Reuben, 

18  And  passed  along  toward  the  side  over 
against  'Arabah  northward,  and  went  down  unto 
Arabah ; 

19  And  the  border  passed  along  to  the  side  of 
Beth-hoglah,  northward;  and  the  outgoings  of 
the  border  were  at  the  north  'bay  of  the  “salt  sea, 
at  the  south  end  of  Jordan.  This  was  the  south 
coast. 

20  And  Jordan  was  the  border  of  it  on  the  east 
side.  dThis  was  the  inheritance  of  the  children  of 

0 15:1— 8.  16:1— 10.  Dent.  10:  13  12.  p 2:1 . 3:16.  6:1.  16:1.  q 7:2.  Hot.  4:15. 

5:8.10:5.  r 16:2.  Gen. 28:10.  J uilg.  1 .22— 26.  >10:11.16:3.91:22.  l 15:9, 
60.  1 Sam.  7:1,2.  2 Sam.  6:2.  1 Chr.  13:6.  u 15:9.  X 15:8.  3 Kings  23: 10. 
2 Chr  23:3.  33:6.  Is.  30:33:  Jer.7:31,32.  19:2,6,11.  32:35.  » See  on  15:8.  IS: 

16.  1 Chr.  14:9.  7,  29.  15:63.  Judg.  1:0.21  19:10.  a 15:7.  2 Sam.  17:17. 

1 Kings  1:9.  b 15:6.  * Or,  tho  plain.  15:6,61.  f Heb.  tongue.  15:2.  marg.  Is.  11: 

15.  c 3:15.  12:3.  Gen.  14:3.  19:25.  Num.  34:3.  Ieut.3:l7.  dll.  e 12.  2:1.  6:1. 
Luke  10:30.  19:1  f 19.  15:6.  g IS.  15:6.  h Gen.  10:18.  2 Chr.  13:4.  i 1 Kings 
12:29.32.  k 1 Sam.  13:17.  121:17.  Ezra 2:26.  Neh.  7:30.  m 9:17.  10:2. 


33:7,17.)  The  borders  of  this  tribe  on  the  north  were  the 
same  as  those  of  Ephraim  on  the  south:  and  his  southern 
boundaries  the  same  as  the  northern  borders  of  Judah  ; but 
drawn  from  west  to  east,  instead  of  from  east  to  west.  (15:1 
— 12.  16:) — As  the  inheritance  of  Benjamin  did  not  reach  to 
the  Mediterranean  Sea,  and  no  other  sea  or  lake  is  supposed 
to  have  been  in  those  parts  ; perhaps  the  expresssion,  “ com- 
passed the  corner  of  the  sea  southward,”  (14)  might  be 
rendered,  “made  a circuit  on  the  side  next  the  sea  towards 
the  south  for  this  clause  seems  to  connect  the  account  of 
the  northern  border,  which  is  contained  in  the  preceding  verses, 
with  that  of  the  southern  which  follows. 

V.  21 — 28.  Marg.  Ref . I Vhich  is  Jerusalem.  (28)  Note, 
15:63. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  ordinances  of  religion  form  our  most  important  busi- 
ness, and  must  be  atlended  to  in  the  first  place,  even  in 
preference  to  our  worldly  affairs,  if  we  would  be  happy  in 
our  own  souls,  and  prosper  in  our  undertakings:  (Note,  Matt. 
6:33,34.)  and  when  properly  administered  and  attended  on,  by 
all  ranks  and  orders  of  men,  they  form  the  glory  and  bulwark 
of  any  nation  : for  “ them  that  honour  God  he  will  honour, 
and  they  who  despise  him  shall  be  lightly  esteemed.”  We 
indeed  have  the  true  Tabernacle,  the  true  Ark  of  the  covenant, 
and  the  mercy-seat,  not  only  in  the  midst  of  us,  hut  every 
where  present : and  when  we  meet  in  the  courts  of  the  Lord, 
he  is  as  really  though  not  sensibly  present,  as  he  was  between 
the  cherubim  in  the  tabernacle  of  Israel.  (Notes,  Matt.  18: 
19,20.28:19,20.)  But  what  return  do  we  render  for  such 
benefits?  What  improvement  do  wc  make  of  them?  Alas! 
the  ordinances  of  God  are  generally  neglected ; his  sabbaths 
are  violated  ; his  truths  are  opposed,  despised,  or  abused ; and 
his' commandments  and  authority  are  trampled  upon  ! Few 
in  comparison  seem  to  value  the  salvation  proposed  to  sinners 
in  the  gospel : and  even  they  who  profess  to  accept  of  it, 
are  often,  through  indolence,  self-indulgence,  and  fear  of 
difficulties,  rendered  very  irresolute  and  slack  in  “ possessing 
the  inheritance  which  the  •Lord  God  hath  given  them.” 
Indeed  many  of  them  do  not  understand  tho  extent  of  their 
t 4’4  ) 


Benjamin,  by  the  coasts  thereof  round  about, 
according  to  their  families. 

21  Now  the  cities  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
of  Benjamin,  according  to  their  families,  were 
‘Jericho,  and  fBeth-hoglah,  and  the  valley  of 
Keziz, 

22  And  eBeth-arabah,  and  “Zemaraim,  and 
'Beth-el, 

23  And  Avim,  and  Parah,  and  kOphrah, 

24  And  Chephar-haammonai,  and  Ophni,  and 
‘Gaba  ; twelve  cities  with  their  villages: 

25  ""Gibeon,  and  “Ramah,  and  Beeroth, 

26  And  Mizpeh,  and  “Chephirah,  and  Mozah, 

27  And  Rekem,  and  Irpeel,  and  Taralah, 

28  And  rZelah,  Eleph,  and  sJebusi,  (which  is 
Jerusalem,)  “Gibeath,  and  Kirjath:  fourteen  cities 
with  their  villages.  This  is  the  inheritance  of 
the  children  of  Benjamin  ‘according  to  their 
families. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

The  lot  of  Simeon , 1 — 9 : of  Zebulun,  10 — 16  : of  Iesachar , 1? — 23  : of  Asher 
24 — 31  : of  Naphtali , 32 — 39  : of  Dan,  40 — 48.  The  irdieriiance  assigned  te 
Joshua , 49 — 51. 

AND  the  “second  lot  came  forth  to  Simeon, 
even  for  the  tribe  of  the  children  of  Simeon, 
according  to  their  families:  and  their  inheritance 
was  “within  the  inheritance  of  the  children  of 
Judah. 

2  And  they  had  in  their  inheritance,  “Beer- 
sheba,  and  Sheba,  and  Moladah, 

3  And  dHazar-shual,  and  Balah,  and  Azem, 

4  And  ‘Eltolad,  and  Bethul,  and  fHormah, 

5  And  sZiklag,  and  Beth-marcaboth,  and 
“Hazar-susah, 

6  And  'Beth-lebaoth,  and  Sharuhen;  thirteen 
cities  and  their  villages  : 

7  l^n,  kRemmon,  and  'Ether,  and  Ashan ; four 
cities  and  their  villages : 

8  And  all  the  villages  that  were  round  about 
these  cities,  to  mBaalath-beer,  "Rarnath  of  the 
south.  This  is  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  of  the 
children  of  Simeon,  according  to  their  families. 

9  Out  of  the  portion  of  the  children  of  Judah 
was  the  inheritance  of  the  children  of  Simeon : 


1 Kings  3:4,5.  9:2.  Is.  28:21.  n 1 Sam.  1:1.  Ramathaim-zophim.  717.  15:34. 
Jer.  31:15.  Matt.  27:57.  Arimathea.  o9:17.  Ezra  2:26.  p 2 Sam.  21:14.  q 16. 
15:8,63.  2 Sam.  5:8.  r Judg.  19:12— 15.  20:4,5.  1 Sam.  10:26.  13:15,16.  Is.  10: 
29.  Hos.  10:9.  Gibeah.  a Num.  26:54  . 33:54.  a 18:6—11.  b 9.  Gen.  49:5—7. 
c 15:28.  Gen.  21:31.  1 Chr.  4:28 — 30.  Bxlhah.  Ezem.  Tolad.  Bethuel.  Neh. 
11:26—30.  dl5:28,29.  e 15:30.  f Judg.  117.  g 15:31.  1 Sam.  27:6.  30:1. 
h 1 Chr.  4:31.  Hazar-susim.  i 15:32.  j 1 Chr.  4:32.  Rittimon.  k Num.  33: 
19,20.  1 15:42.  m 1 Chr.  4:33.  n 1 Sam.  30:27.  Hamoih. 


privileges,  because  they  have  not  carefully  surveyed  them  : 
and  when  preserved  from  terrors  and  distress  of  conscience, 
and  able  to  keep  up  some  tolerable  hope  of  salvation,  with  a 
little  comfort  from  time  to  time  in  sacred  ordinances  ; they 
seem  to  think  that  they  possess  all  that  can  be  expected  in 
this  world,  and  consider  heaven  as  an  estate  in  reversion, 
when  they  shall  be  ejected  from  their  present  too  well  beloved 
tenure  of  worldly  possessions  ! Nor  are  they  aware,  that 
a close  walk  with  God,  increasing  conformity  to  him,  love  of 
him  and  of  one  another,  and  a will  in  all  things  subjected  to 
his  will,  form  the  very  substance  of  heavenly  felicity  ; and 
that  much  more  of  these  blessed  privileges  may  be  enjoyed 
on  earth,  than  any  of  us  have  hitherto  experienced.  But  the 
Captain  of  our  salvation  will  rebuke  this  slackness  : and  he 
commands  his  ministers  to  declare  to  his  people,  the  truths 
which  respect  their  present  sanctification  and  progress  in 
divine  life,  as  well  as  their  future  inheritance,  that  they  may 
be  excited  to  press  onward  to  the  enjoyment  of  them.  At  his 
command  we  may  boldly  undertake  any  service,  and  need 
fear  no  enemies.  He  assigns  to  each  of  us  our  present  and 
our  future  portion  : yet  in  this  appointment  he  takes  into  the 
account  that  diligence,  vigilance,  and  faithfulness,  which 
through  his  grace  we  are  enabled  to  exercise  : and  as  the 
industrious  husbandman  and  intrepid  warrior  are  generally , 
so  the  diligent,  watchful,  and  courageous  Christian  is  always , 
the  most  prosperous.  “Having  therefore  food  and  raiment, 
let  us  be  therewith  content and  may  our  wealth  he  laid  up 
in  the  land  of  promise  above,  whither  all  the  tribes  of  the 
redeemed  will  in  succession  shortly  arrive,  and  receive  their 
incorruptible  inheritance.  (Notes,  Matt.  6:19 — 21.  Col. 
3:1—4.) 

NOTES— Chap.  XIX.  V.  1—9.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The 
inheritance  of  the  tribe  of  Judah  was  found  to  he  more  than 
was  necessary,  or  than  properly  camo  to  their  share  ; a po» 
tion  was  therefore  allotted  to  the  tribe  of  Simeon,  takf-n  from 
the  south-west  part  of  it : and  it  seems  that,  without  mur- 
muring, Judah  renounced  his  claim,  at  the  instance  of  Joshua 
and  of  those  who  had  been  nominated  to  the  office  of  dividing 
tho  land.  (Notes,  15:32.  Gen.  49:5 — 7.  Num, 26:14.)—  Sheba 


B. C.  1444. 


B.  C.  1444. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


for  the  part  of  the  children  of  Judah  was  “too 
much  for  them ; therefore  the  children  of  Simeon 
had  their  inheritance  within  the  inheritance  of 
them. 

10  H Ann  the  Pthird  lot  came  up  for  the  chil- 
dren of  ‘iZebulun,  according  to  their  families  : and 
the  border  of  their  inheritance  was  unto  Sarid. 

11  Anil  their  border  went  up  toward  the  sea, 
and  Maralah,  and  reached  to  Dabbasheth,  and 
reached  to  the  river  that  is  before  rJokneam ; 

12  And  turned  from  Sarid  eastward  toward  the 
sunrising  unto  the  border  of  'Chisloth-tabor,  and 
then  goeth  out  to  'Daberath,  and  goeth  up  to 
Japhia. 

13  And  from  thence  passeth  on  along  on  the 
east  to  "Gittah-hepher  to  Ittah-kazin,  and  goeth 
out  to  Remmon-'methoar  to  Neah  ; 

14  And  the  border  compasseth  it  on  the  north 
side  to  Hannathon  : and  the  outgoings  thereof  are 
in  the  valley  of  Jiphthah-el ; 

15  And  ^Kattath,  and  Nahallal,  and  ^Shimron, 
and  Idalah,  and  Beth-lehem : twelve  cities  with 
their  villages. 

16  This  is  the  inheritance  of  the  children  of 
Zebulun,  according  to  their  families,  these  cities 
with  their  villages. 

17  If  Jlnd  the  fourth  lot  came  out  to  Issachar, 
for  the  children  of  Issachar,  according  to  their 
families. 

18  And  their  border  was  toward  'Jezreel,  and 
Chesulloth,  and  "Shunem,  • 

19  And  Hapharaim,  and  Shihon,  and  Anaha- 
rath. 

20  And  Rabbith,  and  Kishion,  and  Abez, 

21  And  Remeth,  and  bEn-gannim,  and  En-had- 
dah,  and  Beth-pazzez ; 

22  And  the  coast  reacheth  to  cTabor,  and  Sha- 
nazimah,  and  dBeth-shemesh,  and  the  outgoings 
of  their  border  were  at  Jordan:  sixteen  cities 
with  their  villages. 

23  This  is  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  of  the 
children  of  Issachar,  according  to  their  families, 
the  cities  and  their  villages. 

24  IT  And  the  fifth  lot  came  out  for  the  tribe  of 
the  children  of  Asher,  according  to  their  families. 

25  And  their  border  was  'Helkath,  and  Hali, 
and  Beten,  and  fAchshaph, 

26  And  Alammelech,  and  Amad,  and  sMisheal; 
and  reacheth  to  ''Carmel  westward,  and  to  Shihor- 
libnath, 

t>Ei.  16:18.  2Cor.  8:14,15.  7. 18:6,11.  q (ten.  49:13.  Deul.  33:18,19.  r 12: 
22.  1 Kings  4 : 12.  1 Chr.6:68.  Johnenm.  s 22.  Jndg.  4:6,12.  Ps.  89:12.  t 21: 
28.  Dabareh.  1 Chr.  6:7*2.  u 2 Kings  14:25.  Gath-hepher.  * Or,  which 
is  drawn.  Ex.  21:34,35.  Jude.  1:30.  Nnhalol.  y 11:1.  12:20.  zl  Kings  21: 
1,15,16.  2 Kings  8:29.  9:15,30.“  Hos.  1:4,5.  a 1 Sam.  28:4.  1 Kings  1 :3.  2:17, 
21.  2 Kings  4:8,12.  b 21:29.  c 12.  Jndg.  4:6.  lChr.6:77.  Jer.  46:18.  d 38. 
21:16.  1 Kings  4:9.  2 Kings  14:11— 13.  e2Sam.2:16.  f 11:1.  12:20.  g 21:30. 

1 Chr.  6:74.  Mashnl.  h 1 Kings  18:20.  Cant.  7:5.  Is.  33.9  . 35:2.  Jer.  46:18. 
i 14.  kl  Kings  9:13.  1 See  on  30.  m John  2:1,11.  4:46.  Cana,  n 11:8.  Judg. 
1:31.  Is.  23£3,4,12.  \ Heb.  Tzor.  2 Sam.  5:11.  Ts.  23:  Ez.  26:  27:  28:  oGen. 


was  the  same  place  as  Beer-sheba,  or  a suburb  of  that  city  : 
otherwise  there  would  have  been  fourteen  cities. 

V.  10 — 16.  (Murg.  Ref.)  Zebulun  was  younger  than  Is- 
sachar : yet  he  was  placed  next  before  him,  both  in  the  pro- 
phecy of  Jacob,  and  in  that  of  Moses:  (Gen.  30:18 — 20.  49: 
13 — 15.  Dent.  33:18,19.)  and  his  inheritance  was  allotted  to 
him  before  Issachar  had  his.  It  lay  to  the  north  of  Issachar, 
near  to  the  lake  of  Gennesaret,  in  the  region  of  Galilee. — 
There  were  twelve  principal  cities  in  the  lot  of  this  tribe  : but 
they  are  not  here  particularly  enumerated  ; for  many  of  the 
places  mentioned  were  merely  the  boundaries  of  the  lot  as- 
signed to  Zebulun.  The  Beth-lehem,  here  mentioned,  lay 
?.t  a great  distance  from  Beth-lehem- Judah,  (Note,  Mic.  5:2.) 

V.  17 — 23.  The  inheritance  of  Issachar  lay  to  the  south  of 
Zebulun,  the  south-west  of  Naphtali,  the  south-east  of  Asher, 
and  the  north  of  Manasseh  ; and  reached  almost  from  Jordan  to 
the  Mediterranean : yet  the  lots  of  Manasseh  and  Asher  are 
supposed  to  have  met  on  the  sea-shore.  (Murg.  Ref.) — The 
nature  of  the  case  is  sufficient  to  satisfy  any  person,  upon  re- 
flection, that  these  accounts  must  to  us  be  obscure,  and  parti- 
cular explanations  of  them  in  great  measure  uncertain. 

V.  24 — 31.  ( Mar g.  Ref .)  The  inheritance  of  Asher  lay 
n the  most  northern  part  of  the  land ; having  Issachar  on  the 
south-east,  the  extremity  of  Manasseth  on  the  south,  and 
Zebulun  and  Naphtali  on  the  east.— It  seems  to  have  formed 
an  angle  almost  as  far  as  Zidon ; though  Tyre,  which  is  more 
to  the  south,  was  without  its  boundaries. — ‘ Tyre,  though  not 
so  old  as  Stdon,  yet  was  of  very  high  antiquity.  It  was  a 
strong  city  in  the  time  of  Joshua ; it  is  called  ns  nxDo  my  “ the 


27  And  turneth  toward  tbe  sunnsing  to  Beth- 
dagon,  and  reacheth  to  Zebulun,  and  to  the^ 'valley 
of  Jiphthah-el  toward  the  north  side  of  Beth- 
emek,  and  Neiel,  and  goeth  out  to  kCabul  on  the 
left  hand ; 

28  And  Hebron,  and  'Rehob,  and  Hammon, 
and  mKanah,  even  unto  "great  Zidon  ; 

29  And  then  the  coast  turneth  to  Ramah,  and  to 
the  strong  city  'Tyre,  and  the  coast  turneth  to 
Hosah  ; and  the  outgoings  thereof  are  at  the  sea, 
from  the  coast  to  "Achzib : 

30  Ummah  ‘also,  and  •’Aphek,  and  iRehob: 
twenty  and  two  cities  with  their  villages. 

31  This  is  rthe  inheritance  of  the  tribe  of  the 
children  of  Asher,  according  to  their  families, 
these  cities  with  their  villages. 

32  "IT  The  sixth  lot  came  out  m the  children  of 
Naphtali,  even  for  the  children  of  Naphtali  accord- 
ing to  their  families. 

33  And  their  coast  was  from  Heleph,  from  Allon 
to  "Zaanannim,  and  Adami,  Nekeb,  and  Jabneel, 
unto  Lakum ; and  the  outgoings  thereof  were  at 
Jordan : 

34  And  then  the  coast  'turneth  westward  to 
"Asnoth-tabor,  and  goeth  out  from  thence  to  Huk- 
kok,  and  reacheth  to  Zebulun  on  the  south  side, 
and  reacheth  to  Asher  on  the  west  side,  and  to 
Judah  upon  Jordan  toward  the  sunrising. 

35  And  the  fenced  cities  are  Ziddim,  Zer,  and 
"Hammath,  Rakkath,  and  rChinnereth, 

36  And  Adamah,  and  Ramah,  and  zHazor, 

37  And  “Kedesh,  and  Edrei,  and  En-hazor, 

38  And  Iron,  and  Migdal-el,  Horem,  and  Beth- 
anath,  and  bBeth-shemesh  ; nineteen  cities  with 
their  villages. 

39  This  is  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  of  the 
children  of  Naphtali,  according  to  their  families, 
the  cities  and  their  villages. 

40  IT  And  the  seventh  lot  came  out  for  the  tribe 
of  the  children  of  Dan  according  to  their  families. 

41  And  the  coast  of  their  inheritance  was 
cZorah,  and  Eshtaol,  and  Ir-shemesh, 

42  And  dShaalabbin,  and  eAjalon,  and  Jethlah, 

43  And  Elon,  and  fThimnathah,  and  eEkron, 

44  And  Eltekeh,  and  hGibbethon,  and  'Baalath, 

45  And  Jehud,  and  Bene-berak,  and  'Gath-rim- 
mon, 

46  And  Me-jarkon,  and  Rakkon,  with  the  border 
Tbefore  Uapho. 

47  And  kthe  coast  of  the  children  of  Dan  went 


38:5.  Judg.  1:31.  Mic.  1:14.  p 12:18.  13:4.  1 Sam.  4:1.  1 Kings  20:30.  q 28. 
21:31.  Num.  13:21.  r Gen.  49:20.  Deut.  33:24,25.  s Judg.  4: II . Zaanaim. 
t Dent.  33:23.  u 12,22.  x Gen.  10:18.  Num.  13:21.  34:8.  1 Kings  8:65.  Hamath. 
vll:2.  Chinneroth.  13:27.  Mark  6:53.  Gennesaret.  z 11:1,10.  12:19.  a 12: 
22  . 20:7.  b 22.  c 15:33.  Zorlah.  Jude.  13:2,25.  16:31.  18:2.  1 Chr.  2:53.  2 Chr. 
11:10.  d Judg.  1:35.  Shaalbim.  e 10:12.  21 :24.  1 Sam.  14:31.  f Gen. 38:12. 
Judg.  14:1,2.  Timna.th.  g 1-5:45.  1 Sam.  5:10.  h 21:23.  1 Kings  15:27.  16:15. 
ilKings9:18.  121:24.  X Or,  over  against.  § Or.  Joppa.  Jon.  1 :3.  Acts  9: 
36,43.  10:8.  k Judg.  1:34,35.  18:1—29. 


city  of  the  fortress  of  Sor.”  Josh.  19:29.  Interpreters  raise 
difficulties  in  regard  to  this  passage,  and  will  not  allow  it  to 
have  been  so  ancient : with  what  good  reason  I do  not  see, 
for  it  is  called  by  the  same  name,  “the  fortress  of  Sor,”  in 
the  history  of  David:  (2  Sam.2ifl .)  and  the  circumstances 
of  the  history  determine  the  place  to  be  the  very  same.1 
Bp.  Lowth  on  Is.  23:7. — Perhaps  the  Canaanites,  aided  by 
the  Zidonians,  fortified  Tyre,  when  first  expelled  by  Joshua. 
(Antes,  10:20.  11:18.  Is.  23:4,6,7.  Ez.  26:3 — 6.) — Cabul  seems 
to  have  been  a city,  and  therefore  distinct  from  the  country 
thus  called  by  Hiram  Kina  of  Tyre:  but  it  was  in  the  same 
neighbourhood,  and  probably  had  its  name  for  a similar  reason. 
(1  Kings  9:13.  Marg.) — There  is  a doubt,  whether  the  Ka- 
nah,  here  mentioned,  be  the  same  place  where  Christ  wrought 
his  first  miracle,  or  another  city  of  the  same  name  more  to 
the  north. 

V.  32 — 39.  (Murg.  Ref.)  The  inheritance  of  Naphtali 
lay  east  of  Asher:  but  it  did  not  extend  quite  so  far  to  the 
north.  It  bordered  on  Zebulun  on  the  south  and  south-west, 
and  reached  to  the  lake  of  Gennesaret,  or  the  sea  of  Tiberias 
— It  is  not  easy  to  determine  what  is  meant  by  the  clause  “ to 
Judah  upon  Jordan  towards  the  sunrising;”  (34)  for  the  lot 
of  Naphtali  was  far  distant  from  Judah.  But  some  suppose, 
that  it  communicated  and  traded  with  Judah  by  Jordan,  the 
eastern  border  of  the  land. 

V.  40 — 48.  The  inheritance  of  Dan  lay  on  the  north  and 
north-west  of  Judah,  as  it  is  generally  supposed ; being  taken, 
in  part  at  least,  from  the  country  at  first  allotted  to  that  tribe : 

1 for  several  of  the  cities  here  mentioned  were  numbered  anoonf 
( 415  ) 


B.  C.  1441. 


JOSHUA. 


B.  C.  1444 


¥ 

out  too  little  for  them ; therefore  the  children  of 
Dan  went  up  to  fhjht  against  Leshem,  and  took 
it,  and  smote  it  with  the  edge  of  the  sword,  and 
possessed  it,  and  dwelt  therein,  and  called  ‘Le- 
shem, Dan,  after  the  name  of  Dan  their  father. 

48  This  is  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  of  the 
children  of  Dan  according  to  their  families,  these 
cities  with  their  villages. 

49  K When  they  had  made  an  end  of  dividing 
the  land  for  inheritance  by  their  coasts,  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  mgave  an  inheritance  to  Joshua  the 
son  of  Nun  among  them  : 

50  According  to  the  word  of  the  Lord,  they 
gave  him  the  citv  which  he  asked,  even  "Timnath- 
serah  in  mount  Ephraim : and  he  built  the  city, 
and  dwelt  therein. 

51  “These  are  the  inheritances  which  Eleazar 
the  priest,  and  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  and  the 
heads  of  the  fathers  of  the  tribes  of  the  children 
of  Israel,  divided  for  an  inheritance  by  lot,  Pin 
Shiloh  before  the  Lord,  at  the  door  of  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation.  So  they  made  an  end 
of  dividing  the  country. 

CHAPTER  XX. 


God  commands  Joshua  to  appoint  the  cities  of  refuge,  1—6.  Their  names  and 
situation,  7 — 9. 

THE  Lord  also  aspake  unto  Joshua,  saying, 

2  Speak  to  the  children  of  Israel,  saying. 
Appoint  out  for  you  cities  of  refuge,  whereof  I 
spake  unto  you  by  the  hand  of  Moses  : 

3  That  the  slayer  that  killeth  any  person 
unawares  and  unwittingly  may  flee  thither : and 


they  shall  be  eyour  refuge  from  the  avenger  ol 
blood. 

4 And  when  he  that  doth  flee  unto  one  of  those 
cities,  shall  stand  dat  the  entering  of  the  gate  of 
the  city,  and  shall  declare  his  cause  in  the  ears  of 
the  elders  of  that  city  ; they  shall  “take  him  into 
tlie  city  unto  them,  and  give  him  a place,  that  he 
may  dwell  among  them. 

5 And  if  the  avenger  of  blood  pursue  after  him, 
then  they  shall  not  deliver  the  slayer  up  into  his 
hand;  because  he  smote  his  neighbour  unwit 
tingly,  and  hated  him  not  beforetime. 

6 And  he  shall  dwell  in  that  city,  f until  he  stana 
before  the  congregation  for  judgment,  and  until 
the  death  of  the  high-priest  that  shall  be  in  those 
days  : then  shall  the  slayer  .return,  and  come  unto 
his  own  city,  and  unto  his  own  house,  unto  the 
city  from  whence  he  fled. 

7 H And  they  'appointed  gKedesh  in  Galilee  in 
mount  Naphtali,  and  hShechem  in  mount  Ephraim, 
and  ‘Kirjath-arba,  (which  is  Hebron,)  in  the 
kmountain  of  Judah. 

8 And  on  the  other  side  Jordan,  by  Jericho 
eastward,  they  assigned  ‘Bezer  in  the  wilderness 
upon  the  plain  out  of  the  tribe  of  Reuben,  and 
mRamoth  in  Gilead  out  of  the  tribe  of  Gad,  and 
"Golan  in  Bashan  out  of  the  tribe  of  Manasseh. 

9 These  were  “the  cities  appointed  for  all  the 
children  of  Israel,  and  for  the  stranger  that  so- 
journeth  among  them,  that  whosoever  killeth  any 
person  at  unawares  might  flee  thither,  and  not  die 
by  the  hand  of  the  avenger  of  blood,  Puntil  he 
stood  before  the  congregation. 


Judg.  18-7,27,29.  Laieh.  m Ez.  45:7,8.  n 24:30.  Judg.  2:9.  Timnalh-herei. 
I Chr.  7:24.  ol4:l.  Norn.  34:17— 29.  Ps.  47:3,4.  Mall. 20:23.  2.3:34.  John  14: 
2.3.  17:2.  Heb.  4:8,9.  p 18: 1 . n 5:14.  6:2.  7:10.  13:1— 7.  b Ex.  21:13,14. 
Num.  33:6,11— 14.  Deul.  4:41— 43.  19:2— 13.  Rom.  8:1,33,34.  Ueb.  6:18,19. 
c Num.  35:15— 24.  dRulh4:l.  Job  5:4.  29:7.  Jer.38:7.  ei..26:9.  (Num. 


those  of  Judah.  (Marg.  Ref.) — It  also  bordered  on  Benja- 
min  to  the  north-east,  on  Ephraim  to  the  north,  and  on  Simeon 
to  the  south.  The  country  possessed  by  the  Philistines, 
seems  in  part  to  have  belonged  to  the  inheritance  of  Dan  : 
and  the  clause  rendered,41  the  coast  of  Dan  went  out  too 
little  for  them,”  may  mean,'  that  the  Danites  were  deprived 
of  their  country  by  the  ancient  inhabitants,  and  therefore  had 
not  a sufficient  portion  ; and  the  following  brief  account  of  a 
transaction  afterwards  more  fully  recorded,  was  added  to 
complete  the  description  of  the  inheritance  at  length  possessed 
by  this  tribe.  Probably  this  occurred  soon  after  the  death  of 
Joshua ; and  the  addition  to  the  narrative  might  be  made  by 
Phinehas.  (Judg.  20:28.  Notes , Judg.  18:) 

V.  49,  50.  Joshua  waited  till  all  the  tribes  were  settled, 
before  he  required  any  provision  for  himself.  It  is  probable, 
that  the  Lord  had  commanded  the  Israelites  to  give  him  an 
inheritance,  at  the  time  when  he  gave  orders  about  Caleb  : 
accordingly  he  desired  to  have  Timnath-serah,  which  was 
not  a city  of  great  note,  nor  situated  in  the  best  of  the  land  : 
but  it  lay  in  the  lot  of  his  own  tribe,  and  not  far  from  Shiloh, 
where  the  ark  of  God  was  placed.  Thus  he  closed  all  his 
great  and  memorable  services,  by  an  example  of  moderation, 
equity,  piety,  and  industry  in  rebuilding  the  city  assigned 
him,  which  does  great  honour  to  his  character. — It  does  not 
appear  that  Joshua  left  any  posterity. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

If  the  true  believer  have  entered  into  engagements  which 
are  likely  to  prove  injurious  to  him,  he  will  not  retract,  nor 
disappoint  those  who  confide  in  him  : but  if  he  have  obtained 
an  undue  advantage  in  any  contract,  he  will  recede  from  it 
without  murmuring,  in  compliance  with  the  requisitions  of 
equity  and  kindness.  For  44  love  seeketh  not  her  own,”  and 
u doth  not  behave  unseemly.”  ( Note , 1 Cor.  13:4 — 7.) — 
They  are  most  favoured  in  Providence,  who  are  placed  near- 
est to  the  sanctuary,  and  have  most  advantages,  and  the 
fewest  hinderances,  to  the  salvation  of  their  souls  ; though  they 
do  not  possess  worldly  influence  or  distinctions  : and  as  far 
as  we  have  the  choice  referred  to  us,  we  should  always  decide 
by  this  rule.  But  a Sovereign  God  dispenses  his  favours  as 
he  pleases  ; and  one  man  has  his  habitation  assigned  him  in 
“ the  valley  of  vision,”  and  another  his  “ in  the  very  region  of 
the  shadow  of  death  “ according  to  the  good  pleasure  of 
his  will.” — Disinterestedness  and  an  unassuming  deportment 
shed  a peculiar  lustre  upon  eminent  characters : and  they  who 
labour  most  to  do  good  to  others,  will  be  indifferent  about 
their  own  worldly  interests,  and  willing  to  forego  all  things, 
rather  than  preclude  themselves  from  the  sweet  pleasure  of 
communicating  felicity.  An  inheritance  in  the  Canaan  above 
they  must  and  do  covet ; but  it  will  be  soon  enough  to  enter 
upon  that,  when  they  have  dono  all  the  sorvice  to  their  bre- 
thren, of  which  they  are  capable  : nor  can  any  thing  more 
effectually  assure  them  of  their  title  to  it  than  laying  them- 
selves out  properly  to  bring  others  to  desire,  to  seek,  and  to 
( 416 


35:12,24,25.  H«b.  9:26.  ■ Hcb.  sanctified,  g 21-32.  1 Chr.  6:76.  1:21:21 

Gen.  33:18,19.  2Chr.  10:1.  114:15.21:11,13.  k Luke  1:39.  131:39.  Deut.  4: 
43.  1 chr.  6:78.  m 31:38.  1 Kings  22:3.  1 Chr.  6:80.  n 21:37.  oNum. 35:15. 
p See  on  4,6. 


obtain  possession  of  it.  (Note,  Phil.  1:21 — 26.)— But  Jesus 
has  far  outdone  all  others,  in  this  and  in  every  other  respect. 
“ Though  he  was  rich,  yet  for  our  sakes  he  became  poor,  that 
we  through  his  poverty  might  be  rich.”  He  would  not  enter 
upon  his  inheritance,  till  by  his  obedience  unto  death,  he  had 
secured  the  eternal  inheritance  for  all  his  people  1 nor  will  he 
account  his  own  glory  completed,  until  every  ransomed  sinner 
is  put  in  possession  of  his  heavenly  rest. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XX.  Y.  1— 6.  As  soon  as  the  tribes 
of  Israel  had  received  their  promised  inheritance,  they 
were  reminded  to  separate  the  cities  of  refuge ; the  use  and 
typical  meaning  of  which  have  already  been  explained. 
(Notes,  Ex.  21:12 — 14.  Num.  35:11 — 34.  Dcut.  19:2 — 10.) 
When  the  manslayer  arrived  at  the  city  of  refuge,  he  passed 
a kind  of  trial  before  he  was  laken  under  l he  protection  of  the 
elders  : who,  it  seems,  were  allowed  to  exclude  or  apprehend 
him,  if  he  were  adjudged  a wilful  murderer.  And  afterwards 
he  must  stand  in  judgment  before  tho  congregation,  or  the 
magistrates  ; and  if  then  condemned,  he  was  to  be  delivered 
to  the  avenger  of  blood.  (9)  This  would  prevent  those 
abuses,  which  were  generally  made  of  sanctuarios  among 
other  nations,  in  which  the  most  atrocious  criminals  found 
protection. — Few  or  none  of  those  actions  which  hufti&n  laws 
punish  capitally,  can  be  done  entirely  without  intention,  ex- 
cept depriving  a man  of  his  life,  which  may  bo  purely  acciden- 
tal, and  not  in  the  least  criminal  ; and  the  avenger  had  no 
power,  except  against  the  manslayer:  so  that  the  cities  of 
refuge  were  appointed  in  this  case  alone. 

V.  7 — 9.  All  these  cities  were  afterwards  assigned  to  tho 
priests  and  Levitcs  ; (21:11,13,21,27,32,36,38)  and  they  were 
most  conveniently  situated  on  each  side  of  Jordan,  and  in  all 
the  different  parts  of  the  land. — As  this  institution  was  an 
evident  type  of  the  sinner’s  refuge  from  the  deserved  wrath  o! 
God,  the  signification  of  the  names  of  these  cities  has  been 
noticed  by  some  expositors  with  reference  to  the  person,  cha- 
racter, offices,  and  love  of  Christ.  “ Kedesh”  signifies  holy , 
and  Jesus,  the  Holy  One  of  God,  is  “made  sanctification  to 
us  :”  “ Shechem,”  a shoulder;  “and  tho  government  is  upon 
his  shoulder  “ Hebron,”  fellowship  ; and  through  him  sin- 
ners have  fellowship  with  God:  “ Bezer,”  n strong-hold ; and 
“ he  is  a strong-hold  to  those  who  trust  ttt  him :”  “ Ramoth,” 
exaltations ; and  “ he  is  exalted  to  be  a Prince  and  Saviour :” 
and  “ Golan,”  exultation,  or  joy  ; and  in  him  all  believers  aro 
justified  and  glory,  or  rejoice. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Wo  have  causo  to  be  thankful  that  wo  have  been  preserved 
from  the  murderer’s  sword  ; and  if  we  ourselves  havo  not 
committed  murder:  for  the  violent  passions  of  tho  human 
heart,  instigated  by  Satan’s  temptations,  naturally  terminate 
in  that  horrid  crime,  if  God  withdraw  his  restraining  hand. 
Nay,  we  owe  it  to  His  goodness,  that  we  have  not  been  de- 
prived of  life  by  another,  even  contrary  to  bis  intention  ; and 
if  wo  have  been  preserved  from  tho  great  calamity,  of  being 


B.  C.  1414. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


B. C.  1444. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

Tlkt  Levites  require  their  cities,  1,  2.  Forty-eight  from  the  otner  tribes  are 
riven  them,  3—8.  The  cities  of  the  priests,  9—19  : of  the  other  Kohathitcs, 
5o— 26  : of  the  G'ershonites,  27  -33  : of  the  Merarites.  31—42.  Anacfmow- 
Udgmeut,  that  the  promise  of  God  to  Israel  was  fulfilled. 

THEN  came  near  'the  heads  of  the  fathers  of 
the  Lcvites  unto  bEleazar  the  priest,  and  unto 
Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  and  unto  the  heads  of  the 
fathers  of  the  tribes  of  the  children  of  Israel ; 

2  And  they  spake  (into  them  at  'Shiloh  in  the 
land  of  Canaan,  saying,  rtThe  Lord  commanded 
by  the  hand  of  Moses,  to  ^ive  us  cities  to  dwell  in, 
with  the  suburbs  thereof  for  our  cattle. 

3  And  the  children  of  Israel  gave  eunto  the 
Levites  out  of  their  inheritance,  at  the  command- 
ment of  the  Lord,  these  cities  and  their  suburbs. 

4  And  the  lot  came  out  for  the  families  of  the 
Kohathites : and  'the  children  of  Aaron  the  priest, 
which  were  of  the  Levites,  had  by  lot.  out  of  the 
tribe  of  Judah,  and  out  of  the  tribe  of  Simeon, 
and  out  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  thirteen  cities. 

5  And  sthe  rest  of  the  children  of  Kohath  had 
by  lot  out  of  the  families  of  the  tribe  of  Ephraim, 
and  out  of  the  tribe  of  Dan,  and  out  of  the  half- 
tribe of  Manasseh,  ten  cities. 

6  And  the  children  of  hGershon  had  by  lot  out 
of  the  families  of  the  tribe  of  Issachar,  and  out  of 
the  tribe  of  Asher,  and  out  of  the  tribe  of  Naph- 
tali,  and  out  of  the  half-tribe  of  Manasseh,  in 
Bashan,  thirteen  cities. 

7  The  children  of  'Merari,  by  their  families, 
had  out  of  the  tribe  of  Reuben,  and  out  of  the 
tribe  of  Gad,  and  out  of  the  tribe  of  Zebulun, 
twelve  cities. 

8  And  the  children  of  Israel  gave  ;by  lot  unto 
the  Levites  these  cities  with  their  suburbs,  kas  the 
Lord  commanded  by  the  hand  of  Moses. 

9  IT  And  they  gave  out  of  the  tribe  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Judah,  and  out  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
of  Simeon, 'these  cities  which  are  here  'mentioned 
by  name ; 

10  Which  mthe  children  of  Aaron,  being  of  the 
families  of  the  Kohathites,  who  were  of  the  children 
of  Levi,  had  : for  theirs  was  the  first  lot. 


a 19:51.  Ex.  6:14,25.  b 14:1.  17:4.  Num.  34:17— 29.  cSeeonl8:l.  tlNum. 
35:2— 8.  Ez.4S:9— 18.  Malt.  10:10.  Gal. 6:6.  1 Tim.  5: 17,18.  e Gen.  49:7. 
Deut.  33:8— 10.  1 Chi-.  6:54-81.  f S — 19.  1 ( hr.  6:54— 60.  g 20— 26.  Gen.  46:11. 
Ex.  6:16 — 25.  N n m.  3:27.  1 Chr.  6:18,19,61,66 — 70.  h 27— 33.  Ex.  6:16,17.  Num. 
3:21,22.  1 Chr.  6:62,71— 76.  i 34:40.  Ex.  6:19.  Num.  3:20.  1 Chr.  6:63,77— 81 . 
) 18:6.  Nnm.  33:54.  35:3.  Prov.  16:33.  18:18.  kNum.35:2.  113—18.  1 Chr. 

6:65.  • Heb.  called,  m See  on  4.  Ex.  6:18,20— 26.  Num.  3:2 — 4,19,27.  4:2. 
1 Or,  Kirjath-arba.  15:13,14,54.  Gen.  23:2  . 35:27.  Judg.  1.10.  n 2 Sam.  2:1— 


the  unwilling  cause  of  death,  even  to  our  beloved  friends  and 
relations.  The  subject  before  us  also  warns  us  to  pray,  that 
we  may  be  kept  from  sins  and  calamities  of  this  distressing 
nature  ; and  be  made  ready,  if  without  warning  we  should  be 
called  into  eternity. — No  sanctuary  should  protect  the  wilful 
murderer,  and  no  favour  should  on  any  account  be  shown 
him ; and  no  protection,  assistance,  or  kindness  can  be  too 
great,  to  be  extended  to  the  unfortunate  manslayer. — But  let 
us  again  take  occasion  to  bless  our  God  for  that  Refuge, 
which  he  has  prepared  in  his  Son,  for  our  guilty,  perishing 
souls.  They  who  flee  to  him  by  true  and  living  faith,  will  be 
secured  from  all  condemnation  ; yea,  though  they  have  com- 
mitted the  most  atrocious  crimes,  not  even  excepting  the 
worst  of  murders:  (Notes,  Acts  26:9 — 11.  1 Tim.  1:12 — 1G.) 
nor  will  any  protection,  instruction,  sanctification,  fellowship 
with  God,  or  joy  in  him,  be  withheld  from  them.  His  power 
and  presence  will  be  their  strong  tower  against  all  their  ene- 
mies : nor  will  the  exalted  Saviour  fail,  in  consequence  of 
his  own  death,  to  restore  all  of  them  to  their  forfeited  inhe- 
ritance ; nay,  to  exalt  them  to  share  his  glory,  in  the  presence 
of  “ his  Father  and  their  Father,  of  his  God  and  their  God.” 
To  him  let  sinners  flee  before  the  sword  of  vengeance  over- 
take them ; for  he  is  ever  near,  and  he  hath  said,  “ Him  that 
cometh  unto  me,  I will  in  nowise  cast  out.”  In  him  let  be- 
lievers abide,  hope,  and  rejoice ; and  may  we  all  love,  obey, 
and  imitate  him,  more  and  more.  (Note,  Heh.  6:16 — 20.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXI.  V.  1,  2.  The  Levites  had 
waited  till  all  the  other  tribes  were  provided  for  and  were 
about  to  separate,  before  they  preferred  their  claim.  They 
had  received  no  inheritance  of  land  among- their  brethren; 
and  they  were  therefore  as  justly  entitled  to  the  tithes,  first- 
fruits,  and  holy  things,  and  to  forty-eight  cities  with  their 
suburbs  for  their  habitation,  as  the  other  Israelites  were  to 
their  lands.  (Note,  Num.  35:2 — 8.)  The  cities,  however, 
were  made  conducive  to  the  common  benefit  of  the  nation  ; 
as  the  Levites  were  thus  dispersed  in  every  part,  to  instruct 
and  edify  the  people  by  their  doctrine  and  example ; and  also 
as  watchmen,  to  restrain  idolatry,  and  to  provide  for  the 
punishment  of  those  who  were  notoriously  guilty  of  it:  and 
Vol.  I. — 53 


1 1 And  they  gave  them  Uhe  citv  of  Arba,  the 
father  of  Anak,  (which  city  "is  Hebron,)  in  the 
\h\\-country  of  Judah,  with  the  suburbs  thereof 
round  about  it. 

12  But  "the  fields  of  the  city,  and  the  villages 
thereof,  gave  they  to  Caleb  the  son  of  Jephunneh, 
for  his  possession. 

13  Thus  they  gave  to  the  children  of  Aaron  the 
priest,  Hebron  with  her  suburbs,  to  be  pa  city  of 
refuge  for  the  slayer,  and  ‘'Lionah  with  her 
suburbs, 

14  And  rJattir  with  her  suburbs,  and  6Eshte- 
moa  with  her  suburbs, 

15  And  lHolon  with  her  suburbs,  and  "Debit 
with  her  suburbs, 

16  And  xAin  with  her  suburbs,  and  yJuttah 
with  her  suburbs,  and  2Beth-shemesh  with  her 
suburbs  : nine  cities  out  of  those  two  tribes. 

17  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  “Gibeon 
with  her  suburbs,  bGeba  with  her  suburbs, 

18  "Anathoth  with  her  suburbs,  and  dAlmon 
with  her  suburbs,  four  cities. 

19  All  the  cities  of  the  children  of  Aaron,  the 
priests,  were  thirteen  cities  with  their  suburbs. 

20  II  And  "the  families  of  the  children  of 
Kohath,  the  Levites  which  remained  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Kohath,  even  they  had  the  cities  of  their 
lot  out  of  the  tribe  of  Ephraim. 

21  For  they  gave  them  fShechem  with  her 
suburbs  in  mount  Ephraim,  to  be  a city  of  refuge 
for  the  slayer ; and  sGezer  with  her  suburbs. 

22  And  Kibzaim  with  her  suburbs,  and  hBeth- 
horon  with  her  suburbs:  four  cities. 

23  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Dan,  ’Eltekeh  with 
her  suburbs,  Gibbethon  with  her  suburbs, 

24  kAijalon  with  her  suburbs,  Gath-rimmon 
with  her  suburbs  : four  cities. 

25  And  out  of  the  half-tribe  of  Manasseh, 
'Taanach  with  her  suburbs,  and  Gath-rimmon 
with  her  suburbs : two  cities. 

26  All  the  cities  were  ten,  with  their  suburbs 
for  the  families  of  the  children  of  Kohath  tha 
remained. 


3.  5:4— 5.  15:7.  Luke  1:39.  o 14:13-15.  1 Chr. 6:55— 57.  p 20:7.  Num.  35:6. 
q 10:29.  15:42.  1 Chr.  6:57.  Is.  37:8.  r 15:48.  1 Sam.  30:27,28.  s 15:50.  Esti- 
lemorh.  1 13:51.  1 Chr.  6:58 . Hilen.  u 12:13.  15:49.  x 15:42.  1 Chr.  6:59. 
Ashan.  y 15:55.  z 15:10.  1 Sam.  6:9,12.  1 Chr.  6:59.  a 9:3.  18:25.  1 Chr.  6: 
60.  b 18:24.  Geba.  c 1 Kings  2:26.  Is.  10:30.  Jer.  1:1.  d 1 Chr.  6:60.  Alemeth. 
e 5.  1 Chr.  6:66.  f 20:7.  Gen.  33: 19.  Judg.  9:1.  1 Kings  12:1.  g 16:10.  1 Kings  9: 
15—17.  1 Chr. 6:67.  h 16:3,5.  18:13,14.  1 Chr.  6:68.  i 19:44,45.  k 10:12.  19:42. 
Ajalon.  1 Chr.  6:69.  1 17:11.  Judg.  5:19. 


as  it  was  their  interest,  as  well  as  duty,  to  retain  the  peo~ 
pie  in  the  worship  of  Jehovah  alone,  this  was  a very  suita- 
ble expedient.  It  is  probable,  from  the  Subsequent  history,  that 
others  lived  in  these  cities  besides  the  Levites,  as  their  tenants, 
for  the  advantage  of  their  instructions,  or  to  carry  on  trades 
Thus  the  Levites  were  plentifully  provided  for,  as  long  as  the 
people  adhered  to  the  worship  of  God,  and  respected  his  com- 
mandments ; but  liable  to  be  deprived  of  their  provision,  if  the 
people  apostatized.  (Note,  2 Chr.  11:13 — 17.) 

V.  3 — 5.  When  the  proper  number  of  cities  had  been 
given  by  the  several  tribes,  the  families  of  the  Levites  cast 
lots  for  them : and  the  first  lot  fell  to  that  of  Aaron,  not  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Shiloh,  where  the  ark  was  then  placed,  but 
in  that  of  Jerusalem,  where  the  temple  was  built  above  four 
hundred  years  afterwards.  (Note,  1 Kings  6:1.) — The  rest 
of  the  Kohathites  also  had  their  cities  not  far  from  their 
brethren.  (9 — 26.)  The  family  of  Aaron  could  not  at  this 
time  be  very  numerous,  though  it  had  greatly  increased  since 
his  appointment  to  the  priesthood ; yet  thirteen  cities  were 
allotted  to  it  as  a patrimony,  in  the  divine  foreknowledge  of 
its  future  enlargement : for  we  have  reason  to  think,  that  no 
other  family  increased  so  much  in  proportion,  after  Israel’s 
departure  from  Egypt,  as  that  of  Aaron. 

V.  6 — 8.  3Iarg.  Ref. 

Y.  11,  12.  Either  the  city  was  riot  included  with  the  territory 
of  Hebron,  in  the  grant  made  to  Caleb;  or,  as  it  is  more  pro- 
bable, he  willingly  gave  it  to  the  priests,  that  he  nnght  set  an 
example  to  his  brethren  of  cheerfully  contributing  to  the  main- 
tenance of  religion.  (Note,  14:6 — 15.) 

V.  13—24.  Murg.  Ref. 

V.  25.  A.ner  andBileam  are  mentioned  in  the  Chronicles, 
instead  of  Taanach  and  Gath-rimmon.  (1  Chr.  6:70.) — Either 
the  cities  had  at  this  time  different  names,  or  afterwards  their 
names  were  changed;  or  the  Levites,  being  by  some  means 
dispossessed  of  the  cities  first  assigned  them,  received  others 
from  their  brethren. — A careful  examination  of  the  marginal 
references  will  discover  several  other  variations  of  this  kind, 
which  may  be  accounted  for  in  the  same  manner.  (1  Chr.  6. 
54—81.) 


( 417  ) 


B.  C.  1444. 


JOSHUA, 


B.  C.  1444 


1.7  IT  And  unto  the  children  of  Gershon,  of  the 
families  of  the  Levites,  out  of  the  other  half-tribe 
of  Manasseh,  they  gave  mGolan  in  Bashan  with 
her  suburbs,  to  be  a city  of  refuge  for  the  slayer; 
and  Beeshterah  with  her  suburbs  : two  cities. 

28  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Issachar,  Kishon 
with  her  suburbs,  “Dabayeh  with  her  suburbs, 

29  "Jarmuth  with  her  suburbs,  En-gannim 
with  her  suburbs : four  cities. 

30  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Asher,  PMishal  with 
her  suburbs,  Abdon  with  her  suburbs, 

31  Helkath  with  her  suburbs,  and  Rehob  with 
her  suburbs:  four  cities. 

32  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Naphtali,  ‘iKedesh  in 
Galilee  with  her  suburbs,  to  be  a city  of  refuge 
for  the  slayer ; and  rHammoth-dor  with  her 
suburbs,  and  Kartan  with  her  suburbs:  three 
cities. 

33  All  the  cities  of  the  Gershonites,  according 
to  their  families,  were  thirteen  cities  with  their 
suburbs. 

34  And  unto  the  families  of  the  children  of 
Merari,  the  rest  of  the  Levites,  out  of  the  tribe  of 
Zebulun,  sJokneam  with  her  suburbs,  and  Kartah 
with  her  suburbs, 

35  Dirnnah  with  her  suburbs,  Nahalal  with  her 
suburbs:  four  cities. 

36  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Reuben,  ‘Bezer  with 
her  suburbs, and  “Jahazah  with  her  suburbs. 

37  Kedemoth  with  her  suburbs,  and  Mephaath 
with  her  suburbs:  four  cities. 

38  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Gad,  *Ramoth  in 
Gilead  with  her  suburbs,  to  be  a city  of  refuge  lor 
the  slayer ; and  yMahanaim  with  her  suburbs, 

39  'Heshbon  with  her  suburbs,  "Jazer  with  her 
suburbs:  four  cities  in  all. 

40  So  all  the  cities  for  the  children  of  Merari, 


m 20:8.  Deul.  1:4.  4:43.  1 Chr.  6:71.  n 19:12.  1 Clir.  6:72,73.  o 10:3,23.  12: 
11.  p 19:25— 28.  Miekeal.  1 Chr.  6:74,75.  Maskal.  q 19:37  . 20:7.  1 Chr. 
6:76.  r 19:35.  Unmmnrh.  s 12:22.  19:11,15.  t20:8.  Dent.  4:43.  1 Chr. 

6:78,79.  Jnhzrth.  u 13.18.  N.im.  21:23.  x 20:8.  1 Kings  22:3.  1 Chr.  6:80. 
r Gen.  32:2.  2 Sara.  17:24.  19:32.  7.  13:17,21.  Num.  21 :26— 30.  32:37.  1 Chr.  6:81. 
a Num.  32:1,3,35.  Jaazer.  Is.  16:8,9.  Jer.  48:32.  b Gen.  49:7.  Num.  35:1—8. 

V.  27—33.  Mars.  Ref. 

V.  34,  35.  Only  two  are  mentioned  in  Chronicles,  and 
they  have  different  names.  (1  Chr.  6:77.)  Probably  the  Le- 
vites had  been  deprived  of  those  allotted  to  them  at  first,  and 
had  afterwards  two  others  given  them  in  their  stead. 

V.  36—40.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  41,  42.  ‘So  God  ordered  by  Moses,  Num.  35:7.  And 
it  is  a demonstration,  that  Moses  was  divinely  inspired,  to 
make  such  an  appointment;  before  they  knew  whether, with- 
out straitening  the  other  tribes,  they  could  afford  so  many 
cities  to  the  Levites.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  43 — 45.  This  acknowledgment  of  the  faithfulness  of 
God  to  his  promises,  was  a very  becoming  conclusion  to  the 
history  of  the  conquest  and  division  of  the  land.  For  wise 
and  gracious  reasons,  some  of  the  Canaanites  were  permitted 
to  continue  among  the  Israelites ; but  at  this  time  they  gave 
them  no  molestation : nor  would  they  have  ever  made  head 
against  them,  but  on  the  contrary  they  would  soon  have  been 
exterminated,  had  not  the  people  provoked  the  Lord  to  em- 
ploy them  for  chastisement,  as  we  shall  read  in  the  subsequent 
history.  When,  however,  the  several  tribes  and  families  had 
settled  in  their  estates,  and  cultivated  them  without,  disturb- 
ance ; every  particular  of  the  Lord’s  promises,  on  that  head , 
had  been  punctually  fulfilled. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  maintenance  of  the  ministers  of  religion  should  be 
considered,  as  required  by  the  command  of  God,  and  not  as 
a matter  of  mere  choice  or  discretion.  They  “who  labour 
in  the  word  and  doctrine,”  have  as  good  a title  to  a comforta- 
ble support,  as  other  men  have  to  their  estates  ; and,  on  some 
occasions  must  be  allowed,  without  censure,  to  assert  their 
claim  against  such  as  would  defraud  them  : but  this  should 
always  be  done  with  evident  reluctance  as  a matter  of  necessity; 
and  with  a willingness  to  refer  themselvos  to  the  arbitration  of 
impartial  persons.  And,  in  ordinary  cases,  it  more  accords 
to  the  examples  of  the  New  Testament,  when  they  choose  to 
“suffer  all  things,”  rather  than  to  take  any  steps  which  may 
impede  the  success  of  their  labours.  Yet  this  excellent  spirit 
in  faithful  ministers,  is  so  far  from  excusing  those  who  de- 
fraud them,  that  it  greatly  aggravates  their  sin. — It  is  very 
desirable  that  all  the  temporal  concerns,  relating  to  this  sa- 
cred function,  should  he  amicably  settled,  and  arranged  in 
such  a manner,  as  to  subserve  its  grand  object;  to  occasion 
to  the  clergy  as  few  avocations,  temptations,  or  discourage- 
ments as  may  be  ; and  to  afford  them  every  advantage  of  ac- 
cess to  the  people  ; that  they  may  exhort,  instruct,  and  reprove 
them  without  falling  under  their  contempt,  or  droadirtg  their 
displeasure.  As  on  this  extraordinary  occasion,  the  cities  of 
( 1 IS  ) 


by  their  families,  which  were  remaining  of  the 
families  of  the  Levites,  were  by  their  lot,  twelve 
cities. 

41  All  the  cities  of  the  Levites,  bwithin  the 
possession  of  the  children  of  Israel,  were  forty  and 
eight  cities  with  their  suburbs. 

42  These  cities  were  every  one  with  their 
suburbs  round  about  them;  thus  were  all  these 
cities. 

43  H And  the  Lord  'gave  unto  Israel  all  the 
land  which  he  sware  to  give  unto  their  fathers: 
and  they  possessed  it,  and  dwelt  therein. 

44  And  ''the  Lord  gave  them  rest  round  about, 
according  to  all  that  he  sware  unto  their  fathers : 
and  there  stood  not  a man  of  all  their  enemies 
before  them  ; the  Lord  delivered  all  their  enemies 
into  their  hand. 

45  There  'failed  not  aught  of  any  good  thing 
which  the  Lord  had  spoken  unto  the  house  of 
Israel ; all  came  to  pass. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

Joshua  dismisses  Reuben , Gad , and  Manasseh,  with  his  commendation,  court- 
eel,  and  blessing;  and  with  a large  booty,  1 — 9.  They  build  an  altar  oj 
testimony  near  Jordan  ; at  which  the  other  tribes  are  offended,  prepare  for 
war,  and  send  to  expostulate  with  them,  10 — 20.  They  explain  and  vindicate 
their  conduct  to  the  satisfaction  of  their  brethren,  21 — 33.  The  name  of  the 
altar,  or  the  inscription  on  it,  34. 

THEN  “Joshua  called  the  Reubenites,  and  the 
Gadites,  and  the  half-tribe  of  Manasseh. 

2  And  said  unto  them,  bYe  have  kept  all  that 
Moses  the  servant  of  the  Lord  commanded  you, 
and  have  “obeyed  my  voice  in  all  that  I com- 
manded you  : 

3  Ye  dhave  not  led,  your  brethren  these  many 
days  unto  this  day,  but  have  kept  the  charge  of 
the  commandment  of  the  Lord  your  God. 

4  And  now  the  Lord  your  God  hath  'given 
rest  unto  your  brethren,  as  he  promised  them : 


Deul.  33:10.  c Gen.  12:7.  13:15.  15:18-21.  26:3,4  . 28.4.13,14.  Ex.  3:8.  23:27 
—31.  Fa.  44:3.  106:42—45.  d 1:15.  11:23.  22:4,9.  Deul . 7:22,23.  31:3—5.  lleb. 
4:9.  e 23:14,15.  Num.  23:19.  1 Kings  8:56.  1 Cor.  1:9.  1 Thes.  5 24.  Til.  1:2, 
Heh.6:l8.  a See  on  Num.  32:18 — 33.  Deul.  29:7,8.  b Num.  32:20 — 29.  Deul. 
3:18—20.  c 1:1*2— 18.  <1  Phil.  1:23— 27.  e See  on  21:43,44.  Deul.  12:9. 


the  priests  and  Levites  were  assigned  them  immediately 
by  God  himself,  through  the  casting  of  lots ; so,  in  ordinary 
cases,  every  one  should  consider  his  station  as  determined  by 
divine  Providence,  and  should  cheerfully  continue  to  perform 
the  duties  of  it,  though  he  seem  to  have  more  discourage- 
ments and  inconveniences  than  the  rest  of  his  brethren  ; and 
not.  venture  to  remove,  till  satisfied,  after  serious  considera- 
tion, prayer,  and  consultation  of  his  pious  friends  and  seniors, 
that  the  Lord  calls  him  to  another  place. — Happy  is  the  land 
where  faithful  ministers  of  Christ  are  to  he  met  with  in  every 
district ! The  people  will  not  be  impoverished  by  maintaining 
them  : nor  will  they  in  general  much  complain  in  this  respect ; 
so  long  as  ministers  diligently  apply  themselves  to  dispel  ig- 
norance and  error,  and  to  diffuse  the  light  of  divine  truth ; to 
stop  the  progress  of  immorality,  and  promote  the  practice  of 
universal  holiness  ; and,  by  their  doctrine,  influence,  example, 
and  prayers,  to  render  all  within  their  sphere  more  wise,  holy, 
and  happy. — Persons  of  eminence  should  take  the  lead  in  every 
good  work,  that  their  examples  may  excite  others  ; always  re- 
membering, that  pre-eminence  in  real  usefulness  is  the  most 
valuable  distinction. — In  due  season,  all  the  promises  of  God 
will  be  accomplished  to  his  true  people:  and  their  believing 
hope,  and  patient  waiting,  and  self-denying  obedience,  will 
terminate  in  joyful  songs  of  triumph,  and  thankful  celebra- 
tions of  his  faithfulness,  love,  and  power.  Then  will  it  be 
universally  acknowledged  that  “there  hath  not  failed  aught  of 
any  good  thing,  which  the  Lord  hath  spoken ;”  nay,  that  he 
has  exceeded  their  largest  expectations,  and  made  them  more 
than  conquerors,  and  brought  them  to  their  delightful  rest  and 
inheritance.  May  none  of  us  at  that  season  he  found  among 
his  enemies,  “who  shall  be  destroyed  for  ever!” — Let  no  true 
believer  despond,  because  of  delays,  tribulations,  and  tempta- 
tions ; for  God  has  confirmed  his  promise  and  covenant 
“ with  an  oath,  that  we  might  have  a strong  consolation, 
who  have  fled  for  refuge  to  lay  hold  on  the  hope  set  before 
us.”  Let  us  then  beg  of  him  to  enable  us  to  confide  in  him 
entirely,  to  obey  him  unreservedly,  and  to  wait  for  him  pa- 
tiently; for  we  have  need  of  patience,  that  “after  we  have 
done  the  will  of  God,  we  might  receive  the  promise.”  (Note, 

Heb.  6:11—20.  P.  ().  13—20.  Jam.  5:7,8.) 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXTT.  V.  1—4.  The  detachment  of 
the  two  tribes  and  a half  had  been  absent  from  home  seven 
year#  at  least ; except  ns  anj'  of  them  had  visited  their  fami- 
lies, or  been  exchanged  for  others  of  their  brethren.  During 
this  long  war  they  had  been  very  obedient  to  Joshua:  and 
they  did  not  attempt  to  return,  till  it  was  ended,  the  land 
divided, and  their  brethren  settled  ;and  then  Joshiui  honourahlr 
dismissed  them.  (Notes,  1:12 — lft.  4:12,13.) 


B.  C.  1 437. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


B.  C.  142/ 


therefore  now  return  ye,  and  'get  you  unto  your 
tents,  and  unto  the  land  of  your  possession,  which 
Moses  the  servant  of  the  Lord  gave  you  on  the 
other  side  Jordan, 

5 But  stake  diligent  heed  to  do  the  command- 
ment and  the  law,  which  Moses  the  servant  of 
the  Lord  charged  you,  hto  love  the  Lord  your 
God,  and  to  walk  in  all  his  ways,  and  to  keep  his 
commandments,  and  to  'cleave  unto  him,  and  to 
kserve  him  with  all  your  heart,  and  with  all  your 
soul. 

6 So  Joshua  'blessed  them,  and  sent  them 
away  : and  they  went  unto  their  tents. 

7 Now  rato  the  one  half  of  the  tribe  of  Manasseh 
Moses  had  given  possession  in  Bashan  ; but  unto 
the  other  half  thereof  gave  Joshua  among  their 
brethren  on  this  side  Jordan  westward.  And 
when  Joshua  sent  them  away  also  unto  their 
tents,  then  he  blessed  them : 

8 And  he  spake  unto  them,  saying,  ^Return 
with  much  riches  unto  your  tents,  and  with  very 
much  cattle,  with  silver,  and  with  gold,  and  with 
brass,  and  with  iron,  and  with  very  much  raiment : 
"divide  the  spoil  of  your  enemies  with  your 
brethren. 

9 And  the  children  of  Reuben,  and  the  children 
of  Gad,  and  the  half-tribe  of  Manasseh,  returned, 
and  departed  from  the  children  of  Israel  out  of 
Shiloh,  which  is  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  to  go  unto 
•dhe  country  of  Gilead,  to  the  land  of  their  pos- 
session, whereof  they  were  possessed,  according 
to  the  word  of  the  Lord  by  the  hand  of  Moses. 

[ Practical  Observations."] 

10  If  And  when  they  came  unto  the  borders  of 
Jordan,  that  are  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  the  chil- 
dren of  Reuben,  and  the  children  of  Gad,  and  the 


half-tribe  of  Manasseh,  sbuilt  there  an  altar  by 
Jordan,  a great  altar  to  see  to. 

U And  the  children  of  Israel  "heard  say 
Behold,  the  children  of  Reuben,  and  the  children 
of  Gad,  and  the  half-tribe  of  Manasseh,  have  built 
an  altar  over  against  the  land  of  Canaan,  in  the 
borders  of  Jordan,  sat  the  passage  of  the  children 
of  Israel. 

12  And  when  the  children  of  Israel  heard  of 
it,  ‘the  whole  congregation  of  the  children  ol 
Israel  gathered  themselves  together  at  Shiloh,  to 
go  up  to  war  against  them. 

13  And  the  children  of  Israel  "sent  unto  the 
children  of  Reuben,  and  to  the  children  of  Gad, 
and  to  the  half-tribe  of  Manasseh,  into  the  land 
of  Gilead,  ’'Phinehas  the  son  of  Eleazar  the  priest ; 

14  And  with  him  ten  princes,  of  each  'chief 
house  a prince,  throughout  all  the  tribes  of  Israel, 
and  each  one  was  *an  head  of  the  house  of  their 
fathers  among  the  thousands  of  Israel. 

15  And  they  came  unto  the  children  of  Reuben, 
and  to  the  children  of  Gad,  and  to  the  half-tribe  of 
Manasseh,  unto  the  land  of  Gilead,  and  they  spake 
with  them,  saying, 

16  Thus  saith  >'the  whole  congregation  of  the 
Lord,  What  ‘trespass  is  this  that  ye  have  com- 
mitted against  the  God  of  Israel,  "to  turn  away 
this  day  from  following  the  Lord,  in  that  ye  have 
builded  you  an  altar,  that  ye  might  brebpl  this  day 
against  the  Lord  ? 

17  °Is  the  iniquity  of  Peor  too  little  for  us, 
‘'from  which  we  are  not  cleansed  until  this  day, 
althoua’h  there  was  a plague  in  the  congregation 
of  the  Lord, 

18  But  that  ye  must  turn  away  this  day  from 
"following  the  Lord  ? And  it  will  be,  seeing  ye 


f 13:8,15—33.  11:1—5.  Num.  32:33— 42.  Dent.  3:1— 17.  29:8.  » See  on  Pent.  4: 
1,2, 6, 9.  6:6—9,17.  11:22.  Ex.  15:23.  1 Chi-.  28:7,8.  Ps.  106:3.  119:4—6.  Prov. 4: 
23.  Is.  55:2.  Jer.  12:16.  Heb.  6:11 ,12.  12:15.  2 Pet. 1:5— 10.  h Ex.  20:6.  Dent. 
6:5.  10:12.13.  II  1.13.  Matt. 22:37.  Jolin  1415,21— 23.  21:15— 17.  Rom. 8:28. 
Jain.  1:12.  2:5.  1 John 5:2,3.  i 23:8.  Deul.4:4.  10:20.  13:4.  Acte  11:23.  Rom 
12:9.  k 21:14,15.  1 Sam.  7:3.  12:20.  Matt.  4:10.  6:24.  Luke  1:74.  John  12:26. 
Acts 27:23.  Rom. 1:9.  17,8.  14:13.  Gen.  14:19.  47:7,10.  Ex.  39:43.  1 Sam.  2:20. 
2Sam. 6:18.20.  2 Chr.  30: 18.  Luke  24-50.  Heb.  7:6,7.  m 13:29— 31 . 17:1— 12. 
u Deut.  S 9-.13.C7.18.  2 Chr.  17:5  . 32:27.  Prov.  3:16.  1 Cor.  15:58.  Heb.  11:26 
o Num.  31:27.  I Sam.  30:24.  Ps.  68:12.  p 13:11,25,31.  Num.  32:29.39,40.  Deut. 
3:15,16.  Ps.  60:7.  q 25-23.  4:5—  9.  24:26,27.  Gen.  28:18.  31:46—  52.  r Lev.  17: 


V.  5.  The  sacred  writer  does  not  record  any  instructions, 
given  by  Joshua  to  this  company,  concerning  civil  govern- 
ment, or  military  discipline,  or  the  cultivation  of  their  lands  r 
for  nothing  was  deemed  worthy  of  insertion  in  the  sacred 
volume,  but  what  had  some  relation  to  religion.  Perfect  obe- 
dience to  the  divine  law  was  no  more  practicable  in  the  days 
of  Joshua,  than  at  present:  yet  his  exhortation  takes  no  no- 
tice of  this  ; for  the  standard  of  obedience  cannot  be  too  per- 
fect, (Note,  Matt.  5:43 — 48.)  and  our  aim  cannot  be  too  high; 
since  we  are  sure 'to  fall  very  short  of  what  we  propose  to 
ourselves.  (Notes,  Rom.  7:13 — 25.  Phil.  3:12 — 14.)  But  the 
consciousness  of  our  imperfections  subserves  the  purposes  of 
humiliation  ; and  the  feeling  of  our  insufficiency  dictates  fer- 
vent prayers  for  forgiveness  and  assistance. 

V.  6,  7.  Joshua  blessed  his  brethren,  when  he  parted  with 
inem:  that,  is,  he  expressed  his  affectionate  good-will  to  them 
by  earnes*  prayers,  and  by  pronouncing  a blessing  on  them ; 
which  was  done  by  princes  and  others,  on  some  occasions, 
and  not  by  the  priests  alone,  though  by  them  most  solemnly. 
(Marg.  Ref.  Notes , Gen.  14:18—20.  47:7.  Num.  6:23—26. 
2 Chr.  30:26,27.) — The  separate  mention  made  of  the  Ma- 
nassites,  (descended  from  Joseph,  the  progenitor  of  Joshua,) 
who  were  now  leaving  their  brethren,  induces  some  exposi- 
tors to  conclude  that  he  blessed  them  apart,  and  gave  them 
presents,  as  a token  of  affection  and  remembrance. 

V.  8,  9.  Notes.  13:7—33.  Num.  32:16—42.  Deut.  3:12— 
22. — Divide,  &c.  (8)  Note,  1 Sam.  30:22—25. 

V.  10.  This  altar  must  have  been  situated  to  the  east  of 
Jordan,  in  the  inheritance  of  the  two  tribes  and  a half:  as  it 
could  not  otherwise  have  answered  the  end  for  which  it  was 
erected  ; ( Note,  21 — 29.)  or  indeed  have  excited  the  suspicion 
of  their  brethren,  that  they  meant  to  establish  a schismatical 
worship  in  their  own  country,  instead  of  attending  at  the  ta- 
bernacle with  the  other  tribes.  Yet  the  verse,  as  we  read  it, 
conveys  the  idea,  that  it  was  erected  to  the  west  of  Jordan 
but  the  clause  rendered  “in  the  land  of  Canaan,”  may  be 
translated,  “by  the  land  of  Canaan:”  and  the  words  “o  . 
against  tbe  land  of  Canaan  in  the  next  verse,  show  this  to 
be  the  proper  rendering.  On  returning  home,  these  victorious 
soldiers,  and  faithful  assistants  of  their  brethren,  did  not  at- 
tempt to  erect  any  trophy,  on  which  to  record  their  own  ex- 
ploits; but  they  desired  to  form  a monument,  that  should 
]>rove  to  future  ages  their  relation  to  the  other  tribes,  their  in- 
terest in  the  sacrifices  and  worship  of  Cod  at  his  sanctuary, 
and  their  right,  with  that  of  their  posterity,  to  join  ifi  all  the 
ordinances  there  administered  For  these  purposes  they 


8,9.  Dent.  12:5—7.  13:12—14.  s 2:7.  3:14—16.  Judg.  12:5.  John  1:28.  t Dent. 
13:15.  Jud?.  20:1—11.  Acts  11:2,3.  Rom.  10:2.  Gal. 4:17,18.  u Deut.  13:14. 
Judg.  20:12:  Prov.  20:18.  Matt.  18:15.  v Ex.  6:25.  Num.  25:7,11.  Judg.  20,28. 
Ps.  106:30,31.  Prov.  25:9 — 13.  * Heb.  house  of  the  father,  x Ex.  18:25.  Num. 
1:4.  y 12.  Matt.  18:17.  1 Cor.  1:10.  5:4.  Gal.  1:1,2.  z Lev.  5:19.  26:40.  Num. 
5:6.  1 Chr.  21:3.  2 Chr. 26:18.  28:13.  Ezra  9:2,15.  Matt.  6:14,15.  a 18.  Ex.  32. 
8.  Num.  14:43.  32:15.  Deut.  7:4.  30:17.  2 Chr.  10:19.  25:27.  Heb.  12:25. 

b Lev.  17:8,9.  Deut.  12:4—6,13,14.  1 Sam.  15:23.  Ps.  78:8.  Is.  63:10.  c Num. 
25:3,4.  Deut.  4:3,4.  Ps.  106:28,29.  d Ezra  9:13,14.  1 Cor.  10:8,1 1 . e See  on 
16.  Deut.  7:4.  1 Sam.  12:14,20.  1 Kings  9:6.  2 Kings  17:21.  2 Chr.  25:27.  34:33. 


built  a very  large  altar,  which  might  be  seen  at  a great  dis- 
tance, exactly  in  the  shape  of  the  altar  of  Shiloh. — They 
would  have  acted  more  prudently,  if  they  had  previously  con- 
sulted the  Lord,  or  explained  their  intention  to  Joshua,  Elea- 
zar, and  the  elders  : but,  as  they  approved  themselves  upright, 
we  do  not  find  their  indiscretion  censured.  (Notes,  21 — 34.) 

V.  12 — 16.  The  command  of  God  was  express  that  no 
sacrifices  should  be  offered  except  at  the  door  of  the  taber- 
nacle ; and  building  another  altar  seemed  to  imply  an  intention 
of  offering  sacrifices,  which  might  prove  a step  to  apostacy 
and  idolatry,  crimes  to  be  punished  by  death,  without  respect 
to  affinity  or  to  numbers.  (Notes,  Deut.  13:) — Though  the 
supposed  criminals  were  brethren,  and  had  been  very  faithful 
and  serviceable  to  the  other  tribes  ; yet  zeal  for  the  honour  of 
God  and  religion  swallowed  up  all  inferior  regards,  and  they 
prepared  to  unite  their  arms  against  the  offenders.  But  they 
were  too  precipitate  ; and  they  seem  to  have  convened  at 
Shiloh  rather  in  an  angry  spirit,  as  if  eager  to  be  engaged  in 
so  horrid  a warfare.  Even  if  sacrifices  had  been  offered,  it 
would  have  been  too  rigorous,  to  punish  the  action  as  idola- 
try : and  in  this  extreme  case , they  were  commanded  t.j 
make  diligent  search,  and  to  proceed  on  nothing  short  of 
absolute  certainty.  (Dent.  13:14.) — When  however  the 
elders  were  assembled  at  Shiloh,  the  wisdom  and  authority  of 
Joshua,  Eleazar,  and  others,  seem  to  have  tempered  their 
zeal ; and  they  resolved  previously  to  attempt  the  recovery 
of  the  offenders  by  more  lenient  measures.  They  therefore 
determined  to  send  an  embassy  ; Phinehas,  whose  zeal  had 
before  been  so  signalized,  being  placed  at  the  head  of  it : and 
having  obtained  an  audience,  he  and  his  associates  delivered 
their  embassy  in  very  plain  terms,  which  indeed  appear 
rather  severe ; but  on  that  very  account  they  the  more  aptly 
denote,  how  much  the  people  were  engaged  in  the  cause  ol 
God  and  religion;  and  how  fully  satisfied,  that  the  law 
of  Moses  was  indeed  enacted  by  the  express  authority  oi 
God. 

V.  17,  18.  The  disgrace  of  the  crime  committed  by  the 
Israelites  with  the  Midianitish  women,  and  in  worshipping 
Baal-peor,  still  lay  upon  them:  and  the  tokens  of  divine 
displeasure  were  yet  felt  among  them,  notwithstanding  the 
plague  which  destroyed  many  thousands : or  rather  the  words 
may  imply,  that  there  were  many  individuals  who  had  never 
truly  repented  of  that  wickedness,  but  yet  lay  under  the  guilt 
of  it,  and  were  disposed  to  renew  their  provocalion.  (Notes, 
Num.  25:)  In  short  the  fire  had  been  smothered  up,  but 
was  not  totally  extinguished  ; and  it  was  therefore  very 
( 419  ) 


B.  C.  14-14. 


JOSHUA. 


B.  C.  1444. 


rebel  vda>  ,rgaini,l  £ -e  Lord,  that  to-morrow 
fhe  will,  be  wroth  with  trie  whole  congregation  of 
Israel. 

19  ft'otwithstanding,  if  the  land  of  your  pos- 
session be  ^unclean,  then  pass  ye  over  unto  the 
land  of  the  possession  of  the  Lord,  hwherein  the 
Lord’s  Tabernacle  dwelleth,  and  take  possession 
among  us:  but  rebel  not  against  the  Lord,  nor 
rebel  against  us,  in  building  you  an  altar  besides 
the  altar  of  the  Lord  our  God. 

20  Did  not  'Achan  the  son  of  Zerah  commit  a 
trespass  in  the  accursed  thing,  and  wrath  fell  on 
the  congregation  of  Israel  ? and  that  man  perished 
not  alone  in  his  iniquity. 

21  H Then  the  children  of  Reuben,  and  the 
children  of  Gad,  and  the  half-tribe  of  Manasseh 
'answered,  and  said  unto  the  kheads  of  the  thou- 
sands of  Israel, 

22  The  'Lord  God  of  gods,  the  Lord  God  of 
gods,  mhe  knoweth,  and  "Israel  he  shall  know ; 
°if  it  be  in  rebellion,  or  if  in  transgression  against 
the  Lord,  (save  us  not  this  day,) 

23  That  we  have  built  us  an  altar  to  turn  from 
following  the  Lord,  or  if  to  offer  thereon  burnt- 
offering,  or  meat-offering,  or  if  to  offer  peace- 
offerings  thereon,  det  the  Lord  himself  require  it : 

24  And  if  we  have  not  rather  done  it  sfor  fear 
of  this  thing;  saying,  'In  time  to  come  ^our  chil- 
dren might  speak  unto  our  children,  saying,  What 
have  ye  to  do  with  the  Lord  God  of  Israel? 

25  For  the  Lord  hath  made  Jordan  a border 
between  us  and  you,  ye  children  of  Reuben  and 
children  of  Gad  ; ‘ye  have  no  part  in  the  Lord: 
so  shall  your  children  “make  our  children  cease 
from  fearing  the  Lord. 

26  Therefore  we  said,  Let  us  now  prepare  to 
build  us  an  altar,  not  for  burnt-offering,  nor  for 
sacrifice  : 

27  But  that  it  may  be  'a  witness  between  us 
and  you,  and  our  generations,  after  us,  “that  we 

c 20.  7:1.11,12.  Num.  16:22.  2Sam.24:l.  1 Chr.  21:1,14.  g Ex.  15:17.  Lex. 
10:25  -28.  Ames  7:17.  Acta  10:14,15.  11:8,9.  It  18:1 . Lev.  17:8,9.  Deut.  12: 
6,6.  2Chr.  11:13,16,17.  i 18.7:1,5,18,24.  1 Cor. 10:6.  2Pet.2:S.  J.ide  5,6. 
i Prov.  15:1.  16:1.  18:13.  24-26.  Acts  11:4.  Jam.  1:19.  1 Pet.  3:15.  k Ex.  18: 
21—25.  Mic.  5:2.  1 Ex.  18:11.  Deut.  10.17.  P«.  82:1.  95:3.  97:7,136:2.  Dan.  2: 
47.  11:36.  1 Tim.  6:16.  Rev.  19.16.  m lKinCs8:39.  Job  1U:7.  23:10.  Pa.  7:3, 
44:21.  139:1—4.  Jer.  12:3.  1710.  John  2:25.  21:17.  Acta  1:24.  2 Cor.  11 :1 1 .31 . 
Heb.  4:13.  Rev.  2:23.  n Pa.  37:6.  Mic.  7:9.  Mai.  3: 18.  Acts  11 :2— 18.  2 Cor. 
5:11.  o Job  31:5 — 8,33 — 40.  Ps.  7:3 — 5.  Acts 25:11.  p Gen.  9:5.  Deut.  18:19. 
I Sam.  20:16.  2 Chr.  2-1:22.  Ps.  10:13,14.  Ez.3:18.  33:6,8.  q Gen. 18:19. 

* Heb.  To-morrow.  4:6,  Gen . 30:33.  Ex.  13:14.  Deut.  6:20.  margins,  r 27. 

dangerous  to  admit  of  any  thing,  which  might  give  it  an 
occasion  of  breaking  forth  again,  Test  still  wider  devastation 
should  ensue. — Baal-peor  lay  near  the  lot  of  these  tribes. 

And  it  will  be , &c.  (18)  ‘Their  pious  fear,  lest  God 
should  be  offended,  made  them  immediately  fall  into  this 
vehement  expostulation.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  19.  This  proposal  displayed,  in  a very  affecting  man- 
ner, the  piety  and  disinterestedness  of  Israel.  They  had 
reproved  their  brethren  sharply,  and  were  prepared  to  wage 
war  against  them  with  their  whole  force  if  the  glory  of  God 
and  religion  required  it ; yet  they  loved  them  with  so  generous 
an  affection,  that  they  would  rather  divide  their  estates  with 
them,  than  be  under  this  painful  necessity  ! If  then  Reuben, 
Gad,  and  Manasseh  deemed  their  inheritance  polluted,  be- 
cause they  had  in  it  no  altar  on  which  to  offer  expiatory 
sacrifices,  before  which  other  sacred  ordinances  might  be 
administered,  as  the  appointed  means  of  rendering  their 
possessions  and  employments  pure  and  holy  ; and  on  that 
consideration  had  been  induced  to  transgress  the  command- 
ment of  God ; the  otlier  tribes  would  cheerfully  relinquish  a 
proportion  of  their  inheritances  in  Canaan,  to  make  room  for 
them,  rather  than  leave  them  to  persist  in  this  ruinous 
expedient.  (Note,  2 Chr.  11:13 — 17.) 

V.  20.  The  thirty-six  men  who  were  slain  before  Ai,  and 
all  the  family  of  Achan,  had  perished  with  him  in  his  iniquity: 
and  wrath  would  have  come  upon  the  whole  congregation,  had 
he  not  been  punished.  If  then  one  man’s  sin  wrought  so 
much  indignation,  what  would  be  the  consequences  of  the 
apostacy  of  two  tribes  and  a half!  ( Notes,  7:) 

V.21 — 29.  This  answer  of  the  Reubenites,  and  the  other 
tribes  concerned,  is  well  worthy  of  admiration.  They  took 
in  good  part  the  suspicions,  reproofs,  and  even  harshness 
of  their  brethren  ; and  did  not  object  to  the  authority  of  the 
elders  at  Shiloh,  or  even  to  the  terms  in  which  the  ambas- 
sadors had  delivered  their  message : but,  with  the  utmost 
solemnity  and  meekness,  they  explained  their  intention,  and 
gave  all  the  satisfaction  in  their  power.  They  appealed  to 
the  Lord,  against  whom  they  were  supposed  to  have  rebelled, 
with  great  propriety  and  reverence.  The  titles,  by  which 
hey  addressed  him,  “ The  Lord  God  of  gods,  the  Lord 
«oJ  of  gods,”  formed  a very  proper  confession  of  their  faith  ; 

( 420  ) 


might  do  the  service  of  the  Lord  before  him  with 
our  burnt-offerings,  and  with  our  sacrifices,  and 
with  our  peace-offerings;  that  your  children  may 
not  say  to  our  children  in  lime  to  come,  Ye  have 
no  part  in  the  Lord. 

28  Therefore  said  we,  that  it  shall  be,  when 
they  should  so  say  to  us,  or  to  our  generations  in 
time  to  come,  that  we  may  say  again,  xBehold 
the  pattern  of  the  altar  of  the  Lord,  which  our 
fathers  made,  not  for  burnt-offerings,  nor  for 
sacrifices,  but  it  is  a witness  between  us  and 
you. 

29  yGod  forbid  that  we  should  rebel  against  the 
Lord,  and  turn  this  day  from  following  the  Lord, 
Ho  build  an  altar  lor  burnt-offerings,  for  meat- 
offerings,  or  for  sacrifices,  besides  the  altar  of  the 
Lord  our  God  that  is  before  his  tabernacle. 

30  H And  when  Phinehas  the  priest,  and  the 
princes  of  the  congregation,  and  heads  of  the 
thousands  of  Israel,  which  ivere  with  him,  heard 
the  words  that  the  children  of  Reuben,  and  the 
children  of  Gad,  and  the  children  of  Manasseh 
spake,  ait  'pleased  them. 

31  And  Phinehas,  the  son  of  Eleazar,  the 
priest,  said  unto  the  children  of  Reuben,  and  to 
the  children  of  Gad,  and  to  the  children  of  Ma- 
nasseh, This  day  we  perceive  that  bthe  Lord  is 
among  us,  because  ye  have  not  committed  this 
trespass  against  the  Lord  : mow  ye  have  deli- 
vered the  children  of  Israel  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
Lord. 

32  And  Phinehas,  the  son  of  Eleazar,  the  priest, 
and  the  princes,  returned  from  the  children  of 
Reuben,  and  from  the  children  of  Gad,  out  of 
the  land  of  Gilead,  unto  the  land  of  Canaan,  tc 
the  children  of  Israel,  cand  brought  them  word 
again. 

33  And  dthe  thing  pleased  the  children  of  Israel ; 
and  the  children  of  Israel  “blessed  God,  and  did 
not  intend  to  go  up  against  them  in  battle,  to 


2Kam.20:l.  1 Kings  12:16.  Ezra4:2, 3.  Neh.  2:20.  Acts  8:21.  B 1 Snm.  26:19. 

1 Kings  12:27— 30.  14:16.  15:30.  t 10,34.21:27.  Gen.  31 :48,52.  1 Sum.  7:12. 

u Deut.  12:5,6,11,17,18,26,27.  x Ex.  25:40  . 2 Kings  16:10.  Ez.  43:10.  I lob.  8:5. 
y 24:16.  Gen.  44:7,17.  1 Sam.  12:23.  Horn.  3:6.  6:2.  9:14.  7,23,26.  Dent.  12: 

13,14.  2 Kings  18:22.  2 Chr.  32:12.  n 33.  Judg.  3:3.  1 Snm.  2.5:32,33.  FW.  15: 
1.  Acts  11:18.  t Heb.  was  good  in  their  eyes.  Gen.  28:8.  1 Sam.  29:6.  2 Chr. 
30:4.  Esth.  1:21.  margins,  b See  on  3:10.  l ev.  26:11,12.  Num.  14:41—  43. 

2 Chr.  15:2.  Ps.  68:17.  Is.  12:6.  Zech.  8:23.  Matt.  1:23.  J Heb.  then,  c 14— 
14.  Prov.  25:13.  d See  on  30.  Acts  15:12,31 . 2 Cor.  7:7.  lThes.3:6— 8. 
e l Sam.  25:32,33.  1 Chr.  29:20.  Neh.  8:5,6.  L an.2:19.  Luke  2:28. 


as  well  as  an  act  of  worship  to  him,  the  eternal,  almighty 
God,  who  was  exalted  far  above  all  creatures,  however  great, 
and  even  those  which  other  nations  worshipped  as  their  gods, 
being  sole  “Lord  of  all.”  This  glorious  God  knew,  and. 
Israel  would  know  by  their  subsequent  conduct,  that  they 
were  not  guilty  of  the  things  with  which  they  were  charged: 
and  indeed  if  they  could  be  proved  guilty,  they  acknowledged 
that  they  did  not  deserve,  and  therefore  did  not  ask,  to  be 
spared.  (Note,  Ps.  7:3 — 5.)  They  further  declared,  that 
their  motives,  in  erecting  this  altar,  were  directly  contrary  to 
those  which  had  been  imputed  to  them.  For  they  were 
anxiously  afraid,  lest  in  process  of  time,  the  oilier  tribes  should 
not  own  them  as  brethren,  or  admit  them  to  the  ordinances 
of  the  Lord,  and  to  his  sanctuary : and  lest  their  posterity, 
by  reason  of  the  distance,  or  their  slackness  in  attending  the 
solemn  feasts,  should  at  length  he  excluded  as  Gentiles,  and 
thus  be  tempted  and  gradually  decline  to  idolatry.  (Note,  1 
Sam.  26:17 — 19.)  And  they  solemnly  protested  that,  no  other 
motive  had  induced  them  to  build  this  altar,  affer  the  fashion 
of  that  at  Shiloh  ; but  that  it  might  remain  to  succeeding  gene- 
rations a memorial  that  they  were  Israelites,  that  they  were 
interested  in  all  the  sacrifices  offered  upon  the  altar  of  Jeho- 
vah, and  had  aright  to  join  with  Israel  in  all  their  public  reli- 
gious solemnities. — The  words  rendered  “the  Lord  God  of 
gods,”  may  indeed  be  read  as  three  names  of  God:  El, 
Elohim,  Jehovah:  and  some  expositors,  both  Jewish  and 
Christian,  have  thought  that  they  refer  to  a distinction  of 
persons  in  the  divine  Unity. 

V.  30,  31.  This  answer  entirely  removed  the  suspicions 
from  the  minds  of  the  ambassadors ; and  they  were  highly 
pleased  that  their  brethren  were  not  guilty,  and  that  they  were 
so  piously  disposed. — Had  they  been  guilty,  or  had  they,  by 
a disdainful  answer,  provoked  the  other  tribes  to  war  against 
them,  they  would  havo  occasioned  sin  and  punishment  to  the 
congregation  : hut  their  pious,  frank,  meek,  ami  wise  reply, 
led  to  an  amicable  conclusion,  and  prevented  the  fatal  conse 
quences.  ( Notes,  Judg.  20:8 — 14.  21:2,3.) 

V.  33.  While  the  Israelites  desisted  from  their  purpose  of 
waging  war  against  their  brethren,  they  not  only  rejoiced,  but 
united  in  praises  and  thanksgivings  to  God,  for  not  rendering 
so  painful  an  employment  their  bounden  duty. 


B.  C.  1427. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


destroy  the  land  wherein  the  children  of  Reuben 
and  Gad  dwelt. 

34  And  the  children  of  Reuben  and  the  children 
of  Gad  called  the  altar  'Ed:  for  it  shall  be  a 
witness  between  us  that  the  Lord  is  God. 
CHAPTER  XXIII. 

'oshua^  now  groicn  old,  convenes  the  elders  of  Israel ; and  exhorts  them  by  the 
mercies  of  God,  and  the  prospects  of  future  blessings , to  be  steadfast  in  his 
service,  l — 10.  He  warns  them  against  connexions  with  idolaters ; and 
v rotests,  that  the  threatenings  of  God,  in  case  of  their  disobedience,  would 
as  certainly  be  fulfilled,  as  his  promises  had  been,  11 — 16. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  a long  time  after  that 
•the  Lord  had  given  rest  unto  Israel  from  all 
their  enemies  round  about,  that  Joshua  ^waxed 
old  and  'stricken  in  age. 

2  And  Joshua  called  for  ball  Israel,  and  for 
their  elders,  and  for  their  heads,  and  for  their 

• Thai  is,  A witness.  See  on  27.  24:27.  1 Kings  18:39.  Is.  43:10.  Malt.  4:10. 
a 1»  :23.  21 :44.  22:4.  Ps.  46:  b 13: 1 . Gen.  25:8.  Deut.  31:2.  * Heh.  come  into 
days.  b24:l.  Deut.  31:28.  1 Chr.  28:1.  Acts  20:17 — 35.  c Deut.  4:9.  Ps.44:l, 

V.  34.  The  word  Ed , or  a witness , in  the  first  clause,  is 
not  in  the  original ; and  the  meaning  seems  to  be,  that  the 
persons  concerned  inscribed  these  words  on  the  altar,  44  It  is 
a witness  between  us,  that  the  Lord  is  God.”  By  this  in- 
scription they  took  effectual  care,  that  their  altar  might  neither 
occasion  superstition,  nor . be  a stumbling-block  to  their 
brethren. — Thus  was  this  affair  happily  terminated:  and 
though  human  infirmity  is  discoverable  on  both  sides,  yet  the 
reader  will  thence  collect  the  most  pleasing  ideas  of  the  gene- 
ral and  zealous  regard,  which  was  then  paid  to  the  worship 
and  ordinances  of  God ; and  be  confirmed  in  the  sentiment, 
that  this  was  indeed  the  very  best  of  all  the  generations  of 
Israel.  No  doubt  seems  to  have  existed  in  the  minds  of  any 
of  the  parties  concerned,  respecting  the  reality  of  those  mira- 
cles, by  which  the  giving  of  the  law  was  said  to  have  been 
attended  ; or,  of  the  special  power  and  justice  of  God,  by  which 
the  transgressors  of  that  law  would  certainly  be  punished. 
But  had  not  the  preceding  history,  which  has  been  considered, 
been  known  as  indisputably  true  by  this  generation  ; such  a 
full  conviction  of  these  grand  principles  could  never  have  pre- 
vailed ; and  if  this  generation  knew  these  things  to  be  true ; 
it  would  be  too  late  afterwards  for  any  to  deny  or  question 
the  truth  of  them ; when  the  whole  of  their  civil  polity  as  well 
as  religious  observances  was  grounded  upon  them. — It  is  re- 
markable that  Joshua  is  not  once  named  in  this  transaction  : 
but  this  only  shows,  that  he  did  not  in  his  old  age  assume  any 
regal  authority ; but  left  the  elders  and  magistrates  to  conduct 
the  general  business,  only  acting  himself  when  great  occasions 
made  it  necessary.  Yet  we  cannot  doubt,  that  his  wisdom 
and  piety  influenced  the  counsels  of  the  elders  and  people  at 
this  time. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  The  work  of  God  and  the  welfare  of  his  people 
should  be  preferred  to  our  most  important  personal  interests, 
our  sweetest  domestic  comforts,  and  our  most  endeared  affec- 
tions : and  all  our  engagements  ought  to  be  discharged  with 
strict  punctuality,  without  the  least  appearance  of  evasion, 
and,  if  possible,  to  the  complete  satisfaction  of  all  parties. 
Nay,  the  believer  should  be  so  pleased  with  serving  the  cause 
of  Christ  on  earth,  as  to  be  willing  to  continue  yet  longer,  in 
this  world  of  warfare,  labour,  and  trouble,  and  to  wait  patiently 
till  the  Lord  Jesus  honourably  dismisses  him.  (Notes,  Phil. 
1:19 — 26.)  But  if  we  are  numbered  among  his  soldiers,  we 
must  cheerfully  and  punctually  obey  his  orders,  that  we  may 
at  last  receive  his  commendation.  Of  this  honour  we  ought 
to  be  ambitious,  and  of  this  alone. — He  will  bless  those  whom 
he  approves ; and  recompense  them  in  proportion  to  the  self- 
denial,  hardship,  and  affliction,  which  they  have  endured  for 
his  sake : nay,  the  power,  number,  and  malice  of  our  enemies, 
and  the  long  continuance  of  our  warfare,  will  eventually  in- 
crease the  riches  of  our  gracious  reward;  which  all  our 
brethren  will  share  with  us,  by  rejoicing  in  our  fulness  of  joy, 
as  we  shall  also  rejoice  in  theirs. — Due  commendation  ought 
not  to  be  withheld  from  those  who  behave  properly  ; and  grati- 
tude to  the  instruments,  very  well  consists  with  superior  gra- 
titude to  the  Author  of  all  our  mercies.  ( Notes , Ezra  7:24 
—28.  Phil.  4:14 — 20.)  Our  best  counsels  and  fervent  prayers 
are  a debt,  which  we  owe  especially  to  those  who  have  been 
useful  to  us ; and  the  comfort  of  others  should  be  regarded 
equally  with  our  own.-— The  true  interests  of  individuals  and 
of  nations  does  not  consist  in  wealth  or  greatness,  but  in  loving 
the  Lord  their  God,  cleaving  to  him,  and  obeying  his  com- 
mandments : and  we  should  aim  very  high  in  this,  or  our  at- 
tainments will  be  very  low.— When  urgent  affairs  have  called 
or  detained  men  from  their  families  for  a season,  they  should 
return  home  as  soon  as  they  are  able,  that  they  may  instruct 
and  rule  over  them  in  the  fear  of  God  ; and  all  their  acquisi- 
tions should  be  shared  with  them,  and  not  spent  in  personal 
Indulgence  or  exeess. 

V.  1 0 — 34.  W e should  highly  value  the  ordinances  of  God, 
€nd  desire  to  perpetuate  them  to  our  posterity,  that  they  may 
inherit  ‘the  communion  of  saints,’  and  be  preserved  from 
^mptations  to  ungodliness  or  false  religion : and  when  our 
fc.tuation  in  life,  or  the  choice  which  we  have  inadvertently 
made  for  ourseives,  or  for  their.,  exposes  them  to  peculiar  dan- 


B.  C.  1427. 

judges,  and  for  their  officers,  and  said  unto  them, 
I am  old  and  stricken  in  age  : 

3 And  cye  have  seen  all  that  the  Lord  your 
God  hath  done  unto  all  these  nations  because  of 
you ; for  dthe  Lord  your  God  is  he  that  hath 
fought  for  you. 

4 Behold,  eI  have  divided  unto  you  by  lot  these 
nations  that  remain,  to  be  an  inheritance  for  your 
tribes,  from  Jordan,  with  all  the  nations  that  I have 
cut  off,  even  unto  the  great  sea  ^westward. 

5 And  the  Lord  your  God,  fhe  shall  expel 
them  from  before  you,  and  drive  them  from  out  of 
your  sight ; and  ye  shall  possess  their  land,  &as  the 
Lord  your  God  hath  promised  unto  you. 

6 Be  ye  therefore  hvery  courageous  to  keep 
and  to  do  all  that  is  written  in  the  hook  of  the  law 


2.  Mai.  1:5.  d 10:14,42.  Ex.  14: 14.  Deut. 20:4.  e 13:6.  18:10.  f Heb.  at  the 
sunset,  f 12,13.  13:6.  Ex.  23:30,31.  33:2.  34:11.  Deut.  11:23.  g Num.  33:52, 
53.  h 1:7-9.  Jer.  9:3.  1 Cor.  16:13.  Eph.6:10— 19.  Heb.  12:4.  Rev.  21:8 


ger,  we  should  devise  every  prudent  means  of  preventing  the 
fatal  effects. — We  ought  indeed  carefully  to  44  take  heed  that 
our  good  be  not  evil  spoken  of:”  yet  they,  who  are  truly  zeal- 
ous for  the  honour  of  God,  and  active  in  promoting  true  god- 
liness, must  not  think  it  strange,  if  their  honest  and  proper 
measures  be  suspected  or  censured,  even  by  such  of  their 
brethren  as  are  no  less  zealous  than  they;  but  who,  from  con- 
curring circumstances,  are  led  to  express  their  zeal  in  another 
way. — It  is  incumbent  on  us  constantly  to  watch  against  a 
disposition  to  rash  judgment,  uncandid  surmises,  and  harsh 
reproofs;  and  to  cultivate  and  pray  for  the  contrary  spirit* 
but  if  it  be  our  trial  to  be  rebuked  with  severity,  and  loaded 
with  calumny;  we  should  be  thankful  for  the  testimony  of  our 
consciences,  and  for  confidence  in  appealing  to  our  heart- 
searching Judge,  that  we  are  misrepresented  or  misunder- 
stood. And  if  the  Lord  knows  our  innocence,  “Israel  shaii 
know”  it  in  due  time;  for  when  our  consciences  are  clear,  he 
will  at  length  clear  our  character,  which  we  may  therefore 
safely  commit  to  his  keeping.  While  exposed  to  this  trial, 
we  ought  cautiously  to  avoid  all  recriminations,  to  speak 
with  mildness  and  .seriousness,  and  be  ready  to  offer  such 
explanations,  as  may  obviate  misconstructions,  and  satisfy 
the  minds  of  our  pious  and  candid  brethren : {Notes,  Acts 
11:1 — 17.)  and  whatever  has  been  wrong  or  suspicious, 
we  should  be  willing  to  alter. — But  “charity  hopeth  all 
things,  and  rejoiceth  not  in  iniquity;”  and  they,  who  “abound 
in  this  grace  also,”  will  be  glad  to  find  themselves  mistaken, 
in  that  unfavourable  opinion  of  their  brethren,  which  they  had 
reluctantly  entertained  : and  will  bless  God  for  evidences  of 
their  faith  and  piety. — When  boldness  in  opposing  sin,  and 
sharpness  in  reproving  or  punishing  it,  are  the  effects  of 
genuine  zeal  and  love,  they  will  be  attended  with  a disposi- 
tion to  renounce  our  own  interests,  that  God  may  be  glorified, 
and  that  temptations  may  be  removed  out  of  the  way  of  our 
brethren  : and  we  have  learned  a most  important  lesson,  when 
we  are  brought  to  dread  sin  more  than  poverty  or  suffering. 
— In  appeals  to  the  Lord,  we  ought  to  have  our  minds  pos- 
sessed with  a solemn,  reverential  awe  of  his  majesty,  authori- 
ty, heart-searching  knowledge,  and  perfections  ; and  never  to 
call  him  to  witness  about  any  thing  trivial  or  doubtful,  or  in 
a light  and  rash  manner.  (Note,  Ex.  20:7.) — Happy  will  it 
be  when  all  professed  Christians  shall  learn,  in  their  differ- 
ences, to  copy  the  example  of  Israel  recorded  in  this  chapter ; 
and  to  unite  zeal  and  steady  adherence  to  the  cause  of  truth, 
with  candour,  meekness,  a readiness  to  understand  each 
other,  to  explain,  and  to  be  satisfied  with  the  sufficient  expla- 
nations and  concessions  of  their  brethren.  Oh  ! how  long  shall 
acrimony,  misrepresentation,  ridicule,  opprobrious  epithets, 
and  an  obstinate  pertinacity  in  defending  every  tittle,  and  car- 
rying every  sentiment  to  the  utmost  extreme  ; — how  long,  1 
say,  shall  these  things  disgrace  the  very  name  of  religious 
controversy,  and  confirm  the  prejudices  of  thousands  against 
those  precious  truths,  which  have  often  been,  and  still  are, 
contended  for  in  so  odious  a manner?  When  will  Christians 
remember,  that  “ by  this  all  men  shall  know  the  disciples  of 
Christ,  when  they  have  love  one  for  another  ?”  and  when  will 
they  recollect  that  “ if  they  bite  and  devour  one  another,” 
they  are  likely  to  be  “consumed  one  of  another?”  For  the 
world,  and  44  the  god  of  this  world,”  have  no  higher  gratifica- 
tion than  to  see  the  different  denominations  of  professing 
Christians  exposing,  reviling,  and  ridiculing  each  other.  May 
the  Lord  increase  the  number  of  those,  who  44  endeavour  to 
keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace:”  and  may 
increasing  grace  and  consolation  “ be  with  all  who  love  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity,”  by  whatever  name  they  are 
distinguished ! 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXIII.  V.  1.  Different  opinions  pre- 
vail as  to  the  time  that  elapsed  between  the  settlement  of 
Israel  and  the  death  of  Joshua ; but  perhaps  it  was  not  less 
than  sixteen  or  seventeen  years.  (Note,  13:1 — b.)  The 
transaefton  recorded  in  this  chapter,  seems  to  have  occurred 
in  his  last  year. 

V.  2.  For  all  Israel , and  for , &c.]  Or,  " For  ah  fsraelt 
even  for  their  elders,  &c.” — When  Joshua  had  giver,  the  fol- 
lowing charge  to  the  elders  and  judges,  and  to  the  .uler*  if 

( 421  ) 


B.  C 1 12 


JOSHUA. 


B.  C.  1427 


of  M>y:s,  ’ll  a.\  Yr  turn  not  aside  therefrom  to  the 
ngrit  hand  or  to  tne  left: 

7 That  kye  come  not  among  these  natioas, 
these  that  remain  among  you,  'neither  make 
mention  of  the  name  of  their  gods,  nor  cause  mto 
swear  by  them , neither  serve  them,  nor  bow  your- 
selves unto  them. 

8 'But  "cleave  unto  the  Lord  your  God,  as  ye 
have  done  unto  this  day. 

9 ’For  the  Lord  hath  driven  out  from  before  you 
great  nations  and  strong  : but  as  for  you,  °no  man 
hath  been  able  to  stand  before  you  unto  this  day. 

10  rOne  man  of  you  shall  chase  a thousand  : 
for  the  <iLord  your  God,  he  it  is  that  fighteth  for 
you,  as  he  hath  promised  you. 

11  IF  "Take  good  heed  therefore  unto  tyour- 
selves,  that  ye  slove  the  Lord  your  God. 

12  Else  if  ye  do  in  any  wise  'go  hack,  and 
“cleave  unto  the  remnant  of  these  nations,  even 
these  that  remain  among  you,  and  ’shall  make 
marriages  with  them,  and  go  in  unto  them,  and 
they  to  you  : 

13  Know  for  a certainty  that  the  Lord  your 
God  "will  no  more  drive  out  any  of  these  nations 

i Dent.  5:3'2.  12:32.  17:20.  28:14.  Prnv.  4:26,27.  k 12.  Ex.  23:33.  Deut.  7:2,3. 
prov.  4:14.  1 Cor.  15:33.  2 Cor.  6:14  — 17.  Eph.5:ll.  1 Ex.  23:13.  Num.  32: 
38.  Ps.  16:4.  Hos.2:17.  m Jer.  5:7.  Zeph.  1:5.  * Or,  For  if  ye  will  cleave, 

ic.  n 22:5.  Deut.  4:4.  10:20.  11:22.  13:4.  Acts  11:33.  f Or , Then  the  Lord 
willdrive.  5.  21:43,44.  Deat.  11:23.  o 1:5, 8, 9.  15:14.  p Lev. 26:8.  Deut.  32: 
30.  Judg.  3:31.  15:15.  1 Sam.  14:6,12 — 16.  2Sarn.23:8.  q 10:42.  Ex.  14:14. 
•23:27.  Deut.  3:22.  20:4.  Ps.  35:1.  44:4,5.  46:7.  Rorn.  8:31.  r 22:5.  Deut.  4:9. 
6:5 — 12.  Prov.  4:23.  Luke  21:34.  Eph.5:I5.  Heb.  12:15.  J Heb.  your  souls. 
s Ex.  20:6.  Rom.  8:28.  1 Cor.8:3.  16:22.  Jude  20,21.  tPs.36:3.  125:5.  Ez.  18: 
24.  Zeph.  1:6.  Matt.  12:45.  John6:66.  Heb.  10:38,39  . 2 Pet.  2:18— 22.  1 John 


thousands  and  of  hundreds ; they  would  be  enabled  to  com- 
municate the  substance  of  it  in  their  several  districts,  that  all 
Israel  might  hear.  Probably  this  was  done  at  Shiloh,  on  one 
of  the  solemn  feasts. 

V.  6.  (Note,  1:7.)  While  the  Israelites  adhered  strictly 
to  the  law  of  Moses,  they  would  be  kept  entirely  distinct  from 
the  Canaanites  and  the  surrounding  nations,  and  would  in 
consequence  be  exposed  to  their  hatred  and  opposition.  They 
were  likewise  required  to  carry  on  unceasing  war  against  the 
inhabitants  of  the  land,  avowedly  aiming  at  their  entire  extir- 
pation ; which  as  far  as  steadily  adhered  to,  would  expose 
them  to  their  unabating  and  most  rancorous  enmity.  Great 
courage  would  therefore  be  required,  in  order  to  a determinate 
obedience  in  such  circumstances  ; and  probably  Joshua  had 
observed,  that  the  people  were  become  more  intent  upon 
quietly  enjoying  their  present  possessions,  than  on  boldly  im- 
proving their  advantages,  as  the  Lord  by  Moses  had  com- 
manded them.  (Notes,  16:10.  17:11 — 13.) — It  is  evident  that 
the  people  at  this  time  possessed  and  might  read  the  books  of 
Moses ; otherwise  there  could  havd  been  no  ground  for  an 
exhortation  in  the  words  here  used. 

V.  7.  The  habitual  mention  of  the  names  of  idols,  had  it 
been  allowed,  would  gradually  have  introduced  the  custom 
of  swearing  by  them  in  common  discourse ; and  this  would 
have  abated  the  abhorrence  of  idolatry,  and  have  prepared 
the  way  for  other  more  express  acts  of  idolatry.  It  is  also 
generally  supposed,  that  Israel  must  not  put  an  idolater  to 
his  oath,  so  as  to  cause  him  to  swear  by  his  idol ; or  form 
any  agreement  in  which  such  oaths  were  used.  This  would 
tend  exceedingly  to  prevent  all  compacts  with  idolaters. — The 
paintings,  statues,  and  poems,  exquisitely  finished  by  human 
ingenuity,  but  replete  with  references  to  the  detestable  heathen 
mythology,  which  abound  in  Christian  countries,  tend  exceed- 
ingly to  habituate  the  mind,  to  reflect  upon  the  Roman  and 
Grecian  idolatry  without  horror,  nay,  with  a kind  of  pleasure  ; 
to  banish  the  language  of  piety  from  men’s  lips ; and  thus  to 
subserve  in  no  small  degree,  the  cause  of  skepticism,  infidelity, 
and  ungodliness.  (Note,  Ex.  23:13.) 

V.  10.  After  the  people  were  dispersed  in  their  posses- 
sions, they  might  not  be  able  to  bring  such  large  armies  into 
the  field,  as  when  encamped  in  one  body ; but  that  ought  not 
to  discourage  them  ; for  one  Israelite  should  chase  a thousand 
Canaanites,  so  long  as  they  cleaved  unto  the  Lord,  seeing  he 
himself  “would  fight  for  them.”  (Mnrg.  Ref.  Note,  Deut. 
32:30  31 .) 

V.  11 — 13.  Marg.  Ref. — Snares  and  traps , &c.  (13) 
The  remnant  of  these  nations  would  first  be  “ snares  and 
traps”  to  the  people,  and  then  “scourges  in  their  sides,  and 
thorns  in  their  eyes.”  If  they  entered  into  any  amicable  cor- 
respondence with  them,  the  women  would  allure  them  to  form 
connexions  arid  marriages  with  them  ; and  by  their  blandish- 
ments entice  them  to  idolatry.  (Notes,  Ex.  23:32,33.  34:11  — 
17.  Num.  25:1 — 5.  31:14 — 18.  Deut.  7:1 — 4.)  Thus  they 
would  be  taken  in  Satan’s  snares  and  traps : for  Canaanites 
must  always  be  enemies  to  Israelites  under  every  mask; 
and  they  would  watch  every  opportunity  of  avenging  them- 
selves. So  that,  when  Israel  had  provoked  the  Lord  to  with- 
draw his  protection,  these  nations  would  be  ready  instruments 
of  their  chastisement ; but  if  that  did  not  bring  them  to  re- 
3entance,  their  cruelties  would  torment  them  as  a thorn  in 
( 422  1 


from  before  you  ; but  they  shall  be  ^snares  and 
traps  unto  you,  and  scourges  in  your  sides,  and 
thorns  in  your  eyes,  Hintil  ye  perish  from  off  this 
good  land  which  the  Lord  your  God  hath  given 
you. 

14  And  behold  this  day  aI  am  going  the  way  of 
all  the  earth  : and  ye  know  in  all  your  hearts,  and 
in  all  your  souls,  that  bnot  one  thing  hath  failed  of 
all  the  good  things  which  the  Lord  your  God 
spake  concerning  you ; all  are  come  to  pass  unto 
you,  and  not  one  thing  hath  failed  thereof. 

15  Therefore  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  as  all 
good  thfngs  are  come  upon  you,  which  the  Lord 
your  God  promised  you  ; cso  shall  the  Lord  bring 
upon  you  all  evil  things,  until  he  have  destroyed 
you  from  off  this  good  land,  which  the  Lord 
your  God  hath  given  you. 

16  When  ye  have  transgressed  the  covenant  of 
the  Lord  your  God,  which  he  commanded  you, 
and  have  gone  and  served  other  gods,  and  bowed 
yourselves  to  them;  then  shall  the  anger  of  the 
Lord  be  kindled  against  you.  and  dye  shall  perish 
quickly  from  off  the  good  land  which  he  hath 
given  unto  you. 


2:19.  u Gen.  2:24.  34:3.  I Sam.  18:1— 3.  1 Kings  11:2.  Rom.  12:9.  vEx.34: 

12—16.  Deut.  7:3.  1 Kings  11:4.  Ezra  9: 1,2, 11, 12.  Neh.  13.23 — 26.  2 Cor.  6:14 — 
17.  x Ex.  23:33.  Num.  33-55.  Deut.  7:16.  Judg.2:2,3.  Ps.  106:35—39.  y Deut. 
7:16.  Judg.  2:3.  Ps.  69:22.  2 Tim.  2:26.  z Lev.  26:31— 35.  Deut.  4:26.  28:63— 
68.  29:28.  30:18.  2 Kings  17:23.  25:21,26.  Lukc21:24.  a 1 Kings  2:2.  Job  30: 
23.  Ec:  9:10.  12:5.  Heb.  9:27.  b 21:43—45.  Ex.  3:8  . 23:27-  30.  Lev. 26-3— 13. 
Num. 23:19.  Deut.  28:1— 14.  1 Sam.  3:19.  1 Kings 8:56.  Luke 21 :33.  c Lev.  26. 
14,  &c.  Deut.  28:15—68.  Judg.  3:8,12.  4:1,2.  6:1.  10:6,7.  13:1.  2 Chr.  36:16,17 
Luke  21:22—24.  1 Thes.  2:16.  d 13. 


the  eye  would  do,  and  at  length  even  drive  them  out  of  the 
promised  land. — The  subsequent  history  abundantly  illus- 
trates these  emphatical  expressions.  (Marg.  Ref.  x.  y.) 

V.  14 — 16.  The  Israelites  were  deeply  affected  with  the 
wonderful  performance  of  the  promises,  which  God  had  made 
to  their  fathers;  and  Joshua,  almost  with  his  last  breath,  (as 
he  supposed,)  most  solemnly  assured  them,  that  the  ihreaten- 
ings  would  be  accomplished  with  equal  certainty  and  exact- 
ness, whenever  they  transgressed  their  covenant  by  apostacy 
and  idolatry.  (Notes,  Lev.  26:14 — 29.  Deut.  4:25 — 28.  28: 
15—68.  29:18—28.  32:19—36.  Dan.  9:12—14.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Through  the  deceitfulness  of  the  human  heart,  we  areriever 
more  in  danger  of  forgetting  the  Lord,  than  when  most  favoured 
with  temporal  prosperity. — They  who  possess  influence,  from 
age,  authority,  reputation  for  wisdom  and  piety,  or  eminent 
services,  should  employ  it  all,  with  unwearied  perseverance, 
to  their  latest  breath,  in  promoting  the  practice  of  true  godli- 
ness.— Gratitude,  duty,  and  regard  to  our  own  best  happiness, 
with  united  energy,  require  us  to  adhere  to  our  profession  of 
the  gospel  and  to  walk  consistently  with  it ; yet  we  all  need 
to  be  frequently  reminded,  exhorted,  and  warned  concerning 
these  things.  (Note,  Acts  11:23,24.) — As  long  as  men  cleave 
to  the  Lord,  though  they  have  abated  somewhat  of  their  fer- 
vour and  diligence,  there  is  good  ground  of  hope  that  admoni- 
tions will  have  a proper  effect:  but  the  diseases  of  the  soul, 
like  those  of  the  bod}',  should  be  resisted  before  they  have 
gathered  strength. — We  cannot  too  often  be  called  upon,  to 
meditate  on  the  past  and  present  kindness  of  God  to  us ; and 
to  reflect  upon  his  gracious  promises,  and  awful  threatenings: 
and  we  should  treasure  up  our  experience  of  the  exact  per- 
formance of  his  word,  to  strengthen  our  expectation  of  its 
entire  accomplishment  in  due  season  ; for  hope  and  fear,  and 
every  passion,  ought  to  be  engaged  to  restrain  men  from  sin, 
and  to  keep  them  close  to  their  duty. — It  is  true  wisdom  to 
discern  and  shun  the  temptations  and  inlets  to  sin,  of  which 
none  are  more  dangerousjthan  ungodly  companions.  Acquaint- 
ance, friendship,  and  marriage,  with  persons  of  no  religion,  or 
false  religion,  have  generally  been  progressive  steps  towards 
the  mere  professor’s  apostacy,  and  the  believer’s  loss  of  all  his 
earnestness,  comfort,  and  usefulness.  (Note,  Gen.  6:1,2.) 
They,  who  at  first  are  tempters,  will  eventually  prove  the 
scourges  of  those  who  have  listened  to  their  seductions:  and 
either  bitter  distress  in  this  world,  or  utter  destruction  in  the 
world  to  come,  are  the  unavoidable  effects  of  yielding  to  temp- 
tation. This  all  ought  “to  know  for  a certainty,”  that  they 
“may  take  good  heed  unto  themselves,”  and  not  allow  the 
love  of  any  creature  to  seduce  them  from  the  love  of  God,  and 
obedience  to  his  laws. — Our  minds  should  be  filled  with  an 
abhorrence  of  every  kind  of  ungodliness,  equal  to  that  which 
the  most  conscientious  persons  feel  of  murder  or  adultery ; for, 
whatever  fallen  man  may  think  to  the  contrary,  the  guilt  of 
neglecting  and  despising  the  glorious  God  our  Creator  is  far 
greater,  than  that  of  injuring  our  fellow-creatures.  ( Note, 
Ps.  51:4.) — Our  inward  foes  are  the  most  dangerous;  and 
they  will  cause  us  much  misery,  unless  we  oppose  and  mor- 
tify them  with  unrelenting  severity;  so  that  this  warfare  will 
require  great  courage  and  resolution.  And  if  wo  resolutely 
adhere  to  the  word  of  God  as  our  rule,  turning  aside  neither 
to  the  right  hand  nor  to  the  left ; we  shall  certainly  be  hated, 


B.C.  1426.  CHAPTER  XXI Y.  B.  C.  ;42C 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Joshua  convenes  Israel,  an  I lays  before  them  a brief  history  of  the  Lord's 
irinlness  to  their  ancestors  from  the  days  of  Terah,  1—13.  He  engages  them 
to  choose  the  service  of  God,  and  renews  the  covenant,  14 — 25.  He  sets  up 
a stone  as  a memorial , 26—28.  His  death,  age,  and  burial,  29,  30.  Israel 
serves  the  Lord  till  some  lime  after  Joshua’s  death,  31.  Joseph's  bones  art 
buried,  and  Lleazar  dies , 32,  33. 

AND  Joshua  gathered  all  the  tribes  of  Israel  to 
“Shechem,  and  bcalled  for  the  elders  of  Israel, 
and  for  their  heads,  and  for  their  judges,  and  for 
their  officers ; and  they  'presented  themselves 
before  God. 

2  And  Joshua  said  unto  all  the  people,  Thus 
saith  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  dYour  fathers  dwelt 
on  the  other  side  of  the  Hood  in  old  times,  even 
Terah,  the  father  of  Abraham,  and  the  father  of 
Nachor:  and  'they  served  other  gods. 

3  And  fl  took  your  father  Abraham  from  the 
other  side  of  the  flood,  and  led  him  throughout  all 
the  land  of  Canaan,  and  multiplied  his  seed,  and 
*gave  him  Isaac. 

4  And  hI  gave  unto  Isaac  Jacob  and  Esau  : 
and  'I  gave  unto  Esau  mount  Seir,  to  possess  it; 
but  k Jacob  and  his  children  went  down  into 
Egypt. 

5  I 'sent  Moses  also  and  Aaron,  and  mI  plagued 
Egypt,  according  to  that  which  I did  among  them; 
and  afterward  I brought  you  out. 

6  And  "I  brought  your  fathers  out  of  Egypt : 
and  ye  came  unto  the  sea  ; and  “the  Egyptians 
pursued  after  your  fathers  with  chariots  and  horse- 
men unto  the  Red  Sea. 

7  And  when  they  cried  unto  the  Lord,  he  put 
darkness  between  you  and  the  Egyptians,  and 
brought  the  sea  upon  them,  and  covered  them ; 
and  Pyour  eyes  have  seen  what  1 have  done  in 
Egypt : and  iye  dwelt  in  the  wilderness  a long 
season. 

8  And  rI  brought  you  into  the  land  of  the 
Amorites,  which  dwelt  on  the  other  side  Jordan  ; 
and  they  fought  with  you : and  I gave  them  into 

i Qtn.  12:6.  33:18,19.  35:4.  Judg.  9:1— 3.  I Kings  12:1.  b23:2.  Ex.  18:25,26. 
c 1 Sam.  10:19.  Acts  10:33.  <1  Gen.  11:26,31.  12:1.  31:53.  Deut.  26:5.  Is.  51:2. 
Ez. 16:3.  e 15.  'ien.  31:19,30,32.  35:4.  f Gen.  12:1— 4.  Neh.  9:7,8.  Acls  7:2, 
3.  g Gen.  21:3, 3.  Ps.  127:3.  Ii  Gen.  25:24— 26.  i Gen.  32:3.  36:8.  Deut. 2:5. 
k Gen.  45:1 — 6.  Ps.  105:23.  Ads  7:15.  1 Ex.  3:10.  4:12,13.  Ps.  105:26.  uEi. 
7:  8:  9:  10:  11:  12:  Ps.  78:43— 51.  105:27— 36.  135:8,9.  136:10.  n Ex.  12:37,51 . 
Mic.  6:4.  oEx.  14:  15:  Neh.  9:11.  Ps.  77:15— 20  . 78:13.  136:13—15.  Is.  63:12, 
13.  Ads  7:36.  Heb.  11:29.  pEx. 14:31.  Deut.  29:2.  q 5:6.  Num.  14:33,34. 
Neh.  9:12 — 21.  I's.  95:9,10.  Acts  13:17,18.  Heb.  3:17.  r 13:10.  Num.  21:21— 
35.  Dent.  2:31 — 37.  3:1—7.  Neh.  9:22.  Ps.  135:10,1 1 . 136:17—22.  s Num.  22: 
5,6.  Deut.  23:4,5.  Judg.  11:25.  Mic. 6:5.  t Num.  22:11,12,18— 20,35.  23:3—12, 


despised,  and  reproached,  by  them  whose  pride  is  affronted, 
or  whose  consciences  are  made  uneasy,  through  our  holy 
singularity  and  faithful  reproof.  We  need  not  however  fear 
them  ; “for  the  Lord  our  God  will  fight  for  us,  as  he  hath 
promised,”  and  nothing  shall  by  any  means  hurt  us : and 
though  useful  instruments  and  valued  friends  may  be  removed, 
yet  the  Lord  ever  liveth  to  protect,  uphold,  guide,  comfort,  and 
bless  us.  But  sinners  have  cause  to  tremble  at  his  indigna- 
tion: for  he  will  as  surely  execute  his  most  tremendous  threat- 
enings,  as  perform  his  largest  promises : and  hypocrites  or 
apostates  will  be  as  severely  dealt  with  as  open  infidels  and 
profligates.  Let  us  then  “ watch  and  pray  that  we  enter  not 
into  temp  ation;”  let  us  trust  in  the  faithfulness,  love,  and 
power  of  God ; let  us  plead  his  promises  and  cleave  to  his 
commandments ; and  then  we  shall  be  happy  in  life,  in  death, 
and  for  ever! 

NOTES— Chap.  XXIV.  V.  1.  To  Shechem.]  She- 
chem was  nearer  than  Shiloh  to  Timnath-serah,  Joshua's  resi- 
dence ; (Note,  19:49,50.)  and  he  being  old  and  infirm,  con- 
vened the  tribes  and  elders  of  Israel  to  that  place.  Some  think, 
that  he  caused  the  ark  and  the  tabernacle  to  be  conveyed 
thither  on  this  occasion,  to  give  the  greater  solemnity  to  his 
last  meeting  with  his  people  ; for  it  is  said,  “ They  presented 
themselves  before  God.” — Finding  his  life  prolonged,  perhaps 
beyond  expectation,  he  was  desirous  of  once  more  enforcing 
upon  them  the  great  things  of  religion,  in  the  most  solemn  and 
affecting  manner  possible.  (Notes,  1 Chr.  29:10 — 19,26 — 28.) 

V.  2.  Of  the  flood..]  That  is,  of  the  river  Euphrates. — 
It  is  said,  that  “ they  served  other  gods:”  hence  it  is  evident 
that  Abraham,  as  well  as  Terah  and  Nahor,)  had  been  guilty 
of  idolatry ; and  this  was  probably  the  case  till  he  was  called 
to  the  knowledge  of  God,  when  above  seventy  years  of  age. 
(Note,  Gen.  11:28—32.) 

V.  3 — 8.  Marg.  Ref  .— Your  eyes  lmoe  seen.  (7)  Many 
of  those  who,  being  under  twenty  years  of  age,  had  witnessed 
these  miracles,  were  doubtless  still  living ; and  several  of  the 
elders,  judges,  and  officers  whom  Joshua  addressed,  might  be 
of  this  number. 

V.  9,10.  Balak  intended  war  against  Israel,  and  pre- 
viously called  Balaam  to  curse  them,  which  he  would  gladly 
have  done : but,  as  the  Lord  refused  to  grant  his  desires  or 


our  hand,  that  ye  might  possess  their  land;  ane 

destroyed  them  from  before  you. 

9 Then  “Balak  the  son  of  Zippor,  king  o. 
Moab,  arose  and  warred  against  Israel,  and  sent 
and  called  Balaam  the  son  of  Beor  to  curse  you  : 

10  But  lI  would  not  hearken  unto  Balaam; 
therefore  he  blessed  you  still : so  I delivered  you 
out  of  his  hand. 

11  And  uye  went  over  Jordan,  and  came  unto 
Jericho  : and  xthe  men  of  Jericho  fought  against 
you,  the  Amorites,  and  the  Perizzites;  and  the 
Canaanites,  and  the  Hittites,  and  the  Girgashites, 
the  Hivites,  and  the  Jebusites ; and  I delivered 
them  into  your  hand. 

12  And  H sent  the  hornet  before  you,  which 
drave  them  out  from  before  you,  even  the  twe 
kings  of  the  Amorites  ; but  “not  with  thy  sword, 
nor  with  thy  how. 

13  And  I have  given  you  a land  for  which  ye 
did  not  labour,  and  “cities  which  ye  built  not,  and 
ye  dwell  in  them  : of  the  vineyards  and  olive-yards 
which  ye  planted  not  do  ye  eat.  [Practical  ouervat tom.] 

14  H Now  therefore  Tear  the  Lord,  and  “serve 
him  in  sincerity  and  in  truth  ; and  dput  away  the 
gods  which  your  fathers  served  on  the  other  side 
of  the  flood,  and  “in  Egypt ; and  serve  ye  the 
Lord. 

15  And  if  it  seem  evil  unto  you  to  serve  the 
Lord,  1 choose  you  this  day  whom  ye  will  serve ; 
whether  the  gods  which  your  fathers  served  that 
were  on  the  other  side  of  the  flood,  or  ethe  gods 
of  the  Amorites,  in  whose  land  ye  dwell : but 
has  for  me  and  my  house,  we  will  serve  the 
Lord. 

16  And  the  people  answered  and  said,  'God 
forbid  that  we  should  forsake  the  Lord,  to  serve 
other  gods  ; 

17  Eor  the  Lord  our  God,  khe  it  is  that  brought 
us  up,  and  our  fathers,  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt, 
from  the  house  of  bondage,  and  which  did  those 

15—26  . 24:5—10.  Is. 54:17.  n 3:14—17.  4:10—12,23.  I’s.  114:3,5.  x6:  10:  11: 

Neh.  9:24,25.  Ps.  78:54,55.  105:44.  Acts  7:45.  13:19.  y Ex.  23:28.  Deut.  7:20. 
t Ps.  44:3 — 6.  a 11:13.  Deut.  6:10,11.  8:7.  Pruv.  13:22.  b Deut.  10:12.  1 Sara. 
12:24.  Job  1:1.  28:28.  Ps.  111:10.  130:4.  Hns.  3:5.  Acts  9.31.  c 23.  Gen.  17:1. 
20:5,6.  Deut.  18:13.  2 Kings  20:3.  Ps.  119:80.  Luke  8:15.  John  4:23.  2 Cor.  1:12. 
Eph.  6:2-1.  Phil. 1:10.  d2,23.  Gen.  35:2.  Ex.  20:3.4.  I,e».  17:7.  Ezra  9:11.  Et. 
20:18.  Am.  5:25,26.  e Ez.  20:7,8.  23:3.  f Ruth  1:15.  1 Kings  18:21.  Ez.  20:39. 
Jolm  6:6.  g Ex.  23:24,32,33.  34:15.  Deut.  13:7.  29:18.  Judg.  6:10.  h Gen.  18: 
19.  IV  119:106,111,112.  John  6:68.  Acts  11:23.  i 1 Sam.  12:23.  Rom.  3:6.  6:2. 
Heb.  10:38,39.  k 5— 14.  Ex.  19:4.  Deut  32: 11 ,12.  Is.  46:4.  63:7,14.  Am.  2:9, 
10. 


prayers,  Balak  being  discouraged,  desisted  from  his  purpose. 
{Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Num.  22: — 25:) 

V.ll.  Notes,  3: — 11: 

V.  12.  The  hornet.]  Probably  these  insects  so  infested 
the  armies  of  Sihon  and  Og,  and  afterwards  of  the  Cunaanites, 
when  preparing  for  the  battle,  as  to  throw  them  into  confusion, 
and  give  the  Israelites  an  easy  victory  ; which  demanded 
the  greater  gratitude  from  them,  not  having  been  obtained  by 
their  sword  or  bow.  (Notes,  Ex.  23:28.  Ps.  41:1 — 3.) 

V.  14.  It  seems  that  the  Israelites  still  retained  some 
relics  of  the  idolatry  of  their  progenitors,  which  from  time  to 
time  some  of  them  secretly  worshipped.  In  this  very  place 
Jacob  had  44  put  away  the  strange  Gods”  which  were  in  his 
family,  and  buried  them  under  an  oak.  (Notes,  Gen.  35: 
2,4.)  But  his  descendants  had  formed  other  images  of  the 
same  supposed  deities,  as  well  as  of  the  idols  of  Egypt ; and 
had  not,  during  all  the  days  of  Moses,  been  induced  to  destroy 
them  all,  as  Joshua  well  knew  : he  therefore  insisted  upon  it 
that  they  should  put  them  all  away  together,  if  they  meant  to 
be  sincere  and  entire  in  the  service  of  Jehovah. 

V.  15.  The  Lord  has  an  unalienable  right  to  the  service 
of  all  his  rational  creatures,  which  cannot  be  withheld,  without 
contracting  the  deepest  guilt,  and  incurring  the  severest 
vengeance.  But  it  is  essential  to  this  service,  that  it  be 
performed  with  a willing  mind  : for  Love  is  the  very  sub- 
stance of  it,  and  its  only  genuine  principle : (Notes,  Ex.  20: 
2.  Deut.  6:5.)  44  The  Father  seeketh  such  to  worship  him, 
as  worship  him  in  Spirit  and  truth.”  But  44  the  carnal  mind 
is  enmity  against  God,”  and  therefore  incapable  of  this 
spiritual  worship : and  hence  the  necessity  of  being  born, 
again.  (Notes,  John  3:3 — 8.  4:21 — 24.)  When,  however 
we  discover  this  necessity,  and  the  nature  of  the  gracious 
change  intended  by  that  emphatical  expression,  we  are  in- 
duced to  seek  it  in  the  use  of  appointed  means  ; and  thus  at 
length  we  became  consciously  and  experimentally  partakers  Ot 
it,  and  are  numbered  among  those  who  worship  God  m truth 
and  love.  But,  in  the  visible  church,  numbers  have  always 
rested  in  the  mere  form,  as  an  unpleasant  task  to  whicn  they 
submit,  to  avoid  as  they  hope  worse  consequences  : and  a 
great  part  of  the  usefulness  of  preaching  consists  in  discover- 
ing the  difference  between  the  form  and  the  power  of  godliness , 

( 423  ) 


B.  C.  1426.  JOSHUA.  B.  C.  1426. 


great  signs  in  our  sight,  and  preserved  us  in  all 
the  way  wherein  we  went,  and  among  all  the  peo- 
ple through  whom  we  passed  : 

18  And  the  Lord  drave  out  I’rom  before  us  all 
the  people,  even  the  Amorites  which  dwelt  in  the 
land : therefore  'will  we  also  serve  the  Lord  ; for 
he  is  our  God. 

19  And  Joshua  said  unto  the  people,  mYe  can- 
not serve  the  Lord  : for  he  is  an  "holy  God  ; he 
is  °a  jealous  God  ; >’he  will  not  forgive  your  trans- 
gressions, nor  your  sins. 

20  If  ye  forsake  the  Lord,  and  serve  strange 
gods,  then  she  will  turn  and  do  you  hurt,  and 
consume  you,  after  that  he  hath  done  you  good. 

21  And  the  people  said  unto  Joshua,  rNay,  but 
we  will  serve  the  Lord. 

22  And  Joshua  said  unto  the  people,  sYe  are 
witnesses  against  yourselves  that  'ye  have  chosen 
you  the  Lord,  to  serve  him.  And  Ihey  said,  We 
are  witnesses. 

23  Now  therefore  "put  away  ( said  he)  the 
strange  gods  which  are  among  vou,  and  incline 
your  heart  unto  the  Lord  God  of  Israel. 

24  And  the  people  said  unto  Joshua,  The 
Lord  our  God  will  we  serve,  and  his  voice  will 
we  obey. 

25  So  Joshua  "made  a covenant  with  the  peo- 


J Ex.  10:3.  13:2.  Ps.  116:16.  Mic.  4:2.  Zech.  8:23.  Luke  1:73,74.  m 23. 
Ruth  1:15.  Mutt.  6:24.  Luke  14:25—33.  n Lev.  10:3.  19:2.  1 Sent.  6:20.  Ps.  99: 
5,9.  Is.  5:16.  6:3-5.  30:11,15.  Hah.  1:13.  o Ex.  20:5.  31:14.  1 Cor.  10:2(4-22. 
p Ex. 23:21.  ISam. 3:14.  2Chr.36:16.  Is. 27. 11.  q23:12— 15.  1 Chr.  28:9. 

3 Chr.  15:2.  Ezra  8:22.  Is.  1:28.  63:10.  65:11,12.  Jer.  17:13.  Ez. 18:24.  Acts  7: 
42.  Heb.  10:26, 27, 3S.  r Ex.  19:8.  20:19.  24:3,7.  Dent.  5:27,28.  26:17.  Is.  44:5. 
• Job  15:6.  Luke  19:22.  t Ps.  119:111,173.  Luke  10:42.  u 14.  Gen.  35:2— 4. 
Ex.  20:23.  Judg.  10:16.  1 Sam.  7:3,4.  Hos.  14:2,3,8.  1 Cor.  10:19—21.  2 Cor. 
6:16—18.  x Ex.  15:25  . 24:3,7,8.  Dent.  5:2,3.  29:1,10—15.  2 Chr.  15:12,15.23: 


and  in  stirring  up  the  minds  of  men,  from  resting  in  the 
former  to  seek  after  the  latter.  The  method,  which  Joshua 
adopted  in  treating  with  the  Israelites,  was  admirably  calcu- 
lated, and  evidently  intended,  to  produce  this  effect.  Many 
of  them  were  already  spiritual  worshippers : a much  greater 
number  might  be  favourably  disposed  towards  the  worship 
and  service  of  God,  but,  through  procrastination  and  worldly 
avocations,  not  yet  fully  engaged  m it:  and  doubtless  many 
had  a secret  dislike  to  religion,  who  would  have  been  ashamed 
to  confess  if,  and  who  would  be  shocked  at  the  proposal  of 
renouncing  the  worship  of  God,  and  openly  professing  them- 
selves idolaters.  Of  this  state  of  mind  this  aged  believer 
aimed  to  take  the  advantage,  and  to  lead  them  by  his  proposal 
to  reflect  upon  their  own  inconsistency,  formality,  or  pro- 
crastination; and  to  engage  deliberately,  seriously,  and 
u with  full  purpose  of  heart,”  in  the  Lord’s  service.  Thus 
he  intimated,  that  apostacy  from  God  to  the  worship  of 
idols  would  not  be  more  destructive  to  them,  than  hypocrisy 
or  a lifeless  form ; that,  if  the  service  of  God  were  worth 
any  thing,  it  was  worth  every  thing ; that  for  his  part,  he 
had  made  up  his  mind,  and  had  deliberately  and  decidedly 
chosen  to  serve  the  Lord  fully  and  heartily;  that  he  was 
determined  to  use  all  his  authority  and  influence  with  his 
family,  to  prevail  with  them  to  follow  his  example  ; and  that 
he  greatly  desired  to  persuade  all  his  beloved  countrymen  to 
make  the  same  choice,  and  to  act  in  the  same  manner. 
(Marg.  Ref.  f.  h.  Notes , Gen.  18:18,19.  Ruth  1:11 — 17. 
1 ./Hns**  18:21.) 

V.  19.  Joshua  by  no  means  intended  to  deter  the  people 
from  the  service  of  the  Lord ; but  to  put  them  upon  their 
guard  against  the  objections  commonly  made  to  a life  of  strict 
godliness,  as  if  intolerably  difficult,  or  even  impracticable ; 
and  to  lead  them  to  count  their  cost,  and  to  consider  before- 
hand what  they  engaged  to  do.  (Notes,  Luke  14:25 — 35.) 
With  great  address,  arising  from  deep  knowledge  of  the 
human  heart,  he  seized  the  advantage  of  their  present 
impressions,  to  render  them  abiding,  to  increase  the  earnest- 
ness of  the  people,  and  to  lead  them  solemnly  to  enter  into  a 
willing  engagement  to  serve  God  alone. — When  a certain 
degree  of  inclination  towards  any  object  has  once  possessed 
the  heart,  it  is  always  increased  by  the  prospect  of  difficulties  ; 
provided  they  appear  surmountable  by  contrivance,  exertion, 
and  perseverance.  This  management  of  Joshua,  therefore, 
directly  tended  to  lead  the  Israelites  to  reflect  upon  the  per- 
fections of  Jehovah,  and  upon  the  nature  of  his  service; 
lo  advert  to  their  own  unholiness  and  insufficiency;  and  to 
that  encouragement  and  hope  of  assistance  which  were  given 
them  in  the  books  of  Moses ; to  induce  them  to  esteem 
acceptably  serving  God,  as  a prize  worthy  of  their  utmost 
tibour  and  earnestness  ; to  render  them  diligent,  watchful, 
mmble,  and  dependent  in  their  endeavours ; and  to  prevent 
Jie  effect  ot  subsequent,  difficulties  and  temptations,  by  ex- 
iting the  expectation  of  them.  Such  was  the  tendency  of 
.his  address,  and  such,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  appears  to 
nave  been  its  effect  upon  many  of  them. — The  original  words, 
.ranslated  u He  is  an  holy  God,”  are  literally,  He  is  holy 
Gods,  the  adjective  being  plural,  as  well  as  the  noun ; and 
l 424  ) 


pie  that  day,  and  set  them  a statute  and  an  ordi 
nance  in  Shechem. 

26  And  Joshua  .7wrote  these  words  in  the  book 
of  the  law  of  God,  and  Hook  a great  stone,  and 
“set  it  up  there  bunder  an  oak,  that  was  by  the 
sanctuary  of  the  Lord. 

27  And  Joshua  said  unto  all  the  people,  Behold, 
cthis  stone  shall  he  a witness  unto  us  ^ for  dit  hath 
heard  all  the  words  of  the  Lord  which  he  spake 
unto  us  : it  shall  be  therefore  a witness  unto  you, 
lest  ye  'deny  your  God. 

28  So  f Joshua  let  the  people  depart,  every  man 
to  his  inheritance. 

29  11  And  it  came  to  pass  Rafter  these  things, 
that  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  the  servant  of  the 
Lord,  died,  being  ban  hundred  and  ten  years 
old. 

30  And  they  buried  him  in  the  border  of  his 
inheritance  in  'Timnath-serah,  which  is  in  mount 
Ephraim,  on  the  north  side  of  the  hill  of  kGaash. 

31  And  Israel  'served  the  Lord  all  the  days  of 
Joshua,  and  all  the  days  of  the  elders  that  "over- 
lived Joshua ; and  mwhich  had  known  all  the 
works  of  the  Lord,  that  he  had  done  for  Israel. 

32  And  “the  bones  of  Joseph,  which  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  brought  up  out  of  Egypt,  "buried 
they  in  Shechem,  in  a parcel  of  ground  which 


16.  29:10.  34:29—32.  Neh.  9:38.  10:28,29.  v Ex.  24:4.  Deut.  31:24—26.  z Judg. 
9:6.  a 4:3— 9,20— 24.  Gen.  28:18—22.  b Gen.  35:4,8.  c 22:27,28,31.  Gen.  31: 
44—52.  Dent.  4:26.  30:19.  31:19,21,26.  1 Sana.  7:12.'d  Deut.  32:1 . Is.  1:2.  Hab. 
2:11.  Luke  19:40.  e Job  31:23.  Pi  ov.30:9.  Matt.  10:33.  2 Tim.  2:12,13.  Tit.  1: 
16.  Rev.  3:8.  fjudg.2:6.  g Deut.  34:5.  Judg.  2:8.  Ps.  115:17.  2Tim. 4:7,8. 
Rev.  14:13.  h Gen.  50:22,26.  i 19:50.  Judg.  2:9.  k2Sam. 23:30.  lDeut.31: 
29.  Judg.  2:7.  2 Chr.  24:2,17,18.  Acts  20:29.  Phil. 2:12.  • Heb.  prolonged  Iheir 
daysafter.  in  Deut.  11:2.  31:13.  a Geo.  50:25.  Ex.  13:19.  Acts  7:16.  oGexv. 
33:19.  48:22. 


the  expression  has  frequently  been  cited  in  proof  of  the  doc- 
trine of  the  Trinity. — As  be  has  no  equal,  he  will  endure  no 
rival. — The.  word  rendered  forgive  may  mean  tolerate.  (Notes, 
Ex.  20:5.  34:5—7,11—17.) 

V.  20.  The  longer  and  the  more  open  profession  the  people 
should  make  of  worshipping  Jehovah,  the  deeper  would  be 
their  guilt  and  condemnation,  if  they  should  at  last  apostatize 
to  idolatry.  Of  this  Joshua  refninded  them ; that  they  might 
duly  consider  the  solemn  engagement  about  to  be  made,  and 
be  upon  their  guard  against  subsequent  temptations. 

V.  21,  22.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  24:3,4,6—8.  Deut. 
5:28,29.  26:17—19. 

V.  23.  Incline  your  heart.]  This  expression  shows  how 
earnest  this  venerable  servant  of  God  was,  to  lead  the  people 
into  the  inward  exercises  of  true  piety,  and  to  excite  them  to 
be  spiritual  and  hearty,  as  well  as  entire,  in  their  religion. 
(Notes,  Deut.  G: 5.  1 Kings  8:58.  1 Chr.  28:9.  29:10—19. 
Prov.  23:26.) 

V.  25.  Thus  Joshua  led  his  auditory  solemnly  to  renew 
their  covenant  to  be  the  Lord’s  people ; and  to  adhere  to  his 
worship,  and  that  in  the  most  intelligent  and  deliberate  man- 
ner: and  he  formed  the  whole  into  a statute  and  ordinance, 
which  was  promulgated  for  all  Israel  to  receive  and  obey. 
(Notes,  Deut. .29:10— 15.  2 Kings  11:17—20.  Neh.  9:38.  10:1.) 

V.  26.  This  ratification  of  the  covenant  seems  to  have 
been  inscribed  in  that  copy  of  the  law,  which  was  laid  up  by 
the  sides  of  the  ark,  as  a perpetual  memorial  of  the  transac- 
tion: (Note,  Deut.  31:26.)  and  probably  it  was  also  inserted 
in  all  tne  other  copies  of  the  law  which  were  then  extant. 

V.  27.  This  great  stone  would  testily,  to  succeeding  gene- 
rations, that  event  which  it  was  set  up  to  commemorate  ; 
and  it  would  be  a witness  against  the  people,  if  they  after- 
wards revolted  to  idolatry.  (Notes,  22:34.  Gen.  31:45,46. 
Deut.  31:19.) — This  idea  contains  a forcible  charge  of  insen- 
sibility against  mankind,  as  if  they  were  more  regardless 
of  their  Maker,  than  the  inanimate  creatures,  which  by 
answering  the  end  of  their  creation,  seem  to  exclaim  against 
the  ingratitude  and  rebellion  of  the  human  species.  (Marg. 
Ref.  Note,  Luke  19:40.) — In  this  affecting  manner  Joshua 
took  his  leave  of  Israel,  went  home  from  this  last  and  perhaps 
best  service  to  God  and  them,  and  was  speedily  (alien  to  his 
rest  in  heaven.  (29,30.  Notes,  Deut.  34:1 — 5.) 

V.  29 — 32.  It  is  remarkable  that  Joshua  lived  just  as  many 
years  as  his  renowned  ancestor  Joseph  had  done  : yet  ho  was 
not  buried  in  the  same  place  with  him,  but  in  his  own  inhe- 
ritance, which  seems  to  have  been  the  general  practice. 
(30,32.  Note,  Gen.  50:22.)  The  Israelites  had  carried  the 
bones  of  Joseph  with  them  in  all  their  wanderings,  and  r ever 
attempted  to  bury  them,  till  they  were  peaceably  sotth  d in 
the  land.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Gen.  50:24 — 26.  Ex.  13:19. 
Heb.  11:22.) 

V.  33.  As  the  cities  assigned  to  the  priests  lay  in  the  lots 
of  Judah,  Benjamin,  and  Simeon;  it  is  probable  that  tho 
people  voluntarily  gave  to  the  high-priest  a place  <f  residence 
near  Shiloh,  while  the  tabernacle  continued  there  ; and  Ji&t 
this  was  called  “the  hill  of  Phinehas  Hu»e  he  uvelt 
longer  there  than  Eleazar  had  done. 


B.  C.  1426. 


CHAPTER  XXIY. 


B. C 1426 


Jacob  bought  of  the  sons  Hamor,  the  father  of 
Shcchem,  for  an  hundred  'pieces  of  silver : and 
it  became  the  inheritance  of  the  children  of 

Joseph. 

•Or, Iambi,  r 14:1.  Ex.  6:83,25.  Num.  3:32.  ia-.'X— 23.  q Job  30:23.  Pi.  48:' 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS 

V.  1 — 13.  It  is  beautiful  and  honourable,  when  zeal  for 
the  glory  of  God,  and  love  to  the  souls  of  men,  gather 
strength,  at  a time  when  the  body  is  reVly  to  drop  into  the 
gravo  : and  while  life  is  spared,  and  any  measure  of  health 
afforded,  if  our  hearts  glow  with  love  and  zeal,  we  shall 
devise  some  method  to  serve  the  cause  of  godliness,  and  to 
fix  salutary  impressions  upon  the  minds  of  those  around  us ; 
nay,  sometimes  when  the  body  is  least  capable  of  executing 
proper  methods  of  doing  good,  the  soul  possesses  most  vigour 
for  devising  them.  (Note,  2 Pet . 1:12 — 15.) — In  repeating 
our  exhortations,  heavenly  wisdom  will  teach  us  to  vary  the 
manner  of  reaching  the  conscience,  and  engaging  the  affec- 
tions ; but  we  can  never  with  propriety  omit  the  commemora- 
tion of  the  Lord’s  mercies  : by  frequent  meditation  on  that 
subject,  we  shall  recollect  more  and  more  instances  of  his 
goodness  ; and  whatever  ii^  our  experience  demands  our 
gratitude  tq  God,  will  also  furnish  us  with  cause  of  humilia- 
tion, and  of  encouragement. — The  largeness  and  freeness  of 
the  divine  mercy  are  illustrated  in  so  distinct  a manner,  even 
in  the  salvation  of  the  most  eminent  saints  mentioned  in 
Scripture,  that  “the  chief  of  sinners”  may  thence  take 
encouragement  in  returning  to  the  Lord,  f Notes , 1 Tim. 

1:12—16.  P.  O.  12—20.) 

V.  14 — 33.  The  practical  conclusion  to  be  drawn  from 
every  delineation  of  the  character  of  God,  and  from  the 
memorial  of  his  wondrous  works  and  abundant  mercies,  is 
this:  “Now  therefore  fear  the  Lord,  and  serve  him  in 
sincerity  and  in  truth.”  But  without  sincerity  and  truth , all 
rofessions  of  repentance,  faith,  fear,  or  love,  are  mere 
ypocrisy,  and  will  avail  us  nothing. — The  service  of  God 
must  be  our  voluntary  choice : if  we  were  disposed  to  use 
our  reason  aright,  we  could  not  but  choose  it:  after  all  our 
sins,  we  are  invited  to  do  so;  and  blessed  be  his  name,  he 
hath  promised  not  to  reject  us,  if  we  seek  him  in  the  appoint- 
ed way,  and  are  decided  in  preferring  his  favour  to  the 
leasures  of  sin  and  the  vanities  of  the  world.  We  must, 
owever,  diligently  study  the  nature  of  true  religiofi,  and 
what  it  will  cost  us  ; to  what  it  may  expose  us,  and  in  what 
it  will  employ  us ; that  we  may  be  prepared  for  temptations, 
tribulations,  conflicts,  and  self-denials  ; be  aware  of  our  in- 
sufficiency ; and  seek  help  and  comfort  from  on  high.  The 
Lord  our  God  is  jealous,  just,  and  holy  : he  will  not  be 
trifled  with,  he  cannot  be  imposed  upon,  he  abhors  a double 
mind,  and  will  not  accept  a divided  heart ; he  hates  luke- 
warmness, (Note,  Rev.  3d  4 — 16.)  and  will  as  certainly  punish 
the  apostate,  as  forgive  the  humble  believer.  Yet  our  only 
danger  lies  in  forsaking  him  ; for  if  we  adhere  to  his  service 
with  an  upright  and  willing  mind,  none  of  our  mistakes, 
imperfections,  or  enemies  can  fatally  injure  us.  But  we  can- 
lot  serve  the  Lord  without  renouncing  other  masters,  and 
“inclining  our  hearts  unto  him;”  nor  can  we  incline  our 


33  And  pEleazar  the  son  of  Aaron  'idied,  and 
they  buried  him  in  a hill  that  pertained  to 
rPhinehas  his  son,  which  was  given  him  in  mount 
Ephraim. 

10.18.57:1/2.  Zech.  1:5.  Act*  13:36.  Heb.  7:*24.  9:26,27.  rJudg.  20:28. 

hearts  without  his  grace,  which  he  readily  bestows  on  al 
who  pray  for  the  promised  gift  of  his  Holy  Spirit.  Depend- 
ing upon  his  assistance  and  merciful  acceptance,  notwith- 
standing all  our  difficulties  and  impotency,  we  may  with 
confidence  say,  “God  forbid  that  we  should  forsake  the 
Lord  ;”  and  to  every  objection  we  may  answer,  “Nay,  but 
we  will  serve  the  Lord  ;”  and  close  all  by  positively  aver- 
ring, “ The  Lord  our  God  will  we  serve,  and  his  voice  will 
we  obey:”  nor  need  we  scruple  the  most  open  and  solemn 
ratification  of  his  covenant,  by  which  we  avouch  him  to  be 
our  God  and  ourselves  to  be  his  people.  For  though  the 
house  of  God,  the  Lord’s  table,  and  even  the  very  walls  and 
trees,  before  which  we  have  uttered  our  solemn  purposes  Oi 
serving  him,  would  obtest  against  us  if  we  denied  him  ; and 
all  the  good,  which  he  had  done  us,  would  become  an  occasion 
of  evil  to  us ; yet  we  may  trust  his  grace  to  enable  us  to  fulfil 
our  engagements,  and  be  confident  that  he  will  “ put  his  fear 
into  our  hearts,  that  we  shall  not  depart  from  him.”  (Note, 
Jer.  32,38 — 41.) — They  who  in  the  plainest  terms  have  shown 
the  necessity  and  difficulty  of  serving  God,  and  *the  danger 
of  forsaking  him  ; and  who  have  pressed  others  most  strongly 
to  count  their  cost  and  to  prepare  for  temptation ; should  be 
the  most  forward  to  avow  their  own  purpose  of  choosing 
and  cleaving  to  his  service,  and  of  using  their  most  earnest 
endeavours,  and  exercising  all  their  influence  and  authority, 
along  with  their  fervent  prayers,  that  the  blessings  of  true 
religion  may  be  the  inheritance  of  their-  children  and  of  all 
connected  with  them.  Thus,  in  our  several  stations,  we 
should  all  deliberately  determine,  by  the  grace  of  God,  tc 
serve  him  ourselves,  and  to  do  the  utmost  in  our  power,  that 
our  households  may  serve  him  likewise.  And  though  God 
alone  can  give  grace,  yet  he  greatly  approves  and  blesses 
such  zealous  attempts  to  engage  and  confirm  men  in  his 
service ; and  in  some  instances  the  pious  labours  of  one 
single  day  may  produce  the  most  important  and  beneficial 
effects  for  years,  or  even  for  generations  to  come. — After 
a life  thus  spent  and  thus  concluded,  how  comfortably  may 
the  believer  meet  the  stroke  of  death,  and  retire  to  his  rest 
in  the  realms  of  bliss  ! Thus  the  most  useful  men,  having 
served  their  generation,  according  to  the  will  of  God,  one  after 
another  fall  asleep,  and  see  corruption:  but  Jesus,  having 
spent  and  ended  his  life  on  earth,  far  more  assiduously  and 
effectually  than  either  Joshua  or  Joseph,  arose  from  the 
dead,  and  saw  no  corruption.  He  not  only  brings  his  ran- 
somed tribes  to  their  rest,  but  lives  with  them,  and  reigns 
over  them,  to  consummate  and  perpetuate  their  felicity  to  all 
eternity:  and  wherever  their  bodies  are  interred,  he  will 
shortly  raise  them  incorruptible,  and  transform  them  into  the 
likeness  of  “ his  own  glorious  body,  according  to  the  mighty 
working,  whereby  he  is  able  to  subdue  all  things  unto  him- 
self.” (Note,  Phil.  3:20,21.) 


THE 

BOOK  OF  JUDGES. 


The  title  of  this  book  is  taken  from  the  original  Hebrew  ; and  shows  the  principal  subject  of  it,  as  containing  the  history  of  those 
Judges,  whom  God  raised  up  among  his  people,  before  he  placed  any  king  over  them.  These  were  not  a regular  succession  of 
governors,  but  occasional  deliverers,  of  different  tribes  and  families,  who  were  employed  to  rescue  the  nation  from  oppressors,  to 
reform  religion,  or  to  administer  justice.  They  do  not  seem  to  have  assumed  any  degree  of  regal  magnificence,  or  to  have  exercised 
any  expensive  or  burdensome  authority  : yet  they  were  for  the  time  the  immediate  vicegerents  of  Jehovah,  the  King  of  Israel.  It 
is  probable,  that  when  there  was  no  Judge,  the  Levites,  elders,  and  ordinary  magistrates,  together  with  the  high-priest  and  the  other 
priests,  conducted  the  affairs  of  the  several  tribes,  and  administered  justice,  as  circumstances  would  admit,  according  to  the  law  of 
Moses  ; and  that  when  there  was  a Judge,  he  presided  over  them.— It  is  generally  supposed  that  the  prophet  Samuef,  the  last  of  the 
Judges,  wrote  this  book ; and  indeed,  it  seems  to  have  been  written  during  the  reign  of  Saul.  For  the  words  repeatedly  used,  “ In 
those  days  there  was  no  king  in  Israel,”  (17:6.  19:1.  21:25.)  imply  that  there  was  a king  when  the  history  was  published  : yet,  it 
appears  also,  that  the  Jebusites  still  kept  possession  of  Jerusalem,  from  which  David  at  length  expelled  them.  (1:21.  2 Sam. 
5:6_"9-)— L consists  of  two  parts  : in  the  first  sixteen  chapters,  a compendious  narrative  is  given  of  the  affairs  of  Israel,  from  the 
death  of  Joshua  to  that  of  Samson,  during  the  term  of  about  three  hundred  years  ; though  the  chronology  is  peculiarly  intricate  : 
and  the  remaining  five  chapters  record  some  detached  events,  which  took  place  in  the  earlier  part  of  that  period,  but  which  would 
have  too  much  interrupted  the  narrative,  had  they  been  inserted  according  to  the  order  of  lime.  Thus  the  history  is  brought  down 
to  the  years,  during  which  Eli  judsed  Israel,  and  nearly  to  the  birth  of  Samuel. — There  are  several  references  to  facts  recorded  in 
this  book,  both  in  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  ; (1  Sam.  12:10,11.  2 Sam.  11:21.  Neh.  9:2S.  Ps.  68:9— 11.  Is.  9:4.  10:26.  Act*  1 
13:20.  Heb.  1 1:32.)  and  it  is  certain  that  it  formed  a part  of  that  sacred  volume,  to  which  Christ  and  his  apostles  constantly  appealed 
as  to  the  Oracles  of  God  : but  I do  not  recollect  any  express  prophecies  contained  in  it. 

The  condition  ol  Israel  does  not  appear  so  prosperous,  nor  the  national  character  so  religious,  in  this  history,  as  from  the  foregoing 
records  it  might  have  been  hoped  : but  it  is  probable,  that  the  worship  at  the  sanctuary  was  regularly  maintained  and  attended  on, 
and  that  there  was  a pious  remnant  in  the  land  amidst  the  repeated  apostacies  and  multiplied  idolatries  of  the  nation  in  eeneraL 
t?/ia,3UPer"c'a*  reader  of  the  sacred  history,  the  whole  period  under  the  Judges  may  be  easily  mistaken  for  an  uninterrupted  series 
of  idolatries  and  crimes  ; from  his  not  observing,  that  the  lapses  which  incurred  punishment,  and  the  divine  deliverances  which 
attended  repentance,  are  related  so  fully  and  distinctly,  as  to  occupy  almost  the  whole  narrative  ; while  long  periods,  when  under 
the  government  of  the  J udges,  the  people  followed  God,  and  the  land  enjoyed  peace,  are  passed  over  in  a single  verse,  as  prod  no 
live  of  no  event  which  required  a particular  detail.’  Graves , Vol.  ii.  pp.  146,  147. — The  whole  account  however  illustrates  the 
character  given  of  human  nature  in  the  Scriptures  ; and  shows  in  a most  affecting  manner,  the  consequences  of  attending  on  tha 
worship  and  service  of  God,  or  of  neglecting  them,  in  respect  of  national  prosperity  or  adversity. 

Vol.  I — 54  ( 425  ) 


B C.  1425. 


JUDGES. 


B C.  1425. 


CHAPTER  I. 

tu&ih  and  Simeon  war  against  the  ('anaanites,  defeat  Adoni-bezek  and  retali- 
Ale  on  him  hie  cruelty  to  cwptive  kings,  1 — 7.  Jerusalem  is  taken , 8,  9.  The 
sons  of  Anak  slain,  10.  Othniel  takes  Debir , and  marries  Caleb' s (laughter , 
11 — 15.  The  Kcnites  dwell  with  Judah,  16.  H irmah,  Gaza,  Aekelon,  and 
Ekron,  are  taken  by  Judah  aiul  Simon  ; and  Hebron  is  given  to  Caleb,  17 
—20.  Benjamin  is  unable  to  drive  the  Jebusiles  from  Jerusalem , 21. 
Ephraim  and  Manasseh  take  Bethel,  22 — 25.  A Canaanite  builds  a city 
called  Luz,26.  The  Catiaamles  are  not  wholly  expelled  by  Manasseh,  27, 
28  by  Ephraim,  29  : by  Zebulun,  30  ; by  Asher,  31,  32  ; by  Naphtali,  33. 
The  Amor  it  es  force  Dan  into  the  mountain,  34 — 36. 

NOW  “after  the  death  of  Joshua  it  came  to 
I ass,  that  the  children  of  Israel  basked  the 
Lord,  saying1,  Who  shall  go  up  for  us  against 
the  Canaanites  first,  to  fight  against  them? 

2  And  the  Lord  said,  “Judah  shall  go  up  ; 
behold,  I have  delivered  the  land  into  his  hand. 

3  And  Judah  said  unto  dSimeon  his  brother, 
Come  up  with  me  into  my  lot,  that  we  may  fight 
against  the  Canaanites,  and  “I  likewise  will  go 
with  thee  into  thy  lot.  So  Simeon  went  with 
him. 

4  And  Judah  went  up,  and  the  ‘Lord  delivered 
tire  Canaanites  and  the  Perizzites  into  their  hand  : 
and  they  slew  of  them  in  eBezek  ten  thousand 
men. 

5  And  they  found  Adoni-bezek  in  Bezek ; and 
they  fought  against  him,  and  they  slew  the 
Canaanites  and  the  Perizzites. 

6  But  Adoni-bezek  tied  ; and  they  pursued  after 
t-'m,  and  caught  him,  and  cut  off  his  thumbs  and 
-s  great  toes. 

7  And  Adoni-bezek  said,  Threescore  and  ten 
kings,  having  'their  thumbs  and  their  great  toes 
cut  off,  'gathered  their  meat  under  my  table  : has 
I have  done,  'so  God  hath  requited  me.  And 
they  brought  him  to  Jerusalem,  and  there  he 
died. 

8  (Now  kthe  children  of  Judah  had  fought 
against  Jerusalem,  and  had  taken  it,  and  smitten 
it  with  the  edge  of  the  sword,  and  set  the  city 
on  fire.) 

9  And  'afterwards  the  children  of  Judah  went 


a Joah.  24:29,30.  I>  20:18,28.  Ex.  28:30.  Num.  27:21.  1 Sam.  22:9,10.  23:9,10. 
cGen.  49:8-10.  Nuln.  2:3.  7:12.  Ps.  73:08— 70.  Hcb.  7:14.  Rev.  5:5.  19:11— 16. 
d Gen.  29:33— 35.  Josh.  19:1.  e 17.  2 Sam.  10:11.  f Bx  23:29,29.  Deut.  7.2. 
9:3.  Josh.  10:8-10.  11:6— 8.1  Sam.  1 1:6,10.  17:46,47.  1 Kings  22:6,15.  g 1 Sam. 
11:8.  * Heb.  the  thumbs  of  their  hands  and  of  their  feet,  t Or,  gleaned. 

h Ex. 21:23-25.  Lev.  24:19— 21 . 1 Sam.  15:33.  Is.  33:1.  Matt.  7:2.  Luke  6:37, 
38.  Jam.  2:13.  Rev.  13:10.  16:6.  iRoin.2:l5.  k 21.  Josh.  15:63.  1 Josh.  10: 

36.  11:21.  15:13  — 20.  t Or,  low  country.  mJosh.  14:15.  n *20.  Num.  13:2*2, 
33.  Josh  15.13,14.  Ps.  33:16,17.  Ec.  9:11.  Jer.9:23.  o Josh.  10:38,39.  15:15. 


NOTES. — Chap.  I.  V.  1.  Joshua  left  no  successor, 
as  Moses  had  done  ; and  therefore  some  time  after  his  death, 
(it  is  not  known  how  long,)  the  people,  being  convinced  that 
the  war  against  the  Canaanites  should  be  continued,  were  in 
doubt  how  it  was  to  be  conducted,  and  which  tribe  should 
take  the  lead  in  'nis  service  ; and  in  these  respects  some  of 
the  principal  persons  inquired  of  the  Lord,  probably  by 
Urim  and  Thummim.  (Notes,  Ex.  28:30.  Num.  27:21.) 
It  would  have  been  well  if  they  had  always  continued  in  the 
same  mind  : but  sloth,  cowardice,  and  unbelief,  and  perhaps 
a misjudged  lenity,  prevailed  with  them,  to  leave  their  work 
unfinished ; which  created  them  almost  an  infinity  of  trou- 
ble and  misery  afterwards.  (Notes,  Josh.  16:10.  17:11 — 13. 

23:13.) 

V.  2.  (Notes,  Gen.  49:8 — 10.)  The  numerous  and  va- 
liant tribe  of  Judah,  whence  the  Messiah  was  to  descend, 
and  which  was  in  all  things  to  have  the  precedency,  was  di- 
rected to  renew  the  war  : and  by  their  example  to  embolden 
their  brethren,  and  to  mark  out  to  them  the  path  to  victory 
and  prosperity.  For  it  is  evident  that  this  first  expedition  was 
intended  to  make  way  for  others,  being  undertaken  by  com- 
mon consent  for  the  public  benefit ; and  the  Lord,  in  promis- 
ing to  put  Judah  in  possession  of  his  inheritance,  intimated 
his  purpose  of  rendering  that  event  subservient  to  the  more 
complete  conquest  of  the  whole  country. — Probably  the  Israel- 
ites had  rapidly  increased  since  the  division  ; and  now,  want- 
ing room,  they  were  excited  to  greater  activity  against  their 
enemies. 

V.  3.  As  the  lot  of  Simeon  lay  within  that  of  Judah,  it 
was  very  proper  for  them  to  assist  each  other  against  the 
common  enemy.  (Note,  Josh.  19:1 — 9.) — It  is  probable  that 
Caleb  commanded  in  this  war.  (9 — 15.) 

V.  4.  And  the  LORD  delivered.]  4 Wo  meet  with  no 
inch  religious  expression,  which  occurs  often  here  in  these 
holy  books,  in  any  heathen  writer.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Marg. 
Rtf.  f.) 

V.  5 — 7.  Adoni-hczek  signifies  the  lord  of  Bezek.  This 
prince  had,  it  seems,  been  a great  warrior,  and  a severe 
tyra&t  over  his  vanquished  enemies  ; for  he  had  seventy  of  the 
petty  princes  of  those  times,  one  after  another,  his  prisoners: 
and  having  disabled  them,  with  great  disgrace  and  pain,  by 
cutting  off  their  thumbs  and  great  toes,  he  f>rced  them  to 
( 426  ) 


down  to  fight  against  the  Canaanites  that  dwelt 
in  the  mountain,  and  in  the  south,  and  in  the 
tvalley. 

10  And  Judah  went  against  the  Canaanites 
that  dwelt  in  Hebron,  (now  the  name  of  Hebroi. 
before  was  raKirjath-arDa,)  and  they  slew  °She- 
shai,  and  Ahiman,  and  Talmai. 

11  And  from  thence  he  went  against  the  inha- 
bitants of  Debir  : (and  the  name  of  °Debir  before 
was  Kirjath-sepher :) 

12  And  rCaleb  said,  He  that  smitteth  Kirjath 
sepher,  and  taketh  it,  to  him  will  I give  Achsah 
my  daughter  to  wife. 

13  And  ^Othniel  the  son  of  Kenaz,  Caleb’s 
younger  brother,  took  it:  and  he  gave  him 
Achsah  his  daughter  to  wife. 

14  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  she  came  to  him, 
that  she  moved  him  to  ask  of  her  father  a field  : 
and  she  lighted  from  off  her  ass ; and  Caleb  said 
unto  her,  What  wilt  thou  ? 

15  And  she  said  unto  him,  Give  me  ra  blessing: 
for  thou  hast  given  me  a south  land,  give  me  also 
springs  of  water.  And  Caleb  gave  her  the  uppe* 
springs  and  the  nether  springs. 

16  It  And  the  children  of  “the  Kenite,  ‘Moses’s 
father-in-law,  went  up  out  of  the  “city  of  palm- 
trees  with  the  children  of  Judah  into  the  wilder- 
ness of  Judah,  *which  lieth  in  the  south  of  Arad  : 
and  rthey  went  and  dwelt  amon»  the  people. 

17  *11  And  ‘Judah  went  with  Simeon  his  brother, 
and  they  slew  the  Canaanites  that  inhabited 
“Zephath,  and  utterly  destroyed  it.  And  the 
name  of  the  city  was  called  bHormah. 

18  Also  Judah  took  “Gaza  with  the  coast 
thereof,  and  Askelon  with  the  coast  thereof,  and 
Ekron  with  the  coast  thereof. 

19  And  uthe  Lord  was  with  Judah,  and  ffie 
drave  out  the  inhabitants  of  the  mountain;  but 
“could  not  drive  out  the  inhabitants  of  the  valley, 
because  they  had  ‘chariots  of  iron. 

p Josh.  15: 16,17.  1 Sam.  17:25.  18:23.  q 3:9.  r Gen.  33:11.  1 Sam.  25:18,23 
2 Cor.  9:5.  marg.  Heh.  6:7.  s 4:11,17.  Num.  10:29— 32.  24:21,22.  1 Sam.  15:6. 
1’Chr.  2:55.  tEx.3:l.  4:18.  18:1,7,12,14—17,27.  Num.  10:29.  u3:13.  Ilcuu 

34:3.  2 Chr.  28:16.  x Num.  21:1.  Josh. 12:14.  v Num.  10:32.  X See  on  3, 
a ‘2  Chr.  14:10.  Zephathah.  b Num.  14:45.  20:3.  Josh.  19:4.  c 3.3.  16:1,2,21. 
Ex.  23.31.  See  on  Josh.  13:3.  15:45—47.  1 Sam.  6:17.  d 2.  6:12,13.  Gen.  39* 
2,21.  Josh.  1:5,9.  11:12.  2Sam.  5:10.  Pe.  46:7,11.  Is.  7:14.  8:10.  41:10.14,15. 
Matt.  1:23.  Rom.  8:31.  § Or , he  possessed  the  mountain,  e 27 — 32.  Josh.  7i 
12  Matt.  14:30,31.  17:19,20.  Phil.  4:13.  f Josh.  11:1-9.  17:16—18. 

gather  their  food  as  dogs  under  his  table.  The  Israelites 
hearing  of  this,  probably  by  divine  direction,  retaliated  upon 
him ; and  his  own  conscience  extorted  from  him  a confession 
of  the  justice  of  God  in  this  punishment!  (Marg.  Ref.  h.) 
Some  have  thought  that  he  was  a true  penitent,  and  that  on 
this  account  his  life  was  spared. 

V.  8.  The  tribe  of  Judah  had,  perhaps  some  time  before, 
seized  on  the  city  of  Jerusalem  : though  part  of  it  lay  within 
the  lot  of  Benjamin,  which  seems  to  have  been  yielded  to 
them.  But  the  Jebusites  still  held  the  hill  of  Zion.  (Notes, 
21.  Josh.  15:63.  2 Sam.  5:6 — 8.) 

V.  10 — 15.  (Notes,  Josh.  15:13 — 19.)  The  words  ren- 
dered, 44  they  slew  Sheshai,  & c.”  may  be  rendered,  “they 
smote  Sheshai J’  In  the  passage  referred  to  it  is  said,  “Caleb 
drove  thence  the  three  sons  of  Anak:’1  but  it  is  not  clear  that 
he  slew  them.  (20) — The  same  expedition  is  evidently 
meant,  which  probably  took  place  at  this  time  ; but  the  account 
of  it  was  inserted  in  the  book  of  Joshua,  to  complete  the 
history  concerning  Caleb.  Having  been  employed  in  the 
public  affairs  of  Israel,  he  seems  not  till  this  time  to  have 
obtained  full  possession  of  the  inheritance  granted  him. 

V.  16.  (Note,  Num.  10:31,32.)  The  descendants  of  Ho- 
bab,  the  son  of  Jethro,  (who  it  seems  acceded  to  the  invita- 
tion given  him  by  Moses,)  at  their  first  entrance  into  Canaan, 
pitched  their  tents  near  Jericho,  called  also  “ The  city  of 
palm-trees,”  (Marg.  Ref.  u.)  which  lay  in  the  lot  of  Benja- 
min : but  afterwards  they  joined  themselves  to  Judah,  and 
settled  in  the  borders  of  the  wilderness,  where  they  seem  to 
have  lived  a quiet  life,  little  interfering  in  public  affai'i. 
(Notes,  4:11.  1 Chr.  2:55.  Jer.  35:1—7.) 

V.  17.  Marg.  Ref.  Note , Josh.  12:14. 

Y.  18.  The  Philistines  having  been  spared,  contrary  to 
the  divine  command,  when  the  ir  cities  were  taken,  in  a short 
time  recovered  possession  of  them,  and  were  indeed  “pricks 
in  the  eyes  and  thorns  in  the  sides”  of  Israel,  during  many 
ages.  (Note,  Josh.  23:13.) 

V.  19.  The  men  of  Judah  were  unable  to  drive  out  the 
inhabitants  of  the  valley;  not  that  the  Lord  refused  to  help 
them,  but  because  their  courage  and  faith  failed  them  at  the 
sight  of  the  iron  chariots,  which  were  of  no  use  in  the  moun- 
tain. (Note,  Josh.  17:16.)  They  forgot  how  Joshua  had 
attacked  and  de.'troyed  tho  Canaanites,  who  had  this  form*- 


B.  C.  1425* 


CHAPTER  I.  B.  C.  1425 


20  And  ‘they  gave  Hebron  unto  Caleb,  as 
Moses  said : and  he  expelled  thence  hthe  three 
sons  of  Anak. 

21  And  the  children  of  'Benjamin  did  not  drive 
out  the  Jebusites  that  inhabited  Jerusalem ; but 
the  Jebusites  dwell  with  the  children  of  Benjamin 
in  Jerusalem  unto  this  day. 

22  H And  kthe  house  ol  Joseph,  they  also  went 
up  against  Bcth-el : and  'the  Lord  was  with  them. 

23  And  the  house  of  Joseph  "teent  to  descry 
Beth-el.  (Now  the  name  of  the  city  before  was 
“Luz.) 

24  And  the  spies  saw  a man  come  forth  out  of 
the  city,  and  they  said  unto  him,  Show  us,  we 
pray  thee,  the  entrance  into  the  city,  and  “we  will 
show  thee  mercy. 

25  And  when  he  showed  them  the  entrance 
into  the  city,  pthey  smote  the  city  with  the  edge 
of  the  sword : but  they  let  go  the  man  and  all  his 
family. 

26  And  the  man  went  into  •'the  land  of  the 
Hittites,  and  built  a city,  and  called  the  name 
thereof  Luz : which  is  the  name  thereof  unto  this 
day. 

27  H Neither  did  TManasseh  drive  out  the  in- 
habitants of  sBeth-shean  and  her  towns,  nor 
•Taanach  and  her  towns,  nor  the  inhabitants  of 
Dor  and  her  towns,  nor  the  inhabitants  of  Ibleam 
and  her  towns,  nor  the  inhabitants  of  Megiddo 
and  her  towns : but  the  Canaanites  would  dwell 
in  that  land. 

28  And  it  came  to  pass,  “when  Israel  was 

t Num. 14:24.  Dcut.  1:36.  Josh.  11:9— 14.  15:13,14.  21:11,12.  h See  on  10. 
Kiim.  13:22.  i 19:10— 12.  Josh.  15:63.  18:11— 28.  2 Sum.  5.6— 9.  k Nam.  1: 
10:32.  Josh.  14:4.  16:1—4.  1 Chr.  7:29.  Rev.  7:8.  1 See  on  19.  2 Kings  18.7. 
m 18:2.  Josh.  2:1.  7:2.  n Gen.  28:19.  33.6  . 48:3.  o Josh.  2:12— 14.  1 Sam. 
30:13.  p Josh.  6:22 — 25.  q 2 Kings 7:6.  2 Chr.  1:17.  r Josh.  17:11— 13.  s Nee 
on  Josh.  17:11 — 13.  1 5: 19.  Josh.  21:25.  u Ex.  23:32.  Deut.  7:2.  1 Sam.  15:9. 


dable  advantage:  and  when  they  lost  their  confidence  in  God, 
they  could  do  nothing.  (Notes,  Josh.  11:4 — G.  Matt.  14:28 — 32.) 

V.  21.  When  this  history  was  written,  probably  by  Sa- 
muel, the  Jebusites  kept  possession  of  mount  Zion,  which  lay 
in  the  lot  of  Judah  ; and  they  seem  also  to  have  lived  under 
tribute  with  the  ‘Benjamites  in  that  part  of  the  city  which 
belonged  to  them.  (Note,  8.) 

V.  22 — 26.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  assailants  of  Bethel, 
having  seized  a man  of  the  race  of  the  Canaanites,  found  out, 
by  his  means,  some  unguarded  place  or  private  entrance, 
by  which  they  took  the  city.  He  seems  to  have  acted,  not 
from  faith  in  God  or  love  to  Israel,  but  out  of  fear,  and  to  save 
his  life:  and  therefore,  when  set  at  liberty,  he  did  not  unite 
interests  with  the  worshippers  of  Jehovah,  as  Rahab  had 
done  ; (Notes,  Josh.  2:4 — 11.)  but  retiring  to  his  countrymen, 
who  had  sought  shelter  in  some  adjacent  regions,  he  built  a 
city,  which  he  called  after  his  own  city:  yet  not  Bethel,  or 
the  house  of  God ; but  according  to  its  old  name,  Luz.  (Note, 
Gen.  28:19.) 

Land  of  the  Hittites.  (26)  The  Scripture  does  not  any 
where  show,  where  this  land  of  the  Hittites  was  situated:  but 
it  was  without  the  boundaries  of  the  promised  land.  (Note, 
2 Kings  6:7.)  This  confirms  the  opinion,  that  the  Israelites 
might  spare  the  lives  of  such  Canaanites,  as  either  submitted 
to  become  slaves,  and  renounced  idolatry,  or  emigrated  into 
other  regions.  (Notes,  Josh.  6:2.  9:3 — 5.  11:19,20.) 

V.  28.  The  people  neglected  their  opportunity  through 
self-indulgence,  when  they  had  their  enemies  in  their  power; 
probably  letting  the  idolaters  live  among  them  as  tenants,  even 
in  the  villages : and  afterwards  they  were  unable  to  drive  them 
out.  Thus  their  sin  prepared  its  own  punishment,  and  the 
love  of  present  ease  became  the  cause  of  their  perpetual  dis- 
quiet. (Notes,  1,18.  Josh.  17:11 — 15.23:13.)  t 

V.  34, 35.  In  the  distress  of  the  Danites,  the  descendants 
of  Joseph  seem  to  have  come  to  their  assistance ; and  thus 
they  checked  the  progress  of  the  Amorites,  confined  them 
within  narrow  limits,  and  compelled  them  to  pay  tribute  to  the 
Danites.  None  of  these  tribes,  mentioned  in  the  latter  part 
of  the  chapter,  properly  improved  their  advantages,  satisfy- 
ing themselves  with  rendering  those  tributaries,  whom  the 
Lord  had  commanded  them  utterly  to  destroy,  or  at  least  to 
expel  from  the  country,  unless  they  renounced  idolatry,  and 
submitted  to  be  bond  slaves.  The  power  of  the  Amorites 
and  Philistines  soon  compelled  the  Danites  to  seek  possessions 
in  a distant  part  of  the  land.  (Notes,  18:  Josh.  19:40 — 48.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

No  detached  efforts,  however  judicious  and  spirited,  with- 
out steady  and  constant  perseverance,  can  effect  important 
changes,  rectify  abuses  in  church  or  state,  or  give  permanent 
and  enlarged  success  to  true  religion.  For  all  such  attempts 
may  be  compared  to  raising  a large  weight  to  a great  height,  in 
which  the  whole  labour  is  lost,  if  the  exertion  ceases  before  the 
object  be  %lly  accomplished. — They  who  have  the  precedency 
in  rank  emulation,  should  go  before  others  in  every  good 


strong,  that  they  put  the  Canaanites  to  tribute, 
and  tfiti  not  utterly  drive  them  out. 

29  Neither  did  ““Ephraim  drive  out  the  Ca- 
naanites that  dwelt  in  Gezer  : but  the  Canaanites 
dwelt  in  Gezer  among'  them. 

30  Neither  did  Zebulun  drive  out  the  inha- 
bitants of  Kitron,nor  the  inhabitants  ofyNahalol : 
but  the  Canaanites  dwelt  among  them,  and  became 
tributaries. 

31  Neither  did  “Asher  drive  out  the  inhabitants 
of  Accho,  nor  the  inhabitants  of  Zidon,  nor  oi 
Ahlab,  nor  of  Achzib,  nor  of  Helbah,  nor  of  Aphik, 
nor  of  Rehob  : 

32  But  the  Asherites  dwelt  among  the  Ca 
naanites,  the  inhabitants  of  the  land;  lor  they  did 
not  drive  them  out. 

33  Neither  did  “Naphtali  drive  out  the  inha- 
bitants of  Beth-shemesh,  nor  the  inhabitants  of 
Beth-anath  ; butbhe  dwelt  among  the  Canaanites, 
the  inhabitants  of  the  land : nevertheless  the 
inhabitants  of  Beth-shemesh  and  of  Beth-anath 
“became  tributaries  unto  them. 

34  And  dthe  Amorites  forced  the  children  ol 
Dan  into  the  mountain;  for  they  would  not  suffer 
them  to  come  down  to  the  valley  : 

35  But  the  Amorites  would  dwell  in  mount 
Heres  in  “Aijalon,  and  in  'Shaalbim  : yet  the  hand 
of  the  house  of  Joseph  'prevailed,  so  that  they 
became  tributaries. 

36  And  the  coast  of  the  Amorites  was  sfrom 
'the  going  up  to  Akrabbim,  from  the  rock,  and 
upward. 


Ps.  106:34,35.  Jer.48:10.  x See  on  Josh.  16:10.  1 Kings  9:16.  yjosli.19: 
15.  Nahallal.  z See  on  Josh.  19:24 — 30.  a See  on  Josh.  19:32 — 38.  b 32. 
c 30,35.  d 18:1.  Josh.  19:47.  e 12:12.  Josh.  10— 12.  Ajalon.  f Josh.  19:42. 
Shaalabbin.  1 Kings  4:9.  * Heb  .toas  heavy.  gNum.34:4.  Josh.  15:2,3.  t Or, 
Maaleh-akrabbim. 


work,  undismayed  by  dangers  and  difficulties,  that  they  may 
animate  them  by  their  example : the  strongest  ought  not  to 
despise,  but  to  value  the  assistance  of  the  weakest ; and  it 
becomes  the  people  of  God  to  unite  together  and  help  each 
other  against  their  common  enemies ; and  especially  to  assist 
the  whole  “church  militant  here  on  earth,”  with  their  constant 
and  fervent  prayers. — We  are  sure  to  have  all  profitable  suc- 
cess, when  we  engage  in  any  enterprise  according  to  the 
Lord’s  direction,  and  in  dependence  on  his  help  : and  whatever 
labour,  conduct,  or  courage  we  display,  or  whatever  human 
aid  we  employ,  to  him  the  whole  glory  belongs. — What  a slip- 
pery place  is  worldly  prosperity  ! especially  when  it  increases 
pride,  insolence,  or  cruelty  ; for  “ a haughty  spirit  goes  before 
a fall.”  Men  often  read  their  crimes  in  their  punishment : and 
at.  la^t  every  mouth  shall  be  stopped,  and  all  sinners  be  con- 
strained to  admit  the  justice  of  God  in  their  extremest  mise- 
ries. Happy  they,  who  justify^  him  in  their  temporal  afflic- 
tions, plead  guilty  before  his  mercy-seat,  and  by  repentance 
and  faith  seek  deliverance  from  the  wrath  to  come.  (Note% 
Rom.  3:19,20.) — Great  things  might  be  achieved  by  the  pro- 
fessors of  the  gospel,  if  they  unitedly  endeavoured  to  promote 
the  common  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness:  for  then  the 
“Lord  would  be  with  them,” and  every  mountain  would  sink 
into  a plain.  But  when  outward  difficulties  are  viewed  by 
the  eye  of  sense,  and  the  Almighty  power  of  God  is  forgot- 
ten, our  hearts  grow  discouraged,  our  expectations  feeble,  and 
our  attempts  timid  and  wavering:  and  then  no  wonder  that 
we  do  not  prosper;  for  according  to  our  faith  will  be  our 
vigour,  zeal,  and  success.  Love  of  ease,  indulgence,  and 
worldly  advantages,  both  spring  from,  and  foster  unbelief. 
Thus  many  an  awakened  sinner,  who  seemed  to  have  escaped 
Satan’s  bondage,  “ is  entangled  again,  and  overcome,  and  his 
last  state  is  worse  than  the  first.”  Thus  even  many  a be- 
liever, who  begins  well,  is  hindered:  he  grows  negligent  and 
unwatchful,  and  afraid  of  the  cross;  his  graces  languish,  his 
evil  propensities  revive,  Satan  perceives  his  advantage,  and 
plies  him  with  suitable  temptations ; the  world  recovers  its 
hold  ; he  loses  his  peace,  brings  guilt  into  his  conscience,  an- 
guish into  his  heart,  discredit  upon  his  character,  and  reproach' 
upon  the  gospel ; his  hands  are  tied,  his  mouth  is  closed,  and 
his  usefulness  ruined.  And  though,  through  sharp  rebukes 
and  salutary  chastisements,  he  be  so  recovered,  that  ho  do 
not  finally  perish  ; yet  he  may  lament  through  his  remaining 
days,  and  groan  upon  his  dying  bed,  to  reflect  what  opportu- 
nities of  glorifying  God  and  serving  his  church  he  has  irre- 
coverably lost : nay,  perhaps  in  that  solemn  hour,  he  will  be 
distressed  wirh  perplexing’doubts  about  the  state  of  his  own 
soul!  (P.  O.  Heb.  4:1 — 11.)  Even  the  very  best  of  Chris- 
tians in  this  way  suffer  some  loss,  and  do  not  live  up  to  the 
extent  of  their  privileges  and  usefulness.  Let  us  then  “ watch 
and  be  sober,”  and  pursue  our  victory  against  every  inbred 
foe;  not  content  with  supposed  delivery  from  the  dominion 
of  sin,  but  aiming  continually  to  weaken  and  “crucify  the 
flesh  with  its  affections  and  lusts,”  even  unto  entire  extir* 
( 427  ) 


B.  C.  1410 


JUDGES. 


B.  C.  1410 


CHAPTER  II. 

An  angel  rebukes  the  -people  for  disobedience  : and  the  place  is  called  Bochim, 
from  their  weeping,  1 — 5.  They  serve  the  Lord  till  Joshua  and  the  elders 
die  ; but  in  the  next  generation  run  into  shameful  idolatries , 6 — 13.  (Jod  is 
angry  with  them  , yet  pities  their  distresses,  and  raises  up  judges  to  deliver 
them,  14 — 18.  Their  ingratitude  provokes  him  to  permit  the  Caruumiles  to 
remain  in  order  to  prove  Israel , 19—23. 

AND  “an  'Angel  of  the  Lord  came  up  from 
Gilgal  to  bBochim,  and  said,  CI  made  you  to 
go  up  out  of  Egypt  and  dhave  brought  you  unto 
the  land  which  I sware  unto  your  fathers;  and  I 
said,  eI  will  never  break  my  covenant  with  you. 

2  And  fye  shall  make  no  league  with  the  inha- 
bitants of  this  land ; ye  shall  throw  down  their 
altars : shut  ye  have  not  obeyed  my  voice  : hwhy 
have  ye  done  this  ? 

3  Wherefore  I also  said,  I will  not  drive  them 
out  from  before  you ; but  they  shall  be  as  thorns 
in  your  sides,  and  ftheir  gods  shall  be  a snare  unto 
you. 

4  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  Angel  of  the 
Lord  spake  these  words  unto  all  the  children  of 
Israel,  that  kthe  people  lifted  up  their  voice,  and 
wept. 

5  And  they  called  the  name  of  that  place 
‘Bochim : and  'they  sacrificed  there  unto  the 
Lord. 

b.  c.-i  6 ^ And  when  mJoshua  had  let  the  people 
h«.  J g-0;  the  children  of  Israel  went  every  man 
unto  his  inheritance  to  possess  the  land. 

7 And  "the  people  served  the  Lord  all  the  days 
of  Joshua,  and  all  the  days  of  the  elders  that 
^outlived  Joshua,  who  had  seen  all  the  great 
works  of  the  Lord  that  he  did  for  Israel. 
b.  c.-j  8 And  “Joshua,  the  son  of  Nun,  the 
H26.  J servant  of  the  Lord,  died,  being  an  hun- 
dred and  ten  years  old. 

9  And  they  buried  him  in  the  border  of  his 
inheritance  in  pTimnath-heres,  in  the  mount  of 
Ephraim,  on  the  north  side  of  the  hill  Gaash. 

10  And  also  all  that  generation  were  ‘■gathered 
unto  their  fathers:  and  there  arose  another 


a 6:12.  13:3.  Gen.  16:7— 10,13.  22:11,12.  43:16.  Ex. 3:2— 6.  14:19.  23  20.33: 
14.  Josh.  5:13,14.  Is.  63:9.  Hos.  12:3— 5.  Zech.  3:1,2.  Mai.  3:1.  Acts  7:30— 33. 
• Or,  messenger,  b 5.  c Ex.  3:7,8.  14:14.  20:2.  Deut.  4:34.  Ps.  78.51— 53. 
105:36—38.  d Gen . 12:7  . 22:16,17.  -26:3,4.  Josh.  3:10.  Ps.  105:44.45.  e See  on 
Gen.  17:7,8.  Lev.  26:42.  Num.  14:34.  Ps.  89:34.  Jer.  14:21.  33:20,21.  Zech.  II: 
10.  f Ex.  23:32,33.  34:12— 16.  Num.  33:52,53.  Dent.  7:2— 4, 16,25, 2G.  12:2.3. 
20:16—18.  2 Cor.  6:14— 17.  p Ezra  9:1 — 3,10 — 13.  Ps.  7S:55— 59.  106:34—40. 
Jer.  7:23-23.  2Thes.  1:8.  1 Pet.  4:17.  h Gen.  3:11,12.  4:10.  Ex.  32:21.  Jer. 
2:5,18,31—33,36.  i 21.  Num.  33.55.  Josh.  23: 13.  j Ex.  23:33.  34:12.  Deut.  7: 
16.  1 Kinps  11:1—7.  Ps.  106:36.  k lNam.  7:6.  Ezra  10:1.  Prov.  17-10.  Jer.  31: 
9.  Zech.  12:10.  Luke6:21.  7:38.  2Cor.7:10.  Jam.  4:9.  t That  is,  weepers. 
Gen.  35  8.  Josh.  7:26.  I 6:24 . 1319.  1 Sam.  7:9.  m Josh. 22:6.  24:28.  n Josh. 
24.31.  2 Kings  12:2.  2 Chr.  24:2,14— 22.  Phil.  2:12.  JHcb . prolong'd  days 
after  Joshua,  o Josh.  24:29,30.  p Josh.  19:50.  24:30.  Timnath'-serah.  q Gen. 
15:15.  25:8,17.  49:33.  Nuhi.  27:13.  Deut.  31:16.  2 Sam.  7. 12.  Acts  13:36.  r Ex. 
5:2.  1 Sam.  2:12.  1 Chr.  28:9.  Job 21:14.  Ps.  92:5,6.  Is.  5:12.  Jer.  9:3.  22:16. 
31:34.  Gal.  4:8,9.  2 Thes  1 :8.  Tit.  1:16.  s 4:1.  6:1.  13:1.  Gen.  13:13.  38:7. 


pation.  For  we  can  have  no  fellowship  with  the  enemies 
of  God  within  us  or  around  us,  but  to  our  hurt ; and 
therefore  our  only  wisdom  and  interest  is,  to  declare  and 
maintain  unceasing  war  against  them,  even  unto  the  end  of 
our  days. 

NOTES. — Chap.  IT.  V.  1 — 5.  The  language  of  the 
reproof  here  given,  demonstrates  who  this  angel  was.  (Notes, 
Gen.  16:10,11.  22:11,12,16—18.  48:16.  Ex.  3:2.)  ‘These 
words  evidently  show,  that  it  was  not  a created  angel,  hut  an 
uncreated,  even  that  very  person  who  appeared  to  Joshua 
hard  by  Jericho,  (Josh.  5:13,14.)  which  I have  shown  there 
was  God  himself.  For  who  but  God  could  speak  in  this 
style,  “ I made  you  to  go  out  of  Egypt?”  No  prophet,  nor 
any  created  angel,  would  have  been  so  bold  ; but  would  have 
prefaced  to  this  speech,  in  some  such  words  as  these,  “ Thus 
saith  the  Lord,  I have  made  you  to  go,  &c.”  Supposing 
then  this  angel  to  be  the  same  with  him  that  appeared,  it  was 
fit  for  him  now  to  appear  as  coming  from  Gilgal,  to  put  (hem 
in  mind  of  that  illustrious  appearance  of  God  near  that  place, 
and  the  assurance  that  he  gave  them  of  his  presence  with 
«hem  in  the  conquest  of  Ihe  land,  and  the  solemn  covenant 
•hey  made  with  him,  by  the  renewing  of  circumcision  in  that 
place  ; which  upbraided  them  with  their  base  ingratitude  to 
God,  and  their  sloth  in  not  endeavouring  to  expel  the  Canaan- 
ites.”  Bp.  Patrick.  (Notes,  Josh.  5:2 — 10,13—15.  6:3 — 5.) — 
It  was  then  the  great  Angel  of  the  covenant,  the  Word  and 
Son  of  God,  who  spake  as  Jf.hovah,  as  HE  who  brought 
Israel  out  of  Egypt,  put  them  in  possession  of  Canaan, 
entered  into  covenant  with  them,  gave  them  commandments, 
and  now  called  them  to  account  for  their  disobedience  ; show- 
ing that  they,  not  he,  had  violated  the  national  covenant. 
(Marg.  Ref.  f— j.  Notes,  23.  Ex.  23:20—23.  34:1 1—17.  Josh. 
23:13.)  He  first  appeared  at  Gilgal,  and  afterwards  was  seen 
coming  to  Shiloh,  where  the  people  were  assembled  at  one  of 
he:  r solemn  feasts  : for  it  is  probable,  from  the  sacrifico  which 
thay  offered,  that  they  were  at  Shiloh. — The  spot  where  he 
( 428  \ 


feneration  after  them,  which  rknew  not  the 
iord,  nor  yet  the  works  which  he  had  done  for 

Israel.  L Practical  Observations .] 

11  And  the  children  of  Israel  ‘did  evil  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord,  ‘and  served  Baalim. 

12  And  they  “forsook  the  Lord  God  of  their 
fathers,  which  brought  them  out  of  the  land  of 
Egypt,  and  followed  'other  gods,  of  the  gods  of 
the  people  that  were  round  about  them,  and  “bowed 
themselves  unto  them,  and  provoked  the  Lord  to 
anger. 

13  And  they  forsook  the  Lord,  and  ^served 
Baal  and  Ashtaroth. 

14  And  'the  an^er  of  the  Lord  was  hot  against 
Israel,  and  “lie  delivered  them  into  the  hands  Qf 
spoilers  that  spoiled  them,  and  he  bsold  them  into 
the  hands  of  their  enemies  round  about,  so  that 
they  “could  not  any  longer  stand  before  their 
enemies. 

15  Whithersoever  they  went  out,  the  hand  ol 
the  Lord  was  dagainst  them  for  evil,  “as  the  Lord 
had  said,  and  as  the  Lord  had  ‘sworn  unto  them: 
and  they  were  ^greatly  distressed. 

16  Nevertheless,  hthe  Lord  raised  up  judges, 
which  ^delivered  them  out  of  the  hand  of  those 
that  spoiled  them. 

17  And  yet  'tney  would  not  hearken  unto  their 
judges,  but  they  wTent  a kwhoring  after  other  gods, 
and  bowed  themselves  unto  them : they  turned 
'quickly  out  of  the  way  mwhich  their  fathers 
walked  in,  obeying  the  commandments  of  the 
Lord;  but  they  did  not  so. 

18  And  when  the  Lord  raised  them  up  judges, 
then  "the  Lord  was  with  the  judge,  and  deli- 
vered them  out  of  the  hand  of  their  enemies  all 
the  days  of  the  judge:  for  it  “repented  the  Lord 
because  of  ‘their  groanings,  by  reason  of  them 
that  oppressed  them  and  vexed  them. 

19  And  it  came  to  pass,  iwhen  the  judge  was 
dead,  that  they  returned,  and  “corrupted  them- 


2 Chr.  33:2.6.  Ez.8:12.  l 3:7.  10:6,10.  1 Sam. 7:4.  1 Kings  18:18.  2 Chr.  28:3. 
33:3.  Jer.  2:23.  9:11.  Hos.  2:13— 17.  u See  on  Deut.  13:5.  29:18.25.  31:16,17. 
32:15.  33.17.  v 5:8.  Deut.  6:14,15.  x See  on  Ex.  20.5.  v 11.  I .Sam.  31 : 10, 
1 Kings  11:5,33.  2Ki»gs23:I3.  1 Cor.  8:5.  10:20—22.  7.10:7.  Lev.  26:28 

Num.  32:14.  Deut.  28:20,58.  29:19,20.  31:17,18.  2Chr.  36:16.  Ps.  106:40 — 42. 
a 2 Kings  17:20.  2 Chr.  15:5.  b 3;S.  4:2.  Ps.  44:12.  Is.  50:1.  c 1:19,34.  Lev. 
26:37.  Deut.  32:30.  Josh.  7.12,13.  Ps.  44  9,10.  Jer.  37: 10.  d Jer.  18  8.  21:10. 
44:11,27.  Mic.  2:3.  e Lev.  26:15,  kc.  Deut.  4:25— 28.  28:15,  &c.  Josh.  23:15. 
16.  f Deut.  32:40,41.  g 10:9.  1 Sam.  13:6.  14:24.  30:6  . 2 f or.  4:8.  h 3:9,10, 
15.  4:5.  6:14.  1 Sam.  12:11.  Acts  13:20.  § Heb. sawed.  Neb.  9:27.  i 1 Sam. 

8:5-8.  12:12,17,19.  2 Chr.  36:15,16.  Ps.  i06:43.  k Ex.  34:15,16.  Lev.  17:7. 
Ps.  73:27.  lt)6:39.  Hos.  2:2.  Rev.  17:1—5.  1 Ex.  32:8.  Deut.  9:12,16.  Gal.  1:6. 
m 7.  Josh.  24:24,31.  n Ex.  3:12.  Josh.  1:5.  Acts  18:9,10.  o 10:16.  Gen.  6:6. 
Deut.  32  36.  Ps.  90:13.  106:44,45.  Jer.  18:7— 10.  Jon.  3:10.  p Ex.  2:24.  2 Kings 
13:4,22,23.  Us.  12:5.  q See  on  7.  3:11,12.  4:1.  8:33.  Josh.  24:31.  2 Chr.  24:17, 
18.  H Or,  were  corrupt. 


Appeared  was  called  Bochim , or  The  weepers , because  of 
their  weeping.  But  though  they  showed  signs  of  deep 
humiliation,  and  many  of  them  might  he  truly  penitent ; yet 
the  subsequent  history  evinces  that  no  general  or  permanent 
reformation  took  place. 

V.  6 — 10.  (Josh.  24:29 — 31.)  This  part  of  the  history 
seems  here  repeated,  to  show  the  reason  given  for  the  severe 
reproof  just  before  mentioned.  While  Joshua  lived  the  people 
had  served  the  Lord  with  considerable  diligence  : hut  after 
his>lealh,  and  that  of  the  elders,  who  by  their  authority  and 
admonitions  had  kept  them  to  the  worship  of  God,  they 
relapsed  into  idolatry.  As  the  elders,  who  survived  Joshua, 
might,  some  of  them  at  least,  live  several  years  afler  his 
decease:  this  term  should  he  deducted  from  the  general 
account  of  Israel’s  idolatries,  recorded  in  this  hook.  (See 
Preface.) — The  place  where  Joshua  was  buried,  is  here 
called  Timnath-Zieres,  instead  of  Timnath-sera/i : the  word 
heres  signifies  the  sun  ; and  it  has  been  thought,  that  it  was 
so  called,  because  of  some  memorial  there  erected,  of  the 
Lord’s  miraculously  retarding  the  course  of  the  sun  at  Joshua’s 
word.  (Notcy  Josh.  10:12 — 14.) 

V.  11 — 13.  Baalim  and  Ashtaroth  are  both  plural,  the 
one  masculine,  and  the  other  feminine  ; and  they  seem  to  be 
used  generally  for  all  the  gods  and  goddesses,  which  were 
worshipped  by  the  neighbouring  nations.  ( Note , 10:fi — 9.) 

V.  14.  He  sold  them.]  As  the  judge  was  used  to  sell  the 
criminal,  or  the  creditor  the  debtor,  for  a slave,  that  the 
injured  party  might  be  reimbursed  by  their  price  ; so  the 
Lord  recovered,  as  it  were,  that  glory  by  punishing  Israel,  of 
which  they  had  robbed  him  by  their  sins;  and  he  made  tl»e 
Canaanites  the  instruments  of  his  righteous  indignation. 
(Marg.  Ref.  JVotes , Deut.  32:30,31.  Is.  50:1 — 3.) 

V.  15 — 22.  (Marg.  Rtf.)  These  verses  contain  a general 
account  of  the  state  of  Israel,  after  their  relapse  into  idolatry, 
(10,11.)  during  the  days  J the  judges;  which  is  more  parti- 
cularly illustrated  in  the  subset  jiiei  1 chapters. 


B.  C.  1102. 


CHAPTER  III, 


B.  C.  1403. 


selves  rmore  than  their  fathers,  in  following  other 
gods  to  serve  them,  and  to  bow  down  unto  them : 
they  "ceased  not  from  their  own  doings,  nor  from 
their  'stubborn  way. 

20  And  ‘the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  hot  against 
Israel ; and  he  said,  Because  that  this  people  hath 
“transgressed  my  covenant  which  I commanded 
their  fathers,  and  have  not  hearkened  unto  my 
voice ; 

21  I also  “will  not  henceforth  drive  out  any 
from  before  them,  of  the  nations  which  Joshua 
.eft  when  he  died ; 

22  That  ^through  them  I may  ‘prove  Israel, 
whether  they  will Tkeep>  the  way  of  the  Lord,  to 
walk  therein,  as  their  fathers  did  keep- it,  or  not. 

23  Therefore  the  Lord  heft  those  nations, 
without  driving  them  out  hastily ; neither  deli- 
vered he  them  into  the  hand  of  Joshua. 


r Jer.  16:12.  Matt.  23:3"2.  * Heb.  let  nothing  fall  of  their,  s 1 Sam.  15:23.  Ps. 
78:8.  Jer.  3:17.  23:17.  t 14.  3:8.  10:7.  Ex.  32:10,11.  Deut.  32:22.  uEx.24: 
3—8.  Deut.  20:10—13.  Josh.  23:16  . 24:21—25.  Jer.  31:32.  Ez.  20:37.  x 3.  3:3. 
Josh. 23:13.  Ez. 20:24 — 26.  ySeeon3:l — 4.  zGeii.22:l.  Deut.  8:2,16.  18:3. 
BChr.  32:31.  Job  23:10.  Ps.66:10.  Prov.  17:3.  Mai.  3:2,3.  t Or,  suffered. 
a 2:21,22.  Deut.  7:22.  b Deut.  8:2,16.  2 Chr.  32:31.  Job  23:10.  Prov.  17:3.  Jer. 

Repented.  (18)  Note,  Gen.  G:G,7.  Deut.  32:36. — ‘He  altered 
the  course  of  his  providence.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

When  the  judge  was  dead,  Sac.  (19)  While  the  several 
judges  lived,  religion  was  generally  upheld. 

V.  23.  The  Lord  foresaw  the  future  conduct  of  Israel,  and 
therefore  so  ordered  it  in  his  Providence,  that  a remnant  of 
the  Canaanites  should  be  spared  : that  by  them  the  proneness 
of  his  people  to  idolatry  might  both  be  manifested  and  chas- 
tised. (Notes,  1 — 4.  3:1,2.  Josh.  23:13.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  The  goodness  of  God  to  mankind,  his  faithful 
engagements  to  those  who  trust  him,  and  the  beneficial 
tendency  of  all  his  precepts,  combine  to  enhance  the  evil  of 
every  transgression : yet  men  will  often  gratify  their  impor- 
tunate lusts,  though  their  own  reason  and  conscience  testify, 
that  they  are  acting  a foolish  and  ungrateful  part ! for,  as  no 
good  reason  can  be  given  for  disobedience,  it  is  much  more 
easy  to  convince  the  judgment,  than  to  dispose  the  heart  to 
renounce  sinful  pursuits.  But  if  transgressors  cannot  endure 
the  rebukes  of  God’s  word,  and  the  convictions  of  their  own 
conscience : how  will  they  be  able  to  stand  before  the  tribunal 
of  the  holy,  heart-searching  Judge,  who  now  in  the  endeared 
character  of  a Saviour,  and  in  the  mild  accents  of  love,  warns 
and  persuades  them,  to  “ repent  and  turn  to  God,  and  do 
works  meet  for  repentance  ?” — “ As  many  as  he  loves,  he 
rebukes  and  chastens  indeed  all  temporal  afflictions  are  in 
their  tendency  custigatory,  and  warn  men  to  forsake  sin,  and 
seek  forgiveness,  ere  it  be  too  late : but  the  eternal  punish- 
ment of  the  world  to  come  will  be  entirely  penal,  the  final 
vengeance  ofGod  upon  his  incorrigible  enemies. — It  is  pleasing 
to  see  men  weep  for  their  sins  : but  though  such  relentings 
attend  that  “ godly  sorrow,  which  worketh  repentance  unto 
salvation,  not  to  be  repented  of;”  yet  they  frequently  wear 
oft':  nay,  even  faith  in  the  atoning  sacrifice  of  Christ  may  be 
professed,  and  the  memorial  of  his  dying  love  attended  on, 
with  great  apparent  affection,  yet  without  renovation  of  heart 
and  newness  of  life.  We  have  to  mourn  over  many,  whom 
on  such  grounds  we  supposed  to  be  converts,  and  to  regret 
“ that  their  goodness  is  as  a morning  cloud,  and  as  the  early 
dew  it  goeth  away.”  ( Hos . 6:4.) — The  worship  of  God  is  in 
its  own  nature  joy,  praise,  and  thanksgiving,  and  our  crimes 
alone  render  weeping  needful : yet  considering  what  we  are, 
und  what  we  have  done,  it  is  much  to  be  wished,  that  our 
religious  assemblies  were  more  frequently  called  “ Bochim,” 
“the  place  of  the  weepers.”  “ Blessed  are  they  that  mourn, 
for  they  shall  be  comforted.” — Were  we  duly  attentive  to  the 
word  of  God,  we  might  foresee  many  of  those  events  which 
take  place  in  his  Providence.  We  might  especially  foretell 
severe  afflictions  to  those  godly  persons,  who  associate  and 
connect  themselves  with  the  openly  profane  ; or  who  relax 
their  diligence  in  mortifying  and  striving  against  sin,  and  in 
watching  against  temptation. — Alas ! that  prevalence  of 
religion,  which  appears  in  times  of  general  reformation,  often 
arises  from  temporary  affections  and  personal  regards : so 
that  when  the  influence  and  example  of  some  respected  or 
beloved  person  cease  ; when  there  is  no  longer  any  fear  of 
grieving  him,  or  being  rebuked  by  him ; and  when  the  emotion 
of  the  passions  subsides ; men’s  unmortified  lusts  again 
recover  the  ascendency,  and  many  fair  appearances  die  away. 
We  have  need  therefore  to  examine  how  matters  stand  with 
ourselves,  and  to  pray  without  ceasing,  “ that  we  may  be 
rooted  and  grounded  in  love,”  and  “ that  Christ  may  indeed 
dwell  in  our  hearts  by  faith.”  And  pious  parents  should  be 
very  diligent  in  instructing  their  children,  and  very  earnest  in 
praying  that  they  may  inherit  their  faith  and  grace  : for  the 
speedy  decline  of  religion,  after  it  has  been  very  flourishing, 
must  generally  be  ascribed  in  great  measure  to  their  negli- 
gence in  this  respect ; so  that  very  often  the  ignorance  and 
ungodliness  of  children  are  a disgrace  to  the  memory  of  their 
parents. 


CHAPTER  III. 

The  nations  left  to  prove  Israel , 1 — 4.  'The  people  are  seducel  by  them  into 
idolatry , 5—7  ; sold  into  the  hand  of  Chushan-nnhalhaim  king  of  Mesopota- 
mia, but  delivered  by  Othniel,  8 — 11  : and  into  that  of  Eglon  Icing  of  Moab , 
but  delivered  by  Ehud,  12—30.  Shamgar  slays  six  liwvlrci  Philistines  with 
an  ox-goad , 31. 

NOW  these  are  “the  nations  which  the  Lord 
left,  to  bprove  Israel  by  them ; ( even  as  many 
of  Israel  cas  had  not  known  all  the  wars  of  Ca- 
naan ; 

2  Only  that  the  generations  of  the  children  of 
Israel  dmight  know  to  teach  them  war,  at  the  least 
such  as  before  knew  nothing  thereof; 

3  Namely,  “five  lords  of  the  Philistines,  and  all 
the  f Canaanites,  and  the  eSidonians,  and  the 
Hivites  that  dwelt  bin  mount  Lebanon,  from  mounl 
Baal-hermon  unto  the  entering  in  of  Hamath. 

4  And  they  were  ‘to  prove  Israel  by  them,  to 
know  whether  they  would  hearken  unto  the  com- 

6-27.  17:9,10.  Zech.  13:9.  John 2:24.  1 Pel.  1:7.  4:12.  Rex.  2:23.  c2:10.  dGen. 
2:17.  3:5,7.  2 Chr.  12:8.  Malt.  10:34—39.  John  16:33.  1 Cor.  9.26,27.  Epli.  6: 
11— 18.  ITthi.  6:12.  2 Tim.  2:3.  4:7.  e 10:7.  14:4.  Josh.  13:3.  1 Sam.  4:1,2. 
6:18.  13:5,19--23.  29:2.  14:2,23,24.  Gen.  10:15— 19.  Num.  13:29.  g 10:12. 
18:7.  Gen.  49:13.  Josh.  11:8-13.  19:28.  h Num.  31:8.  Deut.  1:7.  8:9.  Josh. 
11:3.13:5.  i See  on  1.  Ex.  15:25.  Deut.  33:8.  1 Cor.  11:19.  2 Thes.  2:9— 12. 


V.ll — 23.  The  carnal  mind  of  man  is  enmity  against 
God : the  tendency  of  our  fallen  nature  is  to  apostacy  ; and 
the  vilest  lust,  or  the  meanest  worldly  object,  will  be  preferred 
to  his  favour  and  the  pleasure  of  his  service,  even  by  those 
who  have  the  benefit  of  his  written  word  and  the  preaching 
of  the  gospel ; unless  his  almighty  power  be  continually  exerted, 
his  grace  communicated  to  them,  and  his  image  renewed 
upon  their  hearts.  This  is  the  cause  of  all  human  misery,  in 
time  and  to  eternity  ; for  if  men  rob  God  of  his  glory,  he 
will  sell  them  for  their  sins  into  the  hands  of  their  enemies, 
and  satisfy  his  justice  in  their  punishment : and  how  wretched 
must  they  be,  against  whom  are  the  oath  and  the  hand  of  the 
immutable  and  almighty  God  ! Their  heaviest  distresses  on 
earth,  unless  timely  repentance  intervene,  are  the  forerunners 
of  eternal  misery. — The  vilest  of  the  profane  are  more 
likely  to  prosper  for  a time,  than  apostate  professors  : nay, 
backsliding  and  inconsistent  believers  are  more  sure  to  expe- 
rience affliction  in  this  world,  than  any  other  persons.  Yet 
the  Lord  has  long  patience,  and  manifests  great  compassion 
to  his  people  ; he  is  ready  to  forgive  and  to  relieve  ; he 
raises  up  instruments  to  effect  their  deliverance,  and  overrules 
their  chastisements  for  good : and  in  all  nis  dealings  with 
them,  it  will  at  length  be  manifest,  that  they  are  saved  not 
for  the  sake  of  their  own  righteousness,  but  for  the  sake  of 
his  great  name  ; that  “ it  is  of  his  mercies,  that  they  are  not 
consumed  and  that  he  saves  them  from,  and  notwithstanding 
their  manifold  transgressions.— The  more  the  human  heart  is 
proved,  the  worse  it  is  manifested  to  be ; and  so  long  as  “ we 
cease  not  from  our  own  doing9,”  we  can  only  be  stubborn  and 
rebellious  (19.) — For  his  own  glory  the  Lord  tries  men,  as 
silver  is  tried  : and  while  he  distinguishes  between  those  who 
choose  his  ways,  and  those  who  forsake  them  ; he  will  secure 
to  himself  the  whole  praise  of  all  that  is  good  in  his  people. 
— Too  late  his  enemies  will  curse  their  folly,  in  neglecting 
those  things  which  were  commanded  them  ; and  the  reflection 
that  their  opportunity  is  lost  for  ever  will  complete  their  misery. 
Let  us  then  without  delay  obey  the  call  of  the  gospel,  declare 
war  against  every  sin,  and  follow  after  holiness,  unto  the  end 
of  our  days  ; that  we  may  have  “ an  entrance  ministered  unto 
us  abundantly,  into  the  everlasting  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  III.  V.  1,2.  Israel  was  surrounded 
by  warlike  nations,  and  it  was  also  a type  of  ‘ the  church 
militant  here  on  earth it  was  not  therefore  proper  that  the 
people  should  be  enervated  by  sloth  and  luxury,  but  rather 
inured  to  hardship  and  conflict.  This  the  Lord  was  pleased 
to  effect  by  the  remains  of  the  devoted  nations,  who  were 
spared  when  they  ought  to  have  been  destroyed  ; and  the 
Israelites  were  in  consequetice  engaged  in  continual  contests 
with  them.  They  had  moreover  tasted  the  sweets  of  victory 
without  feeling  the  evils  of  war,  in  their  first  conquest  of  the 
land:  but  they  proved  ungrateful  for  the  mercy,  and  left  their 
work  unfinished ; and  were  therefore  made  to  feel  the  evils  of 
war  without  the  advantages  of  victory,  in  their  future  con- 
flicts. (Notes,  2:1—5,23.) 

V.  3.  The  Canaanites,  here  mentioned,  seem  to  have 
been  a tribe  inhabiting  the  northern  part  of  the  land.  (Marg. 
Ref.  h.  Note,  4:2,3.) — Zidon  or  Sidon  seems  to  have  been 
included  in  the  grant  made  to  Israel.  (Josh.  13:6.  19:28.) 

V.  4.  The  remnant  of  the  devoted  nations  continually 
made  trial  of  the  Israelites,  by  their  example,  allurements, 
and  influence.  When  the  people,  amidst  these  snares,  firmly 
adhered  to  the  Lord  and  bis  worship,  the  event  was  honour- 
able : but  in  general  the  trial  detected  the  hypocrisy  of  their 
hearts,  and  their  proneness  to  idolatry;  and  then  their 
tempters  became  their  scourges.  (Notes,  Gen.  22:1.  Deut. 
8:2.  Josh.  23:13.) 

V.  5 — 7.  Instead  of  attempting  to  extirpate  the  inhabitants 
of  the  land,  the  Israelites  endeavoured  to  live  amicably  with 
them  ; and  this  induced  them  to  intermarry  with  them,  and  then 
( 429  ) 


B.  C.  1 S94. 


JUDGES. 


B.  C.  1394, 


mandments  of  the  Lord,  which  he  commanded 
their  fathers  by  the  hand  of  Moses. 

5 K And  the  children  of  IsraeUdwelt  among  the 
kCanaanites,  Hittites,  and  Amorites,  and  Periz- 
zites,  and  Hivites  and  Jebusites: 

6 And  'they  took  their  daughters  to  be  their 
wives,  and  gave  their  daughters  to  their  so/is,  and 
served  their  gods. 

7 And  the  children  of  Israel  mdid  evil  in  the 
sight  (jf  the  Lord,  and  forgat  the  Lord  their  God, 
and  served  Baalim  arid  “the  groves. 

8 Therefore  the  anger  of  the  Lord  “was  hot 
against  Israel,  and  rhe  sold  them  into  the  hand  of 
<iChushan-rishathaim  king  of 'Mesopotamia  : and 
the  children  of  Israel  served  Chushan-rishathaim 
eight  years. 

9 And  when  the  children  of  Israel  “cried  unto 
the  Lord,  the  Lord  “raised  up  a Tdeliverer  to  the 
children  of  Israel,  who  delivered  them,  even  lOth- 
niel  the  son  of  Kenaz,  Caleb’s  younger  brother. 

10  And  “the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  tcame  upon 
him,  and  he  judged  Israel,  and  went  out  to  war  : 
and  the  Lord  delivered  Chushan-rishathaim  king 
of  ^Mesopotamia  into  his  hand  ; and  his  hand  pre- 
vailed against  Chushan-rishathaim. 

1 1 And  *the  land  had  rest  forty  years  : and 
^Othniel  the  son  of  Kenaz  died. 

[Practical  Obsei'vations.'] 

b.c.-|  12  H And  the  children  of  Israel  “did  evil 

1354. J again  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  : and  “the 
Lord  strengthened  Ttlglon  bthe  king  of  Moab 
against  Israel,  because  they  had  done  evil  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord. 

13  And  he  gathered  unto  him  the  children  of 

j 1:29— 3-2.  Ps.  106:34— 38.  k Gen.  10:15— 18.  15:19 — 21.  Ex.  3:8,17.  Deul.7: 
V.  Josh.  9:1.  Neh.  9:8.  I Kx.  34-16.  Deut.  7.3,4.  1 Kings  11:1— 5.  Ezra  9:11, 
12.  Neh.  13:23— 27.  Ez.  16:3.  m 12.13.  See  on2.ll— 13'.  n6;25.  Ex.  34:13. 

Deut.  16:21.  I Kings  16:33.  18:19.  2 Kings  23:6,14.  2 Chr.  15:16.  24:18  . 33:3, 
19.34:3.7.  o 2.14,20.  Ex. 22  24.  Pent.  29:20.  Ps.  6:1.  85:3.  2:14.  4.9. 

Deut  32:30.  I Sam.  12:9.  Is.  50:1.  Rom.  7:14.  q Hab.  3:7.  * Heb.  Aram- 

naharaim.  Ps.60:  title,  r 15.  4:3.  6 7.  10:10.  1 Sam.  12:10.*  Neh.  9:27.  Ps. 
22:5.  78:34.  106:41 — 14.  107:13,19.  siVon  2:16.  + Heb.  saviour,  t See  nn 
1:13.  u 6:34.  11:29.  13:25.  14*6.19.  Num.  11:17.  27:18.  1 Sam.  10:6.  11:6. 
16:13.  2Chr.  15:1.  20:14.  Ps.  51:11.  1 Tor.  12:4— 11.  Heb. 6:4.  J Heb.  7cas. 
§Heb.  Aram.  x 30.  5:31.  8:28.  Josh.  11:23.  Esth.  9:22.  y 9.  Josh.  15:17. 


to  conform  to  their  idolatrous  worship,  until  numbers  had 
utterly  apostatized  from  God,  in  that  very  land,  where  by  his 
tabernacle  he  dwelt  in  the  midst  of  them.  ( Marg . Ref. 
Notes,  Josh.  16:10.  Ps.  106:35 — 38.) — “ The  groves”  may  de- 
note those  idols,  which  were  worshipped  under  the  shade  of 
thick  trees,  especially  Ashtaroth,  or  goddesses,  as  distin- 
guished from  Baalim.  {Note,  2:11 — 13.) 

V.  8.  King  of  Mesopotamia.]  As  this  prince  reigned 
beyond  the  Euphrates,  his  oppressing  the  Israelites,  who 
lived  at  so  great  a distance  from  him,  appeared  the  more 
evidently  to  be  the  effect  of  God’s  displeasure.  {Note  2:14.) 

V.  9,  10.  The  people  in  their  prosperity  had  forgot  the 
Lord ; but  in  their  distress  they  found  that  their  idols  and 
idolatrous  allies  could  not  help  them.  Then  they  remem- 
bered the  wonderful  works  of  Jehovah,  and  began  to  pray 
unto  him;  though  it  seems  not  very  earnestly,  till  they  had 
endured  correction  for  the  space  of  eight  years  : and  he,  being 
rich  in  mercy,  was  pleased  to  hear  their  prayer  notwithstand- 
ing their  heinous  provocations,  and  stirred  up  Othniel  to  effect 
their  deliverance.  Probably,  there  was  a considerable  refor- 
mation for  some  time  afterwards.  Doubtless  Othniel  had 
.amented  the  degeneracy  and  misery  of  his  brethren ; but  he 
attempted  nothing  until  “ the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  upon 
him.”  Then  he  began  11  with  judging  Israel ;”  that  is,  with 
attempting  to  reform  their  manners,  to  repress  idolatry,  ad- 
minister justice,  and  revive  religion:  and  afterwards  he  went 
forth  to  war,  and  prevailed  over  their  foreion  enemies;  “for 
the  Lord  delivered  them  into  his  hands.”  (Marg.  Ref.) 

Caleb's  younger  brother.  (9)  ‘ Caleb  is  constantly  called  the 
son  of  Jephunneh,  and  Othniel,  the  son  of  Kenaz.  Therefore 
they  had  not  the  same  father,  but  were  very  near  of  kin.’  Bp. 
Patrick.  Perhaps  Kenaz  was  the  grandfather  of  both  Caleb 
and  Othniel;  but  Othniel  might  descend  from  the  younger 
branch. 

V.  11.  Some  expositors  compute  these  forty  years  from  the 
death  of  Joshua ; and  consequently  suppose,  that  many  of 
them  had  passed  before  Chushan’s  oppression  began:  but 
others  reckon  them  from  Othnicl’s  being  raised  up  to  judge 
Israel,  which  is  the  more  natural  interpretation,  and  probably 
the  true  one. — The  chronology  of  this  book  is,  however,  so 
very  intricate,  that  the  most  learned  men  differ  exceedingly 
concerning  it.  In  general,  we  are  informed  that  Solomon,  in 
the  fourth  year  of  his  reign,  laid  the  foundation  of  the  temple, 
four  hundred  and  eighty  years  after  Israel  came  out  of  Egypt. 
(1  Kings  6:1.)  This  was  forty-four  years  after  David’s 
accession  to  the  throne,  which  it  will  appear  could  not  take 
place  till  about  sixty  years  after  the  death  of  Eli.  ( Notes, 
1 Sam.  7:1,2.  Acts  13:21.)  From  the  Exodus  to  the  death  of 
( 430  ) 


“Ammon  and  Amalek,  and  went  and  smote  Israel, 
and  possessed  dthe  city  of  palm-trees. 

14  So  the  children  of  Israel 'served  Eglon  the 
king  of  Moab  eighteen  years. 

15  But  when  the  children  of  Israel  f cried  tb.c. 
unto  the  Lord,  the  Lord  raised  them  up  a L*33®- 
deliverer,  Ehud  the  son  of  Gera,  "a  Benjamite,  a 
man  ’’left-handed : and  by  him  the  children  of 
Israel  *sent  a present  unto  Eglon  the  king  oi 
Moab. 

16  But  Ehud  made  him  a dagger  which  had 
htwo  edges,  of  a cubit  length  ; and  he  did  gird  it 
under  his  raiment  ’upon  his  right  thigh. 

17  And  he  brought  the  present  unto  Eglon  king 
of  Moab  : and  Eglon  was  la  very  fat  man. 

18  And  when  lie  had  made  an  end  to  offer  the 
present,  he  sent  away  the  people  that  bare  the  pre- 
sent. 

19  But  he  himself  turned  again  from  the  "quar- 
ries that  were  by  Gilgal,  and  said,  I have  ka  secret 
errand  unto  thee,  O king ; who  said,  Keep  silence. 
'And  all  that  stood  by  him  went  out  from  him. 

20  And  Ehud  came  unto  him ; and  he  was  sit- 
ting in  (ta  summer-parlour,  which  he  had  for  him- 
self alone ; and  Ehud  said,  mI  have  a message 
from  God  unto  thee.  And  “he  arose  out  of  his 
seat. 

21  And  Ehud  put  forth  his  left  hand,  and  took 
the  dagger  from  his  right  thigh,  and  “thrust  it  into 
his  belly. 

22  And  the  haft  also  went  in  after  the  blade  ; 
and  the  fat  closed  upon  the  blade,  so  that  he  could 
not  draw  the  dagger  out  of  his  belly : and  }<Tthe 
dirt  came  out. 


1 Chr.  4:13.  7.2:19.  Hus.  6:4.  « Ex.  9:16.  2 Kings  5:1 . Is.  10:15.  37:26.  45:1— 

4.  Ez.  38:16.  I an.  4:22.  5:18.  John  19:11.  b 1 Sam.  12:9.  c 5:14.  f>s.  83:6—8. 
d 1:16.  Dent.  34:3.  Ps.  83:7.  c l.ev.  26:23r-25.  I'ful.  28:47,48.  f See  on  9. 
Ps.  50:15.  90.15.  Jer.  29:12,13.  33:3.  II  Or,  the  son  r,f  Jemini.  6 Heb.  shut  of 
his  right  hand.  20:16.  1 Chr.  12:2.  g 1 Sam.  10:27.  Prov.  18:16.  19:6.  21:14. 
Is.  36:16.  hPs.  149  6.  Heb.  4:12.  Rev.  1:16.  2:12.  *21.  Pa. 45:3.  Cant.  3:8. 

j 29.  marg.  1 Sam.  2:29.  Job  15  27.  Ps.  73:7.  Jer.  5:28.  50:1 1 . Kx.  34:20.  **  Or, 
graven  images.  Josh.  4:20.  k 20.  2 Kings  9:5,6.  Acts  23: 18,19.  I Gen.  45:1. 
it  Heb.  a parlour  of  cooling.  Am.  3:15.  m 19.  2 Sam.  12:1, &c.  24:12.  Mic.  6: 
9.  n Ps.  29:1.  Jer.  10:7.  o -Num.  25:7,8.  ISam.  15:33.  Job  20:25.  Zech.  13:3. 

2 Cor.  5: 16.  X J Or,  it  came  out  at  the  fundament. 

Joshua,  might  he  sixty-six  years  ; (though  some  reckon  it  only 
fifty-seven;)  and  this  leaves  about  three  hundred  and  ten 
years  from  the  death  of  Joshua  to  1 hat  of  Eli. — Many  schemes 
have  been  formed  for  allotting  these  years,  (which  some  make 
rather  more  and  others  less,)  to  the  time  of  the  several  judges : 
but  none  of  them  give  entire  satisfaction.  It  is  however  pro- 
bable, that  the  years  of  oppression  generally  form  a part  of 
the  time  given  to  each  judge ; and  that  in  several  instances 
there  were  more  judges  than  one,  employed  in  different  parts 
of  the  land.  In  this  case  the  years  assigned  to  each  were 
coincident : and  a few  hints,  of  the  opinions  formed  by  learned 
men  on  the  subject,  will  be  given  as  we  proceed. 

V.  12.  Strengthened.]  The  Lord  had  formed  Eglon  of 
a stout  and  valiant  spirit,  and  had  raised  him  to  power  and 
prosperity  as  a prince ; and  he  gave  him  courage  and  suc- 
cess in  his  enterprise  against  Israel.  {Notes,  Ex.  9:13 — 16. 
2 Kings  5:1.  Is.  45:1 — 6.) 

V.  13.  The  city  of  palm-trees.]  It  is  probable  that  the 
Moabites  and  their  allies  erected  fortifications  in  the  place 
where  Jericho  had  stood;  (Note,  1:16.)  and  there  stationed 
a garrison  to  curb  and  annoy  the  Israelites  on  each  side  of 
Jordan.  Here  Eglon  resided. 

V.  14.  The  guilt  of  the  people  was  more  aggravated  than 
before,  and  their  spirits  were  more  stubborn;  and  therefore 
they  suffered  longer,  before  they  began  to  cry  unto  the  Lord. 
It  was  also  his  pleasure,  that,  their  chastisement  should  he 
more  severe  and  of  longer  continuance.  (Note,  9,10.) 

V.  15 — 18.  Some  suppose  that  Ehud  could  use  both  hands 
alike  well:  but  if  he  were  unable  to  use  his  right  hand,  as  the 
original  words  evidently  imply,  Eglon  would  he  the  less  apt 
to  suspect  him.  The  Israelites  sent  their  tribute  by  Ehud 
under  the  name  of  a present,  or  some  oblation  was  added, 
above  what  was  exacted,  in  order  to  obtain  favour;  and  the 
Lord  doubtless  directed  Ehud  to  take  this  opportunity  of  exe- 
cuting his  vengeance  on  the  tyrant.  The  king  of  Israel  raised 
up  a deliverer  or  saviour  who  acted  by  commission  from  him; 
and  Eglon  had  usurped  his  throne  and  was  condemned  by 
him  to  be  thus  put  to  death.  But  Ehud’s  conduct  cannot  pos- 
sibly he  drawn  into  precedent,  or  authorize  the  assassination 
of  kings,  however  tyrannical  or  persecuting;  unless  any  man 
were  called  to  act  by  the  same  evident  commission  from  the 
God  of  heaven. — The  law  of  being  subject  to  principalities 
and  powers  in  all  things  lawful,  is  the  rule  of  our  conduct. 

V.  19.  The  quarries.]  Or  graven  images  ,*  (marg.)  pro 
bably  the  idols  of  Moab,  which  were  set  up  in  contempt  of 
the  God  of  Israel. — Ehud  had,  by  the  present,  ingratiated  him- 
self with  Eglon,  who  had  no  suspicion  of  one  whom  bv  sup- 
posed unarmed  and  disabled:  (15)  and  it  is  likely  that  ne 


D.  C.  1336. 


CHAPTER  IV 


B.  C.  1314. 


23  Then  Elnnl  went  forth  through  the  porch, 
and  shut  the  doors  of  the  parlour  upon  him,  and 
.ocked  them. 

24  When  he  was  gone  out  his  servants  came  ; 
and  when  they  saw  that  behold  the  doors  of  the 
parlour  were  locked,  they  said,  Surely  he  ‘covereth 
his  feet  in  his  summer-chamber. 

25  And  they  tarried  till  they  were  ashamed ; 
and  behold  he  opened  not  the  doors  of  the  parlour: 
therefore  they  took  a key  and  opened  them  ; and 
behold;  their  lord  was  fallen  down  dead  on  the 
earth. 

26  And  Ehud  escaped  while  they  tarried,  and 
passed  beyond  >’the  quarries,  and  escaped  unto 
Seirath. 

27  And  it  came  to  pass  when  he  was  come, 
that  she  blew  a trumpet  in  the  rmountain  of 
Ephraim,  and  the  children  of  Israel  went  down 
with  him  from  the  mount,  and  he  before  them. 

28  And  he  said  unto  them,  “Follow  after  me ; 
for  ‘the  Lord  hath  delivered  your  enemies  the 
Moabites  into  your  hand.  And  they  went  down 
after  him,  and  took  “the  fords  of  Jordan  towards 
Moab,  and  suffered  not  a man  to  pass  over. 

• Or,  doelh.his  easement.  1 Sum.  24:3.  jj  19.  q 6:34.  1 Sam.  13.3.  2 Sam.  20:22. 

2 Kin’s.  9:13.  r 7.24.  17:1.  19:1.  )<wh.  17.15,18.  » 4: 10.  7:17.  I 7:9,15.  1 Sam. 
17:47.  u 12:5.  Jos!i.2:7.  * Hell.  to.  See  on  17.  Dent.  32:15.  Job  15:27.  Vs. 
17:10.  i 11.  5:31.  y 5 6,  8.  z 1 Sam.  13: 19— 22.  17:47,50.  1 Cor.  1 :27.  a2.16. 
.2:11,19,20.  3:7,12.  6:1.  10:6.  Lev.  -6:23— 25.  Neh.  9:23— 30.  Ps.  106:43—45. 

expected  some  information  concerning  state  affairs,  or  the 
secret  combination  of  his  countrymen : yet  ho  was  strangely 
infatuated  to  trust  hmself  alone  with  an  Israelite. 

V.  20.  From  God.]  The  word  here  used  is  common  to 
the  true  God,  and  the  supposed  deities  of  the  Gentiles. 
Eglon,  expecting  some  oracle  from  God,  rose  up  in  reverence, 
and  afforded  Ehud  the  opportunity  of  effecting  his  purpose. 
Ehud  indeed  had  a secret  errand,  a message  from  God,  unto 
him  ; but  it  was  of  a far  different  nature  than  Eglon  expected. 

V.  21 — 25.  (Marg.  Ref.)  This  powerful  oppressor 

would  thus  be  found  weltering,  after  the  most  disgraceful 
manner,  in  that  very  place  where  he  had  often  indulged  his 
pride,  sloth,  and  luxury  1 As  he  fell  without  noise,  and  died 
without  being  able  to  cry  for  help,  Ehud  had  a full  opportu- 
nity of  escaping:  and  he  departed  with  that  circumspection 
and  deliberat  ion,  which  sprang  from  confidence  in  God,  and  a 
consciousness  of  having  done  his  duty. 

V.  27,  28.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  7:23—25.  12:1—7. 

V.  29.  Ten  thousand.]  So  small  an  army  of  valiant 
soldiers,  served  to  curb  the  whole  kingdom  of  Israel,  when 
once  it  was  subjected : but  they  might  have  been  easily  re- 
inforced from  beyond  Jordan.  Ehud  had  therefore  taken 
possession  of  the  fords,  not  only  that  none  might  escape,  but 
that  no  more  might  come  to  the  assistance  of  the  Moabites  : 
and  when  their  prince  was  dead,  they  were  too  much  intimi- 
dated to  make  any  effectual  resistance.  (Note,  1 Sam.  17: 
50—53.) 

V.  30.  The  land  had  rest  until  eighty  years  from  the  close 
of  the  aforementioned  forty  years  were  expired.  This  is  the 
more  genefal  interpretation. — Yet  some  think,  that  the  op- 
oression  of  Jabin  in  the  northern  part  of  the  land,  coincided 
with  some  of  the  years  of  rest  in  the  southern  part,  here 
mentioned.  (4:2,3.) 

Y.  31.  Shamgar,  being  employed  in  agriculture  when  the 
Philistines  invaded  the  land,  was  supernaturally  animated  to 
attack  them,  and  miraculously  assisted  in  making  this  slaughter 
among  them,  with  no  other  weapon  that  an  ox-goad.  This 
broke  their  force  and  spirits  for  a considerable  time.  (Note, 
15:14 — 17.)  Shamgar  succeeded  Ehud  ; but  it  is  not  said 
how  long  he  acted  as  judge,  or  whether  he  did  so  at  all, 
except  in  this  one  action. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 11.  Temptations  and  trials  detect  the  wickedness 
of  the  hearts  of  sinners:  they  discover  where  sin,  and  where 
grace,  has  dorhinion : they  tend  to  undeceive  the  self-deluded : 
and  they  manifest,  exercise,  and  strengthen  the  graces  of 
believers ; who  being  called  to  be  soldiers,  must  learn  and 
practise  war  all  their  days  ; and  in  their  conflict  with  Satan, 
sin,  and  this  evil  world,  must  be  inured  to  hardships,  watch- 
fulness, and  self-denial,  for  their  future  and  eternal  good. 
(Notes,  Eph.  6:10— 20.  1 Tim.  6:11,12.  2 Tim.  2:3 — 7.  4: 
6 — 8.)  They  are  constrained  to  live  in  the  world,  but  they 
are  not  of  the  world,  and  are  forbidden  to  conform  to  it:  for 
the  friendship  of  the  world  is  more  fatal  than  its  enmity  ; as 
the  latter  can  only  kill  the  body,  but  the  former  murders  many 
an  immortal  soul. — When  the  heart  is  not  established  by 
grace,  the  descent  from  the  most  plausible  profession  of  piety 
is  natural,  and  almost  imperceptible.  Polite  attentions  and 
civilities  to  ungodly  people,  (in  which  it  is  thought  there  can 
surely  be  no  hum,)  by  an  easy  step  introduces  men  to  more 
intimate  connexions  ; then  concessions  must  be  made,  and 
they  must  be  a little  conformable  to  such  kind  friends  or 
relatives.  And  as  it  is  not  easy  to  draw  the  line,  one  cotnpli- 
Mice  prepares  for  another,  till  frequently  a specious  profession 


29  And  they  slew  of  Moab  at  that  time  about 
ten  thousand  men,  all  dusty,  and  all  men  of  valour ; 
and  there  escaped  not  a man. 

30  So  Moab  was  subdued  that  day  under  the 
hand  of  Israel.  And  xthe  land  had  rest  fourscore 
years. 

31  ?1  And  after  him  was  yShamgar  the  son  of 
Anath,  which  slew  of  the  Philistines  six  hundred 
men  with  zan  ox-goad : and  “he  also  delivered 
Israel. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Israel , again  revolting,  it  oppressed  by  Jabin  and  Sisera , 1 — 3.  Deborah  stirs 
up  Barak  for  their  deliverance,  4 — 9.  Barak  destroys  the  army  o f Jabin, 
10 — 16.  Bisera  is  stain  by  Jael  the  Kenite , 17 — 22.  Jabin  subdued  and  dtp 
stroyed,  23,24. 

AND  the  children  of  Israel  a^ain  adid  evil  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord  when  Ehud  was  dead. 

2 And  the  Lord  bsold  them  into  the  hand  of 
Jabin  king  of  Canaan,  that  reigned  in  cHazor  ; the 
captain  of  whose  host  was  dSisera,  which  dwelt  ir 
eHarosheth  of  the  Gentiles. 

3 And  the  children  of  Israel  f cried  unto  the 
Lord  : for  he.  had  nine  hundred  ^chariots  of  iron; 
and  twenty  years  he  hmightily  oppressed  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel. 


Jer.  5:3.  b See  on  2:14,15.  10:7.  Is.  50:1.  Matt.  18.25.  c Josh.  11:1.10,11.  19: 
36.  d 1 Sam.  12:9.  Ps.  83:9.  e 13,16.  f 3:9,15.  10:10,16.  1 Sam.  7:8.  Ps.  50; 
15.  78:34.  Jer. 2:27,28.  g 1:19.  Josh.  17:16.  h 5:8.  Deut.  28.29,33,47,48.  P*. 
106:42. 


ends  in  apostacy.  But  if  true  believers  thus  backslide  from  God, 
they  shall  surely  and  speedily  be  corrected ; and  know  by 
experience  that  the  friendship  of  the  wicked,  and  the  gain  of 
transgression,  will  not  profit  them  in  the  day  of  trouble : most 
certainly  therefore  they  can  never  profit  the  sinner  “in  the 
day  of  wrath,  and  revelation  of  the  righteous  judgment  of 
God.” — Those  afflictions,  however  severe  and  tedious,  which 
bring  the  Lord  to  remembrance,  and  excite  men  to  self-exa- 
mination and  repentance,  faith,  and  humble,  earnest  prayer, 
are  invaluable  blessings.  A nd  as  “ he  is  ready  to  forgive,  and 
plenteous  in  mercy  to  all  them  that  call  upon  him he  will 
not  upbraid  the  penitent,  nor  fail  to  appear  for  his  relief:  how 
wonderful  then  is  it,  that  men,  groaning  under  sufferings  and 
terrors,  are  so  long  ere  they  cry  unto  him  for  help  ! ( Note , 

Ps.  32:3 — 5.) — If  we  would  get  out  of  trouble  effectually,  we 
must  begin  with  repentance,  and  seeking  forgiveness ; and 
then,  in  due  time,  deliverance,  rest,  and  inward  peace  and 
comfort  will  ensue. 

V.  12 — 31.  Alas!  how  inveterate  is  man’s  propensity  to 
ingratitude  towards  God  ! and  how  readily  do  we  relapse  into 
our  former  offences  ! The  secret  history  of  every  one  of  us, 
even  if  kept  from  open  scandals,  or  visible  declensions,  greatly 
resembles  the  history  of  Israel : “ O foolish  people,  and 
unwise;  do  we  thus  requite  the  Lord,  . . . that  bought  us!” 
This  renders  repeated  chastisements  absolutely  necessary ; 
for  so  perverse  are  we,  that  the  more  indulgently  we  are 
treated  by  our  heavenly  Father,  the  more  disobedient  we 
generally  prove ! Yet,  after  our  most  aggravated  provocations, 
and  in  our  deepest  distresses,  if  we  again  cry  unto  him,  he 
will  deliver  us ; and  the  meanest  instrument,  and  the  most 
unlikely  method,  shall  be  effectual,  if  he  appoints  and  blesses 
them.-r-Luxury,  sloth,  and  pride,  fatten  men  for  destruction : 
the  Lord  delights  to  abase  those  who  exalt  themselves  against 
him,  and  oppress  his  people  ; and  to  render  infamous,  as  well 
as  to  cast  into  the  abyss  of  misery,  those  who  have  been  the 
haughty  and  the  terrible  of  the  earth. — What  message  from 
God,  but  a message  of  vengeance,  can  a proud  rebel  expect? 
Such  a message  is  evidently  contained  in  the  word  of  God: 
and  though  we  are  not  commissioned,  or  even  allowed,  to  be 
the  executioners  of  it,  yet  his  ministers  must  boldly  declare  it, 
without  fearing  the  frown  or  respecting  the  persons  of  sinners. 
(Notes,  1 Kings  21:17 — 22.  22:8,1 3,1 4,1  L — 28.)  But  blessed 
be  God,  they  have  another  message  to  deliver,  a message  of 
mercy  and  free  salvation ; and  that  of  vengeance  only  ap- 
plies to  those  who  neglect  and  refuse  the  gracious  proposal. — 
With  reverent  attention  let  us  hear  this  message:  in  humble 
faith  let  us  seek  and  accept  of  ibis  great  salvation:  let  us  beg 
of  God  to  enable  us  “to  bring  forth  fruits  meet  for  repentance 
and  let  us  enlist  under  the  Redeemer’s  banner,  put  on  his 
armour,  and  declare  determined  war  against  his  enemies. 
He  has  begun  our  triumphs,  by  his  victory  over  the  powers 
of  darkness  upon  the  cross,  and  over  the  king  of  terrors  by 
his  resurrection : the  trumpet  of  his  gospel  calls  us  to  follow 
after  him ; and,  obeying  that  summons,  the  day  will  be  ours, 
and  we  shall  conquer,  triumph,  and  reign  with  him  in  glory 
for  evermore. 

NOTES. — Chap.  IV.  V.  2,  3.  Jabin  king  of  Hazor  had 
formerly  confederated  against  Israel,  with  other  kings  in  the 
northern  part  of  the  country,  and  Joshua  had  slain  him,  and 
burned  his  city.  (Notes,  Josh.  11:1 — 3,10,11.)  But  in  pro- 
cess of  time  the  Canaanites  had  rebuilt  it,  and  another  Jabin, 
probably  descended  from  him,  reigned  there  with  great  power. 
Hazor  lay  in  the  northern  part  of  the  land,  and  doubtless 
Harosheth  in  that  neighbourhood.  Th^remains  of  the  nations 

( 431  l 


B.  C.  1294  JUDGES.  B.  C.  1M8. 


4 And  'Deborah,  a prophetess,  the  wife  of 
Lapidoth,  she  judged  Israel  at  that  time. 

5 And  she  dwelt  under  kthe  palm-tree  of  De- 
borah, 'between  Ramah  and  Beth-el  in  mount 
Ephraim;  and  the  children  of  Israel  mcame  up  to 
her  for  judgment. 

6 And  she  sent  and  called  "Barak  the  son  of 
Abinoam  out  of  "Kedesh-naphtali,  and  said  unto 
him,  rHath  not  the  .<  Lord  God  of  Israel  com- 
manded, saying.  Go,  and  draw  toward  mount 
^Tabor,  and  take  with  thee  rten  thousand  men  of 
the  children  of  Naphtali,  and  of  the  children  of 
Zebulun  ? 

7 And  SI  will  draw  unto  thee,  to  the  river 
‘Kishon,  Sisera,  the  captain  of  Jahin’s  army,  with 
his  chariots  and  his  multitude  ; and  "I  will  deliver 
him  into  thine  hand. 

8 And  Barak  said  unto  her,  ’If  thou  wilt  go 
with  me,  then  I will  go : but  if  thou  wilt  not  go 
with  me,  then  I will  not  go. 

9 And  she  said,  I will  surely  go  with  thee : 
Miotwithstanding  the  journey  that  thou  takest  shall 
not  he  for  thine  honour;  for  the  Lord  shall  ysell 
Sisera  “into  the  hand  of  a woman.  And  Deborah 
arose,  and  went  with  Barak  to  Kedesh. 

10  And  Barak  called  “Zebulun  and  Naphtali  to 
Kedesh : and  he  went  up  with  ten  thousand 

Ex.  15:20.  2 Kings  22:14.  Neh.6:14.  Joel  2:28,29.  Mic.  6:4.  Luke  2:36. 
Acts  21:9.  1 Cor.  11:5.  Gal.  3:28.  k Gen.  35:8.  I Josh.  16:2.  18:22,25.  1 Sam. 
1:1,19.7:16,17.25:1.  Jer.  31:15.  m Ex.  18:13,16,19,26.  Deut.  17:8— 12. 
2 Sam.  15:2 — 6.  n 5:1.  Heb.  11:32.  o Josh.  19:32,37.  21:32.  p Josh.  1:9. 
Pb.  7:6.  Is.  13:2— 5.  Acts  13:47.  q8:18.  1 Sam.  10:3.  Ps.  89:12.  Jer.  46:18. 
Hos.  5:1.  rI0.5:14—18.  s Ex.  14:4.  Josh.  11:20.  Ez.  38:10— 16.  Joel3:ll 
—14.  t 5:21 . 1 Kings  18:40.  Ps.  83:9,10.  uJ4.  Ex.  21 : 13.  Josh.  8:7.  10:8.11: 
6.  1 Sam.  24:10,18.  v Ex.  4:10— 14.  Matt.  14:30,31.  x 1 Sam.  2:30.  2 Chr.  26: 
18.  y See  on  2:14.  z 17— 22.  5:24—27.9:54.  2 Sam.  20:21,22.  a 6.  5:18. 


of  Canaan  having  in  great  numbers  resorted  thither  to  assist 
Sisera,  the  commander  of  Jabin’s  army,  in  whom  he  placed 
great  confidence  ; and  to  obtain  his  protection ; it  was  called 
44  Harosheth  of  the  Gentiles,”  or  nations. — The  Israelites, 
having  relapsed  into  idolatry,  were  grievously  oppressed  by 
these  enemies  for  twenty  years,  before  they  heartily  set 
about  reformation,  or  united  in  earnest  prayers  for  deliver- 
ance. (Notes,  3:9,10,14.) 

V.  4.  Deborah,  notwithstanding  her  extraordinary  call  to 
judge  Israel,  could  not  personally  undertake  those  military 
expeditions,  which  generally  distinguished  its  deliverers  ; but 
she  used  her  authority  to  repress  iniquity,  to  reform  religion, 
and  to  execute  impartial  justice  to  the  people. — She  is  called 
44  the  wife  of  Lapidoth  but  the  termination  of  the  word  is 
the  feminine  of  the  plural,  and  seldom  used  for  the  names  of 
men.  Some  have  therefore  supposed  it  to  be  the  name  of 
the  town  in  which  she  dwelt,  and  render  the  clause,  the 
woman  of  Lapidoth : others  refer  it,  according  to  the  signifi- 
cation of  the  original  word,  either  to  her  occupation,  as  making 
lamps ; or  to  the  inspiration  of  the  Almighty ; translating  it 
44  a woman  of  illuminations  and  others  understand  it  as 
meaning,  that  she  was  an  illustrious  woman,  and  a light  in 
Israel.  Yet  our  rendering  is  most  natural.  (Note,  2 Kings 
22:14.) 

V.  5.  Under  the  palm-tree ] That  is,  in  some  lowly 
habitation,  shaded  by  a large  palm-tree,  more  suited  to  the 
sanctity  of  a prophetess  than  the  dignity  of  a judge.  Her 
character  of  a prophetess  being  established,  the  people  readily 
referred  their  differences  to  her  decision  ; the  ordinary  courts 
probably  being  shut  up,  and  the  magistrates  deprived  of 
authority  of  Jabin’s  oppression:  but  perhaps  he  feared  no 
danger  from  a womam  acting  in  this  capacity.  It  has  been 
thought  by  several  learned  men,  that  after  it  pleased  God  to 
raise  up,  from  time  to  time,  extraordinary  rulers  nnd  deli- 
verers, under  the  title  of  judges  ; the  different,  tribes  and 
cities  of  Israel  grew  more  and  more  remiss  in  the  appointment 
of  u judges  and  officers  in  all  their  gates.”  (Note,  Deut.  Ifi: 
18,19.)  This  might  perhaps,  at  first  arise  from  the  prevailing 
power  of  their  oppressors ; as  well  as  the  extraordinary 
authority  of  their  judges.  It  seems,  however,  to  have  become 
very  generally  the  case.  Yet  Deborah,  and  the  other  judges, 
might  only  receive  appeals  from  inferior  magistrates,  in  more 
difficult  cases.  (Notes,  5:9.  Ex.  18:17 — 23.  Deut.  17:8-— 13.) 

V.  6,  7.  It  is  not  certain,  whether  Barak  had  previously 
been  employed  by  Deborah  or  not ; for  he  dwelt  at  a distance 
from  her.  But,  by  direction  from  God,  he  was  at  this  time 
singled  out,  ar»J  commanded  whither  to  go  and  what  troops  to 
raise ; and  assured  both  of  opportunity  to  attack,  and  assist- 
ance to  subdue,  the  enemies  of  Israel.  These  orders  were 
gent  to  him  as  the  commandment  of  44  the  Lord  God  of  Is- 
rael but  under  the  tyranny  of  a powerful  and  jealous  oppres- 
sor, he  could  draw  together  an  army  only  by  persuasions  and 
exhortations,  and  thus  induce  a number  of  men  to  assemble 
ar.  Kadesh-naphtali,  and  thence  to  follow  him  to  Tabor; 
( Marg . Ref.)  whither  the  Lord  engaged  to  draw  Sisora,  or 
influence  his  mind  to  meet  him.  (Notes,  Hos.  11:3,4.  John 
6:4 1 --46. ) 

V.  8, 9.  The  danger  of  this  enterprise  was  great  and  mani- 

( 43‘2  ) 


men  bat  his  feet : and  Deborah  went  up  with 
him. 

11  H Now  cHeber  the  Kenite,  which  was  of 
the  children  of  dHobab  the  father-in-law  of  Moses, 
had  severed  himself  from  the  Kenites,  and  pitched 
his  tent  unto  the  plain  of  “Zaanaim,  whicn  is  by 
Kedesh. 

] 2 And  they  showed  Sisera,  that  Barak  the  son 
of  Abinoam  was  gone  up  to  emount  Tabor. 

13  And  Sisera  ’gathered  together  all  his 
chariots,  even  ''nine  hundred  chariots  of  iron,  and 
all  the  people  that  were  with  him,  from  Harosheth 
of  the  Gentiles  unto  the  river  of  Kishon. 

14  And  Deborah  said  unto  Barak,  ‘Up ; for 
this  is  the  day  in  which  the  Lord  hath  delivered 
Sisera  into  thine  hand  : fis  not  the  Lord  gone  out 
before  thee  ? So  Barak  went  down  from  mount 
Tabor,  and  ten  thousand  men  after  him. 

15  And  kthe  Lord  discomfited  Sisera,  and  all 
his  chariots,  and  all  his  host  with  the  edge  of  the 
sword,  before  Barak:  so  that  Sisera  lighted  down 
off  his  chariot,  and  fled  away  on  his  feet. 

16  But  Barak  'pursued  after  the  chariots,  and 
after  the  host,  unto  Harosheth  of  the  Gentiles : 
and  all  the  hosts  of  Sisera  fell  upon  the  edge  of 
the  sword  ; and  there  was  not  'a  man  left. 

17  If  Howbeit  Sisera  rafled  away  on  his  feet  to 


b 5:15.  1 Sam.  25:27.  marg.  c 1:16.  Num.  10:29.  24:21.  d Ex.  2:18.  3:1.  18:1. 
eJosli. 19:33 . Zaanannim.  f 6.  Josh.  19: 37.  g6.  Josh.  19:12,34.  Ps. 89:12. 

Jer.  46:18.  * Heb.  gathered  by  cru,  or,  proclamation,  h See  on  2,3,7.  i 19' 
28.  Gen.  19:14.  44:4.  Josh.  7:13.  1 Sam.  9:26.  j Dent.  9:3.  2 Sam.  5:24.  Us. 
68:7.  Is.  52:12.  Mic.2:13.  k 5:21,21.  Josh.  10:10.  2 Kings  7:6.  2 Chr.  13.15— 
17.  Ps.  83:9,10.  • 1 Lev.  26:7,8.  Josh.  10:19,20.  11:8.  Ps.  104  :35.  Horn.  2:12. 
Jam.  2:13.  t Heb.  unto  one.  m Job  12:19— 21.  18:7— 12.  40: 11,12.  Ps.  37:35, 
36.  107:40.  Prov.  29:23.  Am.  5:19,20. 


fest : and  though  Barak  had  faith,  yet  it  was  not  so  strong  as 
to  exclude  misgivings,  and  to  overcome  all  reluctance  to  the 
service.  It  does  not  appear,  that  he  doubted  whether  Debo- 
rah spake  by  authority  from  God  or  not ; but  he  hesitated 
concerning  success  unless  she  went  with  him.  He  would,  no 
doubt,  desire  her  presence,  counsel,  and  prayers,  as  a pro- 
phetess, and  the  judge  of  Israel:  but  he  was  culpably  afraid; 
and,  not  honouring  God  as  he  ought  to  have  done,  he  was  de- 
prived in  part  of  the  honour,  which  he  would  otherwise  have 
obtained.  Perhaps  Deborah  in  her  answer  intended,  that  the 
credit  of  the  victory  would  be  given  to  her  and  not  to  Barak : 
but  the  Spirit  of  God  foretold  the  death  of  Sisera  by  Jael. 
(21) — Barak  seems  to  have  come  to  Deborah,  and  she  ac- 
companied him  back  to  Kedesh-naphtali. — The  high-priest 
with  Urim  and  Thummim,  the  other  priests  with  the  trum- 
pets, and  the  Levites,  are  not  at  all  mentioned  in  these  transac- 
tions. (Notes,  20:18—28.  Ex.  28:30.  Num.  10:1—10.  27:21. 
Josh.  9:14,15.) 

V.  10.  Barak  resided  in  the  lot  of  Naphtali,  on  which 
Zebulon  bordered : he  therefore  made  known  his  purpose  in 
that  neighbourhood,  and  collected  ten  thousand  foot-soldiers 
chiefly  from  these  two  tribes,  though  some  others  at  length 
assisted  them.  (Notes,  5:14 — 18.)  At  the  head  of  this  small 
army,  (as  it  appears  when  compared  with  that,  of  Sisera, 
which  was  very  great,)  he  marched  on  foot  to  meet  the  enemy, 
without  either  cavalry  or  war  chariots  ! and  Deborah  attended 
him,  to  encourage  his  faith  and  confidence  in  God.  ( Note s, 
1:19.  Deut.  20:1 — 4.  Josh.  16:10.  17:16—18.  Ps.  20:6— 8.) 

V.  11.  The  other  Kenites  dwelt  upon  the  borders  of  the 
wilderness  of  Judah;  (Note,  1:16.)  but  Heber  had  removed 
with  his  family  to  the  northern  part  of  the  land,  where  he 
dwelt  in  tents,  and  found  convenient  pasturage  for  his  flocks. 
— This  is  inserted  to  explain  what  follows  concerning  Jael. 

V.  14.  Barak  secured  his  small  army  by  the  advantage  of 
the  ground,  until  a favourable  opportunity  presented  itself  of 
attacking  the  enemy : but  Deborah  assured  him,  that  the  very 
day  was  come  ; and  that  “the  Lord  was  gone  forth  before 
him,  and  had  delivered  Sisera  into  his  hand.”  Thus  encou- 
raged, he  boldly  marched  down  into  the  plain,  where  the  iron 
chariots  had  their  utmost  advantage ; and  so  the  victory  be- 
came the  more  illustrious.  (Note,  Josh.  17:16.) 

V.  15.  Doubtless  Barak  and  his  army  displayed  both  con- 
duct and  bravery  in  this  battle  : yet  the  victory  is  wholly  as- 
scribed  to  the  Lord,  who  both  gave  them  skill  and  courngo, 
and  rendered  these  effectual  by  terrifying  their  enemies, 
or  throwing  them  into  confusion.  (Note,  Josh.  10:9,10.) 
It  is  to  be  lamented  that  this  pious  and  rational  language  of 
the  Scriptures  should,  among  Christians,  be  so  frequently 
changed  for  a phraseology  which  borders  upon  heathenism, 
or  even  atheism  ; by  ascribing  all  events  to  fortune,  luck, 
second  causes,  or  human  courage  and  policy  ; and  excluding 
the  mention  of  tho  first  great  Cause  of  all  things.  (Note, 
2 Kings  5:1.) 

V.  16.  Not  a man  left.]  Note,  2 Chr.  20:22-  -25. 

V.  17.  Sisera  had  quit od  his  chariot,  probably  to  escape 
notice,  and  ho  fled  away  on  foot  like  a common  soldier.  Kor 
the  same  reason  he  hastened  to  the  tents  of  Heber,  with  whom 
Jabin  had  made  some  league  or  alliance  ; or  whom  Jabin  hod 


B.  C.  1296. 


CHAPTER  A 


B.  C.  1296. 


the  tent  of  "Jael  the  wife  of  Heber  the  Kenite  : 
for  there  was  °neace  between  Jabin  the  king  of 
Hazor  and  the  house  of  Heber  the  Kenite. 

18  And  Jael  went  out  to  meet  Sisera,  and  said 
unto  him,  T urn  in,  my  lord,  turn  in  to  me ; fear  not : 
and  when  he  had  turned  in  unto  her  into  the  tent, 
she  covered  him  with  a 'mantle. 

19  And  he  said  unto  her,  pGive  me,  I pray  thee, 
a little  water  to  drink  : for  I am  thirsty:  and  she 
opened  a bottle  of  milk,  and  gave  him  drink,  and 
covered  him. 

20  Again  he  said  unto  her,  Stand  in  the  door  of 
the  tent;  and  it  shall  be,  when  any  man  doth 
come  and  inquire  of  thee,  and  say,  ils  there  any 
man  here  ; that  thou  shalt  say,  No. 

21  Then  Jael,  Heber’s  wile,  rtook  a nail  of  the 
tent,  and  Hook  an  hammer  in  her  hand,  and  went 
softly  unto  him,  and  smote  the  nail  into  his  tem- 
ples, and  fastened  it  into  the  ground  : (for  he  was 
fast  asleep,  and  weary  :)  so  die  died. 

22  And  behold,  as  Barak  pursued  Sisera,  Jael 
came  out  to  meet  him,  and  said  unto  him,  Come, 
‘and  I will  show  thee  the  man  whom  thou  seekest. 
And  when  he  came  into  her  tent,  behold,  Sisera 
lay  dead,  and  the  nail  was  in  his  temples. 

n 5:6,24.  o Ps.  69:22.  Is.  57:21.  * Or,  rug,  or,  blanket,  p 5:25.  Gen.  24: 

43.  1 Kings  17:10.  Is.  41.17.  John  4:7.  q Josh.  2:3— 5.  2 Sum.  17:20.  r 3: 
21,31.  5:26.  15:15,16.  1 Sam.  17:43,49.50.  1 Cor.  1:9,27.  t Heh.  pvt.  s 5:27. 
t 2 Sam.  17:3,10—15.  u 1 Chr.  22.18.  Neh.  9:24.  Ps.  18:39,47.  47:3.  81:14.  *Cor. 
15:28.  Heb.  11:33.  1 Heb.  going,  went  and  teas  hard  against.  1 Sam.  3:12. 

a Ex.  15:1,21.  Num.  21:17.  1 Sam.  2:1.  2 Chr.  20:21,27.  Job  38:7.  Ps.  18:  title. 


suffered,  as  inoffensive  persons,  not  of  the  race  of  Israel,  to 
live  peaceably  by  him.— It  is  probable  that  Jacl’s  tent  was 
distinct  from  that  of  Heber;  (Gen.  24:67.  31:33.)  and  perhaps 
Sisera  sought  refuge  in  it  on  that  account,  as  less  likely  to  be 
searched, 

V.  18,  19.  Probably,  Jael  really  intended  kindness  to  Si- 
sera, when  she  invited  him  into  the  tent,  and  showed  him  all 
the  hospitality  which  it  afforded  ; but,  by  a divine  impulse,  she 
was  afterwards  led  to  consider  him  as  the  determined  enemy 
of  the  Lord  and  his  people,  and  to  avail  herself  of  that  oppor- 
tunity to  destroy  him.  (Notes,  21.  5:24.) 

V.  20.  Jael  is  not  said  to  have  promised  Sisera,  that  she 
would  deny  his  being  there:  she  would  give  him  shelter  and 
refreshment,  but  not  utter  a falsehood  to  oblige  him. — A very 
criminal  deviation  from  “ simplicity  and  godly  sincerity,”  is 
become  customary  among  professed  Christians  ; I mean  the 
instructing  and  requiring  servants  to  prevaricate,  (to  word  it 
no  more  harshly,)  in  order  that  their  masters  may  be  preserved 
from  the  inconvenience  of  unwelcome  visitants.  Surely,  some 
more  manly,  candid,  and  Christian  method  might  be  substi- 
tuted, of  giving  an  impertinent  intruder  to  understand  that  he 
was  not  welcome  ; and  to  intimate  to  friends,  that  their  com- 
pany would  be  more  seasonable  at  another  time  1 And  it 
should  be  considered,  whether  they  who  require  their  servants 
to  disregard  the  truth  for  their  pleasure,  will  not  teach  them 
an  evil  lesson,  and  habituate  them  to  use  falsehood  for  their 
awn  pleasure  also.  (Note,  Eph.  4:25.) 

V.  21.  When  Jael  saw  Sisera  fast  asleep,  and  was  made 
sensible,  by  some  intimation  from  God,  that  she  ought  to 
destroy  him,  her  faith  overcame  all  reluctance,  and  every  femi- 
nine fear  : and  with  the  hammer  and  a nail  of  the  tent,  which 
she  was  accustomed  to  handle,  she  speedily  and  effectually 
accomplished  her  purpose. — The  divine  mandate  superseded 
all  other  obligations  ; but  her  conduct  is  not  recorded  for  our 
imitation  in  ordinary  circumstances.  (Notes,  3:15 — 25.  Josh. 
2:4—6,8—11.) 

V.  24.  In  this  instance  the  Israelites  observed  the  com- 
mand of  God  to  extirpate  the  Canaanites,  and  not  to  make 
any  league  with  them,  or  put  them  under  tribute. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  most  promising  reformations  are  often  speedily  obstruct- 
ed and  counteracted,  when  the  reformer  is  removed. — Not- 
withstanding the  painful  effects  of  sin  which  men  repeatedly 
experience,  they  readily  venture  again  upon  it ; thus  provoking 
God  to  punish  them  with  increasing  severity  : and  tempters 
commonly  prove  instruments  of  correction,  or  of  vengeance. 
But  the  Lord’s  thoughts  and  jzays  are  not  as  ours : when  they, 
-vho  have  most  frequently  and  grievously  rebelled,  begin  to 
bray  unto  him,  he  is  read)  to  hear  and  help  them ; (Notes, 
Is.  55:6—9.)  nay,  he  often  regards  the  mere  cry  of  distress, 
and  relieves  men  from  temporal  misery,  saying,  “ Sin  no 
more,  lest  a worse  thing  come  unto  thee.”  He  selects  his 
instruments  in  that  manner,  which  most  tends  to  mortify  the 
-ride,  and  expose  the  weakness,  of  his  haughty  opposers.  Yet 
unbelief  weakens  men’s  hands : and,  being  dishonourable  to 
God,  it  eventually  discredits  those  who  give  way  to  it. — The 
counsel  and  prayers  of  persons  eminent  for  faith  and  piety 
are  highly  to  be  valued  ; but  our  confidence  must  be  placed, 
not  in  them,  but  in  the  presence  and  protection  of  the  Al- 
mighty. Whether  it  please  him  “ to  save  by  many  or  by  few,” 
he  has  all  hearts  in  his  hands,  and  can  soon  procure  willing 
and  suitable  persons  for  his  work;  and  a variety  of  incidents, 
Vol.  I. — 55 


23  So  “God  subdued  on  that  day  Jabin  the  king 
of  Canaan  before  the  children  of  Israel. 

24  And  the  hand  of  the  children  of  Israel  pros- 
pered, and  prevailed  against  Jabin  the  king  of 
Canaan,  until  they  had  destroyed  Jabin  king  of 
Canaan. 

CHAPTER  V. 

The  tone  of  Deborah  and  Barak  introduced.  1.  A call  to  kings  and  people  to 
consider  this  and  other  works  of  God  for  Israel , 2 — 5.  The  sin  and  misery 
of  Israel  shown, 6 — 8.  Praises  rendered  to  God:  commendations  bestowed 
on  some  Israelites , and  censures  on  others,  9 — 23.  The  conduct  of  Jael  cele- 
brated, 24 — 27  : the  disappointment  of  Sisera’ s mother  represented, — 30  : 
and  a prayer  added  for  victory  to  the  people  of  God , and  ruin  to  their 
enemies , 31. 

THEN  “sang’  Deborah  and  Barak  the  son  of 
Abinoam,  on  that  day,  saying, 

2  Praise  ye  the  Lord  bfor  the  avenging  of 
Israel,  ‘when  the  people  willingly  offered  them- 
selves. 

3  Hear,  dO  ye  kings  ; give  ear,  0 ye  princes ; 
eI,  even  I will  sing  unto  the  Lord  ; I will  sing 
praise  to  the  Lord  God  of  Israel. 

4  Lord,  f\vhen  thou  wentest  out  of  Seir,  when 
thou  marchedst  out  of  the  field  of  Edom,  ethe* 
earth  trembled,  and  the  heavens  ‘’dropped,  the 
clouds  also  dropped  water. 

Is.  12:1— 6 . 25:1.  26:1.  Luke  1 :46, 67, 68.  Rev. 15:3,4.  19:1—3.  b2Sam. 22:47, 
48.  Ps.  48:11.  94:1.  97:8.  136:15,19,20.  149:6—9.  Rev.  16:5,6.  18:20.  19:2.  c 9. 

2 Chr.  17:16.  Nth.  11:2.  Ps.  110:3.  lCor.9:17.  2 Cor.  8:12.  9:7.  Phil. 2:13. 
Phiiem.  14.  d Deut.  32:1,3.  Ps.  2:10— 12.  49:1,2.  119:46.  138:4.5.  e 7.  Geo. 
6:17.  9:9.  Ex.  31:6.  Lev.  26:28.  1 Kings  18:22.  19:10,14.  Ezra  7:21.  fDeut. 
33:2.  Ps.  68:7,8.  Hob.  3:3-6.  g 2 Sam.  22:8.  Job  9:6.  Ps.  18:7— 15.  li  Ps.  77:17. 


which  originate  from  the  voluntary  conduct  of  men  actuated 
by  secular  motives  appear  by  the  event  to  form  a part  of  his 
secret  counsel.  (Notes,  7:4 — 15.  1 Sam.  14:6 — 10.)  A3 
courage  and  faith  are  his  gifts,  he  so  dispenses  them,  as  most 
conduces  to  his  own  glory  ; and  shows  the  strongest  that  they 
need  to  be  encouraged,  and  that  on  some  occasions  they  are 
surpassed,  by  their  weaker  brethren. — How  wretched  are  they 
who  have  the  Lord  for  their  enemy  ! since,  whatever  be  their 
number  or  power,  they  can  make  no  resistance,  and  will  in 
vain  attempt  to  flee  away  and  escape.  Soon  will  they  be 
ashamed  of  their  present  confidence  and  glorying.  They  may 
indeed  court  the  friendship  of  the  Lord’s  despised  people,  or 
seek  refuge  in  obscurity : but  sooner  or  later  they  must  all 
perish,  perhaps  suddenly ; and  be  hurried  from  the  commis- 
sion of  daring  crimes  into  the  presence  of  their  angry  Judge  ! — 
Every  natural  inclination  must  be  subordinated  to  the  will  of 
God,  and  all  our  connexions  with  his  enemies  must  be  broken 
off,  if  we  would  enjoy  his  favour,  and  be  numbered  among  his 
people.  We  should  indeed  love,  pray  for,  and  be  kind  to  our 
greatest  enemies : yet  there  are  some  of  his  foes,  to  whom  we 
must  not  bid  God  speed,  nor  entertain  them  m our  houses. 
(Note,  2 John  7 — 11.)  We  should,  however,  persevere  to 
the  uttermost  in  our  endeavours  to  reclaim  them ; and  direct 
our  most  implacable  resentment  against  our  own  evil  pro- 
pensities and  habits,  aiming  at  nothing  less  than  their  entire 
destruction. 

NOTES— Chap.  V.  V.  1.  (Notes,  E^.  15:1.  Deut. 
31:19.)  By  means  of  this  song  of  praise,  the  affections  of 
love  and  gratitude  to  God  would  be  more  powerfully  excited, 
and  more  deeply  fixed  in  the  hearts  of  believers  in  Israel ; 
the  events  commemorated  would  attract  more  general  notice, 
become  more  exactly  known,  and  be  much  longer  remem- 
bered, than  by  any  prose  narration  ; and  multitudes  would 
become  acquainted  with  them,  who  had  not  the  opportunity 
of  reading  the  records  of  them. — Probably,  this  sacred  poem 
was  composed  by  Deborah,  and  sung  by  her  and  Barak,  and 
the  whole  army,  and  multitudes  of  the  Israelites,  soon  after 
the  victory  was  completed.  (Notes,  Ex.  15:20,21.  2 Chr. 

20:18—21,26—28.) 

V.  2.'  Whatever  had  been  done  by  Deborah,  or  Barak, 
or  the  army,  the  Lord  must  have  all  the  praise  of  this  vic- 
tory : the  will,  the  power,  and  the  success  were  all  derived 
from  him  ; yet  it  was  proper  that  the  people  who  had  willingly 
followed  Barak,  when  invested  with  no  regular  authority, 
should  be  mentioned  with  commendation. — Israel  was  the 
more  bound  to  praise  the  Lord  for  avenging  them  upon  their 
oppressors,  as  they  had  brought  their  miseries  upon  them- 
selves by  their  own  crimes.  (Notes,  Num.  31:2.  Rev.  18:20.) 

Y.  3.  The  kings  and  princes  of  the  surrounding  nations 
were  contriving  the  ruin  of  Israel:  the  kings  of  the  earth 
have  too  generally  been  seeking  their  own  glory,  or  calling 
upon  the  people  to  worship  idols  ; and  this  song  was  likely  to 
be  heard  or  read  by  many  of  them  through  successive  gene- 
rations. The  prophetess  therefore  calls  on  them  to  hear 
what  God  had  wrought  for  Israel,  and  against  their  enemies, 
and  to  take  warning  not  to  copy  the  example  of  Jabin  and 
Sisera.  She  reminds  them  that  praise  and  glory  belong  to 
Jehovah,  and  not  to  them  or  their  idols  ; that  it  would  be 
dangerous  for  them  to  rival  him  who  poureth  contempt  upon 
ambitious  princes,  or  to  oppress  his  people  ; and  that  it  was 
their  true  wisdom,  honour,  and  interest  to  seek  his  favour, 
to  become  his  servants,  and  to  use  their  authority  in  p omoting 
( 433  ) 


B.  C.  1296. 


JUDGES 


B.  C.  1296. 


5 The  ‘mountain  "melted  from  before  the 
Lord,  even  ‘that  Sin;*  from  before  the  Lord  God 
of  Israel. 

6 In  the  days  of  “Shamgar  the  son  of  Anath,  in 
the  days«f  ‘Jael,  mthe  highways  were  unoccu- 
pied, and  the  ‘travellers  walked  through  ‘by-ways. 

7 The  inhabitants  of  "the  villages  ceased,  they 
ceased  in  Israel,  until  that  I Deborah  arose,  that 
I arose  °a  mother  in  Israel. 

8 They  chose  Pnew  gods;  then  was  war  in  the 
gates:  nwas  there  a shield  or  spear  seen  among 
forty  thousand  in  Israel  ? 

9 My  heart  is  toward  the  governors  of  Israel, 
that  roffered  themselves  willingly  among  the 
people.  Bless  ye  the  Lord. 

10  §Speak,  ye  that  sride  on  white  asses,  lye  that 
sit  in  judgment,  and  walk  by  the  way. 

11  They  that  are  delivered  from  “thq  noise  of 
archers  xin  the  places  of  drawing  water ; there 
shall  they  rehearse  the  "righteous  acts  of  the  Lord, 
even  the  righteous  acts  toward  the  inhabitants  of 
his  ^villages  in  Israel : then  shall  the  people  of  the 

' Lord  zg o down  to  the  gates.  [Practical  observation*.'] 

1 Deut.  4:11.  Ps.  97:5.  114:4.  Is.  64:1 — 3.  Nah.  1:5,6.  Hab.3:10.  ♦ Heb. 

flowed,  i Ex.  19:18.  20.18.  Deul. 4:11, 12.  5:22— 25.  Heb.  12:18.  1(3:31.  14: 
17,18.  m Lev.  ‘26:22.  2 Chr.  15:5.  Lam.  1:4.  4:18.  Mic.3:12.  t Heb.  walkers 
of  paths,  t Heb.  crooked  teai/s.  Ps.  125:5.  nEsth.9:19.  o4:4 — 6.  2. Sam.  20: 
19.  Is.  49:23.  Rom.  16:13.  p 2:12,17.  Dent.  32:16,17.  q 1:3.  1 Sam.  13: 19— 22. 
rSeeon2.  1 Chr.  29:9.  2 Cor.  8:3,4,12,17.  9:6.  $ Or,  meditate.  Ps.  105:2.  145: 
5,11.  810:4.12:14.  t Ps.  107:32.  Is.  28:6.  Joel  3:12.  uLam.5:4,9.  x Gen. 
26:20— 22.  Ex.  2:17— 19.  Is.  12:3.  |j  Heb.  righteousnesses.  I Sam.  12:7.  Ps. 
145:7.  Mic.  6.5.  y See  on  7.  z Deut  22:24.  Job  29:7.  Is.  23:6.  Jer.  7.2.  a Ps. 


his  glory,  as  she  avowed  that  she  did,  and  would  do.  (Notes, 
Ps.  2:7 — 12.  Dan.  4:1—3.) 

V.  4,  5.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  extraordinary  displays  of 
the  divine  Majesty,  which  the  Israelites  had  witnessed  at 
mount  Sinai,  arc  here  described  in  very  poetical  language, 
and  compared  with  the  present  interposition  of  the  Lord  for 
Israel.  The  presence  of  God  had,  as  it  were,  thrown  all 
nature  into  convulsions:  the  thunderings  and  lightnings  were 
attended  by  impetuous  showers  of  rain ; and  mount  Sinai 
was  in  such  agitation,  that  it  seemed  lobe  melted  from  before 
the  Lord.  (Notes,  Deut.  33:2.  2 Sam.  22:7—16.  Ps.  68: 
7—10.  77:16—20.  Hah.  3:3—10.) 

V.  6,  7.  Shamgar  seems  to  have  lived  towards  the  close 
of  the  eighty  years’  rest  before  mentioned,  and  he  helped  to 
lengthen  that  tranquillity.  (Notes,  3:30,31.)  But  Israel 
growing  more  wicked,  the  difficulties  and  sufferings  of  the 
nation  increased,  and  nothing  was  done  effectually  for  their 
relief,  till  Jael  completed  Barak’s  victory  by  the  slaughter  of 
Sisera.  This  seems  to  be  the  meaning  of  the  passage,  which 
might  perhaps  be  rendered,  “ from  the  days  of  Shamgar  to 
the  days  of  jael.” — During  this  time  the  land  was  so  infested 
by  invaders,  and  harassed  by  oppression,  that  none  could 
travel  in  safety  on  the  highways,  but  men  went  in  by-paths 
or  crooked  ways : the  villages  also  were  deserted,  and  the 
fields  left  uncultivated ; whilst  the  inhabitants  sought  re- 
fuge in  the  fenced  cities,  where  they  were  in  danger  of  perish- 
ing by  famine.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  15:1 — 7.  Is.  33:7 — 9.) 

A mother  in  Israel.  (7)  Deborah  employed  her  authority 
for  the  real  good  of  the  people,  with  that  disinterested  assi- 
duity which  a mother  shows  to  her  beloved  children.  Kings 
should  be  fathers  of  their  people,  using  their  authority  as  may 
most  conduce  to  render  them  happy : and  Deborah  was 
indeed  “a  mother  to  Israel;”  especially  in  supporting  true 
religion,  with  which  both  their  temporal  prosperity  and  eter- 
nal salvation  were  inseparably  connected.  (Note,  Is.  49: 
22,23.) 

V.  8.  Joshua  had  engaged  the  people  solemnly  to  “ choose 
the  Lord  for  their  God,”  and  to  serve  him  only : ( Notes, 
Josh.  24:14 — 27.)  but  they  grew  weary  of  his  holy  service,  and 
“ chose  new  gods,”  with  new  names,  and  “ newly  come  up 
(Deut.  32:17.)  and  probably  after  the  death  of  Ehud,  they 
had  run  into  some  new  kinds  of  idolatry.  But  under  all  these 
idols  Satan  was  virtually  worshipped,  who  permitted  his  de- 
luded votaries  to  indulge  their  sensual  lusts,  in  order  to  allure 
them  to  his  service.  They  soon  however  paid  dear  for  their 
gratifications,  when  their  cities  were  seized  on,  and  they 
were  subdued,  disarmed,  and  oppressed,  by  those  enemies, 
over  whom  they  had  formerly  triumphed,  and  whom  they 
ought  to  have  extirpated! — It  is  probable  that  many  of  Ba- 
rak’s soldiers  were  armed,  not  with  shields  and  spears,  but 
with  bows,  slings,  ox-goads,  and  other  instruments  of  hus- 
bandry : but  some  had  swords,  and  others  might  seize  on  the 
arms  of  the  enemy  when  the  battle  had  begun.  (Notes,  1 
Sam.  13:19—22.) 

V.  9.  Some  of  the  governors  or  principal  persons,  espe- 
cially in  Naphtali  and  Zebulun,  willingly  offered  their  .assist- 
ance, and  ventured  their  lives  in  attacking  the  Canaanitcs : 
of  these  the  prophetess  spake  with  peculiar  affection  and 
respect,  and  gratefully  blessed  the  Lord  for  them.  (Notes,  1 
Chr.  12:16—18.  2 Chr.  17:13—19.) 

V.  10.  It  seems  that  riding  upon  white  asses  was  a dis- 
tinction appropriated  to  magistrates,  and  principal  persons  in 
. I 434  ) 


12  H Awake,  "awake,  Deborah ; awake,  awake, 
utter  a song : arise,  Barak,  and  Mead  thy  captivity 
captive,  thou  son  of  Abinoam. 

13  Then  che  made  him  that  remaineth  have 
dominion  over  the  nobles  among  the  people : 
the  Lord  made  me  have  dominion  over  the 
mighty. 

14  Out  “of  Ephraim  was  there  a root  of  their, 
against  'Amalek ; ‘after  thee,  Benjamin,  among 
thy  people ; out  of  MMachir  came  down  governors, 
and  out  of  Zebulun  they  that  “handle  the  pen  of 
the  writer. 

15  And  hthe  princes  of  Issachar  were  with 
Deborah  ; even  Issachar,  and  also  'Barak  : he  was 
sent  on  "foot  into  the  valley.  “For  the  divisions  of 
Reuben  there  were  great  “thoughts  of  heart. 

16  Why  abodest  thou  among  the  “sheepfolds, 
to  hear  the  bleatings  of  the  flocks?  §$For  the 
divisions  of  Reuben  there*were  great  searchings 
of  heart. 

17  ‘Gilead  abode  beyond  Jordan:  and  why  did 
Dan  remain  in  ships  ? mAsher  continued  on  the 
!lllsea-shore,  and  abode  in  his  ““breaches. 

57:8.  103:1,2.  108:2.  Is.  51:9,17.  52:1,2.  60:1.  Jer.  31:26.  1 Cor.  15:34.  Enh.  5r 
14.  bPs. 68:18.  Is.  14:2  . 33:1.  49:24  —26.  E[ih.4.8.  2Tim.2:26.  marg.  c Ps. 
49:14.  I>.  41:15,16.  Ez.  17:24.  Dan.  7:18— 27.  Horn.  8:37.  Rex.  2:26,27.  3:9. 
(13:27.4:5,6.  e See  on  3:13.  Ex.  17:8-16.  14:10,14.  g See  on  Num.  32.39, 
40.  IT  Heb.  draw  with  the  pen,  Ac.  h See  on  1 Chr.  12:32.  i See  on  4:6,14. 
**  Heb.  hisfeet.  Acts.  20:13.  If  Or,  in  the,  &c.  Acts  15:39.  Heb.  impres- 
sions. Prov.  22:13.  2 Cor.  11:2.  k Num.  32: 1—5,24.  Phil.  2:21.  3:19.  §§  Or,  in. 
15  marg.  1 See  on  Josh.  13:25,31.  m Josh.  19:4—  31.  till  Or,  sea-port.  IHIOr 
creeks. 


Israel ; which  was  a proof,  not  so  much  of  their  poverty,  as 
of  their  simplicity,  in  that  they  had  not  yet  learned  to  mul- 
tiply horses  and  chariots,  in  conformity  to  their  heathen 
neighbours.  (10:4.  12:14.  Note , Deut.  17:16.)  They  who 
had  this  distinction  were  called  upon,  in  their  several  districts, 
and  while  in  safety  and  credit  they  travelled  about,  to  ad- 
minister justice,  or  upon  their  own  concern^,  to  teach  the 
people,  by  their  example,  to  celebrate  the  praises  of  the 
Lord. 

V.  11.  The  people  could  not  go  out  of  the  gates  of  the 
cities  to  draw  water,  without  being  exposed  to  the  arrows  of 
the  oppressors,  who  watched  that  opportunity  to  murder 
them ; so  that  in  some  cases  they  must  either  perish  by  tlfirst, 
or  seek  to  quench  it  at  the  peril  of  their  lives.  With  the 
rulers,  magistrates,  and  travellers,  the  common  people  also 
were  exhorted  to  praise  the  Lord,  every  time  they  drew 
water  in  safety,  and  to  “rehearse  his  righteous  acts:”  (or 
righteousnesses , marg.)  his  justice  in  the  destruction  of  their 
enemies,  nay,  in  the  miseries  which  they  had  endured  for  their 
sins ; and  his  faithfulness  in  delivering  them,  and  enabling 
them  to  return  to  their  habitations  and  employments  in  peace 
and  security. 

V.  12.  The  governors  and  people  having  been  excited  to 
praise  the  Lord,  Deborah  here  called  upon  her  own  soul,  or, 
by  way  of  response  instructed  the  people  to  call  upon  her,  to 
shake  off  drowsiness,  and  be  in  earnest  in  this  most  reasona- 
ble and  delightful  employment ; for  4 he  that  will  set  the  hearts 
of  other  men  on  tire  with  the  love  of  Christ,  must  himself 
burn  with  love.’  Hooker.  (Notes,  1 Chr.  29:10— 20.) — Barak 
also  was  excited  to  prosecute  his  victory  : he  had  destroyed 
the  whole  army  of  Sisera  in  the  field  of  battle ; let  him  also 
gather  the  unarmed  multitude  as  his  captives,  and  complete 
the  destruction  of  the  oppressors. 

V.  13.  Multitudes  of  the  Israelites  had  been  slain,  or 
driven  intoother  countries  by  oppression  : yet  the  Lord  had 
made  the  remnant  of  them,  even  under  the  conduct  of  a wo- 
man, to  have  dominion  over  their  powerful  and  renowned 
enemies. 

V.  14.  Deborah  next  proceeds  to  enumerate  those  who 
assisted  on  this  occasion,  beginning  with  Ephraim.  It  is 
probable,  that  the  Amalekites  were  coming  to  the  assistance 
of  Jabin  ; and  that  a body  of  men  of  the  tribe  of  Ephraim, 
(sprung  from  Ephraim  as  their  root,)  opposed  and  prevailed 
against  them:  yet  Benjamin  moved  first, and  the Epnraimites 
assisted  him. — The  governors  of  Machir,  or  Manasseh,  came 
to  the  assistance  of  Barak,  and  formed  useful  commanders 
and  the  Zebulunites  were  so  jnuch  in  earnest,  that  even 
their  students,  or  artists,  came  to  join  the  army,  and  to  serve 
the  common  cause.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  15,  16.  Both  the  princes  anil  people  of  Issachar  cam©, 
of  their  own  accord,  to  attend  on  Deborah,  and  to  accompany 
Barak,  when  he  was  sent  down  into  the  valley,  with  his 
small  number  of  foot-soldiers  poorly  armed,  to  meet  the  army 
and  war-chariots  of  Sisera.  (8.  Note,  4:14.) — Yet  Reubou 
kept  at  a distance,  as  disaffected  to  the  common  cause,  or 
unconcerned  about  it;  which  excited  much  uneasiness  and 
resentment,  and  occasioned  many  thoughts  in  the  minds  of 
his  brethren.  But  he  made  the  care  of  his  Hocks  the  pro* 
tenee  for  remaining  at  home  on  this  conjuncture. 

V.  17.  The  tribe  of  Gild  and  the  half  tribe  of  Manasseh, 
inhabited  mount  Gilead  : and  Machir  before  mentioned  seemar 
to  have  been  that  half  of  Manasseh  which  dwelt  we9t  of 


B.  C.  1296. 


CHAPTER  V 


B.  C.  1296 


18  "Zebulun  ami  Naphtali  were  a people  that 
'jeoparded  “their  lives  unto  the  death  pin  the  high 
places  of  the  field. 

19  The ’kings  came  and  fought;  then  fought 
the  kings  of  Canaan  in  rTaanach  by  the  waters 
of  Megiddo : “they  took  no  gain  of  money. 

20  They  ‘fought  from  heaven,  “the  stars  in 
their  'courses  fought  against  Sisera. 

21  The  river  of  xKishon  swept  them  away, 
that  ancient  river,  the  river  Kishon.  ?0  my  soul, 
thou  hast  trodden  down  strength. 

22  Then  were  the  ‘horse-hoofs  broken  by  the 
means  of  the  iprancings,  the  prancings  of  their 
mighty  ones. 

23  “Curse  ye  Meroz,  said  bthe  Angel  of  the 

Lord,  curse  ye  bitterly  the  inhabitants  there- 
of; because  “they  came  not  to  the  help  of  the 
Lord,  dto  the  help  of  the  Lord  against  the 
mighty.  " 

24  “Blessed  above  women  shall  Jael  the  wife  of 
Heber  the  Kenite  be  ; blessed  shall  she  be  above 
women  in  the  tent. 

25  He  ‘asked  water,  and  she  gave  him  milk : 
she  brought  forth  butter  in  a lordly  dish. 

n See  on  4:10.  * Heb.  exposed  to  reproach,  o Esih.  4:16.  Acts  20:24. 

1 John.  3:16.  Rev. 12:11.  p 4:6,10,14.  q Josh.  10:22— 27.  11:1,  &c.  Ps.  48: 
4—6.  68:12-11.  118:8-12.  Rev.  17:12—14.  19:19.  r See  on  1:27.  1 Kings  4:12. 
s 30.  4:16.  t Josh.  10:11.  1 Sam.  7.10.  Ps.  77:17,18.  u4:15.  t Heb. paths, 

x 4:7,13.  I Kings  18:40.  Ps.  83:9,10.  y Gen.  49:18.  Is.  25:10.  Mic.  7:10.  zPs. 
20:7.33:17.147:10,11.  Is.  5:28.  Jer.  47:3.  Mic.  4:13.  + Or ■,  trarnplings,  or, 
plungings.  a 1 Satn.  26:19.  Jer.  48:10.  1 Cor.  16:22.  b See  on  2:1.  4:6.  6:11. 
13:3.  Matt.  25:41.  c 21:9,10.  Neh.  3:5.  d 1 Sam.  17:47.  18: 17.  25:28.  Rom. 
15:18.  L Cor.  3:9.  2 Cor.  6:1.  e4:17.  Gen.  14:19.  Prov.  31:31.  Luke  1:42. 


Jordan.  (14.)  It  is  probable,  that  all  the  Israelites,  who 
dwelt  east  of  Jordan,  abode  at  home  and  refused  their  con- 
currence. The  tribes  of  Dan  and  Asher  did  the  same  ; the 
one  being  occupied  in  merchandise,  or  fishery ; and  the  other, 
as  some  think,  in  repairing  the  breaches,  or  stopping  the  incur- 
sions, which  the  sea  had  made  upon  their  inheritance.  (Marg. 

Wd  . ' 

V.  18.  From  these  two  tribes  Barak  had  raised  his  army  ; 
and  they  had  boldly  ventured  and  even  despised  their  lives, 
in  meeting  the  enemy,  with  their  iron  chariots,  in  the  open 
field  of  battle.  (Notes,  4:6,7,14.)  But  some  of  the  others 
were  ready  to  follow  the  blow,  though  not  present  in  the  first 
engagement. — It  is  remarkable  that  Judah  and  Simeon  are 
not  mentioned  in  this  poem,  either  as  deserving  censure  or 
commendation : and  this  cannot  well  be  accounted  for  ; unless 
the  inhabitants  of  the  southern  part  of  the  land  were  at  that 
time  so  circumstanced,  that  it  could  not  be  expected  they 
should  help  their  brethren  of  the  north.  (Note,  3:30.) 

V.  19.  Some  other  kings  of  Canaan  had  confederated  with 
Jabin,  entirely  out  of  hatred  against  Israel,  without  receiving 
any  recompense  for  their  assistance. 

V.  20.  The  angels  are  called  “ morning  stars,”  (Job  38: 
7.)  and  their  assistance  may  be  here  meant:  or  in  poetical 
language,  a violent  tempest,  raised  at  that  time,  which  greatly 
facilitated  the  destruction  of  the  Canaanites,  might  be  ascribed 
to  the  influences  of  the  stars  in  their  courses ; which  thus, 
without  any  such  miraculous  alteration  in  the  heavens,  as  took 
place  in  the  days  of  Joshua,  fought  effectually  against  Sisera 
and  his  army.  (Note,  Josh.  10:12 — 14.) — Some  think  the 
Dattle  continued  during  part  of  the  night ; and  that  the  bright 
shining  of  the  stars  enabled  Israel  more  successfully  to  pur- 
sue and  more  effectually  to  destroy  their  enemies. 

V.  21.  The  river  of  Kishon.}  Marg.  Ref. — The  stream 
of  this  rivulet  seems  to  have  been  so  swelled  by  the  rains 
which  had  fallen,  that  numbers  of  the  Canaanites,  attempting 
to  cross  it,  were  swept  away  by  it. — Deborah,  by  exciting 
Barak  and  the  Israelites  against  their  powerful  enemies,  and 
ny  their  strong  faith  and  fervent  prayers,  had  trodden  down 
their  strength  in  the  very  dust.  (Note,  Mic.  7:8 — 10.) 

V.  22.  Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Is.  5:26 — 30. 

V.  23.  It  is  probable  that  Meroz  was  some  town  or  city 
near  to  the  field  of  battle,  and  that  the  inhabitants  were  more 
inexcusable  in  not  affording  their  assistance,  than  those  who 
lived  at  a distance  : and  perhaps  their  refusal  arose  from  a 
secret  favour  borne  to  the  Canaanites.  The  Lord  did  not 
want  their  help  against  the  mightiest  of  his  enemies ; but 
their  conduct  proved  their  unbelief  and  degeneracy. — Debo- 
rah did  not  curse  them  out  of  personal  resentment,  but  “ the 
Angel  of  the  Lord’  commanded  her  to  pronounce  a curse 
upon  them ; that  Angel  of  the  Lord,  who  was  the  “Cap- 
tain of  the  Lord’s  host.”  (Note,  Josh.  5:13 — 15.) — Perhaps 
Meroz  had  before  been  a flourishing  city ; but  in  consequence 
of  this  curse,  it  became  so  obscure  that  its  situation  is  at 
present  unknown.  (Note,  Josh.  G:2G.) 

V.  24.  The  inhabitants  of  Meroz,  though  Israelites,  feared 
he  power  or  valued  the  friendship  of  the  Canaanites,  more 
than  they  dreaded  the  power  and  desired  the  favour  of  God  ; 
and  they  were  therefore  joined  with  the  accursed  Canaanites! 
Jael,  though  not  a na'lve  Israelite,  from  faith  and  love  to  the 
cs.use  of  God,  preferred  ,ne  friendship  of  his  oppressed  peo- 
*1«  to  that  of  heir  enemies;  a"1  she  was  joined  with  them 


26  She  put  her  hand  to  the  nail,  and  her  rigdil 
hand  to  the  workman’s  hammer:  and  Hvith  the 
hammer  she  smote  Sisera  ; eshe  smote  off  his  head 
when  she  nad  pierced  and  stricken  through  hid 
temples. 

27  "At  her  feet  he  bowed,  he  fell,  he  lay  down  , 
at  her  feet  he  bowed,  he  fell:  bwheie  he  bowed, 
there  he  fell  down  "dead. 

28  The  mother  of  Sisera  looked  out  at  a win- 
dow, anil  cried  'through  the  lattice,  k Why  is  his 
chariot  so  long  in  coming?  why  tarry  the  wheels 
of  his  chariots  ? 

29  Her  wise  ladies  answered  her,  yea,  she 
returned  "answer  to  herself, 

30  'Have  they  not  sped  ? have  they  not  divided 
the  prey ; to  ''every  man  a damsel  or  two  ? to 
Sisera  a prey  mof  divers  colours,  a prey  of  divers 
colours  of  needlework,  of  divers  colours  of  needle- 
work on  both  sides,  meet  for  the  necks  of  them 
that  take  the  spoil  ? 

31  “Soletall  thine  enemies  perish,  O Lord:  but 
let  “them  that  love  him  be  as  fthe  sun  when  he 
goeth  forth  in  his  might.  ’And  the  land  had  rest 
forty  years. 


f See  on  4:19— 21.  § Heh.  she  hammered.  g I Sam.  17:19— 51.  2 Sim.  20.22. 
||  Heb.  between.  hPs.52:7.  Matt.  7:2.  Jam.  2:13.  IT  Heh.  destroyed.  i 2 Kings 
1:2.  Cant. 2:9.  k 4:15.  Cant.  8:14.  Jam.  5:7.  **  Heb.  her  words.  1 Ex  15:9. 
Job  20:5.  ft  Heb.  the  head  of  a man.  m Gen.  37:3.  2 Sam.  13:18.  Ps.  45:14. 
n Ps.  48:4,5.  58:10,11.  68:1—3.  83.9—18.  97:8.  Rev.  6:10.  18:20.  19:2.3.  o Ex. 
20:6.  JTent.  6:5.  Ps.  91:14.  97:10.  Rom.  8:28.  1 Cor.  8:3.  Eph . 6:24.  .lam.  1:12. 
2:5.  1 Pet.  1:8.  1 John  4:19— 21.  5:2,3.  p2Sam.23:4.  Pa.  19:4,5.  37:6.  Prov. 
4:18.  Dan.  12:3.  Hoa.  6:3.  Mott.  13:43.  q 3:11,30. 


in  the  blessing,  yea,  had  a special  and  superior  blessing. 
(Notes,  Malt.  25:31 — 4G.  Gal.  3:6 — 14.)  And  indeed,  “in  the 
tent,”  she  jeoparded  her  life  as  much  as  the  soldiers  did  “in 
the  high  places  of  the  field.”  ( Notes,  4:2 1 . Josh.  2:8 — 16.) 

V.  26,  27.  When  Jael  had  driven  the  nail  through  the 
head  of  Sisera,  she  perhaps  cut  it  off  with  his  own  sword : 
though  indeed  no  intimation  is  given  of  it  in  the  history ; and 
the  words  may  merely  be  a poetical  repetition  of  the  same 
idea  by  a variety  of  terms.  (Note,  1 Sam.  17:50 — 53.) — 
When  he  felt  the  anguish  of  the  nail  penetrating  his  head, 
perhaps  he  struggled  to  arise,  but  fell  down  again,  and  bowed, 
and  died  at  her  feet ; finding  death  where  he  had  sought  life, 
and  a terrible  enemy  where  he  expected  a kind  friend. 

V.  28.  The  mother  of  Sisera,  with  impatient  expectation, 
looked  for  his  return,  and  wondered  what  so  long  delayed  him  ; 
not  in  the  least  fearing  his  success  in  a contest  with  so  unequal 
an  enemy  as  Barak  and  his  forces  appeared  to  her.  In  an 
ordinary  poem  we  should  say,  this  was  finely  imagined : but 
we  may  here  conclude  it  was  actually  the  case. 

V.  29.  Wise.]  This  seems  to  be  spoken  ironically.  He. 
ladies,  in  their  great  wisdom,  suggested  that  Sisera  only 
waited  to  divide  the  immense  spoil  which  had  been  taken; 
and  she  os  wisely  pleased  her  vain  mind  with  the  soothing 
imagination ! 

V.  30.  bMarg.Ref.) — A damsel  or  two .]  What  a pic- 
ture does  this  give  of  an  ungodly  and  sensual  heart ! How 
shameful  are  these  wishes  of  an  aged  mother  for  a beloved 
son,  and  his  officers  and  soldiers : that  a woman  of  honour 
and  virtue,  as  we  say,  could  delight  her  fancy,  with  conceiving 
the  Israelitish  virgins  divided  among  the  conquerors,  as  their 
property,  to  be  exposed  to  their  unbridled,  domineering  lust ! 
And  that  nothing  more  excellent  could  be  conceived  by  her 
trifling  mind,  than  to  see  her  son,  and  his  attendants  and 
concubines,  arrayed  in  fine  garments,  wrought  by  the  singular 
skill  and  industry  of  their  vanquished  enemies ! 

V.  31.  The  mother  of  Sisera  is  left  to  enjoy  her  imaginary 
triumph,  and  meet  her  bitter  disappointmenl ; while  the  hymn 
of  praise  concludes  with  praying  for  similar  destruction  to  a!P 
the  enemies  of  the  Lord,  and  prosperity  to  those  who  love 
him ; that  their  characters  may  be  honourable,  their  endeavours 
successful,  their  course  increasingly  useful,  and  their  path 
shining  more  and  more ; till  they  resemble  the  noonday,  when 
the  sun  by  his  full  strength  has  dispelled  the  mists  and  clouds 
which  his  rising  draws  lip,  and  which  at  first  obscure  bis  way, 
but  afterwards  increase  bis  splendour.  (Notes,  Ps.  68:1 — 3. 
Rev.  19:1—6.) 

Had  rest  forty  years.]  It  is  not  agreed  whether  these  years 
are  to  be  computed  from  the  time  that  Deborah  was  raiseo 
up  to  be  judge ; or  from  the  beginning  of  the  oppression  by 
Jabin.  The  former  i#the  more  obvious  interpretation.  (Notes, 
3:11,30.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 11.  No  delay  should  be  made  in  returning  thanks 
to  God  for  his  mercies : for  our  praises  are  most  acceptable, 
pleasant,  and  profitable,  when  they  flow  from  a full  heart, 
nor  should  we  be  backward  to  celebrate  his  praises,  and 
declare  our  obligations  to  him,  before  his  most  determined 
enemies,  or  in  the  presence  of  the  mightiest  arid  haughtiest 
of  the  princes  of  the  earth.  Let  them  be  reminded,  that  the 
Lord  is  above  them ; and  against  them,  so  long  as  they  seek 
their  own  glory  and  oppose  his  cause:  let  them  be  warned 
( 435  ) 


8 C.  1W6. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Israel,  relapsing  into  sin,  is  oppressed  by  Midian , and  rejjroved  byaprophet, 

I — 10.  The  Angel  of  the  Lord  appoints  Gideon  to  deliver  them,  ami  confirms 
his  commission  by  consuming  his  oblation  with  fire,  11 — 21.  Gideon  knows 
who  the  angel  is,  and  is  alarmed  ; but  rohen  encouraged , he  builds  an  altar, 
ami  calls  it  JEHOVAH  SHALOM , 22 — 24.  By  divine  command,  he  destroys 
Baal's  altar  and  grove,  and  offers  a sacrifice  to  JEHOVAH,  25 — 27.  His 
citizens  purpose  to  put  him  to  death  ; but  his  father  defends  him,  and  calls 
him  Jerubbaal,  28 — 32.  He  raises  an  army,  and  is  encouraged  by  a twofold 
sign,  33 — 40.  # .... 

AND  the  children  of  Israel  “did  evil  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord  ; and  the  Lord  delivered  them 
into  the  hand  of  bMidian  seven  years. 

2  And  "the  hand  of  Midian  'prevailed  against 
Israel : and  because  of  the  Midianites  the  children 
of  Israel  made  them  the  Mens  which  are  in  the 
mountains,  and  Caves,  and  strong-holds. 

3  And  so  it  was,  ewhen  Israel  had  sown,  that 
the  Midianites  came  up,  and  the  Amalekites, 
and  f the  children  of  the  east,  even  they  came  up 
against  them  ; 

4  And  they  encamped  against  them,  and  de- 
stroyed the  increase  of  the  earth,  still  thou  come 

ft  2:13,14,19,20.  Lev.  26:14,  &c.  Dem.  28.15,  &o.  Neh.  9:26— 29.  Ps.  106.31 — 12. 
I)  Gen.  25:2.  Num.  25:17,18.  Hal).  3:7.  c Lev.  26:17.  Deut.  28:47,48.  • Heb. 

was  strong,  d 1 Sam.  13:6.  14:11.  Heb.  11:38.  Rev.  6:15.  e Lev.  26:16.  Deut. 
28:30—33,51.  Job  31:8.  Is.  65:21 ,22.  Mic.  6:15.  f 33.  7:12.  8:10.  1 Kings  4:30. 
Job  1:3.  g Gen.  10:19.  13:10.  h Prov.  28:3.  Jer.  49:9,10.  Ob.  5.  t Or,  goat. 


44  rejoice  with  trembling”  in  their  dangerous  pre-eminence : 
let  them  lower  their  diadems  to  the  crown  of  44  the  King  of 
kings ;”  and  learn  to  embrace  his  salvation,  and  become  his 
servants,  or  they  will  ere  long  perish  like  Jabin  and  Sisera. 
(Ps.  83:9,10.  Note , Ps.  2:10 — 12*7) — Those  princes  who 
desire  to  serve  God,  must  trust  in  him,  and  not  in  chariots 
and  horses,  fleets,  or  armies;  they  must  use  their  authority 
in  advancing  truth  and  righteousness,  and  account  his  worship 
to  be  their  most  honourable  and  delightful  privilege  and  em- 
ployment.— Every  recent  mercy  calls  upon  us  to  renew  our 
gratitude  for  former  benefits  : the  works  of  the  Most  High 
can  consistently  be  compared  only  with  each  other ; and  all 
combine  in  proclaiming,  that  nothing  i*>too  hard  for  his  power, 
or  too  large  for  his  love.  Our  praises  in  prosperity  will  be 
heightened  and  purified  by  the  remembrance  of  preceding 
troubles,  and  by  humiliation  for  those  sins  which  occasioned 
them:  for  nothing  but  sin  gives  birth  to  misery,  whether 
personal  or  public,  temporal  or  eternal. — When  men  rebel 
against  God,  he  withdraws  his  protection,  and  sets  his  face 
against  them : then  their  weakest  foes  prevail,  and  his  curse 
infuses  bitterness  into  all  their  comforts;  nor  can  any  thing 
but  repentance  stop  the  speedy  progress  of  advancing  judg- 
ments. But  if  faithful  and  zealous  persons  are  raised  up,  as 
magistrates  or  ministers,  to  attempt  reformation  ; if  others 
willingly  offer  themselves  to  concur  in  their  pious  designs  ; 
and  if  the  people  are  suitably  influenced  by  these  endeavours  ; 
the  affairs  of  nations  and  churches  then  begin  to  wear  a more 
favourable  aspect.  And  when  in  our  personal  afflictions  we 
are  brought  to  humble  ourselves  before  God,  to  repent,  to 
pray  and  seek  forgiveness,  deliverance  and  comfort  are  not 
far  off.  Happy  are  they  who  are  thus  “chastened  of  the 
Lord,  that  they  should  not  be  condemned  with  the  world 
for  the  prosperity  of  the  wicked  increases  pride,  insolence, 
presumption,  and  sensuality,  till  they  41  suddenly  perish,  and 
that  without  remedy.” — While  we  can  go  abroad,  or  rest  at 
home,  in  security  ; while  we  can  follow  our  employments,  and 
attend  on  the  ordinances  of  God,  without  any  to  make  us 
afraid  ; let  us  join,  to  our  thanksgivings  for  such  distinguishing 
mercies,  our  sympathizing  prayers  for  those  who  are  groaning 
under  the  calamities  of  war,  oppression,  or  persecution. — But, 
as  a craving  appetite  will  urge  men  to  venture  even  their 
lives  for  its  gratification  ; did  we  thirst  aright  for  the  blessings 
of  salvation,  neither  the  persecutor’s  rage,  nor  the  tempter’s 
assaults,  could  keep  us  from  the  house  of  God,  or  the  throne 
of  grace. 

• V.  12 — 31.  When  we  rehearse  the  righteous,  faithful,  and 
merciful  acts  of  the  Lord  ; we  should  also  bear  true  respect 
and  affection,  and  give  due  commendation,  to  those  who  have 
been  his  willing  messengers  of  kindness  to  us,  and  should  at 
least  recompense  them  with  our  fervent  prayers  for  his 
blessing  on  them  : and  while  he  needs  no  human  help,  he  is 
pleased  to  employ  and  accept  the  services  of  those,  who  in 
their  several  stations  improve  their  talents  to  advance  his 
cause  : nay,  he  requires  every  man  to  do  this,  and  will  call 
those  to  a severe  account  who  neglect  or  evade  his  service. — 
The  higher  any  man  is  advanced  in  Providence,  the  more 
forward  ought  ho  to  be  in  promoting  the  public  good,  and  in 
stirring  up  others,  by  his  example,  influence,  and  authority  to 
do  the  same  ; not  deeming  the  high  praises  of  God  unbecom- 
ing the  bench,  the  senate,  or  the  throne,  or  unseasonable  in 
the  most  ordinary  conversation  with  strangers,  and  even  with 
the  nobles  of  the  earth. — They  who  would  do  good,  must 
shake  off  sloth,  renounce  indulgence,  and  learn  to  he  active 
and  endure  hardship.  On  some  occasions  they  may  bo  called 
to  “jeopardy  their  lives  in  the  high  places  of  the  field;”  at 
all  times,  to  sacrifice  many  personal  interests  for  the  public 
good  ; and  by  so  doing,  to  incur  the  reproach  and  censure  of 
a misjudging  world.  Most  men  will  therefore  excuse  thern- 
welves  : and  while  they  are  averse  to  the  cross,  and  disatfect- 
( 436  ) 


B.  C. 1250 

unto  Gaza;  and  hleft  no  sustenance  for  Israel, 
neither  'sheep,  nor  ox,  nor  ass. 

5 For  they  came  up  with  their  cattle,  and  theit 
'tents,  and  they  came  Ms  grasshoppers  for  multi- 
tude ; for  both  they  and  'their  camels  were  with- 
out number : and  they  entered  into  the  land  mto 
destroy  it. 

6 And  Israel  was  greatly  "impoverished  because 
of  the  Midianites ; and  the  children  of  Israe> 
“cried  unto  the  Lord. 

7 And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  children  jt 
Israel  cried  unto  the  Lord  because  of  the  Midian- 
ites, 

8 That  the  Lord  sent  ta  prophet  unto  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  which  said  unto  them,  rTiius  saitli 
the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  I brought  you  up  from 
Egypt,  and  brought  you  forth  out  of  the  house  of 
bondage : 

9 And  I delivered  you  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
Egyptians,  and  out  of  the  hand  of  all  that  oppress 

i Cant.  1:5.  Is.  13:20.  k 7:12.  8:10.  Jer.  46:23.  1 8:21.  1 Sam.  30:17.  Is.  60:6. 
Jer.  49:29,32.  m Ps.  83:4 — 12.  n Ps.  106:43.  mars.  Jer.  5:17.  Mai.  1:4.  o See 
on  3:9,15.  Ps.  50:15.  78:34.  106:44.  Is.  26:16.  Hos.5:15.  $ Heb  .a  man,  a pro- 
phet. p See  on  2:1 — 3.  Neh.  9.9 — 12.  Ps.  136:10 — 16.  Is.  63:9 — 14.  £z.  20:5, 
&c. 


ed  to  the  cause  of  God,  they  will  find  apologies  for  their 
conduct,  from  the  variety  of  their  secular  engagements  and 
avocations.  But  they  who  temporize  in  a matter  which 
admits  not  of  neutrality,  are  numbered  among  his  enemies  ; 
and  whilst  they  grieve  and  discourage  the  hearts  of  others, 
bring  heavy  wrath  upon  themselves.  Indeed  power  and 
pre-eminence  at  present  seem  to  be  on  their  side,  and  the 
servants  of  God  are  poor,  despised,  and  afflicted : but  the 
tables  will  soon  be  turned ; and  the  feeblest  believer  shall 
“ tread  down  strength,”  and  exercise  dominion  over  the 
mightiest  of  the  wicked. — When  the  Almighty  “ arises  to 
judgment,  to  help  all  the  meek  upon  earth,”  and  to  avenge 
the  cause  of  his  people,  the  whole  creation  wages  war  against 
his  enemies;  “the  stars  in  their  courses,”  the  elements meit- 
ing  with  fervent  heat,  and  all  the  angels  in  heaven  shall  con- 
cur in  their  destruction  : while  the  hosts  of  God  shall  sing  with 
triumphant  acclamations,  “So  let  all  thine  enemies  perish, 
O Lord  ;”*“and  they  who  love  the  Lord,”  shall  “shine  as 
the  sun  in  the  kingdom  of  their  Father.”  What  will  then 
become  of  the  hopes  of  the  sensual,  the  vain,  the  covetous, 
and  the  ambitious  ? The  objects  of  their  noblest  wishes 
were  degrading,  and  many  of  their  desires  base  and  brutish  : 
yet  even  these  wishes  and  desires  will  not  be  gratified,  and 
eternal  disappointment  and  black  despair  will  complete  their 
final  misery.  Where  will  then  he  their  boasted  wisdom? 
where  their  high-sounding  titles  and  glittering  distinctions  ? 
All,  ail  are  vanished,  and  gone  for  ever ! But  the  righteous 
may  look  forward  to  that  solemn  scene  with  joyful  expec- 
tation ; may  consider  death  and  judgment  as  the  coming  of 
their  Beloved  to  complete  their  felicity:  and,  though  willing 
to  wait  his  time,  yet  longing  to  behold  his  face,  they  may  well 
say,  “ Why  is  his  chariot  so  long  in  coming  ? why  tarry  the 
wheels  of  his  chariots  ?”  Though  they  meet  delays,  they 
shall  not  suffer  disappointment ; for  yet  a little  space,  and  ho 
will  come  and  receive  them  to  his  glorious  and  eternal  rest. 

NOTES. — Chap.  VI.  V.  I.  The  Israelites  had  exe- 
cuted vengeance  on  the  Midianites,  just  before  the  death  of 
Moses,  and  had  almost  extirpated  them  : (Notes, Num.  31:1 — 
18.)  but  thej-emnant  had  increased  and  acquired  power;  and, 
probably  instigated  by  resentment,  they  joined  themselves  to 
the  Amalekites,  the  devoted  enemies  of  Israel,  in  order  to 
retaliate.  (3)  As  the  tyranny  of  these  enemies,  though 
exceedingly  grievous,  was  much  shorter  than  that  of  their 
former  oppressors  ; it  is  probable,  that  the  guilt  of  Israel  had 
not  been  so  atrocious. 

V.  2,  3.  These  caverns  were  well  known  to  the  Israel- 
ites, when  this  history  was  written : hut  it  was  proper  that 
the  original  intent  and  use  of  them  should  be  remembered, 
both  to  humble  them,  and  to  excite  their  gratitude. — Tho 
Midianites  and  their  allies  seem  to  have  come  rather  as  free- 
booters, than  as  a disciplined  army  of  troops  under  experi- 
enced commanders:  yet  the  courage  of  the  Israelites  was  so 
sunk,  that,  instead  of  manfully  resisting  them,  they  dastardly 
concealed  themselves  under  ground  from  their  ravages. 
(Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  4.  Gu2a.]  The  country  of  Midian  lay  beyond  the 
most  eastern  borders  of  tho  land,  and  Gaza  was  near  the 
Mediterranean  Sea  on  the  west.  So  that  the  invaders  went 
across  the  country,  and  occupied  and  desolated  the  whole  of 
it,  leaving  “no  sustenance.”  (Note,  Jer.  49:9 — 11.) 

V.  5.  Mflrg.  R,f. 

V.  fi — 10.  (Notes,  3:9,10,14.)  Tho  people  having  long 
suffered  under  their  ntiliction,  at  length  cried  unto  the  Lord 
to  deliver  them  from  it;  but  it  does  not  appear  that  they 
were  deeply  humbled  for  their  sins.  (Notes,  Is.  1:111 — 20.) 
He  therefore  sent  a prophet  to  call  them  to  i epentattee,  before 
he  raised  up  a judge  to  deliver  them  from  their  enemies. 
The  inossage  itself  was  very  plain  and  convincing,  and  pro- 
bably was  delivered  from  city  to  city  throughout  tin  and. 


JUDGES. 


B.  C.  1450. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


B.  C.  1450 


ed  you,  and  ‘idrave  them  out  from  before  you,  and 
gave  you  their  land : 

10  And  I said  unto  you,  rI  am  the  Lord  your 
God ; 'fear  not  the  gods  of  the  Amorites  in  whose 
land  ye  dwell : but  lye  have  not  obeyed  my  voice. 

[ Practical  Observations.'} 

11  IT  And  there  came  “an  Angel  of  the  Lord, 
and  sat  under  an  oak  which  was  in  Ophrah,  that 
pertained  unto  Joash  the  vAbi-ezrite:  and  his  son 
"Gideon  thrashed  wheat  by  the  winepress,  to  'hide 
it  from  the  Midianites. 

12  And  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  appeared  unto 
him,  and  said  unto  him,  xThe  Lord  is  with  thee, 
thou  mighty  man  of  valour. 

13  And  Gideon  said  unto  him,  O my  Lord,  ?if 
the  Lord  be  with  us,  nvhy  then  is  all  this  befallen 
us  ? and  where  be  all  his  miracles  which  “our  fa- 
thers told  us  of,  saying,  Did  not  the  Lord  bring  us 
up  from  Egypt?  but  now  the  Lord  hath  bforsaken 
us,  and  delivered  us  into  the  hands  of  the  Midian- 
ites. 

14  And  'the  Lord  looked  upon  him,  and  said, 
•’Go  in  this  thy  might,  and  thou  shalt  save  Israel 
from  the  hand  of  the  Midianites : have  not  I sent 
thee  ? 

15  And  he  said  unto  him,  0 my  Lord,  'where- 
with shall  I save  Israel  ? behold,  f my  tfamily  is  poor 
in  Manasseh,  and  I am  sthe  least  in  my  father’s 
house. 

16  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  hSurely  I will 
be  with  thee,  and  thou  shalt  smite  the  Midianites 
as  one  man. 


q See  on  Ps.  44:2,3.  r See  on  Ex.  20:2,3.  s 2 Kings  17:33,35,38.  Jer.  10:2. 
t 2:2.  Prov.  5:13.  Jer.  3:13,25.  9:13.  42:21.  43:4,7.  Zeph.  3:2.  Rom.  10:16. 
Heb.  5:9.  u 14— 16.  2:1— 5.  5:23.  13:3,18-20.  Gen.  4816.  Is.  63:9.  v 8:2. 
Josh.  17:2.  \v  Heb.  11:32.  Gedeon.  * Heb.  cause  it  to  flee.  x2:18.  Ex.  3:12. 
Josh.  1:5,9.  Ruth  2:4.  Matt.  1:23.  28:20.  Luke  1:28.  Acts  18:9,10.  v Gen.  25: 
22.  Ex.  33:14— 16.  Num.  14:14,15.  Rom.  8:31.  z Deut.  29:24.  30:17,18.  Ps.  89: 
49.  Is.  59:1,2.  63:15.  a Ps.  44:1.  78:3,4.  b Deut.  31:17.  2 Chr.  15:2.  Ps.27:9. 
Is.  41:17.  Jer.  23:33.  c See  on  11.  d 4:6.  Josh.  1 :5— 9.  1 Sam.  12:11.  1 Chr. 
14:9,10.  e Ex.  3:11.  4:10.  Jer.  1:6.  Lt*e  1:34.  f 1 Sam.  9:21.  18:23.  t Heb. 
thousand  is  the  meanest.  Ex.  18:21 — 25.  Mic.  5:2.  g Gen.  32:10.  Jer.  50:45. 


and  it  seems  to  have  had  considerable  effect,  as  it  prepared 
the  way  for  their  deliverance. — It  may  be  useful  here  to 
compare  the  language  of  this  prophet.  “ Thus  saith  the 
Lord,  &c.”  with  that  of  the  Angel  before  mentioned,  ( Note , 
2:1 — 5.)  and  with  the  subsequent  part  of  this  chapter.  (11 
—24.) 

V.  11.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  people  contrived  by  various 
means  to  conceal  a scanty  portion  of  their  harvest,  just 
sufficient  to  keep  them  from  starving.  In  the  ^winepress 
Gideon  beat  out  the  wheat  with  a staff  (Heb.)  unsuspected: 
for  either  the  vintage  was  not  ripe,  or  the  people  could  make 
no  use  of  their  winepresses. 

V.12.  (Marg.  Ref . s.)  Perhaps  Gideon,  while  at  his  work, 
was  meditating  on  the  miserable  state  of  Israel,  and  conceiv- 
ing bold  designs  against  their  invaders,  which  however  he 
saw  no  possibility  of  accomplishing  ; to  which  thoughts  these 
words  of  the  Angel  might  refer. 

V.  13.  The  angel  had  said,  “ The  Lord  is  with  thee 
but  Gideon’s  mind  was  occupied  about  his  people,  and  he 
therefore  answered,  “If  the  Lord  be  with  us;”  not  con- 
ceiving that  the  Lord  could  be  with  him , when  there  was 
no  evidence  of  his  special  presence  with  Israel.  He  judged 
right,  when  he  concluded  that  they  could  not  have  been  so 
distressed,  if  the  almighty  God,  who  had  brought  them  out 
of  Egypt,  had  not  for  the  time  forsaken  them : but  he  did  not 
suitably  advert  to  those  crimes  which  had  provoked  him  to 
anger.  (Notes,  Deut.  32:26 — 31.) 

Our  fathers  told  us  of,  &c.]  Language  of  this  kind,  fre- 
quently occurring  in  the  subsequent  historical  books,  shows 
how  fully  the  conviction  prevailed  in  the  minds  of  the  people, 
that  all  the  wonderful  works  for  Israel  recorded  in  the  books 
of  Moses  had  assuredly  taken  place.  And  this  conviction 
could  never 'have  been  produced  and  perpetuated,  from  the 
days  of  Moses  to  all  succeeding  generations,  had  it  not  been 
certainly  known  by  Moses’s  contemporaries,  that  this  was 
indeed  the  case. 

V.  14.  We  here  learn  who  this  Angel  was ; eventheLoRD 
Jehovah,  the  only  begotten  Son  of  God,  who  has  in  all  ages 
declared  the  Father  to  mankind.— These  repeated  evidences 
continually  remind  the  attentive  reader,  that  the  Scriptures 
are  calculated  to  lead  us  to  conceive  of  the  one  living  and 
true  God,  as  subsisting  in  distinct  persons. — The  Lord  looked 
upon  Gideon,  with  some  peculiar  expression  of  majesty  or  of 
favour,  giving  energy  to  his  words,  while  he  said,  “ Go  in  this 
thy  might,  and  thou  shalt  save  Israel.”  (Marg.  Ref.  on  11 
p.  Notes,  Ex.  3:12.  4:1 — 12.  Duke  21:14.) — Thus  he  was 
commissioned  to  execute  the  bold  designs  which  he  was 
rovolving  in  his  mind,  or  to  attempt  the  deliverance  of  his 
people,  in  that  strength  of  faith  which  he  even  then  possessed. 
— If  he  believed  that  nothing  was  wanting  to  deliver  them 
from  the  Midianites,  but  the  presence  of  God  who  adeemed 


17  And  he  said  unto  him,  ’If  now  I have  fount, 
grace  in  thy  sight,  then  ‘‘show  me  a sign  that  thou 
talkest  with  me. 

18  Depart  not  hence,  I pray  thee,  until  I come 
unto  thee,  and  ’bring  forth  my  ^present,  and  set  it 
before  thee.  And  he  said,  I will  tarry  until  thou 
come  again. 

19  And  Gideon  went  in,  and  mmade  ready  $a  kid, 
"and  unleavened  cakes  of  an  ephah  of  Hour  : the 
flesh  he  put  in  a basket,  and  he  put  the  broth  in  a 
pot,  and  brought  it  out  unto  him  under  the  oak, 
and  presented  it. 

20  And  the  Angel  of  God  said  unto  him,  Take 
the  flesh  and  the  unleavened  cakes,  and  “lay  them 
upon  this  rock,  and  Ppour  out  the  broth.  And  he 
did  so. 

21  Then  the  angel  of  the  Lord  put  forth  the 
end  of  the  staff  that  teas  in  his  hand,  and  touched 
the  flesh,  and  the  unleavened  cakes  ; and  there 
irose  up  fire  out  of  the  rock,  and  consumed  the 
flesh  and  the  unleavened  cakes.  Then  the  Artgel 
of  the  Lord  departed  out  of  his  sight. 

22  And  when  Gideon  'perceived  that  he  was  an 
Angel  of  the  Lord,  Gideon  said,  Alas,  O Lord 
God  ! for  "because  I have  seen  an  Angel  of  the 
Lord  face  to  face. 

23  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  ‘Peace  be 
unto  thee ; fear  not : thou  shalt  not  die. 

24  Then  Gideon  “built  an  altar  there  unto  the 
Lord,  and  called  it  ''JEHOVAH-shalom  : unto  this 
day  it  is  yet  in  vOphrah  of  the  Abi-ezrites. 

[ Practical  Observations.} 


1 Cor.  15:9.  Eph.  3:8.  h See  on  12.  Ex.  3:12.  Josh.  1:5.  Is.  41:10,14—16.  Matt. 
28:20.  Mark  16:20.  Acts  11:21.  i See  on  Ex.  33:13,16.  k 36—40.  Gen.  15:8— 
17.  Ex.  4:1— 9.  2 Kine:s  2):8— 11.  Ps.  88:17.  Is.  7:11.  lGen.  18:5.  19:3.  } Or, 
meat-offering,  m 13:15 — 19.  Gen.  18:6 — 8.  § Heb.  a kid  of  the  goats,  n Lev. 
2:4.  o 13:19.  p 1 Kings  18:33,34.  q 13:20.  Lev.  9:24.  1 Kings  18:38.  1 Chr. 
21:26.  2 Chr.  7:1.  r 13:21.  s 13:22.  Gen.  16:13.  32:30.  Ex.  33:20.  Deut.  5:5, 
24,26.  Is.  6:5.  John  1:18.  12:41.  t Gen.  43:23.  Ps.  85:8.  John  14:27.  20:19,26. 
Rom. 1:7.  u 21 .4.  Gen. 33:20.  Josh. 22: 10,26— 28.  ||  That  is,  The  LOUD  send 
peace.  Gen.  22:14.  Ex.  17:15.  Jer.  23:6.  33:16.  Ez.  48:35.  v 8:32. 


Israel  from  Egypt,  let  him  go  in  this  confidence,  and  he  shalt 
find  that  same  power  exerted  to  render  him  successful. 
“Have  not  I sent  thee  ?”  saith  the  divine  Speaker. 

V.  15.  Manasseh  was  not  one  of  the  leading  tribes  in 
Israel;  the  thousand  (marg.)  to  which  Gideon  belonged,  was 
poor  in  that  tribe  ; and  he  was  (as  he  humbly  thought)  the 
meanest  person  in  the  family,  and  utterly  unfit  to  undertake 
such  a service.  (Notes,  Ex.  4:13,14.  Is.  6:5 — 8.  Jer.  1:6 — 8.) 

V.  16.  As  one  man.)  With  great  facility,  and  to  their 
entire  destruction.  (Num.  14:15.  Note,  7:16 — 22.) 

V.  17.  That  thou  talkest,  &c.)  Gideon  seems  to  have 
desired  some  assurance,  that  the  Person,  now  speaking  with 
him,  was  He,  who  at  the  bush  commissioned  Moses  to  deliver 
Israel  out  of  Egypt,  and  who  had  given  him  sensible  token* 
of  his  divine  power  and  authority.  (Notes, ’Ex.  3:2 — 12.  4:1 
—9.  33:17—19.) 

V.  18.  My  present.)  “Meat-offering.”  (Marg.)  As  a kit 
was  part  of  the  meat-offering,  (19)  the  word  cannot  always 
be  used  exclusively  for  oblations  of  flour,  &c.  as  some  have 
thought. 

V.  19.  This  peparation  would  serve,  either  for  a hospitable 
meal,  or  for  a sacred  oblation.  The  quantity  was  far  more 
than  was  necessary  for  one  person  at  one  time  : and  it  shows 
that,  even  in  his  poverty,  Gideon  was  ready  to  “ use  hospi- 
tality without  grudging,”  according  to  the  custom  of  those 
times.  (Gen.  18:3 — 8.) 

V.  20,  21.  This  command  seems  to  have  been  intended* 
as  a trial  of  Gideon’s  faith  and  obedience,  by  which  the  Lord 
gave  him  the  sign  which  he  required.  (17)  With  the  staff  in 
his  hand,  he  “ touched  the  flesh,  and  the  unleavened  cakes 
and  by  fire,  miraculously  kindled,  the  whole  was  consumed  as 
a sacrifice,  and  not  as  a hospitable  meal ; for  he  was  God, 
and  not  man.  (Notes,  1 Kings  18:33 — 39.  2 Chr.  7:1 — 3.) 

V.  22.  The  sight  of  a created  angel,  though  it  might  have 
surprised  Gideon,  would  not  have  thus  terrified  him  : but  it 
was  a current  opinion,  that  the  vision  of  the  divine  glory  was 
fatal ; and,  except  as  seen  in  Jesus  Christ,  no  doubt  it  would 
be  so.  (Marg.  Ref.  p.)  ‘From  such  places  as  this  the 
ancient  Christians  rightly  gathered,  that  the  Son  of  God 
appeared,  upon  some  great  occasions,  in  old  time:  which  is 
not  incredible,  but  a matter  of  easy  belief ; if  we  be  persuaded, 
that  he  did  really  appear  in  our  flesh,  which  he  took  of  the 
virgin  Mary,  and  dwelt  among  us  a long  lime,  and  then 
ascended  in  it  to  heaven,  where  he  lives  for  ever.  For  \*  hy 
should  we  think  it  strange,  if  for  a short  time  he  appeal  d 
sometimes  in  human  shape,  as  a prelude  to  what  he  intended 
in  the  fulness  of  time  ? ...  It  was  indeed  a greater  thing 
which  he  did  for  us  at  last : but  he  that  did  the  greater,  may 
well  be  granted  to  have  done  the  less,  and  there  is  no  reason 
to  doubt  it.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  23.  The  LORD  said.)  Either  at  a second  appear- 

( 437  ) 


B.  C 1249. 


JUDGES 


B.  C.  1249. 


25  IT  Avl  eame  to  pass,  the  same  nidit,  that 
the  Lord  said  unto  him,  'Take  thy  fathers  young 
bullock,  "even  the  second  bullock  of  seven  years 
old,  and  "throw  down  the  altar  of  Baal  that  *thy 
lather  hath,  and  ?cut  down  the  Errove  that  is  by  it: 

26  And  *build  an  altar  unto  the  Lord  thy  God 
upon  the*top  of  this  frock,  in  Hhe  ordered  place, 
and  take  the  second  bullock,  and  offer  a burnt- 
sacrifice  with  the  wood  of  the  grove  which  thou 
shalt  cut  down. 

27  Then  Gideon  took  ten  men  of  his  servants, 
‘and  did  as  the  Lord  had  said  unto  him  : and  so 
it  was,  because  he  feared  his  father’s  household, 
and  the  men  of  the  city,  that  he  could  not  do  it 
by  day,  that  bhe  did  it  by  night.  • 

28  And  when  the  men  of  the  city  arose  early 
in  the  morning,  behold,  the  altar  of  Baal  was  cast 
down,  and  the  grove  was  cut  down  that  was  by 
it,  and  the  second  bullock  was  offered  upon  the 
altar  that  was  built. 

29  And  they  said  one  to  anotner,  Who  hath 
done  this  thing?  And  when  they  inquired  and 
asked,  they  said,  Gideon  ,the  son  of  Joash  hath 
done  this  thing. 

30  Then  the  men  of  the  city  said  unto  Joash, 
'Bring  out  thy  son,  that  he  may  die  : because  he 
hath  cast  down  the  altar  of  Baal,  and  because  he 
hath  cut  down  the  grove  that  was  by  it. 

31  And  Joash  said  unto  all  that  stood  against 
him,  dWi!l  ye  plead  for  Baal  ? will  ye  save  him  ? 
he  that  will  plead  for  him,  “let  him  be  put  to  death 
whilst  it  is  yet  morning  : fif  he  be  a god,  let  him 
plead  for  himself,  because  one  hath  cast  down  his 
altar. 


* Gen.  35:2.  Job  22:23.  Ps.  101:2.  • Or , and.  w 1 King.  18:21.  Matt.  6:24. 
2 Cor.6:15— 17.  x Mall.  10:37.  Acts  4:19.  5:29.  y 3:3.  Ex.  34:13.  pcut.  7:5. 
t 2 Sam.  24:18.  t Heb.  strong  place.  | Or,  an  orderly  manner.  1 Cor.  14:33,40. 
a Dent.  4:1,2.  Matt.  16:24.  John  2:5.  15:14.  Gal.  1:16.  1 Thus.  2:4.  b Ps.  112: 
5.  John  3:2.  c Jer.  26:11.  50:38.  John  16:2.  Acts  26:9.  Phil.  3:6.  d Ex.  23:2. 
Num.  14:6.  Eph.5:ll.  e Petit.  13:5,  &c.  17:2—7.  1 Kings  18.40.  fl  Kings  18: 
27,29.  Ps.  115  4 — 7.  Is.  41:23.  46:1,7.  Jer. 10:5,11.  1 Cor.  8:4.  § That  is,  Let 

Baal  plead.  1 Sam.  12:11.  2 Sam.  11:21.  Jerubbesheth  : that  is,  l.et  the 

shameful  thing  plead.  Jer.  11:13.  Hos.  9:10.  gPs.3:l.  27:2,3.  118:10 — 12.  Is. 


ance,  or  by  an  audible  voice,  or  in  a vision  as  afterwards. 
(25) 

V.  24.  Gideon  does  not  seem  to  have  intended  this  altar 
for  sacrifices  ; but  for  a memorial  of  the  Lord’s  appearance, 
and  gracious  words  to  him.  ( Marg . Ref.  r,  and  on  marg. 
reading.)  It  remained  at  the  time  when  this  history  was 
written.  * 

V.  25,20.  Our  translation  supposes,  that  only  one  bullock 
was  sacrificed : yet  the  term,  u the  second  bullock,”  may 
imply,  that  two  were  appointed.  It  does  not  however  appear, 
when  or  how  the  first  bullock,  if  two  were  meant,  was  offered. 
This  “ second  bullock  of  seven  years  old,”  (the  same  number 
as  the  years  of  Israel’s  oppression.)  seems  to  have  been 
fattened  on  purpose  for  a public  sacrifice  to  Baal. — Before  he 
offered  the  sacrifice,  Gideon  was  directed  to  u throw  down 
the  altar  which  his  father  had”  for  the  worship  of  Baal;  and 
u to  cut  down  the  grove  and  thus  to  declare  open  war 
against  idolatry,  before  he  attacked  the  enemies  of  his  people: 
regarding  the  honour  and  command  of  God,  more  than  the 
authority  or  credit  of  his  father  ; which  probably  had  hitherto 
made  him  satisfy  himself  with  silent  disapprobation. — Some 
think  that  the  word  rendered  grove , means  an  image  of  Ash- 
taroth,  which  was  cut  in  pieces  ; and  burnt  as  fuel  in  consuming 
the  sacrifice  offered  to  Jehovah.  (Note,  2:11 — 13.) — Gideon 
was  not  a priest,  or  even  a Levite  ; but  he  acted  by  extraor- 
dinary commission,  as  a prophet. — Sacrificing  also  was 
generally  restricted  to  the  altar  at  Shiloh  : yet  on  this  occa- 
sion the  Lord  was  pleased  to  dispense  with  the  ritual 
appointment ; and  even  to  command  and  accept  a sacrifice 
offered  with  those  things  which  had  been  employed  in  idolatry  : 
for  it  was  of  great  importance,  that  a protest  against  the 
worship  of  Baal,  and  an  avowal  of  Jehovah,  as  the  only 
true  God,  should  introduce  Israel’s  deliverance.  (Notea,  Lev. 
1:5—9.  17:3 — 7.  Deui.  12:2 — 9.  1 Sam.  7:9.  1 Kings  18:38,39. 
2 Kings  3:20.) 

V.  27.  The  large  family  of  Gideon’s  father  was  grievously 
infected  with  this  idolatry  ; which  the  more  magnifies  the 
mercy  of  God  in  preserving  him,  and  in  selecting  him  to  be 
Israel’s  deliverer.  Some,  however,  even  of  his  servants,  were 
ready  and  willing  to  help  in  this  perilous  attempt. 

V.  28 — 30.  When  the  citizens  arose  betimes,  (perhaps  to 
pay  their  moi*ning  devotions  to  Baal)  and  saw  what  had  taken 
place,, they  were  speedily  informed  that  Gideon  had  done  it  ; 
and  nothing  but  his  blood  could  satisfy  the  persecuting  rage 
of  these  infatuated  idolaters  ! (Note,  1 Kings  19:2.) 

V.  31,  32.  Joash,  though  himself  guilty  of  idolatry,  was 
unwilling  to  have  his  son  punished  : and  probably,  by  what 
had  been  done,  lie  was  convinced  of  the  sin  and  folly  of  wor- 
shipping an  idol  which  could  not  defend  itself;  and  whi'h 
( 438  ) 


32  Therefore  on  that  day  he  cal'.ed  him  iJerub 
baal,  saying,  Let  Baal  plead  against  him,  because 
he  hath  thrown  down  his  altar. 

33  H Then  sail  the  Midianites,  and  the  Amalek- 

ites,  and  the  hchildren  of  the  east,  were  gathered 
together,  and  ‘went  over  and  pitched  in  kthe  valley 
of  Jezreel.  . 

34  But  ‘the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  “came  upon 
Gideon,  and  he  "'blew  a trumpet;  and  “Abi-ezer 
lwas  gathered  after  him. 

35  And  he  sent  “messengers  throughout  ail 
Manasseh ; who  also  was  gathered  after'  him : 
and  he  sent  messengers  unto  Asher,  and  unto 
Zebulun,  and  unto  Naphtali;  and  they  came  up 
to  meet  them. 

36  H And  Gideon  said  unto  God,  rlf  thou  wilt 
save  Israel  by  mine  hand,  as  thou  hast  said, 

37  ^Behold,  I will  put  a fleece  of  wool  in  the 
floor  ; and  if  the  dew  be  on  the  fleece  'only,  and 
it  be  dry  upon  all  the  earth  beside,  then  shall  I 
know  that  thou  wilt  save  Israel  by  mine  hand,  as 
thou  hast  said. 

38  And  it  was  so:  for  he  rose  up  early  on 
the  morrow,  and  thrust  the  fleece  together,  and 
wringed  the  dew  out  of  the  fleece,  a bowl-full  of 
water. 

39  And  Gideon  said  unto  God,  'Let  not  thine 
anger  be  hot  against  me,  and  I will  speak  but  this 
once  : Let  me  prove,  I pray  thee,  but  this  once  with 
the  fleece  ; let  it  now  be  ‘dry  only  upon  the  fleece, 
and  upon  all  the  ground  let  there  be  dew. 

40  And  God  did  so  that  night:  for  it  was  dry 
upon  the  fleece  only,  and  there  was  dew  on  all  the 
ground. 


8:9,10.  Rom. 8:35— 39.  li  3.  8:10,11.  1 Chr.  5:19,20.  Job  1:3.  I 7:24.  Josh.  3: 
16,17.  k Josh.  17:16.  19:18.  1 Kinds  18:45.  21:1.  1 3:10.13:25.14:19.15:14. 

I Sam.  10:6.  It:6.  16:14.  1 Chr.  12:18.  2 Chr.  24:20.  Ps.  51:11.  1 Cor.  12:8—11. 

II  Heb.  clollted.  Rom.  13:14.  Gal.  3:27.  m 3:27.  Num.  10:3.  nil.  8:2.  Josh. 
17:2.  9 Heh.was  called  after  him.  o hr.  30:6— 12.  p 14,17-20.  Ex . 4: 1— 
9.  2 Kings 20:8.  Ps.  103:13,14.  Malt.  16:1.  q Pent.  32:2.  Ps.  72:6.  lies.  6:3,4. 
14:5.  r Ps.  147:19,20.  Matt.  10:5,6.  15:24.  • Gen.  18:32.  t Pa.  107  33— 35.  la. 
35:6,7.  43:19,20.  Matt.  8:12.  21:43.  Acu  13:46.  22:21.  28:28.  Rom.  11:12-22. 


needed  to  be  saved  by  its  devotees,  instead  of  being  able  to 
save  them.  If  Baal  were  indeed  a god,  let  him  plead  his 
own  cause  against  Gideon  : and  if  he  were  not  a god,  they  who 
pleaded  for  him  deserved  immediate  death.  (Notes,  1 Sam. 
5 6:  Is.  46:1,2.) — Probably  Joash  now  recollected  the  law 
against  idolaters.  (Note,  Dent.  13:1 — 5.)  Some  however 
think,  that  he  spake  merely  as  a magistrate,  against  any  who 
should  excite  a tumult  on  account  of  these  transactions. — 
On  this  occasion  he  gave  his  son  a new  name,  and  railed  him 
Jerubbaal  ; as  if  he  had  said,  Let  Baal  plead  against  him  if 
he  be  able.  He  was  also  called  Jerubbesheth,  which  signifies, 
let  shame  plead;  (2  Sam.  11:21.)  for  what  the  people  called 
Baal,  or  lord , was  indeed  their  shame.  (Notes,  Jer.  11:13. 
Hos.  9:9,10.) — Some  fragments  of  Phenician  history  evidently 
mention  Gideon  under  the  title  of  Jerombalus,  and  call  him  the 
priest  of  Jcvo  ; doubtless  from  this  sacrifice  offered  by  him 
to  Jehovah.  The  writer  says  he  received  some  commenta- 
ries from  him,  which  probably  mean  the  books  of  Moses,  the 
law  of  Jehovah. 

V.  33,  34.  It  seems  that  a very  great  and  surprising  refor- 
mation took  place  on  this  occasion  in  Ophrah  of  the  Abi- 
ezrites;  for  that  city  furnished  Gideon  with  his  first  troops, 
when  he  prepared  to  attack  ‘the  Midianites  after  they  had 
crossed  Jordan  on  their  annual  plundering  invasion.  (Note, 
2,3.) 

V.  36 — 40.  The  view  of  the  very  great  multitudes  of  the 
enemy  perhaps  rather  discouraged  Gideon  ; who,  for  the  con- 
firmation of  his  own  faith,  and  that  of  his  troops,  desired  this 
miraculous  sign  of  the  Lord’s  presence  as  the  seal  of  his  com- 
mission. But,  as  it  is  the  nature  of  wool  to  suck  in  the  mois- 
ture, when  there  is  any  in  the  air,  so  the  first  token  did 
not  quite  satisfy  him : and,  though  conscious  of  his  unbelief, 
he  asked  the  reversal  of  the  sign,  joining  with  his  petition  an 
humble  deprecation  of  the  Lord’s  displeasure ; and  he  obtained 
his  request.  (Note,  7:13 — 15.  Ex.  4:1 — 7.  Luke  1:18 — 20.) 
— According  to  this  miracle,  the  nation  of  Israel  was  mois- 
tened by  the  dew  of  heavenly  blessings,  when  the  whole  earth 
besides  remained  dry:  and  now  that  the  nations  of  the  earth 
enjoy  the  blessings  of  redemption,  the  Jews  remain  like  the 
dry  fleece. 

practical  observations. 

V.  1 — 10.  The  tendency  of  our  fallen  nature  to  npostacy 
from  God  is  so  strong,  that  no  means  ran  of  themselves  pre- 
vent its  effect ; and  in  all  cases  when  divine  grace  is  withheld, 
man  as  naturally  does  evil  as  the  stone  falls  to  the  ground. 
The  Scriptures  every  where  teach  us  this  humiliating  truth: 
and  in  proportion  as  wo  effectually  learn  i .,  we  shall  in  all 
things  depend  on  the  special  assistance  and  jlessing  of  God. 
with  constant,  earnest  prayer ; and  unreserve*  Jy  give  him  all 


B.  C.  1249, 


CHAPTER  VII 


B.  C.  1249 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Gideon's  army  it  tried  by  divine  directions,  and  reduced  to  three  hundred  men, 

1 — 8.  He  it  tent  into  the  enemy's  camp  by  night , and  encouraged  by  hearing 
a dream  interpreted,  9 — 15.  He  divides  his  army  into  three  companies, 
riving  each  twin  a trumpet,  and  a lamp  in  a pitcher,  16 — 18.  The  Midian- 
ites are  thrown  into  confusion  and  put  to  Jlight,  19 — 22.  The  Israelites 
intercept  their  flight,  and  take  their  princes  Orcb  and  Zeeb,  whom  they  put  to 
death.  23 — 23. 

THEN  “Jerubbaal  (who  is  Gideon,)  and  all 
the  people  that  were  with  him,  brose  up  early, 
and  pitched  beside  the  well  of  Harod ; so  that 
the  host  of  the  Midianites  were  on  the  north  side 
of  them,  by  the  hill  of  cMoreh,  in  the  valley. 

2  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Gideon,  The  people 
that  are  with  thee,  are  dtoo  many  for  me  to  give 
the  Midianites  into  their  hands,  lest  'Israel  vaunt 
themselves  against  me,  saying,  < Mine  own  hand 
hath  saved  me. 

3  Now  therefore  go  to,  proclaim  in  the  ears  of 
the  people,  saying,  eWbosoever  is  fearful  and 
afra.d,  let  him  return,  and  depart  early  from 
mount  Gilead : and  there  returned  of  the  people 
•■twenty  and  two  thousand,  and  there  remained 
ten  thousand. 

4  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Gideon,  The  people 


r 6:32.  b Gen.  22:3.  Josh.  3:1.  6:12.  Ec.9:10.  cGen.l2:6.  dlSam.l4:6. 
SChr.  14:11.  Zecll.  4:6.  12:7.  1 Cor.  1 :27— 29.  2:4,5.  2 Cor.  4:7.  10:4,5. 

• Deul.  32:27.  Is.  2:11,17.  Jer.  9:23.  Rom. 3:27.  Eph.  2:9.  Jam.  4:6.  fDeot. 
8:17.  Is.  10:13.  Ez.*28:2,17.  Dan.4:30.  Hab.  1:16.  g Deut.20:8.  Matt.  13:21. 


the  glory,  whatever  good  be  wrought  in  us,  or  done  by  us. — 
He  has  so  constituted  the  world,  that  fear,  shame,  and  misery, 
arc  the  natural  effects  of  sin,  and  will  inevitably  follow  the 
commission  of  it ; however  impenitent  sinners  may  endeavour 
to  evade  them,  and/or  a time,  succeed.— Conscious  guilt  appals 
the  heart,  and  reduces  men  to  the  most  degrading  expedients 
for  self-preservation : and  plenty  abused  in  excess  must  ex- 
pose them,  at  least,  to  the  merciful  chastisement  of  pinching 
want.  Heavy  afflictions  often  extort  from  sinners  cries  of 
distress  and  prayers  for  relief:  but  if  the  Lord  regard  these 
cries  and  prayers,  he  will  convince  the  sufferers  of  their  guilt, 
and  lead  them  to  repentance ; for  without  this  no  deliverance 
will  eventually  prove  a blessing. — The  ministers  of  God  must 
declare  to  sinners  his  perfections  and  authority:  the  relations 
in  which  they  stand  to  him,  and  their  obligations  to  obedience ; 
the  reasonableness  of  his  precepts,  the  advantages  of  his  ser- 
vice, the  evil  of  sin,  and  the  number  and  heinousness  of  their 
transgressions.  Hence  it  will  appear,  that  they  greatly  need 
repentance  and  forgiveness  ; and  that  the  message  of  the  gos- 
el  is  indeed  worthy  of  their  most  cordial  acceptation.  And, 
aving  brought  these  things  home  to  their  consciences,  they 
must  leave  the  rest  with  God,  earnestly  praying  to  him  to 
render  his  word  successful.  Yet,  alas  1 numbers  hear  the 
word  of  God,  and  are  convinced  that  their  conduct  is  inex- 
cusable, who  notwithstanding  proceed  in  their  sinful  courses, 
even  while  groaning  under  the  painful  effects  of  them ! 

V.  11 — 24.  The  Lord  reserves  to  himself  a remnant  in 
the  worst  of  times,  to  whom  he  manifests  his  gracious  pre- 
sence ; and  they  are  never  more  likely  to  be  thus  favoured, 
than  when  struggling  with  outward  difficulties,  employed  in 
honest  labour,  and  meditating  upon  heavenly  things. — Talents, 
suited  for  peculiar  services,  may  for  a time  be  buried  in  ob- 
scurity ; but  in  due  season  the  Lord  will  take  the  candle  from 
“under  the  bushel,”  and  place  it  “ on  a candlestick”  to  give 
light  to  all  around  : and  that  time  must  be  waited  for  by  those 
who  feel  their  hearts  glow  with  desires  of  usefulness,  which 
at  present  they  have  no  opportunity  of  executing. — We  are 
more  disposed  to  muse  on  our  troubles,  than  on  our  trans- 
gressions : and  when  we  do  not  directly  experience  the  same 
deliverances  as  have  been  afforded  to  others,  we  are  apt  to 
think  that  the  Lord’s  “ hand  is  shortened,”  or  that  “ he  hath 
forgotten  to  be  gracious  not  considering  that  he  worketh 
every  thing  in  its  appointed  season,  according  to  the  deter- 
minations of  his  unfathomable  wisdom,  and  as  best  answers  the 
purposes  of  his  own  glory. — But  “ before  honour  is  humility  ;” 
and  the  delays  and  disappointments,  by  which  he  humbles 
those  whom  he  delighteth  to  honour,  often  discourage  their 
hearts,  and  induce  distrust  and  reluctance  to  duty  : so  imper- 
fect and  so  defiled  with  sin  are  our  best  graces  ! Yet  he  gene- 
rally employ  s those  who  are  most  sensible  of  their  own  unwor- 
thiness and  insufficiency:  at  the  same  time  teaching  them  to 
exercise  the  courage  of  faith,  and  to  grow  strong  by  simply 
expecting  help  from  Him;  and  graciously  assuring  them  of 
his  direction  and  support. — When  the  Lord  favours  his  ser- 
vants with  glimpses  of  his  glory,  and  tastes  of  his  love,  they 
ion g for  ther continuance  of  his  gracious  presence*  and  when 
the  sense  of  his  pardoning  love  has  banished  the  fear  of  wrath, 
they  rise  superior  to  discouragements,  praise  him  for  his 
mercies,  and  are  ready  to  say,  “ Here  am  I,  send  me 
though  the  service  be  dangerous  and  difficult,  and  require 
much  selMenial.  (Notes,  Is.  6:6 — 8.) 

V.  25 — 40.  In  attempting  reformation,  (which  is  the  first  step 
towards  recovering  prosperity,  )no  man  must  be  known  accord- 
Vtg  to  the  flesh : nay,  when  the  commands  of  God  are  con- 
cerned, even  parental  authority  loses  its  obligation ; and  though 
the  method  of  procedure  should  be  regulated  by  wisdom,  yet 


are  yet  too  many;  bring  them  down  unto  th* 
water,  and  ‘I  will  try  them  for  thee  there ; and  h 
shall  be,  that  of  whom  I say  unto  thee,  This  shall 
go  with  thee,  the  same  shall  go  with  thee ; and  ol 
whomsoever  I say  unto  thee,  This  shall  not  go 
with  thee,  the  same  shall  not  go. 

5 So  he  brought  down  the  people  unto  the 
water:  and  the  Lord  said  unto  Gideon,  Every 
one  that  lappeth  of  the  water  with  his  tongue,  as 
a dog  lappeth,  him  shalt  thou  set  by  himself; 
likewise  every  one  that  boweth  down  upon  his 
knees  to  drink. 

6 And  the  number  of  them  that  lapped,  putting 
their  hand  to  their  mouth,  were  three  hundred 
men  : hut  all  the  rest  of  the  people  bowed  down 
upon  their  knees  to  drink  water. 

7 And  the  Lord  said  unto  Gideon,  kBy  the 
three  hundred  men  that  lapped  will  I save  you, 
and  deliver  the  Midianites  into  thine  hand : and 
let  all  the  other  people  go  every  man  unto  his 
place. 

8 So  the  people  took  victuals,  in  their  hand, 
and  their  'trumpets : and  he  sent  all  the  rest  of 

Luke  14:25— 33.  Rev.  17:14.  21:8.  h Mill.  20:16.  i Gen. 22:1.  lSam,16:7. 
Job  23:10.  Ps.  7:9.  66:10.  Jer.6:27— 30.  Mai.  3:2,3.  k 18— 22.  1 Sam.  14  6.  Is. 
41:14—16.  13:27.  Lev. 23:24  . 25:9.  Num.  10:9.  Josh.  6:4,20.  Is.  27:13.  1 Cor. 
15:52. 


we  must  not  be  counselled  by  natural  affection  or  the  fear  of 
man.  (Notes,  Mutt.  10:37 — 39.  P.  O.  34—42.  Luke  14:25 — 
27.  2 Cor.  5:16. ( — If  we  do  any  thing  effectual  against  the 
cause  of  Satan,  his  servants  will  certainly  be  enraged,  espe- 
cially those  who  are  zealous  for  any  kind  of  false  religion. 
But  the  Lord  has  all  hearts  in  his  hands,  and  can  easily  inti- 
midate the  enemies  of  his  people,  or  convert  them  into  friends 
and  helpers  ; and  persecution  must  always  appear  unreason- 
able and  odious  to  a reflecting  mind.  Jehovah  doesnotallow 
his  servants  to  use  carnal  weapons:  and  his  friends  should  leave 
them  exclusively  to  idolaters,  antichristians,  and  ungodly  men. 
— Wicked  men  are  frequently  most  furious,  when  destruction  is 
just  at  hand : for  “ when  the  enemy  comes  in  like  a flood,  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord  lifteth  up  a standard  against  him.”  Yet 
even  they  who  have  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  by  the  trumpet  ot 
the  gospel  call  others  to  the  conflict,  cannot  always  keep  out 
disquieting  fears,  in  circumstances  of  peculiar  danger  and 
difficulty.  In  this  struggle  against  involuntary  unbelief,  the 
Lord  himself,  the  Author  and  Finisher  of  his  people’s  faith,  is 
their  refuge  : to  him  they  make  application,  and  he  will  help 
them  ; and  when  they  are  encouraged,  they  will  be  enabled  to 
strengthen  their  brethren.  Yet  the  same  inward  enemy  will 
repeatedly  assail  them : and  conscious  that  their  fears  dis- 
honour the  power  and  faithfulness  and  love  of  God,  they  will 
deprecate  his  displeasure,  and  beseech  him  to  strengthen  their 
faith  ; and  he  will  both  pardon  them,  and  condescend  to  their 
desires,  while  they  endeavour  to  trust  in  him,  but  “cannot 
do  the  thing  that  they  would.” — What  cause  have  we  sinners 
of  the  Gentiles  to  thank  the  Lord,  that  the  dew  of  heavenly 
blessings,  once  confined  to  Israel,  now  descends  upon  the 
inhabitants  of  the  earth,  without  that  limitation  ! Yet  still 
the  means  of  grace  are  dispensed  in  different  measures  accord- 
ing to  the  purposes  of  God ; and  even  in  the  same  congrega- 
tions, one  man’s  soul  is  like  Gideon’s  moistened  fleece, 
another’s  like  the  dry  ground.  Let  us  then  continually  pray 
for  the  divine  blessing  on  the  ordinances  of  God  to  ourselves 
and  others  : not  at  any  time  forgetting  the  nation  of  Israel,  to 
which  all  other  nations  are  so  deeply  indebted,  and  which  has 
been  so  long  a dry  fleece,  whilst  the  earth  around  has  enjoy- 
ed the  blessing. 

NOTES— Chap.  VII.  V.  2,  3.  Gideon  either  forgot 
the  law,  which  ordained  proclamation  to  be  made  before  the 
battle,  that  the  fearful  with  some  others  might  return  home  ; 
or  he  thought  it  might  be  dispensed  with  on  so  urgent  an 
occasion.  (Note,  Deut.  20:5—9.)  But  the  Lord  knew,  that 
pride  and  unbelief  prevailed  in  the  army.  The  people  had 
readily  enlisted  at  first;  but  when  they  saw  the  multitudes 
of  the  Midianites,  their  courage  sunk  : yet,  had  they  prevailed, 
they  would  have  vaunted,  and  ascribed  the  victory  to  their 
own  valour,  and  not  to  the  special  help  of  God  ! Most  of 
them  were  destitute  of  true  faith,  and  many  doubtless  disheart- 
ened with  a guilty  conscience.  They  thought  that  instead 
of  being  too  many,  they  were  too  few  ; and  the  greatest  part 
of  them  availed  themselves  of  the  proclamation,  and  went 
home. — Mount  Gilead,  here  mentioned,  must  have  been  soma 
mountain  of  that  name  west  of  Jordan,  of  less  note  than 
mount  Gilead  which  lay  east  of  that  river : for  Gideon’s  army 
never  crossed  Jordan  till  after  the  victory.  (8:4.) 

V.  4 — 7.  Some  of  the  soldiers  that  still  remained,  were 
not  so  courageous  as  they  would  be  thought : but  Gideon  had 
done  his  part  in  that  respect ; and  it  pleased  the  Lord  himself 
to  prove  and  purify  the  company  by  an  extraordinary  expe- 
dient. Perhaps  they  were  led  to  the  water  after  the  fatigue 
of  a long  march,  under  the  idea  that  they  were  going  directly 
to  attack  the  enemy.  It  seems  to  have  been  customary  for 
them  to  drink  as  the  cattle  do,  by  putting  their  mouths  down 
( 439  ) 


A C.  1249  JUDGES.  B.  C.  1249. 


Israel  every  man  unto  his  tent,  and  retained  those 
three  hundred  men.  And  the  host  of  Midian  was 
U/neath  him  min  the  valley. 

9 IT  And  it  came  to  pass  nthe  same  night,  that 
the  Lord  said  unto  him,  °Arise,  get  thee  down 
unto  the  host;  for  rl  have  delivered  it  into  thine 
hand. 

10  But  oiT  thou  fear  to  go  down,  go  thou  with 
Phurah  thy  servant  down  to  the  host. 

11  And  thou  shalt  hear  what  they  say,  and 
afterward  shall  Hhme  hands  be  strengthened  to 
go  down  unto  the  host.  Then  went  he  down, 
with  Phurah  his  servant,  unto  the  outside  of  the 
‘armed  men  that  were  in  the  host. 

12  And  the  Midianites  and  the  Amalekites, 
and  all  the  children  of  the  east,  lay  along  in  the 
valley  like  “grasshoppers  for  multitude  ; and  their 
camels  were  without  number,  as  the  sand  of  the 
sea-side  for  multitude. 

13  And  when  Gideon  was  come,  behold,  there 
was  a man  that  told  a dream  unto  his  fellow,  and 
said,  Behold,  I dreamed  a dream ; and  to,  a cake 
of  barley-bread  tumbled  into  the  host  of  Midian, 
and  came  unto  a tent,  and  smote  it  that  it  fell, 
and  overturned  it,  that  the  tent  lay  along. 

14  And  yhis  fellow  answered  and  said,  This  is 
nothing  else  save  the  sword  of  Gideon  the  son  of 
Joash,  a man  of  Israel : for  “into  his  hand  hath 
God  delivered  Midian  and  all  the  host. 

15  And  it  was  so,  when  Gideon  heard  the 
telling  of  the  dream,  and  the  'interpretation 
thereof,  that  he  “worshipped,  and  returned  into 
the  host  of  Israel,  and  said,  bArise,  for  the  Lord 
hath  delivered  into  your  hand  the  host  of  Midian. 

[ Practical  Observations .]  • 

16  IT  And  he  divided  the  three  hundred  men 
into  three  companies,  and  he  put  la  trumpet  in 
every  man’s  hand,  with  “empty  pitchers,  and 
§lamps  within  the  pitchers. 

17  And  he  said  unto  them,  dLook  on  me,  and 
do  likewise  : and,  behold,  when  I come  to  the  out- 

m 6:'23.  n Gen.  46:2,3.  Job  4:13.  33:15,16.  Matt.  1:20.  2:13.  Acts  18:9,10. 
27:23.  o Josh.  1:5-9.  Is.  41:10—16.  431, 2.  p 3:10,28.  4:14,15.  2Chr. 
16:8,9.20:17.  q 4:8,9.  Ex.  4: 10— 14.  r 13,14.  Gen.  24:14.  1 Sam.  14:8— 12. 

. 1 Sam.  23:16.  Ezra  6:22.  Neh.6;9.  Is.  35:3,4.  2 Cor.  12:9.10.  Eph.3:16.  6:10. 
Phil  - 4:13.  * Or , ranks  by  Jive.  Ex.  13:18.  marg.  t 6:3,5,33.  1 Kings  4:30. 

>i  8:10.  2 Chr.  14:9—1*2.  Ps.  3:1 . 33:16.  118:10— 12.  Is.  8:9,10.  x 3:15,31.  4: 
9,21.  6:15.  Is.  41:14,15.  1 Cor.  1:27.  y Num.  22:38  . 23:5,20  . 24:10—13.  Job  1: 
10.  z Ex.  15:14,15.  Josh.  2:9. 24.  5:1.  2 Kings  7:6,7.  1 Heb.  breaking  thereof. 
Gen.  40:8.  41:11.  a Gen.  24:26,27,48.  Ex. 4:30,31.  2 Chr.  20: 18,19.  b 4:14. 
2 Cor.  10:4—6.  J Heb.  trumpets  in  the  hand  of  all  of  them,  c 2 Cor.  4:7.  § Or, 

to  the  water,  and  drawing  it  in : but  they  who  only  took  a 
little  into  their  hands,  and  sucked  it  up,  (as  dogs  are  remarked 
to  lap  a little  water  hastily,)  might  be  supposed  to  be  less  en- 
slaved to  their  appetite,  more  able  to  endure  hardship,  and 
more  eager  to  engage. — It  may  be  presumed  that  most  of  this 
very  small  company,  by  whom  God  was  pleased  to  save  Israel, 
were  men  of  genuine  faith  and  piety,  as  well  as  of  steady 
courage. 

V.  8.  This  small  company  seems  to  have  retained  no- 
thing but  present  necessary  provisions,  and  perhaps  all  the 
trumpets  which  belonged  to  the  whole  army,  without  any 
other  arms  1 This  was  no  doubt  done  by  immediate  direction 
from  God.  ( Notes,  1 Sam.  14:6 — 15.  1 Cor.  2:3 — 5.) 

V.  9 — 11.  Marg.  Ref.  Note , 6:36 — 40. 

V.  12.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 1 Kings  20:27.  2 Chr.  14:9 
— 15. 

V.  13 — 15.  This  dream  might  appear  to  have  little  cohe- 
rency in  it : but  the  event  evidently  proved  that  it  was  from 
the  Lord,  who  directed  the  soldier  to  an  exact  interpretation  ; 
and  at  the  same  time  discovered  that  the  name  of  Gideon  had 
filled  the  hearts  of  the  Midianites  with  terror.  The  very 
small  unarmed  company  which  Gideon  headed,  had  the  Mi- 
dianites known  about  them,  would  have  appeared  as  con- 
temptible as  the  barley-cake,  and  no  more  likely  to  destroy 
their  army  than  that  to  overturn  a tent. — Gideon  therefore  took 
this  as  a sure  pledge  of  success ; and  without  delay  worship- 
ped God,  and  returned  with  confidence  to  his  three  hundred 
men,  who  were  “the  host  of  Israel,”  by  whom  the  Lord 
intended  to  deliver  his  people.  ( Note , 2 Coi.  10:1 — 6.) 

V.  16 — 22.  This  small  number  of  men,  thus  divided,  would 
be  able  to  encompass  the  whole  camp  of  the  Midianites. 
Concealing  the  lamps  in  the  pitchers,  they  would  pass  unob- 
serve to  their  appointed  stations : then  in  the  dead  of  the  night, 
when  most  of  the  enemy  were  fast  asleep,  all  at  once  break- 
ing their  pitchers  one  against  another,  with  as  much  noise  as 
they  could : and  blowing  the  trumpets,  and  shouting,  44  The 
6*vord  of  the  Lord,  and  of  Gideon they  would  occasion  an 
exceedingly  great  alarm.  And  their  enemies,  thus  awakened 
and  affrighted,  hearing  the  continued  sound  of  so  many  trum- 
pets, ana  seeing  the  camp  surrounded  with  lights,  would  in 
( 440  ) 


side  of  the  camp,  it  shall  lie  that  as  I do,  so  shall 
ye  do. 

18  When  I blow  with  a trumpet,  I and  all  that 
are  with  me,  then  “blow  ye  the  trumpets  also  on 
every  side  of  all  the  camp,  and  say,  1 The  sword  of 
the  Lord,  and  of  Gideon. 

19  So  Gideon,  and  the  hundred  men  that  were 
with  him,  came  unto  the  outside  of  the  camp  ein 
the  beginning  of  the  middle  watch  ; and  they  had 
but  newly  set  the  watch : and  they  blew  the  trum- 
pets, and  hbrake  the  pitchers  that  were  in  their 
hands. 

20  And  the  three  companies  ‘blew  the  trumpets, 
and  kbrake  the  pitchers,  and  held  the  lamps  in 
their  left  hands,  and  the  trumpets  in  their  right 
hands  to  blow  withal:  and  they  cried,  The  sword 
of  the  Lord,  and  of  Gideon. 

21  And  they  ‘stood  every  man  in  his  place 
round  about  the  camp : and  mall  the  host  ran,  and 
cried,  and  fled. 

22  And  the  three  hundred  blew  the  trumpets, 
and  “the  Lord  set  every  man’s  sword  against  his 
fellow,  even  throughout  all  the  host:  and  the  host 
fled  to  Beth-shittah  “in  Zererath,  and  to  the 
’’border  of  “Ahel-meholah  unto  Tabbath. 

23  And  Plhe  men  of  Israel  gathered  themselves 
together  out  of  Naphtali,  and  out  of  Asher,  and 
out  of  all  Manasseh,  and  pursued  after  the  Midi- 
anites. 

24  And  Gideon  isent  messengers  throughout 
all  mount  Ephraim,  saying,  Come  down  against 
the  Midianites,  and  “take  before  them  the  waters 
unto  sBeth-barah  and  Jordan.  Then  all  the  men 
of  Ephraim  gathered  themselves  together,  and 
took  the  waters  unto  Beth-harah  and  Jordan. 

25  And  they  took  'two  princes  of  the  Midi- 
anites, Oreb  and  Zeeb;  and  they  slew  Oreb  upon 
the  “rock  Oreb,  and  Zeeb  they  slew  at  the  wine- 
press of  Zeeb,  and  pursued  Midian,  and  brought 
the  heads  of  Oreb  and  Zeeb  to  Gideon  "on  the 
other  side  Jordan. 


firebrands,  or,  torches,  d 9:48.  Matt.  16:24.  1 Cor.  11:1.  Heb.  13:7.  1 Pet.  5; 
S.  e 20.  fl  Sam.  17:47.  2 Chr.  20:15— 17.  g Ex.  14:24.  Matt.  25:6:  1 Thes. 
5:3.  Rev.  16:15.  h Ps.  2:9.  Jer.  13:13,14.  19:1—11.  i Num.  10:1— 10.  Josh. 
6:4,16,20.  Is.  27:13.  1 Cor  15:52.  1 Thes.  1:16.  k 2 Cor.  4:7.  Heb.  11:4.  2 Pet. 
1:15.  1 Ex.  14:13,14.  2Chr.20:17.  Is. 30:7,15.  m Ex.  14:25.  2 Kings  7:6,7. 
Job  15:21,22.  Prov.  28:1.  n 1 Sam.  14: 16— 20.  2 Chr.  20:23.  Ps.  83:9.  Is.  9:4. 
19:2.  ||  Or,  toward.  !T  Heb.  lip.  o 1 Kings  4:12.  19:16.  p 6 : 35.  1 Sum.  14:21, 
22.  q 3:27.  R.»m.  15:30.  Phil.  1:27.  r 3:28.  12:5.  s John  1:28.  t 8:3.  Ps.  83: 
11.  u Josh.  7:26.  Is.  10:26.  x 8:4. 


their  confusion  naturally  conclude  themselves  surprised  by  a 
large  army:  so  that,  perceiving  the  lamps  and  trumpets  still 
keeping  their  stations,  they  would  be  led  to  suspect  that  the 
enemy  was  even  now  in  the  camp.  And  in  the  dark  they 
would  become  jealous  of  one  another:  so  that,  when  some 
had  by  mistake  been  slain  by  their  comrades,  the  distraction, 
terror,  and  suspicion  would  become  general ; until  every  one 
was  engaged  in  battle  with  his  fellow-soldier.  Thus  we  may 
easily  conceive  the  success  of  this  stratagem : but  the  power 
of  God  had  previously  prepared  the  dismayed  hearts  of  the 
Midianites  to  receive  such  an  impression,  and  he  set  every 
man’s  sword  against  his  fellow;  (Note,  2 Chr.  20:22 — 25.) 
and  the  obedience  of  faith  alone  could  have  induced  so  de- 
fenceless a company  to  venture  on  such  an  expedient,  which 
no  doubt  God  directed  Gideon  to  employ.  (Notes,  Josh.  6:3 
—5,7.  2 Cor.  4:7.  P.  O.  7—12.) 

V.  23 — 25.  As  soon  as  the  stratagem  began  to  take  effect, 
many  of  those  who  had  been  dismissed  contrary  to  their 
inclinations,  would  return:  (Note,  1 Sam.  14:16 — 23.)  Gideon 
also  speedily  sent  messengers  to  the  Ephraimites.  So  that 
numbers  were  soon  collected  ; anti,  while  some  occupied  the 
fords  of  Jordan  to  prevent  the  escape  of  any  Midianites, 
others  pursued  and  slew  the  fugitives:  (Note,  3:29.)  espe- 
cially the  Ephraimites  intercepted  and  slew  two  princes  oi 
Midian,  and  brought  their  heads  to  Gideon  at  the  passage  qf 
Jordan  (j"n'*7  layo). — (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  8:3,4.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 15.  Activity  and  prudence  very  properly  accom- 
pany dependence  upon  God  for  success  in  our  lawful  under* 
takings:  but  44  the  Lord  seeth  not  as  man  seeth  and  know- 
ing the  secrets  of  every  heart,  he  varies  his  conduct,  with  a 
wise  regard  to  innumerable  circumstances  which  arc  imper- 
ceptible by  all  others.  When  he  secs  men  inclined  to  over- 
look him,  and  through  unbelief  to  shrink  from  perilous  services, 
or  through  pride  44  to  vaunt  themselves  against  him,”  he  lays 
them  aside,  and  does  his  work  by  other  instruments.  Indeed 
very  many  profess  themselves  followers  of  Christ,  helpers  to 
his  servants,  and  prepared  to  fight  under  Ins  banner,  while 
persecution  and  tribulation  are  at  a distance  : In  t without  true 
faith  and  a good  conscience,  the  heart  will  fail  n the  iu>«**- 


B. C.  1249. 


CHAPTER  VIII 


B.  C.  1249. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

TSk  Ephraimiles  take  offence,  but  are  pacified  by  Gideon , 1 — 3.  He  pursues 
the  Midianites  : the  men  of  Succoth  and  Penuel  insolently  refuse  relief  to 
his  company : he  threatens  to  chastise  them;  which  he  does,  after  he  has 
taken  Zebah  and  Zalmunna,  4—17.  1/e  puts  Zebah  and  Zalrnunna  to  death, 
because  they  had  slain  his  brethren,  IS — 21.  He  refuses  the  government 
offered  him  : but  asks  the  earrings  out  of  the  spoil,  and  of  these  he  makes 
an  ephod,  which  proves  an  occasion  of  idolatry,  22 — 27.  AJidian  it  subdued , 
28.  Gideon's  family  and  death;  and  Israel's  idolatry  and  ingratitude , 
29—35.  ... 

AND  “the  men  of  Ephraim  said  unto  him, 
’Why  hast  thou  served  us  thus,  that  thou 
calledst  us  not  when  thou  wentest  to  fight  with 
the  Midianites?  And  they  did  chide  with  him 
'sharply. 

2 And  he  said  unto  them,  bWhat  have  I done 
now  in  comparison  of  you  ? is  not  the  gleaning  of 
the  grapes  of  Ephraim  better  than  the  vintage  of 
‘Abi-ezer  ? 

3 dGod  hath  delivered  into  your  hands  the 
princes  of  Midian,  Oreb  and  Zeeb : and  what 
was  I able  to  do  in  comparison  of  you?  'Then 
their  'anger  was  abated  toward  him  when  he  had 
6aid  that. 


a 12:1 — 6.  2 Sam.  19:41.  Job  5:2.  Ec.  4:4.  Jam.  4:5.6.  • Heb.  what  thing  is 

this  thou  hast  do  e unto  us?  t Heb.  strongly,  b 1 Coi*.  13:4 — 7.  Gal.  5:14,15. 
Phil.  2:2,3.  Jam.  1:19,20.  3:13—18.  c 6:11 ,34.  d 7:24,25.  Pa.  44:3.  115:1.  118: 
14—16.  John  4:37.  Korn.  12:3,6.  15:18,19.  eProv.l5:l.  16:32.  25:11,15. 


diate  prospect  of  danger ; and  some  pretence  will  be  found 
for  deserting  the  cause,  and  escaping  the  cross.  But  though 
a religious  society  may  thus  be  greatly  diminished  in  num- 
bers, and  in  external  prosperity  ; yet  it  will  be  improved  in 
purity,  and  may  consequently  expect  an  increasing'blessing. 
— Many  who  have  real  faith  and  grace  are  unfit  for  special 
services,  and  unable  to  bear  peculiar  trials,  from  which 
therefore  the  Lord  will  exempt  them  ; and  to  which  he  will 
appoint  those  to  whom  he  has  given  superior  hardiness,  bold- 
ness, and  firmness  of  spirit  : and  very  trivial  incidents  will 
sometimes  make  a discovery  of  men’s  capacities  and  disposi- 
tions, and  show  who  are  and  who  are  not  to  be  dependefl 
on  in  arduous  undertakings. — But,  while  the  Lord  pursues 
his  purposes  of  displaying  his  own  glory,  he  will  try  to  the 
uttermost  the  faith  and  courage  of  the  strongest  believers  : 
and  even  when  they  are  acting  by  his  orders,  and  have  the 
security  of  his  promise  for  their  support,  appearances  may 
be  so  very  much  against  them,  that  they  cannot  keep  out  the 
misgivings  and  struggles  of  unbelief.  This  he  perceives  ; 
and  in  the  most  seasonable  hour,  by  some  “ token  for  good,” 
he  will  make  their  faith  victorious,  and  establish  their  hearts 
in  confidence.  (Notes,  Acts  1 8:9 — 11.  23:11.27:20 — 26.28:15.) 
— Dreams  generally  savour  of  our  waking  thoughts  or  dispo- 
sitions, and  frequently  discover  the  sin  that  dwells  in  us:  we 
have  therefore  ofien  cause  to  be  humbled  on  recollecting  our 
sleeping  imaginations,  or  to  feel  thankful  that  they  were  not 
realities ; and  we  should  be  reminded  to  pray  against  terrify- 
ing or  polluting  dreams.  Sometimes,  however,  they  may 
afford  us  a salutary  hint;  which,  agreeing  with  the  truth  and 
precepts  of  God’s  word,  may  be  made  useful,  without  exactly 
ascertaining  how  it  was  brought  into  our  mind  : and  if  we  can 
get  any  benefit  from  the  dreams  of  others,  we  should  readily 
and  thankfully  embrace  it. — In  discovering  the  disposition  of 
those  with  whom  we  are  concerned,  faith  may  frequently  dis- 
cern the  secret  operation  of  God,  and  both  take  encourage- 
ment from  it  and  point  it  out  to  others. 

V.  16 — 25.  The  feeblest  and  most  improbable  methods, 
when  divinely  appointed  and  used  in  faith,  produce  the  most 
decisive  consequences. — The  ministers  of  Christ  are  frail, 
sinful  men,  and  seldom  adorned  with  the  embellishments  of 
worldly  wisdom,  large  capacities,  or  great  eloquence  ; hut  are 
rather  comparable  to  mean  earthen  pitchers:  yet  the  light  of 
divine  truth  and  grace  which  resides  in  them,  accompanied  by 
the  trumpet  of  the  gospel  preached  by  them  in  their  several 
•tations,  is  the  power  of  God  to  the  salvation  of  his  people, 
and  to  the  subversion  of  the  kingdom  of  sin  and  Satan.  Nor 
•hould  they  shrink  from  danger,  or  fear  death:  the  earthen 
pitcher  must  be  broken : and  frequently  the  light  of  their  tes- 
timony, set  olf  by  the  recollection  of  their  example,  shines 
brightest  after  their  decease  ; especially  when  they  have  been 
honoured,  by  being  called  to  lay  down  their  lives  in  so  good  a 
cause. — The  same  light  and  sound  of  heavenly  truth,  which 
save  the  Israel  of  God,  confound  and  dismay  his  enemies: 
and  if  threatened  vengeance  so  appals  the  sinner’s  alarmed 
conscience  in  this  world ; what  will  be  the  effect  of  the  arch- 
angel’s trumpet,  the  voice  of  the  Judge,  and  the  shout  of  the 
redeemed,  at  the  great  day  of  account ! and  of  that  full  blaze 
of  light,  which  will  manifest  all  hearts,  display  every  charac- 
ter, and  show  every  impenitent  sinner  his  deserved  and  in- 
evitable doom  ! — In  this  world  the  wicked  are  often  left,  under 
the  power  of  their  own  delusions  and  the  fury  of  their  mad 
passions,  to  avenge  the  cause  of  God  upon  each  other:  a pe- 
-iod  is  approaching  when  we  may  expect  that  the  persecuting 
ces  of  Christianity  will  destroy  one  another;  whilst  the  host 
if  Israel  shall  look  on,  and  have  nothing  to  do  but  to  blow  the 
trumpet  of  the  gospel,  and  read  the  meaning  of  such  singular 
events  in  the  light  of  prophecy : and  in  the  world  to  come,  the 
vicked  by  mutual  enmity,  upbraidings,  and  contempt,  will  in- 
Vol.  I.— 56 


4 And  Gideon  came  to  Jordan,  and  passed  oven 
he  and  the  three  hundred  men  that  were  with 
him,  'faint,  yet  pursuing  them. 

5 And  he  said  unto  the  men  of  ^Succoth 
Give,  I pray  you,  Hoaves  of  bread  unto  the  people 
that  follow  me;  for  they  be  faint,  and  I am  pur- 
suing after  Zebah  and  Ztflmunna,  kings  of  Mi- 
dian. 

6 And  the  princes  of  Succoth  said,  'Are  the 
hands  of  Zebah  and  Zalmunna  now  in  thine 
hand,  that  vve  should'  give  bread  unto  thine 
army  ? 

7 And  Gideon  said,  Therefore  when  the  Lord 
hath  delivered  Zebali  and  Zalmunna  into  mine 
hand,  then  I will  Hear  your  flesh  with  the  thorns 
of  the  wilderness,  and  with  briers. 

8 And  he  went  up  thence  to  kPenuel,  and  spake 
unto  them  likewise ; and  the  men  of  Penuel  an- 
swered him  as  the  men  of  Succoth  had  answered 
him. 

9 And  he  spake  also  unto  the  men  of  Penuel, 


J Heb.  spirit,  fl  Sam.  14:23,29,31,32  . 30:10.  2 Cor.  4:8,9,16.  Gal.  6:9.  Heb. 
12:1—4.  a Gen.  33:17.  Ps.  60:6.  h Gen.  14:18.  Deul.23:4.  1 Sam. 25:18.  2 Sam. 
12:28,29.  3 John  6— 8.  i5:23.  1 Sam.  25:10,11.  1 Kings  20:11.  2Kingsl4:9. 

Prov.  18:23.  Phil.  2:21.  § Heb.  thrash.  16.  k Gen.  32:30,31.  1 Kings  12:25. 


crease  their  own  and  each  other’s  misery.  What  then  have  the 
people  of  God  to  fear,  except  unbelief  and  sin  ? what  have  they 
to  do,  but  to  believe  his  word,  to  trust  his  power  and  promise, 
to  obey  his  orders,  to  wait  his  time,  and  to  help  one  another, 
as  occasions  are  afforded  and  circumstances  require?  For 
they,  who  are  incapable  of  one  service,  may  be  useful  in  an- 
other. Their  victory  is  sure,  and  will  soon  be  complete  over 
their  most  numerous  and  powerful  opponents. 

NOTES. — Ciiap.  VIII.  V.  1 — 3.  Gideon  was  of  the 
tribe  of  Manasseh,  and  the  Ephraimites  were  perhaps  jealous 
of  him,  as  having  the  chief  command  in  this  war.  It  is  proba- 
ble that  they  were  averse  to  take  any  part  in  the  perilous  and 
arduous  attempt  of  delivering  Israel:  yet  it  served  as  a pre- 
tence for  their  anger,  that  they  had  not  been  called  upon  to 
assist,  though  Gideon  acted  expressly  by  divine  command! 
But  he  modestly  threw  a veil  over  his  own  achievements,  and 
spoke  highly  of  theirs,  and  thus  prevented  the  fatal  effects  of 
their  resentment.  He  represented  his  own  victory,  by  the 
three  hundred  men,  who  were  chiefly  of  Abi-ezer,  as  little  in 
comparison  of  their  taking  the  princes  of  Midian  ; though  the 
former  might  be  called  the  vintage,  and  the  other  the  gleaning: 
and  he  intimated  that  the  whole  glory  belonged  neither  to  them 
nor  him,  but  to  the  Lord.  ‘ This  is  an  argument  of  the  sin- 
gular modesty  and  prudence  of  Gideon,  and  no  less  conspi- 
cuous in  him  than  his  courage;  which  is  a mixture  that  rarely 
meets  together,  but  is  absolutely  necessary  to  make  a truly 
great  man  ; who  never  appears  so  great,  as  when  he  treats 
insolent  men  with  humility,  and  angry  men  with  meekness. 
Bp-  Patrick.  (Notes,  12:1 — 7.  Prov.  15:1.  16:32.) 

V.  4.  None,  except  Gideon  and  his  three  hundred  chosen 
men,  seem  to  have  passed  over  Jordan  in  pursuit  of  the  two 
kings  ofMidian,  who  with  fifteen  thousand  men  had  got  over 
before  the  fords  were  taken.  (10)  This  small  company, 
though  descried  by  some,  and  chidden  and  abused  by  others 
of  Israel,  and  though  the  remaining  Midianites  so  far  exceed- 
ed them  in  number;  j'et,  in  the  courage,  self-denial,  and  pa- 
tience of  faith,  pursued  thefn,  faint  arid  hungry  as  they  were, 
with  long  watching,  fasting,  and  fatigue. — We  do  not  find, 
that  any  one  of  them  was  either  slain  or  missing.  (Note, 
Num.  31:48—54.) 

V.  5,  6.  The  services  of  Gideon  and  his  men  were  very 
great,  their  necessity  urgent,  and  their  request  moderate  : the 
behaviour  therefore  of  the  men  of  Succoth  and  Penuel  vut 
extremely  insolent  and  base,  and  proved  them  disaffected  Ir 
Israel  and  the  God  of  Israel.  (Note,  Prov.  18:23.)  They 
despised  Gideon’s  feeble  army,  depreciated  his  former  suc- 
cess, attempted  to  weaken  his  confidence  of  completing  their 
delivery,  and  would  not  afford  him  the  least  assistance  in  his 
patriotic  and  pious  undertaking!  (Note,  1 Sam.  25:10,11.) 
— Succoth.]  Note,  Gen.  33:17. 

V.  7.  Gideon  “deferred  his  indignation  ;”  and  intimated  to 
the  princes  or  rulers  of  Succoth,  that  if  I he  kings  of  Midian 
escaped  him,  they  also  might ; but  if  the  Lord  enabled  him  to 
destroy  the  kings,  as  he  was  confident  he  would,  this  would 
make  it  plain,  that  he  was  appointed  judge  of  Israel,  and  in 
that  character  he  would  punish  their  ill  behaviour,  and  teach 
them  to  behave  in  future  more  consistently  with  the  character 
of  Israelites. — It  is  not  agreed,  in  what  manner  he  used  these 
briers  and  thorns,  in  tearing  the  flesh  of  the  men  of  Succoth ; 
but  though  he  doubtless  put  them  to  great  pain,  it  is  not  at  all 
probable  that  he  slew  them.  (Note,  14 — 16.) 

V.  8,  9.  (Gen.  32:30,31.)  The  inhabitants  of  Penuel  pro- 
bably boasted  of  their  tower,  and  confided  in  it,  to  secure  them 
both  from  the  Midianites,  and  from  Gideon:  he  therefore  de- 
stroyed it;  and,  as  some  at  least  of  the  men  of  Penuel  wero 
still  more  culpable  than  those  of  Succoth,  he  put  them  to 
death.  (17.  Notes,  5:23.  Matt.  12:29,30.) 

V.  10—12.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  4—6. 

( 441  ) 


B.  C.  1349 


JUDGES. 


B.  C.  1249 


saying,  When  'I  come  again  in  peace,  mI  will 
break  do  wn  this  tower. 

10  Now  Zebah  and  Zalmunna  were  in  Karkor, 
and  their  hosts  with  them,  about  fifteen  thousand 
men , all  that  were  left  of  all  th<  Losts  of  “the  chil- 
dren of  the  east : for  there  “fell  in  hundred  and 
twenty  thousand  men  that  drew  sword. 

11  And  Gideon  went  up  by  the  way  of  them 

that  dwelt  in  tents,  on  the  east  of  riVobah  and 
Jogbehah,  and  smote  the  host : for  the  host  was 
^secure.  ’ 

12  And  when  Zebah  and  Zalmunna  fled,  he 
pursued  after  them,  and  “took  the  two  kings  of 
Midian,  Zebah  and  Zalmunna,  and  'discomfited 
all  the  host. 

13  And  Gideon  the  son  of  Joash  returned  from 
battle  before  the  sun  was  up, 

14  And  “caught  a young  man  of  the  men  of 
Succoth,  and  inquired  of  him  : and  he  'described 
unto  him  the  princes  of  Succoth,  and  the  elders 
thereof,  even  threescore  and  seventeen  men. 

15  And  he  came  unto  the  men  of  Succoth,  and 
said,  Behold  Zebah  and  Zalmunna,  with  whom 
ye  did  ‘upbraid  me,  saying,  Are  the  hands  of 
Zebah  and  Zalmunna  now  in  thine  hand,  that 
we  should  give  bread  unto  thy  men  that  are 
weary  ? 

16  And  he  took  “the  elders  of  the  city,  and 
“thorns  of  the  wilderness,  and  briers,  and  with 
them  he  ^taught  the  men  of  Succoth. 

17  And  riie  beat  down  the  tower  of  Penuel, 
and  slew  the  men  of  the  city.  [ Practical  oheenatio™.] 

18  ®iT  Then  said  he  unto  Zebah  and  Zalmunna, 
What  manner  of  men  were  they  whom  ye  slew  at 
‘Tabor  ? And  they  answered,  “As  thou  art , so 
were  they  : each  one  resembled  the  children  of  a 
king. 

19  And  he  said,  They  were  my  brethren,  even 
the  sons  of  my  mother : as  the  Lord  liveth,  if  ye 
had  saved  them  alive,  I would  not  slay  you. 

20  And  he  said  unto  Jether  his  first-born,  bUp, 
and  slay  them  : but  the  youth  drew  not  his  sword ; 
for  he  feared,  because  he  was  yet  a youth. 


1 1 Kings  «:M,38.  ra  17.  n 7:18.  o 1:11.  2 Chr.  13U7.  28:6,8.  Is.  37:36.  • Or, 

an  hundred  and  twen'i / thousand , every  one  drawing  a sword.  20:2,15,17,25,35, 
46.  2 Kings  3:26.  p Num.  32:85,42.  q 18:27.  1 Sam.  15:32.  30:16.  1 Thee.  5:3. 
r Josh.  10:16— 18,22— 25.  Job  12:16— 21.  34:19.  Ps.  33:11.  Amos  2:14.  Rev.  6: 
15,16.  19:19—21.  + Heb.  terrified,  s 1:24,25.  1 Sam.  30:11 — 15.  I Heb.  writ. 
t6,7.  n 7.  Prov.  10:13.  19:29.  Ez.  2:6.  x Mic.  7:4.  § Heb.  made  to  know. 

y9.  I Kings  12:25.  z4:6.  Ps.  89:12.  a Ps.  12:2.  Jude  16.  II  Heb.  according 
to  the  form  of , &c . b Josh.  10:24.  1 Sam.  15:33.  Ps.  149:9.  c 9:54.  1 Sam.  31: 
8.5.  Rev.  9:6.  dPs.  83:1.  II  Or,  ornaments  like  the  moon.  Is.  3:18.  e 9:8 — 
15.  1 Sara.  8:5.  12:12.  John.  6:15.  f2:18.  10:18.  11:9 — 11.  Luke  22:24— 27. 

2 Cor.  1:24.  1 Pet.  5:3.  g 1 Sam.  8:6,7.  10:19.  12:12.  h Gen.  24:22,53.  Ex.  12; 


V.  14 — 16.  This  young  man  seems  to  have  written  down 
( marg .)  the  names  of  the  principal  persons  in  Succoth,  or  of 
those  chiefly  concerned.  By  this  information,  Gideon  was 
enabled  to  distinguish  between  the  guilty  and  the  innocent, 
and  so  to  intlict  punishment  upon  the  offenders  only. 

V.  13, 19.  In  the  troubles  of  Israel,  these  kings  of  Midian 
had  slain  the  brethren  of  Gideon  by  the  mother’s  side  ; and 
therefore  he  determined  on  this  occasion  to  act  as  u the 
avenger  of  blood.”  They  were  not  of  the  devoted  nations  of 
Canaan,  so  that  he  might  otherwise  have  spared  them,  and 
he  declared  that  he  would. — It  seems  that  Gideon,  though 
little  in  his  own  eyes,  was  a man  of  a very  majestic  appear- 
ance; and  that  his  brethren  greatly  resembled  him.  (Note, 
6:15.)  Perhaps  this  excited  the  jealousy  of  these  kings  against 
them,  who  slew  them  for  their  own  security,  though  it  even- 
tually proved  their  ruin. 

V.  20,  21.  Gideon  desired  to  inure  his  son  to  execute 
vengeance  on  the  enemies  of  God  and  Israel:  (Note,  Josh. 

10:24.)  but  the  youth  was  timorous  and  declined  the  service  ; 
and  the  kings  themselves  entreated,  that  they  might  be  slain, 
Ilf  they  must  die,)  by  the  hand  of  Gideon;  who  was  in  his 
lull  strength,  and  of  great  reputation:  for  their  death  would 
be  ignominious  and  lingering,  if  a feeble,  timid  youth  were 
their  executioner. — The  ornaments  from  the  camels’  necks, 
being  in  the  shape  of  the  moon,  had  probably  been  used  for 
dolatrous  purposes.  (Marg.  7:12.) 

V.  22,  23.  Gideon  was  willing  to  fight  for  his  people,  to 
administer  justice,  and  reform  religion,  as  the  Lord’s  deputy, 
and  so  long  as  he  pleased : but  he  would  not  accept  of  the 
perpetual  government,  or  the  hereditary  succession  to  his  chil- 
dren to  which  God  had  not  called  him.  Let  Jehovah  the  King 
of  Israel  appoint  whom  he  pleased,  cither  during  his  life  or 
after  his  decease.  This  shows,  how  deeply  the  more  reflecting 
persons  in  Israel  were  convinced,  that  the  constitutions  of  the 
law  of  Moses  were  of  divine  authority,  and  ought  implicitly 
to  be  compiled  with.  (Notes,  9:1 — 6.  Deut.  17:14,15.  1 Sam. 
8:6 — 9,19 — 22.)  In  this  respect  Gideon  imitated  also  the 

( 442  ) 


21  Then  Zebah  and  Zalmunna  said,  “Rise  thou, 
and  fall  upon  us : for  as  the  man  is,  so  is  his 
strength.  And  Gideon  arose,  and  dslew  Zebah 
and  Zalmunna,  and  took  away  the  "ornaments 
that  were  on  their  camels’  necks. 

22  Then  the  men  of  Israel  said  unto  Gideon, 
Rule  thou  over  us,  both  thou,  and  thy  son,  and 
thy  son’s  son  also  : for  thou  hast  delivered  us  from 
the  hand  of  Midian. 

23  And  Gideon  said  unto  them, f I will  not  rule 
over  vou,  neither  shall  my  son  rule  over  you ; 
sthe  Lord  shall  rule  over  you. 

24  And  Gideon  said  unto  them,  I would  desire 
a request  of  you,  that  ye  would  hgive  me  every 
man  the  earrings  of  his  prey.  (For  they  had 
golden  earrings,  ‘because  they  were  Ishrnaelites.) 

25  And  they  answered,  We  will  willingly  give 
them.  And  they  spread  a garment,  and  did  cast 
therein  every  man  the  earrings  of  his  prey. 

26  And  the  weight  of  the  golden  earrings,  that 
he  requested,  was  a thousand  and  seven  hundred 
shekels  of  gold,  beside  ornaments,  and  "collars, 
and  kpurple  raiment  that  was  on  the  kings  of 
Midian,  and  beside  the  ‘chains  that  were  about 
their  camels’  necks. 

27  And  Gideon  made  man  ephod  thereof  and 
put  it  in  his  city,  even  in  “Ophrah  : and  all  Israel 
went  thither  “a  whoring  after  it : which  thing  be 
came  ra  snare  unto  Gideon,  and  to  his  house. 

28  Thus  ‘iwas  Midian  subdued  before  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  so  that  they  lifted  up  their  heads  no 
more : and  the  country  was  in  quietness  ‘forty 
years  in  the  days  of  Gideon. 

29  And  “Jerubbaal  the  son  of  Joash  went  and 
dwelt  ‘in  his  own  house. 

30  And  Gideon  had  “threescore  and  ten  sons 
"of  his  body  begotten  : for  he  had  “many  wives. 

31  And  his  ^concubine  that  ivas  in  Shechem, 
she  also  bare  him  a son,  whose  name  he  "called 
‘Abimelech. 

32  If  And  Gideon  the  son  of  Joash  “died  in  a 
good  old  age,  and  was  buried  in  the  sepulchre  of 
Joash  his  father,  in  bOphrah  of  the  Abi-ezrites. 


35.  3*7:3.  1 Pet  3:3— 5.  i Gen.  16:10,11.  25:13.  37:25,28.  ••  Or,  sweet  Jewel.. 
k Esth.  8:15.  Jer.  10:9.  Ez.  27:7.  Luke  10:19.  John  19:2,5.  Rev.  17:4.  18:12,16. 
121.  m 17:5.  18:14,17.  Ex.  28:6—12.  1 Sim.  23.9.10.  Is.  8:20.  n32.  6:11,24. 

Dent.  12:5.  o Ex.  23:33.  Ps.  73:27.  106:19.  lies. 2:2.  4:12—14.  p S3.  Deut. 
7:16.  q Ps.  83:9— 12.  Is.  9:4.  10:26.  r3:ll,30.  5:31.  s 6:32.  1 Sam.  12:1£. 

t Nell.  5:14,15.  u 9:2,5.  10:4.  12:9,14.  Gen. 46:26.  Ex.  1:5.  2 Kings  10:1.  ft  Heb. 
going  out  of  his  thigh,  x Gen.  2:24.  7:7.  Deut.  17: 17.  2 &am.  3:2 — 5.  5:13 — 16, 
1 Kings  11:9.  Mai.  2:15.  Matt.  19:5—8.  Eph.  5:31—33.  y9:l— 5.  Gen.  16:15. 
22:24.  Heb.  set.  z Geu.  20:2.  a Gen.  15:15.  25:8.  j6sh.  24:29,30.  Job  5:26. 
42:17.  b 27.  6:24. 


disinterested  conduct  of  Moses,  whose  sons  were  left  among 
the  ordinary  Levites. 

V.  24 — 26.  Marg.  Ref. — Ishrnaelites.  (24)  Notes , Gen. 
25:1—4.  37:25. 

V.  27.  It  is  highly  probable  that  Gideon  requested  the 
golden  earrings,  with  a view  to  make  some  religious  use  of 
them,  after  the  example  of  the  officers  in  the  time  of  Moses*, 
as  his  small  army  seems  to  have  been  preserved  in  the  same 
manner:  (Note,  Num.  31:48 — 54.)  and  that  the  want  of 
accurate  knowledge  of  the  divine  law  led  him  thus  to  misapply 
them.  The  “ephod”  seems  to  have  been  a very  rich  gar- 
ment, like  that  worn  by  the  high-priest:  and  some  think,  that 
Gideon  also  made  “a  breastplate  of  judgment,”  in  order  to 
inquire  of  God  by  it;  ( Notes,  Ex.  28:6 — 30.)  and  even  that 
other  things  requisite  were  added,  and  sacrifices  offered  at 
Ophrah.  Indeed  otherwise  it  is  difficult  to  discover  how  so 
much  treasure  could  have  been  expended.  (Notes,  17:2 — 5.) 
Gideon  had  been  commanded,  in  an  extraordinary  manner, 
to  offer  a sacrifice  in  the  place  where  the  Lord  appeared  to 
him:  (Note,  6:25,26.)  and  it  is  not  improbable  he  might  be 
led  to  conclude,  that  this  authorized  him  to  officiate  as  a priest 
occasionally  at  his  own  house,  without  going  to  the  taberna- 
cle: and  perhaps  the  people’s  humour  and  love  of  ease  were 
by  this  means  gratified.  (Notes,  18:30,31.  1 Kings  12:26 — 

31.)  But  whether  this  was  the  case,  or  whether  lie  merely 
intended  to  form  a memorial  of  his  victory ; his  conduct  was 
evidently  improper,  and  proved  a snare  to  him,  the  cause  of 
his  family’s  ruin,  and  an  occasion  of  idolatry  to  Israel  after 
his  death.  (Notes,  33.  9:1 — 20.) 

V.  28.  Forty  years.]  Probably  from  the  time  when  he 
was  constituted  judge  of  Israel;  (Note*  5:31  ) except  as 
interrupted  by  Abimeleclvs  usurpation.  (Notes,  9.) 

V.  39.  Many  wives.]  Marg.  Ref.  Notes.  Gen.  2:24. 
Deut.  17:17.  2 Sam.  5:13 — 16.  1 Kings  11:1 — 8. 

V.  31.  Notes , 11:1,2.  Gen.  25:5,6. 

V.  33.  After  the  death  of  Gideon,  the  people  p»  Decoded, 
from  an  irregular  worship,  to  renounce  Jehovah  entirely, 


CHAPTER  IX. 


B.  C.  1209. 


B.  C.  1209. 

33  And  it  rame  to  pass,  'as  soon  as  Gideon  was 
dead,  that  the  children  of  Israel  turned  again,  and 
‘'went  a whoring  after  Baalim,  and  made  eBaal- 
berith  their  god. 

34  And  the  children  of  Israel  'remembered  not 
the  Lord  their  God,  who  had  delivered  them  out 
of  the  hands  of  all  their  enemies  on  every  side  : 

35  Neither  ^showed  they  kindness  to  the  house 
of  Jerubhaal,  namely,  Gideon,  according  to  all  the 
goodness  which  he  had  showed  unto  Israel. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Abimelech,  son  of  Gideon  hy  a concubine , conspires  with  the  Skechemites, 
murders  his  brethren , and  is  made  king,  1 — 6.  Jotham , by  a parable,  exposes 
their  ingratitude , and  foretells  their  ruin,  7 — 21.  The  Shecnemites  conspire 
with  Gaal  against  Abimelech  ; Zchul  sends  him  word  ; he  overcomes  them, 
and  sows  their  city  with  salt,  22 — 45.  They  retire  to  the  temple  of  Baal- 
berith,  and  are  burnt  in  it,  46 — 49.  Abimelech  is  slain  at  Thebes,  by  a 
woman,  with  the  piece  of  a millstone,  and  Jotham' s curse  is  fulfilled, 
60—57. 

AND  “Abimelech,  the  son  of  Jerubhaal,  went 
to  bShechem  unto  his  mother’s  brethren,  and 
•communed  with  them,  and  with  all  the  family  of 
the  house  of  his  mother’s  father,  saying, 

2  Speak,  I pray  you,  in  the  ears  of  all  the 
men  of  Shechem,  ’Whether  is  better  for  you, 

c 2:7—10,19.  Jusli.  2131. 2 Kings  12:2.  2 Clir.  24:17,18.  d27.  2:17.  Ex.  34:15,16. 
Jer  3:9.  e 9:4.  fPs.7S:Il.  106:13,21.  Ec.  13:1.  Jer.  2:32.  g9:5,16.  Ec.  9:14, IS. 
. 8:31.  b Gen.  33:18.  34:2.  1 Kings  12:1.  c2Sam.  15:6.  1 Kings  12:3,20.  Ps. 
83:2 — 1.  Jer.  18:18.  • Heb.  what  is  good ? whether,  &c.  d 8:30.  e Geu.  29:14. 


and  to  worship  Baal  as  their  God,  under  the  name  of  “ Baal- 
berith,”  or  the  lord  of  the  covenant ; having,  as  it  seems,  gene- 
rally covenanted  to  be  his  people.  ( Marg . Ref.  Notes , 9: 
4 — 6,46 — 49.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 17.  It  is  one  vanity  incident  to  human  affairs,  that 
a for  every  right  work  a man  is  envied  by  his  neighbour.” — 
They  who  will  not  attempt  or  venture  any  thing  in  the  cause 
of  God,  are  commonly  the  most  ready  to  censure  such  as  are 
of  a more  zealous  and  enterprising  spirit : and  the  charge  of 
pride  and  ambition  will  be  brought  against  the  most  unexcep- 
tionable undertakings.  ( Notes , 1 Sam.  17:28,29.)  When 
calumny  is  silenced  in  one  respect  by  the  event,  it  will  assume 
another  form  : and  they  who  were  most  reluctant  to  the  peril 
and  hardship  of  difficult  services,  will  be  the  most  exaspe- 
rated if  excluded  from  the  credit  of  them.  But,  “ only  by 
pride  cometh  contention it  is  the  wisdom  of  Christians  to 
turn  away  wrath  by  a soft  answer ; and  their  most  noble 
victory  is  the  conquest  of  their  dwn  spirits.  In  those  things 
which  pertain  to  the  truth,  authority,  and  glory  of  God,  they 
should  be  unmoved  as  the  sturdy  oak ; but  in  the  little  concerns 
of  their  own  interest  or  reputation,  they  should  resemble  the 
pliant  willow  that  yields  to  every  gust.  If  by  throwing  a 
shade  over  what  the  Lord  has  done  by  them,  and  making 
honourable  mention  of  what  he  has  clone  by  others, — if  by 
giving  obliging  language  in  return  for  rough  words,  and  com- 
mendations in  lieu  of  hitter  chidings, — envy  may  be  avoided, 
anger  abated,  and  contention  prevented ; the  common  cause 
will  be  more  advantaged,  than  by  the  most  successful  contro- 
versy, which  always  takes  Christians  off  from  their  spiritual 
warfare. — The  active  servants  of  God  frequently  meet  with 
more  dangerous  opposition  from  degenerate  professors  of 
the  gospel  than  from  open  enemies : but  they  must  not  regard 
the  unreasonable  behaviour  of  those,  who  are  Israelites  in 
name,  but  Midianites  in  heart,  or  who  vainly  wish  to  observe 
a neutrality.  Notwithstanding  manifold  tribulations,  they 
must  carry  on  their  warfare,  though  ready  to  faint  through 
inward  conflicts  and  outward  hardships.  And  they  shall  be 
enabled  thus  to  persevere : for  the  less  men  help  them,  and 
the  more  they  attempt  to  hinder  them,  the  more  effectually 
will  they  be  helped  and  prospered  by  God  himself.  It  behooves 
magistrates  to  distinguish  between  the  guilty  and  the  innocent, 
and  to  punish  those  who  injure  their  brethren  ; yet  this  should 
be  done  with  temper,  and  in  order  to  teach  them  to  behave 
better  in  future.— Ministers  also  must  warn  and  severely 
rebuke  such  as  discourage  the  hearts  of  their  fellow-servants ; 
and  the  Lord  himself  will  execute  vengeance  upon  all  who 
oppose  his  people  in  obeying  his  commands.  In  the  mean 
time  we  must  “defer  our  anger,”  and  go  on  with  our  work, 
tot  attempting  to  avenge  ourselves.  (Notes.  Prov.  19:11. 
Rom.  12:17—21.) 

V.  18—35.  Whatever  earthly  object  men  glory  in,  it  will 
t»e  torn  from  them : and  sinners  are  never  so  exposed  to 
danger  as  when  they  deem  themselves  most  secure.  Sins 
£>ng  forgotten  must  be  accounted  for  to  God  ; and  sinful 
methods  of  self-preservation  only  hasten  and  aggravate  the 
transgressor’s  destruction,  especially  when  innocent  blood  has 
been  shed.  The  execution  of  atrocious  criminals  is,  in  some 
circumstances,  an  honourable  service , yet  we  may  well  be 
thankful  if  employed  in  saving  men’s  lives  rather  than  in  de- 
stroying them.  What  a miserable  consolation  in  death  is 
derived  from  the  hope  of  suffering  less  pain,  and  dying  with 
less  dtsgyace  than  some  others!  yet  many  are  more  anxious 
on  these  accounts,  than  concerning  the  future  judgment  and 
:ts  eternal  consequences! — No  honour  should  be  sought,  or  so 
wuch  as  accepted,  but  that  which  comes  from  God,  and 


either  that  all  the  sons  of  Jerubhaal  ( which  are 
dthreescore  and  ten  persons,)  reign  over  yon,  ot 
that  one  reign  over  you  ? remember  also  that  I am 
“your  bone  and  your  flesh. 

3 And  his  mother’s  brethren  'spake  of  him  iL 
the  ears  of  all  the  men  of  Shechem  all  these  words: 
and  their  hearts  inclined  'to  follow  Abimelech  ; for 
they  said,  He  is  eour  brother  : 

4 And  they  gave  him  threescore  and  ten  pieces 
of  silver  out  of  ''the  house  of  Baal-berith  ; where- 
with Abimelech  hired  'vain  and  light  persons, 
which  followed  him. 

5 And  he  went  unto  his  father’s  house  kat 
Ophrah,  and  ‘slew  his  brethren,  the  sons  of  Je- 
ruDbaal,  being  threescore  and  ten  persons,  upon 
one  stone:  notwithstanding  yet  Joiham  the 
youngest  son  of  Jerubhaal  was  left ; for  he  hid 
himself. 

6 And  all  the  men  of  Shechem  gathered  to- 
gether, and  all  the  “house  of  Millo,  and  went  and 
made  Abimelech  king  by  the  tplain  of  the  pillar 
that  was  in  Shechem. 

7 And  when  they  told  it  to  Jotham,  he  went 

2Sara.  19:13.  1 Chr.  11:1.  Eph.  5:30.  Heb.  2:14.  f Ps.  10:3.  Prov.  1:11— 14. 
t Heb.  after,  g Gen.  29:15.  Ii  46— 49  . 8:33.  i 11:3.  lSam.22:2.  Job  30:8. 
Prov.  12:11.  Acts  17:5.  It  6:24.  12  Kings  10:17.  11:1,2.  2 Chr.  21:4.  Mail.  2.- 
16,20.  m2  Sam.  5:9.  2 Kings  12:20.  ; Or,  oak.  Josh.  24:26.  1 Kings  12:1, 20,2!. 


consists  with  his  sole  authority  and  glory : nor  is  it  allowable 
to  seek  for  our  children  those  things,  which  we  may  not 
desire  for  ourselves. — Whatever  deputies  are  employed  and 
whoever  has  the  external  precedency  in  the  church,  God  is 
the  only  real  Judge,  Defender,  and  Ruler  of  his  people. — How 
soon  will  those  ornaments,  which  feed  the  lust  of  the  eye  and 
form  the  pride  of  life,  as  well  as  the  indulgences  of  the  flesh, 
become  the  shame  of  those  who  loved  them  ! — The  characters 
of  mere  men  have  generally  a grievous  and  wonderful  mixture  ; 
nor  may  we  follow  any  of  them  farther  than  they  follow 
Christ.  Things  sanctioned  by  venerable  names,  and  clothed 
with  fair  pretexts,  are  often  found,  by  the  light  of  God’s  word, 
to  be  vile  abominations  ; and  are  proved  by  experience  to  he 
dangerous  and  fatal  snares,  to  those  especially  who  pay  too 
much  veneration  to  their  fellow-creatures.  Small  deviations 
from  our  rule  afford  a dangerous  precedent,  and  open  the  way 
for  more  flagrant  enormities : and  even  in  marriage,  when 
once  the  original  institution  is  disregarded,  the  sensual  heart 
of  man,  like  a humoured  child,  will  bear  no  contradiction, 
and  be  confined  by  no  limitations.  But,  as  we  all  need  so 
much  mercy  from  our  God,  we  should  learn  the  more  patiently 
to  bear  the  ingratitude  of  our  fellow-sinners,  and  the  unsuita- 
ble returns  we  meet  with  for  our  poor  services ; and  to  resol /e, 
after  the  divine  example,  “ not  to  he  overcome  of  evil,  but  to 
overcome  evil  with  good.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  IX.  V.  1 — 3.  Gideon  and  his  family 
had  misled  the  people,  through  the  ephod  at  Ophrah  ; and  the 
people  grievously  offended  in  joining  themselves  to  Baal- 
berilh.  ( Notes , 8:27,33.)  And  the  Lord  manifested  his  dis- 
pleasure, not  by  delivering  them  into  the  hand  of  foreign 
invaders,  but  by  giving  them  up  to  their  own  base  passions. — 
Gideon  had  very  properly  and  disinterestedly,  refused  the 
proffered  kingdom  for  himself  and  his  sons : and  it  does  not 
appear  that  his  other  sons  aimed  at  dominion  either  before  or 
after  his  death.  (Note,  8:22,23.)  Abimelech’s  name,  (which 
signifies  my  father  the  king , ) may  however  be  supposed  to  have 
been  given  him  by  his  mother  from  ambitious  rnQtives.  The 
concubines,  whose  children  did  not  inherit,  would  naturally 
set  up  an  interest  opposite  to  the  rest  of  the  family ; and  as 
Abimelech’s  mother  was  a native  of  Shechem,  a principal 
city  of  Ephraim,  he  conceived  the  idea  of  obtaining  the  king- 
dom by  her  means.  In  order  to  succeed  in  this  project,  he 
accused  his  brethren  of  intending  to  seize  upon  the  govern- 
ment, and  possess  it  with^oint  authority : and,  assuming  this 
as  an  undoubted  fact,  he  pleaded  that  it  would  be  better  to  be 
governed  by  one  prince,  than  hy  so  many  petty  tyrants  ; and 
that  if  they,  who  were  so  nearly  related  to  him,  would  raise 
him  to  the  throne,  he  would  he  peculiarly  attentive  to  their 
interests.  In  this  manner,  by  the  help  of  his  mother’s  rela- 
tions, he  acquired  the  government,  without  either  merit  or 
capacity  for  such  an  important  situation  ; in  a total  disregard 
to  the  divine  law;  (Notes,  Pent.  17:14,15.)  and  in  direct 
opposition  to  the  method  which  God  the  King  of  Israel  had 
hitherto  employed,  of  raising  up  rulers  of  his  people,  from 
time  to  time,  as  he  saw  good. 

V.  4 — 6.  The  Israelites  seem  to  have  presented  this 

money  as  an  oblation  to  their  new  god;  (Note,  8:33.)  and 
the  men  of  Shechem  borrowed  it  of  him  to  supply  their 
upstart  king1.  It  does  not  appear  of  what  value  these  pieces 
of  silver  were;  but  probably  of  more  value  than  shekels: 
and  they  sufficed  for  Abimelech’s  present  purpose.  Thus 
he  became  a pensioner  of  Baal,  and  seemed  engaged  to 
employ  his  authority  to  promote  his  worship  ; as  if  deter- 
mined to  show  himself  as  unlike  as  possible  to  his  father,  who 
had  destroyed  the  altar  and  worship  of  Baal.  (Notes,  6:25— 
32.) — With  this  supply  he  hired  a set  of  unprincipled  men  St 
( 443  ) 


B.  C.  1209. 


JUDGES. 


B.  C.  1209. 


and  stood  in  tl  c ‘op  of  "mount  Gerizim,  and  lifted 
up  his  voice,  .1  id  cried,  and  said  unto  them, 
•Hearken  unto  me,  ye  men  of  Shechem,  that  God 
may  hearken  unto  you. 

8 pTlie  trees  went  forth  on  a time  to  anoint  a 
king  over  them ; and  they  said  unto  the  olive-tree, 
’Reign  thou  over  us. 

9 But  the  olive-tree  said  unto  them,  Should  I 
eave  my  fatness,  wherewith  by  me  they  honour  God 
and  man,  and  go  'to  be  promoted  over  the  trees? 

10  And  the  trees  said  to  the  fig-tree,  Come  thou, 
and  reign  over  us. 

11  But  the  fig-tree  said  unto  them,  ‘Should  I 
forsake  my  sweetness,  and  my  good  fruit,  and  go 
to  be  promoted  over  the  trees  ? 

12  Then  said  the  trees  unto  the  vine,  Come 
thou,  and  reign  over  us. 

13  And  the  vine  said  unto  them,  Should  I leave 
my  wine,  which  ‘cheereth  God  and  man,  and  go 
to  be  promoted  over  the  trees  ? 

14  Then  said  all  the  trees  unto  the  'bramble, 
Come  thou,  and  reign  over  us. 

15  And  the  bramble  said  unto  the  trees,  If  in 
truth  ye  anoint  me  king  over  you,  then  come  and 
put  your  trust  in  my  "shadow  ; and  if  not,  “let  fire 
come  out  of  the  bramble,  and  devour  Uhe  cedars 
of  Lebanon.  . 

16  Now  therefore  if  ye  have  done  truly  and 
sincerely,  in  that  ye  have  made  Abimelech  king ; 
and  if  ye  have  dealt  well  with  Jerubbaal  and  his 
house,  and  have  done  unto  him  According  to  the 
deserving  of  his  hands: 

17  (For  my  father  afbught  for  you,  and  tad  ven- 
tured his  life  far,  and  delivered  you  out  of  the  hand 
of  Midian ; 

18  And  ye  bare  risen  up  against  my  father’s 

n Deut.  11:29.  27:12.  Josh.  8:33.  John  4:20.  o Ps.  18:40,41.  50:15-21. 
Prov.  1:28,29.  21:13.  28:9.  Is.  1:15.  58:6 — 10.  Malt.  18:26— 34.  Jam. 2:13. 
p2King«  14:9.  Ez.  17:3,  &c.  Dan. 4:10,  &c.  q 8:22,23.  r Ex.  29:2,7.  35: 14. 
Lev.  2:1.  1 Kings  19:15,16.  Ps.  89:20.  104:15.  Acts  4:27.  10:38.  Uohn2:20. 

• Heb.  up  and  d iron  for  other  trees.  Job  1:7.  2-2.  s Luke  13:6,7.  t Num.  15: 
5,7,10.  Ps.  10-1:15.  Prov.  31:6.  t Or,  thistle.  2 Kines  14:9.  u Is.  30:2.  Dan. 
4:12.  Hus. 14:7.  Matt.  13:3*2.  x 20,49.  Num.  21:28.  Is. 1:31.  Ez. 19:14. 
y 2 Kings  14:9.  Ps.  104:16.  Is. 2:13.  37:24.  Ez.  31:3.  z 8:35.  a 7:20.  8:4—10. 

J Heb.  cast.  Esth.4:16.  Rom.  5:8.  16:4.  Rev.  12:11.  b 5,6.  Ps.  109:4.  c6,14. 

for  any  villany  ; and  with  their  assistance  barbarously  mur- 
dered all  the  numerous  family  of  Gideon,  except  one  son  who 
escaped  him  ! By  such  infamous  measures  and  persons  was 
this  base  born,  but  baser  spirited  man  made  king  in  Israel ! be- 
ing the  first  who  expressly  bore  that  title  among  the  descend- 
ants of  Jacob.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  15:1 — 11.  1 6:20 — 23.  2 Chr. 
21:4,12 — 19.) — House  of  Millo.  (6)  Notes,  16— 20.  2 Sam. 
5:9.  2 Kings  12:20,21. 

V.  7.  Mount  Gerizim  lay  near  to  Shechem  : and  from  it 
Jotham  spake  to  the  Shechemites,  (who  are  supposed  to 
have  been  assembled  on  some  public  occasion,)  so  that  at 
least  many  of  them  would  hear  him,  and  report  what  he  said 
to  the  rest.  (Notes,  Deut.  27:12,13.)  He  solemnly  called 
on  them  u to  hearken  to  him,  that  God  might  hearken  unto 
them:”  for  if  they  did  not,  repent  of  their  ungrateful  treatment 
of  his  father’s  family,  and  desist  from  their  malicious  inten- 
tions against  him,  they  could  not  expect  that  God  would 
hear  their  cry,  when  anguish  and  distress  came  upon  them. 
(Notes.  Prov.  1:24—31.  21:13.  Is.  1:10—15.  58:8— 12.  Mic. 
3:i — 4.) 

V.  8 — 15.  A parable,  or  fable,  is  a descriptive  picture, 
which  shows  the  similitude  of  an  event,  or  action  in  lively 
colours  ; and  conveys  to  the  mind  the  perception  of  some 
important  truth  to  which  it  was  previously  inattentive,  or 
against  which  it  was  prejudiced.  By  this  management  those 
things  are  placed  in  a proper  light,  which  before  were  mis- 
apprehended, and  those  made  evident  which  before  seemed 
doubtful ; the  subject  is  stripped  of  such  circumstances  as  do 
not  properly  belong  to  it ; the  trouble  of  a long  chain  of 
arguments  being  spared,  the  cause  is  brought  to  a compendi- 
ous decision ; reason  and  conscience  are  induced  to  pass 
sentence,  before  self-love  is  consulted  ; and  a man  is  for  a 
moment,  as  it  were,  imposed  on,  in  order  to  his  being  profita- 
bly vfhdeceived ; he  is  made  judge  in  his  own  cause  before  he 
is  aware,  and  decides  against  himself  without  ever  intending 
it.  (Note,  2 Sam.  12:1 — 0.)  The  truth  of  a parable  lies  in 
the  instruction  contained  in  it:  and  the  feigned  circumstances, 
being  known  to  be  such  are  no  ways  inconsistent  with  vera- 
city, hut  greatly  subserve  the  cause  of  truth  ; conveying  it  in 
an  unsuspected  and  agreeable  manner  to  the  mind.  Para- 
Dlcs  or  fables  have  therefore  been  much  used  by  wise  men  in 
all  ages,  as  the  most  advantngeous  method  of  teaching  man- 
kind the  salutary  lessons  of  justice  and  prudence  ; and  they  ; 
were  abundantly  sanctioned  by  our  Lord’s  own  example. — In 
this  parable*  of  Jotham,  the  disinterested  and  unambitious 
conduct  of  Gideon  and  his  other  sons  ; the  folly  and  ingrati- 
tudo  of  the  Shechemites,  in  making  the  basest  of  Gideon’s 

( 444  ) 


house  this  day,  and  have  slain  his  sons,  threescore 
and  ten  persons,  upon  one  stone,  and  have  mad** 
“Abimelech  the  son  of  his  maid-servant  king  over 
the  men  of  Shechem,  because  he  is  your  brother  :) 

19  If  ye  then  have  dealt  truly  and  sincerely 
with  Jerubbaal  and  with  his  house  this  day,  then 
drejoice  ye  in  Abimelech,  and  let  him  also  rejoice 
in  you  : 

20  But  if  not,  clet  fire  come  out  from  Abimelech, 
and  devour  the  men  of  Shechem,  and  the  house  of 
Millo ; and  let  fire  come  out  from  the  men  ol 
Shechem,  and  from  the  house  of  Millo,  and  devour 
Abimelech. 

21  And  Jotham  ran  away,  and  fled,  and  went 
to  f Beer,  and  dwelt  there,  for  fear  of  Abimelech 

his  brother.  [ Practical  Observation..] 

22  ^1  When  Abimelech  had  reigned  three  years 
over  Israel, 

23  Then  ^God  sent  an  evil  spirit  between  Abi- 
melech and  the  men  of  Shechem;  and  the  men  of 
Shechem  '“dealt  treacherously  with  Abimelech : 

24  ‘That  the  cruelty  done  to  the  threescore  and 
ten  sons  of  Jerubbaal  might  come,  and  their  blood 
be  laid  upon  Abimelech  their  brother,  which  slew 
them;  and  upon  the  men  of  Shechem,  which 
Raided  him  in  the  killing  of  his  brethren. 

25  And  the  men  of  Shechem  set  kliers  in  wait 
for  him  in  the  top  of  the  mountains,  and  they  rob- 
bed all  that  came  along  that  way  by  them:  and  it 
was  told  Abimelech. 

26  And  Gaal  the  son  of  Ebed  came  with  his 
'brethren,  and  went  over  to  Shechem;  and  the 
men  of  Shechem  put  their  confidence  in  him. 

27  And  they  went  out  into  the  fields,  and 
gathered  their  vineyards,  and  trode  the  grapes, 
and  made  "merry,  and  went  into  ‘"the  house  of 


8:31.  d Is.  8:6.  Phil.  3:3.  Jam.  4:16.  e 15,23,56.57  . 7:22.  2Chr.  20:22.23.  Ps. 
21:9,10.28:4.52:1—5.120:3,4.  140:10.  f Num.  21:16.  Josh.  19:8.  2Sam.20: 
14.  g 15,20.  1 Sam.  16:14—16.  18:9,10.  1 Kings  12: 15.  22:22.  2 Chr.  10:15.  18:19 
—22.18.19:2,14.  2 Thes.  2:11,12.  h 16.  Is.  33:1.  Malt.  7:2.  i 1 Sam.  15:33. 
1 Kings  2:32.  Esth.  9:2-5.  Ps.  7:16.  Matt.  23:34 — 36.  § Heb.  strengthened  his 
hands  to  kill,  k Josh.  8.4.12,13.  Prov.  1 : 1 1 ,12.  1 Gen.  13:8,  19:7.  ||  Or,  songs. 
Is.  16:9,10.  24.7—9.  Jer.  25:30.  Am.  6:3—6.  m 4.  16:23.  Ex.  32:6,19.  Dan.  Si 
1—4,23. 


sons  their  king,  and  in  murdering  the  rest ; the  presumption 
and  arrogance  of  Abimelech  in  aspiring  to  such  an  honour ; 
and  the  consequences  of  so  unreasonable  a procedure  ; are 
represented  with  great  ingenuity  and  simplicity.  The  olive- 
tree,  the  fig-tree,  and  the  vine,  had  excellency  and  usefulness, 
if  the  trees  had  indeed  wanted  a king  : thus  Gideon  and  his 
other  sons  were  worthy  of  Israel’s  suffrage,  if  there  had  been 
any  occasion  to  set  a king  over  them  ; yet  they  had  humbly 
and  wisely  declined  the  offer.  But  Abimelech,  the  son  of  a 
slave  and  a concubine,  (18)  a mean  and  worthless  person, 
useless  and  troublesome  as  a bramble,  had  by  insinuation 
induced  them  to  offer  him  the  kingdom,  and  had  without 
hesitation  accepted  it.  He  had  also  foolislily  promised  them 
vast  advantages  from  his  protection,  and  terrible  conse- 
quences from  offending  him:  though  indeed  he  was  fit  for 
nothing  but  to  be  a firebrand,  to  set  them  all  at  variance  to 
their  common  destruction ; as  the  bramble,  being  set  on  fire, 
may  communicate  the  flame  to  the  loftiest  cedars,  and  con- 
sume them  along  with  itself  in  one  common  conflagration. — 
The  oil,  from  the  olive-tree,  was  the  chief  ingredient  in  the 
ointment,  with  which  the  priests  were  annointed:  it  was  used 
for  the  lamps  in  the  sanctuary ; and  it  formed  a part  of  tho 
meat-offering  by  which  God  was  honoured.  (Marg.  Ref.  r.) 
The  wine  was  used  in  drink-offerings,  which  were  acceptable 
to  God,  when  properly  presented.  These  trees  better  repre- 
sented what  a king  ought  to  be,  than  the  stately  cedars;  for 
piety  to  God  and  usefulness  to  man,  are  more  essential  to  tho 
character  of  a good  prince,  than  external  pomp  and  majesty. 
— It  is  observable  that  long  before  Israel  had  a king  by  the 
appointment  of  God,  anointing  is  spoken  of  as  a customary 
ceremony  of  inauguration. — This  is  the  most  ancient  fable 
or  parable  extant ; and  it  is  very  apposite  and  beautiful. 

V.  16 — 20.  (Notes,  1 — 6.  7:  8:) — Millo,  (that  \s,  fulness,) 
seems  to  have  been  the  name  of  the  senate-house,  or  town- 
hall  : and  by  the  house  of  Millo  are  meant  all  tho  chief  per- 
sons of  Shechem,  who  had  combined  to  make  Abimelech 
king;  (6)  and  they  were  also  intended  by  the  cedars  which 
the  fire  from  the  bramble  would  devour.  (15)  (Note,  50 — 57.) 

V.  22 — 24.  Abimelech  was  first  mado  king  over  the  men 
of  Shechem  ; but  ho  seems  to  have  been  tamely  submitted  to 
by  the  Israelites  in  general : at  least  they  allowed  him  to  retain 
that  title,  till  Ft,  pleased  God  to  permit  an  evil  spirit  to  sow 
contention  between  him  and  the  Shechemites,  by  stirring  up 
the  malignant  passions  of  their  1 carts,  that  they  might  execute 
his  vengeance  on  each  other*  f Notes.  1 Sam.  x&li  18:10,11. 

1 Kings  22:19—23.  2 Thes.  2:8  -12.) 

V.  25.  The  Shochemitesi  - eing  .nraged  agunst  Abim^ 


B.  C.  1206. 


CHAPTER  IX 


B.  C.  120& 


their  god,  and  "did  cat  and  drink,  and  “cursed 
Abimelech. 

28  And  Gaal  the  son  of  Ebcd  said,  rWho  *'s 
Abimelech,  and  who  is  Shechein  tliat  we  should 
serve  him  5 Is  not  he.  the  son  of  Jerubhaal  ? and 
Zebul  his  officer?  Serve  the  men  of  ‘'Hamor  the 
father  of  Shechem  : for  why  should  we  serve  him  ? 

29  And  rwould  to  God  this  people  were  under 
my  hand  ! then  would  I remove  Abimelech.  And 
he  said  to  Abimelech,  'Increase  thine  army,  and 
come  out. 

30  H And  when  Zebul,  the  ruler  of  the  pity, 
heard  the  words  of  Gaal  the  son  of  Ebed,  his 
anger  was  ‘kindled. 

31  And  he  sent  messengers  unto  Abimelech 
t privily,  saying,  Behold,  Gaal  the  son  of  Ebed, 
and  his  brethren,  be  come  to  Shechem;  and,  be- 
hold, they  fortify  the  city  arainst  thee. 

32  Now  therefore  tip  ‘by  night,  thou  and  the 
people  that  is  with  thee,  and  lie  in  wait  in  the 
field  : 

33  And  it  shall  be,  that  in  the  morning,  as 
soon  as  the  sun  is  up,  thou  shalt  rise  early,  and 
set  upon  the  city ; and,  behold,  ivhen  he  and  the 
people  that  is  with  him  come  out  against  thee, 
then  mayest  thou  do  to  them  tas  thou  shalt  find 
occasion. 

34  And  Abimelech  rose  up,  and  all  the  people 
that  were  with  him,  by  night,  and  they  laid  wait 
against  Shechem  in  four  companies. 

35  And  Gaal  the  son  of  Ebed  went  out,  and 
stood  in  the  entering  of  the  gate  of  the  city : and 
Abimelech  rose  up,  and  uthe  people  that  were  with 
him,  from  lying  in  wait. 

36  And  when  Gaal  saw  the  people,  he  said 
to  Zebul,  Behold,  there  come  people  down  from 
the  top  of  the  mountains.  And  Zebul  said  unto 
him,  Thou  *seest  the  shadow  of  the  mountains  as 
if  they  were  men. 

37  And  Gaal  spake  again,  and  said,  See,  there 
come  people  down  by  the  ^middle  of  the  land,  and 
another  company  come  along  by  the  plain  of 
•Meonenim. 

38  Then  said  Zebul  unto  him,  AVhere  is  now 
thv  mouth,  Wherewith  thou  saidst,  Who  is  Abi- 
melech, that  we  should  serve  him  ? Is  not  this  the 
people  that  thou  hast  despised  ? go  out,  I pray 
now,  and  fight  with  them. 

39  And  Gaal  went  out  before  the  men  of  She- 
chem, and  fought  with  Abimelech. 

n Is.  2-2:12 — 14.  Luke  12:19,20.  17:26— 29.  o Lev.  24:11.  1 Sam.  17:43.  Ps. 
109:17.  p 1 Sam.  25:10.  2 Sam.  20:1.  1 Kings  12:16.  q Gen.  34:2,6.  r2Sam. 
15:4.  1 Kings  20:11.  Ps.  10:3.  Rom.  1:30,31.  s 2 Sam.  2: 14— 17.  2 Kings 
14:8.18:23.  Is.  36:8,9.  • Or,  hut.  t Heb.  craftily,  or,  to  Tormah.  t Job 

44:14 — 17.  Ps.  36:4.  Prov.  1:11 — 16.  4:16.  Rom.  3:15.  * Heb.  as  thine  hand, 

•hall  find.  Lev.  25 :2S.  marg.  1 Sam.  10-7.25:8.  Ec.9:10.  u 44.  x Ez. 


lech,  who  was  absent  from  the  city  and  expected  back  again, 
employed  assassins  to  meet  and  kill  him;  and  they,  while 
waiting  for  him,  robbed  the  travellers,  and  thus  helped  to 
increase  the  misery  of  the  people.  (Note,  5:6,7.)  « 

V.  26 — 29.  “ Ebed”  signifies  a slave.  Gaal’s  father  seems 
to  have  been  a slave  sprung  from  th^race  of  the  Canaanites  ; 
who  falsely  boasted  his  descent  from  Hamor,  the  father  of 
Shechem,  after  whom  the  city  was  called  : ( Gen.  34:2,4,8, 
26.)  yet  the  inhabitants  basely  made  Gaal  the  head  of  their 
conspiracy  against  Abimelech  ! Under  this  self-confident  pro- 
tector, they  ventured  out  into  the  field  to  gather  in  their  har- 
vest and  vintage  ; and  then  kept  a feast  to  the  honour  of 
Baal-berith,  and  in  their  revellings  cursed  Abimelech  in  his 
name;  (Notes,  Ex.  32:1.  Hos.  2:8,9.)  thus  cleaving  to 
the  idol,  while  they  rejected  the  usurper ! — On  this  occasion 
Gaal,  heated  perhaps  with  wine,  strongly  expressed  his  dis- 
dain that  Abimelech  should  reign  over  him,  or  the  ancient 
city  of  Shechem.  He  reviled  him  as  the  son  of  Jerubbaal, 
who  had  destroyed  the  worship  of  Baal ; and  so  it  could  not 
be  right  that  Baal’s  worshippers  should  submit  to  him. 

( Notes,  6:25—32.  Num.  22:6.  1 Sam.  17:42—44.)  He  also 
spoke  contemptuously  of  Zebul,  who  had  been  left  governor 
of  the  city.  He  invited  them  to  restore  the  authority,  in  his 
person,  to  the  descendants  of  Hamor  ; promised  what  great 
things  he  would  do  against  Abimelech  ; and  challenged  him, 
as  if  present,  to  decide  the  contest  by  a battle. — (Marg. 
Ref.  r,  s.)  The  expression  translated  would  to  God,  is  only 
an  earnest  wish  that  it  might  be  so. 

V.  30—33.  It  is  probable  that  Zebul  was  not  present, 
when  Gaal  del.vered  his  vain-glorious  speech : but  he  heard 
ol  it ; and  being  exasperated  by  his  insulting  language,  he 
sent  to  inform  Abimelech  of  his  danger,  and  counselled  him 
to  come  without  delay  and  surprise  his  enemies. 


40  And  Abimelech  chased  him,  and  'he  fled 
before  him ; and  many  were  overthrown  and 
wounded,  even  unto  the  entering  of  the  gate. 

41  And  Abimelech  dwelt  at  Arumah:  and 
"Zebul  thrust  out  Gaal  and  his  brethren,  that  the* 
should  not  dwell  in  Shechem. 

42  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow,  tha 
the  people  went  out  into  the  field ; and  they  told 
Abimelech. 

43  And  he  took  the  people,  and  divided  them 
into  three  companies,  and  laid  wait  in  the  field, 
and  looked,  and  behold,  the  people  were  come 
forth  out  of  the  city ; and  he  rose  up  against 
them,  and  smote  them. 

44  And  Abimelech,  and  the  company  that  was 
with  him,  brushed  forward,  and  stood  in  the  en- 
tering of  the  gate  of  the  city  ; and  the  two  other 
companies  ran  upon  all  the  people  that  were  in  the 
fields,  and  slew  them. 

45  And  Abimelech  fought  against  the  city  all 
that  day : and  he  took  the  city,  and  slew  the  peo- 
ple that  was  therein,  and  'beat  down  the  city,  and 
sowed  it  with  salt. 

46  U And  when  all  the  men  of  the  tower  ol 
Shechem  heard  that,  they  entered  into  dan  hold  ol 
the  house  of  the  god  Berith. 

47  And  it  was  told  Abimelech,  that  all  the 
men  of  the  tower  of  Shechem  were  gathered  to- 
gether. 

48  And  Abimelech  gat  him  up  to  mount  eZal- 
mon,  he  and  all  tile  people  that  were  with  him ; 
and  Abimelech  took  an  axe  in  his  hand,  and  cut 
down  a bough  from  the  trees,  and  took  it,  and  laid 
it  on  his  shoulder,  and  said  unto  the  people  that 
were  with  him,  f What  ye  have  seen  "me  do,  make 
haste,  and  do  as  I have  done. 

49  And  all  the  people  likewise  cut  down  every 
man  his  bough,  and  followed  Abimelech,  and  eput 
them  to  the  hold, and  set  the  hold  on  fire  upon  them: 
so  that  all  the  men  of  the  tower  of  Shechem  died 
also,  about  a thousand  men  and  women. 

50  1!  Then  went  Abimelech  to  Thebez.  and 
encamped  against  Thebez,  and  took  it. 

51  But  there  was  a strong  tower  within  the 
city,  and  thither  fled  all  the  men  and  women,  and 
all  they  of  the  city,  and  shut  it  to  them,  and  gat 
them  up  to  the  top  of  the  tower. 

52  And  h Abimelech  came  unto  the  tower,  and 
fought  against  it,  and  went  hard  unto  the  door  of 
the  tower  to  burn  it  with  fire. 


7:7.  Mark  8:24.  § Heb.  navel.  II  Or,  the  regarders  of  the  times.  Deut.  18:14. 
y 28,29.  2 Sim.  2:26,27.  2 Kings  14:8— 14.  Jer.  2:23.  7 1 Kings  20:18— 21,30. 

a 28,30.  b 15,20.  Gal.  5:15.  c Deut.  29:23.  1 Kings  12:25.  Ps.  107:34.  marg. 
Ez.  47:11.  Zeph.  2:9.  Jam.  2:13.  d4, 27.  8:33.  1 Kings  18:26.  2Kingsl:2— 4 
Ps. 115:8.  Is.28:15—18.  37:38.  ePs.  68:14.  17:17,18.  Prov.  1:11,12.  IT  Heb. 
Ihavedone.  g 15,20.  Gnl.5:l5.  Jam.  3:16.  h 48,49.  2 Kings  14:10.  15:16. 

V.  36.  Thou  seest,  &c.]  Zebul,  who  had  not  yet  declared 
against  Gaal,  spake  this  either  in  derision,  or  to  carry  on  the 
deception  till  Abimelech  should  surprise  his  party  unawares. 

V.  38 — 45.  (Notes,  2 Kings  14:8 — 14.)  As  Gaal’s  con- 
duct and  success  had  not  answered  the  people’s  expectations, 
they  seem  to  have  been  willing  to  be  rid  of  him  and  his  com- 
pany ; and  on  the  morrow  they  went  forth,  either  to  fight 
with  Abimelech,  or  (supposing  him  to  have  retired,)  about 
their  business  in  the  fields : but  he,  being  instigated  by 
revenge,  by  means  of  ambushments  smote  them,  seized  the 
city,  and  slew  the  inhabitants  ; and  having  reduced  the  place 
to  ruins,  he  sowed  it  with  salt,  as  expressing  his  hope  that  the 
desolations  would  be  perpetual.  (Marg.  Ref.  c.) — We  are 
not  informed  what  became  of  Zebul. 

V.  46 — 49.  The  inhabitants  of  a place  not  connected  with 
the  city,  called  the  tower  of  Shechem,  took  refuge  in  the 
temple  of  Baal-berith,  hoping  that  Abimelech  would  respect 
the  sacredness  of  the  place  : but,  in  deep  revenge,  he  con- 
trived to  burn  the  temple  and  the  whole  company  of  them 
together.  {Notes,  2 Kings  19:36,37.  Gal.  5:13 — 15.) 

V.  50 — 57.  Thebez  is  supposed  to  have  been  a city,  which 
confederated  against  Abimelech,  and  to  which  perhaps  some 
Shechemites  had  fled : but  this  bloodthirsty  tyrant,  having 
taken  the  city,  purposed  to  burn  the  inhabitants  with  the 
tower,  as  he  had  done  at  Shechem ! Thus  he  exactly 
answered  the  character  of  the  bramble,  which  may  set  fire  to 
that  which  is  nobler  and  better  than  itself.  (Note,  8 — 15.) 
But  his  measure  of  iniquity  was  accomplished : he  had  been 
the  executioner  of  the  divine  vengeance  upon  others,  and  he 
must  now  himself  endure  it.  (Is.  10:12.  Note,  Jer.  25:12.)  In 
his  rage  therefore  coming  too  near  the  tower,  he  was  mor- 
tally wounded  by  a piece  of  a millstone  from  the  hand  of  a 
woman:  and  understanding  this  circumstance,  in  a vain 
( 445  ) 


B.  C.  1206. 


JUDGES, 


B.  C.  1161 


63  And  a certain  'woman  cast  a piece  of  a 
millstone  upon  Abimelech’s  head,  and  all  to  break 
his  skull. 

54  Then  he  called  hastily  unto  the  young  man 
his  armour-bearer,  and  said  unto  him,  kDraw  thy 
sword,  and  slay  me,  that  men  say  not  of  me,  A 
woman  slew  him.  And  his  young  man  thrust  him 
through,  and  he  died. 

55  And  'when  the  men  of  Israel  saw  that  Abi- 
melech  was  dead,  they  departed  every  man  unto 
his  place. 

56  H Thus  mGod  rendered  the  wickedness  of 
Abimelech  which  he  did  unto  his  father,  in  slaying 
his  seventy  brethren  : 

57  And  all  the  evil  of  the  men  of  Shechem  did 
God  render  upon  their  heads:  and  "upon  them 
came  the  curse  of  Jotham  the  son  of  Jerubbaal. 

I 15,20.  2 Sam.  20:21?  Job  31:3.  Jer.  49:20.  50.45.  k 1 Sam.  31:4,5.  1 2 Sam. 

18:16  . 20:21,22.  1 Kmgs22:35,36.  Prov.  22:10.  m24.  Ps.9:12.  11:6.  58:10,11. 
94:23.  Prov.  5:22.  Acts  28:4.  Hey.  19:20,21.  n 20.  Josh.  6:26.  1 King*  16:34. 


attempt  to  avoid  the  disgrace  of  such  a death,  he  ordered 
his  armour-bearer  to  slay  him ; who  obeyed  his  command. 
(Notes,  1 Sam.  31:3 — 6.  2 Sam.  11:21.)  Thus  the  world 
and  Israel  were  rid  of  a vile  murderer,  usurper,  and  tyrant, 
who  came  in  with  subtlety,  ruled  in  cruelty,  and  died  in 
infamy.  In  the  midst  of  these  bloody  transactions,  the  justice 
of  God,  in  punishing  both  Abimelech  and  the  Shechemites,  is 
noticed  by  the  sacred  writer;  in  which  the  application  made 
by  Jotham  of  his  parable,  was  most  wonderfully  verified. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 21.  If  parents  could  foresee  their  children’s  suffer- 
ings, their  joy  in  them  would  be  often  turned  into  lamentations  : 
we  may  therefore  be  thankful  that  we  cannot  penetrate  futu- 
rity ; and  are  reminded  to  commit  those  whom  we  most  love 
into  the  hands  of  the  Lord,  and  to  attend  to  our  present  duty, 
casting  our  care  upon  him  respecting  ourselves  and  them. 
We  should  also  be  willing  to  leave  this  world  when  he  pleases ; 
for  if  we  should  live,  we  may  behold  such  afflictions  as  would 
greatly  distress  our  hearts.  Above  all,  we  ought  to  fear  sin, 
and  watch  against  it ; for  our  misconduct  may  very  probably 
produce  the  most  fatal  effects  on  our  families  and  on  society, 
even  after  we  are  laid  in  the  grave. — No  divine  judgment  is 
more  terrible  to  individuals,  than  being  given  up  to  their  own 
lusts;  (Note,  Rom.  1:24 — 27.)  and  none  more  dreadful  to 
communities,  than  to  be  governed  by  wicked  princes. — Able, 
upright  men,  who  know  the  duties  and  difficulties  of  exalted 
stations,  are  diffident  of  themselves,  and  reluctant  to  quit  the 
security,  sweetness,  and  usefulness  of  private  life,  for  the  toils 
and  dangers  of  pre-eminence.  But  men  of  sordid  and  selfish 
minds,  destitute  of  the  fear  of  God  and  benevolence  to  man, 
are  often  capable  of  an  aspiring  and  daring  ambition,  and  can 
form  crafty  projects  to  accomplish  their  designs.  By  insinua- 
tion they  draw  over  such  persons  to  their  interests,  as  are  of 
their  own  temper  and  character ; and  as  they  do  not  hesitate 
at  the  commission  of  the  most  horrid  crimes,  they  will  often 
for  a season  seem  to  prosper  in  their  wickedness.  Slanders, 
flatteries,  bribery,  perjuries,  and  even  murders  of  the  most 
atrocious  kind,  are  the  weapons  which  they  use,  as  occasion 
requires,  and  as  ambition  or  suspicion  suggests.  Their 
nearest  relatives  are  not  safe,  if  they  stand  in  their  way;  the 
foundations  of  all  government,  civil  and  ecclesiastical,  must  be 
subverted  for  them,  and  distractions  and  public  troubles  are 
the  element  in  which  they  delight.  Such  Abimelechs  every 
age  produces ; and  it  is  surprising  how  they  impose  upon 
thousands  to  concur  in  their  base  designs.  (Notes,  and  P. 
O.  2 Sam.  15:1—12.  Notes,  16:20—23.  17:1— 14.)— But, 
when  men  are  avowed  infidels,  profligates,  and  debauchees, 
what  can  be  expected  from  them,  if  unrestrained  by  human 
laws  ? Indeed  their  wickedness  is  equalled  by  the  folly  of 
those  who  trust  power  into  their  hands.  Yet,  by  such  scourges 
of  the  human  race,  and  such  infatuated  counsels,  the  righteous 
God  chastises  his  offending  people,  and  executes  vengeance 
on  his  enemies : and  he  will  preserve,  in  the  most  imminent 
dangers,  those  whom  he  intends  to  employ  for  the  good  of  others. 
He  seldom  proceeds  to  extremities  against  wicked  men,  with- 
out giving  them  warning:  and  those  who  will  not  hearken  to 
his  call  to  repent,  to  the  voice  of  the  oppressed  who  demand 
justice,  or  to  that  of  the  afflicted  who  implore  relief,  will  one 
day  cry  unto  the  Lord  in  extreme  anguish,  and  he  will  not 
regard  them. — AH  the  works  of  the  creation,  in  their  several 
ways,  honour  their  Creator,  and  subserve  the  comfort  and 
benefit  of  man,  who  is  the  more  inexcusable  in  neglecting  and 
rebelling  against  his  bounteous  Benefactor. — In  departing 
from  God,  men  are  necessitated  to  trust  in  creatures,  which 
can  only  disappoint  and  ruin  them : and  one  man  of  moderate 
talents  may  soon  do  more  mischief,  than  many  very  wise  and 
excellent  persons  can  do  good,  bv  the  most  persevering  exer- 
tions. (Notes,  I Kings  12:4—15.  Ec.  2:18—23.  9:13—18.) 

V.  22 — 57.  The  wicked  may  flourish  for  a time,  but  they 
shall  be  rooted  out  at  the  last:  in  answer  to  the  cries  of  the 
oppressed,  God  will  give  them  up  to  their  own  mad  passions  ; 
•hen  suspicion,  envy,  and  revenge  will  be  kindled  in  them 
against  each  other;  and  the  weapons  with  which  they  de- 
stroyed those  who  obstructed  their  iniquitous  designs,  will  at 

( 446  4 


CHAPTER  X. 

Tola  judges  Israel,  1,2;  and  Jair , whose  thirty  tons  had  Ihir’y  cities,  3— A. 
The  lraelites,  relapsing  into  idolatry , are  oppressed  by  the  Philistines  and 
Ammonites,  6 — 9.  They  cry  to  God,  who  sends  them  for  help  to  their  idols, 
10 — 14.  They  deeply  repent,  and  he  pities  therm,  15,  16.  They  consult  about 
choosing  a leader,  17,  IS. 

AND  after  Abimelech,  there  “arose  to  'defend 
Israel,  Tola,  the  son  of  Puah,  the  son  of 
Dodo,  a man  of  Issachar;  and  he  dwelt  in 
bShamir  in  mount  Ephraim. 

2  And  he  judged  Israel  twenty  and  three  years, 
and  died,  and  was  buried  in  Shamir. 

3  11  And  after  him  arose  Jair,  ca  Gileadite,  and 
judged  Israel  twenty  and  two  years. 

4  And  he  had  thirty  sons  that  drode  on  thirty 
ass-colts,  and  they  had  thirty  cities,  which  are 
‘called  ‘Havoth-jair  unto  this  day,  which  are  in 
the  land  of  Gilead. 


a 2:16.  3:9.  * Or,  deliver.  Heb.  save,  b Josh.  15:48.  c Gen.  31:48.  Num. 
32:29,  d5:10.  12:14.  e Num.  32:41.  Deut.  3:14.  f Or,  the  villages  of  Jair. 


length  destroy  themselves. — The  history  of  mankind,  if  strip- 
ped of  the  false  colourings  with  which  historians,  orators,  and 
poets,  have  often  exhibited  the  most  detestable  actions,  and 
if  impartially  given  by  a pious  writer,  would  appear  very  like 
this  chapter.  Here,  as  in  a glass,  we  may  see  what  man 
is,  when  left  to  himself  and  instigated  by  Satan;  and  what 
we  should  have  been,  had  that  been  our  case.  Hence  we  may 
learn  thankfulness  for  b^ing  preserved  from  such  enormities ; 
for  an  obscure  situation,  by  which  we  are  less  exposed  to 
the  danger  of  falling  victims  to  the  ambition  and  jealousy 
of  others  ; and  for  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ,  whose  u kingdom 
is  in  righteousness,  peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost.” — 
But  it  is  most  lamentable,  when  such  outrages  are  com- 
mitted by  professed  Christians,  and  disgrace  the  religion  of 
Jesus  in  the  eyes  of  multitudes,  who  cannot,  or  will  not,  dis- 
tinguish between  Christianity,  and  those  who  have  no  more 
than  the  name  of  it.  “Wo  be  to  the  world  because  of 
offences ! and  wo  be  to  those,  by  whom  such  offences  come !” 
(Note,  Matt.  18*7 — 9.) — We  may  further  note,  that  boasting 
generally  terminates  in  disgrace  ; that  dangers  despised  at  a 
distance,  terrify  the  more  when  they  approach ; that  the 
courage  which  wine  inspires  is  of  short  continuance ; that  a 
mean  spirit  and  a proud  heart  harbour  the  most  implacable  re- 
venge, whilst  the  truly  generous  and  humble  are  slow  to  anger 
and  ready  to  forgive ; that  every  sinful  refuge  accelerates  or 
ensures  destruction ; that  more  ingenuity  and  diligence  have 
hitherto  been  employed  in  destroying  than  in  saving  men’s  lives 
that  daring  crimes  are  often  punished  in  kind,  and  the  cruelty 
of  murderers  is  retorted  upon  themselves  by  the  meanest 
and  least  dreaded  instruments;  and  that  the  most  successful 
wickedness  speedily  ends  in  lasting  misery  and  infamy. — Vain 
and  foolish  is  the  concern,  and  worthless  are  the  expedients, 
of  dying  sinners  to  preserve  their  reputation,  when  everl^t- 
ing  contempt  is  inevitably  reserved  for  them  in  a future  state* 
God  will  likewise  record  their  crimes  and  punishments  m 
this  world,  notwithstanding  all  their  endeavours  to  the  con- 
trary ; as  far  as  it  is  necessary  for  the  instruction  of  others, 
and  for  his  own  glory : and  how  can  those  expect  fidelity  or 
mercy  from  men,  who  have  been  traitors  to  God,  and  cruel 
deceivers  of  their  brethren  1 — But,  how  strong  must  be  man’s 
propensity  to  wickedness,  when  such  general  and  horrible  idol- 
atry and  unrighteousness  prevailed  even  in  Israel,  after  all 
the  Lord  had  done  for  them,  and  notwithstanding  all  the  ad- 
vantages which  they  enjoyed!  Lord,  thou  hast  given  us 
thy  word  of  truth  and  righteousness:  oh,  pour  out  upon  us 
thy  Spirit  of  purity,  peace,  and  love,  and  write  thy  holy  law 
in  our  hearts,  we  beseech  thee ! else  all  our  outward  mercies 
will  but  enhance  our  guilt  and  increase  our  condemnation. 

NOTES— Chap.  X.  V.  1,  2.  After  the  death  of  the 
usurper,  the  Lord  raised  up  Tola  to  judge  Israel.  We  do 
not  find  that  he  waged  any  war ; but  he  restored  peace  and 
the  regular  administration  of  justice,  after  the  late  distractions, 
and  he  reformed  the  state  of  religion:  and  thus  he  was  as 
great  a blessing,  as  those  judges  who  performed  more  memo-* 
rable  exploits.  His  name  signifies  a worm ; and  he  was  no 
worse  fitted  for  being  the  Lord’s  instrument  of  good  to  .ua 
people,  if  his  opinion  of  himself  accorded  to  so  hum  xe  a name. 
Though  of  the  tribe  of  Issachar,  he  came  to  live  in  mount 
Ephraim,  probably  that  he  might  be  in  the  centre  of  Israel, 
and  near  the  tabernacle.  (Notes,  Josh.  18:1.  19:49,50.) 

V.  3 — 5.  Jair.]  The  next  judge,  Jair,  probably  was  a de- 
scendant of  Jair,  the  great-grandson  of  Machir  the  son  of  Ma- 
nasseh.  (Notes,  Num.  32:41.  1 Chr.  2:22.)  His  numerous  sons 
inherited  some  of  the  cities,  which  had  fallen  to  the  lot  of  their 
ancestors,  and  assisted  their  father  as  magistrates,  riding  from 
place  to  place  to  administer  justice. — Some  of  these  years, 
of  which  scarcely  any  thing  is  recorded,  may  he  considered 
as  the  best  times  of  Israel  under  the  judges.  We  must,  how- 
ever, take  some  of  the  eighteen  years  of  Isreal’s  aposto.cy  from 
the  latter  part  of  Jair’s  government,  (8)  during  which  he  peo- 
ple seem  gradually  to  have  corrupted  themselves,  and  fallen 
under  oppression;  and  when  Jair  could  no  longer  icstrain 
them  from  idolatry,  ho  was  not  able  to  defend  them  0 m their 
enemies. 


B.  C.  1143. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


B.  C.  1143. 


6  And  Jair  died,  and  was  buried  in  Camon. 

6 11  And  the  children  of  Israel  fdid  evil  again  in 
the  sight  of  the  Lord,  and  served  sBaalim  and 
Ashtaroth,  and  the  gods  of  Syria,  and  hthe  gods 
of  Zidon,  ami  the  gods  of  Moab,  and  the  gods  of 
the  children  of  Ammon,  and  ‘the  gods  of  the  Philis- 
tines, and  forsook  the  Lord,  and  served  not  him. 

7 And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  kvvas  hot  against 
Israel,  and  ‘he  sold  them  into  the  hands  of  the 
Philistines,  and  into  the  hands  of  the  children  of 
Ammon. 

8 And  mthat  year  they  vexed  and  'oppressed 
the  children  of  Israel  eighteen  years,  all  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  that  were  on  the  other  side  Jordan, 
in  the  land  of  the  Amorites,  which  is  in  Gilead. 

9 Moreover,  the  children  of  Ammon  ‘’passed 
over  Jordan  to  fight  also  against  Judah,  and 
against  Benjamin,  and  against  the  house  of 
Ephraim ; so  that  Israel  was  sore  “distressed. 

10  If  And  the  children  of  Israel  Pcried  unto  the 
Lord,  saying,  We  have  sinned  against  thee, 
both  because  we  have  forsaken  our  God,  and  also 
served  Baalim. 

11  And  the  Lord  said  unto  the  children  of 
Israel,  iDid  not  I deliver  you  from  rthe  Egyptians, 
and  from  ’the  Amorites,  from  ‘the  children  of 
Ammon,  and  from  “the  Philistines? 

12  “The  Zidonians  also,  and  ’the  Amalekites, 
and  ‘the  Maonites,  did  oppress  you ; and  ye 
cried  to  me,  and  I delivered  you  out  of  their 
hand. 


r 4:1.  6:1.  13:1.  g 2: 1 1— 1.1.  3:7.  2 Chr.  28  23.  Ps.  106:36.  h l Kings  1 1 .5,7, 
83.  16:31.  2 Kings  17:16,29 — 31.  23:13.  i 16:23.  1 Sam.  5:2.  2 Kings  1:2,3.  Jer. 
2:13.  Ez.  16:25,26.  k2:ll.  Dent.  29:20-23.  31:16—18  . 32:16—22.  Josh.  23:15, 
16.  Ps.  74 : l.  Nnh.  1:2,6.  1 4 2.  1 8am.  12:9.  Ps.  44:12.  Is.  50:1.  m 5.  Is.  30: 
13.  1 Thes.  5:3.  * Heb.  crushed.  n 3:12.13.  6:3— 5.  2 Chr.  14:9.  20:1,2. 

o Dent.  23:65.  2 Chr.  15:5.  p 3:9.  I Sam.  12:10.  Ps.  106:43.44.  107: 13.19,23. 
q 2:1—3.  r Ex.  14:30.  ISam.!2:8.  Nell.  9:9— 11.  Ps. 78:51— 53.  106:8—11. 
Heb. 11:29.  s Num.  21:21— 25,35.  Ps.  135:10,11.  t 3:11 — 15.  u3:3I.  x5:19, 
4c.  y 6:3.  z 2 Chr.  26:6,7.  a 2:12.  Dent.  32:15.  1 Chr.  28:9.  Jer.2:13.  Jon. 
2:8.  b Deut.  32:26 — 28.  1 Kings  18:27,23.  2 Kings 3:13.  Prov.l;25 — 27.  Is.  10: 


Ass-colts.  (1)  Note , 5:10 — Horses  are  not  once  mentioned 
in  this  part  of  llie  history. 

V.  6 — 9.  [Notes,  2:11 — 14.)  The  Israelites,  having  cast 
off  the  worship  of  Jehovah,  and  multiplied  their  idols  beyond 
the  example  of  their  ancestors,  were  delivered  into  the  hands 
of  the  Philistines  on  the  west,  and  of  the  Ammonites  on  the 
east ; who  between  them  crushed  the  people  for  a long  time, 
but  most  terribly  towards  the  close  of  eighteen  years ; for 
then  the  Ammonites  invaded  the  country  west  of  Jordan, 
end  greatly  distressed  the  inhabitants. 

TTiat  year.  (8)  ‘ The  Ammonites  vexed  them  in  the  east, 

....while  the  Philistines  vexed  them  in  the  west. ...  Their 
invasion  began  in  the  same  year,  but  did  not  end  at  the  same 
time : for  the  Ammonites  domineered  over  them  only  eighteen 
years ; but  the  Philistines  forty.’  Bp.  Patrick.  [Notes, 
13:1.) 

V.  11,  12.  Probably  the  Zidonians  aided  Jabin,  king  of 
Canaan.  [Notes,  4:) — The  Maonites  might  be  a tribe  of 
Arabians,  which  assisted  Moab.  (Marg.Ref.) 

V.  13,  14.  This  is  spoken  after  the  manner  of  men;  and 
shows  most  emphatically  the  deserving  of  Israel,  the  demands 
of  divine  justice,  and  the  dreadful  consequences  of  impeni- 
tence: but  threatenings  always  imply  a reserve  of  mercy  for 
the  penitent.  [Notes,  Jer.  2:26 — 30.  18:7 — 10.) 

V.  15,  16.  The  foregoing  message  was  sent  by  a prophet, 
or  was  delivered  by  the  high-priest,  when  the  congregation 
were,  assembled  befor^the  Lord  : but  the  people  with  one  con- 
sent submitted  themselves  to  the  justice  of  God  ; (Note,  Rom. 
10:1—4.)  yet  hoping  in  his  mercy,  they  left  themselves  in  his 
hands,  craved  deliverance  from  their  enemies,  and  were  ear- 
nest. and  decided  in  reformation.  This  return  to  the  worship 
of  God  seems  to  have  been  permanent : for  we  do  not  find  that 
the  people  relapsed  into  idolatry  under  the  subsequent  judges. 
And  compassion  as  effectually  moved  the  Lord  to  relieve  them, 
as  a man  is  urged  to  assist  a wretched  fellow-creature,  when 
he  cannot  otherwise  help  sharing  his  distress ; or  as  a father 
is  disposed  to  assist  his  suffering  child.  (Marg.  Ref.  g. 
Note,  Jer.  31:18 — 20.) 

V.  17,  18.  Some  think,  that  the  penitent  Israelites  re- 
covering their  courage,  the  Ammonites  had  retired  beyond 
Iordan  to  Gilead : but  it  is  more  probable  that  they  were  col- 
ceted  in  this  place,  in  order  to  a new  invasion  of  the  country 
vest  of  Jordan.  The  inhabitants,  however,  of  the  country 
east  of  Jordan  copvened  at  Mizpeh,  with  a determination  to 
oppose  them.— God  did  not,  as  usual,  expressly  appoint  them 
n deliverer : but  he  secretly  directed,  and  openly  confirmed, 
tueir  choice  of  one  for  themselves.— Some  indeed  think  that 
they  consulted  the  Lord,  and  that  he  pointed  out  Jephthah 
(1  Sam.  12:11.  Notes,  11:1—11.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  removal  of  hardened  sinners,  by  a righteous  God,  often 

akes  way  for  reformation  and  public  tranquillity,  and  prrves 


/ 


13  “Yet  ye  have  forsaken  me,  and  served 
other  gods:  wherefore  I will  deliver  you  no 
more. 

14  Go  and  bcry  unto  the  gods  which  ye  have, 
chosen ; let  them  deliver  you  in  the  time  of  your 
tribulation. 

15  And  the  children  of  Israel  said  unto  the 
Lord,  “We  have  sinned  : ddo  thou  unto  us  what 
soever  ‘seemeth  good  unto  thee;  “deliver  us  only, 
we  pray  thee,  this  day. 

16  And  They  put  away  the  ^strange  gods  from 
among  them,  and  served  the  Lord  : and  shis  soul 
was  ^grieved  for  the  misery  of  Israel. 

17  Then  the  children  of  Ammon  were  “gathered 
together,  and  encamped  in  Gilead  : and  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  assembled  themselves  together,  and 
encamped  in  ‘‘Mizpeh. 

18  And  the  people  and  princes  of  Gilead  said 
one  to  another,  ‘What  man  is  he  that  will  begin 
to  fight  against  the  children  of  Ammon  ? khe  shall 
be  head  over  all  the  inhabitants  of  Gilead. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Jephthah,  the  base  bom  son  of  Gilead , thrust  out  by  his  brethren , is  chosen 
commander  against  the  Ammonites , 1 — 11.  He  sends  an  embassy  to  their 
king,  but  in  vain,  12 — 28.  His  rash  vow,  29 — 31.  He  conquers  the  Ammon- 
ites, 32,  33.  He  is  met  by  his  only  daughter,  and  is  deeply  distressed  ; she 
jiiously  submits,  and  he  performs  his  vow , 34—40. 

NOW  “Jephthah  the  Gileadite  was  ba  mighty 
man  of  valour,  and  he  was  the  son  of  'a 
harlot : and  Gilead  begat  Jephthah. 

2 And  Gilead’s  wife  bare  him  sons : and  his 


3.  Jer.  2-28.  c2Sam. 12:13.  21:10.  Job  33:27.  Prov.  28:13.  1 John  1:8— 10. 
d Josh.  9:25.  1 Sam.  3:13.  2Sam.  10:12.  15:26.  Jon.  2:4.  3:9.  ' Heb.  it  food 

intkmeeyes.  e 2 Sam . 24: 14.  Job  34:31 ,32.  f 2 Chr.  7:14.  15:8.  33:15.  Jer. 
18:7,8.  Ez.  18:30 — 32.  Hos.  14:1 — 3,8.  } Heb.  gods  of  strangers,  e Gen.  6:6. 
Ps.  106:44,45.  Is.  63-9.  Jer.  31:20.  Hos.  11:8.  Lukel5:20.  19:41.  John  11:34. 
Eph.  4:32.  Heb.  3:10.  .4:15.  § Heb.  shortened.  II  Heb . cried  together,  h 11: 
11,29.  Gen.  31:49.  i 1:1.  11:5— 8.  Is.  3:1— 8.  34:12.  k 11:11.  12:7.  1 Sara. 
17:25.  a Heb.  11:32.  Jephlhae.  b 6:12.  2 Kings  5:1,  • Heb.  a woman,  a 

harlot. 


a great  mercy  to  those  who  survive. — Man’s  carnal  heart  is 
prone  to  prefer  the  bondage  of  sin  and  Satan  to  the  service 
of  God  : but  present  indulgence  will  certainly  produce  future 
misery ; for  every  expectation  and  advantage  from  sin,  the 
world,  and  the  friendship  of  wicked  men,  must  ensure  a dis- 
tressing disappointment.  God  is  able  to  multiply  men’s  punish- 
ments, according  to  the  number  of  their  iniquities  and  idols* 
( Note , Lev.  2(5:24.)  but  there  is  hope,  when,  under  temporal 
afflictions,  sinners  cry  unto  the  Lord  for  help,  and  lament 
t heir  ungodliness,  as  well  as  more  scandalous  transgressions. 
Yet  the  Lord  might  justly  leave  those  who  have  forsaken  him 
to  their  wretched  choice  ; he  might  upbraid  them  with  former 
mercies  and  their  base  returns  ; he  might  send  them  to  their 
beloved  idols  and  lusts  ; he  might  mock  at  their  calamity,  and 
absolutely  refuse  to  help  them.  (Notes,  2 Kings  3:13,14.  Prov. 
1:24 — 31 .)  This  will  he  the  dreadful  condition  of  the  wicked  in 
another  world  ; but  here  mercy  can  never  be  sought  in  vain  : 
yet,  for  the  deeper  humiliation  of  those  who  are  but  superfi- 
cially convinced,  and  to  quicken  those  who  are  not  duly  in 
earnest;  the  Lord  often  seems  to  M shut  up  his  loving-kindness 
in  his  displeasure,”  he  upbraids  them  with  their  sins,  pursues 
them  with  his  awful  threatenings,  and  almost  brings  them  to 
conclude  that  their  case  is  hopeless.  He  will,  however,  keep 
them  from  desperation : and  when  their  prayers  are  rendered 
more  fervent,  their  confessions  more  ingenuous  and  humilia- 
ting, their  self-examination  more  diligent,  their  submission  to 
his  justice  and  dependence  on  his  mercy  more  entire,  and  their 
forsaking  of  sin  more  unreserved;  it  may  be  certainly  con- 
cluded, that  comfort  and  deliverance  are  at  hand.  Let  then 
the  trembling  sinner,  and  the  almost  despairing  backslider, 
cease  from  inquiring  about  God’s  secret  purposes,  or  thinking 
to  extract  hope  from  former  experiences : let  them  not  sink 
into  despondency,  or  yield  to  heartless  indolence:  let  them 
cast  themselves  upon  tne  mercy  of  God  our  Saviour ; patiently 
submit  to  his  severest  chastisement ; humble  themselves 
more  and  more  under  his  hand  ; seek  deliverance  on  any 
terms  from  the  dominion  of  sin,  and  from  the  powers  of  dark- 
ness; separate  themselves  as  much  as  possible  from  all  :cca- 
sions  of  transgression  ; use  all  the  means  of  grace  diligently, 
and  wait  the  Lord’s  time;  and  they  shall  certainly  at  length 
rejoice  in  his  mercy.  Finally,  let  all  those  “ who  think  they 
stand,  take  heed  lest  they  fall;”  and  may  the  Lord  help  us  to 
“cleave  to  him  with  purpose  of  heart.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  XL  V.  1,2.  Jephthah  seems  evidently 
to  have  been  the  son  of  “ a harlot not  of  a concubine , or  of  a 
secondary  wife  ; of  “ a strange  woman,”  either  of  an  alien  of 
bad  character,  or  an  Israelitess  whose  infamous  conduct  pro- 
cured her  that  title.  (Note,  Prov.  2:16.)  So  that  his  birth 
seemed,  according  to  the  law,  to  exclude  him  “from  the  con- 
gregation of  the  Lord.”  (Note,  l)eut.  23:2.) — Gilead,  the 
father  of  Jephtnah,  was  probably  a descendant  of  Gilead,  the 
grandson  o^Manasseh. — Jephthah  had  no  right  to  share  with 
( 447  ) 


B.  C 1143. 


JUDGES. 


B.  C. 1143. 


wife’s  sons  grew  up,  and  they  ‘thrust  out  Jeph- 
thah,  and  said  unto  him,  Thou  shalt  not  inherit 
in  our  father’s  house;  for  thou  art  the  son  of  da 
strange  woman. 

3 Then  Jephthah  fled  from  *his  brethren,  and 
dwelt  in  the  land  of  “Tob:  and  there  were 
gathered  f vain  men  to  Jephthah,  and  went  out 
with  him. 

4 And  it  came  to  pass  fin  process  of  time,  that 
the  children  of  Ammon  made  war  against  Israel. 

5 And  it  was  so,  that  when  the  children  of 
Ammon  emade  war  against  Israel,  the  elders  of 
Gilead  went  hto  fetch  Jephthah  out  of  the  land  of 
Tob: 

6 And  they  said  unto,  Jephthah,  Come,  and  be 
our  captain,  that  we  may  fight  with  the  children 
of  Ammon  : 

7 And  Jephthah  said  unto  the  elders  of  Gilead, 
'Did  not  ye  hate  me,  and  expel  me  out:  of  my 
father’s  house  ? and  why  are  ye  come  unto  me 
now  when  ye  are  in  distress? 

8 And  kthe  elders  of  Gilead  said  unto  Jephthah, 
Therefore  'we  turn  again  to  thee  now,  that  thou 
mayest  go  with  us,  and  fight  against  the  children 
of  Ammon,  and  be  our  head  over  all  the  in- 
habitants of  Gilead. 

9 And  Jephthah  said  unto  the  elders  of  Gilead, 
mIf  ye  bring  me  home  again  to  fight  against  the 
children  of  Ammon,  and  the  Lord  deliver  them 
before  me,  shall  I be  your  head  ? 

10  And  the  elders  of  Gilead  said  unto  Jeph- 
thah, “The  Lord  be  ^witness  between  us,  °if  we 
do  not  so  according  to  thy  words. 

11  Then  Jephthah  went  -with  the  elders  of 
Gilead,  and  the  people  made  him  I’head  and  cap- 
rain  over  them:  and  Jephthah  ^uttered  all  his 
words  rbefore  the  Lord  in  Mizpeh. 

12  IT  And  Jephthah  “sent  messengers  unto  the 
king  of  the  children  of  Ammon,  saying,  ‘What 
hast  thou  to  do  with  me,  that  thou  art  come 
against  me  to  fight  in  my  land  ? 

13  And  the  king  of  the  children  of  Ammon 
answered  unto  the  messengers  of  Jephthah,  uBe- 

c Gen.  21:10.  Deut.  23:2.  dProv.2:16.  5:3,20.  6:24 — 26.  * Heb.  the  face  of 

his  brethren.  e2Sam.l0:6.  f 9:4.  1 Sam.  22:2.  27:2.  30:22— 24.  Job  30: 1— 
10.  Acts  17:5.  t Heb.  after  days.  10:8.  g 10:9,17,18.  h 1 Sam.  10:27.  11:6,7, 
12.  Ps.  118:22,23.  Acts  7:35— 39.  1 Cor.  1:27—29.  i Gen.  26:27.  37:27.  45:4,5. 
Prov.  17:17.  Is.  60:14.  Acts  7:9— 14.  Rev.  3:9.  k Ex.  8:8,28.  9:28.  10:17. 
1 Kings  13:6.  Luke  17:3,4.  1 10:18.  m Num.  32:20—29.  n Gen.  21:23.  31:50. 

I Sam.  12:5.  Jer.  29:23.  42:5.  Rom.  1:9.  2 Cor.  11:31.  } Heb.  the  hearer.  Gen. 
16:5.  31:53.  Deut.  1:16.  1 Sam.  24:12.  o Ex.  20:7.  Zech.  5:4.  Mai.  3:5.  p 8. 
q 1 Sam.  23:9 — 12.  1 Kings  3:7 — 9.  2 Cor.  3:5.  Jam.  1:5,17.  r 10:17.  20:1. 
ISam.  10:17.  11:15.  s Num.  20:14.  21 :21 . Deut.  2:26  . 20: 10,11.  Prov.  25:8,9. 

his  brethren  in  the  inheritance ; but  he  had  not  deserved  to 
be  turned  out  destitute,  as  if  he  had  been  a vagabond  or  a 
malefactor. 

V.  3.  A number  of  men  of  broken  fortunes  and  unsettled 
dispositions  joined  themselves  to  Jephthah.  It  does  not  ap- 
pear, however,  that  they  attempted  any  depredations,  or  vio- 
lence against  their  own  countrymen,  but  rather  that  they  made 
reprisals  on  those  nations  which  oppressed  them.  In  this 
course  of  life  they  learned  hardiness,  boldness,  and  military 
skill : and  thus  Jephthah  acquired  that  reputation  which  made 
way  for  his  advancement,  as  commander  in  the  war  against 
Ammon. — It  is  not  improbable,  that  he  also  reformed  his  fol- 
lowers, and  gave  them  some  instructions  in  religion,  as  David, 
in  similar  circumstances,  evidently  did  in  respect  of  his  ad- 
herents. (Notes,  1 Sam.  22:1,2.  24:4—7.  25:7,8.  30:22—25.) 

V.  4 — 6.  Jephthah,  at  the  head  of  his  company,  had  pro- 
oably  before  this  begun  to  fight  against  the  Ammonites,  by 
incursions  and  reprisals : and  the  elders  of  Gilead  knowing  him 
to  be  a man  of  approved  courage  and  conduct,  sent  to  offer 
him  the  chief  command  of  their  army.  Perhaps  they  forgot 
the  law  before  mentioned ; or  they  supposed  that  in  this  emer- 
gency it  might  be  dispensed  with.  Some  indeed  think,  that 
they  were  directed  by  a divine  admonition  to  send  for  him : at 
least  the  Lord  confirmed  their  choice  ; perhaps  in  order  that 
those  who  had  rendered  themselves  vile  by  sin,  might  be 
rescued  from  their  enemies  by  one  who  lay  under  a disgrace- 
ful stigma  ; and  that  he  might  bo  humbled  by  recollecting,  that 
he  was  marked  in  the  divine  law  with  the  same  brand  as  the 
Ammonites  whom  he  conquered.  (Notes,  Deut.  23:2 — 5.) 

V.  7,  8.  Either  these  elders  of  Gilead  were  Jephthah’s 
brethren : cr  they  had  concurred  with  them  in  driving  him 
away,  instead  of  defending  him  from  their  injustice : for  he 
ascribed  the  ill-usage  which  he  had  met  with  to  their  hatred ; 
and  they  did  not  deny  the  charge,  though  urged  as  a reason 
why  they  ought  not  to  apply  to  him  in  their  distress.  As  he 
was  of  an  enterprising  spirit,  they  had  perhaps  suspected  him 
of  ambitious  designs,  like  those  of  Abimelech.  (9:)  They 
now,  however,  felt  their  need  of  his  talents;  and  pleaded  that 

( 448  ) 


cause  Israel  took  away  my  land  when  they  came 
up  out  of  Egypt,  from  Arnon  even  unto  “Jabbok, 
and  unto  Jordan : now  therefore  restore  thos^ 
lands  again  peaceably. 

14  H And  Jephthah  sent  messengers  ^again  unto 
the  king  of  the  children  of  Ammon, 

15  And  said  unto  him,  Thus  saith  Jephthah, 
‘Israel  took  not  away  the  land  of  Moab,  nor  tlve 
land  of  the  children  of  Ammon : 

16  But  when  Israel  came  up  from  Egypt,  and 
“walked  through  the  wilderness  unto  the  Red  Sea, 
and  bcame  to  Kadesh  ; 

17  Then  Israel  “sent  messengers  unto  the  king 
of  Edom,  saying,  Let  me,  I pray  thee,  pass 
through  thy  land : but  the  kin^  of  Edom  would 
not  hearken  thereto.  And  in  like  manner  they 
sent  unto  dthe  king  of  Moab  ; but  he  would  not 
consent : and  Israel  “abode  in  Kadesh. 

18  Then  they  fwent  along  through  the  wilder- 
ness, and  ^compassed  the  land  of  Edom,  and  the 
land  of  Moab,  and  came  by  the  east  side  of  the 
land  of  Moab,  and  hpitched  on  the  other  side  of 
Arnon,  but  came  not  within  the  border  of  Moab  : 
for  Arnon  was  the  border  of  Moab. 

19  And  ‘Israel  sent  messengers  unto  Sihon  king 
of  the  Amorites,  the  king  of  Heshbon ; and  Is- 
rael said  unto  him,  Let  us  pass,  we  pray  thee, 
through  thy  land  unto  my  place. 

20  But  Sihon  trusted  not  Israel  to  pass  through 
his  coast : but  Sihon  gathered  all  his  people 
together,  and  pitched  in  Jahaz,  and  fought  against 
Israel. 

21  And  the  kLoRD  God  of  Israel  delivered 
Sihon,  and  all  his  people,  into  the  hand  of  Israel,  and 
they  smote  them:  'so  Israel  possessed  all  the  land 
of  the  Amorites,  the  inhabitants  of  that  country. 

22  And  they  possessed  all  the  coasts  of  the 
Amorites,  from  Arnon  even  unto  Jabbok,  and  from 
the  wilderness  even  unto  Jordan. 

23  So  now  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  hath  dis- 
possessed the  Amorites  from  before  his  people 
Israel,  and  shouldest  thou  possess  it? 

24  Wilt  not  thou  possess  that  which  mChemosh 


Matt.  18:15,16.  t2Kingal4:8 — 12.  uNtim. 21:24 — 96.  Prov.  19:5,9  x Gen 
32:22.  Deut.  2:37.  3:16.  y Ps.  120:7.  Rom.l2:18.  Hell. 12:14.  lPct.S:ll 
i Num. 21:13— 15,27— 30.  Deut.  2:9,19  2Chr.  211:10.  Acts  21:12,13.  a Num. 
14:25.  Deut. 1:40.  Josh. 5:6.  b Gen.  14:7.  Num.  13:26  . 20:1.  Deut. 1:46. 
cNum. 20:14— 21.  Deut.  2:4—8,29.  dDeut.2:9.  e Num.  20:1,16.  fNum.20t 
22.  21:11) — 13.  33:37— 44.  Deut.  2:1-6.  * Num.  21:4.  h Num.  21:13  . 22:36. 

i Num.  21:21— 35.  Deut.  2:27— 34  . 3:1—17.  Josh'.  13:8-12.  k Neh.  9 22.  P«. 
135:10—12.136:17—21.  1 Josh.  13:15-32.  m Num.  21  29.  1 Kings  11:7.  Jer. 
48:7,46. 


they  desired  to  appoint  him  their  captain,  that  they  might 
make  him  amends  for  their  former  injustice.  (Note,  10:17,18.) 

V.  9 — 11.  Jephthah  had  no  great  reason  to  confide  in  the 
elders  of  Gilead : and,  as  he  supposed  that  if  the  Lord  gave 
him  the  victory  over  Ammon,  this  would  entitle  him  to  the 
authority  of  judge  over  the  tribes  east  of  Jordan;  he  required 
the  elders  to  engage  by  a solemn  oath,  that  they  would  sub- 
mit to  him,  before  he  would  accompany  them  to  Mizpeh. 
And  when  he  came  thither,  being  about  to  enter  on  Ibis  im- 
portant service,  he  “uttered  all  his  words,”  or  laid  all  his 
transactions,  “ before  the  Lord  seeking  his  direction,  as- 
sistance, and  blessing  very  particularly  in  fervent  prayer,  as 
one  who  would  go  forth  in  faith,  and  expected  all  his  success 
from  God.  (Note,  Heb.  11:32 — 34.) — Some  think,  that  the 
high-priest,  with  the  sacred  breastplate  uas  come  on  this 
occasion  to  Mizpeh  ; and  that  Jephthah  inquired  of  him.— 
Mizpeh  here  mentioned  was  east  of  Jordan,  and  was  called 
Mizpeh  of  Gilead,  (29)  in  contradistinction  from  another 
place  of  the  same  name,  which  lay  west,  of  Jordan.  (Josh. 
15:38.)  There  was  also  another  city,  if  not  two,  called  Miz- 
peh, which  were  of  less  note. 

Y.  12 — 23.  Jephthah,  now  constituted  ruler  in  Israel,  sent 
to  treat  of  peace  with  the  Ammonites  before  he  declared  war 
against  them.  This  accorded  to  the  law  of  Mosos,  and  was 
done  perhaps  by  divine  direction.  (Notes,  Deut.  20:10 — 18.) 
The  whole  of  these  messages  show  that  Jephthah  had  well 
studied  the  historical  part  of  the  books  of  Moses.  His  argu- 
ments likewise  were  very  clear,  and  his  demands  reasonable  ; 
for  he  only  required,  that  the  Ammonites  should  cease  to 
harass  a people,  who  neither  had  injured  them,  nor  intended 
to  do  so.  (Notes,  Num.  20:14 — 21. 21:21 — 35.  Deut.  2:  3:1  — 
11.) — It  is  also  evident  that  the  books  of  Numbers  and 
Deuteronomy  were  then  extant  in  their  present  form.— Som# 
of  the  country,  at  that  time  possessed  by  Israel,  had  onco 
belonged  to  Ammon  : but  tho  Amorites  had  taken  it  from 
them  ; aflorwards  tho  Israelites  had  wrested  it  from  tlx 
Amorites  ; and  God,  who  gave  the  victory,  expressly  assigned 
to  them  tho  country  of  tho  vanquished  for  their  inheritance. 


B.  C.  1 1 43. 


CHAPTER  XI.  B.  C.  1143. 


thy  ffod  give  I h thee  to  possess  ? So  "whomsoever 
the  Loud  our  God  shall  drive  out  from  before  us, 
them  will  we  possess. 

25  And  now,  art  thou  any  thing  better  than 
•Balak,  the  son  of  Zippor.  king  of  Moab  ? did  he 
ever  strive  against  Israel,  or  did  he  'ever  fight 
against  them, 

26  While  Israel  dwelt  in  pHeshbon  and  her 
towns,  and  in  'lAroer  and  her  towns,  and  in  all 
the  cities  that  be  along  by  the  coasts  of  Arnon, 
'three  hundred  years  ? why  therefore  did  ye  not 
recover  them  within  that  time  ? 

27  Wherefore  I have  not  sinned  against  thee, 
but  thou  doest  me  wrong  to  war  against  me : the 
Lord  ’the  Judge  ‘be  Judge  this  day  between  the 
children  of  Israel  and  the  children  of  Ammon. 

28  Howbeit  "the  king  of  the  children  of  Ammon 
hearkened  not  unto  the  words  of  Jephthah  which 

he  sent  him.  [ Practical  Observations.] 

29  H Then  “the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  upon 
Jephthah  ; and  he  passed  over  Gilead  and  Ma- 
nasseh,  and  passed  over  rMizpeh  of  Gilead,  and 
from  Mizpeh  of  Gilead  he  passed  over  unto  the 
children  of  Ammon. 

30  And  Jephthah ’vowed  a vow  unto  the  Lord, 
and  said,  If  thou  shalt  without  fail  deliver  the 
children  of  Ammon  into  my  hands, 

31  Then  it  shall  be,  that  'whatsoever  cometh 
forth  of  the  doors  of  my  house  to  meet  me,  when 
I return  in  peace  from  the  children  of  Ammon, 

n Deut.  9:4,5.  18:12.  Josh.  3:10.  Fs.  44:2.  78:55.  o Nam.  22:2.  Deut.  23: 
8,4.  Josh.  24:9,10.  Mic.  6:5.  p Num.  21:25— 30.  Deut.  2:24.  3:2,6.  Josh.  12: 
2,5.13:10.  q Deut.  2:36.  r 3:11,30.  5:31.  8:28.  9:22.  10:2,3,3.  Josh.  11:18. 
23:1.  s Gen.  18  25.  1 Sara.  2: 10.  Job  9:15.  23:7.  Ps.  7:11.  50:6  . 82:8.  94:2.  98: 
9.  Ec.  11.9.  12:14.  John  5:22,23.  Rom.  14:10— 12.  2Cor.5:10.  2Tim.4:8. 
Heb. 12:21.  t Gen.  15:5.  31:53.  1 Sara.  24:12,15.  Ps. 7:8,9.  2Cor.  11:11. 
u 2 Kings  14:11.  Proa.  16:18.  x 3:10.6:34.13:25.  Num.  11:25  1 Sam.  10:10. 16:13 
— 15. 1 Chr.  12:18.  y 10:  J 7.  z Gen.  28:20.  Num.  30:2,  &c.  1 Sam.  1:11.  Ec.  5:1,2. 

• Heb.  that  which  cometh  forth , which  shall  come  forth,  a Lev.  27:2,3,28,29. 

V.  24.  This  did  not  imply,  either  that  Chemosh  was  in 
reality  a God,  or  that  victory  always  gives  a right  to  the  pos- 
sessions of  the  vanquished  : but  Jephthah  argued  with  the 
king  of  Ammon  on  his  own  principles,  the  better  to  expose 
the  injustice  and  unreasonableness  of  his  conduct. 

V.  25, 26.  Balak  feared  Israel  and  plotted  their  destruction  ; 
but  he  had  never  proceeded  to  assault  them,  nor  did  they 
ever  give  him  any  reason.  (Notes,  Num.  22: — 25:) — Jephthah 
here  argues  that  it  was  absurd,  at  the  end  of  three  hundred 
years,  to  revive  a claim,  which  had  been  so  long  suffered  to 
lie  dormant! — Solomon  began  to  build  the  temple  four  hundred 
and  eighty  years  after  Israel  left  Egypt:  (1  Kings  6:1.)  forty 
years  were  spent  in  the  wilderness  before  the  conquest  of 
Sihon  and  Og  : and  Jephthah  here  speaks  of  three  hundred 
years  having  elapsed  to  that  time.  So  that  (if  he  spake  with 
exactue*  and  not  of  a round  number)  these  events  happened 
one  hundred  and  forty  years  before  the  building  of  Solomon’s 
temple.  Several  computations  have  been  made  of  the  years 
under  Joshua,  the  different  Judges,  and  king  Saul,  to  accord 
with  this  general  intimation  : but  none  are  very  satisfactory. 
Obscurity  rests  on  this  part  of  sacred  chronology,  and  pro- 
bably will  continue  to  do  so.  ( Note,  3:11.) 

V.  27.  In  case  the  king  of  Ammon  would  not  desist  from 
his  demand,  the  war  would  become  just  and  necessary  : and 
therefore  Jephthah  solemnly  appealed  to  Jehovah,  “ the 
Judge,”  to  judge  between  Israel  and  the  Ammonites,  and  to 
decide  in  favour  of  those  who  had  the  more  righteous  cause. 
Every  declaration  of  war  implies  such  ah  appeal ; but  it  is 
seldom  made  upon  such  good  grounds,  and  in  the  same  spirit 
of  humble  faith.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  10:8 — 14.  2 Chr.  13:4—22.) 

V.  29.  The  Lord,  by  the  communication  of  his  Spirit, 
both  confirmed  the  people’s  choice  of  Jephthah,  and  fitted 
him  for  the  service  to  which  he  was  called.  (Note,  9 — 11.) — 
Being  thus  stirred  up,  he  went  through  the  adjacent  countries 
to  levy  soldiers,  and  then  marched  boldly  to  attack  the 
enemy. 

V.  30,  31.  Perhaps  Jephthah’s  army  was  small,  and  his  or 
their  courage  ready  to  fail  in  the  prospect  of  imminent  danger  ; 
and  therefore  he  joined  a solemn  vow  to  his  earnest  prayers  : 
but  the  vow  itself  was  evidently  rash  and  improper.  (Marg. 
Ref.  z.  Notes , Gen.  28:20 — 22.  Num.  30:2.)  God  himself 
had  prescribed  the  animals  which  were  to  be  offered  in  the 
different  kinds  of  sacrifices:  and  there  were  likewise  different 
kinds  of  vows,  and  particular  regulations  of  them.  ( Notes, 
Lev.  1:1,2.  27:)  It  was  therefore  exceedingly  absurd  to  vow, 
that  whatsoever  “ came  forth  of  the  doors  of  his  house, 
should  be  the  Lord’s,  and  be  offered  for  a burnt-offering,’’ 
The  marginal  reading,  “ or  I will  offer  it,”  &c.  on  which  much 
stress  has  been  laid  by  several  expositors,  is  by  no  means  a 
natural  construction.  A dog  or  some  other  unclean  animal, 
might  first  have  met  him  ; and  in  what  sense  could  it  have 
oeen  the  Lord’s  ? but  it  was  most  probable  that  one  of  his 
family  would,  which  indeed  he  seems  to  have  expected.  Not 
being  so  well  acquainted  with  the  preceptive  part  of  the  books 
Voi.  I. — 57 


‘shall  surely  be  the  Lord’s,  kind  I will  offer  it  up 
for  a burnt-offering. 

32  H So  Jephthah  passed  over  unto  the  childre 
of  Ammon  to  fight  against  them  ; and  bthe  Lori. 
delivered  them  into  his  hands. 

33  And  he  smote  them  from  cAroer,  even  tilt 
thou  come  to  dMinnith,  even  twenty  cities,  and 
unto  Uhe  plain  of  the  vineyards,  with  a very 
great  slaughter.  Thus  the  children  of  Ammoi 
were  subdued  before  the  children  of  Israel. 

34  H And  Jephthah  came  to  ‘Mizpeh  unto  his 
house,  and,  behold,  f his  daughter  came  out  to 
meet  him  with  timbrels  and  with  dances:  and 
she  was  his  only  child  ; ^besides  her  he  had  ^neither 
son  nor  daughter. 

35  And  it  came  to  pass  when  he  saw  her,  that 
he  hrent  his  clothes,  and  said,  Alas,  my  daughter  ! 
thou  hast  brought  me  very  low,  and  thou  art  one 
of  them  that  trouble  me : for  'I  have  opened  my 
mouth  unto  the  Lord,  and  kI  cannot  go  back.  . 

36  And  she  said  unto  him,  My  father,  if  thou 
hast  opened  thy  mouth  unto  the  Lord,  do  to  me 
according  to  that  which  hath  proceeded  out  ot 
thy  mouth ; 'forasmuch  as  the  Lord  hath  taken 
vengeance  for  thee  of  thine  enemies,  even  of  the 
children  of  Ammon. 

37  And  she  said  unto  her  father,  Let  this  thing 
be  done  for  me  ; let  me  alone  two  months,  that  I 
may  "go  up  and  down  upon  the  mountains,  and 
""bewail  my  virginity,  I and  my  fellows. 


1 Sam.  1:11,28.  14:2-1,44.  t Or,  or  Twill,  &c.  Lev.  27:11,12.  Deut.  23:18.  Is. 
66:3.  b 1:4.  2:18.  3:10.  c Deut.  2:36.  cl  Ez.  27:17.  } Or,  Abel.  ell. 10:17. 
f 5:l,&c.  Ex.  15:20.  ISam.  18:6,7.  Ps.  6S:25.  148:11 ,12.  Jer.  31 :4,13.  § Or, 
had  not  of  his  own  either . Heb.  of  himself,  g Zecb.  12:10.  Luke  7:12.  8:42.9: 
38.  h Gen.  37:29,30,34,35.  42:36—38.  2 Sam.  13:30,31.  18:33.  Job  1:20.  i Lev. 
27:28,29.  Num.  30:2 — 5.  Ps.  15:4.  Ec.  5 2— 6.  k 21:1 — 7.  1 Sam.  14:44,45. 
Mat-.  14:7— 9.  Acts  23:14.  1 16:28—30.  2 Sam.  18:19,31.  19:30.  Acts  20:24.  21 : 
13.  Rom.  16:4.  Phil.  2:30.  ||  Heb.  go  and  go  down,  m 1 Sum.  1:6.  Luke  1:25. 


of  Moses,  as  with  the  historical , he  confounded  the  several 
laws  concerning  sacrifices  and  vows  ; and  especially,  he 
seems  to  have  had  some  confused  idea  of  the  law  and  custom 
of  devoting  persons  or  things  to  utter  destruction.  ( Note , 
Leo.  27:28,29.)  This  being  especially  intended  of  the  enemies 
of  God,  and  things  abused  to  idolatry,  he  erroneously  applied 
to  innocent  persons  and  Israelites,  over  whose  lives  he  could 
have  no  power,  either  in  his  public. or  private  character  ; and 
he  supposed  that  the  execution  of  this  vow  required,  that  the 
person  devoted  should  be  offered  for  a burnt-offering.  His 
judgment  was  not  only  erroneous  through  ignorance  of  the 
divine  law,  but  it  was  also  perverted  by  a too  great  familiarity 
with  the  customs  of  the  surrounding  idolaters  ; who  on  such 
emergencies  frequently  vowed  and  offered  human  sacrifices, 
supposing  them  acceptable  to  the  Deity,  in  proportion  to  the 
pain  which  they  occasioned  to  the  offerers.  ( Notes,  2 Kings 
3:27.  Mic.  6:6—8.) 

V.  34 — 40.  The  whole  conduct  of  Jephthah’s  daughter 
shows,  that  she  was  an  amiable,  dutiful,  and  pious  young 
woman,  according  to  the  instructions  afforded  her  : and  tho 
tokens  of  extreme  distress,  which  Jephthah  showed,  confirm 
the  interpretation  before  intimated.  (Note,  30,31.)  If  ho 
had  understood  the  divine,  law,  he  would  have  known  that  his 
rash  vow  bound  him  to  nothing  hut  deep  repentance  ; unless 
he  had  accompanied  thank-offerings  at  Shiloh,  with  a sin- 
offering  on  this  account. — But  he  deemed  himself  irrevocably 
engaged  ; (Notes,  Lev.  27:28,29.  Num.  30:2.)  and  after  two 
months,  u he  did  with  her  according  to  his  vow  that  is,  as 
it  appears  evident  to  me,  he  offered  her  for  a burnt-offering  ; 
perhaps  induced  by  a misinterpretation  of  the  command 
given  to  Abraham  concerning  his  son  Isaac.  (Notes,  Gen. 
22:2 — 10.)  In  this  he  acted  conscientiously  : but  his  conscience 
was  erroneous  : and  his  error  arose  from  ignorance  of  the 
divine  law,  and  too  much  acquaintance  with  heathen  customs. 
Otherwise  he  would  not  have  placed  his  amiable  daughter, 
who  came  to  congratulate  his  victory,  with  joyful  songs  of 
praise,  among  the  devoted  enemies  of  God ; much  less  would 
he  have  offered  so  detestable  a sacrifice,  which  was  most 
expressly  forbidden,  as  44  an  abomination  to  the  Lord  which 
he  hated.”  (Deut.  12:31.  Note,  Lev.  20:2 — 5.) — When  Saul 
rashly  brought  his  excellent  son  Jonathan  under  the  curse  of 
utter  destruction,  the  people  very  properly  rescued  him  ; for 
the  crime  was  Saul’s,  not  Jonathan’s.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  14:24 
— 46.)' — Many  learned  men  indeed  have  endeavoured  to  show 
that  Jephthah  did  not  sacrifice  his  daughter,  but  that  he  shut 
her  up  in  perpetual  solitude  and  virginity  ; and  they  urge  io 
favour  of  that  opinion,  that  44  she  bewailed  her  virginity noi 
her  death  ; and  that  44  she  knew  no  man and  they  suppose 
that  the  daughters  of  Israel  went  to  condole  with  her  four 
times  in  the  year,  and  not  to  lament  her  death.  But  it  is  not 
at  all  likely  that  it  should  become  a custom,  not  only  for  her 
acquaintance,  or  the  daughters  of  Gilead,  but  for  those  of  all 
Israel,  thus  to  flock  to  her  four  days  in  the  year  on  such  an 
account : and  we  never  read  of  law  or  custom,  either  in  tho 

( 449  ) 


B.  C.  1143. 


JUDGES. 


B.  C.  1143. 


38  And  he  said,  Go.  And  he  sent  her  away 
for  two  months : and  she  went  with  her  com- 
panions, and  bewailed  her  virginity  upon  the 
mountains. 

39  And  it  came  to  pass,  at  the  end  of  two 
months,  that  she  returned  unto  her  father,  who 
"did  with  her  according  °to  his  vow  which  he  had 
vowed : and  she  knew  no  man.  And  it  was  a 
"custom  in  Israel, 

40  That  the  daughters  of  Israel  went  tyearly 
to  ilament  the  daughter  of  Jephthah  the  Gileadite 
rfour  days  in  a year. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

The  Ephraimites  quarrel  with  Jephthah,  are  smitten  by  the  Gileadites , and 
slain  in  very  great  numbers  at  the  passage  of  Jordan , 1 — 6.  Jephthah  dies , 
7.  Ibzan,who  had  thirty  sons  and  thirty  daughters,  judges  Israel,  8 — 10: 
and  after  him-  Elon,  11,  12:  and  then  Abdon , who  had  forty  sons  and  thirty 
grandsons,  13 — 15. 

AND  the  men  of  Ephraim  "gathered  themselves 
together,  and  went  northward,  and  said  unto 

n 31.  Lev.  27:28,29.  Deut.  12:31.  Is.  66:3.  o 1 Sam.  1:11,28,  2:18.  • Or, ordi- 
nance. t Heb.  from  year  to  year.  } Or,  to  talk  with,  p 1 Kings  9:25. 
* Heb.  were  catted,  . 8:1.  23am.  19:41— 43.  Ps.  109:4.  Ec.  4:4.  John  10:32. 
b 14:15.  15:6.  Prov.  27:3,4.  Jam.  3:16.  4:1,2.  c 11:12,  ic.  d9:17.  1 Sam.  19: 


Old  Testament  or  the  New,  for  any  person  to  be  thus 
devoted  to  the  Lord  by  perpetual  celibacy,  or  the  least  hint 
of  the  kind.  On  the  contrary,  marriage  and  having  children 
were  so  honourable  in  all,  that  to  die  unmarried  or  childless 
was  deemed  disgraceful,  as  well  as  a misfortune  ; which  seems 
to  have  occasioned  the  expressions  above  mentioned.  (Luke 
1:25.)  So  pious  a person,  supposing  her  death  to  be  for  the 
glory  of  God,  and  the  benefit  of  Israel,  would  not  bewail  on 
that  account : but,  according  to  the  sentiment  of  all  Israel- 
itish  women,  she  must  naturally  lament  that  she  died  unmar- 
ried and  childless,  especially  as  her  father  had  no  other  child, 
nor  any  prospect  of  posterity.  Whereas,  had  she  been  shut 
up  in  perpetual  solitude,  as  a single  example  of  that  kind  in 
the  whole  Scripture,  and  contrary  to  the  whole  tenor  of  it, 
Bhe  w.ould  not  have  needed  to  request  two  months  to  bewail 
her  virginity,  for  she  would  have  had  all  her  romaining  life  to 
do  it  in. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 28.  As  the  sins  of  parents  so  often  occasion  dis- 
grace and  hardship  to  their  children,  this  should  unite  with 
higher  motives  to  induce  men  to  govern  their  passions  accord- 
ing to  the  law  of  God. — Activity,  capacity,  prudence,  and 
piety,  will  often  render  a man  superior  to  the  disadvantages 
of  his  birth;  and  the  hardships  of  his  youth  prepare  him  for 
the  services  of  future  life. — W e should  not  despise  the  mean- 
est person ; for  we  know  not  how  soon  we  may  have  reason 
lo  supplicate  his  assistance.  It  is  especially  dangerous  to 
injure  the  servants  of  God;  and  many  who  do  so  in  prospe- 
rity, are  glad  to  seek  the  benefit  of  their  protection,  counsel, 
and  prayers,  in  seasons  of  terror  and  distress  : ( Notes , Is. 
■60:10 — 14.  Rev.  3:8,9.)  and  in  all  ages  they,  whom  God  has 
most  honoured  and  employed,  have  previously  been  treated 
with  contempt  and  injustice,  even  by  those  to  whom  they 
afterwards  were  most  useful.  None  ought  therefore  to  be 
discouraged  or  surprised  by  it ; as  they  are  only  dealt  with 
in  the  same  manner  as  Joseph,  Moses,  Jephthah,  and  David  ; 
nay,  in  this  especially,  are  made  like  to  the  Son  of  God, 
44  who  endured  the  contradiction  of  sinners  against  himself,” 
before  he  was  44  exalted  to  be  a Prince  and  Saviour.”  Indeed, 
the  Lord  is  continually  thus  treated : men  neglect  his  service, 
despise  his  authority,  and  rob  him  of  his  glory  ; and  yet  in 
their  distress  they  apply  unto  him  for  deliverance.  But,  as 
he  forgives  the  penitent  sinner  without  upbraiding  him,  so 
ought  his  people  to  behave  to  their  enemies.  It  should  be 
noted,  however,  that  the  Saviour  himself  will  save  none  who 
do  not  consent  that  he  should  44  reign  over  them  :”  and  his 
disciples,  after  his  example,  should  seek  to  reform  them, 
whose  temporal  distresses  they  relieve. — Those  undertakings 
are  likely  to  prosper,  and  those  public  situations  to  be  well 
filled,  respecting  which  the  Lord  is  consulted  and  trusted  in 
simple  faith,  prayer,  and  conscientious  obedience. — They, 
who  possess  the  greatest  genuine  courage,  will  be  the  most 
disposed  for  peace,  and  to  concede  and  yield  the  most  for  the 
sake  of  it;  and  when  rapacity  and  ambition,  concealed  under 
the  mask  of  equity,  (for  though  few  men  love  justice,  most 
would  be  thought  to  do  so,)  render  such  endeavours  unavail- 
ing; having  shown  that  we  would,  44  if  possible,  live  peace- 
ably with  all  men,”  we  may  safely  leave  the  matter  with 
the  Lord  ; who,  as  Judge  of  alfthe  earth,  will  award  to  those 
that  delight  in  contention,  public  or  private,  a recompense 
meet  for  their  turbulent  dispositions  and  evil  deeds. 

V.  29 — 40.  As  far  as  we  are  acquainted  with  the  word  of 
God,  we  shall  find  a clear  light  shine  upon  our  paths,  disco- 
vering to  us  the  safe  and  happy  way:  but,  even  when  we  act, 
uprightly,  if  ignorant  of  the  Scriptures,  we  shall  fall  into 
lamentable  mistakes,  to  the  dishonour  of  God,  and  the  great 
discomfort  of  our  souls.  This  should  excite  us  to  a dili- 
gent study  of  the  whole  word  of  God,  that,  we  may  be  44  com- 
pleted in  the  knowledge  of  his  will  :”  and  it  should  remind 
ministers  to  be  exact,  copious,  and  frequent,  in  discus'iing 

( 450  ) 


Jephthah,  ^Wherefore  passednt  thou  over  to  fight 
against  the  children  of  Ammon,  and  didst  not  call 
us  to  go  with  thee  ? bwe  will  burn  thy  house 
upon  thee  with  fire. 

2 And  Jephthah  said  unto  them,  CI  and  my 
people  were  at  great  strife  with  the  children  of 
Ammon ; and  when  I called  you,  ye  delivered  me 
not  out  of  their  hands. 

3 And  when  I saw  that  ye  delivered  me  not,  1 
dput  my  life  in  my  hands,  and  passed  over  against 
the  children  of  Ammon,  and  the  Lord  delivered 
them  into  my  hand:  ewherefore  then  are  ye  come 
up  unto  me  this  day  to  fight  against  me? 

4 Then  Jephthah  gathered  together  all  the 
men  of  Gilead,  and  fought  with  Ephraim : and 
the  f men  of  Gilead  smote  Ephraim,  because  they 
said,  Ye  Gileadites  are  ^fugitives  of  Ephraim, 
among  the  Ephraimites,  and  among  the  Ma- 
nassites. 


5.  28:21.  Job  13:14.  Ps.  119:109.  Rom.  16:4.  Rev.  12:11.  e 11:27.  2Chr.l3:l». 
f 11:10.  Num.  32:39,40.  Deut.  3:12— 17.  £1  Sam.  25:10.  Neh.  4:4.  Ps.  78:9. 
Prov.  12:13.  15:1. 


practical  subjects;  that  those  who  are  disposed  to  perform 
their  duty,  may  not  be  left  to  sin  through  ignorance  or  mis- 
take, as  very  many  professors  of  evangelical  truth  continu- 
ally do. — How  checkered  are  the  scenes  of  this  mortal  life! 
Sorrow  treads  upon  the  heels  of  mirth ; and  our  choicest 
comforts,  often  through  our  own  unwatchfulness,  become  the 
occasions  of  our  severest  trials:  but  we  need  the  less  wonder 
at  this,  when  we  observe  how  defective  the  best  characters 
are,  and  how  the  best  actions  are  often  connected  with  such 
as  are  utterly  unwarrantable. — A cheerful  mind,  disposed  to 
be  grateful  to  God,  and  to  endure  any  thing  for  his  honour  and 
out  of  love  to  his  people,  with  a ready  submission  to  parental 
authority,  are  such  beautiful  blossoms  in  young  persons,  and 
promise  such  fruit  in  riper  years,  that  we  must  regret  to  see 
them  blasted  by  premature  death  ; and  lament  that  those, 
who  have  so  well  performed  the  inferior  duties,  are  not  spared 
to  be  useful  in  the  more  important  relations  of  the  married 
state.  But,  though  their  death  is  a loss  to  society,  they  are 
themselves  no  losers  : for  the  preparation  for  a useful  life  will 
render  death  also  comfortable,  in  whatever  way  they  may  be 
called  hence. — In  lawful  vows,  when  we  have  44  opened  our 
mouth  unto  the  Lord,  we  may  not  go  back  ;”  and  on  that 
account  we  should  be  very  considerate  in  making  vows,  that 
we  may  not  involve  ourselves  or  others  in  distress,  perplexity, 
or  temptation : tut  nothing  can  oblige  us  to  that  which  is  in 
itself  unlawful.  With  this  single  exception,  we  Cfinnot  do  too 
much  to  express  our  gratitude  for  mercies  received,  or  part 
with  too  much  for  the  glory  of  God.  Though  we  cannot 
approve  of  the  conduct  of  Jephthah,  we  may  well  admire  and 
imitate  his  resolution  and  self-denial,  and  still  more  those  of 
his  daughter. — Let  us  not  then  forget  the  love  of  the  Father 
in  giving  his  Son,  or  of  the  Son  in  giving  himself,  a,  real  and 
acceptable  sacrifice  for  the  sins  of  rebellious  man.  Bought 
with  such  a price,  let  us  present  our  bodies  and  souls  as  a 
living  sacrifice  unto  God  ; and  look  forward  with  heartfelt 
satisfaction  to  that  country,  where  ignorance,  error,  sin,  and 
sorrow  shall  be  known  no  more  ; where  the  believer’s  victory 
will  be  complete,  his  triumphs  unalloyed  and  unsullied,  and 
his  hallelujahs  uninterrupted  and  eternal. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XII.  V.  1 — 7.  Jephthah  was  a Ma- 
nasite,  and  the  Ephraimites  had  the  same  pretence  of  quar- 
relling with  him,  as  their  ancestors  had  for  chiding  with 
Gideon:  (Note,  11:1,2.)  but.  their  resentment  vrnted  itself  in 
a more  outrageous  and  abusive  manner.  We  find  nothing  to 
blame  in  Jephthah ’s  answer;  but  it  was  not  so  conciliating  ns 
that  of  Gideon  had  been,  (yiarg.  Ref.  Note , 8:1 — 3.) 
The  Ephraimites  had,  it.  seems,  been  sent,  to,  and  would  not 
come  to  help  their  brethren,  and  their  anger  was  therefore 
extremely  unreasonable  : but  instead  of  being  satisfied  with 
Jephthah ’s  arguments,  they  proceeded  to  assault  him:  and 
they  likewise  irritated  the  Gileadites  by  abusive  language  ; as 
if  they  had  been  the  refuse  of  the  descendants  of  Joseph, 
who  had  fled  from  justice,  and  settled  beyond  Jordan  ! 
(Note,  Josh.  22:21 — 29.) — The  Gileadites,  however,  took  a 
most  severe  revenge  on  them:  for  getting  possession  of  the 
fords  of  Jordan,  they  slew  great  numbers  of  them ; having 
artfully  devised  to  distinguish  thorn  by  their  provincial  pro- 
nunciation of  the  Hebrew  word  Shibboleth,  which  generally 
signifies  a river , or  stream  of  viators  : (6  vrnrg.  readmg  and 
ref.  on  it :)  though  sometimes  also  used  for  an  ear  of  com. 
( Job  24:24.)  How  far  Jephthah  concurred  in  this  cruel  re- 
venge cannot  be  determined  ; but  it  was  entirely  unjustifiable, 
and  exceedingly  weakened  the  common  cause  of  Israel. 
(Notes,  2 Chr.  13:4—22.  Prov.  17:14.  Matt.  12:25,26.) 
Indeed  it  is  wonderful  that  the  political  importance  of  Eph- 
raim was  not  ruined  by  this  massacre.  (Notes,  Gen.  49:22 
— 26.  Deut..  33:17.)  After  this  transaction.  Israel  quietly 
submitted  t<>  Jephthah  as  their  judge*  but  he  lived  only  a 
short  time,  and  probably  had  little  oo»Anrt  in  l '«  advance 
I ment. 


B.  C.  1 1 2f. 


CHAPTER  XIII 


b.  c.  n& 


5 And  the  G eadites  took  hthe  passages  of 
Jordan  before  toe  Ephraimites : and  it  was  so, 
that  when  tliiv.e  Ephraimites  which  were  escaped 
said,  Let  me  go  over ; that  the  men  of  Gilead 
said  unto  Lm,  Art  thou  an  Ephraimite?  If  he 
said  Nay  ; 

0 Then  said  they  unto  him,  'Say  now  'Shib- 
boleth; and  he  said,  Sibboleth:  lor  he  could  not 
frame  to  pronounce  it  right.  Then  they  took 
him,  and  slew  him  at  the  passages  of  Jordan : and 
•there  fell  at  that  time  of  the  Ephraimites  forty  and 
two  thousand. 

b.  c.j  7 And  Jephthah judged  Israel  six,  years: 
U37.  J tj,en  (]jec|  Jephthah  the  Gileadite,  and  was 
buried  in  one  of  the  cities  of  Gilead. 

8 U And  after  him  Ibzan  of  ‘Beth-lehem  judged 
Israel. 

9 And  he  had  "thirty  sons  and  thirty  daughters, 
whom  he  sent  abroad,  and  took  in  thirty  daughters 
from  abroad  for  his  sons:  and  he  judged  Israel 
seven  years. 

b.  c.j  10  Then  died  Ibzan,  and  was  buried  at 
n3°-  -I  Beth-lehem. 

11  H And  after  him  Elon,  a Zebulonite,  judged 
Israel : and  he  judged  Israel  ten  years. 

12  And  Elon  the  Zebulonite  died,  and  was 
ouried  in  "Aijalon,  in  the  country  of  Zebulun. 

13  If  And  after  him,  Abdon  the  son  of  Hillel,  a 
Pirathonite,  judged  Israel. 

14  And  he  had  forty  sons,  and  thirty  tnephews, 
b.  c.i  that  “rode  on  threescore  and  ten  ass-colts : 
I112-  ' and  he  judged  Israel  eisrht  years. 

15  And  Abdon  the  son  of  Hillel  the  PPirathonite. 


h 3:23.  7:24.  Josh.  2:7.  22:11.  i Mall.  26:73.  Mark  14:70.  • That  is.  a 

Biream,  or,  Jlood.  Ps.  69-2,15.  Is.  27:12.  Heb.  k Prov.  17:14.  18:19.  Ec. 
10:12.  Mult.  12:25.  Gal.  5:15.  1 Gen.  35:19.  1 Sam.  16:1.  Mic.  5:2.  Matt. 

2:1.  m 14.  10:4.  n Josh.  19:42.  1 Chr.  6:69.  8:13.  t Heb.  sons'  sons,  o 5: 
10.10:4.  p2Sam.  23:30.  q 3:13,27.  5:14.  Gen.  14:7.  Ex.  17:8.  1 Sam.  15:7. 
Heb.  added  to  commit,  &c.  2:11.  3:7.  4:1.  6:1.  10:6.  a 1 Sum.  12:9.  b Josh. 
5:33.19.41.  c Gen.  16:1.  25:21.  1 Sam.  1:2— 6.  Luke  1:7.  d 2:1.  6:11,12. 

V.  9 — 15.  “The  mount  of  the  Amalekites,”  (15)  seems 
to  have  derived  its  name  from  some  victory,  gained  over 
Amalek  in  that  place  by  the  Ephraimites.  (Marg.  Ref.) — 
Many  learned  men  suppose,  that  these  last  four  judges  ruled 
over  the  eastern  and  northern  parts  of  the  country  ; and  that 
Samson  and  Eli  were  contemporary  with  them,  judging  the 
southern  and  western  parts. 

, PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

While  pride  prevails,  there  must  be  discord  and  contention : 
(Note,  Prov.  13:10.)  and  when  insolence  escapes  chastise- 
ment, it  often  grows  more  abusive.  But  the  haughty  and 
quarrelsome  will  at  length  meet  with  those,  who  are  as  ready 
to  revenge  their  affronts,  as  others  have  been  to  endure  them. 
— Nothing  is  more  foolish  than  scurrility  : without  any  advan- 
tage it  rouses  the  most  implacable  resentment,  and  prepares 
the  way  for  bloodshed.  Thus  “ the  tongue,  that  unruly  evil, 
sets  on  tire  the  whole  course  of  nature,  and  is  set  on  fire  of" 
hell.”  (Note,  Jam.  3:3 — G.)  But  they,  who  are  most  ready 
to  boast,  menace,  and  revile,  generally  prove  cowardly  in 
real  danger  : and  might  have  their  own  reproaches  retorted 
upon  them,  but  that  Christians  must  not  “ render  railing  for 
railing.” — In  the  origin  or  the  event  of  dissension,  all  parties 
are  commonly  to  blame  ; even  good  men  cannot  always  bear 
with  proper  calmness  the  ingratitude  and  ill-treatment  of 
those  whom  they  have  served  ; nor  have  all  equally  the 
talent  of  turning  away  wrath  by  a soft  answer : and  in  a just 
cause  we  are  apt  to  be  hurried  on  by  our  passions  to  unwar- 
rantable lengths  ; for  “ the  beginning  of  strife  is  like  the 
letting  forth  of  water,  therefore”  let  us  “ leave  off  contention 
before  it  be  meddled  with.”— The  splendourof  men’s  exploits, 
and  the  excellence  of  their  characters,  often  increase  the 
number  and  rage  of  their  enemies : nor  need  any  man  be 
surprised,  if  those  who  ought  to  thank,  commend,  anJ  re- 
ward him,  and  to  congratulate  him  on  his  succpss  in  dan- 
gerous attempts  to  promote  the  public  welfare,  should  abu:;e 
and  hate  him,  and  threaten  his  destruction.  No  one  is  pre- 
pared to  do  good  in  such  a world  as  this,  who  has  not  learned 
to  expect  and  accept  evil,  as  his  recompense  from  man  : and 
to  persevere  in  hope  of  a better  recompense  from  a gracious 
God.  But  no  contentions  are  so  bitter,  as  those  which  arise 
between  brethren,  or  between  rivals  for  honour  and  prece- 
dency. What  need  have  we  then  to  watch  and  pray  against 
envy,  pride,  ambition,  and  those  evil  tempers,  which  set  the 
world  as  it  were  in  flames  from  age  to  age ; and  which  by 
oorrid  carnage  gratify  that  first  great  murderer,  the  devil!— 
\las ! that  so  many  Shibboleths  should  be  invented  to  divide  the 
ehurch  also  ; to  be  the  watchwords  of  angry  disputants,  and 
(lie  pretext  for  professed  disciples  of  Christ  abusing  and  per- 
secuting each  other ! May  the  Lord  incline  all  his  people 
’ to  follow  after  the  things  which  make  for  peace,  and  things 
whereby  one  may  edify  another.”— Many  renowned  and 
envied  persons  die  of  broken  hearts,  on  account  of  personal 


died,  and  was  buiied  in  Pirathon,  in  the  land  Oi 
Ephraim,  iin  the  mount  of  the  Amalekites. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Israel  offends  God , arul  is  reduced  to  serve  the  Ptiilistinee  forty  years , 1 . .I* 
Angel  appears  to  Manoah' 8 wife,  and  promises  her  a son , who  should  be  a 
perpetual  Nazarite,  2 — 5.  She  informs  her  husband  ; who  prays  that  the 
Angel  may  again  appear  to  instruct  them,  6 — 8.  The  Angel  appears,  and  by 
his  conduct,  especially  by  ascending  in  the  flame  of  Manoah' s sacrifice , dis- 
covers who  he  is,  9 — 2(J.  Manoah  is  greatly  alarmed,  as  having  seen  God  j 
but  is  encouraged  by  his  wife,  21—  2j.  Samson  is  born,  and  is  moved  by  the 
Spirit  of  God,  24,  25. 

AND  the  children  of  Israel  ‘did  evil  again  in 
the  sight  of  the  Lord;  and  the  Lord  de- 
livered them  “into  the  hand  of  the  Philistines  forty 
years. 

2  And  there  was  a certain  man  of  bZorah,  of 
the  family  of  the  Danites,  whose  name  was  Ma- 
noah : and  his  wife  was  “barren,  and  bare  not. 

3  And  dthe  Angel  of  the  Lord  appeared  unto 
the  woman,  and  said  unto  her,  Behold  now,  thou 
art  barren,  and  bearest  not ; “but  thou  shalt  con- 
ceive, and  bear  a son. 

4  Now  therefore  beware,  I pray  thee,  and 
f drink  not  wine  nor  strong  drink,  and  seat  not  any 
unclean  thing : 

5  For,  lo,  thou  shalt  conceive,  and  bear  a son  ; 
and  hno  razor  shall  come  on  his  head : for  the 
child  shall  be  a Nazarite  unto  God  from  the  womb  : 
and  he  shall  'begin  to  deliver  Israel  out  of  the  hand 
of  the  Philistines. 

6 H Then  the  woman  came,  and  told  her  husband, 
saying,  kA  man  of  God  came  unto  me,  and  his 
‘countenance  was  like  the  countenance  of  an  angel 
of  God,  very  "terrible : but  I asked  him  not 
whence  he  was,  Neither  told  he  me  nhis  name. 


Gen. 16:7— 13.  Luke  1:11,28.  e Gen.  17:16.  18.10.  1 Sam.  1:20.  2Kings4:16. 
Luke  1:13,31.  f 14.  Num.6:3.  Luke  1:13.  g Lev.  11:27,47.  Actsl0:14. 
h Num.  6:5.  1 Sam.  1:11.  i 1 Sum.  7:13.  2 Sum.  8:1 . 1 Chr.  18:1.  k Deul.  33: 
1.  Josh.  14:6.  1 Sam.  2:27.  9:6.  1 Kings  17:18,24.  2 Kings  4:9,16.  lTim.6:ll. 
1 Malt.  28:3.  Lnkc  9:29.  Acts  6:15.  in  22.  Gen.  28:16,17.  Ex.  3:2— 6.  Dan.S: 
17.  10:5—11.  Malt. 28:4.  Rev. 1:17.  nl8.Gen  32:29.  Luke  1:19. 


and  domestic  afflictions : so  that  their  inward  anguish  might 
soften  their  bitterest  enemies  into  compassion,  if  they  knew 
the  whole. — The  Lord  is  to  be  acknowledged  in  giving  all  our 
comforts,  as  well  as  submitted  to  when  he  withholds  or  with- 
draws them  : but  increasing  families  bring  increasing  cares 
and  duties,  which  cannot  be  neglected  without  guilt  and  pain- 
ful consequences. — In  fine,  the  happiest  life  of  individuals, 
and  the  happiest  state  of  society,  is  that  which  affords  the 
fewest  remarkable  events.  To  live  in  credit  and  quiet,  to  be 
peacefully  useful  in  our  circle,  to  possess  a clear  conscience, 
to  enjoy  communion  with  God  our  Saviour  while  we  live,  and 
to  die  at  peace  with  God  and  man,  form  the  substance  of  art 
that  a wise  man  can  desire  as  to  this  world. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XIII.  V.  1.  These  forty  years  are 
supposed  to  have  begun  when  Jair  judged  Israel ; about  the 
same  time  as  the  oppression  of  Gilead  by  the  Ammonites. 
( Note , 10:3 — 5.)  These  had  been  subdued,  but  the  Philis- 
tines still  harassed  the  Israelites,  till  Samson  was  arrived 
at  maturity  and  began  their  deliverance.  ( Note , 10:6 — 9.) 

V.  2 — 5.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  Nazarite’s  vow  was  volun- 
tary, and  fora  limited  time  ; and  by  the  touch  of  a dead  body 
it  was  broken,  and  the  specified  time  must  be  begun  over 
again.  (Notes,  Num.  6:2 — 21.)  But  Samson  was  devoted 
by  the  Lord’s  express  appointment,  to  be  a Nazarite  all  the 
days  of  his  life  ; and  it  seems  probable  that  this  kind  of  sepa- 
ration was  not  so  strict,  as  the  voluntary  vow.  (Notes,  1 
Sam.  1:9 — 11.  Luke  1:11 — 17.) — The  infant  in  the  womb,  and 
at  the  breast,  subsists  on  the  same  nourishment  with  the 
mother  ; and  therefore  the  mother  of  Samson  was  required 
to  observe  the  same  rules  as  the  Nazarite  during  that  period. 
She  would  be  led  to  expect  something  extraordinary,  from  a 
child  whose  birth  was  attended  by  such  observances  : but  it 
was  a great  trial  to  the  faith  and  patience  of  all  concerned  to 
he  informed,  that  even  the  beginning  of  a deliverance  from 
their  oppressors  must  be  so  long  waited  for. — It  is  probable, 
that  Samson  was  born  about  the  time  when  the  Philistines 
began  to  afflict  Israel,  as  he  did  not  live  to  complete  their 
deliverance.  (Note,  1.) — It  seems,  that  the  law  concerning 
distinction  of  meats  was  not  strictly  observed  at  this  time,  or 
Manoah’s  wife  would  not  have  needed  a caution  to  eat  no 
unclean  thing.  (4,7,14.) 

V.  6.  A man  of  God.]  Marg.  Ref. — This  supposed 
“ man  of  God,”  or  holy  prophet,  is  said  to  have  been  like  an 
angel ; by  which  it  is  evident  that  angels,  as  they  actually 
appeared  to  the  people  of  God,  were  not  distinguishable  in 
general  from  prophets,  except  by  a more  venerable  or  majes- 
tic appearance:  (Note,  Acts  6:15.)  though  in  the  emblematic 
description  of  them,  in  some  parts  of  Scripture,  they  are  re- 
presented with  wings. 

Y.  8.  Manoah  did  not  doubt  the  performance  of  the  pro- 
mise, which  had  been  made  to  his  wife  in  his  absence  ; hut 
only  prayed  that  the  same  supposed  prophet  might  be  sent  t* 

( 451  > 


B C.  J160. 


JUDGES 


B.  C.  1146. 


7 Bui  he  sa;d  unto  me,  Behold,  thou  shalt  con- 
ceive, and  bear  a son ; and  now  drink  no  wine 
nor  strong  drink,  neither  eat  any  unclean  thing : 
for  the  child  shall  be  a Nazarite  to  God  from  the 
womb  to  the  day  of  his  death. 

[ Practical  Observations.'] 

8 Then  Manoah  entreated  the  Lord,  and  said, 
O my  Lord,  let  the  man  of  God  which  thou  didst 
send,  come  again  unto  us,  and  “teach  us  what  we 
shall  do  unto  the  child  that  shall  be  born. 

9 And  God  Phearkened  to  the  voice  of  Manoah  ; 
and  the  Angel  of  God  came  again  unto  the  woman 
as  she  sat  in  the  field ; but  Manoah  her  husband 
was  not  with  her. 

10  And  the  woman  made  haste,  and  ran,  and 
showed  her  husband,  and  said  unto  him,  ^Behold, 
the  man  hath  appeared  unto  me,  that  came  unto 
me  the  other  day. 

11  And  Manoah  arose,  and  went  after  his  wife, 
and  came  to  the  man,  and  said  unto  him,  Art  thou 
the  man  that  spakest  unto  the  woman  ? And  he 
said,  I am. 

12  And  Mano.ah  said,  Now  let  thy  words  come 
to  pass : ‘how  shall  we  order  the  child  ? and  t how 
shall  we  do  unto  him? 

13  And  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto  Ma- 
noah, Of  all  that  I said  unto  the  woman,  let  her 
beware. 

14  She  may  not  eat  of  any  thing  that  cometh 
of  the  vine,  neither  let  her  .drink  wine  or  strong 
drink,  nor  eat  any  unclean  thing : rall  that  I com- 
manded her  let  her  observe. 

15  And  Manoah  said  unto  the  angel  of  the 
Lord,  I pray  thee,  'let  us  detain  thee  until  we 
shall  have  made  ready  a kid  Tor  thee. 

16  And  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto  Ma- 

o Job  34:32.  Prov.  3:5,6.  Acts  9:6.  p Ps.  65:2.  Matt.  7:7 — 11.  q John  1 :41,42. 
4:28,29.  * Heb.  what  shall  be  the  manner  of  the  child  7 Gen.  18:19.  Prov.  4:4.  22: 
6.  Eph.  6:4.  t Or,  what  shall  he  do  1 Heb.  what  shall  be  his  work  7 r Deut.  12: 
32.  Matt.  28.20.  John  2:5.  15:14.  2 Thes.  3:4.  s 6:18,19.  Gen.  18:3—5.  J Heb. 
before  thee,  t 23.  6:26.  u 6.  Gen.  32:29.  § Or,  wonderful.  Is.  9:6.  x 6:19, 
20.  1 Kings  18:30— 38.  y 6:21.  1 Kings  18:38.  z 2 Kings  2:11.  Ps.  47:5.  Heb. 


instruct  them  in  their  duty  relative  to  it.  This  was  a genuine 
exercise  of  faith.  (Note,  Luke  1:34 — 38.) 

V.  10.  As  the  word  other  is  not  in  the  original,  some  think 
that  the  Angel  appeared  in  the  morning  and  evening  of  the 
same  day. 

V.  11— 14.  Marg.Ref. 

V.  15,  16.  Manoah,  not  knowing  who  this  messenger  of 
God  was,  seems  to  have  doubted  whether  he  should  prepare 
him  a banquet,  or  a sacrifice.  “ For  Manoah  knew  not  that 
he  was  an  Angel  of  the  Lord/’  This  implied,  that  had  he 
known  who  it  was,  the  thought  of  offering  a burnt-offering, 
though  irregular,  would  not  have  been  in  all  respects  im- 
proper: but  as  he  took  him  only  for  a man,  it  was  very 
wrong.  The  same  would  have  been  equally  the  case  had  he 
been  the  greatest  created  angel.  (Note,  Lx.  20:3.) 

V.  18 — 22.  The  word  ('nSs),  rendered  secret , signifies 
Wonderful ; and  is  the  same  name  as  is  given  to  the  Messiah 
by  the  prophet.  (Is.  9:6.) — In  consequence  of  this  intimation 
Manoah,  though  no  priest,  offered  a burnt-offering  upon  a 
rock,  where  perhaps  some  rude  altar  was  hastily  prepared ; 
and  he  was  accepted  in  so  doing.  Probably  fire  from  the 
rock  consumed  the  sacrifice. — He  “offered  it  to  Jehovah, 
and  he  did  wondrously ,”  (there  is  no  word  for  the  Angel  in 
the  original  of  v.  19,)  according  to  the  meaning  of  his  name 
Wonderful ; for  in  the  presence  of  Manoah  and  his  wife,  he 
ascended  towards  heaven  with  the  flame  of  fire  from  off  the 
altar,  and  by  that  Manoah  knew  him  to  be  the  Angel  Jeho- 
vah, and  he  was  afraid,  lest  death  should  be  the  conse- 
quence of  having  “seen  God.” — From  these  circumstances 
the  reader  will  easily  collect,  whom  Manoah  supposed  the 
Angel  to  have  been.  (Notes,  Gen.  16:10,11,13,14.  32:30. 
48:16.  Ex.  3:2.  33:20—23.  Josh.  5:13— 15.  Hos.  12:3 — 6.  John 
1:18.) 

V.  23.  Manoah’s  wife  being,  at  that  time,  the  stronger  in 
faith,  encouraged  her  husband,  by  the  consideration,  that  the 
acceptance  of  their  sacrifice,  united  with  the  promise  of  a son 
who  should  “ begin  to  deliver  Israel,”  assured  them  of  the 
Lord’s  favour.  Had  he  intended  to  slay  them,  he  would 
neither,  at  such  a time,  have  done  those  wondrous  works, 
nor  given  them  a promise  which  must  in  that  case  fail  of 
being  accomplished. 

V.  25.  In  the  camp  of  Dan.]  The  tribe  of  Dan  lay  next 
to  the  Jan  1 of  the  Philistines;  (Note,  Josh.  19:40 — 48.)  but  it 
is  uncertain,  whether  at  that  time  any  army  of  Danites  were 
encamped  to  preserve  the  country  from  depredation,  or  whe- 
ther the  words  should  be  read  Mahanehdan,  as  in  the  margin; 
being  the  namo  of  a place  afterwards  mentioned,  but  which 
was  so  called  from  events  prior  to  the  days  of  Samson. 

I Notes,  17:1.  1 8: 1 rI  1,12.)  Here,  however,  he  discovered  at 

( 452  ) 


noah,  Though  thou  detain  me,  1 will  not  eat  of 
thy  bread ; and  if  thou  wilt  offer  a burnt-offering, 
thou  must  offer  it  ‘unto  the  Lord  : for  Manoah 
knew  not  that  he  was  an  Angel  of  the  Lord. 

17  And  Manoah  said  unto  the  Angel  of  the 
Lord,  What  is  thy  name,  that,  when  thy  sayings 
come  to  pass,  we  may  do  thee  honour  ? 

18  And  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto  him, 
"Why  askest  thou  thus  after  my  name,  seeing  it 
is  Secret  ? 

19  So  Manoah  Hook  a kid  with  a meat-offering, 
and  offered  it  upon  a rock  unto  the  Lord  : and 
the  Angel  ydid  wondrously ; and  Manoah  and  his 
wife  looked  on. 

20  For  it  came  to  pass,  ‘when  the  flame  went 
up  toward  heaven  from  off  the  altar,  that  the  Angel 
of  the  Lord  ascended  in  the  flame  of  the  altar: 
and  Manoah  and  his  wife  looked  on  it,  and  “fell 
on  their  faces  to  the  ground. 

21  (But  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  did  no  more  ap- 
pear to  Manoah  and  to  his  wife.)  Then  Manoah 
bknew  that  he  was  an  Angel  of  the  Lord. 

22  And  Manoah  said  unto  his  wife,  cWe  shall 
surely  die,  because  dwe  have  seen  God. 

23  But  ehis  wife  said  unto  him,  If  the  Lord 
were  pleased  to  kill  us,  fhe  would  not  have 
received  a burnt-offering  and  a meat-offering  at 
our  hands ; neither  would  she  have  showed  us  all 
these  things  ; nor  would,  as  at  this  time,  have 
told  us  such  things  as  these. 

24  11  And  the  woman  bare  a son,  and  called  his 
name  hSamson:  and  ‘the  child  grew,  and  the  Lord 
blessed  him. 

25  And  kthe  Spirit  of  the  Lord  began  to  move 
him  at  times  in  "the  camp  of  Dan,  'between  Zorah 
and  Eshtaol. 


1:3.  »Geil.  17:3.  Lev.  9:24.  1 Chr.  21:16.  Ez.l:28.  Dan.  10:9.  Matt.  17:6. 
b 6:22.  Hos.  12:4,5.  c Gen.  32:30.  Ex.  33:20.  Deut.  4:33.  5:26.  Is.  6:5.  cl  John 
1:18.5:37.  e Ec.  4:9,10.  I Cor.  12:21 . fGen.  4:4,5.  Ps.  86:17.  g Ps.  25:14. 
Prov.  3:32.  John  14:20— 23.  h Heb.  11:32.  11  Sam.  3:19.  Luke  1:80  . 2:52. 

k 3:10.  6:34.  11:29.  1 Sam.  11:6.  Matt.  4:1.  John  3:34.  II  Heb.  Mahanehdan 
18:12.  I 1S;11.  Josh.  15:33. 


times  such  extraordinary  courage,  strength,  and  activity,  as 
evidently  proceeded  from  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord. 

practical  observations. 

V.  1 — 7.  We  ought  to  make  haste  to  keep  God’s  command- 
ments, but  to  wait  patiently  for  the  performance  of  his  pro- 
mises: and  we  should  be  thankful  that  he  has  a re'mnant  of 
servants  in  all  ages.  These  indeed  often  have  trials,  which 
are  unknown  to  their  fellow-creatures,  unpitied  by  them,  or 
incapable  of  relief  from  them ; but  they  have  no  sorrows 
which  the  Lord  does  not  pity,  and  none  which  he  will  not 
remove  in  the  best  time  and  manner:  and  he  has  various 
methods  of  showing  them  the  kind  notice  wlych  he  takes  of 
them,  till  he  sees  good  to  relieve  them. — Retirement  is  always 
friendly  to  communion  with  God,  and  his  people  are  never 
less  alone,  than  when  alone  as  far  as  men  are  concerned. — 
Every  promise  implies  a correspondent  duty;  in  expecting 
the  performance  of  the  one,  we  must  not  neglect  the  other ; 
and  those  who  are  peculiarly  honoured  of  God,  must  be  pro- 
portionally ready  to  deny  themselves  for  his  sake. — If  parents 
desire  that  their  children  should  be  mortified  to  fleshly  lusts, 
and  devoted  to  God,  they  should  be  careful  to  be  so  them- 
selves.— The  parental  duty  commences  even  from  the  child’s 
conception,  and  every  thing  should  be  attended  to,  which  may 
conduce  to  its  welfare  of  body  and  soul : especially  prayer 
should  be  offered  in  its  behalf.  For  an  immortal  creature  is 
brought  into  existence,  which  will  be  happy  or  miserable  for 
ever;  and  being  conceived  in  sin,  it  cannot  be  holy  or  happy, 
without  the  regenerating  grace  of  God,  and  an  interest  in  the 
great  Redeemer. — Wc  need  also  divine  direction  in  respect  of 
the  education  of  our  children,  lest  any  of  the  rules  of  Scrip- 
ture should  be  forgotten,  mistaken,  or  neglected;  that,  being 
trained  up  “in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord,”  there 
may  be  a well-grounded  hope  of  their  becoming  useful  to  the 
church  and  to  the  world. — Happy  is  it,  when  married  persons 
possess  unreserved  confidence  in  each  other,  and  can  con- 
verse freely  together  concerning  their  spiritual  experiences  and 
duties,  that  they  may  have  the  benefit  of  each  other’s  counsel 
and  prayers.  The  one  may  suggest  hints  and  encourage- 
ments, which  did  not  occur  to  the  other ; and  those,  who  at 
some  times,  or  in  some  .respects,  are  the  weakest,  may  at 
others  prove  the  strongest  and  the  wisest. — When  wc  desiro 
to  know  the  will  of  God  that  wo  may  do  it,  we  should  pray 
for  instruction  with  the  most  unshaken  assurance  or  its  being 
granted:  (Note,  Jam.  1:5 — #.)  but  perhaps  he  may  sec  good 
to  teach  us  by  means  of  our  inferiors. 

V.  8 — 25.  True  spiritual  knowlodge,  grace,  and  consola- 
tion always  excite  desires,  and  dictate  prayers,  for  further 
communications  and  displays  of  God’s  golry  to  our  souls. 
Those,  whom  ho  honours  rr  instruments  of  good  to  us,  wo 


B.  C.  1 41 


CHAPTER  XIY.  B.  C.  11 41. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Samson  desi i tt  a woman  of  the  Philistines  to  wife,  1—4.  Going  to  see  her  he 
slays  a lion  : and  afterwards  finds  honey  in  its  carcass,  5—9.  At  his  mar- 
riage-feast be  nrovoses  a riddle , which  the  guests  explain  by  means  of  his 
wife,  10 — 18.  He  hills  thirty  Philistines,  gives  their  spoil  to  those  who  ex- 
plained the  riddle,  and  departs  in  anger , 19.  His  wife  is  given  to  his  com- 
panion, 20. 

AND  Samson  went  down  to  ‘Timnath,  aryl 
bsaw  a woman  in  Timnath  of  the  daughters 
of  the  Philistines. 

2  And  he  came  up  and  told  his  father  and 
his  mother,  and  said,  I have  seen  a woman  in 
Timnath  of  the  daughters  of  the  Philistines;  now 
therefore  'get  her  for  me  to  wife. 

3  Then  his  father  and  his  mother  said  unto 
him.  Is  there  never  a woman  among  the  daughters 
of  dthy  brethren,  or  among  all  my  people,  that 
thou  goest  to  take  a wife  of  the  'uncircumcised 
Philistines  ? And  Samson  said  unto  his  father,  Get 
her  for  me ; for  'she  pleaseth  me  well. 

4  But  his  father  and  his  mother  knew  not  that 
fit  was  of  the  Lord,  that  he  sought  an  occasion 
against  the  Philistines : for  at  that  time  the  Philis- 
tines shad  dominion  over  Israel. 

5  IT  Then  went  Samson  down,  andhis  father  and 
his  mother,  to  Timnath,  and  came  to  the  vine- 
yards of  Timnath  ; and  behold  a young  lion  roared 
’against  him. 

6  And  hthe  Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  mightily 
upon  him,  and  ‘he  rent  him  as  he  would  have 
rent  a kid,  and  he  had  nothing  in  his  hand  : 


« Gen.  38:18,13.  Jnsh.  15:10.  19:43.  b Gen.' 6:2.  34:2.  2Sam.  11:2.  Job3l:l. 
Pa.  119:37.  1 John  2:16.  c Gen.  21:21.  21:2,3  . 34:4  . 38:6  . 2 Kings  14:9.  d Gen. 
13:8.24:27.  e 15:18.  Gen.  31:14.  Ei.  34:12— 16.  Deut.  7:2,3.  1 Sam.  14:6.  17: 
26,36.  31:4.  2Snm.l:20.  * Heb.  she  ia  right  in  mine  eyes.  fJosh.  11:20. 

1 Kings  12:15.  2 Kings  6:33.  2 Chr.  10:15.  22:7.  25:20.  Ps.  115:3.  g 13:1.  15:11. 
Deut.  28:43.  t Heb.  in  meeting  him.  h 3:10.  11:29.  13:25.  1 Sam.  11:6.  i 15: 
8,15.  16:30.  1 Sam.  17:34—37,46.  Zecli.  4:6.  1 John  3:8.  k Is.  42:2.  Matt.  11: 


should  honour  likewise  ; yet  not  in  any  way  derogatory  to  the 
glory  of  the  Lord  himself. — “Hospitality  without  grudging” 
to  those  who  love  his  name,  and  a readiness  to  devote  our 
substance  to  his  glory,  are  always  ornamental  to  the  profes- 
sion of  godliness. — In  our  best  meant  actions  we  are  prone  to 
forget  or  to  mistake  the  truths  and  precepts  of  the  sacred  Ora- 
cles, and  need  reminding  of  them. — A vain  curiosity  often 
supplants  our  proper  attention  to  practical  subjects,  espe- 
cially those  which  relate  to  our  present  duty ; but  we  should 
be  as  willing  to  be  igrtorant  of  what  the  Lord  is  pleased  to 
conceal,  as  to  receive  whatever  he  is  pleased  to  teach  us. 
(Note,  Deut.  29:29.) — The  name  of  our  Lord  is  Wonderful 
and  Secret,  because  it  is  incomprehensible ; (Notes,  Matt.  11: 
25 — 27.)  but  by  his  wonderful  works  he  makes  himself  known, 
as  far  as  our  instruction  and  encouragement  require  it,  and 
further  knowledge  would  only  fill  us  with  self-conceit.  (Note, 
I Cor.  8:1 — 3.)  His  chief  display  of  himself  is  in  the  person  of 
Jesus  Christ,  his  coequal  Son  ; who,  having  offered  on  earth 
one  sacrifice  for  our  sins,  and  being  risen  from  the  dead,  and 
ascended  into  heaven,  presents  with  acceptance  our  spiritual 
sacrifices,  when  offered  through  faith  in  his  name.  Happy 
are  we,  when  our  hearts  and  affections  ascend  after  the 
Saviour:  we  may  then,  with  pleasure  and  admiration,  con- 
template the  wonders  of  redeeming  love;  and  every  discovery 
of  his  glory  will  awe  our  souls  into  deeper  reverence  and 
humiliation.  This,  however,  Satan  will  sometimes  attempt, 
to  convert  into  terror  and  discouragement,  while  we  compare 
the  holiness  and  majesty  of  our  God  with  our  meanness  and 
pollution.  (Notes,  Is.  6:5.  57:15,16.)  But  he  will  not  cast 
off  those  who  are  humbly  determined,  if  they  must  perish,  to 
perish  supplicating  his  mercy:  having  spared  them  when  ene- 
mies, and  taught  them  to  value  his  salvation,  he  will  answer 
their  prayers,  dispel  their  fears,  and  fulfil  his  largest  promises. 
The  gospel  itself  and  the  means  of  grace  afforded  us,  are 
hopeful  tokens  that  the  Lord  favours  us  : but  if  we  have  been 
taught  to  love  the  gospel,  and  to  fear  nothing  so  much  as 
coming  short  of  the  salvation  of  Christ;  if  we  have  learned  to 
delight  in  his  ordinances  and  commandments,  and  have  re- 
ceived evident  answers  to  our  prayers  ; we  may  be  sure  that 
“ the  Lord  has  not  appointed  us  to  wrath,  but  to  obtain  sal- 
vation by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.”— When  children  possess 
health  with  the  use  of  their  limbs,  senses,  and  understandings, 
parents  have  abundant  cause  for  gratitude ; but  most  of  all, 
when  they  give  early  indications,  that  the  Holy  Spirit  is 
working  upon  their  tender  minds,  and  preparing  them  for  the 
service  of  God.  This  let  us  in  the  first  place  desire,  seek, 
and  pray  for ; and  may  this  blessing  be  widely  bestowed  upon 
the  rising  generation. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XIV.  V.  1 — 4.  Many  think,  that 
Samson  was  induced  to  contract  this  marriage  by  special 
direction  from  the  Lord:  such  marriages  not  being  immoral 
jn  themselves,  but  forbidden  to  the  Israelites,  to  keep  them 
separate  from  idolaters.  (Note,  Hos.  1:2,3.)  In  this  man- 
ner he  was  directed  to  seek  occasion  against  the  Philistines: 
yet  he  sho  wed  his  respect  to  his  parents,  by  seeking  their  con- 
currence ; who  opposed  his  marriage  as  long  as  “ they  knew 


but  khe  told  not  his  father  or  his  mother  wnat  he 
had  done. 

7 And  he  went  down  and  talked  with  the 
woman ; and  she  pleased  Samson  well. 

8 And  after  a time  he  returned  'to  take  her, 
and  he  turned  aside  to  see  the  carcass  of  the  lion  ; 
and  behold  there  was  a swarm  of  bees  and  honey 
in  the  carcass  of  the  lion. 

9 And  he  took  thereof  in  his  hands,  and  went 
on  eating,  and  came  to  his  father  And  mother, 
and  he  gave  them,  and  they  did  eat:  but  he  tolu 
not  them,  that  he  had  taken  the  honey  out  of  the 
carcass  of  the  lion. 

10  IT  So  his  father  went  down  unto  the  woman : 
and  Samson  ""made  there  a feast ; for  so  used 
the  young  men  to  do. 

1 1 And  it  came  to  pass,  when  they  "saw  him, 
that  they  brought  "thirty  companions  to  be  with 
him. 

12  And  Samson  said  unto  them,  I will  now  put 
forth  Pa  riddle  unto  you  : if  ye  can  certainly  de- 
clare it  me  within  ^the  seven  days  of  the  feast,  and 
find  it  out,  then  I will  give  you  thirty  'sheets  and 
thirty  "change  of  garments  : 

13  But  if  ye  cannot  declare  it  me,  then  shall  ye 
give  me  thirty  sheets  and  thirty  change  of  gar- 
ments. And  they  said  unto  him,  Put  forth  thy 
riddle,  that  we  may  hear  it. 

14  And  he  said  unto  them,  'Out  of  the  eater 


29.  1 Gen.  29:21.  Matt.  1:20.  m Gen.  29:22.  Matt.  22:2— 4.  John  2:9.  Rev. 
19:9.  n 1 Sam.  10:23.  16:6.  o Mau.  9: 15.  John  3:29.  p 1 Kings  10: 1 . Ps. 
49:4.  Prov.  1:6.  El.  17:2.  20:49.  Mail.  13:13,34.  Luke  14:7.  John  16:29.  1 Cor. 
13:12.  marg.  q Gen.  29:27,28.  JOr,  shins.  Mall. 27:28.  Mark  14:51,52. 
r Gen.  45:22.  2 Kings  5:5,22.  Matt.  6:19.  Jam.  5:2.  a Gen.  3:15.  Deut.  8:15,16. 
1 Kinga  17:6.  2 Chr.  20:2,25.  Ia.  53:10— 12.  Rom.  5:3— 5.  8:37.  2 Cor.  4:17.  12: 
9,10.  Phil.  1:12-20.  Heb.  2:14,16.  12:10,11.  Jam.  1:2-4.  1 Pet.  2:24. 


not  that  it  was  of  the  Lord.”  For  the  words  translated 
“ she  pleaseth  me  well,”  may  be  rendered  “ it  is  right,”  and 
considered  as  an  intimation  that  it  was  from  God ; upon 
which  his  parents  consented  and  went  with  him. — But  per- 
haps it  is  only  meant,  that  it  pleased  God  to  leave  Samson 
to  follow  his  own  inclinations,  intending  in  his  infinite  wisdom 
to  overrule  his  misconduct  for  good  to  Israel ; and  that  his 
parents  consented  Because  he  was  fully  bent  upon  it.  (Marg. 
Ref.  f.) — Uncircumcised,  &c.  (3)  Marg.  Ref.  e. 

V.  5,  6.  Samson,  when  at  a distance  from  his  parents, 
was  assaulted  by  a young  lion,  which  was  come  to  its  full 
strength  and  fierceness:  yet,  though  unarmed,  he  rent  it  as  a 
kid;  because  “the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  mightily  upon 
him.”  But  he  did  not  mention  the  extraordinary  exploit  to 
his  parents,  either  restrained  by  modesty,  or  being  afraid  of 
exciting  the  jealousy  of  the  Philistines.  This  was  an  earnest 
of  his  subsequent  victories,  not  by  human  might  or  power, 
but  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord.  (Note,  Zech.  4:4 — 7.) — Thus 
David  slew  a lion  and  a bear,  before  he  killed  Goliath  and 
subdued  the  enemies  of  Israel:  (Note,  1 Sam.  17:34 — 37.) 
and  Jesus  Christ,  ere  he  entered  upon  his  public  ministry, 
and  on  the  cross  before  his  ascension,  overcame  “the  devil, 
that  roaring  lion,  which  walketh  about  seeking  whom  he  may 
devour.” 

V.  8,  9.  A swarm  of  bees  had  settled  in  the  carcass  of 
the  lion,  and  collected  honey  there,  which  was  a most  unlikely 
place  for  that  purpose;  being,  as  might  have  been  supposed, 
both  inconvenient,  and  offensive  to  that  delicate  insect,  which 
draws  honey  from  the  most  odoriferous  flowers  and  plants. 
This  Samson  found,  when  he  turned  aside  to  see  the  carcass, 
and  perhaps  again  to  thank  God  for  his  deliverance. — As 
every  remains  of  a dead  carcass  of  an  unclean  animal  was 
polluting,  it  has  been  thought  that  Samson  did  rot  tell  his 
parents  where  he  found  the  honey,  lest  they  shotdJ  scruple  to 
eat  it;  (Note,  Lev.  11:31.)  though  the  extraordinary  circum- 
stances of  the  transaction  satisfied  him,  that  it  might  properly 
be  done. 

V.  10 — 14.  When  Samson,  in  conformity  to  custom,  cele- 
brated his  marriage-feast,  the  Philistines  brought  him  thirty 
companions  ; professing  respect,  but  probably  placing  them 
as  a watch  upon  him,  being  in  some  degree  aware  of  h:s 
great  strength.  To  prevent  perhaps  a worse  use  of  time, 
Samson  proposed  a riddle  as  a trial  of  ingenuity ; and  a 
wager  with  each  of  them,  of  a sheet,  shirt,  or  other  linen 
garment,  and  a change  of  raiment  of  all  sorts,  that  they  could 
not  resolve  it.  The  riddle,  in  its  literal  purport,  meant  no 
more,  than  that  he  had  got  honey,  for  food  and  pleasure,  from 
the  Hon,  which  in  its  strength  and  fury,  was  prepared  to 
devour  him.  Yet  this  explanation  of  the  riddle  may  be  inter- 
preted, as  containing  an  emblem  of  more  importance,  and 
more  hard  to  be  understood,  except  by  the  teaching  of  God. 
— The  victory,  which  Christ  obtained  over  Satan,  by  means 
of  his  agonies  and  death,  and  his  subsequent  exaltation  ; the 
glory  that  redounded  to  the  Father;  and  the  spiritual  advan- 
tages thence  accruing  to  his  people,  may  be  shadowed  forth 
in  it. — The  entrance  of  sin,  the  fall  <(  man,  and  the  rum  ol 

< 45 7 > 


B 7 1141.  JUDGES.  B.  C.  1140. 


came  forth  n*eat,  and  out  of  the  strong  came 
forth  sweetness.  And  ‘they  could  not  in  three 
days  expound  the  riddle. 

15  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  seventh  day, 
that  they  said  unto  Samson’s  wife,  "Entice  thy 
husband,  that  he  may  declare  unto  us  the  riddle, 
*lest  we  burn  thee  and  thy  father’s  house  with  fire : 
have  ye  called  us  to  'take  that  we  have  ? is  it  not 
so  ? 

16  And  Samson’s  wife  wept  before  him,  and 
said,  rThou  dost  but  hate  me,  and  Invest  me  not : 
thou  hast  put  forth  a riddle  unto  the  children  of 
my  people,  and  hast  not  told  it  me.  And  he  said 
unto  her,  Behold,  ‘I  have  not  told  it  my  father  nor 
my  mother,  and  shall  I tell  it  thee  ? 

17  And  she  wept  before  him  'the  seven  days, 
while  their  feast  lasted  ; and  it  came  to  pass  on 
the  seventh  day,  that  he  told  her,  because  ashe  lay 
sore  upon  him  ; band  she  told  the  riddle  to  the 
children  of  her  people. 

18  And  the  men  of  the  city  said  unto  him,  on 
the  seventh  day  before  the  sun  went  down,  What 
is  sweeter  than  honey,  and  what  is  stronger  than 
a lion  ? And  he  said  unto  them,  If  ye  had  not 


t Prov.  24:7.  Matt.  13:11.  Acts  8:31.  u 16:5.  Gen.  3:1—  6.  Pros.  5:3.  6:26. 
Mic.  7:5;  xI2:l.  15:6.  * Heb.  possess  us,  or,  impoverish  us.  y 16:15.  z Gen. 
2:24.  f'Or,  the  rest  of  the  seven  days,  a 16:6,13,16.  Gen. 36.  Job2:9.  Pror. 
7:21.  Luke  18:5.  b Prov.  2:16,17.  c 6.  3:10.  15:14.  1 Sam.  11:6.  J Or, 


the  human  race  through  the  malice  of  Satan,  will  issue  in  his 
deeper  misery,  in  the  greater  glory  of  God,  and  in  the  increas- 
ed felicity  of  the  redeemed,  and  of  all  holy  creatures  to  all 
eternity. — The  persecutions  of  the  church  have  promoted  its 
purity  and  prosperity.  The  trials,  conflicts,  and  temptations 
of  the  Lord’s  people  are  productive  of  holiness  and  comfort 
to  their  souls  in  this  world,  and  work  for  them  an  exceeding 
weight  of  glory  in  the  next.  The  remains  of  in-dwelling  sin, 
and  even  the  falls  of  real  believers,  become  occasions  to  them 
of  deeper  humility,  more  simple  dependence  on  the  Saviour, 
more  ardent  love  and  admiring  gratitude,  more  compassion 
for  their  fellow-sinners,  more  fitness  for  many  kinds  of  service 
on  earth,  and  greater  meetness  for  the  worship  and  occupa- 
tions of  the  redeemed  in  glory.  And  if  any  abuse  this  truth, 
let  them  know,  that  they  are  not  concerned  in  it ; for  upright 
souls  are  always  rendered  more  watchfu^  humble,  diligent, 
simple,  compassionate,  and  fervent  in  prayer,  by  every  false 
step  which  they  make : at  least  no  others  give  evidence  that 
they  are  believers. — Even  death,  that  devouring  monster,  that 
king  of  terrors,  being  robbed  of  his  sting  and  stripped  of  his 
horror,  transmits  the  believer’s  soul  to  the  realms  of  bliss,  and 
makes  way  for  the  body  itself  being  restored  incorruptible, 
immortal,  and  glorious,  to  partake  of  endless  felicity.  In  these 
and  many  other  senses,  M Out  of  the  eater  comes  forth  meat, 
and  out  of  the  strong,  sweetness.”  ( Notes,  Rom.  5:3 — 5. 
8:35—39.  2 Cor.  4:13—18.  Phil.  1:12—18.  Jam.  1:2—4.) 

V.  15 — 17.  The  barbarity,  insolence,  and  selfishness  of  the 
conduct  of  these  Philistines,  illustrate  the  misery  of  Israel’s 
bondage  under  such  tyrants. — Mr.  Henry  notes,  that  1 they 
ought  not  to  lay  wagers,  who  cannot  bear  to  lose  with 
better  temper;’  and  we  may  add,  that  such  violent  passions 
and  implacable  resentments  are  the  common  effects  of  affront- 
ed pride  and  disappointed  covetousness,  in  every  kind  and 
degree  of  gaming : and  that  it  should  be  entirely  avoided. — 
The  seventh  day , first  mentioned,  (15)  seems  to  have  been 
the  seventh  day  of  the  week,  and  the  fourth  of  the  feast  ; 
the  remaining  part  of  which  Samson’s  wife,  actuated  by  fear 
or  attachment  to  her  countrymen,  spent  in  entreating  him 
with  tears  to  tell  the  riddle  to  her  : and  she  at  length  prevailed. 
(Notes,  15:6.  16:6—21.) 

V.  18.  Ploughed,  &c.)  This  is  a proverbial  expression. 
The  Philistines  could  not  have  discovered  the  riddle  of  them- 
selves, if  they  had  not  drawn  it  from  Samson  by  tampering 
with  his  wife. 

V.  19,  20.  Samson  found  himself,  by  an  immediate  impulse 
of  the  Spirit  of  God,  directed,  emboldened,  and  assisted  in 
this  attack  upon  the  enemies  of  Israel  ; which  was  fully  jus- 
tified by  their  public  oppressions,  without  adverting  to  their 
treachery  to  him.  (Notes,  15:1 — 5.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

In  contracting  marriage,  the  senses  are  dangerous  coun- 
sellors : beauty  and  wit  are  very  doubtful  recommendations  ; 
and  wisdom,  piety,  and  holiness  ought  principally  to  be 
regarded. — Next  to  the  word  of  God,  the  concurrence  of 
parents  is  generally  requisite  to  render  that  relation  honourable 
and  comfortable. — But  they  ought  to  act  with  consideration 
md  kindness;  and  if  constrained  to  refuse  their  concurrence, 
they  should  give  such  convincing  and  important  reasons,  as 
may  prove  that  their  refusal  springs  from  wisdom  and  affec- 
tion, not  from  caprice  and  severity  ; from  an  unwillingness 
that  their  children  should  make  an  imprudent  choice,  not  from 
any  disposition  to  bind  them  against  their  will  to  a single  life. 
— In  no  ordinary  circumstances  can  there  be  any  necessity 
for  a person  that  professes  godliness,  to  marry  one  who  is 
manifestly  irreligious  : but  the  Lord  can  overrule  for  the  best 

( 454  ) 


ploughed  with  my  heifer,  ye  had  not  found  out  my 
riddle. 

19  And  "the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  upon  him, 
and  he  went  down  to  Ashkelon,  and  slew  thirty 
men  of  them,  and  took  their  tspoil,  and  gave 
change  of  garments  unto  them  which  expounded 
the  riddle  : and  his  anger  was  kindled,  and  he 
went  up  to  hig  father’s  house. 

20  But  Samson’s  wife  dwas  given  to  his  com- 
panion, whom  he  had  used  as  'his  friend. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Samson , returning  to  visit  his  wife, finds  her  given  to  another,  1,  2.  He  sets 
fire,  with  fores  and firebrands,  to  the  corn  of  the  Philistines  ; who  bum  hie 
wife  and  her  father,  3 — 6.  Samson  smites  them,  and  retiree  to  the  rock 
Elam,  7,8.  The  men  of  Judah,  by  his  consent,  deliver  him  bound  t€  the 
Philistines  ; and  he  kills  a thousand  of  them  with  the  jaw-bone  of  on  ass, 
9-17.  Being  ready  to  perish  by  thirst , he  cries  to  the  Lord , who  opens  for 
him  a fountain  in  Lehi,  18, 19.  He  judges  Israel,  20. 

BUT  it  came  to  pass  within  a while  after,  in  the 
time  of  wheat-harvest,  that  Samson  visited 
his  wife  with  aa  kid  ; and  he  said,  bI  will  go  in  to 
my  wife  into  the  chamber.  But  her  father  would 
not  suffer  him  to  go  in. 

2 And  her  father  said,  CI  verily  thought  that 
thou  hadst  utterly  hated  her ; therefore  dI  gave 


apparel,  d 15:2.  e Ps.  55:12,13.  Jer.  9:5.  Matt.  26:49,50.  John  3-29.  13:18. 
a Gen.  38:17.  Luke  15:29.  b Gen.  6:4.  29:21.  c 14:19, 20.  Acta  26:9.  d 14:20. 
Gen.  38:14. 


of  purposes  those  actions,  which  we  must  by  no  means  imitate; 
his  designs  do  not  influence  our  conduct,  unless  he  inform  us 
of  them  ; and  his  written  word  is  our  constant  rule. — We  are 
always  exposed  to  danger  pf  body  and  soul,  both  when  alone 
and  when  in  company  ; but  nothing  can  hurt  us  except  we 
wander  from  the  path  of  duty.  Even  Satan,  44  that  roaring 
lion,”  may  be  effectually  resisted,  and  completely  overcome, 
if?  in  answer  to  the  prayer  of  faith,  the  Spirit  of  God  commu- 
nicates his  strength  to  our  souls.  By  no  other  means  can  we 
subdue  this  enemy  ; and  thus  all  his  temptations  shall  even 
tually  conduce  to  our  benefit. — We  often  lose  the  comfort  and 
the  real  credit  of  our  best  disputed  conflicts  with  our  spiritual 
enemies,  in  consequence  of  ostentation  : and  the  special 
favours,  which  God  bestows  upon  us,  can  be  mentioned  only 
on  some  occasions,  to  particular  persons,  and  in  great  modesty, 
without  savouring  of  vainglory  : and  we  obtain  many  secret 
victories  over  temptation,  for  which  we  need  repeatedly  to 
bless  God,  but  of  which  we  cannot  speak  particularly  to  our 
nearest  earthly  friend. — We  should  be  always  ready  to 
increase  the  comforts  of  others,  by  imparting  to  them  our 
temporal  good  things  ; especially  to  parents  and  benefactors. 
— We  e«joy  the  most  sweetness  from  God’s  goodness  to  us, 
when  we  most  frequently  turn  aside  to  meditate,  and  to  bless 
him  on  that  account  : and  as  one  successful  conflict  prepares 
for  another,  so  one  season  of  peculiar  mercy  is  an  earnest  of 
another. — It  is  almost  impossible  to  associate  with  worldly 
people,  without  conforming  to  their  vain  customs:  at  best, 
even  when  evident  evil  is  avoided  in  such  company,  we  spend 
our  time  to  no  purpose  ; and  are  we  not  called  to  41  redeem 
our  time,”  and  to  do  all  to  the  glory  of  God  ? — We  ought 
constantly  to  watch  and  pray  against  pride,  anger,  and  covet- 
ousness, and  to  avoid  every  thing  that  gives  force  to  these 
passions  ; for  their  effects  are  inconceivably  dreadful  when 
they  acquire  the  ascendency. — It  is  dangerous  to  be  connected 
with  those,  who  will  not  be  satisfied  with  any  measure  of 
love  or  respect,  except  we  will  offend  God  or  injure  ourselves 
to  oblige  them.  A worldly  wife,  or  a worldly  friend,  is  to 
a godly  man  as  an  enemy  in  the  camp,  who  will  w-atch 
every  opportunity  to  betray  him  ; and,  by  assiduity  and  per- 
severance, will  more  or  less  overcome  his  resolutions,  and 
prevail  with  him  to  make  such  compliances,  as  will  groatly 
injure  his  credit  and  comfort.  (Notes,  16:6 — 21.)  Nor  can 
those  connexions  be  comfortable  or  durable,  where  important 
secrets  cannot  be  trusted  without  the  danger  of  being  divulged. 
Indeed  Satan’s  chief  advantage  against  us  arises  from  his 
correspondence  with  our  deceitful  hearts  and  inbred  lusts. — 
But  the  wisest  counsels  of  wicked  men  are  very  foolishness, 
and  eventually  all  their.gain  is  loss:  they  secure  some  worldly 
interest,  and  for  it  lose  their  lives  or  their  souls  ! — We  aro 
naturally  far  more  prone  to  be  angry  with  those  who  have 
injured  us,  than  to  repent  of  our  sins  against  God. — Impru- 
dent connexions  commonly  terminate  in  speedy  separations  ; 
nor  are  any  more  likely  to  asperse  a man’s  character  cheat 
him  of  his  property,  or  defile  his  bed,  than  ungodly  men  who 
have  been  admitted  to  unmerited  confidence.  But  happy  aro 
they  who  feast  upon  the  fruits  of  Christ’s  conflicts  and  vic- 
tories ! all  things  shall  work  together  for  their  good  ; and  their 
sharpest  trials  on  earth,  yea,  the  severest  agonies  of  death, 
shall  prove  the  occasion  of  their  loudest  songs  of  triumphant 
joy  and  praise  in  heaven. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XV.  V.  1,  2.  (Notes,  19:3,4.  Esth. 
2:1.)  The  anger  of  Samson,  afier  a time,  subsiding,  and  his 
affection  reviving;  he  wont  to  see  his  wife,  taking  with  him  a 
kid,  on  which  to  feast  with  her  and  her  friends,  nnd  not  know- 
ing that  she  had  been  given  to  another.  (14:20.) — The  Jewish 


B.  C.  1140. 


CHAPTER  XY. 


B.  C.  1140. 


her  to  thy  companion  : is  not  her  younger  sister 
fairer  than  she  r ‘take  her,  I pray  thee,  instead  of 

her. 

3 H And  Samson  said  concerning  them.  ’Now 
shall  I be  more  blameless  than  the  Philistines, 
though  I do  them  a displeasure. 

4 And  Samson  went  and  caught  'three  hundred 
foxes,  and  took  ’firebrands,  and  turned  tail  to  tail, 
and  put  a firebrand  in  the  midst  between  two 
tails. 

5 And  when  he  had  set  the  brands  on  fire,  f he 
let  them  go  into  the  standing  corn  of  the  Philis- 
tines, and  burnt  up  both  the  shocks,  and  also  the 
standing  corn,  with  the  vineyards  and  olives. 

6 Then  the  Philistines  said,  Who  hath  done 
this  ? and  they  answered,  Samson,  the  son-in-law 
of  the  Timnite,  because  he  had  taken  his  wife, 
and  given  her  to  his  companion.  And  the  Philis- 
tines came  up,  sand  burnt  her  and  her  father  with 
fire. 

7 And  Samson  said  unto  them,  hThough  ye 
have  done  this,  yet  I will  be  avenged  of  you,  and 
after  that  I will  cease. 

8 And  he  ‘smote  them  hip  and  thigh  with  a 
great  slaughter : and  he  went  down  and  dwelt  in 
the  top  of  the  rock  Etam. 

9 H Then  the  Philistines  went  up,  and  pitched 
.n  Judah,  and  spread  themselves  in  ’Lehi. 

10  And  the  men  of  Judah  said,  Why  are  ye 
come  up  against  us  ? and  they  answered,  To  bind 
Samson  are  we  come  up,  to  do  to  trim  as  he  hath 
done  to  us. 

11  Then  three  thousand  men  of  Judah  §went 
to  the  top  of  the  rock  Etam,  and  said  to  Samson, 
Knowest  thou  not  that  the  kPhilistines  are  rulers 


• Heb.  Itl  her  be  ihine.  t Or,  now  shall  I be  blameless  from  the  Philis- 
tines, though.  14:45.  e Ps.  63:10.  Cant.  2:15.  Lam.  5:18.  J Or,  torches. 
f Ex.  22:6.  2 Sam.  14:30.  g 12:1.  14:15.  Prov.  22:8.  lThes.4:6.  h 14:4,19. 
Rom.  12:19.  i Is.  25:10.  63:3,6.  j 17.  § Heb.  went  down,  k 13:1.  14:4.  Pent. 
28:13,47,48.  1 Matt.  27:2.  Acts  7:25.  m 8:21.  1 Kiugs  2:25,34.  n 5:30.  16:24. 
Ex.  14:3,5.  1 Sam.  4:5.  Job  20:5.  Mic.  7:8.  o 3:10.  14:6,19.  Zech.4:6.  pl6: 
9,12.  I Sam.  17:35.  Pa.  118:11.  Phil.  4:13.  ||  Heb.  were  melted.  41  Heb.  moist. 


writers  relate,  that  she  had  become  a proselyte  before  Sam- 
son married  her ; but  the  whole  narrative  militates  against 
that  opinion,  especially  the  father’s  answer  on  this  occasion. 

V.  3 — 5.  Samson,  being  conscious  that  he  was  to  be,  in 
part,  the  deliverer  of  Israel  from  the  Philistines,  only  waited 
for  a fair  occasion  to  declare  against  them.  This  was  afforded 
him  by  the  injurious  treatment  which  he  had  received,  and 
that  was  also  a specimen  of  their  conduct  towards  the  Israel- 
ites  when  most  submissive. — In  the  means  which  he  employed, 
we  must  advert  to  the  power  of  God,  both  in  supplying  them, 
and  making  them  successful  ; which  he  did  to  mortify  the 
pride,  and  punish  the  wickedness  of  the  Philistines.  Foxes 
were  doubtless  very  numerous  in  those  parts,  and  the  people 
very  expert  in  taking  them  ; and  probably  Samson  engaged 
assistants  in  procuring  and  preparing  them.  Being  thus  let 
go,  they  would  hinder  each  other  from  gaining  their  holes  in 
the  woods,  and  would  take  shelter  in  the  neighbouring  corn- 
fields and  vineyards ; and  the  weather  being  dry,  the  corn  ripe, 
and  the  fire  kindled  in  many  places  at  once,  we  may  easily 
conceive  that  great  destruction  would  very  speedily  be  effected 
by  this  uncommon  contrivance.  (Note,  7:16 — 22.) 

V.  6.  Samson’s  wife  betrayed  him  for  fear  of  being  burnt 
with  fire  ; and  thus  brought  that  very  death  upon  herself,  for 
having  by  her  treachery  provoked  Samson  to  this  measure. 
(Note,  14:15 — 17.)  In  like  manner  the  Jews  crucified  Christ, 
lest  his  claim  to  be  their  King  should  bring  the  Romans  upon 
them  ; and  by  this  conduct  they  brought  that  very  calamity 
upon  themselves.  (Note,  John  11:47,48.) 

V.  7.  The  Philistines  had  indeed  avenged  Samson  on 
those  who  had  injured  him  ; but  they  were  instigated  by 
hatred  and  dread  of  him,  and  not  by  any  desire  of  doin®  jus- 
tice ; he  therefore  purposed  effectually  to  avenge  himself  and 
his  people  upon  them;  and  then,  unless  excited  by  further 
injuries,  he  would  desist  from  attacking  them. 

V . 8.  The  phrase,  rendered  “ hip  and  thigh,”  has  greatly 
perplexed  critical  expositors : but  probably  it  means,  that 
Samson,  without  any  arms,  attacked  a great  multitude  of 
Philistines  ; and  with  his  hips,  or  legs,  and  thighs,  he  threw 
them  down,  and  then  trode  them  to  death.  This  he  seems 
to  have  done  on  a mountain ; and  descending  from  it,  he 
went  and  dwelt  alone  (on  the  top  of  a rock:  perhaps  for  retire- 
ment, that  he  might  not  be  surprised  by  the  Philistines,  and 
because  he  did  not  choose  to  trust  the  Israelites. 

V.  10,  11.  The  men  of  Judah  had  probably  paid  their 
stipulated  tribute,  and  had  given  no  cause  of  offence  to  their 
oppressors ; and  they  wondered  on  what  ground  they  came 
against  them.  They  were  sunk  into  an  abject  frame  of 
spirit,  and  quietly  endured  to  be  in  bondage  to  the  Philis- 
tines ; despairing  of  deliverance,  or  basely  fearing  the  trouble 
and  peril  of  attempting  it : otherwise  they  would  not  have 


over  us  ? what  is  this  that  thou  hast  done  unto 
us  ? and  he  said  unto  them,  As  they  did  unto  me, 
so  have  I done  unto  them. 

12  And  they  said  unto  him,  We  are  come 
down  'to  bind  thee,  that  we  may  deliver  thee  into 
the  hand  of  the  Philistines.  And  Samson  said 
unto  them,  Swear  unto  me  that  ye  will  not  mfa i 
’upon  me  yourselves. 

13  And  they  spake  unto  him,  saying,  No  ; but 
we  will  bind  thee  fast,  and  deliver  thee  into  their 
hand  : but  surely  we  will  not  kill  thee.  And  the> 
bound  him  with  two  new  cords,  and  brought  hinr 
up  from  the  rock. 

14  And  when  he  came  unto  Lehi,  “the  Philis- 
tines shouted  against  him : and  “the  Spirit,  of 
the  Lord  came  mightily  upon  him ; and  Pthe 
cords  that  were  upon  his  arms  became  as  flax 
that  was  burnt  with  fire,  and  his  bands  "loosed 
from  off  his  hands. 

15  And  he  found  a ’’new  jaw-bone  of  an  ass, 
and  put  forth  his  hand  and  took  it,  and  4slew  9 
thousand  men  therewith. 

16  And  Samson  said,  With  the  jaw-bone  of  an 
ass,  "heaps  upon  heaps,  with  the  jaw  of  an  ass 
have  I slain  a thousand  men. 

17  And  it  came  to  pass  when  he  had  made  an 
end  of  speaking,  that  he  cast  away  the  jaw-bone 
out  of  his  hand,  and  called  that  place1  ’Ramath-lehi. 

18  And  rhe  was  sore  athirst,  and  called  on  the 
Lord,  and  said,  “Thou  hast  given  this  great  de- 
liverance into  the  hand  of  thy  servant : and  now 
“shall  I die  for  thirst,  “and  fall  into  the  hand  of 
“the  uncircumcised? 

19  But  God  clave  a hollow  place  that  was  in 
ttthe  jaw,  and  there  came  water  thereout : and 


q 3:31 . 4:21.  7:16.  Lev.  26:8.  Josh.  23:10.  1 Sam.  14:6,14.  17:49,50.  1 Cor.  1: 
27,28.  ’*  Heb.  an  heap,  two  heaps,  ft  That  is,  the  lifting  up  of  the  jaw-bone , 
or,  the  casting  awax / of  the  jaw-bone,  r 8:4.  Pa.  22:14,15.  John  19:28.  2 Cor. 
4:8,9.  s Ps.  3:7,8.  18:31—40.  t Gen.  32:31.  2 Cor.  12:7,8.  u Gen.  12:12,13. 
20:11.  1 Sam.  27:1.  2 Cor.  1:8,9.  Heb.  11:32.  x 1 Sam.  17:26,36.  2 Sam.  1:20. 
XX  Or,  Lehi. 


thus  yielded  up  their  champion.  [Notes.  Ex.  2:13 — 15.1  Sam. 
13:3,4.) 

Y.  12,  13.  Samson  quietly  submitted  to  be  bound  by  the 
men  of  Judah,  (who  were  intentionally  his  murderers,)  and 
to  be  delivered  up  to  the  Philistines  : but  he  made  an  agree- 
ment with  his  countrymen,  that  they  would  not  themselves 
fall  upon  him,  lest  he  should  be  constrained  to  destroy  them 
instead  of  their  enemies  *,  which  he  was  unwilling  to  do,  though 
so  shamefully  treated  by  them. — In  all  this  he  was  a type  of 
Christ,  who  in  his  retirement  was  rudely  assaulted  by  the 
Jews,  whom  he  could  easily  have  destroyed,  but  would  not: 
into  their  hands  he  surrendered  himself,  and  they  bound  him, 
and  delivered  him  up  to  the  Romans  to  be  crucified ; though 
the  bonds  even  of  death  could  not  hold  him,  or  prevent  his 
victories  and  triumphs.  (Notes,  John  18:1—9.  Acts  2:22 — 24.) 

V.  14 — 17.  When  “ the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  mightily 
upon  Samson,”  his  bonds  were  soon  broken:  and  then  the 
jaw-bone  of  the  contemptible  ass  (the  only  weapon  which 
came  in  his  way)  became  more  formidable  than  sword  or 
spear,  and  a thousand  men  fell  before  him,  being  alike  unable 
to  resist  or  to  escape!  (Note,  8.)  Elated  with  this  sur- 
prising victory,  he  seems  to  have  celebrated  his  own  praise, 
instead  of  giving  glory  to  God. — The  original  word  for  an  ass , 
signifies  also  aheap  : and  this  circumstance  gives  a propriety 
and  animation  to  the  passage,  which  cannot  be  preserved  in  a 
translation.  “ Ramath-lehi”  signifies  the  lifting  up  of  the  jaw- 
bone. The  name  Lehi,  before  used,  referred  to  this  event  by 
an  anticipation  of  the  historian.  (9,14.) 

Y.  18,  19.  Samson  at  this  moment  felt  his  weakness  in 
himself,  as  before  he  had  shown  his  strength  when  assisted 
by  the  Lord.  But  his  urgent  distress  reminded  him  of  his 
danger ; and  led  him  to  thank  God  for  his  deliverance,  and  to 
prajr  unto  him  for  present  relief : and  then  in  the  place  where 
the  jaw  lay,  or  in  Lehi,  ( marg .)  a spring  was  supernaturally 
opened,  by  which  he  was  relieved  and  preserved:  so  that  he 
called  the  place  u En-hakkore,”  or  the  well  of  him  that  cried. 
(Marginal  reading , and  Marg.  Ref.) — Christ  too  in  his  grand 
conflict  with  our  enemies,  thirsted,  but  had  no  well  opened 
for  his  relief:  for  he  not  only  u trode  the  winepress  alone," 
as  Samson  did  on  this  occasion  ; but  he  also  drank  the  cup 
of  the  wrath  of  God  for  us,  which  Samson  could  not  have 
done.  (Notes,  Ps.  69:21.  John  19:28 — 30.) 

V.  20.  After  this  event  Samson  was  submitted  to  as  judge 
by  the  people. — From  this  we  may  suppose  that  he  acted  as 
a magistrate  in  civil  concerns,  and  not  merely  as  Israel’s 
defender  against  the  Philistines.  (Preface  to  Judges.)  If 
Samson  was  not  born  before  the  forty  years  of  oppression 
by  the  Philistines  began,  his  death  must  have  occurred  much 
nearer  to  the  end  of  them,  than  some  learned  men  suppose. 
Yet  the  twenty  years  during  whi»A  he  judged  Israel,  are  said 
l 455  ) 


B.  C.  1120. 


JUDGES 


B.  C.  1120. 


when  he  had  drunk,  "his  spirit  came  again,  and  he 
revived.  Wherefore  he  called  the  name  thereof 
*En-hakkore,  which  is  in  Lehi  unto  this  day. 

20  And  he  fudged  Israel  in  the  days  of  the 
Philistines  twenty  years. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Samson,  ensnared  by  a harlot  at  Gaza , is  in  imminent  danger,  but  escapee  by 
carrying  off  the  gatee  of  the  city,  1 — 3.  He  loves  Delilah  ; who  bribed  by  the 
Philistines,  repeatedly,  but  in  vain,  tries  to  discover  in  what  his  strength 
lay,  4—15.  Overcome  by  her  importunity  he  discloses  the  secret ; and  the 
Philistines,  shaving  his  head  while  asleep,  bind  and  imprison  him,  having 
put  out  his  eyes,  16 — 21.  His  hair  grows  again,  anti  his  strength  returns, 
22.  The  Philistines,  at  the  feast  of  D agon,  make  sport  of  him  : he  pulls 
down  the  house,  and  dies  with  great  multitudes  of  his  enemies , 23 — 30.  He 
is  buried  by  his  friends , 31. 

bx.tT'HEN  went  Samson  to  “Gaza,  and  saw 
u2o  J JL  there  ’an  harlot,  band  went  in  unto  her. 

2  And  it  was  told  the  Gazites,  saying,  Samson 
is  come  hither.  And  they  ‘compassed  him  in,  and 
laid  wait  for  him  all  night  in  the  gale  of  the  city, 
and  were  Tquiet  all  the  night,  saying,  In  the  morn- 
ing when  it  is  day  we  shall  ''kill  him. 

y Gen.  45:27.  1 Sam.  30:12.  Is.  40:29.  * That  is,  the  well  of  him  that  called,  or, 
cried.  Gen.  16:13.2-2:14.  28:19.  32:30.  Ex.  17:15.  Pa.  34:6.  120:1.  z 13:1,6.  16:31. 
a Gen.  10:19.  Josh.  15:47.  * Heb.  awoman  an  harlot,  b Gen.  38:16 — 18.  Ezra 
9:1,2.  cl  Sam.  19:11.  23:26.  Ps.  1 18:10— 12.  Acts  9:2-1.  2 Cur.  11:32,33.  t Heb. 
silent,  d 15:18.  Matt.  21:38.  27:1.  Acts  23:15.  e Ps.  107:16.  Is.  63:1 — 5.  Mic. 
2tl3.  Acts  2:24.  J Heb.  with  the  bar.  f 1 Kings  11:1.  Neh.  13:26.  Prov. 22:14. 

to  have  been  “ in  the  days  of  the  Philistines,”  which  inti- 
mated that  Israel’s  deliverance  was  incomplete,  and  their 
enemies  very  formidable  ; no  doubt  because  they  had  not 
duly  repented,  and  returned  to  the  Lord. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

In  every  contest  he  who  first  proposes  reconciliation  gains 
the  noblest  victory  ; especially  when  this  is  done  by  the 
offended  party  and  the  superior  relation  : nay,  such  conces- 
sions adorn  the  characters  even  of  those  who  are  most  re- 
nowned for  courage.  (Note,  8:1 — 3.) — Where  the  know- 
ledge of  God  anil  of  his  law  are  wanting,  the  most  ordinary 
transactions  of  life  will  be  conducted  on  such  principles  as 
tend  to  confusion  and  licentiousness. — Wicked  men,  conscious 
of  their  own  base  intentions,  suspect  the  worst  concerning 
others,  or  pretend  to  do  so  to  cover  their  own  injustice:  and 
their  proposals,  made  under  the  guise  of  peace,  are  no  less 
to  be  dreaded  than  their  open  enmity.  It  is  therefore  best 
to  avoid  all  fellowship  with  them.  (Notes,  2 Cor.  6:14 — 
18.  Eph.  5:8 — 14.) — We  should  endeavour  to  live  at  peace 
with  all  men ; and  in  case  that  be  impracticable,  to  avoid 
every  thing  which  may  render  us  justly  chargeable  with  the 
consequences  of  contention:  and  before  the  Lord  proceeds 
to  execute  vengeance,  he  often  manifests  the  inexcusable 
wickedness  of  his  enemies. — When  plenty  is  acquired  by 
rapine,  and  abused  by  the  possessors  in  sensual  indulgence, 
they  may  reasonably  expect  to  have  it  taken  from  them:  nor 
does  it  require  much  ability  to  be  an  incendiary,  and  to  kindle 
the  fire  of  discord  in  families,  churches,  and  nations.  Indeed, 
such  scourges  are  generally  instigated  by  one  more  subtle 
and  malicious  than  themselves ; and  they  may  expect  to  be 
consumed  in  the  fires  which  they  kindle.  But  in  the  hands 
of  those  whom  God  employs,  the  most  contemptible  instru- 
ments are  rendered  successful.  They  who  sin  to  avoid  suf- 
fering will  bring  troubles  upon  themselves,  against  which 
they  can  have  no  protector. — Heartless  professors  of  religion, 
who  value  the  friendship  and  fear  the  frown  of  the  world,  and 
who  are  the  slaves  of  sin  and  Satan,  censure,  hate,  and 
betray  those,  who  call  them  to  liberty  in  the  service  of  God: 
to  save  themselves  in  times  of  persecution,  they  often  apos- 
tatize and  turn  betrayers  and  accusers  of  their  brethren  ; 
(Matt.  24:9,10.)  and  in  their  opinion,  the  best  services,  and 
most  hazardous  endeavours  to  do  good,  deserve  reproach,  con- 
demnation, and  punishment.  But  we  shall  not  be  discou- 
raged by  these  things,  when  we  consider  how  the  Saviour  was 
treated  ; we  shall  see  how  we  ought  to  act,  when  we  observe 
his  meekness,  patience,  and  dying  prayers  for  his  crucifiers ; 
and  we  shall  discard  our  fears,  when  we  consider  his  triumphs, 
his  ascension,  his  glory,  and  his  promise  that  they  who 
“suffer  with  him  shall  also  be  glorified  together.” — Whenever 
we  are  peculiarly  favoured  of  God,  pride  will  lead  us  to  rob 
him  of  his  glory,  unless  we  be  very  watchful  : hence  every 
comfort  must  be  counterbalanced  with  a cross  ; and  the  more 
any  man  is  made  useful  to  others,  the  more  he  generally 
needs  mortifying  experiences  of  his  own  weakness,  folly,  and 
unwor.hiness.  (Notes,  2 Kings  20:12 — 19.  2 Chr.  32:24 — 
26.  2 Cor.  12:7 — 10.)  By  such  painful  discipline  we  are 
taught  to  know  our  own  place,  and  to  feel  our  entire  depend- 
ence on  the  Lord,  and  our  continual  obligations  to  him. 
When,  however,  our  trials  have  produced  the  proper  effect, 
they  shall  be  removed,  and  become  sourcos  of  gratitude  and 
comfort,  and  excite  us  to  raise  fresh  monuments  of  the  good- 
ness of  God. — But  in  this  world  our  enemies  will  continue 
powerful,  and  our  victories  incomplete:  ere  long  we  shall  be 
made  more  than  conquerors,  and  render  perfect  and  eternal 
hallelujahs. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XVI.  V.  1—3.  Hitherto  Samson’s 
character,  though  uncommon,  has  appeared  illustrious:  and 
considering  him  as  raised  up  to  delivor  Israel,  and  instructed 

( 456  ) 


3 And  Samson  lay  till  midnight,  and  arose  at 
midnight  and  “took  the  doors  of  the  gate  of  the 
city,  and  the  two  posts,  and  went  away  with  then., 
tbar  and  all,  and  put  them  upon  his  shoulders,  and 
carried  them  up  to  the  top  of  an  hill  that  is  before 
Hebron. 

4 H And  it  came  to  pass  afterward,  that  fhe 
loved  a woman  5 in  the  valley  of  Sorek,  whose 
name  was  Delilah. 

5 And  ^ the  lords  of  the  Philistines  came  upunti 
her,  and  said  unto  her,  hEntice  him,  and  see 
wherein  his  great  strength  lieth,  and  by  what 
means  we  may  prevail  against  him,  that  we  may 
bind  him  to  "afflict  him : and  'we  will  give  thee 
every  one  of  us  eleven  hundred  pieces  of  silver. 

6 And  Delilah  said  to  Samson,  kTell  me,  I pray 
thee,  wherein  thy  great  strength  lieth,  and  where 
with  thou  mightest  be  bound  to  afflict  thee. 

7 And  Samson  said  unto  her,  'If  they  hino 
me  with  seven  "green  withs  that  were  never 

23:27.  26:11.  27:22.  1 Cor.  10:6.  § Or,  by  the  brook,  g 3:3.  Jo9h.l3:3.  1 Sam. 
29:6.  h 14:15.  Prov.  2:16— 19.  5:3—11,20.  6:24—26.  7:21—23.  ||  Or,  humble. 

i 17:2.  Gen. 38:16.  Num.  22:17,18.  Mic.  7:3.  Matt.  26:15.  1 Tim. 6:9, 10.  k Ps. 
12:2.  Prov.  6:26.  7:21.  22:14.  26:28.  Jer.  9:2—5.  Mic.  7:2,5.  1 10.  1 Sam.  19:17: 
21:2,3.  27:10.  Prov.  12:19.  17:7.  Rom.  3:8.  Gal.  6:7.  Col.  3:9.  H Or,  new  cords. 
Heb.  moist. 


as  well  as  assisted,  to  do  it  in  that  unprecedented  manner, 
which  best  tended  to  mortify  the  Philistines,  and  to  manifest 
the  mighty  power  of  God  ; we  may  fairly  vindicate  most  of 
his  past  conduct,  and  safely  imitate  much  of  it:  and  notwith- 
standing many  infirmities,  we  have  hitherto  met  with  nothing 
inconsistent  with  his  character  as  a perpetual  Nazarite. 
(Note,  13:4,5.)  But  in  this  chapter  we  find  him  behaving  in 
so  wicked  and  infatuated  a manner,  that  many  have  been  led 
to  question  whether  he  were  indeed  a really  pious  man.  The 
apostle  however  numbers  him  among  those,  “ who  obtained 
a good  report  through  faith  (Heb.  11:32,33,39.)  and  by  duly 
considering  the  doctrines  and  examples  of  Scripture,  the  de- 
ceitfulness of  the  human  heart,  the  artifices  of  Satan,  and 
the  methods  in  which  the  Lord  frequently  deals  with  his 
people  ; we  may  interpret  this  4 riddle  of  a man,’  as  some 
have  called  him,  and  may  learn  useful  lessons  from  his  his- 
tory, which  perplexes  some,  and  imboldens  many  to  cavil 
and  object. — Confiding  in  his  great  strength  and  the  dread  of 
him  with  which  the  Philistines  had  been  seized,  he  boldly 
entered  Gaza,  one  of  their  chief  cities,  (on  what  account 
we  know  not,)  and  there  he  went  in  unto  a harlot.  This 
disgraceful  circumstance  was  soonmade  known  to  the  inhabit- 
ants ; who  fearful  of  attacking' him,  laid  wait  for  him  all 
night  and  were  probably  forming  some  stratagem,  or  sending 
for  some  reinforcements,  that  in  the  morning  they  might  as- 
sault and  kill  him.  But  at  midnight  (perhaps  awakened  by 
remorse  of  conscience,)  he  arose  ; and  the  Lord,  though 
greatlv  offended,  was  pleased  “ to  work  for  his  own  name’s 
sake  , and  by  his  assistance,  in  contempt  of  the  guards,  he 
seized  on  the  gate,  with  the  posts,  which  he  violently  drag- 
ged out  of  the  ground,  and  the  bar  also,  and  carried  them 
several  miles  to  the  top  of  a hill,  no  one  venturing  to  inter 
rupt  or  seize  him. — Thus  our  Lord,  when  in  the  likeness 
of  sinful  flesh,  after  his  crucifixion  between  two  thieves,  arose 
as  a conqueror  over  death  and  every  foe ; and,  as  it  were, 
broke  open  and  carried  away  with  him  the  very  gates  of  the 
grave,  while  he  ascended  into  heaven  as  the  first  fruits  o* 
the  resurrection. 

V.  4.  It  is  not  certain  whether  Delilah  was  a Philistine, 
or  a licentious  Israelite  ; but  Samson  indulged  a base  affec- 
tion for  her,  and  most  shamefully  wasted  his  time  in  her  com- 
pany, perhaps  imboldened  by  his  impunity  in  the  foregoing 
instance. — Some  think  he  had  married  her  ; but  this  is  not 
intimated,  nor  is  it  probable.,  Her  name  implies  a consumer , 
or  viasting , which  is  very  apposite. 

V.  5.  The  princes  of  the  five  chief  cities  in  Philistia  soon 
heard  of  Samson’s  conduct,  and  formed  a plan  for  his  ruin. 
By  promising  Delilah  about  six  hundred  pounds  sterling,  to 
be  made  up  by  equal  sums  from  each  of  them,  they  induced 
her  to  employ  all  her  insinuation  to  find  out  the  cause  of  his 
supernatural  strength  : which  they  supposed  to  depend  on 
some  observance,  that  he  might  be  induced  to  neglect:  and 
when  in  consequence  his  strength  should  fail  him,  they  pur* 
posed  to  avenge  themselves  on  him.  They  seem  to  havo 
intimated  to  Delilah,  that  they  only  meant  to  qfflict  him,  that 
he  might  not  continue  formidable;  but  not  to  kill  him.  Yet 
their  dread  of  him  was  so  great,  that  they  durst  not,  on  any 
advantage,  attempt  to  seize  him,  till  satisfied  that  his  great 
strength  was  departed ! 

V.  6 — 8.  This  artful  woman  would  no  doubt  propose  the 
question,  as  a matter  of  mere  curiosity ; and  would  couch  it 
in  such  terms,  accompany  it  with  such  blandishments,  and 
urge  it  at  such  times,  as  wore  most  likely  to  prevail.  (14:16, 
17.)  Samson  however  seems  to  havo  had  some  suspicion, 
that  she  desired  to  pry  into  this  important  socrot  with  no  good 
design ; yet  instead  of  leaving  her,  or  giving  her  a direct 
refusal,  he  endeavoured  to  amuse  her  by  aM  evasive  answer, 
or  rather  by  a direct  falsehood ! ) le  no  v hat  Ljr  strei  gtb 


B.  C.  1120. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


B.  C.  1120. 


dii  d,  then  shall  I be  \yeak,  and  be  as  'another 

nan. 

9  Then  the  lords  of  the  Philistines  brought  up 
to  h sr  seven  green  withs  which  had  not  been  dried, 
tnd  she  "‘hound  him  with  them. 

9 Now  there  were  men  lying  in  wait,  abiding 
with  her  in  the  chamber.  And  she  said  unto  him, 
the  Philistines  be  upon  thee,  Samson.  And  he 
brake  the  withs,  as  a thread  of  tow  is  broken  when 
it  Houcheth  the  fire.  So  his  strength  was  not 
known. 

10  And  Delilah  said  unto  Samson,  behold  thou 
hast  mocked  me,  and  told  me  lies  : "now  tell  me, 
I pray  thee,  wherewith  thou  mightest  be  bound. 

11  And  lie  said  unto  her,  “If  they  bind  me  fast 
with  new  ropes  tthat  never  were  occupied,  then 
shall  I be  weak,  and  be  as  another  man. 

12  Delilah  therefore  took  new  ropes,  and  bound 
him  therewith,  and  said  unto  him,  the  Philistines 
be  upon  thee,  Samson.  And  there  were  liers-in- 
wait  abiding  in  the  chamber.  And  he  brake  them 
from  off  his  arms  like  a thread. 

13  And  Delilah  said  unto  Samson,  Hitherto 
thou  hast  mocked  me,  and  told  me  lies : tell  me 
wherewith  thou  mightest  be  bound.  And  he  said 
unto  her,  If  thou  weavest  the  seven  locks  of  my 
head  with  the  web. 

14  And  she  fastened  it  with  the  pin,  and  said 
unto  nim,  The  Philistines  be  upon  thee,  Samson. 
And  he  awaked  out  of  his  sleep,  and  Pwent  away 
with  the  pin  of  the  beam  and  with  the  web. 

15  And  she  said  unto  him,  ‘‘How  const  thou  say, 
I love  thee,  "when  thine  heart  is  not  with  me  ? thou 

• Heb.  one.  mEc.7:26.  f Heb.  smellelh.  Ps.  58:9.  n 7,13,15 — 17.  Prnv. 
23:7,8.  24:28.  Ez.  33:31.  Luke  22:48.  o Prov.  13  3, 5 . 29:25.  Eph.  4:25, 
} Heb.  wherewith  work  hath  not  been  done,  p Ezra  9:13,14.  I s.  106:43.  q 14: 

16.  Prov.  2:16.  5:3— 14.  rGen. 29:20.  Dent.  6:5.  1 .Sam.  15:13,14 . 2 Sam.  16: 

17.  Prov.  23:26.  Cant.  8:6,7.  John  14:15,21— 24.  15:10.  2 Cor. 5:14, 15.  1 John 
2:15,16.5:3.  3 Prov.  7:21— 23,26,27.  Luke  11:8.  18:5.  § Heb.  shortened.  Job 
21:4.  marg.  Jon.  4:9.  Mark  14:34.  t Prov.  29:11.  Mic.  7:5.  u 13:5.  Num.  6: 

was  immediately  from  God,  who  had  constitued  him  a per- 
petual Nazarite,  of  which  his  hair  was  the  token  : but  if  he 
renounced  his  Nazarite’s  character  by  shaving  his  head,  the 
Lord  would  depart  from  him,  and  he  would  become  as  other 
men.  He  was  not  at  first  so  infatuated,  as  to  disclose  the 
secret:  but  he  was  taken  in  Satan’s  net,  and  was  sure  to  be 
every  moment  more  and  more  entangled.  (Notes.  Prov. 
*19.  5:4—9.  7:26.  P.  O.  Prov.  2:10—22.  5:1—14.) 

V.  9.  Samson's  infatuation  was  very  great : but  it  cannot 
be  conceived,  that  he  would  afterwards  have  fallen  asleep  in 
Delilah’s  lap,  if  he  had  at  this  time  seen  the  Philistines  in  the 
chamber  prepared  to  seize  him.  We  may  suppose  therefore 
that  they  waited  every  time  in  some  adjacent  room,  or  closet, 
to  see  whether  he  was  able  to  break  his  bonds  : and  when 
they  found  his  strength  was  not  departed,  they  kept  close  ; 
while  Delilah  artfully  turned  the  matter  off  as  a jest,  which 
she  put  on  him  to  discover  whether  he  had  told  her  the  truth 
or  not. 

V.  10—14.  These  repeated  attempts  of  Delilah  must 
have  satisfied  Samson  that  she  intended  his  ruin,  had  not 
“whoredom  taken  away  his  heart,”  and  made  him  senseless 
and  brutish. — It  is  probable,  that  some  time  intervened  be- 
tween each  attempt ; and  that  she  took  the  most  favourable 
opportunities  for  making  them  : but  those  who  say,  she  made 
him  drink  wine,  that  he  might  be  heavy  with  sleep,  forget  that 
this  would  have  forfeited  the  privilege  of  his  being  a perpetual 
Nazarite,  as  really  as  shaving  his  head  did.  (Notes,  13:4,5. 
Num.  6:3 — 5.)  Doubtless  he  supposed  himself  entirely  alone 
with  her ; and  each  attempt  seems  to  have  been  made  when 
he  was  asleep.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  11.1—5.  Matt.  26:40,41.) — 
It  is  not  certain  how  his  hair  was  fastened  in  the  web;  but 
this  evasion  came  nearer  the  discovery  of  the  important 
secret,  than  any  of  the  others. 

V.  15.  Delilah  pretended  to  discredit  all  Samson’s  pro- 
fessions of  love  for  her,  so  long  as  he  refused  to  give  her  this 
peculiar  proof  of  it.  He  had  sacrificed  his  honour,  con- 
science, interest,  and  every  other  valuable  object  to  his  pas- 
sion for  her  : but  while  he  had  one  reserve,  she  would  not  be 
satisfied.  Such  absolute  affection  cannot  be  placed  on  any 
-eature  without  idolatry ; but  it  is  that  very  love,  which  the 
f_iOrd  justly  requires  of  us,  when  he  commands  us  to  give 
him  our  heart:  (Notes,  Ex.  20:3.  Prov.  23:26.)  nor  will  he 
accept  of  us  while  there  is  one  reserve,  and  while  we  delibe- 
rately refuse  to  part  with  any  worldly  object  for  his  sake,  or 
to  yield  him  any  service  to  which  he  calls  us.  Had  Abraham 
peremptorily  refused  to  sacrifice  his  beloved  Isaac,  the  Lord 
might  have  said,  “ How  canst  thou  say,  I love  thee,  when 
thy  heart  is  not  with  me  ?”  For  the  true  love  of  the  infinitely 
glorious  God  subdues,  regulates,  or  subordinates  every  other 
affection;  and  is  alone  absolute  and  unreserved . (Notes. 
**eut.  6:5.  Matt.  10:37— 39.) 

V.  16.  Vexed  unto  death.\  4 He  was  weary  of  life, . . . and 

Vol.  I.— 58 


hsist  mocked  me  these  three  times,  and  hast  not 
told  me  wherein  thy  great  strength  lieth. 

[ Practical  Observations. ] 

16  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  ’she  pressed  him 
daily  with  her  words,  and  urged  him  so  that  his 
soul  was  $vexed  unto  death  ; 

17  That  he  told  her  ‘all  his  heart,  and  said  unto 
her,  “There  hath  not  come  a razor  upon  mine 
head ; for  I have  been  a Nazarite  unto  God  from 
my  mother’s  womb : if  I be  shaven,  then  my 
strength  will  go  from  me,  and  I shall  become  weak, 
and  be  like  any  other  man. 

18  And  when  Delilah  saw  that  he  had  told  her 
all  his  heart,  she  sent  and  called  for  the  lords  of 
the  Philistines,  saying,  “Come  up  this  once ; for 
he  hath  showed  me  all  his  heart.  Then  the  lords 
of  the  Philistines  came  up  unto  her,  and  ^brought 
money  in  their  hand. 

19  And  ’she  made  him  sleep  upon  her  knees: 
and  she  called  for  a man,  and  she  caused  him  to 
shave  off  the  seven  locks  of  his  head  ; and  she  be- 
gan to  afflict  him,  and  his  strength  went  from  him. 

20  And  she  said,  The  Philistines  be  upon  thee 
Samson.  And  he  awoke  out  of  his  sleep,  and  said, 
aI  will  go  out  as  at  other  times  before,  and  shake 
myself.  And  he  wist  not  that  bthe  Lord  was 
departed  from  him. 

21  But  the  Philistines  took  him,  cand  »put  out 
his  eyes,  and  brought  him  down  to  Gaza,  and 
‘'bound  him  with  fetters  of  brass  ; and  he  did  egrind 
in  the  prison-house. 

22  II  Howbeit,  f the  hair  of  his  head  began  to 
grow  again,  ’'after  he  was  shaven. 

5.  Acts  18:18.  x Ps.  62:9.  Piov.  18:8.  Jer.  9:4 — 6.  y 5.  Num.  22:7.  1 Kings 
21:20.  Matt.  26:15.  Eph. 5:5.  1 Tim.  6:10.  z Prov.  7:*2l— 23.  23:33.34.  Ec.  7: 
26.  a 3,9,14.  Deut.  32.30.  Is.  42:25.  Hob.  7:9.  b Num.  14:9,42,43.  Josh.  7:12. 
1 Sam.  16:14.  18:12.  28:14—16.  2 Chr.  15:2,  Is.  59:1,2.  Jer.  9:23,24.  Matt.  17: 
16,20.  2 Cor.  3:5.  c Prov.  5:22.  14:14.  Jer.  2: 19.  ||  Heb  .bored,  d 2 Kings  25: 
7.  2 Chr.  33:11.  Ps.  107:10—12.  149:8.  e Ex.  11:5.  Is.  47:2.  Matt.  24:41.  fLev. 
26:44.  Deut.  32:36.  Ps.  106:44,45.  107:13,14.  H Or,  as  when  he  was  shaven. 


unconcerned  what  became  of  him.’  Bp.  Patrick.  What  an. 
infatuation  was  this,  that  when  Samson  was  incessantly  and 
intolerably  teased  to  do  what  he  knew  to  be  not  only  wicked, 
but  foolish  in  the  extreme,  he  had  not  resolution  to  depart  from 
his  seducer!  (Notes, Gen.  39:8 — 10.  1 Kings  11:1 — 8.  Prov. 
7:6—23.  P.  O.) 

V.  17 — 21.  To  rebuke  and  severely  correct  Samson  foi 
his  heinous  offences,  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  leave  him  to 
be  infatuated  almost  beyond  conception  ; and  thus  he  was 
prevailed  upon  to  disclose  the  secret  to  his  infamous  paramour. 
Probably  his  manner  of  speaking,  as  well  as  the  plain  and 
satisfactory  account  which  he  gave  of  his  supernatural 
strength,  convinced  Delilah,  that  he  had  now  told  the  whole 
truth ; and  she  sent  an  earnest  message  to  the  lords  of  the 
Philistines,  as  one  that  feared  lest,  after  the  previous  disap- 
pointments, they  should  not  credit  her,  and  she  should  lose 
the  stipulated  reward.  (5.  Notes , Matt.  26:14 — 16.  1 Tim. 
6:6 — 10.) — It  seems,  that  after  Samson  had  been  shaven,  she 
made  trial  of  his  strength  by  putting  him  to  pain  ; as  it  is  said 
that  44  she  began  to  afflict  him.”  For  the  Philistines,  till  satisfied 
that  his  strength  was  actually  departed,  dared  no  more  ap- 
proach him  even  when  asleep,  than  they  would  have  approach- 
ed a sleeping  lion.  But  it  is  wonderful,  that  the  mafi  who 
shaved  him  was  restrained  from  attempting  his  life  ; and  his 
preservation  can  be  ascribed  to  nothing  but  the  immediate 
power  of  God. — At  length,  however,  his  enemies  ventured 
from  their  concealment,  seized  on  their  prey,  and  having  put 
out  his  eyes,  and  bound  him  in  strong  fetters,  preserved  him 
as  a monument  of  their  victory,  and  made  him  drudge  in  hard 
labour.  (Marg.  Ref.  d,  e.  Note,  2 Kings  25:6,7 .)  To  all 
this  he  could  make  no  effectual  resistance,  for  he  found  that 
44  the  Lord  was  departed  from  him.” — What  a change  was 
this!  To  what  a wretched  and  disgraceful  situation  had  sin 
reduced  this  mighty  judge  of  Israel,  who  before  was  himself 
as  an  army ! Had  his  head  been  shaven  without  his  fault, 
the  case  would  have  been  different : but  his  whole  conduct 
had  been  as  great  a contempt  of  the  favour,  glory,  and 
authority  of  God,  as  if  he  had  in  disdain  cut  off  his  Nazarite’s 
hair  with  his  own  hands : and  therefore  he  was  constrained 
to  endure  the  dreadful  effects  of  his  folly.  (Note,  Prov.  23- 
27,28.) 

V.  22.  Samson’s  afflictions  seem  to  have  been  the  means 
of  bringing  him  to  deep  repentance:  (Notes,  2 Chr.  33:11 — 
13.)  so  that,  through  the  loss  of  his  bodily  sight,  the  eyes  of 
his  understanding  were  opened  to  perceive  his  own  madness 
and  wickedness  ; and,  by  depriving  him  of  his  bodily  strength, 
the  Lord  was  pleased  to  renew  his  spiritual  strength.  Then, 
it  must  be  supposed,  he  would  humble  himself  before  God, 
and  seek  his  merciful  forgiveness,  and  not  seek  in  vain.  In 
the  mean  while  his  hair  grew,  perhaps  faster  than  usual ; as 
an  indication  that  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  was  returning  to 
him,  and  that  he  would  soon  recover  his  extraordinary 
( 457  ) 


B.  C.  1120  JUDGES.  B.  C.  1120 


23  Then  tU-  lords  a '.he  Philistines  gathered 
them  together,  for  to  offer  a great  sacrifice  unto 
*Dagon  their  god,  and  to  rejoice : for  they  said, 
our  god  hath  delivered  Samson  our  enemy  into 
our  hand. 

24  And  when  the  people  saw  him,  they  hpraised 
their  god  : for  they  said,  Our  god  hath  delivered 
into  our  hands  our  enemy,  and  the  destroyer  of 
our  country,  'which  slew  many  of  us. 

25  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  ‘their  hearts 
were  merry,  that  they  said,  Call  for  Samson, 
that  he  may  make  us  sport.  And  they  called 
for  Samson  out  of  the  prison-house;  and  he 
made  'them  ksport.  And  they  set  him  between 
the  pillars. 

26  And  Samson  said  unto  the  lad  that  held  him 
by  the  hand,  Suffer  me  that  I may  feel  the  pillars 
whereupon  the  house  standeth,  that  1 may  lean 
upon  them. 

27  Now  the  house  was  full  of  men  and  women : 
and  all  the  lords  of  the  Philistines  were  there;  ana 
there  were  upon  'the  roof  about  three  thousand 

g l Sara.  5:2 — 5.  Jer.2:ll.  Mic.4:5.  Rom.  1 23 — 25.  1 Cor.  8:4,5.  10:20. 

h Peut.  32:27.  Is.  37:20.  Ez.20:14.  Dan. 5:4,23.  Hah. 1:16.  Rev. 11:10.  * Heb. 
and  who  multiplied,  our  slain.  15:8,16.  i 9:27.  18:20.  19.6,9.  2 Sam.  13:28. 
1 Kings  20:12.  Esth.3:15.  Is.  22:13.  Dan.  5:2,3.  Malt.  14:6,7.  t Heb.  before 
them,  k Job  30:9<10.  Ps.  35:15,16  . 69:12,26.  Pro v.  24: 17,18.  Mic.7:8— 10. 
Malt.  26:G7,68.  27:29,39—44.  Heb.  11:36.  19:51.  Deut.22:8.  Josh. 2:8.  2 Sam. 


strength.  But  the  Philistines,  having  blinded,  fettered,  and 
imprisoned  him,  were  under  no  further  apprehensions  on  that 
account. 

V.  23,  24.  This  was  either  some  occasional  festival,  ap- 
pointed by  the  lords  of  the  Philistines  in  order  to  celebrate 
their  victory  over  Samson,  or  an  annual  festival  in  honour  of 
Dagon,  observed  on  that  account  with  the  greater  solemnity: 
and  when  they  had  offered  the  sacrifice,  they  met  together  to 
feast  and  to  divert  themselves,  either  in  the  temple  of  Dagon, 
or  as  some  think  in  a theatre  erected  for  such  uses.  On  this 
occasion  the  Philistines  renewed  their  triumph  over  Samson, 
who  probably  had  been  preserved  for  that  purpose,  and  was 
exposed  to  public  view : and  they  also  presumed  to  celebrate 
the  triumph  of  Dagon  their  god,  over  Jehovah  the  God  of 
Israel ; as  if  by  the  help  of  their  idol  they  had  prevailed 
against  the  judge  of  Israel,  who  formerly  by  the  help  of 
Jehovah  ha  1 been  victorious  over  them.  But  the  very  lan- 
guage of  their  joy  shows  how  very  much  they  had  dreaded  him. 
(Notes,  1 Sam.  5:  Dan.  5:1 — 9,18 — 28.) 

V.  25.  Samson  had  been  shown  to  the  people  before : (24) 
but  now  he  was  brought  before  the  rulers  of  the  nation,  who 
diverted  themselves  amidst  their  feasting,  by  mocking  his 
abject  misery,  and  cruelly  endeavouring  to  render  him  con- 
temptible.— Thus  Christ,  being  apprehended  and  bound  by 
his  enemies,  was  insulted  by  the  council  and  rulers,  as  well 
as  by  the  servants  and  people  and  soldiers.  (Notes,  Ps.  69: 
10—12.  Matt.  26:63—68.  27:39—44.) 

V.  26.  The  main  weight  of  this  building  rested  upon  two 
pillars  in  the  centre,  very  near  together,  according  to  the  me- 
thod of  building  in  some  parts  of  the  world  ; and  against  these 
Samson,  as  if  wearied,  desired  leave  to  lean  and  rest  himself. 

V.  27.  All  the  principal  persons  of  the  nation  were  assem- 
bled within  this  building,  whether  temple  or  theatre ; while 
about  three  thousand  others  were  mounted  upon  the  flat  roof, 
looking  through  apertures  perhaps  made  for  that  purpose,  to 
enjoy  the  cruel  pleasure  of  insulting  over  their  fallen  enemy! 
(Note,  Prov.  17:5.) 

V.  28,  29.  The  triumph  of  the  Philistines  was  that  of  Da- 
gon ; but  the  cause  of  Samson  was  that  of  Israel  and  of  Je- 
hovah. (Notes,  1 Kings  18:18 — 20,36 — 39.)  As  the  judge 
of  Israel,  he  was  divinely  appointed  to  be  an  avenger  of  their 
enemies  : but  for  his  transgression  he  had  been  justly  deliver- 
ed into  their  hands  ; and  they  had  not  only  cruelly  treated  him, 
but  impiously  blasphemed  the  Lord  himself.  In  ordinary 
cases  we  may  hope  for  the  conversion  and  salvation  of  our 
fellow-sinners ; and  therefore  we  are  commanded  to  forgive 
them,  and  do  good  to  and  pray  for  every  one  of  them.  But 
for  the  same  reason  that  Satan  and  his  angels,  being  the  in- 
curable enemies  of  God,  are  the  objects  of  our  allowed  abhor- 
rence; we  should  be  required  to  detest  any  individual  on 
earth,  whom  we  certainly  knew  to  be  the  object  of  God’s  final 
hatred : and  in  a future  state,  when  sinners  will  no  longer  be 
under  a dispensation  of  mercy,  we  shall  rejoice  in  the  destruc- 
tion of  all  his  enemies.  (Notes,  2 Tim.  4:14,15.  Rev.  6:9 — 
11.  19:1 — 6.)  Samson’s  prayer  was  both  dictated  and  an- 
swered by  God  himself ; nor  does  it  appear  that  it  could  have 
been  known,  except  by  immediate  revelation.  He  knew  that, 
m this  extraordinary  case,  it  was  right  he  should  avenge  the 
cause  of  God  and  of  Israel;  and  also  that  he  should  desire  to 
execute  the  vengeance  of  God  upon  them  for  their  despiteful 
cruelty  to  him. — 4 If  this  had  proceeded  from  a spirit  of  per- 
sonal revenge,  God  would  not  have  heard  it;  (for  he  doth  not 
Jove  to  gratify  men’s  passions :)  but  that  is  a proof,  that  this 
desire  proceeded  from  God,  (as  St.  Austin  understands  it,) 
who  intended  to  punish  the  Philistines  for  oppressing  Israel, 
( 458  ) 


men  and  women,  that  beheld  while  Samson  made 
sport. 

28  And  Samson  mcalled  unto  the  Lord  and  said. 
0 Lord  God ! “remember  me,  I pray  thee,  and 
strengthen  me,  I pray  thee,  only  this  once,  O God, 
“that!  may  be  at  once  avenged  of  the  Philistines 
for  my  two  eyes. 

29  And  Samson  took  hold  of  the  two  middle 
pillars  upon  which  the  house  stood,  and  ton  which 
it  was  borne  up,  of  the  one  with  his  right  hand, 
and  of  the  other  with  his  left. 

30  And  Samson  said,  Let  §me  ''die  with  the 
Philistines.  And  he  bowed  himself  with  all  his 
might;  land  the  house  fell  upon  the  lords,  and 
upon  all  the  people  that  were  therein.  rSo  the 
dead  which  he  slew  at  his  death,  were  more  than 
they  which  he  slew  in  his  life. 

31  Then  'his  brethren,  and  all  the  house  of  his 
father,  came  down  and  took  him,  and  brought  him 
up,  and  buried  him  ‘between  Zorah  and  Eshtaol, 
in  the  burying-place  of  Manoah  his  father.  “And 
he  judged  Israel  twenty  years. 

11:2.  m2Chr.  20:12.  Ps.  50:15.  91:15.  116:4.  Heb.  11:32.  n Ps.  14:18,22. 
Jer.  15:15.  o5:31.  Ps. 58:10,11.  143:12.  2Tim.4:14.  »ev.6:10.  J Or,  he  leaned 
on  them.  § Heb.  my  soul,  p Matt.  16:25.  Acts20:24  . 21:13.  Phil.  2:17,30. 
Heb.  12:1—4.  q Job  31:3.  Ec.  9:12.  Matt.  24:38,39.  1 Thes.  5:2.  r 14:19.  15: 
8,15.  Gen.  3:15.  Phil.  2:8.  Col.  2:15.  Heb.  2:14,15.  s John  19:39— 42.  1 13:2, 
25.  Josh.  19:41.  u 15:20. 


as  well  as  abusing  Samson,  and  depriving  him  of  his  eyes. 
Bp.  Patrick. — Nor  is  Samson  to  be  accused  of  self-murder , 
with  which  some  have  charged  him  ; for  he  did  not  seek  his 
own  death,  but  Israel’s  deliverance,  and  the  destruction  of 
their  enemies:  and  there  is  not  the  least  intimation,  that  he 
was  impatient  under  his  sufferings ; though  in  accomplishing 
his  purpose,  he  was  willing  to  lay  down  his  life  with  the  Phi- 
listines. There  is  a very  great  difference  between  rushing 
uncalled  into  the  presence  of  God,  out  of  proud  impatience, 
rebellion,  and  contempt  of  life,  when  it  is  made  miserable  by 
a person’s  own  misconduct,  and  infidel  disregard  of  future  and 
eternal  consequences ; and  being  willing  to  lay  down  life  for 
the  honour  of  God,  and  the  welfare  of  his  people:  though  the 
circumstances,  into  which  one  adventures,  be  as  certainly 
fatal,  as  the  means  by  which  another  murders  himself.  For 
a man  is  no  more  deemed  a self-murderer,  who  sacrifices  his 
life  for  the  good  of  his  country  in  the  field  of  battle,  than  ne 
is  deemed  a murderer  of  others,  who  in  a just  war  slays  the 
enemies  of  his  country. 

V.  30,  31.  The  numbers,  who  were  within  and  upon  the 
house  when  it  fell,  of  course  would  occasion  great  slaughter? 
but  we  must  ascribe  to  the  same  power,  as  enabled  Samson 
to  throw  down  the  building,  the  decisive  destruction  which  it 
caused. — Thus  Samson  died  in  bonds  and  among  the  Philis- 
tines, as  an  awful  rebuke  for  his  sins  : but  no  doubt  he  died 
penitent,  and  had  not  his  future  portion  with  them  ; and  the 
effects  of  his  death  typified  those  of  the  death  of  Christ,  who, 
by  voluntarily  laying  down  his  life  among  transgressors,  sub- 
verted the  foundations  of  Satan’s  kingdom,  and  provided  for 
the  deliverance  of  his  people. — By  this  blow  the  princes  of 
the  Philistines  were  destroyed,  their  government  was  unhinged 
their  power  crushed,  and  their  courage  daunted;  so  that 
they  made  no  opposition  to  Samson’s  relations,  when  they 
went  to  fetch  his  body  to  be  buried  among  his  people. — Thus 
the  body  of  Christ  also  was,  without  opposition,  given  to  his 
friends,  that  it  might  be  honourably  interred.  (Note,  Matt, 
27:57 — 61.) — The  name  Samson  seems  to  signify  a little  sun  : 
and  according  to  this  allusion,  he  arose  upon  Israel  after  a 
suitable  pre-intimation  to  his  parents.  During  the  morning 
of  his  life  he  shone  very  bright ; but  towards  the  evening  ho 
was  greatly  obscured  by  clouds:  yet  when  setting,  he  burst 
through  the  gloom,  and  shone  with  more  splendour  than  ever. 
So  Jesus,  our  long  expected  44  Sun  of  righteousness,”  arose 
upon  Israel  and  upon  the  earth:  after  shining  with  glorious 
and  benign  lustre  during  his  life,  he  was  obscured  by  the 
thickest  clouds  just  before  his  setting : but  when  he  cried  out 
“ It  is  finished, . . . and  gave  up  the  ghost,”  he  shone  forth  with 
mild,  but  most  glorious  splendour,  and  died  a triumphant  con- 
queror. In  very  many  respects,  however,  he  differed  from 
Samson ; especially,  as  he  died  praying  for  his  murderers,  and 
arose  again  to  complete  the  redemption  of  his  people. — Sam- 
son seems  to  have  died  young,  not  much  above  forty  years  o( 
age,  and  to  have  left  no  family. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 15.  Nothing,  but  evident  duty  should  prevail  with 
us  to  venture  into  those  places,  where  bad  examples  and 
licentious  characters  abound.  And  even  then,  we  should  go 
with  fear  and  trembling ; earnestly  beseeching  God  to  44  turn 
away  our  eyes  from  beholding  vanity,”  to  preserve  our  hearts 
from  every  sinful  desire,  and  to  strengthen  us  to  resist  every 
temptation. — Whenever  we  become  unwatchful  and  self-c'M* 
fident,  we  are  near  some  humiliating  fall : the  roving  eye  readily 
admits  the  licentious  desire  into  the  heedless  heart ; and  14  lust 
being  conceived,  sin  is  brought  forth,”  and  misery  ensues.— 
The  blandishments  of  boautiful  women  have  olten  proved 


B.  C.  1406 


CHAPTER  XVII.  B.  C.  1406. 


Cl/APTER  XVII. 

•ft cah  an  Ephraimite  steals  money  from  his  mother,  which  hs  restorss ; and 
she  makes  images  of  it,  1—4.  Micah's  idolatry , 5, 6.  He  hires  a Levite  to 
be  his  priest,  7 — 13. 

NO  there  was  a man  of  “mount  Ephraim, 
whose  name  was  Micah. 

2  And  lie  said  unto  his  mother,  The  eleven 
hundred  shekels  of  silver,  that  were  taken  from 
thee,  about  which  thou  bcursedst,  and  spakest  of 
also  in  mine  ears  ; behold,  the  silver  is  with  me ; 

* 10:1.  Josh . 15:9.  17:15,18.  b 5:23.  Ilcut.  27:16.  I Sum.  14:24,28.  26:19.  Nch. 
13:25  Jer.4S:IO.  Matt. 26:74.  Rom.  9:3.  1 Cor.  16:22.  c Prov. 28:24.  dGen. 
14:19.24:30,31.  Ex. 20:7.  Rulh3:10.  1 Sam. 23:21.  Ps.  10:3.  c 13.  18:5.  Is. 


most  dangerous  temptations,  even  to  pious  men  : ( Notes,  Neh. 
13:23 — 30.  Prov.  7:26.)  and  Satan  would  rather  see  the  ac- 
tive and  useful  servant  of  God  yielding  to  the  enticements  of 
a harlot,  and  sleeping  in  Delilah’s  lap,  than  boldly  venturing 
the  tyrant’s  rage,  and  enduring  the  fiery  furnace.  Those,  who 
are  captivated  in  this  manner,  must  speedily  be  exposed  to 
the  deepest  shame  and  the  most  imminent  danger.  Their  re- 
putation, strength,  and  usefulness  will  be  torn  from  them ; 
they  will  betray  the  cause  which  they  should  have  served  ; 
and  their  enemies  will  insult  and  triumph,  and  be  hardened  in 
prejudices  and  revilings  against  religion.  The  outward  peril, 
which  attends  such  forbidden  intercourse,  is  generally  so  great, 
that  nothing  but  blind  infatuation  can  induce  men  to  venture 
upon  it:  but  who  can  tell  the  machinations  of  the  powers  of 
darkness  against  those,  who  are  stupidly  indulging  their  lusts, 
and  sleeping  in  the  very  jaws  of  destruction  ? — How  lamenta- 
ble is  it  to  consider,  that  the  goodness  of  God  which  preserves 
men  from  the  immediate  effects  of  their  folly,  is  generally 
abused  into  an  encouragement  to  future  crimes!  for  every  sin- 
ful propensity  is  strengthened  by  indulgence.  So  that  even 
believers  are  seldom  duly  humbled  for  their  sins,  till  they 
taste  the  bitter  effects  of  them ; and  therefore  it  is  eventually 
better  to  be  chastened  with  sharpness  when  they  first  offend, 
than  to  escape  with  impunity. — Those  who  have  not  resolu- 
tion to  give  a decided  and  explicit  denial  to  improper  requests, 
or  to  flee  from  their  tempters,  will  soon  be  induced  to  equivo- 
^cate  and  even  to  speak  direct  lies,  with  which  they  will  after- 
wards be  reproached : and  if  it  be  so  very  difficult,  in  some 
instances,  to  deny  others,  who  have  frequent  access  to  us, 
and  great  influence  over  us,  what  must  self-denial  in  many 
cases  be?  ( Notes , Matt.  16:24 — 28.  Tit.  2:11,12.) — Com- 
panions in  iniquity  can  have  no  good  reasons  for  trusting  one 
another ; and  they  who  betray  the  cause  of  God,  have  no 
ground  to  expect  any  thing  else,  than  to  be  betrayed  by  their 
fellow-creatures : for  such  as  are  enslaved  to  one  lust,  must 
not  wonder  to  find  their  companions  under  the  dominion  of 
another. — Unworthy  of  a man,  and  still  more  of  a believer, 
is  that  love,  which  is  placed  on  a worthless  object  on  account 
of  external  embellishments,  and  for  the  sake  of  animal  gratifi- 
cation ; while  conscience,  honour,  and  every  noble  purpose 
of  the  soul,  are  sacrificed  to  it.  When  a man  is  thus  u bound 
in  the  chain  of  his  own  sins,”  he  seems  to  lose  even  common 
sense  ; and  no  wickedness  in  the  object  of  his  idolatrous  affec- 
tions can  make  him  sensible  of  his  folly  and  danger,  or  willing 
to  renounce  the  base  attachment.  This  is  indeed  a w deep 
ditch,”  into  which  many  great  men,  and  even  some  good  men, 
have  fallen,  but  from  which  few  have  escaped ; and  those  by  a 
miracle  ofmerev,  and  with  the  loss  of  almost  every  thing,  except 
their  souls.  Whatever  a man  has  already  sacrificed  to  such 
a criminal  passion,  still  more  will  be  required  ; no  denial  will 
be  taken,  no  bounds  assigned  to  artful  and  interested  impor- 
tunity, until  he  has  ruined  himself  and  all  those  who  are  or 
ought  to  be  dear  to  him : for  assiduity,  dissimulation,  and  in- 
cessant blandishment  will  overcome  the  strongest  resolutions, 
and  induce  compliance  with  the  most  unreasonable  and  ruin- 
ous demands ; and  all  counsels,  warnings,  and  past  experiences 
are  in  this  case  ineffectual.  On  this  Delilah’s  lap  thousands 
are  lulled  into  so  sound  a sleep,  that  nothing  but  the  flames  of 
hell  can  awake  them  ! 

V.  16 — 31.  Repeated  deliverances,  if  men  are  not  by 
them  made  sensible  of  their  folly,  and  brought  to  repentance, 
only  increase  guilt  and  make  way  for  more  aggravated  mi- 
sery : and  if  the  Lord  be  provoked  to  leave  sinners  to  them- 
selves, and  to  give  them  up  to  the  lusts  of  their  own  hearts  ; 
Satan  will  soon  blind  and  enslave  them,  and  employ  them  in 
his  basest  drudgery. — Every  expectation  of  deliverance  or 
assistance  from  God,  while  men  are  committing  known  sins, 
must  be  vain  and  presumptuous.  They  may  think  to  “go 
forth  as  at  other  times  :”  but  they  will  find  their  locks  shorn, 
and  their  strength  lost,  because  “ the  Lord  is  departed  from 
them.”  Nay,  if  ministers,  with  the  guilt  of  unrepented  sin 
upon  their  consciences,  continue  to  preach  and  administer 
ordinances  with  the  greatest  regularity,  their  exertions  will 
generally  fail  of  the  wonted  efficacy,  and  Satan  will  disregard 
their  feeble  efforts.  But  it  is  most  lamentable,  when  this  is 
observable  to  others,  while  they  themselves  seem  not  at  all 
sensible  of  the  awful  change.  What  in  that  case  can  be 
expected,  but  that  the  enemy  should  blind  and  enslave  them 
more  and  more  ?— Indeed,  though  the  Lord  again  and  again 
deliver  his  offending  people,  in  the  most  extreme  danger,  yet 
if  they  presume  upon  his  goodness,  he  will  severely  punish 
them,  and  even  make  them  the  contempt  and  reproach  of  the 


CI  took  it.  And  his  mother  said,  '’Blessed  he  thou 
of  the  Lord,  my  son. 

3 And  when  he  had  restored  the  eleven  hu" 
dred  shekels  of  silver  to  his  mother,  his  niotlie. 
said,  'I  had  wholly  dedicated  the  silver  unto  the 
Lord  from  my  hand  lor  my  son,  to  make  a 
graven  image?  and  a molten  image ; now  therefore 
I will  restore  it  unto  thee. 

4 Yet  he  restored  the  money  unto  his  mother; 
and  his  mother  took  stwo  hundred  shekels  of 


66:3.  f Ex.  20:4,23.  Lev.  19:4.  Deut.  12:3.  Ps.  115:4—8.  ib.  40:18— 25.  44:9— 
20.  Jer.  10.3 — 5,8.  tJab.2:18,19.  John  16:2.  g Is.  46:6, 7»  Jer.  10:9,10. 


foolish  : he  will  tear  from  them  all  their  earthly  comforts,  and 
fill  their  souls  with  the  most  exquisite  anguish  ; and,  without 
sending  them  to  hell,  he  can  make  their  sufferings  ten  thou- 
sand times  greater  than  all  the  pleasures  of  sin.  Nay,  he  can 
cloud  their  characters  with  so  dark  a veil,  that  his  people  shal 
be  ready  to  consider  them  as  hypocrites  and  apostates.  ( Note , 
1 Kings  11:42,43.  P.  O.  Heb.  4:1 — 11.)  Thus  lie  will  set 
them  up  as  beacons,  to  warn  others  of  the  rocks  on  which 
they  split.  And  though  many,  by  their  falls  and.  miseries, 
will  be  taught  to  watch  and  pray  against  temptation  ; yet 
they  will  be  oppressed  by  the  painful  reflection,  that  multi- 
tudes by  their  crimes  will  be  prejudiced,  and  hardened  in 
infidelity  and  ungodliness,  to  their  everlasting  destruction. 
Out  of  this  horrible  pit  none  can  escape,  but  by  deep  humili- 
ation, earnest  cries  for  mercy,  patient  submission  to  correc- 
tion, and  renewed  conversion  unto  God  through  Jesus  Christ. 
(Notes,  Ps.  51:)  The  heaviest  sorrows,  when  they  have 
these  effects,  will  prove  most  precious  favours  : the  comfort 
and  strength  of  such  humble  penitents  shall  in  due  time  bo 
renewed,  and  their  cruel  enemies  finallj'  disappointed.  Yet 
even  in  this  case  the  chastening  rod  may  pursue  them  to  the 
grave.  But  having  obtained  pardon,  and  the  hope  of  dying 
in  peace  and  going  to  glory,  they  can  desire  to  live  for  no 
other  purpose,  than  to  wipe  off,  if  possible,  the  blot  which 
they  have  cast  upon  the  gospel,  and  to  fake  vengeance,  so  to 
speak,  upon  Satan  and  his  cause,  fur  the  injury  which  they 
have  sustained ; and  with  their  dying  lips,  or  in  i heir  dying 
moments,  to  render  some  service  to  the  church  of  God.  And 
indeed,  some  who  have  disgraced  the  gospel,  and  rejoiced  the 
hearts  of  his  enemies,  have  afterwards  been  so  deeply  hum- 
bled, and  have  closed  their  lives  in  such  a manner,  as  hath 
more  than  counterbalanced  all,  and  turned  the  triumphings  of 
wicked  men  into  confusion.  {Notes,  and  P.  O.  1 Chr.  29:)— 
Successful  villany  will  soon  be  punished  : and  not  only  the 
prayers  of  the  church,  but  the  intercession  of  Christ  himself, 
will  eventually  ensure  the  destruction  of  those,  who  treache- 
rously, cruelly,  and  impenitenlly  hate  and  persecute  his  ser- 
vants. How  then  can  they  escape  destruction?  May  God 
help  us  to  walk  humbly  and  watchfully  ; to  abstain  from 
fleshly  lusts,  and  avoid  the  beginnings  of  evil ; and  to  beware 
of  the  subtlety  of  Satan  and  bis  agents,  and  the  deceitful- 
ness of  our  own  hearts  : and  may  our  unreserved  love  and 
entire  dependence  be  placed  on  the  divine  Saviour.  He  con- 
quered by  dying,  and  rose  to  triumph  : and  by  his  power  all 
his  true  people  shall  conquer  and  triumph  also.  Here  they 
must  live  mingled  with  the  wicked,  and  die  outwardly  in  the 
same  manner:  but  they  have  a Friend  to  receive  their 
departing  souls,  and  a place  in  heaven  prepared  for  them. 
(Note,  John  14:2,3.  P.  O.  1 — 6.)  Their  bodies  may  or  may 
not  be  buried  together  with  those  of  the  wicked;  but  they 
shall  certainly  be  separated  at  the  resurrection  of  the  dead : 
the  one  “shall  go  away  into  everlasting  punishment,”  the 
other  “into  life  eternal.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  XVJI.  V.  1.  The  sacred  historian 
had,  in  the  preceding  chapters,  brought  down  the  narrative 
to  the  times  of  Eli,  who  is  thought  to  have  been  contempo- 
rary with  Samson:  but  inlhe  subsequent  chapters  he  records 
some  transactions,  which  seem  to  have  taken  place  not  many 
years  after  the  death  of  Joshua.  It  is  thought  by  many,  that 
they  occurred  before  Othniel  was  raised  up  to  judge  Israel ; 
(Note,  3:9,10.)  and  Phinehas  is  mentioned,  as  still  living, 
towards  the  close  of  them.  (20:28.)  “Israel  served  tho 
Lord ...  all  the  days  of  the  elders  that  outlived  Joshua:” 
(2:7.  Josh.  24:31.)  but  it  does  not  appear  how  many  years 
were  intended  in  this  general  statement.  Joshua  died  B.  C. 
1426,  or  1427.  Eleazar  seems  to  have  survived  him.  (Josh, 
24:33.)  Phinehas  is  supposed  by  some  to  have  continued  high- 
priest  twenty-five  years.  The  defection  after  the  death  of  the 
elders,  who  survived  Joshua,  may  be  supposed  to  have  been 
gradual : yet  the  following  chapters  give  the  reader  an  ideaol 
a very  general  and  deep  contamination.  # Perhaps  twenty  or 
twenty-two  years  had  elapsed  before  the  beginning  of  them. 
Othniel  is  supposed  to  have  been  raised  up  to  be  judge  soma 
years  after  this  term.  The  dates  affixed  at  the  head  of  these 
chapters  will  be  regulated  according  to  these  remarks : 
though  this  will  place  them  somewhat  later  than  many  learn- 
ed men  do. — The  annotations  on  the  three  last  chapters 
imply,  that  the  author  assumes  it  as  clear,  that  the  everit3 
recorded  were  subsequent  to  those  related  in  this  and  the 
following  chapter  ; as  the  Jews  do,  or  some  of  them  at  least. 
(Note,  20:20 — 25.)  Yet  many  date  them  at  an  earlier  period, 
probably  because  Phinehas  is  mentioned.  The  dates  wu 
( 459  ) 


B.  C.  1402.  JUDGES.  B.  C.  1400. 


silver,  and  gave  them  to  the  founder,  who  made 
thereof  a graven  image,  and  a molten  image : and 
they  were  in  the  house  of  Micah. 

5 And  the  man  Micah  had  han  house  of  gods, 
and  made  an  ‘ephod,  and  kteraphim,' and  'con- 
secrated one  ot  'his  sons,  who  became  his 
priest. 

6 In  those  days  there  was  mno  king  in  Israel, 
but  every  man  did  that  to  hie  h was  "right  in  his 
own  eyes. 

7 It  And  there  was  a young  man  out  of  “Beth- 
lehem-judah,  of  the  family  of  Judah,  who  was  a 
Levite,  and  he  sojourned  there. 

8 And  the  man  ^departed  out  of  the  city  from 
Beth-lehem-judah,  to  sojourn  where  he  could  find 
a place:  and  he  came  to  mount  Ephraim,  to  the 
house  of  Micah,  'as  he  journeyed. 

9 And  Micah  said  unto  him.  Whence  comest 
thou?  And  he  said  unto  him,  I am  a Levite  of 
Beth-lehem-judah,  and  I go  to  sojourn  where  I 
may  find  a place. 

10  And  Micah  said  unto  him,  Dwell  with  me, 
and  be  unto  me  oa  father  and  a priest,  and  rI  will 
give  thee  ten  shekels  of  silver  by  the  year,  and  *a 
suit  of  apparel,  and  thy  victuals.  So  the  Levite 
went  in. 

11  And  the  Levite  was  content  to  dwell  with 
the  man ; and  the  young  man  was  unto  him  as 
one  of  his  sons. 

12  And  Micah  “consecrated  the  Levite;  and 

n 18:24.  Gen.  31:30.  Ezra  1:7.  Hos.8:14.  18:37.  18:14.  Ex.  28:4,15.  1 Sam. S3: 
6.  k Gen.  31:19.  marg.  Hos.  3:4.  * Heb.  fill, dlhehurul.  Ex.  29:9.  1 Kings  12:31. 
13:33,34.  Heb.  5:1.  1 Ex.  81:3.  n:  18:1.  19:1.  21:25.  Gen.  36:31.  Dent.  33:5. 
n Dent.  12:8.  Ps.  12  4.  Prov.  12:15.  14:12.  16:2.  Ec.  11:9.  Jer.  44:16,17.  o 19: 
1,2.  Gen.  35:19.  Huth  1:1,2.  Mic.5:2.  Matt.  2:1, 5.6.  p 11.  Nell.  13:10,11. 
t Heb.  in  making  his  way.  q 11.  18:19.  Gen.  45:8.  2 Kings  6:21 . 8:8,9.  13:14. 
Job  29:16.  Is.  22:21.  r 18:20.  1 Sam.  2:36.  Ez.  13:19.  Mult.  26:15.  John  12:6. 


here,  however,  be  placed  according  to  the  former  supposi- 
tion.— But  the  chronology  of  this  book  is  peculiarly  difficult 
and  uncertain. 

V.  2 — 4.  Micah’s  mother,  enraged  by  the  loss  of  her 
money,  openly  imprecated  the  divine  vengeance  upon  the 
thief,  if  he  did  not  restore  it,  declaring  that  it  was  devoted  to 
God  by  a solemn  vow  for  the  benefit  of  her  son:  (Marg. 
Ref.  b,  e,  f.)  and  he,  having  stolen  it,  was  affrighted  by  this 
curse,  disclosed  the  theft,  and  restored  the  money.  (Note, 
Prov.  28:24.)  Thus  he  obtained  her  blessing,  such  as  it  was. 
In  consequence  two  hundred  shekels  were  expended  in  making 
two  images  ; and  perhaps  the  remaining  nine  hundred  shekels, 
in  preparation  for  the  idolatrous  worship. 

V.  5.  An  house  of  gods.']  Or,  of  God.  It  is  probable, 
that  Micah  purposed  to  worship  the  God  of  Israel ; but  he 
ignorantly  imagined,  that,  having  appointed  his  son  to  be  a 
priest,  he  might  in  this  manner  serve  God  as  acceptably , as 
by  going  up  to  the  tabernacle,  and  more  conveniently.  (Note, 
8:27.)  Thus  idolatry  seems  to  have  been  first  openly  set  up 
in  Israel,  by  Micah  and  his  mother.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes, 
Ex.  20:4,5.  32:2 — 6.  1 Kings  12:26—33.  Hos.  8:14.) 

V.  6.  Either  there  was  no  judge  at  that  time,  or  he  did 
not  possess  sufficient  authority  to  repress  idolatry,  as  a king 
might  have  done.  (Note,  1.)  This  seems  to  intimate,  that 
there  were  kings  when  the  history  was  written ; and  implies, 
that  nothing  can  be  more  pernicious  to  a people,  than  to  be 
left  without  coercive  authority.  (Notes,  18:7 — 10.  19:1.  Rom. 
13:1 — 5.) — It  is  probable  also,  that  the  law  for  appointing 
judges  in  every  city  was  not  duly  attended  to.  (Notes,  2:1 
—5.  Dcut.  16:18,19.  17:8—13.) 

V.  7,  8.  This  man’s  father  was  a Levite,  but  by  mar- 
riage he  was  allied  to  the  tribe  of  Judah,  and  so  had  been  a 
sojourner  at  Bethlehem.  But  he  left  that  place  to  seek  some 
other  situation.  Perhaps,  in  those  unquiet  times,  the  tithes 
were  not  paid  very  regularly  : yet  it  can  hardly  be  supposed 
that  a Levite  of  good  character  was  constrained  from  mere 
want,  to  ramble  like  a vagabond.  He  seems  to  have  been  a 
man  of  an  unsettled  disposition,  who  did  not  choose  to  be 
under  the  control  of  the  priests. 

V.  10 — 13.  The  terms  proposed  by  Micah  do  not  seem 
to  have  been  very  advantageous  : but  the  Levite  thought  the 
situation  honourable,  and  a kind  of  preferment  ; especially 
as  Micah  spake  of  his  being  a father  and  a priest.  Thus  he 
was  induced  to  intrude  into  the  sacerdotal  office  ; and  Micah 
presumed  to  consecrate  him.  (Note,  2 Chr.  11:13 — 17.) 
And  so  satisfied  was  Micah  with  what  he  had  done,  that,  he 
deemed  himself  sure  of  the  Lord’s  blessing  on  that  account; 
for  it  seems  he  deemed  the  priesthood  of  his  son  informal. 
(5)  But  instead  of  having  now  done  better,  he  had  added  to 
all  his  other  crimes,  that  of  tempting  a Levite  to  act  as  a 
priest,  and  to  commit  idolatry.  (Notes,  John  16:1 — 3.  Acts 
26:9—11.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Old  ago  will  not  wean  the  heart  from  lovo  to  worldly  objects  ; 
azri  when  men  have  lost  their  relish  for  other  sinful  indul- 
( 460  > 


the  young  man  became  lhis  priest,  and  was  in  the 
house  of  Micah. 

13  Then  said  Micah,  “Now  know  I that  the 
Lord  will  do  me  good,  seeing  I have  a Levite  to 
my  priest. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

The  Danites  send  five  men  to  seek  an  inheritance  for  them,  1, 2.  Meeting  with 
Micah' s J.evite , they  consult  him , and  are  encouraged  to  proceed '.’3—6. 
They  search  Laish , and  bring  back  an  encouraging  report,  7—10.  Six  hw+ 
drea  men  are  sent  to  surprise  the  place , 11,  12.  They  rob  Micah  of  his  idols, 
and  entice  away  his  priest,  13 — 21.  Micah  pursues  them,  but  is  frightened 
back  by  threats,  22—26.  They  take  Laish,  and  call  it  Dan,  27—29.  They 
set  up  idolatry  ; and  Micah' s Levite,  who  was  called  Jonathan , and  his  son* 
after  him,  become  the  priests,  30,  31. 

IN  those  days  there  was  “no  king  in  Israel : and 
in  those  days  bthe  tribe  of  the  Danites  sought 
them  an  inheritance  to  dwell  in  ; “for  unto  that 
day  all  their  inheritance  had  not  fallen  unto  them 
among  the  tribes  of  Israel. 

2  And  the  children  of  Dan  sent  of  their  family 
five  men  from  their  coasts,  'men  of  valour,  from 
dZorah,  and  from  Eshtaol,  “to  spy  out  the  land, 
and  to  search  it ; and  they  said  unto  them,  Go, 
search  the  land  : who,  when  they  came  to  'mount 
Ephraim,  to  the  house  of  Micah,  they  lodged 
•there. 

3  When  they  were  by  the  house  of  Micah, 
ethey  knew  the  voice  of  the  young  man  the 
Levite;  and  they  turned  in  thither,  and  said  unto 
him,  Who  brought  thee  hither?  and  whatmakest 
thou  in  this  place?  hand  what  hast  thou  here  ? 

4  And  he  said  unto  them,  Thus  and  thus 


1 Tim.  6:10.  1 Pet.  5:2.  } Or,  a double  suit, &c.  Heb.  an  order  of  garm.nl.. 
b 5.  I 18:30.  Num.  16:5,8—10.  I Kings  12:31.  13:33,34.  u Pros.  14:12.  Is.  44: 
20.  66:3,4.  Matt.  15:9,13.  John  16:2.  Acts  26:9.  Rom.  10:2,3.  a 17:6.  19:1.  21: 
25.  b Josh.  19:40— 48.  cl:34.  • Heb.  sons,  ti  8, 1 1 . 13:2,25.  16:31 . Josh.  19: 
41.  e Num.  13:17.  Josh.  2:1.  Prov.  20:18.  Luke  14:31.  f 17:1.  19:1,18.  Josh. 
17:15—18.  g 12:6.  Gen.  27— 22.  Malt.  26:73.  his.  22:16. 


gences,  avarice  frequently  acquires  double  force:  but  every 
idol  is  liable  to  be  torn  from  them,  and  their  inordinate  love 
increases  their  grief  and  resentment  for  the  loss  of  it. — The 
curse  causeless  hurts  only  the  person  who  vents  it;  yet  when 
children  rob  their  parents,  they  may  expect  from  them  a 
curse-  instead  of  a blessing,  and  in  consequence  the  displea- 
sure of  God. — Confession  and  restitution,  though  attendants 
on  true  repentance,  do  not  always  imply  it.  (Note,  MatL 
27:3 — 5.) — Those  parents  who  have  not  by  their  instructions 
or  examples,  taught  their  children  their  duty  to  God,  but 
have  been  their  tempters  to  ungodliness,  cannot  reasonably 
expect  that  they  should  perform  their  duty  to  them. — Riches 
are  seldom  made  a good  use  of:  indeed  they  are  commonly 
idolized,  either  in  themselves,  or  in  those  things  which  the 
proud  and  sensual  purchase  with  them. — Men  naturally  lovo 
their  own  inventions  in  religion,  being  more  flattering  to  pride, 
and  more  indulgent  to  their  sloth  and  lusts,  than  the  appoint- 
ments of  God  are  ; and  the  liberality  of  superstitious  people 
often  shames  the  niggardliness  of  the  professors  of  true  reli- 
gion.— They  who  once  deviate  from  the  rule  of  the  sacred 
Scriptures,  will  in  general  wander  more  and  more  widely,  and 
bewilder  themselves  more  entirely  ; and  will  presumptuously 
expect  a reward  for  the  very  practices  which  God  abhors ! 
— When  pride,  an  unsettled  temper,  ignorance,  and  sloth,  in 
those  appointed  to  the  ministry,  meet  with  poverty  or  extra- 
vagance ; by  the  prospect  of  secular  advantage  they  may  be 
induced  to  patronise  crimes,  and  become  ringleaders  in  trans- 
gression; while  their  example  and  concurrence  serve  to  quiet 
every  remaining  scruple  in  the  consciences  of  others. — Many 
wealthy  people  love  to  have  such  14  Levites  for  their  priests,’1 
because  instead  of  reproving  their  sins,  they  imbolden  them 
in  the  commission  of  them ; and  induce  them  to  conclude, 
that  there  is  no  reality  in  religion,  as  its  ministers  are  so  mer- 
cenary and  ungodly. 

NOTES— Chap.  XVTII.  V.  1.  (Note,  17:6.)  Tho 
tribe  of  Dan  had  its  lot  within  that  at  first  assigned  to  Judah, 
and  near  to  the  Philistines  : so  that,  through  their  own  no 
gleet  or  cowardice,  and  concurrent  causes,  they  had  boen  in 
part  kept  out  of  possession  of  it,  and  wore  therefore  greatly 
straitened  at  this  time.  (Notes,  1:34,36.  Josh.  19:40 — 48.) 

V.  2 — 4.  Hath  hired  me.  (4)  Marg.  Ref  Note , 17» 
10—13. 

V.  5,  6.  It  does  not  appear  that  the  Danites  had  con- 
sulted the  Lord  by  his  high-priest,  about  their  intended  enter- 
prise : but  when  the  spies  met  with  this  Levite,  whom  they 
had  known  in  his  former  rambles,  and  were  informed  by  him 
that  he  was  become  a priest,  they  bethought  themselves  of 
inquiring  by  him  ; in  which  their  ignorance  and  inattention 
were  lamentably  exposed. — The  Levite,  it  is  probable, having 
gone  through  his  form,  answered  them  according  to  their 
inclinations,  in  the  language  of  piety  : ( Notes,  1 Kings 
6,13,14.)  and  his  words  being  verified  by  the  event,  raised 
the  reputation  of  the  oracle,  and  sanctioned  the  idolatry.— 
Thus  all  the  mistakes  and  lies  of  fortune-tellers  monthly  pro- 
gnosticators, and  other  uretended  prophtU?  .if  vVerloeked  oi 


B.  C.  1400 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


B.  C.  140C. 


dealeth  Micah  with  me,  and  hath  'hired  me,  and 

1 am  his  priest. 

5 And  they  said  unto  him,  kAsk  counsel,  we 
pray  thee,  'of  God,  that  we  may  know  whether 
our  way  which  we  go  shall  be  prosperous. 

6 And  the  priest  said  unto  them,  roGo  in  peace : 
•before  the  Lord  is  your  way  wherein  ye  go. 

7 Then  the  five  men  departed,  and  came  to 
'Laish,  and  saw  the  people  that  were  therein, 
•how  they  dwelt  careless,  alter  the  manner  of  the 
Zidonians,  quiet  and  secure ; and  there  was  no 
Magistrate  in  the  land,  that  might  put  them  to 
shame  in  any  thing:  and  they  were  far  from  the 
Zidonians,  and  had  no  business  with  any  man. 

8 And  they  came  unto  their  brethren  to  pZorah 
and  Eshtaol : and  their  brethren  said  unto  them, 
What  say  ye? 

9 And  they  said,  lArise,  that  we  may  go  up 
against  them:  for  we  have  seen  the  land,  and, 
behold,  it  is  very  good : and  Tare  ye  still  ? ’be 
not  slothful  to  go,  and  to  enter  to  possess  the 

•and. 

10  When  ye  go,  ye  shall  come  unto  a people 
secure,  and  to  a large  land  : for  ‘God  hath  given  it 
into  your  hands;  a place  “where  there  is  no  want 
of  any  thing  that  is  in  the  earth.  [ Practical  observations .] 

11  If  And  there  went  from  thence  of  the  family 
of  the  Danites,  out  of  Zorah  and  out  of  Eshtaol, 
six  hundred  men  lappointed  with  weapons  of 
war. 

12  And  they  went  up,  and  pitched  in  vKirjath- 
jearim  in  Judah:  wherefore  they  called  that  place 
•Mahaneh-dan  unto  this  day;  behold,  it  is  behind 
Kirjath-jearim. 

13  And  they  passed  thence  unto  Amount 
Ephraim,  and  came  unto  the  house  of  Micah. 

14  Then  answered  the  five  men  that  went  to 
spy  out  the  country  of  Laish,  and  said  unto  their 
brethren,  Do  ye  know  that  there  is  ‘in  these 
houses  an  ephod,  and  teraphim,  and  a graven 
image,  and  a molten  image?  “now  therefore  con- 
sider what  ye  have  to  do. 

15  And  they  turned  thitherward,  and  came  to 
the  house  of  the  young  man  the  Levite,  even  unto 
the  house  of  Micah,  and  ^saluted  him. 

16  And  the  bsix  hundred  men  appointed  with 
their  weapons  of  war,  which  were  of  the  children 
of  Dan,  stood  by  the  entering  of  the  gate. 

117:10.  Prof.  28:21.  Is.  56:11.  57.13:19.  Hos.  4-8,9.  Mol.  1:10.  John  10:12,13. 
Acts4:l3 — 21.  20:33.  1 Tim.  3:3.  Tit.  1:11.  2 Pet.  2:3,14,15.  It  1 Kinjs  22:5. 

2 Kii.es  16:15.  Is.  30:1.  Ei. 21:21.  Hns.4:12.  Acts 8:10.  I 14.  17:5,13.  m I Kings 
22  6,12,15.  Jer. '23.21, 22.32.  n Dent.  11:12.  Ps.  33: 13.  1 Thes.  3:11 . - Josh. 
19  47.  Leshevi.  o 27,28.  Rev.  18:7.  t Heb.  possessor,  or,  heir,  of  restraint. 
I S.i m.  3:13.  1 Kings  1:6.  Rom.  13:3.  1 Pel. 2:14.  p 2,11.  13:2.  16:31.  oNum. 
.3:30.  14:7 — 9.  Josh.  2:24.  rlKi»gs22:3.  s Josh.  18:3.  1 Sam.  4:9.  2 Sam. 
M:12.  John  6:27.  Heb.  6:11,12.  2 Pet.  1:10,1 1 . t Deut.  2:29.  4:1 . Josh.  6:16. 
u Ex.  3:9.  Deut.  8:7 — 9.  11:11,12.  Ez.  20:6.  1 Tim.  6:17.  J Heb.  girded, 
v Josh.  13:60.  1 Sam.  7:1.  x 13:25.  murf.  y 2,3.  17:1.  19:1.  Josh.  24:30,33. 
*.  3,4.  17:5.  a Prov.  19:27.  Ia.  8:19.20.  § Heb.  asked  him  of  “peace.  Gen.  37: 


soon  forgotten,  because  they  sometimes  happen  to  conjecture 
right ; and  these  random  guesses,  when  they  prove  to  be  right, 
raise  their  credit  with  the  ignorant  and  credulous. 

V.  7 — 10.  Laish,  or  Leshem,  lay  in  the  northern  extre- 
mity of  Canaan,  but  within  the  boundaries  of  the  promised 
land ; and  perhaps  it  had  been  originally  allotted  to  the 
Danites,  in  addition  to  their  too  contracted  inheritance. 
But  the  Israelites  so  neglected  to  prosecute  their  victories, 
that  the  Canaanites  despised  them  : and  this  people,  abiding 
unmolested  in  a very  plentiful  country,  had  no  magistrates, 
and  were  not  secured  by  walls,  troops,  or  alliances  ; but  every 
one  lived  according  to  his  own  inclination,  without  either  fear  or 
shame! — It  seems  indeed  to  have  been  considered  as  a part 
of  the  territory  of  the  Zidonians  ; but  it  lay  at  a considerable 
distance  eastward  of  Zidon,  and  had  no  direct  dependence 
on  that  city,  or  protection  from  it,  or  intercourse  with  it.  (28) 
( Marg . Ref.) 

V.  11,  12.  So  small  a company  as  six  hundred  men  out 
of  this  large  tribe,  (j Num.  26:42,43.)  unassisted  by  their 
brethren,  marching  on  this  enterprise,  manifested  how  regard- 
less the  Israelites  were  of  the  public  cause,  and  how  intent 
upon  personal  indulgence.  Yetthis small  troop, in  confidence 
of  success,  took  their  families  with  them.  (21)  “ Mahaneh- 
dan”  signifies  the  camp  of  Dan.  (Note,  13:25.) 

V.  13—26.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  Levite’s  answer  to  the 
spies  having  been  apparently  verified  by  the  event,  they  seem 
to  have  concluded  that  he  would  be  a valuable  acquisilion,  if 
they  could  induce  him  to  accompany  them ; especially  if  they 
could  also  take  Micah’s  images,  ephod,  and  teraphim  with 
them : and  at  their  instance,  the  Danites  were  led  to  form  a 
plan  for  that  purpose.  They  were  going  to  seek  a settlement 


17  And  the  'five  men  that  went  to  spy  out  the 
land  went  up,  and  came  in  thither,  and  took  dthe 
graven  image,  and  the  ephod,  and  the  teraphim, 
and  the  molten  image : and  the  priest  stood  in 
the  entering  of  the  gate  with  the  six  hundred 
men  that  were  appointed  with  weapons  of  war. 

18  And  these  went  into  Micalrs  house,  and 
fetched  the  carved  image,  the  ephod,  and  the 
teraphim,  and  the  molten  image.  Then  said  the 
priest  unto  them,  What  do  ye  ? 

19  And  they  said  unto  him,  Hold  thy  peace, 
'lay  Ihine  hand  upon  thy  mouth,  and  go  with  us, 
and  be  to  us  ‘a  father  and  a priest : is  it  better  for 
thee  to  be  a priest  unto  the  house  of  one  man,  or 
that  thou  be  a priest  unto  a tribe  and  a family  in 
Israel  ? 

20  And  the  priest’s  eheart  was  glad,  and  he 
took  the  ephod,  and  the  teraphim,  and  the  graven 
image,  and  went  in  the  midst  of  the  people. 

21  So  they  turned  and  departed,  and  put  the 
little  ones,  and  the  cattle,  and  the  carriage,  before 
them. 

22  And  when  they  were  a good  way  from  the 
house  of  Micah,  the  men  that  were  in  the  houses 
near  to  Micah’s  house  were  gathered  together, 
and  overtook  the  children  of  Dan. 

23  And  they  cried  unto  the  children  of  Dan : 
and  they  turned  their  faces,  and  said  unto  Micah, 
hWhat  aileth  thee,  that  thou  "comest  with  such  a 
company  ? 

24  And  he  said,  Ye  have  taken  away  my  gods 
which  I made,  and  the  priest,  and  ye  are  gone 
away  ; and  “what  have  I more  ? and  what  is  this 
that  ye  say  unto  me,  What  aileth  thee  ? 

25  And  the  children  of  Dan  said  unto  him,  Let 
not  thy  voice  be  heard  among  us,  lest  ’’angry  fel- 
lows run  upon  thee,  and  thou  lose  thy  life,  with 
the  lives  of  thy  household. 

26  And  the  children  of  Dan  went  their  way : 
and  when  Micah  saw  that  they  were  too  strong 
for  him,  he  turned  and  went  back  unto  his 
house. 

27  IT  And  they  took  the  things  which  Micah 
had  made,  and  the  priest  which  he  had,  and  came 
unto  iLaish,  unto  a people  that  were  at  quiet  and 
secure : and  kthey  smote  them  with  the  edge  of 
the  sword,  and  ’burnt  the  city  with  fire. 

28  And  mthere  was  no  deliverer,  because  it  teas 


14.  43:27.  1 Sam.  17:22.  marg.  2 Kings  4:26.  Matt.  10:12,13.*LuJre  10:4 — 6.  joHd 
14:27.  b 11.  c 2,14.  d 6:31 . 17:4,5.  Ex.  32:20.  1 Sam.  4:1 1.  6:2—  9.  2 Kings 
19:18,19.  Is.  46:1,2,7.  e Job  21:5.  29:9.  40:4,5.  Prov.  30:32.  Mic.  7:16.  f '7: 
10.  2 Kings  6:21.  8:8,9.  13:14.  Matt.  23:9.  g 17:10.  Prov.  30:15.  Is.55il 
Ez. 13:19.  Hos.  4:8.  Acts  20:33.  Phil.  3:19.  2 Pet.  2:3,15,16.  hGen.21- 
1 Sam.  11:5.  2 Sam.  14:5.  2 Kings  6:28.  Ps.  114  :5.  Is.  22:1 . II  Heb.  art  gathe  ed 
together.  i 17:13.  Ps.  115:8.  Is.  44:18— 20.  Jer. 50:38.  51:17.  Ez.23;5.  Hnh  2: 
18,19.  Acts  19:26.  Rev. 17:2.  IT  Heb.  bitter  of  soul.  1 Sam.  30:6.  2 Sam.  17-9 
Job.  3:5.  27:2.  marg.  j 7,10.  k Deut.  33:22.  Josh.  19:47.  1 Josh.  11:11 

m 2 Sam.  14:6.  marg.  Ps.7:2.  50:22.  Dan.  3:15—17. 


at  a great  distance  from  Shiloh;  and,  it  may  well  be  thought, 
were  desirous  of  excusing  themselves  fir  jrn  the  long  journeys, 
which  attending  on  the  worship  at  the  sanctuary  would 
require:  and  here  was  a priest,  and  an  oracle,  and  all  which 
they  deemed  requisite  for  their  religious  observances,  ready 
prepared  for  their  purpose.  They  were  evidently  very  igno- 
rant ; and  they  absurdly  concluded,  that  they  should,  by 
taking  these,  secure  the  presence  and  favour  of  the  God  of 
Israel,  in  their  expedition  and  settlement.  (Note,  17:10 — 13.) 
They  coveted  Micah’s  house  of  gods,  and  supposing  that  he 
could  not  be  induced  by  fair  means  to  part  with  them,  they 
determined  to  plunder  his  temple  ; and  afier  they  ha4  effected 
this,  they  found  no  difficulty  in  engaging  his  priest  to  accom- 
pany them,  by  a prospect  of  far  better  preferment  than  he 
then  possessed.  They  perhaps  supposed  the  piety  of  their 
motives,  and  the  goodness  of  their  end,  would  justify  the 
means.  But  it  was  a base  robbery  of  Micah,  aggravated  by 
the  Levite’s  ingratitude,  and  by  their  violence  and  menaces, 
it  was,  however,  a very  suitable  introduction  to  their  subse- 
quent idolatry  and  aposlacy. — Micah,  though  ignorant  and 
immoral,  yet  deemed  his  religion  his  chief  treasure  ; and  when 
the  Danites  had  taken  from  him  that  in  which  he  had  gloried, 
and  on  account  of  which  he  was  confident  “ the  Lord  would 
do  him  good,”  he  counted  himself  to  have  lost  his  all,  and 
intimated  that  they  might  as  well  have  taken  all  the  rest  of 
his  substance!  Yet  his  zeal  for  his  images  did  not  induce 
him  to  venture  his  life  in  attempting  to  recover  them. 

V.  27—29.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  30,  31.  Jonathan  was  the  name  of  this  Levite,  but  it  is 
not  known  of  what  family  he  was  ; for  Gershom  and  Manas 
seh  were  names  common  in  Israel.  The  tradition  of  the 
( 461  ) 


B.  0.  1393. 


JUDGES. 


B.  C.  1398 


“far  from  Zidon,  and  they  had  no  business  with 
any  man  ; and  it  was  in  the  valley  that  lieth  by 
•Beth-rehob : and  they  built  a city,  and  dwelt 
therein. 

29  And  they  called  the  name  of  the  city  rDan, 
after  the  name  of  Dan  th^ir  lather,  'Hvho  was 
born  unto  Israel : howbeit  the  name  of  the  city 
was  Laish  at  the  first. 

30  And  the  children  of  Dan  rset  up  the  graven 
image : and  Jonathan,  the  son  of  Gershom,  the 
son  of  Manasseh,  he  and  his  sons  were  priests  to 
the  tribe  of  Dan,  "until  the  day  of  the  captivity 
of  the  land. 

31  And  they  sat  them  up  Micah’s  graven  image, 
which  he  made,  ‘all  the  time  that  the  house  of  God 
was  in  Shiloh. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

A Levite' s concubine  commits  adultery , and  returns  to  her  father , 1,  2.  The 
Levite  goes  to  take  her  back , and  is  kindly  entertained , 3 — 9.  They  depart , 
a ’ a late  hour , and  lodge  at  Gibeah,  being  entertained  by  an  old  man  of 
Ephraim , ir ho  sojourned  there , 1U — 21.  The  men  of  the  city  beset  the  house , 
with  a vile  intent  ; the  Levite  yields  up  his  concubine,  who  is  abused  till  she 
dies , 22—28.  He  divides  her  body  into  twelve  parts,  and  sends  one  to  each 
tribe,  29,  30. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  in  those  days,  “when 
there  was  no  king  in  Israel,  that  there  was  a 
certain  Levite  sojourning  on  the  side  of  bmount 
Ephraim,  who  took  to  him  'a  concubine  out  of 
eBeth-lehem-judah. 

2  And  his  concubine  ‘'played  the  whore  against 
him,  and  went  away  from  him  unto  her  father’s 
house  to  Beth-lehem-judah,  and  was  there  'four 
whole  months. 


nl.  Josh.  11:8.  Is.  23:4,12.  o Kura.  13:21.  Rehob.  2snra.  10:6.  p20:l. 
Gen.  11:14.  Josh.  19:17.  2 Sam.  1 7: 1 1 . 1 Kings  12:29,30.  15:20.  q Gen.  30:6. 
32:28.  r Ex.  20:1.  Lev.  25:1.  Deut.  17:2 — 7.27:15.31:16,29.  s 13:1.  I Sam. 
4:2,3,10.11.  I s. 78:60— 62.  t 19:18.  21 : 12.  Josh.  18: 1.  1 Sam.  1:3.  4:4.  Jer.7;12. 
a 17:6.  18:1.21:25.  b 17:1,8.  Josh.  21:30, 33.  * lleb.  a woman,  a concubine,  or 
a wife,  a concubine.  Gen.  22:24  . 25:6  . 2 Sam.  3:7.  5:13.  16:22.  19:5.20:3. 
1 Kings  11:3.  2Chr.  11:21.  Esth.2.14.  Cant.  6:8,9.  Dan.  5:3.  Mai.  2:15.  c 17: 


Jews,  that  he  was  the  grandson  of  Moses,  is  in  all  respects 
nighly  improbable. — As  Dan  lay  on  the  northern  extremity  of 
the  land,  none  of  the  judges  were  able  to  destroy  this  idolatry, 
which  continued  4i  all  the  time  that  the  house  of  God  was  in 
Shiloh.”  This  proves  that  the  captivity  here  mentioned  was 
that  of  the  ark,  by  the  Philistines,  in  the  time  of  Eli.  (Notes, 
1 Sam.  4:  5:)  It  may  be  supposed  that  Samuel  or  David 
put  an  end  to  it. — Jeroboam  set  up  the  worship  of  one  of  the 
golden  calves  in  this  very  city.  (1  Kings , 12:28 — 30.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  If  men  were  as  sensibly  affected  with  the  wants 
of  the  soul  as  with  those  of  the  body,  the  inheritance  of  the 
kingdom  of  heaven,  though  distant,  and  future,  would  not  be 
neglected ; and  the  labour,  danger,  and  self-denial,  which  lie 
in  the  way,  would  no  longer  affright  or  deter  them  from  seeking 
it. — Whatever  valour,  wisdom,  or  diligence  we  employ  in 
any  undertaking,  we  shall  not  be  suscessful  in  a comfortable 
and  profitable  way,  if  we  neglect  to  consult  the  Lord,  and  to 
seek  his  assistance  and  blessing.— 1Ungodly  men  generally 
find  out  those  of  their  own  character  in  every  place.  And 
they,  who  along  with  a worldly  heart,  and  much  ignorance  or 
error,  have  yet  convictions  of  conscience,  that  they  ought  to 
worship  and  serve  some  superior  power,  often  meet  with  a 
superstition,  or  false  religion,  apparently  deviled  and  framed 
on  purpose  for  them:  as  indeed  it  is;  for  Satan,  who  works 
in  the  children  of  disobedience,  and  prompts  the  devisers  of 
every  species  of  delusion,  knows  well  what  will  suit  the  taste, 
and  state  of  heart,  and  convenience,  of  those  whom  he  aims 
to  delude  ; and  he  forms  his  plans  accordingly. — Success  does 
not  prove  our  undertakings  pleasing  to  God,  any  more  than  a 
fortunate  conjecture  proves  a man  a prophet : for  the  former 
is  sometimes  sent  as  a curse;  and  the  latter  is  permitted,  in 
order  to  punish  those  who  despise  and  hate  the  truth.  (Notes, 
Deut.  13:1 — 5.  2 Thes.  2:8 — 12.)— We  ought  to  be  very 
thankfi4  for  good  government,  and  for  magistrates  who  put 
men  to  shame  for  their  crimes  ; without  which  they  can  scarcely 
be  prevented  from  destroying  each  other.  The  blessings  also 
of  liberty  and  prosperity  call  for  gratitude:  yet  when  they 
produce  sloth,  self-indulgence,  and  carnal  security,  they 
indicate  approaching  destruction. — Worldly  men,  finding  “no 
want  of  any  thing  that  is  in  the  earth,”  do  not  consider  the 
disadvantages  which  they  lie  under  with  respect  to  their  souls : 
for  if  their  situations  or  occupations  are  not  consistent  with 
true  religion,  they  can  either  do  without  any  religion,  or  adopt 
one  more  suited  to  their  convenience. 

V.  11 — 31.  Those  who  are  destitute  of  the  fear  of  God, 
wili  seize  on  whatever  they  covet,  when  they  possess  power, 
and  can  do  it  with  impunity:  for  justice,  gratitude,  and  the 
rights  of  hospitality  form  hut  feeble  barriers  in  their  way. 
Indeed,  injustice  and  idolatry  consist  well  with  each  other  ; 
for  Satan  loves  44  robbery  for  burnt-offering,”  though  God 
44  abhors  it.” — They  who  do  wrong  are  commonly  much 
offended,  if  the  injured  party  dares  to  complain  or  remonstrate; 
nnd  thus  theft  is  frequently  an  introduction  to  murder,  through 
( 462  ) 


3 And  her  husband  arose,  and  'went  after  her 
to  f speak  1 friendly  unto  her,  and  to  bring  he. 
again,  having  ehis  servant  with  him,  and  a couple 
of  asses  ; and  she  brought  him  into  her  father’s 
house ; and  when  the  father  of  the  damsel  saw 
him,  he  rejoiced  to  meet  him. 

4 And  his  father-in-law,  the  damsel’s  father, 
retained  him  ; and  he  abode  with  him  three  days: 
so  they  did  eat  and  drink,  and  lodged  there. 

5 And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  fourth  day,  when 
they  arose  early  in  the  morning,  that  he  rose  up  to 
depart:  and  the  damsel’s  father  said  unto  his  son- 
in-law,  ^Comfort  thine  heart  with  a morsel  jf 
bread,  and  afterward  go  your  way. 

6 And  they  sat  down,  and  did  eat  and  drink 
both  of  them  together : for  the  damsel’s  father 
had  said  unto  the  man,  Be  content,  I pray  thee 
and  tarry  all  night,  and  'let  thine  heart  be  merry 

7 And  when  the  man  rose  up  to  depart,  his 
father-in-law  urged  him ; therefore  he  lodged  there 
again. 

8 And  he  rose  early  in  the  morning  on  the 
fifth  day  to  depart:  and  the  damsel’s  father  said. 
Comfort  thine  heart,  I pray  thee.  And  they  tar- 
ried "until  afternoon,  and  they  did  eat  both  of 
them. 

9 And  when  the  man  rose  up  to  depart,  he, 
and  his  concubine,  and  his  servant;  his  father-in- 
law,  the  damsel’s  father,  said  unto  him,  Behold 
now,  the  day  "draweth  towards  evening,  I pray 
you  tarry  all  night:  behold,  the  "day  groweth  to 


8.  Oen.  35:19.  Mait.  2:6.  d Lev.  21:9.  Deut.  22:21.  Ez.  16:28.  t Or,  a year 
and  foui  months.  Heb.  days,  four  months,  e 15:1.  f Gen.  50:21.  Lev. 19:17. 
20:10.  Hos.  2:14.  Malt.  1:19.  John  8:4,5,11.  Gal.  6:1.  } Heb.  to  her  heart. 

Gen.  34:3.  gNum.  22:22.  § Heh.  strengthen.  Gen.  18:5.  1 Sam.  14:27 — 29. 

30:12.  1 Kings  13.7.  Us.  104:15.  John  4:34.  Acts  9:19.  i 9,21. 9:27.  16:25.  Ruth 
3:7.  1 Sam.  25:36.  Esth.  1:10.  Luke  12:19.  1 Thes.  5:3.  Rev.  11:  JO, 13.  II  Heb. 
till  the  day  declined.  U Heb.  is  weak.**  Heb.  it  is  the  pitching  time  of  the  day. 


the  combined  influence  of  avarice,  pride,  and  malignity.  But 
those  who  rob  God  of  his  glory,  and  tempt  others  to  iniquity, 
deserve  to  be  plundered  by  their  fellow-creatures  ; and  they 
who  trust  in  unprincipled  persons,  need  not  wonder  if  they 
are  deceived. — Mercenary  priests  in  every  age  are  ready  to 
go  the  most  disgraceful  lengths  to  obtain  preferment,  and  even 
to  put  up  their  services  for  sale  to  the  highest  bidder : while 
however  they  eagerly  seize  upon  the  proposed  advantage,  let 
them  remember  that  they  are  increasing  guilt,  shame,  mischief, 
and  condemnation. — When  the  removal  of  idols  weans  the 
heart  from  idolatry,  the  anguish  of  parting  will  be  made  up 
by  the  consequent  advantage : but  wretched  are  they,  who  are 
deprived  of  their  idols,  and  left  under  the  power  of  the  idolatrous 
affection!  Thus  death  will  rend  men  from  all  those  worldly 
objects,  on  which  they  have  placed  their  hearts : their  gods 
will  be  for  ever  gone,  and  “what  will  they  have  more?”  But 
the  case  of  self-confident  hypocrites,  when  disappointed  of 
all  their  towering  hopes,  will  be  peculiarly  dreadful. — Happy 
they,  who  renounce  all  for  Christ,  and  in  him  have  the  Lord 
for  their  God!  no  enemies  or  changes  can  take  away  their 
portion,  or  their  comfort.  But  if  we  would  have  this  felicity, 
we  must  carefully  attend  to  the  word  and  ordinances  of  God 
and  be  afraid  of  every  deviation  from  our  perfect  rule:  “for 
behold  how  great  a matter  a little  fire  kindleth!” 

NOTES. — Chap.  XIX.  V.  1.  The  events  recorded  in 
this  and  the  following  chapters,  occurred  while  Phinchas  the 
son  of  Eleazar  was  high-priest,  and  therefore  could  not  take 
place  very  long  after  the  death  of  Joshua.  (20,28.)  Eleazar 
seems  to  have  survived  Joshua.  (Josh.  24:33.)  Phinehas 
might  continue  high-priest  for  twenty-five  or  thirty  years.  I 
suppose  the  events  of  these  chapters  subsequent  to  those  in 
the  preceding. — There  was  then  no  king  in  Israel,  nor  any 
judge  who  exercised  authority  over  the  people  in  general : 
and  the  want  of  a regular  civil  government  produced  many 
fatal  effects,  notwithstanding  the  advantages  enjoyed  by  the 
Israelites  in  all  other  things.  (Note,  17:6.) 

V.  2.  This  woman  seems  to  have  been  the  Levite’s  only 
wife;  who  was  called  his  concubine , because  not  admitted 
to  all  the  privileges  of  the  conjugal  relation:  (Note,  Gen. 
25:5,6.)  but  her  father  is  called  his  father-in-law,  and  he  is 
called  her  husband.  (3,4.) — Having  been  guilty  of  adultery, 
she  fled  from  him  to  escape  punishment,  or  from  dread  of  his 
resentment. — It  is  remarkable,  that  no  mention  is  made  of 
any  other  Levites  in  this  whole  book,  except  of  him  who 
established  idolatry  at  Dan  ; and  of  this  man,  whose  concu- 
bine proved  the  occasion  almost,  of  extirpation  to  the  tribe  of 
Benjamin,  and  of  great  slaughter  in  the  other  tribes  ! Phinehas, 
the  high-priest,  is  also  named. — This  both  implies  a censure 
on  the  regular  ministers  of  religion  ; and  confirms  the  opinion 
that  the  regular  appointment  of  judges  was  neglected,  as  .he 
Levites  were  chiefly  called  to  that  office. 

V.  3,  4.  Perhaps  the  Levite  heard,  that  his  wi1*,  repented, 
and  was  dejected  under  conscious  guilt,  and  alarmed  lest  she 
should  be  marie  a public  example.  lie  thcrefo»«  vve  V ana 


B C.  1S9S. 


CHAPTER  XIX.  B.  C.  .398. 


an  lodge  here,  that  thine  heart  may  be  merry : 
and  "to-morrow  get  you  early  on  your  way,  that 
thou  mayest  go  ‘home. 

10  But  the  man  would  not  tarry  that  night, 
but  he  rose  up  and  departed,  and  came  'over 
against  'Jebus,  (which  is  Jerusalem ;)  and  there 
were  with  him  two  asses  saddled  ; his  concubine 

also  was  with  him.  [ Practical  Observations .] 

11  And,  when  they  were  by  Jebus,  the  day 
was  far  spent;  and  the  servant  said  unto  his 
master,  Come,  I pray  thee,  and  let  us  turn  in 
unto  this  city  of  “the  Jebusites,  and  lodge  in  it. 

12  And  his  master  said  unto  him,  We  will  not 
turn  aside  hither  into  the  city  of  a stranger,  that 
is  not  of  the  children  of  Israel ; we  will  pass  over 
to  Gibeah. 

13  And  he  said  unto  his  servant,  Come,  and  let 
us  draw  near  to  one  of  these  places  to  lodge  all 
night,  in  "Gibeah,  or  in  Ramah. 

14  And  they  passed  on,  and  went  their  way, 
and  the  sun  went  down  upon  them  when  they  were 
by  Gibeah  which  helongeth  to  Benjamin. 

15  And  they  turned  aside  thither  to  go  in,  and 
to  lodge  in  Gibeah  : and,  when  he  went  in,  he 
sat  him  down  in  a street  of  the  city ; for  there 
was  “no  man  that  took  them  into  his  house  to 
lodging. 

16  11  And,  behold,  there  came  an  old  man  from 
rhis  work  out  of  the  field  at  even,  which  ivas  also 
of  mount  Ephraim;  and  he  sojourned  in  Gibeah, 
but  the  men  of  the  place  were  Benjamites. 

17  And  when  he  had  lifted  up  his  eyes,  he 
saw  a wayfaring  man  in  the  street  of  the  city: 
and  the  old  man  said,  aWhither  goest  thou  5 and 
whence  comest  thou  ? 

18  And  he  said  unto  him,  We  are  passing  from 
Beth-lehem-judah  toward  the  side  of  mount 
Ephraim;  irom  thence  am  I:  and  I went  to 
Beth-lehem-judah,  but  I am  now  going  to  rthe 
house  of  the  Lord:  and  there  is  no  man  that 
rreceiveth  me  to  house. 

19  Yet  there  is  both  straw  and  provender  for 
our  asses ; and  there  is  bread  and  wine  also  for 
me,  and  for  thy  handmaid,  and  for  the  young  man 
which  is  with  thy  servants : there  is  no  want  of 
any  thing. 

20  And  the  old  man  said,  “Peace  he  with  thee: 

b Prov.  27:1. ‘Jam.  4:13,14.  * Heb.  to  iky  tent.  | Heb.  to  over  against.  11:8. 
Josh.  18:28.  2 Sam.  5:6.  m 10.  1:21.  Gen.  10:16.  Josh.  15:63.  n Josh.  18:25, 
IS.  I Sam.  10:26.  Is.  10:29.  ling.  5:8.  o 18.  Gen.  18:2—8.  19:2,3.  Matt.  25:35, 
43.  Heb.  13:2.  p Gen.  3:19.  Ps.  104:23.  128:2.  Prov  13:11.  14.23.  24:27.  Ec. 
1:13.  5:12.  Eph.  4:28.  1 Thes.  4:11,12.  2 Thes.  3:10.  q Gen.  16:8.  32:17.  r 18: 
81.20:18.  Josh.  13:1.  I Sam.  1:3  7.  J Heb . (rather eth.  15.  Ps.26:9.  s 6:23. 
G«n.  43:23.  1 Sam.  25:6.  1 Chr.  12:18.  I.nke  10:5,6.  John  14:27.  1 Cor.  1:3. 
t Rom.  12:13.  Gal.  6:6.  Heb.  13:2.  Jam.  2:15,16.  1 Pet  4:9.  1 John  3:18.  u Gen. 


spoke  friendly  and  affectionately  to  her,  and  a reconciliation 
was  speedily  effected,  at  which  his  father-in-law  rejoiced. — 
The  Levite’s  choice  seems  to  have  been  imprudent,  and  his 
affection  inordinate  ; but  in  other  respects  his  character 
appears  consistent  with  his  profession.  (Note,  15:1,2.) 

V.  12.  This  conduct  of  the  Levite,  in  refusing  to  seek  a 
lodging  among  idolaters,  shows  that  he  was  very  unlike  the 
Levite  of  whom  we  read  in  the  foregoing  chapters  ; and  it 
was  proper  that  he  should  by  his  example  protest  against  the 
disobedience  of  his  people,  in  associating  with  the  idolaters, 
and  even  contracting  marriages  with  them. — Jerusalem  ap- 
pears to  have  bedn  at  this  time  almost  wholly  occupied  by  the 
Jebusites  ; and  if  any  of  Judah  or  Benjamin  dwelt  there,  their 
number  and  influence  must  have  been  inconsiderable. 

V.  13—17.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  18.  Shiloh  lay  near  to  the  Levite’s  habitation  in  mount 
Ephraim.  Either  his  employment  required  his  attendance 
at  the  sanctuary ; or  he  purposed  to  offer  sacrifices,  suited  to 
the  circumstances  of  his  family,  before  he  returned  home. 

V.  19 — 21.  Marg.  Ref.  Job  31:32.  Notes , Gen.  18:3 — 
g 19*1 3 

V.  22 — 25.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Gen.  19:4 — 9.)  It  seems 
the  men  finally  refused  the  Ephraimite’s  daughter  ; but  at 
length,  attracted  by  the  beauty  of  the  Levite’s  concubine,  they 
went  off  with  her.  They  thought  also  of  murdering  the 
Levite  ; perhaps  because  he  would  not  at  first  give  up  his 
concubine,  and  because  he  resisted  their  brutal  violence. 
(20:5.)  i 

V.  2G — 30.  The  justice  of  God  was  displayed  even  by  the 
enormous  wickedness  of  these  men. — Adultery  was  punish- 
able by  death  ; this  woman  having  committed  adultery  was 
lbout  to  escape ; but  in  this  dreadful  manner  her  iniquity 
fc  \nd  her  out,  and  she  was  punished  in  kind  : (Lev.  20:10. 
No‘es,  Nu  n.  3?:23.)  yet  this  by  no  means  implies,  that  she 
did  not  rep  nt  and  find  mercy.  (2  Sani.  18:5.) — It  had  an 


howsoever,  llet  all  thy  wants  lie  upon  me ; only 
“lodge  not  in  the  street. 

21  So  he  brought  him  into  his  house,  and  gave 
provender  unto  the  asses  : and  “they  washed  their 
feet,  and  did  eat  and  drink. 

22  Now  as  they  were  making  their  hearts 
merry,  behold,  rthe  men  of  the  city,  certain  “sons 
of  Belial,  beset  the  house  round  about,  and  beat 
at  the  door,  and  spake  to  the  master  of  the  house, 
the  old  man,  saying,  "Bring  forth  the  man  that 
came  into  thine  house,  that  we  may  know  him. 

23  And  bthe  man,  the  master  of  the  house, 
went  out  unto  them,  and  said  unto  them,  Nay, 
my  brethren,  nay,  I pray  you,  do  not  so  wickedly; 
seeing  that  this  man  is  come  into  mine  house,  cdo 
not  this  folly. 

24  Behold,  here  is  my  daughter,  a maiden,  and 
his  concubine,  dthem  I will  bring  out  now,  and 
“humble  ye  them,  and  do  with  them  what  seemeth 
good  unto  you : but  unto  this  man  do  not  §so  vile 
a thing. 

25  But  the  men  would  not  hearken  to  him : so 
the  man  took  his  concubine,  and  brought  her 
forth  unto  them  ; and  they  f knew  her,  sand  abused 
her  all  the  night  until  the  morning  : and  when  the 
day  began  to  spring  they  let  her  go. 

26  Then  came  the  wdman  in  the  dawning  of  the 
day,  and  fell  down  at  the  door  of  the  man’s  house 
where  hher  lord  was,  till  it  was  light. 

27  And  her  lord  rose  up  in  the  morning,  and 
opened  the  doors  of  the  house,  and  went  out  to  go 
his  way : and,  behold,  the  woman  his  concubine 
was  fallen  down  at  the  door  of  the  house,  and  her 
hands  were  upon  the  threshold. 

28  And  he  said  unto  her,  Up,  and  let  us  he 
going  : 'but  none  answered.  Then  the  man  took 
her  up  upon  an  ass,  and  the  man  rose  up,  and  gat 
him  unto  his  place. 

29  And  when  he  was  come  into  his  house,  he 
took  a knife,  and  laid  hold  on  his  concubine,  and 
"divided  her,  together  'with  her  bones,  into  twelve 
pieces,  and  sent  her  into  all  the  coasts  of  Israel. 

30  And  it  was  so,  that  all  that  saw  it  said, 
There  was  no  such  deed  done  nor  seen,  from  the 
day  that  the  children  of  Israel  came  up  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt  unto  this  day  : “"consider  of  it,  take 
advice,  and  speak  your  minds. 

19:2,3.24:31—33.  x Gen.  18:4.  1 Sam.  25:41.  2 Sum. '.1:8.  Luke  7:44.  John 
13:4,5,14,15.  1 Tim.  5:10.  y 20:5.  Gen.  19:4.  Hos.  9:9.  10:9.  z Pent.  13:13. 
1 Sam.  1: IS.  2:12.  10:27.  25:25.  2 Cor.  6:15.  a Gen.  19:5.  Rom.  1:26,27.  1 < or. 
6:9.  Jude  7.  b Gen.  19:6,7.  c 20i6.  Gen.  34:7.  Josh.  7:15.  2Sam. 13:12. 
d Gen.  19:8.  Rom.  3:8.  e Gen.  34.2.  marg’.  Deut.  21:14.  § Heb.  the  matter  of 
this  folly,  f Gen.  4:1.  g Jer.  5:7,8.  Hos.  7:4 — 7.  9:9.  10:9.  Eph.  4:19.  h 3, 
27.  Gen.J8:12.  1 Pet.  3:6.  i 90:5.  1 Kings  18:29.  k ‘20:6.  1 Sam.  11:7.  Rom. 
10:2.  1 Deut.  21:22,23.  m 20:7.  1'rov.  11:14.  13:10.  15:22.  20:18.  24:6. 


inhuman  appearance,  thus  to  mangle  tl\e  dead  corpse  of  this 
unhappy  woman  : but  it  was  intended  t6  excite  a more  gene- 
ral attention,  and  a keener  resentment  against  so  horrible  a 
crime,  which  called  for  a punishment  proportionably  severe. 
(Marg.  Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  Men  are  seldom  fully  aware  of  the  consequences 
of  yielding  to  temptation  : and  few  sins  are  followed  with  such 
fatal  and  durable  effects  as  adultery.  But  it  becomes  minis- 
ters, and  indeed  all  Christians,  to  show  a readiness  to  forgive 
and  be  reconciled,  without  upbraiding  those  who  have  most 
inexcusably  injured  them ; and  to  speak  comfortably  to  the 
penitent,  especially  when  in  danger  of  “being  swallowed  up 
of  over  much  sorrow.”  (Note,  2 Cor.  2:5 — 11.) — External 
attractions  are  very  deceitful,  and  often  prove  an  occasion  to 
the  possessors,  as  well  as  to  others,  of  much  sin  and  misery, 
nay  of  final  destruction  : those  therefore  who  are  thus  distin- 
guished, instead  of  being  vain,  have  peculiar  cause  to  tremble  ; 
and  should  be  doubly  watchful  against  temptation,  and  instant 
in  prayer  for  the  preserving  grace  of  God.  (Notes,  Gen.  39: 
7 — 10-) — So  much  depends  on  the  character  and  behaviour  of 
the  ministers  of  religion,  that  if  they  marry  with  improper 
persons  from  corrupt  motives,  they  will  be  sure  to  find  either 
a snare  or  an  affliction. — Kindness  is  due  to  those  who  behave 
with  affection  in  the  several  relations  of  life  ; but  every  man 
has  his  proper  place  and  duty  which  require  his  attendance  : 
pressing  importunities  may  therefore  be  carried  too  far  : and 
they  very  frequently  are,  and  induce  imprudent  and  -prejudi- 
cial concessions.  For  it  is  always  advisable  to  set  about  our 
work  early  ; and  what  we  call  time  enough , generally  pioves 
too  litle. 

V.  11 — 30.  How  changeable  are  human  affairs  ! Our 
brightest  prospects  are  often  unexpectedly  clouded,  and  th« 
deepest  calamities  suddenly  overtake  us.  We  should  there- 
fore learn  to  moderate  our  affections,  to  lower  our  hopes  as  to 

( 463  ) 


B.  C.  1398.  JUDGES.  B.  C.  1398 


CHAPTER  XX. 

Hrasl  attemblee  at  Mizpeh , and  the  L evile  states  his  wrong , 1 — 7.  The  assem- 
bly resolve  to  punish  the  mm  of  Gibeah,  8 — 11.  Tne  Benjainites , when 
required , refuse  to  deliver  them  up,  and  prepare  for  war , 12—17.  Burlit  ine 
direction  Judah  goes  first  to  Ji;hl  with  them ; yet  the  Israelites  are  defeat'd 
twice  with  “ real  loss,  18—25.  They  humble  themselves  before  God,  with 
fasting  and.  sacrifices,  arul  are  promised  success,  26 — 28.  They  employ  a 
stratagem,  and  destroy  all  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  except  six  hundred  men, 
who  flee  to  the  rock  Rimmont2& — 48. 

THEN  “all  the  children  of  Israel  went  out,  and 
the  congregation  was  gathered  together  bas 
one  man,  cfroni  Dan  even  to  Beer-sheba,  dwith  the 
land  of  Gilead,  'unto  the  Lord  fin  Mizpeh. ^ 

2  And  the  chief  of  all  the  people,  even  of  all  the 
tribes  of  Israel  presented  themselves  in  the  assem- 
bly of  the  people  of  God,  four  hundred  thousand 
footmen  that  edrew  sword. 

3  (Now  hthe  children  of  Benjamin  heard  that 
the  children  of  Israel  were  gone  up  to  Mizpeh.) 
Then  said  the  children  of  Israel,  Tell  ns,  how  was 
this  wickedness  ? 

4  And  'the  Levite,  the  husband  of  the  woman 
that  was  slain,  answered  and  said,  'I  came  unto 
Gibeah  that  belongeth  to  Benjamin,  I and  my 
concubine,  to  lodge  : 

5  And  the  men  of  Gibeah  rose  against  me,  and 
kbeset  the  house  round  about  upon  me  by  night, 

a 2,8,11.  21:5.  Deal.  13:12,  &c.  Josh.  22J2.  bl  Sam.  11.7,8.2  Sam.  19:14.  Ezra 
3:1.  Nell.  8:1.  cl8:29.  1 Sara.  3:20.  28am.  3:10. 21:2.  1 Chr.  21 :2.  2Chr.  30:5. 
d Num. 32:1,40.  Josh.  17: 1 . 2 Sam. 2:9.  e 13,26. 11 . 1 1 . f Josh . 15:38. 18:26. 1 Sam. 
7:5.6. 10:17.  2 Kings 25:23.  g 15,17.  8:10.  2 Sam. 24:9.  2 Kings 3 26.  h Pros. 22: 
3.  Matt.  5:25.  Luke  12:58,59.  14:31,32.  * Heb.  the  man  the  Levite.  i 19:15 — 28. 
k Gen.  19:4— 8.  1 Heb.  humbled.  Deut.  522:24.  Ez.  22:10,11.  1 19:29.  m 10.  19:23. 


this  world,  and  to  stand  prepared  for  the  worst. — They  who 
teach  others,  should  put  themselves  to  any  inconvenience  to 
enforce  their  precepts  by  their  own  example. — More  inhu- 
manity and  villany  may  be  found  among  degenerate  profes- 
sors of  Christianity,  than  among  infidels  : and  in  general, 
where  we  expect  the  most  kindness,  we  meet  with  the  greatest 
injuries,  that  we  may  learn  to  “cease  from  man.” — An  un- 
feeling disregard  to  the  wants  of  others  generally  accompanies 
sensuality  and  ungoverned  lusts:  and  there  are  numbers  who 
imitate  the  example  of  those,  whose  shameful  crimes  have 
been  recorded  in  their  punishment ; to  one  who  copies  the 
examples  of  hospitality,  integrity,  and  piety,  mentioned  with 
commendation  in  the  Scriptures.  (P.  O.  Gen.  19:1 — 14.)— 
When  men  have  cast  otf  the  fear  of  God,  they  are  frequently 
given  up  to  their  own  vile  lusts,  even  to  disgrace  human  nature, 
and  to  exceed  the  very  beasts  in  brutishness:  (Note,  Rom. 

1:24—27.)  and  Israelites  especially,  who  rebel  against  the 
light,  and  grow  hardened  under  the  means  of  grace,  will  be- 
come as  abandoned  as  the  inhabitants  of  Sodom,  and  far  more 
inexcusable. — When  iniquity  becomes  generally  triumphant, 
few  will  dare  to  protest  against  it ; and  it  is  safer  to  venture 
into  a den  of  lions  than  into  such  recesses  of  iniquity.  Y et  in 
the  worst  of  times,  there  are  some  who  venture  scorn  and  re- 
proach, in  being  kind  to  the  servants  of  God  for  his  sake ; 
and  who  do  not  grudge  the  expense  of  hospitality:  for  while 
idleness  and  sensual  lusts  waste  a man’s  substance,  honest 
labour  and  frugality  afford  the  means  of  being  liberal.  But 
such  persons  live  as  strangers  in  this  world,  and  must  expect 
to  be  ahused  by  their  wicked  neighbours,  except  when  an 
equitable  government  affords  them  benign  protection. — In 
imitating  the  good  actions  of  God’s  people,  men  are  very  liable 
to  be  betrayed  into  their  faults,  against  which  they  need  bo 
doubly  circumspect:  and  an  unbelieving  policy  often  induces 
them  to  make  unwarrantable  concessions  ; but  committing 
sin  to  avoid  danger  will  generally  involve  them  in  still  greater 
difficulties.— The  righteous  Lord  permits  transgressors  to 
execute  his  just  vengeance  on  one  another:  and  if  the  scene 
described  in  this  chapter  appears  exceedingly  horrible,  what 
will  be  the  discoveries  of  the  day  of  judgment ! Yet  such  is 
numan  nature ! And  though  few  believe  the  humbling  truth, 
the  seeds  of  all  this  wickedness  are  in  every  human  heart  1 
and  if  we  have  not  committed  such  abominations  in  our  lives, 
we  owe  the  more  gratitude  to  the  Lord,  for  the  restraints  of 
his  providence,  or  the  influences  of  his  grace.  While  there- 
fore it  behooves  those  in  authority  to  “consider,  take  advice, 
mid  speak  their  minds,”  by  what  means  crimes  may  best  be 
prevented,  or  so  punished  that  others  may  “hear,  and  fear, 
and  do  no  more  such  wickedness;”  we  may  each  of  us  con- 
sider how  to  escape  from  the  wrath  to  come,  to  mortify  the 
sins  of  our  own  hearts,  to  resist  Satan’s  temptations,  and  to 
avoid  the  pollutions  that  are  in  the  world  ; and  how  we  may 
best  be  prepared  for  meeting  temporal  calamities,  and  enabled 
to  extract  benefit  from  them. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XX.  V.  1,  2.  No  mention  is  here 
made  of  any  judge,  or  great  council  of  the  nation;  though  it 
is  genorally  thought  that  the  council  of  seventy  elders  sub- 
sisted at  this  time.  Each  tribe  also  appears  to  have  had 
some  kind  of  internal  government,  to  which  the  Levite  sent 
his  message;  (19:29.)  yet  independent  of  tho  supreme  court, 
which  was  or  ought  to  have  been  held  statedly  at  the  place  of 
the  sanctuary:  (Notes,  Deut.  16:18,19.  17:8 — 13.)  and  by 
their  united  determination,  the  principal  persons  and  the 

( 464  ) 


and  thought  to  nave  slain  me ; and  my  concubine 
have  they  'forced,  that  she  is  dead. 

6 And  I took  my  concubine,  and  'cut  her  in 
pieces,  and  sent  her  throughout  all  the  country  ot 
the  inheritance  ol' Israel : (or  they  have  committed 
lewdness  and  “folly  in  Israel. 

7 Behold  nye  are  all  children  of  Israel ; "give 
here  your  advice  and  counsel. 

8 And  all  the  people  arose  ras  one  man,  saying. 
’We  will  not  any  of  us  go  to  his  tent,  neither  will 
we  any  of  us  turn  into  his  house. 

9 But  now  this  shall  be  the  thing  which  we  will 
do  to  Gibeah,  we  will  go  up  rby  lot  against  it : 

10  And  we  will  take  ten  men  of  an  hundred 
throughout  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  and  an  hundred 
of  a thousand,  and  a thousand  out  of  ten  thousand, 
to  fetch  victual  for  the  people,  that  they  may  do, 
when  they  come  to  Gibeah  of  Benjamin,  according 
to  all  the  folly  that  they  have  wrought  in  Israel. 

11  So  all  the  men  of  Israel  were  gathered 
against  the  city,  'knit  together  as  one  man. 

12  And  the  tribes  of  Israel  ‘sent  men  through 
all  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  saying,  What  wickedne^fc 
is  this  that  is  done  among  you  ? 

13  Now  therefore  ‘deliver  us  the  men,  "the  chil 

Gen.  34:7.  Josh.  7:15.  2Sam.  13:12,13.  n Ex.  19:5,6.  Deut.  4:6.  14:1,2.  1 Cor.  5: 
1,6,10—12.  o 19:30.  Josh.  9:14.  Prov.  20:18.  24:6.  Jam.  1:5.  p See  or,  1.  b.  U. 
□ 21:1,5.  Prov.  21:3.  Ec.  9:10.  r Josh.  14:2.  1 Sam.  14:41,42.  1 Chr.  24:5.  NeB. 
11:1.  Prov.  16:33.  Ton.  1:7.  Acts  1:26.  } Heb.  fellows,  s Deut.  13:14.  20:10. 
Josh.  22:13—16.  Matt.  18:15— 18.  Rom. 12:18.  t 2 Sam.  20:21,22.  u 19:22. 
Deut.  13:13.  1 Sam.  30:22.  2 Sam.  20:1.  23:6.  1 Kings  21:13.  2 Chr.  13:7. 


people  were  gathered  together  in  arms,  to  the  amount  of 
400,000  men.  It  must  be  supposed,  that  the  Benjamites 
were  summoned  also,  but  they  would  not  come  ; and  no 
doubt  they  were  offended  at  the  interposition  of  the  other 
tribes.  Mizpeh  here  mentioned  (for  there  were  several 
places  of  that  name,)  was  very  near  Shiloh  ; and  perhaps 
the  encampment  of  so  great  a multitude  might  be  more  con- 
veniently formed  there  than  at  Shiloh ; but  they  “ were 
gathered  together  before  the  Lord  at  Mizpeh,”  and  not  far 
from  the  tabernacle  ; yet  it  seems  that  Phinchas,  the  high- 
priest,  was  applied  to,  not  as  a ruler  or  counsellor,  but  merely 
in  his  official  capacity,  to  consult  the  Lord  by  Urim  and 
Thummiin  about  such  questions  as  they  proposed  to  him  : 
(Notes,  Ex.  28:30.  Num.  27:21.)  and  indeed,  considering 
his  wisdom,  zeal,  and  experience,  he  appears  to  have  been 
greatly  neglected  by  this  new  generation  of  Israel.  (28. 
Notes,  Num.  25:6 — 13.  Josh.  22:12 — 33.) 

V.  3 — 7.  Mnrg.  Ref.  Notes,  19:23 — 30. 

V.  8 — 11.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  abhorrence  of  the  crime 
here  expressed,  and  the  determination  of  the  Israelites  to 
punish  the  criminals,  were  very  proper  ; but  they  seem  to 
have  acted  with  too  much  precipitation  and  resentment. 
There  were  “with  them  also  sins  against  the  Lord:”  the 
abomination  of  Gibeah  was  both  an  evidence  and  effect  of 
national  degeneracy;  and  it  called  for  deep  humiliation  and 
lamentation,  that  such  wickedness  had  been  wrought  in  Israel, 
as  well  as  for  indignation  against  the  criminals.  They  ought, 
therefore,  to  have  begun  with  repentance  and  reformation: 
with  solemn  sacrifices,  and  earnest  supplications.  (Note,  26 
— 28.)  This  was  required  in  other  wars,  and  much  more  in 
such  a war  as  this.  (Note,  Deut.  23:9—14.)  No  absolute 
resolution  should  have  been  made,  till  these  things  had  been 
thoroughly  attended  to  ; or  till  inquiry  had  been  made  of  the 
Lord,  what  he  would  have  them  to  do  on  so  melancholy  an 
occasion.  (Note,  18.)  They  were  not  commanded  to  levy 
war  against  any  tribe  or  city  in  Israel,  except  for  idolatry : 
(Notes,  Deut.  13:12 — 18.  Josh.  22:12 — 16.)  and  they  hat 
attempted  nothing  against  the  idolatrous  Danites;  whose  con- 
duct, though  less  destructive  to  tho  peace  of  society,  more 
immediately  struck  at  the  honour  of  God  and  the  interests  of 
religion  ; and  more  directly  belonged  to  tho  injunction  given 
by  Moses.  (Note,  18:30,31.)  Not  attending  to  these  previous 
duties  and  considerations,  hut  going  forth  to  battle  under  tho 
guilt  of  their  own  unrepented  sins  ; confiding  in  their  superior 
numbers,  and  the  goodness  of  their  cause  ; and  elated  wi*A 
self-preference,  on  account  of  their  exemption  from  this  crime, 
and  their  zeal  to  punish  it ; they  met  at  first  with  severe  re- 
bukes : and  the  Benjamites  were  employed  to  chastise  them, 
before  they  executed  tho  vengeance  of  God  upon  the  Bcnja 
mites,  for  their  far  moro  atrocious  wickedness.  These  obsei- 
vations  may  help  to  explain  the  difficulty,  which  strikes  tho 
reader  at  the  first  perusal  of  this  chapter;  how  it  was  that 
with  so  good  a cause,  and  such  ardent  zeal,  they  should  bo 
for  a time  unsuccessful,  and  suffer  such  heavy  losses. 

V.  12 — 14.  The  conduct  of  the  Israelites  was  very  equi- 
table in  this  demand : but  perhaps  the  rulers  or  elders  of 
Gibeah  ought  previously  to  have  boon  applied  to,  to  deliver 
up  all  the  criminals  to  justice.  However,  tho  refusal  of  the 
Benjamites,  and  their  protection  of  those  who  had  committed 
this  horrible  wickedness,  bocause  they  were  of  their  own 
tribe,  prove  them  to  have  been  deeply  corrupted  and  (all 
their  advantages  considered,)  as  ripe  for  divtno  vengeanoa. 


C.«(J.  129S. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


JB.  C.  139? 


dren  of  Belial,  which  are  in  Gibeah,  that  we  may 
put  them  to  death,  and  “put  away  evil  from  Israel. 
But  the  children  of  Benjamin  nvould  not  hearken 
to  the  voice  of  their  bret  hren  the  children  of  Israel. 

14  But  the  children  of  Benjamin  gathered  them- 
selves together  out  of  the  cities  unto  Gibeah,  Ho  go 
out  to  battle  against  the  children  of  Israel. 

15  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  were  numbered 
at  that  time  out  of  the  cities,  “twenty  and  six 
thousand  men  that  drew  sword,  beside  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Gibeah,  which  were  numbered  seven 
hundred  chosen  men. 

16  Among  all  this  people  there  were  seven 
hundred  chosen  men  hlett-handed : every  one 
could  csling  stones  at  an  hair  breadth,  and  not  miss. 

17  And  the  men  of  Israel,  beside  Benjamin, 
were  numbered  dfour  hundred  thousand  men  that 
drew  sword ; all  these  were  men  of  war. 

18  H And  the  children  of  Israel  arose,  and  went 
up  to  the  'house  of  God,  and  'asked  counsel  of 
God,  and  said,  Which  of  us  shall  go  up  first  to  the 
battle  against  the  children  of  Benjamin?  And  the 
Lord  said  sJudah  shall  go  up  first. 

19  And  the  children  of  Israel  hrose  up  in  the 
morning,  and  encamped  against  Gibeah. 

20  And  the  men  of  Israel  went  out  to  battle 
against  Benjamin,  and  the  men  of  Israel  put  them- 
selves in  array  to  fight  against  them  at  Gibeah. 

21  And  'the  children  of  Benjamin  came  forth 
out  of  Gibeah,  and  kdestroyed  down  to  the  ground 
of  the  Israelites  that  day  twenty  and  two  thou- 
sand men. 

22  And  the  people  the  men  of  Israel  'encouraged 
themselves,  and  set  their  battle  again  in  array, 
in  the  place  where  they  put  themselves  in  array 
the  first  day. 

23  (And  the  children  of  Israel  went  up,  and 
mwept  before  the  Lord  until  even,  and  asked 
counsel  of  the  Lord,  saying,  Shall  I go  up 
again  to  battle  against  the  children  of  Benjamin 
my  brother  ? And  the  Lord  said,  Go  up  against 
him.) 

24  And  the  children  of  Israel  came  near  against 
the  children  of  Benjamin  the  second  day. 

25  And  Benjamin  went  forth  against  them  out 
of  Gibeah  the  second  day,  and  "destroyed  down 
to  the  ground  of  the  children  of  Israel  again, 
eighteen  thousand  men ; all  these  drew  the  sword. 

[Practical  Observations.'] 


x Dem.  17:7,12.  19:19.21:21.22:21,24.24:7.  Ec.  11:10.  v 1 Sam.  2:25.  2 Chr. 
25:16,20.  Prov. 29:1.  Hos.9:4.  10:9.  Horn.  1:32.  Rev.  18:4.5.  iNum. 20:20. 
21:23  2 ^hr.  1313.  Job  15:25.26.  a 25,35,46,47.  Num.  26:41 . b3:15.  1 Chr. 
12:2.  el  Sam.  17.40.49,50  . 25:29.  2 Chr.  26:14.  (12.  Num.  1:46.28.51.  1 Sam. 
11:8.  15:4.  1 Chr.  21:5.  2 Chr.  17:14— 18.  e 18:31.  19:18.  Josh.  13:1.  f7,23, 

2S.27.  Num.  27:5.21.  Josh.  9:14.  g 1:1,2.  Gen.  49:8— 10.  h Josh. 3:1.  6:12. 

7:16.  1 Gen.  49:27.  kDeut.23:9.  2Chr.28:!0.  Ps.  33:16.  73:18,19.  77:19. 

Ec.9;l— 3.  Jer.  12:1.  1 15,17.  1 Sam.  30:6.  2 Sam.  11:25.  Ps.64:5.  m23,27. 

Pa.  78:34 — 36.  Hos.5:15.  u 21.  Gen.  18:25.  Job  9:12,13.  Ps.97:2.  Rom.  2:5. 


as  the  inhabitants  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  had  been. 
(Notes,  Hos.  9:9,10.  10:9 — 11.) — Confiding  in  their  own  valour 
and  military  skill,  they  seem  to  have  first  prepared  for  battle, 
in  this  unequal  contest  with  such  superior  numbers.  (15,17.) 

V.  16.  Left-handed .]  Whether  these  men  could  use 

either  hand,  as  some  learned  men  suppose  the  original  term 
to  mean  ; (see  Robertson  on  it3N;)  or  only  the  left  hand,  as 
appears  to  be  the  more  obvious  construction,  (Notes,  3:15 — 
19.)  they  would  discharge  the  s:ones  in  a direction,  against 
which  their  opponents  were  not  upon  their  guard,  and  thus 
do  the  greater  execution. 

V.  18.  This  is  the  only  transaction  in  this  whole  book,  in 
which  express  mention  is  made  of  the  tabernacle,  ark,  priests, 
and  sacrifices  ; though  they  had  been  instituted  in  so  solemn, 
authoritative,  and  particular  a manner!— "The  Israelites, 
however,  did  not  on  this  occasion  inquire  of  the  Lord,  whe- 
ther they  should  war  against  the  Benjamites  or  not;  or  what 
reformation,  humiliation,  or  sacrifices,  should  precede  the 
lamentable  service  ; but  they  took  it  for  granted  that  they 
ought  to  go  up,  and  that  they  were  worthy  to  be  employed 
and  sufficient  to  succeed  ; and  so  they  merely  inquired  which 
tribe  should  have  the  precedency.  Accordingly  they  received 
an  answer  to  this  question,  which  neither  authorized  their 
undertaking,  nor  promised  success  in  it. — In  every  instance 
of  this  kind,  me  pre-eminence  was  uniformly  given  to  Judah  ; 
with  reference  no  doubt  to  the  Messiah,  who  descended  from 
this  tribe.  (Notes,  1:1.  Gen.  49:8 — 10.) 

V.  20 — 25.  The  people  were  much  afflicted  at  the  severe 
rebuke  which  they  met  with  on  this  occasion,  and  affected 
with  a sense  of  their  sin,  as  having  brought  it  upon  them: 
»na  they  accordingly  made  their  inquiry  more  particular  than 
Vol.  I.— 59 


26  If  Then  nil  the  children  of  Israel  and  all  the 
people  went  up,  and  came  unto  the  house  of  God. 
and  “wept,  and  sat  there  before  the  Lord,  and 
fasted  that  day  until  even,  and  offered  burnt- 
offerings  and  peace-offerings  before  the  Lord. 

27  And  the  children  of  Israel  ^inquired  of  the 
Lord,  (for  the  lark  of  the  covenant  of  God  was 
there  in  those  days  ; 

28  And  rPliinehas,  the  son  of  Eleazar,  the  son 
of  Aaron,  “stood  before  it  in  those  days,)  saying, 
‘Shall  I yet  again  pn  oul  battle  against  the 
children  of  Benjamin  my  brother,  or  shall  I 
cease  ? And  the  Lord  said,  “Go  up  ; for  to-mor- 
row I will  deliver  them  into  thine  hand. 

29  And  Israel  set  *liers-in-wait  round  about 
Gibeah. 

30  And  the  children  of  Israel  went  up  against 
the  children  of  Benjamin  on  the  third  day,  and 
put  themselves  in  array  against  Gibeah,  as  at 
other  times. 

31  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  went  out 
against  the  people,  and  were  rdrawn  away  from 
the  city : and  they  began  to  'smite  of  the  people, 
and  kill,  as  at  other  times,  in  the  high-ways,  of 
which  one  goeth  up  to  'the  house  of  God,  and  the 
other  to  “Gibeah  in  the  field,  about  “thirty  men  of 
Israel. 

32  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  said,  They 
are  smitten  down  before  us  as  at  the  first.  But 
the  children  of  Israel  said,  bLet  us  flee,  and  draw 
them  from  the  city  unto  the  high-ways. 

33  And  all  the  men  of  Israel  “rose  up  out  of 
their  place,  and  put  themselves  in  array  at  Baal- 
tamar-  and  the  liers-in-wait  of  Israel  came  forth 
out  of  their  places,  even  out  of  the  meadows  of 
Gibeah. 

34  And  there  came  against  Gibeah  dten  rhou- 
sand  chosen  men  out  of  all  Israel,  and  the  battle 
was  sore : but  they  “knew  not  that  evil  was  near 
them. 

35  And  the  Lord  smote  Benjamin  before  Is- 
rael; and  the  children  of  Israel  destroyed  of  the 
Benjamites  that  day  f twenty  and  five  thousand 
and  an  hundred  men : all  these  drew  the  sword. 

36  So  the  children  of  Benjamin  saw  that  they 
were  smitten  : sfor  the  men  of  Israel  gave  place 
to  the  Benjamites,  because  they  trusted  unto  the 
liers-in-wait  which  they  had  set  beside  Gibeah. 

37  And  hthe  liers-in-wait  hasted,  and  rushed 

3:5.11:33.  o 1 Ram.  7:6.  2 Chr.  20:3.  Ezra  8.21.  9:4,5.  Joel  1 : W.  2:12 — 17. 
Jon.  3:5— 10.  p 18,23.  Num.  27:21.  q Josh.  18:1.  lSum.  4:3.4.  Ps.  78:60,61. 
Jer.  7:12.  r Num.  25:7— 13.  Josh.  22:13,30— 32  . 24 :33.  s Deut.  10:8.  18:5 
t Josh.  7:7.  1 Sam.  14:37.  23:4—12.  30:8  . 2. Sam.  5:19—24.  6:3,7—12.  Piov.  3: 
5.6.  Jer.  10:23.  u 1 :2.  7:9.  2 Chr.  20:17.  x 34.  Josh.  8:4.  2Sam.  5:23.  yjosh. 
8;  14 — 16.  ' Heb.  smite  of  the  people  wounded  as  at,  &c.  t Or,  Beth-el.  zl9: 
13,14.18.10:29.  a Josh.  7:5.  b Josh.  8:15,16.  c Josh.  8:18-22.  d 29.  e Josh. 
8:14.  Job  21:13.  Lvov.  4:19.  29:6.  Ec.  8:11,12.  Is.  3:10,11 . 47:11.  Matt.  24:44. 
Luke  21:34.  1 Thes.  5:3.  f 15,44 — 46.  Job  20:5.  gJosh.8.15.  hJosh.8:19. 


before.  But  they  were  not  duly  humbled : and  therefore,, 
though  the  Lord  commanded  them  to  go  up  to  battle,  they 
were  again  put  to  the  worst,  and  lost  so  many  men,  that  the 
whole  number  slain  in  the  two  encounters  amounted  to  many 
more  than  all  the  fighting  men  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin ! 
This  was  a public  rebuke  for  national  crimes,  and  showed, 
that  though  it  was  their  duty  to  punish  the  offenders,  they  had 
not  gone  about  it  in  the  proper  manner,  and  in  a proper  de- 
pendence on  the  Lord. — Their  neglect  of  punishing  idolatry 
in  the  Danites,  while  they  were  so  zealous  to  punish  the 
lewdness  of  the  Benjamites,  is  mentioned  by  some  Jewish 
writers  as  the  cause  of  these  disasters,  and  with  great  justice. 
(Notes,  8—11.  Josh.  7:1—12.  1 Sam.  15:15.) 

V.  26 — 28.  At  length  the  people  were  convinced  of  their 
error ; and  instead  of  murmuring,  or  questioning  the  divine 
authority  of  the  answers  which  they  had  received,  as  unhum- 
bled  hearts  would  have  been  prone  to  do,  they  blamed  them- 
selves alone:  and  by  weeping,  praying,  fasting,  sacrifices,  and 
particular  inquiries  of  the  Lord,  conducted  the  solemn  busi- 
ness, as  it  should  originally  have  been  undei taken.  (Notes 
8 — 11.2  Snm.bS — 13.  1 Chr.  15:12 — 14.)  All  the  company 
seems  at  this  time  to  have  met  at  Shiloh,  and  to  have  kept  a 
day  of  fasting  and  prayer,  with  great,  earnestness  and 
nity.  Thus  their  losses  proved  eventually  blessings,  by  sun- 
serving  the  cause  of  true  religion.  Accordingly  they  received 
from  the  Lord  a more  particular  answer,  and  a promise  • *f 
success.  In  the  mean  time  the  victories  of  the  Benjamites 
increased  their  insolence,  and  hardened  them  to  their  destruc- 
tion. 

Phinehas.  (28)  Notes , 1,2.  17:1. 

V.  29 — 42.  JMarg.  Ref.  Notes,  Josh.  8:7 — 28 ."—The  LOJLD 

( 465  ) 


B.  C 1398. 


JUDGES 


B.  C.  1397. 


upon  GibeaO  ; and  the  liers-in-wait  'drew  them- 
selves along,  and  smote  all  the  city  with  the  edge 
of  the  sword. 

38  Now  there  was  an  appointed  'sign  between 
the  men  of  Israel  *and  the  liers-in-wait,  that  they 
should  make  a great  Aflame  with  smoke  to  rise  up 
out  of  the  city. 

39  And  ‘when  the  men  of  Israel  retired  in  the 
battle,  Benjamin  began  to  "smite  and  kill  of  the 
men  of  Israel  about  thirty  persons ; for  they  said, 
Surely  they  are  smitten  down  before  us,  as  in  the 
first  battle. 

40  But  when  the  flame  began  to  arise  up  out 
of  the  city  with  ka  pillar  of  smoke,  the  Benja- 
mites  ‘looked  behind  them,  and  behold,  the  "flame 
of  the  city  ascended  up  to  heaven. 

41  And  when  the  men  of  Israel  turned  again, 
the  men  of  Benjamin  mwere  amazed  : for  they 
saw  that  evil  "was  come  upon  them. 

42  Therefore  they  turned  their  barks  before  the 
men  of  Israel  unto  the  way  of  the  wilderness;  but 
“the  battle  overtook  them  : and  them  which  came 
out  of  the  cities  they  destroyed  in  the  midst  of 
them. 

43  Thus  they  “enclosed  the  Benjamites  round 
about,  and  chased  them,  and  trode  them  down 
"'with  ease,  Hover  against  Giheah  toward  the  sun- 
rising. 

•Or,  made  a long  sound  with  the  trumpets.  Ex.  19;  13.  Josh.  6:5.  t Or,  time. 
Heb  .with..  % Heb.  e/vation.  i 31 . ||  Heh.  smite  the  wounded.  32.  k Gen. 

9:28.  Cant.  3:6.  Joel  2.30.  Rev.  19:3.  f Josh.  8:20.  T1  Heb.  whole  consumption. 
15:9,10.  Is.  13.8,9.  33:14.  t.uke  17-27,28  . 21:26.  1 Thes.  5:  ».  2 Pet.  2.12.  Rev. 
6:15—17.  18:8 — 10.  **  lleb.  touched  them.  nHos.9:9.  10:9.  oJosh.8:20 — 
22.  ft  Or,  from  Menuchah . Heb.  unto  over  against,  p Josh.  15:32.  q 15, 


emote  Benjamin.  (35)  Though  the  numbers  of  the  Israelites 
were  immensely  superior  to  those  of  Benjamin  ; though  their 
stratagem  was  well  laid  and  executed,  and  the  battle  bravely 
fought  ; yet  the  inspired  historian  ascribes  the  victory  to  the 
Lord  as  entirely  as  if  he  had  smitten  the  Benjamites  by  mira- 
cle. (Notes,  4:15.  Josh.  10:9,10.) 

V.  43 — 48.  It  is  stated  before  that  the  armed  men  of 
Benjamin  were  26,700:  (15)  only  25,100  on  any  computation 
are  mentioned  as  slain  in  this  battle:  (35,44,45.)  yet  no  more 
than  600  survived.  (47)  The  rest,  amounting  to  1000  men, 
must  therefore  have  been  slain  in  th(i  former  engagements,  or 
m the  destruction  of  their  cities  : for  it  does  not  appear  that 
any  escaped  except  the  600  men.  After  this  the  Israelites 
proceeded  to  dcstroj'  the  unarmed  Benjamites,  with  all  their 
women  and  children,  and  cattle,  and  houses,  and  cities.  This 
indiscriminate  slaughter  and  devastation  cannot  be  vindi- 
cated ; for  none  but  Canaanites,  and  idolatrous  cities  in  Israel, 
were  to  be  thus  punished.  But  the  people  being  actuated 
by  vehement  indignation,  had  hastily  devoted  the  whole  tribe, 
3y  a solemn  curse,  to  utter  destruction : and  the  Lord  was 
pleased  to  permit  these  dire  transactions,  as  an  awful  exam- 
ple to  future  ages  of  his  vengeance  against  those  who  commit 
such  abominations,  and  those  who  countenance  and  protect 
others  in  them. — But  yet  it  did  not  prevent  the  growth  of 
ungodliness  in  Israel ; so  that  M the  battle  in  Gibeah  against 
the  workers  of  iniquity  did  not  overtake  them.”  (Note,  Hos. 
10:9 — 11.) — It  does  not,  however,  appear  that  the  Israelites 
attempted  to  appropriate  any  of  the  spoil : so  that  they  were 
not  actuated  by  mercenary  motives.  (Note,  21:16 — 18.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 25.  We  are  again  called  to  contemplate  the  fatal 
effects  of  indulged  lusts,  and  taught  to  mortify  every  sinful 
inclination. — Indignation  against  sin,  zeal,  promptitude,  self- 
denial,  unanimity,  and  resolution  in  bringing  criminals  to  jus- 
tice, are  very  commendable,  when  united  with  a careful  inves- 
tigation of  facts  and  circumstances,  that  the  innocent  may  not 
be  involved  with  the  guilty:  yet  repentance  of  sins,  personal 
and  national,  with  fruits  meet  for  repentance,  a dependence  on 
the  mercy  of  God  in  Jesus  Christ  for  forgiveness  and  grace,  and 
an  application  to  him  for  direction  and  success,  are  indispen- 
sably necessary  to  ensure  his  acceptance  and  assistance. — 
Nature  can  abhor  the  crimes  of  others,  some  of  them  at  least ; 
but  grace  teaches  us  to  loathe  our  own.  Nature  prompts  to 
punish  others  with  severity;  grace  inclines  us  to  exercise 
severity  against  our  own  sinful  propensities,  and  tenderness 
toward  the  persons  of  others. — If  we  attempt,  however,  to 
execute  wrath  upon  offenders,  or  even  to  reprove  and  reform 
them,  while  we  are  under  the  guilt  of  unrepented  and  allowed 
sin  in  our  hearts  and  lives ; it  is  merciful  in  God  to  rebuke  us 
sharply  for  our  hypocrisy,  and  not  leave  us  to  be  hardened 
through  impunity:  nor  can  we  reasonably  hope  1o  be  useful 
to  others  unless  our  own  sins  are  pardoned.  (Notes,  Matt. 
7:1 — 5.  Rom.  2:1 — 3,17 — 24.) — We  should  not  judge  of  the 
final  event  of  things,  unless  we  can  determine  it  by  the  divine 
law.  And  if  we  are  baffled  in  our  endeavours,  though  honestly 
meant  and  zealously  pe  rsisted  in,  to  serve  the  cause  of  God  ; 
we  ought  not  to  infer  that  we  should  desist,  or  content,  our- 
selves in  our  ill  success : but  we  arc  reminded  to  inquire, 
whether  wc  have  begun  our  work  in  the  proper  manner  and 

( 466  ) 


44  And  there  fell  of  Benjamin  eighteen  thou- 
sand men  : all  these  were  men  of  valour. 

45  And  they  turned,  and  fled  toward  the  wil- 
derness unto  the  rock  of  pRimmon  : and  they 
gleaned  of  them  in  the  high-ways  five  thousand 
men ; and  pursued  hard  after  them  unto  Gidom, 
and  slew  two  thousand  men  of  them. 

46  So  that  all  which  fell  that  day  of  Btnjamin 
were  ^twenty  and  five  thousand  men  that  drew 
the  sword  : all  these  were  men  of  valour. 

47  But  rsix  hundred  men  turned,  and  fled  to 
the  wilderness  unto  the  rock  Rimmon,  and  abode 
in  the  rock  Rimmon  four  months. 

48  And  the  men  of  Israel  turned  again  upon 
the  children  of  Benjamin,  and  “smote  them  with 
the  edge  of  the  sword,  as  well  the  men  of  every 
city,  as  the  beast,  and  all  that  Scame  to  hand: 
also  they  set  on  fire  all  the  cities  that  ""they  came  to. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

The  people  lament  over  Benjamin  ; are  in  difficulty , having  sworn  not  to  giv4 
a wife  to  any  of  that  tribe  ; and  inquire  after  such  as  had  not  joined  them, 
having  sworn  also  to  put  them  to  death,  1 — 7.  On  that  account  they  destroy 
the  inhabitants  of  Jabesh-Gilead,  except  four  hundred  virgins,  whom  they 
give  to  that  number  of  the  remaining  Benjamites , 8 — 15.  The  elders  consult , 
how  to  find  wives  for  the  rest  consistently  with  their  oath  ; and  by  their  advice 
they  carry  off  the  virgins  who  danced  at  Shiloh,  16 — 23.  The  people  sepiy 
rate  and  return  home,  24,  25. 

NOW  the  men  of  Israel  “had  sworn  in  Mizpeh, 
saying,  ‘‘There  shall  not  any  of  us  give  “his 
daughter  unto  Benjamin  to  wife. 

2 And  the  people  came  to  “’the  house  of  God, 


33.  r 21:13.  Ps.  103:9,10.  la.  1:9.  Jer.  14:7.  Lam.  3:37.  Hab.  3:2.  s Deut.  13: 
15-17.  2Chr. 25:13.  28:6—9.  Piov.  1819.  §§Hel>.«  cas  found.  |ll|  Heb. 

were  found,  a 20:8.  Jer.  4:2.  b 5.  11:30,31.  1 Sam.  14:24.  F,c.5:2.  Mark  6: 
23.  Acts  23:12.  Rom.  10:2.  c Ex.  34: 12— 16.  Deut.  7:2,3.  (1  12  . 20:18,23,26. 
Josh. 18:1. 


spirit;  whether  our  private  conduct  do  not  blight  our  public 
endeavours : whether  we  have  not  been  precipitate,  in  our 
measures;  whether  we  have  duty  adverted  to  our  own  cha- 
racter as  sinners,  and  are  habitually  exercising  u repentance 
towards  God,  and  faith  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;”  whether 
we  have  not  failed  of  humility  and  tenderness  towards  others; 
and,  by  self-preference  and  self-confidence,  provoked  the 
Lord  to  leave  us  experimentally  to  learn  what  we  are  in  our 
selves,  and  what  we  can  do  without  him.  Many  an  honest 
and  zealous  endeavour,  in  a good  cause,  has  attained  but 
little  success,  for  such  reasons  as  these.  We  should  there- 
fore strictly  examine  ourselves,  and  be  deeply  humbled  for 
our  sins;  praying  earnestly,  that  God  “would  not  condemn 
us,  but.  show  us  wherefore  he  contendeth  with  us.” 

V.  26 — 48.  Solemn  times  set  apart  for  fasting  and  prayer 
are  never  more  seasonable,  than  when  we  are  constrained  to 
lament  the  ill  success,  which  has  attended  our  labours  to 
glorify  God  and  promote  his  cause,  whether  as  ministers  or 
private  Christians.  When  our  failures  have  this  effect,  they 
will  promote  our  success  ; our  very  mistakes  will  be  over- 
ruled to  teach  us  wisdom,  and  our  weakness  will  prove  an 
occasion  of  increasing  our  spiritual  strength  : Satan,  and  his 
most  formidable  agents,  will  in  due  time  be  constrained  to 
give  ground  ; and  whatsoever  we  attempt  shall  prosper.  In 
the  mean  time  we  should  thankfully  accept  of  chastisement, 
and  not  despair  of  that  success  which  we  at  first  prematurely 
expected. — But  it  is  very  difficult  to  temper  zeal  with  tender- 
ness, and  boldness  with  meekness  and  wisdom : impetuosity 
hurries  us  into  unwarrantable  excesses,  or  timidity  stops 
short  of  proper  decision.  We  ought  therefore  to  watch 
carefully  over  our  own  spirits,  and  to  pray  continually  to  bo 
preserved  from  this  u strange  fire”  in  the  work  of  God:  and 
the  same  considerations  should  induce  us  to  make  candid 
allowances  for  those,  who  are  betrayed  into  similar  or  con- 
trary mistakes. — But  u evil  pursueth  sinners  ;”  their  triumph- 
ing is  short,  and  increases  their  hardness  and  presumption . 
and  how  dreadful  will  he  their  case,  when  they  shall  see  de- 
struction coming  upon  them,  without  any  possibility  of  escape . 
Hitherto  there  is  space  given  for  repentance,  a refuge  pro- 
vided, mercy  proclaimed,  and  a throne  of  grace  erected : 
thither  let  sinners  come,  and  plead  the  Saviour’s  name,  and 
they  shall  yet  he  safe  and  happy.  But  “how  will  they 
escape,  who  neglect  so  great  salvation  ?”  All  things  will 
combine  to  hasten  and  enhance  their  condemnation  ; especi- 
ally that  of  men  who  live  under  the  light  of  the  gospel.  And 
all,  who  patronise  and  delight  in  the  workers  of  iniquity,  will 
as  aecomplices  share  their  awful  doom.  (Note,  Rom.  1:32.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXL  V.  1.  The  vehement  indig- 
nation excited  by  the  brutal  conduct  of  the  men  of  Giheah, 
and  the  support  given  them  by  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  indu- 
ced the  Israelites,  without  duo  consideration,  to  hind  them- 
selves by  a solemn  oath  and  awful  curse,  that  none  of  them 
would  give  his  daughter  to  wife  to  any  Beniamite.  (Notes, 
19—21.  11:30,31.  1 Sam.  14:24— 46.  25:21,22,39—42.  Matt . 
14:8 — 11.)  They  deemed  those,  who  were  capable  of  such 
atrocious  conduct  towards  the  wife  of  another  man,  or  of 
vindicating  it  in  others,  unworthy  to  ho  married  to  any  of 
the  daughters  of  Israel  ; and  thus  they  ranked  them  with 
the  Canaanites,  and  oilier  idolaters!  Had  this  oath  been 


B.  C 1397. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


B.  C.  1396. 


and  abode  there  till  even  before  God,  and  'lifted 
up  their  voices,  and  wept  sore  ; 

3 And  said,  O Lord  God  of  Israel,  fwhy  is  this 
come  to  pass  in  Israel,  that  there  should  be  to-day 
one  tribe  lacking1  in  Israel  ? 

4 Ar.l  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow,  that  the 
people  -rose  early,  and  hbuilt  there  an  altar,  and 
offered  burnt-offerings  and  peace-offerings. 

5 And  the  children  of  Israel  said,  Who  is  there 
among  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  that  came  not  up 
with  the  congregation  unto  the  Lord  ? for  they 
had  made  'a  great  oath  concerning  him  that  came 
not  up  to  the  Lord  to  Mizpeh,  saying,  He  shall 
surely  be  put  to  death. 

6 And  the  children  of  Israel  krepented  them  for 
Benjamin  their  brother,  and  said,  There  is  one 
tribe  cut  off  from  Israel  this  day  : 

7 How  shall  we  do  for  wives  for  them  that 
remain,  seeing  we  have  'sworn  by  the  Lord,  that 
we  will  not  give  them  of  our  daughters  to  wives  ? 

8 And  they  said,  What  one  is  there  of  the 
tribes  of  Israel  that  came  not  up  to  Mizpeh  to  the 
Lord  ? And,  behold,  there  came  none  to  the  camp 
from  mJabesh-giiead  to  the  assembly. 

9 For  the  people  were  numbered,  and,  behold, 
there  irere  none  of  the  inhabitants  of  Jabesh- 
gilead  there. 

10  And  the  congregation  sent  thither  twelve 
thousand  men  of  the  valiantest,  and  commanded 
them,  saying,  "Go  and  smite  the  inhabitants  of 
Jabesh-gilead  with  the  edge  of  the  sword,  with 
the  women  and  the  children. 

11  And  this  is  the  thing  that  ye  shall  do, 
Ye  shall  utterly  destroy  'every  male,  and  every 
woman  that  'hath  lain  by  man. 

12  And  they  found  among  the  inhabitants  of 
Jabesh-gilead  four  hundred  young  'virgins,  that 

2:4.  Oen.  27:33.  1 Sam.  30:4.  f Deut.  29:24.  Josh.  7:7—9.  Ps.  74:1.  80: 12.  Prov. 
19:3.  Is.  63:17.  Jer.  12:1.  g Ps.  78:34,35.  Hoi.  5:15.  h 6:26.  Ex.  20:24,25. 
2 Sam.  24:18,25.  1 Kings  8:64.  Heb.  13:10.  i 1,18.  5:23.  Lev.  27:28,29.  ISam. 
11:7.  Jor.  48:10.  k 15.  20:23.  2 Sam.  2.26.  Hos.  1 1 :8.  Luke  19:41,42.  11,18. 

1 Sam.  14:28,29,45.  m 1 Sam.  11:1,3.  31:11—13.  2Srim.2;5,6.  n 5.  Deul.  13: 
15.  Josh.  7:24.  1 Sam.  15:3.  o Num. 31 : 17,18.  Dent.  2:34.  * Heb . knoweth  the 
lying  with  man.  t Heb.  women,  virgins.  p 20:18,23.  Josh.  18:1.  Ps.  78:60. 

rigidly  adhered  to,  either  the  whole  tribe  must  have  been 
'extirpated,  or  the  survivors  must  have  violated  the  law  by 
marrying  heathen  wives.  (Note,  Acts  23:12 — 22.) 

V.  2,  3.  When  the  anger  and  resentment  of  the  people 
began  to  subside,  and  they  had  time  fir  cool  reflection,  they 
bewailed  the  consequences  of  their  victory,  with  every  ex- 
pression of  vehement  sorrow  ; and  they  seemed  even  to  have 
kept  a day  of  fasting  and  prayer : yet  it  is  evident  that  they 
did  not  properly  repent  of  their  own  misconduct,  or  they 
would  not  have  acted,  as  they  afterwards  did,  to  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Jabesh-gilead.  {Note,  9 — 12.)  If  it  was  likely, 
that  “ a tribe  should  be  lacking  in  Israel,”  it  might  be  justly 
imputed  to  their  un-commanded  and  most  unreasonable  and 
cruel  slaughter  of  the  women,  who  could  not  be  supposed  to 
approve  the  conduct  of  the  men  of  Gibeah,  or  refuse  to  give 
them  up  to  be  punished  ; and  of  the  children  who  had  com- 
mitted no  fault,  and  ought  not  to  have  been  put  to  death  for 
the  crimes  of  their  parents.  (Notes,  20:43 — 48.  Num.  31:14 
— 18.  Deut.  24:16.)  In  respect  to  the  devoted  Canaanites, 
and  cities  in  Israel  wholly  given  up  to  idolatry,  the  Lord  him- 
self had  commanded  the  women,  (who  were  as  prone  to  idol- 
atry as  the  men,)  and  the  children  also,  to  be  slain  : but  the 
q^se  of  Ber.jamin  was  of  a very  different  nature. 

V.  4.  As  so  great  a multitude  was  assembled,  and  there 
were  so  many  occasions  for  burnt-offerings,  thank-offer- 
ings, and  vows  ; it  is  probable  that  the  brazen  altar  was  found 
insufficient,  and  that  this  was  erected  at  Shiloh  as  a tempo- 
rary addition  to  it  for  the  present  occasion.  (Note,  1 Kings 
8:63—65.) 

V.  5.  They  who,  when  summoned,  refused  to  join  on  this 
occasion,  were  doubtless  blame-worthy,  and  deserved  punish- 
ment: but  this  did  not  warrant  their  brethren  to  devote  them 
to  destruction  by  “a  great  oath.”  (Note,  Lev.  27:28,29.) 
They  were  tar  too  backward  in  attempting  to  extirpate  the 
Canaanites,  the  devoted  enemies  of  God  ; and  they  neglected 
.o  punish  the  idolatrous  Danites:  yet  without  hesitation  they 
consigned  to  utter  destruction,  as  accursed  of  God,  all  such 
of  their  brethren  as  should  slight  their  authority  1 JMarg. 
Ref.  Note,  1 Sam.  14:24—34.) 

V.  9—12.  Jabesh-gilead  lay  at  a distance,  beyond  Jordan, 
on  the  borders  of  Ammon,  and  perhaps  the  inhabitants  had 
not  heard  of  the  vow  which  Israel  had  made.  (Note,  1 Sam . 
11:1 — 3.)  But  if  they  had  been  guilty  of  neglect  or  disaffec- 
tion to  the  common  cause,  they  had  not  assisted  the  Benja- 
.mtes : and  yet  when  the  people  were  lamenting  the  desola- 
tions of  that  tribe,  they  proceeded  to  treat  those,  who  were 
t'*ymparably  less  criminal,  with  equal  rigour  ! They  seem, 


had  known  no  man  by  lying  with  any  male  : and 
they  brought  them  unto  the  camp  to  ■’Shiloh, 
which  is  in  the  land  of  Canaan. 

13  And  the  whole  congregation  sent  some  ffo 
speak  to  the  children  of  Benjamin  that  were  in 
tthe  rock  Rimmon,  and  to  Scall  peaceably  unto 
them. 

14  And  Benjamin  came  again  at  that  time; 
and  they  gave  them  wives,  which  they  had  saved 
alive  of  the  women  of  Jabesh-gilead  : and  yet  so 
rthey  sufficed  them  not. 

15  And  the  people  “repented  them  for  Ben- 
jamin, because  that  the  Lord  had  made  a breach 
in  the  tribes  of  Israel.  [Practical  Observations.] 

16  *11  Then  the  elders  of  the  congregaiion  said, 
How  shall  we  do  for  wives  for  them  that  remain, 
seeing  the  women  are  destroyed  out  of  Benjamin  r 

17  And  they  said,  There  must  be  ‘an  inherit- 
ance for  them  that  be  escaped  of  Benjamin,  that 
a tribe  be  not  destroyed  out  of  Israel. 

18  Howbeit,  we  may  not  give  them  wives  of 
our  daughters:  for  the  children  of  Israel  have 
"sworn,  saying,  Cursed  be  he  that  giveth  a wife 
to  Benjamin. 

19  Then  they  said,  Behold,  there  is  “a  feast  of 
the  Lord  in  Shiloh  "yearly,  in  a place  which  is  on 
the  north  side  of  Beth-el,  "on  the  east  side  "of  the 
highway  that  goeth  up  from  Beth-el  to  Shechem, 
and  on  the  south  ofLebonah. 

20  Therefore  they  commanded  the  children  of 
Benjamin,  saying,  Go  and  lie  in  wait  in  the  vine- 
yards ; 

21  And  see.  and,  behold,  if  the  daughters  of 
Shiloh  come  out  to  >'dance  in  dances,  then  come 
ye  out  of  the  vineyards,  and  catch  ye  every  man 
his  wife  of  the  daughters  of  Shiloh,  and  go  to  the 
land  of  Benjamin. 

Jer.  7:12.  } Heb.  ami  spake  and  called,  q 20:47.  Josh.  15:32.  § Or,  proclaim 
pence.  Deut.  20:10.  Is.  57:19.  Luke  10:5.  Eph.2:17.  r 12.  20:47.  1 for.  7:2. 
s See  on  6,17.  tNum.  26:55.  36:7.  u See  on  1 . 1 1 :35.  x Ex.  23:14-  16.  Lev. 
23:2,4.6,10.34.  Num.  10:10  . 28:16,26  . 29:12.  Deut.  16:1,10,13.  Ps.  81:3.  John 
5:1.  7:2.  I|  Heh  .from  year  to  year.  IT  Or,  toward,  tke  sun-rising.  **  Or,  on, 
v 11:34.  Ex.  15:20.  1 Sam.  18:6.  2 Sam.  6:14,21.  Ps.  149:3.  150:4.  Ec.3:4.  Jer. 
31:13.  Matt.  10:17.  Luke  15.25. 


however,  to  have  considered  themselves  as  engaged  by  their 
oath  to  destroy  them  utterly  : yet  they  directed  the  detach- 
ment sent  on  this  service,  to  spare  the  virgins,  or  unmarried 
women,  of  good  character;  probably  with  reference  to  the 
orders  given  concerning  the  Midianitish  women.  (Note, 
Num.  31:14 — 18.)  But  if  the  vow  would  admit  of  this  limit- 
ation, why  could  they  not  spare  the  other  women  and  chil- 
dren, and  innocent  persons,  and  only  punish  the  criminals? 
The  women  and  children  were  not  required  to  join  the  army, 
and  were  in  no  degree  accessary  to  the  crime  of  the  men. 
It  does  not  appear  that  they  asked  counsel  of  the  Lord  before 
they  proceeded  to  action  : and  the  habit  of  military  exe- 
cutions, contracted  in  the  wars  of  Canaan,  in  obeying  the 
express  command  of  God,  had  no  douht  too  great  influence  on 
them  in  this  transaction,  which  was  entirely  of  a different 
nature.  Indeed  convenience,  rather  than  justice  or  piety, 
seems  to  have  induced  them  to  spare  the  virgins,  that  they 
might  extricate  themselves  from  the  difficulties  in  which  their 
other  rash  oath  had  involved  them ; hoping,  perhaps,  that  a 
sufficient  number  would  be  found. — The  four  hundred,  here 
mentioned,  seem  to  have  been  marriageable  : and  it  is  not  cer- 
tain, whether  the  female  children  were  spared  or  not. — u The 
land  ofCanaan”  (12)  here  denotes  the  country  west  of  Jordan. 

V.  16 — 18.  The  whole  inheritance  allotted  to  the  tribe 
belonged  to  the  survivors,  and  therefore  wives  must  be  pro- 
cured them,  that  they  might  be  replenished  to  occupy  it. 
Thus  the  remnant  of  the  Benjamites  were  unexpectedly 
advanced  to  great  affluence,  hy  the  miserable  destruction  o 
their  relations  ; and  had  it  not  been  for  the  oath,  many  in  the 
other’ tribes  would  no  doubt  have  readily  contracted  affinity 
with  them.  Hence  it  appears  that  the  people  acted  consci- 
entiously, as  reverencing  an  oath,  though  they  erred  in  judg- 
ment concerning  it ; bein£  only  bound  to  repent  of  having 
rashly  entered  into  such  a perplexing  and  unwarrantable 
engagement.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note , 1.) 

V.  19 — 21.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Sacred  dances  formed  a part 
of  the  religious  solemnities  under  the  Mosaic  dispensation : 
and  as  this  feast  was  observed  at  Shiloh,  it  may  be  supposed 
that  it  was  a religious  festival,  perhaps  the  feast  of  taberna- 
cles. These  dances,  however,  were  of  young  women  alone, 
without  either  men  or  married  women. — The  counsel  and  im- 
plied permission  given  to  the  Benjamites,  were  a mere  eva- 
sion of  the  vow;  and  also  gave  a direct  license  to  fraud,  vio- 
lence, and  the  marriage  of  children  without  the  consent  of 
their  parents  : and  if  that  might  have  been  dispensed  with,  the 
Benjamites  could  have  found  themseWes  wive*  without  the 
| others  giving  them  their  daughters 
( 467  ) 


B.  C.  97. 


RUTH. 


B.  C.  1397 


22  And ’t  s’.ia!!  be,  when  their  fathers  or  their 
brethren  come  unto  us  to  complain,  that  we  will 
sav  unto  them,  'Be  favourable  unto  them  for  our 
sakes;  because  we  reserved  not  to  “each  man  his 
wife  in  the  war  : for  ye  did  not  “give  unto  them  at 
tiiis  time,  that  ye  should  be  sruilty. 

23  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  did  so,  and 
took  them  wives  according  to  their  number,  of 
them  that  danced,  whom  they  caught : and  they 

• Or,  Qratify  us  in  them.  Philem.  9 — 12.  z 14.  Gen.  1:27.  7:13.  M^rk  10:6 — 
8.1  Cor.  7:2.  a 1,7,18.  Prov. 20:25.  b 20:48.  c 17:6.  18:1.  19:1.  d 18:7. 

V.  22.  To  each  man  his  wife.]  In  this  diminished  state 
*f  the  tribe,  when  every  Benjamite  could  have  maintained 
several  wives,  and  when  the  restoration  of  it  seemed  to  re- 
quire this  measure,  the  elders  only  devised  how  to  procure 
one  for  each  man  ; whence  it  appears,  that  polygamy,  though 
connived  at,  was  not  generally  practised  or  countenanced. 
(Note,  Gen.  7:7.)  Neither  did  any  one  propose  sending  them 
to  the  neighbouring  nations  to  procure  wives ; by  which  it  is 
probable,  that  marriages  with  them  were  seldom  contracted 
at  that  time. 

V.  23.  Thus  the  remains  of  the  tribe  began  to  increase  ; 
and  it  is  thought  by  many,  that  Ehud  was  raised  up  from 
this  tribe  to  be  the  judge  of  Israel,  after  it  had  been  thus 
diminished. 

V.  25.  Notes , 17:6.  18:7—10. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 15.  When  the  passions  are  vehemently  excited, 
those  measures  appear  needful,  which  are  afterwards  per- 
ceived to  be  unreasonable  and  unlawful ; and  therefore,  when 
we  at  all  suspect  this  to  be  our  case,  we  should  be  sure  to 
proceed  with  great  caution  and  deliberation,  if  we  would  not 
make  work  for  bitter  repentance.  This  danger  attends  all 
contests,  public  and  private ; and  a good  cause  often  becomes 
the  occasion  of  great  crimes,  as  the  excess  of  zeal  carries  men 
beyond  all  the  bounds  of  equity  and  humanity. — Well  might 
the  politic  Romans  refuse  a triumph  to  the  commander  who 
conquered  in  civil  war ; in  which  the  common  interest  is 
weakened,  and  the  common  enemies  exult,  whatever  party 
acquires  the  ascendency.  Such  unnatural  contentions  are 
generally  conducted  with  the  most  pertinacious  fury,  and  en- 
venomed resentment,  through  the  depravity  of  the  human 
heart  and  the  subtlety  of  Satan.  (Note,  Prov.  18:19.) — But 
this  enemy  is  most  of  all  gratified,  when  he  can  excite  divi- 
sions and  contentions  in  the  church,  by  which  the  truth  is  dis- 
graced, the  weak  and  prejudiced  are  stumbled,  and  the  ene- 
mies of  religion  alone  rejoiced.  Yet  many  persons  of  appa- 
rent godliness  use  greater  asperity  against  their  brethren,  who 
are  not  exactly  of  their  mind,  than  against  the  avowed  opposers 
of  all  religion  ! But.  contests  thus  managed  end  in  bitterness ; 
and  the  combatants  will  ere  long  weep  over  the  effects  of 
their  own  success. — Nothing  can  be  more  absurd,  than  so- 
lemn oaths  and  vows  made  in  the  heat  of  passion:  many  have 
by  them  entangled  themselves  in  inextricable  perplexity  ; and 
been  thus  induced  to  add  one  crime  to  another,  or  to  use  the 
most  disingenuous  evasions  and  equivocations.  Of  all  things, 


went  and  returned  unto  their  inheritance,  and 
^repaired  the  cities,  and  dwelt  in  them. 

24  And  the  children  of  Israel  departed  thence 
at  that  time,  every  man  to  his  tribe  and  to  his 
family,  and  they  went  out  from  thence  every  man 
to  his  inheritance. 

25  In  those  days  there  was  “no  king-  in  Israel , 
every  man  did  that  which  was  dright  in  his  owi 
eyes. 


Deut.  12:8.  Pa.  12:4.  Prov. 3:5.  14:12.  Ec.  11:9.  Mic. 2:1,2. 


such  solemn  and  important  engagements  require  the  mos 
cautious  reflection  on  future  probable  consequences. — Out 
penitent  confessions,  and  devotional  exercises,  are  too  often 
succeeded  by  relapses  into  sin,  for  want  of  simply  seeking  di* 
rection  from  God,  and  depending  on  him  to  uphold  us. — Ever 
necessary  justice  should  be  executed  with  deep  concern 
and  men  would  not  be  forward  in  inflicting  vengeance  on  the 
less  guilty,  while  more  atrocioqs  criminals  were  spared, 
were  they  not  more  ambitious  of  dominion  for  themselves 
than  zealous  for  the  glory  of  God. — Even  lawful  employ- 
ments may  induce  habits,  which  will  be  apt  to  influence 
the  conduct  in  concerns  of  another  nature,  and  with  very  bad 
effect:  we  should  therefore  .seek  for  self-knowledge,  keep  a 
strict  watch  over  our  hearts,  and  daily  consult  the  word  o 
God  as  the  rule  of  our  duty. 

V.  16 — 25.  When  even  great  offenders  are  exceedingly 
cast  down,  they  should  be  treated  with  gentleness,  and  pre- 
served, if  possible,  from  temptations  to  despair  and  total 
apostacy:  (Note,  2 Cor.  2:5 — 11.)  and  every  act  of  apparent 
severity  should  be  connected  with  evident  disinterestedness. 
— Too  often  the  very  ordinances  of  God  degenerate  into  a 
mere  form,  and  carnal  mirth  supplants  holy  rejoicing ; but 
those  scenes,  which  the  dissipated  and  sensual  most,  delight  in, 
expose  them  to  unthought-of  consequences,  and  give  Satan  and 
designing  men  their  utmost  advantage  against  them : all  our 
cheerfulness  should  therefore  be  tempered  with  reflection  and 
watchfulness. — Children,  who  marry  without  the  consent  of 
their  .parents,  are  in  general  very  culpable ; and  those  are 
still  more  deeply  criminal  who  entice  them  to  do  so:  yet  when 
the  matter  cannot  be  remedied,  it  is  commonly  the  parent’s 
duty  and  wisdom  to  be  favourable,  and  to  make  the  best  of 
it. — That  men  can  be  so  absurd,  as  to  counsel  others  to  acts 
of  treachery  or  violence,  and  to  countenance  them  in  such 
evils,  from  a sense  of  duty,  forms  a striking  proof  of  the  blind- 
ness of  the  human  mind  when  left  to  itself,  and  of  the  fatal 
effects  of  an  ignorant  or  erroneous  conscience. — Our  troubles 
in  this  world  may  be  succeeded  by  seasons  of  comfort,  and 
end  in  our  advantage;  but  they  who  are  cut  off  in  their  sins, 
sink  into  evil,  only  evil,  and  that  for  ever. — Finally,  we  should 
be  thankful  for  good  magistrates,  to  restrain  the  violence  of 
wicked  men:  but  the  fear  and  love  of  God,  if  we  are  Chus- 
tians,  will  deter  us  from  “ doing  what  is  right  in  our  own  eyes,” 
except  as  they  are  opened  to  behold  the  excellency  of  his 
most  holy  law,  and  as  our  hearts  are  so  renewed  as  to  delight 
in  obeying  it. 


THE 

BOOK  OF  RUTH. 


This  book  is  a kind  of  appendix  to  that  of  Judges,  and  an  introduction  to  the  subsequent  history  : and  it  is  most  probable,  that  t( 
was  written  by  Samuel,  after  he  had  anointed  David  to  be  king. — Ruth,  a Moabitess,  having  been  married  to  the  Son  of  Eli- 
melech,  of  the  tribe  of  Judah;  after  the  death  of  her  husband  and  father-in-law,  accompanied  Naomi,  her  mother-in-law, 
into  the  land  of  Israel,  from  love  to  her,  and  to  true  religion  : there  she  was  married  to  Boaz,  a near  kinsmanx  nnd  thus  broqght 
into  the  line  of  David,  and  consequently  of  Christ  the  Son  of  David.  The  chief  events  occurred  at  Beth-lehem,  the  city  of  David  ; 
whose  genealogy  from  Pharez,  the  son  of  Judah,  concludes  the  book,  and  is  attested  by  the  Evangelists  Matthew  and  Luke. — 
It  is  not  easy  to  fix  the  Chronology  of  these  events  : they  occurred  in  the  days  when  the  judges  ruled  ; but  there  is  no  evidence  to 
Uttermine  exactly  under  which  of  them. — The  narrative  itself  is  very  interesting  and  instructive.  It  shows  the  condescending  pro. 
vidential  care  of  God  to  the  minutest  concerns  of  his  people  : and  the  circumstance  of  a Moabitess  becoming  an  ancestor  of  Christ, 
seems  to  have  been  a pre-intimation  of  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles  into  his  church. 


B.  C.  1322. 

CHAPTER  I. 

Bttmelech  induced  by  famine  to  sojourn  in  Moab  dies  there,  1 — 3.  His  two 
sons,  hatting  married  women  of  Moab,  die  without  children;  and  Naomi, 
Elimelech' s widow,  prepares  to  return  to  Israel,  4 — 6.  Orpah  and  Ruth, 
her  daughters-in-law,  propose  to  accompany  her  ; she  dissuades  them,  and 
Orpah  returns  hack,  7 — 14.  Ruth  determines  to  go  with  her,  15 — 18.  They 
arrive  at  Beth-lehem,  anl  Naomi  answers  the  inquiries  of  her  neighbours, 
19-22. 

NOW  it  came  to  pass,  in  the  days  when  “the 
judges  ‘ruled,  that  there  wasba  famine  in  the 

a Judg.  2:16.  • Heb.  fudmd.  b Gen.  12:10.  26:1.  48:1.  I.ev.  26:19.  Deut.  28: 
23,24,38  . 2 Sam.  21:1.  1 Kings  17:1— 12.  18:2.  2King«8:l,2.  P«.  105:16.  107: 


B.  C.  1322. 

land : and  a certain  man  of  cBeth-lehem-judah 
went  to  sojourn  in  the  country  of  Moab,  he,  and 
his  wife,  and  his  two  sons. 

2 And  the  name  of  Ihe  man  was  Elimelech,  and 
the  n#me  of  his  wife  dNaomi,  and  the  name  of  his 
two  sons  Mahlon  and  Chilion,  “Ephrathites  of 
Beth-lehcm-judah:  and  they  came  into  the  country 
of  Moab,  and  'continued  there. 

34.  Jer.  14:1.  E*.  14:13,21.  Joel  1:10.11,16—20.  Am.  4:6.  c Jndg.  17:8.  19:1,2. 
<120.  o Gen.  35: 1 9.  1 Sam  1:1.  17:12.  Mic.  6:2.  | Heb.  were. 


NOTES. — Chap.  I.  V.  1,  2.  Elimelech  seems  (o  have 
been  hlameablo,  in  removing  from  the  ordinances  and  people 

< 468  ) 


of  God.  The  famino  was  not  so  extreme  but  that  othoii 
could  endure  it ; and  he  ovidom  v svas  a person  of  proporty 


B.  C.  1312. 


CHAPTER  I. 


B.  C.  1312- 


3 And  Elimelech,  Naomi’s  husband,  died ; f and 
she  was  left,  and  her  two  sons. 

4 And  they  took  them  «wivcs  of  the  women  of 
Moab  ; the  name  of  the  one  was  Orpah,  and  the 
name  of  the  other  hRuth:  and  they  dwelled  there 
about  ten  years. 

b.  c.-i  5 And  'Mahlon  and  Chiliondied  also  both 
i3i2.  J 0f  them ; kand  the  woman  was  left  of  her  two 
sons  and  her  husband. 

6 Then  she  arose  with  her  daughters-in-law, 
that  she  might  return  from  the  country  of  Moab : 
for  she  had  heard  in  the  country  of  Moab,  how 
that  the  Lord  had  'visited  his  people  ‘"in  giving 
them  bread. 

7 Wherefore  “she  went  forth  out  of  the  place 
where  she  was,  and  her  two  daughters-in-law  with 
her : and  °they  went  on  the  way  to  return  unto  the 
land  of  Judah. 

8 And  Naomi  said  unto  her  two  daughters-in- 
law,  pGo,  return  each  to  her  mother’s  house  : ithe 
Lord  deal  kindly  with  you,  as  ye  have  dealt  with 
rthe  dead,  and  with  me. 

9 The  Lord  grant  you  that  ye  may  find  'rest, 
each  of  you  in  the  house  of  her  husband.  Then 
‘she  kissed  them  : and  they  lifted  up  their  voice, 
and  wept. 

10  And  they  said  unto  her,  “Surely  we  will 
return  with  thee  unto  thy  people. 

11  And  Naomi  said,  Turn  again,  my  daughters; 
why  will  ye  go  with  me  ? are  there  yet  any  more  sons 
in  my  womb,  xthat  they  may  be  your  husbands  ? 

12  Turn  again,  my  daughters,  go  your  way;  for 
I am  rtoo  old  to  have  an  husband.  If  I should  say, 
I have  hope,  if  ’I  should  have  an  husband  also  to- 
night, and  should  also  bear  sons ; 

13  Would  ye  'tarry  for  them  till  they  were 

f 2Kings4:l.  Ps.  34:19.  Heb.  12:6,10,11.  gDeiit.7:3.  23:3.  1 Kings  11:1,2. 
h Man.  1:5.  i Dent.  32.39.  Ps.  89:30—32.  Jer.2:19.  k Is. 49:21.  Matt. 22.25— 
27.  Luke  7:12.  1 Gen.  21:1.  Ex.  3:16.  4:31.  lSam.2:21.  Lukel:68.  19:44. 
1 Pet.  2: 12.  m Gen.  28:20.  48:15.  F.x.  16.4—6.  Ps.  104:14,15.  111:5.  132:15.  145: 
15.146:7.  Prov.  30:8.  Is.  55:10.  Malt. 6:11.  1 Tim.  6:8.  n2Kiugs8:3.  ol0,14. 
Ex.  18:27.  p Josh. 24:15,  See.  Luke  14:25,  &c.  q Phil.  1:18,19.  STim.  1:17,18. 
r 5.  2:20.  Eph.  5:22.  6:2,3.  Col.  3:18,24.  s3:l.  t den.  27:27.  29:11 . 45:15. 
Acte  20:37.  u Ps.  16:3.  1 19:63.  Zech.  8:23.  x Gen.  38:11.  Deut.  25:5.  y Gen. 
17:17.  1 Tim.  5:9.  * Or,  / were  with  an  husband,  t Heb.  hope.  } Heb.  I have 
much  bitterness.  7.  Deut.  2: 15.  Judg.  2: 15.  1 Sam.  5:11.  Job  19:21 . Ps.  32:4. 
38:2.  39:9.10.  a Gen.  31:28,55.  1 Kings  19:20.  Matt.  10:37.  19:22.  2 Tim.  4:10. 
bDeut.  4:4.  10:20.  Prov.  17:17.  18:24.  Is.  14:1.  Zech.  8:23.  Matt.  16:24.  John 


and  not  likely  to  want  the  necessaries  of  life,  though  Jewish 
traditions  of  his  rank  and  dignity  are  entitled  to  little  credit. 
(Note,  19 — 21.)  Probably,  he  thought  that  he  could  live 
better  and  at  less  expense  in  the  land  of  Moab,  than  in 
Canaan ; but  it  terminated  in  the  empoverishing  and  wasting 
of  his  family. — “ Elimelech  signifies  my  God  a king,  and 
“Mahlon”  and  “Chilion”  seem  to  dencle  sickness  and  ■ con- 
sumption ; they  having  perhaps  been  children  of  a weakly 
constitution. 

V.  4,  5.  There  is  no  reason  to  think,  that  either  Orpah 
or  Ruth  was  proselyted  to  the  religion  of  Israel  before  mar- 
riage; and  consequently  Mahlon  and  Chilion  directly  violated 
the  divine  law  ; for  which  some  think  their  premature  death 
without  children  was  a punishment.  (Lev.  20:20,21.)  But 
their  marriage  with  Moabitish  women  was  the  natural  effect 
of  Elimeleeh’s  conduct,  in  bringing  them  acquainted  with  the 
women  of  Moab,  and  removing  them  to  a distance  from  the 
worshippers  of  God.  Thus  they  settled  among  idolaters  ; 
and  had  they  left  children,  there  would  have  been  great  dan- 
ger of  their  being  incorporated  among  them.  (Notes,  Gen. 
3:10—12.  14:12.  19:1,14,26,31—38.)  Probably  Elimelech 
died  soon  after  he  came  into  the  land  of  Moab,  and  his  two 
sons  followed  him  before  ten  years  were  expired  ; but  it 
does  not  appear,  how  long  after  their  marriage  this  took  place. 

V.  6 — 10.  Perhaps  Naomi  had  staid  in  Moab  contrary 
to  her  inclination,  from  regard  to  her  husband  while  he  lived, 
and  afterwards  to  her  sons  : and  she  was  now  encouraged  to 
return  into  Canaan,  by  hearing  that  the  Lord  had  visited  the 
land  with  plenty;  for  it  would  have  been  very  discouraging 
for  a destitute  widow  to  return  home  in  a time  of  great  scar- 
city. (Note,  19 — 21.)  She  seems  to  have  been  a person  of 
eminent  faith  and  piety;  and  to  have  diligently  instructed  her 
daughters-in-law  in  true  religion,  which  she  recommended  by 
her  example.  They  both  had  a great  affection  for  her,  and  at 
first  purposed  to  go  withher,  notwithstanding  her  afflicted  con- 
dition ; though  Orpah’s  resolution  failed  upon  the  trial.  Their 
good  behaviour  to  their  husbands,  and  to  Naomi,  likewise 
endeared  them  to  her,  and  excited  her  affectionate  wishes 
and  fervent  prayers  for  them  ; and  they  were  all  greatly  dis- 
tressed at  the  thoughts  of  parting. 

V.  11 — 14.  The  custom  of  the  surviving  brother  marrying 
the  widow  of  the  deceased,  who  had  left  no  children,  seems 
to  have  prevailed  in  other  countries  besides  Israel ; but  no 
yospect  of  a settlement  according  to  it,  could  possibly  be 
held  out  by  Naomi  to  her  daughters-in-law.  She  therefore 


grown  ? would  ye  stay  for  them  from  having  hus- 
bands ? nay,  my  daughters : ior  fit  grieveth  me 
much  for  your  sakes,  that  'the  hand  of  the  Lord 
is  gone  out  against  me. 

14  And  they  lifted  up  their  voice,  and  wept 

again  : and  “Orpah  kissed  her  mother-in-law,  but 
bRuth  clave  unto  her.  [ practical 

15  And  she  said,  Behold,  thy  sister-in-law  cis 
gone  back  unto  her  people,  and  unto  ''her  gods: 
return  thou  after  thy  sister-m-law. 

16  And  Ruth  said,  ^Entreat  me  not  fto  leave 
thee,  or  to  return  from  following  after  thee  : for 
swhither  thou  goest,  I will  go ; and  where  thou 
lodges!,  I will  lodge  : bthy  people  shall  be  my  peo- 
ple, and  'thy  God  my  God. 

17  Where  thou  diest  will  I die,  and  there  will  1 
be  buried  : kthe  Lord  do  so  to  me,  and  more  also, 
if  aught  'but  death  part  thee  and  me. 

18  When  she  saw  that  she  "was  steadfastly 
minded  to  go  with  her,  then  she  left  speaking 
unto  her. 

19  So  they  two  went  until  they  came  to  Beth- 
lehem. And  it  came  to  pass,  when  they  were 
come  to  Beth-lehem,  that  “all  the  city  was  moved 
about  them  ; and  they  said,  p Is  this  Naomi? 

20  And  she  said  unto  them,  Call  me  not  "Naomi, 
call  me  "Mara : for  ithe  Almighty  hath  ‘dealt  very 
bitterly  with  me. 

21  I went  out  full,  'and  the  Lord  hath  brought 
me  home  again  empty : why  then  call  ye  me 
Naomi,  seeing  ‘the  Lord  hath  testified  against 
me,  and  the  Almighty  hath  afflicted  me  ? 

22  So  Naomi  returned,  and  Ruth  the  Moabitess, 
her  daughter-in-law,  with  her,  which  returned 
out  of  the  country  of  Moab  : and  they  came  to 
Beth-lehem  in  "the  beginning  of  barley-havest. 


6:66-69.  Ac.»  17:34.  Heb.  10:39.  cPs.  36:3.  125:5.  Zeph.l:6.  Malt.  13:20,21. 
Heb.  10:38.  1 John  2:19.  djudg.  14:24.  c Josh. 21:15.  2Sam.  15:19,20.  Luk« 
14:26 — 33.  § Or,  be  not  agains'  me.  f 2 Kings  2:2, 4, 6.  Acts  21:13.  g 2 Sam. 
15:21.  Matt.  8:19.  John  13:37.  Rev.  14:4.  h 2:11,12.  Ps.  45:10.  Is.  14:1.  i Josh. 
24:18.  Dan.  2:47.  3:29.  4:37.  Hob.  13:4.  2 Cor.  6:16— 18.  1 Thes.l:9.  klSam. 
3:17.25:22.  2Sam.  3:9.35.  19:13.  1 Kings  2:23.  19:2.  20:10.  2 Kings  6.31. 
1 Acts  11:23.  2'):24.  II  Heb.  strengthened  herself . Acls2:42.  Eph. 6:10.  o Matt. 
21:10.  p Is.  23:7.  Lam.  2:15.  IT  That  is,  Pleasant.  **  That  is.  Bitter,  q Gen. 
17:1.  43:14.  Job  5:17.  11:7.  Rev.  1:8.  21:2-2.  r Job  6:4.  19:6.  Ps.  73.14.  88:15. 
Ts.  38.13.  Lam.  3:1—20.  Heb.  12:11.  s 1 Sam.  2:7,8.  Job  1:21.  t Job  10:17. 
13:26.  16:8.  Mai.  3:5.  u 2:23.  Ex.  9:31 ,32.  2 Sam.  21:9. 


expressed  great  concern  at  the  afflictions  with  which  God  had 
visited  her,  because  she  was  deprived  of  all  power  to  help 
them  : and  she  intimated  that  if  they  were  not  disposed  to 
accompany  her  out  of  disinterested  love  to  God,  and  to  the 
people  of  Israel,  she  could  hold  out  no  other  inducement. 
Upon  this  Orpah,  not  being  prepared  to  venture  all  conse- 
quences, and  renounce  all  her  worldly  prospects  for  the  sake 
of  religion,  returned  back  to  her  country,  her  relations,  and 
her  gods,  though  with  reluctance  and  tokens  of  affection  for 
Naorni.  (Marg.  Ref.  a — c.) 

V.  15.  Naomi  was  doubtless  very  far  from  desiring  that 
Ruth  should  return:  but  she  intended  to  make  trial  of  her 
sincerity,  and  to  lead  her  to  consider  how  she  could  bear 
poverty  and  hardship,  for  the  sake  of  the  God  of  Israel  ; that 
if  she  were  not  in  earnest,  and  only  induced  by  affection  for 
her,  and  some  general  convictions,  it  might  now  be  discovered , 
or  that  she  m\ght  set  out  with  stead}'  determination  of  mind, 
and  entire  dependence  on  the  grace  of  God.  (18.  Notes, 
Josh.  24:15—19.  Luke  14:25—33.) 

V.  16,  17.  The  example  and  instructions  of  Naomi  seem 
to  have  given  Ruth  the  most  favourable  opinion  of  the  cha- 
racter and  religion  of  the  Israelites,  so  that  she  desired  to 
have  her  lot  with  them  at  any  rate  : and  for  the  sake  of  this 
she  was  willing  to  renounce  all  her  connexions  and  prospects 
in  the  land  of  Moab,  and  to  embrace  hardship  and  penury 
in  a strange  country.  (JVotes,  Josh.  2:4 — 6,8 — 11.)  She  was, 
also  determined  to  cleave  to  Naomi,  however  destitute  and 
afflicted,  until  death  separated  them.  For  her  sincerity  in 
this  profession  she  called  the  Lord  to  witness,  and  to  mul- 
tiply her  troubles  if  she  did  not  fulfil  this  solemn  engagement. 
Thus  she  renounced  idolatry,  and  became  a worshipper  and 
servant  of  the  living  God,  and  44  counted  all  but  loss”  for  the 
sake  of  his  favour  and  salvation  ; and  her  subsequent  conduct 
proved  that  her  faith  was  genuine  and  her  profession  sincere. 
(Notes,  2 Sam.  15:18—22.  1 Chr.  12:16— 18.  John  6:66—' 71.) 

V.  19 — 21.  Naomi  had  probably  lived  in  affluence,  and 
been  much  respected : her  neighbours  were  therefore  greatly 
surprised  to  see  her  return  home,  so  iltercd.  in  her  circum- 
stances and  appearance  ; for  she  and  Ruth  seemed  to  have 
travelled  on  foot,  without  any  attendants,  all  the  property 
which  Elimelech  had  taken  with  him  having  been  spent. — 
u Naomi”  signifies  ■pleasant,  and  14  Mora,”  litter.  She  humbly 
considered  her  afflictions  as  coming  from  the  Lord’s  hand 
upon  her  and  her  family,  for  sin.  Fo/  thu^  “the  Lord  tea* 
tified  against  her,  and  the  Almighty  afflictei  her.”  Perhapf 
( 469  ) 


B.  G 1312 


RUTH 


B.  C.  1312, 


UHAPTER  II. 

Ruth  is  *d,  witntut  design,  to  glean  in  the  field  of  Boaz,  1 — 3.  He  comes  to 
ste  his  reapers  nml  piously  salutes  them,  and  is  saluted  by  them,  4.  He 
thaws  kindness  to  ttuth  ; who  behaves  vesper  fully  towards  him,  5 — 10.  He 
states  what  he  had  heard  of  her , prays  for  her,  an l shows  her  further  kind- 
ness, 11—17.  She  returns  to  Naomi,  and  informs  her  of  what  had  passed, 
18—23. 

AND  Naomi  had  a “kinsman  of  her  husband’s, 
ba  mighty  man  of  wealth,  of  the  family  of 
Elimelech ; and  his  name  was  cBoaz. 

2  And  Ruth  the  Moabitess  said  unto  Naomi, 


a 3.2,12.  b Dent.  8:17,18.  Job  1:3.  31:25.  c l Chr.  2:10— 12.  Malt.  1:5.  Luke 
3:32.  Booz.  d Lev.  19:9,10.  23:22.  Deut. 24:19— 21.  e 1 Thee. 4:11, 12.  2Thes. 


she  considered  herself  as  guilty,  in  not  having  left  Moab 
immediately  on  the  death  of  her  husband. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 14.  No  judgment  can  be  formed  from  mere  out- 
ward circumstances,  whether  we  have,  or  have  not,  u found 
favour  with  God  ;”  for  whom  he  loves  he  often  chastens  for 
their  profit,  and  leaves  his  enemies  to  be  hardened  in  pros- 
perity.— Afflictions  should  be  submitted  to  as  the  Lord’s 
rebuke,  and  they  call  on  us  as  by  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  to 
exercise  repentance,  and  seek  forgiveness:  (Notes,  Jim.  4:6 
— 13.  Mic.  6:9.)  for  every  endeavour,  by  carnal  policy,  to 
evade  correction,  will  eventually  entangle  us  in  greater  diffi- 
culties.— Those  who,  by  inconveniences  or  hardships,  are 
easily  induced  to  change  their  situations,  seldom  prosper  in 
this  world ; and  prove  that  they  do  not  understand  the  real 
causes  of  their  uneasiness.  For  the  displeasure  of  God,  and 
the  pride  and  impatience  of  our  hearts,  cannot  be  avoided  by 
change  of  place  or  situation ; and  while  these  remain,  they 
will  produce  misery  whithersoever  we  remove.  But  when  we 
are  tempted  to  quit  the  ordinances  of  God,  and  the  commu- 
nion of  his  people,  out  of  secular  motives,  we  should  remem- 
ber Lot  and  Sodom.  In  such  measures  our  children  and 
families  are  deeply  concerned  ; for  if  they  are  estranged  from 
the  servants  and  house  of  God,  and  brought  acquainted  with 
persons  of  no  religion,  or  of  a false  religion,  it  cannot  be  ex- 
pected, but  that  they  will  conform  to  their  ways,  and  have 
their  portion  with  them  living  and  dying.  Better  would  it  be 
to  be  pinched  with  poverty,  and  worn  down  with  labour  in  the 
Lord’s  land,  than  to  live  in  luxury  and  ease  bv  hazarding  such 
consequences.  (Notes,  Ps.  37:3,16,17.)  For  our  earthly 
trials  or  enjoyments  are  of  short  continuance  ; death  is  con- 
tinually removing  those  of  every  age  and  situation,  suddenly 
breaking  in  upon  the  most  endeared  unions,  and  marring  all 
our  outward  comforts : we  cannot  therefore  too  decidedly 
prefer  those  advantages  which  shall  endure  for  ever,  that  we 
may  be  ready  for  every  separating  stroke.  If, however,  we 
be  constrained  to  dwell  for  a season  in  places  of  temptation, 
we  should  retire  when  the  necessity  ceases ; and  consider 
every  rebuke  in  Providence,  as  a call  to  us,  to  “ come  out 
and  be  separate”  from  the  workers  of  iniquity. — When  “the 
Lord  visits  his  people  in  giving  them  bread,”  they  ought  to  be 
content  and  thankful,  though  they  have  not  abundance  of 
silver  and  gold : and  the  assurance  that  he  will  supply  the 
real  necessities  of  his  true  servants,  should  encourage  us 
cheerfully  to  cast  our  lot  among  them.  In  every  situation 
and  relation  in  life,  especially  among  such  as  are  strangers 
to  the  truths  of  the  gospel,  believers  should  aim  to  u adorn 
the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things.”  (Note,  Tit. 
2:9,10.)  And  when  they  behave  with  prudence,  integrity, 
meekness,  and  kindness ; when  they  well  perform  the  duties 
of  relative  life,  and  show  attention  to  the  temporal  comfort, 
and  compassion  for  the  sufferings  of  those  around  them  : and 
when  they  commend  what  is  right  in  the  moral  and  relative 
conduct  of  those  who  are  not  acquainted  with  spiritual  things ; 
they  win  much  upon  them,  and  render  them  more  disposed  to 
take  in  good  part  any  endeavours  made  to  do  good  to  their 
souls.  And  thus  (beside  the  comfort  of  domestic  harmony, 
which  cannot  easily  be  valued  too  highly,)  the  Lord  often 
blesses  such  conduct  as  the  means  of  bringing  those  who  were 
ignorant,  careless,  or  prejudiced,  to  inquire  after  his  truth 
and  salvation  ; while  the  contrary  behaviour  of  too  many 
professors  of  the  gospel,  forms  a grand  objection  against  it  in 
the  minds  of  thousands  and  tens  of  thousands. — Many  feel 
an  affection  for  such  believers  as  have  been  kind  to  them, 
and  entertain  favourable  sentiments  of  religion,  who  are  not 
decided  in  renouncing  all  their  worldly  pleasures,  connexions, 
and  prospects,  and  joining  themselves  to  the  poor  and  des- 
pised people  of  God,  for  the  sake  of  Christ  and  his  salva- 
tion. They  more  desire  u rest  in  the  house  of  a husband,” 
or  in  some  worldly  settlement  or  satisfaction,  than  that  rest  to 
which  Jesus  invites  our  souls  ; and  therefore  when  fully  tried, 
they  depart  from  him,  though  sorrowful  and  reluctant.  (Note, 
Matt.  11:28—30.  19:16—22.) 

V.  15 — 22.  Nothing  but  a deep  sense  of  the  importance 
of  eternal  things,  and  a conviction  of  our  guilt,  and  need  of  a 
Saviour ; nothing  but  that  faith,  which  is  inseparably  con- 
nected with  true  repentance  and  hatred  of  sin,  and  which 
works  by  love  of  Christ  and  his  people,  his  truth,  ordinances, 
and  precepts,  will,  in  such  a world  as  this,  carry  a man 
through  all  possible  temptations.  And  therefore  the  Lord 
proves  those  who  profess  themselves  his  disciples,  by  setting 
the  consequences  before  them  in  his  word,  and  by  some 
experience  of  them  in  his  providence ; by  which  they,  who 
' avo  not  faith,  are  discouraged,  and  go  back  to  their  own 
( 470  ) 


Let  me  now  go  to  the  field,  and  %lean  ears  of 
corn  after  him,  in  whose  sight  I shall  find  grace, 
And  she  said  unto  her,  Go,  my  daughter. 

3 And  she  went,  and  came,  and  'gleaned  in  the 
field  after  Ihe  reapers:  and  her  'hap  was  to  light 
on  a part  of  the  field  belonging  unto  Boaz,  wh.t 
was  of  the  kindred  of  Elimelech. 

4 And,  behold,  Boaz  came  from  Beth-lehem, 
and  said  unto  the  reapers,  f The  Lord  be  with 

3:12.  * Heb.  hap,  haprpened.  2 Kings  8:5.  Esth.  6:1,2.  Matt.  10:29.  Luke  10: 

31.  fPs.  118:26.  129:8.  Luke  1:28.  2Thes.3:16.  2Tim.4:22.  2 John  10,11. 

people  and  idols : and  this,  though  lamentable,  is  principally 
their  own  loss.  We  ought  indeed  greatly  to  desire  the 
increase  of  true  Christians ; yet  we  should  be  cautious  in 
our  endeavours  to  multiply  professors,  lest  we  engage  those 
who  will  betray  the  cause  which  they  are  expected  to  defend. 
(Notes,  Deut.  20:5 — 9.  Judg.  7:2 — 7.)  Especially  we  ought 
to  examine,  whether  we  ourselves  are  thus  steadfastly  minded, 
and  determined  to  cast  in  our  lot  with  the  people  of  God,  how- 
ever poor,  despised,  or  persecuted;  and  that  living  and  dying, 
and  for  ever.  We  should  inquire,  whether  this  be  our  aim 
and  prayer  ; whether  the  prospect  of  secular  advantage  have 
not  some  influence  upon  our  minds ; and  whether,  if  that 
were  withdrawn,  or  changed  for  the  prospect  of  poverty  and 
suffering,  we  should  not  be  tempted  to  draw  back.  But  if  we 
are  thus  decided  in  our  judgment  for  the  Lord  and  his  service 
and  salvation,  he  will  assuredly  accept  and  provide  for  us  ; he 
will  make  up  all  our  losses,  support  us  under  all  our  trials, 
and  communicate  unspeakable  consolations  ; and  while  many 
u draw  back  unto  perdition,  we  shall  believe  unto  the  saving 
of  our  souls :”  nay,  we  shall  even  grow  more  determined  by 
their  apostacy,  and  by  our  own  difficulties  and  temptations. 
If  reduced  in  our  circumstances,  we  shall  often  be  more 
grieved  for  the  sake  of  others,  than  for  ourselves  ; the  con- 
sciousness of  our  sins  will  teach  us  to  submit  to  our  trials 
without  murmuring ; and  our  mourning  will  be  mingled  vvith 
heavenly  sweetness. — While  we  remark,  with  compassion, 
the  sad  changes  which  numbers  suffer,  we  should  be  remind- 
ed to  prepare  for  changes  ourselves,  especially  for  our  last 
great  change ; when  the  true  believer  will  certainly  find  that 
all  things  have  worked  together  for  his  everlasting  good. 
(Note,  Rom.  8:28—31.) 

NOTES.— Chap.  II.  V.  1.  Mar g.  Ref.  Job.  1:2,3. 

V.  2.  When  Naomi  and  Ruth  were  settled  in  some 
homely  lodging  at  Beth-lehem;  the  latter  expecting  nothing 
in  Canaan  but  a life  of  hard  labour  and  mean  fare,  proposed 
to  go  and  glean  in  some  field,  where  she  might  obtain  permis 
sion,  for  her  own  subsistence,  and  t^hat  of  her  mother-in-law, 
who  probably  was  unable  to  endure  the  fatigue  and  heat  of 
such  an  employment.  The  Lord  indeed  intended  other  things 
for  Ruth:  but  he  was  pleased  thus  to  prove  her  sincerity, 
humility,  industry,  and  patience  ; and  her  dutiful  affection  to 
Naomi  for  his  sake.  Orpah  could  not  have  stood  this  trial 
but  had  she  been  assured  of  a settlement  in  Israel,  as  desira- 
ble as  that  which  Ruth  at  length  obtained,  she  would  have 
come  also,  and  have  made  a hypocritical  profession  of  religion 
for  the  sake  of  secular  advantage.  (Note,  Matt.  8:18 — 20.) 

V.  3.  Her  hap.]  This  circumstance  was  with  Ruth  merely 
accidental,  and  not  the  result  of  choice  or  contrivance  ; but 
it  was  the  effect  of  the  Lord’s  secret  direction,  in  whose 
providence  great  events  depend  upon  apparently  trivial  inci- 
dents. (Marg.  Ref.  Notes , He.  9:11,12.  Luke  10:30 — 37, 
onclusion.) 

V.  4.  The  LORD  be  with  you.]  Note , Ps.  129:6 — 8.— 
This  emphatical  expression  occurs  here  for  the  first  time  in 
Scripture. — (Marg.  Ref.  f.)  The  name  of  Boaz  signifies, 
Strength  is  in  him,  (Note,  1 Kings  7:15 — 22.)  and  he  was 
a “ mighty  man  of  wealth yet  he  personally  superintended 
his  own  reapers. — The  pious  and  affectionate  language  inter- 
changed between  him  and  his  reapers,  and  which  appears 
to  have  been  familiar  to  them,  shows  that,  there  were  many 
godly  persons  in  Israel,  notwithstanding  national  defections : 
and  it.  beautifully  illustrates  tl\e  genuine  effect  of  true  religion, 
in  producing  affability  in  superiors,  and  respect  and  affection 
in  inferiors,  and  mutual  unaffected  good  will  in  all. — It  is 
lamentably  true,  that  such  language  as  this  is  seldom  heard 
in  our  fields,  while  the  bounty  of  Providence  is  gathering  in: 
but  frequently  the  reverse';  yea,  whatever  can  inflame  the 
passions,  and  corrupt  the  morals.  So  that  a stranger,  who 
should  be  occasionally  present,  would  be  apt  to  form  a very 
different  opinion  respecting  the  religion  of  England,  than 
Ruth  did  concerning  that  of  Israel,  from  the  conversation 
anil  conduct  of  Boaz  and  his  reapers. 

V.  5 — 10.  There  is  a beautiful  simplicity  in  this  narrative. 
The  servant’s  account  of  Ruth  was  suited  to  give  Boaz  a 
high  opinion  of  her  modesty,  humility,  and  industry  : and  the 
discourse  of  Boaz  with  Ruth  exhibits  genuine  humanity, 
kindness,  and  consideration  for  the  stranger  and  destitute.— 
It  seems  evident,  that  the  same  language  was  understood  by 
all  parties,  whether  Moab,  as  descended  from  Lot  and  Heber, 
retained  the  language  of  their  ancestors,  or  a dialect  of  it , 
or  whether  Ruth  had  learned  the  language  of  Israel,  in  Elime- 
loch’s  family.  (Notes,  Gen.  11:6 — 9.  Nch.  13:23 — 30.) — 

“ Seeing  I am  a stranger.”  ‘I  ora  not  of  Israel,  but  a hea- 
then, born  and  brought  up ; a Moai  less,  unworthy  thn  -»>gard 


B.  C 1312. 


CHAPTER  II. 


you.  *And  they  answered  him,  The  Lcrd  Hess 
thee. 

5 Then  said  hBoaz  unto  his  servant  that  was 
set  over  the  i*eapers,  Whose  damsel  is  this? 

6 And  ‘the  servant  that  was  set  over  the  reapers 
answered  and  said,  kIt  is  the  Moabitish  damsel 
.hat  came  back  with  Naomi  out  of  the  country  of 
Moab ; 

7 And  she  said,  'I  pray  you,  let  me  glean  and 
gather  after  the  reapers  among  the  sheaves : so 
she  came,  and  hath  mcontinued  even  from  the 
morning  until  now,  that  she  tarried  a little  in  the 

house. 

8 Then  said  Boaz  unto  Ruth,  Hearest  thou 
not,  "my  daughter?  Go  not  to  glean  in  another 
field,  neither  go  from  hence,  bui  °abide  here  fast 
by  my  maidens. 

9 Let  thine  eyes  be  on  the  field  that  they  do 
reap,  and  go  thou  after  them  : have  I not  charged 
the  young  men  that  they  shall  not  Ptouch  thee  ? 
and  when  thou  art  athirst,  <igo  unto  the  vessels, 
and  drink  of  that  which  the  young  men  have 
drawn. 

10  Then  she  rfell  on  her  face,  and  bowed 
herself  to  the  ground,  and  said  unto  him,  "Why 
have  I found  grace  in  thine  eyes,  that  thou 
shouldest  take  knowledge  of  me,  'seeing  I am  a 

Stranger  ? [ Practical  Observations 

11  And  Boaz  answered  and  said  unto  her,  It 
hath  fully  been  showed  me,  "all  that  thou  hast 
done  unto  thy  mother-in-law  since  the  death  of 
thine  husband ; and  how  xthou  hast  left  thy  father 
and  thy  mother,  and  the  land  of  thy  nativity,  and 
art  come  unto  a people  which  thou  knewest  not 
heretofore. 

12  The  Lord  ^recompense  thy  work,  and  a 
full  reward  be  given  thee  of  the  Lord  God  of 
Israel,  under  whose  “wings  thou  art  come  to 

trust. 

13  Then  she  said,  'Let  me  find  favour  in  thy 
sight,  my  lord  ; for  that  thou  hast  comforted  me, 
and  for  that  thou  hast  spoken  Triendly  unto  thine 

g 4:11.  Gen. 18:19.  Josh. 24:15.  Ps.  133:1— 3.  lTim.6:2.  h4:21.  lChr.2:ll, 

12.  i Gen.  15:2.  21:2.  39:4.  Matt.  20:8.  24:45.  k 1:16,19,22.  1 Prov.  15:33. 
18:23.  Matt.  5:3.  Eph.5:21.  1 Pet.  5:5,6.  m Prov.  13:4.  22:29.  Ec.  9:10.  Rom. 
12:11.  Gal.  6:9.  n 1 Sam.  3:6,16.  2 Kings  5:13.  Matt.  9:2,22.  o Matt.  10:7— 
11.  Phil.  4.8.  p Gen.  20:6.  Job  19:21.  Ps.  105:15.  Prov. 6:29.  1 Cor.  7:1 . 1 John 
5:18.  q Gen.  24:18—20.  Matt.  10:42.  John  4:7— 11.  r Gen.  18:2.  1 Sam.  25: 
23.  s 2,13.  2 Sam.  9:8.  19:28.  Luke  1:43,48.  Rom.  12:10.  t Is.  56:3—  8.  Matt. 
15:22 — 28  . 25:35.  Luke7:6,7.  17:16—18.  u 1:11,16,17.  Ps.  37:5,6.  x Ps.  45:10. 
I.uke  5:11,28.  14:33.  18:29,30.  Heb.  11:8,9,24— 26.  y l Sam.  24:19.  Ps.  19:11. 
58:11.  Prov.  11:18.  23:18.  marg.  Matt.  5:12.  6:1.  10:41,42.  Luke  6:35.  14:12 
—14.  Col.  2:18.  2 Tim.  1:18.  4:8.  Heb.  6:10.  11:6,26.  z 1:16.  Ps.  17:8.  36:7. 
57:1.  61:4.  63:7.  91:4.  Matt.  23:37.  * Or,  I find  favour.  Gen.  33:8,10,15.  43: 


and  unmeet  for  the  society  of  the  people  of  God,  even  for  that 
of  the  handmaidens,  (13)  the  poorest  of  them  ; much  less  of 
the  attention  of  one  so  eminent  in  Israel  as  thou  art.’  (Note, 
Matt.  8:8,9.) 

V.  11,  12.  Ruth  had  renounced  the  idols  of  Moab,  and 
become  the  worshipper  and  servant  of  the  God  of  Israel.  In 
proof. of  her  sincerity,  she  had  left  “ the  land  of  her  nativity,” 
where  she  might  have  expected  a comfortable  settlement ; and 
her  parents,  (who  it  seems  were  still  living,)  as  well  as  her 
other  relations  and  friends,  to  come  to  a people,  with  whom  she 
had  had  no  previous  acquaintance,  but  against  whom  she  had 
been  educated  in  prejudice  and  enmity  ; and  to  attach  herself 
to  a poor  widow,  whom  by  her  industry  she  must  help  to 
maintain.  This  she  had  done,  becauqp  she  believed  that 
Jehovah  was  the  only  true  God,  and  Israel  his  people  : and 
therefore  she  desired  to  be  associated  with  them,  and  to  have 
the  benefit,  of  the  ordinances  and  instructions  with  which  they 
were  favoured.  (Note,  Josh.  2:8 — 11.  P.  O.  Zech.  8:16 — 23.) 
Thus  she  came  “ to  trust  under  the  wings  of  the  Lord  God 
of  Israel depending  on  his  power,  care,  and  love,  both  for 
the  blessings  of  salvation,  and  for  the  things  which  were  need- 
ful for  the  body  ; and  seeking  protection  in  every  danger  and 
alarm,  as  the  chickens  shelter  themselves  under  the  wings  of 
the  hen  from,  whatever  incommodes  or  affrights  them.  (Marg. 
Ref.  Note,  Matt.  23:37 — 39.)  This  conduct  of  a Moabitess 
had  been  greatly  noticed ; and  Boaz  had  thence  formed  a very 
favourable  opinion  of  her  faith  and  piety.  He  therefore  showed 
her  much  kindness,  encouraging  her  industry  and  affording  her 
protection  ; and  praying  for  her,  “that  the  Lord  would  recom- 
pense her  work,  and  give  her  a full  reward.” — In  all  ages  ant. 
nations,  conversion  is  substantially  the  same  : irreligion  or 
false  religion  is  exchanged  for  the  spiritual  worship  of  the  true 
God,  through  the  appointed  Mediator,  and  in  his  instituted 
ordinances ; the  practice  of  sin,  for  the  pursuit  of  true  holiness ; 
self-dependence,  for  reliance  in  every  thing  on  the  mercy, 
grace,  and  providence  of  God ; the  expectation  of  felicity  from 
the  world,  for  his  favour  as  our  portion;  and  the  company  of 
the  workers  of  iniquity,  for  the  society  of  those  who  love  and 


B.  C.  1314 

handmaid,  though  I be  “not  like  unto  one  of  thint 
handmaidens. 

14  And  Boaz  said  unto  her,  bAt  mealtime  come 
thou  hither,  and  eat  of  the  bread,  and  dip  thv 
morsel  in  the  vinegar.  And  she  sat  beside  the 
reapers : and  he  reached  her  “parched  corn,  and 
dshe  did  eat,  and  was  sufficed,  and  left. 

15  And  when  she  was  risen  up  to  glean, 
Boaz  commanded  his  young  men,  saying,  Let 
her  glean  even  among  the  sheaves,  and  treproach 
her  not: 

16  And  “let  fall  also  some  of  the  handfuls  oi 
purpose  for  her,  and  leave  them,  that  she  may 
glean  them,  and  rebuke  her  not. 

17  So  fshe  gleaned  in  the  field  until  even,  and 
beat  out  that  she  had  gleaned:  and  it  was  about 
an  eephah  of  barley. 

18  And  she  took  it  up,  and  went  into  the  city ; 
and  her  mother-in-law  saw  what  she  had  gleaned  : 
and  she  brought  forth,  and  gave  to  her  that  bshe 
had  reserved,  after  she  was  sufficed. 

19  And  her  mother-in-law  said  unto  her,  Where 
hast  thou  gleaned  to-day?  and  where  wroughtest 
thou?  ‘blessed  be  he  that  did  take  knowledge  of 
thee.  And  she  showed  her  mother-in-law  with 
whom  she  had  wrought,  and  said,  The  man’s 
name  with  whom  I wrought  to-day  is  kBoaz. 

20  And  Naomi  said  unto  her  daughter-in-law, 
‘Blessed  be  he  of  the  Lord,  who  "’hath  not  left 
off  his  kindness  to  the  living  and  to  the  dead. 
And  Naomi  said  unto  her,  The  man  is  near  of  kin 
unto  us,  §one  of  our  next  kinsmen. 

21  And  Ruth  the  Moabitess  said,  He  said  unto 
me  also,  "Thou  shalt  keep  fast  by  my  young  men, 
until  they  have  ended  all  my  harvest. 

22  And  Naomi  said  unto  Ruth  her  daughter-in 
law,  °It  is  good,  my  daughter,  that  thou  go  out 
with  his  maidens,  that  ihey  “meet  thee  not  in  any 
other  field. 

23  So  she  rkept  fast  by  the  maidens  of  Boaz 
to  glean  unto  the  end  of  barley-harvest  and  of 
wheat-harvest ; and  dwelt  with  her  mother-in-law. 


14.  1 Sam.  1:18.  2 Sam.  16:4.  t Heb.  to  the  heart.  Gen.  34:3.  Judg.  19:3. 
marg.  a 1 Sam.  25:41.  Prov.  15:33.  Phil.  2:3.  b Job  31: 16 — 22.  Prov.  11:24, 
25.  Is.  32:8.  58:7,10,11.  Luke  14:12—14.  c 1 Sam.  17:17.  25:18.  2Sam.  17:28L 
dDeut.8:10.  11:15.  2 Kings  4 :43, 44.  Matt.  14:20.  J Heb.  shame  her  not. 
e Dent.  24:19— 21.  Ps.  112:9.  Prov.  19:17.  Matt.  25:40.  Rom.  12:13.  2 Cor.  8: 
5—11.  Philem.  7.  Heb.  6:10.  1 John  3:17,18.  f Prov.  31:27.  2Thes.3:10. 
g Ex.  16:36.  Ez.  45:11,12.  h 14.  John  6:12,13.  1 Tim.  5:4.  i 10.  Ps.  41:1. 
2 Cor.  9:13— 15.  kl  Kings  7:21.  1 3:10.  2 Sam.  2:5.  Job  29:12,13.  2 Tim.  1:16 
— 18.  m2  Sam. 9:1.  Prov.  17:17.  Phil.  4:10.  § Or,  one  that  hath^right  to 

redeem.  3:9.  4:6.  Lev.  25:25.  Peut.  25:5— 7.  Job  19:25.  n 7,8,22.  o Prov.  27: 
10.  Cant.  1:8.  ||  Or,  fall  not  upon  thee,  p Prov.  6:6 — 8.  13:1.  Eph.6:l — 3. 


serve  him.  But  many  circumstances  depend  upon  men’s  out. 
ward  situation.  Such  as  have  godly  parents  and  relations, 
are  engaged  in  lawful  and  useful  employments,  and  live  in 
peaceable  times,  will  not  be  immediately  required  to  make  the 
same  sacrifices,  as  those  who  are  called  out  of  the  families  of 
imbittered  opposers,  from  occupations  inconsistent  with  the 
precepts  of  Scripture,  or  in  times  of  furious  persecution.  The 
more,  however,  men  venture,  renounce,  or  suffer  for  the  Lord’s 
sake,  the  clearer  evidence  they  have,  that  their  faith  is 
genuine,  and  that  they  shall  “receive  a full  reward.”  The 
principle  and  the  precept  are  in  all  cases  alike ; but  the  appli- 
cation varies,  according  as  different  trials  are  allotted  in  the 
providence  of  God.  (Notes,  Heb.  11:8 — 10:24 — 26.) 

V.  14.  (Marg.  Ref.)  ‘ Th e Midrasch,'  (an  ancient  Jewish 
book,)  ‘makes  these  words,  “Come  thou  hither,”  to  signify 
as  much  as  Come  to  thy  kingdom ; and  the  morsel  dipt  in  vine- 
gar, to  denote  the  reproaches  and  torments  of  the  Messiah. 
Which  is  an  argument,  that  they  expected  such  a King  as 
should  be  exposed  to  such  sufferings,  as  our  blessed  Saviour 
endured  ; who  saith  in  the  Psalmist,  “ They  gave  me  vine- 
gar to  drink.”  ’ Bp.  Patrick.  The  interpretation  is  indeed 
most  absurd  ; yet  it  is  remarkable  as  tending  to  prove  that 
point. 

V.  15 — 17.  Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Lev.  19:9,10. 

V.  18,  19.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  quantity  of  harley  which 
Ruth  had  gleaned,  and  the  residue  of  her  plentiful  meal,  which 
she  brought  to  Naomi,  showed  that  she  had  met  with  uncom- 
monly kind  usage. 

V.  20.  Boaz  had  been  kind  to  Elimelech’s  family,  before 
his  removal  to  the  land  of  Moab:  and  Naomi  rejoiced  that 
his  care  of  her  had  revived  after  the  death  of  her  husband, 
when  she  so  much  needed  his  assistance  ; and  she  besought 
the  Lord  to  repay  him  with  his  blessing.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  9‘ 
1—3.  Phil.  4:10—13.) 

V.  22.  If  Ruth  had  gone  into  any  other  field  to  glean,  it. 
would  have  seemed  a si  ght  put  upon  the  kindness  shown  her 
as  well  as  an  evidence  of  an  inconstant  temper  of  mind,  which 
might  have  given  Boaz  and  his  family  an  unfavourable  opinio* 
( 471  ) , 


B.  C.  1312. 


RUTH. 


B.  C.  15:2. 


CHAPTER  III. 

Naomi's  instruction  Ruth  lies  down  in  the  night  at  the  feet  of  J3oaz,  1 — 7. 
He  acknowledges  that  he  owes  ihe  duty  of  a Icinsnum,  but  shows  that  ano  her 
has  a •prior  claim,  8 — 13.  He  sends  her  away  in  the  morning  with  six  mea- 
sures of  barley,  and  she  confers  with  Naomi,  14 — 18. 

THEN  Naomi  her  mother-in-law  said  unto  her, 
My  daughter,  “shall  I not  seek  rest  for  thee, 
that  it  bmay  be  well  with  thee  ? 

2  And  now  “is  not  Boaz  of  our  kindred,  with 
whose  maidens  thou  wast?  behold,  he  winnoweth 
barley  to-night  in  the  threshing-floor. 

3  Wash  thyself  therefore,  and  danoint  thee, 
and  “put  thy  raiment  upon  thee,  and  get  thee 
down  to  the  floor : but  make  not  thyself  known 
unto  the  man,  until  he  shall  have  done  eating  and 
drinking. 

4  And  it  shall  be,  when  he  lieth  down,  that 
thou  shalt  mark  the  place  where  he  shall  lie,  and 
thou  shalt  go  in,  and  'uncover  his  feet,  and  lay 
thee  down ; and  he  will  tell  thee  what  thou  shalt 
do. 

5  And  she  said  unto  her,  All  that  thou  sayest 
unto  me  I will  do. 


b 1:9.  1 Cur.  7:36.  1 Tim.  5:8,14.  b Gen.  40-14.  Deut.  4:40.  Ps.  128:2.  Jer.22: 
15,16.  c 2:20 — 23.  Deut.  25:5,6.  lleb.  2:11 — 14.  d 2Sam.  14:2.  Ps.  104:15. 
Matt.  6:17.  e Esth.  5:1.  1 Tim.  2:9,10.  * Or,  lift  up  the  clothes  that  are  on 

hu  fee  . 1 Thes.  5:22.  f Ex.  20:12.  Prov.  1:8.  John  2:5.  15:14.  g Gen.  43:34. 

of  her.  (Note,  Matt.  10:11 — 15.)  Ruth  persevered  in  her 
labour,  and  endeavoured  to  maintain  herself  and  Naomi,  by 
her  industry  for  a considerable  time  ; and  was  evidently  pre- 
pared to  do  it  permanently  ; before  a favourable  turn,  as  to  her 
wholly  unexpected,  was  given  to  her  affairs. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  The  distinctions  which  we  are  apt  to  form  con- 
cerning the  persons  and  affairs  of  men,  do  not  comport  with 
the  judgment  of  the  Lord:  and  the  gleaning  of  a poor  Moabi- 
tess,  who  trusted  in  him,  was  deemed  more  worthy  of  his 
condescending  notice,  than  the  transactions  of  the  greatest 
princes  then  living,  which  are  now  almost  entirely  consigned 
to  oblivion!  We  ought  not  therefore  to  “mind  high  things, 
but  to  condescend  to  men  of  low  estate.” — Honest  industry, 
humble  patience  in  poverty  and  hardship,  and  a willingness 
to  labour  for  aged  parents,  relations,  or  benefactors,  who  are 
unable  to  provide  for  themselves,  if  these  spring  from  faith, 
are  both  honourable  and  acceptable  to  God. — True  religion 
will  teach  men  to  behave  with  propriety  in  every  circumstance 
and  relation  of  life  : it  will  form  kind  masters,  faithful  servants, 
and  harmonious  families : it  will  produce  mutual  love  among 
persons  of  different  ranks ; and  while  it  engages  the  rich  to 
condescension,  it  will  teach  the  poor  to  be  humble  and  respect- 
ful in  their  behaviour  to  their  superiors  and  benefactors : 
above  all  it  will  naturally  express  itself  in  prayer  and  praise. 
This  return  the  poorest  may  render  for  favours  bestowed  ; 
and  for  the  neglect  of  it,  no  Iibe-rality  can  excuse  the  affluent. 
— The  good  examples  of  those  placed  in  eminent  stations,  and 
who  employ  many  in  their  service,  are  most  extensively 
Deneficial. — With  what  gratitude  to  God  and  liberality  to  the 
poor,  should  the  bounty  of  a kind  Providence  be  received  by 
us  unworthy  sinners ! and  ho\^  inexcusable  are  those  who 
abuse  plenty  in  intemperance,  or  covetously  neglect  the  indi- 
gent, or  allow  themselves  in  wickedness,  when  they  are  thus 
experiencing  the  goodness  of  the  Lord  ! — In  showing  kindness 
to  the  destitute,  we  ought  ourselves  to  avoid,  and  try  to  pre- 
vent in  others,  every  thing  that  may  appear  like  reproaching 
them  : for  a generous  mind  in  distress  has  very  exquisite  sen- 
sibilities. 

V.  1 1 — 23.  All  persons  should  be  careful  what  connexions 
they  form,  and  what  places  they  frequent ; but  especially 
young  women,  both  for  conscience  and  credit’s  sake : and 
parents,  and  other  superior  relations  should  have  a watchful 
eye  over  them,  and  require  an  account,  where,  and  with 
whom,  they  have  spent  their  time. — In  the  path  of  duty  is 
safety  ; and  we  should  keep  close  to  those  employments  and 
situations,  in  which  the  Lord  has  blessed  us,  without  being 
desirous  of  change.  He  will  not  suffer  those  who  trust  in 
him  to  want  the  necessaries  of  life,  and  will  often  far  exceed 
heir  expectations;  and  an  abundant  recompense  for  every 
.oss,  and  of  every  really  good  work,  yea  a full  hut  gracious 
icward  shall  surely  be  given  to  all  those,  “ who  come  to  trust 
under  the  wings  of  the  Lord  our  God.” — A tender  concern 
for  each  other’s  welfare,  affectionate  and  edifying  conversa- 
tion, with  true  piety  and  contentment,  will  render  the  lowest 
circumstances  and  the  meanest  fare  comfortable. — The  Lord 
will  prove  those,  who  enter  upon  a religious  profession, 
whether  they  are  sound  hearted,  and  willing  to  stoop  and 
suffer  for  his  sake ; and  then  he  will  stir  up  the  minds  of  his 
■more  experienced  servants  to  speak  comfortably  to  them,  and 
».’eal  kindly  with  them.  This  is  a good  work,  which  all 
Christians  should  embrace  every  opportunity  of  performing ; 
especially  to  those  who  are  cheerfully  industrious,  and  willing 
to  endure  hardship  for  conscience’  sake. — But  to  accommo- 
date this  subject,  ought  not  parents  to  ask  their  children  what 
they  have  glennci  from  the  sermons  which  they  have  heard, 

( 472  ) 


6 And  she  went  down  unto  the  floor,  fand 
did  according  to  all  that  her  mother-in-law  bade 
her. 

7 And  when  Boaz  had  eaten  and  drunk,  and 
ehis  heart  was  merry,  he  went  to  lie  down  at  the 
end  of  the  heap  of  corn  : and  she  came  softly, 
and  uncovered  his  feet,  and  laid  her  down. 

8 And  it  came  to  pass  at  midnight,  that  the 
man  was  afraid,  and  Uurned  himself;  and,  behold, 
a woman  lay  at  his  feet. 

9 And  he  said.  Who  art  thou  ? and  she  an- 
swered, I am  hKuth  thine  handmaid : ‘spread 
therefore  thy  skirt  over  thine  handmaid ; lor  thou 
art  near  kinsman. 

10  And  he  said,  kBlessed  be  thou  of  the  Lord, 
my  daughter ; for  thou  hast  showed  more  kind 
ness  in  the  latter  end  than  ’at  the  beginning,  inas- 
much as  thou  followedst  not  young  men,  whether 
poor  or  rich. 

1 1 And  now,  my  daughter,  fear  not ; I will  do 
to  thee  all  that  thou  requirest : for  mall  the  Scity 
of  my  people  doth  know  that  thou  art  a virtuous 
woman. 


Judg.  16:25.  19:6,6,22  . 2 Sam.  13:28.  Esth.  1:10.  Ps.  104-15.  Ec. 2:24.  3:12,13. 
1 Cor,  10:31.  Eph.  5: 18,19.  t Or,  took  hold  on.  h 2:10— 13.  1 Sam. 25:41. 
Luke  14:11.  i Ez.  16:8.  } Or,  one  that  has  right  to  redeem.  12.  2:20.  k 2-* 

4,20.  1 Cor.  13:4,5.  11:8.  m Prov.  12:4.  31 : 10,23-31.  § Hel).  gate. 


the  books  which  they  have  read,  and  the  conversation  that 
they  have  joined  in  ? May  we  not  also  ask  ourselves  the 
same  question?  He  that  would  increase  in  wisdom  must 
be  always  thus  gleaning , and  call  himself  frequently  to 
account  respecting  it ; determining  if  possible,  to  get  some 
profitable  hint  from  every  person  and  occurrence.  And 
those,  who  thus  daily  collect  knowledge  from  others,  and 
keep  close  to  the  word  and  ordinances  of  God,  will  become 
u thoroughly  furnished  for  every  good  work.” — Finally  let  us, 
in  the  kindness  of  Boaz  to  Ruth,  contemplate  the  kindness  of 
Jesus  to  poor  sinners ; to  whose  meanness  he  most  freely 
condescends ; on  whom,  though  most  unworthy,  he  libe- 
rally confers  his  benefits  ; and  whom  he  neither  upbraids 
himself,  nor  suffers  others  to  upbraid,  with  their  former  trans- 
gressions. • 

NOTES. — Chap.  III.  V.  1 — 6.  If  the  measure,  here 
proposed  by  Naomi,  had  been  of  as  ill  appearance  in  those 
days,  as  it  would  be  at  present,  it  can  hardly  be  supposed 
that  she  would  have  advised  it,  or  that  Ruth  would  have 
complied  with  it. — The  law,  concerning  a man’s  marrying  his 
brother’s  wklow  when  he  died  childless,  was  by  custom 
extended,  as  it  seems,  to  the  other  near  relations,  when  there 
were  no  brethren : and  it  required  the  woman  to  do  several 
things,  widely  different  from  modern  usages.  (Note,  Dcxtt. 
25:5 — 10.)  This  law  gave  Ruth,  now  proselyted  to  the  truo 
religion,  a legal  claim  upon  Boaz,  as  Naomi  supposed  ; who 
either  did  not  know  of  another  nearer  kinsman,  or  was  aware 
that  it  would  be  in  vain  to  apply  to  him.  (Note,  4:1 — 8.)  It 
was  customary  for  widows  to  assert  this  claim  ; and,  consider- 
ing Boaz’s  character  and  superiority  of  station,  she  supposed 
that  this  was  best  done  in  a private  manner.  She  deemed 
herself  bound  to  promote  this  desirable  settlement  for  Ruth, 
and  had  an  entire  confidence  both  in  her  and  Boaz  ; whose 
character  in  all  respects  appears  to  have  been  very  excellent, 
and  who  seems  to  have  been  advanced  in  life.  And  as  Ruth 
supposed  Naomi  to  be  well  acquainted  with  the  laws  and 
customs  of  Israel,  she  implicitly  followed  her  counsel.  Yet, 
when  all  allowances  are  made,  perhaps  neither  party  can  be 
entirely  exculpated.  At  least,  though  their  plan  was  gra- 
ciously rendered  successful,  it  was  not  recorded  for  imitation 
in  the  present  state  of  society  ; nor  must  it  be  judged  of  by 
modern  customs  and  maxims.  (Marg.  Ref 

V.  7.  When  the  \vork  of  the  day  was  finished,  it  seems 
that  Boaz  feasted  with  his  labourers  ; and  according  to  the 
simplicity  and  hardiness  of  the  times,  afterwards  lay  down  to 
sleep  on  some  couch  prepared  for  him  in  the  barn,  or  in  an 
adjoining  tent.  It  is  said  “his  heart  was  merry  ,”  but  it  may 
be  translated,  ‘his  heart  was  good;’  and  may  be  used  to 
mark  his  cheerfulness,  and  thankfulness  for  the  plenty  which 
the  Lord  had  sent  after  the  famine;  and  his  subsequent  con- 
duct shows  that  his  feast  was  consistent  with  temperance  and 
piety.  In  the  mean  time  Ruth  concealed  herself,  till  lie  was 
left  alone  ; and  then  laydown  at  his  feet,  waiting  her  opportu- 
nity of  speaking  to  him  ; and  by  that  very  action  she  impli- 
citly preferred  a claim  to  bo  received  by  him  into  the  nuir. 
riage  relation. 

V.  9.  Spread...  thy  skirt.]  This  is  supposed  to  have 
been  a customary  ceremony  in  contracting  marriage,  and 
implied  the  woman’s  being  taken  under  the  protection  of  her 
husband,  and  admitted  to  share  all  his  comforts.  (Note,  Ez. 
16:6 — 8.)  It  was  therefore  a direct  claim  upon  Boaz  to  marry 
her  ; which  she  grounded  on  the  law  of  God,  and  on  his  being 
the  nearest  relation  of  her  deceased  husband 

V.  10 — 13.  The  conduct  of  Boaz  in  this  transaction  is 
worthy  of  the  highest  encomiums.  He  reithor  attempted  to 
take  advantage  of  Ruth’s  exposed  situation,  nor  reyroachwi 


B.  C.  1312. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


B.  C.  1312. 


12  And  now  it.  is  true  that  1 am  thy  near 
'rnsman ; howbeit,  "there  is  a kinsman  nearer 

than  I. 

13  Tarry  this  night,  and  it  shall  be  in  the 
morning,  that  °it’  he  will  perform  unto  thee  the 
part  of  a kinsman,  well ; let  him  do  the  kinsman’s 
part : but  if  he  will  not  do  the  part  of  a kinsman 
to  thee,  then  will  I do  the  part  of  a kinsman  to 
thee,  as  i’the  Lord  liveth : lie  down  until  the 
morning. 

14  And  she  lay  at  his  feet  until  the  morning . 
and  she  rose  up  before  one  could  know  another. 
And  he  said,  ‘’Let  it  not  be  known  that  a woman 
came  into  the  floor. 

15  Also  he  said,  bring  the  'veil  that  thou  hast 
upon  thee,  and  hold  it.  And  when  she  held  it, 
rhe  measured  six  measures  of  barley,  and  laid  it 
on  her  : and  she  went  into  the  city. 

16  And  when  she  came  to  her  mother-in-law, 
she  said,  Who  art  thou,  my  daughter?  And  she 
told  her  all  that  the  man  had  done  to  her. 

17  And  she  said,  These  six  measures  of  barley 
gave  he  me  ; for  he  said  to  me,  Go  not  empty 
unto  thy  mother-in-law. 

18  Then  said  she,  sSit  still,  my  daughter,  until 
thou  know  how  the  matter  will  fall : for  the  man 
will  not  be  in  rest,  until  he  have  finished  the  thing 
this  day. 

n 4:1.  Mate  7:1*.  I Thes.  4:6.  o2:20.  4:5.  Deut.  25:5— 9.  Mall.  22:24 

—27.  p Judg.  S:  19.  Jer.  4:2.  2Cor.  1:23.  Heb.6:16.  qKc.7:I.  Horn. 12:17. 
14:16.  1 Cor.  10:32.  2 Cor.  8:21.  1 Tlies.  5:22.  lPel.2:12.  • Or,  sheet,  or, 

apron.  r Is.  32:8.  Gal.  6:10.  s Ps.  37:3 — 5.  Is.  28:16!  30:7.  a Deut.  16:18. 
17:5.  21:9.  2o  7.  Job 29:7.  31:21.  Am.  5:10—12,15.  b3:12.  c Is.  55:1.  Zech. 


her  with  improprieiy  of  conduct,  nor  disdained  her  as  a poor 
destitute  stranger,  nor  suggested  that  she  was  swayed  by 
interested  motives  in  preferring  her  claim.  On  the  (ymtrary, 
instead  of  suspecting  her  of  any  ill  intentions,  he  imputed  her 
whole  conduct  to  her  affection  to  the  family  of  Elim-elech,  and 
to  Naomi ; as  if  she  had  thus  shown  her  greater  kindness, 
than  in  coming  with  her  into  the  land  of  Israel ; and  he  com- 
mended her,  fop  giving  him,  an  elder  man,  the  preference  to 
younger  persons,  whether  rich  or  poor,  Moabites  or  Israel- 
ites ; and  for  her  regard  to  the  law  of  God.  Perceiving  her 
confused,  as  it  is  probable,  upon  the  recollection  of  her  situa- 
tion, he  also  obviated  her  fears,  applauded  her  as  a woman  of 
known  and  approver!  virtue,  and  made  her  a promise  of  mar- 
riage, in  case  a still  nearer  kinsman  who  had  a prior  claim, 
would  wave  it,  as  it  might  be  supposed  he  would.  This  he 
confirmed,  for  her  fuller  satisfaction,  with  a solemn  oath ; and 
in  the  morning  he  sent  her  away  with  a present  to  her  mother- 
in-law  (15.) 

V.  14.  Let.  it  not  be  known , &c.]  We  may  consider  these 
words  as  containing  his  reasons  for  dismissing  her  so  early  ; 
for  he  said  within  himself,  u Let  it  not  be  known,  that  a 
woman  came  into  the  floor:”  or  as  his  caution  to  Ruth  not  to 
speak  of  it  to  any  one.  For  it  does  not  appear  that  there  was 
any  servant  privy  to  the  interview. 

V.  15.  This  present  was  a token  of  the  favourable  con- 
struction which  Boaz  put  upon  the  transaction,  and  of  his 
affectionate  regard  for  Ruth  and  Naomi. — It  is  not  known  of 
what  quantity  these  measures  consisted. 

V.  16.  JVho  art  thou?]  Or,  “What  hast  thou  done?” 
What  has  passed  ? For  so  the  words  may  be  interpreted. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  behooves  aged  persons  to  recollect  their  younger  days, 
and  not  to  exclude  young  persons  from  those  lawful  satisfac- 
tions, of  which  themselves  have  given  up  all  thoughts.  (1:12.) 
Indeed  we  ought  not  to  make  our  own  conduct  a standard  for 
that  of  others,  in  any  matter  which  the  law  of  God  leaves 
to  our  choice  ; but  should,  without  censure  allow  them  in 
many  things  which  we  deem  inexpedient  for  ourselves. — The 
word  of  God  has  pronounced  14  marriage  honourable  in  all 
and  therefore  those  who  from  inclination,  prudential  regard 
to  the  interests  of  their  families,  a pious  desire  of  being  more 
at  leisure,  and  having  more  in  their  power  for  the  service  of 
God,  and  preparation  for  the  eternal  world,  choose  to  abide 
in  a single  state,  should  not  condemn  those,  who  may  have 
as  good  reasons  for  preferring  a married  life.  If  they  are 
imprudent,  they  44  will  have  trouble  in  the  flesh  : but  their 
brethren  should  spare  them,”  and  not  censure  what  the  divine 
law  does  not  condemn.  (NoteSy  1 Cor.  7:25 — 28.  1 Tim.  5:13 
— 15.) — The  married  state,  when  properly  entered  into,  is 
a resty  as  much  as  any  thing  on  earth  can  be  so  ealled  ; seeing 
it  ought  to  fix  the  affections,  and  form  a connexion  for  life  : 
it  therefore  should  be  engaged  in  with  great  seriousness,  and 
with  earnest  prayers  for  the  direction  and  blessing  of  God 
upon  it,  and  with  an  eye  to  his  precept  and  providence : and 
•»arents  should  carefully  advise  their  children  in  this  import- 
ant concern,  44  that  it  may  be  well  with  them,”  especially  as  to 
the  interests  of  their  souls. — The  more  willing  any  one  is,  for 
mnscience’  sake,  to  renounce  worldly  interests,  the  greater 
•are  should  others  employ  in  promoting  his  advantage. — But 
gbod  Intentions  will  not  justify  improper  means  , and  it  is  well 

VOL.  I.— 60 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Boaz  proposts  lo  the  kinsman  of  vhom  he  had  spoken  to  1 cdrcm  Ellmslech's 
land , and  to  marry  Ruth  ; ichich  lv  declines  to  do,  1 — 8.  Boaz  buys  the  in- 
heritance nrul.  monies  Ruth,  9 — 12.  She  bears  Obed  the  grand/athc  of 
David,  13 — 17.  The  genealogy  from  Pharez  to  David,  18 — 22. 

THEN  went  Boaz  up  "to  the  gate,  and  sat  him 
down  there:  and,  behold,  bthe  kinsman  of 
whom  Boaz  spake  came  by  ; unto  whom  he  said. 
cHo,  such  a one,  turn  aside,  sit  down  here.  And 
he  turned  aside,  and  sat  down. 

2  And  he  took  ten  men  of  Jthe  elders  of  the 
city,  and  said,  Sit  ye  down  here.  And  they  sat 
down. 

3  And  ehe  said  unto  the  kinsman,  Naomi  that 
is  come  again  out  of  the  country  of  Moab,  selleth 
a parcel  of  land  which  was  our  brother  Elime- 
lech’s : 

4  And  'I  thought  to  advertise  thee,  saying, 
f Buy  it  sbefore  the  inhabitants,  and  before  the 
elders  of  my  people.  If  thou  wilt  redeem  it, 
redeem  it ; but  if  thou  wilt  not  redeem  it,  then 
tell  me,  that  I may  know : hfor  there  is  none  to 
redeem  it  beside  thee  ; and  I am  after  thee.  And 
he  said,  I wi'l  redeem  it. 

5  Then  said  Boaz,  What  day  thou  buyest  the 
field  of  the  hand  of  Naomi,  thou  must  buyR  also 
of  Ruth  the  Moabitess,  the  wife  of  the  dead,  'to 
raise  up  the  name  of  the  dead  upon  his  inheri- 
tance. 


2:6.  d Ex.  18:21,22.  Deni. 23.10.  31:28.  1 Kings2I:8.  Prov.  31:23.  Lara. 5:14. 
Acts  6:12.  els.  112:5.  Prov.  13:10.  * Heb.  I said  I will  revtal  in  thine  ear. 
f Jer.  32:7— 9.  Rom.  12:17.  2Cor.8!21.  Pl.il.  4:8.  gGeu.  23:18.  Jer.  32:10— 12. 
h Lev.  25:25—29.  i 3:13.  Gen.  38:8.  Deut.  25:5,6.  Matt.  22: 24.  Luke  2d:28. 


for  us,  that  we  have  to  do  with  a God  of  mercy,  who  takes 
better  care  of  our  interest,  purity,  credit,  and  peace,  than  we 
often  do  of  our  own  and  of  each  other’s. — Parents  should  be 
very  cautious  what  injunctions  they  lay  upon  their  children ; 
lest  filial  affection  and  deference  should  ensnare  their  con- 
sciences,, and  lead  them  into  temptation  : for  the  authority 
even  of  a parent  will  not  justify  a sinful  action. — Few  men 
have  such  command  of  their  passions,  and  candour  of  mind, 
as  to  injure  neither  the  virtue  nor  the  reputation  of  females, 
who  indiscreetly  put  themselves  in  iheir  way  : and  yet  to  take 
advantage  of  a woman’s  affection  and  confidence,  for  her 
irreparable  detriment,  is  much  baser  than  d<  frauding  those 
who  implicitly  trust  in  us.  They,  however,  who  value  either 
their  chastity  or  their  character,  should  flee  from  such  situa- 
tions ; in  which  they  can  only  be  preserved  by  the  same 
power,  that  preserved  the  young  men  in  the  fiery  furnace. — 
All  our  plenty  should  be  shared  with  the  poor  and  industri- 
ous : and  all  our  feasting  should  be  so  moderated,  that  it  may 
neither  unfit  us  for  our  ordinary  employments,  nor  for  the 
exercises  of  devotion.  When  in  such  circumstances,  men 
can  retain  the  dominion  over  their  passions,  and  conduct 
themselves  with  tenderness,  prudence,  piety,  justice,  and 
regard  to  the  law  of  God,  their  wealth  may  he  pronounced 
blessed,  and  their  use  of  it  honourable. — We  must  not,  how- 
ever, rest  satisfied  even  with  a clear  conscience  in  the  sight 
of  God ; but  should  endeavour  to  preserve  a clear  character, 
and  to  avoid  whatever  may  occasion  slander  or  excite  suspi- 
cion: (2  Cor.  8:20,21.  1 Thes.  5:22.)  and  we  ought  to  be  as 
tender  of  the  reputation  of  others  as  of  our  own. — In  every 
undertaking  we  should  be  diligent  in  using  proper  means,  and 
then  calmly  leave  the  whole  to  the  Lord’s  decision. — But 
without  any  impropriety,  we  poor  polluted  sinners  may  apply 
to  Jesus  Christ,  our  nearest  Kinsman  and  Brother,  as  dwell- 
ing in  human  nature,  to  spread  his  skirt  over  us,  and  to 
espouse  our  souls  to  himself : to  take  us  under  his  almighty 
care,  and  to  admit  us  to  share  in  all  his  unsearchable  riches. 
If  we  truly  desire  to  be  his,  though  many  defects  and  mis- 
takes attend  our  application  to  him,  he  will  not  reject  us  ; we 
cannot  do  it  unseasonably  ; he  will  condescend  to  encourage 
and  assist  us  ;.and  graciously  accept  all  our  endeavours  to 
serve  him ; and  most  kindly  notice  our  love  to  him,  and  our 
desire  of  his  salvation.  When  we  have  applied  to  him,  he 
will  not  rest  till  he  has  accomplished  our  desires ; and  in  the 
mean  time  he  will  communicate  blessings  to  us  and  ours,  in 
answer  to  our  prayers  : nor  can  we  too  earnestly  desire  and 
seek  this  same  rest  for  our  children  and  friends,  that  it  may 
be  well  with  them  also.  (Notey  Matt.  11:28 — 30.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  IV.  V.  1 — 8.  Considerable  diffi- 
culties arise,  in  explaining  this  transaction  consistently  with 
the  laws  before  given ; and  indeed  it  does  not  appear  in  whose 
possession  the  estate  of  Elimelech  was  at  this  time.  It  is 
however  probable,  that,  it  had  been  sold  till  the  year  of  Jubilee . 
( NoteSy  Lev.  25:14 — 17,25 — 28.)  and  as  Elimelech  had  no 
male  issue  surviving,  and  it  could  not  be  alienated  from  his 
family,  the  nearest  relation  would  have  a right  to  redeem  it, 
by  repaying  the  proportion  of  the  purchase-money ; except  as 
Ruth,  E limelech’s  daughter-in-law,  was  entitled  to  his  inhe- 
ritance, according  to  the  law  given  in  the  case  of  those  who 
left  daughters  only.  (NoteSy  Num.  27:1 — 11.) — To  obvieto 
therefore  all  doubt  and  difficulty  in  this  matter,  Boaz,  pro- 
( 473  ) 


RUTH. 


B.  C.  1311. 


B.  L.  lSi  2. 


6 And  the  kinsman  said,  I cannot  redeem  it  for 
myself,  lest  I mar  mine  own  inheritance:  redeem 
thou  my  right  to  thyself;  for  I cannot  redeem 

it. 

7 Now  this  was  the  manner  in  former  time  in 
Israel,  concerning  redeeming,  and  concerning 
changing  for  to  confirm  all  things ; ka  man  plucked 
off  his  shoe,  and  gave  it  to  his  neighbour : and  this 
was  a testimony  in  Israel. 

8 Therefore  the  kinsman  said  unto  Boaz,  Buy 
it  for  thee : so  he  drew  off  his  shoe. 

9 And  Boaz  said  unto  the  elders,  and  unto  all 
the  people,  ‘Ye  are  witnesses  this  day,  that  I have 
bought  all  that  was  Elimelech’s,  and  all  that  was 
Chilion’s  and  Mahlon’s,  of  the  hand  of  Naomi. 

10  Moreover  lluth  the  Moabitess,  the  wife  of 
Mahlon,  mhave  I purchased  to  be  my  wife,  to 
raise  up  the  name  of  the  dead  upon  his  inheritance, 
that  "the  name  of  the  dead  be  -not  cut  off  from 
among  his  brethren,  and  from  the  gate  of  his 
place  : °ye  are  witnesses  this  day. 

11  And  all  the  people  that  were  in  the  gate, 
and  the  elders,  said,  We  are  witnesses.  rThe 
Lord  make  the  woman  that  is  come  into  thine 
house  like  'iRachel  and  like  Leah,  which  two  did 

k Dent.  25:7— 10.  1 Gen.  23:16— 18.  Jer.  32:10— 12.  m Gen.  29:18,19,27.  Prov. 
18:22.  19:14.  31:10,11.  llos.3:2.  12:12.  Eph.  5:25.  n Josh. 7:9.  Ps.  54:16.  109: 
15.  Is.  4.3: 19.  Zeeh.  13:2.  o Is.  8:2,3.  Mai.  2:14.  Heh.  13:4.  p Gen.  24:60.  Ps. 
127:3—5.  128.3—6.  q Gen.  29:32—35.  30:1—24  . 35:16—20.  46:8—27.  Nun. 
25:  r Deut.  *25:9.  Prov.  14:1.  * Or,  get  thee  riches,  or,  power,  s 1:2.  Gen. 

35:19.  Ps.  132.6.  Mic.  5:2.  Matt.  2:6.  \ Heh.  proclaim  thy  name,  t Gen. 

46:12.  Nura.  26:20— 22.  u Gen. 38:29.  1 Chr.  2:4.  Matt.  1:3.  x 1 Sam.  2:20. 


posed  to  this  kinsman  of  Elimelech,  that  he  should  both  re- 
deem the  estate  and  marry  Ruth;  in  which  case  the  estate 
would  certainly  belong  to  his  eldest  son  by  her:  but  if  he 
was  unwilling  to  do  it,  he  desired  him  to  renounce  his  claim, 
and  he  would  marry  her,  and  redeem  the  land  for  himself. 
The  kinsman  however  was  not  willing  to  marry  the  poor 
widow,  lest  he  should  injure  his  circumstances,  or  create 
himself  disturbance  ; for  perhaps  he  had  at  this  time  a wife 
and  family : he  therefore  resigned  all  claim  to  the  estate  also. 
This  transaction  respects  all  the  several  laws  above  referred 
to ; and  doubtless  the  whole  was  settled  in  the  most  regular, 
legal,  and  customary  manner:  and  as  the  pulling  off  the  shoe 
was  not  done  by  Ruth  with  the  prescribed  ceremonies,  but,  as  it 
appears,  by  the  kinsman  himself : it  seems  not  to  refer  merely  to 
the  law  about  refusing  to  marry  a brother’s  widow,  but  to  have 
been  the  custom  in  transferring  inheritances.  (Note,  Dent. 
25:5 — 10.) — The  manner  in  which  Boaz  brought  forward  this 
business,  evinced  a strict  regard  to  openness,  fairness,  and 
equity ; and  also  an  affection  for  Ruth,  whom  it  is  evident  he 
was  desirous  of  marrying,  provided  the  kinsman  was  willing 
to  relinquish  his  prior  claim. 

V.  9,  10.  As  Orpah  had  preferred  her  connexions  in 
Moab  to  her  prospects  in  Israel,  she  was  not  considered  in 
this  transaction ; and  Naomi  transferred  all  her  claim  to 
Ruth.  Consequently,  when  the  nearest  kinsman,  before  the 
ciders  of  his  city,  by  legal  process,  gave  up  his  claim ; Boaz, 
ny  marrying  Ruth,  possessed  the  whole  right  of  Elimelech. 
Yet  according  to  the  law  of  God,  and  the  custom  in  Israel,  the 
eldest  son  of  this  marriage  must  be- considered  as  the  heir  of 
Elimelech,  and  of  Mahlon  ‘the  former  husband  of  Ruth;  so 
that  the  land  would  be  called  by  the  name  of  one  of  them, 
and  not  by  that  of  Boaz,  that  the  family  might  not  be  con- 
sidered as  extinct. 

V.  1 1 , 12.  Gate.]  ( Marg.  Ref.  on  v.  1 , a. — Note,  Job  29:7 — 
11.)  The  public  recognition  of  Boaz’s  taking  Ruth  to  wife,  by 
the  elders  of  his  city,  accompanied  by  benedictions  and  prayers, 
may  be  considered  as  the  customary  method  of  distinguishing 
honourable  marriage  from  illicit  connexions. — It  is  observable, 
that  only  Rachel  and  Leah  are  mentioned,  as  having  44  built 
tiie  house  of  Israel ;”  and  that  Bilhah  and  Zilpah^  Jacob’s  con- 
cubines, are  not  named. — The  law,  forbidding  the  admission 
of  Moabites  into  the  congregation  of  Israel,  seems  not  to  have 
related  to  marriages  with  such  as  embraced  the  true  religion ; 
especially  in  such  peculiar  circumstances : for  there  is  no 
intimation  in  Scripture  that  Boaz  acted  improperly  on  this 
occasion.  (Note,  Deut.  23:3 — 5.) 

V 13 — 15.  Naomi  was  congratulated  on  this  occasion, 

more  than  either  Boaz  or  Ruth;  as  she  had  the  ruins  of  her 
family  thus  providentially  repaired,  and  her  old  age  solaced 
after  the  death  of  her  husband  and  sons,  through  her  daughter- 
in-law,  who  had  loved  her,  and  been  a greater  blessing  to 
her  than  seven  sons.  The  piety  of  the  language,  and  the 
conduct  of  all  parties  on  this  occasion,  should  not  pass  un- 
noticed.— The  term  kinsman  or  redeemer , seems  here  applied 
to  Naomi’s  grandson,  as  inheriting  the  rights  of  the  whole 
family.  (14,15.) 

V.  17.  The  women  named  the  child,  doubtless  by  the 
approbation  of  all  parties.  uObed”  signifies  a servant,  or  ser- 
tnceable ; probably  intimating  a confidence  that  Obod  would 
be  very  useful  to  his  family  and  people.  From  him  Christ, 
descended  * and  thus  peculiar  blessings  and  honour  redounded 
( 474  ) 


rbuild  the  house  of  Israel : and  "do  thou  worthily 
in  “Ephratah,  and  Tie  famous  in  Betli-lehem  : 

12  And  let  thy  house  be  like  lthe  house  o’ 
Pharez.  ("whom  Tamar  bare  unto  Judah,)  of  Mht 
seed  which  the  Lord  shall  give  thee  of  this  young 
woman. 

13  H So  Boaz  nook  Ruth,  and  she  was  his 
wife  : and  when  he  went  in  unto  her  ‘the  Lord 
gave  her  conception,  and  she  bare  a son. 

14  And  “the  women  said  unto  Naomi,  bBlessed 
be  the  Lord;  "which  hath  not  deft  thee  this  day 
without  a ^kinsman,  dthat  his  name  may  be  famous 
in  Israel. 

15  And  he  shall  be  unto  thee  a restorer  of  thy 
life,  and  “a  nourisher  of  thine  old  age:  "for  thy 
daughter-in-law,  which  loveth  thee,  which  is 
f belter  to  thee  than  seven  sons,  hath  home  him. 

16  And  Naomi  took  the  child,  and  laid  it  in  her 
bosom,  and  became  nurse  unto  it. 

17  And  sthe  women  her  neighbours  gave  it  a 
name,  saying,  There  is  a son  born  to  Naomi ; and 
they  called  his  name  Obed:  he  is  the  father  ot 
Jesse,  the  father  of  David. 

18  U Now  these  are  the  generations  of  Pharez : 
hPharez  begat  Hezron, 

y 3:11.  z 12.  Gen.  21:1— 3.  25:21.  29:31.30:2,22.23.  33:5.  1 Sam.  1:27.  2:5. 
Ps.  113:9.  127:3.  a Luke  1:58.  Rom.  12:15.  1 Cor.  12:26.  b Gen.  29:35. 
Ps.  34:1 — 3.  103:1,2.  1 Thes.5:18.  2 Thes.  1 3.  cGcn.  24:27.  IHeb.  caused 
to  cease  unto  thee.  § Or,  redeemer.  d21,22.  Gen.  12:2.  Is.  11:1 — 4.  Matt.  1* 
5 — 10.  ||  Heh.  to  nourish  thy  gray  hairs.  Gen.  45:11.  47:12.  Ps.  55:22.  Is.  46:4. 
e 1:16 — 18.  f 1 .Sam.  1:8.  Prov.  18:24.  g Luke  1:58— 63.  h 1 Chr.  4:1.  MatU 
1:3.  Luke  3:33.  Phares.  Esrom. 


to  Boaz,  who  had  not  disdained  the  low  estate  of  Ruth,  but 
had  paid  due  honour  to  his  deceased  relations,  and  their 
decayed  family ; while  the  kinsman,  who  refused  so  to  do, 
is  not  allowed  a name  in  the  book  of  God,  but  is  disgrace- 
fully consigned  to  oblivion. 

V.  18 — 22.  Pharez  was  born  about  1714  years  before 
Christ,  and  David  vvas'born  about  630  years  after,  and  ten 
generations  seem  too  few  for  such  a length  of  time.  But  the 
difficulty  is  very  greatly  increased,  when  it  is  recollected, 
that  Salmon  married  Rachab,  (doubtless  the  same  as  Rahab, 
Matt.  1:5.)  about  1450  B.C.  leaving  365  years  or  more,  to 
only  four  generations  ! Some  learned  men  have  attempted 
to  show,  that  possibly  Salmon,  Boaz,  Obed,  and  Jesse,  were 
remarkably  long-lived;  and  that  Boaz,  Obed,  Jesse,  and 
David  were  born  in  the  extreme  old  age  of  their  respective 
fathers  : but  this  at  least  is  not  probable,  and  it  is  certain  that 
Jesse  lived  till  David  arrived  at  full  manhood.  (Notes,  1 Sam. 
17:12,13.  22:3,4.)  It  is  therefore  much  more  natural  to  sup- 
pose, that  some  names  are  omitted  in  the  genealogy ; as  we 
know  the  case  to  have  been  in  the  genealogies  given  by  the 
evangelists.  (Note,  Matt.  1:2 — 17.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Diligence  in  business,  punctuality  to  engagements,  integrity, 
and  fair  dealing  in  the  affairs  of  common  life,  not  only  adorn  a 
profession  of  godliness,  but  t^nd  to  prosperity  in  the  ordinary 
course  of  Providence. — Men  are  generally  ready  to  embrace 
opportunities  of  increasing  their  estates,  but  few  know  the 
value  of  godliness:  nor  can  it  be  expected,  that  those,  who 
supremely  value  carnal  things,  will  make  a due  estimate  of 
spiritual  excellency  in  the  character  of  others.  Such  are 
frequently  the  wise  men  of  this  world  ; they  do  not  attend  to 
the  concerns  of  their  souls,  and  they  reject  the  salvation  ol 
Christ,  for  fear  of  “marring  their  inheritance!”  Indeed, 
selfishness  not  only  obliterates  all  charity  and  justice,  hut 
extinguishes  natural  affection;  and  causes  men  to  treat  with 
disdain  their  nearest  relatives,  however  excellent,  if  poor  and 
in  need  of  their  assistance.  But  the  loss,  in  the  final  event 
of  things,  will  be  entirely  their  own ; as  the  Lord  will  raise 
up  other  friends  for  such  as  love  and  trust  in  him,  and  espe- 
cially for  those  who  have  shown  themselves  willing  to  bear 
hardship  for  his  sake.  Nay,  such  persons,  however  poor,  are 
a blessing  to  all  connected  with  them.  Especially  they  are  tc 
be  valued  in  the  marriage  relation : “A  prudent  wife  is  from 
the  Lord,”  and  44  the  price  of  a virtuous  woman  is  above 
rubies.”  (Notes, Prov,  19:14. 31:10.) — As  marriage  ^honour- 
able in  the  sight  of  God,  it  ought  to  bo  publicly  contractca 
and  recognized,  that  it  may  be  distinguished  from  those  deeds 
of  darkness  which  require  concealment : and  it  is  likely  to  be 
comfortable  when  the  law  of  God  is  regarded,  and  his  blessing 
supplicated.  In  this  important  concern,  (as  in  all  others,, 
pious  people  should  pray  for  each  other,  that  the  parties  may 
live  together  in  peace,  ho  good  examples,  do  worthily  in  the 
church  and  in  the  world,  and  train  up  families  for  future 
usefulness,  when  they  have  served  their  generation,  and  are 
fallen  asleep. — The  birth  of  children  also  calls  for  united 
prayers,  that  they  may  be  indeed  a comfort  to  their  patents, 
blessings  to  society,  and  blessed  themselves:  for  without  the 
blessing  of  God,  nono  of  these  things  can  bo  expected  ; and 
the  general  disuse  of  this  pious  language  and  behaviour,  by 
professing  Christians,  too  plainly  evinces  that  true  religion  is 
at  a low  ebb  among  us. — We  should  never  promise  ourselvoe 


B.  C.  1311 


CHAPTER  IV. 


B.  C.  lSu 


19  And  Hr /iron  begat  'Ram,  and  Ram  begat 
Amminadab, 

20  And  Amminadab  begat  kNahshon,  and 
Nahshon  begat  'Salmon, 

J 1 Chr  2:9,10.  Mutt.  1:4.  Luke3:33.  Aram.  Amina'lab.  kNum.l:7.  Matt. 
1:4.  Luke  3:32.  Nansson.  * Or,  Salinah.  11  Chr.  2:11.  Salma.  Matt. 


much  comfort  from  any  earthly  object ; for  our  heaviest 
trials  often  arise  from  those  quarters  whence  we  expected 
most  satisfaction,  and  our  greatest  solace  from  those  whence 
we  expected  none:  indeed  one  truly  Christian  friend  may  be 
better  to  us,  than  all  our  children  and  relations. — But  if  these 
streams  are  so  refreshing,  what  may  we  not  expect  from  the 
Fountain?  Let  us  then  look  to  Jesus,  our  Redeemer,  who 
“though  he  was  rich,  for  our  sakes  became  poor,”  and  at 
the  price  of  his  sufferings,  both  ransomed  our  inheritance, 
and  purchased  us  to  be  espoused  unto  him  in  truth  and  righ- 


21  And  'Salmon  begat  Boaz,  “and  Boaz  bega: 
Obed, 

22  And  Obed  begat  "Jesse,  and  Jesse  bega. 
“David. 


1:5.  Luke  3:32.  m 1 Chr,  2:12.  MaU.  1:5.  Luke  3:32.  Buoz.  n 1 Sam.  16: 
1.  Is.  11:1.  o I Chr.  2:15.  Mall.  1:6.  Luke  3:31. 


teousness  ; not  induced  by  our  worthiness  or  excellence,  but 
by  his  own  unfathomable  love  to  our  polluted  souls.  To  this 
union  he  invites  the  perishing  sinner  : this  relation  to  the  poor 
despised  believer,  he  avows  and  glories  in.  May  we  there* 
fore  joyfully  accept  of  his  salvation,  expect  all  our  felicity 
from  him,  and  devote  ourselves  to  his  service ; and,  being 
“bought  with  a price,  let  us  glorify  him  with  our  bodies  and 
spirits,  which  are  his obeying  his  commandments,  imitating 
his  example,  and  recommending  him  and  his  salvation  by  word 
and  deed  to  all  around  us ! 


THE 


FIRST  BOOK  OF  SAMUEL, 

OTHERWISE  CALLED 

THE  FIRST  BOOK  OF  THE  KINGS. 


This  book  and  the  following  form  but  one  in  the  Hebrew  canon,  and  derive  their  name  from  Samuel ; though  he  could  not  write 
more  than  the  former  part  (perhaps  twenty-four  chapters)  of  the  first  book. — The  remainder  of  them  is,  with  ureat  probability, 
ascribed  to  the  prophets  Nathan  and  Gad  : for  we  read  in  Chronicles,  “ Now  the  acts  of  David  the  king,  first  and  last,  behold  they 
are  written  in  the  book  of  Samuel  the  seer,  and  in  the  book  of  Nathan  the  prophet,  and  in  the  book  of  Gad  the  seer.”  (1  Chr.  29:29.) 
It  is  therefore  very  reasonable  to  conclude,  that  Samuel  wrote  the  first  acts  of  David  ; and  Nathan  and  Gad,  continuing  the  history 
after  Samuel’s  death,  wrote  his  last  acts,  or  the  records  of  his  reign  tillnear  his  death  ; and  that  the  whole  was  formed  into  one  book 
which  was  ascribed  to  Samuel,  as  the  more  eminent  person,  and  as  the  latter  part  formed  a sort  of  appendix  to  the  history  which  he 
had  begun. — It  may  also  be  observed,  that  in  the  lime  of  Samuel  a new  epoch  commenced  : the  government  by  judges  was  changed 
for  that  of  kings:  and  Samuel  anointed  both  those  kings  whose  history  is  here  given,  and  was  himself  a principal  person  in  all 
these  transactions. — From  the  Vulgate  Latin  translation,  these  books  are  also  called  “ The  first  and  the  second  books  of  Kings  ; 
and  consequently  the  two  following  are  “ The  third  and  fourth  books  of  Kings.” — When  Eli  was  judge  and  high-priest  of  Israel, 
Samuel  was  born  : and  while  Eli’s  indulged  sons  were  bringing  destruction  on  themselves  and  their  family,  and  almost  on  the  nation, 
Samuel  was  growing  up  in  wisdom  and  piety,  to  be  an  illustrious  prophet,  and  the  reformer,  deliverer,  and  judge  of  Israel.  Yet  the 
people,  at  length  ungratefully  weary  of  his  mild  government,  desired  a king  : and  Saul  having  been  placed  over  them,  his  family 
was  soon  set  aside  for  his  disobedience  to  God  ; and  David  was  anointed  a-s  his  successor.  The  rest  of  the  book  is  taken  up 
with  an  account  of  David’s  illustrious  actions,  and  the  harassing  persecutions  which  he  endured,  till  the  death  of  Saul  opened  his 
wav  to  mount  the  throne.  It  is  not  agreed  how  many  years  elapsed  during  these  events  ; some  confining  them  within  eighty  years, 
and  others  extending  them  to  a hundred  and  fifteen. — It  is  evident  that  this  book  was  extant,  when  the  first  book  of  Kings  was 
written.  (Compare  2:35,36.  with  1 Kings  2:27.)  Almost  every  subseqent  part  of  Scripture  refers,  to  the  events  recorded  in  it,  as 
of  undoubted  certainty  : especially  very  many  of  the  Psalms  are  poems  made  on  occasion  of  one  or  other  of  them. — Our  Lord  and 
his  apostles  quote  it  as  a part  of  the  sacred  Oracles.  (MaM.  12:3,4.  Acts  7:45,46.  13:21,22.) — The  history  of  David,  the  son  of  Jesse, 
form's  a sort  of  introduction  to  all  the  prophecies  concerning  his  family  ; and  especially  concerning  Christ,  who  sprang  from  the 
root  of  Jesse,  was  distiguished  as  the  Son  of  David,  and  inherited  the  throne  of  David.'  (Ps.  2:  72:  89:19 — 37.  Is.  9:6,7.  11:1 — 10. 
Acts  2:25 — 31.)  The  narrative  itself  may  in  somesense  be  considered  as  prophetical , recording  many  typical  events,  which  had 
their  accomplishment  in  Christ.  The  book  likewise  contains  several  direct  prophecies  concerning  the  families  of  Eli  and  Saul, 
which  were  speedily  fulfilled  : and  the  song  of  Hannah  concludes  with  a prophecy  of  our  Lord,  in  which  he  is,  for  the  first  time, 
predicted  expressly  as  the  Messiah,  the  anointed  of  God.  (2:10.) 


B.  C.  1140. 

CHAPTER  I. 

Elkanah  a Levitt  has  two  wives , l,  2.  He  goes  yearly  to  worship  at  Shiloh , 3. 
He  favour s and  comforts  Hannah,  when  insulted,  by  Peninnah  on  account 
of  her  barrenness , 4—8.  Hannah  in  grief  prays  for  a son,  and  vows  to  de- 
vote him  to  God  as  a perpetual  Nazarile,  9 — 11.  Eli  through  mistake  at  first 
rebukes , but  afterwards  blesses  her,  12 — 18.  She  bears  Samuel,  stays 
till  he  is  weaned,  and  then  presents  him  to  God,  according  to  their  vow , 
19 — 28. 

NOW  there  was  a certain  man  of  “Ramathaim- 
zophim,  of  "mount  Ephraim,  and  his  name 
t vas  “Elkanah,  the  son  of  Jeroham,  the  son  of 


. 19.  Mall.  27:57.  Arimathea.  b Judg.  17:1.  19:1 . c 1 Chr.  6:25— 27,34.  d 17: 
12.  Rulh  1 :2.  1 Kings  11:26.  c Gen.  4:19  . 29:23—29.  Jurfg.  8:30.  Mall. 

19:8.  fGen.  16:1,2.  25:21.  29:31.  Judg.  13:2.  Luke  1:7.  * Heb.  from  year  to 

NOTES. — Chap.  1.  V.  1.  Elkanah  appears  to  have 
been  a Levite  of  the  family  of  Kohath.  ( Marg . Ref.  Notes, 
1 Chr.  6:16 — 38.) — Ramathaim-zophim  was  the  place  which  is 
afterwards  called  Ramah;  (19)  and  from  the  dual  number 
here  used,  it  is  supposed  to  have  been  divided  into  two  parts, 
upon  distinct  hills.  The  word  “ Zophim”  signifies  watchmen, 
perhaps  because  some  watch-towers  and  watchmen  were 
stationed  there;  for  “ Ramah”  signifies  exaltation:  or  it  might 
be  so  called  from  Zuph,  Elkanah’s  ancestor. — Ephrath  is  the 
same  as  Beth-lehem;  and  probably  Elkanah,  or  his  ancestor 
Zuph,  was  called  an  Ephrathite,  from  being  allied  in  the 
female  line  to  a family  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  whose  inheritance 
lay  there  ; or  because  he  was  born  at  Ephrath.  ( Gen.  48-7.) 

V.  2.  Hannah  seems  to  have  been  the  first  wife  of  Elka- 
nah: but  as  she  was  barren,  he  probably  took  Peninnah,  (as 
Abraham  took  Hagar,)  from  an  impatient  desire  ol  children: 
(Note,  Gen.  16:1 — 3.)  but  the  event  showed,  that  in  deviat- 
ing from  the  original  law  of  marriage,  though  in  a manner 


B.  C.  1140. 

Elihu,  the  son  of  Tohu,  the  son  of  Zuph,  an 
dEprathite : 

2 And  he  had  “two  wives ; the  name  of  the  one 
was  Hannah,  and  the  name  of  the  other  Peninnah : 
and  Peninnah  had  children,  fbut  Hannah  had  no 
children. 

3 And  this  man  went  up  out  of  his  city  'yearly 
eto  worship,  and  to  sacrifice  unto  the  Lord  of 
hosts  in  "Shiloh:  and  the  ‘two  sons  of  Eli,  Hophni 

year.  Ex.  23:14,17.  34:23.  Deut.  16:16.  Luke  2:41.  e Deill.  12:5— 7,11— 14. 
h Josh. 18:1.  Judg.  18:31.  Ps.  78:60.  Jer.7:12— 14.  i 9.  2.12-17,34.  3:13.  4.4, 
11,17,18. 


then  tolerated,  he  little  consulted  his  own  peace  and  com- 
fort. 

V.  3.  The  stated  worship  at  Shiloh  was  observed,  but 
probably  in  an  irregular  manner;  otherwise  Elkanah,  a Le- 
vite, would  have  had  employment  at  the  sanctuary.  In 
those  times  of  apostacy  and  idolatry,  when  “men  abhorred 
the  offering  of  the  Lord,”  through  the  wicke  (ness  of  Eli’s 
sons,  (2:17.)  it  was  commendable  in  Elkanah  to  go  up, 
though  but  once  a year,  perhaps  at  the  Passover,  to  worship 
the  Lord  ; the  original  words,  however,  may-mean,  that  he 
went  up  at  stated  times,  probably  at  the  three  great  feasts. 
The  Israelites  were  confined  to  one  place,  one  altar,  anc 
one  priesthood ; and  therefore  Elkanah  could  not  go  else- 
where. But,  though  the  wickedness  of  ministers  does  not 
deprive  the  pious  Christian  of  the  blessing,  nor  furnish  a 
sufficient  excuse  for  neglecting  the  ordinances  of  God  ; yet 
we,  not  being  under  a similar  limitation,  should  certainly 
prefer  attending  on  the  ministry  of  those,  who  appear  at  least 
C 475  ) 


B.  C.  1140. 


I.  SAMUEL 


&.  C.  1140. 


and  Phinehas,  the  priests  of  the  Lord,  were 
ihere. 

4 And  when  the  time  was  that  Elkanah 
‘offered,  he  gave  to  Peninnah  his  wife,  and  to  ali 
her  sons  and  her  daughters,  portions. 

5 But  unto  Hannah,  he  gave,  a 'worthy 
portion:  for  ‘he  loved  Hannah:  but  the  Lord 
had  mshut  up  her  womb. 

6 And  her  "adversary  also  'provoked  her  sore, 
for  to  make  her  fret,  because  the  Lord  had  shut 
up  her  womb. 

7 And  as  he  did  so  “year  by  year,  ?when  she 
went  up  to  the  bouse  of  the  Lord,  so  she  pro- 
voked her : therefore  she  wept,  and  did  not  eat. 

8 Then  said  Elkanah  her  husband  to  her, 
Hannah,  (’why  weepest  thou?  and  why  eatest 
thou  not  ? and  why  is  thy  heart  grieved  ? iarn  not 
I better  to  thee  than  ten  sons  ? [ Practical  observations.] 

9 II  So  Hannah  rose  up  after  they  had  eaten 
in  Shiloh,  and  after  they  had  drunk  : (now  Eli 
the  priest  sat  upon  a seat  by  a post  of  rthe  temple 
of  the  Lord  :) 

10  And  she  was  $in  bitterness  of  soul,  and 
•prayed  unto  the  Lord,  ‘and  wept  sore. 

11  And  she  "vowed  a vow,  and  said,  O Lord 
of  hosts,  if  thou  wilt  indeed  “look  on  the  affliction 
of  thine  handmaid,  and  ^remember  me,  and  not 
forget  thine  handmaid,  but  wilt  give  unto  thine 
handmaid  ''a  man-child,  then  I will  give  him  unto 
the  Lord  all  the  days  of  his  life,  and  ‘there  shall 
no  razor  come  upon  his  head. 

12  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  she  "continued 
praying  before  the  Lord,  that  Eli  marked  her 
mouth. 

13  Now  Hannah,  she  “spake  in  her  heart ; only 
her  lips  moved,  but  her  voice  was  not  heard  : 
therefore  Eli  thought  bshe  had  been  drunken. 

k Lev.  3.4,5.  7.15.  Dent.  12: 17,18.  16:11 . • Or,  double.  Gen.  43:34.  45:22. 

lGen.  29:30, 31.  Dent.  21  : 15.  in  Gen.  20:18  . 30:2.  n Lev.  18:18.  Jobfi:14. 

1 Heb.  angered  her.  o 2:19.  } Or,  from,  the  time  that  she,  &c.  Heb.  from  her 

goingup.  p 2 Sam.  12:16,17.  2 Kings  8:12.  Joh6:14.  John  20:13,15.  1 Thes. 
5:14.  q Ruth  4:15.  Ps.  43:4.  Is. 54:5,6.  r 3:3,15.  2 Ram.  7:2,  4 Heb.  bitter 

of  soul.  Ruth  1:20.  2 Sam.  17:8.  Job  7:11.  9:18.  10:1.  Is.  38:15.  54:6.  Lam. 
3:15.  s Ps.  5(T:15.  91:15.  Luke  22:44.  Heb.  5:7.  t Gen.  50:10.  Judg.  21:2. 

2 Sam.  13:36.  2 Kings  20:3.  Jer.  13:17.  22:10.  u Gen.  28:20.  Num.21;2.  30: 
3— 8.  Judg.  11:30.  Be.  5:4.  x Gen.  29:32.  Ex.  4:31.  2 Sam.  16:12.  Ps.  25:18. 
y 19.  Gen.  8:1.  30:22.  Ps.  132:  L ,2.  ||  Heb.  seed  of  men.  z Mum.  6:5.  Judg. 
13:5.  Heb.  multiplied  to  pray.  Luke  11:8 — 10.18:1.  Eph.  6:18.  Col.  4:2. 
1 Thes.  5:17.  Jam.  5:16.  a Gen.  24:42— 45.  Nell.  2.4.  Ps.25:l.  Rom.  8:26. 
b Zech.  9:15.  Acts2:13.  1 Cor.  13:7.  c Josh.  22:12-20.  Job  8:2.  I s. 62:3.  Prov. 


to  be  walking  heaven-ward  themselves,  as  well  as  teaching 
others  the  true  way  thither  ■,  and  not  countenance  either  here- 
tical teachers,  or  ungodly  men.  (Notes,  Prov.  19:27.  1 John 
4:1—3.  2 John  7—11.) 

V.  4 — 7.  After  the  other  appointed  sacrifices  had  been 
brought,  the  peace-otferings  were  presented,  on  part  of  which 
the  offerer  feasted  with  his  family,  having  given  to  each  a 
portion.  On  these  occasions  Elkanah  showed  his  peculiar 
attention  to  Hannah,  by  the  customary  indications  ; which 
probably  excited  the  envy  and  jealousy  of  Peninnah,  as  well 
as  her  proud  contempt  of  Hannah’s  barrenness  ; and  thus 
great  uneasiness  was  occasioned.  (Notes,  Gen.  1 6:4 — 6.  37: 
3.)  For  Hannah  laid  it  far  more  to  heart  than  she  ought  ; 
and  her  perpetual  sorrow  distressed  Elkanah,  and  greatly 
interrupted  the  comfort  and  benefit  of  their  religious  ordi- 
nances ; and  this  might  be  one  reason  why  Hannah  refused 
to  partake  of  the  sacrifices,  lest  the  Lord  should  be  dis- 
pleased with  her  for  eating  them  mourning.  (Deut.  26:14. 
Hos.  9:4.  Mol.  2:13.  Notes,  Neh.  8:9— 12.) 

V.  8.  Elkanah  seems  to  have  endured  Peninnah’s  angry 
and  malevolent  tempers  and  conduct  with  great  patience  : 
and  he  most  tenderly  remonstrated  with  Hannah  concerning 
her  immoderate  grief ; and  reminded  her,  that,  though  she 
had  no  children,  she  possessed  his  affection,  which  would 
conduce  more  to  her  real  comfort  than  ten  sons  would  without 
it:  and  that  therefore  her  situation  was  more  desirable  than 
that  of  Peninnah. — This  gentle  rebuke  prevailed  with  her  to 
repress  her  grief,  and  perhaps  to  partake  of  the  sacrifice  : 
but  that  did  not  comfort  her  heart  till  she  had  poured  it  out  in 
prayer.  (18.  Note,  9 — 11.) 

V.  9 — 11.  The  tabernacle,  now  become  stationary,  was 
sometimes  called  “the  temple.”  (3:3.  Ps.  27:4.  29:9.) — 
Hannah,  with  great  earnestness  and  importunity,  entreated 
the  Lord  to  grant  her  a son,  and  vowed  that,  he  should  be  a 
erpetua!  Nazarite:  devoted  to  the  service  of  God  alone,  all 
is  days.  (Notes,  Judg.  13:4,5.  16:17 — 21.)  Some  learned 
men  compute  that  Samuel  was  born  before  Samson,  whom  God 
thus  separated  to  himself,  and  for  a special  purpose,  before 
his  birth  t but  others  think  he  was  born  about  the  same  time, 
or  a few  years  after  him.  The  chronology  of  this  part  of  the 
bistory,  however,  is  extremely  obscure,  and  the  attempts  of 
earned  me.n  to  elucidate  it  are  peculiarly  unsatisfactory,  and 
eften  widely  discordant  from  each  other. 

C 476  1 


14  And  Eli  said  unto  her,  cHow  long  wilt  thou 
be  drunken?  ‘‘put  away  thy  wine  from  thee. 

15  And  Hannah  answered  and  said,  eNo,  my 
lord  ; I am  a woman  "of  a sorrowful  spirit : I have 
drunk  neither  wine  nor  strong  drink,  but  have 
f poured  out  my  soul  before  the  Lord. 

16  Count  not  thine  handmaid  for  ea  daughter 
of  Belial ; for  hout  of  the  abundanee  of  my  "com- 
plaint and  grief  have  I spoken  hitherto. 

17  Then  Eli  answered  and  said,  'Go  in  peace: 
and  kthe  God  of  Israel  grant  thee  thy  petition  fhat 
thou  hast  asked  of  him. 

18  And  she  said,  ‘Let  thine  handmaid  find 
grace  in  thy  sight.  So  the  woman  mwent  her 
way,  and  did  eat,  and  her  countenance  was  no 

more  sad.  [ Practical  Observations.'] 

19  H And  "they  rose  up  in  the  morning  early, 
and  worshipped  before  the  Lord,  and  returned, 
and  came  to  their  house  to  Ramah  : and  Elkanah 
knew  Hannah  his  wife  ; "and  the  Lord  remem- 
bered her. 

20  Wherefore  it  came  to  pass,  "when  the  time 
was  come  about  alter  Hannah  had  conceived, 
that  she  bare  a son,  and  called  his  name  ^Samuel, 
saying,  rBecause  I have  asked  him  of  the  Lord. 

21  And  sthe  man  Elkanah,  and  all  his  house, 
went  up  to  olfer  unto  the  Lord  the  yearly  sacri- 
fice, and  his  vow. 

22  But  Hannah  went  not  up;  for  she  said  unto 
her  husband,  I will  not  go  up  until  the  child  be 
weaned,  rand  then  I will  bring  him,  that  he  may 
appear  before  the  Lord,  “and  there  abide  'for  ever. 

23  And  Elkanah  her  husband  said  unto  her, 
"Do  what  seemeth  thee  good : tarry  until  thou 
have  weaned  him ; only  “the  Lord  establish  his 
word.  So  the  woman  abode,  and  gave  her  *son 
suck  until  she  weaned  him. 


6:9.  Malt. 7:1— 3.  djob  11:14.  22:23.  Prov.4:24.  Eph.  4:25,31.  cProv.l5:l. 
25:15.  ••  Heb.  bard,  of  spirit,  f Ps.  42:4.  62:8.  142:2,3.  143:6.  Lam.2:19. 
g 2:12.  10:27.  25:25.  Deut.  13:13.  I,  Job  6:2,8.  10:1,2.  Malt.  12:34,35.  ft  Or, 
meditation,  i 25:35.  29:7.  Judg.  18:6.  2 Kings  5:19.  Mark  5:34.  <Luke  7:50.  8: 
48.  k IChr.  4:10.  Ps.  20:4,5.  I Gen.  32:5.  §3:8,15.  Rulh.2:l3.*f  m Ec.  9:7. 
John  16:24.  Rom.  15:13.  Phil.  4:6,7.  n 9:26.  Ps.  5:3.  55:17.  119:147.  Mark  lc 
&5.  oil.  Gen.  8:1.  21:1.  Ps.25:7.  136:23.  Luke  23:42.  jj  Heb.  in  revolution 
of  days.  $§  Thai  is  .askrdofGod.  p Gen.  4:25  . 5:29.  16: 1 1 . 29:32— 35.  30:8 
—21.  41:51,52.  Ex.  2:10,22.  Matt.  1:21.  q 3.  Gen.  18:19.  Josh.  24:15.  Ps.  10L* 
2.  r Deut.  16:16.  Luke  2:22.41*42.  s 11,28.  2:11,18,  3: 1 . Pa.  23:6.  27:4.  t Ex. 
21:6.  Lev.  25:23.  Josh.  4:7.  Ps.  110:4.  Is.  9:7.  u Num.  30:7— 11.  x 2 Sam.  7: 
25.  Is.  44:26.  y Gen.  21:7,8.  Ps.  22:9.  Matt.  24:19.  Luke  11:27. 


V.  12—16.  Probably  Eli  had  many  times  seen  instances 
of  such  intemperance  as  he  here  charged  upon  Hannah ; and 
perhaps  he  sat  near  the  tabernacle  to  repress  these  enormi- 
ties, though  he  did  not  adopt  the  only  effectual  method. 
(Note,  2:23 — 25.)  Perceiving  her  great  discomposure,  and 
observing  that  her  lips  moved,  he  too  hastily  attributed  it  to 
drunkenness.  But  Hannah  had  now  obtained  such  inward 
consolation,  that  this  severe  reflection  neither  distressed  her, 
nor  excited  her  anger : so  that  she  intimated  her  abhorrence 
of  the  crime  with  which  she  had  been  charged,  and  calmly  and 
respectfully  explained  to  him  the  real  cause  of  her  agitation. 
In  doing  this,  she  emphatically  described  the  nature  of  fervent 
prayer:  “I  have  poured  oiit  my  soul  before  the  Lord.”  ( Marg . 
Ref.  f. ) For  prayer  does  not  consist  merely  in  using  good  words, 
but  in  opening  before  the  Lord  the  inmost  soul,  and  in  un- 
reserved confidence,  pouring  out  before  him  all  our  fears, 
sorrows,  desires,  and  purposes ; as  a child  would  before  a 
loving  father,  from  whom  alone  he  had  expectations  of  re- 
lief, and  who,  he  was  satisfied,  was  able  and  disposed  to  help 
him. 

V.  17,  18.  The  character  of  Eli  was  very  defective;  yet 
there  are  several  traces  in  it  of  true  piety,  and  this  answer 
is  one.  He  was  open  to  conviction,  and  willing  to  acknow- 
ledge himself  mistaken,  and  by  his  commendation,  blessing, 
and  prayers,  to  make  Hannah  amends  for  the  injury  which 
he  had  done  her.  (]\Iarg.  Ref.) 

V.  19 — 22.  It  is  probable  that  Elkanah  established  Han- 
nah’s vow,  in  a solemn  act  of  worship,  before  he  left  Shiloh. 
(Note,  Num.  30:3 — 8.)  Samuel’s  name  would  remind  his 
mother,  every  time  it  was  mentioned,  of  the  Lord’s  Kindness 
in  remembering  her  affliction,  and  in  answering  her  prayer. 
— The  women  were  not  commanded  to  go  up  to  the  sanc- 
tuary ; and  Hannah,  after  Samuel’s  birth,  had  a sufficient 
engagement  at  homo. 

V.  23.  Establish  his  word.]  As  no  promise  of  God  re- 
specting Samuel  is  recorded,  it  is  thought  that  the  clause 
may  be  rendered.  “Only  the  Lord  complete  his  work;* 
namely,  in  accepting  of  the  child  given  in  answer  to  prayer, 
as  his  devoted  servant  all  his  days.  (Note,  9 — 11.) 

V.  24,  25.  One  of  these  bullocks  might  be  intended  for  a 
burnt-offering ; and  the  other  two  for  thank-oflonngs  or  peace- 
offerings,  on  part  of  which)  and  of  the  flour  vnd  wine,  Flka- 
nah  with  his  fumily  and  friends,  and  with  the  Ltvi  es,  might 


B.  C.  1137. 


CHAPTER  II. 


B.  C.  1137 


24  A nr1  w.ien  arv»  had  weaned  him,  "she  took 
him  up  with  her,  t/ith  three  bullocks,  and  one 
ephah  of  flour,  and  a bottle  of  wine,  and  brought 
him  unto  the  “house  of  the  Lord  in  Shiloh  : and 
She  child  was  young. 

25  And  they  slew  a bullock,  and  bbrought  the 
child  to  Eli. 

26  And  she  said,  0 my  lord ! cas  thy  soul 
liveth,  my  lord,  I am  the  woman  that  stood  by 
thee  here,  praying  unto  the  Lord. 

27  dFor  this  child  I prayed,  and  “the  Lord  hath 
given  me  my  petition  which  I asked  of  him  : 

iNom.  ,5:9,  10.  tieul.  12:5,6,11.  16:16.  a4.3,4.  Josh. 18:1.  bLuke2:22.  18: 
15,16.  c 17:53.  20:3.  den. 42:15.  2 Sam.  11:11.  14:19.  2 Kings.  2:2, 4, 6.  4:30. 
dll-13.  Matt. 7:7.  e Pa.  66: 19.  1 16: 1—5.  118:5.  1 John  5:15.  • Or,  re- 

turned  A im , whom  I have  obtained  by  petition,  to  the  LORD,  t Or,  he  whom 
I have  obtained  by  petition  shall  be  returned,  f (Jen.  24:26,48.  2 Tim.  3:15. 

feast  before  the  Lord.  (Notes,  Leu.  3:  7:12 — 18.  Pent.  12: 
5 — 7.)  After  the  burnt-offering  had  been  sacrificed,  they 
seem  to  have  presented  Samuel  to  Eli,  before  the  other  offer- 
ings were  slain. — The  original  words  rendered,  “ The  child 
was  young,”  seem  to  imply  that  he  was  exceedingly  dear  to 
his  parents  ; who  exercised  great  self-denial,  in  leaving  him 
at  the  sanctuary  at  so  early  an  age.  (Note,  2:18,19.) — Some 
think  he  was  about  three  years  old  ; others  that  he  was  seven. 
{Note,  Gen.  21:8—12.) 

V.  26,  27.  Hannah’s  heart  was  too  full  of  joy  and  grati- 
tude upon  this  occasion,  to  notice  the  injurious  reflection  Eli 
had  cast  upon  her:  but  she  well  remembered  her  prayer  and 
vow,  and  the  Lord’s  gracious  answer. — The  words  rendered, 
“ as  thy  soul  liveth,”  are  supposed  by  some  to  have  been  in- 
tended merely  as  an  expression  of  good  will ; May  thy  soul 
live.  (Marg.  Ref.  c.) 

V.  28.  The  word  rendered  “ lent,”  is  nearly  similar  to 
that  translated  asked:  and  refers  to  the  name  of  Samuel. — 
Hannah  had  asked  him  of  God,  and  now  she  returned  him  to 
him.  (Marg.  Notes,  Ex.  3:21, 22.  11:2,3.  12:35,36.)  It  was 
her  intention,  that,  as  a Levite  and  a Nazarite,  he  should 
spend  all  his  life  in  the  immediate  service  of  the  sanctuary ; 
but  the  Lord  was  pleased  afterwards  to  employ  him  as  a 
prophet,  and  a judge  in  the  public  affairs  of  Israel. — Some 
think  that  Elkanah  is  meant,  when  it  is  said,  “ He  worshipped 
the  Lord  :”  but  others  understand  it  of  Samuel,  who  thus 
gave  some  early  indications  of  piety. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 8.  Experience  universally  evinces  the  kindness,  as 
well  as  equity,  of  the  original  institution  of  marriage,  and  the 
divine  law  concerning  it:  for  every  deviation  makes  way  for 
domestic  contention,  envy,  malice,  impatience,  and  every  evil 
work,  to  the  interruption  of  the  worship  of  God,  and  the  ruin 
of  family  religion. — None  of  our  troubles,  however,  should  be 
allowed  to  interfere  with  our  attendance  on  the  ordinances  of 
God:  for  if  Satan  can  induce  us  to  yield  to  discouragement 
in  one  respect,  he  will  attempt  it  in  another,  and  never  cease 
to  harass  us,  when  engaged  in  the  duties  of  religion,  till  he 
has  driven  us  from  every  means  of  grace,  and  solemn  act  ofholy 
worship : so  that  resolute  resistance  and  perseverance  with 
earnest  cries  to  the  Lord  for  his  assistance,  are  our  only  suc- 
cessful weapons  : and  we  should  notin  the  least  degree  “give 
place  to  the  devil.” — The  human  heart  can  neither  bear  pros- 
perity without  insolence,  nor  adversity  without  impatience. 
Instead  of  being  contented  and  thankful  in  our  appointed  situ- 
ation, and  rejoicing  in  the  happiness  of  others,  we  are  prone 
to  murmur  and  to  vex  ourselves,  because  others  are  more 
favoured  or  prospered,  than  we  suppose  ourselves  to  be : yet 
could  we  change  conditions  in  every  respect  with  them, 
we  should  generally  increase  our  uneasiness ; whereas  im- 
partial reflection  upon  our  own  situation  in  life,  compared  with 
our  unworthiness,  and  with  the  condition  'of  others,  would 
silence  our  complaints,  or  convert  them  into  thankful  praises. — 
All  inordinate  passions  are  irrational,  as  well  as  inimical  to 
our  comfort;  and  even  pious  Christians,  who  are  shocked  at 
the  thought  of  yielding  to  other  temptations  often  rebelliously 
and  ungratefully  indulge  excessive  grief,  against  which  they 
ought  especially  to  watch  and  pray.  But  if  our  earthly  com- 
forts, when  duly  estimated,  being  greater  than  our  sorrows, 
should  console  us  under  our  trials;  surely  the  favour  of  God 
is  better. to  his  people,  than  all  beloved  relations  or  outward 
satisfactions,  and  sufficient  to  compensate  for  the  loss  or  the 
want  of  them  all.— Every  one  should  comfort  those  who  are 
in  bitterness  of  soul  : yet  a mild  and  tender  rebuke  is  fre- 
quently the  greatest  kindness,  when  we  see  our  friends  for- 
getting their  mercies,  or  their  duty. 

V.  9—18.  Nothing  can  give  solid  comfort  to  those  who 
are  in  anguish  of  spirit,  but  the  assurance  and  experience  of 
the  love  of  God  in  their  hearts  ;.nor  will  that  cordial  in  gene- 
ral be  communicated,'  till  they  have  “ poured  out  their  souls  ” 
repeatedly  in  earnest  secret  prayer.  This  must  bring  down 
the  blessings,  which  flow  from  the  atoning  blood  of  Christ,  and 
are  vouchsafed  through  his  intercession ; and  it  is  necessary 
to  render  public  ordinances  profitable  and  joyful : nor  can  a 
concurrence  of  all  possible  distresses  and  temptations  render 
that  man  miserable,  or  long  uncomfortable,  who  rightly  im- 
proves the  precious  privilege  of  access  to  the  mercy-seat  of 
a reconciled  God  in  Christ  Jesus.  Yet,  through  Satan’s 


28  Therefore  also  I have  "lent  him  to  the  Lorp  ' 
as  long  as  he  liveth  'he  shall  be  lent  to  the  Lord 
And  f he  worshipped  the  Lord  there. 

CHAPTER  II. 

Hannah's  thankful  song  of  praise,  1—10.  The  sin  of  Eli's  sons,  11 — 17 
Samuel  ministers  before  God,  18,  19.  Eli  blesses  Elkanah;  and  Hannah^ 
who  bears  more  children,  20,  21.  Eli  reproves  his  sons,  but  far  too  gently , 
22 — 26.  A prophet  for  el  els  the  ruin  of  Eli's  house,  27—36. 

AND  Hannah  “prayed,  and  said,  bMy  heart 
rejoiceth  in  the  Lord;  “mine  horn  is  exalted 
in  the  Lord  : dmy  mouth  is  enlarged  over  mine 
enemies  : because  “I  rejoice  in  thy  salvation. 


a Neh.  11:17.  Hub.  3:1.  Phil.  4:6.  b Luke  1:46,47.  Rom.  5:11.  Phil.  3:3.  4:4. 
1 Pet.  1 :8.  c Ps.  18:2.  89:17  . 92:10.  112.9.  Luke  1:69.  cl  Ex.  15:1,21.  Jude. 
5:1,2.  Ps.  51:15.  71:3.  Rev.  18:20.  e Pa.  9:14.  13:5.  20:5.  35:9.  118:14.  Is.  12 
2,3.  Hab.  3:18. 


temptations,  and  the  evil  of  our  hearts,  we  are  often  reluc- 
tant to  begin,  slight  in  presenting,  and  hasly  in  concluding  our 
petitions  ! Hence  it  is  that  we  go  mourning  all  the  day  long, 
instead  of  “ casting  our  burden  upon  the  Lord  :”  and  our 
miseries  will  increase  upon  us,  till  we  take  this  course 
(Notes,  Phil.  4:5 — 7.  1 Pet.  5:5 — 7.) — The  more  we  expe 
rience  the  sweet  consolations  which  are  communicated  while 
the  soul  is  poured  out  before  the  Lord,  the  more  we  shall 
determine  “to  call  upon  him  as  long  as  we  live.”  (Note, 
Ps.  116:2.) 

We  ought  to  be  very  cautious  how  we  condemn  those,  who 
are  uncommonly  earnest  in  religion,  as  if  guilty  of  hypocrisy, 
enthusiasm,  or  some  other  iniquity  ; and  ministers  especially, 
in  their  zeal  against  sin,  ought  to  be  careful,  that  they  do  not 
grieve  such  as  are  “in  bitternesss  of  spirit:”  but  if  we  have 
rashly  censured  those  who  are  not  faulty,  we  should  be  ready 
to  hear  their  plea,  to  retract  our  decision,  to  give  them  en- 
couragement, and  to  assist  them  with  our  prayers. — Among 
the  various  trials,  to  which  we  are  exposed,  none  is  in  general 
more  bitter,  than  the  suspicions  and  censures  of  those  whom 
we  love  and  esteem.  But  while  “the  God  of  all  grace” 
hears  our  prayers,  we  may  bear  even  this  with  patience,  and 
answer  it  with  meekness  : for  though  it  is  painful  to  be  counted 
“children  of  Belial”  by  our  brethren;  yet  if  our  loving  Father 
sees  that  correction  needful,  and  favours  us  with  the  as:  ur- 
rance  of  his  acceptance  and  the  light  of  his  countenance,  v e 
may  thankfully  submit  to  his  will. — Even  before  those  b!esrin;/3 
which  we  have  asked  in  prayer  are  vouchsafed,  or  ex- 
pected with  certainty,  he  sometimes  communicates  such  sup- 
ports to  the  soul,  as  exceed  every  temporal  advantage,  can  be 
destroyed  by  no  outward  trouble,  and  give  a relish  for  those 
mercies  which  before  we  undervalued  or  overlooked. — We 
are  also  most  likely  to  obtain  all  our  warranted  desires,  when 
we  are  rendered  most  willing  to  submit  them  to  the  will  of  God. 

Y.  19 — 28.  No  temporal  satisfaction  can  be  durably  com- 
fortable, which  we  cannot  name,  “Asked  of  the  Lord  ;”  and 
which  we  do  not  receive  from  him  with  gratitude  as  an  answer 
to  our  prayers,  and  uprightly  desire  to  use  to  his  glory  and  in 
his  service.  If  he  give  us  children,  we  shall  have  the  most 
comfort  in  them,  when  they  are  most  entirely  his  : and  there- 
fore we  should  devote  them  to  him  from  the  first;  bring  them 
up  for  him  , and  pray  continually  that  we  may  see  early 
proofs  of  his  having  received  them  into  his  family,  and  made 
them  his  to  serve  him  all  their  days. — The  vows  that  we 
have  mingled  with  the  prayers  made  in  our  distress,  must 
be  performed  with  gratitude,  when  our  desires  have  been 
granted ; that  others  may  praise  our  God  along  with  us, 
and  be  encouraged  to  trust  and  call  upon  him. — It  does 
not  become  the  worshippers  of  God  to  be  soon  weary  of 
his  ordinances  ; but  to  leave  them  reluctantly,  when  called  to 
attend  on  other  duties:  and  when  men  are  in  such  haste  to 
set  out  on  journeys,  or  to  engage  in  business,  that  they  have 
not  time  to  worship  God,  they  are  likely  to  proceed  without 
his  presence  and  blessing. — There  are  times,  when  domestic 
employments  may  render  it  a duty,  to  be  occasionally  absent 
from  public  ordinances:  but  those  seasons  should  abound  the 
more  in  the  exercises  of  secret  devotion ; and  when  special 
blessings  have  been  conferred,  and  restraints  are  removed, 
the  true  believer  will  go  with  more  longing  desires  to  the 
courts  of  the  Lord,  to  pay  his  vows,  and  render  his  grateful 
praises.  With  what  transport  then  will  he  at  last  leave  this 
distant  land  below,  to  ascend  to  the  courts  above,  to  receive 
the  full  answer  of  all  his  prayers,  and  to  offer  everlasting 
praises,  with  an  uninterrupted  flow  of  holy  affections  and  in- 
effable delight! 

NOTES. — Chap.  II.  V.  I.  The  word  prayer  is  some- 
times used  for  any  act  of  devotion,  whether  it  he  confined  to 
petition,  or  include  thanksgiving  and  praise,  or  chiefly  con- 
sist of  the  latter.  (Marg.  Ref.  a.) — When  Hannah  requested 
a son,  she  spake  in  her  heart,  and  “ her  voice  was  not  heard 
but  when,  according  to  her  vow,  she  presented  Samuel  to 
God,  his  glory  and  the  edification  of  his  people  required,  a 
public  acknowledgment.  Whilst  her  heart  was  enlarged 
with  love  and  gratitude,  she  was  led  on,  by  the  Holy  Spirit, 
to  speak  with  great  enlargement  and  fervency,  and  with  clear 
discernment  of  divine  things,  on  the  gracious  dealings  of  God 
towards  Israel,  and  of  his  dispensations  towards  men  in  gene- 
ral in  every  age. — “ Her  heart  rejoiced,”  not  in  Samuel,  but 
( 477  ) 


B.  C.  1137. 


I.  SAMUEL, 


B.  C.  1137, 


2 There  is  ' none  holy  as  the  Lord  ; for  there  is 
•none  beside  thee ; neither  is  there  any  '’rock  like 
our  God. 

3 Talk  no  more  so  exceeding  proudly  ; 'let  not 
"arrogancy  come  out  of  your  mouth:  for  the  Lord 
is  '‘a  God  of  knowledge,  and  'by  him  actions  are 
weighed; 

4 The  mbows  of  the  mighty  men  are  broken, 
and  they  that  "stumbled  are  girded  with  strength. 

5 They  that  were  "full,  have  hired  out  them- 
selves for  bread ; and  they  that  were  hungry 
ceased  : so  that  '’the  barren  hath  born  seven  ; 
and  she  that  hath  many  children  is  swaxed  feeble. 

6 The  Lord  "killeth,  and  maketh  alive:  ’he 
bringeth  down  to  the  grave,  and  bringeth  up. 

7 The  Lord  ‘maketh  poor,  and  maketh  rich : 
he  ubrin|-eth  low,  and  liftelh  up. 

8 He  raiseth  up  “the  poor  out  of  the  dust,  and 

f Ex.  15:11.  Peut.  3*2:4.  Pa.  99:5.9.  111:9.  Is.  6:3.  57:15.  1 Pet.  1:16.  Rev.  4:8. 
15:4.  g Dent.  4:35.  2 Sam.  22:32.  Ps.  73.25.  Is.  43:10,11.  44:6,8.  hDeut.3:24. 
82:30,31,39.  Ps.  18:2.  71:3.19.  86:8.  89:6.  Is.  40:18.  Jer.  10:6.  i Ps.  94:4.  Prov. 
8:13.  [9.37:23.  Dan.  4:30.31.37.  Mai.  3:13.  Jude  15,16.  * Heb.  hard,  k 1 Kings 
8:39.  Ps.  44:21.  94:7— 10.  147:5.  Jer.  17:10.  Heb.  4:12,13.  Rev.  2:23.  1 Job  31:6. 
Is.  26:7.  Dan.  5:27.  m Ps.  37:15,17.  46:9.  76:3.  n Is.  10:4.  Jer.  37:10.  2 Cor.  4:9, 
10.  12:9,10.  Eph.  6:14.  Puil.  4:13.  Heb.  11:34.  o Ps. 34:10.  Luke  1:53.  16:25.  pi: 
20.  Ps. 113:9.  ql:G.  Is.  54:1.  Jer.  15:9.  Gal. 4:27.  r Deut.  32:39.  2 Kings  5:7. 
Job  5:18.  Ps.  68:20.  Hos.  6: 1,2.  John  5:25— 29.  11:25.  Rev.  1:18.  s 20:3.  Ps.  116: 
9.  Is.26:19.  Jon. 2:2— 6.  Matt.  12:40.  2 Cor.  1:9,10.  t Deut.  8:17,18.  Job.  1:21. 
5:11.  Ps.  102:10.  u Ps.  75:7.  Is.  2:12.  Jam.  1:9,10.  4:10.  x Job.  2:8.  42:10-12. 
Ps. 113:7,8.  Dan.  4:17.  Luke  1:51,52.  y 15:17.  Gen.  41 :14, 40.  2 Sam.  7:8.  Job  36: 
6,7.  Ec.  414.  Dan.  2:48.  6:3.  Jam.  2:5.  Rev.  1:6.  3:21.  5:10.  22:5.  zJob38: 


44  in  the  Lord  ;”  in  his  power,  faithfulness,  and  love. — 44  Her 
horn”  (the  weapon  for  defence  and  annoyance  in  some  ani- 
mals,) “was  exalted  in  the  Lord,  and  her  mouth  was  en- 
larged over  her  enemies:”  being  delivered  from  the  taunts 
and  reproaches  of  her  rival,  she  took  that  as  an  earnest  of  more 
important  victories,  and  rejoiced  in  the  hope  of  triumphing 
over  the  adversaries  of  her  soul;  for  she  “rejoiced  in  the 
salvation  of  the  Lord,”  and  in  looking  for  the  coming  of  Him, 
who  is  the  Salvation  of  his  people.  (Notes,  Hob.  3:17 — 19. 
Luke  1:46 — 55.  Phil.  4:4.) 

V.  2.  From  personal  mercies,  Hannah  proceeded  to  con- 
template the  perfections  of  God.  Holiness , which  comprises 
perfect  wisdom,  purity,  justice,  truth,  goodness,  and  mercjr, 
is  in  him  alone  underived,  immutable,  and  complete.  “ There 
is  none  holy  as  the  Lord  :”  all  created  holiness  is  derived, 
dependent,  mutable,  and  scanty ; all  human  holiness  mixed 
with  impurity;  and  all  the  idols  of  the  nations  are  abominable 
demons.  Nay,  sajrs  she,  “there  is  none  beside  thee,”  no 
other  God;  and  all  creatures  are  “less  than  nothing,  and 
vanity  ” in  the  comparison  with  him : 44  neither  is  there  any 
rock,  like  our  God he  is  our  only  Protector,  Refuge,  and 
Support ; and  they  only  are  safe  and  strong,  who  trust  en- 
tirely in  him.  (Notes,  Ex.  15:11.  Deut.  32:4.  Is.  43:8 — 13. 
44:6—8.  45:1—7.) 

V.  3.  With  allusion  to  Peninnah’s  misconduct,  Hannah 
seems  here  to  address  the  enemies  of  true  religion ; who, 
confiding  in  numbers,  courage,  or  ability,  glory  in  themselves 
and  insultingly  despise  believers.  But  let  them  cease  from 
such  proud  boastings,  arrogance,  and  reproaches ; remem- 
bering that  “ the  Lord  is  a God  of  knowledge,  and  by  him 
actions  are  weighed.”  (Note,  Is.  30:18,19.)  He  distinguishes 
men’s  characters,  and  weighs  their  actions  in  the  balance, 
and  knows  when  to  interpose  in  behalf  of  his  people:  he  also 
knows  those,  who  despise  and  hate  him,  and  will  in  due  time 
effectually  punish  them,  though  for  a season  they  may  seem 
to  prosper. — The  last  clause  may  be  rendered,  44  By  him 
works  are  regulated  :”  he  orders  every  thing  in  perfect  wis- 
dom and  power,  and  none  can  defeat  his  purposes.  Or,  still 
more  exactly  according  to  the  text,  Are  not  works  by  him 
•* emulated  ? ( Marg.  Ref. ) 

V.  4 — 8.  The  events  which  these  verses  speak  of,  are 
often  called  the  caprices  of  blind  fortune : but  they  in  fact 
are  the  settled  purposes  of  God,  thus  manifesting  his  own 
perfections  by  saving  those  who  trust  in  him ; and  pouring 
contempt  upon  all  the  distinctions,  in  which  ungodly  men  con- 
fide and  glory.  Are  they  proud  of  valour,  military  skill,  or 
strength  ? their  bows  shall  be  broken,  and  themselves  crushed 
by  an  inferior  and  despised  company.  Do  they  glory  in  riches, 
and  riot  in  ease  and  luxury,  while  they  despise  and  oppress 
the  poor?  they  arc  often  impoverished,  and  reduced  to  the 
necessity  of  hiring  themselves  out  for  bread,  whilst  the  poor 
and  hungry  are  surprisingly  advanced  to  affluence.  Do  any 
glory,  as  Peninnah  did,  in  the  increase  of  their  families,  and 
despise  the  childless?  Providence  may  soon  by  unexpected 
death  reduce  their  numbers  ; whilst  the  desolate  are  as  won- 
derfully increased.  The  Lord  gives  life,  and  takes  it  away: 
the  most  vigorous  are  by  the  stroke  of  his  hand  brought  down 
to*lhe  gates  of  the  grave  ; and  the  feeble  are  unexpectedly 
restored  to  health  and  strength.  Such  vicissitudes  may  like- 
wise be  often  observed  in  men’s  circumstances  and  families  ; 
in  which  capacity  ami  industry  prove  utterly  unavailing  to 
prevent  the  adversity  of  some  ; while  others  are  wonderfully 
prospered,  and  rise  even  from  the  lowest  and  most  abject 
•'ondition  to  the  throne  of  glory.  (Notes,  Ps.  107:33 — 43.  113: 

-9.  Ec.  9:11,12.)  Events  of  this  kind  occasion  surprise, 
< 478  v 


lifteth  up  the  beggar  from  the  dunghill,  to  Jset 
them  among  princes,  and  to  make  them  inherit 
the  throne  of  glory  : for  ’the  pillars  of  the  earth 
are  the  Lord’s,  and  he  hath  se  die  world  upon 
them. 

9 He  “will  keep  the  feet  of  b‘  is  saints,  and  the 
wicked  shall  cbe  silent  in  darkness;  fordby  strength 
shall  no  man  prevail. 

10  The  ’adversaries  of  the  Lord  shall  he  broken 
to  pieces  ; out  of  heaven  shall  f he  thunder  upon 
them  : the  Lord  shall  ejudge  the  ends  of  the  earth  ; 
and  hhe  shall  give  strength  unto  his  King,  and 
'exalt  the  horn  of  his  “Anointed.  [.Practical  observation..] 

11  H And  Elkanah  went  to  Ramah  to  his 
house ; and  the  child  did  'minister  unto  the  Lord 
before  Eli  the  priest. 

12  Now  mthe  sons  of  Eli  were  "sons  of  Belial ; 
they  "knew  not  the  Lord. 


4—6.  Ps.  24:2.  102:25.  104:5.  Heb.  1:3.  a Job  5:24.  Ps.  37:23,24  . 91:11,12.  94: 
18.  121:3,5,8.  Pro*.  16:9.  1 Pet.  1:5.  b Deut.  33:3.  Ps.  37:28.  97:10.  Pro*.  2: 
8.  Jude  1,3.  c Job  5:16.  Ec.5:17.  Jer.  8:14.  Zeph.l:l'5.  Matt.  8:12.  22:12,13. 
Rom.  3:19.  2 Pel.  2:17.  Jude  13.  d 17:49,50.  Ps.  33:16,17.  Ec.9:ll.  Jer.  9:23. 
Zech.  4:6.  e Ei.  15:6.  Judg.  5:31.  Ps.  2:9  . 21:8,9.  68:1,2.  92:9.  I.uke  19:27. 
f 7:10.  12:18.  Job  40:9.  Ps.  18:13,14.  g Ps.50:I— 6.  96:13.  98:9.  Ec.  11:9.  12: 
14.  Matt.  25:31,32.  John  5:21,22.  Rom.  14:10—12.  2 Cor.  5:10.  Rev.  20:11— 15. 
h 12:13.  15:28.  16:1.  2 Sam.  7:8,13.  Ps.  2:6.  21: 1 ,7.  Is.  32: 1.  45:24.  Matt.  25: 
34  . 28:18.  IPs.  89:17,24.  92:10.  148:14.  Luke  1:69.  k 12:3.  Ps.2:2.  20:6  . 28: 
8.45:7.  Acts  4:27.  10:38.  1 18.  1:24.  3:1,15.  mHos.4:6— 9.  Mai. 2:1— 9. 

n 10:27.  25:17.  Deut.  13:13.  Judg.  19.22.  1 Kings  21:10,13.  2 Cor.  6:15.  o3:7. 
Judg.  2:10.  Jer.  2:8.  22:16.  John  8:55.  16:3.  17:3.  Rom.  1:28—30. 


and  many  attempt  to  account  for  them  : but  “ the  pillars  of 
the  earth  are  the  Lord’s,  and  he  hath  set  the  world  upon 
them:”  and  the  same  power,  which  first  created  and  esta- 
blished the  earth  in  its  settled  course,  without  human  help, 
and  in  such  a manner  as  no  human  power  can  change  ; by 
his  secret  overruling  providence  does  everything,  and  should 
be  acknowledged  in  every  thing.  (Notes,  Job.  34:20 — 30. 
Dan.  4:34 — 37.  Rom.  11:33 — 3G.) — These  things  are  equally 
applicable  to  the  dispensations  of  his  kingdom  of  grace  ; in 
which  he  respects,  not  men’s  wisdom,  learning,  greatness,  or 
imagined  excellency,  but  selects  the  base,  the  poor,  the  foolish 
of  the  world,  having  taught  them  to  feel  their  guilt  and  misery, 
and  to  value  his  free  and  precious  salvation.  Thus  he  “ taketh 
the  poor  out  of  the  dust,  and  the  beggar  from  the  dunghill,  to 
set  them  among  princes,  and  to  make  them  inherit  the  throne 
of  glory and  all  this  “ according  to  the  eternal  purpose, 
which  he  hath  purposed  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.”  ( Notes, 
Matt.  13:29,30.  1 Cor.  1:26—31.  Eph.  1:3—12.) 

V.  9.  The  saints  are  those,  whom  the  grace  of  God  has 
separated  from  a sinful  world,  and  sanctified  unto  himself: 
and  “ he  will  keep  their  feet,”  so  that  they  shall  be  directed 
and  upheld  in  his  ways  ; they  shall  not  so  stumble  as  utterly 
to  be  cast  down,  nor  be  so  snared  as  finally  to  be  taken  cap- 
tive by  their  enemies.  (Note s,  Ps.  37:23,24.  1 Pet.  2:2 — 5.) 
But,  however  sinners  may  now  boast,  and  fill  the  world  with 
disturbance  and  confusion,  they  will  ere  long  be  put  to  silence, 
and  sink  speechless,  under  the  divine  sentence  of  condemna- 
tion, into  everlasting  darkness  and  despair.  (Notes,  Matt. 
22:11 — 14.  Rom.  3:19,20.)  “For  by  strength  shall  no  man 
prevail,”  either  to  injure  and  overturn  the  interest  of  true 
religion,  or  to  secure  themselves  from  merited  destruction. 
(Marg.  Ref.)  . 

V.  10.  While  the  adversaries  of  God  shall  be  destroyed 
for  ever,  his  church  shall  prosper,  not  only  as  it  did  under  the 
government  of  David,  his  king,  whom  Samuel  by  his  com- 
mand anointed ; but  under  the  government  of  his  Son,  the 
Messiah,  who  hath  “ all  power  given  him  in  heaven  and  earth,” 
who  shall  go  on  conquering,  till  all  the  ends  of  the  earth 
submit  to  his  mediatorial  sway,  and  till  he  come“tojudgo 
the  quick  and  dead  at  his  appearing.”  Then  shall  all  enemies 
finally  be  put  under  his  feet,  and  his  glory  be  displayed  in 
their  destruction,  and  in  (he  complete  salvation  of  his  people. 
(Marg.  Ref . Notes,  1 Cor.  15:20 — 28.  Ret).  6:1,2.  11:15 — 18. 
19:11 — 21.  20:11 — 15.) — When  Hannah  spake  this  song,  there 
was  no  king  over  Israel,  so  that  her  words  here  must  be  pro- 
phetical, both  of  David  the  type,  and  Christ  the  Anti-type. — 

‘ Who  doth  not  see  that  the  spirit  of  this  woman  (whose 
name  was  Anna,  which  signifies  grace,)  prophesied  of  the 
Christian  religion,  the  city  of  God,  whose  King  and  Founder 
is  Christ  ; and  of  the  grace  of  God,  from  which  the  proud 
are  estranged,  that  they  may  fall;  hut  the  humble  are  filled 
with  it  that  they  may  rise  ?”  Augustine.—'  Indeed  ibis  is  the 
first  time  that  tho  name  of  Messiah,  or  Anointed,  is  found  in 
Scripture.  With  this  song,  that  of  the  blessed  Virgin  hath 
such  a perfect  resemblance,  that  one  cannot  but  think  Han- 
nah had  a respect  to  something  higher  than  tho  quarrel 
between  her  and  Peninnah,  &c.’  R/>.  Patrick. — This  indeed 
is  expressly  saying  very  little  : but  it  shows  what  the  mind  of 
the  writer  had  in  contemplation. — As  to  Peninnc.il,  on  any 
interpretation,  she  can  bo  considered  no  further,  than  merely 
as  having  given  an  occasion  for  this  most  sublime  and  sacred 
song,  which  may  bear  a comparison,  or  even  competition, 
with  Iho  most  beautiful  and  magnificent  productions  of  any 
other  inspired  writer. 

V.  11.  The  Levites  were  not  called  to  any  tlnir  pccit* 


B.  C.  1130. 


CHAPTER  II. 


B.  C.  1128. 


13  And  the  priests’  custom  with  the  people 
teas,  that  when  any  man  offered  sacrifice,  the 
priest’s  servantcame,  while  the  flesh  was  in  seedl- 
ing, with  a flesh-hook  of  three  teeth  in  his  hand ; 

14  And  he  struck  it  into  the  pan,  or  kettle,  or 
caldron,  or  pot:  ‘’all  that  the  flesh-hook  brought 
up  the  priest  took  for  himself.  So  they  did  in 
Shiloh  unto  all  the  Israelites  that  came  thither. 

15  Also  ^before  they  burnt  the  fat,  the  priest’s 
servant  came,  and  said  to  the  man  that  sacrificed, 
Give  flesh  to  roast  for  the  priest;  for  he  will  not 
have  sodden  flesh  of  thee,  but  raw. 

16  And  if  any  man  said  unto  him,  Let  them 
not  fail  to  burn  *\e  fat  'presently,  and  then  take 
as  much  as  tn>  soul  desireth;  then  he  would 
answer  him,  Nay  ; but  thou  shalt  give  it  me  now : 
and  if  not,  rI  will  take  it  by  force. 

17  Wherefore  the  sin  of  the  young  men  was 
very  great  ’before  the  Lord;  for  men  'abhorred 
the  offering  of  the  Lord. 

18  If  But  Samuel  "ministered  before  the  Lord, 
being  a child,  girded  with  xa  linen  ephod. 

p 29.  Ex.  29:27, *29  Lev.  1:34.  !e.  560 1.  Mai.  1:10.  2 Pet.  2:13— 15.  q Lev.3:3 
—5,16.  Rom.  16:1b.  Phil.  3:19.  Jude  12.  • Heb . as  on  tic  tlm/.  Lex.  3:16.7:23— 
25.  r Juds.  18-23.  Neh.  5:15.  Mic.  2:1,2.  3:5.  I Pel.  5:2,3.  s Gen.  6:11.  10:9. 
13:13.  2 Kins*  21:6.  1’s.  51:1.  Is.  3:8.  t Mai. 2:8, 13.  Mall.  18:7.  u 11.  3.1.  x 22: 
18.  Ex.  28  4 Lex.  8:7.  2 'am.  6:14.  y 1:3,21.  Ex.  23:14.  •/.  Gen.  14: 19.  27:27 
— 29.  Num.  6:23— 27.  Ruth  2:12.  4:17.  t Or,  partition  which  she  asked,  Sic. 


liar  service?,  until  they  were  twenty-five  years  of  age  ; but 
Samuel,  being  devoted  to  God  in  an  especial  manner,  was 
from  a child,  employed  about  the  sanctuary  in  those  things  of 
which  he  was  capable,  and  thus  “ did  minister  unto  the 
Lord.”  ( Notes,  Num.  8:24 — 2b.) 

Y.  12.  The  soils  of  Eli  had  been  brought  up  in  the  courts 
of  God,  and  instructed  out  of  the  law,  and  probably  had  some 
general  speculative  knowledge  of  God  and  divine  things  : yet 
being  sons  of  Behai,  men  of  a rebellious  and  disobedient 
spirit,  (JMnrg.  Ref.  n.  Note  Dent.  13:13 — 18.)  it  is  said,  that 
''they  knew  not  the  Lord.”  They  had  neither  that  acquain- 
tance with  the  divine  perfection?,  nor  that  disposition  of 
heart  to  love  them,  which  are  essenlial  to  true  religion  ; nor 
that  experience  of  the  faithfulness  and  loving-kindness  of  God, 
to  which  those  attain,  who  trust  him  and  call  on  him,  and  have 
real  communion  with  him.  {Notes,  1 Chr.  28:9.  John  17:1 — 3.) 
— Eli  appears  to  have  been  a godly  man,  and  probably  set  his 
sons  a good  example  in  private  life,  ami  gave  them  good  ad- 
vice and  insl ruction  : but  he  yielded  to  a natural  timidity 
snd  feebleness  of  mind,  and  shunned  trouble  and  exertion. 
Thus  he  w as  induced  to  indulge  his  children,  instead  of 
exercising  his  parental  authority  to  restrain  and  correct  them 
when  young:  and  he  connived  at  many  abuses  in  the  service 
of  the  sanctuary,  till  they  became  customs,  and  made  way 
for  greater  abominations  ; and  even  then  he  did  not  exert 
himself,  as  it  became  the  high-priest  and  judge  of  Israel,  to 
punish  and  repress  them.  [Notes,  23 — 29.  3:13.) 

V.  13 — 16.  The  priests  had  the  whole  breast,  the  right 
shoulder,  the  cheeks,  and  the  maw,  allotted  to  them  by  the 
law,  out  of  every  peace  offering.  (Notes,  Lev.  7:29 — 34.  Deut. 
18:3.)  But  in  addition  to  this,  it  had  become  customary  for 
the  servants  of  the  priest  to  come,  while  the  flesh  was  boil- 
ing, for  the  use  of  the  offerer  and  his  friends,  in  vessels  of 
various  sizes,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  oblation,  placed 
,n  the  court  of  the  tabernacle  ; and  to  carry  away  whatever 
the  flesh-hook,  or  three-pronged  fork,  brought  up : and  the 
people  in  veneration  for  the  priesthood  quietly  submitted  to 
It ; by  which  the  appetites  of  the  priests  were  gratified  with 
greater  variety,  and  their  avarice  with  an  additional  perquisite. 
The  sons  of  Eli,  however,  were  not  satisfied  with  this  inno- 
vation, which  did  not  always  secure  the  choicest  parts  : but, 
while  they  neglected  or  postponed  “burning  the  fat,”  (which, 
typifying  the  sacrifice  of  Christ,  and  being  the  appointed  ex- 
pression of  the  offerer’s  repentance  and  faith,  was  essential 
to  the  acceptance  of  ihe  sacrifice  ;)  they  insisted  upon  having 
such  portions  of  the  flesh  as  they  chose,  for  roasting  ; and 
when  any  one,  however  conscientiously  and  mildly,  remon- 
strated against  this  abuse  in  a sacred  ordinance,  though 
willing  to  yield  every  other  point,  the  very  servants  were  so 
insolent,  as  to  threaten  to  take  it  by  force ! Thus  these  priests 
“ lorded  it  over  God’s  heritage,”  and  “ kicked  at  his  sacrifice 
which  he  had  commanded  1”  (Notes,  Is.  56:9 — 12.  Hos.  4:6 — 
11.  Mai.  1:12—14.  1 Pet.  5:1—4.) 

V.  17.  The  contempt  of  God  and  his  ordinances,  shown 
by  the  sons  of  Eli,  was  in  all  respects  very  great ; and  the  sin 
was  aggravated  by  their  public  character  and  eminent  station. 
But  it  is  especially  noted,  that  through  them  “ men  abhorred 
the  offering  of  the  Lord.”  Many  were  so  prejudiced  by 
their  scandalous  behaviour,  as  entirely  to  neglect  religion  : 
others  would  deem  it  unnecessary  to  put  themselves  to  the 
trouble  and  expense  of  going  up  to  Shiloh  with  their  sacri- 
fices, there  to  witness  such  enormities  ; which  would  prove  a 
temptation  to  sacrificing  in  other  places,  contrary  to  the  law  : 
and  even  those  who  persevered  in  attending,  were  so  grieved, 
that  they  hated  to  go,  and  had  no  comfort  in  the  ordinances. 
So  that  the  stated  worship  of  God  was  likely  to  be  quite 


19  Moreover  his  mother  made  him  a little 

coat,  and  brought  it  to  him  ffrom  year  to  year, 

when  she  came  up  with  her  husband  to  offer  the 

yearly  sacrifice. 

20  And  Eli  ’blessed  Elkanah  and  his  wife,  and 
said,  the  Lord  give  thee  seed  of  this  woman,  for 
the  *loan  which  is  lent  to  the  Lord.  And  they 
went  unto  their  own  home. 

21  And  the  Lord  “visited  Hannah,  so  that 
she  conceived  and  bare  three  sons  and  two 
daughters.  And  the  child  Samuel  bgrew  before 
tire  Lord. 

22  *11  Now  Eli  "was  very  old,  and  heard  all 

that  his  sons  ddid  unto  all  Israel ; and  how  they 

lay  with  the  women  that  ^assembled  at  the  door 
of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

23  And  he  said  unto  them,  “Why  do  ye  such 
things  ? for  hear  of  your  evil  dealings  < by  all 
this  people. 

24  Nay,  my  sons;  for  it  is  "no  good  report 
that  I hear : hye  make  the  Lord’s  people  to  "trans- 
gress. 

1:27,28.  a 1:19,20.  Gen. 21:1.  Luke  1:68.  b26.  3:19.  Judg.  13:24.  Luke  1:80. 
2:40,52.  c 8:1.  d 13- 17.  Jer.  7.9,10.  Ez.  22:26.  Hos.  1 :9— 11.  Jtleh.Msem- 
hied  by  troops.  Ex.  38:8.  el  Kings  1:6.  /'ct$9:4.  14:15.  § Or,  I hear  evil 

rcords  of  you.  f Is.  3.9.  Jer.  3:3.  8:12.  Phih  3:19.  g Acts  6:3.  2 Cor.  6:8. 
1 Tim.  3:7.  3 John  12.  h 17,22.  Ex.  32:21.  1 Kings  13:18-21.  15:30.  2 Kings 
10:31.  Mai.  2:8.  Matt.  18:6.  2 PeU2:18.  Rev.  2:20.  ||  Or,  cry  out. 


forsaken,  and  general  ignorance,  ungodliness,  profligacy,  or 
idolatry  to  ensue.  It  does  not  appear  that  Eli  reproved  hia 
sons  for  these  things,  or  refused  feasting  with  them  on  those 
portions  which  they  sacrilegiously  obtained.  (Notes,  29.  Mai. 
2:4—9.) 

V.  18,  19.  The  contrast  between  the  child  Samuel  and 
the  wicked  sons  of  Eli,  between  his  docility  and  early  piety 
and  their  daring  impiety,  seems  intentionally  marked  by  the 
accounts  of  them  being  thus  interwoven. — It  was  a trial  o. 
the  faith  of  Elkanah  and  Hannah,  to  leave  their  son  with 
such  abandoned  priests  : but  they  were  performing  a vow, 
and  the  Lord,  with  whom  they  trusted  him,  preserved  him 
from  the  contagion.  Eli  likewise  was  peculiarly  pleased  with 
him,  and  clothed  him  when  employed  at  the  sanctuary  in  a 
linen  ephod,  such  as  the  ordinary  priests  wore,  and  others 
occasionally  in  the  service  of  God;  (Notts,  22:18.  Ex.  28: 
40,41.  2 Sam.  6:14,15.)  thus  denoting  the  great  expectations 
that  he  had  from  him.  His  parents  also,  who  persevered  in 
coming  to  the  courts  of  the  Lord  notwithstanding  the  miscon- 
duqt  of  the  priests  supplied  him  with  every  thing  further  that 
he  wanted. 

V.  20,  21.  It  seems  that  Elkanah  and  Hannah,  having  so 
hopeful  a son,  (whom  however  they  seldom  saw,)  were 
satisfied,  though  for  several  years,  they  had  no  more  children. 
It  appears  also  that  Eli,  notwithstanding  his  misconduct  in 
respect  of  his  sons,  really  loved  those  who  loved  the  Lord  ; 
and  was  so  pleased  with  the  conduct  of  Samuel,  and  with 
the  piety  of  his  parents,  that  his  heart  was  enlarged  in  bless- 
ing them,  and  in  praying  that  they  might  be  recompensed,  for 
devoting  their  only  son  to  the  service  of  God’s  sanctuary,  by 
the  comfort  of  more  children : and  his  prayer  in  this  respect 
was  abundantly  answered. 

V.  22.  (Note,  Ex.  38:8.)  These  “women  that  assem- 
bled at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle,”  are  said  by  some  writers  to 
have  dedicated  themselves,  by  courses,  to  the  service  of  the 
sanctuary,  doing  any  work  pertaining  to  it,  which  belonged  to 
their  sex  ; such  as  spinning,  weaving  curtains,  washing  the 
garments,  and  various  services  of  a similar  nature : and  by 
their  attendance  for  these  purposes,  the  priests  at  the  sanc- 
tuary had  an  opportunity  of  forming  an  acquaintance  with 
them.  Their  business,  however,  was  doubtless  professedly 
of  a religious  nature  : but  when  those,  who  ought  to  have 
been  their  instructers  in  piety,  used  their  influence  to  solicit 
them  to  wickedness,  the  most  shameful  consequences  follow- 
ed.—A more  horrible  abomination  can  scarcely  be  conceived  : 
and  it  could  hardly  have  been  deemed  credible,  did  not  every 
age  produce  examples  in  some  respects  similar  and  not  less 
atrocious,  to  the  great  dishonour  of  the  gospel,  and  to  the 
hardening  and  rejoicing  of  the  hearts  of  infidels  and  profli- 
gates. (Notes,  Jer.  23:13 — 15.  Hos.  6:8 — 10.  Matt.  18:7 — 9. 
2 Pel.  2:12—14.) 

V.23 — 25.  This  last  enormity  induced  Eli  to  reprove  his 
sons ; which  he  did  in  language  very  reasonable,  and  suited 
to  the  case  of  those  who,  though  faulty,  possess  a tender 
conscience  ; but  far  too  mild  for  such  atrocious  offenders. 
Indeed  no  words  ought  in  this  case  to  havo  sufficed : the  exe- 
cution of  condign  punishment  upon  them  was  absolutely  due 
to  the  insulted  honour  of  God,  and  needful  to  counteract,  by 
a salutary  example,  the  fatal  effects  of  their  crimes  upon  the 
minds  of  the  people.  To  have  finally  excluded  them  from  the 
execution  of  every  priestly  office,  was  the  least  that  Eli,  as 
the  high-priest  and  the  judge  of  Israel,  ought  to  have  done: 
and  if  he  had  imitated  the  zeal  of  his  tribe,  “wdio  said  to  his 
father  and  mother,  I have  not  seen  him,  neither  did  he 
acknowledge  his  brethren,  nor  know  his  own  children  :” 
(Notes,  Ex.  32:27 — 29.  Deut.  33:9.)  and  if  he  had  honoured 
. 479  ) 


B.  C.  1128. 


I.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1128. 


25  If  one  man  'sin  against  another,  the  judge 
shall  judge  him : but  kif  a man  sin  against  the 
Lord,  who  shall  entreat  for  him?  Notwithstand- 
ing they  'hearkened  not  unto  the  voice  of  their 
father,  because  the  Lord  would  slay  them. 

26  And  the  child  Samuel  mgrew  on,  and  "was 
in  favour  both  with  the  Lord,  and  also  with 

men.  f Practical  Observations. J ^ 

27  It  And  there  came  °a  man  of  God  unto  Eli 
and  said  unto  him,  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  rDid  I 
plainly  appear  unto  the  house  of  thy  father,  when 
they  were  in  Egypt,  in  Pharaoh’s  house  ? 

28  And  adid  I choose  him  out  of  all  the  tribes  of 
Israel  to  be  my  priest,  to  offer  upon  mine  altar,  to 
burn  incense,  to  wear  an  ephod  before  me  ? and 
rdid  I give  unto  the  house  of  thy  father  all  the 
offerings  made  by  fire  of  the  children  of  Israel  ? 

29  Wherefore  skick  ye  at  my  sacrifice,  and  at 
mine  offering,  which  I have  commanded  in  my 
‘habitation ; and  "lionourest  thy  sons  above  me,  to 
“make  yourselves  fat  with  the  chiefest  of  all  the 
offering's  of  Israel  my  people  ? 

30  Wherefore  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  saith, 
yI  said  indeed  that  thy  house,  and  the  house  of 
thy  father,  should  walk  before  me  for  ever : but 
now  the  Lord  saith,  zBe  it  far  from  me,  for 


i Deal.  17:8-12.  25  l— 3.  k 3:14.  Nam.  15.30.  Ps.  51:4,16.  Hel>.  10:26.  1 Deut. 
2:30.  Josh.  11:20.  2 Chr.  25.16.  Prov.  15:10.  John  12:39,40.  m 21.  n Prov.  3:4. 
Luke  1:80.  2:40.52.  Acls  2:47.  Rom.  14:18.  o 9:6.  Deut.  83:1 . Judg.  6:8.  13:6. 

1 Kings  13:1.  1 Tim.  6: 1 1.  2 Pet.  1 :21.  p Kx.  4:14,27.  q Kx. 28:1,4, 6— 30  . 29: 
1,  &c.  39:1,  Sic.  Lev.  8:7,9.  Num.  16:5.  17:5-8.  18:1—7.  2 Sam.  12:7.  r Lev. 
2:3,10.  6:16.  7:7.8,32,35.  10:14,15.  Num.  5:9,10.  18:8-19.  Deut.  18:1—8.  s 13 
-17.  Dent.  32:15.  Mai.  1:12,13.  t Deni.  12:5,6.  Josh. 18:1.  u Lev.  19:15. 
Deut.  33  9.  Mitt.  10:37.  22:16.  Luke  14.25.  2 Cor.  5:16.  Jam.  3:17.  x 13—16. 
(s.  5S:11, 12.  Ez.  13:19.  34:2.  Hns.  4:8.  Mic.  3:5.  Rom.  16:18.  y Ex.  28:43. 
29:9.  Num.  25:11— 13.  7.  Num.  45:34.  marg.  2 Chr.  15:2.  Jer.  18:9,10.  a Juilg. 
9:9.  Ps.  50:23.  Prov. 3:9.  Is.  29:13.  Dan.  4:34.  Mai.  1:6.  John  5:23.  8:49.13: 

God  more  than  his  ungodly  sons,  he  would  have  done  it  (29j. 
There  were  priests  enough  without  employing  such  monsters 
of  iniquity : and  his  neglect  was  chastised  in  the  most  terri* 
ble  manner,  in  their  destruction,  with  the  slaughter  of  thirty 
thousand  Israelites,  in  the  captivity  of  the  ark,  in  his  own  vio- 
'ent  death,  and  in  the  ruin  of  his  family.  ( Notes , 4:)  His 
words,  however,  are  worthy  of  consideration  : he  endeav- 
oured to  convince  his  sons,  that  their  conduct  was  notoriously 
evil ; that  their  characters  were  publicly  infamous  ; that  reli- 
gion was  scandalized ; and  that  the  Lord’s  people  were  in 
various  ways  made  to  transgress.  If  their  crimes  had  only 
injured  their  fellow  creatures,  the  judge  might  have  appointed 
a penalty,  which  being  paid  or  submitted  to,  the  guilt  might 
have  been  taken  away  : or  if  their  sin  had  been  of  an  ordi- 
nary kind,  the  priest,  who  was  judge  in  such  cases,  having 
offered  their  sin-offering  and  entreated  the  Lord  for  them, 
they  might  have  been  forgiven.  But  their  offence  was  so 
directly  against  the  Lord,  and  so  interwoven  with  their  minis- 
trations as  priests,  in  offering  the  sacrifices  for  sin,  that  no 
expiation  could  be  accepted  for  the  presumptuous  crime  ; no 
entreaty  nor  intercession  could  be  made  for  them  ; and  none 
could  dare  to  stand  between  them  and  the  wrath  of  God  to 
which  they  were  exposed.  For  the  intercession  for  sinners 
with  a holy  God,  was  grounded  upon  the  atonement  of  the 
promised  Saviour,  which  was  typified  by  the  sacrifices  that 
they  had  so  horribly  polluted.  (Notes,  Heb.  10:26 — 31.) 
This  seems  to  be  the  meaning  couched  under  Eli’s  words, 
though  through  his  timidity,  and  perhaps  indistinct  views  of 
the  subject,  not  very  clearly  expressed. — The  case  of  these 
wicked  men  was  indeed  bad,  when  their  own  father  could  not 
entreat  the  Lord  for  them,  though  he  had  not  resolution  to 
restrain  and  punish  them ! — It  seems  that  they  utterly  disre- 
garded his  reproof ; for  the  Lord  was  determined  to  restore 
the  honour  of  his  own  ordinances  by  executing  signal  ven- 
geance upon  them,  and  therefore  he  left  them  to  total  obdu- 
racy. (Notes,  Deut.  2:30.  Josh.  11:19,20.  2 Sam.  17:7 — 14. 

2 Chr.  25:14 — 16.) — The  original  signifies,  that  it  was  pleas- 
ing to  the  Lord  to  slay  them. 

, V.  27,  28.  This  prophet  was  sent,  as  an  extraordinary 
messenger  fVom  God,  to  reprove  the  neglect  and  wickedness 
of  his  ordinary  ministers  the  priests ; and  even  of  the  high- 
priest,  the  divinely  constituted  head  of  the  church  and  ruler 
of  the  nation  of  Israel ; and  indeed,  in  some  or  all  of  these 
respects,  the  subsequent  prophets  were  the  same.  This 
humiliating  circumstance  was  in  itself  a token  of  the  Lord’s 
displeasure,  and  a preparation  for  Eli’s  being  further  warned 
by  the  mouth  even  of  the  child  Samuel.  (Notes,  3:8 — 14.) 
The  signal  favours,  which  the  Lord  had  conferred  on  the 
house  of  Aaron,  and  the  family  of  Eli,  were  mentioned  as  an 
^gravation  of  his  sin,  which  was  thus  marked  with  black 
ingratitude. — u Wearing  an  ephod,”  hero  refers  to  the  sacred 
ephod  with  the  breast-plate  of  judgment,  with  which  the  high- 
priest  consulted  the  Lord.  (Note,  Ex.  28:30.) 

V.  29.  Eli,  as  high-priest  and  judge,  was  bound  to  repress 
wickedness  without  partiality,  and  to  maintain  the  worship  of 
God  in  purity  ; so  that  he  was  deemed  an  accomplice  in  the 
crimes  of  his  sons,  because  he  connived  at  them.  He  there- 

( 480  ) 


•them  that  honour  me,  bI  will  honour,  and  they 
•that  despise  me  shall  be  lightly  esteemed. 

31  Behold,  the  days  come  that  ‘‘I  will  cut  off 
thine  arm,  and  the  arm  of  thy  fathers  house,  that 
there  shall  no-t  be  an  old  man  in  thine  house. 

32  And  thou  shalt  see  ’an  enemy  in  my  habita 
tion,  in  all  the  wealth  which  God  shall  give  Israel : 
and  there  shall  not  be  ean  old  man  in  thine  house 
for  ever. 

33  And  the  man  of  thine  whom  I shall  not  cut 
ofl  from  mine  altar,  shall  be  f to  consume  thine 
eyes,  and  to  grieve  thine  heart:  and  all  the  increase 
of  thine  house  shall  die  'in  the  flower  of  their  age 

34  And  this  shall  be  sa  sign  unto  thee,  that  sha 
come  upon  thy  two  sons,  on  Hophni  and  Pliine 
has  ; hin  one  day  they  shall  die  both  of  them. 

35  And  ‘I  will  raise  me  up  a faithful  priest,  that 
shall  do  according  to  that  which  is  in  mine  heart, 
and  in  my  mind  : and  kI  will  build  him  a sure  house ; 
and  he  shall  walk  before  'mine  anointed  for  ever. 

36  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  every  one 
that  rais  left  in  thine  house  shall  come  and  crouch 
to  him  for  a piece  of  silver  and  a morsel  of  bread, 
and  shall  say,  Tut  me,  I^pray  thee,  into  §one  of 
the  priests’  offices,  that  I may  “eat  a piece  of 
bread. 


31,32.17:4,5.  b Ps.  91:14.  John  5:44.  12:26.  1 Cor.  4:5.  1 Pet.  1:7.  c Num. 
11:20.  2 Sam.  12:9,10.  Mai.  2:9.  d 4:2,1 1,17— 20.  14:3.  22:17—20.  1 King. 9c 
26,27.  Job  22:9.  Ps.  37:17.  Ez.  30:21 — 24.  * Or,  the  affiiclionof  the  tabernacle^ 
for  all  the  wealth  which  God.  would  have  given  Israel.  4:4,11,22.  Ps.  78:59 — 64. 
e Zech.  8:4.  f 22:21— 23.  I Kings  1:7.19.  2:26,27.  Matt. 2: 16— 18.  t Heb.  men 
g 3: 12.  1 Kings  13.3.  14.12.  h 4:11,17  i 1 Kings  1 :8,45.  2:35.  1 Chr.  29:22, 
Ez.  34:23.  44:15.  Heb.  2:17.  7:26—28.  k 25:28.  Kx.  1:21.  Nuin.  25:13.  2 Sam. 
7:11,27.  1 Kings  11:38.  1 Chr.  6:8— 15.  Neh.  12:J0J  1.  IPs. 2:2.  18:50. 

mlKings2:27.  Ez. 44:10 — 12.  + Heb.  join.  Heb.  somewhat  about  the  priest- 
hood. n29,3U.'Mal.  1:13. 


fore,  as  well  as  they,  was  charged  with  44  kicking  at”  and  des- 
pising the  sacrifices  ; only  regarding  them  as  the  means  of 
their  gratification.  (Note,  13 — 16.)  This  arose  especially 
from  undue  regard  to  his  sons,  whom  he  honoured  more  than 
God  himself;  by  preferring  their  safety,  interest,  authority, 
and  indulgence,  to  his  glory  : whereas  he  ought  not  to  have 
41  known  his  own  children,”  but  to  have  disregarded  even 
their  lives  • suppressing  paternal  tenderness,  in  his  zeal  for 
God  and  his  ordinances.  (Marg.  Ref.  2 Cor.  5:16.  1 Tim* 
5:20—22.  Jam.  3:17,18.) 

V.  30.  The  promise  of  a perpetual  priesthood,  given  first 
to  Aaron,  was  afterwards  made  to  Phinehas,  the  son  of  Elo- 
azar,  Aaron’s  eldest  son : (Notes,  Num.  25:11 — 13.  1 Chr. 
6:4 — 15.)  but  Eli  was  of  the  line  of  Ithamar;  and  it  is  not 
known  on  what  account,  and  at  what  time,  the  high-priest- 
hood was  transferred  from  Eleazar’s  family  to  that  of  Itha- 
mar. In  both  instances  a tacit  condition  must  have  been 
implied  ; namely,  while  44  they  walked  before  God,”  in  faith 
and  piety.  (Note,  Num.  1 4:34. ) — The  reason  however, 
assigned  for  setting  aside  Eli’s  family,  is  of  universal  appli- 
cation : 44  Them  that  honour  me  I will  honour,  and  they  that 
despise  me  shall  be  lightly  esteemed.”  Those  who  choose 
God  for  their  Portion,  who  trust  him  for  salvation,  love  him 
above  all  created  objects,  renounce  worldly  interests  and  con- 
nexions for  his  glory,  and  count  nothing  too  valuable  to  part 
with,  too  hard  to  do,  or  too  sharp  to  suffer,  for  his  sake,  and 
to  promote  his  cause  ; shall  be  honoured  by  him,  perhaps  in 
this  world,  certainly  in  the  world  to  come  : but  those,  who 
despise  his  authority,  his  salvation,  caus6,  or  glory,  in  com- 
parison of  the  interests,  ease,  credit,  or  pleasure  of  them- 
selves or  families  ; shall  sink  into  contempt  in  this  world,  or 
in  the  world  to  come,  or  in  both.  (Marg.  Ref.- b,  c.  Notes, 
2 Chr.  24:15,16.  31:20,21.  Mai.  2:1—  9.)— For  ever.]  Note , 
Gen.  17:7,8. 

V.  31 — 34.  This  prediction  began  to  be  fulfilled,  when  the 
Philistines  vanquished  the  Israelites  with  great  slaughter, 
and  killed  Eli’s  two  sons  in  one  day ; and  afterwards  in  the 
massacre  of  his  descendants  by  Saul,  and  in  the  deposition 
of  Abiathar  for  treason  by  Solomon,  with  the  subsequent 
degradation  of  his  family.  (Notes,  4:10 — 18.  22:17 — 19.  I 
Kings  2:26,27.)  As  Eli  had  so  greatly  offended  in  old  age,  it 
was  also  foretold,  that  his  descendants,  even  in  future  ages, 
should  die  in  the  prime  of  life ; which  no  doubt  was  exactly 
fulfilled,  though  little  dcpcndance  can  he  placed  on  the  instan- 
ces mentioned  by  the  Jewish  writers  as  examples  of  it. — 
When  Eli  witnessed  the  removal  of  the  ark  from  Shiloh,  he 
might  be  said,  according  to  the  marginal  reading,  to  44  see  the 
affliction  of  tho  tabernacle,  for,”  or  instead  of,  44  all  the  wealtl 
which  God  wouid  have  given  Israel :”  for  thus  the  tabernacle 
was  spoiled  of  its  chief  glory;  and  when  the  ark  was  taken 
by  the  Philistines,  Israel  was  deprived  of  their  richest 
treasure. — The  tidings  of  thoso  events  hastened  tho  death  of 
Eli : and  had  he  lived  to  see  the  subsequent  calamities  of  his 
family,  the  sight  would  have  been  most  painful  to  his  eyes, 
and  grieving  to  his  heart.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  35,  36.  Zadok,  of  the  lino  of  Eienzar,  was  made  high- 
priest  by  Solomon,  whoso  posterity  continued  in  that  office 


B.  C.  1128. 


CHAPTER  III. 


CHAPTER  III. 


T^e  Lord  reveals  himself  to  the  child  Samuel , and  in  forms  him  of  his  purpo- 
ses attains!  the  house  of  Eli,  1 — 14.  Samuel , adjured  by  Eli , tells  him  the 
vision  ; and  Eli  answers  submissively,  13 — 18.  Samuel  is  established  to  be 
a prophet  of  the  Lord.  19 — 21 . 

AND  "the  child  Samuel  ministered  unto  the 
Loro  before  Eli.  And  bthe  word  of  the 


*15.  5:11,18.  b 51.  Ps.74:9.  Ia.  13:15.  Am.  8:11,15.  c 2:22.  4:15.  Gen.  27:1. 


till  the  captivity;  (Notes,  1 Chr.  6:4 — 15.  24:1 — 4,6. ) and 
concurred  with  the  pious  princes  in  promoting  true  religion: 
while  the  descendants  of  Eli,  being  excluded  from  thje  more 
honourable  and  lucrative  parts  of  their  office,  would  abjectly 
petition  the  priests  for  the  lowest  services,  in  order  to  obtain 
the  meanest  maintainance. — The  concurrence  of  the  priests 
of  Aaron’s  line  with  the  kings  of  David’s  family,  while  they 
thus  walked  before  the  anointed  of  the  Lord,  typified  the 
union  of  the  kingly  and  priestly  offices  in  Jesus  Christ:  which 
seems  also  to  have  been  predicted.  No  mention  had  been 
made  of  anointing  a king  over  Israel,  when  this  prophecy 
was  delivered.  (Notes,  10.  Deut.  17:14,15.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Y.  1 — 10.  The  mercies  which  we  receive  in  answer  to  our 
prayers,  should  not  only  be  acknowledged  with  thankful  praise, 
but  should  lead  us  to  rejoice  in  the  Lord  as  the  Fountain  of 
felicity  and  the  God  of  Salvation;  and  to  anticipate  with 
cheerful  hope  our  complete  deliverance,  and  victory  over  all 
the  enemies  of  our  souls.  From  what  the  Lord  has  done  for 
its,  we  should  be  led  to  meditate  upon  his  glorious  perfections, 
as  displayed  in  all  his  works,  but  especially  in  his  dealings 
with  sinners  who  hope  in  his  mercy. — An  established  judgment, 
concerning  his  perfect  wisdom,  power,  love,  and  faithfulness, 
as  exercised  with  sovereign  authority,  in  the  whole  adminis- 
tration of  his  kingdom  of  providence  and  grace ; and  an 
habitual  regard  to  his  operations  in  all  those  events,  which  take 
place  through  the  instrumentality  of  second  causes,  or  rational 
agents,  of  whatever  kind  or  character ; will  confirm  our  belief, 
that  they,  and  they  only,  are  safe  and  happy,  who  trust  in 
him  and  enjoy  his  favour;  and  that  the  present  success, 
boastings,  and  confidence  of  the  wicked,  will  shortly  terminate 
in  disappointment,  misery,  and  despair;  and  the  troubles  of 
every  humble  believer,  in  triumph  and  exultation. — Vain  and 
transitory  are  all  distinctions,  except  that  between  the  godly 
and  the  ungodly,  which  will  swallow  up  the  rest,  and  endure 
to  all  eternity. — “ The  Lord  is  a God  of  knowledge,  and  by 
him  actions  are  weighed.”  He  knows  and  approves  his  people, 
and  he  marks  with  abhorrence  the  presumptuous  offender: 
with  uncontrollable  authority  he  dispenses  to  every  man,  as 
he  pleases  ; and  in  his  own  most  wise  and  gracious  time  and 
manner  he  will  terminate  the  afflictions  ofhis  people,  advance 
their  comforts,  and  overrule  every  event  for  their  good.  Let 
us  then  wait  his  •time,  and  submissively  trust  him;  and  we 
shall  acknowledge  at  last  that  “ he  hath  done  all  things  well.” 
Every  circumstance  of  our  life  and  death  is  already  appointed 
in  the  secret  purpose  of  our  God : we  shall  live,  however 
exposed,  till  he  pleases  to  take  away  our  breath  ; and  then  we 
must  die,  whatever  efforts  be  made  to  prolong  our  lives.  As 
this  period,  unknown  to  us.  cannot  be  far  distant,  it  is  our 
wisdom  and  duty  to  prepare  for  it : making  it  our  one  great 
business  to  obtain  the  favour  of  God  and  do  his  will ; in  assu- 
red hope  that,  however  abject  our  condition  in  this  world,  we 
shall  at.  length  “inherit  the  throne  of  glory.” — Though  our 
path  be  dark  and  slippery,  and  beset  with  snares  and  enemies, 
the  Lord  will  keep  our  feet,  and  uphold  our  goings,  by  the 
same  power  which  established  the  earth  ; nor  can  any  power 
prevail  against  his  saints,  or  prevent  the  destruction  of  his 
enemies.  May  the  Lord  hasten  that  day,  when  his  anointed 
Priest  and  King  shall  establish  his  authority  throughout  the 
earth,  upon  the  ruins  of  all  opposition  ! 

V.  11 — 26.  Our  gracious  God  accepts  thanks  for  mercies 
received,  as  prayers  for  further  benefits ; and  when  we  offer 
him  his  own,  he  considers  the  service  as  a loan,  and  as  such 
will  recompense  it.  (Note,  Prov.  19:17.)  Out  of  the  mouth 
of  babes  he  can  perfect  his  praise,  and  by  their  example 
expose  the  shame  of  those  sons  of  Belial  who,  with  every 
advantage,  know  him  not  and  rebel  against  him.  (Notes, 
Matt.  11:25,26.  21:14 — 16.) — We  have  great  encouragement 
to  devote  our  children  to  the  Lord  in  prayer  from  their  birth, 
yea  from  their  conception,  to  bring  them  early  to  his  courts, 
and  to  train  them  up  in  his  ways  ; for  in  this  manner  he  gen- 
erally takes  them  into  his  service,  and  gives  them  that  spiritual 
and  experimental  knowledge  of  himself,  which  fortifies  the 
heart  against  temptation,  and  is  the  source  of  all  godliness. 
(Note,  1 Chr.  28:9.  )• — The  feeble  attempts  of  children  to  serve 
God  are  noticed  with  condescending  regard,  as  peculiarly 
pleasing  to  him;  for  in  all  cases  “where  there  is  a willing 
mind,  it  is  accepted  according  to  what  a man  hath,  and  not 
according  to  what  he  hath  not:”  and  the  grace  of  God  is 
sufficient  for  his  feeblest  servants,  when  in  their  proper  place, 
though  in  the  midst  of  the  worst  examples,  and  struggling 
with  the  most  powerful  temptations.  (Notes,  Gejj.  39:) — 
The  neglect  of  properly  educating  children,  and  the  indul- 
gence of  their  wayward  inclinations,  is  a sin  which  God 
severely  chastises  in  his  own  people : because  it  seems  to 
imply  a contempt  of  his  authority  and  special  favour,  and  a 
disregard  to  his  glory,  as  well  as  to  their  immortal  souls ; and 
because  »fc  tends  to  the  most  fatal  crimes  and  apostacies,  and 
Vol.  I. — G1 


B.  C.  1123 

Lord  was  precious  in  those  clays ; there  was  no 
open  vision. 

2 And  it  came  to  pass  at  that  time,  when  Eli 
was  laid  down  in  his  place,  and'his  eyes  began  to 
wax  dim,  that  he  could  not  see  : 

3 And  ere  dthe  lamp  of  God  went,  out  in 

48:10.  Ps.  90:10.  Ec.  12:3.  d Ex.  27:20,21.  30:7,8.  Lev. 24:2— 4.  2 Chr.  13:11. 


to  the  utter  decay  of  true  religion.  None  are  generally  more 
abandoned  than  the  degenerate  offspring  of  pious  persons, 
when  they  have  broken  through  all  the  restraints  of  shame, 
conscience,  and  regard  to  character:  and  thus  the  cause  of 
religion  suffers,  both  in  loosing  those  families  which  were  its 
support,  and  in  the  prejudice  which  their  base  conduct  excites 
in  the  minds  of  beholders.  And  when  such  children  of  Belial 
have  been  admitted  into  the  sacred  ministry,  and  are  allowed 
to  go  on  with  the  forms  of  godliness,  for  the  sake  of  emolu- 
ment or  authority;  they  prove  the.  most  fatal  enemies  to  the 
cause  of  God,  and  the  most  destructive  murderers  of  the 
souls  of  men.  Many  they  mislead,  but  more  they  set  against 
all  religion ; they  furnish  infidels  and  scoffers  with  their  most 
formidable  weapons  ; they  supply  excuses  lothe  careless  and 
slothful;  they  discourage  the  hearts,  and  damp  the  zeal,  o. 
those  who  are  seriously  disposed,  and  “ cause  even  the  Lord’s 
people  to  transgress ;”  they  buoy  up  the  confidence  of  hypo- 
crites, and  by  their  enticements  and  examples  tempt  many 
to  those  sins,  which  they  would  otherwise  have  trembled  to 
think  of. — We' ought  not,  however,  on  account  of  such  men, 
to  neglect  the  ordinances,  truths,  or  precepts  of  God’s  word 
but  by  persevering  in  a contrary  conduct,  we  should  enter 
our  protest  against  them,  and  evince  the  difference  between 
the  name  and  the  reality  of  religion. — Abuses,  when  once 
introduced,  are  soon  sanctioned  by  custom,  and  conformed  to 
without  hesitation.  Thus  customs  and  precedents  acquire 
authority  in  the  church,  which  it  is  deemed  by  a great  ma- 
jority very  sinful  to  dissent  from  or  object  to,  even  in  the  most 
peaceful  manner. — Yet  when  wicked  men  have  thus  gained 
one  point  for  their  own  lucre  or  ambition,  they  will  attempt 
ajiother,  and  not  shrink  from  the  basest  crimes  to  serve  their 
selfish  purposes.  And  is  it  not  evident,  that  the  whole  ss'stem 
of  papal'  anti-christianity  grew  up  in  this  manner,  to  its  full 
stature  of  spiritual  domination  and  iniquity  ? — The  beginnings 
should  therefore  be  steadily  resisted  ; and  in  such  a case  mild 
arguments  and  gentle  rebukes  are  feeble  weapons ; the  ciW-cive 
arm  of  authority  should  impartially  and  decisively  interpose : 
for,  though  the  magistrate  must  not  use  his  sword  in  matters 
simply  of  conscience  towards  God ; yet  he  ought  to  use  it  in 
punishing  atrocious  immorality  in  persons  of  every  description : 
and  the  rulers  of  the  church  are  bound,  by  the  strongest 
responsibility,  to  exercise  their  spiritual  authority,  in  excluding 
them  from  the  sacred  office.  If,  however,  they  escape  with 
impunity,  through  the  false  tenderness  or  parlial  negligence 
of  those  who  ought  to  execute  condign  punishment  upon  them , 
they  will  not  escape  the  vengeance  of  God:  and  wretched 
indeed  is  the  case  of  those,  who,  by  their  contempt  of  the 
sacrifice  of  Christ,  are  excluded  from  the  benefit  ofhis  inter- 
cession ; and  who  have  so  long  hardened  themselves,  as  to  be 
left  to  judicial  hardness,  in  the  righteous  judgment  of  God, 
because  he  has  determined  to  destroy  them  ! (Note,  2 Thes. 
2:8—12.) 

V.  27 — 36.  If  the  servants  of  God  yield  to  temptation,  and 
repeatedly  commit  iniquity ; he  will  persevere  in  his  rebukes 
and  chastenings,  till  he  has  brought  them  to  repentance:  and 
in  this  process  the  offenders  will  suffer  unspeakable  anguish. 
The  dishonour  which  they  have  occasioned  to  the  name  o. 
the  Lord,  shall  redound  in  disgrace  upon  themselves  and  their 
families;  the  crimes  which  they  have  connived  at  in  others, 
through  self-indulgence  or  partial  affection,  will  be  corrected 
in  themselves ; their  expectations  will  be  blasted,  their  dis- 
tinctions withered,  their  usefulness  precluded,  and  their  honour 
laid  in  the  dust,  or  rather  transferred  to  those  who  honour 
God:  and  perhaps  the  repeated  and  severest  strokes  of  the 
Lord’s  chastising  rod,  shall  pursue  them  down  to  the  grave.— 
That  improper  regard  to  the  interests  of  his  family,  which 
induces  a man  to  offend  God,  often  proves  the  immediate 
cause  of  its  ruin  ; whilst  a disregard  shown  by  any  one,  to  all 
personal  or  relative  interests,  when  the  glory  of  God  is  con- 
cerned, forms  the  best  method  of  promoting  the  welfare  of 
his  posterity. — Many  of  the  Lord’s  offending  people  live  to 
witness  terrible  effects  of  their  misconduct ; but  how  would  it 
grieve  their  hearts,  if  they  could  foresee  all  the  future  conse- 
quences of  every  kind,  to  their  families,  and  to  the  church,  and 
in  hardening  sinners  to  their  destruction ! Let  us  endeavour 
to  conceive  of  them,  that  we  may  be  led  to  greater  abhorrence 
and  dread  of  sin,  and  to  more  constant  watchfulness  and 
prayer : for  these  things  were  written  for  our  warning,  that 
we  might  the  more  earnestly  resist  temptation,  and  strive 
against  the  beginnings  of  iniquity,  and  train  up  our  families 
“ in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.” — But  whosoever 
misbehaves,  or  is  degraded,  the  work  of  the  Lord  shall  not 
be  stayed  for  want  of  instruments  : and  though  others  have 
been  and  are  useful  and  faithful  as  servants,  in  their  several 
generations;  yet  the  Son  of  God  is  the- faithful  and  merciful 
High  Priest,  who  doeth  according  to  all  that  is  in  the  heart  o. 
his  heavenly  Father,  and  whose  priesthood  shall  be  unchange- 
able and  eternal.  The  meanest  office  under  him  is  great 
( 481  ) 


B.  C.  1128. 


I.  SAMUEL 


B.  C.  1 1 2S. 


•the  temple  of  the  Lord,  where  the  ark  of  God 
was , and  Samuel  was  laid  down  to  sleep ; 

4 That  the  Lord ‘called  Samuel:  and  he  an- 
swered, Here  am  I. 

5 And  he  ran  unto  Eli,  and  said,  Here  am  I; 
for  thou  calledst  me.  And  he  said,  I called  not ; 
lie  down  again.  And  he  went  and  lay  down. 

6 And  the  Lord  called  yet  again,  Samuel.  And 
Samuel  arose  and  went  to  Eli,  and  said,  Here  am 
I ; for  thou  didst  call  me.  And  he  answered,  I 
called  not,  gmy  son ; lie  down  again. 

7 'Now  Samuel  hdid  not  yet  know  the  Lord, 
neither  was  the  word  of  the  Lord  yet  revealed 
unto  him. 

8 And  the  Lord  called  Samuel  again  ‘the  third 
time.  And  he  arose,  and  went  to  Eli,  and  said. 
Here  am  I ; for  thou  didst  call  me.  And  Eli 
perceived  that  the  Lord  had  called  the  child. 

9 Therefore  Eli  said  unto  Samuel,  Go,  lie  down ; 
and  it  shall  be,  if  he  call  thee,  that  thou  shaltsay, 
kSpeak,  Lord,  for  thy  servant  heareth.  So 
Samuel  went,  and  lay  down  in  his  place. 

10  And  the  Lord  came,  and  stood,  and  called 
as  at  other  times,  Samuel,  Samuel.  Then  Samuel 
answered,  Speak,  for  thy  servant  heareth. 

11  And  the  Lord  said  to  Samuel,  Behold,  ‘I 


c 1:9.  Ps.  5:7.  27  4.  29:9.  f Gen.  22:1.  Ex.  3:4.  Pa.  99:6.  Acta  9:4.  1 Cor.  12: 
6-11,23.  Gal.  1:15,16.  g 4:1S.  Gen.  43:29.  2 Sam.  18:22.  Matt.  9:2.  'Or. 
thus  did  Samuel  before  he  knew  the  LORI),  and  before  lh>  word  of  the  LORD 
tons  ree.ea.led  unto  him.  h Jer.  9:24.  Acts  19:2.  i Job  33: 1 4,15.  k Ex.  20:19. 
F*.  85:8.  Is.  6:8.  Dan.  10:19.  Acts  S:6.  1 Is.  29:14.  Am  3:6,7.  Hah.  1:5.  Acts 
13:41.  m 2 Kin«e  21:12.  Ta. 28:19.  Jer.  19:3.  Luke2I:26.  n 2:27— 36.  Niim. 
83:19.  Josh.  23:15.  Zech.  1:6.  Luke 21:33.  t Heb.  beginning  and  ending. 
I Or,  and  r will  tell,  &c.  2:27,  &c.  o2Chr.20:12.  Ez.  7:3.  18:30.  Joel  3:12. 
p 1 Kings  2:44.  Ec.  7:22.  1 John  3:20.  q2:12— 17,22.  § Or,  accursed.  ||  Heb. 


preferment ; his  pleasant  service  is  perfect  freedom  : he  will 
here  feed,  and  hereafter  glorify,  all  who  disinterestedly  serve 
him;  but  the  hirelings  he  will  utterly  exclude. — May  he 
furnish  and  send  forth  many  faithful  ministers,  who  may  seek 
his  glory,  and  follow  his  example ; and  never  henceforth  suffer 
any^kvho  resemble  Hophni  and  Phinehas,  to  prostitute  the 
sacrea  ministry  to  their  avarice  and  ambition,  or  to  disgrace 
it  by  their  crimes  ! 

NOTES. — Chap.  ITT.  V.  1.  Samuel,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Eli,  diligently  performed  such  services  at  the  taber- 
nacle as  he  was  capable  of.  (Notes,  2:11,18,19.)  He  is 
supposed  at  this  time  to  have  been  about  twelve  years  of  age  ; 
and  he  was  early  prepared  to  enter  on  the  prophetical  office, 
for  which  the  Lord  intended  him.  (Note,  Jer.  1:5.) — From 
the  death  of  Moses,  no  more  than  two  prophets  have  been 
mentioned;  (except  Deborah,  who  is  called  a prophetess:) 
and  these  only  delivered  an  occasional  message,  and  then 
retired  ; so  that  their  names  are  not  recorded.  (2:27.  Judg. 
6:8 — 10.)  Samuel  was  therefore  the  first  eminent  prophet 
after  Moses,  and  with  him  prophecy  was  openly  established : 
so  that  for  several  ages  prophets  were  raised  up  in  Israel  by 
a regular  succession.  But  before  this  time  there  had  been 
“no  open  vision:”  whatever  revelation  might  be  made  to 
individuals,  or  occasional  messages  publicly  delivered,  there 
was  no  acknowledged  prophet,  to  whom  the  people  might 
resort,  to  know  the  mind  and  will  of  God  : and  therefore  such 
intimations,  as  were  then  given,  were  more  highly  valued, 
than  when  the  gift  of  prophecy  became  more  common.  ( Note, 
Am.  8:11—14.) 

V.  2,  3.  The  lamp  in  the  sanctuary,  ought  to  have  been 
constantly  kept  burning.  ( Marg.  Ref '.  Notes,  Ex.  27:20,21. 
30:7,8.) — Eli  being  old  and  infirm  had  lain  down  long  before  ; 
but  Samuel  was  just  retired  to  rest,  in  some  room  adjoining 
that  of  Eli,  and  near  to  the  sanctuary. 

V.  4 — 6.  Thd^Lord  called  Samuel  by  name.,  in  an  audible 
voice:  ( Marg . Ref.  f :)  which  he  mistook  for  the  call  of  Eli, 
who  probably  often  disturbed  him  in  the  night  through  the 
infirmities  of  old  age.  But  when  Eli  assured  him,  that  he 
did  not  call  him,  he  went  again  to  his  bed,  and  concluded  that 
he  had  been  mistaken. — His  respectful  and  affectionate  assi- 
duity, in  waiting  on  the  aged  high-priest,  is  well  worthy  of 
our  notice.  For  he  came  and  even  ran,  at  the  first  call,  and 
that  repeatedly  : and  Eli’s  language  to  him  is  expressive  of 
affection. 

V.  7.  Samuel  was  not  destitute  of  the  knowledge  of  God, 
in  that  sense  which  implies  the  total  absence  of  true  piety,  as 
Eli’s  sons  were  : (Note,  2:12.)  but  he  did  not  know  his  man- 
ner of  making  his  will  known  to  the  prophets,  and  therefore 
was  not  sensible  that,  this  was  the  voice  of  God.  (Marg.) 
The  Lord,  however,  overruled  his  mistake,  to  make  Eli 
acquainted  with  his  purpose  of  revealing  himself  to  Samuel, 
and  to  excite  his  enquiry  about  it. 

V.  8,  9.  Eli  could  not  but.  consider  the  preference,  which 
the  Lord  thus  showed  to  a child,  before  himself  and  amily, 
as  a severe  and  humiliating  rebuke  : especially  as  he  had 
eason  to  forbode  that  the  message  which  he  was  about  to 
eceive,  would  be  a denunciation  of  judgments  on  him  and 
nis  family  : yet,  without  envy,  resentment,  or  impatience,  he 
gave  Samuel  proper  directions  how  to  behave  on  the  occasion. 
( 4S2  ) 


will  do  a thin"  in  Israel,  at  which  “both  the  ears 
of  every  one  that  heareth  it  shall  tingie. 

12  In  that  day  “I  will  perform  against  Eli  all 
thing's  which  I have  spoken  concerning  his  house  : 
‘when  I begin,  I will  also  make  an  end. 

13*Forl  have  told  him,  that  °I  will  judge  his 
house  for  ever,  for  t^ie  iniquity  Pwhich  he  knoweth: 
because  fois  sons  made  themselves  §vile,  and  he 
"restrained  them  not. 

14  And  therefore  I have  sworn  unto  the  house 
of  Eli,  that  rthe  iniquity  of  Eli’s  house  shall  not 
be  purged  with  sacrifice  nor  offering  for  ever. 

15  11  And  Samuel  lay  until  the  morning,  and 
'opened  the  doors  of  the  house  of  the  Lord  : and 
Samuel  ‘feared  to  show  Eli  the  vision. 

16  Then  Eli  called  Samuel,  and  said,  Samuel, 
my  son.  And  he  answered.  Here  am  I. 

17  And  he  said,  What  is  the  thing  that  the 
LORD  hath  said  unto  thee?  “I  pray  thee  hide  it 
not  from  me : “God  do  so  to  thee,  and  “more  also, 
if  thou  hide  any  "thing  from  me  of  all  the  things 
that  he  said  unto  thee. 

18  And  Samuel  told  him  ^every  whit,  and  hid 
nothing  from  him.  And  he  said,  Ht  is  the  Lord: 
let  him  do  what  seemeth  him,good. 

19  And  Samuel  zgrew,  and  “the  Lord  was  with 


frowned  not  upon  them.  2:23 — 25.  1 Kings  1:6.  Prov.  19:18.  23:13,14  . 29:15. 
Malt.  10:37.  r 2:25.  Num.  15:30,31 . Ie.  22: 14.  Jer.  7: 16.  151.  Ez.  24:13.  Heb. 
10:26—31.  $1:9.  Mai.  1:10.  t Jer.  1:6— 8.  1 Cor.  16:10,11.  uPs.  141:5. 

Dan.  4:19.  Mic.  2:7.  x 20:13.  Ruth  1:17.  2 .Sam.  3:35.  19:13.  lKing«22:16. 
Matt.  26:63.  T\  i\eb.  so  add.  ••  Or,  word,  tt  Heb.  all  the  things,  or,  words. 
y Gen.  18:25.  Judg.  10:15.  2 Sam.  16:10— 12.  Job  1:21.  2:10.  Ps.  39  9.  I».  39:8. 
Lam.  3:39.  1 Pel.  5:6.  z2:21.  Judg.  13.24.  Luke  1:80.  2:40,52.  a 18:14.  Gen. 
39:2,21—23.  Is.  43:2.  Matt.  1:23.  Luke  1:28.  2 Cor.  13:11  14.  2Tim.4:22. 


Speak,  Lord.  (9)  Or,  w Speak,  O Jehovah.” 

V.  10.  And  stood,  &c.]  This  seems  lo  imply  a visible 
appearance,  as  well  as  an  audible  voice. — It  is  also  mentioned 
that  the  name  Samuel  was  twice  repeated  ; and  we  may 
observe  that  Samuel  omitted  the  word  Lord,  or  Jehovah, 
in  answering  as  Eli  had  instructed  him,  probably,  through 
uncertainty,  timidity,  or  profound  awe  and  reverence. 

V.  11.  Shall  tingle.]  The  very  report  would  exceedingly 
affect  the  hearer,  and  would  seem  to  thrill  in  his  ears  long 
after ; as  very  loud  and  stupendous  noises  are  used  to  do. 
(Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  4:13—22.  Is.  28:17—19.) 

V.  12.  (Notes,  2:27 — 36.)  It  is  probable,  that  this  mes- 
sage was  sent  to  Eli  some  years  before  his  death  ; and  this 
forbearance  of  God  tended  to  harden  the  hefirts  of  Eli’s  sons, 
in  presumptuous  expectations  of  impunity  : but  when  he  had 
once  begun  to  execute  the  threatened  vengeance,  he  repeated 
his  strokes  till  the  whole  had  been  accomplished. 

V.  13.  Eli  did  not  use  coercive  measures  to  restrain  his 
sons,  as  he  ought  to  have  done:  and  by  this  omission  he 
brought  ruin  on  his  family.  (See  marg.  readings.  Notes , 
2:12,22—25,29,30.) 

V.  14.  Thesinsof  pious  individuals  among  Eli’s  posterity 
would  be  pardoned,  through  the  Sacrifice  of  Christ,  for  their 
eternal  salvation : but  the  Lord  had  irrevocably  determined, 
that  no  number  of  sin-offerings  or  oblations  should  prevail 
with  him,  to  continue  that  family  in  the  high  priesthood,  or  to 
deliver  them  from  the  awful  temporal  judgments  which  had 
been  denounced  ; as  perhaps  both  Eli  and  his  sons  hoped 
would  be  the  case.  (Notes,  Nvm.  15:30,31.  Is.  22:8 — 14.) 

V.  15.  In  the  morning,  Samuel  opened  the  gates  of  the 
court  of  the  tabernacle,  into  which  the  people  came  to  wor- 
ship, as  if  nothing  had  occurred  ; neither  elated  with  the 
distinction,  nor  neglecting  his  business,  nor  mentioning  the 
matter,  nor  showing  the  least  disrespect  to  Eli ; but  rather 
through  his  great  deference  and  affection  for  him,  being  re- 
luctant to  inform  him  of  the  distressing  message. 

V.  16 — 18.  Eli  was  solicitous  to  know  ihc  revelation 
which  God  had  made  to  Samuel,  and  afraid  that  he  would 
not  fully  inform  him  of  it : but  lie  must  no  doubt  have  been 
greatly  alarmed  and  distressed,  when  he  heard  the  awful 
message,  from  the  mouth  of  a child,  who  was  so  respectfully 
affectionate  to  him,  and  dependent  on  him ; and  whom  he 
could  not  possibly  suspect  of  artifice,  or  corrupt  motives,  or 
harshness  of  language.  Yet  his  answer  is  very  remarkable. 
He  reflected  on  the  wisdom,  justice,  truth,  and  goodness  of 
God,  as  well  as  on  his  sovereignty.  Ho  acknowledged  that 
he  had  a right  to  do  as  he  saw  good,  and  was  assured  that 
he  would  do  nothing  wrong.  He  was  conscious  that  he  de 
served  the  terrible  sentence,  and  acquiesced  in  the  will  ot 
God,  casting  himself  entirely  oil  his  mercy. — The  meekness 
patience,  and  humility  of  these  words  are  very  admirable, 
and  prove  that  Eli  was  truly  penitent  and  pious:  (Marg. 
Ref.  y.  Notes,  Ijcv.  10:3.  Job.  1:20,22.  Ps.  39:9,10.)  though 
in  his  old  and  infirm  age,  he  had  not  sufficient  courage,  vigou% 
or  even  authoriiy,  to  execute  punishment,  upon  his  sons. 
would  now  set  him  at  defiance.  (Notes,  2 iSawi.  3:3tf,39.  2 
Chr.  33:15—17.) 

V.  19 — 21.  Samuel,  it  seems,  was  after  this  frequently 
favoured  with  revelations  Irom  God,  which  he  dolivorcd  t« 


U.  U.  1120. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


B.  C.  1120 


him,  and  did  Met  none  of  his  words  fall  to  the 
ground. 

20  And  all  Israel,  from  'Dan  even  to  Beer- 
sheba,  knew  that  Samuel  was  ‘established  to  be  a 
prophet  of  the  Loud. 

21  And  the  Lou n ‘'appeared  a^ain  in  Shiloh: 
for  the  Lord  revealed  himself  to  Samuel  in  Shiloh, 
by*  the  word  of  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

The  Israelites,  smitten  by  the  Philistines,  send  for  he  ark , 1 — 4.  The  Philis- 
tines are  affrighted  on  account  of  it ; but  encourage  one  another,  5 — 9. 
Israel  is  again  smitten,  with  great  slaughter,  the  ark  is  taken , and  Eli's 
two  sons  are  slain,  ll),  11.  On  hearing  these  tidings  Eli  falls  and  breaks  his 
neck , 12 — IS.  The  wife  of  P.inehas  travails,  names  the  child  I-chabod,  and 
dies,  19-82. 

AND  the  word  of  Samuel  ‘came  to  all  Israel. 

Now  Israel  went  out  against  the  Philistines 
to  battle,  and  pitched  beside  “Eben-ezer:  and 
the  Philistines  pitched  in  bAphek. 

2 And  the  Philistines  'put  themselves  in  array 

h»:6.  1 Kiries  8:56.  Is. 44:26.  cju<lg.20:l.  2Stim.3:10.  17:11.  * Or,  faith- 

ful. 1 Tim.  i:!'2.  (1  Gen.  12:7.  1-3:1.  Num.  12:6.  Am.  3:7.  Heb.  1:1.  e 1,4. 

• Or,  came  to  puss.  Heb.  was.  3.  il.  n 5: 1.7:12.  l>  29:1 . Josh.  19:30.  1 Kings 
K):30.  c 17:8,21.  t I 'cb.  the  battle  was  s t read,  d Josh.  7:5 — 8,12.  Ps.  44:9, 
10.  e Ps.  79:7,8.  10C:  10,41.  Lam.  3:40.  J Heb.  the  aiTay.  fDeui.  29:24.  Ps. 
74:1,11.  U.  50:1,2.  58:3.  g 14.1b.  Num.  31.6.  Josh.  6:4,5.  2Sam.  15:25.  Is.  1: 

the  people  : and  as  these  were  punctually  accomplished,  his 
appointment  to  he  “ a prophet  of  the  Lord”  was  known  and 
acknowledged,  throughout  the  land.  ( Marg . Ref.)  “ The 
word  of  the  Lord,”  may  either  mean  an  audible  voice  from 
God  : or  the  appearance  of  him,  “ whose  name  is  called  the 
Word  of  God.” 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Men  are  seldom  duly  sensible  of  the  value  of  their  mercies, 
till  they  are  deprived  of  them  : and  this  perversity  operates 
even  in  matters  pertaining  to  religion.  We  who  are  favoured 
with  the  written  word,  and  the  public  preaching  of  the  gospel 
by  ministers  of  varied  talents  and  endowments,  can  scarcely 
conceive  how  greatly  our  forefathers,  in  days  of  ignorance 
and  persecution,  valued  a Bible,  or  the  opportunity  of  hear- 
ing a faithful  sermon  ; and  how  much  numbers  still  value 
them  in  different  parts  of  ihe  world.  (Note,  Deut.  31:10 — 13.) 
This  should  teach  us  to  be  thankful,  and  to  improve  our  privi- 
leges, lest  the  Lord  should  show  us  their  preciousness  by  the 
loss  of  them. — He  disposes  of  his  special  favours  in  wise  and 
holy  sovereignty,  without  confining  himself  to  age,  station, 
or  office  in  his  church  ; but  he  orders  every  thing  so  as  to 
correct  or  punish  such  as  offend  him,  and  to  M honour  those 
who  honour  him.” — Docility,  diligence,  and  a humble  self- 
denying  disposition  in  youth,  are  happy  indications  of  an 
honourable  and  useful  life. — They,  who  reduce  to  practice 
what  they  have  been  already  taught,  shall  b^  favoured  with 
further  discoveries  concerning  the  truth  and  will  of  God  : and 
where  the  heart  is  upright  mistakes  and  infirmities  will  be 
pardoned,  rectified,  and  over  ruled  for  good. — Young  persons 
ought  to  behave  with  assiduous  and  attentive  kindness  to  the 
aged;  and  to  show  a submissive  respect  to  their  superiors, 
even  when  fauliy  and  under  divine  rebukes.  But  no  defe- 
rence to  men,  because  every  way  superior  to  themselves, 
must  influence  those,  whom  the  Lord  employs  as  his  messen- 
gers, to  conceal  or  mutilate  their  message  : and  they  are  most 
unwise  in  their  spiritual  concerns,  who  wish  to  be  flattered  ; 
nay,  who  do  not  desire  above  all  things  to  know  the  whole  of 
/the  revealed  will  of  God,  and  the  worst  of  their  own  state 
and  case.  For  though  temporal  punishment  may  be  unalter- 
ably determined ; yet,  blessed  be  God,  the  blood  of  Jesus 
cleanses  the  penitent  believer  from  all  sin,  and  assuredly 
delivers  him  from  eternal  misery  ; and  this  most  gracious 
Saviour  casts  out  none  that  come  to  him  however  guilty, 
vile, or  accursed  they  have  made  themselves. — Presumptuous 
hopes  of  impunity,  because  the  Lord  is  long-suffering,  ruin 
multitudes  who  postpone  repentance  till  God  hath  u sworn  in 
his  wrath  that  they  shall  not  enter  into  his  rest and  when 
he  begins  to  take  vengeance,  he  will  also  fully  execute  his 
most  tremendous  threatenings. — If  temporal  sufferings  may 
be  so  terrible,  as  to  “cause  the  ears  of  all  who  hear  them  to 
tingle,”  what  will  be  the  everlasting  punishment  of  the  wick- 
ed ! Let  us  then  humble  ourselves  before  God,  ere  the  door 
of  mercy  be  for  ever  shut : let  us  accept  of  his  chastisement, 
nowever  sharp  : let  us  submit  to  him,  because  he  is  a mighty 
Sovereign,  and  because  he  is  perfectly  wise,  righteous,  and 
merciful : let  us  cast  ourselves  upon  his  mercy  and  seek  his 
salvation  ; and  study  to  show  our  repentance,  not  only  by 
good  words,  but  by  good  works  ; by  restraining  others  from 
sin  and  frowning  upon  them,  however  otherwise  near  and 
dear  to  us,  as  well  as  by  avoiding  it  ourselves,  and  by  faith- 
fully improving  every  talent  committed  to  us.  Then,  though 
the  infirmities  of  age  disable  us  for  usefulness,  and  we  meet 
with  many  humiliating  dispensations,  we  may  rejoice  to  see 
others  likely  to  be  useful  when  we  are  gone  ; and  should 
willingly  impart  to  them  the  best  counsel  we  can,  though 
their  rising  reputation  be  attended  with  our  dishonour.  In 
ffiis  case,  should  the  prospect  for  our  families,  our  country,  or 
the  church  of  God,  be  gloomy  ; we  may  encourage  ourselves 
<ti  the.  hope  of  that  state,  where  “ the  wicked  cease  from 
troubling,  and  where  the  weary  are  at  rest.”  (Note,  2 Sam. 


against  Israel : and  when  Uhey  joined  battle. 
dlsrael  was  smitten  before  the  Philistines;  eana 
they  slew  of  Uhe  army  in  the  field  about  four 
thousand  men. 

3 And  when  the  people  were  come  into  the 
camp,  the  elders  of  Israel  said , 1 Wherefore  hath 
the  Lord  smitten  us  to-day  before  the  Philistines? 
eLet  us  §fetch  hthe  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord  out  of  Shiloh  unto  us,  that  when  it  cometh 
among  us,  ‘it  may  save  us  out  of  the  hand  of  our 
enemies. 

4 So  the  people  sent  to  Shiloh,  that  they  might 
bring  from  thence  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord  of  hosts,  Hvhich  dwelleth  between  ‘the 
cherubims : and  the  two  sons  of  Eli,  "'Hophni  and 
Phinehas,  were  there  "with  the  ark  of  the  covenant 
of  God. 

5 And  when  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 


11 — 15.  Jer.  7.4,8 — 15.  Matt.  3:9,10.  § Heb.  take  unto  us.  h Num.  10:33 

Deut.  31:26.  Josh.  4:7.  lChr.l7:l.  Jer.  3:16.  Heb.  9:4.  I Jer.  7:8— 11.  Am. 
5:21,22.  Matt.  23:25—28.  Rom.  2.28,29.  1 Cor.  10:1—5.  2 Tim.  3:5.  1 Pet.  3:21 
Jude  5.  k2som.  6:2.  2 Kings  19:15.  Ps.  80:1.  99:1.  1 Ex.  25:18-  22.  Num.  7' 
89.  m 2:12—17,22.  Ps.  50:16,17.  Jlal.  1:9.  Acts  19:15,16.  n Num.  4:5,15 


NOTES. — Chap.  IV.  V.  1.  The  word,  which  the 
Lord  had  spoken  to  Samuel,  concerning  Eli’s  family;  or  the 
word  which  from  time  to  time  the  Lord  sent  by  him  to  the 
people,  declaring  his  will  and  calling  them  to  repentance  ; 
was  heard  throughout  the  land,  and  excited  great  attention.  * 
(Note,  3:19 — 21.) — Some  learned  men  suppose,  that  the 
events  recorded  in  this  chapter  occurred  immediately  after 
the  death  of  Samson ; and  that  the  slaughter  at  that  time 
made  of  the  Philistines  encouraged  the  Israelites  to  attack 
them.  If  so,  Eli  judged  Israel  during  the  whole  life  of  Sam- 
son, who  lived  about  forty  years  ; as  he  too  judged  Israel 
twenty  years.  (18.  Notes,  Judg.  15:20.  16:30,31.)  Again, 
some  are  of  opinion,  that  these  events  happened  about  the 
middle  of  the  forty  years,  during  which  the  Philistines  op- 
pressed Israel : but  on  that  supposition,  Samson  must  have 
been  born  at  least  twenty  years  before  that  oppression  began, 
which  does  not  accord  with  the  narrative:  (Notes,  Judg. 
13:1,4,5.)  and  if  his  exploits  only  made  way  for  the  defeats 
recorded  in  this  chapter  ; how  could  it  be  said  that  he  began 
to  deliver  Israel? — Others,  however,  think  that  the  forty 
years,  during  which  the  Philistines  oppressed  Israel,  ended 
about  seven  months  after  Eli’s  death,  when  the  ark  of  God 
was  restored  : and  in  that  case  the  subsequent  oppression  by 
the  Philistines  must  be  considered,  as  distinct  from  that  men- 
tioned in  the  book  of  Judges.  The  chronology  of  these  times 
is,  in  fact,  to  us  abstruse  and  uncertain.  (Notes,  Judg.  3:11. 

1 1:26.) — Perhaps  Samuel  was  at  this  time  about  twenty  years 
of  age  ; but  it  does  not  appear  that  he  was  consulted  on  this 
occasion. — Eben~ezer.  ] (Note,  7:12.) 

V.  3.  These  elders  seem  to  have  been  miserably  sunk  in 
ignorance  and  formality,  which  was  the  genuine  consequence 
of  the  impiety  of  the  priests.  Though  the  nation  was  ripe 
for  dreadful  judgments,  they  had  no  idea  that  the  defeat 
which  they  had  received  was  intended  as  a warning  to 
repent  ; and  they  proposed  a very  ignorant  and  presumptu- 
ous expedient  to  secure  the  assistance  of  Jehovah.  They 
had  heard  what  wonders  had  formerly  been  wrought  for 
Israel,  when  the  ark,  the  symbol  of  the  Lord’s  presence,  wa3 
by  his  command  carried  before  the  people  under  the  care  < i 
holy  men,  who  trusted  and  glorified  him  ; and  when  Israel 
was  comparatively  an  obedient  people,  fighting  under  his 
banner:  and  they  did  not  make  the  obvious  distinction,  be 
tween  the  outward  sign  or  token,  and  the  invisible  presenev 
of  the  Almighty,  as  assisting  his  servants:  a distinction  little 
noticed,  by  formalists,  either  in  ancient  or  modern  times  , 
hut  of  the  highest  importance  in  all  respects,  and  under  every 
dispensation.  In  fact  they  made  an  idol  of  the  ark,  as  num 
bers  have  done,  and  do,  in  respect  of  the  New  Testament 
sacraments  ; and  not  only  papists,  by  worshipping  the  bread, 
but  protes+ants,  by  trusting  in  the  outward  and  visible  sign, 
to  the  neglect  of  the  inward  and  spiritual  grace : and  they 
imagined  that,  (without  humiliation  before  God  or  repent- 
ance of  their  sins,)  by  fetching  the  ark  into  the  army, 
carried  by  two  sons  of  Belial,  who  were  doomed  to  destruc- 
tion, and  whose  presence  brought  a curse  into  the  camp, 
they  could  induce  God  to  fight  for  them,  though  he  was  evi- 
dently contending  against  them  ! (Notes,  2:12,31 — 34.  Josh 
7:10—12.  22:20 . P.  O.  Josh.  7:10— 15.)  Nay,  they  spake, 
as  if  the  ark  itself  could  deliver  them ! (Marg.  Ref.  i.) 

V.  4,  5.  It  is  probable,  that  Hophni  and  Phinehas  did  not 
so  much  as  ask  the  consent  of  their  aged  father  on  this  occa- 
sion. Being  hardened  to  their  destruction,  they  were  left  to 
venture  presumptuously  into  the  holy  of  holies,  and  to  carry 
the  ark  into  the  army;  and  thus,  without  any  proper  call, 
they  were  found  within  the  reach  of  the  sword  of  the  Philis- 
tines, by  which  they  were  destined  to  be  slain.  (2:25.  Notes, 
2:31 — 34.  Leu.  16:2.  Num.  4:5.  31:8.)  Doubtless  they  were 
much  pleased  with  the  service,  and  proud  of  coming  as  the 
supposed  deliverers  of  Israel,  bearing  the  ark  of  the  covenant. 
(Notes,  Lev.  10:1 — 3.)  And  when  they  entered  the  camp, 
the  whole  army  was  infatuated  with  the  same  groundles* 

( 483  ) 


n.  c.  1120. 


I.  SAMUEL.  B.  C.  1120. 


Loan  cime  into  the  camp,  “all  Israel  shouted  with 
a threat  shout,  si  that  the  earth  rang  again. 

6 And  when  the  Philistines  heard  the  noise  of 
the  shout,  they  said,  kWhat  meanetli  the  noise 
of  this  great  shout  in  the  camp  of  the  Hebrews  ? 
And  they  understood  that  the  ark  of  the  Lord 
was  come  into  the  camp. 

7 And  the  Philistines  iwere  afraid ; for  they 
said,  God  is  come  into  the  camp.  And  they  said, 
Woe  unto  us!  for  there  hath  not  been  such  a 
thing  'heretofore. 

8 Woe  unto  us!  who  shall  deliver  us  out  of 
the  hand  of  these  mighty  Gods  ? these  are  the 
Gods  that  rsmote  the  Egyptians  with  all  the 
plagues  in  the  wilderness. 

9 “Be  strong,  and  quit  yourselves  like  men,  O 
ye  Philistines,  that  ye  be  not  servants  unto  the 
Hebrews,  "as  they  have  been  to  you  : "quit  your- 
selves like  men,  and  fight. 

10  And  the  Philistines  fought,  and  “Israel  was 
smitten,  and  they  fled  “every  man  into  his  tent ; 
and  there  was  ya  very  great  slaughter : for  there 
fell  of  Israel  thirty  thousand  footmen. 

11  And  “the  ark  of  God  was  taken,  and  “the 
two  sons  of  Eli,  Hophni  and  Phinehas,  Jwere 
slain. 

12  And  there  ran  a man  of  Benjamin  out  of  the 
army,  and  came  to  Shiloh  the  same  day,  bwith 
his  clothes  rent,  and  “with  earth  upon  his  head. 

13  And  when  he  came,  lo,  Eli  dsat  upon  a seat 
by  the  way-side,  watching  : for  “his  heart  trembled 
for  the  ark  of  God.  And  when  the  man  came 
into  the  city  and  told  it,  all  the  city  cried  out. 

14  And  when  Eli  heard  the  noise  of  the  cry- 
ing, he  said,  ' What  meanetli  the  noise  of  this 

ejudg.  15:14.  Job  20:5.  Jer.  7:4.  Am.  6:3.  Mic.  2:11.  p Ex.  32:17,18.  q Ex. 
11:25.  15.14 — 16.  Deut.  32:30.  * Heb.  yesterday,  or  the  third  day.  r Ex.  7:5. 
9:14.  Pa.  73:43—51.  s 2 Sain.  10: 12.  1 Cor.  16: 13.  Eph. 6:10,11.  t Dent.  28: 
47,43.  Jutlg.  10:7.  13:1.  Is.  14:2.  33:1.  t Heb  .be  men.  u 2.  Lev.  26: 17.  Deut. 
23:25.  Ps.  78:9,62.  x 2 Sam.  20:1.  1 Kings  12. 16.  22:36.  2 Kings  14:12.  v2Sam. 
18:7.  2 Chr.  13:17.  28:5,6.  Is.  10:3—6.  z2:32.  Ps.  73:61.  a 2:34.  Ps.  78:64. 
Is.  3:11.  % Heb.  died,  b 2 Sam.  1:2.  c Josh.  7:6.  2 Sam.  13: 19.  15:32.  Neh. 
9:1.  Job2:12.  <1 1:9.  e Josh.  7:9.  Neh.  1:3,4.  Ps.  79:1— 8.  137:4-6.  f6.  g 3: 

presumption,  and  shouted  for  joy  as  if  already  triumphant ! — 
It  is  very  doubtful,  whether  it  was  ever  lawful  to  carry  the 
ark  into  the  army,  without  the  express  command  of  God. 
(Notes,  14:16—23.  2 Sam.  11:10,11.) 

V.  7 — 9.  It  is  no  wonder  that  the  Philistines  made  no  dis- 
tinction between  the  ark,  and  that  invisible  God,  whose  pre- 
sence with  his  believing  people  this  symbol  denoted,  when  the 
Israelites  themselves  entirely  overlooked  it.  (Notes,  3 — 5.) 
The  Philistines  probably  thought,  that  Jehovah  was  indeed 
a God,  the  God  of  Israel  ; but  then  so  was  Dagon  a god, 
the  god  of  Philistia.  (Notes,  5:1,2.  Judg.  16:23,24.)  This 
therefore  did  not  destroy  their  hope  of  gaining  the  mastery 
by  the  help  of  their  god  ; and  it  tended  on  this  occasion  to 
increase  their  intrepidity  and  resolution. — They  spake  of  the 
works  of  Jehovah  in  Egypt  and  in  the  wilderness,  in  lan- 
guage very  expressive  of  their  partial  information,  and  con- 
fused apprehensions  concerning  them.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  10,  11.  On  the  former  defeat  the  Israelites  returned  to 
the  camp;  (3)  but  this  was  so  entire,  that  the  survivors  were 
totally  dispersed.  Probably  Hophni  and  Phinehas  fell  fight- 
ing in  defence  of  the  ark.  (Note,  4,  5.) 

V.  13 — 18.  Though  Eli  had  been  most  criminally  indul- 
gent to  his  sons,  and  had  abundant  reason  to  expect  to  hear 
of  their  death,  as(  well  as  of  the  defeat  of  Israel,  yet  his 
chief  anxiety  appears  to  have  been  about  the  ark  of  God. 
Accordingly  he  bore  the  tidings  of  Israel’s  calamity,  and  of 
the  death  of  his  sons,  in  the  midst  of  their  unrepented  crimes, 
with  fortitude  and  resignation.  (Notes,  3:16 — 18.  2 Sam. 
18:28 — 33.)  But  when  he  heard  that  “ the  ark  of  God  was 
taken;”  his  reflections  on  the  dishonour  to  God  and  to  reli- 
gion, and  the  dreadful  loss  to  his  people,  which  his  sins  and 
negligence  had  occasioned,  were  more  than  he  pould  support; 
and  falling  down  in  a swoon,  his  neck  brake  and  he  died. 
Thus  his  death,  under  a divine  rebuke  for  his  sins,  has  been 
a salutary  warning  to  others,  even  to  this  present  day : yet, 
in  the  circumstances  of  it  he  testified  his  supreme  regard  to 
the  honour  of  God,  and  the  interests  of  religion,  above  all 

fiersonal  and  relative  considerations ; and  notwithstanding  all 
ns  faults,  he  died  in  a lively  exercise  of  love  to  God  and  his 
ordinances,  and  even  by  occasion  of  it. 

V.  19 — 22.  (Notes,  Gen.  35:17,18.)  The  wife  of  Phine- 
has, (though  married  to  so  wicked  a priest,)  appears  to  have 
been  a person  of  eminent  piety.  The  death  of  her  father- 
in-law  and  of  her  husband  contributed  to  hasten  her  death: 
but  her  dying  regret  was  for  the  captivity  of  the  ark,  and 
the  departure  of  the  glory  from  Israel;  for  with  her  parting 
breath  she  named  her  son  I-chabod,  or  inglorious.  In  this 
her  judgment  was  right:  the  presence  and  ordinances  of  God 
were  the'*1 * *  f glory  of  Israel;  and  the  loss  of  them  was  the 
{ 484  ) 


tumult?  and  the  man  came  in  hastily,  and  told 
Eli. 

15  Now  Eli  was  ^ninety  and  eight  years  old ; 
hand  his  eyes  $were  dim,  that  he  could  not  see. 

16  And  the  man  said  unto  Eli,  I am  he  that 
came  out  of  the  army,  and  I fled  to-day  out  of 
the  army.  And  he  said,  'What  "is  there  done, 
kmy  son  ? 

17  And  the  messenger  answered  and  said, 
'Israel  is  fled  before  the  Philistines : and  there 
hath  been  also  a great  slaughter  among  the 
people;  and  thy  two  sons  also,  Hophni  and 
Phinehas,  are  dead ; and  the  ark  of  God  is  taken. 

18  And  it  came  to  pass,  rowhen  he  made 
mention  of  the  ark  of  God,  that  he  fell  from  off 
the  seat  backward,  by  the  side  of  the  gate,  and 
"his  neck  brake,  and  he  died ; for  he  was  an  old 
man,  and  heavy  : and  he  had  judged  Israel  forty 
years. 

19  H And  his  daughter-in-law,  Phinehas’s  wife, 
was  with  child,  near  to  ’’be  delivered : and  when 
she  heard  the  tidings  that  the  ark  of  God  was 
taken,  and  that  her  father-in-law  and  her  husband 
were  dead,  she  bowed  herself  and  travailed ; for 
her  pains  "came  upon  her. 

20  And  about  the  time  of  her  death,  the  women 
that  stood  by  her,  said  unto  her,  “Fear  not,  foi 
thou  hast  born  a son.  But  she  answered  not, 
'"neither  did  she  regard  it. 

21  And  she  named  the  child  t:i-chabod,  say 
ing,  pThe  glory  is  departed  from  Israel : (because 
the  ark  of  God  was  taken,  and  because  of  her 
father-in-law,  and  her  husband  :) 

22  And  she  said,  iThe  glory  is  departed  from 
Israel ; for  the  ark  of  God  is  taken. 


2.  Pa.  90:10.  h See  on  Gen.  27:1.  § Heb.  stood,  i 2 Sam.  1:4.  li  Hel . t*  ihs 
thing 7 k See  on  3:6.  Josh:  7:19.  110,11.3:11.  m21,22.  Ps.  26:8.  42:3,10 

69:p.  Lam.  2:15-19.  n 2:31,32.  3:12,13.  Lev.  10:3.  1 Cor.  1 1 :30— 32.  1 Pet.  4: 
17,18.  H Or,  cry  out.  **  Heb.  were  turned.  o Gen.  35:17,18.  John  16:21. 
tt  Heb.  and  set  not  her  heart.  Ps.  77:2.  That  is,  wtiere  is  th<  glory?  Or, 
There  is  no  glory.  14:3.  p Ps.  26:8  . 78:64.  106:20.  Jer.  2:11.  IIos.  9:12.  qlV 
137:5,6.  John  2: 17. 


departure  of  that  glory.  4 This  chiefly  lay  at  her  heart,  as 
the  concerns  of  religion  do  on  all  pious  spirits.’  Bp.  Patrick. 
But  if  she  supposed  that  the  Lord  had  finally  departed  from 
Israel,  she  was  under  a great  mistake.  From  Shiloh  indeed 
the  ark,  the  glory  of  Israel,  was  finally  removed ; for  pro- 
bably the  inhabitants  of  that  city  had  too  much  resembled 
the  abandoned  priests ; as  is  generally  the  case,  when  such 
examples  of  sacerdotal  impiety  and  profligacy  are  exhibited: 
but  it  was  restored  to  Israel,  and  established  in  another 
place.  (Notes,  Ps.  78:61 — 64,67 — 69.  Jer.  7:12—15.) 

Neither  was  the  ruin  of  Eli’s  family  the  destruction  of  the 
Aaronio  priesthood.  (Note,  2:35,36.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

When  the  judgments  denounced  in  the  word  of  God  do 
not  bring  sinners  to  repentance,  the  speedy  execution  of 
them  may  be  expected.  The  nearer  any  persons  are  to  the 
Lord  in  profession,  and  the  greater  privileges  they  are  fa- 
voured with,  the  more  certain  and  dreadful  will  be  their 
punishment,  if  they  thence  take  encouragement  to  commit 
iniquity. — Unhumbled  professors  of  true  religion,  especially 
if  observant  of  forms , whether  of  divine  appointment  or 
human  invention,  are  apt  to  think,  that  they  are  entitled  to  help 
from  God,  because  they  are  called  by  his  name,  though 
they  disgrace  it  with  their  crimes ; and  to  murmur  at  those 
rebukes,  by  which  they  are  warned  to  repent  and  to  amend 
their  lives.  As  their  dependence  is  placed  upon  external 
signs  and  symbols,  the  increase  of  their  hypocrisies  buoys 
up  their  presumptuous  hopes:  and  they  often  take  the  name 
of  the  Lord  in  vain,  and  dishonour  him  more  in  attending  on 
his  ordinances,  than  they  could  do  by  neglecting  them;  so 
that  he  abhors  those  services,  for  which  they  expect  his 
favour  and  think  themselves  entitled  to  it,  or  even  deserving 
of  it  (Notes,  Ps.  50:16—21 . Is.  1:10—20.  48:1,2.  58:1 — 

4.  Jer.  7:5—7,21—23.  Ez.  20:39.  Am.  5:21—24.  Matt . 
23:14.)  But  he  will  rather  let  his  avowed  enemies  triumph 
for  a season,  than  encourage  hypocrites,  whose  crimes  still 
more  dishonour  his  holy  name. — The  most  avowed  infidels 
and  Atheists,  and  the  most  atrocious  and  desperate  offenders, 
have  their  pangs  of  conviction  and  disquietude  of  mind:  with 
all  their  efforts,  they  cannot  utterly  exclude  forebodings  of 
fatal  effects  from  their  rebellion  against  the  God  of  heaven; 
and  though  they  conceal  and  quiet  this  apprehension  fur  a 
time,  and  even  prosper  in  their  ungodliness ; yet  their  fear 
will  come  upon  them,  and  even  far  worse  than  they  ever 
foreboded.  (Note,  Prow  10.24.) — Whilst  the  impenitent  are 
consigned  to  final  ruin,  the  offending  servants  of  God,  who 
tremble  at  his  judgments,  and  for  the  dishonour  which  they 
have  occasioned  to  his  name,  may  die  in  an  awful  manner, 
for  a warning  to  those  who  are  left  behind.  (Notes,  J 


D.  C.  1120. 


CHAPTER  Y. 


JL  C.  1120. 


CHAPTER  V. 

The  Philistines  place  the  ark  in  the  temple  of  Dagon  at  Ashdod.  1,2.  Dagon 
falls  down  before  it,  and  is  broken  in  pieces,  3 — 5.  The  Philistines  arc 
smitten  with  emerods  at  Ashdod,  Gath , and  Ekron,  when  the  ark  is  brought 
to  those  cities,  6 — 12. 

AND  the  Philistines  “took  the  ark  of  God,  and 
brought  it  from  bEbenezer  unto  'Ashdod. 

2  When  the  Philistines  took  the  ark  of  God, 
they  brought  it  into  the  house  of  dDagon,  and 
set  it  by  Dagon. 

3  And  when  they  of  Ashdod  arose  early  on  the 
morrow,  behold,  'Dagon  was  fallen  upon  his  faoe 
to  the  earth,  before  the  ark  of  the  Lord.  And 
they  took  Dagon,  and  fset  him  in  his  place 
again. 

4  And  when  they  arose  early  on  the  morrow- 
morning, behold  Dagon  was  fallen  upon  his  face 
to  the  ground  before  the  ark  of  the  Lord  ; and 
ethe  head  of  Dagon,  and  both  the  palms  of  his 
hands,  were  cut  off  upon  the  threshold  only  'the 
stump  of  Dagon  was  left  to  him. 

5  Therefore  hneither  the  priests  of  Dagon,  nor 
any  that  come  into  Dagon’s  house,  ‘tread  on  the 
threshold  of  Dagon  in  Ashdod  unto  this  day. 

6  It  But  kthe  hand  of  the  Lord  was  heavy  upon 
them  of  Ashdod,  and  he  destroyed  them,  and 
smote  them  with  'emerods,  even  Ashdod,  and  the 
coasts  thereof. 

7  And  when  the  men  of  Ashdod  msaw  that  it 


a 4:11,17,18.22.  Ps. 78:61.  b 4:1.  7:12.  c Josh.  11:22.  Acts  8:40.  Azolus. 
A Jmlg.  16:23.  1 Clir.  10:10.  Dan.  5:2,23.  Hab.  1:11,16.  e Ex.  12:12.  Ps.  97:7. 
Is.  19:1.  46:1,2.  Zeph.  2:11.  Mark  3:11.  Luke  10:18-20.  2 Cor.  6:14— 16.  fls. 
40:20.41:7.44:17—20.46:7.  Jer.  10:8.  g Is.  2:18,19.  27:9.  Jer.  10: 11.  50:2. 
Ez.  6:4 — 6.  Dan.  11:8.  Mic.  1:7.  * Or,  the  fUhy  part,  q Ps.  115:4 — 7.  135:15 — 
18.  i Josh.  5:15.  Zech.  1:9.  k Ex.  9:3.  Ps.  32*4.  Acts  13:11.  19,11.6:5. 


Kings  13:20 — 32.)  Yet,  when  death  in  its  most  formidable 
shape  finds  men  humbled  for  their  sins,  crying  for  mercy, 
and  more  anxious  for  the  cause  of  God  and  truth,  than  for 
the  most  valued  earthly  comforts,  it  will  eventually  prove  a 
blessing ; yea,  every  dispensation  is  mercy,  which  rescues 
the  immortal  soul  from  hell.  (P.  O.  Dan.  4:28 — 37.) — What 
miseries  do  some  ungodly  men  entail  upon  all  connected  with 
them  1 And  what  an  awful  lesson  is  here  for  parents,  who 
are  tempted  to  connive  at  the  first  appearances  of  vice  in 
,their  children  1 Let  them  reflect  on  Eli’s  death,  on  the  far 
more  dreadful  condition  of  his  sons,  on  the  dying  agonies  and 
sorrows  of  Phinehas’s  wife,  on  the  slaughter  of  Israel,  the 
ark  taken  captive,  “the  glory  departed,”  and  Shiloh  for- 
saken : and  let  them  tremble  to  think  “ how  great  a matter  a 
little  fire  kindleth.”  (Notes,  2 Kings  11:1,2.  2 Chr.  18:1. 
19:2.  21:3,4.) — ‘ In  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death  :’  some 
situations  however  peculiarly  remind  those  placed  in  them 
to  be  ready  for  a sudden  call ; and  few  more  than  pregnancy. 
— But  those  who  belong  to  the  Lord,  need  not  desire  to  sur- 
vive, when  the  ordinances  of  God  are  withdrawn,  and  his 
cause  is  run  down:  little  comfort  can  they  take  in  their  child- 
ren, or  in  life  itself,  under  such  circumstances.  Yet  even 
these  trials  will  prove  blessings,  where  the  ark  and  cause  of 
God  are  thus  dear  to  the  heart. — 'Though  the  glory  may  suc- 
cessively be  withdrawn  from  sinful  nations,  cities,  or  villages  ; 
yet  it  shall  never  depart  from  Israel,  but  shall  shine  forth  in 
one  place,  when  it  has  been  eclipsed  in  another:  for  Jesus, 
our  High  Priest,  ever  liveth  to  maintain  his  own  cause,  and 
the  gates  of  hell  shall  never  prevail  against  his  church ; 
whatever  may  be  the  triumphing  boasts  of  his  enemies,  or 
the  desponding  fears  of  his  people. 

NOTES. — Chap.  V.  V.  1,  2.  Besides  the  other  wick- 
edness of  Israel,  the  idolatry  of  the  Danites  yet  remained 
unpunished  and  unrepressed:  and  this  might  be  one  reason 
why  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  deliver  his  ark  into  the  hand 
of  these  idolaters.  (Notes,  Judg.  18:30,31.  20:8 — 11,20 — 25.) 
The  Philistines  concluded  that  they  had  overcome 'the  God 
of  Israel,  by  the  help  of  Dagon,  and  placed  the  ark  in  his 
temple,  as  a trophy  of  their  victory.  (Note,  Judg.  16:23,24.) 
But  they  did  not  attempt  to  destroy  it,  as  Israel  destroyed 
the  images  of  the  Canaanites.  (Note,  2 Sam.  5:21.)  It  has 
indeed  been  conjectured,  that  they  intended  to  worship  it,  in 
conjunction  with  their  former  idol,  though  in  subordination  to 
him. 

V.  3—5.  The  image  of  Dagon  is  supposed  to  have  been 
framed  in  the  upper  part  like  a man,  and  below  like  a fish : 
when  therefore  the  head  and  hands  were  broken  off,  a de- 
formed  trunk  alone  remained.  Thus  the  helplessness  and  in- 
b msibility  of  the  dumb  idol  were  made  apparent : yet  the  Philis- 
tines, in  this  respect  as  senseless  as  their  idol,  instead  of  des- 
pising so  contemptible  a stock,  revered  as  sacred  the  Very 
threshold  on  which  theidolhad  been  disgraced  and  broken  ; and 
thus  perpetuated  the  memory  of  Jehovah’s  triumph,  by  their 
own  foolish  superstition!  They  likewise  either  continued  to 
worship  the  stump  of  Dagon  ; or  got  a new  image  of  him 
formed  as  soon  as  possible.  (Notes,  Ps.  115:3 — 8.  Is.  4P5 
-7.  44:12—20.) 

V.  6 — 12.  As  the  Philistines  were  not  convinced  by  this 
defeat  of  Dagon,  that  their  attempt  to  keep  the  ark  in  cap- 


was  so,  they  said,  "The  ark  of  the  God  of  Israe. 
shall  not  abide  with  us  : for  his  hand  is  sore  upon 
us,  and  “upon  Dagon  our  god. 

8 They  sent  therelore  and  gathered  all  the 
lords  of  the  Philistines  unto  them,  and  saiff 
rWhat  shall  we  do  with  the  ark  of  the  God  of  Israel? 
And  they  answered,  Let  the  ark  of  the  God  of 
Israel  be  carried  about  unto  ^Gath.  And  they 
carried  the  ark  of  the  God  of  Israel  about  thither. 

9 And  it  was  so,  that  after  they  had  carried  it 
about,  rthe  hand  of  the  Lord  was  against  the  city 
with  a very  great  destruction  : and  he  smote  the 
men  of  the  city,  both  small  and  great,  “and  they 
had  emerods  in  their  secret  parts. 

10  Therefore  they  sent  the  ark  of  God  to 
'Ekron.  And  it  came  to  pass  as  the  ark  of  God 
came  to  Ekron,  that  the  Ekronites  cried  out  say- 
ing, They  have  brought  about  the  ark  of  the  God 
of  Israel  to  fus,  to  slay  us  and  our  people. 

11  So  they  sent  and  gathered  together  all  the 
lords  of  the  Philistines,  and  said,  Send  away  the 
ark  of  the  God  of  Israel,  and  let  it  go  again  to  his 
own  place,  that  it  slay  +us  not,  and  our  people : 
for  there  was  ua  deadly  destruction  throughout  all 
the  city ; the  hand  of  God  was  very  heavy  there. 

12  And  the  men  that  xdied  not  were  smitten 
with  the  emerods ; and  rthe  cry  of  the  city  went 
up  to  heaven. 

Deut.  28:27.  Job  31:3.  Ps.  78:66.  m 4:8.  Ex.  8:8,28.  9:28.  10:7.12:33.  n 6:20. 

2 Sam.  6:9.  1 Chr.  13:11 — 13.  15:13  o See  on  3,4.  Jer.  46:25.  48:7.  p Zech. 
12:3.  q 17:4.  Amos  6:2.  r 6.  7:13.  12:15.  Deut.  2:15.  Am.  5:19.  9:1—4.  s 6.  6:4,5, 
11.  Pb.  78:66.  l Josh.  15:45.  Judge.  1:18.  2 Kings  1:2.  Am.  1:8.  t Heb.  meyto 
slay  me  and  my  people.  J Heb.  me  not,  and  my  people  u Is.  13:7 — 9.  Jer.  48  42 
-44.  x 1 Kings  19:17.  Am.  5:19.  v Ex.  12:30.  Is.  15:3—5.  Jer.  25:3-1.  48:3. 

tivity  was  foolish  and  ruinous ; they  were  visited  with  some 
fatal  judgment,  probably  a pestilence,  which  swept  away 
multitudes:  while  the  rest  were  afflicted  very  generally  with 
emerods,  which  put  them  to  excruciating  pain,  and  extorted 
the  most  doleful  lamentations.  The  emerods  are  supposed 
to  have  been  the  worst  sort  of  the  disease  now  called  the  piles. 
— Under  this  terrible  visitation,  they  sent  the  ark  of  God  from 
city  to  city,  probably  in  hopes  of  thus  obtaining  deliverance : 
but  the  same  calamities  attended  the  inhabitants  wherever 
they  carried  it.  (Notes,  Ps.  78:65,6(5.  Zech.  12:2 — 5.) — Thus, 
while  the  Israelites  were  so  degenerate,  as  to  make  no  attempt 
for  the  recovery  of  this  sacred  symbol  of  Jehovah’s  gracious 
presence,  and  indeed  were  utterly  unworthy  of  being  honoured 
in  such  a service  ; he  himself  rendered  the  Philistines  willing 
to  send  hack  the  ark ; and  so  overruled  these  events,  as  to 
expose  idolatry  to  the  deepest  contempt,  and  to  convince  the 
obstinate  idolaters,  that  they  could  not  profane  his  sacred 
institutions  with  impunity.  (Notes,  Josh.  7:6 — 9.  Ps.  115: 
1,2.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  Lord  may  for  a season  permit  his  cause  to  be  run 
down,  in  order  to  expose  the  hypocrisy,  to  undermine  the  vain 
confidence,  or  to  chastise  the  wickedness,  of  his  professed 
people:  for  he  knows  how,  without  any  human  help,  and  in 
defiance  of  all  enemies,  to  recover  it  from  the  ruins,  and  to 
establish  it  in  greater  splendour  ; and  this  may  account  for  the 
successes  of  Infidels  and  Atheists,  through  so  many  countries, 
which  have  long  professed  Christianity,  hut  have  corrupted 
and  disgraced  it.  But  the  short-lived  triumphings  of  the 
wicked,  on  such  occasions,  will  terminate  in  their  deeper 
disgrace  and  more  dreadful  punishment. — Men  may  be  con- 
vinced by  the  judgments  of  God,  that  he  is  a terrible  enemy, 
and  that  it  is  in  vain  to  contend  with  him:  and  they  may  be 
constrained  to  render  him  a feigned  submission  : (Notes,  Ps. 
66:1 — 3.  81:14,15.)  hut  nothing  except  his  renewing  grace, 
will  produce  genuine  repentance,  faith,  and  love,  and  conver- 
sion from  every  idol  to  his  worship  and  service.  Yet  those 
confessions  which  are  extorted  by  torment  or  terror,  ( Mark 
5:7.)  are  honourable  to  God,  though  useless  to  the  impenitent; 
and  he  will  glorify  his  name  in  the  punishment  of  his  enemies, 
as  well  as  in  the  salvation  of  his  people.  When  he  contends 
he  will  overcome ; and  all  endeavours  to  evade  or  escape  his 
wrath,  will  only  increase  the  sinner’s  misery,  till  he  is  either* 
brought  to  true  repentance,  or  sinks  under  final  condemnation. 
— When  the  Lord’s  appointed  time  shall  arrive,  all  attempts 
to  uphold  the  falling  kingdom  of  idolatry,  superstition,  infidel- 
ity, or  profaneness,  will  be  utterly  unavailing  ; and  destruction 
will  overtake  all  those,  who  are  not  led  to  repentance.  It  is 
equally  dangerous  to  oppose  those  partial  revivals  of  true 
religion,  which  take  place  from  age  to  age  : for  the  ark  of  God 
will  cause  every  Dagon  to  fall  down  before  it,  till  all  of  them 
be  broken  in  pieces. — The  zeal  and  pertinacity,  with  which 
the  grossest  idolatries  and  most  stupid  superstitions  have  been 
supported  against  the  cause  of  God  and  truth,  display  the 
blindness  of  fallen  man’s  understanding,  as  much  as  the  de- 
pravity of  his  affections. — Thus,  convinced  sinners  also,  with 
perverse  assiduity,  set  up  again  those  false  confidences  and 
worldly  idols,  which  seemed  to  be  thrown  down  under  the 
preaching  of  the  gospel : or  when  the  oW  delusion  will  ne 

( 485  \ 


a.  c.  iH9, 


I.  SAMUEL, 


E.  C.  1119 


CHAPTER  VL 


At  the  erut  of  Btvan  months  the  Philistine*  consult  about  sending  back  the  ark, 
l — 9.  They  iring  i,  on  a new  cart,  with  oblations,  to  Beth-shemesh , 10 — 18. 
The  Be’hsnsmites  a>  e smitten  for  looking  into  it,  19,  20.  They  send  to  the 
men  of  fCirfoth-jearim  to  fetch  it,  21. 

AND  “the  ark  of  the  Lord  was  in  the  country 
of  the  Philistines  seven  months. 

2  And  the  Philistines  bcalled  for  the  priests  and 
the  diviners,  saying,  What  shall  we  do  to  the  ark 
of  the  Lord  ? tell  us  wherewith  we  shall  send  it 
to  his  place. 

3  And  they  said,  If  ye  send  away  the  ark  of 
the  God  of  Israel,  send  it  not  “empty  ; but  in  any 
wise  return  him  da  trespass-offering ; then  ye 
shall  De  healed,  and  it  shall  be  'known  to  you,  why 
his  hand  is  not  removed  from  you. 

4  Then  said  they,  What  shall  be  the  trespass- 
offering which  we  shall  return  to  him  ? They 
answered,  < Five  golden  emerods,  and  five  golden 
mice,  according  to  the  number  of  the  lords  of  the 
Philistines  : for  one  plague  was  on  "you  all,  and  on 
your  lords. 

5  Wherefore,  ye  shall  make  images  of  your 
emerods,  and  images  of  your  smice  that  mar  the 
land : and  ye  shall  hgive  glory  unto  the  God  of 
Israel : peradventure  he  will  'lighten  his  hand  from 
off  you,  and  from  koff  your  gods,  and  from  off  your 
/and.  ' 

6  Wherefore  then  do  ye  'harden  your  hearts, 
as  mthe  Egyptians  and  Pharaoh  hardened  their 
hearts?  When  he  had  wrought  twonderfully 
among  them,  "did  they  not  let  ffhe  people  go,  and 
they  departed  ? 

7  Now  therefore  make  a "new  cart,  and  take 
two  milch-kine,  i’on  which  there  hath  come  no 
yoke,  and  tie  the  kine  to  the  cart,  and  bring  their 
calves  home  from  them  : 

8  And  take  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  and  lay  it 
upon  the  cart ; and  put  the  jewels  of  gold,  which 
ye  return  him  for  a trespass-offering,  in  a coffer 
by  the  side  thereof ; and  send  it  away,  that  it 
may  go. 

9  And  see,  if  it  goeth  up  by  the  way  of  his 


own  coast  to  rBeth-shemesh,  then  §he  hath  done 
us  this  great  evil : but  if  not,  then  we  shall  know 
that  it  is  “not  his  hand  that  smote  us ; it  was  ‘a 
chance  that  happened  to  us. 

10  H And  the  men  did  so  ; and  took  two  milch- 
kine,  and  tied  them  to  the  cart,  and  shut  up  their 
calves  at  home : 

11  And  “they  laid  the  ark  of  the  Lord  upon 
the  cart,  and  the  coffer  with  the  mice  of  gold  ana 
the  images  of  their  emerods. 

12  And  the  kine  took  the  straight  way  to  the 
way  of  Beth-shemesh,  and  went  along  the  high- 
way, lowing  as  they  went,  and  turned  not  aside 
to  the  right  hand  or  to  the  left;  and  the  lords  of 
the  Philistines  went  after  them  unto  the  border  of 
Beth-shemesh. 

13  And  they  of  Beth-shemesh  were  reaping 
their  wheat-harvest  in  the  valley  : and  they  lifted 
up  their  eyes,  and  saw  the  ark,  and  rejoiced  to 
see  it. 

14  And  the  cart  came  into  the  field  of  Joshua 
a Beth-shemite,  and  stood  there,  where  there  was 
a great  stone : and  they  clave  the  wood  of  the 
cart,  and  'offered  the  kine  a burnt-offering  unto 
the  Lord. 

15  And  the  Levites  took  down  the  ark  of  the 
Lord,  and  the  coffer  that  was  with  it,  wherein 
the  jewels  of  gold  were,  and  put  them  on  the 
great  stone  : and  the  men  of  Beth-shemesh  offered 
burnt-offerings  and  sacrificed  sacrifices  the  same 
day  unto  the  Lord. 

16  And  when  "the  five  lords  of  the  Philistines 
had  seen  it,  they  returned  to  Ekron  the  same 
day. 

17  And  these  are  the  golden  emerods,  which 
the  Philistines  returned  for  a trespass-offering 
unto  the  Lord  ; ’for  Ashdod  one,  “for  Gaza  one, 
“for  Askelon  one,  bfor  Gath  one,  “for  Ekron  one. 

18  And  the  golden  mice,  according  to  the 
number  of  all  the  cities  of  the  Philistines  belong 
ing  to  the  five  lords,  both  of  fenced  cities,  and  of 
country-villages,  even  unto  the  "great  stone  of 


a 5: 1,3, 10,11.  I’s.  78:61.  b Gen.  41:8.  Ex.  7:11.  Is.  47:12.  Dan.  2:2.  6:7.  Matt. 
2:4.  c Ex.  23:15.  34:20.  Deut.  16:16.  d I.ev.  5:6,15— 19.  6:6.  7:1— 7.  e 9.  5: 
7,9,11.  f 5, 17, IS.  5:6,9.  Ex.  12:35.  Josh.  13:3.  Jude.  3:3.  • Heb.  them,  f Ex. 
8:5,17,24.  10:14,15.  Joel  1:4—7.  2:25.  h Josh.  7:19.  Ps.  18:44.  66:3.  mart:.  Is. 
42:12.  Jer.  3:13.  13:16.  Mai.  2:2.  John  9:24.  Rev.  11:13.  16:9.  i 5:6,11.  Ps.  32: 
4.39:10.  1:5:3, 4, 7.  Ex.  12:12.  Num.  33:4.  Is.  19:1.  1 Job.  9:4.  . s.  95.8.  Rom. 
2:5.  Heb.  3:13.  m Ex.  7:13.  8:15.  9:16,17,34,35.  10:3.  14:17.  15:14—16.  t Or, 


reproachfully,  n Ex.  12:31 — 33.  } Heh.  them.  o 2 Sam.  6:3.  1 Chr.  13:7. 

p Num.  19:2.  q 4,5.  r Josh.  15:10.  21 .16.  § Or,  if.  s la. 26:11.  t2Sam.  1: 
6.  Ec.  9:11.  Luke  10:31.  u 2 Snm.  6:3.  1 Chr.  13:7.  15:13— 15.  v 7:9,17.  II: 
15.  20:29.  Ex. 20:24.  Judg.  6:26.  21:4.  2 Snm.  24: 18,25.  1 Kings  18:30— 38. 
x 4,12.  Judg.  3:3.  16:5,23— 30.  y 5:1.  2Chr.26:6.  Jer.  25:20.  Zecli.  9:6. 
z Judg.  16:1,21.  a Judg.  1:18.  Zech.  9:5.  b 5:8.  2 Sam.  1:20.  21:22.  Am.  6:2. 
c 5:10.  2 Kings  1:2.  Am.  1:8.  II  Or,  great  stone. 


longer  sooth  their  consciences,  they  exchange  it  for  another 
equally  absurd,  as  long  as  they  continue  to  love  sin,  and  to 
hate  the  spiritual  service  and  humbling  truth  of  God.  But 
when  Christ,  the  true  Ark  of  the  covenant,  really  enters  the 
heart  of  fallen  man,  (which  is  indeed  Satan’s  temple,)  all 
idols  will  fall  before  his  presence  and  power ; every  endea- 
vour to  set  them  up  again  will  be  in  vain  ; all  iniquity  will  be 
forsaken  ; all  unrighteous  gain  restored ; and  the  Lord  will 
claim  and  possess  the  throne.  Yet  pride,  self-love,  and 
worldly  lusts,  though  dethroned  and  crucified,  still  remain 
within  us.  Let  us  then  watch  and  pray  against  their  preva- 
lency ; let  us  seek  to  have  them  more  entirely  destroyed ; and 
let  us  consider  death,  through  the  mercy  of  God,  and  the 
grace  of  the  gospel,  as  attended  by  the  final  destruction  of  our 
worst  enemy  44  the  sin  that  dwelleth  in  us.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  VI.  V.  1.  Seven  months.]  During 
so  long  a time  the  Philistines  endured  the  judgments  of  God, 
before  they  so  far  yielded  as  to  restore  the  ark  ; and  the 
Israelites  neglected  all  endeavours  to  recover  it ! But  it  was 
far  more  honourable  to  the  Lord,  to  constrain  the  Philistines 
to  send  it  back  of  their  own  accord,  than  that  war  should 
wrest  it,  or  that  money  should  ransom  it,  out  of  their  hands. 
( Note , 5:0 — 12.) 

V.  2 — 9.  It  has  been  conjectured,  that  when  the  emerods 
and  pestilence  exceedingly  afflicted  the  inhabitants  of  each 
city,  to  which  the  ark  was  carried,  the  Philistines  placed  it  in 
the  open  field : and  that  then  great  numbers  of  mice  began  to 
destroy  their  crops  and  spoil  the  land.  It  is  evident  that  there 
was  a plague  of  destroying  mice  sent  among  them:  ( Note, 
Ex.  8:15 — 17.)  but  it  is  not  said  that  the  ark  was  placed  in 
the  fields  of  any  city.  At  length,  however,  being  no  longer 
able  to  endure  their  complicated  distresses,  they  determined 
to  send  back  the  ark,  and  consulted  their  priests  and  diviners 
about  it ; whoso  answer  contains  such  an  assemblage  of 
inconsistencies,  as  clearly  developes  the  workings  of  the  hu- 
man heart  in  difficult  circumstances.  From  the  tradition  of 
Pharaoh's  rebellion,  and  the  destruction  of  him  and  his  subjects, 
they  seriously  exhorted  the  people  not  to  harden  their  hearts, 
but  to  let  the  ark  go  (6):  but  they  did  not  advise  them  to 
repent,  to  renounce  idolatry,  or  to  worship  Jehovah.  Nay, 
they  were  reluctant  to  conclude  that  their  afflictions  were 
( 486  ) 


from  him,  and  framed  an  artful  device  for  putting  it  to  the  trial : 
and,  if  not  convinced  by  another  complicated  miracle,  they 
seemed  determined  to  keep  the  ark,  and  ascribe  their  suffer- 
ings to  chance.  (Notes,  /s.26:10,ll.  Matt.  16:1 — 1.)  Some 
trespass-offerings  they  supposed  to  be  necessary,  if  the  ark 
must  be  restored,  in  order  that  44  the  Lord  might  lighten  hia 
hand  from  off  them,”  or  that  they  44  might  know  therefore  he 
did  not.”  This  opinion,  that  trespass-offerings  must  be  sent 
with  the  ark,  was  probably  derived  from  some  slight  acquain- 
tance with  the  ritual  law  of  Moses  ; or  from  usages  among 
themselves,  originally  derived  from  it.  The  oblations,  however, 
were  altogether  different  from  those  which  God  required 
from  his  worshippers : (Notes,  Lev.  5:  6:J — 7/)  but  well  suited 
to  be  monuments  of  their  shame,  and  of  the  Lord’s  triumph 
over  them.  In  short,  they  evinced  how  unwilling  they  were  to 
yield,  and  how  unable  to  resist. — As  the  Egyptians  hired 
Israel  with  jewels  of  gold  to  depart  from  them,  yet  were  un- 
willing to  let  them  go  quite  away ; (Note,  Ex.  12:35,36.)  so 
did  the  Philistines  respecting  the  ark,  in  taking  which  they 
had  so  greatly  triumphed. 

V.  10 — 16.  That  two  kine,  which  had  never  before  been 
yoked  and  whose  calves  were  left  at  home,  should  draw 
quietly,  and  keep  the  road  without  a driver,  for  several  miles, 
neither  stopping,  nor  turning  aside,  nor  attempting  to  return  ; 
and  that,  while  they  showed  the  force  of  instinct  in  lowing 
for  their  calves,  they  should  be  urged  forward  with  a stronger 
impulse  to  the  very  place,  which  the  Philistines  had  men- 
tioned (9),  and  stop  thcro ; — these  circumstances  constitu- 
ted in  all  respects  a most  astonishing  miracle,  or  rather  com- 
plication of  miracles : and  the  obedience  of  the  animals,  in 
carrying  back  the  ark,  reproached  the  negligence  of  Israel. — 
The  presumption  of  the  Philistines,  in  requiring  this  addi- 
tional proof  of  Jehovah’s  power,  was  very  great  ; but  it 
was  overruled  for  the  manifestation  of  his  glory,  and  to  their 
deeper  condemnation  in  still  cleaving  to  idolatry.  The  tri- 
umph of  the  ark  was  completed,  when  it  was  thus  miracu- 
lously restored,  with  oblations,  and  the  distant  attendance  of 
the  lords  of  the  Philistines. — -Beth-shemesh  was  a city  of  the 
priests  out  of  the  lot  of  Judah,  in  the  border  of  the  I ind 
nearest  the  country  of  the  Philistines;  (Josh.  21:16.)  and  no 
doubt  sonic  of  that  order,  very  properly,  offered  the  kine  in 


B.  C.  1119. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


B.  C.  1099 


Abel,  whereon  they  sat  down  the  ark  of  the 
Lord;  which  stone  remaimtli  unto  this  day  in  the 
field  of  Joshua  the  Belh-shernite. 

19  And  llhe  smote  the  men  of  Beth-shemesh, 
because  they  had  looked  into  the  ark  of  the  Lord, 
even  he  smote  of  the  people  fifty  thousand  and 
threescore  and  ten  men.  And  the  people  lamented, 
bt.  :ause  the  Lord  had  smitten  many  of  the  people 
with  a great  slaughter. 

20  And  the  men  of  Beth-shemesh  said,  cWho 
is  able  to  stand  before  this  holy  Lord  God  ? and 
fto  whom  shall  he  go  lip  from  us  ? 

21  And  they  sent  messengers  to  . the  inhabitants 
of  sKirjath-jearim,  saying,  The  Philistines  have 
brought  again  the  ark  of  the  Lord;  come  ye 
down,  and  fetch  it  up  to  you. 

d Ex.  19:21.  I.ev.  10:1—3.  Num.  4:1,5,15,20.  Dent.  29:29.  2 Sam.  6:7.  Col.  2: 
18.  1 Pel.  4:17.  e Num.  17:12,13.  2Sum.6:9.  1 Chr.  13:11— 13.  Mai.  3:2. 
Luke5:8.8  37.  f5:8-12.  gjoeli.  18:14.  Jmlg.  18:12.  1 Chr.  13:5,6.  Ps. 78:60. 
J«r.  7:12-14.  a 6:21.  Josh.  18:14.  2 Sam.  6:2.  1 Chr.  13:5,6.  Ps.  132:6. 


sacrifice  before  the  ark,  though  kine  in  ordinary  circum- 
stances were  not  appointed  for  burnt-offerings  : (Notes,  Lev. 
1:1—4.  3:1.)  but  nothing,  which  had  been  used  in  this  sacred 
service,  could  lawfully  be  employed  for  any  common  use. 
Their  other  sacrifices  also  were  suitable  expressions  of  ioy 
and  gratitude  : but  placing  the  ark  upon  a great  stone,  rather 
than  taking  it  into  their  houses,  or  preparing  a tent  for  it, 
seems  to  have  been  improper.  The  inhabitants  of  Kirjath- 
jearim  gave  it  a different  reception,  and  were  accepted  in  so 
doing.  (7:1,2.) 

V.  18.  It  seems  evident  that  no  more  than  five  golden 
mice  were  sent  (4);  but  the  inhabitants  of  the  villages,  as 
well  as  of  the  cities,  contributed  to  the  expense. — The  great 
stone  of  Abel,  or  weeping,  being  so  called  probably  on  account 
of  the  mourning  of  the  people  over  those  who  were  smitten 
(19),  seems  to  have  been  the  boundary,  at  that  time,  between 
the  land  of  the  Philistines  and  that  of  Israel. 

V.  19—21.  The  Beth-shemites  availed  themselves  of  the 
opportunity  thus  given  them,  to  gratify  their  curiosity,  by 
presumptuously  looking  into  the  ark  ; even  the  outside  of 
which  was  not  to  be  seen  uncovered  by  the  Levites  who 
were  appointed  to  carry  it.'  (Num.  4:5,6,15.)  Perhaps  they 
professed  a purpose  of  examining  whether  the  Philistines  had 
taken  away  the  tables  of  the  law;  but  it  does  not  appear, 
that  any  of  the  Philistines  had  so  much  as  looked  into  it. 
Some  of  them  might  encourage  themselves  in  this  presump- 
tuous conduct,  by  reason  of  their  office  as  priests,  which  in 
fact  aggravated  their  offence : and  others,  on  the  circum- 
stance, that  the  ark  had  been  brought  back  to  them  in  the 
first  instance,  and  on  their  having  welcomed  it,  and  offered 
sacrifices  before  it.  But  the  Lord  was  provoked  by  their 
irreverent  intrusion,  to  punish  many  of  them  with  sudden 
death.  (Notes,  Lev.  10:1—3.  2 Sam.  6:6,7.) — The  number, 
as  it  stands  in  our  version,  is  so  very  large  to  be  found  in  one 
small  city,  and  the  expression  in  the  original  is  so  uncommon, 
that  it  is  generally  allowed  some  mistake  is  made  : Josephus 
mentions  only  seventy.  The  passage  may  be  rendered, 
“ He  smote  . , . seventy  men,  even  fifty  out  of  a thousand 
men;”  which  supposes  that  about  1400  persons  were  pre- 
sent, and  that  a twentieth  part  was  slain : and  this  appears 
o be  the  genuine  meaning  of  the  passage.  The  Beth-shem- 
■Jes  were  not  duly  humbled  for  their  offence  ; but  they  were 
so  terrified,  that,  like  the  Philistines,  they  wanted  to  have 
the  ark  removed  from  them,  and  solicited  the  men  of  Kirjath- 
joarim  to  fetch  it;  though  that  was  not  a city  of  the  priests, 
(Marg.  Ref.  e.  Notes,  Num.  17:12,13.  2 Sam.  6:8—11.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

When  transgressors,  under  divine  rebukes,  harden  them- 
selves in  sin,  they  are  sure  to  prolong  and  multiply  their  own 
miseries;  and  it  is  So  much  more  pleasant  to  learn  wisdom 
by  the  experience  of  others,  than  by  our  own,  that  it  would 
be  deemed  madness  to  do  otherwise,  were  it  not  so  general. — 
Those  convictions,  which  spring  from  terror  without  humilia- 
tion,  never  produce  more  than  a reluctant,  and  submissive 
obedience : and  the  indignant  hearts  of  proud  rebels  avail 
themselves  of  every  pretence  to  ascribe  afflictions  to  chance, 
rather  than  to  the  hand  of  God,  and  to  infer  that  it  is  not 
absolutely  necessary  to  part  with  every  sin— If  correction 
be  withdrawn,  while  the  heart  is  thus  disposed,  the  respite 
P(j?.ve?  an  encouragement  to  proceed  in  transgression  : if  the 
affliction  be  continued  after  a partial  amendment,  this  is 
deemed  an  argument  that  repentance  and  reformation  are 
useless.  Thus  every  dispensation  of  Providence  eventually 
occasions  increasing  guilt  and  condemnation— Natural  rea- 
son and  conscience,  with  the  fragments  of  traditional  revela- 
tion, may  convince  men  that  some  method  should  be  used  to 
appease  the  anger  of  God,  and  may  enable  them,  as  priests 
or  diviners,  to  give  plausible  advice  on  the  subject : and  when 
sinners  are  suffering  under  afflictions,  and  the  terrors  of  an 
awakened  conscience,  they  are  ready  to  put  themselves  to 
much  expense  and  self-denial,  in  order  to  purchase  peace 
with  God.  But  faith  alone,  appropriating  the  information  of 
the  sacred  Scriptures,  can  discover  what  oblation  he  will 
accept,  or  in  what  wav  he  will  be  approached  by  his  sinful 
creatures.  (Note,  Mic.  6:6— 8.)— The  inconsistencies  and 


CHAPTER  VII. 

The  arJc  Is  removed  to  Kirjath-jearim,  and  remains  there  a long  time,  1,2.  At 
Samuel's  exhortation  the  Israelites  repent , and  humble  thcj/iselves  befoi 
God  at  Mizpeh,  3 — G.  The  Philistines  prepare  to  assault  them:  but,  while 
Samuel  prai/s  and  sacrifices , the  L»rd  discomfits  them  wi:h  thunder  before 
Israel ,7 — 1(.  Samuel  calls  the  place  Eben-ezer,and  sets  up  a stone  for  ^ 
memorial,  12.  The  Philistines  are  subdued  and  Samuel  judges  Israel,  1 3- — 17 . 

AND  the  men  of  “Kirjath-jearim  came,  and 
fetched  up  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  and  brought 
it  into  the  house  of  bAbinadab  in  the  hill,  and 
sanctified  Eleazar  his  son  to  keep  the  ark  of  the 
Lord. 

2 And  it  came  to  pass  while  the  ark  abode  in 
Kirjath-jearim,  that  the  time  was  long ; for  it  was 
twenty  years:  and  all  the  house  of  Israel ‘lamented 
after  the  Lord. 

3 And  Samuel  spake  unto  all  the  house  ol 
Israel,  saying,  If  ye  do  dreturn  unto  the  Lord 


b 2 Sam.  6:3,4.  1 Chr.  13:7.  cjudg.2:4.  Jer.  3:13,22— 25.  31:9.  Zcch.  12:10, 
11.  Matt.  5:4.  2 Cor.  7:10,11.  d Deut.  30:2— 10.  lKings8:48.  la.  55:7.  Hoi. 
6:1,2.  14:1.  Joel  2:13. 


superstitions  of  idolaters,  and  the  lukewarmness  of  his  pro- 
fessing people,  will  in  due  season  combine  to  display  his  glory 
to  greater  advantage.  The  very  brute  creation,  when  he 
pleases,  shall  shame  man’s  ingratitude  and  disobedience;  his 
enemies  shall  furnish  memorials  of  their  own  disgrace,  and 
all  shall  be  constrained  to  say,  “ This  hath  God  wrought  !’’— 
Many  appear  joyful  at  the  revival  of  religion,  and  favourable 
to  its  truths  and  ordinances,  who  are  too  busy  about  the  world 
to  he  at  much  trouble  or  expense  about  them  : and  numbers 
unite  in  external  observances,  who  have  no  inward  reverence 
for  the  divine  majesty. — The  true  glory  of  religion  consists 
in  its  spiritual  excellency  : and  that  simplicity,  which  the 
carnal  mind  despises,  forms  its  highest  ornament.  But  pre- 
sumptuous intrusion  into  “the  secret  things,  which  belong  to 
God,”  forms  a heinous  provocation,  and  springs  from  a care- 
less and  impenitent  heart;  and  the  nearer  to  the  Lord  such 
an  intruder  is  in  profession  and  in  office,  the  greater  is  his 
guilt,  and  the  more  terrible  will  be  his  punishment : for  though 
we  are  not  under  the  same  dispensation  as  Israel  was  ; yet 
“ our  God  is  still  a consuming  fire,”  and  must  be  “ worship- 
ped with  reverence  and  godly  fear.”  (Note,  Heb.  12:26 — 29.) 
Instead  of  this  reverence,  the  carnal  heart  substitutes  a slav- 
ish fear ; and  when  rebuked  for  presumption  and  contempt, 
or  alarmed  with  discoveries  of  the  justice  and  holiness  ot 
God,  it  will,  with  the  Gadarenes  or  these  Beth-shemites, 
request  the  Saviour  to  depart,  and  vainly  seek  to  escape  the 
Lord’s  displeasure  by  an  entire  forgetfulness  of  him.  (Note, 
Matt.  8:33,34 . ) In  like  manner,  numbers,  alarmed  by  the 
danger  of  “ eating  and  drinking  unworthily”  in  the  Lord’s 
supper,  vainly  expect  security,  by  habitual  and  wilful  disobe- 
dience to  the  dying  command  of  him,  whom  they  still  con- 
tinue to  call  their  Lord  and  their  Saviour.  (Notes,  1 Cor. 
11:23 — 34.)  In  these  ways,  many  smother  up  and  silence 
their  convictions,  and  put  away  salvation  from  them  ; and  by 
running  into  one  extreme  or  another,  the  very  truths  and 
ordinances  of  God,  which  are  the  means  of  life  and  salvation 
to  some,  become  the  occasion  of  deeper  condemnation  to 
others.  Let  us  always  consider  what  a holy  Lord  God  he 
is,  with  whom  we  have  to  do  ; and  may  he  give  us  a spirit  of 
humble  fear,  filial  love,  and  heavenly  hope,  that  we  may  be 
preserved  from  fatal  mistakes,  and  profit  by  the  salvation  of 
the  gospel,  and  the  sacred  ordinances  with  which  we  are 
favoured  in  his  providence  ! 

NOTES. — Chap.  VII.  V.  1,  2.  Kirjath-jearim  lay  in 
the  road  between  Beth-shemesh  and  Shiloh.  (Marg.  Ref. 
a.)  The  inhabitants,  being  convinced  that  the  ark  was 
indeed  the  pledge  of  Israel’s  prosperity,  and  only  dangerous 
when  treated  with  irreverence,  were  ready  to  entertain  it. 
It  does  not  appear  that  Abinadab,  and  Eleazar  his  son,  were 
either  priests  or  Levites ; though  some  expositors  lake  it  for 
granted  that  they  were.  But  it  may  be  questioned,  whether 
an  intended  neglect  of  that  tribe,  for  their  ungodliness  and 
wickedness,  was  not  shown  on  this  occasion  ; so  that  no  notice 
was  taken  of  them  in  a matter  which  otherwise  peculiarly  and 
entirely  belonged  to  them.  It  is  not  so  much  as  said,  whether 
any  of  them  were  employed  to  fetch  the  ark  to  Kirjath- 
jearim,  or  whether  the  Lord  dispensed  with  the  irregularity 
of  the  inhabitants  of  that  city,  in  carrying  it  themselves. — 
Here,  however,  the  ark  remained,  till  David  removed  it  in  the 
beginning  of  his  reign  over  all  Israel  : (Notes,  2 Sam.  6:2,3.) 
but  it  is  not  agreed  how  many  years  intervened,  certainly 
many  more  than  twenty  ; so  that  the  expression  twenty  years „ 
clearly  refers  to  the  time  that  passed  previously  to  the  events, 
recorded  in  the  rest  of  this  chapter. — The  Israelites  con- 
tinued in  subjection  to  the  Philistines  ; and  generally  in  the- 
beginning  of  these  twenty  years,  they  remained  ignorant  and 
inattentive  to  religion,  and  careless  about  the  ark  or  the  wor- 
ship of  the  Lord : but  we  may  suppose  that  Samuel  was 
labouring,  incessantly  and  successfully,  from  town  to  town,, 
and  from  village  to  village,  throughout  the  whole  land,  to 
bring  them  to  repentance,  and  to  revive  true  religion  among 
them  ; and  at  length  his  success  was  so  great  that  “ all  the 
house  of  Israel  lamented  after  the  Lord.” — Some  learned 
men  think  that  the  tabernacle  had  before  this  been  removed 
from  Shilov,  perhaps  to  Nob.  (21:1.) 

( 487  ) 


B.  C.  1099. 


I.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1092. 


with  all  your  hearts,  then  eput  away  the  strange 
gods  and  Ashtaroth  from  among  you,  and  f prepare 
your  hearts  unto  the  Lord,  and  Userve  him  only; 
and  he  will  deliver  you  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
Philistines. 

4 Then  the  children  of  Israel  did  put  away 
‘‘Baalim  and  Ashtaroth  and  served  the  Lord 
only. 

5 And  Samuel  said,  ‘Gather  all  Israel  to 
Mizpeh,  and  kI  will  pray  for  you  unto  the  Lord. 

6 And  they  gathered  together  to  Mizpeh,  and 
•drew  water,  and  poured  it  out  before  the  Lord, 
and  "hasted  on  that  day,  and  said  there,  "We 
have  sinned  against  the  Lord.  And  Samuel 
“judged  the  children  of  Israel  in  Mizpeh. 

[ Practical  Observations.'] 

7 And  when  the  Philistines  heard  that  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  were  gathered  together  to  Mizpeh, 
the  lords  of  the  Philistines  went  up  against  Israel. 
And  when  the  children  of  Israel  heard  it,  they 
were  Pafraid  of  the  Philistines.  • 

8 And  the  children  of  Israel  said  to  Samuel, 
'Cease  not  to  cry  unto  the  Lord  our  God  for  us, 
that  he  will  save  us  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
Philistines. 

9 And  Samuel  took  ^a  sucking  lamb,  and  offered 
it  for  a burnt-offering  wholly  unto  the  Lord  : 
and  Samuel  "cried  unto  the  Lord  for  Israel ; and 
the  Lord  ‘heard  him. 

10  And  as  Samuel  was  offering  up  the  burnt- 


e (Jen.  35:2.  Josh.  24  1 1 ,23.  Judg.  2:13.  10:6.  fDeui.  30:6.  1 Chr.  22:19. 
23:9.  2Chr.  30:19.  Prov.  16:1.  Jer.  4:3,4.  Ez.  18:31.  Mutt.  15:8.  g lleut. 
6:13.  10:20.  13:4.  Mutt.  4:10.  6:24.  Luke  4:8.  h 3.  Judg.  2:11, 13.  10:15,16. 
1 Kings  11:33.  Uos.  14.3,8.  i Neh.  9:1.  Joel2:16.  j 12,16.  10:17.  Josh.  15:38. 
Judg.  20:1.  2 Kings  25  23.  k 12:23.  1 1:15.  Job  16:20.  Ps.  6:6.  42  3.  1 19:136. 
Jer. 9:1.  Lara.  2:11,18.  3:49.  m2Chr.20:3.  Ezra  8:21— 23.  Neh. 9:1— 3.  Dan. 
9:3.  Joel  2:12.  Jon.  3:  n Ler.  26:40.  Judg.  10:10.  1 Kings  8:47.  Ezra  9:5— 10. 
Job  33:27.  40:4.  42:6.  Ps.  38:3-8.  106:6.  Jer.  31:19.  I.uke  15:13.  o Judg. 3:10. 
Neh.  9:27.  Ez.20.4.  p 13  6.  17:11.  Ex.  14:10.  2 Chr.  20:3.  * Heb.6e  urn  silent 
from  us  from  crying.  12:19 — 24.  la.  37:4.  62:1,6,7.  Jam.  5:16.  q 17.  6:14,15. 


V.  3,4.  When  Samuel,  by  the  divine  blessing,  had  brought 
large  numbers  of  the  people  to  a sense  of  their  sin  and  of 
their  duty,  he  urged  the  heads  of  their  several  tribes  to  con- 
cur in  a public  and  avowed  reformation,  and  re-establishment 
of  the  worship  of  Jehovah,  attended  by  putting  away  and 
destroying  all  their  idols  and  images,  of  whatever  kind  : and 
to  this  proposal  they  readily  and  practically  consented.  (Note, 
Judg.  2:11 — 13.)  Few  words  are  indeed  used;  but  they  are 
so  expressive,  that  we  cannot  hesitate  in  pronouncing  this  to 
have  been  one  of  the  most  general  and  effectual  revivals  of 
religion,  which  ever  took  place  in  the  church  of  Israel. 

v . 3,  G.  (Note,  Judg.  20:1,2.)  The  ceremony  of  “draw- 
ing water,  and  pouring  it  out  before  the  Lord,”  might  he  an 
emblem  of  the  effects  of  divine  grace  upon  the  heart  ; which 
disposes  it  to  pour  forth  itself  as  water  before  the  Lord,  in 
penitential  confessions,  with  tears  of  godly  sorrow,  and  in 
fervent  prayers  and  thanksgivings.  (Marg.  Ref.  1.) — Some 
indeed  think,  that  the  water  was  used  in  a kind  of  baptismal 
ablution  or  purification  ; others,  that,  it  was  an  expression  of 
their  holy  joy  in  God ; and  others,  that  it  was  intended  to 
purify  the  ground  on  which  the  altar  was  built. — On  this 
occasion  Samuel  began  publicly  to  act  as  judge,  or  chief 
magistrate,  m settling  differences  ; and  perhaps  in  punishing 
criminals  and  obstinate  idolaters : though  he  seems  to  have 
previously  exercised  authority  in  a more  private  manner. — 
Panted.  (6)  Notes,  Judg.  20:26—28.  2 Chr.  20:3,4. 

V.  7.  The  Philistines  considered  this  general  convention 
of  Israel,  as  the  signal  of  war  ; and  therefore  determined 
immediately  to  attack  them,  before  they  were  prepared  for 
resistance;  in  consequence  of  which  the  Israelites  were  at 
first  alarmed  : but  deep  repentance  of  sin,  attended  by  fruits 
meet  for  repentance,  and  earnestness  in  serving  the  Lord, 
formed  their  best  preparation;  and  the  event  showed  their 
enemies  the  difference,  between  attacking  them  while  thus 
employed,  and  when  impenitent  and  buoyed  up  with  pre- 
sumption : (Notes,  4:  2 Chr.  19:2—11.  20:1 — 25.) 

V.  9.  Samuel  was  not  a priest;  but  he  acted  by  an  extra- 
ordinary authority  in  this  and  in  many  other  instances,  as  a 
prophet  of  the  Lord,  and  under  his  immediate  direction. 
(Marg.  Ref.  q.  Notes,  17.  10:8.  Judg. 6:25, 2fi.)  This  single 
lamb,  offered  in  humble  faith,  was  immensely  more  accepta- 
ble, than  the  most  costly  sacrifices  offered  in  pride  and 
hypocrisy. 

V.  10,  11.  It  does  not  appear,  that  the  people  came  armed 
to  Mizpeh  : and  it  is  probable,  that  they  smnto  the  Philistines 
with  the  swords  of  those,  who  had  been  killed  by  the  light- 
ning. (Notes,  2:10.  Ex.  14:26—30.  Josh.  10:11.  2 Sam.  22:7 
—16.  Rev.  16:17—21.) 

V.  12.  The  transgressions  and  chastisements  of  Israel 
had  been  many  ; they  had  repeatedly  humbled  themselves 
before  God  and  obtained  deliverance  ; and  they  had  again 
relapsed  into  sin,  and  fallen  into  distress  ; but  they  had  not 
“•ecu  given  up  to  total  apostacy , or  to  utter  ruin ; and  they  had 

/ 483  > 


offering,  the  Philistines  drew  near  to  battle  against 
Israel : but  the  Lord  “thundered  with  a great 
thunder  on  that  day  upon  the  Philistines,  and 
‘discomfited  them;  and  they  were  smitten  before 
Israel. 

1 1 And  the  men  of  Israel  went  out  of  Mizpeh, 
and  pursued  the  Philistines,  and  smote  them,  until 
they  came  under  Beth-car. 

12  Then  Samuel  "took  a stone,  and  set  it 
between  Mizpeh  and  Shen,  and  called  the  name 
of  it  JEben-ezer,  saying,  “Hitherto  liath  the  Lord 
helped  us. 

13  If  So  the  Philistines  were  ^subdued,  and  they 
“came  no  more  into  the  coast  of  Israel : and  the 
hand  of  the  Lord  was  “against  the  Philistines  all 
the  days  of  Samuel. 

14  And  the  cities  which  the  Philistines  had 
taken  from  Israel  were  restored  to  Israel,  from 
Ekron  even  unto  Gath  j and  the  coasts  thereof 
did  Israel  deliver  out  ot  the  hands  of  the  Philis- 
tines : and  there  was  bpeace  between  Israel  and 
the  Amorites. 

15  IT  And  Samuel  “judged  Israel  all  the  days 
of  his  life. 

16  And  he  went  from  year  to  year  $in  circuit 
to  Beth-el,  and  Gilgal,  and  Mizpeh,  and  judged 
Israel  in  all  those  places. 

17  And  dhis  return  was  to  Ramah;  for  there 
was  his  house ; and  there  he  judged  Israel ; and 
there  “he  built  an  altar  unto  the  Lord. 


9:12.  10:8.  16:2.  Judg.  6:26,28.  1 Kings  18:30— 38.  r P».  50:15.  99:6.  Jer.  15:1. 
I Or,  ansirered.  s2:I0.  12:17.  Ex.  9:23 — 25.  Judg.  5:8,20.  Ps.  18:11 — 14.  77: 
16—18.  97:3,4.  Rev.  16:18—21.  t Deut.  20:3,4.  Josh.  10:10.  Judg.  4:15.  5:20. 
Zech.  4:6.  u Gen. 28:18.  31:45—52.  35:14.  Josh.  4:9,20— 24  . 24:26,27.  Is.  19: 
19,20.  X That  is,  the  stone  of  help.  4:1.  5:1.  Gen.  22:14.  Ex.  17:15.  xP». 
71:6,17.  Is.  46:3,4.  Acts  26:22.  2 Cor.  1:10.  y Judg.  13:1.  z 13:1— 5.  a 14:6 
—16,20—23.  17:49—53.28:3—5.31:1—7.  b Deut.  7:2,16.  Judg.  4:17.  Ps.  106: 
34.  c 6.  12:1.  25:1 . Judg.  2:16.  3:10,1 1 . Acts  13:20,21 . § Heb.  and  he  circuited* 
Judg.  5:10.  10:4.  12:14.  Ps.  75:2.  82:3,4.  d 1:1,19.  8:4.  19:18—23.  e 11:15.  Geo. 
L2:7,8  . 33:20  . 35:7.  Judg. 21:4.  1 Kings  18:30—36. 


now  once  more  been  brought  to  repentance,  and  made  parta- 
kers of  a singular  deliverance,  by  ihe  immediate  interposition 
•of  the  Almighty.  This  Samuel  and  the  people  acknowledged 
with  gratitude ; and  set  up  this  stone  to  be  a monument  of 
the  Lord’s  goodness,  for  his  glory,  and  the  encouragement  of 
their  descendants,  to  future  ages.  ( Notes,  Josh.  4:3 — 9,20 — 
24.  P.  O.)  The  word  Eben-czer , signifies  the  stone  of  help. 
— The  same  place  was  before-mentioned  by  anticipation, 
with  reference  to  the  name  given  it  on  this  occasion.  (4.1, 5:1.) 

V.  13,  14.  After  this  success,  the  Philistines  were  con- 
strained to  restore  such  cities  of  Israel  as  they  had  seized, 
even  those  which  were  situated  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
Ekron  and  Gath. — It  is  not  probable  that  the  Israelites  en- 
tered into  treaty  with  the  Amorites  who  dwelt  among  them  ; 
but  they  also  were  so  kept  under  as  to  create  them  no  dis- 
turbance. This  peaceful  state,  within  the  land , was  preserved 
till  the  people  rejected  Samuel,  and  Saul  was  made  king  ; 
and  the  Philistines  were  constantly  defeated  by  Israel,  till 
after  the  death  of  Samuel.  {Marg.  Ref.  A Totes,  13: 14:28:3.  3L:) 

V.  15.  Probably  Samuel  retained  considerable  influence 
as  a magistrate,  as  well  as  a prophet,  during  the  reign  of 
Saul,  especially  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Ramah  Some* 
however,  understand  the  passage  as  meaning,  that  Samuel 
was  so  diligent  in  the  discharge  of  his  office,  that  he  sat  to 
judge  causes  every  day.  (lfi.  Notes , 12:23.  Ex,  18:13 — 23.) 

V.  17.  It  is  very  remarkable,  that  in  this  great  revival  o. 
religion,  the  ark  was  neither  removed  to  Shiloh,  nor  placed 
with  the  tabernacle  in  any  other  situation. — It  is  uncertain 
whether  or  not  the  sanctuary-service  was  carried  on  at  Shiloh, 
or  Nob,  or  elsewhere,  during  all  this  period  : blit  probably  it 
was  either  neglected,  or  very  improperly  conducted.  As  the 
ark,  the  glory  even  of  the  tabernacle,  was  departed,  the  more 
pious  Israelites  seem  to  have  disregarded  it ; and  to  have 
preferred  joining  with  Samuel  in  the  sacrifices  and  worship, 
which,  doubtless  by  divine  direction,  he  performed  near  his 
own  house.  This  disregard  to  the  Levitical  institutions 
clearly  intimated,  that  the  typical  meaning  formed  their  ehioi 
use  ; and,  when  this  was  overlooked,  they  became  a lifeless 
carcass,  by  no  means  to  be  compared  with  repentance,  faith, 
and  love  to  God  and  man.  (Notes>  9:12 — 14.  2 Kings  3:20 
Ps.  50:7—15.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  I — 6.  When  the  stated  ministers  of  God’s  word  neglect 
their  duty  and  disgrace  their  profession,  he  will  render  them 
contemptible  in  the  eyes  of  the  people.  (Mai.  2:8,9.)  and 
employ  others  to  reform  religion,  and  uphold  his  worship:  for 
it  is  better  that  external  institutions  should  he  dispensed  *vith. 
than  that  irreligion  should  bo  permitted  to  diffuse  its  h' Jieful 
influence. — The  truths  and  ordinances  of  God  are  dangerous 
to  those  alone,  who  despise  and  abuse  them,  and  are  always 
profitable  to  the  humble  believer  : the  threotenings  therefore 
of  his  word,  and  the  judgments,  which  he  has  executed  on 
such  as  profaned  his  sacred  institutions,  shruld  not  indice  us 


B.  C.  1080. 


CHAPTER  VIII.  B.  C.  1080. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

ucl,  tc  hen  old , makes  his  sons  fudges  ; t oho  behave  ill , and  give  the  people 
an  occasion  of  desiring  a kin  ■ , 1 — 5.  Samuel  is  displeased,  and  prays  con- 
tenting it ; but  the  Lord  requires  him  to  comply,  and  to  show  thorn  the  man- 
ner of  a kins,  6—18.  They  jier^isl  in  their  request ; and  Samuel  by  divine 
direction  yields  to  them,  19 — 22. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Samuel  was  old, 
that  he  “made  his  bsons  judges  over  Israel. 

2 Now  the  name  of  his  first-born  was  cJoel, 
and  the  name  of  his  second  Abiah : they  were 
judges  in  Beer-sheba. 

3 And  uhis  sons  walked  not  in  his  ways,  'but 


a Dent.  16:18,19.  Jade-  8:22.23.  2 Chr.  19:5,6.  Neh.7:2.  1 Tim.  5:21.  b Judg. 
5:10.  10:4.  12:14.  t 1 Chr.  6:28,33.  IWtm.  d 2 Snm.  15:1.  1 Kings  12:6— 11. 
2 Kings 21:1 — 3.  Ec.2:19.  Jer.  22.15— 17.  e Ex.  18:21.  Dent.  16.19.  Ps.  15:5. 
26:10.  Is.  33:15.  1 Tim.  3:3.  6:11).  f Ex.  3:16.  21:1.  2Snm.5:3.  g 6— 8.  12: 


to  neglect  them  ; but  make  us  more  circumspect  and  jealous 
of  ourselves  in  attending  on  them.  (P.  O.  1 'Cor.  11:23 — 34.) 

-When  the  cause  of  God  is  deserted  in  one  place,  it  will  be 
supported  in  another : and,  though  the  public  and  regular 
administration  of  divine  ordinances  is  highly  desirable  ; yet 
the  same  blessing  may  redound  to  individuals,  when  they  are 
unavoidably  driven  into  corners,  and  confined  to  private 
houses. — The  word  of  God  may  be  faithfully  preached,  and 
other  proper  means  used,  for  a long  time,  without  producing 
visible  or  extensive*  effects  : but  those  who  are  employed  in 
this  important  service,  should  sow  the  seed  in  faith  and  hope, 
and  water  it  with  prayers  and  tears:  they  should  be  “instant 
in  season  and  out  of  season  persevere  without  weariness 
or  yielding  to  despondency,  and  wait  the  Lord’s  time  ; and 
their  labour  will  not  be  in  vain.  ( Note , 1 Tim.  4:11 — 16.) 
Nay,  perhaps  the  seed,  which  has  been  long  sown  and  con- 
sidered as  lost,  will  at  length  spring  up,  with  so  large  an 
increase,  as  to  exceed  their  own  most  sanguine  expectations. 
—It  is  a pleasing  prospect  to  the  faithful  labourer,  when  he 
perceives  men  deeply  convinced  of  their  sins,  and  mourning 
under  the  tokens  of  the  Lord’s  displeasure  : and  this  will 
also  afford  him  the  long  desired  opportunity,  of  still  more 
closely  and  particularly  addressing  their  consciences  ; that 
such  good  impressions  may  not  wear  off  through  procrastina- 
tion, or  produce  only  a partial  or  external  reformation  ; but 
that  the  people  may  be  prevailed  upon,  to  u return  to  the  Lord 
with  all  their  hearts,  and  to  serve  him  only  expecting  all 
their  salvation  and  comfort  from  him*  and  renouncing  every 
false  dependence  and  worldly  idol.  This  blessed  frame  of 
mind  is  the  effect  of  divine  grace,  but  it  is  our  duty  ; and  in 
the  use  of  means,  we  are  enquired  to  prepare  our  hearts,  and 
arm  our  souls  with  a stedfast  determination  thus  to  trust 
and  serve  the  Lord.  (Notes,  Acts,  11:23,24.  1 Pet.  4:1,2.) 
— When  in  the  first  place  every  one  has  “ taken  heed  unto 
himself,”  he  ought  next  to  employ  his  best  endeavours  to 
engage  his  family,  and  his  neighbours  also,  in  the  service  of 
God : and  when  those  in  high  stations  and  public  employ- 
ments unite  in  using  their  influence  and  authority,  in  a mild, 
intelligent,  ana  scriptural  manner,  for  these  purposes,  the 
most  extensive  blessings  may  be  expected.  (Note,  2 Chr. 
3D:  12.) 

V.  7 — 17  “ The  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a righteous  man 
availeth  much and  the  more  men  know  of  God  and  of  them- 
selves, the  more  earnestly  will  they  desire  and  value  the  prayers 
of  every  Christian,  especially  of  those  who  are  most  eminent 
for  faith  and  holiness,  and  particularly  in  seasons  of  temporal 
or  spiritual  distress. — Blessed  be  God,  that  Jesus  ever  lives 
to  intercede  for  us,  and  pleads  his  own  atoning  blood  in  behalf 
of"  all  who  come  to  God  by  him:”  and  through  his  sacrifice 
and  mediation  all  our  prayers,  for  ourselves  and  others,  are 
accepted  by  the  Father.  But  neither  his  merits,  nor  the 
intercessions  of  his  servants,  supersede  the  necessity  of  our 
personal  repentance,  confessions  of  sin,  cries  for  mercy,  and 
holy  obedience  : and  seasons  of  deep  humiliation,  and  prayer 
for  special  blessings,  are  very  properly  attended  with  fasting, 
and  other  indications  of  self-displacency,  and  disregard  to 
animal  indulgence;  that  we  may  “pour  out  our  souls  before 
the  Lord,”  without  having  our  attention  distracted  by  any 
outward  concern.  When  we  are  thus  employed  in  earnest 
devotion,  Satan  and  his  agents  may  be  especially  excited  to 
assault  us,  as  both  hating  our  holy  engagements,  and  envying 
our  felicity  ; but  they  can  do  us  no  harm,  unless  they  can  affright 
us  from  our  duty.  Nor  can  any  hostile  preparations  prevail 
against  that  nation,  which  in  a spirit  of  true  repentance  and 
reformation,  and  the  fervent  prayer  of  faith,  has  intrusted 
itself  to  the  Lord’s  protection. — Through  successive  genera- 
tions the  church  of  God  has  had  occasion  to  set  up  Eeen- 
ezers  for  renewed  deliverances:  for  neither  outward  per- 
secutions, nor  internal  corruptions  have  yet  prevailed  against 
her ; because  “ hitherto  the  Lord  hath  helped  her :”  and  he 
will  help  her  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world. — Every  believer 
should  review  the  records  of  this  preservation,  and  these 
deliverances,  with  admiring  gratitude  and  joyful  love;  and 
then  looking  back  on  his  own  experience,  lie  will  find  an 
abridgment  of  the  same  history.  Notwithstanding  temptation 
and  outward  opposition  ; notwithstanding  the  deceitfulness  of 
riis  own  heart,  and  the  power  of  his  inbred  lusts;  through 
many  transgressions,  corrections,  deliverances,  and  relapses  ; 
ihrough  many  fears,  conflicts,  and  difficulties,  he  has  still  been 
preserved  from  apostacy,  and  perhaps  from  disgracing  his 
profession;  for  “ hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  him.”  ( Note, 

Vol.  I.— 62 


turned  aside  after  lucre,  and  took  bribes,  and 
perverted  judgment. 

4 Then  all  'the  elders  of  Israel  gathered  them- 
selves together,  and  came  to  Samuel  un  o Ramah, 

5 And  said  unto  him,  Behold,  thou  art  old, 
and  they  sons  walk  not  in  thy  ways  ; now  gmake 
us  a king  to  judge  us  like  all  the  nations. 

6 But  the  thing  *displeased  Samuel,  when  they 
said,  Give  us  a king  to  judge  us.  And  Samuel 
Sprayed  unto  the  Lord. 

7 And  the  Lord  said  unto  Samuel,  'Hearken 


17.  Num.23:0.  Deut.  17:14,15.  Hoa.13O0.il.  Acta  13:21.  * Heb.  was  evil  in 

the  eyes  of.  12  17  h 15:11.  Ex.  32:31,32.  Nun.  16:15,22,46.  Ezra  9:3 — 5.  Pa. 
109:4.  I.uke  6:11,12.  Phil.  4:6.  Jam.  1:5.  |Nnm  22:20.  Ps.  81:11,12.  1$.  66:4. 
Hoa.  13:11. 


2 Cor.  1:8 — 11.)  If  this  be  our  happy  case,  let  us  raise  up 
our  Eben-ezers  in  rendering  him  our  unreserved  praise;  let 
us  renew  our  application  to  God  our  Saviour  for  increasing 
strength  in  our  soul,  and  power  against  our  enemies:  let  us 
speak  to  the  encouragement  of  others  concerning  his  love  and 
truth,  that  they  maybe  animated  to  trust  undsrejoice  in  him  : 
let  us  push  still  farther  every  advantage  against  our  enemies, 
aspiring  after  entire  liberty  and  complete  deliverance:  let  ns 
submit  to  those,  who  have  approved  themselves  faithful,  and 
have  been  made  useful  to  us,  in  watching  tor  our  souls;  let  us 
keep  close  to  the  means  of  grace,  and  the  worship  of  God, 
diligently  improve  our  talents  and  lay  ourselves  out  for  the 
good  of  all  around  us. — At  stated  seasons,  as  at  the  conclusion 
of  the  year,  when  about  to  approach  the  Lord’s  tables  or 
when  we  have  received  some  remarkable  mercy,  we  shall  find 
it  peculiarly  useful  thus  to  review  our  ways,  and  to  wait  upon 
the  Lord  to  renew  our  strength  : and  in  so  doing  we  may  hope 
ere  long  to  set  up  our  last  Eben-ezer  in  the  realms  above,  .and 
to  begin  our  eternal  songs  of  joyful  praise  to  him,  who  hath 
helped  us  quite  through  and  made  us  more  than  conquerors. 

NOTES. — Chap  VIII.  V.  1 — 5.  It  is  not  known  how 
old  Samuel  was  at  this  time : but  it  is  probable,  that  he  felt 
himself  incapable  of  making  the  accustomed  circuits  through 
the  whole  land  : (7:16.)  and  therefore,  residing  at  Ramah,  he 
superintended  the  northern  division  of  it,  while  his  sons,  being 
stationed  at  Beer-sheba,  had  the  charge  of  the  southern. — 
As  we  do  not  find  that  either  God  or  the  people  censured  him, 
for  “ making  his  sons  judges  in  Israel we  may  infer,  that  he 
had  properly  educated  them,  and  that  they  appeared  well  quali- 
fied for  the  office,  and  were  appointed  to  it  for  the  good  and 
by  the  approbation  of  the  people  ; though  they  deceived  these 
expectations,  and  through  love  of  money  became  unjust  judges. 
(Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  23:6—9.  Prov.  17:8,23.  Am  5:10 — 
1 3.  Mic.  3:8 — 12.  7:1 — 4.)  This  was  Samuel’s  affliction, 
even  more  than  Israel’s  grievance:  and  had  the  elders  con- 
ferred with  him,  he  would  doubtless  have  agreed  to  deprive 
and  censure  his  sons,  and  to  appoint  more  upright  judges. 
(Notes,  2:23 — 25,29.)  But  the  people  appear  to  have  been 
more  displeased  at  this  small  injury  to  their  temporal  interests, 
than  they  had  been  by  all  the  dishonour  done  to  God  by  the 
impiety  and  licentiousness  of  Eli’s  sons. — It  is  probable,  that 
the  people  in  general,  and  especially  the  superior  persons, 
wrre  grown  weary  of  being  ruled  by  pious  judges  and  prophets, 
raised  up  by  God  to  reform  religion ; and  that  they  wanted  to 
appear  great  and  powerful  in  the  eyes  of  the  surrounding 
nations ; as  they  vainly  supposed  they  should  do,  when  go- 
verned by  a king,  attended  with  the  grandeur  of  a court,  and 
commanding  their  armies.  (Note,  13:22.)  So  that  the  mis- 
conduct of  Samuel’s  sons  merely  served  them  for  an  occasion 
of  proposing  this  measure  to  Samuel. 

V.  6 — 9.  Israel  never  had  so  much  reason  to  be  satisfied 
with  the  government  of  judges,  as  under  Samuel,  who  had 
been  the  instrument  of  exceedingly  great  advantages  to  them 
in  aU  respects:  and  he  was  therefore  much  grieved  and  dis- 
pleased to  see  them  actuated  by  an  u >patient,  discontented 
spirit.  M It  was  evil  in  his  eyes:"  (ma*i'.)  he  greatly  disap* 
proved  of  the  proposal ; and  probably  fe.t  with  great  sensi- 
bility, their  ingratitude  to  himself.  Hn  did  not,  however, 
express  his  displeasure  by  reproaches,  hi  t in  prayer : not 
knowing  wh&t  answer  to  return  to  their  aenand,  till  he  was 
instructed  by  the  Lord  : for  if  he  had  endeavoured  to  dissuade 
them  from  their  purpose  they  might  have  ascribed  it  to  ambi- 
tion. Accordingly  the  Lord  reminded  him,  that  in  rejecting 
the  judge,  who  had  been  raised  up  to  rule  ove  them,  they 
actually  rejected  his  divine  authority,  who  as  King  appointed 
their  judges:  that  this  was  no  more  than  a continuation  of  all 
their  former  rebellions  and  apostacies  : and  as  they  had  eveir 
been  prone  to  forsake  God  to  worship  the  idols  of  the  Gen- 
tiles ; it  could  not  reasonably  be  wondered  at,  that  they  pre- 
ferred the  government  of  kings,  like  the  surrounding  nations, 
to  that  of  the  Lord,  by  judges.  It  w as  therefore  proper  that 
they  should  have  their  choice,  that  they  might  be  correi  ted  for 
their  perverseness.  (Note,  Hos.  13:10,11.)  Yet  Samuel 
must  first  solemnly  protest  against  the  measure,  as  resulting 
from  ingratitude  and  rebellion  against  God ; and  also  show 
them  the  manner,  in  which  kings  in  general  exercised  their 
authority.  (Note,  Deut.  17:14.) 

V.  10 — 18.  Under  the  government  of  Moses,  Joshua,  and 
the  judges,  the  people  had  been  exempt  from  oppression,  nay. 
as  far  as  can  be  learned  by  the  history,  even  from  taxes  of  all 
kinds:  (Notes,  12:2 — 7.  Num.  10:15.  31:47.)  but  k'Pgly  gc>- 
( 489  ) 


B.  C.  1 fr75, 


I.  SAMUEL. 


B C.  107a. 


untx)  the  voice  of  the  people  in  all  thal  they  say 
unto  thee:  for  kthey  have  not  rejected  thee,  but 
they  have  rejected  me,  that  I should  not  reign 
over  them. 

8 According  'to  all  the  works  which  they  have 
done,  since  the  day  that  I brought  them  up  out 
of  Egypt  even  unto  this  day,  wherewith  they 
have  forsaken  me,  and  served  other  gods ; so  do 
they  also  unto  thee. 

9 Now  therefore,  'hearken  unto  their  voice: 
thowbeit,  yet  protest  solemnly  unto  them,  and 
show  them  mthe  manner  of  the  king  that  shall 
reign  aver  them. 

10-H  And  Samuel  told  all  the  words  of  the 
Lord  unto  the  people,  that  asked  of  him  a king. 

11  And  he  said,  "This  will  be  the  manner  of 
the  king  that  shall  reign  over  you : "He  will  take 
your  sons,  and  appoint  them  for  himself,  for  his 
chariots,  and  to  be  bis  horsemen ; and  some  Pshall 
run  before  his  chariots. 

12  And  he  will  ‘'appoint  him  captains  over 
thousands,  and  captains  over  fifties,  rand  will  set 
them  to  ear  his  ground,  and  to  reap  his  harvest, 
and  to  make  his  instruments  of  war,  and  instru- 
ments of  his  chariots. 

13  And  he  will  take  your  daughters  to  be  con- 
fectionaries, and  to  be  cooks,  and  to  be  bakers. 

k 10:19.  12:17—19.  Ex.  16:8.  Matt.  10:24,25.  Luke  10:16.  19:14,27.  John 
13:16.  15:20,21.  1 Ex.  14:11,12.  16:3.  17:2.  32:1.  Num.  14:2—4.  16:2,3,41. 

I.'eut.  9:24.  Judg.  2:2,3,20.  4:1.  6:1.  13:1.  Ps.  78:58— 59.  106:14 — 21,34 — 40. 
Acts  7:51 — 53. *  * Or,  obey,  t Or,  notwithstanding  when  thou  has ' solemnity 

protested , against  them , then  thou  shall  shoio,  &c.  Ez.  3:18.  m 11 — 18.  2:13. 
Ez.  45:7,8.  46:18.  n Pent.  17:14—20.  o 14:52.  1 Kings  9:22,23.  10:26.  12:4,10. 
2 Chr.  26:10—15.  p 2 Sam.  15: 1 . 1 Kings  1:5.  18.46.  q 1 Chr.  27:1— 22. 


vernment  like  that  of  the  nations,  could  not  possibly  be  thus  sup- 
ported. u The  manner  of  the  king  ” does  not,  however,  mean, 

* the  way  in  which  kings  ought  to  rule  but  ‘ the  way  in  which 
the  monarchs  of  the  ea.st  actually  governed.’  ( Note , Deut.  17: 
16.)  In  general,  they  supported  their  luxury  and  magnifi- 
cence, and  performed  their  ostentatious  works,  and  keDt  up 
their  military  force,  by  burdensome  exactions  and  cruel  op- 
pressions ; perverting  authority  into  tyranny,  and  changing 
subjection  into  slavery.  {Marg.  Ref.)  And  as  these  are 
the  natural  effects  of  absolute  authority  intrQsted  with  a fallen 
creature  prone  to  selfishness  and  folly  ; we  ought  consequently 
to  prefer  those  limitations  and  restrictions,  which  are  equally 
beneficial  to  the  governors  and  the  governed. — Run  before  his 
chariots.  (11)  Notes , 2 Sam.  15:1 — 6.  1 Kings  1:5,6. 

Tenth.  (15,17.)  A second,  or  rather  third,  tithe  out  of 
the  clear  produce  of  their  lands.  ( Notes , Gen.  47:23 — 26. 
Num.  18:21.  Deut.  14:22—29.) 

V.  19 — 22.  The  elders  of  Israel  were  so  resolutely  bent 
on  their  own  measures,  that  even  this  solemn  protestation 
from  their  aged  prophet,  by  the  command  of  God  himself, 
produced  no  effect ! Not  perceiving  that  it  was  their  pecu- 
liar privilege  to  be  unlike  other  nations,  especially  in  this 
respect ; they  were  bent  on  having  a king,  in  order  to  become 
like  them.  (Note,  Num.  23:9.  Rom.  12:2.) — Amidst  the 
sin  and  folly  of  this  conduct,  it  should  however  be  noted  to 
their  commendation,  that  they  showed  great  respect  to 
Samuel.  They  did  not  attempt  to  set  up  a king  of  their 
own  choosing,  but  sought  his  counsel  and  concurrence  : and 
on  an  intimation  from  him,  that  their  request  would  be  grant- 
ed, they  put  such  entire  confidence  in  him,  that  they  departed 
quietly  to  their  own  houses.  The  history  of  the  world  can- 
not produce  another  instance,  in  which  a public  determina- 
tion was  formed  to  appoint  a king;  and  yet  no  one  proposed 
either  himself  or  any  other  person  to  be  king,  but  referred 
the  determination  entirely  to  God.  ( Note , Deut.  17:15.) 
Ambition  of  royal  authority  certainly  was  not  the  motive,  in 
the  leading  men  who  supported  this  measure.  The  whole 
of  their  proceedings,  even  in  this  highly  improper  determina- 
tion, showed,  how  fully  they  were  convinced,  that  the  law 
of  Moses  was  from  God  ; and  that,  even  in  appointing  a 
king,  his  directions  must  be  observed,  or  rather  that  the  deci- 
sion must  be  referred  implicitly  to  God  himself. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Our  lives  are  so  short,  and  our  faculties  so  soon  impaired, 
that  we  ought  to  be  active  in  the  service  of  God,  while  we 
possess  health  of  body  and  vigour  of  mind : and  then,  under 
disqualifying  infirmities,  it  will  be  our  comfort  to  reflect,  that 
our  youth  and  strength  were  spent  to  some  useful  purpose. — 
No  instructions  or  examples  can  overcome  the  bias  of  our 
fallen  nature  to  evil ; and  the  Lord  communicates  his  sanc- 
tifying grace  by  wise  and  righteous  rules,  of  which  he  does 
not  deign  ,o  inform  us:  duty  is  our  part,  and  consequences 
must  be  left  with  him. — External  restraints  may  produce  ap- 
pearances which  impose  on  the  most  discerning  ; yet  when 
they  are  withdrawn,  and  temptations  occur,  the  evil  heart 
will  discover  itself ; and  prosperity  has  a natural  tendency  to 
increase  bad  propensities.  Parents  should  therefore  prepare 
to  bear  with  resignation  disappointments  in  their  children; 
and  not  be  anxious  to  prefer  or  enrich  them,  lest  they  should 

( 490  ) 


14  And  he  will  “take  your  fields,  and  your 
vineyards,  and  your  olive-yards,  even  the  best  of 
them , and  ‘give  them  to  his  servants. 

15  And^he  will  take  the  t%nth  of  your  seed,  and 
of  your  vineyards,  and  give  to  his  ^officers,  and  to 
his  servants. 

16  And  he  will  take  your  men-servants,  and 
your  maid-servants,  and  your  goodliest  young 
men,  and  your  asses,  and  put  them  to  his  work. 

17  He  will  take  the  tenth  of  your  sheep : and 
ye  shall  be  his  servants. 

18  And  ye  shall  ucry  out  in  that  day,  because 
of  your  king  which  ye  shall  have  chosen  you ; 
and  the  Lord  xwill  not  hear  you  in  that  day. 

19  Nevertheless,  the  people  ^refused  to  obey 
the  voice  of  Samuel:  and  they  said,  Nay,  but  we 
will  have  a king  over  us  ; 

20  That  zwe  also  may  be  like  all  the  nations, 
and  that  our  king  may  judge  us,  and  go  out  before 
us,  and  fight  our  battles. 

21  And  Samuel  heard  all  the  words  of  the 
people,  and  ahe  rehearsed  them  in  the  ears  of  the 
Lord. 

22  And  the  Lord  said  to  Samuel,  bHearken 
unto  their  voice,  and  make  them  a king.  And 
Samuel  said  unto  the  men  of  Israel,  Go  ye  every 
man  unto  his  city. 


r 1 Kings.  4:7,22,23,27.28.  2 Chr.  32:28,29.  s 1 Kings  21 :7, 19.  Ez.  46:18.  t 22. 
7.  } Heb.  eunuchs.  Cften.  37:36.  Is.  39:7.  Dan.  1:3,7—10,18.  u Is.  8:21.  x Job 

27:9.  Ps.  18:41.  Prov.  1 :27,28.  21 :13.  Is.  1:15.  Mic.  3:4.  Luke  13.25.  y Ps.  81: 
11.  Jer.  7:13.  44:16.  Ez.  33:31.  z 5.  Ex.  33:16.  Lev.  20:24— 26.  Num.  23:9. 
Deut.  7:6.  Ps.  106:35.  John  15:19.  Ruin.  12:2.  2 Cor.  6:17.  Phil.  3:20.  1 Pet.  2: 
9.  aJudg.  11:11.  b 7.  Hos.  13:11. 


assist  in  inflaming  theT?  passions. — “The  love  of  money  is 
the  root  of  all  evil,”  and  peculiarly  odious  and  mischievous 
in  magistrates  and  ministers.  (Note,  1 Tim.  6:6 — 10.  P. 
O.  6 — 12.) — Those  who  have  been  most  active,  disinterested, 
and  useful,  must  expect  to  meet  with  ingratitude  and  neglect, 
as  their  recompense  from  man  for  their  services ; hut  every 
loss  and  injury  will  prove  a real  gain  to  those,  who  expect 
their  gracious  recompense  from  God  alone.  And  surely  we 
may  cheerfully  submit  to  be  rejected,  despised,  and  hated  by 
those  who  reject,  despise,  and  hate  the  Lord : naj',  we  should 
consider  it  as  an  honourable  testimony,  that  we  are  acknow- 
ledged to  stand  on  his  part.  (Note,  1 Pet.  4:12 — 16.) — Grace 
subdues  and  mortifies,  and  convictions  restrain,  human  de- 
pravity ; but  in  itself  it  is  the  same  from  generation  to  genera- 
tion. Discontent,  fondness  of  change,  a desire  of  conformity 
to  the  world  and  of  outward  splendour,  are  natural  to  man, 
and  follow  him  from  the  cradle  to  the  grave,  unless  regenerat- 
ed and  new  created  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  No  change  of  cir- 
cumstances can  cure  these  diseases  ; the  dissatisfaction  of 
the  present  situation  is  impatiently  felt,  the  comfort  of  some 
other  is  eagerly  and  ignorantly  conceived;  and  neither  the 
counsels  of  wise  men,  nor  the  testimony  of  God,  will  sup- 
press these  inordinate  desires.  When  the  mind  is  thus  dis- 
posed, the  slightest  circumstance  serves  as  a pretext  fo* 
rushing  upon  gratification;  yet  a pious  man  would  grieve  to 
give  others  by  his  conduct  even  an  occasion  of  sin. — The 
Lord  requires  his  servants  rather  to  yield  to  the  unjust  and 
unreasonable  desires  of  men,  than  to  seem  attached  to 
earthly  objects.  And  he  frequently  gives  men  their  wishes 
in  anger,  to  chastise  their  iniquity,  and  convince  them  of 
their  folly. — When  our  grief  or  displeasure  leads  us  to  more 
fervent  prayer  and  intercession  in  behalf  of  those  w ho  grieve 
us,  nothing  can  injure  or  even  long  distress  us  ; for  the  con- 
solation of  God  will  richly  repay  ihe  injuries  of  men. — Under 
the  troubles  which  Providence  has  allotted  us,  wo  may 
expect  the  supports  of  grace:  but  if  we  resolutely  persist 
in  choosing  for  ourselves ; when  we  have  exchanged  slight 
inconveniences  for  real  grievances,  we  shall  have  the  aggra- 
vation of  an  accusing  conscience  and  the  divine  rebuke.  And 
this  will  oflen  be  the  case;  for  those  things  which  at  a dis- 
tance look  pleasant,  are  generally  most  bitter  when  in  ac- 
tual possession. — The  law  of  God,  and  the  manner  of  men , 
are  widely  different ; the  former  should  he  the  mle  of  our 
conduct  in  the  several  relations  of  life ; the  latter  the  men - 
sure  of  our  expectations  from  others. — As  magistracy  is  the 
appointment,  of  God  and  a great  blessing,  and  as  every  form 
is  liable  to  abuses;  it  is  our  wisdom  to  be  thankful  forth#* 
advantages,  and  patient  under  the  inconveniences,  of  thal 
government  under  which  we  live  : anil  it  is  our  duly  to  pray 
continually  for  our  rulers,  that  they  may  govern  us  in  the 
fear  of  God,  and  that  we  may  live  in  all  godliness  and 
honesty  ; thus  u honouring  God  and  (lie  Icing,  and  not  meddling 
with  them  that  are  given  to  change,”  or  disposed,  upon  every 
imaginary  grievance,  or  indeed  on  any  account,  to  speak  e\i! 
of  the  ruler  of  the  people.  ( Notes,  Rom.  13:1  6.  Tit.  3:1,2. 

1 Pet.  2:13 — 17.  2 Pet.  2:10,11.) — But  the  Lord’s  servants 
should  behave  so  unexeeptionably,  that  even  those  who  injure 
them  may  not  be  able  to  impeach  their  integrity,  or  to  withhold 
from  them  respect  and  confidence.  And  it  is  a hopeful 


B.  C 1075. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


B C.  1075. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

The  ancestry  and  pers  mal  qualifications  of  Saul,  1 , 2.  He  is  sent  tp  seek  his 
father's  asses  ; but  not  finding  t'um , ho,  by  the  pounsel  of  his  servant , pur- 
poses going  to  Samuel,  3—10.  He  is  directed  by  young  maidens  where  to 
find  hirn,  11 — 14.  Samuel , prepared  by  a revelation  from  God,  expects  him, 
and  entertains  him  with  event  respect,  15 — 24.  On  the  morrow  he  privately 
discourses  with  him,  and  brings  him  on  his  wav,  25—27. 

NOW  there  was  a man  of  Benjamin,  whose 
name  was  "Kish,  the  son  of  Abiel,  the  son  of 
Zeror,  the  son  of  Bechorath,  the  son  of  Aphiah, 
'a  Benjamite,  a mighty  man  of  ’power. 

2  And  he  had  a son  whose  name  was  Saul,  a 
•’choice  young  man,  and  a goodly:  and  there  teas 
not  among  the  children  of  Israel  a goodlier  person 
than  he : "from  his  shoulders  and  upward  he  was 
higher  than  any  of  the  people. 

3  And  dthe  asses  of  Kisn.  Saul’s  father,  were 
.’ost;  and  Kish  said  to  Saul  his  son,  Take  now 
one  of  the  servants  with  thee,  and  arise,  go  seek 
the  asses. 

4  And  he  passed  through  emount  Ephraim, 
and  passed  through  the  land  of f Shalisha,  but  they 
found  them  not:  then  they  passed  through  the 
land  of  sShalim,  and  there  they  ivere  not  5 and  he 
passed  through  the  land  of  the  Benjamites,  but 
they  found  them  not. 

5  And  when  they  were  come  to  the  land  of 
hZuph,  Saul  said  to  his  servant  that  was  with 
him,  Come,  and  let  us  return;  lest  my  father 
eave  caring  for  the  asses,  and  ’take  thought 
for  us. 

6  And  he  said  unto  him,  Behold  now,  there 
is  in  this  keity  a man  of  God,  and  he  is  ’an 
honourable  man;  raall  that  he  saith,  cometh  surely 
to  pass  : now,  let  us  go  thither;  peradventure  he 
can  show  us  our  way  that  we  should  go. 

7  Then  said  Saul  to  his  servant,  But,  behold, 
if  we  go,  "what  shall  we  bring  the  man?  for  the 
bread  is  *spent  in  our  vessels,  and  there  is  not 
a present  to  bring  to  the  man  of  God : what 
*have  we  ? 

8  And  the  servant  answered  Saul  again,  and 
said,  Behold,  "I  have  here  at  hand  the  fourth  part 
of  a shekel  of  silver  ; that  will  I give  to  the  man 
of  God,  to  tell  us  our  way. 

9  (Before-time  in  Israel,  when  a man  went  to 

a 14:51.  1 Chr.  8:30 — 33.  9:33 — 39.  Acts  13:21.  Cis.  ’ Or,  the  son  of  amanof 
remini . t Or,  substance.  25:2.  2 Sam.  19:32.  Job  1:3.  h 16:7.  Gen . 6:2.  2 Sam. 
<4:25,26.  Jer.  9:23.  c 10:23.  17:4.  Nnm.  13:33.  d 10:2.  Judg.  5-10.  10:4. 
Judg.  17:1.  19:1.  f 2 Kings  4:42.  g Gen.  33:18.  John  3:23.  Salim.  h 1:1. 
10:2.  Malt.  6:25,28,34.  Luke  12:11,22.  k 2:27.  Dent.  33:1.  1 Kings  13:1. 
2 Kings  6:6.  1 Tim.  6:11.  I 1 Thes.2:l0.  5:13.  m 3:19,20.  Is.  44:26.  Zech.  1: 
5,5.  Matt.  24:35.  n Judg.  6:18.  13:15,16.  1 Kings  14:3.  2Kings4:42.  5:5.  8:8 
I Heb.  gone  out  of.  § Heb  is  with  us.  ||  Heb.  there  is  found  in  my  hand. 
o Gen.  25:22.  Judg.  1:1.  p 2 Sam.  24:11.  2 Kings  17:13.  1 Chr.  26:28.  29:29. 

symptom  even  in  the  evidently  distempered  state  of  indivi- 
duals or  collective  bodies,  when  their  desires  of  worldly  ob- 
jects can  brook  delay  ; and  they  can  refer  the  time  and 
manner  of  their  being  granted  to  the  determination  of  Provi- 
dence. 

NOTES.  -Chap.  IX.  V.  1,  2.  ( Marg . Ref.  a.)  It 
is  wonderful,  that  some  chief  of  the  tribe  of  Judah  did  not 
now  advance  a claim  to  the  kingdom,  in  virtue  of  Jacob’s 
blessing  : ( Notes,  Gen.  49:8 — 10.)  but  “ it  was  of  the  Lord,” 
that  he  might  first  give  the  Israelites  such  a king  as  they  had 
get  their  hearts  on,  before  he  raised  up  for  them  a king  after 
his  own  heart.  (13:14.  Note,  8:19 — 22.)  The  tribe  of 
Benjamin,  by  the  fatal  catastrophe  of  Gibeah’s  wickedness, 
was  reduced  to  be  the  least  in  Israel;  but  the  individuals 
were  enriched  in  proportion.  (Judg.  20:  21  : Note,  21:16 — 
18.)  Even,  if  Kish  was  of  an  inferior  family  in  this  tribe 
(21),  he  might  he  very  wealthy  ; and  his  son  was  possessed 
of  all  external  accomplishments,  suited  to  that  carnal  princi- 
ple which  had  dictated  Israel’s  request. — The  words  trans- 
lated “ a choice  young  man,  and  a goodly,”  may  literally  be 
rendered,  a chosen  and  goodly  person,  there  being  nothing 
in  the  original  for  young : and  Saul  had  sons  grown  up  to 
man’s  estate  at  this  time.  (13:1,2.) 

V.  3—5.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  6 — 10.  The  servant  of  Saul  seems  to  have  known 
more  of  Samuel  than  Saul  himself  did ; and  he  spoke  very 
respectfully  of  him:  yet  both  Saul  and  he  looked  on  him 
rather  as  a diviner,  or  fortune-teller,  than  as  a prophet, 
whose  office  it  was  to  instruct  them  in  the  truth  and  will  of 
God.  It  was  no  doubt  customary  in  those  days,  to  show 
respect  to  prophets,  and  even  to  princes,  by  a present ; but 
when  they  concluded,  that  Samuel  would  not  be  approached 
without  some  gift,  they  appeared  to  have  judged  of  him  by 
the  mercenary  diviners  or  magicians.  (Num.  22:7.) — The 
ninth  verse  was  evidently  inserted,  as  a comment,  in  after 
Bges,  perhaps  by  Ezra,  who  is  supposed  to  have  set  forth  a 
correct  edition  of  the  Scriptures  then  extant,  under  the 
■upvrintendence  of  the  Spirit  of  prophecy.  In  the  days  of 


"inquire  of  God,  thus  lie  spake,  Come,  and  let  us 
go  to  the  seer:  for  he  that  is  now  called  a Prophet, 
was  before-time  called  pa  Seer.) 

10  Then  said  Saul  to  his  servant,  ’’Well  said  , 
come  let  us  go : so  they  went  unto  the  city  where 
the  man  of  God  was. 

11  H And  as  they  went  up  “the  hill  to  the  city 
they  '•found  young  maidens  going  out  to  draw 
water,  and  said  unto  them,  Is  the  seer  here  ? 

12  And  they  answered  them,  and  said,  He  is; 
behold  he  is  before  you : make  haste  now,  for  he 
came  to-day  to  the  city  ; for  there  is  a ’’sacrifice  of 
the  people  to-day  in  ’ the  high  place, 

13  As  soon  as  ye  be  come  into  the  city,  ye  shall 
straightway  find  him,  before  he  go  up  to  the  high 
place  to  eat : for  the  people  will  not  eat  until  he 
come,  because  "he  doth  bless  the  sacrifice  ; and 
afterwards  they  eat  that  be  bidden.  Now  there- 
fore get  you  up ; for  about  Uthis  time  ye  shall  find 
him. 

14  And  they  went  up  into  the  city  : and  when 
they  were  come  into  the  city,  behold,  Samuel 
came  out  against  them,  for  to  go  up  to  the  high 
place. 

15  Now  ‘the  Lord  had  §§told  Samuel  in  his  ear 
a day  before  Saul  came,  saying, 

16  To-morrow  about  this  time  I will  send  thee 
a man  out  of  the  land  of  Benjamin,  and  “thou 
shalt  anoint  him  to  he  captain  over  my  people 
Israel,  that  he  may  save  my  people  out  of  the 
hand  of  the  Philistines  : for  I have  "looked  upon 
my  people,  because  their  cry  is  come  unto  me. 

17  And  when  Samuel  saw  Saul,  the  Lord 
said  unto  him,  ^Behold  the  man  whom  I spake 
to  thee  of:  this  same  shall  ’’"reign  over  my  people. 

18  Then  Saul  drew  near  to  Samuel  in  the  gate, 
and  said,  Tell  me,  I pray  thee,  where  the  seer’s 
house  is. 

19  And  Samuel  answered  Saul,  and  said,  I am 
the  seer ; go  up  before  me  unto  the  high  place  ; 
for  ye  shall  eat  with  me  to-day,  and  to-morrow  I 
will  let  thee  go,  "and  will  tell  thee  all  that  is  in 
thine  heart. 

20  And  as  for  thine  asses  that  were  lost ’’’’three 


2 Chr.  16:7,10.  13.29:10.30:10.  Am.  7:12.  IT  Heb.  thy  word  i n good.  2 Kings 
5:13,14.  * Heb.  >n  the  ascent  of  thecity.  q Gen.  24:11,18 — 20.  Ex.  2:16.  Judg. 
5:11.  fOr , feast.  16:2.  Gen.  31:54.  Dent.  12:6,7.  1 Cor.  5:7,8.  r 1 Kings  3; 
2—4.  1 Chr.  16:39.  s Matt.  26:26.  Mark  6:41 . I.nke  24:30.  John  6: 1 1 ,23.  1 Cor. 
10:30.  1 Tim.  4:4.  } Heb.  to-day.  t 17.  Ps.  25:14.  Am.  3:7.  Mark  11:2 — 4. 
14:13 — 16.  § Heb.  revealed  the  car  of  Samuel.  20:2.  2 Sam.  7;27.  Job  33:16. 
Marg.  u 10:2.  15:1.  16:3.  1 Kings  19:15,16.  2 Kings  9:3 — 6.  x Ex.  2:25.  3:7 
—9.  Ps. 25:18.  y 16:6—12.  ||  Heb.  restrain  in.  3:13.  2 Sam.  23:5,7.  Neh.  13- 
19,25.  Rom.  13:3,4.  z John  4:29.  1 Cor.  14:25.  IT  Heb.  to-day  three  days.  3. 

Samuel,  prophets  were  emphatically  .styled  Seers , or  men 
who  are  enabled  to  see  divine  things,  that  they  may  show 
them  to  others.  The  word  prophet  had  been  used  of  Abra- 
ham: (Gen.  20:7.)  but  in  the  time  of  Samuel,  in  common 
conversation,  the  word  Seer  was  more  used  : for  the  men  of 
God  were  also  called  prophets.  (3:20.)  And  at  length,  the 
name  Seer  sunk  into  disuse. 

V.  12 — 14.  (Note,  7-’17.)  Shiloh,  the  place  which  God 
first  chose  to  place  his  name  there,  had  forfeited  that  distinc- 
tion : no  other  place  was  appointed : the  tabernacle,  wherever 
it  was  at  this  time  situated,  did  not  contain  the  ark  ; and  there 
was  no  tabernacle  or  altar  at  Kirjath-jearim,  where  the  ark 
remained.  (Note  7:1,2.)  These  circumstances  occasioned 
a kind  of  temporary  suspension  of  the  law  against  sacrificing 
in  any  other  place,  than  that  which  the  Lord  had  chosen : 
(Notes,  Lev.  17:3 — 7.  Deut.  12:5 — 7.)  and  the  cities  of  the 
priests  and  Levites,  where  the  people  resorted  for  instruction, 
seemed  the  most  proper  for  that  purpose.  The  highest  parts 
of  these  cities  were  generally  selected : and  from  this  cir- 
cumstance, the  subsequent  pertinacious  attachment  of  the 
Israelites  to  the  “high  places”. seems  to  have  been  derived. — 
Samuel,  having  burned  upon  the  altar  the  appointed  portion 
of  the  peace-offerings,  previously  to  the  sacred  feast  upon 
the  remainder,  poured  out  fervent  prayers  to  the  Lord  for 
acceptance,  and  for  his  blessing  on  the  service,  as  a religious 
ordinance  to  the  good  of  the  souls,  as  well  as  on  the  food  for 
the  refreshment  of  the  bodies  of  those  present.  The  simple 
manner,  in  which  these  circumstances  are  stated  to  strangers 
by  the  young  maidens,  implies  that  this  was  Samuel’s  constant 
practice  on  these  occasions,  and  doubtless  it  was  the  general 
observance,  in  all  the  sacrifices  at  the  tabernacle  and  temple, 
when  true  religion  flourished  ; though  at  other  times  it  would 
degenerate  into  a mere  ceremony. 

V.  16.  (Marg.  Ref.) — Save,  &c.]  When  Israel  grew 
slack  in  serving  God,  the  Philistines  recovered  their  authority: 
and  though  Saul  did  not  reform  the  religion  of  Israel,  yet  in 
many  instances  he  successfully  fought  their  battles.  (14:  17:) 

V.  17 — 24.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Samuel,  as  superintending  the 
( 491  ) 


B.  C.  1075. 


I SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1075 


days  ago,  “set  not  thy  mind  on  them,  for  they  are 
found.  And  bon  whom  is  all  the  desire  of  Israel? 
is  it  not  on  thee,  and  on  all  thy  father’s  house. 

21  And  Saul  answered  and  said,  Jim  not  I ca 
Benjamite,  of  the  smallest  of  the  tribes  of  Israel  ? 
and  dmy  family  the  least  of  all  the  families  of  the 
tribe  of  Benjamin?  wherefore  then  speakest  thou 
'so  to  me  ? 

22  And  Samuel  took  Saul  and  his  servant,  and 
brought  them  into  the  parlour,  and  made  them  sit 
'in  the  chiefest  place  among  them  that  were 
bidden,  which  were  about  thirty  persons. 

23  And  Samuel  said  unto  the  cook,  1 Bring  the 
portion  which  I gave  thee,  of  which  I said  unto 
thee,  Set  it  by  thee. 

24  And  the  cook  took  up  *the  shoulder,  and 
that  which  was  upon  it,  and  set  it  before  Saul. 
And  Samuel  said,  Behold  that  which  is  deft,  set 
it  before  thee,  and  eat ; for  unto  this  time  hath  it 
been  kept  for  thee,  since  I said,  I have  invited 
the  people.  So  Saul  did  eat  with  Samuel  that 
day. 

25  And  when  they  were  come  down  from  the 
high  place  into  the  city,  Samuel  communed  with 
Saul  upon  ’'the  top  of  the  house. 


26  And  they  arose  early : and  it  came  to  pass 
about  the  spring  of  the  day,  that  Samuel  called 
Saul  to  the  top  of  the  house,  saying,  ‘Up,  that  1 
may  send  thee  away.  And  Saul  arose,  and  they 
went  out  both  of  them,  he  and  Samuel,  abroad. 

27  Jlnd  as  they  were  going  down  to  the  end  of 
the  city,  Samuel  said  to  Saul,  kBid  the  servant 
pass  on  before  us,  (and  he  passed  on,)  but  stand 
thou  still  *a  while,  ‘that  I may  show  thee  the 
word  of  God. 

CHAPTER  X. 


Samuel  anoints  Saul , and  dismisses  him  with  directions,  and  with  tokens 
which  came  to  pass  accordingly , 1 — 13.  Saul  answers  the  inquiries  of  his 
uncle,  but  conceals  the  matter  of  the  kingdom,  14 — 16.  Samuel  convenes  ihs 
people  at  Mizpeh,  where  Saul  is  chosen  king  by  lot,  17 — 25.  A few  honourar 
bly  attend  him,  but  others  despise  him , 26,  27. 

THEN  Samuel  took  “a  vial  of  oil,  and  poured 
it  upon  his  head,  and  bkissed  him,  and  said, 
Is  it  not  because  the  Lord  hath  anointed  thee  to 
be  “captain  over  dhis  inheritance  ? 

2 When  thou  art  departed  from  me  to-day, 
then  thou  shalt  find  two  men  by  1 Rachel’s  sepul- 
chre, in  the  border  of  Benjamin,  at  eZelzah  ; and 
they  will  say  unto  thee,  hThe  asses  which  thou 
wentest  to  seek  are  found  : and,  lo,  thy  father  hath 
left  the  ’care  of  the  asses,  and  sorroweth  for  you, 
saying,  What  shall  I do  for  my  son  ? 


a 4:20.  mars.  1 Chr.  29:3:  Ps.  62:10.  Col.  3:2.  b 8:5,19.  12*15.  c Judg.  20-46. 
—48.  Ps.  63:27.  d 10:27.  15:17.  18:18,23.  Judg.  6:14,15.  Hos.  13:1.  Luke  14: 
11.  Ejjh.  3:8.  * Heb.  according  lo  this  word.  e Gen.  43:32.  Luke  14:10. 

f 1:5.  Gen.  43:34.  g Lev.  7:32,33.  Ez.24:4.  f Or,  reserved.  hDeut.22:8. 
2 Sam.  11:2.  Neh.8:16.  Jer.  19:13.  Matt.  10:27.  Acts  10:9.  i Gen.  19: 14.  44:4. 
Josh.  7:13.  Judg.  19:28.  k 20:38,39.  John  15: 14,15.  J Heb.  to-day.  115:16. 


2 Kings  9:5,6.  a 2:10.  9:16.  16:13.  24:6. 26:11.  2 Kings  9:3— 6.  Acts  13:21.  Ret 
5:8.  bl  Kings  19:18.  Ps.5.12.  Hos.  13:2.  c 8:9,19.  13:14.  Josh.  5: 14,15.  2 Sam. 
5:2.  2 Kings  20:5.  Heb.  2.10.  d Ex.  19:5,6.  Deut.  32:9.  Ps.  78:71.  135:4.  Jer. 
10:16.  f Gen.  35: 19,20.  Jer.  31:15.  g Josh.  18:28.  h 16.  9:3-5.  * Heb.  busi- 
ness. 


sacred  feast,  seems  to  have  allotted  to  each  guest  his  portion; 
but  he  expected,  according  to  the  divine  monition,  other  guests 
besides  those  who  had  been  previously  invited.  He  had 
therefore  given  orders  that  the  left  shoulder  as  the  prime 
portion,  (for  the  right  belonged  to  the  priest,)  should  be  re- 
served, in  case  these  guests  should  not  come  in  time. 

V.  25 — 27.  Samuel  conferred  with  Saul,  and  showed  him 
the  intentions  of  God  concerning  him,  privately , on  the  top  of 
the  house,  ( Marg . Ref.  h,)  to  prepare  him  for  the  time,  when 
he  would  be  publicly , by  lot,  appointed  to  the  kingdom.  ( Note , 
10:17 — 22.) — All  the  circumstances  of  these  transactions  were 
calculated  to  prepare  Saul’s  mind  for  what  followed,  and  to 
show  him  the  interposition  of  God  in  ii.  (Notes,  2 Kings 
9:1—13.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  are  never  more  likely  to  be  unhappy,  than  when  we 
have  our  outward  portion  or  connexions,  according  to  the 
choice  of  our  own  hearts  : we  ought  therefore  to  beg  of  God 
in  every  thing  to  choose  for  us,  and  to  teach  us  to  acquiesce 
in  his  appointment. — True  excellence  of  character  does  not 
result  from  external  accomplishments ; nor  true  felicity,  from 
prosperous  circumstances  and  outward  splendour : and  inat- 
tention to  these  obvious  truths  occasions  the  most  fatal 
mistakes. — Diligence  in  business,  and  good  behaviour  in  rela- 
tive life,  are  commendable,  but  no  sure  tokens  of  genuine 
piety,  or  acceptance  with  God. — We  sensibly  feel  our  tern- 
oral  losses,  and  bestow  much  pains  to  retrieve  them:  but 
ow  little  do  we  attempt  the  salvation  of  our  souls,  and  how 
speedily  are  we  weary  in  seeking  it ! Nay,  if  ministers  could 
inform  men  how  to  secure  their  property,  or  recover  it  when 
lost,  or  to  acquire  wealth,  they  would  be  much  more  respected 
and  consulted  than  they  now  are,  when  employed  in  teaching 
them  how  to  escape  eternal  misery  and  to  obtain  eternal  life ! 
Indeed  we  all  are  naturally  far  more  desirous  to  learn  our  for- 
tune, than  our  duty : so  that  curiosity  and  worldly  motives  are 
frequently  the  first  means  of  bringing  men  acquainted  with 
the  ministers  and  the  word  of  God.  And  poor  servants  and 
mechanics  are  often  better  acquainted,  than  the  rich  and  great 
are,  with  Seers , the  holy  men  of  God,  who  teach  the  way  of 
eternal  salvation : nay,  in  general,  they  have  more  respect 
for  them  as  they  have  not  so  many  things  to  occupy  their 
thoughts,  or  prejudice  their  hearts  against  the  truth.  But 
many  will  speak  of  ministers  as  men  of  God,  and  honourable 
men  whose  words  will  certainly  come  to  pass,  who  neither 
comply  with  their  exhortations,  nor  imitate  their  examples: 
and  being  conscious  that  they  do  not  choose  to  be  at  any 
expense  in  religion,  they  suspect  that  the  servants  of  God 
teach  for  hire,  and  will  do  nothing  without  pay.  Indeed  there 
have  always  been  so  great  a majority  of  this  character,  that 
inattentive  observers  cannot  readily  understand  the  difference 
between  mercenary  diviners , and  those  who  “seek  not  theirs 
but  them;”  or  between  blind  watchmen  and  guides,  and  those 
who  are  Seers  indeed.  But  the  seeing  eye  and  the  hearing 
ear  are,  in  this  sense  also,  from  the  Lord ; and  to  those  that 
wait  on  him  ho  will  communicate  the  truths,  which  he  would 
have  them  communicate  to  the  people.  But  how  shall  those 
who  are  blind  themselves,  be  seers  for  other  men ; or  point  out 
to  them  that  Saviour,  of  whom  they  have  no  knowledge? 
(Notes,  Is.  56:9 — 12.  Matt.  15:12 — 14.) — True  grace  teaches 
us  to  honour  those  whom  God  lias  honoured,  though  their 
advancement  be  attended  by  our  degradation  ; but  that  re- 
spect should  be  shown  in  such  a way,  as  may  best  tend  to 
( 492  t 


bring  them  acquainted  with  the  truths  and  worship  of  God. — 
Without  fervent  prayer  and  praise,  springing  from  a penitent 
believing  heart,  a solemn  sacrifice  would  have  degenerated 
into  a profane  meal ; and  with  them  an  ordinary  meal  becomes 
a spiritual  sacrifice : but  those  who  eat  their  food  without 
thanking  the  Lord  for  it,  or  seeking  his  blessing  on  it,  are 
scarcely  distinguishable  from  brutes,  or  from  Atheists  ; and 
the  examples  of  eminent  persons,  in  such  matters  as  these, 
may  have  a salutary  effect  on  those  around  them. — “ Before 
honour  is  humility,”  and  they  who  have  well  learned  to  obey, 
are  most  likely  to  be  advanced  to  command,  and  to  rule  pro 
perly. — But  how  different  are  the  Lord’s  purposes  concerning 
us,  from  our  intentions  for  ourselves  ! Perhaps  Saul  was  the 
only  man  of  the  whole  human  race,  who  set  out  to  seek  asses, 
and  literally  found  a kingdom:  but  many  have  taken  long 
vo}'ages  and  journeys,  or  moved  their  habitations,  to  seek 
riches  and  pleasures,  who  have  been  guided  to  places,  where 
they  have  found  the  salvation  of  their  souls  ; having  met  with 
those  who  addressed  them,  as  if  informed  of  the  secrets  of  their 
lives  and  hearts ; and  having  been  thus  led  seriously  to  regard 
the  message  of  the  Lord  delivered  by  them.  If  this  has  been 
our  case,  though  our  worldly  projects  have  all  been  frustrated, 
let  us  cease  caring  about  it;  for  the  Lord  has  given  us  that 
which  is  infinitely  better. 

NOTES. — Chap.  X.  V.  1.  In  the  conversation  of  the 
preceding  evening  and  of  that  morning,  Samuel  had  doubtless 
given  Saul  all  needful  information,  preparatory  to  this  signifi- 
cant ceremony;  and  he  probably  joined  with  it  exhortations, 
counsels,  and  prayers.  (Marg.  Ref.  a.  Notes,  2:35,36.  16:13.) 
— The  priests  were  anointed  to  their  office  as  types  of  Christ, 
and  as  implying  their  need  of  the  communication  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  to  furnish  them  for  their  sacred  work  ; and  for  the 
same  reason  the  kings  also  were  anointed.  (Note,  Ex.  29:1 
— 7.)  In  performing  this  sacred  rite,  Samuel  assured  Saul 
of  the  Lord’s  choice  of  him  to  be  king  of  Israel,  and  of  his 
own  hearty  concurrence  : and  the  hiss  denoted  affection  and 
subjection,  and  loyalty  to  him,  as  the  Lord’s  anointed. 
(Notes,  Ps.  2:10 — 12.) — The  law  of  Moses  is  silent  as  to  the 
anointing  of  kings:  but  it  seems  to  have  been  an  ancient 
custom:  (Judg.  9:8.)  and  when  prophets  conformed  to  it  by 
divine  command,  it  obtained  the  force  of  a law. — It  does  not 
appear,  that  Samuel  used  the  holy  oil  of  the  sanctuary  on  this 
occasion,  or  even  when  he  anointed  David,  hut  rather  com- 
mon olive-oil:  for  he  was  at  a distance  from  the  tabernacle. 
(16:1,13.) 

V.  2.  Wc  may  suppose,  that  Saul  was  exceedingly  sur- 
prised,  and  scarcely  able  to  believe  what  Samuel  had  said  U) 
him  : to  convince  him  therefore  that  the  matter  was  from  the 
Lord,  Samuel  prophetically,  and  very  particularly,  informed 
him  of  some  incidents  which  he  would  meet  with  in  his 
return.  (Notes,  Mark  11:1 — 11.  14:12 — 16.) 

V.  3,  4.  (Note,  9:12—  14.)  There  seems  to  have  been  a 
high  place  at  Beth-el,  where  priests  attended  to  receive  obla- 
tions, and  to  minister  in  their  office : and  these  three  men 
were  going  thither,  in  order  to  present  peace-offerings  ; but, 
meeting  Saul,  they  were  secretly  disposed  by  the  Lord,  to 
give  him  two  loaves  of  bread,  as  a present,  or  tribute  paid 
him  after  he  ban  been  anointed  king. 

Plain  of  Tabor.  (3)  Tabor,  in  the  lot  of  Zebulun,  or 
Issachar,  (Marg.  Ref.  i,)  in  the  northern  part  of  the  land, 
lay  so  remote  from  Saul’s  journey  from  Ramah  to  Gibeah, 
(26.  1:1.  9:5.)  that  it  is  most  likely  some  pla<  A in  the  neigh 


B.  C.  1075. 


CHAPTER  X. 


B.  C.  1075. 


3 Then  shalt  Ihou  go  on  forward  from  thence, 
and  thou  shalt  come  to  the  plain  of  'Tabor,  and 
there  shall  meet  thee  three  men  going  up  to  God 
to  kBeth-el,  one  carrying  'three  kids,  and  another 
carrying  three  loaves  of  bread,  and  another  car- 
rying a bottle  o'  wine. 

4 And  they  will  ‘salute  thee,  and  give  thee  two 
loaves  of  bread,  which  thou  shalt  receive  of  their 

hajids. 

5 After  that,  thou  shalt  come  to  the  mhill  of 
God,  where  is  the  garrison  of  the  Philistines  : and 
it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  thou  art  come  thi^er 
to  the  city,  that  thou  shalt  meet  "a  company  of 
prophets  coming  down  from  the  high  place,  with 
“a  psaltery,  and  a tabret,  and  a pipe,  and  a harp, 
betore  them  ; and  they  shall  prophesy  : 

6 And  the  rSpirit  of  the  Lord  will  come  upon 
thee,  and  thou  shalt  prophesy  with  them,  and 
shalt  be  turned  into  ^another  man. 

7 And  tlet  it  be,  when  these  rsigns  are  come 
nnto  thee,  Hhat  thou  do  as  occasion  shall  serve 
thee  ; for  sGod  is  with  thee. 

8 And  thou  shalt  go  down  before  me  ‘to  Gilgal; 
and  behold,  I will  come  down  unto  thee,  to  offer 
burnt-offerings,  and  to  sacrifice  sacrifices  of  peace- 
offerings  : "seven  days  shalt  thou  tarry,  till  I come 
to  thee,  and  show  thee  what  thou  shalt  do. 

9 IT  And  it  was  so,  that  when  he  had  turned 
his  §back  to  go  from  Samuel,  God  "gave  him 
“another  heart : and  >'all  those  signs  came  to  pass 
that  day. 

10  And  when  ‘they  came  thither  to  the  hill, 
behold,  a company  of  prophets  met  him  ; and  the 
Spirit  of  God  came  upon  him,  and  he  prophesied 
among  them. 

11  And  it  came  to  pass,  “when  all  that  knew 
him  before-time  saw  that,  behold,  he  prophesied 
among  the  prophets,  then  the  people  said  "one  to 
another,  bWhat  is  this  that  is  come  unto  the  son 
of  Kish  ? cIs  Saul  also  among  the  prophets  ? 

Uoih. 19: 12,22.  Judg.  4:6,12.  8:18.  Ps. 89:12.  k Gen.  28:19,22  . 35:6,1.  1 Ler. 
1:10.  3:6, 1*2.  7:13.  23:13.  Num.  15:5 — 12.  * Heb.  ask  ihee  of  peace.  Judg.  18: 
15.  mar*,  m M.  13:3.  n 19:20.  2 Kings  2:3,5,15.  4:38.  6:1.  c Ex.  15:20,21. 
2 Kings  3.15.  1 Chr.  13:8.  15:15—21,27,28.  16:5,42.25:1—6.  2 Chr.  29:25-27. 
Ps.  49:4.  150:3—6.  p 16:13.  19:23.  Num.  11:25.  ,ludg.3:10.  Matt. 7:22.  q9 
— 12.  t Heb.  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  when,  r Ex.  4:8.  Luke  2: 12.  John  16: 
4.  JHeh.do  for  thee  as  thine  hand  shall  find.  Judg  9:33.  s Gen.  21 :20.  Deut. 
20:1.  Judg.  6:12.  Is.  7:14.  45:1,2.  Matt.  1:23.  28:20.  t 11:14,15.  13:4.  15:33. 


bourhood  of  these  cities  was  called  “ the  plain  of  Tabor,” 
from  its  resemblance  to  the  vicinity  of  mount  Tabor. 

V.  5,  fi.  The  hill  of  God,  which  was  kept  by  a garrison  of 
the  Philistines,  seems  to  have  been  at  or  nearGibeah,  where 
Saul  lived ; and  a high  place  for  the  worship  of  God  was 
situated  there  (13.) — From  the  time  of  Samuel,  there  appear 
to  have  been  seminaries,  where  pious  young  men  were  edu- 
cated, under  the  tuition  of  some  approved  prophets,  in  the 
knowledge  of  divine  things ; upon  whom  God  was  frequently 
pleased  to  bestow  the  Spirit  of  prophecy  : and  they  were 
very  useful  in  preserving  some  sense  of  true  religion  in  the 
land,  when  the  priests  and  Levites  neglected  their  duty  ; as 
it  must  be  concluded  that  they  generally  did  at  this  time. 
(Notes,  1 Kings  19:20,21.  2 Kings  2:1,2.  4:1.)  The  garri- 
son of  the  Philistines  did  not,  it  seems,  disturb  them  in  their 
devout  studies  and  exercises. — The  prophets  frequently  used 
solemn  music,  to  compose  their  minds  for  the  illapses  of  the 
Spirit  of  God  ; and  many  think,  that  they  were  immediately 
inspired  to  praise  God  in  suitable  hymns  accompanying  the 
music.  (Notes,  2 Kings  3:15.  1 Cor.  14:26 — 33.)  In  these 
Saul  was  supeanaturally  enabled  to  join  ; as  well  as  endued 
with  extraordinary  prudence  and  courage,  qualifying  him  to 
govern  the  people  of  God.  (Note,  1 Kings  3:5 — 14.) 

V.  7.  When  Saul  had  by  these  signs  been  assured  of  his 
appointment  to  the  kingdom,  and  especially  when  the  Spirit 
of  God  had  powerfully  come  upon  him,  and  he  was  “ turned 
into  another  man;”  (Note,  9.)  he  must  be  left,  without 
further  particular  directions,  to  act  in  general  as  circum- 
stances required  ; depending  on  God  for  wisdom,  assistance, 
and  success.  ( Mar g.  Ref.) 

V.  8.  The  deliverance  of  Israel  from  the  Philistines, 
though  one  great  end  of  Saul’s  appointment  to  the  kingdom, 
was  not  attempted  till  the  second  year  of  his  reign.  And  at 
that  time,  Saul  at  Gilgal  neglected  to  wait  for  Samuel, 
according  to  directions  given  him,  which  in  some  respects 
correspond  with  these.  (Notes,  13:8 — 15.) — Saul  was  con- 
firmed in  the  kingdom  at  Gilgal,  when  Samuel  was  present: 
(11:14,15.)  and  it  is  probable,  that  Samuel  purposed  to  seek 
direction,  and  a blessing  from  God,  by  solemn  sacrifices, 
before  Saul  made  war  upon  the  Philistines  ; but  he  was  pre- 
vented by  Saul’s  precipitancy. — Perhaps  the  instruction  was 
intended  as  a general  rule,  on  every  great  emergency.  (Note, 
15:1—3.) 


12  And  one  "of  the  same  place  answered  *nd 
said,  But  dwho  is  their  Father  ? Therefore  i 
became  a proverb,  Is  Saul  also  among  the  prP 
phetsr 

13  And  when  he  had  made  an  end  of  prophe 
sying,  he  came  to  the  high  place. 

14  And  Saul’s  uncle  said  unto  him  and  to  his 
servant,  Whither  went  ye?  “And  he  said,  To 
seek  the  asses  : and  when  we  saw  that  they  were 
fno  where,  we  came  to  Samuel. 

15  And  Saul’s  uncle  said,  Tell  me,  I pray  thee, 
what  Samuel  said  unto  you  ? 

16  And  Saul  said  unto  his  uncle,  He  told  us 
plainly  that  the  asses  were  found.  But  "of  the 
matter  of  the  kingdom,  whereof  Samuel  spake, 

he  told  him  not.  1 Practical  Observations.] 

17  11  And  Samuel  called  the  people  together 
hunto  the  Lord  to  Mizpeh  : 

18  And  said  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  ‘Thus 
saith  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  I brought  up  Israd 
out  of  Egypt,  and  delivered  you  out  of  the  hanu 
of  the  Egyptians,  and  out  of  the  hand  of  all  king- 
doms, and  of  them  that  oppressed  you. 

19  And  kye  have  this  day  rejected  your  God, 
who  himself  saved  you  out  of  all  your  adversities 
and  your  tribulations : and  ye  have  said  unto  him, 
JYay  but  set  a king  over  us.  Now  therefore 
present  yourselves  before  the  Lord  'by  your  tribes, 
and  by  your  thousands. 

20  And  when  Samuel  had  mcaused  all  the 
tribes  of  Israel  to  come  near,  the  tribe  of  Benja- 
min was  taken. 

21  When  he  had  caused  the  tribe  of  Benjamin 
to  come  near  by  their  families,  the  family  of  Matri 
was  taken,  and  Saul  the  son  of  Kish  was  taken,  and 
when  they  sought  him  he  could  not  be  found. 

22  Therefore  they  "inquired  of  the  Lori 
further,  if  the  man  should  yet  come  thither.  And 
the  Lord  answered,  Behold,  he  hath  "hid  himself 
among  the  stuff. 


u 13:8 — 15.  § Heb.  shoulder.  ||  Ileb.  turned,  x 6.  y 2— 5.  Judg.  6:21 ,36 — 40. 
7:11.  Is.  38:7,8.  Mark  14:16.  z5:19,20— 24.  a John  9:8,9.  Acts  3: 10.  IT  Heb. 
a man  to  his  neighbour. b Matt.  13:55.  John  7:15.  Acts  2:7,8.  4:13.  9:21.  c 19: 
24.  **  Heb.  from  thence,  d Is.  54:13.  John  6:45.  7:16.  Jam.  1 : 17.  e 9:3 — 13, 
f 2 Kings  5:25.  g 9:27. Ex.  4:18.  Judg.  14:6.  Prov.  29:11.  h 7:5,6.  Judg.  & 

1.  i Judg.  2:1.  6.8,9.  Neh.  9:9— 12,27,28.  k 8:7— 9,19.  12:17— 19.  I Num.  11 

2.  Josh.  7:14.  Mic.  5:2.  m 14:41 ,42.  Josh.  7;  16— 18.  Acts  1 :24— 26.  n 23:2— 
4,11,12.  Num.  27:21.  Judg.  1:1.  20:18,23,28.  o9:21.  15:17.  Luke  14:11. 


V.  9.  Another  heart .]  Saul  was  inspired  with  fortitude 
and  resolution;  and  his  mind  was  enlarged  to  great  designs 
of  governing  and  delivering  Israel,  and  subduing  their  ene- 
mies, and  thus  promoting  the  welfare  of  his  people  : he  was 
also  brought  under  religious  impressions  ; and  indeed  his  con- 
duct, for  a season,  appeared  very  promising,  though  he  after- 
wardsbecame  atrociously  wicked.  (Notes,  Matt.  12:43 — 45. 
2 Pet.  2:20 — 22.)  He  was  “ turned  into  another  man:”  but 
it  is  not  said,  that  he  was  made  “ partaker  of  a new  heart, 
and  a right  spirit.”  The  effects  and  nature  of  the  change 
which  took  place  in  Saul  at  this  time,  will  be  viewed  by 
readers  in  general  according  to  their  different  sentiments  on 
some  points  of  doubtful  disputation;  which  after  all  can  never 
be  decided  by  this,  or  any  other  example;  but  from  a com- 
prehensive knowledge  of  the  sacred  oracles,  and  the  nature 
and  securities  of  God’s  everlasting  covenant.  (Notes,  2 
Sam.  23:5.  Is.  55:4,5.  Jer.  32:38 — 41.) 

V.  10 — 13.  When  Saul  came  among  the  prophets,  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  upon  him,  and  he  spake  so  perti- 
nently and  fluently  in  divine  things,  or  so  earnestly  joined  in 
their  adorations  and  hymns  of  sacred  praise,  that  those  who 
before  had  known  him  were  astonished  to  hear  him  : and  one 
said,  “ But  who  is  their  Father  ?”  ‘ Is  not  God  the  Father 
of  prophets?  Why  need  you  then  be  surprised  to  see  Saul, 
though  before  an  unlikely  person,  become  one  of  them?’  Or, 
‘ Is  not  Samuel  the  father  or  institutor  of  this  seminary  ? and 
Saul  has  been  all  night  with  him,  and  is  thus  become  one  ol 
them.’  (Note,  19:19 — 24.) — It  caused  far  greater  astonish- 
ment many  ages  afterwards  to  see  another  Saul  among  the 
apostles  of  Jesus.  (Note,  Acts  9:17 — 22.) — When  Saul  had 
prophesied  for  a time,  he  seems  to  have  gone  to  the  high  place, 
to  perform  his  devotions  before  he  returned  home. 

V.  1 6.  This  may  be  ascribed  to  a commendable  modesty  and 
prudence,  by  which  Saul  would  avoid  ostentation,  shun  envy, 
and  patiently  wait  the  event.  (Note,  Judg.  14:5,6.) 

V.  17— 22.  (Marg.Ref.  Notes,  8:1— 9.)—' This  deter- 
mination seems  to  have  been  made  by  casting  lots.  The 
appointment  of  a king  was  thus  referred  to  God,  by  the  inter- 
position of  his  prophet,  and  not  to  a popular  election.  (Notes, 
8:19,22.  Deut.  17:14,15.)  Yet  the  narrative  implies,  that  the 
elders  inquired  of  the  Lord,  either  by  the  high-priest  or  by 
Samuel;  and  that  they  received  an  express  answer  (22.) — 
Saul  hid  himself,  probably  from  criminal  diffidence  and  dis- 
C 493  ) 


B.  C.  1075. 


I.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1075. 


23  And  they  ran  and  fetched  him  thence : and 
when  he  stood  among  the  people,  rhe  was  higher 
than  any  of  the  people,  from  his  shoulders  and 
upward. 

24  And  Samuel  said  to  all  the  people,  ^See  ye 
him  whom  the  Loan  hath  chosen,  that  there  is 
none  like  him  among  all  the  people  ? And  all  the 
people  shouted,  and  said,  'God  save  the  king. 

25  Then  Samuel  told  the  people  rthe  manner  of 
the  kingdom,  and  wrote  it  in  a book,  and  laid  it 
up  before  the  Lord.  And  Samuel  sent  all  the 
people  away,  every  man  to  his  house. 

26  And  Saul  also  went  home  to  'Gibeah  ; and 
there  went  with  him  a band  of  men, ‘whose  hearts 
God  had  touched. 

27  But  the  "children  of  Belial  said,  How  shall 
this  man  save  us?  and  they  despised  him,  and 
'brought  him  no  presents : but  fhe  held  his 
peace. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Kahash,  the  Ammonite,  encamps  against  Jabesh-gilead,  and  offers  the  inhabi- 
tants most  cruel  and  disgraceful  terms  ; who  obtain  seven  days'  respite , 1 — 

3.  They  send  messengers  to  Gibeah , and  Saul  delivers  them,  and  smites  the 

Ammonites,  4 — II.  Saul  will  not  allow  his  despiscrs  to  be  punished,  12  13. 

He  is  made  king  in  Gilgal,  14, 15. 

THEN  “Nahash  the  Ammonite  came  up  and 
encamped  against  b Jabesh-gilead  : and  all  the 


p 9:2.  16:7.  17:4.  q Dent.  17:15.  2 Sam.  21:6.  * Heb.  let  the  king  live.  1 Kings 
1:25,31.  2 Kings  11:12.  Matt. 21:9.  r 8: 11— 18.  Deut.  17:14— 20.  Ez.  45:9,10. 
46:16—18.  Rom. 131— 7.  1 Tim.  2:2.  Tit.  3:1.  1 Pet.  2:13,14.  s 11:4.  15:34. 
Josh. 18:28.  Judg.  19:12— 16.  20:  2Sam.21:6.  t Ezra  1:5.  Ps.  110:3.  Acts  7: 
•0.  13:48.  u 2:12.  11:12.  Deut.  13:13.  2 Sam.  20.1.  Acta  7:35,51,52.  x 2 Sam. 
8:2.  1 Kings  4:21.  10:25.  2 Chr.  17:5  Ps.  72:10.  Malt.  2:11.  | Or,  he  was 
ns  though  he  had  been  deaf.  Ps.  39:13.  Is.  36:21.  Matt.  27:12 — 14.  a 12:12. 
Judg.  10:7.  11,8, &c.  b 31:11 — 13.  Judg.  21:8,10.  c Gen.  26:28.  Ex.  23:32. 


trust  of  God  ; j'et  some  suppose,  he  was  alarmed  by  hearing, 
that  the  Lord  was  displeased  with  the  people  for  asking  a king. 

V.  25.  The  manner  of  the  kingdom.]  Probably  this  writing 
contained  the  rules  of  the  government;  or,  in  modern  lan- 
guage, the  prerogatives  of  the  prince,  and  the  privileges  of 
the  people.  u The  manner  of  the  kingdom”  would  differ  con- 
siderably from  M the  manner  of  the  king,”  before  mentioned  : 
the  one  being  the  appointment  of  God,  and  the  other  the  effect 
of  human  depravity,  when  intrusted  with  absolute  authority. 
(Notes,  8:10—18.  Deut.  17:14—18.) 

V.  26,  27.  The  people  in  general  seem  to  have  treated  the 
matter  with  great  indifference,  notwithstanding  the  earnest- 
ness with  which  they  had  demanded  a king.  And  Saul  mo- 
destly went  home  to  his  own  house,  leaving  for  the  present 
Samuel  to  manage  public  affairs,  as  he  had  before  done.  Yet 
he  was  attended  by  a band  of  men  whose  hearts  God  disposed 
to  support  his  authority  ; while  others  contemptuously  rejected 
him,  and  would  not  acknowledge  him  as  king.  But  he  pru- 
dently held  his  peace,  and  did  not  resent  their  affronts  ; and 
thus  civil  discords  and  unpopular  measures  were  prevented. 
(Notes,  Judg.  8:1—  3.  12:1—7.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 16.  Many  are  employed  in  outward  services  to  the 
Lord’s  people,  who  have  not  the  unction  of  his  sanctifying 
grace:  yet  the  most  eminent  Christians  and  ministers  must 
honour  and  obey  God’s  authority  in  them. — The  attentive  be- 
liever, comparing  the  dispensations  of  Providence  with  the 
word  of  God,  will  perceive  his  hand  in  the  most  ordinary  con- 
cerns of  life,  as  fulfilments  of  the  Scripture,  answers  of  prayer, 
and  evidences  of  the  Lord’s  peculiar  kindness. — A superior 
care,  in  common  life,  swallows  up  an  inferior  one:  and  the 
tender  parent  ceases  from  anxiety  about  his  property,  when 
solicitous  for  the  welfare  of  his  son.  Children  therefore  should 
take  heed  not  to  distress  such  kind  friends:  but  we  are  espe- 
cially reminded,  that  a due  concern  about  eternal  things  would 
moderate  our  care  about  the  interests  of  this  life. — Many 
changes  may  take  place  in  the  language,  conduct,  and  dispo- 
sition of  him,  who  is  not  born  of  God:  another  man  he  may 
become,  and  yet  not  a new  creature ; another  heart  he  may 
have,  but  not  a holy  heart : he  may  be  qualified  for  ruling  or 
preaching,  and  yet  not  be  u made  meet  for  the  inheritance  of 
the  saints  in  light nay,  he  may  prophesy  and  work  miracles, 
and  yet  be  a child  of  the  devil. — Sudden  changes  are  generally 
to  be  suspected : but  when  we  consider  who  makes  the  Chris- 
tian and  the  prophet,  we  need  not  bo  offended,  should  we 
number  among  professors  and  even  preachers  of  the  gospel, 
some  Saul  who  was  one  of  our  former  ungodly  acquaintance : 
for  true  conversion  makes  so  great  a change  in  a man’s  cha- 
racter, that  former  friends  can  scarcely  believe  him  to  be  the 
same  ; whether  they  admire  and  love,  or  despise  and  hate  it. 
— When  we  depend  on  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  we 
may  regulate  our  general  conduct  as  circumstances  require, 
and  act  with  humble  confidence  in  perplexing  situations,  being 
assured  that  M God  is  with  us hut  we  should  enter  on  every 
enterprise,  with  reference  to  his  authority  and  worship,  and 
carefully  observe  hisMirections,  and  wait  his  time. — We  may 
freely  speak  of  those  tilings  which  arc  honourable  to  others; 
but  in  general  it  is  best  to  bo  silent,  as  to  those  transactions 
which  lend  to  our  own  reputation. 

( 494  ) 


men  of  Jabesh  said  unto  Naliash,  'Make  a cov- 
enant with  us,  and  we  will  serve  thee. 

2 And  Nahash,  the  Ammonite  answered  them, 
dOn  this  condition  will  I make  a covenant  with 
you,  that  eI  may  thrust  out  all  your  right  eyes, 
and  lay  it  for  f a reproach  upon  all  Israel. 

3 And  the  elders  of  Jabesh  said  unto  him, 
'Give  us  seven  days’  respite,  that  we  may  send 
messengers  unto  all  the  coasts  of  Israel : and 
then,  if  there  be  no  man  to  save  us,  we  will  come 
out  to  thee. 

■*4  Then  came  the  messengers  to  ^Gibeah  of 
Saul,  and  told  the  tidings  in  the  ears  of  the  peo- 
ple : and  all  the  people  '’lifted  up  their  voices  and 
wept. 

5 And,  behold,  Saul  came  'after  the  herd  out  of 
the  field  ; and  Saul  said,  JWhat  aileth  the  people 
that  they  weep  ? And  they  told  him  the  tidings 
of  the  men  of  Jabesh. 

6 And  the  kSpirit  of  God  came  upon  Saul 
when  he  heard  those  tidings,  and  ‘his  anger  was 
kindled  greatly. 

7 And  he  took  a yoke  of  oxen,  and  ’"hewed 
them  in  pieces,  and  sent  them  throughout  all  the 
coasts  of  Israel  by  the  hands  of  messengers,  say- 
ing, "Whosoever  cometh  not  forth  after  Saul  and 


Deut.  23:3.  1 Kins.  20:34.  JoMl:4.  Ez.l7:13.  d 2 Kinjs  18:31.  e Judg. 
16:21.  Esth.  3:6.  Prov.  12:10.  Jer.  39:7.  f 17:26.  Gen.  34:14.  * Heb.  forbear 
us.  g 10:26.  14:2.  15:34  . 2 Sam.  21-6.  h 30:4.  Judg.  2:4.  21 :2.  Rom. 12:15. 
1 Cor.  12:26.  Gal.  6:2.  Heb.  13:3.  i 9:1.  1 Kings  19:19.  Ps.  78:71.  J Gen.  21: 
17.  Judg.  18:23.  Is.  22:1.  k 10:10.  16:13.  Judg.  3:10.  6:34.  11:29.  13:25.  14:6. 
1 Ex.  32:19.  Nura.  12:3.  Mark  3:5.  Eph.  4:26.  m Judg.  19:29.  n Judg.  21: 
5,8—11, 


V.  17 — 27.  The  Lord  will  bring  to  a seasonable  determi- 
nation those  affairs,  which  are  referred  to  him : but  the  grati- 
fication of  inordinate  desires  is  short-lived  and  expired  in  dis- 
appointment and  vexation.  It  is  good  to  be  conscious  of  our 
unworthinets  and  insufficiency  for  the  services  to  which  we 
are  called ; and  to  avoid  ostentation,  and  whatever  may  excite 
envy  and  opposition  : hut  we  should  be  careful  not  to  run  into 
the  opposite  extreme,  by  refusing  the  employments  to  which 
the  Lord  calls  us,  through  meanness  of  spirit  and  unbelief. 
Indeed,  high  stations  are  heavy  burdens,  when  the  duties  of 
them  are  conscientiously  attended  on:  and  the  comfort  of 
them  is  but  small ; for  the  heart  of  man  is  prone  to  envy  all 
who  are  preferred.  (Notes,  18:6 — 9.  Ec.  4:4 — 6.)  Our  natural 
enmity  to  God  disposes  us  to  despise  and  oppose  the  instru- 
ments which  he  selects  for  the  government  of  states,  and  for 
promoting  his  cause : and  if  some  approve,  honour,  and  help 
them,  they  will  be  reviled  and  contemned  by  others.  But  we 
should  wait  his  will  with  patience,  and  without  discourage- 
ment; bear  scorn  and  malice  in  silent  meekness ; and  attend 
to  the  duties  of  our  station,  according  to  the  manner  of  it: 
thus  the  fatal  effects  of  discord  will  be  prevented,  and  in 
due  season  the  Lord  will  plead  our  cause,  and  all  opposition 
will  fall  before  us. — Men  seldom  receive  that  with  thankful- 
ness, which  they  sought  with  too  great  eagerness : for  their 
expectations  are  not  exactly  answered,  and  this  occasions 
dissatisfaction  and  sullen  discontent.  And  when  any  welcome 
with  gratitude  the  appointments  of  God,  and  set  themselves 
cordially  to  promote  his  cause  ; (even  the  cause  of  Christ  our 
anointed  King,  whom  so  many  “ children  of  Belial”  despiso  ; ) 
they  are  those  alone,  whose  hearts  he  has  touched  by  his 
grace ; and  to  him  all  the  praise  belongs.  (Notes,  Ezra  1:1 — 
4.  John  6:41 — 46.) 

NOTES— Chap.  XL  V.  1—3.  Jabesh-gilead  had  been 
desolated  by  the  Israelites  some  time  before:  (Note,  Judg. 
21:9 — 12  ) but  being  now  replenished,  it  was  assaulted  by  the 
Ammonites  on  whose  borders  it  was  situated ; who,  it  is  pro- 
bable, renewed  the  claims  which  had  been  made  in  the  days 
ofJephthah.  (Notes,  Judg.  11:12 — 23.)  And  the  inhabitants, 
when  they  offered  to  capitulate,  could  obtain  no  better  terms, 
than  for  every  man  to  have  his  right  eye  put  out. — It  is  pro- 
bable, that  their  enemies  would  not  have  consented  to  the 
respite  even  of  a few  days,  but  in  confidence  that  they  would 
not  be  helped,  and  that  in  consequence  the  nation  of  Israel 
would  be  the  more  deeply  disgraced.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  10:2 — 
4.)  Some  apprehension  of  this  war  had  induced  the  Israelites 
to  desire  a king:  (Note,  12:11 — 13.)  but  tho  unsettled  staui 
of  affairs  both  encouraged  the  Ammonites,  and  disheartened 
the.  men  of  Jabesh-gilead. 

V.  4,  5.  Saul  finding  himself  despised  bv  some  of  tho 
Israelites,  and  neglected  by  others,  returned  quietly  to  his 
former  occupations,  and  left  tho  matter  entirely  to  Providence. 
(Note,  10:26,27.) — In  this  chapter  he  looks  as  great  ns  the 
much  celebrated  Homan  dictator  from  the  plough,  mid  indeed 
greater.  For  Saul  followed  his  herds,  after  ho  was  appointed 
to  the  kingdom  by  God  himself;  yet  when  railed  forth  to  action, 
hts  vigour  and  success  were  not  at  all  inferior  to  those  of  tho 
renowned  Roman. 

V.  6 — 11.  Saul  excited  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  fired 
with  a generous  indignation  at  the  indignity  offered  'o  Is'a-1. 


B.  C.  107b. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


B.  C.  1075. 


after  Samuel,  so  shall  it  be  done  unto  his  oxen. 
And  “the  fear  of  the  Lord  fell  on  the  people,  and 
they  came  out  'with  one  consent. 

8 And  when  he  numbered  them  in  pBezek, 
sthe  children  of  Israel  were  three  hundred  thou- 
sand, and  the  men  of  Judah  thirty  thousand. 

9 And  they  said  unto  the  messengers  that  came, 
Tims  shall  ye  say  unto  the  men  of  Jabesh-gilead, 
To-morrow,  by  that  time  the  sun  be  hot,  ye  shall 
have  fhelp.  And  the  messengers  came  and 
showed  it  to  the  men  of  Jabesh  ; and  they  were 
glad. 

10  Therefore  the  men  of  Jabesh  said,  ■'To- 
morrow we  will  come  out  unto  you,  and  ye  shall 
do  with  us  all  that  seemeth  good  unto  you. 

11  And  it  was  so  5on  the  morrow,  that  Saul  put 
the  people  ‘in  three  companies,  and  they  came 
into  the  midst  of  the  host  in  the  "morning-watch, 
and  xslew  the  Ammonites  until  the  heat  of  the 
day : and  it  came  to  pass,  that  they  which  re- 
mained were  scattered,  rso  that  two  of  them  were 
not  left  together. 

12  H And  the  people  said  unto  Samuel,  zWho 
is  he  that  said,  Shall  Saul  reign  over  us  r bring 
the  men,  that  we  may  put  them  to  death. 

13  And  Saul  said,  "There  shall  not  a man  be 
put  to  death  this  day  : for  to-day  bthe  Lord  hath 
wrought  salvation  in  Israel. 

14  Then  said  Samuel  to  the  people,  Come,  and 
"let  us  go  to  Gilgal,  and  ‘'renew  the  kingdom 
there. 

15  And  all  the  people  went  to  Gilgal ; and  there 
they  made  Saul  king  “before  the  Lord  in  Gilgal; 
and  1 there  they  sacrificed  sacrifices  of  peace-offer- 
ings before  the  Lord  ; and  there  Saul  and  all  the 
men  of  Israel  ^rejoiced  greatly. 

oGen.35:5.  2 Chr.  14:14.  17:10.  * Heb.  as  one  man.  Judg.  20:1.  p Judg. 

1:4,5.  q 13:15.  15:4.  2 Sam.  24:9.  2 Chr.  17: 12— 19.  t Or,  deliverance.  Ps. 
18:17.  r 2.  s Gen.  22:14.  Ps.46:l.  t Judg.  7:18.  9:43.  u Ex.  14:24.  x 2. 
Judg.  1:7.  Matt.  7:2.  Jam.  2:13.  y 30: 17,18.  Judg.  4: 16.  z 10:27.  Ps.2l:8. 
Luke  19:27.  a 2 Sam.  19:22.  b 19:5.  Ex.  14:13,30.  Ps.  44:4— 8.  1 Cor.  15:10. 
c 7: 16.  10:8.  d 10:24.  2 Sam.  5:3.  1 Chr.  12:38,39.  e 10:17.  f Ex.  24:5.  1 Chr. 
29:21 — 24.  g 8:19.  12:13— 15,17.  Hos.  13:10,11 . Jam.  4:16.  a 8:5—  8,19 — 22. 
b 10:1,24.  11:14,15.  c 8:20.  Num. 27:17.  d 8:1 ,5.  Ps.  71:18.  Is.  46:3,4.  2Tim. 
4:6.  2 Pet.  114.  e 2:22,29.  3:13.  8:3.  f3:19,20.  g 5.  10:1. 24:6.  2 Sam.  1:14 


in  a very  spirited,  yet  modest  and  clement  manner,  summoned 
the  attendance  of  the  people  ; assuming  regal  authority,  yet 
adding  the  name  of  Samuel,  doubtless  to  avoid  needless 
offence:  and,  through  the  immediate  influence  of  God  upon 
their  hearts,  a very  great  multitude  assembled  with  surprising 
celerity.  Upon  this  they  undertook  and  performed  a march, 
perhaps  of  forty  or  fifty  miles,  within  the  space  of  about 
twenty-four  hours  ; anti  by  this  despatch  arrived  in  time  to 
rescue  their  trembling  brethren  at  Jabesh,  and  unexpectedly 
to  destroy  or  totally  scatter  their  insulting  enemies.  In  this 
public  service,  it  is  said,  that  “ the  Spirit  of  God  came  upon 
Saul,”  and  in  this  alone.  (Notes,  10:5 — 7.  16:13,14.) 

V.  12 — 15.  Saul’s  extraordinary  success  went  further  with 
the  people,  than  either  the  Lord’s  appointment  or  Samuel’s 
anointing  of  him,  or  his  personal  accomplishments  ; so  that 
they  received  him  as  their  king,  with  sacrifices  and  great  joy. 
And  now  “ the  sons  of  Belial”  were  saved  from  death,  as  well 
as  Israel  from  the  Ammonites,  by  him  whom  they  despised 
as  unable  to  save  them.  (Note,  10:26,27.)  Saul’s  answer 
likewise  gave  the  glory  of  the  victory  to^God,  who  alone  had 
saved  his  people.  In  all  this,  his  conduct  was  unexceptionable ; 
and  the  whole  concludes  with  such  humanity  and  apparent 
piety,  as  promised  far  better  effects  than  those  which  followed. 
( Marg . Ref.  Note,  Ps.  36:3,4.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Has'y  settlements  among  bad  neighbours  often  produce 
multiplied  calamities  : (Note,  Num.  32:29.)  and  when  profes- 
sed Christians  act  inconsistently  with  the  covenant  of  God, 
they  will  probably  be  forced  to  the  basest  subjection  to  man  ; 
for  God  will  disgrace  those  who  dishonour  him,  and  make  them 
a reproach  to  their  enemies.— To  save  their  lives  men  often 
part  with  their  liberty,  and  will  gven  consent  to  lose  their 
eyes : how  much  more  then  is  it  our  wisdom,  to  part  with  our 
right  eye,  rather  than  to  be.  cast  into  hell-fire  ! (Notes,  Mutt. 
5:29,30.  Mark.  9:43 — 50.  P.  0.30 — 50.)  Indulgences  or  in- 
terests most  dear  to  our  carnal  hearts,  must  be  crucified,  if 
we  would  covenant  with  God  for  the  life  of  our  souls  ; and, 
whatever  respite  he  may  give,  none  can  save  us  out  of  his 
hand : we  must  consent  to  his  proposals  or  perish  for  ever. 
But  tender  mercy  is  couched  under  this  apparently  severe 
requisition  : the  dreaded  operati  n will  not  be-so  painful  as 
men  suppose,  the  advantages  are  immense,  and  the  service 
of  God  is  perfect  freedom.— The  Lord,  in  providence,  will 
make  way  for  those,  whom  he  has  designed  and  prepared  for 
usefulness  : nor  shall  any  repent  of  humbly  waiting  in  obscu- 
rity and  honest  industry,  till  he  is  pleased  to  call  them  forth  ; 
for  pride  and  impatience  alone  can  conclude,  that  the  only 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Samuel,  before  Israel,  avows  his  integrity,  and  the  people  fully  justify  him , I 
— 6.  He  expostulates  with  them,  for  their  ingratitude,  in  rejecting  the  gov- 
ernment of  God , and  warns  them  against  disobedience,  6 — 15.  To  show  their 
guilt  in  asking  a king, he  calls  for  thunder  and  rain  in  time  of  harvest,  which 
greatly  dismays  them,  16—19.  He  promises  to  instruct  and  pray  for  themt 
and  encourages  them  to  cleave  to  the  service  of  Ciod,  and  to  trust  in  hie  mer- 
cy, 20—25. 

AND  Samuel  said  unto  all  Israel,  Behold,  aI 
have  hearkened  unto  your  voice  in  all  that  ye 
said  unto  me,  and  bhave  made  a king  over  you. 

2  And  now,  behold,  the  king  “walketh  before 
you:  and  dI  am  old  and  grey-headed;  and,  be- 
hold, emy  sons  are  with  you  : and  f I have  walked 
before  you  from  my  childhood  unto  this  day. 

3  Behold,  here  I am : witness  against  me 
before  the  Lord,  and  before  shis  anointed  : bwhose 
ox  have  I taken  ? or  whose  ass  have  I taken  ? or 
whom  have  I defrauded  ? whom  have  I oppressed  ? 
or  of  whose  hand  have  I received  any  'bribe  to 
tblind  mine  eyes  therewith  ? and  'I  will  restore  it 
you. 

4  And  they  said,  kThou  hast  not  defrauded  us, 
nor  oppressed  us,  neither  hast  thou  taken  aught 
of  any  man’s  hand. 

5  And  he  said  unto  them,  'The  Lord  is  witness 
against  you,  and  mhis  anointed  is  witness  this  day, 
that  "ye  have  not  found  aught  "in  my  hand.  And 
they  answered,  He  is  witness. 

6  And  Samuel  said  unto  the  people,  p It  is  the 
Lord  that  ^advanced  Moses  and  Aaron,  and 
that  brought  your  fathers  up  out  of  the  land  of 
Egypt. 

7  Now  therefore  stand  still,  that  I may  ^reason 
with  you  before  the  Lord,  of  all  the  ^righteous 
acts  of  the  Lord,  which  he  did  "to  you  and  to 
your  fathers. 

8  When  "Jacob  was  come  into  Egypt,  and 


—16.  Matt.  22:21.  Rom.  13:1 — 7.  h Num.  16:15.  Acts  20:33.  1 Thes.  2:5,10. 
1 Pet.  5:2.  ’ Heb.  ransom,  t Or,  that  I should  hide  mine  ryes  at  him.  Ex. 

23:8.  Deut.  16:19.  PLev.  6:4.  Luke  19:8.  k Ps.  37  5,6.  Dan.  6:4.  3 John  12. 
1 Job  31:35—40.  42:7.  m26:9.  n John  18:38.  Acls23;9.  1 Cor.  4.4.  2 Cor.  1: 
12.  o Ex.  22:4.  Ps.  17:3.  p Ex.  6:26.  Neh.  9:9— 14.  Pa. 77: 19,20  . 78:12,  &c. 
99:6.105:26,41.  Is.  63:7— 14.  Hos.  12:13.  } Or,  made,  q Is.  1 : 18.  5:3,4.  Ez, 
18:25 — 30.  Mic.  6:2 — 4.  Acta  17:3.  § Heb.  righteousnesses,  or,  benefits.  Judg 

5:Ii.  !l  Heb.  with.  r Gen.  46:5— 7.  Num.  20:15.  Acta  7:15. 


wise  God  has  lighted  a candle  to  leave  it  under  a bushel. — 
The  reproach  of  the  gospel,  the  distresses  of  the  Lord’s  peo- 
ple, and  the  insulting  triumphs  of  their  enemies,  should  not 
only  excite  our  sympathizing  sorrows,  but  our  most  decisive 
exertions  in  our  several  stations,  yea,  our  warm  and  generous 
indignation.  But  magistrates  in  all  cases  should  he  sparing 
of  the  lives  of  their  subjects,  and  only  punish  them  in  their 
property,  where  that  can  be  made  effectual. — When  zeal  for 
the  glory  of  God,  and  love  for  their  brethren,  prompt  men  to 
earnest  and  vigourous  efforts,  and  when  he  is  pleased  to 
concur,  great  effects  are  speedily  produced ; but  in  critical 
junctures  ordinary  measures  of  despatch  are  insufficient. — 
Deliverance  in  extreme  distress  is  doubly  welcome,  and  it  is 
often  vouchsafed  to  the  true  Christian  : but  the  destruction, 
which  commonly  overtakes  the  wicked  in  the  height  of  their 
triumphs  and  security,  is  inexpressibly  dreadful. — Humility 
and  clemency  add  superior  lustre  to  the  most  splendid  actions ; 
he  who  forgives  his  enemies,  when  he  has  them  in  his  power, 
obtains  the  noblest  victory  : (Note,  Prov.  16:32.)  and  by 
giving  the  praise  of  illustrious  exploits  to  God,  a man  acquires 
the  most  solid  honour. — The  Lord  delights  to  plead  the  cause 
of  those,  who  are  dumb  under  injuries,  and  who  do  not  plead 
for  themselves  ; to  put  to  silence  those  who  contend  with  his 
servants  ; and  to  work  by  instruments  which  man  contemns. 
— Thus  the  despised  Saviour  will  at  length  be  universally 
acknowledged  as  the  Lord’s  anointed  King,  with  songs  of 
triumph  and  praise  : at  present,  before  the  mercy-seat,  he 
receives  the  submissions  and  pleads  the  cause  of  rebels,  who 
are  willing  that  he  should  reign  over  and  save  them  ; but 
shortly  from  his  righteous  tribunal  he  will  condemn  to  ever- 
lasting ruin  all  those,  who  persist  in  contempt  of  him  and 
opposition  to  him. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XII.  V.  1.  The  elders  of  Israel,  being 
convened  at  Gilgal,  where  they  had  celebrated  the  late  victory 
with  sacrifices,  and  confirmed  the  kingdom  to  Saul;  (Note, 
11:12 — 15.)  Samuel  embraced  the  opportunity  of  appeu.ing  t» 
the  people,  and  to  their  king,  concerning  his  integrity  and 
disinterested  conduct,  as  their  judge,  when  about  to  divest 
himself  of  his  authority.  By  this  he  doubtless  means  not 
only  to  clear  his  own  character,  but  likewise  to  set  before 
Saul  an  instructive  example  ; and  especially  to  convince  the 
people  of  their  ingratitude  to  God,  as  well  as  to  him.  (Notes, 
Acts  20:18 — 35.) 

V.  2 — 7.  Samuel  might  be  about  eighteen  years  of  age 
when  Eli  was  slain,  and  thirty-eight  when  he  assembled  the 
people  at  Mizpeh,  (Notes,  7:1 — 12.)  and  perhaps  sixty  at  this 
time. — F rom  a child  he  had  been  labouring  assiduously  for 

( 495  ) 


B.  e 1074. 


I.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1074, 


your  fathers  'cried  unto  the  Lord,  then  the  Lord 
‘sent  Moses  and  Aaron,  which  “brought  forth 
vour  fathers  out  of  Egypt  and  'made  them  dwell 
n this  place. 

9 And  when  they  rforgat  the  Lord  their  God, 
'he  sold  them  into  the  hand  of  Sisera,  captain  of 
the  host  of  Hazor,  and  into  the  hand  "of  the 
Philistines,  and  binto  the  hand  of  the  king  of 
Moab,  and  they  fought  against  them. 

10  And  'they  cried  unto  the  Lord,  and  said, 
We  have  sinned,  because  we  have  forsaken  the 
Lord,  and  have  served  ‘'Baalim  and  Ashtaroth  : 
but  now  'deliver  us  out  of  the  hand  of  our 
enemies,  and  we  will  serve  thee. 

11  And  the  Lord  sent  fJerubbaal,  andsBedan, 
and  hJephthah,  and  'Samuel,  and  delivered  you 
out  of  the  hand  of  your  enemies  on  every  side, 
and  ye  dwelled  safe. 

12  And  when  ye  saw  that  kNahash,  the  king  of 
the  children  of  Ammon,  came  against  you,  ye 
said  unto  me,  ‘Nay,  but  a king  shall  reign  over 
us ; mwhen  the  Lord  your  God  was  your  King. 

13  Now  therefore  "behold  the  king  “whom  ye 
have  have  chosen,  and  whom  ye  rhave  desired  ! 
and,  behold,  the  Lord  hath  set  a king  over 
you. 

14  If  “lye  will  fear  the  Lord,  and  serve  him, 
and  obey  his  voice,  and  not  rebel  against  the 
‘commandment  of  the  Lord,  then  shall  both  ye, 
and  also  the  king  that  reigneth  over  you,  ‘continue 
following  the  Lord  your  God. 

15  But  if  rye  will  not  obey  the  voice  of  the 

s Ex.  2:23,24  . 3:9.  t See  on  6.  Ex.  3:10.  4:14-16,27-31.  6:26.  u Ex.  12:51. 
14:30,31.  x Josh.  1:2— 4.6.  3:10— 13.  Ps.  44:1—  3.  78:54,53.  105:44.  yDeut. 
32:18.  Jodg.  3:7.  Ps. 106:21.  Jer.  2:32.  zDeut. 32:30.  Judg.  2:14.  3:8.  4: 
2.  Is.  50:1,2.  a Judg.  10:7.  13:1.  b Judg.  3: 12.  Is.  63: 10.  c7:2.  Judg.  3:9,15. 
4:3.  6:7.  10:10,15.  Ps.  78:34,35.  106:44.  Is.  26: 16.  d Judg.  2:13.  3:7.  e Judg. 
I0:15,16.ls.33:22.  Luke  1.74,75.  2Cor.  5:14,15.  f Judg.  6:14,32.  8:29,35. 
g Judg.  13:— 16:  h Judg.  11:1,  4c.  I 7:13.  k 11:1.  1 8:5,6,19,20.  Judg.  9: 18, 
56,57.  m 8:7.  10:19.  Gen.  17:7.  Ex.  19:5,6.  Num.  23:21.  Ps.  74:12.  Is.  33:22. 
Hos. 13:10.  n 10:24.  11:15.  o 8:5.  9:20.  p Ps.  78:29— 31.  Hos.  13:11 . Acts  13: 
21.  q Lev.  26:1— 13.  Deul.  28:1— 14.  Josh.  24:14.  Ps.  81:13,14.  Is.  3:10.  Rom. 
2:7.  * Heb.  mouth,  t Heb.  be  after,  r Lev.  26:14 — 39.  Peut.  28: 15 — 68.  Josh. 
24:20.  Is.  l£0.3:tl.  Rom.  2:8,9.  6 See  or.  9.  t 7.  15: 16.  Ex.  14:13,31 . u Prov. 
26:1.  x 7:9,10.  Josh.  10:12.  Ps.  99:6.  Je*  15:1.  Jam.  5:16—18.  ySeeonSt. 

the  good  of  his  people,  and  was  grow>n  grey  in  their  service  ; 
yet  they  had  at  last  rejected  him  ! His  sons  had  indeed  mis- 
behaved ; and,  having  been  reduced  to  a private  station,  they 
were  there  present,  if  (he  people  chose  to  call  them  to  an 
account : but  for  himself  he  could  appeal  to  the  Lord,  and  to 
their  consciences,  and  was  even  willing  that  their  anointed 
king  should  decide,  whether  he  had  not  acted  with  entire 
equity,  impartiality,  and  disinterestedness,  during  his  whole 
administration.  (Notes,  Num.  16:15.  2 Cor.  1:12 — 14.  12:14 
— 21.  1 Thes.  2:1 — 8.)  When  they  had  in  consequence  fully 
attested  his  integrity,  he  expostulated  no  further  with  them 
concerning  their  conduct  towards  him  ; but  endeavoured  to 
convince  them  of  their  wickedness  in  the  sight  of  God  ; who 
had  brought  their  fathers  out  of  Egypt  by  a prophet  and  a 
priest,  and  not  by  a king  like  those  of  the  surrounding  nations. 
(Notes,  8:1—  5.  Deut.  17:14.  Hos.  12:12— 14.  13:10,11.  Acts 
7:30—36.) 

V.  8 — 10.  Jacob,  by  going  down  into  Egypt,  made  way 
for  that  oppression,  which  caused  his  posterity  to  cry  unlo 
the  Lord  : and  the  deliverance  from  Egypt  by  Moses  and 
Aaron,  made  way  for  the  settlement  of  Israel  in  Canaan  : 
and  their  subsequent  rebellions,  and  chastisements  prepared 
the  way  for  renewed  deliverances,  not  by  kings,  but  by  judges, 
raised  up  by  the  Lord  for  that  gracious  purpose,  as  Samuel 
himself  had  been.  ( Marg . Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  3:7. 4:5:  Judg. 
2:11—14.  3:12—30.  4:  5:) 

V.  11-7-13.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Judg.  6: — 11:)  Redan 
may  be  considered  as  a contraction  of  Ben-dan , or  the  son  of 
Dan  ; and  it.  is  probable  that  Samson  is  intended.  ( Notes, 
Judg.  13: — 16:)  The  Septuagint  has  Barak. — Samuel  joins 
himself  to  the  number  of  those,  by  whom  the  Lord  had  de- 
livered the  people  ; lo,  impress  more  deeply  on  their  minds 
the  conviction,  that  in  rejecting  him,  they  had  refused  to  con- 
tinue any  longer  under  the  immediate  government  of  God, 
by  judges  of  his  appointment,  which  had  been  their  honour 
and  happiness. — When  Nahash  prepared  to  war  against 
them,  it  seems  Samuel  gave  them  some  intimations  that  God 
would  raise  them  up  a deliverer,  or  he  offered  lo  lead  them  to 
battle;  but  they  refused  his  proposals,  saying,  “Nay,  but  a king 
shall  reign  over  us  :”  and  accordingly  God  had  appointed  a 
king  over  them.  (Notes,  8:  16:17 — 27.11:) 

V.  11,  15.  The  Israelites  might  perhaps  suppose,  that 
under  a king,  who  would  always  bo  at  hand  to  succour  them, 
and  fight  against  their  enemies,  their  affairs  would  not  be  ex- 
posed to  such  vicissitudes  as  before.  But  Samuel  assured 
them,  that  there  would  be  no  difference  in  that  respect : for 
their  privileges  as  the  Lord’s  peculiar  people  would  still  he 
continued  lo  them,  while  they  adhered  to  his  service,  and  with- 
drawn, if  they  forsook  it,  even  as  in  timos  past.  (Marg.  Rtf.) 

( 496  ) 


Lord,  but  rebel  against  the  commandment  of  the 
Lord;  then  shall  the  hand  of  the  Lord  be 
against  you,  as  it  was  'against  your  fathers. 

16  Now  therefore  ‘stand  and  see  this  great 
thing,  which  the  Lord  will  do  before  your  eyes. 

17  Is  it  “not  wheat-harvest  to-day  ? XI  will  call 
unto  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  send  thunder  and 
rain;  that  ye  may  perceive  and  see  that  tyou. 
wickedness  is  great,  which  ye  have  done  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord,  in  asking  you  a king. 

18  So  Samuel  called  unto  the  Lord  ; and  the 
Lord  'sent  thunder  and  rain  that  day  and  all  the 
people  greatly  “feared  the  Lord  and  Samuel. 

19  And  all  the  people  said  unto  Samuel,  bPray 
for  thy  servants  unto  the  Lord  thy  God,  that  we 
die  not : for  we  have  added  unto  all  our  sins  this 
evil,  to  ask  us  a king. 

20  And  Samuel  said  unto  the  people,  “Fear  4 
not : (ye  have  done  all  this  wickedness:  yet  turn 
not  aside  from  following  the  Lord,  but  serve  the 
Lord  with  all  your  heart ; 

21  And  dturn  ye  not  aside  : for  then  should  ye 
go  after  “vain  things,  which  f cannot  profit  nor 
deliver ; for  they  are  vain :) 

22  For  sthe  Lord  will  not  forsake  his  people 
bfor  his  great  name’s  sake ; because  ’it  hath 
pleased  the  Lord  to  make  you  his  people. 

23  Moreover,  as  for  me,  kGod  forbid  that  I 
should  sin  against  the  Lord  fin  ceasing  to  pray 
for  you  : but  ‘I  will  teach  you  “the  good  and  tire 
right  way. 

24  Only  “fear  the  Lord,  and  serve  him  “in  trufh 

z Ex. 9:23— 25.  Rev.  11:5,6.  a Ex.  14:31.  Ezra  10:9.  Ps.  106:12,13.  b 7:5,8 
Gen. 20:7.  Ex.  9:28.  10:17.  Job  42:8.  Ps.  78:34,35.  Mai.  1:9.  Acts  8:24.  1 John 
5:16.  c Ex.  20:19,20.  1 Pet.  3:6.  d Deut. 11:16.  31:29.  Josh. 23:6.  Pi.40:4. 
101:3.  125:5.  e Deut.  32:21.  Jer.  2:5,13.  10:8,13.  14:22.  16:19.  Jon.  2:8.  Hab. 
2:18.  1 Cor.  8:4.  fPs.  115:4— 8.  Is.  41 :28, 24.  44:9,10.  45:20.  46:7.  Jer.  10:5. 
g Deul.  31 -.17.  2 Kings  21:14.  1 Chr.  28:9.  2Chr.  15.2.  Ps.  94  :11.  Is.  41:17.  4% 

16.  Jer.  33:24-526.  Lam.  5:20.  Heb.  13:5.  h Ex.  32:12.  Num.  14:13— 19.  Deu». 
32:26,27.  Josh.  7:9.  Is.  37:35.  43:25.  48:11.  Jer.  14:7,21.  Ex.  20:9,14.  Eph.  1: 
6,12.  i Ex.  19:5,6.  Deut.  7:7, 3.  9:5.  14:2.  Mai.  1:2.  Matt.  11:26.  John  15:16. 
Rom.  9:13—18.  11:29.  1 Cor. 4:7.  Phil.  1:6,  k Acts  12:5.  Rom.  1:9.  Col.  1:9. 

1 Thes.  3:10.  2 Tim.  1:3.  1 Heb.  from  ceasing.  IPs.  34:11.  Prov.  4:11.  Ec. 
12:10.  Acts  20:20.  Col.  1:28.  m 1 Kings  8:36. ' 2 Chr.  6:27.  Jer.  6:16.  n Job 
28:23.  Ps.  111:10.  Prov.  1:7.  Ec.  12:13.  Heb.  12:29.  o Ps.  119:80.  John  1.47. 


Following,  &c.  (14)  Depending  on  God,  adhering  to 

his  worship  and  service,  and  protected  bv  him : and  so,  a 
holy  and  happy  people.  (Notes,  15:11.  Num.  14:24.  Hos. 
6:1—3.) 

V.  16 — 19.  Even  rain  was  uncommon  during  the  wheal- 
harvest,  and  doubtless  this  thunder-storm  was  very  violent. 
Having  likewise  been  predicted  and  called  for,  it  formed  a 
useful  attestation  of  Samuel’s  word,  and  was  entirely  suited 
to  produce  conviction  and  alarm  in  (he  consciences  of  the 
people. — Being,  therefore,  terrified  with  the  displays  of  the 
divine  power,  which  were  made  in  answer  to  Samuel’s  prayer, 
and  perceiving  how  much  he  was  honoured  by  God,  they 
were  afraid  of  some  immediate  judgments,  such  as  were  in- 
flicted on  their  forefathers  for  rebelling  against  Moses  and 
Aaron;  and  they  earnestly  begged  of  him  to  pray  for  them. 
(Notes,  Num.  11:1—3.  16:28—35,41—50.  21:4—9.)  They 
likewise  acknowledged  that,  in  addition  to  all  their  other 
rebellions,  they  had  heinously  sinned  in  desiring  a king. — It 
should  here  be  observed,  1 hat  their  guilt  did  not  consist  in 
preferring  the  authority  of  kings  to  any  other  kind  of  govern- 
ment : but  in  rebelliously  and  ungratefully  determining  to  be 
governed  in  a different  manner,  from  that  which  God  him- 
self had  chosen  for  them.  And  if  afterwards,  when  Gcd 
had  expressly  appointed  David  to  rule  over  them,  the  people 
had  required  a change  of  government,  and  wanted  again  to 
be  ruled  by  judges  as  their  fathers  had  been,  they  would 
have  been  guilty  of  a similar  rebellion.  (Note,  1 Kings 
12:16.) 

V.  20.  Fear  not,  &c.l  Samuel  repeatedly  exhorted  the 
people  to  “fear  the  Lord;”  (14,24.)  yet  here  he  oxhorted 
them  not  to  fear;  that  is,  not  to  be  dismayed  hv  (he  dread  of 
immediate  destruction.  (Note,  Ex.  20:18 — 20.) — Reverence 
of  the  majesty  and  authority  of  God,  and  fear  of  his  dis- 
pleasure, when  counterpoised  by  the  hopo  of  his  favour, 
quicken  men  in  seeking  and  serving  him : but  such  a fear  of 
wrath,  as  occasions  despondency  and  hard  thoughts  of  him, 
drives  men  from  their  duty,  and  exposes  them  to  manifold 
temptations.  (Notes,  Gen.  45:5.  Ps.  130:3,4.  2 Tim.  1:6 
— 8.  1 John  4:18.) 

V.  22.  In  preferring  the  seed  of  Jacob  to  other  families, 
to  be  his  people,  the  Lord  acted  as  a Sovereign,  who  is  not 
hound,  and  does  not  deign,  to  assign  his  reasons  : but  having 
made  them  his  people,  the  honour  of  his  perfections  required, 
that  he  should  not  entirely  forsuke  them  till  iho  promised 
Seed  arose,  however  severely  he  corrected  them  ; nor  even 
then,  finally  nnd  absolutely:  and  this  consideration  was 
suited  lo  excito  and  encourage  their  obedience.  (Marg.  Rtf 
—Notes,  Ps.  94:12—14.  Is.  41:8,9.  Jer.  33:23-26.  Rom. 
11:1—10,25—32. 


B.  C.  1073. 


CHAPT 

with  all  your  heart:  for  ^consider  ‘how  great 
things  he  hath  done  for  you. 

25  But  “fif  ye  shall  still  do  wickedly,  ye  shall  be 
consumed,  both  rye  and  your  king. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Saul  chooses  a select  band,  and  dismisses  the  people , 1 , 2.  Jonathan,  his  son, 
smites  a gairison  of  the  Philistines , and  Saul  summons  the  people  to  Gilgal , 

3,  4.  The  Philistines  gather  a great  army  ; and  Israel  is  distressed  and 
scattered , 5—7.  Saul,  weary  of  waiting  for  Samuel,  sacrifices , 8,  9.  Sam- 
uel comes  and  reproves  him,  and.  shores  that  God  has  rejected  him  ; while 
Saul  in  vain  excuses  himself,  10—14.  A small  company  attend  Saul ; and 
three  bands  of  Philistines  waste  the  land,  15—18.  The  policy  of  the  Philis- 
tines, who  suffer  no  smith  in  Israel,  19 — 23. 

i 

SAUL  ‘reigned  one  year : and  when  he  had 
reigned  two  years  over  Israel, 

2 Saul  “chose  him  three  thousand  men  of  Israel, 
whereof  two  thousand  were  with  Saul  in  bMich- 
mash,  and  in  mount  Beth-el,  and  a thousand 
were  with  Jonathan  cin  Gibeah  of  Benjamin : 

p Ezra  9:13  14.  13.5:12.  Rom.  12:1.  * Or,  tchnt  a great  thing,  &c.  Deut.  10:21. 
Ps. 126:2,3.  QDeut.  32:15,  &c.  Josh.  24:20.  Is.  3:11.  r 31:1— 5.  Deul.  28:36. 
Hoff.  10:3.  ' Heb.  the  son  of  one  year  in  his  reigning.  Ex.  12:5.  Mic.6:6.  mars. 
a 8:11.  14:52.  b5,23.  14:5,31.  Is.  10:26.  c 111:25.  15:34.  Josh.  18:28.  Judg.  19: 
IS.  2 Sam.  21:6.  Is.  10:29.  d 10:5.  14:1—6.  2 Sam.  23:14.  tOr,  the  hill.  Josh. 

V.  23.  The  people  had  no  occasion  to  fear  Samuel’s  re- 
sentment: for  he  deemed  himself  bound  in  duty  to  persevere 
in  praying  for  them,  notwithstanding  the  affront  which  they 
had  put  upon  him.  And  though  he  was  no  longer  their 
chief  magistrate ; yet  he  promised  still  to  devote  the  remnant 
of  his  life  to  their  service^  as  their  instructor  in  religion,  and 
in  promoting  their  peace  and  happiness.  In  these  respects 
he  judged  them  all  the  days  of  his  life.  {Note,  7:15. ) — 
Nothing  can  be  well  imagined,  more  expressive  of  genuine 
excellency  of  character,  and  a right  state  of  heart,  than  this 
simple  but  solemn  declaration.  Though  ungratefully  reject- 
ed by  Israel,  and  degraded  from  his  high  station  ; he  would 
yet  think,  himself  most  criminal  before  God,  should  be  de- 
cline any  service,  which  he  was  in  his  inferior  station  capable 
of  rendering  them.  This  entirely  coincides  with  St.  Paul’s 
avowal  to  the  Corinthians.  (Note,  2 Cor.  12:11,15.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  favoured  few,  who  have  walked  before  God  from 
childhood  to  old  age,  while  they  look  back  on  their  past  lives 
with  gratitude,  as  the  sure  evidence  of  acceptance,  and  as 
confirming  their  expectation  of  eternal  glory ; may  receive 
this  satisfaction,  and  the  “rejoicing  in  the  testimony  of  their 
consciences,”  as  a gracious  recompense  from  the  Lord ; 
and  may  speak  of  them,  in  order  to  induce  young  persons  to 
seek  and  serve  him  without  delay. — There  are  seasons, 
when  we  are  called  on  to  vindicate  our  own  characters  and 
conduct  before  men,  and  to  show  them  how  conscientiously 
we  have  acted  towards  them : but  it  should  be  always  done 
in  subserviency  to  their  conviction  and  edification.  We  may 
very  properly  touch  on  this  subject,  when  we  can  thus  con- 
vey useful  instructions  to  our  juniors  or  successors:  and  men 
may  recede  from  public  stations  with  comfort,  when  they  can 
extort  even  from  their  opposers  and  despisers  a testimony  to 
their  integrity. — The  honour,  rendered  to  those  who  are 
concluding  their  course,  differs  widely  from  the  applause  and 
congratulation  which  many  receive,  when  they  first  step  forth 
before  the  public  eye.  This  indeed  often  terminates  in  dis- 
grace and  contempt : it  is  therefore  unworthy  of  our  wishes, 
and  ought  surely  never  to  move  a wise  man’s  envy  or  dis- 
content, though  rendered  to  others  at  his  expense.  (Notes, 
2 Sam.  15.  1—6.  18:9—18.  1 Chr.  29:20,26— 28.)— Pros- 
perity in  sin  is  no  proof  of  impunity ; and  sinners  never 
more  need  to  be  warned,  than  when  successful  in  their 
undertakings. — But  the  servants  of  God,  though  ill  treated, 
should  be  careful  not  to  expostulate  too  much  with  those  by 
whom  they  have  been  injured  ; but  to  “ reason  with  them  of 
the  righteous  acts  of  the  Lord,”  of  his  truth  and  mercy, 
and  of  their  conduct  towards  him,  for  their  humiliation. — 
Our  safe  and  happy  state  consists  in  a willing  dependence  on 
God,  and  subjection  to  him : but  we  are  apt  to  affect  inde- 
pendence, and  to  refuse  obedience,  by  which  we  exchange 
substantial  good  for  an  empty  shadow  : for  the  greatest  out- 
ward prosperity  contributes  nothing  to  our  felicity,  except 
when  it  induces  us  to  fear  and  serve  God,  and  to  obey  his 
voice  ;*and  is  improved  as  a talent  in  doing  good  to  men. — 
Disobedience  ensures  misery  from  generation  to  generation, 
whatever  be  our  station  or  circumstances  in  life  : and  to 
continue  “ following  the  Lord,”  as  his  accepted  servants,  is 
the  highest  privilege  we  can  enjoy. — The  most  useful  bene- 
factors of  mankind,  who  have  spent  their  lives,  and  worn 
out  their  constitutions,  in  unceasing  labours  for  the  good  of 
others,  must  not  be  surprised,  if  they  are  at  length  cast  off 
with  neglect  and  ingratitude  : but  when  the  perverseness  of 
dteir  brethren  prevents  them  from  doing  all  that  good  which 
they  desired  to  do,  they  should  still  do  all  the  good  they  can. 
This  is  a general  rule  for  all : those  \yho  cannot  rule  may 
teach,  and  those  who  cannot  teach  may  pray,  and  set  an 
edifying  example  ; and  no  provocations  should  tempt  us  to 
sin  against  God  in  ceasing  to  pray  for  our  children,  rela- 
tions, friends,  people,  fellow-sinners,  or  even  our  inveterate 
enemies.  Yet  the  prayers  of  the  church,  and  the  intercession 
of  Christ,  will  in  the  event  appear  to  have  been  united 
Vol.  I.— 63 


Eil  XIII.  B.  C.  1073. 

and  the  rest  of  the  people  he  sent  every  man  to  h .# 
tent. 

3 And  Jonathan  smote  dthe  garrison  of  the 
Philistines  that  was  in  fGeba:  and  the  Philistines 
heard  of  it : and  Saul  “blew  the  trumpet  through- 
out all  the  land,  saying,  Let  the  Hebrews  hear. 

4 And  all  Israel  heard  say  that  Saul  had  smitten 
a garrison  of  the  Philistines,  and  that  Israel  also 
Hvas  had  in  abomination  with  the  Philistines. 
And  the  people  were  called  together  after  Saul  < to 
Gilgal. 

5 And  the  Philistines  gathered  themselves 
together  to  fight  with  Israel,  thirty  thousand 
chariots,  and  six  thousand  horsemen,  and  people 
*as  the  sand  which  is  on  the  sea-shore  in  multi- 
tude : and  they  came  up,  and  pitched  in  Mich- 
mash,  eastward  from  hBeth-aven. 

6 When  the  men  of  Israel  saw  that  they  were  ‘in 


18:24.  Gaba.  21:17.  Is.  10:29.  Zech.  14:10.  e Judg.  3:27.  6:34.  2Sam.2:28. 
20:1.  r Heb.  did  etink.  Gen. 34:30  . 46:34.  Ex.  5:21.  Zech.  11:8.  fl0:8.  11:14, 
15.  Josh. 5:9.  gOen. 22:11.  Josh. 11:4.  Jude.  7:12.  2Chr.,l:9.  Is. 48:19.  Jer 
15:8.  Rom. 9:27.  h 14:23.  Josh.  7:2.  18:12.  Hos.  4:15.  5:8.  10:5.  i Ex.  14:10— 
12.  Josh.  8:20.  Judg.  10:9.  20:41.  2 Sam.  24:14.  Phil.  1:23. 


against  impenitent  sinners ; yea,  the  elements  and  the  whole 
creation  will  shortly  be  armed  against  them  to  their  destruc- 
tion. The  belief  of  this  alarming  truth  should  “ warn  them 
to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,”  to  confess  their  sins,  to  obey 
the  gospel,  and  to  desire  the  prayers  and  counsels  of  its 
ministers.  But  when  sinners  are  deeply  convinced  of  their 
guilt  and  danger,  they  need  encouragement,  lest  their  fear 
should  lead  to  despondency.  (Note,  2 Cor.  2:5 — ' 1 . ) — In 
the  day  of  judgment  all  those  things  which  men  have  inor- 
dinately loved,  and  for  which  they  have  forsaken  God,  will 
be  found  “ vain , and  such  as  cannot  profit  or  deliver,”  even 
though  they  were  u the  kingdoms  of  the  world  and  the  glory 
of  them.”  Happy  then  are  they,  whom  the  Lord  has  pleased 
to  make  his  people ! 44  he  will  never  leave  nor  forsake  them,11 
but  will  glorify  his  great  name  in  their  eternal  salvation. 
None,  however,  can  know  assuredly,  that  these  blessings 
belong  to  them,  except  they  attend  to  44  the  good  and  the 
right  way,  and  fear  the  Lord,  and  serve  him  with  all  their 
heart:”  (Notes,  Jer.  32:38 — 41.  John  10:26 — 31.  1 Pet. 
1:3 — 5.)  and  if  “we  consider  what  great  things  he  hath  done 
for  us,”  especially  in  the  work  of  our  redemption  and  re- 
generation, we  cannot  want  motive,  or  encourSgement,  or 
assistance  for  so  doing. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XIII.  V.  1,2.  The  language  in  the 
original,  “ Saul  was  the  son  of  one  year  in  his  reigning;  and 
when  he  had  reigned  two  years  over  Israel,”  ( marg .)  is  dif- 
ferently interpreted:  but  probably  it  only  means,  according 
to  the  Hebrew  idiom,  that  during  the  first  year  nothing  re- 
markable occurred  ; but  after  two  years,  (or  in  the  second 
year  of  his  reign,)  the  subsequent  events  took  place.  The 
passage  seems  to  refer  to  the  transactions  at  Gilgal  recorded 
in  the  former  chapters.  Perhaps  those  events  did  not  take 
place,  till  the  second  year  after  he  had  been  first  appointed 
by  the  Lord  to  be  king  over  Israel.  (Notes,  10:1,17 — 27. 
11:6 — 15.  12:1.)  When  he  dismissed  the  rest  of  the  multi- 
tude, he  retained  three  thousand  chosen  men,  for  his  own 
defence  and  that  of  his  country  ; which  he  divided  between 
himself  and  his  son  Jonathan. 

V.  3,  4.  After  Saul  had  defeated  Nahash,  and  had  been 
confirmed  in  the  kingdom  ; and  after  he  had  joined  with 
Samuel  in  offering  sacrifices,  and  had  obtained  the  benefit  of 
his  prayers  ; it  must  be  concluded  that  he  ought  to  have 
marched  directly  with  his  victorious  army  against  the  Philis- 
tines, who  possessed  strong-holds  in  the  land,  and  had  become 
very  formidable  ; and  that  true  policy  required  this  of  him. 
(Notes,  9:16.  11:12 — 15.)  But  it  is  probable,  that  he  was 
elated  with  success,  pleased  with  the  show  of  royalty,  and 
disposed  to  ease  and  indulgence.  Thus  the  favourable 
opportunity  was  lost,  the  ardour  of  his  followers  was  suffer- 
ed to  abate,  and  perhaps  some  of  them  were  disgusted  : and 
the  Philistines,  doubtless  learning  that  a king  had  been 
chosen,  with  a view  to  deliver  Israel  from  their  power 
assiduously  employed  the  time  given  them,  in  preparing  for 
war,  and  in  weakening  and  disarming  the  Israelites.  In  the 
mean  while  Jonathan,  probably  by  Saul’s  command,  smote  a 
garrison  of  the  Philistines  ; so  that  “Israel  was  had  in  abomi- 
nation by  the  Philistines,”  who  resented  it  as  an  indignity, 
and  probably  regarded  it  as  an  act  of  rebellion  against  their 
authority : thus  they  were  exceedingly  exasperated ; and 
when  Saul  at  length  sounded  the  alarm,  the  people  either 
did  not  come  to  him,  or  they  speedily  deserted  him. — In  all 
these  measures  Saul  seems  to  have  been  very  impolitic: 
(Note,  11:12 — 15.)  but  the  Lord  intended  to  chastise  the 
people  for  their  sins,  to  expose  their  folly  in  expecting  that  a. 
king  could  save  them,  and  to  prepare  the  way  for  a glorious 
deliverance  which  he  intended  to  effect  for  them.  (Notes, 
12:14,15.  14:11—23.) 

V.  5.  Thirty  thousand  c/iartlte.]  The  Philistines  had 
doubtless  collected  troops  on  this  emergency  from  all  the 
surrounding  nations  ; but  the  number  of  chariots  of  war  here 
stated  is  immensely  large  beyond  all  example,  (Ex.  14:7. 
Judg.  4:3.  2 Sam.  10:18.  1 Kings  10:26.  Ps.  68:17.)  and 
( 497  ) 


B.  C.  1073. 


I.  SAMUEL, 


B.  C.  1075. 


a str lit,  (for  the  people  were  distressed,)  then 
the  people  did  hide  themselves  kin  caves,  and 
in  thickets,  and  in  rocks,  and  in  high  places,  and 
in  pits. 

7 And  some  of  'the  Hebrews  went  over  Jordan 
to  the  land  of  '"Gad  and  Gilead : as  for  Saul,  he 
was  yet  in  Qilgal,  and  all  the  people  "followed 
him  trembling. 

8 And  he  "tarried  seven  days  according  to  the 
set  time  that  Samuel  had  appointed  : but  Samuel 
came  not  to  Gilgal,  and  the  people  were  scattered 
from  him. 

9 And  Saul  said,  Bring  hither  a burnt-offering 
to  me,  and  peace-offerings.  And  °he  offered  the 
burnt-offering. 

10  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  as  soon  as  he  had 
made  an  end  of  offering  the  burnt-offering,  behold, 
Samuel  came;  and  rSaul  went  out  to  meet  him, 
that  he  might  fsalute  him. 

1 1 And  Samuel  said,  aWhat  hast  thou  done  ? 
And  Saul  said,  Because  I saw  that  the  people 
were  scattered  from  me,  and  that  thou  earnest 
not  within  the  days  appointed,  and  that  the 
Philistines  gathered  themselves  together  atrMich- 
mash ; 

12  Therefore  "said  I,  The  Philistines  will  come 
down  now  upon  me  to  Gilgal,  and  I have  not 
imade  supplication  unto  the  Lord  : 'I  forced 
myself  therefore,  and  offered  a burnt-offering. 

13  And  Samuel  said  to  Saul,  "Thou  hast  done 
foolishly:  *thou  hast  not  kept  the  commandment 

t 14:11.  23:19.  24:3.  Judg.  6:2.  Is.  42:22.  Heb.  11:33.  1 fcev.  26:17,36,37. 

Deut.  23:23.  m Num.  32:1— 5,33— 12.  Deut.  3:12.  Josh.  13:24—  31.  • Heh. 

trembled  after  him.  Dent.  20:8.  Judg.  7:3.  Hos.  11  10,11.  n 10:8.  o 12,13. 
14:18.  15:21,22.  Deut.  12:6.  1 KinsT3  3:4.  Ps.  37  ’ Prov.  15:8.  20:22.  21:3,27. 
Is.65.3.  p 15: 13.  t Web.  bless  him.  15:13.  Ruth  2:4.  Ps.  129:8.  qUen.3:13. 
4:10.  Josh. 7:19.  2Sam.3:24.  2 Kin?s  5:25.  r 2,5,16,23.  14  5.  Is.  10:28. 
8 1 Kings  12:26,27.  J Heb.  intreated  the  face  of,  &c,  t 21:7.  Ps.  66:3.  Am.  8: 

wholly  disproportioned  to  the  number  of  their  horsemen. 
Commentators  therefore  conjecture,  that  their  carriages  for 
oaggage  and  all  other  uses  are  included. 

V.  6,  7.  The  numerous  and  well  appointed  army  of  the 
Philistines  fo  terrified  the  people,  that  most  of  them  deserted, 
and  either  hid  themselves,  or  passed  over  Jordan,  to  be  out 
of  the  reach  of  the  enemy  ; while  the  few  who  remained 
with  Saul,  trembled  as  they  follosved  him.  ( Notes , Deut. 
20:5—9.  Judg.  6:2,3.  7:2,3.  Is.  42:22—25.) 

V.  8,  9.  (Note,  10:8.)  According  to  the  direction  before 
given,  and  perhaps  since  repeated,  Saul  waited  for  Samuel 
till  the  close  of  the  seventh  day:  but,  being  impatient  of  his 
situation  ; displeased  perhaps  with  Samuel  for  not  coming 
sooner,  and  attributing  the  people’s  terror  and  desertion  to 
his  absence,  and  the  want  of  some  token  of  the  Lord’s  pre- 
sence ; and  fearing  lest  the  others  also  should  leave  him ; he 
proceeded  to  offer  sacrifices.  This  was  contrary  to  the 
express  injunctions,  which  had  been  laid  upon  him  to  wait,  for 
Samuel;  who,  having  presented  burnt-offerings  and  peace- 
offerings,  with  solemn  prayers  and  supplications,  would  have 
shown  him  how  he  ought  to  proceed,  in  the  present  difficult 
emergency,  that  he  might  ensure  success. — As  no  priest  is 
mentioned,  it  has  been  thought  that  Saul,  presuming  on  his 
kingly  authority,  usurped  the  priesthood  also : but  this  is 
doubtful.  It  is  certain,  however,  that  he  took  too  much  upon 
him,  ‘ and  thought  it  was  fit  the  prophet  should  wait  for  the 
king,  rather  than  the  king  for  the  prophet. — He  entrenched 
upon  the  priest’s  office,  or  upon  the  prophet’s,  or  upon  both.’ 
■Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  10 — 12.  Whengamuel  came,  Saul  went  out  to  “salute” 
or  Mess  him,  as  one  well  satisfied  with  what  he  had  done. 
(Notes,  15:13,11.  Ps.  36:2.)  But  when  he  perceived  by 
Samuei’s  pointed  question,  that  he  disapproved  of  his  con- 
duct, (]\larg.  Ref.  q.  Notes,  Gen.  3:9 — 13.  4:10—12.)  he 
attempted  to  excuse  himself  by  the  plea  of  necessity;  and 
stated  that  being  in  such  circumstances  of  extreme  peril  and 
distress,  he  had,  with  much  reluctance  proceeded  to  offer 
sacrifice,  lest  the  Philistines  should  attack  him  before  he  had 
performed  his  devotions. — He  might,  however,  without  blame 
and  with  great  propriety,  have  poured  out  his  prayers  to  God, 
and  thus  have  waited  for  Samuel. 

V.  13 — 15.  This  commandment  of  the  Lord  by  Samuel, 
was  probably  intended  as  a test  of  Saul’s  disposition  : and 
his  transgression  proved,  that  he  did  not  regard  the  word  of 
God,  when  it  greatly  interfered  with  his  own  inclinations  or 
sentiments  ; by  which  i‘  appeared  that  he  was  unfit  to  rule  as 
the  vicegerent  of  the  Lot  j over  his  people.  He  was  “ weigh- 
ed in  this  balance,  and  found  wanting.”  Had  ho  behaved 
properly,  the  kingdom  Wsuld  have  been  permanently  con- 
firmed in  his  family ; and  it  is  probable  that  Samuel  came  to 
Gilgal,  expecting  to  make  ‘tlis  settlement  of  the  kingdom  by 
divine  authority  : but  now  S till  was  sentenced  to  be  removed, 
to  make  way  for  one  of  a more  obedient  disposition.  This 
fhe  omniscient  God  foresaw ; but  his  secret  purpose  was  not 

( 493  ) 


of  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  he  commanded  thee: 
for  now  would  the  Lord  have  established  thy 
kingdom  upon  Israel  for  ever. 

14  But  Htovv  thy  kingdom  shall  not  continue; 
'the  Lord  hath  sought  him  a man  after  his  own 
heart,  and  the  Lord  hath  commanded  him  to  be 
“captain  over  his  people,  because  thou  hast  not 
kept  that  which  the  Lord  commanded  thee. 

15  And  Samuel  arose,  and  gat  him  up  from 

Gilgal  unto  Gibeah  of  Benjamin.  And  Saul  num- 
bered the  people  that  were  ^present  with  him, 
baboutsix  hundred  men.  > 

16  And  Saul,  and  Jonathan  his  son,  and  the 
people  that  were  present  with  them,  abode  in 
“Gibeah  of  Benjamin  : but  the  Philistines  encamped 
in  Michmash. 

17  *H  And  the  spoilers  came  out  of  the  camp  of 
the  Philistines,  “in  three  companies  : one  company 
turned  unto  the  way  that  leadeth  to  ''Ophrah, 
unto  the  land  of  eShual : 

18  And  another  company  turned  the  way  to 
fBeth-horon  : and  another  company  turned  to  the 
way  of  the  border,  that  looketh  to  the  valley  of 
eZeboim,  toward  the  wilderness. 

19  Now  hthere  was  no  smith  found  through 
out  all  the  land  of  Israel : for  the  Philistines 
said,  Lest  the  Hebrews  make  them  swords  or 
spears : 

20  But  all  the  Israelites  went  down  to  the 
Philistines,  to  sharpen  every  man  his  share,  and 
his  coulter,  and  his  axe,  and  his  mattock. 

5.  2 Cor.  9:7.  u 2 Sam.  12:7— 9.  1 Kings  18:18.  21:20.  2 Chr.  16:9.  19:2.25:15, 
16.  Job  34:18.  Poor.  19:3.  Matt.  14:3,4;  x 15:11,22.  Ps.50:K-15.  y 2.3U.  13: 
28.  7.  161,12.  2 Sam.  7:15,16.  Ps.  78:70  . 89:19,20,  &c.  Acts  13:22.  k 9: 16. 
2 Sam.  5:2.  2 Kings  20:5.  Heb.  2: 10.  §Heb./buie/.  b 2.6,7.  14:2.  II  Hrh. 
Geba.Srenn  3.  c 11:11.  d Josh.  18:23.  eJosh,19:3.  f Josh.  10:11.  16:3,5. 
18:13.  1 Chr. 6:68.  2 ( hr.  8:5.  gGen.  14:2.  Nell.  11:34.  Hos.  11:8.  hjude.5: 
8.  2 Kings  24:14.  Jer.  24:1. 


the  motive  of  Saul’s  conduct ; which  to  the  Searcher  of 
hearts  doubtless  appeared  much  more  aggravated  than  it 
does  to  us.  (Notes,  Gen.  266,17.  3:6.) — Samuel  on  this 
occasion  departed  from  Saul ; yel,  as  he  went  to  Gibeah  of 
Saul  and  not  to  Ramah,  and  as  he  came  to  him  afterwards, 
(15:1,13,34,35.)  it  is  conjectured  that  the  sentence  w as  not 
irreversible  ; but  that,  if  Saul  had  repented  of  this  sin,  and 
been  more  obedient  in  future,  he  might  notwithstanding  have 
been  continued  in  the  kingdom. — When  no  more  than  six 
hundred  men  remained  with  Saul,  and  even  these  “ followed 
him  trembling,”  he  must  have  been  greatly  affected  w ith  the 
alteration  which  had  taken  place,  since  he  was  followed  by 
three  hundred  thousand  men  of  Israel,  and  thirty  ihousand 
of  Judah,  in  warring  against  Nahash.  (Note,  11:6 — 11.) — 
A man  after  his  own  heart.  (14  ) Mar".  Ref.  z. 

V.  17,  18.  (Marg.  Ref.)  These  invaders .and  plunder- 
ers, going  in  three  different  directions,  wouid  exceedingly 
harass  and  distress  all  the  towns  and  villages  of  Israel,  now 
left  open  to  their  incursions,  without  the  least  defence ; so 
that  the  miseries,  which  ihe  people  endured,  must  have  been 
much  greater  than  at  first  glance  it  may  appear. 

V.  19 — 21.  During  all  the  forty  years’  oppression  by  the 
Philistines,  they  seem  to  have  used  the  policy  of  forbidding 
the  Israelites  to  practise  tile  trade  of  smiths;  ( Note,  Jmlg. 
5:8.)  as  the  Chaldeans  afterwards  carried  the  smiths  captive 
out  of  the  land.  (2  Kings  24:14.  Jer.  24:1.)  And  after  the 
termination  of  that  entire  slavery,  the  Israelites  did  not 
readily  re-assnme  the  trade  ; but,  as  Ihe  Philistines  had  gar- 
risons in  many  parts  of  the  land,  they  were  accustomed  to  go 
to  the  smiths  resident  in  them,  for  such  work  as  needed  to  be 
done : and  these  would  doubtless  exact  an  exorbitant  price 
for  their  labour,  and  also  exert  themselves  in  preventing  the 
Israelites,  from  learning  or  practising  their  trade.  Thus  the 
Philistines  had  artfully  obtained  a most  important  advantage: 
and,  it  is  probable,  they  had  been  more  assiduous  than  com- 
mon, while  they  expected  that  Saul  would  make  war  on  (hem; 
so  that  at  Ihe  important  crisis,  ihe  Israelites  wore  almost 
destitute  of  armour. — The  impolicy  of  Saul,  and  tho  abject 
spirit  of  the  people,  were  thus  manifested  : but  the  Lord  over- 
ruled it,  lo  show  the  greatness  of  his  power  in  the  deliver- 
ance and  victory  of  his  people,  when  thus  circumstanced. — 
Many  parts  of  the  land  were  too  distant  from  Phiiistia 
for  the  Israelites  to  go  thither  on  every  occasion,  and  Ihe 
Philistines  had  garrisons  ill  the  land : so  that  tho  inter- 
pretation above  given  is  most  natural,  as  well  as  generally 
adopted. 

V.  22.  The  Israelites  used  bows,  slings,  and  javelins  in 
war,  and  with  these  it  is  probable  (be  people  wore  armed. 
Perhaps  the  Philistines  bad  seized  the  armour  whi  h they  had 
used  against  Nahash,  after  they  were  dispersed:  (Notes. 

1 1:6 — II.)  and  it  is  probable,  that  many  who  had  armour  ban 
deserted.  However,  it  was  so  ordered  in  providence,  that 
none  in  the  remaining  little  company,  except  Saul  and  tona- 
llian  had  either  sword  or  spear. — Thus  the  Israelite*’  who 


B.  C.  1073. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


B.  C.  1073. 


21  Yet  they  had  ‘a  file  for  the  mattocks,  and 
ror  the  coulters,  and  for  the  forks,  and  lor  the 
axes,  and  tv.  ‘sharpen  the  goads. 

22  So  it  came  to  pass  in  the  day.  of  battle,  that 
'there  was  neither  sword  nof  spear  found  in  the 
hand  of  any  of  the  people  that  were  with  Saul 
and  Jonathan : but  with  Saul  and  with  Jonathan 
his  son  was  there  found. 

23  And  the  tgarrison  o|  the  Philistines  went 
out  to  the  kpassage  of  Michmash. 

CHAPTER  XtV. 

Jonathan,  attended  only  hy  his  armour -hearer,  smites  the  garrison  of  the  Phi- 
listines, 1 — 11  ; who  are  seized  with  terror,  and  destroy  one  another,  15, 
16.  Saul,  seeing  the  tumult,  inquires  of  God  : hut  without  waiting  for  an 
answer,  he  assaults  the  Ph  listings  f being  joined  hy  the  Hebrews  who  had  de- 
serted or  hid  themselves,  17 — 23.  Hie  rash  curse,  against  such  as  ate  that 
day,  hmders  the  completion  of  the  victory  ; and  Jonathan , not  knowing  what 
had  passed,  violates  it,  24—30.  The  people  fly  upon  the  spoil,  and  are 
hardly  restrained  from  eating  with  the  blood,  31 — 34.  Saul  builds  an  altar; 
and  asks  counsel  of  God,  but  is  not  nnsioered,  35—37.  Jonathan , 'aken  by 
lot  and  sentenced  to  die,  is  rescued  by  the  people,  38 — 46.  Saul's  victories 
and  family,  47 — 52. 

1YT£)W  'it  came  to  pass  upon  a day,  that  aJona- 
IX  than  the  son  of  Saul  said  unto  the  young 
man  that  bare  his  armour,  Come,  and  let  us  go 
over  to  the  Philistines’  garrison  that  is  on  the 
other  side  : but  bhe  told  not  his  father. 

2  And  Saul  tarried  cin  the  uttermost  part  of 
Gibeah,  under  a pomegranate-tree,  which  is  in 
Migron  : and  the  people  that  were  with  him  were 
about  six  hundred  men  ; 

• Ueb.  a fde  with  mouths,  f Heb.  set.  i 17:47,50.  Juclir.  5:8.  Zech.  4:6. 

1 Cor.  1:27— 29.  2Cor.4:7.  J Or,  standing  camp.  3.  14:4.  k 2,5.  14:1,4,5. 

• Or,  there  was  adwy.  a 39—45.  13:2,22.  18:1—4.  2 Sam.  1:4,5,25,26.  b 25:19. 
Judg.  6:27.  14:5.  Mic.7:5.  c 13:15.16.  Is.  10:28,29.  <1  22:9—  12,2u.  Ahimelech. 
e 4:21.  f 2:28.  Ex.  28:26—32.  g 13:23.  t Heb.  tooth,  li  17:26,36.  Gen.  17:7 


expected  to  look  formidable  under  kingly  government,  were 
made  to  appear  very  contemptible:  (Notes,  8:1 — 5.)  not  that 
/he  Lord  had  forsaken  his  people ; but  because  he  would 
htimble  them,  and  show  them,  that  the  victory  did  not  depend 
upon  swords  and  spears,  but  upon  the  favour  and  assistance 
of  the  Almighty.  (Notes,  14:1 — 15.  Judg.  7:2 — 22.) 

V.  23.  It  is  supposed,  that  between  Michmash  and  Gibeah, 
each  situated  on  a hill,  there  was  a valley,  called  “ the  pas- 
sage of  Michmash ;”  into  which  the  garrison  of  the  Philistines 
“ went  out,”  either  to  challenge  the  Israelites  to  battle,  or  in 
order  to  make  an  assault  upon  Gibeah.  (15,16.  14:4,5.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Our  sanguine  expectations  from  creatures  are  sure  to  end  in 
disappointment ; and  when  we  resolve  to  choose  for  ourselves, 
we  shall  certainly  have  cause  to  repent  of  our  choice : indeed, 
when  men  are  lifted  up  in  self-sufficiency,  they  are  often  left  to 
the  most  unaccountable  infatuation. — The  chief  advantages  of 
the  enemies  of  ihe  church  are  derived  from  the  misconduct  of 
its  professed  friends:  for  when  these  act  inconsistently  with 
justice  and  fidelity,  religious  people,  without  discrimination, 
are  looked  upon  with  abhorrence  and  contempt.  Yet,  while 
sinners  are  meditating  revenge,  the  Lord  often  restrains  their 
malice  by  invisible  hindrances,  and  uses  their  machinations 
for  the  chastisement  of  his  people. — Deep  resentment  and 
great  power  united,  occasion  much  consternation ; and  men 
thus  terrified,  Hee  or  hide  themselves  from  their  fellow  crea- 
tures, and  for  a time,  and  on  some  occasions,  with  success. 
How  then  will  the  terror  of  the  Almighty  appal  the  wicked, 
in  the  approaching  day  of.his  inevitable  and  intolerable  wrath, 
when  no  way  of  concealment  or  escape  will  remain  for  them  ! 
(Notes,  Rev.  6:15 — 17.) — Those  who  in  trouble  are  actuated 
Dy  pride  and  impatience,  involve  themselves  in  still  deeper  guilt 
and  misery,  by  their  foolish  expedients  to  extricate  themselves. 
— Our  observance  of  the  Lord’s  directions,  will  always  be 
proportioned  to  our  simplicity  of  dependence  on  his  promises, 
and  submission  to  his  will:  and  those  who  are  most  dilatory 
in  doing  their  duty,  are  commonly  the  most  impatient  of  delay 
in  waiting  his  time  of  deliverance. — Our  disposition  to  obey 
or  disobey  will  often  be  decisively  proved  by  our  behaviour  in 
apparently  small  things : (Note,  Gen.  3:0.)  and  such  as  most 
neglect  the  duties  of  their  own  station,  arc  most  forward  to 
censure  the  supposed  negligence  of  others.  Men  destitute  of 
inward  piety,  are  frequently  most  scrupulously  attached  to  the 
forms  of  godliness : nay,  they  fancy  that  the  Lord  will  accept 
them,  because  they,  force  themselves  to  act  contrary  to  their 
own  inclinations,  or  even  to  the  dictates  of  their  natural  con- 
science!— We  are  commanded  not  to  “speak  evil  of  rulers;” 
yet  those  who  are  called  to  address  them  in  the  name  of  God, 
rflhst  point  out  very  plainly  the  folly  and  evil  of  their  conduct, 
and  remind  them  of  his  anger  against  the  workers  of  iniquity, 
without  respect  of  persons : for  though  a prince  may  not  in 
this  life  forfeit  his  throne  or  his  dignity,  by  his  offences  against 
God  ; yet  if  he  die  impenitent,  he  will  certainly  lose  his  soul 
n the  world  to  come.  How  empty  then  ace  those  distinctions, 
from  which  so  many  are  hurried  into  everlasting  misery ! — 
We  have,  by  sin,  forfeited  felicity;  but  unbelief  and  impeni- 
jcnce  ratify  that  forfeiture : and  those  who  have  undeniably 
b.  oker.  the  commandments  of  God,  and  yet  persist  in  excusing 
and  justifying  themselves  are  evidently  both  imppnitent  and 


3 And  dAhiah,  the  son  of  Aliitub,  T-chabod’s 
brother,  the  son  of  Phinehas,  the  son  of  Eli,  the 
Lord’s  priest  in  Shiloh,  f wearing  an  ephod.  And 
the  people  knew  not  that  Jonathan  was  gone. 

4 And  between  etlie  passages  by  which  Jona- 
than sought  to  go  over  to  the  Philistines’  garrison, 
there  was  a sharp  rock  on  the  one  side,  and  a 
sharp  rock  on  the  other  side : and  the  name  of 
the  one  was  Bozez,  and  the  name  of  the  other 
Seneh. 

5 The  tfore-front  of  the  one  was  situate  north- 
ward over  against  Michmash,  and  the  other  south- 
ward over  against  Gibeah. 

6 And  Jonathan  said  to  the  young  man  that 
bare  his  armour,  Come,  and  let  us  go  over  unto 
the  garrison  of  these  huncircumcised  : ‘it  may  be 
that  the  Lord  will  work  for  us;  ifor  there  is  no 
restraint  to  the  Lord,  to  save  by  many  or  hy 
few. 

7 And  his  armour-bearer  said  unto  him,  KDoall 
that  is  in  thine  heart:  turn  thee;  behold,  I am 
with  thee  according  to  thy  heart. 

8 Then  said  Jonathan,  Behold,  hve  will  pass 
over  unto  these  men,  and  we  will  discover  our- 
selves unto  them. 

9 If  They  say  thus  unto  us,  iTarry  until  we 
come  to  you  ; then  we  will  stand  still  in  our  place, 
and  will  not  go  up  unto  them. 

—11.  Jude.  15:18.  2 8am.  1:20.  Jer.  9:23—26.  Eph. 2:11,12.  Phil.  3:3.  12  Sam. 
16:12.  2 Kines  19:4.  Am.  5:15.  Zeph.2:3.  j Deut.  32:30.  Judg.  1:4— 7.  2 Chr. 
14:11.  Ps.  115:1— 3.  Zech.  4:6.  Mall.  19:26.  Rom.  8:31 . k 1U:7.  2Sam.7:3. 
Ps.  46:7.  Zech.  8:23.  1 Judg.  7:9 — 14.  m Gen.  24:13,14.  Judg.  6:36— 40. 

X Heb.  be  still. 

unbelieving.  The  trouble  of  all  such  as  continue  in  this  spirit, 
must  certainly  increase  ; and  as  they  refuse  to  submit  to  God, 
they  must  be  reduced  to  the  most  abject  misery  in  the  slavery 
of  sin.  But,  while  the  Lord  “pours  contempt  upon  princes, 
and  brings  to  nought  all  the  honourable  of  the  earth,”  he  will 
deliver  his  people  by  his  own  power : and  while  he  shames 
such  as  trust  in  man,  and  aspir  a to  greatness  and  pre-eminence 
in  outward  things  ; he  will  honour  those  who  humbly  and  in 
faith  expect  help  from  him  alone. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XIV.  V.  1.  No  doubt,  Jonathan  in 
this  critical  state  of  affairs  in  Israel  was  excited,  by  an  im- 
mediate divine  impulse,  to  assault  the  formidable  oppressors 
of  his  people : and  by  the  same  admonition  he  was  kept  from 
informing  the  soldiers  ; and  even  from  consulting  his  father, 
who  might  have  opposed  his  design.  Indeed  Saul’s  transgres- 
sion excluded  him  from  sharing  the  honour  of  that  deliverance, 
which  God  intended  to  vouchsafe  to  his  afflicted  people. 
( Notes,  13:13—15,22.) 

V.  2,  3.  (13:15,16.  Note,  22.)  After  Samuel  had  left 
Saul,  it  seems  that  the  latter  sent  for  Ahiah,  or  Ahimolech, 
the  great  grandson  of  Eli,  the  Lord’s  pr:est  at  Shiloh.  Ahituh 
was  the  elder  brother  of  Ichabod  ; (Note,  4:19 — 22.)  and  his 
son  was  at  this  time  high-priest,  and  so  wore  the  ephod,  and 
the  breast-plate  of  judgment  with  Urim  and  Thummim. 
( Mar g.  Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  28:30.  Nuyt.  27:21.)  Saul  therefore 
having  him  in  the  camp,  with  his  priestly  garments;  and  as  it 
is  probable,  having  fetched  the  ark  thither  also ; ( 18)  appeared 
to  himself  and  to  the  people,  to  have  abundant  tokens  of  God’s 
presence  with  him : and  he  could  now  inquire  of  the  Lord, 
without  being  liable  to  Samuel’s  sharp  reproofs  ; hoping  per- 
haps, that  Ahiah  would  be  more  compliant  to  his  inclinations. 
(Notes,  22:13 — 16.) — The  fate  of  Eli’s  sons,  and  the  total 
defeat  of  Israel,  when  presumptuous  measures  of  the  same 
kind  were  resorted  to,  should  have  convinced  him  that  this 
confidence  of  the  favour  of  God  was  foolish  and  delusory. 
(Notes,  4:3 — It.) 

V.  4,  5.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The hand’of  God  was  very  visible, 
in  restraining  the  very  numerous  army  of  the  Philistines  from 
assaulting  the  small  company  of  the  Israelites;  (13:5.)  so  that 
they  generally  kept  themselves  entrenched  in  a fortified  camp, 
in  an  almost  inaccessible  situation,  as  still  fearing  their  enfee- 
bled enemies. 

V.  6 — 10.  The  faith  of  Jonathan  was  doubtless  in  general 
very  strong,  and  his  armour-bearer  was  a man  of  the  same 
spirit,  as  himself:  but  the  thought  of  thus  attacking  this  im- 
mense army  was  doubtless  suggested  to  Jonathan’s  Blind 
immediately  from  God,  and  his  faith  and  expectation  increased 
in  proportion.  He  was  enabled,  with  reference  to  his  own 
conduct,  to  view  the  almighty  power  of  God,  as  sufficient  for 
his  safeguard  in  the  midst  of  the  Philistines  ; and  also  to  save 
Israel  by  him  and  his  armour-bearer,  as  well  as  by  the  most 
numerous  and  powerful  army.  (Deut.  32:30,31 . Notes,  Judg. 
3:31.  15:14 — 17.  Is.  30:15 — 17.) — Considering  the  Israelites 
as  the  covenant  people  of  God,  who  were  oppressed  by  the 
uncircumcised  Philistines ; he  expected  that  the  Lord  would 
appear  for  them  in  the  same  wonderful  manner,  as  he  had 
done  for  their  fathers  in  former  times.  (Note,  17:2.r  26.)  But, 
for  fuller  satisfaction  in  this  matter,  he  and  his  armour-bearer 
agreed  upon  a token,  according  to  which  their  proceeding! 

( 499  ) 


B.  C.  1073 


I.  SAMUEL.  B.  C.  1073 


10  But  if  they  say  thus,  Come  up  unto  us ; 
then  we  will  go  up:  for  the  Lord  hath  delivered 
them  into  our  hand  : and  "this  shall  be  a sign  unto 
us. 

11  And  both  of  them  discovered  themselves 
unto  the  garrison  of  the  Philistines:  and  the 
Philistines  said,  Behold,  the  Hebrews  come  forth 
“out  of  the  holes,  Avhere  they  had  hid  them- 
selves 

12  And  the  men  of  the  garrison  answered 
Jonathan  and  his  armour-bearer,  and  said,  rCome 
up  to  us,  and  we  will  show  you  a thing.  And 
Jonathan  said  unto  his  armour-bearer,  iCome  up 
after  me,  for  the  Lord  hath  delivered  them  into 
the  hand  of  Israel. 

13  And  Jonathan  rclimhed  up  upon  his  hands 
and  upon  his  feet,  and  his  armour-bearer  after 
him : and  they  “fell  oefore  Jonathan ; and  his 
armour-bearer  slew  after  him. 

14  And  that  first  slaughter,  which  Jonathan 
and  his  armour-bearer  made,  was  about  twenty 
men,  within  as  it  were  'an  half  acre  of  land, 
which  a yoke  of  oxen  might  plough. 

15  And  ‘there  was  trembling  in  the  host,  in  the 
field,  and  among  all  the  people  ; the  garrison,  and 
“the  spoilers,  they  also  trembled ; and  *the  earth 
quaked  : so  it  was  a Very  great  trembling. 

16  H And  the  watchmen  of  .Saul  in  Gibea-h  of 
Benjamin  looked : and  behold  the  multitude 
rmelted  away,  and  they  went  on  'beating  down 
one  another. 

17  Then  said  Saul  unlo  the  people  that  were 
with  him,  Number  now,  and  see  who  is  gone  from 
us.  Anil  when  they  had  numbered,  behold  Jona- 
than and  his  armour-bearer  were  not  there. 

18  And  Saul  said  unto  Ahiah,  "Bring  hither  the 
ark  of  God.  For  bthe  ark  of  God  was  at  that 
time  with  the  children  of  Israel. 

19  And  it  came  to  pass,  while  Saul  talked  unto 
the  priest,  that  the  'noise  that  was  in  the  host  of 
the  Philistines  went  on  and  increased  ; and  Saul 
said  unto  the  priest,,  “Withdraw  thine  hand. 

20  And  Saul  and  all  the  people  that  were  Avith 
him  ^assembled  themselves,  and  they  came  to  the 
battle : and  behold  devery  man’s  sword  was 

n 10:7.  Is,  7:11— 14.  o22.  13:6.  Judsr.  6:2.  p 10.  17: 13,44.  2S»m.  2.14— 
17.  2 Kines  14:8.  q Gen.  24:26,27,42,48  Jmle.  4:14. 7:15.  2Sam.  5:24.  rPs. 
18  29.  Heh.  11:34.  s I, ev.  26:7,8.  Dent.  23:7  . 32:30.  Josh.  23:10.  Rom. 
8*31.  * Or.  half  a furrow  of  an  acre,  t Josh.  2:9.  Judg.  7 21.  2 Kings 

7:6,7.  Job  18:11.  Ps.  14:5.  u 13:17,23,  x Ex.  19:18.  Matt.24:7.  27:50,51. 
r Heb.  fremblhi*  nf  God.  Gen.  35:5.  Lev.  26:36,37.  2Sntn.5:24.  Pan.  5:6. 
T Ps.  58:7.  68:2.  z 20.  Judg.  7:22.  2 Chr.  20:22— 25.  Ts.  19:2.  a 4 3— 5.  30:8. 
Num,  27  21.  Judg.  20:18,23,27,28.  2Sam.  11:11.  15:24—26.  b 5:2.  7:1.  JOr, 

were  to  be  determined  : if  warned  by  the  Philistines  to  wait 
till  they  were  attacked,  they  would  consider  it  as  a divine 
monition,  to  act  only  upon  the  defensive  ; but  if  they  called  to 
them  to  come  up,  they  would  take  it  as  a signal  to  climb  the 
steep  rock  and  attack  them.  (Notes,  Gen.  24: 1 1 — 14.  Judg. 
7:13 — 15.) — Such  extraordinary  attempts  and  triumphs  qf 
faith,  directed  by  immediate  divine  monition,  are  recorded 
for  our  admiration,  and  our  encouragement  in  more  ordinary 
services  ; and  not  for  our  imitation. 

V.  11 — 15.  It  is  probable,  that  Jonathan  and  his  armour- 
bearer  left  the  camp  of  Saul,  unobserved,  during  the  night; 
(3)  and  that  early  in  the  morning,  they  placed  themselves  in 
the  view  of  the  Philistines,  who  in  contempt  challenged  them 
to  “come  up,  and  they  would  show  them  a thing,”  meaning 
that  they  would  cause  them  to  repent  of  their  audacity.  This 
being  the  expected  token  from  God,  Jonathan  assured  his 
armour-bearer,  that  the  Lord  would  deliver  the  Philistines  by 
their  means  into  the  hands  of  Israel.  Thus  they  both,  with- 
out hesitation,  climbed  up  the  rock  into  the  enemy’s  camp, 
apparently  rushing  into  the  jaws  of  destruction.  4 Not  in  the 
view  of  the  Philistines,  but  by  some  difficult  way,  which  none 
was  ever  known  to  go.  And  so  perhaps  they  came  behind 
them  and  surprised  them.’  Bp.  Patrick.  This  might  be  the 
case;  but  the  sacred  historian  docs  not  mention  it.  However, 
by  the  immediate  interposition  of  Go  1,  the  Philistines  were  so 
confounded  at  the  daring  assault,  that  they  fell  down  before 
Jonathan,  and  were  killed  by  his  armour-bearer;  till  twenty 
were  slain  in  a small  space,  as  it  seems,  without  attempting 
either  to  fight  or  to  flee.  Upon  which  the  whole  army  was 
seized  with  trembling  and  consternation;  and  an  earthquake 
which  took  placo  at  the  same  moment,  increased  their  terror: 
bo  that  it  was  44  a trembling  of  God,”  (marg.)  the  whole  being, 
not  only  very  great,  but  altogether  miraculous.  Tn  consequence 
of  this  terror,  they  supposed  the  Israelites  to  be  in  the  midst 
of  the  camp,  and  began  to  kill  one  another  in  every  part  of  it. 
The  army  being  constituted,  as  it  is  supposed,  of  different 
"«itions  ; (20.  Note , 13:5.)  tho  confusion  might  excite  mutual 
C 500  ' 


against  his  fellow,  and  there -was  a very  grea 
discomfiture. 

21  Moreover,  ethe  Hebrews  that  were  with  the 
Philistines  before  that  time,  which  went  up  will, 
them  into  the  cam from  the  country  round  about* 
even  they  also  turned  to  be  with  the  Israelites  that 
were  with  Saul  and  Jonathan. 

22  Likewise  all  the  men  of  Israel  which  had 
f hid  themselves  in  mount  Ephraim,  when  they 
heard  that  the  Philistines  fled,  even  they  also 
followed  hard  after  them  in  the  battle. 

23  So  sthe  Lord  saved  Israel  that  day : and 
the  battle  passed  over  unto  hBeth-even. 

[ Practical  Oh$ creations."] 

24  If  And  the  men  oflsrael  Avere  distressed  that 
day : for  Saul  had  adjured  the  people,  saying, 
‘Cursed  be  the  man  that  eateth  any  food  until 
evening,  that  kI  may  be  avenged  on  mine  ene- 
mies. So  none  of  the  people  tasted  any  food. 

25  And  'all  they  of  the  land  came  to  a AAjood  ; 
and  there  Avas  '"honey  upon  the  ground. 

26  And  Avhen  the  people  Avere  come  into  the 
AA'oodj  behold  the  honey  dropped : but  no  man 
put  his  hand  to  his  mouth ; for  "the  people  leared 
the  oath. 

27  But  Jonathan  heard  not  Avhen  his  father 
charged  the  people  Avith  the  oath : Avherefore  he 
put  forth  the  end  of  the  rod  that  was  in  his  hand, 
and  dipped  it  in  an  honey-comb,  and  put  his 
hand  to  his  mouth ; and  “his  eyes  Avere  enlightened. 

28  Then  ansAvered  one  of  the  people,  and  said, 
Thy  father  straitly  charged  the  people  Avith  an 
oath, 'saying,,  ^Cursed  be  the  man  that  eateth  any 
food  this  day.  And  the  people  were  "faint. 

29  Then  said  Jonathan,  '"My  father  hath 
troubled  the  land  : see,  I pray  you,  Iioav  mine 
eyes  have  been  enlightened,  because  I tasted  a 
little  of  this  honey. 

30  Hoav  much  more,  if  haply  the  people  had 
eaten  freely  to-day  of  the  spoil  of  their  enemies 
Avhich  they  found  ? for  “had  there  not  been  now 
a much  greater  slaughter  among  the  Philistines? 

31  And  they  smote  the  Philistines  that  day  from 
Michmash  to  “Aijalon : and  the  people  Avere  very 
faint. 


tumult.  c24.  13:11.  Josh.  9:14.  Ps.  106:13.  Is.  128:16.  6 Heb. » eere  cried 

together,  d 16.  JudE.  7:22.  Is.  9:19-21.  e29:4.  Jud".  7:23.  f 13:6.  31:7. 
g Ex.  14:30.  Judg.2:18.  2 Kirprs  14:27.  P«.  44:6— S.  Tins.  1 7.  h 13:5.  127—30. 
l.ev.  27:29.  N'nm.  21:2.  Deal.  27:15— 26.  Josh.  6:17-19.26.  Judg.  11:30,31.  21: 
1—5.  Pi-ox.  11:9.  Rom.  10:2.  I Cor.  16:22.  kjndg.  5:2.  16:2s.  Ps.  18:47. 
1 Drill.  9:28.  Man.  3:5.  m Ex.  3:8.  Num.  13:27.  Malt.  3:4.  nEc.9,-2.  o 2S. 
30:12.  n See  on  24,43.  II  Or,  weary,  q 1 Kings  18:18.  rEc.9:18.  sJosh.lOi 
12.  19:42. 


jealousies  and  suspicions,  which  proved  the  occasion  of  their 
common  destruction.  (Notes,  Judg.  7:16 — 22.  1 Kings  20:14 
— 21.  2 Chr.  14:9—15.  20:20—25.) 

V.  16 — 22.  This  confusion  in  the  camp  o the  Philistines 
being  observed  by  the  sentinels  of  Saul’s  army  ; and  it  being 
found  on  inquiry  that,  none  were  absent  from  the  camp  of 
Israel,  but  Jonathan  and  his  armour-bearer;  the  people  were 
no  doubt  greatly  astonished  : and  Saul  prepared  to  consult  the 
Lord,  whether  he  ought  to  attack  the  Philistines  or  no.  His 
impatient  spirit,  however,  could  no  more  wait,  for  Ahiah’s 
answer,  than  for  Samuel’s  arrival:  (Note,  13:8,9. ) and  per- 
ceiving the  commotion  still  increasing,  he  hastily  determined 
to  march  against  the  enemy ; though  he  mifeht  justly  have 
questioned  whether  the  Lord,  who  had  begun  tho  work  with- 
out him,  woidd  accept  of  his  assistance.  At  least  there  could 
be  no  need  of  such  haste.  (Note,  30:7 — 10.)  It  pleased  the 
Lord  indeed  to  employ  Saul's  army,  as  well  as  the  deserters 
and  fugitives,  who  joined  in  crushing  the  Philistines  ; (Note, 
Judg.  7:23 — 25.)  yet  Saul  himself  met  with  a very  humiliating 
proof,  that  the  divine  interposition  was  not  vouchsafed  on  his 
account.  (Notes,  36 — 16.) — Probably  the  ark  of  the  covenant 
was  brought  into  the  field  on  this  occasion.  Yet  some  think, 
that  the  coffer,  or  chest,  in  which  the  ephod  and  breast-plate 
were  kept,  is  meant.  (Notes,  4:4,5.  2 Sam.  11:10,11.) 

V.  23.  The  battle  passed,  &c.]  4 The  fight  continued  till 

they  came  to  this  place,  which  lav  westward  from  Michmash  ;’ 
(and  nearer  to  Philistia:)  4 ami  there  the  Philistines  threw 
down  their  arms,  and  fled  as  fast  as  they  could  towards  their 
own  country.’  Bp.  Patrick. — Thus  the  Israelites  would  at 
once  be  supplied  with  arms  in  abundance.  (Note,  13:22.) 

V.  24 — 34.  44  Tin*  people  were  distressed,”  wlnn  they 
should  have  been  full  of  joy  and  triumph.  The  absolute  pro- 
hibition of  all  food  to  tho  soldiers,  for  the  whole  day,  was  very 
impolitic;  though  Saul  might  properly  have  cautioned  them 
not  to  vvasto  their  time  about  food,  iyi  penalty  of  his  displea- 
sure. But  to  accompany  this  prohibition  with  that  awful 
curse,  by  which  tho  enemies  of  God  were  dove  ed  ;o  uttef 


B.  C.  1073. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


B.  C.  1073. 


32  And  the  people  'flew  upon  the  spoil,  and 
took  sheep,  and  oxen,  and  calves,  and  slew  them 
on  the  ground : and  the  people  “did  eat  them  with 
the  blood. 

33  Then  they  told  Saul,  saying,  Behold,  the 
people  sin  against  the  Lord,  in  that  they  eat  with 
the  blood.  And  he  said,  Ye  have  ‘transgressed  : 
roll  a great  stone  unto  me  this  day. 

34  And  Saul  said,  Disperse  yourselves  among 
the  people,  and  say  unto  them,  Bring  me  hither 
every  man  his  ox,  and  every  man  his  sheep,  and 
slay  them  here,  and  eat ; and  sin  not  against  the 
Lord  in  eating  with  the  blood.  And  all  the  peo- 
ple brought  every  man  his  ox  'with  him  that 
night,  and  slew  them  there. 

35  And  Saul  vbuilt  an  altar  unto  the  Lord  : *the 
same  was  the  first  altar  that  he  built  unto  the  Lord. 

36  H And  Saul  said,  “Let  us  go  down  after  the 
Philistines  by  night,  and  spoil  .them  until  the  morn- 
ing-light, and  det  us  not  leave  a man  of  them. 
And  they  said,  Do  whatsoever  seemeth  good  unto 
thee.  Then  “said  the  priest.  Let  us  draw  near 
hither  unto  God. 

37  And  Saul  asked  counsel  of  God,  “Shall  I go 
down  after  the  Philistines  ? wilt  thou  deliver  them 
into  the  hand  of  Israel?  But  Hie  answered  him 
not  that  day. 

38  And  Saul  said,  “Draw  ye  near  hither  all  the 
$chief  of  the  people  ; and  know  and  see  wherein 
this  sin  hath  been  this  day 

39  For  as  dthe  Lord  liveth,  which  saveth  Is- 

t 15:19.  u Gen. 9:4.  Lev.  3J7.  7:26,27.  17:10— 14.  19:26.  Deut.  12:16,23,24. 
Acts  15:20,29.  * Or,  dealt  treacherously . Matt.  7:5.  Rom.  2:1.  f Heb, 

inhishand.  v7:9,17.  Judg.21:4.  Hos.8:14.  2Tim.3:5.  | Heb.  that  altar 

he  began  to  build.  x Josh.  10:9 — 14,19.  Jer.  6:5.  y 11:11.  Josh.  11:14. 
t Num.  27:21.  Ps.  73:28.  Is.  48:1,2.  58:2.  Mai.  2:7.  Jam.  4:8.  a 23.4,9— 12. 
30:7, S'.  Judg.  1:1.  20:18,28  . 2 Sam.  5:19,23.  1 Kings  22:5,6,15.  b28:6.  Ez.  14: 

3—5.20.3.  c 10:19,20.  Josh.  7:14.  § Heb.  comers.  Num. 24:17.  Judg.20:2. 
2 Sara.  18:3.  Ps.  47  9.  Zech.  10:4.  Matt.  21:42.  Eph.  2:20.  d 24,44.  19:6.  20: 

destruction,  was  profane  and  rash  in  the  extreme,  (Marg. 
Ref.  i.  Note,  Lev.  27:28,29.)  and  it  was  the  more  inexcusable, 
in  that  he  did  not  say,  ‘ that  the  Lord  may  avenge  Israel  on 
his  enemies,’  but  “ that  I may  be  avenged  on  mine  enemies.” 
— The  people,  fearing  the  curse,  abstained,  not  only  from  the 
spoil  of  the  Philistines, but  likewise  from  the  honey  which  was 
abundantly  laid  in  their  way,  and  with  which  they  might  have 
refreshed  themselves  without  loss  of  time,  and  thus  have  been 
enabled  to  make  a much  greater  slaughter  of  the  Philistines : 
and  in  the  evening,  being  almost  fainting  with  labour  and 
hunger,  some  were  induced  hastily  to  kill  the  cattle  which 
they  had  taken,  and  to  eat  the  flesh  with  the  blood,  directly 
contrary  to  the  law ; until  they  were  restrained  by  Saul’s 
authority.  As  Saul’s  precaution  could  do  nothing  to  prevent 
the  people  eating  the  flesh  raw,  or  only  half  roasted,  as  some 
explain  it;  “ eating  with  the  blood,”  must  refer  to  the  manner 
of  slaughtering  the  cattle,  without  properly  separating  the 
blood.  (Marg.  Ref.  u.)  In  the  mean  while,  Jonathan, 
being  ignorant  of  the  curse,  and  almost  ready  to  faint  with 
fatigue,  had  eaten  a little  honey,  by  which  he  was  sensibly 
and  visibly  revived;  so  that  his  eyes,  which  had  been  dim  and 
languishing,  were  enlightened  and  looked  lively.  He,  however, 
thus  found  himself  caught  in  a snare,  and  exposed  to  the  most 
imminent  danger  of  being  put  to  death.  He  had  therefore  rea- 
son to  complain,  that  his  “father  had  troubled  the  land,” 
(Notes,  1 Kings  18:17 — 20.)  as  his  conduct  in  every  way  ob- 
structed the  complete  success  of  Israel. 

V.  35.  It  is  probable  that  Saul  converted  the  great  stone, 
on  which  the  cattle  had  been  slaughtered,  into  an  altar  on 
which  sacrifices  were  offered,  before  the  people  attempted  to 
proceed  any  further. — He  built  this  his  first  altar,  when 
disregarding  Samuel,  he  had  began  to  apostatize  from  God  1 
(Notes,  Num.  23:1,2.  2 Kings  18:22.  Hos.  8:13,14.) 

V.  36 — 44.  When  the  people  had  refreshed  themselves, 
Saul  proposed  to  them  to  pursue  the  army  of  the  Philistines, 
in  order  to  destroy  it  entirely  ; to  which  they  readily  con- 
sented. But  Ahiah,  having  been  before  interrupted  by  Saul’s 
impatience,  very  properly  counselled  them  to  inquire  of  the 
Lord  ; and  when  no  answer  was  returned,  Saul  justly  con- 
cluded that  the  Lord  was  offended,  and  desired  to  discover 
the  cause.  (Marg.  Ref.  x-v-b.)  But  ifhe  had  been  humbly 
sensible  of  the  evil  of  his  own  past  conduct,  he  would  have 
included  himself  to  be  the  culprit.  (Notes,  28:6.  Ez.  14:1 — 
..  20:1—3.)  The  Lord,  however,  was  pleased,  that  the  con- 
duct of  Jonathan,  who  had  unwarily  exposed  himself  to  the 
curse  denounced  by  his  father,  should  be  discovered,  as  the 
cause  why  he  did  not  answer  the  high-priest’s  inquiries : that 
the  people  might  understand  how  much  they  were  interested 
in  the  conduct  of  their  king  ; and  be  convinced  of  their  folly 
tl  rejecting  the  government  of  a pious  prophet  whose  prayers 
brought  down  blessings,  for  that  of  a king  whose  curses  brought 
town  wrath  upon  them.  (Notes  7:8:)  In  the  same  rash  and 
irofane  spirit  as  in  the  former  instance,  Saul,  before  the  lots 
were  cast,  sware  by  the  Lord,  that  even  if  Jonathan  were  the 


rael,  though  it  be  in  Jonathan  my  son,  he  shall 
surely  die.  But  there  was  not  a man  among  all 
the  people  that  answered  him. 

40  Then  said  he  unto  all  Israel,  Be  ye  on  on< 
side,  and  I and  Jonathan  my  son  will  be  on  the 
other  side.  And  the  people  said  unto  Saul,  “Do 
what  seemeth  good  unto  thee. 

41  Therefore  Saul  said  unto  the  Lord  God  of 
Israel,  "Give  a perfect  lot.  'And  Saul  and  Jona- 
than were  taken  : but  the  people  "escaped. 

42  And  Saul  said,  Cast  lots  between  me  and 
Jonathan  my  son.  And  Jonathan  was  taken. 

43  Then  Saul  said  to  Jonathan,  sTell  me  what 
thou  hast  done.  And  Jonathan  told  him,  and 
said,  hI  did  but  taste  a little  honey  with  the  end  of 
the  rod  that  was  in  mine  hand,  and,  lo,  I must 
die. 

44  And  Saul  answered,  ‘God  do  so,  and  more 
also  : for  kthou  shalt  surely  die,  Jonathan. 

45  And  the  people  said  unto  Saul,  Shall  Jona- 
than die,  'who  hath  wrought  this  great  salvation 
in  Israel  ? God  forbid  : as  the  Lord  liveth,  There 
shall  notone  hair  of  his  head  fall  to  the  ground  ; 
for  "he  hath  wrought  with  God  this  day.  So  the 
people  rescued  Jonathan,  that  he  died  not. 

46  Then  Saul  went  up  from  following  the 
Philistines : and  the  Philistines  went  to  their  own 
place. 

47  H So  Saul  “took  the  kingdom  over  Israel, 
and  pfought  against  all  his  enemies  on  every  side, 
against  IVIoab,  and  against  the  children  of  ‘'Ammon, 

31.  22:16.  33:10.  2Sam.  12:5.  Ec.  9:2.  e 7,36.  2 Sam.  15:15.  II  Or,  shoe,  the 
innocent.  Prov.  16:33.  Acts  1:24.  f 1(1:20,21.  Josh.  7:16,18.  Jon.  1:7  IT  Heb. 
went  forth.  g Josh.  7: 19.  Jon.  1 :8— 10.  h 27.  i 25:22.  Ruth  l : 17.  2 Sam.  3:9. 
19:13.  k See  on  39.  Gen.  38:21.  2 Sam.  12:5,31 . 123.  19:5.  Neh.  9:27. 

m2Sam.  14:11.  1 Kings  1:52.  Malt.  10:30.  Luke 21:18.  Acts  27:34.  n Is.  13:3. 
Acts  14:27.  15:12.  21:19.  Rom.  15:18.  1 Cor.  3:9.  2Cor.  6:1.  Rev.  17:14.  19- 
14.  o 13:1.  p 2 Kings  14:27.  q 11:11.  12:2. 


offender,  he  should  surely  die ; without  knowing  whether  the 
crime  committed  deserved  death,  or  whether  it  might  not  be 
expiated  by  a sin-offering.  And  after  the  lots  had  been  cast, 
(with  prayer,  as  probably  was  the  constant  practice,)  and 
Jonathan  was  taken;  Saul  with  affected  sternness,  without 
any  humiliation  for  his  own  sin  in  thus  rashly  troubling  Israel ; 
as  one  who  appeared  zealous  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the 
obligation  of  an  oath,  while  in  reality  tenacious  of  his  own  will 
and  authority ; and  with  execrations  on  himself,  proceeded 
to  denounce  the  sentence  of  death  upon  his  own  pious  son! 
(Note  15:15.  Gen.  38:24—26.  2 Sam.  12:26—31.) 

Give  aperfcct  lot.  (41)  “ Show  the  innocent.”  (Marg.) 

V.  45,  46.  The  people  judged  rightly,  that  the  guilt  was 
contracted  by  Saul,  and  that  the  rebuke  was  intended  for  him, 
and  not  for  Jonathan ; and  therefore  they  rescued  him,  by 
whom  God  had  given  them  this  extraordinary  deliverance, 
from  the  hands  of  his  severe  father.  Saul  could  not  but 
desire  the  life  of  his  son  : yet  considering  him  as  decidedly 
preferred  before  himself,  both  by  the  Lord  and  by  Israel ; 
knowing  that  Jonathan’s  deliverance  was  a severe  reproof  of 
his  rashness ; and  perhaps  apprehending  as  he  had  abundant 
cause  to  do,  that  his  repeated  curses  would  light  on  I4?  own 
head  ; he  returned  home  apparently  dissatisfied  and  displeased. 
(Notes,  l Kings  20:38 — 43.)  Thus  the  opportunity  of  com- 
pleting the  destruction  of  the  Philistines  was  lost;  nor  could 
it  be  expected,  that  an  expedition,  which  was  begun  and  con- 
ducted so  very  ill,  should  terminate  without  some  evident 
tokens  of  the  divine  displeasure  against  Saul ; though  the  Lord’s 
love  to  Israel  was  displayed  in  an  unparalleled  manner,  by 
means  of  the  faith  and  courage  of  his  pious  son  Jonathaij.-r- 
Through  Saul’s  misconduct,  and  as  if  in  answer  to  his  impre- 
cations, Jonathan  was  excluded  from  the  kingdom,  and  slain 
with  him  by  the  Philistines,  when  “the  Lord  did  unto  him,” 
as  he  intended  to  do  to  his  son,  “and  more  also;”  having 
indeed  devoted  him  to  utter  destruction.  (44.  Notes,  31:2 — 6.) 

V.  47 — 52.  After  the  decided  victory  gained  over  tho 
Philistines,  Saul’s  authority  as  king  of  Israel  was  re-estab- 
lished: and  though  the  Lord  was  displeased  with  him,  and 
purposed  to  set  aside  his  family ; yet  he  prospered  him  in  the 
wars  which  he  carried  on  against  the  several  nations  which 
oppressed  Israel. — It  is  evident  that  many  important  transac- 
tions of  his  reign  are  passed  over  in  silence  ; and  that  in  gene- 
ral it  was  more  active  and  successful,  (in  the  former  part  of  it 
especially,)  than  it  appears  at  first  sight  to  have  been.  But, 
to  the  end  of  his  life,  Saul  was  unable  to  prevail  against  the 
Philistines,  having  missed  the  opportunity  whic!  ‘uod  had 
afforded  him  ; so  that,  after  having  had  sore  war  with  him  all 
his  days,  the  three  sons  here  mentioned  fell  at  last  by  their 
hands,  and  he  was  driven  to  murder  himself.  (Marg.  I\ef.) 
Saul  seems  to  have  had  only  one  wife,  and  Rizpah  hif  con 
cubine.  (2  Sam.  21:8 — 10.) 

Thesonsof  Saul.  (49)  Jonathan,  Ishui,  (called  Abinadah% 
31:2.)  and  Melchi-shua,  the  sons  of  Saul,  ‘were...  fit  to 
accompany  him  in  his  wars,  and  upr*i  tha  'account  are  only 

( 501  ) 


B.  C.  1070. 


I.  SAMUEL.  B.  C.  1070- 


and  against  Edorc  and  against  the  kings  of  “Zobah, 
and  against  the  Philistines,  and  whithersoever  he 
turi  ed  himself  he  vexed  them.  . 

411  And  he  ’gathered  an  host,  and  ’smote  the 
Amalekites,  and  delivered  Israel  out  of  the  hands 
of  them  ♦hat  spoiled  them. 

49  Now  the  sons  of  Saul  were  ‘Jonathan,  and 
Ishui,  and  Melchi-shua : and  the  names  of  his  two 
daughter?-  were  these  ; the  “name  of  the  first-born 
Merab,  and  the  name  of  the  younger  Michal : 

50  And  the  name  of  Saul’s  wife  ivas  Ahinoam, 
the  daughter  df  Ahimaaz  ; and  xthe  name  of  the 
captain  of  his  host  was  + Abner  the  son  of  Ner, 
Saul’s  uncle. 

51  And  ^Kish  was  the  father  of  Saul  ; and  Ner 
the  father  of  Abner  was  the  son  of  Abiel. 

52  And  there  was  sore  war  against  the  Philis- 
tines all  the  days  of  Saul : and  ’when  Saul  saw 
any  strong  man,  or  any  valiant  man,  he  took  him 
unto  him. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Saul  is  sent  to  destroy  Amalek,  1—3.  He  gathers  a large  army,  favours  the 
Kenites , and  smites  the  Amalekites,  4—7.  He  spares  A$ag  and  the  best  of 
the  spoil,  8,  9.  Samuel  is  sent  to  declare  unto  him,  that  God  has  rejected 
him  for  his  disobedience;  and  Saul  invain  attempts  to  excuse  himself,  10 — 21 . 
He  is  convicted  of  rebellion,  and  partially  humbles  himsilf,  but  cannot  get 
the  sentence  reversed , 22 — 31.  Samuel  kills  Agag,  and  finally  leaves  Saul, 
32-35. 

SAMUEL  also  said  unto  Saul,  “The  Lord  sent 
me  to  anoint  thee  to  be  king  over  his  people, 

r 2 Sam.  10:6.  1 Kings  11:23.  * Or,  wrought  mightily,  s 15:3— 7.  Ex.  17: 
14.  Detit. 25:10.  t 31:2.  1 Chr.  8:33.  9:39.  -i  18:17 — 21.  25:44  . 2 Sam.  3:13 
—16  . 6:20—23.  x 17:55.  2 Sam.  2:8.  3:27.  t Heb.  Abintr.  v9:l.  z 8:1. 
a 17:18.  9:16.  10:1.  h 16.  12:14.  13:13.  2 Sam.  23:2,3.  1 Chr.  22:12,13.  Ps.2: 
10,11.  cJer.  31:34.  Hos.  7:2.  Am.  8:7.  d Ex.  17:3— IS.  N’um.  24:20.  Dent.  23: 
17.10.  e I.ev.  27:28,29.  Deut.  13  15, 16.  20:16—18.  Josh. 6:17— 21.  fEx.2l>:5. 
Num.  31:17.  Is.  14:21,22.  g Gen.  3:17,18.  Rom.  8:20— 22.  h Josh.  15:24. 

mentioned  here ; . . . though  he  had  another  son  (Ish-bosheth) 
who  is  mentioned  1 Chr.  8:33,  under  the  name  of  Eth-baal.’ 
Bp.  Patrick.  ( Marg . Ref) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 23.  The  same  principle,  as  induces  men  to  seek 
relief  from  the  accusations  of  conscience,  by  abounding  in  the 
externals  of  religion,  will  lead  them  to  seek  refuge  from  the 
warnings  and  reproofs  of  faithful  ministers,  by  paying  court 
to  others,  who,  either  out  of  mistake,  timidity,  or  unfaithful- 
ness, give  them  less  disturbance  in  sin : but  God  will  show  a 
marked  disapprobation  of  such  attendance  on  his  own  ordi- 
nances, or  profession  of  his  truths,  as  is  intended  to  quiet  the 
conscience,  or  support  the  credit  of  sinners,  who  persist  in 
disobeying  the  plain  precepts  of  his  holy  word. — Hypocrites 
often  detect  their  indifference,  even  about  the  religion  which 
they  professedly  choose ; for  as  it  has  no  practical  energy 
upon  them,  a small  matter  induces  them  to  dispense  with  the 
useless  form. — No  warnings  nor  examples  are  sufficient  to  con- 
vince men  of  the  folly  and  danger  of  trusting  in  the  forms  of 
godliness,  while  they  neglect  the  power  of  it ; but  from  age  to 
age  multitudes  proceed  in  the  same  destructive  path.  (Note, 
2 Tim.  3:1 — 5.)  Yet,  blessed  be  God,  every  age  also  produces 
illustrious  instances  of  those,  who  being  strong  in  faith  give 
glory  to  God ; and  its  triumphs  are  proportioned  to  its 
strength. — While  we  are  obeying  the  commands  of  God, 
trusting  his  protection,  and  seeking  his  glory,  neither  the  sense 
of  our  own  weakness,  nor  the  power  of  our  enemies  should 
dismay  us:  “for  there  is  no  restraint  to  the  Lord  to  save  by 
many  or  by  few.”  We  are  not  indeed  warranted  at  present 
to  expect  miraculous  interpositions  : yet  the  feeblest  instru- 
ment, who  sincerely  and  in  faith  uses  the  appointed  means, 
in  order  to  subvert  Satan’s  kingdom  of  ignorance,  error,  and 
wickedness,  is  authorised  to  expect  considerable  success  ; for 
“it  may  be  that  the  Lord  will  work  with  him:”  and  then 
the  weapons  of  his  warfare  will  prove  mighty,  and  no  force  of 
the  enemies  of  our  God  and  his  Christ  can  stand  before  him. 
(Notes,  1 Cor.  1:20 — 25.  2 Cor.  4:7.  10:1 — 0.)  At  his  frown 
the  mightiest  armies  melt  away,  or  prove  instruments  of  each 
other’s  destruction:  what  then  will  be  the  consternation  and 
horror,  when  the  whole  world  shall  he  assembled  before  his 
tribunal,  and,  “ the  wicked  shall  be  cast  into  hell,  and  all  the 
nations  that  forgot  God !” 

V.  24 — 52.  In  the  midst  of  the  most  glorious  success, 
M one  sinner”  often  “ destroy eth  much  good :”  and  rash  zeal  is 
as  hurtful  as  timid  inaction.  It  indeed  becomes  an  Israelite 
to  be  superior  to  the  cravings  of  his  appetites:  but  there  is 
neither  prudence  nor  piety  in  restraining  men  from  partaking 
of  the  bounty  of  Providence,  when  placed  honestly  within 
their  reach ; and  when  it  is  so  used  as  to  prepare  them  for 
his  service,  and  encourage  rather  than  hinder  them  in  it. 
They  are  indeed  “ troublers  of  Israel,”  who  prohibit  such  use 
of  those  good  things  which  “God  giveth  us  richly  to  enjoy :”  the 
curses,  with  which  they  sanction  their  antichristian  mandates, 
will  fall  on  their  own  heads;  and  they  will  bo  answerable  for 
all  the  consequences : for  restraints  from  things  lawful  gene- 
rally prove  tempfations  to  forbidden  indulgences,  and  a super- 
stitious zeal  about  evtf»rnals  has  often  hindered  men  from 
( 502  ) 


over  Israel:  now  therefore  bhearken  thou  unto 
the  voice  of  the  words  of  the  Lord. 

2 Thus  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  CI  remember 
that  which  dAmalek  did  to  Israel,  how  he  laid 
wait  for  him  in  the  way  when  he  came  up  from 
Egypt. 

3 Now  go,  and  smite  Amalek,  and  “utterly 
destroy  all  that  they  have,  and  spare  them  not ; 
but  fslay  both  man  and  woman,  infant  and  suck- 
ling, sox  and  sheep,  camel  and  ass. 

4 And  Saul  gathered  the  people  together,  and 
numbered  them  in  ‘‘Telaim,  'two  hundred  thou- 
sand footmen,  and  ten  thousand  men  of  Judah. 

5 And  Saul  came  to  a city  of  Amalek,  and  'laid 
wait  in  the  valley. 

6 And  Saul  said  unto  kthe  Kenites,  'Go,  depart, 
get  you  down  from  among  the  Amalekites,  lest  I 
destroy  you  with  them  : for  mye  showed  kindness 
to  all  the  children  of  Israel  when  they  came  up  out 
of  Egypt.  So  the  Kenites  departed  from  among 
the  Amalekites. 

7 And  Saul  "smote  the  Amalekites  from  °Ha- 
vilah  until  thou  comest  to  rShur,  that  is  over 
against  Egypt. 

8 And  he  took  ^Agag  the  king  of  the  Amalek- 
ites alive,  and  “utterly  destroyed  all  the  people 
with  the  edge  of  the  sword. 

9 But  Saul  and  the  people  spared  Agag,  and 
“the  best  of  the  sheep,  and  of  the  oxen,  and  of 


Tclem.  1 11:8.  13:15.  • Or,  fought,  k 27:10.  Num  21:21,22.  Jmlg.  1:16.  4:11. 
5:21.  1 Chr. 2:55.  I Gen.  18:23.  19:12— 16.  Num.  16:26,27,34.  Pro*.  9:6.  Act. 
2:40.  2 Cor.  6:17.  Re*.  18:4.  m Ex.  18:9,10,19.  Num.  10:29—32.  n 14:48.  Job 
21:30.  Ec.  8:13.  oCen.2:ll.  25:18.  p 27:8.  Gen.  16:7.  q 3.  Num.  24:7. 
1 Kinn  20:34— 42.  Esth.SU.  r 27:8.  30:1.  Josh.  10:39.  11:12.  a 3,15  19.  Josh. 
7:21. 


performing  essential  services  to  the  church.  (Note,  1 Tim. 
4:1 — 5.) — When  rulers,  by  authority,  would  withhold  men 
from  transgression,  while  they  set  them  an  example  of  disobe- 
dience to  God,  they  cannot  reasonably  expect  success. — We 
are  too  much  in  haste  in  our  most  important  employments, 
if  we  do  not  allow  ourselves  time  to  consult  the  Lord  and 
seek  his  blessing ; and  ministers  should  plainly  remind  those, 
who  are  running  into  this  common  mistake. — When  our  prayers 
are  not  answered,  we  may  safely  conclude  that  iniquity  with- 
holds good  from  us,  and  we  should  make  diligent  search  for 
it:  but  we  should  always  first  suspect  and  examine  ourselves; 
whereas  an  unhumbled  heart  suspects  every  other  person, 
and  looks  every  where  but  to  himself,  for  the  sinful  cause  of 
calamity! — Those  who  are  indulgent  to  their  own  sins,  aro 
generally  severe  in  animadverting  on  the  faults  of  others:  and 
such  as  most  disregard  God’s  authority,  are  most  impatient 
when  their  own  commands  appear  to  be  slighted,  or  their 
reputation  eclipsed ; and  by  severity  against  minute  devia- 
tions, real  or  supposed,  they  frequently  endeavour  to  varnish 
over  their  own  enormous  transgressions.-— Those  who  delight 
in  cursing,  are  in  extreme  danger  of  falling  under  the  awful 
curse  of  God:  (Note,  Ps.  109:G— 20.)  and  the  habit  of  swear- 
ing will  certainly  involve  a man  in  the  guilt  of  perjury,  as  well 
as  of  profanene.ss  ; for  though  now  concealed,  his  iniquity  will 
be  “sure  to  find  him  out.” — No  oath  can  bind  us  to  commit 
injustice:  but  the  rash  swearer  should  repent  of  his  iniquity, 
and  not  add  one  crime  to  another ; and  all  men  should  join  to 
rescue  the  innocent  from  punishment. — In  this  world,  if  they 
who  have  “ wrought  with  God,”  and  have  been  remarkably 
useful  to  his  people,  escape  persecution  and  death  as  their 
recompense ; they  are  more  favoured  than  those  who  have 
gone  before  them ; and  need  not  expect  much  advantangc  to 
themselves  from  their  usefulness,  till  they  get  to  heaven. — 
In  the  midst  of  mercy  the  Lord  will  rebuke  his  people  for 
their  sins:  and  by  mismanagement  men  lose  the  comfort  of 
their  successes,  and  are  discontented,  and  filled  with  vexation, 
in  the  midst  of  blessings. — But  the  Lord  employs  even  wicked 
men  as  instruments  of  providential  good  to  his  people : in 
temporal  prosperity  they  forget  their  sins  and  the  threatened 
wrath  of  God  : and  thus  they  blaze  for  a moment  like  \ 
meteor,  and  then  are  put  out  in  utter  darkness.  O Lord,  let 
us  rather  be  chasthened  here  than  thus  prosper  and  be  con- 
demned with  the  world! 

NOTES.— Chap.  XV.  V.  1—3.  It.  is  probable,  that  for 
some  years  Saul  scarcely  took  any  notice  of  Samuel,  in  his 
wars  and  successes  ; perhaps  resenting  the  sharp  rebuke 
which  he  had  before  given  him : and  Samuel  did  not  intrude 
himself.  But  now,  he  was  sent  to  Saul  with  an  express  com- 
mand, to  go  and  utterly  destroy  the  Amalekites.  (14:48.)  In 
delivering  his  message  the  prophet  reminded  him,  that  he  had 
been  commissioned  by  the  Lord  to  anoint  him  king,  and  that 
now  he  spake  by  the  same  authority:  he  seemed  also  to  inti- 
mate, that  unless  Saul  “hearkened  to  the  voice  of  the  words 
of  the  Lord,”  ho  should  he  authorized  to  denounce  the  sen- 
tence of  rejection  against  him;  and  ho  gave  him  bis  ins  (mo- 
tions in  the  most  explicit  and  particular  manner.  The  Ama 
lokites  had  long  beforo  been  condemned  ; (Notes,  1 7 8— 


B.  C.  1070. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


B.  C.  1070 


‘the  fadings,  and  the  lambs,  and  all  that  was  good, 
and  would  not  utterly  destroy  them : but  every 
thing  that  was  vile  and  refuse,  that  they  destroyed 
utterly. 

10  H Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto 
Samuel,  saying, 

11  It^repenteth  me  that  I have  set  up  Saul  to  be 
king : for  he  is  “turned  back  from  following  me, 
and  xhath  not  performed  my  commandments.  And 
'it  grieved  Samuel ; and  'lie  cried  unto  the  Lord 
all  night. 

12  And  when  Samuel  rose  early  to  meet  Saul  in 
the  morning,  it  was  told  Samuel,  saying,  Saul 
came  to  "Carmel,  and,  behold,  bhe  set  him  up  a 
place,  and  is  gone  about,  and  passed  on,  and  gone 
down  to  Gilgal. 

13  And  Samuel  came  to  Saul;  and  Saul  said 
unto  him,  'Blessed  be  thou  of  the  Lord  : dI  have 
performed  the  commandment  of  the  Lord. 

14  And  Samuel  said,  "What  meaneth  then  this 
bleating  of  the  sheep  in  mine  ears,  and  the  lowing 
of  the  oxen  which  I hear  ? 

15  And  Saul  said,  They  have  brought  them 
from  the  Amalekites : ffor  the  people  spared  the 
best  of  the  sheep  and  of  the  oxen,  eto  sacrifice 
unto  the  Lord  thy  God ; and  the  rest  we  have 
utterly  destroyed. 

16  Then  Samuel  said  unto  Saul,  hStay,  and  I 


* Or,  the  second  sort.  2 Sam.  6:13.  t 35.  Gen.  6:6.  2 Sam.  24:16.  Ps. 
110:4.  Jer.  18:7— 10.  Am.  7:3.  Jon.  3:10.  4:2.  u Josh.  22:16.  1 Kings  9:6.  Ps. 
36:3.  78:41,57.  125:5.  Zeph.  1:6.  Matt.  94:13.  Heb.  10:38.  x 3,9.  13:13.  y 35. 
16:1.  Ps.  119:136.  Jer.  9:1,18.  13: 17.  Luke  19:41— 44.  Rom.  9:1— 3.  x 12:23. 

Ps.  109:4.  Matt.  5:44.  Luke  6:12.  a 25:2.  Josh.  15:55.  b7:12.  Josh.  4:8,9. 

2Snm. 18:18.  c i3: 10.  Gen.  14:19.  Judg.  17:2.  Ruth. 3:10.  d 9.11 . Prov.  27:2. 
31:31.  Luke  17:10.  18:11.  e Ps.  36:2.  50:16—  21.  Jer.  2:18,19,22,23,34— 37.  Mai. 
3:13—15.  Luke  19:22.  Rom.  3:19.  1 Cor.  4:5.  f 9,21.  Gen.  3:12.13.  Ex.  32:22, 
23.  Job  31:33.  Prov.  23:13.  g Matt.  2:8.  Luke  10:29.  h 9:27.  12:7.  1 Kings  22: 
16.  i 9:21.  10:22.  Judg.  6:15.  Hos.  13:1.  Matt.  18:4.  J 1—3.  10:1.  kGen.13: 


16.  Deut.  25:17 — 19.)  but  the  nation  had  boen  spared,  till  it  had 
filled  up  the  measure  of  its  iniquities. — The  righteous  Lord 
certainly  did  no  injustice  to  individuals ; and  the  example  was 
of  a salutary  tendency,  to  deter  others  in  future  ages  from 
“ meddling  to  their  hurt”  with  the  servants  of  the  living  God. 

( Marg . Ref.  Notes,  Num.  31:2.  Josh.  6:21.) 

V.  4.  The. large  army,  which  was  collected  when  Samuel 
directed  the  enterprise,  shows  that  the  people  had  much  more 
confidence  in  their  rejected  prophet,  than  in  the  king  whom 
they  had  so  inordinately  desired.  (13:5 — 15.)  The  dispropor- 
tionate number  of  Judah,  might  perhaps  be  the  effect  of  their 
dissatisfaction  with  a king  of  another  tribe. — The  armies  of 
Israel  at  that  time  had  no  cavalry. 

V.  6.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Num.  10:29 — 32.  Judg.  1:16. 
4:11. 

V.  7.  The  region  occupied  by  the  Amalekites,  lay  between 
Havilah  on  the  north-east,  and  Shur  on  the  south-west:  and 
Saul  carried  his  victorious  arms  through  the  whole  extent  of 
this  district.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  8,  9.  The  Lord  had  devoted  all  the  Amalekites,  to- 
gether with  their  substance,  to  utter  destruction,  as  a solemn 
sacrifice  to  his  justice : and  the  commandment  given  to  Saul, 
concerning  the  execution  of  this  sentence,  was  express  and 
particular  ; (3)  and  probably  intended  as  a test  of  his  disposi- 
tion to  obey  or  disobey  God.  (Notes,  13:13 — 15.  Deut.  7:25, 
26.  Josh.  6:17 — 19.  7:1,10 — 26.) — But,  while  neither  he  nor 
his  soldiers  were  induced  to  mitigate  the  severity  of  the  in- 
junction, by  sparing  any  of  the  women  or  children ; he,  per- 
haps in  comnlaisance  to  royalty,  or  to  grace  his  victory,  spared 
the  king  of  Amalek;  (Notes,  1 Kings  20:28 — 43.)  and  the 
people,  doubtless  by  his  concurrence,  covetously  reserved  the 
best  of  the  cattle  and  substance,  destroying  only  the  refuse 
which  was  of  little  value.  Saul’s  conduct  was  evidently  the 
effect  of  a proud  rebellious  spirit. — Many  Amalekites  escaped 
at  this  time,  probably  without  his  fault  ; and  we  read  of  them 
afterwards  as  a numerous  people.  (Notes,  27:8 — 12.  30:1 — 3.) 

V.  11.  (Note,  Gen.  6:6,7.)  The  Lord’s  change  of  conduct 
towards  Saul  was  similar  to  that  change  in  our  conduct,  which 
springs  from  repentance  ; though  by  means  of  all  he  accom- 
plished his  own  wise  and  righteous  purposes. — Samuel  had 
been  soon  reconciled  to  the  people’s  rejection  of  him  and  his 
family,  and  had  cheerfully  anointed  Saul:  (Notes,  8: — 10:) 
and  from  his  first  actions  he  had  framed  a favourable  opinion 
of  him.  When  he  therefore  was  rejected,  Samuel  was  ex- 
ceedingly grieved  ; and  he  interceded  all  night  for  the  reversal 
of  the  sentence.  (Notes,  Jer.  13:15—17.  18:19,20.  Luke  19: 
41—44.  Rom.  9:1—3.) 

V.  12.  Set  him  up  a place.]  Probably  ;his  was  a trophy, 
or  monument  of  the  victory.  The  whole  implies,  that  Saul 
took  great  state  upon  himself,  and  was  not  a little  elated  with 
his  success.  (Note,  2 Sam.  18:17,18.) 

V.  13,  14.  Perhaps  Saul  was  in  some  degree  conscious  of 
having  done  wrong  ; and  he  therefore  addressed  Samuel  in 
this  respectful  language,  in  order  to  conciliate  his  good  will, 
a>td  to  ward  off  the  rebuke  which  he  feared.  Some  however 
■huik  be  was  so  insensible  of  having  committed  any  fault,  that 


will  tell  thee  what  the  Lord  hath  said  to  me  this 
night.  And  he  said  unto  him,  Say  on. 

17  And  Samuel  said,  ‘When  thou  wast  little  in 
thine  own  sight,  wast  thou  not  made  the  head  of 
the  tribes  of  Israel,  and  Hhe  Lord  anointed  thee 
king  over  Israel? 

18  And  the  Lord  sent  thee  on  a journey,  and 
said,  Go,  and  utterly  destroy  kthe  sinners  the 
Amalekites,  and  fight  against  them  until  ‘they  be 
consumed. 

19  Wherefore  then  didst  thou  not  obey  the 
voice  of  the  Lord,  but  didst  ‘fly  upon  the  spoil, 
and  “’didst  evil  in  tne  sight  of  the  Lord  ? 

20  And  Saul  said  unto  Samuel,  "Yea,  I have 
obeyed  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  and  have  gone  the 
way  which  the  Lord  sent  me,  and  "have  brought 
Agag  the  king  of  Amalek,  and  have  utterly  de- 
stroyed the  Amalekites. 

21  But  rthe  people  took  of  the  spoil,  sheep  and 
oxen,  the  chief  of  the  things  which  should  have 
been  utterly  destroyed,  to  sacrifice  unto  the  Lord 

thy  God  in  Gilgal.  [ Practical  Observations .] 

22  And  Samuel  said,  iHath  the  Lord  as  great 
delight  in  burnt-offerings  and  sacrifices,  as  in 
obeying  the  voice  of  the  Lord  ? Behold,  to  ’obey 
is  better  than  sacrifice ; and  to  hearken,  than  the 
fat  of  rams. 

23  For  ’rebellion  is  as  the  sin  of  ^witchcraft. 


13.  15:16.  Num.  16:38.  Job31:3.  Prov.  10:29.  13:21.  t Heb.  they  consume 
them.  1 Prov.  15:27.  Jer.  7:11.  Hot.  2:9-12.  2 Tim.  4:10.  m 2 Chr.  33:2,6. 
36:12.  n 13.  Job  33:9  . 34:5.  35:2.  40:8.  Matt.  19:20.  Luke  10:29.  18:11.  Rom. 
10:3.  o 3,8.  p See  on  15.  Gen.  3:13.  Ex.  32:22,23.  qPs.50:8,9.  Prov  21:3. 

Is.  1:1 1 — 17.  Jer.  7:22,23.  Hos.  6:6.  Am.  5:21—24.  Mic.  6:6—8.  Matt.  9:13.  12: 
7.  23:23.  Heb.  10:6-9.  r Ex.  19:5.  Jer.  7:23.  11:4,7,  26:13.  s 12:14,15.  Num 
14:9.  Deut.  9:7,24.  Josh.  22:16—19.  Job  34:37.  Ps.  107:11.  Jer.  29:16. 29:32.  Ex. 
2:5—8.  I Heb.  divination.  Ex.  22:18.  Lev.  20:6,27.  Deut.  18:10,11.  Ib.8.19. 
19:3. 


he  was  disposed  to  boast  of  his  obedience,  and  expected  to  be 
congratulated  and  commended  by  the  prophet.  But  Samuel’s 
answer  showed  him  at  once  that  the  very  herds  and  flocks, 
which  were  driven  along  with  him,  fully  convicted  him  of  in- 
excusable disobedience.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  15.  It  is  not  probable,  that  either  Saul  or  the  people 
had  fully  purposed  to  sacrifice  all  the  cattle  which  they  had 
reserved  : but  even  in  that  case,  they  opposed  their  own  will 
and  wisdom  to  the  express  command  of  God  ; and  no  doubt 
they  intended  to  save  their  own  cattle  by  means  of  them. — 
Saul  took  the  merit  of  his  obedience  to  himself;  but  he  threw 
the  blame  of  the  disobedience  on  the  people.  Yet  had  he  ex- 
erted his  authority,  with  as  much  decision,  in  support  of  God’s 
command,  as  he  had  done  before  in  enforcing  his  own  prohi- 
bition ; and  had  he  been  as  determined  in  the  execution  of 
Agag,  as  he  was  disposed  to  be  in  putting  his  son  to  death  ; it 
is  not  likely  that  any  opposition  would  have  been  made  to  his 
orders.  (Note,  14:36 — 44.) 

V.  16 — 18.  Marg.  Ref.  A journey.  (18)  The  expedition 
had  been  so  prosperous,  that  it  was  more  like  a safe  and  easy 
journey,  than  a laborious  and  perilous  warfare. 

V.  19.  Fly,  &c.]  ‘With  great  greediness,  as  a hungry  bird 
or  beast  upon  his  prey.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  20,  21.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Gen.  3:12,13.  Ex.  32:21 
—24.  Luke  10:25—29. 

Y.  22.  Submission  to  the  authority  of  God,  must  be  essen- 
tial to  true  religion  under  every  dispensation  : but  there  is  a 
great  difference  between  the  submission  of  a holy,  and  that  ol 
a sinj'ul  creature.  External  obedience,  even  to  moral  pre- 
cepts, is  good  in  the  sight  of  God,  only  when  it  springs  from  a 
willing  submission  of  the  soul  to  the  divine  authority.  To  pro- 
fess a belief  of  the  gospel  is  good,  only  when  it  arises  from  sub- 
mission to  the  divine  teaching,  to  the  justice  of  the  condem- 
nation under  which  sinners  are  concluded,  and  to  the  wisdom, 
suitableness,  and  grace  of  the  method  of  salvation  there  re- 
vealed. All  instituted  worship  derives  its  obligation  from  the 
express  appointment  of  God,  from  the  honour  which  it  renders 
to  his  name,  from  the  disposition  of  the  worshipper,  and  from 
the  grace  and  spiritual  blessings  which  are  communicated  by 
it.  Sacrifices  especially  declared  the  desert  of  the  offender, 
and  typified  the  sufferings  of  the  Saviour ; their  value  resulted 
entirely  from  the  appointment  of  God  ; and  they  were  not  ac- 
ceptable, except  offered  in  obedience  to  him,  and  with  a peni- 
tent, believing,  and  pious  mind.  (Note,  Jer.  7:21 — 23.)  When 
therefore  they  were  substituted  in  the  place  of  true  piety,  or 
trusted  in  as  meritorious  ; when  the  means  were  used  to  com- 
pensate for  the  neglect  of  the  end,  and  the  sign  was  exalted 
into  the  place  of  the  thing  signified ; they  became  an  abomi- 
nation, however  costly  and  numerous  they  \tere. — Had  Saul 
offered  thousands  of  bullocks  and  rams,  not  of  the  spoils  of 
Amalek,  but  from  his  own  herds  and  flocks,  exactly  according 
to  the  divine  ritual,  in  an  impenitent  and  self-confident  dispo- 
sition, God  would  have  abhorred  them  : how  much  more  then, 
when  the  animals  to  be  sacrificed  were  spared,  in  direct  disc* 
bedience  to  his  express  command  ! — Samuel  did  not  therefore 
mean  to  exalt  one  part  of  external  religion  by  depreciating  an- 
( 503  ) 


B.  C.  1070.  I.  SAMUEL.  B.  C.  1070. 


and  stubbornness  is  as  iniquity  and  idolatry: 
because  'thou  hast  rejected  the  word  of  the 
Lord,  he  hath  also  rejected  thee  from  being  king. 

24  And  Saul  said  unto  Samuel,  UI  have  sinned : 
for  I have  transgressed  the  commandment  of  the 
Lord.,  and  'hy  words ; because  XI  feared  the 
people,  and  -'obeyed  their  voice. 

25  Now  therefore,  I pray  thee,  'pardon  my 
sin,  and  turn  again  with  me,  that  I may  worship 
the  Lord. 

26  And  Samuel  said  unto  Saul,  “I  will  not 
return  with  thee  : for^thou  hast  rejected  the  word 
of  the  Lord,  and  the  Lord  hath  rejected  thee 
from  being  king  over  Israel. 

27  And  as  Samuel  turned  about  to  go  away, 
he  laid  hold  upon  the  skirt  of  his  mantle,  and  it 
rent. 

28  And  Samuel  said  unto  him,  cThe  Lord  hath 
rent  the  kingdom  of  Israel  from  thee  this  day,  and 
'hath  given  it  to  ea  neighbour  of  thine,  that  is 
better  than  thou- 

29  And  also' the  ‘Strength  of  Israel  swill  not 

t 2:30.  13:14.  16:1.  2 Kinss  17:15-20.  lChr.28:9.  u 30.  Ex.  9:27.  10:16. 
Num.  22:34.  2 Sam.  12:13.  Matt.  27:4.  x 9,15.  Ex.  23:2.  Job  31 :94.  Prov.29: 
25.  le.51:12,13.  Luke  23:20— 25.  Rev.  21:8.  y 2:29.  Gen.  3:12,17.  Jer.3S:5. 
l Ex.  10:17.  a 31.  Gen.  42:38  . 43:11—14.  Luke  24:28,29.  hSe-on23.  13:14. 
16:1.  Jer.  6:19.  Hoe.  4:6.  c 28:17,18.  1 Kings  11:30,31.  (12:7,8.  Jer.  27:5,6. 

Dan.  4:17,32.  Joint  19:11.  Rom.  13:1.  e 13:14.  16:12.  Acts  13:22.  IPs. 29:11. 
68:35.  Is.  45:24.  Joel  3;  16.  2 Cor.  12:9,10.  Phil.  4:13.  *Or,  eternity,  or,  victory. 


other,  as  many  seem  to  suppose ; but  to  show  that  a right 
sta^e  of  the  heart  is  essential  to  the  acceptable  performance 
of  every  service.  ( Marg . Ref.  Notes , Ps.  50:7 — 15.  Prov. 
15:S,9.  Is.  1:10 — 15.  Am.  5:21—24.) 

V.  23.  The  heinousness  of  any  sin  is  not  to  be  judged  of, 
by  the  magnitude  of  the  object  about  which  it  is  committed, 
or  the  grossness  of  the  outward  action  : but  from  the  delibe- 
rate and  determined  disobedience  of  the  will,  whence  it  arises. 
(Note,  Gen.  3:*?.)  When  the  Lord  expressly  says,  4 Thou 
shalt ;’  and  his  rational  creature  dares  to  persist  in  saying, 

4 1 will  not ;’  whether  the  contest  be  about  an  apple  or  a king- 
dom, it  is  stubbornness  and  rebellion , a contempt  of  the  com- 
mandment of  God,  and  a daring  insult  to  his  majesty  and 
authority  ; and  has  in  it  all  the  essential  malignity,  which  con- 
stitutes idolatry  or  witchcraft,  or  crimes  punishable  by  death 
according  to  the  divine  law.  Therefore  Saul  for  this  rebel- 
lion was  condemned  to  lose  his  kingdom.  (Note,  13:13 — 15.) 

Witchcraft .]  Probably  Saul  had  before  this  shown  much 
eeal  against  those  who  practised  witchcraft;  (Note,  28:3.) 
and  this  circumstance  would  add  poignancy  to  Samuel’s 
reproof. 

V.  24,  25.  Saul  could  no  longer  deny  his  offence,  or 
entirely  excuse  it ; and  therefore  he  confessed  it,  yet  in  such 
a manner  as  detected  an  unhumbled  heart.  He  persisted  in 
transferring  the  blame  to  the  people,-  44for  he  feared  them, 
and  obeyed  their  voice yet  he  was  not  so  timid,  or  obedient 
to  them,  when  his  own  interest  or  authority  were  concerned. 
(Notes,  Ex.  32:21 — 24.  Matt.  14:8 — 11.)  He  seems  to  have 
been  more  disquieted  because  Samuel  was  offended,  than 
because  the  Lord  was  angry  with  him  : and  he  entreated 
Samuel  to  pardon  his  sin,  as  if  he  had  possessed  authority  to 
feverse  the  sentence  which  God  had  denounced.  (23.  Note, 
Ex.  10:16,17.) 

V.  26 — 28.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  28:12 — 19.)  It  does  not 
appear  that  Saul  had  any  real  attachmentto  Samuel ; but  he 
doubtless  respected  his  character:  and,  aware  of  his  influ- 
, ence  with  the  people,  he  perhaps  feared,  lest  departing  in 
displeasure,  and  anointing  another  king,  he  should  stir  up  the 
people  to  revolt,  and  thus  immediately  execute  the  sentence 
against  him.  He  therefore  earnestly  opposed  his  departure; 
and,  hy  rending  Samuel’s  mantle,  afforded  a significant  token 
of  the  kingdom  being  rent  from  him,  and  given  to  a more 
worthy  person.  (Notes,  1 Kings  11:9 — 13,29 — 31.) 

V.  29.  The  Strength  of  Israel .]  Or,  44  The  victory  of 
Israel f (Marg.)  Saul  took  the  honour  of  the  victory  and 
•of  Israel’s  protection  to  himself,  and  raised  a trophy  of  it 
{12)  : but  Samuel  seems  to  have  indirectly  rebuked  his 
vanity,  and  reminded  him  that  the  eternal  God,  was -indeed 
44 Israel’s  Strength  and  Victory.” — 44  The  Lord  repented  of 
naving  set  up  Saul  to  be  king;”  ( Note,  11.)  for  not  having 
confirmed  his  promise  of  the  kingdom  to  him  by  an  oath,  an 
opening  was  left  for  the  change  of  measures  intended  by  this 
expression.  Rut  Saul  had  now  provoked  him  to  pass  sen- 
tence against  him,  and  as  with  a solemn  oath  to  declare  that 
it  was  irreversible.  In  that  case  God  is  never  said  to  repent ; 
nay,  it  is  spoken  of  as  an  impossibility  that  he  should.  ( Notes, 
Num.  14:27 — 30.  Ps.  95:9— 11.  110:4.  Hcb.  3:14— 19.  6:13—20. 
7:20—22.) 

V.  30,  31.  When  Saul  ought  to  have  publicly  confessed 
bis  sin,  and  taken  shame  to  himself ; he  was  very  solicitous, 
that  Samuel  should  honour  him  before  the  elders  and  people, 
probably  for  fear  of  an  insurrection.  (Note,  Ps.  51:  title.) 
Perhaps  he  also  thought  that  God  would  accept  his  worship, 
if  Samuel  was  present,  but  not  otherwise. — Samuel  however, 
oerhaps  by  divine  direction,  changed  his  mind  and  delayed 
( 504  ) 


lie,  nor  repent:  for  he  is  not  a man,  that  he  should 
repent. 

30  Then  he  said,  I have  sinned ; yet  hhonour 
me  now,  I pray  thee,  before  the  elders  of  my 
people,  and  before  Israel,  and  turn  again  with  me, 
'that  I may  worship  the  Lord  thy  God. 

31  So  Samuel  turned  again  after  Saul,  and  Saul 
worshipped  the  Lord. 

32  H Then  said  Samuel,  Bring  ye  hither  to  me 
Agag,  the  king  of  the  Amalekites:  and  Agag 
came  unto  him  delicately.  And  kAgag  said,  Surely 
the  bitterness  of  death  is  past. 

33  And  Samuel  said,  ‘As  thy  sword  hath  made 
women  childless,  so  shall  thy  mother  be  childless 
among  women.  And  Samuel  mhewed  Agag  in 
pieces  before  the  Lord  in  Gilgal. 

34  Then  Samuel  went  to  Ramah ; and  Sau 
went  up  to  his  house  to  "Gibeah  of  Saul. 

35  And  “Samuel  came  no  more  to  see  Saul 
until  the  day  of  his  death  ; nevertheless,  rSamue.. 
mourned  for  Saul : and  the  Lord  ^repented  that 
he  had  made  Saul  king  over  Israel. 


Dent.  33:27.  g Num.  14:28,29.  23:19.  Ps.  95:11.  Ex.24:14.  2Tim.2:13.  Tit 
1:2.  Heb.  6:18.  h Hab.2:4.  John  5:44.  12  43.  i la.  29:13.  Luke  18:9— 14. 
2 Tim.  3:5.  kJer. 48:44.  1 Thes.  5:3.  Rev.  187.  IGen.9:6.  Judg.  1:7.  Mutt. 
7:2.  Jam.  2:13.  Rev.  16:6.  18:6.  m Num. 25:7,8.  1 Kings  18:49.  Is.  34:6.  Jer. 
48:10.  n 11:4.  o 19:24.  p 11.  16:1.  Ps.  119:136,158.  Jer.  9:1,2.  Rom.  9:2,3 
Phil.  3:18.  q See  on  11.  Gen.  6:6. 


his  departure  ; that  he  might  not  occasion  any  disturbance 
among  the  people,  and  that  he  might  execute  the  justice  of 
God  upon  Agag.  Thus  he  was  present  at  Saul’s  worship, 
but  it  does  not  appear  that  he  took  any  part  in  it. 

V.  32,  33.  Agag  affected  the  stateliness  and  dignity  of  a 
monarch  even  in  his  degraded  and  perilous  circumstances,  as 
if  he  would  over-awe  the  aged  prophet : and  he  spake,  either 
as  one  who  deemed  himself  in  no  danger  of  death,  seeing  he 
had  escaped  the  sword  of  a conquering  king,  and  could  have 
nothing  to  fear  from  Samuel ; or,  as  having  got  over  the  fear 
of  death,  and  as  determined  to  meet  it  with  intrepidity.  He 
was  indeed  the  chief  person  who  ought  to  have  been  slain, 
both  as  the  head  of  the  devoted  nation,  and  for  his  own 
cruelties  ; and  therefore  44  Samuel  hewed  him  to  pieces  before 
the  Lord,”  as  a sacrifice  to  his  justice.  (Notes,  Josh.  8:29. 
Judg.  8:18 — 21.)  Thus  the  prophet,  who  was  of  a lenient 
spirit,  and  prayed  all  night  for  Saul,  did  not  hesitate  to  exe- 
cute that  sentence  of  God  upon  this  condemned  criminal, 
which  Saul,  who  afterwards  proved  himself  exceedingly 
cruel,  had  not  done. 

V.  34,  35.  From  this  time,  Samuel  withdrew  entirely 
from  Saul,  as  one  rejected  by  God  ; and  though  Saul  once 
came  to  him,  (19:23,24.)  he  never  went  to  Saul  any  moro. 
yet  he  continued  to  mourn  over  him.  (iVbfrs,  11.  16:1,2.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 21.  Those  who  have  not  learned  to  obey  God,  are 
not  well  qualified  to  rule  over  others,  especially  over  the 
Lord’s  people. — The  righteous  vengeance  of  God  may  be 
long  delayed  ; but  it  will  certainly  be  executed,  according  to 
his  most,  tremendous  threatenings,  upon  all  impenitent  sin- 
ners; yet  with  the  most  marked  severity  upon  the  ringleaders 
in  persecution,  and  on  such  as  endeavour  to  hinder  those  who 
are  setting  out  in  the  ways  of  piety.— When  he  calls  us  to 
our  work,  and  his  time  is  come,  he  will  provide  us  helpers 
and  give  us  success;  but  he  will  at  the  same  time  make  trial 
of  our  spirits.  We  must  not  avenge  ourselves  without  ex- 
press command;  but  we  may  at  any  Umc  requite  the  kindness 
of  our  benefactors:  and  those  who  do  good  to  the  worship- 
pers and  servants  of  God  for  his  sake,  treasure  up  blessings 
for  their  posterity. — It  is  dangerous  to  live  among  wicked 
people  ; and  if  wc  would  not  perish  with  them,  we  must  keep 
separate  from  them,  as  far  as  consists  with  our  various 
duties. — The  pride  of  man’s  heart  can  admit  the  blasphemous 
idea  of  being  more  merciful  than  God,  and  of  censuring  the 
threatened  punishment  of  sinners  as  too  severe  ! while  covet- 
ousness deems  the  44  vile  and  refuse”  good  enough  to  be  spent 
wholly  in  religion ; (Note,  Mai.  1:12 — 14.)  and  hypocrisy  is 
detected  by  partiality  in  obedience,  and  paying  more  honour 
to  wicked  great  men,  than  to  the  command  of  God. — Many 
go  far  in  the  external  appearance  of  religion,  who  turn  back 
from  following  the  Lord,  and  are  given  up  to  he  hardened, 
and  to  perish.  Over  such  persons  faithful  ministers  arc  often 
constrained  to  grieve.  They  must  and  will,  however,  deliver 
the  message  of  God  to  them,  though  their  hearts  be  pained 
by  so  doing:  and  if  sinners  knew  their  secret  sorrow,  and 
fervent  and  multiplied  prayers  for  them,  and  considered  that 
they  speak  no  mgfl-e  than  God  has  required  them  to  say,  they 
could  hardly  so  much  resent  their  most  faithful  reproofs. — 
When  men  are  solicitous  to  publish  ami  perpetuate  the  mem- 
ory of  their  religious  services,  they  show  that  they  only  sought 
human  applause;  and  44  verily  they  have  their  reward  :” 
(Notes,  Matt.  6:1 — 4.  23:5 — 7.)  and  when  they  boast  of  their 
obedience,  and  by  fair  speeches  would  extort  commenda- 
tion from  the  servants  of  God,  we  may  be  sure  their  ovnduct 
will  not  endure  a strict  scrutiny. — Many  observable  Cl r cum* 


0 C.  1 0(j7- 


CHAPTER  XVI.  B.  C.  1067. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

Ood  tends  Samuel  to  B$th-le'em,  to  anoint  a king  out  of  Jesse'*  t‘<ns,  and  di • 
reels  him  to  conceal  his  butin  ss  by  a sacrifice,  1 — 5.  Seven  of  Jesse's  sons 
pass  by,  and  ore  not  approved , 6 — 10.  David  is  called  from  the  flock,  and 
anointed,  11  — 13.  .-In  evil  spirit  troubles  Saul  ; who,  counselled  by  his  ser- 
vants, sends  for  David, 'anti  is  relieved  by  his  music,  14 — 23. 

AND  the  Lord  said  tmto  Samuel,  “How  long 
wilt  thou  mourn  for  Saul,  bseeing  I have 
rejected  him  from  reigning  over  Israel  ? Fill  thine 
'horn  with  oil,  and  go,  I will  send  thee  to  d Jesse 
the  Beth-lehemite:  tor  I have  provided  me  a king 
among  his  sons. 

2  And  Samuel  said,  “How  can  I go  ? if  Saul 
hear  it,  he  will  kill  me.  And  the  Lord  said,  Take 
an  heifer  "with  thee,  and  say,  fl  am  come  to 
sacrifice  to  the  Lord; 

3  And  rcall  Jesse  to  the  sacrifice,  hand  I will 
show  thee  what  thou  shalt  do:  and  thou  shalt 
‘anoint  unto  me  him  whom  I name  unto  thee. 

4  And  Samuel  did  that  which  the  Lord  spake, 
and  came  to  Beth-lehem:  and  the  elders  of  the 
town  ‘trembled  at  his  ‘coming,  and  said,  ‘‘Comest 
thou  peaceably? 

5  And  he  said,  Peaceably : I am  come  to 
sacrifice  unto  the  Lord;  'sanctify  yourselves,  and 
come  with  me  to  the  sacrifice.  And  he’sancti- 

*15:11, 35.  b 13:13,H.  15:23,26.  Jer.6:30.  11:11,12.  15:1.  1 John  5:16.  c9:16. 
10:1.  2 Kings  9 1.3.6.  d 13:11.  Gen.  49:8— 10.  Rulh.  4:18— 22.  1 Chr.  2:10— 15. 
P».  78:68— 71.  89:19,20.  Is.  11:1,10.  1 cts  13:21 ,22.  Rom. 15:12.  e Ex.  3:11. 
1 Kings  18:9 — 11.  Mott. 10:16.  Lukel:31.  * Heb.  in  thine  hand.  9:12.  fjer. 
38:26,27.  *9:13,13.  2S*ra,  15:11.  Malt.  82:1-4.  I:  Ex,  4:  J5.  Acts  9:6.  i 12, 
13.9:16.  J 21:1.  2 Sam.  6:9.  1 Kings  17:18.  Hos.  6:5.  11:10.  Lnke  5:8.  8:37. 
t Heb.  mcelim.  k 1 Kings  2:13.  2 Kings  9:22.  1 Chr.  12:17,18.  I Ex.  19:10,14, 
15.  Lev.  20:7,8.  Num.  11:18.  Josh.  3:5.  7:13.  2 Chr.  30:17—20.  Job.  1:5.  Ps.26: 


stances  betray  the  hypocrisy  of  some  confident  professors  of 
godliness.  If  indeed  you  are  true  disciples  of  Christ;  what 
mean  these  evil  tempers,  this  covetousness,  this  luxury  and 
pride  of  life,  this  conformity  to  the  world,  this  contempt  and 
neglect  of  the  poor  ? Was  this  the  mind  and  life  of  Christ  ? 
Is  this  the  scriptural  character  of  a Christian  ? “ The  bleat- 
ing of  the  sheep,  and  the  lowing  of  the  oxen,”  did  not  more 
fully  detect  Saul’s  disobedience,  than  things  of  this  kind  do 
the  hypocrisy  of  numbers,  who  seem  to  be  religious.  But, 
by  self-examination  and  circumspection,  men  should  render 
it  unnecessary  for  ministers  to  press  home  upon  their  con- 
sciences such  convincing  questions.  The  unhumbled  heart, 
however,  will  never  be  at  a loss  to  excuse  or  palliate  the  most 
evident  criminality ; and  it  will  always  be  necessary  for 
preachers  to  drive  sinners  from  their  subterfuges,  to  show 
them  the  malignity  and  aggravation  of  their  offences,  to 
silence  their  objections  and  excuses,  and  to  urge  conviction 
upon  their  hearts  : though  the  convincing  Spirit  of  God  alone 
can  render  the  means  effectual.  (Note,  John  16:8 — 11.) 

V.  22 — 35.  In  exercising  the  sacred  ministry,  nothing  is 
of  more  importance,  than  an  accurate  knowledge  of  the  rela- 
tive and  comparative  value  of  the  truths,  precepts  and  ordi- 
nances of  religion ; about  which  hypocrites  greatly  mistake, 
and  thu^  impose  upon  themselves.  An  obedient  heart  is 
essentia]  to  all  religion : and,  in  a sinner,  implies  a ready  obe- 
dience to  the  command  given  to  all  men  to  repent,  an  obedient 
reliance  on  the  Saviour’s  merits;  an  obedient  attendance  on 
all  instituted  ordinances  as  means  of  grace ; and  a cheerful 
obedience  to  the  commands  of  Christ,  from  love  to  his  name, 
and  a desire  to  adorn  his  gospel.  The  expression  of  this 
temper  even  in  the  most  minute  concerns,  and  with  much 
infirmity  and  many  mistakes,  is  accepted  by  a merciful  God  : 
but  a proud,  stubborn,  rebellious  yvill  renders  the  most  splen- 
did services,  and  the  most  specious  profession,  abominable  in 
his  sight,  and  ranks  them  with  the  most  atrocious  crimes. — 
The  impenitent  sinner  may  be  detected  even  in  his  confes- 
sions and  the  behaviour  which  accompanies  them.  He  has 
always  some  reserve  ; he  throws  the  blame  off  from  himself ; 
ne  shows  an  anxiety  about  the  esteem  of  man,  and  a fear  of 
temporal  loss,  shame,  and  suffering,  more  than  of  the  future 
wrath  of  an  offended  God ; and  he  attempts  to  quiet  his  con- 
science with  external  forms  and  a partial  reformation.  In 
vain  do  such  men  endeavour  to  prevail  with  the  faithful  mi- 
nisters of  Christ  to  countenance  thorn.  The  more  they 
attempt  it,  the  more  awful  warnings  will  they  receive  of 
approaching  ruin : and  when  the  servants  of  God  despair  of 
doing  them  good,  they  will  withdraw,  and  leave  them  to 
themselves,  whatever  be  their  rank  in  life,  that  they  may  in- 
terpret  their  silence  and  absence  into  a constant  reproof. — 
The  fear  of  men  is  no  excuse  for  disobeying  God  ; and  more- 
over it  is  often  a mere  pretence;  for  many  will  plead  it  for 
neglecting  self-denying  duties,  who  dread  no  man’s  displea- 
sure in  gratifying  their  own  passions  !— When  the  sentence 
of  final  rejection  is  irreversibly  denounced,  repentance  will 
be  unavailing:  and  though  our  God  is  now  ready  to  forgive, 
he  will  neither  repent  nor  change  his  purposes  of  vengeance 
hereafter;  for  the  “Strength  of  Israel”  will  be  eternally  en- 
gaged '.o  punish  his  stoutest  and  proudest  foes. — If  those  who 
were  regarded  when  little  in  their  own  eyes,  are  elated  by 
prosperity  and  forget  the  Lord,  he  will  contemn  them:  and 
when  one  instrument  is  rejected,  another  more  suitable  shall 

Vol.  I.— 64 


fied  Jesse  and  his  sons  and  called  them  to  the 
sacrifice. 

6 And  it  came  to  pass  when  they  were  come, 
that  he  looked  on  mEliab,  and  said,  "Surely  the 
Lord’s  anointed  is  before  him. 

7 But  the  Lord  said  unto  Samuel,  "Look  not 
on  his  countenance,  or  on  the  height  of  his 
stature;  because  I have  refused  him:  for  the 
LORD  vseeth  not  as  man  seeth ; for  man  tlooketh 
on  the  toutward  appearance,  but  the  Lord 
looketh  ron  the  heart. 

8 Then  Jesse  called  ‘AbinadaR,  and  made  him 
pass  before  Samuel.  And  he  said,  Neither  hath 
the  Lord  chosen  this. 

9 Then  Jesse  made  ‘Shammah  to  pass  by: 
and  he  said,  Neither  hath  the  Lord  chosen  this. 

10  Again,  Jesse  made  “seven  of  his  sons  to  pass 
“before  Samuel.  And  Samuel  said  unto  Jesse, 
The  Lord  hath  not  chosen  these. 

11  And  Samuel  said  unto  Jesse,  Are  here  all 
thy  children  ? And  he  said,  xThere  remaineth 
yet  the  youngest,  and,  behold,  he  keepeth  the 
sheep.  And  Samuel  said  unto  Jesse,  Send  and 
fetch  him : for  we  will  not  sit  §down  till  he  come 
hither. 


2-6.  Jo*12:16.  1 Cor.  11:28.  m 17:13,28.  1 Chr. 2:13.  27:18.  Elihu.  n Jude. 
8:18.  o 9:2.  10:23,24.  2S*m.  14:25.  Ps.  147:10,11.  Prov.  31:30.  pjob,10:4. 

Is.  55:8.  Luke  16:15.  1 Pet.  2:4.  3:4.  q John  7:24.  2 Cor.  10:7,10.  + Heb.  eyes. 
r 1 Kings  8:39.  1 Chr.  28:9.  2 Chr.  16:9.  Ps.  7:9.  139:2.  Prov.  15:11.  16:2.  Jer. 
11:20.  17:10.  20:12.  Acts  1:24.  Heb.  4:13.  Rev. 2:23.  s 17:13.  1 Chr.2:13. 
t 17:13.  2 Sam.  13:3.  Shimea.  1 Chr.  2:13.  Snimma.  u 1 Chr.  2:13—15.  x 17: 
12-15,28.  2 Sam.  7:8.  1 Chr.  17:7.  Ps.  78:70,71.  § Heb.  round. 


be  sought  out. — The  mighty  of  the  earth  are  so  accustomed 
to  flattery  and  distinction,  that  they  can  scarcely  suppose 
any  will  dare  to  withhold  it  from  them:  but  “with  God  there 
is  no  respect  of  persons ;”  and,  while  he  requires  his  servants 
to  honour  those  who  are  in  authority,  he  teaches  them  to  be 
of  his  judgment  concerning  comparative  excellency.  Neither 
dignity  nor  delicacy,  nor  vain  confidence,  gives  sinners  any 
security  : “ the  bitterness  of  death”  may  meet  them  when  ana 
where  they  least  expect  it ; but  the  bitterness  of  future  misery 
is  the  most  to  be  feared. — Our  warfare  indeed  is  of  a different 
nature  from  Saul’s:  but  if  we  spare  one  domineering  lust,  or 
profitable  iniquity,  we  shall  forfeit  the  promised  kingdom  with 
deep  disgrace  ; as  our  sincerity  must  be  approved  by  devoting 
every  sin  to  utter  destruction,  by  the  power  of  God’s  grace, 
and  for  the  glory  of  his  name.  For  this,  in  all  ages  and  na- 
tions, is  the  line  of  distinction  between  Samuel  and  Saul, 
between  the  Christian  and  the  hypocrite  ; that  th®  one  levels 
his  whole  force  against  Agag,  against  that  sinful  propensity, 
which,  by  constitution  and  custom,  has  the  greatest  ascen- 
dency, that  he  may  hew  it  in  pieces  before  the  Lord ; while 
the  other  is  anxious  to  preserve  his  master-sin,  however  will- 
ing he  may  appear  to  mortify  or  refrain  from  those  sins,  to 
which  he  has  been  less  addicted,  and  to  which  he  feels  less 
temptation. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XVI.  V.  1 — 3.  It  is  probable,  that 
the  events  recorded  in  this  chapter  happened  some  time  after 
those  before  related ; yet  Samuel  still  continued  to  mourn  for 
Saul : but  at  length  God  expostulated  with  him,  and  ordered 
hirp  to  go  and  anoint  one  to  succeed  Saul. — It  may  be  sup- 
posed, that  in  the  mean  while  Saul  had  become  very  suspi- 
cious and  tyrannical,  and  enraged  against  Samuel.  The 
question,  therefore,  which  he  proposed,  might  not  result  from 
unbelief,  but  from  a desire  of  instruction,  for  the  prudent 
management  of  the  affair.  (Notes,  Judg.  13:8.  Luke  1:34 — 
38.)  Accordingly,  he  was  directed  to  go  to  Beth-lehem  to 
sacrifice,  as  he  probably  did  from  time  to  time  in  many  dif- 
ferent places:  (Notes,  7:9,  17.  9:12 — 14.)  and  the  answer, 
which  he  was  instructed  to  return,  was  the  truth;  nor  was 
he  bound  to  divulge  all  his  intentions.  (Note,  Jer.  38:24 
—28.) 

V.  4.  It  is  probable,  that  these  elders  were  conscious  of 
iniquity  committed  among  them,  and  feared  lest  Samuel  was 
sent  to  denounce  the  wrath  of  God  upon  them.  (Marg.  Ref. 
j.  Note,  Matt.  8:33,34.)  Some  however  think  that  they 
feared  the  anger  of  Saul,  in  case  they  entertained  Samuel. 
(Notes,  21:1,2.  22:13—19.) 

V.  5.  He  sanctified,  &c.]  Samuel  instructed  Jesse  and 
his  sons  in  the  nature  of  the  sacred  ordinance,  and,  by  his 
counsels  and  prayers,  assisted  them  in  preparing  to  attend 
on  it  acceptably  anil  profitably.  (Notes,  Ex.  19:10 — 15. 
Josh.  3:5.  Job  1:5.) 

V.  6,  7.  Samuel  had,  it  is  probable,  informed  none  except 
Jesse  of  his  principal  object  to  coming  to  Beth-lehem ; atid  he 
and  Jesse  alone  were  presen.,  while  the  sons  of  Jesse,  one 
after  another,  passed  before  them. — It  is  evident,  that  the 
Lord  revealed  himself  to  Samuel,  on  this  and  other  occa- 
sions, by  direct  and  immediate  suggestion. — Samuel  did  not 
yet  fully  understand,  that  the  Lord  in  anger  gave  Israel  their 
‘first  king,  after  ‘ their  own  heart ;’  but  that  he  now  intended 
in  mercy  to  give  them  ore  after  “ his  own  heart,”  being 
chiefly  remarkable  for  his  strong  faith  and  fervent  piety.  I 
( 505  ) 


B.  G.  1 ) 67. 


I.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1067 


12  And  he  sent  and  brought  him  in.  Now  he 
was  rruddy,  and  withal  'of'  a beautiful  counten- 
ance, ind  goodly  to  look  to.  And  the  Lord  said, 
Arise,  'anoint  him  : for  this  is  he. 

13  Then  Samuel  took  the  horn  of  oil,  and 
•anointed  him  in  the  midst  of  his  brethren:  and 
bthe  Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  upon  David’  from 
that  day  forward.  So  Samuel  rose  up,  and  went 
to  Ramah. 

14  f But  cthe  Spirit  of  the  Lord  departed 
from  Saul,  and  dan  evil  spirit  from  the  Lord 
'troubled  him. 

15  And  Saul’s  servants  said  unto  him,  Behold 
now,  an  evil  spirit  from  God  troubleth  thee. 

16  Let  our  lord  now  command  thy  servants, 
which  are  ebefore  thee,  to  seek  out  a man  who  is 
a cunning  player  on  an  harp : and  it  shall  come 
to  pass,  when  the  evil  spirit  from  God  is  upofi 
thee,  that  he  shall  fplay  with  his  hand,  and  thou 
shalt  be  well. 

17  And  Saul  said  unto  his  servants,  Provide 
me  now  a man  that  can  play  well,  and  bring  him 
to  me. 


y 17.4'2.  Cant. 5:10.  [.am.  4:7.  Acts7:20.  Heb.  11:23.  * Heb . fair  of  eyes.  7. 

z Ps.  2:2,6.  89:19,20.  Acts  4:27.  a 10:1.  2 Kings  9:6.  b 18.  10:6,10.  Num.  11: 
17.27:18.  Jude.  3:10.  11:29.  13:25.  14:6.  Is.  11:1-3.  John  3:34.  Heb.  1:9. 
c 18:12.  28:15.  Judg.  16:29.  Ps.  51:11.  Hos.  9:12.  d 18:10.  19:9,10.  Judg.  9:23. 
I Kings  22:22.  Acts  19:15,16.  f Or , terrified.  e21,22.  Gen.  41:46.  1 Kings  10: 
8 f 23.  10:5.  2 Kings  3:15.  g 17:32—36.  2 Sam.  17:8.  } Or,  speech,  h 3:19. 

is  however  wonderful,  that  the  aged  prophet  should  regard 
the  height  of  Eliab’s  stature : when  Saul  who  was  “ taller 
than  all  the  people  from  his  shoulders  and  upwards,”  had 
proved  so  worthless  a king!  (Notes,  9:1,2.  17:28.)  The 
Lord,  seeth  not,  &c.  (7)  JHnrg.  Ref.  o,  p,  q. 

V.  10,  11.  Jesse’s  sons  were  seven  in  all.  (Note,  1 Chr. 
2:15.) — David  being  young,  (not  more  than  eighteen  or 
twenty  years  of  age,)  and  being  of  a contemplative  disposi- 
tion, was  perhaps  thought  by  Jesse  to  be  less  capable  of  pub- 
lic business  than  his  other  sons,  and  so  was  not  kept  at  home 
on  this  occasion.  (Marg.  Ref.) — His  name  signifies  Be- 
loved, and  die  was  an  eminent  type  of  the  beloved  Son  of 
God.  (Notes,  Jer.  30:5—9.  Ez.  34:23—31.  37:25.  Hos.  3:4, 
5.) — These  transactions  seem  to  have  occurred,  between  the 
offering  of  the  sacrifice,  and  the  feast  on  it  which  followed. 

V.  12.  JHarg.  Ref. 

V.  13.  The  original  words  seem  to  denote,  that  David 
was  anointed  in  the  presence  of  his  brethren,  though  the 
transaction  was  kept  secret  from  others.  If  this  were  the 
case,  it  is  worthy  of  notice,  that  none  of  them  rivalled  or  op- 
posed him*  though  it  appears  that  they  were  not  free  from 
envy  and  prejudice. — Some  expositors  however  think  the 
words  only  imply,  that  David  was  selected  from  among  his 
brethren;  but  that  he  was  anointed  privately. — This  anoint- 
ing did  not  invest  him  with  kingly  authority,  but  merely 
marked  him  out  as  Saul’s  successor  : and  thus  David  himself 
understood  it. — From  this  time  he  was  evidently  endowed 
with  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  qualifying  him  for  great  things, 
and  inspiring  him  with  noble  purposes  : yet  he  was  satisfied 
in  his  humble  and  laborious  occupation,  waiting  the  Lord’s 
time  for  being  called  to  action.  (Notes,  10:10 — 16.  11:6 — 15.) 

V . 14.  When  the  Spirit  of  God  came  on  David,  it  became 
evident  that  he  had  departed  from  Saul,  and  that  he  was  de- 
prived of  his  capacity  for  public  business,  and  performed 
nothing  prudently  or  successfully:  nay,  that  an  evil  spirit 
was  judicially  permitted  to  impel  him  to  the  most  furious 
sallies  of  rage  or  jealousy ; to  oppress  his  spirits  with  a deep 
melancholy ; to  excite  distressing  terrors,  alarms  and  suspi- 
cions ; and  to  render  him  at  times  distracted.  (Marg.  Ref.  d.) 

V.  15 — 23.  Saul’s  courtiers  evidently  perceived  the  change 
which  had  taken  place,  and  ascribed  it  to  the  right  cause: 
though  their  language  seems  less  accurate  than  that  of  the 
historian  ; the  original  words  being,  “ an  evil  spirit  of  God,” 
meaning  one  whom  God  permitted  to  trouble  Saul. — The 
device  proposed  by  them  might  be  very  proper  for  soothing 
the  melancholy  of  Saul,  and  calming  his  passions : (Note,  2 
Kings  3:15.)  but  the  cause  of  his  malady  lay  much  deeper; 
and  it  would  have  been  better  counsel,  if  they  had  persuaded 
him  to  send  for  Samuel  to  converse  with  him  and  pray  for 
him. — However,  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  manifest  in  thus 
bringing  David  to  court.  After  his  anointing  he  had  in  a 
little  time  by  various  ways  signalized  himself,  so  that  he  was 
much  noticed;  (Note,  17:34 — 37.)  and  especially  his  peculiar 
skill  in  playing  on  the  harp,  was  remarked  by  some  person 
who  attended  on  Saul.  Thus  he  was  introduced  to  him,  and 
his  solemn  sacred  music  was  far  more  suitable  to  the  case, 
than  more  amusing  strains  would  havo  been.  He  came  to 
Saul  with  a very  high  character,  which  he  did  not  disgrace; 
he  was  useful  to  him,  and  for  a time  beloved  by  him:  and 
et,  when  Saul  no  longer  wanted  him,  ho  returned  back  to 
is  flocks  as  contented  as  ever,  and  was  soon  forgotten  at 
court.  ( Notes  17:15,55 — 58.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Gur  most  reasonable  and  disinterested  sorrow  may  bo  so 
excessive,  as  to  imply  rebellion  against  the  righteous  will  of 
( 506  ) 


18  Then  answered  one  of  the  servants,  ana 

said,  Behold,  I have  seen  a son  of  Jesse  the  Beth 
lehemite,  that  is  cunning-  in  playing,  and  sa  mighty 
valiant  man,  and  a man  of  war,  and  prudent  m 
'matters,  and  a comely  person,  and  hthe  JjORD  is 
with  him.  * 

19  Wherefore  Saul  sent  messengers  unto  Jesse, 
and  said,  Send  me  David  thy  son,  which  is  ‘with 
the  sheep. 

20  And  Jesse  took  kan  ass  laden  with  bread, 
and  a bottle  of  wine^  and  a kid,  and  sent  them  by 
David  his  son  unto  Saul. 

21  And  David  came  to  Saul,  and  'stood  before 
him : and  he  mloved  him  greatly ; and  he  became 
his  armour-bearer. 

22  And  Saul  sent  to  Jesse,  saying,  Let  David. 
I pray  thee,  stand  before  me:  for  he  hath  found 
favour  in  my  sight. 

23  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  "the  evil  spirit 
from  God  was  upon  Saul,  that  David  took  an 
harp,  and  played  with  his  hand : so  ,°Saul  was 
refreshed,  and  was  well,  and  the  evil  spirit  de- 
parted from  him. 


10:7.  18:1%— 14.  Gen.  39:2,23.  Matt.  1:23.  28:20.  111.  17:15,33,31.  Ex.  3:1- 
10.  1 Kings  19:19.  Ps.  78:70— 72.  113:8.  Am.  1:1.  7:14,15.  Matt.  4:18— 22.  k 10. 
27.  17:18.  25:18.  Gen.  43:11.  2 Sam.  16:1,2.  Prov.  18:16.  1 Gen.  41:46.  Bern 
1:38.  10:8.  Prov.  22:29.  m Ps.  62:9.  118:9.  146:3.  n See  on  14,16.  o 18:10,11. 
Matt.  12:43-45.  Luke  11:24—26. 


God ; and  he  will  then  rebuke  us,  as  well  as  encourage  us 
under  our  distresses. — We  ought  not  inconsolably  to  mourn 
for  such  as  the  Lord  has  rejected  ; but  should  rather  rejoice 
in  those  whom  he  is  calling  forth  to  usefulness : and  no  par- 
tial affection  should  interfere  with  present  duty. — The  most 
eminent  believers  are  not  entirely  superior  to  the  fear  at 
man,  when  dangerous  services  are  assigned  them.  But  th<j 
Lord  will  inwardly  strengthen  and  outwardly  protect  them; 
and  without  immediate  revelation,  he  can,  by  his  word  and 
Spirit,  show  them  step  by  step  what  they  ought  to  do. — 
The  guilty  conscience  trembles  at  a message  from  heaven: 
yet  the  ministers  of  Christ  come  peaceably,  proposing  salva- 
tion through  the  sacrifice  of  a Redeemer,  and  speaking  terror 
to  none,  except  to  those  who  neglect  so  great  salvation. 
(Note,  Matt.  10:11—15.  P.  O.  7— 15.)— There  is  a pre- 
paration of  heart  required  for  receiving  this  atonement  and 
reconciliation,  as  well  as  for  attending  on  divine  ordinances; 
the  instruction,  converse,  and  prayers  of  faithful  ministers 
are  very  useful  in  both  cases,  to  those  who  desire  to  profit 
by  them ; and  parents  ought  not  needlessly  to  permit  their 
children  to  bo  absent  on  such  favourable  opportunities. — It  is 
difficult  wholly  to  divest  ourselves  of  partiality  for  those,  who 
are  recommended  by  external  accomplishments ; and  we 
often  frame  an  erroneous  judgment  of  characters : but  the 
Lord  values  nothing,  in*comparison  with  that  holy  faith,  fear, 
and  love,  which  are  implanted  in  the  heart  beyond  the  reach 
of  human  penetration.  Nor  does  he  favour  our  children 
according  to  our  fond  partialities ; but  often  most  honours 
and  blesses  those  who  have  been  the  least  regarded. — His 
method  of  educating  men  for  important  stations  of  usefulness, 
differs  much  from  those  which  human  wisdom  has  devised. 
For  humble  industry  and  obedient  attention  to  obscure  duties, 
contemplation,  retired  devotion,  and  a patient  self-denying 
assiduity,  constitute  the  best  preparation  for  serving  the 
cause  of  God  and  his  church. — When  sinners,  by  resisting 
the  Holy  Spirit,  have  provoked  him  finally  to  depart,  they 
are  exposed  to  every  incursion  of  Satan,  and  are  likely  to 
become  tormentors  of  themselves  and  of  others ; nay,  their 
friends  may  perceive,  that  they  are  given  up  by  God  in  Ilia 
righteous  displeasure,  without  taking  warning  by  their  awful 
case.  Indeed  we  none  of  us  have  the  least  security,  cither 
for  our  bodies  or  souls,  against  the  malignity  of  evil  spirits, 
except  in  the  protection  of  that  God,  whom,  alas!  we  aro 
continually  provoking.  (P.  O.  Job  1:6 — 12.) — When  con*' 
scious  guilt,  and  fears  of  divine  vengeance,  disorder  the 
minds  of  men,  those  who  perceive  their  distress,  but  under- 
stand neither  the  cause  nor  the  cure,  arc  apt  to  propose  very 
fatal  methods  of  reliqf:  and  music,  diversion,  company,  or 
business,  have  for  a season  been  frequently  employed,  as  a 
successful  quietus  for  a wounded  conscience.  Yet  nothing 
can  effect  a real  cure,  except  the  blood  of  Christ  applied  in 
faith,  and  the  sanctifying  Spirit  sealing  the  pardon  by  his 
holy  comforts:  all  other  expedients  to  dispel  religious  melan 
choly,  are  sure  methods  of  increasing  distress,  either  in  this 
world  or  in  the  next,  and  perhaps  in  both. — Every  endow 
ment,  which  may  be  usefully  exercised  in  subserviency  to 
godliness,  is  to  ho  ascribed  to  the  energy  of  the  divine  Spirit: 
opportunities  will  be  afforded  for  its  being  displayed ; and  if 
the  Lord  be  graciously  with  us,  they  will  he  suitably  improv- 
ed : while  good  behaviour  in  inferior  stations  is  the  best 
introduction  to  higher  advancement. — Thus  Jesus  was  obe- 
dient unto  death,  before  ho  was  exalted  to  his  glorious  throne: 
and  thus  ho  trains  up  his  people,  by  obedience,  in  th?  midst 
of  temptation  and  trouble,  for  their  future  inheritance  in  the 
regions  of  purity  and  felicity. 


B C.  1063. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


B.  C.  1063. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

T'he  armies  of  hracl  and,  of  the  Philistines  arc  drawn  out  to  battle,  1 — 3. 
Goliath  challenges , defies,  and  dismays  the  Israelites,  4 — 11.  David  is  sent 
to  the  army  to  visit  his  brethren , 12 — 19.  He  hears  the  challenge  of  Goliath 
and  a presses  indignation  at  it,  20 — 27.  Eliab  rebukes  him,  and  he  answers 
mildly , 28 — 30.  He  is  brought  before  Saul,  accepts  the  challenge , and  states 
the  grounds  of  his  confidence,  31 — 37.  He  refuses  Saul's  armour;  and 
takes  only  his  staff,  a sling,  an  l stones,  38— 10.  Goliath  disdains  and  Clo  ses 
him,  41 — 14.  David  answers,  expressing  his  assured  confidence  in  God, 
45 — 17.  He  kill 8 Goliath  and  cuts  off  his  head,  48 — 51.  The  Philistines 
arc  routed,  52,53.  David  returns  with  Goliath's  head  iu  his  hand;  and 
answers  Saul's  inquiries  concerning  him,  54 — 58. 

NOW  the  Philistines  “gathered  together  their 
armies  to  battle,  and  were  gathered  together 
at  bShochoh,  which  belongetli  to  Judahj  and 
pitched  between  Shochohand  “Azekah,  in  ‘Ephes- 
dammim. 

2  And  Saul  and  the  men  of  Israel  were  gathered 
together,  and  pitched  by  dthe  valley  of  Elah, 
and  'set  the  battle  in  array  against  the  Philistines. 

3  And  the  Philistines  stood  on  a mountain  on 
the  one  side,  and  Israel  stood  on  a mountain 
on  the  other  side : and  there  was  a valley  between 
them. 

4  And  there  went  out  a champion  out  of  the 
camp  of  the  Philistines,  named  'Goliath  fofGath, 
gwhose  height  was  six  cubits  and  a span. 

5  And  he  had  an  helmet  of  brass  upon  his 
head,  and  he  was  farmed  with  a coat  of  mail:  and 
the  weight  of  the  coat  was  five  thousand  shekels 
of  brass! 

6  And  he  had  greaves  of  brass  upon  his  legs, 
and  a Harget  of  brass  between  his  shoulders. 

7  And  '“the  staff  of  his  spear  ivas  like  a weaver’s 
beam,  and  his  spear’s  head  weighed  six  hundred 
shekels  of  iron : and  one  bearing  a shield  went 
before  him. 

8  And  he  stood  and  cried  unto  the  armies  of 
Israel,  and  said  unto  them,  Why  are  ye  come  out 
to  set  your  battle  in  array  ? am  not  I a Philistine, 
and  ye  ‘servants  to  Saul?  choose  you  a man  for 
you,  and  let  him  come  down  to  me. 

9  If  he  be  able  to  fight  with  me,  and  to  kill  me, 
then  will  we  be  your  servants : but  if  I prevail 
against  him,  and  kill  him,  then  shall  ye  be  our 
servants,  and  kserve  us. 

ul7:7.  13:5.  14:46,52.  Jude.  3:3.  b .Tosh.  15:35.  Socoft.  2Chr.  11:7.  Shoco.  28: 
18.  Schocoh.  c Josh.  10:11.  Jer.  34:7.  * Or,  the  coast  of  Dammim.  1 Chr. 

11:13.  Pr&  dammim.  <119.21:9.  f Heb.  ranged  the  battle.  e 23.  21:9,10. 
2 Sam. 21:19.  1 Chr.  20:5.  f27:4.  Josh.  11:22.  2 Sam. 21: 16—  22.  1 Chr.  20:4— 
8.  g Deut.  3:11.  1 Chr.  11:23.  Am.  2:9.  J Heb.  clothed.  $ Or,  gorget.  \ Kings 
10:16.  2 Chr.  9:15.  h2  Sam.  21:19.  1 Chr.  1 1 :23  . 20 :5.  i 26.  8:17.  2 Sam.  11: 
11.  1 Chr.  21:3.  kill.  1 25,26,36,45.  Num. 23:7,8.  2 Sam.  21:21.  23:9.  Neh. 
2:19.  m Job  40:9 — 12.  Ps.  9:4,5.  Prov.  16:18.  Jer.  9:23.  Dan.  4:37.  n Deut. 
81:8.  Josh.  1:9.  Ps.  27:1.  Prov.  28:1.  Is.  51:12,13.  57:11.  o 58.  16:1,18.  Rulh 

NOTES.— Chap.  XVII.  V.  1.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Saul 
had  repeatedly  allowed  the  Philistines  time  to  recover 
strength  and  courage ; and  probably  the  report  of  the  dis- 
ordered state  of  his  mind  emboldened  them  to  this  invasion : 
yet  the  Lord  so  ordered  it,  that  he  was  in  some  measure 
recovered  before  the  war  began.  It  is  uncertain  how  long 
this  was  after  the  transactions  before  recorded  ; but  probably 
three  or  four  years  had  elapsed.- — To  suppose,  as  many 
have  done,  that  this  invasion  preceded  David’s  first  appear- 
ance at  court,  gives  a needless  and  inadmissable  disturbance 
to  the  narrative.  (Notes,  15,55 — 58.) 

V.  4 — 7.  (Marg.  Ref.)  A champion.  (4)  Or,  a dueller; 
one  who  came  between  the  two  armies,  as  wishing  to  distin- 
guish himself  in  single  combat.  (Note,  Ps.  9:  title.) — Goliath 
was  of  the  race  of  Anak.  (Notes,  Josh.  11:21 — 23.  15:14. 
Judg.  1:10 — 15.  2 Sam.  21:15 — 22.)  On  the  most  moderate 
computation  he  was  above  ,en  feet  high  : and  the  weight  of 
his  armour  shows  that  his  bulk  and  strength  were  proportion- 
able.  For  his  coat  of  mail  weighed  above  200  pounds  troy 
weight,  and  his  spear’s  head  in  proportion.  (Tables  ) — Some 
indeed  suppose,  that  the  price  or  value  was  meant : but  the 
value  of  any  thing  is  generally,  if  not  always,  computed  by 
skekels  of  silver  or  gold,  not  of  brass.  Probably,  men  in 
general  were  about  the  same  size  as  at  present;  for  such 

fiants  then  caused  as  much  surprise  as  they  would  now. 
Note,  Num.  13:33.) 

V.  8 -10.  This  challenge  of  Goliath  greatly  increased 
the  consternation  of  the  Israelites ; as  if  they  must  needs 
become  slaves  to  the  Philistines,  unless  some  one  of  them 
could  overcome  the  champion  : but  no  nation  ever  did,  or 
ever  will,  suffer  its  liberties  and  interests  to  be  disposed  of 
m such  a manner.— It  is  probable  that  Goliath  was  one  of 
the  lords  of  the  Philistines ; and'that  he  deemed  it  a kind  of 
condescension  in  him,  to  fight  with  one  of  Saul’s  servants. 

V.  11.  When  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  departed  from  Saul, 
he  lost  much  of  his  former  courage ; otherwise,  depending 
on  the  God  of  Israel,  he  might  have  assaulted  the  army  of 
the  Philistines,  and  at  once  have  silenced  the  proud  boast- 
ings of  Goliath.  (Notes,  11:6 — 15.  16:14.)  His  timidity 
disheartened  the  army  likewise  • for  faith  and  piety  were 


10  And  the  Philistine  said, 'I  defy  the  armies 
of  Israel  this  day ; “give  me  a man  that  we  may 
fight  together. 

11  When  Saul  and  all  Israel  heard  those  words 
of  the  Philistine  they  were  "dismayed,  and  greatly 
afraid. 

12  H Now  “David  was  the  son  of  that  pEphra- 
thite  of  Beth-lehem-judah,  whose  name  was 
Jesse;  and  he  had  height  sons:  and  the  man 
went  among  men  for  an  old  man  in  the  days  of 
Saul. 

13  And  the  three  eldest  sons  of  Jesse  went  and 
followed  Saul  to  the  battle:  and  rthe  names  of  his 
three  sons  that  went  to  the  battle  were  Eliab  the 
first  born,  and  next  unto  him  Abinadab,  and  the 
third  sShammah. 

14  And  David  was  ‘the  youngest:  and  the 
three  eldest  followed  Saul. 

15  But  David  went,  and  "returned  from  Saul, 
to  feed  his  father’s  sheep  at  Beth-lehem. 

16  And  the  Philistine  drew  near  morning  and 
evening,  and  presented  himself  ’forty  days. 

17  And  Jesse  said  unto  David  his  son,  “Take 
now  for  thy  brethren  an  ephah  of  this  ^parched 
corn,  and  these  ten  loaves,  and  run  to  the  camp  to 
thy  brethren : 

18  And  ‘carry  these  ten  “cheeses  unto  the 
captain  of  Hheir  thousand,  and  “look  how  thy 
brethren  fare,  and  take  their  pledge. 

19  Now  Saul,  and  they,  and  all  the  men  of 
Israel,  were  in  the  valley  of  Elah,  fighting  with 
the  Philistines. 

20  And  David  rose  up  early  in  the  morning, 
and  bleft  the  sheep  with  a keeper,  and  took,  and 
went,  as  Jesse  had  commanded  him  : and  he  came 
to  the  “trench  as  the  host  was  going  forth  to  the 
“'fight,  and  shouted  for  the  battle. 

21  For  Israel  and  the  Philistines  had  put  the 
battle  in  array,  army  against  army. 

22  And  David  left  l}his  carriage  in  the  hand  of 
the  keeper  of  the  carriage,  and  ran  into  the  army, 
and  came  and  ^saluted  his  brethren. 


4:22.  Matt.  1:6.  I.ulte  3:31 ,32.  pGen. 35:19.  Ps,  132:6.  Mic.  5:2.  Moll.  2:1.6. 
q 16:10,11.  1 Chr.  2:13-16.  r28.16:6— 9.  s 2 Sam.  13:3,32.  21 :21 . Shimeah. 
t 16:11,12.  Gen. 25:23.  u 16:19— 23.  vMnlt.4:2.  Luke4:2.  xMatt.7:ll. 
Luke  11:13.  y 25:18.  Rulh  2:14.  2 Sam.  17:28.  i.  16:211.  I]  Heb . cheeses  of 
milk.  2 Sam.  17:29.  Jbb  10:10.  IT  Heb.  a thousand.  a Gen.  37:14.  Acts  15:36. 
1 Thes.  3:5,6.  b28.  Eph.  6:1,2.  ••  Or,  place  of  the  carriage.  26:5.  Luke 

19:43.  ft  Or,  battle-array,  or,  place  of  fight.  Heb.  the  vessels  from 
uponhim.  §§  Heb.  askedhis  bre  hrenof  peace.  Gen!  37:14.  Judg.  IS:  15.  Matt. 
10:12,13.  Luke  10:5,6. 


evidently  at  a low  ebb  among  them.  Nor  had  Jonathan  the 
same  inward  intimation  to  engage  in  this  service,  as  he 
formerly  had  to  undertake  one  at  least  equally  perilous  ; (ho 
Lord  having  reserved  it  for  David.  (Notes,  14:1 — 15.) 

V.  12,  13.  Jesse,  being  far  advanced  in  years,  was  him- 
self exempted  from  war;  but  he  sent  three  of  his  sons  with 
Saul. — Eight  sons.  ( 12)  16;  10.  Note,  1 Chr.  2:15. 

V.  15.  Saul’s  disorder  having  been  relieved,  and  his  mind 
engaged  in  public  business,  David’s  music  was  not  wanted  ; 
and  he  “ returned  from  Saul”  to  his  former  laborious  and 
obscure  occupalion.  Probably  he  had  been  appointed  Saul’s 
armour-bearer,  merely  as  an  honorary  distinction,  and  had 
never  been  employed  in  actual  service.  (Note,  16:15 — 23.) 
— Josephus  says,  that  Saul  sent  David  home  in  the  beginning 
of  this  war,  being  contented  with  the  three  sons  of  Jesse  who 
followed  him ; but  it  seems  more  probable,  that  he  had  return- 
ed home  sometime  before  the  war  began:  and  Josephus  had 
no  other  authentic  information,  as  to  the  history  of  Israel, 
than  we  at  present  possess ; so  that  neither  his  opinions,  nor 
the  traditions  which  he  had  received  from  those  who  lived 
before  him,  are  of  any  authority,  except  when  they  accord 
with  the  sacred  Scriptures. 

V.  16.  Had  the  Philistines  thought  themselves  able  to 
force  the  camp  of  Israel,  they  would  not  have  spent  so  much 
time  in  this  manner. — Forty  days.]  Note,  Matt.  4:1,2. 

V.  17.  As  Jesse  had  several  other  sons,  it  must  be  ascri- 
bed to  a special  interposition  of  Providence,  that  David  was 
sent  on  this  occasion.  (Note,  16:10,11.) 

V.  18.  Pledge .]  This,  it  is  probable,  was  some  concerted 
token  of  welfare,  according  to  the  custom  of  those  limes, 
while  epistolary  correspondence  was  infrequent. 

V.  19.  Fighting.]  There  might  be  frequent  skirmishes 
between  the  two  armies,  though  they  did  not  come  to  a gene- 
ral engagement. 

V.  22.  His  carriage.]  Or,  the  provisions  which  he  carried, 
or  had  brought,  for  his  brethren  and  their  captain.  (Marg 
— Acts  21:15. The  keeper  of  the  carriage”  seems  tomean 
the  person,  who  was  appointed  over  those,  who  guarded  tho 
baggage : and  who  would  take  the  charge  of  what  David  had 
brough  , till  he  returned. — ‘ With  his  servant.’  Up.  Patrick, 
( 507  ' 


B.  C 1063. 


I.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1063. 


23  A.nd  as  he  talked  with  them,  behold  there 
came  up  the  champion,  (the  Philistine  of  Gath, 
Goliath  by  name,)  out  of  the  armies  of  the  Philis- 
tines, and  snake  'according  to  the  same  words : 
and  David  heard  them. 

24  And  all  the  men  of  Israel,  when  they  saw 
the  man,  fled  from  ‘him,  and  were  dsore  afraid. 

25  And  the  men  of  Israel  said,  Have  ye  seen 
this  man  that  is  come  up?  surely  to  defy  Israel  is 
he  come  up:  and  it  shall  be,  that  the  man  who 
killeth  him,  “the  king  will  enrich  him  with  great 
riches,  and  will  give  him  his  daughter,  and  make 
his  father’s  house  Tree  in  Israel. 

26  And  David  spake  to  the  men  that  stood  by 
him,  saying,  What  shall  be  done  to  the  man 
that  killeth  this  Philistine,  and  taketh  away  the 
^reproach  from  Israel?  for  who  is  this  huncircum- 
cised  Philistine,  that  he  should  ‘defy  the  armies  of 
the  living  God? 

27  And  the  people  answered  him  after  this 
manner,  saying,  kSo  shall  it  be  done  to  the  man 
that  killeth  him. 

28  And  Eliah  his  eldest  brother  heard  when  he 
spake  unto  the  men ; and  ‘Eliab’s  anger  was 
kindled  against  David,  and  he  said,  Why  earnest 
thou  down  hither?  and  mwith  whom  hast  thou 
left  those  few  sheep  in  the  wilderness?  nI  know 
thy  pride,  and  the  naughtiness  of  thine  heart; 
for  thou  art  come  down,  that  thou  mightest  see 
the  battle. 

29  And  David  said,  “What  have  I now  done  ? 
Is  there  not  a cause  ? 

30  And  he  turned  from  him  towards  another, 
and  spake  after  the  same  'manner  : and  the 
people  answered  him  again  after  the  lbrmer 

manner.  [ Practical  Observations .] 

31  And  when  the  words  were  heard  which 
David  spake,  they  rehearsed  them  before  Saul; 
and  he  tsent,  for  him. 

32  And  David  said  to  Saul,  "Let  no  man’s 
heart  fail  because  of  him:  sthy  servant  will  go, 
and  fight  with  this  Philistine. 

t 4 — 10.  • Heb.  his  face.  13:6,7.  d See  on  11.  Lev.  26:36.  Nom.  13:33. 
Dent.  32:30.  Is.  7:2.  30:17.  e 18:17— 27.  Josh.  15:16.  Rev.  2:7,17.  3:5,12, 
21.  f Ezra  7:24.  Matt.  17,26.  gll:2.  Josh. 7:8,9.  2 Kings  19:4.  Neh.  5:9. 
Ps.  44:13.  74:18.  79:12.  Dan.  9:16.  Joel  2:19.  h 36.  14:6.  i 10.  Deut.  5:26. 
Jer.  10:10.  IThes.  1:9.  1 John  5:20.  k 25.  116:13.  Gen.  37:4,8.1 1.  Prov.  18:19. 
27:4.  Kc.  4:4.  Matt.  10:36.  27:18.  Mark  3:21.  m 20.  n 16:7.  Ps.  35:11.  Jude 
10.  o 17,32.  i'rov.  15:1.  Acts  11:2 — 4.  1 Cor. 2:15.  lPet.3:9.  t Heb.  word. 
26,27.  t Heb.  In  • khme.  Prov.  22:29.  p Num.  13:30.  14:9.  Deut.  20:1— 3.  Is. 
35:3.  deb.  12:12.  q 14:6.  16:13.  Josh.  14:12.  Ps.  3:6.  27:1—3.  r Num.  13:31. 
Deut.  9:2.  Ps.  11:1.  Rev.  13:4.  b42,56.  %Or, kid.  t Judg.  14:5,6.  2>nm. 23: 


It  does  not  however  appear,  that  David  was  attended  by  a 
servant. 

V.  23,  24.  (Note,  4 — 7.)  When  the  two  armies  were  on 
the  point  of  engaging,  Goliath’s  renewed  challenge  strangely 
disconcerted  the  Israelites.  They  could  face  the  whole  army 
of  the  Philistines,  though  they  knew  Goliath  was  among 
them ; and  yet  were  dismayed  by  the  sight  of  him  alone  ! 
(Notes,  Num.  13:30,31.  14:2—9.) 

V.  25,  26.  It  does  not  appear,  that  Saul  consulted  the 
Lord,  or  offered  sacrifice,  or  even  made  supplications,  on  this 
occasion  : but  he  offered  great  rewards  to  him,  who  should 
kill  Goliath.  [Notes,  Josh.  15:16,17.  1 Chr.  11:4— 8.)— To 
this  conduct,  David's  speech,  glowing  with  confidence  in  God, 
zeal  for  his  glory,  and  indignant  resentment  of  Israel’s  dis- 
grace, formed  a noble  contrast.  However  terrible  the  gigantic 
Goliath  might  appear,  he  was  w an  uncircumcised  Philistine  ;” 
and  those  whom  he  defied  were  not  merely  44  servants  to 
Saul,”  (8)  but  “the  armies  of  the  living  God.”  (Note,  Num. 
23:7,8.)  And  in  this  view,  who  was  Goliath,  that  any  Israelite 
should  fear  him  ? The  very  inquiry  implied  the  most  pointed 
reproof  of  the  unbelief  and  cowardice  of  Saul,  and  indeed  of 
the  whole  army. — Free  in  Israel.  (25)  Note , Ezra  7:24 — 26. 

V.  28.  It  can  hardly  be  supposed,  that  Eliab  was  entirely 
ignorant  of  David’s  having  been  anointed  by  Samuel ; and  he 
must  have  understood  this  transaction,  as  at  least  an  indica- 
tion of  his  future  superiority.  (Note,  16:13.)  No  doubt, 
therefore,  ho  was  in  part  excited  by  envy  on  this  occasion  : 
but  he  might  also  consider  the  spirit  of  his  younger  and 
neglected  brother,  as  a tacit  reproach  of  his  own  timidity. 
He  therefore  rashly  and  falsely  accused  him  of  leaving  his 
flock  without  a keeper,  and  of  coming  without  being  sent,  out 
of  curiosity  or  ambition  : (17 — 20)  and  intimated  that  he  was 
notoriously  of  a proud,  aspiring,  and  even  wicked  disposition. 
These  insinuations  tended  both  to  discourage  David,  and  to 
prejudice  those  who  heard  them  against  him,  in  order  that  he 
might  be  disregarded.  (Notes,  Gen.  37:2 — 10^  John  7:3 — 10.) 

V.  29.  This  answer  was  as  admirable  for  the  44  meekness 
of  wisdom,”  as  the  former  question  was  for  the  4 courage  of 
faith.’  David  took  no  notice  of  the  rcr  roach  cast  on  his 
( 508  ) 


33  And  Saul  said  to  David,  rThou  art  not  able 
to  go  against  this  Philistine  to  fight  with  him : ‘for 
thou  ait  but  a youth,  and  he  a man  of  war  from 
his  youth. 

34  And  David  said  unto  Saul,  Thy  servant 
kept  his  father’s  sheep,  and  there  came  a lion 
and  a bear,  and  took  a siamb  out  of  the  flock; 

35  And  I went  out  after  him,  and  smote  him, 
and  delivered  it  out  of  his  mouth:  and  when  he 
arose  against  me,  I caught  him  by  his  beard,  and 
‘smote  him,  and  slew  him. 

36  Thy  servant  slew  both  the  lion,  and  the 
bear : and  “this  uncircumcised  Philistine  shall  be 
as  one  of  them,  seeing  “he  hath  defied  the  armies 
of  the  living  God. 

37  David  said  moreover,  ?The  Lord  that 
delivered  me  out  of  the  paw  of  the  lion,  and  out 
of  the  paw  of  the  bear,  he  will  deliver  me  out  of 
the  hand  of  this  Philistine.  And  Saul  said  unto 
David,  “Go,  and  the  Lord  be  with  thee. 

38  H And  Saul  “armed  David  with  his  armour, 
and  he  put  an  helmet  of  brass  upon  his  head; 
also  he  armed  him  with  a coat  of  mail. 

39  And  David  girded  his  sword  upon  his 
armour,  and  he  assayed  to  go ; for  he  had  not 
proved  it.  And  David  said  unto  Saul,  1 cannot 
go  with  these ; for  I have  not  proved  them.  And 
David  “put  them  off  him. 

40  And  he  took  his  bstaffin  his  hand,  and  chose 
him  five  smooth  stones  out  of  the  "brook,  and  put 
them  in  a shepherd’s  “bag  which  he  had,  even  in 
a scrip,  and  his  sling  was  in  his  hand  ; and  he 
drew  near  to  the  Philistine. 

41  And  the  Philistine  came  on,  and  drew  near 
unto  David ; and  the  man  that  bare  the  shield 
went  before  him. 

42  And  when  the  Philistine  looked  about  and 
saw  David,  che  disdained  him  ; for  lie  was  but  da 
youth,  and  ruddy,  and  of  a fair  countenance. 

43  And  the  Philistine  said  unto  David,  eAm  I a 
dog,  that  thou  comest  to  me  with  staves  ? And 
the  Philistine  f cursed  David  by  his  gods. 


20.  Ps.  91:13.  Dan.  6:22.  Am.  3:12.  Acts98:4—  6.  2 Tim.  1:17,18.  n26.  E*.  32: 
19,27—32.  Rom.  2:28,29.  x See  <m  10.  Is.  10:15.  36:8—10,15,18.  »:22,23,28, 
29.  Zech.  2:8.  12:3.  Acls  5:38,39.  9:4,5.  12:1,2,22,23.  y7:12.  IV 63:7.  138:3, 
7,8.  2 Cor.  1:9,10.  2 Tim.  4:17,18.  z 20:13.  24:19.  26:25.  2 Sam.  10:12.  II  Heb. 
clothed  David  icith  his  clothes  5.  n Hos.  1:7.  Zech.  4:6.  2 Cor.  10:4,5.  b Jude* 
3:31.  7:16—20.  15:15,16.  20:16.  1 Cor.  1:27—29.  IT  Or,  valley.  ••  Heb.  vessel. 
Matt.  10:10.  c 1 Kings  20:18.  2 Kings  18:23,24.  Neb.  4:2— 4.  d 33.  16:12. 
e 24:14.  2 Sam.  3:8.  9:8.  16:9.  2 Kings 8: 13.  fGen. 27:29.  Num. 22:6, 11, 12. 
Judg.  9:27.  Prov.  26:2. 


character  ; nor  of  the  false  accusation  laid  against  him  ; nor 
of  the  selfish  motives,  to  which  his  coming  to  the  army  was 
ascribed.  But  he  merely  replied,  by  asking,  44  What  have  I 
now  done  ? Is  there  not  a cause  ? ’ Ought  not  every  Israelite 
to  feel  a holy  indignation,  when  he  hears  an  uncircumcised 
Philistine  defy  the  armies  of  the  living  God  ? And  ought  not 
some  Israelite  to  step  forward  and  venture  his  life,  to  tase 
away  this  reproach  ? Yet  no  Israelite  had  hitherto  appeared 
who  would  attempt  it.  (Notes,  Judg.  8,1 — 3.  Prov.  15:1.) 

V.  31,  32.  Marg.  Ref.  p.  q. 

V.  34 — 37.  In  defence  of  his  flock,  David  had  bfeen  ena- 
bled, at  different  times,  to  slay  a lion  and  a bear  : and  he 
looked  upon  this  as  an  earnest  of  victory  over  the  44  uncir- 
cumcised Philistine,”  whom  he  meant  to  attack  out  of  zeai 
for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  interests  of  Israel.  Goliath 
could  not  be  more  terrible  to  any  Israelitish  soldier,  than  a 
lion  or  a bear,  bereaved  of  its  prey,  would  be  to  an  unarmed 
shepherd ; and  David’s  deliverance  from  these  savage  beasts 
was  the  effect  of  the  Lord’s  special  favour,  who  would  also 
deliver  him  from  the  Philistine.  (Note,  2 Cor.  1:8 — 11.) — 
Thus,  when  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  was  upon  Samson,  he  rent 
the  lion  before  he  destroyed  the  Philistines.  (Note,  Judg . 
14:5,6.) — Several  extraordinary  actions  of  this  kind,  no  doubt* 
obtained  David  that  great  character,  with  which  ho  had 
first  been  introduced  to  Saul.  (16:18.) — Go,  &c.  (37)  Notes, 
24:16—22.  26:21—25. 

V.  38 — 40.  David  had  not  been  accustomed  to  such 
armour  as  Saul  put  upon  him,  and  ho  was  not  satisfied  to  go 
forth  in  that  manner. — This  was  likewise  from  the  Lord,  who 
would  have  it  made  manifest  that  his  servant  fought  and  con- 
quered by  faith,  and  that  the  victory  was  from  him,  who  works 
by  the  most  despised  means  and  instruments.  (Notes,  Josh. 
6:3—5.  Judg.  3:31.  7:16—22.  15:14—17.  Zech.  4:4—' 7.  1 Cor. 
1:20—31.  2 Cor.  4:7.) 

V.  42 — 44.  Perhaps  David  might  at  this  time  he  twenty- 
two  or  twenty-three  years  of  age  ; (33.  Note,  16:10,1 1 ) and 
his  unwarlike  appearance  in  all  respects  excited  contempt  and 
disdain  in  Goliath’s  breast;  nay,  he  was  greallv  afniOed  to 
be  opposed  by  a stripling,  accoutred  in  so  unwarlike  a manner 


B.  C.  1063. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


B.  (,.  1068, 


44  Ami  the  Philistine  said  to  David,  eCome  to 
me,  and  I will  give  thy  flesh  unto  the  fowls  of  the 
air,  and  to  the  "beasts  of  the  field. 

45  Then  said  David  to  the  Philistine,  hThou 
comest  to  me  with  a sword,  and  with  a spear,  and 
with  a shield ; but  I come  to  thee  'in  the  name  of 
the  Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of  the  armies  of  Israel, 
whom  thou  hast  kdefied. 

46  This  day  'will  the  Lord  ’deliver  thee#  into 
mine  hand,  and  I will  smite  thee,  and  take  ’thine 
head  from  thee : and  I will  give  the  mcarcasses 
of  the  host  of  the  Philistines  this  day  unto  the 
fowls  of  the  air,  and  to  the  wild  beasts  of  the 
earth;  that  "all  the  earth  may  know  that  there  is 
a God  in  Israel. 

47  And  all  this  assembly  shall  know  that  the 
Lord  "saveth  not  with  the  sword  and  spear  : for 
Pthe  battle  is  the  Lord’s  and  he  will  give  you  into 
our  hands. 

48  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  Philistine 
arose,  and  came  and  drew  nigh  to  meet  David, 
that  sDavid  hasted  and  ran  toward  the  army  to 
meet  the  Philistine. 

49  And  David  put  his  hand  in  his  bag,  and 
took  thence  a stone,  and  slang  it,  and  "smote  the 
Philistine  in  his  forehead,  that  the  stone  sunk 
into  his  forehead;  and  he  fell  upon  his  face  to 
the  earth. 

50  So  David  prevailed  over  the  Philistine  with 
a sliiw  and  with  a stone,  and  smote  the  Philistine, 
and  slew  him ; sbut  there  was  no  sword  in  the 
hand  of  David. 


g 1 Kings  20:10,11.  Plot.  18:12.  Ec.  9:11.12.  Jer.  9:23.  Ez.  23:2,9,10.  39:17—20. 
h Ps.  41:6.  i2  Sam.  22:33 — 35.  2Chr.  32:8.  Ps.  3:8.  18:2.  20:5— 7.  118:10,11. 
.21:8.  Prov.  18:10.  Pl.il.  4:13.  Hcb.  11:33,31.  k 10,26,36.  Is.  37:23,28.  1 Deut. 
7:2.23.  9:2,3.  Josb.  10:8.  * Heb.  shut  thee  up.  Ps.  31:8.  m 41.  Deni.  28:26.  Is. 
56:9.  Rev.  19:17,18.  n Ex.  9:16.  15:14,15.  Josh. 4:24.  1 Kings8:43.  18:36,37. 
2 Kings  19:19.  Is.  52:10.  Dan.  2:47.  3:29.  6:26,27.  o Ps.  33:16,17.  44:6,7.  Prov. 


But  though  he  cursed  David  by  his  gods,  he  evidently  trusted 
not  in  them  but  in  ihe  might  of  his  own  arm.  The  Romans 
used  thus  to  curse  their  enemies  : ‘All  the  gods  and  goddesses 
destroy  thee  1’  (Note,  Num.  22:6.) 

V.  45 — 47.  Nothing  can  exceed  the  modesty,  the  faith, 
the  piety,  and  the  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  cause  of 
Israel  and  of  true  religion,  which  glow  in  this  most  beautiful 
speech.  David  expressed,  with  peculiar  animation,  his  assured 
expectation  of  success,  of  which  doubtless  some  immediate 
intima'ions  had  been  communicated  to  him  ; satisfying  him,  that 
the  zeal  of  the  Lord  for  his  own  glory  would  engage  him  in 
the  cause ; he  even  gloried  in  his  own  contemptible  appearance 
and  armour,  that  the  victory  might  the  more  unquestionably 
be  ascribed  to  Jehovah  ; and  he  anticipated  ihe  effects  of 
this  transaction.  He  even  conceived  a hope  of  its  producing 
a salutary  conviction  in  the  minds  of  the  Philistines,  that  the 
God  of  Israel  was,  the  only  true  God  ; and  he  predicted  that 
his  power  and  glory  would  by  means  of  it  be  made  known  to 
all  the  earth.  (Notes,  1 Kings  18:36,37.  2 Kings  19:14 — 19.) 

V.  48,  49.  The  courage  of  David  appears  illustrious  in 
the  whole  narrative.  Goliath  understood  that  his  challenge 
was  accepted,  by  David’s  boldly  marching  out  to  meet  him  ; 
and  at  this  crisis,  David  with  great  activity  at  once  struck 
the  fatal  blow..  Either  Goliath,  in  fearless  presumption  and 
contempt  of  his  opponent,  had  neglected  to  fasten  on  his 
helmet ; or  the  stone,  directed  and  impelled  by  the  power  of 
the  Almighty,  penetrated  both  the  helmet  and  his  skull,  and 
sunk  into  his  forehead,  as  a stone  sinks  into  the  water.  (Note, 

I Kings  22:32—35.) 

V.  50 — 53.  Perhaps  the  sword  of  Goliath  was  not  so  large 
and  unwieldy  in  proportion,  as  the  other  parts  of  his  armour; 
for  we  find  that  David  afterwards  used  it,  as  well  as  on  this 
occasion.  (Note,  21:8,9.) — When  the  Philistines  saw  that 
their  champion  or  mighty  man,  was  dead  ; they  were  so  con- 
vinced of  the  power  and  presence  of  the  God  of  Israel,  that 
they  had  no  courage  to  fight,  but  yielded  Israel  a complete 
victory  ; and  the  Israelites  pursued  them  even  to  their  own 
cities,  and  plundered  their  camp.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

Champion.  (51)  The  original  word  is  not  the  same  here 
as  in  the  fourth  verse. 

V.  54.  Either  David,  after  a time,  carried  the  head  of 
Goliath  to  Jerusalem,  as  a terror  to  the  Jebusites  ; and  put 
his  armour  in  his  own  tent,  until  it  was  removed  to  the  taber- 
nacle of  God : (21:8,9.)  or  this  is  spoken  by  anticipation  ; and 
means,  that  afterwards  Goliath’s  skull  and  armour  were 
preserved  at  Jerusalem,  as  a monument  of  the  victory,  and 
to  the  glory  of  God,  in  the  tent  which  David  there  formed  for 
the  ark.  (Note,  2 Sam.  6J7.) 

V.  55—58.  It  has  been  argued,  from  the  circumstance  of 
Saul’s  not  recollecting  David,  that  the  history  is  inconsistent : 
and  to  answer  this  objection  many  learned  men,  by  a very 
unnatural  transposition,  place  this  chapter,  in  order  of  time, 
before  the  preceding.  But  it  should  be  considered  that  David 
was  young  when  he  went  to  the  court  of  Saul:  and  a few 


51  Therefore  David  ran,  and  stood  upon  the 
Philistine,  and  took  ‘his  sword,  and  drew  it  out'of 
the  sheath  thereof,  and  slew  him,  and  cut  off  his 
head  therewith.  And  when  the  Philistines  saw 
their  champion  was  dead,  they  "fled. 

52  And  xthe  men  of  Israel  and  of  Judah  arose, 
and  shouted,  and  pursued  the  Philistines,  until 
thou  come  to  the  ^valley,  and  to  the  gates  ot 
Ekron : and  the  wounded  of  the  Philistines  fell 
down  by  the  way  to  Shaaraim,  even  unto  Gath, 
and  unto  Ekron. 

53  And  the  children  of  Israel  returned  from 
chasing  after  the  Philistines,  and  "they  spoiled 
their  tents. 

54  11  And  David  "took  the  head  of  the  Philis- 
tine, and  brought  it  to  Jerusalem  : but  he  put  his 
armour  in  his  tent. 

55  And  when  Saul  saw  David  go  forth  against 
the  Philistine,  he  said  unto  Abner,  the  captain  of 
the  host,  Abner,  bWhose  son  is  this  youth  ? And 
Abner  said,  As  thy  soul  liveth,  O king,  I cannot 
tell. 

56  And  the  king  said,  Inquire  thou  whose  son 
the  stripling  is. 

57  And  as  David  returned  from  the  slaughter 
of  the  Philistine,  Abner  took  him,  and  brought 
him  before  Saul,  "with  the  head  of  the  Philistine 
in  his  hand. 

58  And  Saul  said  to  him,  Whose  son  art 
thou,  thou  young  man  ? And  David  answered, 
dJ  am  the  son  of  thy  servant  Jesse,  the  Beth- 
lehemite. 


21:30.31.  Hos.  1:7.  p 14:6.  2Chr.  20:15— 17.  Ps.  46:11.  Is.  9:7.  Zesh.4:6. 
Rom.  8:31,37.  q Ps. 27:1.  Prov.  28:1.  r 1 Kinn 22:34.  2 Kino  9:21,  1 Cor. 
1:27,28.  s 39.  13:22.  121:9.  2Sam.23:21.  EttV  7:10. Ps.  7:15,16.  Heb.  2:14. 
u Hetj.  11:34.  x 14:21,22.  Judg.  7:23.  2Sam.  23:10.  y Josli.  15:33— 36,45,46. 
z 2 Kings  7:7 — 16.  Jer.  4:20.  a.21:9.  Ex.  16:33.  Josh.  4:7,8.  1:  58.16:21,22. 

c 54,  d 12.  16:18,19. 


years,  with  change  of  dress,  (from  that  of  a courtier,  to  that 
of  a shepherd,)  make  a very  great  alteration  in  the  appearance 
of  young  persons.  Abner  had  no  acquaintance  with  David, 
that  we  know  of.  Saul’s  mind  was  disordered,  and  his  affairs  in 
perplexity.  Kings,  especially  such  kings  as  Saul,  are  served 
by  so  many  fresh  faces,  that  they  often  literally  forget  their 
old  acquaintance.  Yet  it  is  evident,  that  Saul  had  some 
confused  and  imperfect  recollection  of  David ; though  he 
could  not  certainly  remember  whose  son  he  was.  (Notes, 
1,15.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 30.  When  those,  to  whom  it  officially  belongs  to 
defend  the  cause  of  God  and  his  church,  are  destitute  of  his 
Spirit,  and  given  up  to  ambition,  covetousness,  envy,  malice, 
or  lust ; no  wonder  if  open  enemies  are  encouraged,  and 
friends  dispirited:  and  as  the  fear  of  God  declines,  the  fear  ot 
man,  in  one  form  or  other,  will  gather  strength.  But  when 
one  instrument  is  thrown  aside,  another  is  prepared,  and  pro- 
duced for  the  work  of  the  Lord:  and  though  Israel  be  cast 
down,  and  his  enemies  for  a season  triumph  ; yet  shall  he  be 
raised  up  again,  and  their  success  terminate  in  deeper  disgrace 
and  ruin. — Every  gift  of  God  to  fallen  man,  instead  of  inspiring 
gratitude,  naturally  increases  proud  self-admiraiion  and  con- 
fidence, and  a disposition  to  despise  and  insult  over  others. 
But  what  are  human  wisdom, .strength  and  courage,  unless 
preserved  and  prospered  by  him  who  gave  them  ? When 
confidence  in  these  endowments  withdraws  men  from  their 
dependence  on  God,  and  when  they  are  employed  in  rebellion 
against  him  ; the  haughty  possessor  becomes  more  expressly 
the  enemy  and  rival  of  the  Almighty,  and  is  prepared  to 
be  a more  distinguished  monument  of  his  righteous  vengeance. 
( Notes,  Job  40:9 — 1 4.  Jer.  9:23,24.  Dan.  4:34— 37.  5:18— 
24.) — Degenerate  professors  of  religion  often  receive  just 
rebukes  from  most  decided  enemies : and  indeed  no  persecutor 
or  heresiarch  needs  fear  defying  the  disciples  of  man,  any 
more  than  Goliath  feared  defying  “ the  servants  of  Saul," 
were  they  only  such,  as  the  names  which  they  assume,  as 
well  as  their  conduct  on  some  occasions,  seem  to  imply.  For 
in  human  accomplishments  the  opposers  of  the  truth  of  God 
have  frequently  possessed  an  undisputed  superiority : (Note, 
Ez.  15:6 — 8.  P.  O.)  confiding  in  this,  they  have  defied,  and 
still  do  defy,  the  advocates  of  spiritual  truth  to  engage  with 
them ; and  they  dream  of  a total  and  decided  victory.  But 
they  have  “the  armies  of  the  living  God,”  and  their  invincible 
Captain  himself,  to  contend  with  ; and  “ who  are  these  uncir- 
cumcised  Philistines,”  that  a true  Israelite  should  fear  them  ? 
Any  believer  in  the  divine  Saviour  may  predict  that  their 
triumphing  will  be  short:  and  if  fairly  called  to  it,  we  need  not 
fear  to  go  forth  with  the  despised  sling  and  stone,  with  plain 
testimonies  of  holy  Scripture,  unadorned  by  eloquence,  and 
unsupported  by  human  learning,  against  the  most  formidable 
of  them  ; trusting  in  him  who  has  all  power  in  heaven  and 
earth. — Those  who  would  serve  God  must  be  endued  with 
patience,  meekness,  and  self-denial;  and  they  must  learn  >o 
( 509  ) 


B.  C.  1063, 


I SAMUEL, 


B.  C.  1063. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Jonathan  loven  David,  and  covenants  with  him,  1 — 4.  David  gains  favour  with 
the  people  and  the  servants  of  Haul,  5.  The  praises  bestowed  on  David  ex- 
cite Saul's  envy , 6 — 9.  Saul  attempts  to  kill  aim,  10,  11.  David' s prudence 
and  success  maki  Saul  afrai  l of  him , 12 — 16.  He  offers  to  give  him  his  elder 
daughter,  hopin'  it  ensnare  him;  hut  gives  h.<r  to  another,  17— 19.  He 
promise  : h ra  Michal,  his  ounger  daughter,  finding  that  she  loved  him  ; and 
David  brings  two  hundred,  foreskins  of  the  Philistines,  being  double  the 
stipulated  dowry,  and  marries  her,  20 — 27.  Saul's  hatred  and  David's  re- 
putation increase , 28 — 30. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  had  made  an 
end  of  speaking  unto  Saul,  that  “the  soul  of 
Jonathan  was  knit  with  the  soul  of  David,  and 
Jonathan  bloved  him  as  his  own  soul. 

2  And  Saul  “took  him  that  day,  and  would  let 
him  set  no  more  home  to  his  fathers  house. 

3  Then  Jonathan  and  David  dmade  a covenant, 
because  he  loved  him  as  his  own  soul. 

4  And  Jonathan  “stripped  himself  of  the  robe 
that  was  upon  him,  and  gave  it  to  David,  and  his 
garments,  even  to  his  sword,  and  to  his  bow,  and 
to  his  girdle. 

5  And  David  went  out  whithersoever  Saul  sent 
him,  aiul  "behaved  himself  f wisely  : and  Saul  set 
him  over  sthe  men  of  war  ; and  he  was  accepted 
in  the  sight  of  all  the  people,  and  also  in  the  sight 
of  Saul’s  servants. 


l 14:1— 14,45.  Gen.  44:30.  Jude.  80:11.  1 rhr.  12:17.  Ps.  86:11 . Col. 2:2.  b 19: 
*.  20:17.  Dent.  13:6.  2 Sara.  1:26.  Prov.  18:21.  c 16:21—23.  17:15.  d 80:8- 
17,42.  23:18.  2 Sam.  9:1—3.  21:7.  eGen.  41:42.  Eslh.  6:8,9.  Is.  61:10.  l.uke  15: 
22.  2 Cor.  5:21  Phil.  2:7,8.  • Or,  prospered.  14,15.30.  Gen.  39:2.3,23.  Ps.l: 
3.  Acts  7:10.  r Malt.  10:16.  Eph.  5:17.  Col.  4,5  g 13:2.  14:52.  t Or,  Philts- 
tines,  h Ex.  15:20.  Judg.  11:34.  Ps. 68:25.  Jer.  31.11 — 13.  j Heb.  three- 
stringed  instruments,  i Ex.  15:21 . Ps.  24:7 — 10.  k 21 : 1 1.  29:5.  lEsth.3:5. 


bear  neglect,  contempt  and  ingratitude ; to  be  laborious, 
faithful,  and  obedient ; to  shun  observation  and  ostentation  ; to 
walk  by  faith,  and  to  wait  the  Lord’s  time  for  every  promised 
or  expected  mercy  ; not  putting  themselves  forward,  till  it  be 
undeniably  evident  that  there  is  a cause. — In  times  of  general 
formality  and  lukewarmness,  every  degree  of  zeal,  which 
implies  a readiness  to  go  further,  or  venture  more  in  the  cause 
of  God,  than  others  do,  will  be  censured  as  pride  and  ambi- 
tion; and  by  none  more  than  near  relations  and  negligent 
superiors : and  such  censures  will  seldom  be  unmingled  with 
unjust  insinuations,  slanders,  and  attempts  to  blacken  a man’s 
character.  But  conscious  integrity,  and  confidence  in  God, 
united  with  meekness,  wisdom  and  perseverance,  will  carry 
the  believer  through  such  discouraging  opposition,  and  raise 
him  above  them  : and  those  who  would  do  good,  should  not 
multiply  words  in  defence  of  their  own  characters  ; but  avoid 
whatever  may  needlessly  exasperate,  prolong  contention,  or 
foment  envy;  and  be  satisfied  with  appealing  k>  the  con- 
sciences and  common  sense  of  impartial  persons,  that  time  and 
circumstances  require  their  exertions.  The  hope  of  being  an 
instrument  of  good,  and  of  being  accepted  by  the  Lord,  will 
animate  the  faithful  servant  of  God  in  every  undertaking:  and 
the  expectation  of  a reward  from  man,  or  the  fear  of  human 
censure,  will  be  with  him  a very  inferior  consideration. 

V.  31 — 53.  If  we  improve  our  experience  of  the  Lord’s 
faithfulness,  love,  and  power,  in  former  seasons  of  danger 
and  difficulty,  it  will  inspire  confidence  in  the  prospect  of 
future  conflicts ; and  on  some  occasions  it  may  be  referred  to 
for  the  satisfaction  of  others:  and  to  be  engaged  against  the 
avowed  and  haughty  enemies  of  God  and  his  church,  is  in  all 
cases  a proper  ground  of  encouragement. — In  the  service  of 
our  common  Lord  we  are  not  all  qualified  to  handle  the  same 
weapons,  or  to  fill  up  the  same  stations:  none  should  there- 
fore be  set  up  in  all  things  as  models,  nor  ought  any  of  us 
indiscriminately  to  imitate  the  most  approved  characters. 
Rules  and- methods,  which  are  useful  and  natural  to  ono  man, 
may  prove  encumbrances  to  another:  and  we  do  best,  when 
we  cultivate  our  own  peculiar  talent,  taking  hints  from  every 
body,  and  not  attempting  exact  conformity  to  any.  But  faith, 
and  prayer,  and  truth,  and  righteousness,  “the  whole  armour 
of  God,”  and  u the  mind  which  was  in  Christ,”  are  equally 
needful  for  all  his  servants. — The  curses  of  wicked  men  are 
no  more  to  be  feared,  than  their  power  or  menaces  ; as  they 
will  at  length  rebound  upon  themselves,  and  their  proud  self- 
confidence  will  surely  be  confounded.  But  those  who  trust 
in  the  Lord  and  simply  seek  his  glory,  shall  never  he  ashamed  : 
n their  hands  the  feeblest,  means  shall  be  successful,  and 
before  them  the  most  formidable  opposition  shall  come  to 
nothing.  The  event  of  every  conflict  of  the  church  of  God 
against  her  enemies,  will  undeniably  evince,  44  that  the  Lord 
saveth  not  with  sword  and  spear ; for  the  battle  is  the  Lord’s, 
and  he  will  give  it  into  our  hands :”  and  this  shall  tend  to 
make  known  his  glory  throughout  the  earth. — Human  favour 
is  of  small  value,  for  men  soon  forget,  those  who  have  been 
most  useful  to  them  ; ajid  they  alone  arc  happy,  who  enjoy 
the  favour  of  him,  who  never  forgets  or  forsakes  the  meanest 
of  his  true  people. — Finally,  in  David’s  victory  over  the 
champion  of  the  Philistines,  we  may  see  a faint  shadow  of 
the  Redeemer’s  victory  over  Satan,  who  for  ages  had  defied 
ihe  armies  of  the  living  God,  and,  from  the  fall  of  Adam  to 
the  coming  of  Christ,  found  no  one  able  in  his  own  strength 
to  stand  against,  him:  hut  Jesus  orercame  him  on  his  own 
ground  and  foiled  him  with  his  owi  weapons,  and  still  goes 
( 510  ) 


6 H And  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  came,  when 
David  was  returned  from  the  slaughter  of  the 
'Philistine,  that  ''the  women  came  out  of  all  cities 
of  Israel,  singing;  and  dancing,  to  meet  king  Saul, 
with  tabrets,  with  joy,  and  with  instruments  of 
music. 

7 And  the  women  'answered  one  another  as 
they  played,  and  said,  kSaul  hath  slain  his  thou- 
sands, and  David  his  ten  thousands. 

8 And  Saul  was  very  wroth,  and  'the  saying 
^displeased  him  ; and  he  said,  They  have  ascribed 
unto  David  ten  thousands,  and  to  me  they  have 
ascribed  but  thousands : “and  what  can  he  have 
more  but  the  kingdom  ? 

9 And  Saul  "eyed  David  from  that  day  and 
forward. 

10  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow,  that 
°the  evil  spirit  from  God  came  upon  Saul,  and  he 
fprophesied  in  the  midst  of  the  house ; and  David 
“ipiayed  with  his  hand,  as  at  other  times : and 
there  was  a javelin  in  Saul’s  hand. 

11  And  Saul  “cast  the  javelin ; for  he  said,  I 
will  smite  David  even  to  the  wall  with  it.  “And 
David  avoided  out  of  his  presence  twice. 


Prov.  13:10.  27:4.  Ec.  4:4.  Jam.  4:5.  SHeb.w/rs  evil  in  his  eyes.  Num.  11:1. 
22:34.  margins,  m 13:14.  15:28.  16:13.  20:31.  1 Kiugs  2:22.  n Gen. 4:5,6.  31: 
2.  Matt. 20:15.  Mark  7:22.  Eph.  4:27.  Jam.  5:9.  o 16:14,15.  19:9.  26:19. 
n 19:24.  1 Kings  18:29.  22:12,20—23.  Jer.  28:2-4 .11 . Zech  13:2—5.  ^cta  16: 
16.  2 Thes.  2:11.  q 16:16,23.  r 19:9,10  . 20:33.  Prov.  27:4.  Is.  54:17.  8 Luke 

4:30.  John  8:59.  10:39. 


on  by  his  despised  gospel  to  pursue  the  victory ; while  all  the 
hosts  of  the  true  Israel  join  in  his  conquests,  and  share  the 
benefits ; and  they  shall  ere  long  meet  in  heaven  to  celebrate 
his  triumphs  with  everlasting  songs  of  praise. 

NOTES— Chap.  XVIII.  V.  1.  The  modesty,  piety, 
and  oourageous  faith  of  David  were  so  congenial  to  the  cha- 
racter of  Jonathan,  that  they  attracted  his  most  cordial  esteem 
and  affection,  (Notes,  14:6 — 15.)  so  that  the  most  endeared 
friendship  subsisted  between  them,  from  that  time,  without 
the  least  interruption,  notwithstanding  Saul’s  envy  and  malice; 
and  though  Jonathan  knew  that  David  was  annointed  to  be 
king,  and  that  he  himself  was  excluded!  (Notes,  19:1 — 7. 
20:1 4 — 1 7,32 — 42 . 23:17,18.  2 Sam.  1:19—27.)  This  disin- 
terested friendship  was  the  effect  of  that  grace  of  God,  which 
produces  in  all  true  believers  “one  heart  and  soul,”  and 
causes  them  to  delight  in  each  other’s  converse  and  comfort: 
(Notes,  1 Pet.  1:22 — 25.  1 John  3:13 — 15.)  yet  similarity  of 
disposition,  and  the  coincidence  of  the  extraordinary  sendees 
which  in  the  courage  of  faith  they  had  performed,  served  to 
render  their  reciprocal  affection  peculiarly  fervent  and  inti- 
mate. (JVfarg.  Ref.) 

V.  2.  Saul  did  not  at  first  know  David,  but  he  soon  re- 
collected him.  It  is  manifest  from  this,  that  he  had  before 
returned  from  Saul  to  his  pastoral  employments,  hut  from  this 
time  he  went  back  no  more  to  them.  (Note,  17:55 — 58.) 

V.  3,  4.  Jonathan,  by  stripping  off  his  own  clothes  and 
armour,  and  giving  them  to  David,  intended  avowedly  to 
ratify  the  covenant  between  them,  as  well  as  to  testify  his 
affection,  and  equip  him  according  to  his  character  and  sta- 
tion. So  that  David  then  put  off  the  shepherd,  and  put  on  the 
courtier  and  soldier. 

V.  5.  Abner  continued  commander  in  chief;  hut  David 
had  some  high  military  station,  and  perhaps-  he  was  made 
captain  of  Saul’s  guards. 

V.  6 — 9.  After  the  death  of  Goliath,  and  the  consequent 
victory  over  the  Philistines  ; Saul,  and  David  with  him,  went 
to  several  of  the  cities  of  Israel.  1 1 suppose,  Saul  and  the 
whole  court  thought  fit  to  honour  David,  by  accompanying 
him  to  Jerusalem  when  he  carried  Goliath’s  head  thitner.  ’ 
Patrick.  However  this  might  ho,  in  all  places  to  which  they 
came,  the  women,  according  to  the  custom  of  the  times,  went 
forth  to  meet  them  with  instruments  of  music,  and  singing  an 
ode  composed  on  the  occasion.  (Judg.  11:34.  Notes,  Ex. 
15:1,20,21.  Judg.  5:1.  Ps.  68:24,25.)  In  this  ode,  composed 
in  poetical  language,  no  injustice  was  done  to  Saul,  nor  any 
affront  intended  him:  yet  the  language  employed  might  have 
given  umbrage  to  a mind  less  propense  to  envy  and  suspicion, 
than  that  of  Saul.  Accordingly,  he  was  greatly  displeased  ; 
and,  perceiving  how  David  increased  in  popularity,  ho  con- 
cluded that  God  w-as  about  “to  rend  the  kingdom  from  him, 
and  to  give  it  to  a neighbour  of  his,  who  was  better  than  he.” 
(15:28.)  Probably  he  had  been  also  informed,  that  Samuel 
anointed  David,  and  favoured  his  interest ; so  that  ho  began 
to  look  upon  him  with  a jealous  and  malignant  eye. 

V.  10,  11.  When  Saul  indulged  malevolence,  he4* gave 
place  to  the  devil,”  and  nrovoked  God  to  permit  tin-  evil  spirit 
again  to  trouble  him.  (Note,  16:14.  Ps.  51:11.)  Being  thus 
under  a supernatural  though  malignant  influence,  he  behaved 
in  some  respects  as  the  prophets  did,  when  the  Spr  it  of  in- 
spiration came  upon  them  ; yet  from  a contrary  cauro.  It  is 
not  indeed  certain  whether  he  assumed  this  aupca»ance  to 
cloak  his  attempting  to  murder  David,  or  whether  Satan 
really  wrought  upon  him  till  ho  seemed  to  prophesy.  He  /as. 


B.  C.  1063. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


B.  C.  1062. 


12  And  Saul  was  ‘afraid  of  David,  because 
•the  Lord  was  with  him,  and  was  Tdeparted  from 

Saul. 

13  Therefore  Saul ’removed  him  from  him.  and 
made  him  his  captain  over  a thousand  ; and  ?he 
went  out  and  came  in  before  the  people. 

14  And  David  ‘behaved  himself  wisely  in  all 
his  ways  ; ami  ’the  Lord  was  with  him. 

15  Wherefore  when  Saul  saw  that  he  behaved 
himself  very  "wisely,  he  was  afraid  of  him. 

16  But  ball  Israel  and  Judah  loved  David,  be- 
cause he  went  out  and  came  in  before  them. 

17  IT  And  Saul  said  to  David,  Behold,  my  elder 
daughter  Merab,  cher  will  I give  thee  to  wife ; 
only  be  thou  1 valiant  for  me,  and  fight  dthe  Lord’s 
battles  : for  Saul  said,  eLet  not  mine  hand  be  upon 
him,  but  let  the  hand  of  the  Philistines  be  upon 
him. 

18  And  David  said  unto  Saul,  f Who  am  I? 
and  what  is  my  life,  or  my  father’s  family  in  Is- 
rael, that  I should  he  son-in-law  to  the  king? 

19  But  it  came  to  pass,  at  the  time  when 
Merab,  Saul’s  daughter,  should  have  been  given 
to  David,  that  she  was  given  unto  sAdriel  the 
hMeholathite  to  wife. 

20  And  Miehal,  Saul’s  daushter,  'loved  David: 

and  they  told  Saul,  and  the  thing  tpleased 
him.  • 

21  And  Saul  said,  I will  give  him  her,  that  she 
may  be  ka  snare  to  him,  and  that  'the  hand  of  the 
Philistines  may  be  against  him.  Wherefore  Saul 
6aid  to  David,  Thou  shaltmthis  day  be  my  son-in- 
law  in  the  one  of  the  twain. 

22  And  Saul  "commanded  his  “servants,  saying , 
Commune  with  David  secretly,  and  say,  Behold 

1 15,20.  16:4.  Ps.  48:3-6.53:5.  Marl:  6:20.  Luke8:37.  Acts24:25.  u 16:13,18. 
22:13.  Acts  7 9.  v 16:14.  28: 15.  Ps.  51:1 1.  Hos.  9:12.  Matt.25:41.  xl7,25.8: 
12.  22:7.  y 16.  Num.  ‘27:15,17.  2 Sam,  5:2.  Ps.  121 :8.  * Or,  prospered.  See  on  5. 
r.  10:7.  16:13.  Gen.  39:2,3.23.  Josh.  6:27.  Matt.  1:23.  28:20.  Acts  18:10.  a Ps. 
112:5.  Dan.  6:4,5.  Col.  4:5.  Jam.  1:5.  3:17.  b =5.  Luke  19:48.  20:19.  c 17:25. 
Pb.  12:2.  55:21.  f Heb . a son  of  valour,  d 17:47.  25:28.  Num.  32:20.27,29. 
e 21,25.  Dent.  17:7.  2 Sam.  11:15.  12:9.  f 23.  9:21 . Ex.  3:11.  Ruth  2:10.  2 Sam. 
7:18.  Prov.  15:33.  18:12.  Jer.  1:6.  e Jud?.  14:20.  2 Sam,  21:8.  h Jud^.  7:22. 
123.  Gen.  29:18,20.  34  .3.  Jutlg.  16:4,15.  2 Sam.  13:1.  1 Kings  11:1,2.  Hos.  3:1. 


the  king  hath  delight  in  thee,  and  all  his  servants 
love  thee:  now  therefore  be  the  king’s  son-in- 
law. 

23  And  Saul’s  servants  spake  those  words  in 
the  ears  of  David.  And  David  said,  Seemeth  it 
to  you  a light  thing  to  be  a king’s  son-in-law, 
seeing  that  I am  poor  man,  and  lightly 
esteemed  ? 

24  And  the  servants  of  Saul  told  him,  saying, 
H)n  this  manner  spake  David. 

25  And  Saul  said,  Thus ’shall  ye  say  to  David, 
The  king  desireth  not  any  idowry,  but  a hundred 
’foreskins  of  the  Philistines,  "to  be  avenged  of  the 
king’s  enemies.  But  Saul  ‘thought  to  make  David 
fall  by  the  hand  of  the  Philistines. 

26  And  when  bis  servants  told  David  these 
words,  it  pleased  David  well  to  be  the  king’s  son- 
in-law:  and  "the  days  were  not  "expired. 

27  Wherefore  David  arose,  and  went,  he  and 
’his  men,  and  ’slew  of  the  Philistines  two  hundred 
men;  and  David  brought  their  foreskins,  and  they 

ave  them  in  full  tale  to  the  king,  that  he  might 
e the  king’s  son-in-law.  And  Saul  gave  him 
Miehal  his  daughter  to  wife. 

28  And  Saul  ?saw  and  knew  that  the  Lord  was 
with  David,  and  that  Miehal,  Saul’s  daughter, 
loved  him. 

29  And  Saul  was  ‘yet  the  more  afraid  ol 
David ; and  “Saul  became  David’s  enemy  con- 
tinually. 

30  Then  the  princes  of  the  Philistines  bwent 
forth:  and  it  came  to  pass,  after  they  went  forth, 
that  David  “behaved  himself  more  wisely  than  all 
the  servants  of  Saul ; so  that  his  name  was  much 
"set  by. 

Heb . was  right  in  his  eyes . k Ex. 10:7.  Pi.  7:14— 16.  38:12.  Prov.  26:24— 25. 
er.  5:26.9:8.  117.19:11,12.  m 25.  u Ps.  36:1—  3.5.5:21.  o 2 Sara.  13  28,29. 
Prov.  29:12.  p 9:21.  Prov.  14:20.  19:6.7.  Ec.  9:15.16.  § Heb.  According  to  theta 
words,  q Gen.  29:18.  34:12.  Ex.  22:16,17.  r 17.26,36.  Gen.  17: 1 1—14.  Job. 
5:3.  b 14:24.  t 17.  2 Ram.  17:8-11.  u21.  ||  Heb.  fulfilled,  v 13.  x Judg. 
14:19.  2 Sam.  3:14.  y 24:20.  26:25.  Gen. 30:27.  37:8— II . 39:3.  Rev.  3:9.  i 12, 
15.  Ps.  37:12,13.  Ec.  4:4.  Jam.  2:19.  a Gen.  4:4— S.  John  11:53.  1 Tohu3: 
12—15.  b2Sam.  11:1.  c5.  Dan.  1:20.  Luke 21:15.  Eph.  5:15.  H Heb.  vrs- 
cious.  2:30.  26:21.  2 Kings  1:13.  Ps.  116:15.  I Pel.  2:4,7. 


however,  influenced  by  deliberate  malice  when  he  threw  the 
javelin  at  David.  Though  David,  conscious  of  his  innocence, 
end  satisfied  lhat  he  was  doing  his  duty  under  God’s  protec- 
tion, would  not  leave  his  place,  yet  he  evidently  suspected 
some  mischief  from  the  javelin  in  Saul’s  hand  ; and  was  en- 
abled to  avoid  the  blow,  both  at  this  time  and  on  another 
occasion.  (Note,  19:8—10.) 

V.  12 — 16.  Saul  was  sensible  that  the  Lord  was  departed 
from  him,  and  that  his  former  capacity  for  public  business  was 
diminished  : at  the  same  time  he  perceived,  that  the  Lord  had 
given  David  peculiar  wisdom,  and  was  with  him  to  prosper 
all  his  undertakings  ; and  this  increased  the  disquietude  of  his 
malevolent  mind,  and  his  dread  of  David  as  a prevailing  rival. 
He  therefore  removed  him  from  his  presence,  changing  the 
command  which  he  had  before  given  him,  for  that  of  a thou- 
sand men,  who  made  war  at  a distance.  (Note,  5.)  But  this 
served  the  more  to  ingratiate  him  with  the  people,  by  afford- 
ing him  the  opportunity  of  leading  them  forth  to  victory  over 
their  enemies. 

V.  17—19.  Saul  appears  to  have  been  influenced,  in  his 
purpose,  by  fear  of  exciting  a revolt  among  the  people,  rather 
than  by  the  fear  of  God,  or  reluctance  to  commit  murder 
with  his  own  hand.  (Note,  2 Sam.  11:14 — 17.)  He  was 
engaged  by  promise  to  give  his  daughter  to  David : (17:25.) 
but  he  had  delayed  the  performance,  and  David  was  willing 
to  dispense  with  it.  Malice,  however,  at  length  prompted 
him  to  propose  it,  that  he  might  excite  David  to  venture  his 
life  more  freely,  in  order  to  be  counted  worthy  of  such  an 
honour  ; and  that  he  might  t-hus  be  cut  off,  without  Saul’s 
direct  interposition.  And  though  David  humbly  owned  him- 
self unworthy  of  such  an  alliance,  and  his  services  of  such  a 
reward,  1m  did  not  decline  the  stipulated  conditions.  But 
when  Saul’s  design  proved  abortive,  he  affronted  him  in  the 
grossest  manner,  by  giving  his  daughter  to  another  man. 

V.  23 — 27.  David  would  doubtless  suspect  some  invidious 
design  in  this  proposal  also:  but  he  cautiously  avoided  men- 
tioning the  slight  which  had  been  put  upon  him;  and  waved 
the  matter  upon  the  ground  of  his  own  poverty  and  inferiority  ; 
though  his  original  was  not  much  if  at  all  inferior  to  that  "of 
Saul.  But  when,  instead  of  dowry  according  to  the  custom 
of  those  times,  (Marg.  Ref.  q,)  a hundred  foreskins  of  the 
t-hilistines  were  required,  he  would  not  seem  backward  to  any 
perilous  service ; and  therefore  he  promptly  went  forth,  and 
returned  with  twice  as  many  as  had  been  prescribed. 

V.  28 — 30.  Michal’s  affection  for  David,  his  prudent  con- 
duct in  another  incursion  of  the  Philistines,  and  his  increasing 
reputation,  appeared  to  Saul’s  distempered  mind  to  forebode 
David’s  advancement  to  the  kingdom  by  dethroning  him  ; nay, 


the  full  conviction  that  God  favoured  David,  rendered  Saul, 
not  only  more  afraid  of  him,  but  also  more  malignant  against 
him!  (Notes,  Gen.  4:3 — 8.  Matt.  2:3— 18.  John  15:22—25. 
1 John  3:11—15.) 

• PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

True  religion  teaches  us  to  love  real  excellency ; to  rejoice 
in  ;t,  though  it  eclipse  our  own  reputation:  and  to  delight  in 
the  society  of  those  whom  the  Lord  loves  and  honours,  who 
bear  his  image  and  are  zealous  for  his  glory,  regardless  of  in- 
feriority of  station  or  selfish  considerations.  This  union  of 
souls,  resulting  from  participation  of  the  Spirit  of  Jesus  Christ, 
prepares  men  for  filling  up  their  several  stations  in  the  church 
of  God,  in  harmony,  sympathy,  and  love,  as  the  several  mem- 
bers do  in  the  natural  body ; and  which,  being  perfected  in 
heaven,  will  for  ever  exclude  envy  and  discontent,  and  render 
the  felicity  of  each  favoured  inhabitant  an  accession  to  (lie  joy 
of  all  the  rest.  (Notes,  l Cor.  12:12 — 31.)  But  how  different 
is  the  nature  of  fallen  man  ! When  the  Lord  is  provoked  to 
leave  us,  and  Satan  is  permitted  to  excite  our  evil  propensi- 
ties, we  become  capable  of  envying  and  hating  those  espe- 
cially who  are  most  amiable,  and  who  have  done  the  most  to 
serve  us,  with  malignity  proportioned  to  their  meekness  and 
wisdom;  the  commendations  bestowed  upon  them  are  consi- 
dered as  an  injury  and  reproach  to  us;  and  even  the  peculiar 
favour  of  God  for  them  will  greatly  aggravate  malice  and  envy, 
and  incite  to  revenge.  Thus  men  imitate  and  gratify  Satan’s 
malevolence ; while  they  themselves  are  tortured  with  conti- 
nued terrors  and  suspicions,  and  urged  by  temptations  to  every 
horrid  crime,  by  which  they  bring  upon  themselves  swift  de- 
struction. If  we  would  not  be  given  up  to  such  dreadful  ex- 
cesses, let  us  watch  and  pray  against  the  first  risings  of  theso 
dire  passions:  and  we  should  also  be  prepared  for  the  effects 
of  them,  as  they  prevail  in  the  minds  of  others. — For  every 
great  and  good  work  a man  must  expect  to  he  envied  by  his 
neighbour : no  distinction  or  pre-eminence  can  be  so  une.xcep- 
tionably  obtained,  but  it  will  expose  the  possessor  to  slander 
and  malice,  and  perhaps  to  the  most  fatal  consequences.  But 
such  trials  are  very  useful  to  those  wjio  love  God : they  serve 
as  a counterpoise  to  the  honour  put  upon  them,  and  check  the 
growth  of  pride  and  attachment  to  the  world;  they  exercise 
them  to  faith,  patience,  meekness,  and  communion  with  God; 
they  give  them  a fair  opportunity  of  exemplifying  the  amiable 
nature  and  tendency  of  true  godliness,  by  acting  with  wisdom 
and  propriety  in  the  most  difficult  circumstances ; they  make 
way  for  increasing  experience  of  the  Lord’s  faithfulness,  in  re- 
straining their  enemies,  raising  them  up  friends,  and  affording 
them  his  gracious  protection : and  they  both  prepare  them  for 
those  stations  in  which  they  are  to  be  employed,  aijd  open 
( 511  1 


n c.  loci 


I.  SAMUEL, 


B.  C. 1061 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Saul  orders  Dadd  to  be  slain.  Jonathan  informs  David  ; and,  plea/ling  for 
hvn  with  Saul,  effects  a reconciliation , 1 — 7.  David's  success  in  war 
renders  Saul  again  jealous  ; he  seeks  to  kill  David , who  escapes  by  flight , 
8 — 1U.  Haul  sends  to  kill  him  in  his  house  ; but  Michal  favours  his  escape , 
and  dec  civ  tv  Saul  by  an  image  in  the  bed,  11  — 17.  David  goes  In  Samuel , 

1 8.  Saul  sends  messengers  after  him  to  Naioth  ; and.  then  goes  himself  ; but 
first  his  messengers  are  seized  by  the  Spirit  of  projihecy , and  afterwards  he 
* also , 19 — 24. 

AND  "Saul  spake  to  Jonathan  his  son,  and  to 
all  his  servants,  that  they  should  kill  David. 
2 But  Jonathan,  Saul’s  son,  bdelighted  much  in 
David  : and  "Jonathan  told  David,  saying,  Saul 
my  father  seeketh  to  kill  thee : now  therefore,  I 
pray  thee,  take  heed  to  thyself  until  the  morning, 
and  abide  in  a secret  place,  and  hide  thyself : 

3  And  I will  go  out  and  stand  beside  my  father 
in  tile  field  where  thou  art,  and  I will  commune 
with  my  father  of  thee ; and  dwhat  I see,  that  I 
will  tell  thee. 

4  And  Jonathan  "spake  good  of  David  unto 
Saul  his  father,  and  said  unto  him,  Let  .not  the 
king  f sin  against  his  servant,  against  David ; 
because  he  hath  not  sinned  against  thee,  and 
^because  his  works  have  been  to  thee-ward  very 
good. 

5  For  lie  did  hput  his  life  in  his  hand,  and  ‘slew 
the  Philistine,  and  the  Lord  Lvrought  a great 
salvation  for  all  Israel:  thou  sawest  it,  and  didst 
rejoice ; wherefore  then  wilt  thou  ‘sin  against 
innocent  blood,  to  slay  David  “without  a cause  ? 

6  And  Saul  hearkened  unto  the  voice  of 
Jonathan  : and  Saul  “sware,  Jls  the  Lord  liveth, 
“he  .shall  not  be  slain. 

7  And  Jonathan  called  David,  and  Jonathan 
showed  him  ail  those  things:  and  Jonathan 
brought  David  to  Saul,  and  lie  was  in  his  presence 
fas  ‘in  times  past. 

8  *5T  And  there  was  war  again : and  iDavid 
went  out,  and  fought  with  the  Philistines,  and 
s^ew  them  with  a great  slaughter ; and  they  fled 
from  thim. 


a 18:5.9.  Prov. 27:4.  Ec.  9:3.  Jer.  9:3.  2Tim.3:l3.  b 18:1— 3.  Ps.  16:3. 
Jehu  15:17—19.  1 John  3: 12— 14.  c 20:2.  Prov.  17: 17.  Acts  9:24.  23: 16.  cl  20: 
9.13.  e 20:32.22:14.  Fn;v.  24: 11, 12.  31:8,9.  Jer.  18:20.  f 2:25.  Gen.  9:6.  42: 
22.  2 Chr.  6:22.  1 Cor.  8:12.  1 John  3:15.  g Ps.  35:12.  109:4,5.  Prov.  17:13. 
Jer.  18:20.  h 28:21 . Jndg.  9: 17.  12:3.  Ps.  1 19: 109.  Acts  20:24.  Phil.  2:30.  i 17: 
49—51.  k 11:13.  14:45.  17:52,53.  Ex.  14:13.  1 Chr.  11:14.  Heb. 2:3.  1 20:32. 
Jer.  25:15.  Matt. 27:4,24.  in  Ps. 25:3.  69.4.  John  15:25.  n 14:39.23:10.  Ps. 
15:4.  Jer.  5:2.  o 10,11.  j>  16:21.  13:2  10,13.  * Heb.  yesterday , third  dm/. 

Gen.  31:2.  Ex.  4:10.  1 Chr.  11:2.  Is.  30:33.  margins.  q Ps.  18:32,  &f.  27:3. 

their  way  to  them:  for  in  due  time  modest  meiit  will  shine 
forth  with  double  lustre.  But  humility,  industry,  faithfulness, 
silence  under  injuries,  and  a backwardness  to  seek  groat  things 
for  ourselves,  are  requisite  to  safety  and  comfort  in  the  public 
scenes  of  life  ; and  retired  stations  are  far  more  favourable  to 
our  own  inward  peace.  .Lavish  commendations  of  those  whom 
we  love  and  admire,  in  such  a world  as  this,  often  prove  a real 
injury,  and  in  all  cases  every  thing  should  be  avoided,  which 
can  excite  envy  or  opposition  : except  the  performance  of  our 
duty  to  God  and  man.  But  if  u the  Lord  be  with  us,”  and 
we  have  the  consolations  of  his  Spirit,  we  shall  be  happy  in 
any  situation : committing  our  souls  and  bodies,  our  charac- 
ters and  interests,  our  families  and  connexions,  our  way  and 
our  work,  into  his  almighty  hands : he  will  bring  all  that  to 
pass  which  is  good  for  us,  and  carry  us  safely  through  to  that 
blessed  world,  where  treachery,  envy,  and  malice  find  no  ad- 
mission. hut  perfect  love  will  prevail  for  evermore. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XIX.  V.  1—3.  (Notts,  18:1,3,4,28— 
30.)  At  length  Saul’s  envy  and  enmity  burst  forth  in  the 
avowed  purpose  of  putting  David  to  death,  and  he  required  all 
his  servants,  and  even  Jonathan  his  son,  to  join  with  him  in  this 
design.  Yet,  as  he  doubtless  knew,  that  “Jonathan  delighted 
much  in  David,”  it  must  be  ascribed  to  a peculiar  interposi- 
tion of  Providence,  that  he  did  not  attempt  to  conceal  it  from 
him.  (Note,  20:3.) — Some  field,  where  Saul  commonly  walk- 
ed, was  pitched  upon  by  Jonathan  for  this  conference  ; that 
David  being  there  concealed,  might  have  the  fullest  evidence 
of  Jonathan’s  fidelity  and  affection,  and  all  the  information 
which  he  could  procure  him.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  4— 7.  (Marg.. Ref.)— Notes,  17:42—53.  Ps.  25:2,3. 
John  15:22 — 25.)  Probably,  Saul  was  for  the  present  im- 
pressed by  Jonathan’s  calm  and  forcible  arguments,  and  was 
sincere  when  he  sware  that  David  should  not  he  slain:  but. 
when  his  convictions  wore  off,  his  tnalico  revived,  and  he  was 
too  much  accustomed  to  swear,  duly  to  reverence  an  oath. 
(14:24,39,44.)  David  could  not  indeed  greatly  confide  in  Saul’s 
assurances  ; but  he  was  willing  to  keep  in  the  way  of  his  duty, 
and  to  put  liis  trust  in  God. 

V.  8 — 10.  Though  David’s  valour  and  success  were  the 
known  causes  of  Saul’s  enmity ; yet  ho  was  willing  again  to 
fight,  against  the  Philistines,  and  to  expose  himself  to  their 
swords,  and  to  Saul’s  increased  envy  on  that  account ; nor 

( 512  ) 


9 And  rthe  evil  spirit  from  the  Lord  was  upon 
Saul,  as  he  sat  in  ins  house  with  his  javelin  in  his 
hand:  and  David  played  with  his  hand. 

10  And  Saul  ‘sought  to  smite  David  even  to 
the  wall  with  the  javelin ; but  ‘he  slipped  away 
out  of  Saul’s  presence,  and  lie  smote  the  javelin 
into  the  wall : and  David  fled,  and  escaped  that 
night. 

11  Saul  also  “sent  messengers  unto  David’s 
house  vto  watcli  him,  and  to  slay  him  in  the 
morning : and  Michal,  David’s  wife,  told  him, 
saying,  If  thou  save  not  thy  life  to-night,  to- 
morrow thou  shalt  be  slam. 

12  So  Michal  “let  David  down  through  a 
window:  and  he  went,  and  fled,  and  escaped. 

13  And  Michal  took  ?an  image,  and  laid  it  in 
the  bed,  and  put  a pillow  of  goats’  hair  lor  his 
bolster,  and  covered  it  witli  a cloth. 

14  And  when  Saul  sent  messengers  to  take 
David,  Jshe  said,  He  is  sick. 

15  And  Saul  sent  the  messengers  again  to  see 

David,  saying,  “Bring  him  up  to  me  in  the  bed, 
that  I may  slay  him.  . 

16  And  when  the  messengers  were  come  in, 
behold,  there  was  an  image  in  the  bed,  with  a 
pillow  of  goats’  hair  for  his  bolster. 

17  And  Saul  said  unto  Michal,  “Why  hast  thou 
deceived  me  so,  and  sent  away  bmine  enemy, 
that  he  is  escaped?  And  Michal  answered  Sau., 
cHe  said  unto  me,  Let  me  go;  rtwhy  should  I kill 
thee  ? 

18  IT  So  David  fled,  and  escaped,  and  came  'to 
Samuel  to  Ramah,  and  told  him  fill  that  Saul  had 
done  to  him : and  he  and  Samuel  went  and  dwelt 
in  Naioth. 

19  And  f it  was  told  Saul,  saying,  Behold,  David 
is  at  Naioth  in  Ramah. 

20  And  Saul  ^sent  messengers  to  take  David  : 
and  ‘‘when  they  saw  the  company  of  the  prophets 
prophesying,  and  Samuel  standing  as  appointed 

t Heb.  hie  face,  r 16:14.  18:10,11.  s 6.  Hos.  6:4.  Matt.  12.43—45.  Luke  11. 
24—26  . 2 Pet. 2:20 — 22.  t 20:33.  Job  5:14,15.  Ps.  18:17.31:19.  Pros. 21:30.  Is. 
54:17.  Luke  4:30.  John  10:3!).  u Ps.  59:  title.  3,4,6,15,16.  v Jutlg.  16:2. 
x Josh.  2:15.  Acts  9:24,25.  2 Cor.  11:32,33.  1 Heb.  tiraphim.  Gen.  31:19. 

marg.  Jutlg.  17:5.  18:11,17.  Hos.  3:4.  y Josh.  2:5.  2 Sam.  16:17— 19. 17:20. 
7.  6.  Job  31:31.  Ps.37:12.  Prov, 27:3,4.  Rom.3:13.  a 22:17.  28:12.  Matt.2i 
16.  b 1 Kines21:20.  Gal.  4:16.  c 14.  Ex.  1:17— 19.  d2Sam.2:22.  e7:17. 

15:34.  28:3:  Ps.  116:11.  Jam.  5:16.  f 82:9,10. 23:19. 28:1.  Prov.  29:12.  g 11, 
14.  h 10:5,6,10.  Num.  11:25,26.  John  7:45,46. 


did  he  ever  decline  playing  upon  the  harp  before  Saul  when 
required,  though  he  saw  the  javelin  in  his  hand,  and  had  be- 
fore so  narrowly  escaped  ! (Notes,  18:10,11,23 — 27.) 

V.  11,  12.  Lest  David  should  elude  the  messengers  if 
they  entered  the  house  in  the  night,  they  were  ordered  to 
watch  till  the  morning  that  he  might  not  go  out ; and  then  to 
apprehend  him  that  Saul  might  slay  him.  Thus  an  opportu- 
nity was  afforded  David  of  escaping.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note, 
Judg.  16:1 — 3.)  Michal  had  either  received  some  informa- 
tion concerning  Saul’s  intentions,  or  made  some  observations 
which  served  to  convince  her  of  them.  (Notes,  Ps.  59:  title. 
3,4,6—15.) 

V.  13 — 17.  Michal’s  fidelity  to  her  husband  was  com- 
mendable : nay,  if  the  cause  had  been  more  doubtful,  it 
would  have  been  her  duty  to  unite  with  him,  while  no  harm 
was  intended  to  Saul,  and  David  merely  aimed  to  preserve 
his  lifcfc,  (Note,  Gen.  31:15,16.)  Her  stratagem  also  to  gain 
time,  was  allowable:  but  her  direct  falsehood  in  vindicating 
her  conduct  to  Saul,  had  not  even  the  excuse  of  necessity  ; 
(Note,  Ex.  1:19.)  and  it  was  highly  injurious  to  David’s 
reputation.  The  whole  account  illustrates  the  savage  cruelty 
of  Saul,  who,  it  seems,  could  not  be  satisfied  with  the  death 
of  his  faithful  servant,  unless  he  had  the  satisfaction  of  slay- 
ing him  with  his  own  hands:  and  it  shows  likewise  the 
extreme  danger  to  which  David’s  life  was  exposed. — Mine 
enemy.  (17)  18:29.24:19.  Note,  1 Kings  21:20. 

An  image.]  Temp  him.  (Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.) — It 
can  hardly  be  thought  that  teraphim,  for  idolatrous  purposes, 
were  permitted  in  David’s  family  : and  it  is  therefore  sup- 
posed, that  this  image  was  merely  a statue  for  ornament. 

V.  18.  As  the  aged  prophet  had  anointed  David  to  bo 
king,  he  fled  to  him  on  this  emergency,  rather  than  to  his 
father’s  house  : that  he  might  have  the  solace  of  his  counsel, 
instructions,  and  prayers. — Naioth  is  supposed  to  have  been 
the  place  of  a seminary  of  prophets,  near  Ramah.  (19,22. 
Note,  10:5,6.) 

V.  19—24.  (Notes,  2 Kings  1:9—14.  John  7:31 — 36,40- 
53.) — Saul  being  seized  by  the  prophetic  Spirit  before  he 
came  to  Naioth,  stripped  off  his  armour,  and  royal  robes,  ot 
upper  garments  ; as  it  is  probable  the  other  prophets  laid 
aside  their  upper  garments,  and  Saul’s  messengers  along  with 
them:  (Marg.  Rif.)  and  in  an  ocstucy,  during  the  whole 


B.  C.  1061. 


CHAPTER  XX 


B.  C.  106 


over  them,  the  Spirit  of  God  was  upon  the  mes- 
sengers of  Saul,  and  they  also  prophesied. 

21  And  when  it  was  told  Saul,  he  sent  other 
messengers,  and  they  prophesied  likewise : and 
Saul  'sent  messengers  again  the  third  time,  and 
they  kprophesied  also. 

22  Then  went  he  also  to  Ramah,  and  came  to 
a great  well  that  is  in  Sechu  : and  he  asked  and 
said,  Where  are  Samuel  and  David  ? and  one 
said,  Behold,  they  be  at  Naioth  in  Ramah. 

23  And  he  went  thither  to  Naioth  in  Ramah: 
and  'the  Spirit  of  God  was  upon  Irim  also,  and  he 
went  on  and  prophesied,  '"until  he  came  to  Naioth 
in  Ramah. 

24  And  he  "stripped  off  his  clothes  also,  and 
prophesied  before  Samuel  in  like  manner,  and 
Tlay  down  naked  all  that  day  and  all  that  night. 
Wherefore  they  say,  °Is  Saul  also  among  the 
prophets  ? 

CHAPTER  XX. 

David  consults  with  Jonathan  how  to  provide  for  his  safely,  1 — 10.  They  re- 
new the  covenant  of  friendship,  ana  confirm  it  by  oath,  11 — 17.  They  agree 
on  a token,  18 — 23.  David  absents  himself  from  the  king's  table,  and  is  ex- 
cused bi/  Jonathan,  whom  Saul  abuses  and  attempts  to  kill , 24 — 34.  Jonathan 
shows  David  hie  danger , and  most  affectionately  takes  leave  of  him,  36 — 42. 

AND  David  ‘fled  from  Naioth  in  Ramah,  and 
came  and  said  before  Jonathan,  bWhat  have 
I done  ? what  is  mine  iniquity  ? and  what  is  my 
sin  before  thy  father,  that  he  seeketli  my  life? 

2 And  he  said  unto  him,  cGod  forbid;  thou 
shalt  not  die:  behold  my  father  will  do  nothing, 
either  great  or  small,  but  that  he  will  'show  it  me  : 

I 2 Kincs  1:9 — 13.  Prov.  27:22.  Jer.  13:®.  fcJoel2:2«.  1 20.  10:10.  Num.  23: 

5.  24:2.  Matt.  7:22.  John  11:51.  1 Cor.  13:2.  m Prov.  16:9.  21:1.  n2Sam. 
6:14,20.  Is.  20:2.  Mic.  1:8.  * Heb  .fell.  Num.24:4.  o 10:11,12.  Acts9:21. 

a 19:19 — 24.  23.26 — 28.  Ps.  124:6 — 8.  2Pet.2:0.  b 12:3.  24:11,17.  Ps.7:3— 5. 
13:20-24  . 2 Cor.  1:12.  1 John  3:21.  c 14:45.  See  on  Gen.  44  7.  Jnah.  22:29. 
24:16.  Luke  20:16.  * Heb.  uncover  mine  ear.  12.  9:15.  marg.  Ps.  40:6.  Is.  50: 

5.  John  15:15.  17:8.  d Pent . 6:13.  Jer.  4:2.  Heb.  6:16.  e 25:26  . 2 Sam.  15  21 . 

2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6.  f 1:26.  17:55.  Jer.33:16.  g 27:1.  Deut. 28:66.  Ps.  116:3. 

day  and  night,  he  involuntarily  joined  in  speaking  of  divine 
things,  or  in  singing  hymns  of  praise,  without  any  power  of 
executing  the  base  purpose  of  his  journey.  After  which, 
finding  himself  baffled,  he  probably  returned  home  extremely 
chagrined,  without  taking  any  notice  of  Samuel. — This  second 
timo  of  Saul  being  among  the  prophets  was  noted,  as  being 
indeed  more  wonderful  than  the  former.  ( Note , 10:10 — 13.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  most  vehement  anger,  when  excited  by  real  or  suppos- 
ed injuries,  may  be  pacified  by  concessions,  kindness,  and 
continued  good  behaviour  : but  envious  rage  is  exasperated 
by  excellency  of  character  and  conduct,  and  generally  is 
implacable. — When  rooted  malice  possesses  the  heart,  mur- 
der is  speedily  conceived  : and  the  prospect  of  impunity, 
especially  when  men  are  armed  with  power  and  authority, 
emboldens  them  to  avow  the  most  shameful  purposes. — 
Absolute  princes  are  so  seldom  opposed  in  their  designs,  and 
so  few  venture  to  plead  in  behalf  of  those  whom  they  envy 
and  hate,  that  they  often  conclude  all  men  to  be  alike  selfish, 
and  ready  to  execute  any  lucrative  schemes  of  villany.  But 
that  friendship,  which  is  cemented  by  mutual  faith  and  piety, 
will  influence  those,  who  feel  its  sacred  energy,  to  renounce 
their  highest  temporal  interests,  and  venture  the  displeasure 
of  their  superiors,  in  pleading  the  cause  of  injured  worth. — 
The  evil  of  causeless  malice,  of  ingratitude,  and  of  perse- 
cuting those,  whose  conduct  has  been  irreproachable,  and 
whose  services  have  been  eminently  useful,  is  so  manifest, 
that  a plain  statement  of  truth  and  fact,  with  meek  and  seri- 
ous expostulations,  will  often  for  the  time  impress  the  minds 
of  such  as  are  most  deeply  guilty.  But  resolutions,  made  in 
consequence  of  hasty  convictions,  and  without  any  inward 
change  of  disposition,  or  dependence  on  the  grace  of  God, 
seldom  produce  any  durable  good  effect : and  ungovernable 
passions  easily  break  through  the  most  solemn  oaths,  when 
the  fear  of  God  does  not  possess  the  heart.  A fresh  temp- 
tation soon  rouses  the  dormant  corruption  : and,  by  indulging 
malignant  passions,  men  give  Satan  his  full  advantage,  and 
may  be  answerable  for  multiplied  murders,  without  actually 
perpetrating  any. — The  servants  of  God  however  should 
keep  to  their  place  and  duty,  though  hated  for  so  doing  ; give 
honour  to  their  earthly  superiors,  however  they  behave  ; and 
persevere  in  their  endeavours  to  “ overcome  evil  with  good.” 
The  Almighty  has  innumerable  methods  of  protecting  them 
in  the  most  imminent  dangers  : he  can  preserve  them  by  the 
kindness  even  of  those  persons,  whose  conduct  deserves 
marked  disapprobation ; he  can  change  the  hearts,  or  bind 
4he  hands  of  their  enemies,  or  shame  them  for  a season  out  of 
their  malicious  purposes. — In  some  instances,  a persecutor, 
by  coming  among  the  people  of  God,  has  been  apprehended, 
as  it  were,  by  converting  grace  ; and,  like  Saul  of  Tarsus, 
has  professed  and  “ preached  the  faith,  that  once  he  sought 
o destroy:”  (Notes,  Gal.  1:15 — 24.  Phil.  3:12 — 14.  1 Tim. 
/;12 — 16.)  but  far  more,  like  king  Saul,  have  for  a time  been 
apparently  changed,  have  exercised  spiritual  gifts,  and  been 
Vol.  I. — 65 


and  why  should  my  father  hide  this  thing  from 
me  ? It  is  not  so. 

3 And  David  dsware  moreover  and  said  ; Thy 
father  certainly  knoweth  that  I have  found  grace 
in  thine  eyes ; and  he  saith,  Let  not  Jonathai 
know  this,  lest  he  be  grieved  : but  truly,  eas  thi 
Lord  liveth  and  1 as  thy  soul  liveth,  there,  is  shut 
a step  between  me  and  death. 

4 Then  said  Jonathan  unto  DaVid,  'What- 
soever thy  soul  tdesireth,  I will  even  do  it  for  thee. 

5 And  David  said  unto  Jonathan,  Behold,  to- 
morrow is  the  hnew  moon,  and  I should  not  fail 
to  sit  with  the  king  at  meat:  but  let  me  go,  'that 
I may  hide  myself  in  the  field  unto  the  third  day 
at  ever.. 

6 If  thy  father  at  all  miss  me,  then  say,  David 
earnestly  asked  leave  of  me,  that  he  might  run 
to  kBeth-lehem  his  city;  for  there  es  a yearly 
^sacrifice  there  for  all  the  family. 

7 If  he  say  thus,  ' It  is  well ; thy  servant  shall 
have  peace:  but  if  he  be  very  wroth,  then  he  sure 
that  mevil  is  determined  by  him. 

8 Therefore  thou  shalt  "deal  kindly  with  thy 
servant ; for  pthou  hast  brought  thy  servant  into 
a covenant  of  the  Lord  with  thee:  notwithstand- 
ing, iff  there  be  in  me  iniquity,  slay  me  thyself; 
for  rwhy  shouldest  thou  bring  me  1o  thy  father  ? 

9 And  Jonathan  said,  Far  be  it  from  thee  : for 

if  I knew  certainly  that  evil  were  determined  by 
my  father  to  come  upon  thee,  'then  would  I not 
tell  it  thee  ? , 


1 Cor.  15:30,31 . 2 Cor.  1:9.  f Or,  Say  what  is  thy  mind,  and  IwillSfc. 
J Heb.  speaketh,  or,  thinketh.  h Num.  10:10.  28: 1 1 2 Kings  4:23.  Ps.  81:3. 

Col.  2:16.  i 19.  19:2.  Ps.  55:12.  Prov.  22:3.  John  8:59.  Acts.  17:14.  k 17:58. 
John  7:42.  § Or,  feast.  9:12.  16:2— 5.  1 Deut.  1 :23.  2 Sam.  17:4.  m 9.  25:17. 
Eslh.  7:7.  o Gen.  24:49.  47:29.  Josh.  2:14.  Ruth  1:8.  Prov.  3:3.  p 16.  18:3. 
23:18.  q Josh.  22:22.  2 Sam.  14:32.  Ps.  7:4,5.  Acts  25:11.  r 1 Chr.  12:17.  P«. 
116:11.  s 38,42.  19:2. 


numbered  among  the  prophets,  whose  malice  has  remained 
unsubdued,  and  whose  “last  slate  has  been  worse  than  the 
first.”  Let  us  then  daily  seek  for  renewing  grace,  which  shall 
be  “ in  us  a well  of  water  springing  up  into  everlasting  life 
let  us  cleave  to  truth  and  holiness  with  purpose  of  heart ; and 
in  every  danger  and  trouble  seek  protection,  comfort,  and 
direction,  in  the  ordinances  of  God,  and  in  the  society  of  his 
ministers  and  people.  For  these  things  will  do  far  more 
towards  making  us  happy,  than  all  the  splendour  and  luxury 
of  a court,  or  the  most  absolute  and  extensive  dominion,  and 
royal  or  imperial  dignity. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XX.  V.  1,  2.  David,  having  been  ini 
so  great  danger  at  Naioth,  and  wonderfully  rescued,  fled  from 
thence,  and  hastily  repaired  to  Jonathan,  to  confer  with  him 
on  the  state  of  his  affairs : but  Jonathan  was  disposed  to 
attribute  his  father’s  attempts  against  David  to  distemper,  or 
to  sudden  sallies  of  passion,  rather  than  to  a fixed  purpose  of 
murdering  him.  After  Saul  had  sworn  not  to  slay  David, 
(Note,  19:4 — 7.)  it  may  be  supposed  he  had  said  no  more  to 
Jonathan  on  that  subject,  though  he  confided  all  his  other 
affairs  to  him  ; and  therefore  Jonathan  could  scarcely  believe 
that  he  harboured  such  base  designs : and  perhaps,  he  had 
not  heard  of  Saul’s  late  violent  attempts  against  David 
( Notes,  19:11—24.) 

Y.  3.  David  solemnly  called  God  to  witness,  that  in  crimi- 
nating Saul  he  did  not  go  upon  doubtful  surmises  ; and  that 
it  was  as  certain  in  itself  as  that  the  Lord  lived,”  and  that 
he  was  as  sure  as  Jonathan  could  be  of  his  own  existence, 
that  a design  was  formed  against  his  life  ; which  constrained 
him  to  renounce  the  service  of  Saul,  and  consult  his  own 
safety.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  5 — 7.  David  suggested  this  expedient,  to  convince  Jon- 
athan of  Saul’s  intentions,  and  to  show  that  he  was  forced 
into  the  measures  which  he  afterwards  adopted. — Saul  still 
observed  the  externals  of  religion  : and  at  the  new  moons 
entertained  his  family  and  chief  officers,  at  a feast  upon  a 
sacrifice.  Hitherto  David  had  filled  his  place  there  ; hut  on 
this  occasion  he  purposed  to  be  absent,  to  make  trial  of  Saul: 
for,  as  he  was  evidently  destitute  of  affection  for  him,  if  he 
were  very  angry,  it  must  arise  from  his  being  deprived  of  an 
opportunity  to  do  him  mischief.  It  may  be  supposed,  that 
David  was  invited  to  an  annual  family-sacrifice  at  Bethle- 
hem: (iVotes,  9:12 — 14.  16:1 — 5.)  the  excuse  was  sufficient ; 

Jonathan  was  competent  to  grant  David  permission  to  be 
absent  ; and  he  engaged  to  return  on  the  third  day  before 
even,  to  learn  the  result.  In  the  meanwhile  he  purposed  to 
conceal  him  in  the  fields  about  Gibcah.  (Notes,  19,25.  19:19 
—24.) 

V.  8.  At  Jonathan’s  instance,  he  and  David  had  entered 
into  a covenant  in  the  name  of  Jehovah,  being  ratified  by  a 
solemn  appeal  to  him,  for  their  mutual  encouragement  in 
worshipping  him  and  promoting  his  glory.  (Note,  18:3,4.)-  • 
Yet  David  seems  to  have  had  some  jealousy,  lest  Jonathan 
should  warp  from  his  constancy ; especially  lest  the  er  fenoro* 
( 513  ) 


B.  C.  1061. 


J.  SAMUEL 


B.  C.  1061 


10  Then  said  David  to  Jonathan,  Who  shall 
tell  me?  or  what  if  thy  father  'answer  thee 
roughly  ? 

11  And  Jonathan  siid  unto  David,  Come,  and 
let  us  go  out  into  the  field.  And  they  went  out 
both  of  them  into  the  field. 

12  And  Jonathan  said  unto  David,  uO  Lord 
God  of  Israel,  when  I have  ‘sounded  my  father 
about  to-morrow  an)  time,  or  the  third  day,  and, 
behold,  if  there  be  good  toward  David,  and  I 
then  send  not  unto  thee,  and  'show  it  thee  ; 

13  vThe  Lord  do  so  and  much  more  to 
Jonathan : but  if  it  please  my  father  to  do  thee 
evil,  then  I will  show  it  thee,  and  send  thee  away, 
that  thou  mayest  go  in  peace;  and  "the  Lord  be 
with  thee,  as  ffie  hath  been  with  my  father. 

14  And  thou  shalt  not  only,  while  yet  I live, 
show  me  'the  kindness  of  the  Lord,  that  I die 
not ; 

15  But  also  "thou  shalt  not  cut  off  thy  kind- 
ness from  tny  house  for  ever : no,  not  when  the 
Lord  hath  cut  off  the  enemies  of  David,  every 
one  from  the  face  of  the  earth. 

16  So  Jonathan  Imade  a covenant  with  the 
house  of  David,  saying,  hLet  the  Lord  even 
require  it  at  the  hand  of  David’s  enemies. 

17  And  Jonathan  caused  David  to  swear  again, 
^because  he  loved  him : cfor  he  loved  him  as  he 
loved  his  own  soul. 

18  Then  Jonathan  said  to  David,  To-morrow 
is  the  dnew  moon ; and  thou  shalt  be  missed, 
because  thy  sear,  will  be  "empty. 

19  And  when  thou  hast  stayed  three  days,  then 
thou  shalt  go  down  "quickly,  and  come  to  the 

lace  where  thou  didst  chide  thyself  “when  the 
usiness  was  in  hand,  and  shalt  remain  by  the 
stone  ftEzel. 

20  And  I will  shoot  three  arrows  on  the  side 
thereof,  as  though  I shot,  at  a mark. 

21  And,  behold,  I will  send  a lad,  saying,  Go, 
find  out  the  arrows.  If  I expressly  say  unto  the 
(ad,  Behold,  the  arrows  are  on  this  side  of  thee, 

t 30— 34  . 25: 10,14,17.  Gen.  42;7,30.  1 Kings  12:13.  Prnv.  18:23.  u Josh.  22: 
S2.  Job  31:4.  Ps.  17:3.  139:1 — 4.  * Heb.  searched.  Prov.  20:5.  25:2,3. 

t Heb.  uncover  thine  ear.  2.  v 3.17.  25:22.  Ruth.  1:17.  2 Sam.  3:35.  19:13. 

1 Kings  19:2.  20:10.  x 17:37.  Josh.  1:5.  1 Chr.  22:11,16.  Maft.  28:20.  Phil.  4: 
9.  y 10:7.  11:6— 13.  14:47.  2 Sam.  7:15.  z2Sam.9:3.  Eph.  5:1,2.  a 24:21. 

2 Sam.  9:1— 7.  21:7.  J Heb.  cut.  18:3.  Gen.  15:!8.  b25:22  31:2.  2 Sam.  4:7, 

8.21:8.  § Or,  by  his  love  toward  him.  c 18:1,3.  Peut.  13:6.  2Sam.l:26. 

Prov.  18:24.  d See  on  5.  ||  Heb.  missed.  IT  Or,  diligently.  Heb.  greatly,  e 5. 
19:2.  **  Heb.  in  the  day  of  the  business,  tt  Or,  that  showelh  the  way.  Heb. 


ed  tongue  of  slander  should  injure  him  in  his  friend’s  esteem. 
‘ If,’  says  he,  1 1 am  guilty  of  any  great  offence  which  violates 
our  covenant,  such  as  treason  against  Saul ; slay  me  thyscif, 
but  betray  me  not  to  thy  father.’  This  was  finely  conceived 
to  touch  the  tenderest  feelings  of  Jonathan’s  hea>rt. 

V.  12,  13.  In  order  to  satisfy  David,  Jonathan  appealed 
to  God  for  his  sincerity,  and  called  on  him  to  avenge  his  per- 
fidy, if  he  betrayed  his  friend.  Jonathan  knew  that  Samuel 
had  anointed  David,  and  believed  that  he  would  certainly  he 
king : and  he  had  no  thoughts  of  opposing  the  purpose  of  God, 
hut  rejoiced  that  so  pious  and  able  a person  was  chosen  to 
reign  over  Israel ; and  prayed  that  the  Lord  might  be  with 
him,  as  he  had  been  with  Saul.  For,  as  it  became  a dutiful 
son,  he  drew  a veil  over  his  father’s  misconduct,  and  only  ad- 
verted to  his  former  good  management  and  success.  (Notes, 
11:1 — 15.) — The  whole  is  emphatically  the  language  of  strong 
affection  and  emotion;  and  this  appears  in  the  broken  and 
interrupted  language  employed. 

V.  14 — 17.  It  has  been  very  common  in  disputed  succes- 
sions, for  the  reigning  prince  to  clear  the  title  of  his  own 
family,  by  cutting  off  all  competitors : Jonathan  therefore 
prudently  proposed  to  extend  the  personal  covenant,  before 
made  with  David,  to  their  posterity  also.  He  readily  re- 
nounced all  pretensions  to  the  kingdom  for  himself  and  his 
children;  and  only  desired,  that  he  and  they  might  be  num- 
bere  1 among  the  friends  of  David  and  his  family,  when  all  his 
enemies  had  been  destroyed. — When  we  consider  David’s  j 
distress,  Saul’s  enmity,  and  Jonathan’s  prospects,  we  can 
never  sufficiently  admire  the  strength  of  his  faith,  and  the 
force  of  his  disinterested  love.  (Notes,  18:1.  John  15:12 — 16.) 
It  is  observable  that  Jonathan  did  not  desire,  that  the  Lord 
should  require  it  of  David  or  his  posterity,  if  any  failure  took 
place,  but  “at  the  hand  of  David’s  enemies.” 

V.  19.  It  must  be  supposed,  that  David  went  to  Bethle- 
hem : but  the  original  words  seein  to  intimate,  that  he  should 
come  three  days  successively,  from  the  place  of  his  retire- 
ment to  the  spot  where  he  and  Jonathan  had  discoursed  on 
the  business,  in  order  to  learn  whether  any  thing  had  been 
discovered.  Perhaps  he  stayed  but  one  day  at  Bethlehem. 

V.  20 — 22  In  case  Jonathan  could  not  speak  with  David, 

( 514  ) 


take  them  ; then  come  thou  : lor  there  is  peace  to 
thee,  and  “no  hurt,  as  fthe  Lord  liveth. 

22  But  if  I say  thus  unto  the  young1  man, 
Behold,  the  arrows  are  beyond  thee  ; go  thy  way’ 
for  the  Lord  hath  sent  thee  away. 

23  And  as  touching  ethe  matter  which  thou  ano 
I have  spoken  of,  behold  Vhe  Lord  be  between 
thee  and  ine  for  ever.  t Practical  okurr.aiion.,-] 

24  U So  David  hid  himself  in  the  field:  and 
when  the  new  moon  was  come,  the  ‘king  sat  him 
down  to  eat  meat. 

25  And  the  king  sat  upon  his  seat,  )as  at 
other  times,  even  upon  a seat  by  the  wall : and 
Jonathan  arose,  and  Abner  sat  by  Saul’s  side, 
and  David’s  place  was  empty. 

26  Nevertheless  Saul  spake  not  any  thing  that 
day : for  he  thought,  Something  hath  befallen  him, 
khe  is  not  clean ; surely  he  is  not  clean. 

27  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow,  which 
was  the  second  day  of  the  month,  that  David’s 
place  was  empty;  and  Saul  said  unto  Jonathan 
his  son,  ‘Wherefore  cometh  not  '"the  son  of  Jesse 
to  meat,  neither  yesterday  nor  to-day  ? 

28  And  Jonathan  "answered  Saul,  David 
earnestly  asked  leave  of  me  to  go  to  Beth-lehem : 

29  And  he  said,  Let  me  go,  I pray  thee ; for 
our  family  hath  a sacrifice  in  the  city ; and  °my 
brother,  he  hath  commanded  me  to  be  there  : and 
now,  if  I have  found  favour  in  thine  eyes,  let  me 
get  away,  I pray  thee,  and  see  my  brethren : 
therefore  he  cometh  not  unto  the  king’s  table. 

30  Then  fSaul’s  anger  was  kindled  against 
Jonathan,  and  be  said  unto  him,  ^Thou  son  of 
the  perverse  rebellious  woman,  do  not  I know  that 
thou  hast  chosen  the  son  of  Jesse  to  thine  own 
confusion,  and  unto  the  confusion  of  thy  mother’s 
nakedness  ? 

31  For  as  long  as  the  son  of  Jesse  liveth  upon 
the  ground,  thou  shalt  not  be  established,  nor  thy 
kingdom  : wherefore  now  isend  arRl  fetch  him 
unto  me,  for  he  ""shall  surely  die. 

32  And  Jonathan  answered  Saul  his  father, 


not  anv  thing,  f Jer.  4:2.  5:2.  12: 16.  Am.  8:14.  e 14,15.  li  42.  Gen.  16:5.  31: 
50.  iPs.  50:16—21.  Prov.  4:17.  15:17.  17:1.  21:3,27.  Is.  1:11-15.  7ecJi.7:6. 
John  18:28.  j Judg.  16:20.  k Lev.  7:21.  11:24,27,31,40.  15:5,16,17,19—21. 

Num.  19:16.  118:11.19:9,10,15.  m 22:7— 9,13,14.  25:10.  Is.  11 .1 ,2.  Matt. 
13:55.  1 Pet.  2:4.  n 8.  o 17:28.  p Job  5:2.  Prov.  14:29.  19:19  . 21:24  . 25:28. 
27:3.  Jam.  1:19,20.  §§  Or,  thou  perverse  rebel.  Heb.  son  of  perverse  rebellion. 
Prov.  15:2.  21.24.  Malt.  5:22.  Eph. 4:31.  6:4.  q 8.  19:6,12— 15.  ||||  Heb.  is  the 
son  of  death.  26:16.  2 Sam.  19:28.  Ps.  79:11.  l narg. 


because  he  was  watched,  or  because  of  persons  passing  by  ’ 
these  signals  were  agreed  on:  and  in  case  the  last  should  be 
made,  David  must  conclude,  that  his  death  was  determihed  ; 
and  that  the  Lord  required  him  to  provide  for  his  safety  by 
concealing  himself. 

V.  25.  When  Saul  entered  the  room,  Jonathan  arope,  and 
took  his  seat  next  to  him ; and  Abner  probably,  as  a near  re- 
lation of  Saul  and  commander  of  his  forces,  sat  next  to  Jona- 
than.— It  must  be  supposed,  that  Saul  had  before  this  re- 
turned to  Gibeah,  and  that  the  incidents  here  recorded  took 
place  there. 

V.  26.  Saul  did  not  ascribe  David’s  absence  to  a criminal 
cause : but  he  might  have  suspected  that  fear  of  his  murder- 
ous r&ge,  rather  than  any  ceremonial  uncleanness  inadvert- 
ently contracted,  had  induced  him  to  absent  himself.  (J\Iurg. 
Ref.) 

V.  27.  As  the  exact  time  when  the  new  moon  happoneu 
was  uncertain,  it  seems  to  have  been  customary  to  observe 
two  days  as  festivals  ; so  that  those,  who  were  unclean  on  the 
first  day,  might  observe  the  second.  (Note,  Num.  28:1 1 — 15.) 
For  many  of  these  ceremonial  uncleannesses  lasted  only  till 
the  evening.  (Marg.  Ref.  I^ev.  15:) — Saul,  in  calling  Da- 
vid “the  son  of  Jesse,”  when  he  was  his  own  son-in-law,  ex- 
pressed the  contemptuous  enmity  of  his  heart.  (Notes,  22:9, 
10.  25:10,11.) 

V.  30.  The  terms  used  by  Saul  seem  to  contain  tho  most 
scurrilous  abuse,  which  the  language  afforded : especially 
implying,  that  Jonathan  proved  himself  not  to  bo  his  son, 
and  that  he  disgraced  his  mother  by  taking  Dav ill’s  part 
against  him.  (Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref. )— Considering  Saul’s 
rank,  and  Jonathan’s  relation  to  him,  his  eminent  services 
and  excellent  character,  and  the  public  and  sacred  occasion 
at  which  it  occurred,  this  speech  may  give  some  idea  of 
the  furious  passions  which  Saul  indulged.  (Notes,  27.  16:14. 
Jam.  3:3 — 6.) 

V.  31.  For  as  long,  &c.]  Saul  doubtless  know  that,  Da- 
vid had  been  anointed  to  he  king,  by  the  same  authority  as 
he  himself  had  been  yet  lm  opposed  him  with  all  his  might, 
and  vainly  hoped  to  prevent  the  purpose  of  God  by  putting 
him  to  death  ! (Nt  * , M*  W.  2:7 — 18.) 


B.  C.  1061. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


B.  C.  10G\ 


aad  said  unto  him,  rWherefore  shall  he  be  slain? 
•what  hath  he  done? 

33  And  Saul  ‘cast  a javelin  at  him  to  smite 
him : “whereby  Jonathan  knew  that  it  was  deter- 
mined of  his  father  to  slay  David. 

34  So  Jonathan  arose  from  the  table  ’in  fierce 
anger,  and  did  eat  no  meat  the  second  day  of  the 
month : lor  "he  was  grieved  for  David,  because  his 
father  had  done  him  shame. 

35  H And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  morning,  that 
Jonathan  went  out  into  the  field  -vat  the  time 
appointed  with  David,  and  a little  lad  with  him. 

36  And  he  said  unto  his  lad,  'Run,  find  out  now 
the  arrows  which  I shoot.  And  as  the  lad  ran, 
he  shot  an  arrow  ‘beyond  him. 

37  And  when  the  lad  was  come  to  the  place  of 
the  arrow  which  Jonathan  had  shot,  Jonathan 
cried  after  the  lad,  and  said.  Is  not  the  arrow 
beyond  thee  ? 

38  And  Jonathan  cried  after  the  lad,  "Make 
speed,  haste,  stay  not.  And  Jonathan’s  lad 
gathered  up  the  arrows,  and  came  to  his  master. 

r 19:5.  Prov.  24:11,12.  31:8,9.  John  7:51.  s Malt.  21:23.  Luke  23:22.  1 18:11. 
19:10,11.  Prov.  22:24.  Ec.  9:3.  Jcr.  17:3.  u 7.  Ec.  7:9.  v Ec.  7:20.  Eph.4:26. 
x Mark  3:5.  y 19.  2Sam.20:5.  z20,21.  * Heb . lo  pass  over  him.  a Ps. 

55:6—9.  Prov.  S:4 ,5.  Matt.  24:16— 18.  Mark  13:14— 16.  Luke  17:31,32.  t Heb. 
instruments,  j Heb.  the  lad  that  was  his.  b 25:23.  Gen.  43:28.  2 Sam.  9:6. 

V.  32 — 34.  ( Marg . Ref.)  When  Jonathan  had  before 

reasoned  with  Saul,  he  was  reduced  to  a better  temper  ; but 
now  he  would  not  hearken  to  a word : and  though,  in  order  to 
induce  Jonathan’s  concurrence  in  killing  David,  he  professed 
a great  zeal  for  his  establishment  in  the  kingdom ; yet  when 
his  purposes  were  opposed,  he  madly  attempted  to  kill  Jona- 
than also ! — He  seems  to  have  used  a javelin  instead  of  a 
sceptre  ; for  he  had  it  always  ready  at  hand. 

It  has  been  suggested,  that  the  words  of  these  verses  do 
not  mean,  that  Saul  cast  a javelin  at  Jonathan ; but  only 
that  “he  had  cast  a javelin”  at  David,  which  Jonathan  at 
this  crisis  recollected.  It  must,  however,  be  admitted,  that 
this  is  by  no  means  an  obvious  construction  of  the  original. 
Nor  can  it  be  readily  thought,  that  merely  a recollection  of  a 
fact  which  formerly  had  taken  place,  could  induce  Jonathan 
to  leave  his  place  “in  fierce  anger;”  when  he  had,  at  this 
time,  borne  the  most  provoking  language  of  his  father,  with- 
out expressing  any  indignant  perturbation ; and  had  also, 
subsequent  to  some  of  Saul’s  attempts  on  David’s  life,  calmly 
expostulated  with  Saul,  and  induced  him  to  engage,  by  a 
solemn  oath,  that  he  would  not  slay  David.  (Note,  19:4 — 
7.) — But  the  atrocity  of  such  an  attempt  on  the  life  of  his 
own  son,  seems  to  some  persons  totally  incredible.  Yet 
Saul’s  stern  and  rigorous  conduct,  respecting  Jonathan,  after 
he  had  miraculously  prevailed  to  rescue  him  and  Israel  from 
the  greatest  straits  and  disgrace,  shows  that  the  self-will  and 
severity  of  his  mind,  had  overcome,  even  at  that  favourable 
crisis,  his  natural  affection.  (Note,  14:36 — 44.)  And  the 
transient  attempt  of  his  furious  rage,  in  attempting  to  murder 
his  son,  on  the  occasion  recorded  in  these  verses,  hears  no 
proportion  to  his  subsequent  deliberate,  impious,  and  most 
barbarous  murder  of  the  priests,  and  their  wives,  and  chil- 
dren ; because  they  were  supposed  to  favour  David.  (Notes, 
22:11 — 19.)  Nor  can  any  thing  be  deemed  too  atrocious  for 
a man  to  commit,  whom  God  had  given  up,  and  left,  in  a 
kind  of  desperate  madness,  under  the  power  of  Satan,  and  of 
his  own  passions,  till  he  plunged  himself  into  destruction  with 
his  own  hands.  (Notes,  28:6 — 25.  31:3 — 6.) 

V.  35—40.  Marg.  Ref. 

,V.  41,  42.  Finding  no  one  near,  Jonathan  seized  the  op- 
portunity of  one  more  interview  with  his  beloved  friend  ; who, 
in  his  conduct  on  this  occasion,  united  all  the  respect  and 
honour  due  to  Jonathan’s  rank,  with  the  most  endeared  affec- 
tion and  glowing  gratitude  : so  that  his  sorrow  even  exceeded 
that  of  Jonathan’s  ; as  considering  himself  exiled  from  his 
country,  separated  from  his  wife  and  his  friend,  and  excluded 
from  the  ordinances  of  God,  and  the  society  of  his  people. 
Nothing  can  be  conceived  more  pathetic  than  this  parting ; 
and  we  do  not  find,  that  they  met  more  than  once  afterwards 
in  this  world.  (Notes,  23:16 — 18.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 23.  Next  to  the  consolations  of  true  religion,  nothing 
<5  more  supporting  to  an  afflicted  mind  than  the  converse  of 
a pious  friend  : and  it  is  highly  desirable  to  avoid  misconstruc- 
tions of  our  conduct,  by  those  whom  we  love  and  esteem  ; 
’est  we  should  lose  the  comfort  of  their  friendship,  and  throw 
temptations  in  their  way.— Though  it  is  painful  to  suffer  for 
well  doing,  yet  it  is  far  better  than  to  suffer  for  evil  doing  : 
for  a clear  conscience,  an  unblemished  reputation,  and  the 
favour  of  God,  are  unspeakable  advantages  in  trying  circum- 
stances. (Notes,  1 Pet.  3:13 — 18.  4:12 — 16.) — Friendly  and 
pious  persons  are  always  backward  to  suspect  others  of  deep 
malignity,  but  wish  to  impute  their  misconduct,  where  unde- 
niable, to  other  causes  : and  pious  children  will  veil  the  faults 
of  their  parents  as  far  as  consists  with  other  duties,  and  speak 
\s  favourably  of  them  truth  permits.  But  it  is  shameful 
when  parents  deliberately  devise  wickedness,  which  they 


39  But  the  itul  knew  not  any  tiling:  only 
Jonathan  anti  David  knew  the  matter. 

40  And  Jonathan  gave  his  ^artillery  unto  ‘hi* 
lad,  and  said  unto  him,  Go,  carry  them  to  the 
city. 

41  And  as  soon  as  the  lad  was  gone,  Davi. 
arose  out  of  a place  toward  the  south,  hand  fef. 
on  his  face  to  the  ground,  and  bowed  himself  three 
times  : "and  they  kissed  one  another  and  wept  one 
with  another,  until  ‘David  exceeded. 

42  And  Jonathan  said  to  David,  eGo  in  peace, 

^forasmuch  as  we  have  sworn  both  of  us  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  saying,  The  Lord  be  between 
me  and  thee,  and  between  my  seed  and  thy  seed 
for  ever.  fAnd  he  arose  and  departed:  and 

Jonathan  went  into  the  city. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

David  comes  t6  Nob , and  obtains  from  Ahimelech  hallowed  bread,  1—6. 

Does , an  Edomite,  is  present,  7.  David  lakes  also  Goliath's  sword , 8,  9. 

He  flees  to  Gath,  and  feigns  himself  mad,  and  is-  sent  away , 10 — 15. 

THEN  came  David  to  "Nob,  to  bAhimelech  the 
priest:  and  Ahimelech  was  'afraid  at  the 


c 10:1 . Gen.  29:11,13.  45:15.  2 Sam.  19:39.  Acts  20:37.  d 13:3.  2 Sam.  1 :2S. 
e22.  1:17.  Num.6:26.  Luke  7:50.  Acts  16:36.  § Or,  the  LORI  > he  witness 
of  that  which,  &c.  23.  f 23:18.  a 22:19.  Neh.  11:32.  Is.  10:32.  b 14:3.  Ahiah. 
22:9—19.  Mark  2:26.  c 16:4. 


must  studiously  conceal  from  their  children,  lest  they  should 
in  them  meet  with  obstacles  to  their  criminal  designs. — Evi- 
dent danger,  from  the  malice  of  men,  renders  it  allowable  for 
us  to  quit  those  places  where  we  were  employed,  and  to  take 
proper  measures  for  self-preservation  : yet  this  ought,  if 
possible,  to  be  so  conducted,  that  all  impartial  persons  may 
perceive  the  necessity,  and  that  u the  Lord  hath  sent  us 
away.” — At  some  times  it  appears  to  us,  that  “ there  is  but  a 
step  between  us  and  death  at  all  times  we  are  sensible  that 
it  may  be  so,  and  should  be  expecting  and  preparing  for  that 
event ; 44  for,  as  sure  as  the  Lord  liveth,  and  as  our  souls  now 
live”  in  the  body,  we  shall  ere  long  remove  into  the  eternal 
world. — But  let  dangers  appear  ever  so  imminent,  we  canno; 
die,  till  the  purpose  of  God  concerning  us  be  accomplished  . 
and,  if  we  are  believers,  till 44  we  have  served  our  generation 
according  to  his  will.”  Note , Acts  13:24 — 37,  conclusion.)  — 
Every  expedient  should  be  tried  to  prevent  open  quarrels, 
and  every  appearance  of  evil  guarded  against : and  by  little 
things  a certain  judgment  may  often  be  formed  of  men’s  dis- 
positions and  intentions. — True  friendship,  grounded  on  the 
covenant  of  the  Lord,  will  require  nothing  unreasonable, 
and  refuse  nothing  equitable:  yet  it  is  apt  to  be  jealous,  when 
fidelity  is  put  to  severe  trials,  and  there  is  danger  lest  slander 
and  prejudice  should  interrupt  its  course.  But,  in  reality, 
it  rests  on  an  immoveable  basis,  and  possesses  inconceivable 
force:  it.  is  stronger  than  death,  and  able  to  silence  the 
voice  of  emulation,  ambition,  self-love,  and  even  relative 
affection.  Who  then  can  comprehend  the  love  of  Jesus,  who 
gave  himself  a sacrifice  unto  God  for  us  rebellious  and  pollut- 
ed sinners  ! And  what  ought  to  be  the  force  and  effects  of 
our  love  to  him  ! — The  believer,  being  acquainted  with  the 
purpose  of  the  Father  respecting  him,  willingly  submit.^  to 
his  authority,  and  rejoices  in  the  prospect  of  his  glory.  Loving 
him  as  his  own  soul,  he  asks  and  receives  repeated  confirma- 
tions of  his  covenant  of  peace;  readily  performs  whatever 
Jesus  his  Friend  commands  ; and  for  his  sake  feels  and 
expresses  a cordial  love  for  those  who  seek  his  glory  and  bear 
his  image.  Assured  that  all  his  enemies  will  perish,  he 
desires  the  blessing  of  his  love  and  his  covenant  of  peace 
and  friendship  for  his  posterity  and  his  relations  : but  while 
he  prays  for  and  weeps  over  such  of  them,  as  “reject  the 
counsel  of  God  against  themselves  he  must  separate  from 
them,  and  join  interests  with  those  whom  they  despise  and 
hate. 

V.  24 — 42.  The  formal  professor  is  sometimes  more  con- 
stant at  divine  ordinances,  than  even  the  zealous  believer  , 
for  discomposure  of  mind  will  occasionally  prevent  the  atten- 
dance of  a believer  ; while  the  purpose  or  the  practice  of 
the  vilest  crimes  does  not  interrupt  those,  who  trust  in  the 
mere  external  observance.  When  envious  and  angry  passions 
are  indulged,  men  are  pushed  on  by  Satan  into  the  most  in- 
decent excesses,  without  respect  even  to  character,  or  the 
most  sacred  obligations  : nor  are  they,  at  one  moment,  aware 
of  the  outrages,  which  they  shall  commit  the  next.  Let  us 
then  fear  giving  place  to  the  devil  in  the  smallest  degree. — 
Under  great  provocations  the  meekest  cannot  always  refrain 
from  anger  ; but  when  its  emotions  are  felt,  it  is  our  wisdom 
to  withdraw  in  silence  : and  it  is  generous  to  be  more  grieved 
for  our  insulted  friends  than  for  ourselves. — Every  comfort 
on  earth  is  counterpoised  with  some  sorrow ; and  the  dearest 
friends  must  experience  the  most  painful  separations.  But 
Christians  need  not,  and  should  not,  “sorrow  as  men  without 
hope  :”  ior,  being  one  with  Christ,  they  are  one  with  each 
other  ; and  will  soon  meet  in  his  presence  to  part  no  more, 
where  all  tears  shall  be  wiped  from  their  eyes. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXI.  V.  1,2.  Some  think  Ahimelec!. 
is  only  another  name  for  Ahiah  ; (14:3.)  others,  that  Ahiah 
( 515  > 


B.  C.  1061 


I.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1061 


meeting  of  D;  i\d  ind  said  unto  him,  Why  art 
thou  alone,  and  no  man  with  thee? 

2 And  David  said  unto  Ahimelech  the  priest, 
dThe  king  hath  commanded  me  a business,  and 
hath  said  unto  me,  Let  no  man  know  any  thing  of 
the  business  whereabout  I send  thee,  and  what  I 
have  commanded  thee : and  I have  appointed  my 
servants  to  such  and  such  a place. 

3 Now  therefore  what  is  'under  thine  hand  ? 
give  me  live  loaves  of  bread  in  mine  hand,  or 
what  there  is  'present. 

4 And  the  priest  answered  David,  3nd  said, 
There  is  no  common  bread  under  mine  hand, 
but  there  is  f hallowed  bread ; eif  the  young  men 
have  kept  themselves  at  least  from  women. 

5 And  David  answered  the  priest,  and  said 
unto  him.  Of  a truth  women  leave  been  kept 
from  us  about  these  three  days,  since  I came  out, 
and  hthe  vessels  of  the  young  men  are  holy,  and 
the  bread  is  'in  a manner  common,  +yea,  though  it 
wece  sanctified  this  day  in  the  vessel. 

6 So  the  priest  kgave  him  hallowed  bread : for 
there  was  no  bread  there  but  the  shew-bread,  that 
was  taken  from  before  the  Lord,  to  put  'hot 
bread  in  the  day  when  it  was  taken  away. 

7 Now  a certain  man  of  the  servants  of  Saul 
was  there  that  day,  radetained  before  the  Lord  ; 
and  his  name  was  "Doeg,  an  Edomite,  the  chiefest 
of  “the  herdmen  that  belonged  to  Saul. 

8 And  David  said  unto  Ahimelech,  And  is 

A 19:17.  22:22.  Gen.  27:20,24.  1 Kings  13:18.  P».  119:29.  Gal.  2:12.13.  Col.  3:9. 
c 4.  Judg.  9:29.  Is.  3:6.  * Heb.  found,  f 6.  Ex.  25:30.  Lev.  24:5 — 9.  Matt. 

12:3,4 . g Ex.  19:15.  Zech.  7:3.  \ Cor.  7:5.  h Acts  9:15.  1 Thes.  4:3,4. 2 Tim. 
2:20,21.  1 Pet.  3:7.  i Lev.  24:9.  4 Or,  especially  when  this  day  there  is  other 

eancti fed  in  the  vessel . k Matt.  12:3,4.  Mark  2:25 — 27.  Luke  6:3,4.  1 Lev. 

24:5-9.  mJer.  7:9-11.  Ez.  33:31.  Am. 8:5.  Matt.  15:8.  Acts  21  -.26,27.  n22: 


was  dead,  and  that  Ahimelech  was  his  younger  brother  and 
successor  in  the  priesthood.  ( Note , 14:2,3.) — The  tabernacle, 
on  some  account,  had  been  removed  from  Shiloh  to  Nob,  a 
city  of  Benjamin,  which  was  not  originally  allotted  to  the 
priests,  but,  as  it  seems,  had  afterwards  been  given  to  them. 
( Itfarg . Ref.)  The  ark,  however,  still  remained  at  Kirjath- 
iearim.  ( Note , 7:1,2.) — David  went  to  Nob  to  inquire  of  the 
Lord  by  the  high-priest,  as  he  had  before  been  accustomed  to 
do  ; and  to  take  farewell  of  him  and  of  the  sanctuary,  as  he 
had  of  Samuel  and  of  Jonathan.  But  as  he  went  without  his 
accustomed  retinue,  and  in  apparent  distress,  Ahimelech  pro- 
bably suspected  a breach  between  him  and  Saul,  and  was 
afraid  to  entertain  him.  This  proved  a sn^-e  to  David;  and 
lest  he  should  be  betrayed  to  Saul,  or  sent  away  destitute,  he 
immediately  framed  a gross  falsehood,  which  can  by  no  means 
be  excused,  and  which  had  most  fatal  consequences.  (Notes, 
22:9-19.) 

V.  3 — 6.  It  seems  wonderful,  that  David  should  not  be 
able  to  procure  bread  for  himself  and  his  few  attendants  : but 
when  Saul’s  rooted  malice  was  made  known,  every  one  would 
be  afraid  or  unwilling  to  entertain  him.  The  necessity,  how- 
ever, was  real  and  urgent ; and  Ahimelech  supposed  that  in 
such  a case  they  might  eat  the  show-bread,  provided  they 
were  prepared  in  the  same  manner  as  the  Israelites  had  been, 
for  receiving  the  law  from  mount  Sinai.  (Ex.  19:15.)  David 
having  therefore  satisfied  him  in  this  respect,  and  assured  him 
that  the  young  men  were  ceremonially  clean,  as  well  as  holy 
m their  general  character,  (as  the  words  seem  to  imply  ;)  and 
Having  pleaded,  that  the  bread  was  now  in  a manner  common, 
as  other  loaves  had  been  placed  upon  the  table  in  their  stead  ; 
ne  gave  them  some  of  it,  and  they  did  eat.  (Marg.  Note , 
Lev.  24:5 — 9.) — Jesus  Christ  in  vindicating  his  disciples  from 
the  charge  of  breaking  the  sabbath,  has  also  vindicated  David 
in  this  matter  ; which  proves  that  the  positive  institutions  of 
religion  may  be  dispensed  with,  when  the  preservation  of  life, 
or  any  other  urgent  necessity  requires  it.  (Notes,  Hos.  6:6. 
Matt.  12:3,4.) 

V.  7.  Doeg  had  become  a proselyte  to  the  religion  of  Israel, 
perhaps  to  obtain  preferment  from  Saul:  (Notes,  Ps.  52:  title. 
2 — 4.)  and  he  was  at  this  time  performing  some  vow,  which 
constrained  his  attendance  at  the  sanctuary  ; but  the  word 
detained  seems  to  imply,  that  he  submitted  to  it  as  a painful 
restraint.  (Note,  Am.  8:4 — 10.)  Thus,  however,  he  was 
acquainted  with  what  passed  between  David  and  Ahimelech. 
t Notes,  22:9,10,22.) 

V.  8,  9.  Either  David  fled  with  such  precipitation  that  he 
fiad  not  time  to  take  his  armour;  or  he  left  it,  in  order  the 
better  to  conceal  himself. — It  seems  that  Goliath’s  sword  was 
not  so  large,  but  that  David  could  readily  use  it ; and  every 
time  he  drew  it,  it  would  remind  him  to  bless  God  for  his 
victory  over  the  Philistines,  and  to  trust  in  him  to  turn  the 
arms  of  all  his  enemies  against  themselves.  (Note,  17: 
60—53.) 

V.  10 — 15.  Dnvin  expected  that  Saul  would  pursue  him 
into  every  part  of  the  land  of  Israel,  and  he  was  not  disposed 
to  fc/rm  a party  against  him.  Perhaps  Achish  deemed  it  po- 

{ 516  v 


there  not  here  under  thine  hand  spear  or  sword? 
for  I have  neither  brought  my  sword  nor  my 
weapons  with  me,  because  the  king’s  business 
required  haste. 

9 And  the  priest  said,  rThe  sword  of  Goliath 
the  Philistine,  whom  thou  slewest  in  ithe  valley  of 
Elah,  behold,  it  is  here  wrapped  in  a cloth  "behind 
the  ephod : if  thou  wilt  take  that,  take  it : for 
there  is  no  other  save  that  here.  And  David 
said,  There  is  none  like  that;  give  it  me. 

10  H And  David  arose,  and  "fled  that  day  for 
fear  of  Saul,  and  went  Ho  * Achish  the  king  of  Gat  h. 

11  And  “the  servants  of  Achish  said  unto  him, 
Is  not  this  David,  Tthe  king  of  the  land  ? did  they 
not  sing  one  to  another  of  him  in  dances,  saying, 
Saul  hath  slain  his  thousands,  and  David  his  ten 
thousands  ? 

12  And  David  ‘laid  up  these  words  in  his 
heart,  and  was  rsore  afraid  of  Achish  the  king  of 
Gath. 

13  And  he  ‘changed  his  behaviour  before  them, 
and  feigned  himself  mad  in  their  hands,  ana 
^scrabbled  on  the  doors  of  the  gate,  and  let  his 
spittle  fall  down  upon  his  beard. 

14  Then  said  Achish  unto  his  servants,  Lo,  ye 
see  the  man  "is  mad:  wherefore  then  have  ye 
brought  him  to  me  ? 

15  Have  I need  of  madmen,  that  ye  have 
brought  this  fellow  to  play  the  madman  in  my 
presence  ? shall  this  fellow  come  into  my  house  ? 

9.  Pa.  52:  title,  o 11:5.  Gen.  13:7,8.  26:20.  1 Chr.  27:39.  2 Chr.  26:10.  nil 
51— SI.  q 17:2,50.  r Ex.  23:6,  Jlc . .27:1.  1 Kings  19:3.  Jer.  26:21.  127:2 

J Or,  Ahimelech.  Ps.  34:  title.  u Ps.  56:  title.  r 16:1.  18:7,8.  29:5.  x Ps. 
119:11.  Luke  219, 51.  y 10.  Gen.  12:11—13.  26:7.  Ps.  34:4.  56:3.  r P*.  34: 
title.  Prov.  29:25.  § Or.  made  marks.  II  Or,  playelh  the  madman. 

Ec.  7:7. 


litic  to  draw  off  so  able  a commander  from  the  service  of  Saul, 
and  had  given  him  some  intimations  that  he  would  protect 
him.  But  his  officers  judged  otherwise:  and,  remembering 
his  victory  over  Goliath,  and  the  lavish  commendations  be- 
stowed on  him;  (Note,  18:6 — 9.)  and  having  heard,  that  he 
had  been  appointed  to  be  M the  king  of  the  land  ;”  they  judged 
it  impossible  to  fix  him  in  their  interest,  and  perhaps  intimated 
that  he  should  be  put  to  death.  (Note,  29:4—6.)  This  so 
alarmed  David,  that  he  feigned  himself  mad,  and  mimicked 
the  actions  of  lunatics  ; which  gave  Achish  the  opportunity  of 
sending  him  away,  without  either  employing  or  hurting  him: 
but  it  is  not  certain,  whether  he  realty  thought  him  mad,  or 
was  willing  to  avail  himself  of  appearances,  to  get  out  of  the 
difficulty. — David’s  conduct  was,  in  some  respects,  degrading 
to  his  character,  and  discovered  a wavering  in  his  faith  and 
courage.  He  soon,  however,  recovered  his  confidence  and 
composure  ; for  on  this  occasion  he  composed  the  thirty-fourth 
and  fifty-sixth  Psalms,  which  are  remarkable  for  strength 
of  faith  and  fervour  of  piety.  (Notes,  Ps.  34:  title.  4 — 6.  56: 
title.  1—4.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

When  in  the  courts  of  kings  a favourite  falls,  in  general  it 
is  very  rapidly : for  out  of  fickleness,  envy,  malice,  ambition, 
or  fear,  almost  every  one  deserts  or  opposes  him  ; disregard- 
ing the  most  unsullied  reputation,  eminent  services,  or  per- 
sonal obligations.  It  is  therefore  “better  to  trust  in  the 
Lord,  than  to  put  any  confidence  in  princes.”  (Note,  Ps. 
118:8,9.)  “Oppression  maketh  even  a wise  man  mad;” 
(Note,  Ec.  7:7.)  and  few  conduct  themselves  in  extreme  diffi- 
culties, without  taking  some  manifestly  false  step:  we  should 
therefore  “ watch  and  pray,  that  we  may  not  enter  into  t dic- 
tation;”  and  especially  seek  that  strength  of  faith  in  God, 
which  may  overcome  the  fear  of  man. — Ingenious  falsehoods 
often  promise  present  security ; but  they  ensure  future  dis- 
grace and  disquietude:  and  no  impositions  are  more  foolish 
and  prejudicial,  than  those,  which  some  men  practice,  in  seek- 
ing counsel  and  comfort  from  the  ministers  of  Christ. — Urgent 
necessity  will  justify  us  in  neglecting,  in  particular  instances, 
the  rituals  of  religion ; but  we  ought  always  to  attend  on  holy 
things,  in  holiness  of  body  and  soul,  and  with  a mind  as  ab- 
stracted from  all  earthly  objects  as  possible. — The  true  be- 
liever is  glad  to  go  to  the  courts  of  the  Lord,  is  reluctant  to 
quit  them,  and  mourns  when  confined  from  them : but  the  time- 
serving hypocrite  is  dragged  to  them,  and  detained  in  God’s 
service  from  secular  motives,  and  is  often  forming  schemes  of 
wickedness  when  he  seems  to  be  worshipping.  What  wonder 
then,  that  “his  sacrifice  is  an  abomination  to  the  Lord?” 
(Notes,  Ps.  26:6—8.  27:1—6.  42:1—3.  63:1— 4.  81:1-  I, m. 
Prov.  15:8,9.) — The  remembrance  of  former  mercies  not  only 
revives  gratitude,  but  inspires  confidence  and  courage:  and 
the  word  of  God  is  that  “sword  of  the  Spirit,”  concerning 
which,  in  all  temptations  and  conflicts,  we  may  well  say, 
“There  is  none  like  it.”— In  this  world  we  must  pass  from 
one  danger  to  another,  and  often  meet  with  terror  where  wo 
seek  security  ; and  those  very  hoi  our«,of  which  men  are  am- 
bitious, and  which  are  most  gratih’  ..g  at  th*>  t tine,  expose  them 


I i.  C.  1061 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


B.  C.  106 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

David  escapes  to  Abtllam , whither  hie  kindred,  and  others  retort  to  him , l,  2. 
At  Mizpeh  he  commends  his  parents  to  the  protection  of  the  king  of  Monk, 
8,  4.  Admonished  by  the  prophet  Gad,  he  returns  to  the  land  of  Judah , 5. 
Soul  complains  that  his  servants  are  un faithful , 6 — 8.  Doeg  accuses  Ahirn- 
elech  ; who  is  sent  for  with  the  priests,  and  answers  the  charge,  9 — 16.  Saul's 
soldiers  refusing  to  slay  the  priests  at  his  command,  Doeg  executes  it  ; ami 
destroys  their  city  with  their  wives  and  children,  17 — 19.  Abiather  escapes 
to  David,  who  blames  himself,  and  assures  him  of  protection,  20 — 23. 

DAVID  “therefore  departed  thence,  and  escaped 
•to  bthe  cave  Adullam  : and  when  his  brethren 
and  all  his  father’s  house  heard  it,  they  went 
down  thither  to  him. 

2  And  every  one  that  was  “in  distress,  and 
every  one  that  was  'in  debt,  and  every  one  that 
was  'discontented,  gathered  themselves  unto  him; 
and  he  became  da  captain  over  them : and  there 
were  with  him  about  four  hundred  men. 

3  And  David  went  thence  to  “Mizpeh  of  Moab : 
and  lie  said  unto  f the  king  of  Moab,  «Let  my 
father  and  my  mother,  I pray  thee,  come  forth, 
and  be  with  you,  hill  1 know  what  God  will  do 
for  me, 

4  And  he  brought  them  before  the  king  of 
Moab : and  they  dwelt  with  him  all  the  Avhile  that 
David  was  ‘in  the  hold. 

5  And  the  prophet  iGad  said  unto  David, 
Abide  not  in  the  hold  • 1 ‘depart,  and  get  thee  into 
the  land  of  Judah.  Then  David  departed,  and 
came  into  the  forest  ofHareth. 

6  IT  When.  Saul  heard  that  David  was  dis- 
covered, and  the  men  that  were  with  him,  (now 
Saul  abode  in  Gibeah  under  a Rree  in  Ramah, 
having  his  'spear  in  his  hand,  and  all  his  servants 
were  standing  about  him  ;) 

7  Then  Saul  said  unto  his  servants  that  stood 
about  him,  Hear  now,  ye  Benjamites;  Will  mthe 
son  of  Jesse  "give  every  one  of  you  fields  and 
vineyards,  and  make  you  all  “captains  of  thou- 
sands, and  captains  of  hundreds; 

a 21:10—15.  Ps.  34:  title,  b Josh.  12:15.  15:35.  2 Sam.  23:13,14.  1 Chr.  11:15. 
Pa.  142:  title.  Mic.  115.  Heb.  11:38.  c Judg.  11:3.  Matt.  11 :12,28.  • Heb. 

had  a creditor.  Matt.  18:25 — 34.  f Heb.  bitter  of  soul.  1:10.  30:6.  Judg.  18:25. 
2 Sam.  17:8.  Prov.3l:6.  margins.  d 9:16.  25:15,16.  30:22—24.  2 Sain.  5:2. 
2 Kings 20:5.  I Chr.  11:15— 19.  Ps.  72:12.  Heb.  2:10.  e Judg.  11:29.  f 14:47. 
Ruth  1:1 — 4.  4:10,17.  g Gen.  47:11.  Ex. 20:12.  Matt.  15:4— 6.  lTim.5:4. 
h 3:18.  2 Sam.  15  25,26.  Phil . 2.23,24.  i 2 Sam.  23:13,14.  1 Chr.  12:16. 

12  Sam.  24:11.  1 Chr. 21:9.  29:29.  2 Chr.  29:25.  k 23:1— 5.  Neh.6:1l.  Ps.  11: 
1.  Is.  8:12 — 14.  1 Or,  prove  in  a high  place.  1 18:10.  19:9.  20:33.  m 9,13. 
20:27, 30  . 25:10.  2 Sam.  20:1.  1 Kings'  12: 16.  Is. 11:1,10.  n8:14,15.  o8:ll,12. 


to  manifold  disadvantages  and  perils:  nor  can  we  expect  our 
situation  to  be  better,  while  the  best  of  characters  are  so  in- 
consistent and  defective.  But  we  may  “ trust  the  Lord  at 
ali  times  he  will  supply  our  wants,  and  never  forsake  us 
notwithstanding  our  lamented  infirmities’  he  will  not  leave  the 
lives  of  his  people  in  the  hands  of  their  enemies,  nor  their 
souls  in  disconsolation  : and  the  more  simply  we  depend  on 
him  and  obey  him,  the  more  comfortably  and  surely  we- shall 
walk  through  this  troublesome  world,  to  that  “ rest  which  is 
reserved  for  the  people  of  God.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXII.  V.  1,  2.  David,  being  unable 
to  secure  himself  by  flight,  and  finding  that  none  would  venture 
to  harbour  him,  hid  himselfin  a cave.  (Note,  Ps.  142:  title.) 
Thither  his  relations  resorted  to  him  for  protection  from  the 
rage  of  Saul,  and  to  afford  him  assistance : along  with  them 
also  came  a number  of  persons  of  broken  fortunes  and  unset- 
tled minds,  of  whom  he  fotmed  a small  army.  But  they  acted 
entirely  upon  the  defensive,  and  indeed  became  protectors  of 
th^  country:  and  probably  David’s  instructions,  devotions,  and 
example,  produced  a great  change  in  the  temper  and  behaviour 
of  the  larger  part  of  them.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  25:7,8,14 — 
17.  30:22 — 25.  Judg.  11:3.) 

V.  3,  4.  The  king  of  Moab,  being  at  variance  with  Saul, 
was  favourable  to  David  ; perhaps  the  more  so,  as  David  was 
descended  from  a Moabitess.  ( Ruth  4:13 — 17.)  With  him, 
however,  he  procured  a retreat  for  his  aged  parents.  (Note, 
2 Sam.  8:2.) 

V.  5.  It  is  probable  that  Gad  had  been  educated  in  the 
schools  of  the  prophets  under  Samuel’s  tuition ; (Marg.  Ref. 
j.  Note , 10:5,6.)  and  knowing  that  David  was  anointed  to  be 
kif  g,  he  seems  to  have  attended  him  in  his  distresses.  By 
him  the  Lord  commanded  David  not  to  abide  at  Mizpeh, 
which  bordered  on  Moab  ; (Note,  Judg.  11:9—11.)  or  in  any 
distant  fortified  place:  but  to  return  into  the  land  of  Judah, 
that  he  might  not  be  alienated  from  his  brethren,  or  his  men 
enticed  to  idolatry ; that  his  faith  might  be  exercised  and  in- 
creased ; and  that  he  still  might  perform  some  service  to  his 
country.  (Note,  23:1 — 6.) 

V.  6.  Saul  had  pitched  his  tent,  or  set  up  his  standard, 
near  Gibeah,  upon  some  eminence ; (tor  so  the  word  Ramah 
signifies  ;)  and  with  a spear  in  his  hand  he  seemed  to  menace 
vengeance  against  all  who  did  not  join  him  in  persecuting 
David.  (Note,  20:32,33.) 

V.  7,  8.  This  language  of  Saul  is  very  expressive  of  rage 
and  jealousy.  He  took  it  for  granted  that  David  had  con- 


8 That  all  of  you  have  conspired  against  me 
and  there  is  none  that  §showeth  me  pthat  my  sor 
hath  made  a league  with  the  son  of  Jesse,  and 
there  is  none  of  you  that  is  sorry  for  me,  or 
showeth  unto  me  that  my  son  hath  stirred  up  my 
servant  against  me,  to  lie  in  wait,  as  at  this 
day  ? 

9 Then  answered  ^Doeg  the  Edomite,  (which 
was  set  over  the  servants  of  Saul,)  and  said,  1 
saw  the  son  of  Jesse  coming  to  Nod,  to  Ahime- 
lech  the  son  of  Ahitub. 

10  And  rhe  inquired  of  the  Lord  for  him,  and 

ave  him  victuals,  and  gave  him  the  sword  of 

oliath  the  Philistine. 

11  Then  the  king  'sent  to  call  Ahimelech  the 
priest,  the  son  of  Ahitub,  and  all  his  father’s 
house,  the  priests  that  were  in  Nob : and  they 
came  all  of  them  to  the  king. 

12  And  Saul  said,  Hear  now,  "thou  son  ot 
Ahitub.  And  he  answered,  ’'Here  I am,  my  lord. 

13  And  Saul  said  unto  him,  "Why  have  ye 
conspired  against  me,  thou  and  the  son  of  Jesse, 
in  that  thou  hast  given  him  bread,  and  a sword, 
and  hast  inquired  of  God  for  him,  that  he  should 
rise  against  me,  to  lie  in  wait,  as  at  this  day  ? 

14  Then  Ahimelech  answered  the  king,  and 
said,  And  “who  is  so  faithful  amon^  all  thy 
servants  as  David,  which  is  Jthe  king’s  son-in- 
law,  and  “goeth  at  thy  bidding,  and  is  honourable 
in  thine  house  ? 

15  Did  I then  begin  to  inquire  of  God  for  him? 
be  it  far  from  me  : let  not  the  king  impute  any 
thing  unto  his  servant,  nor  to  all  the  house  of  my 
father : “for  thy  servant  knew  nothing  of  all  this, 
“less  or  more. 

16  And  the  king  said,  bThou  shalt  surely  die, 
Ahimelech,  “thou  and  all  thy  father’s  house. 


$ Heb.  uncovereth  mine  ear.  20:2.  Job  33:16.  marg.  p 18:3.  20.8,13 — 17,30— 
34,42.  23:16—18.  q 21:7.  Ps.  53:  title.  1—5.  Prov.  19:5.29:12.  Ez.  22:9.  Matt. 
26:59—61.  r 13,15.  23:2,4,12.  30:8.  Num.  27:21.  s21:6— 9 *.  Rom.  3:15. 

u 7,13.  IT  Heb.  behold  me.  2 Sam.  9:6.  Is.  65:1.  v 8.  Ps.  119:69.  Am.  7:10. 
Luke  23:2 — 5.  x 19.4,5.  20:32.  24:11 . 26:23.  2Sam.  22:23— 25.  Prov. 24:11, 
12.21:8,9.  y 13.  17:25.  18:27.  zl8:13.  21:2.  a Gen.  20:5,6.  2Sam.  15:11. 

2 Cor.  1:12.  1 Pet.  3:16,17.  **  Heb.  little  or  great.  25:36.  b 14:44.  20:31. 
1 Kings  18:4.  19:2.  Prov.  28:15.  Dan.  2:5,12.  3:19,20.  AcU  12:19.  c Deut.  24: 
16.  Esth.  3:6.  Matt.  2:16. 


spired  against  him.  His  pious,  amiable,  and  dutiful  son  also 
was  accused  of  being  the  ringleader  in  the  conspiracy ; be- 
cause  he  would  not  assist  in  the  murder  of  an  excellent  man, 
whom  he  greatly  loved  ! Nay,  the  people  in  general,  and  his 
own  tribe  in  particular,  had  conspired  against  him,  and  had  no 
compassion  on  him,  and  were  blind  to  their  own  interests ; 
merely  because  they  were  not  so  furious  against  David  as  he 
was  ! (Notes,  16:14.  20:30 — 33.) — It  is  probable  that  Saul  had 
heard  that  Jonathan  had  made  a covenant  with  David  ; and, 
not  being  able  to  learn  the  particulars,  he  suspected  that  trea- 
son was  implied  in  it.  Perhaps  Jonathan  kept  at  a greater 
distance,  and  was  more  reserved  than  before. 

V.  9,  10.  There  was  no  good  reason  why  Doeg  should  at 
all  mention  Ahimelech’s  conduct,  which  he  knew  did  not  pro- 
ceed from  malice : but  if  he  must  report  it,  he  should  have 
declared,  how  Ahimelech  was  imposed  upon  by  David,  and 
that  he  intended  to  show  respect  to  Saul  in  that  very  action. 
(Notes,  21:1 — 9.)  But  on  the  contrary,  he  spoke  as  if  David 
came  to  take  Ahimelech’s  advice  about  his  subsequent  pro- 
ceedings, and  as  if  Ahimelech  was  joined  in  a conspiracy 
with  David  against  Saul ; though  nothing  could  be  more  con- 
trary to  the  truth  than  this  insinuation!  Doeg  therefore 
slandered  Ahimelech,  and  bare  false  witness  against  him, 
though  the  general  charges  adduced  accorded  with  facts. 
(Notes,  Ex.  20:16.  Matt.  26:57 — 62.) — It  is  observable,  that 
Doeg,  after  Saul’s  example,  did  not  deign  to  call  David  by 
his  name,  but  contemptuously  spoke  of  him,  as  44  the  son  of 
Jesse.”  (8,13.  20:27,30,31.) 

V.  13.  Inquired  of  God,  &c.]  Saul,  by  this  language, 
almost  in  direct  terms,  charged  God  himself  with  counselling 
a traitor  by  his  high-priest,  how  to  prevail  against  his  sove- 
reign ! (Notes,  Ec.  9:1 — 3.  John  12:9 — 11.) — As  Ahimelech 
did  not  deny  this  part  of  the  charge,  it  may  be  concluded  to 
be  true,  though  not  mentioned  in  the  narrative. 

V.  14 — 16.  In  Ahimelech’s  ready  attendance,  with  alibis 
brethren,  and  in  his  answer  to  Saul,  we  have  the  conduct  and 
language  of  conscious  innocence.  David’s  reputation  for 
fidelity  and  capacity  was  established:  his  near  relation  to 
Saul,  as  having  married  his  daughter,  his  prompt  obedience 
to  him,  and  his  honourable  services  to  Israel,  were  well 
known : Ahimelech  had  been  used  to  inquire  of  the  Lord  for 
him,  as  a public  character:  he  meant  no  harm,  knew  nothing 
of  what  had  passed,  and  abhorred  the  thought  of  conspiring 
against  his  prince  : and  therefore  trusted  he  should  be  honour- 
ably acquitted. — It  is  observable  that  he  generously  roncealwd 

( -17  ) 


If  G 1061 


I.  SAMUEL. 


E.  C.  10C0. 


IT  And  the  kin"  said  unto  the  Ifootmen  that 
stood  about  him,  Turn  and  dslay  the  priests  of  the 
Lord  ; because  their  hand  also  is  with  David, 
and  because  they  knew  when  he  fled,  and  did  not 
show  it  to  me.  But  the  servants  of  the  king 
'would  not  put  forth  their  hand  to  fall  upon  the 
priests  of  the  Lord. 

18  And  the  king  said  to  Doeg,  Turn  thou,  and 
fall  upon  the  priests.  And  < Doeg  the  Edomite 
turned  and  she  fell  upon  the  priests,  and  slew  on 
that  day  '‘fourscore  and  five  persons  that  did  wear 
'a  linen  ephod. 

19  And  )Nob,  the  city  of  the  priests,  smote 
he  with  the  edge  of  the  sword ; both  kmen 
and  women,  children  and  sucklings,  and  oxen, 
and  asses,  and  sheep,  with  the  edge  of  the 
sword. 

20  H And  'one  of  the  sons  of  Ahimelech,  the 
son  of  Ahitub.  named  Abiathar,  "escaped,  and 
fled  after  David. 

21  And  Abiathar  showed  David,  that  Saul  had 
slain  the  Lord’s  priests. 

t Or,  guard.  Heb.  runners.  8:11.  2 Sam.  15:1.  1 Kings  1:5.  (113.  20:33.  25:17. 
1 Kings  18.4.  e 14:45.  Ex.  1:17.  2 Kings  1:13,14.  Acts4:19.  f See  on  9. 
g2Chr.  24:21.  Hos.5:ll.  7:3.  Mic.  6:16.  Zeph.  3:3.  Acts  26:10,11 . h 2:30— 
33,36  . 3:12—14.  i 2:28.  Ex.  28:40.  j 9.  21.1.  Neh.  11:32.  Is.  10:32.  k 15:3,9. 
Josh.  6:17,21.  Hos.  10:14.  Jam.  2:13.  1 23:6.  30:7.  2 Sam.  20:25.  1 Kings  2:26, 

David’s  imposition,  though  the  mention  of  it  would  have  greatly 
tended  to  exculpate  himself. — But  Saul  was  forsaken  by  God, 
and  given  up  to  Satan  and  his  own  malignant  passions,  and 
would  hearken  to  nothing  but  the  suggestions  of  revenge  and 
jealousy. 

V.  17.  Saul  madly  and  impiously  resolved  to  slay  all  the 
priests  of  the  line  of  Eli;  because  he  supposed,  contrary  to 
proof,  that  one  had  been  guilty  ; and  he  seems  to  have  sent 
for  the  whole  company,  with  this  malignant  intention;  (11) 
He  scorned  to  lay  hands  on  an  individual;  ( Note , Esth.  3:6. ) 
and  he  apparently  exulted  in  revenging  himself  on  44  the 
priests  of  the  Lord.”  Yet  his  guards,  or  running  footmen , 
(Marg.  Ref.)  so  revered  the  sacerdotal  character,  and  were 
bo  convinced  that  the  priests  were  innocent,  that,  though  they 
might  themselves  expect  to  feel  the  weight  of  their  enraged 
prince's  furious  resentment,  they  expressly  refused  to  execute 
his  cruel  command.  A singular  instance  of  obedience  to  God, 
rather  than  to  man  ! ( Note , Acts  4:13 — 22.) 

V.  18.  The  priests  did  not  generally  wear  the  linen  ephod, 
except  when  actually  officiating:  but  perhaps  the  whole  com- 
pany was  arrayed  in  sacerdotal  garments,  as  appearing  before 
the  king,  and  as  intending  thus  to  show  their  respect  to  him. — 
Thus  an  Edomite,  of  base  character  in  other  respects,  with- 
out provocation  or  opposition,  with  his  own  hands,  slew  eighty- 
five  priests  of  the  Lord  at  one  time:  and  both  he  and  Saul 
gloried  in  the  bloody  execution  ! — This  horrid  massacre,  how- 
ever, accomplished  the  sentence  denounced  against  the  house 
of  Eli.  ( Notes,  2:  31—36.  3:12—14.) 

V.  19.  Doeg,  doubtless  by  Saul’s  authority,  not  satisfied 
with  the  blood  of  the  priests,  treated  the  inhabitants  of  Nob 
as  the  devoted  enemies  of  God,  and  with  more  severity  than 
Saul  had  exercised  towards  the  Amalekites  ; nay,  to  the  full 
import  of  the  command  which  he  had  received  in  that  respect ! 
(Notes,  15:1 — 3,8,9.)  No  douht  they  meant  to  intimidate 
all  the  Israelites  from  showing  the  least  favour  to  David. 
(Notes,  Ps.  52:  title.  1 — 4.)  ‘It  was  excellently  said  by 
Justin  Martyr,  Let  us  pray  that  kings  and  rulers,  together 
with  the  royal  power,  may  be  found  having  a sober  mind.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  22.  Upon  recollection  David  had  feared  these  conse- 
quences from  Doeg’s  known  character.  (Notes,  21:1 — 9.) 
His  feelings  must  have  been  exceedingly  painful,  when  he 
considered  the  lie  which  he  had  told,  as  one  occasion  of  this 
fatal  catastrophe. — By  this  event,  however,  so  terrible  to  the 
priests,  and  so  lamentable  to  Israel,  David  obtained  the  pre- 
sence of  the  high  priest,  which  afterwards  proved  a great  com- 
fort and  benefit  to  him.  (Notes,  23:1 — 6,9 — 13.  28:6.  30: 
7—10.) 

, PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Oppression  often  forces  men  into  measures,  to  which  they 
were  entirely  averse,  and  deprives  the  community  of  the  ser- 
vices of  its  most  useful  members  : yet  the  Lord  amidst  all 
daggers  preserves  his  people  for  their  appointed  services. 
He  can  promote  their  good  by  the  most  contemptible  and  the 
meanest  instruments ; and  the  son  of  David  receives  all  who 
come  to  him,  however  sinful  and  miserable : he  changes  them 
a l\  into  a holy  people,  and  employs  them  in  his  service; 
(Note,  Is.  11:6 — 9.)  and  those  who  would  reign  with  him, 
must  be  contented  first  to  suffer  with  him. — True  piety  in- 
creases and  purifies  natural  affection ; and  teaches  men, 
however  occupied  or  distressed,  to  be  tender  of  their  aged 
parents;  and  to  be  more  ready  to  meet  hardship  or  danger 
rhemselves,  than  to  expose  them  to  it. — In  all  our  difficulties 
we  should  wait,  till  wc  know  what  “ God  will  do  for  us  ;”  seeing 
none  of  our  enemies  can  go  further  than  he  is  pleased  to  per- 
mit them : we  should  therefore  guard  against  excessive  fear, 
venture  readily  into  any  place  whither  duty  calls  us,  and,  with- 
( 518  ) 


22  And  David  said  unto  Abiathar,  I knew  n 
that  day,  when  Doeg  the  Edomite  was  there, 
that  he  would  surely  tell  Saul  : "I  have  occa- 
sioned the  death  of  all  the  persons  of  thy  father’s 
house. 

23  Abide  thou  with  me,  fear  not : for  °he  that 
seeketh  my  life  seeketh  thy  life:  chut  with  me  thoi 
shalt  be  in  safeguard. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

David , inquiring  of  God  by  Abiathar , defends  Keilah  arvl  smites  the  Philis • 
tines,  1—6.  Saul  purposes  to  besiege  him  in  Keilah;  but  the  Lord  showing 
David  the  treachery  of  the  men  of  Keilah,  he  fees  to  Ziph,  where  Jonathan 
meets  and  comforts  him.  7 — 18.  The  Ziphites  in  form  Saul  concerning  him t 
who  closely  pursues  him  to  Mar>n  ; but  is  called  off  by  an  invasion  of  the 
Philistines,  19—28.  David  dwells  at  En-gedi,  29. 

THEN  they  told  David,  saying,  Behold,  the 
Philistines  fight  against  “Keilah,  and  they 
brob  the  threshing-floors. 

2 Therefore  David  “inquired  of  the  Lord,  say- 
ing, Shall  I go  and  smite  these  Philistines?  And 
the  Lord  said  unto  David,  Go  and  smite  the 
Philistines,  and  save  Keilah. 


27.  m 2:33.  4:12.  Job  1:15 — 17, 19.  n-21:l—  9.  Ps.  44:22.  o 1 Kings  2:26.  Matt. 
24:9.  John  15:20,21.  16:2,3.  Heb.  12:1—3.  p John  10:28-30,  17:12.  18:9.  n Joih. 
15:44.  Neh.  3:17,18.  b Lev.  26:16.  Dent.  28:33,51 . Jodg.  6:4,11.  Mic.  6:15. 
c 4,6,9— 12.  30:8.  Num.  27:21.  Josh.  9:14.  Judg.  1:1.  2 Sam.  5:19,23.  1 CKr. 
14:10.  Ps.  32:8.  Prov.  3:5,6.  Jer.  10:23. 


out  yielding  to  resentment  or  despondency,  persevere  in  look- 
ing out  for  opportunities  of  usefulness. — The  progress  of 
human  nature,  instigated  by  Satan’s  temptations,  is  from  bad 
to  worse  with  increasing  rapidity.  Conscience,  fear,  and 
shame  give  less  and  less  resistance,  and  every  passion  grows 
more  and  more  exorbitant.  Envy,  malice,  and  jealousy  tor- 
ment the  soul  with  real  miseries,  though  arising  from  unreal 
causes,  or  groundless  apprehensions  : the  wretch  who  is  under 
the  dominion  of  these  diabolical  passions, .suspects  every  one 
of  enmity  and  treachery,  breaks  through  all  the  bonds  of 
honour  and  conscience,  and  is  hurried  on  to  the  most  furious 
and  bloody  revenge.  Unhappy  is  it  for  mankind  when  such 
persons  possess  absolute  authority  ; as  the  most  sacred  cha- 
racter, unshaken  fidelity,  conscious  innocency,  convincing 
arguments,  and  respectful  assurances,  form  no  security  to  any 
one,  who  is  become  obnoxious  to  them  ! The  most  harmless 
and  friendly  actions  become  constructive  treason,  and  44  Thou 
shalt  surely  die,”  silences  every  plea.  Nay,  the  death  of 
one,  or  of  a few,  seems  a paltry  revenge  to  a proud  tyrant! 
Sacrifices  large  as  his  rage  and  power  may  be  expected,  for 
nothing  else  can  appease  his  fury.  And  if  some  be  found 
willing  to  venture  his  indignation,  rather  than  abet  his  cruelty 
and  impiety ; others  will  be  glad  to  purchase  preferment  at 
any  price. — Let  us  then  bless  God  for  a mild,  equitable,  and 
limited  government,  and  study  to  fill  up  our  places  in  society 
consistently  with  our  peculiar  advantages:  and  may  the  Lord 
continue  them  to  our  remotest  posterity,  and  extend  the  same 
to  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  ! — He  often  employs  companions 
in  distress,  to  comfort  and  protect  each  other  ; and,  being 
exposed  to  the  same  dangers  and  enemies,  they  should  com- 
bine for  their  mutual  defence.  Thus  believers,  being  hated 
for  Christ’s  sake,  find  safety  under  his  protection  ; and  ought 
to  lay  aside  all  personal  animosities  and  useless  controversies, 
to  unite  against  their  common  enemies. — We  may  also  learn 
from  this  narrat  ion,  that  needlessly  to  report  the  truth  to  the  dis- 
advantage of  others,  often  springs  from  malice,  and  produces 
mischief ; that  a partial  statement  of  facts  is  effectually  bearing 
false  witness  ; and  that  a generous  mind  is  unwilling  to  re- 
peat the  faults  of  others;  even  for  Ifis  own  vindication.  We 
should  likewise  consider,  that  it  is  very  painful  to  a feeling 
heart  to  occasion  evil  to  others,  especially  by  misconduct  : 
and  as  unexpected  bad  consequences  may  arise  from  our 
actions,  we  should  learn  to  walk  the  more  circumspectly ; 
and  always  to  be  ready  for  that  stroke,  which  hurries  men  into 
eternity  before  they  are  aware.  For  44  the  wicked  is  driven 
away  in  his  wickedness,  but  the  righteous  hath  hope  in  his 
death.” 

NOTES— Chap.  XXIII.  V.  1— G.  David  was  at  this 
time  an  inspired  writer  of  the  Holy  Scriptures ; yet  the  Lord 
spoke  to  him  by  his  prophet,  and  then  by  the  high-priest,  for 
the  honour  of  bis  own  institutions.  David,  having  been 
anointed  to  be  king,  considered  himself  as  the  protector  of 
Israel,  and  was  ready  to  employ  his  men  in  any  service,  to 
which  the  Lord  should  please  to  appoint  him : and  Saul, 
occupied  almost  exclusively  in  persecuting  David,  so  neg- 
lected the  protection  of  Israel,  that  the  depredations  of  the 
Philistines  were  exceedingly  distressing,  and  met  with  no 
effectual  resistance.  ( Marg.  Rtf.  b.) — It  is  doubtful,  whether 
David,  at  this  time  inquired  of  God  by  the  prophet  Gad,  or 
by  Abiathar.  It  seems  from  the  text,  that  Abiathar  did  not 
come  to  him,  till  he  came  to  Keilah;  yet  perhaps  this  only 
means  the  neighbourhood  of  that  city.  No  doubt,  Abiathar 
brought  the  high-priest’s  sacred  ephod  with  Urim  and  Thura- 
mim  along  with  him.  (22:20 — 23.  Notes,  Ex.  28:15 — 30.)— 
It  seems  that  David  and  his  men  having  vanquish*.*  th© 
Philistines,  pursued  them  into  their  own  country,  an*  thepo© 
brought  away  the  cattle. 


B.  C.  1060. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


B.  C.  1060 


3 And  David’s  men  said  unto  him,  ■’Behold,  we 
be  afraid  here  in  Judah:  how  much  more  then  if 
we  come  to  Keilah,  against  the  armies  of  the 
Philistines  ? 

4 Then  David  inquired  of  the  Lord  'yet 
again.  And  the  Lord  answered  him  and  said, 
Arise,  go  down  to  Keilah  ; r for  I will  deliver  the 
Philistines  into  thine  hand. 

5 So  David  and  his  men  went  to  Keilah,  and 
fought  with  the  Philistines,  and  brought  away 
their  cattle,  and  smote  them  with  a great  slaugh- 
ter. So  David  saved  the  inhabitants  of  Keilah. 

6 And  it  came  to  pass,  swhen  Abiathar  the  son 
>f  Ahimelech  fled  to  David  to  Keilah,  that  he 
came  down  with  han  ephod  in  his  hand. 

7 If  And  it  was  told  Saul  that  David  was  come 
to  Keilah.  And  Saul  said,  'God  hath  delivered 
him  into  mine  hand:  for  the  is  shut  in,  by  enter- 
ing into  a town  that  hath  gates  and  bars. 

8 And  Saul  called  all  the  people  together  to 
war,  to  go  down  to  Keilah,  to  besiege  David  and 
his  men. 

9 And  David  '‘knew  that  Saul  secretlv  practised 
mischief  against  him ; and  he  said  to  Abiathar  the 
priest,  'Bring  hither  the  ephod. 

10  Then  said  David,  O Lord  God  of  Israel, 
thy  servant  hath  certainly  heard  that  Saul  seeketh 
to  come  to  Keilah,  to  ""destroy  the  city  for  my  sake. 

11  Will  the  men  of  Keilah  deliver  me  up  into 
his  hand?  will  Saul  come  down,  as  thy  servant 
hath  heard?  O Lord  God  of  Israel,  I beseech 
thee,  tell  thy  servant.  "And  the  Lord  said,  He 
will  come  down. 

12  Then  said  David,  Will  the  men  of  Keilah 
'deliver  me  and  my  men  into  the  hand  of  Saul  ? 
and  the  Lord  said,  "They  will  deliver  thee  up. 

13  Then  David  and  his  men,  which  were  about 
rsix  hundred,  arose  and  departed  out  of  Keilah, 
and  went  whithersoever  they  could  go.  And  it 
was  told  Saul  that  David  was  escaped  from 
Keilah ; and  he  forbare  to  go  forth. 

14  And  David  abode  in  the  wilderness  in  strong 
holds,  and  remained  in  mountain  in  the  "wilder- 
ness of  Ziph  : and  "Saul  sought  him  every  day  ; 
‘but  God  delivered  him  not  into  his  hand. 

15  And  David  saw  that  Saul  was  come  out  to 
seek  his  life  : and  David  was  in  the  wilderness  of 
Ziph  in  a wood. 

d 15,23,26.  Fs.  11:1.  Jer.  12:5.  t 28:6.  Jud2.6;39.  f Josh. 8:7.  Jud?.  7:7. 
2Sam.5:19.  2Kin?s3:18.  | 22:20.  h 14:3,18,36,37.  Ex.  28:30,31.  i 14.24: 
4— 6.26:8,9.  Ps.  71:10,11.  j Ex.  14:3. 15:9.  Judg.  16:2,3.  Job  20:5.  Luke  19: 
43,44.  k Jer.  11:18,19.  Acts  9.24.  14:6.  23:16— 18.  1 6.14:18.30:7.  Num.27: 

81.  m 22:19.  Hen.  18:24.  Esth.3:6.  Pros.  28:15.  n Ps.  50:15.  Jer.  33:3.  Matt. 
7:7,8.  ' Heb.  shut  up.  Ps.31:S.  o 7.  Ps.  62'  I.  118:8.  Ec.  9:14,15.  Is.  29  15.  Heb. 
4:13.  p 22:2.25:13.30:9,10.  q Ps.  11:1-3.  r Josh.  15:55.  s 27:1.  Ps.  54:3, 
4,  Prov.  1:16.  4:16.  t 7.  Ps.  32:7.  Frov. 21:30.  Jer. 36:26.  Rom.  8:31.  2Tim. 
8:11.4:17,18.  n Dent.  3:23.  Neh.  2:18.  Job  4:3,4.  16:5.  Prov.  27:9.  Ec.  4 9- 
12.  Is.  35:3.  Et.  13:22.  Luke  22:32.43.  Eph.6:lu.  2 Tim.  2:1.  Heb.  12:12,13. 
X Is.  41:10,14.  Heb. 13:6.  j Ps.  27:1— 3.  45:1,2.  91 :1, 2.  Pro*.  14:26.  Is.  54:17. 


V.  7,  8.  Saul,  forgetting  all  the  multiplied  proofs  which 
had  been  given,  that  the  Lord  was  with  David,  considered  the 
slight  circumstance  of  his  entering  into  a fenced  city,  as  an 
evidence  that  “God  had  delivered  him  into  his  hand!” 
{Notes,  14.  21:8 — 15.)  The  generous  patriotism  of  David, 
in  defending  his  country,  while  persecuted  by  his  prince  and 
many  of  the  people  as  an  outlaw,  had  no  effect  on  the  ranco- 
rous heart  of  Saul. 

V.  9 — 13.  David  perhaps  thought,  that  he  could  defend 
this  fenced  city  against  Saul,  if  the  inhabitants  would  be  firm 
in  his  interests.  But,  as  the  cruel  massacre  of  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Nob  must  have  alarmed  them  with  the  dread  of  simi- 
lar treatment,  he  could  not  confide  in  their  assurances;  and, 
inquiring  of  God,  he  was  informed  that  they  would  purchase 
p;ace  by  delivering  him  up,  though  perhaps  they  were  not 
then  meditating  such  ingratitude  and  treachery.  He  there- 
fore left  the  city  to  secure  himself  from  danger,  and  them 
from  temptation  and  sin.— The  express  and  repeated  answers 
given  to  the  inquiries,  which  David  made  by  the  high-priest, 
were  in  fact  a divine  attestation,  that  he  was  appointed  to  the 
kingdom.  {Notes,  1—  fi.  Ex.  28:30.  Num.  27:21.)  Proba- 
bly these  were  given  in  an  audible  voice  from  some  tent, 
where  the  ephod  was  generally  placed,  and  before  which  the 
inquiry  was  made.  The  prayer  which  David  used,  perhaps 
by  the  mouth  of  Abiathar,  in  inquiring  of  God,  may  be  con- 
sidered as  an  example  of  the  manner  in  which  pious  princes 
conducted  that  solemn  and  important  conceal. 

Six  hundred.  (13)  David’s  company  had  increased,  per- 
haps in  consequence  of  his  success  in  his  patri  tic  expedition 
v22:2.) 

V.  14.  TVe  disappointmi  x of  Saul’s  pret  .Siptuous  con- 


16  And  Jonathan  Saul’s  son  arose,  and  went  to 
David  into  the  wood,  and  “strengthened  his  hand 
in  God. 

17  And  he  said  unto  him,  xFear  not;  for  the 
hand  of  Saul  my  father  >shall  not  find  thee  : and 
‘thou  shalt  be  king  over  Israel,  and  “I  shall  be 
next  unto  thee : and  bthat  also  Saul  my  lather 
knoweth. 

18  And  ‘they  two  made  a covenant  before  the 
Lord.  And  David  abode  in  the  wood,  and  Jona 

than  Went  tO  hiS  hOUSe.  [Practical  Observations.-] 

19  11  Then  came  up  dthe  Ziphites  to  Saul  to 
Gibeahr,  saying,  Doth  not  David  hide  himself  with 
us  in  strong  holds  in  the  wood,  in  the  hill  ol 
'Hachilah,  which  is  ’on  the  south  of  IJeshimon  ? 

20  Now  therefore,  O king,  come  down,  accord- 
ing to  f all  the  desire  of  thy  soul  to  come  down ; 
and  sour  part  shall  be  to  deliver  him  into  the  king’s 
hand. 

21  And  Saul  said,  hBlessed  be  ye  of  the  Lord  ; 
for  ye  have  compassion  on  me. 

22  Go,  I pray  you,  prepare  yet,  and  know  and 
see  his  place  where  his  §haunt  is,  and  who  hath 
seen  him  there : for  it  is  told  me  that  he  dealeth 
very  subtlely. 

23  See  therefore,  and  ’take  knowledge  of  all 
the  lurking  places  where  he  hideth  himself,  and 
come  ye  again  to  me  with  the  certainty,  and  I 
will  go  with  you  : and  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  he 
be  in  the  land,  thatkI  will  search  him  out  through- 
out all  'the  thousands  of  Judah. 

24  And  they  arose,  and  went  to  Ziph  before 
Saul : but  David  and  his  men  were  in  the  wilder- 
ness of  mMaon,  in  the  plain  on  "the  south  ot 
Jeshimon. 

25  Saul  also  and  his  men  went  to  seek  him; 
and  they  told  David  : wherefore  he  came  down 
"into  a rock,  and  abode  in  the  xvilderness  of  Maon. 
And  when  Saul  heard  that,  he  pursued  after 
David  in  the  wilderness  of  Maon. 

26  And  Saul  went  on  this  side  of  the  mountain, 
and  David  and  his  men  on  that  side  of  the  moun- 
tain: and  "David  made  haste  to  get  raway  for 
fear  of  Saul ; for  Saul  and  his  men  compassed 
David  and  his  men  round  about  to  take  them. 

27  But  "there  came  a messenger  unto  Saul,  say- 
ing, Haste  thee,  and  come  ; for  'the  Philistines 
have  ’’invaded  the  land. 


z Luke  12:32.  n Prcrv.  19:21.  Acts28:16.  Rom.  15:24.  b 20:31.24:20.  Acta 
5:39.  c 18:3.20:12-17,42.  2 Sam.  9:1.21:7.  d 22:7,8.25:1.  Ps.  54:  title.  3,4. 
Prov.  29:12.  e 25:1,3.  f Heb.  on  the  right  hand.  * Or,  the  wilderness. 
f Deut.  18:6.  2 Sam.  3:21.  Ps.  112:10.  Prov.  11:23.  g 1 Kings  21:11 — 14. 
2 Kings  10:5 — 7.  Ps.  54:3.  Prov.  29:26.  h 22:8.  Ps.  10:3.  Is.  66:5.  Mie.  3:11. 
$ Web.  foot  shall  be.  Job  5:13.  i Mark  14:1 ,10,11 . Jolm  18:2,3.  k 2Sam.  17; 
11— 13.  'Prov.  1:16.  Rom.  3:15,16.  1 Num.  10:36.  Mic.  5:2.  m 25:2.  Josh.  15:55. 
n 19.  II  Or,  from  the  rock.  28.  Judg.  15:8.  o 19:12.  20:38.  2 Sam.  15: 14.  17:21 ,22. 
Ps.  31:22.  p 2 Chr.  20:12.  Ps.  17:9.  22:12,16.  118:11 — 13.  2 Cor.  1:8.  Rev.  20: 
9.  r Gen.  22:14.  Deut.  32:36.  Pa.  116:3.  s 2 Kings  19:9.  Rev.  12:16.  IT  Heb. 
spread  themselves  upon.  1 Chr.  14:13. 


fidence,  that  “ God  had  delivered  David  into  his  hand,”  is 
here  emphatically  noted.  ( Note , 7,8.) 

V.  16.  Jonathan  would  doubtless  converse  with  David, 
concerning  the  promises,  power,  faithfulness,  and  love  of 
God,  and  what  he  had  learned,  believed,  and  experienced  of 
them  ; which  Tended  to  strengthen  his  faith,  to  encourage  his 
hope,  and  to  invigorate  his  confidence  in  God,  and  to  induce 
calm  submission  to  his  will.  (Notes,  Is.  35:3,4.  Luke  22:39 
—46.  5:43.  Col.  1:9—14.) 

V.  17,  18.  ( Marg . Ref.) — I shall  be  next  unto  thee.  (17)i 

This  was  Jonathan’s  conjecture,  grounded  on  David’s  friend- 
ship, but  not  on  the  word  of  God,  who  had  appointed  things 
otherwise.  Jonathan’s  cheerful  acquiescence  would  be  a 
great  satisfaction  to  David’s  mind. — Thus  these  endeared 
friends  finally  parted,  as  to  this  world.  ( Note , 20:41,42.) 

V.  19 — 21.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  Israelites  in  general  were,, 
it  seems,  averse  to  Saul’s  persecution  of  David,  and  back- 
ward to  give  him  intelligence  or  assistance  : he  therefore 
deemed  himself  an  injured,  and  unfortunate  man,  whom  none 
of  them  pitied  ; and  these  treacherous  Ziphites  were  consid- 
ered as  his  only  friends! — (Notes,  7,8.  22:7,8.) — Saul  stUl 
retained  the  language  of  piety  while  perpetrating  the  most 
atrocious  crimes.  (Notes,  Ps.  36:1 — 4.) 

V.  22 — 25.  Had  Saul  marched  directly  along  with  the 
Ziphites,  he  probably  would  have  come  on  David  before  he 
was  aware  : but  Saul’s  delay,  while  he  sought  to  make  the 
more  sure  of  him,  gave  David  an  opportunity  of  retreating.— 
Thousands  of  Judah.  (23)  Marg.  Ref.  Notes%  Ex.  18:24 
— 26.  Judg.  6:15.  Mic.  5:2. 

V.  26 — 28.  When  Saul’s  army  had  nearly  sun  uunded 
David’s  little  company,  tidings  were  brought  that  the  Philip- 
( 519  ) 


B.  C.  1060. 


I.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1060 


28  Wherefore  Saul  returned  from  pursuing 
after  David,  and  went  against  the  Philistines  : 
therefore  they  called  that  place  'Sela-hammahle- 
koth. 

29  And  David  went  up  from  thence,  and  dwelt 
:n  strong  holds  at  *En-gedi. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

David,  in  a cave,  having  Saul  entirely  in  his  power , cuts  off  his  skirt , but 
spares  his  life.  1 — 7.  He  proves  his  innocency  to  Saul.  8 — 15.  Saul  owns  his 
fault , requires  an  oath  of  David , aruldeparls , 16 — 22. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  “when  Saul  was  returned 
from  ‘following  the  Philistines,  that  bit  was 
told  him,  saying,  Behold,  David  is  in  cthe  wilder- 
ness of  Engedi. 

2  Then  Saul  took  dthree  thousand  chosen  men 
out  of  all  Israel,  and  'went  to  seek  David  and  his 
men  upon  f the  rocks  of  the  wild  goats. 

3  And  he  came  to  the  sheep-cotes  by  the  way, 
where  was  a cave ; and  Saul  went  in  eto  cover 
his  feet : and  ’’David  and  his  men  remained  in  the 
sides  of  the  cave. 

4  And  'the  men  of  David  said  unto  him,  Be- 
hold the  day  of  which  the  Lord  said  unto  thee, 
Behold,  d will  deliver  thine  enemy  into  thine 
hand,  that  thou  mayest  do  to  him  as  it  shall  seem 
good  unto  thee.  Then  David  arose,  and  cut  off 
the  skirt  of  'Saul’s  robe  privily. 

• That  is,  The  rock  of  divisions,  t 24:1.  Josh.  15:62.  2 Chr.  20:2.  Cant.  1:14. 
Ez.  47:10.  a 23:28.  * Heb.  after,  b 23:19.  Prov.  25:5.  29:12.  Ez.  22.9.  Hos. 
7:3.  c 23:20.  <113:2.  e Ps.  37:32.  38:12.  f Ps.  104:18.  g Judg;  3:24.  h Ps. 
6 title.  142:  title,  i 26:8.  2 Sam.  4:8.  Job  31 :31 . j 10,18.  23:7.  26:23.  t Heb. 
the  robe  which  was  Saul's.  k 2 Sam.  12:9.24:10.  2 Kings  22:19.  1 26:9 — 


tines  had  invaded  the  land:  ( marg . ) and  either  their  inva- 
sion was  very  formidable,  and  the  case  extremely  urgent  ; or 
Saul  feared  the  people’s  resentment,  if  the  Philistines  rav- 
aged the  country,  while  he  was  destroying  its  defender.  He 
therefore  retired,  doubtless  full  of  rage  and  vexation,  and 
David  “ escaped  as  a bird  out  of  the  snare  of  the  fowler 
the  Philistines  being  the  instruments  of  God  in  his  preserva- 
tion.— He  was  also  preserved  from  the  painful  necessity  of 
fighting  in  his  own  defence,  against  his  persecutors.  (Notes, 
26:1,2.  Ps.  54:  title.  1 — 3.)  The  place  was  called  the  rock  of 
divisions,  as  separating  between  David  and  Saul,  on  this 
emergency.  (Marg.) 

V.  29.  Marg.  Ref.  t. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  I — 18.  The  prayers  of  true  believers  are  a barrier 
against  hostile  invasions  ; but  persecution  brings  down  the 
judgments  of  God  upon  guilty  nations.  No  ill  usage,  how- 
ever, should  prompt  us  to  revenge  ourselves,  or  prevent  us 
from  doing  good  as  we  have  an  opportunity  and  ability  ; even 
when  we  are  sure  to  meet  with  ingratitude,  and  to  be  exposed 
to  further  trouble,  by  so  doing.  Thus  Jesus  lived  and  died, 
“ and  left  us  an  example  that  we  should  follow  his  steps.” — 
The  more  particularly  we  seek  direction  from  God  in  fervent 
prayer,  and  the  more  carefully  we  consult  the  sacred  Scrip- 
tures, the  safer  will  be  our  path. — In  difficult  circumstances 
we  shall  often  find  the  unbelief  of  our  professed  helpers  a 
very  discouraging  hindrance  ; but  the  most  effectual  way  of 
answering  their  objections,  and  securing  their  assistance,  is  to 
refer  them  to  the  precepts  and  promises  of  God. — No,  ties  of 
honour,  gratitude,  or  affection,  can  secure  the  heart,  under 
powerful  temptations : nay,  we  none  of  us  know  how  we 
should  act,  if  assailed  by  the  terrors  of  impending  death,  and 
left  without  the  immediate  supports  of  divine  grace.  He, 
who  made  the  human  heart,  can  alone  estimate  its  deceitful- 
ness : we  ought  not  therefore  to  confide  in  our  own  resolu- 
tions, or  in  the  assurances  of  others  ; but  depend  on  the  Lord 
to  guide  and  keep  us:  and  if  we  meet  with  evil  treatment,  we 
need  not  wonder,  and  ought  not  to  revile  or  murmur. — The 
kindness  of  those  friends,  whom  he  raises  up  where  we  could 
least  expect  them,  may  well  countervail  the  malice  of  our 
enemies,  and  the  ingratitude  and  fickleness  of  those  whom 
we  have  served.  And  if  the  converse  of  one  friend  can,' at 
one  interview,  give  so  much  comfort  and  strength  to  our 
hearts;  (Note,  2 Cor.  7:5 — 7.)  what  may  not  be  expected 
from  the  continual  supports,  and  daily  visits,  and  powerful 
love,  of  the  sinner’s  Saviour,  the  believer’s  covenanted 
Friend?  And  what  will  heaven  be,  where  perfect  and  uni- 
versal friendship  reigns,  without  interruption,  separation  or 
alloy?  Lotus  then  continually  seek  the  renewed  ratification 
of  the  covenant  of  grace,  and  cultivate  the  friendship  of  the 
Lord  and  of  his  people.  Our  most  rational  and  pleasing 
expectations  of  another  kind  may  be  frustrated  ; all  other 
•unions  must  be  dissolved  ; but  here  disappointment  and  dis- 
union can  have  no  place  for  ever. 

V.  19 — 29.  The  influenco  of  wickedness,  in  those  who 
fill  exalted  stations,  widely  and  fatally  diffuses  itself  among 
their  inferiors,  even  throughout  whole  nations  many  will 
nay  court  to  them,  by  aiding  their  sinful  purposes ; nay, 
some  will  pride  themselves  in  resembling  them  in  their  vices  1 
and  those  only  will  be  treated  as  friends,  who  in  fact  arc  their 
most  destructive  enemies.  Those  therefore  who  are  distin- 
guished by  this  dangorous  pro-cmincnce,  have  additional 
( 520  ) 


5 And  it  came  to  pass  afterward,  that,  lDavid’s 
heart  smote  him,  because  he  had  cut  off  Saul’s 
skirt. 

6 And  he  said  unto  his  men,  'The  Lord  forbid 
that  I should  do  this  thing  unto  my  master,  the 
Lord’s  anointed,  to  stretch  forth  mine  hand 
against  him,  seeing  he  is  the  anointed  of  the 
Lord. 

7 So  David  ^stayed  his  servants  with  these 
words,  and  "suffered  them  not  to  rise  against 
Saul.  But  Saul  rose  up  out  of  the  cave,  and 

Went  011  his  way.  [Practical  Obtcnnlion. .] 

8 IT  David  also  arose  afterward,  and  went  out 
of  the  cave,  and.  cried  after  Saul,  saying,  “My 
lord  the  king.  "And  when  Saul  looked  behind 
him,  “David  stooped  with  his  face  to  the  earth, 
and  bowed  himself 

9 And  David  said  to  Saul,  rWherefbre  hearest 
thou  men’s  words,  saying,  Behold,  David  seeketh 
thy  hurt  ? 

10  Behold,  this  day  thine  eyes  have  seen,  how 
that  the  Lord  had  delivered  thee  to-day  into  mine 
hand  in  the  cave  : and  some  ‘tbade  me  kill  thee  : 
but  mine  eye  spared  thee ; and  I said,  I will  not 
put  forth  mine  hand  against  my  lord ; for  he  is 
rthe  Lord’s  anointed. 


II.  2 Sam.  1:14.  1 Kings  21:3.  Job  31:29,30.  Malt.  5:44.  Rom.  12:14—21.  13:1, 
2.  I The*.  5:15.  } Heb.  cut  of.  Ps.  7 4.  m 25:33.  n 26:17.  o 20:41 . 25:23,24. 
Gen.  17:3.  Ex.  20:12.  Rom.  13:7  1 Pet.  2:17.  p 26:19.  Ps.  101:5.  Pro*.  16: 
28.  17:4. 18:8.25:23.  26:28.  Ec.  7:21,22.  Jam.  3:6.  q 4.  26:8.  r 26:9.  Ps.  lOj- 
15. 


reasons  for  bridling  their  passions,  and  exercising  themselves 
unto  godliness ; lest  they  should  by  their  crimes  occasion  the 
ruin  of  multitudes,  and  thus  aggravate  their  own  condemna- 
tion.— The  language  of  piety,  separate  from  its  substantial 
effects,  can  only  amuse  and  deceive  those  who  hear,  and  those 
who  use  it. — Malice  is  ever  restless  and  tormenting;  and 
though  disappointed,  it  still  hopes  for  success:  but  numbers, 
power,  rage,  and  subtlet}',  can  never  destroy  those  whom  God 
protects.  His  methods  of  preserving  his  people  are  unnum- 
bered. (Note,  Acts  9:3 — 6.;  He  sometimes  leads  them  into 
the  most  imminent  danger,  to  endear  their  deliverance,  and 
to  increase  the  torment  of  their  persecuting  foes.  And  he 
can  employ  one  enemy,  contrary  to  his  intention,  to  deliver 
us  from  another  still  more  formidable : or  he  can  fill  the  hands 
of  persecutors  with  other  work,  so  that  they  are  constrained 
-to  postpone  their  malicious  purposes.  But  we  must  not 
expect  much  comfort  in  this  evil  world,  which  uses  the  best 
of  men  in  so  base  a manner,  and  which  once  “crucified  the 
Lord  of  glory.”  We  should  therefore  study  to  pass  through 
it  as  pilgrims;  and  to  leave  it,  as  those  who  are  departing  to 
a better  country,  that  is,  a heavenly. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXIV.  V.  1—3.  When  Saul  had 
repelled  the  invasion  of  the  Philistines,  he  selected  throe 
thousand  of  his  troops,  and  resumed  his  pursuit  of  David,  who 
had  taken  refuge  among  some  uncultivated  rocks,  inhabited 
only  by  wild  goats:  and  Saul,  supposing  him  at  a distance, 
retired  into  a cave,  while  his  men  were  absent.  But  in  this 
very  cave,  David  and  his  company  lay  concealed.  Thus  God 
delivered  Saul  into  David’s  hand:  (Note,  23:7,8.)  he  wai 
absolutely  in  his  power,  and  could  have  made  no  resistance; 
nay,  the  manner  of  his  death  might  have  been  concealed,  till 
David  had  taken  proper  measures  to  secure  himself  and  to 
seize  the  throne.  (Notes,  Ps.  57:  142:  titles.) 

V.  4 — 7.  David’s  men  urged  ver y plausibly,  that  God  had 
brought  his  enemy  into  his  power,  in  order  to  fulfil  his  pro- 
mises to  him:  yet  they  were  greatly  mistaken  ; as  in  reality 
the  Lord  intended  to  give  David  an  opportunity  of  exercising 
faith,  patience,  arid  generous  kindness  ; of  showing  the  ten- 
dency and  efficacy  of  his  religious  principles,  the  tenderness 
of  his  conscience,  and  the  steadfastness  of  his  loyalty : for 
the  confutation  of  his  accusers,  a rebuke  to  Saul,  ana  an 
example  to  all  who  read  it. — David  had  a promise  of  the 
kingdom , but  no  command  to  slay  the  reigning  king,  or  pro* 
mise  that  God  would  deliver  Saul  into  his  hand.  (2(?:10.  Notes , 1 
Kings  1 1:37,40.) — Saul  had  been  anointed  by  God’s  command, 
as  well  as  made  king  over  Israel  in  his  providence : bo  had 
indeed  been  rejected;  and  David  had  been  greatly  injured, 
but  he  was  not  his  own  avenger.  David’s  peculiar  circum- 
stances constrained  him  to  defend  himself,  but  not  to  slay 
Saul ; whom  he  looked  upon  as  his  sovereign,  and  the  Lord’s 
anointed , and  not  as  his  rival  and  persecutor.  (Note,  26:8 — 
12.)  He  was  satisfied  with  performing  his  present  duty  ; he 
left  his  protection  and  future  advancement  to  God;  and  he 
deemed  it  an  atrocious  offence  to  “stretch  forth  his  hand.’’  to 
hurt  even  so  wicked  a prince  as  Saul,  and  in  defence  of  his 
own  life.  Nay,  when  ho  had  privily  cut  olf  the  skirt  o( 
Saul’s  robe,  as  a demonstration  of  what  he  could  lmvo  done, 
his  heart  smote  him,  lost  in  this  actior.  he  lmd  failed  of  duo 
respect  to  the  Lord’s  anointed!  (Note,  2 Sam.  24:10.) 
Neither  would  he  allow  his  men  to  injure  him  ^ thou  n :hey 
seem  to  have  been  so  impatient  for  security  f.nd  preferment, 
that  ho  had  much  difficult v in  restrain/'  gand  appeasing  them. 


B.  C.  1060. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


B.  C 1060. 


11  Moreover,  ‘my  father,  see,  yea,  see  the  skirt 
of  thy  robe  in  my  hand  : for  in  that  I cut  oft'  the 
skirt  of  thy  robe,  and  killed  thee  not,  know  thou 
and  see,  that  there  is  ‘neither  evil  nor  transgres- 
sion in  mine  hand,  and  I have  not  sinned  against 
thee : yet  “thou  huntest  my  soul  to  take  it. 

12  The  ‘Lord  judge  between  me  and  thee,  and 
the  Lord  avenge  me, of  thee;  but  rmine  hand 
shall  not  be  upon  thee. 

13  As  saith  the  proverb  of  the  ancients,  ‘Wick- 
edness proceedeth  from  the  wicked,  but  mine 
hand  shall  not  be  upon  thee. 

14  After  whom  is  “the  king  of  Israel  come  out? 
after  whom  dost  thou-  pursue  ? bafter  a dead  dog, 
‘after  a flea  ? 

15  The  Lord  therefore  dbe  Judge,  and  judge 
between  me  and  thee,  and  see,  and  plead  my 
cause,  and  ‘deliver  me  out  of  thine  hand. 

16  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  David  had  made 
an  end  of  speaking  these  words  unto  Saul,  that 
Saul  said,  “Is  this  thy  voice,  my  son  David  ? and 
f Saul  lifted  up  his  voice  and  wept. 

■ 18:27.  2 Kings  5.13.  Prof.  15:1.  t 28:18.  Pa.  7:3,4.  85:7.  John  15:25.  u 23: 
14,23.26:20.  Job  10:16.  Pa.  140:11.  Cam.  4:18.  Ez.  13:18.  Mic.  7:2.  x 26: 
23.  Gen.  16:5.  Judg.  11:27.  Ps.  7:8,9. 35:1 . 43:1.  94:1.  Rom.  12:19.  IPet.2:23. 
Ree. 6:10.  v 26:11.  z Mull.  7;  16— 18.  12:33,34.  15:1 9.  a2Sam.6:20. 

1 Kings.  21:7.  ’ h 17:43.  2Sam.  3:8.  9.8. 16:9.  c 26:20.  Jndg.8:l— 3.  d See 
on  12.  2 Chr.  24:22.  Mic.  1:2.  • Heb  .judge  e 26:17.  Job  6:25.  Prov.l5;l. 

V.  8 — 15.  It  may  be  supposed,  that  David  remained  at  so 
great  a distance  from  Saul  and  his  army,  that  he  was  in  no 
danger  of  being  immediately  seized  on  by  them  ; though  Saul 
could  both  hear  and  see  him.  Yet,  if  Saul’s  heart  should  not 
be  affected  by  his  address,  he  would  be  more  likely  to  crush 
him  than  before.  But  this,  and  all  consequences,  David  trusted 
with  God. — Nothing  can  be  imagined  more  respectful,  pathetic, 
and  forcible,  than  his  conduct  and  address  on  this  occasion. 
He  showed  all  reverence  to  Saul  as  his  prince,  bowing  himself 
before  him  to  the  earth:  he  called  him  respectfully,  “ My 
lord  the  king,”  and  in  token  of  affection,  “My  father,”  being 
his  son-in-law : he  avoided  all  reproaches,  and  sharp  expos- 
tulations : he  intimated  that  Saul’s  prejudice  against  him 
arose  from  slanderous  reports ; and  reminded  him,  that  he 
himself  had  been  counselled  to  take  away  Saul’s  life,  but 
would  not  do  it.  He  adduced  ihe  most  decisive  evidence  that 
he  did  not  mean  to  injure  him  ; while  he  repeatedly  assured 
him  that  his  hand  should  never  be  upon  him.  He  mildly 
expostulated  with  him,  on  the  injustice  and  unreasonableness 
of  his  conduct ; and  humbly  represented  himself  as  beneath 
the  notice  of  so  great  a prince,  who  degraded  himself  in  coming 
out  “ after  a dead  dog,  a single  Jlea an  imagined  enemy 
equally  insignificant.  In  illustration  of  his  own  conduct  he 
quoted  “ the  proverb  of  the  ancients,”  that  “ wickedness  pro- 
ceedeth from  the  wicked,”  that  men’s  actions  manifest  their 
dispositions ; and  if  he  had  been  a wicked  person,  his  actions 
that  day  would  have  shown  it.  At  the  same  time  he  plainly 
and  repeatedly  warned  Saul,  that  the  Lord  would  judge  be- 
tween them,  and  both  deliver  him  out  of  his  hand,  and  avenge 
his  cause  upon  him.  (Notes,  2G:13 — 20.) 

The  imperative  or  optative  mood,  employed  in  these  verses, 
might  perhaps,  with  more  strict  conformity  to  the  Hebrew,  be 
changed  for  the  future  tense  indicative: — “The  Lord  will 
judge  . . . will  avenge,  . . . will  be  Judge,”  &c. 

V.  1G — 22.  These  forcible  words,  and  this  generous  be- 
haviour, produced  a temporary  conviction  in  Saul’s  mind,  of 
David’s  excellency,  the  righteousness  of  his  cause,  and  the 
certainty  of  his  advancement ; and  consequently,  that  him- 
self was  deeply  criminal,  and  in  a ruinous  path.  Probably, 
he  was  in  some  measure  convinced  of  these  things  at  other 
times,  but  they  now  more  deeply  affected  him ; nor  could  he 
suppress  his  emotion,  or  refuse  to  acknowledge  his  convictions. 
Instead  therefore  of  attempting  to  destroy  David  as  he  in- 
tended, his  malice  was  arrested,  and  he  both  spoke  well  of 
him,  foretold  his  establishment  on  the  throne,  and  begged  of 
the  Lord  to  reward  him  for  sparing  his  life  ; and  he  owned  that 
be  should  not  have  behaved  thus,  if  David  had  been  in  his 
power.  Under  this  conviction  Saul  desired  of  David  the  se- 
curity of  an  oath,  that  he  would  not,  when  king,  extirpate  his 
posterity  : and  David  was  willing  thus  to  bind  himself  to  his 
futy.  (Note,  2 Sam.  21:4 — 7.)  But  he  did  not  ask  Saul  to 
swear  to  him,  that  he  would  no  more  seek  his  life  ; probably 
knowing  that  he  did  not  duly  regard  the  obligation  of  an  o”h  : 
nor  would  he-trust  himself  with  him,  being  aware  how  „de 
uch  transient  appearances  could  be  depended  on— Saul’s 
tonduct  'in  persecuting  David,  even  when  convinced  of  his 
excellency,  and  that  he  would  be  advanced  to  the  throne, 
illustrates  the  behaviour  of  the  scribes  and  priests  in  their 
determined  enmity  to  Christ,  notwithstanding  they  could  not 
resist  the  wisdom  of  his  words,  deny  the  reality  of  his  mira- 
cles, or  at  all  impeach  his  character.  (Notes,  Matt  2-3 — G 
Tohn  11:47,48.  12:9—11.  uicls  5:33— 39.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 7.  Wicked  men  are  often  interrupted  in  their  evil 
courses  ; yet  they  return  to  them  when  the  restraint  is  remo- 
ld, as  if  delivered  from  trouble  that  they  might  commit  more 

Vol.  1.— 66 


17  And  lie  said  to  David,  «Thou  art  more 
righteous  than  I : for  hthou  hast  rewarded  me 
good,  whereas  I have  rewarded  thee  evil. 

18  And  thou  hast  showed  this  day  how  that- 
thou  hast  dealt  well  with  me  : forasmuch  as  when 
'the  Lord  had  delivered  me  into  thine  hand,  thou 
killedst  me  not. 

19  For  if  a man  find  his  enemy,  will  he  let 
him  go  well  away  ? wherefore,  Hhe  Lord  reward 
thee  good  for  that  thou  hast  done  unto  me  this 
day. 

20  And  now,  behold,  kI  know  well  that 
thou  shaft  surely  be  king,  and  that  the  king- 
dom of  Israel  shall  be  established  in  thine 
hand. 

21  ‘Swear  now  therefore  unto  me  by  the  Lord, 
that  mthou  wilt  not  cut  off  my  seed  after  me,  and 
that  thou  wilt  not  destroy  my  name  out  of  my 
father’s  house. 

22  And  David  sware  unto  Saul,  and  Saul  went 
home  ; but  "David  and  his  men  gat  them  up  unto 
“the  hold. 


25:11.  Luke  21:15.  Acls6:10.  f Gen. 33:4.  g 26:21.  Gen.  38:26.  Ex.  9:27- 
Ps.  37:6.  Mult.  27:4.  h Matt.  5:44.  Rom.  12:2U,21 . i 10.23:7.  26:23.  f Heb. 
shut  me  up.  23:12.  26:8.  margins.  Ps.  31:8.  j 23:21.  26:25.  Judg.  17:2.  k 2lfc 
30,31. 23:17.  2Sam.  3.17,18.  Job  15:25.  Matt.  2:3—6,13,16.  1 20:14—17.  G*n. 
21:23.  31:48,53.  Heb.  6:16.  m 2 Sam.  21:6— 8.  n Prov.  26:24,25.  Matt.  10: 
16,17.  John  2:24.  o 23:29. 

sins.  (Note.  Jer.  7:8 — 11.)  But  the  Lord  disappoints  their 
malice  ; and  by  bringing  them  into  danger,  gives  them  mani- 
fest proof  of  their  folly  and  wickedness.  W e should  be  very 
careful  what  interpretation  we  put  upon  events  in  Providence, 
and  what  conclusions  we  deduce  from  them  ; lest  we  mistake 
the  opportunity  of  following  our  own  inclinations,  for  an 
approbation  of  our  conduct  in  so  doing;  and  in  doubtful  cases 
we  must  neither  judge  by  appearance,  nor  be  determined  by 
plausible  arguments. — An  accurate  knowledge  of  the  divine 
law,  an  established  judgment,  and  a holy  state  of  heart,  are 
requisite  to  mark  out  the  path  of  duty,  in  many  important 
cases.  But  it  is  always  safe  to  deny  the  suggestions  of  re- 
venge, covetousness,  ambition,  impatience,  or  other  selfish 
principles  : it  savours  more  of  piety  to  interpret  a providen- 
tial dispensation  as  a trial  of  faith  and  patience,  and  an 
exercise  of  self-denial,  than  to  consider  it  as  a license  for 
self-indulgence;  and  a tender  conscience  will  be  peculiarly 
afraid  of  specious  temptations,  and  induce  a man  to  “ abstain 
from  all  appearance  of  evil:” — We  should  perform  all  our 
relative  duties  from  regard  to  the  authority  of  God  ; when 
others  violate  his  law  in  their  conduct  towards  us,  we  must 
not  do  the  same  towards  them  ; and  in  waiting  for  the  per- 
formance of  his  promises  we  must  use  lawful  means  alone. 
Under  the  deepest  injuries  we  are  not  allowed,  and  ought  not 
to  be  inclined,  to  avenge  ourselves ; but  after  the  example  of 
David,  and  of  David’s  Lord,  we  should  “ commit  our  cause 
to  him  that  judgeth  righteously.”  (Note,  I Pet.  2:18 — 25.) — 
Magistracy  is  the  ordinance  of  God,  and  confers  dignity  on 
those  advanced  to  it,  who,  in  all  ordinary  cases  and  lawful 
things,  should  be  honoured  and  obeyed : and  if  they  abuse 
their  trust,  the  Lord  will  execute  vengeance  upon  them  : and 
provided  we  have  the  opportunity,  we  should,  alon|  with  the 
most  loyal  and  unreserved  submission  in  all  things  lawful, 
plainly  warn  them  of  their  danger  in  this  respect.  If  perse- 
cuted in  one  city  we  may  flee  to  another,  and  use  necessary 
means  of  self-preservation  ; but  we  must  not  lift  up  our  hands, 
or  adopt  offensive  measures,  against  those  whom  God  has 
placed  over  us,  though  like  even  Saul  or  Nero.  (Notes, 
Rom.  13:1 — 7.) 

Y.  8 — 22.  It  is  not  enough  that  we  avoid  evil  ourselves  : 
we  should  use  our  influence  to  restrain  others  also,  or  we  shall 
be  chargeable  before  God  for  it. — Mild  language  and  respect- 
ful behaviour,  even  to  wicked  and  injurious  superiors,  are 
ornamental  to  piety.  We  must  hot  indeed  flatter  any  one 
with  the  hope  of  impunity  in  sin  ; yet  we  may  put  the  most 
candid  construction  on  men’s  actions,  and  satisfy  ourselves 
with  manifesting  our  own  innocence,  modestly  complaining  of 
hard  usage,  and  employing  forcible  arguments  and  pathetic 
expostulations.  It  is  also  more  prudent  to  abate  envy  by 
seeking  to  appear  inconsiderable,  than  to  excite  it  by  boasting 
of  dignity,  or  excellence,  or  of  our  past  services. — While  we 
are  thankful  for  having  been  hitherto  preserved  from  open 
crimes,  we  cannot  bind  ourselves  too  strongly,  in  dependence 
on  the  grace  of  God,  to  avoid  them  for  the  time  to  come:  for 
our  conduct  as  Christians  should  form  a contrast  to  that  of 
the  enemies  of  true  religion  ; in  order  to  convjnce  all  men  on 
what  principles  we  act,  and  that  our  cause  is  worthy  of  God, 
The  noblest  of  all  victories  consists  in  “ overcoming  evil  with 
good.” — If  men  in  eminent  stations  had  a proper  sense  of  the 
Importance  attached  to  their  characters  and  conduct,  it  would 
keep  them  from  debasing  themselves  by  such  mean  pursuits, 
as  they  are  often  engaged  in : and  a due  reflection  on  our 
rational  powers,  and  the  unspeakable  value  of  our  immortd 
souls,  would  have  a similar  effect  upon  us  all. — Those  who 
act  conscientiously  will  find  opportunities  of  confuting  their 
revilers,  and  of  being  manifested  in  the  consciences  of  their 
( 521  ) 


3.  L 1059. 


I.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1059. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

Samuel  dies,  and  is  lamented  and  buried  by  all  Israel;  and  David  goes  to 
Paran,l.  The  character  of  Nabal,  and  of  his  wife  Abigail,  2,  3.  David 
sends  to  Nabal  most  respectfully  requesting  some  provisions  ; but  provoked 
by  his  answer,  sets  out  to  destroy  him,  4 — 13.  A servant  warns  Abigail , 
14 — 17.  She  meets  David  with  a present , arid  wisely  pacifies  him,  18 — 31. 
David  blesses  God  for  her  interj/osili m,  and  courteously  dismisses  her, 
32 — 35.  Nabal , hearing  of  the  danger  to  which  he  had  been  exposed,  is  terri- 
fied , and  dies,  36 — 38.  David  marries  Abigail  and  also  Ahinoam,-39 — 43. 
Michal  is  given  to  Phalli,  44. 

AND  Samuel  died;  and  all  the  Israelites  were 
gathered  together,  and  lamented  him,  and 
1 uried  him  cin  his  house  at  Ramah.  And  David 
arose,  and  went  down  to  dthe  wilderness  of 
Paran. 

2  H And  there  was  a man  in  eMaon,  whose 
'possessions  were  in  Carmel;  and  the  fman  was 
very  great,  and  he  had  ethree  thousand  sheep, 
and  a thousand  goats:  and  he  was  Shearing  liis 
Bheep  in  'Carmel. 

3  Now  the  name  of  the  man  was  Nabal,  and 
the  name  of  his  wife  Abigail:  and  she  was  a 
woman  oPgood  understanding,  and  of  a beautiful 
countenance : but  the  man  kwas  churlish  and  evil 
in  his  doings  : and  he  was  of  the  house  of  Caleb. 

4  And  David  heard  in  the  wilderness  that 
Nabal  did  shear  his  sheep. 

5  And  David  sent  out  ten  young  men,  and 
David  said  unto  the  young  men,  Get  ye  up  to 
Carmel,  and  go  to  Nabal,  and  tgreet  him  in  my 
name : 

6  And  thus  shall  ye  say  to  him  that  ‘liveth  in 
prosperity , mPeace  be  both  to  thee,  and  peace 
be  to  thine  house,  and  peaoe  be  unto  all  that  thou 
hast. 

7  And  now  I have  heard  that  thou  hast 


a 23:3.  b Gen.  50:11.  N.im.  20.29.  Deut.  34:8.  Acts  8:2.  c 7.17.  IKings2: 
34.  2 Chr.  33:2  i.  Is.  14:18.  d Gen.  14:6.  21:21.  Nura.  12:16.  Ps.  120:5.  e 23: 
24.  • Or,  business  was.  f Gen.  26:13.  2Som. 19:32.  Fs.  17:14.  73:3— 7. 

Luke  16:19—25.  % Gen.  13:2.  Job  1:3.  42:12.  h Gen.  38:13.  2 Sam.  13:23,21. 
130:5.  Josh.  15:55.  ) Prov.  14:1.  31:26,30,31.  k 10,11,17.  Ps.  10:3.  Is.  32:5— 
7.  f Heb.  ask  him  in  mu  name  of  peace.  17:22.  Gen.  43:23.  I 1 Thes.  3:8. 
1 Tim.  5:6.  m 2 Sam.  18:28.  marg.  I Chr.  12:18.  Matt.  1U:  12,13.  Luke  10:5. 
John  14:27.  2 Thes.  3:16.  n 15,16,21.22:2.  Is.  11:6— 9.  Luke3:14.  Phil.  2:15. 


most  determined  enemies  : and  at  length  the  Lord  will  plead 
and  avenge  their  cause.  (Notes,  Ps.  37:5 — 8.  Is.  54:15 — 17. 
Mic.  7:8 — 10.) — Flattering  and  slanderous  favourites  are  the 
bane  of  princes : by  hearing  their  words,  they  advance  their 
enemies,  and  persecute  their  friends  ; because  the  clamour  of 
their  passions  silences  the  whisper  of  their  consciences. — But 
the  most  atrocious  sinners  have  seasons  of  remorse,  when 
they  perceive  and  are  affected  with  their  situation  : they  are 
almost  persuaded  to  renounce  their  sins ; they  are  convinced 
of  the  excellency  of  true  Christians,  as  acting  from  principles 
superior,  and  even  contrary,  to  those  which  influence  their 
own  conduct : they  cannot  withhold  from  them  a good  word, 
and  wish  or  prayer  ; and  at  once  forbode  their  felicity,  and 
their  own  misery.  Yet,  as  they  are  not  truly  humbled  or 
changed,  sin  and  the  world  reign  in  their  hearts : they  acknow- 
ledge that  they  are  not  so  good  as  some  men,  but  will  not 
confess  hew  very  criminal  they  are ; they  are  more  careful 
about  their  credit  and  interests  in  the  world,  than  the  forgive- 
ness of  their  sins  ; and  while  they  confess  their  own  injustice, 
and  their  obligations  lo  others,  they  leave  it  to  the  Lord  !o 
repay  them. — Those  who  are  experimentally  acquainted  with 
the  grace  of  God,  will  place  little  dependence  on  these 
appearances,  especially  in  those,  who  have  long  sinned  against 
the  light  of  their  own  consciences  : for  there  is  great  reason 
to  fear  that  these  transient  affections  also  will  subside,  and 
leave  the  heart  still  harder  lhan  before. — The  grace  of  God 
will  teach  us  to  forgive  and  be  kind  to  our  enemies,  but  not 
to  trust  those  who  have  repeatedly  deceived  us : for  malice 
often  seems  dead,  when  it  is  only  dormant,  and  will  ere  long 
revive  with  double  force.  Yet,  whether  the  Lord  employ  men, 
bind  their  hands,  or  awe  and  affect  their  hearts,  so  that  they 
lose  for  a season  their  inclination  to  hurt  us  ; the  deliverance 
b from  him,  an  evidence  of  his  love,  and  an  earnest  of  our 
final  salvation. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXV.  V.  1.  If  Samuel  waseighlcen 
years  of  age  at  the  death  of  Eli,  he  must  have  been  at  least 
thirty-eight,  when  he  vanquished  the  Philistines  at  F.benezer. 
(Notes,  7:1,2.)  But  how  many  years  elapsed,  from  that 
time,  to  his  anointing  Saul ; how  long  he  lived  afler  Saul  was 
made  king  ; how  long  Saul  survived  him  ; or  how  long  Saul 
reigned  in  all,  are  rnalters  of  conjecture  or  calculation,  with- 
out any  certain" /into  to  proceed  upon.  (Note,  Acts  1 3:2 1 . ) 
Perhaps  Saul  survived  Samuel  three  or  four  years. — Doubt- 
less Samuel,  to  the  end  of  hjs  days,  presided  over  the 
seminary  of  prophets,  and,  by  his  prayers,  instructions,  and 
example,  was  very  useful  in  private  ; though  he  did  not  much 
intermeddle  in  public  business.  When  he  died,  the  people  in 
general  were  deeply  sensible  of  their  loss,  and  of  their  sin 
and  folly  in  rejecting  him ; which  conviction  tho  disastrous 
events  of  Saul’s  reign,  and  his  capricious  and  tyrannical 
conduct,  would  enhance  : so  that  collecting  themselves  to- 
( 522  ) 


shearers : now  thy  shepherds  which  were  with 
us,  nwe  ‘hurt  them  not,  neither  was  there  ought 
missing  unto  them,  all  the  while  they  were  iL 
Carmel. 

8 Ask  thy  young  men,  and  they  will  show  thee. 
Wherefore  let  the  young  men  find  favour  in  thine 
eyes  : (for  we  come  in  °a  good  day  :)  give,  I pray 
thee,  whatsoever  cometh  to  thine  hand  unto  thy 
servants,  and  to  r*tiiy  son  David. 

9 And  when  David’s  young  men  came,  they 
spake  to  Nabal  according  to  all  those  words  in  the 
name  of  David,  and  ^ceased. 

10  And  Nabal  answered  David’s  servants,  and 
said,  ‘•Who  is  David?  and  who  is  the  son  ol 
Jesse  ? rThere  be  many  servants  now  a days  that 
break  away  every  man  from  his  master. 

11  "Shall  I then  take  my  bread,  and  my  water, 
and  my  "flesh  that  I have  killed  for  my  shearers, 
and  ‘give  if  unto  men  “whom  I know  not  whence 
they  be ? 

12  So  David’s  young  men  turned  their  way, 
and  went  again,  and  ‘came  and  told  him  all  those 
sayings. 

13  And  David  said  unto  his  men,  ?Gird  ye  on 
every  man  his  sword.  And  they  girded  on  every 
man  his  sword,  and  ‘David  also  girded  on  his 
sword,  and  there  went  up  after  David  about  four 
hundred  men;  “and  two  hundred  abode  by  the 
stuff. 

14  H But  one  of  the  young  men  told  Abigail, 
Nabal’s  wife,  saying,  Behold,  David  sent  messen- 
gers out  of  the  wilderness  to  salute  our  master; 
and  he  ’’railed  on  them. 


4:8.  J Heb.  shamed,  o Neh.  8:10.  Kslh.  9: IB.  Luke  11 :41 . 14 : 12— 14.  p Set 
on  3:6.  24: 11.  § Heb.  rested,  q 20:30.  22:7,8.  Ex.  5:2.  Judg.  9:28.  2 Sam. 
20:1.  1 Kings  12:16.  Ps.  123:3,4.  r 22:2.  Ec.7:lU.  e 3.24:13.  Deut.8:l7. 
Judg.  8:6.  Job  31: 17.  Pa.  73:7,8.  1 Pet.  4:9.  ||  Heb.  slaughter.  t Ec.  11:1,2. 
Gal.  6:10.  u 14,15.  John  9:29,30.  2 Cor.  6:9.  x 2 Sum.  24:13.  Is.  36:21,22. 
Heb.  13:17.  y Josh.  9:14.  Prov.  14:29.  16:32.  19:2,11 . 25:8.  Jam.  1:19,20. 
z 24:5,6.  Rom.  12:19 — 21.  a 30:9,10,21 — 24.  U Heb  .few  upon  them.  Mark 
15:29. 


gether,they  made  general  lamentations  for  him  and  honourably 
buried  him. — Upon  this  event  David  removed  into  the  wilder- 
dess  of  Paran,  in  part  of  which  Israel  wandered  before  they 
entered  Canaan;  (Marg.  Ref.  d ;)  perhaps  concluding  that 
Saul’s  malice  would  be  now  more  unrestrained  than  ever. 

V.  2.  {Note,  Job  1:3.) — Carmel. ] Not  mount  Carmel  in 
thenorihof  Canaan  in  the  lot  of  Asher,  (Josh.  19:26. 1 Kings 
18:19,42.)  but  another  place  of  the  same  name  belonging  to 
Judah.  (Josh.  15:55.) 

V.  3 — 6.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Of  the  house  of  Caleb . (3) 
•oSn  (lege  'ZiSs.)  The  LXX  render  it  av$po)iro$  kvvikos , A 
man  like  a dog  ; as  if  derived  from  a dog. — That  liveth , 

&c.  (6)  The  words,  in  prosperity,  are  not  in  the  original. — 
In  this  friendly,  and  respectful,  and  highly  benevolent  saluta- 
tion, David  seems  to  have  spoken  unadvisedly,  in  calling  a 
sottish  and  luxurious  wicked  man,  u him  that  liveth  as  if  his 
own  indigence  scarcely  deserved  the  name  of  life.  (Note, 
1 Thes.  3:6—10,  v.  8.) 

V.  7,  8.  David  had  not  only  restrained  his  rn^n  from  mo- 
lesting Nabal’s  flocks,  but  had  protected  them  against  the  depre- 
dations of  their  invaders.  (Notes,  14 — 17.  22:1,2.)  He  might, 
therefore  justly  have  demanded  a reward  for  his  services: 
buthe  was  rather  desirous  of  becoming  Nabal’s  supplicant, 
for  whatever  came  to  hand  in  a season  of  festivity  ; as  he  was 
in  great  distress,  and  unwilling  to  subsist  by  plunder.  (Note, 
Philem.  8 — 11.)  Nothing  could  be  more  modest,  respectful, 
and  friendly,  than  this  message  was. 

V.  10,  11.  Nabal  doubtless  knew  that  David  had  slain 
Goliath,  and  often  smitten  the  Philistines  ; and  that  ho  was  a 
man  of  eminent  valour  and  capacity,  and  of  unblemished 
reputation  ; that  he  was  the  son-in-law  of  Saul,  and  unjustly 
persecuted ; and  that  in  his  present  necessity  lie  behaved  in 
an  unexceptionable  manner.  But  to  vindicate’  his  sclflsh 
refusal,  he  abused  him  and  his  men  as  runaway  slaves ; and 
thus  he  foolishly  rendered  his  answer  as  exasperating  as  he 
could  ! (Judg.  12:4.) — It  is  observable^  that  Nabal  copied 
Saul’s  contemptuous  way  of  calling  David  the  son  of  Jesse, 
though  he  pretended  ho  knew  not  whence  ho  was!  (Noter, 
20:30.  22:9,10.) 

V.  13.  (Note,  Judg.  12:1 — 7.)  David  had  been  upon 
his  guard  against  anger  and  revenge,  when  most  basely  used 
by  Saul;  (Notes,  24:1 — 15.)  but  he  did  not  expect  such  re- 
proachful language  and  insolent  treatment  from  Nabal:  ho 
was  therefore  wholly  put  off  his  guard  ; and  in  great  indigna- 
tion he  determined  to  avenge  himself.  It  was  also  far  more 
humiliating  to  bo  insulted  by  such  a man  as  Nabal,  than  to 
bo  persecuted  by  the  king.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  14 — 17.  This  servant  not  only  confirmed  what  Da- 
vid had  said,  concerning  his  conduct  and  that  of  his  met. 
but  stated  that  they  had  been  very  useful  to  them.  (Note*. 
7,8.  22:1,2.)  It  docs  not  appear,  whether  !*•?  had  eceb  rJ 


B.  C.  1059. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


B C.  1059. 


15  But  the  men  were  bvery  good  unto  us,  and 
we  were  not  "hurt,  neither  missed  we  any  thing, 
as  long  as  we  were  conversant  with  them,  when 
we  were  in  the  fields : 

16  They  were  ca  wall  unto  us  both  by  night 
and  day,  all  the  while  we  were  with  them  keeping 
the  sheep. 

17  Now  therefore  know  and  consider  what 
thou  wilt  do;  for  devil  is  determined  against  our 
master,  and  against  all  his  household : for  he  is 
such  ea  son  of  Belial, f that  a mail  cannot  speak  to 

him.  [Practical  Observations .] 

18  Then  Abigail  emade  haste,  and  Took  two 
hundred  loaves,  and  two  bottles  of  wine,  and  five 
6heep  ready  dressed,  and  five  measures  of  parched 
com,  and  an  hundred  t clusters  of  raisins,  and 
two  hundred  cakes  of  figs,  and  laid  them  on 
asses. 

19  And  she  said  unto  her  servants.  Go  on 
before  me;  behold,  I come  after  you.  'But  she 
told  not  her  husband  Nabal  : 

20  And  it  was  so,  as  she  krode  on  the  ass,  that 
she  came  down  by  the  covert  of  the  hill,  and, 
behold,  David  and  his  men  came  down  against 
her  : and  she  met  them. 

21  Now  David  had  said,  'Surely  in  vain  have  I 
kept  all  that  this  fellow  hath  in  the  wilderness, 
so  that  nothing  was  missed  of  all  that  pertained 
unto  him:  and  mhe  hath  requited  me  evil  for 
good. 

22  "So  and  more  also  do  God  unto  the  enemies 
of  David,  °if  I leave  of  all  that  pertain  to  him, 
by  the  morning-light,  Pany  that  pisseth  against 
the  wall. 

23  And  when  Abigail  saw  David,  she  hasted, 
and  slighted  off  the  ass,  and  rfell  before  David  on 
her  face,  and  bowed  herself  to' the  ground, 

24  And  "fell  at  his  feet,  and  said,  ‘Upon  me,  my 

b 7,21.  Phil. 2:15.  • Heb. shamed,  c Ex.  14:22.  Job  1:10.  Zech.2;5.  d 20: 
7,9,33.  2 Chr.  25.16.  E«lh.7:7.  e23.2:12.  Teut.  13:13.  Judg.  19:22.  1 King. 
21:10,13.  2 Chr.  13:7.  120:32,33.  2 Ki.igi  5:13,14.  g 34.  Num.  16:16— 48. 

Pro*  6:4,5.  Matt.  5:25.  h Gen.  32:13-20.  43:1 1—14  . 2 Sam.  17:28,29.  Prov. 
18:16.21:14.  t Heb.  lumps.  2Sam.  16:1.  i Pro*.  31:11.12,27.  k2Kings 
4:24.  1 See  on  13.  Job  30:8.  Ps.  37:8.  Eph.  4:26, '27,31 . 1 Thes.5;15.  1 Pet.  2; 
21—23.3:9.  m Gen.  44:4.  Ps.  35:12.  38:20.  109:3— 5.  Pro*.  17:13.  Jer.  18:20. 
Rom. 12:21.  1 Pel.  2:20.  3:17.  n 3: 17.  14:44.  20:13,16.  Ruthl:17.  o 34. 

p 1 Kings  14:10.  16:11.21:21.  2 Kings  9:8.  ,|  Josh.  15:18.  Judg.  1 14.  r 20:41. 
24:8.  s 2 Kings  4:37.  Esth.S:3.  Matt.  18:29.  t 28.  Gen.  44:33,34  . 2 Sam. 
14:9.  Philem.  18,19.  u Gen.  44:18.  2 Sum.  14:12.  } Heb.  ears.  §Heb./ayit 
to  his  heart.  2 Sam.  13: 33.  Is.  42:25.  Mai.  2:2.  x See  on  17,26.  11  That  is, 

any  intelligence  of  David’s  determination,  or  had  only  formed 
a shrewd  conjecture  from  circumstances.  But,  anxious  for 
his  own  safety,  as  well  as  for  that  of  the  family,  and  not  daring 
to  mention  his  apprehensions  to  Nabal,  who  would  probably 
have  grossly  abused  him  for  his  impertinence  ; he  applied  to 
Abigail,  complaining  of  his  master,  as  “ such  a son  of  Belial, 
that  a man  could  not  speak  unto  him  words  not  proper  to 
be  used  by  a servant  concerning  his  master,  if  the  urgency 
of  the  case  had  not  required  them.  ( Notes , Eph.  6:5 — 9. 
1 Tim.  6:1—5.  Tit.  2:9,10.  1 Pet.  2:18—25.) 

Y.  18,  19.  Abigail  was  about  to  dispose  largely  of  Nabal’s 
property  without  his  consent;  but  this  was  necessary  for  the 
preservation  of  him  and  his  family.  She  was  fully  satisfied 
that  his  obstinacy  would  ruin  them  all,  if  he  were  made 
acquainted  with  her  design:  the  peculiarity  of  her  situation 
therefore  fully  justified  her  conduct.  ( Notes , Prov.  31:10 — 12.) 

V.  21,  22.  David,  in  his  sober  judgment,  knew  better 
than  to  repent  of  his  good  deeds ; or  to  think  them  done  in 
vain,  because  requited  with  ingratitude  : his  determination  to 
destroy  or  carry  off  every  male  at  least  of  Nabal’s  family,  for 
his  fault,  was  unjust  and  crt>el  in  the  extreme  : and  his  con- 
firming this  with  a kind  of  oath,  (though  he  turned  off  the  im- 
precation from  himself  unto  his  enemies,)  was  rash,  and 
savoured  of  profaneness. — If  he  had  been  permitted  to  exe- 
cute his  purpose  of  revenge,  it  would  have  occasioned  him 
much  bitter  reflection,  greatly  tarnished  his  character,  and 
given  his  enemies  an  immense  advantage  against  him.  ( Note , 
32,33.) — It  is  probable,  that  his  officers  and  men  generally 
approved  of  his  designs  against  Nabal,  as  expressive  of  a 
proper  spirit  on  the  occasion,  and  necessary  to  deter  others 
from  insulting  them. 

Any  that  pisseth , &c.  (22)  This  seems  to  have  been  a 
proverbial  expression  in  common  use  among  the  Israelites  ; 
and  it  may,  with  the  utmost  propriety,  be  read,  “ every 
male.”  ( Marg . Ref.  p.) 

V.  23 — 31.  The  conduct  and  address  of  Abigail,  on  this 
emergency,  are  worthy  of  high  admiration.  Nabal  had 
insulted  David  as  a runaway  slave  : (Note,  10,11.)  but  in 
order  to  pacify  him,  Abigail  showed  him  the  reverence  due 
to  a superior,  and  to  her  sovereign  in  the  purpose  of  God. 
Though  he  was  evidently  in  a very  angry  spirit,  wholly  unbe- 
coming hi*  character,  she  took  no  notice  of  it ; but  only  en- 


lord,  upon  me  let  this  iniquity  be  : and  “let  thine 
handmaid,  I pray  thee,  speak  in  thine  "audience, 
and  hear  the  words  of  thine  handmaid. 

25  Let  not  my  lord,  I pray  thee,  ^regard  this 
"man  of  Belial,  even  Nabal : for  as  his  name  is,  si 
is  he;  "Nabal  is  his  name,  and  folly  is  with  him- 
but  I thine  handmaid  saw  not  the  young  men  of 
my  lord,  whom  thou  didst  send. 

26  Now  therefore,  my  lord,  ras  the  Lord  liveth, 
‘and  as  thy  soul  liveth,  seeing  “the  Lord  hath 
withholden  thee  from  coming  to  shed  blood,  and 
bfrom  "avenging  thyself  with  thine  own  hand,  now 
‘let  thine  enemies,  and  they  that  seek  evil  to  my 
lord,  be  as  Nabal. 

27  And  now  this  "blessing  which  thine  hand- 
maid hath  brought  unto  my  lord,  let  it  even 
be  given  unto  the  young  men  that  ♦‘follow  my 
lord. 

28  I pray  thee  dforgive  the  trespass  of  thine 
handmaid:  for  “the  Lord  will  certainly  make  my 
lord  a sure  house;  because  my  lord  ffighteth  the 
battles  of  the  Lord,  and  ®evil  hath  not  been  found 
in  thee  all  thy  days. 

29  Yet  a man  is  risen  to  pursue  thee,  and  to 
seek  thy  soul : but  the  soul  of  my  lord  shall  be 
hbound  in  the  bundle  of  life  ‘with  the  Lord  thy 
God,  and  the  souls  of  thine  enemies,  them  shall 
he  Jsling  out,  Has  out  of  the  middle  of  a sling. 

30  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  the  Lord 
shall  have  done  to  my  lord  '‘according  to  all  the 
good  that  he  hath  spoken  concerning  thee,  and 
shall  have  appointed  thee  ruler  over  Israel ; 

31  That  this  shall  be  no  %-rief  unto  thee,  nor 
offence  of  heart  unto  my  lord,  either  that  thou 
hast  shed  blood  causeless,  or  that  my  lord  hath 
'avenged-  himself : but  when  the  Lord  shall  have 
dealt  well  with  my  lord,  then  mrernernber  thine 
handmaid. 


fool,  y 34.  20:3.  2 Kings  2:2, 4, 6.  zSeeonl:26.  a 33.  Gen.  20:6.  b Rom. 
12:19,20.  U Heb.  saving  thyself.  Ps.  13.47,48.  44  3.  c 2 Sam.  18:32.  Jer.  29: 
22.  Dan.  4:19.  ••  Or , present.  30:26.  Gen.  33:11.  2 Kings  5:15.  2 Cor.  9:5. 

ft  Heb.  walk  at  the  feet  of.  42.  marg.  Judg.  4:10.  2 Sam.  16:2.  d 24.  e 15: 
28.  2 Sam.  7:11,16,27.  1 Kings  9:5.  1 Chr.  17:10.25.  1'  17:47.  18:17.  2 Sam.  5: 
2.  2 Chr. 20:15.  Eph.6:lu;il.  g 24:6,7,11,17.  Matt.  5:16.  Luke  23:41 .47. 

h 2:9.  Gen.  15:1.  Deut.  33:29  Ps.  66:9.  1 16:15.  Mali.  10:29,30.  i John  10:27— 
30.  14:19.  17:21,23.  Col.  3:3,4.  1 Pet.  1:5.  j Jer.  10:18:  +♦  Heb.  in  the  midst 

of  the  bow  of  a sling,  k 13:14.  15:28.  23:17.  Ps.  89:20,  &c.  §§  Heb.rfaegor- 

ingy  or,  stumbling.  Prov.  5:12,13.  Rom.  14:21.  2Cor.  1:12.  133.24:15.26:23. 

2Sam.  22:48.  Ps.  94:1.  Rom.  12:19.  m 40.  Gen.  40:14.  Luke  23:42. 


treated  him  to  allow  her,  as  if  she  had  been  the  criminal,  to 
plead  her  cause,  and  that  he  would  give  her  a candid  hearing. 
She  could  not  excuse  her  husband’s  conduct,  and  the  case  did 
not  allow  her  to  veil  his  infirmities : hut  she  attempted  to 
turn  his  well  known  character  for  rashness  and  insolence 
into  an  argument  with  David,  why  he  should  lay  aside  his 
resentment.  She  intimated  that  Nabal,  (whose  very  name 
signified  folly,)  intended  no  peculiar  affront  to  him  ; but  only 
spoke  according  to  his  usual  way  of  treating  those  who  applied 
to  him:  and  it  was  beneath  a person  of  David’s  reputation 
and  eminence,  to  notice  the  rudeness  of  such  a man : but  had 
she  been  present,  the  young  men  would  have  met  with  better 
treatment.  With  consummate  address,  she  expressed  a full 
confidence,  that  the  Lord  had  sent  her  to  keep  his  servant 
David  “ from  avenging  himself  with  his  own  hand  and  she 
solemnly  desired,  that  “ as  sure  as  the  Lord  lived,  and  as 
David’s  soul  lived,”  (iVofe,  20:3.)  all  that  sought  evil  to  him 
might  be  as  weak  and  infatuated  in  their  counsels  as  Nabal : 
and  then  he  would  have  nothing  to  fear  from  them,  for  they 
would  effectually  ruin  themselves.  The  liberal  present, 
which  she  called  a blessing,  being  an  expression  of  her  gooJ 
will,  (Marg.  Ref.  on  marg.  reading,)  she  represented  as  un. 
worthy  of  his  notice,  but  beggpd  that  it  might  be  given'to  his 
followers.  She  professed  her  firm  belief  that  he  and  his 
family  would  he  established  in  the  kingdom : she  made  ho- 
nourable mention  of  his  great  services  to  Israel,  and  of  his 
unblameable  conduct ; and  adverted  to  the  injustice  of  Saul’s 
persecution,  whom  in  honour  of  his  authority  she  did  not 
mention  by  name.  She  declared  her  assurance  of  David’s 
preservation  by  a remarkable  expression,  “ that  his  soul  would 
be  bound  up  in  the  bundle  of  life  with  the  Lord  his  God,”  as 
men  bind  up  those  things  which  they  are  afraid  of  losing. 
(Notes,  Acts  23:11.  27:20—26.)  He  was  irreversibly  appointed 
to  the  kingdom,  and  in  consequence  was  numbered  with 
those  who  are  upheld  in  life  and  protected  against  all  possible 
dangers,  by  the  almighty  power  of  the  everlasting  God : while 
his  enemies  would  be  driven  into  destruction,  as  a stone  is 
violently  thrown  from  a sling.  In  pleading  for  ft  rgiveness, 
she  intimated  that  it  would  be  far  more  honourable  to  his 
character,  and  comfortable  to  his  mind,  when  the  promise* 
of  God  should  be  performed,  to  reflect  that  he  nad  conquered 
his  anger,  than  that  he  had  avenged  himself  ana  shed  blood 
( 523  ) 


B.  C.  1 )59. 


I.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1059. 


32  And  David  said  to  Abigail,  "Blessed  be  the 
Lord  God  of  Israel,  which  sent  thee  this  day  to 
meet  me : 

33  And  "blessed  be  thy  advice,  and  blessed  be 
thou,  Pwhich  hast  kept  me  this  day  from  coming 
to  shed  blood,  and  from  ‘'avenging  myself  with 
mine  own  hand. 

34  For  in  very  deed,  as  the  Lord  God  of  Israel 
liveth,  which  hath  kept  me  back  from  hurting 
thee,  except  thou  hadst  "hasted  and  come  to  meet 
me,  surely  sthere  had  not  been  left  unto  Nabal, 
by  the  morning  light,  any  that  pisseth  against  the 
wall. 

35  So  David  received  of  her  hand  chat  which 
she  had  brought  him,  and  said  unto  her,  lGo  up 
in  peace  to  thine  house  ; see,  I have  hearkened  to 
thy  voice,  and  have  "accepted  thy  person. 

36  H And  Abigail  came  to  Nabal;  and,  behold, 
he  held  *a  (east  in  his  house  like  the  feast  of  a 
king;  and  Nabal’s  heart  was  rmerry  within  him, 
for  he  was  very  drunken : wherefore  7she  told  him 
nothing,  less  or  more,  until  the  morning-light. 

37  But  it  came  to  pass  in  the  morning,  when 
the  wine  was  gone  out  of  Nabal,  and  his  wife  “had 
told  him  these  things,  that  bhis  heart  died  within 
him,  and  he  became  as  a stone. 


nGen. 24:27.  Ex. 18:10.  Ezra  7:27.  Ps.  41:12,13.  Lukcl:68.  2Cor.8:16. 
c Pa.  141:5.  Prov.  9:9.  17:10  . 25:12.  27:21.  28:23.  p 26.  q See  on  26,31.  24: 
13.26:9,10.  r 18.  11:11.  .loan.  10:6,9.  s See  on  p.  22.  1 20:42  . 2 Sam.  15:9. 

2 Kinqs  5:19.  Luke  7:50.  8:48.  u Gen.  19:21.  Job  34:19.  i2Sam,  13:23.  Esth. 
1:3-7.  Luke  14:12.  y2S»m.  13:28.  I Kin»s  20: 16.  Prov.  20:1 . 23:29— 35.  Be. 
2:2,3.  Is.  28:3,7,8.  Jer.  51:57.  linn.  5:1— 5.  Nah.lUO.  Hab.  2:15,16.  Luke  21: 
SI.  Rom.  13:13.  Eph.  5:18.  1 Tlies.  5:7,8.  7.19.  Pa.  112:5.  Mali.  10:16.  Eph. 
5:15.  a 22,34.  b l eut.  28:28.  Job  15:21,22.  c 33,  6:9.  Ex.  12:29.  2 King.  19: 


without  cause  : ( Note , Prov.  16:32.)  and  she  concluded  with 
begging  of  him  to  think  of  her,  and  what  she  had  said,  when 
these  things  were  come  to  pass.  (Notes,  Luke  23:39 — 43.) — 
Nothing  seems  to  have  been  omitted  in  this  address  which 
suited  the  occasion  ; nothing  unsuitable  added  ; all  was  ex- 
pressed in  the  most  persuasive  manner  ; and  the  whole  mani- 
fests Abigail  to  have  been  a woman  of  strong  faith  and  great 
piety,  as  well  as  of  singular  prudence  and  ingenuity. 

V.  32,  33.  Abigail’s  speech  brought  David  to  view  the 
whole  transaction,  and  his  own  spirit  and  purposes  in  the  true 
light;  and  to  bless  God  for  sending  her,  to  pray  for  her  and 
to  thank  her  for  coming  so  speedily  with  advice  so  seasonable 
and  suitable,  by  which  very  much  mischief  and  guilt  had  been 
prevented.  (Note,  Prov.  25:11,12.)  David  repented  of  his 
rash  oath,  and  did  not  think  himself  bound  by  it  to  destroy 
Nabal  and  his  family.  (Notes,  21,22.  Matt.  14:8 — 11.) 

V.  34.  Though  David  only  intended  the  death  of  the  men: 
yet  if  Abigail  and  the  other  women  had  escaped  the  massacre, 
they  must  have  been  most  deeply  injured ; therefore  “the 
Lord  had  kept  him  back  from  hurting  her,”  as  well  as  Nabal 
and  his  men  servants,  or  other  assistants. 

V.  35.  Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Gen.  33:10. 

V.  36 — 38.  (Marg.  Ref.  y.)  When  Nabal  heard  of  the 
imminent  danger,  to  which  his  own  folly  had  exposed  him,  at 
the  very  time  when  he  was  stupified  with  drunkenness  and 
Burrounded  with  those  whom  he  had  tempted  to  the  same 
excess,  his  terror  and  vexation  were  so  great  that  they  sunk 
his  spirits;  and  in  ten  days,  by  the  just  judgment  of  God,  he 
ended  his  life  either  by  the  effect  of  his  intoxication  and  sub- 
sequent horror  and  anguish  of  mind,  or  by  some  more  imme- 
diate stroke  of  the  power  and  indignation  of  God  ; and  he  left 
his  wealth  to  others.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  13:22 — 29.  Dan.  5:5 — 
9.  Luke  12:15 — 21.  21:34 — 36.) — It  seems  his  provisions  were 
bo  large,  his  attendants  so  numerous,  and  his  mind  so  dissi- 
pated or  swallowed  up  in  sensual  gratification,  that  he  did  not 
miss  either  Abigail,  or  her  liberal  present  to  David,  or  the 
servants  who  went  with  her. 

V.  39 — 42.  David  blessed  God  that  he  had  been  kept  from 
avenging  himself : and  he  considered  the  death  of  Naha),  as  a 
uroof  of  the  Lord’s  special  regard  to  him,  in  pleading  his  cause 
against  his  enemies  ; as  an  earnest  of  further  favours  ; and  as 
far  more  suited  to  awe  others  from  injuring  him  than  any  ven- 
geance which  he  could  himself  have  inflicted.  (Notes,  26:8 — 
12.  Rom.  12:17 — 21.) — The  prudence,  ingenuity,  and  piety  of 
Abigail,  as  well  as  her  beauty,  made  a deep  impression  on 
David;  and  therefore,  according  to  the  custom  of  those  times, 
he  sent  messengers  with  proposals  of  marriage  to  her.  On  the 
other  hand,  Abigail  firmly  believed  that  David  would  be  king 
o/er  Israel,  and  highly  esteemed  his  pious  and  excellent  cha- 
racter: she  therefore  deemed  his  proposals  very  honourable 
and  advantageous,  notwithstanding  his  present,  difficulties ; 
and  with  great  humility  acceded  to  them ; being  willing  to 
share  his  trials,  and  to  submit  to  any  services  lor  his  sake. 
(Note,  Gen.  24:58.) 

V.  43,  44.  It  is  probable  that  David  had  married  Ahinoam, 
as  soon  as  Michal  was  married  to  Phalti,  and  that  he  after- 
wards married  Abigail  also.  (Note,  2 Sam.  3:13 — 16.)  In 
this  he  was  carried  away  with  the  custom  of  the  times,  and 
was  connived  at  in  having  more  than  one  wife*. 

( 524  ) 


38  And  it  came  to  pass  about  te^  days  after. 
that  "the  Lord  smote  Nabal,  that  ho  am  a. 

39  And  when  David  heard  that  Nabal  was 
dead,  he  said,  uBlessed  be  the  Lord,  that  hath 
'pleaded  the  cause  of  my  reproach  from  the  hand 
of  Nabal,  and  hath  'kept  his  servant  from  evil  : 
for  the  Lord  ehath  returned  the  wickedness  ol 
Nabal  upon  his  own  head.  And  David  sent  and 
communed  with  Abigail,  hto  take  her  to  him  to  wife. 

40  And  when  the  servants  of  David  were  come 
to  Abigail,  to  Carmel,  they  spake  unto  her,  saying, 
‘David  sent  us  unto  thee,  to  take  thee  to  him  to 
wife. 

41  And  she  arose,  and  bowed  herself  on  her 
face  to  the  earth,  and  said,  Behold,  let  kthine 
handmaid  be  a servant  'to  wash  the  feet  of  the 
servants  of  my  lord. 

42  And  ""Abigail  hasted,  and  arose,  and  rode 
upon  an  ass,  with  five  damsels  of  hers  that  went 
‘after  her  ; and  she  went  after  the  messengers  of 
David,  and  became  his  wife. 

43  David  also  took  Ahinoam  of  "Jezreel;  and 
they-  were  also  "both  of  them  phis  wives. 

44  But  Saul  had  given  sMichal  his  daughter, 
David’s  wife,  to  "Phalti  the  son  of  Laish,  which 
was  of  'Gallim. 


35.  2 Chr.  10:15.  Acts  12:23.  d 32.  Judg.  5:2.  2 Sam.  22:47— 49.  Ps.  58:10, 1L 
Rev. 19:1— 4.  e Prov.  22:23.  Lam.  3 58— 60.  Mic.7:9.  126,34.  Hos.  2:6,7 

2 Cor.  13:7,  1 Tlies.  5:23.  2 Tim.  4:18.  g 2Sam.  3:28,29.  1 Kintrs  2:44.  Esth. 
7:10.  Ps.  716.  Ii  Prov.  18:22.  19:14  . 31:10,30.  i Gen.  24:37,38,51.  k Ruth  2.' 
10,13.  Prov.  15:33.  18:12.  1 Gen.  18:4.  John  13:3— 5.  lTim.5:10.  m Gen.  24. 
61 — 67.  Ps.  45:10,11.  * Heb  .at  her  feet,  n Josh.  15:56.  2 Sam.  3:2.  o Gen. 
2:24.  Matt.  19:5,8.  p 27:3.  30:5.  2 Sam.5:13— 16.  q 18:20,27.  r2Sam.3:14, 
15.  Phaltiel.  e Is.  10.30. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 17.  The  most  honoured  servants  of  God  have  the 
measure  and  period  of  their  usefulness  appointed  them : but 
those  who  persevere  unto  the  end,  walking  with  God,  and 
living  consistently  with  their  profession,  are  happy,  though 
rejected  by  men,  and  driven  into  retired  and  obscure  situations. 
Their  unblemished  characters,  their  good  examples,  and  their 
testimony  to  the  truth,  will  produce  salutary  effects;  and  their 
unceasing  prayers  will  be  answered  in  behalf  of  numbers 
after  they  are  removed  by  death.  Indeed  whole  nations  have 
cause  to  lament,  when  faithful  instructors,  holy  men  of  God, 
and  public  intercessors,  are  taken  away.  But  Jesus,  our  Pro- 
phet, Priest,  Intercessor,  and  Judge,  ever  lives  to  take  care  of 
those  who  trust  in  him. — Riches  make  men  look  great  in  their 
own  eyes,  and  in  the  eyes  of  other  worldly  people  : but  they  are 
often  lavished  on  those,  who  have  neither  wisdom  nor  grace ; 
and  who  so  pervert  them,  as  to  ruin  themselves,  and  to  render 
very  many  wicked  or  wretched.  To  be  descended  from  honour- 
able ancestors  forms  another  branch  of  man’s  foolish  vanity  (3;) 
yet  it  frequently  is  a most  severe  reproach  to  the  character 
and  conduct  of  those  who  value  themselves  upon  it. — Women 
of  virtue,  good  sense,  and  amiable  qualifications,  are  often 
married,  for  the  sake  of  wealth,  to  persons  so  entirely  unsuit- 
able for  them,  that  it  renders  their  whole  lives  wretched  and 
exposed  to  manifold  temptations.  It  is  therefore  incumbent 
on  parents,  in  respect  of  their  children,  and  on  young  persons 
in  their  own  case,  to  resist  all  temptations  to  a conduct,  which 
is  likely  to  be  so  fatal  in  its  consequences.  But  prudent  and 
pious  relations  are  an  invaluable  treasure,  and  often  retard 
the  ruin  of  those,  who  have  not  sense  to  know  their  worth: — 
and  especially,  u a prudent  wife  is  from  the  Lord.”  (Note, 
Prov.  19:14.)  Those,  whom  the  Lord  most  honours,  are 
frequently  very  destitute  for  a season ; and,  as  they  will  not 
hove  recourse  to  fraud  or  violence,  like  others  in  similar  cir- 
cumstances, they  are  sometimes  constrained  to  become  sup- 
plicants to  ungodly  persons.  On  such  occasions  it  is  proper 
to  speak  with  modesty  of  themselves,  and  with  decent  respect 
and  hearty  good  will  to  those  whose  assistance  they  request, 
wishing  them  the  continuance,  increase,  or  accession  of  every 
blessing:  hut  they  should  be  careful,  lest  they  verge  towards 
flattery,  and  pass  such  compliments  as  do  not  consist  with 
truth,  and  as  tend  to  confirm  sinners  in  a favourable  opinion 
of  themselves. — Worldly  men  deem  riches  their  own ; hut  God 
declares  they  are  another's,  and  that,  they  must  shortly  give  an 
account  of  their  stewardship.  (lAike  16:12.)  When  they  are 
determined  not  to  relieve  the  necessitous,  they  often  excuse 
themselves  by  railing ; by  charging  the  vices  of  some  poor 
persons  upon  all ; and  by  representing  alms-giving  as  an  en- 
couragement to  idleness,  impertinence,  and  extravagance : nor 
are  the  most  excellent  characters  any  defence  against  such 
undistinguishing  invectives,  which  betray  the  pride,  ignorance, 
malice,  and  avarice  of  the  heart,  from  which  they  proceed. 
— In  imitation  of  the  Lord’s  example,  we  are  commanded  to 
do  good  to  the  evil  and  ungrateful;  and  wretched  should  w« 
all  be,  if  he  dealt  with  us  by  those  rules,  which  we  are  often 
disposed  to  adopt  in  our  behaviour  to  our  poor  brethren. — 
While  we  enjoy  abundance,  we  should  be  liberal  to  tilt  indi- 
gent: but  many  will  lavish  ns  much  upon  one  utmrressary, 
proud , and  luxurious  feast,  or  upon  the  excessive  indulgette 


B.  C.  1059.  CHAPTER  XXVI.  B.  C.  1059 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Saul,  informed  by  the  Ziphites,  pursues  David  to  Hachilah,  1 — 1.  David  by 
night  comes  to  Saul's  tent,  toith  Ah  i that , whom  he  hinders  from  slaying  Saul; 
but  he  lakes  away  his  spear  and  cruse , 5 — 12.  David  at  a distance  reproves 
Abner's  negligence,  protests  his  own  innnctmcy,  and  expoetulatcswith  Saul, 
13 — 20.  Saul  owns  his  sin,  and  returns  home,  ‘21 — 25. 

AND  the  "Ziphites  came  unto  Saul  to  Gibeah, 
saying,  ’’Doth  not  David  hide  himself  in  the 
hill  of  Hachilah,  which  is  before  Jeshimon  ? 

2  Then  'Saul  arose,  and  went  down  to  the 
wilderness  of  Zipli,  having  dthree  thousand  chosen 
men  of  Israel  with  him,  to  seek  David  in  the  wil- 
derness of  Ziph. 

3  And  Saul  pitched  in  the  hill  of  'Hachilah, 
which  is  before  Jeshimon,  by  the  way.  But 
David  abode  in  the  wilderness,  and  he  saw  that 
Saul  came  after  him  into  the  wilderness. 

4  David  therefore  f sent  out  spies,  and  under- 
stood that  Saul  was  come  in  very  deed. 

5  And  David  arose,  and  came  to  the  place 
where  Saul  had  pitched:  and  David  beheld  the 
place  where  Saul  lay,  and  sAbner  the  Son  of  Ner, 
the  captain  of  his  host:  and  Saul  lay  in  the 
’trench,  and  the  people  pitched  round  about  him. 

6  Then  answered  David  and  said  to  Ahimelech 
the  hHittite,  and  to  'Abishai  the  son  of  kZeruiah, 
brother  to  Joab,  saying,  ’Who  will  go  down  with 

a Josh.  15:21,55.  b 3.  23:19.  Ps.  51:  title.  C2333-25.  24:17.  Pa.  38:12.  140: 
4—9.  d 24:2.  el.  23:19.  fJoah.S:!.  Malt.  10:16.  s 8:1.  14:30,51.  17:55. 
2 Sam.  2:8,  &c.  3:7,8,27,33—38.  1 Chr.  9:39.  * Or,  midst  of  his  carriages. 

h Gen.  10  15.  15:20.  2 Sam.  11:6,21,24.  12:9.  23:39.  i2Sam.2:18.  16:9,10. 

18:5.  23:18.  1 Chr.  2:16.  k 1 Chr. 2:15, 16.  1 14:6,7.  Judg.  7:10,11.  m 1 Thes. 

of  their  own  appe'iles  or  vanity,  as  would  be  deemed  an  ex- 
orbitant sum  to  expend  in  acts  of  charity.  (Note,  Luke  14: 
12 — 14.) — Silence  is  generally  our  wisdom,  when  assaulted 
by  provoking  language  ; otherwise  we  shall  be  betrayed  into 
folly  and  sin:  and  when  the  messengers  of  the  Son  of  David 
meet  with  abuse  and  railing  for  his  sake,  they  must  hold  their 
peace,  and  report  it  to  their  Lord,  who  will  surely  and  justly 
resent  it. — How  changeable  are  the  best  of  men  ! how  contrary 
their  conduct  in  one  instance,  to  what  might  have  been  ex- 
pected from  another!  A small  temptation  frequently  p-evails 
over  them,  after  a greater  has  been  resisted : for,  when  off 
their  guard,  they  are  driven  away  “as  a rolling  thing  before 
the  whirlwind !” — Passionate  resolutions,  formed  without  time 
for  reflection  or  praver,  are  the  result  of  Satan’s  counsel ; and 
under  this  influence  we  are  capable  of  imitating  the  worst 
actions  of  the  worst  of  men,  and  of  di  regarding  all  conse- 
quences to  our  own  character  and  peace,  to  the  church  of 
God,  or  to  those  who, rejoice  in  being  thus  emboldened  in  im- 
piety ! — Many  servants  have  more  wisdom  and  grace  than 
their  masters,  and  could  suggest  to  them  useful  hints : but 
those  who  are  such  sons  of  Belial,  that  a man  cannot  speak  to 
them,  will  lose  this  advantag“,  and  will  not  permit  any  one  to 
extricate  them  from  the  dangers,  to  which  they  are  exposed 
by  their  own  imprudence.  (Note,  2 Kings  5:13,14.) — General 
rules  of  submission  to  superior  relations  must  be  interpreted 
according  to  circumstances.  In  great  emergencies  the  form 
may  be  dispensed  with  ; and  the  preservation  of  a man’s  life 
or  fortune  will  justify  a failure  in  exterior  indications  of  respect. 
— It  is  honourable  when  others  commend  us  for  those  services, 
of  which  we  say  nothing:  and  when  it  appears,  that  we  had  a 
right  to  demand  more  than  we  ’petitioned  for. 

V.  18 — 44.  In  urgent  cases,  despatch  is  as  requisite  as 
prudence:  inferior  interests  should  always  be  sacrificed  to 
preserve  the  greater;  our  property  to  preserve  our  lives; 
our  very  lives  for  the  salvation  of  our  souls. — Respect  and 
liberal  kindness  are  proper  means  of  averting  wrath  : hut,  with 
wise  and  godly  men,  right  words  are  most  forcible.  When,  in 
mild  language,  matters  are  fairly  stated,  and  proper  topics 
adduced,  their  judgments,  affections,  and  consciences  are  ap- 
pealed to ; and  they  cannot  but  be  overcome,  if  they  can  be 
prevailed  upon  to  listen. — It  is  beneath  a wise  man  to  resent 
the  affronts  of  those,  who  are  notoriously  foolish  and  abusive. 
— Every  servant  ofGod  should  duly  estimate  his  own  situation; 
what  his  obligations,  professions,  and  prospects  are  : what  his 
station  in  the  church:  what  his  former  conduct  and  present 
character ; that  he  may  with  great  circumspection  avoid  every 
inconsistent  word  and  action ; for  according  to  these  things, 
wi7.  be  men’s  expectations  from  him  and  censures  of  him. 
( Ne tea,  Ec.  10:1 . Matt.  5:14 — — 1 (>. ) — Patience  and  forgiveness 
of  injuries  will  never  occasion  uneasy  reflections ; but  revenge 
must  in  every  case  be  recollected  with  grief  of  heart : and  if 
ve  could  but  listen  to  our  prudent  and  faithful  counsellors  at 
present,  with  the  same  candour  that  we  shall  reflect  upon 
their  advice  in  future,  we  might  avoid  much  sorrow  and  many 
offences:  we  should  indeed  always  earnestly  endeavour  to 
realize,  under  temptation,  all  the  consequences  of  compliance, 
as  they  will  afterwards  appear  to  us. — Happy  is  the  true  be- 
liever! “ his  soul  is  bound  up  in  the  bundle  of  life  with  the 
Lord  his  God.”  In  the  midst  of  dangers  and  enemies,  his 
natural  life  is  perfectly  safe  till  the  appointed  hour:  the  life  of 
his  soul  “ is  hid  with  Christ  in  God  ;”  ( Note,  Col.  3:1 — 4.)  and 
because  the  Saviour  liveth,  he  shall  live  also  : whilst  all  his 
<oes  shall  be  driven  to  destruction. — Our  gratitude  to  God 


me  to  Saul  to  the  camp?  And  Abishai  said,  I will 
go  down  with  thee. 

7 So  David  and  Abishai  came  to  the  people 
by  night:  and,  behold,  Saul  lay  msleeping  within 
the  trench,  and  his  spear  stuck  in  the  ground  at 
his  holster:  but  Abner  and  the  people  lay  round 
about  him. 

8 Then  said  Abishai  to  David,  "God  hath 
♦delivered  thine  enemy  into  thine  hand  this  day  : 
now  therefore  let  me  smite  him,  I pray  thee,  with 
the  spear,  even  to  the  earth  at  once,  and  I will 
not  smite  him  °the  second  time. 

9 And  David  said  to  Abishai,  Destroy  him  not : 
for  i’who  can  stretch  forth  his  hand  against  the 
Lord’s  anointed,  and  be  guiltless  ? 

10  David  said  furthermore,  As  ithe  Lord  liveth, 
the  Lord  shall  smite  him ; or  rlns  day  shall  come 
to  die  ; or  she  shall  descend  into  battle,  and  perish. 

11  The  Lord  forbid  ‘that  I should  stretch  forth 
mine  hand  against  the  Lord’s  anojnted : hut,  I 

ray  thee,  take  thou  now  the  spear  that  is  at  his 
olster,  and  the  cruse  of  water,  and  let  us  go. 

12  So  David  took  "the  spear  and  the  cruse  of 
water  from  Saul’s  holster;  and  they  gat  them 
away,  and  no  man  saw  it,  nor  knew  it,  neither 

5:2,3.  n 23  23:14.  24:4,18,19.  Josh. 21:44.  Judg.  1:4.  t Hell,  shot  vp.  24:18. 
Dent.  32:30.  Ps.  31:8.  Rom.  11:32.  marg.  Gal.  3:22,23.  Gr.  o Nab.  1:9.  p 24t 
6,7. -2  Sam.  1:14,16.  Ps.  105:15.  q 24:15.  25:26,38.  I s.  94:1,2,23.  Luke  18:7. 
Rom.  12:19.  Rev.  18:8.  r Gen.  47:29.  Deut.  31:14.  Job  7:1.  14:5,14.  Ps.  37:10, 
13.  s 31:6.  Dcut.  32:35.  t 24:6,12.  2 Sam.  1:14,16.  u 7.  24:4. 


should  precede,  but  not  exclude,  our  gratitude  to  the  instru 
ments  of  his  goodness.  We  have  peculiar  cause  to  be  thank- 
ful, when  we  have  been  restrained  from  ihose  sins  which  we 
were  ready  to  commit : and  real  penitents  will  not  be  back- 
ward to  take  shame  to  themselves,  and  to  retract  their  rash 
expressions;  for  they  will  tremble  to  reflect,  what  the  conse- 
quences would  have  been,  had  they  been  left  to  themselves. 
— The  people  of  God  need  not  avenge  their  own  cause,  for 
he  will  surely  do  it  for  them;  and  sometimes  more  awfully 
than  they  could  have  desired  : yet  wl\en  his  purpose  is  known, 
they  will  adore  his  justice,  and  bless  him  for  his  kindness  to 
them. — Whilst  divine  vengeance  hovers  over  the  head  of 
sinners,  they  are  often  given  up  to  foolish  mirth  and  mad  in- 
toxication.— If  the  danger  of  a violent  death  be  so  terrifying 
as  to  overwhelm  the  spirits  in  dismay  and  anguish,  how  should 
sinners  tremble  at  the  thoughts  of  eternal  damnation,  and  flee 
without,  delay  from  the  wrath  to  come! — Worldly  sorrow, 
mortified  pride,  and  an  affrighted  conscience,  sometimes  suffice 
to  end  the  sensualist’s  joys,  and  separate  the  covetous  man 
from  all  his  wealth : but  whatever  be  the  weapon,  the  Lord 
smites  men  with  death  whenever  it  pleases  him. — Modesty, 
prudence,  and  humility,  are  preparations  to  advancement : and 
a wise  man  will  always  know  the  value  of  a pious  and  virtuous 
wife.'  (Notes,  Pmv.  18:22.  19:14.)  But  some  deviations 
from  the  divine  law,  and  some  alloy  to  our  comforts,  must 
be  expected  in  every  character,  and  every  situation,  on  this 
side  of  heaven. 

NOTES— Chap.  XXVI.  V.  1,  2.  It  is  probable,  that 
Saul  had  desisted  from  the  pursuit  of  David,  till  excited  again 
by  the  officious  information  of  the  Ziphites,  who  perhaps 
despaired  of  David’s  pardon  for  their  former  malice  and  per- 
fidy. (Notes,  23:19 — 28.)  Upon  this,  Saul’s  envy  and 
malice  revived;  like  Pharaoh,  he  again, hardened  his  heart  • 
and  he  determined  to  make  another  effort  to  destroy  his  rival. 
(Note,  Ex.  14:5 — 9.) 

V.  3,  4.  David  neither  fled,  nor  went  out  to  meet  Saul, 
when  he  was  fully  certified  that  he  was  actually  come  forth  to 
destroy  him!  Had  a much  greater  army  of  uncircumcised 
Philistines  marched  against  him,  he  would  doubtless  have 
faced  them  with  his  small  company,  and  trusted  in  God  for  the 
event : but  he  would  not  fight  against  the  “Lord’s  anointed.” 
( Notes,  24:8 — 15.  28:1,2.) 

V.  5 — 7.  It  is  probable,  that  David  was  directed  to  this 
measure  by  the  prophetical  Spirit,  in  order  that  all  Israel 
might  be  convinced  how  injuriously  he  was  slandered  by  his 
enemies.  Having,  therefore,  in  the  day-time  made  every 
requisite  observation,  he  proposed  the  matter  to  two  of  his 
attendants  : but  Ahimelech,  who  was  a proselyted  Hittite. 
seems  not  to  have  had  that  strength  of  faith  in  the  God  of 
Israel,  which  so  bold  an  adventure  required  ; and  Abishai,  the 
son  of  David’s  sister,  alone  accompanied  David.  (Marg.  Ref. 
i.  Note,  14:6 — 10.) 

V.  8 — 12.  Perhaps  Abishai  thought,  that  David,  though 
he  scrupled  to  kill  Saul  with  his  own  hands,  w’ould  allow  one 
of  his  officers  to  terminate  the  dangers  and  difficulties  of  him 
and  his  adherents,  by  cutting  off  at  one  blow  their  inveterate 
persecutor,  whom  Providence  had  now  put  in  tb  )ir  pov  er, 
apparently  for  this  very  purpose : but  D^vid  v/ould  by  no 
means  admit  of  this  evasive  distinction. — It  has  been  suggest- 
ed, that  David  spared  Saul,  the  Lord’s  anointed,  out  of  policy, 
that  he  might  not  teach  the  people 'a  bad  lesson  against  himself ; 
but  it  is  evident,  that  he  acted  from  higher  motives.  The  Lord 
forbade  him  to  do  it ; (Note,  1 Kings  21:3.)  and  “ no  man  could 
( 525  ) 


B.  C.  1 159. 


I.  SAMUEL, 


B.  C.  1059 


aw’ked  : for  they  were  all  asleep ; because  Ta  deep 
sleep  from  the  Lord  was  fallen  upon  them. 

13  H Then  David  went  over  to  the  other  side, 
and  stood  on  *the  top  of  an  hill  afar  off;  a great 
space  being  between  them  : 

14  And  David  cried  to  the  people,  and  to 
Abner  the  son  of  Ner.  saying,  Ansr/erest  thou 
not,  Abner?  Then  Abner  answered  and  said, 
Who  art  thou  that  criest  to  the  king? 

15  And  David  said  to  Abner,  Art  not  thou  a 
valiant  man  ? and  who  is  like  to  thee  in  Israel  ? 
wherefore  then  hast  thou  not  kept  thy  lord  the 
king?  for  -There  came  one  of  the  people  in  to  des- 
troy the  king  thy  lord. 

16  This  thing  is  not  good  that  thou  hast  done. 
As  the  Lord  liveth  ye  are  'worthy  to  die,  because 
ye  have  not  kept  your  master,  the  'Lord’s  anointed. 
And  now  see  where  the  king’s  spear  is,  and  the 
cruse  of  water  that  was  at  his  bolster. 

17  And  Saul  knew  David’s  voice,  and  said, 
a/s  this  thy  voice,  my  son  David  ? And  David 
said,  It  is  my  voice,  my  lord,  O king. 

18  And  he  said,  bWherefore  doth  my  lord  thus 
pursue  after  his  servant?  for  cwhat  have  I done? 
or  what  evil  is  in  mine  hand  ? 

19  Now  therefore,  I pray  thee,  dlet  my  lord  the 
king  hear  the  words  of  his  servant:  If  the  Lord 
have  'stirred  thee  up  against  me,  let  him  'accept 
an  offering : but  if  they  be  the  children  of  men, 


t Gen.  2:21 . 15:12.  E»lh.  6:1.  Is.  2D  10.  x21:S.  .Imlg.  9:7.  y 8.  • Heb.  the  eons 
of  death.HS  31.  2 Sam.  12:3.  19:28.  Ps.  79:11.  102:21).  margins.  Eph.2:3.  7 9,11. 
24:6.  a 24.8.16.  1:24:9. 1L— 14.  Ps. 7:3— 5.  35:7.  69:4.  c 17:29.  John  8:46. 10:32. 
18:23.  d 25:24.  Gen.  -11  13.  c 13:14—23.  13.10.  2 Sam.  16:11.  24:1.  I Kings  22: 
22.  1 Chr.  21:1.  t Heb.  smell.  Gen.  8:21 . Lev.  25:31.  fProv.  6:16— 19.  30:10. 
Gal.  1:8,9.  5:12.  2Tiin.4;I4.  g lleut.  4:23.  Josh.  22:25— 27.  l's.  42:1,2. 120:5. 


stretch  forth  his  hand  against  the  Lord’s  anointed,  and  be 
guiltless.”  (Note,  24:4 — 7.)  Satisfied  that  God  would  avenge 
his  cause  and  fulfil  his  promises,  in  his  own  time  and  manner ; 
and  recolleciing  how  h3  had  just  before  smitten  Nabal; 
(Notes,  25:35—42.)  he  would  do  nothing  against  his  prince: 
hut  he  took  an  effectual  way  of  convincing  him,  that  he  could 
have  slain  him. — A deep  sleep.  (12)  (Marg.  Ref . v.  Notes, 
Ps.  76:5,6.  Acts  12:5—11.) 

V.  13 — 16.  David,  by  retiring  to  a place  of  safety  before 
he  called  to  Abner,  seems  to  have  manifested  more  entire 
distrust  of  Saul,  than  he  had  done  on  a former  occasion. 
(Note,  24:8 — 15.)  Yet  he  desired  that  Saul  and  all  Israel 
should  be  informed  of  his  conduct  at  this  time. — Abner  and 
his  soldiers,  by  neglecting  to  guard  Saul  when  he  slept,  had 
exposed  his  life,  and  merited  to  be  treated  as  his  enemies, 
though  he  confided  in  them  as  friends : for  though  their  sound 
sleep  was  supernatural ; (12)  yet  there  might  be  a neglect  of 
placing  sentinels,  arising  from  contempt  of  David’s  small 
company. — Saul  also  deemed  David  his  enemy;  and  yet 
David  had  spared  and  protected  his  life  in  the  most  friendly 
manner  ! 

V.  17 — 19.  (Marg.  Ref.)  David  had  not  offended  Saul; 
yet  he  acknowledged  that  he  was  a sinner  against  the  Lord  : 
and  if  convinced  that  his  sufferings  were  a divine  rebuke  for 
any  particular  offence,  he  would  offer  a sacrifice,  that  his  sin 
being  pardoned,  his  trials  might  cease  : or,  if  Saul  was  insti- 
gated to  this  persecution  by  the  evil  spirit,  whom  God  judicially 
permitted  to  trouble  him,  he  intimated  to  him  that  he  ought 
to  ceek  forgiveness  and  deliverance  in  the  appointed  way. 
(Notes,  16:14 — 23.)  But  if  wicked  men  instigated  him  to  it, 
they  might,  expect  severe  vengeance,  for  thus  banishing  David 
from  the  worship  of  Jehovah,  and  tempting  him  to  turn 
idolater.  The  clause  might  he  rendered,  u they  are  accursed.” 
—David  carefully  avoided  mentioning  Saul’s  envy  and  malice, 
\>hich  were  the  real  causes  of  his  conduct:  for  he  did  not 
mean  to  irritate,  but  to  mollify  him. 

V.  20.  Though  David  was  so  very  inconsiderable  a person, 
according  to  his  modest  representation  of  himself;  (Notes, 
18:23 — 27.  24:8 — 15.)  yet  he  intimated  that,  if  his  blood  were 
shed,  the  Lord  would  certainly  require  it.  (Note,  Jer.  26: 
12 — 15.)  The  word  (N^p)  rendered  a partridge,  is  supposed 
to  mean  a kind  of  bird  which  was  very  difficult  to  be  caught, 
and  of  very  little  value.  It  is  used  only  in  this  place,  and 
once  by  Jeremiah.  (Note,  Jer.  17:11.) 

V.  21 — 25.  This  second  instance  of  David’s  fidelity  seems 
to  have  affected  Saul  more  than  the  former.  He  confessed 
his  guilt  and  folly  in  much  stronger  terms,  and  even  invited 
David  to  return  to  court,  and  promised  that  he  would  not 
hurt  him.  he  repeated  his  good  words  and  wishes,  and  his 
persuasion  that  he  would  prevail  and  he  very  eminent.  (Note, 
24:16 — 22.)  But  no  evidences  appeared  of  true  repentance 
towards  God:  and  David  plainly  intirrated  that,  he  could  not 
trust  his  promises,  and  that  he  expected  no  recompense  from 
him  ; but  he  referred  his  cause  to  the  Lord,  who  would  protect 
ami  deliver  him,  and  do  him  justice.  (Notes,  Ps.  7:3 — 7. 
17:1—3.  141:6,7.  2 Thes.  1:5—10.)  Thus  Saul  and  David 
parted  to  meet  no  more  in  this  life. 

( 526  ) 


'cursed  be  they  before  the  Lore  ; for  *they  liavt 
driver,  me  out  this  day  from  ^abiding  in  hthe 
inheritance  of  the  Lord,  saying,  Go,  serve  other 

gods. 

20  Now  therefore,  'let  not  my  blood  fall  to  the 
earth  before  the  face  of  the  Lord  : for  kthe  king 
of  Israel  is  come  out  to  seek  a flea,  as  when  one 
doth  hunt  a partridge  in  the  mountains. 

21  Then  said  Saul,  'I  have  sinned  : return,  my 
son  David : for  mI  will  no  more  do  thee  harm, 
because  "my  soul  was  precious  in  thine  eyes  this 
day  : behold,  I have  played  the  fool,  and  have 
erred  exceedingly. 

22  And  David  answered  and  said,  Behold  the 
king’s  spear ; and  let  one  of  the  young  men  come 
over  and  fetch  it. 

23  The  Lord  "render  to  every  man  his  right- 
eousness and  his  faithfulness:  for  the  Lord  de- 
livered thee  into  my  hand  to-day,  but  U would 
not  stretch  forth  mine  hand  against  the  Lord’s 
anointed. 

24  And,  behold,  ias  thy  life  was  much  set  by 
this  day  in  mine  eyes,  so  let  my  life  be  much  set 
by  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  and-  "let  him  deliver 
me  out  of  all  tribulation. 

25  Then  Saul  said  to  David,  ‘Blessed  be  thou, 
my  son  David : thou  shalt  both  do  great  things, 
and  also  shalt  still  ‘prevail.  "So  David  went  on 
his  way,  and  Saul  returned  to  his  place. 


Rom.  14:15.  1 Heb.  cleaving,  h 2 Sam.  14:16.  20:19.  i 2:9  . 25:29.  k24:14. 
Matt.  26:47,55.  1 15:24,30.  24:17.  Ex.  9:27.  Num.  22:34.  Matt.  27:4.  m27:4. 
n 24.  Ps.  49:8.  116:15.  o 1 King.  8:32.  Nell.  13:14.  Ps.  7:8,9.  18:20— 26.  p 9, 
11.  24:6.7.  q Ps.  18:23.  Matt.  5:7.  7:2.  r Gen.  48:16.  Ps.  18:  title.  48.  34:17, 
18.  144:2.  Act.  14:22.  Rev.  7:14.  s 24:19.  Num.  24:9,10.  l Gen.  32:28.  Hoe. 
12:4.  u 24:22.  Pros.  26:25. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

One  crime  generally  proves  an  inducement  to  another,  and 
seems  to  render  it  necessary  for  self-preservation : and  this 
again  makes  way  for  further,  and  still  more  atrocious  vices. — 
If  sin  be  not  dethroned  and  mortified,  it  will  surely  recover 
its  strength  when  a suitable  temptation  is  presented;  and 
Satan  and  his  agents  will  suggest  such  thoughts,  as  tend  to 
re-kindle  the  smothered  flame : thus,  after  deep  convictions 
and  temporary  reformations,  men  return  to  their  sins,  and 
become  worse  than  ever.  The  servants  of  God  ought  to 
persevere  in  a blameless  conduct,  however  injured.  Thus  it 
will  appear  that  they  act  from  a settled  purpose  of  doing  good 
for  the  Lord’s  sake:  and  in  some  cases,  they  will  need  the 
boldness  of  a lion,  as  well  as  the  wisdom  of  the  serpent,  and 
the  harmlessness  of  the  dove,  that  they  may  avoid  evil  and 
the  appearance  of  evil,  and  yet  use  proper  means  of  escaping 
the  malice  of  their  enemies. — Confidence  in  God  fortifies  the 
soul  against  temptations  to  seek  relief  by  sin : and  it  often 
requires  as  much  resolution  to  restrain  the  excesses  of  mis  - 
judging zealous  friends,  as  to  stand  firm  against  the  rage  of 
incensed  enemies. — If  we  would  have  outward  blessings  with 
comfort  and  reputation,  we  must  patiently  and  quietly  wait 
for  them  in  the  path  of  duty : and  when  wicked  men  obstruct 
the  purposes  of  God  and  the  performance  of  his  promises, 
he  can  easily  remove  them  without  our  help.  W e are  expo- 
sed to  so  many  dangers,  whenever  we  close  our  eyes,  that  wo 
should  previously  examine  our  state,  whether  we  he  ready  foi 
death  ; and  then  commit  ourselves  to  the  keeping  of  that 
almighty  Protector,  who  44  neither  slumbereth  nor  sleepeth  ;** 
otherwise  our  necessary  repose  may  confine  us,  as  in  a prison, 
till  some  awful  calamity  comes  upon  us  with  unexpected  des- 
truction. (Note,  1 Thes.  5:1 — 3.)  The  supposed  friends  of 
ungodly  men  are  either  incapable  of  serving  them,  or  they 
treacherously  neglect  and  expose  them:  and  the  pious  people, 
whom  they  hate  and  revile,  are  their  most  valuable  friends,  as 
they  persevere  in  prayers  for  them  and  kindness  to  them. 
Good  works  give  energy  to  persuasive  words  •'  and  whether 
we  plead  our  own  cause,  or  the  cause  of  God,  evident  integrity 
and  consistency  of  conduct  go  further  in  producing  conviction, 
than  all  the  powers  of  eloquence  without  them  : and  for  want 
of  this  confirmation,  much  sound  reasoning  and  pathetic  ex* 
hortation  pass  for  unmeaning  declamation.  Men’s  transgres- 
sions against  God  are  the  cause  of  their  enmities  against 
each  other;  and  no  reconciliation  has  an  immoveable  basis, 
which  is  not  founded  on  peace  with  God  through  Jesus  Christ. — 
Those  who  drive  us  from  our  duty',  or  tempt  us  to  sin,  are  our 
worst  enemies : and  persecutors,  besides  murdering  men's 
bodies,  must  give  a dreadful  account,  as  chargeable  with 
murdering  the  souls  of  all  whom  they  have  driven  to  npostacy, 
or  to  do  violence  to  their  own  consciences,  by  the  terrors  of 
exile,  imprisonment  or  death.  In  sinning  against.  God,  men 
41  play  the  fool  exceedingly:”  this  the  believer  perceives , he 
therefore  repents,  receives  a pardon,  and  acts  more  wisely 
for  the  time  locome  : hut  many  others  obtain  u transient  view 
of  the  mortifying  truth,  and  close  their  eyes  against  it.  ( Note, 
Jam.  1:22 — 25.)  Yet  eternity  will  fully  discover  their  ex 
ceeding  foolishness,  and  they  will  never  cease  to  rvffoct  upon 


B.  C.  1058. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII.  B.  C.  1056. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

Oavid  escapes  to  Ga  h,  and  is  received  by  Achish,  1 — 3.  Saul  seeks  him  no 
m<re,  . lie  asks  Z iking  -/  Achish,  5—' 7.  He  invades  the  al jacent  coun- 
tries ; an/l  disingenuously  lead*  Achish  to  suppose  that  he  warred  against 
Judah,  8-12. 

ND  David  “said  in  his  heart,  I shall  now 
‘perish  one  day  by  the  hand  of  Saul : bthere 
is  nothing  better  for  me,  than  that  I should  spee- 
dily escape  'into  the  land  of  the  Philistines;  and 
Saul  shall  despair  of  me,  to  seek  me  any  more  in 
any  coast  of  Israel:  so  shall  I escape  out  of  his 
hand. 

2 And  David  arose,  and  he  passed  over,  with 
dthe  six  hundred  men  that  were  with  him,  unto 
•Achish,  the  son  of  Maoch,  king  of  Gath. 

3 And  David  dwelt  with  Achish  at  Gath,  he  and 
his  men,  every  man  with  his  household,  even  Da- 
vid f with  his  two  wives,  Ahinoam  the  Jezreelitess, 
and  Abigail  the  Carmelitess,  Nabal’s  wife. 

4 And  it  was  told  Saul  that  David  was  fled  to 
Gath:  and  §he  sought  no  more  again  for  him. 

5 And  David  said  unto  Achish,  If  I have  now 
found  grace  in  thine  eyes,  let  them  give  me  a 
place  in  hsome  town  in  the  country,  that  I may 
dwell  there  : for  why  should  thy  servant  dwell  in 
the  royal  city  with  thee  ? 

6 Then  Achish  gave  him  'Ziklag1  that  day: 
wherefore  Ziklag  pertaineth  unto  the  kings  of 
Judah  unto  this  day. 

7 And  'the  time  that  David  dwelt  in  the 

country  of  the  Philistines  was  full  year  and 

four  months. 

8 IT  And  David  and  his  men  went  up  and  in- 
vaded Hhe  Geshurites,  and  'the  sGezrites,  and  mthe 
Amalekites : for  those  nations  were  of  old  th"e 


a 16:1,13  . 23:17  23:30.  Ps.  116:11.  Pro*.  13:12.  Matt.  14:31.  Mark  4:40.  2 Cor. 
7:5.  * Htd i.  be  consumed.  1)22:5.  Kx.  14:12.  Nurn.  14:3.  Prov.  3.5,6.  Is.  3U: 
15,16.  Lam.  3:25,27.  c 10,11.  21.10—15.  28:1,2.  29:2—11,  30:1—3.  (1  25:13. 

30:8.  e 21:10.  1 Kiiup  2:40.  f 25.3, 13  -35,42.43.  30:5.  g 26:21.  h Gen.  46:34. 
2 Cor.  6:17.  i 30:1,14.  Josh.  15:31.  19:5.  2 Sam.  1:1.  I Chr.  4:30.  12:1,20.  Neh. 
11:28.  t Heh.  the  number  o f days.  * He'o.  a year  of  days.  29:3.  k Josh.  13:2, 
13.  2 Scun.  13:37,38.  14:23,32.  15:8.  1 Chr.  2:23.  1 Josh.  16:10.  Judg.  1:29. 

their  own  madness,  in  silencing  their  convictions  as  much  as 
possible,  and  in  every  way  they  could  devise,  and  by  holding 
fast  their  iniquities. — No  good  words  or  fair  professions,  en- 
title those  to  our  confidence,  who  have  long  sinned  against  the 
light yet  the  confessions  of  obstinate  sinners  may  be  useful, 
in  satisfying  us  that  we  are  in  the  right  way,  and  shall  pre- 
vail; and  in  encouraging  us  to  persevere,  expecting  our  re- 
compense from  God  alone. 

NOTES— Chap.  XXVII.  V.  1,2.  David,  while 
reflecting  on  the  inveterate  malice  of  Saul,  and  the  neglect, 
cowardice,  and  treachery  of  his  countrymen,  lost  sight  of  his 
having  been  anointed  to  be  king  of  Israel,  with  the  annexed 
promises  of  God,  and  the  manifold  deliverances  which  he  had 
experienced  : so  that,  being  weak  in  faith,  he  despaired  of 
safety  in  the  land  of  Judah  ; and  he  went  to  Gath,  perhaps 
invited  by  Achish,  but  evidently  without  inquiring  of  the  Lord. 
(Note,  21:10 — 15.)  This  measure  was  calculated  to  alienate 
the  affections  of  the  Israelites,  and  to  give  credit  to  the  slan- 
ders of  his  accusers;  he  thus  ran  himself  and  his  men  into 
temptations  to  idolatry;  and  he  laid  himself  under  obligations 
to  those  whom  he  could  never  favour,  without  betraying  the 
cause  of  God.  (26:19.  Note s,  28:1 ,2.  29:2,8 — II.  Ps. 

141:1—5.) 

V.  3.  (Note.  25:43,44.)  Achish  probably  hoped  that  he 
should  be  able  to  fix  David  in  his  interests,  and  employ  him 
against  the  Israelites ; or,  that  he  should  thus  secure  an 
advantageous  alliance  with  him,  if  ever  he  came  to  be  king  of 
Israel. 

V..  4.  It  does  not  appear  that  Saul’s  malice  was  perma- 
nently abated ; but  the  object  of  it  was  out  of  his  reach. 
(Note,  26:21—25.) 

V.  5,  6.  It  may  be  supposed  that  David  desired  to  avoid 
ostentation,  and  to  escape  the  effects  of  envy;  and  perhaps 
to  be  out  of  the  way  of  temptation,  more  at  leisure  for  the 
exercises  of  religion,  and  more  unembarassed  in  his  whole 
conduct,  than  he  could  be  near  the  court  and  among  the  nobles 
of  Achish.  ( Note,  Gen.  46:32 — 34.)  Ziklag  was  first  allotted 
to  Judah.  Josh.  15:31.)  Afterwards  it,was  gi"en  to  Simeon  : 
(Josh.  19:5.)  but  the  Philistines  had  got  possession  of  it ; and 
it  was  regarded  as  one  of  their  cities,  till  on  this  occasion  it 
came  again  into  the  possession  of  Judah.  (Marg.  Ref1  i.) 

Y.  8 — 12.  Probably  the  Geshurites  and  Gezrites  were 

tribes  of  the  Amalekites,  or  of  Canaanites  who  were  in  alli- 
ance with  them.  (Marg.  Ref.  k,  1.)  We  may  therefore 
commend  David  for  attempting  to  complete  the  work  which 
Saul  had  begun,  and  should  not  censure  the  severity  with 
which  he  conducted  the  war.  (Notes,  15:1 — 9.)  These  na- 
tions lived  to  the  south  of  Judah : and  David  used  such 
equivocal  terms  in  speaking  to  Achish,  as  induced  him  to 
conclude,  that,  he  had  been  fighting  against  his  own  country- 
men. Intelligence  was  not  then  readily  conveyed,  and  no 


inhabitants  of  the  land,  "as  thou  goes!  to  Shut, 
even  unto  the  land  of  Egypt. 

9 And  David  smote  the  land,  and  “left  neither 
man  nor  woman  alive,  and  took  away  the  sheep, 
and  the  oxen,  and  the  asses,  and  the  camels,  and 
the  apparel,  and  returned  and  came  to  Achish. 

10  And  Achish  said  "Whither  have  ye  made  a 
road  to-day?  PAnd  David  said,  Against  the  south 
of  Judah,  and  against  the  south  of  4the  Jerah- 
meelites,  and  against  the  south  of  the  rKenites. 

1 1 And  David  saved  neither  man  nor  woman 
alive,  to  bring  tidings  to  Gath,  saying,  sLest  they 
should  tell  on  us,  saying,  So  did  David,  and  so 
will  be  his  manner,  all  the  while  he  dwelleth  in  the 
country  of  the  Philistines. 

12  And  Achish  believed  David,  saying,  He  hath 
made  his  people  Israel  ’'utterly  to  abhor  him; 
therefore  he  shall  be  my  servant  for  ever. 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Achish,  preparing  war  against  Israel,  places  confidence  in  David,  1,2.  Saul , 
after  having  destroyed  those  who  had  familiar  spirits;  at  length,  fearing  llse 
Philistines  and  being  forsaken  by  God,  go's  to  the  witch  of  En-dor  and  en- 
gages to  indemnify  her,  3 — 10.  She,  by  his  desire,  calls  up  Samuel,  who 
predicts  his  ruin,  11 — 19.  Saul  falls  down  in  despair  ; but,  being  prevailed 
on  to  take  food,  he  returns  to  his  army , 20 — 25. 

is.  c.-j  A ND  it  came  to  pass  in  those  days,  “that 
iu56. the  bPhilistines  gathered  their  armies 
together  for  warfare,  to  fight  with  Israel.  And 
Achish  said  unto  David,  Know  thou  assuredly, 
that  cthou  shalt  go  out  with  me  to  battle,  thou  and 
thy  men. 

2 And  David  said  to  Achish,  dSurely  thou  shalt 
know  what  thy  servant  can  do.  And  Achish  said 
to  David,  Therefore  will  I make  thee  keeper  of 
mine  head  for  ever. 


I Kings  9:15 — 17.  § Or,  Gerzites.  m 15:7,8.  30:1.  Ex.  17:14 — 16.  n 15:7. 
Gen.  16:7.  25:18.  Ex.  15:22.  ol5:3.  Deut.  25:17— 19.  Josh.  6:21.  ||  Or,  did 

ye  not  make  a road,  &c.  p21:2.  Gen.  27:19,20,24.  Josh.  2:4 — 6.  2 Sam.  17:20. 
Ps.  119:29,163.  Prov.  29:25.  Gal.  2: 11— 13.  J-iph.  4:25.  q 1 Chr.  2:9,25.  r 15: 
6.  Num.  24:21.  Judg.  1:16.  4:11.  5:24.  s 22:22.  Prov.  12:19.  29:25.  IT  Heb.  to 
stink.  13:4.  Gen.  34:30.  a 7:7.  13:5.  17:1.  29:1.  b Judg.  3:1— 1.  c 27:12.  29: 
2,3.  d 27:10.  2 Sam.  16:16— 19.  Rom.  12:9. 


one  undeceived  Achish : he  therefore  concluded,  that  David 
had  so  widened  the  breach  between  himself  and  his  people, 
that  it  could  not  be  healed.  (Note,  2 Sam.  16:20 — 23.) 
Had  he,  however,  known  the  truth  of  the  case,  he  would 
have  been  convinced  that  David  could  not  be  detached  from 
Israel,  or  united  to  their  enemies.  David’s  situation  power- 
fully tempted  him  to  this  deceit ; but  it  can  by  no  means  be 
justified,  or  even  excused.  (Note,  19:12 — 17.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  strongest  believers  cannot  wholly  exclude  the  incur- 
sions of  unbelief,  during  tedious  trials,  and  when  sense  and 
reason  bring  in  no  report  of  deliverance.  Many,  under  sharp 
temptations,  have  overlooked  former  mercies  and  experiences  ; 
have  forgotten  the  power  and  promise  of  the  Lord  ; and  have 
feared  that  sin  and  Satan  would  finally  prevail  against  them. 
When  faith  thus  staggers,  obedience  wavers,  and  sinful  expe- 
dients frequently  are  employed  ; which  involve  men  more  and 
more  in  difficulties  and  temptations. — If  at  any  lime  we  u lean 
to  our  own  understanding,”  and  do  not  ask  counsel  of  God, 
we  are  sure  to  do  wrong.  (Note,  Prov.  3:5,6.) — We  ought 
not  to  quit  the  path  of  duty,  or  to  join  interests  with  the  ene- 
mies of  religion,  even  for  self-preservation,  or  out  of  care  for 
our  families  : nor  should  we  willingly  contract  obligations, 
where  we  cannot  consistently  make  requitals  of  kindness. — 
It  is  our  wisdom  to  shun  notoriety,  and  to  shelter  ourselves 
from  envy ; for  obscurity  is  commonly  more  safe  and  comfor- 
table, and  no  less  advantageous.  Yet  we  must  in  no  situa 
tion  be  wholly  inactive,  but  attempt  something  in  the  cause 
of  God  and  his  people,  even  though  ungratefully  requited  by 
those  whom  we  would  serve. — The  fear  of  man  is  so  ensnar- 
ing, that  we  should,  if  possible,  keep  out  of  those  places 
where  doing  our  duty  will  expose  us  to  danger  or  reproach. — 
An  equivocation,  which  serves  the  purpose  of  a lie,  bears  the 
same  relation  to  it,  as  a hypocrite  does  to  a profane  person: 
it  is  only  apparently  better,  and  therefore  a more  dangerous 
cheat.  But  though  believers  often  betray  their  imperfections, 
they  can  never  he  prevailed  upon  deliberately  to  retv  unce  the 
service  of  God,  and  to  unite  interests  with  his  enemies,  or  to 
become  the  servants  of  sin  and  Satan. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXVIII.  V.  1,  2.  Achish,  when 
determined  to  make  war  against  Israel,  required  David’s 
assistance  : and  David  could  not  have  refused  it  without  the 
greatest  danger.  Yet  if  he  had  directly  promised  it,  and  had 
then  either  stood  neuter,  or  gone  over  to  the  Israelites,  ho 
must  have  behaved  with  great  ingratitude  and  treachery  ; and 
if  he  had  fought  against  Israel,  he  would  have  been  guilty  of 
a very  great  sin,  he  would  have  alienated  the  affections  of 
his  people,  and  perhaps  have  exposed  himself  to  the  reproach 
of  having  murdered  Saul.  It  seemed  therefore  impossible 
that  he  should  extricate  himself with  a good  conscience  and  a 
clear  reputation.  He,  however,  returned  an  insincere  and 
( 527  ) 


B.  a.  1056. 


I.  SAMUEL. 


13.  C.  1056. 


3 IT  Now  'Samuel  was  dead,  and  all  Israel 
had  lamented  him,  and  buried  iiim  in  llamah, 
even  in  his  own  city.  And  Saul  had  fput  away 
those  that  had  familiar  spirits,  and  the.  wizards, 
out  of  the  land. 

4 And  the  Philistines  gathered  themselves 
together,  and  came  and  pitched  in  *Shunem: 
and  Saul  gathered  all  Israel  together,  and  they 
pitched  in  ‘'Gilboa. 

5 And  when  Saul  saw  the  host  of  the  Phi- 
listines, 'he  was  afraid,  and  his  heart  greatly 
trembled. 

6 And  when  Saul  kinquired  of  the  Lord,  the 
Lord  answered  him  not,  neither  ‘by  dreams,  nor 
mby  Urim,  nor  "by  prophets. 

7 Then  said  Saul  unto  his  servants,  "Seek 
me  a woman  that  hath  i'a  familiar  spirit,  that  I 
may  go  to  her,  and  inquire  of  her.  And  his 
servants  said  to  him,  Behold,  there  is  a woman 
that  hath  a familiar  spirit  at  sEn-dor. 

8 And  Saul  'disguised  himself,  and  put  on 
other  raiment,  and  he  went,  and  two  men  with 
him,  and  they  came  to  the  woman  by  night : 
and  he  said,  EI  pray  thee,  divine  unto  me  by  the 
familiar  spirit,  and  ‘bring  me  him  up  whom  I shall 
name  unto  thee. 

9 And  the  woman  said  unto  him,  Behold,  thou 
knowest  what  Said  hath  done,  “how  he  hath  cut 
off  those  that  have  familiar  spirits,  and  the  wizards, 
out  of  the  land:  'wherefore  then  layest  thou  a 
snare  for  my  life,  to  cause  me  to  die  ? 

10  And  Saul  xsware  to  her  by  the  Lord,  say- 
ing, As  the  Lord  liveth,  there  shall  no  punish- 
ment happen  to  thee  for  this  thing. 

[ Practical  Observations. ] 

11  Then  said  the  woman,  Whom  shall  I bring 
up  unto  thee?  and  he  said,  Bring  me  up  Samuel. 

e 25:1.  Is.  57:1,2.  f 9.  Ex. 22:18.  Lev.  19:31.  20:6,27.  Dent.  18:10,11.  Acts 
16:16—19.  gJosh. 19:18.  2Kings4:8.  h 31:1.  2 Sam.  1:6,21 . 21 :12.  i Job 
15:21.18:11.  Ps.  48:5,6.  73:19.  Prov.  10:24.  19.7:2  . 21:3,4  . 57:20,21.  Dan. 
5:6.  k 14:37.  1 Chr.  10:14.  Prov.  1:27,28.  f>..20:l— 3.  John  9:31 . Jam.  4: 
S.  1 Gin.  28: 12-15.  46:2— 4.  Num.  12:6.  Job  33:14— 16.  Jer.  23:28.  Matt. 
1.20.  m Ex.  28:30.  Num.  27:21.  Deut.  33:8.  nPs.74:9.  I. am.  2:9.  Ez.  20: 
3.  o 2 Kines  1:2,3.  6:33.  Is.  8. 19,20.  Lam.  3:25,26.  Hab.  2:3.  p 3.  De.it. 
18:11.  Is.  19:3.  Acts  16:16.  q Josh.  17:11.  Ps.  83:10.  r 1 Kings  14:2,3.  22:30, 
31.  Job  24:13-15.  Jer.  23:24.  John  3:19,20.  s 1 Chr.  10:13.  t 15.  u See  on 
3.  v 2 Sam.  1*13.  2 Kings  5:7.  x 14:39.  19:6.  Gen.  3:5.  Ex.  20:7.  Deut.  18: 

evasive  answer,  which  was  intended  to  gain  time,  but  which 
Achish  understood  as  a promise  of  effectual  assistance ; 
(Notes,  27:8 — 12.  29:8 — 11.)  and  on  that  account  promised  to 
make  him  captain  of  his  guard,  or  some  great  officer  about 
his  person. 

V.  3.  (Note,  25:1.)  Perhaps  the  death  of  Samuel,  and 
David’s  apparent  desertion  of  his  people,  concurred  with 
Saul’s  disordered  state  of  mind,  to  encourage  the  Philistines 
to  this  war. — Saul  had  filled  up  his  measure  of  iniquity,  and 
u the  day  was  come  when  he  should  descend  into  battle  and 
perish.”  (26:10.) — He  “had  put  away  those  that  had  familiar 
spirits,  and  the  wizards,  out  of  the  land  probably  before 
“ the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  departed  from  him.”  (Note,  16:14.) 
Or  perhaps,  when  troubled  with  an  evil  spirit,  he  charged 
some  of  them  as  the  cause  of  it  : or  by  his  zeal  in  this  respect 
he  aimed  to  atone  for  his  other  sins,  that  the  kingdom  might 
not  be  taken  from  him ; and  to  show  the  people  that  he  had 
a regard  to  religion.  Whatever  was  his  motive,  the  measure 
‘tself  was  right.  ( Marg . Ref.  e,  f.) 

V.  4,  5.  As  Snunem  lay  far  north  in  the  land,  in  the  lot 
of  Issachar,  (Josh.  19:18.)  either  this  invasion  was  very  for- 
midable, or  Saul  had  been  very  negligent : otherwise  the 
enemy  could  not  have  marched  thither  without  being  opposed. 
— Saul’s  excessive  terror  arose  chiefly  from  a guilty  con- 
science. It  is  probable,  that  his  contempt  of  Samuel,  his 
murder  of  the  priests,  and  his  malicious  persecution  of  David, 
dismayed  his  heart  upon  every  recollection  ; and  that  he 
foreboded  his  own  approaching  doom.  (Note,  24:16 — 22.) 

V.  6.  “ Saul  inquired  of  the  Lord,”  under  urgent  terror, 
but  without  humiliation  for  sin,  or  purposes  of  repentance; 
and  therefore  God  would  not  vouchsafe  him  any  answer. 
He  did  not  inquire  till  his  doom  was  sealed  ; and  then  only 
in  a hypocritical  manner:  therefore  it  was  nearly  the  same 
as  “not  inquiring.”  (Note,  1 Chr.  10:13,14.)  After  Ahiathar 
had  fled  to  David,  probably  Saul  appointed  another  high 
priest : yet  neither  by  him,  nor  by  any  prophet,  nor  in  any 
way,  could  he  obtain  an  answer.  (15.  14:37.)  This  showed, 
that.  God  was  greatly  displeased  with  him,  and  warned  him  to 
repent,  and  to  cry  for  mercy  with  humble  faith  and  perse- 
verance. (Note,  Judg.  10:13 — 16.)  It  also  proved,  that  God 
no  longer  regarded  him  as  chief-magistrate  in  Israel.  (Notes, 
23:9—13.  Ex.  28:30.  Num.  27:21.) 

V.  7,  8.  Saul  was  aware  that  some  persons  still  secretly 
practised  these  diabolical  arts : hut  nothing  could  exceed  the 
presumption  of  consulting  those  whom  he  had,  according  to 
i 52S  ) 


12  And  when  the  woman  saw  Saniuel,  sh.3 
cried  with  a loud  voice:  and  the  woman  spake 
to  Saul,  saying,  Why  hast  thou  deceived  me  ? 
for  rthou  art  Saul. 

13  And  the  king  said  unto  her,  Be  not  afraid: 
for  what  sawest  thou  ? And  the  woman  said  unto 
Saul,  I saw  'gods  ascending  out  of  the  earth. 

14  And  he  said  unto  iier,  'What  form  is  he 
of3  And  she  said,  An  old  man  cometh  up:  and 
he  is  covered  with  aa  mantle.  And  Saul  per- 
ceived that  it  was  Samuel,  and  he  stobped  with 
his  face  to  the  ground,  and  bowed  himself. 

15  And  Samuel  said  to  Saul,  bWh\  hast  thou  dis- 
uieted  me,  to  bring  me  up?  And  Saul  answered, 

am  sore  distressed:  for  dthb  Philistines  make 
war  against  me,  and  eGod  is  departed  from  me, 
and  fanswereth  me  no  more,  neither  by  prophets, 
nor  by  dreams:  ^therefore  I have  called  thee,  that 
thou  mayest  make  known  unto  me  what  I shall  do. 

16  Then  said  Samuel,  hWherefore  then  dost 
thou  ask  of  me,  seeing  the  Lord  is  departed 
from  thee,  and  is  become  thine  enemy  ? 

17  And  the  Lord  hath  done  ho  him  ‘as  he 
spake  by  sme  : for  the  Lord  hath  rent  the  king- 
dom out  of  thine  hand,  and  given  it  to  kthy  neigh- 
bour, even  to  David : 

18  Because  thou  ‘obeyedst  not  the  voice  of  the 
Lord,  nor  executedst  his  fierce  wrath  upon 
Amalek,  therefore  hath  the  Lord  done  this  thing 
unto  thee  this  day. 

19  Moreover,  mthe  Lord  will  also  deliver 
Israel  with  thee  into  the  hand  of  the  Philistines  ; 
and  "to-morrow  shalt  thou  and  thy  sons  be  with 
me  : the  Lord  also  shall  deliver  the  host  of  Israel 
into  the  hand  of  the  Philistines. 

20  Then  Saul  “fell  straightway  all  along  on  the 
earth,  and  was  "sore  afraid,  because  of  the  words 

10—12.  2 Sam.  14:11.  M»u. 26:72.  Mark  6:23.  y 3.  1 Kit, as  14:5.  z Fix.  4:16. 
22:28.  Ps.  82:6.  John  10:34,35.  * Hel).  vital  is  his  frti-m  ? n 15:27.  2 Kings  2: 
8,13.14.  b 8,11.  c Prov.  5:11— 13.  14:14.  d 4.  *'16:13.14.  18:12.  Judg  16: 
20.  Ps.  51:11.  Hos.  9:12.  Matt.  25:41.  16.23:2,4,9,10.  t Heb.  the  htrnl  oj 

prophets,  g Luke  16:23 — 26.  h Judg.  5:31.  2 Kings  6:27'.  Ps.68:l — 3.  Ke*. 
18:20,24.  19:1—6.  J Or,  for  himself . Prov.  16:4.  i 13:13,14.  15:27—29.  §Heb. 
mine  hand  k 15:28.  16:i3.  24:20.  1 15:9,23—26.  1 Kings  20:42.  Jer.  48:10. 

m 12:25.  1 Kings  22:20,28.  n Ex.  9:18.  Jer. ‘28: 16,17.  1 an.  5:25— 28.  Malt.  26: 
24.  Acts  5-5,9,10.  ||  Heb.  made  haste  and  fell  icith  the  fulness  of  his  statute. 
o 5.  25:37.  Job  15:20—24.26:2.  Ps.  50:21 ,22. 

the  law  of  God  endeavoured  to  extirpate.  (Note,  3.)  -He 
disguised  himself,  not  only  lest  the  woman  should  fear  to  use 
her  incarnations  if  she  knew  him  ; hut  perhaps  likewise  lest 
the  people  should  be  exasperated  against  him,  if  acquainted 
with  his  infatuated  conduct. 

V 9,  10.  Instead  of  being  cut  to  the  heart  by  the  woman’s 
suspicions,  which  implied  the  most  severe  reproof ; Saul  most 
profanely  sware  by  the  Lord,  that  the  woman  should  not  he 
punished  for  violating  the  divine  law  ! She  would  understand 
this  merely  as  an  engagement  not  to  inform  against  her:  hut 
Saul  expressly  sware,  that  he  would  not  perform  his  duty. 
Indeed  both  parties  acted  almost  athcisticaliy  ; when  one 
engaged,  and  the  other  was  satisfied  with  the  engagement, 
that  no  punishment  should  happen  to  her  ! 

V.  11.  Samuel  had  anointed  Saul,  and  often  counselled 
him  for  his  good : and  though  Saul  had  neglected  him  during 
the  latter  part  of  his  life,  yet  he  now  was  convinced,  that  it 
was  better  with  him  when  he  regarded  his  advice.  Nothing 
therefore  could  now  satisfy  him,  hut  a conference  with  the 
departed  prophet:  and  he  being  forsaken  of  God  was  so  infa- 
tuated, as  to  suppose,  that  the  woman,  by  means  of  her 
familiar  spirit,  could  bring  Samuel  up  for  that  purpose,  even 
without  the  Lord’s  permission ! — If  is  probable  that  she 
expected  to  impose  on  Saul  by  some  Satunical  apparition. 

V.  12 — 19.  Ifr  is  much  disputed,  who  it  was  that  appeared 
on  this  occasion  j for  the  whole  narrative  manifests  that  it 
was  no  human  imposture.  Many  expositors,  ancient  and 
modern,  have  maintained,  that  it  was  Satan  personating 
Samuel ; though  the  text  does  not  give  the  least  intimation  of 
it.  It  is  however,  by  no  means  advisable,  to  give  those  men 
any  countenance,  who,  to  support  a favourite  system,  put  a 
forced  construction  upon  the  words  of  holy  writ,  very  differ- 
ent. fiom  their  obvidlis  meaning:  and  scarcely  any  of  their 
interpretations  can  sound  harsher,  than  the  insertion  in  every 
place?  where  Samuel  is  mentioned,  4 that  it  was  Satan  per- 
sonating Samuel.’ — It  is  indeed  argued,  tnnt  the  woman’s 
incantations  could  have  4 no  power  over  a glorified  saint hut 
to  this  it  may  fairly  be  answered,  that  neither  could  an  evil 
spirit  appear  at  her  call,  without  the*  Lord’s  permission. 
Though  the  woman  was  not  the  cause  of  Samuel’s  being  sent, 
Saul’s  inquiry  might  he  the  occasion  of  it  . The  word  dis- 
quieted, seems  to  bo  used  merely  in  accommodation  to  tho 
general  notions  of  mankind  on  that  subject ; and  tho  woman’s 
surprise  and  terror  proved,  that  it  was  an  unusual  and  unex- 
pected appearance,  and  not  the  ordinary  effect  of  her  art. — 


B.  C.  1056. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII 


B.  C.  1056. 


of  Samuel : and  there  was  no  strength  in  him ; for 
he  had  eaten  no  bread  all  the  day,  nor  all  the 
night. 

21  And  the  woman  came  unto  Saul,  and  saw 
that  he  was  sore  troubled,  and  said  unto  him, 
Behold,  thine  handmaid  hath  obeyed  thy  voice, 
and  i’I  have  put  my  life  in  my  hand,  and  have 
hearkened  unto  thy  words  which  thou  spakest 
unto  me. 

22  Now  therefore,  I pray  thee,  hearken  thou 
also  unto  the  voice  of  thine  handmaid,  and  let  me 
set  a morsel  ol»  bread  before  thee ; and  eat,  that 

f 19:5.  Judg.l2:3.  Jobl3.1l.  q 1 Kings21:4.  Prov.  25:20.  r2Kings4: 


It  is,  however,  further  urged,  that  the  apparition’s  discourse 
tended  to  drive  Saul  to  despair,  which  is  one  of  Satan’s 
temptations  ; and  that  it  contained  no  exhortations  to  repent- 
ance, which  were  usual  with  the  prophets.  But  to  this  it 
may  be  replied,  that  Elijah’s  message  to  Ahaziah,  Daniel’s 
address  to  Belshazzar,  and  even  Christ’s  discourse  in  the 
presence  of  Judas,  were  equally  calculated  to  drive  each  of 
them  to  despair  ; and  equally  void  of  exhortations  to*  repent, 
and  proposals  of  mercy.  (Notes,  2 Kings  1:15,16.  Dan. 
5:18 — 28.  Matt.  26:21 — 24.) — Saul  had  despised  Samuel’s 
solemn  warnings  in  his  life-time ; yet  now  he  hoped,  as  it 
were,  in  defiance  of  God,  to  obtain  some  counsel  and  encour- 
agement from  him : and  why  might  not  God  permit  the  soul 
of  his  departed  prophet  to  appear  and  confirm  his  former  sen- 
tence, and  denounce  Saul’s  irrevocable  doom  ? It  was  not 
beyond  the  power  of  God,  nor,  that  I can  see,  at  all  unwor- 
thy of  him;  but  rather  a declaration  of  his  immutable  and 
irreversible  truth  and  justice. — Satan  could  not  have  pre- 
dicted the  several  events,  which  came  to  pass  accordingly, 
as  far  as  we  know,  (Note,  30:1 — 3.)  without  being  inspired 
by  God  to  do  so:  and  it  would  give  far  more  countenance  to 
consulting  witches,  to  suppose  that  he  inspired  Satan  to  pro- 
phecy by  them,  than  to  conclude  that  Samuel  was  sent  with 
this  tremendous  message  from  God,  when  Saul  consulted  one 
of  them.  Indeed  this  would  most  powerfully  discourage  such 
attempts  ; as  the  request  of  the  rich  man  in  hell  to  Abraham, 
being  entirely  vain,  is  calculated  to  discourage  praying  to  de- 
parted saints.  (Note,  Luke  16:24 — 26.)  The  local  situation 
of  departed  spirits  is  so  concealed  from  us,  that  the  circum- 
stance of  the  spirit  apparently  “ arising  out  of  the  earth,” 
forms  no  real  objection  against  its  being  the  soul  of  Samuel  : 
and  the  expression,  “ shalt  thou  and  thy  sons  be  with  me,” 
means  no  more,  than  that  they  should  be  in  the  eternal  world. 
The  transaction  was  suited  to  impress  the  idea  of  a future 
state  on  the  mind  of  all  who  should  ever  hear  or  read  of  it ; and 
it  determined  nothing  about  the  different  conditions  of  the 
righteous  and  the  wicked. — Upon  the  whole,  there  appears 
much  solemnity  in  God’s  for  once  permitting  the  soul  of  a de- 
parted prophet  to  make  his  appearance,  as  a witness  from 
heaven,  and  in  sending  him  to  confirm  the  word  which  he 
spoke  on  earth,  (evincing  that  the  words  of  the  prophets 
would  surely  take  effect;)  and  to  sit  in  judgment  upon  a 
roud  enemy  of  God,  who  foolishly  sought  encouragement  in 
is  impenitency,  by  the  most  atrocious  crimes. — This  inter- 
pretation is  certainly  obvious,  and  suited  to  the  apprehensions 
of  the  unlearned  reader,  and  according  to  the  general  sim- 
plicity of  the  Scripiures:  and  nothing  short  of  unanswerable 
arguments  and  objections,  should  constrain  us  to  suppose, 
that  when  the  Holy  Spirit  said  Samuel,  he  meant  Satan,  not 
speaking  by  Samuel,  as  he  did  by  the  serpent  and  by  the 
demoniacs;  but  actually  counterfeiting  his  shape,  and  speak- 
ing with  his  voice,  though  Samuel  himself  was  in  every  sense 
absent  from  the  place. — The  venerable  appearance  of 
Samuel,  or  something  which  he  spoke,  convinced  the  woman, 
that  it  was  Saul  who  consulted  her  (12). — 1 She  perceived, 
by  the  reverence  the  spectre  paid  him,  who  he  was:  for  so 
Abarbinel  interprets  it,  he  bowed  with  his  face  to  the  ground, 
in  honour  of  Saul,  whereby  the  woman  concluded  that  it  was 
the  king.’  Bp.  Patrick.  Thus  then  if  the  devil  personated 
Samuel,  he  worshipped  Saul,  not  Saul  him  1 A likely  thing, 
truly,  that  either  Samuel,  or  Satan  personating  him,  should 
thus  reverence  Saul  1 It  shows  to  what  difficulties  the  sup- 
porters of  the  latter  opinion  are  reduced.  Saul’s  bowing 
down  before  Samuel,  was  not  indeed  an  act  of  religious  wor- 
ship, any  more  than  Abigail’s  bowing  down  before  David. 
The  answer  of  Samuel  was  in  every  respect  suitable  to  his 
character,  and  to  the  occasion.  It  was  entirely  in  vain  for 
Saul  to  consult  the  servant,  when  the  Lord  was  become  his 
enemy:  the  Lord  was  only  doing  to  him,  or  for  himself,  117. 
marg.)  as  he  declared  he  would  : and  as  Samuel  knew  him 
to  be  finally  given  up,  he  neither  gave  him  counsel  nor  com- 
fort. (Notes,  2 Tim.  4:14,15.  Heh.GA — 6.  1 John  5:16 — 18.) 
— The  woman  first  saw  the  appearance  ; but  afterwards  Saul 
seems  to  have  seen  it,  as  well  as  to  have  heard  the  words 
spoken. — Some  think,  that  neither  Saul’s  servants,  nor  the 
woman,  heard  what  passed. — God’s.  (13)  Elohim.  (Marg. 
fief,  z.) 

V.  20 — 25.  Saul,  though  terrified  even  to  desperation,  was 
not  humbled.  A miserable  state  he  was  indeed  reduced  to, 
when  the  witch  was  his  only  comforter  ! But  he  did  not  con- 
fess his  sins : and,  as  far  as  we  can  learn,  he  offered  no  sa- 

Vol.  I.— 67 


thou  mayest  have  strength,  when  thou  goest  o 
thy  way. 

23  But  he  refused,  and  said,  il  will  not  eat : bu 
his  servants,  together  with  the  woman,  rcompellea 
him  ; and  he  hearkened  unto  their  voice,  bo  he 
arose  from  the  earth,  and  sat  upon  the  bed. 

24  And  the  woman  had  sa  fat  calf  in  the  hoitse  ; 
and  she  hasted,  and  killed  it,  and  took  flour,  and 
kneaded  if,  and  did  bake  unleavened  bread  thereof: 

25  And  she  brought  it  before  Saul,  and  before 
his  servants  ; and  they  did  eat.  Then  they  rose 
up,  and  went  away  that  night. 

8.  Luke  14:23. 24:29.  Acts  16:15.  2 Cor.  5:14.  s Gen.  18:7,8.  T."ke  15:23. 


crifices,  aud  presented  no  supplications:  nor  does  he  seem  to 
have  expressed  any  concern  about  his  sons,  or  his  people,  or 
to  have  attempted  any  escape ; but  in  sullen  despair  to  have 
rushed  upon  his  doom. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  When  we  in  the  least  deviate  from  the  plain 
path  of  duty,  every  circumstance  tends  to  draw  us  further 
aside,  and  to  increase  our  perplexity  and  temptation. — Need- 
less intimacies  with  the  avowed  enemies  of  true  religion,  or 
obligations  to  them,  will  reduce  us,  ere  we  are  aware,  to  the 
necessity  of  being  unfaithful  to  God,  or  treacherous  and  un- 
grateful to  our  benefactors : and  we  shall  scarcely  ever  be 
able  to  speak  with  that  candour  and  simplicity  which  become 
Christians.  (Note,  1 Kings  22:4.) — When  death  has  remo- 
ved the  ministers  and  servants  of  God,  or  persecution  has 
banished  them,  a land  is  deprived  of  its  best  defence,  and  its 
enemies  have  their  best  opportunity  of  preparing  war  against 
it. — Hypocrites  are  frequently  very  zealous  against  those 
crimes,  to  which  they  are  not  tempted  at  the  time,  or  froip 
which  they  may  suffer  detriment ; and  apostates  frequently 
commit  those  sins,  which  they  once  were  most  earnest  in 
opposing. — Ungodly  persons  fear  the  reproach  of  man,  or  the 
punishments  denounced  by  human  laws,  more  than  the  wrath 
of  God  : they  do  not  therefore  forsake  their  sins,  but  dissem- 
ble their  real  characters,  and  conceal  their  conduct ; and  deem 
all  well  if  they  can  escape  detection:  but  frequently  they  are 
employed  to  rebuke  or  correct  each  other,  either  for  their 
present  conviction,  or  their  future  deeper  condemnation. — 
When  habits  of  perjury,  or  profane  swearing,  have  been 
contracted,  the  sacred  name  of  God,  and  the  most  solemn 
oaths,  are  often  introduced  in  the  midst  of  the  most  horrible 
wickedness,  and  made  the  obligations  and  encouragements  to 
the  most  enormous  crimes  ! But  the  atrocious  guilt  of  such 
impiety  cannot  be  expressed. — Consulting  witches,  or  divi- 
ners of  any  kind,  real  or  pretended,  is  a malignant  or  ignorant 
attempt  to  gain  intelligence  or  assistance  from  some  creature, 
when  it  cannot  be  had,  or  is  not  sought,  from  the  Lord  in  the 
path  of  duty  ; and  is  therefore  essentially  idolatry,  and  virtu- 
ally the  worship  of  the  devil.  (Notes,  Ex.  22:18.  1 Clir.  10 
13,14.)  _ : 

V.  11 — 25.  Many,  who  despise  the  servants  ofGod  while 
they  live,  are  so  far  convinced  of  their  wisdom  and  fidelity, 
that  they  vainly  wish  for  their  counsel  and  instruction,  in  dis- 
tressing circumstances,  after  their  death.  But  in  that  blessed 
world,  to  which  they  are  removed,  they  have  done  with  fear, 
favour,  and  affection,  and  are  become  far  more  determined 
than  ever  in  the  service  and  cause  of  God:  and  were  they  to 
appear,  they  would  denounce  the  doom  of  impenitent  sinners, 
with  more  awful  decision  than  before. — Wretched  indeed  are 
they,  from  whom  God  is  for  ever  departed  1 What  can  they 
expect  either  from  good  or  evil  men,  from  holy  or  unholy 
spirits  ? Neither  the  servants  nor  the  enemies  of  the  Lord 
can  do  them  any  service,  and  every  thing  combines  to  drive 
them  to  desperation.  This  Satan  labours  to  effect,  and  he  is 
sometimes  permitted  to  succeed : nay,  the  very  testimony  ol 
God’s  word  and  ministers  concurs  in  convincing  the  unhappy 
wretches  “that  there  remains  nothing,  but  a certain  fearful 
looking  for  of  judgment,  and  fiery  indignation!”  (Note,  Heb. 
10:26,27.)  while  the  remembrance  of  former  crimes,  convic- 
tions, warnings,  nd  relapses  into  sin,  combine  to  assure  them 
of  the  certainty  and  justice  of  their  doom.  Yet  all  these 
things  do  not  humble  or  soften  them  ; for  it  is  “ impossible  to 
renew  them  to  repentance  :”  and  not  having  “ believed  Moses 
and  the  prophets,  neither  will  they  he  persuaded  though  one 
rose  from  the  dead;”  (Note,  Luke  16:27 — 31.)  but  either  in 
sullen  or  in  furious  depair  they  await  and  meet  their  doom  ! — 
In  every  age  God  sets  up  a few  such  beacons  for  a tremendous 
warning  to  their  fellow-sinners,  not  to  listen  to  temptations, 
to  sin  against  conviction,  or  despise  the  word  of  God  ; and  to 
beware  of  hypocrisy,  apostacy,  procrastination,  and  other 
great  wickedness  : for  none  are  thus  given  up  of  God,  who 
have  not  provoked  him  to  it  by  their  previous  crimes.  (Note, 
2 Thes.  2:8 — 12.)  But  while  one  relenting  thought  remains 
let  no  sinner  ever  suppose  himself  in  this  awful  case.  God 
will  not  indeed  hear  the  prayer  of  the  unhumbled  and  impen- 
itent ; and  many  inquire  of  him  in  vain,  because  they  are  not 
decidedly  in  earnest:  when  therefore  they  do  not  meet  wih 
encouragement,  they  detect  their  own  hypocrisy,  by  giving 
up  their  religions  duties,  plunging  again  into  sin,  and  seeking 
help  from  the  world,  and  “ the  God  of  this  world.”  Let  the 
discouraged,  but  sincere  and  earnest  inquirer  persevere  in 

( 589  ) 


B.  C.  1056. 


I.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1056. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 


David  attends  Achish,  which  offends  the  lords  of  the  Philistines , 1 — 5.  Achish 
dismisses  him  with  commendations,  6 — II. 

NOW  “the  Philistines  gathered  together  all 
their  armies  to  bAphek:  and  the  Israelites 
pitched  by  a fountain  which  is  in  ‘Jezreel. 

I  And  dthe  lords  of  the  Pliilistines  passed  on 
by  hundreds,  and  by  thousands : but  “David  and 
his  men  passed  on  in  the  rear-ward  with  Achish. 

3  Then  said  the  princes  of  the  Philistines, 
What  do  these  Hebrews  here  ? And  Achish 
said  unto  the  princes  of  the  Philistines,  Is  not  this 
David,  the  servant  of  Saul  the  king  of  Israel, 
which  hath  been  with  me  1 these  days,  or  these 
years,  and  I have  efbund  no  fault  in  him  since  he 
fell  unto  me  unto  this  day  ? 

4  And  the  princes  of  the  Philistines  were  wroth 
with  him  ; and  the  princes  of  the  Philistines  said 
unto  him,  hMake  this  fellow  return,  that  he  may 
go  again  to  his  place  which  thou  hast  appointed 
him,  and  let  him  not  go  down  with  us  to  battle, 
lest  in  the  battle  he  be  an  adversary  to  us : for 
wherewith  should  he  reconcile  himself  unto  his 
master?  should  it  not  be  with  the  heads  of  these 
men  ? 

5  Is  'not  this  David,  of  whom  they  sang  one  to 
another  in  dances,  saying,  Saul  slew  his  thou- 
sands, and  David  his  ten  thousands? 

6  Then  Achish  called  David,  and  said  unto 
him,  Surely,  as  bthe  Lord  livetli,  ‘thou  hast  been 
upright,  and  mthy  going  out  and  thy  coming  in 
with  me  in  the  host,  is  good  in  my  sight ; for  I 
have  not  found  evil  in  thee,  since  the  day  of  thy 
cornin'*-  unto  me  unto  this  day  : nevertheless  'the 
lords  favour  thee  not. 

7  Wherefore  now  return,  and  go  in  peace, 
that  thou  'displease  not  the  lords  of  the  Phil- 
istines. 


8 And  David  said  unto  Achish,  "But  what 
have  I done  ? and  what  hast  thou  found  in  thy 
servant,  so  long  as  I have  been  twith  thee  unto 
this  day,  “that  I may  not  go  to  fight  against  the 
enemies  of  my  lord  the  king  ? 

9 And  Achish  answered  and  said  to  David,  1 
know  that  thou  art  good  in  my  sight,  Pas  an  angel 
of  God  : notwithstanding,  the  princes  of  the  Phil- 
istines have  said,  He  shall  not  go  up  with  us  to  the 
battle. 

10  Wherefore  inow  rise  up  early  in  the  morn- 
ing, with  thy  master’s  servants  t^at  are  come 
with  thee : and  as  soon  as  ye  be  up  early  in  the 
morning,  and  have  light,  depart. 

11  So  David  and  his  men  rose  up  early  to 
depart  in  the  morning,  to  return  into  the  land  of 
the  Philistines.  rAnd  the  Philistines  went  up  Jo 
JezreeL 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

David  on  his  return  finds  that  the  Amalekites  had  burnt  Ziklag,  and  carried 
captive  the  women  and  children.  I — 3.  David  and  his  men  are  greatly  dir- 
tressed,  4,5;  but  inquiring  of  God,  he  is  encouraged  to  pursue  them,  6 — 10. 
He  obtains  intelligence  of  them  from  an  Egyptian  slave,  11 — 15.  He  smites 
them , recovers  all,  and  lakes  much  spoil,  16 — 20.  His  law  for  dividing  it, 
21 — 25.  He  sends  presents  to  his  friends,  26 — 31. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  when  David  and  his  men 
“were  come  to  Ziklag  on  the  third  day,  that 
bthe  Amalekites  had  iSvaded  the  south  and 
Ziklag,  and  smitten  Ziklag,  and  burned  it  with 
fire ; 

2  And  had  taken  the  woman  captives,  that 
were  therein:  they  "slew  not  any,  either  great  or 
small,  but  carried  them  away,  and  went  on  their 
way.  1 

3  So  David  and  his  men  came  to  the  city, 
and,  behold,  it  was  ‘‘burned  with  fire;  and  theii 
wives,  and  their  sons,  and  their  daughters,  were 
taken  captives. 


ev  28'  1 . b 4:1.  Josh.  19:30.  1 Kings  20:30.  c 2S:4.  Josh.  19:18.  Jude.  6:33. 
I King*  18:45,46.  21:1,23.  2 Kings  9:36.  Hot.  1:4—11.  d 6.7,  5:8— 11 . 6:4. 

Josh.  13:3.  Jndg.  16:5,30.  e 28:2.  f27:7.  g nan.  6:5.  John  19:6.  Rom.  12: 
17.  1 Pet.  3:16.  h 14:21.  I Chr.  12: 1-9.  Luke  16:8.  i 18:6,7.  21 :1 1 . Pros . 27: 
14.  k 20:3.28:10.  Deut.  10:20.  Ts.  65:16.  Jer.  12:16.  I Matt.  5:16.  1 Pet.  2: 
12.3:16.  ro  Num.  27:17.  2 Sam.  3:25v  Ps.  121:8.  * Jleb.  thou  art  no t good  in 


knocking  at  mercy’s  gate,  until  it  be  opened  : let  him  humble 
himself  more  and  more  before  God,  and  determine  to  live  and 
die  supplicating  his  favour  ; and  he  will  be  sure  at  length  to 
succeed.  Let  us  all  learn  u to  seek  the  Lord  while  he  may 
be  found,  and  to  call  upon  him  while  he  is  near.”  (Note,  Is. 
55:6,7.)  and  without  reserve  to  obey  his  voice  and  do  his 
will. — Finally,  though  subjects  suffer  with  their  wicked  gov- 
ernors, and  children  with  their  parents;  either  it  is  for  their 
own  sins,  or  else  their  sufferings  u will  work  for  them  a far 
more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXIX.  V.  1,  2.  (Marg.Ref.)  It 
may  he  reasonably  supposed,  that  David  was  undetermined 
how  to  act  on  this  occasion,  and  waited  with  a secret  hope 
that  the  Lord  would  help  him  out  of  this  very  great  difficulty  ; 
as  indeed  he  did  in  a wonderful  manner.  (Note,  28:1,2.)  He 
was  far  too  much  influenced  by  fear  of  man,  in  so  readily  con- 
senting to  attend  Achish,  when  he  might  have  framed  very 
plausible  excuses  for  declining  that  service.  (Note,  Prov. 
29:25,26.) 

V.  4 — 6.  These  lords,  or  princes,  possessed  so  much 
authority  in  their  own  cities,  and  in  the  camp  at  the  head  of 
their  troops,  and  were  so  decided  against  employing  David, 
that  Achish  would  not  venture  their  displeasure  in  retaining 
him.  The  high  opinion  which  he  had  of  David,  the  confidence 
which  he  reposed  in  him,  and  his  commendations  of  him  both 
before  his  face,  (9)  and  to  the  lords,  would  have  been  very 
honorable  to  David,  if  they  had  not  been  in -part  the  effect 
of  deception.  (Note,  27:8 — 12.)  When  Achish  sware  by 
Jehovah,  (6)  that  he  did  not  send  David  away  for  any  sus- 
picion which  he  entertained  of  him,  he  showed  that  he  had 
collected  some  notions  at  least  concerning  the  true  God  and 
his  worship.  (9) 

Saul  slew,  &c.  (5)  Note,  18:6—9.  They  ‘reasoned 

wisely,  according  to  the  common  practice  of  mankind  ; and 
it  was  well  for  David,  that  they  were  such  politicians:  for 
hereby  God  delivered  him  out  of  a very  great  strait,  either 
of  being  an  enemy  to  his  country,  or  false  to  his  friends,  and 
to  his  trust.  And  by  the  same  good  Providence  he  was  sent 
back  to  rescue  his  wives,  and  the  wives  and  children  of  his 
men,  who  were  taken  captive.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Notes,  30:1 
-19.) 

V.  8— 11.  (Marg.Ref.)  David  could  not  but  inwardly 
tejoice  at  this  occurrence:  yet  lie  was  unwilling  that  Achish 
should  think  he  did ; and  therefore  he  professed  a desire  “ to 
fight  with  the  enemies  of  his  lord  the  king.”  ( Note,  2 Sam. 
16:15 — 19.)  Achish  would  understand  these  words  to  mean 
the  Israelites;  but  they  were  ambiguous,  as  several  of  his 
§>peeohos  were  on  this  occasion:  so  hard  is  it  in  suchcircum- 
* 530  ) 


the  eyes  of  the  lords,  t Heb.  do  not  evil  in  the  eyes  of,  Sfc.  n 12:3.  17:29.  20: 
8.26.18.  | Heb.  before,  o 28:2.  2 Sam.  16: 18,19.  P<s.  34:13,14.  Matt. 6:13. 
p 2 Sam.  14:17,20.  19:27.  Gal.  4:14.  q 30:1,2.  Gen.  22:14.  Ps.  37:23,24.  1 Cor. 
10:13.  2 Pet.  2:9.  r See  on  1.  Josh.  19:18.  2 Sam.  4:4.  a 29:11.  2 Sam.  1:2. 
b 1 5'7.  27:8 — 10.  Gen.  24:62.  Josh.  11:16.  c 19.27:11.  Job  38:11.  Ps.  76:10. 
Is.27:8,9.  d Ps.  34:19.  Heb.  12:6.  1 Pet.  1:6,7.  Rev.  3:9. 

stances  to  avoid  all  insincerity  and  disingenuity,  either  from 
fear  or  courtesy ! 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

While  presumptuous  sinners  are  given  up  to  the  effects 
of  their  own  counsels,  and  driven  headlong  to  destruction,  the 
sins  of  the  upright  are  repented  of  and  pardoned ; and  the 
Lord  takes  care  both  of  their  peace  and  reputation.  He  has 
various  methods  of  extricating  us  out  of  difficulties,  when  we 
can  perceive  no  way  of  escaping:  and  while  ungodly  men 
pursue  their  own  purposes,  and  follow  their  own  judgments, 
he  secretly  influences  them  to  such  determinations,  as  sub- 
serve the  good  of  his  people. — Reputation,  esteem,  and 
affection,  frequently  become  snares  to  us  ; whilst  reproaches, 
contempt,  and  injurious  suspicions  prove  beneficial:  and  the 
ill  usage  of  the  wicked,  by  which  we  are  driven  from  them, 
is  much  better  for  us,  than  that  friendship  which  draws  us 
among  them. — When  worldly  people  have  no  evil  thing  to 
say  of  us,  but  will  bear  testimony  to  our  uprightness,  we  need 
desire  no  more  from  them  : and  this  we  should  aim  to  acquire 
by  prudence,  meekness,  and  a blameless  life.  But  their 
flattering  commendations  are  almost  always  purchased  by 
improper  compliances,  or  some  measure  of  deception,  and 
commonly  may  cover  us  with  confusion. — It  is  seldom  prudent 
to  place  great  confidence  in  one  who  has  changed  sides ; 
except  as  the  fear  of  God  influences  a true  convert  to  con- 
scientious fidelity. — Obscurity,  or  the  company  of  those  who 
are  of  one  heart  with  us,  is  generally  more  safe,  comfortable, 
and  honourable,  than  high  stations  in  the  palaces  of  the 
ungodly.  Thus  David  in  the  cave  was  far  more  worthy  of 
our  admiration  and  imitation,  than  when  a favourite  in  the 
camp  of  king  Achish  : and  he  never  had  a greater  deliverance, 
than  when  he  was  dismissed  from  that  ensnaring  service. 

NOTES—  Chap.  XXX.  V.  1— 3.  Ziklag  was  distant 
from  the  camp  of  the  Philistines,  about  three  days’  march  , 
and  David  did  not  receive  an  authentic  account  of  the  battle 
at  Gilboa,  till  two  days  after  his  return  thither.  (2  Sam. 
1:1.)  But  it  does  not  thence  follow,  that  the  battle  was  not 
fought  on  the  morrow  after  Saul  consulted  the  witch  of  Endor, 
assume  have  thought;  (28:19.)  for  the  narrative  of  Saul’s 
conduct  is  perfectly  distinct,  from  that  which  relates  to  David 
and  to  the  Philistines:  and  it  is  not  said,  at  what  time  Saul 
went  to  Endor. — The  Lord  had  extricated  David  reputably 
from  his  ensnaring  connexion  with  Achish ; hut  he  severely 
rebuked  him  for  his  misconduct,  by  the  calamity  that  came 
upon  Ziklag  in  his  absence.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  18:30 — 34. 
19:1,2.) — He  might  reasonably  have  expected  that  thr 
Amalekites  would  watch  their  opportunity  of  retaliating;  and 
his  fear  of  offending  Achish  made  him  very  imnrovidcnt,  i* 


B.  C.  1036. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


B.  C 105b. 


4 Then  David  and  the  people  that  were  with 
him,  “lifted  up  their  voice  and  wept,  until  they  had 
no  more  power  to  weep. 

5 And  David’s  < two  wives  were  taken  cap- 
tives, Ahinoam  the  Jezreelitess,  and  Abigail,  the 
wife  of  Nabal  the  Carmelite. 

6 And  David  swas  greatly  distressed  ; for  hthe 
people  spake  of  stoning  him,  because  the  soul  of 
all  the  people  was  'grieved,  every  man  for  his 
sons  ana  for  his  daughters:  but  'David  encouraged 
himself  in  the  Lord  his  God. 

7 And  David  said  to  kAbiathar  the  priest, 
Ahimelech’s  son,  I pray  thee  bring  me  hither  the 
ephod.  And  Abiathar  brought  thither  the  ephod 
to  David. 

8 And  David  'inquired  at  the  Lord,  saying, 
Shall  I pursue  after  this  troop?  shall  1 overtake 
them  ? And  '"lie  answered  him,  Pursue ; for  thou 
shall  surely  overtake  them,  and  without  fail 
recover  all. 

9 So  David  went,  he  and  the  six  hundred  men 
that  were  with  him,  and  came  to  the  brook  Besor, 
where  those  that  were  left  behind  stayed. 

10  But  David  pursued,  he  and  four  hundred 
men : for  two  hundred  abode  behind,  which  were 
"so  faint  that  they  could  not  go  over  the  brook  Besor. 

11  And  they  found  an  Egyptian  in  the  field, 
and  brought  him  to  David,  and  “gave  him  bread 
and  he  did  eat ; and  they  made  him  drink  water; 

12  And  they  gave  him  a piece  of  a cake  of  figs, 
and  two  clusters  of  raisins:  and  when  he  had 
eaten,  Phis  spirit  came  again  to  him : for  he  had 
eaten  no  bread,  nor  drunk  any  water,  sthree  days 
and  three  nights. 

13  And  David  said  unto  him,  To  whom  be- 
fongest  thou  ? and  whence  art  thou  ? and  he  said, 
t am  a young  man  of  Egypt,  servant  to  an  Ama- 
tekite ; and  rmy  master  left  me,  because  three  days 
agone  I fell  sick. 

4:13.11:4.  Gen.  37:33— 35.  Num.  14:1,39.  Judg.  2:4. 21:2.  Ezra  10:1. 
1:2.  25:42,43.  27:3.  2 Sara.  2:2. 3:2,3.  g Gen.  32:7.  Ps.  25:17.  42:7.  116:3,4, 
|0.  2 Cor.  1:8,9.  4:8.  7:5.  h Ex . 17:4.  Nora.  14:10.  Ps.  62:9.  Matt.  21:9.  27: 
12.  * Heb.  bitter.  1:10.  Judg.  18:25.  2Sam.  17:8.  2Kings4:27.  margins. 

.Job  13:15.  Ps.27:l— 3.  42:5,11.  56:3,4,11.62:1,5,8.  118:8— 13.  Prov.  18:10.  Is. 
7:14  — 20.  Hab.  3:17,18.  Rom.  4:18.  8:31.  2Cor.l.9,10.  Heb.  13:6.  k 22:20, 
1 . 23:6,9.  1 Kings  2:26.  Mark  2:26.  123:2,4,10-12.  Judg.  20:18,23,28.  2 Sam. 
5:19,23.  Prov.  3:5,6.  m 14:37.28:6,15,16.  Num.  27:21.  Ps  50: 15.  91 : 15.  n 14: 
90,31.  Judg.  8:4,5.  o Dent.  15:7—11.23:7.  Prov.  25:21.  Matt. 25.35.  Luke  10: 
36,37.  Rom.  12:20,21.  p 14:27.  Judg.  15:19.  Is. 40:29— 31.  q 13.  Esth.4:16. 


leaving  the  city  and  the  women  and  children  in  it,  without 
any  proper  guard. — But  the  Amalekites  were  wonderfully 
and  mercifully  restrained  from  slaying  any  of  them,  after  the 
example  which  David  had  set  them;  (Note,  27:8 — 12.)  pre- 
ferring the  profit  of  enslaving  them,  to  the  pleasure  of  revenge : 
for  God  intended  to  rebuke  his  servant,  hut  not  to  permit  his 
family  and  friends  to  be  destroyed.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  4,  5.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  G.  The  loss  of  his  wives,  the  desolations  of  the  city, 
and  the  bitterness  of  his  followers,  (marg.)  who,  not  entirely 
without  reason,  were  enraged  against  him  for  thus  exposing 
their  families,  all  combined  to  enhance  David’s  distress:  at 
the  same  time  he  could  not  but  consider  his  calamities  as 
resulting  from  unbelief,  in  leaving  the  land  of  Judah,  in  being 
so  much  afraid  of  Achish,  and  in  neglecting  to  consult  the 
Lord.  Yet  in  the  midst  of  all  these  complicated  troubles,  his 
spirit  was  soon  calmed  and  encouraged : he  neither  murmured 
against  God,  nor  resented  the  rage  of  his  soldiers,  nor  de- 
spaired of  redress,  nor  confided  in  his  own  valour  or  conduct ; 
“but  he  encouraged  himself  in  the  Lord  his  God.”  (Notes, 
Gen.  32:6—12.)  He  meditated  upon  his  perfections,  upon 
his  promises  in  general  to  believers,  and  the  particular  pro- 
mises made  to  him  ; on  his  own  experience  of  the  faithfulness 
of  God,  as  well  as  his  wonderful  works  of  old  in  behalf  of  his 
worshippers;  and  on  the  relations  in  which  the  Lord  stood  to 
those,  who  had  been  enabled  to  choose  him  as  their  Salvation 
and  Portion.  Thus  he  was  encouraged  to  expect  forgiveness, 
protection,  help,  and  a favourable  event,  notwithstanding 
external  appearances.  (Note,  17:34 — 37.) 

V . 7 — 10.  Circumstanced  as  David  was,  no  time  was  to  be 
)ost ; and  as  his  troubles  originated  from  neglecting  to  inquire 
of  the  Lord,  he  immediately  consulted  him  by  the  high  priest. 
(Notes,  14:16—23.  23:9 — 13.)  The  answer  vouchsafed  him 
quieted  the  minds  of  his  followers ; so  that  after  their  long 
march  they  were  willing  to  go  .in  pursuit  of  the  ravagers, 
without  taking  rest,  or  regular  refreshment.  But  the  fatigue 
of  the  former  march,  increased  by  this  new  expedition,  toge- 
ther with  the  anguish  of  their  spirits,  rendered  a part  of  the 
company  so  faint,  that  they  could  proceed  no  further.  David 
however,  though  his  small  troop  was  thus  reduced,  and  he 
might  fear  that  the  others  would  be  unable  to  proceed,  still 
“ encouraged  himself  in  the  Lord  his  God.”  (Note,  Judg 
•A4.) 

( 531  ) 


14  We  made  an  invasion  upon  the  sot  tli  of  'the 
Cherethites,  and  upon  the  coast  which  belongeth 
to  Judalnand  upon  the  south  of  'Caleb;  and  “we 
burned  Ziklag  with  fire. 

15  And  David  said  to  him,  Canst  thou  bring  n*> 
down  to  this  company?  And  he  said,  “Swear  unto 
me  by  God,  that  thou  wilt  neither  kill  me,  7nor 
deliver  me  into  the  hands  of  my  master,  and  I 
will  bring  thee  down  to  this  company. 

[Practical  Observations.] 

16  And  ‘when  he  had  brought  him  aown, 
behold,  they  were  spread  abroad  upon  all  the 
earth,  "eating  and  drinking,  and  dancing,  bbecause 
of  all  the  great  spoil  that  they  had  taken  out  of 
the  land  ol  the  Philistines,  and  out  of  the  land  of 
Judah. 

17  And  David  smote  them  from  the  twilight 
even  unto  the  evening  of  Uhe  next  day : ‘and 
there  escaped  not  a man  of  them,  save  four  hun- 
dred young  men  which  rode  upon  camels,  and 
fled. 

18  And  David  recovered  all  that  the  Amalek- 
ites had  carried  away : and  David  rescued  his 
two  wives. 

19  And  dthere  was  nothing  lacking  to  them, 
neither  small  nor  great,  neither  sons  nor  daugh- 
ters, neither  spoil,  nor  any  thing  that  they  had 
taken  to  them  : David  recovered  all. 

20  And  David  took  all  the  flocks  and  the  herds, 
which  they  drave  before  those  other  cattle,  and 
said,  “This  is  David’s  spoil. 

21  And  David  came  to  the  ftwo  hundred  men, 
which  were  so  faint  that  they  could  not  follow 
David,  whom  they  had  made  also  to  abide  at  the 
brook  Besor  : and  they  went  forth  to  meet  David, 
and  to  meet  the  people  that  were  with  him  : and 
when  David  hcame  near  to  the  people,  he  ^saluted 
them. 

22  Then  answered  all  the  ‘wicked  men  and 


Jon. 1:17.  Matt. 27:63.  r Job  31  -.13—15.  Prov.I2:lO.  Jam. 2:13  s 16.  2Sara. 
8:13.  1 Kings  1:38,44.  IChr.  18:17.  Ez. 25:16.  Zeph.2:5.  t Josh.  14:13. 15c 
13.  ol-  3.  x 29:6.  Josh. 2:12.  9:15,19,20.  Ez.  17:13,16,19  y Deut.  23: 15,16. 
z Jndg.  1:24,25.  a 25:36—38.  Ex.  32:6,17— 19,27,28.  Judg.  16:23—30.  2 Sam. 
13:28.  Is.  22:13.  Pan.  5:1— 4,30.  Luke  12:19,  20. 47:27—29.  21 :34, 35.  1 Thea. 
5:3.  Rev.  11:10 — 13.  h Job  20:5.  t Heb.  their  morrow,  c 11:11.  Judg.  4:15. 
1 Kings  20:29,30.  Ps.  18:42.  d 8.  Gen.  14:14— 16.  Num.  31:49.  Job  1:10.  Ps. 
34:9,10.91:9,10.  Matt.  6:33.  e 26.  Num. 31:9— 12.  2Chr.  20:25.  Is.  53:12. 
Rom.  8 37.  f 10.  h Heb.  13:1.  1 Pet.  3:8.  J Web.  asked  them  how  they  did. 
Judg.  18:15.  i 22:2.  25:17,25.  Deut.  13:13.  Judg.  19:22.  1 Kings  21:10,13. 

V.  11 — 15.  This  sick  slave  was  considered  as  of  small 
value  to  his  master,  and  was  likely  to  be  an  encumbrance  ; 
the  life  of  a fellow  creature  was  rated  at  nothing  ; and  so  he 
was  inhumanly  left  to  perish,  though  he  might  have  been  car- 
ried on  one  of  the  camels : but  in  the  righteous  providence  of 
God  this  cruelty  of  his  master  occasioned  the  destruction  of 
the  invading  army  ; whilst  David’s  kindness  to  a perishing 
stranger  and  slave  was  the  means  of  his  signal  success,  and 
proved  true  policy ! (Marg.  Ref.)  This  slave  “ fell  sick  on 
the  third  day  ’’before;  (13.  Heb.)  yet  it  is  said  that  he  had 
been  without  meat  and  drink,  three  days  and  three  nights.  ( 12. 
Note,  Matt.  12:38—40.) 

V.  16 — 19.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  Amalekites  probably 
knew,  that  the  Israelites  and  the  Philistines  were  engaged  in 
war  at  a great  distance,  and  that  David  and  his  men  were  in 
the  army  of  the  Philistines,  and  therefore,  deeming  themselves 
secure,  they  very  imprudently  began  to  riot  on  the  abundance 
which  they  had  taken,  without  even  placing  guards  to  give 
notice  of  an  enemy’s  approach.  So  that  David  and  his  little 
troop  came  on  them  unawares,  and  made  a dreadful  and  long 
continued  slaughter  of  them,  and  recovered  all  their  spoil.  (8) 
Perhaps,  coming  near  to  the  Amalekites  in  the  evening,  and 
witnessing  their  riotous  conduct,  they  took  some  refreshment 
and  rest,  till  the  morning;  ami  then  at  the  twilight  assaulted 
the  Amalekites,  when  oppressed  with  drunkenness  and  sleep: 
or  else  David’s  company  was  supernaturally  strengthened  for 
these  great  exertions  after  all  their  preceding  fatigue. 

V.  20.  Besides  the  cattle,  which  had  been  taken  from  the 
several  countries  which  the  Amalekites  had  ravaged,  it  is  pro- 
bable that  David  entered  their  lands,  and  fetched  away  some 
of  their  cattle  also. 

V.  22 — 25.  (Marg.  Ref.)  No  doubt  many  of  David’s  men 
had  profited  by  his  example  and  instructions:  yet  there  were 
also  wicked  men,  even  “men  of  Belial,”  among  them;  who 
proposed  not  only  to  take  all  the  other  spoil,  and  share  it 
among  those  who  aided  in  destroying  the  Amalekites  ; but 
likewise  to  seize  the  property  of  their  fellow-soldiers,  because 
they  had  not  been  able  to  go  with  them.  David’s  answer 
however  was  full  of  piety,  equity,  and  meekness,  and  well 
worthy  of  careful  notice;  and  it  prevailed  against  their  un- 
just demands.  Had  he  hearkened  to  these  “men  of  Belial," 
the  others  would  have  gone  away  disgusted,  and  the  conse- 
quences might  have  been  permanently  evil : but  by  thus  mildly 


B.  C.  1056. 


I.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1056 


men  of  Belial,  of  'those  that  went  with  David, 
and  said  kBecause  they  went  not  with  us,  we  will 
not  give  f'  em  aught  of  the  spoil  that  we  have 
recovered,  save  to  every  man  his  wife  and  his 
children,  that  they  may  lead  them  away,  and 
depart. 

23  Then  said  David,  Ye  shall  not  do  so,  'my 
brethren,  with  that  "“which  the  Lord  hath  given 
us,  "who  hath  preserved  us,  and  delivered  the 
company  that  came  against  us  into  our  hand. 

24  For  who  will  hearken  unto  you  in  this  mat- 
ter ? °but  as  his  part  is  that  goeth  down  to  the 
battle,  so  shall  his  part  be  that  Ptarrieth  by  the 
stuff’:  they  shall  part  alike. 

25  And  it  was  so  from  that  day  ’forward,  that 
he  made  it  a statute  and  an  ordinance  for  Israel 
unto  this  day. 

26  U And  when  David  came  to  Ziklag,  he  sent 
nf  the  spoil  unto  the  elders  of  Judah,  even  “To  his 
friends,  saying,  Behold  a {present  for  you  of  the 
spoil  of  the  enemies  of  the  Lord  ; 

27  To  them  which  were  in  rBeth-el,  and  to  them 
which  were  in  “south  Ramoth,  and  to  them  which 
were  in  'Jattir, 

* Heb.  the  men.  k Matt.  7:12.  1 Gen.  19:7.  Judg.  19:23.  Acts  7:2.  22-1. 

m 8.2:7.  Num.  31 :49 — 54.  Dent.  8:10,18.  1 Chr.  29:12— 14.  Hab.  1:16.  n Ps. 
44:2-7.121:7,8.  o Num.  31:27.  Josh.  22:8.  Ps.  68:12.  p 25:13.  t Heb.  and 
forward,  q 1 Chr.  12:1, &c.  Ps.  35:27.  68:18.  Prov.  18: 16,24.  Is.  32:8.  4 Heb. 
blessing.  25:27.  Gen.  33:11.  2 Kings  5:15.  2Cor.9:5.  r Gen.  28:19.  Josh.  16: 
2.  Judg.  1:22,23.  1 Kings  12:29.  s Josh.  19:8.  Ramath.  t Josh.  15:48.  u Josh. 


taking  up  the  affair,  he  conciliated  the  minds  of  the  well-dis- 
posed, and  silenced  the  injurious  party. — This  edict  was  differ- 
ent from  that,  by  which  the  spoil  of  the  Midianites  had  been 
divided:  (Notes,  Num.  31:25 — 47.)  but  that  related  to  the 
whole  people;  this  only  to  the  soldiers,  some  of  whom  went 
to  battle,  and  others  guarded  the  baggage ; and  in  this  pecu- 
liar case  it  became  a permanent  law  in  Israel. 

V.  26 — 31.  It  is  evident  from  this  that  some  law  or  custom 
was  established,  which,  in  dividing  the  spoil,  allotted  a certain 
portion  of  it  to  the  commander  in  the  war,  and  that  David 
sent  these  presents  out  of  his  own  share  of  the  booty.  (20) 
No  doubt  he  considered  those  who  secretly  favoured  and 
assisted  him  during  Saul’s  persecutions,  as  his  steady  friends : 
but,  sending  a blessing  to  them  at  this  crisis,  from  the  spoil  of 
the  enemies  of  God  and  his  people,  was  the  result  of  genuine 
policy,  and  served  to  remove  obstructions  to  his  advancement 
to  the  throne.  (Notes,  1 Chr.  12:1 — 8.)  Hesent  no  presents 
to  the  Ziphites,  or  to  the  men  of  Keilah : (Notes,  23:1 — 13, 
19 — 25.  26:1,2.)  for,  though  enemies  should  be  helped,  when 
in  distress;  friends  alone  are  entitled  to  our  confidence,  grati- 
tude, and  liberality. — It  is  evident,  that  some  of  the  places, 
here  mentioned,  were  not  situated  in  the  lot  of  Judah : and 
David  had  passed  over  Jordan,  to  place  his  parents  under  the 
protection  of  the  king  of  Moab,  whose  kingdom  was  near  to 
Aroer.  (Marg.  Ref.  28.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 15.  When  we  leave  our  families,  we  cannot  foresee 
what  may  befall  them,  or  ourselves,  ere  we  return : we  ought 
therefore  to  commit  each  other  to  the  protection  of  God ; and 
to  render  him  unfeigned  thanks  when  we  meet,  from  time  to 
time,  in  peace  and  safety. — It  is  wisdom  on  all  occasions  to 
moderate  our  expectation  of  earthly  comfort ; lest  we  should, 
by  being  too  sanguine,  meet  with  the  more  distressing  disap- 
pointments.— Many  of  our  troubles  may  be  traced  back  to  our 
imprudence ; all  of  them  in  one  way  or  other  originate  from 
our  sins. — Inordinate  passions  blind  men’s  minds:  excessive 
fear  of  one  danger  often  causes  them  to  overlook  those  which 
are  still  more  formidable : and  they  who  give  offence  to 
others,  may  expect  to  be  used  by  them  in  like  manner.  But 
the  Lord  restrains  the  rage  of  the  most  barbarous  and  revenge- 
ful ; while  one  selfish  principle  counteracts  another,  wicked 
men  proceed  as  far  as  his  purposes  require,  and  no  further ; 
and  by  various  instruments  he  rebukes  and  chastens  his 
offending  people,  but  restrains  even  the  most  successful  from 
'oing  them  essential  detriment.  (Note,  Ps.  76:10.) — Gene- 
rous minds  are  most  susceptible  of  rational  affections;  and 
fhe  bravest  are  not  disgraced  by  mourning  the  loss  or  the  suf- 
ferings of  beloved  relations:  but  all  our  passions  are  prone  to 
excess;  and  unless  the  fear  of  God  possess  the  heart,  men 
fret  against  him  under  afflictions,  and  vent  their  impatience 
against  the  guilty  or  innocent  occasions  of  them  : and  thus  our 
helpers  may  become  our  terror,  or  our  destroyers. — Conscious 
guilt,  and  a sense  of  the  divine  displeasure,  form  the  keenest 
aggravations  of  a believer’s  distress:  yet  the  very  reflection 
which  pains  and  humbles  his  heart,  silences  the  tempest  of 
his  passions,  and  induces  hope  in  God,  who  chastens  that  he 
may  not  condemn. — “The  Lord  is  rich  in  mercy,  and  ready 
to  forgive  ;”  so  that  the  greatest  sinner,  when  first  he  ap- 
proaches the  mercy-seat  in  the  Redeemer’s  name,  with  peni- 
tent confessions  and  fervent  prayers,  may  be  encouraged  to 
expect  salvation  for  his  soul,  and  assistance  in  all  his  troubles. 
R'it  the  believer,  who  has  long  trusted  in  his  mercy,  chosen 
bun  for  his  Portion,  walked  with  him  in  his  ordinances,  sought 
< 532  ) 


28  And  to  them  which  were  in  "Aroer.  and  te 
them  which  were  in  Siphmoth,  and  to  them  which 
were  in  ’Eshtemoa, 

29  And  to  them  which  were  in  Rachal,  and  to 
them  which  were  in  the  cities  of  the  wJerahmeel- 
ites,  and  to  them  which  were  in  the  cities  of  the 
xKenites, 

30  And  to  them  which  were  in  rHormah,  and 
to  them  which  were  in  Chorashan,  and  to  them 
which  were  in  Athach, 

31  And  to  them  which  were  in  'Hebron,  and  to 
all  the  places  where  David  himself  and  his  men 
were  wont  to  haunt. 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

1 Saul's  army  being  defeated,  and  his  sons  slain,  he  and  his  armour-bearer  kill 
themselves,  1 — 6.  The  Philistines  seize  the  towns  which  the  Israelites  for- 
sake ; and  insult  over  the  deaa  bodies  of  Saul  and  his  sons,  7—10.  Tht 
men  of  Jabesh-gilead  rescue  and  bum  them,  and  bury  the  bones,  11—13. 

NOW  "the  Philistines  fought  against  Israel  ; and 
the  men  of  Israel  fled  from  before  the  Philis- 
tines, and  bfell  down  'slain  in  mount  “Gilboa. 

2 And  the  Philistines  ““followed  hard  upon  Saul, 
and  upon  his  sons ; and  the  Philistines  slew  “Jo- 
nathan, and  Abinadab,  and  Malchi-shua,  f Saul’s 
sons. 


13:16.  v Josh.  15:50.  Eslhtemoh.  w 27:10.  x Judg.  1:16.  v Josh.  19:4. 
Judg.  1:17.  z Josh.  14:13,14.  2 Sam.  4:1.  15:10.  a 28:1,15.  29:1.  b 12:2-5. 
1 Chr.  10:1— 3.  * Heb.  wounded.  c 28:4.  2Sam.  1:21.  d 14:22.  2Sam.  1: 

6.  e 13:2,16.  14:1 — 14,49.  18:1 — 4.23:17.  1 Chr.  8:33.  9:39.  f Ex.  20:5.  2 Kins* 
25:7. 


his  glory,  and  experienced  his  faithfulness,  power,  and  love ; 
notwithstanding  failures  and  conscious  unworthiness,  may  with 
confidence  “encourage  himself  in  the  Lord  his  God,”  amidst 
the  most  extreme  danger  and  distress.— Bitter  complaints  and 
mutual  recriminations  are  of  no  use  in  the  hour  of  trouble : 
we  are  then  called  to  perform  the  present  duty  ; and  to 
inquire  the  will  of  God  by  searching  the  Scriptures,  and 
prayer.  When  our  sins  are  forgiven,  and  we  act  by  the 
Lord’s  direction,  we  shall  soon  recover  all,  and  be  enriched 
by  our  very  losses  and  trials : and  even  if  our  companions 
cannot  or  will  not  help  us,  “the  Lord  of  hosts  will  be  for  us, 
the  God  of  Jacob  will  be  our  Refuge.” — Some  of  those,  who 
are  cordially  attached  to  the  cause  of  God,  are  less  capable  of 
hard  services  than  others : but  he  mercifully  accepts  them, 
and  so  should  their  brethren. — It  is  good  policy,  as  well  as 
charity,  to  relieve  the  meanest  in  their  distresses ; for  in  some 
great  emergency  God  may  enable  them  to  render  us  the  most 
important  services : but  he  will  certainly  punish  inhumanity 
to  the  poor  and  the  sick  ; especially  that  of  masters  to  their 
sick  and  afflicted  servants,  and  oppressed  slaves.  (Jam. 
2:13.) 

Y.  16 — 31.  The  success  and  abundance  of  ungodly  men, 
increasing  their  presumption,  and  being  spent  on  their  lusts, 
frequently  accelerate  their  destruction : and  sensual  indul- 
gence is  a common  introduction  to  “ weeping,  wailing,  and 
gnashing  of  teeth.”  (P.  O.  2 Sam.  13:15 — 39.  Notes,  Luke 
16:19 — 23.) — In  the  most  favoured  companies  selfish  men  will 
be  found,  who,  being  ungrateful  to  God  for  his  kindness,  will 
enrich  or  pamper  themselves,  while  they  leave  their  more 
deserving,  though  less  prosperous  brethren  to  starve.  But 
those  who  consider  the  Lord  as  the  Giver  of  their  abundance, 
will  dispose  of  it  with  equity  and  in  liberality : they  will  em- 
ploy their  influence  to  restrain  the  injustice  of  others  ; and 
take  occasions  from  evil  suggestions  to  establish  useful  prece- 
dents: and  instead  of  spending  their  wealth  on  their  lusts, 
will  share  it  with  their  friends,  and  with  the  poor;  thus  sub- 
serving their  most  important  fut.ure  interests,  with  the  very 
“ mammon  of  unrighteousness!”  (Note,  Luke  16:9 — 13.) — 
Yet  how  far  do  they  all  come  short  of  the  Saviour,  who 
divides  the  spoil  of  his  victories  with  the  meanest  of  his  fol- 
lowers! (Notes,  Ps.  68:18.  Eph.  4:11 — 13.)  But,  though  the 
rebellious  are  now  invited  to  accept  of  mercy  and  participate 
his  favour ; if  they  will  not  have  him  to  reign  over  them,  they 
shall  receive  no  benefit  from  his  redemption,  the  blessings  o! 
which  will  he  confined  to  his  friends  w ho  trust  and  love  him, 
and  keep  his  commandments. 

NOTES— Chap.  XXXI.  V.  2.  Probal.ly  Saul  never 
informed  his  sons,  of  what  he  had  been  told  concerning  his 
own  and  their  approaching  death  : (28:19.)  so  that  they  were 
in  the  army,  and  slain  before  his  eyes.  Thus  David’s  way 
to  the  throne  was  cleared  : for  if  a large  proportion  of  Israel 
stood  up  for  tho  rights  of  Ish-bosheth,  who  was  a very  insig- 
nificant person;  (2  Sam.  2: — 4:)  doubtless  far  more  would 
have  been  strenuous  for  Jonathan:  And,  though  he  would 
readily  have  given  place ; yet  his  brethren  and  the  people  in 
general  would  no  doubt  have  made  much  opposition  to  David's 
succession  to  the  kingdom.  (Note,  23:17,18.) 

V.  3 — C.  Saul,  when  grievously  wounded,  and  unahlo  to 
resist  or  to  Hoc,  expressed  no  concern  about  his  immortal 
soul ; hut  only  desired  to  he  speedily  despatched,  that  tho 
Philistines  might  not  insult  aver  him,  and  put  lum  to  pain! 
(Note,  Judg.  9:50 — 57.)  His  armunr-bearnr  seems  noithor 
to  have  feared  death,  nor  the  gui..  of  muratr,  no  tho  wrath 


8.  C.  1056. 


CHAPTER  XXXI 


B.  C.  1056. 


3 And  the  battle  ewent  sore  against  Saul,  and 
the  'archers  hit  him ; and  he  was  sore  wounded 
of  the  archers. 

4 Then  said  Saul  unto  his  armour-bearer, 
■Draw  thy  sword,  and  thrust  me  through  there- 
with, lest  these  ‘uncircumcised  come  and  thrust 
me  through,  and  Tabuse  me.  But  his  armour- 
bearer  would  not;  for  die  was  sore  afraid:  there- 
fore kSaul  took  a sword,  and  fell  upon  it. 

5 And  when  'his  armour-bearer  saw  that  Saul 
was  dead,  he  fell  likewise  upon  his  sword,  and 
died  with  him. 

6 So  “Saul  died,  and  his  three  sons,  and  his 
armour-bearer,  and  all  his  men,  that  same  day 
together. 

7 H Ahd  when  the  men  of  Israel  that  were  on 
the  other  side  of  the  valley,  and  they  that  were  on 
the  other  side  Jordan,  saw  that  the  men  of  Israel 
fled,  and  that  Saul  and  his  sons  were  dead,  "they 
forsook  the  cities  and  fled ; and  the  Philistines 
came  and  dwelt  in  them. 


g2Sam.  1:1 — 10.  Am.  2:14.  * Heb.  shooters,  men  with.  bows , found  him. 

Gen.  49:23.  1 isings  22:34.  h.Judg.  9:54.  1 Chr.  10:4.  i 14:6.17:26,36.  2 Sam. 
1:20.  Jer.  9. ‘25, 23.  Rz.  44:7 — 9.  t "r,  mock.  j2Sam.  1:14.  k2Sam.  1:9, 
10.  17:23.  1 Kings  16:13.  I Chr.  10: 13,14.  Mutt.  27:4,5.  Acts  1:18.  16:27.  1 1 Chr. 
10:5.  m 4:10,11.  11:15.  12:17,25.  1 Chr.  10:6.  Ec.  9:1,2.  Hos.  13:10,11.  n 13: 

of  God  : but  he  had  such  reverence  for  the  person  of  his 
rince,  that  he  was  incapable  of  lifting  up  his  hand  against 
im.  Thus  Saul  became  his  own  murderer  ; and  his  armour- 
bearer,  in  a mad  expression  of  respect,  imitated  his  example. 
Ahithophel  and  Judas  the  traitor  likewise  murdered  them- 
selves. (Notes,  2 Sam.  17:23.  Matt.  27:3 — 5.)  and  I do  not 
recollect  any  other  instances  in  Scripture  of  this  practice  ; 
unless  Abimelech  be  added,  who,  when  mortally  wounded, 
ordered  his  armour-bearer  to  despatch  him  ; and  Zimri,  who 
burnt  his  palace  and  himself  in  it.  (Marg.  Ref.)  For  suicide, 
whether  from  real  or  supposed  insanity,  or  otherwise,  seems 
to  have  very  rarely  occurred  in  Israel ; while  suicide  among 
the  Greeks  and  Romans,  and  other  Gentiles,  was  considered 
as  virtue , and  never  ascribed  to  insanity.  So  that  the  very 
numerous  instances  of  self-murder,  in  this  and  other  Christian 
countries,  and  generally  considered  as  lunacy,  have,  in  fact, 
no  parallel , either  in  Israel,  or  among  idolaters  ; and  seem  to 
be  occasioned  in  this  peculiar  form,  by  an  association  of  the 
Christian  sentiment,  that  suicide  is  crime  and  murder,  with  a 
vain  attempt  in  all  parties  to  extenuate  it,  by  ascribing  it  to 
madness.  But  when  the  character  of  the  suicides  mentioned 
in  Scripture  is  considered,  it  confirms  the  opinion,  which  has 
been  advanced,  of  the  enormous  guilt  and  direful  consequences 
of  this  crime.  (Note,  Ex.  20:13.)  Men,  either  madly  presum- 
ing on  the  mercy  of  God,  or  despairing  of  it,  in  order  to  escape 
temporal  sufferings  or  disgrace,  despise  his  gift  of  life,  and 
ehus  rush  uncalled  unto  his  tribunal,  by  an  act  of  direct  rebellion 
against  his  authority,  and  in  proud  defiance  of  his  justice, 
with  the  guilt  of  all  their  unrepented  crimes  upon  their  heads! 
Yet  so  exceedingly  has  Sa’an  blinded  men’s  minds,  that  this 
worst  of  murders  has  been  held  honourable  in  very  many 
ages,  places,  and  situations,  and  has  often  been  committed 
out  of  vainglory,  in  imitation  of,  or  from  affection  to,  those 
who  have  obtained  renown  among  their  fellow-sinners. — The 
Jews  say,  that  Doeg  was  Saul's  armour-bearer,  having  been 
preferred  for  slaying  the  priests  of  the  Lord:  and  if  so,  his 
death  was  worthy  of  his  life.  (Notes,  22:9 — 19.) — Saul’s  sons 
and  servants  died  in  the  performance  of  their  duty  to  him  and 
to  their  country ; but  he  and  his  armour-bearer  died  in  direct 
violation  of  God’s  commandment. 

V.  7.  The  inhabitants  of  the  cities,  near  the  valley  of 
Jezreel,  and  of  the  cities  near  “ the  passage  of  Jordan,”  or 
the  place  where  men  passed  over  that  river,  (nvn  -oys)  were 
so  afrighted  at  these  events,  that  they  fled,  and  left  their  habita- 
tions to  the  conquerors. — These  were  the  effects  of  rejecting 
the  Lord  and  his  prophet,  and  demanding  a king!  (Notes, 
8:1—9.  12:16—19.  Hos.  13:10,11.) 

V.  8—10.  The  Philistines  sent  the  head  of  Saul  to  be 
placed  in  the  temple  of  Dagon,  and  his  armour  in  that  of 
Ashtaroth,  as  memorials  of  their  victory,  and  in  honour  of 
their  idols.  (Notes,  5:1—5.  Judg.  16:23,21  Dan.  5:1—9.) 
But  his  body,  and  the  bodies  of  his  sons,  they  fastened  to  the 
waL  of  Beth-shan  a city  near  to  the  field  of  battle.  Thus  Saul 


8 And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow,  when 
the  Philistines  came  °to  strip  the  slain,  that  they 
found  Saul  and  his  three  sons  fallen  in  mount 
Gilboa. 

9 And  they  rcut  off  his  head,  and  stripped  off 
his  armour,  and  sent  into  the  land  of  the  Philis-1 
tines  round  about,  nto  publish  it  in  the  house  of 
their  idols,  and  among-  the  people. 

10  And  rthey  put  his  armour  in  the  house  of 
"Ashtaroth ; and  they  fastened  his  body  to  the  wall 
of  ‘Beth-shan. 

11  And  when  the  inhabitants  of  “Jabesh-gilead 
heard  ?of  that  which  the  Philistines  had  done  to 
Saul, 

12  All  the  valiant  men  arose,  and  went  all 
night,  and  took  the  body  of  Saul,  and  the  bodies 
of  his  sons,  from  the  wall  of  Beth-shan,  and  came 
to  Jabesh,  and  “burnt  them  there. 

13  And  they  took  nheir  bones,  and  buried 
them  under  a tree  at  Jabesh,  and  “fasted  seven 
days. 

6.  Lev.  25:32,36.  Deut.  28:33.  Judg. 6:2.  o 1 Chr.  10:8.  2 Chr.  20:25.  p 4. 
17:51,54.  1 Chr.  10:9,10.  q Judg.  16:23,24.  r21:9.  ajudg.2:13.  l Judg. 

1:27.  2 Sam.  21: 12 — 14.  u 11:1 — 11.  2 Sam.  2:4— 7.  } Or,  concerning 

him , that  which , fyc.  x 2 Chr.  16:14.  Jer.  34:^  4m.  6:10.  y Gen.  35:8. 

2 Sam.  2:4,5.  21:12-14.  z Gen.  50:10. 


indeed  escaped  being  tortured  by  them,  but  no  dead  body 
could  be  more  inhumanly  abused. — As  the  death  of  Saul 
made  way  for  David  to  ascend  the  throne,  the  Philistines  had 
no  great  cause  to  triumph  on  that  account.  (Notes,  2 Sam. 
5:17  -25.  21:15—22.  Is.  14:28— 32.) 

V.  11 — 13.  This  conduct  of  the  men  of  Jabesh-gilead  was 
a becoming,  expression  of  gratitude  to  Saul,  as  their  deliverer 
in  the  beginning  of  his  reign,  and  a proper  rebuke  to  the 
barbarity  of  the  Philistines.  (Notes,  11:  2 Sam.  2:5 — 7.  21: 
9 — 14.)  It  is  probable  that  they  burned  the  bodies,  lest  the 
Philistines  should  recover  and  further  abuse  them : for  though 
burning  the  dead  was  not  customary  in  Israel,  it  was  not  pro- 
hibited. They  fasted  seven  days,  each  day  until  the  evening, 
as  a token  of  their  sorrow  and  humiliation  under  the  divine 
rebuke.  But  there  was  no  general  lamentation  in  Israel  made 
for  Saul,  as  there  had  been  for  the  prophet  Samuel.  ( Notes , 
25:1.  2 Chr.  21:18—20.  Ec.  6:3—5.  8:9—10.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  objects  of  the  divine  displeasure  are  not  only  wretched 
themselves,  but  likewise  the  cause  of  calamities  to  all  around 
them : yet,  while  the  righteous  are  often  involved  with  them 
in  temporal  troubles  and  death ; they  will  be  separated  in  the 
other  world,  and  possess  eternal  happiness,  when  the  wicked 
sink  into  everlasting  misery : and  frequently  men’s  behaviour, 
in  the  closing  scene  of  life,  strongly  indicates  their  state  be- 
yond the  grave. — How  should  we  watch  and  pray,  that  we 
may  not  be  given  up  to  presumption  or  despair;  but  enabled 
patiently  to  bear  the  evils  of  life,  and  quietly  to  hope  for  the 
salvation  of  the  Lord,  that  Satan  may  not  tempt  us  to  the 
horrible  sin  of  self-murder ! — It  is  comparatively  of  little  conse- 
quence in  what  manner,  or  with  what  circumstances,  we  die, 
or  what  is  done  with  our  dead  bodies : if  our  souls  be  but 
saved,  our  bodies  likewise  will  be  raised  at  last,  incorruptible 
and  glorious.  But  to  be  anxious  to  avoid  pain  or  disgrace 
from  men,  and  not  to  “ fear  him  who  is  able  to  destroy  both 
body  and  soul  in  hell,”  is  the  extreme  of  infatuation  and  im- 
piety : yet  even  here  also,  ungodly  men  are  often  disappointed. 
Indeed,  every  worldly  object  which  is  inordinately  craved, 
will  become  our  trouble  ; and  the  desire,  the  possession,  and 
the  loss  of  it  will  all  be  sources  of  uneasiness  to  us. — When 
inhumanity  and  impiety  attend  prosperity,  it  will  be  transient: 
and’the  successes  of  ungodly  men  are  commonly  introduction* 
to  their  misfortunes. — It  behooves  us  to  show  gratitude  to  our 
benefactors,  even  though  they  be  wicked  men;  and  to  venture 
danger  and  trouble  in  doing  so;  yet  how  ineffectual  is  the 
kindness  and  respect  of  fellow-creatures  to  those  who  are 
enduring  the  wrath  of  God  ! — While  pompous  funerals,  mag- 
nificent monuments,  and  flattering  encomiums,  combine  to 
honour  the  memory  of  some  illustrious  deceased  impenitent 
sinner,  his  poor  soul  is  suffering  the  extremest  misery  and 
disgrace,  in  the  regions  of  darkness  and  despair ! “ This  also 
is  a sore  vanity.”  (Note,  Luke  16:22,23.)  May  we  seek  and 
find  that  honour  which  cometh  from  God  only. 


I 533  ) 


THE 


SECOND  BOOK  OF  SAMUEL, 

OTHERWISE  CALLED 

THE  SECOND  BOOK  OF  THE  KINGS. 


This  book  derives  the  name  by  which  it  is  generally  called,  from  the  prophet  Samuel,  though  he  had  been  dead  some  time  when 
the  history  contained  in  it  commences.  Perhaps  it  was  so  named,  because  he  anointed  that  king  whose  actions  it  records  ; or 
because  the  prophets  by  whom  it  was  written  were  raised  up  in  those  seminaries  which  he  instituted.  The  names , however,  of 
the  books,  are  no  part  of  divine  revelation  ; and  its  authority,  as  a part  of  the  sacred  oracles,  is  not  at  all  lessened  by  conceding,  that 
the  title  given  it  in  the  Septuagint,  and  the  Vulgate,  namely,  ‘ The  Second  Book  of  the  Kings,’  is  more  appropriate.— The  book 
itself  most  evidently  continues  the  preceding  narrative,  and  introduces  that  which  follows:  and  its  authenticity  is  considered  aa 
undoubted  in  every  subsequent  part  of  Scripture.  The  Psalms  abound  with  references  to  the  events  recorded  in  it.  (Ps.  3:  title. 
72  78:70.  72:89-19.-36.  132:)  The  narrative  of  David’s  fall  in  the  matter  of  Uriah,  related  only  in  this  book,  is  mentioned 

in  other  parts  of  Scripture.  (1  Kings  15:5.  Ps.  51:  title.  Matt.  1:6.)  In  short,  wherever  the  covenant  made  with  David,  con- 
cerning  the  regal  authority,  as  perpetuated  in  his  family,  and  at  length  inherited  by  the  Messiah  to  descend  from  him  ; or  the 
promises  made  respecting  Solomon,  the  especial  type  of  Christ;  or  the  Lord’s  choice  of  Jerusalem,  and  ol  mount  Zion,  as  the 
place  of  his  sanctuary,  to  which  the  Israelites  should  resort ; or  the  building  and  continuance  of  the  temple  there,  are  mentioned; 
the  events  recorded  in  this  book  are  divinely  attested.-  As  containing  the  history  of  almost  the  whole  of  David’s  reign,  and  exclu • 
sively  that  of  many  important  transactions,  during  this  interesting  period,  there  are  perhaps  more  references  directly  or  indirectly 
made  to  it  in  other  parts  of  the  Scripture,  than  to  any  other  portion  of  the  sacred  narrative.  The  promises  made  to  David  were, 
both  in  the  literal  and  typical  sense  of  them,  evident  prophesies,  the  fulfilment  of  which,  as  recorded  in  the  subsequent  books  of 
Scripture,  and  in  the  history  of  the  church  and  kingdom  of  Christ  even  to  this  day,  are  a divine  attestation,  that  it  was  written  by 
inspiration  of  that  God,  “to  whom  were  known  all  his  works  from  the  beginning  of  the  world.’’  (Notes,  1:  22:  23:1 — 7.)— It 
opens  with  David’s  accession  to  the  throne,  his  gradual  prevalence  against  the  house  of  Saul,  and  his  establishment  in  the  king- 
dom ; it  proceeds  to  relate  his  victories  over  his  enemies,  together  with  his  zealous  endeavours  to  reform  the  state  of  religion  among 
his  people,  as  well  as  to  enlarge  their  territory  and  advance  their  prosperity.  But  with  these  more  pleasing  events,  are  recorded  the 
grievous  sins  which  he  committed,  and  the  many  domestic  and  public  calamities  with  which  he  was  cha.-tised.  These,  as  a dark 
cloud,  cover  the  latter  part  of  the  history  of  this  book;  (which  brings  us  almost  to  the  close  of  his  reign  of  forty  years;)  yet, 
through  all, 'his  character  shines  very  bright  in  many  instances,  and  we  learn  from  another  place,  that  he  closed  his  life  in  a most 
honourable  manner.  (Notes,  1 Chr.  28:  29:)  * 


R.  C.  1056. 

CHAPTER  I 

An  Amalekite  brings  Saul's  crown  and  bracelet  to  David , informs  him  r>f  the 
event  of  the  battle,  and  asserts  that  fie  slew  Saul,  1 — 10.  David  rends  his 
:lothea,  u-eeps,  and  orders  the  messenger  to  be  put  to  death  as  a murderer , 
II — 16.  His  poetical  lamentation  for  Saul  and  Jonathan , 17 — 27. 

NOW  it  came  to  pass,  after  the  death  of  Saul, 
awhen  David  was  returned  from  the  slaughter 
of  the  Amalekites,  and  David  had  abode  two 
days  in  bZiklag  * 

2  It  came  even  to  pass  on  'the  third  day,  that, 
behold,  da  man  came  out  of  the  camp  from  Saul, 
with  .'his  clothes  rent,  and  f earth  upon  his  head : 
and  so  it  was,  when  he  came  to  David,  that  she 
fell  to  the  earth,  and  did  obeisance. 

3  And  David  said  unto  him,  hFrom  whence 
comest.  thou  ? And  he  said  unto  hirn,  Out  of  the 
camp  of  Israel  'am  I escaped. 

4  And  David  said  unto  him,  "How  went  the 
matter  ? I pray  thee,  tell  me.  And  he  answered, 
That  kthe  people  are  fled  from  the  battle,  and 
many  of  the  people  also  are  fallen  and  dead  ; and 
Saul  and  Jonathan  his  son  are  dead  also. 

5  And  David  said  unto  the  young  man  that 
told  him,  ‘How  knowest  thou  that  Said  and 
Jonathan  his  son  be  dead  ? 

6  And  the  young  man  that  told  him  said,  As  mI 

a 1 Sam.  30:17—28.  b 1 Sara.  27:6.  c Gen.  22:4.  Eslh.  4: 18.  5: 1 . Ho,.  6.2. 
Mall  12:40.16:21.  d 4:10.  e Gen.  37:29,34 . Josh.  7:6.  1 Sam.  4 : 12.  Joel  2:13. 
f 13:32.  Sec  on  1 Sam.  4:12.  g 14:4.  Gen.  37:7—10.  43:28.  1 Sam.  20:41.  25:23. 
Ps.  66:3.  Rev.  3:9.  h 2 Kings  5:25.  i Job  1:1 5 — 19.  • Heb.  whalwa.,  &c. 
1 Sam.  4:16.  nmrg.  k 1 Sam.  31:1— 6.  1 Chr.  10:1—6.  I Prov.  14:15.  m 1 Snm. 
6:9.  Luke  10:31.  n 21.  1 Sam.  28:4.  31:1.  o 1 Sam.  31:2— 7.  fHeb.  behold 


NOTES. — Chap.  I.  V.  1.  David  and  his  men  had  re- 
turned to  Ziklag,  and  probably  were  employed  in  repairing 
its  desolations,  when  tidings  were  brought  him  of  the  death 
of  Saul.  It  does  not  appear  that  he  made  much  inquiry 
concerning  the  event  of  the  war,  though  he  had  every  reason 
to  be  anxious  about  it.  The  decisive  blow  must  have  been 
given  about  the  time  when  lie  was  so  exceedingly  distressed. 
(Notes,  1 Sam.  30:1 — 6.) 

V.  3 — 10.  As  it  is  expressly  said,  that  the  armour-bearer 
saw  that  Saul  was  dead,  before  he  slew  himself,  (1  Sam. 
31:5.)  we  must  conclude  (hat  this  man  feigned  many  circum- 
stances of  his  story.  But  happening  to  pass  by  the  field  of 
battle,  and  finding  Saul’s  dead  body,  with  the  insignia  of 
royalty  on  it,  or  near  to  il,  he  knew  who  it  was;  and  by 
bringing  these  away  he  sufficiently  proved  Saul’s  death.  He 
therefore  framed  his  story,  and  ordered  his  behaviour,  in  that 
manner  which  he  supposed  would  most  ingratiate  him  with 
David.  Il  is  remarkable,  that  an  Amalckile  should  boast  of 
having  slain  Saul,  who  had  been  rejected  for  not  punctually 
( 534  ) 


B.  C.  1056. 

happened  by  chance  upon  "mount  Gilboa,  behold, 
“Saul  leaned  upon  his  spear ; and,  lo,  the  chariots 
and  horsemen  followed  bard  after  him. 

7 And  when  he  looked  behind  him,  he  saw 
me,  and  called  unto  me ; and  I answered,  ^ere 
am  I. 

8 And  he  said  unto  me,  Who  art  thou?  And  I 
answered  him,  I am  ran  Amalekite. 

9 He  said  unto  me  again,  Stand,  I pray  thee, 
upon  me,  and  slay  me  ; for  languish  is  come  upon 
me,  because  my  life  is  yet  whole  in  me. 

10  So  I stood  upon  him,  and  sslew  him,  because 
I was  sure  that  he  could  not  live  after  that  he  was 
fallen : and  I took  rthe  crown  that  was  upon  his 
head,  and  the  bracelet  that  was  on  his  arm,  and 
have  brought  them  hither  unto  my  lord. 

11  Then  David  took  hold  on  his  clothes,  and 
■rent  them ; and  ‘likewise  all  the  men  that  were 
with  him. 

12  And  they  "mourned  and  wept,  and  fasted 
until  even  for  Saul,  and  for  Jonathan  his  son, 
and  for  the  people  of  the  Lord,  and  for  the 
house  of  Israel ; because  they  were  fallen  by  the 
sword. 

13  H And  David  said  unto  the  young  man  that 

me.  9:6.  ISam.  22:12.  Is.  6:8.  marg.  65:1.  p Gen.  14:7.  Ex.  17:8-— 16.  Num. 
21:20.  Deut.  25:17—19.  1 Sam.  15:3.  27:8.30:1,13.  1 Or,  my  coat  of  mail,  or, 
my  embroidered  coat  hindereth  me,  that,  my,  be.  q Jiidg.  9:54.  1 Sam  . 31 :4,5, 
r 12:30.  I, am.  5:16.  s 3:81.  13:31 . Gen.  37:29,34.  Acts  14:14.  t Rom.  12:15. 
u Ps.  35:13,14.  Prov.  24:17,18.  Jer.9:l.  Amos  6:6.  Matt.  5:44.  2 Cor  11:29, 
1 Pet.  3:8. 

executing  the  command  of  God,  concerning  that  nation. 
(1  Sam.  15:18 — 23.  28:18.)  But  this  rendered  the  story 
the  more  improbable;  for  il  might  well  be  supposed,  that  Saul 
would  be  as  unwilling  to  he  slain  by  an  Amalekite,  as  by  a 
Philistine.  Anguish.  (9)  Tile  marginal  reading  seems  the 
true  meaning  of  the  original. 

V.  11,  12.  Daviil  mourned  for  Jonathan,  ns  having  lost  a 
most  excellent  and  beloved  friend  ; for  Saul,  as  having  good 
will  and  compassion  for  him  without  resentment,  and  because 
every  circumstance  preceding  and  attending  his  death,  was 
peculiarly  melancholy  and  affecting ; and  for  Israel,  as  having 
iost  a multitude  of  valiant  men,  as  disgracefully  triumphed 
over  by  the  Philistines,  and  as  exposed  to  further  injuries  and 
oppressions.  ( Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  13 — 1G.  This  man  was  an  Amalekite,  and  so  devoted 
by  God  himself  to  destruction;  and  David,  as  the  king  ol 
Israel  after  Saul’s. death,  was  appointed  to  put  this  sentence 
in  execution.  He  had  boasted  of  hiving  killer4  the  king  of 
Israel;  David  could  not  disprove  his  . estnnony . rn<  having 


B.  L.  1056. 


CHAPTER  II. 


B.  C.  1056. 


told  him,  ’‘Whence  me  thou  ? And  he  answered, 
I am  the  son  of  a stranger,  an  Amalekite. 

14  And  David  said  unto  him,  'How,  wast  thou 
not  afraid  Ho  stretch  forth  thine  hand  to  destroy 
the  Lord’s  anointed  ? 

15  And  David  called  one  of  the  young  men, 
and  said,  “Go  near,  and  fall  upon  him.  And  he 
smote  him  that  he  died. 

16  And  David  said  unto  him,  bThy  blood  be 
opon  thy  head : for  cthy  mouth  hath  testified 
against  thee,  saying,  I have  slain  the  Lord’s 

anointed.  [Practical  Observation #.] 

17  11  And  David  dlamented  with  this  lamenta- 
tion over  Saul,  and  over  Jonathan  his  son  : 

18  (Also  he  bade  them  “teach  the  children  of 
Judah  the  use  of  the  bow;  behold,  it  is  written 
in  i the  book  of  ' Jasher.) 

19  The  sbeauty  of  Israel  is  slain  upon  thy  high 
places  : hhow  are  the  mighty  fallen  ! 

20  ‘Tell  it  not  in  Gath,  publish  it  not  in  the 
streets  of  Askelon;  klest  the  daughters  of  the  Phi- 
listines rejoice,  lest  the  'daughters  of  the  uncircum- 
cised triumph. 

21  Ye  "'mountains  of  Gilboa,  "let  there  be  no 
dew,  neither  let  there  be  rain  upon  you,  nor  fields 
’of  offerings  : for  there  the  shield  of  the  mighty  is 
vilely  cast  away,  the  shield  of  Saul,  as  though  he 
had  not  been  Panointed  with  oil. 

22  From  the  blood  of  the  slain,  from  the  fat  of 
the  might}’,  Hhe  how  of  Jonathan  turned  not 
back,  and  the  sword  of  Saul  returned  not  empty. 

IS.  y Nura.  12:8.  lSara.31:4.  2Pet.2:I0.  , 1 Sam.  24:6.  26:9.  Ps.  105: 

15.  a 4:10 — 12.  Jutlg.  8:20.  1 Sam.  22:17,18.  1 Kings ‘2:25,34,46.  bGen.  9:5, 

6.  I,e».  20:9,1 1—13,16,27.  Deul. 19:10.  Josh.  2:19.  1 Kings  2:32.  Ea.  18:13. 
33:5.  Matt. 27:25.  Acts20.26.  cJob,15:6.  Prov. 6:2.  LukeJ9:22.  Rom. 3:19. 
d Gen.  50:11.  2 Chr.  35:25.  Jer.  9:17  — 21 . el  Sam.  31:3.  f Josh.  10: 13.  * Or, 
theupright.  g 23.  Deut.  4 :7,8.  1 Sam.  31 .3.  Is. 4:2. 53:2.  Lam.  2:1.  Zech.  11: 
7,10.  h 25,27.  Lam.  5:16.  i Deut.  3*2:26,27.  Judg.  16:23,24.  Mic.  1:10.  k Ex. 
15:20,21  Jutlg.  11:34.  1 Sam.  18:6.  Ez.  16:27,57.  1 1 Sam.  17:26,36.  31:4. 

m 1 Sam.  31:1.  1 Chr.  10:1 — 8.  n Judg.  5:23.  Job  3:3 — 8.  Is.  5:6.  Jer.  20:14. 


received  no  other  intelligence,  probably  he  believed  it.  By 
his  own  confession  he  deservec^death  ; (for  a man’s  desire  to 
die  cannot  authorize  another  to  kill  him;)‘and  by  his  punish- 
ment, David  solemnly  protested  that  he  had  no  hand  in  the 
death  of  Saul ; he  warned  all  others  not  to  expect  favour  from 
him,  by  doing  violence  to  any  of  Saul’s  family ; and  he  aimed 
to  conciliate  their  good  will,  and  that  of  Israel  in  general. 
(Notes,  4:8—12.) 

V.  18.  Perhaps  the  bow  had  fallen  into  disuse  among  the 
Israelites,  and  this  had  given  the  Philistines  an  advantage : at 
the  time  therefore  that  this  poem  was  inserted  in  the  book  of 
Jasher,  (Note,  Josh.  10:12 — 14.)  it  was  also  recorded,  that 
David  had  given  orders  to  the  people  to  habituate  themselves 
to  the  expert  use  of  the  bow.  Some,  however,  understand 
this  expression  of  a tune,  or  musical  instrument,  to  which 
this  poem  was  adapted. 

V.  19 — 27.  This  elegy  contains  little  directly  relating  to 
religion  ; but  it  is  highly  poetical.  It  was  intended  as  a 
tribute  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  Saul,  and  of  affection  to 
that  of  Jonathan  ; who  perhaps  was  principally  meant  by 
“The  beauty  of  Israel,”  being  in  every  respect  an  ornament 
to  his  religion  and  people.  Saul’s  valour  and  military  renown 
are  celebrated,  and  his  faults  are  veiled ; but  nothing  is 
spoken  of  his  piety  or  justice.  The  charge  given  to  every 
one,  not  to  mention  the  catastrophe  in  the  cities  of  the 
Philistines,  lest  the  enemies  of  God  should  rejoice,  is  very 
beautiful.  The  wish  that  neither  rain  nor  dew  might  fructify 
the  fields,  on  which  the  fatal  battle  was  fought;  and  that 
no  sacrifices  might  thence  be  brought  to  the  altar  of  God, 
because  there  the  anointed  of  the  Lord  had  cast  away  his 
shield,  as  if  he  had  been  a common  soldier,  is  a strong 
expression  of  regret  for  such  an  event.  The  harmony 
which  generally  subsisted  between  Saul  and  Jonathan,  in 
warring  against  the  enemies  of  Israel ; the  impetuosity  and 
fury  with  which  they  had  together  charged  and  pursued 
them  : and  their  falling  in  the  same  battle,  are  touched  upon 
in  a very  poetical  manner.  It  is  probable  that  Saul  had 
encouraged  the  manufactures  of  Israel,  and  perhaps  had 
increased  their  wealth  : the  daughters  of  Israel  therefore,  as 
most  delighted  with  external  embellishment,  are  called  upon 
to  lament  over  their  prince.  Every  thing  is  mentioned  in 
his  commendation,  which  truth  permitted:  but  Jonathan  is 
named  with  most  passionate  affection ; as  having  fallen 
upon  the  high  places,  where  he  had  often  successfully  dis- 
played his  valour  ; and  as  having  shown  a strong  and  faithful 
affection,  in  such  trying  circumstances,  and  in  so  disinterest- 
ed a manner,  as  could  not  be  equalled  by  any  instances  of 
conjugal  fidelity,  or  the  most  constant  love  which  had  ever 
subsisted  between  the  sexes.  Considering  therefore  how 
ulcasant  his  friendship  had  been  to  David,  he  could  not  but 
be  greatly  distressed  at  his  premature  death. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V y — lfi.  The  deepest  distress  sometimes  immediately 


23  Saul  and  Jonathan  were  lovely  and  ’pleasant 
in  their  lives,  and  in  their  death  “they  were  not 
divided : they  were  “swifter  than  eagles,  they  ‘werr 
stronger  that  lions. 

24  Ye  “daughters  of  Israel,  weep  over  Sau., 
who  clothed  you  in  scarlet  with  other  delights, 
who  put  on  ornaments  of  gold  upon  your  apparel. 

25  wHow  are  the  mighty  fallen  in  the  midst  of 
the  battle  ! O Jonathan,  Hhou  wast  slain  in  thine 
high  places. 

26  I am  distressed  for  thee,  my  brother  Jona- 
than; very  pleasant  hast  thou  been  unto  me  : Hh> 
love  to  me  was  wonderful,  passing  the  love  of 
women. 

27  How  are  the  mighty  fallen,  and  the  ‘weapons 
of  war  perished ! 

CHAPTER  II. 

David , by  divine  direction,  goes  -with  his  company  to  Hebron,  and  is  anointed 
king  over  Judah,  1 — 4.  He  commends  the  men  of  Jabesh-gilead  for  thsir 
kindness  to  Saul,  5—7.  Abner  sets  up  Ish-bosheth  as  king  over  Israel,  8— 
11.  Twelve  of  Abner's  men,  and  twelve  of  Joab's,  engage  in  a fatal  contest, 
which  brings  on  a battle,  in  which  Israel  is  vanquished,  12 — 17.  Asahel, 
JoaJb's  brother,  is  slain  by  Abner,  18—24.  At  Abner's  desire  Joab  sounds  a 
retreat,  25— 29.  The  number  of  the  slain , 30,  31.  Asahel' s burial,  32. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that  David 
“inquired  of  the  Lord,  saying,  Shall  I go  up 
into  any  of  the  cities  of  Judah?  And  the  Lord 
said  unto  him,  Go  up.  And  David  said,  Whithei 
shall  I go  up  ? And  he  said,  Unto  bHebron. 

2 So  David  went  up  thither,  and  chis  two 
wives  also,  Ahinoam  the  Jezreelitess,  and  Abigail, 
Nabal’s  wife  the  Carmelite. 


0 Joel  1:9.  2:14.  p 1 Sam.  10:1.  Is.  21:5.  q 1 Sam.  14:7 — 14.  18:4.  Is.  34:6,7 
f Or,  sweet.  1 Sam.  18:1.  20:2.  r 1 Sam.  31:2—5.  s 2:18.  Deut.  28:49.  1 Chr, 
12:8.  Job  9:26.  Jer.  4:13.  Lam.  4:19.  t 23:20.  Judg.  14:18.  Prov.  30:30. 
u Judg.  5:30.  Ps.  68:12.  Prov.  31:21.  Is.  3:16— 26.  Jer.  2:32.  1 Tim.  2:9,10. 

1 Pet.  3:3— 5.  w 19,27.  Lam.  5:16.  x Judg.  5:18.  1 Sam.  14:13—15.  y 1 Sanu 
18:1 — 4.  20:17,41.  23:16.  z 2 Kings  2:12.  13:14.  Ps.  46:9.  76:6.  Ez.  39:9,10. 
a 5;  19,23.  Num.  27:21.  Judg.  1:1.  1 Sam.  23:2,4,9— 12.  30:7,8.  Ps.  25:4,5.  27:4. 
143:8.  Prov.  3:5,6.  Ez.  36:37.  b 5:1— 3.  15:7.  Gen.  23:2.  Num.  13:22.  Josh. 
14:14,15.  I Kings  2:11.  1 Chr.  29:27.  c 1 Sam.  25:42,43.  30:5.  Luke  22:28,29. 

precedes  ttie  dawning  of  deliverance  : but  those  who  havo 
committed  their  concerns  to  the  Lord,  should  quietly  abide 
his  will ; and  repress  that  eagerness  and  anxiety,  with  which 
others  disquiet  themselves,  when  they  expect  important 
changes. — Many  secretly  wish  for  the  death  of  those  who 
keep  them  from  honours  or  estates,  without  excepting  even 
their  nearest  relations ; and  inwardly  rejoice  at  those  events 
for  which  they  decently  appear  to  mourn.  This  is  well 
known  to  mercenary  men,  who  form  their  plans  accordingly  ; 
and  are  apt  to  conclude  that  all  are  actuated  by  the  same 
selfish  principles.  But  the  grace  of  God  subdues  this  base 
disposition,  and  forms  the  mind  to  a more  liberal  temper : 
the  true  believer  does  not  allow  himself  to  desire,  or  to 
rejoice  in,  the  calamity  or  death  of  a rival  or  an  enemy , 
(Note,  Prov.  24:17,18.)  much  less  for  that  of  a kind  and 
superior  relation,  to  whom  gratitude  and  honour  are  justly 
due : and  his  mourning  will  on  such  occasions  be  unfeigned, 
though  moderated  by  submission  to  the  will  of  God.  He 
cannot  exult  in  the  prospect  of  worldly  advancement:  for  he 
considers  himself  as  by  it  intrusted  with  more  talents,  sur- 
rounded by  greater  temptations,  and  called  to  increasing 
cares,  duties,  and  burdens.  Those  therefore  will  be  de- 
ceived, who  court  his  favour,  as  sycophants  do  that  of  ungodly 
superiors  : they  will  meet  with  a frown,  a rebuke,  and  perhaps 
punishment,  where  they  expected  a large  reward : and  this 
treatment  of  such  mercenary  men  promises  a useful  and 
honourable  possession  of  worldly  pre-eminence. 

V.  17 — 27.  The  faults  even  of  owr  enemies  should  not 
be  needlessly  exposed,  and  all  remembrance  of  injuries  should 
be  buried  with  the  deceased,  except  the  glory  of  God  and 
the  benefit  of  men  require  the  contrary  ; and  the  offices  and 
rank  of  distinguished  persons  are  entitled  to  respect,  though 
their  characters  do  not  deserve  our  esteem. — Useful  endow- 
ments are  conferred  on  numbers  who  are  destitute  of  true 
piety ; and  it  is  in  some  cases  allowable  and  decent  to  give 
them  due  commendation : yet  we  must  on  no  account  praise 
them  for  virtues  which  they  do  not  possess.  But  holiness 
demands  our  peculiar  love,  and  renders  the  society  of  those 
who  possess  it  very  pleasant  to  the  true  believer.  Next  to 
the  love  which  subsists  between  the  Lord  and  his  people, 
that  endeared  affection  which  springs  from  it.  produces  the 
most  vigorous,  durable,  faithful,  and  disinterested  friendship  : 
(Notes,  1 Pet.  1:22 — 25.)  yet  even  this  heavenly  love  occa- 
sions deep  distress  in  this  world,  in  which  it  is  an  exotic ; but 
in  its  own  climate  above,  it  will  flourish  into  unalloyed  and 
eternal  pleasure. — The  calamities  of  the  Lord’s  people,  and 
the  triumphs  of  his  enemies,  always  grieve  the  hearts  of  true 
believers,  whatever  advantages  they  may  incidentally  derive 
from  them  ; and  it  would  be  well,  if  many  things  which  con- 
tinually occur  among  professed  Christians  could  be  concealed 
from  infidels  and  profligates,  who  are  exceedingly  hardened 
and  emboldened  by  them.  But  it  is  not  enough  to  conceal 
offences.  Indeed  the  wish  to  do  it  is  vain,  and  the  tiling 
( 535  ) 


B.  L.  1054 


II.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1054 


3 And  dhis  men  that  were  with  him  did  David 
bring  up,  every  man  with  his  household : and 
they  dwelt  in  'the  cities  of  Hebron. 

4 And *  1 * * the  men  of  Judah  came,  and  there 
they  ^anointed  David  king  over  the  house  of 
Judah.  And  they  told  David,  saying,  That  hthe 
men  of  Jabesh-gilead  were  they  that  buried 
Saul. 

5 And  David  sent  messengers  unto  the  men 
of  Jabesh-gilead,  and  said  unto  them,  'Blessed  be 
ye  of  the  Lord,  that  ye  have  showed  this  kind- 
ness unto  your  lord,  even  unto  Saul,  and  have 
buried  him. 

6 And  now  kthe  Lord  show  kindness  and  truth 
unto  you : and  'I  also  will  requite  you  this  kind- 
ness, because  ye  have  done  this  thing. 

7 Therefore  now  "let  your  hands  be  strength- 
ened, and  be  ye  "valiant:  for  your  master  Saul 
is  dead,  and  also  the  house  of  Judah  have 
anointed  me  king  over  them. 

8 H But  “Abner  the  son  of  Ner,  captain  of 
'Saul’s  host,  took  “Ish-bosheth  the  son  of  Saul, 
and  brought  him  over  to  rMahanaim; 

9 And  made  him  king  over  s Gilead,  and  over 
the  “Ashurites,  and  over  Jezreel,  and  over  Eph- 
raim, and  over  Benjamin,  and  over  all  Israel. 

10  Ish-bosheth  Saul’s  son  ivas  forty  years  old 
when  he  began  to  reign  over  Israel,  and  reigned 
t:vo  years:  but  the  house  of  Judah  followed 
David. 

11  And  "the  Jtime  that  David  was  king  in 


d 1 Sam.  22:2  . 27:2,3.  30:9,10.  1 C'hr.  12:1.  &c.  e Josh.  21 : 11 ,12.  119:11,12. 

Gen.  49:8-10.  g 7.  5:3,17.  1 Sam.  16:13.  I Chr.  11:3.  h 1 Sam.  31 : 1 1— 13. 
iRuth  1:8.  2:20.  3:10.  1 Sam. 23:21.  24:19.  23:32,33.  Pa.  115:15.  k 15:20.  Ps. 
57:3.  Prov.  11:22.  Matt.  5:7.  2 Tim.  1:16— 18.  19:3,7.  10:2.  Malt.  5 44.  10:16. 
Pliilem.  18,19.  m 10:12.  Gen.  15:1.  1 Sam.  4:9.  31:7,12.  1 Cor.  16:13.  Eph.6: 
10.  * Heb.  the  sons  of  valour,  n 1 Sam.  14:30.  17:55.  26:14.  fHeb.MeAosf 
to  iich  was  Saul's,  o 3:7,8.  4:5.6.  1 Chr.  8:33.  9:39.  Esk-baal.  p 17:26,27.  Gen. 
32:2.  q Num.32:l,  &c.  Josh.  13:8 — 11.  Ps.  108:8.  rGen.  30:13.  Num.  1:40.  s 5: 


itself  generally  impracticable  : and  the  very  endeavour  often 
increases  the  mischief ; being  considered  as  an  effort  to  con- 
nive at  or  palliate  evil  conduct,  in  those  of  our  own  creed  or 
party.  And  at  the  same  time  the  hope  of  escaping  disgrace 
decreases  resistance  in  the  hour  of  temptation ; and  so 
multiplies  the  scandals  themselves.  We  must  therefore 
watch  and  pray  against  them,  and  use  all  our  influence  to 
prevent  them.  Let  us  then  learn  to  repress  ambition,  resent- 
ment, and  self-love;  and  to  exercise  patience,  meekness, 
gratitude  to  our  benefactors,  love  to  our  country,  and  good 
will  to  men ; with  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  interests 
of  true  religion. 

NOTES. — Chap.  II.  V.  1 — 3.  After  the  death  of  Saul 
many  of  the  Israelites  resorted  to  David  at  Ziklag,  till  his 
forces  became  very  considerable:  [Notes,  1 Chr.  12:1 — 22.) 
yet  he  took  no  step  to  obtain  possession  of  the  vacant  throne, 
without  consulting  the  Lora  as  in  former  instances  by 
Abiathar  the  priest.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes , Ex.  28:30. 
Num.  27:21.)  He  trusted  in  him  who  had  promised  him  the 
kingdom,  to  give  it  him  in  his  own  time  and  manner ; that 
he  might  possess  it  with  a clear  conscience,  and  avoid  all 
appearance  of  those  evils  with  which  he  knew  Saul’s  adhe- 
rents would  be  ready  to  charge  him.  (Note,  1 Kings  1 1:37.) 
Judah  was  his  own  tribe,  and  he  was  decided  in  his  opinion, 
that  he  must  first  go  up  to  some  city  of  that  tribe.  Accord- 
ingly he  was  directed  to  go  up  to  Hebron,  a chief  city  of 
Judah : and  his  men  with  their  families  were  placed  in  the 
adjacent  towns,  dependent  on  Hebron.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  4.  David  had  been  privately  anointed  by  Samuel,  as 
Saul’s  successor;  (1  Sam.  16:12,13.)  and  now  the  principal 
persons  in  the  tribe  of  Judah  publicly  anointed  him  to  be 
their  king  ; but  they  did  not  attempt  to  place  him  over  the 
other  tribes.  (Note,  5:3.) 

V.  5 — 7.  David  took  every  opportunity  of  expressing  the 
■tame  regard  to  Saul,  as  he  had  done  in  his  lifetime. — But 
he  and  three  of  his  sons  were  now  dead;  and  all  Israel  knew 
that  Saul’s  family  had  been  rejected  by  the  Lord,  who  had 
appointed  David  his  successor.  The  tribe  of  Judah  had 
recognized  his  title : it  was  proper  that  he  should  act  as  king: 
and  he  could  not  begin  his  reign  by  a more  conciliating  mea- 
sure, than  by  sending  a deputation  to  thank  those  who  had 
rescued  the  bodies  of  Saul  and  his  sons,  and  performed  the 
funeral  ceremonies  over  them.  (Note,  1 Sam.  31:11 — 13.) 
He  not  only  besought  the  Lord  to  reward  the  men  of  Jabesh, 
but  promised  that  he  also  would  requite  them  ; being  deter- 
mined to  show  aM  kindness  to  the  friends  of  his  predecessor: 
and  he  also  encouraged  them  to  expect  ‘his  firm  support 
against  the  Philistines  and  other  enemies. 

V.  8.  Abner  was  a near  relation  of  Saul,  and  commander 
of  his  armies  ; and  Ish-bosheth  was  an  insignificant  person  : 
Abner  therefore  doubtless  intended  to  give  him  inly  the  titlo 
.of  king,  and  to  possess  the  authority  himself.  (Marg.  Ref. 

Notes  3:6 — 12,17 — 21.  1 SVrm.  14:47 — 52.)  Eithor  Abner 

( 536  ) 


Hebron  over  the  house  of  Judah,  was  seven 

years  and  six  months.  [ Practical  Observation b.] 

12  IT  And  Abner  the  son  of  Ner,  and  the 
servants  of  Ish-bosheth  the  son  of  Saul,  went  out 
from  Mahanaim  to  'Gibeon. 

13  And  “Joab  the  son  of  Zeruiah,  and  the  ser- 
vants of  David,  went  out,  and  met  ^together  by- 
the  *pool  of  Gibeon  : and  they  sat  down,  the  one 
on  the  one  side  of  the  pool,  and  the  other  on  the 
other  side  of  the  pool. 

14  And  Abner  said  to  Joab,  Let  the  young 
men  now  arise,  and  ?play  before  us.  And  Joab 
said,  Let  them  arise. 

15  Then  there  arose  and  went  over  by  number 
twelve  of  Benjamin,  which  pertained  to  Ish- 
bosheth  the  son  of  Saul,  and  twelve  of  the  ser- 
vants of  David. 

16  And  they  caught  every  one  his  fellow  by 
the  head,  and  thrust  his  sword  in  his  fellow’s 
side  ; so  they  fell  down  together  : wherefore  that 
place  was  called  "Helkath-hazzurim,  which  is  in 
Gibeon. 

17  And  there  was  a very  sore  battle  that  day: 
and  Abner  was  beaten,  and  the  men  of  Israel,  be- 
fore the  servants  of  David. 

18  And  there  were  zthree  sons  of  Zeruiah 
there,  Joab,  and  Abishai,  and  Asahel : and  Asahel 
“was  as  light  of  "foot  as  a “wild  roe. 

19  And  Asahel  pursued  after  Abner;  and  in 
going  he  bturned  not  to  the  right  hand  nor  to  the 
left,  from  "following  Abner. 


5.  1 Kings  2:11.  1 Chr.  3:4.29:27.  J Heb.  member  ofdays.  t Josh.  9:3.  10:12 
18:25.  u 18.  8:16.20:23.  1 Kines  1:7.  2:28— 35.  6 Heb.  them  together,  x Jer. 
41:12.  y 26.  Prov.  10:23.  17:14.  20:18.  25:8.  26:18,19.  II  That  is,  The  fold 
of  strongmen,  z 1 Chr.  2:15,16.  n 1:23.  1 Chr.  12:8.  Pa.  147:10,11.  Kc.  9:11. 
11  Heb.  his  feet.  *'  Heb.  one  of  the  roes  that  is  in  the  field.  Ps.  18:33.  Caul. 
2:17.8:14.  Hab.3:19.  b 21.  Josh.  1:7.  23:6.  2 Kings  22:2.  Prov.  4:27.  Heb. 
after  Abner. 


had  not  been  present  at  the  battle  in  Gilboa,  or  he  had 
escaped  by  flight. 

V.  9.  Abner  deemed  it  prudent  to  fix  Ish-bosheth’s  resi- 
dence at  Mahanaim,  east  of  Jordan,  (Note,  Gen.  32:1,2.)  as 
most  secure  both  from  David  and  the  Philistines  ; yet  all  the 
tribes  west  of  Jordan  adhered  to  him,  except  the  tribe  of  Ju- 
dah.— The  Ashurites  were  the  tribe  of  Asher. — The  nation 
in  general  had  rejected  the  judges  whom  God  had  raised  up  for 
them,  and  had  demanded  a king-,  and,  in  the  same  rebellious 
spirit  they  refused  the  prince  whom  the  Lord  had  selected  for 
them,  who  was  a man  of  approved  abilities  and  character ; 
and  preferred  the  surviving  son  of  their  rejected  king,  though 
in  every  respect  an  improper  person.  In  this,  David  was  a 
type  of  Christ,  whom  Israel  would  not  submit  to,  though 
anointed  by  the  Father  to  be  their  Prince  and  Saviour. 
(Notes,  1 Sam.  8:1—  9.  Ps.  2:  Luke  19:11—27.  Acts  7:51 
—53.) 

V.  10,  11.  For  two  years  Ish-bosheth  reigned  in  peace, 
and  David  made  no  attempts  against  him:  but  for  tne  re- 
mainder of  the  seven  years  and  six  months,  there  was  war. 
Abner  possessed  the  authority,  and  Ish-bosheth  was  only  a 
nominal  king.  Ish-bosheth  signifies  a man  of  shame.  He  is  also 
called  Esh-haal.  (1  Chr.  8:33.  Note,  Judg.  6:31,32.)  Ho 
was  evidently  a very  inconsiderable  and  despised  person. 

V.  12,  13.  David  was  made  king  by  God  himself,  and  had 
never  been  subject  to  Ish-bosheth : yet  he  did  not  begin  hos- 
tilities, but  waited  to  see  how  God  would  order  things  in  his 
favour.  When  however  Abner  made  war  on  him,  he  was  not 
bound  to  the  same  measures  of  mere  self-defence,  as  when 
persecuted  by  the  Lord’s  anointed. — Abner  marched  his 
army  over  Jordan,  unto  Gibeon  of  Benjamin,  doubtless  ex- 
pecting to  be  effectually  supported  in  subjecting  the  tribe  of 
Judah  to  Ish-bosheth:  but  David  opposed  an  army  to  him 
under  the  command  of  Joab,  his  sister’s  son ; and  to  the  in- 
structions given  him  we  may  ascribe  the  moderation  with 
which  he  conducted  the  war.  4 For  he  had  sworn  to  Saul, 
that  he  would  not  cut  off  his  seed,  and  therefore  would  not 
willingly  engage  against  Ish-bosheth.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Note, 

1 Sam.  24:16—22.  ) 

V.  14 — 16.  Tf  is  probable  that  Joab  kept  upon  the  defer* 
sive,  and  gave  Abner  no  opportunity  of  attacking  him ; and 
that  Abner’s  impatience  to  engage  induced  him  to  give  this 
rash  challenge.  He  expressed  himself  as  if  he  only  intended 
to  make  diversion  for  the  two  armies,  according  to  the  horrible 
custom  of  gladiators  in  after  ages,  who  gratified  the  diabolical 
spectators  by  murdering  each  other.  Joab,  though  backward 

to  engage,  had  not  resolution  to  refuse  the  challenge.  Some 
think  that  only  the  twclVo  Benjamites  were  slain:  but  the 
words  more  obviously  mean,  that  all  the  company  wero 
butchered. 

V.  18 — 23.  The  circumstances  stated  in  these  verses, 
show  that  Abner  was  not  at  all  to  blame  in  the  dcatl  ©I  Asa- 
hcl : for  he  was  constrained  to  slay  him  in  his  own  i 


D.  C.  1053. 


CHAPTER  III. 


B.  C.  1050 


20  Then  Abner  looked  behind  him,  and  said, 
Art  thou  Asahel?  And  he  answered,  I am. 

21  And  Abner  said  to  him,  Turn  thee  aside  to 
thy  right  hand  or  to  thy  left,  and  lay  thee  hold  on 
one  ol  the  young  men,  and  take  thee  his  'armour. 
But  Asahel  would  not  turn  aside  from  following  of 
him. 

22  And  Abner  said  again  to  Asahel,  Turn  thee 
aside  from  following  me : 'wherefore  should  I 
smite  thee  to  the  ground?  dhow  then  should  I 
hold  up  my  face  to  Joab  thy  brother  ? 

23  Howbeit,  he  refused  to  turn  aside:  where- 
fore Abner,  with  the  hinder  end  of  the  spear  smote 
him  under  ethe  fifth  rib,  that  the  spear  came  out 
behind  him ; and  he  fell  down  there,  and  died  in 
the  same  place  : and  it  came  to  pass,  that  as 
many  as  came  to  the  place  where  Asahel  fell  down 
and  died,  f stood  still. 

24  Joab  also  and  Abishai  pursued  after  Abner : 
and  the  sun  went  down  when  they  were  come  to 
the  hill  of  Ammah,  that  lieth  before  Giah,  by  the 
way  of  the  wilderness  of  Gibeon. 

25  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  gathered 
themselves  together  after  Abner,  and  became  one 
troop,  and  stood  on  the  top  of  an  hill. 

26  Then  Abner  called  to  Joab,  and  said,  eShall 
the  hsword  devour  for  ever  ? knowest  thou  not 
that  it  will  be  bitterness  in  the  latter  end?  'how 
■ong  shall  it  be  then,  ere  thou  bid  the  people  return 
from  following  their  brethren  ? 

* Or,  spoil.  Judg.  14:19.  c 2 Kings  14:10 — 12.  Prov.  29:1.  Ec.  6:10. 
d 3:27.  e 4:6.  20:10.  f 20:12.13.  g 14.  Acts  7:26.  Ii  11:25.  Is.  1:20.  Jer. 
2:30.  12:12.  46:10,14.  Hos.  11:6.  i Job  18:2.  19:2.  Ps.  4:2.  Jet.  4:21. 
K l Sam.  25:26.  Job  27:2.  1 Prov.  15: 1 . 17: 14.  20:18.  25:8.  Luke  14:31,32. 

T Heb./ro77i  the  morning.  J Or,  gone  away,  m Cant.  2:17.  B ether,  n 3:1. 

as  nothing  could  satisfy  Asahel,  but  either  killing  or  taking 
captive  the  commander  of  Ish-bosheth’s  army,  for  which  he 
was  wholly  incompetent.  (Notes,  3:26,27,31.) 

Sons  of  Zeruiqh.  (18)  Zeruiah  was  David’s  sister:  (1 
Chr.  2:16.)  and  Joab,  Abishai,  and  Asahel,  were  his  nephews. 
(Notes,  23:18—24.  1 Chr.  11:6.) 

V.  26 — 29.  Abner  used  very  different  language  when  van- 
quished, than  when  eager  to  engage.  (Note,  14 — 16.)  Now 
he  spoke  “ of  the  sword  devouring  for  ever,”  and  of  the  bitter- 
ness which* the  slaughter  would  occasion  in  the  event  ; and 
recollected  that  the  combatants  were  brethren.  He  forgot 
himself,  however,  when  he  threw  the  blame  upon  Joab  ; and 
he  would  not  have  made  so  moderate  a use  of  victory  had  he 
obtained  it.  Though  Joab  was  deeply  exasperated  by  the 
death  of  his  brother ; yet,  in  regard  to  David’s  inclinations  and 
Israel's  advantage,  he  stopped  the  pursuit,  and  gave  Abner 
and  his  troops  an  opportunity  of  retiring  to  a place  of  safety. 

V.  30 — 32.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  slain  of  Israel,  though 
much  exceeding  that  of  David’s  men,  were  not  numerous. 
This  might  be  owing  to  the  directions  given  by  David,  to  be. 
as  lenient  as  possible : bnt  the  death  of  Asahel  seems  to  have 
stopped  the  pursuers,  and  greatly  to  have  favoured  the  escape 
of  the  vanquished.  (23.  Note,  26 — 29.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 11.  If  we  would  possess  temporal  things  with  a 
blessing,  we  must  not  eagerly  seize  upon  them,  nor  be  deter- 
mined by  favourable  events  or  carnal  counsellors:  but  we 
must  observe  the  rules  of  God’s  word,  and  pray  for  his  direc- 
tion ; using  those  means,  and  those  only,  which  he  has  ap- 
pointed or  allowed,  and  avoiding  all  evil  and  “appearance  of 
evil,”  in  our  pursuit  of  them:  and  then  whatever  else  we  fail 
in  we  shall  certainly  be  directed  in  the  way  to  the  kingdom  of 
heaven. — Those  who  have  shared  our  afflictions  should  be 
associated  in  our  prosperity;  as  they,  “who  suffer  with 
Christ,  shall  also  reign  with  him.” — When  we  are  influenced 
by  faith,  and  the  fear  and  love  of  God,  and  act  with  integrity, 
kindness,  forgiveness,  and  a desire  of  peace,  we  conduct  our 
affairs  with  the  best  wisdom. — We  are  bound  to  pray  for  and 
do  good  to  those  who  have  acted  properly,  even  to  our  ene- 
mies ; and  to  use  conciliatory  measures  towards  all  men,  but 
especially  those  who  have  behaved  with  gratitude  and  fidelity, 
in,  dangerous  circumstances  and  without  prospect  of  advan- 
tage : for  such  friends  are  worthy  of  attention  ; and  they,  who 
have  been  grateful  to  one  benefactor,  will  find  another  to  pro- 
tect. them  when  he  is  removed.  But  the  believer’s  progress 
must  be  gradual : his  faith  and  graces  must  be  exercised  and 
proved,  and  his  pride  subdued,  before  he  can  properly  endure 
.my  kind  of  prosperity:  and  for  these  purposes,  the  Lord  often 
employs  the  perverseness  of  his  brethren,  without  their  know- 
ledge or  contrary  to  their  intention. — In  the  professing  church 
few  honour  those  whom  the  Lord  will  honour:  before  Jesus 
came,  and  in  every  succeeding  generation,  the  very  builders 
have  rejected  such  as  He  intended  for  eminent  situations ; and 
his  servants  must  be  conformed  to  him. — Ambition,  jealousy, 
envy,  and  other  evil  passions,  cause  men  to  rebel  against  the 
word  of  God:  but  they  generally  attempt  to  conceal  their  real 
motives  under  plausible  pretences.  The  believer’s  wisdom, 

Vol.  I 68 


27  And  Joab  said,  As  kGod  liveth,  'unless  thoti 
hadst  spoken,  surely  then  fin  the  morning'  the  peo- 
ple had  Igone  up  every  one  from  following  his 
brother. 

28  So  Joab  blew  a trumpet,  and  all  the  people 
stood  still,  and  pursued  after  Israel  no  more, 
neither  fought  they  any  more. 

29  And  Abner  and  his  men  walked  all  that 
night  through  the  plain,  and  passed  over  Jordan, 
and  went  through  all  mBithron,  and  they  came  to 
Mahanaim. 

30  And  Joab  returned  from  following  Abner : 
and  when  he  had  gathered  all  the  people  together 
there  lacked  of  David’s  servants  nineteen  met. 
and  Asahel. 

31  But  the  servants  of  David  had  smitten  of 
Benjamin,  and  of  Abner’s  men,  so  that  “three 
hundred  and  threescore  men  died. 

32  And  they  took  up  Asahel,  and  “buried  him 
in  the  sepulchre  of  his  father  which  was  in  Beth- 
lehem. And  Joab  and  his  men  Pwent  all  night, 
and  they  came  to  Hebron  at  break  of  day. 

CHAPTER  III. 

David  grows  stronger,  and  Ish-bosheth  weaker,  during  the  war,  1 . Six  sons 
are  born  to  David  in  Hebron,  2 — 5.  Abner  quarrels  with  Ish-bosheth,  and, 
offers  his  services  to  David,  6 — 12.  David  demands  and  receives  back  Mi - 
chal,  13 — 16.  Abner  communes  with  the  Israelites,  goes  to  David,  and  is 
feasted  by  him,  and  sent  away  in  peace,  17 — 21.  Joab  is  angry  with  David, 
and  murders  Abner,  22 — 27.  David  protests  against  his  wickedness,  and 
denounces  a curse  upon  him,  28 — 30.  David  mourns  for  Abner,  31 — 39. 

NOW^  there  was  along*  war  bbe tween  the  house 
of  Saul  and  the  house  of  David  : but  cDavid 


1 Kings  20:11.  o 1 Sam.  17:58.  1 Chr.  2:13— 16.  2Chr.  16:14.  21:1.  p Prov. 
22:29.  a 1 Kings  14:3. 15:16,32.  bGen.3:15.  Ps.  45:3-5.  Matt.  10:35,36. 

Gal.  5:17.  Eph.  6:12.  cEsth.6:13.  Job  8 7. 17:9.  Pb.  84:7.  Prov.  4:18,19. 
Dan.  2:34,35,44,45.  Rev.  6:2. 


however,  consists  in  waiting  quietly  and  silently  under  inju- 
ries, and  in  leaving  God  to  plead  his  cause,  except  it  is  evi- 
dently his  duty  to  be  active.  But  there  is  a respect  due  to 
superior  relations,  to  which  equals  or  inferiors,  in  similar  cir- 
cumstances, are  not  entitled. 

V.  12 — 32.  Ambitious  and  bloody  men  often  consider  the 
dire  trade  of  war,  and  the  slaughter  of  their  fellow-creatures, 
as  a mere  diversion  ; and  the  lives  of  millions  have  been  trifled 
away,  out  of  an  irrational  point  of  honour,  to  the  great  grati- 
fication of  Satan,  that  first  great  murderer  of  the  bodies  and 
souls  of  men.  From  age  to  age  numbers  are  ambitious  of 
venturing  their  lives  and  souls,  for  the  empty  hope  of  being 
celebrated  as  valiant  men,  after  they  are  dead  ! and  from  the 
same  motive  they  mingle  the  blood  of  their  brethren  w ith  their 
own  ; though  they  bear  them  no  resentment,  and  have  received 
no  provocation  from  them  ! But  what  can  be  more  senseless  and 
infatuated  than  such  a conduct? — The  sword  of  civil  war, 
when  once  unsheathed,  is  not  easily  returned  into  the  scab- 
bard ; and  those  who,  in  their  eagerness  to  engage,  make  light 
of  such  unnatural  contests,  will  perceive  in  the  event  that  they 
are  bitterness  to  all  concerned. — Men  are  exceedingly  disposed 
to  throw  the  blame  of  manifest  evil  upon  others,  that  they 
may  exculpate  themselves : and  those  arguments  which  were 
disregarded  as  futile  when  employed  against  them,  will  often 
be  deemed  very  conclusive  when  urged  on  their  own  behalf. 
— Success,  as  well  as  self-love,  has  a great  effect  in  deter- 
mining men’s  judgments:  of  the  evil  of  prosperous  attempts 
they  cannot  be  convinced ; yet  they  can  easily  perceive  those 
measures  to  be  wrong,  which  occasion  loss  or  peril  to  them- 
selves 1 Such  partial  decisions  should  be  exposed  and  re- 
buked: yet  it  is  always  right  to  exercise  clemency  to  the  van- 
quished, and  generosity  to  the  wretched  ; to  spare  the  shedding 
of  human  blood ; to  alleviate,  in  every  way  we  possibly  can, 
the  sum  of  human  misery  ; and  to  strive  for  peace,  especially 
in  the  intestine  contentions  of  nations  or  churches,  w here  the 
common  cause  must  suffer,  which  party  soever  may  acquire 
the  ascendency. — Different  endowments  qualify  us  for  varied 
kinds  of  service,  and  should  be  improved  for  that  purpose. 
But  when  talents  are  overrated,  and  when  men  confide  and 
glory  in  them,  they  will  go  beyond  the  dictates  of  prudence,  as 
well  as  out  of  the  line  of  duty,  in  order  to  distinguish  them- 
selves ; they  will  despise  warning  and  counsel,  as  the  effect 
of  envy  and  cowardice;  and  they  will  always  be  shamed,  and 
frequently  ruined,  by  those  qualifications  in  which  they  prided 
themselves.  Often  do  men  fancy  themselves  about  to  seize 
upon  happiness,  when  death  stops  their  career,  and  lays  them 
in  the  dust : and  if  they  will  rush  forwards  in  the  road  to  de- 
struction though  plainly  warned  of  their  danger,  they  can 
blame  none  but  themselves. — Finally,  there  are  many  distinc- 
tions among  us,  both  during  life,  and  in  the  disposal  of  our 
bodies  after  death ; but  in  the  eternal  world  no  distinction  sub- 
sists, except  between  those  “who have  served  the  Lord, and 
those  who  have  not  served  him.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  III.  V.  1.  The  civil  war,  between 
David  and  Ish-bosheth,  continued  about  five  years  and  a half: 
but  it  seems  to  have  been  conducted  with  great  moderation  on 
the  part  of  David.  He,  however,  gained  continually  upon  the 

C 537  ) 


B.  7 1050.  II.  SAMUEL.  B.  C.  1048 


waxed  a ronger  and  stronger,  and  the  house  of 
Saul  waxed  weaker  and  weaker. 

2 And  unto  David  were  dsons  born  in  Hebron : 
and  his  first  born  was  eAmnon,  of  f Ahinoam  the 
Jezreelitess ; 

3 And  his  second,  eChileab,  hof  Abigail  the  wife 
of  Nabal  the  Carmelite  ; and  the  third,  'Absalom 
the  son  of  Maacah,  the  daughter  of  iTalmai  king 
of  kGeshur ; 

4 And  the  fourth  'Adonijah  the  son  of  Haggith  ; 
and  the  fifth,  Shephatiali  the  son  of  Abital ; 

5 And  the  sixth,  Ithream,  by  Eglah  David’s 
wife.  These  were  born  to  David  in  Hebron. 

6 H And  it  came  to  pass,  while  there  was  war 
between  the  house  of  Saul  and  the  house  of 
David,  that  mAbner  made  himself  strong  for  the 
house  of  Saul. 

7 And  Saul  had  a concubine,  whose  name  was 
“Rizpah,  the  daughter  of  Aiah:  and  Ish-bosheth 
said  to  Abner,  Wherefore  hast  thou  “gone  in  unto 
my  father’s  concubine? 

8 Then  was  Abner  Pvery  wroth  for  the  words 
of  Ish-bosheth,  and  said,  Am  <d  a dog’s  head, 
which  against  Judah  rdo  show  kindness  this  day 
unto  the  house  of  Saul  thy  father,  to  his  brethren, 
and  to  his  friends,  and  have  not  delivered  thee 
into  the  hand  of  David,  that  thou  chargest  me 
to-day  with  a fault  concerning  this  woman  ? 

9 “So  do  God  to  Abner,  and  more  also,  except 
‘as  the  Lord  hath  sworn  to  David,  even  so  I do 
to  him ; 

10  To  translate  the  kingdom  from  the  house  of 
Saul,  and  to  set  up  the  throne  of  David  over 
Israel,  and  over  Judah,  "from  Dan  even  to  Beer- 
sheba. 

11  And  he  could  not  answer  Abner  a word 
again,  ^because  he  feared  him. 

12  ’ll  And  Abner  sent  messengers  to  David  on 
his  behalf,  saying,  ?Whose  is  the  land  ? saying 
also,  “Make  thy  league  with  me,  and  behold,  amy 

d 1 Chr.  3:1 — 1.  e 13.1 — 29.  Gen.  49.3,4.  f 1 Sam.  25:43.  n 1 Chr.  3:1. 
Daniel,  h 1 Sam.  25:3,42.  1 13:20—28.  14:24-33.  15:1 — 14.  17:1—14.  18:9 

—18,33.  j 13:37,38.  k Dent.  3.14.  Josh.  13:13.  lSam.27:8.  I 1 Kings  1: 
5,  4ic. 2:13-25.  m 2:8,9.  2 Kings  10:2,3.  2 Chr.  25:8.  Pros.  21:30.  la.  8:9, 
10.  Joel3:9— 13.  Malt.  12  30.  1,21:8—10.  0 12:8.16:21,22.  I Kings  2:17, 

21,22.  p Ps.  76:10.  Mark  6: 18,19.  q 9:8.  16:9.  Dent.  23:18.  1 Sam.  24:14. 
2 Kings  8:13.  r 9,18.  5:2.  1 Sam.  15:28.  Ps.2:l— 4.  Is.  37:23.  dels  9:4,5. 
• 35.  19:13.  Roth  1:17.  1 Sam.  3. 17.  14:44.  25:22.  1 Kings  19:2.  t 1 Sam.  15: 
28.  16:1,12,13.28:17.  I Chr.  12:23.  Ps.  89:3,4,19,20.  u 17:11.24:2.  Judg.20:l. 


esteem  and  affections  of  the  people,  and  in  the  extent  of  his 
dominions  and  the  number  of  his  subjects  ; while  Ish-bosheth 
gradually  sunk  into  insignificance  and  contempt.  ( Notes,  2:10, 
11.  Prov.  4:18,19.) 

V.  2 — 5.  ( Mnrg . Ref.)  David’s  motives  for  multiplying 

wives  must  have  been  carnal , in  one  way  or  other;  and  his 
conduct  in  this  respect  proved  the  occasion  of  much  sin  and 
trouble  in  the  subsequent  part  of  his  life.  He  had  by  all  his 
wives  no  mere  than  six  sons,  during  the  seven  years  that  he 
reigned  at  Hebron  ; though  probably  he  had  some  daughters, 
who  are  not  mentioned.— Perhaps  Maacah,  the  daughter  of 
Talmai,  had  been  taken  prisoner,  and  proselyted  before 
David  married  her  : though  some  think  David  had  contracted 
affinity  with  the  king  of  Geshur,  to  strengthen  himself  against 
Ish-bosheth. — It  is  not  known,  why  Eglah  only  is  called 
“ David’s  wife.” 

V.  6 — 10.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Perhaps  Abner  was"  weary  of 
Ish-bosheth’s  unsuccessful  cause,  and  was  glad  of  an  occasion 
of  seeking  preferment  in  David’s  service.  No  doubt  he  was 
guilty  of  the  crime  charged  upon  him,  which  was  considered 
as  a claim  to  the  kingdom  of  a deceased  prince.  ( Notes , 1 
Kings  2:15 — 25.)  Ish-bosheth  however  was  very  imprudent 
to  mention  it,  a4  he  was  entirely  dependent  upon  Abner.  He 
proudly  disdained  to  be  called  to  an  account  by  Ish-bosheth, 
after  all  his  boasted  services  to  the  house  of  Saul ; which 
he  had  supported,  not  only  against  the  house  of  Judah,  but 
against  the  known  appointment  of  God,  confirmed  by  an  oath, 
(.7,18.)  and  against  the  convictions  of  his  own  conscience. 
Ambition,  and  not  regard  to  Tsh-bosheth,  had  hitherto  induced 
him  to  support  his  interest:  and  rovengo  and  policy,  not  re- 
gard to  the  will  of  God,  at  length  prevailed  with  him  at  this 
time  to  join  David’s  party.  * Such  is  the  genius  of  many  great 
courtiers,  who  are  irritated  on  slight  occasions ; and  rather 
rule  over  kings,  than  are  ruled  by  them.’  Pcllicanus. 

Dog  s head.  (18)  (Marg.  Ref.)  A proverbial  expression 
for  what  was  deemed  worthless  and  contemptible. — Some  ex- 
plain it  to  mean,  ‘As  if  I were  only  fit  to  be  set  over  a com- 
pany of  dogs.’ 

V.  12.  Whose  is  the  land?]  Abner  by  this  expression 
seems  to  have  insinuated,  that  he,  not  Ish-bosheth,  retained 
the  authority : if  therefore  David  would  grant  him  advan- 
tageous terms,  he  would  put  him  in  possession  of  tho  whole 
( 538  ) 


hand  shall  be  with  thee,  to  bring  about  all  Israel 
unto  thee. 

13  And  he  said,  Well ; I will  make  a league 
with  thee : but  one  thing  I require  of  thee,  "that 
is,  bThou  shalt  not  see  my  lace,  except  thou  first 
bring  “Michal  Saul’s  daughter,  when  thouacomest 
to  see  my  face. 

14  And  David  sent  messengers  to  Ish-bosheth 
Saul’s  son,  saying,  Deliver  me  my  wife  Michal, 
which  I espoused  to  me  for  a hundred  foreskins 
of  the  Philistines. 

15  And  Ish-bosheth  sent,  and  took  her  from 
her  husband,  even  from  dPhaltiel  the  son  ol 
Laish. 

16  And  her  husband  went  with  her  ^long 
weeping  behind  her  to  eBahuri;n.  Then  said 
Abner  unto  him,  Go,  return.  And  he  returned. 

[Practical  Observations,'] 

17  And  Abner  had  communication  with  the 
elders  of  Israel,  saying,  Ye  sought  for  David  fin 
times  past  to  be  king  over  you  : 

18  Now  then  do  it  : (for  the  Lord  hath  spoken 
of  David,  saying,  &By  the  hand  of  my  servant 
David  I will  save  my  people  Israel  out  of  the  hand 
of  the  Philistines,  and  out  of  the  hand  of  all  their 
enemies. 

19  And  Abner  also  spake  in  the  ears  of  hBenja- 
min:  and  Abner  went  also  to  speak  in  the  ears  of 
David  in  Hebron,  all  that  seemed  good  to  Israel, 
and  that  seemed  good  to  the  whole  nouse  of  Ben- 
jamin. 

20  So  Abner  came  to  David  to  Hebron,  and 
twenty  men  with  him.  And  ‘David  made  Abner, 
and  the  men  that  were  with  him,  a feast. 

21  And  Abner  said  unto  David,  I will  arise  and 
go,  and  twill  gather  all  Israel  unto  my  lord  the 
king,  that  they  make  a league  with  thee,  and  that 
thou  mayest  kreign  over  all  that  thine  heart 
desireth.  And  David  sent  Abner  away ; and  he 
went  in  peace. 


I Kings  4:25.  x 39.  y 19:6,7.  20:1- 13.  7.  Ps.  62:9.  l.uke  16:5 — 8.  n2I,27. 

5:1—3.  19,14,41—43.20:1,2.  1 Chr.  11:1— 3.  12:38—11).  Mult.  21gl— 10.  • Heb. 
toying,  h Gen.  43:3  44:23,26.  e 20—23.  1 Sam.  18:20-28. 19:1 1—17.  1 Chr. 
15:29.  d 1 Sum.  25:44.  Phalli.  t Heb . going  and  u eepins . Prov.  9:17,18. 
e 16:5.17:18.19:16.  lKings2:8.  } Heb.  both  yesterday  and  the  third,  day, 
f 9.  1 Sam.  13:14.  15:28.  16:1,12,13.  John  12:42,43.  g Ps.  89:3,4,19— 23.  13k 
17,19.  h 1 Sam.  10:20,21.  1 Chr.  12:29.  Ps.  68:27.  i Gen.  26:30  . 31 :54.  Eslh. 
1:3.  J 10,12.2:9.  Phil.  2:21.  k 1 Kings  11:37.  Ps.  20:4. 


land. — Some  however  interpret  the  words,  as  an  acknowledg- 
ment of  David’s  title  by  the  appointment  of  God  to  the  king- 
dom over  all  Israel. 

V.  13 — 16.  David  knew  that  the  kingdom  was  his,  in  the 
purpose  of  God  ; it  was  desirable  to  sheath  the  sword  of  civil 
war,  and  to  unite  all  Israel  voluntarily  under  one  king ; he 
was  not  accountable  for  Abner’s  secret  motives  ; and  doubtless 
he  meant  to  grant  Ish-bosheth  very  favourable  terms,  had  not 
his  purposes  been  prevented. — If  David  had  divorced  Michal, 
and  she  had  in  consequence  been  married  to  another,  he  must 
not  have  received  her  again:  but  the  separation  was  violent 
on  both  sides.  ( Notts , 1 Sam.  18:23 — 27.  25:43,44.)  It  is 
probable  that  her  marriage  to  Phaltiel  was  a force  upon  her 
inclinations:  and  Phaltiel  was  very  criminal  in  taking  an- 
other man’s  wife,  whatever  affection  he  had  for  her. — David 
required  Michal  to  be  restored,  perhaps  out  of  affection  for 
her;*or  to  strengthen  his  interest  by  asserting  his  affinity  with 
the  house  of  Saul,  and  showing  the  value  ho  put  upon  it ; or 
to  show  his  regard  for  the  law  of  God,  and  to  rebuke  a man 
who  openly  violated  it. — As  Abner  did  not  deem  it  politic,  at 
that  juncture,  directly  to  take  Michal  from  Phaltiel,  David 
addressed  himself  to  Ish-bosheth,  whose  sister  she  was,  who 
complied  with  his  demand  ; perhaps  being  willing  to  be  upon 
amicable  terms  with  him,  as  he  could  not  overcome  him  by 
arms. 

V.  17 — 21.  Abner,  being  satisfied  that  David  would  recom- 
pense his  services,  was  very  active  in  bringing  the  elders  of 
the  other  tribes,  and  of  Benjamin  in  particular,  to  receive 
David  as  their  king. — It  seems  that  the  people  in  general  had 
desired  this,  especially  when  Saul  and  his  sons  were  slain; 
hut  that  Abners  great  authority  had  induced  them  to  set  up 
Ish-bosheth:  so  that  now,  when  Abner  entered  into  the  in- 
terests of  David,  he  had  little  difficulty* in  bringing  them  over 
to  him.  Tho  words  which  Abner  mentions,  as  spoken  by  tho 
Lord  concerning  David,  are  not  found  in  tho  preceding  his- 
tory ; but  the  meaning  of  them  is  implied  in  the  promises  given 
him.  (Marg.  Ref.  f,  g.) — Hiving  made  all  requisite  prepara- 
tions, Abner  wont  to  David,  and  being  cordially  entertained, 
and  peaceably  dismissed,  ho  expected,  no  doubt,  to  obtain 
high  preferment  under  him. 

V.  22.  A trnnp.]  Probably,  this  was  a trooj  if  PI  distinct 
or  other  enemies,  not  of  Ish-bosheth’s  forces. 


CHAPTER  III. 


B.  C 1048 


3.C.  U4S. 

22  IT  Ana,  1 < hold,  the  servants  of  David  and 
Joab  came  fr  >m  pursuing  a troop,  and  brought 
in  a $ reat  spoil  with  them : but  Abner  was  not 
vvth  David  in  Hebron;  for  he  had  sent  him 
away,  and  he  was  gone  in  peace. 

23  When  Joab  and  all  the  host  that  was  with 
him  were  come,  they  told  Joab,  saying,  Abner  the 
son  of  Ner  came  to  the  king,  and  he  hath  sent 
him  away,  and  he  is  gone  in  peace. 

24  Then  Joab  came  to  the  king,  and  said, 
■What  hast  thou  done?  behold,  Abner  came  unto 
thee  : why  is  it  that  thou  hast  sent  him  away,  and 
he  is  quite  gone  ? 

25  Thou  knowest  Abner  the  son  of  Ner,  mthat 
he  came  to  deceive  thee,  “and  to  know  thy  going 
out,  and  thy  coming  in,  and  to  know  all  that  thou 
doest. 

26  And  when  Joab  was  come  out  from  David, 
®he  sent  messengers  after  Abner,  which  brought 
him  again  from  the  well  of  Sirah:  but  David 
knew  it  not. 

27  And  when  Abner  was  returned  to  Hebron, 
Joab  Ptook  him  aside  in  the  gate  to  speak  with 
him  'quietly,  and  smote  him  there  '■under  the  fifth 
rib,  that  he  died,  rfor  the  blood  of  Asahel  his 
brother. 

28  IT  And  afterward  when  David  heard  it,  he 
said,  I and  my  kingdom  are  'guiltless  before  the 
Lord  for  ever,  from  the  'blood  of  Abner  the  son 
of  Ner. 

29  Let  it  'rest  on  the  head  of  Joab,  and  on  all 
his  father’s  house:  and  “let  there  not  Tail  from 
the  house  of  Joab  one  that  hath  'an  issue,  or  that 
is  a xleper,  or  that  leaneth  on  a staff,  or  that  falleth 
on  the  sword,  or  that  lacketh  bread. 

18,39.  19:5— 7.  Num.  23:11.  John  18:35.  m 27.  2 Kings  18:32.  marg.  John  7:12, 
47.  Rom.  2:1.  n 10:3.  Gen.  42:9,12,16.  Num. 27:17.  Deut.  28:6.  1 Sam.  29:4— 
6.  Pb.  121.8.  Is.  37:28.  o Prov.  26:23— 26.  27:4,6.  p 20:9,10.  Deut.  27:24. 
1 Kings  2:5,32.  * Or , peaceably.  Jer.  41:2,6,7.  q 4:6.  r2:19 — 23.  s Gen.  9: 
6.  Ex.  21:12.  Num.  35:33.  Deut.  21:1 — 9.  Matt.  27:24.  t Heb.  bloods.  Gen. 
4:10.  marg.  t 1:16.  Judg.  9:24,56,57.  1 Kings  2:31 — 34.  Acts28:4.  u ISam. 
2:32—36  . 2 Kings  5:27.  Pb.  109:8—19.  J Heb. be  cut  off.  v Lev.  15:2.  xLev. 
13:44 — 4S.  2 Kings  5:1.  V Prov.  28:17.  Acts  28:4.  z 2:19—23.  a 1:2,11.  Gen. 
37:29,31.  Josh.  7:6.  Judg.  11:35  2 Kings  19:1.  § Heb.  bed.  Luke  7:14.  b l: 

V.  24,  25.  Joab,  and  his  brother  Abishai,  David’s  nephews, 
had  been  very  faithful  and  useful  to  him  in  his  afflictions ; and 
from  gratitude  and  natural  affliction,  he  had  inadvertently 
given  them  almost  as  great  an  ascendency  over  him,  as  Abner 
had  over  Ish-bosheth  : so  that  he  had  trusted  and  feared  them 
too  much,  and  allowed  them  all  the  importance  which  they 
claimed ; and  that  had  emboldened  them,  especially  Joab,  to 
a high  degree  of  presumption.  Indeed  nothing  could  well  be 
more  affronting  than  this  address  of  Joab  to  his  prince,  whom 
he  grossly  charged  with  the  most  egregious  folly,  and  then 
left  his  presence  without  waiting  for  an  answer!  (Marg. 
Ref.)  But  it  was  the  language  of  envy  and  ambition,  as  well 
as  of  resentment:  he  supposed  that  he  had  missed  an  oppor- 
tunity of  avenging  the  death  of  Asahel,  and  he  feared  a for- 
midable rival,  if  Abner  made  a league  with  David ; for  it  is 
evident  he  only  pretended  to  doubt  his  sincerity. 

V.  26,27.  Joab  seems  to  have  recalled  Abner,  in  David’s 
name,  without  his  knowledge ; which  was  very  base  treatment 
of  him,  as  if  he  meant  to  bring  him  under  suspicion  of  con- 
niving at  the  murder:  and  when  Abner,  imprudently  indeed, 
but  in  confidence,  stepped  aside  to  confer  with  him  as  the  offi- 
cer of  David,  he  treacherously  assassinated  him,  in  violation 
of  every  law  of  hospitality  and  public  faith.  Abishai  also  was 
privy  to,  or  concerned  in,  the  base  transaction.  (30)  But, 
while  Joab’s  conduct  cannot  be  too  severely  reprobated,  the 
wisdom  and  justice  of  God  are  manifest  in  Abner’s  punish- 
ment. From  ambition  he  had  pertinaciously,  against  his  con- 
science, opposed  the  declared  and  known  will  of  God  ; and 
was  induced  by  base  resentment  to  desert  Ish-bosheth,  and 
offer  his  services  to  David.  (iYo/e,  6— 10.)  He  was  there- 
fore thrown* aside,  as  unworthy  to  raise  David  to  the  throne, 
cr  to  give  peace  to  Israel.  Indeed  it  is  probable,  that  if  he 
nad  lived,  his  ambition,  talents,  influence,  and  ungodliness, 
would  have  occasioned  further  mischief  to  all  parties. 

V.  28,  29.  (Marg.  Ref.)  David  no  doubt  intended  by 
these  protestations,  and  imprecations  upon  Joab  and  his  family, 
to  wipe  off  all  suspicion  of  his  own  guilt,  and  to  remove  it 
from  the  land  ; being  perhaps  afraid  of  a revolt  of  the  soldiers, 
if  he  proceeded  to  execute  vengeance  on  the  murderer.  But 
he  should  have  remembered,  that  he,  “ whostilleth  the  raging 
of  the  sea,”  is  able  also  “to  still  the  madness  of  the  people.” 
In  so  just  a cause  he  ought  to  have  risked  all  consequences. 
He  was  anointed  king  to  administer  justice  without  respect  of 
persons ; and  he  might  have  been  assured  of  the  Lord^  sup- 

ort  in  doing  sc  important  a duty  : the  example  would  have 

een  very  salutary ; all  impartial  persons  would  have  ap- 
plauded his  firmness  ; perhaps  Ish-bosheth’s  murder  would 
have  been  prevented,  as  well  as  many  other  crimes  and  cala- 


30  So  Joab  and  Abisl  ai  his  brother  'slew 
Abner,  'because  he  had  slain  their  brother  Asahe. 
at  Gibeon  in  the  battle. 

31  And  David  said  to  Joab,  and  to  all  the 
people  that  were  with  him,  “Rend  your  clothes, 
and  gird  you  with  sackcloth,  and  mourn  befor> 
Abner.  And  king  David  himself  followed  the 
§bier. 

32  And  they  buried  Abner  in  Hebron  : and  the 
king  Wifted  up  his  voice,  and  wept  at  the  grave  of 
Abner ; and  all  the  people  wept. 

33  And  the  king  lamented  over  Abner,  and  said, 
Died  Abner  “as  a fool  dieth  ? 

34  Thy  dhands  were  not  bound,  nor  thy  feet  put 
into  fetters:  as  a man  falleth  before  "wicked  men, 
so  ibllest  thou.  And  all  the  people  “wept  again 
over  him. 

35  And  when  all  the  people  came  to  'cause 
David  to  eat  meat  while  it  was  yet  day,  David 
sware,  saying,  eSo  do  God  to  me  and  more  also, 
if  I taste  bread,  or  aught  else,  htill  the  sun  be 
down. 

36  And  all  the  people  took  notice  of  it,  and  it 
’’pleased  them  : 'as  whatsoever  the  king  did  pleased 
all  the  people. 

37  For  all  the  people,  and  all  Israel,  understood 
that  day,  that  it  was  not  of  the  king  to  slay  Abner 
the  son  of  Ner. 

38  And  the  king  said  unto  his  servants,  Know 
ye  not  that  there  is  ka  prince  and  a great  man 
fallen  this  day  in  Israel? 

39  And  ’I  am  this  day  "’weak  though  anointed 
king,  and  these  men,  mthe  sons  of  Zeruiah,  be  “too 
hard  for  me:  “the  Lord  shall  reward  the  doer  of 
evil  according  to  his  wickedness. 


12.18:33.  1 Sam.  30:4.  Job  31:29.  Prov.  24:17.  Luke  19:41 ,42.  c 13:28,29.  Ec. 
2:15,16.  Luke  12:19,20.  d Judg.  16:21.  Pa.  107:40,11.  ||  Heb.  children  of  ini- 
quity. Job  24:14.  Ho«.  6:9  e 1:12.  f 12:17.  Jer.  16:7.  Ez.  24:17,22.  g See 
on  9.  h Judg.  20:26.  Heb.  was  stood  in  their  eyes.  i 15:6,13.  Ps.  62:9. 
Mark  7:37. 15:11— 13.  k 12.  2:8.  1 Sam.  14:50,51 . Job  32:9.  1 Ex.  21:12. 

2Chr. 19:6,7.  Ps.  75:10.  101 :8.  Prov.  20:8.  25:5.  **  Heb.  lender.  1 Chr.  22:5. 
Is.  7:4.  marg.  Rom.  13:4.  m 1 Chr.  2:15,16.  n 19:7.  o l Kings  2:5,6,33,^. 
Ps.  28:4.  62:12.  2 Tim.  4:14. 


mities,  in  the  latter  part  of  his  reign.  But  his  fear  of  man  in 
this  instance  overcame  his  faith  in  God,  and  Joab  continued 
and  increased  in  authority,  and  in  crimes,  to  the  end  of 
David’s  life : he  was  at  length,  however,  called  to  account 
for  them  all.  (Notes,  38,39.  4:20:8—10.  Num.  35:31—34. 
1 Kings  2:5,6,28—34. 

V.  30.  Marg . Ref.  Note  2:18 — 23. 

V.  31.  Joab  was  constrained  to  do  penance,  so  to  speak, 
by  appearing  as  a mourner  for  Abner:  but,  as  his  revenge 
was  gratified,  his  rival  removed,  and  no  heavier  punishment 
inflicted,  it  is  likely  he  would  have  but  little  objection  to  such 
a ceremonial.  David,  however,  no  doubt  intended  to  lessen 
Joab’s  authority  with  the  people,  by  requiring  his  attendance: 
but  his  military  rank  and  achievements  counteracted  and  ren- 
dered ineffectual  this  design  ; as  might  have  been  foreseen. 

V.  33,  34.  Abner  did  not  die  as  criminals  do,  who  are 
bound,  fettered,  put  to  shame,  and  executed  for  their  offences ; 
nor  as  a coward  fleeing  from  enemies,  or  taken  prisoner  by 
them  ; nor  as  a rash  man,  who  had  needlessly  run  himself 
into  danger:  but  as  an  honest  man,  who  is  unexpectedly  set 
upon  by  ruffians,  and  murdered. — It  must  have  been  very 
mortifying  to  Joab,  to  be  thus  publicly  reproached  as  an  as- 
sassin. 

V.  35.  The  Israelites  had  a custom  of  inviting , and  press- 
ing, the  friends  of  the  dead  to  take  food,  after  the  funeral  was 
over ; it  being  supposed  that  their  sorrow  would  indispose 
them  to  it.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

Y.  38,  39.  David,  in  thus  addressing  his  officers,  seems 
first  to  have  given  a reason,  why  he  made  such  lamentation 
over  Abner ; and  then  to  have  excused  himself  for  not  pun- 
ishing Joab  and  Abishai.  The  near  relation,  in  which  Joab 
and  Abishai  stood  to  David;  (Note,  2:18.)  their  steady  ad- 
herence to  him,  during  Saul’s  persecutions  ; the  important 
services  which  they  had  rendered  him ; and  the  influence 
which  they  had  thus  acquired  among  his  soldiers  and  friends, 
and  even  with  him ; combined  to  render  it  extremely  difficult, 
and  even  perilous  to  oppose  and  punish  them.  But  the  satis- 
faction, which  the  people  expressed  in  the  former  part  of  his 
conduct,  showed,  that  he  might  notwithstanding  very  safely 
have  proceeded  to  execute  the  divine  law  on  the  offenders,  ir 
its  utmost  strictness. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 16.  The  power  and  policy  of  Satan,  and  of  w?cked 
men,  may  struggle  against  the  purposes  of  God,  and  the  cause 
of  his  anointed  King,  and  occasion  apparent  delays : but  his 
interest  is  gaining  ground,  though  by  unnoticed  degrees,  and 
his  glory  wifi  ere  long  be  displayed  throughout  the  earth.— 
When  he  sets  up  his  kingdom  in  any  heart,  inbred  lusts  and 
( 539  ) 


B C.  1048. 


II.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1048. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Uh~boohoth  and  Israel  are  troubled  at  Abner's  death,  I.  After  Saul's  death, 

changes  took  place,  and  Mephibosheth,  Jonathan's  son,  teas  lamed,  2 — 4. 

Rechab  and  Baanah  slay  Ish-bosheth,  and  bring  his  head  to  David,  5 — 8. 

David  cauuoe  them,  to  be  put  to  death , and  Ish-boehelh'e  head  to  be  buried. 

9 — 12. 

ND  when  Saul’s  sen  heard  that  Abner  was 
dead  in  Hebron,  “his  hands  were  feeble,  band 
all  the  Israelites  were  troubled. 

2 And  Saul's  son  had  two  men  that  were  “cap- 
tains of  bands  ; the  name  of  the  one  was  Baanah, 
and  the  name  of  the  "other  Rechab,  the  sons  of 
Rimmona  Beerothite,of  the  children  of  Benjamin: 
(for  dBeeroth  also  was  reckoned  to  Benjamin: 

3 And  the  Beerothites  “fled  to  Gittaim,  and  were 
sojourners  there  until  this  day.) 

4 And  'Jonathan,  Saul’s  son,  had  a son  that 
was  lame  of  his  feet.  He  was  five  years  old 
when  sthe  tidings  came  of  Saul  and  Jonathan  out 
of  Jezreel,  and  his  nurse  took  him  up,  and  fled: 
and  it  came  to  pass,  as  she  made  haste  to  flee, 
that  he  fell,  and  became  lame.  And  his  name  was 
hMephibosheth. 

a 17:2.  Etra  4:4.  Neh.  6:9.  Is.  13:7.  35:3.  Jer.  6:24.  50:43.  Zeph.  3:16.  b Malt 
8:2,3.  t 3:22.  2 Kings  5:2.  6:23.  • Heb.  second,  d Josh.  9: 17.  18:25.  e 1 Sam. 
31:7.  Neh.  11:33.  f 9:3.  g 1 Sam.  29:1,11.  31:1-10.  h 1 Chr.  8:34  . 9 4 0. 
Meribbaal.  i 2 Chr.  24:26.  25:27.  33:24.  j 11:2.  1 Kings  16:9.  Prov.  24:33,34. 

outward  temptations  will  powerfully  oppose  it:  but  grace  will 
gather  strength,  and  every  corruption  be  weakened  conti- 
nually in  the  conflict,  till  the  believer  is  at  length  sanctified 
wholly  in  spirit,  soul,  and  body. — Inconstancy  must  be  inci- 
dent to  selfish  men:  if  their  avarice  or  ambition  meets  with 
disappointment  in  one  course,  they  will  turn  into  another: 
and  sometimes  making  pretensions  to  religion  seems  the  rea- 
diest way  to  the  gratification  of  worldly  ambition,  rapacity,  or 
revenge. — Many  are  not  above  committing  very  base  crimes, 
who  are  too  proud  to  bear  reproof,  or  even  the  suspicion  of 
being  guilty:  and  while  men  go  on  in  their  sins  apparently 
without  concern , they  are  often  conscious  that  they  are  fight- 
ing against  God ! — Little  confidence  can  be  placed  in  those 
who  affront  their  Maker*.  betray  their  country,  or  deceive 
those  who  confide  in  them,  under  the  pretence  of  servirig 
their  friends : most  certainly  they  mean  to  serve  their  own 
purposes;  and  will  betray  those  also  who  now  trust  them, 
when  they  can  obtain  advantageous  terms  for  doing  it.  Yet 
even  by  such  as  act  from  revenge,  ambition,  lust,  or  avarice, 
the  Lord  secretly  carries  on  his  own  designs : but  as  they  in- 
tend not  to  honour  him,  whatever  they  profess  ; so  when  his 
ends  are  answered,  he  will  throw  them  aside  with  contempt. 
— In  some  cases,  and  for  some  purposes,  we  too  may  use 
llheir  help,  without  inquiring  about  their  motives : but  it  will 
require  great  caution  and  wisdom,  else  we  shall  not  escape 
guilt  or  reproach. — The  reunion  of  near  relatives,  who  have 
been  involuntarily  separated,  is  right  in  itself:  and  it  is  always 
our  duty  to  express  our  regard  for  the  divine  law,  and  to  bear 
testimony  against  sin. — Though  guilt  commonly  renders  men 
the  objects  of  our  deepest  compassion ; yet.  no  affection  can 
be  either  truly  amiable  or  allowable,  which  is  not  regulated 
according  to  the  word  of  God. 

V.  IT — 39.  The  bulk  of  mankind,  in  all  ages,  are  guided 
by  those  who  rule  or  teach  them,  and  address  their  passions 
by  eloquence  or  flattery  : but  let.  us  seek  for  a sound  judgment, 
a good  conscience,  and  an  upright  heart  ; that  we  may  know 
and  adhere  to  the  truth  and  will  of  God,  amidst  all  changes. 
— Those  who  have  deceived  others,  should  endeavour  to 
undeceive  them:  but  good  words  will  do  little,  while  a man 
continues  the  slave  of  his  lusts. — In  cultivating  Christian 
tempers  and  performing  relative  duties,  extremes  and  coun- 
terfeits must  be  guarded  against : as  zeal  and  boldness  may 
become  furious  and  contentious  ; so  meekness,  and  the  love 
of  peace  may  degenerate  into  imbecility  and  irresolution  ; and 
through  undue  ascendency  of  those  inferiors,  who  ought  u to 
be  kept  in  subjection  with  all  gravity,”  shameful  things  will 
often  be  done  or  connived  at,  to  the  disgrace  of  individuals, 
and  the  reproach  of  the  common  cause.  Every  one  therefore 
should  know  his  own  place  and  duties,  and  exercise  the 
Christian  temper  in  doing  them  ; and  not  make  the  fear  of 
being  ruffled  or  discomposed  an  excuse  for  neglecting  them. 
— Proud  men  rate  their  services  so  high,  and  are  so  regardless 
of  relative  duties  and  decorum,  that  it  is  not  desirable  to  be 
under  obligations  to  them : we  should  however  receive  every 
thing  as  from  God  ; and  consider  every  man  as  a channel 
through  which  the  gift  is  communicated,  of  whom  there  is 
indeed  no  real  necessity,  on  whom  we  should  rest  no  depend- 
ence, and  to  whom  that  gratitude  is  due,  and  that  alone  which 
consists  with  every  other  duty. — Ungodly  men,  who  cannot 
\rook  an  affront  or  a rival,  and  who  deem  themselves  too 
powerful  for  human  justice,  have  little  to  restrain  them  from 
the  commission  of  the  most  horrid  crimes  : and  the  human 
heart  is  capable  of  making  the  highest  professions  of  friend- 
ship subservient  to  the  most  cruel  murders,  and  of  violating 
every  sacred  tie.  It  is  not  enough  for  those,  who  are  invested 
with  authority,  to  express  their  abhorrence  of  such  crimes 
fcnal  criminals,  or  their  compassion  for  those  who  suffer  by 


5 And  the  sons  of  Rimmon  the  Beerothite, 
Rechab  and  Baanah,  ‘went,  and  came  about  the 
heat  of  the  day  to  the  house  of  Ish-bosheth,  who 
flay  on  a bed  at  noon. 

6 And  they  came  thither  into  the  midst  of  the 
house,  as  though  they  would  have  fetched  wheat ; 
and  they  smote  him  kunder  the  fifth  n6:'and 
Rechab  and  Baanah  his  brother  escaped. 

7 For  when  they  came  into  the  house,  he  lay  on 
his  bed  in  his  bedchamber,  and  they  smote  him,  and 
slew  him,  and  beheaded  him,  and  ‘took  his  head, 
and  gat  them  away  through  the  plain  all  night. 

8 And  they  brought  the  head  of  Ish-bosheth 
unto  David  to  Hebron,  and  said  to  the  king. 
Behold  the  head  of  Ish-bosheth  the  son  of  Saul, 
thine  enemy,  which  msought  thy  life ; and  “the 
Lord  hath  avenged  my  lord  the  king  this  day  of 
Saul,  and  of  his  seed. 

9 And  David  answered  Rechab  and  Baanah 
his  brother  the  sons  of  Rimmon  the  Beerothite, 
and  said  unto  them,  Jls  the  Lord  liveth,  °who 
hath  redeemed  my  soul  out  of  all  adversity, 

1 Thes.  5:3 — 7.  k2:23.  3:27.  20:10.  I 1 Sam.  17:54.  31:9.  2 Kings  10:6,7. 

Matt.  14:11.  Mark  6:28,29.  m I Sam.  18:11.  19:2-10,15  . 20:1.  23:15.  25:29. 
Matt.  2:20.  n 18:19,31.  22:48.  Luke  18:7,8.  Rev.  6:10.  18:20.  o Gen.  48:16. 

1 Kings  1:29.  Pe.  31:5 — 7 . 34:22.  71 :23.  103:4.  106:10.  107:2  . 2 Tim.  4:17,18. 


them : but  all  partialities,  relative  affections,  and  interested 
considerations  should  be  laid  aside,  and  condign  punishment 
inflicted  ; that  “ others  may  hear,  and  fear,  and  do  no  more 
such  wickedness and  in  every  state,  the  executive  authority 
should  possess  power  sufficient  to  punish  the  proudest  subject, 
lest  blood  be|imputed  to  the  land.  As  our  lives  are  so  exposed 
on  every  side  ; and  as  he  most  emphatically  “dieth  as  a 
fool,”  who  dies  in  his  sins ; we  should  be  careful  to  be  always 
ready : for  all  the  honour  or  commendations,  that  men  can 
bestow  on  us  after  our  decease,  will  not  affect  or  amend  the 
state  of  the  departed  soul. — Alas,  what  are  the  imagined 
advantages  of  royalty  ? The  king  “ after  God’s  own  heart”  finds 
as  much  cause  for  lamentation  and  complaint,  as  when  a poor 
fugitive  ! But  he  who  now  reigns  upon  the  throne  of  David, 
has  a kingdom  of  a nobler  kind  : whatever  he  does  is  noticed 
by  and  pleases  all  his  willing  people  : and  he  will  bring  them 
all  to  share  his  glory  and  joy.  Many  however  are  outwardly 
serviceable  to  his  cause,  who  only  seek  themselves  in  all  they 
do,  and  from  time  to  time  disgrace  it  with  their  crimes : these 
may  escape  for  a season,  but  at  length  they  shall  be  num- 
bered with  his  enemies,  and  shall  perish  for  ever. 

NOTES.— Chap.  IV.  V.  1.  Perhaps  Ish-bosheth  had 
not  before  been  certainly  informed  that  Abner  had  deserted 
to  David  : or,  both  he  and  the  people  hoped  by  Abner’s  means 
to  have  obtained  better  terms.  But  by  his  death  their  affair* 
were  left  in  a most  unsettled  and  dangerous  situation ; and 
they  had  no  person  in  whom  they  could  place  confidence, 
either  as  leading  them  to  battle,  or  as  negotiating. a treaty. 

V.  2 — 4.  Beeroth  was  one  of  the  cities  of  Gibeon,  (Josh. 
9:17.)  and  it  was  allotted  to  Benjamin;  (Josh.  18:25.)  but 
when  Saul’s  army  was  routed,  and  he  and  his  sons  slain, 
the  inhabitants  of  Beeroth  deserted  their  city,  and  went  to 
sojourn  at  Gittaim  ; where  they  remained  when  this  history 
was  written.  (Neh.  11:33.  Note,  1 Sam.  31:7.)  At  the  same 
time  Mephibosheth  fell  and  was  lamed. — These  facts  seem 
to  have  been  recorded,  to  illustrate  the  consternation  which 
followed  the  death  of  Saul  and  his  sons  : and  perhaps  Mephi- 
bosheth’s  youth  and  lameness  emboldened  Rechab  and 
Baanah  to  murder  Ish-bosheth  ; as  Mephibosheth  was  the 
next  heir  of  Saul,  and  the  avenger  of  blood.  (Note,  Num 
35:11—15.) 

V.  5.  Ish-bosheth  had  enough  to  employ  him  in  this 
emergency,  without  sleeping  on  his  bed  at  noon.  But  ho 
appears  to  have  been  an  inactive,  self-indulgent  man.  It  was 
indeed,  and  is  still,  a custom  in  the  east  countries,  to  retire 
for  sleep  about  noon ; that  is,  for  such  as  live  in  case  and 
luxury,  not  for  others,  except  in  very  sultry  regions.  Tho 
Scripture  gives  no  intimation  that  this  was  a common  prac- 
tice in  Israel.  (Marg. Rtf . j.) 

V.  6,  7.  Rechab  and  Baanah,  as  captains  of  bands,  had 
access  to  some  granary  attached  to  Ish-bosheth’s  house, 
whence  their  soldiers  had  provisions  ; and  under  this  pretence, 
without  being  suspected,  the}'  entered  into  his  apartments  and 
stabbed  him,  in  that  part  of  the  body  where  a wound  was 
known  to  be  most  certainly  fatal.  (Marg.  Ref.  k.) — And 
when  he  was  thus  slain,  they  cut  off’  his  head  also,  and 
escaped. 

V.  8.  These  men  entirely  mistook  David’s  character,  as  if 
he  had  such  a thirst  for  revenge,  that  he  would  reward  any 
villany  by  which  it  could  be  accomplished : and  they  pr#- 
sumed  that  they  had  performed  the  will  of  God,  in  this  com- 
plicated treason  and  parricide  ! The  Loud  had  indeed 
avenged  his  servant  of  his  enemies:  but  neither  David,  nor 
David’s  Lord,  had  commissioned  them  to  murder  their  pr  ncc, 
whom  they  professed  to  serve.  (Note,  3:6 — 10.) 

V.  9,  10.  Redeemed,  &c.  (9)  (Marg  Rtf.  No*e,  Get «• 
48:16.)  By  using  this  language,  David  ©wind*-  all  wbo 
( 540  ) 


B.  C.  1047. 


B.  C 1047. 


CHAPTER  Y. 


10  When  Pone  told  me,  saying,  Behold,  Saul  is 
dead,  (‘thinking1  to  have  brought  good  tidings,)  I 
took  hold  of  him,  and  slew  him  in  Ziklag, 'who 
thought  that  I would  have  given  him  a reward  for 
his  tidings : 

1 1 How  much  more,  ‘Hvhen  wicked  men  have 
slain  a righteous  person  in  his  own  house  upon  his 
bed  ! shall  I not  therefore  now  'require  his  blood 
of  your  hand,  and  take  you  away  'from  the 
earth  ? 

12  And  David  commanded  his  young  men,  and 
they  ‘slew  them,  and  cut  off  their  hands  and  their 
feet,  and  "hanged  them  up  over  the  pool  in  He- 
bron. But  they  took  the  head  of  Ish-hosheth, 
and  btiried  it  xin  the  sepulchre  of  Abner  in 
Hebron. 

CHAPTER  V. 

The  Elders  of  the  tribes,  at  Hebron,  anoint  David  king  over  all  Israel,  1 — 3. 
His  age  at  the  beginning  of  his  reign,  and  the  length  of  his  reign , 4,  5.  He 
takes  Zion  from  the  Jebusites,  and  calls  it  the  city  of  £>avid,  6—10.  Hiram 
sends  him  limber  and  workmen  to  build  him  a hotise , 1 1 . He  prospers,  and 
takei  more  wives  ; and  eleven  sons  are  born  to  him,  12 — 16.  By  divine  direc- 
tion, he  gains  two  victories  over  the  Philistines , 17 — 25. 

THEN  “came  all  the  tribes  of  Israel  to  David 
unto  Hebron,  and  spake,  saying,  Behold,  bwe 
are  thy  hone  and  thy  flesh. 

2  Also  in  time  past,  when  Saul  was  king  over 
us,  thou  wast  he  that  Reddest  out  and  broughtest 

p 1:2 — 16.  * Heb.  he  was  in  his  own  eyes,  as  a bringer,  Lc.  fOr, which  was 

the  reward  1 gave  him  for  his  tidings,  q 1 Kings  2:32.  Prov.  25:26.  Hah.  1:4, 
12.  I John  3:12.  r 3:27,39.  Gen.  9:5,6.  Ex. 21:12.  Num.  35:31— 34.  Pa.  9:12. 
a Gen.  4:11.  6:13.  7:23.  Ex.  9:15.  Ps.  109:15.  Prov.  2:22.  Jer.  10:11.  t 1: 
15.  Ps.  65.23.  Mntt.  7:2.  u21:9.  Deut.  21 :22.23.  x 3:32.  alChr.  11:1— 
3.12.23—40.  b 19:13.  Uen. 29:14.  Deut.  17:15.  Juclg.9:2.  Eph.5:30.  Heb. 
2:14.  c Num.  27:17.  1 Sam.  18: 13,16  . 25:28.  Is.  55:4.  cl  7:7.  1 Sam.  16:1,13. 
25:  <0.  Pa.  78:71,72.  Is.  40: 11 . Ez.  34:23.  37:24,25.  Mic.  5:4.  Matt.  2:6.  marg. 
John  10:3,4,11.  e 1 Sam.  9:16.  13:14.  2 Kings  20:5.  Heb.  2:10.  flChr.il. 


in  Israel : and  the  Loro  said  to  thee,  dThou  shalt 
feed  my  people  Israel,  and  thou  shall  be  ea  captain 
over  Israel. 

3 So  fall  the  elders  of  Israel  came  to  the  kin* 
to  Hebron  : and  king  David  emade  a league  wit!, 
them  in  Hebron  hbefore  the  Lord  : and  they 
‘anointed  David  king  over  Israel. 

4 David  was  kthirty  years  old  when  he  began 
to  reign,  and  he  reigned  ‘forty  years. 

5 In  Hebron  he  reigned  over  Judah  mseven 
years  and  six  months : and  in  Jerusalem  he  reigned 
thirty  and  three  years  over  all  Israel  and  Judah. 

6 It  And  the  king  and  his  men  “went  to  °Jeru 
salem  unto  Pthe  Jebusites,  the  inhabitants  of  the 
land:  which  spake  unto  David,  saying,  ^Except 
thou  take  away  the  blind  and  the  lame,  thou  shalt 
not  come  in  hither  : ‘thinking,  David  cannot  come 
fn  hither. 

7 Nevertheless  David  took  the  strong  hold  of 
rZion:  'the  same  is  the  city  of  David. 

8 And  David  said  on  that  day,  ‘Whosoever 
getteth  up  to  the  gutter,  and  smiteth  the  Jebu- 
sites, and  the  lame  and  the  blind,  that  are  hated 
of  David’s  soul,  he  shall  be  chief  and  captain. 
‘Wherefore  they  said,  The  blind  and  the  lame 
shall  not  come  into  the  house. 


3.  slSom.  11:15.  2King»ll:I7.  2Clir.23:16.  h Judg.  11:11.  lSum.23< 
13.  i 2:4.  1 Sam.  16:13.  k Luke  3:23.  1 1 Chr.  26:31.  29:27.  m 2:11 . 1 King. 
2:11.  1 Chr.  3:4.  n 1 Chr.  1 1 :4— 9.  o Gen.  14:18.  Jnsh.  10:3.  Judg.  1:8. 
p Joph.  15:63.  18:28.  Judg.  1:21.  19:10 — 12.  q Jer.  37:10.  * Or,  saying,  David 
shall  not.  r Pa.  2:6  . 9:11.  48:12.  51:18  . 87:2.  132:13.  Is.  12:6.  59:20.  Mic.  4: 
2.  Rom.  9:33.  Heb.  12:22.  Rev.  14:1.  s 6:10.  1 Kings  2:10.  3:1.  8:1.  1 Chr.  11: 
7.  2 Chr.  5:2.  24: 16.  t Josh.  15:16,17.  1 Sam.  17:2o.  t Or,  because  they  had 
said , even  the  lame  and  the  blind,  he  shall  not  come  into  the  house. 


heard  him,  that  in  his  most  extreme  dangers,  he  had  neither 
used  treachery  or  cruelty  himself,  nor  allowed  his  men  to  use 
them.  It  must  therefore  be  evident,  that  now  the  Lord  had 
rescued  and  prospered  him,  he  had  no  temptation  to  counte- 
nance such  traitors  as  Rechab  and  Baanah. 

V.  11,  12.  (Note,  1:13 — 16.)  Whatever  Ish-bosheth’s 
character  was  before  God,  he  was  righteous  as  to  his  murder- 
ers, having  done  them  no  injury,  and  given  them  no  provoca- 
tion : so  that  in  slaying  him,  they  44  shed  innocent  blood,”  from 
the  basest  motives,  and  with  the  greatest  aggravations  : and 
David,  as  God’s  vicegerent,  most  justly  executed  vengeance 
upon  them  for  it.  ( Note,  Ex.  23:6 — 9.) — It  would  have  been 
well,  if  he  had  been  equally  decisive  in  the  case  of  Joab  : 
that  there  might  have  been  no  appearance  of  partiality,  and 
no  hope  of  impunity  to  any  criminal.  ( Note , 3:28,29.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Innumerable  are  the  perils,  to  which  our  tender  years  are 
exposed : and  we  owe  much  gratitude,  both  to  God  and  to  our 
parents,  if  preserved  during  that  period,  from  losing  our  limbs 
or  senses,  or  contracting  harms,  which  would  have  rendered 
our  whole  lives  uncomfortable  to  ourselves  and  others.  Parents 
too  should  take  occasion  from  this  reflection,  not  only  to  be 
very  attentive  to  their  offspring,  but  by  prayer  to  commit  them 
continually  to  the  Lord’s  keeping. — Every  thing  will  concur 
in  forwarding  the  accomplishment  of  God’s  word,  whether 
of  promise  or  of  wrath,  when  the  appointed  time  approaches : 
on  one  hand  there  can  be  no  failure;  on  the  other,  no  escape. 
— Wretched,  indeed,  are  they  who  are  engaged  in  undertak- 
ings in  which  none  can  serve  them  without  opposing  the 
known  will  of  God  ! The  more  exalted  their  station,  the 
greater  is  their  danger  : for  the  very  men  in  whom  they 
repose  their  chief  confidence,  are  destitute  of  principle,  serve 
them  only  for  gain,  and  will  betray  or  murder  them  when  their 
mercenary  schemes  require  it. — Alas  ! what  numbers  sink 
from  self-indulgence  and  carnal  security,  into  unsuspected 
and  inevitable  destruction  ! — Many  are  conscious,  that  they 
should  be  pleased  with  villany,  provided  it  conduced  greatly 
to  their  profit : thus  they  are  led  confidently  to  conclude,  that 
others  will  be  so  too  ; and  as  numbers  are  rewarded  for  villa- 
nous  actions,  they  expect  the  same.  Persons  in  authority 
should  therefore  decidedly  manifest,  that  they  will  not  be 
served  by  such  base  characters,  but  will,  instead  of  rewarding, 
severely  punish  their  crimes. — The  servants  of  God  are 
encouraged  by  the  Scriptures,  and  by  iheir  own  experience, 
to  trust  him  in  the  path  of  duty  ; and  confidently  to  expect 
that  he  will  redeem  them  from  all  adversity,  without  counte- 
nancing sin,  any  more  than  committing  it,  for  that  purpose  : 
they  will  also  pity  and  pray  for,  and  behave  kindly  to,  their 
opposers,  and  speak  as  favourably  of  them  as  they  can  ; and 
on  no  account  become  their  own  avengers. — Finally,  the  son 
of  David  will  requite  those  who  pretend  to  serve  his  cause 
Vv  frauds,  treasons,  massacres,  and  persecutions,  with  far  ] 
more  dreadful  vengeance,  than  was  inflicted  by  David  on  ! 
Ish-bosheth’s  murderers. 

NOTES— Chap.  Y.  V.  1,  2.  {Note,  1 Chr.  12:23—40.) 
When  Abner  and  Ish-bosheth  were  dead,  the  tribes  of  Israel 
were  left  44  as  sheep  without  a shepherd they  had  no  incli- 
nation to  set  up  another  of  Saul’s  family  in  opposition  to 
David : and  having  observed  the  prosperous  state  of  Tudah 


under  his  government,  they  began  to  entertain  higher  and 
more  honourable  thoughts  of  him.  Of  their  own  accord  there- 
fore they  applied  to  him,  by  their  elders,  to  take  the  govern- 
ment upon  him ; and  as  a reason  why  he  should  forgive  their 
ill-usage,  they  pleaded  their  near  relation  to  him,  being  his 
brethren,  the  descendants  of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob. 
(Marg.  Ref.  b.)  They  now  praised  his  former  services, 
which  before  they  had  overlooked ; and  they  acknowledged 
the  Lord’s  appointment  of  him,  which  before  they  had  resisted 
They  therefore  desired  to  put  themselves  under  his  protec- 
tion: and  hoped  that  he  would  rule  over  them  in  tenderness 
and  equity,  for  their  safety  and  comfort,  as  a shepherd  feeds 
his  flock  ; as  well  as  that  he  would  lead  them  forth  to  victory 
over  their  enemies.  This  is  introduced,  as  a part  of  the 
Lord’s  commission  to  him,  when  he  appointed  him  to  the 
kingdom ; by  which  they  conveyed  the  intimation  in  the  most 
unexceptionable  and  efficacious  manner. — This  is  the  first 
time  good  rulers  are  spoken  of,  under  the  emblem  of  shep- 
herds, which  is  afterwards  very  common,  and  is  especially 
applied  to  Christ  our  King.  ( Marg  Ref.  d.)  But  wicked 
rulers  are  characterized  as  lions,  bears,  wolves,  and  leopards. 
(Notes,  Prov.  28:15,16.  Ez.  19:2—9.  22:27,28.  Ban.  7:2—8.) 

V.  3.  It  is  probable,  that  David  agreed  to  an  act  of  indem- 
nity for  past  offences,  and  engaged  to  rule  over  his  people 
according  to  the  law  of  God;  and  they  submitted  to  his 
authority  according  to  the  same  rule. — On  this  occasion  he 
was  anointed  a third  time,  probably  by  the  high-priest. 
(Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  4,  5.  (Marg.  Ref.  m.)  If  David  was  twenty  years 
of  age,  when  Samuel  anointed  him,  Saul  reigned  ten  years 
after  that  transaction,  but  it  is  not  certainly  known  how  \or.g 
he  had  reigned  before.  (Note,  Acts  13:21.) 

V.  6 — 8.  The  greater  part  of  Jerusalem  lay  in  the  lot  of 
Benjamin,  and  had  hitherto  been  possessed  by  the  Jebusites 
(Notes,  Josh.  15:63.  Judg.  1:8,21.)  But  as  soon  as  Israel 
had  submitted  to  David,  he  marched  to  dispossess  them. 
The  citadel,  called  44  the  Strong  hold  of  Zion,”  was  fortified 
by  nature  and  art,  and  the  Jebusites  set  hirn  at  defiance.  Con- 
fiding in  its  strength,  they  told  him  that  blind  and  lame  men 
could  defend  it  against  his  army ; and  perhaps  in  derision, 
placed  a company  of  invalids  upon  it,  who  insulted  David  and 
his  soldiers:  for  the  last  clause  (8)  may  be  translated  44  They 
had  said,  even  the  blind  and  the  lame,  that  he  shall  not  come 
into  the  house.”  But  David  commanded  his  men,  “wher 
they  smote  the  Jebusites,  to  throw  down  the  blind  and  the 
lame  into  the  gutter,”  or  ditch,  as  it  might  be  rendered ; which, 
under  the  conduct  of  Joab,  they  effected  accordingly.  These 
were  said  to  be  “hated  of  David’s  soul;”  for  they  were  de- 
voted Canaanites  and  idolaters,  if  not  blasphemers  of  God. — 
But,  by  44  the  blind  and  the  lame,”  some  understand  the  idols 
of  the  Jebusites,  which  David’s  soldiers  had  thus  called  in 
contempt:  yet  their  worshippers  so  confided  in  them,  that 
they  defied  David  to  take  the  citadel  while  they  kept  their 
I station,  or  by  any  means  to  remove  them;  and  declared  that 
! if  he  did,  they  would  no  longer  admit  them  into  their  temples 
1 or  houses. — David,  however,  got  possession : and  near  to  this 
mount  the  ark  was  placed,  and  the  temple  was  built;  and  the 
residence  of  the  family  of  David  was  fixed.  (Notes,  11.  6:1 
17.  Ps.  122:  132;13 — 18.). 


I 541  ) 


B C.  1046 


II.  SAMUEL.  B.  C.  1046. 


9 So  David  dwelt  in  the  fort,  and  called  it.  the 
city  of  David.  And  David  built  round  about 
from  “Millo  and  inward. 

10  And  David  'went  on,  and  grew  great,  and 
Tthe  Lord  God  of  hosts  was  with  him. 

b.  r;.-i  11  *11  And  *Hiram  king  of  Tyre  sent  mes- 

ii)i3.  J gengers  to  David,  and  cedar  trees,  and 
carpenters,  and  imasons : and  nhey  built  David 
a house. 

12  And  ‘David  perceived  that  the  Lord  had 
established  him  king  over  Israel,  and  that  he 
had  exalted  his  kingdom  for  “his  people  Israel’s 
sake. 

13  H And  '’David  took  him  more  concubines  and 
wives  out  of  Jerusalem,  after  he  was  come  from 
Hebron  : and  there  were  yet  sons  and  daughters 
born  to  David. 

14  And  these  be  “the  names  of  those  that  were 
born  unto  him  in  Jerusalem ; ?Shamuah,  and 
Shobab,  and  dNathan,  and  'Solomon, 

15  Ibhar  also,  and  f Elishua,  and  Nepheg,  and 
Japhia, 

16  And  Elishamah,  and  sEliada,  and  hElipha- 
let 

17  11  But  'when  the  Philistines  heard  that  b.c.i 
they  had  anointed  David  king  over  Israel,  all  104S  -‘ 
the  Philistines  came  up  to  seek  David  ; and  David 
heard  of  it,  and  went  down  to  kthe  hold. 

» Judg.  9:6.20.  1 Kings  9:15,24.  11:27.  2Chr.32:5.  • Heb.  want  going  and 

Rowing.  3. 1.  Job  17:9.  Prov.  4:18.  Is.  9:7.  Dan.  2.44.  Luke  2:52.  v Gen.  21:22. 

. 46:7,11.  Is.  8:9,10.  Horn.  8:31.  x 1 Kings  5:8,9.  1 Chr.  14:1.  t Heb.  hewers 
of  the  alone  of  the  wall.  y7:2.  lKings7:l — 12.  Ec.  2:4 — 11.  Jer. 22:14 — 16. 
B 7:16.  1 Chr.  14:2.  a 1 Kings  10:9.  2 Chr.  2:11.  Esth.  4:14.  Is.  1:25— 27.  Dan. 
ft: 30.  b Gen. 25:5,6.  Deut.  17:17.  1 Chr.  14  S-7.  2 Chr.  1 1 : 18-21 . 13:21  • 
l 1 Chr.  3:5-9.  14:4.  J Or,  Shimn.  1 Chr.  3:5.  d 12:1-7.  Luke  3:31.  e 12- 
24,25.  Matt.  1:6.  f Or,  Eliskerma.  1 Chr.  3:6.  14:5.  g Or,  Beeliada.  1 Chr- 

V.  9.  Millo  seems  to  have  been  a place  of  public  conven- 
tion, all  around  which  David  erected  such  buildings,  as  were 
proper  for  rendering  the  citv  the  seat  of  government.  (Note, 
Judg.  9:16—20,  v.  20.  2 Kings  12:20,21.) 

V.  11.  Hiram  sent  to  congratulate  David  on  his  accession 
to  the  throne,  and  to  enter  into  a league  with  him ; and  as 
Hiram’s  subjects  were  better  architects  than  the  Israelites, 
they  were  employed  in  building  David  a palace,  suited  to  his 
exalted  station.  Though  Saul  affected  the  splendour  of  royalty, 
yet  he  did  not  build  a royal  palace ; but  David  built  one, 
perhaps  as  a token  of  his  assured  belief  that  the  kingdom 
would  be  continued  in  his  family. 

V.  12.  David  was  sensible  that  God  had  advanced  him  to 
the  kingdom,  not  so  much  that  he  might  be  honourable  and 
prosperous,  as  that  he  might  promote  the  temporal  and  eter- 
nal interests  of  his  people.  4 This  is  the  greatest  grace  of  a 
king,  that  he  certainly  believes  himself  to  he  made  a king  by 
God,  for  the  sake  of  the  people:  and  let  him  often  call  to 
mind,  the  people  were  not  creafed  or  ordained  by  God  for  the 
king.’  Conradus  Pellicanus  in  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  13 — 16.  (Marg.  Rtf.)  It  was  customary  for  kings 
to  multiply  wives,  and  to  strengthen  their  interest  by  many 
alliances ; and  to  this  David  very  improperly  conformed. 
( Notes,  3:2 — 5,11:1 — 5.  15:16.  16:20 — 23.  1 Kings  11:1—8.) 
Some  names  are  mentioned  in  Chronicles,  not  found  here; 
perhaps  the  sons  there  mentioned  died  in  infancy.  '(Note, 
1 Chr.  3:1—9.) 

V.  17,  18.  The  Philistines,  satisfied  with  the  advantages 
which  they  had  enjoyed  since  the  death  of  Saul,  had  been 
restrained  from  molesting  the  Israelites  during  their  civil  dis- 
sensions: but  they  invaded  them  as  soon  as  they  were  united 
again  under  one  king.  Thus,  by  beginning  war,  they  deli- 
vered David  from  any  embarrassment,  about  warring  against 
those  who  had  previously  protected  him.  (Notes,  1 Sam. 
27:1 — 3.  28:1,2.)  He  immediately  therefore  marched  to  some 
fortified  place,  where  he  might  check  their  incursions,  and 
consult  what  measures  to  take. — The  valley  of  Rephaim  was 
not  far  from  Jerusalem.  (Marg.  Ref.  1.) 

V.  19.  Notes,  2:1—3.  Ex.  28:30.  Num.  27:21. 

V.  20.  Baal-perazim  properly  signifies  the  lord  of  breaches. 
By  some  evideni  interposition  the  Lord  himself  fought  against 
the  Philistines,  like  the  breaking  forth  of  impetuous  torrents, 
which  hear  all  down  before  them.  David  therefore  gave  the 
place  tlyj  name  of  Baal-perazim,  by  way  of  ascribing  to  God 
all  the  honour  of  the  victory. 

V.  21.  The  Philistines  expected  protection  from  their 
images,  hut  they  became  a prey  to  the  conquerors.  When 
/he  Philistines  had  taken  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  he  by  grievous 
judgments  constrained  them  to  restore  it:  ( Notes,  1 Sam. 
5:6:)  but  the  Israelite’s  burnt  the  idols  of  the  Philistines  with- 
out either  f«*ar  or  hurt.  (1  Chr.  14:12.  Note,  Dent.  7:25,26.) 

V.  24.  When  David  noard  a sound  among  the  mulberry- 
trees,  like  the  marching  of  an  army,  denoting  the  assistance 
of  angels,  or  of  God  himself;  he  was  directed  to  bestir  him- 
self. Sometimes  the  Lord  commands  and  employs  man’s 
concurrence,  and  sometimes  ho  rejects  it ; that  we  may 
neither  he  self-important  nor  ncgligpnt. 

( 542  ) 


18  The  Philistines  also  came  and  spread  them 
selves  in  'the  valley  of  Rephaim. 

19  And  David  "‘inquired  of  the  Lord,  saying', 
Shall  I go  up  to  the  Philistines  ? wilt  thou  deliver 
them  into  my  hand?  And  "the  Lord  said  unto 
David,  Go  up : for  I will  doubtless  deliver  the 
Philistines  into  thy  hand. 

20  And  David  came  to  “Baal-perazim,  and 
David  smote  them  there,  and  said,  the  Lord  hath 
broken  forth  upon  mine  enemies  before  me,  as  the 
breach  of  waters.  Therefore  he  called  the  name 
of  that  place  ^Baal-perazim. 

21  And  there  they  left  their  images,  and  ‘‘David 
and  his  men  "burned  them. 

22  If  And  the  Philistines  ‘‘came  up  yet  again, 
and  spread  themselves  in  the  valley  of  Rephaim. 

23  And  when  David  'inquired  of  the  Lord,  he 
said,  Thou  shalt  not  go  up ; but  'fetch  a compass . 
behind  them,  and  come  upon  them  over  against 
the  mulberry-trees. 

24  And  let  it  be,  when  thou  hearest  ‘the  sound 
of  a going  in  the  tops  of  the  mulberry-trees,  that 
then  “thou  shalt  bestir  thyself : for  then  shall  the 
Lord  go  out  before  thee,  to  smite  the  host  of  the 
Philistines. 

25  And  David  did  so  as  the  Lord  had  com- 
manded him;  and  smote  the  Philistines  from 
“Geba  until  thou  come  to  ?Gazer. 


14:7.  h Eliphel.t.  1 Chr. 3:8.  i 1 Chr.  14:8,9.  Ps.2:l— 6.  Re».  11:15— 18. 
k 23:14.  1 Chr.  11:16.  123:13.  Gen.  14:5.  1 Chr.  11:15.  Is.  17:5.  m2:l.  1 Sam. 
23:2,4  . 30:7,8.  n 23.  Judg.  20:28.  1 Sam.  28:6  . 30:8.  1 Kings  22:6,15— 23.  Prov. 
3:6.  o Is.  28:21.  § That  is,  the  plain  of  breaches,  p Deut.  7:5,25.  1 Sam.  5: 
2 — 6.  1 Chr.  14:11,12.  Is.  37:19.  ||  Or,  took  them  away.  Is.  46:1,2.  Jer.  43:12. 
g t Kings  20:22.  1 Chr.  14:13.  r 19.  s Josh.  8:2,7.  1 Chr.  14:14.  Matt.  9:29, 
30.  Mark  8:23—25.  John  9:6.7.  t 2 Kings  7:6.  u Judg.  4:14.  7:15.  1 Sam.  14:9 
—12.  1 Chr.  14:15.  Phil.  2:11,12.  x 1 Chr.  14:16.  Gibeon.  y Josh,  16:10. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Mercies,  long  waited  for  in  faith  and  patience,  will  be  con- 
ferred in  the  most  reputable  and  comfortable  manner:  nor 
shall  any  go  unrewarded,  who  persist  in  refusing  to  employ 
sinful  means  for  their  own  deliverance  or  advancement. — Civil 
government  is  fixed  on  its  firmest  basis,  and  is  likely  to  pro- 
duce the  most  permanent  blessings,  when  it  is  regulated  by 
wholesome  laws  ; marking  out  duties,  prerogatives,  and  privi- 
leges to  the  prince  and  people,  and  reciprocally  ratified,  as  in 
the  presence  of  the  Lord,  by  the  most  solemn  assurances, 
with  a view  to  his  authority,  appointments,  and  command- 
ments.— We  are  all  brethren;  44  of  one  bone,  and  of  one 
flesh  ;”  and  none  ought  to  oppress  or  to  be  cruel  to  another : 
princes  should  use  clemency,  and  tenderly  watch  over  their 
people,  like  shepherds  over  their  flocks  ; and  the  people  should 
gratefully  acknowledge  the  blessings  which  they  enjoy  under 
their  government,  honour  the  authority  of  God  in  them,  and 
yield  them  willing  submission  in  all  things  lawful. — Thus 
Jesus  became  our  Brother,  assumed  and  inhabits  our  nature, 
that  he  might  be  our  Prince  and  Saviour  ; and  thus  the 
humbled  sinner  takes  encouragement  from  this  endearing  rela- 
tion ; applies  for  his  salvation,  voluntarily  submits  to  his  kind 
authority,  and  craves  his  powerful  protection. — The  false 
confidences  of  ungodly  men  will  assuredly  deceive  them,  and 
their  proud  boastings  will  hasten  their  ruin:  while  those  with 
whom  is  the  Lord  God  of  hosts,  go  forward  and  grow  great. 
In  the  day  of  his  power  Satan’s  strong  hold,  the  human  heart- 
is  converted  into  44  an  habitation  of  God  through  the  Spirit ;’ 
and  into  a throne,  on  which  the  Son  of  David  rules,  and 
brings  every  thought  into  obedience  to  himself.  May  he  thus 
come  and  claim  and  cleanse  each  of  our  hearts  ; and  having 
destroyed  every  idol,  may  lie  dwell  and  reign  there  for  ever. 
(Notes,  Gal.  2:17—21.  Eph  2:19—22.  3:1  1—19.)— It  is  ,n 
mercy  to  a nation,  when  wise  and  righteous  persons  are  ex- 
alted to  authority : and  every  advancement  or  endowment 
which  we  receive,  should  remind  us,  that  the  Lord  alone  has 
conferred  the  distinction ; and  that  he  did  it,  that  we  might 
be  useful  to  his  people  by  the  talents  intrusted  tons.  We 
have  therefore  oause  to  be  thankful  and  watchful  ; and  to 
pray  earnestly  for  grace  sufficient  to  enable  us  duly  to  im- 
prove them:  (Note,  1 Kings  3:5 — 14.  P.  O.  1 — 15:)  nay, 
we  have  double  cause  for  humility,  when  we  reflect  how  little 
we  do  so. — Alas  ! even  good  men  are  apt  to  grow  secure  and 
self-indulgent  in  prosperity,  and  to  sanction  by  their  example 
those  abuses,  which  they  should  oppose  or  repress  : and  all 
our  returns  for  the  Lord’s  mercies  are  deeply  tinged  with  in- 
gratitude.— When  the  church  of  God  begins  to  prosper,  its 
enemies  will  generally  exert  t hemselves : and  the  great  exemp- 
tion from  all  kinds  of  persecution,  and  the  seeming  friendli- 
ness of  the  world  to  religion,  with  which  many  arc  pleased, 
arise  from  tho  policy  of  the  enemy,  who  determines  to  let  men 
alone  with  their  empty  notions,  forms  and  profession. — In  our 
spiritual  warfare,  vve  must  decidedly  declare  for  the  Lord, 
though  against  relatives  or  benefactors;  and  if  wo  consult 
him,  he  will  teach  us  to  do  it.  without  even  the  appearance  of 
evil. — All  those  objects,  which  men  idolize,  will  prove  a use- 
less incumbrance  to  them,  when  the  Lord  ska  arise  to  ex(v 


B.  C.  1043, 


B.  C.  1043. 


. CHAPTER  VI. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Oarrid  fitches  the  ark  from  Kirjath-jearim  on  a new  cart,  1—6.  Uzzah  is 
smitten,  David  is  disconcerted,  and  the  ark  is  left  with  Obed-edom , whose 
house  is  blessed  on  account  of  it,  6 — 11.  David  brings  the  ark  to  Zion  tcj/A 
sacrifices  ; and  dances  before  it,  for  which  Michal  despises  him,  12—16. 
He  places  it  in  a tabernacle  with  joy  and  feasting,  17—19.  Michal,  derid- 
ing David  for  his  religious  joy,  continues  childless,  30—23. 

AGAIN,  David  “gathered  together  all  the 
chosen  men  of  Israel,  thirty  thousand. 

2 And  David  arose,  and  went  with  all  the 
people  that  were  with  him,  from  bBaale  of  Judah, 
to  bring  up  from  thence  the  ark  of  God,  'whose 
name  is  called  by  the  name  of  the  Lord  of  hosts 
that  cdwelleth  between  the  cherubims. 

3 And  they  'set  the  ark  of  God  upon  da  new 
cart,  and  brought  it  out  of  the  house  of  Abinadab 
that  ivas  in  iGibeah  : and  Uzzah  and  Ahio  the 
sons  of  Abinadab  drave  the  new  cart. 

4 And  they  brought  it  out  of  “the  house  of 
Abinadab,  which  was  at  Gibeah,  ^accompanying 
the  ark  of  God  : and  Ahio  went  before  the  ark. 

5 And  f David  and  all  the  house  of  Israel 
played  before  the  Lord  on  all  manner  of  instal- 
ments made  of  fir-wood,  even  qn  harps,  and  on 
psalteries,  and  on  timbrels,  and  on  cornets,  and  on 
cymbals. 

a 5:1.  1 Kings  8:1.  1 Chr.  13:1—4.  Pi.  132:1—6.  b Josh.  15:9,10,60.  Baalah, 
Kirjath-joari m . 1 Sam.  7:1.  1 Chr.  13:6.  * Or,  at  which  Out  name,  even  the 

name  of  the  LORD  of  hosts  leas  called  upon.  Lev.  24:11 — 16.  Is. 47:4.  54:5. 
t E*.i5:18— 72.  1 Sam.  4:4.  1 Kings  8:6,7.  Ps.8U:l.  1 Pel.  1:12.  t Heb.  marie 
the  ark  of  God  to  rids.  dNum.4:5 — 12.7:9.  1 Sam.  6:7.  JOr  .the  hill. 
el  Sara.  7:1,2.  1 Chr.  13:7.  § Heb  .with,  fl  Sam.  10:5. 16:16.  2 Kings  3:15. 

1 Chr.  13:8.  15:10—24.  Ps.  47:5.  68:»>— 27.  150:3—5.  Dan.  3:5,7,10,15.  Am.  5: 

cute  judgment  on  his  enemies  : and  when  the  wicked  shall 
be  swept  into  destruction,  as  with  an  impetuous  flood,  the 
earth  and  all  its  contents  shall  be  burnt  up.  But  those  who 
depend  upon  the  Lord,  and  act  according  to  his  directions, 
and  are  ready  to  give  him  all  the  praise,  will  doubtless  prevail 
against  all  enemies,  add  one  victory  to  another,  and  at  length 
be  admitted  into  his  presence,  to  see  and  adore  their  before 
invisible  Helper. 

NOTES. — Chap.  VI.  V.  1.  In  a short  time  after 
David  had  obtained  two  victories  over  the  Philistines,  he 
formed  the  plan  of  bringing  the  ark  to  Jerusalem  ; and  he 
collected  thirty  thousand  of  the  chief,  or  most  valiant  men, 
in  order  to  put  honour  upon  the  ark,  which  had  been  so  long 
left  in  obscurity. 

V.  2.  Baale,  or  Baalim,  or  Baalah,  (the  two  former  mas- 
culine, the  latter  feminine,)  was  another  name  for  Kirjath- 
jearim.  (Josh.  15:9,60.  1 Chr.  13:6.  Notes,  1 Sam.  7:1,2, 
17.  1 Chr.  13:1 — 4.) — The  terms  used  in  speaking  of  the 

ark  are  very  expressive  of  reverence : “ The  ark  of  God, 
whose  name  is  called  by  the  name  of  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
thatdwelleth  between  the  cherubims.’*  The  name  of  Jeho- 
vah Sabbaoth,  the  Lord  of  hosts,  was,  as  it  were,  affixed 
to  the  ark,  because  it  was  the  most  honoured  external  repre- 
sentation of  his  invisible  glory  : and  when  the  ark  was  in  its 
proper  place,  in  the  holy  of  holies,  the  Lord  manifested  his 
presence,  by  the  visible  glory  above  it,  as  the  Protector  and 
Glory  of  Israel.  It  especially  typified  Christ,  and  his  merits 
and  mediation,  in  which  the  name  of  Jehovah,  and  all  his 
glorious  excellencies  are  harmoniously  displayed  ; while  all 
his  hosts  of  angels,  (represented  by  “ the  cherubim,”)  desire 
to  look  down  into  those  mysteries,  or  to  be  employed  by  him 
who  is  the  Saviour  and  Glory  of  his  redeemed  people,  and 
whom  sinners  now  approach  upon  a mercy-seat.  (Notes,. 
Ex.  25:10—22.  Ps.  80:1.  1 Pet.  1:10— 12.) 

V.  3.  David  and  the  Israelites  seem  to  have  taken  the 
Philistines  for  their  precedent  on  this  occasion.  (Notes,  1 
Sam.  6:2 — 16.)  instead  of  consulting  the  law  of  God!  (Note, 
Num.t-A — 9.)  It  is  probable,  that  Abinadab  and  Eleazar 
his  son  were  dead  before  this  time,  as  the  ark  had  continued 
at  Kirjath-jearim  at  least  seventy  years  ; (Note,  1 Sam.  7: 
1,2.)  but  Uzzah  and  Ahio,  two  other  sons  or  descendants  of 
Abinadab,  had  succeeded  in  attendance  upon  the  ark  ; and 
they  now  undertook  to  drive  the  cart  upon  which  it  was  con- 
veyed. There  is  no  proof  that  tney  were  Levites  ; though 
some  expositors  think  they  were  : and  if  any  of  the  priests 
attended,  they  seem  not  to  have  taken  an  active  part  in  the 
service.  It  does  not  even  appear,  that  the  ark  was  oovered 
previously  to  its  removal,  according  to  the  law!  (Notes, 
Num.  4:5,6.) — Gibeah  signifies  the  hill,  and  means  that  divi- 
sion of  the  city,  in  which  the  house  of  Abinadab  stood. 

V.  5.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  1 Chr.  15:16 — 24.) 

V.  6,  7.  When  the  oxen  shook  the  ark,  or  stumbled, 
(marg.)  Uzzah,  fearing  lest  the  ark  should  fall,  apparently 
with  a good  intention,  laid  hold  of  it:  yet  “God  smote  him 
for  his  error.”  But  in  what  did  his  error  consist  ? On  this 
question,  it  should  be  remembered,  that  even  the  Kohathites, 
who  were  appointed  to  carry  the  ark,  were  forbidden  to  touch 
i t on  pain  of  death  : that  is,  it  must  first  be  covered  by  the 
priests,  and  then  the  Kohathites  must  carry  it  by  the  staves 
onlj  and  not  touch  the  ark  itself:  (Num.  4:15.)  but  Uzzah, 
who  certainly  was  not  a priest,  laid  hold  on  the  ark,  which 
Vobably  was  not  covered  t may  be  supposed,  that  neither 


6 IT  And  when  they  came  toeNachon’s  thrashing 
floor,  Uzzah  hput  forth  his  hand  to  the  ark  ot 
God,  and  took  hold  of  it : for  the  oxen  "shook  it. 

7 And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
against  Uzzah:  and  ‘God  smote  him  there  for  his 
■"error ; and  there  he  died  by  the' ark  of  God. 

8 And  David  was  "displeased,  because  the 
Lord  had  “made  a breach  upon  Uzzah:  and  he 
called  the  name  of  the  place  11  Perez-uzzah  to  this 
day. 

9 And  David  was  'afraid  of  the  Lord  that  day, 
and  said,  mHow  shall  the  ark  of  the  Lord  come 
to  me  ? 

10  So  David  would  not  remove  the  ark  of  the 
Lord  unto  him  into  the  city  of  David  : but 
David  carried  it  aside  into  the  house  of  “Obed- 
edom  the  “Gittite. 

11  And  the  ark  of  the  Lord  continued  in  the 
house  of  Obed-edom  the  Gittite  three  months : 
and  rthe  Lord  blessed  Obed-edom  and  all  his 

household.  [ Practical  Observations.) 

12  ^ And  it  was  told  king  David,  saying,  The 
Lord  hath  blessed  the  house  of  Obed-edom,  and 
all  that  pertaineth  unto  him,  because  of  the  ark  of 
God.  iSo  David  went  and  brought  up  the  ark 


23.6:5.  g I Chr.  13:9.  Chidon's.  h Num.  4:15,19,20.  |j  Or,  stumbled,  i Le» 
10:1—3.  1 Sam.  6:19.  1 Chr.  13:10.  15:2,13.  1 Cor.  11:30—32.  UOr,  rashneie. 
k 1 Chr.  13:11,12.  Jon.  4:1,9.  **  Heb.  broken,  ft  That  is,  the  breach  of  Uzzah. 

1 Num.  17:12,13.  1 Sam.  5:10,11.  6:20.  Ps.  119:120.  Is.  6:5.  Luke  5:8,9.  1 Pet. 
3:6.  m I Kings  8:27.  1 Chr.  13:11,12.  Job  25:5,6.  n 1 Chr  13:13,14.  15:18.  16- 
5.26:4—8.  o '4:3.  15: 19.  18:2.  p Gen.  30:27.  39:5,23.  Prov.  3:9,10.  Mai.  3:1C, 
q 1 Chr.  15:1—3,25.  Ps.  24:7—10.  68:21— 27.  132:6—8. 

Eleazar,  nor  Uzzah,  nor  Ahio  had  thus  touched  it  during  all 
the  years  it  had  remained  with  them;  and  that  it  was  placed 
on  the  cart  by  the  staves  only : and  though  it  seemed  neces- 
sary for  Uzzah  to  lay  hold  of  it ; yet  the  necessity  arose  from 
the  method  of  conveyance,  which  some  think  Uzzah  had  pro- 
posed, and  he  was  therefore  answerable  for  all  the  conse- 
quences. It  is  probable,  that  he  had  become  too  familiar 
with  this  sacred  symbol  of  the  Lord’s  especial  presence  : and 
that  he  presumed  on  the  services  which  he  and  his  family  had 
rendered  in  taking  care  of  it,  when  generally  neglected ; as 
if  that  had  given  him  a sanctity  equal  or  even  superior  to 
that  of  the  priests ; so  that  he  and  his  brother  seem  to  have 
taken  the  principal  management  of  the  business  on  them- 
selves. Whereas,  when  all  orders  of  men  concurred  in 
showing  honour  to  the  ark,  they  ought  to  have  declined  any 
further  interference;  and  referred  the  care  of  it  to  the  priest, 
on  whom  it  properly  devolved.  No  doubt  the  Lord  saw  in 
Uzzah’s  conduct  what  indicated  irreverence  and  presumption ; 
not  wholly  unlike  the  sin  of  Nadab  and  Abihu,  when  they  offer- 
ed strange  fire  before  him  : and  therefore  he  smote  him,  per- 
haps in  a similar  manner,  and  for  the  same  reasons.  (Notes, 
Lev.  10:1 — 5.  1 S*am.  6:19 — 21.)  But  though  he  was  singled 
out  to  be  made  an  example  of,  his  death  was  a pointed  re- 
buke and  warning  to  David,  to  the  priests,  and  to  all  Israel. 

V.  8,  9.  David’s  heart  was  upright,  and  his  zeal  and  love 
very  fervent : but  there  were  many  things  very  faulty  in  his 
frame  of  mind,  as  well  as  irregular  in  his  proceedings,  on  this 
occasion.  He  seems  to  have  been  possessed  with  some  mea- 
sure of  self-complacency,  on  account  cf  the  important  service 
which  he  was  performing,  in  honouring  the  ark  after  it  had 
been  so  long  neglected  ; and  to  have  thought  that  the  goodness 
of  the  work  would  counterbalance  a degree  of  informality  in 
the  manner  of  doing  it,  and  ensure  to  him  comfort  and  com- 
mendation : and  he  had  not  taken  time  to  examine  the  law  of 
God,  or  to  consult  the  priests,  how  this  good  work  ought  to 
be  performed.  When  therefore  the  event  turned  out  con- 
trary to  his  expectations,  he  was  greatly  disconcerted,  and 
his  lively  religious  affections  were  extinguished.  He  was 
angry,  (so  the  word  signifies,)  that  occasion  had  been  given 
for  this  unexpected  stroke ; though  it  does  not  appear  with 
whom  he  was  displeased,  and  certainly  his  anger  implied  a 
degree  of  rebellion  against  the  dispensation  of  God  in  smiting 
Uzzah!  A measure  of  servile  fear  succeeded  to  zeal,  hope, 
and  joy:  so  that  he  would  not  venture  to  bring  the  ark  any 
nearer  to  him,  lest  he  should  be  destroyed  in  like  manner. 
(Notes,  Num.  17:12,13.  Josh.  7:6—9.  1 Sam.  6:19— 21.  1 
Chr.  15:12—14.  • Ps . 119:120.  Is.  6:5.) 

V.  10,  11.  Until  David  had  further  considered  the  matter, 
and  come  to  some  determinal  ion  what  to  do  with  the  ark,  it 
was  carried  to  the  house  of  Obed-edom ; who  with  humble 
confidence  was  ready  to  receive  it,  notwithstanding  the 
example  of  Uzzah.  There  it  abode  three  months,  and  the 
whole  multitude  returned  home,  and  left  the  business  un- 
finished. Obed-edom  was  a Levite ; (Marg.  Ref.  n.)  and 
he  is  called  a Gittite,  perhaps  from  Gathrimraon,  the  place 
of  his  birth,  or  of  his  abode.  (Josh.  21:24,25.)  All  things 
relating  to  his  health,  family,  and  circumstances,  prospered 
in  so  extraordinary  a manner,  while  the  ark  was  with  him, 
that  every  one  noticed  it. — Doubtless  Obed-edom  behaved  to 
the  ark  with  due  reverence.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  12,  13.  When  David  heard  of  the  extraordinary  bless- 
ing, bestowed  on  Obed-edom  because  of  the  ark  of  God,  h» 
( 543  ) 


B.  C.  1043. 


II.  SAMUEL, 


B.  C.  1043. 


of  God  from  the  i .se  of  Obed-edom  into  the 
city  of  David  with  gladness. 

13  And  it  was  so,  that  rwhen  they  that  bare  the 
ark  of  the  Lord,  had  gone  six  paces,  he  sacrificed 
•oxen  and  ladings. 

14  And  David  ‘danced  before  the  Lord  “with 
all  his  might ; and  David  was  ’girded  with  a linen 
ephod. 

15  So  David  and  all  the  house  of  Israel  brought 
up  the  ark  of  the  Lord  xwith  shouting,  and  with 
nhe  sound  of  the  trumpet. 

16  And  as  the  ark  of  the  Lord  came  into  the 
city  of  David,  Michal,  Saul’s  daughter,  looked 
through  a window,  and  saw  king  David  leaping 
and  dancing  before  the  Lord  ; and  she  “despised 
him  in  her  heart. 

17  H And  bthey  brought  in  the  ark  of  the  Lord, 
and  set  it  in  his  place,  in  the  midst  of  the  taber- 
nacle that  David  had  'pitched  for  it:  and  David 
“offered  burnt- offerings  and  peace-offerings  before 
the  Lord. 

18  And  as  soon  das  David  had  made  an  end  of 
offering  burnt-oflerings  and  peace-offerings,  ehe 
blessed  the  people  in  the  name  ofthe  Lord  of  hosts. 

r Num.  4:15.  7:9.  Josh. 3:3.  1 Chr.  15:2,95.26.  slKines8:5.  3Chr.  5:6. 
I Ex.  15:20.  Judg.  11:34.  21:21.  Ps.  30:!!.  149:3.  150:4.  Luke  15:25.  u Dent. 
6:5.  Ec.9:l0.  Col.  3:23.  v I Sam.  2:18.  22:13.  1 Chr.  15:27.  x 1 Chr.  15: 
16,25,28.  Ezra  3: 10,11 . Ps.  47:1,5,6.  68:24— 27.  y Num.  10:1— 10.  Josh.  6: 
4,5.  Ps.  150:3.  zSr,on3:14.  a 1 Chr.  15:29.  Ps.69:7.  Is.  53:3.  Acts2:13. 

1 Cor.  2:14.  b 1 Chr.  15:1.  16:1.  2Chr.l:4.  Ps.  132:8.  • Heh.  stretched. 

c 1 Kings  8:5,62— 65.  2 Chr.  5:6.  7:5-  7.  Ezra  6:16,17.  d 1 Kings  8:55.  1 Chr. 
16:2.  2Chr.  6:3.  30:13, 19,27.  Acls  3:26.  e Gen.  14:19.  Ex.  39:43.  Lev.  9:22, 
23.  Heb.  7:1—7.  f.  1 Chr.  16:3.  2 Chr.  30:21.  35:7,8,12,13.  Neh.8:10.  Ez.  45: 


was  encouraged  to  resume  his  design  of  bringing  it  to  Jerusa- 
lem. He  had  now  learned  his  mistake,  and  the  reason  of  the 
breach  made  on  Uzzah.  His  mind  was  also  become  calm ; 
and  his  zeal,  love,  and  joy,  had  revived.  Having  likewise 
learned  that  none  but  the  Levites  of  the  family  of  Kohath 
ought  to  carry  the  ark,  (Notes,  1 Chr.  15:)  his  “love  now 
abounded  in  knowledge,  and  in  all  judgment .”  (Note,  Phil. 
1:9 — 11.)  Conscious  therefore  that  he  was  unworthy  of 

being  employed  in  such  a service,  and  sensible  of  his  cause 
for  gratitude,  if  preserved  from  grievous  miscarriages,  he  set 
out  with  offering  sacrifices:  and,  as  he  thus  united  humble 
faith  and  holy  fear  with  his  fervent  affections,  he  was  accepted 
and  prospered  accordingly.  (Note,  Judg.  20:26 — 28.) 

V.  14,  15.  On  this  solemn  occasion  David  laid  aside  the 
distinctions  of  royalty : and,  as  taking  the  lead  in  the  worship 
of  God,  he  wore  a linen  ephod,  the  ordinary  garment  of  the 
priests  when  officiating,  yet  sometimes  worn  by  others. 
(Marg.  Ref.  v.)  But  it  does  not  appear  that  he  in  the  least 
attempted  to  encroach  upon  the  priestly  office. — The  methods 
adopted  by  the  Israelites  on  this  occasion,  in  expressing  their 
joy  and  gratitude,  were  such  as  were  customary  among 
them ; and  the  music,  blowing  of  trumpets,  and  sacred  dances, 
were  accompanied  with  psalms  of  praise,  sung  to  the  glory 
of  God,  by  very  great  multitudes  in  concert.  (Notes,  Ex. 
15:20,21.  2 Chr.  15:  16:) 

V.  16.  Saul  had  neglected  the  ark  and  religion ; and 
Michal  seems  to  have  had  no  deep  sense  of  the  importance 
and  excellency  of  heavenly  things : but  she  was  possessed 
with  high  thoughts  of  temporal  dignity  and  royalty.  Perhaps, 
she  considered  David’s  zeal  for  the  ark  as  a reproach  of  her 
father’s  negligence  : at  least  she  considered  his  transports  of 
religious  joy,  in  the  midst  of  the  people,  as  a degradation  of 
his  character,  and  as  exposing  him  to  contempt.  David  the 
brave  captain,  leading  forth  the  people  to  battle,  and  return- 
ing with  them  in  triumph,  she  had  admired:  but  David  the 
saint,  leading  the  people  in  the  ordinances  of  God,  and  setting 
them  an  example  of  fervency  of  spirit  in  his  service,  she 
despised  in  her  heart;  yet  this  was  by  far  the  most  illustrious 
part  of  his  character. 

V.  17.  The  tabernacle,  which  had  been  situated  at  Shi- 
loh, was  from  thence  carried  to  Noh,  and  perhaps  when 
Samuel  died  it  was  placed  at  Gibeon,  with  the  altar  of  burnt- 
offering,  and  all  other  things  belonging  to  its  sacred  services. 
(Note,  1 Sam.  7:1,2.  21:1,2.)  David,  however,  had  prepared 
another  tent  for  the  reception  of  the  ark,  where  an  altar  was 
erected  and  sacrifices  offered ; as  also  there  were  on  the 
former  altar.  (Note,  1 Chr.  16:37 — 43.)  It  may  be  sup- 
posed that  the.  building  of  a temple  was  already  in  contem- 
plation, and  that  this  tabernacle  was  intended  for  a temporary 
accommodation,  until  that  should  be  accomplished. 

V.  18,  19.  David  prayed  for  the  people;  and  as  a prophet 
he  solemnly  blessed  them  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  not  using 
the  ministry  of  the  priests.  (Notes,  Num.  6:23 — 26.)  After- 
wards he  distributed  of  the  flesh  of  the  peace-offerings,  which 
he  sacrificed  at  his  own  expense,  a sufficiency  to  every  ono 
present  for  a sacred  feast,  with  bread  and  wine  in  proportion. 

V.  20.  After  all  these  public  solemnities,  “ David  returned 
to  bless  his  household  to  worship  God  with  them,  as  no 
douht  he  was  wont  to  do,  and  to  join  with  them  in  a religious 
feast. — Michal  spoke  the  language  of  passion  and  contempt. 
Because  David  had  expressed  great  zeal  and  earnestness, 
( 544  ) 


19  And  fle  dealt  among  all  the  people,  even 
among  the  whole  multitude  of  Israel,  as  well  to 
the  women  as  men,  to  every  one  a cake  of  bread, 
and  a good  piece  of  flesh,  and  a flagon  of  wine. 
sSo  all  the  people  departed  every  one  to  his 
house. 

20  H Then  David  returned  to  hbless  his  house- 
hold. And  'Michal  the  daughter  of  Saul  came 
out  to  meet  David,  and  said,  How  ^glorious  was 
the  king  of  Israel  to-day,  who  ‘uncovered  himseh 
to-day  in  the  eyes  of  the  handmaids  of  his  ser- 
vants, as  one  of  the  mvain  fellows  'shamelessly 
uncovereth  himself! 

21  And  David  said  unto  Michal,  It  was  "before 
the  Lord,  which  “chose  me  before  thy  father,  and 
before  all  his  house,  to  appoint  me  ruler  over  the 
people  of  the  Lord,  over  Israel ; therefore  will  I 
Pplay  before  the  Lord. 

22  And  I will  yet  be  ^more  vile  than  thus,  and 
will  be  base  rin  mine  own  sight : and  of  the 
'maid-servants  which  thou  hast  spoken  of,  of 
them  shall  ‘I  be  had  in  honour. 

23  Therefore  Michal  the  daughter  of  Saul  had 
no  child  “unto  the  day  of  her  death. 

17.  Acts 20:35.  Eph.4:8.  glKin-«8:66.  2Chr.7:10.  h 18.  Gen.  18:191 

Josh.  24:15.  1 Chr.  16:43.  Ps.  30:  lille.  101:2.  i 16.  Ps.  69:7— 9.  Mark  3:21. 
k Nell.  4:3,4.  Is.  53:2,3.  John  13:6.  1 Cor.  4:10—13.  Phil.  2:7,8.  1 I Sam.  19» 

23,24.  m Judg.  9:4.  Job  30:8.  f Or , openly,  n 14,16.  1 Cor.  10:31.  ol  Sain. 
13:14.15:28.16:1,12.  Ps.  78:70— 72.  89:19,20.  Acts  13:22.  p 5.  1 Chr.  15:29. 
q Is.  50:6.  51:7.  Matt.  5: 1 1 .12.  Acts  5:41,42.  Heb.  12:2.  I Pet.  4:14.  r Gen. 
32:10.  Job  40:4.  42:6.  1 Tim.  1:15.  1 Pet.  5:6.  J Or,  handmaids  of  my  ser* 
vants.  si  Sam.  2:30.  t 1 Sam.  1:6 — 8.  Is. 4:1.  Ilos.  9:11.  Luke’l:25. 
u 1 Sam.  15-35.  Is.  22: 14. 


she  suggested  that  he  had  behaved  in  an  indecent  manner: 
and  as  he  had  laid  aside  his  royal  robes,  she  would  represent 
it  as  if  he  had  improperly  stripped  himself.  (Note,  1 Sam. 
1 9:23,24.)  But  it  cannot  be  supposed  that  David  did  any 
thing  indecorous  on  the  occasion ; except  as  Michal  con- 
sidered his  piety  and  activity  in  religion  as  unbecoming  the 
dignity  of  a king. 

V.  21 — 23.  David  very  properly  gloried  in  his  zeal  for  the 
service  and  glory  of  God:  before  him,  he  was  willing  to  bo 
abased  both  in  his  own  eyes,  and  in  those  of  others.  And 
if  his  earnestness  in  religion  was  considered  as  playing  thn 
fool,  and  rendering  himself  vile,  he  desired  to  be  still  moro 
vile;  for  he  resolved  to  be  still  more  zealous  in  that  good 
cause.  But  he  intimated  to  Michal,  that  for  want  of  similar 
zeal,  her  father  had  been  rejected  ; and  that  he  was  chosen 
in  his  stead  to  be  “ruler  of  the  people  of  the  Lord.”  Ha 
was  therefore  bound  by  every  tie  to  be  very  earnest  in  pro- 
moting his  worship:  and  that  which  she  despised  as  disgrace- 
ful to  him,  would  in  the  event  prove  his  greatest  honour. 
(Marg.  Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 11.  Our  judgment  in  religion  must  be  regulated  by 
the  word  of  God,  and  not  by  the  customs  of  the  world,  or 
even  of  the  church : for  human  inventions  have  offen  long 
prevailed,  when  divine  appointments  have  grown  into  disuse 
and  contempt.  But  true  believers  are  accepted,  notwith- 
standing such  errors  and  abuses  as  they  either  do  notdiscein, 
or  are  unable  to  rectify:  yet  those,  who  have  it  in  their 
power,  should  embrace  the  first  opportunity  of  replacing 
matters  upon  the  scriptural  foundation,  and  of  bringing  to 
light  and  reputation  those  parts  of  true  religion,  which  have 
been  most  neglected  and  obscured.  This  is  best  dono  by 
showing  their  nature,  use,  and  importance,  that  others  may 
willingly  concur,  and  gradually  call  the  attention  of  more  and 
more  towards  them : for  thus  the  change  will  appear  to  be 
effected  by  the  authority  of  God,  and  not  by  that  of  man. — 
That  the  Lord  dwells  upon  the  mercy-seat  “between  the 
cherubim,”  that  the  name  and  perfections  of  Jehovah  are 
in  Jesus,  the  true  Ark  of  the  covenant,  forms  the  foundation 
of  every  genuine  human  hope  of  felicity,  and  is  the  source  of 
every  believer’s  privileges  and  comforts : while  with  all  his 
hosts  and  all  his  authority,  God  is  his  reconciled  Friend, 
Father,  and  Protector.  Whatover  else  may  be  overlooked, 
theso  essential  truths  should  be  always  placed  in  the  most 
convincing  and  conspicuous  light,  in  every  sermon  and  reli- 
gious ordinance ; that  sinners  may  be  called  on  to  believe, 
and  believers  to  rejoice,  and  glorify  God  our  Saviour. — But 
ignorance  and  error,  in  the  great  doctrines  of  religion,  are 
not  the  only  dangers  to  which  men  are  exposed : the  irreve- 
rent abuse  of  the  gospel  may  be  equally  destructive. — Men 
frequently,  by  office,  or  by  habit,  are  conversant  about  the 
most  important  truths  or  observances  of  religion  with  a carnal 
mind,  till  they  contract  a contemptuous  familiarity  with  them, 
grow  proud  of  their  formal  exercises,  presumptuously  intrude 
into  services  which  do  not  belong  to  them,  and,  in  rash  zeal 
for  the  supposed  cause  of  godliness,  use  such  means  ns  the 
Lord  has  not  commanded,  nay,  such  ns  he  has  prohibited. 
But  whatever  necessity  may  be  imagined,  or  whatever  good 
intentions  may  bo  pleaded,  ho  will  resent,  and  perhaps  in 
this  world  punish,  such  forbidden  touches  of  Ins  ark : we 
should  therefore  bo  careful  to  keep  our  proper  place,  to  d«  ' 


B.  C.  1042. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


B.  C.  1042 


CHAPTER  VII. 


David  purposes  to  kuiid  a temple,  and  Nathan  encourages  him,  1 — 3.  God, 
by  Nathan,  forbids  it , but  with  promises  of  tjtecial  blessings  to  Israel, 
to  David.  iutd  to  his  sued,  -1 — 17.  David's  prayer  and  thanksgiving , 

18 — 09. 


AND  it  came  to  pass,  'when  the  king  sat  in  his 
house,  and  bthe  Lord  had  given  him  rest 
round  about  from  all  his  enemies, 

2  That  tne  King  said  unto  'Nathan  the  prophet, 
See  now,  dI  awed  m a house  of  cedar,  but  ‘the 
ark  of  God  dwelleth  within  f curtains. 

3  And  Nathan  said  to  the  king,  *Go,  do  hall 
that  is  in  thy  heart : ‘for  the  Lord  is  with  thee. 

4  H And  it  came  to  pass  ffhat  night,  that  the 
word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  Nathan,  saying, 

5  Go  and  tell  *my  servant  David,  Thus  saith 
the  Lord,  kShalt  thou  build  me  a house  for  me 
to  dwell  in  ? 


6 Whereas  'I  have  not  dwelt  in  any  house  since 
the  time  that  1 brought  up  the  children  of  Israel 
out  of  Egypt,  even  to  this  day,  but  have  mvvalked 
in  a “tent  and  in  a tabernacle. 

7 In  all  the  places  wherein  I have  walked  with 
all  the  children  of  Israel  spake  I a word  with  any 
of  the  “tribes  of  Israel,  whom  I commanded  tc 
rfeed  my  people  Israel,  saying,  Why  build  ye  no. 
me  a house  of  cedar  ? 

8 Now  therefore,  so  shalt  thou  say  unto  my 
servant  David,  Thus  saitli  the  Lord  of  hosts,  s] 
took  thee  from  the  sheep-cote,  from  f following 
the  sheep,  to  be  ‘ruler  over  my  people,  over 
Israel : 

9 And  *1  was  with  thee  whithersoever  thou 
wentest,  and  have  ‘cut  off  all  thine  enemies  tout  of 
thy  sight,  and  have  made  thee  “a  great  name,  “like 


a I Chr.  17:1,  4c.  Dan.  4:29,30.  b Josh.  21:44.  23:1.  1 Kings  5:4.  2 Chr.  14:6. 
Pror.  16:7.  Luke  1:74,75.  c 12: 1.  1 Chr.  29:23.  d 5:11 . 1 Chr.  14: 1.  Jer.  22: 
13— 15.  Sag.  1:4.  e Ps.  132:5.  JohnQ:17.  Acts  7:45.  f 6: 17. 1 Ex.  26:1— 14. 
40:21.  1 i hr.  16:1.  2 Chr.  1:4.  g 2 Kings  4:27.  h I Sam.  16:7.  1 Kings  8:17, 
18.  I Chr.  22  7.  28:2.  Ps.  20:4. 37:4.  i 1 Sam.  10:7.  1 John  2:27.  j N urn.  12: 
6.  I Chr.  17:3.  Am.  3:7.  * Heb.  to  my  servant,  to  David.  k 1 Kings  5:3.  8: 

18,19.  1 Chr.  17:4.22:7,8.  26:3.  1 Josh.  18:1.  lFings8:16.  1 Chr.  17:5,6. 

our  own  work,  and  to  proceed  in  the  manner  prescribed  in 
his  word. — Even  eminently  wise  and  good  men  cannot  per- 
form very  important  services,  without  feeling,  at  times  and  in 
some  degree,  the  emotions  of  pride  and  self-preference.  And, 
though  religion  consists  very  much  in  high  auctions,  and 
great  love  and  delight  in  spiritual  things ; yet  even  when  the 
affections  are  genuine  and  gracious,  except  they  are  accom- 
panied with  proportionable  knowledge,  judgment,  and  hu- 
mility, they  will  betray  us  into  many  unwarrantable  actions, 
and  expose  us  to  severe  rebukes.  In  the  fervency  of  zeal  we 
are  all  very  prone  to  forget  the  precepts  of  God ; and  are  too 
eager  about  the  substance  of  our  services,  to  consult  the 
Scriptures  concerning  the  right  method  of  conducting  them. 
Thus,  we  are  unawares  drawn  into  transgression,  and  meet 
with  severe  checks,  when  we  expected  great  success  and 
comfort.  This  is  indeed  needful  and  salutary,  but  it  often 
exceedingly  disconcerts  the  mind : and  then  the  transition  is 
very  sudden  from  elevated  joy  and  confidence,  to  great 
dejection  and  fretfulness ; from  a hope  bordering  on  irreve- 
rence, to  slavish  fear  which  verges  to  despondency,  and 
disheartens  from  present  duty.  Such  sudden  changes  the 
experienced  and  vigilant  believer  recollects  with  shame.  He 
too  has  often,  especially  in  the  time  of  his  injudicious  and 
inexperienced  zeal,  been  14  greatly  displeased”  or  discouraged 
by  those  things,  which  were  only  intended  to  humble  and 
instruct  him : and  while  he  cannot  excuse  David,  he  sees 
more  cause  to  condemn  himself,  and  to  pray,  44  Enter  not 
into  judgment  with  thy  servant,  O Lord,  for  in  thy  sight 
shall  no  man  living  be  justified.” — But  while  one  is  disheart- 
ened from  active  service  through  servile  fear,  others  will  be 
animated  with  humble  faith  and  hope;  and  not  dread  the  ark, 
or  the  ordinance,  but  only  the  sin  which  occasioned  the 
rebuke,  or  against  which  the  threatening  is  denounced.  And 
the  Lord  will  abundantly  recompense  those,  who  are  humbly 
bold  for  him,  while  others  are  either  presumptuous  or  des- 
ponding. (P.  O.  1 Sam.  6:) 

V.  12 — 23.  When  pious  men,  who  have  been  betrayed  into 
unwarrantable  conduct,  have  had  time  for  self-examination, 
searching  the  Scriptures,  and  prayer,  they  will  discover  and 
confess  their  mistakes,  and  be  reduced  to  a better,temper ; they 
will  justify  God  in  his  corrections  ; they  will  be  convinced,  that 
safety  and  comfort  consist,  not  in  absenting  themselves  from 
his  ordinances,  or  in  declining  dangerous  services,  hut  in 
attending  to  their  duty  in  a proper  spirit  and  manner  ; (Notes, 
Matt.  5:23,24. — l Cor.  11:29—34.  P.  O.  23—31.)  they  will 
profit  by  their  own  errors,  stand  the  stronger  for  their  falls, 
and  lot  abate  in  their  zeal  and  affections,  but  learn  to  con- 
nect them  with  humility,  and  to  regulate  them  according  to 
the  precepts  of  the  sacred  Scripture.  Then  they  may  expect 
to  prosper  in  their  attempts  to  glorify  God,  and  promote  the 
cause  of  true  religion.— We  are  so  unworthy,  and  our  services 
so  defiled,  that  all  our  joy  in  divine  ordinances  must  be  con- 
nected with  the  exercise  of  repentance,  and  faith  in  the 
Redeemer’s  atoning  blood : so  that  the  more  we  are  preserved 
from  sin  and  the  more  we  are  enabled  to  do  in  the  work  of 
God,  with  acceptance  and  comfort,  the  greater  obligations  we 
are  brought  under,  and  the  more  thankful  we  ought  to  be. 
(Note,  l C7i/\  29:10 — 19.)  We  ought  to  serve  the  Lord  with 
our  whole  body  and  soul,  and  with  every  endowment  or  ca- 
pacity we  possess;  our  religious  affections  cannot  be  too 
intense,  if  properly  directed ; nor  our  expressions  of  them  too 
Strong,  provided  “all  be  done  decently  and  in  order,”  accord- 
ing to  the  spirit  of  that  dispensation  under  which  we  live. — 
The  greatest  of  men  are  as  nothing  before  the  infinite  God ; 
their  dependance  is  as  entire  as  that  of  their  inferiors,  and 
their  obligations  and  accountableness  are  greater:  the  mean- 
est employment  in  his  service  is  in  truth  the  greatest  honour 
of  the  mightiest  princes : they  ought  to  be  as  base  in  their 
own  eyes,  when  worshipping  the  Lord,  and  confessing  their 
sins,  as  their  meanest  subjects ; while  they  should  take  the 
lea-"  and  set  the  example  in  every  thing  good  : (Note*  Jam 
Vql.  I. — 69 


m Ex.  33:14,15.  40:35— 38.  Lev.  26:23,24,27,23.  Num.  10:33— 36.  Deut.  23:14. 
2 Cor.  6:16.  Rev.  2:1.  n Ex.  40:18,19,34.  Acts  7:41.  o 1 Chr.  17:6.  judges. 
p 5:2.  Ps.  78:71,72.  Is.  40:11.  Jer.  23  4.  E*.  34:2,15,23.  Mie.  5:4.  Man.  2:6. 
marg.  John  21:15— 17.  Acts  21:28.  1 Pet.  5:2.  q 1 Sam.  16:11,12.  1 Chr.  17.7. 
.Ps.  73:70.  t Heb.  after,  r 6:21.  12:7.  1 Sam.  9:16.  10:1.  s 5: 10.  8:6, 14.  22: 
30,34—38.  I Chr.  17:8.  I 22:1.  1 Sam.  31:6.  Ps.  89:23.  ♦ Heb  .from  thy  face. 
u Gen.  12:2.  1 Sam.  2:8.  1 Chr.  17:8.  Ps.  1 13:7,8.  Luke  1:52.  x Ps.  87:3-6. 

1:9 — 11.)  and  though  some  will  despise  their  piety  as  madness 
or  meanness,  they  will  be  had  in  honour  for  it  by  numbers, 
yea,  by  many  who  are  not  themselves  religious.  Indeed, 
proud  and  carnal  persons  have  always  ridiculed  fervent  devo- 
tion, as  folly  or  enthusiasm.  Satan  has  long  deluded  men 
into  a persuasion,  that  such  holy  earnestness  is  unprincely , 
nay,  unmanly,  unbecoming  persons  of  genius,  learning,  wealth, 
or  influence,  and  only  fit  for  ignorant  poor  people,  women  or 
children.  However  wise  or  eminent  a man  may  be  in  other 
respects,  if  he  be  scripturally  zealous  and  devoted  to  God,  he 
must  expect  contempt  and  insult,  even  from  his  inferiors  and 
relatives  : nay,  he  needs  not  wonder,  if  he  be  falsely  accused 
of  the  most  shameless  practices.  But  if  the  Lord  has  chosen 
and  accepted  us,  we  should  deem  such  reproaches  honour- 
able, and  determine  to  become  still  more  vile  in  the  eyes  of 
ungodly  revilers,  by  abounding  in  those  services  which  they 
despise.  While  we  meekly  rebuke  such  opposers,  the  Lord 
will  certainly  plead  our  cause  against  them  : for  44  them  that 
honour  him  he  will  honour  ; but  they  who  despise  him  shall 
be  lightly  esteemed.” — Piety  should  always  be  attended  with 
liberality  : and  public  exercises  of  religion  must  not  exclude 
private  prayer  and  family  worship,  which  should  be  neglected 
by  none  in  any  rank  of  life. — Finally,  in  this  removal  of  the 
ark,  let  us  contemplate  the  Redeemer’s  ascension  to  glory, 
and  seek  to  participate  his  precious  gifts,  and  to  serve  him 
with  ardent  love  and  joy. 

NOTES—  Chap.  VII.  V.  1— 3.  (Note,  5:11.)  David, 
now  peaceably  possessed  of  the  kingdom,  victorious  over  all 
his  enemies,  and  at  rest  in  his  palace,  considered  how  he 
might  employ  his  leisure  and  prosperity  in  the  service  of  God  : 
when  it  occurred  to  his  mind  how  stately  his  own  house  was, 
and  how  meanly  the  ark  was  lodged ; and  he  conceived  a de- 
sign of  building  a magnificent  temple  for  its  reception.  (Notes, 
Ps.  132:2 — 5.  Matt.  6:33,34.)  This  he  intimated  to  Nathan 
the  prophet,  a man  of  great  piety  and  wisdom,  who  appears 
to  have  been  his  companion  and  counsellor.  And  Nathan, 
assured  that  the  design  arose  from  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God, 
who  was  with  David  in  all  his  undertakings,  encouraged  him 
to  proceed ; yet  he  gave  his  advice,  not  by  revelation  from 
God,  but  according  to  his  own  private  judgment.  (Note,  1 
Cor.  7:39,40.) 

V.  4.  The  message  which  follows  was  sent  without  delay, 
probably  that  David  might  not  remain  under  a mistake,  or 
set  his  heart  on  a work  not  intended  for  him : and  it  was  sent 
by  Nathan,  that  he  might  not  be  discouraged  by*having  his 
counsel  contradicted  by  another  prophet.  Nathan  was  not 
faulty  in  encouraging  David,  any  more  than  David  was  in 
purposing  to  build  a temple  : they  both  did  well,  but  the  Lord 
had  wise  reasons  for  determining  otherwise.  (Marg.  Ref . 
Note,  1 Kings  8:15 — 21.) 

V.  5.  Shalt  thou,  &c.]  That  is,  4 Dost  thou  entertain 
such  a purpose,  which  did  not  enter  into  the  thoughts  of  any 
fhat  were  before  thee  ? yet  thou  shalt  not  accomplish  that 
design  : for  the  work  is  assigned  to  another  person.5  It  ap- 
pears that  Nathan  spoke  more  to  David  than  is  here  recorded  : 
for  other  reasons  are  afterwards  given,  why  David  was  not 
permitted  to  build  the  temple.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  22:6 — 10.  28: 
2—8.) 

V.  6.  7.  Though  tho  building  of  a temple  accorded  with 
the  spirit  of  the  Mosaic  dispensation,  it  was  not  commanded 
by  any  law  ; and  was  not  therefore  peculiarly  any  one’s  duty, 
without  some  further  intimation  from  God.  In  the  days  of 
Moses,  the  Lord  had,  by  the  ark,  the  symbol  of  his  presence, 
dwelt  and  removed  with  his  people,  in  a tabernacle  of  his 
own  appointing.  (Notes,  Num.  10:33 — 36.)  Since  Israel 
had  been  settled  in  Canaan,  none  of  the  rulers  or  judges,  who 
had  been  raised  up  out  of  several  of  their  tribes,  were  com- 
manded to  build  a temple  : yet  the  Lord  had  accepted  their 
worship,  while  the  ark  abode  within  curtains.  It  was  not 
therefore  necessary  either  to  the  glory  of  God,  or  the  good  of 
Israel,  to  have  a temple  ; and  the  erecting  of  one  might  there* 
f 545  ) 


3.  C.  1012. 


II.  SAMUEL.  B.  C.  1042. 


unto  the  name  of  the  great  men  that  are  in  the 
earth. 

10  Moreover,  I will  appoint  a place  for  my  peo- 
ple Israel,  and  will  yplant  them,  that  they  may 
dwell  in  a place  of  their  own,  and  move  no  more; 
‘neither  shall  the  children  of  wickedness  afflict 
them  any  more,  "as  beforetime. 

11  And  as  bsince  the  time  that  I commanded 
judges  to  be  over  my  people  Israel,  and  "have 
caused  thee  to  rest  from  all  thine  enemies.  Also 
the  Loro  telleth  thee,  that  ‘'he  will  make  thee  a 
house. 

12  H And  ewhen  thy  days  be  fulfilled,  and  thou 
shalt  f sleep  with  thy  fathers,  ?I  will  set  up  thy 
seed  after  thee,  which  shall  proceed  out  of  thy 
bowels,  and  I will  establish  his  kingdom. 

13  hHe  shall  build  a house  for  my  name,  and  'I 
will  establish  the  throne  of  his  kingdom  for  ever. 

14  kI  will  be  his  father,  and  he  shall  be  my  spn. 
'If  he  commit  iniquity,  mI  will  chasten  him  with 
the  rod.  of  men,  and  with  the  stripes  of  the  children 
of  men  : 

15  But  "my  mercy  shall  not  depart  away  from 

y 1 Clir.  17:9.  Pa.  44:2.  80:8.  Jer.  18.9.24:6.  Ez.  37:25—27.  Am.  9:15.  z Pa.  89: 
22,23.  Is.  60:18.  Hos.2:l8.  a Ex.  1 :13,1 4.22.  Jmlg.  4:3. 6:2— 6.  1 Sam.  13:17. 
b Jn.le.  2:14— 16.  1 Sam.  12:9— 11.  Ps. 106:42.  c 1 . Job  5: 18,19.  34:29.  Pa.  46:9. 
d 27.  Ex.  1:21.  I Kings2:24.  1 Chr.  17:10.22:10.  Pa. 89:3,4.  127:1.  Piny.  14:1. 
e 1 Kings  2:1.  8:20.  f Deni.  31  16.  1 Kings  1:21.  I an.  12:2.  Acts  13:36,  1 Cor. 
15:51.  1 Thu.  4:14.  gGen.!S:4.  1 Kings  8:20.  1 Chr.  17:11.  Ps.  89:29.  132:11. 
Is.  9:7.  11:1—3,10.  Matt.  22:42-^14.  Acts  2:30.  h 1 Kings  5:5.  6: 12.  8: 19. 
1 Chr.  17.11,12.  22-9,10  . 28:6,10.  Zech.6:l3.  Matt.  16:18.  Luke  1:31— 33 
Heb.  3:3.  1 Pet.  2:5.  i 16.  1 Chr.  28:7.  Pa.  89:4,21 ,36,37.  Is. 9:7.49:8.  Luke 
1:32,33.  kl  Chr.  17:13.  23:6.  Ps.  89:26,27.  Matt.  3:17.  Heb.  1:5.  1 Ps.  89:30 

—35.  m Dent.  8:5.  Job  5:17.  Pa.  94:12,13.  Prov.  3:11,12.  Jer.  30:11.  1 Cor. 
11:32.  Heb. 12:5— 11.  Rey.  8:19.  n Ps.  89:28,34.  la.  55:3.  Acta  13:34— 37. 


fore  very  well  be  delayed  a little  longer.  (Notes,  Is.  66:1,2. 
Ads  7:4-1—50.) 

V.  8—11.  The  Lord  did  not  employ  David  in  building  the 
temple,  but  he  did  notjn  anger  reject  his  intended  service: 
for  it  was  not  proper,  either  that  he  should  engross  all  the 
honour,  or  do  all  the  work.  He  had  been  advanced  from  a very 
inferior  situation  to  the  throne  of  Israel,  and  employed  in 
subduing  their  enemies,  as  well  as  made  triumphant  over  his 
own. ; and  he  was,  or  would  become,  one  of  the  most  honour- 
able and  renowned  characters  in  the  world.  (Marg.  Ref. 
u,  x.)  Moreover  the  Lord  had  further  employment  for  him 
of  another  sort,  which  was  proper  to  be  done  before  the  build- 
ing of  the  temple.  The  Canaanites  still  dwelt  in  the  land, 
and  greatly  harassed  the  people  ; and  the  neighbouring  nations 
frequently  afflicted  them.  This  had  been  the  case  from  their 
first  entrance  into  Canaan,  even  in  the  time  of  the  judges, 
who  wrought  only  temporary  deliverances  from  their  more 
grievous  oppressors.  Indeed,  it  was  reserved  for  David  to 
crush  the  remnant  of  the  Canaanites,  to  subjugate  the  other 
enemies  of  Israel,  and  to  put  them  in  full  and  quiet  possession 
of  the  land  of  promise  ; so  that  it  was  by  their  subsequent 
revolts  and  apostacies  alone,  that  they  afterwards  lost  the 
benefit  of  his  victories.  This  was  his  peculiar  work  ; and  as 
a promise  thus  given  to  Israel,  was  intended  to  mark  out 
David’s  line  of  usefulness.  He  was  also  employed  in  reform- 
ing the  state  of  religion,  regulating  the  .courses  of  the  priests 
and  Levites,  and  composing  hymns  of  praise  for  the  use  of 
the  church  in  after  ages ; and  he  made  immense  preparations 
even  for  the  temple  itself.  (Notes,  23:1,2.  1 Chr.  22:  23: 

26:  28:  29.) 

V.  12 — 16.  The  Lord  intended  to  establish  David’s  pos- 
terity upon  the  throne  of  Israel ; which  was  a special  favour 
not  granted  to  Moses,  to  Joshua,  or  to  any  of  David’s  pre- 
decessors; and  therefore  the  work  and  honour  of  building 
the  temple  were  reserved  for  his  son,  who  was  hereafter  to  be 
born ; for,  by  the  future  tense  in  this  connexion,  both  Absalom 
and  Adonijah,  and  all  the  children  which  David  then  had, 
were  excluded  from  life  succession.  This  son  and  successor 
of  David  would  be  of  a peaceable  disposition,  and  enabled 
to  live  at  peace,  through  tile  success  of  his  father’s  wars, 
and  would  have  more  leisure  and  ability  to  complete  the 
design.  To  him  and  his  posterity  very  precious  promises 
were  given : the  Lord  engaged  to  he  a Father  to  him,  to  deal 
with  him  as  his  son,  and  to  establish  the  throne  of  his  king- 
dom ; and  if  he  sinned,  to  correct  him,  as  men  do  their 
children,  according  to  what  thoy  are  able  to  endure,  and  for 
their  good  ; yet  not  to  take  the  kingdom  from  him,  as  he  had 
done  from  Saul,  hut  to  establish  it  from  generation  to  genera- 
tion.— Though  for  Solomon’s  sin  the  ten  tribes  were  rent 
from  his  son  ; (Notes,  l Kings  11:9 — 13,29 — 31.  12:21 — 24.) 
yet  the  kingdom  over  Judah  remained,  unto  the  Babylonish 
captivity,  in  the  family  of  David  and  Solomon. — These  pro- 
mises were,  however,  in  an  especial  manner,  predictions  of 
Christ,  the  son  of  David,  the  true  Solomon,  “the  Prince  of 
eace,’’  who  builds  the  spiritual  temple  of  true  believers,  to 
e “ an  habitation  of  God  through  tho  Spirit.”  (Notes,  Zech. 
6:12,13.  Eph.  2:19 — 22.)  Accordingly  a part  of  the  prophecy 
is  applied  to  Christ  in  the  New  Testament.  (Heb.  1:5.) 
The  stability  and  perpetuity  of  the  kingdom  in  the  house  of 
David  is,  in  Christ,  fully  accomplished.  (Notes,  Ps.  2:72: 

( 546  ) 


him,  °as  I took  it  from  Saul,  whom  I put  away 
before  thee. 

16  And  "'thy  house  and  thy  kingdom  shall  be 
established  for  ever  before  thee : thy  throne  shall 
be  established  for  ever. 

17  ‘i According  to  all  these  words,  and  accord- 
ing to  all  this  vision,  so  did  Nathan  speak  unto 

DaVld.  [ Practical  Observations.'] 

18  H Then  went  king  David  in,  and  rsat  before 
the  Lord,  and  he  said,  “Who  am  I,  O Lord  God  ? 
and  what  is  my  house,  that  thou  hast  brought 
me  hitherto  ? 

19  And  ‘this  was  yet  a small  thing  in  thy  sight, 
O Lord  God  ; but  “thou  hast  spoken  also  of  thy 
servant’s  house  for  a great  while  to  come.  ‘And 
is  this  the  'manner  of  man,  O Lord  God? 

20  And  what  can  David  say  more  unto  thee  i 
for  thou,  Lord  God,  rknowest  thy  servant. 

21  For ‘thy  word’s  sake,  and  “according  to  thine 
own  heart,  hast  thou  done  all  these  great  things, 
to  make  thy  servant  know  them. 

22  Wherefore  blhou  art  great,  O Lord  God : 
for  there  is  "none  like  thee,  neither  is  there  any 

0 1 Sam.  15:28.  16:14.  1 Kings  11:13,34— 35.  Is.  9:7.  37:35.  p Gen.  49:10. 

2 Kings  19:34.  1 Chr.  17:13,14.  P*.  45:6. 72:5,17— 19.  89:36.37.  Is.  9:7.  Dan.  2: 
44.  7:14.  Matt.  16:18.  Luke  1:39.33.  John  12:34.  Rev.  11:15.  q 1 Chr.  17:15. 
Acts  20:20,27.  1 Cor.  15:3.  r 1 Chr.  17: 16.  la.  37:14 . a Gen.  32:10.  Ex.  3:11. 
Judg.  6:15.  1 Sam.  9:21,  15:17.  18.18.  Ps.  8.4.  t 12:8.  Nn.n.  16:9,13.  n 11— 
16.  1 Chr.  17:17.  x Ps.  36:7.  Is.  55:8,9.  Eph.  2:7.  3:19,20.  • Heb.  late, 

y 1 Sam.  16:7.  Ps.  139:1.  John  2:25.  21:17.  Heb.  4:13.  Rev.  2:23.  z Num.  23: 
19.  Ileut.  9:5.  Josh.  23:14,15.  Ps. 115:1.  133:2.  Matt.  24:35.  Luke  1:54,55,72. 
a Matt.  11:26.  Luke  10:21.  12:32.  I Cor.  1:1.  Eph.  19.  3:11.  b Ileut.  3:24. 

1 Chr:  16:25.  2 Chr. 2:5.  Ps.  48:1 . 86:10  . 96:4.  135  5.  c Ex. 15:11.  Deut.4:35, 
32:39.  1 Sam.  2:2.  Ps.  86:8.  89:6,8.  Is.  40:18,25.  45:5,18,22.  Jer.  10:6.  Mic. 
7:18. 


89:19 — 37.)  The  clause  concerning  the  merciful  chastise- 
ment  of  David’s  son  if  he  offended,  and  the  engagement  not 
to  reject  him  for  his  transgressions,  belongs  to  his  people,  who 
are  his  seed,  and  one  with  him.  In  a parallel  passage,  it  is 
put  in  the  plural  number,  “ If  his  children  forsake  my  law. 
&c.”  (Ps.  89:30 — 33.) — The  expression,  44  before  thee,” 
might  perhaps  be  a gracious  intimation,  that  though  these 
things  would  take  place  after  David’s  death,  yet  he  would  be 
acquainted  with  them,  and  rejoice  in  them. 

V.  17.  Nathan  did  not  hesitate  to  contradict  his  own 
counsel ; nor  did  he  fear  lest  this  should  expose  him  to  cen- 
sure or  contempt!  (Notes,  2 Kings  20:1 — 6.) 

V.  18.  David  cordially  acquiesced  in  the  will  of  God  ; and 
likewise  found  his  love,  gratitude,  hope,  and  joy,  greatly  ex- 
cited, by  these  remembrances  of  past,  and  promises  of  future 
mercies,  to  himself,  his  people,  and  posterity ; especially  as 
they  all  centered  in  the  promised  Saviour  who  was  to  de- 
scend from  him.  Without  delay,  therefore,  he  went  to  the 
tabernacle  of  God  before  t he  ark,  and  poured  out  his  heart 
in  prayer. — It  is  said,  that  “he  sat  before  the  Lord;”  but  it 
is  the  only  place  in  Scripture,  which  mentions  sitting  as  the 
posture  of  any  servant  of  God  in  religious  worship;  and, 
though  circumstances  may  sometimes  render  if  necessary,  it 
does  not  otherwise  seem  becoming.  Probably,  the  expression 
only  means  his  continuance  before  the  Lord  for  a consider- 
able time,  and  does  not.  determine  the  posture  in  which  he 
prayed. — When  David  considered  the  mean  estate  from 
which  he  had  been  advanced  to  the  throne,  and  how  he  had 
been  employed,  prospered,  and  honoured ; and  when  he 
recollected  the  infinite  majesty  and  holiness  of  God,  and  his 
own  sinfulness  and  insignificancy  before  him : he  thought 
nothing  of  his  own  endowments  or  performances,  hut  regarded 
the  whole  as  the  subject  of  admiring  gratitude  and  praise; 
and  was  surprised  that  the  Lord  had  hitherto  upheld  and 
blessed  so  insignificant  and  worthless  a person  in  such  an 
extraordinary  manner.  (Notes,  Gen.  32:9 — 12.  I Chr.  29: 
10—19.) 

V.  19.  A more  particular  consideration  of  the  blessings, 
which  had  now  been  entailed  upon  his  family,  as  well  as  upon 
himself,  still  more  enhanced  David’s  holy  admiration  ; and  he 
adored  the  riches  of  the  divine  mercy,  as  infinitely  surpassing 
the  largest  bounty  of  man.  It  is  not  the  manner  of  men  thus 
to  notice  the  mean,  the  base,  the  unworthy:  thus  to  make 
one  kindness  an  introduction  to  another,  and  an  earnest  of 
further  favours,  and  a reason  for  bestowing  them.  No,  this  is 
beyond  example  or  conception  ! — Or,  4 Is  this  thy  manner  of 
dealing  witli  polluted,  rebellious  man!’  ( Note,  Js.  f>5:8,9. ) 
How  wonderful  then  tho  love  of  a holy  God  to  us  sinful 
creatures,  especially  in  the  gift  of  his  44  only  begotten  Son, 
to  be  the  Propitiation  for  our  sins  !”  (Notes,  1 John  3:1 — 3. 
4:9—12.) 

V.  20,  21.  David  could  find  nothing  to  ask  for  himself,  or 
his  people,  or  his  posterity,  hut  what  had  already  been  cove- 
nanted to  him:  so  that  his  prayer  consisted  of  thankful 
repetitions  of  the  promises.  For  the  Lord  knew  his  servant, 
and  would  do  every  thing  in  perfect  t.uth,  wisdom,  and  love, 
for  his  good  ; and  he  desired  no  prosperity,  wealth,  or  honour, 
except  in  reference  to  tho  will  and  glory  of  God.  lie  could 
assign  no  reason  for  tho  Lord’s  former  kindness  to  him,  but 
his  sovereign  will,  according  to  own  heart,  dictating  his 


B.  C.  1042. 


CHAPTER  VII 


B.  C.  1042 


God  beside  thee,  according  to  all  that  vve  have 
heard  with  our  ears. 

23  And  ‘'what  one  nation  in  the  earth  is  like 
thy  people,  even  like  Israel,  whom  God  'went  to 
redeem  lor  a people  to  himself,  and  to  f make  him 
a name,  and  to  do  for  you  sgreat  things  and 
terrible,  tor  thy  land,  before  hthy  people,  which 
thou  redeemest  to  thee  from  Egypt,  from  the 
nations  and  'their  gods? 

24  For  thou  hast  kconfirmed  to  thyself  thy 
people  Israel,  to  be  a people  unto  thee  for  ever : 
and  thou,  Lord,  'art  become  their  God. 

25  And  now,  O Lord  God,  the  word  that  thou 
hast  spoken  concerning  thy  servant,  and  con- 
cerning his  house, ‘"establish  it  for  ever,  and  do  as 
thou  hast  said. 


d Deut.  4:7,8.32 — 34.  33:29.  Ps.  U7. 20.  Rom.  3:1,2.  eEx.  3:7,8.  19:5,6.  Num. 
14:13,14.  Pa.  111.9.  Is.  6^7 — 14.  Tit.  2:14.  I Pel.  2:9.  Rev.  5:9.  f Ex.  9: 
16.  Josh.  7:9.  1 Chr.  17.21.  Is.63:12, 14.  Ez.  20.9.  Eph.  1:6.  g Dent.  10:21. 
P».  40:5.  65:7.  66:3.  106:22.  145:6.  h Deut.  9:26.  15:15.  Neh.  1:10.  i Ex.  12: 
12.  k Gen.  17:7.  Deut.  26:18.  123.  Ex. 15:2.  Deut.  27:9.  I Chr.  17:22.  Ps. 
48:14.  Is.  12:2.  Jer.  31:1,33.  32:33.  Hos.  110.  Zech.  13:9.  John  1:12.  Rom.  9: 


gracious  promises,  and  then  for  his  word’s  sake  fulfilling 
them ; and  he  had  the  same  ground  for  expecting  all  other 
blessings,  according  to  his  holy  covenant.  [Notes,  Deut.  7: 
6 — 8.  Rom.  8:28 — 31.  Eph.  1:3 — 8.  2:4 — 10.  Jam.  1:16 — 18. 
1 Pet.  1:3 — 5.) — ‘God,  he  knew,  would  fulfil  his  promise 
made  by  Samuel  and  Nathan  ; to  t^ie  making  of  which  he  had 
no  other  motive,  but  his  own  good  will.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  22—25.  (Marg.  Ref.— Notes,  Deut.  4:20,32—40.  1 
Sam.  2:2.  1 Kings  8:23,24.  Neh.  9:5 — 8.)  For  you.  (23) 
These  words  are  not  found  in  the  parallel  passage,  (1  Chr. 
17:21.)  and  seem  here  redundant. 

V.  26.  The  Lord  by  his  promises  had  connected  the 
glory  of  his  own  truth,  with  the  establishment  of  David’s 
family ; and  David  also  expected  and  desired,  that  his  de- 
scendants might  be  instrumental  in  maintaining  true  religion 
for  the  glory  of  God. — In  Christ  all  the  perfections  of  the 
Godhead  are  glorified : and  by  him  the  cause  of  truth  and 
righteousness  is,  and  will  be,  established  upon  earth.  [Notes, 

1 Chr.  29:10 — 19.  Ps.  21:13.  72:17—19.  Matt.  6:13.)  In  all 
these  respects  David  prayed  for  the  magnifying  of  God’s 
name,  in  the  establishment  of  his  posterity.  [Note,  1 Chr. 
17:17—24.  v.  24.) 

V.  27 — 29.  [Marg.Ref.)  David  could  not  have  ventured 
to  make  such  large  requests,  if  the  Lord  had  not  promised 
the  blessings  which  he  implored  : but  he  was  humbly  bold  to 
ask  all  that  God  had  engaged  to  give. — The  promises  of 
Scripture  are  not  made  personally  to  us  by  name,  as  these 
were  to  David  ; but  they  belong  to  all  who  believe  in  Jesus 
Christ,  and  plead  them  in  his  name.  (Note,  2 Pet.  1:3,4.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 17.  The  greater  leisure  and  ability  any  man  is 
favoured  with,  the  more  should  he  form,  and  attempt  to 
execute,  p'ans  of  important  usefulness ; and  those  who  are 
largely  supplied  with  the  providential  gifts  of  God,  and  at  the 
same  time  are  richly  replenished  by  his  grace,  will  most 
comfortably  enjoy  their  possessions,  when  they  can  render 
them  subservient  to  his  glory  and  the  salvation  of  souls  : they 
will  often  be  grieved  to  reflect  how  much  is  expended  on 
themselves,  and  how  little  in  the  service  of  God : and  scarcely 
deem  any  thing  done  for  him  while  so  much  remains  undone. 
Such  zealous  and  liberal  Christians  should  be  encouraged  by 
their  brethren,  and  by  ministers,  in  the  great  designs  which 
they  conceive  for  the  advancement  of  religion,  as  far  as  they 
agree  with  the  Scripture.  Yet  many  unexceptionable  un- 
dertakings may  fail  of  success,  because  they  do  not  accord 
with  the  perfect  plan  of  God ; but  none  of  them  will  fail  to 
meet  with  a gracious  recompense. — The  wisest  and  best  of 
men  (not  excepting  prophets  and  apostles,  unless  when  im- 
mediately speaking  by  divine  inspiration,)  have  been  liable  to 
error;  and  therefore  the  claim  of  infallibility  forms  the  very 
essence  of  blasphemous  arrogance.  But  God  will  rectify  the 
prejudicial  mis'akes  of  his  upright  servants,  a'nd  prevent  every 
bad  consequence : and  it  is  their  true  honour,  as  well  as  their 
luty,  to  retract  what  they  have  unadvisedly  advanced,  and 
to  acknowledge  themselves  mistaken ; and  all  wise  men  will 
respect  them  the  more  for  doing  so. — The  Lord  does  not 
need  the  services  of  man,  neither  does  he  regard  external 
splendour  ; we  cannot  therefore  please  him  in  his  instituted 
worship,  if  we  have  not  the  warrant  of  his  word  for  what  we 
do. — He  has  accepted  and  blessed  those,  who  spiritually 
worshipped  him  in  the  midst  of  external  meanness ; and  he 
never  rejected  or  found  fault  with  them  on  that  account:  but 
no  outward  magnificence  will  render  formal  services  pleasing 
to  him. — Our  desires,  even  of  usefulness,  must  be  subjected 
to  his  holy  will,  and  regulated  by  his  precept.  He  appoints 
into  every  man  his  work,  and  endows  him  with  suitable 
qualifications  : and  each  of  us  should  thankfully  and  faithfully 
mind  our  proper  business  ; and  rejoice  in  the  superior  talents, 
and  more  honourable  and  important  services,  of  our  brethren. 

-When  we  feel  the  risings  of  envy  or  discontent,  and  are 
ready  to  murmur  at  disappointment,  we  should  reflect  on 
what  the  Lord  has  already  done  for  us  ; from  what  a wretched 
condition  he  has  brought  us;  and  jvhat  blessings  he  hat  pre- 


26  Anti  "let  thy  name  be  magnified  for  ever, 
saying',  The  Lord  of  hosts  is  the  God  ovei 
Israel:  and  let  the  house  of  thy  servant  David  bt 
established  “before  thee. 

27  For  thou,  O Lord  of  hosts;  God  of  Israel, 
hast  ‘revealed  to  thy  servant,  saying,  pI  will  build 
thee  a house:  therefore  hath  thy  servant  ifound 
in  his  heart  to  pray  this  prayer  unto  thee. 

28  And  now,  O Lord  God,  thou  art  that  God. 
and  rthy  words  be  true,  and  thou  hast  promises 
this  goodness  unto  thy  servant  : 

29  Therefore  now  'let  it  please  thee  to  bless  the 
house  of  thy  servant,  that  it  may  continue  for 
ever  before  thee:  for  thou,  O Lord  God,  hast 
spoken  it,  and  with  thy  blessing  let  the  house  of 
thy  servant  be  blessed  “for  ever. 

25,26.  I Pet.  2:10.  mCen.  32:12.  Ps.  119:49.  Jer.  11:4,5.  Ez.  36:37.  u 1 Chr. 
17.23,24  . 29:10—13.  Ps.  72:18,19.  115:1.  Matt.  6:9.  John  12:28.  o Gen.  17:18. 
1 Chr.  17:23.24.  Ps.  89:35.  • Heb . opened  the  ear.  Ruth  4:4.  jl  Sam.  9:15. 

murg.  nil.  q 1 Chr.  17:25,26.  Ps.  10:'l7.  - r Num.  23: 19.  John  17:17.  Tit. 
1:2.  t Heb.  be  thou  pleased  and  bless.  Num.  6:24 — 26.  1 phr.  17:27.  Ps.  115; 
12 — 15.  s22:51. 


pared  for  us : and  we  shall  readily  perceive  (hat  we  have 
been  dealt  with  far  better  than  we  have  deserved,  or  could 
reasonably  have  expected ; nay,  that  if  our  desires  be  not 
granted,  it  is  merely  because  our  wise  and  gracious  Lord 
sees  it  better  for  us  that  they  should  be  refused. — Our  own 
plans,  though  well  intended,  are  often  fit  for  nothing  but  to 
be  laid  aside,  to  make.wray  for  the  Lord’s  purposes  respect- 
ing us,  of  which  perhaps  we  had  no  conception.  But,  in  one 
way  or  other,  God  will  bless,  and  make  useful  to  his  church 
those  persons,  who  simply  devote  themselves  and  all  they 
have  to  his  glory.  If  the  Lord  deny  them  one  supposed 
blessing,  he  will  counterbalance  the  refusal  with  other  tokens 
of  his  love,  and  by  raising  their  expectations  of  other  pro- 
mised mercies : and  he  tfeaches  them  to  rejoice  in  the 
prosperity  of  his  church,  as  in  their  own  felicity. — Israel, 
according  to  the  flesh,  forfeited  by  their  sins  the  rest  to 
which  they  were  brought : and  the  cause  of  God  has  hitherto 
been  greatly  opposed  and  run  down.  Yet  the  time  is  coining 
when  this  cause  will  gain  the  entire  ascendency,  and  over- 
spread the  earth ; and  when  the  Israel  of  God  shall  u be 
planted,  and  dwell  in  a place  of  their  own,  and  move  no  more, 
neither  shall  the  children  of  wickedness  afflict  them  any 
more  for  ever.” — The  most  favoured  and  honoured  of  men 
will  soon  fulfil  their  days,  and  sleep  with  their  fathers  ; but 
they  die  at  peace  with  God,  and  depart  hence  to  join  the 
blessed  company  before  the  throne. — We  should  indeed 
earnestly  desire  the  entail  of  our  blessings  upon  our  pos- 
terity, that  they  may  be  the  children  of  God  also;  but  our 
chief  comfort  in  life  and  death  must  arise  from  looking  unto 
Jesus,  the  Son  of  God,  and  the  everlasting  King  of  Israel, 
and  in  participating  his  covenanted  mercies.  (Note,  23:5.) 
In  his  human  nature  u all  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead  dwell- 
eth  bodily,”  and  by  uniting  his  people  to  himself  through  hia 
Holy  Spirit,  he  builds  the  living  temple,  in  which  the  Lord 
will  dwell  for  ever.  If  we  belong  to  him,  he  will  not  finally 
reject  us : but  when  we  offend,  he  will,  by  rebukes  and  chas- 
tenings,  bring  us  to  repentance,  and  establish  us,  as  kings 
and  priests  before  him,  to  all  eternity.  ( Notesy  Heb.  12:4 — 3. 
Rev.  3:18,10.  5:8—10.) 

V.  18 — 29.  When  we  have  duly  attended  to  the  word, 
which  the  Lord  has  spoken ; and  when  our  affections  are  ex- 
cited, or  our  consciences  alarmed  ; let  us  without  delay  retire, 
to  pour  out  our  hearts  before  him  in  fervent  prayer,  grounded 
on  his  gracious  promises  in  Christ  Jesus. — The  more  God 
really  honours  any  one,  the  lower  he  sinks  in  self-abasement ; 
as  conscious  that  he  has  nothing  of  his  own,  but  meanness, 
sin,  and  misery,  and  that  he  owes  all  to  the  free  mercy  and 
goodness  of  God.  But  if  the  blessings  which  we  have  already 
received  are  so  numerous,  large,  and  unmerited  ; if  it  appears 
wonderful,  as  it  does  to  every  humble  believer,  that  the  Lord 
has  brought  him  hitherto  ; what  shall  we  say  to  th e future,  the 
eternal  felicity,  which  he  has  covenanted  to  his  people  ! or  of 
the  gift,  of  his  Son  to  be  the  ransom  of  our  souls ! — His  thoughts 
and  ways  are  not  like  ours,  or  he  never  would  have  bestowed 
such  blessings  on  rebellious,  polluted  man.  What  can  we 
then  say  more  unto  him  ? What  can  we  ask  or  desire  but 
the  performance  of  those  promises,  which  of  his  own  sovereign 
mercy  he  has  made  to  us?  Comparing  the  former  displays 
of  the  glorious  excellencies  of  our  God,  with  those  which  ho 
has  manifested  in  his  dealings  with  us,  we  shall  at  once  have 
our  admiring  gratitude  enlarged,  and  our  expectation  of 
further  blessings  increased ; and  shall  find  in  our  hearts  to 
plead  his  precious  promises,  neither  deeming  them  too  large, 
nor  too  hard,  for  him  to  perform  fo  us  wretched  sinners. 
Though  he  have  not  given  us  “ a great  name,  like  unto  the 
great  men  that  are  in  the  earth :”  we  shall  be  contented  with 
u a name  written  in  the  book  of  life,”  and  a clear  character 
among  our  brethren : and  we  can  desire  no  more  for  our  pos- 
terity, than  that  they  may  be  “ blessed  with  the  blessing  o* 
the  Lord  forever.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  VIII.  V.  1.  Note , 1 Chr.  18:1.)  I* 
is  probable,  that  Metheg-ammah , or  “the  bridle  of  Ammah 
(marg.)  was  an  eminence  or  natural  fortress,  on  which  Gath 
( 547  ) 


B.  c.  ion. 


II.  SAMUEL, 


B.  C.  1040. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

David  eubdue*  •he  )' hilie tines  atid  Moabites , 1,2.  He  smites  Hadadezer  and 
the  Syrians,  J — 8.  Toi,  king  of  Ilamath,  sends  his  son  to  Dai  id  toith  pre- 
sents, which  he  dedicates  io  God,  with  the  spoils  that  he  had  taken,  9 — 13.  He 
puts  garrisons  in  Edom,  14.  He  reigns  in  equity , 15.  The  names  of  his 
chief  officers,  16 — 18. 

AND  “after  this  it  came  to  pass,  that  David 
smote  the  Philistines,  and  subdued  them : 
and  David  took  'Metheg'-ammah  out  of  the  hand 
of  the  Philistines. 

2  And  bhe  smote  Moab,  and  “measured  them 
with  a line,  casting  them  down  to  the  ground ; 
even  with  two  lines  measured  he  to  put  to  death, 
and  with  one  full  line  to  keep  alive  : dand  so  the 
Moabites  became  David’s  servants,  and  “brought 
gifts. 

3  .David  smote  also  f Hadadezer,  the  son  of 
Rehob,  king  of  eZobah,  as  he  went  to  recover  his 
border  hat  the  river  Euphrates. 

4  And  David  took  'from  him  a thousand 
khariots,  and  seven  hundred  horsemen,  and  twenty 
thousand  footmen  : and  ‘David  houghed  all  the 
chariot-Aorses,  but  kreserved  of  them  for  an  hun- 
dred chariots. 

5  And  'when  the  Syrians  of  Damascus  “came 
to  succor  Hadadezer  king  of  Zobah,  David  slew 
of  the  Syrians  two  and  twenty  thousand  men. 

6  Then  David  put  "garrisons  in  Syria  of 
Damascus:  and  the  Syrians  became  servants  to 
David,  and  brought  gifts.  And  "the  Lord  pre- 
served David  whithersover  he  went. 

7  And  David  took  the  Pshields  of  gold  that  were 
on  the  servants  of  Hadadezer,  and  brought  them 
to  Jerusalem. 

8  And  from'iBetah,  and  from  Berothai,  cities  of 
Hadadezer, king  David  took  “exceeding  much  brass. 


9 U When  “Toi  king  of  ‘Hamath  heard  that 
David  had  smitten  all  the  host  of  Hadadezef, 

10  Then  Toi  sent  “Joram  his  son  unto  king 
David,  to  ^salute  him,  and  “to  bless  him,  because 
he  had  fought  against  Hadadezer,  and  smitten 
him  : (for  Hadadezer  "had  wars  with  Toi)  and 
Joram  ’’brought  with  him  vessels  of  silver,  and 
vessels  of  gold,  and  vessels  of  brass  ; 

11  Which  ralso  king  David  did  dedicate  unto 
the  Lord,  with  the  silver  and  gold  that  he  had 
dedicated  of  all  nations  which  he  subdued ; 

12  Of'Syria,  and  of  Moab,  and  of  the  childrer 
of  Ammon,  and  of  the  Philistines,  and  of  Amalek 
and  of  the  spoil  of  Hadadezer,  son  of  Rehob,  king 
of Zobah. 

13  And  David  “gat  him  a name  when  he 
returned  from  "smitting  of  the  Syrians  in  bthe 
valley  of  salt,  tf being  eighteen  thousand  men. 

14  And  he  put  garrisons  in  Edom;  throughout 
all  Edom  put  he  garrisons  ; and  “all  they  of  Edom 
became  David’s  servants.  And  dthe  Lord  pre- 
served David  whithersoever  he  went. 

15  IF  And  David  reigned  'over  all  Israel;  and 
’ David  executed  judgment  and  jusdce  unto  all 
his  people. 

16  And  eJoab  the  son  of  Zeruiah  teas  over  the 
host ; and  hJehoshaphat  the  son  of  Ahilud  was 
^recorder ; 

17  And  'Zadok  the  son  of  Ahitub,  and  Ahime- 
lech  the  son  of  Abiathar,  were  the  priests ; kand 
Seraiah  was  the  Scribe  ; 

18  And  'Benaih  the  son  of  .Jehoiada  was  over 
both  mthe  Cherethites  and  the  Pelethites ; and 
David’s  sons  were  ""chief  rulers. 


a 79.  21  15 — 2*2.  • Or,  (4.,  bridle  of  Ammah.  2:24.  1 Chr.  18:1.  Gart.bNum. 
24:17.  Ju'ls.  3:29,30.  1 Sam.  14:47.  Pa.  60:8.  83:6.  108:9.  c 12:31.  d 6,12—14. 
2 Kings  1:1.  3:4—  27.  1 Chr.  18:2.  e 1 Sam.  10:27.  g Chr.  28:*  Ps.  72:10,11 . 
Is.  36:16.  f l Chr.  18:3.  Hadarezer.  g 10:6.  1 Sam.  14:47.  I Kings  1 1 :23,24 . 
P«.  60:  title,  h Gen.  15:18.  Ex.  23:31.  Dent.  11:24.  1 Kings  4:21.  Pa.  72:8. 
t Or,  of  his  J As  1 Chr.  18:4.  i Deut.  17:16.  Josh.  11:6,9.  Ps.  20:7.  33:16,17. 
k 1 Kings  10:26.  1 l Kings  11:23-25.  1 Chr.  1S:5,6.  Is.  7:8.  m Job  9:13.  Ps. 
83:4—8.  la.  8:9,10.  31.3.  n 14.  23:14.  1 Sam.  13:3.  14:1,6,15.  2 hr.  17:2.  Pa. 
18:34-46.  o 14.  7:9.  1 Chr.  18:13.  Pa.  5:11,12.  121:7,8.  140:7.  144:1,2.  P.ov. 
21:31.  p 1 Kings  10:16,17.  14:26,27.  1 Chr.  18:7.  2 Chr.  9: 15,16.  q 1 Chr.  18: 
8.  Tibbath.  Chun.  r 1 Chr.  22: 14. 16.  29.7.  2 Chr.  4:1— 18.  s 1 Chr.  18:9. 
Tuu.  t Am.  6:2.  u 1 < hr.  18:10.  Hadoram.  § Heb.  ask  him  of  peace.  Gen. 

was  built,  and  which  gave  the  inhabitants  an  opportunity  of 
retaining  the  neighbourhood  in  subjection.  The  Philistines 
had  long  oppressed  Israel:  Samson  had  begun  to  deliver  his 
people  from  them ; but  David  effectually  subdued  the  Philis- 
tines, and  left  them  no  power  any  more  to  molest  the  Israel- 
ites. (Notes,  Judg.  13:4,5.) 

V.  2.  The  Jews  say,  that,  the  Moabites  had  slain  David’s 
parents.  It  may  be  supposed,  that  he  had  just  cause  for  this 
war,  and  for  the  severity  with  which  he  treated  the  van- 
quished ; as  he  seems  to  have  measured  their  country,  and 
desolated  two-thirds  of  it,  and  to  have  slaughtered  two-thirds 
of  the  captives.  (Note,  12:26 — 31.)  Thus  the  Moabites 
oecame  tributaries  to  Israel,  as  Balaam  had  predicted. 

I Notes , Num.  24:17.  2 Kings  1:1.) 

V.  3.  Zobah  seems  to  have  been  a part  of  Syria,  to  the  ! 
northeast  of  Canaan,  to  the  south  of  Damascus,  and  reach- 
ing to  the  river  Euphrates. — It  is  probable,  that  Hadadezer 
was  jealous  of  David’s  growing  greatness,  and  came  to  assist 
the  Moabites,  in  order  to  secure  his  own  dominions  : and  that 
this  gave  David  a fair  opportunity  of  extending  his  conquests 
to  the  Euphrates. — Some  think,  however,  that  David  went  to 
establish  his  dominion  over  all  the  countries  as  far  as  that 
river,  according  to  the  grant  made  to  Israel ; and  that  he  was 
opposed  by  Hadadezer.  (Marg.  Ref  g,  h.) 

V.  4.  Seven  hundred.]  Seven  thousand  horsemen  are 
mentioned  in  Chronicles ; (1  CJtr.  18:4.)  perhaps  they  were 
divided  into  seven  hundred  divisions  of  ten  men  each ; however, 
David  disabled  the  most  of  the  horses,  not  desiring  to  trust  in 
chariots  or  in  horses,  but  in  the  living  God.  (Note,  Josh.  1 1: 
G.) — Yet  he  reserved  horses  for  a hundred  chariots  , and  this 
s the  first  time,  that  chariots  of  any  kind  are  mentioned,  as 
possessed  by  a ruler  in  Israel.  (Note,  Deut.  17:10.) 

V.  5 — 8.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  Syrians  of  Damascus  were 
in  alliance  with  Hadadezer,  but  not  subject  to  him. 

V.  9 — 11.  Hamath  lay  north  of  Canaan,  and  south  of 
Damascus. — Thus,  by  arms  or  alliances,  these  heathen  na- 
tions became  tributary  to  David,  and  furnished  those  riches, 
which  he  dedicated  to  the  Lord  for  the  building  of  the  temple. 
(Notes,  1 Chr.  22:14.  29:1—9.) 

V.  12.  Children  of  Ammon.]  Either  some  of  the  Am- 
monites at  this  time  assisted  the  Moabites;  or  this  is  spoken 
by  way  of  anticipation.  (Notes,  10:  12:20 — 31.) 

V.  13,  14.  Syriatis.]  It  is  said  in  Chronicles,  that 44  Abi- 
shai smote  eighteen  thousand  Edomites  in  the  valley  of  salt.” 

1 Chr.  18:12.)  Perhaps  they  were  Edomites  fighting  for  the 
yrians.  It  is  evident^  however,  that  Edom  was  subjected 
in  consequence  of  this  victory,  by  which  David  acquired  great 

( 548  ) 


43:27.  Is.  39:1.  x 1 Sam.  13:10.  marg.  1 Kings  1:47.  Ps.  129:8.  U Heb.  was  a 
man  of  wars  with,  tl  Heb.  in  his  hand  were,  vl  Kings7:51.  1 Chr.  18:11. 22: 
14—16.  26:26—28.  29:2.  Mic.4:13.  z 10:11,14.  12:26—31.  1 Chr.  18:11.  a 7;9. 
1 Chr.  18: 12.  Pa.  60:  title.  * * hie  smiting,  b 2 Kings  14:7.  2 Chr.  25:11.  ft  Or, 
slaying.  cGen. 25:23.  27:29,37,40.  Num. 24:18.  1 Kings  22:47.  1 Chr. 

18:13.  Ps.  60:8,9.  108:9,10.  dSee07i6.  e 3:12.5:5.  f 23:3,4.  1 Chr.  18:14. 
Ps.  45:6,7.  75:2.  78:71,72.  101:1— 8.  Ia.  9:7.  Jer.  22:15.  23:5,6.  g 19: 13.  20:23. 
1 Chr.  11:6.  18:15 — 17.  h 1 Kings  4:3.  Or,  remembrancer,  or  writer  of 

chronicles,  i 1 Chr.  6:8,53.  24:3,4.  k 1 Chr.  18.16.  Shavsha.  §§  Or,  secretary. 
1 1 Kings  1:44  . 2:34,35.  1 Chr.  18:17.  m 15:18.  20:7,23.  23:20— 23.  1 Sam.  20: 
14.  E?..  25:16.  Zepli.  2:5.  ||||  Or,  princess.  20:26. 


renown. — Twelve  thousand  of  Edom  are  elsewhere  men- 
tioned, as  slain  by  Joab.  (Note,  Ps.  60:  title.)  Perhaps 
Joab  and  Abishai  commanded  distinct  bodies  of  troops,  and 
eighteen  thousand  were  slain  between  them,  six  thousand  by 
Abishai,  and  twelve  thousand  by  Joab. — Thus  the  predictions 
concerning  the  Edomites  began  to  be  fulfilled.  (Notes,  Gen . 
25:22,23.  27:27—29,39,40.  Num.  24:18,19.  Ps.  60:6—12.) 

V.  15 — 18.  The  assiduity,  as  well  as  the  equity  and 

impartiality  of  David’s  administration,  is  here  stated;  in 
which,  as  well  as  in  his  victories,  he  was  a type  of  Christ. 
Under  David  Joab  was  commander  in  chief  of  the  forces. 
Jehosaphat  recorded  and  brought  forward  every  business  in 
an  orderly  manner,  or  acted  as  judge  or  chancellor.  Under 
Abiathar  the  high-priest,  Ahimelech  his  son,  and  Zadoc, 
descended  from  Eleazar,  were  the  presiding  priests;  proba- 
bly the  one  on  mount  Zion,  the  other  at  Gibcon  where  the 
tabernacle  was.  (Notes,  1 Kings  3:4.  1 Chr.  16:37 — 43.) 

Seraiah  was  scribe  or  secretary,  to  inspect  and  manage  all 
writings  concerning  foreign  or  domestic  transactions.  And 
Benaiah  commanded  the  Cherethites  and  Pelethites,  David’s 
constant  attendants  or  guards,  who  were  chosen-out  from  his 
other  troops,  and  probably  consisted  chiefly  of  those  who  had 
accompanied  him  in  his  distresses  ; or  of  such  as  had  joined 
him  from  among  the  Philistines,  who  are  called  Cherethites. 
(Marg.  Ref.  m.)  His  sons  also,  when  grown  up,  wero 
initiated  into  public  business,  as  they  became  capablo  of  it. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

In  due  season  and  succession,  every  promise  and  prediction 
of  God’s  word  will  receive  its  full  accomplishment. — Short  is 
the  triumphing  and  certain  the  ruin  of  all  his  enemies,  how- 
ever strong  and  confederated.  But  those  who  confide  in  his 
protection,  and  are  doing  his  work,  will  be  preserved  and 
prospered,  44  whithersoever  they  go.  They  will  not  allow 
themselves  to  glory  in  their  success,  or  to  establish  any  other 
ground  of  confidence,  than  the  mercy,  power,  and  truth  of 
him  who  has  hitherto  helped  them,  to  whom  they  will  dedicate 
tho  fruits  of  their  prosperity  ; and  in  this  they  will  he  distin- 
guished from  all  the  other  mighty  ones,  who  have  been 
renowned  upon  the  earth.  It  is  true  wisdom  to  court  the 
friendship  of  those  whom  the  Lord  prospers.  A safe  and 
honourable  peace  should  he  tho  object  of  all  wars  : and  tho 
diligent,  impartial  administration  of  justice,  the  business  of 
those  who  are  advanced  above  others;  for  their  authority  was 
given  them  to  do  good  with. — Thus  the  Son  of  David  subjects 
his  enemies:  his  gospel  is  a savour  of  life  to  some,  and  of 
death  to  others ; and  ho  will  bo  glorified  upon  his  obstinate 
opposers,  and  by  those  who  welcome  him  f heir  L *rd  and 


B.  C 037. 


CllArTER  X.  B.  C.  10S7. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

David  inquires  after  Saul's  family , and  is  informed,  by  Ziba , of  Mephibo- 
sheth the  son  of  Jonathan,  1 — 4.  He  sends  for  him,  and  enter  ams  him  at 
his  table  for  Jonathan's  sake,  5— 8.  He  restores  to  him  the  family-estate , 
intrusting  the  management  to  Ziba,  9 — 13. 

AND  David  said,  Is  there  yet  any  that  is  left  of 
the  house  of  Saul,  that  I may  snow  him  kind- 
ness for  “Jonathan’s  sake  ? 

2  And  there  was  of  the  house  of  Saul  ba  ser- 
vant, whose  name  was  cZiba : and  when  they 
had  called  him  unto  David,  the  king  said  unto 
him,  Art  thou  Ziba  ? And  he  said,  Thy  servant 
is  he. 

3  And  the  king  said.  Is  there  not  yet  any  of 
the  house  of  Saul,  that  I may  show  dthe  kindness 
of  God  unto  him?  And  Ziba  said  unto  the  king, 
Jonathan  hath  'yet  a son,  which  is  lame  on  his 
feet. 

4  And  the  king  said  unto  him,  Where  is  he  ? 
And  Ziba  said  unto  the  king,  Behold  he  is  in  the 
house  of  f Machir,  the  son  of  Ammiel,  in  Lo- 
debar. 

5  H Then  king  David  sent,  and  fetched  him  out 
of  the  house  of  Machir,  the  son  of  Ammiel,  from 
Lo-debar. 

6  Now  when  ^Mephibosheth,  the  son  of  Jona- 
than, the  son  of  Saul,  was  come  unto  David,  bhe 
fell  on  his  face,  and  did  reverence.  And  David 
said,  Mephibosheth.  And  he  answered,  Behold 
thy  servant. 

7  And  David  said  unto  him, ‘Fear  not : Ifor  I 
will  surely  show  thee  kindness  for  Jonathan  thy 
father’s  sake,  and  will  restore  thee  all  the  land  of 
Saul  thy  father;  and  thou  shalt  keat  bread  at  my 
table  continually. 

8  And  he  bowed  himself,  and  said,  What  is  thy 


a 1:26.  1 Sum.  18:1— 1.  20:42.  23:16— 18.  1 Kin;s2:7.  Pro..  27:10.  Matt.  10: 
42.  25:40.  Mark  9:41.  John  19:29,27.  PhUera.  9— 12.  1 Pet.  3:8.  b Gen.  15:2.3. 
24:2.39:6.  c 16: 1-1.  19: 17,27-  29.  d Deut. 4:37. 10.15.  1 Sam. 20.14— 17. 
Matt.  5:41.45.  Luke  6:36.  Tit.  3:3,4.  e 4:4.  19:26.  f 17:27— 29.  g 1 Chr.  8: 

34.  9-AO.Meribhruil.  It  Gen.  18:2.  33:3.  1 Sam.  20:41.  26:23.  i Gen.  43:18,23. 
50:18—21.  1 Sain.  12:19,20,24.  Is.  35:3,4.  Mark  5:33,34.  Luke  1:12,13,29,30. 


Saviour.  Many  assist  in  building  his  spiritual  temple,  who 
nave  no  place  in  it : his  government  is  in  judgment  and  in 
justice,  as  well  as  in  mercy  : and  all  who  adhere  to  him  faith- 
fully in  a state  of  humiliation  and  suffering,  shall  reign  with 
him  forever  in  glory.  Let  us  then  submit  to  him  and  seek 
his  friendship,  counting  his  service  our  honour  and  our  plea- 
sure, and  diligently  attending  to  the  work  which  he  assigns 
us  in  our  different  stations  and  relations,  in  the  church,  the 
community,  and  in  relative  life, 

NOTES. — Chap.  IX.  V.  1.  Mephibosheth  was  only 
five  years  old  at  his  father’s  death  ; (4:4. ) but  at  this  time  he 
had  a son:  (12.)  so  that  many  years  must  have' elapsed 
before  David  made  this  inquiry.  For  above  seven  years  he 
had  been  opposed  by  Ish-bosheth,  and  his  engagements  after- 
wards had  been  numerous.  He  had  not  indeed  injured  any 
of  Saul’s  family:  yet  he  seems  to  have  been  too  forgetful  of 
his  friendship  with  Jonathan,  and  his  engagements  to  him. 
(Notes.  1 Sam.  18:3,4.  20-14 — 17.  23:16— 18.)  As,  how- 
ever, Mephibosheth  was  brought  up  in  obscurity  beyortd 
Jordan,  and  perhaps  purposely  concealed  by  the  suspicious 
care  of  his  friends,  David  might  not  know  that  Jonathan  ha4 
any  child  living.  (4)  But  at  length,  recollecting  himself,  he 
desired  to  show  his  entire  forgiveness  of  Saul’s  injuries,  and 
his  gratitude  for  Jonathan’s  kindness,  by  restoring  Saul’s 
estate  to  some  of  his  remaining  posterity  ; and  by  conferring 
further  favours  on  them,  for  the  sake  of  his  friend.  (Marg. 
Ref— Notes,  Matt.  12MG— 50.  John  19:25—27.) 

V.  2.  Ziba.]  Notes,  9—11.  1S:1— 4.  19:24—30. 

V.  3.  The  kindness  of  God.]  For  the  sake  of  the  oath  of 
God  sworn  to  Jonathan,  or  according  to  the  example  of  the 
Lord’s  kindness  unto  himself. — Lame,  &.C.]  Note,  4:3,4. 

V.  4.  Machir.]  This  person  was  afterwards  a very  use- 
ful friend  to  David ; and  perhaps  the  more  willingly,  on 
account  of  David’s  kindness  to  Mephibosheth,  whom  he  had 
generously  brought  up.  (Note,  17:27 — 29.) 

V.  6.  David  might  have  heard  of  the  name  of  Mephibo- 
sheth ; or  perhaps  he  had  seen  him  in  his  infancy,  and  now 
recollected  his  features,  though  he  knew  not  before  that  he 
was  living. 

V.  7.  Saul’s  paternal  estate  came  into  David’s  hands  after 
the  death  of  Ish-bosheth,  and  it  seems  to  have  been  large. 
This  was  now  restored  by  him  to  Mephibosheth  as  the  right 
fceir  ; and  he  was  besides  admitted  to  a place  at  David’s  own 
table,  as  one  of  his  near  friends  or  relatives. 

V.  8.  A dead  dog.]  (Marg.  Ref.  1.)  That  is,  a person 
who  is  very  mean,  and  incapable  of  being  any  way  service- 
able. Mephibosheth  adverted,  not  only  to  his  unworthiness, 
but  to  his  bodily  infirmities,  in  this  expression  of  grateful 
eurprise.  He  seems  to  have  been  an  unambitious,  modest, 
“ienaly,  and  pious  man- 


servant, that  thou  shouldest  look  upon  such  'a 
dead  dog  as  I am  ? 

9 Then  the  king  called  to  Ziba,  Saul’s  servant, 
and  said  unto  him  mI  have  given  unto  thy 
master’s  son  all  that  pertained  to  Saul,  and  to  al 
his  house. 

10  Thou  therefore,  and  thy  sons;  and  thy  ser- 
vants, shall  till  the  land  lor  him,  and  thou  shal* 
bring  in  the  fruits,  that  thy  master’s  son  may  have 
food  to  eat : but  Mephibosheth  thy  master’s  sor. 
"shall  eat  bread  alway  at  my  table.  "Now  Ziba 
had  fifteen  sons  and  twenty  servants. 

11  Then  said  Ziba  unto  the  king,  rAccording 
to  all  that  my  lord  the  king  hath  commanded  his 
servant,  so  shall  thy  servant  do.  As  lor  Mephi- 
bosheth, said  the  king',  he  shall  eat  at  my  table,  as 
one  of  the  king’s  sons. 

12  And  Mephibosheth  had  a young  ^son,  whose 
name  was  Micha  : and  all  that  dwelt  in  the  house 
of  Ziba  were  "servants  unto  Mephibosheth. 

13  So  Mephibosheth  dwelt  in  Jerusalem:  for 
•he  did  eat  continually  fit  the  king’s  table  ; and  was 
lame  on  both  his  feet. 

CHAPTER  X. 

David  sends  ambassadors  to  comfort  Hanun,  the  king  of  Ammon,  on  the  death 
of  his  father  ; whp  grossly  insults  them,  1 — 4.  David  counsels  and  com- 
forts them,  5.  The  Ammonites,  assisted  by  the  Syrians,  are  overcome  by  Jnao 
and  Abishai  6 — 14.  Hadarezer  sends  another  army , which  David  conquers 4 
slaying  Shobuch  its  general , 15 — 18.  The  kings  of  Syria  submit  to  David,  19 

A ND  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that  the  “king  o' 
the  children  of  Ammon  died,  and  Hanun  his 
son  reigned  in  his  stead. 

2 Then  said  David,  I will  bsbow  kindness  untc 
Hanun  the  son  of  Nahash,  cas  his  father  showed 
kindness  unto  me.  And  David  sent  to  comfort 
him,  by  the  hand  of  his  servants,  for  his  father, 


j See  on  1,3.  Ruth  2:11,12.  2 Tim.  1:16—18.  k 11.  19:28,33.  1 Kuig»2:7.  Jer 
52:33,34.  Luke  22:30.  Rev.  3:20.  13:8.16:9.  1 Sam.  24:14.  26:20.  Malt.  15’ 

26,27.  m 16:4.19:29.  1 Sam.  9:1.  Is.  32:8.  n 11:19:28.  2 Kings  25:29.  I.uk® 
14:15.  ol9:17.  p 16:1— 4.  19:26,27.  q 1 Chr.  8:34— 40.  9:40-44.  Micah. 
r Mic.  7:6.  s 7,10,11.  a Judg.  10:7— 9.  11:12— 28.  1 Sam.  11:1—  3.  1 Chr.  19 
1—3.  b Dent.  23:3— 6.  Nell.  4:3— 7.  13:1—3.  c 1 Sam.  22:3,4. 


V.  9 — 11.  Ziba  had  been  greatly  enriched  under  Saul,  an<? 
was  now  intrusted  with  the  management  of  Mephibosheth’# 
estate,  because  of  his  professed  affection  for  his  family  : but 
David  seems  to  have  been  more  generous  than  prudent  in  this 
appointment.  Mephibosheth’s  family  must  be  provided  for 
out  of  the  estate,  though  he  himself  lived  at  David’s  table. — 
Some  understand  the  last  clause,  as  the  words  of  Ziba,  pro- 
posing in  a boasting  manner  to  entertain  Mephibosheth  roy- 
ally at  his  own  table  : but  they  seem  to  he  the  words  of  David 

V.  12.  Micha.]  The  posterity  of  Jonathan  and  Mephi- 
bosheth, bv  Micha,  was  very  numerous.  (Marg.  Ref.- 
Notes , 1 Chr.  8:29—40.  9:35—44.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Amidst  a multiplicity  of  affairs,  we  are  prone  to  forget  the 
gratitude  we  owe,  and  the  engagements  we  are  under,  not 
only  to  our  friends,  but  to  the  Lord  himself:  but  persons  of 
real  and  eminent  piety,  when  they  recollect  their  obligations, 
will  have  no  rest  till  they  have  discharged  them : they  will 
be  burdened  with  those  possessions,  which  they  suppose  in 
equity  belong  to  another  ; and  impatient  to  express  their  for- 
giveness of  those  by  whom  thay  have  been  injured,  and  their 
gratitude  to  the  persons  or  the  relations  of  those  who  have 
been  kind  to  them. — Those  who  have  much  in  their  power 
should  sedulously  inquire  after  opportunities  of  doing  good  ; 
for  frequently  the  most  deserving  objects  of  our  compassion 
are  concealed  by  modesty  and  patient  resignation. — Kindness, 
shown  to  the  most  helpless  persons,  is  sometimes  recom- 
pensed in  a very  seasonable  manner,  by  those  from  whom  we 
had  no  expectation  of  obtaining  or  wanting  assistance. — To 
be  trained  up  in  privacy,  poverty,  and  hardship,  and  afterwards 
more  prospered,  is  far  more  comfortable,  than  to  be  brought 
up  in  pride  and  delicacy,  with  great  expectations,  and  then  to 
be  reduced  to  poverty  and  distress.  u When  riches  increase, 
they  are  increased  that  eat  them:”  and,  though  the  liberality 
of  friends  should  be  thankfully  acknowledged,  it  can  contribute 
little  to  our  real  happiness,  further  than  providing  us  with  the 
necessaries  or  conveniences  of  life.  But  the  love  of  Jesus 
who  seeks  out,  provides  for,  enriches,  and  entertains  us  poor, 
ruined,  worthless  sinners,  confers  substantial  and  enduring 
felicity.  May  we  humbly  acknowledge  our  unworlhiness  of 
his  mercies,  thankfully  accept  them,  and  return  him  our 
cheerful  praises  and  willling  services,  and  show  our  gratitude 
to  him,  by  kindness  to  those  whom  he  owns,  as  his  “ brethren, 
sisters,  and  mother.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  X.  V.  2.  It  is  probable,  that  Nahash 
was  kind  to  David  in  the  days  of  Saul,  from  resentment  and 
dislike  to  that  prince:  but  it  maybe  questioned,  whether  Da- 
vid ought  to  have  shown  respect  to  the  memory  of  so  cruel  ac 
enemy  to  his  people;  especially  as  the  law  foibad  Israel  to 
seek  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  the  Ammoni.es.  ( Notes^ 
C 549  ) 


B,  C .03'. 


II.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1037 


And  David’s  servants  came  into  the  land  of  tie 
children  of  Ammon. 

3 And  trie  princes  of  the  children  of  Ammon 
said  unto  Hanun  their  lord,  'Thinkest  thou  that 
David  doth  honour  thy  father,  that  he  hath  sent 
comforters  unto  thee  ? dhath  not  David  rather  sent 
his  servants  unto  thee,  to  search  the  city,  and  to 
spy  it  out,  and  to  overthrow  it? 

4 Wherefore  Hanun  took  David’s  servants, 
•and  shaved  off  the  one  half  of  their  beards,  and 
fcut  off  their  garments  in  the  middle,  even  to  their 
buttocks,  and  sent  them  away. 

5 When  they  told  it  unto  David,  he  sent  to 
meet  them,  because  the  men  were  greatly 
ashamed:  and  the  king  said,  Tarry  at  sJericho 
until  your  beards  be  grown,  and  then  return. 

6 And  when  the  children  of  Ammon  saw  that 
they  hstank  before  David,  the  children  of  Amnion 
sent  and  hired  ‘the  Syrians  of  Beth-rehob,  and 
the  Syrians  of  Zoba,  twenty  thousand  footmen, 
and  of  king  kMaacah  a thousand  men,  and  of 
*Ish-tob  twelve  thousand  men. 

7 And  when  David  heard  of  it,  he  sent  Joab, 
and  'all  the  host  of  the  mighty  men. 

8 And  the  children  of  Ammon  came  out,  and 
put  the  battle  in  array  at  the  entering  in  of  the 
gate  : and  the  Syrians  of  Zoba,  and  of  mRehob, 
and  Ish-tob,  and  Maacah,  were  by  themselves  in 
the  field. 

9 When  Joab  saw  that  "the  front  of  the  battle 
was  against  him  before  and  behind,  he  chose  of  all 
the  choice  men  of  Israel,  and  put  them  in  array 
against  the  Syrians. 

10  And  the  rest  of  the  people  he  delivered  into 
the  hand  of  Abishai  his  brother,  that  he  might 
put  them  in  array  against  the  children  of  Ammon. 


* Heb.  In  thine  eyes  doth,  d Gea.  42:9,16.  I Cor.  13:5.  e Lev.  19:27.  1 Clir. 
19:3,4.  Ps.  109:4,5.  Is.  15:2.  f Is.  20.4.  47:2,3.  Jer.41:5.  g Josh.  6:24-26. 
1 Kings  13:34.  1 Chr.  19:5.  h Gen.  34:30.  Ex.  5 21.  1 Sam.  13:4.  27: 12.  1 Chr. 
19  6,7.  i 8:3,5,12.  Zobah.  Pro v.  25:8.  Is.  8:9,10.  k Josh.  13:11- 13.  t Or, 
the  men  of  Tob.  Judg.  11:3,5.  1 23:8,  &c.  1 Chr.  19:8,  &c.  m 6.  Num.  13: 
21.  Josh.  19:28.  Judg.  1:31.  n Josh.  8:22.  Judg.  20:42,43.  o 1 Chr.  19:9— 
12.  Neh.  4:20.  Lake  22:32.  Rom.  15:1.  Gal.  6:2.  Phil.  1:27,28.  p Num.  13:20. 
Deut.  31:6.  Josh.  1:6,7,9,18.  1 Sam.  14:6,12.  17:32.  2 Chr.  32:7.  Neh.  4:14. 


Dent.  23:3 — 6.  1 Sam.  11:1 — 3.)  They  were  not,  however, 
of  the  devoted  nations  ; so  that,  perhaps,  it  was  not  wrong  for 
David  to  express  a sense  of  gratitude  to  a benefactor,  without 
deciding  upon  the  motives  of  his  conduct ; and  to  render  the 
customary  civilities  to  his  son,  on  his  decease. 

V.  3,  4.  The  princes  of  Hanun,  who  had  great  authority 
with  him,  seem  to  have  been  suspicious  of  David,  from  con- 
sciousness of  the  injuries  which  they  had  done  to  Israel,  and 
were  still  meditating  against  it.  (Note,  1 Sam.  29:4 — 6.)  But 
if  they  had  seen  cause  to  be  reserved,  they  ought  not  to  have 
abused  and  insulted  David’s  ambassadors.  This  was  a vio- 
lation of  the  most  sacred  laws  of  nations  ; the  greatest  affront 
imaginable  to  the  prince  whom  they  represented  ; and  a direct 
declaration  of  war  against  him. — According  to  the  sentiments 
and  custom's  of  those  days,  the  Ammonites  treated  David’s 
ambassadors  in  the  most  contemptuous  manner,  which  they 
could  possibly  devise.  ( Marg . Ref.  e,  f. ) 

V.  5.  Jericho.]  This  was  a village  near  the  spot  where 
Jericho  had  stood  : for  that  city  was  not  yet  rebuilt.  (Notes, 
Josh.  6;26.  I Kings  16:34.) — In  this  place,  as  soon  as  the  am- 
bassadors had  crossed  Jordan,  they  were  advised  to  remain 
till  their  beards  were  grown;  (which  were  considered  as  ne- 
cessary to  the  appearance  in  public  of  grave  and  venerable 
persons:)  that  thus  the  disgrace  which  they  had  received 
might  be  obliterated. 

V.  6.  (Note,  Gen.  34:30.)  The  Ammonites  had  made 
themselves  so  odious  to  David,  that  they  could  not  expect  but 
that  he  would  make  war  on  them : and  therefore  they  deter- 
mined to  form  alliances,  and  act  offensively. — Little  more  can 
be  determined  with  certainty  concerning  the  different  tribes 
of  the  Syrians,  than  what  may  be  collected  from  the  texts 
referred  to  in  the  margin.  Maacah  seems  to  have  been  the 
name  of  a district,  and  not  of  a king:  and  the  clause  may  be 
rendered,  w of  the  king  of  Maacah.”  (Notes,  1 Clir.  19:6,7.) 

V.  8 — 14.  This  battle  seems  to  have  been  fought  at  the 
gate  of  Medeba,  a city  upon  the  borders  of  the  Ammonites, 
and  in  their  possession.  (1  Chr.  19:7.)  Joab’s  forces  were 
opposed  by  two  armies,  before  and  behind:  but  his  arrange- 
ment was  judicious,  and  his  address  spirited. — His  valour  and 
regard  to  hir  country  were  real  and  eminent : and  the  language 
of  faith  and  piety  which  he  employed  probably  under  some 
transient  convictions,  was  honourable  to  God,  and  might  be 
useful  to  the  soldiers.  Perhaps  the  slaughter  was  not  very 
great,  as  both  the  Syrians  and  Ammonites  took  shelter  in  the 
city. 

V.  18.  The  men  of  seven  hundred,  kc.]  u Seven  thousand 
men  which  fought  in  chariots.”  (1  Chr.  19:18.)  Probably 
( 550  ) 


11  And  he  said,  °If  the  Syrians  be  too  strong 
for  me,  then  thou  shalt  help  me  : but  if  the  chil- 
dren of  Ammon  be  too  strong  for  thee,  then  I will 
come  and  help  thee. 

12  Be  p0f  good  courage,  and  let  us  iplay  the 
men  for  our  people,  and  lor  the  cities  of  our  God  . 
and  rthe  Lord  do  that  which  seemeth  him  good 

13  And  Joab  drew  nigh,  and  the  people  that 
were  with  him,  unto  the  battle  against  the 
Syrians : and  “they  fled  before  him. 

14  And  when  the  children  of  Ammon  saw  that 
the  Syrians  were  fled,  then  fled  they  also  before 
Abishai,  and  entered  into  the  city.  So  Joal 
returned  from  the  children  of  Ammon,  and  came 
to  Jerusalem. 

15  H And  when  the  Syrians  saw  that  they 
were  smitten  before  Israel,  they  ‘gathered  them 
selves  together. 

16  And  “Hadarezer  sent,  and  brought  out  the 
Syrians  that  were  beyond  Ithe  river;  and  they 
came  to  Helam : and  §Shobach  the  captain  of  the 
host  of  Hadarezer  went  before  them. 

17  And  when  it  was  told  David,  “he  gathered 
all  Israel  together,  and  passed  over  Jordan,  and 
came  to  Helam : and  the  Syrians  set  themselves 
in  array  against  David,  and  fought  with  him. 

18  And  the  Syrians  died  before  Israel ; and 
David  slew  the  men  of  seven  hundred  chariots  of 
the  Syrians,  and  forty  thousand  ‘horsemen,  and 
smote  “Shobach  the  captain  of  their  host,  who 
died  there. 

19  And  when  all  the  kings  that  ivere  bservants 
to  Hadarezer  saw  that  they  were  smitten  before 
Israel,  they  made  peace  with  Israel,  and  served 
them.  So  the  Syrians  ‘feared  to  help  the  children 
of  Ammon  any  more. 


Heb.  13:6.  q 1 Sam.  4:9.  1 Chr.  19:13.  1 Cor.  16: 13.  r 16:10,11.  Jude.  10: 
15.  1 Sam.  3. 18  Job  1:21.  o I Kin-s  20  13,11,19— 21,58— 30.  1 Chr.  I9:H,  15. 
2 Chr.  13:5 — 16,  IPs. 2:1.  Is.  8:9,10.  Mic.  i 1 1,12.  Zech.  14:2.3.  Rev.  19:19 
— '21.  u 8:3 — 8.  1 Chr.  18:3,  5.  } Thai  is,  Euphrates.  § Dr,  Shovhach. 

IChr.  19:16.  x 1 Chr.  19:17.  y 8:4.  Ps.  18:38.  46:11.  z 1 Chr.  19:18./oofmm. 
a Judg.  4:2,22.  5:26.  bGen.l4:l— 5.  Josh. 11:10.  Judg.  1:7.  lKinga20:l. 
Dan. 2:37.  c 8:6.  1 Chr.  19:19.  Pa.  48:4,5.  Is.  26:11.  Her.  18:10. 


seven  thousand  men  belonging  to  seven  hundred  chariots;  and 
, forty  thousand  men,  who  fought  on  foot,  or  on  horseback,  as 
there  was  occasion  or  opportunity.  Or,  some  were  foot-sol- 
diers and  some  horsemen. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  ought  to  sympathize  with  the  afflicted,  and  show  grati- 
tude to  our  friends:  but  nothing  except  vexalion  and  disap- 
pointment, can  be  expected  by' courting  the  friendship  of  un 
godly  men. — Treacherous  minds  are  always  suspicious : as 
they  are  conscious,  that  they  themselves  mean  lo  deceive 
when  they  can  gain  by  it,  they  naturally  suppose  that  others 
intend  the  same  ; and  weak  and  wicked  princes  generally  em- 
ploy counsellors  of  this  description. — It  is  the  height  of  folly 
to  awaken  the  resentment  of  those,  by  insult  and  contempt, 
whose  power  of  taking  vengeance  cannot  be  thus  diminished: 
and  the  fatal  effects  of  rash  affronts,  though  little  feared, 
are  often  severely  felt. — We  should  show  respect  and  kindness, 
to  those  who  have  been  unjustly  disgraced ; yet  ii  is  needless 
to  lay  mere  affronls  and  insults  to  heart : unmerited  reproaches 
or  contempt  will  soon  wear  away,  and  a clear  conscience 
should  be  deemed  sufficient  to  counterbalance  the  present 
uneasiness.  Yet,  by  measures  of  this  kind,  valuable  persons 
are  often  driven  for  a season  into  obscurity,  to  the  loss  of  the 
public  rather  than  of  themselves. — Those,  who  are  the  most 
ready  to  commit  injustice,  are  commonly  tho  most  averse  to 
reconciliation : and  confidence  in  numbers,  strength,  or  valour, 
frequently  buoys  up  men  to  their  destruction ; for  “ though  hand 
join  in  hand  the  wicked  shall  not  be  unpunished."  But  a good 
cause  and  a single  dependence  upon  (lie  Lord  afford  (he  surest 
indications  of  success:  and  when  valiant  men  are  cordial  lo 
the  interests  of  their  country,  and  are  defending  its  civil  and 
religious  liberties,  their  animation  and  presence  of  mind  will 
often  increase  in  proportion  to  dangers  and  difficulties. — It  is 
our  duty,  in  every  emergency,  to  do  our  utmost,  and  to  en- 
courage others  to  do  the  same,  helping  one  another  as  occa- 
sion may  require;  and  thus  committing  the  even!  to  tho  Lord; 
“Let  him  do  what  seemeth  him  good.”  But  alas,  many  use 
good  words,  and  seein,  in  perilous  circumstances,  to  depend 
on  God,  and  to  be  submissive  to  him,  whqse  hearts  are  not 
upright  in  his  sight : and  many  are  very  serviceable  to  his 
church,  who  have  no  pari  in  its  peculiar  blessings. — But  espe- 
cially let  the  impenitent  and  unbelieving  and  disobedient  re- 
collect, that  the  son  of  David  will  assuredly  resent  their  con- 
tempt of  his  ambassadors,  whom  ho  sends  lo  them  with  a 
message  of  peace  and  lovo;  and  tha*  ho  will  consider  the  ill- 
usage  of  them  as  a declaration  of  war  against  himself.  In  Ibis 
warfare  numbers  and  confederacies  tiro  e terly  unavailing. 


3.  C.  1035. 


CHAPTER  XI.  B.  C.  1035. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

foab  besieges  Kabbah,  I . David  commits  adultery  with.  Bath-sheba,  the  wife 
of  Uriah, 'l — 4.  She  informs  David  that  she  is  pregnant,  5 ; who  sends  for 
Uriah,  and  in  vain  tries  to  induce  him  to  visit  his  wife,  6- — 13.  He  sends  by 
Uriah  a letter  to  JoaJt  ; according  to  which  Uriah,  with  others,  is  slain  by 
the  Ammonites,  14 — 17.  Jnabsetuls  word  to  David,  and  he  answers  the  iru's- 
sengers  in  very  improper  language,  18 — 25.  David  marries  Batfusheba,  who 
bears  him  a son  ; out  God  is  displeased,  26,  27. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  'after  the  year  awas 
expired,  at  the  time  when  king's  go  forth  to 
battle , that  bDavid  sent  Joab  and  his  servants 
with  him,  and  all  Israel;  and  they  destroyed  the 
children  of  Ammon,  and  besieged  cRabbah  : but 
David  tarried  still  at  Jerusalem. 

2  And  it  came  to  pass  in  an  evening-tide,  that 
David  darose  from  oft'  his  bed,  and  walked  upon 
•the  roof  of  the  king’s  house:  and  from  the  roof 
fhe  saw  a woman  washing  herself;  and  the  woman 
was  every  beautiful  to  look  upon.  , 

3  And  David  hsent  and  inquired  after  the 
woman.  And  one  said,  Is  not  this  'Bath-sheba 
the  daughter  of  JEliam,  the  wife  of  ‘Uriah  the 
Hittite  ? 

4  And  David  ksent  messengers,  and  took  her : 
and  she  came  in  unto  him,  and  'he  lay  with  her, 
(for  §she  was  mpurified  from  her  uncleanness,)  and 
she  returned  unto  her  house. 

5  And  the  woman  conceived,  and  sent  and  told 
David,  and  said,  "I  am  with  child. 

6  And.  David  sent  to  Joab,  saying  “Send 

• Heb.  at  the  return  of  the  year.  I Kings  20:22,26.  a 2 Chr.  38:10.  Ec.  3:8. 
t>  1 Chr.  20:1 . Zech.  14:3.  c 12:26.  Deut.3:ll.  1 Chr.  20:1.  Ez.  21:20.  d 4: 
5,7.  Prov.  19:15.  24:33.34,  Matt.  26:40,41.  1 Thes.  5:6,7.  1 Pet.  4:7.  e Dent. 
22:8.  Jer.  19.13.  Matt.  10:27.  Acts  10:9.  f Gen.  3:6.  6:2.  34:2.  Job  31:1.  Ps. 
119:37.  Matt.  5:28.  1 John  2:16.  gGen.39:6.  Prov.  6:25.  3i  :30.  h Jer.  5:8. 
Hos.  7:6,7. •'7am.  1 : 14,15.  t Or,  Bath-shua.  | Or,  Ammiel.  1 Chr.  3:5.  i 23:39. 
I Chr.  11:41.  k Gen.  39:7.  Job  31:9 — 11.  Ps.  50:18.  1 Ps.  51:  title.  Jam.  1:14.  §Or, 
and  when  she  had  purified  herself,  8fc.  she  returned.  Prov.  30:20.  m Lev.  12: 


and  destruction  is  inevitable.  Those  therefore,  who  have 
rashly  engaged  in  the  desperate  contest,  should  without  delay, 
separate  from  his  enemies,  fearing  any  longer  to  help  them  : 
and  make  it  their  great  object  to  obtain  his  forgiveness,  and 
to  be  numbered  among  his  subjects.  All  his  people  should  be 
valiant  in  his  cause,  and  lor  his  truth  and  righteousness  : and 
ministers  should  neitheir  fear,  nor  be  ashamed,  to  exercise 
their  embassy  of  reconciliation,  however  despised,  insulted, 
or  persecuted  ; for  he  will  plead  their  cause,  comfort  them 
under  their  trials,  and  reward  their  faithfulness  with  “ a crown 
of  glory  which  fadeth  not  away.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  XI.  V.  1 — 5. — David  committed  the 
management  of  the  war  against  Ammon  to  Joab,  and  con- 
tinued at  ease  in  his  palace,  when  he  ought  to  have  been 
“fighting  the  battles  of  the  Lord:”  and  thus,  being  out  of 
the  line  of  present  duty,  he  slothfully  wasted  his  time. 
Without  doubt  his  prosperity  had  gradually  rendered  him 
more  negligent  than  formerly  in  his  devotional  exercises,  and 
more  self-indulgent ; and  perhaps  had  occasioned  a measure 
of  self-confidence  and  carnal  security.  Thus  his  passions 
gathered  force,  in  proportion  as  his  holy  affections  abated : 
and,  having  been  accustomed,  without  censure,  to  marry  any 
single  woman,  for  whom  he  conceived  an  affection,  his  incli- 
nations had  not  been  habituated  to  a denial.  When  therefore, 
after  an  unseasonable  sleep,  he  was  walking  on  the  flat  roof 
of  his  house,  and  by  some  means  had  a view  of  a very  beau- 
tiful woman,  who  was  washing  herself  from  a ceremonial  un- 
deanness,  he  allowed  himself  to  gaze  upon  her,  until  he 
lusted  af  er  her  in  his  heart ; and,  perhaps  supposing  her  not 
to  be  a married  woman,  he  sent  to  inquire  after  her,  in  order  to 
add  her  to  the  number  of  his  wives.  But  his  sinful  passion  had 
acquired  such  an  ascendency,  that  he  was  the  more  inflamed  by 
being  informed,  that  she  was  the  wife  of  one  of  his  bravest  and 
most  faithful  officers.  He  therefore  sent  messengers  for  her, 
who  could  not  be  ignorant  of  his  intentions : and  though  she  was 
previously  a person  of  virtue  and  reputation,  he  obtained  her 
compliance,  (probably  by  means  of  those  hopes  which  his 
rank  in  life  was  capable  of  inspiring,)  and  committed  adultery 
with  her. — This  crime  was  attended  with  manifold  aggrava- 
tions : it  was  a gross  violation  of  the  seventh  commandment : 
it  was  likevvise  punishable  by  the  death  of  both  parties  accord- 
ing to  the  judicial  \a.w.  (Lev.  20:10.)  David  was  chief  ma- 
gistrate, to  whom  it  belonged  to  carry  that  law  into  execution  : 
he  was  at  this  time  about  fifty  years  of  age  ; and  he  had 
already  many  wives  : and  many  children  also,  approaching 
to  man’s  estate,  to  whom  the  example  would  be  prejudicial 
in  the  extreme.  His  acquaintance  with  the  divine  law,  his 
open  profession  of  true  religion,  his  high  reputation  for  piety 
and  wisdom,  and  the  immense  obligations  which  the  Lord  had 
conferred  cn  him  ; the  rank  and  character  of  Bath-sheba  too, 
and  the  service  for  him  and  his  country  in  which  Uriah  was 
engaged,  were  all  circumstances  which  exceedingly  aggravated 
his  offence. — When  Bath-sheba  found  that  she  was  with  child 
by  David,  she  justly  dreaded  the  resentment  of  her  husband, 
who  had  been  absent  from  her  for  a considerable  time  ; and  she 
ent  to  inform  David,  that  by  the  iniquitous  interposition  of 
his  authority,  which  perhaps  he  had  promised,  she  might  be 


me  Uriah  the  Hittite.  And  Joab  sent  Uriah  to 
David. 

7 And  when  Uriah  was  come  unto  him,  David 
demanded  of  him  "how  Joab  did,  and  how  the 
people  did,  and  how  the  war  prospered. 

8 And  David  said  to  Uriah,  pGo  down  to  th 
house,  and  iwash  thy  feet.  And  Uriah  departed 
out  of  the  king’s  house,  and  there  "followed  him 
■a  mess  of  meat  from  the  king. 

9 But  ‘Uriah  slept  at  the  door  of  the  king’s 
house  with  all  the  servants  of  his  lord,  and  went 
not  down  to  his  house. 

10  Ar.d  when  they  had  told  David,  saying, 
Uriah  went  not  down  unto  his  house,  David  said 
unto  Uriah,  Camest  not  thou  from  thy  journey? 
why  then  didst  thou  not  go  down  unto  thine  house? 

11  And  Uriah  said  unto  David,  “The  ark,  and 
Israel,  and  Judah,  abide  in  tents  ; and  *my  lord 
Joab,  and  the  servants  of  my  lord;  are  encamped 
in  the  open  fields  : shall  I then  go  into  mine  house 
to  eat,  and  to  drink,  and  to  lie  with  my  wife  ? ?as 
thou  livest,  and  as  thy  soul  liveth,  I will  not  do 
this  thing. 

12  And  David  said  to  Uriah,  ‘Tarry  here  to- 
day also,  and  to-morrow  1 will  let  thee  depart.  So 
Uriah  abode  in  Jerusalem  that  day  and  the 
morrow. 

13  And  when  David  had  called  him,  he  did  eat 


2—5.  15:19. &c.  18:19.  n Deut.  22:22.  Prov.  6:34.  o Gen.  4:7.  38:18—23.  1 Sam. 
15:30.  Job  20:12-14.  Piov.2S:13.  Is. 29:13.  Matt.  26:70,72,74.  ||  Heb.  of  the 
peace  of  Joab,  Gen.  29:6.  37:14.  1 Sum.  17:22.  marg.  p Ps.  44:21.  Is.  29: 
15.  Luke  12:2.  Heb.  4:13.  q Gen.  18:4.  19:2.  r Ps.  12:2.  55:21.  Heb.  went 
out  after  him.  s Gen.  43:34.  v Job.  5:12 — 14.  Prov.  21:30.  u 7:2,6.  1 Sam. 
4:4.  14:18.  x 20:6.  Matt.  10:24,25.  John  13:14.  1 Cor.  9:25—27.  2 Tim.  2:3, 4, 
12.  Heb.  12:1,2.  y 14:19.  1 Sam.  1:26.  17:55.  20:3.  25:26.  z Jer.  2:22,23,37. 


preserved  from  being  made  a public  example.  (Note,  Matt. 
1:18,19.) — Most  of  the  Jewish  writers  on  the  most  frivolous 
pretences,  exculpate  both  David  and  Bath-sheba,  as  to  the 
adultery;  and  only  condemn  David  as  to  the  murder!  This 
is  a specimen  of  their  morality. 

V.  6,  7.  It  is  probable  that  Uriah  was  descended  from  the 
Hittites ; but  he  was  a proselyte,  and  had  the  heart  of  an 
Israelite. — Under  the  guilt  of  his  very  heinous  sin,  David  was 
more  anxious  to  conceal  his  shame,  and  prevent  the  temporal 
consequences,  than  to  obtain  forgiveness  from  God ! indeed 
the  former  seems  for  the  time  to  have  almost  wholly  occupied 
his  mind.  (Note,  Ps.  32:3 — 5.) — Perhaps  he  feared  lest 
Uriah,  in  his  deep  resentment,  should  raise  rebellion  against 
him  : and  certainly  he  dreaded  the  reproaches  which  he  might 
well  expect  from  every  quarter,  when  his  shameful  miscon- 
duct should  be  publicly  known.  In  this  state  of  mind,  he  did 
not  consider  the  treachery  and  injustice  of  drawing  in  Uriah 
to  consider  himself  as  the  father  of  the  child,  with  which 
Bath-sheba  was  pregnant:  but,  having  formed  his  plan,  he 
sent  to  Uriah,  as  if  he  could  depend  more  on  him  to  inform 
him  of  the  state  of  the  war  than  on  any  other  person. 

V.  8,  9.  Uriah’s  house  was  near  David’s  palace,  perhaps 
because  he  commanded  some  of  the  Cherethites  and  Pele- 
thites,  who  were  the  king’s  guard.  (Note,  8:15 — 18.)  David 
never  questioned  but  that  he  would  gladly  embrace  the  oppor- 
tunity of  visiting  his  wife,  and  accordingly  provided  them  an 
entertainment.  But  whether  any  thing  had  excited  Uriah’s 
suspicions,  or  whether,  through  a hardy  self-denied  disposi- 
tion, he  scorned  to  fare  better  than  his  commander  and  com- 
rades, he  would  not  go  home,  but  slept  with  the  other  soldiers: 
and  thus  the  Lord  defeated  David’s  design  of  “covering  his 
transgression.”  (Note,  Prov.  28:13.) 

V.  10,  11.  The  circumstance  of  the  ark  being  constantly 
placed  in  a tabernacle,  and  not  a temple,  could  be  no  reason 
why  Uriah  should  not  go  home  to  his  house.  It  is  therefore  pro- 
bable, that  the  ark  was  on  this  occasion  carried  with  the  army 
to  the  war.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  4:4,5. 1 4:16 — 23.) — Uriah’s  answer 
was  so  decided,  4 that  David’s  heart,  it  might  have  been  ex- 
pected, should  have  been  deeply  touched,  to  think  how  he 
had  abused  so  brave  a man ; and  made  him  reflect,  how  vilely 
he  indulged  himself  in  sinful  pleasure,  while  this  man  and  the 
rest  gloriously  endured  all  manner  of  hardships,  and  refusen 
the  most  innocent  pleasure  for  the  sake  of  their  country 
But  he  was  so  corrupted  for  the  present,  that  he  was  troubled 
to  find  Uriah  so  true  a soldier.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  12,  13.  David  pretended  further  business  with  Uriah, 
and  great  kindness  for  him,  in  order  to  deceive  him  ; that,  if. 
possible,  he  might  break  his  resolution.  Accordingly  he  en- 
tertained him  at  his  own  table:  and,  in  addition  to  his  other 
injuries,  became  his  tempter  to  drunkenness ; hoping  that 
when  his  passions  were  inflamed,  he  might  be  induced  to  gc 
home  to  his  wife  : but  in  this  too  he  found  himself  disappointed. 
(Notes,  13:22—29.  Gen.  19:31 — 38.  Hah.  2:15—17.) 

V.  14 — 17.  Satan  having  gradually  drawn  David  on  into 
one  sinful  attempt  after  another,  had  prepared  his  mind  for  still 
more  atrocious  wickedness.  (Notes,  Matt.  26:14 — 16,25,30 
-35,40,41,69—75.  John  12:1—8.  13:18—30.)  He  now  per- 
( 551  ) 


B.  C C35 


II.  SAMUEL, 


B.  C.  1035. 


and  drunk  before  him:  and  he  “made  him  drink: 
and  at  even  he  went  out  to  lie  on  his  bed  with  the 
servants  of  his  lord,  but  went  not  down  to  his 

h0USe.  [ Practical  Observationa."] 

14  H And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  morning,  that 
David  bwrote  a letter  to  Joab,  and  sent  it  Dy  the 
hand  of  Uriah. 

15  And  he  wrote  in  the  letter,  saying  'Set  ye 
Uriah  in  the  forefront  of  the  'hottest  battle,  and  re- 
tire ye  ‘from  him,  that  he  may  be  smitten,  dand  die. 

16  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Joab  observed 
the  city,  that  ehe  assigned  Uriah  unto  a place, 
where  he  knew  that  valiant  men  were. 

17  And  the  men  of  the  city  went  out  and 
fought  with  Joab : and  t there  fell  some  of  the 
people  of  the  servants  of  David;  and  Uriah  the 
Hittite  died  also. 

18  Then  Joab  sent,  and  told  David  all  the 
things  concerning  the  war ; 

19  And  charged  the  messenger,  saying,  When 
thou  hast  made  an  end  of  telling  the  matters  of 
the  war  unto  the  king; 

20  And  if  so  be  that  the  king’s  wrath  arise,  and 
he  say  unto  thee,  Wherefore  approached  ye  so 
nigh  unto  the  city  when  ye  did  fight?  knew  ye 
not  that  they  would  shoot  from  the  wall? 

21  Who  smote  sAbimelech  the  son  of  hJerub- 


a Gen.  19:32  —35.  Ex.  32  21.  Hab.2:15.  b 1 Kings  21:3— 10.  Ps.  19:13.  52:2. 
62:9.  Jer.  9:1—4.  17.9.  Mis. 7:3-3.  c 17.  1 Sam.  IS:  17,21 ,25.  Ps. 51:4, 14.  See. 
1U:23.  * Heb.  strong,  t Heb.  from  after  him.  d 12:9.  e 21. 3:27.  20:9,10. 

1 Sum.  22:17— 19.  1 Kings  2:5, 3i— 34.  21:12—14.  2 Kings  10:6,7.  Prov.  29:12. 
Hoa.  5:11.  Acts  5:29.  f 12:9.  Ps.  51:14.  gjudg.9:53.  h Judg.  6:32.  7: 1. 

ceived  that,  if  Uriah  lived,  he  must  detect,  his  wife’s  unfaith- 
fulness ; tp  prevent  this  was  at  present  his  leading  object, 
and  all  other  consequences  were  for  the  moment  forgotten. 
David,  however,  would  not  kill  Uriah  with  his  own  hands, 
nor  order  his  servants  to  assassinate  him,  nor  put  him  to 
death  unde.r  colour  of  law  : for  his  reputation  must  have  been 
ruined  by  such  measures  ; nay,  perhaps  the  direct  injustice 
and  murder  would  have  disquieted  his  conscience,  insensible 
as  it  was  become.  But  he  devised  a more  plausible  and  se- 
cret method  of  getting  rid  of  him  ; which  seemed  at  the  time 
less  atrocious,  though  in  reality  it  was  unspeakably  more  com- 
plicated and  heinous.  The  known  valour,  fidelity,  and  zeal 
for  his  country,  of  this  gallant  officer,  suggested  the  method 
of  murdering  him  ' David  had  such  confidence  in  this  much- 
injured  man,  that  he  did  not  hesitate  to  intrust  him  with  the 
letter  which  decreed  his  death  : and  whatever  else  Uriah  sus- 
pected, he  did  not  betray  his  trust.  Joab,  and  those  “ who 
retired  from  Uriah,"  were  thus  made  accomplices  in  the  mur- 
der ; and  the  soldiers  who  were  slain  with  Uriah,  were  no  less 
murdered  by  David,  than  he  was.  Whatever  casuistry  David 
might  use  with  his  conscience,  this  was  deliberate  murder  of 
many  persons  with  malice  prepense , aggravated  exceedingly  by 
the  circumstance,  that  these  men  were  slain  in  the  very  act  of 
fighting  for  him  and  his  kingdom.  Perhaps  Joab  imagined 
that  the  king  had  some  political  reason  for  thus  taking  off 
Uriah  : but  probably  he  was  rejoiced  to  see  him  involved  in 
the  guilt  of  murder  as  well  as  himself.  (Notes,  3:20 — 39.) — 
And  is  this  David,  who  repeatedly  spared  his  enemy,  and 
whose  heart  smote  him,  when  he,  had  cut  otf  Saul’s  skirt ! 
(Notes,  1 Sam.  24:4 — 15.  20:8 — 20.)  Alas,  how  is  he  changed 
and  fallen ! — ‘ Quantum  mutatus  ab  illo  P 

V.  21.  Then  say,  &c.]  This  was  a plain  intimation  to 
the  messenger,  that  the  death  of  Uriah  would  be  so  agreeable 
to  David,  as  to  reconcile  him  to  the  loss  which  had  been  sus- 
tained. Thus  he  began  already  to  be  despised  even  by  his 
accomplices  ! — Amidst  all  the  painful  sensations  excited  by 
reading  this  chapter,  it  is  pleasing  to  find  David’s  soldiers  so 
ready  at  quoting  the  Scripture:  for  probably  the  book  of 
Judges  was  then  extant  as  a part  of  Holy  Writ.  (Note,  Judg. 
9:50—57.)  • 

V.  25.  Provided  the  brave  Uriah  were  dead,  David  seems 
not  to  have  regarded  who  were  slain  with  him.  He  spoke  on 
this  occasion  with  an  insensibility  about  the  lives  of  his  sub- 
jects, which  borders  on  infidelity,  and  strongly  marks  the 
state  of  his  heart  at  this  time.  On  other  occasions  he  would 
have  considered  such  an  event  as  a rebuke,  which  required 
humiliation,  prayer  and  sacrifices,  and  a more  entire  depen- 
dence on  God  in  future ; (Notes,  Josh.  7:G— 9.  1 Chr.  15:12 

— 14.)  and  he  would  have  censured  the  imprudence  of  the 
commanders,  and  charged  them,  on  pain  of  his  displeasure,  to 
be  more  careful  of  the  lives  of  their  brethren. 

V.  27.  David  married  Bath-sheba  as  soon  as  it  could  be 
done  with  decency,  and  the  customary  mourning  (wnich  was 
in  this  case  a vile  mockery,)  was  ended.  But  though  there 
remained  no  injured  husband  to  avenge  the  adultery,  tho 
premature  birth  of  the  child  would  discover  it. — All  this  lime, 
as  it  appears  from  the  narrative,  David  continued  impenitent, 
and  comparatively  unconcerned.  Probably,  he  still  attended 
on  the  ordinances  of  religion.  By  some  ingenious  self-flat- 
tery he  ondeavoured  to  palliate  his  conduct  to  himself;  and 
no  one  roprovod  him  for  it.  Perhaps  the  general  practice  of 
( 552  ’ 


besheth?  did  not  a woman  cast  a piece  of  a mijl- 
stone  upon  him  from  the  wall,  that  he  died  in 
Thebez  ? why  went  ye  nigh  the  wall?  Then  saj 
thou,  'Thy  servant  Uriah  the  Hittite  ie  dead  also. 

22  So  the  messenger  went,  and  came  and 
showed  David  all  thal  Joab  had  sent  him  for. 

23  And  the  messenger  said  unto  David,  Surely 
the  men  prevailed  against  us,  and  came  out  unto 
us  into  the  field,  and  we  were  upon  them  even 
unto  the  entering  of  the  gate. 

24  And  the  shooters  shot  from  off  the  wall  upon 
thy  servants,  and  some  of  the  king’s  servants  be 
dead,  and  thy  servant  Uriah  the  Hittite  is  dead 
also. 

25  Then  David  said  unto  the  messenger,  Thus 
slialt  thou  say  unto  Joab,  Let  not  this  thing  Jdis- 
please  thee  ; kfor  the  sword  devoureth  $one  as  well 
as  another : 'make  thy  battle  more  strong  against 
the  city,  and  overthrow  it ; and  encourage  thou 
him. 

26  And  when  the  wife  of  Uriah  heard  that 
Uriah  her  husband  was  dead,  mshe  mourned  for 
her  husband. 

27  And  when  the  mournin'"  was  past,  David 
sent  and  "fetched  her  to  his  house,  and  she 
became  his  wife,  and  bare  him  a son.  “But  the 
thing  that  David  had  done  "displeased  the  Lord. 


Jerub-baal.  i 3:27,34.  F».39:8.  la.  14.10.  Ez.  16:51,52.  } Met),  be  evil  in  thin 
eyes,  k Josh.  7:8,9.  1 Sam.  6:9  Ec.  9:1 — 3,11,12.  § Heb.  so  anrf  sucA.  112: 
26.  m 3:31.  14:2.  Gen.  27:41.  n 3:2— 5.  5:13-16.  12:9.  o Gen.  38:10.  1 Chr. 
21:7.  ||  Heb.  was  evil  in  the  eyes  of.  Ps.  5:6.  51:4,5.  Heb.  13:4. 


other  princes  induced  him  to  conclude,  that  persons  in  his 
high  station  were  not,  in  this  respect,  bound  to  the  same 
strictness  as  their  subjects.  However,  though  he  had  no 
deep  remorse  of  conscience,  we  may  be  sure  that  he  lost  all 
spirituality  and  comfort  in  religion : for  small  transgressions, 
like  slight  wounds,  give  much  pain  to  the  believer’s  con- 
science ; but  enormous  crimes,  like  a violent  blow  upon  the 
head,  leave  him  for  a season  in  an  unaccountable  state  of 
insensibility. 

But  the  thing,  &c.]  Such  marriages,  as  this  of  David  with 
Bath-sheba,  with  whom  he  had  previously  committed  adul- 
tery, were  not  forbidden  in  the  law,  as  some  of  the  rabbies 
suppose;  for  this  was  needless,  as  both  parties  were  coi> 
demned  to  die:  and  David  was  not  afterwards  ordered  to  put 
her  away.  Yet  as  he  married  her  in  order  to  cover  his 
iniquity,  and  as  the  desire  of  possessing  her  may  be  supposed 
to  have  been  an  inducement  to  the  murder  of  Uriah,  it  formed 
an  additional  aggravation  of  the  crime:  and  the  whole  trans- 
action, from  first  to  last,  was  in  all  respects  displeasing  to  the 
Lord. — But  why  was  this  permitted  ? or  why  was  it  recorded  ? 
It  is  certain  that  thousands,  through  succeeding  generations, 
have,  by  this  fall  of  “the  man  after  God’s  own  heart,”  been 
prejudiced  against  true  religion,  hardened  in  infidelity,  or 
emboldened  in  blasphemy:  while  others  have  thence  taken 
occasion  to  commit  habitual  wickedness  under  a religious  pro- 
fession, and  with  presumptuous  confidence,  to  the  still  greater 
discredit  of  the  gospel.  It  should,  however,  be  considered, 
that  all  these  have  been,  previously,  either  open  enemies  to 
true  religion,  or  hypocritical  pretenders  to  it : and  it  is  the 
righteous  purpose  of  God,  that  stumhlingblocks  should  be 
thrown  in  the  way  of  such  men,  that  they  “ may  stumble, 
and  fall,  and  be  snared,  and  taken,  and  perish:”  it  is  his  holy 
will  thus  to  detect  the  secret  ma'ignity  of  their  hearts,  and  to 
make  way  for  the  display  of  his  justice  in  their  condemna- 
tion.— On  the  other  hand  thousands,  from  age  to  age.  have 
by  this  awful  example  been  rendered  more  suspicious  of 
themselves,  more  watchful,  more  afraid  of  temptation,  more 
dependent  on  the  Lord,  and  more  fervent  in  prayer;  and  by 
means  of  David’s  fall,  have  themselves  been  preserved  from 
falling.  Numbers,  who  have  been  overcome  by  temptation, 
•have  thus  been  preserved  from  despair.  Every  upright  soul 
will  eventually  derive  benefit  from  the  impartial  record  of  this 
event;  and  none  will  finally  be  injured  by  it,  except  those, 
who  desire  an  excuse  for  sin,  or  an  objection  to  the  religion 
of  the  Bible.  Bees  will  collect  honey,  and  spiders  poison, 
from  the  same  plants,  according  to  their  different  natures 
No  excuse  can  he  made  for  David : he  attempted  none  lor 
himself:  and  much  self-knowledge  is  requisite  to  account  for 
his  conduct,  or  to  deem  it  possible  that  a man,  who  had  sc 
long  enjoyed  communion  with  God,  in  the  highest  exercises 
of  devotion,  could  commit  such  enormous  t rimes,  and  con- 
tinue so  long  impenitent.  But  the  Lord’s  design  in  leaving 
him  to  himself  was  doubtless  wise,  righteous,  and  merciful; 
and  he  ran  and  will  overrule  it  for  great  good  to  (hose  who 
fear  and  love  him.  The  glory  of  all  the  good  is  his  duo  : tho 
blame  of  all  the  evil,  original  or  consequent , nelongs  to  those 
who  commit  it.  {Notes,  Gen.  50:20.  2 Chr.  32:30 — 33,  u.  31 
Matt.  26:69—75.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS 

V.  1 — 13.  A deep  conviction,  that  the  human  hca  tt,  even 
the  heart  of  every  man,  is  “ deceitful  above  Jiiugs,  atd 


B.  C.  1035. 


CHAPTER  XII 


B.  C.  1035. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

by  a parable  as.ecs  David  to  pass  sentence  on  himself,  1 — 6.  David , 
convicted  by  Nathan,  :onf esses  ft  is  guilt  ; atvl  is  partLaied,  hut  told  that  the 
child  shall  iii*,  I — H.  The  child  is  smitt.n  anil  dies,  though  David  fasted 
ami  prayed  fjr  him  while  he  lived , IS— 18.  Finding  that  the  child  is  dead, 
David  worships  U»d,  a/ul  takes  comfort,  19 — 23.  Solomon  is  horn,  and 
n lined  Jedidi a'l,  21, 25.  D ivid  takes  Rabbah,  and  treats  the  Ammonites 
with  severity,  25 — 31. 

AND  "the  Lord  sent  Nathan  ’’unto  David  : and 
che  came  unto  him,  and  said  unto  him,  dThere 
were  two  men  in  one  city  ; the  one  rich,  and  the 
other  poor. 

2  The  rich  mail  had  dexceeding  many  flocks 
and  herds ; 

3  But  the  poor  man  had  nothinc,  save  fone 
little  ewe-lamb,  which  he  had  1x>u£ht,  and 
nourished  up : and  it  grew  up  together  with  him, 


.7:1— S.  *4:11-13.  I Kins*  I3U.  13:1.  2 Kings  1 :3.  b 11:10— 17,25.  14  14.  Is. 
67:11.18.  eEs.  51:  nl/c.  <1  14:5—11.  Jmla.9:7— 15.  1 Kings  20:35— 11.  Is.  5: 
1—6.  Mall.  21.  33—15.  I. nkt*  1.5:11,  Sic.  16:19,  4c.  e 8.  3:2—5.  5:13-16.  15: 
16.  Job  1:3.  r 11.3.  : rov.  5:16,19.  • lleb.  morsel,  g Dent.  13:6.  Mic.  7:5. 


desperately  wicked,”  is  of  the  greatest  importance  to  the  due 
exercise  of  repentance,  faith,  and  every  Christian  grace:  and 
in  order  to  impress  this  humiliating' conviction  on  the  minds 
of  those  who  attend  to  the  word  of  God,  a few  of  his  most 
eminent  servants  have  been  left  to  fall  in  such  a manner,  as 
fully  to  prove,  that,  every  evil  dwells  in  each  of  us ; and  that 
in  circumsiances  of  concurring  temptations,  we  are  capable 
of  committing  any  crime ; even  that  which  vve  at  present  and 
habitually  most  dread  and  detest ! Neither  eminent  piety, 
nor  a long  and  close  walk  with  God,  habits  of  obedience  and 
of  the  government  of  the  passions,  nor  the  sobriety  of  ad- 
vancing age,  nor  peculiar  obligations  from  God,  great  reputa- 
tion and  usefulness,  nor  clear  knowledge  of  the  divine  law  ; 
nor  even  the  Spirit  of  prophecy,  have  been  found  capable  of 
extirpating  the  most  ha’cful  propensities  of  the  human  heart: 
though  restrained,  dethroned,  and  crucified,  they  have  still 
lited ; and  have  revived,  obtained  advantages,  and  for  a sea- 
son seemed  to  reign  with  the  most  destructive  tyranny  ! Who 
then  are  we,  that  vve  should  deem  ourselves  secure?  We 
are  never  in  this  world  out  of  the  reach  of  temptation  ; never 
exempted,  in  respect  of  any  sin,  from  the  necessity  of  watch- 
fulness, prayer,  and  dependence  on1  divine  grace.  Let  us 
not  then  be  highminded  ; but  beg  of  God  that  he  would 
enable  us  to  pass  the  time  of  our  sojourning  in  humble  jealous 
fear. — The  declensions  of  believers  are  commonly  gradual : 
exemption  from  trials,  and  worldly  prosperity,  induce  habits 
of  negligence  in  duty,  and  inexpedient  self-indulgence ; and 
thus  the  soul  falls  into  a careless  and  unwatchful  frame. 
(Note,  l Kings  11:1 — 8.)  Then  a man  is  drawn  to  the 
verge  of  prohibited  gratification;  and  far  beyond  the  bounds 
of  expediency  and  moderation,  in  things  not  absolutely  un- 
lawful: and  when  his  passions  have  been  accustomed  to 
indulgence,  he  is  the  more  easily  prevailed  on  to  commit 
evident  evil.  The  eye,  the  ear,  the  outward  senses  are  not 
turned  away  from  forbidden  objects  ; by  these  inlets  the  sin- 
ful imagination  is  excited,  and  concupiscence  is  produced. 
Perhaps  he  . hopes  that  the  desire  may  be  lawfully  gratified, 
and  on  that  vain  pretence  the  mind  is  allowed  to  dwell  on  it. 
( Notes,  Gen.  3:2 — G.)  But  when  lust  is  conceived,  every 
restraint  generally  increases  its  vehemence:  the  thoughts  of 
future  consequences,  and  the  consideration  of  the  presence, 
purity,  and  justice  of  God,  are  excluded ; his  law  and  au- 
thority are  disregarded:  faith  and  fear  and  love  are  out  of 
exercise  ; and  the  enhanced  imagination  of  the  satisfaction  to 
be  found  in  indulgence,  possesses  and  engrosses  the  soul. 
Thus  sin  is  brought  forth : and,  notwithstanding  palliations, 
2Lnd  previous  hopes  of  concealment  and  impunity,  the  mind  is 
soon  tortured  with  that  dread  of  future  consequences,  which 
far  exceeds  all  guilty  pleasures.  (iVotes,  Gen.  3:7.  Jam. 
1:13 — 15.)  But  when  the  bait  is  swallowed,  Satan,  hath 
caught  the  sinner ; and  no  power  except  that  of  God  can 
deliver  him,  or  prevent  his  being  more  and  more  entangled. 
( Note,  2 Tim.  2:23 — 26.). — The  fear  of  contempt,  and  even  of 
disgracing  the  cause  of  religion,  leads  the  believer,  who  is  thus 
fallen,  to  devise  methods  of  concealment ; and  such  thoughts 
for  a season  exclude  others  of  much  greater  importance,  and 
afford  Satan  an  opportunity  of  tempting  him  to  still  further 
iniquities:  while  the  conscience,  once  corrupted,  makes  feeble 
opposition  to  fraudulent  measures  of  preserving  the  reputa- 
tion, or  of  preventing  the  consequences  of  transgression. 
Every  concession  hardens  the  heart,  and  provokes  the 
departure  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  The  end  being  considered 
necessary ; means  of  every  kind,  which  promise  success, 
needful  also : and  when  a man’s  obligations  to  God  are 
forgotten,  no  wonder  if  all  the  ties  of  justice,  gratilude,  and 
r*v;-«idship  are  disregarded;  and  to  impose  upon  the  credulity 
an.*  confidence  of  men,  to  injure  them  in  their  property, 
e\  \tation,  and  connexions,  and  to  tempt  them  to  commit 
sm,  are  obvious,  and,  alas!  common  measures. 

V.  14 — 27.  When  a man  has  so  far  given  place  to  the 
devil,  as  not  only  to  commit  scandalous  sins,  but  to  use  dis- 
ingenuous and  base  means  of  concealing  them,  and  sees  a 
prospect  cf  having  the  whole  exposed  to  public  view;  what 
•hall  prevent  his  being  pushed  forward,  by  the  same  influ- 
ence and  from  the  same  motives,  to  treachery,  malice,  and 
Vol.  I.— 70 


and  with  his  children  : it  did  eat  of  his  own  'meat 
and  drank  of  his  own  cup,  and  glay  in  his  bosom, 
and  was  unto  him  as  a daughter. 

4 And  there  came  ha  traveller  unto  the  riel 
man;  and  he  spared  to  take  of  his  own  flock,  ano 
of  his  own  herd,  to  dress  for  the  wayfaring  man 
that  was  come  unto  him ; but  ‘took  the  poor 
man’s  lamb,  and  dressed  it  for  the  man  that  was 
come  to  him. 

5 And  kDavid’s  anger  was  greatly  kindled 
against  the  man  ; and  he  said  to  Nathan,  'As  the 
Lord  liveth,  the  man  that  hath  done  this  thing 
•shall  surely  die  : 

6 And  he  shall  mrestore  the  lamb  fourfold,  be- 
cause he  did  this  thing,  and  "because  he  had  no  pity. 

h Gen.  18:2— 7.  Jam.  1:14.  ill:3,4.  k Gen.  38:24.  1 Sam.  25:21 ,22.  Luke  6: 
41,42.  9:55.  Rom.  2: 1.  1 1 Sam.  14:39.  t Or,  is  worthy  to  die.  Heb.  is  a son 
of  death.  1 Sam.  20:31.  25;  16.  marg.  m Ex.  22:1.  Prov.  6.31.  Luke  19:8.  • 
n Jam.  2:13. 


murder,  till  crimes  are  multiplied  and  aggravated,  beyond 
computation,  and  till  every  nobler  consideration  is  extin- 
guished ? If  conscience  be  thus  stupified,  it  will  be  easy  for 
the  same  artful  enemy  to  amuse  the  deluded  offender,  with 
some  form  of  godliness,  some  palliation  or  cloak  of  iniquity, 
which  shall  quiet  the  rising  scruple : and  success  in  such  a 
course  may  even  be  considered  as  a divine  sanction,  and 
induce  the  language  of  indifference  or  of  infidelity  ; while  the 
heart  is  rendered  callous,  when  the  exercise  even  of  atrocious 
cruelty  is  needful  for  the  end  proposed.  But  can  a real  and 
eminent  believer  ever  tread  this  downward  path,  and,  as  il 
were,  fall  asleep  in  the  arms  of  Satan?  ( Notes  and  P.  O. 
Judg.  16:)  Can  a person  who  has  committed  such  atro- 
cious crimes,  and  so  long  remains  impenitent,  be  indeed  a 
child  of  God,  a member  of  Christ,  a temple  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  and  an  heir  of  eternal  glory?  Can  one  spark  of  divine 
life  exist  unextinguished  in  such  an  ocean?  It  is  plain  that 
these  things  are  possible ; but  no  man  in  such  a case  can 
have  warranted  evidence  to  conclude  that  he  is  a believer: 
the  higher  his  confidence,  who  has  sunk  thus  low  in  wicked- 
ness, the  greater  proof  is  there  of  Jiis  presumption  and 
hypocrisy.  Though  grace  be  not  lost  in  such  an  awful  case, 
the  assurance  and  consolation  of  it  must  be  wholly  sus- 
pended. Let  not  then  any  hypocrite,  who  resembles  David 
in  nothing  but  his  transgressions,  and  who  adds  the  habit  of 
allowed  sin  to  all  other  aggravations,  buoy  up  his  confidence 
with  his  example : let  him  first  imitate  David’s  humiliation, 
repentance,  and  other  eminent  graces,  before  he  thinks  him- 
self, or  requires  others  to  consider  him,  as  merely  a back- 
slider. (Notes,  12:13—15.  15:24—29.  1 Chr.  29:  Ts.  51:) 
Neither  let  any  opposer  or  despiscr  of  ihe  truth  say,  Are 
these  the  fruits  of  faith  and  devotion?  We  confidently  an- 
swer, No.  They  are  the  effects  of  a corrupt  nature,  the 
tendency  of  which  to  evil  must  be  inconceivably  strong,  when 
it  overcomes  the  contrary  tendency  of  truth  and  grace  in  the 
heart  of  an  eminent  servant  of  God. — And  let  us  all  watch 
against  the  beginnings  of  negligence  and  self-indulgence,  and 
keep  at  the  utmost  distance  from  that  precipice,  whence 
David  fell,  earnestly,  beseeching  God  to  close  our  senses, 
imaginations,  and  affections  to  all  forbidden  objects,  thoughts, 
and  desires.  Let  us  study  moderation,  expediency,  and 
superiority  to  all  animal  inclinations,  in  things  lawful:  con- 
tinually attend  to  our  proper  work,  and  pray  always  that  we 
may  not  be  led  into  temptation.  Then  will  our  lives  best 
show  the  tendency  of  our  principles,  and  confute  those  who 
accuse  us  of  encouraging  men  to  sin  by  the  freeness  of  salva- 
tion.— But  again:  Is  it  possible  that  such  a backslider  from 
God  can  be  recovered,  and  admitted  afterwards  to  comfort- 
able communion  with  him  ? Doubtless  it  is;  “for  with  the 
Lord  there  is  mercy,  and  with  him  there  is  plenteous  re- 
demption :”  and  he  will  neither  cast  out  one  humble  penitent 
believer,  whatever  his  former  crimes  have  been ; nor  suffer 
Satan  to  pluck  any  of  his  sheep  out  of  his  hand.  (Note, 
John  10:26 — 31.)  Let  then  those  who  are  fallen,  return  to 
the  Lord  without  delay,  and  seek  forgiveness  through  the 
Redeemer’s  atoning  blood. — But  how  poor  is  every  success 
and  gratification,  when  the  Lord  is  displeased  with  us! 
Either  in  this  world  or  the  next,  he  will  surely  expose  us  to 
shame  for  our  crimes. — It  is  also  grievous  to  observe  how 
the  sins  of  believers  quiet  the  consciences  and  rejoice  the 
hearts  of  wicked  men,  who  are  ready  to  insult  and  say,  “Art 
thou  also  become  as  one  of  us  !”  But  while  many  will  thus 
abuse  these  humiliating  instances,  may  we  be  unfeignedly 
thankful,  if  we  have  been  restrained  from  such  dreadful  falls. 
May  we  commit  our  souls  to  him,  who  is  able  to  keep  us 
from  falling : may  we  take  warning  by  David’s  sins ; and  imi- 
tate the  generosity,  self-denial,  and  attachment  to  the  cause 
of  Israel,  of  the  gallant  and  deeply  injured  Uriah. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XII.  V.  1 — 6.  When  God  was  dis- 
pleased with  his  servant  David,  he  did  not  immediately  inflict 
heavy  judgments  upon  him  ; but  he  sent  a prophet  to  call  him 
to  repentance. — Nathan  did  not  go,  of  his  own  accord  and  in 
his  own  name,  to  reprove  David  for  his  offences : but  when 
sent  by  the  Lord,  he  plainly  delivered  his  message ; without 
being  induced  by  David’s  royal  authority,  his  previous  enu- 
( 553  ) 


1/  C.  1034. 


II.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1034 


7 IT  And  Nathan  said  to  David,  “Thou  art  the 
man.  Thus  saith  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  pI 
anointed  thee  king  over  Israel,  and  il  delivered 
thee  out  of  the  hand  of  Saul ; 

8 And  I ^a^e  thee  thy  master’s  house,  and  thy 
'master’s  wive.-!  into  thy  bosom,  and  “gave  thee 
the  house  of  Israel  and  of  Judah;  and,  if  that 
had  been  too  little,  ‘I  would  moreover  have  given 
unto  thee  such  and  such  things. 

9 Wherefore  hast  thou  “despised  the  command- 
ment of  the  Lord,  *to  do  evil  in  his  sight?  Hhou 
hast  killed  Uriah  the  Hittite  with  the  sword,  and 
hast  taken  his  wife  to  he  thy  wife,  and  hast  slain 
him  with  the  sword  of  the  children  of  Ammon. 

10  Now  therefore  “the  sword  shall  never  depart 

o 1 Sim.  13:13.  1 Kings  1808.  21:19,20.  Matt.  14:4.  p 7:8.  1 Sam.  15:17. 
16:13.  a 22: 1,49.  1 Sam.  18.11,21.  19:10— 15.  23:7,14.26— 28.  r 11.  1 Kings 
2:22.  s 2:4.  5:5.  t 7:19.  Ps.  81:11.  83:15.  Rom.  8:32.  u 10.  11:4,14 — 17. 
Gen. 9:5,5.  E«.  20:13,14.  Num.  15:30.31.  1 Sam.  15:19,23.  Is.  5:24.  Am. 
2:4.  Heh.  10:29,29.  x 2 Chr.  33:6.  Ps.  51:4.  90:8.  139:1,2.  Jer.  18:10.  y 1 1 : 
15—17,27.  7,13:26,29.18:14,15,33.  1 Kings  2:23— 25.  Am.  7:9.  Matt.  26:52. 
a Num.  11 :Q0.  1 Sam.  2:30.  Mai.  1:6,7.  Matt.  6:24.  Rom.  2:4.  1 Theft.  4:8. 
b Gen.  20:3.  Prov.  6:32,33.  c 13:1—14,28,29.  15:6,10.  d 16:21 ,22.  Dent.  28:30. 

nent  character  as  a saint  and  psalmist,  or  his  own  peculiar 
affection  for  him,  to  conceal  or  mutilate  it.  It  is  probable, 
that  this  took  place  soon  after  the  birth  of  David’s  son  by 
Bath-sheba;  when  the  scandalous  transactions  would  begin 
to  be  generally  noticed.  But  whatever  others  whispered  and 
circulated,  David  seems  not  to  have  been  in  any  due  measure 
sensible  of  his  exceedingly  aggravated  wickedness,  till  the 
Lord  thus  awakened  his  conscience. — In  order  to  insinuate 
the  necessary  truths,  without  exciting  the  resistance  of  David’s 
artial  self-love  ; and  to  induce  him  to  give  sentence  against 
lmself  before  he  was  aware,  Nathan  introduced  his  message 
with  a parable.  ( Notes , Judg.  9:7 — 15.)  4 There  is  never 

more  use  of  wisdom,  than  in  the  contrivance  of  reprehension ; 
especially  of  princes,  and  great  persons.’  Bp.  Patrick.  There 
scarcely  ever  was  any  thing  more  calculated,  on  the  one  hand 
to  awaken  emotions  of  sympathy,  and  on  the  other,  those  of 
indignation,  than  the  case  here  supposed,  and  the  several 
circumstances,  by  which  the  heart  must  be  interested  in  the 
poor  man’s  case,  and  by  which  the  unfeeling  oppression  of 
his  rich  neighbour  was  aggravated.  Several  expressions, 
however,  might  have  excited  a suspicion,  that  more  was 
intended,  than  merely  to  plead  the  cause  of  an  injured  man 
against  his  oppressor:  yet  David  evidently  supposed  it  to  be 
matter  of  fact,  till  Nathan  made' the  application. — The  rich 
man,  who  had  many  flocks  and  herds,  represented  David  with 
his  many  wives  and  concubines  : the  poor  man,  with  his  single 
ewe-lamb,  which  was  so  tenderly  brought  up  by  him,  was 
Uriah  with  his  one  well-beloved  wife;  and  the  traveller  may 
mean  David’s  sensual  lust,  which  nothing  could  satisfy  but 
the  wife  of  Uriah.  4 In  the  beginning  it’  (the  evil  desire)  4 is 
but  a traveller,  but  in  time  it  becomes  a guest ; and  in  conclu- 
sion, is  the  master  of  the  house.’  Jewish  doctors  in  Bp.  Pa- 
trick. Yet  this  parable,  apposite  and  beautiful  as  it  was, 
pointed  out  only  a small  part  of  the  enormity  of  David’s  con- 
duct. Uriah’s  loyal  and  gallant  services,  and  David’s  ingrati- 
tude and  treachery,  with  the  murder  of  him  and  his  fellow- 
soldiers,  were  not  so  much  as  alluded  to.  His  injury  to  Uriah 
and  Bath-sheba,  in  the  crime  of  adultery,  was  alone  shadowed 
forth:  for  perhaps  the  prophet  meant  to  bring  him  by  degrees 
to  a view  of  his  exceeding  sinfulness ; and  would  not  make 
the  case  too  exact  in  all  particulars,  lest  he  should  suspect 
his  intentions,  and  be  kept  from  giving  sentence  against  him- 
self.— David,  forgetful  of  his  own  crimes,  was  fired  with 
indignation  against  the  imaginary  offender ; and  with  a so- 
lemn oath  condemned  him,  not  6nly  to  make  legal  restitution, 
hut  also  to  suffer  death ; or  at  least  declared,  that  he  was 
deserving  of  death.  {Note,  Gen.  38:24 — 20.) 

V.  7.  David  failed  of  making  the  application  of  the  para- 
ble to  himself:  yet  Nathan  had  gained  a great  point,  in  bring- 
ing him  to  pronounce  so  severe  a sentence  against  a supposed 
offender,  for  crimes  of  far  inferior  malignity  to  his  own.  He 
therefore,  with  great  firmness  and  courage,  directly  applied 
his  parable  to  the  conscience  of  the  offender;  and  assured 
David,  that  he  was  the  very  person  whose  conduct  had  been 
delineated,  and  whose  sentence  had  been  denounced  out  of 
his  own  mouth  : and  he  then  proceeded  in  a very  plain,  con- 
vincing, and  even  severe  discourse,  to  show  the  extent,  aggra- 
vations, and  effects  of  his  guilt.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  15:13 — 25. 
1 Kings  21:17— 23.  Matt.  14:3 — 5.) 

V.  8.  Wives.]  Or,  Women.  We  read  of  no  more  than 
one  wife  of  Saul,  and  Rizpah  his  concubine;  (21:8.  1 Sam. 
14:50.)  and  probably  he  had  not  any  more.  The  women 
herefore  of  his  court,  and  family  seem  to  he  meant ; which, 
according  to  the- custom  of  the  east,  came  into  David’s  pos- 
session, when  he  succeeded  to  the  kingdom.  But  if  Saul  had 
more  wives  or  concubines,  it  is  not  probable  that  David  mar- 
ried any  of  them,  as  Saul  was  his  father-in-law.  The  Lord, 
py  giving  David  these  women  in  his  providence,  no  more 
<anctioned  his  polygamy,  than  his  giving  Israel  a king  proved 
■hat  they  did  well  in  desiring  and  asking  one;  or  than  his 
giving  David’s  concubines  to  Absalom,  sanctioned  his  detest- 
able incest.  (Notes,  11,12.  16:20 — 23.  I Sam.  12:11 — 19.) 
But  the  multitude  of  unmarried  women,  of  whom  David  had 
( 554  ) 


from  thine  house ; abecause  thou  hast  despised 
me,  and  bhast  taken  the  wife  of  Uriah  the  Hittite 
to  be  thy  wife. 

11  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  Behold,  CI  will  raise  up 
evil  against  thee  out  of  thine  own  house,  and  dl 
will  take  thy  wives  before  thine  eyes,  and  give 
them  unto  thy  neighbour,  and  he  shall  lie  with  thy 
wives  in  the  sight  of  this  sun  ; 

12  For  thou  didst  it  esecretly : but  I will  do  this 
thing  before  all  Israel,  and  before  the  sun. 

13  And f David  said  unto  Nathan,  have  sinned 
against  the  Lord.  And  Nathan  said  unto  David, 
hThe  Lord  also  hath  put  awaj  thy  sin;  ‘thou 
shalt  not  die. 

14  Howbeit,  because  kby  this  deed  thou  hast 

Ez.  14-9.  20:25.26.  Hos.  4:13,14.  e 11:4,8,13,15.  F.c.  12:14.  Luke  12:1,2.  1 Cor. 
4:5.  f 1 Sam.  15:20.  1 Kings  13:4.  21:20.  22:8.  2 Kings  1:9.  2 Chr.  16:10.  2L 
20-  22  . 25:16.  Matt.  14:3—5,10.  g 24:10.  1 Sam.  15:24.25,30.  Job  7:20  . 33:27. 
Ps.  32:3 — 5.  51:4.  Prov.  25:12.  28:13.  Luke  15  21.  A ct32:37.  1 John  1:8—10. 
h Job  7:21.  Ps.  32:1,2.  130:3,4.  Ib.  38:17.  43:25.  44:22.  T.ain.  3:32.  Mic.7:18, 
19.  Zech.3:4.  Heb.  9:26.  i Lev.  20:10.  Num.  35:31— 33.  Ps.  51:16.  Acts  13« 
38.39.  Rom.  8:33,34.  k Neh.  5:9.  Ps.  74:10.  Is.  52:5.  Ez.  36:21—23.  Matt.  1& 
7.  Rom.  2:24. 


it  in  his  power  to  make  choice,  aggravated  his  guilt  in  seizing 
upon  the  wife  of  another  man.  Naj',  had  he  thought  that  any 
thing  conducive  to  his  comfort  was  yet  wanting,  he  was 
allowed  to  ask  for  it,  and  the  Lord  declared  that  he  would 
not  have  denied  it,  if  he  had  seen  it  good  for  him.  (Note, 
Ps.  84:11,12.) 

V.  9.  Wherefore , &c.]  The  clause  may  be  rendered, 
44  Wherefore  hast  thou  despised  the  word  of  the  Lord 
His  promises,  as  well  as  his  precepts.  (Notes,  Job  2:10. 
Matt.  16:21 — 23. ) David,  in  this  instance,  had  shown  that 
he  thought  the  general  and  special  promises  of  God,  either 
too  scanty  or  too  precarious,  to  suffice  for  his  felicity,  or  to 
ensure  it ; for  otherwise  he  could  have  no  need  to  seek  satis- 
faction in  another  way : and  this  was  a great  contempt  of 
them.  He  had  also  treated  the  commandments  of  God,  as 
rigorous  and  needless  restraints ; and  as  worthy  to  he  ne- 
glected, dispensed  with,  nay  trampled  on,  when  they  inter- 
fered with  his  present  gratification.  (Notes,  11:14 — 17,27.) 

V.  10.  Despised  me,  Sac.]  (Note,  1 <SVzm.  2:30.)  When 
David  despised  the  word  of  God,  he  despised  God  himself ; 
even  his  power  and  authority,  his  justice  and  purity,  his 
omnipresence  and  omniscience,  his  favour  and  wrath,  and  all 
his  glorious  perfections : else,  he  would  not  thus  have  offended 
him,  for  the  base  gratification  of  his  lusts.  This  was  an 
aggravation  of  his  crimes,  less  obvious  to  man’s  natural  ap- 
prehensions, but  full  of  deeper  malignity,  than  all  those  enu- 
merated in  the  former  chapter.  (Notes,  11:1 — 17.  Ps.  51:4. 
Rom.  2:4 — 6.) — As  the  parable  had  particularly  represented 
the  evil  of  David’s  adultery,  the  address  of  Nathan  is  most 
pointed  against  his  murder  of  Uriah. — The  word  rendered 
never,  in  this  connexion,  -only  implies  perpetuity . (Note, 
Gen.  17:7,8.)  So  long  as  David  lived,  one  after  another  of 
his  family  was  slain,  and  Adonijah  just  afler  his  death. 
Notes,  13:22—29.  18:9-14.  1 Kings  2:15 — 25.) 

V.  11,  12.  David  was  not  at  Jerusalem  when  Absalom 
perpetrated  his  abominable  crime;  but  it  was  committed  in 
so  shameless  a manner,  that  it  was  as  notorious  as  if  he  had 
seen  it  with  his  own  eyes.  (Note,  16:20 — 23.) — The  Lord 
raised  up  this  evil  out  of  his  own  house : yet  he  did  not  pul 
the  wickedness  into  the  hearts  of  his  sons  ; but  he  left  them 
to  their  own  vile  passions,  and  overruled  the  effects  of  them 
for  David’s  chastisement.  (Notes,  Luke  22:21 — 23,  v.  22. 
Acts  2:22—24.  4:23—28.) 

V.  13.  The  dormant  spark  of  divine  grace  in  David’* 
heart  now  began  to  rekindle  : and  by  means  of  this  plain  and 
faithful  statement  of  facts,  in  tin*  name  of  God,  his  evasions 
vanished,  and  his  guilt  appeared  in  all  it>  magnitude.  (Notes, 
2 Chr.  16:7 — 10.  24:19 — 22.25:14 — 16.)  He  therefore  was  far 
from  resenting  the  pointed  rebuke  of  the  prophet,  or  attempt*  • 
ing  any  palliation  of  his  conduct;  but,  In  deep  humiliation  of 
heart,  he  confessed,  44 1 have  sinned  against  the  Lord.”  The 
words  are  few;  but  the  event  proved  them  to  have  been  the 
language  of  genuine  repentance,  which  regards  sin  as  com- 
mitted against  the  authority  and  glory  of  the  Lord,  whether 
or  not  it  have  occasioned  evil  to  any  fellow-creature.  ( Note 
Ps.  51:4.)  And  Nathan  assured  him,  (perhaps  not  at  that 
time,  hut  when  the  sincerity  of  his  repentance  had  been  fur 
ther  proved,]  that  the  “Lord  had  put  away  his  sin,  and  ho 
should  not  die.” — Murder  and  adultery  were  crimes  punish- 
able by  death : no  Israelite  indeed  had  authority  to  execute 
this  sentence  upon  the  Lord’s  annointed ; yet  David  might 
justly  fear  that  God  himself  would  rut  him  off  by  some  sudden 
judgment.  But  the  prophet  informed  him,  that  he  should  not 
die  in  this  manner,  or  be  cast  out  of  his  kingdom , and  this 
intimated,  that  the  eternal  punishment  also  would  be  re~ 
mitted. 

V.  14.  Perhaps  the  Ammonites,  and  other  idolatrous  ene- 
mies of  God  and  Israel,  had  received  information  of  these  sins 
of  the  highly  favoured  servant  and  zealous  worshipper  of  Je- 
hovah, and  blasphemed  his  name  on  that  account:  and  tho 
wicked  Israelites,  especially  those  of  Saul’s  party,  would  re- 
flect upon  the  divine  justice,  in  that  Saul  had  been  rejected 
for  apparently  less  heinous  crimes,  and  David  was  spared 


B.  C.  1032. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


B.  C.  1032. 


given  great  oc  asion  to  the  enemies  of  the  Lord 
to  blaspheme,  Mie  child  also  that  is  born  unto  thee 
shall  surely  die  C Practical  Oiiervatioru.'] 

15  t And  Nathan  departed  unto  his  house: 
and  the  Lord  ""struck  the  child  that  Uriah’s  wife 
bare  unto  David,  and  it  was  very  sick. 

16  David  therefore  "besought  God  for  the  child ; 
and  David  'fasted,  and  went  in,  and  “lay  all  night 
upon  the  earth. 

17  And  fthe  elders  of  his  house  arose,  and  went 
to  him,  to  raise  him  up  fibm  the  earth  : but  he 
would  not,  neither  did  ne  eat  bread  with  them. 

18  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  seventh  day, 
that  the  child  died.  And  the  servants  of  David 
feared  to  tell  him  that  the  child  was  dead  : for  they 
said,  Behold,  while  the  child  was  yet  alive  we 
spake  unto  him,  and  he  would  not  hearken  unto 
our  voice  : how  will  he  then  'vex  himself,  if  we 
tell  him  that  the  child  is  dead? 

19  But  when  David  saw  that  his  servants 
whispered,  David  perceived  that  the  child  was 
dead : therefore  David  said  unto  his  servants,  Is 
the  child  dead  ? And  they  said,  He  is  dead. 

20  Then  David  sarose  from  the  earth,  and 
washed,  and  ranointed  himself,  and  changed  his 
apparel,  and  came  into  sthe  house  of  the  Lord, 
and  worshipped  : then  he  came  to  his  own  house ; 
and  when  he  required,  they  set  bread  before  him, 
and  he  did  eat. 

21  Then  said  his  servants  unto  him,  'What 
thing  is  this  that  thou  hast  done  ? thou  didst  fast 
and  weep  for  the  child  while  it  was  alive ; but 
when  the  child  was  dead  thou  didst  rise  and  eat 
bread. 

22  And  he  said,  While  the  child  was  yet  alive, 
“I  fasted  and  wept : for  I said,  Who  can  tell 

I Ps.  89:31— 33.  94:12.  Prov.  3:11,12.  Am.  3:2.  1 Cor.  11:32.  Heb.  12  6. 
Rev.  3:19.  m Deal.  32  39.  1 Sam.  25:38.  26:10.  2 Kines  15:5.  2 Chr.  13:20. 
P«.  104:29.  Acts  12:23.  n 22.  Pa.  50-15.  It.  25:16.  ,'oel  2:12— 14.  Jon.  3:9. 
• Heb.  fasted  a feat.  E»Ih.4:16.  Ps.  69:10.  Is.  22:12.  Acts  9 9.  o 13:31. 
Job  20:12—14.  p 3.35.  I Sam.  28:23.  t Hen.  do  hurt  to.  q Job  1:20.  2:10. 
Pa.  39:9.  r.am.  3:39— 41.  r Ruth  43.  Ec.  9:8.  66:17.7:18.  t I Cor.  2:15. 


notwithstandins  these  enormities.  {Notes,  Matt.  1 8:7 — 9.  I 
Tim.  6:1 — 5.  Tit.  2:3 — 6.)  But  the  Lord  did  not  punish  Saul 
above  his  deservings,  and  therefore  did  him  no  injustice  in 
forgiving  David  : and  he  judges  not  merely  by  the  outward 
action, but  by  the  inward  disposition  of  the  heart;  and  there 
he  perceived  a very  important  difference,  and  even  contrariety, 
in  the  two  characters.  In  the  temporal  punishment,  however, 
of  David  in  his  family,  the  Lord  determined  to  silence  these 
blasphemies ; and  he  began  by  the  death  of  the  child  which 
Bath-sheba  had  bom  to  him.  This  event,  though  in  fact  a 
mercy  to  all  parties,  yet  being  predicted  and  publicly  declared 
to  be  a rebuke  for  his  sin,  would  be  for  the  time  a sharp  and 
painful  chastisement. 

V.  1-5.  The  prophet,  having  delivered  his  message,  re- 
turned home,  probably  to  prayffor  the  king : and  David  re- 
tired, and  poured  out  his  soul  in  godly  sorrow  and  ingenuous 
confessions  ; and  perhaps  immediately  wrote,  and  soon  after 
published,  the  fifty-first  Psalm  ; which  forms  the  most  complete 
specimen  and  standard  of  genuine  and  deep  repentance,  that 
is  any  where  extant.  {Notes,  Ps.  51.) 

V.  16.  David  might  hope,  that  there  was  a secret  condi- 
tion in  the  threatening  : and  that  upon  his  humiliation,  attended 
by  fasting  and  prayer,  the  child  might  yet  be  spared.  {Marg. 
Ref.)  He  considered  the  infant  as  an  innocent  sufferer  for 
his  crimes;  {Note,  24:17.)  he  had  doubtless  a very  great 
affection  for  him ; his  spirit  was  at  that  time  peculiarly  tender ; 
and  perhaps  Bathr-sheba  likewise  was  overwhelmed  with  a 
ioad  of  guilt  and  sorrow.  (24)  On  all  these  accounts,  he  thus 
deeply  humbled  himself  before  God,  and  sought  the  life  of  the 
child,  though  he  would  have  lived  a monument  of  his  sin  and 
shame. — tVe  may  conceive  of  him,  as  laying  aside  his  royal 
robes,  and  appearing  as  a penitent  in  a mean  and  mournful 
garment,  fasting,  lying  on  the  ground,  confessing  his  guilt, 
mourning  over  it,  and  praying  with  all  fervency,  and  without 
intermission,  during  the  whole  night.  {Notes,  Joel  2:12 — 14 
Jon.  3:5—9.) 

V.  17.  Eat  bread  with  them.]  ‘As  he  was  wont  to  do  at 
other  times,  when  the  principal  persons  of  the  court  sat  at 
table  with  him.’  Bp.  Patrick.  Probably,  some  days  past 
before  the  child  died;  but,  whatever  sustenance  David  might 
take  during  that  time,  no  doubt  it  was  mean,  scanty,  and  taken 
privately.  ( Note,  Dan.  10:2,3.) 

V.  18.  Some  think  that  the  child  died  on  the  seventh  day 
from  his  birth  ; and  that  this  was  an  additional  rebuke,  as  he 
died  uncircumcised.  But  others  suppose  that  the  continuance 
of  the  child’s  sickness,  and  of  David’s  sorrow  and  mortifica- 
tion is  meant. 

V.  20.  By  changing  his  raiment,  and  going  up  to  the  house 
•f  God  to  worship,  David  publicly  expressed  his  acceptance  of 


whether  God  will  be  gracious  to  me,  that  the  child 
may  live  ? 

23  But  now  he  is  dead,  wherefore  should  I fast'5 
Can  I bring  him  back  again?  *1  shall  go  to  him, 
but  ihe  shall  not  return  to  me. 

24  And  David  comforted  Bath-sheba,  his  wife 
and  went  in  unto  her,  and  lay  with  her ; and  *she 
bare  a son,  and  he  called  his  name  Solomon  ; and 
the  Lord  loved  him. 

25  And  he  sent  by  the  hand  of  "Nathan  th» 
prophet,  and  he  called  his  name  iJedidiah,  becaust 
of  the  Lord. 

26  H And  bJoab  fought  against  Rabbah  of  the 
children  of  Ammon,  and  took  the  royal  city. 

27  And  Joab  sent  messengers  lo  David,  and 
said,  I have  fought  against  “Rabbah,  and  have 
taken  the  city  of  waters. 

28  Now  therefore  gather  the  rest  of  the  people 
together,  and  encamp  against  the  city,  and  take 
it ; lest  I take  the  city,  and  §it  be  dcalled  after  my 
name. 

29  And  David  gathered  all  the  people  together, 
and  went  to  Rabbah,  and  fought  against  it,  and 
took  it. 

30  And  he  “took  their  king’s  croum  from  off 
his  head,  (the  weight  whereof  was  a talent  ot 
gold,  with  the  precious  stones,)  and  it  was  set  on 
David’s  head : and  he  brought  forth  the  spoil  of 
the  city  l!in  great  abundance. 

31  And  he  brought  forth  the  people  that  were 
therein,  and  f put  them  under  saws,  and  under 
harrows  of  iron,  and  under  axes  of  iron,  and 
made  them  pass  through  the  brick-kiln  : and  thus 
did  he  unto  all  the  cities  of  the  children  of  Ammon. 
So  David  and  all  the  people  returned  unto  Jeru- 
salem. 


u Is.  38:1—  3.  Joel  1:14.  Am.  5:15.  Jon.  1:6.  3:9.10.  Jam.  4:9,10.  x Gen.  37: 
35.  Job  30:23.  Luke  23  43.  y Job  7:8— 10.  *7:12.  I Chr. 3:5.  22:9,10.  28:5,6. 
29:1.  Mntt.  1:6.  a 1 — 14.  7:4.  1 KingB  1:11 ,23.  } That  is,  beloved  of  the  Lord. 
Matt.  3:17.  17:5.  b 11:25.  1 Chr.2u.l.  c 11:1.  1 eut.  3:11.  Ez.  21.20.  § Heb.  my 
name  be  called  upon  it.  d John  7:18.  elChr.20:2.  l|  Heb.  very  great.  f8: 
2.  Pa.  21:8,9. 


the  chastisement,  his  submission  to  the  will  of  God,  and  hia 
gratitude  to  him  for  sparing  his  life.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note , 
Job  1:20—22.) 

V.21—  23.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  1 Cor.  2:14— 16.)  While 
David  entertained  any  hope  of  the  child’s  life,  humble  fasting 
and  prayer  formed  the  present  duty : but  after  the  event,  meek 
submission  was  required.  He  could  not  profit  the  child,  and 
he  might  injure  himself,  and  neglect  his  duty,  by  mourning  for 
him.  The  child,  released  from  sufferings,  and  gone  before  to 
abetter  world,  was  no  loser ; the  public  sustained  no  detriment, 
as  in  the  death  of  useful  persons ; and  there  remained  no  far- 
ther reason  for  sorrow,  except  he  should  repine  against  the 
will  of  God:  and  this  he  would  not  do,  hut  rather  prepare  to 
follow  his  son,  and  hope  to  meet  him  in  the  world  above. 

V.  24,  25.  David’s  marriage  with  Bath-sheba  was  in  many 
respects  very  sinful ; (Note,  11 — 27.)  yet  it  must  not  be  dis- 
annulled. In  the  mystery  of  the  divine  counsels,  it  made  way 
for  the  performance  of  the  promises  before  given:  (Note,  7:12 
— lh.)  and  Bath-sheba  has  her  name  inserted  in  the  genealogy 
of  the  Redeemer! — As  a token  of  the  Lord’s  reconciliation  to 
David  and  Bath-sheba,  this  son  by  her  was  named  Solomo^, 
or  the  -peaceable ; and  Jedidiah,  or  Related  of  the  LORD,  be- 
cause of  the  Lord’s  peculiar  favour  to  him.  (Marg. — Notes, 
Gen.  49:10.  Matt.  1:20 — -23.)  In  this  he  especially  typified 
Him  of  whom  the  Father  hath  said,  u This  is  my  beloved  Son, 
in  whom  I am  well  pleased.” — 1 It  is  observable,  that  there  is 
not  one  word  said  to  Bath-sheba,  in  all  this  relation.  . . . She 
was  punished  ...  in  the  calamity  that  befel  David  ; who  en- 
ticed her,  not  she  him,  to  commit  the  foul  sin  of  adultery  ; and 
she  was  innocent  in  the  murder  of  Uriah.’  Bp.  Patrick.  It 
seems,  that  she  was  released  from  the  legal  punishment  of 
death,  by  the  same  act  of  grace,  which  pardoned  David:  but 
she  was,  probably,  for  some  time  both  in  great  sorrow  ana 
distress,  and  overwhelmed  with  fears,  and  remorse,  and 
shame. 

V.  26 — 31.  The  sacred  historian,  having  finished  the  ac- 
count of  David’?  fall  and  repentance,  resumes  the  subject  of 
the  war  with  Ammon. — As  the  siege  of  Rabbah  seems  to 
have  been  considerably  advanced  when  Uriah  was  slain,  the 
event  here  recorded  must  be  supposed  to  have  occurred  not 
long  afier.  The  Lord  was  very  gracious  to  David,  in  thus 
prospering  his  arms,  notwithstanding  his  aggravated  offences: 
and  Joab  approved  himself  very  faithful  to  his  prince,  and 
attentive  to  his  reputation.  The  crown  of  the  king  of  *he 
Ammonites  is  said  to  have  weighed  a talent*  but  that  being 
above  a hundred  weight,  seems  enormous  : probably  it  means 
the  value  of  it  with  the  precious  stones. — David  appears  to 
have  been  too  much  pleased  with  this  crow* : whereas  hia 
anointing , as  the  king  of  God’s  people,  was  a fa  f nv«  * honour- 
( 555  \ 


D.  C.  10  V2. 


II  SAMUEL.  B.  C.  103a. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Amnon,  David's  son  loves  his  sister  Tamar , 1,2:  and  by  Jonadab's  advice 
he  feigns  sickness,  that  Tamar  might  wait  on  him  ; and  taking  that  oppor- 
tunity he  ravishes  her,  3 — 14.  He  hales  her  and  drives  her  away , and  she  in 
grief  and  shame  relives  to  Absalom  15—20.  David  is  angry  ; but  Absalom 
conceals  his  hatred,  21 , 22.  Absalom  invites  his  brethren  to  a feast ; where 
Amnon  at  hie  command  is  murderel,  23—29.  David  grieves  vehemently, 
supposing  that  all  his  sons  are  slain  ; but  ts  comforted  by  Jonadab,  and 
learns  the  truth,  30 — 36.  Absalom Jle.s  to  Geshur  ; but  David  longs  after 
him,  37— 39. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that  a Absalom, 
the  son  of  David,  had  ba  fair  sister,  whose 

o 3:2,3.  1 Chr.  3:2.  b 11:2.  Gen.  6:2.  39:6,7.  Prov.  6:25.  81 .30.  c 14:27. 
1 Chr.  3:9.  d 15.  Gen.  29:18,20.  34:3.  1 Kings  11:1.  e 1 Kings  21:4.  Cam.  5.8. 
2 Cor.  7:10.  * Heb.  it  was  marvellous , or  hidden,  in  the  eyes  of  Amnon.  f Gen. 

able  distinction. — It  is  not  certain  what  the  punishments  were, 
which  he  indicted  upon  the  prisoners ; whether  he  put  them 
to  death, under  saws,  axes,  and  harrows;  or  whether  he  con- 
demned them  to  wear  out  their  lives  in  severe  bondage,  by 
various  labours.  He  meant  to  punish  their  cruelty  to  the 
men  of  Jabesh-gilead,  and  their  contempt  of  his  ambassadors  : 
( Notes,  10:3,4.  1 Sam.  11:1 — 3:)  but  if  there  were,  as  it  seems 
probable,  an  undistinguishing  severity  exercised  towards  them, 
we  must  ascribe  it  to  the  state  of  his  mind  at  that  time. 

City  of  waters.  (27)  The  other  part  of  the  city  being 
supplied  \ftith  water,  from  that  part  of  which  Joab  had  got  pos- 
session, could  not  hold  out  long,  but  must  be  soon  forced  to 
surrender. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 14.  Our  falls  into  sin  originate  from  the  evil  of  our 
depraved  hearts,  but  our  recoveries  are  from  the  Lord.  He 
commonly  employs  the  ministry  of  the  word  in  bringing  sin- 
ners to  repentance : and  the  plain  authoritative  declaration  of 
the  divine  law,  and  of  the  evil  nature  and  effects  of  sin,  is  the 
appointed  method  of  awakening  the  careless  conscience,  and 
of  bringing  men  to  condemn  themselves.  In  some  cases,  great 
prudence  and  address  are  necessary  in  delivering  the  message 
of  God,  especially  to  those  in  exalted  stations.  Apt  illustra- 
tion often  forms  the  most  compendious  and  effectual  method 
of  producing  conviction:  and  it  is  well  wnen  such  an  indirect 
address  will  spare  the  painful  necessity  of  more  explicit  re- 
proofs. But  self-flattery  renders  us  quicksighted  to  the  faults 
of  others,  though  of  inferior  malignity,  and  blind  to  our  own 
most  atrocious  offences  ; and  in  proportion  as  men  are  tender 
to  their  own  sins,  they  are  often  unreasonably  severe  in  ani- 
madverting upon  those  of  their  neighbours.  Hence  arises  the 
necessity  of 44  great  plainness  of  speech”  in  the  public  ministry 
of  the  gospel;  that  the  conduct  and  cases  of  sinners  of  every 
description  may  be  explicitly  declared,  and  that  the  conscience 
of  every  one  that  is  guilty  may  say  to  him,  41  Thou  art  the 
man.”  Nor  is  this  personal;  provided  the  general  cases  of 
multitudes  are  described,  and  the  peculiarities  of  an  individual’s 
character  are  not  so  marked,  as  to  draw  the  attention  of  the 
auditors  from  themselves  to  him.  But  it  is  often  necessary,  in 
private , to  be  still  more  explicit  and  particular,  with  such  pro- 
fessed Christians  as  cannot,  or  will  not,  understand  the  plainest 
public  address ; and  this  without  any  reserve  or  respect  of 
persons,  and  with  all  seriousness,  energy,  and  expostulation. 
It  will  never  be  well  with  the  church  of  God,  till  secret  lamenta- 
tions over  unreproved  scandals  and  abuses,  and  private  con- 
versations concerning  the  faults  of  the  absent,  be  generally 
changed,  by  the  ministers  of  Christ  especially,  for  faithful 
plain  dealing  with  men  in  private:  and  those  who  are  of  re- 
putation ought  to  take  the  lead,  and  to  set  the  example,  in  this 
arduous  but  salutary  business. — The  true  minister’s  message 
will  comfort  or  distress  the  consciences  of  those  who  regard 
it,  according  as  they  are  walking  with  God,  or  the  contrary  i 
nay,  the  believer  himself  can  expect  no  consolation  from  a 
scriptural  statement  of  the  truth,  while  he  lies  under  the 
guilt  and  power  of  unrepent  ed  sin  ; and  if  he  obtain  any,  it  is 
either  through  the  minister’s  error  or  unfaithfulness,  or  his  own 
self-flattery,  and  ill-grounded  confidence. — Every  instance  of 
the  divine  goodness  to  us  increases  the  heinousness  of  our 
transgressions:  hut  the  extent  of  the  promises,  and  the  Lord’s 
readiness  to  hear  prayer,  and  to  give  every  good  thing  to  his 
people,  peculiarly  aggravate  our  guilt,  when  we  desire  forbid- 
den gratifications.  We  need  not  wonder  that  men  in  general 
despise  the  promises  and  commandments  of  God : yea,  and 
the  Lord  himself,  in  his  whole  character,  and  in  all  his  rela- 
lions  to  them  : when  even  eminent  believers,  in  some  instances, 
are  capable  of  the  same  folly  and  ingratitude.  From  this 
source  all  our  sins  proceed:  man’s  contempt  of  the  infinite 
excellency  and  invaluable  favour  of  God  ; disregard  to  his 
authority,  aversion  to  his  service,  and  enmity  to  his  justice  and 
noliness,  give  being  and  malignity  to  every  species  of  disobe- 
dience; and  they  are  in  themselves  utterly  inexcusable. — But, 
nowever,  iniquity  may  have  prevailed,  where  true  grace  exists 
there  is  also  sensibility , and  a ground  in  which  the  word  of 
God  may  take  root.  (Note,  Mutt.  13:23.)  The  humbled 
sinner  will  not  be  offended  by  his  faithful  reprover,  but  rather 
fhank  him  ; and  God  will  never  refuse  forgiveness  to  true 
•'enitents. — If  is  however  grievous  to  think,  what,  great  occa- 
sion of  blasphemy  to  the  enemies  of  the  Lord  the  falls  of  his 
professing  people  afFord : yet  none  except  his  enemies  will 
make  this  use  of  them ; and  the  open  confessions  of  the  pend- 
ent offenders,  their  future  holy  conduct,  the  severe  correc- 
tions which  they  experience,  and  their  patience  under  them, 
*dU  manifest  the  equity  and  purity,  as  weK  as  the  mercy  of 
( 556  ) 


name  was  cTamar ; and  Amnon  the  son  of  David 
dloved  her. 

2 And  Amnon  was  so  'vexed,  that  he  fell  sick 
(or  his  sister  Tamar;  for  she  was  a virgin  : and 
’Amnon  thought  it  hard  for  him  to  do  any  thing 
to  her. 

3 But  Amnon  had  f a friend,  whose  name  was 
Jonadab  the  son  of  eShimeah,  David’s  brother: 
and  Jonadab  was  a very  hsubtle  man. 

38;  1,20.  J.dg.  14:20.  E«th . 5: 10, 1 4^ 6;  13.  Pror.  19:6.  g 32.  1 Sura.  16:9. 
Shammah.  h 14:2,19,20.  Get).  3:1.  Jer.  4:22.  1 Cor.  3:19.  Jam.  3:15. 


God,  in  pardoning  their  offences f and  will  mark  an  essential 
difference,  of  habitual  character  and  disposition , between  them 
and  unhumbled  sinners  of  every  description.  (Notes,  Rom.  T. 
13—18.) 

V.  15 — 31.  The  Lord  often  causes  his  offending  people  to 
read  their  sins  in  their  punishment;  he  puts  them  to  open 
shame  for  their  secret  offences  ; and,  by  the  sufferings  of  those 
whom  they  most  tenderly  love,  he  fills  their  hearts  with  the 
keenest  anguish.  Under  such  rebukes  they  will  be  led  to 
deeper  and  deeper  humiliation,  to  chasten  themselves  with 
fasting,  and  to  pour  out  more  fervent  and  incessant  prayers ; 
and  especially  for  those  who  are  suffering  on  their  account, 
and  are  unable  to  pray  for  themselves.  Yet,  the  same  prin- 
ciples will  teach  them  to  moderate  their  sorrows  for  those  be- 
loved objects,  whom  God  has  taken  from  them,  and  to  prepare 
diligently  to  follow  them : and  nothing  should  induce  them  to 
neglect  their  present  duty.  After  the  same  manner,  as  long 
as  life  lasts,  let  the  discouraged  sinner  seek  the  Lord,  humble 
himself,  and  pour  out  his  prayers  before  him  ; if  only  able  to 
3ay, 44  Who  knoweth  if  God  will  be  gracious  to  me  !” — Those, 
who  are  ignorant  of  the  divine  life,  cannot  comprehend  the 
reasons  of  a believer’s  conduct  in  his  varied  experiences  : they 
mistake  deep  humility  and  fervent  prayer,  for  impatience  and 
an  inordinate  love  to  created  objects ; acquiescence  in  the 
Lord’s  will,  and. cheerful  gratitude  under  sharp  trials,  will  be 
deemed  indifference  and  apathy  ; and  in  a thousand  different 
ways  they  will  show  their  incapacity  to  judge  of  the  consist- 
ency and  reasons  of  his  behaviour.  (Notes,  Acts  1G:1 — 5. 
P.  O.  1 Cor.  2:10 — 16.)  But  God  accepts  those  services 
which  man  censures : a humble,  submissive  spirit  prepares 
the  way  for  divine  consolations,  notwithstanding  former 
crimes  ; and  we  should  encourage  the  desponding  hearts  of  our 
fellow-sinners,  with  the  comforts  which  the  Lord  has  gra- 
ciously afforded  us  : and  when  the  heart  is  thus  prepared,  the 
message  of  the  minister  will  again  be  peace  and  joy. — Our 
prayers  for  our  children  are  graciously  answered,  if  some  of 
them  die  in  their  tender  infancy,  (for  they  are  well  taken  care 
of,)  and  the  others  live  44  beloved  of  the  Lord.” — Vengeance 
will  in  due  season  overtake  the  persecutors  and  abusers  of 
God’s  people  and  ministers ; and  in  their  severest  sufferings 
He  will  be  righteous,  though  the  instruments  should  bo  un- 
reasonably and  iniquitously  severe. — In  proportion  as  we  lose 
sight  of  the  honour  that  cometh  from  God,  we  become  ambi- 
tious and  vain  of  worldly  distinctions:  (Note,  2 Kings  20:12 — 
19.)  and  we  are  most  compassionate,  kind,  and  forgiving  to 
our  fbllow-sinners,  when  we  most  feel  our  need  of  the  Lord’s 
forgiving  love  to  our  own  souls,  and  experience  the  comfort  of 
it. — Finally,  in  whatever  service  the  Lord  may  please  toern 
ploy  us,  may  we,  (as  Joab  Vvith  David,)  execute  his  will 
faithfully,  and  then  give  him  the  whole  glory  without  any 
reserve. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XIII.  V.  I,  2.  Nathan’s  word  be- 
gan to  take  effect  not  very  long  after  it  was  delivered.  (Notes. 
12:10 — 12.) — David  seems  to  have  been  far  too  indulgent  of 
his  children  : probably,  their  mothers  had  a great  share  in 
their  education,  and  some  of  these  instilled  into  them  bad 
principles;  indeed  these  are  the  natural  effects  of  polygamy. 
Yet  his  sons  had  been  restrained  from  open  wickedness,  by 
his  example,  influence,  and  occasional  instructions,  until  he 
had  committed  those  crimes  which  have  been  considered. 
But  notwithstanding  David’s  repentance,  they,  now  grown  up, 
would  naturally  consider  that  his  conduct  gave  some  license 
to  their  youthful  inclinations,  and  conclude  that  he  could  not 
greatly  censure  them,  after  he  had  set  them  such  an  example. 
Thus  he  might  clearly  trace  the  sins  of  his  children  from  hia 
own  misconduct,  and  this  would  increase  the  anguish  of  the 
chastisement. — Tamar  was  Amnon’s  sister,  as  the  daughter 
of  David,  hut  of  another  mother.  (Note,  3:2 — 5.)  If  Amnon 
had  not  been  secrecy  habituated  to  vice,  he  surely  never  could, 
in  the  first  instance,  have  yielded  to  so  unnatural  a passion  ! 
(Note,  Jav.  18:6 — 17.)  By  gazing  upon  Tamar’s  beauty  his 
concupiscence  was  excited,  and,  being  indulged,  it  gained  an 
entire  ascendency.  (Notes,  11:1 — 5.  Matt.  5:27,28.)  He 
was  not.  restrained  from  attempting  to  accomplish  his  base 
purpose  by  the  fear  of  God  ; by  conscience,  shame,  regard 
to  the  peace  or  favour  of  his  father,  or  to  the  reputation, 
virtue,  or  comfort,  of  Tamar  ; or  by  any  foresight  of  evil  rorv 
sequences:  but,  because  of  her  modesty,  and  the  care  which 
was  taken  of  her,  lie  could  not  find  an  opportunity  of  getting 
her  into  his  power.  His  passion  therefore  preyed  upon  his 
spirits,  and  impaired  his  health.  (Notes,  Cant  L 8.  2 Cor . 
7:9—11.) 

V 3,  4.  Amnon  deemed  Jonadab  his  friend,  tfatoso  ho 


B.  C.  1032. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


B.  C.  1032 


4 And  he  said  -into  him,  'Why  art  thou,  being 
the  king’s  son,  ' lean  'from  day  to  day  ? wilt  thou 
not  tell  me ? And  Amnon  said  unto  him,  kI  love 
Tamar,  !my  brother  Absalom’s  sister. 

5 And  Jonadab  said  unto  him,  mLay  thee  down 
on  thy  bed,  and  make  thyself  sick  : and  when  thy 
father  cometh  to  see  thee,  say  unto  him,  I pray 
thee,  let  my  sister  Tamar  come,  and  give  me 
meat,  and  dress  the  meat  in  my  sight,  that  I may 
see  it,  and  eat  it  at  her  hand. 

6 it  So  Amnon  '.ay  down,  and  made  himself  sick : 
and  when  the  king  was  come  to  see  him,  Amnon 
said  unto  the  king,  I pray  thee,  let  Tamar  my 
sister  come  and  "make  me  a couple  of  cakes  in  my 
sight,  that  I may  eat  at  her  hand. 

7 Then  David  sent  home  to  Tamar,  saying, 
Go  now  to  thy  brother  Amnon’s  house,  and  dress 
him  meat. 

8 So  Tamar  went  to  her  brother  Amnon’s 
house;  and  he  was  laid  down.  And  she  took 
tflour,  and  kneaded  it,  and  made  cakes  in  his 
sight,  and  did  bake  the  cakes. 

9 And  she  took  a pan,  and  poured  them  out 
before  him,  but  he  refused  to  eat.  "And  Amnon 
said,  Have  out  all  men  from  me:  and  they  went 
out  every  man  from  him. 

10  And  Amnon  said  unto  Tamar,  Bring  the 
meat  into  the  chamber,  that  I may  eat  of  thine 
hand.  And  Tamar  took  the  cakes  which  she 
had  made,  and  brought  them  into  the  chamber 
to  Amnon  her  brother. 

1 1 And  when  she  had  brought  them  unto  him 
to  eat,  he  took  hold  of  her,  and  said  unto  her, 
pCome,  lie  with  me,  my  sister. 

12  And  she  answered  him,  Nay,  my  brother, 
do  not  Sforce  me ; for  "no  such  thing  ought  to  be 
done  in  Israel : do  not  thou  this  ‘‘folly. 

13  And  I,  whither  shall  I cause  my  shame  to 

1 Kings  21:7.  Esth.  5:13,14.  Luke  12:32.  * Heb.  thin,  t Heb.  morning  by 
Homing,  k la.  3:9.  Jer.8:12.  Mic.7:3.  1 Lev.  18:9.  20:17.  m 16:21 — 23.  17: 
1—4.  Ps.  50:18,19.  Prov.  19:27.  Mark  6 24,25.  Acts23.15.  n Gen.  18:6.  Matt. 
13:33.  J Or,  paste.  o Gen.  45:1.  Judg.  3:19.  John  3:20.  p Gen.  39:7,12.  § Heb. 
humble.  Geu.34:2.  Dent.  22:29.  ||  Heb.  it  ouzht  mt  so  to  be  done . Lev.  18:9. 
20:17.  q Gen.  34:7.  Judg.  13:23.  20  6.  Prov.  7:7.  r Gen.  19:8.  Judg.  19:24.  s 12: 
ll.  Deut.  22:25— 27.  Judg.  20:5.  Esth.7:8.  t Ez.  23:17.  I* 1  Heb.  with  great  hatred 


was  his  flatterer,  and  the  caterer  for  his  lusts.  He  was  “ a 
very  subtle  man;”  (Notes,  32,33.  16:20 — 23.  Gen.  3:1.) 

ore  very  sagacious,  as  to  this  present  world  : or  rather,  a very 
n-afty  courtier,  who  readily  discerned  the  inclinations  of  his 
iperiors,  and  was  very  ingenious  in  devising  means  for  the 
gratification  of  them.  Observing  Amnon  to  look  more  and 
more  languid  one  day  after  another,  he  suspected  the  cause, 
and  intimated  to  him  that  a person  of  his  rank  might  obtain 
his  desires  if  he  went  about  it : and  thus  he  drew  from  him 
the  shameful  secret.  Had  he  not  interposed,  probably 
Amnon’s  passion  might  have  been  suppressed,  and  at  length 
supplanted  by  an  afiection  for  some  other  object.  (Notes, 
1 .firings  21:4 — 7.)  But  when  Jonadab  understood  the  state 
of  his  mind,  he  speedily  put  him  in  a way  of  obtaining  his 
wishes.  Amnon  was  the  heir-apparent  of  the  crown  : David 
was  growing  old,  and  probably  showed  Jonadab  but  little 
favour  though  he  was  his  nephew;  being  the  son  of  David’s 
brother  Shimeah,  called  also  Shaminah,  and  Shimma.  (32. 

1 Sam.  16:9.  1 Chr.  2:13.)  He  therefore  paid  court  to 
Amnon ; and  supposed  that  his  rank  and  authority  would 
bear  him  out  in  any  crime,  which  he  was  disposed  to  commit. 

V.  5 — 14.  This  plot  was  laid  very  artfully.  Amnon’s 
sickly  looks  gave  plausibility  to  his  pretended  illness : 
David’s  tender  affection  to  his  children  was  well  known  : 
persons,  who  have  been  accustomed  to  indulgence,  are  natu- 
rally whimsical  in  their  diet  when  sick  : David  would  be 
sure  to  visit  Amnon,  and  be  disposed  to  humour  him  in  every 
thing,  and  would  not  at  all  suspect  so  base  a design  concealed 
under  his  request : and  thus  he  would  readily  obtain  David’s 
cjnsent  to  Tamar’s  coming  to  him.  Nor  could  she  have 
any  suspicion  of  suet  horrid  villany  from  one,  who  seemed 
-ery  ill  and  in  danger  of  death:  but  when  he  commanded  all 
to  leave  the  room,  whilst  he  ate  of  her  cakes,  she  might  very 
justly  have  apprehended  some  bad  design. — Tamar’s  skill  and 
readiness  in  such  ordinary  employments,  though  a king’s 
daughter ; her  compassionate  attention  to  her  half-brother ; 
and  all  her  answers  and  behaviour,  are  suited  to  give  us  a 
very  favourable  opinion  of  her  character.  She  pleaded  that 
he,  as  her  brother,  ought  to  protect,  her,  instead  of  injuring 
her  ; that  such  behaviour  was  peculiarly  foolish  and  wicked 
in  an  Israelite  ; that  it  would  forever  disgrace  and  ruin  her  ; 
and  would  expose  him  to  scorn  and  hatred,  as  one  of  the  most 
abandoned  of  men.  (Marg.  Ref.  p — r.)  Her  proposal  to 
him,  to  ask  her  of  the  king,  who  would  rather  allow  him  to 
marry  her,  than  leave  him  to  die  of  his  sickness,  was 
•ubtless  solely  meant  to  prevent  present  violence  ; for  she 


go  ? anti  as  for  thee,  thou  shalt  Ic  as  one  of  the 
tools  in  Israel.  rNow  therefore,  I pray  thee,  speak 
unto  the  king ; for  he  will  not  withhold  me  from 
thee. 

14  Howbeit  he  would  not  hearken  unto  her 

voice ; but,  being  stronger  than  she,  "forced  her, 
and  lay  with  her.  [Practical  observations.] 

15  Then  Amnon  ‘hated  her  ''exceedingly;  so 
that  the  hatred  ^herewith  he  hated  her  was 
greater  than  the  love  wherewith  he  had  loved 
her:  and  Amnon  said  unto  her,  Arise,  be  gone. 

16  And  she  said  unto  him,  There  is  no  cause ; 
this  evil  in  sending  me  away  is  greater  than  the 
other  that  thou  didst  unto  me  : but  he  would  ni  t 
hearken  unto  her. 

17  Then  he  called  his  servant  that  ministered 
unto  him,  and  said,  Put  now  this  woman  out  from 
me,  and  bolt  the  door  after  her. 

18  And  she  had  “a  garment  of  divers  colours 
upon  her : for  with  such  rohes  were  the  king’s 
daughters  that  were  virgins  apparelled.  Then 
his  servant  brought  her  out,  and  bolted  the  door 
after  her. 

19  And  Tamar  *put  ashes  on  her  head,  and  rent 
her  garment  of  divers  colours  that  teas  on  her,  and 
xlaid  her  hand  on  her  head,  and  went  on  crying. 

20  And  Absalom  her  brother  said  unto  her, 
Hath  "Amnon  thy  brother  been  with  thee  ? ‘but 
hold  now  thy  peace,  my  sister : he  is  thy  brother ; 
"regard  not  this  thing.  So  Tamar  remained 
"desolate  in  her  brother  Absalom’s  house. 

21  But  when  king  David  heard  of  all  these 
things,  ahe  was  very  wroth. 

22  11  And  Absalom  bspake  unto  his  brother 
Amnon  "neither  good  nor  bad : for  Absalom  dhated 
Amnon,  because  he  had  forced  his  sister  Tamar. 
r.  c.  a 23  And  it  came  to  pass  after  two  full 
io3o.  J yearSj  that  Absalom  had  'sheep-shearers  in 


greatly,  u Gen.  37:3,32.  Judg.  5:30.  Ps.  45:14.  x 1:2.  Josh.  7:6.  Job  2:12. 
42:6.  y Jer.  2:37.  ••  Heb.  Aminon.  z Prov.  26:24.  Rom.  12:19.  tt  Heb.  set 
not  thini  heart  on.  tt  Heb.  and  desolate.  Gen.  34:2.  46:15.  a 3:28,29.  12:5,10. 
Gen.  34:7.  1 Sam.  2 22— 25,29.  I r.  101:8.  b Lev.  19:17,18.  Prov.  25:9.  Mn’.l. 
18:15.  c Gen.  24:50  . 31:29.  d Prov.  10:18.  25:24.  27:4— 6.  Ec.  7:9.  Eph.  4;26, 
31.  1 John  3:15.  e Gen.  38:12,13.  1 Snm.  25:2,4,36.  2 Kings  3:4.  2 Chr.  26:10. 


knew  that  David  would  afterwards  protect  her.  (Note,  Gen. 
19:6 — 9.)  And  it  is  probable,  that  she  accompanied  her 
complaints  and  expostulations  with  unavailing  outcries,  whicn 
Amnon’s  domestics  doubtless  disregarded:  for  she  seems  to 
have  been  entirely  free  from  blame  in  the  scandalous  trans- 
action. 

V.  15 — 18.  The  determined  language  and  conduct  o, 
Tamar,  probably  joined  with  sharp  reproaches,  so  irritated 
Amnon,  that  his  licentious  love  was  at  once  changed  into  the 
most  vehement  hatred:  and  without  regarding  her  remon- 
strances, he  ordered  her  to  be  turned  out  of  doors,  with  every 
circumstance  of  aversion  and  abhorrence,  ‘as  if  she  had  been 
an  infamous  intruder.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Note,  Gen.  39:13 — 16.) 
This  was  doubtless  additional  and  most  malignant  ill  usage, 
and  tended  to  publish  her  disgrace,  which  might  otherwise 
have  been  concealed  : but  we  must  attribute  it  to  the  confu- 
sion and  distress  of  her  mind,  that  she  stated  this  to  be  the 
greater  injury  ; unless  she  supposed  that,  in  so  singular  a 
case,  he  might  and  ought  to  have  married  her. 

V.  19,  20.  Tamar  went  home  in  the  manner,  and  with  af 
the  gestures  of  an  inconsolable  mourner.  (Marg.  Ref.) 
Doubtless  her  mind  was  filled  with  extreme  anguish  ; but 
perhaps  she  meant  also  thus  to  protest,  that  though  unfortu- 
nate, she  was  not  criminal.  Absalom  dissembled  his  deep 
and  implacable  resentment,  and  persuaded  her  to  compose 
her  mind,  and  not  further  to  expose  the  shame  of  her  family. — 
It  seems  that  Tamar  not  only  shunned  society  at  the  time  ; 
hut  also  lived  all  her  days  a single  and  retired  life.  (Note, 
Gen.  34:31.) 

V.  21.  Amnon’s  incest  was  an  express  violation  of  the 
divine  law;  and  to  one  prohibition  it  is  added,  “they  shall  be 
cut  off;. ..he  shall  bear  his  iniquity.”  (Lev.  18:9.  20:1 7. ) 
Yet  the  magistrate  was  not  explicitly  commanded  to  put  the 
offender  to  death.  Neither  was  it  enjoined,  that  he  who 
forced  a woman  should  be  put  to  death,  unless  she  was  be- 
trothed ; because  otherwise  he  would  have  been  obliged  to 
marry  her.  ( Notes,  Ex.  22:16,17.  Deut.  22:22 — 27.)  Per- 
haps these  circumstances,  united  with  David’s  excess. ve 
paternal  tenderness,  especially  to  his  eldest  son,  and  with  the 
consciousness  of  his  pwn  guilt,  to  satisfy  his  mind  in  leaving 
Amnon  to  the  judgment  of  God,  without  inflicting  any  punish- 
ment upon  him.  But  certainly  he  ought  to  have  manifested 
his  displeasure  in  some  very  decided  rnapner;  and  this  com- 
plication of  crimes  would  have  justified  the  severest  punisit 
ment : but  as  he  neglected  his  duty,  the  Lord  afterwards  took 
vengeance  on  Amnon,  in  a way  which  added  st.ll  more  to 
( 557  ) 


B.  C.  ll  27. 


II.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1027. 


Baal-lia7or,  which  is  beside  Ephraim:  and  Absa- 
om  f invited  all  the  king’s  sons. 

24  And  Absalom  came  to  the  king,  and  said, 
Behold  now,  thy  servant  hath  sheep-shearers: 
•let  the  king,  I beseech  thee,  and  his  servants  go 
with  thy  servant. 

25  And  the  king  said  to  Absalom,  Nay,  my  son, 
let  us  not  all  now  go,  lest  we  be  chargeable  unto 
thee.  And  he  hpressed  him:  howbeit  he  would 
not  go,  but  'blessed  him. 

26  Then  said  Absalom,  If  not,  I pray  thee,  klet 
my  brother  Amnon  go  with  us.  And  the  king 
said  unto  him,  Why  should  he  go  with  thee  ? 

27  But  Absalom  pressed  him,  thAt  he  let  Amnon 
and  all  the  king’s  sons  go  with  him. 

28  H Now  Absalom  had 'commanded  his  servants, 
saying,  Mark  ye  now  when  Amnon’s  raheart  is 
merry  with  wine,  and  when  I say  unto  you,  Smite 
Amnon;  then  kill  him,  "fear  not:  'have  not  I com- 
manded you?  be  courageous,  and  be  tvaliant. 

29  And  the  "servants  of  Absalom  did  unto 
Amnon  as  Absalom  had  commanded.  Then  all  the 
king’s  sons  arose,  and  every  man  *gat  him  up 
upon  his  Hnule  and  fled. 

30  It  And  it  came  to  pass,  while  they  were  in  the 
way,  that  tidings  came  to  David,  saying,  Absalom 
hath  slain  all  the  king’s  sons,  and  there  is  not  one 
of  them  left. 

31  Then  the  king^arose,  and  tare  his  garments 
and  lay  on  the  earth ; and  rali  his  servants  stood 
by  with  their  clothes  rent. 


f 1 Kings  1:9,19, 25.  g 11:8-15.  Ps.  12:2.  55:21.  Jer.  41:6,7.  hGen.l9:2,3. 

Jude.  16:7—10.  Luke  14:23.24:29.  Acts  16:15.  i 14:22.  marg.  Ruth  2:4.  k 3: 
27.  11:13— 15.20:9.  Ps.  55:21.  Prov.  26:24,25.  111:15.  Ex.  1:16,17.  1 Sam. 
22:17,18.  Acts  5:29.  m II : 13.  Gen.  9:21.  19:32— 35.  Judg.  19:6,22.  1 Sam.  25: 
»S—  38.  1 Kings  20: 16.  Esth.  1:10.  Dan.  5:2— C, 30.  Nah.lrlO.  Luke21:34. 
n Num,  22:16,17.  I .Sam.  28: 10,13.  * Or,  Will  you  not,  since  I have  com- 

manded. you 1 Josh.  1:9.  t Heb.  sons  of  valour,  o 1 Sam.  22: 18,19.  1 Kings 
2t:Il — 13.  2 Kings  1:9 — 12.  Prov.  29:12.  Mic.  7:3.  } Heb .rode,  p 18:9.  Gen. 


David’s  domestic  trials.  ( Notes , 22 — 33.  1 Sam.  2:29 — 
34.) 

V.  22 — 29.  Absalom  harboured  the  deepest  resentment 
of  the  gross  affront  put  upon  himself,  and  the  irreparable 
injury  done  to  his  sister  : yet  for  two  years  he  concealed  his 
hatred  under  the  appearance  of  total  indifference!  (Notes, 
Gen.  27:41,42.  Prov.  2fi:2  i— 27.  Eph.  4:26,27.)  This 
imposed  on  Amnon,  who  on  that  very  account  ought  to  have 
been  more  afraid  of  him : at  length,  however,  Absalom 
deemed  matters  ripe  for  the  execution  of  his  determined  re- 
venge. According  to  the  custom  of  those  times,  having 
flocks  of  sheep,  and  making  a feast  when  they  were  shorn,  he 
formed  his  plot  upon  that  circumstance.  T o cover  his  design 

he  invited  his  father  with  all  his  attendants,  to  come  to  his 
feast,  sensible  that  from  prudential  reasons  he  would  decline 
the  invitation  : but  he  thus  obtained  his  approbation  to  Am- 
non's  going  with  the  rest  of  his  brethren  ; and  David  perhaps 
hoped  that  a reconciliation  between  them  would  be  thus 
effected  or  cemented.  Probably,  Absalom  was  urged  on  the 
more  resolutely  to  the  murder  of  his  brother,  because  he  was 
"the  next  heir  to  the  crown;  if  Chileab  were  dead,  as  it  is 
generally  supposed.  (3:3.)  His  atrocious  crime  was  greatly 
aggravated,  by  being  a breach  of  hospitality,  and  committed 
under  the.  mask  of  affection,  in  the  presence  of  his  brethren  ; 
and  by  his  father  being  drawn  in  unintentionally  to  be  acces- 
sary to  it.  He  involved  his  servants  also  in  the  guilt  of 
murder,  as  if  his  command  could  warrant  their  transgression 
of  God’s  law!  (Notes,  1 Sam.  28:9,10.  1 Kings  21:8 — 14.) 

He  took  the  rytportunity  of  killing  Amnon  when  he  was 
drunk,  or  nearly  so,  as  if  he  had  meant  to  murder  body  and 
soul  at  once:  and  his  servants,  without  hesitation,  punctually 
executed  his  most  iniquitous  command.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  22: 
17 — 19.) — His  mule.  (29)  Mules  seem  about  this  time  to 
have  come  greatly  into  use  among  the  superior  persons,  being 
substituted  in  the  place  of  asses : for  horses  were  still  little 
employed  in  Israel.  (Marg.  Ref.  p.)  Yet  the  breeding  of 
mules  was  a violation  of  the  divine  law.  (Lev.  19:19.) — 
Probably  they  were  imported. 

V.  32,  33.  It  cannot  be  supposed,  that  Absalom  would 
make  Jonadab  his  confidant ; but  being  a sagacious  man  he 
nad,  from  some  circumstances,  or  casual  expressions,  sus- 
pected his  malicious  intentions.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  3,  4.) 
ft  would,  however,  have  been  far  more  profitable  sagacity,  to 
have  foreseen  these  consequences,  and  to  have  forewarned 
Amnon,  before  he  had  perpetrated  the  crime  which  provoked 
this  fatal  revenge.  (Jer.  4:22.  Note,  Jer.  8:8,9.) 

V.  37 — 39.  (Notes,  Gen.  4:9 — 12.)  Absalom  fled  for 
refuge  to  the  court  of  his  mother’s  father;  (Marg.  Ref.  y :) 
and  there  he  continued  for  three  years:  and  David  so  far 
from  requiring  him  to  bo  delivered  up,  that  he  might  be  pun- 
ished according  to  the  law  of  God  ; after  a time  impatiently 
desired  to  recall  him,  and  to  be  reconciled  to  him.  In  this  he 
to»-  closely  copied  Eli’s  example  and  honoured  his  sons  more 
> 558  ) 


32  And  'Jonadab,  the  son  of  ‘Shlmeah.  David’s 
brother,  answered  and  said,  Let  not  my  Wd  sup- 

ose  that  they  have  slain  all  the  young  men  the 
ing’s  sons ; for  Amnon  only  is  dead  : for  by  the 
^appointment  of  Absalom  this  hath  been  "de- 
termined from  the  day  that  he  forced  his  sister 
Tamar. 

33  Now  therefore  “let  not  my  lord  the  king 
take  the  thing  to  his  heart,  to  think  that  all 
the  king’s  sons  are  dead:  for  Amnon  only  is 
dead. 

34  But  IAbsalom  fled.  And  the  young  man 
that  kept  the  watch  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  looked, 
and  behold,  there  came  much  people  by  the  way 
of  the  hill-side  behind  him. 

35  And  Jonadab  said  unto  the  king,  Behold, 
the  king’s  sons  come : ’’as  thy  servant  said,  so 
it  is. 

36  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  soon  as  he  had 
made  an  end  of  speaking,  that  behold,  the  king’s 
sons  came,  and  lifted  up  their  voice  and  wept: 
and  the  king  also  and  all  his  servants  wept  "verv 
sore. 

37  But  Absalom  fled,  and  went  to  ’Talmai,  the 
son  of  'tAmmihud,  king  of  Geshur.  And  David 
mourned  for  his  son  every  day. 

38  So  Absalom  fled,  and  went  to  ’Gesliur,  and 
was  there  three  years. 

39  And  Hhe  soul  of  king  David  ^longed  to  go 
forth  unto  Absalom  : for  he  was  bcomforted  con- 
cerning Amnon,  seeing  he  was  dead. 


36:24.  Lev.  19:19.  I Kings  1:33.  q 12:16.  Gen.  37:29,34.  Josh.  7 6.  Job  1:20. 
r 1:11.3:31.  s 3 — 5.  t 1 Sam.  16:9.  Shammah.  § Heb.  mut h.  II  Or,  set- 
tled. Gen.  27:41.  Ps.7:I4.  Prov.  24:11, 12. • u 19:19.  x 38.  Gen.  4 8— 14 
Prov.  28:17.  Jer.  48:44.  Am.  5:19.  U Heb.  according  to  the  word  of  thy  ser- 
vant. **  Heb.  with  a great  weeping  greatly.  15.  marg.  12:21.  18:33.  y 3:3. 
1 Chr.  3:2.  ft  Or,  Ammihur.  z 14:23,32.  15:8.  a Gen.  31:30.  I’eut.  28:32. 
Phil.  2:26.  Or,  was  consumed.  Ps.  84:2.  119:20.  b 12:23.  Gen.  24:67.  37: 
35.  38:12. 


than  God  ; ( Note , 1 Sam.  2:29.)  who  therefore  made  them 
his  scourges,  and  then  punished  them  himself.  David’s  sons 
however  were  not  priests , and  so  did  not  disgrace  the  sanctu- 
ary : he  could  not  have  proceeded  against  Absalom,  without 
condemning  him  to  die;  as  Eli  might  have  done  against  his 
sons  : and  David’s  own  blood-guiltiness,  too  much  resembling 
Absalom’s,  (in  that  he  murdered  Uriah  under  the  guise  of 
friendship  by  the  hand  of  others,  after  having  previously 
tempted  him  to  drunkenness,)  might  tend  to  enervate  his 
resolution  and  dispose  him  to  lenity.  (Notes,  11:12 — 17.) 
These  considerations  may  account  for  his  conduct,  but  they 
by  no  means  excuse  it. — Absalom’s  servants  fled  with  him, 
and  thus  escaped  the  doom  which  they  merited,  and  so  were 
reserved  for  further  mischief.  (14:30.  15:10.) 

Mourned  for  his  son.  (37)  Absalom  seems  here  exclusively 
intended  ; for  David  was  comforted  for  44  Amnon  who  was 
buried  privately,  as  it  appears  ; and  not,  as  Abner  had  been, 
with  any  public  honour.  (Notes,  3:33 — 39.)  Amnon’s  base 
conduct  had,  it  may  well  be  supposed,  rendered  him  unpopu- 
lar : and  an  honourable  interment  would  have  been  a strong 
protest  against  Absalom’s  crimes,  which  David  was  not  dis- 
posed to  enter. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 14.  The  judgments  of  God  upon  those,  who  are 
finally  saved,  may  be  so  terrible,  variod,  and  continued,  as 
effectually  to  proclaim  his  abhorrence  of  their  crimes  ; and 
no  reflecting  person,  with  these  records  before  his  eyes,  would 
venture  to  commit  iniquity,  even  if  he  could  he  sure  to  escape 
eternal  misery  ; any  more  than  a man  would,  for  a trifling 
advantage,  throw  himself  from  a precipice  and  break  his  hones 
if  he  could  be  assured  that  his  life  would  be  preserved  ; for 
he  would  be  sensible,  that  he  must  suffer  immense  pain,  am 
probably  be  a cripple  all  his  days. — The  Lord  overrules  the 
wickedness  of  men,  (while  they  are  hurried  on  by  their  own 
lusts  and  Satan’s  temptations,)  to  accomplish  his  holy  and 
righteous  purposes.’'— External  accomplishments  arc  generally 
a detriment  to  the  possessors,  and  a temptation  to  others 
none  therefore  ought  to  he  vain  of  them,  or  to  regret  the  wan/ 
of  them. — So  depraved  is  the  human  heart,  that  even  natura. 
affection  may  degenerate  into  licentiousness  : and  the  inter- 
course even  between  near  relations  should  be  conducted  with 
caution  and  prudence,  that  no  opportunity  may  be  given  to 
those  who  are  disposed  fo  commit  iniquity. — What  men  dignify 
with  the  name  of  /ore,  is  commonly  a base  sensual  inclination, 
entire  selfishness,  which  triumphs  over  conscience  and  the  fear 
of  God,  and  without  pity  consigns  its  object  to  irreparable  dis- 
grace and  misery,  for  the  sake  of  a momentary  gratification  ! 
How  different  from  that  love,  which  the  law  of  God  commands  ' 
yea,  how  contrary  to  it ! — Men’s  domineering  lusts,  when  re 
strained  by  external  hinderances,  become  their  tormentors, 
drink  up  their  spirits,  and  disorder  their  bodies  ; and  probably 
the  fury  of  sinful  passions,  without  any  possibility  of  gratifica- 
tion, will  form  ono  dreadful  part  of  the  misery  of  the  damned 


B.  C.  1027. 


CHAPTER  XIY. 


B.  C.  1027 


CHAPTER  XIY. 

Joai>  instructs  a woman  of  Tekoah , and  sends  her  to  David , 1 — 3.  With  a 
f signed  tale  and  artful  management  she  induces  him  to  recall  Absalom, A — 30. 
Joab  is  sent  to  bring  him  to  Jerusalem  ; yet  he  is  not  allowed  to  see  the  king , 
21 — 24.  His  beautu,  25,  26.  His  children.  27.  After  two  years , he  prevails 
with  Joab  to  introduce  him  to  David,  28—33. 

NOW  “Joab  the  son  of  Zeruiah  perceived  that 
the  king’s  heart  was  Howard  Absalom. 

2  And  Joab  sent  cto  Tekoah,  and  fetched  thence 
a wise  woman,  and  said  unto  her,  I pray  thee 
feign  thyself  to  be  a mourner,  and  put  on  now 
‘‘mourning  apparel,  and  anoint  not  thyself  with  oil, 
but  be  as  a woman  that  had  a long  time  mourned 
for  the  dead : 

3  And  come  to  the  king,  and  speak  on  this 
manner  unto  him.  So  Joab'put  the  words  in  her 
mouth. 

4  ^1  And  when  the  woman  of  Tekoah  spake  to 
the  king,  she  r fell  on  her  face  to  the  ground,  and 
did  obeisance,  and  said,  'Help,  0 king. 

5  And  the  king  said  unto  her,  What  aileth 
thee?  And  she  answered,  *1  am  indeed  a widow 
woman,  and  my  husband  is  dead. 

a 2:18.  1 f 'hr.  2: 16.  Ii  13:39.  18:33.  19:9,4.  Pro..  29:26.  c2  Chr.  11:6.  20:20. 
Neh.  3:5,27.  Jer.  6:1.  Am.  1:1.  Teko  >h.  tl  11:26.  Ruth  3:3.  Ps.  104:15.  Ec. 
9:8.  Mall.  6.17.  e 19.  Ex.  4:15.  Num.  23:5.  I tut.  18: 18.  Is.  51 :16.  59:21.  Jer. 
1:9.  f 1:2.  1 Sain.  20:41.  23.23.  • Heb.  save.  2 Kings  6:26— 28.  Job  29:12—14. 
Luke  18:3-5.  g 12:1—3.  JuJg.  9:8— 15.  h Gen.  4:8.  Ex.  2:13.  Deut.  22:26,27. 

let  the  tremendous  thought  lend  every  reader  to  seek  the  mor- 
tification of  them,  that  by  the  grace  of  God  they  may  be  extir- 
pated from  his  heart. — Who  can  conceive,  what  the  state  of 
his  world  would  be,  if  every  sinner’s  power  was  equal  to  his 
inclination,  for  the  commission  .f  wickedness? — If  indulged 
melancholy  be  improper  for  those,  who  possess  eminent  sta- 
tions and  great  affluence  in  this  world  ; how  inconsistent  is  it 
with  the  profession,  privileges,  and  prospects  of  the  children 
of  God  1 and  if  they  are  “ lean  from  day  to  day”  in  their 
souls,  it  is  commonly  the  effect  of  yielding  to  sloth  and 
worldly  affections. — When  iniquity  is  conceived  in  the  heart, 
ill  the  powers  of  the  understanding  will  be  employed  in  devis- 
ing how  to  effect  it;  and  even  sickness  will  not  always  be 
sufficient  to  take  men  off  even  for  the  time  from  licentious 
pursuits. — When  debauched  persons  occupy  exalted  stations, 
they  will  lie  attended  by  “ very  subtle  men,”  nearly  resembling 
Satan  ; sagacious  prompters,  and  crafty  advisers  in  iniquity  ! 
These  will  assist  them  in  overcoming  the  opposition  of  shame 
and  conscience  ; an  I encourage  them  lo  gratify  themselves, 
without  regarding  truth  or  justice,  or  the  interests  or  happiness 
of  others.  Such  are  deemed  and  treated  as  friends  ; but  the 
event  will  prove  them  to  have  been,  merely  for  their  own 
advantage,  the  most  destructive  enemies.— Many  violent,  but 
concealed,  evil  desires  would  be  exlinguishcd,  did  not  such 
prompters  discern  and  draw  forth  the  confession  of  them,  and 
contrive  the  method  of  gratification.  Such  plausible  villains 
know  how  to  take  advantage  of  the  affection,  candour, 
modesty,  and  unsuspecting  confidence,of  pious  persons,  for 
the  accomplishment  of  their  own  infamous  designs  : and  when 
iniquity  is  resolved  on,  a perfect  infatuation  takes  place,  and 
all  probable  or  certain  consequences  are  forgotten.— But  silent 
abhorrence  is  the  proper  censure  of  these  abominable  deeds 
of  darkness,  which  are  especially  horrible  under  the  light 
of  revelation  : even  ungodly  persons  will  execrate  those,  who 
perpetrate  such.outrages  against  common  decency : and  they 
will  appear  as  fools  and  reprobates  to  their  neighbours  in 
general ; notwithstanding  high  rank,  or  even  princely  or  royal 
dignity. 

V.  15 — 39.  Sensual  iov^  is  readily  changed  into  hatred, 
and  concupiscence  into  loathing : nor  can  it  reasonably  be 
expected,  that  those,  who  make  no  scruple  of  debauching  the 
persons  for  whom  they  pretend  affection , will  feel  any  remorse 
at  deserting  them  with  cruelty  and  disdain,  at  exposing  them 
to  shame  and  contempt,  or  at  leaving  them  to  all  the  horrors 
of  penury  or  prostitution.  Let  no  one  ever  expect  better 
treatment  from  those  who  are  capable  of  attempting  to 
seduce  them.— But  whatever  anguish  and  distress  may  result 
from  injuries  received,  nothing  will  eventually  harm  us  except 
our  own  iniquity : and  it  is  better  to  suffer  the  greatest  wrong , 
than  to  commit  the  least  sin , though  apparently  with  impunity 
and  without  rebuke. — It  is  every  one’s  duty  to  comfort  those 
who  are  in  distress  : and  generally  it  is  most  advisable  for 
injured  persons  to  be  quiet,  and  leave  their  cause  with  God. 

-When  less  atrocious  crimes  escape  punishment  from  man, 
more  and  greater  will  be  committed:  and  the  magistrate’s 
indignant  anger  against  heinous  offences  should  stimulate  him 
to  enforce  the  laws  without  respect  of  persons  : but  all  others 
must  learn  to  bear  every  injury  without  seeking  to  revenge 
themselves  ; and  if  mild  expostulations  and  prayers  will  not 
prevail,  they  must  quietly  leave  the  event  to  God. — Hatred 
and  revenge,  however,  possess  the  hearts  of  ungodly  men  : 
and  some  are  so  artful  and  malicious,  that  they  defer  their 
vengeance,  and  cover  it  with  the  appearance  of  affection,  till 
they  have  an  opportunity  of  executing  it  with  more  determined 
malignity. — Often  have  festive  interviews,  and  seasons  of 
sensual  indulgence,  been  the  chosen  scenes  for  assassinations 
uii  massacres  ; and  men  have  been  sent  into  the  eternal 


6 And  thy  handmaid  had  two  sons,  hand  they 
two  strove  together  in  the  field,  and  there  wai 
‘none  to  part  them,  but  the  one  smote  the  other, 
and  slew  him. 

7 And  behold,  ‘the  whole  family  is  risen  against 
thy  handmaid,  and  they  said,  Deliver  him  that 
smote  his  brother,  that  we  may  kill  him,  for  the 
life  of  his  brother  whom  he  slew ; and  we  wi. 
destroy  the  heir  also : and  kso  they  shall  'quench 
my  coal  which  is  left,  and  shall  not  leave  tc  my 
husband  neither  name  nor  remainder  tupon  the 
earth. 

8 And  the  king  said  unto  the  woman,  Go  to  thy 
house,  and  mI  will  give  charge  concerning  thee. 

9 And  the  woman  of  Tekoah  said  unto  the 
king,  My  lord,  O king,  “the  iniquity  be  on  me, 
and  on  my  father’s  house:  °and  the  king  and  his 
throne  be  guiltless. 

10  And  the  kinjj  said,  Whosoever  saith  aught 
unto  thee,  bring  him  tome, and  he  shall  not  touch 
thee  any  more. 

11  Then  said  she,  I pray  thee,  Piet  the  king 


t Heb.  no  deliverer  between  them.  i Gen.  4:14.  Num.  35:19.  Pent.  19:12. 
k Gen.  27:45.  Deut.  25:6.  121:17.  } Heb.  upon  the  face  of.  m 12:5,6.  16:4. 
Job  29:16.  Prov.  18:13.  Is.  11:3,4.  n Gen.  27: 13.  Matt.  27  25.  o 3:28  Num. 
35.33.  Deut.  21:1— 9.  1 Kings  2:33.  pGen.  14:22.  24:2,3.  31:50.  1 Sam.  20:42. 


world  from  the  midst  of  riot  and  excess  ! Such  is  human 
nature,  left  to  itself,  armed  with  power,  and  emboldened  by 
prosperity  : what  need  then  have  we  to  pray  for  converting 
grace,  and  to  be  satisfied,  in  our  inferior  stations  ! — No  crime 
is  so  great  or  evident  that  men  in  general  will  not  be  found 
daring  enough  to  commit,  in  order  to  please  their  superiors  : 
but  alas  ! their  command  will  not  bear  out  the  guilty  at  the 
day  of  judgment,  for  violating  the  law  of  God  ! — Evil  tidings 
are  generally  enhanced  : yet  the  imaginary  calamity  proves 
a real  alfliction  for  the  time,  and  may  serve  the  purpose  of  an 
humiliating  chastisement. — Children  are  always  uncertain 
comforts  : but  indulged  children  will  surely  prove  trials  to 
pious  parents,  whose  foolish  fondness  induces  them  to  neglect 
their  duty  to  God  : yet  parental  affection  can  scarcely  be  ex- 
tinguished by  any  degree  of  misconduct.  But  the  case  of 
parents  is  very  deplorable,  when  the  children  copy  their 
conduct  in  the  crimes  which  they  perpetrate  ; and  when  it  is 
nevertheless  their  duty  to  punish  them  with  great  severity  for 
those  very  imitations  ! Let  this  be  a warning  to  us,  to  watch 
and  pray  against  temptation,  lest  by  the  misconduct  of  ono 
unguarded  hour,  we  should  occasion  such  fatal  consequences 
to  our  offspring,  and  such  misery  to  ourselves  throughout  our 
future  lives.  And  let  us  not  covet  that  worldly  wisdom, 
which,  with  all  its  boasted  sagacity,  cannot  prevent  the  de- 
struction of  those  who  are  counselled  by  it : but  let  us  seek 
that  heavenly  wisdom,  which  safely  leads  the  possessor 
through  all  the  dangerous  paths  of  this  life,  to  the  perfect 
felicity  of  the  eternal  world. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XIV.  V.  1 — 3.  Joab  perceived  that 
David  greatly  desired  to  recall  Absalom  ; but  did  not  know 
how  to  do  it,  without,  disgracing  his  character  and  govern- 
ment : he  therefore  framed  a plausible  story,  and  employed 
an  ingenious  woman,  in  the  character  of  a disconsolate  widow, 
to  relate  it  to  him.  He  doubtless  intended  to  obtain  a conces- 
sion from  David,  that  in  some  possible  cases  the  punishment  of 
a murderer  might  be  dispensed  with  ; and  then  to  apply  it  to* 
the  case  of  Absalom.  Thus  he  hoped  to  ingratiate  himself 
with  both  parties,  with  the  king  and  the  next  heir  to  the 
crown  ; as  Absalom  would  be  now  considered.  Doubtless  he 
would  also  be  glad  to  increase  the  number  of  precedents  for 
the  impunity  of  murderers , as  he  lay  under  the  guilt  of  that 
crime  himself. 

V.6,  7.  ( Notes , 13:22 — 20.  Gen.  4:8.)  This  feigned  case 

was  widely  different  from  that  which  it  was  intended  to  repre- 
sent. It  was  indeed  stated  that  one  brother  had  been  slain 
by  the  other,  and  that  the  survivor,  a the  only  son  of  his 
mother  who  was  a widow,”  was  exposed  to  the  sentence  of 
the  law  ; but  David  had  many  other  sons  ; and  the  death  of 
Absalom  would  not  have  u quenched  his  coal  that  was  left,” 
or  deprived  him  of  the  comfort  of  children  to  succeed  him  in 
his  inheritance.  Absalom  had  not  slain  Amnon  in  sudden 
anger  and  hasty  striving,  when  they  were  alone ; but  in  de- 
liberate malice  and  revenge,  in  the  presence  of  his  brethren. 
There  was  no  malicious  prosecution  carrying  on  against 
Absalom  by  those  who  coveted  his  inheritance  : but  the  law 
of  God  demanded  his  death,  as  a satisfaction  to  justice,  and 
for  a salutary  example  to  all  others.  Had  the  case  been 
drawn  more  similar,  it  would  have  betrayed  the  design,  and 
defeated  Joab’s  purpose  : and  the  .state  of  David’s  heart  ren- 
dered it  unneccessary  to  be  very  exact : for  he  wanted,  not  a 
good  reason , but  a plausible  excuse  for  following  his  inclina- 
tions, as  Joab  well  knew. 

V.  8 — 11.  It  would  not  have  answered  the  intent  of  the 
woman,  or  of  Joab  her  prompter,  had  David  merely  engaged 
to  examine  into  the  case  : a present  absolute  decision  in  favour 
of  the  supposed  criminal  was  the  object.  The  woman  there- 
fore having  excited  David’s  compassion,  urged  he-  plea  with 
( h*9  ) 


B C.  1027. 


II.  SAMUEL.  B.  C.  1025. 


remember  the  Lord  thy  God,  that  ‘thou  wouldest 
uot  suffer  ithe  revengers  of  blood  to  destroy  any 
more,  lest  they  destroy  my  son.  And  he  said, 
rAs  the  Lord  liveth,  there  shall  "not  one  hair  of 
thy  son  fall  to  the  earth. 

12  Ttien  the  woman  said,  lLet  thy  handmaid, 
I pray  thee,  uspeak  one  word  unto  my  lord  the 
king.  And  he  said,  *Say  on. 

13  And  the  woman  said,  ^Wherefore  then  hast 
thou  thought  such  a thing  against  the  ‘people  of 
God  ? for  the  king  doth  speak  this  thing  as  one 
which  is  faulty,  ain  that  the  king  doth  not  fetch 
home  again  his  banished. 

14  For  b we  must  needs  die,  and  ore  c as  water 
spilt  on  the  ground,  which  cannot  be  gathered  up 
again  ; ^neither  doth  dGod  respect  any  person  : 
yet  doth  he  'devise  means,  that  his  banished  be 
not  expelled  from  him. 

15  Now  therefore  that  I am  come  to  speak  of 
this  thing  unto  my  lord  the  king,  it  is  because  the 
people  have  made  me  afraid  : and  thy  handmaid 
said,  I will  now  speak  unto  the  king ; it  may  be  that 
the  king  will  perform  the  request  of  his  handmaid. 

16  For  the  king  will  hear,  to  deliver  his  hand- 
maid out  of  the  hand  of  the  man  that  would 
destroy  me  and  my  son  together  out  of  the  in- 
heritance of  God. 

17  Then  thy  handmaid  said,  The  word  of  my 
lord  the  king  shall  now  be  ^comfortable : for  ( as 
an  angel  of  God,  so  is  my  lord  the  king  Ho 
^discern  good  and  bad:  therefore  the  Lord  thy 
God  will  be  with  thee. 

18  Then  the  king  answered  and  said  unto  the 


* Heb.  the  revenger  of  blood  do  not  multiply  to  destroy.  qNum.  35:19,27. 
Deut.  19:4-10.  Josh.  20:3-6.  r 1 Sam.  14:45.  28:10.  s 1 Kings  1:52.  Matt. 
10-30.  Acts  27:34.  t 1 Sam.  25:24.  u Gen.  18:27,32.  44:18.  Jer.  12:1.  x Acts 
28:1.  y 12:7.  1 Kings  20:40— 42.  Luke  7:42— 44 . 7.7:8.  Judg.  20:2.  a 13:37,38. 
b 11:25.  Job  30:23.  34:15.  Ec.  3:19,90.  9:5.  Heb.  9:27.  c Job  14:7— 12,14.  Pa. 
22:14.  79:3.  t Or , because  God  hath  not  taken  cuoay  his  life, hehath.  also  de- 
vised means , if  e.  d Deut.  10:17.  Job  34: 19.  Mott.  22:16.  Acts  10:34.  Rom. 2:11. 
1 Pet.  1:17.  e Ex. 21:13.  Num.  35:15,25,28.  } Heb.  for  rest.  f 20.  19:27. 

1 Sam.  29:9.  Fro*.  27:21 . 29:5.  § Heb.  to  hear.  g 1 Kings  3:9,28.  Job  6:30. 

1 Cor.  2:14,15.  marg.  Heb.  5:14.  h 1 Sam.  3:17,18.  Jer.  38:14,25.  i 3:27,29,34. 


great  earnestness  <nd  assured  him  that  she  was  so  satisfied 
of  the  goodness  of  the  cause,  that  she  was  willing  all  the  guilt, 
if  there  were  any,  should  rest  on  her  and  her  father’s  house, 
an  ! not  upon  David  or  his  kingdom.  Thus  she  engaged  for 
what  was  out  of  her  power;  (Note,  1 Sam.  26:9,10.)  for  the 
neglect  of  punishing  murder  would,  notwithstanding,  bring 
guilt  upon  both  king  and  people.  (Note,  Num.  35:31 — 34.)  She, 
liowever,  requested  him  to  “remember  the  Lord  his  God:” 
that  is,  to  give  her  the  security  of  an  oath,  that  he  would  spare 
and  protect  her  son ; and  he  was  prevailed  upon  to  grant  her 
unreasonable  demand.  In  this,  David  acted  more  according 
to  his  feelings  than  his  judgment,  and  was  very  precipitate. 
If  the  party  concerned  in  the  supposed  case  did  not  deserve 
to  die,  the  city  of  refuge  would  have  afforded  him  a safe  re- 
treat, and  a fair  trial : ( Note,  Jonh.  20:2 — G.)  and  if  he  merited 
death,  David  had  no  right  to  dispense  with  the  divine  law  by 
protecting  him  ; and  moreover  he  had  examined  no  other  wit- 
ness, than  one  interested  party  ! 

V.  13 — 17.  The  woman,  having  thus  far  carried  her  point, 
proceeded,  gradually  and  ambiguously,  to  apply  David’s  con- 
cession to  the  case  of  Absalom ; and  her  speech  was  most 
artfully  devised,  so  that  she  might  retract,  or  be  more  explicit, 
according  as  he  took  it.  She  intimated  that  the  king’s  seve- 
rity to  his  son  was  injurious  to  the  people  of  God  : and  that 
he  was  wanting  in  his  duty  to  the  kingdom,  in  delaying  to 
recall  him:  as  if  Absalom  had  been  so  excellent  a young  man, 
that  all  the  hopes  of  Israel  centered  in  him  1 She  repre- 
sented his  flight  to  Geshur  as  a banishment,  which  had  already 
been  too  severe  a punishment  of  his  offence.  She  pleaded 
the  certainty  of  death,  and  the  impossibility  of  recalling  the 
dead  to  life  again  ; by  which  she  would  either  insinuate  that 
Amnon  would  have  died  in  some  other  way,  if  Absalom  had 
not  slain  him ; or  that  the  punishment  of  Absalom  would  not 
bring  him  to  life  again  ; or  that,  as  David  himself  must  at 
length  die,  it  was  proper  that  Absalom  should  be  recalled  to 
succeed  him.  But  whatever  she  meant,  it  was  nothing  to 
the  purpose  : for  God  hath  commanded  the  death  of  the  mur- 
derer, which  exceedingly  tends  to  the  preservatio'  of  the  life 
of  man,  though  it  cannot  raise  the  dead  ; and  if  suen  an  argu- 
ment were  of  any  force,  no  malefactor  must  be  put  to  death! 

When  we  have  a mind  to  a thing,  all  reasons  seem  strong 
to  persuade,  us  to  it.’  Bp.  Patrick. — She  also  pleaded  the 
mercy  of  God,  m sparing,  and  readmitting  sinful  men  into 
is  presence  and  favour,  though  justly  banished  from  it ; in 
which  she  seems  to  have  referred  to  the  return  of  the  man- 
slayer  to  his  inheritance,  art  the  death  of  the  high-priest. — 
The  marginal  reading,  (14)  “because  God  hath  not  taken 
away  his  life,  he  hath  also,  &c.”  appears  to  bo  the  proper 
translation  ; and  it  is  intimated,  that  as  God  had  spared  Ab- 

c 560  ) 


woman,  ‘‘Hide  not  from  me,  I pray  thee,  the 
thing  that  I shall  ask  thee.  And  the  woman  said 
Let  my  lord  the  king  now  speak. 

19  And  the  king  said.  Is  not  the  hand  ‘of  Joal> 
with  thee  in  all  this  ? And  the  woman  answered 
and  said,  thy  soul  liveth,  my  lord  the  king, 
none  can  ‘turn  to  the  right  hand  or  to  the  left  from 
aught  thaf  my  lord  the  king  hath  spoken  : for  thy 
servant  Joah,  he  bade  me,  and  mhe  put  all  these 
words  in  the  mouth  of  thy  handmaid : 

20  To  "fetch  about  this  form  of  speech  hath 
thy  servant  Joab  done  this  thing : and  my  lord  is 
wise,  "according  to  the  wisdom  of  an  angel  of 
God,  Pto  know  all  things  that  are  in  the  earth. 

[ Practical  Observations. ] 

21  And  the  king  said  unto  Joah,  Behold  now, 
4l  have  done  this  thing : go  therelore,  bring  the 
young  man  Absalom  again. 

22  And  Joab  fell  to  the  ground  on  his  face,  and 
bowed  himself,  and  “thanked  the  king : and  Joab 
said,  To-day  thy  servant  knoweth  that  rI  have 
found  grace  in  thy  sight,  my  lord,  O king,  in  that 
the  king  hath  fulfilled  the  request  of  “his  servant. 

23  So  Joab  arose  and  went  to  "Geshur,  and 
brought  Absalom  to  Jerusalem. 

24  And  the  king  said,  Let  him  turn  to  his  own 
house,  and  ‘let  him  not  see  my  face.  So  Absalom 
returned  to  his  own  house,  and  saw  not  the  king’s 
face. 

25  ‘‘But  in  all  Israel  there  was  none  to  be  so 
much  praised  as  Absalom  for  his  beauty  : "from 
the  sole  of  his  foot  even  to  the  crown  of  his  head 
there  was  no  blemish  in  him. 


11:14,15.  1 Kings  2:5,6.  k 11:11.  1 Ram.  1:25.  17:55.  2H:3.  25:26  . 2 Kings  2:41 
1 Num.  20:17.  Deui.  5:32.  28:14.  Josh.  1:7.  Prov.  4:27.  m See  on  3.  Ex.  4: 
15.  r. uke  21:15.  n 5:23.  o 17.  Job 32:21 ,22.  Prov.  26:28.  23:5  pGen.3:5. 

Job  38: 16,  &c.  1 Cor.  8:1,9.  q 11.  1 Sam.  14:39.  Mark  6:96.  ||  Heh.  blessed. 
19:39.  Neh.  11:2.  Job  29:11.  31:20.  Prov.  31:23.  rGen.6:8.  Ex. 33:16,17. 

Ruth  2:2.  1 Sam.  20.3.  Or,  thr,.  s 3:3.  13:37.  t 28.  3:13.  Gen.  43:3.  Rev. 
22:4.  **  Heb.  And  as  Absalom  there  was  not  a beauti  ful  man  in  all  Israel  to 
praise  greatly.  1 Sam.  9:2.  16:7.  Prov.  31:30.  Mart.  23:27.  u Deut.  28:35.  Job 
2:7.  Is.  1:6.  Eph.  5:27. 


salom,  David  ought  to  pardon  him. — But  God  pardons  none 
who  are  impenitent ; nor  any,  to  the  dishonour  of  his  law  and 
justice,  or  to  the  encouragement  of  crimes,  and  the  injury  of 
others.  Perhaps  she  meant  (o  hint,  that  the  people  expressed 
their  dissalisfaction  with  Absalom’s  banishment  so  openly, 
that  they  made  her  afraid  of  an  insurrection : but  she  pur- 
posely so  confounded  the  feigned  cause  of  her  son,  with  the 
real  cause  of  Absalom,  that  part  of  her  address  is  obscure. 
While  however,  she  ventured  to  censure  David  for  not  grati- 
fying himself;  she  took  care  repeatedly  to  give  him  flattering 
commendations  for  his  wisdom  and  goodness,  which  in  such 
a cause  abundantly  compensated  for  the  ambiguity  of  her 
discourse,  and  the  weakness  of  her  arguments : (Nates,  Prov. 
26:28.  29:5.)  and  to  do  her  justice,  her  ingenuity  in  pleading 
so  bad  a cause  was  admirable.  ‘We  love  those  that  ad- 
mire us.’ 

V.  18—20.  (Notes,  3:26—39.  11:14—17.)  Even  when 
David  perceived,  and  the  woman  had  acknowledged,  the  drift 
of  her  discourse  ; she  seems  to  have  aimed  to  keep  up  the 
idea,  that  the  case  stated  was  real,  though  she  had  turned  the 
discourse  to  Absalom;  and  that  she  could  not  hope  the  king 
would  spare  her  son,  if  he  would  not  recall  his  own. — Her 
flattery  in  the  conclusion  was  very  great ; even  though  she 
meant  only  the  land  of  Israel,  and  not  the  whole  earth  : but  in 
fact,  David  was  not  at  this  time  giving  much  proof  of  his  wis- 
dom, as  the  event  showed ! 

V.  21,  22.  David  was  willing  to  suppose  that  his  oath,  to 
spare  tho  woman’s  son,  obliged  him  to  recall  Absalom,  who 
was  the  person  really  intended  ; though  he  could  not  but  per- 
ceive the  insufficiency  ofher  arguments,  and  the  disparity  of 
the  cases.  As  a favour  therefore  he  gave  Joab  permission  to 
fetch  home  Absalom;  and  Joab  appeared  as  thankful  to  the 
king  for  allotting  him  this  service,  as  if  the  most  expensive 
kindness  had  been  done  him.  There  was  much  of  the 
courtier  in  this  ; but  it  was  far  distant  from  godly  sincerity ! 

If  however  Joah  thought,  that  this  conduct  of  David  as  a 
pledge  of  reconciliation,  or  act  of  indemnity,  secured  him, 
as  a murderer,  from  punishment,  he  was  deceived : for  he 
was  at.  length  put  to  death  for  his  crimes,  and  that  by  David's 
counsel.  (Notes,  1 Kings  2:5,6,28 — 31.) 

Y.  24.  David  probably  meant  to  quid  his  own  conscience, 
and  to  silenco  the  censures  of  others,  or  to  show  his  abhor- 
rence of  murder,  by  laying  Absalom  under  some  tokens  of 
disgrace,  and  by  denying  himself  the  pleasure  of  seeing  him. 
This  might  also  bo  intended  to  humble  Absalom : but  it  en- 
tirely failed  of  producing  that  effect. 

V.  25 — 27.  Absalom  was  not  praised  for  wisdom,  justie© 
or  piety  ; but  morcly  for  his  beauty,  and  rfl'cminacy  ; tor  such 
doubtless  was  his  attention  to  his  hair:  and  yot  he  was  the 


B.  C.  1025. 


CHAPTER  XY. 


B.  C.  1025. 


26  And  *when  he  polled  his  head,  (for  it  was 
at  every  year’s  end  that  he  polled  it ; because  the 
hair  was  heavy  on  him,  therefore  he  polled  it ;)  he 
weighed  the  hair  of  his  head  at  Hwo  hundred 
shekels  after  the  king’s  weight. 

27  And  unto  Absalom  there  were  foorn  three 
sons,  and  one  daughter,  whose  name  teas  .“Tamar: 
she  was  a woman  of  a fair  countenance. 

b.  c.]  28  H So  Absalom  dwelt  two  full  years  in 

iw5.  J Jerusalem,  and  saw  not  the  king’s  face. 

29  Therefore  Absalom  sent  for  Joab,  to  have 
sent  him  to  the  king ; bbut  he  would  not  come  to 
him:  and  when  he  sent  again- the  second  time,  he 
would  not  come. 

30  Therefore  he  said  unto  his  servants.  See, 
Joab’s  field  is  near  "mine,  and  he  hath  barley 
there;  cgo  and  set  it  on  fire.  dAnd  Absalom’s 
servants  set  the  field  on  fire. 

31  Then  Joah  arose,  and  came  to  Absalom  unto 
his  house,  and  said  unto  him,  Wherefore  have  thy 
servants  set  my  field  on  fire  ? 

32  And  Absalom  answered  Joab,  Behold,  I sent 

i 18:9.  Is.  3:21.  1 Cor.  11:14.  y Gen.  23:16.  Lev.  19:36.  Ez.  45:9— 14.  z 18: 
18.  Job  18:16— 19.  Is.  14:22.  Jer.22:30.  a 13:1.  b 30,31.  Esth.  1:12.  Matt. 
22:3.  * Heb.  my  place,  c 13:23,29.  Judg.  15:5.  d livings  21:9 — 14.  2 Kings 
9:33.10:6,7.  e Ex.  14:12.  15:3.  17:3.  fGen.3:12.  1 Sntn.  15:13.  Ps.36:2. 


admiration  and  the  favourite  of  Israel ! ( Marg . Ref.  A Totes,  15: 
1 — 6.  1 Kings  1:5,6.)  ‘It  is  not  certain  that  he  cut  his  hair 
once  a year : for  the  words  in  the  Hebrew  are  “ from  the  end 
of  days  to  days,”...  at  stated  times, ...  when  it  grew  too 
heavy.’  Bp.  Patrick. — As  200  shekels,  according  to  the  usual 
meaning  of  the  word,  was  no  less  than  eight  pounds  four 
ounces  Troy  weight ; it  has  been  thought,  that  the  shekel  of 
half  an  ounce  is  not  meant,  but  a much  less  weight ; or  that 
the  decorations  used  about  his  hair  were  included.  Absalom’s 
atrocious  guilt  however  was  forgotten,  and  his  accomplish- 
ments universally  celebrated  ; which  increased  his  arrogance, 
and  ended  in  his  ruin. — His  sons  died  before  him.  (18:18.) 

V.  28,  29.  Perhaps  Absalom  was  not  only  forbidden  to 
visit  his  father ; but  was  confined  to  his  own  house  and  its 
environs,  and  not  allowed  to  go  abroad.  (Note,  1 Kings  2: 
36 — 46.)  Thus  he  would  be  greatly  embarrassed  in  his  am- 
bitious projects : and  this  might  be  one  reason  of  his  impa- 
tient desire  of  being  reconciled  to  David,  and  enjoying  his  full 
liberty  ; and  also  of  being  freed  from  the  disgrace  of  his  pre- 
sent situation,  which  would  hinder  many  from  attaching  them- 
selves to  him.  He  seems,  however,  to  have  been  secretly 
active  in  forming  a party  , even  at  this  time : and  either  he  had 
not  favoured  Joab  for  his  former  services,  according  to  his 
expectations ; or  Absalom’s  popularity  and  ambition  made 
that  sagacious  politician  regard  him  as  a dangerous  person, 
with  whom  he  did  not  wish  to  form  any  further  connexions  ; 
so  that  he  declined  coming  to  him. 

V.  30 — 33.  Absalom’s  injurious  and  hectoring  treatment 
of  so  considerable  a person  as  Joab;  and  his  arrogant  mes- 
sage to  David,  almost  vindicating  his  conduct  and  demanding 
justice  ; plainly  showed  his  character  and  intentions,  and  his 
confidence  in  the  favour  of  the  people,  and  the  ill-judged  le- 
nity of  his  father.  This  aggravated  David's  sin  and  folly  in 
receiving  him  into  full  favour,  in  the  manner  he  did  ; and 
which  would  give  him  access,  without  restraint,  to  all  those 
who  before  were  reserved,  or  afraid  of  showing  their  attach- 
ment to  him. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 20.  It  behooves  princes  and  magistrates  to  be  acces- 
sible, and  to  protect  the  destitute  and  oppressed : yet  the 
most  amiable  dispositions  must  be  regulated  by  discretion  ; 
or  they  will  lead  us  to  improper  concessions. — While  the 
urgent  wants  of  the  poor  are  unheeded  by  most  men  ; the 
secret  wishes  of  those,  who  possess  authority  and  affluence, 
are  discovered  and  anticipated  by  crafty  courtiers  and  de- 
pendents, who  seek  their  own  interest  by  forwarding  their 
•ndulgence  : so  that  conscientious  self-denial  in  such  a situa- 
tion is  doubly  difficult  and  doubly  needful. — If  scruples  and  fears 
deter  great  men  from  complying  with  their  inclinations  ; some 
feigned  precedent,  some  plausible  arguments,  or  some  partial 
illustration,  will  be  devised  and  speciously  suggested,  to  re- 
move the  hinderance.  In  such  a case , the  discerning  favourite, 
or  candidate  for  royal  favour,  will  personally,  or  by  some  well- 
chosen  instrument,  venture  to  find  fault  with  his  prince  or 
his  patron ; and  to  represent  to  him,  that  the  safety  of  the 
state,  or  some  oth?r  important  interest,  demands  those  mea- 
sures which  he  scruples  to  adopt ; and  by  such  addresses  to 
the  passions  as  are  suited  to  his  character  and  disposition, 
mixed  with  flattering  commendations  and  expostulations,  he 
will  cover  the  fallacy  of  his  reasonings,  and  the  unlawfulness 
and  impolicy  of  that  conduct  which  he  recommends.  Thus 
many  a one  has  been  led  to  impose  on  his  own  judgment  and 
conscience,  and  conclude  that  he  could  not  resist  such  urgent 
importunities,  and  such  cogent  arguments  ; that  his  consent 
was  almost  extorted  ; and  that  to  oblige  such  kind  friends  he 
had  passed  his  word,  and  could  not  in  honour  retract  it: 
while  in  reality  he  was  overcome  by  his  own  inclinations,  and 
VOL.  I 71 


unto  thee,  sayinar,  Come  hither,  that  I may  send 
thee  to  the  king-,  to  say,  Wherefore  am  I come 
from  Geshur?  eit  had  been  good  for  me  to  have 
been  there  still : now  therefore  let  me  see  the 
king’s  lace ; and  < if  there  be  any  iniquity  in  me, 
let  him  kill  me. 

33  So  Joab  came  to  the  king,  and  told  him : 
and  when  he  had  called  for  Absalom,  he  came  to 
the  king,  and  bowed  himself  on  his  face  to  the 
ground  before  the  king : and  the  king  ^kissed 
Absalom. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Absalom , by  fair  speeches  and  affected  courtesy , steals  the  hearts  of  the 
people,  1 — 6.  Under  pretence  of  a vow,  he  obtains  leave  to  go  to  He- 
bron, where  he  raises  rebellion,  7 — 12.  David  hearing  it  retires  from 
Jerusalem,  13 — 18.  It  ai  the  Gillite  faithfully  adheres  to  him,  and  the 
people  weep  over  him,  19 — 23.  Zadok  and  Abiathar  are  sent  back  with  th 4 
ark,  24 — 29.  David  and  his  company  ascend  mount  Olivet  weeping,  30. 
Hearing  that  Ahithophel  had  joined  Absalom , he  prays  that  his  counsel  may 
be  turned  into  foolishness,  31 . Hushax  is  sent  back  with  instructions , 32 — 37. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that a Absalom 
prepared  him  chariots  and  horses,  and  fifty 
men  to  run  before  him. 

2 And  Absalom  brose  up  early,  and  stood  beside 


Prov.  28:13.  Jer.  2:22,23.  8:12.  Matt.  25:44.  Rom.  3:19.  g Gen.  27:26.  33:4. 
45:15.  Luke  15:20.  a 12:11.  Deut.  17:16.  1 Sam.  8:11.  1 Kings  1 :5, 33. 10:26 

—29.  Ps.  20:7.  lTov.  11:2.  16:18.17:19.  Jer.  22:14— 16.  b Job24:14.  Prov. 
4:16.  Matt.  27:1. 


only  wanted  a specious  excuse  for  indulging  them.  If  the 
required  concessions  are  evidently  contrary  to  the  duty  of  a 
man’s  station,  and  the  interests  of  society  ; it  will  plausibly 
be  argued,  that  some  exceptions  must  be  admitted  ; that  this 
was  a singular  case  ; and  that  herg  exactness  would  be  harsh, 
injurious,  and  of  bad  consequence  : by  sophistry,  so  mani- 
fest and  slight,  many  even  wise  and  good  men  deceive  them- 
selves, where  their  affections  are  previously  engaged. — Let 
us  hence  learn,  what  need  we  have  to  adhere  closely  to  our 
rule  of  duty  ; to  pray  earnestly  for  the  teaching  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  ; and  to  watch  against  the  deceitfulness  of  our  own 
own  hearts,  the  bribery  of  our  passions,  and  the  agreeable 
poison  of  adulation. — Sin  has  so  filled  the  world  with  misery, 
that  real  cases  of  distress  may  be  found,  more  pitiable  than 
any  which  the  imagination  can  feign ; and  we  should  readily 
endeavour  to  relieve  those  who  are  in  (rouble  : but  even  com- 
passion, amiable  as  it  is,  will  not  justify  our  violations  of  the 
divine  law,  or  neglect  of  the  important  duties  of  our  station. 
(Note,  Ex.  23:1 — 3.)  AVith  this  single  exception,  alleviating 
misery  is  the  noblest  privilege  and  employment  of  the  great ; 
who  should  in  this  especially  “ remember  the  Lord  their  God  . 
not  only  his  authority  and  their  accountableness  to  him  ; but 
his  compassion  and  mercy  to  others  and  to  themselves ; and 
his  justice  and  holiness,  who  in  his  love  to  sinners  manifests 
most  conspicuously  his  abhorrence  of  their  crimes. — As  all 
must  die,  and  there  is  no  recall  from  the  !omb  by  human  power, 
we  should  not  spend  our  time  in  immoderate,  unavailing  la- 
mentations for  the  dead  ; but  should  be  employed  in  prepar- 
ing for  our  own  dissolution,  and  in  seizing  the  fleeting  oppor- 
tunity of  “serving  our  generation.” — AVhen  we  are  most 
commended  for  our  discernment,  we  generally  act  the  most 
foolishly  ; for  those  very  praises  cloud  the  understanding  and 
pervert  the  judgment.  AVedeem  it  unnecessary  for  persons 
of  such  acknowledged  wisdom  as  we  are,  to  waste  time  in 
nice  distinctions  ; we  can  scarcely  refuse  to  speak  comforta- 
bly to  them,  who  speak  so  agreeably  to  us  : and  hence  extra- 
vagant commendations  lead  to  self-deception,  and  entangle 
all  parties  in  the  net  of  the  great  deceiver  of  our  fallen  race. 

V.  21 — 33.  In  our  treatment  of  children  or  others  who 
have  greatly  offended,  every  method  should  be  used,  which 
has  a tendency  to  mortify  pride,  and  to  bring  them  to  repent- 
ance ; and  in  aiming  at  this  important  object,  the  feelings  of 
our  hearts  must  be  repressed.  But  when  high  rank,  early 
indulgence,  impunity  in  crimes,  flattering  commendations, 
personal  accomplishments,  and  popular  favour,  concur  to 
increase  the  natural  haughtiness  of  the  human  heart;  and 
when  the  Lord  leaves  a man  to  himself,  it  is  inconceivable  to 
what  a pitch  of  arrogance  and  insolence  he  will  arrive.  A 
person  of  this  description  will  vindicate  the  basest  villanies, 
treat  all  superiors  with  contempt,  and  all  benefactors  with 
ingratitude  ; and  overbear  and  terrify  all  around  him  into 
compliance  with  his  unreasonable  demands. — But  all  this  is 
the  forerunner  of  destruction  : and  when  parents  or  rulers 
countenance  such  imperious  characters,  they  will  soon  expe- 
rience the  most  fatal  effects.— The  Lord  grant  unto  us  the 
inward  beauty  of  holiness,  and  the  adorning  of  a meek  and 
quiet  spirit : for  “ favour  is  deceitful,  and  beauty  is  vain  :” 
and-those  only,  who  fear  the  Lord,  are  truly  excellent  and 
happy. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XV.  V.  1 — 6.  The  last  clause  in 

these  verses  aptly  marks  the  way,  in  which  Absalom  ingra- 
tiated himself  with  the  people.  He  “stole  the  hearts  of  the 
men  of  Israel.”  (Note,  Rom.  16:17 — 20.)  He  did  not  gam 
their  hearts  by  eminent  services,  or  by  a wise  and  virtuous 
conduct.  But  he  affected  to  look  great,  as  heir  to  the  crown; 
and  yet  to  be  very  condescending  and  affable  to  his  inferiors  : 
he  pretended  a great  regard  to  their  interests,  and  threw  out 

( 561  ) 


B.  C.  1021. 


II.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1021 


the  wa/  of  t'ie  gate:  and  it  was  so,  that  when  any 
man  that  hal  a controversy  'came  to  the  king  .for 
judgment,  then  Absalom  called  unto  him, and  said, 
Of  what  city  art  thou  ? And  he  said,  Thy  servant 
is  of  one  of  the  tribes  of  Israel. 

3 And  Absalom  said  unto  him,  See,  ctliy  mat- 
ters are  good  and  right ; but  Hhere  is  no  man  de- 
puted, of  the  king  to  hear  thee. 

4 Absalom  said  moreover,  dOh  that  I were 
made  judge  in  the  land,  that  every  man  which 
hath  any  suit  or  cause  might  come  unto  me,  and 
'I  would  do  him  justice! 

5 And  it  was  so,  that  when  any  man  came  nigh 
to  him  to  do  him  obeisance,  he  put  forth  his  hand, 
and  took  him,  and  skissed  him. 

6 And  on  this  manner  did  Absalom  to  all  Israel 
that  came  to  the  king  for  judgment : so  Absalom 
hstole  the  hearts  of  the  men  of  Israel. 

r,B.  c.  7 H And  it  came  to  pass  after ‘forty  years, 

1 I021-  that  Absalom  said  unto  the  king,  I pray  thee, 
let  me  go  and  'pay  my  vow,  which  I have  vowed 
unto  the  Lord  in  Hebron. 

8 For  mthy servant  vowed  avow  while  I abode 
at_"Geshur  in  Syria,  saying,  If  the  Lord  shall 
bring  me  again  indeed  to  Jerusalem,  then  °I  will 
serve  the  Lord. 

9 And  the  king  said  unto  him,  Go  in  peace. 
So  he  arose,  and  went  to  Hebron. 

'Heb.  to  come.  Ex.  18:14,16.23.  1 Kiiies  3:16— 23.  c Num.  16:3,13,14.  Ps.  12: 
2.  Dan.  11:21. 2 Pet.  2:10.  f Or,  none  will  hear  thee  from  the  king  downward.  8: 
15.  Ex.  20:12.  21:17.  Prov.  30:11,11.  Kz.  22:7.  Matt.  15:4.  Acts  23:5.  lPet.2: 
17.  d Judg.  9:1—  5,15,29.  Prov.  2^6,7.  Luke  14:8— 11.  e Prov.  27  2.  2 Pet. 
2:19.  f Ps.  10:9,10.  55:21.  Prov. 26:25.  g 14:33.  h Prov. 11:9.  Rom.  1618. 

2 Pet.  2:3.  i 1 Sam.  16:13.  k 13-24 — 27.  1 Prov.  21:27.  Is.  58:4.  Matt. 2 8. 
23:14.  m Gen.  28:20,21.  1 Sam.  1:11.  Ps.  56:12.  Ec.  5:4.  n 13:37,38.  14:23, 
S2.  o Josh.  24:15.  Is.  28:15.  Jer.  9:3-5.  42:20.  p 13:28.29.  14:30.  q 19:10. 
Job  20:5.  Ps.  73:18,19.  r 2:1,11.  3:2,3.  5:5.  I Chr.  11:3.  12:23,38.  s 1 Sam.  9: 


artful  insinuations  against  David’s  administration  : he  flat- 
tered every  one  who  had  a cause  to  be  tried,  with  the  assur- 
ance that  he  had  right  on  his  side  ; that,  if  it  went  against 
him,  he  might  be  led  to  accuse  David  and  the  magistrates  of 
injustice.  Though  Absalom  knew  not  how  to  obey,  and  de- 
served to  die  for  his  atrocious  crime  ; yet  he  expressed  a 
vehement  desire  to  be  judge  over  all  the  land  ; and  suggested 
Jhat  suits  should  not  then  be  so  tedious,  expensive,  and  par- 
tially decided  as  they  were.  This  he  confirmed  by  rising 
early  and  by  apparent  application  ; though  it  was  to  other 
people’s  business,  and  not  to  his  own  duty : and  by  such 
sinister  arts,  united  with  his  personal  attractions,  magnifi- 
cence, and  address,  he  imposed  upon  multitudes  all  over  the 
land,  to  prefer  so  worthless  a character  to  the  wise,  righteous, 
md  pious  David ! — Others  of  the  king’s  sons  were  employed 
.n  public  business,  but  Absalom  seems  not  to  have  had  any 
place.  (Note,  8:15 — 18.)  This  might  offend  him;  and  his 
artifices  tended  to  alienate  the  people  from  his  brethren,  as 
well  as  from  his  father. — The  chariots  and  horsemen  of  Ab- 
salom, being  a deviation  from  the  divine  law,  should  not  have 
been  allowed  by  David  on  any  account:  (Notes,  8:4.  Dent. 
17,16.  1 Kings  1:5:6.)  and  indeed  he  might  easily  have  fore- 

seen the  consequences  of  Absalom’s  ostentation,  and  should 
at  once  have  restrained  it. 

V.  7 — 9.  The  era,  from  which  the  “forty  years”  here 
mentioned  should  be  computed,  cannot  easily  be  assigned ; 
nor  are  any  of  the  conjectures  of  learned  men  on  the  sub- 
ject fully  satisfactory.  The  most  approved  seems  to  be, 
that  they  must  be  reckoned  from  the  time  of  David’s  anoint- 
ing by  Samuel  to  the  kingdom:  yet  that,  being  a private 
transaction,  would  scarcely  have  been  referred  to  in  a public 
computation  ; no  other  events  are  dated  from  that  era ; the 
subsequent  history  has  no  apparent  connexion  with  it  ; and 
indeed  it  would  fix  Absalom’s  rebellion  more  early  in  David’s 
reign,  than  it  seems  to  have  occurred. — It  is  evident  that 
Josephus  read  four  years,  which  he  dates  from  Absalom’s 
reconciliation;  (a  very  proper  time  for  his  artful  schemes  to 
produce  their  effects  ;)  and  this  seems  to  be  the  true  reading  ; 
from  which  a trivial  error  easily  made,  was  fallen  into  by 
some  very  ancient  transcriber. — Absalom  was  born  at  He- 
bron ; (3:2,3.)  and  that  gave  him  the  pretext  for  asking  to  go 
thither  to  pay  the  vow,  which  he  feigned  to  have  made  at 
Geshur:  yet  as  David  was  made  king  at  Hebron,  (Notes, 
5:1 — 5.)  it  was  obvious  to  conclude  from  Absalom’s  whole 
character,  that  he  was  influenced  by  ambition  rather  than 
devotion.  Rut  he  knew  his  father  would  be  pleased  to  sup- 
pose that  he  paid  any  regard  to  religion  ; and  therefore  he 
cloaked  his  intended  treason  and  parricide  with  hypocrisy. 
(Note,  Qen.  27:21—23.) 

V.  10.  Spies  having  been  previously  sent,  into  all  parts 
of  the  land,  to  sound  the  inclinations  of  the  people,  and  to 
prepare  the  way : when  the  design  was  ripe  for  execution, 
trumpeters  were  sent  after  them:  that,  when  the  signal  was 
given,  the  spies  might,  through  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  pro- 
claim Absalom  king,  without  expressly  avowing  the  treason, 
or  saying  whether  David  was  dead,  '*  had  resigned,  or  had 
( 56*2  ) 


10  But  Absaiom  sent  Pspies  throug-houf  all  the 
tribes  of  Israel,  saying,  As  soon  as  ye  hear  the 
sound  of  the  trumpet,  then  ye  shall  say,  Absalom 
‘ireigneth  in  rHebron. 

11  And  with  Absalom  went  two  hundred  men 
out  of  Jerusalem,  that  were  ‘called;  and  they 
went  in  ‘their  simplicity,  and  they  knew  not  any 
thing. 

12  And  Absalom  sent  for  “Ahithophel  the 
Gilonite,  “David’s  counsellor,  from  his  city,  even 
from  ^Giloh,  ‘while  he  offered  sacrifices.  And  the 
conspiracy  was  strong ; for  “the  people  increased 
continually  with  Ab^lom.  iPracucai  Observations.'] 

13  And  there  came  a messenger  to  David, 
saying,  bThe  hearts  of  the  men  of  Israel  are  after 
Absalom. 

14  And  David  said  unto  all  his  servants  that 
were  with  him  at  Jerusalem,  “Arise,  and  let  us 
flee;  for  we  shall  not  else  escape  from  Absalom: 
make  speed  to  depart,  lest  he  overtake  us  sud- 
denly, and  ?bring  evil  upon  us,  dand  smite  the 
city  with  the  edge  of  the  sword. 

15  And  the  king’s  servants  said  unto  the  king, 
“Behold,  thy  servants  are  ready  to  do  whatsoever 
my  lord  the  king  shall  ^appoint. 

16  And  the  king  went  forth,  and  all  his  house- 
hold "after  him : and  the  king  left  ften  women 
which  xvere  concubines  to  keep  the  house. 

13.16.3 — 5.  t Gen.  20:5.  1 Sam.  22:15.  Prov.  14:15.  22:3.  Matt.  10:16.  Rom. 
16:18,19.  u 31.  16:20— 23.  17:14,23.  x Ps.  41:9.  55:12— 14.  Mic.  7:5,6.  John 
13:18.  y Josh.  15:51.  z Num . 23:1 ,14,30.  1 Kings  21 :9,12.  Ps.  50:16— 21. 

Prov.  21:27.  Is.  1:10-16.  Tii.  1:16.  a Ps.  3: 1 . 43: 1 ,2.  b 6.  3:36.  Jude.  9:3. 
Ps.  62:9.  Matt.  21:9.  27:22.  c 19:9.  Ps.  3 -.title.  \ Heb.  thrust.  Ez. 46:18. 
Matt. 11:12.  viarg.  Luke  10:15.  d 23:16,17.  Ps.  51:18.  55:3— 11.  137:5,6. 
e Prov.  18:24.  Luke  22:28,29.  John  6:66 — 69.15:14.  § Heb.  choose.  ||  Ileb. 
at  his  feci.  Judg.  4:10.  1 Sam.  25:27,42.  mare,  f 12:11. 16:21,22.  20:3.  Rom. 
12:2. 


admitted  Absalom  to  share  the  authority.  Thus  while 
David’s  loyal  subjects  would  hesitate  in  uncertainty,  Absa- 
lom’s party  became  formidable. 

V.  11.  Absalom  went  to  Hebron  with  David’s  approba- 
tion, and  under  the  pretence  of  religion;  and  these  persons, 
(who  doubtless  were  of  chief  rank  at  Jerusalem,)  being 
invited  to  a sacred  feast,  accompanied  him,  and  thus  unde- 
signedly  countenanced  his  rebellion.  By  involving  them  in 
the  suspicion  of  treason,  lie  doubtless  intended  either  to  fix 
them  in  his  interests,  or  to  prevent  David  from  placing  confi- 
dence in  them. 

V.  12.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Ahithophel  possessed  great  abili- 
ties ; and  he  had  professed  much  religion,  and  been  David’s 
counsellor  and  bosom  friend  : but  he  was  now  retired  from 
court,  perhaps  in  some  disgust.  Bath-sheba  was  daughter  to 
Eliam,  and  Eliam  was  son  to  Ahithophel ; (11:3.  23:34.)  it  has 
therefore  been  thought  that  he  was  her  grandfather,  and 
resented  the  dishonour  done  to  his  family.  He,  however, 
readily  joined  Absalom’s  conspiracy,  and  would  have  been 
the  chief  stay  of  it,  had  not  God  “ turned  his  counsel  into 
foolishness.”  (Note,  31.)  In  many  things  he  resembled 
Judas  the  traitor,  and  may  everfbe  said  to  have  typified  him. 
(Notes,  Ps.  41*9.  55:12—15,20,21.  109:2—20.  John  13:18 — 
30.  Acts  1:16—18.) 

The  people  increased , &c.l  Various  motives  would  induce 
numbers  to  assemble ; ana  many  of  them  might  have  no 
previous  purpose  of  joining  in  a conspiracy  against  David  : 
but  the  feasting,  the  conversation,  the  exultations,  and 
menaces  of  the  leading  conspirators  ; with  the  promises,  and 
fascinating  objects  held  forth  to  their  vain  but  sanguine 
hopes  ; drew  them  in  to  commit  themselves,  beyond  their 
first  intention,  as  it  is  usual  on  such  occasions. — They  heed- 
lessly approached  the  vortex,  and  were  irrecoverably  drawn 
into  it. 

V.  13 — 15.  It  is  most  probable,  that  some  of  the  two 
hundred  men,  who  “ went  in  their  simplicity,”  sent  David 
word  concerning  the  conspiracy ; and  also  represented  it  as 
extremely  formidable.  It  must  indeed  have  been  expected, 
that  the  conspirators  would  act  in  the  most  decided  manner: 
and  though  Jerusalem  was  a well-fortified  city,  yet  it  might 
not  be  stored  with  a garrison  or  provisions  for  a siege.  The 
small  force,  which  David  had  with  him,  might  he  insufficient 
to  defend  it  against  Absalom ; and  perhaps  he  had  no  confi- 
dence in  the  inhabitants,  or  he  was  unwilling  to  expose  that 
populous  and  sacred  city  to  the  effects  of  a siege.  lie  might 
also  deem  it  prudent  to  give  the  furious  blaze  of  popular 
fremfy  time  to  spend  itself,  hoping  that  numbers  would  soon 
lie  sensible  of  their  folly  and  ingratitude. — It  is  probable,  how- 
ever, that  conscious  guilt;  the  hand  of  God  evidently  lifted 
up  against  him  as  it  had  been  predicted  ; the  treason  of  his 
much  beloved  Absalom  ; and  the  fickleness  of  the  pcop.e 
after  all  his  past  services,  and  successes  for  their  benefit  ; 
damped  his  wonted  courage,  and  rendered  him  loss  prompt 
for  battle,  especially  in  so  horrid  and  unnatural  a war.  It 
does  not  however  appear  that  his  measures  were  impel  tic, 
or  that  his  friends  thought  thorn  so. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


B.  C.  1021. 


B.  C.  1021. 

17  And  the  kings  went  forth,  and  all  the  people 
after  him,  and  tarried  in  a place  that  was  far 

off. 

18  And  all  his  servants  passed  on  beside  him; 

and  all  the  hCherethites,  and  all  the  Pelethites, 
and  all  the  'Gittites,  six  hundred  men  which 
came  after  him  from  Gath,  passed  on  before  the 
king.  . 

19  It  Then  said  the  king  to  ftttai,  the  Gittite, 
Wherefore  goest  thou  also  with  us  ? return  to 
thy  place,  and  abide  with  the  king ; for  thou  art 
a stranger,  and  also  an  exile. 

20  Whereas  thou  earnest  but  yesterday,  should 
I this  day  make  thee  kgo  up  and  down  with  us? 
kseeing  I go  whither  I may  ; return  thou,  and  take 
back  thy  brethren : ‘mercy  and  truth  be  with 
thee. 

21  And  Ittai  answered  the  king,  and  said,  mAs 
the  Lord  livetli,  and  as  my  lord  the  king  liveth, 
"surely  in  what  place  my  lord  the  king  shall  be, 
whether  in  death  or  life,  even  there  also  will  thy 
servant  be. 

22  And  David  said  to  Ittai,  Go  and  pass  over. 
And  Ittai  the  Gittite  passed  over,  and  all  his  men, 
and  all  the  little  ones  that  were  with  him. 

23  And  all  the  country  wept  with  a loud  voice, 
and  all  the  people  passed  over:  the  king  also 
himself  passed  over  the  brook  °Kidron,  and  all 
the  people  passed  over  toward  the  way  of  the 
Pwilderness. 

24  H And  lo,  iZadok  also,  and  all  the  Levites 
were  with  him,  rbearing  the  ark  of  the  covenant 

g Ps.  3:  title.  2.  66:12.  Ec.  10:7.  h 8:18.  200,23.  ISnm.  30:14.  I Kings  1: 
38.  1 Chr.  1817.  i 19— 22.  6:10. 18:2.  lSam.27:3.  j 18:2.  Ruth  1:11— 13. 

• '■8.56:8.59:15.  Am.  8:12.  Hel,.  11 :37,3S.  k 1 Sam. 

23:13.  I 2:3.  Ps.  25:10.  57:3.61:7.  85:10.  89:14.  Prov.  14:22.  John  1:17.  2 Tim. 
. : 16 — 18.  m 1 Sam.  20:3. 25:23  . 2 Kings  2 2,4,6.  4:30.  n Ruth  1 :16.17.  Prov. 
17:17.18:24.  Mali. 8:19.20.  John  6:66-69.  Acts  11:23.  21:13.  2Cor.7:3. 

o lKings2:37.  John  18:1.  Cedron.  p 16:*2.  Matt.  3.1,3.  Luke  1:80.  q.27, 
^5.  8:17.2D:25.  1 Kings  1 :8.  2:35.  4:2— 4.  1 Chr.  6:8— 12.  Ez.  48:11.  r 6:13. 
Num.  4:15.  7:9.  Josh.  3:3,6,15— 17.  4: 16— 18.  6:4.6.  1 Sain.  4:3—  5,1 1 . 1 Chr. 
15:2.  s 12:10,11.  1 Sam.  4:3 — 11.  Jer.7:4.  t Ps.  28:8.  27:4,5.  42:1 ,2.  43:3,4. 
63: 1,2.  84:1 — 3,10.  122:1,2,9.  Is.  38:22.  u 6:17.  7:2.  ¥2-2:20.  Num.  14:8. 


V.  16.  David,  it  is  probable,  took  his  wives  and  children 
with  him  : but  supposing  that  these  concubines  would  be  an 
additional  incumbrance,  and  not  apprehending  that  Absalom 
would  injure  them,  he  left  them  to  take  care  of  his  house; 
bv  which  inadvertency  the  Lord  fulfilled  his  denunciation. 
(Notes,  12:11,12.  16:20—23.) 

V.  17.  It  is  highly  probable,  from  the  original,  that  both 
David  and  all  his  company  went  on  foot , upon  this  distress- 
ing occasion. — After  him.]  i’Sj-o.  At  his  feet.  IP.  marg. 

V.  18 — 22.  The  six  hundred  Gittites  seem  to  have  been 
a distinct  body  from  the  Cherethitps  and  Pelethites:  they 
had  accompanied,  or  followed,  David  from  Gath,  and  probably 
were  proselyted  Philistines,  commanded  by  Ittai  of  the  same 
nation.  The  Cherethites  and  Pelethites  seem  likewise  to 
have  been  collected  from  among  the  several  districts  of  the 
Philistines,  or  adjacent  and  allied  tribes.  (Marg  Ref.  h. 
Note , 8:15 — 18.)  They  were,  however,  numbered  among 
David’s  most  faithful  attendants,  being  attached  to  him  by 
esteem  for  his  character,  and  love  to  his  religion  : and  we 
may  infer,  that  his  sojourning  in  the  land  of  the  Philistines 
was  overruled  for  very  important  good  to  numbers  of  that 
nation. — David  was  unwilling  to  expose  Ittai  and  his  men, 
who  were  strangers  and  exiles  in  Israel,  (having  been  driven 
with  their  families  from  Gath,  for  their  affection  to  David, 
and  to  his  religion  and  people,)  to  so  much  hardship  and 
peril,  as  were  now  before  him : and  he  would  have  dismissed 
them  with  thanks  and  prayers  for  them  : hut  their  attachment 
lo  his  person  and  cause  was  more  strong  than  that  of  most 
of  the  native  Israelites;  and  they  were  determined  to  cleave 
to  him,  and  serve  him  at  all  events.  (Note,  1 Chr.  12:16 — 

18.) — David  called  Absalom  king,  (19)  as  he  had  usurped 
the  throne,  and  was  at  present  in  possession  of  regal  au- 
thority. 

V.  23.  Though  ihe  multitude  favoured  Absalom,  yet  many 
sympathized  with  David— Thus  while  the  general  cry  against 
Jesus  was,  “ Crucify  him,  crucify  him  ;”  there  were  those 
who  wept,  aru:  bewailed  him.  (Note,  Luke  23:26—31.) 

Aa  me  cottn.ry  ivept,  &c.]  All  the  land  (yNn)  wept , 
hat  is,  the  weeping  was  general  among  the  inhabitants  ; the 
adherents  to  Absalom  being  at  a distance. — Kidron.]  Our 
blessed  Saviour  passed  this  same  brook,  in  his  way  to  the 
garden,  at  or  near  to  the  mount  of  Olives,  in  the  evening 
before  his  crucifixion.  (Note,  John  18:1—3,  t>.  .) 

V.  24 — 29.  Abiathar  was  the  high-priest:  yet  Zadok,  of 
the  family  of  Eleazar,  was  more  noticed  than  he,  as  more  fa- 
voured by  David  ; for  Eli’s  family  was  gradually  declining. 
(Notes,  i Sam.  2:30,35,36.  1 Kings  2:26,27,35.)—' The  priests 
and  Levites  were  generally  attached  to  David,  which  was 
honourable  to  them,  and  showed  that  religion  was  upon  the 
whole  in  a flourishing  state.  The  presence  of  the  ark  and  the 


of  God  : and  they  set  down  the  ark  of  God  ; and 
Abiathar  went  up,  until  all  the  people  had  done 
passing  out  of  the  city. 

25  And  the  king  said  unto  Zadok,  “Carry  back 
the  ark  of  God  into  the  city  : if  I shall  find  favour 
in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  ‘he  will  bring  me  again, 
and  show  me  both  it  and  his  “habitation. 

26  But  if  he  thus  say,  I Vhave  no  delight  in 
thee ; behold  here  am  I,  xlet  him  do  to  me  as 
seemeth  good  unto  him. 

27  The  king  said  also  unto  Zadok  the  priest. 
Art  not  thou  -va  seer?  zreturn  into  the  city  in 
peace,  and  your  two  sons  with  you,  Ahimaaz  thy 
son,  and  Jonathan  the  son  of  Abiathar. 

28  See,  “I  will  tarry  in  the  plain  of  the  wilder- 
ness, until  there  come  word  from  you  to  certify  me. 

29  Zadok  therefore  and  Abiathar  carried  the  ark 
of  God  again  to  Jerusalem : and  they  tarried 
there. 

30  If  And  David  went  up  by  bthe  ascent  of  mount 
Olivet,  ‘and  wept  as  he  went  up,  and  had  chis 
head  covered,  and  he  went  dbarefoot : and  all  tht' 
people  that  was  with  him  covered  every  man  his 
lead,  and  they  went  up,  nveeping  as  they  wen 
up. 

31  If  And  one  told  David,  saying,  f Ahithophe. . 
is  among  the  conspirators  with  Absalom.  Ana 
David  said, *  * * * * *0  Lord,  I pray  thee,  "turn  the  coun- 
sel of  Ahithophel  into  foolishness. 

32  Aryl  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  David  was 
come  to  'the  top  of  the  mount,  where  ‘he  worship- 
ped God,  behold,  kHushai  the  'Archite  came  to 


1 Kings  10:9.  2C'hr.  9:8.  Ts.  42:1.  62:4.  Jer.  22:28.  32:41.  Mai.  1:10.  i Judg. 
10:15.  1 Sam.  3:18.  Jol:  1:20.21.  Ps.  39:9.  y 24:11.  1 Sam.  9 9.  1 Chr. 25:5 
i 34,36.  17:17.  a 23.  16:2.  17:1,16.  b Zech.  14:4.  Luke  19:29,37.  21:37.2^:39 
Acts  1:12.  t Web.  going  up  and  weeping.  Ps.42:3 — 11.43:1,2,5.  I.uke  19:41, 
c.  19:4.  Esth.  6:12.  Jer.  14:3,4.  d Is. 20:2, 4.  Ez. 24:17,23.  e Pi.  126:5.6. 
Matt. 5:4.  Rom.  12:15.  1 Cor.  12:26.  f 12.  Ps.  3:1,2.  41:9.  55:12—14.  Matt.  26: 
14,15.  John  13:18.  g Ps.  55:15— 17.  109:3,4.  h 16:23.  17:14,23.  Job  5:12.13. 
12.16— 20.  Is.  19:3,11— 14.  Jer.  8:8,9.  1 Cor  1:20.  3:18 — 20.  Jam.  3:15.  i 30. 
1 Kings  11:7.  Luke  19  29.  j 1 Kings  8:44,45.  Job  1:20,21.  Ps.  3:3— 5,7.  4: 1—3. 
50:15.91:15.  k 16:16-19.  1 Josh.  16:2. 


high-priest  would  have  been  a comfort,  and  an  apparent«ad- 
vantage  to  David : but  the  ark  had  been  placed,  and  the  ordi- 
nances of  God  established,  in  Zion.  David  was  under  tho 
divine  rebuke,  and  would  express  his  humiliation  and  submis- 
sion to  it;  and  not  assume,  by  the  presence  of  the  ark,  that 
God  was  on  his  side,  while  he  was  suffering  for  his  sins: 
(Notes,  1 Sam.  4:3 — 11.)  but  he  would  refer  his  cause  to  the 
Lord,  either  to  bring  him  back  to  Zion  in  peace,  or  to  let  his 
unnatural  and  ungrateful  foes  prevail  against  him ; being  con- 
scious that  he  deserved  the  worst  at  the  hands  of  God,  though 
not  from  them.  (Marg.  Ref.  s — v.) — David’s  frame  of  spirit 
was  excellent  on  this  trying  occasion . and  his  language  beau- 
tifully humble,  resigned,  and  pious. — It  is  not  certain  whether 
Zadok  was  endued  wiih  the  Spirit  of  prophecy,  or  whether 
he  sometimes  inquired  of  the  Lord  in  the  place  of  the  high- 
priest;  or  whether  David  only  meant  to  say,  that  he  was  a 
person  of  remarkable  discernment  and  penetration,  who  could 
furnish  him  with  important  and  authentic  information  by  his 
observance  of  Absalom’s  conduct ; and  one  in  whose  faithful- 
ness he  could  entirely  depend.  He  would  not  therefore  go  tc 
any  great  distance,  till  he  heard  from  Zadok. 

V.  30.  These  were  expressions  of  David’s  self-abasement, 
and  sorrow  for  his  sins,  and  for  the  miseries  which  he  had 
brought  on  himself,  on  his  family,  and  people.  He  thus 
“humbled  himself  under  the  mighty  hand  of  God,”  which  lie 
saw  lifted  up  against  him:  and  the  people  joined  him  with  the 
same  tokens  of  godly  sorrow  and  repentance.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  31.  David  apprehended  more  danger  from  Ahithophel’i* 
superior  talents,  and.  decisive  energy  of  mind,  than  from  a l 
the  courage  and  numbers  of  Absalom’s  followers : immediately 
therefore,  upon  hearing  that  he  had  joined  the  conspirators, 
he  addressed  the  Lord  in  one  short  ejaculation  ; and  it  proved 
effectual.  He  did  not  pray  against  Ahithophel  himself;  bur, 
“that  his  counsel  might  be  turned  into  foolishness;”  either 
that  he  might  be  left  to  give  foolish  counsel,  or  that  his’pru- 
dent  advice  might  be  despised  and  neglected  as  folly : and 
all,  who  heard  this  petition,  could  not  but  be  much  impressed 
with  the  answer  which  it  shortly  received.  (Note,  17:1 — 14, 
23.) — He  afterwards  worshipped  God  in  a more  solemn  man- 
ner with  his  whole  company.  (32) 

V.  32 — 37.  It  reems  that  David  entirely  confided  m the 
fidelity  and  prudence  of  Hushai,  and  that  his  reputation  as  a 
wise  counsellor  was  great : but  either  he  was  not  able  to  en- 
dure the  fatigues  of  w ar,  or  he  was  no  soldier.  David  there- 
fore stated,  that  in  his  present  destitute  condition,  Hushai 
would  only  burden  him  and  his  friends,  by  attending  him,  and 
he  pointed  out  how  he  might  better  serve  his  cause  by  re- 
maining in  Jerusalem. — Stratagems  of  war  are  lawful ; for  ar. 
enemy  may  as  well  be  outwitted  as  overpowered : but  the 
instructions  given  fo  Hushai  imply  a falsehood,  which  cannot 

( 533  ) 


B.  C.  10<?  1 


II.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1021 


meet  him  with  his  mcoat  rent,  and  earth  upon  his 
head ; 

33  Unto  whom  David  said,  If  thou  passest  on 
with  me,  "then  thou  shalt  be  a burden  unto  me  : 

34  But  if  thou  °return  to  the  city,  and  say  unto 
Absalom,  I will  be  thy  servant,  O king  ; p as  I have 
been  thy  father’s  servant  hitherto,  so  will  I now 
also  be  thy  servant:  ^then  mayest  thou  for  me 
defeat  the  counsel  of  Ahithophel. 

35  And  hast  thou  not  there  with  thee  Zadok 
and  Abiathar  the  priests?  therefore  it  shall  be, 
that  what  thing  soever  thou  shalt  hear  out  of  the 
king’s  house,  rthou  shalt  tell  it  to  Zadok  and 
Abiathar  the  priests. 

36  Behold,  they  have  there  with  them  stheir  two 
sons.  Ahimaaz  Zadok’s  son , and  Jonathan  Abia- 
thar’s  son  ; and  by  them  ye  shall  send  unto  me 
every  thing  that  ye  can  hear. 

37  So  Hushai  David’s  1 friend  came  into  the  city, 
and  “Absalom  came  into  Jerusalem. 


ra  1:2.  13:19.  n 19:35.  o20.  Josh.  8:2.  Matt.  10:16.  p 16:16— 19.  q 17:5 

—14.  r 17:15,16.  s 27.  17:17.  18:19,  &c.  t 16:16.  1 Chr.  27:33.  u 16:15. 
a 15:30,32.  1>  9:2,9—12.  c 17:27—29.  19:32.  1 Sam.  25:18.  1 Chr.  12:40.  Prov. 
18:16.  29:4,5.  d Jer.  40:10,12.  Am.  8:1.  Mic.  7:1.  e 1 Sam.  10:3.  16:20. 


be  wholly  vindicated.  (Note,  Josh.  8:1,2.) — The  conduct  of 
Ahithophel,  in  joining  Absalom,  would  render  Hushai’s  less 
suspected  by  the  conspirators. — Ahimaaz , &c.  (36)  Notes , 
17:15—21. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 12.  The  ostentation  of  emulating  or  exceeding  su- 
periors in  external  pomp,  is  an  evidence  of  a narrow  mind,  a 
weak  judgment,  and  a depraved  heart.  It  is,  however,  the 
common  folly  and  ruin  of  indulged  children,  and  frequently 
prepares  the  way  for  the  most  atrocious  crimes.  The  very 
first  appearance,  therefore,  of  this  alFectation  should  be  re- 
pressed by  parents,  with  decision,  and  even  with  severity,  if 
they  would  prevent  the  ruin  of  their  families. — Those  who 
least  understand  the  duties,  and  could  least  endure  the  bur- 
dens of  authority,  are  commonl}'  most  desirous  of  it.  But 
when  ambition  prompts,  the  most  self-indulgent  assume  the 
appearance  of  diligence  ; and  the  most  haughty,  that  of  affa- 
bility and  condescension : and  while  men  aspire  to  the  pinnacle 
of  earthly  grandeur,  they,  for  the  time,  pay  the  most  abject 
court  to  the  meanest  of  the  mob  ! Such  fawning  sons  of  am- 
bition are  peculiar  to  no  age  or  nation : but  let  every  wise  and 
hondst  man  shun  them  as  a pestilence.  They  make  their 
way  by  openly  or  obliquely  traducing  the  characters,  or  cen- 
suring the  measures,  of  their  rulers;  and  the  wisdom  and  per- 
fection of  an  angel  would  be  no  security  againat  their  malig- 
nant insinuations.  As  self-love  cannot  but  murmur  at  impar- 
tiality, and  men  are  generally  discontented  and  desirous  of 
change,  these  demagogues  always  have  proper  persons  on 
whom  to  practise.  By  joining  in  the  groundless  complaints 
of  the  disaffected,  they  feed  their  discontent;  by  flattering 
their  persons  and  approving  their  cause,  they  humour  their 
pride;  by  lavish  promises  (which  cost  and  mean  nothing)  of 
what  they  would  do  if  they  were  in  power,  they  excite  their 
sanguine  hopes  of  greater  felicity ; and  by  a voluble  tongue, 
an  insinuating  address,  personal  accomplishments,  and  con- 
summate impudence,  they  steal  the  hearts  of  the  people,  and 

f»repare  the  way  for  popular  tumults,  insurrections,  and  rebel- 
ion.  For  such  is  human  nature,  that  these  arts  and  attain- 
ments go  much  further  in  gaining  the  favour  of  the  multitude, 
than  wisdom  and  justice,  truth  and  piety,  or  the  most  import- 
ant and  long-continued  services  ! This  is  the  old  hackneyed 
way  for  men,  destitute  of  conscience  or  honour,  to  wind  them- 
selves into  important  stations  ; and  yet  it  is  as  much  practised, 
and  as  little  suspected,  as  if  it  were  quite  a new  discovery ! 
— No  wise  and  good  man,  therefore,  should  on  any  account 
promise  himself  the  continuance  of  popular  favour,  or  be 
cast  down  if  he  meet  with  treachery  and  ingratitude:  yet,  in 
general,  we  may  perceive  the  righteousness  of  God,  in  the 
basest  treatment,  which  we  can  receive  from  man  ; and  may 
thence  be  reminded  to  humble  ourselves  before  him,  and  to 
expect  all  our  happiness  from  him  alone. — No  villany  can  be 
termed  complete , which  is  not  disguised  under  the  mask  of  re- 
ligion ; especially  at  those  times,  when  the  profession  of  god- 
liness is  treated  with  general  respect.  Pious  persons  are  glad 
to  see  others,  and  particularly  those  whom  they  most  love, 
appear  to  be  religious,  and  arc  not  apt  to  suspect  them  of 
hypocrisy:  and  this  gives  occasion  to  the  most,  scandalous  and 
pernicious  deceptions. — The  policy  of  wicked  men  and  the 
subtlety  of  Satan  are  exerted  to  the  utmost,  in  drawing  in  re- 
spectable persons  to  give  an  unintended  and  unsuspected 
countenance  to  the  basest  designs ; by  which,  opinions,  prin- 
ciples, and  practices  acquire  a degree  of  regard,  to  which  they 
are  not.  at  all  entitled,  and  which  they  would  not  otherwise 
have  obtained  : but  none  so  much  strengthen  the  hands  of  pro- 
fligates or  infidels,  as  apostates  from  a religious  profession. 

V.  13 — 37.  Little  dependence  can  be  placed  on  earthly 
prosperity  ; and  as  little  can  be  judged  of  causes  or  charac- 
ters bv  success,  until  the  final  event  of  things  shall  arrive. — 
Our  severest  trials  often  come  from  those,  in  whom  we  most 
Confided;  and  our  firmest  friends  arc  sometimes  raised  up 

{ 564  > 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

Ziba  imposes  on  David,  and  obtains  a grant  of  Mrphibosheth's  estate , 1—4 
i Shimei  a Benjamite  curses  and  slanders  David , tcho  bears  it  humbly  ana 
meekly , 5—14.  Hushai  insinuates  himself  into  Absalom's  counsels,  15—19. 
By  Ahithophel' e advice,  Absalom  openly  goes  in  to  his  father's  concubines 
20—23. 

AND  when  David  was  a “little  past  the  top 
of  the  hill , behold,  bZiba  the  servant  of  Me 
phibosheth  met  him,  cwith  a couple  of  asses 
saddled,  and  upon  them  two  hundred  loaves  of 
bread,  and  a hundred  bunches  of  raisins,  and 
a hundred  of  ''summer  fruits,  and  ea  bottle  of 
wine. 

2 And  the  king  said  unto  Ziba,  < What  meanest 
thou  by  these?  And  Ziba  said,  eThe  asses  be  for 
the  king’s  household  to  ride  on  ; and  the  bread 
and  summer  fruit  Tor  the  young  men  to  eat;  and 
the  wine,  ’that  such  as  be  faint  in  the  wilderness 
may  drink. 

3 And  the  king  said,  And  Hvhere  is  thy  master’s 
son?  And  Ziba  said  unto  the  king,  Behold,  he 


f Gen.  21:29.  33:8.  E*.  37:18.  g 15:1.  19:86.  Judg.  5:10.  10:4.  hlSam.25: 
27.  i 15:23.  17:29.  Judg.  8:4,5.  1 Sain.  14:28.  Prov.  31:6,7.  j 9:9,10.  Ps.  88: 
18.  Mic.  7:5. 


among  persons,  from  whom  we  had  the  least  expectations. 
But  a truly  pious  man  will  never  be  entirely  excluded  from 
usefulness:  some  individuals,  wherever  he  abides,  will  have 
to  bless  God  for  his  example,  converse,  and  prayers. — In  out 
most  critical  and  important  concerns,  we  ought  not  to  require 
any  thing  unreasonable  from  our  friends  ; or  14  bind  heavy  bur- 
dens” on  new  converts,  lest  they  should  be  discouraged : we 
should  be  thankful  for  fidelity  and  kindness  from  those,  who 
are  not  likely  to  be  further  serviceable  to  us,  and  recompense 
them  with  our  earnest  prayers  : and  if  the  mercy  and  truth  of 
God  be  with  them,  and  with  us  and  ours,  we  shall  be  safe  and 
eventually  happy,  however  at  present  afflicted  or  separated. 
But  that  love  of  the  brethren,  which  is  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit 
of  Christ,  when  it  is  vigorous,  will  not  be  restrained  by  the 
fear  of  hardship,  danger,  or  even  death,  from  rendering  assist- 
ance to  those  in  affliction. — We  often  in  despondency  think 
our  enemies  to  be  more  numerous,  and  our  friends  fewer, 
than  they  are  found  upon  trial:  for  our  severest  crosses  are 
mingled  with  comforts,  which  afford  us  causes  for  thankfulness. 
— The  ministers  of  God  should  always  set  an  example  of  sub- 
mission to  44  the  powers  that  be,”  in  all  things  lawful ; and  of 
cordial  attachment  and  faithful  adherence  to  those  rulers,  who 
protect  and  countenance  them  in  their  pious  labours  ; and 
especially  in  those  seasons,  when  others  oppose  and  revile 
them. — It  behooves  us  to  humble  ourselves  before  God  under 
the  tokens  of  his  displeasure  ; and  godly  sorrow,  confession  of 
sin,  repentance,  self-denial,  and  self-abasement  are  the  pro- 
per methods  of  seeking  deliverance  out  of  those  troubles, 
which  are  evidently  chastisements  for  sins.  ( Note , Is.  22:8 
— 14.)  At  such  a time,  therefore,  it  is  improper  to  buoy  up 
our  confidence  by  the  externals  of  religion,  which  do  not 
always  imply  the  gracioufc  presence  of  the  Lord.  If  he  pardon 
our  sins,  and  then  again  employ  us,  his  house  and  ordinances 
will  be  our  comfort:  and  he  will  do  us  no  wrong,  though  he 
lay  us  aside,  or  cut  us  off  by 'death,  as  though  he  had  44  no 
delight  in  us-”  Nothing,  however,  must  prevent  our  worship- 
ping the  Lord,  though  we  have  not  access  to  his  more  solemn 
ordinances:  and  as  afflictions  abound,  the  fervency  of  our 
prayers  should  also  increase. — Vain  is  all  worldly  wisdom  and 
power  against  44  the  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a righteous 
man  ;”  as  in  answer  to  a single  emphatical  ejaculation,  44  the 
counsel  of  the  prudent  is  carried  headlong,”  and  the  force  o! 
the  potent  is  turned  into  perfect  weakness. — Some  are  useful 
in  one  way,  and  some  in  another,  to  one  common  cause,  when 
they  are  cordially  united : yet  alas  ! where  shall  we  find  wis- 
dom and  simplicity  so  united  in  any  mere  man,  that  we  can 
perceive  nothing  which  merits  censure,  and  needs  forgiveness  ? 
But  when  the  Son  of  David  was  treated  with  all  possible 
treachery,  indignity,  cruelty,  and  ingratitude;  his  wisdom, 
meekness,  candour,  and  patience  were  unalloyed  perfection. 
His  inexpressible  sufferings  are  now  over:  his  humiliation  is 
exchanged  for  the  throne  of  glory,  where  unseen,  except  by 
realizing  faith,  he  serves  our  cause  in  the  world  above.  Let 
us  follow,  and  serve,  and  cleave  to  him,  in  tribulation,  life,  and 
death.  And  let  us  not  forget,  that  we  are  left  behind  among 
his  enemies,  to  promote  his  cause ; and  his  instruction  is,  that 
we  be  44  wise  as  serpents,  and  harmless  as  doves.”  (Note, 
Matt.  10:16—18.) 

NOTES.— Chap.  XVI.  V.  1—4.  (Notes,  0:)  Ziba 
took  advantage  of  existing  circumstances,  to  form  an  artful 
plan  for  obtaining  a grant  from  David  of  Mephiboshcth’s 
estate.  By  his  seasonable,  and  apparently  generous  present 
and  his  insinuating  behaviour,  ho  prepossessed  David’s  mind 
in  his  favour  : (Notes.  Prov.  17:8.  18:16.)  and  then  by  false 

accusation,  ho  prejudiced  him  against  Meplubosheth.  It 
was  indeed  improbable,  that  Mepniboshcth  should  prove  so 
ungrateful,  or  form  expectations  of  obtaining  the  kingdom: 
but  what  villany  could  < xcite  wonder,  when  Absalom  was  in 
arms  against  his  own  too  indulgent  father?  And  Ziba  migh 
hope  that  some  event  would  secure  him  f*  >m  detection,  oi 


B.  C.  1021. 


CHAPTER  XVI 


B.  C.  1021 


abideth  at  Jerusalem:  for  he  said,kTo-day  shall  the 
liouse  of  Israel  restore  me  the  kingdom  of  my  father. 

4 Then  said  the  king  to  Ziba,  'Behold,  thine 
are  all  that  pertained  unto  Mephibosheth.  And 
Ziba  said,  ‘I  humbly  beseech  thee  that  I may  find 
grace  in  thy  sight,  my  lord,  O king. 

5 H And  when  king  David  came  to  mBahurim, be- 
hold, thence  came  out  a man  of  the  family  of  the 
house  of  Saul,  “whosename  was  Shimei,  the  son  of 
Gera  : 'he  came  forth,  and  “cursed  still  as  he  came. 

6 And  he  cast  stones  at  David,  and  at  all  the 
servants  of  king  David : and  all  the  people  and 
all  the  mighty  men  were  on  his  right  hand  and  on 
his  left. 

7 And  thus  said  Shimei  when  he  cursed,  Come 
out,  come  out,  thou  'bloody  man,  and  thou  fraan 
of  Belial : 

8 The  Lord  hath  ^returned  upon  thee  all  rthe 
blood  of  the  house  of  Saul,  in  whose  stead  thou 
hast  reigned ; and  the  Lord  hath  delivered  the 
kingdom  into  the  hand  of  Absalom  thy  son:  and 
^behold,  thou  art  taken  in  thy  mischief,  because 
thou  art  a bloody  man. 

9 IT  Then  said  "Abishai  the  son  of  Zeruiah  unto 
the  king.  Why  should  this  ‘dead  dog  “curse  my 
lord  the  king  ? xlet  me  go  over,  I pray  thee,  and 
take  off  his  head. 

10  And  the  king  said,  AVhat  have  I to  do  with 
you,  ye  sons  of  Zeruiah  ? so  let  him  curse,  because 
‘the  Lord  hath  said  unto  him,  Curse  David. 
“Who  shall  then  say,  Wherefore  hast  thou 
done  so  ? 

11  And  David  said  to  Abishai,  and  to  all  his 
servants,  bBehold,  my  son,  which  “came  forth  of 
my  bowels,  dseeketh  my  life  : how  much  more  now 
may  this  Benjamite  do  it  ? Let  him  alone,  and 
let  him  curse  ; “for  the  Lord  hath  bidden  him. 

12  It  may  be  that  f the  Lord  will  look  on  mine 
"affliction,  and  that  the  Lord  will  ^requite  me 
good  for  his  cursing  this  day. 

k 19:24—30.  Ex.  20:16.  Dent.  19:18,19.  Ps.  15:3.  101:5.  Prov.  1:19.  21: 
28.  1 Tim.  6:9.10.  Judell.  114:10.11.  Ex. 23:8.  Deul.  19:15.  Prov.  18:13, 
17.  19:2.  • Heb.  I do  aleistmce.  14:4,22.  m 14.  3:16.  17:18.  n 19:16. 

1 Kings  2:8,9,36 — 44.  t Or,  he  still  came  forth  and  cursed.  o Ex.  22:28. 
1 Sam.  17:43.  Ps.  69:26.  109:16—19,28.  Prov.  26:2.  Ec.  10:20.  Is.  8:21.  Matt. 
6:11,12.  t Heb.  man  of  blood.  3:37.  11:15— 17.  12:9.  Ps.  5:6.  51:14.  p Deut. 
13:13.  1 Sam.  2: 12.  25:17.  1 Kings  21 : 10,13.  q Jude.  9:24,56,57.  1 Kings  2:32, 
83.  Acts  28:4,5.  Rev.  16:6.  r 1:16.  3:28,29.  4:11,12.  Ps.3  2.  4:2.  § Or,  behold 
thee  in  thy  evil . s 3:30.  1 Sam.  26:6 — 8.  t 3:8.  9:8.  1 Sam.  24:14.  \i  See  on 
Ex.  22:28.  Acts  23:5.  1 Pet.  2:17.  x 1 Sam.  26:6— 11.  Job  31:30,31.  Jer.  40:13 
—16.  v 3:39.  19:22.  1 Kings  2:5.  Matt.  16:23.  Luke  9:54— 56.  1 Pet.  2:23. 
tOen.  50:20.  1 Kings  22:21— 23.  2 Kings  18:25.  Lam.  3:38,39.  John  18:11. 
a Job  9:12.  Ec.  8:4.  Dan.  4:35.  Rom.  9:20.  b 12:11 ,12.  c7:12.  Gen.  15:4. 

d 17:1—4.  2 Kings  19:37.  2 Chr.  32:21.  Matt.  10:21.  e Is.  10:5 — 7.  Ez.  14:9. 


that  David  would  be  ashamed  to  retract  his  grant-  when  he 
had  once  made  it.  (Note,  19:24 — 30.) — It  is  evident,  how- 
ever, that  David  acted  very  precipitately,  did  great  injustice 
to  Mephibosheth,  and  even  forgot  his  covenant  with  Jonathan, 
in  passing  sentence  without  hearing  Mephibosheth’s  defence. 
(Note,  1 Sam.  20:14—17.) 

V.  5 — 14.  Bahurim  was  a city  of  Benjamin  ; and  Shimei 
was  a relation  of  Saul : so  that  the  translation  of  the  kingdom 
to  David  marred  all  his  prospects  of  preferment.  He  disre- 
garded the  express  appointment  of  God,  and  his  heart  was 
full  of  implacable  enmity  to  David,  as  a usurper  of  the 
throne.  Contrary  to  the  fullest  evidence,  he  accused  him  of 
murdering  Saul’s  family,  and  interpreted  his  affliction  into  a 
roof  of  his  guilt ; and  he  took  this  opportunity  to  pour  out  all 
inds  of  imprecations  and  reproaches,  and  to  express  all  the 
rage  of  impotent  contempt  and  malice.  But  if  David  had 
been  a bloody  man,  and  disposed  to  slay  the  family  of  Saul, 
Shimei  would  soon  have  suffered  the  just  punishment  of  his 
audacity  ; for  David  was  so  well  guarded  that  Shimei  could 
only  show  his  malice  at  a distance : and  David’s  prohibition 
alone  prevented  his  nephew  Abishai  from  putting  him  to 
death.  This  Shimei  merited  : but  David  was  now  under  the 
divine  rebuke  for  his  sins.  Though  free  from  the  guilt  charged 
upon  him,  he  was  consciously  guilty  of  having  murdered 
Uriah:  he  therefore  submitted  to  the  justice  of  God,  in  this 
injurious  treatment  from  Shimei ; and  he  could  not  wonder 
that  his  enemies  were  stirred  up  against  him,  when  his  own 
son  sought  his  life.  The  sin  both  of  Shimei  and  of  Absalom 
was  from  themselves  and  Satan  : but  David’s  affliction  was 
from  the  Lord  ; and  they  were  merely  instruments,  which  he 
employed,  without  their  intention,  of  correcting  David  for 
good.  (Notes,  Gen.  50:20.  Is.  10:7,15.  Ez.  14:9—11.  Jets 
2:22—24.)  The  curse  causeless  could  only  injure  him  who 
used  it : and  David  hoped  that  his  humble  submission  to  such 
Base  usage  from  man,  would  prepare  the  way  for  the  return 
of  peace  and  comfort  from  a merciful  God  ; and  therefore  he 
would  not  permit  Shimei  to  be  molested.  (Mars  Ref. 
Notes,  19:19 — 23.  1 Kings  2:8,9,36—4(1.) 

Come  out,  &c.  1 7)  Or  rather,  “ Go  out,  go  out.”  ‘Get 


13  And  as  David  and  his  men  went  by  the  way, 
Shimei  went  along  on  the  hill’s  side  over  against 
him,  and  ''cursed  as  he  went,  and  threw  stones  at 
him,  and  "cast  dust. 

14  And  the  king,  and  all  the  people  that  were 
with  him,  came  weary,  and  refreshed  themselves 

■there.  [ Practical  Observations.'] 

15  II  And  'Absalom,  and  all  the  people  the 
men  of  Israel,  came  to  Jerusalem,  and  Ahithophel 
with  him. 

16  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Hushai  the 
Archite,  David’s  friend,  was  come  unto  Absalom, 
that  Hushai  said  un*o  Absalom,  “God  save  the 
king,  God  save  the  King. 

17  And  Absalom  said  to  Hushai,  kIs  this  thy 
kindness  to  thy  friend  ? 'why  wentest  thou  not 
with  thy  friend? 

18  And  Hushai  said  unto  Absalom,  Nay  ; but 
mwhom  the  Lord,  and  Iris  people,  and  all  the  men 
of  Israel  choose,  his  will  I be,  and  with  him  will  I 
abide. 

19  And  again,  Whom  should  I serve?  n Should 
I not  serve  in  the  presence  of  his  son  ? As  I have 
served  in  thy  father’s  presence,  so  will  I be  in  thy 
presence. 

20  U Then  said  Absalom  to  Ahithophel,  “Give 
counsel  among  you  what  we  shall  do. 

21  And  Ahithophel  said  unto  Absalom,  pGo  in 
‘■unto  thy  father’s  concubines,  which  he  hath  left 
to  keep  the  house;  and  all  Israel  shall  hear  that 
thou  art  “abhorred  of  Bthy  father  : 'then  shall  "the 
hands  of  all  that  are  with  thee  be  strong. 

22  So  they  spread  Absalom  a tent  upon  ‘the 
top  of  the  house;  and  Absalom  went  in  unto  his 
father’s  concubines  ffn  the  sight  of  all  Israel. 

23  And  the  counsel  of  Ahithophel,  which  he 
counselled  in  those  days,  was  ‘as  if  a man  had 
inquired  at  the  "oracle  of  God : so  was  “all  the 
counsel  of  Ahithophel  bboth  with  David  and  with 
Absalom. 


30:25.  f Gen.  29:32,33.  Ex.  2:24,25.  3:7,8.  1 Sam.  1:11.  Ps.  25:18.  II  Or, 
tears,  Heb.  eye.  g Dent.  23:5.  Is.  27:7.  Matt. 5:11,12.  Rom.  8:28.  2 Cor.  4:17. 
2 Thes.  1:7.  Heb.  12:10,11.  1 Pet.  4:12— 19.  h 5,6.  9 Heb.  dusted  him  with 

duet.  Acts  22:23.  i 5.  j 15:37.  **  Heb.  let  the  Icing  live.  1 Sam.  10:24.  1 Kings 
1:25,34  . 2 Kings  11:12.  Dan.  2:4.  5:10.  6:6,21.  Matt.  21:9.  k Deut.  32:6.  I 15, 
32— 37.  19:25.  Pros.  17:17.  18:24.  m5:l— 3.  1 Sam.  16:13.  n 45:34.  1 Sam 
28:2.  29:8.  Ps.  55:21.  Gal.  2:13.  o Ex.  1:10.  Ps.  2:2.  37:12,13.  Prov. 21-30 
Is.  8:10.  29:15.  Matt.  27:1.  A ts4:23— 28.  p Gen.  6:4.  38:16.  n 12:11.  1516. 
20:3.  Gen. 35:22.  Lev.  18:8.  20:11.  1 Kings.  2:17,22.  1 Cor. 5:1.  rtlen. 34:30. 
1 Sam.  13:4.  s Gen.  49:3,4.  tl  Sam.  27:12.  u 2:7.  Zech.8:13.  xll-2 
y 12:11.12.  Num.25:6.  Is.  3:9.  Jer.  3:3.  8:12.  p7..24:7.  Phil.  3:19.  z Num. 
27:21.  1 Sam.  30:8.  Ps.  28:2.  1 Pet.  4:11 . tt  Heb.  iron/.  Ps.  19:7.  a 1714 
23.  Job  5:12.  28:28.  Jer.  4:22.  8:9.  Matt.  11:25.  Luke  16:8.  Rom.  1:22.  1 Cor. 
3:19,20.  Jam.  3:13—18.  b 15:12.  Ec.  10:1. 


thee  out  of  the  kingdom,  from  whence  thou  deservest  to  be 
expelled.’  Bp.  Patrick— The  Lord  hath  bidden  him.  (11) 
‘Grotius  thinks  David  excuses  Stiimei  in  these  words:  for 
speaking  concerning  the  respect  that  is  to  be  used  to  kings, 
in  not  giving  them  public  reproaches,  he  excepts  those  which 
are  given  by  a prophet,  who  had  a special  command  of  God 
for  it.  Upon  which  account  he  saith,  when  David  was  openly 
upbraided  by  Shimei  as  a murderer,  he  had  no  excuse  to 
make  for  him  but  this,  that  perhaps  God  had  commanded  him 
to  do  it.’  Bp.  Patrick.  How  could  such  a thought  ever  come 
into  the  mind  of  this  learned  and  eminent  man,  or  find  a 
reception  there  ? What  prophet,  in  his  most  pointed  reproofs, 
ever  used  such  virulent  and  slanderous  language  as  that  of 
Shimei?  not  to  speak  of  his  casting  stones  and  dust. 

V.  15—19.  Though  Absalom  interpreted  Hushai’s  words 
as  implying  an  express  promise  of  fidelity,  and  an  unreserved 
tender  of  his  services,  they  did  not  necessarily  imply  these 
things.  He  said,  “ Let  the  king  live,”  not  Let  king  Absalom 
live.  And  when  Absalom  expressed  his  surprise,  that  he  thus 
forsook  his  friend ; he  declared  his  resolution  to  accompany, 
and  devote  himself  to  him,  whom  the  Lord  and  whom  all 
Israel  chose  ; but  the  event  soon  proved  that  this  was  not 
Absalom,  however  it  appeared  for  a time.  “ He  would  also 
serve  in  the  presence  of  the  son,  as  in  the  presence  of  the 
father.”  But  whom  would  he  serve?  He  would  serve  David 
in  Absalom’s  presence,  as  faithfully  as  he  had  hitherto  done. 
(Note.  Gen.  3:4,5.)— If  Absalom  had  not  been  blinded  with 
pride  and  popularity,  he  would  have  suspected  such  ambigu- 
ous words,  when  used  by  the  known  and  hitherto  zealous 
friend  of  his  father ; and  not  have  admitted  him  at  once  among 
his  confidential  counsellors.— It  is  indeed  very  difficult  to  con- 
duct stratagems  without  such  equivocations,  if  not  direct 
falsehoods  : and  therefore  it  is  best  to  keep  at  a distance  from 
them  if  it  be  possible. — When  Absalom  said,  “Is  this  thy 
kindness  to  thy  friend  ?”  Hushai  might  have  answered,  ‘ Is 
this  thy  duty  to  thy  father  and  king?’ 

V.  20 — 23.  (Note,  15:12.)  Aliithophel’s counsel  was  gene- 
rally considered  as  “the  oracle  of  God,”  because  of  his  great 
sagacity : and  at  one  time  his  profession  6 c f 5iety  seem  io  tmv« 
( 565  ) 


B.  C.  1021 


II.  SAMUEL, 


B.  C.  1021 


CHARTER  XVII. 

Hushai' a counsel  ia  preferred  to  the  politic,  hut  desperately  wicked  counsel  of 
Ahithophel , by  the  secret  appointment  of  God,  1—14.  Hushai  sends  intelli- 
gence to  David,  who  hastily  passes  over  Jordan , 15 — 22.  Ahithophel  re- 
turns hoTite  and  hangs  himself , 23.  David  comes  to  Mahannim , 24.  Amasa 
is  ma/le  captain  of  Absalom's  army , which  is  encamped  at  Gilead , 25,  26. 
David's  friends  brins  him  provisions,  27—29. 

OREOVER,  Ahithophel  said  unto  Absalom, 
Let  me  now  choose  out  twelve  thousand 
men,  and  aI  will  arise  and  pursue  after  David  bthis 
night  : 

2 And  I will  come  upon  him  while  he  is  'weary 
and  weak-handed,  and  will  make  him  afraid  : and 
all  the  people  that  are  with  him  shall  flee  ; and  dI 
will  smite  the  king  only. 

3 And  eI  will  bring  back  all  the  people  unto 
thee : the  man  whom  thou  seekest  is  as  if  all 
returned:  so  all  the  people  f shall  be  in  peace. 

4 And  sthe  saying  ‘pleased  Absalom  well,  and 
all  the  elders  of  Israel. 

5 Then  said  Absalom,  Call  now  hHushai  the 
Archite  also,  and  let  us  hear  likewise  what  'he 
saith. 

6 And  when  Hushai  was  come  to  Absalom, 

a Prov..  1:16.  4:16.  I».  590,8.  Ii  Ps.  3:3— 5.  4:8.  109:2—4.  c 16:14.  Dent.  25:18. 
d 1 Itings  22:31.  Zech.  13:7.  Matt.  21:38.26:31.  John  11:50.  18:4—8.  e 3:21. 
f Is.  48:22.  57:21.  lThes.  5:3.  g 1 Sam.  18:20,21. 23:21.  Estlj.  5: 14.  Rom.  1: 
32.  * Heb.  teas  right  in  the  eyes  of.  2 Chr.  30:4.  Esth.  1 .21.  marg.  h 15: 

32 — 37.16:16 — 19.  + Heb.  is  in  his  mouth.  \ Heb.  word.  § Heb.  counselled. 
i Prov.  31:8.  j 15:18.21:18—22.23:8,9,16,18,20-22.  1 Sam.  16:18.  17:34— 36, 

been  equally  depended  on.  He  did  not,  however,  show  his 
wisdom  in  joining  himself  to  a party,  so  devoid  of  all  principle, 
and  headed  by  a rash  young  man  of  consummate  villanj', 
which  foreboded  nothing  but  ruin.  But  his  confidence  in  his 
own  wisdom  made  him  presume  that  he  could  render  Absalom 
successful ; and  his  mind  seems  to  have  been  much  imbittcred 
against  David.  His  first  counsel  to  Absalom,  after  his  peace- 
able entrance  into  Jerusalem,  was  like  an  oracle  of  Satan , 
both  for  subtlety  and  atrocity.  For  his  own  security  and  that 
of  the  whole  party,  he  intended  to  preclude  all  hope  of  recon- 
ciliation with  David,  that  Absalom  might  determine  to  con- 
quer or  to  perish : and  he  put  him  on  an  act  of  shameless  wick- 
edness, which  indeed  was  well  suited  effectually  to  ensure  the 
purpose.  ( Note , Gen.  49:3,4.)  By  Ahithophel’s  advice, 
Absalom,  without  expressing  the  least  reluctance,  and  in  defi- 
ance of  the  law  of  God,  and  even  of  common  decency,  in  the 
most  public  manner,  lay  with  his  father’s  concubines ; thus 
inflicting  on  him  the  correction  that  had  been  denounced. 
(Note,  12:11,12.)  It  may  be  supposed  that  he  meant  to  act 
as  king , having  dethroned  and  succeeded  David  : but  had  he 
been  ihe  rightful  king,  it  would  not  in  the  least  have  excused 
his  incest. — It  is  surprising,  that  this  atrocious  crime  did  not 
set  the  people  against  him. — So  many  concubines,  besides 
his  wives,  were  by  no  means  honourable  to  David:  and  pro- 
bably none  of  them  expressed  a proper  degree  of  abhorrence 
of  so  gross  an  enormity.  (Notes,  15:16.  20:3.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 14.  Selfish  men  often  effect  to  appear  generous  in 
giving  away  the  property  of  others  for  their  own  advantage, 
and  are  great  adepts  in  address  and  insinuation.  Flatterers 
are  generally  backbiters ; for  it  is  as  easy  to  them  to  forge 
slanders  of  the  absent,  as  to  pretend  affection  and  respect  for 
the  present : and  those  servants,  who  purloin  their  master’s 
substance,  commonly  likewise  asperse  their  reputations. — 
Both  adulation  and  calumny  are  injurious  to  a great  degree, 
but  the  former  is  the  most  hurtful ; for  to  be  tempted  to  sin  is 
more  injurious  than  to  be  robbed  of  riches,  or  even  of  our 
characters : and  smooth  speeches  and  well-timed  presents, 
often  seduce  even  the  wise  and  righteous  into  improper  mea- 
sures.— When  much  treachery  and  ingratitude  have  been 
experienced,  men  are 'apt  to  become  too  suspicious,  and  to 
listen  to  every  plausible  tale  of  calumny:  the  mind  being 
greatly  agitated,  views  every  thing  through  a false  medium, 
and  we  are  all  naturally  most  precipitate  when  least  capable  of 
judging  aright : but  this  is  especially  the  danger  of  those  per- 
sons whose  affections  are  very  strong,  and  easily  excited.  But 
while  the  dissimulation  of  false  friends  occasions  sin  ; the  rage, 
malice,  anti  contumely  of  cruel  enemies  call  forth  the  exercises 
of  the  believer’s  graces,  and  often  prove  advantageous  to  him. — 
Wicked  men  judge  of  right  and  wrong  by  self-interest ; and 
count  themselves  robbed  of  every  expected  advantage  which 
goes  beside  them.  It  gratifies  malevolence  to  insult  the 
afflicted,  and  to  use  imprecations  and  reproaches:  and  those, 
who  think  nothing  of  the  authority,  providence,  or  word  of 
God  in  other  respects,  are  often  most  ready  to  interpret  the 
afflictions  of  their  neighbours  as  divine  judgments,  in  opposi- 
tion to  the  clearest  evidence.  But  it  is  good  to  see  the  hand 
of  G >d  directing,  though  not  dictating,  the  injuries  of  men. 
Their  calumnies  may  recall  to  memory  some  evil,  or  appear- 
ance of  evil,  which  requires  humiliation,  watchfulness,  and 
prayer:  we  deserve  worse  from  the  Lord  than  their  most 
cruel  and  contemptuous  treatment,  and  should  consider  it  as 
his  correction  : and  if  we  bear  it  humbly,  patiently,  and  meekly, 
for  his  sake,  he  will  graciously  requite  us  with  inward  peace 
and  consolation. — Seasons  of  peculiar  humiliation  before  God, 
require  peculiar  long-suffering  towards  men : private  revenge 
( 566  ^ 


Absalom  spake  unto  him,  saying-,  Ahithophel  hath 
spoken  after  this  manner:  shall  we  do  after  ins 
tsaying  ? if  not,  speak  thou. 

7 And  Hushai  said  unto  Absalom,  The  counsel 
that  Ahithophel  hath  %iven  is  ‘not  good  at  this 
time. 

8 For,  said  Hushai,  thou  knowest  thy  father 
and  his  men,  that  they  be  hnighty  men,  and  they 
be  "chafed  in  their  minds,  kas  a bear  robbed  of  her 
whelps  in  the  field : and  ‘thy  father  is  a man  of 
war,  and  will  not  lodge  with  the  people. 

9 Behold,  mhe  is  hid  now  in  some  pit,  or  in 
some  other  place  : and  it  will  come  to  pass,  when 
“some  of  them  be  ’’overthrown  at  the  first,  that 
whosoever  heareth  it,  will  say,  There  is  a slaughter 
among  the  people  that  follow  Absalom. 

10  And  he  also  that  is  valiant,  whose  “heart  is 
as  the  heart  of  a lion,  shall  Putterly  melt:  for  all 
Israel  knoweth  that  thy  father  is  a mighty  man, 
and  they  which  be  with  him  are  valiant  men. 

11  Therefore  I counsel  that  sail  Israel  be 
generally  gathered  unto  thee,  from  Dan  even  to 


50,51.  1 Chr.  11:25— 47.  Heb.  11:32— 34.  B Heb.  biller  of  soul.  Jude.  18:29. 
marg.  k 2 Kings  2:24.  Prov.  17:12.  28:15.  Dan.  7:5.  Hoa!  13:8.  1 1 Sam.  23: 
23.  m Judg.  2U:33:  1 Sam.  2*2:1 . 24:3.  n Josh.  7:5.  8:6.  Judir.  29:32.  1 Sax. 
14:14,15.  11  Heb. fallen,  o 1 .23.  23:20.  Gen.  49:9.  Num.  24:8,9.  Prov.2S;l. 
p Ex.  15:15.  Deut.  1:28.  Josh. 2:9— 11.  Is.  13:7.  19:1.  q 24:2.  Judg.  20:1 


must  never  be  indulged  ; and  on  such  occasions  it  behooves  us 
to  be  very  reluctant  in  seeking  the  execution  of  public  justice, 
on  those  offenders  who  have  injured  us  alone  : for  even  the 
Judge  of  the  world,  in  his  humiliation  for  our  sins , bore  with 
those  who  reviled  and  crucified  him,  and  prayed  for  them: 
yet  he  will  at  length  execute  vengence  on  all  the  impenitent 
and  unbelieving. — A deep  sense  of  personal  guilt  will  soften 
the  spirit  towards  others,  and  dispose  a man  to  be  indignant 
and  severe  against  himself:  and  the  most  zealous  friends  must 
be  disregarded,  and  even  reproved,  when  they  counsel  what  is 
evidently  wrong.  # 

V.  15 — 23.  Men,  who  admire  themselves,  will  be  easily 
deceived  by  those  who  profess  an  attachment  to  them : yet 
they  readily  discern  those  faults  in  others,  of  which  them- 
selves are  far  more  notoriously  guilty ; and  are  apt  to  express 
astonishment  at  them. — If  a -zealous  disciple  of  Christ  be  be- 
trayed into  evident  wickedness,  even  profligates'will  exclaim, 
“Is  this  thy  kindness  to  thy  Friend!”  But  alas,  how  often 
might  the  Saviour  himself  address  each  of  us  in  these  words, 
to  our  shame  and  confusion!  And  how  often  should  we  thus 
check  ourselves,  and  remember  our  ingratitude,  to  our  deeper 
humiliation ! — Destruction  is  before  those  who  hearken  to  de- 
ceitful and  wicked  counsellors : yet  young  people  in  general, 
especially  in  high  life,  will  not  regard  any  other. — How  des- 
perately wicked  is  the  human  heart,  that  can  conceive,  exe- 
cute, and  glory  in  those  deeds  of  darkness,  which  it  is  shocking 
to  think  of,  and  shameful  to  mention ! (Note,  JEph.  5:8 — 14.) 
yet  all  this  might  be  drawn  forth  out  of  our  hearts  by  successive 
temptations,  if  Satan  and  his  agents  were  permitted  to  prac- 
tise upon  us  ! — When  eminent  abilities  and  daring  w ickedness 
unite  in  one  character,  they  form  the  express  image  of  the 
devil:  and,  like  that  arch-apostate  and  rebel,  men  of  this  de- 
scription will  spare  no  pains  to  push  others  forward  into  those 
kinds  and  degrees  of  guilt,  which  may  drive  them  desperate, 
and  extinguish  all  thoughts  of  reconciliation  unto  God.  But 
this  wisdom  will  shortly  appear  the  most  wretched  and  con- 
temptible folly,  which  perverts  the  noble  powers  of  an  angel, 
to  increase  and  propagate  guilt,  condemnation,  and  eternal 
misery. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XVII.  V.  1—4  Ahithophel  was  fully 
aware,  that  delay  mi’«t  eventually  ruin  Absalom’s  cause  ; and 
he  therefore  proposed  to  assault  David,  while  he  and  his  men 
were  weary  and  dispirited,  and  unprepared  for  battle,  and  he 
undertook  to  conduct  the  assault  himself,  perhaps  fearing 
lest  Absalom’s  rashness  should  defeat  the  design.  Thus  ho 
thought  that  David  might  easily  be  smitten  alone ; and  that 
this  would  effectually  answer  Absalom’s  purpose,  and  bring 
over  the  people  to  a quiet  submission  to  his  authority.  The 
desperate  vrickcdness  of  the  proposal  excited  no  opposition, 
either  from  Absalom  or  from  the  elders  ; and  doubtless  it  was 
the  most  politic  measure,  which  could  possibly  have  been 
adopted  in  such  circumstances. 

V.  7 — 14.  It  is  evident  that  Hushai  aimed  to  gain  time 
for  David  to  remove  to  a greater  distance,  and  to  increase 
and  encourage  his  army:  and  if  ho  had  put  Absalom  off  from 
adopting  Ahithophel’s  counsel  and  measure,  only  for  one  night, 
it  might  have  proved  of  essential  service,  especially  as  he 
hoped  to  be  able  to  give  David  intelligence  of  his  danger.  In  pur- 
suing this  object,  ho  opposed  Ahithophcl’s  proposal  with  con- 
summate address:  and  with  some  spcciotts  arguments,  taken 
from  David’s  character  for  valour  and  military  skill : from  the 
courage  and  indignation  ofhis  followers;  and  from  the  proba- 
bility that  David  would,  by  some  stratagem  of  war,  in  which 
he  was  well  versed,  surprise  and  overcome  his  assailants,  if 
they  were  not  very  numerous,  and  so  discourage  the  wholo 
party  ; ho  therefore  stated  that  Ahithophel’s  counsi  1 was  not 


B.  C.  1021. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


B.  C.  1021 


Beer-sheba,  'as  the  sand  that  is  hy  the  sea  for 
multitude ; and  that  'thou  go  to  battle  ’in  thine 
own  person. 

12  So  shall  we  comt  upon  him  ‘in  some  place 
where  he  shall  be  found,  and  "we  will  light  upon 
him  as  the  dew  falleth  on  the  ground : and  of  him 
and  of  all  the  men  that  are  with  him  there  shall 
not  be  left  so  much  as  one. 

13  Moreover,  if  lie  be  gotten  into  a city, 
then  shall  all  Israel  bring  ropes  to  that  city,'  and 
we  will  draw  it  into  the  river,  until  there  be  not 
’qpe  small  stone  found  there. 

14  And  Absalom  and  all  the  men  of  Israel  said, 
The  counsel  of  Hushai  the  Archite  is  better  than 
the  counsel  of  Ahithophel.  For  The  Lord  had 
‘appointed  ’to  defeat  the  agood  counsel  of  Ahitho- 
phel, to  the  intent  that  the  Lord  might  bring  evil 
upon  Absalom. 

15  H Then  said  Hushai  unto  bZadok  and  to 
Abiathar  the  priests,  Thus  and  thus  did  Ahitho- 
phel counsel  Absalom  and  the  elders  of  Israel ; 
and  thus  and  thus  have  I counselled. 

16  Now  therefore  send  quickly,  and  tell  David, 
saying,  ’Lodge  not  this  night  in  the  plains  of  the 
wilderness,  dbut.  speedily  pass  over  ; lest  the  king 
"be  swallowed  up,  and  all  the  people  that  are  with 
him. 

17  Now  ‘Jonathan  and  Ahimaaz  stayed  by 
sEn-rogel ; for  they  might  not  be  seen  to  come 
into  the  city : and  a wench  went  and  told  them  ; 
and  they  went  and  told  king  David. 

18  Nevertheless,  a lad  saw  them,  and  told  Ab- 
salom : but  they  went  both  of  them  away  quickly, 
and  came  to  a man’s  house  in  hBahurim,  which 
had  a well  in  his  court ; whither  they  went  down. 

19  And  the  woman  took  and  'spread  a covering 
over  the  well’s  mouth,  and  spread  ground  corn 
thereon ; and  the  thing  was  not  known. 

20  And  when  Absalom’s  servants  came  to  the 
woman  to  the  house,  they  said,  Where  is  Ahimaaz 

r Gen.  13:16.  22:17.  Josh.  1 1:4.  !Kings4:20.  * Heb.  thy  face ^ or  presence, 

go, fee.  s 12:28.  Ps.  7:15,16.  9:16.  t l Sam.  23:23.  u 1 Kings  20:10.  2 Kinga 
18:23.  19:24.  Is.  10:13,14.  Ob.  3.  x Matt.  24:2.  y 15:31 . Gen.  32:28.  Ex.  9: 
16.  Deut.2:30.  2 Chr.  25:16,20.  t Heb.  commanded.  Ps.  33:9,10.  Lam.  3:37. 
Am.  9:3.  z 15:34.  16:23.  Job  5:12— 14.  Prov.  19:21 . 21 :30.  Is.  8:10.  ICor.l: 
19,20.3:19.  a Luke  16:8.  b 15:35.  c 15:28.  d 21,22.  15:14.  1 Sam.  20:38. 
Ps.  55:8.  Prov.  6:4,5.  Matt.  24:16— 18.  e 20:19,20.  Ps.  35:25.  56:2.  57:3. 
I Cor.  15:54.  2 Cor.  5:4.  fl5:27,36.  g Josh.  15:7.  18:16.  1 Kings  1:9.  h 3:16. 
16:5.19:16.  i Josh.  2:4-6.  j 15:34.  Ex.  1:19.  Josh.  2:4,5.  1 Sam.  19:14— 17. 


good  at  that  time,  though  he  generally  was  known  to  be  a wise 
counsellor.  But  the  measures,  which  he  proposed  instead  of  it, 
were  addressed  to  the  vainglory,  the  ambition,  and  perhaps  the 
revenge,  of  Absalom  and  of  his  followers.  (Note,  15:1 — 6.) 
To  raise  a very  large  army,  which  Absalom,  being  the  univer- 
sal favourite,  might  easily  accomplish ; to  command  it  himself, 
that  the  honour  might  be  all  his  own  ; to  carry  matters  with 
a high  hand,  to  make  sure  work,  and  to  destroy  David  and  atl 
his  party:  this  was  a more  pompous  scheme,  and  more  suited 
to  a man  of  Absalom’s  capacity  and  disposition,  and  to  an 
unreflecting  multitude,  than  the  deep  and  sagacious  counsel 
of  Ahithophel.  Hushai  doubtless  framed  his  speech,  not  to 
meet  the  approbation  of  the  wise,  but  to  please  the  humour  of 
the  many : and  it  pleased  God  so  to  infatuate  Absalom  and 
all  his  party,  that  it  met  with  general  approbation. — Ahitho- 
phel’s  former  counsel  was  followed,  for  God  intended  to  cor- 
rect David:  (Note,  16:20 — 23.)  but  his  latter  was  not,  for  he 
did  not  mean  to  destroy  him , but  Absalom.  Thus  God  an- 
swered David’s  prayer,  and  turned  the  good,  that  is,  the  politic 
counsel  of  Ahithophel  into  foolishness.  (Notes,  15:31.  16: 
15— 19.)—  A bear,  &c.  (8)  Note,  Hos.  13:5—8. 

Appoin'ed.  (14)  Commanded.  (Marg.)  It  was  God’s 
determined  purpose  thus  to  defeat  Ahithophel’s  counsel,  and 
to  preserve  David  ; and  the  whole  transaction  was  so  con- 
ductedf  by  his  secret  influence  on  the  minds  of  all  concerned, 
that  the  event  was  as  certainly  secured,  as  if  he  had  given 
an  express  command  to  that  purpose.  This  accorded  to  the 
language  of  David  concerning  Shimei.  (Notes,  16:5—14. 
Ps.  76:10.  Acts  4:23—28.) 

V.  15,  16.  Hushai  feared,  lest  Absalom  should  be  per- 
suaded by  Ahithophel  to  change  his  mind  ; and  he  was  fully 
convinced  that  Absalom  was  determined  to  murder  David,  if 
possible,  and  without  delay  : he  therefore  sent  him  intelligence, 
and  counselled  him  to  provide  immediately  for  his  safety,  by 
•vrossing  Jordan  without  delay. 

V.  17—21.  Absalom  and  his  party  were  restrained  from 
injuring  ZaJok  and  Abiathar  ; but  they  seem  to  have  sus- 
pec'ed  them.  It  was  not.  therefore,  thought  safe,  or  advise- 
able,  for  Jonathan  and  Ahimaaz  to  enter  the  city.  But  they 
abode  at  En-rcgel,  near  the  city,  (Marg.  Ref.  g.)  whither 
intelligence  was  sent  to  them  by  a young  woman,  as  an  un- 
suspected messenger,  which,  with  very  great  danger  to  them- 


and  Jonathan?  And  the  woman  said  unto  them. 
JThey  be  gone  over  the  brook  of  water.  And 
kwhen  they  had  sought  and  could  not  find  them 
they  returned  to  Jerusalem. 

21  And  it  came  to  pass  after  they  were  departed 
that  they  came  up  out  of  the  well,  and  went  and 
told  king  David,  and  said  unto  David,  'Arise,  and 
pass  quickly  over  the  water : for  Thus  hath  Ahi 
thophel  counselled  against  you. 

22  Then  David  arose,  and  all  the  people  that 
were  with  him,  "and  they  passed  over  Jordan  : by 
the  morning  light  "there  lacked  not  one  of  them 
that  was  not  gone  over  Jordan. 

23  H And  when  Ahithophel  fsaw  that  his 
counsel  was  not  tfollowed,  he  saddled  his  ass,  and 
arose,  and  gat  him  home  to  his  house,  to  ihis  city, 
and  §put  his  household  in  order,  rand  hanged  him- 
self, and  died,  and  was  buried  in  the  sepulchre  of 
his  father. 

24  Then  David  came  to  "Mahanaim.  And 
Absalom  passed  over  Jordan,  he  and  all  the  men 
of  Israel  with  him. 

25  H And  Absalom  made  ‘Amasa  captain  of  the 
host  instead  of  Joab:  which  Amasa  was  a man’s 
son  whose  name  was  “Ithra,  an  Israelite,  that  went 
in  to  "Abigail  the  daughter  of  "Nahash,  sister  to 
Zeruiah,  Joab’s  mother. 

26  So  Israel  and  Absalom  pitched  in  the  ’land 
of  Gilead. 

27  11  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  David  was  come 
to  Mahanaim,  that  Shobi  xthe  son  of  Nahash  of 
Rabbah  of  the  children  of  Ammon,  and  >"Machir 
the  son  of  Amiel  of  Lo-debar,  and  ’Barziliai  the 
Gileadite  of  Rogelim, 

28  Brought  "beds,  and  "basins,  and  earthen 
vessels,  and  wheat,  and  barley,  and  flour,  and 
parched  corn,  and  beans,  and  lentiles,  and  parched 
pulse, 

29  And  honey,  and  butter,  and  sheep,  and 
bcheese  of  kine,  "for  David,  and  for  the  people 

21-2  27-.  11,12.  k Josh.  2:22,23.  1 See  on  15,16.  m 1— 3.  n 24.  Prov.  27:12. 
Matt.  10:16.  oNum.  31:49.  John  18:9.  p Prov.  16:18.  19:3.  J Heb.  done 

? 15:12.  § Heb.  gave  charge  concerning  his  house.  2 Kings  20:1.  r 15:31. 

Sam.  31:4,5.  1 Kings  16:18.  Job  31:3.  Ps.  5:10.  55:23.  Matt.  27:5.  s 2:8. 
Gen.  32:2.  Josh.  13:26.  t 19:13.  20:4,9— 12.  u 1 Chr.  2:16,17.  Jcthur  the 
Ishmaelite.  II  Heb.  Abigal.  U Or,  Jesse.  1 Chr.  2: 13,16.  v Num.32:l,&c, 
Deut.  3:15.  Josh. 17:1.  x 10:1 ,2.  12:30.  1 Sam.  11:1.  v 9:4.  i 19:31,32. 
1 Kings  2:7.  Ezra  2:61.  a 16:1,2.  1 Sam.  25:18.  Is.  32:8.  **  Or,  cups, 

bl  Sam.  17:18.  c Luke  8:3.  Phil.  4:15— 19. 


selves,  and  by  means  of  a stratagem,  united  with  a degree  of 
falsehood  in  others,  they  were  at  length  enabled  to  deliver. 
(Notes,  Josh.  2:2 — 6.  1 Sam.  19:12 — 17.) 

V.  22.  Lacked  not  one,  &c.]  This  was  a remarkable 
instance  of  God’s  providential  care  over  his  servant  David 
and  his  friends,  that  not  one  was  lost,  or  had  deserted,  out 
of  the  whole  company ; and  he  was  in  this  a type  of  Christ, 
who  loses  none  of  his  true  followers. — About  this  time  David 
wrote  the  third  psalm. 

V.  23.  Ahithophel  had  by  this  time  seen  enough  of  Absa- 
lom, to  consider  his  cause  a£  already  lost.  His  vexation, 
when  he  saw  so  wild  a measure  as  that  proposed  by  Hushai, 
preferred  to  his  sound  policy  was  intolerable.  He  expected 
nothing  but  extreme  disgrace  and  a public  execution  for  his 
treason;  but  it  is  doubtful  whether  he  despaired  of  mercy 
from  God,  or  was  hardened  in  presumption  and  infidelity  : 
he,  however,  most  deliberately  murdered  himself.  (Notes, 
Job.  5:11 — 16.  Prov.  24:21,22.) — It  is  observable  that  three 
at  least  of  those  who  are  recorded  in  Scripture  as  suicides,  were 
apostate  professors  of  godliness,  viz.  Saul,  Ahithophel,  and 
Judas.  (Note,  1 Sam.  31:3 — 6.)  It  is  also  remarkable  that 
he  should  have  hanged  himself,  rather  than  kill  himself  in 
any  other  way.  (Notes,  Deut.  21:22,23.  Matt..  27:3 — 5.) 
David’s  prayer  was  answered  more  terribly  than  he  expected 
or  desired.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

Hanged  himself.]  Aer/ylaro.  Sept.  Matt.  27'5.  Gr.. 
The  whole  narrative  confutes  the  absurd  gloss  of  those  Jews, 
who  would  represent  him  as  choked  with  grief,  and  not  as 
having  strangled  himself. — He  deliberately  returned  home,, 
“gave  charge  concerning  his  house,”  (marg.)  made  his  will, 
settled  his  affairs,  and  then  hanged  himself. 

V.  24.  (Marg.  Ref.)  While  Absalom  was  collecting  his- 
army,  David  had  time  for  taking  effectual  measures  for  resist- 
ing him. 

V.  25.  Nahash  was  evidently  another  name  of  Jesse. 
Ithra  is  supposed  to  nave  been  an  Ishmaelite  by  birth,  but 
proselyted  to  the  religion  of  Israel. — Amasa  was  nephew  to 
David,  by  Abigail  his  sister,  as  were  also  Joab  and  Abishai,. 
by  Zeruiah.  (1  Chr.  2:13 — 17.  Note,  17.) 

V.  27 — 29.  Perhaps  Shobi,  the  son  of  Nahash,  had  been, 
advanced  to  reign  over  Ammon  by  David,  instead  of  Hanun 
his  brother;  and  thus  expressed  his  gratitude:  (JVoteJ,  10  }. 
( 567  ) 


B.  C.  1021. 


II.  SAMUEL. 


B C.  1021. 

that  were  with  him,  dto  eat : for  they  said,  'The 
people  is  hungry,  and  weary,  and  tliirsty, *  1 in  the 
wilderness. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

David  musters  his  troops  under  three  commanders , and  charges  them  to  spare 
Absalom,  l — 5.  Absalom's  army  is  routed  ; he  jlees,  and  his  head  being  en- 
tangled in  an  oak , he  is  slain  by  Joab , and  cast  into  a pit,  6 — 17.  Absalom's 
place,  18.  Ahinoam  and  Cushi  carry  tidings  to  David,  19 — 32.  He  laments 
most  bitterly , 33. 

AND  David  "numbered  the  people  that  were 
vvith  him,  and  set '’captains  of  thousands  and 
captains  of  hundreds  over  them. 

2  And  David  sent  forth  ca  third  part  of  the 
people  under  dthe  hand  of  Joab,  and  a third  part 
under  the  hand  of  Abishai  the  son  of  Zeruiah, 
Joab’s  brother,  and  a third  part  under  the  hand  of 
'Ittai  the  Gittite.  And  the  king  said  unto  the 
people,  fI  will  surely  go  forth  with  you  myself 
also. 

3  But  the  people  answered,  sThou  shalt  not  go 
forth : for  hif  we  flee  away,  they  will  not  'care  for 
us;  neither  if  half  of  us  die,  will  they  care  for  us: 
but  now  thou  art  ’worth  ten  thousand  of  us : 
therefore  now  it  is  better  that  thou  tsuccour  us 
out  of  the  city. 

4  And  the  king  said  unto  them,  What  seemeth 
you  best  I will  do.  And  the  king  stood  ‘by  the 
gate  side,  and  all  the  people  came  out  'by  hun- 
dreds and  by  thousands. 

5  And  the  king  commanded  Joab  and  Abishai 
and  Ittai,  saying,  kDeal  gently  for  my  sake  with 
the  young  man,  even  with  Absalom.  And  'all 
the  people  heard  when  the  king  gave  all  the 
captains  charge  concerning  Absalom. 


d Ps.  31:8 — .0.  84:11.  e Juctg.  8:4— 6.  Ec.  11:1,2.  la.  21:14.  53:7.  f 16:2. 
a Ex.  17:9.  Josh.  8:10.  bl  Sam.  8:12.  e Judg.  7:16,19,20.  9:43.  d 10:7— 10. 
e 15:19 — 22.  f 17:11.  Ps.  3:6.  27: 1—3.  118:6— 8.  e 21:17.  h 17:2.  1 Kings 
22:31.  Zech.  13:7.  * Heb.  set  their  heart  on  us.  7 Heb.  as  ten  thousand  of 

tig.  Lam.  4:20.  J Heb.  be  to  succour.  10:11.  Ex. 17:10— 12.  i 24.  Is.  28:6. 

J I.  1 Sam.  29:2.  k 16:11.  17: 1 — 4,14.  Deut.  21 :18 — 21 . Ps.  103:13.  Lt:ke23: 
U.  112.  m Judg.  12:1—  6.  n 2: 17.  15:6.  19:41— 43.  o Prov.  11:21. 24.21,22. 


or  perhaps  he  was  proselyted  and  lived  among  the  Israelites. 
— The  various  kinds  of  provisions  which  were  brought  to 
David,  not  only  expressed  the  libe-ality  of  his  friends,  but 
showed  the  extreme  distress  to  which  his  followers  were  re- 
duced. ( Marg . Ref.  Notes , 9:4.  19:31 — 39.  1 Sam.  25: 
18,19.  1 Chr.  12:23—40.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

When  Satan  has  seduced  men  into  a wicked  course  of 
life,  every  crime  makes  more  and  greater  enormities  almost 
necessary ; and  they  must  go  forward,  or  lose  the  fruit,  and 
suffer  the  punishment  of  their  former  villanies. — His  decided 
servants  are  more  sagacious  and  vigorous  in  their  mischievous 
devices,  than  the  Lord’s  servants  are  in  doing  good  : and  they 
have  a very  great  apparent  advantage  ; being  freed  from  the 
restraints  of  conscience,  gratitude,  natural  affection,  and  the 
fear  of  God. — That  some  few  individuals  should  be  monsters 
of  iniquity  would  not  excite  much  surprise:  but  from  age  to 
age  immense  multitudes  are  found,  who  with  one  consent 
break  through  every  tie  of  duty;  especially  when  engaged  in 
opposing  the  cause  of  religion  and  its  cordial  friends  : and 
this  demonstrates,  that  man  by  nature  is  an  enemy  to  the 
service  and  holiness  of  God. — When  the  heart  is  hardened  in 
iniquity,  it  is  righteous  for  God  to  infatuate  the  understand- 
ing: and  when  the  rage  of  his  enemies  has  accomplished  his 
secret  purposes,  and  they  are  about  to  proceed  further,  their 
machinations  prove  unsuccessful,  and  accelerate  their  own 
destruction.  ( Notes , Is.  10:7 — 19.) — The  Lord  can  perform 
the  greatest  deliverances  by  the  feeblest  instruments : he  can 
protect  his  servants  in  their  extremest  dangers,  cr  provide  for 
them  in  their  most  pressing  necessities : he  can  restrain  the 
malice  of  their  most  cruel  enemies,  and  enlarge  the  heart  of 
unexpected  friends:  and  whatever  wisdom,  address,  despatch, 
or  assistance,  any  man  employs  or  affords  ; the  success  is 
from  God  alone,  who  will  not  suffer  one  of  his  people  to 
perish. — When  Satan  has  tempted  men  to  successive  crimes, 
till  they  are  ripe  for  destruction ; and  when  Providence  has 
disappointed  their  ambitious  and  vainglorious  projects,  and 
-their  lives  are  rendered  miserable  ; the  last  device  of  that 
eubrle  enemy  is  to  urge  them  to  murder  themselves:  and  in 
this  way  lie  sometimes  deludes  those,  who  have  been  most 
renowned  for  wisdom  ; but  who  are  at  length  so  foolish  as  to 
plunge  themselves  into  everlasting  mLery,  for  fear  of  tem- 
poral disgrace  and  suffering!  Let  us  then  beware  of  hypo- 
crisy and  apostacy,  which  frequently  have  this  event : let  us 
fear  sinning  against  knowledge  and  conscience,  which  is  often 
the  forerunner  of  judicial  hardness:  let  us  seek  the  wisdom 
which  comes  from  God,  and  leads  to  heaven  : let  us  watch 
against  pride,  malice,  envy,  and  ambition ; and  learn  to  pity 
and  relieve  those  who  are  in  distress,  with  liberality  propor- 
tioned to  our  ability. — Our  King  indeed  needs  not  our  help  : 
but  he  has  assure i us,  that  what,  we  do  for  the  least  of  his 
brethren,  who  ai  a sick,  poor,  or  destitute,  shall  be  accepted 
( 568  ) 


6 H So  the  people  went  out  into  the  field  against 
Israel : and  the  battle  was  in  the  mwood  of 
Ephraim ; 

7 Where  “the  people  of  Israel  were  slain  before 
the  servants  of  David,  and  there  was  there  “a 
great  slaughter  that  day  of  ^twenty  thousand  men. 

8 For  the  battle  was  there  scattered  over  the 
face  of  all  the  country:  and  ‘ithe  wood  ^devoured 
more  people  that  day  than  the  sword  devoured. 

9 H And  Absalom  met  the  servants  of  David. 
And  Absalom  rode  upon  a mule,  and  the  mule 
went  under  the  thick  boughs  of  a great  oak,  and 
rhis  head  caught  hold  of  the  oak,  and  he  was 
'taken  up  between  the  heaven  and  the  earth  ; and 
the  mule  that  was  under  him  went  away. 

10  And  a certain  man  saw  it,  and  told  Joab, 
and  said,  Behold,  I saw  Absalom  hanged  in  an 
oak. 

11  And  Joab  said  unto  the  man  that  told  him, 
And  behold,  thou  sawest  him.  and  why  didst 
thou  not  smite  him  there  to  the  ground  ? and  I 
would  have  given  thee  ten  shekels  of  silver,  and  a 
girdle. 

12  And  the  man  said  unto  Joab,  Though  I 
should  "receive  a thousand  shekels  of  silver  in 
my  hand,  yet  would  I not  put  forth  my  hand 
against  the  king’s  son : for  'in  our  hearing  the 
king  charged  thee  and  Abishai  and  Ittai.  saying, 
’’Beware  that  none  touch  the  ytiungman  Absalom. 

13  Otherwise  I should  have  "wrought  falsehood 
against  mine  own  life:  vfor  there  is  no  matter  hid 
from  the  king,  and  thou  thyself  wouldest  have  set 
thyself  against  me. 


p 2:26,31.  2 Chr.  13:16,17.  28:6.  q Ex.  15:10.  Josh. 10:11.  Jude.  5:20,21. 

1 Kings  20:30.  Ps.  3:7.  43:1.  § Heb.  multiplied  to  devour . r 14:26.  17:23. 
Malt.  27:5.  s Deut.  21 :23.  27:16,20.  Job  18:9,10.  31 :3.  Prov.  20:20.  30:17.  Jer. 
48:44.  Mark  7:10.  Gal.  3:13.  ||  Heb.  weigh  upon  my  hand,  t 5.  1i  Heb.  Be- 
ware  whosoever  ye  be,  of  the,  Sfc.  u 1:15,16.  4:10 — 12.  v 14:19,20.  Heb 


and  recompensed,  as  if  it  were  done  for  himself  in  person. 
(Note,  Matt.  25:34 — 40.) 

NOTES.— Chap.  XVIII.  V.  1—3.  As  Ahithophel 
had  foreseen,  Absalom’s  delay  afforded  David’s  friends  an 
opportunity  of  strengtheping  his  army,  which  was  now  become 
capable  of  meeting  their  opponents  in  the  field  of  battle.  It 
is  probable,  that  it  was  greatly  inferior  in  numbers  to  Absa- 
lom’s, but  far  superior  in  discipline,  and  consisted  chiefly  of 
old  and  approved  friends,  and  such  as  acted  from  principle 
and  conscience  in  adhering  to  their  prince.  This  appears  in 
the  answer  which  they  returned  to  his  proposal  of  leading 
them  to  battle  in  his  own  person. 

Ten  thousand.  (3)  This  seems  to  have  been  spoken,  not 
only  out  of  affection  to  David,  hut  from  a proper  estimate  of 
the  importance  of  his  life  to  the  civil  and  religious  interests 
of  the  nation  ; which  was  in  great  danger  of  falling  into  the 
most  abject  misery  and  the  greatest  ungodliness,  if  Absalom 
were  successful  in  his  wicked  usurpation  : and,  no  doubt,  the 
truly  pious  Israelites  adhered  to  David,  with  one  accord. 

V.  5.  Absalom  aimed  directly  at  the  life  of  his  indulgent 
father  ; David* desired  nothing  so  much  as  the  preservation 
of  his  rebellious  son  I (Note,  17:1 — 4.)  But  Absalom’s  crimes 
were  too  enormous  to  he  pardoned,  consistently  with  David’s 
duty;  and  the  peace  of  Israel  could  not  be  established  while 
he  iived.  Perhaps  David  hoped,  that  if  Absalom  were  not 
slain  in  battle,  he  might  live  to  repent,  and  so  escape  future 
vengeance.  But  if  he  had  been  spared,  he  would  probably 
have  occasioned  David  further  trouble  and  sin  ; and  it  pleased 
God  to  preserve  his  servant  from  the  guilt  of  pardoning  him, 
and  from  the  anguish  of  punishing  him. — David  does  not  seem 
to  have  doubted  of  the  victory,  after  his  prayer  against  Ahi- 
thophel had  been  so  remarkably  answered. 

V.  0.  The  wood  of  Ephraim  here  mentioned  was  beyond 
Jordan  ; and  it  is  supposed  to  be  the  place  where  the  Ephraim- 
ites  had  been  slain  in  the  days  of  Jephthah.  (Judg,  12:4 — C. ) 

V.  8.  The  mood,  &c.]  More  were  slain  in  the  nursuit 
through  the  wood,  than  in  the  battle.  It  is  also  probable,  that 
number^  perished  by  pressing  on  one  another  in  the  thickets, 
or  were  devoured  by  wild  beasts.  (Marg.  R^f.  o,  p.) 

V.  9.  Either  Absalom’s  hair,  which  he  had  effeminately 
tended,  was  so  entangled  in  the  boughs  of  the  oak  that  he 
could  not  extricate  himself ; (Note,  14:25 — 27.)  or  his  head 
itself  was  confined  betwixt  two  arms  of  the  tree,  through  the 
rapidity  and  inattention  with  Vvhich  he  rode,  to  escape  the 
servants  of  David.  In  this  dreadful  situation  he  remained 
for  a considerable  time,  doubtless  with  unspeakable  horror 
expecting  his  doom,  without  being  ahlo  in  the  least  to  help 
himself.  His  fate  was  as  extraordinary  as  his  crimes;  tnd 
being  providentially  hanged  on  a tree,  ho  was  as  it  were  ,>ro- 
nounced  accursed  by  God  himself.  (Marg.Rrf.  Note , # 23.) 

V.  13.  Wrought  falsehood , &c.)  Tins  man  mcait  to 
say,  that  ho  should  bavu  cheated  himself;  and  by  leaking  % 


B.  C.  1021. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


B.  C.  1021, 


14  Then  said  Joab,  I may  not  tarry  thus  'with 
(jee.  And  tie  took  three  darts  in  his  hand,  and 
"thrust  them  though  the  heart  of  Absalom,  while 
he  was  yet  alive  in  the  'midst  of  the  oak. 

15  And  ten  young  men  that  bare  Joab’s  armour 
compassed  about  and  smote  Absalom,  and  slew  him. 

16  And  Joab  *blew  the  trumpet,  and  the  people 
returned  from  pursuing  after  Israel:  for  Joab  held 
back  the  people. 

17  And  they  took  Absalom,  and  cast  him  into 
a great  pit  in  the  wood,  and  •’’laid  a very  great 
heap  of  stones  upon  him : and  all  Israel  fled  every 
one  to  his  tent.' 

18  Now  Absalom  in  his  lifetime  had  taken  and 
•reared  up  for  himself  a pillar,  which  is  in  “the 
king’s  dale:  for  he  said,  bI  have  no  son  to  keep 
my  name  in  remembrance  : and  che  called  the 
pillar  after  his  own  name:  and  it  is  called  unto 
this  das',  ‘‘Absalom’s  place.  [.Practical  observations.'} 

19  v Then  said  “Ahimaaz  the  son  of  Zadok, 
Let  me  now  run,  and  bear  the  king_ tidings,  how 
that  the  Lord  hath  ktvenged  him  of  his  enemies. 

20  And  Joab  said  unto  him,  Thou  shalt  not 
Shear  tidings  this  day,  but  thou  shalt  bear  tidings 
another  day : but  this  day  thou  shalt  bear  no 
tidings,  ‘because  the  king’s  son  is  dead. 

21  Then  said  Joab  to  Cushi,  Go,  tell  the  king 
what  thou  hast  seen.  And  Cushi  bowed  himself 
unto  Joab,  and  ran. 

22  Then  said  Ahimaaz  the  son  of  Zadok  yet 
again  to  Joab,  But  "howsoever,  let  me,  I pray 
thee,  also  run  alter  Cushi.  And  Joab  said, 
Wherefore  wilt  thou  run,  my  son,  seeing  that 
thou  hast  no  tidings  “ready  ? 

23  But  howsoever,  said  he,  let  me  run.  And 
he  said  unto  him,  Run.  Then  Ahimaaz  ran  by 
the  way  of  the  plain,  and  overran  Cushi. 

24  And  David  sat  ^between  the  two  gates : 
and  hthe  watchman  went  up  to  the  roof  over  the 
gate  unto  the  wall,  and  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and 
ooked,  and  behold,  a man  running  alone. 

• Heb.  before  thee.  w 5.  Juitg.  4:21.5:26,31.  Pa.  45:5.  1 Thes.  5:3. 

tHeb.Aenrt.  Malt.  12:40.  x 2:28. 20:22.  Nura.  10:2— 10.  1 Cor.  14:8. 

r Josh.  7:26.  8:29.  10:27.  Pom.  10-7.  Jer.  22:18,19.  i 1 Sam.  15:12.  a Gen. 
14:17.  b 14:27.  Job  16:16,17.  Pa.  109:13.  .Ter.  22  30.  c Gen.  11:4.  1 Sam.  15: 
12.  Pa  49:11.  Dan.  4:30.  d Gen.  11:9.  Actsl:18,19.  * 23:27—29.15:36.17: 

17.  $ Heb.  judged  him  from  the  hand,  Sfc.  Ps.  7:6, 8, 9.  9:4,16.  10:14,18.  Rom. 
12:19.  § Heb  be  a man  "f.  17:16 — 21.  f 5,27,29,33.  ||  Heb.  be  what  may. 

Or,  convenient.  Rom.  1:28.  Eph.5:4.  g 4.  1 Sam.  4:13.  h 2 Kings  9:17 — 

eward,  have  forfeited  his  life.  His  words  were  replete  with 
-uth,  good  sense,  and  sound  argument ; and  Joab  was  con- 
scious that  they  did  not  admit  of  an  answer. 

V.  14.  Joab  doubtless  intended  the  interest  of  both  David 
and  his  kingdom,  in  killing  Absalom  ; and  his  death  was  of 
salutary  tendency,  and  even  necessary  : yet  Joab  cannot  be 
excused  in  acting  against  the  express  command  of  his  sove- 
reign. He  had  no  warrant  from  God  or  man  to  execute 
vengeance  on  Absalom : and,  having  deserved  death  himself, 
he  was  the  last  person  who  should  have  complained  of  the 
obstruction  of  public  justice. 

V.  17,  18.  It  seems  that  Absalom’s  sons  died  young,  as  a 
just  judgment  upon  him  for  seeking  the  life  of  his  father: 
(14:27.)  and  that,  after  their  death,  he  erected  a magnificent 
column,  in  or  near  which  he  meant  to  be  interred  ; and  by 
which  he  hoped  to  perpetuate  his  memory,  with  honour,  to 
future  generations.  (Notes,  Gen.  11:3,4.  Ps.  49:11.  Dan. 
4:28 — 33.)  But,  on  the  contrary,  he  was  buried  with  igno- 
miny as  a malefactor ; (Josh.  10:26,27.  Prov.  10:7. — Notes, 
Josh.  7:25,26.  8:29.)  and  his  pillar  proved  a monument  of  his 
folly  and  wicked  ambition. 

V.  19 — 22.  Ahimaaz  had  continued  with  David,  after  he 
had  brought  tidings  from  Hushai ; (17:17 — 21.)  and  was  pre- 
sent in  the  battle,  probably  sounding  one  of  the  sacred  trum- 
pets. (Note,  Num.  10:1 — 10.  2 Chr.  13:4— 12.)  He  was 
desirous  of  being  the  first  to  announce  to  David  the  tidings  of 
the  Lord’s  having  “judged  him  from  the  hand  of  his  enemies 
’ narg.)  both  from  disinterested  love  to  him,  and  probably  in 
hopes  of  gradually  preparing  David  for  the  account  of  Absa- 
lom’s death.  (Note,  28 — 32.)  But  Joab  was  sensible  that 
David  would  bitterly  lament  the  death  of  Absalom,  and  was 
not  willing  to  send  so  respectable  a person  as  Ahimaaz  with 
tidings  which  would  be  unsuitable  to  his  friendly  purpose,  and 
unwelcome  to  David.  (27)  He  therefore  appointed  for  that 
service  a man,  whose  name  intimates  that  he  was  an  Ethio- 
pian, and  perhaps  a slave : he  was,  however,  cordially  attached 
to  the  interests  of  David.  Joab  afterwards  permitted  Ahi- 
maaz to  go  also. 

V.  28 — 32.  Probably,  one  motive  which  induced  Ahimaaz 
eo  earnestly  to  desire  to  carry  David  the  first  news  of  the 
victory,  was,  that  he  might  gradually  prepare  his  mind  for 
Ihe  intelligence  of  Absalom’s  death : for,  though  he  rejoiced 

Vol.  I.— 72 


25  And  the  watchman  cried,  and  told  the  king. 
And  the  king  said,  If  he  be  alone  there  is  tiding!* 
in  his  mouth.  And  he  came  apace,  and  drew 
near. 

26  And  the  watchman  saw  another  man  run 
ning : and  the  watchman  called  unto  the  porte-. 
and  said,  Behold,  another  man  running  alone 
And  the  king  said,  He  also  bringeth  tidings. 

27  And  the  watchman  said,  "Methinketh  the 
running  of  the  ioremost  is  like  the  running  o» 
Ahimaaz  the  son  of  Zadok.  And  the  king  said, 
‘He  is  a good  man,  and  cometh  with  good 
tidings. 

28  And  Ahimaaz  called,  and  said  unto  the 
king,  itAlI  is  well.  And  ‘‘he  fell  down  to  the  earth 
upon  his  face  before  the  king,  and  said,  ‘Blessed  be 
the  Lord  thy  God,  which  hath  ^delivered  up  the 
men  that  lifted  up  their  hand  against  my  lord  the 
king. 

29  And  the  king  said,  §§Is  the  young  man 
Absalom  safe  ? And  Ahimaaz  answered,  When 
Joab  sent  the  king’s  servant,  and  me  thy  servant, 
mI  saw  a great  tumult,  but  I knew  not  what  it 
was. 

30  And  the  king  said  unto  him.  Turn  aside, 
and  stand  here.  And  he  turned  aside,  and  stood 
still. 

31  And  behold,  Cushi  came ; and  Cushi  said, 
""Tidings  my  lord  the  king : for  “the  Lord  hath 
avenged  thee  this  day  of  all  them  that  rose  up 
against  thee. 

32  And-the  king  said  unto  Cushi,  Is  the  young 
man  Absalom  safe?  and  Cushi  answered,  “The 
enemies  of  my  lord  the  king,  and  all  that  rise 
against  thee  to  do  thee  hurt,  be  as  that  young 
man  is. 

33  And  the  king  was  much  moved,  and  went 
up  to  the  chamber  over  the  state,  and  wept:  and 
as  he  went,  thus  he  said,  pO  my  son  Absalom ! 
my  son,  my  son  Absalom ! ^Would  God  I had  died 
for  thee,  O Absalom,  my  son,  my  son  ! 


20.  Is. 21:6 — 9,11,12.  F.z.  33:2 — 6.  **  Heb.  I see  thee  running.  2 Kings  9:20 
i 1 Kings  1:42.  Prov.  25: 13,25.  Is.  52:7.  Rom.  10: 15.  tt  Or,  Peace  be  lo  thee. 
Heb.  Peace.  k 1:2.  14:4.  1 22:47.  Gen.  14:20.24:27.  2 Chr.  20. 26.  Ps.  115:1. 
144-.1, 2.  Rev.  19:1—3.  XX  Heb  .shut  up.  1 Sam.  24:18.  26.8.  Ps.  31:8.  §§  Heb. 
Is  there  peace  to,  fyc.  ? m 19,20,22.  ||||  Heb.  Tidings  ts  brought.  n 19,28. 
22:48,49.  Deut.  32:35,38.  Ps.  5S:10.  94: 1— 4.  o Judg.  5:31.  Ps.  68:1,2.  Dan.  4: 
19.  p 19:4.  q 12:10-23.  Ps.  103:13.  Prov.  10:1.  17:25.  Jam. 5:17. 


in  David’s  deliverance,  he  sympathized  with  him  in  his  grief; 
and  for  this  purpose  he  evaded  the  king’s  question,  which 
Cushi  soon  after  indirectly,  hut  more  plainly,  replied  to.— 
The  piety  of  the  language  both  of  Ahimaaz  and  Cushi  on 
this  occasion  are  worthy  of  notice  and  imitation. 

V.  33.  David’s  grief  was  doubtless  excessive,  and  very 
imprudent  and  criminal.  He  ought  to  have  been  thankful 
for  his  own  deliverance  and  for  that  of  Israel ; and  to  have 
submitted  with  silent  patience  to  the  righteous  judgment  of 
God  upon  his  son.  (Notes,  Lev.  10:3.  1 Sam.  3:16 — ]8. 
Ps.  39:9,10.)  But  he  was  a man  of  warm  passions  : he  had 
inordinately  loved  a very  unworthy  object,  who  was  cut  off 
in  the  midst  of  his  crimes;  he  could  not  but  think  of  the  state 
of  his  immortal  soul;  and  vainly  hoped,  that  if  he  had  been 
preserved,  he  might  have  repented  : he  was  conscious,  that 
when  his  own  forfeited  life  was  spared,  after  his  adultery  and 
murder,  this  burden  had  been  laid  upon  his  family:  he  con- 
sidered himself,  by  his  transgression,  example,  and  the  chas- 
tisement of  God,  as  accessary  to  the  dire  catastrophe;  and 
in  the  vehemency  of  his  grief  he  wished,  that  he  had  died 
himself  rather  than  his  son,  probably,  as  being  better  pre- 
pared for  the  eternal  world  ; while  the  agitation  of  his  mind 
prevented  him  from  adverting  to  the  fatal  effects  of  such  an 
event  to  his  kingdom,  and  to  that  cause  which  in  his  calmer 
hours  was  nearest  to  his  heart. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 18.  The  peculiar  exercises  of  religion  ought  lo 
precede,  but  not  to  exclude,  the  use  of  every  prudent  means 
of  securing  success  in  lawful  undertakings  : and  those  who 
would  engage  others  in  arduous  and  perilous  attempts,  must 
be  willing  to  take  a full  share  of  the  hardship  and  danger. 
But  in  some  cases  the  life  of  an  individual  is  of  such  import- 
ance to  the  public  welfare,  that  thousands  are  authorized  to 
require  it  of  him,  as  a duty,  to  take  the  utmost  care  of  him- 
self. It  is  well  when  affection  and  fidelity  of  this  kind 
subsist  between  princes  and  their  subjects  ; and  w hen  they 
are  mutually  willing  to  venture,  or  to  suffer,  for  each  other’s 
benefit.  Thus  Jesus  loved  his  people,  and  laid  down  his' 
life  for  them:  and  thus  they  consider  his  cause  as  dearer 
to  them  than  every  personal  interest,  and  are  prepared  to 
l,iy  down  their  lives  for  his  sake. — True  courage  and  firm 
ness  of  mind  arc  very  different  from  rashness  and  obstinacy 
( 569  ) 


B C.  1021. 


II.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1021 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Txe  reo/>/e  being  greatly  disappointed  and  discouraged  by  David's  conduct, 
Joab,  by  rude  expostulations,  induces  him  to  restrain  his  grief  and  come 
forth  to  them,  l — 8.  The  men  of  Israel  dispute  about  bringing  back  Da- 
vid ; who  sends  to  the  priests  to  incite  the  men  of  Judah  to  take  the  lead  in 
this;  and  they  readily  comply,  9 — 15.  Shimei  submitting  is  not  punished , 
16 — 23.  Mephibosheth  meets  David  ; complains  that  Ziba  had  deceived  and 
slanders  i him  ; an  t has  half  his  land  restored,  24 — 30.  Barzillai  attends 
David  over  Jordan , and  his  son  is  taken  into  the  king's  family,  31 — 40. 
The  Israelites  expostulate  with  the  men  of  Judah , for  bringing  back  the 
king  without  them,  41 — 43. 

AND  ait  was  told  Joab,  Behold,  the  king  weep- 
eth  and  mourneth  for  Absalom. 

2  And  the  'victory  that  day  was  Hurried  into 
mourning  unto  all  the  people : for  the  people 
heard  say  that  day  how  the  king  was  grieved  for 
his  son. 

3  And  the  people  gat  them  by  stealth  that  day 
<1010  the  city,  as  people  being  ashamed  dsteal  away 
when  they  flee  in  battle. 

4  But  the  king  'covered  his  face,  and  the  king 
cried  with  a loud  voice,  fO  my  son  Absalom!  0 
Absalom,  my  son,  my  son  ! 

5  And  Joab  came  into  the  house  to  the  king, 
and  said,  Thou  hast  shamed  this  day  the  faces  of 
all  thy  servants,  which  this  day  have  ssaved  thy 
life,  and  the  lives  of  thy  sons,  and  of  thy  daugh- 
ters, and  the  lives  of  thy  wives,  and  the  lives  of 
thy  concubines ; 

6  l In  that  thou  lovest  thine  enemies,  and  hatest 
thy  friends : for  thou  hast  declared  this  day,  that 
lthou  regardest  neither  princes  nor  servants  : for 
this  day  I perceive,  that  if  Absalom  had  lived,  and 
all  we  had  di#ed  this  day,  hthen  it  had  pleased  thee 
well. 

7  Now  therefore  arise,  go  forth,  and  speak 
comfortably  unto  thy  servants : for  I swear  by 

1S:5,I2,14,20,33.  * Heb.  salvation,  or,  deliverance,  b Prov.  16:15.  19:12. 
r 32.  17:24.  d Gen.  31:27.  e See  on  15:30.  f 1-8:33.  gNeh.9:27.  Ps.  3:8. 

lfl.47,48.  t Heb.  By  loving,  ^c.  J Heb.  princes  or  servants  are  not  to  thee. 
k 3:24,25.  Job  34:18.  Prov.  19:9,10.  Acts  23:5.  § Heb . to  the  heart  of.  Gen. 

84:3.  la.  40:1.  Hos.  2: 14.  marg.  i Prov.  14:28.  i Ps.71:4 — 6,9 — 11,18—20. 
129:1,2.  k 18:4,24.  1 3.  18:7.  1 Kings  22:36  . 2 Kings  14:12.  m Gen.  3:12,13. 

and  wise  men  are  always  most  ready  to  listen  to  prudent 
counsel,  even  from  their  inferiors. — The  extremes  of  our 
most  amiable  propensities  are  often  of  fatal  consequence  : 
and  it  is  merciful  for  God  to  deny  us  those  things  which  we 
greatly  desire,  when  he  sees  they  would  prove  our  tempta- 
tion or  affliction.— Multitudes  suffer  through  the  wickedness 
nf  one,  but  for  their  own  crimes:  and  rebellion  against  good 
and  lawful  governors  is  generally  and  justly  punished  with 
the  ruin  of  those  concerned  in  it.  Yet  the  seducers  into  the 
ways  of  sin  must  be  answerable  to  God  foj  the  consequences ; 
and  who  can  number  the  murders,  for  which  many  ambitious 
usurpers  will  stand  indicted  before  his  righteous  tribunal ! — 
At  all  times  “evil  pursueth  sinners and  when  in  the 
appointed  hour  it  overtakes  them,  they  cannot  possibly  es- 
cape ; but  those  things  on  which  they  have  most  depended, 
and  of  which  they  have  been  most  proud,  often  prove  the 
occasion  or  instruments  of  their  destruction. — Let  young 
people  look  on  Absalom,  suspended  upon  the  tree,  accursed 
and  forsaken  of  Heaven  and  earth  ; and  there  read  the  Lord’s 
abhorrence  of  rebellion  against  parents : let  them  consider 
the  agony  of  his  death  and  the  ignominy  of  his  burial,  and 
learn  how  empty  are  all  external  embellishments  ; and  how 
vain  the  flattery  of  man,  {Note,  14:25 — 27.)  and  all  that 
care,  which  is  employed  in  rendering  themselves  admired 
and  renowned.  After  all,  “ the  memory  of  the  wicked  shall 
rot  and  nothing  can  preserve  us  from  misery  and  con- 
tempt, hut  heavenly  grace  and  wisdom. — They  who  are 
greedy  of  gain,  often  work  falsehood  against  their  own  lives 
or  souls  • and  many  will  rejoice  in  the  effects  of  wickedness, 
who  will  be  the  first  to  inform  against  those  who  have  com- 
mitted it,  in  order  to  exculpate  themselves:  but  our  safety 
lies  in  obeying  the  Lord  and  the  lawful  commands  of  our 
rulers.— The  removal  of  one  ringleader  in  daring  crimes 
proves  a public  benefit,  and  makes  way  for  the  exercise  of 
clemency  to  numbers:  hut  that  will  not  authorize  every 
Individual  to  take  away  the  life  of  the  most  notorious  offend- 
er ; for  it  is  not  enough  that  the  thing  ought  to  be  done,  but 
we  are  to  consider  whether  it  be  a service  allotted  to  us  by 
our  great  Master. 

V.  19 — 33.  Every  deliverance  should  be  received  wilh 
praise  and  thanksgiving:  and  good  men  delight  in  bearing 
giad  tidings  to  those  whom  they  love.  May  all,  who  pro- 
claim the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  to  sinners,  be  men  of  holy 
lives,  and  unblemished  reputation  ; and  may  numbers  ptore 
be  sent  forth  with  this  joyful  message ! — All  other  good 
idings  have  so  much  alloy,  that  our  joy  on  account  of  them 
must  be  mingled  with  weeping,  or  with  trembling:  and  alas! 
we  are  more  disposed  to  complain  of  the  trouble  which  alloys 
our  mercies,  than  to  be  thankful  for  the  mercies  themselves. 
But  while  we  learn  from  the  example  before  us,  to  watch 
and  pray  against  partial  and  inordinate  attachments,  tho 
t 570 


the  Lord,  if  thou  go  not.  forth,  'there  will  not 
tarry  one  with  thee  this  night : and  that  will  be 
worse  unto  thee  than  tall  the  evil  that  befell  thee 
from  thy  youth  until  now. 

8 Then  the  king  arose,  and  ksat  in  the  gate. 
And  they  told  unto  all  the  people,  saying,  Behold 
the  king  doth  sit  in  the  gate.  And  all  the  people 
came  before  the  king : ‘for  Israel  had  fled  evc~y 
man  to  his  tent. 

9 "A  And  all  the  people  were  at  '"strife  through* 
out  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  saying,  "The  king 
saved  us  out  or  the  hand  of  our  enemies,  and  he 
delivered  us  or":  of  the  hand  of  the  Philistines  j 
and  now  °he  is  fled  out  of  the  land  lor  Absalom. 

10  And  Absalob,  fwhom  we  anointed  over  us, 
iis  dead  in  battle.  Now  therefore  why  “speak  ye 
not  a word  of  bringing  the  king  back  ? 

11  II  And  king  Dav;d  "sent  to  Zadok  and  to* 
Abiathar  the  priests,  saying,  "Speak  unto  the 
elders  of  Judah,  saying,  ‘Why  are  ye  the  last  to 
bring  the  king  back  to  lvs  house?  seeing  the 
speech  of  all  Israel  is  come  *o  the  king,  even  to 
his  house. 

12  Ye  are  my  brethren,  ye  ars  "my  bones  and 
my  flesh  : wherefore  then  are  ye  the  last  to  bring 
back  the  king? 

13  And  say  ye  to  “Amasa,  Jlrt  thou  not  of  my 
hone,  and  of  my  flesh  ? ^God  do  so  lo  me,  ana 
more  also,  if  thou  be  not  captain  of  the  host  before 
me  continually  in  the  ‘room  of  Joab. 

14  And  he  bowed  the  heart  of  all  the  men  of 
Judah,  “even  as  the  heart  of  one  man;  so  that 
they  sent  this  word  unto  the  king,  Return  thou, 
and  all  thy  servants. 

Ex.  32:24.  Jam.  3:14— 16.  n 8:10.  1 Sam.  17:50.  18:5— 7,25.  19:.'.  olS:li. 
p 15:12,13.  Hos.  8:4.  q 18:14.  ||  Heb.  are  ye  silent  ? Jude.  18:9  r 15:29,35, 
36.  X Kino  2:25,26,35.  > 2 Cor. 5:20.  t 'Matt.  5:16.  2Thrs.  3:8.  u 5:1. 

Gen.  2:23.  Judg.  9:2.  Eph.  5:30.  x 17.25.  1 Chr.  2:16,17.  12:18.  v Ruth  1:17. 

1 Kings  19:2.  z 5 — 7.3:29,30  . 8:16.  13:11.  a Judg.  20:1.  l e.  110:2,3.  Acta 
4:38. 


indulgence  or  neglect  of  our  children,  and  the  unadvised 
language  and  passionate  wishes  of  excessive  grief;  while  we 
learn  to  bow  down  to  the  righteous  appointments  of  God  in 
our  sharpest  trials,  to  adore  his  unmerited  mercy  in  our 
comforts  and  deliverances,  and  to  prefer  the  public  welfare 
to  any  personal  or  private  affections ; we  may  in  David  per- 
ceive a shadow  of  the  Saviour's  love,  who  wept,  prayed,  and 
suffered  death  in  all  its  bitterness,  for  us  rebels  and  enemies, 
without  even  excepting  those,  who  perseculed  and  crucified 
him;  and  hence  learn  “not  to  he  overcome  of  evil,  but  to 
overcome  evil  with  good.” 

NOTES— Chap.  XIX.  V.  1—8.  (Note,  18:33.)  David’s 
conduct  on  this  occasion  was  exceedingly  impolitic,  and 
tended  to  weaken  the  attachment,  and  damp  the  zeal  of  hii 
adherents  ; who  would  interpret  his  excessive  grief,  so  pas- 
sionately expressed,  into  an  indifference  about  their  interests, 
and  dissatisfaction  with  their  services.  For  instead  of  being 
led  to  celebrate  their  important  success  with  joyful  exulta- 
tions, and  meeting  the  animating  hearty  commendations  of 
their  prince,  whom  they  had  bravely  and  faithfully  served; 
they  were  sent  away  grieved  and  ashamed.  Joab  had 
therefore  good  reason  to  interpose,  and  would  have  been 
justifiable  in  a very  plain  remonstrance  ivith  David  on  tho 
impropriety  of  his  conduct : but  the  asperity,  the  reproaches, 
and  the  threat,  confirmed  with  an  oath  of  a general  defec- 
tion, which  his  language  plainly  implied,  must  ho  ascribed  to 
his  pride  and  insolence  ; for  he  seems  to  have  gloried  in  dis- 
obeying and  being  rude  to  his  prince.  (Note,  3:24,25.  18:14. 
20:8 — 13.)  David,  however,  being  conscious  that  Joab  had 
truth  and  reason  on  his  side,  smothered  his  resentment,  and 
very  prudently  obviated  the  disgust  of  the  people. 

V.  9 — 15.  David  would  not  appear  to  reign  by  force  ol 
arms  : and  therefore  he  waited  till  ho  was  publicly  invited  to 
resume  the  reins  of  government.  Froth  the  time  that  he 
began  to  reign  in  Hebron  over  the  tribe  of  Judah  only,  the 
distinction  between  Judah  and  Israel  began  to  he  observed. 
(Notes,  2,4.  5:1 — 3.)  The  men  of  Israel  were  first  disposed 
to  return  to  their  allegiance,  and  they  spoke  honourably  ot 
David’s  former  services  ; but  either  fear  or  shame,  or  want  oi 
unanimity,  deterred  them  from  publicly  inviting  him  tt  return . 
and  they  seem  also  to  have  disputed  to  whom  the  Dtame  o( 
the  late  rebellion  belonged  ; each  endeavouring  to  excuse  him- 
self.— When  therefore  the  report  of  these  things  reached  the 
king,  he  probably  thought  it  would  he  dishonourable  to  his 
own  tribe,  if  they  were  tho  last  in  this  service  ; or  perhaps 
'hey  were  so  deeply  involved  in  Absalom’s  rt  hellion,  that  they 
feared  David’s  resentment,  when  reinstated  in  l.is  authority. 
He  therefore  employed  Zadok  and  Abiathar  to  assure  tho 
principal  persons  of  ids  affection,  and  to  excite  tin  m to  appear 
in  this  business;  by  which  moans  they  took  the  lead  in  such 
a manner,  ns  induced  the  men  of  Israel  to  ctyiclud  5,  that 


B.  C.  102t. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


B.  C.  1021. 

15  So  the  returned,  and  came  to  Jordan. 
And  Judah  came  to  bGilgal,  to  go  to  meet  the 
king,  to  conduct  the  king  over  Jordan. 

[Practical  Observations .] 

16  H And  cShimei  the  son  of  Gera,  a Benjamite, 
which  ivas  of  Bahurim,  dhasted  and  came  down 
with  the  men  of  Judah  to  meet  king  David. 

17  And  there  were  a thousand  men  of  Benja- 
min with  him,  and  eZiba  the  servant  ot  the  house 
of  Saul,  and  his  fifteen  sons  and  his  twenty  ser- 
vants with  him;  and  they  went  over  Jordan 
before  the  king. 

18  And  there  went  over  a ferry-boat  to  carry 
over  the  king’s  household,  and  to  do  'what  he 
thought  good.  And  Shimei  the  son  of  Gera  f fell 
down  before  the  king,  as  he  was  come  over 
Jordan ; 

19  And  ssaid  unto  the  king,  hLet  not  my  lord 
impute  iniquity  unto  me,  neither  do  thou  ‘remem- 
ber that  which  thy  servant  kdid  perversely  the 
day  that  my  lord  the  king  went  out  of  Jerusalem, 
that  the  king  should  'take  it  to  his  heart. 

20  For  thy  servant  doth  know  that  I have 
sinned  : therefore  behold,  mI  am  come  the  first 
this  day  of  all  the  house  of  “Joseph,  to  go  down 
to  meet  my  lord  the  king. 

21  But  Abishai  the  son  of  Zeruiah  answered 
and  said,  “Shall  not  Shimei  be  put  to  death  for 
this,  because  he  ('cursed  the  Lord’s  anointed  ? 

22  And  David  said,  sWhat  have  I to  do  with 
ou,  ye  sons  of  Zeruiah,  that  ye  should  this  day 
e adversaries  unto  me?  rSha  11  there  any  man  be 

put  to  death  this  day  in  Israel  ? for  do  not  I know 
that  T am  this  day  king  over  Israel  ? 

23  Therefore  the  king  said  unto  Shimei,  “Thou 
6halt  not  die : and  the  king  ‘sware  unto  him. 

24  H And  "Mephibosheth  the  son  of  Saul  came 
down  to  meet  the  king,  and  had  neither  “dressed 
his  feet,  nor  trimmed  his  beard,  nor  washed  his 
clothes,  from  the  day  the  king  departed  until  the 
day  he  came  again  in  peace. 

25  And  it  came  to  pass;  when  he  was  come  to 
Jerusalem  to  meet  the  king,  that  the  king  said 
unto  him,  'Wherefore  wentest  not  thou  with  me, 
Mephibosheth  ? 

o  Josh.  5:9.  I Sam.  11:14,15.  c 16:5 — 13.  1 King«  2:8,36 — 46.  d Job  2:4. 
Prov.  6:4,5.  Malt.  5:25.  e 26,27.  9:2,10.  16:1-4.  * Heb.  the  good  in  his 

eyes.  f Ps.  66:3.  81 :15.  Rev.  3:9.  gKc.l0:4.  h 1 Sam.  22:15.  Ps.  32:2. 

Rom.  1:6,8.  2 Cor.  5 19.  i Ps.  79:8.  Is.  43:25.  Jer.  31 :34.  k 16:5— 9,13.  Ex. 
10:16,17.  1 Sam.  25:21.  Malt.  27:4.  1 13:20,33.  1 Sam.  25:25.  m Ps.  78:34— 
87.  Jer.  22:23.  Hob.  5:15.  u 9.  16:5.  Gen.  48:14,20.  1 Kings  12:20,25.  Hos.4: 
15—17.5:3.  o Ex. 22:28.  1 Kings  21:10,11.  p 16:5,7,13.  1 Sam.  24:6.  26:9. 
q 3:39.  16:10.  1 Sam.  26:8.  Matt.  8:29.  r 1 Sam.  11:13.  Is.  16:5.  Luke  9:54 — 
56.  s 1 Kings  2:8,9,37,46.  t 1 Sam.  28:10.  30:15.  Heb.  6:16.  u 9:6.  16:3. 
x 15:30.  Is.  15:2.  Jer.  41:5.  Malt.6:lS.  Rom.  12:15.  Heb.  13  3.  y 16:17. 
t 16:2,3.  a 4:4.  b 16:3.  Ex.  20:16.  Ps.  15:3.  101:5.  Jer.  9:4.  c 14:17,20. 


they  meant  to  engross  the  credit  of  recalling  David,  and 
exclusively  to  secure  his  favour.  (Note,  40 — 43.)  But  it 
would  have  been  more  prudent,  if  they  had  consulted  with 
their  brethren,  that  all  of  them  might  act  in  concert ; as  this 
would  have  prevented  many  bad  consequences. — David  also 
was  very  uneasy  under  Joab’s  haughtiness,  and  was  exceed- 
ingly displeased  with  him  for  slaying  Absalom,  and  for  his 
subsequent  rudeness  : and  he  wished  to  lay.him  aside.  (Note, 

1 — 8.)  He  supposed  likewise,  that  if  Amasa  were  assured 
of  pardon- and  preferment,  he  would  draw  over  all  that  party 
into  his  interests:  (Note,  17:25.)  and  doubtless  his  influence 
was  very  great,  especially  in  Judah.  But  Amasa,  having 
neaded  so  daring  a rebellion,  was  not  a proper  person  to  sup- 
plant Joab,  whose  influence  with  the  army  and  with  David’s 
best  friends,  was  too  firmly  established  to  be  thus  shaken ; 
and  he  was  sure  not  to  subrr-it  quietly  to  such  a disgrace.  Da- 
vid therefore  does  not  seem  to  have  acted  with  prudence  on 
this  emergency. 

Anointed.  (10)  It  is  not  recorded,  that  Absalom  was 
anointed : but  perhaps  he  was ; and  if  not,  he  was  obeyed, 
as  if  he  had  been  the  anointed  king. 

V.  16,  17.  ( Marg . Ref.)  Perhaps  Shimei  had  been 

captain  of  a thousand  men  of  Benjamin,  who  now  attended 
him,  to  request  that  he  might  be  pardoned. 

V.  18.  Ferry-boat .]  This  is  the  only  place  in  which  a 
boat  for  passing  over  a river  is  mentioned.  Bridges  are  not 
once  mentioned  in  Scripture.  Rivers  were  generally  forded 
at  this  time. 

V.  19 — 23.  Next  to  the  tribe  of  Judah,  the  descendants  of 
Joseph  had  the  pre-eminence ; and  Israel,  as  distinguished 
from  Judah,  was  named  from  them.  Shimei,  therefore,  though 
a Benjamite,  ranked  himself  among  the  sons  of  Joseph,  or 
the  Israelites ; and  intimated,  that  none  except  the  men  of 
Judah  had  come  to  David  so  soon  as  he  had.  Perhaps  he 
meant,  that  he  had  come  before  any  of  the  house  of  Joseph. — I 


26  And  he  answered,  My  lord,  0 king,  my  ser- 
vant deceived  me:  for  thy  servant  siyd,  “I  will 
saddle  me  an  ass,  that  I may  ride  thereon,  and  go 
to  the  king ; because  “thy  servant  is  lame. 

27  And  he  hath  bslandered  thy  servant  unto  my 
lord  the  king ; but  my  lord  the  king  is  “as  an  angel 
of  God  : do  therefore  what  is  good  in  thine  eyes. 

28  For  all  of  my  father’s  house  dwere  but  Mean 
men  before  my  lord  the  king : yet  “didst  thou  set 
thv  servant  among  them  that  did  eat  at  thine  own 
table.  What  right  therefore  have  I yet 1 to  cry  any 
more  unto  the  king? 

29  And  the  king  said  unto  him,  ?Why  speakest 
thou  any  more  of  thy  matters  ? I have  said, 
hThou  and  Ziba  divide  the  land. 

30  And  Mephibosheth  said  unto  the  king,  ‘Yea, 
let  him  take  all,  forasmuch  as  my  lord  the  king  is 
come  again  in  peace  unto  his  own  house. 

[Practical  Observations.'] 

31  If  And  IBarzillai  the  Gileadite  came  down 
from  Rogelim,  and  went  over  Jordan  with  the 
king,  to  conduct  him  over  Jordan. 

32  Now  Barzillai  was  a very  aged  man,  even 
kfourscore  years  old : and  lie  had  ‘provided  the 
king  of  sustenance  while  he  lay  at  Mahanaim : 
mfor  he  was  a very  great  man. 

33  And  the  king  said  unto  Barzillai,  “Come  thou 
over  with  me,  and  I will  feed  thee  with  me  in 
Jerusalem. 

34  And  Barzillai  said  unto  the  king,  *How  long 
have  I to  live,  that  I should  go  up  with  the  king 
unto  Jerusalem  ? 

35  I am  this  day  fourscore  years  old  : and  “can 
I discern  between  good  and  evil  ? can  thy  servant 
rtaste  what  I eat  or  what  I drink  ? scan  I hear 
any  more  the  voice  of  singing  men  and  singing 
women  ? wherefore  then  should  thy  servant  be  yet 
a “burden  unto  my  lord  the  king? 

36  Thy  servant  will  go  a little  way  oyer  Jordan 
with  the  king : and  why  should  the  king  recom- 
pense it  me  with  such  a reward  ? 

37  Let  thy  servant,  I pray  thee,  turn  back 
again,  that  “I  may  die  in  mine  own  city,  and  be 
buried  ‘by  the  grave  of  my  father  and  of  my 
mother : but  behold  thy  servant  “Chimham 


1 Sam.  29:9.  d Gen.  32:10.  t Heb.  men  of  death.  1 Sam.  26:16.  e 9:7,8,10 
13.  f 2 Kings  8:3.  g Job  19:16,17.  Piov.  18:13.  Acts  18.15.  it  7 e.il.  19:17— 
19.  Ps.  82:2.  101:5.  i 1:26.  Acts  20:24.  Pliil.  1:20.  j 1 Kings  2:7.  Ezra  2:61 
Neh.  7:63.  k Gen.  5:27,  9:29. 25:7.  47:28.  50:26.  l ent.  34:7.  Ps.  90:3— 10 
117:27.  m l Sam.  25:2.  Job  1:3.  n 9:11.  Matt.  25:34— JO.  Luke  22:28— 30 

2 Thes.  1:7.  } Heb.  How  wavy  days  are  the  years  oj 'my  life  ? Gen.  47:9 

Job  14:14.  Ps.  39:5,6.  1 Cor.  7:29.  Jam.  4:14.  o Job  6:30. 12:11.  Heb.  5:14 
1 Pet.  2:3.  p Ec.  12:1— 5.  q Ezra  2:65.  Neh.  7:67.  JV.  2:8. 12:4.  r 13:25 
15:33.  s Gen.  48:21.  Josh.  23:14.  Lnk.  .4  6.  2 Pet.  1:14 

t Gen.  47:30.  49:29— 31.  50:13.  1 Kings  13:22.  u 40.  1 Kings  2:7.  Jer.  41:17 


Shimei  confessed  his  crime,  and  seemed  penitent : and  David 
granted  him  a pardon,  and  swore  to  him  that  he  should  not 
die  at  that  time,  or  for  that  offence.  (Notes,  16:5 — 14.  1 King s 
2:8,9,36 — 46.)  Abishai,  however,  would  have  had  him  made 
an  example  of,  as  indeed  he  well  deserved  : but  David  inti- 
mated, that  he  and  Joab  were  always  instigating  him  to  acts 
of  severity ; but  it  would  he  injurious  to  his  interests,  as  well 
as  contrary  to  his  inclinations,  to  sully  his  restoration  with 
the  execution  of  a single  criminal ; and  that  there  was  no 
occasion,  for  all  were  disposed  peaceably  to  submit  to  him.  # 
V.  24 — 30.  Mephibosheth  did  not.  come  to  David  till  his 
return  to  Jerusalem,  probably,  because  he  could  not  procure 
an  ass  prepared  for  him  to  ride  on  ; having  been  deserted  by 
Ziba,  and  all  his  attendants.  From  the  time  of  the  king’s 
departure,  he  had  utterly  neglected  the  care  of  his  person, 
and  shown  every  token  of  excessive  sorrow.  To  David’s 
inquiry,  why  he  had  not  accompanied  him,  he  answered  by  a 
simple  narration  of  facts,  united  with  the  most  respectful, 
affectionate,  thankful,  and  submissive  language.  He  owed  all 
he  possessed  to  David’s  clemency  and  bounty ; he  did  not 
complain  of  the  grant  made  to  Ziba  ; and  he  was  confident 
that  the  king  would  do  nothing  but  what  was  consistent  with 
wisdom  and  justice. — But  whether  David  did  not  fully  credit 
him  ; or  whether  he  was  ashamed  of  his  credulity,  and  wished 
not  to  have  it  further  noticed ; he  suffered  Ziba  to  escape 
merited  punishment,  and  to  enjoy  part  of  the  fruits  of  his 
slander : or  at  least  he  contented  himself  with  restoring  mat 
ters  to  their  former  settlement,  as  some  understand  it.  (Note, 
9:9 — 11.)  Mephibosheth,  however,  so  greatly  rejoiced  in  Da- 
vid’s safety  and  success,  that  he  generously  treated  the  affair 
concerning  his  own  estate,  as  a matter  of  indifference.  (Notes 
Phil.  1:15—20.) 

V.  31 — 39.  The  narrative  of  the  conversation  which  passed 
between  David  and  Barzillai,  and  their  affectionate  parting, 
is  exceedingly  pleasing  and  instructive  : but  it  requires  littla 

( 571  ) 


B.  C.  1021 


II.  SAMUEL 


B.  C.  1021 


if  t him  go  over  with  my  lord  the  king  ; and  do  to 
him  what*shall  seem  good  unto  thee. 

38  And  the  kin»  answered,  Chimham  shall  go 
over  with  me,  and  I will  do  to  him  that  which 
shall  seem  good  unto  thee:  and  whatsoever  thou 
shalt  ‘require  of  me,  that  will  I do  for  thee. 

39  And  all  the  people  went  over  Jordan.  And 
when  the  king  was  come  over,  the  king  vkissed 
Barzillai,  and  xblessed  him : and  yhe  returned  unto 
his  own  place. 

40  Then  the  king  went  on  to  Gilgal,  and 
tChimham  went  on  with  him:  and  all  Hhe  peo  e 
of  Judah  conducted  the  king,  and  also  half  the 
people  of  Israel. 

41  H And  behold,  all  the  men  of  Israel  came  to 
the  king,  and  said  unto  the  king,  “Why  have  our 


• Heb.  choose.  v Gen.  31 :55.  45:15.  Ruth  1:14.  1 K in ge  19:20.  Acte  20:37. 
x 6:18,20.  13:25.  Gen.  14:19.  28:3.  47:7,10.  Luke  2:34.  y Gen.  31:55.  Num24: 
25.  1 Sam.  24:22.  t Heb.  Chimkan.  z 11 — 15.  Gen.  49:10.  Matt.  21:9.  a Judg. 
8:1. 12:1.  John  7:5,6.  b 3.  Gen.  31:26,27.  c 12.  5:1.  1 Chr. 2:3— 17.  (120:1,6. 


comment.  Barzillai  had  merely  done  his  duty:  he  required 
no  recompense ; and  he  was  too  old  either  to  enjoy  the  plea- 
sures of  the  court,  or  to  be  of  any  further  use  to  his  king. 
(Note,  Ec.  12:2 — 7.)  He  only  desired  to  go  home  to  prepare 
for  death  : but  the  case  might  be  different  in  respect  to  his 
son. — It  is  probable  that  David  settled  part  of  his  patrimony 
at  Bethlehem  on  Chimham.  (Note,  Jer.  41:16 — 18.) 

V.  40 — 43.  By  the  time  that  David  had  passed  over  Jor- 
dan, part  of  the  elders  of  Israel  came  to  bring  him  back,  and 
were  disgusted  at  finding  that  they  came  too  late ; and  that 
David’s  reinstatement  in  the  kingdom  had  been  decided  on, 
though  theii  advice  had  not  been  asked.  They  thought 
themselves  despised,  and  that  the  men  of  Judah  took  too 
much  upon  them:  while  the  plea  of  relationship  to  David, 
urged  by  the  men  of  Judah,  tended  only  to  increase  suspi- 
cions and  envy;  and  the  fiercer  words,  which  they  returned 
to  the  angry  remonstrance  of  their  brethren,  produced  very 
bad  effects.  (Notes,  Judg.  8:1 — 3.  12:1 — 7.  Prov.  13:10. 
17:14.  18:19.  1 Cor.  13:4 — 7.  Gal.  5:13—15.  Phil.  2:1—4. 
Jam.  3: 1 3* — 18.)  Whatever  value  or  respect  the  men  of 
Israel  at  this  time  professed  for  their  king,  they  would  not 
have  quarrelled  so  fiercely  about  their  own  credit  and  interest 
in  recalling  him,  if  they  had  been  truly  sorry  for  their  former 
rebellion.  David  freely  forgave  them  all  their  gross  injuries 
against  him;  but  they  could  not  endure  the  least  affront  from 
each  other.  (Note,  20:1,2.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 15.  The  excessive  indulgence  of  any  passion, 

(grief  by  no  means  excepted,)  not  only  offends  God,  but 
betrays  men  into  great  imprudence  even  in  their  temporal 
concerns. — Those  who  have  faithfully  served  us  expect  that 
we  should  appear  pleased  with  them,  and  thankful  for  their 
services : and  many  will  do  more  for  a smile  and  a kind  word 
from  their  superiors,  than  for  a more  substantial  recompense  ; 
and  be  much  grieved  and  disheartened,  if  they  think  them- 
selves frowned  on. — Upon  important  emergencies,  plain 
truths  may  properly  be  spoken  to  the  greatest  and  best,  of 
men,  and  they  may  be  closely  reasoned  and  expostulated 
with ; but  indecent,  roughness,  and  an  assuming  demeanor  in 
an  inferior,  will  render  the  most  prudent,  seasonable,  and 
honest  counsel  unacceptable,  and  perhaps  ineffectual.  (Notes, 
1 Sam.  25:23 — 33.  Prov.  25:11,12.  27:9.)  A wise  man,  how- 
ever, will  endeavour  to  overlook  the  impropriety,  and  benefit 
by  the  sound  reason,  of  well-intended  remonstrances : and 
timely  concessions  will  commonly  prevent  the  ill  effects  of 
mistaken  measures. — Men  are  often  betrayed,  by  their  dis- 
contents and  fickleness,  into  such  actions  as  their  sober 
judgment  disapproves,  and  of  which  experience  will  constrain 
them  to  be  weary : but  they  do  not  so  readily  condemn  them- 
selves for  the  most  evident  treachery  or  ingratitude. — Many 
allow  that  such  and  such  things  should  be  done,  and  wonder 
that  others  do  not  set  about  them : and  yet  they  themselves 
are  equally  dilatory,  through  indolence,  pride,  or  covetous- 
ness.— Ministers  should  at  all  times  be  examples  of  fidelity 
to  magistrates  and  rulers  ; and  may  very  properly  exhort 
others  to  do  their  plain  and  evident  duty,  in  that  as  well  as  in 
other  respects:  but,  this  case  excepted,  it  is  generally  best 
for  them  not  to  intermeddle  in  public  affairs. — Convincing 
arguments,  urged  in  mildness  and  love,  are  very  forcible,  and 
produce  great  effects  upon  the  minds  of  men  in  all  temporal 
concerns : but  the  grace  of  God  alone  can  bow  our  hearts 
into  submission  to  his  humbling  truth  and  holy  will. — In  acts 
of  clemency  to  those  who  have  been  open  offenders,  care 
should  be  taken  not  to  disgust  such  as  have  deserved  better 
of  us,  though  in  some  respects  they  have  failed  of  their  duty : 
and  that  which  exposes  a man  to  envy  or  rivalship,  however 
Bplendid  and  valuable,  will  probably  be  injurious  to  him. 
(Notes,  1 Sam.  18:6 — 11.  Prov.  27:4.) — Self-preference  and 
contempt  of  others  should  always  be  guarded  against ; and 
every  thing  avoided  which  may  be  thought  to  spring  from 
these  evils:  while  equity,  mutual  respect,  and  harmony  should 
he  studied,  and  many  interests  and  supposed  points  of  honour 
i seeded  from,  that  strife  and  contention  may  bo  excluded. 

V.  16 — 30.  Many  seem  to  bo  sorry  for  those  crimes 

( 572  ) 


brethren  the  men  of  Judah  bstolen  thee  away, 
and  have  brought  the  king,  and  his  household,  and 
all  David’s  men  with  him,  over  Jordan  ? 

42  And  all  the  men  of  Judah  answered  the  men 
of  Israel,  'Because  the  king  is  near  of  kin  to  ua: 
wherefore  then  be  ye  angry  for  this  matter?  have 
we  eaten  at  all  of  the  king’s  cost  ? or  hath  he 
given  us  any  gift? 

43  And  the  men  of  Israel  answered  the  men 
of  Judah,  and  said,  dWe  have  “ten  parts  in  the 
king,  and  we  have  also  more  right  in  David 
than  ye : why  then  did  ye  ‘despise  us,  that 
four  advice  should  not  he  first  had  in  bringing 
back  our  king?  And  sthe  words  of  the  men  of 
Judah  were  fiercer  than  the  words  of  the  men 
of  Israel. 


1 Kings  12:16.  e 5:1.  Prov.  13:10.  + Heb.  set  us  at  tight,  f 9,14.  Gal.  5:20. 
26.  Phil.  2:3.  g Judg.  9:23.  12:1— 6.  Prov.  15:1.  17:14.  18:19.  Korn.  12:21. 
Gal.  5:15,20.  Jam.  1:20.  3:14—16.  4:1—5. 


which  expose  them  to  present  punishment  ; and  the  language 
and  semblance  of  repentance  are  easily  imitated : but  it  is 
safest  for  us  to  judge  favourably  of  others ; if  we  do  err,  to 
err  on  the  side  of  candour  and  clemency ; and  to  leave  it  to 
the  heart-searching  God  to  determine  between  the  upright 
and  the  hypocritical. — Peculiar  mercies  from  God  should 
dispose  us  to  be  the  more  merciful  to  others:  and  our  best 
friends  must  be  considered  as  adversaries,  when  they  would 
persuade  us  to  act  contrary  to  our  conscience  and  our  duty. 
(Note,  Matt.  16:21 — 23.) — Perseverance  in  well-doing  will  at 
length  refute  slanderous  accusations : true  affection  for  our 
friends,  and  sympathy  with  them  in  their  afflictions,  will 
create  an  indifference  to  the  pleasures  of  sense  and  external 
decorations : and  when  they  are  beloved  for  the  Lord’s  sake, 
as  well  as  for  personal  obligations,  the  effect  will  be  much 
greater,  and  more  permanent.  But  this  sorrow  shall  be 
turned  into  joy,  on  account  of  their  present  success,  or  in  the 
prospect  of  their  future  happiness,  and  our  own  in  fellowship 
with  them:  and  these  hopes  and  comforts  tend  to  wean  the 
soul  more  and  more  from  the  trifling  interests  of  this  world. — 
Credulity  in  believing  slanders  often  leads  pious  persons  into 
difficulties,  and  covers  them  with  shame:  and  no  offenders 
are  so  seldom  treated  with  proper  severity  as  backbiters. 

V.  31 — 43.  When  God  gives  largeness  of  heart,  as  well 
as  great  wealth,  he  qualifies  a man  to  be  a public  blessing: 
and  doing  good  liberally  is  the  proper  pleasure  and  advantage 
of  wealth.  For  the  little  pleasure  of  outward  enjoyments 
quickly  grows  insipid;  old  age  destroys  the  relish  fbr  them: 
and  death  must  soon  separate  a man  from  his  riches,  and 
then  he  must  give  an  account  to  God  of  his  stewardship. — It 
becomes  us  therefore,  as  we  advance  in  life,  to  relinquish 
worldly  pursuits  before  we  he  torn  from  them  ; and  leaving  to 
our  juniors  those  scenes  of  business,  or  of  pleasure,  where 
reflection  is  too  often  dissipated,  and  the  voice  of  conscience 
stunned,  to  prefer  retirement  and  privacy,  where  we  may 
best  prepare  for  the  closing  hour.  Even  the  cities  where  tho 
truths  of  God  are  most  professed,  and  his  ordinances  are  best 
administered  ; and  those  courts, 'where  the  prince  encourages 
and  sets  an  example  of  true  piety  ; are  ensnaring  places, 
through  the  multitudes  of  another  character  which  frequent 
them.  And,  though  allowances  should  be  made  to  youth,  in 
matters  inexpedient  to  old  age ; yet.  the  sooner  and  the  more 
entirely  young  people  devote  themselves  to  God,  the  safer 
and  happier  they  will  be. — It  is  our  duly  to  recompense  to 
the  children  the  kindness  shown  us  by  their  parents,  and  to 
pray  for  them  that  they  may  have  grace  properly  to  use  their 
temporal  good  things. — Envy  and  anger  often  interrupt  the 
most  promising  appearances,  and  in  quarrels  generally  both 
parties  are  culpable.  A supposed  negleot  excites  displeasure, 
an  angry  expression  provokes  a retort;  words  grow  warmer 
and  fiercer.  Thus  the  best  designs  are  disconcerted,  and 
much  evil  is  committed ; when  it  might  be  otherwise,  if  men 
would  watch  against  their  own  pride,  and  be  careful  not  to 
affront  that  of  others;  remembering  that  a “soft  answer 
turneth  away  wrath.”  (Notes,  Prov.  15:1.  26:4,5.) — But 
here  again,  some  glimpses  may  be  discerned  of  the  glorious 
character  and  kingdom  of  David’s  Son  and  David’s  Lord. 
Being  anointed  by  the  Father  to  he  his  King  upon  his  holy 
hill  of  Zion,  he  reigns  over  a willing  people,  who  deem  it 
their  privilege  to  be  his  subjects.  Once  indeed  they  were 
rebels,  and  numbers  of  their  associates  perished  in  rebellion: 
but  when  they  became  sensible  of  their  danger,  they  w'ero 
fearful  or  reluctant  to  submit  unto  him;  till  his  ministers,  by 
representing  his  tender  love,  and  his  promise*  pardon 
and  preferment,  through  the  concurring  influences  of  his 
Spirit,  bowed  their  hearts  to  a humble  willingness  that  ho 
should  reign  over  them:  then  he  readily  pardoned  and  ac- 
cepted them,  and  upon  no  accusation  will  he  cast  our,  or  cut 
off,  the  greatest  offender  who  crios  for  his  mercy.  His 
friends  sincerely  mourn  when  his  cause  is  mn  down,  and 
rejoice  when  it  prospers,  whether  they  prosper  ir.  the  world 
or  not.  He  will  recompense  those,  who  from  love  to  him 
feed  his  servants ; he  will  assign  them  a place  in  kit  holy  city* 
the  new  Jerusalem;  he  will  feast  them  upon  Ut)  pro-isions 


B.  C.  1021. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


B.  C.  1021 


CHAPTER  XX. 

Sheba  draws  the  men  of  Israel  into  a revolt , 1 , 2.  David  shuts  up  his  ten  con- 
cubines, 3.  Amasa,  being  sent  to  call  together  the  men  of  Judah , is  mur- 
dered byjoab , who  resumes  the  command  and  pursues  Sheba,  4 — 13.  He 
besieges  Abel,  whither  Sheba  hail  Jled,  14,  15.  Through  the  interposition  of 
a wise  woman,  Sheba's  head  is  thrown  over  the  wall,  and  the  revolt  is  termi- 
nated, 16 — 2t.  David's  oJficers,'2Z—'iS. 

AND  "there  happened  to  be  there  ba  man  of 
Belial,  whose  name  was  Sheba,  the  son  of 
Bichri,  a Benjamite : and  “he  blew  a trumpet, 
and  said,  bWe  have  no  part  in  David,  neither 
have  we  inheritance  in  the  son  of  Jesse  : every 
man  to  his  tents,  O Israel. 

2  So  "every  man  of  Israel  went  up  from  after 
David,  and  followed  Sheba  the  son  of  Bichri : 
but  ' the  men  of  Judah  clave  unto  their  king, 
*from  Jordan  even  to  Jerusalem. 

3  It  And  David  came  to  his  house  at  Jerusalem; 
and  the  king  took  the  bten  women  his  concubines, 
whom  he  had  left  to  keep  the  house,  and  put 
them  in  'ward,  and  fed  them,  but  went  not  in  unto 
them.  So  they  were  'shut  up  unto  the  day  of 
their  death,  hiving  in  widowhood. 

4  It  Then  said  the  king  to ‘Amasa,  ^Assemble  me 
the  men  of  Judah  within  three  days,  and  be  thou 
here  present. 

5  So  Amasa  went  to  assemble  the  men  of  Judah : 
but  he  Married  longer  than  the  set  time  which  he 
had  appointed  him. 

6  And  David  said  to ’Ahishai,  Now  shall  Sheba 
the  son  of  Bichri  mdo  us  more  harm  than  did 
Absalom : take  thou  "thy  lord’s  servants  and  pur- 
sue after  him,  lest  he  get  him  fenced  cities  and 
"escape  us. 

7  And  there  went  out  after  him  “Joab’s  men, 
and  the  Cherethites,  and  the  Pelethites,  and  all 
the  mighty  men  : and  they  went  out  of  Jerusalem, 
to  pursue  after  Sheba  the  son  of  Bichri. 

i 19:41 — 13.  Ps.  34:19.  b 23:6.  Deut.  13:13.  Judg.l9:22.  1 Sam.  2:12.  30:22. 
Ps.  17:13.  Fruv.  26:21.  Hab.  1:12,13.  c 15:10.  Judg.  3:27.  Prov.  24:21,22.  25: 
8.  d 19:43.  1 Kings  12:16.  2Chr. 10:16.  T.tike  19:14,27.  el9:41.  Ps.62:9. 

118:6—10.  Pros.  17:14.  f John  6:66— 68.  Acts  11:23.  g 19:15,40,41.  h 15:16.  16: 
21,22.  * Heb.  a house  of  ward.  Gen.  40:3.  f Heb.  bound.  } Heb.  in  widowhood 
of  life,  i 17:25.  19: 13/  1 Chr.  2:17.  % Heb.  call.  k l Sam.  13:8.  12:18.3: 

90,39.  10:9,10,14.  18:2,12.  21:17.  23:18.  1 Sam.  26:6.1  Chr.  11:20.  18:12.  m 19: 
?.  n 11:11.  1 Kings  1:33.  II  Heb.  deliver  himself  from  our  eyes.  o23.  8:16, 


»f  his  house,  and  will  bless  their  children  after  them.  Alas! 
that  it  must  be  added,  that  while  the  King  himself  is  so  plen- 
teous in  mercy  ; many  of  his  professed  subjects  are  envious 
and  contentious  with  each  other,  and  quarrel  about  the  most 
trivial  concerns  ; which  prevents  much  good,  does  immense 
mischief,  and  occasions  lamentable  scandals.  May  he  at 
length  teach  all  who  are  called  by  his  name,  to  follow  the 
example  of  his  humility  and  meekness ; and  to  rejoice  in  see- 
ing the  common  cause  promoted,  let  who  will  have  the  credit 
of  being  the  instrument:  and  may  all  “endeavour  to  keep 
the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace  !”  {Note,  Eph. 
4:1—6.) 

NOTES.— Chap.  XX.  V.  1,  2.  Thd  disputants  at 
first  professed  to  vie  with  each  other  in  loyal  affection  for 
their  prince  ; {Note,  19:40 — 43.)  yet  most  of  them  were  really 
actuated  by  ambition  of  pre-eminence:  one  party  confiding 
in  nearness  of  relation  to  David,  the  other  in  numbers.  At 
length  therefore  the  men  of  Israel,  who  had  boasted  that  they 
had  ten  parts  in  David,  were  so  irritated,  that  they  would 
have  no  part  in  him,  but  preferred  a man  of  Belial  before 
him:  intimating,  that  they  had  no  share  in  his  regard,  which 
was  engrossed  by  the  men  of  Judah ; and  therefore  they 
would  have  nothing  more  to  do  with  him.  {Note,  1 Kings 
12:16.) — Sheba,  it  is  probable,  had  been  a commnnder  under 
Amasa  in  Absalom’s  revolt,  and  possessed  great  influence 
among  the  men  of  Israel;  so  that,  when  he  blew  a trumpet, 
and  gave  the  signal,  instead  of  returning  home,  they  generally 
followed  him  as  the  leader  of  another  rebellion.  “But  the 
men  of  Judah  clave  unto  their  king  :”  and  probably  a few  of 
the  men  of  Israel ; some  from  fear,  and  others  from  attach- 
ment.— Shimei  did  not  join  this  rebellion,  or  he  would  have 
been  punished. 

V.  3.  The  confinement  and  retired  maintenance  of  these 
women  was  the  only  measure,  which  could  be  adopted,  in 
justice  or  prudence ; unless  they  had  been  found  deserving 
of  severer  punishment.  The  less  they  were  seen  or  heard 
of,  the  better ; and  perhaps  their  seclusion  might  be  a benefit 
to  their  souls. 

V.  4,  5.  Amasa’s  appointment  to  be  commander  of  the 
liny,  in  the  place  of  Joab,  must  have  been  very  unpopular 
with  all  those,  who  had  fought  and  conquered  under  that 
commander : and  as  Amasa  had  not  been  successful  for  Ab- 
salom, perhaps  his  own  party  did  not  entirely  confide  in  him. 
This  might  occasion  some  unexpected  delay  in  raising  an 
army:  but  the  men  of  Judah  seem  to  have  been  more  eager 
to  dispute  about  their  king,  than  to  engage  in  battle  for  him. 

V.  6,  7.  Thy  lord's  servants.]  That  is,  Joab's  soldiers, 
»r  a body  of  men  which  had  been  more  immediately  com- 


8 When  they  were  at  the  great  stone  which  is 
pin  Gibeon,  ‘lAmasa  went  before  them.  And 
Joab’s  garment  that  he  had  put  on  was  girdeo 
unto  him,  and  upon  it  a girdle  with  a sword  fast- 
ened upon  his  loins  in  the  sheath  thereof;  and  as 
he  went  forth  it  tell  out. 

9 And  Joab  said  to  Amasa, r Art  thou  in  health, 
my  brother  ? And  Joab  took  Amasa  by  the  beard 
with  the  right  hand  'to  kiss  him. 

10  But  Amasa  took  no  heed  to  the  sword  thaf 
was  ‘in  Joab’s  hand:  so  "he  smote  him  therewiti 
in  the  fifth  rib,  "and  shed  out  his  bowels  to  the 
ground,  and  ’’struck  him  not  again ; and  he  died. 
So  Joab  and  Ahishai  his  brother  pursued  after 
Sheba  the  son  of  Bichri. 

11  And  one  of  Joab’s  men  stood  by  him,  and 
said,  rHe  that  favoureth  Joab,  and  he  tiiat  is  'for 
David,  let  him  go  after  Joab. 

12  And  "Amasa  wallowed  in  blood  in  the  midst 
of  the  highway.  And  when  the  man  saw  that  all 
the  people  stood  still,  he  removed  Amasa  out  of 
the  highway,  into  the  field,  and  cast  a cloth  upon 
him,  when  he  saw  that  every  one  that  came  by 
him  stood  still. 

13  When  he  was  removed  out  of  the  highwajr, 
all  the  people  went  on  after  Joab,  to  pursue  after 

Sheba  the  SOn  Of  Bichri.  C Practical  Observations. ] 

14  If  And  he  went  through  all  the  tribes  of  Israel 
unto  bAbel,  and  to  Beth-maachah,  and  all  the 
'Berites:  and  they  were  gathered  together,  and 
went  also  after  him. 

15  And  they  came  and  besieged  him  in  Abel  of 
Beth-maachah,  and  they  dcast  up  a bank  against 
the  city,  and  "it  stood  in  the  trench : and  all  the 
people  that  were  with  Joab  '’battered  the  wall  to 
throw  it  down. 


18.  15:18  . 23:22,23.  t Kings  1:38,44.  p2:13.  3:30.  q 4,5.  r Ps. 55:21.  Prov. 
26:24-26.  Mic . 7:2.  s Mutt.  26: 18,49.  Luke 22:47,48.  t 9.  Judg.  3:21.  1 Chr. 
12:2.  u 2:23.  3:27.  Gen.  4:8.  1 Kings  2.5,6,31—34.  x Acts  1:18,19.  6 Heb. 

doubled  not  hi 8 stroke.  1 Sam.  26:8.  v 6,7,13,21.  7.4.  2 Kings  9:32.  a 17:25. 
Ps.  9:16.  55:23.  Prov.  24:21,22.  b 1 Kings  15:20.  2 Kings  15:29.  2 Chr.  16:4. 
c Josh.  18:25.  Beeroth.  d 2 Kings  19:32.  Jer.  32:24.  33:4.  Puke  19:43.  ’*  Or, 
it  stood  against  the  outmost  wall,  tt  Heb.  marred  to  throw  down. 


manded  by  him.  {Marg.  Ref.  n.o.)  David  would  not  employ 
Joab  upon  this  occasion,  because  he  intended  to  remove  him 
from  his  service : but,  by  assigning  the  service  to  his  brother 
Ahishai,  he  effectually  made  way  for  Joab’s  resuming  the 
command,  in  defiance  of  him. 

V.  8 — 10.  Amasa,  at  length  arriving  with  the  troops  which 
he  had  collected,  took  upon  him  the  command  of  the  army : and 
Joab  seemed  very  cheerfully  to  submit ; following  the  army 
as  a private  person,  and  professing  zeal  for  the  cause  of  David, 
whilst  he  was  meditating  revenge  and  murder ! He  had  con- 
trived, that  his  sword  should  fall  from  its  scabbard,  as  if  by 
chance,  when  he  approached  Amasa,  that  without  suspicion 
he  might  have  it  drawn  in  his  hand,  when  he  saluted  him  • 
and  thus,  pretending  brotherly  love,  (for  he  was  a near  rela- 
tion,) and  in  the  very  expression  of  endeared  friendship,  he 
basely  murdered  him  at  one  blow.  Amasa  could  not  but  know 
Joab’s  daring  and  revengeful  character,  and  his  vexation  at 
being  superseded  by  the  commander  of  that  very  rebellion 
which  he  had  crushed  ; yet  he  did  not  suspect  his  intention, 
or  attempt  to  avoid  the  fatal  blow  ! perhaps  not  apprehending 
danger  from  the  sword,  because  Joab  held  it  in'  his  left  hand. 
But  it  was  the  Lord’s  righteous  will,  that  Amasa  should  thus 
suffer  the  punishment  due  to  his  former  treason.  {Notes,  3: 
26,27.  18:14.  Judg.  9:50 — 57.) — Joab,  confiding  in  the  favour  of 
the  army,  by  this  conduct  set  both  the  king  and  public  justice 
at  defiance,  and  declared  his  resolution  to  keep  his  place  ir 
contempt  of  all  opposition.  {Notes,  3:38,39.  1 Kings  2:5,6, 
28 — 34.)  Having  therefore  given  Amasa  a mortal  wound,  he 
left  him  in  the  agonies  of  death,  resumed  the  command  of  the 
troops,  and  marched  against  the  common  enemy,  without 
concern  or  delay  ! ' 

V.  11 — 13.  By  the  artifice  of  representing  the  cause  of 
Joab  as  united  with  that  of  David,  the  people  in  general  were 
left  in  suspense,  whether  Joab  aettfd  by  the  king’s  orders,  or 
against  them : but  when  the  body  of  Amasa  was  removed 
and  covered,  they  followed  their  old  commander  without  fur- 
ther hesitation. 

He  that  favoureth  Joab.  (11)  “ Delighteth  (yon)  in  Joab, 
and  in  David.”  Joab  is  placed  first.  Probably  many  who 
had  highly  favoured  Joab,  felt,  indignant  on  this  occasion. 

V.  14,  15.  Sheba  endeavoured  to  raise  forces,  through 
the  several  tribes  of  Israel : but  it  is  probable,  that  the  elders 
who  at  first  had  followed  him,  upon  recollection,  and  from 
dread  of  another  civil  war,  had  generally  withdrawn  from 
him  ; and  therefore  he  had  little  success.  So  that  with  only 
a few  followers,  chiefly  from  Beeroth  a city  of  Benjamin,  ha 
at  length  shut  himself  up  in  Abel-beth-maachah,  in  the  triba 
of  Naphtali,  as  some  of  the  citizens  seem  at  first  to  hava 

• 573  ) 


B.  C.  1021. 


II.  SAMUEL, 


B.  C.  1021. 


16  H Then  cried  "a  wise  woman  out  of  the  city, 
Hear,  hear;  say,  1 pray  you,  unto  Joab,  Come 
near  Hither,  that  I may  speak  with  thee. 

17  And  when  he  was  come  near  unto  her,  the 
woman  said,  Art  thou  Joab?  and  lie  answered,  I 
am  lie.  Then  she  said  unto  him,  ‘Hear  the  words 
of  thine  handmaid.  And  he  answered,  I do  hear. 

18  Then  she  spake,  saying,  ’They  were  wont 
to  speak  in  old  time,  saying,  They  shall  surely  ask 
counsel  at  Abel : and  so  they  ended  the  matter. 

19  I am  one  of  them  that  are  ^peaceable  and 
faithful  in  Israel : thou  seekest  to  destroy  a city 
and  ha  mother  in  Israel : why  wilt  thou  'swallow 
up  kthe  inheritance  of  the  Lord? 

20  And  Joab  answered  and  said,  ‘Far  be  it,  far 
be  it  from  me,  mthat  I should  swallow  up  or  de- 
stroy. 

21  The  matter  is  not  so:  but  na  man  of  mount 
Ephraim,  Sheba  the  son  of  Bichri  fby  name,  hath 

e 14:2.  1 Sam.  25:3,32,33.  Ec.  9:11— 18.  f 14:12. 1 Sam.  25:24.  ‘Or,  they  plainly 
spake  in  the  beginning,  saying , Surely  they  will  ask  of  Abel , amd  so  make  an 
end.  Deut.  20: 10,11.  g Gen.  18:23.  Rom.  13:3,4.  1 Tim.  2:2.  h Judg.  5:7.  Ez. 
16:45—  48.  i 11:16.  N.im.  16:32.  26: IU.  Ps.  124:3.  Jer.  5F: 34, 44.  Lam.  2:2,5, 
16.  1 Cor.  15:54.  2 Cor.  5:1.  k21:3.  Ex.  19:5,6.  Deut.  32:9.  1 Sam.  26:19. 

123:17.  Job  21:16.  2*2:18.  m 10.  Prov. 28:13.  Jer.  17:9.  Luke  10:29.  n 1. 
Judg.  2:9.  7:24.  2 Kings  5:22.  Jer.  4:15.  50:19.  t Heb.  by  his  name,  o 23: 

been  favourable  to  his  cause:  but  when  Joab  had  so  far 
pushed  the  siege,  as  to  fill  up  the  trench,  and  to  fix  his  engines 
close  to  the  wall  to  batter  it ; it  may  be  supposed,  that  they 
began  to  dread  the  consequences. 

V.  16 — 19.  Joab  seems  to  have  taken  it  for  granted,  that 
the  citizens  in  general  were  firmly  attached  to  Sheba;  and  so 
did  not  propose  terms  of  peace,  or  require  them  to  deliver 
him  up : and  they  appear  to  have  concluded,  that  there  was 
no  safety  except  in  resistance.  But  the  fatal  effects  of  this 
misunderstanding  were  prevented  by  the  timely  interposition 
of  a woman  of  noted  wisdom  and  prudence.  In  her  argu- 
ment with  Joab,  she  seems  to  have  referred  to  the  law  which 
required,  that  before  siege  was  laid  even  to  a foreign  city, 
peace  should  be  offered  if  the  citizens  would  submit;  and 
much  more  to  a city,  which  had  hitherto  been  “peaceful  and 
faithful,  and  a mother  in  Israel,”  as  protecting  the  adjacent 
villages.  ( Note , Deut.  20:10 — 18.)  And  she  tacitly  inti- 
mated that  Joab,  by  neglecting  this  previous  measure,  was 
about  to  destroy  the  city,  to  the  public  injury  of  the  nation, 
and  so  to  u swallow  up  the  inheritance  of  the  Lord.”  This 
seems  the  proper  interpretation  of  her  expostulation:  and  it 
accords  with  the  marginal  reading  : though  she  expressed 
herself  rather  obscurely,  perhaps  for  fear  of  giving  offence. 
1 As  if  she  had  said,  When  the  people  saw  thee  lay  siege  to 
the  city,  they  said,  Surely  they  will  ask  us,  if  we  will  have 

eace,  and  then  we  shall  soon  come  to  an  agreement,  and 

ave  an  end.5  Bp.  Patrick.  Some  adhering  to  the  transla- 
tion in  the  text  suppose,  that  this  city  had  long  been  noted, 
as  the  residence  of  wise  men,  who  had  settled  differences 
by  prudent  and  equitable  accommodation;  so  that  it  was 
become  proverbial,  ‘that  the  way  to  terminate  matters  in 
litigation,  was  to  ask  counsel  at  Abel:5  and  therefore  that 
city  ought  not  rashly  to  be  destroyed. 

V.  20 — 22.  Joab,  though  guilty  of  private  revenge  and 
murder,  and  setting  his  king  at  defiance,  was,  in  other  re- 
spects, attentive  to  the  public  interest,  and  very  willing  to 
settle  the  dispute:  if  the  citizens  therefore  would  deliver  up 
the  traitor,  he  would  not  injure  them.  Thus  Sheba’s  head 
purchased  the  safety  of  the  city,  and  terminated  the  rebellion: 
(Notes,  Prov.  17:1  i.  Ec.  9:13 — 18.)  and  Joab  without  fear  or 
shame,  (apparently  glorying  as  much  in  revenging  himself,  as 
in  serving  the  public,)  returned  to  David  as  though  nothing 
had  happened : and  he  was  now  become  too  powerful  to  be 
removed,  or  called  to  account,  or  punished,  without  endanger- 
ing another  rebellion. 

V.  23— 26.  Note,  8:15 — 18. — Tribute.  (24)  This  office 
is  not  before  mentioned.  Perhaps,  at  first,  the  contributions 
of  the  nation  had  been  but  small ; in  a measure  voluntary, 
and  placed  under  the  management,  of  the  other  officers:  but 
now  regular  taxes  were  paid ; and  the  tribute  from  the  con- 
quered nations  especially  tended  to  render  this  new  office 
requisite.  (Notes,  1 Kings  4:4 — 6.  12:18.) — Abiathar  was 
the  high-priest:  Ahimelech  his  son  is  not  mentioned. 
( Marg . Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 13.  We  must  expect  one  trial  after  another,  for  our 
salutary  chastisement,  till  we  reach  the  place  where  sin  and 
sorrow  are  for  ever  excluded. — Angry  disputants  commonly 
misunderstand,  or  misinterpret,  one  another’s  words:  proud 
men  will  either  manage  every  thing  their  own  way,  Or  en- 
tirely refuse  their  concurrence ; and  when  greatly  enraged, 
they  are  apt  to  avenge  themselves  on  the  innocent,  and  on 
persons  whom  they  profess  to  love,  instead  of  those  who 
have  affronted  them. — The  favour  nfthe  many  is  no  more  to 
be  depended  on,  than  that  of  the  great:  and  what  indeed  have 
men  a right  to  expect,  when  “ Hosannah  to  the  Son  of  Da- 
vid,” was  so  soon  by  the  multitude  changed  into  “Crucify 
hi  in*  crucify  him  V All  appearance,  however,  of  partiality , 
( 574  ) 


"lifted  up  his  hand  against  the  king,  even  against 
David  : deliver  him  only,  and  I will  depart  from 
the  city.  And  the  woman  said  unto  Joab,  Behold, 
Phis  head  shall  be  thrown  to  thee  over  the  wall. 

22  Then  the  woman  went  unto  all  the  people 
sin  her  wisdom.  And  they  cut  off  the  head  of 
Sheba  the  son  of  Bichri  and  cast  it  out  to  Joah. 
And  rhe  blew  a trumpet,  and  they  ^retired  from  the 
city,  every  man  to  his  tent.  "And  Joab  returned 
to  Jerusalem  unto  the  king. 

23  H Now  ‘Joab  was  over  all  the  host  of  Israel  : 
“and  Benaiah  the  son  of  Jehoiada  was  over  the 
Cherethites:  and  over  the  Pelethites  : 

24  And  vAdoram  teas  over  the  tribute : and 
Jehoshaphat  the  son  of  Ahilud  xwas  ^recorder  : 

25  And  ?Sheva  was  scribe : and  Zadok  and 
Abiathar  were  the  priests : 

26  And  "Ira  also  the  "Jairite  was  "a  chief  ruler 
about  David. 


18.  1 Sam.  24:6  . 26:9.  p 17:2,3.  2 Kines  10:7.  John  18:4— 8.  q Ec.  7:19.  »: 
14—18.  1-1.2:28.18:16.  } Heb.  wer  e scattered,  a 3:28— 39.  1 1 :6— 21.  Ec.  f». 
11.  t 8:16— 18.  1 Chr.  18:15—  IV.  u See  on  7.  v I Kings  4:6.  12:18.  i 1 King- 
4:3.  § Or,  remembrance,  y S:  17.  1 Kings  4:4.  1 Chr.  18:16.  Shavsha.  * 2U 
38.  1 Chr.  11:40.  Ithrite.  a Judg.  10:4,5.  |j  Or,  a prince.  8:18.  Gen.  41:43 
Ex.  2:14. 


in  our  conduct  towards  those  who  are  equally  related  to  us 
or  have  an  equal  claim  upon  us,  ought  to  be  avoided : for  it 
often  excites  discord  in  families,  churches,  and  kingdoms. — 
Many  a vehement  quarrel  would  spend  its  fury  in  angry 
words,  and  then  die  away,  if  some  “man  of  Belial55  were  not 
present,  to  sound  the  trumpet  of  public  contention.  Satan, 
if  permitted, — will  be  sure  to  excite  such  ringleaders  of  dis- 
sension: and  God,  in  wise  and  holy  sovereignty,  is  pleased 
often  to  permit  it,  that  he  may  execute  vengeance,  or  inflict 
correction,  according  to  his  righteous  purposes.  Hence  na- 
tions are  visited  with  war  and  bloodshed,  especially  the  dire 
scourge  of  civil  wars ; and  the  church  with  pestilent  divisions, 
and  virulent  controversies. — When  immoderate  and  inexpe- 
dient provision  is  made  for  sensual  gratification,  it  will  surely 
terminate  in  grief  and  shame : and  obscure  retirement  best 
suits  those  who  are  become  infamous  by  sin. — The  most 
powerful  cannot  effect  all  that  they  wish,  or  all  that  they  see 
to  be  right;  nay,  they  cannot  attempt  it  without  dahger:  for 
at  last  they  can  only  do,  what  the  many  can  be  prevailed  with 
to  concur  in. — Consequences  should  be  well  weighed  before 
important  measures  are  adopted ; for  resentment  and  disgust 
are  dangerous  counsellors. — Our  inbred  lusts,  like  able  wicked 
men,  cannot  be  brought  under,  without  great  difficulties,  when 
they  have  acquired  a habit  of  domineering:  the  beginning  of 
evil  should  therefore  in  every  thing  be  decisively  resisted. — 
By  degrees  men  grow  more  and  more  bold  and  unfeeling  in 
the  commission  of  crimes  of  every  kind  ; until  they  vindicate 
and  glory  in  their  villanies : and  when  such  daring  offenders 
are  actuated  by  ambition  or  revenge,  they  will  not  be  re- 
strained by  the  ties  of  relationship,  or  friendship ; nay,  they 
will  employ  the  guise  and  language  of  love,  to  obtain  the 
opportunity  of  perpetrating  the  most  atrocious  murders:  but 
the  more  of  contrivance,  or  of  dissimulation,  is  connected 
with  malice,  the  deeper  is  its  malignity. — The  murderer  may 
conceal  his  crimes,  or  prosper  in  his  ways  for  a season,  and 
elude  or  outbrave  the  justice  of  man:  but  let  him  not  expect 
to  escape  the  vengeance  of  God. — Vain  are  earthly  dis- 
tinctions and  preferments,  which  excite  so  much  envy  and 
enmity,  without  affording  any  additional  security  to  man’s 
uncertain  life : may  we  then  be  ambitious  “of  that  honour 
which  cometh  from  God  only  1” — Great  abilities,  strong  at- 
tachment to  the  interests  of  the  public,  and  eminent  services, 
performed  with  firmness,  prudence,  and  clemency,  constitute 
a great , but  not  always  a good  man:  and  a person  thus  pe- 
culiarly distinguished,  being  the  slave  of  one  imperious  lust, 
may  violate  every  moral  obligation  in  order  to  its  indulgence ; 
though  such  treachery,  cruelty,  and  injustice  seem  to  “be 
far  from  him,”  in  other  parts  of  his  conduct. 

V.  14 — 26.  Wisdom  is  not  restricted  to  rank  or  sex:  and 
it  does  not  consist  in  extensive  knowledge  or  ingenious  spe- 
culations; but  in  understanding  how  to.  act  as  circumstances 
arise,  in  order  that  calamities  may  ho  averted,  ami  benefits 
secured,  personal,  relative,  and  public. — Contending  parties 
would  often  be  reconciled  if  they  properly  understood  each 
other;  hence  the  benefit  of  a prudent  and  impartial  media- 
tion : and  the  just  punishment  of  one  atrocious  criminal,  is  fre- 
quently mercy  to  great  numbers.— Thus  the  sinner  persists  in 
his  rebellion,  till,  through  the  Saviour’s  mediation,  he  perceives 
that  his  offended  Lord  does  not  seek  his  destruction,  but 
that  of  h’rs  sins:  then  ho  becomes  willing  that  they  should  bo 
crucified,  especially,  the  strongest  ami  most  domineering  of 
them;  and  receiving  pardon  and  grace  from  God,  he  becomes 
peaceable,  faithful,  ami  useful  in  Israel. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXL  V.  1—3.  It  is  not  certain, 
whether  this  famine  occurred  in  the  order  nf  time  in  whicn 
it  is  related,  or  earlier  in  the  reign  of  David. — It  does  no* 
seem  to  have  been  very  grievous,  and  the  s<  ^rcity  of  the  first 
and  second  year  occasioned  no  great  alarm:  ut  vvher,  con- 


B.  C.  1020. 


B.  C.  1020. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


A famine  prevails  for  three  years ; as  a judgment  on  the  land,  for  Saul's  cruel- 
ty to  the  Gibeonites , who  being  asked,  require  aer«-n  of  his  descendants , and 
hang  them  up  before  the  Lord,  I — 9.  Rizpah  watches  their  bodies  : David 
buries  their  bones,  with  thooe  of  Saul  and  Jonathan,  in  the  sepulchre  of 
Kish  ; and  the  famine  ceases,  10—14.  /n  several  battles  with  the  Philis- 
tines, four  of  David's  mighty  men  slay  four  giants,  15 — 22. 

THEN  there  was  “a  famine  in  the  days  of 
David  three  years,  year  after  year ; and 
David  ‘inquired  bof  the  Lord.  And  the  Lord 
answered,  cIt  is  for  ''Saul,  and  for  his  bloody 
house,  because  he  slew  the  Gibeonites. 

2  And  the  king  called  the  Gibeonites,  and  said 
unto  them;  (now  "the  Gibeonites  were  not  of  the 
children  of  Israel,  but  of  the  remnant  of  the 
Amorites ; and  the  children  of  Israel  had  sworn 
unto  them  : and  Saul  sought  to  slay  them,  'in  his 
zeal  to  the  children  of  Israel  and  Judah.) 

3  Wherefore  David  said  unto  the  Gibeonites, 
What  shall  I do  for  you  ? and  s wherewith  shall  I 
make  the  atonement,  that  ye  may  hb!ess  the  in- 
heritance of  the  Lord? 

4  And  the  Gibeonites  said  unto  him,  'We  will 
have  'no  silver  nor  gold  of  Saul,  nor  of  his  house ; 
neither  for  us  shalt  thou  kill  any  man  in  Israel. 
And  he  said,  What  ye  shall  say,  that  will  I do  for 
you. 

5  And  they  answered  the  king,  kThe  man  that 
consumed  us,  and  that  'devised  against  us,  that 
we  should  be  destroyed  from  remaining  in  any  of 
the  coasts  of  Israel, 

6  Let  seven  men  of  his  sons  be  delivered  unto 
us,  and  we  will  'hang  them  up  unto  the  Lord  min 
Gibeah  of  Saul,  kehom  the  Lord  did  choose. 
And  the  king  said,  I will  give  them. 

7  But  the  king  spared  "Mephibosheth,  the  son 

- Gen.  12:10.  26:1.  41:57.42:1.  43:1.  Lev.  26:19,20,56.  1 Kings  17:1 . 18:2. 

I Kings  6:25.  8:1.  .Ter.  11;  1 , &c.  * Heb.  sought  the  face,  b 5:19,23.  Num. 

.27:21.  1 Sam.  23:2,4,11.  Job  5:8— 10.  10:2.  Ps.  50:15.  91 :15.  c Josh.  7:1,11,12. 
d 1 Sam.  22:17 — 19.  e Josh.  9:3,15-21 . f Dent.  7:16.  1 Sam.  14:44.  15:8,9. 
£ Kings  10:16,31.  Lake  9-54,55.  John  16.2.  Rom.  10:2.  Gal.  4:17.  g Ex.  32: 
30.  Lev.  1:4.  I Sam.  2:26.  \Iic. 6:6,7.  Heb.  9:22.  10:4—12.  h 20:19.  t Or, 
It  is  n it  silver  nor  gold  that  wehav ».  to  do  with  Saul,  or  his  house;  neither 
pertains  it  to  u#  to  kill,  Sfc.  i Ps.  49:7.8.  I Pet.  1:18,19.  k 1.  Esth.  9:24,25. 
Matt.  7:2.  | Or,  cut  us  off.  Dan.  9:26.  1 17:23.  18:10.  Gen.  40:19,22.  Num. 


tinued  the  third  year  also,  David  understood  that  it  was  a 
national  judgment,  and  inquired  of  God,  for  what  particular 
sin  he  thus  contended  with  his  people ; perhaps  thinking  of 
his  own  crimes  in  the  matter  of  Uriah. — The  history  of  Saul 
gives  no  account  of  the  transaction  which  was  declared  to  be 
the  cause  of  this  calamity  : but  it  seems  that  Saul,  in  order 
to  promote  the  supposed  interests  of  Israel  and  Judah, 
attempted  to  extirpate  the  Gibeonites,  who  were  of  the  ancient 
inhabitants  of  Canaan  : though  they  had  submitted  to  Israel, 
and  had  quietly  served  them  for  ages;  and  were  protected  by 
the  public  faiih,  and  a solemn  oath  ratifying  a covenant  of 
peace  with  them.  (Notes,  Josh.  9:)  Yet  he  did  not  attempt 
to  extirpate  the  Amalekites,  Philistines,  and  other  hostile 
nations,  whom  God  commanded  him  to  destroy  ! These 
were  able  and  determined  to  resist,  and  could  not  be  subdued 
without  apparent  danger  and  difficulty  ; while  the  inoffensive 
Gibeonites  might  be  oppressed  with  ease,  and  apparent 
safety.  Perhaps  he  disliked  them  the  more,  for  being  pecu- 
liarly devoted  to  the  service  of  the  priests  pnd  the  sanctuary  ; 
and  attempted  to  destroy  them  when  he  slew  the  priests : 
(Notes,  1 Sam.  22:9 — 19.)  but  it  does  not  appear,  that  many 
of  them  dwelt  at  Nob ; and  neither  they  nor  the  Levites  are 
mentioned  in  that  transaction.  Nor  could  it  have  been  said, 
had  the  slaughter  been  made  by  Doeg  on  that  occasion,  that 
“Saul  sought  to  slay  them  in  his  zeal  for  the  children  of 
Israel  and  Judah.”  It  seems  that  Saul’s  relations  also  were 
disposed  to  cruelty,  and  concurred  in  this  bloodshed ; and 
that  many  Israelites  had  willingly  assisted  in  the  persecution. 
— The  violation  of  the  oath  of  God,  the  treachery  of  Israel 
towards  the  Gibeonites,  and  the  murder  of  them,  formed  an 
enormous  load  of  national  guilt,  which  had  never  been  expiated 
by  the  punishment  of  the  guilty  : and  it  pleased  God  in  this 
manner,  and  so  long  after,  to  proceed  against  the  nation  for 
ft ; to  show  them  his  abhorrence  of  such  crimes  ; to  teach 
i tiers  to  keep  at  a distance  from  similar  offences  themselves, 
and  to  punish  them  in  others  ; and  to  intimate  that  the  chief 
punishment  of  sin  is  after  the  death  of  the  offender.  And 
God  informed  David  of  the  cause  of  the  visitation  ; that  he 
might  take  proper  measures  for  expiating  the  national  guilt. 
(Notes,  Num.  35:31 — 34.  Deut.  21:1 — 9.) 

V.  4 — 7.  As  God  accepted  the  expiation  here  demanded, 
we  must  suppose,  that  both  the  inquiry  of  David,  and  the 
answer  of  the  Gibeonites,  were  directed  by  some  open  or 
secret  intimation  from  him.  They  did  r ot  demand  their  own 
liberty,  or  any  accession  of  wealth,  or  the  death  of  any  other 
Israelite : but  that,  in  the  character  of  the  avengers  of  the 
blood  of  their  brethren,  they  might  be  permitted  to  put  to 
death  seven  of  Saul’s  descendants  ; whom  they  would  “ hang 
up  unto  the  Lord,”  as  a sacrifice  to  his  justice,  and  an  ex- 


of  Jonathan,  the  son  of  Saul,  "because  of  the 
Lord’s  oath  that  was  between  them,  between 
David  and  Jonathan  the  son  of  Saul. 

8 But  the  king-  took  the  two  sons  of  pRizpah 
the  daughter  of  Aiah,  whom  she  hare  unto  Saul, 
Armoni  and  Mephibosheth  ; and  the  five  sons  of 
"Michal  the  daughter  of  Saul,  whom  she  "brought 
up  (or  Adriel,  Uie  son  of  Barzillai  the  Meho 
lathite  : 

9 And  he  delivered  them  into  the  hands  of  the 
Gibeonites,  and  they  hanged  them  in  the  hill 
<ibefore  the  Lord  : and  they  fell  all  seven  together, 
and  were  put  to  death  in  the  days  of  harvest,  in 
the  first  days , rin  the  beginning  of  barley-harvest. 

10  And  “Rizpah  the  daughter  of  Aiah  ‘took 
sackcloth,  and  spread  it  for  her  upon  the  rock, 
“from  the  beginning  of  harvest  "until  water 
dropped  upon  them  out  of  heaven,  and  suffered 
neither  nhe  birds  of  the  air  to  rest  on  them  by 
day,  nor  the  beasts  of  the  field  by  night. 

11  And  it  was  "told  David  what  Rizpah  the 
daughter  of  Aiah,  the  concubine  of  Saul,  had 
done. 

12  H And  David  went  and  took  “the  bones  of 
Saul  and  the  bones  of  Jonathan  his  son  from  the 
men  of  Jabesh-gilead,  which  had  stolen  them 
from  the  street  of  bBeth-shan,  where  the  Philis- 
tines had  hanged  them,  when  the  Philistines  had 
slain  Saul  cin  Gilboa  : 

13  And  he  brought  up  from  thence  the  hones 
of  Saul  and  the  bones  ot  Jonathan  his  son  : and 
they  gathered  the  bones  of  them  that  were 
hanged. 

14  And  the  bones  of  Saul  and  Jonathan  his 

25:4,5.  Deut.  21:22.  Josh.  8:29.  10:26.  Ezra  6:11.  Esth.  9:10.13,11.  Malt.  27:5. 
m 1 Sam.  10:26.  11:4.  § Or,  the  chosenofthe  LORO.  1 Sain.  9:16,17.  10:1. 
21.  Acts  13:21 . n 1:1. 9:10.  16:1.  19:25.  o 1 Sam.  18:3.  20. S.15, 17.42.  23- 
18.  ])  3:7.  ||  Or,  Michal' s sister.  1 Sam.  18:19.  Tl  Heb.  bare  to.  q See  on 
6.  6:21.  Ex.  20:5.  Num.  35:31 — 34.  Deut.  21:1 — 9.  2 King9  24:3,4.  r Ruth 
1:22.  8 8.  3:7.  t 1 Kings 21 :27.  Joel  1:13.  u See  on  9.  x Deut.  11:14. 

1 Kings  18:41—45.  Jer.  5:24,25.  14:22.  Hos.  6:3.  Joel  2:23.  Zech.  10:1.  y Gen. 
40:19.  Ez.  39:4.  z 2:4.  Ruth  2:11,12.  a 2:5— 7.  1 Sam.  31 : 1 1—13.  b Josh 
17:11.  Bethshean.  1 Sam.  31:10.  c 1:6,21.  1 Sam.  23:4.  31:1.  lChr.l0.1,&. 


ample  to  others  not  to  injure  or  oppress  them.  They  were 
willing  to  undertake  the  trouble,  and  to  bear  the  odium  of  the 
execution  ; and  would  do  it  in  Saul’s  own  city,  for  a warning 
to  those  who  had  witnessed  or  assisted  in  the  oppression. — 
As  David  consented  to  this  measure  in  obedience  to  God, 
and  for  the  public  welfare,  and  not  out  of  private  resentment  ; 
he  did  not  violate  hia  oath  to  Saul : (Notes,  1 Sam.  24:16 — 
22.)  but  as  he  could  spare  one  at  least  of  Saul’s  descendants, 
his  covenant,  and  his  oath  of  sacred  friendship  with  Jonathan, 
required  the  preservation  of  his  son  in  preference  to  all  the 
rest. 

Y.  8.  u The  five  sons  of  Michal,”  here  mentioned,  seem 
to  have  been  the  children  of  her  sister  Merab,  whom  Michal 
had  adopted,  and  brought  up  as  her  own.  (1  Sam.  18:19.) 
—This  Barzillai  is  called  “the  Meholathite  to  distinguish 
him  from  Barzillai  the  Gileadite,  before  spoken  of.  (19:31. 
Judg.  7:22.  1 Kings  4:12.  19:16.) 

V.  9 — 14.  As  these  persons  were  hung  up  by  the  express 
appointment  of  God,  for  an  anathema,  an  accursed  thing,  a 
national  atonement  to  divine  justice  ; they  were  left  on  the 
tree  or  gibbet,  till  some  tokens  of  the  Lord’s  reconciliation 
were  afforded  by  seasonable  rains.  (Note,  Deut.  21:22,23.) 
They  were  not  considered  to  be  within  the  meaning  of  the 
law,  against  the  bodies  of  malefactors  being  left  on  a tree  all 
night : for  that  statute  meant,  that  those,  who  were  put  to 
death  for  breaking  human  laws,  should  not  be  treated  as 
“ accursed  of  God.”  Indeed  he  may  command  that,  in  a 
particular  case,  which  he  prohibits  in  general : provided  it  be 
not  intrinsically  unjust.  He  ordered  the  children  to  be  put  to 
death  for  the  parents’  crimes,  though  magistrates  in  general 
were  forbidden  to  do  it : and  in  like  manner  he  might  require 
this  treatment  of  these  dead  bodies,  though,  in  some  respects, 
contrary  to  the  general  rule. — Rizpah  improperly  fed  and 
indulged  her  grief  by  a useless  attention  to  the  dead  bodies : 
yet  her  case  was  truly  pitiable,  and  her  patient,  self-denying 
natural  affection  extraordinary.  David  doubtless  sympathized 
with  the  bereaved  and  aged  parent ; and  gladly  embraced  the 
opportunity,  as  soon  as  it  was  proper,  of  relieving  her  from 
her  melancholy  charge,  by  decently  interring  them,  together 
with  the  bones  of  Saul  and  his  other  sons  : and  by  this  he 
avowed  that  he  had  not  acted  out  of  disrespect  to  Saul  or  his 
family.  (Notes,  2:5 — 7.  1 Sam.  31:11 — 13.) — The  first,  rain 
was  a token  of  reconciliation  : but  after  the  expiation  was 
finished,  the  scarcity  was  removed  in  answer  to  prayer  ; and 
doubtless  the  Gibeonites  joined,  in  seeking  “ this  blessing  for 
the  inheritance  of  the  Lord.”  (3) 

V.  15 — 22.  (Marg.  Ref.)  All  these  events  seem  to  have 
occurred,  in  the  order  here  related,  and  towards  the  latter  end 
of  David’s  reign.  The  Philistines,  though  frequently  van* 
( 575  ) 


li  C.  1018.  II.  SAMUEL.  B.  C.  1018. 


sox  dburied  they  in  the  country  of  Benjamin  in 
'Zelah,  in  the  sepulchre  of  Kish  his  father : and 
they  performed  all  that  the  king-  commanded.  And 
after  that  fGod  was  entreated  lor  the  land. 

15  IT  Moreover,  sthe  Philistines  had  yet  war 
again  with  Israel ; and  David  went  down,  and  his 
servants  with  him,  and  fought  against  the  Philis- 
tines : hand  David  waxed  faint. 

16  And  Ishhi-benob,  which  was  'of  the  sons  of 
‘the  giant,  (the  weight  of  ‘whose  spear  weighed 
three  hundred  shekels  of  brass  in  weight,)  he, 
being  girded  with  a new  sword,  thought  to  have 
slain  David. 

17  But  ‘Ahishai  the  son  of  Zeruiah  msuccoured 
him,  and  smote  the  Philistine,  and  killed  him. 
Then  the  men  of  David  sware  unto  him,  saying, 
"Thou  shalt  go  no  more  out  with  us  to  battle,  that 
thou  “quench  not  the  ‘light  of  Israel. 

18  And  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that  there 
was  again  a battle  with  the  Philistines  at  Gob : 
then  rSibbechai  the  Hushathite  slew  ^Saph,  which 
was  of  the  sons  of  “the  giant. 

19  And  there  was  again  a battle  in  Gob  with 
the  Philistines,  where  ‘tElhanan  the  son  oPJnare- 
oregim,  a Bethlehemite,  slew  the  brother  of  1 Goli- 

d 3:32.4:12.  e Josh.  18:23.  1 Sam.  10:2 . Zelzah.  f 24:23.  Ex.  32:27— 29. 
Num.  25:13.  Josh.  7:26.  1 Kings  18:40,41.  Jer.  14:1 — 7.  Joel  2:18,19.  Am.  7:1— 
6.  Jon. 1:15.  Zecli.  6:8.  g 5:17,22.  1 Chr.  20:4.  h Josh.  14:10,11.  Ps.  71:9,18. 
73:26.  Ec.  12:3.  Is.  40:28—30.  Jer.  9:23,24.  1 Pet.  1:24,25.  i Gen.  6:4.  Nnm» 
13:32,33.  Bern.  1:28.  2:10,21.  3:11.  9:2.  1 Sam.  17:4,5.  • Or,  Rapha.  18,20. 

marg.  5:18.  Gen.  14:5.  t Heb.  the  staff,  or  ihe  head.  k 1 Sam.  17:45 — 51. 

1 See  on  20:6 — 10.  m 22:19.  Ps.  46:1.  144:10.  n 18:3.  o 14:7.  1 Kings  11:36. 
15:4.  Ps.  132:17.  John  1:8,9.  5:35.  \ Heb.  candle , or  lamp.  p 1 Chr.  11:29. 

20:4.  § Or,  Sippai.  1 Chr.  20:4.  H Or,  Rapha  16,20.  marg.  ql  Chr.  11:26. 

quished,  were  not  totally  subjugated  : and  the  remains  of  the 
Anakims,  of  enormous  size  and  strength,  gave  David  and  his 
servants,  not  only  an  opportunity  of  signalizing  their  courage, 
but  repeated  proofs  of  the  Lord’s  truth  and  goodness. — David 
himself  was  on  one  occasion  in  imminent  danger  of  death, 
by  the  hands  of  Ishbi-benob,  who  seems  to  have  been  Goliath’s 
son,  (as  indeed  do  the  others  here  mentioned,)  and  probably 
aimed  to  revenge  his  father’s  death  : and  David’s  life  was 
deemed  too  valuable  to  Israel  to  be  any  more  exposed,  now 
that  his  strength  and  activity  began  to  fail  him.  For,  as  king, 
prophet,  and  psalmist,  he  was  the  “ light  of  Israel,”  and  a 
type  of  u the  Light  of  the  world.”  (Notes,  18:3.  23:3,4.) 

Six  fingers,  &c.  (20)  Other  instances  of  this  peculiarity 
are  recorded  by  historians  ; and  the  author  has  been  informed, 
by  most  indisputable  testimony,  of  one  such  who  is  now 
living. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Every  affliction  arises  from  sin,  and  should  excite  us  to 
repentance : but  some  troubles  loudly  proclaim  that  they  were 
especially  sent  to  “bring  sin  to  remembrance.”  (Note,  1 
Kings  17:18.)  In  this  case,  we  prolong  our  sufferings  by 
neglecting  self-examination,  and  prayer  to  the  Lord  to  show 
us  in  what  we  have  offended,  if  the  cause  be  not  already 
plain  to  our  consciences : and,  however  reluctant,  we  must 
submit  to  this,  before  we  can  expect  relief  from  his  mercy. — 
While  the  grand  outlines  of  the  Lord’s  government  are  evi- 
dently righteous,  some  of  his  judgments  are  far  too  deep  for 
us  : but  faith  believes  those  appointments  to  be  just,  which 
assume  a different  appearance,  and  waits  for  the  more  com- 
plete display  of  the  glory  of  God  in  them. — By  the  punish- 
ment of  children  for  the  sins  of  their  parents,  and  of  subjects 
for  those  of  their  princes,  even  after  their  death,  he  marks  his 
abhorrence  of  destructive  crimes,  gives  a check  to  enormous 
wickedness,  and  teaches  us  to  pray  for  our  rulers,  and  to 
deny  our  passions  out  of  love  to  our  offspring : and  he  will  so 
arrange  the  whole,  that  no  individual  shall  in  the  event  have 
cause  to  complain  of  injustice. — That  our  guilty  land  should 
experience  successive  years  of  plenty,  calls  for  admiring 
gratitude  ; and  we  need  not  wonder,  if  our  misused  abundance 
should  be  punished  with  as  great  a scarcity.  Yet  when  a 
scarce  season  occurs,  how  few  are  disposed  to  inquire  of  the 
Lord,  concerning  the  sinful  cause ; while  the  ingenuity  of 
numbers  is  employed  in  discovering  the  second  causes,  by 
which  he  is  pleased  to  work  ; and  the  impatience  and  malignity 
of  multitudes  are  expressed  by  outrages  against  those  who 
are,  generally  without  cause,  charged  with  being  the  authors 
of  the  calamity  ! — The  Lord  will  plead  for  those  who  cannot 
or  will  not  avenge  themselves ; and  the  prayers  of  the  poor, 
either  for  or  against  us,  are  of  very  great  efficacy.  The  blood 
of  nobles  is  not  an  adequate,  though,  the  only  required  and 
accepted  atonement,  to  expiate  the  guilt  of  the  murder  of  the 
meanest  person,  in  order  that  the  wrath  of  God  may  be 
averted  from  the  land  : and  violated  oaths  and  covenants  will 
be  severely  punished,  either  in  this  world  or  the  next,  let  the 
criminal  be  ever  so  highly  exalted  among  his  fellow-creatures. 
— Our  zeal,  either  for  the  public  good  or  the  supposed  cause 
of  religion,  is  naturally  exercised  in  a perverse  manner,  and 
as  if  in  contempt  of  God’s  commandments : but  an  apparently 
easy  and  safe  exertion,  which  consists  with  our  self-indulgence, 
and  flatters  our  pride  and  lusts,  is  the  temptation  which  pre- 

( 576  ) 


ath  the  Gittite,  the  staff  of  whose  spear  was  like  a 
weaver’s  beam. 

20  And  there  was  "yet  a battle  in  Gath,  where 
was  a nian  of  great  stature,  that  had  on  every 
hand  six  fingers,  and  on  every  foot  six  toes,  (bur 
and  twenty  in  number ; and  he  also  was  born  to 
"the  giant. 

21  And  when  he  “defied  Israel,  ‘Jonathan  the 
son  of  "Shimeah  the  brother  of  David  slew  him. 

22  These  Ifour  were  born  to  the  giant  in  Gath, 
and  xfell  by  the  hand  of  David,  and  by  the  hand 
of  his  servants. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

The  introduction  to  David’ b pealm  of  thanksgiving , 1.  He  professes  his  con- 
fidence and  joy  in  God,  2,  3.  He  states  his  trials  and  dangers,  and  cele- 
brates the  praises  of  God  for  surprising  deliverances,  4—20.  He  avows 
his  integrity , and  shows  the  method  of  the  Lord’s  dealings  with  men,  21 — 23, 
He  ascribes  to  God  all  the  glory  of  his  victories,  29—36.  He  exults , with 
grateful  praises,  in  the  destruction  or  subjection  of  all  his  enemies,  37—44. 
He  anticipates  the  submission  of  the  nations,  and  glories  in  the  salvation  of 
God,  and  his  mercies  to  him  and  to  his  Seed  for  ever,  45—51. 

AND  "David  spake  unto  the  Lord  bthe  words 
of  this  song  cin  the  day  that  the  Lord  had 
delivered  him  out  of  the  hand  of  all  his  enemies, 
and  dout  of  the  hand  of  Saul: 

2 And  he  said,  "The  Lord  is  my  Rock,  and  my 
Fortress,  and  my  Deliverer; 

3 The  God  of  my  rock ; > in  him  will  I trust:  he 


TT  Or,  Jair.  1 Chr.  20:5.  r 1 Sam.  17:4,  &c.  s 1 Chr.  20:6.  **  Or.  Rapha. 

16,18.  marg.  tt  Or,  reproached.  1 Sam.  17:10,26,36.  2 Kina9  19:23.  t 1 Chr 
27:32.  u 1 Sam.  16:9.  17:13.  Shummah.  1 Chr.  2:13.  Shirnma.  x 1 Chr.  20:8. 
•y  Josh.  14:12.  Ps.  60:12.  108:13.  118:15.  Ec.  9:11.  Jer.  9:23.  Rom.  8:31,37. 
a Ps.  50:14.  103:1 — 6.  116:1,  &c.  b Ex.  15:1.  Judg.  5:1.  c 49.  Ps.  18:  title. 
34:19.  Is.  12:1,  &c.  2 Cor.  1:10.  2Tim.4:18.  Rer.  7:9— 17.  d 1 Sam.  23: 14. 

24:15.25:29.26:24  . 27:1.  eDeut.32:4.  1 Sam.  2:2.  Ps.  18.-2.  31:3.  42>9. 71 :3. 
Matt.  16:18.  f Heb.  2:13. 


vails  against  us,  unless  the  grace  of  God  teach  us  a better 
way. — Little  do  we  know  what  may  befall  our  children,  or  what 
anguish  they  may  occasion  us:  but  if  we  educate  them  in  the 
fear  of  God,  and  commit  them  to  his  keeping,  he  will  either 
exempt  us  from  heavy  trials  about  them,  or  else  support  us 
under  them.  In  every  case  resignation  to  the  will  of  God  is 
our  duty  and  interest ; and  whatever  cherishes  inordinate 
grief,  is  sinful,  rebellious,  and  tormenting,  however  specious 
its  appearance. — All  personal  respects  must  yield  to  the 
command  of  God : yet,  in  subordination  to  it,  a tribute  of  gra- 
titude is  due  to  the  memory  of  our  friends,  and  of  respect  to 
our  civil  governors. — While  we  are  able,  we  ought  to  venture 
and  labour  for  the  public  welfare*  but  we  cannot  exceed  our 
appointed  measure  of  service  : and  when  bodily  vigour  fails, 
some  are  so  useful  by  their  counsels,  prayers,  and  examples, 
that  their  lives  should  be  taken  care  of  as  a public  blessing. — 
Strength  and  courage  often  increase  men’s  pride ; but  far 
more  frequently  hasten,  than  retard,  the  stroke  of  death  ; the 
unexpected  approach  of  which  miserably  causes  all  their  vain 
thoughts  to  perish. — The  valour  and  affection  of  friends  should 
be  acknowledged  ; and  the  strongest  need  the  assistance  of 
the  more  feeble:  but  the  glory  of  every  thing  belongs  to  God. 
— Through  the  atonement  of  Jesus  who  performed  all  that 
was  commanded,  and  through  his  intercession,  the  Lord  i3 
willingly  entreated  for  sinners  fund  the  believer,  having  peace 
with  God,  needs  not  fear  the  stoutest  foe  who  defies  Israel  ; 
for  though  sometimes  he  be  in  apparent  danger,  he  will  at 
length  be  made  v4  more  than  conqueror,  through  him  who 
loved”  and  died  for  sinners. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXII.  V.  1.  It  is  probable,  that  this 
song  of  praise  was  composed  early  in  the  reign  of  David,  and 
soon  after  he  was  finally  delivered  from  the  persecuting  rage 
of  Saul.  Perhaps  it  stands  in  this  place,  as  it  was  found 
among  those  compositions,  which  David  used  in  his  private 
devotions : and  in  the  book  of  Psalms,  as  it  was  corrected 
and  delivered  to  the  chief  singer,  to  be  sung  in  the  public 
service  of  the  sanctuary,  from  time  to  time,  on  occasions  ol 
recent  deliverances,  as  well  as  in  remembrance  of  former 
mercies.  (Ps.  18:  title.)  The  variations  are  immaterial ; 
though  the  Jewish  writers  enumerate  no  less  than  seventy- 
four.  Few  of  them,  however,  need  be  here  particularly  noted. 
(Note,  Ps.  18:1.) — The  first  verse  of  this  chapter,  forms  the 
title  of  the  eighteenth  psalm,  with  some  alterations  ; the 
most  remarkable  of  which  is,  the  insertion  of  the  words,  u The 
servant  of  the  Lord,”  in  which  it  seems,  the  Psalmist  deemed 
himself  more  honoured,  than  in  being  a renowned  conqueror, 
and  a very  prosperous  king. — He  had  had  many  cnomies, 
both  among  his  own  people  and  the  surrounding  nations  : bu 
Saul  especially  is  mentioned,  as  having  been  more  formidable, 
malicious,  and  unwearied  than  any  of  them. — In  the  whole  o I 
this  sacred  hymn,  David  seems  immediately  to  eelebrato 
providential  deliverances  : yet  he  uses  language,  which  may 
fairly  he  accommodated  to  spiritual  blessings.  lie  appears 
also  primarily  to  speak  of  the  Lord’s  dealings  with  himself: 
yet  he  was  led  by  the  prophetic  Spirit  to  utter  many  things, 
which  may  with  great  propriety  be  applied  to  the  Redeemer’s 
sufferings  and  victories,  of  whom  David  was  an  evident 
and  remarkable  type.  (Notes,  Ps.  2:  22:1.  ‘10:1 — 5.  69:1 — 3. 
88:1,2.) 

V.  2, 3.  The  eighteenth  psalm  abruptly  begins,  11 1 wil 


B.  C.  101 S. 


CHAPTER  XXII 


B.  C.  1018. 


is  my  ^Shield,  and  hthe  Horn  of  my  salvation,  'my 
high  Tower,  and  kmy  Refuge,  'my  Saviour ; :nthou 
savest  me  from  violence. 

4 I "will  call  on  the  Lord,  who  is  “worthy  to  he 
praised  : rso  shall  I be  saved  from  mine  enemies. 

5 When  the  'waves  of  death  compassed  me, 
the  floods  of  hingodly  men  made  me  afraid; 

6 'The  ^sorrows  of  hell  compassed  me  about ; 
the  “snares  of  death  prevented  me ; 

7 In  lmy  distress  I called  upon  the  Lord,  and 
cried  to  my  God:  and  he  "did  hear  my  voice 
'out  of  his  temple,  and  xmy  cry  did  enter  into  his 
ears. 

8 Then  ?the  earth  shook  and  trembled  : “the 
foundations  of  heaven  moved  and  shook,  because 
he  was  wroth. 

9 There  "went  up  a smoke  *out  of  his  nostrils, 
and  fire  out  of  his  mouth  devoured  : bcoals  were 
kindle*!  by  it. 

10  He  “bowed  the  heavens  also,  and  came 
down;  and  ddarkness  was  under  his  feet. 

1 1 And  he  rode  upon  ea  cherub,  and  did  fly  : 
and  he  was  seen  fupon  the  wings  of  the  wind. 

e Gen.  15:1.  Dent.  33:29.  Pi.  3:3.  5:12.  2S:7.  64:9,11.  115:9-11.  Pro».  30:5. 
h l Sam.2:l.  Luke  1:69.  i 51.  Ps.  61:3.  141:2.  Pluv.  IS:  10.  k Ps.  9:9.  18.2. 
27  5.  32:7.  IS  1,7,11.  71:7.  142:4.  Ii. 32:2.  .ter.  16:19.  1 Is.  12:2.45:21.  Luke  1: 
47,71.  Tit. 3:4, 6.  m 49.  Ps.  55:9.  72:14.  86:14.  140:1,4,11.  n ?s.  116:2,4,13.17. 
» Nell.  9:5.  Ps.  18:3.  60:2.  106:2.  148:1-4.  Rc*.  4: 11.  5: 12.  p Ps  34:6. 
50:13.  55:16.  56:9.  57:1—3.  Rom.  10:13.  • Or,  pangs.  1 The*.  5:3.  q Ps.  18: 
4.69  14,15.  93:3,4.  Is.  59:19.  Jer.  46,7,8.  Rev.  12:15,16.  17:1,15.  t Heb. 
Belial.  r Ps.  13:5.  116:3.  John  2:2  Acls2:24.  J Or,  cords.  Job  36:3.  Ps. 
H0:5.  Prov.  5:22.  s Prov.  13:14.  14:27.  t Ps.  116:4.  120:1.  Molt.  26:38,39.  Luke 
■*2.41  Heb.  5:7.  u Ex.  3:7.  Pi.  34:0,15- 17.  v 1 Kines  8:28— 30.  Ps.  I»:6.  27: 
4.  Jon. 2:4.7.  Hah.  2:20.  x Jam.  5:4.  yjutlg.5:4.  ft. 18:7.  77:18.  97:4.  Hal. .3: 
6—11.  Matt. 27:51.  23:2.  Acls4:31.  i Job 26:11.  Nall.  1:5,6.  a 16.  Ex.  15:7,8. 
19:1b.  21:17.  Dent.  32:22.  Job  4:9.  41:20,21.  Ps.  18:3,15.  97:3—5.  Is.  30:27,33. 
Jer.5.14.  15:14.  Heb.  12:29.  § Heb.  by  his,  $•<:.  b Hab.  3:5.  cPs.  144:5.  Is. 

love  thee,  O Lord,  my  Strength  perhaps  these  words  were 
added,  when  it  was  made  public,  as  an  expression  of  David’s 
exulting  gratitude,  in  order  to  kindle  the  devotions  of  the 
people.  (Note,  Ps.  18:1.) — The  accumulation  of  metaphors 
liere  used,  as  descriptive  of  David’s  expectations  from  God, 
which  had  been  fully  answered,  denotes,  that  those  energetic 
figures  of  speech,  which  commonly  exceed  the  bounds  of 
exact  truth,  are  too  feeble  to  express  what  God  is  to  his  be- 
lieving people,  tfnd  what  he  does  for  them.  (Note,  2 Cor.  4:13 
— 18.)  He  is  a Rock,  on  which  securely  to  build  their  confi- 
dence ; a Refuge,  in  which  to  shelter  themselves  from  every 
foe,  and  in  every  trouble  : a Portress  and  a strong  Tower, 
which  are  formed  bv  human  art  and  labour,  to  supply  the 
want  of  the  natural  fortifications  of  rocks  and  mountains,  or 
to  increase  the  security  which  they  afford  : a Shield  to  ward 
off  every  hostile  assault  ; and  a Horn  with  which  to  push 
and  prostrate  every  assailant.  (Notes,  Ex.  17:5,6.  Devt. 
32:4,15,30,31.  1 Sam.  2:1,2.)  For  the  Lord  is  a Deliverer, 
a Saviour , and  Salvation,  from  every  evil  and  danger,  to 
which  the  believer  is  exposed,  who  cannot  but  be  safe  and 
comfortable,  when  exercising  faith  in  him. — Several  expres- 
sions, as  “ The  God  of  my  rock,”  and  “ the  Horn  of  my 
salvation,”  seem  to  refer  to  the  person  of  the  Redeemer, 
“ God  manifested  in  the  flesh,”  become  the  Salvation  of  his 
people,  and  in  human  nature  displaying  divine  power  and 
autfiority  in  the  redemption  of  believers,  and  the  destruction 
of  their  enemies.  (Notes,  Ps.  27:1 — 3.  Is.  12:2.45:15 — 17. 
Matt.  1:20,21.  Luke  2:25— 32.  Til.  2:13.  3:4—7.) 

V.  4.  ‘ The  Travonkia’  (whole  armour)  ‘ of  a soldier  does 

him  no  service,  except  he  put  it  on  to  defend  himself,  and 
offend  his  enemy ; so,  no  protection  or  help  from  God  is  to  be 
expected, . . . unless  we  apply  ourselves  to  him  by  prayer.’ 
Strigelius  in  Bp.  Patrick.  (Note,  Ps.  116:2.) 

V.  5,  6.  These  verses  contain  a figurative  and  poetical 
••escription  of  the  violence  of  David’s  enemies,  and  the  immi- 
nent danger  to  which  he  was  exposed.  Death  seemed  ready 
to  swallow  him  up,  as  the  waves  of  the  sea  overwhelm  those 
who  are  cast  into  them,  and  encompassed  by  them.  (Notes. 
Jon.  2:1 — 7.)  Multitudes  of  wicked  men,  pressed  upon  him 
with  incumbent  force,  like  the  rising  floods  from  which  there 
•appears  no  deliverance : nay,  the  temptations  of  Satan,  and 
the  consciousness  of  his  sins,  filled  him  with  fears  of  wrath, 
and  dreadful  apprehensions  of  future  consequences : and  he 
felt  like  a malefactor  bound  for  execution,  whose  fetters  pre- 
vent him  from  attempting  an  escape,  for  whose  body  the  grave 
nas  certainly  opened  her  mouth,  and  who  is  horribly  alarmed 
iest  the  pit  of  hell  should  swallow  up  his  soul.  In  short,  he 
was  like  the  helpless  bird  caught  in  the  fowler’s  snare,  and 
doomed  to  inevitable  death.  (Marg.  Ref.) — In  this  he  was 
a type  of  Christ  our  King,  when  agonizing  in  the  garden ; 
when  he  endured  the  severest  tortures,  the  pang3  of  death, 
the  temptations  of  Satan,  yea,  the  wrath  of  God  against  our 
sins ; and  was  at  the  same  time  surrounded  by  the  insulting 
scribes,  priests,  and  people.  (Notes,  Ps.  18:4,5.  40:1 — 5.) 

V.  7 — 16.  When  every  other  hope  failed,  the  Psalmist 
simply  and  earnestly  sought  help  from  God  ; whose  manifest- 
ed presence,  in  the  sanctuary  above  the  mercy-seat,  repre- 
sented his  tabernacling  in  human  nature,  as  “ God  our  Sa- 
viour;” and  our  access  to  him  on  a throno  of  grace ; (Note, 
Vol.  T.— 73 


12  And  he  made  darkness  'pavilions  round 
about  him,  "dark  waters,  and  thick  clouds  of  the 
skies. 

13  Through  the  brightness  before  him  were 
hcoals  of  fire  kindled. 

14  The  Lord  'thundered  from  heaven,  and 
the  Most  High  uttered  his  voice. 

15  And  he  sent  out  iarrows,  and  scattered 
them ; lightning,  and  discomfited  them. 

16  And  kthe  channels  of  the  sea  appeared,  the 
foundations  of  the  world  were  discovered,  at  the 
'rebuking  of  the  Lord,  at  the  blast  of  the  breath 
of  his  "nostrils. 

17  He  msent  from  above,  he  took  me  ; "he 
drew  me  out  of 'many  waters  : 

18  He  “delivered  me  from  my  strong  enemy, 
and  from  them  that  hated  me : for  they  were  too 
strong  for  me. 

19  They  rprevented  me  in  the  day  of  my 
calamity  : but  ithe  Lord  was  my  stay., 

20  He  rbrought  me  forth  also  into  a large 
place:  he  delivered  me,  because  he  "delighted 

III  me.  [Practical  Observations.] 


64:1—3.  d Ex.  20:21.  Deut.  4:11.  1 Kings  8:12.  Ps.  97:2.  104:3.  Matt.  27:45. 
Luke  23:44,45.  e Gen.  3 24.  Ex.  25:19.  I Sam.  4:4.  Ps.  18:10.  68:17.  30:1.  99 
1.  Ez.  9:3.  10:2 — M.  Heb.  1:14.  fPs.  104:3.  139:9,10.  g Ps.  18:11,12.  27:5. 
II  Heb.  binding  of  waters,  h 9.  i Ex.  19:16.  Jud®.  5:20.  1 Sam.  2:10.  7:10- 
12:17,18.  Job  37:2-5.  40:9.  Ps.  29:3— 9.  77: 16— 19.  Is.  30.30.  Ez.  10:5.  Rev.  11. 
19  j Peui.  32:23.  Josh.  10:10.  Ps.  7:12,13.  18:14.  45:5.  144:6,7.  Hub.  3.11. 
k Ex.  14:21— 27.  15:8—10.  Ps.  18:15—17.  114:3—7.  1 Ex.  15:8.  Job  38:11.  Ps. 
106:9.  Nfth.  1:4.  Hab.  3:8— 10.  Matt.  8:26,27.  H Or,  anger.  9.  Ps.  74:1. 
mPs.  18:16,17.  144:7.  n Ps.  32:6.  59:1,2.  93:3,4.124:4,5.  130:1.  Is.  43:2.  Lam. 
3.54.  Rev.  17-15.  ••  Or,  great,  o 1.  Ps.  3:7.  56:9.  2Cor.  1:10.  2 Tim.  4:17. 
p 15:10—13.  i Sam.  19:11—17.  23:26,27.  Ps.  18.18,19.  118:10—13.  Matt.  27.39 
—14.  q Ps.  71:20,21.  Is.  26:3,4.  50:10.  r Gen. 26:22.  1 Chr.  4:10.  Ps.  31:8.  118: 
5.  Hos.  4 16.  s 15:26.  Ps.  22:8.  147:11.  149:4.  Is.  42:1.  Matt.  3:17.  17:5.  27: 
43.  Acts  2:32—  35. 


Ex.  25:10 — 21.)  as  well  as  his  exalted  display  of  his  glorious 
presence  in  his  holy  temple  in  heaven.  Thither  the  prayers 
of  David  ascended,  and  thence  they  were  answered  in  a most 
effectual  manner. — As  we  are  not  informed,  that  the  Lord 
delivered  David,  with  the  external  displays  of  his  power  here 
mentioned : it  is  supposed  that  he  adorned  his  sacred  poem 
with  sublime  images,  taken  from  the  history  of  Israel  in  Egypt, 
at  the  Red  Sea,  at  mount  Sinai,  in  the  wilderness,  and  in  the 
conquest  of  Canaan  ; and  thus  intimated  that  the  deliverances 
vouchsafed  to  him  were  as  honourable  to  God,  as  those  which 
^)f  old  he  had  wrought  for  his  people,  though  elfected  in  a differ- 
ent manner.  The  earthquake , and  the  shaking  of  the  foundations 
of  the  heavens,  the  smoke,  the  fire,  and  the  darkness,  into  which 
the  Lord  came  down,  and  in  which  he  majestically  dwelt,  with 
several  other  expressions,  lead  our  thouglrts  to  mount  Sinai. 
(Notes,  Ex.  19:16 — 20.  20:18 — 20.)  His  “riding  upon  a 
cherub,”  and  “his  flying  on  the  wings  of  the  wind,”  denote  the 
ministration  of  angels,  and  the  sneed  with  which  he  effected 
the  deliverance  of  his  servant.  (Notes,  Gen.  3:22 — 24.  Ps. 
104:4.  Ez.  1:4 — 25.  10:1—22.  11:22—25.)  “The  coals  of 
fire  kindled”  at  his  presence,  may  indicate,  that  the  wrath  of 
God  arms  all  creatures  against  his  enemies,  or  that  it  will  con- 
sume them  as  fuel  is  consumed  by  the  fire.  Other  circum- 
stances recall  to  our  remembrance  the  dividing  of  the  Red  Sea, 
and  of  the  river  Jordan  ; the  destruction  of  the  Canaanites, 
when  the  hailstones  destroyed  more  than  the  sword  of  Israel ; 
and  that  of  the  Philistines,  when  the  Lord  thundered  upon 
them  and  discomfited  them.  And  the  whole  declared,  that 
the  indignation  of  the  Lord,  against  the  enemies  of  his 
servant,  equalled  his  displeasure  against  those  adversaries  of 
his  people ; and  that  their  consternation  and  destruction  v/ere 
no  less  than  that  of  the  others  had  been. — Here  David  was 
eminently  the  type  of  Christ;  and  the  figurative  language, 
used  by  him,  was  in  many  respects  exactly  nccomplished  in 
the  preternatural  convulsions  attending  our  Lord’s  death  and 
resurrection.  (Notes,  Ps.  18:6 — 15.  Matt.  27:51 — 53.  28:1 
-8.) 

V.  17,  18.  The  providential  interposition  of  God  m deliver 
ing  David  from  his  strongest  enemy,  when  he  was  ready  to 
devour  him,  was  like  sending  from  heaven  on  purpose  to  take 
him  out  of  great  waters,  into  which  he  must  otherwise  have 
sunk  and  perished.  (Notes,  Ps.  124:4—8.  J^am.  3:52 — 57.) 
For  his  enemies  were  too  strong  for  him,  and  therefore  his 
preservation  was  evidently  the  work  of  God. — Goliath  and 
Saul,  and  other  enemies  were  perhaps  intended  by  the 
Psalmist:  but  the  victory  of  Christ  over  “death  and  him  that 
has  the  power  of  death,”  was  prefigured. 

V.  19.  When  David  had  framed  any  plan,  for  secreting 
or  securing  himself  “ in  the  day  of  his  calamity,”  his  enemies 
employed  every  method  of  treachery  and  malice  to  prevent 
his  success.  Thus  the  men  of  Keilah  were  ready  to  deliver 
him  to  Saul,  and  the  Ziphites  repeatedly  informed  of  him.: 
(Notes,  1 Sam.  23:9 — 13,19 — 28.  26:1,2.)  and  therefore,  not- 
withstanding his  own  prudence  and  activity,  he  must  have 
been  cut  off,  if  the  Lord  himself  had  not  protected  him,  by  his 
own  immediate  and  extraordinary  interposition. 

V.  20.  David  had  been  straitened  in  dens  and  caves,  as  in 
a prison,  and  was  afraid  to  go  abroad  in  the  open  air  but  now 
through  the  divine  goodness,  he  might  walk  at  liberty,  accord- 

( 577  ) 


B.  C.  1013. 


II.  SAMUEL, 


B.  C.  1018 


21  The  Lord  'rewarded  me  according  tc  my 
righteousness:  according  to  the  "cleanness  ol  my 
hands  hath  tie  recompensed  me. 

22  For  *1  have  kept  nhe  ways  of  the  Lord, 
and  “have  not  wickedly  departed  from  my  God. 

23  For  “all  his bjudgments  were  before  me:  and 
as  for  his  statutes  “I  did  not  depart  from  them. 

24  I was  also  dupright  'before  him,  and  have 
•kept  myself  from  mine  iniquity. 

25  Therefore  the  Lord  hath  f recompensed  me 
according  to  my  righteousness:  according  to  my 
cleanness  'in  his  eyesight. 

26  With  sthe  merciful  thou  wilt  show  thyself 
merciful,  and  with  the  upright  man  thou  wilt  show 
thyself  upright. 

27  With  hthe  pure  thou  wilt  show  thyself  pure ; 
and  with  ‘the  froward  thou  wilt  tshow  thyself 
unsavoury. 

28  And  kthe  afflicted  people  thou  wilt  save : 
'but  thine  eyes  are  upon  the  haughty,  that  thou 
mayest  bring  them  down. 

29  For  thou  art  my  $Lamp,  O Lord  : and  the 
Lord  will  mlighten  my  darkness. 

30  For  by  thee  I have  "run  through  a troop: 
by  my  God  htfve  I leaped  over  a wall. 

125.  lSam.  26:23.  I Kin;s  8:32.  Ps.  7:3,4, 8.  18:20— 25.  19:1 1.  1 Cor.  15: 
68.  u Job  17:9.  Ps.24:4  Jam.  4:8.  x Num.  16:1-5.  I Sam.  12:3.  Job  23:10 
—12.  2 Cor.  1:12.  y Gen.  18:19.  Ps.  119:1—  3.  128:1.  Prov.  8:S2.  zPe. 
86:3.125:5.  Zeph.  1:6.  John  15:10.  Heb.  10:38.39.  a Ps.  119:6,86,128.  Luke 
1:6.  John  15:14.  1.  Dent.  6:1,2.  7:12.  Ps.  19:8,9.  119:13,30,102.  c Dent.  8: 

11.  dGen.  6:9.  17.1.  Job  1 : 1 . Ps.  51 :6.  84: 11.  John  1 :47.  2 Cor.  5:11.  * Heb. 
to  Mm.  e Prov.  4:23.  Heb.  12:1.  f 21.  Is.  3 10.  Pom.  2:7,8.  2 Cor.  5:10. 
+ Heb.  before  his  eyes.  Prov. 5:21.  g Matt.  5:7.  Jam. 2:13.  hMatt.5:8. 

1 Lev.  26:23 — 28.  Dent.  28:58 — 61.  Ps.  125:5.  X Or,  wrestle.  Ex.  18:11.  Pr.  18: 
26.  Is.  45:9.  k Ex.  3 7,8.  Ps.  12:5.  72:12,13.  140:12.  Is.  61:1—3.  63:9.  Malt. 
5:3.  I Ex.  9:14— 17.  10:3.  18:11.  Job  40:11,12.  Ps.  138:6.  Prov. 21:4.  Is.  2:11. 
87:23,28,29.  Dan.  4-37.  Jam.  4:6.7.  1 Pet.  5:5,6.  § Or,  candle.  Job  29  3.  Ps. 

27:1.  84:11.  John  8:12.  Rev.  21:23.  m Ps.  4:6.  18:28.97:11.112:4.  Is.  50:10. 
60:19,20.  Mic.  7:9.  Mai.  4:2.  John  12:46.  II  Or,  broken  a troop.  P6. 18:29. 


ing  to  his  own  inclination.  The  words  may  also  refer  to  the 
extent  of  his  dominions,  and  the  greatness  of  his  prosperity, 
compared  with  his  former  difficulties.  (Notes,  Ps.  31:7,8. 
118:5.  142:  title.  G,7.)  All  this  the  Lord  had  done  for  him, 
u because  he  delighted  in  him,”  as  the  object  of  his  special 
love,  and  a partaker  of  his  sanctifying  grace  ; and  as,  in  the 
general  tenor  of  his  conduct,  41  a man  after  his  own  heart.” 
(Note,  Ps.  22:7,8.) 

V.  21 — 28.  David’s  character  had  been  grievously  aspersed, 
and  many  heinous  things  laid  to  his  charge:  but  his  conduct 
had  been  upright  and  conscientious  in  an  uncommon  degree. 
In  all  his  persecutions  by  Saul,  he  would  not  in  any  way,  or 
on  any  account,  injure  him  or  his  party ; nay  he  embraced 
every  occasion  to  serve  the  cause  of  Israel,  though  rewarded 
by  envy,  treachery,  and  ingratitude:  and  in  his  other  calami- 
ties, he  was  hated  without  a cause,  and  was  ever  ready  to 
overcome  evil  with  good.  Under  every  trial  he  steadfastly 
adhered  to  the  worship  of  the  Lord : and  from  fear  and  love 
of  his  name,  he  continued  to  act.  with  equity,  candour,  and 
kindness  to  man  ; unreservedly  and  uprightly  making  the  com- 
mandments of  God  his  rule,  and  the  glory  of  God  his  aim,  in 
the  habitual  course  of  his  conduct.  In  these  respects  he  could 
44  rejoice  in  the  testimony  of  his  conscience;”  and  confidently 
appeal  to  the  Searcher  of  all  hearts:  and  every  providential 
deliverance  was  both  a gracious  recompense,  and  a divine 
attestation  to  his  innocence,  from  those  crimes  of  which  his 
enemies  accused  him ; and  a declaration  that  his  cause  was 
more  righteous  than  theirs. — He  mentioned  particularly, 
44  That  he  had  kept  himself  from  his  own  iniquity  ;”  from  those 
sins  to  which  he  was  most  strongly  tempted ; especially,  he 
would  by  no  means  be  induced  to  injure  Saul,  to  which  his 
circumstances  powerfully  tempted  him. — He  had  indeed  com- 
mitted many  sins,  and  some  of  them  were  very  grievous  ; and 
he  was  conscious  of  manifold  imperfections,  (which  the  re- 
view of  the  book  of  Psalms  will  sufficiently  demonstrate  ;) 
but  he  neither  denied,  excused,  nor  persisted  in  them : on  the 
contrary,  he  had  been  deeply  humbled  for  them ; and  he  was 
in  that  respect  also  conscious  of  his  uprightness.  This  pro- 
fession, therefore,  did  not  relate  to  David’s  44  justification  in 
the  sight  of  God nor  was  it  intended  as  a vindication  of 
every  part  of  his  conduct,  as  not  needing  forgiveness.  (Notes, 
Ps.  1 30:3,4.  143:2.)  But  it  was  the  same  consciousness  of 
general  integrity  which  every  true  believer  possesses,  and 
may  on  some  occasions  avow,  as  an  answer  to  unmerited  re- 
proach, consistently  with  the  deepest  humility,  and  the  most 
entire  dependence  on  the  mercy  and  grace  of  God  through 
Jesus  Christ.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  1:12—14.  1 Thes.  2:9 — 12.  1 
John  3:18 — 24.)  And  the  gracious  recompense,  of  which 
David  spoke,  may  be  generally  expected  by  those,  who  act 
conscientiously  in  the  sight  of  God,  from  right  motives.  This 
accords  to  his  method  of  dealing  with  mankind,  and  especially 
with  his  professed  worshippers.  If  ho  sees  them  humble, 
sincere,  teachable,  watchful,  loving,  pure  and  obedient  in  their 
general  conduct ; he  will  be  merciful  and  kind  to  them,  and  will 
fulfil  his  promises,  and  communicate  his  holy  consolations,  to 
them:  but.  if  he  sees  them  dissembling  or  perverse,  41  he  will  1 
( 578  ) 


31  As  for  God,  "his  way  is  perfect;  “the  word 
of  the  Lord  is  "tried:  he  is  Buckler  to  all  them 
that  trust  in  him. 

32  For  iwlio  is  God,  save  the  Lord?  and  who 
is  ra  rock,  save  our  God  ? 

33  God  is  my  'Strength  and  Power : and  he 
"maketh  ‘my  way  “perfect.  [ Practical  observation,.-] 

34  He  "maketh  my  feet  Tlike  hinds’  feet : and 
“setteth  me  upon  my  high  places. 

35  He  yteacheth  my  hands  lito  war:  so  that  'a 
bow  of  steel  is  broken  by  mine  arms. 

36  Thou  hast  also  given  me  “the  shield  of  thy 
salvation:  and  thy  bgentleness  hath  §§made  me 
great. 

37  Thou  hast  “enlarged  my  steps  under  me;  so 
that  dmy  ""feet  did  not  slip. 

38  I have  “pursued  mine  enemies,  and  destroyed 
them ; and  turned  not  again  until  I had  consumed 
them. 

39  And  I have  f consumed  them,  and  wounded 
them,  that  they  could  not  arise:  yea,  they  are 
fallen  under  my  feet. 

40  For  thou  hast  ^girded  me  with  strength  to 
battle : hthem  that  rose  up  against  me  hast  thou 
""subdued  under  me. 


118:10 — 12.  Rom.  8:37.  Phil.  4:13.  n Deut.  32  4.  Dan.  4.37.  Man.  5:48.  Rev. 
15:3.  oP«.  12:6.  18:30.  119:140.  Prov.  30:5.  O Or  .refilled.  p 3.  Ps.  35:2. 
91:4.  Prov.  2:7.  q Dent.  32:31 ,39.  1 Sam.  2:2.  Is.  42:8.  44:6,8.  45:5,6,21.  Jer 
10:6,7,16.  r 2,3.  t Ex.  15:2.  Ps.  18:32.  27.1.  28:7,8.  31:4.  46:1.  Is.  41:lU.Ztch. 
10:12.  2 Cor.  12:9.  Eph.6:l0.  Pl.il .4.13.  • 1 Heb.  mdelh  or loosell 1.  I Heb. 
13:21.  u Peul.  18:13.  Jot,  22:3.  Ps.  101:2.6.  119:1.  tt  Heb.  eaualleth  to.  v 2: 
18.  Deut.  33:25.  Hab.  3:19.  x Deut.  32:13.  Is.  33:16  . 58  14.  v Ps.  18:33,34. 
144:1.  tt  Heb.  for  the  war.  z 1 s.  46:9.  Ex.  39:3,9,10.  a Gen.  15:1 . Ps.  84:11. 
Eph.  6:16.  b Ps.  18:35.  §S  Heb.  multiplied  >v.  lieu.  12:2.  22.17.  Ps.  115:14. 
cPs.  4:1.  18:36.  Prov.  4:12.  d 1 Sam.  2:9.  Ps. 17.5.  94 : IS.  1 19: 1 17.  121 :3. 
INI  Heb.  ankles,  e 5:18—25.  8:1,2,13,14.  10:14.  Ps.  21:8,9.  Rom.  8:37.  f Ps.  19- 
37,38.  110:1,5,6.  118:10—12.  Mai.  4:1— 3.  g 1 Sam.  17:49—51.  23:5.  Ps.  18:32, 
39.  Is.  45:5.  Col.  1:11.  h Ps.  44:5.  144:2.  Tfi  Ileb.  caused  to  bow.  Is.  60:14 
Rev.  3:9. 


wrestle  with  them.”  He  will  likewise  save  those  who  are 
poor  in  spirit,  and  suffer  persecution  for  his  sake  ; but  with 
his  wrath  he  will  frown  upon  proud  oppressors  to  bring  them 
down.  (Marg.  Ref.  k,  1.) — It  should  be  remembered,  that 
David,  in  these  things,  was  a type  of  Christ,  to  whom  many 
of  the  expressions  here  used  are  applicable  in  the  fullest  sense, 
and  to  him  alone. 

IVilt  show  thyself  unsavoury.  (27)  ^nn  : 44  wilt  wrestle.” 
(Marg.)  The  rendering  in  the  text  is  as  if  the  word  were 
formed  from  Son,  insulsum , insipidurn.  But  no  verb  is  formed 
from  that  root  in  any  oilier  nart  of  the  Bible. — In  the  parallel 
passage,  (Ps.  18:26  or  27.)  the  word  is  Vncnn;  (from  Snr 
pervertere , luctari ;)  and  it  is  generally  supposed  that  the 
same  is  intended,  though  rather  differently  modified.  Indeed 
the  translation  in  this  place  gives  no  intelligible  meaning. — 
Mcra  orpefiXov  (7rpzfi\w§r)GTi.  Sept. 

V.  29,  30.  David’s  way  had  been  intricate,  dangerous, 
and  gloomy  ; but  the  presence  and  favour  of  the  Lord  was 
a Lamp  unto  him,  marking  out  his  path,  and  cheering  him  as 
he  walked  in  it.  (Notes,  Ps.  27:1 — 3.84:11,12.  John  8:12.) 
By  his  help  also  he  had  singly  broken  through  whole  armies 
of  his  enemies,  and  leaped  over  every  wall  which  obstructed 
his  escape  or  success.  (Notes,  Ps.  1S:28,29.)  Many  of 
the  verbs,  in  different  parts  of  the  Psalm,  are  future  in  the 
original : probably,  as  expressing  David’s  previous  believing  ex- 
pectations, to  which  the  subsequent  events  corresponded;  and 
thus  turned  the  language  of  hope  into  that  of  thanksgiving. 

V.  31 — 33.  From  experience  the  Psalmist  could  testify, 
that  the  word  of  God  was  in  every  case  a sufficient  security : 
as  all  the  methods  of  providence  and  grace  towards  him  had 
been  ordered  in  perfect  wisdom,  justice,  truth,  and  goodness. 
None  else  could  he  in  any  degree  depended  on,  for  .1  e h ov a h 
is  God  alone.  (Notes,  2,3.  Deut.  32:4.)  They  who  trusted 
and  served  him  were  perfectly  safe  : and  whatever  steadfast- 
ness and  integrity  David  had  before  spoken  of,  as  marked  in 
his  own  conduct,  all  the  glory  belonged  unto  God,  bj'  whose 
strength  he  had  been  upheld  and  preserved  from  falling. 

V.  34,  35.  As  hinds  climb  the  craggy  rocks,  and  stand 
firm  upon  the  slippery  summit  of  the  precipice  ; so  Davil! 
had  been  upheld  in  the  most  dangerous  and  slippery  paths, 
and  advanced  to  his  present  exalted  station,  by  the  provi- 
dence and  grace  of  God:  (Notes,  Deut..  33:24,25.  Hab . 
3:17 — 19.)  and  his  extraordinary  skill  and  strength  in  wai 
must  be  ascribed  to  the  same  cause. — The  word  (ntr\n;) 
rendered  steel,  generally  signifies  copper,  or  brass,  of  which 
the  ancients  frequently  made  arms  ; though  bows,  requiring 
elasticity,  could  not  well  be  made  of  it. 

V.  36.  Gentleness,  &c.]  The  rebukes,  corrections,  and 
instructions,  which  the  Lord  intermixed  with  his  merciful 
forgiveness,  encouragements,  and  deliverances,  like  the  gentle 
tuition  of  a kind  parent,  tended  to  nrepare  David  for  pros- 
perity and  authority,  and  to  advance  him  to  them. 

V.  37 — 42.  The  meaning  of  these  verses,  as  applied  to 
David,  wants  no  other  explanation  than  the  preceding  his 
tory,  implying  his  believing  anticipations,  fully  verified  by 
the  event.  But  they  are  peculiarly  descriptive  of  lh« 


B.  C.  1013. 


CHAPTER  XXII, 


B.  C.  1013 


41  Thou  hast  also  given  me  the  'necks  of  mine 
enemies,  that  kI  might  destroy  them  that  hate  me. 

42  They  looked,  but  there  was  none  to  save; 
even  'unto  the  Loro,  but  he  answered  them  not. 

43  Then  did  I beat  them  mas  small  as  the  dust 
of  the  earth,  I did  stamp  them  "as  the  mire  of  the 
street,  and  "did  spread  them  abroad. 

44  Thou  also  hast  ^delivered  me  from  the  striv- 
ings of  my  people,  thou  hast  kept  me  to  be  iHead 
of  the  heathen  : ra  people  which  I knew  not  shall 
serve  me. 

45  'Strangers  shall  'submit  themselves  unto  me  : 
as  soon  as  they  hear,  they  shall  be  obedient  unto  me. 

46  Strangers  shall  ’fade  away,  and  they  shall  be 
afraid  ‘out  of  their  close  places. 

I Gen.  49:?.  Ex.  23:27.  Josh.  10:21.  Ps.  18:10,11.  k P«.  21 :8,9.  Luke  19:14, 
27.  2 The*.  1:8.9.  I 1 S.,m.23:S.  Job 27:9.  Prov.  1:28.  Is.  1:15.  Ki.  20:3.  Mic. 
3:1.  Matt.  7:22,23.  Cuke  13:25, 2S.  m 2 Kinga  13:7.  Ps.  18:12.  35:5.  Dan. 
2:35.  Mai.  1.1.  nPs.  18:42;  la.  10:6.  Mic.  7:10.  S8ech.10:5.  o Dam.  32:25. 
Is.2li:15.  Zech.  2:5.  Luke  21:24.  p 3:1.  5:1.  18:6—8.  13:9,14.  20:1,2.22.  Ps.  2: 
1—6.  18:43.  Acts  1:25— 21.  5:30,31.  q 3:1—14.  Dent.  28:13.  Ps.  2:8.  60:8,9. 
72:8,9.110:6.  Is.  60:12.  Dan.  7: 1 1.  Rom.  15:12.  Rev. 11:15.  r la.  55:5.  65: 1 . 
Hos.  2:23.  Rum.  9:25,26.  * Web.  sons  of  the  stranger.  Is.  56:3,6.  f Or,  yield 
feigned  obedience.  Heb.  lie.  Deut.  33:29.  Ps.  18:44,45.  66:3.  81:15.  Acts  8:13, 


47  The  “Lord  liveth ; and  blessed  be  my  Rock  , 
and  exalted  be  the  God  of  “the  rock  of  my  salva- 
tion. 

48  It  is  God  that  Javengeth  me,  and  Hha. 
bringeth  down  the  people  under  me, 

49  And  that  bringeth  me  forth  from  mine  ene- 
m.os  : “thou  also  hast  lifted  me  up  on  high  above 
them  that  rose  up  against  me : thou  hast  delivered 
me  from  “the  violent  man. 

50  Therefore  I will  give  thanks  unto  thee,  O 
Lord,  bamong  the  heathen,  and  CI  will  sing  praises 
unto  thy  name. 

51  He  is  dthe  Tovyer  of  salvation  for  his  King: 
and  showeth  mercy  to  ehis  anointed,  unto  David, 
and  to  his  ( Seed  for  evermore. 


21—23.  s Ps.  1:3.  I«.64:6.  Jam.  1:11.  t Is.  2:19,21 . Am.  9:3.  Mic.  7:17. 
u Dem.  32:39.10.  Job  1S:25.  x Ps.  18:46.  89:26.95:1.  1, like  1:47.  I Heb. 
giretb  nvengernent  forme.  18:19,31.  1 Sam.  25:39.  Ps.  18:47.  35:1.  94:1. 
yPs.  110:1.  144:2.  1 Cor.  15:25.  r5:12.  7:S,9.  Num.  24:7,17— 19.  lsam.2.8. 
Ps.  18:48.  a Ps.  140:1.  b Rom.  15:9.  c Ps  18:49.  103:1 . 138:1.  145:1,2.  146: 
1.2.  Is.  12:1— 6.  d 2.  Ps. 3:3.  21:1.  48:3.  89:26.  91:2.  144:10.  e Ps.  18:50.  69: 
20.  Acts.  4:27.  f 7:12,13.  Ps.  18:50  . 89:29.  Jer.30:9.  Luke  1:31— 33.  Rev. 
11:15. 


Redeemer’s  conflicts  and  victories,  and  especially  of  the 
inevitable  destruction  which  came  upon  the  Jews,  and  the 
disgraceful  dispersion  of  the  degraded  remnant  of  that 
nation,  for  crucifying  the  Lord  of  glory,  and  rejecting  the 
gospel.  They  cried  and  still  cry  to  the  Lord  to  save  them; 
but  refusing  to  obey  his  beloved  Son,  he  vouchsafes  them  no 
answer. — Thus  David’s  enemies,  in  their  extreme  distress, 
are  represented  as  crying  to  the  Lord  for  deliverance  from 
impending  ruin ; but,  as  they  did  it  not  in  repentance,  faith, 
and  integrity,  it  was  in  vain.  Thus  Saul  inquired  of  the 
Lord,  and  he  answered  him  not.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  28:6.  1 

Car.  10:13,14.) 

V.  43 — 51.  This  conclusion  may  be  explained  of  David’s 
victories  over  his  rebellious  countrymen,  and  the  surround- 
ing nations  ; and  of  the  desolations  made  among  them. 
These  he  might  consider  as  the  earnest  of  still  more  decisive 
advantages;  till  the  spirits  of  alibis  adversaries  should  fail, 
and  their  strength  decay : and  the  strongest  of  them  should 
tremble  even  in  their  fastnesses  and  fortified  cities,  and  sur- 
render themselves  to  him  to  be  his  servants  upon  the  first 
summons.  (JHarg.  Ref.) — But  here  the  Spirit  of  inspira- 
tion seems  especially  to  have  carried  his  mind  forward  to 
the  glorious  kingdom  of  the  Redeemer,  the  destruction  of  all 
his  enemies,  and  the  prevalency  of  his  cause  on  earth.  And 
while  he  concluded  with  the  high  praises  of  God,  and  exult- 
ing joy  in  him  ; he  looked  forward  to  his  posterity,  and 
rejoiced  in  the  prospect  of  the  blessings  reserved  for  them, 
not  only  as  kings  of  Judah  for  many  successive  generations  ; 
but  also  in  Christ,  the  anointed  King  of  the  church  and  of 
the  world  for  evermore,  yea,  even  for  ever  and  ever.  ( Note, 
Ps.  18:49.) 

Submit  themselves.  (45)  Or,  yield  feigned  obedience. 
Heb.  lie.  (Murg.)  May  nor  this  expression,  which  occurs 
in  many  Psalms  prophetical  of  the  Messiah’s  kingdom,  be 
considered  a;  a prediction  of  that  influx  of  hypocrites  into 
the  church,  especially  in  and  after  the  days  of  Constantine, 
in  consequence  of  the  astonishing  external  displays  of  the 
Redeemer’s  power,  ill  the  first  ages?  From  this  time  formal 
Christians,  who  lie  in  their  profession,  have  been  exceedingly 
multiplied.  (Note,  Ps.  66:1 — 3.) — The  God  of  the  Rock  of 
my  salvation.  (47)  This  remarkable  expression  may  well 
call  to  mind,  what  maybe  considered  as ‘the  style  of  the 
New  Testament,’  “ The  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.”  (Note,  2 Cor.  1:1 — 7,  v 3.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V . 1 — 20.  When  we  have  received  mercies  from  God,  we 
ought,  without  delay,  to  render  him  our  tribute  of  praise  and 
gratitude ; every  recent  favour  should  be  acknowledged  with 
thankful  remembrance  of  former  deliverances  ; and  signal 
interpositions. of  the  Lord  in  our  behalf,  ought  to  be  publicly 
celebrated,  wi'h  the  best  endowments  which  we  possess. — 
They  who  know  the  Lord  in  his  glorious  perfections,  and  the 
various  relations  in  which  he  stands  to  his  rational  creatures, 
and  especially  as  “ a God  of  Salvation  ;”  and  who  thus  learn 
to  fear,  trust.,  love,  and  serve  him,  choosing  him  as  their  Por- 
tion, and  waiting  for  his  mercy  unto  eternal  life,  through  Jesus 
Christ,  and  according  to  the  covenant  which  he  mediated, 
may  expect  from  him  every  conceivable  blessing.  Nay,  words 
can  never  express,  nor  the  creation  itself  afford  objects  suffi- 
cient to  represent  all  that  the  Lord  is  and  will  be  unto  them, 
through  time  and  to  eternity.  The  more  they  expect  and  ask 
from  him  in  humble  faith,  the  larger  blessings  shall  they 
receive ; while  past  experiences  will  encourage  and  dictate 
"urther  supplications.  But  while  this  felicity  belongs  to  all 
rrue  believers  ; yet  frequently  both  the  events  of  Providence, 
and  ‘heir  inward  experience,  seem  to  indicate  the  contrary. 
They  are  assailed  by  powerful  enemies,  and  exposed  to  mani- 
fold troubles  and  dangers,  from  without ; they  are  often  dis- 
quieted by  distressing  fears  and  terrors  of  conscience,  from 
within ; while  Satan  pours  in  his  horrible  suggestions  to 
aggravate  their  distress,  and  to  urge  them  to  despair.  Thus 
tfcey  feet.,  as  it  were,  the  very  “ pains  of  hell,”  and  are  so 


bound  in  the  snares  of  death,  that  they  are  ready  to  give  up 
their  lives  and  souls  for  lost.  But  in  their  extreme  distress, 
they  cry  unto  the  Lord  with  the  greatest  earnestness,  and  he 
supports  them,  and  appears  for  their  relief:  so  that  all  their 
sorrows  and  fears  shall  terminate  in  the  more  conspicuous 
display  of  the  glory  of  God’s  perfections,  and  in  the  evidence 
of  his  special  love  to  them  : all  shall  exercise  and  increase 
their  grace,  prepare  the  way  for  future  comforts,  and  become 
the  subject  of  triumphant  praise  and  thanksgiving  ; and  how- 
ever painful  their  feelings  are  at  present,  the  retrospect  shall 
hereafter  be  delightful. — When,  therefore,  temptations  and 
tribulations  abound,  and  our  prayers  are  mingled  with  groans 
and  fears,  with  dismay  and  anguish  of  spirit ; let  us  not  de- 
spond, but  be  of  good  courage:  for  we  shall  certainly  bless 
God  for  them  ere  long,  as  many  before  us  have  done  for  simi- 
lar or  severer  trials.  Without  a renewal  of  the  miraculous 
displays,  with  which  Israel  of  old  was  favoured,  the  true 
believer,  comparing  his  dangers,  fears,  prayers,  and  deliver- 
ances, may  be  as  firmly  assured  that  the  Lord  has  wrought  for 
him,  as  that  he  wrought  for  that  favoured  people  : and  that  he 
has  not  only  made  his  angels,  and  other  creatures,  the  minis- 
ters of  good  to  him;  but  that  his  own  hand  has  affected  the 
surprising  change  which  he  has  experienced,  in  his  condition, 
character  hopes,  and  prospects. — Nor  are  the  judgments  of 
God  less  terrible  now  on  the  enemies  of  his  people,  than  they 
were  when  the  earth  swallowed  them  up,  the  depths  of  the 
sea  overwhelmed  them,  or  the  fire  of  the  Lord  consumed 
them  : though  they  are  less  noticed,  because  more  spiritual, 
and  chiefly  executed  in  the  eternal  world.  For  still  the  whole 
creation  fights  against  his  enemies,  yea,  his  own  almighty  arm 
is  lifted  up  to  destroy  them,  as  well  as  to  deliver  those  who 
trust  in  him. 

V.  21 — 33.  Under  reproaches  and  persecutions,  the  testi- 
mony of  our  conscience,  to  our  integrity  and  sincerity  in  our 
religious  profession,  “ not  of  fleshly  wisdom,  but  by  the  grace 
of  God,”  will  prove  a singular  support  : and  it  perfectly  con- 
sists with  the  deepest  humility  and  the  most  simple  depend- 
ence upon  the  Saviour.  Nor  can  we  without  it  expect  the 
witness  of  the  comforting  Spirit  of  God.  We  should  there- 
fore “ exercise  ourselves  to  have  a conscience  void  of  offence 
towards  God  and  man:”  and,  earnestly  seeking  supporting 
and  sanctifying  grace,  we  should  steadily  persevere  in  the  path 
of  duty,  rejecting  every  temptation  to  seek  relief  by  forsaking 
it. — We  must  keep  all  God’s  statutes  and  judgments  before 
our  eyes,  without  one  exception,  that  we  may  regulate  our 
conduct  and  conversation  by  them  ; and  we  must  watch  and 
pray  especially  against  those  sins  which,  by  constitution,  cus- 
tom, or  circumstances,  maybe  called  “our  own  iniquity.” 
If  this  be  our  aim  and  practice,  the  Lord  will  plead  our  cause, 
and  clear  up  our  characters  in  due  season.  For  he  will  deal 
with  us,  according  as  we  walk  before  him  in  humility  and 
sincerity,  or  the  contrary;  both  with  respect  to  the  dispensa- 
tions of  his  providence,  and  the  consolations  of  his  Spirit. — 
In  the  darkest  seasons,  the  Lord  will  guide  and  comfort  those 
who  trust  in  and  follow  him  : and  of  the  very  many  millions 
who  have  tried  his  wSrd,  none  ever  complained  that  he  was 
unfaithful ; but  all  have  been  so  assisted,  that  they  have  at 
length  wondered  at  what  the  Lord  had  enabled  them  to  do,  as 
well  as  what  he  had  done  for  them.  Without  him  all  other 
helpers  are  vain  ; and  with  him  they  are  needless,  except,  as 
he  pleases  to  work  by  them  as  his  instruments  of  good  to  us. 

V.  34 — 51.  All  our  talents  and  abilities  are  from  God,  and 
all  our  improvement  of  them  : whatever  services  we  have 
performed,  or  however  consistent  our  walk  has  been,  the  will 
and  the  power  have  been  from  him  : “ He  is  our  Strength,  who 
makieth  our  way  perfect.”  Ability  and  success  in  our  spirit- 
ual warfare,  liberty  from  sin  and  Satan,  enlargement  of  heart 
in  the  service  of  our  God,  and  preservation  in  the  slippery 
paths  of  this  ensnaring  world,  are  causes  for  thankfulness,  and 
not  for  glorying  in  ourselves.  His  gentle  rebukes  and  cor- 
rections tend  to  real  advancement,  as  much  as  our  comforts 
and  prosperity  do.  (Note,  Heb.  12:9 — 11.)  Armed  with  tha 
( 579  ) 


B.  C.  1015. 


II.  SAMUEL, 


B.  C.  1015 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

David'i  last  words,  1 — 7.  The  names  and  exploits  of  Ms  chief  warriors, 

OW  these  be  “the  last  words  of  David.  Da- 
vid the  son  of  Jesse  said,  and  the  man  who 
was  braised  up  on  high,  cthe  anointed  of  the  God 
of  Jacob,  and  the  dsweet  Psalmist  of  Israel,  said, 

2 The  'Spirit  of  the  Loan  spake  by  me,  and 
his  word  ivas  in  my  tongue. 

3 The  fGod  of  Israel  said,  ®the  Rock  of  Israel 
spake  to  me,  'He  that  ruleth  over  men  hmust  be 
just,  'ruling  in  the  fear  of  God. 


a Gen.  49:1,2.  Deut.  33:1,  &«.  Juah.S3.Ms  Ps.7J:20.  2 Pet.  1 . 13 — 15.  1)5: 
1—3.7  8.9.  P».  78:70,71.  87:27.  c 1 Sam.  2:10.  16:12,13.  Pa.  2:6. 89:20. 

d 1 Chr.  16: 1.5, 7, 9.  Am.  6:5  Luka 20:42.  K|.h.  5.19,20.  Col.  3:16.  Jam.  3:13. 
a Mall.  22:43.  Mark  19.36.  dels  2:25-31.  Heb.  3:7,8.  2 Pal.  1:21.  f Gen.  33: 
21).  Ex.  3:15.  19:5,6.  20:2.  g See  on  22:2,32.  Deut.  32.4,30,31.  Pa.  42:9. 
• Or,  He  thou  ruler  o ermen,Sfc.  Ps.  11U:‘2.  It  Ex.  23:6—8.  Dent.  16:18 — 
20.  Pa.  82:3,4.  Is.  11:4,5.32:1.  Jer.  23:5.  'Zech.  9:9.  He!).  1.8.  i Ex.  18:21. 
2 Chr.  19:7— 9.  Neh.5:l5.  k Judg.  5:31.  Ps.  $9:36.  110:3.  Prov.4:18.  Is.  60:1, 


4 And  he  shall  he  kas  the  light  of  ’the  morning 
when  the  sun  riseth,  even  a morning  without 
clouds  ; as  mthe  tender  grass  springing  out  of  the 
earth  by  clear  shining  after  rain. 

5 Although  nmy  house  be  not  so  with  God  : yet 
°he  hath  made  with  me  an  everlasting  covenant, 
ordered  in  all  things,  ^and  sure  : for  this  is  nal)  my 
salvation,  and  all  my  'desire,  although  he  make  U 
not  to  "grow. 

6 But  [the  sons  of  Belial  shall  be  all  of  them  aJ 
"thorns  thrust  away,  because  they  cannot  be  taken 
with  hands : 


3,18—20.  Hos.  6:5.  Mai.  4:2.  Luke  1:78,79.  John  1:7.  1 Hob.  6:3.  m Deut. 

32:2.  Ps.  72:6.  Ib.  4:2.  Mic.  5:7.  n 7: 1S.I9.  12:10.  13:14,15.28.  18:14,15. 
1 Kings  1:5,6.2:24.25.  11:6— 8.  12:14,15.  o7:15,16.  1 Chr.  17: 1 1—14.  Pa. 

89:3, 4,28, 2J.  Is.  9:6,7.  55:3.  61:8.  Jer.  32.  lu.  33:25,26.  Ez.  37:26.  Heb. 

13.20.  p 1 Sam.  2:35.  25:28.  1 Kings  11:38.  Acts  13:34.  Heb.  6:19.  qPs.62: 
2.119:81.  r Ps.  27:4.  63:1— 3.73:2o,2<5.  s Is.  4 2.  7: 14.  9:6,7.  1 1 : 1 . 27:6.  Am. 
9:11.  1 Cor.  3:6,7.  t 20:1.  Leut.  13:13.  1 Sam.  2:12.  u Gen.  3:18.  Cant.  2:2. 
Is.  33:12.  Ez.  2:6. 


shield  of  salvation  and  41  the  sword  of  the  Spirit,”  the  Chris- 
tian soldier,  being  “strong  in  the  Lord,”  will  pursue  his 
victories,  till  he  has  trodden  upon  the  necks  of  all  his  ene- 
mies, and  received  the  conqueror’s  crown.  (Notes,  Rom. 
8:35 — 39.  Eph.  6:10 — 17.)  For  44  the  Lord  liveth,”  as  the 
God  of  strength  and  salvation,  and  will  never  leave  us  nor 
forsake  us,  till  he  has  brought  us  forth  from  all  our  enemies, 
and  lifted  us  up  on  high,  above  all  that  rose  up  against  us. 
In  the  prospect  of  that  complete  salvation,  let  us  joyfully 
praise  him  on  the  field  of  batt  le,  surrounded  with  our  enemies, 
and  in  the  midst  of  our  conflicts  : and  ere  long  we  shall  adore 
him,  and  sing  praises  to  his  name  in  more  exalted  strains, 
surrounded  with  millions  of  the  redeemed,  and  innumerable 
multitudes  of  holy  angels,  who  will  triumph  in  our  victories, 
and  rejoice  in  our  felicity. — But  we  may  here  likewise  medi- 
tate upon  the  Redeemer’s  sufferings,  and  the  glory  which  was 
to  follow,  and  which  has  followed,  and  shall  still  far  more  be 
displayed  : for  our  sins  he  was  encompassed  with  the  waves 
of  death,  the  floods  of  ungodly  men,  and  the  very  sorrows  of 
hell,  in  the  garden  and  on  the  cross.  In  his  distress  he  called 
upon  the  Lord,  arid  was  heard,  and  raised  from  the  dead,  and 
exalted  to  the  throne  of  glory : while  his  death  was  attended 
by  the  most  stupendous  displays  of  the  divine  indignation, 
against  those  who  perpetrated  that  most  atrocious  crime.  In 
him  the  Father  delighted  : his  righteousness  was  perfect,  yea, 
divine : he  was  justified  from  the  blasphemies  of  his  enemies 
by  his  resurrection  and  ascension.  All  power  in  heaven  and 
earth  are  in  his  hands : all  enemies  shall  be  put  under  his 
feet,  and  he  will  destroy  all  who  hate  him.  He  has  been 
“delivered  from  the  strivings  of  the  people,  and  made  the 
Head  of  the  heathen:”  he  continually  receives  the  submis- 
sions of  those  who  hear  of  him,  and  willingly  obey  him  ; 
while  many  who  have  no  love  for  him,  profess  submission  to 
him  from  fear  of  his  power:  but  all  opposition  shall  at  length 
melt  away  before  him,  and  all  nations  shall  do  him  service. 
For  he  is  the  anointed  King,  whom  the  Father  has  exalted, 
and  his  kingdom  is  an  everlasting  kingdom,  and  all  dominions 
shall  serve  and  obey  him  : (Dan.  7:27.  Note,  Rev.  11:15 — 18.) 
may  we  then  accept  of  his  salvation,  and  submit  to  his  author- 
ity ; may  we  now  follow  him  bearing  our  cross  ; that,  when 
he  shall  appear  to  judgment,  we  also  may  44  receive  a crown 
of  glory  that  fadeth  not  away.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXIII.  V.  1,2.  Many  things,  after 
this,  are  recorded  concerning  the  words  and  actions  of  David  ; 
so  that  it  is  not  agreed  in  what  sense  these  were  his  “last 
words.”  Some  suppose  them  to  have  been  the  last  words 
which  he  spoke  by  inspiration,  and,  as  it  were,  an  appendix 
to  the  Psalms  which  he  composed : but  perhaps  he  repeated 
them  in  his  dying  moments,  as  the  expression  of  his  faith  and 
hope,  and  the  source  of  his  consolation.  (Notes,  Ps.  72:17 — 
20.) — The  last  words  of  eminent  persons  have  often  been 
much  attended  to,  and  long  remembered  : and  these  of  David 
were  peculiarly  worthy  of  consideration,  as  they  showed  that 
this  venerable  servant  of  God,  when  dying,  was  more  than 
ever  assured  of  the  reality  and  excellency  of  true  religion  ; 
decided  in  his  judgment  concerning  it,  and  his  choice  of  its 
blessings;  and  animated  with  humble  gratitude,  and  joyful 
expectation  of  his  approaching  felicity. — In  the  introduction, 
he  mentioned  his  lowly  birth,  obscure  station,  and  unexpected 
exaltation,  with  thankfulness.  God  .had  raised  him  to  a 
throne,  and  made  him  very  successful  and  prosperous : but 
the  most  valuable  circumstance  of  his  advancement  was,  that 
ae  was  the  anointed  of  God,  to  rule  over  his  own  people  Jacob, 
and  to  be  the  type  of  the  Messiah.  Nor  was  he  less  thankful  for 
being  made  44  the  sweet  Psalmist  of  Israel  for  being  em- 
ployed and  enabled  to  compose  hymns  of  praise  and  sacred 
poems,  for  the  use  of  his  people,  and  of  the  church  of  God, 
in  all  future  ages  ; and  to  set  them  to  music,  and  provide  for 
the  public  performance  of  this  delightful  part  of  God’s  wor- 
ship. And  no  wonder  that  the  work  was  done  in  so  complete 
a manner ; “for  tho  Spirit  of  the  Lord  spake  by  him*  and 
his  word  was  in  his  tongue.”  This  he  declared  with  his  dying 
lips,  that  Israel,  and  that  we  through  successive  generations, 
might  learn  how  to  estimate  that  part  of  holy  Scripture;  not 
so  much  as  the  words  of  David,  as  of  tho  holy  Spirit,  which 
spake  by  him.  ( Marg . Ref.  Note , Mark  12:35 — 37.) 

( 530  ) 


V.  3,  4.  44  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  spake,”  by  David,  yea, 

44  the  God  of  Israel  spake  to  him  and  he  recorded  his  words 
with  his  own  meditations  on  them. — These  verses,  explained 
of  David,  taught  the  duties  incumbent  on  him,  as  king  of 
Israel ; how  he  ought  to  instruct  his  son  and  successor  Solo- 
mon ; and  the  general  character  of  good  and  pious  magistrates, 
who  are  blessings  to  the  people. — 44  He  that  ruleth  over  men” 
should  treat  them  as  reasonable  creatures  of  the  same  nature 
with  himself:  and  therefore  he  44  must  be  just;”  oppressing 
and  injuring  none,  and  by  an  equal  administration  of  justice, 
restraining  them  from  defrauding  or  doing  wrong  to  one 
another  ; and  by  his  example  and  influence  promoting  general 
equity  ; 44  ruling  in  the  fear  of  God,”  as  accountable  to  him 
for  the  authority  deputed  to  him,  and  the  use  which  he  makes 
of  it,  and  teaching  others  to  fear  God.  Rulers  of  this  cha- 
racter may  reasonably  expect  that  the  Lord  will  prosper 
them,  and  afford  them  blessings  and  comforts,  like  the  exhi- 
larating light  of  the  unclouded  morning  sun  : while  their  salu- 
tary regulations,  discountenancing  every  species  of  evil,  and 
protecting  and  advancing  every  good  thing,  diffuse  the  most 
important  advantages,  temporal  ana  spiritual,  around  them  ; 
as  the  rising  sun  dispels  the  fogs  and  damps,  and  brightens 
and  cheers  the  face  of  nature ; or  as  his  clear  shining,  after 
refreshing  showers,  rapidly  promotes  vegetation,  and  ren- 
ders the  earth  luxuriantly  fruitful.  (Marg.  Rtf.) — Many 
expositors,  however,  interpret  the  words  almost  exclusively 
of  Christ ; the  anointed  King  of  Israel,  and  the  Ruler  over 
the  sons  of  Adam  in  general.  He  is  indeed  just  and  righ- 
teous : he  is  the  Righteousness  and  Sanctification  of  his  sub- 
jects; and  both  requires  and  teaches,  inclines  and  enables, 
them  to  fear  God,  and  work  righteousness.  His  light,  and 
grace,  and  consolations,  render  them  fruitful  and  happy  ; and 
the  blessings  of  his  kingdom  arc  inexpressible,  and  shall  be 
eternal.  (Notes,  Ps.  45:6,7.  72:1—14.  Is.  11:1—9.  32:1—8. 
Jer.  23:5,6.  Zech.  9:9,10.  Tit.  2:11,12.  Heb.hl-  3.  Rev.  19: 
11—16.) 

V.  5.  This  verse  is  supposed  to  be  peculiarly  difficult, 
and  is  variously  interpreted,  generally  as  relating  to  the  cove- 
nant made  with  David  concerning  the  kingdom.— But,  he 
seems  here  to  have  turned  his  reflections  fiom  the  kingdom  of 
his  posterity,  and  espe<  ially  that  of  the  Messiah,  to  his  own 
personal  concerns,  and  those  of  his  family  and  immediate 
descendants;  and  he  could  not  but  regret,  that  44 his  house 
was  not  so  with  God,”  as  the  preceding  statement  implied. 
Bjr  his  own  misconduct,  as  well  as  that  of  others  concerned, 
his  family  was  much  less  religious  and  prosperous,  than  it 
might  have  been  expected;  and  both  he  and  Israel  had  suf- 
fered many  things  in  consequence.  Several  grievous  and 
scandalous  events  had  occurred:  matters  were  not  yet  as  ho 
could  wish  ; and  he  seems  to  have  had  his  fears  concerning 
his  descendants  who  should  succeed  him  in  the  kingdom. 
Perhaps,  by  prophetical  monition,  he  foresaw,  that  they  would 
neither  be  happy  themselves,  nor  blessings  to  Israel,  nor  in- 
struments of  glorifying  God,  in  that  measure  which  lie  desired, 
and  had  hoped.  He  however  comforted  himself,  that  “the 
Lord  had  made  with  him  an  everlasting  covenant.”  God  had 
indeed  covenanted  to  David  that  his  family  should  succeed 
him  in  the  kingdom  ; (Notes,  7:8 — 16.  Ps.  89:19 — 37.)  yot  tniu 
was  not  “all  his  salvation  and  all  his  desire;”  and  it  could 
give  him  comparatively  but  little  consolation  in  his  dying  mo- 
ments, (for  these  are  part  of  his  last  words,)  except  as  it 
referred  to  the  promised  Seed,  who  was  to  descend  from  him. 
By  44  the  everlasting  covenant,”  therefore,  David  no  doubt 
principally  intended  tho  covenant  of  mercy  and  peace,  which 
the  Lord  had  made  with  him,  as  one  who  believed  in  tho 
promised  Saviour,  and  had  yielded  up  himself  to  be  bis  re- 
deemed servant,  and  had  been  made  partaker  of  his  sanctify- 
ing grace  as  the  seal  and  pledge  of  it.  (Notes,  Is.  55:1 — 3. 
Jer.  32:39 — 41.  Ez.  37:25,26.  Heb.  13:20,21 .)— This  covenant 
was  “from  everlasting”  in  the  purposes  of  God,  and  shall  be 
44  to  everlasting”  in  the  blessed  effects  of  it.  From  age  to  ago 
sinners,  when  they  accede  to  it  by  true  faith,  are  admitted  to 
share  its  benefits,  which  believers  shall  for  ever  enjoy ; and 
God  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  shall  for  ever 
be  glorified  through  it,  in  their  salvation.  It  is  made  with 
the  Surety,  in  behalf  of  those  for  whom  he  engaged  ; i\l  tho 


CHAPTER  XXIII, 


B.  C. 1058. 


B.  C.  1053. 


7 But  the  man  that  shall  touch  them  must  be 
‘fenced  with  iron  and  the  staff  of  a spear ; and 
‘they  shall  be  utterly  burned  with  fire  in  the  same 

pl(lC6.  [Practical  Observations.] 

8 IF  These  be  the  names  of  the  mighty  men 
whom  David  had  : 'The  Tachmonite  that  sat  in 
the  seat,  chief  among  the  captains  ; the  same  was 
Adino  the  Eznite : he- lifted  up  his  spear  against 
eight  hundred,  'whom  he  slew  at  one  time. 

9 And  after  him  was  ^Eleazar  the  son  of  Dodo 
the  Ahohite,  one  of  the  three  mighty  men  with 
David,  when  they  ‘defied  the  Philistines  that 
were  there  gathered  together  to  battle,  and  “the 
men  of  Israel  were  gone  away : 

10  He  arose,  and  smote  the  Philistines  until  his 
hand  was  weary,  and  his  hand  clave  unto  the 
sword : and  bthe  Lord  wrought  a great  victory 
that  day  ; and  cthe  people  returned  after  him  only 
to  spoil. 

Heb.  filled,  i 22:8—10.  T».  27:4.  Malt.  3:10—12.  13:42.  Lukt  19:14,27. 
John  1^:6.  2The«.  1:8.  2:8.  Heb.  6:8.  t Or,  Josheb-bassebet , the  Tach- 
tnonite,  head  of  the  three.  1 Chr.  11: 11,12.  27:32.  + H eb.  slain.  y I Chr. 
11:12—14.27:4.  Dodai.  i Num.  23:7,8.  1 Sam.  17:10,26,36,45,46.  a Is. 

63:3,5.  Mark  14:50.  b Josh.  10:10,42.  11:8.  Judg.  15:14,18.  1 Sam.  11: 
13.14:6,23.19:5.  2 Kings  5:1.  Ps.  108:13.  144:10.  Rom.  15:18.  2 Cor.  4:5. 
Eph.  6:10 — 18.  c Ps.  68:12.  Is.  53:12.  d 1 Chr.  11:27.  Shammolhthe  Harorite. 


blessings  of  it  were  obtained  and  secured  by  his  atoning  blood, 
and  are  freely  bestowed  upon  all  who  believe  in  his  name ; 
and  it  secures  to  them  pardon,  righteousness,  grace,  and 
“ eternal  life,  as  the  gift  of  God  through  Jesus  Christ.”  It  is, 
“ ordered  in  all  things for  in  the  Person,  undertaking,  and 
mediation  of  the  Saviour,  effectual  provision  is  made  for  the 
mamfesta'ion  of  the  holiness,  the  satisfaction  of  the  justice, 
and  the  honour  of  the  law  of  God,  and  the  discovery  of  the 
evil  and  desert  of  sin.  While  his  mercy  abounds  in  the  for- 
giveness and  salvation  of  the  chief  of  sinners  ; there  is  an 
infinite  fulness  of  grace,  and  of  all  blessings,  treasured  up  in 
Christ,  for  the  supply  of  those  who  seek  for  this  salvation  ; a 
way  opened  to  the  mercy-seat  of  God,  in  which  they  may 
come  in  humble  confidence;  ordinances  appointed,  through 
which  these  blessings  are  communicated  ; invitations  to  draw 
near,  and  “ exceedingly  great  and  precious  promises  ” to  plead 
with  God.  All  those  things,  which  in  one  respect  are  com- 
manded, in  another  are  promised ; and  while  we  pray  for  the 
performance  of  the  promise,  we  are  enabled  to  obey  the  com- 
mand, to  reponi,  to  forsake  sin,  to  turn  unto  God,  and  to  walk 
in  newness  of  iife.  This  covenant  is  also  “sure”  or  pre- 
served. (mO»j  It  is  preserved  by  the  continual  interces- 
sion of  Christ,  and  the  promises  and  securities  grounded  on 
it.  (Notes,  Luke  22:31—  34.  Horn.  5:7— 10.  8:32— 34.  Col. 
3:1 — 4.  1 Pel.  1:3 — 5.  2 Pet.  1:10,11.  Jude  1,2.)— Provision 
is  made  for  the  recovery  of  those,  who  have  walked  inconsist- 
ently with  it,  in  the  most  disgraceful  manner:  and  yet  not 
the  least  encouragement  is  given  to  commit  sin,  but  the  most 
effectual  methods  are  used  to  deter  men  from  it,  and  constrain 
them  to  all  holy  obedience.  (Note,  1 John  2:1—3.)  So  that 
It  is  “ ordered  in  all  things,”  in  such  a manner,  that  no  believer 
can  want  wisdom,  grace,  or  strength  sufficient  for  him,  what- 
ever his  conflicts,  temptations,  or  difficulties  may  be  : and  he 
shall  either  persevere  in  a uniform  course  of  holy  obedience, 
or  be  brought  to  deep  and  evident  repentance  of  his  miscon- 
duct, and  shall  infallibly  at  length  inherit  eternal  life. — This 
covenant  was  “all  David’s  salvation;”  for  he  was  so  well 
acquainted  with  the  holy  character  and  law  of  God,  the  evil  of 
sin,  and  his  own  sinfulness  in  every  thing,  that  he  knew  he 
could  not  escape  condemnation,  according  to  the  covenant  of 
works:  and  he  perceived  that  all  things  suited  to  his  case, 
and  sufficient  for  his  salvation,  were  engaged  for  by  it  to  every 
believer ; and  that  it  was  framed  in  perfect  wisdom,  so  as  to 
honour  God,  to  humble  and  encourage  the  sinner,  to  inspire 
love  and  gratitude,  to  bring  him  to  a holy  and  happy  disposi- 
tion of  mind,  and  to  prepare  him  for  that  state  of  complete 
felicity,  in  which  all  the  powers  of  the  human  soul  shall  be 
eternally  satisfied.  It.  was  also  “ all  his  desire,”  or  delight, 
as  the  word  is  generally  rendered : in  comparison  with  it,  all 
earthly  objects  lost  their  attractions  ; he  was  willing  to  re- 
nounce them,  as  far  as  required,  for  the  sake  of  the  blessings 
of  the  covenant ; his  comfort  while  he  possessed  them,  was 
derived  from  it,  not  from  them  ; and  he  was  willing  to  die  and 
leave  all  else,  that  he  might  enjoy  its  full  felicity.  This  he 
was  conscious  of:  and  yet  he  complained,  that  matters  were 
not  with  his  soul,  any  more  than  with  his  house,  as  he  coidd 
wish  ; for  this  seems  the  meaning  of  the  words,  “ although  he 
make  it  not  to  grow.”  The  grace  of  the  covenant  he  had 
received,  but  it  had  not  been  made  to  increase  and  flourish, 
in  that  measure  which  he  desired.  Still  the  prevalence  of 
sinful  propensities,  and  the  weakness  of  his  faith,  hope,  and 
love,  were  his  grief  and  burden.  The  Lord  had  not  “made 
them  to  grow.”  David  did  not  mean  to  impeach  the  wisdom, 
justice,  and  goodness  of  God,  who  had  good  reasons  for  what 
he  withheld,  as  well  as  for  what  he  gave ; and  doubtless  David 
would  have  allowed  that  his  own  inattention  and  negligence 
were  the  criminal  cause  why  his  grace  had  not  more  been 
made  to  grow.  But  the  hope  that  it  would  ere  long  be  per- 


11  And  after  him  was  dShammah  the  son  ol 
Agee  the  Hararite.  And  'the  Philistines  were 
gathered  together  Sinto  a troop,  where  was  a 
piece  of  ground  full  of  lentiles:  and  the  people 
fled  from  the  Philistines. 

12  But  he  stood  in  the  midst  of  the  ground, 
and  defended  it,  and  slew  the  Philistines : ant/ 
f the  Lord  wrought  a great  victory. 

13  And  "three  of  the  thirty  chief  went  down 
and  came  to  David  in  the  harvest  time  unto  ethe 
cave  of  Aduliam  : and  the  troop  of  the  Philis- 
tines pitched  in  hthe  valley  of  Rephaim. 

14  And  David  was  then  in  ‘a  hold,  and  the 
kgarrison  of  the  Philistines  teas  then  in  Beth-lehem. 

15  And  David  'longed,  and  said,  Oh  that  one 
would  give  me  drink  of  the  water  of  the  well  of 
Beth-lehem,  which  is  by  the  gate ! 

16  And  rathe  three  mighty  men  brake  through 
the  host  of  the  Philistines,  and  drew  water  out  of 


e 1 Chr.  11:13,14.  § Or,  for  foraging,  f See  on  b.  10.  Ps.  3:8.  44:2.  Prov. 
21:31.  ||  Or,  the  three  captains  over  the  thirty.  1 Chr.  11:15—19.  g Josh.  12- 
15.15:35.  1 Sam.  22:1.  Mic.  1:15.  h 5:18,22.  1 Chr.  11:15.  14:9.  Is.  17:5. 
i 1 Sam.  22:4,5.  24:22.  1 Chr.  12:16.  k 1 Sam.  10:5V13:4,23.  14: 1 ,6.  1 Num. 
11:4,5.  Ps.  42:1,2.63:1.  119:81.  Is.  41:17.18.  44:3.  John  4:10,14.  7:37,38.  m 9. 
1 Sam.  19:5.  Acts  20:24.  Rom.  5:7.  2 Cor.  5:14. 


fected  in  glory,  animated  and  encouraged  him  in  his  dying 
moments. — Referring  this  also  to  the  Redeemer,  it  may  be 
observed,  that  the  kingdom  of  David’s  family  was  not  so  with 
God  in  any  other  period,  as  under  him  ; and  foreseen  by  faith, 
he,  as  the  Surety  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  was  all  David’s 
Salvation  and  Desire  ; though  his  coming  was  distant,  and 
though  his  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness  did  not  prosper 
in  Israel,  nor  even  in  the  prophet’s  own  heart,  as  he  most 
earnestly  desired  that  it  might.  (Notes,  Deut.  29:4.  1 Cor. 
3:4—9.) 

V.  6,  7.  Those  who  opposed  the  authority  of  David,  and 
afterwards  of  his  descendants,  were  generally  worthless  and 
troublesome  characters,  and  would  be  certainly  rejected  and 
destroyed,  as  useless  thorns  are  cast  into  the  fire.  (Note, 

1 Kings  12:16.)  And  those  sons  of  Belial,  who  will  not  bear 
the  yoke  of  Christ,  or  “ have  him  to  reign  over  them,”  are 
injurious  to  his  people ; but  they  bring  upon  themselves  cer- 
tain destruction.  They  cannot  indeed  be  “ taken  with  hands.” 
or  dealt  with  by  those  who  are  unarmed  and  unprotected. 
But  in  every  government,  there  must  be  persons  who  possess 
power  to  apprehend,  confine,  and  punish  the  disobedient  and 
rebellious  ; in  the  same  mannor,  as  a man  fenced,  or  com- 
pletely armed,  (marg.)  “with  iron  and  the  staff  of  a spear,” 
can  thrust  the  thorns  into  the  fire:  and  so  Christ  is  able  to 
destroy  out  of  his  kingdom  all  his  enemies,  and  will  “ make 
them  as  a fiery  oven  in  the  day  of  his  wrath ;”  for  he  can 
deal  with  those  who,  to  all  others,  are  utterly  unmanageable. 
(Notes,  Ps.  21:8 — 12.  Nah.  1:9,10.)  As  the  willing  subjects 
of  David  prospered,  but  his  opposers  were  crushed  ; so  shall 
it  be  with  those  who  suhmitto  the  authority  of  the  Redeemer, 
and  those  who  reject  him.  (Notes,  Matt.  3:11,12.  13:36 — 43. 

2 Thes.  1:5—10.) 

V.  8.  Under  Joab,  the  chief  captain,  the  persons  mentioned 

in  this  chapter,  were  the  principal  officers  in  David’s  army: 
and  as  only  thirty-six  are  named,  Joab  must  be  added  to  com- 
plete the  number  thirty-seven.  (39)  There  were  two  trium- 
virates ; and  under  them  thirty  officers,  who  commanded 
subdivisions  of  the  troops.  Of  several  of  them,  and  of  their 
exploits,  we  read  nothing  elsewhere:  so  that  David’s  reign 
and  actions  were  far  more  splendid  than  they  appear  in  the 
history. — Adino  the  Tachmonite,  is  called  Jashobeam  the 
Hachmonite.  (I  Chr.  11:11.)  It  is  supposed  that  he  had  his 
title  from  his  wisdom,  and  that  he  ordinarily  presided  in  coun- 
cils of  war  ('oiD^n^  from  D3n  wise.) — It  is  here  said  that  he 
slew  eight  hundred  men,  in  Chronicles  only  three  hundred  are 
mentioned  : perhaps  three  hundred  were  left  dead  on  the  spot, 
and  the  rest  died  afterwards  ; or  two  different  actions  are 
meant,  or  some  trivial  mistake  has  been  made.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  9,  10.  (Marg.  Ref.)  When  the  most  of  David’s  army 
had  retired  or  fled,  for  fear  of  the  Philistines ; he  and  thiee 
of  his  officers  defied  them,  as  Goliath  had  done  the  army  of 
Saul : and  Eleazar  greatly  distinguished  himself  on  the  occa- 
sion ; fighting  till  his  hand  was  weary  and  clave  to  his  sword. 
Thus  “the  Lord  wrought  a great  victory  that  day,”  princ- 
pally  by  him : and  when  the  people  that  had  fled  saw  what 
was  done,  they  rallied  again,  and  shared  the  spoil  of  their 
vanquished  enemies. — The  divine  interposition  seems  to  have 
been  miraculous,  in  answer  to  the  expectation  of  faith  ; as  in 
the  case  of  Jonathan  and  his  armour-bearer.  (Notes,  Josh. 
10:9,10.  1 Sum.  14:6 — 10,45,46.) 

V.  11,  12.  In  Chronicles  this  victory  seems  ascribed  to 
Eleazar,  who  perhaps  was  the  chief  commander,  though 
Shammah  most  distinguished  himself. — The  field  also  is  said 
to  have  been  “ full  of  barley  :”  perhaps  part  of  it  was  sown 
with  lentiles,  and  part  with  barley.  (1  Chr.  11:12 — 14.) — 
The  annexed  titles  seem  to  have  been  generally  derived  from 
the  place  of  the  birth,  or  abode  of  the  persons  spvken  if 
(Marg.  Ref.) 


( 581  ) 


B.  C.  H'56. 


II.  SAMUEL. 


B.  C.  1056. 


the  well  of  Beth-lehem,  that  was  by  the  gate,  and 
took  it,  and  brought  it  to  David  : nevertheless  he 
would  not  drink  thereof,  but  “poured  it  out  unto 
the  Lord. 

17  And  he  said,  °Be  it  far  from  me,  O Lord, 
that  I should  do  this:  is  not  this  Ptlie  blood  of  the 
men  that,  went  in  ‘’jeopardy  of  their  lives  ? there- 
fore he  would  not  drink  it.  These  things  did 
these  three  mighty  men. 

18  And  rA bishai,  the  brother  of  Joab,  the  son 
of  Zeruiah,  was  chief  among  three.  And  he  lifted 
up  his  spear  against  three  hundred,  ‘and  slew 
them,  and  had  the  name  among  three. 

19  Was  he  not  most  honourable  of  three? 
therefore  he  was  their  captain : howbeit  'he 
attained  not  unto  the  first  three. 

20  And  ‘Benaiah  the  son  of  Jehoiada,  the  son 
of  a valiant  man,  of  “Kabzeel,  ’who  had  done 
many  acts,  he  slew  two  ’lion-like  men  of  Moab  : 
he  went  down  also  and  'slew  a lion  in  the  midst  of 
a pit  in  time  of  snow. 

21  And  he  slew  an  Egyptian,  $a  goodly  man  : 
and  the  Egyptian  had  a spear  in  his  hand  : but 
he  went  down  to  him  with  a staff,  and  plucked 
ihe  spear  out  of  the  Egyptian’s  hand,  and  ’'slew 
him  with  his  own  spear. 

22  These  things,  did  Benaiah  the  son  of  Jehoi- 
ada, and  had  the  name  among  three  mighty  men. 

23  He  was  “more  honourable  than  the  thirty, 
but  he  attained  not  to  the  first  three.  And 
David  set  him  ’’over  his  guard. 

D Num.  23:7.  1 Sam.  7:6.  Lam.  2:19.  Phil.  2:17,  marg.  o 20:20.  (.fen.  44:17. 
ISam.  2:30.  26:11.  1 Kings  21:3.  1 Chr.  11:19.  p Gen.  9:4.  Pe. 72:14.  Matt. 
26:28.  Mark  14:21.  John  6:52— 54.  qJudg.5J8.  1 Cor.  15:30.  r 2:18.  3:30. 
10:10,14.18:2.20:10.  1 Sam.  26:6— 8.  1 Chr.  2:16.  11:20,21.  * Heb.  slain. 

6 9,13,16.  1 Chr.  11:25.  Matt.  13:8,23.  1 Cor.  15  41.  l 8:18.  20:23.  1 Kings  1: 
8,26,33  . 2 29—35,46.  1 Chr.  1S:17.  27:5,6.  u Josh.  15.21.  t Heb.  great  of  acts. 
* Heb.  lions  of  God.  1:23.  1 Chr.  11-22 — 24.  12:8.  x Jutlg.  14:5,6.  i Sam. 
17:34 — 37.  § Heb.  a man  of  countenanr  t . or  sight,  called.  1 Chr.  11:23.  aman 
of  great  stature.  y 1 Sam.  17:51.  Col.  2:15.  ||  Or,  honourable  am. >ng  the 

thirty,  1 Chr.  27:6.  IT  Or,  over  hit  council.  Heb.  at  his  command.  20:23. 

V.  13 — 17.  It  is  probable,  that  during  the  harvest,  the 
Philistines  invaded  the  land  of  Israel ; in  order  to  carry  off 
or  destroy  the  cropland  that  David  and  his  men  opposed 
them  : and  the  three  captains,  of  the  thirty  afterwards  men- 
tioned, having  come  to  him  in  the  cave  of  Adullam,  (probably 
when  persecuted  by  Saul,)  assisted  him.  (Notes,  1 Sam. 
22:1,2.  Ps.  142:  title.)  A garrison  also  of  Philistines,  at  the 
same  time,  occupied  the  outer  gate  of  Beth-lehem  the  city  of 
David. — Some  expositors  think  that  David,  by  wishing  for  the 
water  of  the  well  of  Beth-lehem,  meant  to  stir  up  his  whole 
band  to  attempt  dispossessing  the  garrison,  and  not  that  his 
officers  alone  should  attack  them.  It  is  more  probable, 
however,  that  being  very  thirsty  in  hot  weather,  he  eagerly 
desired,  and  inconsiderately  wished,  to  quench  his  thirst  at 
that  well,  the  water  being  remarkably  good  : and  that  these 
brave  men,  to  express  their  peculiar  attachment  to  him,  broke, 
sword  in  hand,  through  the  Philistines,  and  returned  to  him 
with  some  of  the  water.  David  however  was,  on  recollec- 
tion, ashamed  of  his  inordinate  desire  and  rash  wish  ; and, 
being  unwilling  to  encourage  such  desperate  attempts,  he  re- 
fused to  drink  of  it,  but  poured  it  out  as  a drink-offering  unto 
the  Lord.  For  as  it  had  been  procured  at  the  hazard  of 
the  lives  of  these  brave  officers,  he  would  no  more  drink  of 
it,  than  he  would  drink  their  blood:  “Far  be  it  from  me,” 
said  he,  or  “ My  God  forbid  it  me.”  (Notes,  Ps.  72:14. 
116:15.) — “Beth-lehem”  signifies  the  house  of  bread;  and  the 
place  was  likewise  noted  for  excellent  water.  There  Christ 
was  born,  who  is  the  Bread  of  Life,  and  who  also  gives  us 
the  Water  of  Life.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  18 — 24.  (Marg.  Ref.)  We  are  not  told  on  what 
occasions  these  exploits  were  performed  : but  they  were  done 
in  faith,  by  the  Lord’s  extraordinary  assistance,  and  for  the 
public  good.  Asahel  seems  to  have  been  the  third  captain  in 
the  second  triumvirate,  though  mentioned  as  one  of  the  thirty, 
over  whom  perhaps  he  presided  as  captain:  for  there  are 
thirty  names  besides  his ; and  only  two  of  the  three  are  named, 
if  he  was  not  the  third.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note , 2:18 — 23.) 

V.  25 — 39.  The  names  of  the  captains  here  enumerated 
are  nr  c exactly  the  same  in  Chronicles,  but  the  same  persons 
must  be  meant.  In  some  instances  a trivial  variation  is  made 
in  the  spelling ; in  others,  they  might  be  known  by  more 
names  than  one. — The  list  closes  with  Uriah,  who  met  with  a 
ease  reward  of  his  services ! Others  also  are  added  in  Chro- 
nicles ; out  they  were  not  so  renowned  as  these.  (Marg. 
Ref.  Note , 1 Chr.  11:10— 47.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  I — 7.  It  has  been  observed  by  those  who  intimately 
converse  with  persons  of  genuine  piety,  that  they  are  uni- 
formly most  sensible  of  the  reality  and  importance  of  hea- 
venly things,  when  they  consider  themselves  as  very  nearly 
approaching  to  the  eternal  world.  If  discouraged  respecting 
their  own  intorest  in  the  invisible  blessings,  their  assured 
( 5S2  ) 


24  ‘Asahel  the  brother  of  Joab  was  one  of 
the  thirty ; Elhanan  the  son  of  Dodo  of  Beth- 
lehem, 

25  “Shammah  the  Harodite,  Elika  the  Ilarodite, 

26  Helez  the  bPaltite,  cIra  the  son  of  Ikkesh  the 
dTekoite, 

27  'Abiezer  the  Anethothite,  < Mebunnai  the 
Hushathite, 

28  Zalmon  the  Ahohite,  eMaharai  the  Neto- 
phathite, 

29  hHeleb  the  son  of  Baanah,  a Netophathite, 
■Ittai  the  son  of  Ribai  out  of  Gibeah  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Benjamin, 

30  “Benaiah  the  ‘Pirathonite,  rnHiddai  of  the 
"’brooks  of  Gaash, 

31  "Abi-albon  the  Arbathite,  Azmaveth  the 
“Barhumite, 

32  Eliahba  the  Shaalhonite ; of  the  sons  of 
I’Jashen,  Jonathan, 

33  ^Shammah  the  Hararite,  Ahiam  the  son  of 
“Sharar  the  Hararite, 

34  Eliphelet  the  son  of  Ahasbai,  the  son  of 
the  Maachathite,  'Eliam  the  son  of  Ahithophel  the 
Giloni^e, 

35  ‘Hezrai  the  Carmelite,  Paarai  the  Arbite, 

36  "Igal  the  son  of  Nathan  of  Zohah,  Bani  the 
Gadite, 

37  xZelek  the  Ammonite,  rNaharai  the  Beero 
thite,  armour-bearer  to  Joab  the  son  of  Zeruiah, 

38  zIra  an  lthrite,  Garab  an  Ithrite, 

39  “Uriah  the  Hittite  : thirty  and  seven  in  all. 

1 Sam.  522:14.  7.2:18.  1 Chr.  11:26.  27:7.  a 1 Chr.  11 :27,28.  Shiur.mo  1* 

Hnrorite.  b 1 Chr.  11:27.  27:10.  Pelinite.  c I Chr.  1 1 :28.  27:9.  dS«m 
14:2.  e 1 Chr.  11:28.  Antothite.  27:12.  Anetothite.  f 1 Chr.  11.29.  Sibbecai 
g 1 Chr.  11.30.  27:13.  h l Chr.  11:30.  Helcd.  27:15.  Ileldai.  i 1 Chr.  ll:3L 
Mai.  k 1 Chr.  11:31.  27:14.  1 Jude.  12:15.  m 1 Chr.  11:32.  Hurai.  ••  Or, 
valleys.  Deul.  1:24.  Judg.2:9.  n 1 Chr.  11:32.  Abiel.  ol  Chr.  11:33.  Baha • 
r umit e.  p 1 Chr.  11:34.  Hashem,  the  Gizonite.  q 1 Chr.  11 :27.  r 1 Chr.  lit 
35.  Sacar.  s 11:3.  15:31.  17:23.  1 Chr.  27:33,34.  t l Chr.  11:37.  Hezro 
u 1 Chr.  11:33.  Joel,  xl  Chr.  11:39.  y l Chr.  11:37.  7.20:26.  1 Chr.  2:53 

11:40.  a 11:3,6.  12:9.  1 Kings  15:5.  1 Chr.  11:41.  Matt.  1:6. 

belief  excites  the  most  earnest  and  distressing  anxiety,  lest 
they  should  come  short  of  them  : but  when  their  hope  abounds, 
they  exult  and  triumph,  though  parting  v\  ith  all  below,  though 
oppressed  with  pain  and  sickness,  and  in  the  very  agonies 
of  death  ! So  that  many  have  gone  from  their  dying  beds 
more  convinced  of  the  truth  and  excellency  of  the  gospel  by 
their  “last  words”  and  behaviour,  than  by  all  ihe  arguments 
which  have  conclusively  been  adduced  in  proof  of  it.— 
When  we  approach  this  closing  scene,  it  will  be  useful  and 
pleasant  to  consider  what  we  originally  were,  and  to  inquire 
what  the  Lord  has  done  for  us,  in  his  providence,  and  by 
his  grace.  The  more  we  have  been  conformed  to  the  Sa- 
viour, as  bearing  his  image,  and  copying  his  example  ; and 
the  more  we  have  been  treated  by  the  world  as  he  was ; the 
more  clearly  it  will  appear  that  we  belong  to  him.  When 
our  endowments  have  been  employed  in  the  service  of  the 
church ; and  our  words  and  works  have  been  such,  as  evince 
that  we  were  “led  by  the  Spirit,”  and  brought  forth  “the  fruits 
of  the  Spirit,”  the  review  will  be  comfortable  to  us,  and  we 
shall  give  the  glory  to  God.1 — They  who  stir  up  and  assist  their 
brethren  in  the  exercises  of  devotion,  are  peculiarly  useful  ; 
and  the  sweet  work  of  praise  and  thanksgiving,  when  con- 
ducted with  solemnity,  as  springing  from  lively  affections,  is 
an  anticipation  of  heavenly  joy,  a solace  of  earthly  sorrows, 
a preparation  for  every  service,  most  honourable  to  God,  and 
calculated  to  give  religion  an  attractive  aspect.  When  by  us 
the  Lord  excites  others  to  their  duty,  he  speaks  to  us  like 
wise  concerning  our  own  ; that  we  may  exemplify  by  our 
conduct,  in  our  proper  station  of  life,  the  rules  that  we  pro- 
pose to  others. — “ Those  who  rule  over  men”  must  be  re- 
minded on  every  occasion  which  occurs,  and  ought  themselves 
continually  to  remember  that  they  are  the  subjects  of  God: 
and  in  all  things  responsible  to  him  for  their  conduct,  especially 
in  the  exercise  of  their  delegated  authority ; and  are  under  the 
most  powerful  obligations  to  imitate  his  equity,  maintain  his 
cause,  and  seek  his  glory,  in  all  their  plans  and  undertakings. 
Then  will  they  he  happy  themselves,  and  blessings  to  mul- 
titudes, who  will  praise  God  for  them.  The  sons  of  Belial 
indeeed  will  bo  the  more  enraged  against  their  equitable  admi- 
nistration, and  will  create  disturbance  and  vexation  ; but  they 
should  endeavour,  and  will  in  some  measure  be  able,  to  crush 
and  keep  them  under  ; though  they  cannot  quite  extirpate 
them. — The  best  of  men,  however,  reviewing  their  past  con 
duct,  and  comparing  it  impartially  with  the  rule  of  duty,  will 
see  great  cause  to  bd  humbled,  and  to  mourn  over  their  sins. 
Neither  their  hearts  nor  their  houses  will  he  found  what  they 
ought  to  he : hut  it  will  lie  their  earnest  desire,  aim,  anu 
prayer,  that,  their  families  may  be  the  accepted  servants  o! 
God.  without  which  no  outward  prosperity  will  satisfy  their 
minds:  and  if,  through  their  own  negligence,  or  occasional 
misconduct,  they  are  otherwise;  they  will  be  the* more  ear- 
nest in  supplication  for  them,  that  they  may  not  perbdi  with 


B.  C.  1017, 


CHAPTER  XXIV, 


B.  C.  1017 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


David  requires  Joab  to  number  the  people , mho  very  reluctantly  complies , 1 — 
8.  Joab  delivers  in  the  number  to  the  king,  9.  Fie  repents;  and  being 
warned  by  Gad  the  prophet,  and  obliged  to  choose  one  plague,  out  of  three 
proposed  to  him,  he  fires  on  three  days’  pestilence,  10 — 14.  After  seventy 
'thousand  had  died  in  Israel,  the  angel  is  stayed  from  destroying  Jerusalem, 
in  answer  to  David’s  prayer,  15 — 17.  David  directed  by  God,  purchases 
Araunah's  thrashing-floor,  builds  analtar,  and  sacrifices  ; and  the  plague 


t«  stayed,  18 — 25. 

AND  "again  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
against  Israel,  and  'he  brnoved  David  against 
them  to  say,  cGo,  number  Israel  and  Judah. 

2  For  the  king  said  to  ''Joab  the  captain  of  the 
host,  which  was  with  him,  'Go  now  through  all 
the  tribes  of  Israel,  'from  Dan  even  to  Beer-sheba, 
and  number  ye  the  people,  f that  I may  know  the 
number  of  the  people. 

3  And  Joab  said  unto  the  king,  sNow  the  Lord 


«21:1,&c.  • Sunn.  1 Chr.21:l.  Jam.  1:13,14.  h 12:11.  16:10.  Gen.  15:5. 
50:20.  Ex.  7:3.  1 S*m. 26:19.  1 Kings  '22:211-23.  Ex.  11:9.  20:25.  Act»4:28. 
2 The*.  ‘2:11.  c 1 Clir.  27:23,21.  <12:13.  8:16.  20;23.  23:37.  t Or,  compass 
mo, call.  1 Clir.  21:2.  e3:10.  17:11.  Judg.  20:1.  f Dent.  8:13,14.  2 Chr.  32:25, 
90.31.  Prov.29:23.  Jer.  17:5.  2Cor.  12:7.  g 10:12.  lChr.21:3,4.  P».  115:14. 


the  sons  of  Belial. — Yet  in  all  their  troubles,  true  believers, 
being  conscious  that  they  “have  fled  for  refuge  to  the  hope  set 
hefore  them”  in  the  gospel ; and  having  experienced  the  power 
of  renewing  grace,  may  rejoice  that  the  Lord  “ hath  made 
with  them  an  everlasting  covenant and  may  meditate  with 
e.omfort  on  the  rich  provisions  and  firm  security  of  it : and  see- 
ing all  their  salvation  there  treasured  up,  and  there  finding  all 
their  desires  centre,  they  may  cheerfully  bear  up  under  all  they 
feel  or  fear,  and  look  forward  with  joyful  hope  of  complete 
deliverance. — Such,  as  are  in  reality  partakers  of  divine 
grace,  will  long  for  more  holiness  : and  those  who,  in  this  im- 
perfect state,  are  satisfied  with  their  present  attainments, 
have  no  good  ground  to  consider  themselves  as  true  Chris- 
tians. 


V.  8 — 39.  The  Lord  dispenses  all  his  gifts  as  he  pleases, 
and  there  are  various  degrees  of  eminence  and  usefulness 
among  able  and  serviceable  men.  Whether  our  talents 
therefore  be  more  or  fewer,  the  honour  of  them  belongs  to 
God,  and  we  ought  to  improve  them  for  the  benefit  of  the 
church,  and  of  the  world,  without  envying  or  despising  others. 
— In  a good  cause  we  should  willingly  venture,  and  endure 
hardship,  even  when  deserted  by  those  who  ought  to  help 
us ; for  the  Lord  will  be  our  Helper : and  we  should  allow 
others  sometimes  to  share  the  advantages,  who  would  not 
expose  themselves  with  us  for  the  public  good. — The  habit  of 
wishing  and  hankering  after  those  things  which  Providence 
withholds,  though  natural  to  us,  and  often  given  way  to  by 
godly  men  in  an  unguarded  hour,  is  indeed  a degree  of  rebellion 
against  the  Lord  ; and  it  shows  the  remaining  sensuality  and 
selfishness  of  the  heart,  and  leads  to  many  snares  and  evils. 
Upon  recollection  and  experience,  a wise  man  will  be  ashamed 
of  this  folly ; and  will  abstain,  not  only  from  unlawful  indul- 
gences, but  from  those  also  which  are  inexpedient,  and  might 
expose  his  brethren  to  temptation  and  danger. — Were  we  but 
os  much  attached  to  the  person  and  cause  of  “ the  Captain  of 
our  salvation,”  and  as  much  pleased  to  show  our  love  and  gra- 
titude to  him,  by  doing  his  will  and  promoting  his  honour,  as 
some  soldiers  have  been  to  a beloved  prince  or  commander ; 
how  self-denying,  and  ready  fijr  every  service  and  suffering 
should  we  be,  and  how  glad  to  spend  or  to  lay  down  our  lives 
for  his  sake!  Yet  surely,  never  ruler  or  captain  was  of  so 
excellent  a character  as  ours  ; his  commands  are  all  righteous 
and  beneficial,  his  authority  is  an  inexpressible  blessing. 
The  obligations  that  he  has  conferred  on  his  soldiers  and  ser- 
vants, the  love  he  bears  to  them,  and  the  honours  that  he  has 
prepared  for  the  meanest  of  them,  are  beyond  all  computation 
or  conception.  The  blessings,  which  he  freely  bestows,  were 
dearly  purchased  by  him : and  for  them  when  rebels  and 
enemies ! “ Precious  in  his  sight  is  the  death  of  his  saints 
he  will  expose  them  to  no  danger  or  loss,  but  for  tueir  good  ; 
he  will  comfort  them  under  every  suffering ; and  finally  de- 
liver them,  and  present  them  and  all  their  services,  as  an 
oblation  to  the  glory  of  God.  Under  his  command,  and  re- 
freshed by  the  waters  of  life  which  he  bestows,  we  may 
venture  to  engage,  yea  defy,  all  our  adversaries  at  the  great- 
est disadvantage,  and  shall  be  able  to  turn  their  own  arms 
upon  them.  Though  not  numbered  with  apostles  and  pro- 
phets, our  names  and  services  will  be  recorded  in  the  book 
of  life  ; and  not  a cup  of  cold  water,  given  for  his  sake,  shall 
be  unrewarded : yea,  the  willing  mind  to  suffer  for  him,  shall 
be  accepted,  as  if  we  had  actually  laid  down  our  lives  in  his 
cause.  But,  as  he  has  shed  his  blood  for  sinners,  let  all 
beware  of  neglecting  so  great  salvation  : for  the  sons  of  Belial, 
especially  those  who  reject  or  pervert  his  truth,  and  persecute 
his  people,  will  be  thrust  away  as  thorns  into  the  everlasting 
fire  of  hell. 


Chcp.  XXIV.  V.  1,  2.  The  Israelites 
had  offended  God,  by  their  ungrateful  and  repeated  rebellions 
against  David : by  not  duly  profiting  under  the  means  em- 
ployed for  the  revival  of  religion ; and  probably  by  that 
pride,  luxury,  and  ungodliness,  which  generally  spring  from 
great  prosperity.  They  had  before,  in  a famine  which  lasted 
thrci  -ears,  experienced  the  effects  of  the  divine  displeasure  ; 
and  it  u likely  they  had  not  been  amended  by  the  correction ■ 
'Notes,  21:1 — 14.)  but  some  think,  that  the  sin  immediately 


thy  God  add  unto  the  people,  how  many  soevt  r 
they  be,  a hundred  fold,  ana  that  the  eyes  of  my 
lord  the  king  may  see  it:  but  why  doth  my  loid 
the  king  delight  in  this  thing? 

4 Notwithstanding,  hthe  king’s  word  prevailed 
against  Joab,  and  against  the  captains  of  the  host. 
And  Joab  and  the  captains  of  the  host  ‘went  out 
from  the  presence  of  the  king,  to  number  the  people 
of  Israel. 

5 U And  they  passed  over  Jordan,  and  pitched  in 
lAroer,  on  the  right  side  of  the  city  that  lieth  in 
the  midst  of  the  driver  of  Gad,  and  towards  k Jazer : 

6 Then  they  came  to  'Gilead,  and  to  the  Slant!  of 
Tahtim-hodshi ; and  they  came  to  mDan-jaan,  and 
about  to  "Zidon, 


Prov.  14:28.  In.  60:5.  h 1 Clir.  21:4.  Ee.  8:4.  i Ex.  1 :17.  Acts  5:29.  ) Teut. 

2:36.  Josh.  13:9,16.  1 Sam.  30:28.  Is.  17:2.  J Or,  volley,  k Num.  32:1,3,35. 
18.16:8,9.  ljoen.  31 :21 ,47,48.  Num.  32:1,39.  § Or,  ne  her  land  newly  inha- 

bited. m Josh.  19:47.  Judg  18:29.  n (Jen.  10:15.  Josh.  11:8.  19:28.  Judg.  18:28. 


intended,  was  their  setting  up  Absalom  for  king,  and  rebel- 
ling against  David.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  8:6 — 9.  Hos.  8:2 — 4.) 
This  David  had  cordially  forgiven:  but  it  was  a national 
defection  from  God,  which  he  did  not  judge  it  proper  to 
leave  unpunished.  So  that  “ again  the  anger  of  the  Lord 
was  kindled  against  Israel :”  and  he  permitted  Satan  to  tempt 
and  prevail  against  David,  that  in  chastising  him,  he  might 
punish  them.  David’s  thought  and  purpose  of  numbering  the 
people,  sprang  from  his  remaining  depravity,  excited  by 
Satan’s  suggestions : and  as  this  “ was  of  the  Lord,”  (in 
the  same  manner,  that  it  was  of  him  that  the  Canaanites 
should  be  hardened,  and  that  Ahab  should  be  deceived,)  he 
withdrew  every  internal  or  external  restraint,  and  left  him 
to  follow  his  own  counsels.  (Mnrg.  Ref.  b.)  Thus,  by  a 
manner  of  expression  common  in  Scripture,  the  Lord  is  said 
to  have  “ moved  David  against  Israel for  certainly  this  is 
the  most  natural  construction  of  the  words.  (Marg.  Note, 

1 Chr.  21:1.)  But  other  passages  prove,  that  the  sinful  dis- 
position and  resolution  could  not  be  from  God,  though  he 
both  permitted  them,  and  overruled  them  to  accomplish  his 
own  wise  and  righteous  purposes  : and  this  example  throws 
light  upon  the  doctrine  of  God’s  providential  government  of 
the  world,  and  suggests  many  practical  instructions.  (Notes, 
12:11,12.  Gen.  50:20.  1 Kings  22:19 — 23. )— But  what 

constituted  David’s  sin  in  numbering  the  people?  Some 
expositors  think  it  was  a contempt  of  the  promise  that  they 
should  be  innumerable  ; and  that  they  ought  not  to  have  been 
numbered  without  express  command,  as  in  the  days  of 
Moses  : and  others  suppose,  that  David  neglected  to  collect 
the  half  shekel  apiece  for  the  use  of  the  sanctuary,  which 
should  have  attended  the  numbering  of  them.  (Notes,  Gen. 
13:16.  Ex.  30:11 — 16.)  It  however,  seems  evident,  that 
pride  both  induced  David  to  this  measure,  and  rendered  it 
so  very  displeasing  to  the  Lord.  Elated  with  the  prosperity 
and  extent  of  his  dominions,  he  wished  to  know,  and  that 
others  might  know,  the  number  of  his  subjects  who  were 
capable  of  bearing  arms.  This  originated  from  an  ambitious 
curiosity,  and  an  ostentatious  vanity  ; and  probably  it  was 
accompanied  with  a secret  complacency  in  his  own  good 
conduct,  under  whose  government  Israel  had  attained  this 
prosperity,  and  with  an  improper  dependence  on  the  number 
and  valour  of  his  forces.  As  he  was  far  advanced  in  life,  he 
probably  indulged  the  idea  of  having  it  said,  how  populous 
and  flourishing  a kingdom  he  had  left  to  his  posterity.  It  is 
likewise  evident,  that,  the  chastisement  was  especially  levelled 
against  his  pride  and  ambition.  These  evils  had  before  been 
secretly  indulged : but  tfie  Lord  would  have  restrained  them, 
had  he  not  seen  it  best  to  permit  them  to  break  forth,  both 
for  the  people’s  punishment,  and  David’s  deeper  humilia- 
tion : as  a physician  permits  some  disorders  to  come  forward 
to  a crisis,  that  the  cure  may  be  radical ; which  is  more 
salutary  than  merely  for  a time  to  suspend  their  effects. 
(Notes,  2 Kings  20:12—19.  2 Chr.  32:24—33.  2 Cor. 
12:1—6.) 

V.  3,  4.  Joab  readily  perceived,  that  David’s  purpose 
arose  from  ambition,  and  was  inconsistent  with  his  character 
and  interest;  and  that  if  he  persevered  to  “delight  in,”  or 
require  “ such  a thing,  it  would  be  a cause  of  trespass,” 
i.  e.  of  guilt  and  punishment,  “to  Israel.”  (1  Chr.  21:3.) 
On  this  occasion  he  spoke  with  great  reason  and  temper  ; 
expressed  much  affection  both  for  his  prince  and  country ; 
and  even  assumed  an  appearance  of  piety  : and  David  would 
have  shown  his  wisdom,  had  he  yielded  to  his  remonstrances. 
Yet  the  king’s  word  prevailed,  but  “it  was  abominable  to 
Joab:”  (1  Chr.  21:6.)  and  as  he  and  the  captains  set  about 
it  reluctantly,  we  may  suppose  that  they  did  not  perform  it 
very  exactly.  ‘It  is  something  strange,  that  Joab  should 
see  the  danger  of  this,  and  David  not  think  of  it;  no,  not 
when  it  was  so  plainly  represented  to  him.  But  the  best  of 
men  are  sometimes  very  drowsy,  and  apprehend  not  those 
things,  which  plainly  appear  to  those  who  are  not  so  good. 
Bp.  Patrick.  A considerable  degree  of  self-will  and  preci- 
pitation was  manifested  in  David’s  conduct  respecting  this; 
measure. 

V.  5 — 8.  Joab  and  his  assistants  began  by  numbering 

• 583  ) 


B.  C.  1017. 


II.  SAMUEL, 


B.  C.  1017 


7 And  came  to  ti  e strong  hold  of  °Tyre,  and  to 
all  the  citie  i of  the  Hivites,  and  of  the  Canaanites  : 
and  they  went  out  to  the  south  of  Judah,  even  Pto 
Beer-sheba. 

8 So  when  they  had  gone  through  all  the  land, 
they  came  to  Jerusalem  at  the  end  of  nine  months 
and  twenty  days. 

9 And  Joab  gave  up  the  sum  of  the  number  of 
the  people  unto  the  king:  and  there  were  in  Israel 
’eight  hundred  thousand  valiant  men  that  drew 
the  sword  ; and  the  men  of  Judah  were  five  hun- 
dred thousand  men. 

[Practical  Observations .] 

10  H And  rDavid’s  heart  smote  him  after  that 
he  had  numbered  the  people.  And  David  said 
unto  the  Lord,  5I  have  sinned  greatly  in  that  I 
have  done : and  now,  I beseech  thee,  O Lord, 
‘take  away  the  iniquity  of  thy  servant ; for  I have 
done  very  “foolishly. 

11  For  when  David  was  up  in  the  morning,  the 
word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  the  prophet  “Gad, 
David’s  Jseer,  saying, 

12  Go  and  say  unto  David,  Thus  saith  the 
Lord,  ZI  offer  the  three  things;  choose  thee  one  of 
them,  “that.  I may  do  it  unto  thee. 

13  So  Gad  came  to  David,  and  told  him,  and 

ojosh.  19:29.  p 2.  Gen.  21:31— 33.  q 1 Chr.  21:5,6.  27:23,24.  rlSam.24:5. 
John  8:9.  1 John  3:20,21.  s 12:13.  1 Chr.  21:8.  2Clvr.32:26.  Job33:27,28:  Ps. 
32:5.  Prov.  28:13,  Mic.  7:8,9.  «1  John  19.  t Jol.  7:21.  Hos.  14:2.  John  1:29. 
u 13:13.  Deut.  32:6.  1 Sam.  13:13.  26:21.  2 Chr.  16:9.  Mark 7:22.  Til.  3:3. 
x 1 Sam.  22:5.  1 Chr.  21:9.  29:29.  y 1 Sam.  9:9.  z 1 Chr.  21:10,11.  a 12:9,10, 
14.  I.er.  26:41.  Job  5:17,18.  Prov.  3:12.  Heb.  12.6 — 10.  Re«.3.!9.  b 21:1.  Lev. 
26:20,26.  1 Kings  17:1,  (fee.  1 Chr.  21:12.  Ez.  14:13,21.  Lake  4:25.  'c  Lev.  26: 
17,36,37.  Devil.  28:25,52.  vl  Lev.  26:16,25.  Pent.  28:22,27,35.  Ps.916.  Ez. 
14:19—21.  e I Sam.  13  6.  2 Kings 6: 15.  John  12:27.  Phil.  1:23.  f Ex.  34:6,7. 

1 Chr.  21:13.  Ps.  51 : 1 . 86:5,15.  103:8,13,14.  119:156.  145:9.  Is.55,7.  Jon.  4:2. 


the  inhabitants  of  the  country,  to  the  east  of  Jordan  ; thence 
they  proceeded  to  the  northern  part  of  the  land  in  the  bor- 
ders of  Zidon  and  Tyre  ; and  passing  through  the  regions  to 
the  west  of  Jordan,  they  numbered  all  the  men  capable  of 
bearing  arms,  (except  the  Levites  and  Benjamites  ;)  having 
spent  almost  ten  months  in  accomplishing  it ! (Marg.  Ref. 
1 Chr.  2 1:6.) 

Land  of  Tahtim-hodsh'i.  (G)  “Nether  land  newly  inha- 
bited.” (Marg.) — It  is  not  known  what  region  is  meant; 
as  the  name  occurs  only  in  this  place : probably,  it  was  a 
tract  of  low  land,  which  had  lately  been  taken  possession  of 
by  the  Gileadites,  in  the  northern  part  of  the  country. 

V.  9.  The  numbers,  as  stated  in  Chronicles,  are  very 
different  from  those  here  given  : and  in  order  to  reconcile 
them,  it  is  thought  that  the  regular  troops,  serving  in  rotation 
every  month,  and  amounting  to  two  hundred  and  eighty-eight 
thousand,  (besides  their  officers,  as  it  is  supposed.)  are 
included  in  the  one  account,  but  not  in  the  other.  ( Note , 
1 Chr.  27:1 — 15.)  If  these  are  added  to  the  men  of  Israel  as 
here  numbered,  and  a due  proportion  taken  from  the  men  of 
Judah  for  their  part  of  this  militia,  the  round  numbers  will 
amount  to  nearly  the  same  in  both  places. — This  is,  how- 
ever, uncertain  : and  as  Levi  and  Benjamin  were  not  num- 
bered, we  may  suppose  that  in  other  respects  the  accounts 
were  inaccurate  : and  it  might  please  God  thus  to  order  it, 
that  David  at  last  “ might  not  know  the  number  of  the  peo- 
ple.” (Notes,  1 Chr.  21:2 — G.  27:23,24.) — It  is  remarkable 
that  the  Israelites  had  not  multiplied  when  possessed  of 
Canaan,  in  any  proportion  to  what  they  had  done  during 
their  bondage  in  Egypt.  (Note,  Ex?\J .) 

V.  10.  David  was  not  convinced  of  the  evil  of  his  con- 
duct, until  he  received  an  account  of  the  numbers  which  had 
been  rated,  and  then  “his  heart  smote  him;”  he  became  sen- 
sible that  he  had  displeased  the  Lord,  and  earnestly  entreated 
God  to  forgive  him.  (Notes,  Ez.  11:17 — 20.  1 John  3:18 — 

24.) — ‘ When  he  ordered  it,  he  was  possessed  with  other 
thoughts ; and  did  not  seriously  reflect  upon  what  he  had 
done,  till  God  touched  his  heart  with  a sense  of  his  guilt 
after  the  sin  was  committed.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  11.  Literally:  “And  David  arose  in  the  morning; 
and  the  word  of  the  Lord  was  unto  the  prophet  Gad.”  It 
is  probable,  that  David  had  become  in  some  measure  sensi- 
ble of  his  sin,  and  had  offered  his  humble  confession  and 
supplication  to  God  over  night,  or  in  the  night ; before  Gad 
delivered  his  message  to  him  in  the  morning. — Gad  was  called 
David’s  seer,  for  he  had  long  been  employed  as  the  messenger 
of  God  to  him,  and  David  had  paid  great  regard  to  his 
admonitions;  (Notes,  1 Sam.  9:G — 10.  22:5.)  and  he  also 
compiled,  in  part  at  least,  the  annals  of  David’s  last  years. 
(Note,  1 Chr.  29:29,30.) — Had  David’s  history  been  written 
in  the  manner  of  modern  memoirs,  by  friends  of  tho  deceased  ; 
how  many  things  would  havo  been  concealed,  or  thrown  into 
tho  back-ground ! how  much  palliated  ! and  what  eulogiums 
would  have  been  paid  to  his  excellent  and  honourable  actions. 
Thus  David’s  character  would  havo  appeared  moro  faultless  : 
but  his  history  would  have  been,  in  exact  proportion,  so  much 
4lte  less  instructive. 

V.  12—14.  Though  the  Lord  intended  to  forgive  tho  sin 
( 584  ) 


said  unto  him,  Shall  bseven  years  of  famine  comt 
unto  thee  in  thy  land?  or  wilt  thou  "flee  three 
months  before  thine  enemies,  while  they  pursue 
thee  ? or  that  there  be  dthree  days’  pestilence  in 
thy  land  ? now  advise,  and  see  what  answer  I shar. 
return  to  him  that  sent  me. 

14  And  David  said  unto  Gad,  eI  am  in  a great 
strait ; let  us  fall  now  into  the  hand  of  the  Lord  : 
[for  his  mercies  are  'great ; and  slet  me  not  fall 
into  the  hand  of  man. 

15  So  hthe  Lord  sent  a pestilence  upon  Israel 
from  the  morning  even  to  the  time  appointed  : and 
there  died  of  the  people  ’from  Dan  even  to  Beer- 
sheba  kseventy  thousand  men. 

16  And  when  ‘the  angel  stretched  out  his  hand 
upon  Jerusalem  to  destroy  it,  the  Lord  mrepented 
him  of  the  evil,  and  said  to  the  angel  that  destroyed 
the  people,  "It  is  enough  : stay  now  thy  hand. 
And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  was  by  the  thrashing 
place  of  "Araunah  nhe  Jebusite. 

17  And  David  ’spake  unto  the  Lord,  when  he 
saw  the  angel  that  smote  the  people,  and  said, 
rLo,  I have  sinned,  and  I have  done  wickedly  : but 
“these  sheep,  what  have  they  done  ? 'let  thy 
hand,  I pray  thee,  be  against  me,  and  against  my 
father’s  house. 


Mic.  7:18.  * Or,  many,  g 2 Kings  13.3—7.  2 Chr.  28:5—  9.  Prov.  12:10.  13.  47i 
6.  Zech.  1:15.  Ii  Num.  16:46— 49.  25:9.  1 Sam.  6:19.  1 Chr.  21 : 14.  27:24. 

Matt.  24:7.  Rev.  6:8.  i See  on  2.  k Is.  37:36.  1 Ex.  12:23.  2 Kings  19:35, 

1 Chr.  21:15,16.  2 Chr.  32:21.  Ps.  35:6.  Acts  12:23.  m Gen.  6:6.  1 Sam.  15s 
11.  Ps. 78:38.  Jer.  18:7— 10.  Joel2:l3,14.  Am.  7:3,6.  Hah.  3:2.  n Ex.  9:28. 
1 Kings  19.4.  Is.  40:1,2.  Mark  14:41 . 2 Cor.  2:6.  o 1 Chr.  21 : 15.  2 Chr.  3:1. 
Oman,  p 5:8.  Gen.  10:16.  Josh.  15:63.  Judg.  1:21.  19:11.  Zech.  9:7.  q 1 Chn 
21:16,17.  r 10.  Job  7:20.  42:6.  Pa.  51:2— 5.  Is.  6:5.  s 1 Kings  22:17.  Ps.  44:11. 
Ez.  34:2—6,23,24.  Zech.  13:7.  t Gen.  44:33.  John  10:11,12.  1 Pet.  2:24,25. 


of  his  repenting  servant,  as  to  his  personal  concern  ; yet  as  it 
was  a public  offence,  he  would  correct  it  in  a public  manner, 
by  destroying  his  subjects  before  his  eyes.  (Notes,  1,2.  2 
Khigs  23:26,27.  24:3,4.  2 Chr.  33:12—17.)  This  would  be 
extremely  distressing  to  him,  both  because  of  his  affection  for 
them,  and  because  they  suffered  in  consequence  of  his  pride 
and  vainglorious  confidence. — Only  three  years  of  famine  are 
proposed  in  Chronicles:  (1  Chr.  21:12.)  but  such  variations 
frequently  occur,  and  are  probably  owing  to  some  trivial 
errors  of  transcribers  in  so  long  a course  of  years ; especially  as 
the  numbers  were  often  distinguished  by  marks  which  might  the 
more  easily  be  mistaken. — In  this  distressing  difficulty,  David 
preferred  a calamity,  which  came  immediately  from  God, 
whose  mercies  he  knew  to  be  very  great,  to  those  in  which 
men  were  concerned,  who  would  have  triumphed  in  the  mise- 
ries of  Israel,  and  thus  have  been  hardened  in  their  idolatry.  He 
seems  also  to  have  chosen  the  pestilence  in  preference  to  the 
famine,  not  only  because  the  land  had  already  been  visited  with 
one  famine  of  three  years’  continuance,  from  which  perhaps  it 
was  scarcely  recovered  ; and  because  he  and  his  family  would 
be  as  much  exposed  to  the  pestilence,  as  the  poorest  Israelite  ; 
but  especially  that  he  might  continue  for  a shorter  time  under 
the  divine  rebuke,  however  severe  it  might  be. — 4 They  that 
fear  the  Lord  will  prepare  their  hearts,  and  humble  their  souls 
in  his  sight,  saying,  We  will  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  Lord, 
and  not  into  the  hands  of  men : for  as  his  majesty  is,  so  is  his 
mercy.’  Ecclesiasticus  2:17,18.  (Heb.  10:31.) 

V.  15,  16.  “The  time  appointed”  may  mean  either  the 
close  of  the  third  day:  or,  as  it  is  more  probable,  the  appointed 
hour  of  the  evening  sacrifice  on  the  first  day.  For  u the  Lord 
repented  him  of  the  evil,”  which  implies,  that  he  did  not  pro- 
ceed to  the  extent  of  the  judgment  denounced.  Yet  on  this 
supposition  seventy  thousand  died  in  the  different  parts  of  the 
land,  in  about  as  few  hours  as  Joab  had  employed  months  in 
numbering  the  people  ; and  this  apparently  by  the  ministration 
of  a single  angel ! (Notes,  Ex.  12:29,30.  2 Kings  1 9:35.  Heb. 
11:28.)  4 If  it,’  (the  pestilence,)  4 had  raged  three  days,  and 

in  every  nine  hours  had  killed  so  many,  above  a third  part  of 
those  who  had  been  numbered  would  have  died  by  this 
plague:  but  as  Kimchi  here  observes,  by  the  great  mercy  of 
God,  the  time  was  contracted.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Notes,  Num . 
16:45—50.  1 Cor.  10:6—10.) 

V.  17.  Probably,  the  angel  had  before  been  invisible:  but 
at  length  “David  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  saw  the  angel  of  the 
Lord  stand  between  the  earth  and  the  heaven,  having  a 
drawn  sword  in  his  hand,  stretched  out.  over  Jerusalem.  Then 
David  and  the  elders  of  Israel,  who  were  clothed  in  sackcloth, 
fell  upon  their  faces."  1 Chr.  21:16,17.  The  “drawn  sword” 
was  an  emblem  of  the  divine  justice  about  to  he  executed 
upon  the  city.  David  had  before  humbled  himself  in  the 
sight  of  God,  and  no  doubt,  had  earnestly  interceded  for  the 
people  ; but  this  sight  affected  him  more  than  ever:  and,  while 
he  and  the  elders  prostrated  themselves  upon  the  ground,  ho 
poured  out  his  soul  before  God  in  fervent  prayer  for  Ins  sub- 
jects, and  especially  for  Jerusalem.  He  pleaded,  that  “it 
was  he  who  had  commanded  tho  people  to  he  numbered,”  that 
44  he  had  sinned,  and  done  evil  indeed  :”and  entreate  i t)  at.  as 
tho  whole  blamo  belonged  to  him,  so  the  indignation  might 


B.  0.  1017. 


CHAPTER  XXIV 


B.  C.  1017. 


18  H And  “Gac.  came  that  day  to  David,  and 
«aid  unto  him,  Go  up,  rear  an  altar  unto  the  Loan 
•u  the  tnrashing'-floor  of  'Araunah  the  Jebusite. 

19  And  David,  according  to  the  saying  of  Gad, 
ivent  up,  *as  the  Loud  commanded. 

20  And  Araunah  looked,  and  saw  the  king  and 
his  servants  coming  on  toward  him  : and  Araunah 
went  out,  and  showed  himself  before  the  king  on 
his  face  upon  the  ground. 

21  And  Araunah  said,  'Wherefore  is  my  lord 
the  king  come  .to  his  servant?  and  David  said, 
“To  buy  the  thrashing-floor  of  thee,  to  build  an 
altar  unto  the  Loud,  that  bthe  plague  may  be 
stayed  from  the  people. 

22  And  Araunah  said  unto  David,  “Let  my  lord 
the  king  take  and  offer  up  what  seemeth  good  unto 

all.  1 Clir.  21 .18-.  Heb.  Araniah.  See  on  o,  p.  16.  x Gen.  6:22.  IChr. 11-19 
S Chr.  20:20  36.1G.  Nell.  9:26.  Heb.  11:8.  v 9:8.  Gen.  18:2.  Ruth 2: 10. 
2 Chr.  21:20,21.  z3,'S.  a Gen.  23:8-16.  I Chr.  21 :22.  Jcr.  32:6-14.  b21:3 
—14.  Num.  16:47 — 50.  23:8.  Ps.  106:30.  cGen.  23:11.  1 Chr.  21.22.  1 Sam 


cease  in  the  punishment  of  him  and  his  family.  His  guilt 
indeed  occasioned  the  judgment:  but  the  people  were  far  from 
that  innocency  which  David  supposed ; for  their  wickedness 
was  in  reality  the  cause  of  the  calamity.  (Note,  1,2.)  His 
intercession  however  prevailed  : and  it  was  doubtless  in  an- 
swer to  his  prayer,  that  the  Lord  said  to  the  destroying  angel, 
u It  is  enough  : stay  now  thine  hand.” 

V.  18 — 25.  (Note,  1 Chr.  21:18 — 25,  i>.  20.)  Araunah,  or 
Ornon,  though  a Jebusite  by  birth,  seems  to  have  been  cor- 
dially attached  to  the  interests  of  David,  and  of  Israel ; and 
was  permitted  to  possess  a thrashing-floor,  and  some  conti- 
guous estate,  near  mount  Zion.  On  that  very  spot  the  angel 
of  the  Lord  appeared,  and  thence  spake  to  Gad,  (16.  1 Chr. 
21:18.)  that  he  should  order  David  to  build  an  altar  there; 
whose  ready  obedience  afforded  Araunah  an  opportunity  of 
showing  his  veneration  for  the  king,  his  affection  for  Israel, 
and  his  liberality  in  the  service  of  God  and  for  the  public  ad- 
vantage. With  a generosity  like  that  of  a king,  he  was  ready 
to  give  David  the  oxen,  thrashing-floor,  and  all  that  apper- 
tained to  it,  that  he  might  offer  the  appointed  sacrifices : but 
David  did  not  think  it  right  to  accept  of  them  as  a gift : and 
therefore  he  gave  him  fifty  shekels  of  silver  for  the  oxen  and 
the  wood,  and  six  hundred  shekels  of  gold  for  the  ground  ; for 
this  is  the  most  obvious  way  of  reconciling  this  account  with 
that  in  Chronicles.  (1  Chr.  21:25.)  There  the  sacrifices 
were  offered,  and  “ the  Lord  answered  by  fire  from  hea- 
ven (Notes,  Lev.  9:21.  1 Kings  18:38,39.  1 Chr.  21:26.  2 
Chr.  7:1 — 3.)  and  the  plague  was  stayed.  On  this  very  spot, 
bought  of  a Gentile,  the  temple  was  soon  after  built,  no  doubt, 
by  the  express  command  of  God.  (Note,  1 Chr.  22:1.  2 Chr. 
3:1.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  In  the  righteous  government  of  Godj  rulers  and 
their  subjects  have  a reciprocal  influence  on  one  another.  Like 
the  members  in  the  human  body,  they  are  interested  in  each 
other’s  conduct  and  welfare  ; and  cannot  sin  or  suffer  without 
being  mutually  affected. — When  the  wickedness  of  nations 
provokes  God,  he  leaves  princes  to  adopt  pernicious  measures, 
or  to  commit  atrocious  crimes,  which  bring  calamities  on  the 
eople  : ,and  when  the  ruler  commits  iniquity,  he  is  punished 
y the  diminution  of  his  power,  and  by  witnessing  the  distresses 
of  his  subjects.  Instead  therefore  of  mutual  recriminations 
under  public  calamities,  however  occasioned,  all  parties 
should  be  reminded  to  repent  of  their  own  sins,  and  to  prac- 
tise their  own  duties.  Princes  should  hence  be  instructed 
even  for  their  own  sakes,  to  repress  wickedness,  and  to  pro- 
mote righteousness  in  their  dominions,  as  well  as  to  set  a 
good  example  : and  the  people,  for  the  public  benefit,  should 
concur  in  salutary  measures,  and  pray  continually  for  their 
rulers. — The  remains  of  sin  live,  and  will  often  revive,  in  the 
best  of  men,  as  long  as  they  continue  in  this  world  : and  the 
wisest  are  soon  induced  to  do  very  foolishly,  when  God  leaves 
them  to  themselves,  and  permits  Satan  to  tempt  them : and 
against  this  there  is  no  security,  except  humble  watchfulness 
and  unceasing  prayer. — Pride,  in  all  its  varied  exercises,  is 
the  t in  of  fallen  man,  as  well  as  of  fallen  angels  : it  is  the  sub- 
stance of  spiritual  wickedness,  the  rival  and  enemy  of  the 
glory  and  authority  of  God,  and  equally  averse  to  the  sub- 
missive obedience  of  the  law,  and  the  sovereign  grace  of  the 
gospel.  (Notes,  Dan.  4:28 — 37.  Jam.  4:4— 6.)  Yet  this  hate- 
'll! evil  mixes  with  and  defiles  the  best  of  our  services.  Even 
the  believer  often  sacrilegiously  assumes  to  himself  the  glory 
which  belongs  to  God:  idolatrously  confides  in  himself,  or  in 
some  creature  : ostentatiously  pourts  that  admiration  and  ap- 
plause, of  which  the.  Lord  alone  is  worthy ; and  becomes  vain 
of  those  endowments  or  possessions,  which  he  had  no  share 
in  procuring,  and  cannot  secure  for  one  hour  ! Those,  who 
ire  altogether  proud,  God  will  resist  and  fight  against  to  their 
destruction:  and  he  will  detect  and  chastise  the  indulged 
pride  of  those  who,  upon  the  whole,  are  humbled  before  him  as 
mean,  sinful  creatures,  and  yet  inconsistently  value  and  prefer 
themselves  upon  some  incidental  advantages  1 (Notes,  2 Kings 
20:12 — 15.  2 Cor.  12:1 — 6.)  Through  this  hateful  princi- 

ple it  comes  to  pass,  that  we  so  readily  can  spy  a mote  in 
Vol.  I.— 74 


him  : beh<  <1,  here  be  boxen  for  burn ,1-sacrifice,  and 
thrashing  instruments  and  other  instruments  ol 
the  oxen  for  wood. 

23  All  these  things  did  AraunaTi,  'as  a king, 
give  unto  the  king.  And  Araunah  said  unto  the 
king,  ( the  Lord  thy  God  accept  thee. 

24  And  the  king  said  unto  Araunah,  gNay;  but 
I will  surely  buy  it  of  thee  at  a price  : neither  will 
1 offer  burnt-offerings  unto  the  Lord  my  God  o. 
that  which  doth  cost  me  nothing.  bSo  David 
bought  the  thrashing-floor  and  the  oxen  for  fifty 
shekels  of  silver. 

25  And  David  'built  there  an  altar  unto  the 
Lord,  and  offered  burnt-offerings  and  peace- 
offerings.  kSo  the  Lord  was  entreated  lor  the 
land,  and  the  plague  was  stayed  from  Israel. 

6:14.  1 Kings  19:21.  e Is.  32:8.  f Job  42:8.  Ps.  20:3,4.  Is.  60:7.  Ez.20:40,4L 
Hos.  8:13.  Rom.  15:30,31.  1 Tim.  2:1,2.  1 Pel.  2:5.  g Gen.  23:13.  1 Chr.  21l 
24.  Mnl.  1:12-14.  Rom.  12:17.  h 1 Chr.  21:23.  22:1.  i Gen.  8:20.  22:9.  1 Stow 
7:9,17.  k 14.21:14.  1 Chr.  21:26,27.  Lam.  3:32,33. 


our  brother’s  eye,  and  yet  remain  unconscious  of  a beam  in 
our  own  : so  that  even  ungodly  men  can  discern  those  evil 
tempers  and  that  unbecoming  conduct  in  eminent  believers, 
to  which  themselves  are  insensible!  (Note,  Matt.  7:3 — 5.) 
This  should  warn  Christians  to  walk  circumspectly,  lest  their 
mistakes  should  encourage  others  in  unbelief  and  ungodliness: 
and  it  is  sometimes  a part  of  our  chastisement  to  be  shamed 
and  rebuked  by  men  of  very  bad  characters.  Yet  those  who 
have  no  real  piety  may,  on  personal  and  relative  accounts,  be 
sincerely  attached  to  the  interests  of  true  Christians  ; and  m 
a certain  way  have  the  cause  of  religion  much  at  heart,  as  it 
happens  to  be  connected  with  that  of  their  party  or  their 
friends:  but  they  cannot  love  the  disciple  simply  because  he 
loves  and  bears  the  image  of  his  Master.  They  sometimes 
however  give  good  advice  supported  by  solid  arguments:  they 
can  foresee  consequences  which  the  believer  does  not  suspect, 
and  sincerely  endeavour  to  prevent  them;  and  they  can  min- 
gle their  expostulations  with  affectionate  good  wishes,  and  a 
kind  of  prayers  for  their  welfare  and  success.  These  things 
do  not  prove  a man  to  be  a partaker  of  the  grace  of  God ; but 
they  entitle  him  so  far  to  the  attention  of  godly  persons.  It  is 
indeed  a shame  for  us  to  require  and  delight  in  those  tilings, 
that  such  men  perceive  to  be  wrong : and  it  is  our  own  fault, 
if  we  do  not  in  many  ways  profit  by  their  advice  and  cautions. 
— But  when  authority  prevails  against  reason  and  truth,  per- 
nicious effects  must  follow : yet  this  is  so  common,  that  those 
who  possess  much  power  and  influence,  rarely  acquit  them- 
selves honourably  as  professors  of  godliness. — Men  seldom 
accomplish  to  good  purpose  those  services  in  which  they  re  • 
luctantly  engage : and  God  does  not  generally  allow  those 
whom  he  loves,  the  satisfactions  which  they  sinfully  covet. 

V.  10 — 25.  Where  grace  possesses  the  heart,  a man’3 
conscience,  on  reflection,  will  reproach  him  with  his  trans- 
gressions : and  he  will  not  only  be  frighted  and  distressed, 
(which  the  hypocrite  may  be,)  but  he  will  be  humbled  before 
God,  and  with  ingenuous  confessions  and  fervent  prayers,  seek 
forgiveness  from  him  ; sincerely  purposing  by  his  grace  no 
more  to  return  to  folly  : and  thus  a man’s  pride  will  prove  an 
occasion  of  increasiug  his  humility.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  32:24 — 26 
30 — 33,  v.  31.) — But  when  God  corrects  the  transgressions 
of  his  people  ; he  makes  them  by  the  anguish  of  theii  souls, 
in  the  great  straits  to  which  he  reduces  them,  taste  the  bitter- 
ness of  their  sins,  and  perceive  his  abhorrence  of  them.— 
Whatever  we  idolize,  or  grow  proud  of,  will  generally  be 
taken  from  us,  or  converted  into  a source  of  distress;  and  no 
aggravation  or  affliction  is  more  painful  to  generous  minds, 
than  the  reflection,  that  others  whom  they  love  are  suffering 
on  their  account.  This  is  a common  case  in  kingdoms  and 
families:  and  perhaps,  while  ministers  mourn  oves  the  state 
of  their  congregations  ; lhey*may  sometimes  profitably  inquire, 
whether  their  own  supineness,  pride,  and  desire  of  applause 
or  popularity  ; their  want  of  zeal  and  simplicity  ; their  self- 
indulgence,  or  conformity  to  the  world,  do  not  bring  a secret 
blight  upon  their  labours,  although  more  open  evils  do  not 
bring  a blot  upon  their  profession  ? and  whether  the  people’s 
souls  are  not  suffering  for  their  correction  ; and  to  bring  them 
to  deeper  humiliation,  greater  fervency  in  prayer,  and  a 
more  simple,  spiritual  frame  of  mind,  and  devotedness  to 
God  ? And  surely  we  should  choose  to  be  chastened  in  our 
own  persons,  rather  than  that  the  blessing  should  be  withheld 
from  our  congregations:  for,  though  the  Lord  is  righteous  in 
these  dispensations  ; yet  the  people  have  not  deserved  at  our 
hands,  that  we  should  occasion  this  evil  to  them. — Grace 
teaches  men  to  condemn  themselves  rather  than  others,  anc 
to  seek  the  interests  of  their  fellow-creatures  in  many  respects 
before  their  own^  apd  earnest  prayers  offered  in  this  temper  of 
mind,  by  those  who  unreservedly  cast  themselves  on  the  mer- 
cies of  the  Lord,  are  very  prevalent.  For  “ he  is  slow  to  anger 
and  ready  to  forgive :”  and  he  never  fails  of  his  promises, 
though  he  readily  recedes  from  his  threatenings  in  behalf 
of  the  humbled  sinner. — If  the  power  of  angels,  as  it  appears 
in  this  chapter,  is  so  terrible,  what  is  that  of  the  Almighty 
Creator  ! and  as  they  are  so  obedient  to  their  Maker’s  word, 
and  so  prompt  in  executing  his  will ; we  ought  carefully  to 
( 585  > 


b.  c.  mi5. 


1.  KINGS 


B.  C.  1013- 


imitate  them,  especially  in  the  delightful  service  of  “ minis- 
tering to  the  heirs  of  salvation.” — Death  is  continually,  and 
"m  so  many  forms  and  so  suddenly,  destroying  all  around,  that 
it  is  madness  not  to  be  expecting  and  preparing  for  the  closing 
scene. — Through  the  great  sacrifice  and  intercession  of  the 
Saviour,  the  chief  of  sinners  may  approach  a reconciled  God : 
and,  being  justified  by  faith  in  his  blood,  may  become  his  ser- 
vant and  child,  and  be  made  meet  for  his  eternal  kingdom. 
This  message,  the  ministers  of  God  propose  to  men,  that 
they  may  “ advise,  and  consider  what  answer  they  will  return 
to  him  that  sent  them  and  they  affectionately  long  that  sin- 
ners would  thankfully  accept  of  this  great  salvation.  Though 
men  are  required  to  forsake  sin,  to  renounce  the  world  and 
its  friendship,  and  to  deny  themselves,  if  they  would  be 


1 Christ’s  disciples : yet  surely  this  need  not  reduce  them  to  a 
great  strait  ; for  he  will  supply  every  want,  make  up  every 
loss,  and  give  them  a hundred-fold  more  in  this  preset  time, 
for  all  which  they  part  with  for  his  sake. — Grace  will  teach 
men  liberality  when  the  honour  of  God  and  the  good  of  hi- 
people  require  it : and  extraordinary  occasions  requirr  extra 
ordinary  disinterestedness.  But  we  should  not  encroach  cu 
those  who  are  willing  to  give,  or  prefer  a cheap  religion.  All 
we  possess  and  are  belongs  to  God,  and  we  should  desire  to 
; employ  in  his  immediate  service,  that  measure  of  our  time 
and  substance  which  he  requires : and  while  we  simply  follow 
his  directions,  we  shall  speedily  obtain  the  comfort  of  his 
pardoning  love,  and  also  bo  instrumental  in  averting  hia 
I wrath  from  others. 


THE 

FIRST  BOOK  OF  THE  KINGS, 

COB1MONLY  CALLED 

THE  THIRD  BOOK  OF  THE  KINGS. 


Tre  t>vo  following  boo ks  contain,  as  their  name  imports,  the  history  of  Judah  aud  Israel,  under  the  government  of  kings,  from  the 
close  of  David’s  reign  to  the  Babylonish  captivity,  during  about  four  hundred  and  twenty-seven  years.  They  seem  originally  to 
have  formed  but  one  book  ; but  they  were  afterwards  divided  into  two,  and  called  “ The  first  and  second  books  of  the  Kings  and 
In  some  versions,  “ The  third  and  fourth  books  of  the  Kings;”  as  the  two  books  of  Samuel  are,  in  the  Septuagint  and  in  the 
Vulgate,  called  “ The  first  and  the  second  books  of  the  Kings.” — It  is  evident,  that  they  contain  an  abstract  of  the  history,  compiled 
from  much  more  copious  records,  which  seem  to  have  been  collected  and  preserved  by  contemporary  prophets.  (11:41.  14:29.  15: 
31.  22:39,45.  2 Chr.  9:29.  12:15.  13:22.  20:34.  26:22.)  Indeed  a considerable  part  of  the  transactions  of  their  own  times  is  recorded 
in  connexion  with  the  prophecies  of  Isaiah,  Jeremiah,  and  Ezekiel.  It  is,  however,  uncertain  by  whom  this  compilation  was  marie  : 
but,  if  Ezra,  as  it  is  generally  and  probably  supposed,  compiled  the  books  of  Chronicles  ; it  is  not  likely,  that,  (according  to  the 
opinion  of  some  learned  men)  he  compiled  these  also  : as  they  form  a distinct  history  of  the  same  times.  If,  therefore,  they  were 
arranged  in  the  present  manner,  principally  by  one  sacred  writer,  those,  who  ascribe  them  to  Jeremiah,  seem  to  have  adopted  the 
more  probable  opinion.  Indeed,  the  second  book  of  the  Kings  and  his  prophecy  end  with  the  narrative  of  the  same  events  ; though 
perhaps,  both  were  added  after  his  death  by  another  hand:  and  it  is  not  unlikely  that  some  other  trivial  alterations  were  made  in 
the  days  of  Ezra,  to  render  the  narrative  more  perspicuous  to  the  Jews  after  the  captivity. — They  have,  however,  been  constantly 
received,  both  by  Jews  and  Christians,  as  a part  of  the  sacred  canon,  the  holy  Scriptures  : and  the  events  recorded  are  frequently 
referred  to  in  the  New  Testament.  {Matt.  1:7 — 12.  6:29.  12:42.  Luke  4:25 — 27.  Acts  2:29.  7:47 — 50.  Jam.  5:17, IS.)  It  is  observable 
also,  that  our  Lord  and  his  apostle  James  not  only  speak  of  them  as  authentic  records,  and  apart  of  the  sacred  oracles  as  received 
by  the  Jews  ; but  especially  attest  some  of  the  most  wonderful  miracles  recorded  in  them  ; and  thus  affix  a direct  sanction  to  them, 
as  given  by  inspiration  of  God. — They  also  contain  many  prophecies  ; especially  that  of  Josiah,  who  was  foretold  by  name  three 
hundred  years  before  his  birth  : ( Note , 1 Kings  13:2. )‘  but  none  of  these  predictions,  in  their  most  evident  literal  meaning*  refer  to 
events  later  than  the  Babylonish  captivity. — After  the  death  of  David,  the  sacred  historian  records  the  principal  transactions  of 
Solomon’s  long  and  peaceable  reign  ; which,  however,  was  covered  with  a dark  cloud  towards  the  close  : and  under  his  successor, 
the  nation  was  divided  into  the  two  distinct  kingdoms  of  Judah  and  Israel. — The  descendants  of  Solomon  reigned  over  that  of 
Judah  till  the  captivity,  for  about  three  hundred  and  eighty-seven  years.  So  that  from  the  accession  of  David,  during  a course  of 
four  hundred  and  sixty-seven  years,  the  throne  was  filled  by  his  descendants,  in  lineal  descent,  except  as  the  sons  of  Josiah 
succeeded  one  another.  During  this  longterm  of  years  there  was  not  a single  revolution,  or  civil  war  ; and  hut  one  short  interruption, 
by  Athaliah’s  usurpation.  Perhaps  it  would  be  difficult  to  find,  in  universal  history,  any  thing  equal  to  this  permanent  internal 
order  and  tranquillity.  Let  the  reader  recollect  how  many  revolutions,  civil  wars,  murders  of  reigning  kings  by  rivals  and 
successors,  and  changes  in  the  succession,  are  found  in  the  English  history,  during  the  same  number  of  years. — Above  half  the 
kings  of  Judah  supported  true  refigion,  and  several  of  them  were  eminently  pious  men  : and  it  is  remarkable  that  their  reigns 
were  much  longer  than  those  of  fne  wicked  princes;  (11:42.  15:10.  22:42.  2 Kings  15:2,33.  18:2.  22:1.,  so  that  they  comprise 
much  above  three  hundred  years  of  this  period  ; and  the  greatest  pan  of  this  time  was  evidently  passed,  either  in  profound  peace, 
or  in  remarkable  prosperity.  Let  this  state  of  things  be  compared  with  the  history  of  Greece  or  Rome  ; and  the  situation  of  Judah 
must  be  allowed  to  have  been  exceedingly  more  desirable,  than  that  of  these  celebrated  heathen  nations. — The  kingdom  of  Israel 
continued  about  two  hundred  and  fifty-four  years,  till  the  Assyrian  captivity.  The  nineteen  kings,  of  several  families,  who,  during 
this  period,  reigned  in  succession,  were  all  idolaters,  and  most  of  them  monsters  of  Iniquity:  yet  the  Lord  by  his  prophets,  especially 
by  Elijah  and  Elisha,  preserved  a considerable  degree  of  true  religion  in  the  land,  till  the  measure  of  their  national  wickedness 
was  full;  and  then  they  were  finally  dispersed  among  the  Gentiles:  except  as  a remnant  of  them  was  in  various  ways,  and  at 
different  times,  incorporated  among  the  Jews. — In  these  hooks  the  history  of  the  two  kingdoms  is  carried  on  together : and  tho 
whole  forms  an  admirable  comment  on  the  prophecies  delivered  to  the  nation  by  Moses  ana  Joshua  : {Notes,  Lev.  26:  Deut.  4:  28: 
29:  30:  31:  32:  Josh.  23:15,16.)  and  a striking  illustration  of  the  proverb,  “ Righteousness  exalteth  a nation  ; but  sin  is  the  reproach 
of  any  people.” — This  first  book  contains  the  history  of  about-  a hundred  and  twenty  years.  Connected  with  the  peace  and 
prosperity  of  Solomon’s  reign,  and  the  fame  of  his  wisdom,  a full  account  is  given  of  the  temple  having  been  built  by  him.  God 
nad  commanded  Israel  to  offer  all  their  sacrifices  at  one  place;  Shiloh  had  for  some  time  been  that  place  ; and  the  ark  had 
been  removed  to  Zion,  by  David,  in  order  that  a temple  might  there  be  built,  which  Solomon  his  son  accomplished.  {Note,  DeuL 
12:5 — 7.)  A large  proportion  of  the  subsequent  parts  o’f  the  Old  Testament  relate  to  this  temple  ; to  the  sins  of  the  people  in 
sacrificing  elsewhere  ; to  their  profanation  of  the  temple  ; to  the  judgments  of  God  upon  them  fm*  these  crimes  ; especially  to  the 
destruction  of  the  temple  by  the  Chaldeans  ; and  to  the  rebuilding  of  it  by  Zerubbabel  : and  these  things  so  •run  tnroufl^i  nil  tho 
subsequent  history  and  prophecies  ; that  if'  Sffiomon  did  not  build  the  temple  by  the  express  command  of  God,  it  must  fol  ow,  that 
God  punished  the  nation  with  tremendous  judgments  for  violating  merely  human  appointments.— -When  the  Samaritans  preferred 
mount  Gerizim,  our  Lord  told  the  woman  of  Samaria,  that  they  “ knew  not  what  they  worshipped,  for  salvation  was  of  the  Jews 
and  this  declaration,  with  his  own  constant  attendance  at  the  ordinances  administered  at  the  temple  In  Jerusalem,  sufficiently  attest 
the  divine  inspiration  of  those  records,  in  which  alone  it  is  expressly  declared,  that  Solomon  built  the  temple  by  the  direction  and 
appointment  of  God  himself. — Solomon’s  fall  into  idolatry  seems  evidently  implied  in  the  book  of  Ecclesiastes  : and  the  history  o 
Rehoboam’s  imprudence,  the  division  of  his  kingdom,  Jeroboam’s  idolatry,  and  tho  subsequent  events  to  tho  end  of  the  bocjci  aro 
assumed  as  undoubted  facts  in  the  writings  of  all  the  prophets  So  entirely  does  the  whole  canon  of  Scripture  coincide  ; whi'u 
each  part  confirms,  and  receives  confirmation  from,  all  tho  rest. 

( 586  ) 


B.  C. 1015 


CHAPTER  I.  B.  C.  1015. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Abishof  it  procured,  to  writh  David,  in  hit  old-age  and  sickness,  1—4.  Ado- 
nijah  gntns  over  Joab  and  Abiathar,  and  aspires  to  the  throne,  5 — 10.  Na- 
than counsels  liathsheba,  who  speaks  to  David,  and  is  seconded  by  Nathan, 
11 — 27.  David  assures  tialh-sheba,  by  an  oath,  that  Solomon  shall  succeed 
him  ; an  l give* *  orders  that  he  should,  that  day,  be  anointed  and  proclaimed 
king,  28—37.  Zadok,  lienaiah,  and  Nathan,  zealously  execute  these 
orders,  and  the  people  rejoice,  33 — 40.  Jonathan  informs  Adonijah  and  his 
company  ; and  they  hastily  disperse,  41 — 49.  Adonijah  fees  to  the  horns  of 
the  altar,  and  obtains  from  Solomon  a conditional  pardon,  50—53. 

NOW  king  David  was  "old  band  'stricken  in 
years ; and  they  covered  him  with  clothes, 
but  he  gat  no  heat.  , 

2  Wherefore  his  servants  said  unto  him,  fLet 
there  be  sought  for  my  lord  the  king  la  young 
virgin  : and  let  her  dstand  before  the  king,  and  let 
her  ^cherish  him,  and  let  her  'lie  in  thy  bosom, 
that  my  lord  the  king  may  fget  heat. 

3  So  ethey  sought  for  a fair  damsel  throughout 
all  the  coasts  of  Israel,  and  found  hAbishag  a 
‘Shunammite,  and  brought  her  to  the  king. 

4  And  the  damsel  was  very  fair,  and  cherished 
the  king,  and  ministered  to  him : but  the  king 
• kknevv  her  not. 

5  H Then  ‘Adonijah  the  son  of  Haggith  "'ex- 
alted himself,  saying,  nI  will  “be  king : and  °he 
prepared  him  chariots  and  horsemen,  and  fifty 
men  to  run  before  him. 

6  And  his  father  Phad  not  displeased  him  ’’at 
any  time  in  saying,  Why  hast  thou  done  so  ? 
and  he  also  was  a 5 very  goodly  man  ; and  his 
mother  'bare  him  after  Absalom. 

7  And  "he  'conferred  with  ‘Joab  the  son  of 


a 2 Sam.  5:4.  1 Chr.  23:1.  29:27,23.  Pa.  90:10.  b Gen.  18:11. 24:1.  Luke  1:7. 

• Heb.  entered  into  days.  J'osh.  23: 1,2.  marg.  t Heb.  Let  them  seek.  } Heb. 
a damsel,  a virgin,  d Dent.  10:8.  I Sam.  16:21,22.  2 Chr.  29:11.  § Heb.  be 

a cherisher  unto  him.  e Gen.  16:5.  Dent.  13:6.  ° Sam.  12:3.  Mic.  7:5.  f Ec. 
4:11.  g Esth.2:2— 4 h 2:17-25.  i Josh.  19:18.  1 Sam.  28:4  2 Kings  4:8,25. 
k Math,  1:25.  1 2 Sam.  3:4.  1 Chr.  3:2.  mil.  2:24.  Ex. 9:17.  Prov.  16: 
18.18:12.  Luke  14:11.  18:14.  n Deut.  17:15.  Judg.  9:2.  1 Chr.  22:5— 11 . 
28:5.29:1.  ||  Heb.  reign,  o Deut.  17:16.  2 Sam.  15:1.  Is.  2:7.  p 1 Sam. 

8:13.  Prov.  22:15.  23:13,14.  29:15.  Heb.  12:5,6.  IT  Heb.  from  his  days. 
o l Sam.  9:2. 10:23.  2 Sam.  14:25.  r 2 Sam.  3:3,4.  1 Chr.  3:2.  **  Heb  .his 


NOTES. — Chap.  I.  V.  1 — 4.  David  was  seventy  years 
oid  when  he  died,  and  these  events  occurred  not  long  before. 
He  seems  to  have  been  a healthy  man : yet  his  constitution 
was  entirely  worn  out ; perhaps  in  some  measure  through 
his  great  exertions  in  his  various  wars. — The  counsel  of  his 
courtiers,  or  physicians,  (if  they  may  be  so  called,)  to  excite 
in  him  a due  degree  of  animal  heat,  especially  when  we 
advert  to  the  pains  bestowed  to  find  out  a very  fair  damsel 
"or  the  purpose,  deserves  much  censure : though  similar 
advice  has  been  given  in  other  ages  and  countries.  We 
may  suppose,  that  David  acceded  to  it  merely  in  compliance 
with  their  wishes,  and  in  deference  to  their  judgment;  but 
the  appearance  was  not  at  all  becoming  his  character,  and 
circumstances.  (Marg.  Ref.  Mote,  2:15 — 18.) 

V.  5,  6.  Adonijah  could  not  be  ignorant,  that  Solomon 
had  been  appointed  by  God  himself  to  succeed  David  in  the 
kingdom;  (Motes,  2 Sam.  7:12 — 1G.  1 Chr.  22:6 — 10.  23:1. 
28:5.)  and  his  whole  conduct  shows,  that  he  considered 
Solomon  only  as  his  rival.  After  the  death  of  Absalom, 
Adonijah  was  David’s  eldest  son : and  no  doubt  he  con- 
sidered the  kingdom  as  his  birthright,  and  confided  in  the 
support  of  the  people  to  seize  upon  it : without  any  regard 
to  his  father,  or  to  the  revealed  will  of  God. — It  is  remark- 
able how  frequently  the  first-born  were  set  aside  by  his 
express  appointment.  In  the  ordinary  course  of  things,  it 
is  expedient  that  the  primogeniture  should  have  the  pre- 
cedency ; and  the  judicial  law  of  Moses,  (as  well  as  the 
civil  laws  of  most  nations,)  was  formed  accordingly.  But 
he  examples  of  Jacob,  Judah,  the  sons  of  Joseph,  David, 
Solomon,  and  others,  prove  that  this  is  not  grounded  on 
moral  obligation : that  it  is  not  divine,  or  unalterable,  or  to 
be  put  in  competition  with  the  welfare  of  whole  nations,  and 
the  liberty  and  rights  of  all  the  rest  of  mankind  ; according 
to  the  sentiments  of  some  authors,  who  most  absurdly  ground 
their  doctrine  upon  the  word  of  God,  though  it  is  evidently 
contradictory  to  it ! — Absalom  had  been  displeased  with 
his  father,  though  most  unjustly,  because  of  the  disgrace 
under  wnich  he  laid  him  for  the  murder  of  Amnon:  (Mote, 
2 Sam.  14:28,29.)  but  David  had  never  given  Adonijah 
the  least  cause  of  displeasure  ; except  that,  in  obedience 
to  God,  he  intended  and  appointed  Solomon  to  be  his  suc- 
cessor. It  is  probable,  that  Adonijah  was  of  an  impe- 
rious disposition ; and  David  very  imprudently  indulged  him, 
and  never  restrained  or  reproved  him  in  any  matter.  This 
was  David’s  fault : for  he  ought  to  have  exerted  his  autho- 
rity, and  kept  him  in  subjection ; but  at  the  same  time 
t aggravated  Adonijah’s  contempt  and  ingratitude.  He 
seems  to  have  greatly  resembled  his  elder  brother  Absa- 
om  : like  him  he  was  too  much  indulged,  and  beloved  on 
account  of  his  exterior  accomplishments ; and  like  him,  he 
affected  royai  pomp  aad  magnificence:  (Notes,  2 Sam.  14:25 
- 2".  15:1 — 6.)  and  he  succeeded  to  his  ambitious  projects, 


Zeruiah,  and  with  “Abiathar  the  priest:  aid  they, 
^following  Adonijah  helped  him. 

8 But  vZ;tdok  the  priest;  and  Benaiah  the  sou 
of  Jehoiada,  and  ’’Nathan  the  prophet,  and 
rShimei,  and  Rei,  and  'the  mighty  men  which  be- 
longed to  David,  were  not  with  Adonijah. 

9 And  Adonijah  “slew  sheep,  and  oxen,  and  fat 
cattle,  by  the  stone  of  Zoheleth,  which  is  by^En- 
rogel,  and  bcailed  all  his  brethren  the  king’s  sens, 
and  all  the  men  of  Judah  the  king’s  servants: 

10  But  'Nathan  the  prophet,  and  Benaiah,  and 
the  mighty  men,  and  Solomon  his  brother,  he 

Called  not.  f Practical  Observations.'] 

11  Wherefore  dNathan  spake  unto  Bath- 
sheba  the  mother  of  Solomon,  saying.  Hast  thou 
not  heard  that  'Adonijah  the  son  of  Haggith  doth 
reign,  and  David  our  lord  knoweth  it  not? 

12  Now  therefore  come,  Met  me,  I pray  thee, 
give  thee  counsel,  that  thou  mayest  «save  thine 
own  life  and  hthe  life  of  thy  son  Solomon. 

13  Go,  and  get  thee  in  unto  king  David,  and 
say  unto  him,  Didst  not  thou,  my  lord,  O king, 
swear  unto  thy  handmaid,  saying,  ‘Assuredly 
Solomon  thy  son  shall  reign  after  me,  and  he  shall 
isit  upon  my  throne  ? why  then  doth  Adonijah 
reign  ? 

14  Behold,  while  thou  yet  talkest  there  with  the 
king,  kI  also  will  come  in  after  thee,  and  ^confirm 
thy  words. 

15  H And  Bath-sheba  went  in  unto  the  king 


words  were  with,  s 2Snm.  15:12.  Ps.  2:2.  t 2:28.  2 Sam.  8: 16.  20:23.  u 1 Sam. 
22:20 — 23.  2 Sam.  15:24 — 29,35.  20:25.  ft  Heb.  helved  after  Adonijah.  2:22,26 
—35.  v 2:35.  2 Sam.  8: 17,18.  20:2-5.  1 Chr.  27:5.6.  Ez.  44:15.  x 2 Sam.  7: 
2—4.  12:11—15.  y 4:18.  Zech.  12:13.  z.  2 Sam.  23:8— 39.  1 Chr.  11:10—47. 
a 2 Sam.  15:12.  Prov.  15:8.  jtf  O r,  thewell  Roge! . 2 Sam.  17.17.  b 2 Sam.  13: 
23—27.15:11.  c8:19.  cl  2 Sam.  7: 12— 17.  12:24,25.  1 Chr.  22:9,10.  28:4,5.  29: 1 . 
e See  on  5.  f Prov.  11:14.20:18.27:9.  Jer.  38:15.  g 21.  Gen.  19:17.  Acts  27, 
31.  h Judg.  9:5.  2 Kings  11:1.  2 Chr.  21:4.  22:10.  Matt.  21:38.  i See  cm  1 1, 
17,30.  j 17,24,30,35,48.2:12.  Pent.  17:18.  1 Chr.  29:23.  Ps.  132:11,12.  Is.  9:7. 
Jer.  33:21.  Luke  1:32.33.  k 17— 27.  2Cor.  13:1.  §§  Htb.Jillup. 


though  he  concealed  and  deferred  them,  till  his  father  was, 
as  he  supposed,  finally  incapacitated  for  business. 

V.  7.  It  seems  wonderful  that  Joab  and  .Abiathar,  who 
were  persons  of  years,  experience,  and  capacify  ; who  had 
long  attended  on  David,  and  were  highly  preferred  under 
him  ; and  who  doubtless  understood  his  intentions  concern- 
ing Solomon,  should  at  last  concur  in  Adonijah’s  conspiracy ! 
But  perhaps  Joab,  though  attached  to  David,  was  not  favour- 
able to  Solomon,  and  preferred  Adonijah  as  more  congenial 
with  his  own  disposition.  Being  destitute  of  piety,  he  disre- 
garded the  divine  appointment,  and  deemed  it  more  politic 
to  place  the  eldest  son  upon  the  throne ; and  no  wrong  to 
David,  who,  he  might  think,  injured  Adonijah  in  preferring 
his  younger  brother.  Perhaps  he  was  still  afraid  of  being 
called  to  account  for  his  murders ; and  hoped  to  secure  him- 
self, to  continue  his  preferment,  and  to  increase  his  influence, 
by  hclpirtg  Adonijah  to  the  kingdom : and  it  may  be  supposed, 
that  he  secretly  resented  David’s  conduct  in  attempting  to 
lay  him  aside,  and  to  put  Amasa  in  his  place.  (Notes,  2 
Sam.  19:9 — 15.  20:6 — 10.) — Abiathar,  though  high-priest, 
seems  to  have  been  less  regarded  by  David  than  Zadok 
was:  (Note,  2 Sam.  15:24 — 29.)  and  perhaps  he  suspected 
that  Solomon  would  set  his  family  aside,  in  favour  of  the 
line  of  Eleazer  to  which  Zadok  belonged.  But  by  attaching 
himself  to  Adonijah,  he  hastened  that  event,  and  showed, 
that  David  had  good  reasons  for  preferring  Zadok,  who  pro- 
bably was  a man  of  much  deeper  and  more  serious  religion. 
(Notes,  2:26,27,35.  1 Sam.  2:31—36.  Ez.  44:15,16.) 

V.  8 — 10.  Adonijah  knew  that  it  would  be  in  vain  and 
dangerous  to  tamper  with  Zadok,  Nathan,  and  Benaiah, 
who  were  firmly  attached  to  the  cause  of  Solomon,  as  well 
as  to  that  of  David. — It  is  highly  improbable,  that  Shimei, 
the  son  of  Gera,- would  he  much  regarded  by  either  party. 
(Notes,  2:8,9,36—46.  2 Sam.  16:5—14.  19:19—23.)  Solo- 
mon afterwards  preferred  a person  of  this  name:  (4:18.)  and 
probably  he  was  a man  of  considerable  consequence.  ( Note , 
Zech.  12:9 — 14.) — We  know  nothing  further  of  Rei,  but  no 
doubt  he  also  was  a person  of  rank  and  great  influence. — 
The  mighty  men  were  the  chieftains  before  enumerated.  (2 
Sam.  23:8—39.) — It  is  most  likely  that  Adonijah  made  a 
solemn  sacrifice,  as  well  as  a magnificent  feast,  on  the  occa- 
sion ; and  thus  he  concealed  his  designs,  till  ripe  for  execu- 
tion. (Note,  2 Sam.  15:7 — 9.)— «En-rogel  was  in  the  vicinity 
of  Jerusalem.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  11 — 14.  Solomon  could  not  be  ignorant  of  Adonijah’s 
intentions,  of  which  he  made  no  secret : but  he  remained 
quiet,  and  left  his  cause  with  God.  His  life  and  succession 
were  secured  by  promise:  yet  it  was  proper  that  Nathan 
and  Bath-sheba  should  use  prudent  means  for  his  preser 
vation,  and  the  maintenance  of  his  right.  Had  Adonijah 
succeeded,  he  would,  no  doubt,  have  put  Solomon  and  Bath- 
sheba  to  death : for  the  history  of  the  world  demonstrates, 
( 587  ) 


B.  C 015. 


I.  KINGS.  B.  C.  1015 


into  the  chamber : and  the  king  was  'very  old  ; 
and  Abishag  the  Shunaininite  ministered  unto  the 
king. 

16  And  Bath-sheba  "'bowed,  and  did  obeisance 
unto  the  king.  "And  the  king  said,  ‘What 
wouidest  thou? 

17  And  she  said  unto  him,  “My  lord,  rthou 
swearest  by  the  Lord  thy  God  unto  thy  hand- 
maid, saying , Assuredly  Solomon  thy  son  shall 
reign  after  me,  and  he  shall  sit  upon  my  throne. 

18  And  now,  behold,  ‘'Adonijah  reigneth;  and 
now,  my  lord  the  king,  rthou  knowest  it  not : 

19  And  she  hath  slain  oxen,  and  fat  cattle,  and 
sheep  in  abundance,  and  hath  called  all  the  sons 
of  the  king,  and  Abiathar  the  priest,  and  Joab 
the  captain  of  the  host:  but  Solomon  thy  servant 
hath  he  not  called. 

20  And  thou,  my  lord,  0 king,  ‘the  eyes  of  all 
Israel  are  upon  thee,  that  "thou  shouldest  tell  them 
who  shall  sit  on  the  throne  of  my  lord  the  king 
after  him. 

21  Otherwise  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when 
my  lord  the  king  shall  vsleep  with  his  fathers, 
that  I and  my  son  Solomon  shall  be  counted  'of- 
fenders. 

22  ’ll  And  lo,  “while  she  yet  talked  with  the 
king,  Nathan  the  prophet  also  came  in. 

23  And  they  told  the  king,  saying,  Behold, 
Nathan  the  prophet.  And  when  he  was  come  in 
before  the  king,  ?he  bowed  himself  before  the  king 
with  his  face  to  the  ground. 

24  And  Nathan  said,  My  lord,  0 king,  “hast 
thou  said,  Adonijah  shall  “reign  after  me,  and  he 
shall  sit  upon  my  throne  ? 

25  For  he  is  gone  down  this  day,  and  hath 
bslain  oxen,  and  fat  cattle,  and  sheep  in  abundance, 
and  hath  called  all  the  king’s  sons,  and  the  cap- 
tains of  the  host,  and  Abiathar  the  priest:  and 
behold,  they  eat  and  drink  before  him,  and  say, 
'God  save  king  Adonijah. 

26  But  me,  even  _cme  thy  servant,  and  Zadok 
the  priest,  and  Benaiah  the  son  of  Jehoiada,  and 
thy  servant  Solomon,  hath  he  not  called. 

27  Is  this  thing  done  by  my  lord  the  king,  dand 
thou  hast  not  showed  it  unto  thy  servant,  who 

12-4.  rn21  1 Sam.  2001.  24:8. 25:23.  n 2:20.  Esth.7;2.  Matt.20:21, 

32.  * Heb.  What  lo  theej  o Gen.  18:1*2.  1 Pet.  3:6.  p 13,30.  q 5,24. 

2 Sum.  15:10.  r 11,24,27.  Acts3:17.  b See  on  7— 10.  25.  t 2 Chr.  20: 12. 
Ps.  23:15.  123:2.  Zech.  3:9.  u 2 Sam.  23:2.  1 Chr.  22:8— 10.  27:5.6,10.  29:1 . 
v Sue  on  2:10.  Gen.  15:15.  Dent.  31:16.  | Heb.  sinners.  2:15,22 — 24.  x Gen. 
24:15.  Job  1 16— 18.  Dan.  9:20.  v See  on  16.  Root  13:7.  1 l et.  2:17.  7.  14, IS. 
a 5,13,17.  bSeeonO.  1 Sam.  1 i:  14,15.  1 Chr.  29:41—' 23.  % Heb.  Let  king 

A lonijah  live . 34.  1 .Sam.  10:24.  2 Sam.  16:16.  2 Kings  11:12.  2 Chr.  23:11. 
margins.  Matt.  21:9.  Mark  11:9,10.  Luke  19:38.  c8.19.  2 Sam.  7:2,12— 17.12: 
25.  d 24.  2 Kings  4:27.  John  15:15.  $ Heb.  before  the  Icing,  e 2:24.  17:1.  18: 
10.  Judg.  8:19.  1 Sam.  14:39,45.  19:6.20:21.  2 Sam.  12:5.  2 Kings  4:60.  5: 16,20. 
f Gen.  48:16.  2 Sam.  4:9.  Ps.  34: 19— 22.  72:14.  136:24.  138:7.  g See  on  13,17. 


that  when  men  are  aspiring  after  dominion,  they  are  easily 
tempted  to  the  most  enormous  crimes,  which  seem  neces- 
sary for  their  purpose,  even  when  most  contrary  to  their 
apparent  natural  disposition.  (Notes,  Judg.  9:4 — 6.  2 Kings 
11:1,2.  Mott.  2:3—0,16—18.) 

V.  15 — 18.  It  is  not  recorded  on  what  occasion  David 
sware  to  Bath-sheba  that  Solomon  should  succeed  him  : but 
It  is  supposed  with  probability,  that  it  took  place  after  Absa- 
lom’s rebellion  ; and  as  God  himself  had  settled  the  succes- 
sion, he  might  very  properly  give  her  this  assurance. — David 
was  aware  that,  Adonijah  had  taken  great  stale  upon  him  ; 
but  he  did  not  know  that  he  had  actually  advanced  a claim 
to  the  kingdom:  this  both  enhanced  Adonijah’s  crime,  and 
pleaded  David’s  excuse. 

V.  20.  The  people  knew,  that  “the  Spirit  of  the  Lord 
snake  by  David,  and  his  word  was  in  his  tongue:”  (Note,  2 
Sum.  23:1,2.)  and  they  had  great  confidence  in  his  wisdom, 
piety,  and  affection.  They  therefore  waited  to  know  the 
will  of  God  from  him.  David,  though  anointed  to  the  king- 
dom, did  not.  assume  regal  authority  at  first,  without  the 
concurrence  of  the  elders  of  Judah  and  Israel:  (Notes,  2 

Sam.  2:4.  5:1 — 5.)  and  after  Absalom’s  rebellion,  he  did  not 
return  to  the  exorcise  of  it  without  their  approbation.  (Note, 
2 Sam.  19:9 — 15.)  He  could  not  therefore  claim  a right  to 
dispose  of  the  kingdom  by  will,  as  if  it  had  been  his  own 
rivate  property,  according  to  the  statement  of  some  writers  ; 
ut  he  might  very  properly  inform  the  people  of  the  Lord’s 
appointment  in  that  behalf:  (Note,  1 Sam..  8:19 — 22.)  and 
go  far  were  they  from  eagerly  joining  Adonijah,  as  they  had 
done  Absalom ; that  they  remained  in  suspense,  till  his 
determination  was  notified. 

V.  23.  He.  bowed,  &o.]  The  exterior  indications  of  civil 
honour,  tr  persons  in  authority,  were  generally  rendcrod  by 
(ho  most  eminent  servants  and  prophets  of  God.  The  refusal 
( 588  ) 


should  sit  on  the  throne  of  my  lord  the  king  after 

' [ Practical  Observations.) 

28  11  Then  king  David  answered  and  said,  Call 
me  Bath-sheba.  And  she  came  §into  the  king’s 
presence,  and  stood  before  the  king. 

29  And  the  king  sware,  and  said,  eAs  the 
Lord  liveth,  that  fhath  redeemed  my  soul  out  of 
all  distress, 

30  Even  eas  I sware  unto  thee  by  the  Lord 
God  of  Israel,  saying,  Assuredly  Solomon  thy  son 
shall  reign  after  me,  and  he  shall  sit  upon  my 
throne  in  my  stead ; even  so  will  I certainly  do 
this  day. 

31  Then  Bath-sheba  bowed  with  her  face  to 
the  earth,  and  hdid  reverence  to  the  king,  and 
said,  ‘Let  my  lord  king  David  live  for  ever. 

32  H And  king  David  said,  Call  me  kZadok  the 
priest,  and  Nathan  the  prophet,  and  Benaiah 
the  son  of  Jehoiada.  And  they  came  before  the 
king. 

33  The  king  also  said  unto  them,  Take  with 
you  the  servants  of  your  lord,  and  cause  Solomon 
my  son  'to  ride  upon  "mine  own  mmule,  and  bring 
him  down  to  “Gihon  : 

34  And  let  “Zadok  the  priest  and  Nathan  the 
prophet  anoint  him  there  king  over  Israel : and 
rblow  ye  with  the  trumpet,  and  say,  iGod  save 
king  Solomon. 

35  Then  ye  shall  come  up  after  him,  that  he 
may  come  and  rsit  upon  my  throne ; for  he  shall 
be  king  in  my  stead : and  “I  have  appointed  him 
to  be  ruler  over  Israel  and  over  Judah. 

36  And  Benaiah  the  son  of  Jehoiada  answered 
the  king,  and  said,  ‘Amen  : “the  Lord  God  of  my 
lord  the  king  say  so  too. 

37  As  “the  Lord  hath  been  with  my  lord  the 
king,  even  so  be  he  with  Solomon,  vatid  make  his 
throne  greater  than  the  throne  of  my  lord  king 
David. 

38  So  zZadok  the  priest,  and  Nathan  the  pro- 
phet, and  Benaiah  the  son  of  Jehoiada,  and  “the 
Cherethites,  and  the  Pelethites,  went  down,  and 
caused  Solomon  to  ride  upon  bking  David’s  mule, 
and  brought,  him  to  Gihon. 

39  And  Zadok  the  priest  took  ca  horn  of  oil 

h 2 Sam.  9:6.  Esth.3:2.  Malt. 21:37.  Eph.5:33.  Heb.  12:9.  iSeeon25 
Neh.  2:3.  Dan.  2:4.  3:9.  5:10.6:6,21.  k See  on 8,26,33.  1 5.38,44.  Gen.  41:43. 
Es til. 6:6 — 11.  ||  Heb.  the  mule  ichich  beiongeth  to  me.  m Lev.  19:19.  n 38, 

45.  2 Chr.  32:30.  o 19:16.  1 Sam.  10:1.  16:3,12,13.  2 Sam.  2:4.  5:3.  2 Kings  9t 
3,6.  11:12.  2 Chr. 23:11.  l’s.  45:7.  Acts  10:38.  p2Sam. 15:10.  2Kings9:13. 
11:14.  Ps.  98:5— 7.  q See  on  25.  2 Kings  11 : 12.  r See  on  13:17.  2:1*2.  s 2:13- 
l Chr.  23:1. 28:4,5.  Ps.  2:6.  72:  title.  1 ,2.  t Dent.  27:15-26.  Ps.  72:19.  Jer. 
11:5.28:6.  Matt.  6:13.  28:20.  1 Cor.  14:16.  u 1 Sam.  25:29.  Ps.  18:2.  63:  l . 89: 
20,26.  x 3:7—9.  Ex.  3:12.  Josh.  1:5,17.  1 Sam.  20:13.  1 Chr.  28:20  . 2 Chr.  1: 
1.  1*8.46:7,11.  Is.  8:10.  Matt.  1:23.  Rom.  8:31.  y 47.  2 Sain.  24:3.  2 Kings  2: 
9.  Ps.  72:8, 17 — 19.  Dan.  7:14.  z See  on  8,26.  alSam.30.14.  2Sam.6.18. 

15:18.20:23.  1 Chr.  18:17.  Zeph.2:5.  b See  on  33.  c See  on  1 Sam.  16:3. 


of  them  may  arise  from  an  erroneous  conscience:  hut  it  has 
the  appearance  of  pride  and  affected  moroseness.  (Acts  26:25. ) 

V.  24 — 27.  (Marg.  Ref.)  As  the  transaction  was  so 
public,  and  so  many  eminent  persons  were  concerned,  it  had 
the  appearance  of  being  countenanced  by  the  king:  but  after 
all  that  had  passed,  the  prophet  could  not  believe  that  David 
would  have  taken  such  a step  without  informing  him. 

V.  29.  Notes , Gen.  48:16.  2 Sam.  4:9. 

V.  31.  Live  for  ever.]  This  common  expression  of  loj'alty 
and  affection  to  princes,  as  here  used,  implied  that  Bath-sheba 
cordially  desired  the  continuance  of  David’s  life,  in  preference  to 
her  son’s  succession  to  the  throne.  ( Notes,  Neh.  2:3.  Dan.  2:4.) 

V.  33.  Mine  own  mule.]  Notes , 5,6.  JEsth.  6:6 — 1 1 . 

V.  36,  37.  The  language  of  Benaiah,  on  this  occasion,  not 
only  expressed  the  most  loyal  attachment  to  Solomon,  but 
also  fervent  piety  ; and  an  earnest  desire  of  the  prosperity  c t 
Israel  under  the  government  which  God  had  placed  over 
them. — This  instance  serves  to  explain  the  original  use  and 
emphasis  of  the  wwrd  Amen.  (Notes,  Dcut.  27:15 — 26.  Ps. 
72:17—19.  Matt.  6:13.) 

V.  38.  Notes , 1 Chr.  23:1.  29:21— 25.— Gifom.]  A 

fountain  near  Jerusalem.  (33.  2 Chr.  32:30.)  It  does  not 
appear  that  there  was  any  special  reason,  why  this  spot  was 
selected;  but,  probably,  it  wa£  a place  so  much  frequented 
that  it  was  peculiarly  suited  to  make  the  transaction  speedily 
known  throughout  the  whole  city. 

V.  39.  A horn , &c.]  Neither  Absalom  nor  Adonijah 
regarded  this  expressive  ceremony : perhaps  presuming  on 
the  right  of  primogeniture ; for  wo  do  not  find  that  kings,  who 
succeeded  as  the  first-born  of  their  predecessors,  without  any 
interruption,  were  anointed.  (Notes,  19:15 — 17.  1 Sam.  10: 

1.  16:13.  2 Kings 9:5 — 10.  11:12.)  The  anointing  denoted 

both  their  appointment  expressly  from  God,  and  the  qualifi- 
cations with  which  ho  would  endow  them;  and  th«V  *c\ng 


D.  C.  1015. 


CHAPTER  I.  B C.  1015. 


dout  of  the  tabernacle,  and  'anointed  Solomon. 
And  they  blew  the  trumpet;  and  fall  the  people 
said,  God  save  kinsj  Solomon. 

40  And  all  the  people  came  up  after  him,  and 
the  people  piped  with  'pipes,  and  ^rejoiced  with 
great  joy,  so  that  the  earth  rent  with  the  sound  of 
them. 

41  U And  Adonijah  and  all  the  guests  that  were 
with  him  heard  it  has  they  had  made  an  end  of 
eating.  And  when  Joab  heard  the  sound  of  the 
trumpet,  he  said,  'Wherefore  is  this  noise  of  kthe 
city  being  in  an  uproar? 

42  Anil  while  he  yet  spake,  behold,  'Jonathan 
the  son  of  Ahiathar  the  priest  came  : and  Adonijah 
said  unto  him,  Come  in;  for  thou  art  ma  valiant 
man,  and  bringest  good  tidings. 

43  And  Jonathan  answered  and  said  to 
Adonijah,  "Verily  our  lord  king  David  hath 
made  Solomon  king. 

44  And  the  king  hath  sent  with  him  Zadok  the 
priest,  and  Nathan  the  prophet,  and  Benaiah  the 
son  of  Jehoiada,  and  the  Cherethites,  and  the  Pele- 
thites,  and  they  have  caused  him  to  ride  upon  the 
king’s  mule : 

45  And  Zadok  the  priest  and  Nathan  the  pro- 
phet have  anointed  him  king  in  Gihon : and  they 
are  come  up  from  thence  rejoicing,  so  that  “the 
city  rang  again.  rThis  is  the  noise  that  ye  have 
heard. 


d Ex.  30:23— 33.  Ps.  89:20.  elChr.29:22.  fSeex>n25.  1 Sam.  10:24. 

2 Kings  11:12.  2 Chr.  23:11, 13.  • Or, Jlules.  Dan.  3:5.  e 1 Sam.  11:15. 
2 Kinsrs  11:14,20.  1 Chr.  12:38— 40.  Ps.97:l.  Zech.9:9.  Lake  19:37.  Hex. 11: 
IS — IS.  h Job  20:3.  Prov.  14:13.  Matt.  24:38,39.  l.uke  17:26— 29.  i Ex.  32: 
17,13.  Job  15:21.22.  Ps.  73: 18 — 20.  k Matt.  21:9— 11,15.  Act«21:31.  l2Sam. 
15  K.  17:17.  m 22: 18.  2 Sam.  18:27.  2 Kings  9:22.  Is.  57:21.  1 Thw.  5:2,3.  n See 
on  32 — 40.  o 40.  I Sam.  4:5.  Ezra  3: 13.  p 14:6.  1 Sam.  23:29.  Dan.  5:26 — 23. 
q 13.  1 Chr.  29.23.  Pa.  132:1 1.  Hag.  2:22.  r Ex  12:32.  2 Sam.  8:10.  21:3. 


types  of  Christ,  the  anointed  of  the  Father. — The  oil,  with 
which  Solomon  was  anointed,  was  taken  out  of  the  taberna- 
cle ; being,  as  it  is  probable,  the  same  holy  oil  with  which  the 
priests  were  anointed.  (Note,  Ex.  30:22 — 33.) 

V.  41.  Adonijah  and  his  guests  seem  to  have  wasted 
much  time  upon  this  magnificent  feast,  when  far  more  import- 
ant concerns  waited  their  attention,  and  when  ruin  hung 
over  their  heads.  ( Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Dan.  5:1 — 9.  Nah. 
1:9,10.) 

V.  42.  (Note,  2 Sam.  17:17 — 21.)  It  is  probable,  that 
Jonathan  was  not  invited  to  the  feast,  nor  concerned  in  the 
conspiracy ; but  he  went  to  warn  his  father  of  the  danger : 
though  some  think  he  was  left  in  the  city  to  learn  what  should 
occur,  and  to  bring  an  account  of  it  to  Adonijah. 

V.  43 — 48.  The  loud  acclamations  of  the  people  on  this 
occasion,  and  the  pious  and  fervent  congratulations  of  David's 
servants,  were  especially  suited  to  dismay  the  conspirators. 
(Notes,  Matt.  21:6—11.) 

V.  49 — 53.  Adonijah  had  doubtless  expected  to  be  joined 
by  the  multitude ; but  finding  himself  mistaken,  and  being 
deserted  by  his  friends,  he  gave  up  all  for  lost. — The  murderer 
was  to  be  taken  from  the  altar  and  slain:  (Note,  Ex.  21:12 
— 14.)  but  in  other  crimes  it  was  a customary  refuge,  at 
least  till  a pardon  could  be  supplicated ; as  representing  the 
method  of  obtaining  forgiveness  from  God,  through  the  great 
sacrifice  for  sin. — Adonijah  acknowledged  Solomon  as  king, 
both  by  word  and  deed ; and  received  a conditional  pardon, 
but  Solomon  gave  him  fair  warning  that  he  was  put  upon  his 
good  behaviour.  He  also  required  him  to  go  to  his  house 
and  live  a retired,  private  life,  not  affecting  the  splendour  and 
state  which  he  had  before. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  The  most  vigorous  constitutions  must  soon 
wear  out,  and  our  lives  hasten  to  a close : and,  though  proper 
means  of  restoring  health  and  prolonging  our  days  should  be 
used ; yet  a pious  and  wise  man  ought  not  to  yield  to  such 
expedients  as  have  the  appearance  of  evil,  or  may  become 
temptations  to  him.  But  carnal  men  counsel  others  accord- 
ing to  their  own  inclinations,  and  oflen  enforce  their  advice 
under  specious  pretexts;  by  which  they  impose  upon  such  as 
mean  no  evil,  but  are  induced  to  actions  inconsistent  with 
their  chaiacter  and  profession. — Indulgent  parents  are  com- 
monly chastised  with  disobedient  children,  who  ungratefully 
despise  their  infirmities,  and  are  impatient  to  get  possession 
of  then  estates. — Every  depraved  propensity  gathers  strength 
by  being  gratified  : and  when  ambition  comes  within  the  reach 
of  its  object,  it  urges  a man  to  violate  all  obligations,  to  break 
through  all  obstructions,  to  despise  all  dangers,  and  to  disre- 
gard the  examples  of  those  who  have  before  been  ruined  by 
similar  attempts.  So  long  as  carnal  self-love  reigns  in  the 
heart,  no  woridly  wisdom  and  experience,  no  maturity  of  age, 
no  rank  or  station  in  the  community  or  in  the  church,  no  pre- 
vious fidelity  or  attachment  to  princes  or  patrons,  can  secure 
men’s  continuance  in  their  former  course  or  connexions  : for 
kniuunerable  circumstances  may  occur,  which  may  prompt 


46  And  also  Solomon  isitteth  on  the  throne  of 
the  kingdom. 

47  And  moreover  the  king’s  servants  came  to 
rbless  our  lord  king  David,  saying,  “God  make  the 
name  of  Solomon  better  than  thy  name,  and  make 
his  throne  greater  than  thy  tlirone.  And  the  king 
‘bowed  himelf  upon  the  bed. 

48  And  also  thus  said  the  king,  “Blessed  be  the 
Lord  God  of  Israel,  xwhich  hath  given  one  to  sit 
on  my  throne  this  day,  ?mine  eyes  even  seeing  it. 

49  And  “all  the  guests  that  were  with  Adonijah 
were  afraid,  and  rose  up,  and  went  every  man  his 
way. 

50  H And  Adonijah  feared  because  of  Solomon 
and  arose,  and  went,  and  “caught  hold,  on  th 
horns  of  the  altar. 

51  And  it  was  told  Solomon,  saying,  Behold, 
Adonijah  feareth  king  Solomon:  tor  lo,  he  hath 
caught  hold  on  the  horns  of  the  altar,  saying,  Let 
king  Solomon  swear  unto  me  to-day  that  he  will 
not  slay  his  servant  with  the  sword. 

52  And  Solomon  said,  If  he  will  show  himself  a 
worthy  man,  There  shall  not  a hair  of  him  fall  lo 
the  earth  : but  if  “wickedness  shall  he  found  in  him, 
he  shall  die. 

53  So  king  Solomon  sent,  and  they  brought 
him  down  from  the  altar.  And  he  came  and 
dbowed  himself  to  king  Solomon:  and  Solomon 
said  unto  him,  eGo  to  thy  house. 


Ezra  6:10.  Ps.  20:1— 4.  s Juon37.  Luke  19:38.  t Gen.  47:31.  Heb.  11: 
21.  u Gen.  14:20.  1 Chr.  29:10,20.  Neh.  9:5.  Ps.  34:1.  41:13.  72:17— 18. 
103:1,2.145:2.  Dan.  4:34.  Luke  1:46,47,68,69.  Eph.l:3.  1 Pel.  1:3.  x 3:0. 

1 Chr.  17:11-14,17.  Ps.  132:11,12.  Prov.  17:6.  y2Sam.24:3.  z Prov. 28:1. 

Is. 21:4, 5.  Dan. 5:4— 6.  a 2:28.  Ex. 21:14.  38:2.  Ps.  118.27.  b 1 Sam.  14:45. 

2 Sam.  14:11.  Mall.  10:30.  Luke  21:18.  Acts  27:34.  c 2:21— 23.  il  See  on  16,31. 
2 Sam.  1:2.  e 2:36.  2Sam.  14:24,28.  Prov.  24:21. 


them  to  some  new  method  of  attempting  to  gratify  their 
reigning  inclinations.  So  that  disgust,  fear,  conscious  guilt, 
or  the  hope  of  greater  authority,  influence,  or  wealth,  may 
speedily  induce  them  to  measures,  which  stand  in  opposition 
to  all  their  former  lives!  We  ought  therefore  to  depend  on 
the  Lord  to  preserve  us  from  the  deceitfulness  of  our  own 
hearts,  and  from  the  fickleness  and  treachery  of  men. — Po- 
litical wisdom  frequently  contradicts  the  word  of  God,  and 
proves  in  the  event  the  greatest  folly : and  crafty  seducers 
can  discern  who  are,  and  who  are  not,  fit  for  their  purpose ; 
and  will  shun  determined  honest  characters  as  their  enemies 
and  rivals. 

V.  11 — ^7.  In  every  age  men  form  designs,  which  their 
own  consciences  condemn  as  contrary  to  the  will  of  God : 
and  yet  they  hope  for  success  from  the  favour  and  assistance 
of  man  1 But  those,  who  are  vain  of  their  own  accomplish- 
ments, often  flatter  themselves  with  the  imagined  attachment 
of  numbers,  that  have  no  real  esteem  or  affection  for  them. — 
A feast,  and  a sacrifice,  are  proper  baits  to  draw  in  the  sen- 
sual or  the  unsuspecting:  and  aspiring  men,  according  to  the 
taste  of  the  times,  have  always  employed  one  or  both  of  these 
expedients,  to  subserve  their  own  ambitious  purposes ; by 
which  numbers  have  been  inadvertently  betrayed  to  concur  in 
criminal  measures,  contrary  to  their  judgments,  consciences, 
characters,  and  interests. — In  these  days,  when  kingdoms  are 
disposed  of  by  common  providence,  the  ministers  of  God 
have  little  to  do  with  disputed  successions  ; and  are  best  at  a 
distance  from  the  cabals,  intrigues,  and  parties,  which  gene- 
rally surround  the  courts  of  kings : yet  the  welfare  of  the 
state,  as  well  as  of  the  church,  should  lie  near  their  hearts: 
and  they  ought  to  use  all  their  influence,  and  embrace  every 
opportunity,  to  remind  the  greatest  men,  to  whom  they  are 
allowed  access,  of  the  words  of  God,  and  to  excite  them  to  do 
their  duty  according  to  his  revealed  will. — If  a neighbour  is 
in  danger  of  being  injured  or  murdered,  without  knowing  it, 
or  being  able  to  avoid  the  snare ; it  must  be  the  duty  of  every 
man,  in  all  cases  or  at  any  hazard,  to  give  him  warning  or 
counsel,  and  to  interpose  for  his  preservation. — When  others 
are  neglecting  their  duty,  through  inattention  or  multiplied 
infirmities  or  engagements,  they  should  be  put  in  remem- 
brance of  it : when  they  are  slack  to  do  it,  prudent  con 
trivances,  and  quickening  expostulations  may  be  successfully 
employed  to  incite  them  ; and  every  means  should  be  used  to 
prevent  manifest  injustice,  to  exclude  occasions  of  future 
discord,  and  to  promote  decisive  measures  for  the  glory  of 
God,  and  the  good  of  his  people:  for  if  the  enemies  of  religion 
be  combined,  active,  and  daring ; its  friends  should  not  be 
timid,  supine,  and  disunited. — The  most  respectful  benaviour 
to  our  superiors  is  very  consistent  with  plainness  of  speech  in 
the  great  concerns  of  God;  and  such  language  and  behaviour 
combined  in  persons  of  known  and  approved  character,  will 
be  very  forcible  with  men  of  piety  and  integrit  f. 

V.  28 — 53.  The  true  believer  loves  to  vevimv  his  past  ex- 
perience : even  the  frequent  recollection  of  his  jstresses,  from 
all  which  “the  Lord  hath  redeemed  him,  increases  hi* 

( 589  ) 


B C 101b. 


I.  KINGS. 


CHAPTER  II. 

id  chargee  fioljTnOTi to  serve  Gud;  and  directs  him  koto  to  act  towards 
J tab , the  s j/m  of  Barsillai , and  Shimei,  1 — 9.  Hie  death , and  the  years  of 
his  reigu , 11,  il.  Solomon  succeeds  him,  12.  Adonijah  persuades  Bath- 
sheba  to  ash  Solomon  to  give  him  Abishag  to  wife  ; and  is  put  to-death , 13 — 
2-5.  Ahiatlmr’s  life  is  spared,  but  he  is  deprived  of  the  high-priesthood , 26, 
27.  Joa'j , having  fie  d to  the  altar,  is  there  put  to  death,  28 — 34.  Benaiah 
succeeds  Joab,  and  Zadolc,  Abiathar,  35.  Shimei  is,  by  Solomon,  required 
to  reside  in  Jerusalem  and  engages  by  oath  to  do  so  : but  breaking  his  en- 
gagement, he  is  pu'.  to  death,  36 — -16. 

NOW  “the  days  of  David  drew  nigh  that  he 
should  die  ; and  hebcharged  Solomon  his  son, 
saying, 

2  T go  the  way  of  all  the  earth : dbe  thou  strong 
therefore,  and  “show  thyself  a man  ; 

3  And  fkeep  the  charge  of  the  Lord  thy  God, 
to  walk  in  his  ways,  to  keep  his  ^statutes,  and  his 
commandments,  and  his  judgments,  and  his  htesti- 
monies,  ‘as  it  is  written  in  the  law  of  Moses,  that 
thou  mayest  "prosper  in  all  that  thou  doest,  and 
kwhithersoever  thou  turnest  thyself : 

4  ‘That  the  Lord  may  continue  mhis  word 
which  he  spake  concerning  me,  saying,  If  thy 
children  take  heed  to  their  way,  to  "walk  before  me 
in  truth,  “with  all  their  heart,  and  with  all  their 
soul,  there  shall  not  Tail  thee  (said  he)  a man  on 
the  throne  of  Israel. 


a Gen.  47  23.  Dcut.  31:14.  33:1.  2Tim.  4:6.  2 Pet.  1:13— 15.  b Num. 

27:19.  Deut.  3:28.  31:23.  Acts  20:28  -31.  1 Tim.  1:18.  6:13.  2Tim.  4:1 

eJosh. 23:14.  Job  16:22.30:23.  Hob.  9:27.  rl  Pent.  31:6.  Josh.  1:6,7.  1 Chr.  28: 
20.  Eph.  6:10.  2Tim. 2:1.  e 3:7.  2 Sam’.  10: 12.  I Cor.  16:13.  1 Tim.  4:12. 
f Deut. 29:9.  Josh.  1 :7.  22:5.  I Chr.  22:12.13. 23:8,9.  29:19.  g.See  on  Pent.  4:1, 
5,8. 5:1. 6:1,2.  It  Deut.  4:45.  Ps.  19:7.  119  2,111,133.  i Deut.  17:18— 20.  Mai.  4: 
4.  ■ Or.  do  wisely.  Josh.  1:7,8.  liar"-.  1 Sam.  18: 5,14,30.  2 Chr.  31:20.21.  Ps. 
1:2,3.  119:98—100.  Prov.  3:1— 4,  It  2 Sam.  8:6,14.  2 Hinge  18:7.  1 Gen.  19: 
19.  Dent.  7:12.  1 Chr.  23:9.  John  15:9,10.  Jude  20,21,24.  m 2 Sam.  7:1 1—16, 
25.  1 Chr.  17:11—15.22:9—11.28:5—7.  Ps.  89:29-37.  132:11,12.  n 3:3,14.8: 


comfort  as  well  as  his  gratitude;  and  inspires  him  with  hope, 
and  animates  him  to  his  duty,  though  under  the  decays  of 
nature,  and  at  the  approach  of  death.  In  preparation  for  that 
event,  we  should  arrange  all  our  domestic  or  more  public 
concerns,  as  may  best  secure  peace  and  good  to  the  survivors : 
and  we  should  lose  no  time  before  we  do  so  useful  a work, 
even  though  it  somewhat  interrupt  our  religious  exercises. — 
Those  enterprises  must  end  well  which  are  conducted  with 
piety  and  integrity,  in  simple  dependence  on  God,  and  cordial 
acquiescence  in  his  will. — We  can  see  no  one  so  wise,  so 
good,  or  so  happy  in  this  world,  but.  we  may  well  desire  that 
others  may  be  more,  wise,  more  holy,  and  more  happy  than 
he;  and  every  pious  man  must  long  that  it  may  be  thus  with 
his  beloved  children,  both  for  their  sakes,  and  for  the  benefit 
of  the  community.— They,  w|jo  are  engaged  in  a bad  cause, 
are  exposed  to  continual  terrors : and  no  good  man  can  bring 
other  than  evil  tidings  to  those  who  are  rebelling  against  God 
and  the  king. — Vain  confidence  and  sensual  pleasure  are  the 
usual  forerunners  of  temporal  and  eternal  destruction. — Com- 
binations formed  upon  iniquitous  principles  will  speedily  be 
dissolved,  when  self-preservation  or  self-interest  calls  another 
way.  But  clemency  becomes  those  in  power,  especially  to- 
wards such  as  have  rather  injured  them  than  the  public : yet, 
no  government  can  pardon  or  tolerate  a traitor,  who  perse- 
veres in  his  treasonable  machinations. — But  we  see  here,  as 
in  a glass,  Jesus,  the  Son  of  David  and  the  Son  of  God, 
exalted  to  the  throne  of  glory,  notwithstanding  all  the  con- 
spiracies and  opposition  of  his  enemies.  (Notes,  Ps.  2:) 
His  kingdom  is  far  greater  than  that  of  his  father  David  ; and 
all  the  true  people  of  God  most  cordially  rejoice  in  his  exalta- 
tion. The  prosperity  of  his  cause  and  the  triumphing  of  his 
servants,  are  the  vexation  and  terror  of  his  enemies:  and  no 
“horns  of  the  altar,”  no  forms  of  godliness,  no  pretences  to 
religion  of  any  kind,  can  profit  those  who  will  not  submit  to 
his  authority  and  accept  of  his  salvation.  He  spares  and  is 
ready  to  pardon  those,  who  have  most  desperately  rebelled 
against  him,  when  they  seem  disposed  to  repent,  and  do 
works  meet  for  repentance.  But  if  wickedness  be  afterwards 
found  in  them,  discovering  the  hypocrisy  of  their  professed 
submission,  they  will  at  length  die  without  mercy,  and  perish 
without  remedy. 

NOTE6. — Chap.  II.  V.‘l,2.  Solomon  could  not  at 
this  time  be  more  than  twenty  years  of  age ; and,  it  is  proba- 
ble, he  was  not  so  much:  an  early  period  for  him  to  enter 
upon  so  weighty  a charge,  as  the  government  of  God’s  peo- 
ple ! ( Note,  3:5 — 14.)  But  he  was  endowed  with  extraordi- 
nary wisdom  ; and  David  charged  and  exhorted  him  to  show 
all  Israel,  that  though  he  was  but  a child  in  years,  he  was  a 
man  in  capacity  and  attention  to  business.  (Notes,  Num. 
27:19.  1 Tim.  4:11 — 1(5.  2 Tim.  2:1,2.) 

V.  3.  (Notes,  Josh.  1:7,8.  1 Chr.  22:11—13.  28:9.)  Tes- 
timonies, in  this  connexion,  may  signify  those  laws,  which 
preserved  the  remembrance  of  great  events ; as  tho  sabbaths, 
the  passover,  and  others.  (Notes,  Deut.  6:1.  Ps.  19:7 — 11. 
Is.  8:16,20.) — Nothing  can  be  moro  manifest,  than  that  the 
/aw  of  Moses,  as  written  in  the  Pentateuch,  was  known  at 
this  time.  (No[r.s,  Deut.  17:16 — 18.) 

V.  4 .(Notes,  Gen.  18:18,19.  2 Sam.  7:12—16.)  The 
tontinrance  of  the  kingdom  to  David’s  posterity  was  sure,  as 
it  respected.the  Messiah  and  his  spiritual  reign : nor  would 

( 590  ) 


B.  C.  1015 

5 Moreover,  thou  knowest  also  what  pJoab  the 
son  of  Zeruiah  did  to  me,  and  what  he  did  to  tht 
two  captains  of  the  host  of  Israel,  unto  lAbner  the 
son  of  Ner,  and  unto  rAmasa  the  son  of  'Jether 
whom  he  slew,  and  ?shed  the  blood  of  war  in  peace, 
and  ‘put  the  blood  of  war  upon  his  girdle  that  ival 
about  his  loins,  and  in  his  shoes  that  were  on  his 
feet. 

6 Do  therefore  "according  to  thy  wisdom,  and 
“let  not  his  hoar  head  go  down  to  the  grave  vin 
peace. 

7 But  show  kindness  unto  the  sons  of  zBarzillai 
the  Gileadite,  and  let  them  be  of  those  that  “eat  at 
thy  table : for  so  they  came  to  me  bwhen  I fled 
because  of  Absalom  thy  brother. 

8 And,  behold,  thou  hast  with  thee  cShimei  the 
son  of  Gera,  a Benjamite  of  Bahurim,  which 
cursed  me  with  a ^grievous  curse  in  the  day  when 
I went  to  Mahanaim  : but  dhe  came  down  to  meet 
me  at  Jordan,  and  I sware  to  him  by  the  Lord, 
saying,  I will  not  put  thee  to  death  with  the 
sword. 

9 Now  therefore  “hold  him  not  guiltless:  for 
thou  art  ‘a  wise  man,  and  knowest  what  thou 


23.  Gen.  17:1.  Lev.  26:3.  2 Kings 20:3.  23:3,25.  2 Chr.  17:3.  Luke  1:6.  'oPeuL 
6:5.  1U:  12.  11:13.  Mail.  22:37.  t Heb.  he  cut  ofF from  thee  from  the  throne,. 
8:25.  Ps.  37:9,22.  Zech.  14:2.  p 1:7,18,19.  2 Sam.  3:39.  18:5,14.  19:5 — 7. 

q 2 Sam.  3:27.  r 2 Sam. 20:10.  b 2 Sam.  17:2-5.  Tthra.  Illeb.w.  t Jer. 
2:34.6:15.  Ez.  24:7,8.  u 9.  Prov.20:26.  x 28— 34.  Gen.  9:6.  Num.  35:33. 
Prov.  28:17.  F.c.8:ll.  Is.  65.2U.  y 2 Kings  22:20.  Ph.  37:37.  Is.  48:22.  57:2,21. 
z2  Sam.  17:27—29.  19:31—38.  Prov.  27:10.  a 2 Sam.  9:10.  19:28.  Luke  12:37. 
22:28—30.  Rev.  3:20.21.  b2Sam.  15:13 — 15.  c 36— 46.  2 Sam.  1 6 : 5 — 8 . § Heb. 
strong,  d 2 Sam.  15:16— 23.  Jer.  4:2.  e Ex.  20:7  . 22:23.  Job  9:28.  f3:12.2S. 


every  transgression  forfeit  the  temporal  kingdom  entailed 
upon  his  descendants ; for  chastisements  would  be  used  to 
bring  them  to  repentance:  yet  obstinate  and  aggravated  dis- 
obedience would  cut  off  the  entail.  Thus  the  Lord  punished 
Solomon’s  idolatry  by  the  defection  of  the  ten  tribes  from  his 
son:  ( Notes , 11:9 — 13.  12:8 — 15.)  and  at  length,  the  family 
of  David  was  deprived  of  all  authority,  till  Christ  came  ana 
set  up  his  spiritual  kingdom. 

V.  5,  6.  These  dying  counsels  of  David  ought  by  no 
means  to  be  imputed  to  personal  resentment;  but  to  a regard 
to  justice,  and  a wise  and  pious  concern  for  the  security  of 
Solomon’s  throne,  which  was  the  cause  of  God  and  of  Israel. 
— Joab  had  long  deserved  to  die:  and  David's  timidity  had 
left  bloodguiltiness  upon  his  family  and  kingdom.  (Notes, 
Num.  35:31 — 34.  2 Sam.  3:28,29.)  His  late  conspiracy 
proved  him  to  he  a factious  and  dangerous  person:  and, 
though  his  influence  seems  to  have  been  weakened  by  it ; yet 
his  party  was  still  so  strong,  that  it  was  not  probable  Solo- 
mon would  reign  in  peace  while  he  lived. — He  had  not  so 
much  as  attempted  to  conceal  the  base  murders  which  he  had 
committed ; but  he  avowed  and  vindicated  thqjn,  without 
shame  or  fear  of  punishment ; and  it  was  evident  that  he  did 
not  now  repent,  but  would  readily  repeat  them,  to  carry  his 
purpose  and  secure  his  preferment.  His  murders  were 
crimes  against  David , as  committed  upon  two  men  who  were 
connected  with  David : and  yet  they  were  so  conducted,  as 
to  bring  him  into  suspicion  as  if  privy  to  them.  David,  there- 
fore, reminded  his  successor  to  expiate  the  guilt  of  these 
murders  by  Joab’s  blood,  that  he  and  his  kingdom  and  family 
might  be  guiltless.  (Note,  28 — 34.) — It  is  observable  that 
David  did  not  blame  Joab  for  killing  Absalom  : being  doubt- 
less conscious  that  he  deserved  to  die  ; and  that  his  own  de- 
sire to  spare  him  was  a weakness  and  a sin. 

V.  7.  Notes , 2 Sam.  17:27—29.  19:31—39. 

V.  8,  9.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  16:5 — 14.  19:19—23.)  Shimei 
also  deserved  to  die,  though  for  an  offence  of  a different  kind 
from  Joab’s.  Probably  he  retained  his  old  enmity  to  the  family 
of  David,  and  his  partiality  to  the  house  of  Saul.  Solomon 
was  not  bound  by  the  oath  which  David  had  sworn  not  to 
ut  him  to  death  : his  punishment,  at  first,  would  indeed 
ave  been  a salutary  act  of  juctice ; yet  David  would  not  then 
consent  to  it,  because  unsuitable  to  his  circumstances;  and 
had  he  been  suitably  affected  with  David’s  lenity,  and  acted 
properly  afterwards,  he  would  have  been  fully  and  finally  par- 
doned. But  it  is  evident  that  he  had  not  done  this:  and  the 
case  was  different  with  Solomon ; who  might  tako  occasion 
from  some  recent  offence,  to  remember  the  old  crimes,  and 
to  execute  deserved  vengeance  on  an  irreconcilable  enemy 
to  him  and  the  peace  of  the  kingdom.  David  therefore  coun- 
selled him,  as  a wise  man,  not  to  trust  Shimei,  but  to  watch 
him  narrowly ; and  he  would  be  sure  to  find  just  cause  for 
punishing  him.  (Note,  36 — 46.) 

Y.  10,  11.  (Marg.  Rtf.)  The  remains  of  Saul,  and  his 
sons,  were  buried  in  thesupulchre  of  Kish  his  father.  (2  Sam 
21:14.)  But  David  was  not  buried  in  the  sepulchre  of  Jesse 
at.  Bethlehem ; hut  in  that  city  which  ho  had  taken  fronj  tho 
Jebusitcs,  and  made  the  capital  of  his  kingdom,  and  the  soa» 
of  his  government,  and  that  of  his  family.  (Note,  Acts  2» 
25 — 32.) 

V.  14 — 18.  It  is  evident  t’tat  Adonijah  had  by  no  means 


B.  C-  1014. 


CHAPTER  II  B.  C.  1014. 


oughtest  to  do  unto  him  ; but  “his  hoar  head  bring 
thou  dow  n to  the  grave  Kvith  blood. 

[Practical  06*ervationa.] 

10  H So  ‘David  slept  with  his  fathers,  and  was 
Duried  in  Hhe  city  of  David. 

1 1 And  the  days  that  David  kreigned  over  Israel 
ivere  forty  years : seven  years  reigned  he  in  He- 
bron, and  thirty  and  three  years  reigned  he  in 
Jerusalem. 

12  H Then  ‘sat  Solomon  upon  the  throne  of 
David  his  father;  and  mhis  kingdom  was  esta- 
blished greatly. 

13  H And  "Adonijah  the  son  of  Haggith  came 
to  Bath-sheba  the  mother  of  Solomon.  And  she 
said,  “Comest  thou  peaceably?  and  he  said,  Peace- 
ably. 

14  He  said  moreover.  H have  somewhat  to  say 
unto  thee.  And  she  said,  Say  on. 

15  And  he  said,  ‘'Thou  knowest  that  the  king- 
dom was  mine,  and  that  all  Israel  set  their  faces 
on  me,  that  I should  reign : howbeit  the  kingdom 
is  turned  about,  and  is  become  my  brother’s : for 
it  was  his  from  the  Lord. 

16  And  now  I ask  one  petition  of  thee,  'deny 
me  not.  And  she  said  unto  him,  Say  on. 

17  And  he  said,  Speak,  I pray  thee,  unto  Solo- 
mon the  king,  (for  he  will  not  say  thee  nay,)  that 
he  give  me  sAbishag  the  Shunammite  to  wife. 

18  And  Bath-sheba  said,  ‘Well;  I will  speak 
for  thee  unto  the  kina. 

19  U Bath-sheba  therefore  went  unto  king  Solo- 
mon, to  speak  unto  him  for  Adonijah.  And  the 
king  “rose  up  to  meet  her,  and  bowed  himself  unto 
her,  and  sat  down  on.  his  throne,  and  caused  a 
scat  to  be  set  for  the  king’s  mother;  and  “she  sat 
on  his  right  hand. 

20  Then  she  said,  rl  desire  one  small  petition  of 
thee : I pray  thee,  say  me  not  nay.  And  the  king 

g6.  Gen.  42:33.  44:31.  h Num.  32:23.  1 See  on  1:21.  1 Chi-.  29:28.  Acib2:29. 
13:36.  i 3:1.  11:43.  2 Sam  3:7.  1 Chr,  11:7.  k2Sam.S:4.  1 Chr. 29:28,27. 
11:46.  1 Chr.  29:23— 25.  2 Chr.  1 1.  Ps. 132:12.  m 2 Sam.  7:12,13,29.  Ps.  89: 
36,37.  n See  on  1:5— 10,50— S3,  o 1 Sam.  16:4,5.  2 Kinqs  9:18— 22.  1 Chr.  12: 
17,18.  Luke  19:5.6.  i.2Sam.  14:12.  Luke  7.40.  q 1:5,25.  2 Sam.  15:6,13.  16: 

18.  r 2 Sam.  7:12.  12:24.  1 Uir.  22:9.10  . 28:5-7.  Prov.  2l:30.  Jer.  27:5— 7. 

Dan.  2:21.  * Heb  turn  not  away  my  face.  Ps.  132:10.  Prov.  30:7.  mars. 

1:2-4.  2 Sam.  3:7.  12:3.  t Prov.  14:15.  u Ex.  20:12.  Lev.  19:3.  x Ps. 
45:9.110:1.  Matt.  25:33.  v Matt.  20:21.  John  2:3,4.  z Matt.  7:7— 11.  18: 

19.  Mark  10:35,36.  11:24.  Luke  11:9,10.  John  14:13,14.  15:16.  a'2Sam.  16:21, 


given  up  his  pretensions  to  .the  throne : and  highly  probable, 
that  neither  he,  nor  Joab,  nor  Abiathar  expected  safety, 
unless  in  success  ; and  that  they  were  in  concert  forming  new 
designs  against  Solomon.  AVith  this  view,  they  seem  to  have 
thought,  that  if  Adonijah  married  Abishag,  it  would  increase 
the  number  of  his  adherents;  both  by  the  accession  of  her 
friends  and  relations,  and  from  the  general  notions  which  pre- 
vail, concerning  the  wives  and  concubines  of  deceased  kings. 
{Notes,  2 Sam.  3:6 — 10.  12:8.  16:20—23.)  But  they  could 
not  get  possession  of  Abishag,  without  Solomon’s  consent; 
which  they  had  no  hopes  of  obtaining,  but  by  the  interposition 
of  Bath-sheba. — In  Adonijah’s  speech  to  her,  he  insinuated, 
that  the  kingdom  was  his,  by  the  right  of  primogeniture  :»and 
that  he  had  been  in  possession  of  it,  by  the  consent  of  all 
Israel.  This,  however,  was  totally  false  : the  kingdom  had 
jiever  been  his,  except  in  his  own  groundless  opinion,  and  that 
if  the  few  who  abetted  his  usurpation  ; for  the  people  gene- 
rally favoured  Solomon.  But  he  meant  to  induce  Bath-sheba 
to  compassionate  his  case  ; and  to  make  a merit  with  her  of 
peaceably  receding  from  his  claim : and  that  she  might  not 
suspect  any  ill  design,  he  at  length  conceded,  that  “it  was 
Solomon’s  from  the  Lord.”  But  though  his  language  was 
not  well  calculated  to  inspire  confidence;  and  his  request 
was  in  itself  improper,  and  highly  indecorous  at  least ; yet 
according  to  his  hopes,  Bath-sheha  suspected  no  ill,  but 
considered  him  as  entitled  to  compassion,  and  supposed  his 
request  to  be  the  result  of  love,  not  ambition  : and  perhaps 
she  thought  this  an  easy  way  of  satisfying  Adonijah,  and 
Securing  Solomon  in  the  kingdom. — She  did  not  look  upon 
Abishag  as  the  wife  of  David,  (Note,  1:1—4.)  and  therefore 
did  not  consider  her  marriage  with  Adonijah  as  unlawful ; 
and  site  readily  consented  to  become  his  intercessor  with 
Solomon.  , (Note,  Matt.  20:20 — 23.) 

V . 20.  For  I , &c.]  All  such  general  promises  imply  the 
supposition,  that  the  request  is  lawful  and  proper  to  be 
granted : for  even  the  assurances  of  God’s  word,  that  what- 
ever we  ask  of  him,  shall  be  given,  admit  of  a similar  limita- 
tion: i.  e.  if  consistent  with  his  glory,  and  for  our  real  good. 
(Notes,  Rom.  8:24 — 27.  Jam.  4:1 — 3.  1 John  5:14,15.) 

V.  22.  Solomon  immediately  saw  through  Adonijah’s 
intentions,  and  was  fully  convinced  that  he  was  aiming  to 
take  the  fortress  by  sap,  (so  to  speak,)  which  he  had  failed  of 
seizing  by  surprise.  He  perceived  him  still  restless,  aspiring, 
and  scheming;  that  he  considered  this  as  one  step  to  the 


said  unto  her,  Ask  on,  my  mother:  for  I will  not 
say  thee  nay. 

21  And  she  said,  "Let  Abishag  the  Shunam 
mite  be  given  to  Adonijah  thy  brother  to  wife. 

22  And  king  Solomon  answered  and  said  unto 
his  mother,  And  bwhy  dost  thou  ask  Abishag  the 
Shunammite  for  Adonijah  ? ask  for  him  "the  king- 
dom also ; for  he  is  mine  elder  brother ; even  lor 
him,  and  lor  Abiathar  the  priest,  and  for  Joab  the 
son  of  Zeruiah. 

23  Then  king  Solomon  sware  by  the  Lord, 
sayinsr,  dGod  do  so  to  me,  and  more  also,  if  Ado- 
nijah Lave  not  "spoken  this  word  against  his  own 
life. 

24  Now  therefore,  f as  the  Lord  liveth,  which 
hath  established  me,  and  $set  me  on  the  throne  o: 
David  my  father,  and  who  hath  hmade  me  a 
house,  ‘as  he  promised,  Adonijah  shall  be  kput  to 
depth  this  day. 

25  And  king  Solomon  sent  by  the  hand  ol 
Benaiah  the  son  of  Jehoiada;  and  ‘lie  fell  upon 

him,  that  he  died.  [Practical  Observations.] 

26  H And  unto  mAbiathar  the  priest  said  the 
king, .Get  thee  to  “Anathoth,  unto  thine  own 
fields  ; lor  thou  art  'worthy  of  death  : but  I will  not 
at  this  time  put  thee  to  death,  “because  thou  barest 
the  ark  of  the  Lord  God  before  David  nty  father, 
and  i because  thou  hast  been  afflicted  in  all  wherein 
my  father  was  afflicted. 

27  So  Solomon  thrust  out  Abiathar  from  being 
priest  unto  the  Lord;  sthat  he  might  fulfil  the 
word  of  the  Lord,  which  he  spake  concerning  the 
house  of  Eli  in  ‘Shiloh. 

28  Then  tidings  came  to  Joab : (for  ‘Joab  had 
turned  after  Adonijah,  though  he  turned  not  after 
Absalom;)  and  Joab  fled  unto  the  tabernacle  nl 
the  Lord,  and  ‘caught  hold  on  the  horns  of  the 
altar. 


22.  b Malt.  211:22.  Mnrk  10:38.  Jam.  4:3.  c 1:5— 7,11,24,25.  tl  20:10.  Ruth  1: 
17.  1 Sam.  14:14.  2 8am.  3:9.35.  19: 13.  2 Kings  6:31.  e Ps.  64:8.  140-9.  Pros. 
18:6,7.  Ec.  10:12.  Luke  19:22.  f See  on  1:29.  g 3:6,7.  10:9.  1 Clir.  29:23.  2 C hr. 
1:8,9.  h Ex.  1:21.  1 Sam.  25:28  . 2 .-■am.  7:12,13,27.  1 Chr.  17  10,17.23.  Ps. 
127:1.  i l Chr.  22:10.  k Ec.  8:11— 13.  1 31,34,46.  Judg.  8:20,21.  1 Sam.  15. 
33.  2 Sam.  1:1$.  4:12.  m 35.  1:7,25.  u Josh.  21:18.  Is.  10:30.  Jer.  1 1. 
\ Heb.  a man  of  death.  2 Sam.  12:5.  rnarg.  o 1 Said.  22:20 — 23.23:6 — 9.  1 Chr. 
15:11,12.  p 2 Sam.  lb:24—29.  Malt.  10:42.  Luke  22:28.  Gal.  3:4  q 1 Sarn. 
2:31—36.  3:12—14.  Matt. 26:56.  John  12:38.  19:24,28,36,37.  r Josh.  18:1.  Ps. 
78:60.  Jer.  7:12-14.  s 1:7.  2 Sam.  18:2,14,15.  I See  on  1:50.  Ex.  27:2. 


throne,  and  that  Joab  and  Abiathar  were  concerned  in  the 
project.  To  show  the  inefficacy  therefore  of  every  application 
in  his  favour : to  convince  Bath-sheba  of  the  impropriety  and 
impolicy  of  her  request;  and  to  declare  the  necessity  of  his 
death,  in  order  to  public  peace,  and  the  establishment  of  his 
authority,  he  spoke  with  great  earnestness  and  decision. 
( Notes , Mutt.  12:46 — 50.  John  2:1 — 5.) 

V.  23 — 25.  Solomon  has  been  censured,  as  too  severe 
and  precipitate  m this  execution:  but  there  is  no  intimation 
of  this  in  the  Scripture.  Adonijah’s  pardon  had  been  condi- 
tional ; and  he  had  owned  Solomon  as  king,  yet  he  was  plot- 
ting against  him  ; (Note,  1:49 — 53.)  he  affected  to  tread  in  the 
steps  of  Absalom : and  doubtless  he  would  have  created  as 
fatal  disturbances  to  Solomon’s  government,  as  Absalom  had 
to  David’s.  Nor  would  sound  policy  admit  of  any  delay; 
when  persons  of  so  great  authority  and  extensive  influence 
were  joined  in  the  conspiracy,  and  had  far  more  specious 
reasons  for  opposing  Solomon,  than  Absalom  had  for  rebelling 
against  David. 

V.  26,  27.  Solomon’s  language  to  Abiathar,  and  his 
silence,  clearly  prove,  that  some  recent  conspiracies  had  been 
formed.  Abiathar  had  suffered  much  with  David,  and  had 
been  faithful  and  useful  to  him;  (1  Sam.  22:20 — 23.  Notes , 
1 Sam.  23:1 — 13.  2 Sam.  15:24 — 29.)  so  that,  in  remembrance 
of  his  services,  as  well  as  in  respect  to  his  sacred  character, 
Solomon  resolved  to  spare  his  life:  and  as  he  had  not  com- 
mitted murder,  this  clemency  might  properly  be  exercised. 
In  deposing  Abiathar  from  the  high-priesthood,  Solomon  pur- 
posely intended  to  fulfil  the  word  of  God  to  Eli.  (Not^s, 
1 Sam.  2:30 — 36.)  And  in  confining  him  to  his  own  estare 
in  the  country,  he  only  put  him  under  a disgrace  which  he 
justly  merited.  (Notes,  36 — 46.  2 Sam.  14:28,29.)  The 
entire  subjection  of  the  priests  and  even  of  the  high-priest, 
to  the  kings  of  Israel,  in  all  civil  and  political  concerns,  is 
clearly  shown  in  this  instance:  nor  is  any  exemption  from 
capital  punishment,  in  the  case  of  treason,  or  other  crimes 
deserving  death,  even  in  favour  of  the  high-priesthood  itself, 
in  the  least  intimated. — How  different  from  the  claims  of 
the  Roman  hierarchy  in  these  respects ! 

V.  28 — 34.  (Note,  5,6.)  In  fleeing  to  the  altar,  Joab 
pleaded  guilty  of  the  treason  charged  upon  him  ; and  Solomon 
in  ordering  him  to  be  slain  before  the  altar,  not  for  that  crime 
alone,  but  especially  for  his  former  murders,  evinced  his 
knowledge  of,  and  his  regard  for,  the  law  of  God,  and1  his 
( 591  ) 


B.  C.  1014. 


I.  KINGS. 


B.  C.  1011 


29  And  it  was  told  king  Soloir  on  that  Joab  was 
fled  unto  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord;  and  behold, 
lie  is  by  the  altar:  then  Solo.non  sent  Benaiah 
the  son  of  Jehoiada,  saying,  “Go,  fall  upon  him. 

30  And  Benaiah  came  to  the  tabernacle  of  the 
Lord,  and  said  unto  him,  Thus  saith  the  king, 
Come  forth.  And  lie  said,  Nay;  but  I will  die 
here.  And  Benaiah  brought  the  king  word  again, 
saying,  Thus  said  Joab,  and  thus  he  answered  me. 

31  And  the  king  said  unto  him,  ’Do  as  he  hath 
said,  and  fall  upon  him,  and  bury  him ; that  thou 
rmayest  take  away  the  innocent  blood  which  Joab 
shed,  from  me,  and  'from  tie  house  of  my  father. 

32  And  the  Lord  shall  a:  eturn  his  blood  upon 
his  own  head,  who  fell  upon  btwo  men  “more 
righteous  and  better  than  fie,  and  slew  them  with 
the  sword,  dmy  father  Da’  id  not  knowing  thereof. 
to  wit,  Abner  the  son  of  Ner,  captain  of  the  host 
of  Israel,  and  Amasa  tho  son  of  “Jether,  captain 
of  the  host  of  Judah. 

33  Their  blood  shall  .r.erefbre  return  f upon  the 
head  of  Joab,  and  upo\  the  head  of  his  seed  for 
ever:  but  gupon  Dav>j,  and  upon  his  seed,  and 
hupon  his  house,  and  upon  his  throne,  shall  there 
be  peace  for  ever  flrcnu  the  Lord. 

34  So  ‘Benai?b  toe  son  of  Jehoiada  went  up, 
and  fell  upon  him,  and  slew  him:  land  he  was 
buried  in  his  own  house  kin  the  wilderness. 

35  . H And  ihe  king  put  Benaiah  the  son  of 
Jehoiada  in  Ss  room  over  the  host:  and  'Zadok, 
the  priest  the  king  put  in  the  room  of  Abia-' 
thar. 

36  II  A’ d the  king  sent  and  called  for  mShimei, 
and  said  unto  him,  "Build  thee  a house  in  Jeru- 
sa'em,  and  dwell  there,  and  go  not  forth  thence 
any  whither. 

37  For  it  shall  be,  that  on  the  day  thou  goest 
out,  and  passest  “over  the  brook  Kidron,  thou 

u 05,31,46.  x Ex.  21:14.  y Gen.  9:5,6.  Num.  35:33.  Deiit.  19:12,13.  21  :S,9. 
2 Kilim  9:26.  Prnv.  28:17.  Acts  28:4.  i.  2 Sam.  3:28.  a 44  (Jen.  4:11.  Judg.  9:24, 
57.  Ps.  7:16.  1)2  Sain.  3:27.  20:10.  c 1 Sam.  15:28.  2 Sam.  4:11.  2Chr.  21:13. 
Esth.l:19.  d 2 Sam.  3:26,37.  e 5.  2 Sam.  17:25.  Ithra.  f See  on  32.  2 Sam. 
?:29.  2 Kings  5:27.  Ps.  101:8.  109:6—15.  Matt.  27:25.  g2  Sam.  3:28.  Prov.  25: 
5.  h Ps.  89:29,36,37.  132:12.  Is.  9:6,7.  11:1—  i.  Luke  1 :31— 33.  2:14.  i 25,31, 
46.  j 2 Kii.es  21:18.  2 Cltr.  33:20.  k Josh.  15:61.  Matt.  3:1.  1 See  on  27. 

.Num.  25:11  — 13.  1 Sam.  2:35.  1 Chr.  6:4— 15,50— 53.  24:3.  Ps.  109:8.  Acts  1:30. 


superiority  to  vulgar  prejudices.  He  also  showed  the  people, 
that  no  place,  however  sacred,  should  secure  a murderer 
from  justice.  [Note,  Ex.  21:12 — 14.) — His  language,  on 
this  occasion,  proves,  that  he  considered  the  guilt  of  innocent 
blood  as  resting  on  his  family  and  kingdom,  so  long  as  Joab’s 
murders  remained  unpunished.  ( Note , Num.  35:31 — 34.) 

V.  35.  Zadok.]  The  high-priesthood  seems  to  have 
continued,  from  this  time,  in  the  line  of  Eleazar  and  Phine- 
has,  at  least  till  long  after  the  Babylonish  captivity.  ( Marg . 
Ref.  Note , 1 Chr.  6:4 — 15.) — Nothing  further  is  said  of 
Jonathan  the  son  of  Abiathar.  (Notey  1:42.) 

V.  3G — 46.  No  doubt  Solomon  suspected,  that  Shimei’s 
influence  would  be  dangerous  upon  his  own  estate,  and  among 
his  numerous  dependents  in  different  parts  of  the  land : and 
therefore  he  proposed  to  him,  as  the  condition  of  his  indem- 
nity for  former  crimes,  that  he  should  live  in  Jerusalem  under 
his  eye,  and  by  no  means  remove  thence.  ( Note , 26,27.) 
These  terms  Shimei  readily  agreed  to,  and  solemnly  sware 
to  observe  them  ; and  for  three  years  he  lived  unmolested, 
and  in  affluence.  But  growing  secure,  in  contempt  of  Solo- 
mon’s authority,  and  of  the  oath  of  God,  upon  an  unneces- 
sary business,  he  took  a journey,  which  according  to  his  own 
engagement  forfeited  his  life.  Thus  the  Lord  left  him  to.be 
infatuated,  that  due  punishment  might  be  inflicted  upon  him: 
m ‘order,  that  every  ringleader  of  opposition  to  Solomon’s 
kingdom  might  be  crushed,  and  others  be  intimidated  by  their 
examples ; and  that  his  throne  might  be  established  in  peace, 
as  the  type  of  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom  of  peace  and  righ- 
teousness. (Note,  8,9.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  It  is  desirable  to  be  habitually  and  calmly  ex- 
pecting the  approach  of  death  ; for  that  is  w the  way  of  all 
flesh,”  appointed  for  all  men,  to  pass  from  this  world  to  ano- 
ther : a dark  and  gloomy  road  indeed  it  is  for  the  workers  of 
iniquity,  to  a still  more  dark  and  dreadful  place  ; but  rendered 
cheerful  to  the  righteous,  by  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and 
by  the  hopes  of' complete  felicity.  Whilst,  they  are  supported 
by  these  lively  hopes  and  strong  consolations,  how  becoming 
is  it  for  them  to  animate  their  survivors  and  successors,  to  fill 
up  their  stations  in  the  church  of  God,  and  in  society,  after 
a proper  manner  ! — Young  men,  who  are  called  to  important 
services,  should  be  cautioned  by  their  seniors  to  act  with 
.gravity  and  prudence,  that  they  may  prevent  others  41  from 
iespising  their  youth.”  And  those  who  in  this  evil  world, 
would  keep  the  commandments  of  God,  and,  as  magistrates 
( 592  ) 


slialt  know  for  certain  that  thou  shalt  surely  die  : 
rthy  blood  shall  be  upon  thine  own  head. 

38  And  Shimei  said  unto  the  king,  iThe  say- 
ing is  good : as  my  lord  the  king  hath  sa.d,  to 
will  thy  servant  do.  And  Shimei  dwelt  in  Jeru 
salem  many  days. 

39  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  i-b.c. 
three  years,  that  two  of  the  servants  of  <-I0U- 
Shimei^  ran  away  unto  “Achish  son  of  Maachah 
king  of  Gath:  and  they  told  Shimei,  saying,  Be- 
hold, thy  servants  be  in  Gath. 

40  And  Shimei  'arose  and  saddled  his  ass,  and 
went  to  Gath  to  Achish  to  seek  his  servants  : and 
Shimei  went  and  brought  his  servants  from  Gath. 

41  And  it  was  told  Solomon  that  Shimei  had 
gone  from  Jerusalem  to  Gath,  and  was  come  again. 

42  And  the  king  sent  and  called  for  Shimei,  and 
said  unto  him,  ‘Did  I not  make  thee  to  swear  by 
the  Lord,  and  protested  unto  thee,  saying,  Know 
for  a certain,  on  the  day  thou  geest  out,  and 
walkest  abroad  any  whither,  that  thou  shalt  surely 
die?  and  thou  saidst  unto  me,  The  word  that  1 
have  heard  is  good. 

43  Why  “then  hast  thou  not  kept  the  oath  of 
the  Lord,  and  “the  commandment  that  I have 
charged  thee  with  ? 

44  The  king  said  moreover  to  Shimei,  ?Thou 
knowest  all  the  wickedness  which  thy  heart  is 
privy  to,  that  thou  didst  to  David  my  father : 
therefore  the  Lord  shall  'return  thy  wickedness 
upon  thine  owrwhead  ; 

45  And  king  Solomon  shall  be  “blessed.  band 
the  throne  of  David  shall  be  established  before 
the  Lord  for  ever. 

46  So  the  king  commanded  Benaiah  the  son  of 
Jehoiada ; which  went  out,  and  fell  upon  him, 
that  he  died.  And  “the  kingdom  was  established 
in  the  hand  of  Solomon. 


m 8,9.  2 Sam.  16:5—9.  Pror.  20:8,26.  n 1:53.  2 Sim.  14:24,28.  o 15:13. 2Sam. 
15:23.  2 King.  23:6.  S Chr.  29:16.  Jer.  31:40.  ’ohn  18:1.  Cclrjn.  p Set  on  31. 
33.  Lev.  20:9.  Josh. 2:19.  2Sam.l:16.  Ez  18:13.  q 20 : 4 . 2 Kings  20: 19. 
r 1 Sam.  21:10.  27:2,3.  s Prov.  15:27.  Luke  12:15.  1 Tim.  6:10.  t 36— 38.  Ps 
154.  Luke  19:32.  u 2 Sam.  21:2.  Ez.  17:18,19.  x 2 Chr.  30:12.  Ec.8:2.  Rom. 
13:5.  y2Sam.l6:5 — 13.  John  8:9.  Rom. 2:15.  1 John  3:20.  z See  on  32,33. 
Ps.  7:16.  Prov.  5:22.  Hos.4:9.  marg.  aPs.2!:6.  72:17.  b .See  on  24.  Prov. 
25:5.  Is.  9:6,7.  c 12,45.  2 Chr.  1:1.  Prov.  29:4. 


or  ministers,  would  induce  others  to  do  the  same,  need  reso- 
lution and  fortitude,  as  well  as  meekness,  discretion,  and 
zeal  “ For  they  must  keep  the  charge  of  the  Lord  and 
the  smiles  and  flatteries,  the  reproaches  and  opposition,  the 
frieneship  and  enmty  of  the  world,  will,  in  different  ways, 
impede  them  in  the  performance  of  their  duty. — We  can 
neither  act  with  true  wisdom,  nor  prosper  in  our  undertakings 
further,  than  we  make  the  whole  word  of  God  our  rule  and 
our  hope ; nor  can  we  finally  come  short  of  all  desirable  suc- 
cess, if  we  do  this,  however  appearances  may  for  a while  lie 
against  us. — No  length  of  time  will  obliterate  the  guilt  of 
sin  ; and  justice,  though  long  delayed,  will  finally  be  exe- 
cuted on  the  impenitent. — In  human  governments  undue  lenity 
is  a.n  evidence  of  imbecility,  want  of  wisdom,  and  disregard 
to  justice.  Can  it  then  be  supposed  that  the  King  of  heaven 
will  so  indiscriminately  exercise  mercy,  as  not  to  magnify  his 
law,  and  show  decidedly  his  abhorrence  of  iniquity  ? — No 
human  authority  has  a right  to  pardon  wilful  murder : and 
the  magistrate,  who  presumes  to  do  so,  is  unfaithful  to  him, 
who  has  commissioned  him  to  execute  vengeance  upon  evil 
doers ; and  not  only  exposes  the  peaceablo  subject,  but  brings 
guilt  on  his  own  soul,  on  his  family,  and  on  the  land.  They, 
therefore,  who  act  “ according  to  w isdom,”  will  not  lot  the 
murderer,  though  advanced  in  years,  or  exalted  in  rank,  go 
down  to  the  grave  in  peace. — As  private  persons,  we  are  not 
to  avenge  ourselves,  but  must  return  blessings  and  prayers 
for  the  bitterest  curses  and  injuries  of  our  enemies:  hut  such 
offenders  will  not  bo  held  guiltless  before  God , and  if  their 
crimes  be  a violation  of  human  laws,  wo  may,  out  of  regard 
to  public  justice,  and  for  the  sake  of  the  peace  and  prosperity 
of  the  church  or  state,  desire  that  they  should  bo  restrained 
and  punished ; and  in  our  proper  stations  wo  may  promote 
the  execution  of  the  law  upon  them.  Nay,  in  doing  tnis, 
we  “ may  serve  our  generation  according  to  the  will  of  God, 
and  prepare  for  death ; no  less  than  when  wo  Are  recom- 
pensing our  benefactors,  and  doing  acts  of  kindcss  to  the 
distressed. 

V.  10 — 25.  It  is  very  happy  for  a nation,  when  tho  death 
of  one  good  king  is  followed  by  the  peaceable  succession  of 
another,  equally  wise  and  righteous.  Hut  men  are  not  duly 
thankful  for  those  blessings  : and  therefore  tho  Lord  permits 
their  course  to  he  interrupted;  that  public  calamities,  expe- 
rienced or  dreaded,  may  promote  humiliation  for  sin,  fervency 
in  prayer,  and  general  reformation  ; and  make  way  for  more 
lively  gratitude,  when  they  are  removed  or  prevented.  On 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAPTER  III. 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAPTER  III. 

Solomon  marrict  Pharaoh's  daughter,  1 . The  people  sacrifice  in  high  places , 
2,  3.  Solomon  offers  a thousand  burnt-offerings  at  Gideon,  4.  God  appears 
to  him  in  a dream;  and  he  asks  awl  obtains  from  him  wisdom,  together 
with  riches  and  honour,  6 — 15.  His  sagacious  decision  of  a perplexing 
cause  between  tioo  harlots  renders  him  celebrated  for  wisdom,  16 — ‘2a. 

AND  Solomon  “made  affinity  with  Pharaoh  king 
of  Egypt,  “and  took  Pharaoh’s  daughter,  and 
brought  her  into  “the  city  of  David,  until  he  had 
made  an  end  of  building  aliis  own  house,  and  ethe 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  fthe  wall  of  Jerusalem 
round  about. 

2  Only  ethe  people  sacrificed  in  high  places, 
because  there  hvvas  no  house  built  unto  the  name 
of  the  Lord,  untii  those  days. 

3  And  Solomon  'loved  the  Lord,  Hvalking  in 
the  statutes  of  David  his  father:'  konly  he  sacri- 
ficed and  burned  incense  in  high  places. 

4  And  the  king  went  to  'Gibeon  to  sacrifice 

iSChr.  18:1.  Eirn  9:14.  b 7:8.  9:21.  11:1.  c 2 Sam.  5:7.  1 Clir.  11:7.  d7:l 
—12.  e6:7:13 — 51.2Chr.2: — 4:  Ezra  5:11.  19:15—19.  g22:43.  Lev.  17:3 
26:30.  Dem.  12:2— 5.  2 Chr.  33:17.  h 5:3.  1 Chr.  17:4— 6.  28:3— 6.  Arts 
7:47—49.  i Deal.  6:5.  J0-.12.  30:6,16.20.  2 Sam.  12:24,25.  Ps.  31:23.  Mark  12. 
29,30.  Rom.  8:28.  1 Cor.  8:3.  Jam.  1 : 12.  2:5.  1 John  4: 19,20.  5:2,3.  t See  on 
14.  2:3,4.  11:34.  13:3.  IChr.  28:8,9.  2 Chr.  17:3—5.  k 15:14.  29:43.  "2  Kings 
12:3.  14:4.  15.4,35.  18:4,22.  ! 9:2.  Josh.  9:3.  10:2.  1 Chr.  16:39.  21:29.  2 Chr. 
1:3.  m 8:63.  2 Chr.  1:6  . 7:5.  29:32—35.  30:24.  Is.  40: 16.  Mic.  6:6,7.  n Gen. 

eucji  great  emergencies,  wisdom  is  needful  to  direct  Chris- 
tians, that  they  may  neither  neglect  their  present  duty,  nor 
intermeddle  out  of  their  proper  sphere. — Ambitious  men  can 
never  rest ; they  must  continually  be  aiming  to  disturb  the 
settled  order  and  public  peace,  that  they  may  mount  to  supe- 
rior authority  ; and  when  baffled  with  one  weapon,  they  make 
-rial  of  another.  Whatever  goes  beside  them  in  Providence 
they  deem  taken  from  them  ; and  if  they  may  not  domineer, 
they  claim  compassion  as  injured  persons : under  plausible 
pretences  and  soft  insinuations,  they  conceal  their  aspiring 
purposes  ; an  1 with  apparent  modesty  and  affection,  address 
themselves  to  the  passions  of  the  unsuspecting,  the  undiscern- 
ing and  the  tender-hearted.  These  they  would  persuade  into 
improper  concessions,  and  engage  to  use  their  influence,  that 
their  moderate  and  equitable  desires  may  be  granted  ; and 
then  they  shall  rest  satisfied,  and  give  nobody  any  further 
disturbance : whilst  perhaps  all  this  covers  the  most  danger- 
ous and  subtle  intentions.  But  those,  who  have  the  ear  of 
princes,  should  be  careful  what  requests  they  present  to 
them.  Compassion,  generosity,  or  even  gratitude,  may  in- 
duce them  to  ask  for  others,  what  cannot  be  granted,  consist- 
ently with  the  honour  of  the  sovereign,  or  the  interest  of  the 
kingdom:  and  it  were  better  to  be  upbraided  with  unkindness 
or  ingratitude,  than  to  make  so  ill  a use  of  influence. — The 
duty  of  honouring  parents  is  obligatory  upon  us  in  every  station 
in  life  ; and  too  much  respect  and  gratitude  cannot  be  shown 
them,  provided  they  be  not  gratified  by  unlawful  and  impro- 
per compliances ; but  no  relative  affection,  no  engagement 
whatever,  can  bind  us  to  do  a thing  that  is  evil,  or  of  bad 
tendency  to  the  public. — The  machinations  of  crafty  men 
generally  entangle  themselves,  and  involve  them  in  mischiefs 
which  simple,  upright  men  escape.  (Note,  Ps.  125:4,5.)  No 
government  can  be  secure,  whilst  they,  who  aim  to  subvert 
it,  remain  unpunished:  and  such  as  have  been  convicted,  and 
still  persist  in  treasonable  designs,  are  proper  persons  to  be 
sacrified  for  the  public  good,  and  for  an  example  to  others  ; 
for  apparent  severity  to  them  may  eventually  be  mercy  to 
thousands. 

Y.  26 — 46.  Those,  who  have  disgraced  the  sacred  minis- 
try by  their  crimes,  are  unworthy  to  officiate  in  holy  things, 
and  should  be  excluded  from  them  : and  wicked  priests, 
though  often  spared  here,  will  hereafler  receive  the  deepest 
condemnation.  Yet  distinctions  should  be  made  in  the  pu- 
nishment of  the  guilty  ; former  services  and  sufferings  in  a 
good  cause  may  plead  for  an  alleviation  of  the  sentence, 
where  the  law  of  God  will  admit  of  it:  and  in  every  event  his 
word  will  one  way  or  other  be  accomplished. — Many,  who 
slight  the  ordinances  of  God  in  their  prosperity,  flee  to  them  in 
terror  and  affliction:  but  no  expedients  will  avail  to  secure  the 
impenitent  from  condi^i  punishment ; and  the  crimes,  in  which 
men  long  glory  and  prosper,  will  at  length  fall  with  heavier 
vengeance  on  their  heads. — Even  murder  admits  of  degrees 
of  criminality.  The  character  of  the  persons  murdered, 
their  rank,  and  usefulness  to  society  ; and  the  malice,  trea- 
chery and  boldness  with  which  the  crime  was  perpetrated, 
enhance  proportionably  its  malignity.— Different  offenders 
ought  to  be  treated  in  diverse  ways,  and  punishments  so  in- 
flicted, as  may  appear  most  equitable.— The  old  malignity 
remains  in  the  unconverted  heart,  and  a watchful  eye  should 
be  kept  on  those,  who  have  manifested  their  enmity,  but  have 
given  no  evidence  of  their  repentance  : yet  it  is  well  to  show 
them  such  impartiality,  as  shall  cause  them  to  confess  “ The 
saying  is  good.”  But  no  engagements  or  dangers  can  restrain 
worldly  men  from  their  pursuits  ; they  will  go  on,  though  they 
forfeit  their  lives  and  souls  : and  contempt  of  authority,  and 
the  obligation  of  an  oath,  when  their  own  interests  are  con- 
cerned, evince  them  to  be  ripe  for  destruction. — Thus,  the 
kingdom  of  Christ  is  established  by  the  ruin  of  its  obstinate 
opposers,  and  the  advancement  of  its  cordial  friends.  Those 
«ho  injure  his  people  will  be  called  to  account  perhaps  long 
Vol.  I.— 75 


there  ; for  that  was  the  great  high  place : ,na 
thousand  burnt-offerings  did  Solomon  offer  upot 
that  altar. 

5 H In  Gibeon  the  Lord  appeared  to  Solomon 
nin  a dream  by  night:  and  God  said,  °Ask  what 
I uhall  give  thee. 

6 And  Solomon  said,  Thou  hast  showed  unto 
pthy  servant  David  my  lather  ^great  ‘mercy, 
“according  as  lie  walked  before  thee  in  truth,  and 
in  righteousness,  and  in  uprightness  of  heart  with 
thee  ; and  thou  hast  kept  for  him  this  great  kind- 
ness, that  *thou  hast  given  him  a son  to  sit  on  his 
throne,  as  it  is  this  day. 

7 And  now,  O Lord  my  God,  ‘thou  hast  made 
thy  servant  king  instead  of  David  my  father  : and 
I am  but  ua  little  child  : I know  not  how  vto  go 
out  or  come  in. 


28:12,13.  Num.  12:6.  Job  33:14,15.  Malt.  1:20.  2:13,19.  o 2 Chr.  1:7— 12 
Moll.  7:7,8.  Mark  10:36— 38,51.  11:24.  John  14:13.14.  15:16.16:23,24.  Jam.  1: 
5,6.  I John  5:14,15.  p Num.  12:7.  2 Sam.  7:5.  q 2 Sam.  7:8— 12.  12:7,8.  22:47 
— 51.  1 Chr.  29.12—14.  Ps.  78:70—72.  • Heb.  bounty.  Ps.  13:6.  116  7.  119:17. 
2 Cor.  9:5,11.  r2:4.  9:4.  2 Kings  20:3.  Ps.  15:2. 18  20—24.  s See  on  1:48.  t Dan. 
2:21.4:25,32.5:18,21.  u 1 Chr.  29:1.  Job  32.6— 8.  Ec.  10:16.  Jer.  1:6.  Matt. 
18:3,4.  v Num.  27:17.  Deul.  31:2.  1 Sam.  18:16.  2Sarn.5:2.  John  10:3,4,9. 


afier ; and  all  who  are  kind  to  them  shall  be  surely  recom- 
pensed. Wisdom,  justice,  truth,  and  mercy  unite  in  his 
administration : his  kingdom  is  from  the  Lord  ; his  enemies 
will  be  condemned  out  of  their  own  mouths ; and  the  wicked- 
ness to  which  their  own  hearts  are  privy,  will  silence  all  their 
pleas.  (Note,  1 John  3:18 — 24.)  Many  have  incurred  his 
wrath  by  a forbidden  pursuit  of  worldly  objects : and  in  aim- 
ing to  secure  some  needless  possession,  have  lost  their  immor- 
tal souls.  May  we  be  his  faithful  subjects  ! May  the  Lord 
more  and  more  establish  and  extend  his  kingdom  by  making 
his  foes  his  footstool,  and  may  the  whole  eartli  be  filled  with 
his  glory,  and  with  the  acclamations  of  his  willing  people  ! 

NOTES. — Chap.  III.  V.  1.  As  Rehoboam  was  born 
before  the  death  of  David,  (comp.  11:42  with  14:21.)  it  is 
plain  that  Solomon  had  before  this  married  Naamah  an 
Ammonitess  ; (Note,  14:21.)  and  at  this  time  he  married  the 
daughter  of  the  Egyptian  king.  It  is  supposed  that  both  of 
them  had  embraced  the  religion  of  Israel : and,  as  Solomon  is 
not  censured  on  this  account,  there  might  be  special  reasons 
inducing  him  to  this  conduct,  of  which  we  are  not  informed.  It 
is  also  remarkable,  that  when  Solomon’s  wives  drew  him  into 
idolatry,  the  idols  of  Egypt  are  not  mentioned : so  that  Pha- 
raoh’s daughter  does  not  seem  to  have  been  one  of  his  temp- 
ters. (Note,  11:1 — 8.)  At  first  he  brought  her  into  the  city 
of  David  : but  after  he  had  finished  his  other  works,  he  built 
her  a palace  at  some  distance  from  the  temple.  (9:24.  Note, 
2 Chr.  8:11.) 

V.  2,  3.  Until  the  temple  was  budded,  the  irregularity  of 
sacrificing  to  the  God  of  Israel  in  high  places,  and  burning 
incense  at  them  by  the  priests,  was  in  some  degree  connived 
at : but  the  people  proceeded  much  further  in  it,  than  in  the 
days  of  David,  and  Solomon  was  censurable  for  countenanc- 
ing them  by  his  example.  Upon  high  hills,  especially  when 
covered  with  trees,  as  having  peculiar  solemnity,  and  being 
favourable  to  retirement,  they  erected  altars,  and  offered 
sacrifices,  after  the  manner  of  the  nations  around  them,  but 
contrary  to  the  law  of  Moses.  (Notes,  Lev.  26:30.  Deut. 
12:2 — 7.  2 Kings  18:4,22.  Ez.  20:28,29.)  Solomon,  how- 
ever, “ loved  the  Lord,  walking  in  the  statutes  of  David  his 
father.” 

Y.  4.  The  tabernacle  made  under  the  direction  of  Mose#, 
and  the  altar  belonging  to  it,  were  at  this  time  stationed  at 
Gibeon:  and  this  was  on  that  account,  the  principal  high 
place,  where  the  priests  and  Levites  officiated  according  to 
the  law.  (2  Chr.  1:5,6.  Notes,  1 Chr.  16:37—43.  21:28 — 
30. ) Solomon  must  have  continued  at  Gibeon  for  some  time 
on  this  occasion  ; as  he  offered  a thousand  burnt-offerings 
upon  the  altar  made  byBezaleel,  (Note,  Ez.  27:1 — 8.)  which 
the  constant  and  vehement  fire  on  the  altar  entirely  consumed. 
(Note.,  8:63—65.) 

V.  5-14.  (Notes,  Gen.  20:1—6.  31:23,24.  Job.  4:12 — 
16.  33:14 — 18.)  In  ordinary  dreams  almost  every  thing  is 
incoherent  and  irrational,  though  they  often  savour  of  a man’s 
waking  thoughts,  pursuits,  and  character:  but  Solomons 
dream  was  of  another  kind.  While  his  corporeal  senses 
were  locked  up  in  sleep,  the  powers  of  his  soul  were  super- 
naturally  invigorated  ; and  he  was  enabled  to  receive  the 
divine  vision,  and  to  make  a suitable  choice  in  the  case  refer- 
red to  him.  His  pleas  were  cogent,  and  his  determination 
wise.  His  father  had  ruled  over  Israel  in  truth  and  righteous- 
ness, and  had  been  greatly  favoured  and  prospered : he  was 
the  first  of  the  rulers  of  Israel,  who  had  been  succeeded  by 
his  son : Solomon  had  been  preferred  before  his  elder  breth- 
ren by  God’s  own  appointment : all  these  circumtances  con- 
curred to  raise  men’s  expectations,  or  to  excite  their  enmity 
and  envy ; and  thus  to  increase  the  importance  and  arduous- 
ness of  his  station.  The  people  were  very  numerous,  they 
were  the  chosen  of  God,  and  among  them  he  must  both  judgo 
in  equity,  and  promote  true  religion.  Yet  he  was  very  young, 
and  inexperienced  as  a child.  (Notes,  2:2.  1 Chr.  22:2 — 5 
( 583  ) 


I.  KINGS, 


B.  C.  1974 


B.  C.  1014 


8 And  th>  servant  is  in  the  midst  of  ’thy  peo- 
ple which  thou  hast  chosen,  a great  people,  that 
’cannot  he  numbered  nor  counted  for  multitude. 

9 'Give  therefore  thy  servant  an  'understanding 
heart  ato  judge  thy  people,  that  I may  bdiscern 
between  good  and  bad  : for  cwho  is  able  to  judge 
this  thy  so  great  a people  ? 

10  And  the  speech  dpleased  the  Lord,  that 
Solomon  had  asked  this  thing. 

11  And  God  said  unto  him,  Because  thou  hast 
asked  this  thing,  and  ehast  not  asked  tor  thyself 
'long  life ; neither  hast  asked  riches  for  thyself, 
nor  hast  asked  the  life  of  thine  enemies : but  hast 
asked  for  thyself  understanding  to  ^discern  judg- 
ment ; 

12  Behold,  fl  have  done  according  to  thy 
words:  lo,  si  have  given  thee  a wise  and  an 
understanding  heart;  so  that  there  was  none  like 
thee  before  thee,  neither  hafter  thee  shall  any  arise 
like  unto  thee. 

13  And  ‘I  have  also  given  thee  that  which  thou 
hast  not  asked,  both  kriches  and  honour  : so  that 
there  ^shall  not  be  any  among  the  kings  like  unto 
thee  all  thy  days. 

14  And  'if  thou  wilt  walk  in  my  ways,  to  keep 
my  statutes  and  my  commandments,  mas  thy 
father  David  did  walk,  then  "I  will  lengthen  thy 
days. 

15  And  Solomon  °awoke  ; and  behold,  it  was  a 
dream.  And  he  came  to  Jerusalem,  and  stood 
Pbefore  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  and 
offered  up  burnt-offerings,  and  offered  'Jpeace- 
offerings,  and  made  ’a  feast  to  all  his  servants. 

[Practical  Observations .] 

16  H Then  came  there  'two  women,  that  were 
harlots,  unto  the  king,  and  ‘stood  before  him. 

17  And  the  one  woman  said,  "0  my  lord,  I 
and  this  woman  dwell  in  one  house ; and  I was 
delivered  of  a child  with  her  in  the  house. 

18  And  it  came  to  pass  the  third  day  after  that 

x Ex.  19:5,6.  1:6-8.  1 Sxm.  12  22.  Ps.  18-71.  jr  Gen.  13:16.  15:5.  22:17. 

1 Chr. 21:2,5,6.  27:23,21.  < 1 Chr. 22:12.  29:19.  2Chr.  1:10.  Ps.  119:31,73,114. 
Prov.2:6.  3:13 — 18.  16:16.  Jam.  1:5.  3:17.  * Heb.  hearing.  Prov. 20: 12.  a 28. 
Ps.  721,2.  Prov.  14:8.  Ec.  7:11,19.  9.15 — 18.  b2Sam.  14:17.  h.  11:2-4.  1 Cor. 
2:14,15.  Eph.  5:17.  Phil.  1:10.  Or.  Heb. 5:14.  c Ex.  3: 1 1 .12.  4: 10— 13.  Jer.  1 : 
6.  Matt.  3:11,14.  2 Cor.  2:16.  3:5.  cl  Prov.  15:8.  e Ps.  4:6.  Prov.  16:31 . Matt. 
20:21,22.  Jam.  4:3.  f Ilob.  many  days.  } Heb.  hear.  9.  mare.  fPs.  10.17.  Is. 
65  24.  Rom.  8.26,27.  1 John  5:14,15.  g 23.  2:6,9.  4:29—  34  . 5:1$.  10:3— 8.  2Chr. 
111,12.2:12.9:5—8.  Ec.  1:16.  Lnke2l:15.  h Matt.  12:42.  Col. 2:3.  i Ps. 
84:11,12.  Malt.  6:33.  Rom.  8:32.  1 Cor.  3:22,23.  Eph.  3:20.  k 4:21— 24. 
10:23,27.  Prov.  3:16.  § Or,  hath,  not  been.  12:3,4.  I Chr.  22:12,13.  28:9. 


29:1.  Jer.  1:6 — 8.)  His  single  petition  therefore  was,  that 
the  Lord  would  give  his  servant  an  understanding  heart : that 
is,  that  he  would  enlarge  and  strengthen  his  intellectual 
powers,  give  him  a ready  discernment  in  spiritual  things  and 
a correspondent  disposition  ; and  furnish  him  with  the  peculiar 
talents  and  capacities  for  government ; that  he  might  admi- 
nister justice  and  judgment,  with  impartial  rectitude  and  deep 
penetration,  for  the  benefit  of  the  people  and  the  honour  of 
God.  Doubtless  these  sentiments  were  habitually  in  Solo- 
mon’s mind,  previously  to  this  dream : and  his  consciousness 
of  his  own  insufficiency  had  led  him  to  depend  upon  the  Lord 
to  qualify  him  for  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  his  important 
station:  and  his  request  accorded  to  the  exhortations  which 
David  had  given  him,  and  the  prayers  which  he  had  offered 
for  him.  (Notes,  1 Chr.  22:11,12.  28:9.  29:10—19.  Ps.  72: 
title s 1,2.  Prov.  2:1 — 6.  14:8.  Jam.  1:5 — 8.) — Absalom  and 
Adonijah  do  not  seem  to  have  been  troubled  with  anxiety  on 
this  account,  though  far  inferior  to  Solomon  in  capacity  for 
ruling:  hut  they  sought  the  honour  and  power  of  the  kingdom, 
he  desired  to  discharge  the  duty  of  a king. — The  disposition 
and  judgment  which  dictated  this  petition,  in  preference  to  all 
those  alluring  distinctions  which  carnal  minds b pursue,  and 
v^hich  especially  attract  young  persons  in  superior  stations, 
was  well  pleasing  to  the  Lord  ; and  he  assured  Solomon,  that 
u he  had  given  him  a wise  and  understanding  heart,”  and  that 
he  should  receive  a very  large  accession  of  wisdom  : (Note, 
Matt.  13:12.)  so  that  he  should  excel  all  the  kings  of  Israel, 
who  had  preceded  or  should  succeed  him,  and  indeed  all  other 
kings,  in  every  kind  of  knowledge  and  discernment,  and  also 
in  riches  and  honour,  which  he  had  not  asked. — ( Notes , 4:30 — 
34.  Matt.  6:33,34.  12:41,42.) — The  promise  of  long  life  was 

conditionally  added  ; and  perhaps  it  was  in  part  forfeited  by 
the  idolatry,  and  other  sins,  into  which  he  was  afterwards 
betrayed.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  1:7 — 13.) 

V.  15.  Marg.  Ref.  Note , 2 Sam.  6:17. 

V.  16 — 22.  These  harlots,  who  by  some  means  escaped 
punishment,  for  their  licentious  conduct,  were  alone  when  the 
child  of  the  one  died  ; 1 hough  probably  not  when  the  children 
were  born.  Tho  first  wom  an’s  account,  though  in  great  part 
conjectural  seems  tc  have  been  tho  truth.  Perhaps  tho 
( 591  ) 


1 was  delivered,  that  this  woman  was  delivered 
also  : and  we  were  together;  there  was  no  stranger 
with  us  in  the  house,  save  we  two  in  the  house. 

19  And  this  woman’s  child  died  in  the  night; 
because  she  overlaid  it. 

20  And  she  arose  at  ’midnight,  and  ’took  my 
son  from  beside  me,  while  thy  handmaid  slept, 
and  laid  it  in  her  bosom,  and  laid  her  dead  child 
in  my  bosom. 

21  And  when  I arose  in  the  morning  to  ’give 
my  child  suck,  behold,  it  was  dead  ; but  when  I 
had  considered  it  in  the  morning,  behold,  it  was 
not  my  son  which  I did  bear. 

22  And  the  other  woman  said,  'Nay ; but  the 
living  is  my  son,  and  the  dead  is  thy  son..  And 
this  said,  No;  but  the  dead  is  thy  son,  and  the 
living  is  my  son.  Thus  they  spake  before  the 
king. 

23  Then  said  the  king,  The  one  saith,  This  is 
my  son  that  liveth,  and  thy  son  is  the  dead ; and 
the  other  saith.  Nay  ; but  thy  son  is  the  dead,  and 
my  son  is  the  living. 

24  And  the  king  said,  bring  me  a sword.  And 
they  brought  a sword  before  the  king. 

25  And  the  king  said,  ‘'Divide  the  living  child 
in  two,  and  give  half  to  the  one,  and  half  to  the 
other. 

26  Then  spake  the  woman  whose  the  living 
child  was  unto  the  king , for  cher  bowels  "yearned 
upon  her  son,  and  she  said,  O my  lord,  dfiive  hei 
the  living  child,  and  in  no  wise  slay  it.  But  the 
other  said,  Let  it  he  neither  mine  nor  thine,  but 
divide  it. 

27  Then  the  king  answered  and  said.  Give  her 
the  living  child,  and  in  no  wise  slay  it:  she  is  the 
mother  thereof. 

28  And  all  Israel  heard  of  the  judgment  which 
the  king  had  judged  ; and  they  'feared  the  king: 
for  they  saw  that  f the  wisdom  of  God  was  %i  him 
to  do  judgment. 

2CI,r.7:17— 19.  Ps.  132:12.  Zecli.  3:7.  m Sre  on  3.  9:1.5.  15:5.  1 Chr.  17:3, 
4.29:2.34:2.  Acts  13:22.  n Dent.  5:16.  Ps.  91 : 16.  Prov.  3:2,16.  1 Tim.  4:8. 
o Gen.  41:7.  Jer. 31:26.  p2Sam.6:17.  1 Chr.  16:1,2.  /q8:63.  Lev. 3:  7:11—19. 

2 Sam.  6:18,19. 2Chr.  7:5,7—10.30.22—26.  rGen.  31:54.  40:20.  Esth.  1:3.  Dan. 
5:1.  Mark  6:21.  e Lev.  19:29.  Deut.  23:17.  Josh.  2:1.  t Ex.  18:13,16.  Nuro. 
27:2.  u Gen.  43:20.  Rom.  13:7.  x Job  24:13—17.  Matt.  13:25.  John  3:20.  y 21. 
z Gen.  21:7.  1 Sam.  1:23.  Lam.  4:3,4.  a 23,24.  b Prov.  25:3.  c Gen.  43:30. 
Is. 49:15.  Jer.  31:20.  Hos.  11:8.  Phil.  1:8.  2:1.  1 John  3:17.  II  Heb.  were  hot.  P». 
39:3.  d Rom.  1:31.  2Tim.  3:3.  e Ex.  14:31 . Josh.  4: 14.  I Sam.  12:18.  1 Chr. 
29:24.  Prov.  24:21.  f 9— 12.  Ezra  7:25.  Ec.  7:19.  Dau.  2:21,47.  5:11.  1 Cor. 
1:24,30.  Col.  2:3.  IT  Heb.  in  the  midst  of  him. 


other  woman  feared  some  reproach,  suspicion,  or  punish- 
ment, as  if  she  had  willingly  or  negligently  occasioned  tho 
death  of  her  child ; or  she  hoped  to  have  some  gain  by  means 
of  the  living  child  ; or  perhaps  she  was  induced  by  envy 
and  malignity  to  claim  it  as  her  own  : for  her  willingness  to 
have  it  divided  afterwards  evinced  that  she  had  no  true  affec- 
tion for  it.  (26) 

V.  23 — 28.  As  there  were  no  witnesses  in  this  transac- 
tion, and  both  parties  were  alike  strenuous  and  positive,  the 
cause  became  extremely  difficult ; and  probably  it  was  re- 
ferred to  the  king’s  hearing,  because  it  had  proved  too 
difficult  for  the  inferior  judges.  In  many  countries  such 
cases  have  been  decided  by  lot,  and  which  is  much  worse, 
by  duels;  or  the  parties  have  been  tortured,  that  they  might 
be  compelled  to  declare  the  truth.  But  Solomon  adopted 
the  only  rational  method,  by  making  use  of  his  acquaintance 
with  the  human  heart,  to  discover  which  of  them  had  tho 
feelings  of  a mother  for  the  living  child.  Yet  when  he  called 
for  the  sword,  and  ordered  the  living  child  to  he  divided;  as 
none  of  the  auditors  seemed  to  have  perceived  his  intentions, 
they  doubtless  would  secretly  condemn  the  proposal,  as 
puerile,  absurd,  and  inhuman.  The  woman,  who  consented 
to  the  division  of  the  child,  perhaps  expected  to  obtain  Solo- 
mon’s favour  by  this  acquiescence  : but  she  betrayed  her 
want  of  natural  affection  for  the  child,  and  her  resentment 
against  her  competitor  ; while  the  other  expressed  all  the 
feelings  of  a mother  in  an  artless  and  inimitable  manner. 
And  when  the  people  saw,  that,  by  this  extraordinary  mea- 
sure, Solomon  had  extorted  the  truth  beyond  all  further 
doubt ; they  revered  and  stood  in  awe  of  him,  notwithstand- 
ing his  youth  ; perceiving  44  that  the  wisdom  of  God  was  in 
him  to  do  judgment.”  (Note,  2:2.) — The  murder  of  illegi- 
timate infants  by  their  mothers,  to  conceal  their  own  sin  and 
shame,  which  so  frequently  occurs  in  this  land,  is  not  so 
much  as  intimated  in  any  way  in  the  Scriptures,  nor,  as  far 
as  my  reading  and  recollection  extend,  in  any  ancient  his- 
tory. Tho  state  of  morals  among  tho  heathen  accounts  for 
this,  among  them,  in  two  ways  : 1st.  It  was  not  considered 
as  peculiarly  disgraceful  to  either  parent  to  have  spurious 
children:  and  2dly  rrhe  common  practice  of  exposing  infants, 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAPTER  IV 


B.  C.  1014 


CHAPTER  TV. 

tolotnon' a princes,  1 — 6.  Twelve  officers  toho  provided  for  hit  household,  each 
in  Ms  mont'<,  7— T9.  The  prosperity  and  gi'andeur  of  his  kingdom,  20 
—25.  His  horses  and  chariots,  26 — 28.  His  wisdom  and  reputation,  29 

—34. 

0 king  Solomon  was  king  “over  all  Israel. 

2  And  these  were - the  princes  which  he  had  , 
•Azariah  the  son  ofZadok  the  'priest: 

3 Elihoreph  and  Ahiah,  the  sons  of  dShisha, 
•scribes;  Jehoshaphat  the  son  of  Ahilud,  the  •re- 
corder. 

4 And  “Benaiah  the  son  of  Jehoiada  was  over 
the  host:  and  rZadok  and  Abiathar  were  the 
priests : 

5 And  Azariah  the  5son  of  Nathan  was  over  the 


• 11  13.35,35.  12:19,50  . 5 Sum.  5:5.  I Chr.  12:38.  2 Chr.  9:30.  Ec.  1:12.  b F.x. 
18:21.  2 Sam.  S:15 — 18.  20:23-26.  1 Cor  12:28.  t 1 Chr.  6:8— 10.  27:17. 

• Or,  chief  officer,  d 2 Sum.  20:25.  Shtra.  1 Chr.  18:16.  Shm-sha.  t Or, 
secretaries . 1 Or,  remembrancer.  2 Snm.  8:16.  1 Chr.  18:15.  Ts.  62:6.  mar- 
gins. e See  on  2:35.  f See  on  2:26,27,35.  g 1:10,  &c.  2 Sam.  7:2. 12:1— 15, 


officers : and  Zabnd  the  son  of  Nathan  was 
principal  officer,  and  hthe  king’s  friend  : 

6 And  Ahishar  was  over  the  household  : and 
‘Adoniram  the  son  of  Abda  was  over  the  ^tribute. 

7 H And  Solomon  had  twelve  officers  over  all 
Israel,  which  provided  victuals  for  the  king  and 
his  household  : ieach  man  his  month  in  a vear 
made  provision. 

8 And  these  are  their  names:  "The  son  of  Hur, 
in  kmount  Ephraim : 

9 '"The  son  of  Dekar,  in  Makaz;  and  ia 
'Shaalbim,  and  mBeth-shemesh,  and  Elon-beth 
hanan : 

10  "The  son  of  Hesed  in  Aruboth  : to  him 
pertained  "Sochoh,  and  all  the  land  of  °Hepher  : 

25.  h 2 Sam.  15:37.  16:16.  19:37.38.  Prov.  22:11.  John  13:23.  15:14,15.  Jam.  2 
23.  i 12:18.  2 Sam.  20:24.  Adoram.  % Or,  levy.  5: 13,14.  9: 15.  )lChr.2J. 
1 — 15.  ||  Or,  Ben-hur.  k Judg.  17:1.  19:1.  IT  Or,  tien-dekar.  1 Josh.  19:42. 
Shaalabbin.  m See  on  1 Sam.  6:12,20.  **  Or,  Ben-hesed.  n See  on  Josh 
15:35.  o Josh.  12:17.  17:2; 


whether  spurious  or  not,  excluded  all  temptation  to  the  secret 
murder  of  any.  But  the  case  must  have  been  very  different 
in  Israel : yet  this  crime  seems  never  to  have  occurred  ; nor 
was  any  law  enacted  concerning  it.  It  is  not,  however,  diffi- 
cult to  discover  the  cause  of  its  frequent  and  horrid  occur- 
rence in  our  enlightened  land,  in  the  stern  rejection  of  the 
offending  female,  if  detected,  from  the  society  of  all  who  are 
not  thus  disgraced,  without  discrimination,  or  hope  of  reco- 
very from  this  infamous  loss  of  caste , so  to  speak  ; and  in  the 
ent're  impunity  of  her  male  paramour,  though  perhaps  far 
more  deeply  criminal.  And  it  is  a question  of  no  small 
importance,  in  every  view,  whether  some  measures  might 
not  be  taken,  to  counteract  this  dire  evil,  without  lowering  the 
standard  of  morality,  or  giving  encouragement  to  vice. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 15.  Whatever  external  or  intellectual  accomplish- 
ments any  man  may  possess;  u to  love  the  Lord”  is  the 
grand  distinction  between  one  man  and  another:  and  thus  the 
meanest  believer  is  preferred  before  all  the  wise,  learned, 
renowned,  and  prosperous  unbelievers  on  earth ; and  is 
classed  among  apostles,  prophets,  and  th'ose  few  princes  who 
have  served  God.  Indeed,  admiration  of  his  perfections, 
gratitude  for  his  goodness,  delight  in  his  service,  and  zeal 
for  his  glory,  form  the  perfection  and  felicity  of  angels : and 
to  this  character  the  grace  of  our  Redeemer  renews  all 
those,  who  accept  of  his  salvation. — Such  as  love  the  Lord 
ought  to  copy  the  examples,  and  follow  the  instructions,  of 
those  who  have  gone  before  them  in  the  same  path  ; espe- 
cially of  pious  parents:  but  they  should  be  careful  to  avoid 
their  errors  and  transgressions ; for  even  good  men  find  it 
difficult  to  act  themselves  at  all  times  as  they  would  counsej 
others  : so  that  defects  will  be  found  in  the  best  characters, 
and  the  best  state  of  the  church  upon  earth.  We  should 
indeed  watch  and  pray  against  all  evil  in  ourselves,  and  use 
our  influence  to  prevent  it  in  others : yet  we  should  expect  to 
see  many  things  that  we  disapprove,  and  learn  to  make 
allowances  for  them. — That  is  never  wasted,  which  is  pru- 
dently spent  in  the  service  of  God:  and  the  munificence  and 
liberality  of  the  great  should  be  proportioned  to  their  afflu- 
ence, that  their  example  may  edify  their  inferiors.  To 
abound  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  upon  scriptural  principles , 
forms  the  proper  method  of  waiting  for  the  communications 
of  further  knowledge,  grace,  and  comfort.- -In  jeffect,  the 
Lord  by  his  gospel  makes  this  proposal  to  all  who  hear  it, 
H Ask  what  I shall  give  thee.”  (Note,  Matt.  7:7 — 11.)  He 
does  not  indeed  engage  to  gratify  the  desires  of  the  ambitious, 
the  covetous,  the  sensual,  the  envious,  or  the  revengeful : 
but  he  is  ever  ready  to  answer  the  petitions  of  those,  who 
ask  of  him  heavenly  wisdom  and  spiritual  blessings,  how- 
ever guilty,  depraved,  and  foolish  they  have  hitherto  been. 
We  should  therefore  first  request,  the  Lord  to  teach  us  what 
to  pray- for,  and  how  to  pray  aright:  and  if  we  pray  from  our 
hearts,  and  in  the  Redeemer’s  name;  if  we  have  been  taught 
to  ask  of  the  Lord,  his  favour,  his  image,  his  graces,  and  his 
comforts  ; with  wisdom,  ability,  and  a willing  mind,  to  fill  up 
our  station  in  the  church  and  in  society,  to  his  glory  and 
the  good  of  others ; he  has  already  given  us  an  understand- 
ing heart,  and  will  make  continual  accessions  to  this  gift. 
When  we  decidedly  prefer  these  spiritual  blessings  to  all 
worldly  advantages,  we  may  be  sure  that  he  will  give  us  as 
much  of  outward  comforts,  as  he  sees  really  subservient  to 
our  good.  We  should  also  honour  the  riches  of  his  all-suffi- 
ciency and  liberality,  by  multiplying  and  enlarging  our  re- 
quests, and  grasp  ng  at  more  and  more  from  him ; for  he  will 
take  it  graciously,  and  deal  with  us  accordingly. — In  every 
service,  public  and  private,  they  are  most  qualified  for  their 
work,  and  acquit  themselves  the  best  in  it,  who  are  most 
sensible  of  its  difficulty,  and  of  their  own  insufficiency.  It 
is  a hopeful  circumstance,  when  those,  whom  others  call 
wise  men , deem  themselves  children;  and  very  discouraging, 
when  men  are  singular  in  a good  opinion  of  their  own  abili- 
ties and  attainments.—  Distinguishing  favours  require  peculiar 
-eturns  of  gratitude  : and  a man’s  being  evidently  called  to 
#ery  important  and  arduous  services,  may  dictate  his  prayers, 
and  er courage  his  expectations  o proportionable  assistance. 


Such  as  succeed  eminently  wise  and  good  men,  should  ask 
a double  portion  of  wisdom  and  grace,  to  answer  the  expecta- 
tions of  others  from  them  : and  they  who,  in  deviation  from 
ordinary  rules,  are  employed  in  any  public  service,  will  be 
more  narrowly  watched,  and  more  severely  censured,  if  they 
act  inconsistently.  Let  not  this  hint  be  overlooked,  or  taken 
amiss,  by  those  who  preach  the  gospel  without  an  express 
regular  appointment  from  man,  in  any  of  those  ways  by 
which  ministers  are  ordinarily  sent  forth. — The  continued 
blessing  of  God  can  only  be  expected  in  the  way  of  persever- 
ing obedience : and  negligence  or  wickedness  will  always 
ensure  loss  in  our  temporal  or  spiritual  comforts. 

V.  16 — 28.  Judges,  magistrates,  and  all  concerned  in 
trying  causes,  need  great  discernment,  as  well  as  integrity, 
in  order  to  search  out  the  truth,  when  all  possible  pains  and 
fallacy  are  employed  to  conceal  it:  they  ought  therefore,  in 
all  their  studies  and  in  all  their  decisions,  to  ask  wisdom  of 
God  ; and  we  should  earnestly  remember  them  in  our  prayers 
that  he  would  confer  it  upon  them. — Where  the  Lord  has 
given  abilities,  and  a heart  disposed  to  improve  them,  he 
will  open  a way  for  the  profitable  exercise  of  them  in  his 
due  time : and  an  accurate  acquaintance  with  the  human 
heart  will  be  found  a most  profitable  kind  of  knowledge  for 
all,  but  especially  for  magistrates  and  ministers. — God  has 
made  natural  affection  very  strong,  especially  in  mothers, 
as  the  great  means  of  preserving  their  infants,  in  the  midst 
of  their  dangers  and  infirmities,  and  notwithstanding  all  the  * 
trouble  and  fatigue  which  they  occasion.  Yet  human  depra- 
vity, habitual  wickedness,  or  fear  and  shame*  can  extinguish 
it,  and  even  mothers  are  capable  of  becoming  the  murderers 
of  their  own  infants ! Surely  these  harlots  will  rise  up  in 
judgment  against  such  unn;  ‘ural  criminals,  and  condemn 
them  ; and  still  more  their  brutal  seducers,  who  have  desert-, 
ed  them  when  exposed  to  these  awful  temptations. — But  to 
accommodate  this  transaction,  may  we  not  observe,  that 
many  professors  of  the  gospel  (like  the  pretended  mother 
who  consented  to  have  the  child  divided)  would  mutilate  the 
sacred  Scriptures,  and  leave  out  those  parts  which  oppose 
their  prejudices,  pride,  and  lusts  ? yea,  they  would  fain  divide 
their  hearts  between  God  and  mammon.  But  the  true  be- 
liever loves  the  whole  Scripture,  and  holds  it  fast,  and  value® 
doctrines,  precepts,  warnings,  promises,  and  every  part,  a* 
necessary  to  the  perfection  of  the  inestimable  whole  : and  this 
cordial  affection  proves  the  whole  to  be  his  own.  He  would 
yield  his  heart  entirely  to  the  Lord,  and  seek  after  his  happi- 
ness from  him  alone.  Soon  our  Solomon  will  decide  between 
these  two  characters  : u in  him  is  the  wisdom  of  God  to  do 
judgment.”  Let  us  then  see  to  it,  that  our  cause  and  title  bo 
clear : for  he  cannot  be  imposed  upon  by  any  evasions  or 
subterfuges  : seeing  he  “ searcheth  the  hearts  of  all  the  child- 
ren of  men,”  and  u all  things  are  naked  and  open  before  him, 
with  whom  we  have  to  do.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  IV.  V.  1.  David  had  not  at  first 
reigned  over  u all  Israel ;”  and  none  of  Solomon’s  successors 
had  this  privilege  continued  to  them.  (Note,  Ec.  1:1.) 

V.  2 — 6.  (Marg.  Ref.) — Several  of  these  princes , or  minis- 
ters of  state,  and  chief  officers,  were  either  the  same  persons 
as  David  had  employed,  or  their  sons.  (20:23 — 25.  Note,  2 
Sam.  8:15 — 18.) — Abiathar,  though  deposed  from  the  high- 
priesthood,  and  secluded  from  the  sanctuary,  retained  under 
Zadok  the  title  and  emoluments  of  a priest,  or  one  of  the 
chief  priests.  Azariah  the  son,  or  grandson,  of  Zakok,  being 
the  son  of  Ahimaaz,  (1  Chr.  6:8,9.)  might  under  his  grand- 
father have  the  chief  management  of  ecclesiastical  matters. 
Two  sons  of  Nathan  the  prophet,  as  it  is  supposed,  were  pre- 
ferred by  Solomon,  and  one  was  dignified  as  the  king’s  friend. 

V.  7 — 19.  (Marg.  Ref.)  These  officers  were  appointed 
to  procure  every  kind  of  provision,  where  it  was  most  plenti- 
ful and  good  : and  we  may  suppose  that,  besides  the  monthly 
supply  of  such  productions  as  were  common  to  the  whole  land, 
they  would  purchase  upon  the  spot  those  provisions  which 
were  peculiar  to  each  district,  and  which  could  be  preserved. 
This  was  a salutary  and  economical  arrangement,  and  would 
prevent  any  part  of  the  country  from  being  improperly  drained , 
it  would  also  promote  an  equal  consumption,  and  supply  th® 

( 595  ) 


B.  C.  10i4. 


I.  KINGS. 


B.  C.  1014 


11  "The  son  of  Abinadab.  in  all  the  region  of 
pDor;  which  had  Taphath  the  daughter  of  Solo- 
mon to  wife  : 

12  Baanah  the  son  of  Ahilud  ; to  him  pertained 
'iTaanach  and  ‘Megiddo,  and  all  *Beth-shean, 
which  is  by  ‘Zartanah  beneath  “Jezreel,  from 
Beth-shean  to  xAbel-meholah,  even  unto  the  place 
that  is  beyond  Jokneam. 

13  'The  son  of  Geber,  in  yRamoth-gilead  ; to 
him  pertained  Hhe  towns  of  Jair  the  son  of 
Manasseh,  which  are  in  Gilead : to  him  also 
pertained  the  region  of  “Argob,  which  is  in 
Bashan,  threescore  great  cities  with  walls  and 
brazen  bars : 

14  Ahinadab  the  son  of  Iddo  had  ’Mahanaim  : 

15  Ahimaaz  was  in  bNaphtali ; he  also  took 
Basmath  cthe  daughter  of  Solomon  to  wife  : 

16  Baanah  the  son  of  Hushai  was  in  dAsher 
and  in  Aloth: 

17  Jehoshaphat  the  son  of  Paruah,  in  “Issachar : 

18  r Shimei  the  son  of  Elah,  in  ^Benjamin. 

19  Geber  the  son  of  Uri  was  in  the  country  of 
Gilead,  in  hthe  country  of  Sihon  king  of  the 
Amorites,  and  of  Og  king  of  Bashan;  and  he  was 
the  only  officer  which  was  in  the  land. 

20  If  Judah  and  Israel  were  many,  'as  the  sand 
which  is  by  the  sea  in  multitude,  keating  and 
drinking,  and  making  merry. 

21  And  ‘Solomon  reigned  over  all  kingdoms, 
from  the  river  unto  the  land  of  the  Philistines,  and 
unto  the  border  of  Egypt : they  '"brought  presents, 
and  served  Solomon  all  the  days  of  his  lile. 

22  H And  Solomon’s  ^provision  for  one  day 
was  thirty  "measures  of  fine  flour,  and  threescore 
measures  of  meal, 

23  "Ten  fat  oxen,  and  twenty  oxen  out  of  the 
pastures,  and  a hundred  sheep,  beside  harts,  and 
roe-bucks,  and  fallow-deer,  and  fatted  fowl. 

• Or,  Ben-abinndab.  p Josh.  12:23.  17: 1 1 . Judg.  1:27.  q See  on  Josh.  17: 
11.  Judg.  5:19.  r 2 Kings  23:20,30.  s 1 Sam.  31:10,12.  t 7:46  Zarthan. 
Josh  3:16.  Zrtretrm.  u 18:46.  x 19:16.  1 Or.  lion-geber.  v 22.3.  Dent. 

4:43.  Josh.  20:8.  21:38  . 2 Kings  9:1,14.  z Num.  32:41.  Dent.  3. 14.  aDeut.3: 
1,13,14.  Ps.  22:12.  68:15.  X Or,  to  Mahdnaim.  Gen.  32:2.  2 Sam.  2:8.  17:24, 
27.  b Josh.  19:32-39.  c 11.  1 Sam.  18:18.  d Josh.  19:24—31.  e Josh.  19: 
17—23.  f 1:8.  Zeeh.  12:13.  g Josh.  18:20—  28.  h Num.  21 :21— 35.  Deut.2: 
26-37.3:1-17.  Josh.  13:9— 12.  i 3:8.  Gen.  13:16.  15:5.  22:17.  Prov.  14:28. 
k 1 Sam.  30:16.  l,Chr.  12:39.  Job  1:18.  Ps.  72:3— 7.  Ec.2:24.  Is.  22:13.  Mie. 
4:4.  Zech.  3:10.9:15.  Acts2:46.  124.  Gen.  15:18.  Ex. 23:31.  Deut.  11:24. 
Josh.  1:4.2  Chr.  9:26.  Ezra  4:20.  Ps.  72:8,9.  m 1 Sam.  10:27.  2 Kings  17:3. 
2 Chr.  17:5.  92:23.  Ps.  68:29.  72:10,11.  76:11.  § Heb.  bread.  H Heb.  cors. 

n Neh.  5:17,18.  o Gen.  10:19.  Judg.  16:1.  Gaza.  p Seeon  21.  Ps.  72:8,11. 


requisite  plenty  upon  the  best  terms. — Two  of  these  purveyors 
married  daughters  of  Solomon : for  it  was  not  his  policy  to 
prevent  his  children  from  intermarrying  with  his  subjects. 
Perhaps  he  had  more  daughters,  though  but  one  son  by  all  his 
wives.  But  these  marriages  must  have  taken  place  many 
years  after  his  accession,  and  this  chapter  should  be  consider- 
ed as  a general  account  of  the  state  of  the  land  in  his  reign. 
Geber  seems  to  have  had  the  chief  management  of  the  whole 
country  beyond  Jordan,  and  to  have  employed  his  son,  and 
Ahinadab,  under  him  in  that  district.  (13:14,19.) 

V.  20.  The  people  were  not  diminished  in  Solomon’s  reign 
by  wars,  invasions,  or  intestine  contests ; and  therefore  they 
grew  exceedingly  numerous  and  prosperous,  and  lived  in 
great  peace  and  plenty.  ( Marg . Ref.  Note , Ec.  2:24 — 26.) 
But  they  seem  to  have  been  too  much  pleased  and  elated  with 
their  external  blessings,  and  to  have  indulged  themselves  too 
freely  in  the  use  of  them. 

V.  21.  David  had  subdued  all  the  countries,  from  the  en- 
trance of  Egypt  to  the  river  Euphrates:  and  Solomon  reaped 
the  fruit  of  his  victories,  by  reigning  peaceably  over  these  ex- 
tensive territories,  and  increasing  his  own  wealth,  and  that 
of  his  native  subjects,  by  the  presents  and  tributes  of  the  in- 
habitants. (Notes,  Gen.  15:18 — 21.  Ex.  23:31.  Josh.  1:3,4. 
2 Sam.  8:3.  Ps.  72:8—11.) 

V.  22,  23.  The  provisions  here  mentioned  would  suffice 
for  several  thousands  of  people.  Solomon’s  servants  and 
officers,  and  those  who  flocked  to  his  court  from  all  parts  of 
the  land,  and  from  distant  nations,  with  their  retinues,  were 
no  doubt  entertained  upon  them.  (Note,  Neh.  5:14 — 18.) 

Measures.  (22)  Cors.  (marg.)  A cor  is  generally  com- 
puted at  ten  ephahs,  or  rather  above  seventy-two  gallons. 

V.  24.  Tiphsah  is  supposed  to  have  been  a city,  near 
which  there  was  a passage  over  the  Euphrates,  either  by  a 
ford,  a ferry,  or  a bridge  ; the  name  being  derived  from  a word 
which  signifies  to  pass  over.  (Note,  2 Sum.  19:18.)  Azzah 
is  Gaza  of  the  Philistines,  the  original  word  being  the  same. 

V.  25.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  land  from  the  one  end  to 
the  other  was  in  such  profound  peace,  and  was  so  exempt 
from  oppression  or  terror,  that  the  people  disregarded  the 
protection  of  walled  cities,  and  lived  upon  their  lands,  that 
they  might  enjoy  their  abundance  upon  the  spot,  where  it  was 
produced.  (Note,  Ez.  38:1 1 . Mic.  4:4.  Zech.  3:9,1 0.) 

( 596  ) 


24  For  he  had  dominion  over  all  the  region  on 
this  side  the  rivei,  from  Tiphsah  even  to  "Azzah, 
over  Pall  the  kings  on  this  side  the  river  : and  he 
ihad  peace  on  all  sides  round  about  him. 

25  And  Judah  and  Israel  dwelt  ’’safely,  revery 
man  under  his  vine  and  under  his  fig-tree,  'from 
Dan  even  to  Beer-sheba,  all  the  days  of  Solomon. 

26  IT  And  Solomon  had  ‘forty  thousand  stalls  o1 
horses  for  his  chariots,  and  twelve  thousand 
horsemen. 

27  And  “those  officers  provided  victual  for  king 
Solomon,  and  for  all  that  came  unto  king  Solo- 
mon’s table,  every  man  in  his  month  : they  lacked 
nothing. 

28  Barley  also  and  straw  for  the  horses  and 
"dromedaries  brought  they  unto  the  place  where 
the  officers  were,  every  man  according  to  his 

charge.  [Practical  Observations.] 

29  IT  And  "God  gave  Solomon  wisdom  and  un- 
derstanding exceeding  much,  and  ^largeness  of 
heart,  even  zas  the  sand  that  is  on  the  seashore. 

30  And  Solomon’s  wisdom  excelled  the  wisdom 
of  all  'the  children  of  the  east  country,  and  all 
bthe  wisdom  of  Egypt. 

31  For  he  was  “wiser  than  all  men ; than 
dEthan  the  Ezrahite,  and  eH.eman,  and  Chalcol, 
and  Darda,  the  sons  of  Mahol : and  f his  fame 
was  in  all  nations  round  about. 

32  And  she  spake  three  thousand  proverbs: 
and  his  hsongs  were  a thousand  and  five. 

33  And  he  spake  of  trees,  from  ‘the  cedar-tree 
that  is  in  Lebanon,  even  unto  kthe  hyssop  that 
springeth  out  of  the  wall : he  spake  also  ’of 
beasts,  and  of  fowl,  and  of  creeping  things,  and  of 
fishes. 

34  And  mthere  came  of  all  people  to  hear  the 
wisdom  of  Solomon,  from  all  kings  of  the  earth, 
which  had  heard  of  his  wisdom. 


q 5:4.  I Chr.  M:9.  Ps.  72:3,7.  Is.  9:1.  Luke  2:14.  Heb.  1:1,0.  TI  Heb.  confi. 
daily.  Is.  60:18.  Jer.  23:5,6.  36:15,16.  Ez.  38:11 . marg.  r 2 Kings  18:31.  Mic, 
4:4.  Zech.  3:10.  s Judg.  50:1.  2 Sum.  17:11.  24:15.  1 10:25,26.  Deut. 11:16. 
2 Sam.  8:4.  2 Chr.  1 : 14.  9:25.  Ps.20;7.  u 7 — 19.  **  Or,  mules,  or  swift  beasts. 
Esth.  8:10,14.  Mic.  1:13.  x See  on  3:12,28. 10:23.24  . 2 Chr.  1 : 10— 12.  Ps.  119; 
34.  Prov.  2:6.  Ec.  1:16.  2:26.  Jam.  1 -5,17.  3: 17.  v Ie.60:5  z *ee  on  20.  Gen. 
41:49.  Judg.  7:12.  Jer.  33:22.  Hab.l:9.  aGw>.25:6.  Job  1:3.  Dan.  1:20.  4:7. 
5:11,12.  Matt. 2:1.  b Is.  19:11,12.  Acts  7:22.  cSeeon3:12.  Matt.  12:42. 
Luke  11:31.  Col.  2:3.  d 1 Chr.  15:19.  Ps.  89:  title,  e I Chi*.  2:6.  6:33.  15:17, 
19.  Ps.  86:  title,  f 5:7.  10.1,6.  2 Chr.  9.23.  Malt.  4:24.  g Prov.  M.  Ec.  12: 
9.  Matt.  13:35.  h Cant.  1:1.  i Num.  24:6.  2 Kings  19:23.  Ps.  92:12.  k Ex. 
12:22.  Num.  19:18.  Ps.  51:7.  Heb.9:lS  1 See  on  Gen.  1 : 20-25.  m 10:1 
2 Chr.  9:1,23.  Is.  2:2.  Zech.  8:23. 


V.  26.  “A  thousand  four  hundred  chariots,  &c.”  10:26. 
2 Chr.  1:14.  “ Four  thousand  stalls  for  horses  and  chariots, 
&c.”  2 Chr.  9:25.  Different  ways  have  been  taken  of  recon- 
ciling these  texts  ; none  of  which  arc  satisfactory.  Four  thou- 
sand stalls  (not  stables)  would  be  a proper  number  for  a thou- 
sand chariots  to  have  change  of  horses.  The  four  hundred 
might  be  added  afterwards.  As  numbers  were  generally  ex- 
pressed in  the  manuscripts  by  numeral  letters,  over  which,  in 
many  cases,  a small  mark  distinguished  one  number  from 
another  much  smaller ; it  seems  most  obvious  to  suppose  that 
a trivial  mistake  has  here  occurred.  Forty  thousand  stalls 
for  chariot  horses,  (unless  all  sorts  of  carriages  be  included,) 
seems  out  of  all  proportion  to  t welve  thousand  horsemen : and 
in  no  other  place  are  more  than  a thousand  and  four  hundred 
chariots  mentioned.  (Notes,  10:24 — 27.  Deut.  17:16.) 

V.  27,  28.  Note,  7 — 19. — Dromedaries „ (28)  Marg.— 
Esth.  8:10,14. 

V.  29.  Largeness  of  heart,  &c.]  This  expression  and 
comparison  denote  the  unparalleled  greatness  of  Solomon’s 
intellectual  powers,  his  most  extensive  knowledge,  and  his 
enlargement  of  heart  in  communicating  instruction  to  all 
around  him.  ‘A  mind  very  comprehensive  of  all  sort  of  know- 
ledge ; and  a heart  to  do  a vast  deal  of  good.  . . . As  the  sand 
. . . encloses  a vast  body  of  waters ; so  his  mind  contained  an 
ocean  of  knowledge,  as  Lord  Bacon  . . . speaks.’  Bp.  Patrick • 
(Notes,  Ps.  119:32.  2 Cor.  5:13—15.) 

V.  30 — 34.  God  gave  Solomon,  not  only  heavenly  wisdom, 
and  singular  talonts  for  government,  blit  extraordinary  capa- 
cities for  the  attainment  of  all  kinds  of  knowledge:  so  that  ho 
excelled  the  wise  men  of  Egypt,  and  of  Babylon,  of  Arabia, 
or  countries  still  more  to  the  east,  in  astronomy,  and  all  other 
sciences  for  which  they  were  renowned.  In  the  knowledge  of 
divinity  he  surpassed  Ethan  and  Homan,  who  seem  to  have 
been  men  renowned  for  extraordinary  piety  and  wisdom  at 
that  time  ; and  all  others  who  were  celebrated  in  Israel  on  tne 
same  account. — (Marg.  <1 -f.  I Chi  i,6  ) He  ox- 

celled  also  in  morality,  politics,  and  economics:  for  he  spnko 
three  thousand  proverbs,  of  which  such  as  wore  most  suited 
for  general  utility  have  come  down  to  us  in  the  book  of  Pro- 
verbs. He  likewise  excelled  in  poetry,  and  wrote  one  thou- 
sand and  five  songs  : but  only  one  of  these  is  preserved  in 
Scripturo.  It  may,  how  ver,  be  supposed,  that  many  of  th« 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAPTER  V. 


B.  C.  1014. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Hiram,  king  of  Tyre,  sends  to  congratulate  Solomon ; who  informs  him  that 
he  intends  to  build  a temple,  and-  desires  him  to  furnish  the  timber,  l — 6. 
Hiram  blesses  God  for  Solomon's  wisdom,  and  engages  for  the  timber  ; re- 
quiring in  return  food  for  his  household,  7 — 9.  The  mutual  good  offices 
between  Hiram  and  Solomon,  10 — 12.  The  number  of  Solomon's  workmen 
and  labourers , 13 — 18. 

AND  “Hiram  king  of  Tyre  bsent  his  servants 
unto  Solomon  : lor  lie  had  heard  that  they 
had  anointed  him  king  in  the  room  of  his  father: 
“for  Hiram  was  ever  a lover  of  David. 

2  And  ‘‘Solomon  sent  to  Hiram,  saying, 

3  Thou  knowest  how  that  David  my  father 
•eould  not  build  a house  unto  the  name  of  the 
Lord  his  God,  'for  the  wars  which  were  about 
him  on  every  side,  until  the  Loud  sput  them  under 
the  soles  of  his  feet. 

4  But  now  the  Lord  my  God  hhath  given  me 
rest  on  every  side,  so  that  there  is  neither  adver- 
sary nor  evil  occurrent. 

5  And, 'behold,  I 'purpose  to  build  a house  unto 
the  name  of  the  Lord  my  God,  kas  the  Lord 
spake  unto  David  my  father,  saying,  Thy  son 
whom  I will  set  upon  thy  throne  in  thy  room,  he 
shall  build  a house  unto  my  name. 

6  Now  therefore  command  thou,  that  they  hew 
me  'cedar-trees  out  of  Lebanon  ; and  my  servants 
6hall  be  with  thy  servants:  and  unto  thee  rawill  I 
give  hire  for  thy  servants  according  to  all  that 
thou  shalt  'appoint : for  thou  knowest  “that  there 


| is  not  among  us  any  that  can  s/uil  to  hew  timber 
| like  unto  the  “Sidonians. 

7 H And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Hiram  heard  the 
[ words  of  Solomon,  that  he  rejoiced  greatly,  ano 

said,  ^Blessed  be  the  Lord  this  day,  iwhich  hath 
| given  unto  David  ra  wise  son  over  this  great 
people. 

8 And  Hiram  sent  to  Solomon,  saying,  I have 
'considered  the  tilings  which  thou  sentest  to  me 
for : and  I will  do  all  thy  desire  concerning  tim 
ber  of  cedar,  and  concerning  ’timber  of  fir. 

9 My  servants  shall  bring  them  down  from 
‘Lebanon  unto  the  sea ; and  "I  will  convey  their 
by  sea  in  floats  unto  the  place  that  thou  shalt 
^appoint  me,  and  will  cause  them  to  he  discharged 
there,  and  thou  shalt  receive  them, : and  thou  shall 
accomplish  my  desire,  in  "giving  food  for  my  house- 
hold. 

10  So  Hiram  gave  Solomon  cedar-trees,  p. 
and  fir  trees,  according  to  all  his  desire.  L 1012. 

11  And  Solomon  gave  Hiram  twenty  thousand 
"measures  of  wheat  for  food  to  his  household,  and 
twenty  measures  of'  pure  oil : thus  gave  Solomon 
to  Hiram  year  by  year. 

12  And  the  Lord  gave  Solomon  wisdom,  yas  he 
promised  him : and  there  was  peace  between  Hi- 
ram and  Solomon;  and  ’they  two  made  a league 
together. 


a 10, IS.  9:11— 11.  2 Chr.  2:3.  Hamm.  b 2 Sara.  8:10.  10:1,2.  Pa.  45:12. 
c 2Num.  5:11.  1 Chr.  14:1.  Am.  1:9.  d2Chr.2:3.  e 2 Sam.  7:5— 11 . 1 Chr. 
22:1-6.  2 Chr.  6:6—8.  f 1 Chr.  22:8.  2S:3.  g Josh.  10:24.  Ps.  8:6.  110:1. 
Mai.  4:3.  1 Cor.  15:25.  Eph.  1:22.  b See  on  4:24.  1 Chr.  22:9.  Ps.  72:7.  I».  9: 
7.  Acts  9:31.  i 2 Chr.  2:1,4.  • Heb.  say.  k 2Sam.  7.12,13.  lC'hr,17:12. 

22:10.28:6,10.  Zech.  6-.  12,13.  1 6:9,10,16,20.  2 Chr.  2:8,10.  Ps.  29:5.  m Rom. 
12:17.  Phil,  4:8.  t Heb.  any.  u 1 Cor.  12:14— 21.  Eph.  4:7.  o Gen.  10:15. 


Ezra  3:7.  p 10:9.  2 Chr.  2:11,12.  9:7,8.  Ps.  122:6,7.  137:6.  q 1:48.  Gen.  33:5. 
Is.  8:18.9:6.  rSeetm3:9.  2Chr.2:12.  Pror.  10:1.  15:20.  23:24.  J Heb. 
heard,  s 6:15,34.  2 Sara.  6:5.  2 Chr.  3:5.  t Dent.  3:25.  u 2 Chr.  2:16. 

§ Heb.  send.  x2Chr.2:15.  Ezra  3:7.  Ez.  27:17.  Acta  12:20,  II  Heb.  cors.  4; 
22.  marg.  2 Chr.  2:10.  y 3:12.  4:29.  2 Chr.  1:12.  Jam.  1:5.  z 15:19.  Gen.  21: 
32.  Am.  1:9. 


others  were  upon  moral  and  religious  subjects ; as  well  as 
remarkable  for  the  beauties  of  poetry.  He  was,  moreover, 
deeply  versed  in  all  the  branches  of  natural  philosophy,  and 
discoursed  in  an  admirable  manner  upon  the  nature,  proper- 
ties, and  uses  of  the  several  species  of  plants  and  animals. 
So  that  in  every  thing  he  possessed  such  an  undisputed  supe- 
riority over  all  men  in  that  age,  that  his  reputation  for  wisdom 
brought  numbers  from  different  Kings  and  nations  all  around, 
to  learn  every  kind  of  useful  knowledge  from  him  : and  per- 
haps he  possessed  more  accurate  and  extensive  knowledge, 
on  an  immense  variety  of  subjects,  than  any  mere  man  besides, 
in  any  age  or  nation  of  the  world,  ever  did. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 28.  True  wisdom  generally  directs  those,  who  suc- 
ceed prudent  and  prosperous  men  in  kingdoms  or  estates,  to 
tread  in  their  steps,  to  employ  their  servants,  and  to  avail 
themselves  of  the  good  advice  of  their  friends  and  counsel- 
lors: but  folly  and  self-conceit  delight  in  making  many  and 
great  changes,  though  they  commonly  prove  disadvantageous. 
(Notes,  12:11—15.  2 Kings  21:1—  3.  Ec.  2:18— 23.)— Those 
who  faithfully  seek  the  good  of  our  souls,  though  sometimes 
with  sharp  reproofs,  are  our  best  friends  : and  their  memories 
are  always  entitled  to  grateful  respect,  and  their  children  to 
kind  regard  ; yet  these  are  worthy  of  a wise  man’s  confidence 
and  friendship,  only  when  they  tread  in  the  steps  of  their 
pious  parents. — The  different  ranks  of  men  in  society  should 
be  distinguished  by  a suitable  attendance  and  provision  ; but 
“ when  goods  increase,  they  are  increased  that  eat  them,” 
and  the  owner’s  have  much  additional  incumbrance,  and  but 
little  accession  of  solid  advantage.  (Note,  Ec.  5:9— 42.)  It 
is  also  extremely  difficult  to  possess  abundance,  without  covet- 
ousness, luxury,  or  ostentation  ; without  abusing,  wasting, 
or  burying,  the  goods  of  our  common  Lordj  to  whom  every 
one  must  give  an  account,  of  his  stewardship : yet,  prudent 
management  and  frugality  are  excellent  appendages  to  libe- 
rality, and  serve  to  support  the  expenses  of  it. — Wise  and 
righteous  princes  are  most  valuable  blessings  to  whole  king- 
doms, and  should  be  sought  in  prayer  from  that  God,  who  has 
all  hearts  in  his  hands : yet  all  outward  prosperity  is  preca- 
rious and  transient ; and  too  often  it  proves  unfavourable  to 
religion,  and  increases  pride,  sloth  and  sensual  indulgence  ; 
thus  rendering  divine  judgments  necessary.— Wealth  without 
wisdom,  and  knowledge  without  humility  and  grace,  are  gene- 
rally destructive  to  the  possessor,  and  to  those  with  whom  he 
is  connected : yet  both  are  the  gifts  of  God,  good  in  them- 
selves, and  only  evil  as  perverted  hy  man’s  depravity.  And 
heavenly  wisdom  teaches  men  to  give  God  the  glory  in  the  use 
of  these  inferior  blessings,  and  so  renders  them  ornamental  to 
the  Christian  profession,  and  conducive  to  promote  designs  of 
extensive  usefulness. 

V.  29—34.  A reputation  for  wisdom  and  piety  is  no  fur- 
ther desirable,  than  as  it  consists  with  humility,  and  affords  a 
man  an  opportunity  of  communicating  more  extensively  that 
useful  knowledge,  which  the  Lord  has  imparted.  (Note,  Ec. 
10:1.)— Every  information,  which  is  needful  in  order  to  our 
glorifying  God  and  obtaining  his  “salvation  with  eternal 
glory,”  is  preserved  to  us  in  the  sacred  Scriptures:  and  the 
light  of  heaven  will  more  certainly  and  speedily  instruct  us  in 


all  useful  knowledge,  than  all  the  regretted  records  of  antiquity 
could  do  if  we  had  them.  Let  us  then  rejoice  that  the  Lord 
reigns  on  a mercy-seat,  and  that  his  name  is  Emmanuel. 
His  kingdom  was  faintly  shadowed  forth  in  that  of  Solomon, 
but  is  of  a nobler  and  more  heavenly  nature.  The  blessings 
of  It  consist  not  “ in  meat  and  drink,  but  in  righteousness, 
peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost.”  In  his  days  the  righ- 
teous flourish  ; their  numbers  have  already  been  exceedingly 
multiplied,  and  future  ages  shall  witness  a more,  rapid  and 
immense  increase,  “ when  all  kings  shall  bow  down  before 
him,  and  all  nations  shall  serve  him.”  (Note,  Ps.  72:8 — 11.) 
Then  “ shall  they  beat  their  swords  into  ploughshares,  and  war 
shall  be  learned  no  more:”  then  shall  “ every  man  call  his 
neighbour  under  the  vine,  and  under  the  fig-tree.”  (Notes, 
Is.  2:2 — 5.  Mic.  4:1 — 5.)  “In  him  are  hid  all  the  treasures 
of  wisdom  and  knowledge ;”  his  fame  shall  spread  through  all 
the  earth,  and  all  people  shall  come  to  him,  learn  of  him,  take 
upon  them  his  easy  yoke,  and  find  rest  for  their  souls. — But, 
whilst  we  look  with  joyful,  longing  desires  and  fervent  prayers 
for  these  glorious  days,  let  us  now  sit  at  his  feet,  hear  his 
word,  ask  of  him  wisdom,  submit  to  his  will,  and  seek  his 
glory.  Then,  outward  tribulation  shall  not  break  our  inward 
eace  ; then,  we  shall  be  satisfied  with  the  plenteousness  of 
is  house;  then,  we  shall  enjoy  much  liberty, and  have  many 
glimpses  of  his  glory  on  earth  ; and  shall  speedily  remove  to 
yon  brighter  world  above,  where  innumerable  angels,  and 
redeemed  sinners,  are  happy  in  his  presence,  and  rapturously 
celebrating  his  praises. 

NOTES.— Chap.  V.  V.  1.  (Note,  2 Sam.  5:11.)  It  is 
highly  probable,  that  Hiram  was  himself  a worshipper  of 
Jehovah,  and  loved  David  on  account  of  his  wisdom  and 
piety ; though  hi's  people  in  general  seem  to  have  continued 
idolaters.  He  sent  to  condole  with  Solomon  on  his  father’s 
death,  and  to  congratulate  him  on  his  peaceable  succession. — 
Tyre  and  Zidon  lay  north  of  Canaan,  and  were  not  expressly 
included  in  the  grant  to  Israel ; it  was  therefore  lawful  to 
form  alliances  with  them. 

V.  2—9.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  l Chr.  22:6—10.  2 

Chr.  2:3 — 12.)  The  Tyrians  possessed  only  a small  tract  of 
land,  and  were  employed  and  enriched  by  commerce  and 
manufactures ; and  they  had  their  provisions  chiefly  from  the 
fruitful  land  of  Canaan.  (Note,  Acts  12:20 — 23.) 

V.  11.  “Twenty  thousand  baths  of  oil”  are  mentioned  in 
Chronicles,  which  amounted  at  least  to  two  thousand  cors, 
(Marg.  Note,  4:22.)  But  as  barley  and  wine  are  there 
spoken  of;  some  think  that  the  wheal,  here  mentioned,  was 
intended  for  the  use  of  Hiram’s  family,  and  the  small  quantity 
of  very  fine  oil  for  his  own  use ; whereas  in  Chronicles  the 
provisions  made  for  the  workmen  are  intended.  (Note,  2 Chr. 
2:3—10.) 

V.  13 — 18.  A small  number  comparatively  of  Israelites 
were  employed,  in  rotation,  as  it  consisted  with  their  conve- 
niency,  and  probably  in  the  easier  services  : but  a great  num- 
ber of  the  remains  of  the  ancient  inhabitants  of  the  land 
continually  assisted  the  Tyrians,  by  removing  the  timber, 
conveying  it  to  the  sea,  helping  to  navigate  the  floats,  and 
conveying  it  when  landed  to  Jerusalem  ; and  in  preparing 
stones  for  the  temple.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  9:20 — 22.)  These 
( 597  ) 


B.  C.  1012. 


I.  KINGS. 


B.  0.  101G 


13  H And  king  Solomon  raised  a ’levy  out  of  all 
Israel ; and  Hhe  levy  was  thirty  thousand  men. 

14  And  he  sent  them  to  Lebanon,  ten  thousand 
'’a  month  by  courses;  a month  they  were  in  Le- 
banon, and  two  months  at  home : and  cAdoniram 
was  over  the  levy. 

15  And  Solomon  had  dthreescore  and  ten  thou- 
sand that  bare  burdens,  and  fourscore  thousand 
hewers  in  the  mountains  : 

16  Beside  the  chief  of  Solomon’s  officers,  which 
were  over  the  work,  Hhree  thousand  and  three 
hundred,  which  ruled  over  the  people  that  wrought 
in  the  work. 

17  And  the  king  commanded,  and  they  brought 
great  stones,  f costly  stones,  and  hewed  stones,  to 
lay  the  foundation  of  the  house. 

18  And  Solomon’s  builders  and  Hiram’s  build- 
ers did  hew  them,  and  Uhe  stone-squarers : so 
they  prepared  timber  and  stones  to  build  the 
house. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

The  bitildim  of  the  temole  is  begun,  1.  The  dimensions  of  the  house,  and  its 
porch,  2,  3.  The  windows,  4.  The  chambers,  5— 10.  The  promise  of  God 
concerning  the  temple,  11 — 13.  Its  walls,  ceiling,  floor , and  ornaments,  14 
— 18.  The  Oracle  and  Cherubim,  19 — 30.  The  doors  of  the  Oracle,  and  of 
the  house,  31 — 35.  The  inner-court,  36.  The  time  in  which  the  whole  was 
completed,  37  , 36. 

AND  ait  came  to  pass,  in  the  four  hundred  and 
eightieth  year  after  the  children  of  Israel 
were  come  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  in  the  fourth 

* Heb.  Viiufe  of  man.  See  onl:6.  o.  9:15.  b 4:7— 19.  1 Chr.  27:1—15. 
c See  on  4 .6.  d 9:20—22.  2 rhr.  2:17,18.  8:7—9.  Ezra  2:58.  Neh.7:57, 

60.  e 9:23.  2 Chr.  2:2.  f 6:7.  7:9.  1 Chr.  22:2.  Is.  28:16.  1 Cor.  3:11,12. 
1 Pet.  2:6,7.  Rev.  21:14—21.  f Or,  Giblites.  Josh.  13:5.  Ps.  83:7.  Ez.  27:9. 
& Judg.  11:26.  2 Chr.  3:1:2.  b37.  Num.  1:1.  * Heb.  built.  Acts  7:47.  cl  Chr. 
20:19.  Zech.  6:12,13,15.  John  2: 19— 21 . 1 Cor.  6: 19.  2 Cor.  6: 16.  Eph.  2:20— 22. 
Col.  2:7.  Heb.  9:11.  11:10.  1 Pet.  2:5.  dEzra6:3,4.  Ez.  41:1,  &c.  Rev. 21:16, 
17.  e l Chr. 26:11.  2 Chr.  2:3,4.  Ez.  41:15.  Matt.  4:5.  John  10:23.  Acts  3:10, 


were  superintended  by  three  thousand  and  three  hundred 
persons,  perhaps  of  the  same  nations.  Three  thousand  six 
nundred  are  mentioned  in  Chronicles:  (2  Chr.  2:17,18.)  per- 
haps three  hundred  were  officers  over  the  rest;  or  they  were 
supernumeraries,  to  supply  for  such  as  were  sick  and  disabled 
from  attendance.' — Thus  the  temple  was  chiefly  built  by  the  la- 
bour and  riches  of  those  who  were  originally  Gentiles ; which 
typified  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles  ink)  the  church : and  the 
costly  stones  laid  out  of  sight,  as  the  foundation  of  the  tem- 
ole, typified  Christ,  our  tried  and  precious  Foundation  ; and 
were  an  emblem  of  the  hidden  excellency  of  those  who  form 
apart  of  his  spiritual  temple.  (Note,  1 Pet.  2:4 — 6.) 

Stone-squarers.  (18)  Giblites.  Marg. — Josh.  13:5.)  ‘The 
Giblites,  ...  being  Phenicians,  inhabitants  of  Gabala  a pro- 
montory mentioned  by  Pliny,  . . . were  the  most  excellent 
artists  in  those  parts.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Those  who  love  God  are  influenced  to  love  one  another, 
and  rendered  superior  to  selfish  jealousies  and  envyings : and 
this  divine  energy  teaches  them  to  rejoice  in  each  other’s 
prosperity,  and  to  be  glad  to  receive  or  afford  mutual  assist- 
ance in  every  good  undertaking. — The  most  necessary  and 
successful  wars,  not  only  produce  very  much  temporal  evil, 
but  obstruct  or  retard  the  execution  of  many  useful  designs 
for  promoting  godliness : we  may  then  well  pray,  * Send 
peace  in  our  time,  O Lord :’  and  when  he  “ gives  rest  on 
every  side,  so  that  there  is  no  adversary  nor  evil  occurrent,” 
no  time  should  he  lost,  but  every  one  should  be  intent  to 
devise  and  execute  such  useful  undertakings  as  were  before 
prevented.  (Note,  Acts  9:31.) — Different  persons  are  quali- 
fied for  diverse  services;  and  while  all  harmoniously  concur, 
in  their  proper  places,  and  by  improving  their  several  talents, 
the  common  cause  will  prosper. — It  is  admirable  when  the 
children  rise  up,  and  complete  the  wise  and  pious  designs  of 
their  deceased  parents:  and  all  should  rejoice  and  bless  the 
Lord,  when  they  see  such  tokens  of  the  prosperity  of  his 
church. — God  has  so  constituted  the  earth,  that  every  nation 
has  its  peculiar  productions,  and  its  inhabitants  their  distin- 
guished* endowments : thus  their  mutual  intercourse  is  for- 
warded ; and,  by  an  interchange  of  benefits,  they  are  instructed 
to  love  one  another  as  children  of  the  same  family.  Happy 
would  it  be,  if  commerce  were  generally  conducted  on  such 
principles,  and  rendered  subservient  to  the  promulgation  of 
true  religion:  but  alas!  through  man’s  depravity,  it  has  often 
tended  to  diffuse  wickedness  and  misery  rapidly  through  the 
nations  of  the  earth! — All  agreements  should  be  made  with 
consideration,  that  equity  may  be  established,  and  contests 
precluded : and  great  punctuality  should  be  observed  in  pay- 
ing labourers  their  wages. — Frequently,  they  are  most  inge- 
nious in  the  liberal  arts,  who  are  strangers  to  true  godliness; 
and  many  are  employed  about  the  church  of  God,  who  have 
no  interest  in  its  blessings.  (Notes,  Ps.  87:4 — 7.  P.  O.)  The 
meanest  office  in  his  service  is  honourable  and  profitable,  if 
cordially  performed:  and  millions  of  us  poor  Gentiles,  who  in 
ourselves  were  devoted  to  destruction-  have  been  employed 
by  him — Our  gracious  Lord  lays  no  intolerable  burdens  on 
( 598  ) 


year  of  Solomon’s  reign  over  Israel,  bin  the  month 
Zif,  which  is  the  second  month,  that  he  ‘began  to 
cbuild  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

2 And  the  house  which  king  Solomon  built  for 
the  Lord,  the  length  thereof  was  dthreescore 
cubits,  and  the  breadth  thereof  twenty  cubits,  anJ 
the  height  thereof  thirty  cubits. 

3 And  the  eporch  before  the  temple  of  the 
house,  twenty  cubits  was  the  length  thereof, 
according  to  the  breadtli  of  the  house  ; and  ten 
cubits  was  the  breadth  thereof,  before  the  house. 

4 And  for  the  house  he  made  ^windows  of 
narrow  lights. 

5 TI  And  "against  the  wall  of  the  house  he  f built 
^chambers  round  about,  against  the  walls  of  the 
house  round  about,  both  of  the  temple  and  of 
the  ^oracle : and  he  made  "chambers  round  about. 

6 The  nethermost  chamber  was  five  cubits 
broad,  and  the  middle  was  six  cubits  broad,  and  the 
third  was  seven  cubits  broad ; for  without  in  the 
wall  of  the  house  he  made  ^narrowed  rests  round 
about,  that  the  beams  should  not  be  fastened  in 
the  walls  of  the  house. 

7 And  the  house,  when  it  was  in  building,  was 
hbuilt  of  stone  made  ready  before  it  was  brought 
thither:  so  that  there  was  ‘neither  hammer,  nor 
axe,  nor  any  tool  of  iron,  heard  in  the  house 
while  it  was  in  building. 

8 The  door  for  the  middle  chamber  was  in  the 


11.  t Or,  windows  broad  within,  and  narrow  without  : or,  skewed  and  closed. 
SeeonS-A.  Cant. 2:9.  Ez. 40:16.  41:26.  1 Or.  upon,  or,  joining  to.  flChr. 
9:26  . 23:23  . 28:11.  2 Chr.  31:11.  Neh.  10:37.  1*2:44 . 13:5 — 9.  Cant.  1:4.  Jer.  35* 
4.  Ez.  40:44.  41:5 — 11.  42:3 — 12.  § Heb .Jloms.  g 16,19—21,31 . Ex.  25:22. 

Lev.  16:2.  Num.  7:89.  2 Chr.  4:20.  5.7,9.  Ps.  28:2.  ||  Heb.  ribs.  V.  Or, 

narrowings,  or,  rebatemonls.  h 5:18  Prov.  24:27.  Rom.  9:23.  2 Cor.  5:5.  Coi. 
1:12.  1 Pel.  2:5.  i Is.  42:2.  Acts  9:31.  Jam.  1:20.  3:17,18. 


any  of  his  people ; but  in  every  injunction  consults  their  in- 
terests and  comfort.  Let  us  then  serve  him  cheerfully,  and 
attend  to  our  proper  work : and  after  his  example  may  we  be 
humane  and  considerate  in  all  our  requisitions  from  our  infe- 
riors ; that  our  service,  like  his,  may  be  loved,  and  considered 
as  a privilege  by  those  employed  in  it. 

NOTES. — Chap.  VI.  V.  1.  The  use  and  typical 
meaning  of  the  temple,  and  those  of  the  tabernacle,  were  the 
same:  but  the  moveable  tabernacle  suited  the  state  of  Israel 
when  wandering  in  the  wilderness,  and  a magnificent  temple 
was  more  proper  when  they  were  settled  in  Canaan.  (Notes, 
Ex.  25:8,9.)— A temple  was  not  indeed  essential  to  the  reli- 
gion of  Israel : and  therefore  the  building  of  it  was  deferred 
till  four  hundred  and  eighty  years  after  that  people  was 
brought  out  of  Egypt ; or  four  hundred  and  forty  years  after 
they  entered  Canaan:  (Note,  Judg.  11:26.)  and  this  temple 
was  destroyed  in  less  than  four  hundred  and  twenty  years 
after  it  was  finished. — Solomon  was  more  than  three  years 
in  making  the  necessary  preparations ; and  in  the  fourth  year 
of  his  reign,  he  laid  the  foundation.  The  month  Zif  was  the 
second  of  the  ecclesiastical  year.  Some  think  that  the  names 
of  the  months,  here  given,  were  not  in  use  before  the  cap- 
tivity. 

V.  2,  3.  The  temple  wras  a very  magnificent  building,  and 
immense  quantities  of  gold  and  silver  were  used  about  it 
yet,  apart  from  its  courts,  it  was  but  a small  structure,  com- 
pared with  many  buildings  in  ancient  and  modern  tirrtes. — It 
was  about  a hundred  feet  long,  thirty-three  feet  wide,  and 
fifty  feet*high  : and  it  had  a porch,  on  the  east  end  at  the 
entrance,  which  formed  in  some  respects  an  ornamental 
steeple  of  about  two  hundred  feet  high.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  3:3,4.) 
The  tabernacle  erected  in  the  wilderness  is  computed  to  have 
been  fifty  feet  long,  twelve  or  thirteen  feet  wide,  and  nearly 
seventeen  feet  high. 

V.  4.  The  tabernacle  had  no  light  from  without,  and  tha 
temple  had  not  much.  (Note,  Ex.  25:31 — 39.)  These  win- 
dows, which  are  supposed  to  have  been  wider  on  the  inside 
than  without,  were  situated  in  the  spaces  between  the  cham- 
bers afterwards  mentioned  ; or,  as  some  think,  above  them. 
(Marg.) 

V.  5,  6.  These  chambers  accommodated  the  priests,  when 
they  were  upon  duty  at  the  temple : and  in  them  they  laid  up 
their  clothes,  the  sacred  vessels  not  in  immediate  use,  and 
the  other  treasures  belonging  to  the  temple.  For  the  pur- 
pose of  fixing  these  chambers,  the  wall  of  the  temple  was 
made  two  cubits  thicker  at  the  bottom  than  at  the  top : and 
where  it  was  made  a cubit  less  in  thickness,  a rest  was 
formed  on  the  outside,  for  the  beams  of  the  second  story  oi 
chambers  to  lodge  upon,  and  so  for  the  third.  By  this  con- 
trivance the  upper  stories  were  larger  than  the  lower ; and 
the  wall  of  the  temple  was  not  weakened,  either  1a  buildiDf, 
or  by  repairing  the  chambers.  It  is  supposed  that  there  was 
also  a gallery  round  about,  by  which  the  priests  entered  the 
chambers ; and  that  there  were  no  chambers  over  the  en* 
trance  of  the  temple.  (Notes,  Ez.  41:5 — 12.) 

V.  7.  Every  stone  was  squared,  and  fitted  for  its  place, 


B.  C.  '006. 


CHAPTER  YI. 


B.  C.  1005 


right  side  of  the  house : and  they  Jwent  up  with 
winding’  stairs  into  the  middle  chamber , and  out 
of  the  middle  into  the  third. 

9 So  khe  built  the  house,  and  finished  it ; and 
covered  the  house  Uvith  beams  and  boards  of 
cedar. 

10  And  then  he  built  chambers  against  all  the 
house,  five  cubits  high : and  they  rested  on  the 
house  with  timber  of  cedar. 

11  IT  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to 
Solomon,  saying, 

12  Concerning  this  house  which  thou  art  in 
building,  ‘if  thou  wilt  walk  in  my  statutes,  and 
execute  my  judgments,  and  keep  all  my  command- 
ments to  walk  in  them ; mthen  will  I perform  my 
word  with  thee,  which  I spake  unto  David  thy 
father  : 

13  And  "I  will  dwell  among  the  children  of 
Israel,  and  “will  not  forsake  my  people  Israel. 

[ Practical  Observation «.] 

14  So  rSolomon  built  the  house,  and  finished  it. 

15  And  he  built  the  walls  of  the  house  within 
with  boards  of  cedar,  *both  the  floor  of  the  house, 
and  the  walls  of  the  ceiling  : and  he  covered  them 
on  the  inside  with  wood,  and  covered  the  floor  of 
the  house  with  planks  of  fir. 

16  And  he  built  twentv  cubits  on  the  sides  of 
the  house,  both  the  floor  and  the  walls,  with  boards 
of  cedar : he  even  obuilt  them  for  it  within,  even 
for  the  oracle,  even  for  the  most  holy  place. 

17  And  the  house,  that  is,  the  temple  before  it, 
was  forty  cubits  long. 

18  And  the  cedar  of  the  house  within  was  carved 
with  §knobs  and  "open  flowers:  all ' was  cedar; 
there  was  no  stone  seen. 

19  And  rthe  oracle  he  prepared  in  the  house 
within,  *to  set  there  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord. 

20  And  the  oracle  in  the  forepart  was  twenty 
cubits  in  length,  and  ‘twenty  cubits  in  breadth, 
and  twenty  cubits  in  the  height  thereof;  and  he 
overlaid  it  with  '"pure  gold;  and  so  covered  “the 
altar  which  was  of  cedar. 

21  So  Solomon  “overlaid  the  house  within  with 
pure  gold : and  he  made  a partition  rby  the  chains 
of  gold  before  the  oracle ; and  he  overlaid  it  with 
gold. 

22  And  the  whole  house  he  overlaid  with  gold, 

• Heb.  shoulder.  \ Ez.  41:6,7.  Ic  i4,38.  f Or,  the  vault  beams  and  the  ceilings 
with  cedar.  1 2:3,4.  3:14.  8:25.  9:3—6.  1 Sam.  12:14,15.  1 Chr.  28:9.  2 Chr. 
7:17,18.  Ps.  132:12.  Zech.3:7.  Col.  1:23.  m2Sam.  7:13.  1 Chr.  22:10.  n8:27. 
Ex. 25.8.  Let.  26:11.  Ps.  68:18.  132:12,13.  Is.  57:15.  Ez.  37:26— 28.  2 Cor.  6: 16. 
Rev. 21:3.  o See  on  Deut.  31:6,8.  1 Sam.  12:22.  1 Chr.  28:9,20.  p 9,38.  Acts 
7:47,48.  % Or,  from  the  floor  of  the  house,  unto  the  walls,  tfc.  16.  ti5,19,20. 

8:6.  Ex.  25:21,22.  26:33.  Lev.  16:2.  2 Chr.  3:8.  Heb.  9:3.  § Or,  gourds.  II  Or, 
openings  of  flowers,  r See  on  5.  2 Chr.  4:20.  6 8:6 — 10.  Ex.  40:20,21.  2 Chr. 
5:7.  Heb.  9:3,4.  tSeeon2,3,  H Heb.  shut  up.  u22.  7:48.  Ex.  30:1—3.  x Ex. 
26:29,32.  36:34  . 2 Chr.  3:7— 9.  y 5.  Ex.  26:32,33.  2 Chr.  3:14— 16.  z See  on 


at  the  quarry ; so  that  the  temple  was  erected  without  noise, 
or  the  incumbrance  of  useless  rubbish.  Several  of  these 
circumstances  may  shadow  forth  spiritual  things.  (P.  O.) 

V.  8.  There  seems  to  have  been  a door,  in  each  of  the 
two  upper  stories,  into  a gallery,  which  communicated  with 
all  the  chambers ; and  winding  stairs  from  one  story  to 
another. 

V.  10.  The  chambers  were  five  cubits  high  in  each  story ; 
and  thus’they  did  not  go  up  to  the  top  of  the  temple,  which 
was  thirty  cubits  high.  (3)  The  windows  are  supposed  to 
nave  been  placed  above  the  top  of  the  chambers.  (Note, 
4.) — The  beams  of  cedar  lay  on  the  rests  in  the  wall. 
, Note,  5,6.) 

V.  11—13.  This  word  of  the  Lord  was  both  an  encourage- 
ment to  Solomon  to  proceed;  and  an  intimation  to  him,  and 
to  Israel,  that  neither  the  service  performed  in  building  the 
temple,  nor  its  continuance  with  them,  could  secure  to  them 
(he  Lord’s  favour,  if  they  were  not  obedient  to  his  command- 
ments : for  both  king  and  people  stood  upon  the  same  terms 
with  God,  as  they  did  before  the  temple  was  begun.  (Notes, 
9:3—6.  Jer.  7:3—15.) 

V.»15 — 22.  The  inside  of  the  walls  of  the  temple  were 
throughout  wainscotted  with  cedar,  ornamented  with  exqui- 
site workmanship  ; and  it  was  floored  with  planks  of  fir,  or, 
as  some  explain  the  word,  of  a very  durable  kind  of  cedar : 
yet  both  these  were  covered  with  plates  of  solid  gold.  ( Note, 
Ez.  41:22.)  In  the  same  manner  and  proportion,  as  the 
tabernacle  had  been,  this  building  was  divided  into  two  parts. 
( Note,  Ex.  26:31  — 33.)  “ The  oracle,”  or  “ the  most  holy  place,” 
m which  was  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  with  the  mercy-seat, 
and  from  whence  the  Lord  delivered  his  answers  to  the  high- 
priest  from  above  the  mercy-seat  was  twenty  cubits  square : 


until  he  had  finished  all  the  house : ‘also  the  whofe 
altar  that  was  by  the  oracle  he  overlaid  with 
gold. 

23  H And  within  the  oracle  he  made  “two  cheru- 
bims  of  “olive-tree,  each  ten  cubits  high. 

24  And  five  cubits  was  the  one  wing  of  the 
cherub,  and  five  cubits  the  other  wing  of  the 
cherub  : from  the  uttermost  part  of  the  one  wing 
unto  the  uttermost  part  of  the  other  were  ten 
cubits. 

25  And  the  other  cherub  was  ten  cubits : both 
the  cherubims  were  of  one  measure  and  one 
size. 

26  The  height  of  the  one  cherub  was  ten  cubits, 
and  so  was  it  of  the  other  cherub. 

27  And  he  set.the  cherubims  within  the  inner 
house : band  “they  stretched  forth  the  wings  of  the 
cherubims,  so  that  the  wing  of  the  one  touched 
the  one  wall,  and  the  wing  of  the  other  cherub 
touched  the  other  wall ; and  their  wings  touched 
one  another,  in  the  midst  of  the  house. 

28  And  he  overlaid  the  cherubims  with  gold. 

29  And  he  carved  all  the  walls  of  the  house 
round  about  with  “carved  figures  of  cherubims. 
and  dpalm-trees,  and  JTopen  flowers,  within  and 
without. 

30  And  “the  floor  of  the  house  he  overlaid  with 
gold,  within  and  without. 

31  H And  for  the  entering  of  the  oracle  he  made 
f doors  of  olive-tree  : the  lintel  and  side-posts 
were  S§a  fifth  part  of  the  wall. 

32  The  ""two  doors  also  were  of  olive-tree ; and 
he  carved  upon  them  carvings  of  cherubims,  and 
palm-trees,  and  ""open  flowers,  and  overlaid  them 
with  gold,  and  spread  gold  upon  the  cherubims, 
and  upon  the  palm-trees. 

33  So  also  made  he  for  the  door  of  the  temple, 
posts  of  olive-tree,  ’“a  fourth  part  of  the  wall. 

34  And  the  two  doors  were  of  efir-tree : the  ‘‘two 
leaves  of  the  one  door  were  folding,  and  the  two 
leaves  of  the  other  door  were  folding. 

35  And  he  carved  thereon  cherubims,  and  palm- 
trees,  and  open  flowers ; and  covered  them  with 
gold,  fitted  upon  the  carved  work. 

36  K And  he  built  ‘the  inner  court  with  three 
rows  of  hewed  stone,  and  a row  of  cedar  beams. 

37  IT  In  "the  fourth  year  was  the  foundation  of 
the  house  of  the  Lord  laid,  in  the  month  Zif : 


20.  «Gen. 3:24.  Ex. 25:18— 22.  S7:7— 9.  2Chr.3:10— 13.  P«.  18:10.  80:1.  I». 
37:16.  Ez.  10:2,  Sic.  Heb.  1:14.  1 Pet.  1:12.  **  Or.  oily.  Heb.  trees  of  nil. 
b Ex.  25:20.  37:9.  2 Chr.  5.8.  tfOr,  the  cherubims  stretched  forth  their  wings, 
2 Chr.  3:11.  c Ex.  36:8.  2 Chr.  3:14.  4:2—5.  Ps.  103:20.  148:2.  Luke  2:13,14. 
Eph.  3:10.  Rev.  5:11-14.  d Ps.  92:12—  U>.  Rev.  7:9.  Heb.  openings  of 
flowers.  18,32.  e Is.  54:11,12.  60:17.  Rev.^21 :18— 21 . f John  10:9.  14:6.  Eph. 
2:18.  Heb.  10:19,20.  $§  Or,  five  square.  ||||  Or,  lenves  of  the  doors.  'ITU  Heb. 
openings  of  flowers.  **  * Or,  four  square,  g 5:8.  h Ez.  41 :23 — 25.  i Ex.  27:9 
—19.  38:9-20.  2Chr.  4:9.  7:7.  Rev.  11:2.  kl.  2 Chr.  3:2. 


it  is  also  said  to  have  been  twenty  cubits  high,  though  the 
house  was  thirty : it  was  therefore  either  built  or  ceiled  lower 
tfian  the  .vther  part  of  the  temple.  The  veil,  which  separated 
the  holy  d holies,  was  hung  by  golden  chains  on  pillars 
erected  for  that  purpose.  (2  Chr.  3:15,16.) — “The  altar, 
by  the  oracle,’’  was  the  altar  of  incense  without  the  veil;  in 
the  holy  place,  which  was  twice  as  long  as  the  most  holy  place. 

V.  23 — 28.  These  cherubim  were  the  emblems  of  the 
angels,  as  jointly  worshipping  God  our  Saviour;  and  as  delight- 
ing to  contemplate  the  mysteries  of  redemption. — They  were 
distinct  from,  and  much  larger  than,  those  which  covered  the 
mercy-seat,  and  indeed  were  inseparably  united  to  it.  (Notes, 
Ex.  25:10 — 22.) — They  stood  erect  with  “their  faces  towards 
the  wall;”  (2  Chr.  3:13.)  and  they  covered  with  their  out- 
stretched wings  the  whole  breadth  of  the  most  holy  place. — 
The  others  were  of  solid  gold ; but  these  of  olive-tree  covered 
with  gold. 

V.  31 — 35.  It  is  probable, -that,  besides  the  veil,  there  was 
another  partition  between  the  holy  of  holies  and  the  sanc- 
tuary. The  veil  covered  the  whole  of  this : but  when  that  was 
drawn  aside,  folding  doors,  of  olive-tree  plated  with  gold,  and 
curiously  engraved  with  cherubim  and  palm-trees,  took  up  a 
fifth  of  the  partition,  or  about  four  cubits.— The  doors  at  the 
entrance  of  the  sanctuary  were  rather  larger. 

V.  36.  The  inner  court,  at  the  entrance  of  the  sanctuary, 
in  which  the  altar  of  burnt-offering  stood,  was  principally 
appropriated  to  the  priests,  Levites,  and  those  vvhc  brought 
the  sacrifices.  (Notes,  Ex.  27:9 — 19.  Ez.  40:  41;  42:)  It 
was  separated  from  the  other  courts  by  a wall  of  hewn  stone, 
but  it  is  supposed  that  part  of  it  was  built  of  cedar-beams,  to 
leave  openings,  through  which  the  other  worshippers  might 
see  the  sacrifices  offered,  and  join  in  the  sacred  services. 

I 599  j 


B.  C 992 


I.  KINGS 


B.  C.  100^ 


38  And  in  the  eleventh  year,  in  the  month  Bui, 
(whir  h is  the  eighth  month,)  was  the  house  ‘finished 
’throughout  all  the  parts  thereofvand  according  to 
all  the  fashion  of  it.  So  was  he  mseven  years  m 
building  it. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Solomon  builds  himself  a house , 1 : and  the  house  of  the  forest  of  Lebanon., 
2—5  : the  porch  of  pillars,  6 : the  porch  of  judgment , 7 : the  house  of  Pha- 
raoh's daughter,  8.  The  costly  materials  of  these  structures,  and  of'  the 
great  court,  9—12.  Hiram,  a skilful  artificer,  is  fetched  from  Tyre,  13, 14. 
He  casts  two  pillars  of  brass , 15 — 22  : and  the  brazen  sea  ; with  ten  bases, 
and  ten  lovers,  and  other  vessels  for  the  temple,  23 — 47.  The  furniture  and 
sacred  vessels  of  gold  are  made  for  the  temple,  48 — 50.  The  dedicated 
treasures  are  brought  into  it,  51. 

BUT  Solomon  was  building  his  own  house 
“thirteen  years,  and  he  finished  all  his  house. 
2 11  He  built  also  bthe  house  of  the  forest  of 
Lebanon  ; the  length  thereof  was  a hundred  cubits, 
and  the  breadth  thereof  fifty  cubits,  and  the  height 
thereof  thirty  cubits,  upon  four  rows  of  cedar- 
pillars,  with  cedar-beams  upon  the  pillars. 

3  And  it  was  covered  with  cedar  above  upon 
the  'beams,  that  lay  on  forty-five  pillars,  fifteen  in 
a row. 

4  And  there  were  “windows  in  three  rows,  and 
’light  was  against  light  in  three  ranks. 

5  And  all  the  floors  and  posts  were  square  with 
the  windows  : and  light  was  against  light  in  three 
ranks. 


Ezra  6;  14,15. Zech.  4:9.  6:13 — 15.  * Or,  with  mil  the  appurtenances  thereof, 
and  with  all  the  ordinances  thereof . m7:l.  Ezra  3 S-— 13.  6:15.  John  2:20. 

a 9:10.  2 Chr.  8:1.  Ec.  2:4,5.  Matt.  6:33.  b9:19.  10: 17.  2Cbr.  9:16.  Cant.  7:4. 
* Heb.  ribs.  6:5.  rnarg.  c 5.  6:4.  Ia.  54:12.  Ez.  40: 16,22,25,29,33,36  . 41 .26. 
t Heb.  sight  against  eight.  } Or,  spaces  and  pillars  were  square  in  prospect. 

V.  37,  38.  The  whole  time  was  seven  years  and  a half ; 
but  the  number  of  whole  years  alone  is  mentioned.  This  is 
frequently  the  case. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 13.  Though  God  does  not  delight  in  outward  mag- 
nificence, but  is  present  with  his  poor  people  who  assemble 
in  the  meanest  place,  and  accepts  their  worship : yet  he  ex 
pects  that  the  wealthy  should  devote  their  riches  to  his  ser- 
vice. And  whatever  is  liberally  expended,  out  of  zeal  for  his 
glory,  and  according  to  the  rule  of  his  word,  shall  be  graciously 
accepted  ; though  perhaps  man  may  censure  the  expense,  as 
needless  or  useless.  (Notes,  Matt . 20:6 — 13.  John  12:1 — 8.) — 
Every  good  work  should  be  done  heartily  and  without  procras- 
tination : but  it  is  not  needless  delay  to  consult  prudent  mea- 
sures, to  make  requisite  preparations,  and  to  remove  such 
obstructions,  as  might  afterwards  impede  our  progress,  or 
divert  our  attention.  Thjis,  young  men,  animated  with  a 
laudable  design  to  seek  the  salvation  of  souls,  and  impatient 
to  be  employed  in  the  work  of  the  ministry,  would  do  well  to 
restrain  their  ardour,  to  wait  for  a proper  opening  in  Provi- 
dence, and  to  spend  some  time  in  previous  study,  meditation, 
and  prayer  ; that  they  may  acquire  the  wisdom,  experience, 
humility,  and  steadiness,  requisite  for  so  important  a work ; 
and  afterwards  proceed  in  it  without  interruption,  and  to 
better  effect : and  a few  years  spent  in  this  manner  will  no 
more  be  lost  time,  than  those  which  were  employed  in  pre- 
parations for  the  building  of  Solomon’s  temple. — Every  thing 
in  the  church  above  is  conducted  in  perfect  harmony  and 
regularity ; every  part  of  that  spiritual  temple  being  made 
ready  for  its  place,  before  it  is  conveyed  thither:  and  the 
more  the  church  on  earth  resembles  it  the  better. — The  true 
church  of  God  is  most  glorious  within ; and  the  true  believer 
is  chiefly  employed  in  attending  to  the  state  of  his  heart. — In 
all  religious  matters  conveniency  must  be  preferred  to  splen- 
dour; but  stability  must  not  be  sacrificed  even  to  apparent 
conveniency. — No  pompous  services  will  purchase  a dispen- 
sation from  obeying  the  least  of  God’s  commandments.  All 
those  things  in  which  men,  who  allow  themselves  in  sin,  con- 
fide, will  be  found  as  unavailing,  as  the  temple  was  to  the 
wicked  kings  and  people  of  Israel : for  nothing  but  unreserved 
obedience,  to  the  precepts  and  statutes  of  God’s  word,  can 
prove  the  sincerity  of  our  faith,  and  our  love  to  the  Saviour. 
But  though  numbers  of  professors  apostatize,  and  whole  na- 
tions forfeit  their  peculiar  privileges;  yet  the  Lord  will  dwell 
in  the  midst  of  his  true  people,  and  never  forsake  them ; and 
they  will  delight  in  his  ordinances  and  commandments ; and 
be  encouraged  by  being  told  their  duty,  as  it  is  a token  of  the 
Lord’s  favour  to  them. 

V.  14 — 38.  What  is  begun  in  the  fear  and  love  of  God,  in 
dependence  on  him,  and  obedience  to  him,  will  in  due  time  be 
accomplished  to  his  glory. — God  must  be  honoured  with  the 
best  we  have:  but  gold  is  only  meet  to  be  trodden  under  foot, 
in  comparison  with  the  beauty  of  holiness,  which  is  the  glory 
and  ornament  of  his  spiritual  temple. — The  human  nature  of 
the  Redeemer,  that  true  Temple  iri  which  God  dwells  with 
man,  is  immaculately  holy:  the  Christian,  as  united  unto 
Jesus,  and  “an  habitation  of  God  through  the  Spirit,”  is 
sanctified  in  his  measure : and  the  church  above,  where  innu- 
merable angels  unite  with  redeemed  sinners,  in  ceaseless 
woiship  of  God  our  Saviour,  is  perfect  in  this  beauty.  Let 
iiot  then  the  hypocrite,  or  formal  professor  of  Christianity, 
who  is  a stranger  to  the  sanctifying  influences  of  God’s  Spirit, 

( 600  ) 


6 H And  he  made  a porch  of  pillars ; the  length 
thereof  was  fifty  cubits,  and  the  breadth  thereof 
thirty  cubits:  and  the  porch  was  ^before  them: 
and  the  other  pillars  and  the  thick  beam  were 
before  them. 

7 H Then  he  made  da  porch  “for  the  throne  where 
he  might  judge,  even  the  porch  fof  judgment:  and 
it  was  covered  with  cedar  ’’from  one  side  of  the 
floor  to  the  other. 

8 H And  his  house  where  he  dwelt  had  ^another 
court  within  the  porch,  which  was  of  the  like  worlt 
Solomon  made  also  ha  house  for  Pharaoh’s  daugh- 
ter, whom  he  had  taken  to  wife,  like  unto  this 
poych. 

9 All  these  were  of  ‘costly  stones,  according  to 
the  measures  of  hewed  stones,  sawed  with  saws, 
within  and  without,  even  from  the  foundation  unto 
the  coping,  and  so  on  the  outside  toward  the  great 
court. 

10  And  kthe  foundation  teas  of  costly  stones, 
even  great  stones;  stones  of  ten  cubits,  and  stones 
of  eight  cubits. 

11  And  ‘above  were  costly  stones,  after  the 
measures  of  hewed  stones,  and  cedars. 

12  And  the  great  court  round  about  teas  with 
mthree  rows  of  hewed  stones,  and  a row  of  cedar- 


§ Or,  according  to  them.  ||  Or,  according  to  them.  d 6:3.  e 10:18 — 20. 
Ps.  122:5.  Is.  9:7.  f3:9,28.  Prov.  20:8.  H Hub.  from  floor  to  floor,  g 2 Kings 
20:4.  h See  on  3:1.  9:24.  2Chr.8:ll.  i 10,11.5:17.  k Is.  28:16.  54:11. 
1 Cor.  3:10,11.  Rev.  21:19,20.  1 Eph.  2:20— 22.  1 Pet.  2:5.  m See  on  6:36. 


and  who  lives  ir  secret  or  open  sin,  suppose  himself  a part  of 
this  living  Temple. — Yet  let  sinners  come  to  Jesus,  as  the 
living  Foundation,  that  they  may  be  built  on  him,  a part  of 
this  spiritual  house,  .consecrated  in  body  and  soul  to  the  glory 
of  God.  (Notes,  Eph.  2:19 — 22.  1 Pet.  2:4 — 6.) — If  we  have 
good  ground  to  conclude,  that  we  are  a part  of  this  living  Tem- 
ple ; let  us  look  to  it,  that  our  inward  part,  which  is  seen  by 
God  alone,  may  be  preserved  most  pure  ; let  us  be  careful  also 
of  our  outward  conduct,  that  our  blameless  conversation  may 
be  ornamental  to  our  profession  in  the  sight  of  man:  let  us 
look  to  Jesus  for  encouragement  and  assistance  in  every  ser- 
vice, and  as  the  great  examplar  to  which  we  are  to  be  con- 
formed : and  let  us  by  faith  behold  that  glorious  company 
whom  we  hope  soon  to  join ; that  we  may  now  emulate  their 
praises,  imitate  their  obedience,  and  thus  anticipate  their  com- 
forts, even  in  this  world  of  sin  and  sorrow. 

NOTES. — Chap.  VII.  V.  1.  Solomon  began  the  tem- 
ple first,  and  was  most  earnest  in  expediting  it ; and  therefore 
it  was  finished  in  far  less  time  than  his  own  palace.  As  he 
employed  twenty  years  in  these  buildings;  (9:1 0. ) it  seems 
he  finished  the  temple  before  he  began  his  own  house ; though 
his  numerous  workmen  might  have  carried  on  both  together. 

V.  2.  Some  have  thought  that  this  palace  was  builtv  for 
retirement,  in  a beautiful  situation  near  mount  Lebanon : but  it 
seems  rather  to  have  been  erected  not  far  from  Jerusalem  ; and 
to  have  been  thus  called,  either  from  its  airy  and  lofty  situation* 
or  from  the  cedars  of  Lebanon  of  which  it  was  built.  For 
Solomon  put  the  shields  of  gold  “ in  the  house  of  the  forest  of 
Lebanon  :”  yet  when  Shishak  came  to  Jerusalem  he  seized  on 
them  ; and  when  Rehoboam  made  brazen  ones  in  their  stead, 
they  were  carried  before  him  when  he  went  to  the  house  oi 
the  Lord,  and  brought  hack  with  him  to  the  great  chamber* 
(10:17.  2 Chr.  9:16.  12:9—11.) 

V.  6 — 12.  The  “ porch  of  pillars”  is  supposed  to  have  been 
a covered  portico,  in  which  Solomon’s  guards  and  attendants 
waited:  and  “The  porch  of  judgment,”  another  portico,  in 
which  he  sat  to  decide  causes.  It  is  not  certain,  whether 
“ the  porch  of  pillars,”  belonged  to  “ the  house  of  the  forest 
of  Lebanon,”  or  to  the  palace  in  Jerusalem  : but  it  is  most 
probable,  that  “ the  porch  for  the  throne”  was  at  Jerusalem. — 
The  palace  seems  to  have  stood  within  two  courts;  one 
nearer  to  it  than  “the  porch  for  the  throne,”  and  the  other 
farther  off. — The  nalace  for  Pharaoh’s  daughter  was  placed 
at  some  distance,  “out  of  the  city  of  David  :”  ( Note,  2 Chr. 
8:1 1 .)  but  it  was  built  with  the  same  magnificence  as  the  other 
palaces.  The  costly  stones  seem  to  have  been  large  valuable 
blocks  of  marble,  beautifully  squared  and  polished  on  every 
side : and  the  outer  court  was  surrounded  with  a wall,  like 
that  which  separated  the  court  of  the  temple ; so  that  the 
people  might  look  through  the  rows  of  the  cedar-beams,  which 
were  placed  at  proper  distances.  These  buildings,  though 
magnificent,  were  intended  for  use,  and  not  merely  for  osten- 
tation : and  no  doubt  they  were  finished  in  the  best  stylo  of 
the  architecture  of  those  days.  The  court  round  Solomon's 
own  house  was  built  in  the  same  manner  as  the  inner  court 
of  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

V.  13,  14.  Hiram’s  mother  is  in. Chronicles  said  to  have 
been  u of  the  daughters  of  Dan  ;”  (2  Chr.  2:14.)  and  some 
think,  that  Dan  was  the  name  of  her  father:  hut  probably, 
she  was  originally  of  the  tribe  of  Dan,  and  lmd  first  bcetr 
married  to  a man  of  Naphtnli;  and,  being  by  him  left  a 
widow,  had  married  a Tynan  to  whom  she  I Me  Hiram,  os 


B.  C.  1005. 


CHAPTER  YII.  B.  C.  1005. 


beams,  both  for  the  inner  court  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  and  for  “the  porch  of  the  house. 

[Practical  Observations.]  , 

13  H And  king  Solomon  sent  and  fetched  "Hi- 
ram out  o'’  Tyre. 

14  He  was  ‘a  widow’s  son  of  the  tribe  of 
rNaphtali,  and  his  father  was  a man  of  Tyre,  a 
worker  in  brass;  and  ihe  was  filled  with  wisdom 
and  understanding,  and  cunning  to  work  all  works 
in  brass.  And  lie  came  to  king  Solomon,  and 
wrought  all  his  work. 

15  For  he  'cast  rtwo  pillars  of  brass,  of  eighteen 
cubits  high  apiece  : and  a line  of  twelve  cubits  did 
compass  either  of  them  about. 

16  And  he  made  ’two  chapiters  of  molten  brass, 
to  set  upon  the  tops  of  the  pillars : the  height  of 
the  one  chapiter  was  five  cubits,  and  the  height  of 
the  other  chapiter  was  five  cubits : 

17  And  nets  of  checker-work,  and  Hvreaths  of 
chainwork,  for  the  chapiters  which  were  upon  the 
top  of  the  pillars  ; seven  for  the  one  chapiter,  and 
seven  for  the  other  chapiter. 

18  And  he  made  the  pillars,  and  two  rows  round 
about  upon  the  one  network,  to  cover  the  chapi- 
ters that  were  upon  the  top,  with  pomegranates: 
and  so  did  he  for  the  other  chapiter. 

19  And  the  chapiters  that  ivere  upon  the  top  of 
the  pillars  were  of  “lily  work  in  the  porch,  four 
cubits. 

20  And  the  chapiters  upon  the  two  pillars  Jiad 
pomegranates  also  above,  over  against  the  belly 
which  was  by  the  network:  and  the  ‘pomegran- 
ates  were  two  hundred  in  rows  round  about  upon 
the  other  chapiter. 

21  And  rhe  set  up  the  pillars  in  ‘the  porch  of 
the  temple : and  he  set  up  the  right  pillar,  and 
called  the  name  thereof  Uachin  : and  he  set  up 
the  left  pillar,  and  called  the  name  thereof 
$Boaz. 

22  And  upon  the  top  of  the  pillars was  lily-work: 
so  was  the  work  of  the  pillars  finished. 

23  If  And  *he  made  ba  molten  sea,  ten  cubits 
from  "the  one  brim  to  the  other:  it  was  round  all 
about,  and  his  height  was  five  cubits : and  a line 
of  thirty  cubits  did  compass  it  round  about. 

24  And  under  the  brim  of  it  round  about  there 
were  "knops  compassing  it,  ten  in  a cubit,  ‘‘com- 
passing the  sea  round  about:  the  knops  were  cast 
in  two  rows  when  it  was  cast. 

25  It  stood  upon  "twelve  oxen,  three  looking 
toward  the  north,  and  three  looking  toward  the 
west,  and  three  looking  toward  the  south,  and 
three  looking  toward  the  east : and  the  sea  was 


n John  10:23.  Acts  3:11.  5:12.  o 40.  2 Chr.  2:13.  4:11.  Huram.  • Heb.  Me 
sonof  a widow  woman.  p 2 Chr.  2:14.  q Ex. 31:2 — 6.35:30 — 35.36:1,2.8. 
Is.  28:26.  Dun.  1:17.  f He'o.  fashioned,  r 2 Kings  25:16,17.  2Chr.3:l5— 
17.  4:12.  Jer.  52:21—23.  s Ex.'  36:38.  38:17,19,28  . 2 Chr.  4:12,13.  t Ex.  28: 
14,22,24,25.39:15—18.  2 Kings  25:17.  u 22.  6:18,32,35.  x 2 Kings  25: 17. 

2 Chr.  3:16.  4:13.  Jer.  52:22,23.  v 2 Chr.  3:17.  Gal.  2:9.  Rev.  3:12.  z 6:3. 
Ez.  40:48,49.  J That  is,  He  shall  establish.  2 Sam.  7:12!  Is.  9:7.  § That  is, 

In  it  is  strength.  Ruth  4:21.  Is.  45  24.  Matt.  16:18.  a Ex.  30:13 — 21.38:8. 
b 2 Kings  25: 13.  2 Chr.  4:2.  Jer.  52:17,20.  II  Heb.  his  brim  to  hie  brim,  c 6: 

Huram,  who  was  called  by  the  name  of  the  king  of  Tyre. 
This  man,  uniting,  as  it  were,  the  Israelite  and  the  Gen- 
tile in  one  person,  and  being  the  chief  workman  in  making 
the  furniture  of  the  temple,  aptly  represented  the  union  of 
Jews  and  Gentiles  in  the  Christian  church.  (Note,  Eph.  2: 
19—22.) 

V.  15 — 22.  ( Marg . Ref.)  Each  of  these  pillars  being 

eighteen  cubits  in  height,  the  two  together  would  measure 
thirty-six  cubits  in  length : but  one  cubit,  is  supposed  to  be 
allowed  for  the  bases.  (2  Chr.  3:15.) — The  chapiters  are,  in’ 
one  place,  said  to  have  been  three  cubits  in  height:  but  the 
upper  part,  covered  with  decorations,  is  thought  to  be  there 
mentioned  separately,  and  to  be  here  included.  (16.2  Kings 
25:17.) — There  were  four  hundred  pomegranates  in  all ; two 
hundred  on  each  chapiter,  in  two  rows  of  an  hundred  each. 
Perhaps  ninety-six  of  these  might  be  counted  on  every  side  : 
being  nearly  one  half  of  the  whole  number  on  each  chapiter : 
but,  as  some  think,  there  were  ninpty-six  smaller  pomegra- 
nates in  each  row,  in  four  divisions,  towards  the  four  quarters 
of  the  sky ; and  four  larger  pomegranates  were  placed  between 
these  four  divisions.  (Jer.  52:23.) — A writer,  who  completely 
understood  such  subjects,  would  scarcely  be  able,  by  words 
without  plates,  to  convey  any  adequate  ideas  of  the  orna- 
mental workn.anship  described  in  this  chapter. — These  pillars 
wee  intended  for  ornament  and  for  significancy.  “ Jachin” 
.cgnifies,  He  shall  establish : “ Boaz,”  In  him  is  strength. 

Marg.)  And  thus  the  priests  and  worshippers  were  re- 
Vol.  I.— 76 


set  above  upon  them,  and  all  their  hinder  parts 
were  inward. 

26  And  it.  was  fa  handbreadth  thick,  and  thr 
brim  thereof  was  wrought  like  the  brim  of  a cup 
f with  flowers  of  lilies : it  contained  ''two  thousand 
baths. 

27  H And  lie  made  ten  bases  of  brass ; four  cubits 
was  the  length  of  one  base,  and  four  cubits  the 
breadth  thereof,  and  three  cubits  the  height  of  it. 

28  And  the  work  of  the  bases  ivas  on  this  man- 
ner : they  had  borders,  and  the  borders  were  be- 
tween the  ledges: 

29  And  on  the  borders  that  ivere  between  the 
ledges  were  'lions,  oxen,  and  cherubims : and  upon 
the  ledges  there  was  a base  above  : and  beneath 
the  lions  and  oxen  were  certain  additions  made  of 
thin  work. 

30  And  every  base  had  four  brazen  kwheels,  and 
plates  of  brass  : and  the  four  corners  thereof  had 
under%etters : under  the  laver  were  undersetters 
molten,  at  the  side  of  every  addition. 

31  And  the  mouth  of  it  within  the  chapiter 
and  above  was  a cubit : but  the  mouth  thereof 
was  round  after  the  work  of  the  base,  a cubit  and 
a half:  and  also  upon  the  mouth  of  it  were 
gravings  with  their  borders,  four-square,  not 
round. 

32  And  under  the  borders  were  four  wheels; 
and  the  axle-trees  of  the  wheels  were  "joined  to  the 
base  : and  the  height  of  a wheel  was  a cubit  and 
half  a cubit. 

33  And  'the  work  of  the  wheels  was  like  the 
work  of  a chariot-wheel:  their  axle-trees,  and 
their  naves,  and  their  felloes,  and  their  spokes, 
were  all  molten. 

34  And  there  were  four  undersetters  to  the  four 
corners  of  one  base  : and  the  undersetters  were  of 
the  very  base  itself. 

35  And  in  the  top  of  the  base  ivas  there  a round 
compass  of  half  a cubit  high : and  on  the  top  of 
the  base,  the  ledges  thereof  and  the  borders 
thereof,  were  of  the  same. 

36  For  on  the  plates  of  the  ledges  thereof,  and 
on  the  borders  thereof,  he  “graved  cherubims,  lions, 
and  palm-trees,  according  to  the  "proportion  of 
every  one,  and  additions  round  about. 

37  After  this  manner  he  made  the  ten  bases:  all 

of  them  had  one  casting,  one  measure,  and  one 
size.  • 

38  IT  Then  made  he  “ten  lavers  of  brass:  one 
laver  contained  forty  baths  : and  every  laver  was 
four  cubits : and  upon  every  one  of  the  ten  bases 
one  laver. 


18.  Ex.  25:31—36.  37:17— 22.  d2C'hr.4:3.  e 2 Chr.  4:4.  Jer.  52:20.  Ez.  1* 
10.  Mall.  28:19.  Mark  16:15,16.  I.uke  24:47.  1 Cor.  9:9.  Her.  4.6,7.  f Jer.  52: 
21.  g 19.  6:18.32,35.  h 38.  2 Chr.  4:5.  Y.i . 45: 14.  i 2 Kings  25. 13,16.  2 Chr. 
4:14.  Jer.  52;  17', 20.  J See  on  25,  6:27.  E*.  1:10.  10:14.41:13,19.  Rev.  4:6,7 
k K/.  1:16 — 21.3:13.10:10 — 13.  11  Heb.  in  the  base.  1 Ez.  1:16,18.  m29.0. 

29,32,35.  Hz.  40:31,37.  41:18— 20,25,26.  ••  Heb.  nakedness,  n Ex.  30:17— 21, 
28.38:8.40:11,12.  2 Chr.  4:6.  Zecli.  13:1.  Heb.  9:10.  10:22.  1 Jolm  1:7.  Rev. 
714. 


minded  to  trust  only  in  the  Lord,  and  not  in  themselves,  or  in 
their  forms. 

V.  23 — 39.  In  the  tabernacle  there  had  been  one  laver  of 
brass,  at  which  ihe  priests  continually  washed  Ihemselvcs, 
and  the  sacrifices.  (Note,  Ex.  30:18 — 21.)  But  now  the 
numbers  of  the  priests  and  Levites  were  multiplied,  and  the 
sacrifices  were  proportionally  increased.  Therefore  Solomon 
prepared  this  brazen  sea  ; and  ten  lavers  besides,  at  which  the 
sacrifices  were  to  be  washed.  These  were  constantly  sup- 
plied with  water  by  the  Nethinim,  or  the  Gibeonites,  whowere 
servants  to  the  priests.  (Note,  josh.  9:27.)  The  brazen  sea 
was  a very  large  reservoir,  capable  ofholding  three  thousand 
baths,  or  about  four  hundred  and  fifty  hogsheads ; though  no 
more  than  two  thousand  were  generally  put  into  it. — The 
knops  are  supposed  to  have  been  in  the  form  of  an  ox’s  head, 
(2  Chr.  4:3.)  and  some  think  that  the  water  flowed  out  at  Ihe 
mouths  of  them,  or  of  some  of  them. — The  oxen  on  which  it 
was  placed,  might  be  intended  as  a protest  against  the  absurd 
idolatry  of  worshipping  God  under  an  image  in  that  form. 
— The  ten  lavers,  though  generally  placed  in  two  rows, 
in  the  inner  court  of  the  temple,  were  fixed  upon  bases, 
which  ran  on  wheels,  that  they  might  be  removed  as  conve- 
niency  required. — The  description  given  of  Ihese  bases,  is 
very  difficult:  many  of  the  original  words  are  but  seldom  used, 
if  at  all,  elsewhere : and  it  would  be  impossible  to  give  a satis- 
factory explanation  of  each  particular,  without  labour  and  pro* 
lixity,  disproportioned  to  its  importance  to  us. — The  likeness 
( 601  ) 


B.  0.  1.704. 


I.  KINGS, 


B.  C.  1004, 


39  And  he  put  five  bases  on  the  right  "side  of 
the  house,  anti  five  on  the  left  side  of  the  house : 
and  “he  set  the  sea  on  the  right  side  of  the  house 
eastward,  over  against  the  south. 

40  11  And  tHiram  made  '‘the  lavers,  and  sthe 
shovels,  and  rthe  basins.  ‘So  Hiram  made  an  end 
of  doing  all  the  work  that  he  made  king  Solomon 
for  the  house  of  the  Lord  : 

41  The  ‘two  pillars,  and  the  two  bowls  of  the 
chapiters  that  were  on  the  top  of  the  two  pillars  ; 
and  the  utwo  networks,  to  cover  the  two  bowls  of 
the  chapiters  which  were  upon  the  top  of  the  pil- 
lars ; 

42  And  four  hundred  pomegranates  for  the  two 
networks,  even  two  rows  of  pomegranates  for  one 
network,  to  cover  the  two  bowls  of  the  chapiters 
that  were  upon  tthe  pillars ; 

43  And  the  “ten  bases,  and  ten  lavers  on  the 
bases ; 

44  And  rone  sea,  and  twelve  oxen  unddt  the 
sea ; 

45  And  ‘the  pots,  and  the  shovels,  and  the  ba- 
sins : and  all  these  vessels  which  Hiram  made  to 
king  Solomon  for  the  house  of  the  Lord,  were  of 
^bright  brass. 

46  In  the  plain  of  Jordan  did  the  king  cast  them, 
in  "the  clay-ground  between  “Succoth  and  bZar- 
than. 

47  And  Solomon  left  all  the  vessels  unweighed , 
’because  they  were  exceeding  many  : neither  was 
the  weight  of  the  brass  "found  out. 


48  And  Solomon  made  all  the  vessels  that 
pertained  unto  the  house  of  the  Lord  : ‘the  altar 
of  gold,  and  dthe  table  of  gold,  whereupon  the 
showbread  was, 

49  And  ethe  candlesticks  of  pure  gold,  five  on 
the  right  side,  and  five  on  the  left,  'before  the 
oracle,  with  the  flowers,  and  the  lamps,  and  sthe 
tongs  of  gold, 

50  And  the  bowls,  and  the  snuffers,  and  the 
basins,  and  the  hspoons,  and  the  ^censers,  o/pure 
gold : and  the  hinges  of  gold,  both  for  the  doors 
of  the  inner  house,  the  most  holy  place,  and  for  the 
doors  of  the  house,  to  wit,  of  the  temple. 

51  So  ‘was  ended  all  the  work  that  king  Solo- 
mon made  for  the  house  of  the  Lord.  And  So- 
lomon brought  in  the  ^things  kwhich  David  his 
father  had  dedicated : even  the  silver,  and  the 
gold,  and  the  vessels,  did  he  put  among  the  trea- 
sures of  the  house  of  the  Lord. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


Solomon  assembles  the  elders  and  princes  ; and  the  priests  carry  the  ark  into 
the  most  holy  place,  l — 9.  The  glory  of  the  Lord  Jills  the  house,  10,11. 

Solomon  blesses  Israel ; and  praises  God  for  performing  his  word  to  Da- 
vid, 12 — 2.  He  prays,  that  God  would  answer  the  supplications  of  Israel , 

and  of  strangers,  in  aliases,  and  in  all  cases  in  which  they  shoufa  call  upon 
him,  towards  this  his  holy  temple,  22 — 53.  He  again  praises  God,  and  blesses 
the  people,  54 — 61.  He  offers  very  numerous  sacrifees,  keeps  the  fea.it 
fourteen  days ; and  dismisses  the  people , who  return  homt  joyful  and  tharib- 
ful,  62 — 66. 


THEN  “Solomon  bassembled  the  elders  of  Israel. 

and  all  the  heads  of  the  tribes,  the  'chief  of 
the  fathers  of  the  children  of  Israel,  unto  king 
Solomon  in  Jerusalem,  “that  they  might  bring  up 


* Heb.  shoulder.  o 2 Chr.  4:6,10.  t Heb.  Hiram.  See  on  13.  p See  on 
28.  2 Kings  25:14,15.  2 Chr.  4:8,11 — 16.  Jer.  52:18,19.  q 45.  r Ex.  24:6. 

• Ex.  39:32— 43.  t See  on  15—22.  2 Chr.  4:12.  u 17,18.  } Heb.  the  face  of 

the  pillars,  x 27—39.  v See  on  23 — 26.  z Ex.  27:3.  38:3.  Lev.  8:31.  1 Sam. 
2:13,14.  2 Chr.  4:16.  Ez.'46:20— 24.  Zech.  14:21.  § Heb.  brass  made  bright, 
or,  scoured.  ||  Heb.  the  thickness  of  the  ground.  a Gen.  33:17.  b 4:12. 
Zartanah.  Josh.  3: 16.  Zaretan.  2 Chr.  4:17.  Zeredathah.  U Heb.  for  the  ex- 
ceeding multitude.  2 Chr.  4:18.  *’  Heb.  searched.  1 Chr.  22:14,16.  c Ex. 

30:1—5.37:25—28.39:38.40:26.  2Chr.4:19.  d Ex.  25:23— 30.  37:10— 16. 39: 


36.  40:22,23.  Lev.  24:5—9.  2Chr.4:8.  Ez.  40:39,42.  41 :22.  44:16.  Mai.  1:12. 
I Cor.  10:21.  e Ex.  25:31,  &c.  37: 17,  &c.  39:37.  40:24,25.  2Chr.4:7.  Zech.  it 
1—3,11— 14.  Matt.  5:14— 16.  Rev.  1:20.2:1.  f See  on  2 Chr.  4:20.  g Ex.  25: 
38.  Num.  4:9.  h Ex.  25:29.  Nura.  7:86.  t+  Heb.  ash-pans.  Lev.  16:12.  2 Chr. 
4:21,22.  i Ex.  40:33.  Ezra  6:15.  Zech.  4:9.  Heb.  holy  things  of  David. 
k 2 Sam.  8:7— 11.  1 Chr.  18:7,8,10,1 1 . 26:26— 28. 28: 1 1—18.  29.2— 8.  2 Chr.  5:1. 
a 2 Chr.  5:2  b Josh.  23:2.  24:1.  1 Chr.  28:1.  2 Chr.  30:1.  Ezra  3:1.  * Heb. 
princes.  Num.  7:3.  c 2 Sam.  6: 1 ,2,12.  1 Chr.  13: 1—5.  15:3,25. 


of  lions,  oxen,  &c.  we  shall  hereafter  find  to  be  undeniably 
emblematic  of  the  boldness,  patience,  diligence,  and  heavenly- 
mindedness of  the  ministers  of  Christ.  ( Notes,  Ez.  1:5 — 14. 
Rev.  4:6 — 8.)  Oxen  and  cherubim  are  both  mentioned,  (29) 
which  shows  they  were  not  the  same  figures.  ( Note , Ez.  10: 
14.) 

V.  40 — 17.  JMarg.  Ref.  Notes,  15 — 39. — In  the  plain  of 
Jordan.  (46)  The.  place  chosen  for  casting  all  these  vessels 
of  brass,  or  copper,  was  doubtless  selected  for  conveniency, 
and  as  best  suited  for  the  purpose:  and,  being  at  a consider- 
able distance  from  Jerusalem,  that  city  would  be  preserved 
from  the  smoke  and  noxious  vapours  necessarily  occasioned 
by  the  process:  and  all  the  vessels  brought  ready  for  use  to 
the  court  of  the  temple.  ^6:7.) 

V.  48 — 51.  There  were  ten  tables  ; (2  Chr.  4:8.)  but  per- 
haps one  was  much  larger  than  the  rest,  and  the  showbread 
was  chiefly  placed  upon  it.  Every  thing  was  made  new  for 
the  temple,  even  the  altar  for  burnt-offerings;  (Note,  2 Chr. 
4:1.)  except  the  ark  of  the  covenant  with  the  mercy-seat  and 
cherubim:  for  this  was  the  peculiar  symbol  of  the  Lord’s  pre- 
sence with  his  people,  as  reconciled  in  Jesus  Christ,  the  one 
Mediator  between  God  and  man.  (Notes,  Ex.  25:10 — 40.  27: 
1— S.  30:1—8.  Ez.  40:38—44.  41:22.  43:13—17.)  Thus 
under  the  gospel  dispensation,  externals  of  worship  are  alto- 
gether changed,  but  the  way  of  access  and  acceptance  with 
God  is  the  same. — Most  things  were  multiplied,  or  enlarged 
above  what  they  had  been  in  the  tabernacle  ; but  there  was 
but  one  altar  of  burnt-offering,  and  one  altar  of  incense  as  be- 
fore. Thus  the  New  Testament  dispensation  is  suited  to  the 
promulgation  of  the  gospel,  through  all  nations:  but  the  mul- 
tiplication of  atonements  and  intercessors  is  antichristian. — 
Solomon,  having  plenty  of  materials,  prepared  great  quantities 
of  all  requisite  utensils  for  the  service  of  the  sanctuary,  for 
the  benefit  of  those  who  should  come  after  him : and  he  de- 
posited the  remainder  of  the  consecrated  treasures  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  for  the  same  purpose  in  futuro  times. 
(Marg.  Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 12.  Princes  and  nobles  may  be  allowed,  without 
censure,  to  build  their  houses,  and  to  lay  out  their  estates,  as 
it  is  suitable  to  their  rank,  conveniency,  or  inclinations : yet 
they  should  be  reminded  that  Solomon  found  it,  and  they 
will  at  length  find  it  all  a mere  vanity.  (Notes,  Ec.  2:9 — 
11.)  They  should  also  be  cautioned,  not  to  expend  too 
much  in  that  manner,  lest  they  should  be  straitened  in 
their  ability  of  doing  good  to  others,  and  glorifying  God : 
(Notes,  and  P.  O.  Luke  16:1 — 12.)  and  likewise  not  to  suf- 
fer such  cares  and  contrivances  to  take  up  their  time,  or  to 
draw  their  thoughts  and  affections  off  from  communion  with 
God,  and  the  care  of  their  souls:  for  peace  of  conscience,  joy 
in  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  the  lively  hope  of  a heavenly  inherit- 
ance, are  the  choicest  coinforts;  the  beauties  of  holiness  are 
the  most  valuable  ornaments ; and  distinguished  usefulness 
( 602  ) 


is  the  most  honourable  and  durable  testimony  to  a man’s  cha- 
racter.— When,  however,  men  begin  first  with  the  service  of 
God,  and  are  not  by  other  employments  taken  off  from  it,  or 
rendered  negligent  in  it,  and  still  return  to  it  for  satisfaction  ; 
and  when  in  all  their  undertakings,  they  have  an  eye  to  the 
peculiar  duties  of  their  stations,  as  well  as  to  general  conve- 
niency and  utility  ; we  may  hope,  that  the  multiplicity  of  their 
engagements  will  not  materially  injure  them:  hut  they  are 
treading  on  perilous  ground,  and  have  need  of  peculiar  cir- 
cumspection, watchfulness,  and  earnestness  in  prayer. 

V.  13 — 51.  It  is  well  when  great  ingenuity  unites  with 
equal  integrity  ; when  entire  confidence  is  proved  to  have  been 
well  placed  ; and  when  every  one  abounds  in  the  work  of  the 
Lord,  in  proportion  as  his  abilities  are  enlarged.  Yet,  in  all 
our  services,  and  after  them,  we  need  washing  from  the  guilt 
and  pollution  of  sin,  which  defiles  us  and  all  we  do.  Let  us 
therefore  bless  God  for44  the  Fountain”  which  he  has  “opened 
for  sin  and  for  uncleanness ;”  and  which  by  the  preaching  of  the 
gospel  and  the  written  word,  may  be  conveyed  to  every  part 
of  the  earth. — In  him  also  is  Strength , and  he  will  establish  all 
who  trust  in  him.  Those  who  depend  on  their  own  resolutions, 
wisdom,  or  works;  who  trust  in  riches,  honour,  prosperity,  or 
powerful  friends  ; who  worship  other  gods,  or  depend  on  other 
intercessors;  and  who  presume  upon  their  notions,  creeds,  or 
external  forms ; can  never  bo  established,  but  will  at  lengih 
sink  and  perish.  But  the  power  of  Christ  rests  upon  the  hum- 
ble believer;  his  arms  uphold  him  : his  grace  establishes  his 
heart  in  hope  and  love;  he  is  his  Stability  in  every  trial,  and 
his  Sufficiency  for  every  service:  and  is  both  able  and  willing 
44  to  keep  him  from  falling,  and  to  present  him  faultless  before 
the  presence  of  his  glory,  with  exceeding  joy.”  He  indeed  is 
both  the  Temple  and  the  Builder ; the  Altar  and  the  Sacrifice  ; 
the  Light  of  our  souls,  and  the  Bread  of  life;  and  is  every 
way  adequate  to  the  largest  and  most  numerous  wants  of  the 
millions  who  have  applied,  and  shall  in  faith  apply  to  him. 
•External  images  cannot  describe,  words  cannot  e:\prcss,  the 
heart  cannot  conceive,  his  prccionsness  or  his  love.  Let  us 
come  to  him,  and  wash  away  our  sins  in  his  blood ; let  us 
seek  for  the  purifying  grace  of  his  Spirit ; let  us  walk  in  the 
light  of  his  instructive  word,  and  observe  his  kind  directions; 
lot  us  feed  upon  him  daily  ‘in  our  hearts  by  faith  with  thanks- 
giving,’ maintain  communion  with  God  the  Father,  through 
his  intercession,  and  yield  up  ourselves  and  all  we  have  to 
his  service.  Tims  being 44  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  power 
of  his  might,”  we  shall  be 'accepted,  useful,  and  happy;  and 
shall  be  enabled  to  do  our  own  work,  in  our  proper  places, 
with  fidelity,  in  a manner  consistent  with  our  profession, 
and  to  the  glory  of  his  name. 

NOTES.— Chap.  VIII.  V.  1.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  6:1,2.  1 
Chr.  13:1 — 4.)  The  temple  was  in  a peculiar  manner  tho 
residence  of  Jehovah  in  the  midst  of  Israel,  when  the  ark  of 
the  covenant  was  placed  in  it : and  the  want  of  the  aik*,  after 
the  Babylonish  captivity,  in  the  temple  then  built,  in’uuated 


B.  C.  1004. 


CHAPTER  VIII 


B.  C.  1004, 


the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  dout  of  the 
city  of  David,  which  is  Zion. 

2 And  all  the  men  of  Israel  assembled  themselves 
unto  king  Solomon  “at  the  feast  in  the  month 
Ethanim,  which  is  the  seventh  month. 

3 And  all  the  elders  of  Israel  came,  and  f the 
priest  took  up  the  ark. 

4 And  they  brought  up  the  ark  of  the  Lord, 
sand  the  htabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  all 
the  holy  vessels  that  were  in  the  tabernacle,  even 
those  did  the  priests  and  the  Levites  bring  up. 

5 And  king  Solomon,  and  all  the  congregation 
of  Israel  that  were  assembled  unto  him,  were  with 
him  before  the  ark,  ‘sacrificing  sheep  and  oxen, 
that  could  not  be  told  nor  numbered  for  multitude. 

6 And  kthe  priests  brought  in  the  ark  of  the 
covevant  of  the  Lord  unto  ‘his  place,  into  the 
oracle  of  the  house,  to  the  most  holy  place,  even 
“'under  the  wings  of  the  cherubims. 

7 For  the  cherubims  spread  forth  their  two 
wings  over  the  place  of  the  ark,  and  the  cherubims 
covered  the  ark  and  the  staves  thereof  above. 

8 And  they  “drew  out  the  staves,  that  the 
"ends  of  the  staves  were  seen  out  in  the  ‘holy 
place  before  the  oracle,  and  they  were  not  seen 
without : and  there  they  are  “unto  this  day. 

9 There  was  '’nothing  sin  the  ark  save  the  two 
tables  of  stone,  which  Moses  rput  there  at  Horeb, 
Uvhen  the  Lord  made  a covenant  with  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  when  they  came  out  of  the  land  of 

Egypt.  [Practical  Observations.] 

10  IT  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  priests 
were  come  out  of  the  holy  place , that  “the  cloud 
filled  the  house  of  the  Lord, 

11  So  that  the  priests  could  not  stand  to 

d 3:15.  2 Sam.  5:7-9.  6:12-17.  1 Chr.  11:7  \5:29.  16:1.  Ps.  9: 1 1.  102:21.  Is. 
28:16.  4G ; 1 3 . 1 Pet.  2:6.  e l.ev.  23:34.  Num.  29:12. &c.  Dent.  16:13.  2 Chr.  5:3. 
7:8—10.  Ezra  3:4.  Neh.8:14— 18.  Zech.  14.16—19.  John  7:2,37,38.  f Num.  4: 
15.  Deut.  31:9.  Josh.  3:3,6,14,15.  4:9.  6:6.  1 Chr.  15:2,1 1—15.  2 Chr.  5:5— 8. 
g 3:4.  2 Chr.  1:3.  h See  on  Ex.  40:2-33.  i 62,63.  2 Sam.  6:13.  1 Chr.  16:1. 
k 4.  2 Chr.  5:7.  1 6:19.  Ex.  26:33,34.  40:20,21.  m 6:27.  Ex.  25:20— 22  37:9. 
I Sam.  4:4.  2 Sam.  6:2.  Ps.  80:1.  99:1.  Is.  37:16.  Ez.  10:5.  u Ex. 25:14,15. 
37:4,5.40:20.  * Heb.  heads,  t Or,  ark.  2 Chr.  5:9.  o Josh.  4:9.  Matt.  28: 

15.  p Ex.  25:21.  Deut.  10:2.  2Chr.5:10.  q Ex.  16:33.  Num.  17:10.  Heb. 
9 4.  r Ex.  40:20.  Deut.  10:5.  31:26.  * Or,  whe>  e.  21.  Ex.  24.8.  34:27,28. 

Deut.  4:13.  s Ex.  13:21.  14  .24.  16:10.  24: 1G— 18  . 40:34,35.  Lev.  16:2.  Num.  9: 
15.  2 Chr.  513,14.  7:1 — 3.  Ez.  10:4.  Rev.  15:8.  t Lev.  9:6,23.  Ez.  43:2,4,5. 
44:4.  John  1:14.  Acts  7:55.  2 Cor.  3:18.  4 6.  Rev.  21:11,23.  u Deut.  411. 
I Chr.  6:1.2.  Ps.  18:8— 11 . 97:2.  v Ex.  20:21.  Deut.  5:22.  Heb.  12:18. 


that  that  dispensation  was  ready  to  vanish  away.  Solomon’s 
undertaking  therefore  was  incomplete,  and  the  temple  lacked 
its  chief  glory,  (notwithstanding  all  its  gold  and  exquisite 
workmanship,)  until  the  ark  was  removed  thither,  and  fixed 
in  the  most  holy  place.  This  therefore  he  took  care  to  per- 
form, according  to  the  law,  and  in  the  most  public  and  solemn 
manner. — Mount  Moriah,  on  which  the  temple  was  built, 
was  near  to  the  city  of  David,  on  mount  Zion  where  the  ark 
was  before  placed;  but  was  distinct  from  it.  (Notes,  1 Chr. 
21:18—30.  22:1.  2 Chr.  3:1,2.) 

V.  2.  This  was  about  eleven  months  after  the  temple  was 
oompleted.  The  intervening  time  was  doubtless  employed  ill 
getting  every  thing  ready  for  the  solemnity;  and  the  time 
which  was  chosen  coincided  with  the  feast  of  tabernacles, 
which  ensured  the  presence  of  multitudes  of  the  most  zea- 
lous and  pious  Israelites,  along  with  the  elders  and  chief 
persons.  (2  Chr.  7:8,9.  Note,  63 — 65.) 

V.  3.  The  Levites  of  Kohath’s  family  were  appointed  to 
carry  the  ark ; and  the  priests  were  of  that  family : on  the 
most  solemn  occasions,  therefore,  the  priest  performed  this 
service.  (Notes,  Num.T'A — 9.  fosh.  3:3,4.  2 Sam.  6:12,13. 
1 Chr.  15:15.  2 Chr.  5:2—5.) 

V.  4.  It  is  probable,  that  noth  the  ancient  tabernacle 
which  Moses  had  made,  and  that  which  David  had  formed  at 
Jerusalem,  were  brought  up  to  the  temple,  and,  with  all  their 
vessels  and  furniture,  deposited  in  its  treasuries,  * to  avoid 
all  danger  of  superstition  and  idolatry;  and  that  no  worship 
might  be  performed  any  where,  but  only  at  this  house  of  God, 
which  he’  (Solomon)  ‘now  dedicated  to  him.’  Bp.  Patrick. 
(Note,  2 Kings  18:4.)  Thus  the  Mosaic  dispensation  after- 
wards resigned  up  all  its  honours  to  the  Christian ; and  thus 
the  knowledge  and  grace  of  the  church  on  earth  will  be  ab- 
sorbed and  lost  in  the  vision  and  glory  of  heaven. 

V.  5.  The  altar  of  burnt-offering,  which  Solomon  had 
orepared,  seems  to  have  been  covered  with  sacrifices,  without 
any  fire  under  them : and  when  Solomon  had  ended  his 
prayer,  the  fire  came  down  from  heaven  and  consumed  them. 
(Note,  Lev.  9:24.  2 Chr.  7:1 — 3.)  But  there  might  also  be 
other  sacrifices  on  the  former  altar,  and  likewise  temporary 
altars  erected,  with  all  suitable  preparations  for  so  extraordi- 
nary an  occasion.  (Note,  63—65.) 

V.  6.  (Marg.  Ref.) — Oracle.]  tOI, from  (iTi  to  speak  ;) 
Decause  from  above  the  mercy-seat  the  Lord  spake,  when  the 
ulers  inquired  of  him  by  the  high-priest. 


minister  because  of  the  cloud  : ‘for  the  glory  jf 
the  Lord  bad  filled  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

12  H Then  spake  Solomon,  “The  Lord  sail, 
that  he  would  dwell  in  ’the  thick  darkness. 

13  I have  “surely  built  thee  a house  to  dwell 
in,  fa  settled  place  lor  thee  to  abide  in  for  ever. 

14  And  the  king  turned  his  face  about,  and 
“blessed  all  the  congregation  of  Israel : and  “all 
the  congregation  of  Israel  stood  : 

15  And  be  said,  bBlessed  be  the  Lord  God  of 
Israel,  “which  spake  with  his  mouth  unto  David 
my  father,  and  dhath  with  his  hand  fulfilled  it, 
saying, 

16  Since  “the  day  that  I brought  forth  my 
people  Israel  out  of  Egypt,  ‘I  chose  no  city  out  of 
all  the  tribes  of  Israel  to  build  a house,  that  smy 
name  might  be  therein ; but  hl  chose  David  to  be 
over  my  people  Israel. 

17  And  ’it  was  in  the  heart  of  David  my  father 
to  build  a house  for  the  name  of  the  Lord  God 
of  Israel. 

18  And  the  Lord  said  unto  David  my  father, 
kWhereas  it  was  in  thy  heart  to  build  a house 
unto  my  name,  thou  didst  well  that  it  was  in  thy 
heart. 

19  Nevertheless  ‘thou  shalt  not  build  the  house ; 
but  thy  son  that  shall  come  forth  out  of  thy  loins, 
he  shall  build  the  house  unto  my  name. 

20  Ana  the  Lord  “hath  performed  his  word 
that  he  spake,  and  I am  risen  up  in  the  room  of 
David  my  father,  and  sit  on  ihe  throne  of  Israel, 
as  the  Lord  promised,  and  have  built  a house 
for  the  name  of  the  Lord  God  of  Israel. 

21  And  ”1  have  set  there  a place  for  the  ark, 
wherein  is  °the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  which  he 


x 2 Sam.  7:13.  1 ( hr.  17:12.  22:10,11. 28:6  10,20  . 2 Chr.  6:2.  v Ps.  78:68.69. 
132:13,14.  John  4:21 — 23.  Acts  6:14.  Ileb.  8.5— 13.  9:1 1,12,21.  i 55.56.  Josh 
2-2:6.  2 Sam.  6:18.  1 Chr . 16:2.  2 Chr.  6:3.  30:18- -20.  Ps.  118:20.  Luke24:50, 
51.  a 2 Chr.  7:6.  Neh.  8:7.  9:2.  Matt.  >3:2.  j 1 Chr.  29:10,20.  2 Chr.  6:4. 
20:26.  Neh. 9:5.  Ps. 11:13.  72:18,19.  115:18.  117:1.2.  Luke  1:68.  Ei,h.  1:3. 

1 Pet.  1:3.  c 2 Sam.  7:25/28,29.  1 i hr.  17:12.  Is.  1:20.  Luke  1:70.  d Jo«h. 
21:45.23:15,16.  Ps.  138:2.  Matt.  24:35.  Luke  1:54 ,55,72.  e See  on  2 Sam.  7: 
6,7.  2 Chr.  6:5.  f 1 Chr.  17:5,6.  Ps.  132: 13.  g See  on  29.  11 :36.  2 Kings  23 
27.  Neh.  1:9.  Jer.  7:12  Dan.  9:19.  h 1 Sam.  16: 1 . 2 Sam.  7:8.  1 ( hr.  28:4. 
Ps.  78:70.  89:19,20.  i2Sarn.7:2,3.  1 Chr.  17:1 ,2.  22:7.  28:2.  k 2 Chr.  6:7,8. 

2 Cor.  8: 12.  15:3—5.  2Sam.  7:5,12,13.  1 Chr.  17:4 .1 1 ,12.  22:8— 10.  28:6. 

/n  Seeon  15.  Neh.  9:8.  Is.  9:7.  Jer.  29:1(1,11,29.  Ez.  12:2-5.  37:14.  Mic.  7 20. 
Rom.  4:21.  Phil.  1:6.  n£eeon5,6.  o 9.  Ex.  31:28.  Deut.  9:9,11. 


V.  7 — 9.  The  cherupim,  here  mentioned,  do  not  mean 
those  made  of  solid  gold,  in  the  days  of  Moses,  shadowing 
the  ark,  which  were  inseparable  from  the  mercy-seat ; ( Note, 
Ex.  25:10 — 21.)  but  those  which  Solomon  had  just  prepared 
in  the  most  holy  place.  (Note,  6:23 — 28.)  The  ends  of  the 
slaves  might  be  seen  in  the  holy  of  holies,  but  not  in  the 
outer  sanctuary.  The  ark  now  came  toils  resting  place,  and 
it  continued  in  the  same  situation,  when  this  history  was 
written. — Aaron’s  rod,  the  pot  of  manna,  and  the  copy  of 
the  law,  were  by,  but  not  within , the  ark.  (Note,  Heb. 
9:1—5.) 

V.  10 — 14.  All  the  priests  and  Levites  attended  the 
removal  of  the  ark,  and  sang  solemn  praises  upon  the  occa- 
sion, with  the  sound  of  trumpets  and  instruments  of  music. 
(Notes,  2 Chr.  5:11 — 13.)  But  when  the  ark,  as  the  symbol 
of  Jehovah’s  presence,  had  taken  possession  of  the  temple, 
the  cloud  filled  the  whole  of  it,  so  that  the  priests  could  no 
longer  continue  in  it.  The  “ thick  darkness”  represented  the 
comparative  obscurity  and  terror  of  that  dispensation  ; and  the 
darkness,  which  in  this  world  rests  upon  all  our  inquiries  into 
the  things  of  God  and  of  eternity.  “ God  indeed  is  Light,  and 
with  him  is  no  darkness  at  all :”  but  we  sinners  cannot  approach 
or  endure  that  light,  except  as  seen  in  the  person  of  Jesus 
Christ.  (Marg.  Ref.  u,  v.  Notes , 2 Cor.  4:5,6.  1 'Tim.  6:13 
— 16.  1 John  1:5 — 7.)  This  thick  darkness,  whilst  it  terrified 
others,  assured  Solomon  of  the  divine  favour,  and  that  the 
temple  which  he  had  built  would  be  the  residence  of  the  ark, 
and  the  centre  of  the  worship  of  Israel,  for  generations  to 
come : and  with  these  assurances  he  encouraged  the  people ; 
he  congratulated  them  on  this  renewed  token  of  the  Lord’s 
former  favours  to  Israel ; and  he  pronounced  a solemn  and 
affectionate  blessing  on  them.  (Note,  2 Sam.  6:18,19.) — 
Similar  evidences  of  the  Lord’s  gracious  presence,  and  of  his 
awful  glorv,  had  been  vouchsafed,  when  ihe  tabernacle  was 
erected:  (Notes,  Ex.  40:34,35.  Lev.  16:2.)  and  it  is  not  easy 
to  distinguish  with  accuracy  between  the  cloud,  and  the  glory 
of  God  which  filled  the  house.  It  may,  however,  be  observed, 
that  at  the  close  of  Solomon’s  prayer,  the  fire  burst  forth  from 
the  cloud  and  consumed  the  sacrifices  on  the  altar.  (Note+ 
2 Chr.  7:1—3.) 

V.  15 — 21.  In  this  introductory  address,  while  Solomon 
adored  and  blessed  God,  with  lively  gratitude,  for  performing 
his  promises:  he  also  reminded  the  people  of  several  particu- 
lars, which  were  well  suited  to  affect  their  hearts,  and  prepare 
( 603  ) 


D C.  1004. 


I.  KINGS 


B.  C.  1004. 


iivde  with  our  fathers,, when  he  brought  them  out 

of  the  land  ol  Egypt.  [Practical  Observations.] 

22  If  And  Solomon  Pstood  before  the  altar'  of 
the  Lord,  in  the  presence  of  all  the  congregation 
of  Israel,  and  ^spread  forth  his  hands  toward 
heaven  : 

23  And  he  said,  rLoRD  God  of  Israel,  there  is 
•no  god  like  thee,  in  heaven  above,  or  on  earth 
beneath,  ‘who  keepest  covenant  and  mercy  with 
thy  servants  that  “walk  before  thee  with  all  their 
heart : 

24  Who  hast  kept  with  thy  servant  David  my 
father  that  thou  promisedst  him  : Hhou  spakest 
also  with  thy  mouth,  and  hast  fulfilled  it  with 
thy  hand,  as  it  is  this  day. 

25  Therefore  now,  Lord  God  of  Israel,  ykeep 
with  thy  servant  David  my  father  that  thou  pro- 
misedst him,  saying,  ’There  shall  not  fail  thee  a 
man  in  my  sight  to  sit  on  the  throne  of  Israel ; 
tso  that  zthy  children  take  heed  to  their  way,  that 
they  walk  before  me  as  thou  hast  walked  before 
me. 

26  And  now,  aO  God  of  Israel,  blet  thy  word,  I 
pray  thee,  be  verified,  which  thou  spakest  unto 
thy  servant  David  my  father. 

27  But  “will  God  indeed  dwell  on  the  earth? 
Behold  dthe  heaven  and  heaven  of  heavens  cannot 
contain  thee;  how  much  less  this  house  that  I 
have  budded  ? 


p 2 Kings  11:14.23:3.  2 Chr.  6:12,13.  q Ex.  9:29,33.  Sec  or.  2Chr.6:10.  Ezra 
8:5.  Job  11:13.  Is.  28:2.  63:4.  Is. 1:15.  lTim.2:8.  r Gen.  33:20.  Ex.  3: 15. 
sEx.  15:11.  1 Sam.  2:2.  2 Sara.  7:22.  Ps.  35:10.  86:8.  89:6— 8. 1 13:5.  Is.  40:18, 
25.  Jer.  10:6,16.  Mic.  7:18.  t Deut.7:9.  Neh.  1:5.  9:32.  Ps.  89:3— 5.  Dan.  9:4. 
Mic.  7:19,20.  Luke  1:72.  u 2:4 . 3:5.  6: 12.  Iren.  17: 1.  2 Kings  20:3.  X See  on 
15.  2 Sam.  7:12.  2 Chr.  6:14,15.  j 2:4.  2 Sara,  7:27— 29.'  1 Chr.  17:23— 27. 
Luke  1:68 — 72.  * Heb.  There  shall  not  be  cut  off  unto  thee  a man  from  my 

fight.  Jer.  33:17 — 26.  f Heh.  only  if.  z 2:4.  9:4— 6.  1 Chr.  28:9.  2Chr.6:16, 
17.  a 23.  Ex.  24:10.  1 Sam.  1:17.  Ps.  41:13.  Is.  41 : 17.  45:3.  b2Sam.7:23 

—29.  2 Chr.  1:9.  Jer.  11:5.  Ez.  36:36,37.  c2Chr.6:18.  Is. 66:1.  John  1:14. 

Acts  7:48,49.  17:24.  2Cor.6:16.  1 John  3:1.  d Deut.  10:14.  2 Chr.  2:6.  Ps.  113: 
4.  139:7— 16.  Jer.  23:24.  2 (or.  12:2.  e2Chr.6:I9.  Ps. 141:2.  Dan. 9:17— 19. 
Luke  18:1,7.  fPs.  4:l.  5:1.86:3,6,7.  88:1,2.  g 52.  2 Kings  19:16.  2 Chr.  6:20, 


them  to  unite  with  understanding  in  the  solemn  services  of 
that  interesting  occasion.  The  Lord  had  by  Moses  declared 
his  purpose  of  selecting  one  place  for  his  sanctuary,  where  he 
might  u record  his  name,”  and  meet  and  bless  his  worshippers: 
but  hitherto  no  temple  had  been  built,  and  the  tabernacle  and 
ark  had  been  removed  from  one  place  to  another.  ( Notes , 
Ex.  20:21 — 25.  Deut.  12:5 — 7.  2 Sam.  7:5 — 16.) — David,  his 
chosen  king,  was  indeed  accepted  in  his  design  of  erecting  a 
temple : yet  he  was  not  allowed  to  accomplish  his  purpose. 
But  at  length,  according  to  the  promise  of  God  to  him,  his 
son  had  completed  the  temple,  and  had  brought  the  ark  into 
the  most  holy  place. — The  tables  of  the  law  are  called  the 
covenant , because  the  covenant  with  Israel  at  Sinai  was* 
grounded  on  them.  (Note,  Ex.  25:10 — 22.) 

V.  22.  A scatfold  had  been  prepared  in  the  court  of  the 
temple ; and  on  this  Solomon  stood  up  to  bless  and  instruct 
the  people,  and  then  he  kneeled  down  upon  it,  to  offer  the 
following  most  copious  and  comprehensive  prayer.  (2  Chr.  6: 
x3.)  To  this  reverential  posture  he  also  added  the  spreading 
forth  of  his  hands  towards  heaven,  as  expressive  of  the  fer- 
vour of  his  heart,  and  the  largeness  of  his  expectations,  in 
this  act  of  worship.  ( Marg . Ref.  q.) — The  king  of  Israel 
never  looked  more  glorious  than  on  this  occasion.  Doubtless 
his  personal  performance  of  this  service  gave  it  a peculiar 
solemnity,  and  greatly  alfected  the  people:  (Note,  2 Kings 
23:2.)  but  he  was  also  a type  of  Christ,  who  is  at  once  our 
King  and  our  Intercessor. — It  is  most  probable,  that  he 
prayed  from  a full  heart,  without  any  precomposed  form  of 
words : but  not  without  having  seriously  and  fully  considered 
the  various  blessings  for  which  he  should  pray. 

V.  23,  24.  Solomon,  in  opening  his  prayer,  addressed  the 
Lord,  with  reference  to  his  essential  perfections,  and  relations 
to  all  his  rational  creatures  ; and,  as  the  God  of  Israel,  the 
sole  object  of  their  worship,  the  Author  of  their  peculiar 
mercies,  a God  in  covenant  with  them,  and  the  eternal  Portion 
of  his  believing  obedient  people.  Other  nations  had  their 
imagined  deities,  whom  they  worshipped  and  confided  in ; but 
they  were  not  like  the  God  of  Israel,  who  had  evidently  per- 
formed all  his  covenant  engagements  to  his  u servants,  that 
walked  before  him  with  all  their  heart especially  in  his 
recent  dealings  with  David  and  his  family.  (Marg.  Ref.  s,  t. 
Notes , Ex.  15:11.  Deut.  33:26 — 28.  2 Sam.  7:8 — -16.) 

V.  25,  26.  As  the  Lord  had  thus  far  performed  his  pro- 
mises to  David,  in  placing  his  son  on  his  throne,  and  in 
enabling  him  to  build  him  a house ; Solomon  took  occasion  to 
plead  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  other  promises,  respect- 
ing the  perpetuity  of  the  succession  in  his  posterity:  but  this 
was  conditional ; and  his  petition  implied  a prayer,  that  they 
might  be  directed  and  inclined  to  walk  before  God,  as  David 
had  done,  and  in  such  a manner  as  might  ensure  that  event. 
( Notes,  1 Chr.  28:7—9.  211:10 — 19.  Ps.  89:19—37.) 

V.  27.  Solomon  was  deeply  sensible,  and  ho  would  have 

( 004  ) 


28  Yet  "have  thou  respect  unto  the  prayer  ol 
thy  servant,  and  to  his  supplication,  O Lord 
my  God,  to  f hearken  unto  the  cry,  and  to  the 
prayer,  which  thy  servant  prayeth  before  thee  to- 
day : 

29  That  etliine  eyes  may  be  open  toward  this 
house  night  and  day,  even  toward  the  place  ol 
which  thou  hast  said,  hMy  name  shall  be  there: 
that  thou  mayest  hearken  unto  the  prayer  which 
thy  servant  shall  make  Howard  this  place. 

30  And  hearken  thou  to  the  supplication  of  thy 
servant,  and  of  thy  people  Israel,  ‘when  they  shall 
pray  Howard  this  place  : kand  hear  thou  in  heaven 
thy  dwelling  place  : and  when  thou  hearest,  ’for 

glV6.  [Practical  Observations."] 

31  H If  any  man  mtrespass  against  his  neighbour, 
and  "an  oath  be  laid  upon  him  to  cause  him  to 
swear,  and  “the  oath  come  before  thine  altar  in 
this  house : 

32  Then  “hear  thou  in  heaven,  and  do,  and 
judge  thy  servants,  Pcondenming  the  wicked,  to 
bring  his  way  upon  his  head  ; and  ^justifying  the 
righteous,  to  give  him  according  to  nis  righteous’ 
ness. 

33  U When  thy  people  Israel  be  rsmitten  down 
before  the  enemy,  “because  they  have  sinned 
against  thee,  and  shall  ’turn  again  to  thee,  and  con- 
fess thy  name,  and  “pray,  and  make  supplication 
unto  thee  ”111  tiiis  house : 


40.  7:15.  16:9.  Neh.  1:6.  P«.  34:15.  Dan. 9:18.  h 16.43.  marg.  11:36.  Ex.20i 
24.  Deui.  12:11.  16:2,6.  26:2.  2 Kings  21 :4,7.  23:27.  2 Chr.  6:5,6,20.  7 16.  20- 
8.  33:4,7.  Nell.  1:9.  John  14:13,14.  < Or,  in  this  place.  Dan.  6:10.  i 2 Chr.  20: 
8,9,  Neh.  1:5,6.  § Or,  in  this  place,  k 34,36,39,43,49.  2 Chr.  6.21.  Ps.  33:13,14. 
113:5,6.  123:1.  Ec.  5:2.  Is.  57:15.  Matt.  6:9.  1 34,36,39.  2 Chr.  7:14.  Ps.  130: 

3,4.  Dan.  9:19.  Matt.  6: 12.  m 2 Chr.  6:22,23.  II  Hen.  he  require  an  oath  of  him. 
Ex.  22:8 — 11.  Lev.  5:1.  Pro?. 30:9.  nNum.5;16 — 22.  o See  on  k.  30.  pNnm. 
5:27.  Deut.  25:1.  Prov.  1:31.  Is.  3:10,11.  Ez.  18:13,30.  Rom. 2:6— 10.  q Ex. 
23:7.  Prov.  17;  15.  Ez.  18:20.  r Lev. 26:17, 25.  Deut.  28:25,48.  Josh.  7:8.  2 Chr. 
6:24,25.  Ps.  44:10.  s Josh.  7:11,12.  Judg.  6:1,2.  2 Kings  17:7— 18.  18:11 ,12. 
2 Cltr.  36:14— 17.  t Lev.  26:40,41.  Neh.  1 :9.  Jon.  3:10.  u Ezra  9:5,  &c.  Neh. 
9:1,3,  Slc.  Ia.  63:15 — 19.  64:  &c.  Dan.  9:3,  &c.  H Or,  toward.  30, 


the  people  seriously  consider,  that  the  most  magnificent  tem- 
ple was  no  meet  habitation  for  the  infinite  God.  The  ark 
might  abide  in  it,  and  the  Lord  might  thence  display  his  gra- 
cious presence  with  his  worshippers  ; which,  contrasting  his 
majesty,  purity,  and  justice,  with  their  meanness,  guilt,  and 
pollution,  was  a condescension  that  could  not  be  sufficiently 
admired:  but  “the  heaven  of  heavens,”  the  glorious  mansion 
of  angels  and  archangels,  could  not  contain , or  circumscribe , 
his  essential  presence.  (Notes,  Is.  57:15,16.  66:1,2.  John  1:1 — 
3,14.  Acts  7:44—50.  Eph.  2:19—22.  Col.  2:8,9.  Rev.  21:1—4.) 

V.  28 — 30.  The  Lord  was  not  essentially  more  present  in 
the  temple  than  elsewhere ; and  the  full  displays  of  his  glory 
were  made  in  heaven,  his  throne  and  his  dwelling-place:  yet 
he  had  “ recorded  his  name”  in  the  temple ; and  it  was  a pe- 
culiar type  of  the  human  nature  of  Christ,  in  whom  the  divine 
perfections  are  revealed,  as  harmonizing  in  the  salvation  of 
believers;  and  in  whom  “God  is  reconciling  the  world  to 
himself,”  dwelling  among  men,  and  accepting  the  services 
and  answering  the  prayers  of  all  true  believers. — The  sacri- 
fices continually  offered,  the  incense  burnt,  and  the  whole 
service  performed  at  the  temple,  were  typical  of  the  Re- 
deemer’s offices,  oblation,  and  intercession.  The  temple, 
therefore,  must  be  continually  adverted  to  ill  all  their 
prayers. — Accordingly,  the  Israelites,  when  far  distant  from 
Jerusalem,  were  accustomed  to  turn  their  faces  towards  it, 
as  expressive  of  their  dependence  on  the  services  there  per- 
formed by  the  priests,  and  of  their  communion  with  the 
worshippers  of  Jehovah:  and  when  they  were  near  it,  they 
resorted  thither  to  present  their  supplications.  (Marg.  Ref. 
g,  h.  Notes,  Dan.  6:10,11.  Jon.  2:3,4.) — Thus  Solomon 
besought  God,  that  in  answer  to  the  prayer  which  ho  that 
day  offered,  he  would  in  all  future  ages  regard  the  templo 
with  his  peculiar  favour,  and  hear  the  prayers  of  all  who 
should  present  them  towards  it,  wheresoever  they  were,  or 
whatever  were  their  distresses.  (Luke  1:8 — 10.)  Under  one 
word,  “forgive,”  he  comprised  all  that  he  could  ask  in  behalf 
of  his  people;  for,  as  all  misery  springs  from  sin;  forgiveness 
of  sin  must  prepare  the  way  for  the  removal  of  every  evil, 
and  the  communication  of  every  good ; and  without  it,  no 
deliverance  can  eventually  prove  a blessing.  ( Notes , Ps. 
32:1,2.  Rom.  4:6— 8.) 

V.  31, 32.  In  case  a man  should  bo  accused  of  defrauding 
or  robbing  his  neighbour  ; and  decisive  evidence  being  want- 
ing to  prove  whether  he  wore  or  were  not  guilty ; an  appeal 
should  be  made  by  oath,  at  or  towards  the  allur,  before  tho 
temple,  to  the  heart-searching  God,  that  lie  was  innocent; 
or  in  any  other  case  in  which  this  solemn  appeal  was  made; 
Solomon  prayed,  that  the  Lord  would  interpose,  in  soino 
evident  manner,  to  discovor  and  punish  the  guilty,  and  to 
clear  up  tho  character  and  recompense  tho  integrity  of  the 
innocent.  (Notes,  Ex.  22:7—18.  Num.  5:22 — 31.  Matt. 
23:16—22.) 


a c.  1004. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


34  Then  hear  thou  in  heaven,  and  'forgive  the 
sin  of  thy  people  Israel,  and  bring  them  again 
unto  the  land  Jwhich  thou  gavest  unto  their 
fathers. 

35  H When  'heaven  is  shut  up,  and  there  is  no 
rain,  because  they  have  sinned  against  thee ; “if 
they  pray  toward  this  place,  and  bconfessthy  name, 

Snd  ‘turn  from  their  sin,  when  thou  afflictest 
lem  : 

36  Then  hear  thou  in  heaven,  and  forgive  the 
sin  of  thy  servants,  and  of  thy  people  Israel,  that 
dthou  teach  them  'the  good  way  wherein  they 
should  walk,  and  fgive  rain  upon  thy  land  which 
thou  hast  given  to  thy  people  tor  an  inheritance. 

37  H It  there  be  sin  the  land  famine,  if  there  be 
pestilence,  blasting,  mildew,  locust,  or  if  there  be 
caterpillar;  if  their  enemy  besiege  them  in  the  land 
of  their  'cities,  whatsoever  plague,  whatsoever 
sickness  there  be  ; 

38  What  hprayer  and  supplication  soever  be 
made  by  any  man,  or  by  all  thy  people  Israel,  which 
shall  know  every  man  ‘the  plague  of  his  own  heart, 
and  Jspread  forth  his  hands  toward  this  house  : 

39  Then  khear  thou  in  heaven  thy  dwelling- 
place,  and  forgive,  and  do,  and  'give  to  every  man 
according  to  his  ways,  whose  heart  thou  knowest ; 
(for  mthou,  even  thou  only,  knowest  the  hearts  of 
all  the  children  of  men ;) 

40  That  they  may  “fear  thee  all  the  days  that 


i See  on  30.  Ezra  1:1— 6.  Ps.  106:47.  Jer.  31 :4— 9,27.  32:37.  33:10— 13.  Dan.  9: 
2,19,25.  Am. 7:2.  y Gen.  13: 15.  Ex.  6:8.  Josh. 21:43.  zI7:l.  Lev.26:19.  Deut. 
11:17.  28:12,23.24. '2  Sam.  24:13.  Jer.  14:1—7.  Ez.  14:13.  Mai.  3.10.  Luke  4:2# 
Rev.  11:6.  a 33.  2Clir.  6:24,26.  Rom.  10:9.  15:9.  b 29.30.  Joel  1:13—20.2:15— 
17.  c33.  Is.  1:15,16.  9:13.  Ez.  18:30— 32.  Hos.  14:1.  d Ps . 25:4,5,12.  27:11.  32:8. 
91:1-2.  119:33.  143:8.  Is.  35:8.  Mic.  4:2.  el  Sam.  12:23.  2Chr.  6.26,27.  Is.  30: 
21.  Jer. 6:16.  42:3.  Malt.  22:16.  f 18: 1 ,27— 40,45.  Ps.68:9.  Jer.  14:22.  Jam. 
5:17, IS.  s Lev.  25: 16.25.26.  Deut.  28-21,22,25,38— 42,52— 61. 2 Kings  6:25— 29. 
1 Cbr.  21:12.  2 Chr.  6:28— 31 . 20:9.  Ps.  105:34,35.  Jer.  32:2.  39:1—3.  Ez.  14:21. 
Joel  1:4—7  . 2:25.26.  ■ Or  Jurisdiction.  h2Chr.  20:5—13.  Ps.  50:15.  91:15. 
la.  37:4,15—- 21.  Joel  2:17.  vm.7:l—  6.  i 2 Chr.  6:29.  Jot.  7: 1 1 . Ps.  32:3,4.  42: 
6,9,11.  73:21,22.  142:3-5.  Prov.  14:10.  Rom.  7:24.  Pl.il.  4:6.  j See  on -22.  Is. 
1:15.  k See  on 32,36.  I Ps.  18:20—26  . 28:4.  Jer.  17:10.  32:19.  Ez.  18:30.  Rev. 
22:12.  m 1 Sam.  16:7.  I Chr.  28:9.  2 Chr.  6:30.  Ps. 11:4,5.  John  2:25.  21 : 17. 
Acts  1:24.  Heb.  4:13.  Rev.  2:23.  n Gen.  22:12.  Ex.  20:20.  Deut.  6:2,13.  1 Sam. 
12:24.  Ps. 115:13.  130:4.  Jer.  32:39,40.  Hoe.  3:5.  Acts  9:31.  10:2.  Heb.  12:28, 
*9.  Rev.  15:4.  19:5.  o 10:1,2.  Ruth  1 :16.  2:11 . 2 Chr.  6:32.  Is.  56:3—  7.  Matt. 
1:5,10,11.  15:22— 28.  Luke  17:18.  John  12:20:  Acts  10:1— 4.  p 10:1,2.  Ex.  18: 


V.  33,  34.  The  Israelites  would  not  be  “ smitten  down,” 
or  taken  prisoners,  by  their  enemies,  except  they  sinned 
against  God : and,  notwithstanding  their  temple,  altar,  and 
sacrifices,  they  could  not  expect  deliverance,  or  restoration 
from  captivity  or  bondage,  without  repentance  and  turning  to 
the  Lord  ; without  confessing  their  relations  and  obligations 
to  him,  and  their  sins  against  him  ; and  without  offering  their 
supplications  towards  the  temple,  to  him  who  dwelt  upon  a 
mercy-seat  between  the  cherubim.  (Notes,  Joe' . /:10— 18. 
Dan.  9:2—20.) 

V.  35,  36.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  17:1.  18:36—40.  Jer.  14:1 
— 6.— That  thou,  he.  (36)  In  addition  to  all  the  teaching 
of  the  written  word,  and  the  instructions  of  the  priests,  Le- 
vites,  and  prophets,  Solomon  entreated  the  Lord  himself  to 
teach  the  people  to  profit  by  their  advantages  and  their 
chastisements  : for  this  would  make  way  for  forgiveness,  and 
consequently  for  returning  plenty  and  prosperity. — The  same 
words  are  rendered  in  Chronicles,  “ When  thou  hast  taught 
them  the  good  way  in  which  they  should  walk.”  (2  Chr. 
6:26,27.) — The  divine  teaching  particularly  respects  this 
“good  way  in  which  we  ought  to  walk,”  and  not  merely  no- 
tions and  speculations. 

V.  37.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  38.  The  plague,  &c.]  That  is,  “His  own  sore,  and 
his  own  grief.”  2 Chr.  6:29.  (Note,  Prov.  14:10.)  The 
former  petitions  particularly  respected  public  judgments  and 
distresses;  but  this  passage  related  to  private  afflictions  and 
trials,  and  whatever  should  fill  the  heart  and  conscience  of 
any  individual-with  anguish  and  dismay. — This  interpretation 
doubtless  includes,  though  it  is  not  confined  to,  that  meaning 
which  is  very  frequently  given  to  the  expression,  “the  plague 
of  his  own  heart;”  namely,  the  prevalence  of  in-dwelling  sin, 
which  as  a plague  or  pestilential  disease,  is  the  grief  and  sore 
of  every  true  believer ; and  in  connexion  with  the  guilt  which 
in  consequence  accumulates  upon  his  conscience,  brings  him 
day  by  day,  to  offer  his  fervent  prayers  and  supplications  be- 
fore the  mercy-seat  of  a forgiving  God. 

V.  39.  (Notes,  John  2:23—25.  II eh.  4:12,13.  Rev.  2:20— 
23,  v.  23.)  The  Lord,  “who  only  knoweth  the  hearts  of  the 
children  of  men,  ’ could  exactly  distinguish  between  the  hypo- 
crite, and  the  upright  penitent  believer:  and  would  deal  with 
each,  according  to  the  covenant  of  mercy  and  grace  through 
the  promised  Saviour,  forgiving  and  doing  all  good  to  the  one, 
and  leaving  the  other  under  condemnation. 

V.  40.  As  “there  is  no  man  that  sinneth  not,”  (46)  so 
no  man  could  worship  a holy  God,  “ if  there  were,  not  for- 
giveness with  him.”  (iVotes,  Gen.  22:11,12.  Ps.  130:3,4.) 
Unless  this  was  clearly  revealed,  that  reverential  fear,  which 


B.  C.  100* 

they  live  in  the  land  which  thou  gavest  unto  out 
fathers. 

41  H Moreover,  concerning  “a  stranger  that  w 
not  of  thy  people  Israel,  but  rcometh  out  of  a far 
country  lor  thy  name’s  sake; 

42  (For  tthey  shall  hear  of  thy  'great  name, 
and  of  'thy  strong  hand,  and  of  thy  stretched-out 
arm ;)  'when  he  shall  come  and  pray  towards  this 
house ; 

43  Hear  thou  in  heaven  thy  dwelling-place, 
and  do  according  to  all  that  the  stranger  calleth 
to  thee  for:  “that  all  people  of  the  earth  may  know 
thy  name,  to  'fear  thee,  as  do  thy  people  Israel: 
and  that  they  may  know  that  'this  house  which  I 
have  builded  is  called  by  thy  name. 

44  II  If  thy  people  Jgo  out  to  battle  against 
their  enemy,  'whithersoever  thou  shalt  send 
them,  and  “shall  pray  unto  the  Lord  Howard  bthe 
city  which  thou  hast  chosen,  and  toward  the  house 
that  I have  built  for  thy  name. 

45  Then  hear  thou  in  heaven  their  prayer  and 
their  supplication,  and  maintain  their  cause. 

[Practical  Observations.] 

46  If  they  sin  against  thee,  (for  Hhere  is  no 
man  that  sinneth  not,)  and  thou  be  angry  with 
them,  and  deliver  them  to  the  enemy,  so  that  they 
carry  them  away  captives  dunto  the  land  of  the 
enemy,  tar  or  near ; 

47  Yet  eif  they  shall  "bethink  themselves  in  the 


8— 12.  2 Kings  5:1—7,16,17.  Is.  60:1— 10.  Matt.  2:1.  12:42.  Acts  8:27,  Sc.  q Ex. 
15:14,15.  Deut.  4:6.  Josh.  2:10,11.  9:9,10.  2 Chr. 32:31.  Dan. 2:47.  3:28.  4:37. 
r Ex  3:13— 16.  34:5—7.  Josh.  7:9.  l>s.  86:8,9.  Ez.20:9.  s Ex.  3:19,20.  9:15,16. 
13:14.  Deut.  3:21.  11:2,3.  2 Kings  17:36.  Ps.  89:13.  136:12.  Is.  51:9.  63:12.  Jer. 
3111.  32:17.  t Is.  66:19,20.  Jer.  3:19.  Zech.  14:1S.  Acts  8:27.  u 1 Sam.  17:46. 
2 Kings  19:19.  2 Chr.  6:33.  Ps.  21:27.  67:2.  72:10,11.  86:9.  Is.  11:9.  Rev.  11:15. 
x Ps.  102:15.  117:  t Heb.  thy  name,  is  called  upon  t/tie  house.  29.  v Deut.  20: 
1—4.  31:3—6.  Josh.  1:2—5.  2 Chr.  6:31.  zNum.  31:1,  tic.  Josh.  6:2— 5.  8:1, 
2.  Judg.  1:1,2.  4:6.  6:14.  1 Sam.  15:3—18.  30:8.  2 Sam.  5:19,23.  a 2 Chr.  14: 

9—  12. '18:31.  20:6— 13.  32:20.  4 Heb.  the  way  of  the  city.  bSeeonl6.  Ps. 
78:67—69.  132:13,14.  Dan.  9:17—19.  § Or,  right.  Gen.  18:25.  Ps.  9:4.  Jer.  5: 
28.  c 2 Chr.  6:36.  Job  14:4.  15:14— 16.  Ps.  19:12.  130:3.  143:2.  Prov.  20:9. 
Ec.  7:20.  Is.  53:6.  64:6.  Rom.  3:19.  Gal.  3:22.  Jam.  3:2.  1 John  1:8— 10. 
d Lev.  26:34—39.  Deut.  4:26,27.  28:36,64—68  . 29:28.  2 Kings  17.6,18.23.  25:21. 
Dan.  9:7-14.  Luke  21:24.  e Lev.  26:40— 45.  Deut.  4:29— 31 . 30:1,2.  2.Chr.  6: 
37.  33:12,13.  Ez.  16:61,63.  18:28.  Hag.  1:7.  Luke  15:17.  11  Heb  .bring  backio 
their  heart. 


unites  with  hope,  and  leads  men  to  -repent  and  seek  the  Lord, 
would  be  extinguished,  when  sinners  became  acquainted  with 
their  own  character  and  state,  and  with  the  perfections  and 
holy  laws  of  God ; and  that  slavish  fear  alone  would  remain, 
which  unites  with  enmity  and  despair,  and  drives  men  further 
and  further  from  God  and  his  worship.  (Note,  Jam.  2:19,20.) 
— It  is  very  instructive  to  compare  the  several  parts  of  this 
prayer  with  the  preceding  prophecies,  and  the  subsequent 
history ; which  may  in  good  measure  be  done  by  consulting 
the  marginal  references. 

V.  41 — 43.  Solomon  wag  persuaded  that  the  heathen 
nations  would  hear  of  the  name,  perfections,  and  wonderful 
works  of  Jehovah  ; and  would  come  and  worship  him  at  this 
temple,  as  the  God  of  Israel,  who  dwelt  among  his  people  by 
the  ark  of  his  strength,  and  was  propitious  to  them  through 
the  sacrifices  there  offered.  (Notes,  John  12:20 — 22.  Acts 
8:26 — 31.)  He  therefore  interceded  for  them  also,  that  they 
might  be  accepted,  and  obtain  the  same  blessings  with  the 
native  Israelites : iind  he  desired  and  hoped,  that  all  the 
nations  of  the  earth  might  know,  fear,  and  worship  the  God 
of  Israel.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  17:45 — 47.  2 Kings  19:14 — 19,  v. 
19.  Ps.  22:27,  28.  Jer. 16:19— 21.  Matt.  6:13.)  Accordingly 
there  was  a court  built,  called  ‘the  court  of  the  Gentiles,’ 
which  was  appropriated  to  the  use  of  those,  who  came  from 
other  nations  to  worship  the  God  of  Israel,  but  who  were  not 
circumcised,  and  did  not  observe  the  ceremonial  law. — The 
prejudices  of  the  Jews,  in  the  days  of  Christ,  against  the  ad- 
mission of  the  Gentiles  into  the  church,  arose  from  ignorance 
of  the  Scriptures,  connected  with  national  prejudices,  Phari- 
saical pride,  and  bigotry ; which  being  early  imbibed,  were 
not  easily  removed  even  from  true  believers. 

V.  44,  45.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Thou  shalt  send,  he.  (44) 
That  is,  in  any  just  and  necessary , war ; for  God  did  not  send 
the  Israelites,  when  they  were  actuated  by  selfishness  to  en- 
gage in  oppressive'and  unrighteous  wars  ; neither  could  they 
reasonably  expect  his  assistance  in  them.  It  does  not  indeed 
appear  from  their  history,  that  they  were  much  engaged  in 
such  wars  : and  many  circumstances,  arising  from  the  tenure 
of  their  lands,  and  other  judicial  regulations,  as  well  as  their 
religious  ordinances,  tending  to  constitute  Israel  a nation  of 
agriculturists,  powerfully  counteracted  the  pernicious  natural 
propensity  of  fallen  man,  both  rulers  and  people,  to  make  war 
their  favourite  and  most,  honourable  employment. 

V.  46 — 53.  This  concluding  part  of  Solomon’s  interces- 
sion was  evidently  answered,  in  the  restoration  of  the  Jews 
after  the  Babylonish  captivity.  (Notes,  Lev.  26:38—45. 
Deut.  4:29—31.  Neh.  1:5—11.  Jer.  29:11—14.  Es.  36:25— 
32.)  Though  the  temple  and  city  lay  in  ruins;  yet  wh»» 
( 605  ) 


B.  C 1004. 


I.  KINGS. 


B.  C.  1004. 


land  whither  they  were  carried-  captives,  and 
repent,  and  make  supplication  unto  thee  in  the 
land  of  them  that  carried  them  captives,  f saying, 
We  have  sinned,  and  have  edone  perversely,  we 
have  committed  wickedness ; 

48  And  so  hreturn  unto  thee  wiih  all  their 
heart,  and  with  all  their  soul,  in  the  land  of  their 
enemies  which  led  them  away  captive,  and  ‘pray 
unto  thee  toward  their  land,  which  thou  gavest 
unto  their  fathers,  kthe  city  which  thou  hast 
chosen,  and  the  house  which  1 have  built  for  thy 
name  : 

49  Then  'hear  thou  their  prayer  and  their 
supplication  in  heaven  thy  dwelling-place,  and 
maintain  their  'cause, 

50  And  forgive  thy  people  that  have  sinned 
against  thee,  and  all  their  transgressions  wherein 
they  have  transgressed  against  thee,  “and  give 
them  compassion  before  them  who  carried  them 
captive,  that  they  may  have  compassion  on  them : 

51  For  they  be  “thy  people^  and  thine  inhe- 
ritance, which  thou  broughest  forth  out  of  Egypt, 
from  the  midst  of  “the  furnace  of  iron  : 

52  That  Pthine  eyes  may  be  open  unto  the  sup- 
plication of  thy  servant,  and  unto  the  supplication 
of  thy  people  Israel,  to  hearken  unto  them  I'in  all 
that  they  call  for  unto  thee. 

53  For  thou  didst  rseparate  them  from  among 
all  the  people  of  the  earth,  to  be  ‘thine  inheritance, 
las  thou  spakest  by  the  hand  of  Moses  thy  servant, 
when  thou  broughtest  our  fathers  out  of  Egypt, 
O Lord  God. 

54  U And  it  was  so,  that  "when  Solomon  had 
made  an  end  of  praying  all  this  prayer  and  sup- 
plication unto  the  Lord,  he  arose  from  before  the 
altar  of  the  Lord,  from  “kneeling  on  his  knees 
wvvith  his  hands  spread  up  to  heaven. 

55  And  he  stood,  and  “blessed  all  the  congre- 
gation of  Israel  with  a loud  voice,  saying, 

56  hBlessed  be  the  Lord,  that  ’hath  given  rest 
unto  his  people  Israel,  according  to  all  that  he 
promised  : “there  hath  not  Tailed  one  word  of  all 
his  good  promise,  which  he  promised  by  the  hand 
of  Moses  his  servant. 


f Ezra 9:6,7.  Neh.  1:6.  9:26—30.  Pa.  106:6.  Is.  64:6— 12.  Dan.  9:5— 11.  Zech. 
12:10.  g Job  33:27,25.  Jer.  31 :18— 20.  Duke  15:18.  h Dent.  4:29.  6:5,6.  Judg. 
10:15,16.'  1 Sam.  7:3,4.  Nell.  1:9.  Ps.  119:2,10.145.  Prov.  23:26.  Is.  55:6,7.  Jer. 
3:10.  24:7.  29:12— 14.  Dan.  9:13.  Acts 8:37.  Rom.  10:10.  i See  an  30.  Dan.  6: 
10.  k See  on  44.  1 See  on  30.  * Or right.  45.  2 Kings  19:19.  Zech.  1:15,16. 

m2  Chr.  30:9.  Ezra  7:6,27,28.  Neh.  1:11.  2:4 — 8.  Ps.  106:46.  Prov.  16:7.  Dan. 
1:9,10.  Acts  7:10.  n 53.  Ex.  32:11,12.  Num.  14:13— 19.  Pent.  9:26— 29.  2 Chr. 
6:39.  Neh.  1:10.  Is.  63:16 — IS.  64:9.  Jer.  51:19.  oDeut.4:20.  Jer.  1 1 :4.  p See 
on  29.  2 Chr.  6:40.  q Ps.  86:5.  145:18.  r Ex.  19:5,6.  33: 16.  Num.  23:9.  Dent. 
4 34.7:6—8.14:2.32:9.  2 Cor.  6: 14— 18.  Tit.  2: 14.  1 Pet.  2:9.  s Dent.  32:9. 
Jer.  10:16.  Eph.  1 : 18.  t Dent.  33:1 — 3,26— 29.  u l.uke  11:1.  22:45.  v See  on 
2 Chr.  6:13.  Ps.95:6.  Luke  22:41 ,45.  Ads  20:36  . 21:5.  w See  on  22.  2 Chr.  6: 
12.  x Seeon  14.  Num.  6:23—28.  2 Sam.  6: 18.  1 Chr.  16:2.  y See  on  15.  7.  Deut. 
3:20.  12:10—12.  Josh.  21:44.  2 Chr.  14.6.  Heb.  4:3—9.  a Josh.  21:45.  23:14,15. 
Luke  1:54,55,72,73.  21:33.  t Heb.  fallen.  1 Sam.  3:19.  2 Kings  10:10.  b Deut. 
Bt:6,8.  Josh.  1:5,9.  1 Chr.28:9.  2 Chr.  32:7,8.  Ps.  46:7,11.  Is.  8:10.  41:10.  Matt. 


they  bethought  themselves,  and  repented,  and  prayed  in  the 
land  of  Chaldea,  towards  the  land  of  Israel ; the  Lord  heard, 
forgave,  and  restored  them  to  their  own  land.  (Notes,  Dan. 
9:1  — 19.)  But  it  will  hereafter  receive  another  more  remark- 
able answer,  when  the  Jews  shall  be  gathered  from  their 
present  dispersion,  become  a part  of  the  Christian  church, 
and  probably  be  reinstated  in  their  own  country. — All  Solo- 
mon’s arguments,  in  this  plea  for  his  people,  were  deduced 
from  the  Lord’s  choice  of  them,  his  separation  of  them  from 
other  nations  to  he  his  inheritance,  and  the  favours  which  he 
had  already  conferred  upon  them  : and  all  inseparably  con- 
necting their  returning  peace  and  prosperity,  with  their  deep 
humiliation,  true  repentance,  conversion,  and  fervent  prayer. 
(Note,  Zech.  12:9 — 14.) — It  appears  from  Chronicles,  that 
Solomon  concluded  with  a passage  taken  from  one  of  the 
Psalms.  (Note,  2 Chr.  6:41,42.) — There  is  no  man  that  sin - 
neth  not.  (46)  Notes,  Ec.  7:19,20.  Rom.  3:21 — 26.  Jam. 
3:1,2.  1 John  1:8-  10.  3:4—6. 

V.  55 — 61.  ( Notes,  Josh.  21:43 — 45.  23:14 — 16.)  Incline, 
kc.  (58)  No  blessing  can  be  expected  whilst  men  continue 
wilfully  disobedient.  No  human  heart  is  of  itself  inclined  to 
obey  the  call  to  repentance,  faith,  and  newness  of  life,  walk- 
ing in  all  the  commandments  and  ordinances  of  the  Lord. 
The  first  benefit  communicated  to  sinners,  through  the  inter- 
cession of  him  whom  Solomon  typified,  is  w the  inclining  of 
the  heart  to  this  obedience.”  4 Lord  have  mercy  upon  us  and 
incline  our  hearts  to  keep  this  law.’  Communion  service. — 
4 As  by  thy  special  grace  preventing  us,  thou  dost  put  into 
our  hearts  good  desires.’  Col.  for  Easter  Sunday. — 4 We 
have  no  power  to  do  good  works,  pleasant  .and  acceptable  to 
God,  without  the  grace  of  God  by  Christ  preventing  us,  that 
we  may  have  a good  will,  and  working  with  us  when  we 
( 606  ) 


57  The  bLoRD  our  God  be  with  us,  as  he  was 
with  our  fathers : let  him  not  leave  us,  nor  forsake 
us  : 

• 58  That  he  may  “incline  our  hearts  unto  him, 

to  walk  in  all  his  ways,  and  to  keep  dhis  com- 
mandments, and  his  statutes,  and  his  judgments, 
which  he  commanded  our  fathers. 

59  And  let  these  my  words,  wherewith  I have 
made  supplication  before  the  Lord,  be  “nigh  unto 
the  Lord  our  God  day  and  night,  that  he  maintain 
the  cause  of  his  servant,  and  the  cause  of  his 
people  Israel  tat  all  times,  fas  the  matter  shall 
require  : 

60  That  sail  the  people  of  the  earth  may  know 
that  ‘‘the  Lord  is  God,  and  that  there  is  none  else. 

61  Let  your  heart  therefore  be  ‘perfect  with 
the  Lord  our  God,  to  walk  in  his  statutes,  and  to 
keep  his  commandments,  as  at  this  day. 

62  H And  Hhe  king,  and  all  Israel  with  him, 
offered  sacrifice  before  the  Lord. 

63  And  Solomon  offered  ka  sacrifice  of  peace- 
offerings,  which  he  offered  unto  the  Lord,  two 
and  twenty  thousand  oxen,  and  a hundred  and 
twenty  thousand  sheep.  So  the  king  and  all  the 
children  of  Israel  'dedicated  the  house  of  the 
Lord. 

64  The  same  day  did  the  king  “hallow  the 
middle  of  the  court  that  was  before  the  house  of 
the  Lord  : for  there  he  offered  burnt-offerings,  and 
meat-offerings,  and  the  fat  of  the  peace-ofierings : 
because  “the  brazen  altar  that  was  before  the 
Lord  teas  too  little  to  receive  the  burnt-offerings, 
and  meat-offerings,  and  the  fat  of  the  peace- 
offerings. 

65  And  at  that  time  Solomon  “held  a feast,  and 
all  Israel  with  him,  Pa  great  congregation,  9from 
the  entering  in  of  Hamath  unto  rthe  river  of  Egypt, 
before  the  Lord  our  God,  “seVen  days  and  seven 
days,  even  fourteen  days. 

66  On  lthe  eighth  day  he  sent  the  people  away : 
and  they  ^blessed  the  king,  and  went  unto  their 
tents  "joyful  and  glad  of  heart  for  all  the  goodness 
that  the  Lord  had  done  for  David  his  servant, 
and  for  Israel  his  people. 


1:23.  28:20.  Rom.  8:31.  Heb.  13:5.  cPs.  110:3.  119:36.  Cant.  1:4.  Jer.  31:33. 
Ez.  36:25,27.  Phil.  2: 13.  Heb.  13:21.  d See  on  Deut.  4:1,45. 6:1.  ePs.  102,1,2. 112: 
2.  John  17:9,20 — 24.  1 John  2:2.  + Heb.  the  thing  of  a Hay  in  his  day.  Luke 

11:3.  f Deut.  33:25.  g See  on  43.  Josh.  4:24.  1 Sam.  17:46.  2 Kings  19:19. 
h 18:39.  Deut.  4:35,39.  Is.  44:6.8,24.  45:5,6,22.  Jer.  10:10—12.  Joel  2:27.  i 11: 
4.  15:3,14.  Gen.  17:1.  2Kings20:3.  1 Chr.  28:9.  Job  1:1, 8V  Ps.  37:37.  2 Cor.  7: 
1.  Phil.  3:12— 16.  |2Sam.6:17— 19.  2 Chr.  7:4 — 7.  k Lev.  3:  1 Chr.  29:21 
2Chr.  15:11.  29:32—35.  30:24  . 35:7—9.  Ezra  6:16,17.  Ez.  45:17.  Mic.  6:7. 
1 Num.  7:10,11,84— 88.  2 Chr.  2:4.  7:5.  Ezra  6:16,1*7.  Neh.  12:27.  John  10:32. 
m2  Chr.  7:7.  n 2 Chr.  4:1.  o 2.  Lev.  23:34— 43.  2 Chr.  7:8,9.  p2(hr.  30:13 
Ps.  40:9,10.  q 4:21,24.  Num.  34:8.  Josh.  13:5.  Judg.  3:3.  2 Kings  14:25.  Am. 
6:14.  r Gen.  15:18.  Ex.  23:31.  Num.34:5.  Josh.  13:3.  s 2 Chr.  7:8,9.  30:23. 
t2Chr.  7:10.  31:1.  § Or,  thanked.  1,47.  u Deut.  12:7,12,18.  16:11.  2 Chr 

29:36.  30.26,27.  Neh.  8:10.  Pa.  95:1,2.  100:1,2.  18.61:9,10.  66:13,14.  Jer.  31:12 
—14.  Zeph.  3:14.  Zech.  9:9,17.  Acta  2:46.  Gal.  5:22.  Phil. 4:4. 


have  that  good  will.’  Art.  x.  This,  therefore,  we  should  beg 
of  God  for  others,  and  for  ourselves,  when  we  perceive  our 
need  of  it:  for  when  this  is  granted  all  else  will  follow.  Yet 
Solomon  afterwards  exhorted  the  people  to  be  44  perfect  with 
the  Lord,  &c.”:  (fil ) and  this  is  the  scriptural  method,  though 
to  many  it  appears  inconsistent : but  the  exhortation  reminds 
men  of  their  duty  ; and  the  prayer  or  promise  shows  how 
they  may  be  enabled  to  do  it.  (Notes,  Ps.  51:10.  110:3.  Ez. 
11:17—20.  18:30—32.  36:25—27.  Phil.  2:12,13.) 

V.  63 — 65.  (Num.  7:)  The  sacrifices  offered  at  the 
dedication  of  the  tabernacle  were  very  few,  compared  with 
the  immense  number  here  mentioned : but  those  were  pro- 
portioned to  the  circujnstanees  of  the  princes  x>f  Israel  in  the 
wilderness,  these  to  the  riches  and  power  of  king  Solomon. 
(Marg.  Ref.  k.) — It  is  probable,  that,  altars  of  earth,  or  of 
rough  stone,  were  prepared  all  over  the  inner  court.  (Note, 
Ex.  20:21 — 25.) — All  these  sacrifices  were  not  offered  on  the 
same  day,  but  during  the  whole  time  of  the  solemnity:  and 
the  immense  multitudes  assembled  feasted  on  I ho  flesh  of  the 
peace-offerings. — The  people  separated  on  the  twenty-third 
day  of  the  seventh  month,  the  day  after  tho  close  of  the 
feast  of  tabernacles;  (2  Chr.  7:9,10.)  so  that  tho  dedication 
of  the  temple  must  have  preceded.  And,  as  the  great  day 
of  atonement  was  observed  on  the  tenth  day  of  the  seventh 
month,  it  is  not  improbably  conjectured,  that  the  seven  days 
of  the  feast  of  dedication  preceded  that  solemnity ; and  that 
the  people  waited  after  it,  to  keep  the  feast  of  tabernacles 
also,  before  they  returned  home.  (Notes,  J.cv\  16:29—31. 
23:26 — 32,34 — 36.) — The  brazen  altar,  kc..  (64)  Note,  2 
Cut.  4:1. — From  the  entering  in  of  Hamath,  kc.  (65)  Marg, 
Ref.  q,  r. 

V.  66.  The  people  departed  full  of  i dniiration  of  Solo* 


B.  C.  992. 


CHAPTER  IX.  B.  C.  992. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Osd  appears  again  to  Solomon , and  makes  a covenant  icithhim , 1 — 9.  Trans- 
actions between  Solomon  an  l Hiram,  10 — 14.  Solomon  builds  or  rebuilds 
several  cities,  15—19.  He  subjects  the  remnant  of  the  Canaanites  to  bond- 
service, and  employe  the  Israelites  in  more  honourable  offices,  20—23. 
Pharaoh's  daughter  removes  to  her  house,  24.  Solomon  sacrifices  thrice 
every  year , 25.  His  navy  fetches  gold  from  Ophir , 26 — 28. 

And  Rit  came  to  pass,  when  Solomon  had 
finished  the  building  of  bthe  house  of  the 

• 6:37,38  . 7:1,51.  2Chr.  7:11.  b 2 Chr.  8: l— 6.  Ec..  2:4.  c 11:19.  Ec.2:10. 

5:9.  d 3:5.  11:9.  2 Chr.  1:7 — 12.  7:12.  e 2 Kings  20:5.  Ps.  10:17.  66:19.  116:1. 


mon’s  piety,  wisdom,  magnificence,  and  liberality  ; as  well 
as  of  gratitude  to  the  Lord  for  all  his  goodness : and  they 
prayed  most  fervently  for  the  king,  being  much  enlivened  by 
the  sacred  ordinance.  (Murg.  Ref,) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  When  those  in  authority  heartily  and  scrip- 
turally  promote  the  cause  of  true  religion,  increasing  num- 
bers will  soon  be  engaged  in  the  cause:  thus,  the  pious 
designs,  which  were  conceived  in  a single  breast,  may,  by 
the  blessing  of  God,  be  completed  with  the  concurrence  and 
to  the  benefit  of  thousands,  nay  perhaps  millions ! and 
what  a blessed  improvement  is  this  of  authority,  influence, 
affluence,  and  wisdom ! Numbers  indeed  will  assist  on  such 
occasions,  to  please  their  superiors,  or  to  acquire  reputation, 
or  from  secular  motives,  who  are  not  cordially  attached  to 
the  cause,  and  who  will  not  profit  by  it  themselves  ; yet, 
even  they  may  forward  such  measures  as  conduce  to  the 
good  of  others. — True  wisdom  is  displayed  as  much  in  the 
well  timing,  as  in  the  orderly  conducting,  of  important 
undertakings  ; and  in  obtaining  the  voluntary  concurrence  of 
others,  where  folly  would  deem  it  sufficient  to  employ  supe- 
rior power  and  constraint. — But  without  the  gracious  pre- 
sence of  the  Lord,  every  religious  observance  is  an  empty 
form  : the  written  word,  the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  prayer, 
baptism,  and  the  Lord’s  supper,  orthodox  creeds,  profes- 
sions, speculations,  and  external  order,  form  hut  a well-pro- 
portioned lifeless  carcass;  a temple  without  the  ark,  and 
without  the  glory ; unless  we  in  these  things  hold  communion 
with  a reconciled  God  upon  a mercy-seat,  through  the  person 
and  work  of  the  Redeemer,  and  by  the  influences  of  his 
sanctifying  Spirit.  This  is  the  life  and  soul  of  true  godli- 
ness, which  infuses  efficacy  into  every  truth,  ordinance,  or 
duty ; and  in  all  things  it  should  be  chiefly  attended  to. 
(Note,  2 Cor.  3:17,18.)  For,  as  far  as  this  is  attained,  we, 
the  believing  servants  of  God  on  earth,  hold  fellowship  with 
the  church  above;  and,  with  all  the  company  of  angels  and 
archangels,  we  worship  the  name  of  God  our  Saviour,  with 
acceptance,  and  to  his  glory. 

V.  10—21.  When  we  wait  upon  the  Lord  in  the  ways  of 
his  appointment,  we  shall  surely  receive  tokens  of  his  special 
favour  : yet  his  light  is  inaccessible  to  us : and  the  cloud, 
with  which  he  veils  his  insufferable  brightness,  in  his  dis- 
coveries of  himself  to  us,  sometimes  obstructs  our  view  of 
his  love,  and  causes  us  to  tremble  for  fear  of  his  judgments. 
The  dark  dispensations  of  Providence,  the  awful  declara- 
tions of  God’s  word,  the  apprehensions  of  his  purity  and 
justice,  and  the  consciousness  of  guilt  and  pollution,  often 
induce  the  awakened  sinner  to  say,  “Depart  from  me,  for  I 
am  a sinful  man,  O Lord  ;”  when  such  views  should  quicken 
him  in  fleeing  for  refuge  to  the  hope  of  the  gospel.  (Note, 
Luke  5:1 — 11.  P.  O.  1 — 15,  conclusion.)  On  these  occa- 
sions, those  who  are  stronger  in  faith,  and  more  advanced*in 
knowledge  and  experience,  should  encourage  their  weaker 
brethren,  and  explain  such  things  to  them  as  needlessly 
alarm  them:  for  the  established  believer  can  deduce  comfort, 
and  motives  for  thankful  obedience,  from  that  very  darkness 
which  dismays  and  confounds  the  inexperienced  Christian. 
However,  blessed  be  God,  in  the  person  of  our  Emmanuel, 
and  in  his  complete  redemption,  “ the  thick  darkness,”  in 
which  Jehovah  dwells,  is  greatly  dispelled  ; the  dark  cloud 
is  become  bright  to  us;  (Note,  Matt.  17:5—8.)  and  though, 
compared  with  the  beatific  vision,  we  “ see  though  a glass 
darkly:”  yet,  following  him  who  “is  the  Light  of  the 
vvorld,  ’ “ we  shall  not  abide  in  darkness,  but  shall  have  the 
light  of  life.”  Yet  in  the  most  spiritual  frame  of  heart  of  the 
most  eminent  believers,  sacred  joy,  gratitude,  and  love,  will 
*e mixed  with  deep  humility  and  reverential  fear;  and  con- 
scious guilt  and  pollution  will  connect  self-abhorrence  and 
godly  sorrow,  with  their  most  fervent  praises  and  adorations. 
We  all  arc  bound  by  the  strongest  obligations  to  use  our 
utmost  exertions  for  the  honour  of  God : vet  the  most  zealous 
believer  will  be  conscious,  that  he  has  lost  opportunities  of 
service,  through  infirmity,  temptation,  and  incumbrances. 
But  when  the  Lord  h not  pleased  to  employ  us  in  any  work, 
which  we  sincerely  design  and  vigorously  attempt,  he  will 
notice  and  recompense  the  intention,  even  as  much  as  if  it 
had  been  accomplished.  Let  us  then  persevere  in  devising, 
and  endeavouring  to  execute,  plans  of  usefulness,  though  w°e 
be  often  baffled  and  unsuccessful ; for  it  shall  at  last  be  • 
declared,  that  we  “did  well  that  it  was  in  our  heart:”  and 
let  sinners  remember,  that  they  also  are  accountable  to’ God 
and  will  be  punished,  for  all  the  wickedness  which  was  con- 
ceived in  their  hearts,  though  they  were  restrained  in  Provi- 
dence, left  destitute  of  the  power,  or  deterred  by  the  fear  of 
man  ; and  therefore  did  not  actually  commit  it. — When  the 
Lord’s  time  arrives  for  any  work  to  bo  done,  all  opposition 


Lord,  and  the  king’s  house,  and  call  Solomon’s 
desire  which  he  was  pleased  to  do, 

2 That  the  Lord  appeared  to  Solomon  the 
second  time,  das  he  had  appeared  unto  him  at 
Gibcon. 

3 And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  eI  have  heard 
thy  prayer  and  thy  supplication  that  thou  hast 
made  before  me:  fl  have  hallowed  this  house, 

Dnn.9:23.  John  11:42.  Acts  10:31.  18:10,11.  Ex. 20:11.  Num.  16:38.  Malt 
6:9. 


will  die  away,  all  difficulties  vanish,  and  all  things  concur  in 
forwarding  its  completion  : and  whatever  good  work  we  have 
been  employed  in,  and  enabled"  to  effect,  we  should  consider 
it  as  a performance  of  his  promises,  and  as  an  occasion 
afforded  of  celebrating  his  praises,  to  whom  alone  all  the  glory 
belongs. 

V.  22 — 30.  The  service  of  God  is  the  highest  honour  of 
the  greatest  of  men  ; and  to  lead  others  in  prayer  and  praise, 
to  animate  and  assist  them  in  worshipping  the  Lord,  forms 
the  noblest  employment  on  earth,  and  most  resembles  that  of 
the  angels  in  heaven.  But  indeed,  the  most  exalted  adora- 
tions of  the  noblest  creatures  are  beneath  the  notice  of  hia 
infinite  majesty,  and  only  accepted  through  his  unspeakable 
condescension.  With  what  internal  awe,  and  external  indi- 
cations of  reverence,  should  we,  worthless  sinners,  prostrate 
ourselves  before  his  glorious  and  holy  majesty  ! How  should 
we  approach  his  mercy-seat  with  admiring,  adoring  gratitude, 
and  humble  expectation  of  his  invaluable  and  much  needed 
benefits  ! and  how  should  faith  and  love  exalt  our  souls  above 
all  external  objects,  and  raise  them  to  heaven,  his  dwelling- 
place,  where  He  displays  his  glory,  who  fills  immensity,  and 
“ inhabiteth  eternity  !” — But  behold,  he  dwells  in  human 
nature,  as  in  his  temple ! there  sinners  may  see  his  glory 
and  live  : and  when  we  pray  in  his  name,  directing  our  faith 
towards  that  sacred  residence  of  the  Deity,  he  will  assuredly 
hear,  and  forgive  our  sins,  and  save  our  souls.  His  “name 
is  Emmanuel:”* “God  is  in  Christ  reconciling  the  world  unto 
himself.” 

Y.  31-T-45.  It  is  a debt  we  owe  to  our  brethren,  neigh- 
bours, friends,  and  strangers,  yea,  to  our  enemies,  to  intercede 
for  them  as  their  cases  may  require.  Having  therefore  such 
a multiplicty  of  persons,  cases,  and  wants  to  spread  before 
the  Lord,  our  hearts  should  frequently  be  enlarged  to  pray 
copiously,  as  well  as  fervently  : and  we  shall  not  be  con- 
demned for  long  prayers,  if  they  be  not  formal,  and  rendered 
tedious  by  vain,  unmeaning  repetitions. — It  is  also  a com- 
fort to  the  believer  to  reflect,  how  may  prayers  of  parents, 
ministers,  and  pious  friends,  are  laid  up  before  God  on  his 
behalf;  and  how  many  are  now  praying  for  him  in  one  place 
or  other.  All  these  shall,  in  due  time,  be  answered  in  bless- 
ings unnumbered:  nay,  even  whole  nations,  through  succes- 
sive generations,  have  reaped  the  benefits  of  the  fervent 
supplications  of  a single  true  believer.  Such  intercessors  ferm 
the  unseen  strength  and  bulwark  of  kingdoms:  may  the 
Lord  increase  their  numbers,  and  may  we  be  found  among 
them  ! — Yet  the  prayers  of  all  the  subjects  would  be  unavail- 
ing, did  not  the  King,  our  Prince  of  Peace,  the  Builder  of 
the  Spiritual  Temple,  intercede  for  them.  His  pleading  is 
always  prevalent,  and  gives  efficacy  to  all  the  rest:  vet 
neither  the  prayers  of  godly  friends,  nor  even  the  Saviour’s 
intercession,  will  benefit  those  who  are  never  brought  to  pray 
earnestly  for  themselves.  For  he  intercedes  for  those  alone, 
who  eventually  are  led  to  “believe  in  his  name,”  and  “who 
come  to  God  by  him :”  and  the  prayers  of  his  people,  for 
such  as  continue  impenitent  and  unbelieving,  return  into 
their  own  bosom.  (Note,  John  17:6 — 10,20,21.) 

V.  46 — 66.  We  are  alas  ! all  sinners,  and  sin  is  the  cause 
of  all  calamities  public  and  personal ; and  unless  forsaken  and 
forgiven,  it  must  terminate  in  final  misery.  But  when  the 
vilest  transgressor  bethinks  himself,  and  examines  his  heart 
and  life  ; when  he  is  humbled  before  God,  and  penitently  con- 
fesses that  he  has  sinned,  has  done  perversely,  and  committed 
wickedness ; when  he  returns  to  the  Lord  with  his  whole 
heart,  and  prays  unto  him,  in  the  Saviour’s  name  : then  he 
has  begun  to  receive  the  benefit  of  his  intercession,  and  the 
Father  will  hear  in  heaven  his  supplication,  and  maintain  his 
cause.  Then,  whatever  be  his  grief,  his  burden  and  terror, 
and  “ the  plague  of  his  own  heart,”  the  guilt  of  his  con- 
science, the  depravity  of  his  nature,  his  evil  habits,  the  force 
of  temptation,  or  the  pressure  of  affliction,  he  will  bring  u, 
and  spread  it  in  secret  before  a heart-searching  and  merciful 
God  : thus  he  will  obtain  pardon  and  peace,  and  learn  to  love 
and  fear  the  Lord  all  his  days.  In  this  manner  the  Israel 
of  God  is  established  and  sanctified,  and  the  backslider  is 
recovered  and  healed  ; the  stranger  is  brought  nigh,  and  the 
mourner  comforted  : the  name  of  God  is  glorified,  and  num- 
bers are  added  to  the  church  of  such  as  shall  be  saved. 
Often  did  offending  Israel  in  this  way  prove  the  mercy  of 
God,  when  they  sought  him  under  their  distresses ; and 
there  failed  not  one  good  word  of  all  that  he  had  promised 
them.  But  at  length  they  wearied  out  his  patience,  and 
all  his  threatenings  were  accomplished : yet,  even  in  their 
present  dispersion,  they  will  at  length  bethink  themselves, 
and  turn  to  God,  as  dwelling  in  his  true  Temple,  and 
then  they  shall  be  numbered  among  his  people.  Oh,  may 
they  speedily  be  restored,  that  their  conversion  may  be  “ as 
( 607  ) 4 


B.  C.  992. 


1.  KINGS.  B.  €.  992. 


which  thou  hast  built,  sto  put  my  name  there  for 
ever ; and  ‘‘mine  eyes  and  my  heart  shall  be 
there  perpetually. 

4 And  ‘if  thou  wilt  walk  before  me,  as  David 
thy  father  walked,  in  integrity  of  heart,  and  in 
uprightness,  to  do  according  to  all  that  I have 
commanded  thee,  and  wilt  keep  my  statutes  and 
my  judgments : 

5 Then  kI  will  establish  the  throne  of  thy  king- 
dom upon  Israel  for  ever,  as  I promised  to  David 
thy  father,  saying,  There  shall  not  fail  thee  a man 
upon  the  throne  of  Israel. 

6 But  'if  ye  shall  at  all  turn  from  following  me, 
ye  or  your  children,  and  will  not  keep  my  com- 
mandments and  my  statutes  which  I have  set 
before  you,  but  mgo  and  serve  other  gods,  and 
worship  them : 

7 Then  "will  I cut  off  Israel  out  of  the  land 
which  I have  given  them ; and  “this  house  which 
I have  hallowed  for  my  name,  will  I cast  out  of 
my  sight ; and  ['Israel  shall  be  a proverb  and  a 
by-word  among  all  people. 

8 And  at  nthis  house,  which  is  high,  every  one 
that  passeth  by  it  shall  be  astonished,  and  shall 
hiss ; and  they  shall  say,  rWhy  hath  the  Lord 
done  thus  unto  this  land,  and  to  this  house? 

9 And  they  shall  answer,  “Because  they  forsook 
the  Lord  their  God,  who  brought  forth  their 
fathers  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  have  taken 
hold  upon  other  gods,  and  have  worshipped  them, 


gSeeon  8:29.  Deut.  12:5,11,21.  16:11.  h Deut.  11:12.  2 Ohr.  6:40.  7:15,16.  Ps. 
132:13,14.  Cant.  4:9,10.  Jer.  15:1.  i 3:14.  8:25.  11:4,6,38.  11:8.  15:5.  Deut. 
28:1.  2Chr.  7:17,18.  Job  23:11,12.  P».  15:2.  26:1,11.  Prov.20:7.  Zech.3:7. 
Luke  1:6.  1 Tiles.  4:1,2.  k2:4.  6:12. 8:15,20.  2 Sara.  7:12,16.  1 Chr.22:10.  Pa. 89: 
28—39.132:11,12.  II  Sam. 2:30.  2Sam.  7:14— 16.  1 Chr.  28:9.  2Chr. 7:19—22. 
15:2.  in  11:4—10.  Josh. 23: 15,16.  n Lev.  18:24—28.  Deut.  4:26. 29:26— 28.  2 Kings 
17:20—23.  25  9.  Jer.  7:15.  24:9.  Ei.  33:27— 29.  Luke  21:24.  o See  on  3.  2 Kings 
25:9.2Clir.  7:20.  36:19.  Jer.  7:4—14.  26:6.18.  52:13.  Lam.  2:6,7.  Ez.  24:21.  Mic. 
3:12.  Malt.  24:2.  Luke  21:24.  p Deut.  28:37.  Nell.  4:1— 1.  Pa.  44:14.  Is. 65:15. 
Jer.  21:9.  Lam.  2:15,16.  Joel  2:17.  q'2  Chr.  7:21.  Ib.  64:11.  Jt  r.  19:8  . 49:17.50: 


life  from  the  dead”  to  all  nations,  “ that  all  the  people  of 
the  earth  may  know,”  and  worship  our  God  and  Saviour! 
“ May  the  Lord  our  God  be  again  with  them,  as  he  was 
with  their  fathers,  . . . and  incline  their  hearts  unto  him  to 
walk  in  all  his  ways  1” — By  the  example  of  Israel  other 
nations  should  be  warned  and  instructed : no  war  ought  to  be 
engaged  in,  which  cannot  be  conducted  in  a spirit  of  faith 
and  prayer:  princes  and  nobles  should  set  the  example  in 
the  worship  of  God,  and  act  accordingly : public  calamities 
should  excite  to  national  repentance,  reformation,  and  prayer : 
and  these  things  would  best  secure  public  peace  and  pros- 
perity. The  same  should  be  the  conduct  of  churches,  fami- 
lies, and  individuals. — May  “ the  Lord  then  incline  our 
hearts  unto  him,  that  we  may  walk  in  all  his  ways,  and 
keep  his  commandments  and  statutes  may  we  abound  in 
his  work,  and  stir  up  others  to  do  the  same  : may  we  love 
the  Lord,  and  do  good  to  and  pray  for  one  another,  and 
rejoice  together  for  all  the  goodness  that  the  Lord  has  done 
for  us  and  for  his  people ! Then  shall  we  enjoy  some  of  the 
days  of  heaven  upon  earth,  and  be  continually  preparing  for 
that  world,  where  the  feast  of  holy  love  and  joy  will  be 
unalloyed  and  eternal. 

NOTES. — Chap.  IX.  V.  1,  2.  Solomon  did  not  finish 
his  other  buildings,  till  above  twelve  years  after  the  dedica- 
tion of  the  temple  ; (10.  Note,  7:1.)  and  it  is  exceedingly 
improbable,  that  this  gracious  appearance  of  God  to  him  was 
delayed  so  long.  Some  expositors  therefore  render  these 
verses,  “ And  it  was,  that  thus  Solomon  finished,”  &c. — 
“ And  the  Lord  appeared,”  &c. — The  two  subjects  are 
kept  entirely  distinct  in  Chronicles.  (2  Chr.  7:11,12.) — The 
encouragement  given  Solomon,  while  building  the  temple, 
(Note,  6:11 — 13.)  was  either  sent  by  a prophet,  or  given  in 
an  answer  by  the  high-priest;  for  this  was  only  the  second 
appearance  of  God  to  him.  (Note,  3:5 — 14.) 

V-  3.  The  Lord  favourably  accepted  the  temple,  which 
Solomon  had  built  and  consecrated  to  him  ; and  set  it  apart 
as  holy,  for  the  residence  of  his  ark,  the  centre  of  his  worship, 
the  place  of  his  altar  and  sacrifices,  and  the  visible  pledge  of 
his  gracious  presence  with  Israel,  so  long  as  they  adhered  to 
his  ordinances  and  commandments.  (Notes,  Dent.  12:2 — 7.) 
And  he  promised,  “ that  his  eyes  and  his  heart  should  be 
there  perpetually:”  (Notes,  Deut.  11:12.  Ps.  34:15 — 17.  Jer. 
15:1.)  that  is,  lie  would  regard  it  with  peculiar  attention  and 
favour,  and  delight  in  doing  good  to  those,  who  worshipped 
at,  or  towards,  that  holy  place.  (2  Chr.  7:12 — 16.)  And 
had  not  the  national  sins  of  Israel  forfeited  the  blessing,  this 
would  uninterruptedly  have  been  the  case  until  the  coming 
of  Christ. 

V.  4 — 6.  Solomon  and  his  posterity,  and  Israel  in  that 
and  future  ages,  were  alike  concerned  in  these  promises  anti 
warnings.  The  obedience  intended  in  all  such  declarations, 
is  the  unreserved,  though  imperfect,  obedience  of  a penitent 
believer ; by  which  he  evidences  his  cordial  acceptance  of 
(,  608  ) 


and  served  them : therefore  hath  the  Lord  brought 
upon  them  all  this  evil. 

[Practical  Observations 

10  H And  it  came  to  pass  ‘at  the  end  of  twentv 
years,  when  Solomon  had  built  the  two  houses, 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  the  king’s  house, 

11  ( JVow  "Hiram  the  king  of  Tyre  had  furnished 
Solomon  with  cedar-trees  and  fir-trees,  and  with 

fold,  according  to  all  his  desire,)  that  then  ’king 
olomon  gave  Hiram  twenty  cities  in  the  land  “of 
Galilee. 

12  And  Hiram  came  out  from  Tyre  to  see  the 
cities  which  Solomon  had  given  him;  and  "they 
pleased  him  not. 

13  And  he  said,  What  cities  are  these  which 
thou  hast  given  me,  imy  brother?  And  he  called 
them  the  land  oPCabul  unto  this  day. 

14  And  Hiram  *8601  to  the  king  sixscore  talents 
of  gold. 

15  H And  this  is  “the  reason  of  the  levy  which 
king  Solomon  raised ; for  bto  build  the  house  ot 
the  Lord,  and  his  own  house,  and  cMillo,  and  the 
wall  of  Jerusalem,  and  dHazor,  and  “Megiddo,  and 
r Gezer. 

16  For  Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt  had  gone  up,  and 
taken  Gezer,  and  burnt  it  with  fire,  and  slain  the 
Canaanites  that  dwelt  in  the  city,  and  given  it 
for  a present  unto  his  ^daughter,  Solomon’s  wife. 

17  And  Solomon  built  Gezer,  and  ''Bethoron 
the  nether, 


13.  Dan.  9:12.  r Deut.  29:24.  Jer.  22:8,9,28.  s Deut.  29:25-28.  2 Chr.  7:22. 
Jer.  2:10—13,19.  5:19.  16:10—13.  50:7.  Lam.  2:16,17.  4:13—15.  Ez.  36:17— 20. 
t 1.  6:37,38.  7:1.  2 Chr.  8:1.  u See  on  5:6— 10.  2 Chr.  2:8— 10,16.  v2Chr. 
8:2.  x See  on  Josh.  20:7.  * Heb.  were  n <t  right  in  his  eyes.  Num.  22:34. 

Judg.  14:3.  margins.  y 5:1,2.  Am.  1 :9.  t That  is,  Displeasing,  or,  dirty. 
Josh. 19:27.  z 11,28.  10:10,14,21.  a 21 . See  on  5:13.  b 10.  6:38.  7:1.  2 Chr. 
8:1.  c 24.  11:27.  Judg.  9:6,20.  2 Sam.  5:9.  2 Kings  12:20.  d Josh.  11:1.  19:86. 
Judg.  4:2.  2 Kings  15:29.  e 4:12.  Josh.  17:11.  Judg.  5:19.  2 Kings  9:27.  23:29, 
30.  2 Chr.  35:22.  Zech.  12:11.  f 16,17.  Josh.  10:33.  16: 10.  21 :21 . Judg.  1:29. 
1 Chr.  6:67.  20:4.  g See  on«4.  3:1.  h Josh.  16:3.  21:22.  2 Chr.  8:5,6. 

unmerited  mercies,  and  aims  to  glorify  the  God  of  fiis  salva- 
tion. (Notes,  Matt.  7:24 — 27.  John  14:21 — 24.  Rom.  2:7 — 
11.) — The  words  “if  ye  shall  at  all  turn,”  &c.  certainly 
mean,  “if ye  altogether  turn,”  &c.  (2  Chr.  7:19.)  and  indeed 
not  every  sin,  but  national  idolatry  or  apostacy,  sanctioned 
by  the  example  of  the  prince,  or  rulers,  or  tolerated  by  them, 
was  intended : for  this  especially  violated  the  national  cove- 
nant, and  forfeited  all  the  covenanted  blessings. 

V.  7 — 9.  These  denunciations  were  remarkably  fulfilled 
during  the  Babylonish  captivity;  but  the  destruction  of  Jeru- 
salem by  the  Romans,  and  the  state  of  the  Jews  to  this  very 
day,  are  the  most  extraordinary  accomplishment  of  them. 
(Notes,  Deut.  29:21—25.  2 Kings  25:8—10  .Jer.  40:2,3.  Lam. 
1:8—11.  2:15, 1G.  4:13—16.) 

V.  11 — 14.  Hiram  had  furnished  Solomon  with  timber,  not 
only  for  building  the  temple,  but  also  for  his  own  house,  and 
his  many  other  magnificent  works : and  he  likewise  “ had  sent 
him  a hundred  and  twenty  talents  of  gold ;”  for  that  seems  to 
be  the  proper  construction  of  the  fourteenth  verse.  Solomon 
therefore  was  indebted  to  Hiram,  beyond  the  corn  and  wine 
and  oil  agreed  upon:  (Note,  5:11.)  and  he  gave  him  twenty 
cities  in  Galilee  as  a compensation.  They  seem  to  have 
been  small  towns  in  the  vicinity  of  Tyre,  beyond  the  bounda- 
ries of  the  land,  as  divided  by  Joshua,  and  lately  taken  from 
tho  ancient  inhabitants.  Probably  they  lay  in  ruins. — Hiram, 
however,  was  not  satisfied  with  them,  and  “called  them  the 
land  of  Cabul.”  (Marg.) — Perhaps,  being  accustomed  to 
magnificence,  and  to  acquire  wealth  by  commerce,  he  had 
not  the  turn  of  mind  for  cultivating  land  : and  finding  the  roads 
bad,  the  houses  mean,  and  the  country  depopulated,  ho  was 
not  aware  of  the  advantage  which  might  be  made  of  them. 
Solomon  afterwards  rebuilt  them,  and  the  Israelites  dwelt 
in  them ; and  probably  Hiram  was  satisfied  with  some 
equivalent. 

V.  15.  The  reason,  &c.]  That  is,  the  occasion  which 
there  was  for  the  levy,  in  order  to  accomplish  so  many  groat 
and  magnificent  works : or,  the  method  in  which  it  was  raised. 
(Note,  5:13 — 18.) 

V.  16,  17.  The  Canaanites  kept  possession  o Geser,  a 
city  in  the  lot  of  Ephraim,  in  the  time  of  Joshua  and  tho 
judges : but  the  inhabitants  paid  tribute  to  Israel.  (Judg. 
1:29.  Note,  Josh.  16:10.)  It  seems  that  they  had  continued 
in  this  state,  till  Pharaoh  destroyed  them,  and  burned  tho 
city:  but  on  what  account  this  was  done,  we  know  not.  And 
he  gave  the  site  of  the  city,  nnd  the  suburbs  to  his  daughter 
some  think,  at  tho  time  of  her  mnrriage  to  Solomon.  Solo- 
mon, however,  rebuilt  the  city,  with  several  others,  which 
probably  wero  in  a ruinous  condition. 

V.  18.  'l'admor  in  the  v>ildcmess.]  This  is  supposed  to 
havo  been  tho  satno  with  tho  city  Palmyra,  the  magnificent 
ruins  of  which,  in  tho  midst  of  widely  extended  plains  of  bar- 
ren sands,  attract  tho  attention,  and  excite  the  admiration, 
of  modern  travellers  and  antiquarians.  But  the  architecture 


B.  C.  992. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


B.  C.  992 


18  And  'Baalath,  and  kTadmor  in  the  wilder- 
ness, in  the  land, 

19  And  all  'the  cities  of  store  that  Solomon  had, 
and  cities  for  his  chariots,  and  cities  for  his  horse- 
men, and  'that  which  Solomon  desired  to  build  in 
Jerusalem,  and  in  Lebanon,  and  in  all  the  land  of 
his  dominion. 

?0  Jin (l  all  the  people  that  were  ""left  of  the 
“Amorites,  Hittites,  Perizzites,  Hivites,  and  Jebu- 
sites,  which  were  not  of  the  children  of  Israel, 

21  Their  children  “that  were  left  after  them  in 
the  land,  whom  the  children  of  Israel  also  were 
Pnot  able  utterly  to  destroy,  upon  those  did  Solo- 
mon slevy  a tribute  rof  bondservice  unto  this  day. 

22  But  ’of  the  children  of  Israel  did  Solomon 
make  no  bondmen  : ‘but  they  were  men  of  war, 
and  his  servants,  and  his  princes,  and  his  captains, 
and  rulers  of  his  chariots,  and  his  horsemen. 

23  These  ivere  the  “chief  of  the  officers  that  were 


1 Josh.  19:44  k2  Chr.  8:4.  14:26 — 23.  Ex.  1:11.  * Heb.  the  desire  of  Solomon 

which  he  desired.  See  on  1.  Ec.  2: 10.  6:9.  m 2 Chr.  8:7,8.  n Gen.  15:19 — 21. 
Ex.  23:23,23— 33.  34:11,12.  Dent.  7.1— 3.  o Jtidg.  1 :21 ,27— 35.  2:2U— 23.  3:1— 4. 
Ps.  106:34—36.  p Josh.  15:63.  17:12,16—18.  q 15.  5:13.  Judg.  1:28, 35.  r Gen. 
9:25.26.  Ezra  2:55—58.  Neh.  7:57.  113.  s Lev.  25:39.  t 4:1— 27.  1 Sam.  8: 
11,12.  2Chr.  8:9,10.  u5:16.  2 Chr.  2:18.  8:10.  x 16.  3:1.  7:8.  2 Chr.  8:11. 

of  these  ruins,  being  evidently  Grecian , does  not  allow  us  to 
suppose  that  they  are  the  remains  of  buildings  erected  by 
Solomon  ; for  they  must  be  of  much  later  date. 

V.  19.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note , 4:26.)  Perhaps  the  levy  of 
service  raised  for  the  building  of  these  cities,  gave  occasion  to 
tiie  complaint  of  the  people  after  his  death.  ( Note , 12:4.) 

V.  20—22.  It  is  probable,  that  these  remains  of  the  Amo- 
rites, and  the  other  devoted  nations,  had  submitted  to  Israel, 
and  renounced  idolatry ; and  so  were  spared  on  terms,  not 
dissimilar  from  those  formerly  granted  to  the  Gibeonites. 
( Notes , Josh.  7:2.  9:3 — 5,7,19 — 27.) — They  and  their  .poste- 
rity seem  to  have  been  afterwards  called  “ Solomon’s  serv- 
ants,” and  thus  to  have  been  distinguished  from  the  Nethinim. 
(Note,  Ezra  2:55 — 58.) — By  employing  them  in  these  labo- 
rious services,  Solomon  was  enabled  to  exempt  the  native 
Israelites  from  all  but  the  more  honourable  employments. 
(Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  23.  Notes,  5:13—18.  2 Chr.  8:10. 

V.  24.  Marg.  Ref.  Note,  2 Chr.  8:11. 

V.  25.  Solomon  observed  the  three  great  festivals  with 
peculiar  solemnity  : yet  he  sacrificed  at  other  times  also ; and 
“ burned  incense,”  not  personally,  but  by  the  priests.  (Note, 

2 Chr.  26:16—23.) 

V.  26 — 28.  Solomon,  possessing  Ezion-geber,  a seaport 
upon  the  Red  Sea,  (Marg.  Ref.  e.)  which  communicates 
with  the  Indian  ocean  ; united  with  Hiram,  whose  subjects 
were  skilled  in  navigation  and  commerce,  and  probably  traded 
to  some  part  of  the  East  Indies:  and  this  is  perhaps  as 
ancient  and  authentic  an  account  of  the  East  India  trade,  as 
any  that  is  extant.  (Note,  10:22.)  Ophir  is  by  many  sup* 
posed  to  have  been  the  island  now  called  Ceylon : though 
various  other  opinions  are  advanced  concerning  it.  ( Marg. 
Ref.  h.l — Four  hundred  and  fifty  talents  are  mentioned  in 
Chronicles:  btit  perhaps  thirty  talents  were  divided  among 
the  officers  and  seamen ; so  that  only  four  hundred  and 
twenty  were  paid  into  the  treasury. 

FRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  The  Lord  is  ever  ready  to  hear  the  prayers 
which  we  make  before  him,  and  to  manifest  his  acceptance 
of  our  upright  services:  and  when  we  present  ourselves,  in 
body  and  soul,  to  be  consecrated  as  the  temples  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  to  his  glory,  he  will  hallow  and  sanctify  us  by  his  grace, 
and  render  us  meet  to  be  a holy  habitation  for  himself ; though 
before  we  were  altogether  polluted.  (Note,  Eph.  2:19 — 22.) 
In  and  through  Jesus  Christ,  his  eyes  and  his  heart  are  always 
upon  everv  true  believer,  to  watch  over  him,  and  to  rejoice 
in  doing  him  good ; yet  it  is  only  at  intervals,  that  he  mani- 
fests his  presence,  and  lifts  up  the  light  of  his  countenance 
upon  him : but  in  heaven  we  shall  always  behold  his  face, 
and  be  filled  with  unalloyed,  uninterrupted  felicity. — After  all 
the  services  which  we  can  perform,  we  stand  upon  the  same 
terms  with  the  Lord  as  before : nothing  can  purchase  for  us 
an  exemption  from  obedience,  or  a dispensation  to  sin,  in  any 
case  whatever:  nor  would  the  true  believer  desire  such  a 
license.  Rather,  in  w!:e  integrity  and  uprightness  of  his  heart, 
he  longs  for  the  entire  mortification  of  every  lust,  and  the 
increase  of  grace  in  his  soul:  and  in  his  calmest  moments 
would  rather  choose  to  be  severely  rebuked  and  “chastened 
of  the  Lord and  thus  kept  from  sin,  or  recalled  from  his 
wanderings,  than  be  allowed  to  transgress  with  impunity  and 
prosperity.  As  for  those,  who  merely  call  themselves  Chris- 
tians, of  every  sect  and  creed,  who  make  their  forms  and 
notions  an  excuse  for  breaking  God’s  commandments,  they 
will  ere  long  be  exposed  to  universal  and  everlasting  contempt. 
For  none  will  be  so  despised  and  miserable,  either  in  this 
world  or  the  next,  as  those  who  have  continued  wicked  under 
the  means  of  grace,  who  have  apostatized  from  a religious 
profession,  or  who  have  made  the  truths  and  ordinances  of 
God  the  cloak  or  the  occasion  of  their  iniquitous  practices. — 
Vol.  1.-7/ 


over  Solomon’s  work,  five  hundred  and  fifty,  which 
bare  rule  over  the  people  that  wrought  inthe  work. 

24  II  But  “Pharaoh’s  daughter  came  up  out  of 
Jthe  city  of  David  unto  her  house  which  Solomon 
had  built  for  her : then  did  he  build  “Mi'ilo. 

25  If  And  “three  times  in  a year  did  Solomon  offe. 
burnt-offerings  and  peace-offerings  upon  the  altar 
which  he  built  unto  the  Lord,  and  bhe  burnt  in- 
cense Tupon  the  altar  that  was  before  the  Lord. 
“So  he  finished  the  house. 

26  If  And  king  Solomon  dmade  a navy  of  ships 
in  “Ezion-geber,  which  is  beside  < Eloth,  on  the 
tshore  of  the  Red  Sea,  in  the  land  of  Edom. 

27  And  Hiram  sent  in  the  navy  ehis  .servants, 
shipmen  that  had  knowledge  of  the  sea,  with  the 
servants  of  Solomon. 

28  And  they  came  to  hOphir,  and  fetched  from 
thence  gold,  'four  hundred  and  twenty  talents,  and 
brought  it  to  king  Solomon. 

y 2 Sam.  5:9.  i 15.  11:27.  !!  Chr.  32:5.  a Ex.  23:14— 17.  34:23.  Dent.  16:16. 
2 Chr.  8:12,13.  b Ex.  30:7.  1 Chr.  23:13.  2 Chr.  26:16—21.  29:11.  34:25.  t Heb. 
upon  it  which  was  before,  c 6:38.  2Chr.8:16.  d 2 Chr.  8: 17.18.  e 22:48. 
Num.  33:35.  Deut.  2,8.  f 2 Kings  14:22.  % Heb.  lip.  g 5:6,9.  22-49.  2 Chr 

20.36,37.  h 10:11.  Gen.  10:29.  1 Chr.  29:4.  2 Chr.  8:18.  9:10.  Job  22:24.  23: 
16.  Ps.  45:9.  Is.  13:12.  i 2 Chr.  8:18. 


The  conduct  of  individuals,  of  churches,  and  nations,  who  are 
exposed  to  great  calamities,  when  carefully  considered,  will 
always  sufficiently  answer  the  inquiry,  “ Why  hath  the  Lord 
done  this  unto  them?”  Nay,  even  infidels  and  profligates 
frequently  justify  God  in  the  punishment  of  unrighteous  pro- 
fessors of  religion,  though  not  without  casting  unwarrantable 
scoffs  and  insults  upon  them. — Parents,  who  set  their  children 
good  examples  and  give  them  good  instructions,  are  war- 
ranted to  hope,  that  their  prayers  for  them  will  be  answered, 
and  the  blessings  of  the  covenant  entailed  upon  them.  (Note, 
Gen.  18:18,19.)  But  the  examples  of  those,  whose  sins  are 
recorded  in  their  punishment,  may  be  equally  instructive. — 
The  present  dispersed  and  despised  state  of  the  Jews  is  both 
a demonstration  of  the  truth  of  the  Scriptures,  and  a daily 
instruction  and  warning  to  us,  not  to  trust  in  outward  privi- 
leges, not  to  trifle  with  the  commandments  of  God,  and  not  to 
neglect  the  salvation  of  the  gospel.  We  have  indeed  a better 
covenant,  founded  on  better  promises,  than  that  made  wiih 
the  nation  of  Israel:  but  let  us  see  to  it,  that  it  is  really  made 
with  us  ; and  that  the  law  of  God  is  written  in  our  hearts,  as 
the  proof  that  our  iniquities  are  forgiven.  If  this  be  the  case, 
our  persevering  obedience,  as  well  as  our  faith  in  the  Saviour, 
is  provided  for  ; and  the  Lord  u will  put  his  fear  into  our 
hearts  that  we  may  never  depart  from  him.”  (Note,  Jer. 
32:38 — 41.) 

V.  10 — 28.  Inthe  world,  and  in  the  church,  we  all  have  need 
of  each  other,  and  should  endeavour,  according  to  our  ability, 
to  equal  or  to  exceed  the  kindness  of  others  to  us:  but  we 
should  not  be  surprised  or  discouraged,  if  our  attempts  be  not 
acceptable  even  to  our  brethren.  For  men  are,  and  will  be,, 
of  different  judgments  and  dispositions ; and  they  may  be 
allowed  to  differ  in  all  temporal  matters,  and  in  some  things, 
which  pertain  to  the  worship  of  God : but  as  all  believers 
come  to  the  mercy-seat  of  their  reconciled  Father,  by  Christ 
the  living  Way,  and  through  his  propitiation,  and  intercession  : 
and  as  they  all  choose  and  delight  inthe  same  spiritual  excel- 
lency of  heavenly  things;  in  these  respects,  they  must  and 
will  be  of  one  mind  and  of  one  judgment. — High  stations  fur- 
nish abundant  employment  for  men’s  hands  and  hearts ; and 
it  is  wonderful,  if  those  who  fill  them  are  not  “careful  and 
troubled  about  many  things,”  to  the  neglect  of  “ the  one  thing 
needful yet  at  last,  all  their  magnificence  and  splendid 
achievements  are  vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit.  Nothing  is 
truely  valuable,  but  in  proportion  as  it  is  useful : and  that  is 
most  valuable  which  promotes  the  salvation  of  souls.  They 
however,  who  begin  with  the  service  of  God,  regulate  their 
worldly  employments  according  to  the  precepts  of  his  word, 
and  still  adhere  to  his  worship  and  ordinances,  take  the  best 
measures  for  obtaining  all  desirable  success  in  their  under- 
takings. Their  activity  and  ingenuity  may  be  beneficial  to 
others,  and  they  may  perhaps  escape  material  harm  them- 
selves : yet  it  is  hard  to  persevere  in  such  a course : few  can 
resist  the  fascinating  temptations  of  great  prosperity  ; it  gradu-. 
ally  fosters  pride  and  sensual  indulgence,  and  eats  out  the 
life  and  power  of  godliness : and  most  of  those,  who  have  risen 
to  great  honour  and  affluence,  after  having  given  satisfactory 
evidence  of  real  godliness,  have  evidently  shown  that  their 
souls  were  losers  in  proportion.  Let  the  rich  and  prosperous* 
then,  “ rejoice  with  trembling,”  and  take  heed  lest  they  forget 
the  Lord  ; and  let  the  poor  and  obscure  be  thankful  for  their 
safer  condition  ! (P.  O.  Deut.  8:  latter  part.  Notes , 1 Tim. 

6:6— 10,17— 19.  Jam.  1:9—11.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  X.  V.  1,  2.  Cush,  the  son  of  Ham, 
had  a descendant  called  Seba,  and  it  is  probable,  that  he 
settled  in  Africa,  to  the  south  of  Egypt.  (Note,  Gen.  10:6, 
7.)  Eber  also  had  a descendant  called  Sheba;  and  A bra- 
ham  a grandson  by  Keturah,  called  by  the  same  name.  ( Gen. 
10:28.25:1 — 3.)  On  these  and  other  accounts,  it  has  been 
controverted,  whether  the  queen  of  Sheba  came  from  some 
( 609  ) 


B.  C.  a 32. 


I.  KINGS, 


B.  C.  992. 


CHAPTER  X. 

Tht  queen  of  Sheba  comes  to  visit  Solomon  and  to  propose  hard  questions  to 
him,  1,2  He  answers  her  questions:  and  she  greatly  admires  his  piety , 
wisdom,  and  magnificence , 3—9.  Their  presents  to  each  other , 1U — 13. 
Solomon's  yearly  rcj;enu>,  14,  15.  His  golden  targets  and  shields , 16,  17. 
His  throne  of  ivory,  18 — 20.  His  rich  vessels,  and  lucrative  commerce ; and 
the  presents  brought  him,  by  such  as  came  to  hear  his  wisdom,  21 — 25.  His 
chariots  and  horsemen,  25.  The  plenty  of  silver  and  cedar  in  his  time,  27. 
Horses,  chariots,  and  linen-yarn,  brought  out  of  Egypt , 28,  29. 

AISD  “when  the  queen  of  ''Sheba  cheard  of  the 
iiime  of  Solomon  ‘‘concerning  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  she  came  eto  prove  him  with  hard  questions. 

2  And  she  came  to  Jerusalem  with  > a very 
great  train,  with  camels  that  bare  espices,  and 
very  much  gold,  and  precious  stones  : and  when 
she  was  come  to  Solomon,  she  hcommuned  with 
him  of  all  that  was  in  her  heart. 

3  And'  Solomon  ‘told  her  all  her  ‘questions: 
there  was  not  any  thing  Jhid  from  the  king,  which 
he  told  her  not. 

4  And  when  the  queen  of  Sheba  had  seen  all 
kSolomon’s  wisdom,  and  ‘.the  house  that  he  had 
built, 

5  And  rathe  meat  of  his  table,  and  the  sitting  of 
his  servants,  and  the  ‘attendance  of  his  ministers, 
and  their  apparel,  and  his  ^cupbearers,  and  his 
“ascent  by  which  he  went  up  unto  the  house  of 
the  Lord  ; "there  was  no  more  spirit  in  her. 

[Practical  Observations.’] 

6  And  she  said  to  the  king,  It  was  a true  ^report 
that  I heard  in  mine  own  land  of  thy  “acts  and  of 
thy  wisdom. 

a 2 Cbr.  9:1.  Malt.  12.42.  Luke  11:31.  b Gen.  10:7,28  . 25:3.  Job  6:19.  Ps.  72: 
10,15.  Is. 60:6.  Jer.  6:20.  Ez.  27:22,23.  38. 13.  t4:31,34.  dJob2S:28.  Pro..  2: 
3—6.  John  17:3.  1 Cor.  1:20,21.  e J.id;.  14:12—14.  Ps.  49:4.  Prov.  1:6.  Malt. 
13:11,35.  Mark  4:34.  f 2 Kings  5:5,9.  Is.  60.6—9.  Acta  25:23.  g Ex.  25:6. 
2 Kings  20:13.  h Gen.  18:33.  Job  4:2.  Ps.  4:4.  Luke  24:15.  i2Chr.9:2.  Pmv. 
1:5,6.  13:20.  Is.  42:16.  Matt.  13:11.  John  7:17.  1 Cor.  1:30.  Col.  2:3.  • Heb. 
void',  i See  on  I.  3:12.  2x»m.  14:17,20.  Dan.  2:20— 23.  Heb.  4:12,13.  k 3: 
28  . 4:29— 31.  2 Chr.  9:3,4.  Ec.  12:9.  Malt.  12:42.  16:7:  m 4:22,23.  t Heb. 

'landing.  1 Or  .butlers.  n2  Kings  16:18.  1 Cbr.  9:13. 2 Chr.  23:13.  Ez. 44:3.  46: 
2.  o Josli.  5:1.  2 Chr.  9:4.  § Heb.  word.  2 Chr.  9:5,6.  inarg.  i|  Or,  sayings,  p h. 


part  of  Ethiopia  in  Africa,  or  from  the  most  remote  region  of 
Arabia,  near  the  Indian  ocean,  in  Asia. — Tradition  favours 
the  former  opinion,  but  the-n  it  is  blended  with  manifest  false- 
hoods. Our  Lord  says,  41  The  queen  of  the  south,  came  from 
the  uttermost  part  of  the  earth,  to  hear  the  wisdom  of  Solo- 
mon:” and  Ethiopia  is  more  distant  from  Jerusalem  than  any 
part  of  Arabia;  but  at  the  same  time  it  does  not  so  well 
answer  the  description,  44  the  uttermost  part  of  the  earth.” 
(Mult.  12:42.)  Learned  men  are  therefore  now  generally  of 
opinion,  that  Sheba  lay  in  the  most  southern  part  of  Arabia 
Felix,  between  the  Red  Sea  and  the  Indian  ocean ; that  ihe 
queen  of  Sheba  was  descended  from  Abraham  by  Keturah, 
and  retained  some  traditional  fragments  of  true  religion  ; and 
that  she  had  heard  the  fame  of  Solomon  from  the  mariners  of 
the  fleet  to  Ophir,  which  had  put  into  some  of  her  ports:  and 
indeed  the  more  general  connexion,  in  which  the  name  Sheba 
is  used,  in  the  subsequent  part  of  Scripture,  powerfully  con- 
firms this  conclusion.  ( Marg . Ref.  b.) — Our  Lord’s  testi- 
mony to  the  motives  which  influenced  the  queen  of  Sheba, 
sufficiently  refutes  the  disadvantageous  surmises  which  have 
often  been  entertained  and  advanced.  She  44  had  heard  of 
the  fame  of  Solomon,  concerning  the  name  of  the  Lord,” 
and  she  came  44  to  hear  his  wisdom.”  The  report  of  his 
knowledge  in  the  truth  and  precepts  of  religion,  of  his  piety 
and  zeal  in  the  worship  of  Jehovah,  and  of  the  wisdom  given 
him,  peculiarly  attracted  her  attention : and  she  came  to  pro- 
pose many  questions  to  him  which  perplexed  her  mind,  upon 
those  important  subjects:  she  could  meet  with  no  one,  who 
could  clear  them  up  to  her  ; and  she  desired  “to  prove  him,” 
whether  he  could  or  not.  This  shows  that  she  was  used  to 
reflect  seriously  upon  religion  ; hut  for  want  of  proper  instruc- 
tion, was  not  able  to  obtain  satisfactory  solutions  of  her  diffi- 
culties: and  considering  her  sex  and  rank,  and  the  magnificence 
and  indulgence  in  which  she  might  have  lived  at  home ; her 
long  journey,  undertaken  for  these  purposes,  formed  a strong 
proof  of  a pious  and  ingenuous  mind,  which  knew  the  value 
of  true  wisdom,  and  was  willing  “to  buy  the  truth”  at  any 
price.  (Notes,  Prov.  23:23.  Acts  8:26 — 31,) — Her  train  and 
attendance  were  suited  to  her  high  rank ; and  many  think,  that 
the  treasures,  which  she  brought,  serve  also  to  mark  out  the 
region  whence  she  came. — Hard  questions.  (1)  rwn;  (from 
T>n  (enigma  loqui  vel  proponcre :)  translated  a riddle;  Judg. 
14:12 — 18.  dark  saying , Ps.  49:4. — The  plural,  dark  sayings , 
Ps.  78:2.  Prov.  1:6 — Notes , Ps.  78:2.  Prov.  1:6. 

V.  3.  With  the  books  of  holy  Scripture,  then  extant,  and 
the  wise  and  understanding  heart,  which  the  Lord  had  given 
him,  Solomon  readily  answered  those  questions  that  were 
most  difficult  to  the  queen  of  Sheba.  He  had  prayed,  that, 
“all  the  people  of  the  earth  might  know  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  to  fear  him (8-43. ) and  he  doubtless  instructed  her 
fully  in  those  truths,  which  relate  to  the  being  and  perfections, 
the  authority,  law,  and  worship  of  the  one  living  and  true 
God  : in  the  nature,  and  meaning  of  the  temple,  altar,  priests, 
and  sacrifices,  at  Jerusalem;  and  in  every  other  subject, 
( 610  ) 


7 Howbeit  pI  believed  not  the  words,  until  1 
came,  and  mine  eyes  bad  seen  it : and  behold,  the 
half  was  not  told  me  : “thy  wisdom  and  prosperity 
exceedeth  the  fame  which  I heard. 

8 Happy  are  thy  men,  ‘happy  are  these  tliy 
servants,  which  stand  continually  before  thee,  and 
that  hear  thy  wisdom. 

9 rBlessed  be  the  Lord  tliy  God,  which  'de- 
lighted in  thee,  to  set  thee  on  the  throne  of  Israel, 
'because  the  Lord  loved  Israel  for  ever,  therefore 
made  he  thee  king,  “to  do  judgment  and  justice. 

10  And  vshe  gave  the  king  a hundred  and 
twenty  talents  of  gold,  and  of  ’spices  very  great 
store,  ^and  precious  stones : there  came  no  more 
such  abundance  of  spices  as  these  which  the 
queen  of  Sheba  gave  to  king  Solomon. 

11  And  the  navy  also  of  Hiram,  that  brought 
gold  from  'Ophir,  brought  in  from  Ophir  great 
plenty  of  “almug-trees,  and  precious  stones. 

12  And  the  king  made  of  the  almug-trees. 
“pillars  for  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  for  the 
king’s  house,  bharps  also  and  psalteries  for  singers: 
there  came  no  such  almug-trees,  nor  were  seen 
unto  this  day. 

13  And  king  Solomon  gave  unto  the  queen  o. 
Sheba  "all  her  desire,  whatsoever  she  asked,  beside 
that  ‘‘which  Solomon  gave  her  of  his  royal  bounty. 
So  she  turned  and  went  to  her  own  country,  she 

and  her  servants.  C Practical  Observations.] 


64:4.  Zech.  9:17.  Mark  16:11.  John  20:25—29.  1 Cor.2:9.  I John  3:2.  U Heb. 
thou  hast  added  wisdom  and  goodness  to  the  fame.  <|  2 Chr.  9:7.8.  Prov.  3:13, 

14.  8:34.  10:21.  13:20.  Luke  10:39 — 42.  1 1 .28,31 . r See  on  5:7.  Ps.  72.17—19. 
s Ps.  18:19.22:8.  Is.  42:1. 62:4.  t Cent.  7:8.  1 ( hr.  17  22.  2 Chr.  2: 1 1 . u2Sarn. 
8:15.23:3.  Ps.  72:2.  Prov.  8:15,16.  Is.  9:7.  11 :4,5.  32: 1 ,2.  Jer.  23:5,6.  Rom.  13: 
3,4.  v See  on  2.  9:14.  Malt.  2 11.  x Gen.  43:11.  Kx.  30:34.  y Prov.  3:13 — 

15.  20:15.  Rev.  21:11.  7.  See  on  9:27,28.  2 C hr.  8:18.  Ps.  45.9.  a 2 ( hr.  2:8. 
9:10,11.  algum.  **  Or,  rails,  lie'  . a prop.  b 1 Chr.  23:5. 2 5: 1 , &c.  Ps.92:l — 
3.  130:3-5.  Rev.  14:2,3.  c 2.  9:1.  ft.  211:4.  37:4.  Mall.  15:28.  John  14:13,14. 
Eph.  3:20.  ft  Heb.  which  he  gave  her,  according  to  the  hand  of  king  Solomon. 

which  was  essential  to  the  acceptable  worship  of  Jehovah. 
Her  language  also  indicates  that  she  profited  by  his  instruc- 
tions ; and  probably  carried  home  with  her  the  sacred  Scrip- 
tures, and  a large  accession  of  profitable  knowledge  concern- 
ing true  religion,  for  the  benefit  of  her  subjects.  (Notes,  Acts 

8:36—40.) 

V.  4,  5.  Marg.  Ref.  His  ascent,  Sic.  (5)  Some  under- 
stand these  words  of  a magnificent  communication,  which 
Solomon  had  prepared,  between  his  palace  and  the  courts  Oi 
the  temple,  by  which  he  and  all  his  attendants  regularly  went 
up  to  worship  the  Lord.  (Notes,  2 Kings  16:17,18.  Ez.  44: 

1 — 3.  46:1 — 3.)  Others  suppose  that  they  mean  the  sacrifices 
which  he  offered  upon  the  altar:  while  others  explain  them 
of  the  cheerful  and  fervent  solemnity  with  which  he  wor- 
shipped, showing  that  his  heart  was  much  engaged  in  the 
sacred  service.  The  first  indeed  seems  the  true  meaning 
hut  however  that  may  he,  Solomon's  \\i>dom  and  wealth,  his 
magnificence,  and  his  regular  and  prudent  management  of  his 
numerous  concerns,  united  with  his  exemplary  piety,  over- 
powered the  queen’s  mind  with  astonishment;  so  that  she 
was  altogether  overcome  by  it. — This  event  probably  took 
place  about  the  middle  of  Solomon’s  reign,  at  least  before  he 
began  to  turn  aside  to  idolatry. 

V.  6 — 9.  Solomon’s  wisdom  made  a deeper  impression 
upon  the  mind  of  ihe  queen  of  Sheba,  than  all  his  prosperity 
and  grandeur.  She  congratulated,  and  almost  seemed  to 
envy,  the  felicity  of  his  servants.  She  had  derived  such 
benefit  from  her  occasional  convcrsa’ion  with  him  ; that  she 
considered  those  persons  peculiarly  favoured,  though  far  her 
inferiors  in  rank,  who  continually  enjoyed  the  advantage  of 
his  instructive  discourse  and  wise  counsels.  She  also  very 
fervently  praised  God,  for  his  love  to  Solomon  and  to  Israel, 
in  endowing  him  with  such  extraordinary  wisdom,  in  raising 
him  to  the  throne,  and  in  blessing  him  with  peace  and  pros- 
perity, that  he  might  rule  over  his  people  “in  justice,  and  in 
judgment.”  These  sentiments  concerning  the  sovereignty 
ami  providence  of  God,  the  Giver  of  all  wisdom  and  prospe- 
rity; his  free  and  unfailin?  love  to  his  people;  the  duty  of 
kings  ; and  the  happiness  of  those  nations  who  are  favo  ired 
with  those  that  do  their  duty  ; together  with  her  praising  .Sod 
for  his  love  to  his  people,  in  which  she  cordially  rejoiced, 
prove  nn  understanding  and  pious  mind,  and  must  convince 
the  reflecting  reader  that  she  returned  home  much  benefited 
hy  her  journey. 

V.  11,  12.  It  is  not  known  what  kind  of  wood  is  in'ended 
hy  the  words  almug-trees,  or  al gum-trees : hut  the  specimen 
brought  from  Sheba  would  remain  to  posterity  in  the  pillars, 
or  rails,  and  the  musical  instruments,  made  of  it.  (2  Chr.  2: 
8.  9:10,11.) 

V.  13.  (Marg.  Ref.  ) Besides  the  munificent  presents, 
which  Solomon,  no  doubt,  unsolicited,  conferred  on  the  quern 
of  Sheba;  he  also  gave  her  all  those  things  which  she  parti- 
cularly requested  : being,  probably,  such  produe  ions  of  Judah 
and  the  adjacent  regions,  as  she  had  not  seen  in  her  owr 


B.  C.  992. 


B.  C.  992. 


CHAPTER  X. 


14  11  Now  the  weight  of  gold  that  came  to 
Solomou  in  one  year  <lwas  six  hundred  threescore 
and  six  talents  of  gold, 

15  Besides  that  he  had  of  the  merchantmen, 
and  of  the  traffic  of  the  spice-merchants,  and  of 
'all  the  kings  of  Arabia,  and  of  the  ’governors  of 
the  country. 

1G  1i  And  king  Solomon  made  'two  hundred 
targets  of  beaten  gold ; six  hundred  shekels  of 
gold  went  to  one  target. 

17  And  he  made  three  hundred  shields  o/’beaten 
gold;  three  pounds  of  gold  went  to  one  shield: 
and  the  king  put  them  gin  the  house  of  the  forest 
of  Lebanon. 

18  H Moreover,  the  king  made  ha  great  throne 
of  ‘ivory,  and  overlaid  it  with  the  best  gold. 

19  The  throne  had  six  steps,  and  the  top  of 
the  throne  was  round  'behind  : and  there  were 
;stays  on  either  side  on  the  place  of  the  seat,  and 
two  lions  stood  beside  the  stays. 

20  And  twelve  ‘‘lions  stood  there  on  the  one 
side  and  on  the  other  upon  the  six  steps : there 
was  not  khe  like  made  in  any  kingdom. 

21  ^1  And  all  king  Solomon’s  ‘drinking  vessels 
were  of  gold,  and  all  the  vessels  of  mthe  house  of 
the  forest  of  Lebanon  were  of  pure  gold  ; “none 
were  of  silver : it  was  nothing  accounted  of  in 
the  days  of  Solomon. 

22  b or  the  king  had  at  sea  a navy  of  "Tharshish 


d See  on  9:28.  e 2 Chr.  9:13.14.  Pi.  72:10.  Is.  21:13.  Gal.  4:25.  • Or,  cap- 
Mins,  f 14:25— 23.  2Chr.9:15, IS.  12:9,10.  g See  on  7:2.  h 2 Chr.  9:17— 19. 
Ps.  45:6.  110:1.  122:5.  Heb.  1:3,8.  Rev.  20:11.  i 22.  22:39.  Ps.  45:8.  £7..  27:6. 
Arn.  6:4.  Rev.  18:12.  t Heb.  on  the  hind'r  part  thereof.  } Heb.  hands. 
k Gen.  49:9.  Nmn.  23:24.  24:9.  Rev.  5:5.  § Heb.  so  rrvuLe.  ' 1 2 Chr.  9:20—22. 
m 17.7:2.  ||  Or,  there  was  no  siloer  in  them,  n 22:48.  Gen.  10:4.  2 Chr.  9: 
21  20:36,37.  P<.  13:7.  72:10.  Is.  216.  23:1,6,10.  6U:9.  66:19.  Ez.  27:12.  John  1: 
8 Tarskish.  IT  Or,  elephant's  teeth.  18.  Am.  3:15.  o Job  39:13.  p 3:12,13. 
4.30,31.  2 Chr.  9:22,23.  Ps.  89:27.  Eph.3:8.  Col.  1: 18.19.  2:2,3.  **  Heb.  the 


country.  These  would  keep  in  her  remembrance,  when  she 
arrived  in  her  own  kingdom,  what  she  had  seen  and  heard  at 
Jerusalem. 

V.  14,  15.  Perhaps  the  kings  of  Arabia  were  induced,  by 
the  queen  of  Sheba’s  report  and  example,  to  pay  court  to 
Solomon  and  send  him  presents. 

V.  16,  17.  These  targets  and  shields  seem  to  have  been 
intended  principally  for  magnificence,  and  to  be  carried  before 
the  king  on  special  occasions.  (Notes,  7:2.  14:25 — 28.) 

V.  18 — 20.  Ivory  is  not  mentioned  in  Scripture,  till  the 
time  of  Solomon,  who  doubtless  imported  it  from  India. — It 
cannot  be  supposed,  that  the  ivory  was  entirely  covered  with 
Sold  ; but  rather  inlaid  with  it,  so  as  to  add  to  its  beauty. — 
The  lions  seem  to  have  been  intended  not  only  for  ornament, 
but  as  emblems  of  the  courage  and  resolution,  requisite  in 
the  impartial  administration  of  justice  ; and  they  denoted  that 
magistrates  should  be  a terror  to  evil-doers,  and  the  protec- 
tors of  those  who  peaceably  submit  to  their  authority.  Judah 
was  compare'/ by  Jacob  to  a young  lion  ; and  our  Lord  is 
called  “ the  Lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah.”  ( Notes , Gen.  49: 
8,9.  Rev.  5:5 — 7.) 

V.  22.  .Many  learned  men  have  endeavoured  to  show  that 
Tharshish  w as  a city  in  Spain,  called  Tartessus ; and  some 
think  that  this  navy,  which  Solomon  had  with  the  navy  of 
Hiram,  was  distinct  from  that  which  traded  to  Ophir,  and  was 
fitted  out  from  some  port  on  the  Mediterranean  : and  they 
account  for  the  length  of  time  taken  up  in  each  voyage,  by 
supposing  that  a great  part  of  it  was  employed  in  selling  and 
buying,  or  bartering,  the  several  articles  of  commerce. — Blit, 
whatever  gold  might  he,  ivory,  apes,  and  peacocks,  ( or  par- 
rots, as  some  render  the  word,)  do  not  seem  to  have  bpen 
articles  of  trade  in  any  of  the  countries  bordering  on  the 
Mediterranean. — u Jehoshaphat  made  ships  of  Tharshish  to 
go  to  Ophir  for  gold  : but  they  went  not;  for  the  ships  were 
broken  at  Ezion-gaber.” — “ He  joined  himself  with  Ahaziah 
to  make  ships  to  go  to  Tharshish,  and  they  made  the  ships  in 
Ezion-gaber. . . . And  the  ships  were  broken,  that  they  were 
not  able  to  go  to  Tharshish.”  (Note,  22:18,49.  2 Chr.  20: 
35 — 37.)  These  passages,  being  decisive  proofs  that  the 

ships  of  Tharshish,  ships  to  go  to  Tharshish,  were  built  at 
Ezion-gaber  on  the  Red  Sea,  the  learned  Bishop  Lowth, 
(having  adopted  the  opinion  that  Tharshish  was  Tartessus 
in  Spain,)  says,  ‘ Tharshish  is  celebrated  in  Scripture  for  the 
trade,  which  Solomon  carried  on  thither  in  conjunction  with 
The  Tyrians.  Jehoshaphat  attempted  afterward  to  renew  that 
trade;  and  from  the  account,  given  of  that  attempt,  it  appears, 
/hat.  this  fleet  was  to  sail  from  Ezion-gaber  on  the  Red  Sea, 
and  must  therefore  have  designed  to  sail  round  Africa,  as 
Solomon’s  fleet  probably  had  done  before : for  it  was  a three 
years’  voyage ; and  they  brought  gold  from  Ophir,  probably 
rom  the  coast  of  Arabia,  silver  from  Tartessus,  and  ivory, 
*pes,  and  peacocks,  from  Africa. — It  is  certain,  that  under 
Pharaoh-nccho,  about  two  hundred  years  after,  this  voyage 
was  made  by  the  Egyptians,’  &c.  Bp.  Lowth  on  Is.  2:13 — 


with  the  navy  of  Hiram : once  in  three  years 
came  the  navy  of  Tharshish,  bringing  gold,  am 
silver,  ’’ivory,  and  apes,  and  “peacocks. 

. 23  So  king  Solomon  I’exceeded  all  the  kings  o. 
the  earth  for  riches  and  for  wisdom. 

24  H And  all  the  earth  sought  "to  Solomon,  to 
hear  his  wisdom,  ‘‘which  God  had  put  in  his 
heart. 

25  And  they  brought  'every  man  his  present, 
vessels  of  silver,  and  vessels  of  gold,  and  garments, 
and  armour,  and  spices,  horses,  "and  mules,  ‘a 
rate  year  by  year. 

26  And  “Solomon  gathered  together  chariots, 
and  horsemen : and  he  had  a thousand  and  four 
hundred  chariots,  and  twelve  thousand  horsemen, 
whom  he  bestowed  xin  the  cities  for  chariots,  and 
with  the  king  at  Jerusalem. 

27  And  rthe  king  "made  ffilver  to  be  in  Jeru- 
salem as  stones,  and  cedars  made  he  to  be  as  the 
sycamore-trees  that  are  in  the  vale,  for  abun- 
dance. 

28  And  ttSolomon  had  'horses  brought  out  of 
Egypt,  “and  linen  yarn : the  king’s  merchants 
received  the  linen  yarn  at  a price. 

29  And  a chariot  came  up  and  went  out  of 
Egypt  for  six  hundred  shekels  of  silver,  and  a 
horse  for  a hundred  and  fifty : and  so  for  all  bthe 
kings  of  the  Hittites,  and  for  the  kings  of  Syria, 
did  they  bring  them  out  by  §kheir  means. 


face  of.  q See  on  3:9.12,28.  Pruv.2:6.  Dai).  1:17  2:21,23.  5:11.  r 10. 

J ttdg. '3:15.  1 Sam.  10:27.  2 Sam.  8:2, 1U.  2 Chr.  26:8.  Job  42:11.  Pi.  72:10,15. 
Is.  86:16.  Matt.  2:11.  s 1:33.  18:5.  Gen.  36:24.  Ezra  2:66.  Eslh.  8:10,14.  Ii. 
66:20.  Ez.  2714.  t 2 Kings  17:4.  2 Chr.  9:24.  u Set  on  4:26.  2 Chr.  1:14.  9| 
25.  Is.  2:7.  r 2 Chr.  9:25.  x 2 Chr.  1:15— 17.  9:27.  Job  22:24,25.  r+  Heb. 
gave.  4*  Heb.  the  going  forth  of  the  horses  which  was  Solomon’s,  v Deut.  17: 
16.  2 < 1,,-.  1:16,17.  9:28.  Is.  31:1—3.  36:9.  a Gen.  41:42.  Prov.7.I6'.  Is.  19:9. 
Ez.  27:7.  b Josh.  1:4.  2 Kings  7:6.  §§  Heb.  their  hand.  Hos.  12: 1U.  Mai.  1:1. 
jnargins. 


16. — But,  with  all  deference  to  so  eminent  a writer,  it  must 
be  allowed  extremely  improbable,  that  in  regular  voyages,  for 
commerce , (not  discovery,  for  which  Pharaoh-necho’s  extra- 
ordinary expedition  doubtless  was  undertaken,)  such  a cir- 
cuitous course  should  be  chosen  ; when,  as  far  as  we  can 
learn,  it  was  not  then  known  that  Africa  was  a peninsula! 
To  fit  out  one  navy  at  Ezion-gaber,  for  Ophir,  whether  in 
Arabia,  or  the  East  Indies,  which  might  coast  some  parts  of 
Africa  ; and  to  fit  out  another  navy  to  Spain  from  some  Medi- 
terranean port,  would  be  an  obvious  and  compendious  mea- 
sure : but  that  the  same  ships  should  attempt  the  whole,  and 
after  taking  in  the  far  richest  part  of  their  freight,  compara- 
tively near  home  ; should  with  it  attempt  to  sail  round  Africa, 
in  order  to  add  silver,  and  some  other  articles  of  inferior 
value,  at  Tartessus,  must  strike  every  reflecting  person  as  a 
most  unparalleled  proceeding. — To  sail  round  Africa  at  that 
time,  would  be  immensely  more  formidable  than  a voyage 
round  the  world  at  present : and  a single  glance  at  a map 
must  convince  any  person,  acquainted  with  commerce,  that 
no  man  of  common  prudence  would  ever  think  of  such  a 
voyage  for  lucrative  purposes. — Tharshish  seems  indeed,  in 
some  places,  io  mean  Tartessus,  or  Tarsus,  or  some  place 
connected  with  the  Mediterranean : for  Jonah  embarked  for 
Tharshish  at  Joppa;  and  Joppa  is  situated  on  the  Mediterra- 
nean. Ships  of  Tharshish  seem  also  sometimes  to  mean  any 
large  ships  fitted  out  for  long  voyages.  But  in  this  place,  and 
some  others  referred  to,  if  the  text  be  not  corrupted,  (which 
there  is  not  the  least  reason  to  suppose,)  Tharshish  must 
mean  some  place  in  the  East  Indies,  or  bordering  on  the  Indian 
ocean.  (Note,  2 Chr.  9:13 — 21,  v.  21.) 

V.  24 — 27.  ( tyotes , 3:5 — 14.  4:26 — 34.)  These  particu- 
lars were  recorded,  to  show  the  faithfulness  of  God  to  the 
promises  which  he  had  made  to  David  and  to  Solomon, 
whose  reign  typified  the  kingdom  of  the  Messiah,  in  its  peace 
and  prosperity,  and  in  the  submission  and  willing  services 
of  princes  and  nations. — But  Solomon  was  doubtless  culpable 
in  several  respects,  and  his  mind  was  gradually  corrupted 
lrom  its  simplicity  to  excessive  luxury  and  ostentation,  which 
prepared  the  way  for  the  awful  departure  from  God  recorded 
in  the  ensuing  chapter.  (Note,  2 Sam.  11:1—5.) 

V.  28,  29.  Solomon  and  Pharaoh  seem  to  have  traded 
together,  by  their  merchants,  to  the  exclusion  of  other  per 
sons.  The  price  of  the  linen  yarn,  according  to  its  quality, 
was  fixed  by  contract.  The  price  of  a good  chariot-horso 
also  was  fixed  at  about  nineteen  pounds  sterling,  and  that  of 
a chariot  at  seventy-five:  and,  in  a contract,  there  is  no 
absurdity  in  supposing  that,  the  quality  being  described,  a 
certain  sum  should  be  given  for  each,  one  with  another. 
Besides  those  which  were  brought  for  the  king’s  use,  num- 
bers were  sold  again,  at  a great  profit  doubtless,  to  the  neigh- 
bouring princes : for  Pharaoh  reserved  to  his  son-in-law  the 
exclusive  advantage  of  this  lucrative  trade.  Some  indeed 
suppose  the  stipulated  sums  to  have  been  an  exorbitant  tax,  laid 
by  Pharaoh  on  all  chariots,  or  horses,  which  were  exported: 
( 611  ) 


B.  C 990. 


I.  KINGS 


B.  C.  990. 


< HAPTER  XI. 

Soumort,  having  ta  m very  *r urn/  wives  and.  concubines,  even  strange  women , 
is  in  hj*  old  age  s*  lured  Ot,  them  into  idolatry,  1 — 8.  The  Lord  threatens  to 
rend  the  greater  p v t of  Je  kingdom  from  his  family , 9 — 13.  Solomon  finds 
an  adversary  in  Hadaa  the  Edomite , who  had  been  entertained  in  Egypt, 
14 — 22  : anain  Ilezon,  who  reigned  in  Damascus , 23 — 25  : and  in  Jeroboam ,* 
to  whom  AhijaJi  foretold  that  he  should  reign  over  ten  tribes,  and  whom  Solo- 
mon in  vain  attempts  to  kill,  26 — 40.  Solomon  dies  arid  is  buried,  and 
Reholionm  succeeds  him,  41 — 43. 

BUT  king  Solomon  Moved  many  strange  .women, 
'together  with  the  daughter  of  Pharaoh, 
women  of  the  Moabites,  Ammonites,  Edomites, 
Zidonians,  and  Hittites : 

2  Of  the  nations  concerning  which  the  Lord 
said  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  bYe  shall  not  go 
in  to  them,  neither  shall  they  come  in  unto  you  : 

a 8.  Gen.  6:4-5.  Deut.  17:17.  Neh.  13:23 — 27.  Prov.  2:16.  5:3— 50.  6:24.  7:5. 
22:14.23.33.  • Or,  betidei.  3:1.  Lev.  18:18.  I.  Ex.  23:32,33.  31:16.  Dent.  7: 
3,1.  Josh.  23:12,13.  Ena  9:12.  10:2,  4c.  Mai.  2: 1 1 . c 16:31— 33.  Num.25: 
1—3.  Jude.  3:6,7.  2 Chr.  21 :6.  2 Cor.  6: 14— 16.  d Gen.  2:24.  31:3.  Jmlg.  16: 
4— 21.  2Chr.  19:2.  Pa.  139.21.  Rom.  1 :32.  12:9.  1 Cor.  15:33.  Rev. 2:4. 


but  the  other  seems  the  more  probable  way  of  explaining 
the  passage.  ( Marg . Ref.  t,  u.  Notes,  Deut.  17.16.  Is. 
31:1—3.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 5.  Wisdom  and  piety  are  exceedingly  valuable, 
and  render  men  truly  honourable  ; and  those,  who  form  a due 
estimate  of  their  worth,  will  think  no  expense  or  labour  too 
great  to  obtain  them. — When  we  first  attend  seriously  to  re- 
ligion, we  shall  meet  with  many  w hard  questions,”  which  we 
cannot  resolve,  and  which  will  often  perplex  and  distress  our 
minds,  especially  if  at  a distance  from  proper  instructions. 
But  “ then  shall  we  know,  if  we  follow  on  to  know  the  Lord.” 
By  waiting  and  prayer,  by  practising  what  we  have  learned, 
by  diligently  searching  the  Scriptures,  and  by  consulting  wise 
and  experienced  Christians,  we  shall  be  delivered  from  our 
difficulties,  and  a clearer  light  will  shine  upon  our  path. 
(Notes,  Prov.  4:18,19.  Is.  42:13 — 17.  Hos.  6:1 — 3.  John 
7:14 — 17.) — Those  who  possess  wisdom  and  knowledge,  ought 
to  be  courteous  and  accessible,  and  glad  to  communicate 
them  for  the  good  of  others;  even  as  the  rich  should  be  to 
impart  their  wealth. — Great  wisdom  and  piety,  in  the  midst 
of  singular  prosperity  and  grandeur,  are  very  uncommon, 
and  therefore  excite  the  higher  admiration.  A good  under- 
standing will  also  be  displayed,  in  the  orderly  and  prudent 
regulation  of  domestic  and  secular  concerns ; so  that  pro- 
priety, and  consistency  with  a man’s  station  and  circum- 
stances, will  be  visible  to  the  attentive  spectator ; but  our 
greatest  diligence,  constancy,  seriousness,  and  cheerfulness, 
should  be  manifested,  in  attending  on  the  ordinances  of  God; 
that  our  example  may  influence  others  to  “serve  him  in  re- 
verence and  godly  fear.”  This  gives  a lustre  to  wisdom, 
learning,  wealth,  or  greatness:  but  alas!  how  few  are  ambi- 
tious of  this  honour  that  comelh  from  God  ! how  little  of  this 
is  seen  in  our  princes,  and  nobles,  and  great  men  ! 

V.  6 — 13.  The  reports  which  we  hear  concerning  the 
achievements  and  excellences  of  our  fellow-creatures,  or 
concerning  any  earthly  glory,  are  seldom  verified  when  we 
become  acquainted  with  them.  But  there  is  a spiritual  excel- 
lency in  heavenly  things,  and  in  consistent  Christians,  to 
which  no  reports  can  do  justice  : and  the  better  they  are 
known,  the  more  they  will  be  esteemed  and  relished. — Those 
who  delight  in  the  company  of  wise  men  will  become  wise: 
and  they  are  highly  favoured,  who  have  continual  opportunity 
of  conversing  with  persons  of  this  character:  yet  frequently, 
such  as  have  occasional  intervievys  with  them  get  more  be- 
nefit than  those  do  who  are  always  with  them. — All  our 
comforts  and  prospects  spring  from  the  Lord’s  love  to  us : he 
delights  in  the  fruits  of  his  own  Spirit ; and  he  communicates 
many  good  gifts  to  magistrates,  ministers,  and  private  Chris- 
tians, out  of  love  to  his  people,  that  they  may  be  serviceable 
to  them,  and  happy  are  they,  who  are  governed  and  in- 
structed by  those,  “ in  whom  the  Lord  delighteth.”  This 
indeed  has  hitherto  been  a very  uncommon  case;  and  many 
are  ready  to  conclude  that  it  never  can  become  general  : but 
the  Scriptures  assure  us,  that  at  length  it  shall  be  the  privi- 
lege and  felicity  of  every  nation  under  heaven. — Whatever 
our  station  and  endowments  be,  they  are  connected  with  cor- 
respondent duties  ; and  we  should  take  it  kindly  to  be  reminded 
of  them,  and  excited  to  perform  them  with  diligence  and 
fidelity. — Reciprocal  kindnesses  cement  friendship  ; and  the 
wealthy  should  not  willingly  be  outdone  in  generosity  : but 
neither  the  company  of  God’s  people,  nor  the  ordinances  of 
his  house,  should  detain  us  from  our  proper  place  and  employ- 
ments, but  should  send  us  to  them,  prepared  and  disposed 
to  discharge  them  with  greater  wisdom  and  conscientiousness. 
— Thus  the  awakened  sinner,  oppressed  with  perplexing  dif- 
ficulties, discouraging  objections,  and  distressing  fears,  hears 
the  report  of  the  Saviour’s  acts  and  wisdom,  of  his  unsearch- 
able riches  an4  unfathomable  love ; but  can  scarcely  believe 
the  report.  With  trouble,  self-denial,  and  the  forsaking  of 
many  earthly  things,  he  resorts  by  faith  and  prayer  unto  him, 
and  is  graciously  encouraged  and  entertained:  the  Lord’s 
effectual  teaching  dispels  his  darkness  and  distress  ; he  shows 
him  his  glory  and  grace,  he  satisfies  him  with  the  provisions 
©f  his  house,  and  enriches  him  from  his  treasures  of  “ wisdom, 
righteousness,  sanctification,  and  redemption.”  The  rejoicing 
believer  no  longer  glories  in  himself,  and  his  own  attainments: 
( 612  ) 


for  'surely  they  will  turn  away  your  heart  after 
their  gods : dSolomon  clave  unto  these  in  love. 

3 And  he  had  'seven  hundred  wives,  princesses, 
and  three  hundred  concubines:  and  his  wives 
turned  away  his  heart.. 

4 For  it  came  to  pass,  < when  Solomon  was  old, 
that  shis  wives  turned  away  his  heart  after  other 
gods : and  hhis  heart  was  not  perfect  with  the 
Lord  his  God,  as  was  the  heart  of  David  his 
father. 

5 For  Solomon  went  after  'Ashtoreth  the  god- 
dess of  the  Zidonians,  and  after  kMilcom  the  abo- 
mination of  the  Ammonites. 


e Judg.  8:30, 31. 9:5.  2Snm.  3:2— 5.5:13— 16.  2 Chr.  11:21.  Ec.7.28.  M2. 6: 

1.9:10.  14:21.  g Sec  on  c.  2.  Deut.  7:1.  17:17.  Sell.  13:25,27.  li  6,38.  6:12,13. 
8:61.9:1.  15:3,14.  2 Kings  211.3.  1 Chr.  28:9. 29: 19.  2 Chr.  17:3.25:2.31:20,21. 
31:2.  i 33.  J.i.lg,  2:13.  10:6.  1 Sam.  7:3,1.  12:10.  2King»23:13.  Jer.2:10— 13. 
k 7.  Lev.  18:21.  40:2-5.  Moltch.  Zeph.  1:5.  Malchtnn. 

nor  is  he  terrified,  though  humbled  with  the  consciousness  of 
his  own  guilt  and  pollmion.  The  person,  the  character,  the 
love  of  Jesus  attract  and  engross  his  admiring  attention,  while 
they  confirm  his  lively  hopes  of  salvation  : and  he  finds  by 
experience,  that  the  half  was  not  told  him  of  his  excellency 
and  preciousness.  He  now  congratulates  the  felicity  of  the 
meanest  servant  of  the  Redeemer,  but  especially  that  of 
those  above,  who  always  behold  his  face  and  do  his  will. — 
He  blesses  the  Lord  for  his  love  to  Israel,  in  giving  them  such 
a Prince  and  Saviour,  and  yields  up  himself  both  to  be  ruled 
and  saved  by  him:  and  though  Jesus  needs  not,  and  is  not 
enriched  by,  all  that  he  can  render  to  him  ; yet  he  devotes 
his  riches  and  talents  to  his  service,  and  they  are  graciously 
accepted,  and  recompensed  with  all  that  he  can  desire:  yea, 
of  his  royal  bounty,  our  Prince  of  Peace  gives  more  than  any 
petitioner  is  able  to  “ ask  or  think.”  The  believer,  who  has 
thus  been  with  Jesus,  will  return  to  his  station  in  society,  to 
discharge  his  duty,  with  new  alacrity,  from  purer  motives,  and 
to  nobler  purposes:  yet  he  will  still  look  forward  to  the  day. 
when,  being  “ absent  from  the  body,  he  shall  be  present  with 
the  Lord  ;”  and  when  his  transient  glimpses  of  the  Saviour’s 
glory,  which  overpower  him  with  admiration,  shall  be  ex- 
changed for  uninterrupted  vision,  with  faculties  enlarged,  and 
strengthened  to  endure  and  delight  in  that  ineffable  reful- 
gency.  But  who  can  express  or  conceive  aright  of  that  state 
of  felicity  ? Every  enraptured  spirit  will  then  confess,  that  the 
thousandth  part  of  what  is  there  enjoyed  never  reached  his 
ear,  nor  was  thought  of  in  his  most  delightsome  moments 
upon  earth. — Oh,  may  the  writer,  and  every  reader  of  these 
observations,  aspire  after  that  unutterable  felicity,  and  at 
length  rejoice  in  it  together ! “ Behold  a greater  than  Solo- 

mon is  here.”  Even  upon  earth  he  is  present  in  his  word, 
his  ordinances,  anti  on  his  throne  of  grace  ; and  will  be  found 
of  all  who  seek  him  uprightly  — But  “ the  queen  of  the  south 
will  rise  up  in  judgment  with  the  men  of  this  generation”  also. 
“She  came  from  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  to  hear  the 
wisdom  of  Solomon  ;”  but  they  will  not  arise  from  their  beds, 
or  go  out  of  their  houses,  or  even  open  their  Bibles,  to  learn 
the  wisdom  of  the  Son  of  God  ! they  will  not  put  themselves 
to  the  least  inconvenience  to  receive  his  instructions,  and  seek 
his  salvation  ! (Note,  Matt.  12:41,42.)  Yea  verily,  this 
example  shames  every  one  of  us  ; for  we  are  all  guilty  of 
undervaluing  our  mercies,  and  of  slackness  in  attending  on 
the  means  of  grace.  Let  then  the  careless  and  the  infidel 
take  warning,  for  evil  is  before  them  : let  the  negligent  “strive 
to  enter  in  at  the  strait  gate,”  lest  he  should  be  found  with- 
out when  the  door  is  shut : let  the  drooping  inquirer  be  en- 
couraged, for  poor  sinners  of  the  Gentiles  are  welcome  to 
Christ : and  let  us  all  sit  at  his  feet,  hear  his  word,  and  wait 
for  his  salvation  : and,  by  reporting  his  praises,  and  doing  his 
will,  let  us  endeavour  to  recommend  him  to  our  fellow-sinners 
on  every  side. 

V.  14 — 29.  They  have  the  most  comfort  in  worldly  things, 
(though  seldom  the  largest  share  of  them,)  who  expect  least 
from  them,  and  decidedly  prefer  wisdom  and  grace,  and  who 
devote  the  best  of  all  which  they  have  to  the  Lord:  for  his 
largest  promises,  general  and  particular,  shall  surely  be  per- 
formed to  those  who  trust  and  serve  him.  But  alas  ! what 
are  worldly  wealth  and  prosperity?  They  can  only  procure 
luxuries,  embellishments,  and  curiosities,  which  add  nothing 
to  the  real  enjoyment  of  life  : abundance  creates  satiety,  and 
what  is  had  in  plenty  is  nothing  accounted  of.  Such  posses- 
sions always  multiply  cares  and  temptations:  and  they  gene- 
rally undermine  humility  and  heavcnly-mindedncss  ; and  eat 
out  the  life  of  religion  by  leading  to  sensual  indulgence,  ava- 
rice, ostentation,  or  the  pride  of  life.  But  the  spiritual  peace, 
riches,  and  abundance  of  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom,  are  of 
another  nature  : they  satisfy,  but  never  satiate ; while  they 
sanctify  the  soul,  and  strengthen  it  to  resist  temptation, -and 
to  mortify  every  fleshly  lust. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XI.  V.  1 — 8.  Wc  have  not  a more 
melancholy  and  astonishing  instance  of  human  depravity,  in 
the  sacred  Scriptures,  than  that  recorded  in  these  verses.  He, 
who  was  named  “ Jedidiah,”  Beloved  of  the  LORD,  and  who 
early  in  life  is  declared  to  have  “ loved  the  Loin>:”  (Notes, 
3:2,3.  2 i Sam.  12:24,25.) — he,  who  had  been  favoured  with 
such  special  tokens  of  God’s  favour,  and  had  received  such 


B.  C.  982. 


CHAPTER  XI.  B.  C.  980 


6 And  Solomon  did  evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord, 
and  'went  not  fully  after  the  Lord,  as  did  David 
nis  father. 

7 Then  did  Solomon  'build  a high  place  for 
"’Chemosh,  the  "abomination  of  Moab,  in  °the  hill 
that  is  before  Jerusalem,  and  for  Molech,  the 
abomination  of  the  children  of  Ammon. 

8 And  likewise  did  he  for  Pall  his  strange  wives, 
which  burnt  incense  and  sacrificed  unto  their 
gods. 

[ Practical  Observations. ] 

9 H And  the  Lord  was  langry  with  Solomon, 
because  rhis  heart  was  turned  from  the  Lord 
God  of  Israel,  "which  had  appeared  unto  him 
twice, 

10  And  had  ‘commanded  him  concerning  this 
thing,  that  he  should  not  go  after  other  gods : but 
he  kept  not  that  which  the  Lord  commanded. 

11  Wherefore  the  Lord  said  unto  Solomon, 
Forasmuch  as  this  fis  done  of  thee,  and  thou  hast 
not  kept  my  covenant  and  my  statutes  which 
I have  commanded  thee,  “I  will  surely  rend  the 


• Heb.  fulfilled  not  a/lei . Num.  14:24.  Josh.  14:3,14.  Heb.  1 Lev.  26:30. 
Num.  33:52.  2 Kings  21:2,3.  23:13,14.  Ps.  78:58.  Ez.  20:28,29.  m Num.  21: 
29.  Judg.  11:24.  Jer. 48:13.  a Deal.  13:14.  17:3,4.  27:15.  Is.  44:19.  Ez.  18: 
12.  Dan.  11:31.  12:11.  Rev.  17:4,5.  o2Sam.  15:30.  Zcch.U:!.  Matt. 26:30. 
Acts  1:9,12.  p See  on  1.  Ez.  16:22 — 29.  I los.  4:11,12.  1 Cor.  10;  1 1 , 12,20— 22. 
o Ex.  4:14.  Num.  12:9.  Deul.  3:26.  9:8,20.  2Sam.  6:7.  11:27.  1 Chr.21:7.  Ps. 
73.58—  60  . 90.7,8.  r See  on  2,3.  Dent.  7:4.  Prov.4-23.  Is. 29:13,14.  Hoc.  4:11. 
2 Tim.  4:10.  s 3:5.  9.2.  16:12,13.9:4—7.  2 Chr.  7:17—22.  t Heb.  t«  mlA 
Hue.  u 31.  12:13,16.  Num.  14:23,35.  1 Sum.  2:30— 32.  13:13,14.  15:26-28. 


answers  to  his  prayers  : — he,  who  had  been  honoured  to  build 
the  temple,  and  was  so  enlarged  in  supplication  when  it  was 
dedicated : — he,  who  was  renowned  throughout  the  earth  for 
his  wisdom  and  piety,  as  well  as  his  wealth  and  prosperity:— 
he,  who  was  employed  as  an  inspired  writer,  whose  name  is 
affixed  to  a part  of  the  oracles  of  God  ; who  had  given  such 
excellent  counsels  and  warnings  to  others,  and  was  so  illus- 
trious a type  of  Christ: — even  he  apostatized,  and  became  a 
public  and  shameful  worshipper  of  abominable  idols,  to  the 
disgrace  of  his  understanding,  as  well  as  the  scandal  of  his  pro- 
fession ! — It  is  probable,  that  his  declension  was  gradual : he 
was  perhaps  elated  with  spiritual  pride,  as  well  as  induced  by 
his  prosperity  to  indulge  in  luxury  and  ostentation : or  perhaps, 
he  deemed  it  unnecessary  for  one  of  his  wisdom  and  ability, 
and  of  his  rank  and  authority,  to  restrict  himself  by  those 
rules,  which  were  needful  or  salutary  to  inferior  persons,  as 
if  he  were  secure  from  those  evils  which  they  were  intended 
to  prevent  1 He  first  multiplied  horses,  and  caused  the  people 
to  go  down  into  Egypt  for  that  purpose ; then  he  greatly  mul- 
tiplied gold  and  silver,  contrary  to  the  law  of  Moses;  (Notes, 
10:24 — 29.  Deut.  17:16,17.)  not  as  his  father  had  done,  for  the 
service  of  the  sanctuary,  but  for  the  increase  of  his  own  splen- 
dour. Thus,  the  barrier  was  broken  through,  and  the  fervour 
of  his  piety  abated. — After  the  example  ofhis  father,  he  mar- 
ried several  women,  and  added  one  to  another,  more  and  more 
rapidly,  till  he  had  got  together  an  immense  number  of  wives 
and  concubines.  And  he  doubtless  might  argue,  that  if  it  was 
lawful  to  have  two  wives,  why  not  many  ? and  in  his  case, 
who  could  maintain  thorn  all,  they  might  not  be  inexpedient, 
and  would  add  to  his  magnificence  and  royal  dignity.  Probably, 
Pharoah’s  daughter,  whom  he  first  married,  was  a real  con- 
vert; (for  we  find  no  temples  built  to  the  gods  of  Egypt;)  and 
this  might  induce  him  to  take  more  wives  of  the  heathens, 
flattering  himself,  that  his  wisdom  and  example  would  prevail 
with  them  also  to  embrace  the  worship  of  Jehovah.  Thus 
he  proceeded,  till  perhaps  persons  were  employed  to  collect 
from  every  part  of  his  kingdom,  but  especially  from  the  sub- 
jected nations,  every  beautiful  woman  whom  they  found,  with- 
out regard  to  her  religion.  Those  of  superior  rank  seem  to 
have  been  numbered  among  his  wives,  and  styled  princesses; 
while  the  inferiors  were  his  concubines,  with  inferior  privileges. 
(Note,  Gen.  25:5,6.)  Towards  the  close  ofhis  life,  when  he 
was  above  fifty  years  of  age,  he  grew  more  addicted  to  his 
women  than  before:  and  spending  much  time  in  their  com- 
pany, he  doubtless  in  a degree  neglected  both  the  worship  of 
God,  and  the  affairs  of  his  kingdom : and  perhaps  the  enor- 
mous expense,  which  their  extravagance  occasioned,  rendered 
those  burdens  requisite,  of  which  the  people  afterwards  com- 
lained.  (Note,  12:4.)  But  the  evil  did  not  stop  here : for 
is  women  gained  still  greater  ascendency  over  him,  and  gra- 
dually prevailed  with  him  to  connive  at  their  idolatries,  to 
oblige  them  by  building  idolatrous  temples,  and  at  length  to 
join  with  them  in  their  abominable  worship ! When  one  had 
been  thus  gratified,  there  could  be  no  peace,  unless  the  others 
were  obliged  in  the  same  manner ; and  therefore  he  did  thus 
for  all  his  strange  wives. — Those  who  have  noted  in  history, 
or  in  society,  the  effects  of  the  influence  of  inveigling  women 
over  the  greatest  and  wisest  of  men,  will  readily  perceive  that 
matters  were  speedily  in  a train  ; and  that  it  was  almost  im- 
possible, without  an  immediate  divine  interposition,  that  Solo- 
mon should  stop  short  of  this  extreme  folly  and  wickedness, 
when  he  had  once  suffered  himself  to  be  entangled  in  the  fatal 
»et.  (Notes,  Judg.  16:4 — 21.)  The  inspired  historian,  there- 


kingdom  from  thee,  and  will  give  it  to  thy  ser 
vant. 

12  Notwithstanding  vin  thy  days  I will  not  do  i. 
xfor  David  thy  lather’s  sake : but  ?\  will  rend  it 
out  of  the  hand  of  thy  son. 

13  Howbeit,  ’I  will  not  rend  away  all  the  king- 
dom; but  will  give  “one  tribe  to  thy  son  bfor  David 
my  servant’s  sake,  and  cfbr  Jerusalem’s  sake  which 
I have  chosen. 

14  U And  dthe  Lord  stirred  up  “an  adversary 
unto  Solomon,  Hadad  the  Edomite  : he  was  of  the 
king’s  seed  in  Edom. 

15  For  it  came  to  pass, 1 when  David  was  i-b.c 
in  Edom,  and  Joab  the  captain  of  the  host  L1MU- 
was  gone  up  to  bury  the  slain,  «after  he  had  smit- 
ten hevery  male  in  Edom  ; 

16  (For  six  months  did  Joab  remain  there  with 
all  Israel,  until  he  had  cut  off  every  male  ir. 
Edom  f) 

17  That  Hadad  fled,  he  and  certain  Edomites 
ofhis  father’s  servants  with  him,  to  go  into  Egypt: 
'Hadad  being  yet  a little  child. 


2 Sam.  12:9 — 12.  v 21:29.  2 Kings 20: 19.  x 9:4,5.  Gen.  12:2.  19:29.  y See  or. 
Ex. 20:5.  z.2Sam.  7:15, 16.  I Chr.  17:13,14.  Ps.  89:33— 37.  a35,36.  12:20. 

b See  on  11:12,32.  Deul.  9:5.  2 Kings  13:23.  19:34.  Ps.  89:49.  132:1.17.  Is.  9:7 
Jer.  33:17— 26.  Luke  1:32,33.  c Deul.  12:5,11.  2 Kings  21 .4. 23:27.  Ps. 132:13, 
14.  Is. 14:32.  62:1,7.  Jcr.33:15, 16.  d 12:15.  1 Sam.  26:19.  2 Sam.  24: 1.  1 Chr 
5:26.  Is.  10:5,26.  13:17.  e 2 Sara.  7:14.  Ps.  89:30— 34.  f2Sam.8:14.  1 Chr 

18:12,13.  Ps.  60:  title.  108:10.  g Gen.  25:23.  27:40.  Num.  24 : 18,19.  Mai.  1:2, 
3.  hNura. 31:17.  iEx.2:l— 10.  2Sam.4:4.  2Kingsll:2.  Matl.2:13,14. 


fore,  quotes  the  prohibition  of  marrying  strange  women,  with 
the  annexed  consequence,  w Surely  they  will  turn  away  you. 
heart  after  their  gods:’5  to  show  that  no  eminency  of  wisdom, 
or  firmness  of  resolution,  will  secure  any  man ; when  in  a 
careless  or  self-confident  spirit  he  presumes  to  violate  God’s 
commandments,  and  thus  to  run  into  temptation.  Of  this 
Solomon  formed  a most  striking  proof.  (Marg.  Ref.  b.  c. 
Notes,  Ex.  34:11- — 17.  Josh.  23:11 — 13.  Neh.  13:23 — 30.) — 
David  had  committed  several  heinous  sins,  but  he  had  repent- 
ed, and  humbled  himself  for  them:  and  he  had  still  adhered  to 
the  worship  of  Jehovah,  and  never  in  the  smallest  instance 
set  the  people  an  example  of  idolatry,  or  given*any  connivance 
to  that  greatest  of  all  abominations,  that  open  treason  against 
the  king  of  heaven,  and  violation  of  the  national  covenant 
with  Israel.  But  Solomon’s  heart  was  not  thus  u perfect  with 
the  Lord  his  God  and  “ he  went  not  fully  after  the  Lord  !* 
(Marg.  Ref.  h.) 

V.  9 — 11.  The  Lord  had  twice  appeared  unto  Solomon,  in 
the  most  condescending  and  encouraging  manner:  and  on  the 
last  occasion  he  had  solemnly  warned  him  of  the  consequences 
of  disobedience,  especially  of  idolatry.  (Notes,  3:5 — 14.  6:11 
— 13.  9:3 — 9.)  This  aggravated  his  offence:  and  it  is  pro- 
bable, that  God  sent  this  awful  message  by  a prophet ; as 
refusing  to  appear  again  to  him  after  hrs  ingratitude  for  his 
former  gracious  appearance  to  him. 

V.  12,  13.  The  sentence,  however,  should  not  be  executed 
during  his  life,  but  immediately  after  his  death.  (Note,  21:27 — 
29. ) Benjamin  was  so  connected  with  Judah,  that  together  they 
were  but  as  one  tribe,  and  therefore  it  is  not  here  particularly 
mentioned.  As  a punishment  of  Solomon’s  sm,  the  other  ten 
tribes  would  be  rent  from  his  son  : (Notts,  29 — 32.  12:19,20. 
1 Sam.  15:27,28.)  but  in  performance  of  the  promises  made 
to  David,  and  in  a gracious  recompense  for  his  obedience  ; 
and  to  maintain  the  worship  of  Jehovah  at  Jerusalem,  which 
he  had  chosen,  God  would  continue  the  tribe  of  Judah  under 
the  government  of  Solomon’s  posterity. — Even  the  mitigations 
of  the  sentence  were  suited  to  humble  and  afflict  Solomon. 
Nothing  was  done  for  his  sake,  but  all  for  his  father’s.  (Notes, 
Gen.  19:27 — 29.  1 Sam.  2:30.)  It  is  very  probable,  that  this 
message  brought  him  to  himself,  and  led  him  to  repentance. 

1 This  was  enough  to  astonish  any  man,  to  hear  that  all  his 
splendour  should  be  so  soon  eclipsed,  if  he  were  not  perfectly 
stupified,  and  it  is  likely  it  did  make  him  reflect  on  his  folly: 
and,  as  many  think,  moved  him  to  write  the  book  of  Eccle- 
siastes.’ Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  14.  As  the  opposition  which  Hadad  made  to  Solomon 
accorded  to  the  Lord’s  secret  design  of  punishing  him,  and 
was  overruled  for  that  purpose,  he  is  said  to  have  “ stirred 
him  up though  it  is  evident  Hadad  was  instigated  by  his 
own  ambition  and  resentment.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  26:17 — 19. 

2 Sam.  24:1,2.  Jam.  1:13—15.) 

V.  15,  16.  These  particulars  are  not  recorded  in  the  pre- 
ceding history.  (Marg.  Ref.  f.) — As  the  Edomites  after- 
wards continued  a people,  either  some  particular  district  only 
was  treated  with  this  severity,  or  numbers  escaped  f rom  Joab 
and  his  men. — Unless  some  very  peculiar-cause  required  it# 
this  military  execution  cannot  be  justified. — To  bury  the  slain. 
(15)  The  Israelites,  who  had  been  slain  in  the  contest,  as 
many  think.  % 

V.  17 — 22.  (Marg.  Ref.)  After  the  death  of  David  and 
Joab,  Hadad  returned  to  Idumea,  in  hopes  to  excite  disturb- 
ances before  Solomon’s  authority  was  established:  but  he 
seems  to  have  been  disappointed  and  restrained  till  %fte: 
( 613  ) 


B.  C.  979. 


L KINGS.  B.  C.  977. 


18  And  the)  a/oss.  out  of  kMidian,  and  came  to 
Paran:  and  they  took  men  with  them  out  of  Pa- 
ran,  and  they  came  to  Egypt,  unto  Pharaoh  king 
of  Egypt ; which  gave  him  a house,  and  appointed 
him  vict  mis,  and  gave  him  land. 

19  An<  1 Hadad  mfinind  great  favour  in  the  sight 

of  Pharaoh,  so  that  he  gave  him  to  wife  the  sister 
of  his  own  wife,  the  sister  of  “Tahpenes  the 
queen.  * 

20  And  the  sister  of  Tahpenes  bare  him  Genu- 
bath  his  son,  whom  Tahpenes  “weaned  in  Pha- 
raoh’s house:  anil  Genubath  was  in  Pharaoh’s 
household  among  the  sons  of  Pharaoh. 

b c.a  21  And  when  Hadad  '’heard  in  Egypt  that 
ms.  J David  slept  with  his  fathers,  and  that  Joab 
the  captain  of  the  host  was  dead,  Hadad  said  to 
Pharaoh,  'Let  me  depart,  that  I may  go  to  mine 
own  country. 

22  Then  Pharaoh  said  unto  him,  iBut  what 
hast  thou  lacked  with  me,  that,  behold,  thou  seek- 
est  to  go  to  thine  own  country?  And  he  an- 
swered, Nothing:  howbeit, 'let  me  go  in  any 
wise. 

23  IT  And  "God  stirred  him  up  another  adver- 
sary, Rezon  the  son  of  Eliadah,  which  fled  from 
his  lord  ‘Hadadezer  king  of  Zobah : 

24  And  he  gathered  men  unto  him,  and  became 
captain  over  a band,  when  David  slew  them  of' 
Zobah  ; and  they  went  to  "Damascus,  and  dwelt 
therein,  and  reigned  in  Damascus. 

25  And  he  was  an  adversary  to  Israel  xall  the 
days  of  Solomon,  besides  the  mischief  that  Hadad 
did:  and  he  ^abhorred  Israel,  and  reigned  over 
Syria. 

26  IT  And  ‘Jeroboam  the  son  of  Nebat,  “an 
Ephrathite  of  Zereda,  bSolomon’s  servant,  whose 
mother’s  name  was  Zeruah,  a widow  woman,  even 
he  lifted  up  his  hand  against  the  king. 

[ Practical  Observations .]  * 

27  And  this  was  the  cause  that  he  “lifted  up  his 
hand  against  the  king:  dSolomon  built  Millo,  and 
Trepnired  “the  breaches  of  ' the  city  of  David  his 
father. 

28  And  the  man  Jeroboam  was  a mighty  man 
of  valour  : and  Solomon  seeing  the  young  man 

k Gen.  11:2, l.  Num.52r4.  25:6,14,18.  1 Gen.  14:6.  21:21.  Num.  10:12.  Dent. 
M.  33:2.  Iliib.  3:3.  m Gen.  39:4,21.  Acts  7:10,31.  n Jer.  43:7—9.  o Gen.  21: 
7,8.  1 Sam.  1:24.  p2:10.  Ex.  4:19.  Matt. 2:20.  * Heb.  Send  me  away.  Gen. 

45:24.  Josh.  2:21.  1 Sam.  9:26.  2 Sam.  3:21.  q Jer.  2:31.  Luke  22:35.  t Heb. 
Not.  r 2 Sum.  18:22,23.  Ps.  37:8.  Mark  14:31.  on  14.  2 Sam.  16:11. 

Ezra  1:1,5.  Is.  13:17.  37:26.  45.5.  Ez.  38:16.  t2  Sam.  8:3.  10:15-18.  1 Chr. 
18:3 — 9.  19:6,16 — 19.  Ha  larczor.  Ps.60:  title.  u 19:15.  20:31.  Gen.  14:15. 
Acta  9:2.  x 5:4.  2 Chr.  15:2.  y Gen.  34:30.  Deut.  23:7.  2 Sam,  16:21 . Ps.  106: 
40.  Zech.  11:8.  z 11,28.  12:2,20,  &c.  13:1,  &c.  14  16.  15  30.16:3.21:22. 
a Gen.  35:16.  Ruth  1:2.  1 Sam.  1:1.  17:12.  1 Chr.  2:19.  b 9:22.  2Chr.l3:6. 
c 2 Sam.  20:21.  Prov.  30:32.  Is.  26:11.  d See  on  9:15,24.  } Heb.  closed.  Am. 
5:11.  e Neh.  4:7.  Ps.  60:2.  Is.  22:9.  Ez.  13:5.  f See  on  2 Sam.  5:7.  § Heb. 

Solomon’s  idolatry  ; when  he  perhaps  attempted  to  seize  the 
kingdom  of  Edom,  and  molested  Solomon  all  the  rest  of  his 
reign. 

V.  23 — 25.  When  David  had  defeated  Hadadezer,  Rezon 
collected  a company,  over  whom  he  became  a captain  ; and  it 
is  probable,  that  for  a long  time  they  lived  bv  plunder:  for 

David  put  garrisons  in  Syria  of  Damascus  :”  (Notes, 2 Sam. 
8:3 — 8.)  but  at  length  Resin  found  an  opportunity  of  seizing 
Damascus,  and  usurping  the  kingdom  of  Syria. — He  had  in- 
deed abhorred  Israel  from  the  first ; but  probably  he  did  not 
openly  appear  as  Solomon’s  adversary,  or  do  him  any  injury, 
till  Solomon  had  provoked  the  Lord  by  his  idolatries.  (Note, 
Prov.  16:7.) 

V.  26—28.  (9:15,24.  Notes,  Judg.  9:16—20,  v.  20.  2 Sam . 
5:9.)  Jeroboam,  having  been  employed  in  superintending  the 
builders  at  Jerusalem,  so  distinguished  himself  by  capacity  and 
industry,  that  Solomon  preferred  him  to  a post  of  considerable 
authority  and  influence.  He  either  placed  him  over  the  tribute 
collected  from  the  tribes  of  Ephraim  and  Manasseh,  or  made 
him  superintendent  of  the  levy  sent  from  them  by  courses 
to  assist  in  his  works.  (Note,  5:13 — 18.) — This  advancement, 
probably  from  a low  situation,  opened  vast  prospects  to  his 
ambitious  mind : and  he  seems  to  have  excited  and  encou- 
raged the  discontent  of  the  people,  on  account  of  the  burdens 
•aid  on  them.  Perhaps  he  was  plotting  an  open  revolt  ; at 
least  he  joined  the  disaffected  party  : and  thus  he  might  be 
said  to  “lift  up  his  hand  against  the  king;”  though  his  designs 
were  not.  carried  into  effect,  till  after  Solomon’s  death. 

V.  29— 32.  (Marg.  Rtf.  Note,  Acts  21:7—14.)  The 
meaning  of  the  emblematical  action,  here  recorded,  seems  to 
imply,  t h at  “the  new  garment”  belonged  to  the  prophet,  not 
to  Jeroboam  ; though  many  expositors  suppose  the  contrary. 
The  division  of  the  kingdom  took  nothing  from  Jeroboam,  hut 
gave  the  dominion  over  ton  tribes  to  him.  (Note,  12,13.) — 

C 614  ) 


that  he  Hvas  industrious,  she  made  him  ruler  over 
all  the  "charge  of  hthe  house  of  Joseph. 

29  And  it  came  to  pass  at  that  time  when 
Jeroboam  went  out  of  Jerusalem,  that  the  prophet 
'Ahijah  the  kShilonite  found  him  in  the  way;  and 
he  had  clad  himself  with  a new  garment;  ‘and 
they  two  were  alone  in  the  field  : 

30  And  Ahijah  caught  the  new  garment  that 
was  on  him,  and  Tent  it  in  twelve  pieces : 

31  And  he  said  to  Jeroboam,  Take  thee  ten 

gieces  ; for  “thus  saith  the  Lord,  the  God  of  Israel, 
ehold,  I will  rend  the  kingdom  out  of  the  hand 
of  Solomon,  and  will  give  ten  tribes  to  thee : 

32  (But  “lie  shall  have  one  tribe  for  my  servant 
David’s  sake,  and  rfor  Jerusalem’s  sake,  the  city 
which  I have  chosen  out  of  all  the  tribes  oi 
Israel  A 

33  Because  that  ithey  have  forsaken  me,  and 
have  worshipped  “Ashtoreth  the  goddess  of  the 
Zidonians,  Chemosh  the  god  of  the  Moabites,  and 
Milcom-the  god  of  the  children  of  Ammon,  and 
have  not  walked  in  my  ways,  to  do  that  which  is 
right  in  mine  eyes,  and  to  keep  my  statutes  and 
my  judgments,  as  did  David  his  father. 

34  Howbeit,  “I  will  not  take  the  whole  kingdom 
out  of  his  hand  : but  I will  make  him  prince  all  the 
days  of  his  Jife  for  David  my  servant’s  sake,  whom 
I chose,  because  he  kept  my  commandments  and 
my  statutes  : 

35  But  I will  take  the  kingdom  out  of  his  son’s 
hand,  and  ‘will  give  it  unto  thee,  even  ten  tribes. 

36  And  unto  his  son  will  I give  one  tribe,  that 
“David  my  servant  may  have  a ’light  always  before 
me  in  Jerusalem,  xthe  city  which  I have  chosen 
me  to  put  my  name  there. 

37  And  I will  take  thee,  and  thou  shalt  reign, 
^according  to  all  that  thy  soul  desireth,  and  shalt 
be  king  over  Israel. 

38  And  it  shall  be,  ‘if  thou  wilt  hearken  unto 
all  that  I command  thee,  and  wilt  walk  in  mv 
ways,  and  do  that  is  right  in  my  sight,  to  keep 
my  statutes  and  my  commandments,  as  David 
my  servant'did ; “that  1 will  be  with  thee,  and 
bbuild  thee  a sure  house,  as  I built  for  David,  and 
will  give  Israel  unto  thee. 


did  work.  Prov.  22:29.  ej5:16.  ||  Heb.  bterden.  Deut.  1:12.  19.14:25.  Matt, 
11:30.  h Josh.  18:5.  Jud*.  1:22,23  . 2Sam.  19:20.  Am.  5:6.  Zech.  10:6.  i 12: 
15.  14:2.  2 Chr.  9:29.  k Josh.  18:1.  1 Gen. 4:8.  2 Sam.  14:6.  m 1 Sam.  15:27, 
28.24:4,5.  n See  on  11,12.  o See  on  12  20.  p See  on  13.  q 9.  3: 14.  6:12,13. 
9:5-7.  1 Chr.  28:9.  2 Chr.  15:2.  Jer.2:13.  r See  on  5-8.  &.See  on  12,13,31. 
Job  11:6.  Ps.  103:ln.  Hnb  8 2 1 12:15-17,20.  2Chr.  10:15— 17.  o 15:4, 

2Sam.  7:16,29.  21:17.  2Kings8:19.  2 Chr.  21:7.  Pa.  132:17.  Jer.  33: 17— 21. 
Am.  9:11,12.  Luke  1 :69,70,7S,79.  Acts  15:16,17.  H Heb.  lamp,  or,  candle. 
x Sceon  13.  9:3.  Gal.  4:25,26.  Heb.  12:22.  Rev.  21:10.  y26.  Deut.  14:26. 

2 Sam.  3:21.  z3:14.  6:12.  9:4,5.  Ex.  19:5.  Deut.  15:5.  Zech.  3:7.  a See  on 
Deut. 31:8.  Josh. 1:5.  b 14:7— 14.  2Sum.  7:11,16,26— 29.  1 Chr.  17.10,24— 27. 


Some  think  that  the  rending  of  the  garment,  into  twelve 
pieces,  represented  also  the  subsequent  divisions  and  dis- 
tractions which  prevailed  in  Israel. 

V.  33.  Induced  by  Solomon’s  example,  and  to  obtain  his 
favour,  it  seems  that  the  people  had  generally  joined  in  his 
idolatry  ; and  the  punishment  inflicted  on  him  and  his  posterity 
involved  them  in  manifold  and  heavy  calamities. 

Y.  34— 36.  (Notes,  12,13.  Gen.  18:19,19.  26:2— 5.)  ‘This 
was  an  admonition  to  Jeroboam  not  to  molest  Solomon  in  his 
lifetime,  by  raising  rebellion  against  him  ; and  also  to  walk 
in  God’s  way,  as  David  did,  and  not  to  fall  into  idolatry.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

A light,  &c.  (36)  It  was  the  purpose  of  God  that  David’s 
family  should  still  continue  illustrious;  and  be  the  instruments 
of  preserving  the  light  of  true  religion  in  Jerusalem  ; as  well 
as  types  of  Christ,  “the  Light  of  the  world.”  (Notes,  15:1,5. 
Ps.  89:19— 37.  132:17.  Is.  9:6,7.) 

V.  37.  Thy  soul  desireth.]  It  is  probable,  from  this  ex- 
pression, that  Jerohoam  secretly  aspired  to  the  kingdom. 
But  neither,  the  designs  of  God  nor  this  declaration  by  the 
prophet  excused  his  ambition  and  rebellion.  David,  long  after 
he  had  been  anointed  to  the  kingdom,  was  faithful  to  Saul, 
and  was  not  driven  by  persecution  to  attempt  aught  against 
him  : nor  would  he  even  seize  the  vacant  throne,  I ill  called  to 
it  by  the  voice  of  the  people*  (Notes,  I Sam.  24:4 — 7.  26:8 
—12.  2 Sam . 2:4.  5:1,2.  2 Kings  8:14,15.) 

V.  38.  And  build  thes , &c.]  Notes',  2 Sam.  7 : s — i r> . 
Distrusting  this  express  conditional  promise,  J *rohoam  en- 
deavoured to  establish  his  authority  by  disobedience  ; and 
thus  he  forfeited  the  kingdom  as  to  his  posterity,  and  brought 
ruin  upon  them,  and  incalculable  mischiefs  on  Israel.  (Notes, 
12:26-31.  14:5—16.  2 Chr.  13:4—12.) 

V.  39.  Three  alleviations  of  the  denouncer!  ju  jgmentt 
are  mentioned.  They  would  not  happen  in  Soiomor  k days, 


CHAPTER  XI, 


B.  C.  975. 


B.  C.  975. 

39  And  I will  for  this  'afflict  the  seed  of  David, 
but  dnot  for  ever. 

40  Solomon  'sought  therefore  to  kill  Jeroboam. 
And  Jeroboam  arose,  and  fled  into  Egypt,  unto 
•Shishak  king  of  Egypt,  and  was  in  Egypt  until 
the  death  of  Solomon. 

41  And  *the  rest  of  the  'acts  of  Solomon,  and 

c 12:16.  14:8.25,26.  Ps.  89:38—45,49—51.  d See  on  36.  Is.  7:14.  9:7.  11:1—10. 
’er.  23.5,6.  l.uke  1:32,33.  2:4,11.  e 2 Chr.  16:10.  Prov.  21:3(1.  Is.  14:24— 27. 
46:10.  Ltun.  3:37.  fl  4:25,26.  2 Chr.  12:2-9.  g 2 Chr.  9:29,30.  ’Or,! lords, 

lierefore  Jeroboam  ought  by  no  means  to  have  attempted 
any  thing  against  him  : the  whole  kingdom  was  not  to  be 
taken  from  Solomon’s  posterily  ; therefore  Jeroboam  must 
not  expect  to  subject  Judah  and  Benjamin:  and  the  affliction 
xas  not  to  be  for  ever  ; which  seems  especially  to  refer  to 
Christ  and  his  everlasting  kingdom. 

V.  40.  There  is  nothing  in  the  original  for  therefore;  it  is 
simply  11  And  Solomon  sought  to  kin  Jeroboam.”  It  does  not 
appear  that  he  did  this  because  of  Ahijah’s  prophecy , which 
would  have  been  an  instance  of  most  infatuated  rebellion 
against  God,  and  utterly  inconsistent  with  repentance  ; but 
because  of  Jeroboam's  subsequent  misconduct , who  perhaps 
divulged  and  boasted  of  the  promise,  and  “lifted  up  his  hand 
against  Solomon  which  implies  an  attempt  to  raise  rebellion 
m his  lifetime.  (26) — It  is  probable  that  Shishak  was  the 
successor  of  Pharaoh,  whose  daughter  Solomon  had  married  ; 
Dut  perhaps  of  another  family  and  interest.  He  is  the  only 
aing  of  Egypt  hitherto  called  by  his  proper  name  ; all  before 
aim  being  known  by  the  general  title  of  Pharaoh.  He  is  also 
thought  to  have  been  the  Sesostris  of  pagan  history.  ( Notes , 
14:25—28.  2 Chr.  12:2—11.) 

V.  41.  In  the  book,  &c.]  Some  annals,  or  records,  of 
Solomon’s  life  and  reign,  more  copious  than  the  account  here 
given;  from  which  such  extracts  were  made,  as  were  needful 
for  edifica'ion.  ( Preface  to  1 Kings.  Notes,  14:19.  1 Chr. 
29:29,30.) 

V.  42,  43.  Solomon  was  the  only  king  who  reigned  so  long 
as  forty  years  over  all  Israel : yet  he  was  not  above  sixty 
years  of  age  when  he  died,  and  perhaps  he  had  injured  his 
constitution  by  indulgence. — We  are  not  here  informed, 
whether  he  repented  before  his  death,  or  not : and  this  silence 
is  a warning  to  every  one  of  us,  not  to  yield  to  temptations, 
lest  we  should  leave  the.  world  in  uncertainty,  and  be  con- 
demned as  hypocrites  in  the  consciences  of  God’s  people. 
But  this  silence  in  the  book  of  Kings  no  more  proves  that 
Solomon  did  not  repent,  than  the  silence  of  the  book  of 
Chronicles  proves  that  he  did  not  commit  idolatry.  I would 
not  indeed  decide  upon  so  controverted  a point  with  unhesi- 
tating confidence:  yet  the  book  of  Ecclesiastes  seems  fully 
to  show,  that  he  repented,  and  publicly  declared  that  repent- 
ance before  his  death.  •( Note , Ec.  7:23 — 28.)  We  are  not 
however  much  interested  in  the  solution,  as  some  suppose ; for 
the  doctrines  of  Christianity  must  he  proved  by  “the  sure 
testimony  of  God,”  and  not  by  particular  examples : for  we 
are  not  sufficiently  acquainted,  either  with  the  real  character 
of  men,  or  with  their  final  doom  ; to  decide  on  this  ground.  If 
Solomon  did  not  repent,  he  doubtless  perished,  notwithstand- 
ing all  his  previous  zeal,  important  services,  and  eminent 
endowments  : for  no  part  of  Scripture  gives  reason  to  suppose 
that  any  who  die  in  unrepented  wickedness  are  saved.  Many 
indeed  think  that  this  supposition  would  prove  all  his  profession 
of  religion  to  have  been  hypocritical ; and  this  conclusion 
does  not  well  accord  to  his  name  Jedidiah,  and  the  testimony 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  that  he  “loved  the  Lord.”  (Notes,  Ez. 
3:20,21.  Hcb.  10:35—39.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 8.  We  are  repeatedly  reminded,  by  the  examples 
of  the  mosl  eminent  men,  that  no  abilities  or  endowments  ; 
that  no  Illustrious  services,  fervent  affections,  or  vigorous 
resolutions  ; that  nothing  inherent  in  man,  forms  in  itself  any 
security  against  the  deceitfulness  and  desperate  wickedness 
of  his  heart,  or  may  be  depended  on  as  sufficient  to  preserve 
him  from  the  commission  of  the  most  atrocious  crimes. — 
Men  of  superior  understanding  find  it  far  easier  to  lay  down 
excellent  rules  for  the  conduct  of  others,  than  ti^reduce  them 
to  practice  in  the  constant  tenor  of  their  own  lives. — (Notes, 
Prov.  1: — 9:)  For  alas  ! they  often  fall  into  the  same  pit,  and 
are  caught  in  the  same  snare,  against  which  they  have  repeat- 
edly warned  others ; and  sometimes  are  guilty  of  things  as 
absurd  and  foolish  as  they  are  wicked.  Nay,  old  age  itself 
will  not  eradicate  from  the  heart  any  evil  propensity.  The 
habit  of  indulgence  in  fleshly  lusts  will  more  than  counterba- 
lance the  effect  of  nature’s  decay  : and  if  our  sinful  passions 
be  not  crucified  and  mortified  by  the  grace  of  God,  they  will 
never  die  of  themselves,  but  will  subsist  and  rage  when  every 
opportunity  of  gratification  shall  be  taken  away. — Thus  we 
are  taught  to  “ cease  from  man,”  and  to  watch  and  be  sober  : 
for  ours  is  a dangerous  warfare  in  an  enemy’s  country,  while 
■he  worst  of  our  foes  are  the  traitors  which  occupy  our  own 
hearts. — We  all  naturally  desire  prosperity  and  pre-eminence; 
Jtet  in  general  these  operate  as  fatal  poisons  to  the  soul. 
And  when  we  allow  of  one  inordinate  or  inexpedient  indul- 
gence, we  give  energy  to  all  our  passions,  and  to  every 
temptation  of  Satan.  Not  only  will  the  same  inclination 
grow  more  importunate  ; but  others  also,  like  humoured  chil- 
dren, win  expect  to  be  gratified  in  their  turn  : while  self- 


all  that  he  did,  and  his  wisdom;  are  they  no. 
written  in  the  book  of  the  acts  of’  Solomon  ? 

42  And  the  'time  that  Solomon  reigned  ii. 
Jerusalem  over  all  Israel  was  ''forty  years. 

43  And  Solomon  'slept  with  his  fathers,  and  was 
kburied  in  the  city  of  David  his  father : and  ‘Reho- 
boam  his  son  reigned  in  his  steac.. 

or,  l/iings.  t Heb.  day.  h 2: 1 1 . i 1:21.  14:20.  15:8,24.  16:6.  Dent.  31:16. 
2 Kings  16:20  . 20:21.  21:18.  k 2:10.  14:31.  2 Kings  21:18,28.  2 Chr.  21:20  . 26« 
23.  28:27.  Jer.  22:19.  1 l Chr.  3: 10.  2 Chr.  9:31.  13:7.  Matt.  1:7.  Robor.m. 


government,  even  the  authority  of  reason  and  conscience  over 
the  inferior  faculties,  is  weakened  by  every  concession.  Our 
safety  and  comfort  therefore  consist  in  resolutely  requiring 
them  all  to  obey,  and  though  we  cannot  extinguish  our  pas- 
sions, in  rigorously  confining  them  within  the  bounds  of  what 
is  lawful  and  expedient. — Indulged  luxury,  or  the  pride  of  life, 
generally  introduces  greater  licentiousness,  where  a man’s 
affluence  is  equal  to  his  inclinations.  But  the  history  of  the 
world  and  of  the  church  demonstrates,  that  the  love  of  women 
is  one  of  the  most  dangerous  passions  of  the  human  heart 
When  once  the  divine  original  appointment  concerning  mar- 
riage is  violated,  the  unbridled  propensity  will  know  no 
bounds  : nor  can  the  wisest  or  the  most  determined  say  to  it, 

44  Thus  far  shalt  thou  go,  and  no  further :”  but,  like  a descending 
weight,  the  progress  is  from  bad  to  worse  with  accelerated 
rapidity.  The  designing  objects  of  a sensual  and  roving 
affection  will  employ,  by  turns,  all  the  arts  of  persuasion, 
dalliance,  flattery,  or  upbraidings,  to  prevail  over  a man’s 
resolution,  and  to  induce  his  compliance  with  the  most  unrea- 
sonable and  pernicious  requests  ; till  shame  and  conscience 
are  surmounted,  reputation  and  interest  sacrificed,  every 
barrier  is  broken  down,  and  a perfect  infatuation  takes  place. 
(P.  O.Judg.  16:) — Parents,  and  those  who  are  in  reputation 
for  piety,  should  be  peculiarly  careful  what  practices  they 
sanction  by  their  examples : for  such  as  do  not  imitate  them 
in  their  best  actions,  will  be  encouraged  to  copy  and  to  exceed 
them  in  their  mistakes  and  misconduct.  Those  who  have 
made  the  boldest  profession  of  godliness,  and  have  been  most 
serviceable  to  its  interests,  may  expect  to  be  assaulted  by  the 
strongest  temptations  from  the  great  enemy  of  souls ; and 
should  always  entertain  a jealous  fear,  lest,  being  overcome 
in  an  unguarded  hour,  they  should  after  all  become  a scandal 
to  religion,  a stumbling  block  to  the  prejudiced,  an  encourage- 
ment to  hypocrites  and  infidels,  or  a snare  and  evil  precedent 
to  the  unstable  and  injudicious.  They  should  therefore  be 
peculiarly  watchful  against  the  incursions  of  spiritual  pride ; 
or  the  fatal  persuasion,  that  they  are  superior  to  those  rules 
and  cautions,  which  are  needful  for  weaker  persons.  They 
should  always  meditate  with  seriousness  on  their  danger  of 
falling,  and  the  wide  spreading  fatal  effects  of  their  miscon* 
duct ; and  prefer  any  affliction,  or  even  death,  to  thus  disho- 
nouring God  and  his  truth. — The  fond  hope,  which  numbers 
indulge,  who  marry  with  ungodly  persons,  of  being  instru- 
mental to  their  salvation,  stands  exposed  throughout  the 
Scripture,  but  especially  in  this  chapter:  the  wisest  and  best 
of  men  are  more  likely  to  be  corrupted  by  the  converse  of  a 
beloved  ungodly  companion,  than  to  bring  such  a one  to  a 
sense  of  serious  religion.  Considering  the  state  of  human 
nature,  the  case  is  as  desperate  as  that  of  a healthy  person 
associating  with  those  that  have  got  the  plague,  who  is  far 
more  likely  to  be  infected  himself,  than  to  recover  them  : and 
the  Lord’s  prohibition  of  such  marriages  declares  them  to  be 
means,  which  he  does  not  allow  of,  and  will  seldom  use,  for 
that  purpose. — The  slaves  of  fleshly  lusts  are  meet  worship- 
pers of  abominable  idols  ; but  not  of  the  God  of  Israel,  who 
is  holy,  and  whose  worshippers  must  be  holy  too. — Those 
who  connive  at  the  wickedness  which  they  ought  to  punish* 
will  soon  join  in  committing  it,  and  in  inducing  others  to  do 
the  same : but  all  this  proceeds  from  the  heart  not  being  fully 
devoted  to  the  Lord  ; for  when  the  love  of  him  occupies  the 
affections,  and  the  soul  is  satisfied  with  the  earnests  and 
hopes  of  his  favour,  all  inferior  desires,  however  lawful,  will 
he  moderated,  regulated,  and  subordinated ; and  all  unlawful 
inclinations  will  be  hated  and  crucified. 

V.  9 — 25.  The  Lord  is  very  angry  even  with  the  objects 
of  his  special  love,  when  their  hearts  are  fora  season,  or  in  a 
measure,  turned  from  him;  and  the  peculiar  tokens  of  his 
favour,  his  answers  to  their  prayers,  and  their  comfortable 
communion  with  him  in  times  past,  will  aggravate  their  guilt 
and  increase  his  displeasure : nor  can  there  be  any  peace,  or 
assurance  of  acceptance,  without  an  unreserved  persevering 
obedience  to  his  commandments.  Yet,  in  punishing  trans- 
gressors, he  will  not  dishonour  his  own  faithful  promises,  de- 
sert the  cause  of  true  religion,  or  fail  to  honour  the  memories, 
of  those  who  have  uprightly  walked  in  his  ways  : and  for  the 
sake  of  Jesus,  and  his  people  whom  he  hath  chosen,  he  will 
not  suffer  his  whole  displeasure  to  arise.  It  is  grievous  indeed 
to  leave  heavy  judgments  for  our  sins  to  our  posterity ; yet  it 
is  a mercy  to  have  peace  and  truth  in  our  days.  But  when 
the  Lord  is  become  an  Adversary,  he  will  give  power,  cou- 
rage, and  capacity  to  other  adversaries,  and  thus  render  those 
formidable,  who  before  appeared  contemptible:  and  we  should 
always  observe  his  righteous  hand,  even  in  those  sufferings1 
which  come  upon  us  from  the  wickedness  of  others. — Unne- 
cessary seventy  excites  resentments,  which  may  long  after 
create  us  or  ours  disturbance  and  grief:  and  it  is  best,  as  far 
l 615  ) 


B.  C.  9 75. 


I.  KINGS.  B.  C.  9",  5. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

The  Israelites,  assevibled  at  Schechem  to  make  Rehoboam  king , t oilh  Jero- 
boam now  returned  from  Egypt,  demand  redress  of  their  grievances , 1 — 5. 
Rehoboam,  rejecting  the  counsel  of  the  old  men,  and.  following  that  of  the 
young , answert  them  roughly,  6 — 15.  Ten  tribes  recolt,  stone  Adoram,  raid 
make  Jeroboam  king,  16 — 20.  Ilehnboam  raises  an  army  to  subdue  them  ; 
but  is  forbidden  by  the  piophet  Shemmaih,  21 — 24.  Jeroboam  builds 
Shechcm  ami  Penuel,  25  : and  to  establish  his  kingdom,  he  sets  up  the 
wo  ship  of  the  gol  ten  calves  in  Bethel  and  Dan,  26 — 33. 

A ND  “Rehoboam  went  to  bShechem:  for  all 
Israel  were  come  to  Shechem  to  make  him 

king. 

2 Ami  it  came  to  pass,  when  “Jeroboam  the 
son  of  Nebat,  who  was  yet  in  Egypt,  heard  of  it, 
(for  he  was  tied  from  the  presence  of  king  So- 
lomon, and  Jeroboam  dwelt  in  Egypt;) 

3 That  they  sent  and  called  him.  And  Jeroboam 
and  all  the  congregation  of  Israel  came,  and  spake 
unto  Rehoboam,  saying, 

4 Thy  father  made  dour  yoke  grievous : now 
therefore  make  thou  the  grievous  service  of  thy 
father,  and  his  heavy  yoke  which  he  put  upon  us, 
lighter,  and  we  will  serve  thee. 

5 And  he  said  unto  them,  Depart  yet  for  three 

a See  on  11:43.  2 Chr.  10:1.  b Geo.  12:6.  Sichem.  33:18,19.  Josh.  20:2.  24:1, 
32.  Judg.  9:1.  Ps.  60:6.  Acts  7:16.  Sychem.  c See  on  11:26—31,40.  2 Chr.  10: 
2,3.  d 4:7,20,22,23,25.  9:22,23.  1 Sam.  8:11— 18.  2 ('hr.  10:4,5.  Matt. 11:29, 
SO.  23:4.  1 John  5:3.  e 2 Sam.  16:20.  17:5.  Job  12:12.32:7.  1Toy.  27:10.  Jer.42: 


as  we  can,  to  exercise  lenity  to  all  men,  and  u to  overcome 
evil  with  good.” — Bur,  if  the  abundance  and  pleasure  of  a 
court,  and  the  friendship  of  a king,  could  not  detain  Hadad 
from  his  own  desolate  and  subjected  country ; what  earthly 
prosperity  should  take  off  a believer’s  affections  from  his  glo- 
rious inheritance  in  heaven,  or  make  him  reluctant  to  remove 
thither  ? Many  abhor  the  Israel  of  God,  who  are  not  per- 
mitted to  hurt  them  : nay,  when  they  seem  to  succeed  in  their 
malice,  they  are  only  the  instruments  of  salutary  chastise- 
ment to  them. 

V.  26 — 43.  We  often  find  our  worst  enemies  among  those 
whom  we  have  most  befriended  ; especially  when  ingenuity, 
industry,  and  resolution,  rather  than  piety,  have  recommended 
them  to  our  notice.  These  qualifications  make  way  for  a 
man’s  preferment,  and  every  advance  enlarges  the  ambition 
of  a proud,  unsanctified  mind  : and  when  men  of  this  charac- 
ter come  within  the  attraction  of  supreme  authority,  and  dare 
to  hope  for  that  dangerous  pre-eminence  ; to  “ reign  accord- 
ing to  the  desire  of  their  hearts,”  forms  the  grand  object,  and 
to  it  every  tie  of  gratitude  or  duty  must  be  sacrificed. — Pro- 
vidential dispensations  to  this  day,  as  well  as  prophetic  decla- 
rations of  old,  try  men’s  spirits,  whether  they  will  grasp  at 
advantages  at  all  events ; or  whether  they  will  wait  patiently, 
and  use  only  lawful  means  of  obtaining  them,  according  to  the 
will  of  God. — Many  so  believe  some  parts  of  God’s  word,  as 
perversely  to  take  encouragement  from  them  to  commit  ini- 
quity ; instead  of  so  believing  the  whole,  as  to  expect  the 
blessings  proposed  in  the  way  of  conscientious  obedience 
there  prescribed.  They  are  shown,  and  seem  to  understand, 
that  others  have  forfeited  their  most  valuable  interests  by  sin  ; 
and  yet  they  will  seek  to  seize  or  to  secure  their  own  by 
similar  transgressions!  so  inconsistent  is  human  nature! — 
The  Lord  will  not  afflict  for  ever  the  people  of  his  covenant : 
hut  when  they  grievously  offend,  he  will  eclipse  all  their 
honour : he  will  leave  obscurity  and  reproach  upon  their  cha- 
racters ; and  perhaps  bring  them  down  to  the  grave  in  dis- 
grace, discomfort,  and  uncertainty  ; distressed  concerning  the 
state  of  their  own  souls,  and  about  the  consequences  of  their 
conduct,  to  their  families,  to  the  church,  and  to  the  world. 
May  God  help  us  to  walk  circumspectly;  to  pass  the  time  of 
our  sojourning  here  in  fear ; and  to  stand  with  our  loins  girded, 
and  our  lamps  burning,  prepared  for  and  expecting  the  coming 
of  our  Lord. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XII.  V.  1.  We  read  of  no  son  of 
SSolomon  except.  Rehoboam,  and  his  mother  was  an  Am- 
monitess.  (Notes,  14:21.  Deut.  23:3 — 5.) — He  had  also  two 
daughters.  (4:11,15.)  That  he  should  have  no  more  chil- 
dren, may  be  considered  as  a providential  rebuke,  for  his 
multiplying  wives  in  so  unprecedented  a manner. — Solomon 
seems  to  have  been  sensible,  that  his  son  was  not  likely  to 
prove  a wise  man,  or  to  carry  on  his  designs  for  the  good  of 
•Israel,  and  the  establishment  of  his  family  ; and  he  appears 
•'o  have  greatly  regretted  it.  (Note,  Ec.  2:18 — 23.)  As  Rc- 
hoboam  was  the  unrivalled  heir  of  so  flourishing  a kingdom, 
nis  natural  imprudence  and  rashness  would  doubtless  be 
increased  by  the  flattery  of  the  young  men,  with  whom  he 
was  brought  up.  The  people  in  general,  upon  Solomon’s 
death,  appeared  disposed  to  recognize  his  succession,  and 
convened  at  Shechem  for  that  purpose.  (Marg.  Ref.  h.  Note, 
25.)  Yet,  it  is  probable,  that  this  city,  which  belonged  to 
Ephraim,  was  chosen,  rather  than  Jerusalem  or  Hebron,  that 
the  tribe  of  Judah  might  not  have  too  great  influence  in  the 
transaction  ; and  Rehoboam  was  impolitic  in  consenting  to 
that  appointment,  if  he  could  have  prevented  it. 

V.  2,  3.  Jeroboam,  hearing  of  the  death  of  Solomon,  was 
not  inclined  to  delay  to  return  into  the  land  of  Israel,  and 
wait  his  opportunity  of  seizing  upon  the  prize,  which  had 
( 616  ) 


clays,  then  come  again  to  me.  And  the  people 
departed. 

6 H And  king  Rehoboam  “consulted  with  the  old 
men  that  stood  before  Solomon  his  father  while 
he  yet  lived,  and  said,  How  do  ye  advise  that  I 
may  answer  this  people  ? 

7 And  they  spake  unto  him,  saying,  < If  thou 
wilt  be  a servant  unto  this  people  this  day,  and 
wilt  serve  them,  and  answer  them,  and  sspeak 
good  words  to  them,  then  they  will  be  thy  ser- 
vants for  ever. 

8 But  hhe  forsook  the  counsel  of  the  old  men. 
which  they  had  given  him,  and  consulted  with  the 
young  men  that  were  grown  up  with  him,  and 
which  stood  before  him  : 

9 And  he  said  unto  them,  ’What  counsel  give 
ye  that  we  may  answer  this  people,  who  have 
spoken  to  me,  saying,  Make  the  yoke  which  thy 
father  did  put  upon  us  lighter? 

10  And  the  young  rnen  that  were  grown  up 
with  him  spake  unto  him,  saying,  kThus  shalt 
thou  speak  unto  this  people  that  spake  unto  thee, 


2-5.43:2.  f 2Chr.  10:6,7.  Prov.  15:1.  Phil.  2:7 — II.  g 13.  2 Sam.  15:3— 6 
Be.  10:4.  Zeeh.  1:13.  h 2 Chr.  10:8.  25:15,16.  Prov.  1:2— 5,25,30.  19:20.25:12. 
Ec.  10:2,3.  i 22:6— 8.  2 Sam.  17:5,6.  2 Chr.  10.9.  18:5— 7.  It  2 Sam.  1 7:7— 13. 


been  set  before  his  ambition.  He  was  not  disposed  to  wait 
the  Lord’s  direction  to  proceed,  as  David  had  done  when  Saul 
died.  (Note,  2 Sam.  2:1,4.) — The  elders  of  the  people  also, 
by  sending  for  him,  indicated  that  they  meant  to  impose  strict 
limitations  on  Rehoboam. 

V.  4.  When  the  scriptural  account  of  Solomon’s  reign,  and 
the  peace,  affluence,  and  prosperity  which  Israel  then  enjoy- 
ed, are  considered,  we  cannot  doubt,  but  that  this  charge  was 
either  false  or  greatly  exaggerated.  (Notes,  9:19.  11:1 — 8.) 

Solomon  had  never  oppressed  the  people  with  heavy  taxes 
or  exercised  cruelty  towards  them : and  though  some  hard- 
ships might  have  been  experienced  in  the  latter  end  of  his 
reign,  compared  with  the  former  years;  yet  they  were  no* 
“grievous  services,”  or  heavy  burdens:  but,  in  fact,  “ Jeshu- 
run  waxed  fat  and  kicked.” — While  they  complained  of  their 
own  grievances  and  demanded  redress,  they  were  silent  as  to 
Solomon’s  idolatry,  in  which  indeed  many  of  them  had  con- 
curred, and  about  the  more  complete  re-establishment  of  the 
worship  of  God  among  them.  (Notes,  11:33.  1 Sam.  8:1 — 5.) 

V.  5.  This  delay  of  Rehoboam  showed  a reluctancy  to 
comply  with  the  demands  of  the  people,  and  afforded  the 
malecontents  time  to  tamper  with  the  elders  of  Israel,  and  tc 
render  them  evil-affected.  It  would  have  been  a far  more 
prudent  measure  to  have  immediately  assured  them  of  a re- 
dress of  all  real  grievances  , and  then  to  have  waited  till 
particulars  were  inquired  into,  when  the  unreasonableness  oi 
exorbitant  claims  would  have  been  detected. 

V.  6,  7.  The  persons  whom  Rehoboam  first  consulted, 
were  the  friends  and  counsellors  of  Solomon,  firmly  attached 
to  the  interests  of  his  family,  and  capable  of  giving  safe  and 
prudent  advice.  Accordingly,  they  advised  him  to  make  all 
needful  concessions  to  the  assembly,  to  speak  fair  to  them, 
and  to  show  a readiness  to  pay  regard  to  their  interests  and 
inclinations  : this  would  have  quieted  the  minds  of  the  well- 
disposed,  and  broken  all  the  measures  of  the  malecontents ; 
and  when  matters  were  settled,  the  people  in  general  would 
have  quietly  rendered  all  proper  submission  to  the  prince  of 
the  house  of  David.  (Notes,  Judg.  8:1 — 3.  Prov.  15:1.  25:15.) 

V.  8 — 15.  The  wise  counsel  of  the  old  men  did  not  suit 
the  rash,  insolent,  and  domineering  spirit  of  Rehoboam ; and 
he  opposed  to  it  the  advice  of  the  companions  of  his  youthful 
pleasures,  who  would  be  sure  to  accommodate  themselves  to 
iiis  inclinations.  It  ‘is  a frequent  fault  of  new  kings,  who,  tc 
show  their  power,  presently  change  their  counsellors,  and 
put  in  new  officers,  to  gratify  all  their  dependents ; not  con- 
sidering who  are  wisest,  but  who  have  been  their  companions.’ 
Bp.  Patrick.  - They  counselled  him  therefore  to  speak  with 
authority,  and  to  damp  the  spirits  of  the  assembly  by  reso- 
lute language,  that  they  might  no  longer  presume  to  dictate 
to  him.  The  expressions  which  they  suggested,  allowed  to 
the  utmost,  and  even  aggravated,  the  injurious  charge  brought 
against  Solomon ; and  yet  avowed  a resolution  of  greater 
oppression  and  severity!  The  king  was  advised  to  menace 
them,  that  “his  little  finger  should  be  thicker  than  his  father’s 
loins:”  that  is,  that,  as  he  was  much  more  powerful  than 
Solomon  was  at  the  beginning  of  his  reign ; so  ho  would  cer- 
tainly let  them  feel  the  weight  of  that  power,  if  they  dared  to 
oppose  him.  Perhaps  he  thought  thus  because  he  came  to 
the  throne  at  a more  mature  age,  than  Solomon  had  done: 
and  had  not  any  brothers  to  rival  him  in  it.  lie  also  declared 
that  he  would  “add  to  their  yoke,”  by  der  landing  heavier 
services  and  taxes  of  them : and,  if  they  hesitated  to  obey,  ne 
would  chastise  them  with  scorpions,  severe  punishments  as 
terrible  as  the  sting  of  a scorpion;  or,  as  some  think,  a icrri- 
blo  scourge  thus  called. — Such  language  as  this  was  not  voi/ 
wise  in  Pharaoh  to  the  poor  enslaved  Israelites*  hut  it  was 
not  at  all  likely  that  it  should  bo  endured  by  a rich,  numerous 


B.  C 975. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


B.  C.  975 


saying',  Thy  father  maje  our  yoke  heavy,  but  i 
make  thou  it  lighter  unto  us ; thus  shalt  thou  say  I 
unto  them,  'My  little  finger  shall  be  thicker  than  1 
my  father’s  loins. 

11  And  now  whereas  my  father  did  lade  you  I 
with  a heavy  yoke,  ml  will  add  to  your  yoke:  my  1 
father  hath  chastised  you  with  whips,  but  I will  I 
chastise  you  with  "scorpions. 

12  IT  So  Jeroboam  and  all  the  people  came  to 
Rehoboam  the  third  day,  as  the  king  had  ap- 
pointed, saying,  “Come  to  me  again  the  third  day. 

13  And  the  king  ^answered  the  people  ‘roughly, 
and  forsook  the  old  men’s  counsel  that  they  gave  ! 
him ; 

14  And  spake  tq  them  after  ^the  counsel  of  the 
young  men,  saying,  'My  father  made  your  yoke 
heavy,  and  I will  add  to  your  yoke : my  father  also 
chastised  you  with  whips,  but  I will  chastise  you 
with  scorpions. 

15  Wherefore  the  king  hearkened  not  unto  the 
people:  for  "the  cause  was  from  the  Lord,  ‘that 
he  might  perform  his  saying,  which  the  Lord 
spake  By  Ahijah  the  Shilonite  unto  Jeroboam  the 
son  ofNebat. 

16  If  So  when  all  Israel  saw  that  the  king  heark- 
ened not  unto  them,  the  people  answered  the 
king,  saying,  "What  portion  have  we  in  David  ? 
neither  have  we  inheritance  in  the  son  of  Jesse: 
vto  your  tents,  0 Israel:  'now  see  to  thine  own 
house,  David.  ?So  Israel  departed  unto  their 
tents. 

17  But  as  for  Hhe  children  of  Israel  which 
dwelt  in  the  cities  of  Judah,  Rehoboam  reigned 
over  them. 

18  Then  king  Rehoboam  sent  “Adoram,  who 

I 2 Chr.  10:10,11.  Prov.  10:14.  18:6,1.28:23-  29:23.  Is.  47:6.  m Ex.  1:13,14.5: 
5—9,18.  1 Sura. 8:18.  2Chr.l6:10.  Is.  58:6.  Jer.  27:11.28:13,14.  n 14.  Ez.2: 

6.'  Rev. 9:3— 10.  o 5.  2 Chr.  10:12— 14.  p20:6— 11.  Gun.  42:7,30.  Ex.  5:2. 

10:28.  Judg.  12:1— 6.  1 Sum.  20:10,30,31. 25: 10,1 1 . 2Sam. 19:43.  Pros. 15:1. 
18:23.  ■ Hub.  hardly.  Gen.  16:6.  q 2 Cl.r.  22:4.  Eslh.  1:16— 21. 2:2— 4. 

Prov.  12:5.  Is.  19:11—13.  Dun.  6:7.  r 10,11.  Prov.  13:10.  16:18.  17:14.  Be.  7: 

8.  Jam.  3:14— 18.  4:1.2.  s 24.  22:23.  Dent.  2:30.  Judg.  14:4.  2 Chr.  10:15.22: 
7.25:16,20.  Ps.  5:10.  Am.  3:6.  Acts  2.23.  4:23.  I See  on  11:11,29-38.  1 Sam. 
15:29.  2 Sum.  17:14.  2 Kings  9:36.  10:10.  Is.  14:13— 17.  46:10,11.  Dan.  4:35. 
John  19:23,24,28,29,32—37.  Aids  3: 17.  13:27—29  u See  on  2 Sum.  20: 1 . 2 Chr. 
10:16.  t 22:17,36.  x 11  13,34,36,39.  2 Sam. 7:15,16.  Ps.2:l— 6.  76:10. 89:29— 
37.132:17.  Is.  7 2,6,7.  9:6,7.  Jer.  23:5,6.  33:15,16,21 . Luke  19:14,27.  y Judg. 
8:35.  2 Sam.  15:13.  16:11.  z 11:13,35.  2 Chr.  10:17.  11:13—  17.  a 4:6.5:14. 

and  free  people.  (Nates,  Ex.  5:4 — 14.)  Nothing  can  be 
conceived  more  foolish  and  exasperating,  than  such  an  ad- 
dress in  so  critical  a juncture:  but  it.  was  adopted,  because  it 
coincided  with  the  self-importance  and  lyrannical  temper 
of  Rehoboam;  and  we  may  cease  to  wonder  at  his  extreme 
infatuation,  when  we  are  told,  that  “the  cause  was  from 
the  Lord,  that  he  might  perform  his  word.”  (Notes, 
11:29—33.  2 Sam.  17:7 — 14.  2 Chr.  25:14-16.  Prov.  21:30. 
Is.  19:11—14.) 

V.  1G.  Though  Rehoboam  had  acted  very  foolishly  and 
wickedly  : yet  perhaps  he  might  have  been  brought  to  a bet- 
ter temper,  by  proper  arguments  and  expostulations. — The  I 
Lord  had  indeed  promised  ten  tribes  to  Jeroboam:  but  he  had  1 
not  commanded  the  people  to  revolt  from  the  family  of  David  ; 
nor  had  he  commissioned  Jeroboam  to  wrench  these  tribes  ! 
from  Rehoboam.  His  purposes  and  declarations  were  not  I 
the  motive  of  their  conduct,  and  therefore  formed  no  excuse  i 
for  it.  Their  contempt  of  the  memory  of  David,  and  ingrati-  j 
tude  to  him  and  his  son,  who  had  done  so  very  much  towards 
advancing  them  to  their  present  prosperity,  were  very  crimi-  I 
nal : but  their  language  concerning  his  hrtuse,  as  if  the  entail  1 
of  the  kingdom  to  his  family,  though  confirmed  to  him  by  the  I 
faithful  oath  and  covenant  of  God  himself,  would  now  come 
to  nothing,  was  extremely  profane,  and  discovered  the  infi- 
delity of  their  hearts.  (Notes,  2 Sam..  7:12 — 1G.  Ps.  89:19 — 
37.)  They  indeed  determined  to  have  nothing  more  to  do  I 
with  the  house  of  David,  and  he  could  not  see  to  it  himself:  I 
but  the  Lord  would  take  care  to  fulfil  his  engagements;  and 
David’s  family  could  not  be  destroyed,  though  it  would  be 
corrected  or  weakened ; for  the  Messiah  was  to  descend 
‘rom  him.  (Notes,  11:12,13,30.  1 Sam.  22:9,10.  2 Sam.  20: 
’.,2.) — Indeed  the  ten  tribes  themselves  were  by  far  the 
greater  losers  by  the  revolt. 

V.  17.  A considerable  part  of  the  priests  and  Levites, 
•ogether  with  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  and  many  of  the  Simeon- 
des,  dwelt  in  Judah;  (Note,  Josh.  19:1 — 9.)  and  many  others 
vjon  after  joined  them.  (Note,  2 Chr.  11:13 — 17.) 

V.  18.  It  is  not  certain,  whether  Rehoboam  sent  Adoram 
to  demand  the  taxes  of  the  people,  after  their  dispersion,  as  a 
feeble  attempt  to  enforce  his  imprudent  threats;  or  whether, 
previously  to  their  departure  from  Shechem,  he  sent  him  to 
->acify  them  with  proposals  for  an  accommodation.  But, 
whatever  his  age,  experience,  and  influence  might  have  been, 
his  office  alone  rendered  him  a very  improper  person  for  this 
embassy:  (4:6.  Note,  2 Sam.  20:24.)  for  the  discontents 

Vol.  i - rs 


was  over  the  tribute;  and  ball  Israel  stoned  him 
with  stones,  that  he  died.  Therefore  king  Reho 
boam  ’made  speed  to  get  him  up  to  his  chariot,  to 
ctlee  to  Jerusalem. 

19  So  ''Israel  ire  belled  against  the  house  of 
David  "unto  this  day. 

20  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  all  Israel  heard 
that  Jeroboam  was  come  again,  that  they  sent 
and  called  him  unto  the  congregation,  fand  made 
him  king  over  all  Israel:  there  was  ?none  that 
followed  the  house  of  David,  but  the  tribe  Oi 

Judah  Only.  [Practical  Obsewatione 

21  H And  hwhen  Rehoboam  was  come  to  Jeru- 
salem, he  assembled  all  the  house  of  Judah,  with 
the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  'a  hundred  and  fourscore 
thousand  chosen  men,  which  were  warriors,  to 
fight  against  the  house  of  Israel,  to  bring  the  king- 
dom again  to  Rehoboam  the  son  of  Solomon. 

22  But  the  word  of  God  came  unto  iShemaiah 
kthe  man  of  God,  saying, 

23  Speak  unto  Rehoboam  the  son  of  Solomon, 
king  of  Judah,  and  unto  all  the  house  of  Judah 
and  Benjamin,  and  to  the  remnant  of  the  people, 
saying, 

24  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  'Ye  shall  not  go  up, 
nor  fight  against  your  brethren  the  children  of 
Israel : return  every  man  to  Lis  house ; mfbr  this 
thing  is  from  me.  "They  hearkened  therefore  to 
the  word  of  the  Lord,  and  returned  to  depart, 
according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord. 

25  H Th«n  Jeroboam  “built  rShechem  in  mount 
Ephraim,  and  dwelt  therein ; and  went  out  from 
thence,  and  built  'iPenuel. 

26  And  Jeroboam  rsaid  in  his  heart,  "Now  shah 
the  kingdom  return  to  the  house  of  David. 


Adoirram.  2 Sam.  20:24.  2 Chr.  10:18.  Hndoram.  b Ex.  17:4.  Num.  14:10 
2 Chr.  24:21.  Acts  5:25.  7:57,58.  t Heb . strengthened  himsel''.  c 20:18 — 20. 
Prov.  28:1,2.  Am.  2:16  d 1 Sam.  10:19.  2 Kings  17:21.  2 Chr.  10:19.  13:5—7. 
17.  Is.  7:17.  J Or , fellaway.  Heb.  6:6.  e See  on  Josh.  4:9.  f 1 Sam.  10:24. 
H os.  8:4.  g See  on  17.  11:13.32.  h 2 Chr.  1 1 : 1— 3.  il  Chr.  21:5.  2 Chr.  14: 
8,11.  17:14—19.  Prov.  21:30.31.  j 2 Chr.  12:5,7.  k 13:1,4,5,11.  17:18,24, 
nn  Peut.  33:1.  2 Kings  4: 16, 22, ‘25, 27.  1 Tim.  6:11.  1 Num.  14:42.  2 ( hr.  11:4. 
25:7, S.  28:9-13.  m See  on  15.  1 1 :‘29— 38.  Hus.  8 4.  n 2 Chr.  25:10.28:13— 15. 

0 9:15,17,18’.  15:17.  16:24.  2 Chr.  11:5— 12.  y>Seeon\.  Jndg.  9. 1 ,45—  49. 

q Gen.  32:30,31.  J'idg.  8:8,17.  rPs.l4:l.  Mark2:fi— 8.  Luke  7:39.  s 11:38. 

1 Sam.  27:1.  2Chr.2u.20.  Is. 7:9.  Jer  38:18—21.  John  11:47— 50. 12:10,11,19. 
Acts  4:16,17. 


of  the  people  were  excited  by  the  tributes  or  levies  over 
which  he  presided.  Accordingly  he  lost  his  life  in  a popular 
tumult,  and  Rehoboam  hastily  bed  to  Jerusalem.  ( Marg .) 
All  these  measures  seem  to  have  been  exceedingly  impolitic: 
the  result  of  passion,  not  of  judgment. — This  is  the  first  time 
that  we  read  of  a king  of  Israel  riding  in  a chariot ; though  no 
doubt  Solomon  had  generally  done  so.  (Cant.  3:9,10.) 

V.  19,  20.  The  defection  of  Israel  from  Rehoboam  is 
called  rebellion  against  the  house  of  David  ; as  no  misconduct 
of  either  Solomon  or  Rehoboam  was  sufficient  to  justify  or 
even  excuse  it ; and  neither  the  people  nor  Jeroboam  intended 
to  obey  God,  though  they  accomplished  his  purposes,  by 
pursuing  their  own  schemes.  They  made  Jeroboam  king, 
‘without  any  condition,  that  we  can  find:  though  it  is  likely, 
he  promised  to  ease  them  of  all  their  burden.’  Bp.  Patrick .— 
No  whole  tribe,  except  Judah,  and  little  Benjamin  as  united 
to  it,  adhered  to  Rehoboam.  ( Note , 11:12,13.) 

V.  21 — 24.  The  Lord  would  not  allow  Rehoboam  to  re- 
cover the  ten  tribes,  nor  was  it  his  w ill  that  he  should  lose 
Judah:  and  therefore  he  mercifully  prohibited  the  war,  and 
thus  prevented  much  bloodshed,  though  both  parties  deserved 
punishment  for  their  sins.  It  was  commendable  in  Reho- 
boam, that  he  submitted  to  the  message  of  God  by  his  pro- 
phet, when  his  loss  had  been  so  great,  and  his  preparations 
were  so  formidable. — It  is  probable  his  more  prudent  coun- 
sellors opposed  the  war. 

Shemaiah , the  man  of  God.  (22)  One  who  had  been  be- 
fore known  and  approved  as  a prophet  of  the  Lord  ; and  not 
one  newly  raised  up,  whom  Rehoboam  and  the  people  would 
have  been  less  disposed  to  regard. 

V.  25.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Jeroboam  repaired  and  fortifier! 
Shechem  and  Penuel ; and  perhaps  erected  palaces,  and 
other  public  buildings  in  them,  that  they  might  he  the  seats 
of  his  government,  on  each  side  of  Jordan.  (Note,  2 Chr. 
11:5—12.) 

V.  26 — 29.  The  Lord  had  promised  Jeroboam,  that  he 
would  give  ten  tribes  to  him,  and  confirm  the  kingdom  ovei 
them  to  his  posterity,  in  ca «e  he  obeyed  his  commandments 
but  he  either  forgot  or  despised  the  word  of  the  Lord;  and, 
leaning  to  his  own  understanding,  he  concluded,  that  he  never 
could  secure  the  obedience  of  the  people,  if  they  went  up  tG 
Jerusalem  to  worship.  (Notes,  11:37,38.)  For  in  case  Re- 
hoboam permitted  them  to  come  and  return  in  safety,  (as  it 
is  probable  he  would  have  done,)  their  friendly  intercourse 
with  their  brethren,  their  social  worship,  and  mutual  kind- 

( ei7  ) 


B C.  975 


I.  KINGS 


B.  C.  975 


27  If  this  people  ‘go  up  to  do  sacrifice  in  the 
house  of  he  Lord  at  Jerusalem,  then  shall  the 
heart  of  this  people  turn  again  unto  their  lord, 
even  unto  Rehoboam  king  of  Judah,  “and  they 
shall  kill  me,  and  go  again  to  Rehoboam  king  of 
Judah. 

28  Whereupon  the  king  ’'took  counsel,  and 
made  rtwo  calves  o/'gold,  and  said  unto  them,  ‘It 
is  too  much  for  vou  to  go  up  to  Jerusalem : 
“behold  thy  gods,  0 Israel,  which  brought  thee  up 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 

29  And  he  set  the  one  in  bBeth-el,  and  the 
other  put  he  in  cBan. 

30  And  this  thing  ,Jbecame  a sin : for  the 
went  to  worship  before  the  one,  even  unto 


31  And  he  made  'a  house  of  high  places,  and 
made  'priests  of  the  lowest  of  the  people,  which 
were  not  of  the  sons  of  Levi. 

32  And  Jeroboam  ordained  a feast  in  the  eighth 
month,  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  month,  elike 
unto  the  feast  that  is  in  Judah,  and  he  ’offered 
upon  the  altar.  So  did  he  in  Beth-el,  'sacrificing 
unto  the  calves  that  he  had  made : and  hhe  placed 
in  Beth-el  the  priests  of  the  high  places  which  he 
had  made. 

33  So  he  ^offered  upon  the  altar,  which  he  had 
made  in  Beth-el  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  eighth 
month,  even  'in  the  month  which  he  had  devised 
of  his  own  heart;  and  ordained  a feast  unto  the 
children  of  Israel : and  khe  offered  upon  the  altar, 
^and  burnt  incense. 


t 5:29,30,14.  11:32.  Peut.  12:5— 7.  16:2,6.  u Gen.  12:12,13.  26:7.  Prov.29: 
25.  t Cor.  1:19,20.  x S r on  8,9.  Ex. 1:10.  Is.  30:1.  y Ex . 20:4.  ; enl.  4: 
1 4—  IS.  2 Kings  10:29.  17:13.  8 Chr.  11:15.  Hns.  8:4— 7. ' 10:5,6.  7.  Is.  30:10. 
2 Pel.  2:19.  a See  on  Ex.  32:1,8.  b Gen.  12:8.  28: 19.  35: 1 . Hus.  4:15.  tlirn. 
11:14.  Done  34:1.  Judg.  18:29— 31 . 20: 1 . 2 Kings  10:23.  Jer.  816.  Am.  8:14. 
d 13.31.  2 Kings  10:31.  17:21.  e 13:32.  Ex.  16:25.  Hos.  12:11.  f 13:33.  Nom. 


3:10.  2 Kings  17:32.  2Chr.  11:14,15.  13:9.  Ez. 44:7,3.  g8:2.  I.ev.  23:34,  &c. 

Num.  29:12,  &c.  Ez.  43:8.  Matt.  15:8,9.  * Or,  went  up  to  the  altar,  t Or,  to 
sacrifice,  h Am.  7:10 — 13.  + Or,  went  up  to,  &c.  32.  i Num.  15:39.  Ps.  106: 
39.  Is. 29:13.  Matt.  15:6.  Mark  7:13.  k 13:1.  1 Sam.  13:12.  2Chr.26:16 
§ Heb.  to  bum  incense.  13:1. 


ness,  would  induce  them  to  return  to  their  submission  to 
David’s  family,  and  to  purchase  Rehoboam’s  favour  by  killing 
his  competitor.  This  might  indeed  seem  natural  and  reason- 
able, but  it  contradicted,  the  truth  of  God;  and  Jeroboam’s 
wicked  policy  violated  his  commandments.  To  cover  his 
secret  intentions,  he  pretended,  that  it  was  too  much  trouble 
for  the  people  to  go  to  Jerusalem  to  worship ; and  that  they 
might  as  acceptably  serve  God  nearer  home.  (Notes,  Judg. 
8:27.  17:5.)  ‘He  therefore  made  two  golden  calves,  in  imita- 
tion no  doubt  of  the  idolatries  which  he  had  witnessed  in 
Egypt,  and  according  to  the  idolatry  of  Israel  in  the  wilder- 
neis:  (Note,  Ex.  32:2 — 6.)  and  he  placed 'them  at  the 
so  ithern  and  northern  extremities  of  his  kingdom;  at  Beth-el, 
afterward  called  on  that  account  uBeth-aven,”  or  the  house 
of  vanity  : and  at  Dan,  where  the  Danites  had  formerly 
established  idolatry.  These  were  also  reputed  sacred  places : 
the  one,  tor  Jacob’s  vision  and  vow ; and  the  other,  for  the 
customary  idolatry  which  had  there  prevailed.  (Notes,  Gen. 
28:12 — 22.  Judg.  18:30,31.)  Thus  he  “made  Israel  rosin,” 
ani  introduced  the  worship  of  the  golden  calves,  which  was 
perpetuated  in  the  kingdom  of  Israel,  without  interruption, 
till  the  Assyrian  captivity:  arid  the  hulk  of  the  people  readily 
concurred  in  his  measures,  as  suited  to  their  conveniency 
and  inclinations ; though  the  priests,  Levites,  and  many 
Israelites  were  honourable  exceptions.  ( Note,  2 Chr.  11:13 — 
IT.) — It  is  evident,  that  Jeroboam  meant  this  worship  for 
Jehovah  the  God  of  Israel,  “ who  brought  them  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt:”  though  it  was  directly  contrary  to  the  law  of 
God,  and  infinitely  dishonourable  to  his  glorious  majesty,  to 
be  thus  represented.  Per.haps  ihe  people  would  be  less 
shocked  at  worshipping  the  God  of  Israel,  under  the  simili- 
tude of  the  golden  calf,  than  if  they  had  been  at  once  invited 
to  worship  Baal:  but  it  made  way  for  thar  species  of  idolatry 
also.  Thus  the  worship  of  images  of  Christ,  and  similar 
superstitions,  in  the  ancient  Romish  church,  soon  introduced 
th  ' worship  of  saints  and  angels.  (Notes,  Ex.  20:4 — (5.) 

V.  30.  (Marg.  Rtf.  d.  Notes,  14:9 — 16.) — Even  unto 
Dan.]  The  people  readily  resorted  to  sacrifice  to  the 
appointed  places ; though  sometimes  that  might  occasion 
them  longer  journeys,  than  if  they  had  gone  to  Jerusalem. 
Perhaps  they  often  went  from  the  southern  part  of  the  land, 
even  to  Dan,  to  maintain  communion  with  those  who  wor- 
shipped there,  who  probably  would  not  be  backward  in 
repaying  their  civility. 

V.  31.  Temples,  on  high  places,  were  erected  for  the 
worship  of  the  calves,  at  Belli- el  and  Dan  ; which  were 
intended  to  serve  the  purpose  to  the  religion  of  the  ten  tribes, 
that  the  temple  did  to  Judah.  Some  think  there  were  several 
chapels  and  altars  erected,  for  the  conveniency  of  the  wor- 
shippers ; and  perhaps  others  were  added  indifferent  parts  of 
the  land.  For  these  he  appointed  and  consecrated  priests  of 
he  poorest  of  the  people,  who  would  on  that  account,  be  the 
nnre  obsequious  to  him  for  their  own  interest.  Or  rather,  as 
others  explain  the  words,  he  made  priests  from  every  extre- 
mity of  the  land,  or  from  every  tribe  and  family  without 
exception. — Thus  he  exempted  the  people  from  paying  tithes 
to  the  Levites,  whom  he  drove  out  of  his  kingdom,  because 
they  would  not  concur  in  his  idolatry  : (Note,  2 Chr.  11:13 — 
17.)  and  he  paid  court  to  the  other  tribes,  by  admitting  them 
to  the  priesthood,  of  which  many  were  ambitious:  (Notes, 
Num  16:1 — 4,8 — II.)  and  in  both  respects  he,  no  doubt, 
thought  himself,  and  was  considered  by  others,  a consummate 
politician.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  15:31.  2 Chr.  13:4 — 22.  Job  12:13 
--25.  Prov.  21:30.  1 Cor.  1:20— 25.) 

V.  32,  33.  This  feast  in  the  eighth  month  was  intended  as 
an  imitation  of  the  feast  of  tabernacles,  which  was  kept  in 
the  seventh  month,  and  perhaps  it  lasted  as  many  days. 
(Note,  Lev.  23:31 — 36,39 — 43.)  But  Jeroboam  affected  the 
credit  of  devising  an  entirely  now  system ; and  perhaps  he 
hoped  to  draw  in  those  who  still  went  up  to  Jerusalem,  by 
having  his  feast  at  a different  time. — Ho  seems  himself  to 
have  acted  as  priest,  in  offering  sacrifice  and  burning  incense. 
Note,  13:1.) 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 20.  Many  wise  and  pious  men  have  had  the  severe 
affliction  of  foolish  and  wicked  children:  and  as  the  “Lord 
alone  giveth  wisdom,”  even  good  instructions  will  not  ensure 
their  prudent  and  proper  conduct.  But  had  examples  gene- 
rally defeat  the  effect  of  wise  counsels  : and  those  who  are 
likely  to  inherit  great  dignity  are  commonly  so  flattered  and 
indulged,  that  it  is  almost  a miracle,  if  they  are  not  intoxi- 
cated with  pride  and  sensual  lusts. — Man  is  a discontented 
being;  and  while  one  desire  remains  ungratified,  and  one 
inconvenience  unremoved,  he  is  naturally  more  disposed  to 
murmur,  than  to  be  thankful  either  to  God  or  man,  for  the 
multiplied  unmerited  blessings  with  which  he  is  surrounded. 
It  is  true,  that  rulers  are  often  oppressive,  and  “ make  their 
yoke  grievous  ;”  and  the  people  possess  liberties  and  privileges 
which  they  have  a right  in  a regular  manner  to  defend ; hut 
it  is  also  true,  that  the  people  often  complain  without  cause, 
and  in  an  improper  manner  ; that  they  do  not  make  proper 
allowances  for  human  infirmity,  and  the  arduousness  of 
government ; that  they  expect  all  the  advantages  of  it,  while 
they  grudge  the  necessary  expenses  ; and  are  more  anxious 
about  their  own  interests,  than  about  general  equity,  or  the 
cause  of  truth  and  righteousness.  Of  these  unreasonable 
dissatisfactions,  ambitious  men  are  ready  to  take  the  advan- 
tage, and  put  themselves  in  the  way  to  head  any  formidable 
opposition  to  “ the  powers  that  be,”  when  it  can  subserve 
their  own  purpeses.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  8:6 — 9.  2 Sam.  15:1 — 6. 
20:1,2.  P.  O.  2 Sam.  15:1 — 12.)  It  requires  great  wisdom 
to  prevent  or  defeat  these  pernicious  machinations  : and  if 
those,  who  have  not  prudence  or  experience  adequate  to  such 
emergencies,  would  follow  the  counsel  of  their  reaj  friends 
who  are  older  or  wiser  than  themselves,  much  mischief  would 
be  prevented.  But  weak  men  are  commonly  the  most  obsti- 
nate and  relish  no  counsel  but  what  flatters  their  silly  pride, 
and  humours  their  unreasonable  prejudices:  and  when  the 
companions  of  a prince’s  pleasures  are  his  select  counsellors  ; 
his  inclinations,  however  mischievous,  will  he  preferred  to  the 
important  interests  of  the  whole  kingdom.  (Notes,  2 Chr. 
24:17,18.  Esth.  2:1 — 4.  Dan.  6:12 — 17.)  Yet  experience 
decides  that,  in  general,  men  best  mount  by  first  stooping, 
prevail  by  yielding,  and  rule  bv  becoming  serviceable  and 
giving  good  words:  and  when  this  consists  with  duty,  it  is  n. 
most  cases  our  wisdom  and  interest..  To  the  haughty  indeed 
it  appears  degrading  and  mean  : they  delight  to  exert  their 
authority,  and  show  their  courage,  by  boasting  and  threatening, 
without  considering  whether  they  have  power  and  abilities 
to  bear  them  out  against  the  enraged  opposition,  which  such 
language  and  behaviour  must  excite.  By  attempting  in  this 
manner  to  domineer,  men  expose  themselves  to  the  contempt 
of  the  wise  : their  enemies  are  rejoiced,  and  their  friends  aro 
grieved  by  it ; and  they  who  have  power  to  resisi,  will  scorn 
to  fear  those,  who  are  above  seeking  to  be  loved.  Thus,  fatal 
contests  are  excited,  and  all  parties  arc  hurried  on  to  commit 
many  crimes  : yet  the  Lord  overrides  the  whole  to  accom- 
plish his  own  righteous  purpose  arm  noly  word. — We  need 
not  wonder  that,  those  persons  who  forget  the  mercies  of  God, 
and  oppose  his  appointments  with  ingratitude  and  contempt, 
should  recompense  their  earthly  benefactors  with  reproach*  s, 
insults,  or  injuries:  but  the  Lord  will  take  care  of  the 
characters,  families,  and  interests  of  Ins  faithful  servants  ; 
and  they  may  safely  leave  their  cause  in  his  hand,  though 
they  cannot  see  to  it  thfemselves. — But  when  men  are  left  to 
their  own  infatuated  counsels,  they  add  one  mistake  1<» 
another:  they  perceive  their  folly  in  some  instances,  when  it 
is  too  late  ; yet  in  attempting  to  rectify  their  errors  they  the 
more  entangle  themselves,  and  expose  their  friends:  ami 
those  who  were  most  rash  and  daring  when  danger  was  out 
of  sight,  aro  generally  the  most  cowardly  when  it  seems  to 
approach. 

V.  21 — 33.  It  is  in  vain  to  attempt  to  disannul  file  I.oid’s 
counsel;  when  his  revealed  will  is  contrary  to  oil  pm  si  its, 
they  should  bo  relinquished,  however  great  our  apparent  ’ >ss 
may  be ; and  it  is  his  will,  and  should  be  the  desire  of  all  iu 


( G13  ) 


B.  C.  974. 


CHAPTER  XIII 


B.  C.  974. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

4 won  of  God  tent  frym  Judah  prophesies  to  Jeroboam , while  burning  incense, 
that  Josiah  of  David's  race  should  defile  the  altar  at  Beth-el  ; and  he  gives 
him  a sign,  l — 3.  Jeroboam's  hand,  stretched  forth  against  him,  withers  ; 
and  the  altar  is  rent , 4,  6.  Jeroboam's  hand  is  restored  at  the  prophet's 
prayer,  6.  He  refuses  entertainment  and  a reward,  and  leaves  Beth-el,  7 — 
10.  He  is  se  luced,  and  brought  back , by  the  lie  of  an  old  vrophet,  who  af- 
terwards denounces  the  judgment  of  God  against  him  for  his  disobedience, 

II — 0*2.  A lion  kills  him  on  his  way  home,  23 — 25.  The  old  prophet  fetches 
his  body,  buries  it  with  lamentations,  and  confirms  his  ‘prophecy,  26 — 32. 
Jeroboam  persists  in  his  evil  ways,  33,  34. 

AND  behold,  there  came  aa  man  of  God  out 
of  Judah  bby  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto 
Beth-el : and  cJeroboam  stood  by  the  altar  to 
’burn  incense.  # 

2  And  he  cried  against  the  altar  in  the  word  of 
the  Lord,  and  said,  dO  altar,  altar!  thus  saith  the 
Lord  ; Behold,  a child  shall  be  born  unto  the 
house  of  David,  eJosiah  by  name;  and  upon  thee 
shall  he  offer  the  priests  of  the  high  places  that 
burn  incense  upon  thee,  and  men’s  bones  shall  be 
burnt  upon  thee. 

3  And  fhe  gave  a sign  the  same  day,  saying, 
This  is  the  sign  which  the  Lord  hath  spoken ; 
Behold,  the  altar  shall  be  rent,  and  the  ashes  that 
are  upon  it  shall  be  pourecUout. 

4  And  it  came  to  pass  when  king  Jeroboam 
heard  the  saying  of  the  man  of  God,  which  had 
cried  against  the  altar  in  Beth-el,  that  he  put  forth 

a See  on  12:2*2.  2 Chr.  9:29.  b 5.9.2S.32.  20:35.  Jer.  25:3.  1 Thes.  4:15.  c See 
on  12:33.  2 Chr.  2618.  'Or, offer.  Nrnn.  16:40.  Jer.  1 1 : 12.  3*2:29.  Mai.  1:11. 
Rev.  3:3.  dDeui.  32.1.  Is.  1:2.  58:1.  Jer.  22:29.  Ez.  36:1,4.  38:4.  Luke  19:40. 
e 2 Kings  22:1,2.  23:15—18.  2 Chr.  34:1,4—7.  Is.  42:9.  44:26—23.  46:10.  48:5— 
7.  f Ex.  4:3— 5,8,9.  7:10.  Deut.  13:1— 3.  1 Sam.  2:34.  2 Kin-rs  20:8.  Is.  7:11  — 
14.  38:6—8.  Jer.  44:29.  Mali.  12:33-40.  1 Cor.  1:22.  e 2 Chr.  16:10.  18:25. 
25  15,16.  Jer.  20:2.  26:8—11,20—23.  38:4—6.  Am.  7:10— 13.  Matt.  26:57.  Mark 
14 .44 — 46.  Acts  6:12— 14.  h Gen.  19:11.  2 Kings  6:18— 20.  Jer.  20:4— 6.  Luke 
3:19,20.  6:10.  John  18:6.  Acts  9:4,5.  13:8-11.  Rev.  11:5.  i 22:28,35.  Ex.  9: 
18—25.  Num.  16:23—35.  Deut.  18:22.  Jer.  28: 16,17.  Mark  16:20.  Acts  5:1— 10. 

authority,  as  much  as  possible  to  prevent  the  effusion  of 
human  blood. — Unbelieving  men  judge  by  appearances,  and 
often  conclude,  that  safety  and  prosperity  can  be  obtained  by 
those  measures  alone,  which  the  word  of  God  condemns. 
They  engage  in  enterprises,  in  which  they  must  either  succeed, 
or  be  ruined : success  in  this  case  appears  the  grand  object  ; 
and  the  necessity,  they  suppose,  will  excuse  or  justify  their 
deviations  from  general  rules:  and  thus  they  regard  not  what 
wickedness  they  commit,  nor  what  numbers  they  involve  in 
ihe  same  guilt  and  condemnation.  But  faith  waits  upon  God 
m the  path  of  duty,  for  the  performance  of  his  own  promises, 
whatever  difficulties  may  seem  to  impede  it : and  it  perceives 
and  aims  at  nobler  objects,  than  the  success  of  any  temporal 
project,  or  even  the  preservation  of  life  itself. — The  duplicity 
of  poli'icians  often  consists  in  concealing  their  selfish  purposes, 
under  plausible  ostensible  pretences:  but  men  frequently 
conjecture  aright  in  such  matters;  and  God  sees  and  will 
expose  the  thought  of  their  hearts,  notwithstanding  all  their 
disguises. — The  benefit  of  the  public  is  often  the  plea  ; per- 
sonal impunity  for  their  crimes,  the  retaining  of  their  dignity, 
or  the  increase  of  their  own  authority,  are  the  real  motives  of 
their  conduct.  The  people,  however,  are  generally  willing  to 
gratify  their  rulers  in  matters  of  religion,  provided  it  be  easy, 
cheap,  pompous,  or  sensual*,  and  if  a few  scruples  intervene, 
the  revival  of  some  old  supersiition,  some  plea  of  antiquity, 
or  of  liberality  of  sentiment,  or  of  agreement  in  the  main 
with  more  scrupulous  persons,  though  expedient  alterations 
are  adopted,  will  generally  conciliate  the  minds  of  the  majority 
to  any  religion,  which  suits  their  conveniency,  agrees  with 
their  interests,  and  does  not  disquiet  their  consciences,  or 
disturb  them  itfgratifying  their  inclinations. — When  persons 
in  authori  y aim  to  render  religion  conducive  to  their  secular 
purposes,  fhpy  generally  love  to  bring  every  thing  under  their 
own  management.  The  ceremonies  must  be  of  their  own 
devising  and  the  ministers  of  their  own  selecting  : and  indeed 
a hireling,  ignorant  priesthood  well  suits  with  an  idolatrous 
or  superstitious  worship,  an  usurping  tyrannical  prince,  or  a 
rebellious,  apostate  people.  But.  the  pride,  arrogance,  and 
enmity  of  the  human  heart,  never  appears  more  atrocious 
and  odious,  than  when  it  presumptuously  dares  to  change 
the  divine  appointments,  for  those  w which  a man  hath  devised 
of  his  own  heart,”  and  to  mould  the  worship  of  God  into 
contrariety  to  his  will;  when  ministers,  so  called,  can  be 
found  shameless  enough  to  countenance  this  arrogance  ; and 
when  whole  nations  of  professing  worshippers  quietly  submit 
;o  it.  Indeed  nothing  in  such  a case,  but  a torrent  of  ungod- 
.iness,  and  most  awful  judgments,  can  he  expected. — But  alas  ! 
*iow  soon  all  earthly  prosperity  is  clouded!  every  remarkable 
prevalence  of  true  religion  on  earth,  has  hitherto  been  suc- 
ceeded by  lamentable  declensions,  apostacies  or  division. 
May  the  Lord  hasten  that  time,  when  our  “ Prince  of  Peace” 
6hall  set  up  his  kingdom  of  truth  and  of  righteousness  all 
over  the  earth,  and  when  his  cause  shall  finally  and  univer- 
sally prevail  ! ( Notes , Rev.  20:1 — 6.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  XIII.  V.  1.  To  burn  incense.]  Notes. 
3:2,3.  12:32,33.  2 Chr.  20:16 — 23.)  Jeroboam  seems  on  this 
occasion  to  have  officiated  himself,  and  to  have  burned  incense 
tt  the  same  altar  on  which  the  sacrifices  had  been  offered. 


his  hand  from  the  altar,  saying,  sLay  hold  on 
him.  And  hhis  hand,  which  he  put  forth  against 
him,  dried  up,  so  that  he  could  not  pull  it  in  again 
to  him. 

5 The  altar  also  was  rent,  and  the  ashes  pourei 
out  from  the  altar,  ‘according  to  the  sign  which  the 
man  of  God  had  given  by  the  word  of  the  Lord. 

6 And  the  king  answered  and  said  unto  the  man 
of  God,  ‘‘Entreat  now  the  face  of  the  Lord  thy 
God,  and  pray  for  me,  that  my  hand  may  be  re- 
stored me  again.  ‘And  the  man  of  God  besought 
the  ‘Lord,  and  the  king’s  hand  was  restored  him 
again,  and  became  as  it  was  before. 

7 And  the  king  said  unto  the  man  of  God, 
Come  home  with  me,  and  “refresh  thyself,  "and  I 
will  give  thee  a reward. 

8 And  the  man  of  God  said  unto  the  king,  °If 
thou  wilt  give  me  half  thy  house,  H will  not  go 
in  with  thee,  neither  will  1 eat  bread  nor  drink 
water  in  this  place  : 

9 For  iso  was  it  charged  me  by  the  word  of 
the  Lord,  saying,  rEat  no  bread,  nor  drink  water, 
nor  turn  again  by  the  same  way  that  thou  earnest. 

10  So  he  went  another  way,  and  returned  not 
by  the  way  that  he  came  to  Beth-el. 

[ Practical  Observations.'] 


k Ex.  8:8,28.  9:28.  10:17.  12:32.  Num.  21:7.  1 Sam.  12:19.  Jer.  37:3.  42:2—4. 
Acts  8:24.  Rev.  3:9.  1 Ex.  8:12, 13.  Num.  12:13.  1 Sam.  12:23.  Matt.  5:44. 
Luke  6:27,28.23:34.  Acts  7:60.  Rom.  12:14,21 . Jam.  5:16— 18.  f Neb.  face  of 
the  LORD,  m Gen.  18:5.  Judg.  13:15.  19:21.  n 1 Sam.  9:7,8.  2 Kings  5:15. 
Jer.  40:5.  Mai . 1 : 10.  Acts  8:18— 20.  1 Pet.  5:2.  o Num.  22:18.  24:13.  Esth.  5: 
3,6.  7:2.  Mark  6:23.  p 2 Kings  5:16,26,27.  Mark  6:11. 2 Cor.  11:9,10.  q See  cm 
1,21.22.  1 Sam.  15:22.  Job  23:12.  John  13:17.  15:9,10,14.  r Num.  16:26.  Deut. 
13:13—18.  Ps.  141:4.  Rom.  16:17.  1 Cor.  5:11.  Eph.5:ll.  2 John  10,11.  Rev. 
18:4. 


As  the  typical  meaning  of  these  institutions  was  not  at  aF. 
understood,  and  as  the  divine  appointment  was  entirely  disre- 
garded, every  kind  of  innovation  was  made  without  scruple. 

V.  2.  We  are  not  informed  of  this  prophet’s  name ; bu* 
he  came  from  Judah,  in  the  name  of  Jehovah,  whose  wor- 
ship at  the  temple  Jeroboam  and  Israel  had  forsaken:  (1) 
and  he  predicted  the  prevalency  of  the  house  of  David,  whose 
authority  they  had  rejected.  With  holy  boldness  and  great 
earnestness  he  cried  against  the  altar,  while  Jeroboam  and 
his  attendants  were  performing  their  religious  rites.  As  the  de- 
struction of  this  newly  instituted  worship  was  to  be  expressly 
foretold,  and  the  stupidity  of  the  idolaters  themselves  to  be 
severely  reproved,  he  addressed  himself  to  the  altar,  and  not 
to  the  worshippers.  (Marg.  Ref.  d.) — This  prediction  was 
delivered  considerably  more  than  three  hundred  years  before 
Josiah  was  born  ; yet  during  all  those  years,  no  one  of  the 
house  of  David  gave  his  son  this  name,  or  attempted  to  fulfil 
the  prophecy,  until  the  appointed  time  was  arrived  ; and  then 
Anion,  a wicked  prince,  named  his  son  Josiah.  (Note,  2 
Kings  23:15 — 20.) — This  extraordinary  prophecy  was  a plain 
declaration,  that  the  family  of  David  would  continue,  and  be 
honoured  as  the  supporters  of  true  religion,  when  the  king- 
dom of  the  ten  tribes  should  be  incapable  of  resisting  them. — 
The  burning  of  men’s  bones  upon  the  altar  was  the  greatest 
contempt  of  it  imaginable : and  the  offering  of  the  priests 
themselves  upon  it,  the  greatest  mark  of  God’s  abhorrence  of 
their  crimes.  (Marg.  Ref . e.) 

V.  3 — 6.  The  judgment  immediately  inflicted  upon  Jero- 
boam, and  the  rending  of  the  altar  as  it  had  been  foretoldt 
inlimidated  him,  so  that  he  did  not  venture  to  attempt  any 
thing  further  against  u the  man  of  God,”  whose  message  was 
thus  divinely  attested.  In  this  emergency  he  had  no  confi- 
dence in  his  idols,  his  newly  constituted  priests,  or  his  self- 
invented  sacrifices  ; but  he  expected  help  from  the  prayers  o! 
the  prophet.  He  therefore  bogged  him  to  entreat  the  face 
(or  the  favour)  of  the  Lord  his  God  for  him  : but  he  neither 
acknowledged  his  guilt,  nor  desired  instructions  from  the  pro- 
phet, nor  sought  forgiveness  of  his  sins,  nor  desisted  from  his 
idolatry.  He  merely  desired  the  removal  of  the  divine  judg- 
ment, which  the  prophet  readily  prayed  for  and  obtained. 
(Notes,  Ex.  9:30.  Arts  8:18 — 24.) 

V.  7 — 10.  Jeroboam  neither  repented,  nor  returned  thanks 
to  God  far  the  restoration  of  his  withered  hand : but  he  -was 
willing  to  entertain  and  reward  the  prophet  for  it.;  perhaps 
supposing  that  he  was  ready  to  do  any  thing  for  hire,  like  his 
own  priests.  (Notes,  21:8^-14.  1 Sam.  9:6 — 10.  2 Kings 

5:20—25.  Is.  50:9—12.  Am.  7:12,  13.)  But  the  Lord  had 
prescribed  to  his  servant  a different  conduct.  As  a solemn 
protestation  against  the  idolatry  of  Beth-el,  he  was  forbidden 
to  eat  or  drink  in  that  ciiy,  whatever  hardship  he  might  en- 
dure. God  would  not  accept  their  most  costly  sacrifices  • 
nor  would  he  allow  his  servant  to  accept  of  any  entertainment 
from  its  inhabitants;  or  to  do  any  thing  which  had  the  appear- 
ance of  having  fellowship  with  the  men,  whose  works  ot 
darknoss  he  was  sent  to  reprove.  Nay,  the  more  fully  to  ex- 
press his  abhorrence  of  their  apostacy,  and  his  determination 
not  to  make  himself  in  any  way  familiar  with  them,  or  aught 
belonging  to  them,  he  was  ordered  to  return  by  another  road. 
( 619  ) 


B.  C 974 


1.  KINGS.  B.  C.  974. 


11  UNiW  there  dwelt  “an  old  prophet  in  Beth- 
el , and  his  'sons  ‘came  and  told  him  all  the  works, 
that  the  man  of  God  had  done  that  day  in  Beth-el: 
the  words  which  he  had  spoken  unto  the  king, 
them  they  told  also  to  their  father. 

12  And  their  father  said  unto  them,  What  way 
went  he?  for  his  sons  had  seen  what  way  the  man 
of  God  went  which  came  from  Judah. 

13  And  he  said  unto  his  sons,  “Saddle  me  the 
ass.  So  they  saddled  him  the  ass : and  he  rode 
thereon, 

14  And  went  after  the  man  of  God,  and  found 
him  “sitting  under  an  oak  : and  he  said  unto  him, 
’’Art  thou  the  man  of  God  that  earnest  from 
Judah?  And  he  said,  I am. 

15  Then  he  said  unto  him,  Come  home  with 
me,  and  eat  bread. 

16  And  he  said,  ZI  may  not  return  with  thee, 
nor  go  in  with  thee  : neither  will  I eat  bread  nor 
drink  water  with  thee  in  this  place : 

17  For  ht  was  said  to  me  “by  the  word  of  the 
Lord,  Thou  shalt  eat  no  bread  nor  drink  water 
there,  nor  turn  again  to  go  by  the  way  that  thou 
earnest. 

18  He  said  unto  him,  I am  a prophet  also  as 
thou  art ; and  ban  angel  spake  unto  me  by  the  word 
of  the  Lord,  saying,  Bring  him  back  with  thee 
into  thy  house,  that  he  may  eat  bread  and  drink 
vater.  ‘But  he  lied  unto  him. 


20,21.  Num.  23:4,5. 24:2.  1 Sun.  10:11.  2Kings23:18.  F.z.  13:2,16.  Man. 
T-22.  2Pet.2:16.  ‘ Heb.  son.  t I Tim. 3:5.  u 27.  Num. 22:21.  Judg.  5: 

10.10:4.  2Sam.  19:26.  x 19:4.  John  4:6,34.  1 Cor.  4:11,12.  2 Cor.  11:27. 
Piil.  4:12,13.  y See  on  1.  z 8,9.  Gen.  3:1— 3.  Num.  22:13.19.  Matt.  4:10. 
*6:23.  f Heb.  a word  was.  a See  on  b.  1 . 20:35.  b Num.  22:35.  Judg.  6: 
11,12.  13:3.  c Geu.  3:4,5.  Is.  9:15.  Jer.  5:12,31.  23:14,17,32.  28:15,16.  Ez.  13: 


And  when  solicited  by  the  king  himself,  and  promised  a royal 
recompense  ; (though  probably  he  was  poor,  as  well  as  hungry 
and  weary  ;)  he  thus  far  obediently  observed  his  instructions. 

V.  11 — 19.  This  old  prophet  continued  to  reside  at  Beth- 
el, after  the  priests  and  Levites  had  been  driven  a<Vay,  and 
after  idolatry  was  publicly  established  there : yet  he  entered 
no  protest  against  it ; and  his  sons  were  present  at  the  idola- 
trous sacrifice,  and  made  no  secret  of  it.  One  old  prophet: 
(Heb.)  if  any  others  had  lived  there,  they  had  ere  this  left  the 
place.  These  circumstances,  joined  to  his  conduct  on  this 
occasion,  are  convincing  proofs,  that  though  called  a prophet 
he  was  not  a really  godly  man.  Perhaps  he  had  been  edu- 
cated in  the  schools  of  the  prophets,  and  had  been  favoured 
with  the  Spirit  of  prophecy.  (Note,  Num.  22:5.)  This  had 
acquired  him  the  reputation  of  a prophet,  and  he  had  main- 
tained it  in  the  days  of  Solomon,  when  religion  was  respected. 
But  when  the  change  took  place  under  Jeroboam,  being  a 
carnal  man,  he  preferred  ease  and  interest  to  his  religion,  and 
made  no  direct  opposition  to  the  prevailing  party:  perhaps 
satisfying  his  conscience  with  holding  his  own  sentiments  pri- 
vately, and  not  actually  joining  in  the  idolatry.  Yet  he  was 
still  desirous  of  the  reputation  of  a prophet,  as  far  as  he  could 
safely  retain  it:  and  this  appears  to  have  been  his  leading 
motive,  in  enticing  the  prophet  of  Judah  back  again  ; and  not, 
as  has  been  conjectured,  either  real  kindness  to  him,  or  malice 
against  him.  Many  would  doubtless  applaud  the  resolution 
and  disinterestedness  of  the  man  of  God,  who  at  last  was  not 
injured  by  Jeroboam:  and  perhaps  this  old  prophet  was  afraid 
of  being  censured  for  his  cowardice,  connivance,  and  selfish- 
ness. (Note,  Acts  5:1 — 11.)  He  might  hope  to  avert  this 
disgrace  by  showing  kindness  to  the  man  of  God ; and  he 
found  he  could  do  it,  without  incurring  Jeroboam’s  displeasure. 
He  therefore  followed  him,  and  found  him  sitting  under  a 
tree,  weary  and  in  need  of  refreshment,  which  would  add 
much  energy  to  his  temptation  : and  when  he  perceived  that 
he  was  decided  against  eating  bread  at  Beth-el ; he  assured 
him  that  he  also  was  a prophet,  and  came  by  commandment 
from  God  to  bring  him  back;  thus  imposing  upon  him  by 
speaking  lies  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  ! (Notes,  Gen.  3:1 — 6. 
Is.  9:13 — 17.  Matt.  4:1 — 1.)  And  the  man  of  God  perhaps 
supposed  that  he  might  refresh  himself  at  the  house  of  a pro- 
phet in  Beth-el,  though  not  in  the  house  of  an  idolater.  But 
as  the  commandment  of  God  to  him  had  been  immediate  and 
express;  and  he  had  only  this  man’s  own  word  for  it  that  he 
was  a prophet,  or  that  the  Lord  had  spoken  to  him  by  an 
angel ; his  conduct  was  very  criminal,  and  calculated  to 
weaken  the  effect  of  his  message  upon  the  consciences  of 
Jeroboam,  and  his  other  auditors  ; and  doubtless  his  judgment 
was  on  this  occasion  bribed  by  his  inclinations. 

V.  20 — 22.  As  the  Lord  inspired  Balaam,  contrary  to  his 
intentions,  to  pronounce  blessings,  and  to  utter,  though  doubt- 
less with  the  greatest  reluctance,  prophecies  concerning  Is- 
rael : ( Num.  23:7,  8.  24:1 — 13.)  so  was  this  prophet  constrained 
to  pronounce  sentence  against  the  man  of  God,  whom  he  had 
seduced  into  disobedience ; and  thus  to  publish  the  shame  of 
his. own  most  impious  imposture,  which  also  implied  against 
himself  a far  more  dreadful  doom,  except  he  repented. — The  , 
( 620  ) 


19  So  dhe  went  back  with  him,  and  did  eat 
bread  in  his  house  and  drank  water. 

[ Practical  Obteroaliont.'] 

20  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  sat  at  the  table, 
that  ethe  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  the  prophel 
that  brought  him  back  : 

21  And  he  cried  unto  the  man  of  God  that  came 
from  Judah,  saying,  fThus  saith  the  Lord,  For- 
asmuch as  ethou  hast  disobeyed  the  mouth  of  the 
Lord,  and  hast  not  kept  the  commandment  which 
the  Lord  thy  God  commanded  thee, 

22  But  earnest  back,  and  hast  eaten  bread  and 
drunk  water  in  the  place,  of  the  which  the  LORD 
did  say  to  thee,  Eat  no  bread,  and  drink  no  water: 
hthy  carcass  shall  not  come  unto  the  sepulchre  ol 
thy  fathers. 

23  If  And  it  came  to  pass,  after  he  had  eaten 
bread,  and  after  he  had  drunk,  that  he  saddled  for 
him  the  ass,  to  wit , for  the  prophet  whom  he  had 
brought  back. 

24  And  when  he  was  gone,  ’a  lion  met  him  by 
the  way,  and  slew  him:  and  his  carcass  was  cast 
in  the  way,  and  the  ass  stood  by  it ; the  lion  also 
stood  by  the  carcass. 

25  And  behold,  men  passed  by,  and  saw  the 
carcass  cast  in  the  way,  and  the  lion  standing  by 
the  carcass : and  they  came  and  told  it  in  the  city 
where  the  old  prophet  dwelt. 

26  And  when  the  prophet  that  brought  him 


9,10,22.  Mali.  7:15.  24:24.  Rom.  16:18.  2 Cor.  11 :3, 13— 15.  2 Pet.  2:1.  1 John 
4 1.  Rev.  19:20.  <1  9.  Gfen.  3:6.  2 Pet.  2:18,19.  e Num.  23:5,16  . 24.4,16—  24. 
Matt.  7:22.  John  11:51.  1 Cor.  13:2.  f 17.  Gen. 3:7.  Esth.613.  Jer.  2:19. 
Gal.  1:8,9.  g Lev.  10:3.  Num.  20:12,21.  1 Sam.  4:18.  13:13.  15: 19,22— 24. 

2 Sam.  6:7.  12:9— 11.24:13.  Rev.  3:19.  h 14:13.  2 Chr. 21 : 19,20.  Is.  14:19,20. 
Jer. 22: 19.  i 20:36.  2 Kings  2:24.  Am.  5.19.  1 Cor.  11  31,32.  1 Pel.  4:17,18. 


sentence  was  direct,  that  the  prophet  of  Judah  should  not  die 
in  peace  at  home,  to  be  buried  in  his  own  sepulchre  : but  the 
time  and  circumstances  of  his  death  were  not  specified. 

V.  23 — 32.  The  old  prophet  did  not  accompany  the 
prophet  of  Judah,  perhaps  apprehensive  of  some  divine 
judgment  overtaking  him : but  some  think,  that  he  supplied 
him  with  the  ass  on  which  he  rode,  and  that  he  had  come 
on  foot.  The  lion,  commissioned  by  God,  slew  the  prophet, 
but  did  not  devour  his  body  ; and  he  neither  hurt  nor  frighted 
away  the  ass : nay,  he  behaved  so  tamely,  that  travellers 
ventured  past  him,  perhaps  at  a distance  ! And  even  the 
old  prophet  ventured,  and  was  allowed  without  molestation, 
to  take  away  his  body  for  burial!  ‘Here  is  a cluster  of 
miracles ; that  the  lion,  contrary  to  his  nature,  did  not  eat 
the  carcass,  nor  kill  the  ass,  nor  meddle  with  the  travellers 
that  passed  by,  nor  with  the  old  prophet  and  his  ass : and 
that  the  ass  stood  so  quietly,  and  was  not  frighted  at  the 
sight  of  the  lion,  and  betake  itself  to  flight.  And  more  than 
this,  the  lion  stood  by  the  carcass  a long  time,  till  this  strange 
news  was  carried  into  the  city ; . . . which  made  the  miracle 
the  more  illuslnous.  and  plainly  showed  that  this  did  not 
happen  by  chance.’  Bp.  Patrick.  All  these  miraculous 
circumstances  marked  the  death  of  the  man  of  God  as  a 
divine  rebuke  for  his  disobedience,  in  eating  bread  at  idola- 
trous Beth-el;  and  both  counteracted  the  conclusion,  which 
Jeroboam  might  have  been  tempted  to  draw  from  his  death 
against  the  truth  of  his  message,  and  formed  a solemn  proof, 
how  God  abhorred,  and  would  have  all  his  people  abhor, 
this  newly  instituted  worship. — Thus,  for  one  offence,  a 
faithful  servant  of  God  w as  punished  A it h immediate 
death,  being  “chastened  of  the  Lord,  that  he  should  not 
be  condemned  with  the  world:”  whilst  the  Ijing  prophet,  and 
the  idolatrous  king,  escaped  with  impunity,  being  reserved 
to  the  punishments  of  a future  state;  which  were  in  this 
instance  loudly  proclaimed.  The  old  prophet  indeed  paid 
respect  to  the  man  of  God,  and  expressed  his  conviction 
that  his  predictions  would  be  verified,  and  a concern  about 
his  own  bones.  But  he  seems  to  have  shown  no  humiliation 
for  his  enormous  crimes,  no  tokens  of  true  repentance,  no 
care  about  his  soul : he  neither  left  Beth-el,  nor  entered  a 
public  protest  against  Jeroboam’s  idolatry ; nor  did  any 
thing,  which  many  a hypocrite  has  pot  equalled  or  exceeded, 
in  attempting  to  buoy  up  his  own  presumption,  or  to  impose 
upon  others.  Nay,  he  appears  to  have  been  desirous  ol 
gratifying  his  own  vanity,  and  his  claim  to  be  considered  as 
a prophet,  when  he  buried  the  man  of  God  in  his  own  sepul- 
chre, and  lamented  over  him,  u Alas,  my  brother !”  He  was, 
however, instrumental  in  accomplishing  the  Lord's  word:  and 
the  prophet  of  Judah  being  buried  at  Beth-el,  with  a monu- 
mental inscription,  would  tend  to  keep  his  prediction  in 
remembrance,  and  he  an  abiding  protest  against  the  worship 
of  the  golden  calves.  The  man  of  God  from  Judah  appears 
to  have  spoken  more  prophecies,  than  are  mentioned  in  the 
beginning  of  the  chapter:  and  though  the  city  Samaria  was 
not  yet  built,  the  historian  calls  the  cities  in  that  neighbour- 
hood, u The  cities  of  Samaria in  sovio  cf  which  Jeroboam 
had  built  high  places. 


B.  C.  974. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


B.  C.  974. 


back  from  the  way  heard  thereof,  he  said,  It  is 
kthe  mao  of  God  who  was  disobedient  unto  the 
word  of  the  Lord  : therefore  the  Lord  hath  deli- 
vered him  onto  the  lion,  which  hath 'torn  him,  and 
slain  him,  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord, 
which  he  spake  unto  him. 

27  And  he  spake  to  his  sons,  saying,  Saddle  me 
the  ass.  And  they  saddled  him. 

28  And  he  went,  and  found  his  carcass  cast  in 
the  way,  and  the  ass  and  the  lion  standing  by  the 
carcass : 'the  lion  had  not  eaten  the  carcass,  nor 
'lorn  the  ass. 

29  And  the  prophet  took  up  the  carcass  of  the 
man  of  God,  and  laid  it  upon  the  ass,  and  brought 
it  back:  and  the  old  prophet  came  to  the  city,  to 
mourn  and  to  bury  him. 

30  And  he  laid  his  carcass  in  his  own  grave  ; and 
they  '"mourned  over  him,  saying,  Alas,  my  brother! 

k'r.ev.  10:3.  'fs.im.  12:10,14.  Ps.  119:120.  Prov.  11:31.  Ez.  9:6.  1 Cor.  11:30. 
H.  12:26,29.  1 ret. 4:17.  • Heb.  broken.  117:4,6.  Lot.  10:2,5.  Joh3S:ll. 
P,.  1 13.7,6.  Jer.  5:22,23.  Dan.  3:22,27,23.  6.22— 24.  Acts  16:26.  Heb.  11:33,34. 
T Hu  t.  broken,  m 14:13.  Jer.  22:18.  Acts  8:2.  r,  Num.  23: 10.  Ps.  26:9.  Ec. 
8 10.  Luke  16:22,23.  o 2.  2 Kings  23:16— 19.  p 12:29,31.  Lev.  26:30.  q 16: 


V.  33,  34.  Notes,  12:31—33.  14:9—16.  2 Chr.  13:13— 

22. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  The  Lord  often  meets  sinners  in  the  midst  of 
their  crimes,  with  alarming  indications  of  his  displeasure,  to 
show  that  u their  way  is  perverse  before  him.” — It  requires 
gi  eat  fortitude  to  deliver  faithfully  the  messages  of  God, 
especially  to  those  in  authority  : for  a full  and  plain  declara- 
tion of  his  word  will  certainly  exasperate  the  proud  and 
ungodly  of  every  description,  whether  profane,  superstitious, 
or  hypocritical.  But  the  Lord  will  bear  those  out  whom  he 
sends,  and  who  simply  trust  and  obey  him:  and  faith  in  him 
is  sufficient  to  overcome  the  fear  of  man.  They  who  are 
employed  in  services  of  this  kind  should  speak  and  act 
decidedly,  as  men  in  earnest,  calling  upon  the  very  inanimate 
creation  to  testify,  as  it  were,  against  the  crimes  of  pre- 
sump'uous  offenders,  who  will  not  regard  the  word  of  God  ; 
in  order  that  a deeper  impression  may  be  left  upon  the 
minds  of  their  hearers. — The  Lord  is  peculiarly  offended 
with  those  who  attempt  any  thing  against  such  intrepid 
reprovers  of  sin ; and  they,  who  have  most  insulted  his  ser- 
vants, are  often  brought  by  affliction  to  pay  court  to  them, 
and  to  desire  their  prayers.  Nor  ought  this  ever  to  be 
refused  : for  by  returning  good  for  evil,  their  severity  against 
men’s  crimes  is  proved  to  be  connected  with  compassionate 
love  for  their  persons  ; and  in  answer  to  prayer,  God  often 
bestows  temporal  mercies  upon  impenitent  sinners ; though, 
continuing  such,  they  cannot  escape  the  damnation  of  hell. 
— Carnal  men  frequently  betray  their  impenitency  under  con- 
victions, even  by  their  concessions  : they  acknowledge  the 
true  believer  to  be  the  servant  of  God,  but  they  do  not 
imitate  him:  they  feel  the  vanity  of  their  own  superstitions 
or  worldly  idols,  but  they  do  not  renounce  them  : they  desire 
the  removal  of  their  afflictions,  rather  than  the  forgiveness  of 
their  sins,  or  the  mortification  of  their  lusts  : and  they  show 
Kindness  or  offer  presents  to  the  minister  who  prays  for  them, 
while  they  requite  the  Lord  with  base  ingratitude. — When 
persons  are  living  in  open  sins,  and  causing  others  to  sin  by 
their  influence  and  authority,  the  “ men  of  God”  should 
manifest  their  abhorrence  of  their  crimes,  by  refusing  to 
accept  of  any  favours  from  them,  and  by  separating  from  all 
intercourse  with  them.  And  when  those  who  are  in  low 
circumstances  act  in  this  manner,  with  firmness  and  meek- 
ness, and  plainly  assign  the  reasons  of  their  conduct;  it  will 
be  one  of  the  most  alarming  and  convincing  warnings,  which 
can  possibly  be  given.  Ministers  and  Christians  must  often 
go  among  ungodly  people,  but  they  ought  never  to  make 
themselves  familiar  with  them  ; and  should  show  that  they 
are  so  uneasy  in  their  company,  that  none  of  their  temporal 
good  things  can  bribe  them,  needlessly  to  prolong  or  repeat 
their  visits.  In  order  to  this,  they  must  be  superior  to  the 
love  of  worldly  pleasure  and  interest,  inured  to  hardship  and 
sell-denial,  and  well  acquainted  with  the  commandments  of 
God.  In  the  mystery  of  Providence,  false  religion  is  per- 
mitted to  be  planted,  and  to  prevail  to  the  deceiving  of  great 
multitudes : but  the  Lord  keeps  the  times  and  seasons  in  his 
own  power  ; he  foresees  and  determines  those  events,  which 
are  most  distant  and  appear  most  contingent;  and  he  will 
n his  appointed  time  destroy  everv  species  of  irreligion  or 
superstition,  by  one  of  the  house'  of  David,  of  far  nobler 
name  and  greater  excellency  than  Josiah.— But  the  tokens 
of  his  displeasure  on  the  instruments  of  iniquity,  proclaim 
its  awful  vengeance  upon  the  sinners  themselves  : and  none 
will  become  sacrifices  to  his  justice  with  deeper  detestation 
and  contempt,  than  hireling  ministers,  who  for  filthy  lucre 
have  countenanced  false  religion,  to  the  destruction  of  the 
souls  of  those  who  blindly  followed  such  blind  guides. 

V.  11  19.  The  cause  of  God  admits  of  no  neutrality. 

(Note,  JMatt.  12:29,30.)  In  times  of  general  apostacy,  or 
increasing  infidelity  and  ungodliness,  we  are  especially  called 
to  bear  our  testimony,  without  yielding  to  fear  or  shame : 


31  And  it  came  to  pass,  after  he  had  buried 
him,  that  he  spake  to  his  sons,  saying,  When  I am 
dead,  then  bury  me  in  the  sepulchre  wherein  the 
man  of  God  is  buried ; "lay  my  bones  beside  hw. 
bones : 

32  For  "the  saying  which  he  cried  by  the  word 
of  the  Lord  against  the  altar  in  Beth-el,  and 
against  all  Pthe  houses  of  the  high  places  which 
are  sin  the  cities  of  Samaria,  shah  surely  come  to 
pass. 

33  TT  After  this  thing  "Jeroboam  returned  not 
from  his  evil  way,  but  Jmade  asain  of  the  lowest 
of  the  people  priests  of  the  high  places:  'whoso- 
ever would,  he  ^consecrated  him,  and  he  became 
one  of  the  priests  of  the  high  places. 

34  And  this  thing  'became  sin  unto  the  house  of 
Jeroboam,  even  "to'  cut  it  off,  and  to  destroy  it 
from  off  the  face  of  the  earth. 


24.  2 Chr.  25:13.  Ezra  4:10.  John  4:4,6.  r 12:31—33.  2 Chr.  It : 15.  13:9.  Am. 
4:6 — 11.  } Heb.  returned  and  made.  Ps.  78:34.  Jer.  18:4.  marg.  8 Num.  1: 
51.3:10.17:5.12,13.  § Ileb.  filled  Ms  hand.  Ex. 28:41.  vuirg.  Judg.  17:12. 

t 12:30.  2 KingB  10:31. 17:21.  u 12:26.  14:10.  15:29,30. 


and  if  any  professed  Christian  will  not  confess  Christ  in  this 
world,  Christ  will  not  own  him  in  the  day  of  judgment.  But 
if  a reputed  prophet,  an  old  prophet,  who  appeared  zealous 
for  the  truth,  while  credit  and  advantage  accrued  from  it, 
purchase  security  by  conniving  at  prevailing  abominations, 
he  may  justly  be  suspected  of  hypocrisy.  These  are  indeed 
“dumb  dogs  that  cannot  bark,”  when  the  Lord  is  robbed  ot 
his  worship  and  honour  ; and  are  not  fit  persons  to  be  em- 
ployed by  him,  or  countenanced  by  his  faithful  people.  In 
some  cases  they  are  even  worse  than  the  active  instruments 
of  deception  : because  they  sin  against  greater  light ; they 
more  frequently  stumble  unestablished  persons,  and  bring 
deeper  disgrace  upon  the  truths  which  they  have  professed. 
Such  time-servers,  however,  are  often  willing  to  be  thought  the 
servants  of  God  by  religious  people,  though  ashamed  of  him 
among  his  enemies  : and  for  that  purpose , they  covertly  seek 
the  acquaintance  of  those  ministers  who  are  in  reputation 
for  faithfulness,  and  show  them  kindness.  But  they  are  the 
most  dangerous,  because  the  most  plausible  and  unsuspected, 
of  all  tempters  to  real  Christians,  whose  candour  makes  them 
willing  to  hope  the  best  of  them,  to  credii  their  professions, 
and  to  return  their  civilities.  Having  learned  to  be  silent, 
when  called  to  defend  the  truth,  they  soon  learn  to  forge  lies 
in  the  name  of  God,  when  it  can  answer  their  purpose  ; and, 
by  various  specious  pretences,  they  obtain  the  esteem  of  the 
unwary,  and  abuse  their  confidence  by  inveigling  them  into 
disobedience : so  that  tempteVs  of  this  description  often  pre- 
vail, when  the  terrors  of  persecution,  and  the  allurements  ot 
preferment,  have  bqen  resolutely  withstood.  ‘Surely,  says 
the  tempted  believer,  such  good  men  would  never  propose  an 
ill  thing  ! they  brought  the  word  of  God  for  it ! they  were  so 
very  kind,  and  could  have  no  interest  in  it !’  But  for  our 
own  sakes,  and  for  the  credit  of  the  gospel,  let  us  all  with 
one  consent  withdraw  from  worldly  professors  of  religion,  and 
be  upon  our  guard  against  them:  let  them  decidedly  serve 
God,  or  Baal,  that  we  may  know  what  they  are  ; or  let  us 
refuse  to  have  any  acquaintance  with  them. 

V.  20 — 34.  Nothing  can  excuse  any  act  of  wilful  disobe- 
dience : the  tempter  “ hath  the  greater  sin,”  but  the  tempted 
is  deeply  criminal ; and  the  offences  of  those  who  are  much 
honoured  and  employed  of  God,  are  of  all  the  most  disho- 
nourable to  him,  as  they  rivet  the  prejudices  and  embolden 
the  blasphemies  of  his  enemies.  Such  offenders  therefore 
shall  by  no  means  escape  correction  in  this  world:  and 
perhaps  their  very  tempters  shall  be  employed  to  denounce, 
or  inflict,  the  chastisements  of  the  Lord  upon  them  ; or  in 
other  respects  they  shall  be  made  very  severe  and  alarming : 
while  the  wicked  frequently  escape,  in  this  life,  being  “ re- 
served unto  the  day  of  judgment  to  be  punished.” — The 
exact  obedience  of  the  irrational  cr6atures  to  their  Maker, 
forms  a reproach  of  man’s  rebellion : for  he  can  restrain  or 
change  the  very  nature  of  every  creature,  to  render  it  sub- 
servient to  his  wise  and  righteous  purposes. — Happy  are 
they,  who  are  habitually  ready  for  death  : even  if  the  Lord 
shall  call  them  hence,  by  some  awful  rebuke  for  an  incidental 
transgression  ; while  they  are  made  useful  warnings  to  others, 
they  will  be  found  safe  and  happy  themselves.  {Notts, 
2 Kings  22:15 — 20.  1 Cor.  11:29 — 34.) — But  many  will  show 
respect  to  the  servants  of  the  Lord,  assent  to  the  truth  of 
their  words,  appear  to  lament  their  death,  and  wish  to  have 
their  lot  with  them  in  another  world ; who  yet  live  and  die 
impenitent:  {Note,  Num.  23:10.)  and  many  are  warned, 
convinced,  and  alarmed,  who  silence  their  consciences,  and 
practice  increasing  wickedness,  to  the  utter  ruin  of  them- 
selves and  those  connected  with  them.  Let  all  then  fear 
provoking  God  to  leave  them  to  final  hardness  of  heart : let 
us  “ take  heed  and  beware  of  hypocrisy  :”  let  us  dread  pros- 
pering in  sinful  ways;  let  us  tremble  while  v’e  nad  this 
chapter,  and  pray  earnestly  to  be  kept  from  every  delusion 
and  temptation,  and  to  bq  enabled  to  walk  with  self-denying 
perseverance  in  the  way  of  God’s  commandments  i 
( 621  ) 


B i;  96H 


I.  KINGS 


JB.  C.  SCO. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Jeroboam  sends  1 2 * is  wife,  disguised,  to  Ahijak  the  prophet,  to  inquire  concern- 
ing his  son  1 -\jah , who  teas  nick,  1 — 4.  A hij ah,  forewarned  by  God,  de- 
nounces to  bet  the  destruction  nf  Jeroboam's  family,  the  death  of  her  son, 
and  the  reject • on  of  Israel,  5 — 16.  Abijah  dies  and  is  buried , 17,  18.  Jero- 
boam dies  ami  is  succeeded  by  Nadab , 19,  20.  Rehoboam  reign*  over  Judah; 
and  they  provoke  the  Lord  by  their  wickedness,  21 — 24.  j.uehalc  carries 
away  much  treasuie,  and  the  golden  shields , fiom  Jerusalem , 25,  26.  Re- 
licboam  fhakes  brazen  shields  in  their  stead,  27,  28.  His  acts,  and  wars 
with  Jeroboam,  29,  3J.  He  dies  and  is  succeeded  by  Abijarn,  31. 

AT  ‘that  time  Abijah  L'the  son  of  Jeroboam  fell 
sick. 

2  And  Jeroboam  said  to  bis  wife,  Arise,  I pray 
thee,  and  'disguise  thyself,  that  thou  be  not  known 
to  be  the  wife  of  Jeroboam  ; and  get  thee  to  Shiloh  : 
behold  there  is  dA!iijah  the  prophet,  which  told  me 
that  I should  be  king  over  this  people. 

3  And  'take  'with  thee  ten  loaves,  and  (crack- 
nels, and  a tcruse  of  honey,  and  go  to  him : < he 
shall  tell  thee  what  shall  become  of  the  child. 

4  And  Jeroboam’s  wife  did  so,  and  arose,  and 
went  to  (‘Shiloh,  and  came  to  the  house  of  Ahijah. 
But  Ahijah  could  not  see  ; hfor  his  eyes  Hvere  set 
by  reason  of  his  age. 

5  °il  And  ‘the  Lord  said  unto  Ahijah,  Behold, 
the  wife  of  Jeroboam  cometh  to  ask  a tiling  of  thee 
for  her  son ; lor  he  is  sick : thus  and  thus  shalt 
thou  say  unto  her : for  it  shall  be,  when  she  cometh 
in,  that  she  shall  feign  herself  to  be  another 
woman. 

6  And  it  was  so,  when  Ahijah  heard  the  sound 
of  her  feet,  as  she  came  in  at  the  dooni,  tiiat  he 
said,  Come  in,  kthou  wife  of  Jeroboam 'why 
feignest  thou  thyself  to  be  another?  rafor  I am  sent 
to  thee  with  "heavy  tidings. 

7  Go,  tell  Jeroboam,  Thus  saith  the  Lord  God 


a 13:33,31.  b 12,13.  Ex. 20:5.  1 Sain.  1:19,20.  31:2.  2 Sam.  12:15.  c 5,6.22: 
SO.  1 Sam.  29:3.  2 Sain.  1 1:2.  2 - hr.  18:29.  Luke  12:2.  d See  on  1 1 :29 — 38. 
e 13:7.  1 Sam.  9:7,8.  2 Kin;.  1 42.  5:5,15.  *7—9.  • Heb.  In  thine  hand,  t Or, 
c Ices . 2 Sa in . 13:6.  1 Or,  holtle.  t 2 Kings  1 :2.  8:8.  Luke  7:2,3.  John  4:47, 
43.11:3.  g 11:29.  Jnsli.  18.1.  1 Sam.  4:3,4. Mer.  7: 12— 14.  h Gen.  27:1 . 43:10. 
I eat,  34:7.  1 Sam.  3:2.  4:15.  Ps.  91U10.  Ec.  12:3.  § Heb.  sto  >d  for  his  hoari- 

n css.  i 2 Kings  4:27.  6:8— 12.  Prov.  21:30.  Am.  3:7.  Acts  1 U:  19,20.  k Job5: 
13.  Ps.  33: U).  1 2,5.  F//.  14:3— 5,7,8.  Luke  20:20— 23.  Acts  5:3 — 5,9,10.  Heb. 
4:13.  m 10,11.  13  20— 22.  20:42.21:18— 24.  22:8.  1 Sam.  15: 16,26.  28:18.  Jer. 
21:2-7.  Er..  2:4,5.  Dan.  4:19— 25.  5:17— 23.  Mark  14:21.  I|  Heb.  hard,  n 12: 
24.  16:2.  1 Sam.  2:27— 30.  15:16  . 2 Sam.  12:7,8.  o See  on  11:30,31.  p 3:14. 


NOTES—  Chiip.  XIV.  V.  1—4.  In  the  remainder  of  the 
books  of  the  Kings,  vve  have  the  history  of  Judah  and  Israel  car- 
ried on  together,  or  with  continual  transitions  from  one  to  the 
01  her.  But.  the  latter  part  of  the  second  book  of  Chronicles 
more  fully  relates  the  history  of  the  kings  of  Judah,  and  drops 
Uiat  of  the  kings  of  Israel,  except  as  connected  with  the  other. 
— Jeroboam  had  taken  no  notice  of  Ahijah,  either  while  taking 
possession  of  the  kingdom,  or  when  establishing  his  idolatrous 
worship  at  Dan  and  Bcth-el ; being  conscious  that  the  pro- 
phet would  have  opposed  and  condemned  his  whole  conduct. 
But  when  his  son  Abijah  was  dangerously  ill,  he  wished  to 
know  from  the  prophet,  whether  he  would  recover  or  not:  for 
he  was  convinced,  that  more  dependence  might  be  placed  on 
his  word,  than  on  that  of  all  his  priests.  But  he  did  not 
inquire,  1 Wherefore  the  Lord  corrected  him,’  or,  4 How  he 
might  avert  his  displeasure.’  He  did  not  request  the  prophet’s 
instructions  or  prayers  ; or  even  his  directions  what  to  do  in 
order  to  his  son’s  recovery;  he  only  wished  to  be  relieved 
from  his  anxiety,  by  being  informed  whether  he  would  or 
would  not  recover.  (Notes,  2 Kings  1:2.  8:7,8.)  Not 
choosing  himself  to  go  to  the  prophet,  fearing  his  severe 
reproofs  and  warnings;  and  perhaps  being  unwilling  that  the 
people  should  discover  his  own  private  judgment  concerning 
his  calves,  and  their  priests;  he  would  not  confide  the  busi- 
ness to  any  servant,  but  sent  his  wife:  yet,  she  must  go  in 
disguise,  as  the  wife  of  a husbandman,  with  a present  suitable 
to  one  in  that  station^  to  inquire  about  her  son,  without 
informing  the  prophet  of  her  rank! — Alas!  what  ideas  must 
he  have  had  of  the  infinite  and  omniscient  God,  that  he  should 
expect  him  to  reveal  to  his  prophet  whether  the  son  of  this 
unknown  person  would  recover;  without  revealing  who  it 
was  that,  came  to  inquire  of  him ! — Ahijah  was  infirm,  and 
blind  with  age;  and,  not  being  fitted  as  formerly  for  active 
service,  he  lived  retired,  and  probably  much  respected,  at 
Shiloh  ; lamenting  doubtless,  though  he  could  not  prevent, 
the  sin  and  misery  of  his  people. 

Cracknels.  (3)  Dnp3;  from  punctatus , a kind  of  cake, 
marked  with  spots,  probably  reckoned  a delicacy. 

V.  5,  6.  The  Lord  previously  informed  his  servant  of 
the  whole  device,  by  immediate  revelation,  and  instructed 
him  what  message  to  deliver.  The  wife  of  Jeroboam  came 
to  the  prophet ; yet,  as  he  was  commissioned  to  declare  to 
her  the  purpose  of  God,  he  told  her,  that  he  44  was  sent  to  her 
with  heavy  tidings:”  and,  as  she  came  with  dissimulation, 
and,  in  an  assumed  garb  and  character,  in  order  to  impose 
ujpon  him;  and  as  Jeroboam  had  apostatized  to  idolatry;  he 
showed  no  manner  of  respect  to  her  rank,  or  to  that  of  her 
fr*’  band.  (Notes,  21:20.  Dan.  6: IT.) 

( 622  ) 


oflsrael,  “Forasmuch  as  I exalted  thee  from  among 
the  people,  and  made  thee  prince  over  my  people 
Israel, 

8 And  °rent  the  kingdom  away  from  the  house 
of  David,  and  gave  it  thee : and  yet  thou  has4 
not  been  as  Dny  servant  David,  who  kept  my 
commandments,  and  who  followed  me  with  all  his 
heart,  to  do  that  only  which  was  right  in  mine 
eyes ; 

9 But  shast  done  evil  above  all  that  were  before 
thee : for  rthou  hast  gone  and  made  thee  other 
gods,  and  molten  images,  Ho  provoke  me  to  anger 
and  hast  ‘cast  me  behind  thy  back  : 

10  Therefore  behold,  UI  will  bring  evil  upon 
the  house  of  Jeroboam,  and  will  cut  off  from 
Jeroboam  “him  that  pisseth  against  the  wall, 
and  ffiim  that  is  shut  up  and  left  in  Israel,  and 
will  take  away  the  remnant  of  the  house  of  Jero- 
boam, ‘as  a man  taketh  away,  dung,  till-.it  be  a-ll 
gone. 

11  Him  “that  dieth-  of  Jeroboam  in  the  city 
shall  the  dogs  eat ; and  him  that,  dieth  in  the  field 
shall  the  fowls  of  the  air  eat:  for  the  Lord  hath 
spoken  it. 

12  Arise  thou  therefore,  get  thee  to  thine  own 
house  : and  bwhen  thy  feet  enter  into  the  city,  tire 
child  shall  die. 

13  And  all  Israel  'shall  mourn  for  him,  and  bury 
him : for  he  only  of  Jeroboam  shall  come  to  the 
grave,  because  in  him  dthere  is  found  some  good 
thing  toward  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  in  the  house 
of  Jeroboam. 

14  Moreover,  'the  Lord  shall  raise  him  up  a 


11:33,38.15:5.  2 Chr.  17:3. 28:1.  />.cls  13:22,36.  q 16.  12:28.  13:33,34  15:34. 
16:31.  r Deut.  32:16,17,21.  Judg.5:8.  2 Chr.  11:15.  Ps.  106:19,20.  115:4-8. 
Is.  44:9— 20.  Jer.  10:14 — 16.  s 22.  Peut.  9:8-  16,24.  2 Kings  21 :3.  23:26. 

2 Chr.  33:6.  Ps.  78:40,06.  Jer.  7:9,10.  Er.. 8:3.17.  1 Cor.  10:22.  iNrh.9:25. 

Ps.  50:17.  Er.  23:35.  u 15:25—  30.  4m.  3:6.  x 16:11. 21:21.  1 Sam.  25:22,34. 
2 Kings  9:8,9.  y Deni.  32:36  . 2 Kings  14:26.  z 1 Sum.  2:30.  2 Kings  5:37.  21 : 
13.  Job  20  7.  Ps.  83:10.  Is.  5:25.  14:19,23.  Jer.  8:2.  El.  26:4.  Zeph.  1:17.  Mai. 
2:3.  Luke  14:34,35.  a 16:4. 21 :1S, 23, 24.  Is.  66:24.  Jer.  1S:3.  Kz.  3017— 19. 
Rev.  19:17,18.  b 3,6,17.  2 Kings  1:6,16.  John  4:50— S2.  c Num.  20:29.  Jer. 
22:10,18.  <1  2 Chr.  12:12.  19:3.  Job  19:28.  Philem.6.  2Pei.2:S,9.  e 15.27 
—29. 


V.  7. — 11.  (Notes,  11:29 — 38.)— Jeroboam  intended  that 
liis  calves,  at  Dan  and  Beth-el,  should  represent  the  God  of 
Israel,  who  brought  the  nation  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt ; and 
would  have  his  subjects  to  think,  that  they  were  worshipping 
the  God  of  their  fathers.  (Note,  12:26 — 29.)  But  I he  Lord 
called  them,  “ oilier  gods,  and  molten  images for  as  he 
cannot  be  represented  by  any  similtude,  so.  he  abhors  all 
image  worship  as  the  grossest  idolatry.  The  case  is  precisely 
the  same,  as  to  the  worship  of  images  in  the  church  of  Rome. 
(Note,  2 Chr.  11:13 — 17.)  None  of  the  rulers  or  Judges  of 
Israel  had  acted  so  wickedly:  Saul,  who  had  been  rejected 
for  his  rebellion,  had  not  committed  open  idolatry ; much  less 
had  he  used  his  authority  lo  promote  it.  Even  Solomon,  for 
whose  apostacy  the  ten  tribes  had  been  rent  from  his  son, 
had  not  established  idolatry  by  a law,  as  Jeroboam  had  done  ; 
nor  had  any  thing  so  atrocious  been  attempted  by  Israel, 
since  it  became  a nation.  Such  judgments  therefore  were 
denounced  against  Jeroboam’s  house,  as  had  never  before 
been  inflicted : and  some  of  the  terms  used  here  occur  for  the 
first  time.  (Marg.  Ref.  x , y.  Note,  I Sam.  25:21,22,  v. 
22.) — By  “him  that  is  shut  up  and  left  in  Israel,”  may  he 
meant,  ‘every  one  who  has  taken  refuge  in  the  most  fortified 
cities,  and  every  one  that  has  escaped  from  the  more  general 
devastations:’  or,  in  general,  all  without  exception,  however 
secure  they  might  suppose  themselves  to  be;  even  these 
would  be  pursued  and  cut  off.  Or,  an  allusion  may  he  made 
in  those  peculiar  treasures,  which  are  shut  up  for  security  in 
the  safest  repositories,  and  arc  reserved  to  the  last  when  all 
else  is  spent ; and  yet  they  must  be  parted  with,  or  will  be 
searched  out  and  seized  upon.  Indeed  the  house  of  Jeroboam 
was  become  as  offensive  to  the  Lord,  as  dung  would  he  in  a 
man’s  habitation;  and  should  therefore  l)e  taken  away  till 
(here  was  none  ieft.  Nor  should  any  of  his  family,  save 
Abijah,  he  buried,  but  their  dead  bodies  should  ho  left  above 
ground,  till  the  dogs  or  the  fowls  of  the  air  devoured  them,  to 
their  deeper  disgrace  and  abhorrence.  (Notes,  21:21 — 26 

2 Kings  9:30—37.  Jer.  8:1—3.) 

Hast  cast  me,  Sic.  (9)  ‘Neglecting  me  and  my  service. 
For  those  things  we  cast  behind  our  backs,  which  arc  nothing 
worth ; and  for  which  wc  have  no  regard,  or  concern  what 
becomes  of  them.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  12,  13.  Abijah  w as  the  only  person  of  all  the  house  of 
Jeroboam,  who  was  well  disposed  to  the  worship  and  service 
of  Jehovah  : and  it  is  probable,  that,  ho  had  expressed  strong 
disapprobation  of  his  father’s  idolatry,  and  a purpose  of  sup- 
pressing it,  if  lie  should  ever  havo  it  in  his  power.  His  re- 
moval was  therefore  a heavy  judgment  upon  Israel,  who  were 
unworthy  of  so  pious  a prince  to  reign  ,ver  them;  and  it  was 


B.  C.  960. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


B.  C.  958. 


king  over  Israel,  who  shall  out  off  the  house  of 
Jeroboam  that  day : ' but  what  ? even  now. 

15  For  ethe  Lord  shall  smite  Israel,'  ''as  a reed 
is  shaken  in  the , water,  and  he  shall  'root  up 
Israel  out  of  kthis  good  land  which  lie  gave  to 
their  fathers,  and  'shall  scatter  them  beyond  the 
river,  mbecause  they  have  made  their  groves, 
"provoking  the  Lord  to  anger. 

16  And  “he  shall  give  Israel  up  because  of  the 
sins  of  Jeroboam,  fvvho  did  sin,  and  who  made 
Israel  to  sin. 

17  11  And  Jeroboam’s  wife  arose,  and  departed, 
and  came  to  sTirzah  : and  rwhen  she  came  to  the 
threshold  of  the  door,  the  child  died  : 

18  And  they  buried  him ; and  all  Israel  mourned 
for  him,  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord  which 
he  spake  by  the  hand  of  his  servant  Ahijah  the 
prophet. 

19  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jeroboam,  ’how 
he  warred,  and  how  he  reigned,  behold,  they  are 
written  ‘in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings 
of  Israel. 

b.  c.-j  20  And  the  days  which  Jeroboam  reigned 
854  -1  were  two  and  twenty  years:  "and  he  'slept 
with  his  fathers ; and  *Nadab  his  son  reigned  in 

his  Stead.  [ Practical  Observations .] 

b.  c.i  21  H And  Rehoboam  the  son  of  Solomon, 
975.  J reig.net[  in  Judah.  ^Rehoboam  was  forty  and 
one  years  old  when  he  began  to  reign ; and  he 
reigned  seventeen  years  in  Jerusalem,  Hhe  city 
which  the  Lord  did  choose  out  of  all  the  tribes  of 
Israel,  ’to  put  his  name  there:  and  his  mother’s 
name  teas  bNaamah  an  Ammonitess. 

22  And  "Judah  did  evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord, 

f Ec.  8:11.  Ez.7i2— 7.  12:22— 28.  Jam. 5:9.  2Pet.2:3.  * I Rain.  12:25. 

2 Kin-s  17:8,7.  )i  Mall. 11:7.  Duke 7:24.  i Deul.  29:28.  Ps.  52:5.  Pr,v.2:22. 
Am.  2:9.  Zeph.  2:4.  Malt.  15:13-.  k Lev. 23:32-34,43.  Dent.  4:26,27.  28:36, 
61—63.29:21-28.  Josh.  23.15,16.  1 2 Kings  15:29.  17:23.  18:11,12.  Am.  5:27. 

Acts  7:43.  m Ex.  31:13.14.  Dent.  12  3,4.  n See  on  9,23.24.  o Is.  411:24. 
Hos.  9-11,12,16,17.  p 1-2.30.  13:34.  15:30,34.  16:2.  Ex.  32:21.3.5.  Jar. 5:31. 
Hoi.  5:11,12.  Mic.  6:16.  Malt.  18:7.  Rom.  14:13.  -q  15:21., 33.  16:6,8,9, 
15,23.  Josh.  12:24.  Cant.  6:4.  r S c on  12,13.  1 Sam.  2:30 — 34.  4:18— 
20.  s 30.  2 Chr.  13:2-20.  t 29.  15:31 . 16:5,1 1,20,27.  22:39.  1 Chr.  27:24. 
Esth.  6:1.  u Set  on  2.10.  11:43.  • Heh.  lay  down.  Job  14:12.  Ps.  3:5.  4:8. 

x 15:25— 31.  y 11:43.  2 Chr.  12:13.  13:7.  7.  See  on  8:16,44.  11:36.  Ps. 

78:68,69.  87:1,2.  132:13,14.  Is.  12:6.  a See  on  Ex.  20:24.  Deut.  12:5,21.  b 31. 


the  earnest  of  the  entire  destruction  of  Jeroboam’s  family,  and 
a sort  of  preparation  for  it. — It  seems,  that  Israel,  though 
generally  apostate,  had  some  sense  of  Abijah’s  worth,  and  of 
their  loss  by  his  death,  and  sincerely  mourned  for  him.  (18. 
Note,  2 Chr.  35:25—27.) 

V.  14.  (Notes,  Ex.  9:13 — 1G.) — But  whatl  even  now.] 
That  is,  ‘ Do  not  think  tha.t  these  judgements  are  distant 
events ; but  prepare  for  them,  and  consider  what  will  be  the 
consequences  if  they  should  come  immediately ; for  they  are 
even  now  at  hand.’  In  two  years  after  Jeroboam’s  death, 
Baasha  utterly  extirpated  his  family.  (15:25 — 30.) — Some, 
however,  interpret  the  clause  to  mean,  that  the  desolation  of 
Jeroboam’s  house  should  merely  be  an  introduction  to  still 
greater  calamities  on  Israel. 

V.  15,  1G.  These  verses  emphatically  predict  the  en- 
feebled, distracted  state  of  Israel,  by  continual  usurpations, 
massacres,  and  civil  wars,  and  the  further  idolatries  into 
which  they  were  led  by  their  wicked  princes,  until  they  were 
given  up  finally  at  the  Assyrian  captivity. — They  were 
punished  for  “ willingly  walking  afier  the  commandment”  of 
Jeroboam, -to  worship  the  golden  calves;  and  for  concurring 
in  his  revolt  from  the  house  of  David,  and  from  the  worship 
of  God.  (Marg.  Ref.  p.  Notes,  Hos.  5:11,12.  8:2 — G.  13:10, 
U Mic.  6:16.) 

V.  17,  18.  Note,  12,13. — Tirzah.  (17)  Marg.  Ref.  q. 

V.  19,  20.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  booh,  &c.  (19)  These 
chronicles,  or  words  of  days,  or  journals,  were  the  public  re- 
cords of  the  kingdom,  from  whence  extracts  seem  to  have 
been  made  by  the  inspired  writers,  with  such  additions  as 
were  suited  for  instruction.  If  any  one  wished  further  to 
gratify  his  curiosity,  he  was  referred  to  the  original  records  : 
but  these  have  now  long  since  been  buried  in  oblivion.  The 
same  may  be  said  of  “The  book  of  the  Chronicles  of*the 
kings  of  Judah,”  (29)  which  were  the  records  of  that  kingdom, 
and  not  that  part  of  holy  writ  which  we  call  the  Books 
of  Chronicles.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  11:41.  1 Chr.  29:29,30. ) 

V.  21.  Rehoboam  was  born  one  year  before  David’s 
death : for  Solomon  reigned  only  forty  years  : and  having  had 
his  education  in  the  best  part  of  his  father’s  reign,  he  had 
abundant  opportunity  of  becoming  a wiser  man  than  he 
proved  to  be.  Naamah  is  supposed  to  have  been  the  daughter 
of  Shobi,  the  Ammonite,  who  was  kind  to  David  in  Absa- 
lom’s rebellion  ; (Note,  2 Sam.  17:27—29.)  and  Shobi  having 
been  proselyted  to  the  religion  of  Israel,  David  took  his 
daughter  to  be  the  wife  of  his  son  Solomon,  perhaps  out  of 
gratitude  for  his  kindness.  David  had  himself  married  the 
daughter  of  Talmai  the  king  of  Geshur ; but  the  character  of 


and  •'they  provoked  him  1o  jealousy  with  their  sins 
which  they  had  committed,  ’above  all  hat  their 
fathers  had  done. 

23  For  they  also  f built  them  high  places,  and 
'images  and  egroves,  on  every  high  hill,  and 
under  every  green  tree. 

24  And  "there  were  also  Sodomites  in  the  land  : 
and  they  did  according  to  all  the  abominations  of 
the  nations,  which  the  Lord  cast  out  before  the 
children  of  Israel. 

25  IT  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  fifth  year  oi 
king  Rehoboam,  that  'Shishak  king  of  Egypt 
came  up  against  Jerusalem  : 

26  And  khe  took  away  the  treasures  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  the  treasures  of  the  king’s 
house;  he  even  look  away  all : and  he  took  away 
all  ‘the  shields  of  gold  which  Solomon  had  made. 

27  And  king  Rehoboam  "’made  in  their  stead 
brazen  shields,  and  committed  them  unto  the 
hands  of  the  chief  of  the  'guard,  which  kept  the 
door  of  the  king’s  house. 

28  And  it  was  so,  when  the  king  went  into  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  that  the  guard  bare  them, 
and  brought  them  back  into  "the  guard-chamber. 

29  IT  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Rehoboam,  and 
all  that  he  did,  0 are  they  not  written  in  the  book 
of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah  r 

30  And  inhere  was  war  between  Reho-rB.  , 

boam  and  Jeroboam  all  their  days.  L 998 

31  And  iRehoboam  slept  with  his  fathers,  anti 
was  buried  with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of  David. 
And  rhis  mother’s  name  was  Naamah  an  Am- 
monitess. And  ’Abijam  his  son  reigned  in  his 
stead. 


Dent.  23:3.  2 Chr.  12:13.  c Jude.  3:7,12. 4:1.  2Kings17:19.  2 Chr.  12:1. 
Jet*. 3:7 — It.  dSe<o»9.  1 cut.  4 24.  29:28.  32:16— 21.  Ps. 78:58. ' Is.  65:3,4 
1 Cor.  10:22.  e 16:30.  2 Kins*  21:11.  Kz.  16:47,48.  f3:2.  Deul.  12:2.  Is.  57:5. 
Ez.  16:24,25.  20:28,29.  t Or,  standing  images,  or,  statues.  Lev.  26:1.  g Mic. 
5:14.  Dent.  12:2.  2 Kings  17:9,10.21:3—7.  2 Chr.  2S:4.  Jer.  17.2.  h 15:12.2b 
46.  Gen.  19:5.  Deul.  23: 17.  Judg.  19:22.  2 Kings  23:7.  Rom.  1:24—27.  1 Cor.  8c 
9.  i 11:40.  2 Chr.  12:2— 1.  k See  on  7:51.  15.18.  2 Kings  24:13.  2 Chr.  12:9—11. 
Ps.  39:6.  89:35— 45.  I 10:16,17.  2 ( hr.  9: 16,16.  Prov.  23:5.  Ec.  2:18,19.  m 
Lam.  4:1,2.  } Heb .rwr>er«.  1,5.18:46.  1 Sam.  8:11 . 22: 17.  2 Sam.  lo-.l . n 2 
Chr  12:11.  o See  on  19.  11:41.  15:23.  22:45.  2 Chr.  12:15.  p 12:24.  15:5, 
q See  on  20.  11:43.  15:3,24  . 22:50  . 2 Chr.  12:16.  r See  on  21.  si  Chr.  3:^. 
Abia.  2 Chr.  12:16.  Abijah.  Matt.  1:7.  Abia. 

Absalom,  his  son  by  her,  should  have*cautioned  him  against 
such  marriages.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  3:2 — 5.  J 3:37 — 39.  15: — 
17:)  It  is  very  doubtful  whether  Naamah  ever  cordially 
embraced  true  religion:  and  as  Solomon  worshipped  the  gods 
of  Ammon  among  the  rest,  it  has  been  thought,  that  she  a: 
last  became  one  of  his  seducers.  (Note,  3:1.  11:1 — 8.) 

V.  22 — 24.  It  was  a most  extraordinary  circumstance, 
that,  after  the  priests  and  Levites,  and  pious  persons  from 
Israel,  had  settled  in  Judah,  (Note,  2 Chr.  11:13 — 17.  12:1.) 

Rehoboam  and  his  subjects  in  general  should  become  more 
gross  idolaters,  than  the  Israelites  were.  Yet  fefcis  was  ac- 
tually the  case  : for  they  worshipped  false  gods  even  more  di- 
rectly than  the  Israelites  ; and  the  groves  seem  to  have  been 
temples  erected  in  shady  places,  where  the  most  abominable 
lewdness  was  practised  in  honour  of  their  filthy  idols.  (Marg. 
Ref.  Notes,  9—11.  12:26—29.  Lev.  18:21—30.)  Thus 
they  far  surpassed  all  their  progenitors  in  abominable  idol- 
atries, and  emulated  the  abominations  of  the  devoted  Canaan- 
ites. 

Y.  25 — 28.  It  is  probable  that  Shishak  was  excited  by 
Jeroboam,  as  well  as  allured  by  the  prospect  of  an  immense 
booty,  in  thus  making  war  against  Rehoboam.  (Note,  11:40.) 
If,  as  some  learned  men  suppose,  Shishak  was  the  Sesostris 
of  pagan  historians,  he  was  a most  powerful  and  formidable 
conqueror:  and  Rehoboam,  perhaps  intimidated  by  seeing 
the  hand  of  God  so  speedily  lifted  up  against  him,  seems  to 
have  tamely  surrendered.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  12:1 — 11.)  Thus 
in  less  than  five  years  from  Solomon’s  death,  the  temple  was 
plundered,  as  well  as  his  royal  palaces  ; and  Shishak  having 
seized  the  booty,  appears  to  have  relinquished  his  conquests 
in  Judah. — Rehoboam  replaced  the  golden  shields  with  others 
made  of  brass;  and  the  use  which  he  made  of  these  shows 
for  what  purposes  those  of  gold  had  been  designed;  and  inti- 
mates, that  he  still  on  some  occasions  attended  the  worship 
of  God  at  his  temple.  (Notes,  7:2.  10:16,17.) 

V.  29.  Marg.  Ref.  Note,  19. 

V.  30.  Rehoboam  was  not  allowed  to  attack  Jeroboam, 
in  the  beginning  of  his  reign,  and  we  read  of  no  great  battles 
fought  between  them:  yet  by  mutual  incursions,  they  mo- 
lested and  weakened  each  other  all  their  days.  (Notes,  12. 
21-24.  15:6,7.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1—20.  Parents  often  suffer  and  are  corrected  in  the 
affliction  of  their  children:  and  on  such  occasions  they  should 
examine  their  lives,  repent  of  their  sins,  humble  themselves 
before  God,  submit  to  his  will,  seek  help  from  him,  and  espe- 
cially pray  that  the  affliction  may  be  sanctified  for  the  good 
( 62 S ) 


B.  C.  959. 


I KINGS. 


B.  C.  955. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Abijam' t wicked  reign,  1 — 7.  Hr  dies,  and  is  succeeded  by  Asa,  8.  Asa's 
good  reign,  9—15.  In  his  war  with  Banska,  he  makes  a league  with  BerJia- 
dad , king  of  Syria  ; compels  Baasha  to  desist  from  building  Ilamah  ; and 
with  the  materials  builds  Geba  and  Mi 'pah,  16 — 22.  He  dies,  and  is  suc- 
ceeded by  Jehoshaphat,  2 3,24.  Nadab's  wicked  reign  over  Israel,  25  , 26. 
Baasha  slays  him , seizes  the  kingdom,  and  executes  Ahijah's  prophecy 
against  Jeroboam's  family,  27 — 32.  Baasha' a wicked  reign,  33,  34. 

NOW  “in  the  eighteenth  year  of  king  Jero- 
boam the  son  of  Nebat  reigned  Abijam  over 
Judah. 

2  Three  years  reigned  he  in  Jerusalem.  And 
bhis  mother’s  name  was  "Maachah,  the  daughter 
of  dAbishalom. 

3  And  he  walked  in  eall  the  sins  of  his  father, 
which  he  had  done  before  him:  f and  his  heart 
was  not  perfect  with  the  Lord  his  God,  as  the 
heart  of  David  his  father. 

4  Nevertheless,  sfor  David’s  sake  did  the  Lord 

a See  on  14:31.  2 Chr.  13:1,2.  b 13.  2 Clir.  1 1 :2u — - 22.  c 2 Chr.  13:2.  MicfiainA 
the  daughter  of  Uriel,  d 2 Chr.  M:21.  Absalom.  el4:21,22.  f See  on  3:li. 
11:4,33.  2 Kings  20:3.  2 Chr.  25:2.  31:20,21.  Ps.  119:80.  g 11:12,32.  Gen.  12:2. 
19:29.23:5.  Dent.  4:37.  2 Sam.  7:12— 16.  Is.  37:35.  Jer.  33:20— 26.  Rom.  11:28. 
h 11:36.  2 Chr.  21:7.  Ps.  132:17.  Luke  1:69-79.  2:32.  John  8:12.  Rev.  22:16. 


of  their  souls.  But  sinners  are  more  anxious  to  know  the 
secret  purposes  of  God,  than  to  understand  his  revealed  will 
and  their  own  duty : and-  they  are  often  conscious,  that  their 
forms  are  not  to  be  depended  on  ; but  are  afraid  that  others 
should  perceive  their  convictions,  and  despise  them.  They 
secretly  reverence  the  faithful  servants  of  God : and,  having 
found  the  truth  of  some  of  their  words,  they  have  an  inward 
persuasion,  that  the  rest  also  will  be  verified ; except  as  they 
flatter  themselves  with  hopes  of  escaping  the  miseries  de- 
nounced against  them.  They  form,  indeed,  very  erroneous 
judgments  both  of  God  and  of  his  servants;  yet  they  would  be 
glad  of  help  or  information  in  times  of  trouble,  did  they  not 
fear  rebukes  and  warnings.  They  therefore,  eiiher  keep  at 
a distance,  or  attempt  to  impose  upon  faithful  ministers,  by 
disguising  their  real  characters,  and  pretending  kindness  to 
them.  Indeed  the  wisest  of  men  may  thus  be  deceived;  but 
God  searches  every  heart,  and  often  unmasks  the  hypocrite 
before  the  world  : he  more  frequently  enables  his  servants  to 
see  through  their  disguises,  and  to  address  them  in  their  real , 
not  their  assy med  characters  ; and  at  last  he  will  expose  them 
to  universal  shame  and  contempt  before  the  assembled  world. 
4 What  then  doth  it  avail  thee,  thou  deceiver,  to  attempt  im- 
posing upon  men?  44  Why  feignest  thou  thyself  to  be 
another”  person?  In  vain  dost  thou  expect  an  answer  of 
peace,  while  thou  continuest  in  sin.  The  ministers  of  Christ 
are  all  sent  to  thee  *vith  heavy  tidings:  thine  attempt,  to 
impose  on  them,  or  to  bribe  them  by  presents,  does  but  in- 
crease thy  guilt:  they  will  not  thus  be  diverted  from  giving 
thee  faithful  reproofs  and  awful  warnings  ; and  the  event  will 
shortly  inform  thee  of  the  purpose  of  God  concerning  thee  ; 
the  foreknowledge  of  which,  would  only  augment  thy  misery, 
except  thou  repent  of  all  thy  wickedness,  and  turn  to  the 
Lord  in  uprightness  of  heart.’ — Every  providential  favour 
demands  a return  of  grateful  obedience,  and  aggravates  future 
transgression  ; and  thus  prosperous  sinners  accumulate  guilt 
and  wrath,  with  a rapidity  proportioned  to  their  abused  mer- 
cies. ( Note,  Rom.  2:4 — 6.) — When  men  have  witnessed,  and 
have  even  gained  by,  the  wrath  of  God  against  the  sins  of 
other  men,  and  yet  imitate  and  exceed  them  in  iniquity  ; they 
may  expect  to  be  visited  with  more  tremendous  vengeance : 
and  as  they  dishonour  him  by  their  crimes,  he  will  disgrace 
them  in  their  punishment. — A man  is  not  indeed  affected  by 
the  indignity  shown  to  his  dead  body,  or  even  by  the  miseries 
of  his  posterity;  yet  the  prospect  may  torment  his  mind 
while  he  lives  : such  judgments  form  a proper  emblem  of  the 
punishment  of  the  wicked  after  death  ; and  they  strongly 
express  the  abhorrence  and  indignation  of  God  for  a warning 
to  others. — Instruments  will  readily  be  found,  among  the 
depraved  sons  of  men,  for  the  most  bloody  and  savage  acts 
of  inhumanity  : but  the  circumstance  of  their  being  advanced 
to  power  by  the  providence  of  God,  who  overrules  their 
crimes  to  the  accomplishment  of  his  own  righteous  purposes, 
forms  no  excuse  for  their  ambition  and  cruelty. — Impenitent 
sinners  often  flatter  themselves,  that  threatened  judgments 
are  very  distant,  when  they  are  even  at  the  door  ; and  excuse 
vhemselves,  because  they  were  persuaded  or  frighted  into 
compliance. — Awful  indeed  will  be  the  doom  of  those  who 
employ  their  abilities  and  authority  to  make  others  sin ; for 
thousands  will  for  ever  execrate  some  of  them,  as  the  causes 
of  their  eternal  perdition.  They,  however,  who  yield  to 
temptation,  follow  bad  examples,  and  obey  sinful  commands, 
will  provoke  the  Lord  to  give  them  up,  and  cast  them  oft’, 
unless  they  deeply  repent  of  their  iniquity. — The  Lord  deals 
with  men  according  to  their  habitual  character : and  he  will 
not  mention  against  the  upright  believer,  who  has  cordially 
followed  him,  those  incidental  sins  of  which  he  has  repented, 
and  for  which  he  has  patiently  borne  correction. — To  show 
the  power  and  sovereignty  of  his  grace,  he  frequently  reserves 
an  individual  or  two  out  of  the  worst  of  families,  in  whom  there 
is  44  some  good  thing  toward  the  Loud  God  of  Israel.”  The 
fruits  of  his  grace  he  peculiarly  delights  in,  when  they  flourish 
frcin  the  hearts  of  the  young  and  the  affluent,  and  of  those 
who  are  surrounded  with  contagious  examples  and  instruc- 
( 624  ) 


his  God  bgive  him  a ’lamp  in  Jerusalem,  to  set  up 
his  son  after  him,  'and  to  establish  Jerusalem  : 

5 Because  JDavid  did  that  vsliich  was  right  in 
the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  and  turned  not  aside  from 
any  thing  that  he  commanded  him  all  the  days  ol 
his  life,  ksave  only  in  the  matter  of  Uriah  the  Hit- 
tite. 

6 And  'there  was  war  between  Rehoboam  and 
Jeroboam  all  the  days  of  his  life. 

7 Now  mthe  rest  of  the  acts  of  Abijam,  and  rn.c 
all  that,  he  did,  are  they  not  written  in  the L 953- 
book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah  ? 
And  "there  was  war  between  Abijam  and  Jero- 
boam. 

8 And  "Abijam  slept  with  his  fathers ; and  they 
buried  him  in  the  city  of  David  : and  rAsa  his  sor. 
reigned  in  his  stead. 

•Or,  candle.  Ps.  18:28.  i Ps.  87:5.  In.  9:7.  14:35.  62:7.  Jer.  33:2.  Mis.  4:1,2 
Matt.  16: 18.  j See  on  3. 14:8.2  Kings  22:2.  2 Chr.  34:2.  Ps.  119:6.  Luke  1:6.  ,\ct. 
13:22,36.  k 2Sam.  11:4,15— 17. 12:9,10.  Ps.  51:  (We.  1 See  on  14:30.  m 
on  14:29.  2 Chr.  13:2,21 ,22.  n 2 Chr.  13:3— 20.  oSee  on  14:31.  2Chr.l,:l. 
p 1 Chr.  3:10.  Matt.  1:7,8. 


tions.  When  such  young  persons  are  spared,  they  prove 
blessings  to  their  families  and  connexions : but  their  prema- 
ture death  forebodes  awful  judgments,  and  may  well  be 
mourned  over  as  a public  calamity.  But  they  “are  taken 
away  from  the  evil  to  come,”  and  their  death  can  never  be  a 
loss  to  themselves. 

V.  21 — 31.  No  wonder  that  they,  who  live  at  a distance 
from  the  ordinances  of  God,  are  hardened  in  iniquity  ; w hen 
such  as  are  most  favoured  provoke  him  to  jealousy  by  their 
crimes,  and  are  uninfluenced  by  his  judgments,  mercies,  warn- 
ings, and  promises. — The  perpetration  of  the  worst  crimes, 
of  the  worst  of  the  heathen,  in  Jerusalem,  the  city  that  the 
Lord  had  chosen  for  his  temple  and  worship  ; and  at  present 
in  this  favoured  land  and  city;  demonstrates,  that  nothing 
can  render  the  heart  of  fallen  man  holy,  but  the  special 
sanctifying  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit:  on  this  alone  may  we 
depend ; for  this  may  we  daily  pray,  in  behalf  of  ourselves 
and  of  all  around  us  ! — But  sin  quickly  enfeebles,  impoverishes, 
and  disgraces  the  most  prosperous  nations  : and  when  holi- 
ness, the  real  glory  of  a religious  profession,  is  gone,  all 
external  splendour  will  follow  it,  or  become  worthlesss.  Yet 
many,  who  live  in  gross  wickedness,  keep  up  a formal  attend 
ance  upon  divine  ordinances,  and  are  pleased  with  an  osten- 
tatious imitation  of  the  usages  of  better  times;  which  have 
lost  all  their  intrinsic  value,  and  retain  nothing,  except  the 
external  glitter  that  amuses  weak  and  carnal  minds. — Death 
still  marches  his  solemn  round,  and  conveys  monarchs  from 
their  thrones,  as  well  as  peasants  from  their  cottages.  Happy 
are  they,  and  they  alone,  who  possess  the  “lively  hope  of  an 
incorruptible  inheritance,”  in  that  world,  44  where  the  wicked 
cease  ftom  troubling,  and  where  the  weary  are  at  rest  !” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XV.  V.  1—3.  (Marg.  Ref.  a,  b. 
Note , 9.)  There  is  no  sufficient  ground  for  the  opinion,  that 
Maachah  was  the  daughter  of  Absalom  the  son  of  David 
(Marg.  Ref.  c,  d.)  She  is  called  “ Micaiah  the  daughter 
of  Uriel,”  in  Chronicles. — His  heart  was  not  perfect , &c.  (3) 
Marg.  Ref.  f.  Note , 14. — As  Abijam,  though  a wicked  man, 
was  a professed  worshipper  of  Jehovah,  he  is  called  44  the 
Lord  his  God.”  (Note,  2 Chr.  28:5.) 

V.  4.  Notwithstanding  the  wickedness  of  Abijam,  and 
others  of  David’s  race  ; they  were  for  his  sake,  continued  as 
44  a lamp  in  Jerusalem  (Notes,  11:12,13,34 — 36,  v.  36.)  and 
they  were  made  highly  useful,  both  to  establish  the  civil  state 
of  that  city,  and  to  maintain  the  true  worship  of  God  in  it  ; 
when  the  light  of  divine  truth  was  extinguished  in  almost  all 
other  places  of  the  earth. 

V.  5.  Save  only,  &c.]  Many  other  parts  of  David’s  con- 
duct were  evidently  faulty  : but  in  this  instance  alone  he 
acted  so  inconsistently  with  his  profession,  in  all  respects,  as 
otherwise  it  could  scarcely  have  been  conceived  that  a truly 
pious  man  could  have  done.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  11:) — Those 
who  know  the  human  heart,  and  the  state  of  a believer  in 
this  world  of  conflict  and  temptation,  will  never  expect  to  see 
in  mere  man  a character  and  conduct  free  from  blemish  and 
criminality  ; though  they  observe  many  preserved  from  falling, 
or  from  continuing  long,  under  the  power  of  notorious  evils. 
David,  however,  deeply  repented  of  mis  part  of  his  conduct ; 
and  to  the  close  of  his  life  he  showed  himself  to  be  the  upright 
and  devoted  servant  and  worshipper  of  the  Lord,  and  in  no 
instance  turned  aside  to  idolatry,  or  countenanced  it  in  bis 
subjects.  (Notes,  11:1—  8,  conclusion.  1 Chr.  28:  29:  Ps.  51:) 

V.  6,  7.  God  vouchsafed  to  continue  the  royal  authority 
over  Judah  in  the  family  of  David  : yet,  instead  of  ruling  over 
Israel  also,  as  David  and  Solomon  had  done,  both  Reho- 
boam and  Abijam  were  harassed  by  perpetual  wars  with 
Jeroboam  the  king  of  Israel.  Rehoboam  left  this  unnatural 
war,  after  it  had  lasted  nil  his  days,  to  his  son  Abijam,  who 
obtained  a most  decisive  victory  over  Jeroboam,  but  died  soon 
after.  ( Notes^  14:30.  2 Chr.  13:3-  22  ) 

V.  9.  Abijam  began  to  reign  during  the  eighteenth  yenr 
of  Jeroboam  ; he  reigned  through  his  nineteenth  year,  and 
he  died  before  the  close  of  his  twentieth,  when  Asa  succeeded 
him.  Thus  Abijam  is  said,  according  to  the  Hebrew  idiom. 


H.  C 930. 


B.  C.  953 


CHAPTER  XV. 


9 And  in  the  twentieth  year  of  Jeroboam  king 
of  Israel  reigned  Asa  over  Judah. 

10  And  forty  and  one  years  reigned  lie  in* *  Jeru- 
salem. And  his  'mother’s  name  was  Maachah,  the 
daughter  of  Abishalom. 

11  And  '■Asa  did  that  which  teas  right  in  the 
eyes  of  the  Lord,  as  did  David  his  father. 

12  And  he  took  away  1 the  Sodomites  out  of  the 
land,  and  removed  “all  the  idols  that  his  fathers 
had  made. 

13  And  also  ‘Maachah  uhis  mother,  even  her  he 
removed  from  being  queen,  because  she  had  made 
an  idol  in  a grove ; and  Asa  'destroyed  her  idol, 
'and  burnt  it  by  Hhe  brook  Kidron. 

14  But  ythe  high  places  were  not  removed : 
nevertheless  Asa’s 'heart  zwas  perfect  with  the 
Lord  all  his  days. 

15  And  *he  brought  in  the  Things  which  his 

father  had  dedicated,  and  the  things  which  himself 
had  dedicated,  into  the  house  of  the  Lord,  silver, 
and  gold,  and  vessels.  I Practical  Observations .] 

16  IT  And  bthere  was  war  between  Asa  and 
Baasha  king  of  Israel  all  their  days. 

1 7 And  “Baasha  king  of  Israel  went  up  against 
Judah,  and  built  dRamah,  that  “he  might  not 
suffer  any  to  go  out  or  come  in  to  Asa  king  of 
Judah. 

18  Then  ‘Asa  took  all  the  silver  and  the  gold 
that  vtere  left  in  the  treasures  of  the  house  of 
the  Lord,  and  the  treasures  of  the  king’s  house, 
and  delivered  them  into  the  hand  of  his  servants : 
and  king  Asa  sent  them  to  ^Ben-hadad,  the  son  of 
Tabrimon,  the  son  of  Hezion,  king  of  Syria,  that 
dwelt  at  hDamascus,  saying, 

19  There  is  a ‘league  between  me  and  thee,  and 
between  my  father  and  thy  father:  behold,  I have 
sent  unto  thee  a present  of  silver  and  gold:  come 
and  kbreak  thy  league  with  Baasha  king  of  Israel, 
that  he  may  ^depart  from  me. 

20  So  Ben-hadad  hearkened  unto  king  Asa,  and 
sent  the  captains  of  the  hosts  which  he  had  against 
the  cities  of  Israel,  and  smote  ‘Ijon,  and  mDan,  and 
r Abel-b2thmaachah,  and  all  “Cinneroth,  with  all 
the  land  of  Naphtali. 

21  And  it  came  to  pass,  Hvhen  Baasha  heard 
thereof,  that  he  left  off  building  of  Ramah,  and 
dwelt  in  sTirzah.  • 

22  Then  king  Asa  “made  a proclamation 
throughout  all  Judah  ; none  was  "exempted  : and 


they  took  a way  the  stones  of  Ramah  and  the  tim 
ber  thereof,  wherewith  Baasha  had  builded  ; an«. 
king  Asa  built  with  them  *Geba  of  Benjamin,  and 
‘Mizpah. 

23  The  “rest  of  all  the  acts  of  Asa,  and  all  his 
might,  and  all  that  he  did,  and  the  cities  which  he 
built,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chro- 
nicles of  the  kings  of  Judah?  Nevertheless  *in 
the  time  of  his  old  age  lie  was  diseased  in  his  feet. 

24  And  Asa  slept  with  his  fathers,  and  tb.  c. 
was  buried  with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of  L 9M- 
David  his  father:  and  yJehoshaphat  his  son  reigned 
in  his  stead. 

25  IT  And  'Nadab  the  son  of  Jeroboam  ’’began 
to  reign  over  Israel  in  the  second  year  of  Asa 
king  of  Judah,  and  reigned  over  Israel  two 
years. 

26  And  “he  did  evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord, 
and  b\valked  in  the  way  of  his  father,  and  cin  his 
sin  wherewith  he  made  Israel  to  sin. 

27  H AnddBaasha  the  son  of  Ahijah,  of  the  house 
of  Issachar,  “conspired  against  him  ; and  Baasha 
smote  him  at  f Gibbethon,  which  belonged  to  the 
Philistines  ; for  Nadab  and  all  Israel  laid  siege  to 
Gibbethon. 

28  Even  sin  the  third  year  of  Asa  king  of 
Judah  did  Baasha  slay  him,  and  reigned  in  his 
stead. 

29  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  reigned,  that 
he  smote  all  the  house  of  Jeroboam  ; hhe  left  not 
to  Jeroboam  any  that  breathed,  until  he  had 
destroyed  him,  accdrding  unto  the  saying  of  the 
Lord,  which  he  spake  by  his  servant  Ahijah  the 
Shilonite  : 

30  Because  of  'the  sins  of  Jeroboam  which  he 
sinned,  and  which  he  made  Israel  sin,  by  his  pro- 
vocation wherewith  he  provoked  the  Lord  God 
of  Israel  to  anger. 

31  11  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  ofNadah,  and  all 
that  he  did,  are  They  not  written  in  the  book  of 
the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel  ? 

32  And  kthere  was  war  between  Asa  and 
Baasha  king  oflsrael  all  their  days. 

33  In  the  third  year  of  Asa  king  of  Judah  began 
Baasha  the  son  of  Ahijah  to  reign  over  all  Israel 
in  Tirzah,  ‘twenty  and  four  years. 

34  And  mhe  did  evil  in. the  sight  of  the  Lord, 
and  "walked  in  the  way  of  Jeroboam,  and  in  his 
sin  wherewith  he  made  Israel  to  sin. 


* That  is,  erandmother's.  2,13.  2 Chr.  11:20,21.  13:2.  q 3.  2 Chr.  14:2. 

II.  15:17.16:7—10.  r See  on  14:24  . 22:46.  Rom.  1:26,27.  Jude  7.  a 3 11- 
7,8.14:23.  2 Chr.  14.2 — 5.  Ez.  20:18,19.  Zech  1:2— 6.  1 Pet.  1:18.  t 2,10 
2Chr. 15:16:  u Deut  13:6— 11 . 33:9.  Zech.  13:3.  Matt.  10:37.  12:46— 50.  2Cor. 
6H6.  Gal.  25, 6, 14.  t Heb.  cut  of.  Lev.  26:30.  Deut.  7:5.  2 Kings  18:4.  23:12— 
lo.  2 Chr.  34:4.  v Ex.  32:20.  Deut.  9:21.  Josh  6:24.  x2Sam.  15.23.  2 Kin^a 
28:6.  John  18:1.  Cedron.  y 22:43.  2 Kings  12:3.  14:4.  15:4.  2 Chr.  14:3,5.  z8: 
61.  11:4.  2 Chr.  15:17.16:9.25:2.  a See  on  7:51.  1 Chr.  26:2S— 28.  2 Chr  14 
13.15:18.  | Heb.  holy  things,  b 6,7,32.  14:30  . 2 Chr.  16:1 . &c.  c 27.  2 Chr 
16.1.  d 21.  Josh.  18:25.  1 Sam.  15:34.  Jer.  31:15.  e 12:27.  2 Chr.  1 1 : 13— 17 
f 15.  14:26.  2 Kings  12:18.  18:15,16.  2 Chr.  15:18.  16:2—6.  g20:l— 5,33  34  2 

Kings  8:7-15.  h 11:23,24.  Gen.  14:15.  15:2.  Jer.  49:27.  Am.  1:4.  i2  Chr.  19: 


2.  Is.  31:1.  k 2 Sam.  21:2.  2 Chr.  16:3.  Ez.  17:13-16.  Rom.  1:31.3:8.  6 Heb 
, 2 * *0KK-  15:29;  m 12:29-  Gen.  14:14.  Judg.  18:29.  n 2 Snm.  20:14,15. 
?■  ,p,2‘ibr-‘6:®-  q]14:17.  16:15—18.  Cam.  6:4.  r 2 Chr.  16:6. 
Il  Heb.  free.  • Josh.  18:24.  Gaba.  sf:17.  t Josh.  18:26.  1 Sam.  7:5.  M,~veh 
Jer.40i0,l°  u 7,8. 14:29— 31  x 2 Chr.  16:13—14.  Pa.  90:10.  y 2-2:41—43.' 

2 Chr.  17:1.  Matt.  1:8.  Jnsaphnl.  z 14:12,20.  Heb  reisnrd  n 16-7  °5  30 
b 12:28-33.  13:33,34.  c 30.34.  14:  16.  16:19,26. 21 :25b  22-52  ' &?„'  20-9  Ex  32* 

?'•  ‘S"™-*24-  ?0K,“,ies3:bn1:1I„23:I5'  Je''-  K:3s-  Rom-  nos.  I Cor.  8c 

23-'^^ 

kseei”16-  »*: 


to  have  reigned  “ three  years,”  in  the  same  manner  as  Chris 
is  said  to  have  risen  after  “ three  days.”  Thus  also  Nadal 
began  to  reign  in  the  second  year  of  Asa,  and  reigned  twi 
years:  yet  Baasha  succeeded  him  in  the  third  year  of  Asa 
(28)  This  is  the  way,  in  which  the  computation  of  the  year 
between  the  two  kingdoms  may  be  made  to  coincide:  for,  ii 
the  numerous  successions  in  the  kingdom  of  Israel,  the  sami 
year  is  frequently  twice  reckoned;  both  to  him  who  reignei 
in  its  commencement,  and  to  him  who  succeeded  before  thi 
close  of  it. 

X'  f0-13,  Maachah  was  Asa’s  grandmother,  but.  pro' 
bably  his  own  mother  was  dead,  and  Maachah  had  brough 
him  up  : ( Notes,  1-3.  2 Chr.  11:18-23.)  he  however  de. 
priyed  her  of  authority,  and  removed  her  from  court,  for  he 
idolatry,  which  he  entirely  suppressed.— The  words  trans- 
ated,  from  being  queen,”  may  be  rendered,  from  the  queen 
tamely,  lest  IVflaachah  should  seduce  Asa5s  queen  also  int( 
idolatry.— Idols.  (12)  O^J.  Dungit  gods.  Deut.  29:17 
marg.  Note,  Lev.  26:30.  YmfiaXa.  Phil.  3:5. 

jin  idol.  (i3)  ris^DiO;  ‘ Which  imports  something  of  terro1 

*nd  horror,  either  because  it  was  of  a frightful  aspect,  o 
Drought  dreadful  judgments  on  its  worshippers.’  Bp.  Patrick 

V.  14.  IVas  perfect,  &c.]  This  may  be  opposed  to  thi 
external  good  behaviour,  and  the  insincere  and  divided  hear 
of  hypocrites;  and  may  signify  that  Asa  was  cordially  dc. 
voted  to  the  service  and  worship  of  God  all  his  days;  anc 
that  his  sins  arose  from  infirmity,  not  from  presumptuous,  de. 
liberate  wickedness.  (Notes,  5,17—24.  2 Chr.  16:  Ps.  19 
12 — 14.)  But  some  explain  it  to  mean  no  more,  than  that  hi 
Voi.  I. — 79 


never  turned  aside  from  the  worship  of  God  to  idolatry,  as 
Solomon  had  done. — He  had  not,  however,  zeal  and  resolu- 
tion enough  to  suppress  the  high  places,  on  which  the  people 
sacrificed  to  the  Lord,  instead  of  coming  to  the  temple  ; 
though  he  destroyed  the  idols  out  of  the  land.  (Notes.  3: 
2—4.)  ’ 


V.  15.  It  seems  that  Abijam,  in  his  war  with  Jeroboam, 
had  made  some  vow  of  dedicating  the  spoil  to  God,  which  he 
did  not  live  to  perform.  But  Asa  fulfilled  it,  as  well  as  i 
similar  vow  of  his  own.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Lev.  27:28. 
29.  2 Chr.  l4‘9- — 15.) 

V.  16 — 22.  (25 — 31.)  The  conduct  of  Asa  evidently 

arose  from  unbelief,  and  was  very  criminal  in  itself.  It  was 
wholly  wrong  to  tempt  Ben-hadad  to  “break  his  league”  with 
the  king  of  Israel  ; and  still  worse  to  hire  him  to  it  with  the 
consecrated  treasures  of  the  temple:  and  the  calamities  and 
miseries  brought  by  Ben-hadad’s  invasions  on  ihe  inhabitants 
of  the  cities  in  the  northern  part  of  the  land,  were  very  great. 
This  occurred  in  the  latter  years  of  Asa’s  reign. — Baasha’s 
policy  was  not  unlike  the  impious  devices  of  Jeroboam: 
(Note,  12:26 — 29.)  but  God  could  have  turned  it  into  fool- 
ishness, without  Asa  opposing  it  by  a policy  not  more  iustifi- 
able.  ( Notes , 2 Chr.  16:1 — 10.) 

V.  23,  24.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  14:19.  2 Chr.  16:12— 14. 

V.  27.  Gibbethon .]  Marg.  Ref.  Note,  16:15. 

V.  29,  30.  No  doubt  Baasha  left  the  dead  bodies  of  Jero- 
boam s family  unburied,  as  it  had  been  predicted.  < Notes, 
14:9—14.)  It  is  also  referred  to  as  a well-known  fact  in  sub 
sequent  passages.  (16:3,4.  21:22—24.)  Baasha,  however. 

( 623  ) 


B.  C.  930. 


I.  KINGS. 


B.  C.  930. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

Jehu  the  prophet  predicts  the  ruin  of  Baas  h a1  a family,  1—4.  Baas  ha  dies, 
and  is  succeeded  iy  his  a >n  Blah,  5—7.  Zimri  slays  Blah,  succeeds  him, 
and  fulfils  Jehu' s prophecy,  8—14.  Omri  usurps  the  kingdom,  and  besieges 
Zimri  in  Tirxah,  who  burns  himself  in  the  palace,  15—20.  Tibni  opposes 
Omri,  who  prevails  against  him , 2i,  22.  Omri  builds  Samaria,  reign*  very 
wiclcedl ;,  (lies,  an  l is  succeeded  by  Ahab,  23 — 28.  Ahab's  excessive  wicked- 
ness and  idolatry,  as  instigated  by  his  wife  Jezebel,  29 — 33.  Joshua's  curse 
on  him  that  should  rebuild  Jericho , is  fulfilled  on  Uiel,  34. 

THEN  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to  aJehu 
the  son  ofbHanani  against  Baasha,  saying, 

2  Forasmuch  as  CI  exalted  thee  out  of  the  dust, 
and  made  thee  prince  over  my  people  Israel,  and 
4thou  hast  walked  in  the  way  of  Jeroboam,  and 
•hast  made  my  people  Israel  to  sin,  to  provoke  me 
to  anger  with  their  sins  ; 

3  Behold,  I will  take  away  the  posterity  of 
Baasha,  and  the  posterity  of  his  house  ; and  f will 
make  thy  house  like  the  house  of  Jeroboam  the 
son  of  Nebat. 

4  Him  that  dieth  of  Baasha  in  the  city  gshall 
the  dogs  eat;  and  him  that  dieth  of  his  in  the 
field  shall  the  fowls  of  the  air  eat. 


a 7.  2Chr.  19.2.  20:34.  b 2 Chr.  16:7—10.  c 14:7.  1 Sam.  2:8,27.28.  15:17— 
19.  2 Sam.  12:7—11.  Ps.  113:7,8.  Luke  1:52.  d See  on  13.33,34.  15:34.  e See 
on  14:16.  15:26.  Ex.  32:21.  1 Sam.  2:24.  26:19.  f 11,12.  14:10.  15:29,30.  21: 
21— 24.  Is.  66:24.  Jer.  22:19.  g See  on  14:11.  h See  on  14:19.  15:31.  i 14:20. 
15:24.  j 8,13,14.  k See  on  1,2.  1 Ps.  115:4.  Is.  2.8.  44:9— 20.  m 14:14.  15: 


5 Now  hthe  rest  of  *he  acts  of  Baasha,  and 
what  Jie  did,  and  his  might,  are  they  not  written 
in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of 
Israel ? 

6 So  'Baasha  slept  with  his  fathers,  and  was 
buried  in  Tirzah : and  JElah  his  son  reigned  in 
his  stead. 

7 And  also  by  kthe  hand  of  the  prophet  Jehu 
the  son  of  Hanani  came  the  word  of  the  Lord 
against  Baasha,  and  against  his  house,  even  for 
all  the  evil  that  lie  did  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord, 
in  provoking  him  to  anger  ‘with  the  work  of  his 
hands,  in  being  like  the  house  of  Jeroboam ; and 
""because  he  killed  him. 

8 U In  the  twenty  and  sixth  year  of  Asa  king 
of  Judah,  began  Elah  the  son  of  Baasha  to  reign 
over  Israel  in  Tirzah,  two  years. 

9 And  his  servant  Zimri,  captain  of  half  his 
chariots,  Dconspired  against  him,  as  he  was  in 
Tirzah,  °drinking  himself  drunk  in  the  house  ol 
Arza,  ’steward  of  his  house  in  Tirzah. 


27 — 29.  2 Kiuzs  10:30,31.  Is. 10:6,7.  Hos.  1:4.  Acts  2:23  . 4:27.28.  n 15:27. 
2 Kings  9:14.  12:20.  15:10,25,30.  o 20:16.  1 Sam. 25:36— 38.  2Sam  13:28,29. 
Prov.  23:29— 35.  Jer.  51:57.  Dan.  5: 1—4,30.  Nah.  1:10.  Hab.  2:15,16.  Matt. 
24:49—51.  Luke  21:34.  * Heb.  which  was  over.  Gen.  15:2.  24:2,10.  39:4,9. 


only  sought  to  secure  himself  in  the  kingdom  by  this  cruelty, 
and  therefore  he  imitated  Jeroboam  in  his  idolatry  and  other 
impieties.  (34.  Notes,  16:2 — 7.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 15.  Even  a superficial  acquaintance  with  the 
divine  law  may  enable  us  to  perceive  evident  defects,  in  the 
conduct  of  eminent  believers ; and  man’s  natural  enmity  to 
God  and  his  servants  disposes  him  to  delight  in  severely  ani- 
madverting on  them:  yet  if  the  habitual  conduct  of  the  righ- 
teous, towards  God  and  man,  be  impartially  contrasted  with 
that  of  unbelievers,  the  difference  is  very  visible,  and  they 
appear  to  be  of  another  spirit,  and  far  more  excellent  than 
their  neighbours.  But  when  the  secret  desires  and  good 
works  of  the  righteous,  and  the  secret  evils  of  the  hearts  and 
lives  of  ungodly  men.  shall  be  made  manifest  at  the  day  of 
judgment ; the  glory  of  the  divine  justice  and  mercy  will  be 
displayed  to  the  whole  world,  in  the  allotment  of  their  ever- 
lasting portion  of  happiness  or  misery.  (Note,  ]\Ial.  3:13 — 
18.)  The  general  conduct  of  the  Lord’s  servants  may  there- 
fore be  held  forih  as  an  example  for  imitation:  and  numbers 
are  blessed  on  their  account,  both  while  they  live,  and  after 
they  are  gone  to  their  rest.  But  alas!  even  children,  who 
have  been  favoured  and  spared  for  their  parents’  sake,  often 
forsake  their  righteous  ways  ; and  but  few,  especially  in 
superior  stations,  or  among  kings  and  rulers,  have  hitherto 
served  God  in  uprightness  of  heart.  He  has,  however,  still 
taken  care  of  his  cause  ; while  those,  who  ought  to  have  been 
serviceable  to  it,  have  perished  in  their  sins : and  the  Son  of 
David  will  continue  a Light  to  his  church,  to  establish  it  in 
truth  and  righteousness,  to  the  end  of  time,  and  for  ever. 
(Note,  Rev.  21:22 — 27.) — It  is  happy  for  nations,  when  wick- 
ed rulers  are  speedily  removed  ; and  when  the  righteous  come 
in  their  stead,  and  are  long  preserved,  44  to  do  that  which  is 
right  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord.” — Those  who  would  please 
him,  and  promote  reformation,  must  prefer  his  glory  to  the 
reputation  of  every  friend  or  relative : nay,  they  must  oppose 
the  crimes  even  of  their  own  parents,  though  this  may  seem 
a reflection  upon  the  memory  of  the  deceased,  or  a slight  put 
upon  the  characters  of  the  living.  Nor  may  any  age,  sex,  or 
relative  tie,  induce  such  as  are  intrusted  with  authority,  to 
allow  those  to  possess  power  or  influence,  who  abuse  it  to 
the  dishonour  of  God,  and  to  promote  idolatry,  superstition, 
or  ungodliness  ; and  in  every  situation  our  duty  to  him  must 
have  the  precedency  over  all  other  duties.  (Notes,  Matt. 
10:37 — 39.  Luke  14:25 — 27.)  How  absurd  then  is  it,  to  be 
satisfied  with  a religion,  merely  because  our  fathers  professed 
it ! for  indeed  that  reason,  if  allowed  to  be  valid,  would  gene- 
rally prove  that  men  ought  to  continue  in  idolatry,  super- 
stition, and  immorality.  (Note  and  P.  O.  1 Pet.  1:17 — 21.) 
— Every  reformation  upon  earth  has  hitherto  been  defective : 
the  utmost  attainment  of  fallen  man  has  been  an  upright 
and  persevering  endeavour  to  glorify  God  ; and  this  meets 
with  his  merciful  acceptance,  by  faith  in  Jesus  Christ. 

V.  16 — 34.  Even  true  believers  find  it  very  difficult  in 
times  of  urgent  danger,  44to  trust  in  the  Lord  with  all  their 
heart,  and  not  to  lean  to  their  own  understanding;”  and  unbe- 
lief proportionally  makes  way  for  carnal  policy.  This  has 
often  induced  Christains  to  call  in  the  help  of  the  enemies  of 
God  in  their  contests  with  their  brethren ; to  spend  that 
time  and  substance  to  obtain  their  favour,  which  ought  to 
have  been  devoted  to  the  Lord’s  service  ; and  to  tempt 
others  to  behave  deceitfully  or  cruelly.  Such  evils  have 
frequently  disgraced  religious  disputes:  the  victories  thus 
acquired  have  weakened  the  common  cause,  and  ended  in 
shame  and  bitterness  : and  some,  who  once  shone  bright  in 
the  meridian  of  the  church,  have  been  thus  covered  with  a dark 
cloud  toward  the  close  of  their  days.  May  God  help  us  44  to 
follow  aflsr  peace,  and  those  things,  where  with  one  may 
( 626  ) 


edify  another that  our  44  path  may  shine  more  and  more 
bright  unto  the  perfect  day!” — But  after  all,  how  much  hap- 
pier are  those  who  are  connected  with  godly  people,  than 
such  as  have  their  lot  cast  among  the  profane  and  wicked ! 
(Note,  16:21,22.) — Wretched  is  it  for  others,  but  most  so  for 
themselves,  when  children  inherit  the  vices,  with  the  estates, 
of  their  wicked  parents  : their  temporal  calamities  may  arise 
from  the  sins  of  their  fathers;  but  “the  wrath  to  come”  will 
be  the  recompense  of  their  own  crimes. — Ungodly  men  exe- 
cute the  just  judgment  of  God  upon  each  other,  whilst  grati- 
fying their  own- ambition,  avarice,  or  revenge;  and  at  the 
same  time  they  ripen  for  severer  vengeance,  by  imitating 
the  sins  of  those  whom  they  have  supplanted.  Many  suffer, 
and  many  are  induced  to  commit  iniquity,  by  such  rulers 
and  usurpers.  But  in  the  midst  of  all  these  enormities,  and 
this  apparent  confusion,  the  Lord  is  carrying  on  his  universal 
plan:  and  when  it  shall  be  fully  completed,  all  rational  and 
holy  creatures,  and  all  the  company  of  redeemed  sinners, 
will  perceive,  admire,  and  adore  the  glorious  justice,  wisdom 
truth,  and  mercy,  displaj'ed  in  every  part  of  it  through  all  the 
ages  of  eternity. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XVI.  V.  1.  Hanani,  the  father  of 
Jehu,  was  a prophet,  as  well  as  his  son.  (Note,  2 Chr.  16:7 
— 10.)  Jehu  was  a young  man  at  this  time,  and  he  continued 
for  many  years  employed  b the'Lord,  and  useful  to  his  peo- 
ple. (Notes,  2 Chr.  19^2.  20:31 — 34.) — Thus  a succession 
of  prophets  was  raised  up  in  the  nation  of  Israel,  through 
every  generation,  till  the  advent  of  Christ  approached. 
(Preface  to  Malachi.) 

V.  2.  The  conduct  of  Baasha,  jn  conspiring  against  Na- 
dab,  and  murdering  him  and  Jeroboam’s  family,  was  highly 
criminal.  But  the  success  of  his  conspiracy,  and  his  ad- 
vancement from  a very  low  condition,  to  the  throne  of  Israel, 
were  from  the  Lord;  whose  benefits  aggravated  the  guilt  ol 
his  subsequent  idolatry  and  wickedness.  (Note,  2 Sam.  12: 
8.) — God  acknowledged  Israel  as  his  people,  notwithstanding 
their  apostacy,  because  they  professed  themselves  his  wor- 
shippers ; because  there  were  many  believers  in  the  land,  and 
because  he  intended  to  maintain  religion  among  them,  and 
not  utterly  to  cast  them  off.  This  also  was  an  aggravation  of 
Baasha’s  sin  ; that  being,  by  Providence,  made  prince  over  the 
Lord’s  people,  he  employed  his  authority  in  causing  them  to 
sin  against  him. 

V.  3 — 6.  (Notes,  14:5 — 14.)  Baasha  was  not  slain,  but 
died  and  was  buried;  Jeroboam  also  died:  but  the  threaten- 
ings  were  executed  on  his  whole  family  and  posterity. 

/ will  take  away.  (3)  *v,y-0  : I will  consume  as  by  fire. 

V.  7.  It  is  likely  that  Jehu  was  sent  from  Judah,  of  which 
kingdom  he  seems  to  have  been,  and  delivered  his  message  tc 
Baasha,  as  the  man  of  God  did  to  Jeroboam.  (Notes,  13:1 
— 6.  2 Chr.  16:7 — 10.  19:2.) — Killed  him.]  4 Baasha  destroyed 
Jeroboam  in  his  posterity,  by  cruelly  murdering  them  all. 
God  had  not  commanded  him  to  do  this,  though  he  had  pro 
dicted  that  it  should  be  done.  Baasha  was  actuated  by  his 
own  ambition  and  other  selfish  passions;  and  therefore  de- 
served punishment,  tnough  he  fulfilled  the  righteous  purposes 
of  God.  (Notes,  2 Kings  10:29 — 31.  Is.  10:5 — 15.  Hos.  1:4,5. 
Acts  2:22—24.) 

V.  8 — 14.  Baasha  began  to  reign  in  the  third  year  of  Asa, 
and  he  reigned  twenty-four  years,  yet  he  died,  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Elah,  in  the  twenty-sixth  year  of  Asa.  Thus, 
it  is  evident,  that  a part  of  the  third  year  of  Asa,  after 
Baasha  came  to  the  throne,  is  calculated  as  a whole  year. 
(Note,  15:9.)  In  like  manner  Elah,  who  began  to  reign  iiv 
the  twenty-sixth  year  of  Asa,  atld  was  killed  in  the  twenty- 
seventh,  is  said  lo  have  reigned  two  yen  s,  that,  is  a part  of 
two  years. — The  sentence  denounced  against  the  house  of 
Baasha,  greatly  resembles  that  denounced  against  Jeroboam 


B.  C.  910 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


B.  C.  929 

10  And  pZinin  went  in,  and  smote  him,  and 
killed  him,  in  the  twenty  and  seventh  year  of  Asa 
king  of  Judah,  and  ^reigned  in  his  stead. 
b.  c.i  11  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  began  to 
!®.  J reign,  as  soon  as  he  sat  on  his  throne,  that 
rhe  slew  all  the  house  of  Baasha  : 'he  left  him  not 
one  that  pisseth  against  a wall,  'neither  of  his 
kinsfolks  nor  of  his  friends. 

12  Thus  did  Zimri  destroy  all  the  house  of 
Baasha,  'according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord, 
which  he  spake  against  Baasha  'by  Jehu  the  pro- 
phet, 

13  For  all  the  sins  of  Baasha,  and  the  sms  of 
Elah  his  son,  by  which  they  sinned,  and  by  which 
they  made  Israel  to  sin,  in  provoking  the  Lord 
God  of  Israel  to  anger  with  their  "vanities. 

14  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Elah,  and  all  that 
he  did,  are  'they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the 
Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel? 

[Practical  Observations .] 

15  H In  the  twenty  and  seventh  year  of  Asa  king 
of  Judah  did  Zimri  reign  'seven  days  in  Tirzah. 
And  the  people  were  ^encamped  against  Gibbe- 
thon,  which  belonged,  to  the  Philistines. 

16  And  the  people  that  were  encamped  heard 
say,  Zimri  hath  conspired,  and  hath  also  slain  the 
king : wherefore  all  Israel  made  'Omri,  the  captain 
of  the  host,  king  over  Israel  that  day  in  the 
camp. 

17  And  Omri  went  up  from  Gibbethon,  and  all 
Israel  with  him,  and  they  "besieged  Tirzah. 

18  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Zimri  saw  that 
the  city  was  taken,  that  he  went  into  the  palace 
of  the  king’s  house,  band  burnt  the  king’s  house 
over  him  with  fire,  and  died, 

19  For  his  sins  which  he  sinned  "in  doing  evil 
in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  in  walking  in  the  way  of 
Jeroboam,  and  din  his  sin  which  he  did,  to  make 
Israel  to  sin. 

20  Now  'the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Zimri,  and  bis 
treason  that  he  wrought,  are  they  not  written  in 
the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel  ? 

p 2 Kings  9:31.  q 15.  r 15:29.  Judg.  1:7.  6 See  on  14:10.  1 Sam.  25:22,34. 

• Or,  both  his  kinsmen  and  his  friends,  t See  on  1 — 4.  t Heb.  bu  the  hand 
of.  7.  14:18.  2 Kings  14:25.  2 Chr.  10:15.  Prov.  26:6.  u Deut.  32:21.  1 Sam. 
12:21.  2 Kings  17:15.  Is.  41:29.  Jer.  10 :1J— 5,8,15.  Jon.  2:8.  I Cor.  8:4.  10:19, 
20.  r See  on  5.  x 2 Kinga9:31.  Job  20:5.  Ps.  37:35,36.  y 15:27.  Josh  19:44. 
21:23.  z 30.  2 Kings  8:26.  2 Chr.  22:2.  Mic.  6:16.  a Judg.  9:45,50,56,57. 
2 Kings  6:24,25.  18:9-12.25:1— 4.  Luke  19:43,44.  b Judg.  9:54.  1 Sam.  31:4, 
5.  2Sam.  17:23.  Job2:9,10.  Matt.  27:5.  c 7,13.  15:30.  Ps.  9:16.  58:9—  1 1 . 
d See  on  12:28.  14: 16.  15:26.  e 5,14,27.  14:19. 15:31 . 22:39.  f 8,29. 15:25,28. 
Prov.  28:2.  Is.  9.18—21.  19:2.  Matt.  12:25.  1 Cor.  1:12,13.  Eph.  4:3—5.  g 8, 


and  his  family : and  both  Jeroboam  and  Baasha  died  in 
peace  ; while  Nadab  and  Elah,  their  sons,  were  slain  within 
two  years,  and  the  posterity  of  each  of  them  was  entirely  and 
ignominiously  extirpated!  But  Baasha’s  friends  likewise 
were  involved  in  the  same  ruin : and  Zimri  executed  the  sen- 
tence of  the  prophet  with  great  rapidity ; though  he  meant 
not  so. — Drunk.  (9)  Marg.  Ref.  o. 

V.  15.  The  death  of  Nadab  had  before  prevented  the 
prosecution  of  the  siege  of  Gibbethon  : (15:27,28.)  and  it 
was  the  second  time  interrupted  by  the  murder  of  Elab,  who 
stayed  at  home  to  indulge  himself  while  his  army  was  besieg- 
ing that  city. — Gibbethon  lay  in  the  lot  of  Dan,  but  it  was 
given  to  the  Lefates.  (Josh.  19:44.  21:23.)  The  Philistines, 
however,  had  got  possession  of  it,  during  the  distractions 
which  prevailed  in  Israel. 

V.  17 — 19.  The  army,  which  besieged  Gibbethon,  having 
made  their  commander  Omri  king,  by  military  election  ; and 
Omri  having  left  the  siege  of  Gibbethon,  to  make  war  against 
Zimri  in  Tirzah  ; Zimri,  finding  his  cause  desperate,  afraid 
of  falling  alive  into  the  hands  of  his  enemies,  and  perhaps 
envying  his  competitor  the  possession  of  that  palace  and 
those  riches  which  he  had  coveted,  burnt  himself,  with  the 
palace  and  all  its  treasures.  He  was  driven  to  this  extremity, 
and  left  to  this  desperation,  by  the  righteous  judgment  of 
God,  for  his  sins  : as  in  the  space  of  seven  days  he  had  mur- 
dered all  the  posterity  and  relations  of  Baasha ; and  had 
manifested  his  determination  to  support  the  worship  of  the 
-olden  calves.  (Note,  2 Kings  9:30 — 37.) 

V.  21,  22.  The  army,  encamped  before  Gibbethon,  chose 
Omri,  their  commander,  king : but  it  seems  either  that  some 
of  them  were  afterwards  disgusted  by  him  ; or  that  the  prin- 
cipal persons,  who  were  absent,  disapproved  of  this  measure, 
and  set  up  Tibni  against  him.— As  the  war  lasted  six  years, 
'Note,  23.)  numbers  no  doubt  were  cut  off  on  both  sides, 
before  the  contest  ended  with  the  death  of  Tibni. 

So  Tibni,  &c.  (22)  How  much  is  contained  in  this  con- 
cise sentence  ! and  similar  contests  continually  terminate  in 
he  same  manner  It  is  an  epitome  especially  of  the  history 
of  civil  wars. 


H 21  Then  were  the  people  of  Israel f divided  into 
two  parts  : half  of  the  people  followed  Tibni  the 
son  of  Ginath,  to  make  him  king ; and  half  lollowed 
Omri. 

22  But  the  people  that  followed  Omri  pre- 
vailed against  the  people  that  followed  Tibni  the 
son  of  Ginath : so  Tibni  died,  and  Omri  reigned 

23  IT  In  the  thirty  and  first  year  of  Asa  king  riu 
of  Judah,  began  Omri  to  reign  over  Israel,  L 925 
^twelve  years  : six  years  reigned  he  in  Tirzah. 

24  And  he  bought  the  hill  Samaria  of  Sheme 
for  two  talents  of  silver,  and  built  on  the  hill,  anc. 
called  hthe  name  of  the  city  which  he  built,  after 
the  name  of  Shemer,  owner  of  the  hill,  iSamaria. 

25  But  Omri  wrought  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the 
Lord,  and  'did  worse  than  all  that  were  before 
him. 

26  For  The  walked  in  all  the  way  of  Jeroboam 
the  son  ofNebat,  and  in  his  sin  wherewith  he  made 
Israel  to  sin,  to  provoke  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  to 
anger  with  ktheir  vanities. 

27  Now  'the  rest  of  the  acts  ofOmri,  which  he  did, 
and  his  might  that  he  showed,  are  they  not  written 
in  the  bopk  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel  ? 

28  So  Omri  ""slept  with  his  fathers, and  was  i-b.c 
buried  in  Samaria : and  Ahab  his  son  reigned *  *-  m 
in  his  stead. 

29  IT  And  in  the  thirty  and  eighth  year  of  Asa 
king  of  Judah,  began  Ahab  the  son  of  Omri  to 
reign  over  Israel : and  Ahab  the  son  of  Omri 
reigned  over  Israel  "in  Samaria  twenty  and  two 
years. 

30  And  Ahab  the  son  of  Omri  did  evil  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord  "above  all  that  were  before  him. 

31  And  it  came  to  pass,  $as  if  it  had  been  Pa 
light  thing  for  him  to  walk  in  the  sins  of  Jeroboam 
the  son  of  Nebat,  that  he  ttook  to  wife  ".Jezebe 
the  daughter  of  Ethbaal  king  of  Hhe  Zidonians, 
‘and  went  and  "served  Baal,  and  worshipped  him. 

32  And  he  reared  up  an  altar  for  Baal  in  'the 
house  of  Baal,  which  he  had  built  in  Samaria. 

33  And  Ahab  fmade  a grove ; and  Ahab 

29.  h 13:32. 18:2.  20:1.22:37  . 2 Kings  17:1,6,24.  John  4:4,5.  Acts  8:5— 8 
J Heb.  S/tomeron.  i 30.31.33.  14:9.  Mic. 6:16.  ) 2,7,19.  12:26—33.  13:33,34. 

k Set  on  13.  Ps.  31:6.  Jer.  8.19.  10:3,8. 11:22. 16:19.  18:15.  Acts  14:15.  Rom. 
1:21—23.  1 5,14,20.15:31.  m See  on  6.  nSeeonlA.  o 25,31,33.  14:9.  21: 
25.  2 Kings  3:2.  § Heb.  was  it  a light  thing,  Sfc.  p Gen.  30:15.  Num.  16:9. 
Is.  7:13.  Ez.  8:17.  16:20,47.34:18.  q Gen.  6:2.  Deut.  7:3,4.  Josh.  23: 12,13. 
Neh.  13:23 — 29.  r 18:4,19.  19:1,2.  21:5— 14,25.  2 Kings  9: 3U— 37.  Rev.  2:20 
s 11:1.  Judg,  10:12.  18:7  t See  vn  11:4—  8.  u 21:26.  Judg.  2.11.  3 7.  10:6. 
2 Kings  10:18.  17:16.  x 2 Kiugs  10:21,26,27.  v Ex.  34:13.  2 Kings  13:6.  17:16. 
21:3.  Jer.  17:2. 


V.  23.  Twelve,  &c.]  Twelve  years  elapsed  between  the 
death  of  Zimri  and  that  of  Omri;  namely  from  the  beginning 
of  the  twenty-seventh,  to  the  end  of  the  thirty-eighth  year 
of  Asa’s  reign.  But  probably  half  that  time  had  been  spent 
in  civil  wars  between  Omri  and  Tibni ; and  the  thirty-first 
year  of  Asa  was  nearly  concluded,  when  Omri  obtained 
the  undisputed  possession  of  the  throne  ; from  which  time  he 
reigned  six  complete  years. — Thus,  whilst  Israel  was  torn  to 
pieces  by  intestine  commotions,  conspiracies,  massacres,  and 
the  succession  of  one  usurper  to  another,  who  were  all  mon- 
sters of  iniquity,  and  all  destroyed  the  families,  friends,  and 
adherents  of  the  murdered  king;  Judah  was  quietly  governed 
by  one  pious  prince,  who  began  to  reign  in  the  days  of  Jero- 
boam, survived  Nadab,  Baasha,  Elah,  Zimri,  and  Omri, 
and  lived  till  the  fourth  year  of  Ahab.  The  revolt  of  Israel 
therefore  proved  to  be  mainly  their  own  loss.  (Note,  12:16.1 

V.  24.  It  is  probable,  that  ihe  burning  of  the  palace  at 
Tirzah,  by  Zimri,  induced  Omri  to  this  measure. — It  is  con- 
jectured that  Shemer  sold  this  estate  at  a low  price,  upon 
condition  of  having  the  city  to  be  built  on  it,  called  by  his 
name.  From  this  city  the  whole  surrounding  country  was 
called  Samaria,  or  Shomeron : and  sometimes  the  whole 
kingdom  of  the  ten  tribes  is  thus  called,  after  Samaria  be- 
came the  capital  city.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  30 — 33.  Omri  had  done  worse  than  all  that  had  been 
before  him,  and  probably  had  enforced  the  worship  of  the 
golden  calves  with  greater  strictness  and  severity:  (25,26.) 
but  it  seemed  a light  thing  to  Ahab  to  tread  in  his  steps,  or  in 
those  of  Jeroboam;  (Note,  Ez.  16:44 — 47.)  for,  without  any 
political  inducement,  he  proceeded  to  still  grosser  idolatries 
He  had  a rooted  enmity  to  the  worship  of  Jehovah,  and  to 
every  thing  which  related  to  it ; and  he  married  Jezebel,  a 
zealous  and  furious  worshipper  of  Baal,  on  purpose,  as  it 
seems,  to  have  her  counsel  and  assistance  in  supplanting  the 
worship  of  the  Lord,  and  even  of  the  golden  calves;  and  in 
establishing  that  of  Baal  throughout  the  land. 

Ethbaal,  &c.  (31 ) ‘ Called  in  profane  writers  Ithobalus. 
Bp.  Patrick.  His  name  was  talren  from  the  ido*  ch  ho 
worshipped. 


( 627  ) 


B.  C.  9U 


I.  KINGS. 


B.  C.  910. 


•did  more  to  .ro  voice  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  to 
anger  than  at  he  kings  of  Israel  that  were  before 
him. 

34  H In  his  days  did  Hiel  the  Beth-elite  build 
Jericho:  he  laid  the  foundation  thereof  in  Abiram 
V' *s  first-born,  and  set  up  the  gates  thereof  in  his 
youngest  son  Segub,  “according  to  the  word  of  the 
Lord,  which  he  spake  by  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun. 

* 21:19,25.22:6,8.  a Josh.  6:26. 23: 14,15.  Zeoh.  1:5,6.  Matt.  24:35.  *Heb. 
Elijahu.  Matt.  11:14.  16:14.  27:47,49.  Luke  1:17.  4:25,26.  9:30,33,54.  John 


An  altar  for  Baal , &c.  (32)  Jeroboam  and  his  successors 
professed  to  consider  the  golden  calves,  as  representatives  of 
the  God  of  Israel.  (Note,  12:26 — 29.)  But  Ahab  more  direct- 
ly and  expressly  worshipped  other  gods.  ( Note , 2 Kings  IU:18, 
28.) — A grove.  (33)  Marg.  Ref.  y.  Notes,  2 Kings  17:16.  21:3. 

V.  34.  (Note,  Josh.  6:26.)  Four  hundred  and  forty 
years  had  passed  since  this  word  had  been  spoken  ; and 
the  exact  accomplishment  of  it,  after  so  long  a period,  was  a 
solemn  warning  to  the  people,  to  expect  the  fulfilment  of  all 
the  curses  denounced  against  them,  in  case  of  their  idolatry, 
by  Moses  and  Joshua.  (Notes,  Deut.  4:25 — 28.  Josh.  23: 
13 — 16.) — This  account  illustrates  the  daring  spirit  of  rebel- 
lion against  God,  which  prevailed  in  those  wretched  times. 
Hiel,  inured  to  idolatry  at  Beth-el,  set  the  curse  of  God  at 
defiance  : and,  though  his  eldest  son  died  when  he  laid  the 
foundation  of  Jericho,  he  scorned  to  be  intimidated,  or  to 
desist  from  his  undertaking  ; till,  when  he  completed  the 
work,  his  youngest  son  died  also  ; and  the  rest  of  his  children, 
as  it  is  supposed,  in  the  intermediate  space  of  time. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 14.  We  do  not  well  understand  the  rules,  and 
plans  of  wisdom,  justice,  truth,  and  mercy,  by  which  God 
governs  nations  and  individuals;  (Note,  Ps.  97:2.)  yet  we 
may  draw  general  instructive  conclusions  from  this  history. 
Frequently  the  Lord  warns  before  he  punishes:  and  they, 
who  are  not  induced  to  repentance,  are  rendered  more  inex- 
cusable in  their  wickedness.  By  whatever  means  men  are 
advanced  to  authority ; their  exaltation  is  from  the  Lord,  they 
are  bound  to  use  it  in  his  service,  and  are  liable  to  severe 
punishment  for  the  abuse  of  it:  yet  they  must  also  give  an 
account  to  God,  for  the  crimes  committed  in  order  to  obtain 
the  dangerous  pre-eminence.  The  same  observations  hold 
good  in  respect  of  wealth,  and  every  other  temporal  distinc- 
tion.— God  is  greatly  displeased  with  those  who  in  any  way 
tempt  others  to  commit  iniquity:  but  he  is  especially  pro- 
voked by  those,  who  seduce  his  professing  people  to  apostacy, 
or  true  believers  to  conceal  or  disgrace  their  profession  : per- 
secutors, therefore,  will  be  answerable  for  all  the  sins  to 
which  they  tempt  men  by  the  dread  of  punishment,  as  well 
as  for  all  the  injustice  which  they  commit,  and  the  blood  which 
they  shed. — Those  who  follow  the  examples  of  such  as  have 
been  awfully  punished  for  their  sins,  may  expect  to  be  over- 
taken with  similar  vengeance : and  many  verj'  wicked  men 
have  been  men  of  might  and  renown,  have  built  cities,  and 
perpetuated  their  memories  in  the  annals  of  history ; but  they 
have  no  name  in  the  book  of  life,  and  stand  condemned  in  the 
word  of  God. — The  impunity  of  the  principal  culprits,  while 
their  children,  relatives,  or  helpers  suffor  for  their  crimes, 
loudly  declares  the  approaching  day  of  judgment,  and  the 
more  exact  discrimination  of  characters,  and  distribution  of 
rewards  and  punishments,  which  shall  then  take  place. — No 
crime  more  degrades  and  exposes  a man  than  drunkenness : 
and  they  who  sit  down  with  the  intention  of  “drinking  them- 
selves drunk,”  or  are  persuaded  to  do  so,  should  recollect 
how  easily  they  may  be  murdered  in  such  a state  ; in  how 
many  ways  they  may  be  hurried  before  the  tribunal  of  God ; 
and  what  an  awful  thing  it  would  be,  to  meet  their  Judge  in 
such  a situation.  And  when  rulers  and  great  men  spend 
their  time  in  intemperate  indulgence,  instead  of  attending  to 
the  duties  of  their  station,  it  bodes  ill  to  the  public  and  to 
themselves.  (Notes,  Esth.  3:12 — 15.  Prov.  31:4 — 7.  Ec. 
10:16—19.) 

V.  15 — 34.  Wicked  men  accomplish  the  purposes  of  God 
without  intending  it;  and  their  injustice  and  cruelty  towards 
each  other  display  his  righteousness,  while  they  illustrate  the 
desperate  wickedness  of  the  heart  of  man. — When  they  are 
hurried  on  by  their  vile  passions,  and  have  got  the  power  into 
their  hands,  they  often  perpetrate  much  wickedness  in  a little 
time  : and  thus  they  speedily  fill  up  their  measure,  and  hasten 
the  vengeance  of  God  upon  themselves.  Whether  they 
destroy  themselves,  or  are  murdered  by  others,  the  ruin  is 
brought  upon  them  by  sinning  against  the  Lord : even  in 
death  they  frequently  show  the  predominancy  of  their  pride, 
envy,  and  malice  ; and  thus  are  driven  away  into  the  eternal 
world,  not  only  under  condemnation  as  sinners,  but  under  the 
domineering  power  of  most  diabolical  dispositions,  being 
14  vessels  of  wrath  fitted  for  destruction.”  From  such  a death, 
good  Lord  deliver  us ! — In  all  cases  the  triumphing  of  the 
ungodly  is  short;  and  for  the  wickedness  of  nations  many 
-re  their  princes.  When  tyrants  hastily  succeed  one  another, 
with  massacres,  conspiracies,  and  civil  wars;  and  when  every 
one  is  worse  than  all  that  went  before  him ; we  may  be  sure 
that  tho  Lord  has  a controversy  with  the  people  for  their  sins  : 
and  they  are  loudly  called  to  repentance  and  reformation. 
Indeed,  those  who  forsake  God,  will  generally  be  left  to  plague 
( 628  ) 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

Elijah  foretells  to  Ahnb  a long  and.  excessive  drought  ; and  is  sent  by  God  10 
the  brook  Cherilh,  and  fed  by  ravens,  l — 7.  He  is  afterward*  sent  to  2a- 
■deplialh,  and  sustained  by  a widow-woman , whose  barrel  of  meal  and  crus 
of  oil  do  not  fail,  8 — 16.  Her  sun  dies,  but  is  restored  to  life  in  answer  t 
Elijah's  prayer,  whom  she  fully  believes  to  be  sent  by  Gad,  17—24. 

AND  'Elijah  the  Tishbite,  who  was  of  the  inha 
bitantsof  Gilead,  said  unto  Ahab,  *Jls  the  Lord 
God  of  Israel  liveth,  bbefore  whom  I stand,  there 


1:21,25.  Rom.  11:2.  Elias,  a 22: 14.  2 Kings  3:14.  5: 16.  Is.  49:18.  Matt.  7:29 
Luke  1:17.  b Deni.  10:8.  Jer.  15:19.  Luke  1:19. 21:36.  ,^cls27:23. 


one  another:  they,  who  seek  not  rest  in  his  service,  will 
always  be  unsettled  and  uneasy ; and  when  his  professed 
people  quarrel  with  each  other,  their  enemies  will  always  bo 
gainers. — Intermarriages  with  daring  offenders  greatly  em- 
bolden men’s  minds  in  wickedness,  and  hurry  them  on  to  the 
greatest  excesses. — The  progress  of  iniquity  must  be  from 
bad  to  worse  ; it  seems  a light  thing  to  notorious  sinners  to 
walk  in  the  steps  of  their  predecessor^ ; and  they  are  often 
ambitious  of  distinguishing  themselves,  and  of  expressing  their 
enmity  and  contempt  of  God,  in  ways  before  unheard  of. 
Hence  so  many  newly  invented  oaths,  blasphemies,  supersti- 
tions, and  species  of  false  religion  ; as  well  as  new  refinements 
in  licentiousness  and  immorality. — When  princes  set  the 
example  of  rebellion  against  God,  their  subjects  will  often 
ambitiously  emulate  them,  and  thus  ungodliness  becomes  a 
test  of  loyalty,  and  a kind  of  fashionable  accomplishment: 
nor  will  any  warnings  daunt  the  stout  spirits  of  presumptuous 
sinners  till  wrath  come  upon  them  to  the  uttermost.  But  they, 
who  despise  the  denunciations  of  God’s  word,  will  certainly 
know  his  truth  in  them  by  their  own  dreadful  experience. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XVII.  V.  1.  The  most  illustrious 
prophet  Elijah  was  raised  up,  in  the  reign  of  the  most  wicked 
among  the  kings  of  Israel:  and  he  is  brought  to  our  notice  in 
a very  abrupt  manner.  Nothing  is  recorded  either  of  his 
parentage,  education,  or  previous  manner  of  life.  He  is 
called  44  the  Tishbite  :”  but  it  is  not  agreed,  whether  this  title 
was  taken  from  the  place  where  he  lived,  or  given  him  be- 
cause he  was  the  reformer  of  Israel:  for  the  word  may  signify 
a converter.  He  was  of  the  inhabitants  of  Gilead,  beyond 
Jordan  ; but  we  know  not  of  which  tribe.  His  name  signifies. 
The  I^ORD  my  God  is  He.  This  might  imply  that  Jeho- 
vah, the  true  God,  would  stand  by  him  in  the  perilous  services 
to  which  he  was  called,  in  opposing  the  worship  of  false 
gods. — It  may  be  supposed,  that  Elijah  had  previously  warned 
Ahab  to  forsake  his  idolatry,  and  that  he  had  treated  his  mes- 
sage with  contempt : at  length  therefore,  he  declared,  and  con- 
firmed it  with  a solemn  oath  by  the  Lord  God  of  Israel, 
before  whom  he  stood,  (as  his  servant  acting  by  his  authority,) 
that  there  should  be  neither  rain  nor  dew  for  years,  but  ac- 
cording to  his  word ; that  is,  until  he  caine  again,  and  fore- 
told its  coming,  and  prayed  for  it.  The  expression,  44  As  the 
Lord  God  of  Israel  liveth,”  intimated  that  the  idols' of  tho 
heathen  were  lifeless  stocks,  and  could  not  help  their  wor- 
shippers.— The  duration  of  this  drought  was  three  years  and 
a half;  and  the  effects  must  have  been  inexpressibly  calami- 
tous. (Marg.  Ref.  c.)  One  whole  year,  without  rain  oi 
’dew,  would  afflict  this  land  more  terribly  than  it  can  be  con- 
ceived : but  in  much  less  than  three  years  and  a half  nearly 
all  the  cattle  must  he  destroyed,  and  most  of  the  inhabitants 
would  be  either  dead  or  migrated  into  other  countries.  Yet  the 
bulk  of  Israel  continued  mad  upon  their  idols,  throughout  this 
most  tremenduous  calamity ! It  was  sent  in  answer  to  the  pro- 
phet’s prayer,  which  probably  he  offered  in  Ahab’s  hearing: 
and  the  judgment  was  intended  to  be  a demonstration,  that 
Baal  could  not  defend  his  worshippers  against  the  indig- 
nation of  Jehovah.  The  glory  of  God  and  the  interests 
of  true  religion  were  therefore  so  greatly  concerned  in  this 
decision,  which  was  needful  in  order  to  prevent  the  utter 
apostacy  and  rejection  of  Israel,  that  the  prophet  might  pre- 
sent this  petition  in  wise  zeal,  and  true  benevolence ; and 
doubtless  he  was  immediately  instructed  by  the  Lord  to  do 
so.  The  benefit  of  the  calamity  would  abundantly  outweigh 
the  miseries:  for  though  many  were  hardened,  yet  doubtless 
numbers  were  eventually  brought  to  repentance,  and  made  to 
embrace  and  continue  steadfast  in  the  service  of  the  true  God. 
(Note,  Jam.  5:16—18.) 

V.  2,  3.  Elijah  was  commanded  to  conceal  himself,  not 
only  to  avoid  the  persecuting  rage  of  Ahad  instigated  by 
Jezebel,  but  as  an  additional  judgment  upon  the  Israelites. 
The  Lord  did  not  intend  to  shorten  the  term  of  the  calamity, 
and  he  would  not  have  his  servant  pray  for  it  and  be  denied, 
(Notes,  Jer.  14:10 — 12.  15:1.)  He  was  pleased  therefore  to 
send  him  out  of  the  way,  that  he  might  not  be  solicited  and 
refuse:  ami  all  this  time  the  people  were  deprived  of  the 
benefit  of  Elijah’s  example  and  instructions.  Thus  he  was 
excluded  from  society  and  usefulness:  but  he  doubtless  was 
engaged  in  heavenly  contemplation  and  communion  with 
God;  and  in  prayers  for  the  reformation  of  his  people,  and 
for  their  being  turned  unto  the  Lord,  though  not  for  the  pre- 
sent removal  of  the  famine. — The  brook  Chorith  ran  into  the 
river  Jordan;  (5)  hut  it  seems  the  place  was  so  retired,  and 
the  prophet  kept  so  close,  that  neither  friends  nor  foes  knew 
where  he  was.  (Note,  18:10.) 

V.  4 — 6.  Elijah  was  a very  extraordinary  person,  and 
every  circumstance  relating  to  him  was  render*  1 cqi  ally  ei- 


B.  C.  909. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


B.  C.  907 


shall  not  be  'dew  nor  rain  these  years,  but  accord- 
ing to  my  word. 

2 And  dthe  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  him, 
saying, 

3 Get  thee  hence,  and  turn  thee  eastward,  and 
•hide  thyself  by  the  brook  Cherith,  that  is  before 
Jordan. 

4 And  it  shall  be,  that  thou  shalt  drink  of  the 
brook;  and  (I  have  commanded  the  ravens  to  feed 
thee  there. 

5 So  he  went  and  sdid  according  unto  the  word 
of  the  Lord:  for  he  went  and  dwelt  by  the  brook 
Cherith,  that  is  belore  Jordan. 

6 And  hthe  ravens  brought  him  bread  and  flesh 
in  the  morning,  and  bread  and  flesh  in  the  evening ; 
and  he  drank  of  the  brook. 

7 And  it  came  to  pass,  'after  a while,  that  ‘the 
brook  dried  up,  because  there  had  been  no  rain  in 

the  land.  [ Practical  Observations.'] 

8 II  And  kthe  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  him, 
saying, 

9 Arise,  get  thee  to  'Zarephath,  “which  belong- 
eth  to  Zidon,  and  dwell  there:  behold,  I have 
commanded  a "widow-woman  there  to  sustain 
thee. 

10  So  he  arose  and  went  to  Zarephath.  And 
when  he  came  to  the  gate  of  the  city,  behold,  the 
widow-woman  was  there  gathering  of  sticks : and 
he  called  to  her,  and  said,  "Fetch  me,  I pray  thee, 
a little  water  in  a vessel,  that  I may  drink. 

11  And  ras  she  was  going  to  fetch  it,  he  called 
to  her,  and  said,  Bring  me,l  pray  thee,  ^a  morsel 
of  bread  in  thy  hand. 

c Luke  4:25.  Jam.  5:17.  Rev.  11:6.  d 12:22.  1 Chr.  17:3.  Jer.  7:1 . 11:1 . 18:1. 
Hos.  1:1,2.  c ?2:23.  Ps.  31:20.  83:3.  Jer.  36: 19,26.  John  8:59.  Acts  17:14. 
Heb.  11:38.  Rev.  12:6,14.  19.19:5—8.  Num. 20:8.  Job  34:29.  38:8- 13,41. 

Ps.  33:8,9.  147:9.  Am.  9:3,4.  Malt.  4:4,11.  g 19:9.  Prov.  3:5.6.  Matt.  16:24. 
John  15:14.  h Rx.  16:35.  Num.  11:23.  Judg.  14:14.  15:18,19.  Ps.  34:9,10. 37:3, 
19.78:15,16,23,24.  Jer.  37:21 . 40:4.  Hab.  3:17,18.  Matt.  6:31,32.  14: 19— 21. 
19:26.  Luke  22:35.  Heb.  6:18.  * Heb . at  the  end  of  days . i [8.40:30,31.54: 
JO.  k See  on  2.  Gen.  22:14.  Is.  41:17.  Heb.  13:6.  1 Ob.  20.  Luke  4:26.  Sa- 

repta.  m Matt.  15:21,22.  n 4.  Judg.  7:2,4.  Rom.  4:17 — 21 . 2 Cor.  4:7.  o Gen. 
21:15.  24:17.  John  4:7.  2Cor.  11:27.  Heb.  11:37.  p Gen.  24:18,19.  Matt.  10: 
42.25:35—40.  Heb.  13:2.  q 9.  18:4.  Gen.  18:5.  rSeeonl.  I Sam.  14:39,45. 
20:3,21.25:26.26:10.  2 Sam.  15:21.  Jer.  4:2.  5:2.  s2  Kings  4:2— 7.  Matt.  15: 
33,34.  t Gen.  21:16.  Jer.  14:18.  Lam.  4:9.  Ez.  12:18,19.  Joel  1:15,16.  u Ex. 


traordinary,  in  order  to  excite  the  attention  of  a thoughtless 
and  hardened  generation.  Ravens,  being  birds  of  prey,  were 
far  more  likely  to  take  away  the  food  of  those  who  had  any, 
than  to  bring  bread  and  flesh  to  the  prophet  in  his  destitute 
situation:  but  the  command, , or  miraculous  power  of  God, 
suspended  their  natural  instinct,  and  made  them  act  directly 
contrary  to  it.  ( Note , 1 Sam.  6:10 — 16.)  It  is  useless  and 
presumptuous  to  inquire  whence  they  procured  the  bread  and 
flesh,  or  how  the  food  was  prepared?  He  who  commanded 
them  to  feed  his  servant,  had  ten  thousand  ways  of  enabling 
them  to  fulfil  his  word.  Thus  Elijah  was  sufficiently  pro- 
vided for,  when  numbers  were  starving:  and  the  consolations 
of  the  Lord  would  render  him  contented  with  his  solitude  and 
sustenance. — Some  have  objected  that  ravens , being  unclean 
birds,  would  pollute  the  food  which  they  brought:  but  this 
arises  from  a mistake.  The  flesh  of  unclean  animals  might 
not  be  eaten;  but  the  touch  of  them  when  living,  communi- 
cated no  ceremonial  uncleanness,  either  to  food,  or  any  other 
thing : for  asses  and  camels  were  also  unclean  ; yet  in  constant 
use,  for  carrying  provisions,  as  well  as  for  other  purposes. 
(Note,  Lev.  11:31.) 

V.  7.  Elijah  seems  to  have  continued  in  this  situation 
about  a year:  the  natural  .supply  of  water  which  came  by 
common  Providence  failed  because  of  the  dry  weather ; but 
the  miraculous  supply  of  food,  which  was  ensured  to  him  by 
promise,  failed  not.  (Note.  10 — 16.) 

V.  9.  (Marfr.  Ref.  1.)  This  woman  was  of  Gentile 
extraction,  a Zidonian,  of  the  same  nation  with  Jezebel  the 
patroness  of  the  worship  of  Baal:  (16:31.)  yet  she  had  be- 
come acquainted  with  the  God  of  Israel,  and  probably  was  a 
spiritual  worshipper  of  him,  when  the  nation  of  Israel  was  in 
general  lapsod  to  idolatry.  (Note,  Matt.  15:21 — 24  ) That 
ravens  first,  and  then  a poor  widow-woman , a Gentile,  should 
be  employed  to  feed  God’s  prophet,  in  preference  to  any  of 
the  Israelites,  was  a severe  reflection  upon  that  people : and 
Elijah’s  being  sent  to  Zarephath,  rather  than  to  any  other 
city,  or  any  poor  distressed  widows,  of  Israel,  was  an  illus- 
tration of  God’s  sovereignty,  and  a pre-intimation  of  the  call- 
ing of  the  Gentiles.  (Note,  Luke  4:23 — 30.) — As  the  Lord 
commands  his  creatures,  according  to  their  natures  and  capa- 
cities ; perhaps  this  poor  widow  had  received  some  pre-inti- 
ntation  of  Elijah’s  coming,  and  a command  to  entertain  him, 
nothing  doubting. 

V.  10 — 16.  The  effects  of  the  famine  in  the  land  of  Israel, 
were  severely  felt  at  Zidon  also,  and  probably  in  all  the  ad- 
jacent countries  ; Judah  perhaps  being  excepted.  The  poor 
woman  was  gathering  sticks  for  fuel,  when  addressed  by  the 


12  And  she  said,  rAs  the  Lord  thy  God  hveth 
I have  not  a cake,  "but  a handful  of  meal  in 
barrel,  and  a little  oil  in  a cruse : and  behold,  I 
am  gathering  two  sticks,  that  I may  go  in  and 
dress  it  for  me  and  my  son,  ‘that  we  may  eat  if 
and  die. 

13  And  Elijah  said  unto  her,  "Fear  not;  go  amt 
do  as  thou  hast  said  : but  'make  me  thereof  a little 
cake  “first,  and  bring  it  unto  me,  and  after  makt 
for  thee  and  for  thy  son. 

14  For  ?thus  saith  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  “The 
barrel  of  meal  shall  not  waste,  neither  shall  the 
cruse  of  oil  fail,  until  the  day  that  the  Lord  'send- 
eth  rain  upon  the  earth. 

15  And  she  went  and  “did  according  to  the 
saying  of  Elijah  : and  she,  and  he,  and  her  house, 
did  eat  l many  days. 

16  And  bthe  barrel  of  meal  wasted  not,  neither 
did  the  cruse  of  oil  fail,  "according  to  the  word  of 
the  Lord,  which  fie  spake  $by  Elijah. 

[ Practical  Observations.] 

17  II  And  it  came  to  pass  after  these  things,  that 
dthe  son  of  the  woman,  the  mistress  of  the  house, 
fell  sick : and  his  sickness  was  so  sore,  "that  there 
was  no  breath  left  in  him. 

18  And  she  said  unto  Elijah,  fWhat  have  I to 
do  with  thee,  ?0  thou  man  of  God  ? hart  thou  come 
unto  me  to  call  my  sin  to  remembrance,  and  to 
slay  my  son? 

19  And  he  said  unto  her,  Give  me  thy  son.  And 
he  took  him  out  of  her  bosom,  and  carried  him  up 
‘into  a loft,  where  he  abode,  and  laid  him  upon  his 
own  bed. 


14:13.  2 Kings  6:16.  2 Chr.  20:17.  Ts.  41:10,13.  Mutt.  28:5.  Acts  27:24.  .Gen. 
22:1,2.  Judg.  7:5— 7.  Matt.  19:21,22.  Heb.  11:17.  1 Pet.  1:7.  x Prov.  3:9,10. 
Mai.  3:10.  Matt.  6:33.  10:37.  y 2 Kings  3: 16,17.  7:1,2.  9:6.  z 4.  2 Kings  4:2— 
7,42-44.  Matt.  14:17— 20.  15:36-  38.  t Heb.  givelh.  a Gen.  6:22.  12:4.  22:3. 
2 Chr.  20:20.  Matt.  15:28.  Mark  12:43.  John  11:40.  Rom.  4:19.20.  Heb.  11:7 
8,17.  J Or,  a full  year,  b Matt.  9:28—30.  19:26.  Luke  1:37.45.  John  +.50,51, 
c See  on  13:5.  § Heb.  by  the  hand  of.  Sec  on  16:12.  d Gen.  22: 1 ,2.  2 Kings  4: 
18—20.  Zech.  12:10.  John  11:3,4,14.  Jam.  1:2—4,12.  1 Pet.  1:7.  4:12.  e Job  12: 
10.34:14.  Ps.  104:29.  Dan.  5:23.  ,1am.  2:26.  marg.  f 2 Sam.  16: 10.  19:22. 
2 Kings  3:13.  2 Chr.  35:21 . Luke  4:34.  8:28.  John  2:4.  g See  on  13:1 . 1,16:9. 
Gen.  42:21,22.  50:15— 17.  1 Sam.  16:4.  Job  13:26.  Ez.  21  ;23,24.  Mark  5;7,15 
— 17.  6:16.  i 2 Kings  4:10,21,32.  Acts  9:37. 


prophet,  who  probably  knew  by  a divine  intimation  that  she 
was  the  person  appointed  to  entertain  him.  Notwithstanding 
her  distress,  and  the  scarcity  that  prevailed,  she  readily  com- 
plied with  the  request  of  a stranger  to  fetch  him  a little  water 
But  when  he  craved  a morsel  of  bread  also,  she  called  “the 
Lord  his  God”  to  witness,  that  she  had  none,  but  was  going 
to  prepare  her  very  last  provision  ; and  then  had  nothing  to 
look  for,  but  death  by  hunger,  for  herself  and  her  son.  It 
must  be  supposed  that  she  knew  Elijah  to  be  an  Israelite  by 
his  appearance  and  attire:  (Note,  Num.  15:38 — 40.)  and  he 
had  perhaps  declared  himself  the  servant  of  Jehovah,  anc 
asked  her  for  bread  and  water  in  his  name  ; and,  for  his  sake, 
she  would  have  been  ready  to  help  him,  if  it  had  been  in  her 
power.  Moreover,  she  doubtless  perceived  something  vene- 
rable in  his  aspect,  which  prepossessed  her  in  his  favour 
so  that  when  he  required  her,  “in  the  name  of  the  Lord,’ 
to  make  him  a cake  first , (which,  in  her  circumstances , was 
surely  one  of  the  hardest  commands  that  ever  was  given  !) 
promising  her  that  her  scanty  supply  should  not  fail ; her  faith 
surmounted  all  difficulties  and  silenced  all  objections  : she 
believed  his  words,  and  did  as  she  was  directed,  and  so 
“ became  heir  of  the  righteousness  that  is  by  faith.”  (Note, 
Heb.  11:7.)  Thus  having  “entertained  a prophet,  in  tho 
name  of  a prophet,  she  received  a prophet’s  reward.”  (Note, 
Matt.  10:40 — 42.)  For  above  two  years  she  and  her  son,  as 
well  as  Elijah,  were  fed  miraculously  with  sufficient  provi- 
sion ; and  she  lived  by  faith,  in  temporal  as  well  as  in  spi- 
ritual things  ! For  though  the  margin  renders  the  words 
“ many  days,”  a full  year ; it  is  evident  from  the  conti- 
nuance of  the  famine,  that  Elijah  abode  with  her  a much 
longer  time.  * 

V.  17.  Perhaps  the  woman’s  son  died  suddenly,  before 
the  prophet  had  opportunity  to  pray  for  his  recovery;  because 
the  Lord  intended  a greater  display  of  his  own  glory,  and  a 
more  distinguishing  favour  to  the  woman,  than  the  sparing  of 
his  life : or  he  was  left  to  die  without  any  miraculous  inter- 
position, to  try  her  faith.  (Notes,  Mark  5:35—43.  John  11 
1—10.) 

V.  18.  This  woman  had  doubtless  heard,  that  the  drought 
had  come  upon  Israel  in  answer  to  Elijah’s  prayer:  and  per- 
haps she  supposed  that  her  affliction  had  come  upon  her  in 
the  same  way.  She  seems  to  have  venerated  his  sanctity 
and  to  have  had  a trembling  consciousness  of  her  own  sinful- 
ness. Perhaps  the  death  of  her  son  brought  her  former  wor- 
ship of  Baal  to  remembrance  ; or  she  thought  she  was  not 
worthy  of  the  company  of  the  prophet,  or  hat  *iot  duly  pro- 
I fited  by  it.  But  her  mind  was  much  agitate  1 ; ;n  ha* 
629  ) 


R C 907. 


I.  KINGS.  B.  C 907 


20  And  !he  cried  unto  the  Lord,  and  said,  0 
Lord  my  God,  '■hast  thou  also  brought  evil  upon 
the  w.dovv  with  whom  I sojourn,  by  slaying  her 
son  ? 

21  And  'he  "stretched  himself  upon  the  child 
three  times,  and  cried  unto  the  Lord,  and  said, 
mO  Lord  my  God,  I pray  thee,  let  this  child’s  soul 
come  'into  him  again. 

22  And  the  Lord  heard  the  voice  of  Elijah; 

I 13:38,37.  Ex.  11:4.  1 Sam.  7:8,9.  2 Kin6»  19:4,1.5.  P..  99:S.  Mill.  21:22.  Jaw. 
5:13—18.  It  Gen.  18:23—25.  Josh  7:8,9,  Ps.  73:13,14.  Jar.  12:1.  12  Kinas  4: 
33—35.  Acts  20:10.  * Heb.  measured,  m Acts  9:40.  Heb.  11:19.  t Heb.  info 
his  inuard  parts,  n Dew.  32:39.  1 Sam.  2:6.  2 Kings  13:21.  Luke  8:5-1,55.  John 


words  imply  a mixture  of  unbelief  and  impatience,  as  well  as 
self-abasement  and  a sense  of  guilt.  And  she  seems  to  have 
thought  the  presence  of  the  man  of  God  was  dangerous,  and 
hastened  divine  judgments  upon  her.  ( Luke  5:8.  Notes , 1 
Sam.  16:4.  2 Sam.  6:8,9.)  Yet  by  her  own  account  the 
prophet’s  presence  had  prolonged  her  son’s  life,  and  her  own 
also.  (12)  4 Their  sins  are  said  to  be  “ called  to  remembrance” 
by  God,  when  he  punishes  them.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Note,  Ez. 
21:23.) 

V.  19.  Loft.]  4 The  LX X translate  it  vneptaov,  an  upper 
room ; which  he  had  to  himself  for  his  study,  meditation,  and 
prayer  ; as  Elisha  afterwards  had  in  another  place  : 2 Kings 
4:10.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  20.  Elijah  himself  could  not  understand  the  mystery 
of  this  dispensation  ; but  greatly  wondered  that  the  Lord 
should  bring  evil  on  the  woman,  who  entertained  him  for  his 
sake,  as  well  as  on  those  who  rejected  both  God  and  his 
prophet  ; and  he  expostulated  with  God  on  the  occasion. 

V.  21,  22.  The  external  conduct  of  Elijah  denoted  the  ear- 
nestness of  his  desires,  and  the  greatness  of  his  expectations, 
of  the  child's  restoration  to  life.  He  would,  if  possible,  have 
communicated  of  his  own  life  to  him,  or  have  concurred,  if 
anything  had  been  in  his  power,  to  his  revival. — The  expres- 
sion, 44  Let  this  child’s  soul  come  into  him  again,”  not  only 
intimates  the  prophet’s  certainty  that  he  was  really  dead  ; 
but  it  marks  the  distinction  between  the  rational  soul  and  the 
earthly  body  to  be  as  real,  as  that  between  the  house  and  its 
inhabitant : for  both  the  prophet  and  the  historian,  44  speaking 
as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost,”  used  proper  lan- 
guage. No  one  had  yet,  as  far  as  we  know,  been  raised 
from  the  dead,  and  perhaps  no  prayer  to  this  effect  had  ever 
before  been  offered.  (Notes,  Gen.  22:5,6.  John  9:27 — 34. 
Rom.  4:18 — 22.  Heb.  11:17 — 19.)  Elijah’s  petition  was  no 
doubt  directed  by  immediate  inspiration. 

V.  24.  The  woman  had  been  strongly  tempted  to  unbe- 
lief: but  she  had  now  got  the  victory,  and  was  more  con- 
firmed and  assured  in  faith  and  hope  than  ever.  She  had 
doubted,  but  now  she  knew,  that  Elijah  was  the  servant  of 
God,  and  she  fully  expected  the  performance  of  all  his  decla- 
rations. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 7.  The  Lord  will  have  witnesses  to  his  truth  in  the 
worst  of  times : and  as  he  does  not  immediately  cast  off  his 
professing  people,  when  they  renounce  his  service  ; he  employs 
various  methods  to  convince  them  of  their  sin,  and  to  bring 
them  to  repentance. — Great  intrepidi  y and  resolution  are 
necessary  for  those  who  are  employed  to  stoj>  the  torrent  of 
prevailing  iniquity,  or  to  declare  the  message  of  God  before 
persecuting  tyrants  : but  he  who  sends  them,  will  qualify 
.hem,  and  bear  them  out  in  these  arduous  and  perilous  ser- 
vices.— Impenitent  sinners  have  eventually  the  prayers  even 
of  the  most  benevolent  ministers  of  God  against  them:  be- 
cause, if  they  go  on  in  sin,  his  glory  requires  their  destruc- 
tion ; and  every  servant  of  the  Lord  seeks  His  glory,  in 
preference  to  every  other  consideration.  But,  if  the  severest 
temporal  judgments  be  made  effectual  to  bring  men  to  serve 
G >d,  they  will  have  great  cause  to  bless  him  for  sending  them. 
— Fruitful  seasons,  and  abundance  of  provisions  for  the  body, 
are  valuable  mercies  , and  famine  is  a most  tremendous  evil : 
yet  the  liberty  and  opportunity  of  attending  on  divine  ordi- 
nances are  more  valuable  advantages  ; and  a famine  of  the 
word  of  God  is  above  all  to  be  dreaded  and  deprecated. 

( Note,  Am.  8:11 — 14.) — The  Lord  will  provide  for  those  who 
serve  him  faithfully  : and  he  will  teach  them  to  be  satisfied 
with  their  provisions  though  mean,  and  their  situation  though 
outwardly  uncomfortable.  Indeed,  if  we  consider  how  much 
better  we  are  dealt  with  than  we  deserve,  and  how  many  are 
destitute  of  the  necessaries  of  life;  we  shall  see  abundant 
reason  to  be  contented  with  f >od  and  raiment,  of  the  meanest 
and  coarsest  kind : nor  ought  we  ever  to  desire  luxuries  or 
superfluities. — It  is  the  greatest  trial  to  the  faithful  and  zea- 
lous minister,  to  be  taken  off  from  his  work  and  usefulness, 
and  excluded  from  the  society  of  pious  persons  : yet,  if  thus 
circumstanced,  ho  should  submit  to  it  as  his  trial,  wait  the 
Lord’s  time  to  be  employed  again,  seek  his  comfort  from  com- 
munion with  him  and  diligently  prepare  for  future  service. 
And  if  the  trying  dispensation  did  not  arise  from  his  own 
misconduct,  the  loss  will  not.  eventually  be  his,  but  that  of 
those  from  whom  he  is  banished  ; being  frequently  a judgment 
upon  them  for  not  profiting  by  former  advantages,  while  they 
enjoy  them. — All  nature  shall  sooner  change  its  course,  than 
one  of  God’s  promises  faii.  We  do  not  indeed  now  expect 
literally  to  be  fed  by  ravens:  but.  the  Lord  often  employs 
( 630  ) 


and  the  soul  of  the  child  came  into  him  again,  “and 
he  revived. 

23  And  Elijah  took  the  child,  and  brought  him 
down  out  of  the  chamber  into  the  house,  and  de- 
livered him  unto  his  mother:  and  Elijah  said, 
“See,  thy  son  liveth. 

24  11  And  the  woman  said  to  Elijah,  pNow  hy 
this  I know  that  thou  art  a man  of  God,  and  that 
‘tthe  word  of  the  Lord  in  thy  mouth  is  truth. 


5:28,29.11:43,44.  Acts2n  !2.  Rom.  14:9.  Re..  11:11.  o2  Kings  4:35:37.  I,..ke  7 
15.  Act.  9:41.  Heb. 11:35.  p John  2:11 . 4 :42— 48  11:15,42.  15:24.  q lie.  12:10 
1 The.,  2:13.  1 Jolm  2:21. 


selfish  men,  contrary  to  their  nature  and  general  character 
to  support  his  indigent  people,  or  to  maintain  his  cause  by 
their  property.  The  thanks,  in  this  case,  are  due  to  the 
Lord,  who  sends  the  provisions  by  such  instruments  : but  we 
should  pray,  that,  as  he  has  counteracted  their  natural  dis- 
position in  this  instance,  he  would  be  pleased  also  to  change 
them  by  his  renewing  grace. 

V.  8 — 16.  The  Lt>rd  does  not  generally  provide  long 
together  for  his  people  in  the  same  way,  or  by  the  same 
means;  lest  they  should  rest  in  them,  and  expect  help  from 
them.  But  he  permits  one  resource  to  fail  ; and  when  he  has 
left  them  nothing  but  his  own  promise  to  trust  to,  he  unexpect- 
edly opens  another  resource  ; that  they  may  admire  the  ma- 
nifold riches  of  his  wisdom,  as  well  as  adore  his  .power,  truth 
and  love.  Frequently  he  raises  supplies  from  those  wIk 
themselves  need  relief:  “the  abundance  of  their  joy,  and 
their  deep  poverty,  abound  unto  the  riches  of  their  liberal)  y :” 
(Notes,  2 Cor.  8:1 — 5.  9:8 — 11.)  and  he  supplies  their  wants, 
whilst  they  are  encouraged  to  communicate  of  their  pittance 
to  others  still  more  destitute.  Indeed  our  faith  must  be  proved 
by  various  trials  in  providence,  as  well  as  by  our  obedience 
to  the  commandments  of  God  ; and  must  also  grow  strong  by 
exercise.  But  when  it  is  genuine,  it 44  worketh  by  love**  of 
him  and  of  his  people  : and  the  desire  of  doing  good  to  others 
for  his  sake,  united  to  a firm  expectation  that  his  promises 
will  be  performed,  produces  obedience  even  to  hard  com- 
mands, notwithstanding  all  the  reluctancy  and  objections  of 
our  distrustful,  selfish  hearts. — They  who  come  unto  Gr  d, 
and  walk  with  him,  must  simply  trust  him,  nay,  venture 
their  lives  and  souls  upon  his  word,  and  at  his  command  i e- 
nounce  every  present  interest,  in  expectation  of  future  a id 
more  enduring  advantages.  Genuine  faith  encourages  m *n 
to  do  this;  while  unbelief  dislikes  the  security,  holds  fist 
things  present,  and  for  the  perishing  pleasures  and  interests 
of  this  world  foregoes  the  blessings  of  eternal  salvation.  B it 
none  can  be  losers  in  the  event  by  giving  up  secular  advan- 
tages, at  the  Lord’s  command  ; and  what  is  expended  up<  n 
his  people,  for  his  sake,  shall  be  recompensed  as  if  given  'o 
himself:  so  that  the  self-denial  and  liberality  of  faith,  are  the 
best  means  of  excluding  the  fear  of  future  want,  of  providing 
for  our  families,  and  of  placing  out  our  substance  at  the  high- 
est interest,  and  upon  the  most  unexceptionable  security.  In 
these  funds  the  poor  may  obtain  property,  as  well  as  the  rich  ; 
for  a morsel  of  bread,  or  a cup  of  water,  will  go  as  far,  when 
it  is  all  that  we  can  give,  as  thousands  of  gold  and  silver 
when  they  can  be  spared.  (Notes,  Prov.  19:17.  Mark  12: 
41—44.  Luke  6:27 — 36.  2 Cor.  8:10— 15.) 

V.  17 — 24.  Neither^faith  nor  obedience,  however  exem- 
plary, can  exclude  afflictions  and  death  : and  under  severe 
and  unexpected  trials  it  is  extremely  difficult  to  avoid  impa- 
tience, and  to  exercise  unshaken  confidence  and  unreserved 
submission.  But  the  Lord  bears  with  our  infirmities  and 
compassionates  our  sorrows  : and  we  should  pity  and  readily 
help  each  other,  thus  bearing  one  another’s  burdens,  accord- 
ing to  the  example  and  command  of  Christ.  (Note,  Gal.  6: 

1 — 5.)  Though  vve  cannot  work  miracles  for  the  relief  of 
the  afflicted,  we  may  afford  much  assistance  to  them  ; and  in 
all  cases  we  may  pray  in  faith,  that  the  Lord  would  sanctifj 
and  make  up  every  loss,  by  the  influences  and  consolations  of 
his  Spirit. — The  Lord  hy  afflictions  44  calls  our  sins  to  remem- 
brance ;”  and  this  should  quiet  our  spirits,  and  lead  us  to 
self-examination  and  repentance,  that  vve  may  obtain  forgive- 
ness from  him:  and  thus  all  shall  issue  in  our  increase  of 
faith,  assurance  of  hope,  and  joyful  expectation  of  every  pro- 
mised good. — Thus  when  Jesus  comes  to  communicate  his 
blessings,  the  convinced  trembling  sinner  often  mistakes  the 
meaning  of  those  humbling  instructions  which  he  imparts,  and 
those  trials  which  he  employs;  he  is  ready  to  suspect,  that 
he  means  to  “bring  his  sins  to  remembrance,”  and  to  slay  nil 
his  hopes;  and  is  tempted  to  say,  “What  have  I to  do  with 
thee  ?”  But  the  loving  Saviour  pities  and  boars  with  such 
trembling  souls:  and  when  he  has  turned  their  mourning  into 
joy,  by  reviving  their  hopes  and  forgiving  their  sins  ; they 
admire  his  love  and  power,  and  know  assuredly  that  his  word 
is  truth  ; and  expect  every  future  good  in  reliance  on  his  pro- 
mise, and  obedience  to  his  holy  will. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XVIII.  V.  1,2.  The  third  year.]  * 
That  is,  in  the  third  year  of  Elijah’s  abode  at  Zarephath. 
For  it  is  probable,  that  he  continued  there  above  two  years 
which,  added  to  a year  at  the  brook  Cherith,  completed  three 
years  and  a half:  for  this  was  the  time  which  the  drought 
lasted.  Some,  however,  think  he  remained  just  tvvoy.  ars  at 
Zarephath  ; and  that  the  six  n otitl'V  ^recedid  his  rot*  inj  to 


B.  C.'  906.  CHAPTER  XVIIL  B.  C.  90« 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Elijah  is  sent  to  meet  Ahab , 1, 2.  Ahab  and  pious  Obadiah  go  different  ways , 
to  search  the  lan  l for  pasture , 3 — 6.  Elijah  meets  Obadiah  ana  sends  him  to 
call  Ahab,  7—16.  Ahab , at  Elijah's  word,  convenes  Israel,  with  the  prophets 
of  Baal,  at  Carmel,  17 — 20.  Elijah  proposes  to  decide,  whether  JEHOVAH 
or  Baal  be  God,  by  proving  which  would  answer  by  fire,  21 — 24.  Baal's 
prophets  invoke  him  in  vain,  25  —29.  Elijah  prepares  a sacrifice,  causes 
much  water  to  be  poured  upon  it,  an d calls  on  JEHOVAH,  who  answers  by 
fir r consuming  the  altar  with  the  sacrifice;  the  people  are  convinced  that 
JEHOVAH  is  God  ; and  at  Elijah's  word  they  slay  Baal's  prophets,  30 — 40. 
Elijah  gives  Ahab  notice  of  abundant  rain,  which  he  obtains  by  prayer  ; and 
then  he  runs  before  Ahab's  chariot  to  Jezrecl,  41 — 46. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  'after  many  days,  that  the 
word  of  the  Lord  came  to  Elijah  in  bthe  third 
vear,  saying,  cGo,  show  thyself  unto  Ahab ; and  dI 
will  sent!  rain  upon  the  earth. 

2  And  Elijah  'went  to  show  himself  unto  Ahab. 
And  there  was  fa  sore  famine  in  Samaria. 

3  And  Ahab  called  "Obadiah,  which  was  Uhe 
governor  of  his  house.  (Now  Obadiah  efeared 
the  Lord  greatly : 

4  For  it  was  so,  when  TJezebel  hcut  off  the  pro- 
phets of  the  Lord,  that  Obadiah  took  a hundred 
prophets,  and  hid  them  by  fifty  'in  a cave,  and  kfed 
them  with  'bread  and  water.) 

5  And  Ahab  said  unto  Obadiah,  Go  into  the 
land,  unto  all  fountains  of  water,  and  unto  all 
brooks : peradventure  we  may  find  ""grass  to  save 
the  horses  and  mules  alive,  that  Hve  lose  not  all 
the  beasts. 

6  So  they  divided  the  land  between  them,  to 
pass  throughout  it:  “Ahab  went  one  way  by  him- 
self, and  Obadiah  went  another  way  by  himself. 

7  IT  And  as  Obadiah  “was  in  the  way,  behold, 
Elijah  met  him  : and  phe  knew  him,  and  ‘'fell  on 
his  face,  and  said,  Art  thou  that  "my  lord  Elijah? 

> Luke  4:25.  Jam.  5:17.  Rev.  11:2,6.  b 17:1,7,15.  c 2,15,  ic.  d Lev.  26:1. 
Deul.  23:12.  Ps.  65.9— 13.  Is.  5:6.  Jer.  10:13.  14:22.  Joel  2:23.  Am.  4:7.  e Ps. 
27  1.56:4.  Prov.  28:t.  Is.  51:12.  Heb.  13:5,6.  f Lev.  26:26.  Deul.  23:23,24. 
2 Kii.es  6:25.  Jer.  14:2-6,18.  Joel  1:15-20.  -Heb.  Obaiiahu.  t Heb.  over  his 
knute.  Gen.  24:2,10. 39-4,5,9.  41:40.  e 12.  Gen.  22:12.  42:18.  2 King!  4:1.  Nell. 
6:15.7:2.  Prov.  14:26,27.  Mai.  3:16.  Malt.  10:28.  Acts  10:2,35.  J Heb.  Izebel. 
. Nell.  9:26.  Matt.  21:35.  Rev.  17:4-6.  i Heb.  11:38.  k 13.  2 Kings  6:22,23. 
Matt.  10:40—  42.  25:35,40.  1 13:8,9,16.  m Pa.  104:14.  Jer.  14:5,6.  Joel  1:18.  2: 
22.  Hab.  3:17.  Rom.  8:20 — 22.  § Heb.  we  cut  not  off  ourselves  from  the  beasts . 
n Jer.  14:3.  oll:29.  p 2 Kings  1.6— 8.  Matt.  3:4.  11:8.  q Gen.  18:2.  50:18. 
Sam.  20  41.  2 Sam.  19:18.  Is.  60:14.  rGen.  18:12.  44:16, 20, 33.Num.  12:11.  s 3. 


the  brook  Cherith.  (Luke  4:25.) — He  seems  to  have  been 
■iule  noticed  at  Zarephath,  notwithstanding  the  miracles 
which  he  wrought. — Elijah  could  not  but  deeply  lament  the 
miseries  of  Israel : but  he  did  not  leave  his  retirement,  till  the 
Lord  ordered  him  to  go  to  Ahab,  previously  to  his  sending 
“ rain  upon  the  land,"  as  it  should  be  rendered  ; for  the  land  of 
Israel  was  especially  intended. — The  extremity  of  the  famine 
rendered  it  the  more  dangerous  for  him  to  show  himself  to 
the  enraged  tyrant : but  at  this  time  he  was  raised  above  all 
fear  of  what  flesh  could  do  unto  him.  [Note,  19:2.) 

V.  3.  Obadiah  signifies  The  servant  of  the  LORD.  Oba- 
diah was  so  faithful  and  useful  a servant  to  Ahab,  that  even 
Jezebel’s  instigation  did  not  induce  him  to  dismiss  or  injure 
him  : and  he  was,  it  seems,  willing  to  retain  his  place,  though 
perilous  and  difficult  while  he  could  with  a safe  conscience  ; 
as  he  might  do  some  good,  and  prevent  some  evil,  by  conti- 
nuing in  it : and,  though  he  witnessed  abominable  idolatries 
and  iniquities,  we  may  be  sure,  that  he  was  not  required  to 
bow  his  knee  unto  Baal.  (Notes,  Dan.  2:46 — 49.  3:1 — -7.) 
“ He  feared  the  Lord  greatly.”  Obadiah,  at  a distance  from 
religious  ordinances,  and  surrounded  by  the  worst  of  exam- 
ples and  by  strong  temptations,  was  eminently  pious  and  de- 
voted to  God  1 (Notes,  Gen.  22:11,12.  Ec.  12:11— 14.) 

V.  4.  Wicked  as  Ahab  was,  he  does  not  seem  to  have  di- 
rectly persecuted,  except  as  instigated  Ry  Jezebel,  until  she  had 
long  trained  him  up  to  it. — After  the  institution  of  the  worship 
of  the  golden  calves,  the  priests  and  Levites,  and  pious  Is- 
raelites, had  generally  left  their  possessions,  and' gone  up  to 
the  tribe  of  Judah  and  united  with  it  : (Note,  2 Chr.  11:13 — 
17.)  but  the  Lord  had  mercifully  raised  up  prophets,  who 
promoted  true  religion  throughout  the  land.  It  is  probable, 
that  they  were  brought  up  in  the  schools  of  the  prophets,  first 
instituted  by  Samuel,  which  still  remained,  and  were  made 
very  serviceable  by  the  blessing  of  God  upon  them.  (Notes, 

1 Sam.  10:5, fi.  2 Kings  2:3.  4:1.)  These  prophets  did  not 
statedly  offer  sacrifices  : nor  did  they  require  the  people  to  go 
up  to  Jerusalem  to  keep  the  solemn  feasts  : but  they  taught 
them  the  essentials  of  true  religion,  either  in  private  houses, 
or  in  such  assemblies  as  were  afterwards  called  synagogues. 
Thus  they  worshipped  the  God  of  Israel. towards,  though  not 
at,  the  temple  and  Jerusalem:  (Note,  8:28 — 30.)  and  there 
seems  to  have  been  considerable  numbers  of  believers  dis- 
persed through  the  tribes.  Against  these  prophets,  who  were 
the  chief  opposers  of  idolatry,  (and  doubtless  against  the 
seminaries  where  they  were  educated,)  Jezebel’s  rage  was 
directed,  and  she  cut  off  many  of  them  : but  Obadiah  found 
means  to  conceal  and  preserve  a hundred  persons,  through 
the  persecution,  supporting  them  in  their  concealment  at  his 
own  expense.  And,  though  his  conduct  was  no  secret,  he 


8 And  he  answered  him,  I am : go,  tell  ‘thy  lord 
Behold,  Elijah  is  here. 

9 And  he  said,  ‘What  have  I sinned,  that  thou 

wouldest  deliver  thy  servant  into  the  hand  of  Ahab, 
to  slay  me  ? . • 

10  As  “the  Lord  thy  God  liveth,  there  is  no  na- 
tion nor  kingdom,*  1 whither  my  lord  hath  not  sent  to 
seek  thee : and  when  they  said,  He  is  not  there , 
he  took  an  oath  of  the  kingdom  and  nation,  that 
Hhey  found  thee  not. 

11  And  now  thoi>sayest,  ‘Go,  tell  thy  lord,  Be- 
hold, Elijah  is  here. 

12  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  as  soon  as  I am 
gone  from  thee,  that,  "the  spirit  of  the  Lord  shall 
carry  thee  whither  I know  not;  and  so  when  I 
come  and  tell  Ahab,  and  he  cannot  find  thee,  bhe 
shall  slay  me  : but  I thy  servant  fear  the  Lord 
‘from  my  youth. 

13  Was  it  not  told  my  lord  dwhat  I did  when 
Jezebel  slew  the  prophets  of  the  Lord,  how  I hid 
a hundred  men  of  the  Lord’s  prophets  by  fifty 
in  a cave,  and  fed  them  with  bread  and  water? 

14  And  now  thou  sayest,  Go,  tell  thy  lord,  Bo 
hold,  Elijah  is  here  ; and  he  shall  slay  me. 

15  And  Elijah  said,  'As  the  Lord  fof  hosts 
liveth,  ebefore  whom  I stand,  I will  surely  show 
myself  unto  him  to-day. 

16  So  Obadiah  went  to  meet  Ahab,  and  told 
him : and  Ahab  went  to  meet  Elijah. 

[Practical  Observations.'] 

17  IT  And  it  came  to  pass  when  Ahab  saw  Eli- 
jah, that  Ahab  said  unto  him,  Art  thou  hhe  that 
troubleth  Israel  ? 


Rom. 13:7.  1 Pet. 2:17,18.  t 12.  See  on  17:18.  Ex.  5:21.  u 15.  1:29.  2:24. 
17:1,12.  1 Sam.  29:6.  x Ps.  10:2.  Jer.  26:20—23.  y 17:5,9.  Ps.  12:7,8.  31:20. 
91:1.  Jer.  36:26.  John  8:59.  z8,14.  a 2 Kings  2:11 ,16.  Ez.  3:12— 14.  8:3.  11:24. 
37:1.40:1,2.  Matt.  4:1.  Acts  8:39.  2 Cor.  152:2,3.  b 1 Sam.  22:11—19.  Dan  2: 
5—13.  Matt.  2:16.  Acts  12:19.  c 1 Sam.  2:18,26.  3:19,20.  2 Chr.  34:3.  Ps.  71: 
17,18.  Luke  1:15.  2 Tim.  3:15.  d 4.  Gen.  20:4,5.  Ps.  18:21— 24.  Acts20:34. 
1 Thes.  2:9,10.  e See  on  10.  Heb.  6:16,17.  f Gen.  2:1.  Dent.  4:19.  Job  25:3.  Ps. 
24:8—10.  1 03.21 . 148:2,3.  Is.  6:3.  Jer.  8 2.  Luke  2:13,14.  g See  on  17:1.  Deui. 
1:38.  Luke  1:19.  h 21:20.  Josh  7:25.  Jer.  26:8,9.38:4.  Am.  7:10.  Acts  16:20. 
17:6.24:5. 


was  still  protected  and  employed  by  Ahab  ! — Bread  and 
water.]  That  is,  with  the  necessaries  of  life  ; “ food  convenient 
for  them.”  (13:8,9,16,22.) 

V.  5,  6.  Horses , &c.  (5)  Ahab  seems  to  have  been 
more  anxious  about  the  animals,  which  ministered  to  his 
luxury,  than  about  those,  which  were  more  immediately  ne- 
cessary to  his  poor  subjects,  as  sheep,  goats,  and  oxen.  That 
the  king  in  person  should  go  upon  such  a business,  could  only 
be  the  effect  of  the  extremity  of  the  fi.mine.  Probably  most  ot 
the  cattle,  and  many  of  the  people,  had  perished  : yet  no 
mention  was  made  of  returning  to  the  Lord  with  repentance, 
fasting,  and  prayer  ! (Notes,  Joel  \:  13 — 15.  2:15 — 17.)  Had 
God  never  sent  to  them,  it  seems  they  would  never  have  ap- 
plied to  him  to  terminate  the  calamity,  whatever  extremities 
they  had  endured  : but  he  had  a remnant,  for  whose  Bake  he 
was  pleased  to  return  to  them  in  mercy  ; and  the  glory  of  his 
name  required,  that  he  should  not  yet  give  up  Israel  to  utter 
destruction.  (Notes,  19:18.  Judg.  3:9,10,14.  Rom . 11:1 — 6A 

V.  7.  Elijah  was  a poor  man,  and  greatly  hated  in  Ahab  a 
court,  in  which  Obadiah  held  considerable  preferment : yet 
Obadiah,  by  word  and  deed,  testified  the  greatest  reverence 
for  him,  as  to  an  honoured  and  distinguished  superior  ; be- 
cause he  was  a man  of  God,  and  of  eminent  sanctity ! (Note% 
Matt.  8:8,9.) 

V.  10.  No  nation,  &c.]  That  is,  in  the  neighbourhood, 
among  Ahab’s  dependants  and  allies. — He  was  so  earnest  to 
discover  Elijah,  that  he  caused  the  rulers  of  those  countries, 
in  which  he  possessed  sufficient  influence,  to  swear  that  they 
did  not  conceal  him,  and  perhaps  that  thpy  would  deliver  him 
up  if  they  found  him  : yet  Elijah  lived  part  of  the  time  in 
Ahab’s  own  kingdom  ; and  the  rest,  in  the  country  of  Zidon, 
whence  Jezebel  came ! — As  Ahab  offered  no  violence  to  the 
prophet  when  he  met  him,  it  has  been  thought,  that  he  did 
not  seek  him  from  a vindictive  motive,  but  in  expectation  that 
he  would  terminate  the  terrible  drought  which  he  had  de- 
nounced : as  if  the  prophet  could  do  it  without  the  Lord,  to 
whom  no  application  was  made  ! It  is,  however,  probable, 
that  resentment  and  enmity  greatly  influenced  Ahab  ; and 
that  Jezebel  intended  to  cut  off  Elijah  also,  if  he  could  have 
been  found,  at  least,  unless  he  consented  to  remove  the  famine 
But  Ahab  was  over-awed  by  his  unexpected  appearance  and 
intrepidity,  and  did  not  dare  to  proceed  against  him.  ( Note , 
2 Kings  1:15,16.) 

V.  12 — 16.  Obadiah,  even  in  Ahab’s  family,  had  from  his 
youth  been  a devoted  and  zealous  worshipper  of  Jehovah  1 
He  introduced  the  mention  of  his  good  services,  not  in  osten- 
tation, but  as  an  evidence  of  his  sincerity.  He  well  knew 
how  exceedingly  Ahab  would  be  offended,  if  he  thought  him- 
self imposed  upon,  in  a matter  which  he  had  so  much  at 

( 631  ) 


B t 906. 


I.  KINGS. 


B.  C.'  906. 


18  And  he  answered,  'I  have  not  troubled 
Israel ; but  thou,  and  thy  father’s  house,  kin  that 
ye  have  forsaken  the  commandments  of  the  Lord, 
and  thou  hast  followed  Baalim. 

19  Now  therefore  send,  and  gather  to  me  all 
Israel  unto  ‘mount  Carmel,  and  mthe  prophets  of 
Baal  four  hundred  and  fifty,  and  the  "prophets  of 
the  groves  four  hundred,  which  "eat  at  Jezebel’s 
table. 

20  So  Ahab  sent  unto  all  the  children  of  Israel, 
and  gathered  the  prophets  together  unto  mount 
Carmel. 

21  And  Elijah  came  unto  all  the  people,  and  said, 
pHow  long  halt  ye  between  two  ‘opinions?  nif  the 
Lord  be  God,  follow  him:  but  if  Baal,  then  follow 
him.  And  the  people  "answered  him  not  a word. 

22  Then  said  Elijah  unto  the  people,  I,  even  SI 
only,  remain  a prophet  of  the  Lord  ; but  ‘Baal’s 
prophets  are  four  hundred  and  fifty  men. 

23  Let  them  therefore  give  us  two  bullocks;  and 
‘et  them  choose  one  bullock  for  themselves,  and 
cut  it  in  pieces,  and  lay  it  on  wood,  and  put  no 
fire  under : and  I will  dress  the  other  bullock,  and 
lay  it  on  wood,  and  put  no  fire  under  : 

24  And  call  ye  on  the  name  of  your  gods,  and  I 
will  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord:  and  the  God 


1 Ez.  3;8.  Mott,  u 4.  Acts  24:13,20.  k 9:9.  2 Chr.  15:2.  Prov.  11:19.  13: 
21.  Is.  3:11.  Jit.  2:13,13.  Rom.  2.8,9.  1 42,43.  Josh.  19:26.  2Kings2:25. 
Jcr.  46:18.  Am.  1:2.  .9:3.  m 22:6.  2 Pet.  2:1.  Rev.  19:20.  n 15:13.  16:33. 

2 Kings  13:6.  o 19:1,2.  2 Kings  9:22.  Rev.  2.20.  p Dent.  4:3-5.  2 Kings  17:41. 
Zeph.  1:5.  Matt.  6:24.  Lnke  16:13.  Rom.  6:16—22.  1 Cor.  10:21,22.  2 Cor.  6: 
14—16.  Rev.  315,16.  * Oi ■,  thoughts,  q 39.  Ex.  5:1,2.  Josh.  24:15,23,24.  1 Sum. 
7:3.  1 Chr.  17:26.  2 Chr.  33:13.  Ps.  100:3.  r Gen.  24:50.  44:16.  Job  40:4,5. 
Milt.  22:12,34,46.  Rom.  3:19.  6:21.  s 19:10,14  . 20:13,22,35,38.  22:6—8.  Rom. 
11:3.  i 19:20.  Malt.  7:13-15.  2 Tim.  4:3,4.  2 Pet.  2:1— 3.  u 38.  Lev.  9:24. 
J*idg.  6:21 . 1 Chr.  21:26.  2 Chr.  7:1.  v 2 Sam.  14:19  f Heb.  The  word  is  good. 


heart : and  perhaps  he  concluded  that  Ahab  would  be  enraged, 
because  he  had  not  apprehended  the  prophet,  when  he  had 
the  opportunity.  He  could  not  suppose  that  Elijah  intended 
to  venture  into  the  presence  of  his  indignant  enemy,  and  he 
was  persuaded,  that  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  could  readily  con- 
vey away  his  servant,  and  again  conceal  him : ( Marg . Ref. 
a.  Notes , 2 Kings  2:16 — 18.  Ez.  8:2 — 4.)  and  therefore  he 
desired  to  be  excused  from  so  perilous  a service.  But  when 
the  prophet  solemnly  assured  him,  that  he  did  not  mean  to 
dude  Ahab,  but  to  show  himself  unto  him  on  that  very  day, 
he  willingly  went  to  inform  him. 

V.  17.  Elijah  was  the  grand  opposer  of  Ahab’s  plan,  for 
bringing  Israel  to  unite  in  the  worship  of  Baal,  and  so  making, 
according  to  his  views,  a quiet  settlement  of  the  religion 
of  the  nation:  and  in  this  sense  he  perhaps  deemed  him 
“ a troubler  of  Israel.”  (Notes,  Acts  16:19 — 24.  17:5 — 9.) — 
But  it  is  not  easy  to  determine  what  his  precise  sentiments 
were  concerning  the  drought,  which  came  at  Elijah’s  word. 
If  he  thought,  that  it  was  caused  and  continued  by  the  prophet’s 
power , and  could  be  removed  at  his  will ; and  that  he 
troubled  Israel  in  not  removing  it ; he  must  have  been  disposed 
to  credit  any  absurdity,  rather  than  believe  that  Jehovah 
was  the  Author  of  it,  and  that  it  could  be  removed  only  by 
his  power ; or  allow  that  it  was  his  interest  and  duty  to  re- 
turn to  the  worship  of  God  which  he  had  forsaken.  (Notes, 
Et.  7:22,23.  1 Sam.  6:2—9.) 

V.  18 — 20.  “Baalim”  is  the  plural  number:  for  Ahab 
worshipped  many  false  gods. — The  boldness  and  authority, 
with  which  the  prophet  charged  him  as  the  “troubler  of  Is- 
rael,” intimidated  the  king,  who  had  not  his  prompter  Jezebel 
with  him.  He  was  afraid  perhaps,  that  Elijah  would  execute 
judgment  upon  him  at  once,  if  he  further  offended  him : 
(Note,  1 Sam.  15:26 — 28.)  he  found  the  prophet  would  not 
be  induced  by  menaces  and  reproaches  to  comply  with  his 
requirements  ; and  he  was  willing  to  be  upon  terms  with  him, 
in  hopes  that  he  would  procure  the  removal  of  the  famine: 
and  thus  he  was  induced  to  consent  to  the  demand  which  he 
marie. — It  seems  that  an  altar  had  been  built  upon  mount  Car- 
mel, and  sacrifices  offered  oi  to  Jehovah  ; (30)  hut  the 
worship  of  Baal  had  supplanted  even  this  irregular  service  of 
the  one  living  and  true  God. — There  were  no  less  than  four 
hundred  and  fifty  prophets,  or  priests,  of  Baal,  and  four  hun- 
dred of  the  groves  (mtPKn),  who  are  supposed  to  have  been  , 
devoted  to  a Zidonian  goddess.  These  four  hundred  especially 
were  entertained  at  Jezebel’s  table,  as  a kind  of  domestic 
chaplains;  though  no  doubt  they  too  were  at  times  sent,  at 
her  expense,  into  every  part  of  the  land,  to  promote  idolatry 
among  the  inhabitants. — Elijah,  however,  desired  to  confront 
the  whole  company  before  all  the  people  of  Israel,  and  to 
bring  the  matter  in  dispute  to  a fair  decision.  But  when 
Jehovah  had  called  for  drought,  and  neither  Baal  nor  any 
other  of  their  idols  could  send  rain,  the  matter  was  already 
sufficiently  plain  to  every  reasonable  person.  (Note,  Jer. 
14:19-22.) 

Troubled , &c.  (18)  4 They  trouble  a nation  who  break 

he  laws  of  God,  nor  they  that  defend  them.’  Bp.  Patrick, 
f Note,  Josh.  7:25,26.) 

Mount  Carmel . *19^  In  the  lot  of  Asher  towards  the 

( 632  t 


that  “answereth  by  fire,  let  him  be  God.  And  all 
the  people  answered  Tand  said,  ‘It  is  well  spoken. 

25  And  Elijah  said  unto  the  prophets  of  Baal, 
Choose  you  one  bullock,  for  yourselves,  and  dress 
it  first;  for  ye  are  many  ; and  call  on  the  name  of 
your  gods,  but  put  no  fire  under. 

26  And  they  took  the  bullock  which  was  given 
them,  and  they  dressed  it,  and  called  on  the  name 
of  Baal  ‘from  morning  even  until  noon,  saying,  O 
Baal,  ‘hear  us.  But  there  was  Tno  voice,  nor  any 
that  ^answered.  And  they  “leaped  upon  the  altar 
which  was  made. 

27  And  it  came  to  pass  at  noon,  that  "Elijah 
mocked  them,  and  said,  Cry  “aloud : for  he  is  a 
god  : either  “he  is  talking,  or  he  “is  pursuing,  or 
he  is  in  a journey,  or  peradventure  he  sleepeth, 
and  "must  be  awaked. 

28  And  they  cried  aloud,  and  bcut  themselves 
after  their  manner  with  knives  and  lancets,  till 
“the  blood  gushed  out  upon  them. 

29  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  mid-day  was 
past,  and  they  "prophesied  until  the  time  of  the 
^offering  of  the  evening  sacrifice,  that  there  was 
dneither  voice,  nor  any  to  answer,  nor  any  "“that 

recorded.  t Practical  Observations.] 

30  And  Elijah  said  unto  all  the  people,  Come 


Is.  39:8.  X Matt.  6:7.  } Or,  answer,  y 24.  Ps.  115:4 — 7.  135:15— 20.  Is.  37:38. 
44:17.  45:20.  Jer.  10:5.  Dan.  5:23.  Hab.  2:18:  1 Cor.  8:4.  10:19.20.  12:2.  § Or, 
heard.  II  Or,  leaped  up  and  down  at  the  altar.  Zeph.  1:9.  z.  22.15.  2 Chr.  23: 
S.  Ec.  11:9.  Is.  8:9,10.  44:15— 17.  Ez.  20:39.  Am.  4:4,5.  Matt.  26:45.  Mark  7:9. 
14:41.  IT  Heb.  with  a great  voice.  **  Or,  he  meditateth.  It  Heb.  hath  a pursuit. 
a Ps.  44:23.  78:65,66.  121:4.  Is.  51:9.  Mark  4:38,39.  b Ler.  19:28.  Deut.  14:1. 
Mic.  6:7.  Mark  5:5.  9:22.  Heb.  they  poured  out  blood  upon  them,  c 22:10, 
12.  1 Sam.  18:10.  Jer.  28:6 — 9.  Acts  16:16,17.  1 Cor.  11:4,5.  §§  Heb.  ascending. 
Seeon  36.  d See  on  26.  Gal.  4:8.  2 Tim.  3:8,9.  ||||  Heb.  attention. 


north  of  the  land.  (Josh.  19:26.)  Not  Carmel,  in  the  lot  of 
Judah.  (1  Sam.  25:2.) 

V.  21.  Halt  ye,  &c.]  The  metaphor  is  taken  from  the 
unequal  walk  of  a lame  person.  Many  of  the  people  wavered 
in  judgment,  and  varied  in  practice ; sometimes  worshipping 
Jehovah,  at  others  worshipping  Baal,  as  their  convictions 
or  interests  prevailed:  or  they  endeavoured  to  form  a coali- 
tion between  them,  of  which  Baal’s  prophets  would  pro- 
bably admit:  but  to  which  Jehovah  would  never  consent. 
Elijah  therefore  called  upon  them  without  further  delay  to 
determine,  whether  of  the  two  was  the  self-existent  and  eter- 
nal God,  the  Creator,  Governor,  and  Judge  of  the  world  ; 
and  to  follow  him  alone,  whether  Jehovah  or  Baal  were  he, 
as  there  could  be  no  more  than  one  supreme  God.  (Notes, 
Deut.  6:4,5.  Josh.  24:14,15.  Matt.  6:24.)  To  this  the  people 
answered  nothing:  being  unwilling  to  confess  their  guilt,  or 
offend  the  king,  and  notbeing  able  to  object  to  what  he  said, 
or  being  ashamed  of  their  conduct. 

V.  22.  Elijah  was  the  only  prophet  of  Jehovah  who 
stood  forth  at  this  time ; the  prophets  whom  Obadiah  pre- 
served, and  the  prophets  of  whom  we  afterwards  read,  being 
driven  into  concealment.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  4.  19:10.) 

V.  23.  Elijah  conceded  the  preference,  in  every  external 
circumstance,  to  the  prophets,  of  Baal,  that  the  victory  might 
be  the  more  conspicuous,  to  the  glory  of  God  alon?  : for  doubt- 
less he  acted  by  direction  from  heaven.  (Note,  Ez.  8:9 — 11.) 

V.  24.  The.  proposal  was  so  reasonable,  that  the  people 
at  once  agreed  to  it ; and  thus  Baal’s  prophets  were  con- 
strained either  to  comply  : or  to  allow  Baal  to  be  an  imponent 
idol,  and  Jehovah  the  only  true  God. — By  fire. ] Marg . 
Ref.  u.  Notes,  Gen.  4:3—5.  Lev.  9:24. 

V.  26.  O Baal,  &c.]  (Note,  Matt.  6:7,8.)  The  continued 
cry  of  four  hundred  and  fifty  prophets,  during  several  hours, 
with  an  unmeaning  repetition  of  the  words,  “O  Baal,  hear 
us,”  with  gre^t  vehemence,  must  have  formed  a most  dis- 
sonant vociferation  ; whilst  like  frantic  men,  they  leaped  upon , 
or  round,  or  up  and  down,  at  the  altar  and  sacrifice,  according 
to  the  worship  which  they  were  accustomed  to  perform ! — 
Some  think  that  the  sun  was  worshipped  under  the  name 
Baal  ; and  that  this  encouraged  his  prophets  to  expect  an 
answer  by  fire. 

V.  27 — 29.  Elijah  mocked,  or  ridiculed,  the  false  prophets, 
and  ironically  observed,  that  Baal,  no  doubt,  had  a very 
great  number  of  engagements,  and  therefore  was  taken  up. 
or  at  a distance,  or  asleep  ; and  therefore  his  votaries  would 
not  succeed  without  greater  earnestness  ami  louder  cries  ! 
(Notes,  22:15.  Ec.  11:9,10.  Is.  44:12—17.  Mar k 7:9.)—’ The 
absurdity  of  the  idolatry  was  worthy  of  being  exposed  to 
contempt  before  the  people,  though  the  effects  of  it.  were 
most  deplorable. — It  seems  however,  that  they  thought  Eli- 
jah in  earnest  in  his  counsel  and  determined  to  follow  it;  and, 
still  more  to  please  the  demon  whom  they  worshipped  ns 
God,  they  cut  their  flesh,  and  mingled  their  own  blood  with 
that  of  their  sacrifice,  according  to  the  frequent  custom  of 
idolaters!  But  all  their  efforts  proved  in  vain:  though  they 
continued  to  prophesy,  afler  their  manner,  till  three  hours 
after  noonday  had  passed,  shov  «ng  tokens  of  being  under  a 
supernatural  influence;  and,  At  n iny  support,  sii  ging 


B.  C.  906. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


B.  C.  906 


near  unto  me.  And  all  the  people  came  near  unto 
him.  And  “he  repaired  the  altar  of  the  Lord  that 
was  broken  down. 

31  And  Elijah  took  f twelve  stones,  accord- 
ing to  the  number  of  the  tribes  of  the  sons  of 
Jacob,  unto  whom  the  word  of  the  Lord  came, 
*sayin<j,  Israel  shall  be  thy  name: 

32  And  hvvith  the  stones  he  built  an  altar  ‘in 
the  name  of  the  Lord:  and  he  made  a trench 
about  the  altar,  as  great  as  would  contain  two 
measures  of  seed. 

33  And  'he  put  the  wood  in  o^der,  and  cut  the 
bullock  in  pieces,  and  laid  him  on  the  wood,  and 
said.  kFill  four  barrels  with  water,  and  pour  it  on 
the  burnt-sacrifice,  and  on  the  wood. 

34  And  he  said,  'Do  it  the  second  time.  And 
they  did  it  the  second  time.  And  he  said,  Do  it 
the  third  time.  And  they  did  it  the  third  time. 

35  And  the  water  ’ran  round  about  the  altar  ; 
and  he  filled  mthe  trench  also  with  water. 

36  And  it  came  to  pass  "at  the  time  of  the 
offering  of  the  evening  sacrifice,  that  Elijah  the 
prophet  came  near  and  said,  “Lord  God  of 
Abraham,  Isaac,  and  of  Israel,  Piet  it  be  known 
this  day  that  thou  art  God  in  Israel,  and  that  I 
am  thy  servant,  land  that  I have  done  all  these 
things  at  thy  word. 

t 19:10,14.  2 Chr.  33:16.  Rom.  11:3.  f Ex.  24:4.  Josh.  4:3,4,20.  Ezra  6:17.  Jer. 
31:1.  Ez. 37:16— 22.  47:13.  Eph.  2:20.  4:4-6.  Rev.  7:4—  8.  21 : 12.  e Gen.  32:28. 
33:20.  35:10.  2 Kin*.  17  34.  Is.  48:1.  h Ex.  20:24.25.  Judg.  6:25.  21:4.  1 Sam. 
7:9,17.  i ICor.  10:31.  Col.  3:17.  ) Gen.  22:9.  Lev.  1:6—8.  k Dan.  3:19— 25.  John 
11:39,40.19:33,34.  I 2 Cor.  4:2.  8:21.  * Heb.  wen!,  m 32,38.  n 29.  Ex.  29:39-41. 
Ezra  9:4,5.  Ps.  141:2.  Pan.  8:13.  9:21.  12:11.  Acts  3:1.  10:30.  o21.Gen.26: 
21.  31:53.  32:0.  46:3.  Ex.  3:6,15,16.  1 Chr.29:l8.  2 Chr.  20:6.7.  Eph.  1:17.  3:14. 
p 8:43.  1 Sam.  17:46,47.  2 Kings  1:3,6.  5:15.  19:19.  Ps.  67:1,2.  83:18.  q 22:28. 
Num.  16:28-  -30.  John  11:42.  r 24,29,36.  Gen.  32:24,26,28.  2Chr.  14:11.32:19, 
20.  Ii.  37:17  -20.  Dan  9:17— 19.  I.uke  I1:S.  Jam.  5:16,17.  • Jer.  31 :18,19.  Ez. 

hymns  to  Baal  along  wilh  their  absurd  and  frantic  devotions. 

No  doubt  Satan  could  have  sent  fire,  and  would  if  he 
might  have  done  it ; but  he  can  do  nothing  except  what  is 
permitted,  lo  him.  (Notes,  Job  1:9 — 12,16.  Matt.  8:30 — 32.) 
— The  evening  sacrifice.  (29)  About  three  hours  before 
sunset.  (Note,  36,37.) 

V.  30.  The  prophet  gave  his  competitors  full  opportunity 
cf  making  a fair  trial  what  Baal  could  do : but  when  they 
had  prophesied  till  almost  evening,  it  was  time  that  he  should 
proceed  to  show  them  what  Jehovah  could  and  would  do; 
and  therefore  he  interrupted  them  by  addressing  the  people. 
(Note,  18—20.) 

V.  31.  (Note,  Ex.  20:21 — 25.)  Elijah  meant  by  this  exact 
number  of  stones,  selected  to  repair,  or  rebuild,  the  allar  of 
Jehovah  which  had  gone  io  decay,  to  show,  that  the  de- 
scendants of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  notwithstanding 
divisions  and  apostacies,  were  yet  the  people  of  Jehovah, 
and  formed  one  church  and  nation : and  that  they  ought  to 
unite  in  worshipping  the  God  of  their  fathers,  and  in  oppos- 
ing all  idolatry.  The  reference  lo  the  name  of  “ Israel” 
given  to  Jacob,  when  he  wrestled  with  God  and  prevailed, 
was  suited  to  shame  the  people  from  their  idol-worship,  as 
well  as  to  encourage  Elijah's  own  heart  in  prayer.  (Marg. 
Ref.  Notes,  Gen.  32:24 — 30.) 

V.  32 — 35.  By  forming  this  trench,  or  trough,  round  about 
die  altar,  and  both  filling  it  with  water,  and  pouring  a great 
quantity  upon  the  altar,  the  burnt-offering,  and  the  wood, 
Elijah  excluded  all  possibility  of  suspicion  that  any  fire  hac 
been  concealed,  and  thus  rendered  the  divine  interposition 
more  illustrious  and  convincing. 

V.  36,  37.  The  prophet,  by  the  time  chosen  for  his 
sacrifice  and  prayer,  avowed  his  communion  with  the  wor- 
shippers of  God,  at  his  temple  in  Jerusalem:  and  he  briefly, 
but  most  fervently,  besought  Jehovah  on  this  important 
occasion  to  interpose  ; that  the  people  might  be  convinced 
that  he  was  indeed  Ihe  true  God,  the  God  of  their  fathers, 
and  of  the  nation  ; and  also  that  all,  which  he,  his  servant, 
had  done,  concerning  the  famine  especially,  had  been  in 
obedience  to  God’s  command.  This  would  greatly  display 
the  glory  of  his  name,  and  promote  the  highest  good  of  his 
people ; since  they  might  henceforth  know  and  worship  him, 
as  that  God,  who  had  thus  turned  their  hearts  back  from 
idolatry  unto  himself,  to  worship  and  serve  him  alone,  and  to 
render  the  whole  praise  and  glory  unto  his  name.  Hoiy 
zeal  and  intelligent  good-will  to  Israel  suggested  every  word, 
and  rendered  the  prayer  peculiarly  emphatical ; especially 
when  contrasted  wilh  the  unmeaning  and  long-continued 
vociferations  of  Baal’s  pronhets.  (Note,  26.) 

V.  38,  39.  It  is  probable,  that  this  fire  appeared  as  light- 
ing, though  no  cloud  was  seen  : or  it  was  called  “ the  fire 
if  God,”  from  its  extraordinary  force,  and  its  unparalleled 
fleets  ; and  especially  as  sent  to  plead  the  cause  of  God, 
and  to  expose  his  worthless  rival  to  contempt.  (Marg.  Ref. 
X,  u.) — It  would  be  more  perspicuous  and  emphatical  to 
retain  the  original  word,  Jehovah,  in  the  translation  of  this 
chapter.  The  people  were  convinced,  for  the  time,  that 
Jihovah  was  the  only  true  God  ; and  they  prostrated  them- 
Voi  I— 80 


37  "Hear  me,  O Lord,  hear  me,  that  this  people 
may  know  that  thou  art  the  Lord  God,  and  that 
“thou  hast  turned  their  heart  back  again. 

38  ’Then  the  “fire  of  the  Lord  fell,  and  con- 
sumed the  burnt-sacrifice,  and  the  wood,  and  the 
stones,  and  the  dust,  and  licked  up  the  water  tha 
was  in  the  trench. 

39  And  when  all  the  people  saw  it,  vthey  fe.  • 
on  their  faces:  and  they  said,  “The  Lord,  he  it 
the  God  ; the  Lord,  lie  is  the  God. 

40  And  Elijah  said  unto  them,  ^Take  the 
prophets  of  Baal;  let  not  one  of  them  escape 
And  they  took  them : and  Elijah  brought  them 
down  to  the  brook  rKishon,  and  "slew  them  there. 

41  H And  Elijah  said  unto  Aluib,  “Get  thee  up, 
eat  and  drink  ; for  there  is  la  sound  of  babundance 
of  rain. 

42  So  Ahab  went  up  to  eat  and  to  drink.  And 
“Elijah  went  up  to  the  top  of  Carmel;  and  dhc 
cast  himself  down  upon  the  earth,  and  “put  his 
face  between  his  knees, 

43  Aqd  said  to  his  servant,  'Go  up  now,  look 
toward  the  sea.  And  he  went  up,  and  looked, 
and  said,  There  is  nothing.  And  he  said,  eGo 
again  seven  times. 

44  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  seventh  time, 
that  he  said,  Behold,  there  ariseth  ha  little  cloud 


36:25—27.  Mai.  4:5,6.  Luke  1:16.17.  l Gen.  15:17.  Lev.  9:24.  1 Cnr.21  26 
2 Chr.  7:1.  n21.  I.ev,  10:2.2  Kings  1:12.  Job  1:16.  Is.  31 :9.  v Judg.  13:20 
1 Chr.  21:16.  2 C'lir.  7:3.  x See  on  21 . John  5:35.  Acts  2:37.4:16.  tOr , Apme- 
l lend . 2 Kings  10:25.  v See  on  Judg.  5:21 . zDeut.  13:5.  18:20.  Jer.  48:10.  Zech 
13:2,3.  Rev.  19:20.  20:10.  a Ec.  9:7.  Acte  27:34.  } Or,  a sound  of  a noise  o] 
min.  17:1.  bSeeonl.  c 19.  Matt.  14:23.  Luke  6: 12.  Acts  10:9.  d Gen.  24 
52.  Josh.  7:6.  2 Sam.  12:16.  Dan.  9:3.  Mark  14:35.  Jam.  5:16,17.  e 19:13.  E?ro 
9:6.  Ps.  89:7.  Is.  6:2.  38:2.  Dan.  9:7.  fPs.5:3.  Luke  18:1.  g Gen.  32:26.  Iiab 
2:3.  Luke  18:7.  Eph.  6:18.  Heb.  10:36,37.  h Job  8:7.  Zech.  4:10. 


selves  before  him  with  terror,  mixed  with  reverence. — It  lias 
been  observed,  that  the  fire  on  this  occasion  consumed  the 
altar  as  well  as  the  sacrifice,  because  oblations  were  not 
there  statedly  to  be  offered  ; but  at  the  dedication  of  the 
temple,  the  sacrifice  was  consumed,  and  the  altar  continued. 
{Note*,  Lev.  9:24.  2 Chr.  7:1—3.) 

V.  40.  Baal’s  prophets,  being  Israelites,  idolaters,  and 
teachers  of  idolatry  in  Israel,  were  condemned  by  the  pro- 
phet to  die,  according  to  the  express  injunctions  of  the 
Mosaic  law.  ( Notes , Devi.  13:1 — 5.  18:20 — 22.)  The  peo- 
ple, under  the  present  impression,  readily  concurred  with 
Elijah,  and  Ahab  did  not  interpose  to  prevent  the  execution 
of  the  condemned  criminals. — “ The  four  hundred  prophets 
of  the  groves,”  were  not  present  on  this  occasion.  Some 
learned  men  think,  that  they  were  Zidonians,  not  Israelites; 
and  therefore  their  attendance  had  not  been  insisted  on,  or 
they  had  refused  to  come. 

V.  41.  ( Note , 17:1.)  The  idolatry  of*  Israel  having  re- 

ceived a powerful  check,  and  its  chief  abettors  the  prophets 
of  Baal  having  suffered  condign  punishment  ; the  prophet 
declared  to  Ahab  the  approach  of  deliverance  from  that 
awful  calamity,  under  which  the  land  had  so  long  groaned  ; 
and  encouraged  him  to  go  and  cheerfully  refresh  himself. 
( Note , 2 Sam.  21:9 — 14.)  It  is  probable,  that  the  prophet, 
who  throughout  this  chapter  spake  and  acted  with  heroical 
intrepidity,  u being  strong  in  faith,  giving  glory  to  God  was 
too  sanguine  in  his  expectations  of  subsequent  success. 
Ahab’s  concurrence  in  all  that  he  had  done,  or  connivance 
at  it,  and  the  people’s  decided  language  and  conduct,  led 
him  to  conclude,  that  he  should,  as  if  were,  carry  all  before 
him,  till  the  worship  of  Baal  was  wholly  extirpated.  This 
unwarranted  expectation  made  way  for  the  timid  conduct 
and  depressed  state  of  mind,  which  is  recorded  in  the  next 
chapter.  (Notes,  19:1 — 14.)  In  this  chapter  he  shows  what 
man  may  be  and  do,  when  God  upholds  and  strengthens 
him;  in  the  next  what  the  same  man  is,  when  left  to  himself. 
This  appears,  in  the  case  of  Elijah,  as  clearly,  though  in  a 
far  different  way,  as  in  the  case  of  Samson  ; (Notes,  Judg. 
Ifi:)  and  in  many  things  it  resembles  what  St.  Paul  records 
of  himself.  (Notes,  2 Cor.  12:1 — 10.) 

V.  42.  In  a posture  of  most  profound  reverence,  the  pro- 
phet sought  of  God,  by  earnest  prayer,  the  blessing  of  rain 
upon  the  parched  land  ; and  he  continued  his  fervent  suppli- 
cations  in  the  same  place  and  posture,  without  having  taken 
any  refreshment,  as  it  appears,  till  he  had  sensible  evidence 
that  his  prayer  was  granted.  (Note,  Jam.  5:16 — 18.) 

V.  43 — 45.  As  Elijah  had  no  servant  before  he  went  to 
Zarephath  ; some  have  thought,  that  the  widow’s  son,  whom 
he  had  raised  to  life,  had  accompanied  him.  But  it  appears 
from  the  narrative,  that  he  was  not  old  enough ; and  it  is 
more  likely,  that,  a young  person  from  the  schools  of  the 
prophets  attended  Elijah  on  this  occasion. — The  prophet 
spake  as  one  assured  that  his  prayer  would  immediately  be 
answered  ; and  like  Jacob  of  old,  he  seemed  determined  not 
to  let  the  Lord  go  until  he  had  blessed  him.  The  seryani 
was  therefore  ordered  to  go  seven  times  ; and  he  saw  no 
appearance  till  the  last  time,  when  a veiy  small  cloud  arose, 
• ( 633  ) 


B.  C 9^6. 


I.  KINGS  B.  C.  90# 


out  of  the  sea,  like  a man’s  hand.  And  he  .said. 
Go  up,  say  unto  Ahab,  ‘Prepare  thy  chariot , and 
get  thee  down,  that  the  rain  stop  thee  not. 

45  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  mean  while,  that 
the  heaven  was  black  with  clouds  and  wind,  and 

• Heb.  Tie,  or. Bind.  1 Sain.  6:7,10.  Mic.  103.  i 39  40.  Num.  25:8.  2S.m. 
21:14.  j 21:1,33.  Jonh.  19:18.  2 Sam.  2:9.  2 Kings  9:16.  k 2 Kings  3:15.  Is. 

out.  of  the  Mediterranean  sea,  which  was  near  to  mount 
OarmeJ : this  the  prophet  knew  to  be  the  forerunner  of  the 
desired  blessing,  and  he  sent  word  to  Ahab  accordingly. — 
The  rain  was  no  doubt  equal  to  the  necessities  of  the  land ; 
and  it  formed  another  demonstration  that  Jehovah  was  the 
only  true  God.  (Note,  18 — 20.) 

Went  up,  &c.  (43)  The  transactions  of  the  day  are  sup- 
posed to  have  taken  place  at  the  foot  of  the  mount,  near 
some  rivulet,  whence  water  could  still  be  procured.  From 
this  place,  Ahab  went  up  to  some  tent  or  residence  to  take 
refreshment;  but  Elijah  went  up  towards  the  summit  of 
the  mount,  where  the  Mediterranean  sea  might  be  clearly 
seen : yet  he  sent  his  servant  to  some  higher  crag  or  emi- 
nence to  make  his  observations. 

V.  46.  The  Lord  directed  and  strengthened  Elijah, 
though  weak  with  fasting  and  fatigue,  to  show  this  respect 
to  Ahab;  and  to  run  as  a footman  before  his  chariot;  in 
order  to  convince  him,  that  his  severe  reproofs  were  con- 
sistent with  affection  and  loyalty  in  secular  matters:  nor 
was  the  prophet  afraid  of  going  to  Jezreel,  where  Jezebel 
was  ; though  he  did  not  come  into  her  presence.  It  does 
not  appear,  that  either  Ahab,  or  his  attendants,  or  the 
inhabitants  of  Jezreel,  offered  him  any  refreshment,  or  hos- 
pitably entertained  him.  His  reception  at  least  was  dis- 
couraging. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 16. — The  severest  judgments  will  not  of  themselves 
humble  or  change  the  hearts  of  sinners  ; who  often  grow  more 
hardened  under  them,  even  to  desperation. — The  imagined  fire 
of  purgatory,  therefore,  or  the  real  torments  of  hell,  possess  no 
purifying  efficacy  ; and  the  wicked  under  the  anguish  of  their 
sufferings  will  continually  increase  in  wickedness,  and  accu- 
mulate wrath  to  all  eternity.  For  nothing,  except  the  aton- 
ing blood  of  Christ,  can  expiate  the  guilt  of  sin;  nothing, 
except  the  sanctifying  Spirit  of  God,  can  purge  away  its 
pollution:  and  all  other  expedients  are  satanical  delusions, 
to  keep  men  from  this  one  u fountain,  which  God  hath  opened 
f >r  sin  and  for  uncleanness.” — The  enmity  of  man’s  heart 
against  God,  expresses  itself  by  persecuting  those  who  bear 
his  image  and  seek  his  glory:  yet  he  protects  them,  until 
their  testimony  be  finished. — It  has  been  the  common  lot  of 
his  prophets  and  faithful  servants,  to  be  lodged  in  caves  or 
dens  of  the  earth,  and  fed  with  bread  and  water,  (if  that 
could  be  procured,)  while  the  ministers  of  Satan  have  rioted 
in  luxury.  (Note,  Heb.  11:35 — 38.)  Yet  the  Lord  has  had 
a remnant  in  all  places,  where  any  part  of  his  word  has  been 
known,  m every  age  of  the  world  : and  notwithstanding 
errors  and  irregularities,  that  spiritual  worship,  and  that 
repentance,  fear,  and  love  of  his  name,  which  are  the  fruits  of 
his  Holy  Spirit,  are  accepted  through  the  Redeemer,  and  by 
faith  in  him.  Thus  the  remnant  in  Israel,  when  that  nation 
had  generally  apostatized  to  idolatry,  encourages  the  hope, 
that  there  are  true  believers  known  unto  God,  and  reserved 
to  him,  in  those  parts  of  the  Christian  church,  where  the 
ostensible  body  is  most  deformed  by  superstition  and  idolatry. 
— If  men  of  eminent  piety  were  found  in  Ahab’s  family,  and 
in  Nero’s  palace,  we  may  conclude  that  the  Spirit  of  God 
will  keep  alive  the  holy  flame  which  he  has  kindled,  in  any 
situation  to  which  a believer  can  be  called.  (Note,  Phil. 
4:21,22.)  We  should  therefore  be  very  cautious  about  leav- 
ing, or  persuading  others  to  leave,  the  posts  assigned  in 
Providence,  however  perilous  or  ensnaring ; while  they  can 
be  maintained  without  sinful  compliances,  and  while  they 
afford  opportunities  of  doing  good. — They,  who  begin  early 
to  9erve  God,  are  likely  to  be  eminent  in  their  generation : 
and  those  who  “ fear  the  Lord  greatly,”  devise  various 
methods  of  usefulness ; for  they  do  not  shrink  from  trouble, 
danger,  or  expense,  in  promoting  his  cause,  or  protecting 
and  relieving  his  oppressed  and  afflicted  servants.  Provi- 
dence indeed  has  often  remarkably  preserved  those  who 
have  ventured  their  lives  freely  in  his  service,  in  times  of 
triumphant  wickedness;  yet,  singular  activity,  prudence,  and 
fidelity  in  secular  concerns,  frequently  prove  the  means  of 
their  security.  (Notes,  Dan.  6:3 — 5.) — Many  are  careful  to 
prevent  the  effects  of  sin  upon  their  temporal  interests,  whilst 
they  continue  by  their  crimes  to  augment  the  fierce  wrath  of 
God,  which  is  the  cause  of  all  misery : and  ungodly  rich  men 
are  commonly  more  careful  about  their  own  self-indulgence, 
than  to  preserve  the  multitude  of  the  poor  from  starving. 
(Notes,  Am.  6:3 — ^ Duke  16:19 — 21.)  But  while  sinners 
remain  on  earth,  the  Lord  will  afford  them  some  respite  ; that 
his  judgments  and  mercies  may  concur,  either  to  lead  them 
to  repentance,  or  to  display  his  justice  in  their  condemna- 
tion : and  national  calamities  are  often  retarded  or  terminated, 
for  the  sake  of  a despised  remnant  of  believers  ; for  if  per- 
secutors could  extirpate  them  all,  they  would  open  the  flood- 
gates of  divine  vengeance  upon  themselves. — The  servants 
of  God  may,  in  his  cause,  boldly  face  their  most  powerful 
•Jeraged  enemies ; for  they  dare  not  touch  them  when  he 
( 634  ) 


‘there  was  a great  rain.  lAnd  Ahab  rode,  and 
went  to  Jezreel. 

46  And  kthe  hand  of  the  Lord  was  on  Elijah  ; 
and  ‘he  girded  up  his  loins,  and  “ran  before  Ahah 
*to  the  entrance  of  Jezreel. 


8:11.  El.  1:3.  3:14.  1 2 Kins.  4:29.  9: 1 . Job  38:3.  Jer.  1:17.  I Pel.  1.13. 
m Malt.  22:21.  1 Pet.  2:17.  t Heb . till  thou  come  tu  Jezreel. 


intimidates  their  hearts,  and  cannot  when  he  restrains  their 
hands:  (Notes,  Matt.  14:3 — 5.  Acts  4:13 — 22.  5:26 — 39.) 
and  such  as  fear  the  Lord,  however  exalted  in  life,  will 
greatly  respect  his  faithful  servants,  though  poor  and  hated 
by  all  around  them. — They,  whose  situations  have  long  re- 
quired them  to  be  cautious  of  giving  unnecessary  umbrage, 
are  apt  to  grow  too  timid,  and  to  apprehend  consequences 
which  are  not  likely  to  follow : if,  however,  they  be  sincere, 
they  will  surmount  their  fears,  and  join  with  their  more 
courageous  brethren  in  doing  the  will  of  God. 

V.  17 — 29.  The  ministers  of  the  Lord  have  generally 
been  accounted  the  troublers  of  nations,  nay,  even  of  the 
church,  by  ungodly  rulers:  beca  ise  they  oppose  prevailing 
abuses  though  sanctioned  by  authority,  and  denounce  the 
wrath  of  God  against  impenitent  sinners.  Nay,  they  have 
frequently  been  treated  as  the  authors  of  those  calamities, 
which  have  come  upon  men  for  persecuting  them,  and  neglect- 
ing their  warnings  ! But  they  arc  able  to  refute,  and  even  to 
rfetort,  such  charges,  when  urged  to  their  faces:  and  to  show 
that  those  who  forsake  the  commandments  of  the  Lord,  aAd 
teach  others  to  do  so,  are  the  real  troublers  of  the  world,  of 
the  church,,  and  of  themselves  and  their  own  families:  and 
when  this  is  done  with  firmness  and  solemnity,  as  by  the 
authority  of  God,  it  will  often  cause  the  proudest  sinner  to 
tremble ; to  desist  from  present  purposes  of  violence,  and  to 
comply  with  reasonable  requirements. — The  condescension 
of  the  Lord  in  repeatedly  proving  the  most  evident  truths, 
concerning  his  being,  perfections,  the  divine  authority  of  his 
word,  and  the  nature  of  his  worship,  is  as  wonderful  as  the 
perverseness  of  men,  w hich  requires  such  repeated  demon- 
strations : but  the  fundamentals  of  religion  stand  on  such 
manifest  grounds  of  reason  and  sound  argument,  that  they 
need  fear  no  fair  investigation.  It  is  of  peculiar  import- 
ance, that  we  come  to  a decision  on  such  subjects ; for  whilst 
we  waver  respecting  them,  we  must  be  unstable  in  all  our 
ways.  But  we  should  be  equally  decided  in  our  practice, 
else  our  creed,  however  orthodox,  will  be  received  only  by  a 
dead  faith.  If  the  Lord  be  God,  let  us  worship  him,  choose 
him  for  our  Portion,  and  devote  ourselves  to  his  service : il 
Jesus  be  the  divine  and  only  Saviour,  let  us  come  to  him, 
cleave  to  him,  and  depend  on  him  alone  for  every  thing:  if 
the  Bible  be  the  word  of  God,  let  us  reverence,  study,  and 
receive  the  whole  of  it,  and  submit  our  understanding  to  its 
teaching : and  let  us  no  longer  endeavour  to  serve  God  and 
Mammon  ; to  reconcile  religion  and  secret  sin  ; or  to  believe 
revelation,  to  accept  of  salvation,  or  to  give  up  ourselves  to  the 
service  of  our  Redeemer,  by  halves,  or  with  reserves.  This 
Satan  will.be  content  with,  but  the  Lord  abhors  it. — The 
cause  of  truth  is  not  to  be  determined  by  vote,  authority,  oi 
wealth : one  poor  prophet  or  minister  for  Jehovah  ; hundreds 
and  thousands  for  Baal,  even  of  those  in  reputation  and  favour, 
and  the  highest  secular  or  ecclesiastical  stations  ; as  well  as 
of  those  who  have  possessed  wealth  and  learning,  has  been 
a common  case  ! But  God  will  plead  his  ow  n cause,  and  that 
of  his  witnesses,  which  will  countervail  all  disadvantage's  ; 
and  his  truth  is  great,  and  will  prevail.  In  confidence  of  his 
support,  we  may  concede  every  external  precedency  to  our 
opponents,  and  boldly  stand  forth  in  his  cause,  without  appre- 
hension about  the  event.  It  is  right,  however,  to  state  every 
thing  in  so  equitable,  plain,  and  convincing  a manner,  that  all 
may  be  constrained  to  say,  “It  is  well  spoken,”  and  that  the 
mouths  of  gainsayers  may  be  stopped. — The  absurdities  of 
superstition  and  false  religion  might  excite  our  ridicule  or 
mockery,  did  not  their  awful  effects  demand  our  tears.  The 
example  of  Elijah,  in  this  instance,  must  be  imitated  with 
great  caution,  and  only  on  very  peculiar  and  evident  occasions. 
— The  service  of  Satan,  whether  in  the  observations  of 
idolatrous  worship,  or  in  the  practice  of  immoralities,  whilst 
it  promises  indulgence  to  men  s lusts,  is  cruel  to  their  persons, 
and  tends  to  torment  them  even  in  this  world. 

V.  30 — 46.  All  religious  diligence,  which  is  not  regulated 
according  to  the  word  of  God,  as  to  its  grand  outlines,  how- 
ever self-denying  or  plausible,  is  unavailing:  “for  he,  who 
gathereth  not  with”  the  Saviour,  “ scattercth.”  (Note,  Matt . 
12:29,30.)  Yet,  when  it  is  impracticable  for  us  exactly  to 
come  up  to  the  scriptural  standard  ; or  when  we  cannot  have 
personal  communion  with  God’s  people,  in  his  more  solemn 
ordinances : we  must  come  as  near  as  we  can  to  the  one, 
and  show  our  fellowship  with  the  other  by  such  expressions 
as  we  are  capable  of:  and  the  Lord  will  graciously  accent 
our  upright  intentions,  and  dispense  with  the  unavoidable 
irregularity. — Hypocrites  expect  to  be  heard  for  their  much 
or  their  loud  speaking;  but  a few  words  uttered  in  assured 
faith,  and  with  fervent  affections  of  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God, 
and  love  to  the  souls  of  men,  or  thirst  mgs  after  the  Lord’? 
image  and  favour,  often  form  “ the  effectual  fervent  pruyei 
of  the  righteous  man,  which  availeth  much.”  Such  principles 
ought  to  dictate  aU  our  prayers,  and  wo  should  utterly  disre- 
gard even  our  own  reputation  in  the  judgment  of  men  tjtr.o  ft 


6.  C.  906. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


B.  C.  906 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Hh-ih  shows  Jezeke  , that  Elijtth  had  slain  final's  prophets , and  she  sends  to 
Elijah,  threatening  to  take  atony  his  life , 1, 2.  lie  fees  into  the  wilderness  ; 
is  weary  of  living  ; but  being  twice  strengthened  with  food  brought  by  an 
angel,  he Jasts  forty  days,  anil  arrives  at  II  >reb,  3 — 8.  There  God  meets 
hxtn,  preceded  by  a strong  i oinrt,  an  earthquake,  and  f re  ; and,  speaking  to 
him  in  a still  small  voter,  commissions  him  to  anoint  Hazael,  Jehu,  and 
E’lshn,  9 — 17.  Elijah  is  informed  that  seven  thousand  worshippers  of  J E- 
HOVA  '!  still  remain  in  Israel , 18.  Elijah  casts  his  mantle  on  Elisha,  who 
takes  trace  of  his  friends , and  follows  him,  19 — 21. 

AND  “Ahab  told  Jezebel  all  that  Elijah  had 
done,  and  withal  bhovv  he  had  slain  all  the 
prophets  with  the  sword. 

2 Then  Jezebel  sent  a messenger  unto  Elijah, 
saying,  'So  let  the  gods  do  to  me,  and  more  also, 
llil  I make  not  thy  life  as  the  life  of  one  of  them 
by  'to-morrow  about  this  time. 

3 And  when  he  saw  that,  'he  arose,  and  went 
for  his  life,  and  came  to  ^Beer-sheba,  which 
bet  on  get  h to  Judah,  and  left  his  servant  there. 

4 But  he  himself  went  a day’s  journey  into  the 
wilderness,  and  came  and  hsat  down  under  a 
juniper-tree : and  'lie  requested  ’for  himself  that 
he  might  die:  and  said,  It  is  enough;  now,  O 
Lord,  take  away  my  life ; for  I am  not  kbetter 
than  my  fathers. 

5 And  'as  he  lay  and  slept  under  a juniper-tree, 


] behold,  then  man  angel  touched  him,  and  sah 
I unto  him,  Arise  and  eat. 

6 And  lie  looked,  and  behold,  there  "was  a.  cake 
baken  on  the  coals,  and  a cruse  of  water  at  his 
'head : and  he  did  eat,  and  drink,  and  laid  him 
down  again. 

| 7 And  “the  angel  of  the  Lord  came  again  the 

second  time,  and  touched  him,  and  said,  Arise 
1 and  eat,  ^because  the  journey  is  too  great  for 
thee. 

8 And  he  arose,  and  did  eat  and  drink,  and 
went  iin  the  strength  of  that  meat,  'forty  days 
and  forty  nights,  unto  “Ho rob  the  mount  of  God. 

9 H Arid  he  came  thither  ‘unto  a cave,  and  lodged 
there  ; and  behold,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to 
him,  and  he  said  unto  him,  “What  doest  thou 

here,  Elljclh  ? [Practical  Observations.'] 

10  And  he  said,  I have  been  xvery  jealous  for 
the  Lord  God  of  hosts  : for  the  children  of  Israel 
have  forsaken  thy  covenant,  ^thrown  down  thine 

1 altars,  and  slain  thy  prophets  with  the  sword  ; 
j and  I,  even  ZI  only,  am  left : and  athey  seek  my 
life,  to  take  it  away 

11  And  lie  said,  Go  forth,  and  bstand  upon  the 


a 16:31.  21:5— 7,25.  b See  on  18:40.  c 2:28.  20:10,1 1.  Ruth  1:17.  2 Kings  6‘: 
31.  d Ex.  10:23.  15:9.  2 Kings  19:10 — 12.22,27,28.  Dan.  3:15.  eProv.77:l. 
Acts  12:4—6.  Jam.  4:13,14.  f Gen.  12:12,13.  Ex.  2:15.  1 Sam.  27:1.  Is.  51?  12, 

13.  Matt.  26:50.70— 74.  2 Cor.  12:7.  g 4:25.  Gen.  21:31.  Am.  7:12,13.  h 13: 

14.  Gen.  21:15,16.  John  4:6.  i 3.  Num.  11:15.  2 Kings  2:11.  Job  ;':20-  22.  Jer. 

20.14—18.  Jon.  4:3,8.  Phil.  1:21—24.  * Heb./or his  life,  k Am.  6:2.  Nah. 

8:9.  Matt.  6:25.  Rom.  3:9.  1 Gen.  28:1 1—15.  m Ps.  34  7,10.  Dan.  8: 19.  9:21 . 
10:9,10.  Acts  12  7.  Heb.  1:14.  13:5.  n 17:6,9—15.  ?s.  37:3.  Is.  33:16.  Matt. 

when  it  is  connected  with  the  credit  of  religion,  the  conviction 
of  sinners  that  our  cause  is  that  of  God,  and  the  establish- 
ment of  believers  in  the  faith:  but  for  these  purposes  we 
should  endeavour  to  obviate  every  occasion  of  suspicion,  and 
to  be  careful  that  our  good  be  not  evil  spoken  of. — The  awful 
displays  of  the  divine  justice  and  holiness  may  terrify  and 
convince  the  sinner ; extort  many  confessions,  and  dispose 
him  to  external  acts  of  obedience,  while  the  impression  lasts  : 
but  the  view  of  these  attributes,  harmonizing  with  mercy, 
love,  and  truth,  in  Christ  Jesus,  is  needful  to  draw  the  soul 
into  self-abasement,  affiance,  and  love.  Yet  the  spirit  of 
God  employs  both  methods,  in  effecting  the  conversion  of 
sinners,  in  order  and  measure,  as  he  pleases  : and  in  our 
endeavours  for  that  same  blessed  purpose,  it  is  generally 
advisable  to  inform  the  understanding  and  convince  the  judg- 
ment first,  and  then  to  address  the  heart  and  conscience. — 
When  sinners  are  deeply  impressed  with  divine  truth,  they 
should  be  earnestly  exhorted  without  delay,  to  set  about  those 
self-denying  duties,  to  which  the  Saviour  calls  his  disciples. — 
Under  the  Christian  dispensation,  indeed,  vve  must  not  destroy 
the  lives  of  men,  even  though  they  have  deceived  others  to 
idolatrous  worship.  When,  however,  false  teachers  are  re- 
moved, silenced,  or  put  to  shame,  it  exceedingly  promotes  the 
revival  of  true  religion  : and  after  effectual  measures  for 
public  reformation  have  been  used,  we  may  hope  for  the 
merciful  removal  of  public  calamities. — Faith  perceives  things 
imperceptible  to  sense,  and  anticipates  future  and  distant 
blessings:  it  therefore  excites  fervent  prayers,  in  which  reve- 
rence, humility,  importunity,  and  perseverance  are  requisite 
in  order  to  success. — The  love  of  faithful  ministers  to  the 
persons  of  sinners  should  not  only  be  manifest  to  that  God, 
who  in  secret  hears  their  affectionate  prayers  for  those 
whom  they  most  severely  reprove  : but  they  should  show  it 
by  every  external  expression  ; and  be  ready  to  give  honour  to 
whom  honour  on  any  account  is  due;  and  in  their  private 
conduct  to  become  the  meanest  servants  to  those,  whom, 
speaking  in  God’s  name,  they  “rebuke  with  all  authority.” 
And  he  will  strengthen  his  people  for  every  exertion  atid  self- 
denial,  to  which  his  commandments  and  his  providence  shall 
"411  them. 

NOTES— Chap.  XIX.  V.  1,  2.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The 
Lord  left,  this  wicked  woman,  when  informed  by  Ahab  of 
what  had  been  done,  to  bte  so  intoxicated  by  rage,  that, 
instead  of  sending  a messenger  to  apprehend  or  kill  Elijah, 
she  gave  him  warning  and  time  to  make  his  escape ! ( Note, 

Matt.  2:7,8.)  Some  indeed  think,  that  she  was  afraid  to 
venture  at  the  same  time  on  the  rage  of  the  people,  and  the 
miraculous  power,  which  the  prophet  evidently  and  undeni- 
ably possessed,  by  attempting  to  slay  him  : but  contented 
herself  with  threatening  him,  that  he  might  abscond  and 
''ccasion  her  no  further  interruption,  or  take  further  measures, 
ugainst  the  worship  and  worshippers  of  Baal,  and  the 
jirophets  of  the  groves:  (18:19.)  while  others  suppose  she 
i ad  such  an  opinion  of  his  intrepidity,  that  she  concluded  he 
■could  certainly  wait  the  event.  But  her  absolute  language, 
And  the  imprecation  upon  herself  if  she  failed,  seem  more 
like  the  outrageous  effusion  of  passion,  than  the  effect  of 
deliberation  and  design.  Without  reflecting  that  she  might 
not  live  fill  the  morrow,  or  not  be  able  to  find  Elijah,  or°to 
prevail  aita  pst  him  ; she  sware  by  the  gods  that  she  would 
put  him  ti  doath,  as  if  all  events  were  absolutely  in  her  own 


4:11.6:32.  Mark  8:2,3.  John  21:5,9.  t Heb.  bolster.  o See  on  5.  p Dent 
33:25.  Ps.  103:13,14.  q Dan.  1.15.  2 Cor.  12:9.  r Ex.  24: 18.  34:28.  Deui.  9: 

9.18.  Matt.  4:2.  Mark  1:13.  Luke  4:2.  See  on  Ex.  3:1 . 19: 18.  Mai. 4:4,5. 
t Ex.  33:21,22.  Jer.  9:2.  Heb.  11:38.  u 13.  Gen.  3:9.  16:8.  Jer.  2:18.  John  1: 
3,4.  x Ex.  20:5.  34:14  Num.  25:11.  1 s.  69:9.  119:139.  John  2:17.  y 14.  IS. 4, 
30.  Jer.  2:30.  Hos.5:ll.  Mic.6:16.  z 18:4.22.20:13,22,35,41,42.22:8.  Rom. 
11:2,3.  a 2.  18:10,17.  b Ex.  19:20.  24:12,18.  34:2.  Matt.  17.1— 3.  2 Pel.  1: 

17.18. 


power!  (Notes,  2 Kings  1:10 — 17.  Prov.  27:1.  Jam.  4: 
13—17.) 

V.  3,  4.  It  seems,  that  Elijah  fled  from  Jezreel  on  the 
very  night  after  the  sacrifice,  and  the  fire  from  heaven,  and 
the  abundant  rain  given  in  answer  to  his  prayers ; and  before 
he  had  time  suitably  to  refresh  himself  after  the  fatigues  of 
the  preceding  day.  Beer-sheba,  in  the  south  of  Judah,  was 
at  a considerable  distance  from  Jezreel,  in  the  lot  of  Issachar: 
(Josh.  19:18.)  yet  he  travelled  with  all  speed  till  he  came 
thither.  But  there  he  left  his  servant,  as  unable  to  proceed 
through  weariness : or  perhaps  he  was  unwilling  to  expose 
i him  to  farther  hardship;  having,  as  some  think,  purposed  to 
' end  his  life  in  that  desolate  wilderness,  where  Israel  had 
i wandered  forty  years. — He  had  passed  through  the  whole 
i kingdom  of  Judah,  where  doubtless  pious  Jehoshaphat.  would 
have  welcomed  and  protected  him.  But  he  seems,  on  this 
| occasion,  to  have  been  left  to  himself  for  his  humiliation ; and 
consequently  he  was  seized  with  unreasonable  terror.  Instead 
of  venturing  all  consequences,  assured  of  the  protection  of 
l the  Almighty;  and  pushing  his  advantage,  by  leading  the 

1 people  to  destroy  the  temple  and  worship  of  Baal,  and 
restore  the  worship  of  Jehovah  ; he  fled  from  the  important 
service,  and  impatiently  wished  and  prayed  for  death  ! What 
a contrast  to  his  zeal  and  intrepidity,  as  recorded  in  the 
preceding  chapter  ! ( Notes , 18:40.  Num.  11:11 — 15.  Jon.  I: 
2,3.  4:1 — 4,9 — 11.)  Thus  the  people,  left  withbut  a leader, 
and  intimidated  by  his  example,  would  be  too  much  afraid  of 
Jezebel,  to  reap  those  decisive  advantages  from  the  miracle, 
and  the  events  recorded  in  the  former  chapter,  which  might 
have  been  hoped  for. — When  Elijah  said  UI  am  no  better 
than  my  fathers,”  he  seems  to  have  referred  to  some  pre-inti- 
mations given  him  of  his  translation : but  he  was  willing 
rather  to  die,  than  to  live  in  misery,  and  to  behold,  without 
being  able  to  prevent,  the  wickedness  and  ruin  of  his  people *  1 
yet  he  would  rather  die  by  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  than  by  that 
of  Baals  worshippers,  lest  they  should  blaspheme  that  God 
whose  prophet  they  had  slain. 

V.  5 — 8.  The  Lord  intended  that  Elijah  should  visit  Ho- 
reh,  where  Moses  had  fasted  forty  days  and  nights  ; that  in 
him  the  miracle  might  he  repeated  : because  as  Moses  was 
the  lawgiver,  so  Eli  jah  was  in  some  respects  the  chief  of  the 
prophets.  (Note,  Matt.  17:3.)  God  at  first  miraculously 
provided  his  servant  with  food  : (Note,  17:4 — 6.)  and  then 
he  supported  him  without  food,  or  any  need  or  desire  of  it. 
( Notes,  Ex.  34:28.  Matt.  4:3,4.)  As  mount  Horeb  was  but 
a few  days’  journey  from  Beer-sheba;  the  forty  days  here 
i mentioned  seemed  to  include  the  whole  of  the  time,  which 
passed  till  his  return  out  of  the  wilderness. 

V.  9.  IVhat  doest  thou,  &c.?]  Elijah  had  been  secretly 
guided  to  mount  Horeb,  rather  than  to  another  place  ; and 
probably  he  sought  retirement  for  meditation  and  prayer. 
But  this  was  not  at  that  crisis  his  proper  employment ; for  ne 
ought  by  no  means  to  have  fled  from  the  land  of  Israel,  but 
there  to  have  persevered,  without  dread  of  consequences,  in 
promoting  the  cause  of  true  religion.  (Notes,  Josh.  7:10 — -12. 
Neh.  6:10 — 14.  Acts  4:29— 31.  8:1.) 

V.  10.  The  prophet  pleaded  in  his  own  behalf  that 
j “he  had  been  very  jealous  for  the  Lord,”  having  had  his 
glory  exceedingly  at  heart,  and  having  been  deeply  grieved, 

I and  even  filled  with  holy  indignation,  at  Israel’s  apostacy. 
i This  he  had  long  endeavoured  to  prevent  ; and  he  had  now 

( 635  ) 


R C.  906. 


I.  KINGS.  B.  C.  906. 


inount  before  the  Lord.  And  behold,  Hhe  Lord 
passed  by,  rtand  a great  and  strong  wind  rent  the 
mountains,  and  brake  in  pieces  the  rocks  before 
the  Lord  ; but  the  Lord  was  not  in  the  wind  : 
and  after  the  wind  can  earthquake  ; but  the  Lord 
was  not  in  the  earthquake  : 

12  And  after  the  earthquake  fa  fire  ; but  the 
Lord  was  net  in  the  fire  : and  after  the  fire  sa  still 
small  voice. 

13  And  it  was  so,  when  Elijah  heard  it,  that 
hhe  wrapped  his  face  in  his  mantle,  and  went  out, 
and  stood  in  the  entering  in  of  the  cave.  And 
behold,  there  came  a voice  unto  him,  and  said, 
‘What  doest  thou  here,  Elijah  ? 

14  And  he  said,  kI  have  been  very  jealous  for 
the  Lord  God  of  hosts  : because  the  children  of 
Israel  have  'forsaken  thy  covenant,  thrown  down 
thine  altars,  and  slain  thy  prophets  with  the 
sword;  and  I,  even  I only,  am  left;  and  they  seek 
my  life  to  take  it  away.  [Practical  observations.-] 

15  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  Go,  return  on 
thy  way  to  mthe  wilderness  of  Damascus : and 
when  thou  contest,  "anoint  "Hazael  to  be  king 
over  Syria  : 

16  And  nJehu  the  son  of  Nimshi  shalt  thou 
anoint  to  be  king  over  Israel : and  lElisha  the  son 

c Ex.  33:21 — 23.  34:6.  llab.  3:3— 5.  <t  Ex.  19:16.  20:18.  Job38:l.  Ps.  50: 
3.  Is.  30:30.  Ez.  11.  Nah.  1:3,6.  Heb.  12:18 — 21.  Rev.  20:11.  c 1 Sam. 
14:15.  Ps.  68.8.  Nah.  1:5.  Zech.  14:5.  Malt.  24:7.  27:51— 54.  28:2.  Heb.  12:26. 
Rev.  11:19.  16:18.  f 18:38.  Gen.  15:17.  Ex.  3:2.  Dent.  4:1 1 ,12,33.  8 Kings  I: 
10.  2:11.  Heb.  12:29.  * £>.34:6.  Job  4:16.  33:7.  Zech.  4:6.  Acts  2:2,36,37. 
h See  on  18:42.  E*.  3:5.  33:23.  Is.  6:2,5.  19.  Gen.  16:8.  John  21 : 15— 17. 

b See  on  10.  Is.  62:1 ,6,7.  1 Deut.  29:25.  31:20.  Ps.  78:37.  Is.  1:4.  Jet*.  22:9. 

3>an.  11:30.  Hos.6:7.  Heb.  8:9.  m Gen.  14:15.  2 Kings  8:7.  Acts  9:2,3.  n Ib. 
45:1.  Jer.  1:10.  27:2,  &c.  o 2 Kings  8:8— 15,28.  9: 14.  Am. 1:4.  p5eeon 
2 Kings  9:1—3,6—14.  q See  on  19—21.  Luke4:27.  Elieeus.  r 4:12.  Judg.  7: 


fled  from  his  work,  not  through  defect  of  zeal,  but  for  want  of 
encouragement.  The  whole  nation,  he  thought,  had  re- 
nounced their  covenant  with  Jehovah,  and  had  concurred 
with  their  rulers  in  breaking  down  his  altars,  which  had  been 
erected  on  the  high  places  ; as  if  they  were  determined  to 
worship  him  no  more.  (18:30.)  The  altars,  though  irregular, 
on  which  sacrifices  were  offered  to  Jehovah  alone,  are  thus 
distinguished  from  those  on  which  the  people  sacrificed  to 
Baal  and  other  idols,  or  to  the  golden  calves,  They  had  also 
joined  in  murdering  the  prophets ; so  that  he  stood  alone  to 
stem  the  torrent,  and  they  were  all  ready  to  assist  Jezebel  in 
putting  him  to  death  also.  But  he  supposed  matters  to  be 
much  worse  than  they  really  were  : for  probably  several  of 
the  hundred  prophets,  whom  Obadiah  had  protected,  were 
living,  and  privately  attempting  to  do  good  with  some  success. 
So  that  he  needlessly  discouraged  himself : and  his  mind  was 
so  much  embittered  by  his  disappointments,  that  he  is  said  to 
have  “made  intercession  against  Israel.”  (Murg.  Ref. 
Notes , 11—17.  Rom . 11:1—6.) 

V.  11 — 14.  There  seems  to  have  been,  in  this  manifes- 
tation of  God  to  Elijah,  an  intended  reference  to  that  with 
which  Moses  was  favoured,  when  (he  Lord  caused  his  good- 
ness to  pass  before  him  ; and  to  the  terrific  solemnities  from 
mount  Sinai,  (where  Elijah  now  was,)  compared  with  the 
mild  majesty  in  which  he  communed  with  Israel  from  above 
the  mercy-seat.  (Notes,  Ex.  19:16 — 25.  33:20 — 23.  34:5 — 
7.)  It  was  preceded  by  a vehement  wind,  rending  the  moun- 
tains and  rocks  ; by  an  earthquake  still  more  tremendous  ; 
and  by  a fire,  similar  perhaps  to  that  which  appeared  on 
mount  Sinai  at  tHe  delivery  of  the  law  : all  these  effects  were 
no  doubt  produced  by  the  ministration  of  angels.  But  the 
Lord  made  known  his  more  immediate  presence,  not  by  these 
terrors,  but  by  a still  small  voice  ; and  it  is  not  said  that  there 
was  any  visible  appearance  of  glory.  This  intimated  that 
miraculous  judgments,  and  terrifying  displays  of  the  Lord’s 
power  and  indignation,  though  proper  for  the  destruction  or 
intimidation  of  his  enemies,  or  to  excite  attention,  were  only 
preparatives  for  that  real  good  intended  for  Israel  ; which 
must  be  effected  by  the  energy  of  his  Spirit,  accompanying 
the  convincing  and  persuasive  instructions  of  his  word.  Elijah 
had  perhaps  expected  to  prevail,  a9  with  a high  hand,  and  with 
continued  miracles  and  judgments : or  he  had  supposed  that 
the  desired  reformation  was  to  be  effected  by  the  interference 
or  sanction  of  regal  authority,  or  the  support  of  the  people  at 
large.  Whereas,  having  gained  their  attention  by  the  famine, 
and  its  gracious  removal,  in  answer  to  his  prayers  ; by  call- 
ing for  and  obtaining  fire  from  heaven  to  consume  the  sacri- 
fice, and  by  the  execution  of  Baal’s  priests,  and  by  rain, 
according  to  his  word  ; he  ought  to  have  proceeded  to  instruct 
them  with  meekness  and  gentleness,  M publicly  and  from  house 
to  house,”  and  to  have  excited  others  to  assist  him  : and  then 
the  Lord  would  have  blessed  that  “still  small  voice”’  for  the 
most  important  purposes;  notwithstanding  the  persecuting 
rage  of  Ahab  and  Jezebel,  and  the  general  apostacy  of  the 
people.  (Note,  2 Cor.  10:1 — 6.) — Thus  miracles  in  the  first 
ages  of  Christianity  called  men’s  attention  to  the  preaching 
of  the  gospel,  which,  as  a still  small  voice,  was  the  power  of 
God  to  salvation  to  thousands  and  millions. — Though  Elijah 
( 636  ) 


of  Shaphat  of  rAbe  -meholah  shalt  thou  anoint  to 
be  prophet  in  thy  room. 

17  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  ‘him  that 
escapeth  'the  sword  of  Hazael  shall  Jehu  slay  • 
and  him  that  escapeth  from  "the  sword  of  Jehi. 
shall  "Elisha  slay. 

18  ?Yet  ‘I  have  left  me  seven  thousand  in 
Israel,  all  Hhe  knees  which  have  not  bowed  unto 
Baal,  and  "every  mouth  which  hath  not  kissed 
him. 

19  H So  he  departed  thence,  and  found  bElisha 
the  son  of  Shaphat,  who  was  ploughing  with 
twelve  yoke  of  oxen  before  him,  and  "he  with  the 
twelfth  : and  Elijah  passed  by  him,  and  cast  dhis 
mantle  upon  him. 

20  And  "he  left  the  oxen,  and  ran  after  Elijah, 
and  said,  1 Let  me,  I pray  thee,  kiss  my  father  and 
my  mother,  and  then  I will  follow  thee.  And  he 
said  unto  him,  'Go  back  again : for  what  have  I 
done  to  thee  ? 

21  And  he  returned  back  from  him,  and  took  a 
yoke  of  oxen,  and  slew  them,  and  eboiled  their 
flesh  with  the  instruments  of  the  oxen,  and  hga\'e 
unto  the  people,  and  they  did  eat.  Then  he 
arose,  and  went  after  Elijah,  and  'ministered 
unto  him. 


22.  a Is.  24:17,18.  Am.  2:14.  5:19.  t 2 Kines  8:12.  10:32.  13:3,22.  u 2 Kins. 
9:14,4c.  10-6,  Ac.  i 2Kings2:23.24.  Is.  11:4.  Jer.  1:10.  Hus.  6.5.  Rev.  19: 

21.  y Is.  1:9.  10:20— 22.  Rom.  11:4,5.  • Or,  I will  'ease.  z Ex.  20:5.  Is. 

49:23.  Rom.  14:10— 12.  Phil.  2:10.  a Job  31:27.  Ps.S:12.  Hos.  13:2.  b See 
on  1G.  c Ex.  3:1.  Jnilsr.  6:11.  Ps.  78:70— 72.  Am.  7:14.  Zech. 13:5.  Mall.  4: 
18,19.  d 13.  1 Sam.  28:14.  2 Kitnrs  2:8,13,14.  e Malt.  4:20,22.  9:9.  19:27. 

I Matt. 8:21 ,22.  Luke  9:61,62.  Acts20:37.  t Heb.  Go,  return,  g 2 Sam.  24: 

22.  h Luke  5:28,29.  i 18:43.  Ex.  24:13.  Num.  27:18-20  . 2 Kings  2:3.  3:11. 
Acts  13:5.  2 Tim.  4:11.  Philem.  13. 


shewed  tokens  of  humble  adoration  on  this  occasion,  the  repe- 
tition of  his  answer  to  the  Lord’s  renewed  inquiry,  “What 
doest  thou  here  ?”  shows,  that  he  did  not  as  yet  fully  under- 
stand the  emblematic  display : and  that  he  was  not  proparly 
convinced  of  his  unbelief  and  sin  in  fleeing  out  of  the  land  ; 
or  reconciled  to  going  back  to  his  station  and  employment. 
He  afterwards  better  understood  the  Lord’s  meaning,  as  it 
appears  from  his  subsequent  conduct. 

V.  15 — 17.  As  the  prophet  was  ordered  to  go  on  the  way 
to  the  wilderness  of  Damascus,  it  seems  probable  that  he 
went  directly  towards  Syria,  and  meeting  with  Hazael  anointed 
him  ; though  this  is  not  recorded.  Jehu  was  afterwards 
anointed  by  a prophet  sent  by  Elisha,  (Notes,  2 Kings  9:1 
— 10.)  and  perhaps  Elisha  wras  anointed  by  Elijah,  when 
called  to  be  his  successor.  Some,  however,  think  the  ex- 
pression is  not  always  to  be  taken  literally;  but  merely  as  an 
intimation,  that  God  would  advance  the  persons  spoken  of,  to 
the.  stations  assigned,  and  qualify  them  for  the  work  to  he 
performed  by  them.  (Ps.  105:15.  Is.  45:1.)-  Jehu  executed 
vengeance  upon  Jezebel  and  Allah’s  posterity,  and  the  priests 
and  worshippers  of  Baal : Hazael  through  his  whole  reign 
wasted  and  destroyed  the  people  of  Israel  : and,  at  Elisha’s 
word,  the  Lord  took  vengeance  on  those,  who  would  not 
attend  to  the  instructions  of  his  prophets.  The  order  of  time, 
in  these  judgments,  seem  not  to  he  exactly  marked,  but  the 
certainty  of  the  events.  (Marg.  Ref.  s. — x.) — God  was  infi- 
nitely more  jealous  for  his  own  glory,  than  Elijah  could  be 
for  it ; and  he  w ould  by  no  means  desert  his  cause,  or  suffer 
his  enemies  to  triumph,  as  the  prophet  feared  ; but,  before  he 
proceeded  to  vengeance,  he  would  gather  in  his  chosen  peo- 
ple, and  separate  a remnant  from  among  the  idolaters. 

V.  19.  The  Lord  “had  reserved  for  himself”  seven  thou- 
sand Israelites,  who  had  neither  bowed  their  knees  to  Baal, 
nor  kissed  his  image,  nor  in  any  way  been  induced  to  w orship 
him.  (Marg.  Ref.  y — a.  Note,  Hos.  13:2.) — These,  though 
few  in  comparison,  were  a considerable  number  in  themselves, 
and  far  more  than  Elijah  supposed. — As  Ahab  and  Jezebel 
aimed  to  establish  the  worship  of  Baal,  we  may  suppose  that 
the  golden  calves  were  neglected  ; and  that  those  persons 
conscientiously  adhered  to  the  worship  of  Jehovah,  as  tho 
times  would  admit : they  would  however,  greatly  need  further 
instruction  and  encouragement.  Others  might  he  recovered 
from  idolatry,  and  the  rising  generation  might  be  rescued  from 
its  contagion.  So  that  there  was  a great  deal  of  useful  em- 
ployment for  Elijah,  which  it  was  well  worth  while  to  accom- 
plish even  by  living  amidst  persecutions,  perils,  and  conflicts. 
(Note,  Phil.  1:21 — 26.)  There  was  also  a sufficient  reason 
why  the  Lord  should  defer  his  anger,  though  provoked  to 
jealousy  every  day.  (Note,  Rom.  11:1—6.)  % 

V.  19.  This  might  occur  after  Elijah's  return  from  the 
wilderness  of  Damascus,  or  on  his  journey  thither. — Elisha 
was  employed  in  husbandry,  and  his  father  ser  ins  to  have 
been  a man  of  wealth.  Whilst  he  w’as  emplr  »cd  in  his  labour 
Elijah  cast,  his  mantle  upon  him,  which  nns  intended,  and 
understood,  as  a call  to  him  to  follow  and  attend  upon  him. 
(Notes,  2 Kings  2:13,1  4.) 

V.  20,  21.  It  is  probable  that  Elijah  intended  to  discover, 
w'hclher  Elisha  w'as  fully  determined  to  renounce  his  > impo* 


B C.  901. 


CHAPTER  XX 


B.  C.  901 


CHAPTER  XX 

Ben-hadad  king  of  Syria , not  satisfied  with  Ahab'e  submission,  leads  a power- 
ful army  against  Samaria , and  wars  against  it , 1 — 12.  Ahab,  directed  by  a 


•repars  jor  anoincr  assauu  pec.  me  oyrmris  come  again,  me  next  year, 
h very  great  preparations  ; and  arc  opposed  by  a very  small  company, 
■27.  A prophet  assures  Ahab  of  victory,  because  the  Syrians  thought 
HOVAH  the  Ood  of  the  hills , but  not  of  the  valleys , 28.  The  Syrians  are 


* prophet , gains  a complete  victory  over  him,  13—21.  A prophet  warns  Ahab 
to  prepare  for  another  assault,  2*2.  The  Syrians  come  again,  the  next  year, 
with  vei 
23 — 27. 

JEHOVAi  , , * 

smitten  with  immense  slaughter,  and  Hr.n-hadud  flees  and  hules  himself  ',29. 
30.  He  submissively  sues  to  Ahab,  who  makes  a league  with  him,  31 — 34.  A 
prophet,  by  a parable,  leads  Ahab  to  condemn  himself,  and  then  denounces 
the  judgment  of  God  against  him  for  his  unseasonable  lenity  ,35 — 43. 

AND  “Ben-hadad  the  kin"-  of  Syria  gathered 
all  his  host  together:  and  there  were  bthirty 


a 15:18,50.  2 Kinis  8:7—15.  2Chr.  16:2— 1.  Jer.  49:27.  Am.  1:4.  b 16,24.  Gen. 
14:1—5.  Judg.  1.7.  Ezra  7:12.  Is.  10:8.  Ez.  26:7.  Dan.  2:37.  c Ex.  14:7.  Deut. 


and  two  kings  with  him,  'and  horses,  and  chariots : 
and  he  went  up  and  dbesieged  Samaria,  and 
warred  against  it. 

2 And  'lie  sent  messengers  to  Ahab  king  of 
Israel  into  the  city,  and  said  unto  him,  Thus  saith 
Ben-hadad, 

3 Thy  f silver  and  thy  gold  is  mine ; thy  wives 
also  and  thy  children,  even  the  goodliest,  are 
mine. 

4 And  the  king  of  Israel  answered  and  said. 

20- 1.  JuJg.  4:3.  1 Sam.  13:5.  Is.  37:24.  d I,ev.  26:25.  Deut.  28:52.  2 Kings  6t 
24—29.  17:5,6.  e 2 Kings  19:9.  Is.  36:2,  4c.  37:9,10.  f Ex.  15:9.  Is.  10:13,14 


ral  interests,  and  to  venture  persecution  as  a prophet  of  the 
Lord  : and  to  lead  him  to  count  his  cost  ere  he  engaged. 
(Notes,  Matt.  8:18—22.  Luke  14:28—33.)  But  Elisha’s 
heart  was  touched  by  the  Holy  Spirit,,  and  he  was  ready  to 
leave  all  to  attend  Elijah.  He  did  not  ask  to  wait  till  the 
death  of  his  parents,  but  only  to  bid  them  farewell : and, 
having  make  a feast  for  his  neighbours  of  the  flesh  of  the 
oxen,  prepared  with  their  yokes,  as  the  fuel  ; (in  token,  that 
he  never  meant  to  return  again  to  that  employment ;)  he  fol- 
lowed Elijah,  and  ministered  to  him,  that  under  his  tuition  he 
might  be  prepared  to  succeed  him,  and  in  the  mean  time  be  a 
help  and  comfort  to  him.  (Notes,  2 Kings  3:11,12.  Matt. 
9:9 — 13.) — The  prophet  could  now  no  longer  complain,  that 
he  was  left  alone,  for  the  Lord  had  provided  him  a companion. 
(Notes,  Ex.  4:14.  Matt.  10:1 — 1.) — From  the  ensuing  his- 
tory it  appears,  that  Elijah  and  Elisha  employed  themselves 
not  only  in  privately  instructing  the  people,  but  also  in  found- 
ing or  superintending  seminaries  of  prophets,  in  different  parts 
of  the  land,  who  might  assist  them  in  the  work  of  reformation, 
and  maintain  it  when  they  were  removed. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  No  miracles  or  judgments  can  finally  stop  the 
fury  of  persecutors  : though  they  be  intimidated  for  a season, 
when  they  have  respite,  and  leisure  to  confer  with  one  an- 
other, they  grow  desperate  in  proportion  as  they  have  been 
baflled  and  mortified.  (Notes,  Ex.  8:15.  14:5 — 9.  Acts  4: 
13 — 22.  5:17 — 28.)  Nay,  such  diabolic  enmity  can  inhabit 
the  breasts  of  females,  and  has  sometimes  raged  in  them 
with  peculiar  vehemence ! (Notes,  Matt.  14:3 — 11.) — Mad 
oassions  often  defeat  their  own  end,  and  furious  threats  pre- 
vent the  execution  of  determined  malice. — The  most  eminent 
believers  cannot  exercise  even  those  graces,  which  most  dis- 
tinguish their  characters,  without  the  immediate  assistance  of 
God:  and  when  in  danger  of  being  exalted  above  measure, 
they  are  sometimes  left  to  struggle  with  temptation  without 
their  wonted  support.  Then  the  boldest,  who  before  feared 
no  number  or  power  of  the  adversaries,  tremble  at  the  distant 
prospect  of  danger;  the  most,  zealous  are  dissatisfied  with 
their  employments,  and  sit  down  disconsolate  and  de- 
sponding; nay  the  most  resigned  grow  fretful,  and  even  pray 
in  a peevish  manner,  and  want  to  die,  not  out  of  longing  for 
heavenly  glory,  but  from  weariness  of  conflicts  and  tribula- 
tions. But  it  is  shameful  for  a soldier  to  wish  to  be  absent 
from  his  place  in  the  day  of  battle,  or  to  expect  the  victory 
without  the  peril  and  the  hardship  of  the  conflict.  The  Lord, 
however,  bears  with  his  faithful  servants,  notwithstanding 
their  infirmities;  and  preserves  them  for  every  service  which 
he  has  allotted  them,  whatever  they  wish  or  fear.  As  all 
creatures  are  at  his  command,  those  for  whom  he  engages 
to  provide,  can  want  no  good  thing;  and  yet  if  he  pleases, 
he  can  support  them  without  either  means  or  instruments. 
(Notes,  17:1 — 16.)  His  mercy  and  power  are  the  same  from 
generation  to  generation,  whether  displayed  in  the  same  way 
or  not : and  he  will  vouchsafe  his  gracious  presence  to  his 
people,  into  whatever  place  they  are  banished.  Indeed  when 
they  flee  from  the  path  of  duty,  he  will  meet  and  rebuke 
them,  but  he  will  not.  forsake  them. 

V.  10 — 14.  No  former  zeal,  boldness,  or  usefulness,  will 
excuse  present  neglects : yet  we  are  most  apt  to  boast  of 
what  we  have  been  and  done,  when  most  remiss  in  present 
duty ! Disappointments  in  our  too  sanguine  expectations 
often  sour  our  tempers,  as  well  as  render  us  discontented  : 
and  then  we  are  ready  to  blame  others  for  our  failures,  and 
to  be  severe  in  our  censures  and  remarks.  The  zealous 
minister  often  finds  this  leaven  corrupting  his  services  : he  is 
sometimes  tempted  to  think  all  his  labour  in  vain,  when  he 
does  not  see  the  immediate  effect;  and  to  conclude,  1 hat  he 
can  do  no  good,  because  he  cannot  do  all  that  he  hoped  for: 
and  when  he  witnesses  much  evil  in  the  church,  or  in  that 
part  in  wnich  ho  labours,  he  often  imagines  matters  to  be 
much  worse  than  they  really  are.  Thus  “our  hands  hang 
down,  and  our  knees  wax  feeble ;”  and  we  are  ingenious  in 
discouraging  and  disquieting  ourselves.  But  upon  reflection, 
this  very  experience  may  explain  to  us  that  rebellion  of  others, 
which  so  disconcerts  us ; and  teach  us  gentleness  and  long- 
suffering,  without  disdaining  or  despairing  of  the  worst  of 
sinners. — The  blessing  is  from  the  Lord  ; and  he  often  works 
most  effectually  when  proper  means  are  used,  with  quiet 
assiduity  and  perseverance,  without  any*of  that  bustle  and 
-ehemence  which  excite  the  public  attention.  Magistrates 
should  indeed  exercise  their  authority,  in  promoting  true  reli- 
gion, by  all  hallowed  and  scriptural  means.  (Notes,  2 Chr. 
7.7 — 9.  30.12.)  But  attempts  to  produce  reformation,  in 


either  doctrine  or  worship,  by  coercive  means,  and  the  secular 
arm,  bearing  all  down  before  it,  like  the  strong  wind,  the 
earthquake,  and  the  fire,  in  every  case  promise  more  than 
they  effect;  and  even  when  the  magistrate’s  authority  is  re- 
gulated and  limited  in  a proper  manner,  in  repressing  impiety 
and  immorality,  and  countenancing  zealous  ministers  in  their 
labours,  it  only  makes  way  for  the  “st.ill  small  voice”  of  the 
gospel,  by  means  of  which  the  Holy  Spirit  performs  his  gra- 
cious work  upon  the  heart.  (Notes,  Is.  42:1 — 4.  Rom.  1:13 
— 16.  1 Cor.  2:3 — 5.  2 Cor.  10:1 — 6.)  And  the  minister, 
when  deprived  of  this  protection  and  support,  and  driven  by 
persecution  into  obscure  corners,  may  expect  great  useful- 
ness, by  this  power  accompanying  his  labours. — The  word  of 
God  also  is  indeed  “ like  a fire,  and  a hammer,  that  breaketh 
the  rocks  in  pieces ;”  and  the  whole  of  it  should  be  preached 
with  zealous  plainness  and  faithfulness:  but  “ the  ministration 
of  condemnation,”  and  the  awful  terrors  of  eternal  vengeance, 
only  precede  and  make  way  for  “ the  ministration  of  righteous- 
ness,” and  the  sweet  gospel  of  Christ,  attended  by  urgent 
persuasions,  melting  expostulations,  and  tender  invitations,  in 
which  the  Lord  chiefly  comes  to  seal  our  hearts  for  himself; 
and  without  this  little  will  be  done. — We  shall  do  well  often 
to  imagine,  that  we  hear  the  Lord  inquire,  “ What  doest  thou 
here  ?”  In  scenes  of  worldly  dissipation,  in  trifling  company, 
in  riotous  feast ings,  or  where  unlawful  traffic  is  carrying  on, 
the  Christian  can  have  no  good  answer  ready  : nor  can  the 
minister,  if  engrossed  by  needless  worldly  business,  by  trifling 
studies,  or  by  the  pursuits  of  ambition,  preferment,  pleasure, 
or  reputation,  to  the  neglect  of  the  important  duties  of  his 
calling.  Nay,  if  we  are  at  home,  when  we  should  he  in  the 
pulpit ; asleep,  when  we  should  be  at  work  ; or  in  company 
when  we  should  be  engaged  in  prayer  and  meditation,  or 
reading  the  Scriptures  ; such  a question  must  confound  us. 
In  short  every  station  has  its  proper  duties,  and  every  portion 
of  time  its  proper  work,  and  we  should  frequently  call  our- 
selves to  account,  whether  we  be  in  our  place  and  proper 
employment,  as  the  duty  of  the  season  requires. 

V.  15 — 21.  It  is  not  easy  to  convince  men  of  their  faults,  ' 
and  silence  their  excuses  or  boastings  : and  whilst  the  Lord 
encourages  his  servants,  under  their  difficulties,  he  sends 
them  back  to  their  proper  work,  ashamed  of  their  timidity  and 
neglect  ; and  then  he  gives  them  both  helpers  and  success. 
He  has  “ a remnant,  according  to  the  election  of  grace,” 
which  he  reserves  to  himself,  and  preserves  from  prevailing 
abominations.  For  their  conversion  and  edification  he  waits 
and  provides:  in  the  mean  time  impenitent  sinners  ripen  for 
vengeance  ; and  he  raises  up  instruments  to  execute  it  upon 
them,  from  whom  they  shall  by  no  means  escape : for  the 
word  of  God,  spoken  by  his  despised  ministers,  ensures  their 
destruction,  more  than  the  sword  of  any  enemy.  Nor  will 
he*  ever  desert  his  own  cause,  however  it  seems  to  be  run 
down:  he  will  furnish  men  for  the  most  perilous  and  self- 
denying  services  : and  those  who  duly  understand  the  import- 
ance of  the  sacred  ministry,  will  renounce  every  other  honour, 
pleasure,  and  interest  for  the  sake  of  it,  though  called  to 
labour  in  the  midst  of  hardships,  poverty,  and  persecution. — 
Zeal  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  souls  will  sub- 
ordinate, though  it  will  not  extinguish  natural  affections. 
(Notes,  Matt.  10:37 — 39.)  The  work  of  the  ministry  re- 
quires the  whole  man  : and  when  such  persons  are  employed, 
as  have  not  been  regularly  educated  for  it,  they  arc  espe- 
cially concerned  to  attend  the  instructions,  to  frequent  the 
company,  and  to  copy  the  examples,  of  aged  and  approved 
ministers ; and  “ no  man  having  set  his  hand  to  the  plough, 
and  looking  back,  is  fit.  for  the  kingdom  of  God.”  ( P . O. 
Matt.  4:12 — 25.  Note,  Matt.  8:21,22.)  In  difficult  times 
helpers  of  inferior  abilities  may  bo  a great  ccftnfort  to  the  dis- 
couraged servants  of  God : and  this  service  is  carried  on  to 
advantage,  when  different  ministers  concur,  from  the  same 
principles,  to  seek  the  same  great  end  of  his  glory  in  the  sal- 
vation of  souls.  May  “the  Lord  of  the  harvest  send  forth 
many  sech  labourers  into  his  harvest!”  Amen.  (Note, 
Matt.  9:36— 3S.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  XX.  V.  1.  Ben-hadad  signifies  The 
son  of  Hadad  ; (11:1 4 — 22. ) yet  he  is  said  to  have  been  “ the 
son  of  Tabrimon,  the  son  of  Hezion.”  (15:18.) — Perhaps 
Hadad  was  his  father,  and  Tabrimon  and  Hezion  his  more 
remote  ancestors. — The  thirty  and  two  kings  were  petty 
princes  of  the  adjacent  countries,  who  were  either  vassals  or 
allies  to  the  king  of  Syria. — Ben-hadad  seems  to  have  been 
induced  by  rapacity  to  wage  war  against  Ahab  ; and  it  is 
probable  that  he  had  wasted  the  country  before  he  besieged 
Samaria. — The  late  terrible  famine  must  have  diminished 
( 637  ) 


B.  0.  v.>01. 


I.  KINGS 


B.  C.  901. 


My  lord,  0 king-,  accoiding  to  thy  saying,  ?I  am 
thine,  and  all  that  I have. 

5 And  the  messengers  came  again,  and  said, 
Thus  speaketh  Ben-hadad,  saying,  Although  I 
have  sent  unto  thee,  saying’,  Thou  shalt  deliver 
me  thy  silver,  and  thy  gold,  and  thy  wives,  and 
thy  children  ; 

<5  Yet  I will  send  my  servants  unto  thee  to- 
morrow about  this  time,  hand  they  shall  search 
thy  house,  and  the  houses  of  thy  servants ; and 
it  shall  be,  that  whatsover  is  'pleasant  in  thine 
eyes,  they  shall  put  it  in  their  hand,  and  take  it 
away. 

7 Then  the  king  of  Israel  called  'all  the  elders 
of  the  land,  and  said,  'Mark,  I pray  you,  and  see 
how  this  mam  kseeketh  mischief : for  he  sent  unto 
me  for  my  wives,  and  for  my  children,  and  for  my 
Bilver,  and  for  my  gold,  and  I "denied  him  not. 

8 And  all  the  elders  and  all  the  people  said 
unto  him,  Hearken  not  unto  him,  nor  consent. 

9 Wherefore  he  said  unto  the  messengers  of 
Ben-hadad,  Tell  my  lord  the  king,  All  that  thou 
didst  send  for  to  thy  servant  at  the  first,  I will  do  : 
but  this  thing  I may  not  do.  Anil  the  messengers 
departed,  and  brought  him  word  again. 

10  And  Ben-hadad  sent  unto  him,  and  said, 
The  gods  do  so  unto  me,  and  more  also,  mif  the 
dust  of  Samaria  shall  suffice  for  handfuls  for  all 
the  people  that  tfollow  me. 

11  And  the  king  of  Israel  answered  and  said, 
Tell  him,  "Let  not  him  that  girdeth  on  his  harness 
boast  himself  as  he  that  putteth  it  off. 

12  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Ben-hadad  heard 
this  "message  as  he  was  “drinking,  he  and  the 
kings  in  the  "pavilions,  that  he  said  unto  his 
servants,  nSet  yourselves  in  array.  And  they  set 
themselves  in  array  against  the  city. 

13  IT  And  behold,  there  "came  a prophet  unto 
Ahab  king  of  Israel,  saying,  Thus  saith  the  Lord, 

I I,e».  86:36.  Dpnt.  23:48.  Jud*.  15:11—13.  1 Sam.  13:6,7.  2 Kings  18:14— 1«. 
h I .Sam.  13:19 — 21.  2 Sam.  24:14.  2 Kings  18:31, 32.  * Heb.  desirable.  Gen.  27: 
15.  Ezra  8:27.  Is.  44:9.  Jer.  25:34.  Lam.  1 7.10.  Hos.  13:15.  Joel  3:5.  margins. 
i 8:1.  I Clir.  13:1.28:1.  Prov.  11:14.  j 2 Kings  5:7.  k Jnh  15.35  Ps.  7:14.  36:4. 
€>2:3.  140:2.  Prov.  6:14.  11:27.  21  2.  Dan.  11.27.  Rom.  3:13—18.  \ Heb.  kept  not 
back  from  him.  See  on  4.  1 See  <>n  19:2.  Acts  23:12.  n 2 Sam.  17:12.13.  2 
Kings  19:23,24.  Is.  10:13,14.  37:2*1,25.  * Heb.  are  at  my  feet.  Ex.  11:8.  mare. 
Jude.  4:10.  nl  Sam.  14:6,12,13.  17  44-47.  Prov. 27:1.  Kc.  9.11.  Is.  10:15,16. 
Matt.  26:33— 35,75.  § Heb.  word,  o 16.  16:9.  1 Sam.  25:36.  2 Sam.  13:28. 
IVov.  31:4,5.  Pan.  5:2,30.  Luke  21:34.  Eph.5:18.  II  Or,  ten's.  Jer.  43:10.  IT  Or, 
Place  the  engines.  And  they  placid,  engines.  **  Heb.  approached,  p 2 Kings 

the  number  of  the  Israelites,  by  death  and  emigration,  almost 
beyond  calculation:  and  by  the  righteous  judgment  of  God, 
tue  remainder  were  so  disaffected  to  Ahab,  or  so  dismayed 
by  Ben-hadad,  that  they  had  retired  or  fled  ; and  thus  they 
left  the  capital  city  in  a very  defenceless  condition. 

V.  2 — 11.  Ben-hadad’s  first  message  was  couched  in  in- 
sulting language.  He  not  only  considered  Ahab’s  riches  as 
already  his  property  ; but  his  wives  and  children,  even  the 
goodliest  of  them,  as  his  slaves.  Yet  Ahab  understood  this, 
only  as  a claim  to  dominion  over  him,  and  his  properly  or 
kingdom  ; and  in  abject,  terms  he  consented  to  be  his  vassal, 
and  to  do  him  homage,  and  pay  him  tribute.  Ben-hadad 
therefore,  (perhaps  perceiving  his  terror  and  pusillanimity, ) 
grew  more  insolent,  and  by  a second  message  demanded  the 
immediate  possession  and  use  of  them  all,  for  himself  and  his 
servants,  who  would  come  the  next  day,  and  search  all  the 
houses  and  treasures,  and  carry  away  what  they  thought 
most  valuable,  whether  it  belonged  to  Ahab,  or  to  his  people. 
To  this  the  elders  of  Israel  would  not  allow  the  king  to  con- 
sent: the  dominion  and  the  public  treasures,  Ben-hadad 
might  have  taken  ; but  to  plunder  the  city  and  enslave  the 
inhabitants  must  not  be  granted.  To  this  answer  the  king  of 
Syria  sent  a boasting  menace,  confirmed  with  an  oath  by  his 
idols  ; implying,  that  he  would  enter  Samaria  with  such  num- 
bers, that,  when  the  whole  city  was  reduced  to  a heap  of 
dust,  it  would  not  afford  them  every  one  a handful:  (Notes, 

Ex.  15:9,10.  2 Kings  19:23,24.  Is.  10:12 — 14.)  but  Ahab 
very  pertinently  reminded  him  not  to  exult  and  triumph,  till 
he  had  gotten  the  victory,  and  had  put  off  his  armour;  as  at 
oresent  he  was  only  girding  it  on,  and  preparing  for  the  battle. 

V.  13.  Elijah  had  complained  that  he  was  left  alone;  yet 
he  Lord  hail  other  prophets,  whom  he  could  send  to  speak 
before  Ahab.  (Note,  19:10.)  Probably,  Elijah  and  Elisha 
were  at  this  time  well  employed  in  some  distant  part  of  the 
land  ; and  Ahab  and  Jezebel  were  too  much  engaged,  to 
interrupt  their  labours  or  usefulness. — The  Lord  was  pleased 
to  predict  the  victory  to  this  wicked  prince,  for  his  further 
conviction,  that.  Jehovah,  not  Baal,  was  the  living  God; 
for  the  punishment  of  Ben-hadad’s  insolence ; for  the  honour 
of  his  own  name,  and  for  the  benefit  of  his  true  wor-hippers ; 
and  in  his  long-suffering  towards  Israel,  and  compassion  for 
their  complicated  distresses. 

c 638  ) 


pHast  thou  seen  all  this  great  multitude  ? behold, 
I will  deliver  it  into  thy  hand  this  day ; land 
thou  shalt  know  that  I am  the  Lord. 

14  And  Ahab  said,  By  whom  ? And  he  said,  Thus 
saith  the  Lord,  Even  by  the  '"young  men  of  the 
princes  of  the  provinces.  Then  he  said,  Who 
shall  ""order  the  battle  ? And  he  answered,  Thou. 

15  Then  he  numbered  the  young  men  of  the 
princes  of  the  provinces,  and  they  were  rtwo 
hundred  and  thirty-two:  and  after  them  he  num- 
bered all  the  people,  even  all  the  children  of  Israel, 
being  "seven  thousand. 

16  And  they  went  out  at  noon.  But  'Ben- 
hadad  was  drinking  himself  drunk  in  the  pavilions, 
he  and  the  kings,  the  thirty  and  two  kings  that 
helped  him. 

17  And  "the  young  men  of  the  princes  of  the 
provinces  went  out  first;  and  Ben-hadad  sent 
out,  and  thev  told  him,  saying,  There  are  men 
come  out  of  Samaria. 

18  And  he  said.  "Whether  they  be  come  out 
for  peace,  take  them  alive  ; or  whether  they  be 
come  out  for  war,  take  them  alive. 

19  So  these  young  men  of  the  princes  of  the 
provinces  came  out  of  the  city,  and  the  army 
which  followed  them. 

20  And  "they  slew  every  one  his  man  : and 
■vthe  Syrians  fled ; and  Israel  pursued  them:  and 
Ben-hadad  the  king  of  Syria  'escaped  on  a horse 
with  the  horsemen. 

21  And  the  king  of  Israel  “went  out,  and  smote 
the  horses  and  chariots,  and  slew  the  Syrians 

with  a great  slaughter.  [ Practical  Observations .] 

22  IT  And  bthe  prophet  came  to  the  king  of 
Israel,  and  said  unto  him,  Go  “strengthen  thyself, 
and  mark,  and  see  what  thou  doest:  for  llat  the 
return  of  the  year  the  king  of  Syria  will  come  up 
against  thee. 

23  And  the  servants  of  the  king  of  Syria  said 


6:8—12.7:1.  13:23.  Is.  7:1 — 9.  F.i.  20:14,22.  q 28.  18:37.  E*.  14:18.  16:12.  P». 
83:18.  Is.  37:211.  Hi.  6:7.  Joel  3:17.  tt  Or,  servants.  Gen.  14:14— 16.  Jud*.  7.16 
—20.  1 Sam.  17:50.  1 Cor.  1:27—29.  JJ  Heb.  bind,  or,  tie.  See  on  18:44.  r Jude. 
7:7,16.  1 Sam.  14:6.  2Chr.  14:11.  s 19.18.  1 Sam.  14:2.  2 Kin:>  13.7.  J>>.  106; 
40—46.  t See  on  12.  16:9.  Prov.  23:29— 32.  Kc.  10:16,17,  n 14,15,19.  * I Sam. 
2:3,”  14.11,12.  17:44.  2 Kin»<  14  8—12.  Prov.  18:12.  s 2 Sain. 2:16.  v I.ev.26, 
8.  Judd.  7 20 — 22.  1 Sam.  14:13-15.  2 Kings  7:6.7.  Ps.  33:16.46:6.  ' a I Sam. 
30:16,17.  2 l ing.  19:36.  a Ju<lg.  3:28  . 7:23-25.  1 Sam.  14-29-22.  17  52. 
2 Kings  3:18,24.  I.  13,38.  19:10.  22:8.  c 2 Cln  . 25:8,11.  Ps.  27:14.  Prov.  18  10. 
20:18.  Is. 8:9,  Joel  3:9,10.  E[ili.6:10.  d26.  2Sam.  11:1.  I (hr. 20:1.  Is.  26:11. 


V.  14,  15.  Ahab,  sensible  that  the  promised  victory  must 
he  miraculous,  inquired,  by  w horn  it  was  to  be  obtained  : and  he 
was  directed  to  employ,  not  his  bravest  soldiers,  but  the  ser- 
vants, or  pages,  of  the  chief  men  in  the  different  provinces  r 
and  also  himself  to  lead  on  the  attack.  His  whole  army  con- 
sisted of  only  seven  thousand  men;  (the  same  number  with 
those  preserved  from  idolatry,  hut  not  the  same  persons;) 
yet  none  of  these  were  to  be  employed,  till  the  first  .assault 
had  been  made,  and  the  first  advantage  gained,  by  this  sma.V 
company  of  servants!  (Notes,  Judg.  7:8,16 — 22.  1 Sam. 
14:6 — 10.)  And  under  the  present  impression  of  terror  and 
hope,  Ahab  readily  obeyed  these  uncommon  orders;  though 
in  general  he  despised  and  hated  both  the  prophets,  and  him 
that  sent  them. 

V.  16 — 18.  It  is  probable,  that  Ahab  chose  to  lead  out 
his  little  troop  at  noon,  when  he  supposed  the  Syrians  would 
be  at  dinner,  or  reposing  themselves. — Ben-hadad,  despising 
the  Israelites,  was  indulging  to  excess : and  on  hearing  that 
a small  company  came  out  of  Samaria,  he  gave  such  orders, 
in  haughtiness  and  intoxication,  as  were  exactly  suited  to 
embarrass  his  officers  and  soldiers;  and  to  prevent  their 
attacking  the  assailants  with  spirit,  lest  they  should  slay 
those  whom  they  had  been  ordered  to  take  alive!  (]\Iarg. 
Ref.  v.)  And  to  make  prisoners  of  those  who  came  out  to 
treat  of  peace,  would  have  been  contrary  to  all  the  laws  and 
usages  of  nations,  even  in  time  of  war. 

V.  19 — 21.  The  two  hundred  and  thirty-two  servants 
whom  especially  Ben-hadad  had  ordered  to  ho  taken  alive, 
slew  every  one  the  man  who  attempted  to  seize  him : and 
this  unexpected  resistance,  by  the  secret  operation  of  God 
upon  the  minds  of  the  Syrians,  so  dismayed  them,  that  they 
yielded  the  army  an  easy  and  decisive  victory.  (Note,  1 Sam. 
14:11 — 15.)  Ben-hadad,  after  all  his  boasts  and  menaces, 
might  be  considered  as  successful,  beyond  all  reasonable 
expectation,  in  this  respect,  that  he  escaped  with  life,  drunken 
as  he  then  was.  (16.  Notes,  1 Sam.  30:16 — 19.) 

V.  22.  It  docs  not  appear,  that  Ahab  regarded  this  mer- 
ciful and  seasonable  warning,  given  him  by  the  prophet;  or 
that  he  made  any  suitable  return  for  his  late  unexpected 
deliverance  and  success. 

V.  23 — 25.  The  servants  of  Ben-hadad,  either  in  flattery 
as  if  no  human  valour  could  possibly  iou  Vi«  a my,  or  fi  'u. 


B.  C.  901. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


B.  C.  901. 


unto  him,  “Their  gods  are  gods  of  the  hills  ; there- 
fore they  were  stronger  than  we  ; but  let  us  fight 
against  them  in  the  plain,  and  surely  we  shall  be 
stronger  than  they. 

24  And  do  this  thing;  ‘Take  the  kings  away, 
every  man  out  of  his  place,  and  put  captains  in 
their  rooms : 

25  And  number  thee  an  army,  like  the  army 
that  ’thou  hast  lost,  horse  for  horse,  and  chariot 
for  chariot. : and  we  will  fight  against  them  in  the 
plain,  and  surely  w#  shall  be  stronger  than 
they.  And  he  hearkened  unto  their  voice,  and 
did  so. 

26  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  return  of  the 
year,  that  Ben-hadad  numbered  the  Syrians,  and 
went  up  to  sAphek  ’to  fight  against  Israel. 

27  And  the  children  of  Israel  were  numbered, 
and  twere  all  present,  and  went  against  them: 
and  the  children  of  Israel  pitched  before  them 
hlike  two  little  flocks  of  kids;  but  the  Syrians 
filled  the  country. 

28  U And  ‘there  came  a man  of  God,  and  spake 
unto  the  king  of  Israel,  and  said,  Thus  saith  the 
Lord,  kBecause  the  Syrians  have  said,  The  Lord 
is  God  of  the  hills,  but  he  is  not  God  of  the 
valleys,  ‘therefore  will  I deliver  all  this  great 
multitude  into  thy  hand,  and  mye  shall  know  that 
I am  the  Lord. 

29  And  they  pitched  one  over  against  the  other 
.“seven  days.  And  so  it  was,  that  in  the  seventh 
day  the  battle  was  joined  : and  the  children  of 
Israel  slew  of  the  Syrians  °a  hundred  thousand 
footmen  in  one  day. 

t5S.  14:23.  1 Sain.  4:5.  i Kmzs  10:12.  2 Chr.  32:13—19.  P».  50:21,22.  121:1,2. 
Is.  42:8.  r 1 . 16.  22:31.  Prov.  21:30.  • Heb.  was  fallen,  z 30.  Josh.  13:4. 19: 
30.  Jurlg.  1:31.  Aphik.  1 Sam.  4:1. 29:1 . 2 Kings  13:17.  4 Heb.  to  the  wot  with 
Israel.  + Or,  were  victualled.  Josh.  1:11.  Jud^.  7:8.  h Deut.  32:30.  Judg6:5. 
1 . am.  13:5— 8.  14:2.  2 Chr.  32:7,8.  Ec.  9:11.  i 13,22.  13:1.  17:18.  2 Chr.  20:14 
—20.  k See  on  23.  I Deut.  32:27.  Josh.  7:8,9.  Ps.  58:10,11. 79:10.  Is.  37:29,35. 
Jer.  14:7.  Ez.  20.9,14.  33:21—23,32.  m See  on  13.  Ex.  6:7.  7:5.  8:22.  Dent.  29: 
6.  Ez.  6:14.  11:12.  12.16.  36:22.39:7.  n Josh.  6:15.  1 Sam.  17:16.  o 2 Sam.  10: 
18.  2 Chr.  13:17.  20:23—25.  28:6.  Is.  37:36.  p Is.  21:18.  Jer.  48:44.  Am.  2:14, 

present  conviction,  ascribed  their  defeat  to  the  gods  of  Israel. 
They  supposed  that  Israel  had  deities,  like  the  gods  of  other 
nations,  especially  Jehovah,  (28)  to  whom  they  ascribed  a 
limited  power,  within  a certain  district,  out  of  which  they 
could  do  nothing.  They  had  probably  heard,  that  Jehovah 
had  displayed  his  glory  from  mount  Sinai:  the  temple  was 
built  on  mount  Zion:  Samaria  was  situated  on  a hill;  and 
the  people  loved  to  sacrifice  on  high  places : therefore  the 
Syrians  concluded  that  the  God  of  Israel  was  powerful  upon 
the  mountains,  but  not  in  the  plains ; and  they  foolishly 
expected  to  prevail  against  Israel  and  Jehovah,  by  chang- 
ing their  ground.  ( Note , JVum.  23:13.)  No  doubt,  however, 
they  likewise  considered  the  plain  country  as  better  suited  to 
their  army,  which  was  furnished  with  cavalry  and  chariots 
of  war,  than  to  the  foot  soldiers  of  Israel. — Their  other  advice 
was  sensible  and  pertinent.  The  kings  served  rather  for 
pomp*  and  feasting,  than  for  war:  and  it  could  not  be  expected 
that  they  would  either  be  so  hearty  in  the  cause  of  Syria,  or 
so  observant  of  exact  discipline,  as  Syrian  captains,  appointed 
by  the  king,  and  desirous  of  signalizing  themselves,  would  be. 
(Mnrg.  Ref.  e,f.) 

V.  26.  Aphek  lay  in  the  lot  of  Asher,  in  the  most  northern 
part  of  the  land;  ( Marg . Ref.  g.  Note , Josh.  19:24 — 31.) 
and  seems  to  have  been  selected  as  the  seat  of  the  war, 
because  the  adjacent  region  had  plains  and  vallies,  suited  to 
Ben-hadad’s  cavalry. 

V.  27.  It  is  probable,  that  Israel’s  late  miraculous  victory 
encouraged  the  small  army,  by  which  it  was  gained,  to 
accompany  Ahab  to  the  country  selected  by  the  Syrians ; 
but  no  others  joined  them,  and  their  appearance  conveyed 
the  idea  of  weakness  and  timid :ty ; more  resembling  two 
small  flocks  of  young  goats,  in  a desolate  country,  than  a 
powerful  army,  whirl,  the  occasion  seemed  to  demand. 
(Notes,  1 Sam.  13:6,7,13—15,22.) 

V.  28.  Ahab  and  Israel,  instead  of  deliverance,  merited 
severe  vengeance  : but  it  was  proper,  that  the  ignorance  or 
blasphemy  of  the  Syrians  should  be  confuted : that  all  might 
know  that  Jehovah,  the  God  of  the  whole  earth,  was 
almighty  in  every  place.  (Notes,  Deut.  32:26,27.  Jer.  14:7— 
Ez.  20:7 — 9.  30:32.) — Probably,  this  man  of  God  informed 
\hab,  that  the  Lord  had  devote  i Ben-hadad  to  destruction, 
arid  would  deliver  them  into  his  hands,  that  he  might  execute 
his  vengeance  upon  him.  Another  prephet  seems  to  have 
been  sent  with  this  message ; and  not  he  who  delivered  the 
former  one. 

V.  29,  30.  Perhaps  the  Israelites  were  encamped  on  a 
hill,  and  the  Syrians  intimidated  by  their  late  defeat,  did  not 
venture  to  attack  them,  notwithstanding  tho\r  immense  supe- 
riority in  numbers,  till  they  c^me  down  into  tue  plain.  This,  it 
is  probable,  they  did  on  the  seventh  day  ; and  the  Lord  mira- 


30  But  the  rest  fled  to  Aphek,  into  the  city; 
and  there  pa  wall  fell  upon  twenty  and  seven 
thousand  of  the  men  that  were  left.  And  Ben- 
hadad  “ified,  and  came  into  the  city,  §into  an  inner 
chamber. 

31  H And  rhis  servants  said  unto  him,  Behold 
now,  we  have  heard  that  the  kings  of  the  house  of 
Israel  are  “merciful  kings : let  us,  I pray  thee,  'put 
sackcloth  on  our  loins,  and  ropes  upon  our  heads, 
and  go  out  to  the  king  of  Israel : "peradventure 
he  will  save  thy  life. 

32  So  they  girded  sackcloth  on  their  loins,  and 
put  ropes  on  their  heads,  and  came  to  the  kins'  of 
Israel,  and  said,  vThy  servant  Ben-hadad  saith,  I 
pray  thee,  let  me  live.  And  he  said,  Is  he  yet 
alive  ? “lie  is  my  brother. 

33  Now  nhe  men  did  diligently  observe 
whether  any  thing  would  come  from  him,  and 
did  hastily  catch  it  : and  they  said,  Thy  brother 
Ben-hadad.  Then  he  said,  Go  ye,  bring  him. 
Then  Ben-hadad  came  forth  to  him ; “and  he 
caused  him  to  come  up  into  the  chariot. 

34  And  Ben-hadad  said  unto  him,  “The  cities, 
which  my  father  took  from  thy  father,  I will 
restore;  and  thou  shalt  make  streets  for  thee  in 
Damascus,  as  my  father  made  in  Samaria. 
Then  said  Ahab,  I will  send  thee  away  with 
this  covenant.  bSo  he  made  a covenant  with 
him,  and  sent  him  away. 

35  U And  a certain  man  “of  the  sons  of  the 
prophets  said  unto  his  neighbour,  din  the  word  of 
the  Lord,  “Smite  me,  I pray  thee.  And  the  man 
refused  to  smite  him. 


15.5.19  9:3.  Luke  13:4.  q 10,20.  Dan.  4:37.  §Or,  from  cho miter  to  chamber. 
Heb.  into  n chamber  within  a chamber.  22:25  . 2 Chr.  18:24.  r 23.  2 Kings  5: 13. 
s Prov.  20:28.  Is.  16:5.  Eph.  1:7,8.  t 21:27— 29.  2 Pam.  3:31. 14:2.  2 Kings 
19:1,2.  Esth. 4:1-3.  Is.  22: 12.  37:1 . Jon. 3:5,6.  Rev.  11:3.  u2Kines7:4. 
Esth.  4:16.  Job  2:4.  Matt.  10:28.  v 3— 6.  Job  12:17,18. 40: 1 1.12.  Is.  2.11.12. 
10:12.  Dan.  5.20— 23.  Ob.  3,4.  x 42.  1 Sam.  15:8,20.  y Prov.  25:13.  Luke 
16:8.  z 2 Kings  10:15.  Acts  8:31.  a 15:20.  2Clir.  16:4.  b 42.22:31.  2 Chr. 
18:30.  Is.  26:10.  c 38.  1 Sam.  10:12.  2 Kings 2:3,5,7,15.  4:1 ,38.  Am.  7:14. 
d 13:1,2,17,18.  e 37.  Is.  8:18.  20:2,3.  Jer.  27.2,3.  Ez.  4:3.  Matt.  16:24- 


culously  interposing,  both  to  encourage  and  assist  the  little 
company  of  Israel,  and  to  terrify  and  confound  the  Syrians, 
a decided  victory,  with  prodigious  slaughter  of  the  Syrians, 
ensued.  And  the  survivors  taking  refuge  in  the  city,  by  the 
immediate  interposition  of  the  Almighty,  twenty-seven  thou- 
sand were  crushed  by  the  wall,  from  which  they  expected 
defence,  falling  upon  them.  (Josh.  6:20.)  And  Ben-hadad 
concealed  himself  in  a retired  chamber.  (Marg.) 

V.  31 — 34.  A general  opinion  seems  to  have  prevailed, 
that  the  princes  of  Israel,  the  people  of  God,  were  more  gene- 
rous and  clement  than  other  kings:  and  indeed,  sentiments, 
derived  from  the  oracles  of  God,  produce  good  effects,  in  this 
respect,  on  multitudes  who  do  not  act  habitually  on  religious 
principles. — Ben-hadad’s  ambassadors,  appearing  in  his  name 
before  Ahab,  clothed  in  sackcloth,  and  with  ropes  on  their 
heads,  formed  a remarkable  and  most  humiliating  contrast  to 
the  preceding  state  of  affairs.  Thus  they  acted  as  penitents 
and  criminals,  who  were  sorry  that  they  had  attacked  Ahab, 
and  confessed  that  they  deserved  to  die  for  that  offence.  This 
must  have  been  a very  great  mortification  to  Ben-hadad  : and 
it  was  equally  flattering  to  Ahab’s  vanity ; who,  seduced  by 
it,  forgot  both  the  interests  of  Israel,  and  his  own  real  honour 
and  security.  Indeed  he  ought,  to  have  given  God  the  glory 
of  his  victory,  and  to  have  consulted  the  prophets  in  what 
manner  to  deal  with  Ben-hadad.  But  he  acknowledged  this 
wicked  prince  as  his  brother ; being  more  pleased  with  the 
dignity  of  a king,  than  the  distinction  of  an  Israelite.  ( Note , 
1 Sam.  15:8,9.)  He  even  treated  him  with  respect,  and  made 
a league  with  him  upon  disadvantageous  terms  ; and  sent  him 
away,  without  any  security,  except  his  bare  word,  for  the 
performance  of  the  treaty,  and  which  Ben-hadad  soon  vio- 
lated. (Notes,  22:2 — 31.)  In  all  this  Ahab  was  extremely 
foolish,  as  well  as  deeply  criminal. — The  streels  of  Damascus 
were  probably  allotted  the  Israelites  for  the  purposes  of 
trade,  that  in  them  they  might  live  unmolested  according  to 
their  own  laws.  It  is  probable,  that  the  same  liberty  had  been 
allowed  the  Syrians  in  Samaria  ; where  the  ido’aters  were 
at  ease,  when  the  prophets  of  Jehovah  were  cut  off. 

Diligently  observe , ccc.  (33)  irn;  augurotus  est,  divi- 

navit,  observavit  conjectural. — Gen.  44:5,15.  (Note,  Gen.  44: 
4 — 6.)  Hence  on;  n serpent.  Gen.  3:1.  (Note,  Gen.  3:1.) 
These  men  acted  with  the  subtlety  and  sagacity  of  the  ser- 
pent, in  their  conduct  before  Ahab. 

V.  35,  36.  This  command  was  given  by  one  of  “ the  sons 
of  the  prophets”  u in  the  word  of  the  Lord,”  to  his  neighbour, 
or  fellow,  to  another  of  the  same  company,  who  would  know 
that  he  spake  in  the  name  of  the  Lord.  The  refusal  there- 
fore was  direct  disobedience  to  God,  which  he  was  pl'is^d  to 
punish  with  immediate  death,  by  a lion  meeting  and  slaying 
him.  (Note,  13:23 — 32.)  Ahab  would  doubtless  hear  of 
( 639  ) 


B.  G.  900. 


1.  KINGS 


B.  C.  899 


36  Then  said  he  unto  hirn,  f Because  thou  hast 
not  obeyed  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  behold,  as  soon 
as  thou  art  departed  from  me,  a lion  shall  slay 
thee.  And  as  soon  as  he  was  departed  from  him, 
a lion  found  him,  and  slew  him. 

37  Then  he  found  another  man,  and  said, 
*801116  me,  I pray  thee.  And  the  man  smote  him, 
'so  that  in  smiting  he  wounded  him. 

38  So  the  prophet  departed,  and  waited  for  the 
king  by  the  way,  and  hdisguised  himself  with  ashes 
upon  his  face. 

39  And  as  the  king  passed  by,  he  cried  unto 
the  king:  and  he  said,  ‘Thy  servant  went  out  into 
the  midst  of  the  battle;  and  behold,  a man  turned 
aside,  and  brought  a man  unto  me,  and  said, 
Keep  this  man  : if  by  any  means  he  be  missing, 
then  shall  kthy  life  be  for  his  life,  'or  else  thou  shalt 
tpay  a talent  of  silver. 

40  And  as  thy  servant  was  busy  here  and  there, 
the  vvas  gone.  And  the  king  of  Israel  said  unto 
him.1  raSo  shall  thy  judgment  he  ; thyself  hast 
decided  it. 


f 13:21 — 24,26.  1 Sam.  15:22,23.  g 35.  Ex. 21:12.  * Heb.  emit  in?  and  wounding. 
h 14:2.  22:3U.  2 Sam.  14:2.  Matt.  6.16.  i Juilg.  9:7— 2U.  2 Sam.  1*2:1 — 7.  14: 
5— 7.  Mark  12.1— 12.  k 42.  2 Kings  10:24.  1 Ex.  21:30.  Job  35:18.  Pa.  49:7, 
8.  Prov.  6:35. 13:8.  1 Pet.  1:18,19.  | Heb.  weigh.  J Heb.  As  was  not. 

m 2 Sam.  12.5,6.  Job  15:6.  Matt.  21:41 . 25:24 — 27.  Luke  19:22.  n 38.  2 Sam. 


this  event : and  if  one  who  humanely  refused  tb  smite  a pious 
prophet  at  the  command  of  God  vvas  thus  punished ; he 
might  conclude,  that  he  should  not  be  spared,  who  disobeyed 
God,  by  forming  an  alliance  with  a haughty  idolatrous  king, 
whom  the  Lord  required  him  to  destroy.  It  seems  that  the 
prophet  intended,  by  being  wounded,  the  better  to  personate 
a soldier  who  had  been  in  the  battle,  and  had  deserved  well 
of  his  king,  though  he  had  failed  of  his  duty  in  one  particu- 
lar. (37) 

V.  33 — 40.  The  prophet  appeared,  either  as  one  wounded 
in  the  face,  and  so  covered  with  a bandage  like  a veil  to  dis- 
guise himself,  as  many  understand  it ; or  he  assumed  the 
character  of  a mourner,  being  under  condemnation  to  die, 
seeing  he  could  not  pay  the  talent  of  silver  required  of  him ; 
or  he  united  both.  His  account  implied,  that  the  prisoner 
trusted  to  his  keeping  was  one  of  superior  rank ; and  that  his 
officer,  or  captain,  committed  him  to  his  care,  with  this  in- 
junction, or  warning : yet  the  prisoner  was  gone  ; and  Ahab, 
without  reflecting  on  his  own  conduct,  confirmed  the  sentence. 
(Notes,  2 Sam.  12:1 — 7.) 

V.  41,  42.  As  soon  as  Ahab  discovered  who  the  prophet 
was,  he  perceived  that  he  had  been  drawn  in  to  pass  sentence 
upon  himself.  Ahab  lost  his  life  in  fighting  against  Ben- 
hadad,  who  did  not  fulfil  this  treaty:  ( Notes , 22:3,31 — 35.) 
and  great  evils  came  upon  Israel  from  the  Syrians,  whom 
Ahab  might  at  this  time  have  subjugated,  or  deprived  of 
power  to  injure  them.  (Notes,  2 Kings  6:25 — 29.  8:12,13. 
10:32—36.) 

V.  43.  Heavy , &c.]  Whilst  the  Lord  secured  his  own 
glory,  and  protected  his  people ; he  deprived  Ahab  of  all 
satisfaction  in  his  deliverance  and  victory,  and  filled  him  with 
vexation  and  dismay.  He  did  not  repent  of  his  fault,  but  he 
was  chagrined  at  the  message,  and  enraged  at  the  messenger. 
Many  think  it  was  Michaiah,  which  is  not  improbable.  ( Notes , 
21:4—6.  22:8.  1 Sam.  14:45,46.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 21.  The  indignation  of  the  Lord  will  surely  weaken 
and  dispirit  sinners : and  those  nations  especially,  which  have 
been  favoured  with  the  light  of  revelation,  will  be  brought  low 
for  their  iniquity,  when  they  forsake  the  service  of  God. — 
Ungodly  men  delight  to  insult  over  the  fallen  ; success  in- 
creases their  pride  and  insolence  ; and  thus  they  too  are 
prepared  for  vengeance. — Those,  who  most  daringly  rebel 
against  God,  are  often  mere  cowards  when  assaulted  by  their 
fellow-creatures  : and  no  extremities  of  affliction,  or  consult- 
ing together  on  what  they  should,  or  should  not  do,  will  bring . 
sinners,  when  left  to  themselves,  duly  to  consider  the  real 
causes  of  their  distress. — Men  will  part  with  their  most 
pleasant  things,  which  they  most  love,  to  save  their  temporal 
lives : and  yet  they  lose  their  souls,  and  incur  everlasting 
misery,  rather  than  bestow  any  labour,  or  give  up  any  plea- 
sure or  interest,  to  prevent  it!  (Notes,  Matt.  16:24 — 28.  P. 
O.  21 — 28.) — Boasting  and  menacing  language  generally  be- 
trays a weak  and  foolish  mind,  exposes  men  to  cutting  rebukes, 
and  terminates  in  abject  meanness  and  disgrace.  To  glory 
in  what  we  have  done,  is  pride  and  vanity : but  to  glory  in 
what  we  will  do,  is  extreme  ignorance  and  folly  ; for  no  capa- 
city or  management  can  ensure  success.  (Note,  Jam.  4:13 — 
17.) — Drunkards  perform  great  things  as  far  as  boasting 
words  can  go  : and  they  urge  one  another  on  to  rash  and  fool- 
ish enterprises,  which  expose  them  in  every  way  to  detriment 
and  to  ruin. — The  Lord  will  secure  his  own  glory,  and  take 
care  of  his  own  people,  notwithstanding  the  wickedness  of 
the  great  or  the  many : he  will  leave  every  impenitent  sinner 
without  excuse;  and  he  delights  to  save  by  unlikely  instni- 
ments,  that  his  own  power  may  be  the  more  conspicuous.  At 

( 640  ) 


41  And  he  hasted,  and  took  nthe  ashes  awa, 
from  his  face;  and  the  king  of  Israel  discerneu 
hirn  that  he  was  of  the  prophets. 

42  And  lie  said  unto  him,  Thus  saith  the  Lord, 
“Because  thou  hast  let  go  out  of  thy  hand  a man 
whom  I appointed  to  utter  destruction,  therefore 
rthy  life  shall  go  for  his  life,  and  thy  people  for  his 
people. 

43  And  the  king  of  Israel  ‘Hvent  to  his  house 
heavy  and  displeased,  and  came  to  Samaria. 

CHAPTER?  XXI. 

Ahab  covets  Naboth's  vineyard,  and  is  greatly  displeased , because  Naboth 
refuses  to  part  with  it,  1 — 4.  Jezebel  discovering  this,  by  letters,  in  Aho.b}s 
name,  to  the  elders  of  Jezreel,  causes  Naboth  to  be  stoned,  as  a blasphemer 
5 — 14.  She  excites  Ahab  to  lake  possession  of  his  vineyard,  15, 16.  Elijah 
is  sent  to  meet  Ahab,  and  to  denounce  the  judgment  of  God  against,  him , and 
his  family,  and  Jezebel,  17 — 24.  Ahab's  enormous  wickedness , 25,  26.  He 
externally  humbles  himself  before  God,  and  the  judgments  on  his  family  are 
deferred  to  his  son's  days , 27 — 29. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  “after  these  things,  that 
Naboth  the  Jezreelite  had  a vineyard,  which 
was  in  bJ  ezreel,  hard  by  the  palace  of  Ahab  king 
of  Samaria. 

2 And  Ahab  spake  unto  Naboth,  saying,  “Give 


13:19.  Job  2:8.  Jer.  6:26.  o 34 . 1 Sam.  15:9— 11.  p 22:31— 37.  2 Kines  6:24. 
8:12.  2 Chr.  18:33,34.  q 21:4.22-8.  Eslh.  5:13.  6:12,13.  Job  5:2.  Frev.  19:3 
a 20:35— 43.  2 Chr.  28:22.  Etra  9:13,14.  Is.  9:13.  Jer.  5:3.  b 18:45.  Josh.  19: 
18.  Judg.  6:33.  1 Sam.  29:1.  Hoa.  1:4,5.  c Gen.  3:6.  Ex.  20:17.  Deni.  5:21. 
1 Sam.  8:14.  Jer.  2217.  Hab.2:9— 11.  Luke  12:15.  1 Tim.  6:9,10.  Jam.  1:14,15. 


some  seasons,  the  convictions  of  the  most  abandoned  may  get 
an  advantage  over  their  lusts  : for  a time  they  may  be  restrain- 
ed from  iniquity,  may  do  many  things  according  to  the  com- 
mand of  God,  and  even  regard  the  admonitions  of  his  minis- 
ters : thus  they  are  sometimes  externally  favoured  ; that  they 
may  experience  the  different  effect  of  obedience  and  of  dis- 
obedience, for  their  deeper  condemnation,  if  they  relapse  info 
their  former  crimes. — The  Lord  inspires  counsel  and  courage, 
or  sends  infatuation  and  dismay,  as  he  pleases  : so  that  ihe 
battle  is  not  to  the  strong ; but  all  calculations  are  strangely 
proved  erroneous,  when  this  secret  influence  is  not  taken  into 
the  account.  (Note,  Ec.  9:11,12.) 

V.  22 — 43.  Fallen  man  has  very  confused,  absurd,  and 
dishonourable  apprehensions  of  the  divine  attributes.  He 
conceives  of  God,  as  if  he  were  such  an  one  as  himself,  and 
is  thus  emboldened  to  persist  in  his  rebellion : and  the  most 
consummate  wisdom,  in  worldly  concerns,  often  unites  with 
the  most  contemptible  ignorance  on  religious  subjects. — To 
silence  the  blasphemies,  or  to  expose  the  mistakes  of  his  ene- 
mies, the  Lord  sometimes  gives  temporary  success  to  those 
who,  in  another  way,  despise  his  warnings  and  disobey  his 
precepts : but  he  will  not  countenance  them  in  their  crimes, 
nor  let  them  finally  escape  condign  punishment. — The  whole 
creation  is  at  war  with  those  who  fight  against  God ; and  he 
will  surely  render  contemptible,  as  well  as  miserable,  the 
haughtiest  of  them. — The  ambitious  are  pleased  with  abject 
submissions  and  adulation  ; and  love  the  society  of  the  most 
wicked  men,  who  will  stoop  low  enough  to  them.  Thus  they 
are  seduced  and  bribed,  not  only  to  disregard  the  will  of  God, 
and  to  prefer  the  friendship  of  his  enemies  ; hut  to  forego  the 
most  solid  temporal  advantages  to  themselves  and  their  con- 
nexions, for  the  sake  of  empty  words  and  fair  professions  ! 
It  indeed  becomes  all  to  be  merciful ; and  clemency  is  the 
ornament  of  royalty,  especially  of  the  kings  of  Israel,  the 
rulers  of  God’s  people:  yet  clemency  to  notorious  criminals, 
whilst  those  who  love  and  serve  God  are  treated  with  cruelty, 
is  strangely  inconsistent ; to  pretend  to  be  more  merciful  than 
the  Lord,  by  sparing  those  whom  he  commands  to  be  put  to 
death,  is  an  awful  presumption ; and  to  regard  those  as 
brethren,  whom  he  has  doomed  to  u utter  destruction,”  is  an 
evidence  of  great  impiety. — In  every  thing  the  Lord  demands 
implicit  obedience  ; even  the  plea  of  compassion  will  not 
excuse  rebellion  against  his  will : and,  by  severe  temporal 
judgments  on  such  as  have  committed  lighter  offences,  ho 
loudly  speaks  terror  to  more  atrocious  criminals  ; whom  ho 
will  at  length  constrain  to  decide  against  themselves.  And 
whatever  prosperity  they  may  in  the  mean  time  obtain,  it  will 
be  embittered  to  them  by  what  they  feel,  and  what  they  fear ; 
for  “there  is  no  peace,  saith  my  God,  to  the  wicked.” — But 
may  we  not  here,  by  an  allowable  accommodation,  hint  some 
profitable  instructions  ? Tho  convinced  sinner,  not  daring 
any  longer  to  persist  in  his  impotent  contest  against  tho 
Almighty;  and  unable  to  flee  from  him,  or  to  purchase  his 
forgiveness  and  favour,  is  almost,  reduced  to  despair.  Then 
he  nears  a report  of  mercy,  abounding  in  Christ  Jesus  to  the 
chief  of  sinners  ; and  in  hopes  of  obtaining  a free  salvation, 
with  penitent  tears  and  humiliating  confessions,  he  cries  out, 
“God  be  merciful  to  me,  a sinner.”  Becoming  acquainted 
with  the  gracious  appellations  of  Father,  Brother,  and  Friend 
of  sinners,  and  the  exceedingly  great  and  precious  promises 
contained  in  tho  Scripture  ; lie  diligently  observes,  and  eagerly 
catches  them,  as  it  were,  from  tho  Saviour’s  lips,  and  pleads 
them  in  humble  prayer.  Thus  he  obtains  forgiveness  ; tho 
everlasting  covenant  is  made  with  him,  and  all  the  blessings 
of  the  gospel  are  secured  to  him:  at  the  same  time,  he  yields 
himself  to  tho  Lord  to  be  his  servant,  and  love  constrains  him 


B C.  809. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


B.  C.  899 


me  t'ny  vineyard,  that  I may  have  it  for  da  garden 
of  herbii,  because  it  is  near  unto  my  house  : and 
I will  give  thee  for  it  a better  vineyard  than  it; 
or  if  it  'seem*  good  to  thee,  I will  give  thee  the 
worth  of  it  in  money. 

3 And  Naboth  said  to  Ahab,  'The  Lord  forbid 
it  mt , that  f 1 should  give  the  inheritance  of  my 
fathers  unto  thee. 

4 And  Abab  came  into  his  bouse  eheavy  and 
displeased,  because  of  the  word  which  Naboth 
the  Jezreelite  had  spoken  to  him:  for  he  had  said, 
hI  will  not  give  thee  the  inheritance  of  my  fathers. 
‘And  he  laid  him  down  upon  his  bed,  and  turned 
away  his  face,  and  would  eat  no  bread. 

5 But  kJezebel  his  wife  came  to  him,  and  said 
unto  him,  'Why  is  thy  spirit  so  sad,  that  thou 
eatest  no  bread  ? 

6 And  he  said  unto  her,  ’"Because  I spake  unto 
Naboth  the  Jezreelite,  and  said  unto  him,  Give 
me  thy  vineyard  for  money ; or  else,  if  it  please 
thee,  I will  give  thee  another  vineyard  for  it : and 
he  answered,  "I  will  not  give  thee  my  vineyard. 

7 And  Jezebel  his  wife  said  unto  him,  °Dost 

thou  now  govern  the  kingdom  of  Israel  ? Arise, 
and  eat  bread,  and  let  thy  heart  be  merry  : H 
will  give  thee  the  vineyard  of  Naboth  the  Jez- 
reelite. [Practical  Observations.'] 

8 So  sshe  wrote  letters  in  Ahab’s  name,  and 


.1  2 King6  9:27.  Dent.  11:10.  Ec.  2:5.  Cant.  4:15.  * Heb.be  poor/ in  thine 

eves.  Gen.  16:5.  I Sam.  8:6.  29:6.  margins,  e Gen.  44:7,17.  Josh. 22:29.  24: 
16.  1 Sam.  12:23.21:6.26:9— 11.  1 Cbr.  11:19.  Job  27:5.  Rom.  3:4,6,31.  6:2,15. 
7:7,13.  1 Cor.  6:15.  Gal.  6:14.  f Lev.  25 $3.  Num.  36:7.  Ez.  46:18.  g See  on 
20:43.  Is.  57:20,21.  Jon.  1:1,9.  h See  on  3.  Num.  22:13,14.  iGen.4:5*-8. 

Sam.  13:2,4.  Ec.  6:9.  7:8,9.  Eph.  4:27.  Jam.  1:14,15.  k 25.  16:31 . 18:4.  19:2. 
Gen.  3-6.  1 2 Sam.  13:4.  Nell.  2:2.  Esth.  4:5.  m S«eon2.  Esth.  5:9— 14.  6: 
12,13.  Prov.  11:30.  1 Tim.  6:9,10.  Jam.  4:2—7.  n See  on  3,4.  o 1 Sam.  8*14. 
2 Sam.  13:4.  Prov.  30:31.  Ec. 4:1. 8:4.  Dan.  5:19— 21.  p 15.16.  Mic.2:l,2.7: 
3.  q 2 Sam.  11:14,15.  2 Chr.  32:17.  Ezra  4:7,8,11.  Neh.  6:5.  Esth.  3: 12— 15. 
8:8—13.  r Num.  11:16.  Deut.  16:18,19.  21:1-9.  si.  2 Kings  10:1— 7,11. 


to  live  to  his  glory. — But  alas!  most  that  hear  these  glad 
tidings  are  busy  here  and  there,  till  the  day  of  salvation  is 
gone  ; and,  not  having  wherewithal  to  ransom  their  souls,  they 
must  spend  eternity  in  unavailing  lamentations  and  despair. 
Nay,  even  true  believers  are  often  so  taken  up  with  trifles,  as 
tc  let  Seasons  of  important  usefulness  glide  away  unimproved, 
to  the  loss  both  of  themselves  and  of  others.  May  the  Lord 
“ teach  us  so  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may  apply  our 
hearts  unto  wisdom !” 

NOTES— Chap.  XXI.  V.  1,  2.  Ahab  had  not  long 
before  _ lost  an  opportunity  of  enlarging,  securing,  and 
improving  his  dominions;  and  now  he  coveted  Naboth’s  vine- 
yard, to  make  him  an  additional  kitchengarden,  or  pleasure- 
garden!  He  seemed,  however,  to  propose  equitable  terms 
to  the  possessor  ; but  his  fault  lay  in  desiring  it  in  an  inordi- 
nate manner.  (Notes,  £*.20:17.  Rom.  7:7—12.) 

V.  3.  Naboth  seems  to  have  been  a conscientious  man, 
and  a worshipper  of  Jehovah,  which  might  render  Jezebel 
the  more  determined  on  his  destruction.  (Note,  8 — 14.)  He 
valued  his  vineyard  as  “ the  inheritance  of  his  fathers,” 
originally  assigned  to  them  by  the  Lord  himself.  He  might, 
if  in  want,  have  leased  out,  or  mortgaged , his  estate  till  the 
year  of  jubilee:  (Notes,  Lev.  25:23—28.  Num.  36:1—0.) 
but  this  was  not  the  case  ; and  he  was  sensible,  that  if  his 
vineyard  became  a part  of  the  royal  gardens,  it  would  never 
revert  to  his  family.  The  Lord  had  forbidden  him  to  alien- 
ate his  land:  and  he  plainly  gave  Ahab  the  true  reason,  why 
he  could  not  comply  with  his  desires ; for  he  would  rather 
seem  uncourteous,  or  offend  his  prince,  than  transgress  the 
■aw  of  God  : whatever  otherwise  he  might  have  been  disposed 
to  do. 

The  IjotcI  forbid  it  me.]  "tm  k n‘"kn.  1 nS'brt,  profa- 
nitas ; profanum  ; vox  aliquid  abominatis.  Respondet  Gratcis 
pn  ytvoiro .’  Robertson— Gen.  18:25.  Josh.  22:29.  24:16.  1 
Sam.  24:7.  2 Sam.  23:17.  Heb.  The  word  implies  the  idea 
’f  impiety  ; and  Naboth  seems  to  have  started  back  from  the 
proposal,  with  aversion  and  alarm,  as  from  a temptation  to  a 
heinous  sin. 

V.  4 — 8.  ( Note,  20:43.)  Ahab,  a victorious  and  prosper- 
ous king,  was  filled  with  anguish  and  vexation,  because  he 
met  with  a denial  in  so  small  a matter  ! Such  was  the  conflict 
of  his  passions,  that  he  lay  down,  and,  either  through  sickness 
or  sulleiwess,  would  not  taste  food  1 He  greatly  desired  the 
vineyard.  His  pride  was  intolerably  offended,  that  one  of 
his  own  subjects  should  peremptorily  refuse  to  comply  with 
1.  s proposal ; he  was  ashamed  to  yield  the  point  in  contest ; 
and  he  was  afraid  of  proceeding  to  extremities.  The  effects 
of  these  conflicting  passions  made  him  very  miserable  : yet  it 
;s  probable  he  would  not  have  attempted  violence  against 
Naboth,  had  not  “Jezebel  his  wife  stirred  him  up.”  (Notes, 
Esth.  5:13,14.) — It  is  observable,  that  in  relating  the  cause  of 
nis  disquietude,  Ahab  made  no  mention  of  Naboth’s  conscien- 
tious reason  for  his  refusal ; but  stated  it  as  if  it  had  been 
entirely  the  effect  of  insolence  and  obstinacy  1 

V.  7.  It  was  indeed  unworthy  of  the  king  of  Israel  to  6 et 

Vol.  I. — 81 


sealed  them  with  his  seal,  and  sent  the  letters 
unto  ' the  elders  and  to  'l he  nobles  that  were  in 
his  city,  dwelling  with  Naboth. 

9 And  she  wrote  in  the  letters,  saying,  ‘Pro- 
claim a fast,  and  set  Naboth  'on  high  among  the 
people  : 

10  And  set  “two  men,  "sons  of  Belial,  before 
him,  to  bear  witness  against  him,  saying,  rThou 
didst  blaspheme  God  and  the  king.  And  then 
carry  him  out,  and  stone  him,  that  lie  may  die 

1 1 And  the  men  of  his  city,  even  the  elders  and 
the  nobles  who  were  the  inhabitants  in  his  city, 
'did  as  Jezebel  had  sent  unto  them,  and  as  it  was 
written  in  the  letters  which  she  had  sent  unto 
them. 

12  They  “proclaimed  a fast,  and  set  Naboth  on 
high  among  the  people. 

13  And  there  came  in  two  men,  children  of 
Belial,  and  sat  before  him  : and  bthe  men  of  Belial 
witnessed  against  him,  even  against  Naboth,  in 
the  presence  of  the  people,  saying,  Naboth  did 
“blaspheme  God  and  dthe  king.  Then  'they 
carried  him  forth  out  of  the  city,  and  stoned  him 
with  stones,  that  lie  died. 

14  Then  they  sent  to  Jezebel,  saying,  f Naboth 
is  stoned,  and  is  dead. 

15  IT  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Jezebel  heard 
that  Naboth  was  stoned,  and  was  dead,  that 

t Gen.  31:13— 17.  Is.  58:4.  Matt.  2:8.23:14.  Luke  20:47.  Jolm  18:28.  1 Hel) 
in  the  top  of  the  people.  u See  on  Deut.  19:15.  Matl.  26:59,60.  Acts6:ll. 
x See  on  Dent.  13:13.  Judg.  19:22.  y Ex.  22:28.  Lev.  24: 15,16.  Alatt.  26:65, 
66.  John  10:33.  Acts  6:13.  z Ex.  1:17,21. 23:1,2.  Lev.  19:15.  1 Sam.  22: 17,18. 
23:20.  2 Kings  10:6.7.  2 Chr. 24:21.  Prov.  29: 12,26.  Dan.  3: 18— 25.  Hus.  5:11. 
Mic.  6:16.  Matt.  2:12,16.  Acts  4:19.  5:29.  a See  on  8— 10.  b Deut.  5:20.  19: 
16 — 21.  Ps.  27:12.  35:11.  Prov.  6: 19.  19:5,9.  25: 18.  Mark  14:56— 59.  c Job  1:5. 
11.2.9.  Matt.  9:3.  Acts  6:11,13.  d Ec.  10:20.  Is.  8:21.  Am.  7:10.  Luke  23:2. 
John  19:12.  Acts  24:5.  e Lev.  24:11— 16.  Num.  15:35,36.  Deut.  13:10.  21:21. 
22:21,24.  Josh.  7:24,25.  2 Kings  9:26.  Acts  7:58,59.  f 2 Sam.  11:14— 24.  Ec.  5: 
8.8:14. 


himself  about  such  a trifle.  But  this  base  woman  meant  to 
rouse  her  husband  *to  gratify  both  his  covetousness  and 
revenge.  ( Notes , 2 Sam.  13:1 — 4.)  She  intimated,  that  he 
was  incapable  of  managing  a kingdom  as  it  became  a king, 
if  he  hesitated  to  seize  on  Naboth’s  vineyard,  and  to  punish 
his  insolence.  (Note,  John  11:49 — 53.)  ‘What!  hast  thou 
not  power  to  crush  such  an  adversary  ? Arise  and  enjoy 
thyself,  and  leave  the  business  with  me  ; I will  speedily  set- 
tle it  to  thy  satisfaction.’  This  was  her  evident  meaning,  to 
which  Ahab  made  no  objection  or  opposition. 

V.  8 — 14.  Jezebel  wrote  in  Ahab’s  name;  and  sealed 

the  letters  with  his  seal,  which  it  seems  he  allowed  her  to 
use  when  and  as  she  pleased.  Thus  the  elders  of  Jezreel 
were  required  to  obey  her  directions,  as  they  valued  the 
king’s  favour.  She  represented  Naboth  as  a dangerous  crimi- 
nal, who  must  be  taken  off,  without  a particular  inquiry  into 
the  nature  of  his  offence:  yet,  as  he  bore  a fair  character, 
some  charge  must  be  brought  against  him,  which  might  prevent 
the  people  from  taking  umbrage  at  his  execution.  A fast 
must  therefore  be  proclaimed ; as  if  some  horrid  wicked- 
ness had  been  discovered,  which  threatened  the  city  with 
divine  judgments,  till  solemnly  expiated.  (Note,  Is.  58:3,4.) 
This  would  excite  general  consternation  : and  on  the  day 
appointed,  Naboth  must  be  apprehended;  and  “men  of 
Belial”  procured,  (that  is,  men  wholly  unprincipled,  and  free 
from  all  restraints  of  conscience,  who  would  do  any  thing  for- 
hire  ;)  to  testify  that  he  had  blasphemed  God  and  the  king: 
thus  he  would  be  condemned  to  be  stoned  for  the  blasphemy  ; 
for  the  treasonable  words  his  estate  would  be  confiscated; 
and  the  elders  were  required  to  see  the  sentence  immediately 
executed.  These  infamous  orders  were  as  infamously 
obeyed,  without  hesitation  or  reluctance ; and  by  elders  and 
nobles  of  Israel,  though  in  contempt  of  all  religion,  law  and 
justice  ! — It  seems  they  stoned  Naboth’s  sons  also,  that  there 
might  be  none  to  avenge  his  death,  or  to  demand  his  estate. 
(2  Kings  9:26.)  When  Jezebel  cut  off  the  Lord’s  prophets,, 
she  had  doubtless  inured  the  magistrates  to  similar  practices, 
and  rewarded  their  wickedness:  so  that  she  did  not  fear  a 
refusal  from  the  elders  of  Jezreel.  They  also  knew  from 
whom  the  orders  came,  and  reported  the  execution  of  them 
to  Jezebel,  not  to  Ahab.  The  elders  of  the  same  city,  not 
long  after,  paid  as  implicit  an  obedience  to  Jehu’s  orders,  in 
putting  to  death  seventy  of  Ahab’s  descendants.  (2  Kings 
10:3—10.) 

Nobles.  (8)  : (from  album  esse,  albcscere ; Robert- 

son:) candidi,  candidate. , togati. — Didst  blaspheme.  (10) 
ro"0.  Note,  Job  1:5. 

V.  15,  16.  Ahab  proved,  that  he  was  pleased  with  ine 
conduct  of  Jezebel  and  her  agents;  and  indeed.he  made  it  his 
own,  by  readily  going  in  person  to  take  possession  of  the 
estate,  for  which  the  atrocious  murder  had  been  committed. 
(Note,  17—19.) 

Y.  17 — 19.  Other  prophets  or  sons  of  the  prophets  had 
been  sent  upon  ordinary  messages  to  Ahab : but  Elijah 
himself  was  employed  on  this  occasion,  whose  very  presence 

( 641  ) 


B.  C.  899. 


I.  KINGS 


B.  (J.  899. 


Jezebel  said  -*>  Aliab,  «Arise,  take  possession  of 
the  vineyard  ol  Naboth  the  Jezreelite,  which  he 
refused  to  give  thee  for  money  : for  Naboth  is  not 
alive,  but  dead. 

Ib  H And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Ahab  heard  that 
Naboth  was  dead,  that  hAhab  rose  up  to  go  down 
to  the  vineyard  of  Naboth  the  Jezreelite,  to  take 

possession  of  it.  I Practical  Observations.] 

17  H And  'the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to  Elijah 
the  Tishbite,  saying, 

18  Arise,  go  down  to  meet  Ahab  king  of  Israel, 
’'which  is  in  Samaria  : behold,  he  is  in  the  vine- 
yard of  Naboth,  whither  he  is  gone  down  to 
possess  it. 

19  And  thou  shalt  speak  unto  him,  saying,  Thus 
saith  the  Lord,  ’Hast  thou  killed,  and  also  taken 
possession?  And  thou  shalt  speak  unto  him, 
saying,  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  mIn  the  place  where 
dogs  licked  the  blood  of  Naboth  shall  dogs  lick 
thy  blood,  even  thine. 

20  And  Ahab  said  to  Elijah,  "Hast  thou  found 
me,  O mine  enemy?  And  he  answered,  I have 
found  thee  : because  “thou  hast  sold  thyself  Pto 
work  evil  in  the  sisrht  of  the  Lord. 

21  Behold,  'll  will  bring  evil  upon  thee,  and  will 
take  away  thy  posterity,  and  will  cut  off  from 
Ahab  rhim  that  pisseth  against  the  wall,  and  “him 
that  is  shut  up  and  left  in  Israel, 

e Seem  7.  h 2 Sam.  1:13—16.4:9—12.  11:25—27.23:15—17.  Ps. 50:18.  Is. 
33:15.  OUad.  12—14.  Rom.  1:32.  3 Pet.  2:15.  i 2 Kings  1:15,16.  5:25.  P*. 
9:12.  Is.  26.21.  k 13:32.  2Chr.22:9.  1 Gen.  3:11.  4:9,10.  2 Sam.  13:9. 

Mic.  3:1—4.  Mab.  2:9.12.  rn  22:38.  Jutlg.  1:7.  2 Sam.  12:11.  2 Kinks  9:25.26. 
Esili.  7:10.  Pe.  7:15,16.  9:16. 58:10,11.  n 18:17.  22.8.  2 Chr.  18:7,17.  Am.  5:10. 
Mirk  12:12.  Gal.  4:16.  Rev.  11:10.  o 25.  2 Kings  17:17.  Is.  50:1. 52:3.  Horn. 
7:14.  p 16:30.  2 Kings  21:2.  2Chr.  33:6.  Eph.  4:19.  q See  on  14:10.  Ex. 20: 
5.  2 Kings  9:7— 9.  10:1 — 7,11-14,17,30.  r See  on  1 Sam.  25  22,34.  s Dent. 
32:36.  2 Kings  9:8,9.  11:26.  t 15:29.16:3,4,11.  u See  on  14:16. 15:30,34.  16: 
25.  v See  on  25.  2 Kings  9: 10,30 — 37.  • Or,  ditch,  x 14:11.16:4.  Is.  14:19. 

would  dismay  the  proud  tyrant,  and  whose  strong  faith  and 
intrepid  spirit  qualified  him  for  such  a service.  (Notes,  18: 
17 — 20.)  In  the  very  vineyard  of  Naboth,  even  whilst  Ahab 
was  seizing  on  his  prey,  and  surrounded  by  his  officers,  the 
prophet  delivered  this  message  to  him,  for  his  deeper  morti- 
fication, and  that  it  might  be  more  noticed  by  others.  He 
directly  charged  Ahab  with  the  murder  of  Naboth,  nor  did  he 
attempt  to  deny  it,  or  to  excuse  himself.  The  prediction, 
that  dogs  should  lick  the  blood  of  Ahab,  certainly  implied 
that  he  would  be  cut  off  by  a violent  death  : but  the  expres- 
sion, “in  the  place  where,  &c.”  occasions  considerable  diffi- 
culty ; because  the  city  Samaria  was  at  some  distance  from 
Jezreel.  Some  learned  men  think  that  the  word  rendered 
“the  place  where,”  may  mean,  in  like  manner  as:  but 
this  signification  of  the  original  word  is  unprecedented. 
Others  suppose,  that  the  word  place  is  taken  in  a large 
sense,  for  all  the  adjacent  region  ; and  so  includes  Samaria, 
where  Ahab  dwelt,  and  where  he  was  buried ; as  well  as  the 
city  of  Jezreel.  (22:37,38.)  But  may  we  not  say,  that,  as 
dogs  licked  the  blood  of  Ahab,  literally , when  his  chariot  was 
washed  in  the  pool  of  Sa^naria ; so  they  licked  his  blood,  as 
flowing  through  and  from  the  veins  of  his  son  Jorarn,  when 
Joram  was  slain  by  Jehu,  and  his  body  thrown  into  this  very 
spot?  (Note,  2 Kings  9:25,26.) 

V.  20.  After  the  slaughter  of  Baal’s  prophets,  and  Eli- 
jah’s flight  from  Jezebel,  Ahab  had  returned  to  his  wicked 
course  of  life,  and  he  shunned  the  prophet  as  his  worst 
enemy:  and  it  does  not  appear,  that  Elijah  had  seen  him 
since  those  events.  (Notes,  22:8,9.)  Before  indeed  Ahab 
had  bestowed  much  pains  to  find  the  prophet:  but  being 
now  determined  in  idolatry,  and  yet  afraid  of  him,  whose 
prayers  had  called  for  drought  upon  the  land,  and  fire  and 
rain  from  heaven',  (Notes,  17:1.  18:38,39,41 — 44.)  and  espe- 

cially still  feeling  in  his  conscience  the  anguish  of  his  cutting 
rebukes,  he  even  trembled  at  the  thoughts  of  him.  Others, 
called  prophets*  had  come  to  him  with  milder  messages,  anil 
he  thought  them  more  friendly;  but  Elijah’s  severity  could 
not  be  mollified.  His  presence  therefore  on  this  occasion 
surprised,  offended,  and  affrighted  him;  and  when  “his  enemy 
had  found  him,”  he  expected  not  to  go  well  away,  but  to  hoar 
some  awful  judgment  denounced  against  him,  for  his  recent 
transgression. — Nor  did  Elijah  deny  that  he  was  an  enemy  to 
'his  wickedness  : he  neither  paid  respect  to  him,  nor  was  in- 
timidated by  his  anger  or  power.  He  had  found  him,  as  a 
thief  caught  in  the  fact;  and,  in  the  name  of  God,  he  de- 
nounced the  most  tremendous  sentence  of  condemnation  on 
him  and  on  his  posterity.  (Note,  Jer.  2:26 — 30.)  For  Ahab 
had  “ sold  himself”  as  a uniting  slave  to  his  lusts.  This  is  very 
different  from  “being  sold  under  sin  so  that  through  the 
remaining  power  of  corrupt  nature,  a man  who  “ delights  in 
I he  law  of  God,”  and  hates  all  sin,  yet  “ cannot  do  the  things 
that  he  would.”  In  the  former  case,  the  slavery  is  voluntary, 
the  will  itself  is  enslaved  ; in  the  latter,  it  is  involuntary,  and 
.s  a man’s  grief  and  distress.  “ To  will  is  present  with  me: 
out  howto  perform  that  which  is  good,  I find  not.” — “Oh 
wretched  man  that  I am.”  (Notes,  Rom.  7:13 — 25.) 

( C42  ) 


22  And  will  ’make  thy  house  like  the  house  ot_ 
Jeroboam  the  son  of'Nebat,  and  like  the  house  of 
Baasha  the  son  of  Ahijah,  for  the  provocation 
wherewith  thou  hast  provoked  me  to  anger,  ana 
“made  Israel  to  sin. 

23  And  of  ’Jezebel  also  spake  the  Lord,  saying. 
The  dogs  shall  eat  Jezebel  by  the  ’wall  of  Jezreel. 

24  Him  “that  dieth  of  Ahab  in  the  city  the 
dogs  shall  eat:  and  him  that  dieth  in  the  field 
shall  the  fowls  of  the  air  eat. 

25  But  rthere  was  none  like  unto  Ahab,  which 
did  “sell  -himself  to  work  wickedness  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord,  “whom  Jezebel  his  wife  ’stirred  up. 

26  And  he  did  bverv  abominably  in  following 
idols,  “according  to  all  things  as  did  the  Amorites, 
whom  the  Lord  cast  out  before  the  children  o I 
Israel. 

27  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Ahab  heard 
those  words,  that  dhe  rent  his  clothes,  and  put 
sackcloth  upon  his  flesh,  and  fasted,  and  “lay  in 
sackcloth,  and  f went  softly. 

28  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to  Elijah 
the  Tishbite,  saying, 

29  sSeest  thou  how  ''Aliab  humbleth  himselt 
before  me  ? because  he  humbleth  himself  before 
me,  ‘I  will  not  bring  kthe  evil  in  his  days:  but 
‘in  his  son’s  days  will  I bring  the  evil  upon  his 
house. 

Jer.  15:8.  Ex.  32:4,5.  39:18— 20.  Rev.  19:18.  y 16:30— 33.  2 King823:25. 
7 See  on  20.  2 King.  17:17.  Is.  50:1. 52  3.  Rum.  6:19.  7:14.  a 7.  11:1—1.  18: 
31.  18:4.  19:2.  Piov.  22:14.  Ec.  7:26.  Mark  6:17—2).  Acts  6 12.  14:2.  t Or, 
incited,  b 2 Chr.  15:8.  Is.  65:4.  Jer.  16:18.44:4.  Ex.  18:12.  I Pa.  4.3.  Rev. 
2118.  c Gen.  15:16.  Lev.  18:25— 30.  20:22,23.  Dei, t.  12:31.  2 King.  16:3.21:2, 
II.  2 Chr.  33:2,9.  36:14.  Kara  9:11— 14.  Pa.  106:3.5— 39.  Ex.  16.47.  d Gen. 
37:34.  2 Klin's  6:30, 31.  18:37.  Jon.  3:6.  i 2 Sam.  12:17.  Job  1615.  Is.  22:12. 
58:5-8.  Joel.  1:13.  f Is.  38:15.  g Jer.  7:17.  Luke  7:44.  Ii  Ex . 10:3.  Ps.  18: 
44.66:3.  margins.  78-34—37.  i Ps.  86:15.  Ex.  33:10,11.  Mic.  7:18.  Rom.  2:4 
2 Pet.  3:9.  k See  on  21—23.  1 2 Kings  9:25.26,33—37.  10:1—7,11. 

Thou  hast  sold  thyself.]  "p-onn  ; 25. — / have  sold: 
orvooj  yc  have  sold  yourselves,  rr  have  been  sold.  Is.  50:1. 

V.  21,  22.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 14:9-11.  16:2—6. 

V.  23.  This  circumstance  not.  only  predicted  the  dreadful 
manner  in  which  Jezebel  should  be  slain,  but  denoted  the 
worst  punishment  of  sin  to  be  after  death.  (Note,  2 Kings 
9:30 — 37.) — Jezreel .]  In  the  very  place  in  which  Naboth 
had  been  murdered.  If  Jezebel  attended  Aljab  on  this  occa- 
sion, it  was,  as  far  as  is  recorded,  the  only  time  in  which 
Elijah  spake  in  her  presence. 

V.  25,  26.  Ahab’s  crime  in  respect  of  Naboth,  was  not  a 
detached  part  of  his  conduct,  contrary  to  the  general  course 
of  his  life,  as  David’s  sin  in  the  rmUter  of  Uriah  had  been  : 
but  it  was  a specimen  of  his  continued  rebellion  against  God : 
(Note,  Rom.  7:15 — 17.)  and  the  gross  and  open  idolatry  to 
which  Jezebel  had  first  stirred  him  up,  was  even  more  abo- 
minable in  the  sight  of  God  than  his  murder  and  other  crimes. 
Having  sold  himself  to  w ork  wickedness  in  the  sight  of  the 
Lord,  as  if  in  contempt  and  defiance  of  him,  he  was  openly, 
constantly,  and  diligently  employed  in  it , as  a slave  is  in  his  mas- 
ter’s business  ; and  it  was  requisite  that  his  punishment  should 
be  as  notorious  as  his  crimes  had  been.  (Marg.  Ref.  U,  1.) 

V.  27—29.  Ahab  was  greatly  terrified  at  Elijah’s  mes- 
sage ; and  at  the  severe,  determined,  and  solemn  manner  in 
which  he  delivered  it : but  his  humiliation  was  superficial,  and 
productive  of  external  observances  only.  He  did  not,  that 
we  find,  so  much  as  restore  Naboth’s  vineyard  to  his  heirs  ; 
much  less  did  he  put  aw  ay  Jezebel,  or  renounce  idolatry,  and 
establish  the  worship  of  God.  But  lie  rent  his  clothes,  wore 
sackcloth,  and  lay  in  it,  fasted,  and  appeared  in  public  with 
the  dejected  air  of  a penitent. — However,  though  his  humi- 
liation was  formal  and  hypocritical,  it  acknowledged  the  jus- 
tice of  God,  and  his  ow  n sin,  and  put  an  outward  honour  on 
the  divine  law.  Neither  Jeroboam  nor  Baasha  had  even 
thus  far  humbled  themselves.  Inadequate  as  it.  was,  Ahab 
would  have  acted  still  worse,  if  he  had  vindicated  and  gloried 
in  his  crimes,  or  attempted  to  put  the  prophet  to  death  : and 
therefore  the  Lord  recompensed  his  outward  temporary  re- 
pentance with  a similar  rew  ard  ; for  he  granted  him  a respite 
of  the  judgment,  as  far  as  it  respected  his  family,  and  spared 
him  the  anguish  of  witnessing  the  slaughter  of  his  children. 

1 Accordingly,  it  was  his  son’s  blood,  not  his,  which  was 
licked  up  by  the  dogs,  in  the  portion  of  Jezreel.’  Bp.  Patrick. 
(Note,  17 — 19.) — Jezebel  was  too  hardened  to  show  any 
svmptoms  of  remorse  on  this,  or  any  other  occasion.  (Note, 
Acts  24:24—27.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 7.  Tt  is  natural  to  us,  as  fallen  creatures,  to  hanker 
after  those  things  which  are  withheld  from  us;  and  every 
accession  of  wealth  or  prosperity,  increases  the  violence  of 
this  propensity.  The  commandment  indeed,  which  forbids  us 
to  covet,  “ is  holy,  just,  and  good,”  the  fence  of  our  neigh- 
bour’s property,  and  of  our  own  pence  and  integrity.  (Note. 
Ex.  20:17.)  But  alas!  “ it  is  wtuk  through  the  flesh  and 
the  impetuous  torrent  of  our  lusts  easily  bursts  the  salutary 
Carrier,  and  rages  the  more  for  having  been  opposed.  (Note. 


B.  C.  897. 


CHAPTER  XXII 


B.  C.  897 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

jihab  persuades  Jehoshaphat  to  go  with  him  against  Ramoth-gilead , l — 4.  Jc - 
hosh/iphat  proposes  to  inquire  of  the  LORD  ; and  the  false  prophets  assure 
AhaJ>  of  success , 5—7.  Ai  Jehoshaphat' s request  Micaiah , whom  Ahab  hates, 
is  sent  for , 8—12.  The  messenger's  advice  to  Micaiah , and  his  answer , 13, 
14.  Micaiah , adjured  by  Ahab  to  declare  the  truth,  predicts  his  death , and 
shows  that  his  prophets  are  deceived  by  a lying  spirit , 15 — 23.  Hr  is  reviled, 
emit  en,  and  sunt  to  prison,  24 — 28.  Jehoshaphat  goes  to  battle  in  his  robes, 
but  Ahab  in  disguise,  29,  30.  Jehoshaphat,  mistaken  fur  Ahab,  narrowly 
escapes;  Afuib  is  mortally  wounded ; and  the  people  are  dispersed  by  pro- 
clamation, 31 — 36.  Ahab  airs  ; and  dogs  lick  his  blood,  37 — 38.  The  acts  of 
Ahab,  who  is  succeeded  by  Ahaziah,  39,  40.  Jehoshaphat' s good  reign  and 
tets,  41 — 49.  he  dies,  and  is  succeeded  by  Jehoram,  50.  Ahaziah' s wicked 
reign,  51 — 63. 

AND  “they  continued  three  years  without  war 
between  Syria  and  Israel. 

bS«o.20:34.  b 1.  Mult.  12:10.  16:21.  c 41 , 44.  See  on  15:21.  2 Kingt  8:18. 
SChr.  18:1,2.  d 4:13.  Deut.4:43.  Josh.  20:8.  * Heb.  silent  from  taking  it. 

Judg.  16:2.  2 Sam.  19:10.  margins,  e 2 Kings  3:7.  2 Chr.  18:3.  f2Chr.  19:2. 

Rom.  8:3,4.)  Yet  every  violation  of  the  precept  proves  its 
excellency  ; as  indulged  concupiscence  opens  the  door  to 
temptations,  makes  way  for  the  most  atrocious  crimes,  and 
prepares  misery  and  destruction  for  every  one  who  stands  in 
the  way  of  its  gratification.  If  fair  means  fail  to  procure  the 
object  of  inordinate  desires,  fraud  or  violence  must  be  em- 
ployed.— Pride  cannot  brook  opposition;  every  plea  of  con- 
science is  treated  as  mere  pretence ; and  the  best  intended 
actions,  of  the  most  blameless  and  excellent  persons,  are 
ascribed  to  the  worst  of  motives.  But  such  passions  are  ser- 
pents cherished  in  a man’s  bosom,  the  bite  of  which  inflicts 
exquisite  torture  and  death. — Vain  indeed  are  earthly  advan- 
tages, if  the  want  of  a coveted  spot  of  ground  for  a garden, 
and  the  supercilious  or  conscientious  behaviour  of  an  inferior, 
can  rob  a prosperous  monarch  of  all  his  comfort,  and  render 
him  sick  with  rage  and  vexation  ! ( Note , Esth.  5:13.)  This, 
however,  is  wholly  the  effect  of  men’s  lusts  and  passions, 
which,  like  children,  are  always  most  restless  when  most  in- 
dulged. Providential  blessings  well  answer  the  end  for  which 
they  were  intended,  but  cannot  form  a rational  creature’s 
felicity : and  that  degree  of  contradiction  or  disappointment, 
which  would  scarcely  cause  a humble  man  to  heuve  one  sigh, 
will  break  a proud  man’s  heart.  We  should  beware  then  of 
covetousness,  pride,  anger,  envy,  and  discontent : we  should 
“ watch  and  pray  that  we  may  not  enter  into  temptation 
we  should  aim  to  make  the  spiritual  precept,  “ thou  shalt  not 
covet,”  the  barrier  in  our  hearts , as  well  as  in  the  law  of  God, 
against  the  violation  of  the  other  commandments;  and  not 
allow  ourselves  so  to  desire  things  lawful,  as  not  to  be  able 
to  brook  a denial  or  disappointment.  (Note,  Matt.  5:27,28.) 
Our  more  intimate  connexions  are  in  these  respects  of  the 
highest  importance.  In  the  married  state  we  expect,  and 
should  reciprocally  impart,  sympathy,  counsel,  encourage- 
ment, and  assistance:  but  when,  instead  of  a prudent  and 
pious  counsellor,  a man  has  a factor  for  Satan  in  the  form  of 
an  artful,  unprincipled,  and  beloved  woman,  what  fatal  effects 
may  not  be  expected  ! u Be  ye  not  therefore  unequally 
yoked  with  unbelievers.”  It  is  hard  to  relate  facts  respecting 
ourselves  with  simplicity  and  impartiality ; but  much  more 
difficult  to  restrain  those  within  the  strict  limits  of  equity,  who 
are  able  to  seize  on  the  objects  of  their  desires,  without  fear 
of  being  called  to  account  before  any  human  tribunal.  Hence 
rapines  and  oppressions  have  disgraced  human  nature,  and 
desolated  the  earth,  in  all  ages ; every  resistance  to  the  will 
of  a superior,  however  reasonable,  conscientious,  and  mild, 
has  been  condemned  as  rebellion  ; and  this  has  occasioned 
assassinations,  massacres,  or  public  executions.  A little 
acquaintance  with  history,  and  with  human  nature,  will  ter- 
minate our  astonishment  at  such  transactions  ; for  u nothing  is 
new  under  the  sun:”  but  they  must  ever  excite  our  regret,  our 
compassion,  and  our  indignation. 

V.  8—16.  The  most,  flagrant  injustice  has  generally  been 
committed  under  the  colour  of  legal  forms;  and  the  most 
horrid  crimes  have  been  perpetrated  under  the  mask  of  piety: 
because  the  show  of  these  good  things  hides  the  deformity  of 
such  transactions  as  otherwise  could  never  be  endured. 
( Notes , Matt.  23:14,25 — 28.) — Many  command  and  reward 
villany,  who  in  their  hearts  despise  and  det-est  the  merce- 
nary wretches  whom  they  employ.  (Note,  Matt.  27:3 — 5.) 
It  is  grievous  that  men  of  Belial  abound  even  in  the  lower 
orders  of  society;  but  most  horrible  when  judges  and  nobles 
deserve  this  harsh  appellation.  Yet  there  will  always  be 
found  those  in  every  rank  who  will  prostitute  their  talents, 
influence,  and  conscience,  to  the  tyrant  who  rewards  iniquity. 
( Notes,  Ps.  58:1,2.  82:2—4.  Ez.  22:27,28.  Mic.  2:1—3. 
7:1—4.  Matt.  2(3:57 — 62.)  Let  us  then  bless  God  for  a 
limited  government,  and  for  security  from  such  outrages  of 
oppression:  though,  even  in  Britain,  men  of  Belial,  by  false 
testimony  and  perjury,  may  deprive  us  of  our  property,  our 
liberty,  our  reputation,  or  our  lives.  We  should  therefore 
commit  all  that  is  dear  to  us  to  the  Lord’s  keeping ; seek 
hose  good  things  which  cannot  be  taken  from  us;  and  wait 
*ith  cheerful  patience  for  that  approaching  judgment,  when 
all  iniquitous  sentences  shall  be  reversed.  And  let  judges, 
juries,  and  witnesses  beware  of  being  warped  in  their  deci- 
sions, verdicts,  or  testimony,  by  fear,  affection,  or  interest : 
for  those,  who  now  are  placed  upon  the  tribunal,  must  shortly 
stand  at  the  bar,  to  answer  before  a heart-searching,  impar- 
tial Judge,  for  their  conduct  in  their  important  stations. — 
Those  who  rejoice  in  iniquity,  and  gladly  seize  on  the  profit 


2 And  it  came  to  pass  *in  the  third  year,  tha: 
“Jehoshaphat  the  king  of  Judah  came  down  to  me 
king  of  Israel. 

3 And  the  king  of  Israel  said  unto  his  servants 
Know  ye  that  'Ramoth  in  Gilead  is  ours,  and  we 
be  'still,  and  take  it  not  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
king  of  Syria? 

4 And  he  said  unto  Jehoshaphat,  “Wilt  thou  go 
with  me  to  battle  to  Ramoth-gilead?  And  Jeho- 
shaphat said  to  the  king  of  Israel,  fI  am  as  thou 
art,  my  people  as  thy  people,  my  horses  as  thy 
horses. 


Ps.  139:21,22.  Pror.  13:20.  1 Cor.  15:33.  2 Cor.  6:16,11.  Epk.5:ll.  2 John  11. 
Rev.  2:2.6. 


derived  from  the  crimes  of  others,  will  be  condemned  equally 
with  the  perpetrators:  and  the  triumphing  of  the  wicked  in 
the  success  of  their  villany,  resembles  the  flash  of  lightning, 
which  leaves  the  night  more  dark  and  gloomy  than  before : 
for  the  Lord  beholds  and  is  displeased ; and  his  tremendous 
threatenings  are  only  preludes  to  his  more  tremendous  ven- 
geance. 

V.  17 — 29.  Such  ministers  of  God  as  are  most  decidedly 
faithful,  must  expect  to  be  deemed  morose,  and  even  malevo- 
lent, by  sinners,  whose  consciences  have  been  galled  with 
their  plain  warnings  and  rebukes,  but  whose  hearts  are 
wedded  to  their  lusts.  Men  of  this  character  often  count  the 
very  persons  to  be  their  enemies,  whose  hearts  bleed  with 
compassion  for  them,  and  whose  secret  prayers  in  their 
behalf  are  recorded  before  God,  as  a demonstration  of  their 
disinterested  love  for  them.  Indeed  this  appears  in  their 
being  willing  rather  to  incur  their  keenest  resentment,  than 
cease  their  endeavours  to  save  their  souls.  If  men  allow  that 
they  hate  the  minister  for  his  faithfulness,  they  condemn 
themselves ; but  if  they  dislike  him  for  his  excessive  severity, 
and  his  ill-nature,  they  are  perfectly  excusable:  and  what 
sinner  would  not  wish  to  stand  fair  with  his  own  conscience, 
and  with  society?  (Note,  22:8.)  On  the  other  hand,  im- 
penitent sinners  often  account  those  to  be  their  friends,  who 
speak  smooth  things,  and  help  them  to  deceive  themselves, 
and  are  very  lavish  in  their  commendation,  by  way  of  con- 
trasting them  with  those  whom  they  deem  their  enemies  ; 
that  it  may  be  thought  they  love  religion,  while  they  hate  its 
firmest  friends. — But  “ the  man  of  God”  will  neither  desire 
the  applause,  nor  fear  the  reproach,  of  those  who  have  “ sold 
themselves  to  work  wickedness,”  and  evince  that  they  are 
the  enemies  of  God  and  holiness.  His  testimony  will  one 
day  find  out  those  who  have  rejected  it  to  their  condemnation. 
Terrible  things  may  come  upon  the  willing  slaves  of  sin  in 
this  woild  ; but  they  will  surely  receive  its  awful  wages  in 
the  second  death.  (Note,  Rev.  20:11 — 15.) — At  the  tribunal 
of  God,  the  difference  will  be  manifest  to  all  men,  between 
the  most  lamentable  falls  of  true  believers,  and  the  habitual 
wickedness  of  ungodly  men ; and  between  true  repentance 
and  all  external,  partial,  and  temporary  appearances  of  it. — 
Before  the  searching  word  of  God,  the  most  hardened  con- 
science (with  very  few  exceptions)  will  sometimes  be  dis- 
quieted, and  the  stoutest,  hearts  tremble ; and  for  a season 
sinners  will  speak  and  act  as  if  truly  penitent.  But  “ by  their 
fruits  ye  sTiall  know  them:”  and  as  the  heart  remains  un- 
changed, nature  will  soon  return  to  that  course  from  which 
it  has  been  violently  forced  ; so  that  relapses  into  former  ini- 
quities, with  continuance  and  quietness,  will  evince  such 
hopeful  appearances  to  be  widely  different  from  “ that  repent- 
ance, which  is  unto  salvation  not  to  be  repented  of.”  Yet, 
as  these  concessions  outwardly  yield  the  point  in  contest, 
and  are  thus  honourable  to  God,  he  will  notice  and  recom- 
pense them  with  respites  and  outward  benefits.  So  that, 
whilst  we  are  warned  to  beware  of  counterfeits,  we  are  en- 
couraged by  the  abounding  grace  of  God,  which  lie  will  never 
withhold  from  the  upright  humble  soul ; seeing  he  so  delights 
in  mercy,  that  he  extends  it  even  to  wicked  men,  as  far  as 
consists  with  his  justice,  holiness,  truth,  and  wisdom.  W e 
may  also  be  animated  to  abound  in  the  work  of  the  Lord, 
assured  that  our  labour  will  not  be  in  vain ; since  lie  even 
recompenses  in  kind  the  formal  services  of  his  enemies.  And 
finally,  may  we  seek  the  blessings  of  the  new  covenant  for  the 
good  of  ourselves,  and  of  our  children  after  us  ; whilst  wicked 
tn^fi  Meave  their  inheritance  tp  their  posterity,  burdened  with 
the  curse  of  God ; and  ensure  destruction  to  their  own  souls. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXII.  V.  1.  Three  years.]  During 
this  time  Ben-hadad  was,  no  doubt,  recruiting  his  forces,  and 
preparing  for  war ; having  by  no  means  adhered  to  the  treaty 
which  Ahab  had  made  with  him. 

V.  2.  We  shall  have  a better  opportunity  i. ereader  of 
fully  considering  Jehoshaphat’s  character.  (Note,  2 Chr. 
17: — 20:) — He  was  very  criminal  in  marrying  his  son  to  one 
of  the  family  of  idolatrous  Ahab,  which  probably  occasioned 
his  visit  at  Samaria,  with  all  its  consequences.  (Notes, 
2 Kings  8:18.  2 Chr.  18:1.) 

V.  3.  Ramoth,  &c.]  This  seems  to  have  been  one  of  the 
cities  that  Ben-hadad  had  engaged  to  restore  to  Ahab:  but, 
having  recovered  his  liberty,  he  made  no  scruple  of  violating 
his  word.  (Note,  20:31—34.)  Ramoth  in  Gilead  was 
allotted  to  the  tribe  of  Gad,  and  appointed  by  Moses  lo  be 
( 643  ) 


B.  C.  897.  I.  KINGS.  B.  C.  897. 


5 And  Jehoshaphat  said  unto  the  king  of  Israel, 
^Inquire,  I pray  thee,  at  the  word  of  the  Lord  to- 
day. 

6 Then  the  king  of  Israel  gathered  hthe  pro- 
phets together,  about  four  hundred  men,  and  said 
unto  them,  Shall  I go  against  Ramoth-gilead  to 
battle,  or  shall  I forbear  ? And  they  said,  'Go  up ; 
for  the  Lord  shall  deliver  it  into  the  hand  of  the 
king. 

7 And  Jehoshaphat  said,  Hs  there  not  here  a 
prophet  of  the  Lord  besides,  that  we  might  in- 
quire of  him  ? 

8 And  the  king  of  Israel  said  unto  Jehoshaphat, 
There  is  kyet  one  man,  Mieaiah  the  son  of  Imlah, 
by  whom  we  may  inquire  of  the  Lord  : 'but  I hate 
him  : for  he  doth  not  prophesy  “good  "concerning 
me,  but  evil.  And  Jehoshaphat  said,  “Let  not  the 
king  say  so. 

9 Then  the  king  of  Israel  called  an  'officer,  and 
said,  ^Hasten  hither  Mieaiah  the  son  of  Imlah. 

[ Practical  Observations.'] 

10  And  the  king  of  Israel  and  Jehoshaphat  the 
king  of  Judah,  sat  each  on  his  throne,  ^having  put 
on  their  robes,  in  a Void  place  in  the  entrance  of 

g Nurn.  27:21.  Josh.  9:14.  Jude.  1:1. 20:18,23,23.  1 Sum.  14:18,19.  23:2,4,9 
— 12.  30:8.  2 Kings  1:3.3:11.  I Clir.  10:13,14.  2 Chr.  18:4,5.  Prov.  3:5,6.  Jer. 
21:2  42:2 — 6.  Es.  14:3. 20:1— 3.  h 18:19.  2 Tim.  4:3.  i 15,22,23  . 2Chr. 
18:14.  Jer.  8:10,11.  14:13,14.23:14— 17.  28:1— 9.  Ez.  13:7— 16,22.  Matt.  7:15. 
2 Pet.  2:1— 3.  Rev.  19:20.  j 2 Kings  3: 1 1—13.  2 Chr.  13:6,7.  k 18:4.  19:10,14. 
23:41,42.  1 27.20:43.21:20.  Gen.  37:8.  2 Chr.  36:16.  Prov.  9:8.  15: 12.  Is  49:7. 
Jer.  18:18.20:10.43:3,4.  Am.  5:10.  Zech.  11:8.  Malt.  10.22.  John  3: 19— 21.  7:7. 
15:18,19.  17:14.  Gal.  4:16.  Rev.  11:7—10.  m 13.  Is.  30:10.  Jer.  38:4.  Mic.  2:11. 
n 20:35-42.  2 Kings  9:22.  16.3:11.57:19—21.  o 21:27— 29.  Prov.  5:12— 14. 
Mic.  2:7.  *Or,  eunuch.  2 Kings  9:32.  2 Chr.  18:8.  Is.  39:7.  Dan.  1:18.  p26, 


one  of  the  cities  of  Refuge.  ( Deut . 4:43.  Josh.  20:8.)  It  was 
also  given  to  the  Levites  of  the  family  of  Merari.  (Josh. 
21:38.)  Yet  it  was  at  this  time  possessed  by  the  king  of 
Syria. 

V.  4.  Jehoshaphat  meant  nothing  more,  than  to  express 
his  readiness  to  atford  Ahab  every  assistance  in  his  power ; 
as  both  he  and  his  forces  were  at  his  command : but  the  lan- 
guage seemed  to  countenance  all  Ahab’s  undertakings;  or  at 
least  to  treat  all  the  differences  in  opinion  and  conduct  be- 
tween him  and  Ahab  as  unimportant ! Yet  surely  there  was 
an  essential  difference  between  the  reformer  of  Judah,  and  the 
corrupter  of  Israel ! But  excessive  pliability  of  temper  was 
the  grand  defect  in  Jehoshaphat’s  character;  which  exposed 
him  to  many  temptations,  and  involved  him  and  his  kingdom 
in  many  and  complicated  calamities  ; and  terminated  in  the 
extirpation  of  his  whole  family,  Joash  alone  excepted.  ( Notes , 
2 Kings  8:18.  9:27,28.  10:13,14.  11:1,2.  2 Chr.  18:1.19:2.) 

V.  5.  Jehoshaphat  had  been  used  to  “acknowledge  God 
in  all  his  ways,”  and  not  to  engage  in  any  important  under- 
taking without  inquiring  of  him  by  his  prophets,  or  high-priest ; 
and  he  was  not  satisfied  that  Ahab  should  do  otherwise.  But 
what  true  servant  of  God  could  bring  an  acceptable,  or  even 
a tolerable  message,  to  a gross  idolater  and  cruel  oppressor, 
who,  for  twenty-two  years  after  he  came  to  the  throne,  had 
been  hardening  himself  in  iniquity,  amidst  warnings,  judg- 
ments, mercies,  and  convictions  ? 

y.  6.  It  is  most  probable,  that  these  were  the  prophets 
of  the  groves,  who  escaped,  when  the  prophets  of  Baal  were 
slain  at  the  command  of  Elijah  ; for  certainly  they  were  false 
prophets.  (Notes,  18:18 — 20,40.)  No  doubt,  they  commonly 
prophesied  in  the  name  of  Baal,  or  of  some  idol : but  it  seems 
that  occasionally  they  could  speak  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 
[n  this  verse  indeed  the  word  is  not  Jehovah,  but  Adonai , 
which  is  used  with  greater  latitude:  hut  afterwards  both 
Zedekiah,  and  the  rest  of  them,  used  the  word  Jehovah. 
(11,12.)  Like  some  modern  philosophers  and  poets,  they 
perhaps  would  argue,  that  it  was  all  one,  whether  the 
Supreme  Being  were  called  Baal,  or  Jehovah,  or  Jupiter. 
To  accommodate  themselves  therefore  to  Jehoshaphat,  and 
to  show  that  they  were  not  bigots,  but  men  of  candour  and 
liberali'.y,  they  would  for  once  prophesy  in  the  name  of 
Jehovah.  They  perhaps  allowed  Jehoshaphat  to  be  a good 
sort  of  man  : but  he  had  some  narrow  prejudices,  and  would 
not  he  satisfied,  if  they  said,  4 Go  up,  for  Baal  shall  deliver  it 
into  the  hand  of  the  King;’  and  they  would  scorn  to  disagree 
with  him  about  a trifling  variation,  which  they  could  make 
with  little  trouble,  and  without  expense. — They  perceived 
also  which  way  Ahab’s  inclinations  leaned,  and  to  please  him 
likewise  they  assured  him  of  success.  It  is  however  to  be 
supposed,  that  the  number  and  valour  of  Ahab’s  forces,  his 
alliance  with  Jehoshaphat,  and  the  scandalous  treachery  of 
Ben-hadad,  concurred  in  encouraging  their  hopes  that  lie 
should  obtain  the  victory:  especially  as,  notwithstanding  his 
idolatries,  he  had  before  been  rendered  successful.  ( Notes,  20:) 

V.  7.  Jehoshaphat  must  have  regarded  these  prophets  as 
deceivers  and  sycophants,  whose  interest  it  was  to  counsel 
Ahab  to  please  himself.  He  knew  that  Israel  was  favoured 
with  Elijah,  Elisha,  and  other  eminent  prophets,  though  none 
of  them  appeared  at  court : he  felt  dissatisfied  ; but  being  too 
afraid  of  giving  offence,  he  seemed  to  allow  that  these  were 

( 644  ) 


the  gate  of  Samaria;  and  rall  the  prophets  pro- 
phesied before  them. 

11  And  Zedekiah  the  son  of  Chenaanah  made 
him  "horns  of  iron : and  he  said,  ‘Thus  saith  the 
Lord,  With  these  shalt  thou  push  the  Syrians, 
until  thou  have  consumed  them. 

12  And  all  the  prophets  prophesied  so,  saying, 
“Go  up  to  Ramoth-gilead,  and  prosper : for  the 
Lord  shall  deliver  it  into  the  king’s  hand. 

13  And  the  messenger  that  was  gone  to  cai 
Mieaiah  spake  unto  him,  saying,  "Behold  now, 
the  words  of  the  prophets  declare  good  unto  the 
king  with  one  mouth  : let  thy  word,  I pray  thee, 
be  like  the  word  of  one  of  them,  and  speak  that 
which  is  good. 

14  And  Mieaiah  said,  As  the  Lord  liveth, 
rwhat  the  Lord  saith  unto  me,  that  will  I speak. 

15  H So  he  came  to  the  king.  And  the  king  said 
unto  him,  Mieaiah,  "shall  we  go  against  Ramoth- 
gilead  to  battle,  or  shall  we  forbear?  And  he 
answered  him,  “Go,  and  prosper : for  the  Lord 
shall  deliver  it  into  the  hand  ol  the  king. 

16  And  the  king  said  unto  him,  How  many 
times  bshall  I adjure  thee  “that  thou  tell  me 

27.  q 30.  Eslh.  5:1.  6:8,9.  Matt.  6:20.  11:8.  Acts  12:21.25:23.  1 Heb.  floor 
r 18:29.  2 Clir.  18:9—11.  Jer.  27:14—16.  Ex.  13.1—9.  s Jer.  27:2.  28:10—14. 
x Zech.  1:18-21.  Acts  19:13—16.  2 Cor.  11:13— 15. 2 Tim.  3:8.  t Jer.  23:17,25. 
31. 28:2,3.  29:21.  Ez.  13:6.  22:27,28.  Mic.  3:11.  u See  on  6— 15,32-  36.  x Ps. 
10:11.  11:1.  14:1.50:21.  Is.  30:10.11.  lira.  7:3.  Am.  7:13—17.  Mis.  2:6, 7,1 1. 
1 Cor.  2:14—16.  y Num.  22:38.  2 Clir.  18:12,13.  Jer.  23:28.  26:2,3.  42:4.  Ex.  2:4 
—8.3:17— 19.  Acts20:20, 26,27  . 2Cor. 2:17.  4:2.  z See  on  6.  a 18:27.  Jrnlg. 
10:14.  2 Kings  3:13.  2 Chr.  18:14.  Ec.  11:9.  Matt.  26.45.  b Josh.  6:26.  1 Sum. 
14:24.  2 Chr.  18:15.  Malt.  26:63.  Mark  5:7.  Acts  19:13.  c Jer.  42:5—6.  Matt. 
22:16,17. 


prophets  of  God,  yet  he  wished  to  gonsult  some  other,  if  there 
•were  any  to  be  found.  Perhaps  he  took  occasion,  from  their 
using  the  word  Adonai , (which  might  mean  either  the  God  of 
Israel,  or  a false  god,)  to  inquire  after  some  other  prophet  of 
Jehovah:  and  this  might  induce  them  afterwards  to  change 
their  language  in  this  respect.  His  subsequent  conduct, 
however,  shows  that  he  paid  far  more  regard  to  them,  than 
he  ought  to  have  done,  or  than  they  deserved.  Indeed,  he 
ought  to  have  decidedly  entered  his  protest  against  them,  and 
warned  Ahab  of  his  danger,  if  he  hearkened  to  them  : as 
Mieaiah  did.  At  least  he  should  have  done  this,  after  he  had 
heard  Micaiah’s  message.  (Notes,  17 — 28.) 

V.  8.  Mieaiah  is  never  mentioned  in  the  history,  except 
in  this  chapter  and  the  histqry  in  Chronicles:  (2  Chr.  18: ) 
yet  he  doubtless  had  several  times  been  sent  with  messages 
of  rebuke  and  warning  to  this  haughty  idolater:  (Note,  9.) 
Ahab,  therefore,  while  he  allowed,  that  they  might  inquire  of 
the  Lord  day  him,  acknowledged  that  he  hated  him  ! (Notes, 
Is.  30:8 — 11.  John  7:3 — 10.15:17 — 21.)  But  Jehoshaphat 

ventured  gently  to  intimate  that  he  ought  not  to  speak  thus: 
he  ought  neither  to  hate  him,  nor  he  displeased  with  his  word, 
nor  seek  agreeable  but  useful  things ; and  he  hoped  on  this 
occasion  he  would  bring  an  encouraging  message. 

V.  9.  Ahab  knew  where  to  find  Mieaiah,  whom  he 
perhaps  had  nut  in  prison  for  some  of  his  faithful  reproofs. 
(Note,  26,27.) — Some  conjecture  that  Mieaiah  was  the  pro- 
phet, who  three  years  before  had  chagrined  Ahab,  and  that 
he  had  kept  him  in  prison  ever  since.  (Note,  20:43.) 

V.  10,  11.  (Marg.  Ref.  q,  r.  Note,  24,25.)  Horns , 
&c.  (11)  These  horns  of  iron  were,  probably,  intended  to 
represent  the  joint  forces  of  the  two  kings,  made  successful 
by  the  power  of  God.  The  false  prophets  imitated  the  true 
ones  in  using  external  signs,  the  more  deeply  to  impress  the 
minds  of  those  whom  they  addressed.  (Marg.  Ref.  s,  t.) 

V.  13,  14.  Perhaps  this  man  intended  to  be  friendly  to 
Mieaiah  : and  thought  it  was  a pity,  that  he  should  hinder  his 
preferment,  and  expose  himself  to  Ahab’s  resentment,  by  a 
needless  or  useless  scrupulousness.  He  advised  him  to  show 
some  deference  to  royalty  ; to  have  some  respect  to  the  other 
prophets  ; and  not  to  affect  singularity,  or  presume  that  ho 
alone  was  divinely  inspired.  But  he  must  have  entertained 
most  absurd  notions  concerning  prophecy  ; either  considering 
the  whole  to  be  a mere  imposition  ; or  supposing  that  the 
truth,  will,  and  purpose  of  God,  could  he  modelled  according 
to  the  inclinations  of  man.  If  he  thought  that  Mieaiah,  by 
speaking  that  which  was  good  to  Ahab,  could  promote  the 
success  of  the  enterprise,  he  must  have  been  extremely  igno- 
rant. And  it  was  still  worse,  if  ho  advised  Mieaiah  to  please 
the  king,  without  regard  to  consequences.  Perhaps,  ho  con- 
cluded, that  the  unanimity  and  confidence,  with  which  so 
great  a number  of  prophets  assured  Ahab  of  success  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  proved  them  to  be  in  the  right  ; 
and  that  it  would  he  foolish  in  Mieaiah  to  oppose  his  single 
voice  to  such  a multitude.  And  indeed,  not  only  Ahab, 
but  Jehoshaphat  himself,  seems  to  have  been  imposed  upon 
by  the  same  delusive  argument ; which,  in  one  form  or  other, 
has  been  urged  as  cogent,  if  not  unanswerable,  by  very  able 
and  sensible  men,  in  every  age  of  the  church.  ‘lie  thought 
he  could  persuade  Mieaiah,  not  to  dissent  from  the  it*st,  lest 
ho  should  fall  under  the  censure  of  singularity  peevishness. 


B.  C.  897. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


nothing  but  that  which  is  true  in  the  name  of  the 

Lord  ? 

17  And  he  said,  dI  saw  all  Israel  scattered 
upon  the  hills,  'as  sheep  that  have  not  a shepherd : 
and  the  Lord  said,  These  have  no  master ; let 
them  return  every  man  to  his  house  in  peace. 

ft  And  the  king  of  Israel  said  unto  Jehosh- 
aphat,  ‘ Did  I not  tell  thee  that  he  would  pro- 
phesy no  good  concerning  me,  but  evil  ? 

19  And  he  said,  eHear  thou  therefore  the  word 
of  the  Lord:  hI  saw  the  Lord  sitting  on  his 
throne,  and  ‘all  the  host  of  heaven  standing  by 
him  on  his  right  hand  and  on  his  left : 

20  And  the  Lord  said,  Who  shall  'persuade 
Ahab,  that  he  may  go  up  and  fall  at  Ramoth- 
gilead  ? And  one  said  on  this  manner,  and  another 
said  on  that  manner. 

21  And  There  came  forth  a spirit,  and  stood 
before  the  Lord,  and  said,  I will  persuade 
him. 

22  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  Wherewith? 
And  he  said,  I will  go  forth,  and  I will  be  ‘a  lying 
spirit  in  the  mouth  of  all  his  prophets.  And  he 

d 1 Sam.  9:9.  Jer.  1:11 — 16.  El.  1:4.  Acls  10:11— 17.  c 34— 36.  Num.  27:17. 
2 Chr.  18:16,17.  Jer.  23:1,2.  50:6,17.  Ez.  34:4— 6.  Zech.  10:2.  13.7.  Matt. 
9:36.  f See  on  8.  Prov.  10:24.27:22.  29:1.  I.uke  11:45.  g l>.  1:10.  28:14.  Jer. 
2:4.29:20.42:15.  Ez.  13:2.  Am.  7:16.  Ii  2 Chr.  18:18— 22.  Is.  6:1.  Ez.  1: 
26—28.  Dan.  7:9,10.  Acts  7:55,55.  Rev.  4:2,3.  i Ps.  103:20,21.  Is.  6:2,3.  Zech. 
1:10.  Matt.  18:10.  Heb.  1:7,14.  12:22.  Rev.  6:11.  - Or,  deceive.  Job  12:16.  Jer. 
4:10.  Ez.  14:9.  It  23.  Job  1:6,7.  2! 1 . 1 Job  1:8— 1 1 . 2:4— 6.  John  8:44.  Acls  5:3, 
4.  2 Thes.  2:9,10.  I Tim.  4:1,2.  1 John  4:6.  Rev.  12:9,10.  13:14.  16:13,14.  20:3, 
7,8,10.  m See  on  20.  Judg.  9:23.  Ps.  109:17.  2 Thes.  2:11,12.  Rev.  17:17. 
n Ex.  4:21.  10:20.  Peut,  2:30.  2 Chr. 25:16.  Is.  6:9,10. 44:20.  Ez.  14:3—5,9.  Matt. 
13:13—15.24:24,25.  o See  on  8—11.20:42.21:19.  Num.  23:i9,20.  24:13.  Is.  3: 


and  privacy  of  spirit.  And  thus  it  is  in  the  church  at  this 
day.’  Bp.  Patrick. — Micaiah  however  at  once  silenced  the 
courtier ; and  with  a solemn  oath  protested,  that  he  would 
deliver  the  message  of  Jehovah  without  any  alteration, 
whatever  the  king  thought  of  it,  and  whatever  the  other  pro- 
phets might  agree  in. — A most  noble  example  ! 

V.  15.  Go,  &c.]  The  prophet  did  not  preface  this 
address,  with  “ Thus  saith  the  Lord  and  Ahab  evidently 
perceived  that.he  did  not  speak  with  his  usual  decision  and 
authority.  It  was,  as  if  he  had  said,  ‘ You  intend  to  go  up 
against  Ramolh-gilead,  and  your  prophets  assure  you  of  suc- 
cess ; and  if  I do  not,  you  will  disregard  my  warning,  and  treat 
me  as  an  enemy.  But  you  have  my  good  will  and  good  wishes, 
if  they  could  profit  you  : and  if  my  conscience  would  allow 
me,  I too  could  easily  seek  your  favour,  by  saying,  “ Go,  and 
prosper,  for  the  Lord  shall  deliver  it  into  the  hand  of  the 
king.” — You  have  a mind  to  go,  and  do  so : try  the  truth  of 
their  prediction.’ — Bp.  Patrick'.  (Notes,  18:27 — 29.  Ec. 
11:9,10.) 

V.  16.  Ahab  spake  as  if  he  had,  on  former  occasions, 
thus  adjured  Micaiah  to  speak  nothing  to  him,  hut  “ that 
which  was  true  in  the  name  of  the  Lord ,”  and  with  some 
animation,  that  the  prophet  needed  such  adjurations.  He 
evidently  aimed  to  be  thought,  especially  by  Jehoshaphat, 
exceedingly  solicitous  about  discovering  the  will  of  God. 
Perhaps  Micaiah  hesitated,  till  repeatedly  urged  to  speak: 
and  some  think,  that  he  did  not  receive  his  message,  till  the 
very  moment  before  he  delivered  it. — The  adjuring  a person 
to  speak,  was  equivalent  to  putting  him  upon  his  oath  ; and 
calling  on  him,  as  in  the  presence  and  by  the  authority  of 
God,  to  speak  all  he  knew.  ( Marg . Ref.  Note,  Matt.  26: 
63—68.) 

V.  17.  This  vision  exactly  represented  the  condition  of 
Ahab’s  forces,  after  he  was  slain  ; and  showed,  that  Ben- 
hadad,  his  pride  and  revenge  being  gratified  by  Ahab’s  death, 
would  allow  the  Israelites,  when  vanquished,  and  scattered 
without  a leader,  to  return  home  in  peace.  (Marg.  Ref. 
Note,  36.)  . 

V.  18.  Ahab  aimed  to  persuade  Jehoshaphat  and  him- 
self, that  this  warning  originated  from  Micaiah’s  malignity 
and  enmity  to  him,  being  similar  to  the  messages  which  he 
had  formerly  delivered ; and  therefore,  that  it  ought  not  to 
be  put  in  competition  with  the  predictions  of  all  the  other 
prophets.  ( Notes,  21:17 — 19.  Prov.  29:1.  Jer.  38:1 — 6.) 

V.  19 — 23.  In  order  to  leave  this  hardened  criminal  with- 
out excuse,  and  to  give  a salutary  instruction  and  warning  to 
others  in  future  ages,  Micaiah  received  and  related  this 
vision. — It  is  not  requisite  to  inquire  particularly,  concerning 
what  passes  in  that  world  where  the  Lord  unveils  his  glory  ; 
for  truths,  rather  than  facts,  are  revealed  in, such  representa- 
tions. (Note,  Job  1:6.) — -God  had  doomed  Ahab  to  fall  at 
Ramoth-gilead,  by  the  army  of  Ben-hadad,  whom  he  had 
sinfully  spared.  ( Notes,  20:31 — 34,41,42.)  In  order  to  bring 
him  thither,  he  was  pleased  to  give  an  evil  spirit  leave  to 
impose  on  him,  with  the  hopes  of  success  in  that  expedition. 
“ The  devil  and  his  angels”  are  always  ready  for  such  at- 
tempts, and  generally  use  false  prophets  and  teachers  as 
their  ministers.  (Note,  2 Cor.  11:13 — 15.)  This  method 
the  lying  spirit  proposed  upon  the  present  occasion,  and 
•revailed  against  Ahab,  by  inducing  all  his  prophets  tc 
assure  him  of  victory.  And  by  permitting  him  to  do  this, 


B.  C.  897 

said,  mThou  shalt  persuade  him,  and  prevail  also 
go  forth,  and  do  so. 

23  Now  therefore,  behold,  "the  Lord  hath  put  a 
lying  spirit  in  the  mouth  of  all  these  thy  prophets 
and  "the  Lord  hath  spoken  evil  concerning  thee. 

24  But  rZedekiah  the  son  of  Chenaanah  went 
near,  and  tsmote  Micaiah  on  the  cheek,  and  said, 
'Which  way  went  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  from  me 
to  speak  unto  thee  ? 

25  And  Micaiah  said,  “Behold,  thou  shalt  see 
in  that  day,  when  thou  shalt  go  'into  an  inner 
chamber  to  hide  thyself. 

26  And  the  king  of  Israel  said,  Take  Micaiah, 
and  ‘carry  him  back  unto  Amon  the  governor  of 
the  city,  and  to  Joash  the  king’s  son ; 

27  And  say.  Thus  saith  the  king,  Ul’ut  this^ 
fellow  in  the  prison,  and  feed  him  with  “bread  oi 
affliction,  and  with  water  of  affliction,  ^until  I come 
in  peace. 

28  And  Micaiah  said,  “If  thou  return  at  all  in 
peace,  the  Lord  hath  not  spoken  by  me.  And 
he  said,  "Hearken,  O people,  every  one  of  you. 

[ Practical  Observation >.] 


11.  p 11.  q 2 Chr.  18:23,24.  Is.  50:5,6.  Lam.  3:30.  Mic.  5:1.  Mark  14:65.  15- 
19,20.  John  15:18,20.  Acts  23:2.  r Jer.  28:10,11.  29:26,27.  Matt.  26:68.  27:42, 
43.  s Num.  31:8.  Is.  9:14-16.  Jer.  23:15  . 28:16,17.  29:21,22,32.  Am.  7:17. 
2 Pet.  2:1.  Rev.  19:20.  t Or,  from  chamber  to  chamber.  Heb.  a chamber  in  a 
chamber.  20:30.  marg.  t 9.  u 2 Chr.  16:10.  18:2S-27.  Jer.  20:2.  29:26  . 37:15. 
38:6.  Lam.  3:53— 55.  Mark  6:17— 28.  Luke  3:20.  Acts  5:18.  16:23,24.24:25—77. 
26:10.  Eph.  3:1.  Rev.  2:10.  x Deut.  16:3.  I s.  80:5.  102:9.  127:2.  Is.  30:20. 
y Luke  12:45,46.  1 Thes.  5:2,3.  Jam.  4:13,14.  z Num.  16:29.  Deut.  18:20—22. 
2 Kings  1:10,12.  Is.  44:26.  Jer.  28:8,9.  Acti  13:10,11.  a 18:21—24,36,37.  2 Chr 
18:27.  Am.  3:1.  Mic.  1:2.  Mark  7:14 — 16.  12:37. 


44  the  Lord  put  a lying  spirit  in  the  mouth  of  all  his  pro- 
phets.” (22)  He  neither  commanded  nor  inclined  the  lyin^ 
spirit  to  tempt  Ahab’s  prophets  ; nor  did  he  put  the  wicked- 
ness into  their  hearts,  or  the  lies  into  their  mouths.  He 
likewise  gave  Ahab  fair  warning : and  if  he  had  not  hated 
the  truth,  and  loved  a lie,  he  would  not  have  gone  to  Ramoth- 
gilead  : but  God  foresaw  he  would  go,  and  would  perish  there. 
— The  prophet  u saw  the  Lord  sitting  upon  his  throne,”  and 
that  made  him  disregard  Ahab  upon  his  throne,  and  not  fear 
his  frown  and  vengeance ; nor  the  resentment  of  the  four 
hundred  prophets,  who  must  have  been  enraged,  even  to 
madness,  at  being  thus  publicly  declared  to  be  the  ministers 
of  the  devil,  to  deceive  and  persuade  their  king  to  his  de- 
struction. (Marg.  Ref.  Notes , Ez.  14:1 — 11. 2 Thes.  2:8 — 12.) 

Persuade.  (20)  nns\  In  piel  nns  persuasit,  seduxit : Sua - 
dere,  veris  rationibus , vel  falsis , et  sic  est  decipere.  Hinc 
ttciSih  suadeo.  Robertson.  Judg.  14:15.  16:5.  Jer.  20:7. 
Heb.  (Notes,  Gen.  9:27.  Jer.  20:7—9.) 

V.  24,  *5.  (Note,  10,11.)  Zedekiah  seems  to  have  been 
the  principal  person  among  Ahab’s  prophets:  he  therefore 
highly  resented  Micaiah’s  words,  and  both  reviled  and  smote 
him  in  the  presence  of  the  king  and  his  nobles ; (Marg.  Ref. 
q.)  nay,  in  the  presence  of  Jehoshaphat;  and  yet  he  met 
with  no  rebuke  ! As  one  who  would  appear  confident,  that 
he  spake  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  he  inquired,  when  and 
how  that  Spirit  left  him  to  inspire  Micaiah.  But  the  prophet 
meekly  answered,  that  the  event  would  determine  which  of 
them  spake  by  the  Spirit  of  God  ; and  he  would  not  need 
information  on  that  head,  when  he  should  conceal  himself  in 
the  closest  recess,  44  a chamber,”  or  closet,  41  within  a cham- 
ber,” (marg.)  for  fear  of  those  who  sought  his  life.  Probably 
Zedekiah  accompanied  Ahab  to  the  war,  and  this  prediction 
was  fulfilled  when  he  fled  from  the  enemy,  after  Ahab’s 
death.  Then  he  would  have  leisure  to  reflect  on  his  own 
impiety,  and  the  fatal  effects  of  his  counsel  to  his  king,  for 
whom  he  had  pretended  great  friendship.  (Notes,  Jer.  28:9 — 
17.  Ez.  13:6 — 16.  Am.  7:10 — 13.) — He  would  hide  himself, 

4 for  fear  he  should  be  seized,  and  punished  as  a false  pro- 
phet, and  the  cause  of  Ahab’s  death.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  26,  27.  Ahab  sent  Micaiah  back  to  the  persons  who 
had  him  before  in  custody,  one  of  whom  was  44  Joash,  the 
king’s  son :”  yet  nothing  is  elsewhere  said  of  a son  of  Ahab 
of  that  name.  To  these,  however,  he  sent  orders  to  44  put 
him  in  the  prison,”  some  place  of  closer  confinement  than 
before;  (Note,  9.)  and  there  to  treat  him  with  severity  in 
respect  of  his  sustenance,  and  in  other  respects,  until  he 
should  return  in  peace,  probably  intending  then  to  put  him 
to  death,  as  a false  prophet.  Ahab  forgot.his  own  counsel 
to  Ben-hadad,  when  he  spake  so  confidently  of  returning  in 
peace.  (20:11.) 

V.  28.  Micaiah  thus  put  the  difference  between  himsell 
and  Ahab’s  prophets  to  the  test,  and  made  his  appeal  to  the 
people  at  large  ; that,  if  the  king  despised  the  word  of  God, 
they  might  from  his  fate  learn  to  reverence  it.  (Notes,  1 8:36,3”' 
Num.  16:28 — 34.) — People .]  D'oy,  peoples,  meaning  both 
the  men  of  Judah  who  attended  Jehoshaphat,  and  those  of 
Israel. 

Y.  29.  Jehoshaphat’s  silent  connivance  at  Ahab’s  treat- 
ment of  Micaiah,  and  his  willingness  to  go  with  him  to  battle, 
after  these  solemn  wa*  nings,  were  very  criminL.,  and  almost 
unaccountable.  PerKxps  he  feared  personal  insults;  or  ho 
( \ 


B.  C.  897. 


I.  KINGS 


B.  C.  897 


29  So  bthe  king  of  Israel  and  Jehoshaphat 
ihe  king  of  Judah  went  up  to  Ramoth-gilead. 

30  And  the  king  of  Israel  said  unto  Jehosha- 
hat,  ‘I  will  disguise  myself,  and  enter  into  the 
attle  ; but  cput  then  on  thy  robes.  And  the  king 

of  Isfael  ''disguised  himself,  and  went  into  the 
battle. 

31  But  the  king  of  Syria  commanded  his  'thirty 
and  two  captains  that  had  rule  over  his  chariots, 
saying,  f Fight  neither  with  ssmall  nor  great,  save 
only  with  the  king  of  Israel. 

32  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  captains  of 
the  chariots  saw  Jehoshaphat,  that  they  said, 
Surely  it  is  the  king  of  Israel.  And  they  turned 
aside  to  tight  against  him  : and  hJehoshaphat 
cried  out. 

33  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  captains  of 
the  chariots  perceived  that  it  ivas  not  the  king 
of  Israel,  'that  they  turned  back  from  pursuing 
him. 

34  And  a certain  man  drew  a bow  fat  a 
venture,  kand  smote  the  king  of  Israel  between 
the  {joints  of  the  harness  : wherefore  he  said  unto 
the  driver  of  his  chariot,  Turn  thy  hand,  and 
carry  me  out  of  the  host ; for  I am  ^wounded. 

35  And  the  battle  “increased  that  day:  and  the 
king  was  stayed  up  in  his  chariot  against  the 
Syrians,  and  'd^ed  at  even  : and  the  blood  ran  out 
of  the  wound  into  the  '"midst  of  the  chariot. 

36  And  rathere  went  a proclamation  throughout 
the  host  about  the  going  down  of  the  sun,  saying, 
“Every  man  to  his  city  and  every  man  to  his  own 
country. 

37  If  So  the  king  died,  and  "was  brought  to 
Samaria ; and  they  buried  the  king  in  Samaria. 

38  And  one  washed  the  chariot  in  the  pool  of 
Samaria  ; °and  the  dogs  licked  up  his  blood  ; and 
they  washed  his  armour ; according  unto  the  word 
of  the  Lord  which  he  spake. 

39  Now  Pthe  rest  of  the  acts  of  Ahab,  and  all 

b See  on  2 — 6.  2 Chr.  18:28.  * Or , when  he  was  to  disguise  himsel  f , and  en- 
ter into  the  battle.  c 10.  Ps.  12:2.  d 14:2.20:38.  lSam.2':8.  2Sam.l4:2. 
2 Chr.  18:29.  35:22.  Prov.  21.30.  Jer.  23.24.  e 20:24.  2 Chr.  18:30.  f See  on 
20:33—42.  g SeeonGen.  19:11.  1. Sam.  30:2.  Jer.  16:6.  h Ex.  14:10.  2 ( hr. 
18:31.  Ps.  50:15.  91:15.  116:1,2.  130:1-4.  John  2:1,2.  i 31 . Ps.  76:10.  | Heh. 
in  his  simplicity.  2 Sam.  15:11.  k 1 Sam.  17:49.  2 Kings  9:24.  } Heb.  joints 
and  the  breastplate.  Rev.  9:9.  § Heb.  made  sick.  2 Chr.  18:30.  35:23.  mar- 

gins. Mic.6:13.  II  Heb.  ascended.  128.20:42.  IT  Heb.  bosom,  m 17,31. 
12:16.  2 Kings  14:12.  n 12:24.  Judg.  7:7,8.  21 :24.  1 Sam.  4:10.  2 Sam. 

19:8.  2 Kings  14: 12.  **  Heb.  came,  o See  on  21:19.  Josh.  23: 14.15.  Is.  44: 
25,26.  48:3—5.  Jer.  44:21—23.  Zech.  1:4—6.  Matt.  24:35.  p 14:f9.  15:23,31. 
16:5,20,27.  q 10:18,2-2.  Ps.  45:8.  Ez.  27:6,15.  Am. 3:15. 6:4.  rSeeon2:\U. 


persuaded  himself  that  in  Ahab’s  court  he  had  no  business  to 
intermeddle  ; or,  matters  were  carried  with  such  violence  and 
precipitation,  that  he  had  scarcely  time  to  reflect  on  his  own 
conduct.  ( Note , 7.) 

V.  30.  Perhaps  Ahab  was  secretly  alarmed  by  the  so- 
lemnity of  Micaiah’s  address,  though  he  scorned  to  desist 
from  his  enterprise  ; or  he  was  aware  that  he  should  be  pe- 
culiarly aimed  at  by  the  Syrian  forces.  Under  pretence  of 
honouring  Jehoshaphat  as  with  the  chief  command,  he  made 
this  insidious  proposal,  that  by  exposing  him  to  the  greatest 
danger,  he  might  favour  his  own  escape.  (Note,  2 Chr.  18: 
29.)  Such  was  his  friendship!  But  Jehosnaphat  meant  no 
harm,  and  suspected  none : yet  in  such  a case,  the  wisdom 
of  the  serpent  was  as  needful  as  the  harmlessness  of  the  dove. 
( Notes,  Matt.  10:16—18.  1 Cor.  14:20 — 25,  v.  20.) 

V.  31.  (20:24.)  Some  have  imagined,  that  Ben-hadad 

wished  to  wipe  off  the  disgrace  of  his  own  captivity,  by  making 
Ahab  prisoner  in  return  ; and  to  reciprocate  his  kindness,  in 
liberating  him  without  ransom.  (Note,  20:31-  34.)  But  his 
proud  heart  seems  to  have  rankled  with  a far  more  malignant 
resentment;  and  Ahab’s  triumphant  success  agains  him  had 
excited  such  hatred,  as  no  subsequent  kindness  could  erase. 

V.  32 — 35.  Jehoshaphat  in  extreme  danger  cried  unto  the 
Lord,  and  he  wonderfully  preserved  him.  4U  They  turned 
back  from  pursuing  him which  was  to  be  ascribed  to  the 
secret  providence  of  God, . . . who  resolved  as  wonderfully  to 
preserve  Jehoshaphat,  as  to  destroy  Ahab.’  Bp.  Patrick. 
(Note,  2 Chr.  18:30—34,  v.  31.  19:1,2.)  But  Ahab,  notwith- 
standing all  his  precaution,  could  not  escape  the  destined 
blow.  The  captains  of  Ben-hadad  knew  not  where  to  seek 
for  him  : but  an  arrow  shot  at  random  by  a Syrian  was  di- 
rected by  God,  to  penetrate  the  joints  of  his  breastplate,  or 
coat  of  mail,  and  to  give  him  a mortal  wound. — 44  Joints  of 
the  harness”  in  the  text,  seems  less  proper  than  the  marginal 
reading. — Perhaps  Ahab  did  not  think  that  the  wound  would 
prove  fatal,  and  was  unwilling  to  intimidate  his  forces  by 
wholly  leaving  the  field  of  battle  ; and  therefore  probably 
having  retired  that  his  wound  might  be  dressed;  he  returned, 
and  remained  in  his  chariot  till  he  died. 

YT.  36.  When  Ahab’s  death 'was  known,  either  Jehosha- 

( 646  ) 


that  he  did,  and  ithe  ivory  house  which  he  made, 
and  all  the  cities  that  he  built,  are  they  not  writter 
in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  ol 
Israel  ? 

40  So  Ahab  ‘slept  with  his  fathers;  and 
'Ahaziah  his  son  reigned  in  his  stead. 

41  H And  ‘Jehoshaphat  the  son  of  Asa  r».  c. 
began  to  reign  over  Judah  in  the  fourth  year  L 9H- 
of  Ahab  king  of  Israel. 

42  Jehoshaphat  was  “thirty  and  five  years  old 
when  he  began  to  reign  ; and  he  reigned  twenty 
and  five  years  in  Jerusalem.  “And  his  mother's 
name  was  Azubali  the  daughter  of  Shilhi. 

43  And  idie  walked  in  all  the  way  of  Asa  his 
father ; ‘he  turned  not  aside  from  it,  “doing  that 
which  was  right  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  : never- 
theless bthe  nigh  places  were  not  taken  away ; 
for  the  people  offered  and  burnt  incense  yet  in 
the  high  places. 

44  And  Jehoshaphat  ‘made  peace  with  the 
king  of  Israel. 

45  Now  dthe  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jehoshaphat, 
and  his  might  that  he  showed,  and  how  he  warred, 
eare  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles 
of  the  kings  of  Judah  ? 

46  And  f the  remnant  of  the  Sodomites,  which 
remained  in  the  days  of  his  father  Asa,  he  took 
out  of  the  land. 

47  There  was  then  sno  king  in  Edom : a deputy 
was  king. 

48  hJehoshaphat  "made  ’ships  of  Tharshish  to 
go  kto  Ophir  lor  gold:  but  'they  went  not:  for 
the  ships  were  broken  at  mEzion-geber. 

49  Then  said  Ahaziah  the  son  of  Ahab  unto 
Jehoshaphat,  Let  my  servants  go  with  thy  ser- 
vants in  the  ships.  But  Jehoshaphat  would  not. 

50  H And  Jehoshaphat  “slept  with  his  r-B.  c. 
fathers,  and  was  buried  with  his  fathers  “in  L S89- 
the  city  of  David  his  father  : and  rJehoram  his 
son  reigned  in  his  stead. 


11:21.14:31.  Dent.  31:16.  2Sam.7:12.  s 51.  2 Kines  1 :2,17.  2 Chr.  20:35 

1 Set  on  2.  1 Chr.  8:10.  2Chr.l7:l.  u S Kinee  1:17.  8:16.  x 14:21.  15:2.10. 

v 15:11,14.  2 Chr.  14:2— 5,11.  15:8,17.  7.15:5.  Kx.32  8.  1 s nn.  12 :20,2U 

2 l hr.  16:7 — 12.  Ps.  40:4.  101:3.  125:5.  Prov.  4:27.  n 2 Chr.  17  3— 6.  19:3.4. 

20:3,  &o.  t>  14:23.  15:14.  2 King*  12:3.  14:3,4.  15:3,4.  18.22.  c 2.  2Kinss8. 
18.  2Chr.  19:2.21:6.  2 Cor.  6:14.  (139.  e Sie  on  1 1 ;4! . 14 :29.  f 14:24;  15: 
12.  Gen.  19:5.  Dern. 23:17.  Judg.  19:22.  Rom. 1:26,27.  1 Cor.  6.9.  1 Tim.  U 
10.  Jmle  7.  s Gen. 25:23.  27:40.36:31,  ic.  2 Sam.  8:14.  2 Kings  3:9.  8:20.  Pa. 
108:9,10.  h 2 Chr.  20:35,36.  tt  <>r,  had  ten  shivs,  i 10:22.  2 Chr.  9:21 . Ps. 
48:7.  Is.  2:16.  60:9.  Jon.  1:3.  k Sr.  on  9:28.  Ps.45:9.  1 2 Chr.  20:37. 25:7. 

m See  on  9:26.  Num.  33:35,36.  n See  on  40.  2:10.  2 Chr.  21:1.  oSeeonll: 
43.  14:31.  15:24.  p 2 Kings  8:16—18.  2 Chr.  21:5—7. 

phat,  or  those  who  succeeded  in  command,  issued  this  pro- 
clamation, probably  with  reference  to  Micaiah’s  vision. 
( Note,  17.) 

V.  38.  Note,  21:17—19. 

V.  39.  Ivory  house.]  It  cannot  be  supposed  that  this 
house  was  built  of  ivory : but  it  was  so  inlaid  and  ornamented 
with  ivory,  that  il  thence  derived  its  principal  elegance,  or 
magnificence.  ( Marg . Rf.  q.) 

V.  41 — 15.  Perhaps  this  general  account  is  here  given  of 

Jehoshaphat’s  reign  over  Judah,  in  order  to  contrast  it  with 
Ahab’s  wicked  reign  over  Israel.  The  chief  blemish  in  Jeho- 
shaphat’s character  and  conduct  is  hinted  at,  when  it  is  said, 
“ He  made  peace  with  the  king  of  Israel :”  nol  merely  engag- 
ing: to  avoid  all  hostile  measures ; but  entering  into  the  most 
intimate  alliance  with  him,  and  confirming  the  treaty  by  mar- 
rying his  son  to  Ahab’s  daughter,  which  introduced  much 
idolatry  and  wickedness  into  Judah,  brought  great  calamities 
on  th*e  inhabitants,  and  occasioned  the  almost  entire  ruin  ol 
Jehoshanhat’s  family.  ( Marg . Ref.  Notes,  2 — 5.  2 Chr. 
17:— 20.) 

High  places.  (43)  ‘This  error  was  so  deeply  rooted, 
that  the  best  of  the  kings,  till  Hozekiah’s  time,  . . . connived 
at  it.’  Bp.  Patrick,  {Notes,  2 Bings  18:4,22.  2 Chr.  31:1.) 
V.  46.  15:12.  Notes,  14:22—24.  Deut.  23:17,18. 

V.  47.  David  had  conquered  Edom ; and  it  is  probable, 
that  till  this  time  the  nominal  king  of  Edom  had  been  merely 
a viceroy  of  the  kings  of  Judah.  {Marg.  lief.  Note,  2 Sam. 
8:13,14.) 

V.  48,  49.  Jehoshaphat  at  first  joined  with  Ahaziah,  and 
lost  his  Heel : but  being  reproved  by  a prophet,  lie  would  not 
consent  to  Ahaziah’s  proposals  the  second  time.  (Note,  2 Chr. 
20:35 — 37.)  These  ships  of  Tharshish  were  made  to  go  to 
Ophir : yet  it  is  said  in  Chronicles,  they  were  “ made  to  go  to 
Tarshish.”  Was  thero  not  therefore  a Tarshish  near  Ophir, 
as  well  as  a placo  of  that  name  in  Spain.  (Note,  10:22.) 

V.  51.  Jehoshaphat  began  foreign  in  the  fourth  year  of 
Ahab,  who  reigned  twenty  and  two  years  ; (41)  yet  Ahaziah 
succeeded  Allah,  in  the  seventeenth  year  of  jehoshaphat. 
This  occasions  some  difficulty : hut  learned  mensu  ipose  that 
the  chronology  of  the  kings  of  Israel  was  m*. listed  lo  that  of 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


B.  C.  897 


B.  C.  897. 

b.c.i  51  H Ahar*iah  the  son  of  Ahab  <>began  to 
887.  J reiorn  0ver  Israel  in  Samaria  the  seventeenth 
year  of  Jehoshaphat  king  of  Judah,  and  reigned 
rtwo  years  over  Israel. 

52  And  *he  did  evil  in  the  sight  of  the 
Lord,  and  walked  in  the  way  of  his  father,  and 

a 40.  r 15:25.  2 Klns»  1:17.  • See  on  15:26.  16:30—33.  2 King!  1:2—7. 

121:25.  2 King.  8:27.  9:22.  2Chr.22:3.  Mark6:24.  Re*.  3:20.  u See  on 

the  kings  of  Judah.  Now  Ahab  began  to  reign  after  Asa  had 
entered  on  his  thirty-eighth  year,  and  Asa  died  before  the 
end  of  his  forty-first  year.  (16:29.  2 C/ir.  16:13.)  And  Je- 
hoshaphat began  to  reign  in  the  same  year,  which  thus  was 
reckoned  both  to  Asa  and  Jehoshaphat.  Ahab  therefore  is 
computed  to  have  reigned  four  years  in  Asa’s  time,  and 
eighteen  in  Jehoshaphat’s,  including  a part  of  the  year  in 
which  Asa  died,  and  in  which  Jehoshaphat  succeeded  him: 
though  Ahab  did  not  live  till  Jehoshaphat  had  fully  completed 
his  seventeenth  year  ; having  died  nearer  the  beginning  of  the 
year,  than  Asa  had  done. — It  is  difficult  to  make  this  intelli- 
gible to  persons  not  acquainted  with  the  Jewish  method  of 
computing  time;  who,  (whether  in  days  or  years,)  take  in 
both  the  first  and  last  of  the  account,  as  if  entire,  even  though 
only  a small  part  of  each  had  actually  passed.  Thus  Ahaziah 
having  reigned  part  of  the  seventeenth  year  of  Jehoshaphat, 
and  part  of  the  eighteenth,  (for  he  died  in  the  eighteenth,)  is 
said  to  have  reigned  two  years.  (Note,  16:8 — 14.)  • 

V.  52,  53.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  2 Kings  1: — Baal , &c. 
(53)  ‘Which  worship  had  been  introduced  by  his  mother 
Jezebel;  beyond  the  impiety  of  Jeroboam.  Taking  no  warn- 
ing by  the  hand  of  God  against  his  father,  which  was  very 
remarkable;  nor  believing  the  dreadful  threatenings  of  Elijah 
against  his  mother,  and  their  whole  family.’  Bp.  Patrick. 
(Notes,  21:17—23.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  They  who  neglect  the  word  of  God,  to  rely  on 
the  promises  of  ungodly  men,  generally  meet  with  merited  dis- 
appointment : but  this  does  not  excuse  the  treachery  and 
ingratitude  of  those  who  deceive  and  injure  the  very  persons 
that  have  been  criminally  kind  to  them. — There  are  certain 
critical  seasons,  when  advantages  are  placed  within  our  reach : 
but  if  we  let  the  opportunity  pass  we  shall  in  vain  attempt  to 
recall  it,  and  our  endeavours  will  only  serve  to  increase  our 
losses.  (Note,  Ec.  8:6,7.) — Wicked  men  court  the  friendship 
of  the  righteous,  when  they  can  render  their  assistance  sub- 
servient to  their  own  purposes:  but  their  professions  of  re- 
gard must  be  insincere. — That  same  compliant  spirit,  which 
betrays  some  pious  persons  into  amity  with  the  declared  ene- 
mies of  religion,  renders  the  connexion  peculiarly  dangerous 
to  them : they  are  perpetually  persuaded  to  improper  conces- 
sions of  every  kind ; and  induced  to  connive  at,  and  even 
sanction,  such  converse  and  conduct,  as  they  ought  decidedly 
to  protest  against:  and  the  fear  of  being  deemed  uncourteous, 
and  the  desire  of  escaping  censure,  ridicule,  or  insult,  for  their 
religious  peculiarities,  stop  their  mouths,  and  cause  them  to 
deviate  from  sincerity  in  their  expressions  of  civility  or  cour- 
teousness. Yet  these  alone  are  the  godly  persons  whose 
acquaintance  the  men  of  the  world  will  much  desire.  If, 
however,  we  are  necessarily  placed  among  profane  or  infidel 
characters,  we  must  not  yield,  either  to  fear  or  shame,  so  as 
to  conceal  our  dependence  on  God  and  devotedness  to  him ; 
for  these  mark  the  difference  “ between  those  who  serve  him, 
and  those  who  serve  him  not.” — If  it  were  to  be  decided  by 
vote,  what  is  the  true  religion,  we  see  plainly  that  those  abo- 
minations which  God  abhors  would  gain  the  election,  against 
that  worship  which  he  has  instituted.  Even  in  the  visible 
church,  numbers,  authority,  and  unanimity,  have  repeatedly 
been  in  favour  of  delusions,  nay,  destructive  heresies,  and 
abominable  idolatries,  against  a single  poor  despised  prophet 
of  the  Lord ! — It  is  indeed,  in  a worldly  sense,  worth  while, 
for  a man  of  competent  talents  and  address,  to  employ  him- 
self in  reconciling  men’s  consciences  to  their  inclinations ; 
and  if  great  men  cannot  discard  their  religious  scruples,  to 
enable  them,  by  help  of  some  false  system,  to  render  them 
subservient  to  the  commission  of  sin  without  remorse.  In 
some  places  and  at  some  times,  such  false  prophets  will  be 
well  paid  for  their  delusions : and  those,  who,  from  ambition, 
avarice,  or  sensuality,  “ turn  away  their  ears  from  the  truth,” 
and  “ cannot  endure  sound  doctrine,”  will  “ heap  to  themselves 
teachers  of  this  kind,  after  their  own  lusts  :”  (Note,  2 Tim. 
4:1  —5,  tin.  3,4.)  that  the  agreement  of  so  many  ministers  may 
embolden  them  to  disregard  those  singular  and  uncourteous 
persons  who  are  always  robbing  them  of  their  comfort,  and 
putting  them  upon  an  unnecessary  strictness.  A few  indivi- 
duals indeed  hint,  that  something  is  wanting  in  their  favourite 
instructers ; nay,  prefer  such  as  they  dislike.  But  then,  are 
not  these  too  scrupulous  ? Do  they  not  carry  matters  too 
far?  Do  they  make  proper  allowances  for  human  frailty, 
and  peculiar  situations  ? Thus  eventually  smooth  doctrine, 
united  with  confidence,  ingenuity,  and  courtly  manners,  ob- 
'ains  the  preference,  and  opens  the  way  to  the  favour  of  the 
eat  and  of  the  many.  The  faithful  servants  of  God  must 
erefore  lay  their  account  with  hatred,  contempt,  and  insult. 
They  know  not  to  give  flattering  words,  or  to  call  base  crimes 
by  soft  names,  or  to  buoy  up  the  hopes  of  hypocrites  with 
osinuating  falsehoods : they  cannot  be  silent,  when  called  to 
*peak ; but  must  declare  the  counsel  of  God,  and  not  keep 


‘in  the  way  of  his  mother,  "and  in  the  way  o i 
Jeroboam  the  son  of  Nehat,  who  made  Israel  to 
sin : 

53  For  xhe  served  Baal,  and  worshipped  hm., 
and  ^provoked  to  anger  the  Lord  God  of  Israel 
'according  to  all  that  his  father  had  done. 

14:9 — -16.  15:34.  2 Kings  3:3.  x Judge  2:1— II.  2 Kings  1:2.  3:2.  y 16:7  P» 
106:28.  Is. 65:3.  Ez.8:3.  z21:29.  Ez.  18:14— 18. 


back  any  thing  profitable,  however  displeasing.  Their  con  • 
scientiousness  will  often  be  ascribed  (o  pride  and  obstinacy: 
the  language  of  their  tender  compassion  for  souls  will  be 
called  severity  or  malevolence;  and  their  plaindealing  will 
be  branded  as  insolence  and  ill-manners.  But  they  must 
commit  their  cause  to  God:  and  wicked  men,  who  hate  them 
for  the  truth’s  sake,  will  at  length  find,  that  they  were  their 
own  enemies  in  so  doing,  and  that  in  opposmg  them  they 
strove  against  the  Almighty. 

V.  10 — 28.  Unprincipled  teachers  are  sufficiently  pliable 
in  matters  of  religion  : they  carefully  avoid  the  imputation  of 
bigotry ; they  make  great  pretensions  to  candour,  and  even 
treat  the  most  fundamental  truths  of  Revelation  as  matters 
of  indifference  or  uncertainty : but  the  same  paen  are  exceed- 
ingly tenacious  of  their  own  interests,  and  stubborn  in  their 
own  concerns.  Whereas  we  ought  to  be  as  pliant  as  the 
willow,  where  our  own  ease,  credit,  advantage,  or  indulgence 
are  at  stake ; and  as  firm  as  the  sturdy  oak,  in  standing  up 
for  the  great  things,  which  relate  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  the 
salvation  of  souls. — Those  who  are  rising  in  the  world,  or 
possessed  of  wealth,  are  apt  to  counsel  the  ministers  of  Christ, 
what  they  ought  to  speak  in  the  name  of  the  LORD;  though 
they  betray  their  own  ignorance  and  love  of  the  world  by 
every  word.  We  should  indeed  be  accessible  and  teachable, 
and  willing  to  take  a friendly  hint  from  any  man : but  when 
others  would  persuade  us  to  consult  our  own  ease,  and  inte- 
rest, to  shun  the  cross,  to  prefer  courtesy  to  integrity,  and  to 
bend  the  word  of  God  to  the  humours  of  the  rich  and  great ; 
we  must  recognise  the  tempter  in  such  counsellors,  and  by 
peremptory  language  stop  at  once  their  insidious  proposals, 
by  declaring  our  determination,  whatever  others  do,  to  adhere 
to  what  we  consider  as  the  truth  and  will  of  our  Lord  and 
Judge.  (Notes,  Am.  7:12 — 17.  Matt.  16:21 — 23.)— In  some 
cases  however  we  should  not  be  forward  to  speak:  when 
men  evidently  do  not  wish  to  hear  the  truth,  and  appear  de- 
terminately  set  against  our  testimony,  it  may  be  enough  to 
express  our  compassionate  good-will,  and  our  fears  for  them ; 
or  to  show  our  disapprobation  by  silence.  But  if  we  are  fairly 
called  upon  to  give  our  sentiments,  we  must  do  it  with  all 
seriousness  and  firmness,  without  regarding  personal  conse- 
quences.— A believing  view  of  the  presence  and  glory  of  the 
King  of  Heaven,  will  raise  us  above  the  fear  of  our  fellow- 
creatures,  however  powerful  or  enraged  ; aud  will  enable  us 
to  commit  ourselves  to  his  protection,  in  the  discharge  of  our 
duty,  in  the  midst  of  apparent  danger.  But  we  must  not  ex- 
pect exemption  from  hardship  and  ill-usage : and  need  not 
wonder  if  we  eat  the  bread  of  affliction,  and  are  even  re- 
warded with  blows,  imprisonment,  and  cruel  mockings : and 
when  princes,  false  teachers,  and  apostates  unite  against  the 
servants  of  God,  even  the  remnant  of  his  people  will  often 
be  afraid  to  interfere  in  their  behalf. — Alas ! how  should  we 
be  ashamed  to  complain  of  what  we  in  this  day  call  trials, 
when  we  consider  what  the  servants  of  God  formerly  endured ! 
Yet  it  will  be  well,  if  our  exemption  from  trouble  prove  not 
more  injurious  to  us,  than  persecutions  did  to  them : for  we 
are  more  easily  allured  and  bribed  into  unfaithfulness  and 
conformity  to  the  world,  than  influenced  by  terrors  and 
threats.  Let  us  then  watch  and  pray,  and  prepare  for  temp- 
tations of  every  kind : and  be  careful  that  the  quietness  of 
our  enemies  do  not  arise  from  our  making  too  many  conces- 
sions, and  going  upon  their  ground,  to  meet  them  half  way, 
in  order  to  form  the  worst  of  all  coalitions.— Nothing  can  by 
any  means  harm  us,  if  we  continue  faithful,  and  meekly  va- 
liant for  the  truth:  the  Lord  will  remove  every  aspersion  from 
our  characters  ; and  bear  testimony  to  his  truth,  in  his  due 
time : and  some  will  profit  by  our  warnings,  though  others 
rush  headlong  on  ruin. — Little  do  unbelievers  suspect  how 
many  legions  of  crafty,  malicious,  and  powerful  enemies  are 
unwearied  in  plotting  their  destruction ; restrained  by  no 
hand  but  that  of  him  whom  they  despise  and  disobey.  (P. 
O.  Job  1:6 — 12.) — The  whole  multitude  of  those  “ who  pri- 
vily bring  in  damnable  heresies,”  or  propagate  infidelity  with 
vast  industry  and  ingenuity,  speak  and  write  no  other  things,, 
than  are  suggested  to  them  by  the  prompter  behind  the  cur- 
tain. Let  us  then  fear  suppressing  our  convictions,  and  re- 
turning back  to  sin  after  professions  of  repentance,  lest  Satan 
should  thus  prevail  against  us.  For  if  he  obtain  leave  to  de- 
ceive, the  disposition  of  our  hearts  to  prefer  a flattering  lie 
to  a humbling  truth  that  opposes  our  inclinations,  will  give 
him  such  an  advantage,  that  every  attempt  of  others  to  pre- 
vent his  success,  will  only  exasperate  the  mind  to  persecu- 
tion or  blasphemy. 

V.  29 — 53.  Those,  who  are  rebellious  against  God,  and' 
injurious  to  his  people,  will  not  often  be  very  faithful  or  grate- 
ful to  their  friends.  Self-love  is  their  supreme  principle,  to 
which  all  other  considerations  must  be  sacrificed ; and  the 
children  of  God  are  seldom  so  politic  as  the  children  of  the- 
wicked  one.  When,  however,  the  Lord  has  rebuked  his. 
( 647  ) 


B.  C k*6. 


II.  KINGS. 


B.  C.  896, 


offending  people,  he  will  mark  that  difference  between  them 
and  his  enemies,  which  they  did  not  sufficiently  observe. 
“His  eyes  are  upon  the  righteous,  and  his  ears  are  open  to 
their  prayers : but  his  face  is  against  the  workers  of  iniquity.” 
None  “ can  hide  themselves  in  secret  places  from  him.” 
That  which  is  casual  to  man,  is  the  appointment  of  God,  to 
fulfil  his  word  nf  mercy  or  of  wrath  ; so  that,  “ men  shall 
say,  This  hath  God  wrought,  for  they  shall  perceive  that  it 
is  his  work.”  The  deceiver  and  deceived  are  his,  and  the 
flatterer  and  flattered  shall  be  taken  in  the  same  net,  and 
fall  into  the  same  destruction.  Alas  ! what  will  all  riches, 
mrinuments,  or  splendid  achievements  avail,  when  God  shall 


require  the  sinner’s  soul  ? Happy  arc  they  in  death,  who 
have  served  him  in  their  generation : but  the  best  of  mere 
men,  nay  their  best  actions,  are  so  defective,  if  not  defiled, 
that  “ blessed  is  he”  alone  “ whose  iniquity  is  forgiven,  ana 
whose  sin  is  covered.”  Yet  sincere  endeavours  to  do  good 
are  the  proper  evidences  and  effects  of  saving  faith : and  the 
concurring  reproofs  of  God’s  word  and  rod  will  lead  the  upright 
believer  to  repent  of  every  transgression,  and  to  bring  forth 
fruits  meet  for  repentance  : whilst  hardened  sinners  rush  for- 
ward, unawed,  and  unmoved,  in  the  ways  which  have  led 
others  before  them  into  everlasting  misery. 


THE 

SECOND  BOOK  OF  THE  KINGS, 

COMMONLY  CALLED 

THE  FOURTH  BOOK  OF  THE  KINGS. 


This  book  is  merely  a continuation  of  the  preceding,  to  which  it  is  joined  in  the  Hebrew  Canon  : the  remarks  therefore  already 
made  on  that , in  a great  measure  apply  to  this. — It  contains  the  history  of  above  three  hundred  years.— In  Israel  the  kings  were 
uniformly  idolatrous  and  wicked  : and  though  the  labours  of  Elijah,  Elisha,  and  other  prophets,  were  prospered  to  preserve  a 
considerable  number  of  the  people  from  the  general  contagion  ; yet  the  measure  of  their  national  iniquity  was  soon  filled  up;  so 
that  they  were  conquered  and  carried  captive  by  the  kings  of  the  Assyrians,  and  dispersed  among  the  Gentiles,  no  more,  as  a col- 
lected body  to  be  restored  to  their  own  land.  Their  country  was,  after  this,  planted  by  the  conquerors  with  a mingled  people,  who 
established  a corrupt  and  partial  worship  of  Jshovah,  from  whom  originated  the  nation  and  religion  of  the  Samaritans.  These 
events  began  to  take  place  considerably  above  a hundred  years  before  the  Babylonish  captivity. — In  Judah  indeed  some  remarkable 
revivals  of  religion  took  place  under  the  pious  princes  of  David’s  family,  and  by  means  of  the  faithful  labours  of  the  prophets: 
but  these  promising  appearances  were  of  short  duration  ; several  of  the  kings  were  idolatrous  and  extremely  wicked  ; the  priests 
and  Levites  exceedingly  neglected  their  important  duty  ; and  the  people  were  generally  prone  to  idolatry  and  iniquity.  So  that, 
after  the  death  of  pious  Josiah,  the  nation  became  almost  universally  corrupt ; and  the  melancholy  account  closes  with  the 
lestruction  of  the  city  and  temple,  the  desolation  of  the  country,  and  the  enslaving  and  carrying  away  of  the  inhabitants,  by  the 
Chaldeans. — As  all  the  prophets,  (commonly  so  called,)  whose  writings  have  been  preserved,  lived  in  the  latter  part  of  this  period  ; 
(those  excepted  who  lived  during  or  after  the  captivity  ;)  and  as  they 'continually  refer  to  the  facts  recorded  in  this  history  ; we 
may  consider  all  their  predictions  as  sanctioning,  by  their  accomplishment,  the  divine  authority  of  the  narrative  ; though  it  does 
not  contain  any  express  prophecy,  the  completion  of  which  extended  much  beyond  the  term  of  the  return  of  the  Jews  from  the 
Babylonish  captivity. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Moab  rebels  against  Israel , 1.  Ahaziah , being  sick , sends  to  inquire  of  Haul- 
tebub  ; and  Elijah  is  sent  by  an  angel  to  order  the  messengers  to  inf  >rmhim , 
in  the  name  of  JEHOVAH,  that  he  should  surely  die,  2— 4.  Ahaziah  sends 
to  apprehend  Elijah,  who  twice  calls  down  fire  to  consume  those  icho  came 
aga  inst  him,  6 — 12.  The  captain  of  the  third  company  sues  for  mercy  ; and 
Elijah,  encouraged  by  an  angel,  goes  to  Ahaziah,  and  assures  him  that  he 
wou'd  die  at  that  time,  13—16.  Ahaziah  dies,  and  is  succeeded  bu  Jehoram, 
17,  18. 

THEN  “Moab  rebelled  against  Israel  bafter  the 
death  of  Ahab. 

2  And  Ahaziah  fell  down  through  ca  lattice  in 
his  upper  chamber  that  tons  in  Samaria,  and  dwas 
sick  : and  he  sent  messengers,  and  said  unto  them, 
Go,  inquire  of  ‘Baal-zehuh  the  fgod  of  Ekron, 
^whether  I shall  recover  of  this  disease. 


a Num,  24:17.  5 Sam.  8:2.  1 Chr.  18:2.  ft.  60:8.  l>  3:4,5.  82U,2->.  c Jurlg.  5:23. 
Cant.  2:9.  Acts  20:9.  til  Kings  22:34.  marg,  2 Chr.  21 : 14,15.*  Job  31 :3.  e 3,6, 
J5.  Matt.  10:25.  12:21—27.  Mark  3:22.  Luke  11:15.  lieelzcbub.  fJudg.  11:24. 
1 Sam.  5:10.  1 Kings  11:33.  Is.  37:12,19.  g 8:7— 9.  1 King*  14-3.  h 15.  1 Kings 

NOTES. — Chap.  I.  V.  1.  After  David  had  subjugated 
the  Moabites,  they  continued  in  subjection  till  the  division 
of  the  kingdom  ; when  their  vassalage  and  tribute  were  trans- 
ferred to  the  kings  of  Israel,  as  those  of  Edom  remained  to 
the  kings  of  Judah.  {Note,  1 Kings  22:47.)  But  after 
Allah’s  death  the  Moabites  revolted.  {Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 
3:4—27.  2 Sam.  8:1,2.) 

V.  2.  The  lattice,  through  which  Ahaziah  fell,  is  sup- 
posed to  have  had  some  curious  ornamental  network,  which 
being  decayed,  gave  way  when  he  leaned  upon  it. — u Baal- 
zebub”  signifies  the  lord  of  a fly  ox  flies.  Probably,  the  coun- 
try was  grievously  infesicd  with  swarms  of  Hies,  and  the 
Kkronit.es  fancied  that  their  idol  delivered  or  preserved  them 
from  these.  {Note,  Ev.  8:21.)  Beelzebub,  (which  is  the 
same  name,)  is  called  in  the  New  Testament  “the  prince  of 
the  devils;”  and  hence  we  learn  that,  under  these  names  and 
images,  evil  spirits  were  actually  worshipped  ns  gods.  {Note, 
Matt.  12:22 — 24.) — The  Baal  generally  worshipped  in  Israel 
at  that  time,  " as  the  god  of  the  Z.idonians  ; but  Baal-zcbub 
riis  the  god  of  Ekron  in  Philistia  : for  they  “ had  lords  many, 
( 648  ) 


3 But  hthe  angel  of  the  Lord  said  to  ’Elijah  the 
Tishbite,  kArise,  go  up  to  meet  the  messengers  of 
the  king  of  Samaria,  and  say  unto  (hern,  'Isit  not 
because  there  is  not  a God  in  Israel,  that  mye  go 
to  inquire  of  Bnal-zebub  the  god  of  Ekron? 

4 Now  therefore  thus  saith  the  Lord,  ‘Thou 
shalt  not  come  down  from  that  bed  on  which  thou 
art  gone  up,  "hut  shalt  surely  die.  And  Elijah 
departed. 

5 ffT  And  vyhen  the  messengers  turned  hack  unto 
him,  he  said  unto  them,  Why  are  ye  now  turned 
back  ? 

6 And  they  said  unto  him,  There  came  a man 
up  to  meet  us,  and  said  unto  us,  Go,  turn  again 

19  5.7.  A,u  8:26.  12:7— 11.  I 8.  Set  on  I Hines  17:1 . k 1 Kins.  18:1.  18.16. 
5:8,15.  I K:im.  17:46.  1 Kinds  18:38.  P.<.  76:1.  m .lpr.  2: 11— 13.  Jim.  2:8.  UKI>. 
The  bed  whitner  thou  art  gone  tip,  thou  shall  nof  mine  down  from  i' . n Gen.  2: 
17.3:4.  Ntim.  26:65.  1 Sam.  28:19.  I King*  14:12.  Prov.  11:19.14:32.  Ez.  lb:4. 


and  gods  many.”  It  seems  that  his  oracle  was  then  in  great 
repute,  as  that  of  Delphos  was  in  Greece  some  ages  after- 
wards.— Ahaziah  did  not  send  to  inquire  what  he  was  to  do 
in  order  to  his  recovery,  but  merely  to  know  whether  ho 
should  recover  or  not.  {Notes,  8:7,8.  1 Kings  14:1 — 4.) 

Perhaps  he  had  been  making  preparations  for  reducing  the 
Moabites,  and  was  impatient  to  march  against  them. 

V.  3,  4.  When  a king  of  Israel  sent  to  inquire  of  a 
heathen  oracle,  lie  proclaimed  to  the  Gentiles  his  want  of 
confidence  in  Jehovah:  as  if  the  only  nation  favoured  A'ith 
revelation,  and  the  knowledge  of  t he  true  God,  had  been  the 
only  nation  in  which  no  God  was  known!  This  was  pecu- 
liarly dishonourable  and  provoking  to  the  Lord;  {Notes,  6:8, 
15,16.  1 Kings  18:36,37.  Ps.  76:1,2.)  and  therefore  the 

Lord  by  his  angel  commissioned  Elijah  to  answer  the  inquiry 
of  the  messengers,  and  to  send  them  hark  to  Ahaziah,  with 
the  solemn  denunciation  of  his  speedy  death  by  the  disease 
which  confined  him  to  bis  bed.  The  prophet  accordingly 
went  and  met  the  messengers,  and  sent  them  bp^k  with  lhi§ 
sentence.  And  he  departed,  vet  -•.si  nc  conceal  hitnttif 


B.  C.  896. 


CHAPTER  I. 


B.  €.  89d. 


onto  the  king  that  sent  you,  and  say  unto  him, 
Thus  saith  the  Loro,  Is  it  not  because  there  is 
not  a God  in  Israel,  that  thou  sendest  to  inquire 
of  Baal-zebub  the  god  of  Ekron  ? "therefore  thou 
shalt  not  come  down  from  that  bed  on  which  thou 
art  gone  up,  but  shalt  surely  die. 

7 And  he  said  unto  them,  "What  manner  of 
man  was  he  which  came  up  to  meet  you,  and  told 
you  these  words? 

8 And  they  answered  him.  He  was  ?a  hairy 
man,  and  girt  with  a girdle  of  leather  about  his 
loins.  And  he  said,  It  is  Elijah  the  Tishbite. 

[ Practical  Obiervationt.'] 

9 H Then  the  king  ‘‘sent  unto  him  a captain  of 
fifty  with  his  fifty.  And  he  went  up  to  him  : and 
behold,  rhe  sat  on  the  top  of  a hill.  And  he  spake 
unto  him,  “Thou  man  of  God,  the  king  hath  said, 
Come  down. 

10  And  Elijah  answered  and  said  to  the  captain 
of  fifty,  ‘If  I be  a man  of  God,  then  "let  fire  come 
down  from  heaven,  and  consume  thee  and  thy 
fifty.  And  there  came  down  fire  from  heaven, 
’and  consumed  him  and  his  fifty. 

H r Again  also  he  sent  unto  him  another  cap- 
tain of  fifty  with  his  fifty.  And  he  answered 
and  said  unto  him,  zO  man  of  God,  thus  hath  the 
king  said,  Come  down  quickly. 

12  And  Elijah  answered  and  said  unto  them, 
’If  I be  a man  of  God,  let  fire  come  down  from 
heaven,  and  consume  thee  and  thy  fifty.  And  the 


fire  of  God  came  down  from  heaven,  and  con 
sumed  him  and  his  fifty. 

13  11  And  bhe  sent  again  a captain  of  the  thirc 
fifty  with  his  fifty.  And  the  third  captain  of  fifty 
went  up,  and  came  and  Tell  on  his  knees  before 
Elijah,  and  "besought  him,  and  said  unto  him,  "O 
man  of  God,  I pray  thee,  let  my  life,  and  the  hie 
of  these  fifty  thy  servants,  be  precious  in  thy  sight. 

14  Behold,  there  came  fire  down  from  heaven, 
and  burnt  up  the  two  captains  of  the  former  fifties* 
with  their  fifties : therefore  let  my  "life  now  b* 
precious  in  thy  sight. 

15  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto  Elijah. 
Go  down  with  him : ‘ be  not  afraid  of  him.  Ana 
he  arose,  and  went  down  with  him  unto  the  king. 

16  And  he  said  unto  him,  Thus  saith  the  Lord, 
^Forasmuch  as  thou  hast  sent  messengers  to  in- 
quire of  Baal-zebub  the  god  of  Ekron,  ( is  it  not 
because  there  is  no  God* in  Israel  to  inquire  of  his 
word  ?)  therefore  thou  shalt  not  come  down  off 
that  bed  on  which  thou  art  gone  up,  but  shalt 
surely  die. 

17  II  So  he  died  according  to  the  word  of  the 
Lord  which  Elijah  had  spoken.  And  Jehoram 
reigned  in  his  stead  hin  the  second  year  of  Jeho- 
ram the  son  of  Jehoshaphat  king  of  Judah  ; be- 
cause he  had  no  son. 

18  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of*Ahaziah  which 
he  did,  are  they  not  written  ‘in  the  book  of  the 
Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel  ? 


o See  on  3,4.  1 Chr.  10:13,14.  *Heb.  What  was  the  manner  of  the  man  ? Judg. 
3:18.  1 Sam.  28:14.  pis.  20:2.  Zech.  13:4.  Malt.  3:4.  11:8.  Luke  1:17.  Rev. 
11:3.  q 6:13,14.  1 Rings  18:4,10.  19:2.22:8,26,27.  Matt.  14:3.  r 1 Kings  18:42. 
Luke  6:11,12.  s Am.  7:12.  Matt.  26:68.  27:29,41— 43.  Mark  15:29,32.  Heb.  11: 
36.  1 2:23,24.  Nnm.  16:28—30.  1 Kings  18:36—38.22:28  . 2Chr.36':16.  Ps.  105: 
15.  Matt.  21:41.23:34  —37.  Acls5:3— 10.  u Num.  11:1. 16:35.  Job  1:16.  Ps.  106: 
18.  Luke  9:54.  Rev.  11:5.  x Dan.  3:22  . 6:24.  Acts  12:19.  y Num.  16:41.  1 
Sam.  6:9.  Is.  26:11.  Jer.  5:3.  John  18:5—12.  Acts  4:16,17.  r See  on  1 Sam.  22: 


17— 19.  Prov.  29:12.  Is.  32:7.  Mall.2:16.  Luke  22:63,64.  a See  on  9,10.  b Job 
15:25,26.  Prov.  27:22.  Ec.  9:3.  Is.  1:5.  t Heb.  bowed,  c Ex.  11:8.  Num.  12:11 
-13.  1 Kings  13:6.  Is.  60:14.  Rev.  3:9.  d Ps.  102:17.  Jam.  4:7.  e 1 Sam.  26c 
21,24.  Ps. 49:8.  116:15.  Prov.  6:26.  Matt.  16:25,26.  Acts20:24.  men.  15:1. 
Kings  18:15.  Ps.  27:1.  Is.  51:12,13.  Jer.  1:17.  15:20.  Ez.2.6.  Matt.  10:28.  Heb. 
11:27.  g See  on  3,4.  Ex.  4:22,23.  1 Kings  14:6—13.  21:18—24  . 22:28.  b 3:1. 
8:16,17.  lKings22:51.  iSee  on  1 Kings  14:19.22:39. 


but  continued  so  near  to  the  same  place,  that  the  captains 
and  their  soldiers  readily  found  him.  ( 9,10) 

V.  5,  G.  The  speedy  return  of  the  messengers  convinced 
Ahaziah,  that  they  had  not  gone  to  Ekron ; and  they  punc- 
tually delivered  the  message  of  God,  which  Elijah  had  sent  by 
them,  without  softening  it  in  the  least,  or  changing  a word  in 
it.  Something  peculiarly  venerable  in  the  appearance  of  the 
prophet,  with  the  firm  solemnity  of  his  manner  in  speaking  to 
them,  seems  to  have  over-awed  them  ; and  probably  they  were 
convinced,  that  his  words  would  be  verified. 

V.  8.  Elijah  was  a hairy  man,  either  in  his  person,  or  by 
reason  of  the  coarseness  and  roughness  of  his  garments,  made 
perhaps  of  hair,  and  girded  round  him  with  a piece  of  un- 
dressed skin.  In  this  manner  he  showed  his  mortifiedness  to 
the  world,  and  expressed  his  concern  and  grief  for  the  idola- 
try and  iniquity  of  his  people.  (Note,  Matt.  3:4.) 

V.  9.  This  officer  called  Elijah  a “man  of  God  ” by  way 
of  derision,  not  out  of  respect  as  others  did. — Jezebel’s  name 
is  not  mentioned  in  this  transaction ; but  probably  she  stirred 
up  her  son,  as  she  formerly  had  done  her  husband,  against  the 
prophets  of  the  Loro. 

On  the  top  of  a hill.]  Some  think  mount  Carmel  is  meant: 
but  Carmel  was  far  north,  or  northwest  of  Samaria,  where 
Ahaziah  lay,  (Josh.  19:26.)  and  the  road  to  Ekron  lay  to  the 
southwest.  Had  the  prophet  retired  to  mount  Carmel,  the 
captain  could  not  so  readily  have  found  him. 

V.  10.  No  doubt  Elijah  was  moved  to  call  for  fire  from 
heaven  on  these  men,  by  immediate  revelation.  He  was 
influenced  by  a holy  zeal  for  the  honour  of  the  Lord,  which 
was  attacked  in  his  person  as  a man  of  God,  by  the  worship- 
pers of  Baalim  ; for  if  he  had  been  actuated  by  resentment  or 
selfish  passions,  the  fire  from  heaven  would  not  have  come  at 
his  word.  (Notes,  2:23,24.  2 Cor.  13:7— 10.)— He  had  before 
demonstrated  Jehovah  to  be  the  only  true  God,  by  fire  from 
heaven  consuming  the  sacrifice:  (Notes,  1 Kings  18:32—39.) 
yet  the  nation  in  general,  and  especially  the  rulers,  adhered 
to  the  worship  of  Baal : it  was  therefore  proper,  that  they 
should  receive  a.  more  awful  proof;  and  be  made  sensible 
that  all  the  enemies  of  the  Lord  would  at  length  be  destroyed. 
The  officers  and  soldiers,  who  were  slain,  not  only  deserved 
death  as  idolaters,  but  doubtless  they  had  been  the  instru- 
ments of  Ahab  and  Jezebel  in  persecution:  and  the  example 
would  have  salutary  effects  on  many  in  Israel.  (Notes, 
Dan.  3:19—23.  Luke  9:51 — 56.  Acts  12:18,19.) 

V.  11,  12.  It  is  hard  to  say,  which  was  on  this  occasion 
the  more  wonderful,  the  madness  of  the  wounded  and  en- 
abled Ahaziah,  when  the  report  of  the  awful  event  reached 
aim,  or  the  presumption  of  this  officer  and  his  soldiers : for 
the  second  attempt  was  made  in  a more  peremptory  and 
haughty  manner  than  the  foregoing.  But  perhaps  the  former 
calamity  was  ascribed  to  chance.  ‘Indeed  it  had  so  hap- 
pened that  terrible  lightning,  just  at  that  moment,  slew  the 
captain  and  his  fifty  men.’  None  of  the  persons  concerned 
tppear  to  have  been  convinced  that  Jehovah  had  sent  the 
Vol.  I.— 82 


fire  from  heaven,  for  this  express  purpose,  in  answer  to  the 
words  of  Elijah.  (Note,  1 Sam.  6:2 — 9.) 

V.  13,  14.  This  officer  had  not  courage  to  refuse  obe- 
dience to  the  infatuated  tyrant,  who  ordered  him  on  this 
desperate  service  ; and  yet  he  dared  not  attempt  any  thing 
against  Elijah  : he  therefore  employed  humble  entreaties, 
with  every  expression  of  respect  and  submission  ; and  in  this 
manner  his  life  and  the  lives  of  his  soldiers  were  preserved. 
(Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  15,  16.  Elijah  had  so  exasperated  Jezebel  and  her 
party,  by  putting  the  prophets  of  Baal  to  death  ; and  by  the 
awful  sentence  on  Ahab  and  Jezebel,  and  the  whole  family, 
denounced  in  the  vineyard  of  Naboth  ; that  he  had  no  further 
prospect  of  doing  them  good.  In  general  he  lived  in  a retired 
manner;  and  laboured  among  the  inferior  inhabitants  without 
exposing  himself  to  the  rage  of  the  king:  but  on  this  occasion, 
he  was  especially  commissioned  to  go  to  him,  along  with  the 
captain  and  his  fifty.  And  his  presence  and  authoritative 
boldness  in  delivering  in  person  the  solemn  message  before 
sent  by  the  messengers,  so  dismayed  Ahaziah,  that  he  did 
not  attempt  any  thing  against  him ; and  shortly  after  he  died, 
(17)  according  to  Elijah’s  word,  for  attempting  to  consult  a 
heathen  oracle.  (Note,  1 Chr.  10:13,14.) 

V.  17.  Jehoshaphat  lived  some  time  after  this : it  is  there- 
fore supposed  that  he  admitted  his  son  Jehoram  to  reign  with 
him,  eight  or  nine  years  before  his  death  : and  Jehoram  the 
son  of  Ahab  began  to  reign  over  Israel,  in  the  second  year 
of  that  term,  or  in  the  eighteenth  year  of  Jehoshaphat.  (Notes, 
8:16,17.  1 Kings  22:51.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 8.  Man’s  revolt  from  God  is  often  punished  by 
the  rebellion  of  those  who  owe  subjection  to  him. — Death 
meets  men  ill  the  most  unexpected  places  and  forms,  but 
always  under  the  direction  of  the  all-wise  and  righteous  God. 
If  reconciled  to  him  by  faith  in  the  Saviour,  and  walking  in 
his  ways,  “death  is  ours,”  and  can  never  come  in  a wrong 
time  or  manner:  but  to  the  impenitent  and  unbelieving  he  is 
and  must  be  “the  king  of  terrors.” — False  religion  amuse3 
men’s  minds,  and  gratifies  a vain  curiosity:  but  the  Bible 
declares  the  way  of  accep«ance,  and  the  path  of  duty;  and, 
without  informing  us  of  the  events  of  our  future  lives,  or  the 
time  and  manner  of  our  death,  it  teaches  us  to  be  always 
ready  ; and  instructs  us  how  to  behave  under  every  dispensa- 
tion of  Providence,  and  thus  to  find  comfort  under  them  alL 
and  derive  benefit  from  them. — With  such  instructions,  ana 
access  to  the  mercy-seat  of  our  God  and  Father,  we  have  no 
occasion  to  consult  any  of  those  oracles,  which  pretend  to 
unfold  what  God  has  been  pleased  to  conceal.  The  believer 
assured  by  the  word  of  God  that  all  things  shall  work  together 
for  his  good,  may  rejoice  in  hope,  and  look  forward  with  com* 
fort : but  the  foreknowledge  of  the  afflictions  of  future  life, 
joined  to  the  terror  of  final  misery,  would  mar  the  little  enjoy- 
ment which  the  unbeliever  has  in  this  world,  and  torment  him 
before  his  time.  ( P . O.  Gen.  15:12  21.) — Men  are  prono 
( 649  ) 


B.  C.  896 


II.  KINGS. 


B.  C.  896. 


CHAPTER  II.  • 

Elijah  when  aootf  to  be  translated , cannot  induce  Elisha  not  to  attend  him,  in 
his  progress,  1-  7.  With  his  mantle  he  divides  Jordan , and  they  pass  over, 
8.  Elijah  allow*  conditionally  of  Elisha's  request  of  a double  measure  of 
the  Spirit , and  taken  to  heaven  in  a fiery  chariot , 9 — 11.  Elisha  takes  up 
Elijah's  mantle  ; smites  arid  dividse  Jordan  with  it,  and  passes  over  ; ana  is 
received  as  E/ija'i's  successor,  12 — 15.  The  sons  of  the  prophets  in  vain 
seek  for  Elijah,  15 — 18.  Elisha  heals  with  salt  the  bad  waters  of  Jericho , 
19 — 2*2.  Bears  destroy  the  children  that  mock  him,  23 — 25. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  Lord  would 
“take  up  Elijah  into  heaven  bby  a whirlwind, 
that  Elijah  went  with  'Elisha  from  dGilg-al. 

2  And  Elijah  said  unto  Elisha,  “Tarry  here,  I 
pray  thee;  lor  the  Lord  hath  sent  me  to  Beth-el. 
And  Elisha  said  unto  him,  ( As  the  Lord  liveth, 
and  as  thy  soul  liveth,  el  will  not  leave  thee.  So 
they  went  down  to  hBeth-el. 

3  And  ‘the  sons  of  the  prophets  that  were  at 
Beth-el  came  forth  to  Elisha,  and  said  unto  him, 
Knowest  thou  that  the  Lord  will  take  away  kthy 
master  from  thy  head  to-day  ? And  he  said,  Yea, 
I know  it;  hold  ye  your  peace. 

4  And  Elijah  said  unto  him,  Elisha,  tarry  here, 

a Gen.  5:24.  1 Kings  19:4.  Luke  9:51.  Acts  1:9.  Heb.ll:5.  Rev.  11:12.  b I 
Kings  18:12.  19:11.  Job  38:  c See  on  l Kings  19:16—21.  d Josh.  4:19.  5:9. 
e Ruth  1:15.  2 Sam.  15:19,20.  John  6:67,68.  14,6.  4:3U.  1 Sam.  1 :*26. 17:55. 25: 
25.  g Ruth  1:16—18.  2 Sain.  15:21.  1 John  2. 19.  hGen. 28:19.  1 Kings  12:29, 
83.  13:1,2.  i 5:7,15.  4:1,38.  9:1.  1 Sam.  10:10—12.  19:20.  1 Kings  18:4.  20:35.  Is. 


to  act  as  if  there  were  no  God ; and  as  if  they  were  left  to 
take  care  of  themselves,  as  well  as  to  spend  their  lives  in 
following  their  own  inclinations:  hence  they  are  so  readily 
induced  to  yield  to  fcvery  temptation,  and  to  make  rapid  pro- 
gress in  wickedness,  when  in  pursuit  of  the  objects  which  they 
idolize,  or  when  afraid  of  losing  them. — Those  who  would  be 
valiant  for  the  truth,  and  in  the  cause  of  God,  before  the 
great  ones  of  this  world,  must  learn  temperance  and  frugality  ; 
and  evince  that  they  neither  envy  nor  covet  their  luxuries 
and  embellishments,  but  are  indifferent  about  all  other  things, 
compared  with  the  glory  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  immor- 
tal souls. 

V.  9 — 18.  The  conduct  of  some  persons,  as  impartially 
recorded  in  the  word  of  God,  appears  so  infatuated,  that  we 
should  scarcely  be  able  to  credit  the  account,  did  we  not 
sometimes  witness  actions  equally  unaccountable.  Often  has 
it  been  observed,  that  men  upon  a deathbed,  and  aware  that 
they  could  not  recover,  have  appeared  more  trilling,  profane, 
avaricious,  morose,  fierce,  or  cruel,  than  at  any  former  pe- 
riod : so  that  those  around  them  have  been  tempted,  by  their 
intolerable  conduct,  to  wish  them  dead  before  the  hour  arrived ! 
Some  have  even  seemed  to  regret  with  their  dying  lips,  that 
they  could  do  no  more  mischief  in  the  world  before  they  left 
it  ! And  in  many  other  ways  men  are  continually  acting  in 
a manner  inexplicable,  except  upon  the  principles  cf  the  wise 
man  ; “ The  heart  of  the  sons  of  men  is  full  of  evil,  and  mad- 
ness is  in  their  heart  whilst  they  live,  and  after  that  they  go 
to  the  dead.”  (Notes,  Ec.  9:1 — 3.  Matt.  2:16 — 18.) — Haughty 
persecutors  will  always  meet  with  wretches  ready  to  execute 
their  most  impious  and  desperate  mandates  : and  when  pro- 
vidential mercies,  means  of  grace,  warnings  and  corrections, 
leave  them  thus  desperate  in  enmity  against  God  and  his  ser- 
vants, we  may  be  confident  that  vengeance  slumbereth  not. 
— If  the  wicked  face  death  in  its  most  tremendous  forms,  to 
obtain  or  preserve  ihe  favour  of  an  earthly  prince,  whose 
u breath  goeth  forth,  and  he  returneth  to  his  dust,  and  all  his 
thoughts  perish;”  what  danger  and  hardship  ought  we  not 
to  welcome  in  the  service  of  the  everlasting  God,  who  can 
give  us  the  gracious  recompense  of  eternal  life.  (Notes,  Ps. 
146:3 — 6.) — There  are  proper  seasons  for  different  methods 
of  behaving  towards  sinners,  and  we  must  ask  wisdom  of 
God  to  direct  us  : and,  as  the  same  action  may  be  either  right 
or  wrong,  according  to  the  principle  from  which  it  springs,  we 
should  look  well  to  our  own  spirits,  and  be  candid  in  judging 
our  brethren.  It  is,  however,  our  general  rule,  u not  to  be 
overcome  of  evil,  but  to  overcome  evil  with  good.” — The 
judgments  of  God  under  the  Christian  dispensation  are  com- 
monly spiritual : and  the  more  mildly  we  behave  to  those, 
who  insult  and  injure  us  for  the  Lord’s  sake,  the  more  terrible 
punishment  will  he  at  length  inflict  upon  them.  But  our  God 
is  ever  ready  to  forgive  the  humble  supplicant,  however  rebel- 
lious he  has  been ; and  the  way  to  prevail  with  him  is  to  bow 
before  him.  We  therefore  should  be  followers  of  him,  and 
be  ready  to  pray  for  and  favour  our  bitierest  enemies,  espe- 
cially when  under  any  alarm  of  conscience  they  entreat  us 
so  to  do. — We  may  safely  venture  into  the  presence  of  our 
most  enraged  foes,  when  he  requires  us,  who  has  all  hearts 
in  his  hand:  the  courage  of  faith  has  often  struck  terror  into 
the  heart  of  the  proudest  sinner:  how  then  shall  any  be  able 
to  stand  before  God,  when  he  arises  to  execute  judgment  ? 
His  words  will  surely  take  effect : and  while  some  sinners, 
being  long  spared,  increase  their  own  condemnation  ; others 
are  cut  off  speedily,  and  hurried  into  destruction.  Both  are 
intended  to  warn  others  to  seek  the  Lord  whilst  he  may  be 
found  : and  his  servants  will,  one  way  or  other,  survive  and 
witness  the  destruction  of  all  his  enemies. 

NOTES. — Chap.  II.  V.  1.  None,  Enoch  alone  ex- 
cepted, had  ever  been  favoured  with  exemption  from  the 
general  sentence  denounced  against  sinful  man,  “ Dust  thou 
( 650  ) 


I pray  thee  ; for  the  Lord  hath  sent  me  to  'Jericho. 
And  he  said,  mAs  the  Lord  liveth,  and  as  thy 
soul  liveth,  I will  not  leave  thee.  So  they  came 
to  Jericho. 

5 And  the  sons  of  the  prophets  that  were  a» 
Jericho  came  to  Elisha,  and  said  unto  him 
Knowest  thou  that  the  Lord  will  take  away.  nth> 
master  from  thy  head  to-day  ? And  he  answereu- 
°Yea,  1 know  it  ; hold  ye  your  peace. 

6 And  Elijah  said  unto  him,  Tarry,  I pray  thee, 
here  ; for  the  Lord  hath  sent  me  to  Jordan.  Ana 
he  said,  As  the  Lord  liveth,  and  as  thy  soul'liveth, 
I will  not  leave  thee.  And  they  two  went  on. 

7 And  rfifty  men  of  the  sons  of  the  prophets 
went,  and  stood  'to  view  afar  off:  and  they  two 
stood  by  Jordan. 

8 And  Elijah  took  nliis  mantle,  and  wrapped  it 
together,  and  smote  the  waters,  and  they  'were 
divided  hither  and  thither,  so  that  they  two  went 
over  on  dry  ground. 

8:18.  k Deut.  33:3.  Acts 22:3.  1 Josh.  6:26.  1 Kings  16:34.  Luke  19:1.  m See 
on  2.  4:30.  Acts  2:42.  11:23.  n See  on  3.  Josh.  1:1,2.  Luke  24:51.  John  17:5 — 7. 
Acts  1:2,11.  20:25.  o Gen.  48:19.  Ec.3:7.  Is.  41:1.  Hab.  2:20.  p 17.  1 King* 
18:4,13.  * Heb.  in  sight,  or,  over  against,  ql  Kings  19:13,19.  r 14.  Ex.  14: 
21,22.  Josh.  3:16,17.  Ps.  114:5— 7.  Is  11:15.  Bfeb.  11:29.  Rev.  16:12. 


art,  and  to  dust  shalt  thou  return.”  (Note,  Gen.  5:22 — 24. 
P.  O.  21 — 32.)  But  the  Lord  had  given  Elijah  some  pre- 
vious intimations,  that  he  intended  thus  to  distinguish  him, 
and  that  the  day  was  at  hand.  (Note,  1 Kings  19:3,4.)  At 
that  time,  he  and  Elisha  were  at  Gilgal : (Notes,  Josh  5:9. 
10:7,40 — 43.)  and  thence  Elijah  went  in  circuit  to  several  o 
the  schools  of  the  prophets  in  different  places,  to  give  them 
his  parting  exhortations  and  blessing.  Doubtless  most  of 
them  were  established,  and  all  of  them  were,  superintended 
by  him.  (Note,  1 Kings  19:20,21.) — It  is  not  known  how  old 
Elijah  was  when  translated. 

V.  2.  Elijah  might  intend  by  this  proposal  to  make  trial 
of  the  strength  of  Elisha’s  attachment ; or  perhaps  he  longed 
for  retirement,  and  shunned  ostentation.  But  Elisha  ex- 
pressed his  determination  to  enjoy  the  pleasure  and  reap  the 
benefit  of  his  company  to  the  last  ; and,  if  it  might  be,  to 
witness  his  translation : and  this  he  confirmed  with  a most 
solemn  asseveration.  (Notes,  Ruth  1:16,17.  2 Sam.  15:18 
— 22.) — As  the  life  and  soul  of  man  entirely  depend  on  God, 
to  mention  them  in  a solemn  oath,  either  alone,  or  along  with 
him,  was  deemed  equivalent  to  swearing  by  the  name  of  the 
Lord.  (Notes,  Matt.  5:33 — 37.  23:16 — 22.) 

V.  3.  Beth-el.]  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes , l Kings  12:26— 
33.  13:1,2.)  ‘In  that  place  where  the  golden  calves  were 

worshipped,  God  . . . continued  the  schools  of  the  prophets 
among  them.  For  by  “ the  sons  of  the  prophets”  are  meant 
the  scholars  of  the  prophets,  whom  they  educated  and  trained 
up  in  religion  and  piety.  And  God  . . . bestowed  on  some  of 
them  the  Spirit  of  prophecy.  . . . This  was  a great  testimony 
of  God’s  love  to  an  apostate  people. . . . And  it  is  still  metre 
remarkable,  that  prophets  of  greater  excellency  for  miracles 
were  continued  in  Israel,  than  were  in  Judah  ; because  they 
needed  them  more.  ...  It  seems  to  me  very  probable,  that 
these  “sons  of  the  prophets”  were  such  ministers  to  the  pro- 
phets as  the  evangelists  were  to  the  apostles;  whom  the  pro- 
phets sent  to  publish  their  prophecies  and  instructions  to  the 
people,  where  they  could  not  go  themselves.’  Bp.  Patrick. — 
“ The  sons  of  the  prophets”  at  Beth-el,  and  other  places,  had 
received  a divine  intimation,  that  Elijah  was  on  that  day  to  he 
taken  from  them : and  as  Elisha  was  next  in  precedency  after 
Elijah,  sitting  nearest  under  him,  or  at  his  feet,  while  he  de- 
livered his  instructions ; he  would  be  considered  as  their 
superintendent,  when  his  master  was  taken  “from  his  head,** 
or  from  above  him.  (Note,  Acts  22:1 — 5.) — Elisha  howevci 
would  not  allow  them  to  interrupt  the  composure  of  Elijah’s 
mind  at  this  solemn  season  by  any  lamentations : it  is  probable, 
that  he  forbad  them  publicly  to  speak  of  it,  lest  multitudes 
should  he  collected  to  witness  the  event ; or  he  counselled 
them  to  be  calm,  and  not  to  disquiet  themselves,  for  the  Lord 
would  make  up  the  loss. 

V.  4,  5.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Jericho.]  Notes , 19 — 22.  1 Kings 
16:34. 

V.  6.  ‘He  hoped  for  some  great  blessing  from  him,  when 
he  was  carried  up  lo  heaven ; and  therefore  continued  firm  iu 
his  resolution,  to  attend  that  wonderful  change.’  Bp.  Patrick. 
(Note,  9,10.) 

V.  7,  8.  These  fifty  men  seem  to  have  hoped  to  witness 
Elijah’s  translation,  but  this  favour  was  granted  only  to  Elisha. 
They,  however,  saw  Jordan  twice  divided,  first  before  Elijah 
and  Elisha,  and  then  afterwards  before  Elisha  alone,  by 
smiting  the  waters  with  Elijah’s  mantle.  (Notes,  14.  Josh. 
3:15—17.) 

Mantle.  (8)  nviN.  In  all  the  places  where  this  word  is  used, 
the  LXX  translate  it  uij^tarr, 7,  a sheepskin.  Hcb.  11:37.  Gr 
(Note,  1:8.) 

V.  9,  10.  Elisha  was  thus  reminded  to  make  his  request 
before  Elijah  was  taken  from  him  : for  the  prophet  did  not  give 
the  least  intimation  of  being  prayed  to  as  an  intercessor,  after 
he  was  gone  to  heaven  ; nay,  his  words  imply  the  coa 


B.  IV  89  i. 


CHAPTER  II.  B.  C.  89*. 


9 U An  I it  came  to  pass,  when  they  were  gone 
. .ver,  tha.  Elijah  said  unto  Elisha,  *Ask  what  I 
.shall  do  for  thee,  before  l be  taken  away  from 
thee.  And  ‘Elisha  said,  I pray  thee,  let  ua  double 
portion  of  thy  Spirit  be  upon  me. 

10  And  he  said,  ’Thou  hast  'asked  a hard 
thing  : nevertheless , *if  thou  see  me  when  I am 
taken  from  thee,  it  shall  be  so  unto  thee;  but  if 

not,  it  shall  not  be  SO.  [Practical  Observations.] 

11  H And  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  still  went  on, 

and  talked,  that  behold,  (here  appeared  Li  chariot 
of  fire,  and  horses  of  fire,  and  parted  them  both 
asunder;  and  Elijah  went  up  zby  a whirlwind 
•into  heaven.  . • 

12  And  Elisha  bsaw  it,  and  he  cried,  cMy  father, 
my  father,  the  chariot  of  Israel,  and  the  horsemen 
thereof!  And  ‘‘lie  saw  him  no  more : and  he 
took  hold  of  his  own  clothes,  and  erent  them  in 
two  pieces. 

13  He  took  up  also  fthe  mantle  of  Elijah  that 
fell  from  him,  and  went  back,  and  stood  by  the 
’bank  ol  Jordan ; 

14  And  he  took  the  mantle  of  Elijah,  that  fell 
from  him,  and  ssmote  the  waters,  and  said, 
hWhere  is  the  Lord  God  of  Elijah  ? And  when 
he  also  had  smitten  the  waters,  they  parted  hither 
and  thither:  and  Elisha  went  over. 

15  And  when  the  sons  of  the  prophets,  which 
were  ‘to  view  at  Jericho,  saw  him,  they  said  'The 
Spirit  of  Elijah  doth  rest  on  Elisha.  And  they 

> 13:11— 19.  Num.  27:16 — 23.  Deut.34:9.  1 Chr.  29:18,19.  Ps.  72:1,20.  F.uke 24: 
<5— 51.  John  17:9— 13.  Acts  1:8.  8:17.  20:2-5,36.  t Num.  11:17,25.  1 Kings  3:9. 

2 Chr.  1:9.10.  John  14:12—14.  16:7.  1 Cor.  12:31.  n Deul.  21:17.  Zech.  9:12.  12: 
8.  1 Tim.  5:17.  v Mark  11:22—24.  John  16:24.  * Heb.  done  hard  in  asking,  x 12. 
Acts  1:9,10.  y 6:17.  Pa.  68:17.  101:3,4.  Ez.  1 :4,  &c.  10:9,  &c.  Hah.  3:8.  Zech. 
6:1— 8.  Heb.  1:14.  z See  on  1.  aMark!6:19.  b 10.  c 13:14.  Job  22:30.  Prov. 
11:11.  Ec.  7:19.  9:16—18.  Is.  37:4,15,21.  Acts  27:24.  d Prov.  30:4.  Mark  16:19. 
Luke  2:15.  24:51,.  John  3:13.  Acts  1:9.  2 Cor.  5:2,4.  Eph.  4:8.  Rev.  11:12. 
e Job  1:20,21.  Is.  57:1,2.  Acts  8:2.  f8.  1 Kings  19.19.  1 Heb.  Up.  1 Kings  9:26. 
uiarg.  g See  on  8— 10.  Josh.  1:1 — 9.  Mark  16:20.  John  14:12.  Acts  2:33.  3:12, 

trary,  in  a very  decisive  manner.  If  the  request  were  not 
made  before  he  was  taken  away,  it  would  afterwards  be  too 
late.  Elisha,  therefore,  knowing  the  efficacy  of  Elijah’s 
prayer,  desired  him  to  ask  for  him  a double  portion  of  his 
spirit.  (Notes,  Num.  ll:Zo — 29.  27:18.  1 NingsZiS — 14.)  He 
seems  only  to  have  meant  a double  portion  of  the  Spirit  of 
prophecy,  and  of  wisdom,  courage,  faith,  and  grace,  to  what 
was  ordinarily  bestowed  upon  the  prophets:  but  as  he  was  to 
succeed  so  eminent  a person  in  a most  important  work,  and 
n arduous  times,  his  desires  and  expectations  might  be  en- 
arged  by  zeal  for  the  honour  of  God,  and  for  the  revival  of 
rue  religion;  so  that  he  was  led  to  use  words,  which  may 
signify  even  double  the  portion  which  Elijah  had  possessed: 
and  Elijah’s  answer  seems  to  imply,  that  this  was  the  import 
of  them. — It  appears  fiom  the  history,  that  Elisha  wrought 
twice  as  many  miracles  as  Elijah  had  done:  and  being  more 
constantly  among  the  people,  as  their  example  and  instructor, 
for  above  sixty  years,  from  his  first  calling  by  Elijah,  he 
seems  to  have  been  favoured  with  more  extensive  usefulness 
than  he ; though  in  other  respects  he  may  be  considered  as 
his  inferior.  (Note,  13:14.)  Thus  our  Lord  said  to  his  apos- 
tles, (referring  to  the  extensive  usefulness  of  their  labours, 
compared  with  that  of  his  persona!  ministry,  and  to  the  num- 
ber, variety,  and  long-continuance  of  the  miracles  wrought 
by  them,)  “ Greater  works  than  these  shall  ye  do :”  yet  was 
he  infinitely  greater  than  they.  (Notes,  Matt.  11:7 — 11.  John 
14:7—14.) 

V.  11.  (Marg.  Ref . Note,  1.)  Elijah’s  translation  was 
doubtless  performed  by  the  ministration  of  angels,  who  caused 
the  appearances  and  effects  here  described.  The  event  was 
a distinguished  honour  put  upon  one,  who  had  been  pecu- 
liarly zealous  for  the  honour  of  God,  and  had  ventured  all 
consequences  in  his  cause,  by  opposing  the  idolatry  of  an 
apostate  and  persecuting  age  and  nation.  It  was  a public 
attestation  of  the  doctrine  of  a future  state  of  retributions, 
for  the  encouragement  of  God’s  suffering  people;  and  it  was 
also  a prefiguration  of  the  Redeemer’s  ascension.  (Notes, 
Luke  24:50 — 53.  Acts  1:9 — 12.) — The  prophet  had  on  one 
occasion  passionately  wished  to  die ; but  the  Lord  was  gra- 
ciously pleased  to  deal  with  him  better  than  his  wishes.  He 
had  passed  over  Jordan  to  his  native  country,  and  was  con- 
ferring with  Elisha,  perhaps  about  the  joys  of  heaven,  or  the 
interests  of  true  religion  in  Israel,  when  they  were  thus  sud- 
denly interrupted  and  separated. 

V.  12.  The  manner  in  which  Elijah  was  taken  away, 
amidst  his  most  interesting  discourse,  must  have  been  exceed- 
ingly affecting  to  Elisha,  who  could  not  but  congratulate  his 
felicity.  But  he  had  lost  one  whom  he  loved  and  revered  as 
a father : and  Israel  had  lost  a reformer,  whose  labours  and 
prayers  did  more  to  preserve  the  nation  from  ruin,  than  cha- 
riots and  horsemen,  however  numerous,  could  have  done ; 
and  on  these  accounts  he  grieved,  and  expressed  his  regret 
by  rending  his  clothes.  (Note,  13:14.)  Nor  was  he  recon- 


came to  meet. him,  and  kbc  wed  themselves  to  the 
ground  before  him. 

16  And  they  said  unto  him,  Behold  now,  there 
be  with  thy  servants  fifty  tstrong  men:  let  them 
go,  we  pray  thee,  and  seek  thy  master : les 
jeradventure  ‘the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  hath  taken 
lint  up,  and  cast  him  upon  §some  mountain,  or 
into  some  valley.  And  he  said,  Ye  shall  not  send 

17  And  when  ‘"they  urged  him  till  he  was 
ashamed,  he  said,  Send.  They  sent  therefore 
fifty  men  ; and  they  sought  three  days,  but  “found 
him  not. 

18  And  when  they  came  again  to  him,  (for  he 
tarried  at  Jericho,)  he  said  unto  them,  Did  1 not 

say  unto  you,  Go  not  ? [Practical  Observations! ] 

19  11  And  the  men  of  the  city  said  unto  Elisha, 
Behold,  I pray  thee,  the  situation  of  this  city  is 
pleasant,  as  °my  lord  seetli : but  ‘'the  water  is 
naught,  and  the  ground  “barren. 

20  And  he  said,  Bring  me  a new  cruse,  and 
put  isalt  therein.  And  they  brought  it  to  him. 

21  And  he  went  forth  unto  the  spring  of  the 
waters,  and  ‘cast  the  salt  in  there,  and  said,  Thus 
saith  the  Lord,  6I  have  healed  these  waters ; 
‘there  shall  not  be  from  thence  any  more  death  or 
barren  land. 

22  So  the  waters  were  healed  unto  this  day, 
according  to  the  saying  of  Elisha  which  he  spake. 

23  11  And  he  went  up  from  thence  unto 
uBeth-el : and  as  he  was  going  up  by  the  way 

13.  h Juds.6:13.  1 Kings  18:36— 39.  Ps.  42:240.  115:2.  Joel  217.  i See  on  7. 
j Num.  11:25-29.  27:20.  Josh.  3:7.  Is.  11 .2.  59:21 . John  15:26.27.  Acts  1:8. 
2Cor.  12:9.  I Pet.  4:14.  k 19.  4 1—4,37.  6:1—  7.  Josh.  4:14.  } Heb.  sons  oj 
strength.  1 I Kings  18:12.  Ez.  3:14.  8:3.  11:24.  40:2.  Acts8:39.  2 Cor.  12  2.3. 
§ Heb.  one  of  the  mountains,  m 2 Sain.  18:22,23.  Luke  11:8.  Rom.  10:2. 
n Heb.  1 1 :5.  o Num.  12:1 1.  1 Kings  18:7,13. 1 Tim.  5:  IT.  p Ex.  7:19. 15:23.  Josh. 
6:17,26.  I Kings  16:34.  ||  Heb.  causing  to  miscarri/.  Ex.  23:26.  Dent.  28:2 — 4, 
11,15—18.  Hos.  9:14.  q Judg.  9:45.  Ez.  47:11.  Zeph.2:9.  r4:41.G:6.  Ex.  15: 
25,26.  John  9:6.  s Ez.  47:8— 1 1 . 1 Cor.  1:18 — 28.  Ilcv.  22:2,3.  t Ps.  107:34— 38. 
Rev.  21:4.  u 1 Kings  12:28—32.  Hos.  4:15.  10:5,15.  Am.  3:14.  4:4.  5:5.  7:13. 


ciled  to  his  own  and  the  public  loss,  by  being  the  president  o» 
all  the  schools  of  the  prophets,  or  by  being  assured  of  a double 
portion  of  Elijah’s  spirit. 

V.  13.  The  prophet  went  to  heaven  in  the  body;  yet,  as 
a token  of  the  different  state  into  which  he  was  entered,  and 
the  change  which  had  taken  place,  he  dropped  his  mantle  or 
upper  garment.  (Notes,  1 Cor.  15:50 — 54.  2 Cor.  5:1 — 4.) 
Elisha  had  been  first  called  to  attend  Elijah,  by  the  casting 
of  his  mantle  over  him;  and  he  now  received  and  valued  this 
mantle,  as  a token  of  his  receiving  a double  portion  of  his 
spirit.  (Notes,  9,10.  1 Kings  19:19.) 

V.  14.  Elisha  was  inwardly  moved  to  make  trial,  whe- 
ther Elijah’s  words  were  indeed  fulfilled  to  him;  and  whether 
the  Lord  God,  who  had  wrought  such  miracles  by  Elijah, 
and  had  just  before  divided  the  waters  of  Jericho  when  he 
smote  them  with  his  mantle,  was  with  him  in  like  manner. 
The  original  is  more  expressive  than  the  translation,  and  may 
he  rendered,  “Where  is  Jehovah,  the  God  of  Elijah,  even 
He?”  He  is  still  with  me:  though  Elijah  he  not  here,  the 
God  of  Elijah  is.  (Notes,  Josh.  3:7.  Matt.  28:19,20.) 

V.  15.  These  “sons  of  the  prophets ” had  witnessed  the 
division  of  Jordan,  both  by  Elijah,  and  afterwards  by  Elisha ; 
(Note,  7,8.)  thence  they  concluded,  that  the  Spirit  of  Elijah 
rested  on  Elisha;  and  by  bowing  to  the  ground  before  him, 
they  gave  him  honour  as  their  superintendent  from  that  time. 

V.  16 — 18.  These  sons  of  the  prophets  might  think,  that 
even  in  case  Elijah  was  finally  taken  from  them,  his  soul 
alone  was  gone  to  heaven  ; and  that  his  body  might  be  found, 
and  buried  with  due  honour:  but  perhaps  they  also  doubted, 
whether  he  was  really  removed ; or  had  only  been  carried  to 
some  other  place  in  a supernatural  manner,  as  he  seems  to 
have  been  on  former  occasions.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note , 1 Kings 
18:12 — 16.)  Elisha,  however,  might  fear  lest  they  should 

suspect,  if  he  persisted  in  refusing  their  request,  that  he  w as 
influenced  by  an  undue  desire,  of  filling  Elijah’s  honourable 
place ; and  the  event  tended  to  establish  his  authority. 

V.  19—22.  Jericho  had  not  long  before  been  rebuilt,  in 
defiance  of  the  curse  which  Joshua  had  denounced  against  him 
who  ventured  to  rebuild  it ; and  it  is  probable,  that  the  plea- 
santness of  the  situation  had  been  the  inducement.  (Note, 
1 Kings  16:34.)  But,  as  an  evidence  of  God’s  displeasure, 
the  water  was  unwholesome;  and  perhaps  in  consequence, 
the  ground,  (though  not  otherwise  deficient  in  fertility,)  had 
the  property  of  causing  the  cattle  to  cast  their  young ; and 
as  some  think,  the  immature  fruit  to  fall  from  the  trees.  It  is 
not  unlikely,  that  similar  effects  were  produced  on  the  women 
also.  (Marg.)  But,  as  the  inhabitants  had  admitted  a semi- 
nary of  prophets  among  them,  these  tokens  of  the  divine  dis- 
pleasure were  miraculously  removed.  The  new  cruse,  and 
the  salt,  could  have  no  natural  efficacy  to  heal  the  water,  and 
remove  the  bad  property  of  the  land  ; but  we*e  merely  signs 
of  Jehovah’s  powerful  operation.  (Marg  Ref.  Notes , 4* 
40,41.6:1—7  Ez.  47:11.  Matt.  5.13.) 

( 651  ) 


B.  C.  896. 


II.  KINGS 


B.  C. 896 


there  came  forth  'little  children  out  of  the  city, 
and  ^mocked  him,  and  said  unto  him,  'Go  up,  thou 
bald  head ; go  up,  thou  bald  head. 

24  And  lie  turned  back,  and  looked  on  them, 
and  "cursed  them  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 


xlob  19:18.  Prov.  20: 11. 22:6,15.  Kc. 11:10.  Is.  1:6.  3:5.  Jer.7:18.  y Gen.  21:9. 
2Chr.36:16.  Job  30:1,8,9.  Pa.  35:15.  Is.  57:3,4.  Gal.  1:29.  Hsb.  11:36.  ill. 
Matt.  27:29 — 31 ,40 — 13.  a.  1:10 — 12.  Gen.  9:25.  Dent.  28:15— 26.  Jer  28:16.29: 


V.  23,  24.  Several  learned  men  have  endeavoured  to 
prove,  that  these  offenders  were  not  children,  but  grown  up 
persons:  and,  no  doubt  the  firstword  rendered 

children , is  often  used  in  that  sense.  The  addition,  however, 
of  the  word  rendered  little , seems  clearly  to  evince,  that  they 
were  not  men,  but  young  boys,  who  had  been  trained  up  in 
idolatry,  and  taught  to  despise  the  prophets  of  the  Lord. 
They  had  heard  that  Elijah  was  “gone  up”  to  heaven,  and 
they  insultingly  bade  Elisha  follow  him,  that  they  might  be 
rid  of  him  also  ; and  they  reviled  him  for  the  baldness  of  his 
head.  Thus  they  united  the  crimes  of  abusing  him  for  a 
supposed  bodily  infirmity,  contemptuous  behaviour  towards  a 
venerable  person,  and  enmity  against  him  as  the  prophet  of 
God.  The.  sin  therefore  even  of  these  children  was  very 
heinous : yet  the  greater  guilt  was  chargeable  on  their  parents 
and  teachers  ; and  their  fate  was  a severe  rebuke  and  awful 
warning  to  them.  If  the  Spirit  of  God  had  not  dictated 
Elisha’s  solemn  curse  of  them,  Providence  would  not  have 
followed  it.  with  so  terrible  a judgment.  ( Notes , 1:10.  Prov. 
26:2.)  The  children  of  the  city  in  general  seem  to  have  been 
present;  and  the  insult  was  perhaps  the  effect  of  a pre-con- 
certed plan,  to  drive  the  sons  of  the  prophets  from  Beth-el 
by  illtreatment.  The  forty-two  children  (D'-ty),  which 
were  devoured,  seem  to  have  been  only  a part  of  the  whole 
company,  and  perhaps  they  were  the  most  guilty.  However, 
the  Judge  of  all  the  earth  surely  did  right.  Had  he  cut  them 
off  by  a fever,  no  one  would  have  objected  to  it:  but,  while 
the  dispensation  would  have  been  as  severe  towards  them, 
it  would  not  have  been  suited,  in  any  adequate  measure,  to 
make  the  same  useful  impression  on  the  minds  of  the  sur- 
vivors, or  to  inculcate  the  same  important  instructions  to 
other  ages  and  nations,  as  this  solemn  sentence  and  imme- 
diate execution  were.  (Notes,  Num . 31*2.  Josh.  6:21.  Acts 
5:1 — 11.) — It  seems  that  the  inhabitants  of  Beth-el  were  so 
over-awed,  that  they  no  more  ventured  to  molest  Elisha  or 
the  sons  of  the  prophets. — Shebears.  (24)  Note,  Hos.  13: 

5—8. 

V.  25.  ( Marg.  Ref.)  To  Samaria .]  Perhaps,  there 

was  a seminary  of  the  sons  of  the  prophets  even  in  Samaria: 
or  Elisha  had  lodgings  in  that  city,  to  which  he  returned  after 
his  circuits  in  other  parts,  for  whatever  service  might  there 
be  performed  by  him.  (Note,  6:32,33.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  The  Lord  always  acts  with  perfect  wisdom, 
justice,  goodness,  and  truth ; but  he  does  not  always  deign 
to  explain  to  us  the  reasons  of  his  conduct.  In  exempting 
sinners  from  merited  condemnation,  and  in  conferring  un- 
merited blessings,  he  “divideth  to  every  man  severally  as  he 
will.”  (Note,  Acts  10:34,35.)  We  are  assured,  that  they 
who  repent  and  believe  the  gospel,  shall  be  saved ; that  the 
Lord  will  honour  those  who  honour  him : and  if  we  obtain 
eternal  life,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  we  need  not 
greatly  regret  that  we  do  not  pass  the  same  way  to  it,  as 
Enoch  and  Elijah  did ; being  comfortably  assured,  that  we 
shall  be  more  than  conquerors  in  the  last  conflict,  through 
him  “who  hath  loved  us;”  and  that  at  last  “death  will  be 
swallowed  up  in  victory.”  (P.  O.  Gen.  5:21 — 32.  Note, 
I Cor.  15:50 — 58.) — As  we  know  not  the  time  of  our  depar- 
ture, we  should  give  diligence  to  be  habitually  ready  : and 
we  ought  to  mind  our  proper  work  with  greater  assiduity,  if 
able,  when  we  perceive  that  the  time  approaches.  Whether 
ministers  or  private  Christians,  we  are  called  to  “serve  our 
generation  and  should  aim  to  leave  all  around  us  deeply 
convinced  of  the  nearness  and  reality  of  eternal  things,  and 
animated  with  the  desire  of  glorifying  God  and  doing  good : 
and  our  example,  exhortations,  and  prayers  should  especially 
be  directed  to  these  important  objects,  when  we  approach 
the  solemn  closing  scene.  (Note,  2 Pet.  1:12 — 15.)  On  the 
other  hand,  we  should  gladly  embrace  opportunities  of  visi- 
ting the  deathbeds  of  eminent  believers,  that  we  may  learn 
heavenly  wisdom,  and  catch  holy  fire,  as  it  were,  from  theft- 
converse  and  behaviour.  But  such  occasions  require  serious- 
ness, calmness,  and  submission  to  the  will  of  God ; and  we 
should  learn  even  to  repress  our  own  feelings,  rather  than  dis- 
tract the  minds,  or  interrupt  the  devotions  and  discourse,  of  the 
departing  Christian.  As  long  as  pious  persons  are  with  us, 
we  should  beg  an  .interest  in  their  prayers;  that,  by  “the 
supply  of  the  Spirit  of  Jesus  Christ,”  we  may  be  enabled  to 
tread  in  their  steps,  and  to  be  serviceable  to  the  church  as  they 
have  been.  And  if  from  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  love 
to  the  souls  of  men,  we  should  covet  earnestly  to  abound  still 
more  in  grace,  .visdom,  and  usefulness;  neither  God,  nor  his 
dying  saints,  will  blame  the  largeness  of  our  desires.  Nor  is 
tl  hard  in  itself,  however  it  may  appear  to  us ; for  that  ful- 
ness, whence  prophets  and  apostles  derived  all  their  endow- 
ments, still  remains,  and  wo  are  invited  to  ask  large  supplies 
from  it  : (Note,  John  1:16.)  and  those  who  are  called  to  suc- 
ceed eminent  men  in  arduous  and  important  stations,  and  are 

( 652  ) 


And  there  came  forth  two  bshe  bears  out  o 
the  wood,  and  tare  forty  and  two  'children  • 
of  them. 

25  And  he  went  from  thence  to  dmount  Carmel, 
and  from  thence  he  returned  to  Samaria. 


21—23.  Am.  7:17.  Mark  11:14,21.  Acts  5:5,9.  8.20.  13:9— 11.  2 Cor.  10:6.  1,2 
Sam.  17:8.  Pro*.  17:12.28:15.  Hos.  13:8.  cKx.20:5.  1 Kings  13:24. 19:17.  2fc 
36.  dl:25.  1 Kings  18:19,42. 


conscious  of  their  own  insufficiency,  are  peculiarly  encou- 
raged to  expect  a double  portion  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  that 
they  may  not  disgrace  their  situations,  or  remain  useless  in 
them. 

V.  11 — 18.  Angels  delight  to  be  employed  in  removing  the 
saints  to  their  gLjrious  rest,  in  any  way  that  the  Lord  pleases. 
(Notes,  Gen.  24:5 — 9.  Luke  16:22,23.  Heb.  1:13,14.)  Yet  the 
event,  which  is  so  joyful  to  them,  often  causes  painful  separa- 
tions to  those  who  are  left  behind : many  on  these  occasions 
are  bereft  of  such,  as  have  been  more  dear  and  useful  to  them, 
than  the  tenderest  parent:, yea,  even  the  public  has1  been 
deprived  of  some  of  its  strongest  bulwarks,  though  most  men 
are  insensible  to  the  loss.  (Note,  Is.  57:1,2.)  On  these  ac- 
counts it  is  allowable  to  grieve : but  believers  should  be  warned 
“ not  to  sorrow,  as  men  without  hope;”  the  separation  will  at 
length  issue  in  a more  joyful  meeting,  and  the  loss  shall  be  made 
up  to  them.  Though  Elijah  be  removed,  “the  Lord  God  of 
Elijah”  lives.  Thus,  when  the  Saviour  ascended  into  heaven, 
he  left  not  his  disciples  comfortless ; but  he  bequeathed  to 
them  his  precious  gospel,  like  Elijah’s  mantle,  as  the  token 
of  the  divine  power  being  exerted  to  subvert  the  empire  of 
Satan,  and  to  set  up  the  kingdom  of  God  in  the  world:  and 
he  poured  out  upon  them  his  Holy  Spirit,  both  to  qualify  them 
fully  for  their  most  important  and  arduous  ^ministry,  and  to 
render  their  labours  abundantly  successful.  The  same  gospel 
still  remains  with  us ; and  though  the  miraculous  powers  are 
withdrawn,  it  still  is  attended  with  a divine  energy  for  the  con- 
version and  salvation  of  sinners.  Oh,  may  that  power  be  more 
abundantly  experienced,  wherever  the  word  of  God  is  truly 
preached  ! And  may  we  all  seriously  inquire,  whether  it  be 
not  suspended,  retarded,  or  removed,  through  some  criminal 
cause  in  us! — Having,  however,  the  same  exceeding  great 
and  precious  proniises,  the  same  throne  of  grace,  the  same 
Mediator,  the  same  powerful  God  and  Father,  as  the  primi- 
tive Christians  had ; if  we  have  also  the  same  “ precious 
faith,”  we  need  not  fear  breaking  through  all  difficulties,  op- 
posing enemies,  and  at  last  passing  comfortably  through  tho 
Jordan  of  death,  as  on  dry  ground. — When  we  perceive  men 
averse  to  conviction,  and  bent  upon  their  own  schemes, 
though  vain  and  empty ; it  is  sometimes  best  to  leave  them 
to  take  their  own  course:  and  their  fruitless  labours  and  in- 
quiries often  most  effectually  discover  to  them  their  mistakes. 

V.  19 — 25.  The  nature  of  man,  in  its  best  estate,  and 
adorned  with  all  the  embellishments  of  which  it  is  capable, 
resembles  the  unwholesome  water  and  soil  of  Jericho.  It  is 
throughout  infected  with  sin,  and  barren  of  real  good;  and 
man’s  best  actions,  till  renewed  by  grace,  proceed  from  selfish 
and  carnal  motives,  are  directed  to  unworthy  purposes,  and 
measured  by  a false  rule.  But  when  that  remedy  is  applied, 
a blessed  change  takes  place  through  all  the  powers  of  tho 
soul:  and  repentance,  faith,  and  love  of  God  and  man,  pro- 
duce good  works,  performed  from  the  purest  principles,  and 
for  the  most  important  ends ; and  regulated  according  to  the 
holy  law  of  God,  and  the  example  of  the  Redeemer.  In  this 
way  sometimes  whole  towns  and  cities  have  assumed  a new 
appearance,  through  the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  and  by  tho 
pouring  out  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  so  that  the  curse  of  sin  and- 
ungodliness  has  been  converted  into  the  blessing  of  fruitful- 
ness “in  the  works  of  righteousness,  which  are  through  Jesus 
Christ  to  the  praise  and  glory  of  God :”  and  when  this  bless- 
ing is  vouchsafed  to  seminaries  of  learning,  and  places  of  pub- 
lic education  ; the  fertilizing  streams  may  flow  through  whole 
countries,  nay  into  the  most  distant  lands,  and  produce  the 
most  happy  change.  (Notes,  Ez.  47:1 — 11.) — While  the 
special  favour  of  God  evidently  rests  on  those  places  where 
his  gospel  is  welcomed;  his  heaviest  wrath  will  light  on  thoso 
who  reject  the  gracious  message,  and  insult  and  abuse  his 
ministers.  The  words  and  actions  even  of  children,  yea,  of 
“ little  children,”  are  noticed  by  him.  Let  then  the  youngest 
who  read  or  hear  these  observations,  “ stand  in  awe,  and  sin 
not:”  let  them  think  of  the  terror  and  anguish  of  the  children 
of  Beth-el,  when  they  are  tempted  to  deride  the  deformed, 
the  lame,  or  the  infirm ; when  they  are  induced  to  show  con- 
tempt to  the  aged  ; and  especially  when  they  are  about  to 
join  those,  who  revile  or  ridicule  such  as  aic  in  reputation  for 
sanctity : for  this  is  to  despise  tho  holiness  of  God  in  them. 
And  if  any  have  the  misfortune  to  have  parents  or  teachers 
so  wicked,  as  to  set  them  an  example  of  such  profaneness,  or 
to  instruct  or  encourage  them  to  behave  in  such  a manner; 
let  them  remember  that  they  should  “obey  God  rather  than 
man,”  and  that  they  must  answer  to  him  for  their  oflence, 
whoever  commands  them  to  commit  it.  But  words  cannot 
express  what  strikes  tho  imagination  on  this  awful  subject. 
We  can  scarcely  conceive  the  horror  which  seized  tho  parents 
of  Beth-el,  on  the  view  of  tho  mangled  bodies  of  their  children, 
whom  they  had  taught  that  impiety,  which  brought  the 
dreadful  judgment  upon  them.  What  then  will  he  the  onguisli, 
at  the  great  decisive  day,  of  those  po- tints,  vhc  witn»iss  live 


B.  C 895. 


CHAPTER  III. 


B C.  895 


CHAPTER  III. 

Jehoram  reigns  wickedly,  1 — 3.  Mesha  king  of  Moab  revolts , 4,  5.  Jehoram, 
Jehoshaphat , and  the  king  of  Edom,  march  against  him  ; and  being  greatly 
distressed  for  want  of  water,  (hey  apply  to  Elisha,  who  sharply  reproves 
Jehoram,  but  shows  respect  to  Jehoshaphat,  6 — 14.  Hepromise*  tlunn  water, 
and  victo  y,  15—19.  Plenty  of  water  is  sent ; the  Moabi'es  are  deceived  by 
the  appearance,  and  are  entirely  defeated,  20 — 24.  The  allied  kings  destroy 
the  cities,  spoil  the  country,  and.  besiege  Kir-haraseth,  25.  The  king  of  Moab, 
sacrificing  his  eldest  son,  causes  them  to  raise  the  siege,  26,  27. 

NOW  “Jehoram  the  son  of  Ahab  began  to 
reign  over  Israel  tn  Samaria  in  the  eighteenth 
year  of  Jehoshaphat  king  of  Judah,  and  reigned 
twelve  years. 

2 Anti  he  bwrought  evil  in  the  sight  of  the 
Lord;  “but  not  like  his  father,  and  dlike  hfs  mother: 
for  he  put  away  the  'image  of  “Baal  that  his  father 
had  made. 

3 Nevertheless  fhe  cleaved  unto  the  sins  of 
Jeroboam  the  son  of  Nebat,  Tvhich  made  Israel  to 
sin;  hhe  departed  not  therefrom. 

4  If  And  Mesha  king  of  Moab  was  ‘a  sheep- 
master,  and  ‘‘rendered  unto  the  king  of  Israel  a 
hundred  thousand  lambs,  and  a hundred  thousand 
rams,  with  the  wool. 

5  But  it  came  to  pass,  when  Ahab  was  dead, 
'that  the  king  of  Moab  rebelled  against  the  king 
of  Israel.  * 

6  If  And  king  Jehoram  went  out  of  Samaria  the 
same  time,  and  ""numbered  all  Israel. 

7  And  he  went  and  sent  to  Jehoshaphat  the 
king  of  Judah,  saying,  The  king  of  Moab  hath 
rebelled  against  me : "wilt  thou  go  with  me  against 
Moab  to  battle  ? And  he  said,  I will  go  up  : I am 
as  thou  art,  my  people  as  thy  people,  and  my 
horses  as  thy  horses. 

8  And  he  said,  Which  way  shall  we  go  up? 
And  he  answered,  The  way  through  “the  wilder- 
ness of  Edom. 

9  So  the  king  of  Israel  went,  and  the  king  of 


a 1:17.  8. IS.  Joram.  1 Kings  *3:51.  h 6:31,33.  21:6,20.  See  on  1 Sam.  15:19. 
1 Kings  16:19.  c 1 Kings  15:33.  21:20,25.  <19:22,34.  1 Kings 21:5—15,15.  • Heb. 
statue,  e 10:18,26—53.  1 Kines  16:31,32.  f 10.20 — 31 . See  on  1 Kings  12:28—33. 

fsee  on  1 Kings  14:16.  15:26,34.  16:31.  h 13:2,6,11.  14:24.  15:9,18.17:22. 

Kings  12:26— 28.  13:33.  1 Cor.  1:19,20.  i Gen.  13:2.  26:13,14.  2 Chr.  26:10.  Job 
1:3.42:12.  It  2 Sam.  8:2.  1 Chr.  18:2.  Ps.  60:8.  Is.  16:1.  1 See  on  1 1.  2 Chr. 
21:8—10.  m 1 Sam.  11:3.  15:4.  2 Sam.  21:1.  1 Kings  20:27.  n See  on  1 Kings 
22:1.32,33.  2 Chr.  18:3,29—32.  19:2.21:4-7  . 22  3,4.10-12.  o Nnm.21:4.  Mai. 
1:2.3.  p S e on  1 Kings  22:47.  q Ex.  15:22.  17:1.  Num.  20.2,4  . 21:5.  33:14. 
t Heb.  at  their  Feet.  Ex.  11:8.  marg.  Judg.  4:10.  r 6:33.  Gen.  4:13.  Ps.  78:31 — 
86.  Prov.  19:3.  Is.  8:21.  51:20.  s See  on  1 Kings  22:7.  Ps.  74:9.  Am.  3:7.  t 1, 

everlasting  condemnation  of  their  offspring,  occasioned  by 
their  negligence  and  wickedness!  Let  us  turn  from  the  dread- 
ful meditation,  and  take  warning  to  train  up  our  families,  with 
increasing  earnestness,  “ in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of 
the  Lord  hoping  and  praying  that  we  shall  be  enabled,  at 
that  important  season,  to  appear  before  God,  and  to  adopt 
the  language  of  the  prophet,  “ Behold,  I and  the  children 
that  thou  hast  given  me.” — Indeed  the  ministers  of  Christ 
must  and  will  in  all  ordinary  circumstances  continue  to  bless, 
and  not  curse:  but  the  Lord  is  still  glorious  in  holiness,  and 
all  creatures  serve  him  ; and  while  he  protects  his  people, 
even  among  their  enraged  foes,  he  can  soon  call  for  instru- 
ments of  his  vengeance  on  those  whom  he  sees  to  be  ripe  for 
destruction. 

NOTES. — Chap.  III.  V.  1.  Note,  1:17. 

V.  2,  3.  Jehoram  threw  aside,  but  did  not  destroy,  the 
image  of  Baal : and  if  he  suppressed  the  worship  of  Baal  for 
a time,  in  order  to  please  Jehoshaphat,  and  secure  his  alliance, 
or  through  terror  at  the  awful  end  of  his  father  and  brother, 
it  was  soon  allowed  to  revive.  (Notes,  10:18 — 31.  I Kings 
16:30 — 33.)  But  he  was  not  so  eager  on  that  idolatry,  or  so 
vehement  a persecutor  of  the  prophets  and  worshippers  of  the 
Lord,  as  his  predecessors  had  been  ; preferring  the  more 
politic  measures  of  Jeroboam.  (Note,  1 Kings  12:26—29.) 
Yet,  it  seems,  Jezebel  retained  her  influence,  and  promoted 
her  favourite  idolatry;  though  for  reasons  of  state,  or  being 
discouraged  by  various  calamities,  she  acquiesced  in  her  son’s 
measures  at  the  beginning  of  his  reign. 

V.  4 — 6.  Marg.  Ref.  Note,  1:1. — Rams.  (4)  Or  wethers, 
a a some  understand  it. 

V.  7.  Jehoshaphat  used  exactly  the  same  words  in  this 
answer  to  Jehoram,  as  he  had  done  to  his  father  Ahab.  But 
the  ill  success  of  Ahab’s  expedition,  his  own  extreme  danger 
and  merciful  deliverance,  and  the  sharp  reproof  given  him  by 
the  prophet,  should  have  taught  him  a different,  conduct. 

( Notes,  1 Kings  22:4,30,32  35.  2 Chr.  19:2,3.) — As  Jehoram 
had  put  away  the  image  of  Baal,  Jehoshaphat  perhaps  was 
in  hopes  of  effecting  a more  complete  reformation  in  Israel, 
by  this  compliance : but  he  thus  almost  entirely  ruined  his  own 
family.  (Note,  1 Kings  22:11 — 46.)  • 

V.  8,  9.  This  way  was  far  about  for  Jehoram,  and 
through  a part  of  tho  desert  in  which  Israel  had  wanted  water, 
when  they  came  out  of  Egypt ; and  the  same  difficulty  might 
teasonably  have  been  expected.  (Notes,  Num.  20:2 — 5,14 — 


Judah,  and  The  king  of  Edom  : and  they  fetched 
a compass  of  seven  days'  journey : and  there  vvaf) 
ino  water  for  the  host,  and  for  the  cattle  'that  fa 
lowed  them. 

10  And  the  king  of  Israel  said,  Alas,  tha* 
"the  Lord  hath  called  these  three  kings  together, 
to  deliver  them  into  the  hand  of  Moab ! 

11  But*  Jehoshaphat  said,  ’Is  there  not  here  a 
prophet  of  the  Lord,  ‘that  we  may  inquire  of  the 
Lord  by  him?  And  one  of  the  king  of  Israel’s 
servants  answered  and  said,  Here  is  Elisha  the 
son  of  Shaphat,  “which  poured  water  on  the  hands 
of  Elijah. 

12  And  Jehoshaphat  said,  “The  word  of  the 
Lord  is  with  him.  So  The  king  of  Israel  and 
Jehoshaphat  and  the  king  of  Edom  went  down  to 

him.  [ Practical  Observations .] 

13  And  Elisha  said  unto  the  king  of  Israel, 
'What  have  I to  do  with  thee  ? “get  thee  to  bthe 
prophets  of  thy  father,  and  to  the  prophets  of  thy 
mother.  And  the  king  of  Israel  said  unto  him,, 
“Nay : for  the  Lord  hath  called  these  three  kings 
together,  to  deliver  them  into  the  hand  of  Moab. 

14  And  Elisha  said,  dJls  the  Lord  of  hosts 
; liveth,  before  whom  I stand,  surely,  were  it  not 

that  “I  regard  the  presence  of  Jehdtehaphat  the 
king  of  Judah,  fI  would  not  look  toward  thee,  nor 
see  thee. 

15  But  now  sbring  me  a minstrel.  And  it  came 
to  pass,  when  the  minstrel  played,  that  ‘‘the  hand 
of  the  Lord  came  upon  him. 

16  And  he  said.  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  ‘Make 
this  valley  full  of  ditches  : 

17  For  thus  saith  the  Lord,  ‘Ye  shall  not  see 
wind,  neither  shall  ye  see  rain;  yet  that  valley 
shall  be  filled  with  water,  ’that  ye  may  drink,  both 
ye,  and  your  cattle,  and  your  beasts. 

3.  Josh.  9:14.  Judg.  20:8— 11.18,23,26— 28.  1 Chr.  10:13.  14:10,14.  15:13.  u Gen. 
18:4.  Josh.  1:1.  1 Kings  19:21.  Luke  22:26.27.  John  13:4,5,13,14.  Phil.  2: 
22.  x 2:14.15,21,24.  1 Sum.  3:19— 21 . y 5:8,9,18.  Is.  49:23.  60:14  Rev.  3:9. 

7.  Ez.  14:3— 5.  Mutt.  8:29.  John  2:4.  2 Cor.  5:16.  6:15.  a Judg.  10.14.  Jcr.2: 
27,28.  b I Kings  18:19.22:6,10.11,22— 25.  c See  on  10.  Deul.  32:37— 39. 
Hos.  6:1.  <15:16.  I Kings  17:1.  18:15.  e 2 Chr.  17:3-9.  19:3,4.  Ps.  15:4. 

f 1 Sain.  15:26— 31.  1 Kings  14:5,  4c.  21:20.  Jer.  1 ;18.  Dan.  5:17— 23.  Malt. 
22:16.  g I Sam.  10:5.  16:23.  18:10.  1 Chr.  25:2,3.  Eph.  5:18.19.  h 1 Kings  18: 
46.  Ez.  1:3.  3:14,22.  8:1.  Acts  11:21.  i 4:3.  Num.  21:8,16— 18.  k 1 Kings  18: 
36— 39.  Ps.  84:6.  107:35.  Is.  41 : 17,18.  43:19,20.  48:21.  1 Ex.  17:6.  Num.  20. 

8— 11. 


21.  21:16 — 18.)  Jehoshaphat  seems  to  have  intended  to  pre- 
vent the  revolt,  and  secure  the  assistance  of  the  deputy-king 
of  Edom,  and  to  attack  the  Moabites  by  surprise:  (Note,  1 
Kings  22:47.)  but  he  neglected  to  inquire  of  the  Lord,  for 
which  he  was  speedily  rebuked.  It  is  probable,  that  the  army 
either  missed  the  direct  road,  or  was  hindered  in  its  march, 
and  turned  out  of  the  way  which  the  kings  had  intended  to 
take,  by  some  unforeseen  impediments:  ora  great  drought 
prevailed  in  that  region,  of  which  they  had  not  been  aware. 

V.  10.  Jehoram  had  planned  this  expedition,  without  any 
divine  direction,  for  his  own  interest,  and  had  drat™  the 
other  two  kings  into  it.  Had  they  succeeded,  he  would  not 
have  given  God  the  glory ; yet  when  calamities  came  upon 
him,  through  his  own  inadvertency,  “ his  heart  fretted  against 
the  Lord  :”  but  he  expressed  neither  repentance,  nor  faith, 
nor  submission  to  the  will  of  God.  ( Notes,  6:24 — 33.  Prov. 
19:3.) 

V.  11,  12.  Doubtless,  the  prophet  was  divinely  directed  to 
follow  the  camp  on  this  occasion.  The  servant  of  Jehoram 
was  better  acquainted  with  Elisha,  than  his  master  was ; 
and  he  was  known,  as  having  been  the  attendant  of  Elijah,  to 
assist  him  in  w'ashing  his  hands,  and  other  menial  offices ; 
yet  as  appointed  to  be  his  successor.  (Note,  1 Kings  19: 
20,21.)  Jehoshaphat  was  now  made  sensible  of  his  fault  in 
neglecting  to  inquire  of  the  Lord:  and  the  three  kings  concurred 
in  showing  respect  to  Elisha  ; not  ordering  his  attendance,  but 
waiting  on  him.  (Notes,  5:8 — 12.  Ex.  11:8.  Is.  60:10—14. 
Rev.  3:8,9.) 

V.  13, 14.  It  is  probable,  that  Elisha  meant  to  show  Jeho- 
shaphat  the  deficiency  and  hypocrisy  of  Jchoram’s  reformation, 
as  his  heart  still  went  after  the  prophets  and  worship  of  Baal ; 
and  he  had  no  real  regard  for  the  prophets  of  God,  though  he 
consulted  him  in  his  distress.  He  would  not  therefore  show 
him  any  respect  or  honour,  that  he  might  understand  how  the 
Lord  detested  his  iniquity;  but  he  treated  Jehoshaphat  with 
respect,  though  he  also  was  faulty.  (Notes,  Judg.  10:13 — 18. 
Ez.  14:1 — 5.  20:39) — Doubtless  he  was  directed  to  act  in  his 
public  character,  differently  from  what  he  would  have  done 
as  a private  subject  of  Jehoram’s  kingdom.  This  indeed  is 
implied  in  the  words  of  the  oath,  by  which  he  confirmed  what 
he  spake.  “ As  the  Lord  of  hosts  liveth,  before  whom  I 
stand.”  (Marg.  Ref.  d.) 

V.  15.  The  “ minstrel”  was  one  skilful  in  playing  on  a 
harp,  or  some  other  musical  instrument : and  it  is  probable 
( 653  ) 


B.  C.  895. 


II  KINGS, 


B C.  895. 


18  And  mth.s  is  bat  na  lig’ht  thing  in  the  sight  of 
the  Lord  : °he  will  deliver  the  Moabites  also  into 
your  hand.’ 

19  And  pye  shall  smite  every  fenced  city,  and 

every  choice  city,  and  shall  sfell  every  good  tree, 
and  stop  all  wells  of  water,  and  ’mar  every  good 
piece  of  land  with  stones.  % 

20  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  morning,  rwhen 
the  meat-offering  was  offered,  that  behold,  there 
came  water  by  the  way  of  Edom,  and  the  coun- 
try was  sfilled  with  water. 

21  II  And  when  all  the  Moabites  heard  that  the 
kings  were  come  up  to  fight  against  them,  they 
•gathered  all  that  were  table  to  put  on  armour  and 
upward,  and  stood  in  the  border. 

22  And  they  arose  up  early  in  the  morning,  and 
the  sun  shone  upon  the  water,  and  the  Moabites 
saw  the  water  on  the  other  side  as  red  as  blood  : 

23  And  they  said,  ‘This  is  blood : the  kings  are 
surely  Islain,  and  they  have  smitten  one  another: 
“now  therefore  Moab  to  the  spoil. 

m I Kings  3:13.  Jer.  32:17,27.  L,ikel:27.  Eph.  3:2(1.  n 20,10.  1 Kings  16: 
31.  Is.7:13.49:6.  Es.8:17.  o 1 Kings  20: 13,28.  Is.  7:1— 9.  p 13:17.  Num. 
21:17.  Judg.  6:16.  1 Sam.  15:3. 23:2.  q Deni.  20: 19,20.  • Heb.  grieve.  23. 

El.  29:39,40.  1 Kings  18:3S.  Dan.  9:21.  s See  cm  Ps.  79:15,16,20.  Is.  35:6, 
7.  1 Heb.  were  cried  together.  * Heb.  gird  himself  with  a girdle.  I Kings 
20:11.  Eph.  6:14.  6:18— *20.  7:6.  § Heb.  desroyed.  u Ex.  15:9.  Judg.  5: 

that  he  sang  the  praises  of  God,  accompanied  with  soft  and 
sweet  music. — This  was  intended  to  calm  the  prophet’s  mind,, 
which  had  been  discomposed  with  a holy  indignation,  by 
recollecting  the  abominations  of  Ahab’s  family ; and  so  to 
prepare  him  for  those  illapses  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  he 
assuredly  expected,  and  accordingly  received.  ( Notes , 1 

Sam.  10:5,6.  16:15 — 23.) 

V.  16,  17.  With  the  prophetical  promise  of  a sufficient 
supply  of  water,  for  them,  their  cattle,  and  beasts  of  burden, 
a commandment  was  given  which  required  considerable  labour, 
and  was  a trial  of  the  faith  and  obedience  of  the  persons  con- 
cerned. It  is  useless  to  inquire  whence  this  water  came  : 
He,  that  caused  the  rock  to  pour  forth  rivers,  could  never 
want  resources.  (Note,  Ex.  17:5,6.)  The  supply,  however, 
was  evidently  miraculous  : and  those  who  have  insinuated 
the  contrary,  as  if  Elisha  had  merely  known  that  there  was 
water  in  the  place,  if  they  would  only  dig  for  it;  must  suppose 
that  the  prophet,  whom  they  attempt  to  disparage,  had  more 
sagacity  in  matters  of  this  kind,  than  these  three  kings,  with 
all  their  officers,  and  counsellors,  and  soldiers. 

V.  18,  19.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Providence  put  in  Jehoram’s 
power  to  execute  that  severe  vengeance  upon  the  revolted 
Moabites,  which  he  meditated.  But  it  is  not  certain,  whether 
the  words  of  Elisha  implied  a permission  to  do  so,  or  were 
merely  prophetical  of  the  event.  ( Dcut . 20:19,20.) — It  is 
probable,  that  much  of  the  land  could  not  be  cultivated,  till 
the  stones  were  gathered  off:  and  these,  lying  in  heaps  upon 
the  corners  of  the  fields,  would  speedily  be  dispersed  by  a 
numerous  army,  and  occasion  great  hinderance  and  difficulty 
in  the  future  cultivation  of  the  country. 

V.  20.  The  time  of  the  morning  sacrifice  at  Jerusalem 
was  chosen  by  the  Lord  for  this  miracle,  to  intimate  to  the 
whole  company,  that  the  deliverance  was  vouchsafed  them 
through  the  sacrifices  and  the  worship  there  performed. 
(Marg.  Ref.  r.) — It  may  here  very  properly  bo  noted,  that 
neither  Elijah  nor  Elisha  seems  ever  to  have  resorted  to  the 
worship  at  the  temple,  or  to  have  required  the  people,  under 
the  government  of  the  kings  of  Israel,  to  do  so;  though  that 
worship  was  appointed  by  God,  and  it  is  evident  that  his 
spiritual  worshippers  had  respect  to  it.  The  peculiar  circum- 
stances of  Israel  were  such,  that  without  uninterrupted 
miracles,  or  subverting  the  foundation  of  the  civil  establish- 
ment, the  people  could  not  exactly  observe  the  ritual  law. 
The  prophets  were  therefore  directed,  by  God  himself,  to 
accommodate  their  conduct  to  these  circumstances,  and  to 
spend  their  lives  in  recovering  or  preserving  the  people  from 
idolatry,  and  in  teaching  them  the  grand  essentials  of  accept- 
able religion.  In  every  age  hitherto,  considerate  and  faithful 
ministers  have  found  it  impracticable,  for  them  to  rectify 
every  external  deviation  from  what  to  them  appeared  most 
scriptural:  but  having  adverted  to  the  distinction  between 
what  is  desirable , and  what  is  attainable ; and  between  the 
essentials  of  true  religion  in  every  age,  and  matters  more 
circumstantial ; they  have  accommodated  themselves  to  that 
state  of  things  w'hich  they  could  not  alter;  and  endeavoured 
to  bring  men  to  repentance,  faith  in  Christ,  and  holiness  of 
life,  and  to  as  scriptural  an  external  worship  as  they  could. 
And,  though  some  of  their  brethren  have  censured  them,  the 
Lord  God  of  Elijah  and  Elisha  has  evidently  pleaded  their 
cause,  by  making  them  the  instruments  of  numerous  conver- 
sions, and  great  revivals  of  religion : whilst  others,  scrupu- 
lously exact  in  external  forms  and  earnest  to  magnify  them, 
have  worn  out  their  lives  in  vainly  attempting  to  new  model  the 
church  and  the  world,  ana  have  missed  their  opportunity  of 
more  essential  usefulness.  ( Notes , 4:23.  1 Sam.  7:9,17.  1 
Kings  18:4,36,37.)  In  clue  time  the  Lord  will  regulate  every 
thing  externally,  as  well  as  internally  bn  the  best  manner:  in 
( 654  ) 


24  And  when  they  came  to  the  camp  oi 
Israel,  the  Israelites  rose  up  and  xsmote  the 
Moabites,  so  that  they  fled  before  them  : but  they 
"went  lorward  smiting  the  Moabites,  even  in  their 
country. 

25  And  they  ^beat  down  the  cities,  and  on 
every  good  piece  of  land  cast  every  man  his  stone, 
and  filled  it,  and  they  stopped  all  the  wells  oi 
water,  “and  felled  all  the  good  trees:  •'only  inbKir- 
haraseth  left  they  the  stones  thereof ; howbeit  the 
slingers  went  about  it , and  smote  it. 

26  H And  when  the  king  of  Moab  saw  that  I e 
battle  was  too  sore  for  him,  he  took  with  him  seven 
hundred  men  that  drew  swords,  to  break  through 
even  cunto  the  king  of  Edom  : but  they  could  not. 

27  Then  he  took  his  eldest  son,  that  should 
have  reigned  in  his  stead,  and  ‘'offered  him  for  a 
burnt-offering  upon  the  wall.  And  there  was 
great  indignation  against  Israel : and  'they  de- 
parted from  him,  and  returned  to  their  own 
land. 


30.  2Chr.  20:25.  Is.  10:14.  x Josh.  8:20— 22.  Judg.  20:40-46.  I Tlies.  5:3,4. 
II  Or,  smote  in  it  even  smiting.  y 19.  Jiirlg.  9:45.  2 Sam.  8:2.  I«.  37:26,27. 
z Gen.  26:15,18.  2 Chr.  32:4.  a Dent.  20:19,20.  H Heb.  until  he  left  the  stones 
thereof  in  Kir-haraselk.  b Is.  16:7,11.  Jer.  48:31 ,36.  Kir-heres.  c 9.  Am. 
2:1.  d Gen.  22:2,13.  I eut.  12:31.  Judg.  11:31,39.  Ps.  106:37,38.  Ez.  16:20 
Mic.  6:7.  e 1 Sam.  14:36—46.  1 Kings  20:13,28,43. 

the  mean  while  we  must  make  the  best  of  things  : we  must 
aim  to  be  satisfied  respecting  our  own  conduct  as  in  the 
sight  of  God ; to  be  moderate  and  candid  in  our  own  judg- 
ment concerning  those  who  differ  from  us,  and  patient  under 
their  censures  of  us;  and,  learning  what  that  means,  “I  will 
have  mercy  and  not  sacrifice,”  to  be  careful  not  to  lose  sight 
of  the  great  end  of  all  religion,  for  the  sake  of  some  of  the 
disputable  means  of  attaining  it.  For  at  last  nothing  w avail- 
eth  in  Christ  Jesus,  but  faith,  which'  worketh  by  love,”  and 
“a  new  creature”  manifested  in  u newness  of  life.”  ( Notes% 
Gal.  5:1—6.  6:11—16.) 

The  way  of  Edom.]  Mount  Seir  was  inhabited  by  Edom : 
and  some  think  that  plentiful  rains  on  the  mountains  of  Edom 
supplied  the  water.  But  this  is  uncertain;  and  mount  Seir 
was  not  so  distant,  but  that  tokens  of  wind  or  rain  would  have 
been  perceived  by  the  army.  (17) 

V.  22.  23.  The  sun  shining  upon  the  water  in  ditches, 
probably  in  a red  soil,  had  the  appearance  of  blood ; and 
deceived  the  Moabites,  who  knew  that  it  was  just  before  a 
dry  valley,  and  that  no  rain  had  fallen  : and  as  combined 
armies  have  often  quarrelled,  and  destroyed  each  other,  they 
hastily  concluded  this  to  be  the  case,  and  acted  as  if  it  had 
been  fully  proved  to  them.  4 The  Moabites  easily  believing 
what  they  wished,  imagined  they  had  nothing  to  do,  but  to  go 
and  gather  the  spoil,  and  not  to  fight  at  all.’  Rp.  Patrick . 
God  permitted  them  to  be  thus  infatuated  for  their  destruc- 
tion. (Note,  Judg.  7:16-22.  2 Chr.  20:22—25.) 

V.  24,  25.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 18, J 9,27. 

V.  26.  The  camp  of  the  viceroy  of  Edom  seems  not  to 
have  been  so  well  fortified  as  the  camps  of  the  other  kings: 
and  therefore  the  king  of  Moab,  in  his  extreme  danger,  thought 
to  force  his  way  through  in  this  direction  ; but  he  was  not 
able. 

.V.  27.  It  has  been  supposed  that  the  king  of  Moab 
offered  in  sacrifice  the  eldest  son  of  the  king  of  Edom,  w hom 
he  had  taken  prisoner:  but  the  narrative  does  not  admit  o! 
this  interpretation.  It  is  evident,  that  he  sacrificed  his  own 
eldest  son,  and  the  heir  apparent  of  his  crown,  to  procure  the 
assistance  of  his  idols,  or  to  avert  their  indignation.  It  has 
been  thought,  that  a tradition  of  Abraham’s  offering  his  son 
Isaac,  nay,  that  even  a distorted  tradition  concerning  the 
sacrifice  of  the  Redeemer,  gave  occasion  to  those  horrid 
human  sacrifices,  which  have  been,  and  still 'are,  very  com- 
mon in  the  Gentile  world.  But  this  at  most  could  only  be  the 
occasion  ; the  cause  was  twofold;  the  depravity  and  blind- 
ness of  the  human  heart,  and  the  subtlety  and  malignity  of 
Satan  ; in  whose  worship,  as  directed  by  him,  it  must  be  a 
first  principle,  that  the  more  costly,  painful,  unnatural,  and 
cruel  the  oblation  is,  the  more  acceptable  the  sacrifice ; 
because  it  best  gratifies  his  pride,  envy,  and  malice.  (Notes, 
Lev.  20:2 — 5.  Mic.  6:6 — 8.) — This  horrid  sacrifice  the  king 
of  Moab  offered  in  the  sight  of  the  combined  armies,  that 
they  might  see  his  desperate  determination  to  endure  and 
inflict  all  extremities,  rather  than  be  reduced : his  remaining 
forces  were  thus  fired  with  indignation  against  Israel ; and 
perhaps  Jehoshaphat,  and  the  king  of  Edom,  expressed  their 
disapprobation  of  those  severities  which  occasioned  the 
dreadful  deed.  In  this  manner  the  minds  of  the  assailants 
being  filled  with  horror,  and  their  measures  disconcerted, 
they,  by  common  consent,  raised  the  siege  of  Kir-haraseth, 
the  principal  city  of  Moab,  before  the  walls  of  which  these 
transactions  took  place.  Thus  it  escaped  the  destruction 
which  had  overwhelmed  the  other  cities:  (2.5)  and  the  allied 
armies  returned  home,  without  having  fully  completed  their 
design. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 12.  Partial  reformations  often  originate  from  the 


B C.  894. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


B.  C.  894 


CHAPTER  IV. 

At  Elisha '*  word  the  oil  of  a poor  prophet' » widow  is  increased , to  enable  her 
tc  fay  her  debt,  1—7.  He  is  hospitably  entertained  by  a woman  of  Shunem, 
who  is  rewarded  by  having  a son  in  her  old  age,  8 — 17.  The  child  dies,  but 
is  restored  to  life  in  answer  to  Elisha's  prayer,  18 — 37.  Elisha  heals  the 
pottage  made  with  pois mous  herbs,  38 — 41 ; and  feeds  a hundred  men  with 
tioenti/  small  barley  loaves,  42 — 44. 

NOW  there  cried  a certain  woman  of  the  wives 
of  the  "sons  of  the  prophets  unto  Elisha,  say- 
ing, Thy  servant  my  husband  is  dead  ; and  thou 
knowest  that  bthy  servant  did  fear  the  Loan:  and 
•the  creditor  is  come  to  take  unto  him  my  two 
6ons  to  be  bondmen. 

2  And  Elisha  said  unto  her,  dWhat  shall  I do 
for  thee  ? tell  me,  what  hast  thou  in  the  house  ? 
And  she  said,  Thy  handmaid  hath  not  any  thing 
in  the  house  'save  a pot  of  oil. 

3  Then  he  said,  Go,  borrow  thee  vessels  abroad 
of  all  thy  neighbours,  even  f empty  vessels;  'bor- 
row not  a few. 

4  And  when  thou  art  come  in,  ethou  shalt 
shut  the  door  upon  thee,  and  upon  thy  sons,  hand 
shalt  pour  out  into  all  those  vessels,  and  thou  shalt 
set  aside  that  which  is  full. 


• 38.  See  on  2:3.5.  I Kings 30:35.  bGen.22-.12.  1 King!  18:3/  Neh.  7:2.  P». 
103:11,17.  112.1,12.  115:13.  147:11.  Ec.  8:12.  12: 13.  Mai.  3:16.  4:2.  Acts  13:25. 
Rev. 15  4.  19  5.  c Lev. '25:39,10,48.  Nell.  5:2-5.  10:31.  Jer.  34:14.  Matt.  18: 
25,30,35.  Jam.  2:13.  .1  2:9.  6:26,27.  Mall.  15  31.  John  6:5—7.  Acts  3:6.  2 Cor. 
6:10.  e 1 Kings  17: 12.  Jam. 2.5.  f 3.16.  John27.  • Heb.  scan'  not.  13:18, 
19.  Pa.  81:10.  John  13:24.  g 32,33.  1 Kings  17:19,21.  Is.  25:20.  Matt.  6:6. 
Mark  5:40.  '.cts  9:40.  h John  2:7— 9.  6:11.  i 5:11.  1 Kings  17:15,16.  Luke  1:45. 
Heb.  11:7,8.  j 43,44.  Matt. 9:29. 13:58.  14:20. 15:377  Luke6:19.  2Cor.6:12, 

hope  of  advantage  in  temporal  things,  by  the  favour  of  godly 
men  : and  even  the  selfish  will  sometimes  renounce  those  sins, 
which  occasion  them  loss  and  trouble ; and  then  detect  their 
own  hypocrisy  by  adhering  to  those  which  promise  present 
advantage.  True  piety,  however,  disposes  men  to  judge  fa- 
vourably: and  this  candour  is  apt  to  carry  them  too  far;  while 
they  indulge  the  hope  of  drawing  half-converts  further  into 
the  ways  of  God,  by  complying  with  their  inclinations,  and 
cultivating  their  acquaintance.  We  should  indeed  endeavour, 
by  kindness,  both  to  win  upon  the  affections  of  our  neighbours, 
and  to  evince  the  tendency  of  our  religion  : yet  our  conduct  in 
all  things  should  be  regulated  by  the  word  of  God ; and  it  is 
there  declared  that  “evil  communications  corrupt  good  man- 
ners and  we  are  commanded  “ to  come  out,  and  be  separate” 
from  the  ungodly. — Worldly  men  are  quicksighted  to  their 
temporal  interests,  but  they  seek  nothing  further ; and  often 
deduce  pious  persons  to  forget  their  own  principles,  and  to 
“lean  to  their  own  understandings,”  instead  of  “ acknowledg- 
ing the  Lord  in  all  their  ways.”  But  whilst  the  wicked  in 
their  difficulties  are  ready  to  “ fret  against  the  Lord,”  as  the 
author  of  those  calamities  which  their  own  sin  and  foily  have 
brought  upon  them;  the  believer  will  be  humbled  before  him 
for  neglect  of  duties,  and  disposed  to  inquire  his  will  and  seek 
his  help.  And  when  , corrections  have  brought  men  to  (his 
temper,  relief  will  be  afforded  them ; and  their  ungodly  con- 
nexions will  often  succeed  the  better  on  their  account. — Those, 
who  would  bo  eminent  in  the  church  of  the  living  God,  must 
readily  stoop  to  the  meanest  service  and  the  hardest  labour : 
for  such  as  have  thus  distinguished  themselves,  have  generally 
attained  to  singular  honour  and  usefulness.  (Notes,  Matt.  20: 
24—28.) 

V.  13 — 27.  Many  show  respect  to  the  ministers  of  God 
under  heavy  trials,  who  despise  them  at  other  times.  In  that 
case,  they  might  be  justly  left  to  seek  help  from  the  worldly 
idols,  the  vicious  companions,  the  worthless  forms,  or  infidel 
principles,  which  they  have  preferred  to  the  favour  and  truth 
of  God  i and  they  should  be  shown,  that  with  him  “ there  is  no 
respect  of  persons.”  The  minister  may  also  properly  let  them 
know,  that  he  is  no  stranger  to  their  character,  and  will  pay 
no  court  to  them,  whatever  he  would  do  or  suffer  for  their 
goofi : and  he,  who  in  private  life  is  the  allowed  inferior,  and 
willing  to  be  the  servant  of  all,  when  speaking  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord,  is  commissioned  to  “rebuke  with  all  authority.”  In 
all  ordinary  cases,  however,  it  should  be  with  evident  affection 
and  respect ; and  it  is  proper  so  to  change  the  voice,  and 
regulate  the  conduct,  as  decisively  to  mark  the  difference 
between  the  offending  believer  and  the  mere  hypocrite. — Com- 
posure of  mind  favours  the  reception  of  heavenly  communica- 
tions: when  the  wickedness  and  misery  of  man  have  ruffled 
us,  meditation  on  the  glorious  perfections  and  wonderful  works 
of  God  is  suited  to  restore  the  calm : and  it  is  well,  when  the 
sweet,  but  much  perverted  arts  of  poetry  and  music,  are  used 
with  such  caution  and  propriety,  as  to  favour  communion  with 
him.— The  Lord  will  take  occasion,  from  the  distresses  of  his 
offending  servants,  to  manifest  the.  glory  of  his  power,  truth, 
and  love:  and,  whilst  all  good  gi'Is  are  from  him  alone,  we 
must  show  our  believing  expectation,  and  prepare  for  their 
reception,  by  observing  the  directions  of  his  word.— It  is  a 
light  thing  for  him  to  preserve  his  people  from  becoming  a 
prey  to  their  enemies : he  will  make  them  more  than  con- 
querors over  them  all. — Our  rule  is  to  do  good  and  not  evil  to 
our  adversaries:  but  we  shall  hereafter  behold  and  rejoice  in 
the  destruction  of  all  the  enemies  of  God.  And  they  who  are 
expressly  commissioned  by  him,  (as  the  Israelites  of  old,  and 
magistrates  at  present,)  to  execute  his  vengeance  upon  the 


5 So  'she  went  from  him,  and  shut  the  dooi 
upon  her  and  upon  her  sons,  who  brought  the 
vessels  to  her,  and  she  poured  out. 

6 And  it  came  to  pass  when  Hhe  vessels  were 
full,  that  she  said  unto  her  son,  Bring  me  yet  a 
vessel.  And  he  said  unto  her,  There  is  not  a ves 
sel  more.  kAnd  the  oil  stayed. 

7 Then  she  came  and  told  the  man  of  God. 
And  he  said,  Go,  sell  the  oil,  and  'pay  thy  'debt, 
and  live  thou  and  thy  children  of  the  rest. 

[ Practical  Observations .] 

8 U And  lit  fell  on  a day,  that  Elisha  passed  to 
mShunem,  where  teas  "a  great  woman  ; and  “she 
^constrained  him  to  eat  bread.  And  so  it  was, 
that  as  oft  as  he  passed  by,  he  turned  in  thither  to 
eat  bread. 

9 And  Pshe  said  unto  her  husband,  Behold 
now,  I perceive  that  411118  is  a holy  rman  of  God, 
which  passeth  by  us  continually. 

10  “Let  us  make  ‘a  little  chamber,  I pray  thee, 
on  the  wall ; and  let  us  set  for  him  there  a bed, 
and  a table,  and  a stool,  aud  a candlestick  : and  it 

13.  It  13:19.  Josh.  6:12.  1 Kinds  17:14.  JohuG:12.  IPs. 37:21.  Rom.  12:17. 
Phil. 4:8.  1 Thu.  2:9,10.  4:12.  2Thes.  3:7— 12.  t Or,  creditor.  } Hub  .there 
was  a day.  1 1,18.  m 12.  Josh.  19:18.  1 Sam.  28:4.  1 Kings  1:3.  n 2 Sam,  19: 
32.  Job  1:3.32:9.  Luke  1:15.  o Gen  19:3.  Judg.  19:20.  Prov.7:21.  Luke  14: 
23.24:29.  Acts  16:15.  § Heb . laid  hold  on  him.  p Prov.  31:10,11.  1 Pet.  3:1. 
q l Thrs.  2:10.  Til.  1:8.  2 Pet.  1:21. 3:2.  r See  on  Deut.  33:1 . 1 Kings  13.1. 
17:18,24.  1 Tim.  6:11.  s Is.  32:8.  Malt.  25:40.  Luke  8.3.  Rom. 12:13.  Heb. 
10:24.  13:2.  1 Pet.  4:9,10.  I 1 Kings  17:19. 

wicked,  are  authorized  in  those  severities,  which  in  others 
would  be  extremely  criminal. — The  Lord  will  put  honour  upon 
his  own  institutions  : and  sinners  left  to  themselves  are  speed- 
ily infatuated ; for  if  men  could  not  believe  what  they  wish  to 
be  true,  without  proof,  and  in  defiance  of  demonstration*,  u tho 
fool”  would  not  w say  in  his  heart,  there  is  no  God.” — When 
sinners  are  promising  themselves  peace  and  safety,  sudden 
and  inevitable  destruction  comes  upon  them  ; desperation  suc- 
ceeds their  mad  presumption  ; and  in  Satan’s  service,  and  at 
his  suggestion,  such  horrid  deeds  have  been  perpetrated,  as 
cause  even  the  natural  feelings  of  humanity  to  recoil.  We 
should,  however,  be  careful  not  to  urge  the  worst  of  men  to 
extremities,  lest  we  should  occasion  blasphemies,  murder,  or 
suicide : we  ought  rather  to  recede  from  our  right,  and  leave 
them  to  the  judgment  of  God. 

NOTES. — Chap.  TV.  V.  1.  The  prophets  were  minis- 
ters by  selection,  and  not  by  entail , as  the  priests  were : yet 
they  seem  in  general  to  have  married  and  brought  up  families ; 
though  Elijah  and  Elisha  ar$  supposed  to  have  continued  in 
a single  state. — Except  the  prophets  had  private  fortunes, 
which  probably  was  not  often  the  case,  their  incomes  must 
have  been  very  precarious ; and  would  arise  either  from  the 
donations  of  pious  persons,  or  from  their  own  manual  labour. 
The  people  perhaps  sometimes  gave  them  the  first-fruits,  and 
some  other  of  ihe  oblations,  which  would  have  belonged  to 
the  priests  and  Levites,  if  they  had  not  departed  from  among 
them.  {Note,  2 Chr.  11:13 — 17.)  Many  of  them,  however, 
seem  to  have  been  very  scantily  provided  for:  and  this  servant 
of  God,  who  was  of  approved  piety,  not  only  left  his  family 
destitute,  but  involved  in  debt.  Yet  the  creditor  paid  no  more 
regard  to  the  distress  of  the  widow,  than  to  the  character  of 
the  deceased;  nay,  perhaps  he  was  the  more  severe  in  his 
demands,  because  of  the  attachment,  of  the  debtor  to  the  wor- 
ship of  Jehovah,  and  his  zeal  against  idolatry.  As  therefore 
the  widow  had  no  effects,  with  which  to  discharge  the  debt, 
he  proceeded  to  sell  her  sons  for  slaves  in  order  to  pay  him- 
self. ( Marg . Ref.  c.  Notes , Ex.  21:2.  Neh.  5:1 — 13.  Matt. 
18:23 — 27.) — Elisha  had  no  wealth  from  which  to  assist  the 
widow  : yet  it  was  proper,  for  the  honour  of  religion,  that  the 
creditor  should  be  satisfied:  and  the  Lord  directed  him  to  a 
method  of  effectually  answering  this  demand,  and  of  supplying 
her  future  neccssfties. 

V.  2.  The  woman  had  parted  with  every  thing  of  value,  to 
satisfy  other  demands,  or  to  supply  her  urgent  necessities. 
Probably  this  oil  was  a present  from  some  friend  of  her  de- 
ceased husband,  out  of  the  produce  of  his  olive-yard,  but  it 
was  utterly  insufficient  to  satisfy  the  creditor. 

V.  3.  Not  a ,fetv.\  As  many,  and  as  large,  as  she  could 
procure.  {Marg.) 

V.  4.  Shut,  &r.]  This  direction  was  given,  in  order  that 
the  woman  might  avoid  interruption  and  ostentation  ; and  that 
in  retirement,  she  with  her  sons  might  the  more  leisurely  con- 
sider and  adore  the  goodness  of  the  Lord.  (Note,  Matt.  6:6.) 

V.  6.  The  woman  was  ordered  “to  borrow  empty  vessels 
not  a few;”  and,  as  her  neighbours  were  willing  to  lend  her, 
we  may  conclude  that  she  borrowed  as  many  as  she  thought 
could  be  wanted:  yet  the  oil  stayed  not,  till  all  the  vessels 
were  filled.  Had  her  expectations  been  larger,  the  supply 
would  have  been  still  more  abundant.  (Note,  13:15 — 19.) 

V.  7.  The  woman  would  not  make  use  of  the  miraculous 
supply,  till  she  had  received  the  prophet’s  direction : and  by 
his  orders  she  first  discharged  her  whole  debt,  and  then  used 
the  remainder  for  the  subsistence  of  herself  and  her  children. 
(Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Rom.  13:8 — 10.) 

V.  8 — 10.  Elisha  seems  to  have  generally  resided  at  of 

( 655  ) 


R.  C.  894 


II.  KINGS. 


B.  C.  889. 


shall  be,  when  he  cometh  to  us,  that  he  shall  turn 
in  thither. 

It  Ami  it  fell  on  a day  that  he  came  thither, 
and  he  turned  into  the  chamber,  and  lay  there. 

12  A rul  lie  said  to  “Gehazi  his  ’servant,  Call  this 
Shunammite.  And  when  he  had  called  her,  she 
stood  before  him. 

13  And  he  said  unto  him,  Say  now  unto  her, 
Behold,  ’thou  hast  been  careful  for  us  with  all  this 
care  ; what  is  to  be  done  for  thee?  wouldest  thou 
be  spoken  tor  Ho  the  king,  or  Ho  the  captain  of  the 
host?  And  she  answered,  aI  dwell  bamong  mine 
own  people. 

14  And  he  said,  What  then  is  to  be  done  for 
her?  And  Gehazi  answered,  Verily  cshe  hath  no 
child,  and  her  husband  is' old. 

15  And  he  said,  Call  her.  And  when  he  had 
called  her,  she  stood  in  the  door. 

16  And  he  said,  dAbout  this  'season,  according 
to  the  time  of  life,  cthou  shalt  embrace  a son. 
And  she  said,  Nay,  f my  lord,  thou  man  of  God, 
gdo  not  lie  unto  thy  handmaid. 

a.  c.-|  17  And  hthe  woman  conceived,  and  bare  a 

893  -*son  at  that  season  that  Elisha  had  said  unto 
her,  according  to  the  time  of  life. 

[ Practical  Observations .] 

B.c.-j  18  H And  when  the  child  was  grown,  it  fell 
883  -lon  a day,  that  he  went  out  to  his  father  Ho 
the  reapers. 

19  And  he  said  unto  his  father,  iMy  head,  my 
head.  And  he  said  to  a lad,  Carry  him  to  his  mother. 

5 i 

u 29—31.  5:20—27.  8:4,5.  v3:ll.  1 Kings  18:43.  19:3.  Acu  13:5.  x Mall.  10:40 
—42.  I.uke  9:3—5.  Rom.  16:2,6.  Phil.  4:18,19.  1 Thes.  5:12,13.  2 Tim.  1:16— 18. 
v 3:15—18.8:3—6.  Gen.  14:24.  2Sam.  19:32-38.  z9:5.  2 Sam.  19:13.  1 Kings 
4:32.  a 1 Tim.  6:6— 8.  Heb.  13:5.  b 8:1.  Ruih  1:1— 4.  Ps.  37:3.  c Gen.  15:2, 
3.  17:17.  18:10— 14.  25  21. 30:1.  Judg.  13:2.  1 Sam.  1:2,8.  Luke  1:7.  d Gen. 
17:21.18:10,14.  • Heb.  set  lime,  e Gen.  17:16,17.  Luke  1:13,30,31.  f See 
on  q.  2:19.  g 28.5:10,11.  Gen.  18:12— 15.  1 Kings  17: 18.  18:9.  Ps.  116: 

11.  Luke  1:18— 20.  h Gen. 21:1.  1 Sam.  1 :19,20.  Ps.  113:9.  Luke  1:24, 

25.  Heb.  11:11.  i Ruth  2:4.  j Job  14-1,2.  Jer.  4:19.  k Is.  49:15.  66:13. 


near  mount  Carmel : but  he  went  his  circuits  through  the  land, 
to  visit  the  seminaries  of  the  prophets,  and  to  instruct  the  peo- 
ple, which  probably  was  his  stated  employment,  when  not 
sent  on  some  special  service.  (Notes,  2:1.  1 Kings  19:20,21.) 
At  Shunem  there  lived  a woman  of  wealth  and  piety,  who 
invited  him  to  come  to  her  house,  and  with  some  difficulty 
prevailed  on  him.  But  when  he  became  acquainted  with  her 
character,  he  never  failed  to  call  upon  her  when  he  journeyed 
that  way.  Her  husband  seems  to  have  been  a pious  person, 
but  not  so  zealous  and  active  as  she  was : and,  as  he  confided 
his  domestic  affairs  to  her  care,  she  is  chiefly  noticed.  By 
his  approbation  she  prepared  for  the  prophet  a retired  lodging ; 
perhaps  perceiving  that  the  hurry  of  a large  family  did  not 
suit  his  contemplative  mind. — The  plain,  simple  manner  in 
which  the  prophet’s  chamber  was  furnished,  ((hough  he  was 
he  patriarch,  if  I may  so  speak,  of  the  whole  church  of  Israel,) 
is  worthy  of  our  notice.  There  was  nothing  provided  for  or- 
nament or  indulgence,  but  merely  for  necessity,  for  study,  and 
for  devotion. — Shunem.  (S)  In  the  lot  of  Issachar.  (Marg. 
Ref.  m.  Note,  Josh.  19:17 — 23.) 

V.  13.  Elisha  had  no  doubt  acquired  considerable  influ- 
ence with  Jehoram,  or  his  captains,  by  the  singular  deliver- 
ance and  victory  obtained  through  him:  (Notes,  3:4 — 27.) 
and,  though  he  would  ask  nothing  for  himself,  he  was  willing 
to  show  his  gratitude  in  behalf  of  his  kind  hostess,  by  inter- 
osing  in  her  behalf,  if  she  had  any  petition  to  present. — Per- 
aps  Jehoram’s  soldiers  or  tax-gatherers  might  be  oppressive 
or  troublesome  in  the  neighbourhood ; and  he  thought  she 
might  desire  to  seek  redress  of  this,  or  some  other  grievance. 
(Notes,  8:3 — G.)  Or  perhaps  he  made  the  proposal,  with  an 
intention  of  manifesting  her  indifference  to  temporal  interests. 
Accordingly  she  answered,  that,  living  safe  and  contented 
among  her  friends  and  relatives,  and  those  who  behaved 
kindly  to  her,  she  had  no  request  to  make.  Having  said  this, 
she  seems  to  have  withdrawn;  but  Elisha  further  conversed 
e*n  the  subject  with  Gehazi. 

Thou  hast  been  careful.]  nvm.  Tin,  tremere , turban,  com- 
moveri  cura.  Robertson.  Probably,  the  same  word  was 
used  by  our  Lord  to  Martha,  rendered  rvp/}at,ji,  art  troubled, 
Luke  10:41 . 

V.  14 — 17.  Gehazi,  as  having  more  leisure  and  opportu- 
nity to  observe  the  affairs  of  the  family  than  Elisha  had, 
discovered  what  favour  would  be  most  acceptable;  and  he 
seems  not  to  have  doubted  the  prevalence  of  his  master’s 
prayers  in  this  respect.  In  addressing  his  benefactress, 
Elisha  used  words,  which  some  think  implied,  not  only  the 
time,  but  the  very  day,  on  which  she  should  embrace  a son. 
(Marg.  Ref.  Gen.  17:21.  18:14.) — Her  answer  reminded  him 
of  his  character,  and  intimated  that  she  could  not  suppose  he 
would  mock  her  with  delusive  expectations : especially  as  she 
had  expressed  no  impatience  under  her  trial,  and  had  not  so 
much  as  mentioned  a desire  of  having  childron.  (28.  Notes, 
Gen.  30:1,2.  1 Sam.  1:4—8.) 

( 656  ) 


20  And  when  he  had  taken  him,  and  brought 
him  to  khis  mother,  he  sat  on  her  knees  till  noon, 
‘and  then  died. 

21  And  she  went  up,  and  laid  him  on  mth«i  bed 
of  the  man  of  God,  and  shut  the  door  upon  him, 
and  went  out. 

22  And  she  called  unto  her  husband,  and  said, 
Send  me,  I pray  thee,  one  of  the  young  men,  and 
one  of  the  asses,  that  "I  may  run  to  the  man  of 
God,  and  come  again. 

23  And  he  said,  Wherefore  wilt  thou  go  to  him 
to-day  ? it  is  neither  “new  moon  nor  sabbath.  And 
she  said,  It  shall  be  fwell. 

24  Then  Pshe  saddled  an  ass,  and  said  to  her 
servant,  '(Drive,  and  go  forward ; islack  not  thy 
riding  for  me,  except  I bid  thee. 

25  So  she  went  and  came  unto  the  man  of  God 
rto  mount  Carmel.  And  it  came  to  pass,  when 
the  man  of  God  saw  her  afar  off,  that  he  said  to 
Gehazi  his  servant,  Behold,  yonder  is  that  Shu- 
nammite : 

26  sRun  now,  I pray  thee,  to  meet  her,  and  say 
unto  her,  lIs  it  well  with  thee  ? is  it  well  with  thy 
husband  ? is  it  well  with  the  child  ? And  she 
answered,  “It  is  well. 

27  And  when  she  came  to  the  man  of  God  to 
the  hill,  she  caught  §him  Tby  the  feet : but  Gehazi 
came  near  to  Hhrust  her  away.  And  the  man 
of  God  said,  rLet  her  alone  ; for  her  soul  is  "vexed 
within  her:  and  the  Lord  hath  Hiid  it  from  me, 
and  hath  not  told  me. 


Luke  7:12.  1 Gen.  22:2.  37:3,35.  1 Kings  17:17.  Ez.  24:16— 18.  Luke  2:35. 

John  11:3,5,14.  m 10.  1 Kings  17:19.  n 24,26.  John  11.3.  Acts  9:38.  o Klim. 
10:10.28:11.  lChr.23:31.  Is. 1:13— 15.  t Heb.  peace.  26.  p Ex. 4:20. 

1 Sam. 25:20.  1 Kings  13:13,23.  q 1 Sam.  25:19.  % Heb.  reslrainnot  for  n « 

to  ride,  r 2:25.  1 Kings  13:19,42.  s Zech.2:4.  t Gen.  29:6.  37:14.  1 Sam. 
17:18.  Matt.  10:12,13.  Acts  15:36.  u 23.  lSam.3:18.  Jol>l:21.  § Heb.  by 
his  feet,  v Matt.  28:9.  Luke  7:38.  x Matt.  15:23.  Mark  10:13.  John  4:27. 
12:4 — 6.  y Mark  14:6.  John  12:7.  II  Heb.  bitter.  1 Sam.  1:10.  Job  10:1. 

Prov.  14:10.  18:14.  z 6:12.  Gen.  18:17.  2 Sam.  7:3.  Am.  3:7.  John  15:15. 


V.  21.  On  the  bed,  &c.]  This  implied,  that  the  woman 
had  some  expectation  of  her  son’s  being  restored  to  her ; as 
he  had  at  first  been  given  her  in  so  extraordinary  a manner; 
(Notes,  1 Kings  17:17 — 24.  Heb.  11:17,19.)  yet  this  hope  was 
not  sufficiently  prevalent  to  exclude  her  anguish  of  spirit, 
under  this  unexpected  and  sudden  affliction. 

V.  22.  The  field,  where  the  woman’s  husband  superin- 
tended his  reapers,  was  near  to  the  house ; as  this  request 
must  have  been  made  by  some  messenger. 

V.  23.  It  appears,  that  on  the  sabbaths,  new  moons,  and 
other  solemnities,  the  people  were  accustomed  to  assemble 
in  appointed  places,  to  worship  God,  and  to  receive  instruc- 
tion from  the  prophets ; and  it  was  thought  allowable  to  use 
the  cattle  on  the  sabbath-day,  to  go  to  the  prophet,  or  to 
these  places,  if  at  a distance.  (Notes,  Ex.  20:8 — 11.)— It  is 
not  certain  whether  they  assembled  in  synagogues,  or  private 
houses  ; but  probably  it  was  done  in  most  parts  of  the  land  of 
Israel. — In  Judah,  pious  people  had  the  advantage  of  the 
temple-worship,  and  the  instructions  of  the  priests  and  Le- 
vites ; they  were  generally  countenanced  and  protected  by 
their  kings ; and  they  thankfully  availed  themselves  of  these 
advantages.  But  in  Israel,  the  ruling  powers  were  against 
them:  yet  they  served  God  according  to  their  consciences, 
as  their  circumstances  would  admit.  (Note,  3:20.) — The 
afflicted  mother  would  not  needlessly  distress  her  husband, 
by  informing  him  of  the  death  of  the  child,  still  hoping,  that 
the  restoration  of  the  child,  by  the  miraculous  interposition 
of  Elisha,  would  prevent  his  grief;  but  merely  said  it  would 
be  well  for  her  to  go:  and  he  had  that  confidence  in  her,  that 
he  required  no  further  explanation. 

V.  24 — 26.  Mount  Carmel  was  at  some  distance  from 
Shunem  ; and  the  words,  “Slack  not  thy  riding,”  imply  that 
the  servant  also  rode  on  an  ass.  The  word  (jro),  rendered 
Drive,  properly  means,  Lead  the  way,  or,  Go  before. — Elisha 
did  not  expect  to  see  her  at  this  time  ; and,  being  afraid  that 
some  calamity  had  befallen  her,  sent  Gehazi  lo  make  very 
particular  inquiries;  to  which  she  answered,  11  It  is  u'ell ,”  or 
peace,  (m^ttf).  Some  suppose  that  she  only  meant  lo  put  off 
Gehazi  with  this  answer,  as  in  part  true,  in  respect  of  herself 
and  her  husband,  though  not  the  whole  of  the  case:  but  it  is 
probable  that  it  was  also  the  language  of  her  faith  and  submis- 
sion ; as  she  was  persuaded,  that  the  affliction  was  in  mercy, 
and  would  terminate  well,  though  her  passions  conflicted 
against  her  better  judgment.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Lev. 
10:3.) 

V.  27.  (Marg.  Ref.)  It  is  plain  from  this  verso,  that 
the  prophets  derived  all  their  supernatural  knowledge  from 
immediate  communication ; and  not  from  any  powor  of  dis- 
cerning, habitually  inherent  in  them. 

V.  28.  Doubtless  the  acuto  feelings  of  the  Shunammite 
mingled  some  impatience  in  these  expostulations:  yet  she 
meant  them  as  arguments,  to  prevail  with  the  prophet  to 
come  to  her  relief;  being  satisfied  of  the  provalency  of  his 


B.  C.  8S9. 


CHAPTER  IV 


E.  C.  887 


28  Then  she  said,  "Did  I desire  a son  of  my 
lord?  did  I not  say,  bDo  not  deceive  me  ? 

29  Then  he  said  to  Gehazi.  'Gird  up  thy  loins, 
and  ‘'lake  my  staff  in  thy  hand,  and  go  thy  yvay: 
if  thou  meet  any  man,  'salute  him  not;  and  if  any 
salute  thee,  answer  him  not  again:  and  May  my 
staff  upon  the  face  of  the  child. 

30  And  the  mother  of  the  child  said,  the 
Lord  liveth,  and  as  thy  soul  liveth,  hI  will  not 
leave  thee.  And  he  arose,  and  followed  her. 

31  And  Gehazi  passed  on  before  them,  and 
laid  the  staff  upon  the  face  of  the  child;  hut  there 
was  ‘neither  voice  nor  ’hearing.  Wherefore  he 
went  again  to  meet,  him,  and  told  him.  saying, 
The  child  is  knot  awaked. 

32  And  when  Elisha  was  come  into  the  house, 
behold,  'the  child  was  dead,  and  laid  upon  his  bed. 

33  He  went  in  therefore,  and  mshut  the  door 
upon  them  twain,  and  “prayed  unto  the  Lord. 

34  And  he  went  up,  and  “lay  upon  the  child, 
and  put  his  mouth  upon  his  month,  and  his  eyes 
upon  his  eyes,  and  his  hands  upon  his  hands,  and 
he  stretched  himself  upon  the  child  ; and  the  flesh 
of  the  child  waxed  warm. 

35  Then  he  returned,  and  walked  in  the  house 
and  fro;  and  went  up,  and  stretched  himself 

upon  him  : and  the  child  sneezed  seven  times, 
rand  the  child  opened  his  eyes. 

36  And  he  called  Gehazi,  and  said,  iCall  this 
Shunammite.  So  he  called  her.  And  when  she 
was  come  in  unto  him,  he  said,  "Take  up  thy  son. 

37  Then  she  went  in,  and  "fell  at  his  feet,  and 

a Gen.  30:1.  b See  on  16.  c 9:1.  1 Kings  18:46.  Eph.  6:14.  1 Pet.  1:13.  d 2: 
14.  Ex.  4:17.  e Luke  10:4.  f Ex.  7:19,20.  14:  .6.  Josh.  6:4.5.  Acts  3: 16.  19: 
12.  g Seeon2:2,4.  h Ex. -33:12 — 16.  Roth  1:16— 18.  i 1 Sam.  14:37.  28:6. 
Ez.  14:3.  Matt.  17:16 — 21.  Mark  9:19 — 29.  Acts  19:13 — 17.  * Hcb .attention. 

I Kings  18:26.29.  k Job  14:12.  Dan.  12:2.  John  11:11,43,44.  Eph.5:14. 

I 1 Kings  17:17.  Duke  8:52,53.  John  11:17.  m Set  on  4.  Matt.  6:6.  n 5:11. 
6 17,18,20.  1 Kings  17:20.  18:26,27.  John  11:41,42.  Acts  9:40.  Jam.  5:13—18. 
j 1 Kings  17:21.  tcts  20:10.  t Heb . once  hither  and  once  thither . p 8:1,5. 
.3:21.  1 Kings  17:22.  Luke  7:14,15.  8:55.  John  11 :43,44.  Acts  9:40.  q 72. 
r 1 Kings  17:23.  Luke  7:15.  Heb. 11:35.  s 27.2:15.  1 Kings  17:24.  12:1. 

1 Sam.  7:16,17.  Acts  10:33. 15:36.  u 8:1 . Lev.  26:26.  Deut.  28:22— 24,38— 40. 


prayers.  For,  as  she  had  not  impatiently  desired  children,  she 
could  not  think  that  her  son  had  been  given  her  without  soli- 
citation, merely  to  become  the  occasion  of  her  far  deeper 
distress.  [Notes,  14 — 17,21.) 

V.  29 — 31.  It  is  difficult  to  determine  whai  the  prophet 
meant  by  thus  sending  Gehazi.  He  had  divided  Jordan  by 
using  Elijah’s  mantle;  and'perhaps  he  thought  his  own  staff, 
in  the  hands  of  Gehazi,  would  bo  as  efficacious.  [Note,  2: 
14.)  Or  perhaps  he  meant  to  make  trial  of  the  Shunammite’s 
faith.  Gehazi,  however,  was  ordered  to  proceed  as  a man 
upon  urgent  business,  who  may  not  be  delayed  even  by  atten- 
tion to  ordinary  civilities:  [Luke  10:4.)  and  he  would  ihus 
arrive  at  Shunem  some  time  before  Elisha  could.  He  seems 
to  have  observed  his  directions  punctually,  but  in  vain  ; either 
through  his  own  unbelief;  [Notes,  Matt.  17:19 — 21.  Acts  19: 
13 — 20.)  or  because  the  woman  had  no  expectations  from 
him;  or  because  Elisha  was  faulty  in  attempting  to  perform 
the  miracle  by  a substitute ; or,  as  some  think,  because  the 
prophet  altered  his  purpose,  at  the  importunity  of  the  woman, 
and  so  did  not  pray  for  Gehazi’s  success.  [Notes,  5:20 — 27.) 

V.  33 — 35.  It  is  instructive  to  compare  the  manner , in 
which  Elijah  and  Elisha  wrought  their  miracles,  especially  in 
raising  the  dead,  with  that  of  Jesus  Christ.  Every  part  of 
their  conduct  expressed  a consciousness  of  inability  in  them- 
selves, and  an  entire  dependence  on  another,  and  earnest 
application  tv  him  for  his  interposition  : but  Jesus  wrought  by 
his  own  power  ; “ he  spake,  and  it  was  done  ;”  “ Young  man, 
I say  unto  thee,  arise ;”  “ Talitha,  chmi “ Lazarus,  come 
forth.”  [Notes,  Mark  5:35 — 43.  Luke  7:11 — 17.  John  11:41 — 
46.  Acts  9:36 — 43.) — On  this  occasion,  Elisha  by  his  great 
attention,  showed  his  earnest  desire  of  restoring  the  child  to 
his  afflicted  mother : and  the  actions  which  he  employed  were 
significant  expressions  of  his  expectation,  that  God,  by  com- 
municating life  to  the  body,  would  enable  each  part  to  per- 
form its  proper  office.  The  recovery  of  the  chuo  was  gradual ; 
life  was  communicated,  and  then  one  symptom  and  another 
of  it  appeared.  As  his  disorder  had  been  in  his  head,  it  has 
been  observed  that  his  sneezing  might  remove  the  cause  of 
it,  and  restore  him  to  health  also.  (Notes,  Ez.  37:1 — 10  Mark 
8:22—26.) 

V.  36,  37.  [Notes,  1 Kings  17:21,22.  H,h.  11:35—38.) 
The  joyful  mother  not  only  expressed  her  high  respect  for 
the  prophet,  but  worshipped  God  also,  giving  him  humble 
thanks  for  his  great  goodness  to  her : for  the  words  may  be 
rendered,  “ She  fell  at  his  feet,  and  worshipped.” 

V.  38,  39.  [Marg.  Ref.)  Wild  gourds.  (39)  These 
are  supposed  to  have  been  gathered  from  the  plant  called 
coloquintida,  which  is  of  a most  nauseous  bitter,  and,  if  taken 
mproperly,  operates  as  a fatal  poison.  The  sons  of  the 
irophets  seem  to  have  fared  very  hardly ; and  in  a season 
Vol.  I.— 83 


bowed  herself  to  the  ground,  and  took  up  her  son, 

and  went  out.  [Practical  Observations.] 

38  H And  Elisha  'came  again  to  Gilgal.  Ano 
there  teas  “a  dearth  in  the  land;  and  "the  sons  oi 
the  prophets  ?were  sitting  before  him  : and  he  said 
unto  his  servant,  'Set  on  the  great  pot,  and  seethe 
pottage  for  the  sons  of  the  prophets. 

39  And  one  went  out  into  the  field  to  gather 
herbs,  and  found  "a  wild  vine,  and  gathered  thereof 
wild  gourds  his  lap  full,  and  came  and  shred  them, 
into  the  pot  of  pottage:  for  they  knew  them  not. 

40  So  they  poured  out  for  the  men  to  eat.  And 
it  came  to  pass,  as  they  were  eating  of  the  por- 
tage, that  they  cried  out,  and  said,  ' O thou  man  of 
God,f/rere  is  'death  in  the  pot.  And  they  could  not 
eat  thereof. 

41  But  he  said,  Then  bring  meal.  dAnd  he 
cast  it  into  the  pot;  and  he  said,  Pour  out  for  the 
people,  that  they  may  eat.  And  'there  was  no 
fiiarm  in  the  pot. 

42  U And  there  came  a man  from  f Baal-shalisha, 
and  brought  the  man  of  God  thread  of  the  first- 
fruits,  twenty  loaves  hof  barley,  and  full  ears  of 
corn  in  §the  husk  thereof.  And  he  said,  Give  unto 
the  people  that  they  may  eat. 

43  And  'his  servitor  said,  kWhat ! should  I set 
Ibis  before  a hundred  men?  He  said  again,  Give 
the  people,  that  they  may  eat : for  thus  saith  the 
Lord,  'They  shall  eat,  and  shall  leave  thereof. 

44  So  he  set  it  before  them,  and  they  did  eat, 
and  left  thereof,  according  to  the  word  of  the 
Lord. 


2 Sam.  21:1.  Jer.  14:1— 6.  Ez.  14:13.  Luke  4:25.  x See  on  2:3.  1 Sam.  19:20. 
y Prov.  8:34.  Luke  2:46.  8:35,38.  10:39.  Acls  22:3.  > Mark  6:37.  8:2—6.  Luke 
9:13.  John  21:5,9.  a Is.  5:4.  Jer.  2:21.  h See  on  9.  1:9,11 .13.  Deut.  33:1. 
1 Kines  17:18.  c F.x.  10:17.  15:23.  Mark  16:18.  d 2:21.  5: 10.  6:6.  Ex.  15:25. 
John  9:6.  1 Cor.  1:25.  e Acts  28:5.  t Heb.  evil  thing.  f 1 Sam.  9:4.  g 38. 
Ex. 23:16.  Deut.  12:6  26:2— 10.  lSam.9:7.  2 ( hr.  1 1 : 13,14.  Prov.  3:9,10. 

1 Cor.  9:11,  Gal.  6:6.  h 7:1,16—18.  Deut.  8:8.  32:14.  John  6:9,13.  § Or,  hit 
scrip,  or,  garment,  i See  on  12.  k Matt.  14:16,17.  15:33,34.  Mark  6:37 — 39. 
8:4.  Luke  9:13.  John  6:9.  1 Matt.  14:20.  15:37.  16:8—10.  Mark  6:42.43.8:20. 
Luke  9:17.  John  6:11-13. 


of  urgent  scarcity  they  were  glad  to  gather  what  they  could 
find,  and  thus  one  of  them  ignorantly  brought  the  produce  of 
this  noxious  plant. 

V.  40,  41 . It  is  probable  that  these  men  were  alarmed, 
not  only  by  the  nauseous  taste  of  the  food,  but  by  the  effects 
produced  on  those  who  had  begun  to  eat  of  it. — Yet  we  may 
take  occasion  to  remark  the  goodness  of  God,  in  giving  us 
the  senses  of  smelling  and  tasting,  to  be,  as  it  were,  sentinels 
to  keep  watch,  that  nothing  prejudicial  may  be  received  into 
the  stomach. — The  “meal  cast  into  the  pot,”  was  only  a 
token  of  the  divine  operation,  in  changing  the  taste  and  pro- 
perties of  the  pottage*  that  his  servants  might  not  want  a 
necessary  refreshment.  (Notes,  2:19 — 22.  Ex.  15:25,26. 
Mark  16:17,18.) 

V.  42 — 44.  This  would  be  a considerable  present  in  a 
time  of  famine.  (Note,  1.) — ‘Unto  whom’  (the  prophets) 
4 it  is  probable,  pious  persons  gave  that  portion,  which  wa3 
assigned  by  God  for  the  priests,  to  whom  they  could  not  now 
carry  their  first-fruits,  they  being  in  the  land  of  Judah.  And 
I suppose  the  schools  of  the  prophets  might  be  partly  main* 
tained  by  this  means.5  Bp.  Patrick.  The  loaves  seem  to 
have  been  small ; perhaps  each  intended  to  be  a meal  or 
one  man.  The  supply,  however,  was  deemed  greatly  inade- 
quate to  the  company  : but  the  increase  was  little,  compared 
with  the  miracles  of  this  kind  wrought  by  Jesus  Christ. 
(Notes,  Matt.  14:15 — 21.  15:32 — 38.) — The  sons  of  the 

prophets  seem  at  this  time  to  have  become  very  numerous : 
but  perhaps  some  of  the  people,  who  came  from  a distance 
to  receive  instruction,  shared  the  repast.  And  this  might  he 
one  reason  of  the  servant’s  objection  to  setting  so  little  food 
before  such  a number  of  persons.  (Notes,  1 — 7.  1 Kings 

17:10—16.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 7.  It  is  incumbent  on  all  Christians,  and  especially 
on  ministers,  to  submit  to  Providence  in  respect  of  their 
temporal  provision  ; and,  while  they  trust  in  God  for  their 
daily  bread,  not  to  tempt  him  by  negligence  or  extravagance. 
They  ought  not  to  contract  debts  for  things  not  absolutely 
necessary,  which  they  have  not  a reasonable  prospect  of  dis- 
charging : for  nothing  tends  more  to  bring  reproach  on  the 
gospel,  and  excite  prejudice  against  it;  nothing  more  dis 
tracts  men’s  minds  whilst  they  live,  or  more  distresses  their 
families  when  they  are  dead,  than  a burden  of  debt,  without 
effects  with  which  to  pay  it.  Many  hardships  therefore 
should  be  endured,  and  many  pleasant  things  renounced^ 
rather  than  that  such  injurious  consequences  should  he  occa- 
sioned. Yet,  in  the  mystery  of  providence,  this  may  some- 
times unavoidably  prove  the  case,  even  of  those  who  are 
eminent  for  piety  ; nor  can  the  strictest  prudence  avert  th« 
calamity:  besides,  many  good  men  are  deficient  in  worldly 
( 657  ) 


B.  C.  894. 


II.  KINGS. 


B.  C.  894. 


CHAPTER  V. 

N sman,  captain  of  the  host  of  Syria,  is  a leper , 1.  By  the  report  of  a cap- 
tive maid  of  Isiael , concerning  the  prophet , he  comes  to  the  king  of  Israel 
at  Saviuiria  to  be  healed, *2 — 7.  Elisha  sends  fir  him;  he  goes  to  him,  and 
is  ordered  to  wash  seven  times  in  Jordan  : he  is  angiy  , but,  persuaded  by 
his  servants,  he  complies  and  is  cleansed , 8 — 14.  He  acknowledges  the  true 
Ood ; offers  presents  to  Elisha,  who  refuses  them;  and  is  sent  away  in 
peace,  resolving  to  worship  the  LORD  alone,  15 — 19.  Gehazi,  by  a lie, 
obtains  presents  from  Naaman,  and  is  punished  by  leprosy,  entailed  also  on 
hi 8 descendants.  2U — 27. 

NOW  “Naaman,  captain  of  the  host  of  the  king 
of  Syria,  was  ba  great  man  'with  his  master, 
and  ’honourable,  because  cby  him  the  Lord  had 
given  tdeliverance  unto  Syria : he  was  also  a 
mighty  man  in  valour,  hut  he  was  ,la  leper. 

a Luke  4:27.  !>  4:8.  Ex.  11:3.  Eslh.  9:4.  10:3.  * Heb.  before,  t Or,  gra- 
cious. Heb.  lifted  up,  or,  accepted  in  countenance,  c Prov.  21:31.  Is.  10:5, 
6.  Jer.  27:5,6.  Dan.  2:37,38.  John  19:11.  Horn.  15:18.  J Or,  victory,  d 27. 
7:3.  Lev.  13:2,3,44— 46.  Num.  12:10— 12.  2 Sam.  3:29.  2 Chr.  2o:19— 23. 

2 Cor.  12:7.  e 6:23.  13:20.  Judg.  9:34.  1 Sam.  13:17,18.  f F«.  123:2. 

sagacity,  and  their  unsuspecting  simplicity  exposes  them  to 
the  designs  of  the  artful.  But,  when  this  is  a man’s  misfor- 
tune rather  than  his  fault,  he  will  have  a testimony  to  his 
integrity  in  the  consciences  of  all  impartial  persons  ; the 
Lord’s  people  will  he  inclined  to  relieve  him  or  his,  according 
to  their  ability : and  God  himself  will,  in  some  way,  interpose 
to  clear  up  his  character,  and  to  provide  for  his  wants. — He 
who  has  all  hearts  in  his  hand  is  able,  without  a miracle,  to 
procure  as  effectual  a supply,  as  the  increase  of  the  widow’s 
oil : and  when  the  ability  is  given,  the  creditor,  though  unrea- 
sonable and  severe,  must  first  he  satisfied,  after  which  the 
remainder  maybe  enjoyed  with  comfort. — We  should  then 
be  careful  to  perform  our  present  duty,  and  to  commit  all 
our  concerns  to  the  Lord : we  should  study  to  adorn  the 
gospel  in  our  life  and  conversation,  and  he  will  take  care  of 
us  and  ours : and  if  he  bring  us  into  distress,  he  will  mani- 
fest his  power  and  truth  in  our  deliverance.  He  generally 
supplies  what  is  requisite  for  honesty  and  charity  to  his  peo- 
ple, by  blessing  them  while  they  are  occupying  with  a little. 
And  the  best  directed  benevolence  of  man  consists,  in  teach- 
ing and  helping  the  poor  to  make  the  most  of  what  they 
acquire  by  honest  industry:  but  in  every  way  we  should 
show  a readiness  to  relieve  those  in  distress  ; and  to  give 
them  our  counsel  and  prayers,  when  we  have  nothing  else.- — 
[f  our  hearts  were  more  prepared  to  receive  spiritual  bless- 
ings, and  if  we,  in  retirement  and  fervent  prayer,  expected 
larger  supplies,  we  should  be  more  richly  replenished. — 
At  length  all  the  vessels  of  mercy  shall  be  filled  with  the 
Lord’s  goodness : and  the  Redeemer’s  all-sufficiency  will 
only  be  stayed  from  supplying  the  wants  and  saving  the  souls 
of  sinners,  when  there  are  no  more  inclined  to  come  to 
him  for  salvation. 

V.  8 — 17.  The  ministers  of  religion  should  not  seek  great 
things  for  themselves,  or  court  the  intimacy  of  the  great, 
expect  to  do  good  to  them , or  by  them  : but  they  ought  to  be 
unwearied  in  their  useful  labours,  like  him  “ who  went  about 
doing  good,”  that  all  may  “perceive  that  they  are  holy  men 
of  God,”  simply  dependent  on  him,  walking  with  him,  devoted 
to  his  service,  and  seeking  his  glory.  Though  backward  to 
form  connexions  with  their  superiors,  lest  they  should  he 
taken  off  from  their  important  work,  and  entangled  in  the 
world  ; they  may  yet  find  a few  in  that  sphere,  whose 
acquaintance  may  be  deemed  a privilege.  But,  whilst  they 
do  not  refuse  their  countenance  and  friendship,  they  feel, 
that  “it  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive  ;”  and  they 
will  endeavour  to  make  such  returns  of  gratitude  as  are  in 
their  power,  and  especially  they  will  seek  the  blessing  of 
God  upon  their  benefactors  : nay,  they  will  go  further  with 
man  to  ask  favours  in  behalf  of  others,  than  for  themselves. 
But  it  is  a great  happiness  to  know  when  it  is  well  with  us, 
and  to  be  content  among  our  friends  and  relatives,  without 
coveting  the  splendour  or  pleasures  of  courts  and  public  life : 
and  when  we  have  so  learned  submission  to  the  will  of  God, 
as  to  express  no  desire  for  those  objects,  which  others  can 
perceive  are  wanting  to  our  comfort.  The  Lord  however 
sees  the  secret  wish,  which  is  suppressed  in  obedience  to 
his  will ; and  will  hear  the  prayers  of  his  servants  in  behalf 
of  their  benefactors,  by  communicating  unsolicited  and  unex- 
.ected  mercies  : nor  must  the  promises  and  engagements  of 
ihe  men  of  God  be  deemed  fallacious,  like  those  of  the  men 
of  the  world. 

V.  18 — 37.  Alas ! all  earthly  comforts  are  sources  of  trouble 
and  sorrow  : anxious  fears  counterbalance  our  pleasure  from 
our  beloved  children,  when  most  hopeful : and  their  sudden 
sickress  and  death  may  turn  all  our  joy  into  poignant 
anguish.  On  such  occasions  it  is  right  to  keep  silence*  or 
to  sav  that  “ all  is  well nor  must  we  think  it  hard  to  bring 
up  children  for  the  grave,  or  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven.— 
We  indeed  cannot  expect  a present  resurrection  of  our 
deceased  friends  : hut  in  many  of  our  troubles  we  may  find 
relief ; in  all  of  them  peace  and  comfort,  from  the  counsel 
and  prayers  of  the  Lord’s  faithful  servants,  who  can  teach 
us  how  to  turn  all  our  losses  into  the  richest  gain.  Their 
company  therefore,  with  the  ordinances  of  God,  and  the 
throne  of  grace,  should  be  doubly  welcome  to  the  afflicted 
and  bereaved. — W e should  treat  those  with  great  tenderness 
whose  souls  aro  vexed  in  them  ; mailing  allowance  for  im- 
( 65S  ) 


2 And  the  Syrians  had  gone  out  “by  companies^ 
and  had  brought  away  captive  out  of  the  land  of 
Israel  a little  maid  ; and  < she  ^waited  on  Naaman’s 
wife. 

3 And  she  said  unto  her  mistress,  e\Vould  God 
my  lord  were 11  with  the  prophet  that  is  in  Samaria ! 
for  hhe  would  ’’recover  him  of  his  leprosy. 

4 And  one  went  in,  'and  toid  his  lord,  saying, 
Thus  and  thus  said  the  maid  that  is  of  the  laud  of 
Israel. 

5 And  the  king  of  Syria  said,  JGo  to,  go,  and  1 
will  send  a letter  unto  the  king  of  Israel.  And  he 
departed,  kand  took  "'with  him  ten  talents  of  silver, 

§ Heb.  was  be  ore.  g Num.  11:29.  Acts  2*3:29.  1 Cor.  4:8.  !|Heh.  bo- 

fore.  h 8.  Matt.  8:2,3.  11:5.  I .tike  17: 1*2 — 14.  IT  Heb.  gather  in.  i 7:9— 11. 
Mark  5:19.  16:9,10.  John  1:42—46.4:28,29.  1 Cor.  1 26,27.  j Gen.  11.3,4,7. 
Ec.  2:1.  Is.  5:5.  Jam.  4:13.5:1.  k 8:8,9.  Num.  22:7,17,18.  24: 11  — 13.  I Sam. 
9:8.  1 Kings  13:7.45:3.  Acts  8:18 — 20.  **  Heb.  in  his  hand. 

proprieties  in  their  conduct,  and  impatience  in  their  expres- 
sions: and  suffer  them  to  open  before  us  their  griefs,  as  well 
as  be  ready  to  attempt  their  consolation  : and  in  general  we 
should  not  avoid  trouble,  nor  affect  state,  by  doing  those 
things  by  others  which  we  are  able  to  do  ourselves. — When 
we  have  used  proper  means  with  diligence  and  earnestness, 
we  may  expect  the  efficacious  blessing  of  God,  both  in  things 
temporal  and  spiritual  ; but  not  otherwise. — The  gospel  of 
salvation  will  no  more  effect  the  sinner’s  conversion,  without 
the  presence  and  blessing  of  God,  than  the  condemning  law 
will:  and  if  the  minister  be  a hypocrite,  and  destitute  of  faith, 
little  good  can  be  expected  from  the  most  exact  external 
observances;  1 the  sinners  are  “ not  awaked”  ’ will  generally 
be  the  doleful  report.  Not  so,  when  the  use  of  appointed 
means  is  accompanied  by  the  spirit  of  fervent  believing 
prayer,  and  persevering  expectation  from  the  Lord ; then 
tho  change,  which  takes  place  in  the  conduct  of  many,  shall 
evince  that  “ they  are  quickened  who  were  dead  in  trespasses 
and  sins.” — As  the  choicest  comforts  occasion  the  severest 
trials,  so  our  heaviest  afflictions  make^  way  for  the  sweetest 
consolations  : and,  notwithstanding  appearances,  the  Lord 
will  not  needlessly  grieve  his  true  people,  by  giving  them 
blessings  in  order  to  take  them  away  from  them ; but  it  is  a 
comfort  under  temporal  losses  to  reflect,  that  we  did  not 
inordinately  desire  the  object  of  which  we  are  bereft. — It  is 
happy  and  comely  when  harmony  prevails  in  domestic  life  ; 
when  the  husband’s  authority  is  tempered  with  affection  and 
unsuspecting  confidence;  when  the  wife  answers  that  confi- 
dence with  deference  and  submission,  as  well  as  fidelity  ; and 
when  each  parly  consults  the  other’s  inclinations,  and  both 
unite  in  attendance  on  the  ordinances  of  God,  and  supporting 
his  cause. 

V.  38 — 44.  While  the  servants  of  the  Lord  are  contented 
with  mean  accommodations,  and* put  their  trust  in  him,  he 
can  make  their  coarsest  fare  pleasant  to  them.  Let  them 
but  observe  his  directions,  and  he  will  not  only  supply  their 
wants,  but  extract  the  death,  the  evil,  from  such  tilings  as 
most  alarm  them.  When  he  pleases,  the  scantiest  provi- 
sions shall  suffice  ; and  whilst  he  communicates  to  us,  we 
should  in  faith  impart  a portion  to  others;  and  thus  all  will 
be  clean  and  salutary  to  us.  But  to  those,  who  feed  them- 
selves without  fear,  their  table  becomes  a snare,  and  perdi- 
tion entwines  around  their  sensual  enjoyments.  Aware  of 
this  danger,  let  us  learn  to  use  temporal  good  tilings  with 
caution  and  moderation,  in  dependence  on  him,  by  whose 
blessing  alone  our  food  is  made  wholesome  and  nutrimental. 

NOTES. — Chap.  V.*V.  1.  The  Syrians  were  idolaters, 
and  often  oppressors  of  Israel;  yet  the  deliverance  of  which 
Naaman  had  been  the  instrument,  is  here  ascribed  to  the 
power  and  goodness  of  God.  “ By  him  Jehovah  had  given 
deliverance  (or  salvation , ny’i&’r)  to  Syria.”  Such  is  the 
rational  language  of  the  sacred  writers  : whilst  the  arguments 
and  phraseology  of  those  in  genera1,  who  compose  what  is 
justly  called  pi nfane  history,  too  evidently  show  that  God  is 
not  in  all  their  thoughts.  ( Notes,  Josh.  10:9,10.  Ps.  144:10.) 
— The  leprosy  was  a loathsome  and  dist ressing •distemper : 
and  though  Naaman  was  not  under  the  restrictions  prescribed 
for  Israel  ; yet  doubtless,  lie  found  it  a great  deduction  from 
the  satisfaciion  which  he  might  otherwise  have  found  in  his 
high  preferments  and  honours.  (Notes,  Leu.  13:45,46.  Num. 
12:11—15.) 

V.  2 — 4.  This  young  damsel,  though  taken  captive,  and 
torn  from  her  relatives  and  country,  and  made  a slave  to 
Naaman,  having,  it  is  likely,  been  treated  with  kindness, 
and  employed  to  wait  on  his  wife,  entertained  a cordial  affec- 
tion for  her  master,  and  earnestly  desired  the  removal  of  his 
affliction.  Young  as  she  was,  she  had  heard  of  the  piety 
and  miracles  of  Elisha  ; and,  though  he  had  not  cleansed 
any  lepers,  she  was  persuaded  he  would  ho  inclined  to  show 
kindness  even  to  a heathen,  and  he  enabled  to  effect  his  cure. 
Nor  did  Naaman  despise  tho  information  as  coining  from 
such  a quarter.  He  had  doubtless  tried  to  the  utmost,  what 
the  physicians  could  do  for  him,  hut  in  vain  ; and  his  earnest 
desire  of  a cure  prevented  him  from  disdaining  an  application 
to  the  prophet  of  Israel.  (Note*  Luke  17:11  — 19.)  Eithe- 
the  prophet  was  at.  Samaria,  when  the  damsel  was  ’aker 
captive  ; or  the  adjacen*  district  is  meant. 


B.  C.  994. 


CHAPTER 


B.  C.  894, 


and  six  thousand  pieces  of  gold,  and  'ten  changes 
of  raiment. 

6 And  he  brought  the  letter  to  the  king  of 
Israel,  saying,  Now  when  this  letter  is  come  unto 
thee,  behold,  I have  therewith  sent  Naaman  my 
servant  to  thee,  that  thou  mayest  recover  him  of 
his  leprosy. 

7 And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  king  of  Israel 
had  read  the  letter,  "'that  he  rent  his  clothes,  and 
said,  nJlm  I God,  to  kill  and  to  make  alive,  that 
this  man  doth  send  unto  me  to  recover  a man  of 
his  leprosy?  wherefore  consider,  I pray  you,  and 
“see  how  he  seeketh  a quarrel  against  me. 

8 H And  it  was  so,  when  Elisha  the  man  of  God 
had  heard  that  the  king  of  Israel  had  Prent  his 
clothes,  that  he  sent  to  the  king,  saying,  Where- 
fore hast  thou  rent  thy  clothes?  ilet  him  come 
now  to  me,  rand  he  shall  know  that  there  is  a pro- 
phet in  Israel. 

9 So  sNaaman  came  with  his  horses  and  with 
his  chariot,  and  stood  at  the  door  of  the  house  of 
Elisha. 

10  And  Elisha  ‘sent  a messenger  unto  him, 
saying,  Go  and  “wash  in  Jordan  "seven  times, 
and  nhy  flesh  shall  come  again  to  thee,  and  thou 
shalt  be  clean. 

1 Gen.  45:22.  Judg.  14:12.  Jam.  5:*, 3.  m 11:14.  18:37.  19:1.  Nam.  14:6.  Jer. 
36:21.  Mall.  26:65.  Acts  14:14.  n Gen.  30:2.  Dent.  32:39.  1 Sam.  2:6.  Dan. 
2:11.  Hos.  6:1.  o l Kings  20:7.  Luke  11:54.  p See  on  7.  2 Sam.  3:31 . q3,15. 
1:6.  1 Kings  17:24.  18:35.  r Ex. 11:8.  Rom.  II  :13.  Hos.  12:13.  s 3:12.  6:32. 
Is.  60:14.  Acts  16:29,30,37— 39.  t Matt.  15:23— 26.  u 2:21.  3: 16.  4:41.  Johu  9:7. 
1 Cor.  6:11.  x Lev.  14  7,16,51.  16:14,19.  Num.  19:4,19  Josh.  6:4,13-16.  y 14. 
Ex.  4:6,7.  7.  Prov.  13. 1U.  Matt.  8:8.  15  27.  Luke  14:11.  a Prov.  1:32.  Matt.  19: 
22.  John  6.66-69.  13:20.  fleb.  12:25.  b Prov.  3:7.  Is.  55:8,9.  1 Cor.  1:21—25. 
2:14 — 16.  3:18 — 20.  * Heb.  I said,  !fc.  Or,  I said  with  myself , He  rcill  surely 

come  out,  Sec.  t Heb.  move  up  and  down.  J Or,  Amana.  c 17.  2:8,14.  Josh. 


V.  5,  C.  Ben-hadad  king  of  Syria,  having  heard,  pro- 
bably from  Naaman  himseif,  that  there  was  a prophet  in 
Israel,  who,  it  was  supposed,  could  heal  the  leprosy,  seems 
to  have  concluded  that  he  must  be  at  the  command  of  the  king 
of  Israel,  and  perform  his  miracles  for  his  pleasure  and  advan- 
tage: and  if  the  Israelitish  maid  knew  so  much  of  the  pro- 
phet, the  king  must  have  him  continually  in  his  presence  or 
in  his  thoughts.  He  therefore  concluded,  that  he  had  only 
to  ask  it  as  a favour  of  Jehoram,  that  Naaman  might  be 
cured,  and  it  would  be  granted  of  course.  Naaman  also 
would  prefer  going  in  state  to  the  king  of  Israel,  to  becoming 
a supplicant  to  a poor  prophet:  yet  it  seems  he  intended  libe- 
rally to  reward  Elisha  for  the  service. 

V.  7.  Jehoram  interpreted  the  ignorant  language,  and 
absurd  request  of  the  kinsf  of  Syria,  into  blasphemy  against 
God,  as  well  as  malice  against  himself,  and  a pretence  for 
waging  war  against  him.  Though  an  idolater,  and  a very 
wicked  man,  he  would  be  thought  conceumed  about  the  ho- 
nour of  God  : and  as  full  of  abhorrence  ot  Ben-hadad 's  sup- 
posed crime,  “ he  rent  his  clothes.” — He  had  either  for  the 
moment  forgotten  the  miracles  wrought  by  Elisha;  (Note,  3: 
lii, 17.)  or  he  did  not  desire  to  witness  any  more  of  them  ; or 
he  thought  this  beyond  his  power:  for  it  seems  it  was  deemed 
as  impracticable,  by  human  skill,  to  cleanse  a rooted  leprosy, 
as  to  raise  the  dead.  (Note,  Lev.  13:1,2.)  By  this  conces- 
sion of  the  king,  the  miracle  wrought  by  Elisha  became  the 
more  illustrious.  ( Marg . Ref.  n.) 

V.  8.  It  is  probable,  that  Elisha  was  at  or  near  Samaria, 
when  Naaman  arrived  ; and  the  report  of  what  had  occurred 
was  directly  brought  to  him.  This  induced  him  not  to  go  to 
Jehoram,  but  to  send,  it  maybe  supposed  by  one  of  the  sons 
of  the  prophets,  this  message  to  him.  Naaman  had  come 
<nto  the  land  of  Israel,  expecting  relief  from  a prophet  of  the 
God  of  Israel:  and  Elisha  would  by,  no  means  have  him  go 
back  disappointed,  lest  he  should  conclude  that  Jehovah 
was  like'  the  gods  of  the  nations,  and  as  unable  to  do  good  or 
evil  as  they  were.  On  the  contrary,  he  would  have  it  known 
that  God  had  “ a prophet  in  Israel,”  by  whom  he  performed 
such  cures,  as  none  of  the  neathen  prophets,  priests,  or  phy- 
sicians could  effect ; and  which  were  far  beyond  all  the  power 
of  the  mightiest  monarchs. 

V.  9 — 12.  The  prophet  knew  how  to  stoop  to  the  meanest 
service  or  person,  when  it  was  proper;  but  Naaman  seemed 
to  have  come  to  him  with  great  ideas  of  his  own  importance, 
as  if  he  conferred  a favour  or  honour  upon  him.  Elisha  was 
therefore  directed  to  assume  that  superiority,  which  really 
belonged  to  him  : and  to  show  Naaman,  that  he  was  far 
from  being  elated  by  the  presence  of  so  great  a man  ; and 
that  he  regarded  not  his  rank,  desired  not  his  friendship,  and 
would  not  accept  his  presents  ; though,  for  the  honour  of  the 
God  of  Israel,  his  leprosy  should  be  cleansed,  if  he  would 
observe  the  simple  direction  which  he  sent  him  by  a messen- 
ger. But  Naaman  thought  that  the  prophet  treated  him 
with  rudeness  and  neglect.  He  had  previously  formed  an 
idea  in  his  mind  of  the  manner  in  which  the  cure  would  be 
jerformod,  and  this  message  did  not  at  all  answer  his  expec- 
tations. He  wanted  to  be  cured  as  a man  of  consequence, 
who  was  entitled  to  regard ; and  not  as  a poor  pensioner,  who 


11  But  *Naamar.  was  wrotli,nnd  'vent  a tv  ay, 
and  said,  bBeliold,  '1  thought,  He  will  surely  con.e 
out  to  me,  and  stand,  and  call  on  the  name  of  the 
Lord  his  God,  and  Strike  his  hand  over  the  place, 
and  recover  the  leper. 

12  Are  not  JAbana  and  Pharpar,  rivers  of  Da- 
mascus, ‘better  than  all  the  waters  of  Israel  ? may 
1 not  wash  in  them,  and  be  clean?  So  he  turntu 
and  went  away  in  a rage. 

13  And  ''his  servants  came  near,  and  spake  unto 
him,  and  said,  eMy  Hither,  if  the  prophet  had  bid 
thee  do  some  great  thing,  wouidest  thou  not.  have 
done  it  ? how  much  rather  then,  when  he  saith  to 
thee, f Wash,  and  be  clean  ? 

14  Then  swent  he  down,  and  dipped  himsell 
seven  times  in  Jordan,  ''according  to  the  saying  of 
the  man  of  God : and  ‘his  flesh  came  again  like 
unto  the  flesh  of  a little  child,  kand  he  was 
clean. 

15  H And  'he  returned  to  the  man  of  God,  he 
and  all  his  company,  and  came  and  stood  before 
him : and  he  said,  Behold,  mnow  I know  that 
there  is  no  God  in  all  the  earth,  but  in  Israel: 
now  therefore,  I pray  thee,  take  "a  blessing  of  thy 
servant. 

16  But  lie  said,  °As  the  Lord  liveth,  before 


3:15— 17.  Ez.  47:1— S.  Zech.  13: 1 . 14:8.  Mark  1:9.  d 3.  1 Sam.  25:14— 17, 
1 Kings  20:24,31.  Job  32:8,9.  Jer.  38:7— 10.  e 2:12.  6:21.  13:14.  Gen.  41:43. 
morg.  Mai.  1:6.  Mall.  23:9.  1 Cor.  4:15.  t See  on  10.  Ps.  51:2,7.  Is.  1:16. 
John  13:8.  .Acts  22:16.  F.|jh.  5:23,27.  Til.  3.5.  Heb.  10:22.  1 Pet.  3:21.  Rev. 7- 
14.  g Job  31:13.  Prov.  9:9.  25:11,12.  b 2 Cbr.  20:20.  John  S:5.  Heb.  11:7,8. 
i 10.  Job  33:25.  k Luke  4:27.  5:13.  Til.  2:14.  1 Luke  17:15 — 18.  m 8.  Josb. 
2:9—11.9.9,24.  1 Sam.  17:46.47.  1 Kings  18:36.  Is.  43:10,11.  44:6,8.  45:6.  Jer. 
10:10.1 1 .16:1 9 — 21 . Dan.  2:47.  3:29.  4:34,35.  6:26,27.  Rom.  10:10.  n Gen.  33: 
11.  1 Sam.  25:27.  2 Cor.  9:5.  marg.  o See  on  3:14.  1 Kings  17:1.  18:15. 


is  glad  of  his  alms  by  whomsoever  sent.  Abana  and  Pharpar 
were  larger  rivers  than  Jordan,  and  Naaman  thought  them 
more  likely  to  effect  a cure:  but  the  rivers  of  Damascus  had 
not  been  distinguished  by  miracles,  as  Jordan  had  been ; 
[Notes,  2:7,8,14.  Josh.  3:4.)  and  Naaman,  in  his  haughti- 
ness and  wrath,  forgot  that  Jf.hovah  was  to  cleanse  his 
leprosy  by  means  of  his  own  appointment,  and  not  in  a way 
of  man’s  devising.  (Notes,  Num.  21:6 — 9.  John  3:14,15. 
2 Cor.  4:7.) 

V.  13,  14.  This  Syrian  was  favoured  with  very  prudent, 
respectful,  and  affectionat?  servants  ; and  probably  he  was 
in  general  a kind  and  considerate  master,  who  could  bear  to 
be  reasoned  with  by  his  inferiors.  (Note,  1 Sam.  25:14 — 17.) 
They  had,  it  may  be  supposed,  heard  a great  deal  from  the 
Israelitish  maid  of  Elisha’s  miracles',  and  were  very  desirous 
that  Naaman  should  make  the  trial.  Being  more  calm  and 
impartial  than  he,  they  perceived  that  the  prophet’s  directions 
were  simple,  easy,  and  safe.  Had  the  prophet  prescribed 
nauseous  medicines,  a tedious  regimen,  or  some  painful  opera- 
tions, or  even  some  burdensome  religious  observances  ; or 
had  he  demanded  a large  sum  of  money  as  the  price  of  the 
cure  ; they  knew  that  Naaman  would  have  complied  without 
hesitation  : how  much  more  then  ought  he,  in  reason,  to  go  to 
Jordan,  and  wash  seven  times  in  its  waters  ? This  remon- 
strance was  “ a word  spoken  in  due  season,”  and  had  its  full 
effect : (Note,  Prov.  25:1 1,12.)  and  his  cure  immediately  fol- 
lowed on  his  obedience  ; so  that  the  decayed  and  loathsome 
parts  of  his  skin  and  flesh  became  perfectly  sound,  and 
assumed  the  healthful  appearance  of  the  flesh  of  a child. — 
‘ This  was  the  only  cure  of  a leprosy  that  we  read  of,  till 
Christ  the  great  Prophet  came  into  the  world.’  Bp.  Patrick. 
Though  the  remark  be  not  quite  correct,  it  is  entitled  to  con 
sideration.  Miriam  was  cleansed,  in  answer  to  the  prayer 
of  Moses;  but  no  other  instance  is  recorded.  (Notes,  Num. 
12:9—15.) 

V.  15,  16.  Naaman,  having  received  the  cure,  returned 
to  Elisha,  to  express  his  gratitude,  and  to  give  glory  to  God  : 
and  now  the  prophet  went  out  to  confer  with  him.  (Note, 
Luke  17:11 — 19.)  His  confession  was  very  expressive  and 
satisfactory.  He  not  only  allowed  that  Jehovah  was  the 
true  God  ; hut  also,  that  there  was  “ no  God  in  all  the  earth, 
but  in  Israel  the  gods  of  all  other  nations  being  helpless, 
worthless  idols. — Whal  an  awful  representation  does  this  give 
us  of  the  state  of  the  Gentiles,  “ without  hope,  and  without 
God  in  the  world!”  (Note,  Eph.  2:11 — 13.)— Naaman  there 
fore  urged  the  prophet  to  take  a present,  or  blessing,  of  him, 
as  a token  of  his  gratitude  ; but  he  most  decidedly  refused 
He  did  not  scruple  to  receive  presents  from  pious  Israelites, 
and  he  seems  to  have  accepted  Ben-hadad’s  gift;  (Note,  8: 
7—9.)  but  the  case  of  Naaman  was  singular.  It  was  of  great 
importance  what  impressions  he,  at  that  crisis,  should  receive 
concerning  the  God  of  Israel  and  his  worshippers.  Elisha 
had  sent  for  him  to  confer  a benefit  on  him  ; and  had  he  taken 
the  present,  Naaman  might  have  ascribed  this  to  a selfish 
motive,  and  imbibed  prejudices  ; but  perfect  disinterestedness 
would  have  a contrary  tendency.  (Note,  1 Cor.  9:14 — 18.  2 
Cor.  11:7 — 12.)  ‘ He  would  have  s (rangers  to  their  religioa 

know,  how  good  the  God  of  Israel  *as,  w/io  made  ri'»  sec 

( ^ 


B.  C.  894. 


II.  KINGS. 


B.  C.  894 


whom  I stand  I will  receive  none.  And  he  urged 
him  to  take  it ; but  he  refused. 

17  And  Naaman  said,  .Shall  there  not  then,  I 
ray  thee,  be  given  to  thy  servant  two  mules’ 
wden  <iof  earth  ? for  thy  servant  rwill  henceforth 

offer  neither  burnt-offering  nor  sacrifice  unto  other 
gods,  but  unto  the  Lord. 

18  In  this  thing  the  Lord  pardon  thy  servant, 
that  when  my  master  goeth  into  the  house  of 
Riinmon  to  worship  there,  and  he  aleaneth  on  my 
hand,  'and  I bow  myself  in  the  house  of  Rimmon  : 
when  I bow  down  myself  in  the  house  of  Rimmon, 
"the  Lord  pardon  thy  servant  in  this  thing. 

19  And  "lie  said  unto  him,  ^Go  in  peace.  So 
he  departed  from  him  a ‘little  way. 

[ Practical  Observations.'] 

20  H But  'Gehazi,  the  servant  of  Elisha  the 
man  of  God,  said,  Behold,  amy  master  hath  spared 
Naaman  this  Syrian,  in  not  receiving  at  his  hands 
that  which  he  brought : butbns  the  Lord  liveth,  I 
will  run  after  him,  c-and  take  somewhat  of  him. 

21  So  Gehazi  followed  after  Naaman.  And 
when  Naaman  saw  him  running  after  him,  dhe 
lighted  down  from  the  chariot  to  meet  him,  and 
said,  1 Is  all  well  ? 

22  And  he  said,  All  is  well.  'My  master  hath 

p 20,26.  Gen.  14:22,23. 1 Kings  13:3.  Dan.  5:17.  Malt.  10:8.  Acts  8:18—20.  1 Cor. 
6:12.  10:32,33.  2 Cor.  11:9,10.  12:14.  q 12.  Rom.  14:1.  rAcls26:18.  1 Thea. 
1:8.  1 Pet. 4:3.  s 7:2,17.  t 17:35.  Ex . 20:5.  lKin?sl9:!8.  u2Chr.30:18, 
IS.  Jer.  50:20.  x Matt.  9:16,17.  John  16:12.  1 Cor.  3:2.  Ileb.  5: 13,14.  y Ex. 
4:18.  1 Sam.  1:17.25:35.  Mark5:34.  Luke  7:50.  8:48.  * Heb . a little  piece  of 
ground.  Gen.  35:16.  marg.  z 4:12,31,36.  Matt.  10:4.  John  6:70.  12:6.  13:2. 
Acts  8:18,19.  a Prov.  26:16.  Luke  16:8.  John  12:5,6.  Acts  5:2.  b 6:31.  Ex. 
2C:7.  1 Sam.  14:39.  c Ex.  20: 17.  Ps.  10*3.  Jer.  22:17.  Hab.2:9.  Luke  12:15. 

1 Tim.  6:9 — 11.  2 Tim.  4:10.  Tit.  1.7.  1 Pet.  5:2.  2 Pet.  2.14,15.  d Luke  7:6, 
7.  Acts  8:31.  10:25,26.  t Heb.  Is  there  peace ? 4:26.9:17 — 22.  e 1 Kings  13: 

t — . ■ ■ 

vants  so  good  that  they  did  the  greatest  good  to  mankind  for 
nothing.  Which  generous  piety  was  apt  to  invite  others  to 
the  worship  and  service  of  this  great  and  good  God.  For  it 
gives  great  authority  to  a teacher  of  virtue,  not  to  be  covetous.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  17 — 19.  Naaman  in  his  first  impressions  conceived, 
that  there  must  be  a peculiar  sanctity  in  the  earth  of  Israel, 
having  received  such  benefit  from  washing  in  one  of  its 
rivers : he  therefore  asked  permission  to  carry  home  with 
him  enough  of  it  to  build  an  altar,  on  which  to  offer  sacri- 
fices to  Jehovah,  whom  alone  lie  was  determined  in  future 
to  worship  with  burnt-offerings  and  sacrifices,  as  Israel  did. 
Yet,  as  holding  a high  station  in  Ben-hadad’s  court,  it  would 
be  expected  that  he  should  accompany  him  to  the  temple  of 
Rimmon : and  whilst  the  king,  leaning  on  his  arm,  should 
bow  before  his  idol,  Naaman  could  not  avoid  bowing  also. 
But  as  he  meant  to  do  this,  not  as  an  act  of  worship  to  Rim- 
mon, but  of  service  to  his  prince ; he  hoped  the  Lord  would 
pardon  him  in  it : and  some  learned  men  have  thought  that 
his  conduct  in  this  respect  was  justifiable ; because  he  was 
not  an  Israelite,  and  so  not  under  the  law  of  Moses.  It  is 
evident,  however,  that  the  prohibition  of  every  kind  and 
degree  of  idolatry,  belongs  to  the  moral  law,  which  is  univer- 
sally obligatory.  Our  strict  rule  of  duty  certainly  forbids 
such  a conformity;  the  gospel  grants  no  dispensations;  and, 
in  similar  circumstances,  a Christian  would  be  absolutely 
required  to  renounce  every  advantage  and  preferment,  which 
could  not  be  retained  without  such  communion  with  idolaters, 
and  countenance  of  idolatry:  nay,  to  endure  the  utmost 
effects  of  the  persecutor’s  rage,  rather  than  make  such  com- 
pliances, however  palliated  by  salvos  and  mental  reserves. 
(Notes,  Dan.  3:8 — 18.)  The  prophet  however  seems  to 
have  perceived,  that  Naaman  was  convinced,  that  even 
bowing  with  the  king  in  the  house  of  Rimmon  was  not  right, 
and  he  left  those  convictions  gradually  to  produce  their 
effects:  if  they  were  the  result  of  regenerating  grace,  they 
v/ould  in  time  bring  him  to  make  a more  public  protest 
against  idolatry,  when  his  faith,  judgment,  and  experience 
were  matured.  Moreover,  as  the  whole  work  was  from 
God  in  so  extraordinary  a manner,  it  is  probable,  that  the 
prophet  declined  interposing  his  private  judgment,  when  he 
had  no  immediate  directions  from  heaven  respecting  it. — “In 
this  thing  the  Lord  pardon  thy  servant,  that  when  my  lord 
went  into  the  house  of  Rimmon,  to  bow  down  himself  there, 
and  leaned  on  my  hand,  I bowed  down  myself  there ; that  I 
bowed  down  myself — the  Lord  pardon  thy  servant  in  this 
thing.”  ( JVhithy , Note  on  Luke  12:8.)  This  would  imply, 
that.  Naaman  had  previously  favourable  thoughts  of  true 
religion,  and  had  not  been  an  idolater  in  other  respects ; 
though  he  had  conformed  in  this  particular,  which  now 
appeared  to  him  the  most  heinous  of  his  sins.  Yet  there  is 
no  intimation,  that  he  had  not  been  as  gross  an  idolater  as 
the  other  Syrians.  This  translation,  which  many  learned 
men  have  endeavoured  to  establish,  disregards  the  vau  con - 
versive , which  generally  changes  the  preterite  into  the  future, 
All  the  versions  or  ancient  translations  understand  the  words 
zS  the  future , and  not  of  the  past. — Elisha  seems  also  to 
have  been  silent  concerning  the  earth,  which  Naaman 
( 660  ) 


sent  me,  saying,  Behold,  even  now  there  he  come 
to  me  from  mount  Ephraim  two  young  men  or 
f the  sons  of  the  prophets : egive  them,  I pray  thee 
ha  talent  of  silver,  and  two  changes  of  garments. 

23  And  Naaman  said,  Be  content,  take  two 
talents.  'And  he  urged  him,  and  kbound  two 
talents  of  silver  in  two  bags,  with  two  changes 
of  garments,  and  laid  them  upon  two  of  his  ser- 
vants ; 'and  they  bare  them  before  him. 

24  And  when  he  came  to  the  Hower,  he  took 
them  from  their  hand,  n'and  bestowed  them  in  the 
house:  and  he  let  the  men  go,  and  they  departed. 

25  But  he  went  in,  and  "stood  before  his 
master:  and  Elisha  said  unto  him,  “Whence 
comest  thou,  Gehazi  ? And  he  said,  nThy  servant 
went  §no  whither. 

26  And  ihe  said  unto  him,  'Went  not  my  heart 

with  thee,  when  the  man  turned  again  from  his 
chariot  to  meet  thee  ? eIs  it  a time  to  receive 
money,  and  to  receive  garments,  and  olive-yards, 
and  vineyards,  and  sheep,  and  oxen,  and  men- 
servants,  and  maidservants  ? , 

27  The  'leprosy  therefore  of  Naaman  shall 
cleave  unto  thee  and  "unto  thy  seed  for  ever. 
And  he  went  out  from  his  presence  xa  leper  as 
white  as  snow. 


18.  Is.  59:3.  Jer.  9:3,5.  John  8:44.  Acts  5:3,4.  Rev.  21 .8.  f See  on  2:3.  1 Kings 
20:35.  g 2 Cor.  12:16— 18.  h See  on  5.  Ex.  38.24—28.  I Kings  20:39.  i 16. 
2:17.  k 12:10.  mars.  1 Is.  30:6.  J Or,  secret  p face,  m Josh.  7:1,11,12,21. 
1 Kings21:16.  Hab.  2:6.  Zech. 5:3,4.  n Prov.  30:20.  Ez.  33:31.  Matt.  26:15, 
16,21—25.  John  13:2,26—30.  o 20:14.  Gen.  3:8,9.  4:9.  16:8.  p 22.  Acts  5:3,4. 
§ Heb.  not  hither  or  thither.  q Ps.  63:11.  Prov.  12:19.  Acts5:9.  r 6:12. 
1 Cor.  5:3.  Col.  2:5.  s 16.  Gen.  14:23.  Ec.3:l— 8.  Matt.  10:8.  Acts  20:33,35. 
1 Cor.  9:11.12.  2 Cor.  11:8— 12.  2 Thea.  3:8,9.  t See  on  <1.1.  Josh.  7:25.  Mai. 
2:3, 4, 8, 9.  Matt.  27:3—5.  Acts  5:5.10.  8:20.  1 Tim.  6:10.  2 Pet.  2:3.  u 1 Sam. 
2:30—36.  2Sam.  3:29.  x 15:5.  Ex.  4:6.  Num.  12:10. 


requested,  and  probably  for  the  reasons  before  mentioned. 
(Note,  Matt.  9:16,17.)  Nor  was  any  thing  proposed  to 
him,  concerning  his  embracing  in  other  respects  the  religion 
of  Israel. 

V.  20 — 25.  It  is  probable,  that  Gehazi  was  one  of  the 
sons  of  the  prophets,  had  long  had  the  advantage  of  the 
society  of  Elisha,  and  kept  up  a profession  of  piety  ; yet  he 
remained  an  avaricious  and  wicked  man,  and  far  worse  than 
the  servants  of  Naaman  the  Syrian!  (Notes,  Matt.  26:14 
— 16.)  He  deemed  Elisha  foolish,  to  miss  so  fair  an  oppor- 
tunity of  enriching  himself,  having  a right  to  Naaman’s 
money  in  return  for  the  cure.  But  as  for  himself,  he  would 
not  be  so  scrupulous  ; and  with  a solemn  oath,  (even  when 
speaking  to  himself,  which  in  this  case  was  peculiarly  pro- 
fane,) he  declared  that  he  would  take  somewhat  of  him.  To 
accomplish  his  covetous  purpose,  he  soon  devised  a plausible 
lie  : and  Naaman’s  heart  was  so  atfected  by  the  benefit 
which  he  had  obtained  ; that  he  treated  even  the  prophet’s 
servant  vviih  the  greatest  respect,  and  pressed  his  acceptance 
of  a larger  sum  than  he  petitioned  for.  In  this  manner 
Gehazi  appropriated  above  seven  hundred  pounds  sterling  in 
silver,  which  he  secreted  in  some  convenient  place  ; and  he 
then  returned  to  Elisha  with  another  direct  falsehood,  as  if 
he  could  have  deceived  God,  as  well  as  his  prophet.  (Notes, 
Acts  5:1 — 11.)  His  whole  conduct  was  wicked  in  a most 
aggravated  degree  : he  did  what  he  could  to  disgrace  the 
God  of  Israel,  and  to  misrepresent  his  religion:  he  behaved 
in  a manner  most  injurious  to  his  master’s  character  : and  he 
not  only  robbed  Naaman  of  his  property  ; but  he  took  the 
most  effectual  method  imaginable  to  prejudice  him  against  the 
prophet  and  true  religion,  and  to  induce  him  to  return  to  idola- 
try. (Notes,  Jer.  7:8 — 11.  John  12:1 — 8.  2 Cor.  12:16 — 21.) 

Even  now.  (22)  At  this  very  crisis,  (as  Gehazi  pretended) 
since  Naaman  had  leflj  Elisha’s  door  anil  had  gone  perhaps 
a furlong  or  two  on  the  way. — The  tower.  (24)  “ Secret 
place.”  (3Targ.)  Ssyn,  Ophel:  2 Chr.  27:3.  33:1-1.  Perhaps 
this  was  a sort  of  storehouse,  for  such  provisions  as  were 
brought  for  the  sons  of  the  prophets  ; of  which  Gehazi  was 
storekeeper.  Like  Judas,  who  kept  tho  bag.  ( John  13:29.) 

V.  26,  27.  The  Spirit  of  God  showed  Elisha  what  had 
passed,  as  plainly  as  if  he  had  witnessed  the  whole  transac- 
tion. (Note,  1 Kings  14:5,6.) — Considering  the  distressed 
state  of  Israel  by  reason  of  the  famine,  and  the  low  estate 
of  religion,  other  interests  and  employments  called  for  Geha- 
zi’s  attention.  The  prophets  of  Jehovah  were  required 
to  show  themselves  men  of  another  spirit  than  the  false 
prophets,  by  a disinterested  indifference  about  the  world ; 
and  the  state  of  Naaman’s  mind,  and  the  peculiarity  of  his 
case,  rendered  this  action  the  most  ill-timed  that  could  ho. 
(Note,  15,16.) — We  may  suppose,  that  Gehazi  was  inwardly 
contriving  how  to  lay  out  his  money,  in  purchasing  an  olive- 
yard,  or  vineyard,  that  he  might  exchange  the  service  of 
Elisha  for  a more  profitable  occupation.  (Notes,  Josh.  7:) 
And  so  he  might ; but  it  would  be  under  the  stigma  and 
misery  of  a rooted  and  dreadful  leprosy,  entailed  upon  bis 
posterity  in  perpetuity,  or  as  long  as  one  of  them  remained. 
This  was  tho  proper  emblem  of  the  polluted  slate  of  hit 
soul.  (Note,  Prov.  21:6.) 


B.  C.  893. 


CHAPTER  VI, 


B.  C.  893 


CHAPTER  VI. 

f\e  sons  of  the  prophets  jtrcpare  to  enlarge  their  dwelling,  and  Elisha  causes 
iron  to  swim,  1 — 7.  He  discloses  to  Jehoram  the  counsels  of  the  Syrian  king, 
mho  sends  troops  to  apprehend  him,  8 — 14.  Elisha'S  servant  is  terrified  ; but 
is  encouraged  by  seeing  horses  and  chariots  of  fire  round  his  master,  15—17. 
The  Syrians , at  Elisha's  prayer,  are  partially  blinded;  and  he  conducts 
them  into  Samaria,  where  they  regaui  their  sight,  and  by  the  prophet' s pro- 
posal are  tu’er  taint  d,  nrul  dismi.-^cd  in  peace,  18 — 23.  Ben-had <id  besieges 
Samaria , and  reduces  it  to  extreme  famine,  24,  25.  Women  contest  about 
eating  their  own  children;  and  apponl  to  the  king , who  in  a rage  resolves  to 
kill  Elisha,  26 — 33. 

AND  “the  sons  of  the  prophets  said  unto 
Elisha,  Behold  now,  bthe  place  where  we 
dwell  with  thee  is  ctoo  strait  for  us. 

2  Let  us  go,  we  pray  thee,  unto  Jordan,  ‘’and 


a Ste  on  2:3.  1:1.  1 Kings  20:35.  b 4:38.  1 Sam.  19:20.  c Josh.  17:14.  19.47. 
Job  36:16.  Is.  49.19,20.  54:2,3.  il  John  ‘21:3.  Acts  18:3.  20:34,35.  1 Cor.  9:6. 
1 Thes.  2:9.  2 Tlies.  3:8.  1 Tim.  6:6.  e 5.23.  Judg.  19:6.  Job  6:28.  f Judg.  4: 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V..1 — 7.  In  whatever  manner,  or  degree,  a man  is  ho- 
noured and  preferred  by  the  princes  of  the  earth,  or  made  an 
instrument  in  Providence  of  public  benefit  to  others,  he  can 
obtain  no  exemption  from  trouble.  Some  bodily  infirmity,  or 
distressing  disease,  or  domestic  affliction,  will  counterbalance 
his  advantages,  and  imbitter  his  enjoyments:  nor  can  we 
remedy  this  vanity  and  vexation,  except  by  humble  submis- 
sion to  the  will  of  God,  and  believing  confidence  in  his  truth, 
wisdom,  and  mercy  ; and  the  enjoyment  of  that  peace  and 
consolation,  which  are  communicated  by  “the  supply  of  the 
Spirit  of  Jesus  Christ.” — The  Lord  overrules,  to  his  own 
glory,  those  events  which  originate  in  man’s  wickedness:  the 
young,  or  the  poor,  are  often  better  acquainted  with  his  ser- 
vants and  service,  than  the  rich  or  aged  : but  as  he  works  by 
despised  instruments,  so  wise  men  will  avail  themselves  of 
a useful  hint  from  the  lowest  of  their  inferiors. — Kind  beha- 
viour to  domestics  generally  ensures  a valuable  recompense: 
and  no  injuries  or  hardships  should  indispose  us  to  seek  the 
welfare,  or  to  compassionate  the  sorrows,  of  those  among 
whom  our  lot  is  cast;  especially  when  they  are  kind  to  us. 
This  “little  maid”  proved  a richer  treasure  to  Naaman,  than 
any  Ben-hadad  could  bestow : and  good  and  pious  servants 
are  indeed  invaluable  benefits. — We  carry  our  knowledge  of 
God  and  of  true  religion  with  us,  wherever  we  remove ; none 
can  deprive  us  of  these  true  riches  and  this  ^lessed  liberty ; 
and  the  meanest  believer  will  find  opportunities  of  glorifying 
God  and  being  useful  to  man,  if  he  act  consistently  with  his 
character  and  profession  : for  such  a conduct  will  attract 
regard  from  those  who  are  ignorant  or  careless  about  reli- 
gion, and  dispose  them  to  attend  to  his  words,  particularly 
in  times  of  affliction.  ( P . O.  Acts  8:1 — 8.) — Those  who 
know  the  servants  of  God,  will  nor.  doubt  their  readiness  to 
relieve  the  distressed ; arfd  such  as  know  him,  are  sensible 
that  in  answer  to  their  prayer  of  faith,  he  frequently  removes 
calamities,  and  imparts  temporal  benefits,  even  to  those  who 
serve  him  not.  In  these  concerns  men  have  keen  sensi- 
bility, and  readily  make  trial  of  any  probable  means  of  relief, 
though  expensive,  laborious,  painful,  and  evnn  uncertain : it 
would  be  well  if  they  were  equally  sensible  of  the  power  of  the 
divine  wrath  to  which  they  are  exposed,  the  burden  of  guilt 
with  which  they  are  chargeable,  and  the  loathsome  leprosy 
of  unmortified  sin  with  which  they  are  polluted.  (Note, 
Matt.  8:1 — 4.) — The  great  ones  of  the  earth  are  apt  to 
suppose,  that  wealth,  authority,  and  infiuence  can  command 
every  thing:  but  when  they  seek  those  blessings,  which  the 
Lord  communicates  in  answer  to  the  prayers  of  his  faithful 
servants,  they  will  find  that  nothing  can  be  done  in  this  way; 
but  that  they  must  act  as  poor  and  needy  persons,  and  come 
as  humble  supplicants  for  a free  gift,  and  not  as  lords  to 
demand,  or  to  purchase.  (Notes,  Matt.  5:3.  Jam.  1:9 — 11.) 
For  the  ministers  of  God  must  obey  man,  only  so  far  as  the 
will  of  their  great  Master  allows  them : and  in  his  service 
they  must  not  be  directed  or  dictated  to  by  any  human 
authority. — The  ignorance  of  many,  in  spiritual  things,  is 
manifested  by  every  part  of  their  conversation:  yet  we 
should  not  impute  that  to  a blasphemous  or  malevolent 
intention,  which  they  utter  merely  because  they  know  no 
better. — No  judges  are  more  severe  towards  their  fellow- 
sinners,  than  those  who  themselves  have  no  fear  of  God  be- 
fore their  eyes : and  they  are  especially  quicksighted  to  the 
atrocious  conduct  of  those,  whom  they  suspect  of  intentions 
to  injure  them  ; and  vehement  in  their  declamations  against 
the  crimes,  of  which  themselves  are  not  known  to  be  guilty. 

Y*  8 19.  The  minister  of  God  should  seize  every  oppor- 

tunity to  evince  the  truth  and  importance  of  his  religious  prin- 
ciples, and  to  display  the  glorious  perfections  of  the  Lord : yet 
he  should  not  appear  greatly  pleased  with  the  respect  shown 
him  by  great  men  ; and  he  ought  to  be  cautious  lest,  by  his 
language  and  behaviour,  he  enhance  that  pride  and  vanity 
which  need  to  be  mortified.  Rather  he  should  aim  to  convince 
them  of  his  earnest  desire  to  do  them  good ; and  of  his  indiffer- 
ence about  those  external  distinctions,  which  others  envy, 
covet,  or  are  delighted  with— All  the  commands  of  God  are 
suited  to  make  trial  of  men’s  spirits;  especially  those  which 
u’lrect  a sinner  how  to  apply  for  the  blessings  of  salvation. 
These  do  not  accord  with  the  self-importance  and  self-suffi- 
ciency, the  carnal  prejudices  and  pompous  ideas,  of  an  un- 
ht«mbleu  -eart  : nor  can  they  be  cordially  attended  to,  except 
by  “ the  poor  in  spirit,”  or  without  that  implicit  faith  which 


take  thence  every  man  a beam,  and  let  us  make 
us  a place  there,  where  we  may  dwell.  And  he 
answered,  Go  ye. 

3 And  one  said,  eBe  content,  I pray  thee,  and 
fgo  with  thy  servants.  And  he  answered,  I 
will  go. 

4 So  he  went  with  them.  And  when  they 
came  to  Jordan,  ethey  cut  down  wood. 

5 But  as  one  was  felling  a beam,  the  *axe-head 
fell  into  the  water : and  he  cried,  and  said,  hAlas, 
master  ! ‘for  it  was  borrowed. 

6 And  the  man  of  God  said,  Where  fell  it? 


8.  g Deut.  19:5. 29:11.  * Heb.  iron.  £c.  10:10.  Is.  10:34.  h 15.  3:10.  Rev.  18: 
10,16,19.  i 4:7.  Ex.  22:14,15.  Ps.  37.21. 


produces  as  implicit  obedience.  The  way  of  a sinner’s  accept- 
ance and  sanctification,  by  the  blood  and  Spirit  of  Christ, 
through  faith  alone  in  his  name,  does  not  sufficiently  gratify 
or  employ  self,  to  please  the  sinner’s  heart.  The  method 
seems  to  many  futile  and  inadequate  : human  wisdom  and  phi- 
losophy, (like  Abana  and  Pharpar,  rivers  of  Damascus,)  can 
furnish  more  rational  and  eligible  methods  of  cleansing:  nay, 
the  operose  and  austere  devices  of  superstition  appear  to 
numbers  preferable  to  “the  Fountain  opened  for  sin  and  for 
uncleanness;”  and  the  very  proposal  shocks  and  affronts  al. 
the  sons  of  pride  and  self-sufficiency.  But  the  sinner,  who  is 
deeply  burdened  with  guilt,  and  longs  to  escape  the  wrath  to 
come,  and  the  service  of  Satan,  would  do  “great  things,”  if 
required  for  that  purpose.  If  pilgrimages,  mortifications,  and 
austerities  could  avail,  they  would  not  be  evaded:  to  torture 
his  body,  to  part  with  his  wealth,  or  even  lay  down  his  life, 
would  be  deemed  a low  price  at  which  to  purchase  forgiveness 
of  sins  and  eternal  salvation  ; but  none  of  these  things,  in  this 
use  of  them,  can  be  accepted.  (Note,  Mic.  6:G — 8.)  As,  how- 
ever, the  Fountain  is  opened,  and  the  access  free,  he  will 
“ much  more  wash  and  be  clean,”  as  the  Lord  has  directed. — 
Salvation  is  from  the  love  and  power  of  God,  in  the  way  of 
his  appointing  and  revealing,  for  his  own  glory,  and  in  the  use 
of  those  means  which  he  has  instituted.  In  this  manner  the 
believer  seeks  for  it,  not  neglecting,  altering,  or  adding  to  the 
Saviour’s  directions ; and  by  repeated  washings  he  is  made 
clean  from  the  guilt  and  pollution  of  sin : whilst  others,  ne- 
glecting this  great  salvation,  through  proud  contempt,  sensual 
indulgence,  covetousness,  or  sloth,  live  and  die  in  their  leprosy, 
and  must  for  ever  be  excluded  from  the  presence  of  a holy 
God.  But  when  sinners  are  under  serious  impressions,  and 
as  yet  prejudiced  against  the  Lord’s  method  of  salvation,  they 
should  be  reasoned  with  in  meekness  and  love,  and  persuaded 
to  make  trial  of  it  in  simplicity.  For  he  will  not  cast  out  the 
humble  supplicant,  however  enormous  his  former  crimes  have 
been,  or  however  weak  and  wavering  his  present  faith  mfLy 
be. — If  masters  were  courteous  and  condescending,  and  ser- 
vants could  give  salutary  advice  with  modesty  and  respect, 
many  evils  might  be  prevented,  and  the  pernicious  effects  of 
hasty  sallies  of  passion  counteracted. — When  temporal  trou- 
bles and  deliverances  bring  us  acquainted  with  God,  and  lead 
us  to  his  service,  they  are  indeed  precious  blessings;  and 
gratitude  to  the  Lord  will  dictate  liberality  to  the  instruments 
of  his  mercies.  But  different  circumstances  will  render  it  ne- 
cessary to  adopt  different  measures.  “ The  man  of  God”  will 
never  allow  himself  to  “ covet  any  man’s  gold,  or  silver,  or  ap- 
parel ;”  but  be  content  with  daily  bread,  and  learn  to  trust  for 
to-morrow.  Yet  sometimes  he  will  understand  that  the  proffer- 
ed kindness  is  the  Lord’s  method  of  supplying  his  necessities, 
that  it  will  be  fruit  abounding  tc  the  benefit  of  the  donor,  and 
that  there  is  a propriety  in  accepting  it  as  a token  of  love: 
(Note,  Phil.  4:14 — 20.)  but,  at  others,  the  gift  will  be  looked 
on  as  a temptation ; and  he  will  perceive  that  the  acceptance 
of  it  would  degrade  his  character  and  office,  dishonour  God, 
and  tend  exceedingly  to  the  injury  of  the  giver.  In  this  case 
he  will  decidedly  refuse  it.  This  is  particularly  to  be  adverted 
to  in  the  case  of  the  great,  when  they  first  turn  their  thoughts 
to  religious  subjects.  From  knowledge  of  the  world,  they  are 
apt  to  suspect  all  their  inferiors  of  mercenary  designs,  and 
naturally  suppose  that  ministers  are  only  carrying  on  a trade 
like  other  men  ; while  the  conduct  of  too  many  so  called  con- 
firms them  in  this  sentiment.  There  is  but  one  way  of  coun- 
teracting this  prejudice;  and  that  is  by  evidencing  a disinte- 
rested spirit,  and  not  asking  any  thing,  and  in  many  cases 
refusing  to  accept  favours  from  them,  until  they  have  attained 
a further  establishment  in  the  faith ; and  by  always  persever- 
ing in  an  indifference  to  every  personal  interest. — It  is  not 
adviseable  violently  to  oppose  every  mistake  which  unites  with 
men’s  first  convictions,  lest  we  should  damp  that  earnestness 
which  promises  good  fruit,  when  matured  by  experience,  and 
duly  regulated  by  the  gradual  teaching  of  the  divine  Spirir, 
attending  suitable  instruction.  We  cannot  bring  men  forw:  'd 
faster  than  the  Lord  prepares  them  to  receive  instruction: 
and  where  he  works,  he  will  in  time  lead  them  to  renounce 
every  secular  interest,  and  bear  any  cross  rather  tha^i  si n 
against  him. 

V.  20 — 27.  No  outward  religious  advantages  ensure  the 
renewing  of  the  heart;  and  better  servants  are  frequentl> 
found  in  ungodly  families,  than  in  the  houses  of  the  most  em» 
nent  servants  of  God.  5Tis  true,  that  the  latter  must,  - or  the 

( 661  l 


li.  C 392. 


B.  C.  892 


II.  KINGS. 


And  he  show  :d  him  the  place.  And  he  kcut 
down  a stick,  and  cast  it  in  thither ; and  the  iron 
did-  swim. 

7 Therefore  said  he,  'Take  it  up  to  thee.  And  he 
mput  Ollt  his  hand,  and  took  it.  [ Practical  Obtcrvcitiom.-] 

8 If  Then  "the  king  of  Syria  warred  against 
Israel,  and  “took  counsel  with  his  servants,  saying, 
In  such  and  such  a place  shall  be  my  ‘camp. 

9 And  the  man  of  God  sent  unto  the  king  of 
Israel,  saying,  ''Beware  that  thou  pass  not  such  a 
place  ; for  ''thither  the  Syrians  are  come  down. 

10  And  the  king  of  Israel  "sent  to  the  place 
which  the  man  of  God  told  him  and  "warned  him 
of,  and  'saved  himself  there,  not  once  nor  twice. 

1 1 Therefore  “the  heart  of  the  king  of  Syria 
was  sore  troubled  for  this  thing ; and  he  called  his 
servants,  and  said  unto  them,  "Will  ye  not  show 
me  which  of  us  is  for  the  king  of  Israel  ? 

12  And  one  of  his  servants  said,  'None,  my 
lord,  O king:  but  ^Elisha,  the  prophet  that  is  in 
Israel,  'telle th  the  king  .of  Israel  the  words  that 
thou  speakest  in  °thy  bedchamber. 

13  And  he  said,  Go,  and  bspy  where  he  is,  that 

1 may  send  and  fetch  him.  And  it  was  told  him, 
saying,  Behold,  he  is  in  'Dothan. 

k2:21.4:41.  Ex.  15:25.  Mark  7:33,34.  8:23— 25.  John  9:6,7.  14:7,36. 

Luke  7:15.  Acts  9:41.  m Ex.  4:4.  n 24.  1 Kings  20:1 ,34.  22.31.  o 1 Kings 
20:23.  Job  5:12,13.  I’rov.  20:18.  21 :30.  Is.  7:5— 7.  8:10.  *0  r,  encamp  ins. 
t>  3:17 — 19.  1 Kings  20:13,28.  q 4:27.  Am.  3:7.  Rev. 1:1.  r 5:14.  Ex.  9: 
20,21.  1 Kings  20:15.  Prnv.  27:12.  Matt.  24:15— 17.  s Ez.  318— 21.  Matt. 
2:12.  3:7.  Heb.  11:7.  t 2:12.  13:14.  Am.  7:1—6.  Acts  27:24.  u l Sam. 
28:21.  Job  18:7—11.  Ps.  48:5.  Is.  57.20,21.  Matt.  2:3.  x 1 Sam.  22.8. 
t Heb.  No.  y 5:3,8,13— 15.  7,  See  on  9,10.  Is.  29:15.  Jer.  23:23,24.  Dan.  2: 
22,23,28—30,47.4:9—18.  a Ec.  10:20.  b 1 Sam.  23:22,23.  Ps.  10:8— 10.  37: 
12— 14,32.  Jer.  36:26.  Matt.  2:4— 8.  John  11:47—53.  c Gen.  37:17.  d 1:9—13. 

time,  wear  the  hypocrite’s  cloak ; yet  under  it,  the  covetous 
man,  the  thief,  the  liar,  the  traitor,  may  lurk  concealed;  but 
a fair  occasion  will  betray  the  secret,  and  his  profession  will 
end  in  awful  apostacy.  ( Notes , Matt.  13:20 — 22.)  Such 
worldly  professors  deem  themselves  wiser  in  their  selfishness, 
than  those  who  shake  their  hands  from  unlawful  gain:  they 
have  the  name  of  God  in  their  mouths,  but  they  have  not  his 
glory  at  heart ; nor  do  they  care  how  many  stumble  and  perish 
through  their  wickedness.  They  make  their  advantage  of 
those  who  are  under  serious  impressions : they  can  never  want 
a plausible  lie,  when  Satan  is  their  prompter : and  they  speak 
and  do  whatever  is  suggested,  “ for  filthy  lucre’s  sake.”  ( Note , 
Tit.  1:10 — 13.)  Thus  they  add  sin  to  sin  with  rapid  progress, 
deceiving  many,  but  known  to  the  heart-searching  God  ; and 
they  are  often  detected,  exposed,  and  solemnly  warned  by 
hit  servants.  In  this  world  they  are  sometimes  branded  with 
infamy,  and  made  awful  examples,  to  wipe  off  the  disgrace 
which  they  have  brought  upon  the  gospel : and  everlasting 
misery  and  contempt  will  be  their  portion  if  they  die  impeni- 
tent.— Alas ! what  a price  do  men  pay  for  outward  advantages, 
when  they  are  connected  with  such  consequences  to  them- 
selves, and  such  misery  is  entailed  upon  their  posterity!  Let 
us  beware  of  hypocrisy  and  covetousness,  and  dread  above 
all  things  the  curse  of  spiritual  leprosy  remaining  upon  our 
souls  living  and  dying,  and  for  ever.  (Re v.  22:10 — 12.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  VI.  V.  1 — 7.  Probably,  this  event  oc- 
curred either  at  Gilgal,  or  at  Jericho,  both  of  which  were  near 
Jordan. — Under  Elisha’s  superintendence  the  schools  of  the 
prophets  flourished,  and  doubtless  true  religion  revived  and 
spread  in  proportion:  but  it  is  not  certain,  whether  the  build- 
ing intended  was  a place  of  assembly,  where  the  prophets  met 
for  religious  exercises  with  other  pious  Israelites  ; or  whether 
they  purposed  to  live  together  in  it,  with  their  families,  as  a 
collected  body  separate  from  others.  When,  however,  they 
were  straitened  for  room,  they  did  not  depend  on  others  to 
prepare  them  a more  convenient  or  spacious  building:  but 
they  proposed  to  fill  up  the  intervals  of  their  time  in  manual 
labour,  and  prepare  one  for  themselves : and  probably  they 
were  accustomed  to  work  in  one  way  or  other,  that  the  people 
might  not  be  burdened.  ( Notes,  Acts  18:1 — G.  1 Cor.  4:9 — 13. 

2 Cor.  11:7 — 12.  2 Thes.  3:6 — 9.)  But  they  would  not  go  to 
hew  limber,  for  this  purpose,  without  Elisha’s  permission ; 
and  they  desired  his  company,  to  sanction  their  attempt,  and 
to  solace  their  toil  bv  his  edifying  conversation  ; to  which  he 
willingly  consented. — Perhaps  they  were  not  very  skilful  about 
their  work,  and  some  of  their  tools  were  borrowed  : so  that  an 
axe-head  falling  into  the  water,  proved  a cause  of  anxiety  to 
one  of  them;  as  it  seems  he  was  not  well  able  to  make  it 
good,  and  the  owner  could  not  afford  to  lose  it.  In  so  small 
a matter  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  work  a miracle,  to  compose 
the  young  ptophet’s  mind,  to  put  honour  upon  Elisha,  to  en- 
able the  company  to  proceed  with  their  undertaking,  and  to 
encourage  their  faith  and  hope ! — The  stick  cast  into  the 
water  was  the  token  of  the  Lord’s  operation  ; and  it  is  useless 
to  inquire  in  what  wav  he  made  the  iron  to  swim.  (Note,  4: 
40,41.) 

V.  8 — 12.  ( Marg . Ref.  o — r.)  As  the  Israelites  had  re- 

peatedly avoided  the  ambushments  which  the  Syrians  had 
formed  against  them ; Ben-hadad  suspected  that  he  had  a 
l 662  ) 


14  Therefore  dseiu  he  thither  horses,  and 
chariots,  anti  a 'great  host : and  they  came  bj 
night,  and  compassed  the  city  about. 

15  And  when  the  ^servant  of  the  man  of  God 
was  risen  early,  and  gone  forth,  behold,  a host 
compassed  the  city  both  with  horses  and  chariots. 
And  his  servant  said  unto  him,  "Alas,  my  master 
how  shall  we  do? 

16  And  he  answered,  f Fear  not:  for  sthey  tha 
be  with  us  are  more  than  they  that  be  wit! 
them. 

17  And  Elisha  hprayed,  and  said,  Lord,  I praj 
thee,  ’open  his  eyes,  that  he  may  see.  And  the 
Lord  opened  the  eyes  of  the  young  man  ; and  he 
saw:  and  behold,  the  mountain  was  kfull  ot 
horses  and  chariots  of  fire  round  about  Elisha. 

18  And  when  they  came  down  to  him,  Elisha 

Frayed  unto  the  Lord,  and  said,  'Smite  this  people, 
pray  thee,  with  blindness.  And  he  smote  them 
with  blindness,  according  to  the  word  of  Elisha. 

19  H And  Elisha  said  unto  them,  This  is  not  the 
way,  neither  is  this  the  city : "follow  me,  and  "’I 
will  bring  you  to  the  man  whom  ye  seek.  But  he 
led  them  to  Samaria. 

20  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  they  were  come 

» 

1 Sam. 23:26.  24:2.  Matt. 26:47,55.  Johu  18:3—6.  J Heb.  heavy.  18:17 .marg 
§ Or,  minister.  See  on  3:11.  5:20,27.  Ex.  24:13.  1 Kings  19:21.  Matt.  20:^6 — 
23.  Acts  13:5.  e 5.  2 Chr.  20: 12.  Ps.  53:5.  Matt.  8:26.  fEx.  14:13.  Ps.  3:6. 
11:1.27:3.118:11,12.  Is.  8:12,13.  41 :10— 14  Mark  16:6.  Acts  J8:9, 10.  Phil.  1- 
28.  g2Chr.  32:7,8.  Ps.  46:7,1 1 . 55: 18.  Is.  8:10.  Matt. 26:53.  Rom.  h 31.  1 John 
4:4.  h Ps.  91:15.  Jam.  5:16—18.  i 18—20.  Ps.  119:18.  Is.  42:7.  Acts  26:18.  EuU. 
1:18.  Rev.  3:7.  k 2:11.  Ps.  34:7  . 68: 17  . 91 : 1 1 . 104:3.  E 2.  1:13—16.  Zccb«  1:8 
6:1—7.  Matt.  26:53.  Heb.  1:14.  I Gen.  19:11.  J’eut.  28:28.  Job  5 *4.  Zech. 
12:4.  John  9:39.  12:40.  Acts  13:11.  Rom.  11:7.  II  H$h . come  ye  after  me.  Malt. 
16:24.  Mark  8:34.  Luke  9:23.  m 2 Sam.  16:18,19.  Luke  24:16. 


traitor  in  his  privy-council,  though  he  knew  not  on  whom  to 
fix  the  charge : and  this  greatly  perplexed  his  mind.  Many  of 
the  Syrians,  it  seems,  were  acquainted  with  the  extraordinary 
powers  given  to  Elisha  by  the  God  of  Israel.  N a am  all’s 
cure  could  not  fail  to  increase  his  reputation,  and  good  effects 
might  be  thus  produced  upon  the  minds  of  some  individuals; 
though  the  enmity  of  the  Syrian  king  against  Israel  still  re- 
mained: and  perhaps  Naaman  had  been  dismissed  from  his 
high  station,  as  no  longer  sufficiently  compliant  to  the  king. 
(Notes,  1 Kings  20:22:) 

V.  13,  14.  It  was  wonderful,  that  Ben-hadad  did  not 
perceive,  that  the  God  of  Israel  could  as  easily  disclose  this 
design  to  his  prophet,  as  the  other  plans  which  he  had  formed ! 
(Note,  Matt.  2:3 — 8.)  He  had  perhaps  heard,  that  fire  from 
heaven  had  consumed  the  small  companies  who  attempted  to 
apprehend  Elijah;  and  therefore  he  sent  a large  army,  as  if 
this  would  ensure  success.  (Notes,  1:9 — 12.)  But  a small 
number  would  have  sufficed  to  take  an  unarmed  man  : and 
no  force  could  prevail  against  the  prophet’s  omnipotent 
Defender.  (Note,  Matt.  26:47 — 56.)  The  offence  however 
was  less  heinous  in  Syrians  than  in  Israelites ; and  therefore 
Ben-hadad’s  army  was  not  punished,  as  Ahaziah’s  captains 
and  soldiers  had  been. 

V.  15 — 17.  Elisha,  by  strong  faith,  perceived  the  invisible 
guard  assigned  him  : but  his  servant,  who  had  newly  suc- 
ceeded Gehazi,  was  weak  in  faith  and  needed  encouragement ; 
and  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  enable  him,  as  if  with  his  bodily 
eyes,  to  perceive  hosts  of  angels,  in  the  form  of  chariots  and 
horses  of  fire  encamped  around  the  prophet,  to  protect  him, 
and  to  fight  against  those  who  should  olfer  him  any  violence. 
(Notes,  2:11,12.) 

V.  18.  It  is  probable,  that  the  captains  of  the  army  avowed 
to  the  men  of  Dothan,  their  purpose  in  thus  surrounding  the 
place;  and  expected  their  concurrence  in  apprehending 
Elisha,  as  the  condition  of  their  own  preservation. — But  the 
prophet,  secure  of  the  divine  protection,  seems  to  have  gone 
out  to  the  Syrians,  who,  in  answer  to  his  prayer,  were 
deprived  for  the  time  of  the  proper  use  of  their  eyes,  so  that 
they  could  not  distinguish  one  object  from  another;  and  yet 
they  were  not  sensible  of  their  own  incapacity  ! (Note,  Gen . 
19:11.)  Thus  the  miracle  was  reversed  in  respect  of  them, 
from  that  with  which  the  prophet’s  servant  had  been  favoured: 
he  saw  what  was  invisible  to  others  ; they  could  not  see 
what  all  others  could. 

Blindness.]  dvydd.  Used  only  here  and  Gen.  19:11. 

V.  19,  20.  The  prophet  intended  to  deceive  the  Syrians: 
and  this  might  lawfully  have  been  done,  even  if  he  had  meant 
to  treat  them  as  enemies,  in  order  to  his  own  preservation  ; 
but  he  designed  them  no  harm  by  the  deception.  He  was  no 
longer  in  Dothan,  and  they  in  reality  had  no  business  there  : 
but  he  truly  informed  them,  that  if  they  would  follow  him. 
ho  would  bring  them  to  the  man  whom  they  sought:  and 
accordingly,  when  they  w’oro  so  infatuated  as  to  follow  a 
stranger,  and  so  bewildered  as  to  enter  Samaria,  he  made 
himself  known  to  them  ; and  the  miraculous  suspension  o. 
their  eyesight  being  removed,  they  saw  themselves  at  the 
mercy  of  the  king  of  Israel. 

V.  21 — 23.  Jehoram  when  he  became  acquainted  with 
the  singular  event,  was  cagor  to  smite  the  Syrian  troops  , 


B.  C.  892L 


CHAPTER  VI. 


B.  C.  89? 


into  Samaria,  that  Elisha  said,  Lord,  "open  the 
eyes  of  these  men,  that  they  may  see.  And  the 
Lord  "opened  their  eyes,  and  they  saw;  and 
behold,  they  were  in  the  midst  of  Samaria. 

21  And  the  king  of  Israel  said  unto  Elisha,  when 
he  saw  them,  •’My  father,  '•shall  I smite  them  ? shall 
I smite  tho  < ? 

22  And  he  answered,  Thou  shalt  not  smite 
them : "wouldest  thou  smite  those  whom  thou  hast 
taken  captive  with  'thy  sword  and  with  thy  bow? 
‘Set  bread  and  water  before  them,  that  they  may 
eat  and  drink,  and  go  to  their  master. 

23  And  "lie  prepared  great  provision  for  them  f 
and  when  they  had  eaten  and  drunk,  he  sent  them 
away,  and  they  went  to  their  master.  vSo  the 
bands  of  Syria  came  no  more  into  the  land  of  Israel. 

[Practical  Observatiotis.'] 

24  H And  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that  Ben- 
hadad  king  of  Syria  ‘gathered  all  his  host,  and 
went  up,  and  besieged  Samaria. 

25  And  there  was  va  great  famine  in  Samaria  : 
and  behold,  they  besieged  it,  until  'an  ass’s  head 
was  sold  for  fourscore  pieces  of  silver,  and  the 
fourth  part  of  a cab  of  dove’s  dung  for  five  pieces 
of  silver. 

26  And  as  the  king  of  Israel  was  passing  by 
upon  the  wall,  there  cried  a woman  unto  him, 
saying,  “Help,  my  lord,  O king. 

27  And  he  said,  'If  the  Lord  do  not  help  thee 


n See  on  17.  Luke  24.31.  o Judg.  24:40—42.  Luke  16:23.  p 2:12.  5:13.  8:9.  13: 
14.  q I Sam.  21:4.19.26:3.  Luke  9:54— 56.  22:49.  r Deut.  20:11—16.  2Chr. 
58:8—13.  s (ien.  48.22.  Josh.  24:12.  Ps.44:6.  Hos.  1:7.  2:18.  t Prov.  25:21. 
Mat:.  5:44.  Rom.  12.20,21.  u 1 Sam.  24:17,18.  2 Chr. 28:15.  Prov.  25:21,22. 
Malt.  5:47.  Luke  6:35.  10:29—37.  V See  on  8,9.  5:2. 24:2.  x 17:5.  18:9.  25:1 . 
l>ut.2S:52.  1 Kings20:l. 22:31.  He.  9:14.  y 28,29.  7:4  . 25:3.  Lev. 26:52.  1 
Kings  18:2.  Jer.  14: 13— 1.5,18.  32:24.  52:6.  z Ez.  4:13—15.  a 2 Sam.  14:4.  Is. 
10:3.  Luke  18:3.  Acts2l:*23.  * O r,  Let  not  the  LOfiD  save  thee.  bPs.  60:11. 
62:8.  118:8,9.  124:1 — 3.  127:1.  146:3.  Is. 2:22.  Jer.  17:5.  c Gen.  21:17.  Judg.  18: 
23.  1 Sam.  1:8.  2 Sam.  14:5.  Ps.  114:5.  Is.  22:1.  d Lev.  26:29.  Deut. 28:53 — 


but  he  was  very  respectful  to  the  prophet  who  had  put  them 
in  his  power,  and  would  not  act  without  his  permission. 
When  Elisha  therefore  had  shown  him  the  impropriety  of 
slaughtering  prisoners  of  war,  whom  he  had  taken  captive  ; 
much  more  that  of  smiting  those  whom  God  had  led  into  that 
situation ; he  desisted  from  his  purpose : nay,  he  obeyed  the 
prophet’s  orders  in  liberally  entertaining  and  then  dismissing 
the  whole  army ! Let  them  ‘ “ go  to  their  masters,”  and  tell 
him  what  civility  and  kindness  there  is  among  the  people  of 
God.’  Bp.  Patrick.  Yet  this  very  man  soon  after  deter- 
mined to  murder  this  same  prophet!  (Notes,  31.  Matt.  14:3 
— 11.  Mark  6:15 — 29.)  The  Syrians,  however,  no  more 
attempted  to  apprehend  Elisha:  and  the  soldiers  were  per- 
haps so  won  by  his  clemency,  or  afraid  of  his  power,  that 
they  ceased  from  molesting  the  land  by  depredations ; until 
Ben-hadad  had  collected  his  whole  force  to  besiege  Samaria 
some  time  afterwards. 

V.  24.  It  seems  that  Ben-hadad  met  with  little  opposition, 
till  he  came  to  Samaria. 

V.  25.  If  the  pieces  of  silver  here  mentioned  were  shekels, 
above  ten  pounds  sterling  was,  on  this  occasion,  paid  for  the 
head  of  an  unclean  animal,  not  generally  used  in  food,  and 
affording  very  little  sustenance ; whilst  about  twelve  shillings 
were  given  for  about  three  pints  of  very  mean  pulse,  called 
dove’s  dung ; or,  as  some  think,  of  the  undigested  corn  taken 
from  the  crop,  or  craw,  of  that  fowl.  However  this  may  be 
explained,  the  prices  shew  the  extremity  of  the  famine.  It 
is  sufficient  to  suppose,  that  each  of  these  bargains  was  once 
actually  made  in  the  urgency  of  hunger. 

V.  26.  Help,  &c.]  nyiyin ; “Save  my  lord,  O king,” 
‘Save  me  from  perishing  by  hunger  by  interposing  thind 
authority  in  my  behalf.’ 

V.  27.  (Marg.)  This  may  be  understood  as  the  lan- 
guage of  passion,  or  desperation:  as  if  Jehoram  had  said, 
‘The  Lord  will  not,  and  I cannot,  help  thee  ; but  we  must  all 
perish  together.’ 

V . 28,  29.  The  truth  and  awful  justice  of  God  upon  the 
idolatrous  Israelites  were  displayed  in  this  most  horrible 
transaction.  The  extremity  of  hunger,  inducing  rage  and 
madness,  and  extinguishing  humanity  and  natural  affection, 
prepared  the  way  for  such  actions,  as  at  other  times  the 
persons  themselves  would  have  abhorred  the  thoughts  of.  But 
this  was  repeatedly  foretold  as  the  punishment  of  Israel’s 
apostacy  from  God  ; and  more  instances  of  it  occur  in  their 
history,  than  in  the  records  perhaps  of  all  other  nations. 
(Notes,  Lev.  26:29.  Deut.  28:49 — 57.  Lam.  2:20 — 22.  4:10. 
Ez.  5:10.) 

V.  30.  The  king  mourned  his  own  miseries  and  those  of 
the  people,  and  he  assumed  the  ‘garment  of  a penitent: 
( Notes,  1 Kings  21:27 — 29.  Is.  58:3—7.  Joel  2:12—14.)  but 
he  did  not  renounce  his  idolatries ; and  he  grew  more  despe- 
rate in  his  rebellion,  through  the  extremities  to  which  he  was 
reduced. 

V.  31.  Either  Elisha  had  denounced  this  judgment  upon 


bwhence  shall  I help  thee  ? out  of  the  barn-floor 
or  out  of  the  wine-press  ? 

28  And  the  king  said  unto  her,  cWhat  ailetk 
thee?  And  she  answered,  This  woman  said  unto 
me,  dGive  thy  son  that  we  may  eat  him  to-day, 
and  we  will  eat  my  son  to-morrow. 

29  So  we  boiled  my  son,  and  did  eat  him  : and 
I said  unto  her  on  the  hiext  day,  Give  thy  son, 
that  we  may  eat  him  : and  "she  hath  hid  her  son. 

30  H And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  king  heard 
the  words  of  the  woman,  that  < he  rent  his  clothes ; 
and  he  passed  by  upon  the  wall,  and  the  people 
looked,  and  behold,  he  had  sackcloth  within  upon 
his  flesh. 

31  Then  he  said,  *God  do  so  and  more  also  to 
me,  hif  the  head  of  Elisha  the  son  of  Shaphat  shall 
stand  on  him  this  day. 

32  But  Elisha  sat  in  his  house,  and  ‘the  ejders 
sat  with  him ; and  the  king  sent  a man  from 
before  him : but  kere  the  messenger  came  to  him, 
he  said  to  the  elders,  '$ee  how  this  '"son  of  a 
murderer  hath  sent  to  take  away  my  head  ? look 
when  the  messenger  cometh,  shut  the  door,  and 
hold  him  fast  at  the  door : is  not  "the  sound  of  hi3 
master’s  feet  behind  him  ? 

33  And  Vvhile  he  yet  talked  with  them,  behold, 
the  messenger  came  down  unto  him  : and  he  said. 
Behold,  “this  evil  is  of  the  Lord;  what  should  I 
' wait  for  the  Lord  any  longer  ? 


57.  Is. 9:20,21.  Lam. 4:10.  Ez.5:10.  Matt.  24:18— 21.  Luke  23:29.  t Heo. 
other,  e 1 Kings  3:26.  Is.  49: 15.  66:13.  f See  on  5:7.  19:1.  1 Kings  21:27.  t«. 
58:5—7.  g Until  1:17.  1 Sam.  3:17.  14:44.25:22.  2 Sain.  3:9,35.  19:13.  1 King! 
2:23.  It  1 Kings  18:17. 19:2.  «:8.  Jer.  37:15,16.  38:4.  John  11:50.  Act*  23:12, 
13.  i liz.  8:1.  14:1. 20:1.33:31.  k 12.  5:26.  1 Luke  13:32.  m 1 Kings  18:4.  21- 
10.  n 1 Kings  14:6.  o Gen.  4:13.  Ex.  16.6— 8.  1 Sum.  28:6— 8.  31:4.  Job  1: 
11.2:5,9.  Prov.  19:3.  Is  8:21.  Jer.  2:25.  Ez.  33:10.  Mott.  27:4,5.  2 Cor.  2:7,11. 
Rev.  16:9— 11.  p l-e.  27:14.37:7.  62:5.  Is.  8:17  . 26:3.  50:10.  Lam.  3:25,28. 

Hab.  2:3.  Luke  18:1. 


Jehoram  for  his  sins;  or  Jehoram  supposed  that  it  was  sent 
in  answer  to  his  prayers  ; or  he  thought  the  prophet  could 
help  him  if  he  would ; or  he  blamed  him,  for  inducing  him  to 
dismiss  the  Syrian  army,  when  it  was  in  his  power:  or 
perhaps  Elisha  had  counselled  him  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
to  hold  out  the  siege,  and  that  he  should  be  delivered.  His 
rage  however,  against  God,  vented  itself  in  menacing  violence 
to  his  faithful  servant  with  an  oath,  and  imprecation  on  him- 
self, if  he  did  not  inflict  it. — ‘ He  swore  he  should  not  live  till 
night.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Note,  1 Kings  19:2.) 

V.  32,  33.  Elisha  lodged  at  Samaria  at  this  time,  pro- 
bably in  the  school  of  the  prophets,  sharing  the  hardships  ot 
that  city  during  the  siege  and  famine ; and  me  elders  had 
resorted  to  him  to  entreat  his  prayers,  or  to  desire  his  counsel. 
The  Lord  revealed  to  him  Jehoram’s  intentions:  and  Elisha 
called  him,  “ the  son  of  a murderer,”  as  proving  himself  the 
genuine  offspring  of  Ahab  and  Jezebel,  who  slew  the  Lord’s 
prophets,  and  murdered  Naboth.  (Notes,  1 Kings  14:5,6. 
18:4.  21:7 — 16.)  At  his  desire  the  messenger  of  Jehoram 
was  shut  out,  till  his  master,  who  a,s  Elisha  knew  would 
follow  him,  perhaps  to  countermand  his  order,  was  arrived. 
And  when  he  was  entered,  and  perhaps  exhorted  to  hope  for 
deliverance  ; he  in  a blasphemous  manner  answered,  that  tho 
calamity  was  from  the  Lord,  who  would  not  deliver  them, 
and  that  it  was  in  vain  to  wait  for  him  any  longer.  Probably 
he  meant  to  infer,  that  he  might  as  well  put  Elisha  to  death, 
and  surrender  to  Ben-hadad  without  further  delay.  (Notes, 
25.  Job  2:9 — 11.  Jer.  2:25.  Lam.  3:26 — 30.) — As  the  messen- 
ger was  excluded  till  the  king  arrived,  it  is  evident  that  tho 
latter  was  the  speaker  of  these  words,  and  not  his  servant  in 
his  presence. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 7.  'God  has  often  increased  his  church,  by  the  addi- 
tion of  faithful  ministers  and  true  believers,  in  times  of  great 
persecution:  For  the  whole  glory  is  secured  to  him,  when  the 
effect  is  produced  without  the  aid,  and  notwithstanding  the 
opposition,  of  human  authority,  by  the  preaching  of  his  word, 
and  the  operation  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  (Note,  Zcch.  4:4 — 7.) — 
Religion  indeed  always  appears  to  advantage  under  the  cross ; 
when  poverty  and  affliction  are  endured  with  cheerful  meek- 
ness and  patience,  and  when  hard  labour  and  mean  fare 
excite  no  complaints.  When  men,  honoured  by  the  Lord  as 
instruments  of  much  good  to  souls,  willingly  earn  their  living 
by  working  at  some  honest  calling,  rather  than  burden  the 
people  ; and  yet  will  not  entangle  themselves  with  the  affaire 
of  the  world  to  acquire  riches  for  themselves  or  families ; their 
conduct  evidently  accords  to  the  spirit  of  true  religion,  and 
seldom  fails  to  attract  the  attention  of  numbers  to  pezsons, 
who  act  upon  principles,  which  are  contrary  to  the  general 
propensities  of  human  nature. — Respect  to  seniors  or  supe- 
riors becomes  those  especially,  who  teach  others  to  “render 
unto  Cesar  the  things  which  are  Cesar’s,  and  to  God  the 
things  which  are  God’s  and  contentment  with  poor  accom- 
modations, those  who  inculcate  mortification  to  the  things  of 
( 663  ") 


B.  C.  892. 


II.  KINGS. 


B.  C.  892 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Klisha  predicts  great  plenty  in  Samaria,  and  the  dealt  of  an  unbelieving  lord, 

1 , 2.  Four  lepers  venture  into  the  Syrian  camp,  and  bring  word  that  it  ie 
entirely  deserted,  a terror  from  God  having  driven  away  the  army,  3 — 11. 
Jehoram  fears  a stratagem,  sends  messengers  to  examine,  and  finds  the  re- 
port true',  12 — 15.  The  people  spoil  the  Syrian  camp  ; the  predicted  plenty 
takes  place  ; an  / the  unbelieving  lord,  having  charge  of  the  gate,  is  trod- 
den to  death,  16 — 20. 

THEN  “Elisha  said,  Hear  ye  the  word  of  the 
Lord  ; Thus  saith  the  Lord,  dTo-morrow 
about,  this  time  shall  ca  measure  of  fine  flour  be 
sold  for  a shekel,  and  two  measures  dof  barley  for 
a shekel,  in  the  gate  of  Samaria. 

2  Then  ‘a  lord  on  whose  hand  the  king  leaned 
answered  the  man  of  God,  and  said,  Behold,  eif 
the  Lord  would  make  ( windows  in  heaven, 
might  this  thing  be?  And  he  said,  Behold,  ethou 
shalt  see  it  with  thine  eyes,  but  shalt  not  eat 
thereof. 

3  And  there  were  Tour  leprous  men  at  the 


a See  on  6:33.  20:16.  [Kings  22:19.  Is.  1:10.  Ez.  37:4.  b 18,19.  E*.8:23.  9: 
5,6.  11:13.  16:12.  Josh.  3:5.  1 Sam.  11:9.  Ps.  46:5.  c 6:25.  Rev.  6:6.  d 4:42. 
John  6:9.  * Or,  a lord  which  belonged  to  the  king,  leaning  on  his  hand,  5:18. 

e Gen.  18:12 — II.  Num.  11:21— 23.  Ps.  78:19— 21,41.  fGen.7»ll.  Mai.  3:10. 
g 17—20.  Petit.  3:27.  2 Chr.  20:20.  Is.  7:9.  Rom.  3:3.  2 Tim.  2:13.  Heb.3:l7— 
19.  h See  on  5:1.  8:4.  Lev.  13:46.  Num . 5:2—  4.  12:14.  i 4.  Jer.  8:14.  27:13. 


time  and  sense. — There  is  that  pleasantness  in  the  converse 
of  the  eminent  servants  of  God,  which  can  make  men  forget 
the  pain  and  weariness  of  labour:  and  when  condescension 
to  the  meanest  unites  with  usefulness  to  the  greatest,  and  with 
great  eminence  in  the  church  of  God,  it  confers  a peculiar 
lustre  on  a man’s  character. — A pious  and  generous  mind  is 
more  disquieted  by  occasioning  loss  to  others,  than  by  suffer- 
ing it  himself;  and  peculiar  care  should  be  taken  of  things 
borrowed. — Our  heavenly  Father  cares  for  his  people  in  their 
most  minute  concerns,  and  sympathizes  with  them  in  their 
fears  and  sorrows:  (Note,  Matt.  10:29 — 31.)  and  he  pecu- 
liarly regards  those  persons,  who  are  conscientiously  afraid 
of  dishonouring  religion,  through  unavoidable  poverty,  and 
being  unable  to  render  to  all  their  dues. 

V.  8 — 23.  The  Lord  knows,  and  can  easily  defeat,  the 
secret  machinations  of  his  enemies.  And  the  profession  of 
being  his  worshippers  will  sometimes  for  a season  engage  his 
external  protection;  in  order  to  the  confusion  of  his  avowed 
enemies,  and  for  the  sake  of  that  remnant  of  true  believers  with 
whom  they  are  connected.  (Notes,  Ex.  32:7 — 14.  Deut.Z2:2\S, 
27.  Jer.  14:7 — 9.  Ez.  20:7 — 9.)--Even  the  wicked  are  some- 
times willing  to  be  counselled  by  the  servants  of  God  in  their 
temporal  concerns,  and  they  experience  the  advantage  of  this 
conduct;  but  they  will  not  take  warning  “to  flee  from  the 
wratli  to  come,”  or  be  persuaded  to  renounce  their  favourite 
sins  ! Wave  this  subject,  do  not  trouble  their  consciences  or 
interfere  in  those  things,  in  which  they  choose  to  indulge  them- 
selves, and  you  may  obtain  their  confidence ; nay,  they  will 
give  up  their  inclinations  in  other  respects  by  way  of  com- 
promise.— As  prophets  were  not  without  honour  save  in  their 
own  country;  so  numbers  profess  to  honour  those  that  have 
obtained  a good  report  in  the  word  of  God,  who  would  treat 
them  with  scorn  or  enmity,  if  they  could  again  revisit  the 
earth.  For  distance  of  time  or  place  breaks  the  force  of  their 
reproofs ; and  they  can  suppose  that  other  sinners,  and  not 
themselves,  are  intended : but  when  near,  they  direct  the 
word  to  the  conscience,  with  “ Thou  art  the  man,”  and  ex- 
cept this  produce  repentance,  it  must  exasperate.  Such  men, 
however,  prove  the  insincerity  of  their  professed  esteem,  by 
living  in  habitual  neglect  of  the  truths  and  precepts,  which 
were  delivered  by  the  persons,  whom  they  would  be  thought 
to  admire.  (Notes,  Matt.  13:54 — 58.  23:29 — 33.) — The  obsti- 
nate rebellion  and  blindness  of  fallen  man  often  induce  him  to 
strive  and  expect  to  prevail  against  those,  whom  he  cannot 
deny  to  be  the  people  of  God  : but  as  no  outward  miracles  can 
extirpate  the  malignity  of  the  heart,  so  nothing  can  injure 
those  whom  the  Lord  protects.  Were  our  eyes  opened  to 
behold  the  world  of  spirits,  we  should  perceive  more  formida- 
ble preparations  against  us,  than  those  which  alarmed  the 
prophet’s  servant ; even  legions  of  malicious,  powerful,  and 
sagacious  spirits  combined  for  our  destruction : but  we  should 
also  see  an  innumerable  company  of  holy  angels  encamped 
around  us  for  our  defence ; and  the  Almighty  God  himself 
our  Friend  and  Protector.  Strong  faith  will  supply  the  want 
of  sight : it  realizes  both  the  danger  and  the  security,  and 
with  a clear  idea  of  the  force  of  the  enemy  confidently  an- 
swers, “ Fear  not,  for  they  that  be  with  us,  are  more  than 
they  that  be  with  them.”  May  God  give  us  this  faith,  and 
especially  strengthen  it  in  the  time  of  danger,  and  in  the  hour 
of  death ! But  if  we  are  “strong,  we  should  bear  the  in- 
lirmities  of  the  weak,”  and  both  encourage  and  pray  for  them. 
— Increasing  experience  of  the  Lord’s  power  and  love,  and 
those  glimpses  of  heavenly  things  with  which  his  people  are 
favoured,  gradually  embolden  them  to  walk  by  faith,  and  not 
by  sight : nor  is  the  power  of  prayer  less,  than  it  was  in  those 
ages  of  miracles,  though  the  Lord  answers  it  in  a different 
way. — It  is  a mercy  to  be  kept  from  gross  crimes  even  by  igno- 
ronce.and  blindness;  and  we  may  pray,  that  our  enemies  may 
‘h;  so  bewildered  and  confounded,  as  to  fail  of  accomplisning 

I 664  ) 


entering  in  of  the  gate : and  they  said  one  to 
another,  'Why  sit  we  here  until  we  die? 

4 If  we  say,  kWe  will  enter  into  the  city,  then 
the  famine  is  in  the  city,  and  we  shall  die  there : 
and  if  we  sit  still  here,  we  die  also.  Now  there- 
fore come,  and  ‘let  us  fall  unto  the  host  of  the 
Syrians : mif  they  save  us  alive,  we  shall  live  ; and 
if  they  kill  us,  "we  shall  but  die. 

5 And  they  rose  up  °in  the  twilight  to  go  unto 
the  camp  of  the  Syrians:  and  when  they  were 
come  to  the  uttermost  part  of  the  camp  of  Syria, 
/behold,  there  was  no  man  there. 

6 For  ‘‘the  Lord  had  made  the  host  of  the 
Syrians  to  hear  a noise  of  chariots,  and  a noise 
of  horses,  even  the  noise  of  a great  host : and  they 
said  one  to  another,  Lo,  the  king  of  Israel  hath 
hired  against  us  rthe  kings  of  the  Hittites,  and  "the 
kings  of  the  Egyptians,  to  come  upon  us. 

7 Wherefore  ‘they  arose  and  fled  in  the  twilight, 


k Jer.  14:18.  1 1 Chr.  12:19.  Jer.  37: 13,14.  mEslh.4:16.  Jer.  8:14.  Jon.  3: 
9.  Luke  15:17— 19.  n2Sain. 14:14.  Heb.  9:27.  o 1 Sam.  30:17.  Ez.  12:6,7, 
12.  p Lev.  27:8.36.  Deul.  28:7.  32:25,30.  q 3:23.  19:7.  2 Sam.  5:24.  Job  15- 
21.  Ps.  14:5.  Jer.  20:3,4.  Ez.  10:5.  Rev.  6:  lo,  16.  9:9.  rl  Kings  10:29.  s 2 Chr 
12:2,3.  Ib.  31:1.  36:9.  t Job  18:11.  Ps.  48:4-6.  68:12.  Prov.  28:1.  Jer.  48:8,9 


their  malicious  purposes.  The  gospel  itself  indeed  often  occa- 
sions the  blindness  and  obduracy  of  obstinate  unbelievers  to 
increase:  (Note,  2 Cor.  2:14 — 17.)  yet  we  must  pray  for 
them,  and  persevere  in  our  endeavours  to  win  them  over  tc 
be  friends  to  us  and  to  the  Lord.  .We  should  also  watch  for 
opportunities  to  show  our  friendly  disposition  towards  them ; 
as  well  as  to  convince  them,  that  they  will  be  ruined  by  their 
own  iniquities,  if  they  persist  in  them. 

V.  24 — 33.  The  regard  which  wicked  men  pay  to  the 
servants  of  God,  when  they  seem  to  favour  them,  is  fre- 
quently turned  into  bitter  enmity  under  their  troubles. — In 
extreme  distress,  if  they'  recollect  that  their  affliction  is  from 
the  Lord,  that  rage  against  him,  which  vents  itself  in  blasphe- 
mies, dictates  also  cruelty  against  his  people.  They  blame 
any  one  as  the  cause  of  their  calamities,  rather  than  condemn 
themselves  and  renounce  their  sins.  If  rending  their  clothes, 
without  a broken  and  contrite  heart ; and  if  wearing  sack- 
cloth, without  being  “renewed  in  the  spirit  of  their  mind,” 
would  avail,  they  would  not  refuse  these  external  tokens  o. 
humiliation:  but,  while  their  own  impenitence  alone  retards 
the  deliverance,  they  excuse  their  proceeding  to  still  more 
desperate  measures,  by  avowing,  that  it  is  in  vain  to  “wait 
for  the  Lord  any  longer.” — Alas!  what  miseries  has  sin 
entailed  upon  mankind  ! Little  do  we  know  what  extrem  ties 
we  may  be  called  to  endure  in  this  world : vvliat  then  will  be 
the  everlasting  wrath  of  God  against  his  enemies,  in  the  world 
to  come  ? But  if  we  are  reconciled  to  him,  lie  will  help  us 
when  all  human  help  fails*;  in  the  time  of  famine  we  shall  be 
satisfied,  and  in  peril  we  shall  be  safe : whilst  all  the  curses 
of  God’s  book  will  fall  upon  the  head  of  presumptuous  trans- 
gressors. Let  us  then  “ seek  first  the  kingdom  of  God  :”  let  us 
he  thankful  for  our  daily  bread,  and  not  contract  habits  of 
self-indulgence,  nor  set  our  affections  on  earthly  objects:  and 
may  the  whole  word  of  God,  being  truly  believed,  combine  to 
increase  in  us  reverent  fear  and  holy  hope,  that  we  may  he 
“ steadfast  and  unmoveable,  always  abounding  in  the  work  o- 
the  Lord,  knowing  that  our  labour  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

NOTES. — Chap.  VII.  V.  1.  This  chapter  is  a continua- 
tion of  the  subject  of  the  preceding:  and  immediately  as 
Jehoram  had  spoken  the  profane  and  desperate  words  before 
considered,  Elisha  in  his  presence  and  before  the  whole  com- 
pany gave  the  merciful  assurance  contained  in  this  verse. 
The  measure  here  spoken  of  is  supposed  to  have  contained 
about  a peck,  or  two  gallons ; and  the  prices  specified,  no 
doubt,  were  those  of  plentiful  times : hut  that  corn  should  be 
sold  so  cheap  in  Samaria,  on  the  morrow,  was  impossible  lo 
any  power  hut  that  of  God.  Jehoram  however,  notwithstand- 
ing his  rage  and  desperation,  was  induced  to  wait  one  day 
longer,  to  make  trial  of  the  prophet’s  words.  (Notes,  6:25, 
31—33.) 

V.  2.  This  lord  was  one  of  the  king’s  most  intimate  friends, 
who  waited  on  his  person.  It  is  probable  that  he  was  an 
idolatrous  despiser  of  Jehovaii  and  his  prophet ; and  per- 
haps he  wanted  to  persuade  Jehoram,  that  Elisha  amused 
him  with  the  promise  of  an  impossibility,  to  preserve  himseK 
from  immediate  death. 

Thou  shalt  see,  &c.]  1 A just  punishment  of  his  unbelief. 
And  such  will  be  the  portion  of  those,  that  believe  not  the 
promise  of  eternal  life.  1 Ip.  Patrick. 

V.  3.  While  the  weightier  matters  of  the  law  were  gene- 
rally neglected,  and  idolatry  prevailed,  the  prescribed  rule 
about  the  exclusion  of  lepers  seems  to  nave  been  rigorously 
observed.  ( Notes,  Jjev.  13:45,46.  Num.  6:1 — 4.)  Those 
men  resided  in  tents  without  the  wall ; but  probably  they  were 
admitted  within  the  gate,  at  the  times  when  the  Syrians  mado 
their  assaults.  Gehazi  is  by  some  supposed  to  have  bqen 
one  of  them,  by  which  moans  he  became  acquainted  with  ho 
king.  ( Marg.  Ref.  Note,  8:4 — 6.) 

V.  6,  7.  The  infatuation,  which  sr>ea  the  uhid  * oT  the 


B.  C.  892. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


B.  C.  892 


and  left  their  tents,  and  "their  horses,  and  their 
asses,  even  the  camp  as  it  was,  "and  fled  for  their 
life. 

8 And  when  these  lepers  came  to  the  uttermost 
part  of  the  camp,  they  went  into  one  tent,  and 
did  eat  and  drink,  and  carried  thence  silver,  and 
gold,  and  raiment,  and  went  and  ?hid  it : and 
came  again,  and  entered  into  another  tent,  and 
carried  thence  also,  and  went  and  hid  it. 

[ Practical  Obscwations .] 

9 Then  Hhey  said  one  to  another,  VVe  do  not 
well:  “this  day  is  a day  of  good  tidings,  and  we 
hold  our  peace  : if  we  tarry  till  the  morning-li^ht, 
'some  bmischief  will  come  upon  us:  now  therefore 
come,  that  we  may  go  and  tell  the  king’s  house- 
hold. 

10  So  they  came  and  called  unto  cthe  porter  of 
the  city:  and  they  told  them,  saying,  We  came  to 
the  camp  of  the  Syrians,  and,  behold,  there  was 
dno  man  there,  neither  voice  of  man,  but  horses 
tied,  and  asses  tied,  and  the  tents  as  they  v:ere. 

1 1 And  he  called  the  porters ; and  they  told  it 
to  the  king’s  house  within. 

12  H And  the  king  arose  in  the  night,  and  said 
“unto  his  servants,  <1  will  now  show  you  what  the 
Syrians  have  done  to  us.  They  know  ethat  we 
he  hungry ; therefore  are  they  gone  out  of  the 
camp,  to  hhide  themselves  in  the  field,  saying, 
When  they  come  out  of  the  city,  we  shall  catch 
them  alive,  and  get  into  the  city. 

13  And  'one  of  his  servants  answered  and  said, 
Let  some  take,  I pray  thee,  five  of  the  horses  that 
remain,  which  are  left  +in  the  city,  (behold,  they 


II  Ps.  20:7,8. 33  U7.  Am.  2:14—16.  x Num.  35:11,12.  Prov.  6:5.  Ts.  2:20,21. 
Mull.  24: 16— 18.  Heb.  6:18.  v 5:24.  Josh.  7:21.  Jer.  41:8.  Mall.  13:44.  25: 18. 

3.  Has.  1:4.5.  a 6.  Is.  41:27. 52:7.  Nab.  115.  Luke2:10.  Phil.  2:4 . • Heb. 
tee  shall  find  punishment,  b 5:26,27.  Num.  32:23.  Prov.  24:16.  cll.2Sam. 
18:26.  Ps.  127:1.  Mark  13:34,35.  d See  on  6,7.  e 6:8.  Gen.  20:8.  41 :38. 
Kings  20:7,23.  f See  on  I.  5:7.  g 6:25-29.  h Josh.  8:4— 12.  Judg.  20:29— 


whole  Syrian  army,  was  equal  to  the  illusion  put  upon  their 
senses.  Probably,  by  the  ministration  of  angels,  noises  were 
made  resembling  those  of  a very  large  army  with  numerous 
chariots  and  horsemen  marching  speedily,  and  ready  directly 
to  fall  upon  them  at  once,  while  they  were  unprepared  for 
battle.  But  the  excessive  terror  must  have  been  caused  im- 
mediately by  supernatural  influence  on  their  minds.  (Marg. 
Ref.  Notes , 19:7.  Ex.  15:14—16.  Dcut.  2:24,25.  1 Sam. 
14:11 — 15.)  It  is  not  known  who  the  kings  of  the  Hittites 
were,  or  where  they  reigned.  (Note,  Judg.  1:22 — 26,  v.  26.) 
Indeed  the  whole  of  the  supposition  was  improbable;  and  in 
their  trepidation  the  Syrians  left  even  their  horses,  which 
might  have  accelerated  their  flight ! 

V.  8,  9.  Having  satisfied  their  hunger,  and  secured  as 
well  as  they  could  a rich  booty,  they  began  to  reflect  upon 
their  conduct.  They  were  conscious  of  having  not  acted 
properly,  in  respect  of  the  distressed  inhabitants  of  the  city  ; 
and  were  afraid,  lest  some  evil  should  come  upon  them,  if 
they  further  delayed  to  make  known  the  good  tidings  to  those 
concerned. — Some  mischief  would  befall  them : either  some 
judgment  from  God;  or  some  punishment  from  the  magis- 
trates, for  prolonging  the  miseries  of  the  people.  (9.  marg.) 

V.  12.  If  Jehoram  had  firmly  expected  that  Elisha’s 
words  would  be  verified,  he  would  have  concluded  that  this 
event  was  the  effect  of  a miraculous  interposition  in  his 
favour ; though  he  might  properly  have  taken  every  prudent 
precaution  against  a surprise.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  1.) 
But  he  seems  to  have  had  little  expectation  of  that  kind,  not- 
withstanding all  the  miraculous  interpositions  of  God,  hy 
means  of  the  prophet,  in  his  behalf. 

V.  13,  14.  This  person  strenuously  urged  in  favour  of 
his  counsel,  that  these  men  and  their  horses  would  be  no  more 
exposed,  than  those  who  remained  in  the  city.  Many  had 
been  already  consumed,  and  all  the  rest  must  die  with  hunger 
in  a few  days,  if  no  relief  were  afforded  : and  they  might  as 
well  be  cut  olf  in  examining  the  real  state  of  the  Syrian 
camp,  and  discovering  what  had  become  of  the  besiegers,  as 
perish  tamely  and  timidly  in  the  city. — It  seems,  only  two 
horsemen  were  sent ; perhaps  no  more  horses  being  found  fit  for 
the  service  ; or  the  king  would  venture  no  more  out  of  the  city. 
V.  15.  Notes,  Is.  2:19—21.  Phil.  3:8— 11. 

V.  16 — 20.  The  people  being  extremely  hungry,  and  ve- 
hemently eager  for  food,  thrust  down  this  nobleman,  whilst 
ie  attempted,  perhaps  in  a harsh  manner,  to  restrain  them 
from  rushing  out  to  plunder  the  Syrian  camp : or,  as  some 
diink,  to  regulate  the  market,  which  was  held  at  the  gate  and 
supplied  from  the  camp.  Thus  he  was  trodden  to  death ; and 
the  truth  and  justice  of  God  were  clearly  seen  in  that  event. 
I Notes,  1,2.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 8.  In  extreme  distress  unexpected  relief  is  often 
preparing:  and  whatever  unbelievers  may  imagine,  it  is  not 

Vol.  I.— 84 


i are  as  all  the  multitude  of  Israel  that  are  left  in  it: 
behold,  I say,  kthey  are  even  as  all  the  multitude 
of  the  Israelites  that  are  .consumed  :)  and  let  us 
send  and  see. 

14  They  took  therefore  two  chariot-horses ; 
and  the  king-  sent  after  the  host  of  the  Syrians, 
saying,  Go  and  see. 

15  And  they  went  after  them  unto  Jordan : 
and  lo,  all  the  way  teas  full  of  garments  and 
‘vessels,  which  the  Syrians  rahad  cast  away  in 
their  haste.  And  the  messengers  returned,  and 
told  the  king. 

16  And  the  people  went  out,  and  "spoiled  the 
tents  of  the  Syrians.  So  a measure  of  fine  flour 
was  sold  for  a shekel,  and  two  measures  of  barley 
for  a shekel,  "according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord. 

17  H And  the  king  appointed  rtlie  lord  on  whose 
hand  he  leaned  to  have  the  charge  of  the  gate  ; 
and  tthe  people  trode  upon  him  in  the  gate,  and  he 
died,  as  the  man  of  God  had  said,  who  spake  when 
the  king  came  down  to  him. 

18  And  it  came  to  pass  ras  the  man  of  God  had 
spoken  to  the  king,  saying,  Two  measures  o. 
barley  for  a shekel,  and  a measure  of  fine  flour  for 
a shekel,  shall  be  to-morrow  about  this  time  in  the 
gate  of  Samaria : 

19  And  that  lord  answered  the  man  of  God,  and 
said,  Now,  behold,  if  the  Lord  should  make 
windows  in  heaven,  might  such  a thing  be  ? And 
he  said,  Behold,  thou  shall  see  it  with  thine  eyes, 
but  shalt  not  eat  thereof. 

20  And  sso  it  fell  out  unto  him : for  the  people 
trode  upon  him  in  the  gate,  and  he  died. 


37.  i Se*on  5:13.  t Heb.  mil.  k 4.  6:33.  Jer.  14:18.  Lam.  4:9.  I Esth.  1: 
7.  la.  2*24.  m Job  2:4.  Is.  2.20.  10:3. 31 :7.  Ez.  18:31.  Mutt.  16:26.24:16 — 18. 
Pl.il.  3:7,8.  Heb.  12:1  n 1 Sam.  17:53.  2 Clir.  14:12-15.  20:25.  Job  27:16.17. 
Ps.  68:12.  Is.  33:1,4,23.  o Num. 23:19.  Is.  44:26.  Mall.  24:35.  p See  on  2 
q 9:33.  Judg.  20:43.  Is.  25:10.  Mic.7:10.  Heb.  10:29.  r See  on  1,2.  s Num 
20;12.  2 Chr.  20.20.  Job  20:23.  Is.  7:9.  Jer.  17.5,6.  Heb.  3:18,19. 


in  vain  to  wait  for  the  Lord,  how  long  soever  he  seems  to 
delay  his  coming. — No  temporal  deliverances  and  mercies 
will  eventually  profit  sinners,  except  they  are  led  to  repent- 
ance ; and  in  that  case,  “ where  sin  hath  abounded,  grace 
will  much  more  abound.” — We  are  all  prone  to  judge  of 
God’s  promises  by  human  probabilities,  and  to  limit  his  power 
of  performance  by  our  capacity  of  discerning  how  it  can  be 
done  ; and  whatever  increases  pride  and  self-confidence  pro- 
portionally augments  this  propensity.  Hence  the  rich,  the 
noble,  the  wise,  and  the  learned  of  the  world,  have  generally 
been  the  most  backward  in  implicitly  crediting  the  sure  testi- 
mony of  God,  and  expecting  promised  mercies  in  the  way  of 
his  appointment,  and  in  single  dependence  on  his  power 
truth,  and  love,  without  regarding  those  apparent  impossi- 
bilities which  lie  in  the  way.  But  all  those  who  persist  in  de- 
spising either  his  promised  blessings,  or  this  method  of  obtain- 
ing them,  will  see  the  felicity  of  believers  without  partaking 
of  it.  For,  though  he  will  pardon  the  infirmities  of  his  peo- 
ple’s faith,  while  they  pray,  “ Lord,  I believe,  help  thou  mine 
unbelief;”  yet  he  will  not  spare  those,  who  harden  themselvus 
and  others  in  rebellion,  through  their  infidel  objections  and 
enmity  against  the  truth,  however  they  may  enjoy  the  con- 
fidence of  earthly  princes,  or  the  admiration  of  mankind. — 
Men  reason  justly  in  their  secular  concerns  : the  least  proba- 
bility of  preserving  life  is  preferred  to  certain  death,  and  the 
lowest,  condition  is  considered  as  better  than  perishing  by  hun- 
ger. "Yet,  in  the  concerns  of  their  souls,  they  will  not  be  so 
convinced,  even  by  demonstration,  as  to  bestow  pains  and  pul 
themselves  to  inconveniences,  to  escape  the  wrath  to  come 
and  obtain  eternal  life.  But  the  awakened  sinner  fears  an 
evil  infinitely  worse  than  death  ; and  under  the  greatest  dis- 
couragements, even  when  tempted  to  despair,  he  learns  to 
argue,  ‘If  I go  on  in  sin,  or  sit  down  in  sloth,  or  run  into 
worldly  dissipation,  or  have  recourse  to  superstitions,  or 
attempt  to  establish  my  own  righteousness,  I must  perish. 
The  mercy  of  God  in  Jesus  Christ  is  my  only  refuge.  If  I 
cast  myself  at  his  feet  and  wait  his  time,  who  knows  but  he 
may  save  me  ? And  if  at  last  he  spurns  me,  I can  but  be 
lost.  Ail  else  is  comparatively  worthless : if  then  I must 
perish,  I will  perish  under  the  means  of  grtice,  and  supplicating 
his  mercy  and  salvation.’  {Esth.  4:16.)  In  like  manner  the  be- 
liever exposed  to  the  terrors  of  persecution,  reasons  with  hiro- 
self:  ‘ If  I am  faithful  to  the  Lord,  I can  but  die,  and  he  will 
give  me  the  crown  of  life : but  if  I deny  Christ  through  dread 
of  death,  he  will  refuse  to  acknowledge  me  another  day  : and  I 
“fear  him  who  is  able  to  destroy  body  and  soul  in  hell,” 
more  than  those  “who  ran  only  kill  the  body.”  5 Thus  be- 
lievers venture  themselves  into  the  Saviour’s  hands,  and 
cleave  to  him  with  purpose  of  heart;  whilst  others  neglect 
or  forsake  him. — The  Lord  can  effect  his  designs  by  various 
methods  : a terror  from  him  can  drive  men  from  their  purpose, 
as  effectually  as  the  destroying  sword  of  vengeance  ; {Note 
(665  ) 


B.  C . 8J 


II.  KINGS 


B.  C.  884 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

TTie  Snunammite,  iy  Elisha's  advice,  to  avoid  a famine  of  seven  years , goes 
te  sojourn  in  Phitietia , 1,2.  On  her  return,  she  applies  to  the  king  who  is 
conversing  with  Gehazi  on  Elisha’ s miracles  ; ana  he  restores  her  land, 
3 — 6.  Elisha  goes  to  Damascus  : Hazacl  is  cent  by  Ben-hadad  to  inquire  of 
him  concerning  hie  sickness  : he  predicts  Hazael's  cruelty  to  Israel , as  de- 
stined to  be  king  of  Syria,  7 — 13.  Hazael  murders  Ben-hadad  and  succeeds 
him,  14,  15.  Jehor am  reigns  wickedly  in  Judah,  16 — ly.  Edom  and  Libnah 
revolt,  20 — 22.  Jehoram  is  succeeded  by  Ahaziah,  who  reigns  wickedly, 
23 — 27.  He  assists  the  king  of  Israel  against  Syria , and  when  wounded 
visits  him  at  Jezreel , 28,  29. 

THEN  spake  Elisha  unto  the  woman,  “whose 
son  he  hail  restored  to  life,  saying,  Arise,  and 
go  thou  and  thine  household,  and  bsojourn  where- 
soever thou  oanst  sojourn:  for  “the  Lord  hath 
dralled  !i>r  a famine ; and  it  shall  also  come  upon 
the  land  “seven  years. 

2 And  the  woman  arose,  and  did  after  the 
saying  of  the  man  of  God  : and  she  went  * with 

her  household,  and  sojourned  in  nlie  land  of  the 

Philistines  seven  years. 

b.  e.-i  3 And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  seven  years’ 
M3-J  end,  that  the  woman  returned  out  of  the  land 
of  the  Philistines  : andhshe  went  forth  to  cry  unto 
the  king  for  her  house,  and  for  her  land. 

4  And  the  king  talked  with  ‘Gehazi  the  servant 
of  the  man  of  God,  saying.  kTell  me,  I pray  thee, 
■all  the  great  things  that  Elisha  hath  done.  , 

5  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  was  telling  the 
king  how  "'he  had  restored  a dead  body  to  life, 

that  "behold,  the  woman,  whose  son  he  had 

restored  to  life,  cried  to  the  king  for  her  house 

i See  on  4.31—35.  b Gen.  12:10.  26:1. 47:4.  Ruth  1:1.  c Gen.  41 :2S— 28,32. 
I.ev.  26:19,211,26.  Deni.  28:22-24,38—40.  1 Kinss  17:1.  18:2.  Ps.  105-16.  107: 
34.  Hug.  1:11.  I.uke  21:1 1,22.  Act*  11:88.  djer.  25:29.  e Gen.  41:27.  2 Sam. 
21.1.24:13.  L.uk  1.25.  fl  Tim.  5:8.  sJudg.3:3.  lSam.27:I— 3.  h 6.  4:13. 
6:28.  2 Sam.  14  4.  P*.  82:3,4.  Jer.  22:16.  Luke.  18:3— 5.  i 5:20— 27.  7:3,10. 
k Luke  9:9.  23:8.  Acts24:24.  12:14,20—22,24.3:14—16.4:3—6,16,17.5:14,27. 
6:6,9-12,17—20,32.7:1,16-20.  m 4:35.  n Ruth  2:3.  Esth.  5:14.  6: 11 ,12.  Prov. 
16:9.  Ec.  9:11.  Malt.  10:29,30.  Acta  8:27,  Stc.  Rom. 8:31.  o6:12,26.  1 Sam. 
26:17.  Ps.  145:1.  • Or,  eunuch.  9:32.  Geu.  37:36.  1 Chr.  28:1.  margins. 


19:35.)  anil  we  absolutely  depend  upon  him  for  the  due  exer- 
cise of  our  senses  and  faculties,  as  well  as  for  the  continuance 
of  our  lives,  and  the  salvation  of  our  souls. — While  some, 
when  life  is  at  stake,  readily  relinquish  all  which  they  before 
held  dear ; others,  when  wearing  away  by  incurable  or  loath- 
some disease,  are  as  rapacious  of  gain,  as  if  their  lives  were 
secured  to  them,  with  every  other  requisite  for  enjoyment  1 
{Note,  5:2(5,27.) 

V.  9 — 20.  Natural  humanity,  and  fear  of  punishment, 
are  powerful  checks  on  the  selfishness  of  the  ungodly,  and 
tend  to  preserve  some  order  anil  regularity  in  the  world. 
Those  however,  who  have  found  “ the  unsearchable  riches  of 
Christ,”  will  not  delay  to  report  the  good  tidings  to  others, 
that  they  may  partake  of  that  blessedness  which  is  sufficient 
for  all:  and  from  love  to  him  they  will  gladly  communicate 
their  temporal  good  things  to  their  brethren. — True  faith  con- 
sists with  prudent  precautions  : but  unbelief  suggests  endless 
and  unreasonable  suspicions,  and  puts  away  those  blessings, 
which  are  brought  nigh  to  the  soul,  by  the  invitations  and 
promises  of  God.  The  believer,  on  the  other  hand,  makes 
trial  of  them,  and  experience  confirms  his  faith:  and  a 
change,  immensely  more  felicitating  than  that  which  is  here 
recorded,  takes  place  in  his  state,  prospects,  comforts,  and 
character.  But  every  word  of  God,  concerning  judgment  as 
well  as  mercy,  will  speedily  be  accomplished  ; and  earthly 
honours  will  accelerate  the  ruin  of  the  ungodly.  May  God 
help  us  seriously  to  inquire,  whether  we  are  now  exposed  to 
his  awful  threatenings;  or  interested  in  his  exceedingly  great 
and  precious  promises ; that  so  we  may  profit  by  the  warning, 
or  by  the  encouragement,  resulting  from  that  knowledge  of 
our  own  state  and  character,  compared  with  the  warnings 
and  promises  of  the  holy  Scriptures. 

NOTES. — Chap.  VIII.  V.  1,  2.  This  famine  seems  to 
have  been  sent  in  the  latter  part  of  Jehoram’s  reign,  as  a 
punishment  of  ihe  pertinacious  idolatry  of  both  king  and  peo- 
ple, notwithstanding  the  miracles  which  they  had  witnessed, 
and  the  mercies  which  they  had  experienced.  (Am.  7:4.)  It 
continued  twice  as  long  as  that  in  the  days  of  Allah,  but  was 
not  so  extreme.  (Note,  1 Kings  17:1.)— Elisha  was  warned 
of  its  approach,  and  counselled  his  benefactress,  now,  as  it 
appears,  left  a widow,  to  remove  till  it  was  over.  ( Notes,  Gen. 
12:10.  2G:1 — 5.  Ruth  1:1 — 5.)  There  was  a measure  of 
plenty  in  the  land  of  the  Philistines,  whilst  Israel  was  visited 
with  famine  : but  either  they  could  spare  none  to  sell  to  their 
neighbours,  or  their  old  enmity  made  them  unwilling'to  do  it. 
They  did  not,  however,  molest  such  as  went  to  sojourn  among 
them. — Had  not  Judah  also  felt  the  effects  of  the  famine,  it  is 
likely  that  this  pious  woman  would  have  gone  thither  to  so- 
journ. 

V-  3.-  As  this  pious  woman  firmly  bolieved  the  words  of 
Elisha,  predicting  Ihe  famine,  and  acted  accordingly ; so, 
when  the  seven  years  assigned  for  its  continuance  were  ended, 
she  leturned  into  her  own  land,  in  confidence  that  the  famino 
won'll  then  terminate. 

To  cry,  &c-l  Either  the  lands  of  the  Shunammitc  had  been 

( 6G6  ) 


and  for  her  land.  And  Gehazi  said,  °My  lord,  t 
king,  this  is  the  woman,  and  this  is  her  son,  whon 
Elisha  restored  to  life. 

6 And  when  the  king  asked  the  woman,  sht* 
told  him.  So  the  king  appointed  unto  her  a 
certain  'officer,  saying,  ^Restore  all  that  was  hers, 
and  all  the  fruits  of  the  field  since  the  day  that  she 
left  the  land,  even  until  now. 

[ Prac  teal  Observations. ] 

7 H And  Elisha  came  to  ‘‘Damascus : and  “Ben- 
hadad  the  king  of  Syria  was  sick  ; and  it  was 
told  him,  saying,  “The  man  ol'  God  ‘is  come 
hither. 

8 And  the  king  said  unto  Hazael,  "Take  a 
present  in  thy  hand,  and  go,  meet  the  man  o» 
God,  and  “inquire  of  the  Lord  by  him,  saying, 
Shall  I recover  of  this  disease  ? 

9 So  -'Hazael  went  to  meet  him,  and  took  a 
present  twith  him,  even  of  every  good  thing  of 
Damascus,  forty  camels’  burden,  and  came  and 
stood  before  him,  and  said,  “Thy  son  Ben-hadad 
king  of  Syria  hath  sent  me  to  thee,  saying,  Shall 
I recover  of  this  disease  ? 

10  And  Elisha  said  unto  him.  Go,  say  unto  him, 
Thou  fnayest  certainly  recover : howbeit,  bthe 
Lord  hath  showed  me,  that  “lie  shall  surely  die. 

11  And  he  settled  his  countenance  Isteadfastly, 
until  he  was  ashamed : and  the  man  of  God 
dwept. 


p Deul.  22:2.  Jude.  11:13.  2. Sara.  9:7.  Prov.  16:7.  21:1.  q Gen.  14:15.  1 King. 
11:24.  Is.  7:8.  r 6:21.  I Kings  15:18.  29:1,34.  22:31.  s 1 :9, III.  2:15.  6:12.  Set 
on  Dent.  33:1.  1 Kings  13:1.  lJudg.  16:2.  Acts  17.6.  u See  on  5:5.  1 Sam. 
9:7.  1 Kings  14:3.  x 1:2.  3:11—13.  1 Kings  14:1— 1.  I.tilce  13:23.  Acts  16:30. 
v See  on  1 Kings  19:15.  f Heb.  in  his  han  t.  5:5.  z 6:21 . 13: 14.  16:7.  1 Sam. 
25:8.  Philem.  10.  b 13.  Gen. 41:39,  Jer.  38:21.  £z.  11:25.  Am.  3:7.  7:1, 4, 7.  8: 
1.  Zech.  1:20.  Rev.  22:1.  c 1 :4,16.  Gen.  2:17.  Ez.  18:13.  | Heb.  and  set  it. 
d Gen.  45:2.  Ps.  119:136.  Jer.  4:19.  9:1.18.  13:17.  14:17.  Luke  19:41.  John  lit 
35.  Acts  20:19,31.  Rom.  9:2.  Phil.  3:18. 


seized,  as  forfeited  lo  the  crown  by  her  emigration;  or  some 
of  her  neighbours  or  relations  had  violently  seized  upon  them  ; 
or  those,  to  whom  she  had  left  the  management  of  her  affairs, 
would  neither  restore  her  estate,  nor  come  to  account  con- 
cerning the  profits  of  it.  She  had  therefore  at  ibis  time  oc- 
casion to  apply  to  the  king,  though  not  formerly  ; (Note*,  4:13.) 
and  it  was  commendable  in  Jehoram,  that  he  was  accessible 
to  such  a claimant. 

V.  4 — 6.  (Notes,  5:20 — 27.)  It  was  not  unlawful  to  speak 
to  a leper,  provided  it  was  done  without  touching  him;  and 
Jehoram,  from  curiosity,  was  willing  to  converse,  concerning 
Elisha’s  miracles,  with  so  mean  a person  as  Gehazi  was  ; who 
likewise  bore  an  infamous  character,  and  was  covered  with  a 
loathsome  disease  ! yet  he  did  not  court  the  prophet’s  acquaint- 
| ance,  because  he  disliked  his  counsels  and  admonitions,  and 
dreaded  his  warnings  and  rebukes.  The  Lord,  however,  thus 
prepared  his  mind  to  do  this  pious  woman  justice  ; and  his 
providence  is  especially  to  be  noted  in  the  singular  coincidence 
of  apparently  casual  events  from  which  most  important  con- 
sequences frequently  follow. 

V.  7,  8.  The  prophet  doubtless  was  divinely  directed  to 
go  to  Damascus.  Some  suppose  that  he  went  to  counsel  and 
encourage  Naaman  ; arid  others,  that  he  retired  thither  during 
the  famine.  Some  indeed  think  that  he  went  lo  anoint  Ha- 
zael ; but  it  is  probable,  that  Elijah  had  performed  that  ser- 
vice, though  Hazael,  being  young  and  destitute  of  power  to 
seize  on  the  kingdom,  seems  not  to  have  much  regarded  the 
transaction.  ( Mtvrg . Ref.  Note,  I Kings  19:15—17.)  Ben- 
hadad,  however,  was  no  longer  disposed  to  injure  Elisha. 
The  report  of  the  prophet’s  miracles  had  excited  respect  and 
i veneration  for  him,  and  perhaps  his  sickness  had  softened  his 
mind,  so  that  he  welcomed  him  to  hi§  capital,  and,  according 
to  the  custom  of  the  day,  sent  his  chief  minister  to  inquire  of 
him  concerning  his  recovery.  (Notes,  1:2.  I Kings  14:1 — 4.)  It 
would  have  been  far  more  rational  to  request  the  instruction 
and  prayers  of  u the  man  of  God.” 

V.  9.  We  may  infer  from  the  silence  of  Scripture,  that 
the  prophet  accepted  of  this  royal  present,  which  must  have 
been  of  very  great  value,  as  the  provision  which  the  Lord 
assigned  him  in  a foreign  country,  and  to  enable  him  to  assist 
the  poor  Israelites,  and  the  sons  of  the  prophets  in  their 
poverty  and  distresses.  (Note,  5:15,10.) 

V.  10.  Ben-hadad’s  disease  was  not  of  itself  mortal,  though 
his  life  was  near  its  end  from  another  cause.  But  the  prophet 
either  did  not  know,  or  did  not  think  it  proper  to  inform  Ha- 
zael, what  that  cause  would  he. — The  Hebrew  text  howevci 
is,  u Thou  shalt  not  surely  recover,” or  live;  u for  the  Lord,’ 
&c.  though  ancient  expositors,  both  Jews  and  Christians 
adopting  the  reading  of  the  margin,  render  it  as  i;  stands  ir 
our  version:  and  indeed  this  appears  to  be  the  true  reading, 
as  the  prophet’s  answer  was  probably  intended  t3  bo  obscure 
and  ambiguous. 

V.  11.  The  prophet  fixed  his  eyes  on  Hazael  s»  steadfastly, 
and  for  so  long  a time,  that  Hazael  was  confounded , and 
Elisha  himself,  in  the  foresight  of  Hazael’s  wickedness,  and 


B.  C.  884. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


B.  C.  884. 

12  And  Haa.fl  said,  Why  weepeth  'my  lord? 
And  he  answered,  Because  1 know  ' the  evil  that 
thou  wilt  do  unto  the  children  of  Israel : their 
strong-holds  wilt  thou  set  on  fire,  and  their  young 
men  wilt  thou  slay  with  the  sword,  and  wilt  Bdash 
heir  children,  and  rip  up  their  women  with  child. 

13  And  Hazael  said,  But  what ! is  thy  servant 
ba  dog,  that  ihe  should  do  this  great  thing  ? And 
Elisha  answered,  kThe  Lord  hath  showed  me 
that  thou  shalt  be  king  over  Syria. 

14  So  he  departed  from  Elisha,  and  came  to 
his  master ; who  said  to  him,  What  said  Elisha 
to  thee  ? And  he  answered,  'He  told  me  that  thou 
shouldest  surely  recover. 

15  And  n,it  came  to  pass  "on  the  morrow,  that 
he  took  a thick  cloth,  and  dipped  it  in  water,  and 
spread  it  on  his  face,  °so  that  he  died  ; and 
frlazael  reigned  in,his  stead.  1 Practical  observation «.] 

16  H And  in  the  fifth  year  of  Joram  the  son  of 
Ahab  king  of  Israel,  Jehoshaphat  being  then  king 
of  Judah,  'iJehryam  the  son  of  Jehoshaphat  king 
of  Judah  ’began  to  reign. 

17  Thirty  and  two  years  old  was  he  when  he 
began  to  reign;  and  he  reigned  eight  years  in 
Jerusalem. 

1°  And  he  walked  rin  the  way  of  the  kings  of 
Israel,  as  did  ‘the  house  of  Ahab : for  ‘the  daughter 
of  A hub  was  “his  wife  : and  he  did  evil  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord. 

19  Yet  the  Lord  would  not  destroy  Judah,  *for 
David  his  servant’s  sake,  as  he  promised  him  to 
give  him  ahvay  a flight,  and  to  his  children. 

20  H In  his  days  rEdoin  revolted  from  under  the 
hand  of  Judah,  and  'made  a king  over  them- 
selves. 

«Sreon4:28.  1 KinSs  18:13.  f 10:32,33. 12:17. 13:3,7.  Am.  1:3,4.  g 15:16.  Pa. 
137:9.  Is.  13:16,18.  Hon.  10:14.  13: 16.  Am.  1:13.  Nah.  3:10.  hi  Sam. 17:43. 
2 Sam.  9:8.  Ps.  22:16,20.  Is.  56:10,11.  Matt.  7:6.  Phil.  3:2.  Iter.  22:15.  iJer. 
17:9.  Matt.  26:33—35.  k See  on  10.  1 Kings  19:15.  Mic.  2:1.  1 10.  5:25.  Matt. 
26:16.  m 13.  1 Sam.  16:12,13.  24:4— 7,13.  26:9— 11.  1 Kings  11:26— 37.  n Ps. 
36:4.  Mic.  2:1.  o9:24. 15:10—14,25,30.  I Kings  15:28.  16:10,18.  Is.  33:1.  p 13. 
1 Kings  19:15.  q 1 : 17.  1 Kings  22:50  . 2 Chr.  21: 1—20.  • Heb.  reigned,  r 3:2, 
8.  1 Kings  22:52,53.  s 9:7,8.  21:3,13.  2 Chr.  21:13.  Mic.  6:16.  t 26.  1 Kings 
24:25.  2 Chr.  18:1.  19:2.  21:6.  22:1— 4.  u Gen.  6:1—  5.  Peut.  7:3,4.  See  on 
I Kings  11:1—5.  Nell.  13:25,26.  x 19:34  . 2 Sam.  7:12,15.  1 Kings  11:36.  15:4,5. 
BChr.  21:7.  Is.  7:14.  37:35.  Jer.  33:25,26.  Luke  1:32,33.  t Heb.  candle,  or, 


of  the  miseries  of  Israel,  burst  into  tears.  (Note,  Luke  19:41 
— 44.) 

V.  12,  13.  Hazael  felt  at.  that  time  no  inclination  to  the 
brutal  ferocity  and  cruelty  of  which  Elisha  spoke;  and  he 
wondered  that  the  prophet  should  suppose  him  capable  of 
tearing  and  devouring,  like  some  fierce  and  greedy  dog,  rather 
than  a rational  creature.  But  Elisha  answered,  “ The  Lord 
hath  showed  me,  that  thou  shalt  be  king  over  Syria Or, 
“The  Lord  hath  made  me  to  see  thee  king  over  Syria.” 
And  when  advanced  to  the  throne,  being  engaged  in  war  with 
Israel,  and  exasperated  by  their  resistance,  he  would  be  tempt- 
ed to  cruelties,  of  which  at  present  he  had  no  thought.  (Note, 
Jer.  17:9,10.)  Some  indeed  think  Hazael  only  meant,  that  he 
was  too  inconsiderable  a person  for  such  great  exploits : but 
his  high  rank  under  Ben-hadad  would  have  enabled  him  to 
erform  them,  had  his  passions  been  sufficiently  excited;  and 
e was  evidently  startled  at  the  mention  of  the  cruelties, 
which  the  prophet  predicted  would  be  perpretated  by  him. 
(Mar g.  Ref.  Note,  Am.  1:3 — 5.) 

V.  14,  IS.  Hazael  misreported  Elisha’s  answer,  having 
doubtless  already  formed  the  intention  of  murdering  Ben- 
hadad,  and  seeking  an  opportunity  of  effecting  his  purpose. 
By  the  method  that  he  employed  of  murdering  him,  he  pre- 
vented any  alarm,  or  any  marks  of  violence  appearing  on  the 
body. — Elisha’s  intimation  might  give  Satan  an  occasion  of 
suggesting  this  villany  to  Hazael ; but  it  was  not  the  cause  of 
his  crime,  and  formed  no  excuse  for  it.  Had  he  been  of  David’s 
disposition,  he  would  have  waited  in  the  path  of  duty,  till  the 
Lord  had  performed  his  word,  in  that  manner  which  pleased 
him.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  24:4—7.  1 Kings  11:37.  12:2,3,26—29.) 
Thus  he  soon  manifested  the  rapacity  and  cruelty  of  the  dog, 
of  which  he  desired  to  be  thought  incapable.  (Notes,  12,13. 
Is.  56:9 — 12.  Mic.  3:5 — 7.) — It  is  supposed,  that  Ben-hadad 
had  no  son  ; that  Hazael  was  in  great  favour  with  the  people, 
and  with  the  army  especially;  and  that,  for  a time  at  least,  he 
escaped  the  suspicion  of  having  murdered  Ben-hadad. 

V.  16,  17.  Jehoram,  the  son  of  Jehoshaphat,  began  to 
reign  with  his  father  before  the  death  of  Ahab,  so  that  Aha- 
ziah the  son  of  Ahab  died  in  the  second  year  of  his  reign,  or 
in  the  eighteenth  of  Jehoshaphat.  About  five  years  after  he 
seems  to  have  been  more  solemnly  admitted  to  the  exercise 
of  the  royal  authority,  within  two  years  of  his  father’s  death. 
This  took  place  when  Jehoram  was  thirty-two  years  old,  and 
from  that  time  he  reigned  eight  years ; though  he  reigned  only 
five  or  six,  as  sole  king  after  the  death  of  his  father.  (Note, 
1:17.) 

V.  18.  The  daughter,  &c.]  Perhaps  Jehoshaphat  hoped 


21  So  Joram  went  over  to  Zair,  and  all  the 
chariots  with  him:  and  he  rose  by  nig'ht,  and 
smote  the  Edomites  which  compassed  him  about 
and  the  captains  of  the  chariots:  and  the  people 
fled  into  (heir  tents. 

22  Yet  “Edom  revolted  from  under  the  hand  ol 
Judah  unto  this  day.  Then  bLibna.-i  revolted  ai 
the  same  time. 

23  And  “the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Joram,  and  a 
that  he  did,  are  they  not  written  in  ihe  hook  o 
the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah  ? 

24  And  Joram  dslept.with  his  fathers,  and  was 
buried  with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of  David  ; and 
'Ahaziah  his  son  reigned  in  his  stead. 

25  H In  the  f twelfth  year  of  Joram  the  son  of 
Ahab  king  of  Israel  did  Ahaziah  the  son  of  Je- 
horam king  of  Judah  begin  to  reign. 

26  sTwo  and  twenty  years  old  was  Ahaziah 
when  he  began  to  reign ; and  he  reigned  hone  year 
in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother’s  name  was  ‘Atha- 
liah,  the  tdaughter  of  Omri  king  of  Israel. 

27  And  khe  walked  in  the  way  of  the  house  of 
Ahab,  and  did  evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  as 
did  the  house  of  Ahab : for  he  was  ‘the  son-in- 
law  of  the  house  of  Ahab. 

28  If  And  "’he  went  with  Joram  the  son  of  Ahab 
to  the  war  against  "Hazael  king  of  Syria  in 
“Ramoth-gilead  ; and  the  Syrians  wounded  Joram, 

29  And  king  pJoram  went  back  to  be  healed  ill 

Jezreel  of  the  wounds  Hvhich  the  Syrians  had 
given  him  at  "Ramah,  when  he  fought  against 
Hazael  king  of  Syria.  And  ^Ahaziah,  the  son  of 
Jehoram  king  of  Judah,  went  down  to  see  Joram 
the  son  of  Ahab  in  Jezreel,  because  he  was 
’’sick.  , 


lamp.  See  on  1 Kings  11:36.  y 22.  3:9.  2 Chr. 21 :8, 10.  z 2 Sam.  8: 14.  I Kinqp 
22:47.  a See  on  Gen.  27:40.  b 19:8.  Josh.  21:13.  2 ( hr.  21:10.  c 15:6,36. 
See  on  1 Kings  11:41.  14:29.  15:23.  2 Chr.  21:11—20.  d See  on  1 Kings  2:10. 
11:43.  14:20,31.  e 1 Chr. 3:11.  2 Chr.  21:17.  25:23.  Jehoahaz.  22:6.  Aznrioh. 
f See  on  16,17.  9:29.  2 Chr.  21:30.  g2Chr.22:2.  h 9:21— 27.  2 Chr.  22:5—8. 
i 11:1,13 — 16.  1 Or.  granddaughter , 18.  k See  on  18.  1 18.  2 Chr.  22:3. 

Ec.  7:26.  2 Cor. 6:1 4— 17.  m 3:7.  1 Kings  22:4.  2 Chr.  18.2,3,31.  19:2.22:5. 
n 12,13.  I Kings  19:17.  o Josh.  21:38.  1 Kings  4:13.  22:3.  p 9:15.  $ Heb. 
wherewith  the  Syrians  had  wounded.  |j  Called  Ramoth , 28.  q 9:16.  2 Chr. 
22:6,7.  fl  Heb.  wounded.  1 Kings  22:34. 


by  thus  marrying  his  son  to  Ahab’s  daughter,  to  cement  a 
peace  between  the  two  kingdoms,  and  to  bring  back  the  Is- 
raelites to  the  worship  of  God  at  Jerusalem  : but  it  was  an 
unhallowed  measure,  and  produced  a contrary  effect,  in  intro- 
ducing idolatry  into  Judah,  and  most  ruinous  consequences 
to  Jehoshaphat’s  posterity.  (Notes,  1 Kings  22:2.  2 Chr.  19: 
2.  21:4.  22:5.)  This  affinity  gave  occasion  to  the  same  names 
in  both  families.  Each  had  a Jehoram  and  an  Ahaziah ; but 
they  all  took  after  the  house  of  Ahab. 

V.  19.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  1 Kings  11:12,13,34 — 36,  r. 
36. 

V.  20— 24.  (Notes,  3:8,9.  1 Kings  22:47.)  Notwith 
standing  Jehoram’s  decisive  victory  over  the  Edomites,  he 
could  not  re-establish  his  authority  over  them.  Perhaps  he 
was  hindered  by  the  revolt  of  Libnah  ; (Note,  2 Chr.  21  :S — 
11.)  and  by  fears  of  further  insurrections  in  his  own  kingdom, 
where  he  was  become  extremely  odious.  Thus  the  prophecy 
of  Isaac  was  fulfilled,  after  Edom  had  been  subject  to  Israel 
about  a hundred  and  fifty  years:  nor  did  rthc  Jews  again 
acquire  the  dominion  over  Edom,  till  long  after  the  Baby- 
lonish captivity.  (Marg.  Ref . y.  a.  Note,  Gen.  27:39,40.) — 
Jehoram  was  buried  in  Jerusalem,  but  not  in  the  sepulchres 
of  the  kings.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  21:12 — 20.) 

V.  26.  Perhaps  Omri  adopted  and  educated  Athaliah, 
who  was  his  granddaughter,  and  the  daughter  of  Ahab. 

V.  28,  29.  (Notes,  9:21 — 28.)  Ahaziah  was  Jehoram’s 
youngest  son ; his  other  sons  having  all  been  slain  before  his 
death.  (Note,  2 Chr.  22:1.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 6.  Temporal  deliverances  are  only  respites,  and, 
“ Sin  no  more,  lest  a worse  thing  come  unto  thee,”  is  a 
warning  qf  universal  application.  (Note,  John  5:10 — 14.) — 
When  the  Lord  calls  for  judgments ; famines,  pestilences, 
wars,  tempests,  and  earthquakes,  obey  his  word  : and  if  he 
contends  he  will  overcome;  for  he  will  prolong  the  affic- 
tion,  and  make  it  more  and  more  severe,  until  the  sinnei  be 
either  humbled  or  destroyed.  (Note,  Lev.  26:24.)  When 
he  “rendereth  a fruitful  land  barren  for  the  wickedness  of 
them  that  dwell  therein,”  he  takes  care  of  the  remnant  of 
his  people,  and  abundantly  recompenses  their  kindness  to 
his  servants  for  his  sake ; and  they  will  also  gladly  embrace 
opportunities  of  requiting  their  benefactors,  especially  by 
their  counsels  and  prayers : but  open  enemies  sometimes 
escape  better,  than  hypocrites  or  apostates. — Where  the  moral 
law  of  God  is  not  violated,  a real  necessity  will  justify  many 
deviations  from  the  letter  of  ritual  appointments : hut  believers 
will  not  choose  to  -eside  longer  among  ignorant  and  ungodly 
( 667  ) 


B.  C.  884. 


II.  KINGS.  B.  C.  884 


CHAPTER  IX. 

A young  prophet,  by  Elisha' $ orders,  goes  to  Ramoth-gilead  ; anoints  Jehu  as 
king  over  Israel,  and  directs  him  in  extirpate  Ahab'a  family , 1 — 1(>.  Jehu 
acquaints  the  captains,  is  pro  clamed  king,  and  marches  in  haste  to  Jezreel 
against  Joram , 1 1 — 16.  Joram  sends  messengers  to  Jehu,  who  detains  them , 
17 — 20.  He  and  Ahaziah  meet  Jehu  ; who  kills  Joram,  and  casts  him  into 
the  field  of  Naboth,  21 — 26.  Ahaziah  is  slain  at  Gur  and  buried  at  Jerusa- 
lem, 27 — 29.  Jezebel,  by  Jehu's  orders,  is  thrown  out  of  the  windoiO,  and 
trampled  under  foot,  30 — 33.  She  is  eaten  by  dogs,  as  Elijah  had  predicted, 
34—37. 

AND  Elisha  the  prophet  called  one  of  “the 
children  of  the  prophets,  and  said  unto  him, 
bGird  up  thy  loins,  and  take  this  “box  of  oil  in 
thy  hand,  and  go  to  ‘‘Ramoth-gilead  : 

2  And  when  thou  comest  thither,  look  out 
there  “Jehu  the  son  of  Jehoshaphat,  the  son  of 
Nimshi,  and  go  in,  and  make  him  arise  up  from 
1 among  his  brethren,  and  carry  him  to  an  'inner 
chamber  ; 

3  Then  take  the  box  of  oil,  and  spour  it  on  his 
head,  and  say,  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  hI  have 

a 4:1. 6:1 — 3.  Seeon  1 Kings  20:35.  b4;29.  1 Kings  18:46.  Jcr.  1:17.  Luke  12: 
35—  37.  1 Pel.  1:13.  c 1 Sam.  10:1.  16:1.  1 Kings  1:39.  d 8:28,29.  1 Kings  22: 
4,20.  e 14.  1 Kings  19: 16,17.  t'5,11.  * Heb.  chamber  in  a chamber.  1 Kings 
20:30.  22:25.  margins,  g Kx.  29.7.  Lev.  8:12.  1 Sam.  16:13.  1 Kings  19:16. 
h 8:13.  1 Sam.  9:16.  15:1,17.  16:12.  Ps.  75:6,7.  Prov.  8:15,16.  Jer.  27:5— 7.  Dan. 


people  than  is  needful,  even  when  they  behave  kindly  to 
them  ; but  gladly  return  to  the  ordinances  of  God,  and  the 
communion  of  the  saints.  ( Notes , Ruth  1:4 — 10.) — We 
know  not  what  changes  await  us  : we  may  soon  be  deceived 
by  those  who  have  hitherto  been  faithful  to  us,  and  need  the 
help  of  those  on  whom  we  have  not  heretofore  had  any 
dependence. — The  love  of  wordly  riches  induces  men  to 
various  methods  of  fraud  and  oppression,  and  breaks  through 
the  most  powerful  obligations,  or  the  strongest  relative  ties. 
Hence  the  benefit  of  magistracy,  to  preserve  equity  and 
order  among  mankind.  Believers  may,  on  important  occa- 
sions, avail  themselves  of  their  privileges  as  members  of 
the  community  ; provided  they  are  not  actuated  by  covetous- 
ness or  resentment,  do  not  manifest  a contentious  spirit,  and 
make  no  appeal  in  a doubtful  cause,  or  in  matters  of  no  great 
importance  : (Note,  Matt.  5:38 — 42.)  and  rulers  should  award 
justice  without  respect  of  persons,  and  compel  the  injurious 
to  restitution. — But  the  Lord  himself  will  plead  the  cause  of 
the  defenceless  and  the  oppressed,  of  the  fatherless  and  the 
widow : he  often  effects  his  purpose  by  influencing  the  hearts 
of  princes  in  their  favour  ; and  the  most  casual  or  trivial  inci- 
dent, which  conduces  to  it,  may  prove  an  occasion  of  exciting 
praise  and  gratitude  for  his  providential  goodness. — The 
gratification  of  curiosity  is  more  pleasing  to  the  carnal  mind, 
than  the  mortification  of  worldly  lusts : and  hypocrites,  apos- 
tates, or  profligates,  on  some  occasions,  will  be  pleased  with 
conversation  on  religious  topics,  provided  they  have  no  refe- 
rence to  their  own  conscience,  character,  or  conduct.  (Notes, 
John  4:16 — 20.  P.  O.  16 — 26.)  Thus  they  countenance 
each  other  in  ungodliness,  or  buoy  up  presumptuous  hopes: 
whilst  they  cannot  endure  the  instructions,  and  will  not 
imitate  the  example,  of  those  teachers  whom  they  most  pro- 
fess to  admire. 

V.  7 — 15.  The  Lord  can  procure  his  people  a welcome, 
and  spread  them  a table,  even  amidst  their  enemies ; who, 
on  some  occasions,  and  especially  in  affliction,  may  be 
inclined  to  show  them  great  kindness  and  respect.  Yet  few, 
even  in  that  case,  derive  real  benefit  from  their  instructions, 
and  disposition  to  do  them  good : but  some  honour  redounds 
to  God,  and  outward  advantages  accrue  to  his  servants;  who 
may  without  scruple  receive  them,  as  from  him,  when  they 
are  not  required  to  flatter,  or  in  any  other  way  to  act  incon- 
sistently with  their  profession. — Those  who  love  God  and 
man,  must  often  weep  upon  a survey  of  the  wickedness  and 
ra_sery  of  mankind : and  a particular  foresight  of  the  state  of 
the  church,  and  of  the  world,  would  augment  their  sorrow. 
But  little  are  men,  when  not  exposed  to  temptation,  aware 
of  the  desperate  wickedness  of  their  own  hearts!  They  do 
not  conceive  themselves  capable  of  those  enormities,  to 
which  at  present  they  feel  no  inducement;  and  it  is  deemed 
an  insult  upon  them  to  suppose  they  are.  But  when  the 
powerful  attraction  of  great  imaginary  advantages  approaches 
the  carnal  mind,  the  latent  depravity  begins  to  move ; and 
they  will  surely  come  into  contact,  unless  hindered  by  ex- 
ternal obstructions,  or  by  the  power  of  God  upon  the  heart. 
Then,  the  greedy  dog,  the  ravening  wolf,  the  subtle  fox,  the 
poisonous  serpent,  or  the  filthy  swine,  form  feeble  emblems 
of  human  depravity : the  persons,  who  before  were  most 
inoffensive,  become  guilty  of  far  greater  repacity,  treachery, 
or  cruelty,  than  the  worst  of  these  animals;  and  in  their 
cooler  moments  doubtless  often  reflect  with  horror  and 
astonishment  at  tlieir  awful  progress.  Those  who,  as  mor- 
tified  limbs,  are  continually  cut  off  from  the  body  politic, 
once  no  more  thought  of  such  criminality  and  condemnation, 
than  any  reader  of  these  observations : and  we  are  any  of 
us  capable,  if  left  to  ourselves,  of  the  worst  crimes  perpe- 
trated by  the  vilest  pests  and  scourges  of  the  world  ! This 
should  remind  us,  w not  to  be  high-minded  but  to  fear,”  and 
to  trust  only  in  the  Lord  to  preserve  us  from  the  deceitful- 
ness of  our  own  hearts.  As  the  desire  of  greatness  is  a 
uangerous  temptation,  which  has  induced  many  to  perpetrate 
( 668  ) 


anointed  thee  king  over  Israel.  Then  open  the 
door,  ‘and  flee,  and  tarry  not. 

4 So  the  young  man,  even  the  young  man  the 
prophet,  went  to  Ramoth-gilead. 

5 And  when  he  came,  behold,  the  captains  of 
the  host  were  sitting ; and  he  said,  JI  have  an 
errand  to  thee,  O captain.  And  Jehu  said,  Unto 
which  of  all  us?  And  he  said,  To  thee,  O 
captain. 

6 And  khe  arose,  and  went  into  the  house;  and 
he  poured  the  oil  on  his  head,  and  said  unto 
him,  Thus  saith  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  'I  have 
anointed  thee  king  mover  the  people  of  the  Lord, 
even  over  Israel. 

7 And  thou  shalt  smite  the  house  of  Ahab  thy 
master,  that  "I  may  avenge  the  blood  of  my 
servants  the  prophets,  and  the  blood  of  all  the 
servants  of  the  Lord,  °at  the  hand  of  Jezebel. 

2:21,  4:35.  5:18.  John  19:10,11.  i 1 Sam.  16:2.  Matt.  2:13.  10:16.  J Jutlg.  3: 
19.  k Acts  23:18,19.  1 See  on  3.  1 Kings  1:34.  2 Clir.  22:7.  Ps.  2:6.  marg.  Is. 
45:1.  m 1 Kings  3:8.  10:9.  14:7.  16:2.  n Deut.  32:35,43.  Ps.  94:1—7.  Matt.  23: 
35.  Luke  18:7,8.  Rom.  12:19.  13:4.  Heb.  10:30.  Rev.fc9,10.  18:20.  19:2.  o 33 
—37.  1 Kings  18:4.  21:15:25. 


the  basest  crimes ; so  power,  however  obtained,  generally 
alters  men’s  manners  for  the  worse : and  their  inclinations 
to  vice  commonly  increase,  in  proportion  as  they  are  able 
to  commit  it,  without  control,  and  with  impunity.  We 
ought  therefore  to  be  content  and  thankful  in  more  obscure 
situations  ; and  those,  who  are  called  to  this  dangerous  pre- 
eminence, have  need  of  double  watchfulness  and  fervency  in 
prayer. — When  iniquity  is  conceived  in  the  heart,  means  will 
be  devised  for  its  perpetration : and  flattering  language  often 
cloaks  the  most  maglignant  purposes : for  sinners  in  general 
are  satisfied  with  concealing  their  crimes  from  man,  regard- 
less of  the  all-seeing  eye  of  God. — It  is,  in  every  case,  an 
awful  cruelty  to  flatter  those  with  the  hope  of  life,  whom  we 
suppose  to  be  near  dissolution : because  they  ought  to  be 
preparing  for  that  important  change,  and  to  be  counselled 
and  warned  so  to  employ  their  few  .remaining  days  or  hours. 

V.  16 — 29.  When  pious  men  choose  wives  for  themselves, 
or  take  any  measures  in  the  marriage  of  their  children,  they 
should  remember  that  their  remote  posterity  are  concerned, 
and  that  an  improper  choice  may  entail  misery  and  ruin  upon 
them. — Indulged  children  seldom  prove  wise  or  good  men  ; 
and  it  is  not  often  expedient  to  advance  young  people,  need- 
lessly and  prematurely,  to  authority.  Inferiors  and  depend- 
ents are  often  employed  to  chastise  our  rebellion  againsl 
God,  by  their  ill  behaviour  to  us.  He  will  not,  however, 
break  his  promise  or  forsake  his  cause : but,  whilst  wicked 
men,  from  generation  to  generation,  perish  in  their  sins,  the 
Son  of  David,  the  Light  of  his  church,  and  of  the  world, 
ever  lives  to  protect,  bless,  and  comfort  his  people.  May  all 
the  changes,  troubles,  and  wickedness  of  the  world,  make  us 
more  earnest  in  securing  an  interest  in  his  great  salvation  ! 

NOTES. — Chap  IX.  V.  1.  Elijah,  many  years  before, 
had  been  commissioned  to  anoint  Jehu,  as  a king  of  a new 
family,  immediately  appointed  by  God  to  reign  over  Israel, 
and  to  execute  vengeance  on  the  family  and  adherents  of 
Ahab.  (Note,  l Kings  19:15 — 17.)  But,  a respite  having 
been  granted  that  prince,  when  he  externally  humbled  him- 
self before  God,  it  seems,  the  anointing  of  Jehu  was  deferred 
likewise  : (Note,  1 Kings  21:27 — 29.)  so  that  this  service  now 
devolved  on  Elisha,  as  Elijah’s  successor  and  representative. 
But  it  required  secrecy,  and  it  was  not  proper  he  should  per- 
form  it  in  person : as  one  of  “ the  sons  of  the  prophets,”  who 
was  little  known,  might  have  a far  better  opportunity  of 
escaping,  if  suspected  by  Jehoram’s  friends. — Elisha  lived 
above  forty  years  after  this:  (Note,  13:14.)  and,  probably, 
was  not  incapacitated  by  age  or  infirmities,  for  the  labour  and 
activity  required  on  this  occasion,  but  was  for  other  reasons 
induced,  or  directed,  to  send  a deputy.  (Marg.  Ref.) — When 
the  ancients  used  great  expedition,  they  girded  up  the  skirts 
of  their  long  upper  garments  with  a girdle  round  their  loins, 
(Note,  1 Pet.  1:13—16.) 

V.  2,  3.  Jehoram  having  retired  from  the  army,  (8:29.) 
Jehu  seems  to  have  been  left  first  in  command,  having  been 
long  employed  by  Allah’s  family.  The  directions  given  this 
young  prophet  were  explicit;  especially  as  to  the  secrecy  to 
be  observed,  and  the  measures  to  he  adopted  for  his  own 
safety.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  service  was  indeed  peculiarly 
perilous;  and  Samuel  had  used  caution,  in  a measure  much 
less  offensive.  (Note,  1 Sam.  16:1,2.) 

V.  5 — 10.  Jehu  was  engaged  in  converse  or  consultation 
with  the  other  captains,  when  thus  addressed  by  a person,  it 
is  probable,  of  mean  appearance:  yet  when  the  young  prophet 
said,  “I  have  an  errand”  (or  a word)  “to  thee,  O captain,” 
he  readily  went  aside  with  him  to  learn  his  business.  And 
immediately  the  prophet  anointed  him,  explained  the  meaning 
of  that  transaction,  and  gave  him  an  express  commission  from 
God.  In  all  this,  no  doubt  he  exactly  adhered  to  h**  instruc- 
tions. (Marg.  Ref.  n — s.) — Israel,  though  generally  idol- 
atrous, was  still  “ the  people  of  the  Loud.”  They  wire  called 
bv  his  name,  and  had  a remnant  of  his  worship! am  mg 
them:  and  Jehu  was  thus  warned  to  use  his  ul  -orry  m 


B.  C.  8S4. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


B.  C.  881. 


8 For  the  whole  house  of  Ahab  shall  perish : 
and  pI  will  cut  off  from  Ahab  him  that  pisseth 
against  the  wall,  and  ihim  that  is  shut  up  and  left 
in  Israel : 

9 And  1 will  make  the  house  of  Ahab  dike  the 
•>.ouse  of  Jeroboam  the  son  of  Nebat,  and  like  *the 
house  of  Baasha  the  son  of  Ahijah  : 

10  And  ‘the  do^s  shall  eat  Jezebel  in  the  portion 
of  Jezreel,  and  there  shall  be  none  to  bury  her. 
And  “he  opened  the  door,  and  fled. 

[ Practical  Observations .] 

11  11  Then  Jehu  came  forth  to  the  servants  of 
his  lord  : and  one  said  unto  him,  *Is  all  well  ? 
wherefore  came  this  -vmad  fellow  to  thee?  And 
he  said  unto  them,  Ye  know  the  man,  and  his 
communication. 

12  And  they  said,  It  is  false ; tell  us  now.  And 
he  said,  ’Thus  and  thus  spake  he  to  me,  saying, 
Thus  saith  the  Lord,  I have  anointed  thee  king 
over  Israel. 

13  Then  they  hasted,  "and  took  every  man 
his  garment,  and  put  it  under  him  on  the  top  of 
tlie  stairs,  and  bblew  with  trumpets,  saying,  Jehu 
*is  king. 

14  So  Jehu  the  son  of  Jehoshaphat,  the  son  of 
Nimshi,  “conspired  against  Joram.  (Now  Joram 
had  dkept  Ramoth-gilead,  he  and  all  Israel, 
because  of  Hazael  king  of  Syria. 

15  But  king  ‘Joram  was  'returned  to  be  healed 

p See  on  1 Kings  11:10,11.  21:21,22.  q 14:26.  Deni.  32:36.  r 1 Kings  14:10, 
11.15:29.21:22.  s 1 Kings  16:3,4,11,12.  1 35,36.  1 Kings 21:23.  Jer.  22:19 

u 3.  Judg.  3:26.  i 17,19,22.4:26.5:21.  >•  Is.  59:15.  mare-  Jer.  29:26.  Hos.  9: 
7.  Mark  3:21.  John  10:20.  Acts  17:18.26:24.  1 Cor.  4:10.  2 Cor.  5:13.  z See  on 
$—10.  a Mutt.  21:7,8.  Mark  11:7,3.  b2  Sam.  15:10.  1 Kings.  1:34,39.  Ps.  17: 
5—7.  98.6.  • Heb.  reignelh.  c 31 . 8:12—15.  10:9.  15:30.  1 Kings  15:27.  16:7,9, 
16.  d 8:23.  I Kings  22:3.  t Heb.  Jehoram.  e 8:29.  2 Chr.  22:6.  } Heb. 


obedience  to  God,  and  to  promote  true  religion.  The  family 
and  adherents  of  Ahab  were  criminals  condemned  by  the 
Supreme  .fudge  ; Jehu  was  appointed  to  execute  the  sentence ; 
the  kingdom  was  his  recompense  for  the  service:  and,  as  far 
as  he  acted  according  to  the  instructions  given  him,  he  needed 
not  fear  contracting  guilt,  or  regard  any  reproach  or  opposi- 
tion to  which  he  might  be  exposed.  The  murder  of  the  pro- 
phets and  worshippers  of  God  was  more  insisted  upon,  in  this 
indictment,  than  even  the  worship  of  Baal.  Jehoram  had 
been  spared  many  years,  but  he  continued  impenitent ; though 
not  so  wicked  as  Ahab,  who  was  punished  in  his  posterity. 
Jezebel  had  retained  her  authority,  and  persisted  in  idolatry, 
and  in  her  enmity  to  Jehovah  and  his  servants  ; though  less 
spoken  of  in  the  reigns  of  her  sons,  than  in  that  of  her  hus- 
band. Long  space  had  been  given  her,  but  she  had  not 
repented  ; and  her  measure  of  iniquity  was  now  full,  and  her 
awful  doom  most  expressly  denounced.  ( Marg . Ref.  35, 36. 
Notes,  1 Kings  21:23.  Rev.  2:20 — 23.) 

V.  11.  This  mad  fellow.]  It  is  probable,  that  there  were 
some  peculiarities  in  the  young  prophet’s  manner  and  address, 
which  made  the  captains  conclude  that  he  was  one  of  the 
“ sons  of  the  prophets,”  and  speak  of  him  in  this  language ; 
and  some  reference  might  be  had  to  those  vehement  actions, 
which  the  prophets  sometimes  used,  when  influenced  by  the 
Spirit  of  prophecy:  [Note,  1 Sam.  19:19 — 24.)  but  it  seems 
rather  to  have  resulted  from  profane  contempt  of  religion,  as 
it  may  be  supposed  they  were  generally  idolaters.  Indeed, 
without  excepting  him  who  “spake  as  never  man  spake,” 
those,  who  have  faithfully  delivered  the  Lord’s  message  to 
sinners,  have  in  all  ages  been  treated  as  madmen.  (Marg. 
Ref.  y.)  They  are  so  indifferent  about  those  objects,  which 
attract  the  senses,  and  which  man  naturally  desires  and  pur- 
sues ; and  so  engaged  about  those  things  which  are  invisible, 
and  therefore  generally  neglected  as  if  unreal ; their  judg- 
ment, conversation,  maxims,  and  conduct  are  so  contrary  to 
those  of  other  men  ; and  they  venture  and  endure  so  much, 
in  pursuit  of  interests  and  objects  of  which  others  have  no 
conception  ; that  worldly  men  naturally  conclude  them  to  be 
■tad,  when  they  deem  them  honestly  in  earnest.  (Notes, 
Mark  3:20,21.  2 Cor.  5:13 — 15.)  The  charge  however  is 
often  brought  in  self-defence:  for,  admitting  the  principles 
and  practice  of  the  devoted  servants  of  God  to  be  reasonable, 
wise,  and  necessary  to  happiness,  the  inference  is  undeniable  ; 
that  the  ambitious,  the  sensual,  the  covetous,  the  dissipated, 
the  worldly,  and  the  ungodly  of  every  description,  are  fools 
and  madmen  to  all  intents  and  purposes. 

Ye  know,  &c.]  Perhaps  Jehu  meant,  that  the  captains 
knew  the  man  to  be  a prophet ; and  must  suppose  that  he 
came  to  admonish  and  instruct  him : or  he  might  intend  to 
evade  the  question,  as  if  the  prophet’s  errand  had  nothing 
peculiar  in  it : but  they  would  not  be  thus  satisfied,  knowing 
that  something  more  was  communicated  to  him.  This  is  the 
common  interpretation. — It  may,  however,  be  questioned, 
whether  Jehu  did  not  suspect,  that  the  young  prophet  acted 
in  concert  with  the  captains ; and  that  they  were  previously 
acquainted  with  the  man  and  his  communication. 

V.  12,  13.  When  the  captains  urged  Jehu  further,  he 


in  Jezreel  of  the  wounds  which  the  Syrians  lhad 

fiven  him,  when  he  fought  with  Hazael  king  of 
yria.)  And  Jehu  said,  If  it  be  your  minds,  then 
let  §none  go  forth  nor  escape  out  of  the  city  t# 
go  to  tell  it  in  Jezreel. 

16  So  Jehu  rode  in  a chariot,  and  went  ti* 
Jezreel;  for  Joram  lay  there.  ‘And  Altazian 
king  of  Judah  was  come  down  to  see  Joram. 

17  And  there  stood  sa  watchman  on  the  towe 
in  Jezreel,  and  he  spied  the  company  of  Jehu  as 
he  came,  and  said,  I see  a company.  And  Joram 
said,  ‘’Take  a horseman  and  send  to  meet  them, 
and  let  him  say,  ‘ Is  it  peace  ? 

18  So  there  went  one  on  horseback  to  meet 
him,  and  said,  Thus  saith  the  king,  Is  it  peace? 
And  Jehu  said,  "What  hast  thou  to  do  with 
peace  ? turn  thee  behind  me.  And  the  watch- 
man told,  saying,  The  messenger  came  to  them, 
but  he  cometli  not  again. 

19  Then  he  sent  out  a second  on  horseback 
which  came  to  them,  and  said,  Thus  saith  the 
king,  Is  it  peace?  And  Jehu  answered,  What 
hast  thou  to  do  with  peace?  turn  thee  behind 
me. 

20  And  the  watchman  told,  saying,  He  came 
even  unto  them,  and  cometh  not  again  : and  the 
"driving  is  like  the  driving  of  Jehu  the  son  of 
Nimshi;  ‘for  he  driveth  '"furiously. 

21  And  Joram  said,  "Make  ready.  And  his 


smote.  § Heb.  no  escape,  go,  Sfc.  .1  Sam.  27:9 — 11.  f 8:29.  2 Chr.  22:6,7.  g2 
Sam.  13:34.  18:24.  Is.  21:6—9,11,12.  56:10.  62:6.  Rz.  33:2—9.  Acts  20:26— 31 . 
h 7:14.  i 19.  1 Sam.  16:4.  1 Kings 2,1 .3.  Luke  10:5,6.  k 19.22.  Is.  48:22.  59:8. 
Jer.  16:5.  Rom.  3:17.  ||  Or,  marching.  Hab.  1:6.  3:12.  110:16.  Ec.  9:10.  Is. 
54:16.  Dan.  11:44.  TI  Heb.  in  madness.  **  Heb  .bind.  1 Kings  20: 14.  marg. 
Mic.  1:13. 


declared  the  business  of  the  young  prophet,'  with  a frankness 
and  boldness,  which  seem  to  have  arisen  from  a divine 
energy  on  his  mind ; for,  if  the  captains  had  not  coincided 
with  him,  the  discovery  might  have  proved  fatal  to  him. 
Some  kind  of  faith  in  the  word  of  God,  spoken  by  the  pro- 
phet, seems  to  have  animated  him  to  this  hazardous  under- 
taking, of  which  it  does  not  appear  that  he  had  had  any 
previous  intention : and  the  minds  of  his  companions  also 
were  surprisingly  disposed  to  concur  with  him,  by  making 
him  a kind  of  throne,  and  proclaiming  him  king  w ith  sound  of 
trumpets.  It  is  probable,  that  this  was  done  on  the  top  of 
some  edifice,  from  which  the  people  were  generally  informed 
of  such  public  transactions  as  were  proper  to  be  communi- 
cated to  them.  Thus  the  conspiracy  was  openly  avowed. 
While  Jehoram  had  rendered  himself  odious  by  his  crimes 
and  oppressions  to  the  nation  in  general ; it  may  be  supposed, 
that  he  was  also  unpopular  in  the  army,  through  his  severity 
and  cruelty. 

V.  14.  It  is  evident  that  Ramoth-gilead  was  at  this  time 
in  the  hands  of  the  Israelites:  (15)  but  it  is  not  certain, 
whether  they  had  just  taken  it;  or  whether  Hazael  had 
raised  the  siege  of  it,  having  attempted  in  vain  to  retake  it. — 
Jehoram’s  absence  from  the  army  proved  of  fatal  consequence 
to  him : he  “ escaped  the  sword  of  Hazael,  but  Jehu  slew 
him.”  (1  Kings  19:17.) 

V.  15 — 17.  (8:28,29.)  Jezreel  lay  at  a considerable  dts 

tance  from  Ramoth-gilead,  with  the  river  Jordan  between. 
Yet  Jehu  concerted  his  plan  with  such  prudence,  and  exe- 
cuted it  with  such  despatch ; his  adherents  came  so  cordially 
into  his  interests,  and  so  faithfully  kept  his  counsel;  and  the 
people  in  the  neighbourhood  were  either  so  ignorant  about  his 
intentions,  or  so  regardless  of  them  ; that  Jehoram  received 
no  tidings  of  his  march,  till  Jehu’s  distant  approach  was  per- 
ceived by  the  watchman ! But  the  matter  was  of  the  Lord, 
and  could  not  fail  of  success. 

I see  acompany.  (17)  A troop,  or  army,  as  the  word  nyest 
signifies. 

Y.  18,  19.  Perhaps  Jehoram  feared,  lest  the  Syrians  had 
obtained  the  victory  over  his  troops,  and  driven  them  away 
from  Ramoth:  but  Jehu,  by  compelling  his  messengers  to 
turn  behind  him,  prevented  his  obtaining  any  information,  and 
increased  his  perplexity. 

V.  20.  Furiously.]  Some  have  rendered  this,  He  driveth 
slowly.  But  Jehu  was  a vehement  man,  yet  keen  and  saga- 
cious, a fit  instrument  for  his  peculiar  work.  His  approach 
might  be  seen  at  a great  distance  from  a watchtower,  as  he 
came  with  an  armed  force : and  it  is  most  probable,  that  he 
travelled  with  as  much  celerity  as  he  could. — The  original 
word  is  exactly  rendered  in  the  margin,  in  madness  ; being 
from  the  same  root  as  that  above  translated,  mad  feU 
low.  (11) 

V.  21.  Jehoram  had  no  sufficient  force  to  oppose  Jehu’s 
army,  and  he  seems  to  have  acted  rashly  in  going  out  to  meet 
him.  But  he  still  dreamed  of  peace,  and  was  impatient  to 
know,  whether  Jehu  returned  defeated  by  the  Syrians,  of 
triumphant  over  them.  Thus  Jehu’s  design  was  facilitated, 
| and  perhaps  bloodshed  prevented : and  thus,  according  to  th» 
( 669  ) 


B.  C.  8t)4. 


II.  KINGS 


B.  C.  884 


chariot  was  made  ready.  And  mJoram  king  of 
.srael  and  Ahaziah  king  of  Judah  went  out,  each 
in  his  chariot,  and  they  went  out  against  Jehu, 
and  "met  him  in  "the  portion  of  Naboth  the 
Jezreelite. 

2 Z And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Joram  saw 
Jehu,  that  he  said,  °Is  it  peace,  Jehu?  And  he 
answered,  “What  peace,  so  long  as  ithe  whore- 
doms of  thy  mother  Jezebel,  and  her  witchcrafts 
are  so  many  ? 

23  And  Joram  turned  his  hands,  and  fled,  and 
said  to  Ahaziah,  r There  is  treachery,  O Ahaziah. 

24  And  Jehu  ’drew  a bow  with  his  full  strength, 
and  smote  "Jehoram  between  his  arms,  and  the 
arrow  went  out  at  his  heart,  and  he  tsunk  down 
in  his  chariot. 

25  Then  said  Jehu  to  Bidkar  his  captain,  Take 
up,  and  cast  him  in  the  portion  of  the  field  of 
Naboth  the  Jezreelite:  for  remember  how  that, 
when  I and  thou  rode  together  after  Ahab  his 
father,  ‘the  Lord  laid  this  burden  upon  him; 

26  Surely  I have  seen  yesterday  the  §blood  of 
Naboth,  and  the  blood  uof  his  sons,  saith  the 
Lord  ; and  XI  will  requite  thee  in  this  "plat,  saith 
the  Lord.  Now  therefore  take  and  cast  him 
into  the  plat  of  ground,  according  to  the  word  of 
the  Lord. 

27  H But  when  ^Ahaziah  the  king  of  Judah  saw 
this,  lie  fled  by  the  way  of  the  'garden-house. 
And  Jehu  followed  after  him,  and  said,  Smite  him 
also  in  the  chariot.  And  they  did  so  at  the  going 
tip  to  Gur,  which  is  by  "Ibleam.  And  he  fled  to 
bMegiddo,  and  died  there. 

m 2 Chr.  22:7.  *H eU.  found.  Nmn.  20:14.  marg.  n 26.  1 Kings  21:1 — 7, 
15, IS, 19.  o See  oti  17.  p See  on  18.  Is.  57:19 — 21.  q 1 Kings  16:30— 33.  18:4. 
19:1,2.21:8—10.25.  Nall.  3:4.  Rev.  2:20  17:4,5.18:3.23.  r 11:14.  2 Chr. 
23:13  t Heb.  filled,  his  hand  H'i'h  a bow.  si  Kings  22:34.  Job  20:23 — 25.  Ps. 
60:22.  Pi-ov.  21:30.  Kc.  8:12,13.  1 Tlies.  5:3.  .4  Heb.  bowed,  t l Kings  21:19. 
24—29.  Is.  13:1.  Jer.  23:33— 38.  Nah.  M.  Mai.  1:1.  Matt.  11:30.  § Heb. 
bloods.  uDeut.  24:16.  2 CLr.  24:25.  25.4.  x Ex.  20  5.  Deut.  5:9.  Ez.  18: 19, 

U dr,  portion,  y 8:29.  Num.  16:26.  2 Chr.  22:7—9.  Prov.  13:20.  2 Cor.  6:17. 
zl  Kings  21:2.  a Josh.  17:11.  Jtulg.  1.27.  b23:29,30.  Judg.  1:27.  5:19.  1 Kings 
4:12.  c 12:21.  14:19,20.23:30.  2 Chr.  25:28.  35:24.  cl  8:16,24,25.  2 Chr.  22:1 ,2. 

purpose  of  God,  Jehoram  was  slain  in  the  portion  of  Naboth ; 
probably  near  the  place  where  he  and  his  sons  had  been  put 
to  death.  (Notes,  25,26.  1 Kings  21:17 — 19.) 

V.  22.  Idolatry  is  in  Scripture  called  whoredom  ; and, 
when  committed  by  the  professed  people  of  God,  adultery, 
to  denote  the  Lord’s  abhorrence  of  it.  Jezebel’s  idolatries 
had  been  manifold  and  long-continued ; and,  as  some  think, 
attended  by  prostitution,  according  to  the  shameless  prac- 
tices of  the  Gentiles  in  their  worship:  of  Jezebel’s  personal 
character  in  this  respect  nothing  further  is  recorded.  (Notes, 
Rev.  2:20 — 23.  14:8.  17:1,2.)  The  words,  witchcrafts,  may 

allude  to  the  fascinating  artifices  that  harlots  use  to  allure  men 
to  wickedness  ; by  which  her  various  methods  of  seducing 
the  Israelites  to  idolatry  seem  to  be  intended.  For  this  pur- 
pose she  doubtless  employed  promises,  presents,  caresses, 
and  flatteries  ; and  on  the  other  hand,  frowns,  threats,  and 
persecutions  ; by  which  great  multitudes  were  induced  to 
conform  to  her  religion,  and  join  in  her  spiritual  whoredom. 
As  Jehu  had  been  long  unsuspected,  in  the  court  of  Ahab 
and  his  sons,  he  probably  had  never  before  in  any  way  pro- 
tested against  the  worship  of  Baal. — Jehoram  was  answerable 
for  Jezebel’s  crimes,  because  he  countenanced  and  imitated 
them,  instead  of  using  his  authority  to  repress  them.  (Note, 

1 Kings  15:10—13.)  • 

Y.  23,  24.  Marg.  Ref.  Note,  1 Kings  22:32 — 35. 

V.  25,  26.  In  the  vineyard  of  murdered  Naboth,  of  which 
tehoram  seems  to  have  kept  possession,  his  body  was  left 
unburied,  to  be  devoured  by  dogs,  or  beasts  of  prey:  and  the 
dogs,  in  some  sense,  licked  the  blood  of  Ahab,  as  flowing 
from  the  wounds  of  his  son.  (Note,  1 Kings  21:17 — 19.)— 
The  words  of  the  prophets  were  called  burdens,  as  predicting 
a heavy  burden  of  misery  to  the  guilty  party,  which  he  could 
neither  endure  nor  remove.  (Marg.  Ref.  t.  Note,  Jer.  23: 
33 — 40.) — It  is  probable  that  Jehu  had  seldom  reflected  on 
Elisha’s  words  during  the  intervening  years,  till  these  events 
brought  the  substance  of  them  fresh  to  his  recollection. 

Rode  together.  (25)  Ahab’s *  1 guard  were  wont  to  ride  in 
pairs,  two  and  two  ; and  Jehu  and  Bidkar  rode  at  that  time 
together,  and  heard  Elijah’s  words.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

The  blood  of  his  sons.  (26)  This  evidently  implies  that 
Naboth’s  sons  were  put  to  death  along  with  him  : for  to  sup- 
pose, that  the  words  only  mean  that  they  were  deprived  of 
their  estate,  and  so  impoverished,  and  as  it  were  starved,  is 
altogether  unreasonable.  (Note,  1 Kings  21:8 — 14.) 

V.  27,  28.  Ahaziah  was  Ahab's  grandson  by  Athaliah; 
and  being  also  an  idolater,  he  was  within  Jehu’s  commission. 
So  that,  being  found  with  Jehoram,  he  shared  his  punishment ; 
though,  as  son  to  pious  Jehoshaphat,  he  was  allowed  an 
a wn«,rable  burial.  The  circumstances  elsewhere  recorded 
concerning  his  death,  ronder  it  probable  that  he  was  not 

( 670  ) 


28  And  chis  servants  carried  him  in  a chariot 
to  Jerusalem,  and  buried  him  in  his  sepulchre  with 
his  fathers  in  the  city  of  David. 

29  And  din  the  eleventh  year  of  Joram  the  sou 
of  Ahab  began  Ahaziah  to  reign  over  Judah. 

[Practical  Obaervatious.'] 

30  And  when  Jehu  was  come  to  Jezreel, 
'Jezebel  heard  of  it ; and  she  ’’painted  her  face, 
and  f tired  her  head,  and  looked  out  at  a win- 
dow. 

31  And  as  Jehu  entered  in  at  the  gate,  she 
said.  Had  sZimri  hpeace,  who  slew  his  master? 

32  And  he  lifted  up  his  face  to  the  window, 
and  said,  'Who  is  on  my  side?  who  ? And  there 
looked  out  to  him  two  or  three  "eunuchs. 

33  And  he  said,  kThrow  her  down.  So  they 
threw  iier  down  : and  some  of  her  blood  was 
sprinkled  on  the  wall,  and  on  the  horses : 'and  he 
trode  her  under  foot. 

34  And  when  he  was  come  in,  mhe  did  eat  and 
drink,  and  said,  Go,  see  now  “this  cursed  woman , 
and  bury  her : tor  “she  is  a king’s  daughter. 

35  And  they  went  to  bury  her : rbut  they  found 
no  more  of  her  than  the  skull,  and  the  feet,  and 
the  palms  of  her  hands. 

36  Wherefore  they  came  again,  and  told  him. 
And  he  said,  'iThis  is  the  word  of  the  Lord,  which 
he  spake  f,by  his  servant  Elijah  the  Tishbite, 
saying,  In  the  portion  of  Jezreel  shall  dogs  eat 
the  flesh  of  Jezebel : 

37  And  rthe  carcass  of  Jezebel  shall  he  as  dung 
upon  the  face  of  the  field  in  the  portion  of  Jez- 
reel ; so  that  they  shall  not  say,  This  is  Jezebel. 


e 1 Kings  19:1.2.  IT  Heb.  put  her  eves  in  painting.  Jer.  4:30.  Ez.  23:40.  f Ie . 3 
18— 24.  Ez.  24:17.  1 Tim.  2:9,10.  1 Pet.  3 3.  g 1 Kings  16.9—19.  h See  on  IS — 
22.  i Ex.  32:26.  1 Chr.  12:18.  2 Chr.  11:12.  Ps.  118:6.  124:1,2.  ’*  Or,  chambe 
lains.  Esth.  1:10.  2:15,21 . Acts  12:20.  k See  on  1 Kings  21:11.  1 26.  7:20.  Is.  25. 
10.  Lam.  1:15.  Mic.  7:10.  Mai.  4:3.  Malt.  5:13.  Heh.  10:29.  ml  Kings  18:41. 
Esth.  3:15.  Am.  6:4.  n 1 Kines  21.25.  Prov.  10:7.  Is.  65:15.  Matt  25:41.  t>  1 
Kings  16:31.  p Job  31 :3.  Acts  12:23.  q See  on  1 Kings  21:23.  ft  Heb.  by  the  hand 
or.  14:25.  Lev.  8:36.  2 Sam.  12:25.  r Ps.  83:10.  Ec.  6:3.  Is.  14:18—50.  Jer.  8:2. 
1(5:4.  22:19.  36:90.  Ez.  32:23 — SO. 


slain,  till  Jehu  had  inflicted  vengeance  on  Jezebel  at  Jezreel 
(Notes,  30—37.  2 Chr.  22:7—9.) 

Garden-house.  (27)  It  seems,  that  Ahab,  notwithstand- 
ing Elijah’s  awful  message  to  him,  and  his  external  humilia- 
tion, proceeded  with  his  plan  of  forming  Naboth’s  vineyard, 
or  part  of  ir,  into  a garden  of  herbs;  and  this  house  is  sup- 
posed to  have  been  built  on  it,  for  the  accommodation  of 
those  who  kept  it.  (Notes,  1 Kings  21:1,2,27 — 29.) — Died 
there.]  Ahaziah  was  taken  at  Megiddo,  and  brought  to 
Jehu,  who  slew  him,  probably  at  Jezreel.  But  he  died  with 
the  others  of  the  house  of  Ahab,  which  is  supposed  to  be  here 
meant. 

V.  29.  Jehoram  began  to  reign  over  Judah,  in  the  fifth 
year  of  Jehoram  king  of  Israel ; it  is  probable,  in  the  very 
beginning  of  it:  and  he  died,  and  was  succeeded  by  Aha- 
ziah, in  the  eleventh  or  twelfth  year  of  Jehoram;  that  is,  the 
close  of  the  eleventh,  or  beginning  of  the  twelfth.  This  space 
is  called  eight  years , as  comprising  six  whole  years,  and  a 
portion  of  two  others,  computed  according  to  tho  reigns  of 
the  kings  of  Judah.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  30 — 37.  Jezebel  had  no  way  of  escaping  or  resisting 
Jehu  : she  therefore  aimed  to  outbrave  and  intimidate  him. 
Instead  of  assuming  the  habit  of  a mourner,  or  a suppliant, 
she  arrayed  herself  in  all  the  magnificence  of  royalty,  and 
stationed  herself  in  a conspicuous  place  to  wait  his  arrival. 
She  used  the  method,  customary  in  the  east,  of  giving  her- 
self a majestic  appearance,  by  a kind  of  paint  which  dilates 
the  eyebrows,  and  makes  the  eyes  look  large  and  bright. 
And  when  Jehu  approached  the  place,  she  accosted  him  by 
saying,  “Had  Zimri  peace,  who  slew  his  master?”  Zimri 
had  destroyed  the  house  of  Baasha,  and  had  soon  after  fallen 
before  Omri  the  father  of  Ahab:  (Note,  1 Kings  10:8 — 19.) 

but  Zimri  had  had  no  commission  for  what  he  did;  and  Jehu 
was  expressly  ordered  to  take  vengeance  on  the  house  of 
Ahab.  He  was  not  therefore  to  be  thus  intimidated  : for  finding 
upon  inquiry,  that  her  chamberlains  were  ready  to  join  him  ; 
(being  either  mercenary  men  who  were  willing  to  purchase 
his  favour,  or  being  weary  of  Jezebel’s  imperious  and  haughty 
disposition  ;)  he  ordered  her  to  he  thrown  from  the  window, 
and  thus  she  was  dashed  to  pieces,  and  trodden  under  foot 
by  the  horses.  4 See  how  suddenly  courtiers  change  with  the 
fortune  of  their  master.’  Bp.  Patrick. — Afterwards,  when 
he  thought  of  burying  her,  in  honour  of  her  royal  extraction, 
he  found  himself  disappointed  ; for  her  mangled  body,  (having 
probably  been  plundered  of  its  costly  attire,)  was  entirely 
torn  in  pieces,  and  devoured  by  dogs.  This  reminded  him 
of  tho  word  of  the  Lord  by  Elijah,  which  he  had  before  for- 
gotten: and  he  observed  that  her  carcass  was  to  become  as 
dung  upon  the  face  of  the  earth. — This  was  a nremHu!  and 
most  ignominious  end,  worthy  of  one  who  I ui  been  a 


B.  C.  884. 


CHAPTER  X. 


CHAPTER  X. 


fthu,  by  letters  to  the  elders , causes  Ahab's  seventy  sons  to  be  s'ain  at  Sama- 
ria, and  their  heads  to  be  brought  to  Jezreel,  1 — 7.  He  shows  uiis  to  be  a 
fulfilment  of  Elijah's  prophecy,  and  destroys  all  Ahab's  kindred  in  Jezreel, 
8—11.  In  his  way  to  Samaria  he  slays  forty-two  of  Ahaziah's  brethren, 
12 — M.  Attended  by  Jehonadab,  he  slays  all  that  remained  to  Ahab  in  Sa- 
maria, 15 — 17.  He  assembles  all  the  worshippers  of  Baal  by  stratagem  ; 
puts  them  to  death,  and  bi  eaks  down  Baal's  images  and  temple , 18 — 28.  He 
follows  the  sins  of  Jeroboam;  yet  the  kingdom  to  the  fourth  generation  is 
■ promised  him,  for  destroying  the  houee  of  Ahab,  29—31.  Hazael  smites 
Israel,  32,  33.  Jehu  dies,  and  Jehoahaz  succeeds  him,  34 — 36. 

AND  Ahab  had  “seventy  sons  bin  Samaria. 

And  Jehu  wrote  letters,  and  sent  to  Samaria, 
unto  “the  rulers  of  Jezreel,  to  the  elders,  and  to 
'them  that  brought  up  AhabVcAiWren,  saying, 

2  Now  das  soon  as  this  letter  cometh  to  you, 
seeing  your  master’s  sons  are  with  you,  and 

»Judg.  8:S0.  10:4.  12:14.  b 5:3.  I Kings  13:32.  16:28.  2 Chr.  22:9.  c Set  on 
Deut.  16:18.  1 Kines  21  :S— 14.  * Heb.n ourishers.  d See  on  5:6.  e Deut.  17: 
14,15.  1 Sam.  10:24.  11:15.  2 Sam.  2:8,9.  1 Kings  1:24,25. 12:20,  f2  Sam.  2:12 


curse  to  Israel  and  Judah,  but  had  brought  the  heaviest 
curses  upon  herself ; and  who  was  a specimen,  and  in  some 
respects  a type,  of  all  ringleaders  in  idolatry,  and  tempters 
to  that  crime.  Yet  “ this  cursed  woman,”  the  daughter  of  a 
king,  was  also  the  wife  of  a king,  the  mother  of  two  kings, 
tiie  mother-in-law  of  a king,  and  the  grandmother  of  a king, 
all  in  her  own  life  1 So  vain  are  all  earthly  honours  and  dis- 
tinctions ! 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  The  long-suffering  of  God  enhances  the  con- 
demnation of  those,  who  are  not  led  by  it  to  repentance. 
(Notes,  Rom.  2:4 — 0.  9:22,23.) — In  his  appointed  time  he  will 
raise  up  and  qualify  suitable  instruments  for  performing  his 
purpose,  whether  of  vengeance  or  of  mercy. — The  faithful 
servants  of  God  must  stand  prepared  for  arduous  and  perilous 
undertakings : and  obedience  to  his  commandments  must 
have  the  precedency  before  all  other  duties.  But,  as  the 
written  word  is  at  present  our  only  rule  of  duty,  it  seldom 
happens,  that  we  are  required  to  act,  even  in  apparent  vio- 
lation of  our  relative  obligations  to  princes,  parents,  masters, 
or  other  superiors;  except  in  professing  those  truths,  and 
attending  on  those  ordinances,  which  they  may  disapprove, 
discountenance,  or  prohibit  , or  in  keeping  aloof  from  those 
superstitions,  or  worldly  places  and  practices,  which  they 
would  enjoin. — Yet  if,  after  all  endeavours  “to  render  ho- 
nour to  whom  honour  is  due,”  ,we  should  be  reproached  or 
11-treated  for  our  conscientious  obedience  to  God,  we  must 
Dear  it  with  meekness  and  patience:  (Notes,  Acts  4:13 — 22, 

19.  23 — 28.  5:29 — 31,41,42.)  and  when  in  danger  of  perse- 
cution, we  are  allowed  to  flee  from  it.  They,  who  are  em- 
ployed as  ministers,  will  be  the  most  exposed  in  these  re- 
spects: for  the  message  of  the  Lord,  meeting  sinners  in  the 
midst  of  their  worldly  pursuits,  singles  them  out,  by  an  appli- 
cation to  their  hearts  and  consciences,  as  if  they  were  ad- 
dressed by  name  : (Note,  2 Sam.  12:7.)  and  while  some  are 
thus  separated  from  their  companions,  and  by  the  unction  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  prepared  for  the  service  of  God  ; others  are 
marked  out,  in  the  midst  of  their  prosperity,  as  in  danger  of 
eternal  misery.  Whilst,  however,  we  conscientiously  adhere 
to  our  instructions,  we  shall  be  accepted,  and  preserved  as 
long  as  is  really  good  for  us. 

V.  11 — 29.  Every  man  should  well  consider  to  what  work 
the  Lord  calls  him,  and  in  what  manner  and  for  what  ends 
ne  ought  to  do  it.  His  special  commission  justifies  the  severest 
executions  of  his  enemies:  but  our  general  instructions  to  do 
good,  and  to  bless,  and  to  overcome  evil  with  good,  point  out 
to  us  more  delightful  services,  in  which  we  should  thankfully 
abound  from  day  to  day.  Yet  the  vengeance  of  God  will  fall 
with  peculiar  weight  upon  the  head  of  those  that  oppress  and 
persecute  his  people  and  ministers ; who  may  deem  them- 
selves highly  favoured,  if  they  are  only  reviled,  and  reproach- 
ed as  fools  and  madmen.  Satisfied  with  the  testimony  of 
their  conscience,  and  the  Lord’s  gracious  acceptance,  they 
may  rejoice  and  be  exceedingly  glad,  at  being  thus  ranked  with 
prophets,  apostles,  and  the  Saviour  himself:  and  instead  of 
resenting  the  opprobrious  terms,  as  an  intolerable  affront, 
may  glory  in  them  as  a most  honourable  distinction.  ( Notes 
Matt.  5:10  12.  1 Pet.  4:12 — 16.)  They  should,  however, 
be  extremely  careful  to  avoid  all  ridiculous  and  unreasonable 
words  and  actions,  that  they  may  give  no  just  occasion  to 
such  malignant  and  injurious  charges ; which,  when  unme- 
rited, car.r.ot  possibly  injure  them,  except  they  make  them 
angry,  contentious,  discontented,  or  reluctant  to  their  duty. 
— The  Lord  often  secretly  disposes  men  to  concur  in  his 
designs,  in  a manner  contrary  to  their  former  conduct,  and 
to  all  human  probabilities:  and  then  such  events,  as  would 
itherwise  have  been  impracticable,  are  speedily  and  easily 
accomplished  and,  to  ask  advice,  is  often  the  readiest  way 
of  obtaining  concurrence  and  assistance.  Prudence  united 
with  vigour  and  despatch,  promises  success  in  the  most  ar- 
duous designs ; and  a disposition  to  “ drive  furiously,”  may 
sometimes  fit  a person  for  peculiar  services,  which  would  not 
so  well  suit  the  temper  of  more  sedate  and  amiable  persons : 
vet  in  general  it  is  no  commendation  of  a man’s  character,  or 

qualification  for  ti  e most  desirable  kinds  of  usefulness’. 

While  sudden  destruction  is  rapidly  approaching,  sinners  are 
still  saying,  Peace,  peace : but  what,  peace  can  there  be  to 
.lie  impenitent  workers  of  iniquity,  and  to  .those  who  have 


B.  C.  884. 

there  are  with  you  chariots  and  horses,  a fenced 
city  also,  and  armour; 

3 “Look  even  out  the  best  and  meetest  of  your 
master’s  sons,  and  set  him  on  his  father’s  throne, 
and  f fight  for  your  master’s  house. 

4 But  they  were  exceedingly  afraid,  and  said, 
^Behold,  two  kings  stood  not  before  him:  hhow 
then  shall  we  stand  ? 

5 And  he  that  was  over  the  house,  and  he  that 
was  over  the  city,  the  elders  also,  and  the  bringers 
up  of  the  children,  sent  to  Jehu,  saying,  ‘We  are 
thy  servants,  and  will  do  all  that  thou  shalt  bid  us  ; 
We  will  not  make  any  king:  do  thou  that  ivhich  is 
good  in  thine  eyes. 

—17.  1 Kings  18:21.  John  18:36.  *9:84,27.  h Is.  27:4.  Jer.  49:19.  Nah.  1:6. 
Luke  14:31.  i 18:14.  Josh.  9:11,24,25.  1 Kings  20:4.  Jer.  27:7,8,17.  John 
12:26. 


tempted  others  to  join  them  in  rebellion  against  God  ? — Noto- 
rious sinners  entail  judgment  on  their  posterity  unto  the  third 
and  fourth  generation,  especially  when  these*walk  in  the  steps 
of  their  progenitors. — The  circumstances  of  temporal  judg- 
ment are  sometimes  remarkably  calculated  to  call  to  remem- 
brance the  crimes  for  which  they  are  inflicted  r so  that  the 
most  superficial  observers  must  perceive  the  justice  of  God 
in  them,  and  acknowledge  that  the  Scriptures  are  fulfilled. 
How  will  it  then  be  in  “ the  day  of  wrath,  and  the  revelation 
of  the  righteous  judgment  of  God,  who  will  render  unto  every 
one  according  to  his  works  ?”  And  if  we  would  escape  the 
destruction  of  the  ungodly,  we  must  avoid  all  intimate  ac- 
quaintance with  them  ; for  “ a companion  of  fools  shall  be 
destroyed.” 

V.  30 — 37.  Some  haughty  transgressors  have  so  long 
prospered  in  their  crimes,  and  domineered  over  all  around 
them,  that  they  suppose  they  can  outbrave  all  opposition,  and 
defy  even  the  justice  of  God  himself.  Their  hearts  grow 
more  hardened  and  insolent,  when  they  are  evidently  upon 
the  brink  of  destruction  : and  an  unhumbled  spirit,  in  alarming 
and  humiliating  circumstances,  is  a distinguishing  mark  of 
those,  who  “are  appointed  unto  wrath.” — They  who  care- 
fully adorn  their  persons  “by  painting  the  face,”  “tiring  the 
hair,  and  putting  on  of  apparel,  ” whilst  their  souls  are  polluted 
with  the  guilt  and  defilement  of  innumerable,  unrepented, 
unpardoned,  unmortified  iniquities,  should  sometimes  turn 
aside  to  view  themselves  in  this  mirror,  and  to  contemplate 
the  conduct  and  fate  of  Jezebel : especially  those  who  use 
these  arts  to  seduce  o'hers  from  the  ways  of  truth  and  righ- 
teousness. Such  persons,  however  noble,  wealthy,  bdautifiil, 
or  successful,  are  emphatically  accursed ; under  the  curse  of 
God  themselves,  and  the  cursed  instruments  of  bringing  others 
into  the  same  condemnation. — Persons  of  royal  extraction  or 
authority,  naturally  annex  the  idea  of  sacred  to  their  dis- 
tinctions ; yet  they  often  pay  no  regard  to  the  sacred  service 
and  honour  of  the  King  of  kings  •*  but  how  can  they  expect 
the  conscientious  Obedience  of  their  subjects , whilst  they  are 
in  a state  of  actual  rebellion  against  their  Sovereign ; and 
attempting  to  corrupt  the  morals  and  principles  of  the  people  1 
Indeed  traitors  are  justly  execrated,  and  seldom  prosper  : but 
the  Lord  often  uses  them  as  the  instruments  of  his  righteous 
vengeance  against  ungodly  princes. — Court-favourites  are 
commonly  a fickle,  timeserving  people.  For  the  sake  of 
emolument,  they  are  very  assiduous  and  lavish  in  their  flat- 
teries : but  when  a revolution  takes  place,  they  often  betray, 
or  even  murder,  the  same  unhappy  persons,  to  secure  them- 
selves, or  to  obtain  still  greater  preferment ! This  is  espe- 
cially to  be  feared  by  those  who  render  themselves  odious 
through  insolence  and  wickedness ; and  who  are  only  served 
out  of  slavish  fear  or  mercenary  hope. — Let  proud  tyrants 
and  oppressors  study  this  chapter  with  fear  and  trembling: 
the  loftiest  will  be  brought  low,  and  every  one  of  them,  in  his 
turn,  must  give  an  account  unto  God,  with  whom  “is  no 
respect  of  persons.”  The  anguish  of  Jezebel’s  death,  and 
the  disgrace  of  her  mangled  limbs,  faintly  shadow  forth  tho 
misery  and  contempt,  which  at  and  after  death  will  be  the 
portion  of  those,  who  have  been  “ the  terror  of  the  mighty  in 
the  land  of  the  living  whose  very  memory  shall  rot  in  intamy. 
This  the  believer  will  foresee  and  expect ; and  at  length  all 
the  world  shall  witness  it  witli  astonishment.  May  we  flee 
from  that  “ wrath  which  is  revealed  from  heaven  against  all 
ungodliness  and  unrighteousness  of  men  and  seek  to  secure 
an  interest  in  those  precious  promises,  that  will  assuredly  be 
performed  in  due  season  ! 

NOTES. — Chap.  X.  V.  1 — 7.  These  seventy  persons 
were  Ahab’s  descendants  by  several  wives,  probably  including 
the  sons  of  Jehoram.  They  resided  at  Samaria,  as  a more 
secure  situation  than  Jezreel:  or  as  some  think,  they  fled 
thither  from  Jezrepl,  when  Jehoram  was  slain  : attended  by 
the  rulers  or  elders  of  Jezreel,  who  nlight  be  supposed  mo?* 
attached  to  the  interests  of  the  family  ; and  by  those  who  had 
superintended  their  education.  Doubtless,  many  of  lbs 
elders  were  the  same  persons,  who  had  put  Naboth  and  ms 
sons  to  death  in  obedience  to  Jezebel;  and,  their  consciences 
and  principles  having  Deen  debauched  by  such  services,  tney 
were  equally  ready  to  murder  the  family  of  Ahab  at  Jehu's 
command.  (Note,  1 Kings  21:8 — 14.)  Jehu  Be,em&  to  have 
been  aware  of  their  base  disposition ; and  he  wrote  letters  to 
( 671  ) 


B.  C 984. 


II.  KINGS.  E.  C.  884. 


6 Then  he  wrote  a letter  the  second  time  to 
them,  saying,  If  ye  be  'mine,  and  if  ye  will 
hearken  unto  my  voice,  ktake  ye  the  heads  of  the 
men  ‘your  master’s  sons,  and  come  to  me  to 
Jezreel  by  to-morrow  this  time.  (Now  the  king’s 
sons  being  seventy  persons,  were  with  the  great 
men  of  the  city  which  brought  them  up.) 

7 And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  letter  came  to 
them,  that  they  took  the  king’s  sons,  and  mslew 
seventy  persons,  and  put  their  heads  in  baskets, 
and  sent  him  them  to  Jezreel. 

8 H And  "there  came  a messenger,  and  told  him, 
saying,  They  have  brought  the  heads  of  the  king’s 
sons.  And  he  said,  Lay  ye  them  in  two  heaps 
at  the  entering  in  of  the  gate  “until  the  morn- 
ing- 

9 And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  morning,  that  he 
went  out,  and  stood,  and  said  to  all  the  people, 
rYe  be  righteous:  behold,  'll  conspired  against 
my  master,  and  slew  him  : but  who  slew  all  these  ? 

10  Know  now  that  there  shall  rfall  unto  the 
earth  nothing  of  the  word  of  the  Lord,  which  the 
Lord  spake  concerning  the  house  of  Ahab  : for 
•the  Lord  hath  done  that  which  he  spake  tby  his 
servant  Elijah. 

11  So  Jehu  slew  all  that  remained  of  the  house 
of  Ahab  in  Jezreel,  and  all  his  great  .men,  and  his 
^kinsfolks,  and  'his  priests,  until  “he  left  him  none 
remaining. 

12  U And  he  arose  and  departed,  and  came  to 

• Heb.  for  me.  See  on  9:32.  Matt.  12:30.  Luke  9:50.  k Num.  25:4.  See 
on  1 Kings  21:8— 11.  1 Deut.  5:9.  Josh.  7:24,25.  Job  21:19.  Is.  14:21,22.  Retr. 
2:20—23.  m9.  11:1.  1 Kinge  21:21.  2Chr.21:4.  Matt.  14:8 — 11.  n2Sam.ll: 
18 — 21.  1 Kings  21:14.  Mark  6:28.  o Deut.  21:23.  p 1 Sam.  12:3.  Is.  5:3. 
q See  or.  9:l4 — 24.  Hos.  1:4  r 1 Sam.  3:19.  15:29.  Jer. 44:28,29.  Zech.  1:6. 
Mark  13:31.  6 See  tan  9:7 — 10.  1 Kings  21:21 — 24,29.  T Heb.  by  the  hand  of . 
9:36.  marg.  } Or,  acquaintance,  t 23:20.  1 Kings  18:19,40.22:6.  Rev.  19:20. 
80:10.  u Josh.  10:30.  11:8.  1 Kings  14:10.  15:29.  16:11.21:22.  Job  18:19.  Ps. 
109:13.  Is.  14:21,22.  § Heb.  house  of  shepherds  binding  sheep.  II  Heb.  found. 

them,  that  by  killing  the  young  princes  by  their  hands,  he 
might  avoid  odium,  and  prevent  further  bloodshed,  and  forward 
the  completion  of  his  purpose : for  as  Samaria  was  strongly 
fortified,  and  defended  by  a much  more  powerful  garrison 
than  Jezreel;  it  might  have  stood  out  against  him  for  a long 
time,  and  at  last  have  been  reduced  with  great  difficulty,  if 
the  princes  had  courageously  defended  it.  He  was  indeed 
commissioned  to  destroy  all  the  house  of  Ahab,  and  he  was 
not  at  all  scrupulous  about  the  means  of  doing  it:  otherwise 
he  would  have  hesitated  at  employing  men  to  serve  him,  with 
such  base  treachery  and  murder.  But  regardless  of  this,  he, 
by  an  intimidating  challenge,  assured  them,  that  if  they 
attempted  to  protect  their  royal  charge,  the  matter  must  be 
decided  by  the  sword.  He  knew  their  strength,  and  he 
would  have  them  to  be  aware  of  his  resolution.  As,  however, 
they  did  not  fear  the  vengeance  and  power  of  God,  but  the 
courage  and  success  of  Jehu,  whom  they  despaired  of  resist- 
ing, they  unreservedly  submitted  to  him.  Nor  did  they, 
when  they  received  his  second  letter,  so  much  as  beg  that 
others  might  be  appointed  to  slay  the  young  princes  ; but,  as 
it  seems,  without  reluctancy,  at  the  first  word,  beheaded  them 
all.  Doubtless  they  had  brought  them  up  delicately,  repeat- 
edly avowed  their  attachment  to  them,  and  bestowed  many 
flattering  encomiums  upon  them.  (Note,  9:30 — 37.)  They 
probably  expected  a reward  from  Jehu ; but  they  seem  to 
have  been  slain  among  the  other  adherents  of  Ahab’s  family. 
(17) — Most  of  these  princes  must  have  been  grown  men, 
though  some  might  be  minors  or  childi*pn. 

V.  8 — 10.  The  heads  of  Ahab’s  sons,  having  been  laid 
in  a place  of  public  concourse,  would  occasion  much  amaze- 
ment and  many  inquiries:  which  gave  Jehu  an  opportunity  of 
addressing  the  multitude  on  the  subject.  He  meant  to  abate 
the  odium  of  his  own  conduct  towards  the  family  of  Ahab, 
by  contrasting  it  with  the  atrocious  treachery  and  cruelty  of 
these  professed  friends,  who  had  been  so  entirely  confided  in 
by  Ahab  and  his  family.  At  fhe  same  time  he  reminded  them, 
that  the  whole  was  a performance  of  the  word  of  the  Lord 
by  Elijah,  which  would  receive  a still  more  exact  comple- 
tion : instead,  therefore,  of  condemning  the  persons  employed 
in  this  bloody  work,  they  ought  to  adore  the  truth  and  justice 
of  God,  and  submit  to  his  will.  Thus  he  likewise  avowed 
his  purpose  of  going  on  with  what  he  had  begun : but.  as  the 
commission  given  him  by  the  prophet  was  not  publicly  Known, 
he  did  not  mention  it.  (Notes,  9:5 — 10,25,26.  1 Kings2\'\l 
—26.  Hos.  1:4,5.) 

V.  11.  Priests.]  These  seem  to  have  been  the  priests, 
or  prophets,  of  Baal  and  othor  idols,  who  had  eaten  at 
Jezebel’s  table,  and  who  presided  over  all  the  others.  As 
they  were  strongly  attached  to  Ahab’s  family,  Jehu  may  be 
supposed  to  have  put  them  to  death  from  reasons  of  state, 
rather  than  from  zeal  against  idolatry. 

V.  13,  14.  All  the  sons  of  Jehoram,  the  father  of  Ahaziah, 
had  been  slain  by  the  Philistines,  during  the  life  of  Jehoram  ; 
•.Notes*  2 Chr.  21:16 — 20.  22:1.)  but  these  persons  seem  to 
( 672  ) 


Samaria.  And  as  he  was  at  the  $shearing-house 
in  the  way, 

13  Jehu  "met  with  "the  brethren  of  Ahaziah 
king  of  Judah,  and  said,  Who  are  ye?  And 
they  answered,  We  are  the  brethren  of  Ahaziah  , 
and  we  go  down  to  "salute  the  children  of  the 
king  and  the  children  of  the  queen. 

14  And  he  said,  rTake  them  alive.  And  they 
took  them  alive,  and  slew  them  at  the  pit  of  the 
shearing-house,  even  two  and  forty  men  ; Neither 

left  he  any  of  them.  [Practical  Observation!. 1 

15  H And  when  he  was  departed  thence,  he 
“lighted  onaJehonadab  the  son  of  bRechab  coming 
to  meet  him : and  he  “saluted  him,  and  said  to 
him,  “Is  thy  heart  right,  as  my  heart  is  with  thy 
heart?  And  Jehonadab  answered,  It  is.  If  it  be, 
dgive  me  thy  hand.  And  he  gave  him  his  hand ; 
and  “he  took  him  up  to  him  into  the  chariot. 

16  And  he  said,  fCome  with  me,  and  see  my 
zeal  for  the  Lord.  So  they  made  him  ride  in  his 
chariot. 

17  And  when  he  came  to  Samaria,  he  slew  all 
that  remained  unto  Ahab  in  Samaria,  still  he  had 
destroyed  him,  ‘’according  to  the  saying  of  the 
Lord,  which  he  spake  to  Elijah. 

18  II  And  Jehu  gathered  all  the  people  together, 
and  said  unto  them,  ‘Ahab  served  Baal  a little ; 
but  kJehu  shall  serve  him  much. 

19  Now  therefore  call  unto  me  ‘all  the  prophets 
of  Baal,  mall  his  servants,  and  "all  his  priests ; let 


1 8:24,29.  9:21—27.  2.  Chr.  21:17.22:1— 10.  Tt  Heb.  the  peace  of.  y 6, 10,11. 
1 Kings  20:18.  z 8:18.  11 :1.  2 Chr. 22:10.  *•  Heb.  fund.  13.  9:21  margins. 
a Jer.  35:6,8,14 — 19.  Jonadab.  b 1 Chr.  2:55.  tt  Heb.  blessed.  See  on  Get;.  31: 
55.  47:7,10.  c I Chr.  12:17,18.  John  21:15—17.  Gal.  4:12.  d Ezra  10:19.  Ez. 
17:18.  Gal. 2:9.  eAct88:31.  f 31 . 9:7— 9.  Num.  23:4.  24:13— 16.  1 Kings  19: 
10,14,17.  Prov.  27:2.  Matt.  6:2.  Rom.  10:2.  g See  on  11. 9:8.  Ps.  109:8,9.  Mai. 
4:1.  h See  on  10.  9:25,26.  1 Kings  21:21.  i 3:2.  1 Kings  16:31.32.  18:19,22,40. 
k Job  13:7.  Rom.  3:8.  Phil.  4:8.  1 3:13.  1 Kinfs  22:6.  m21.  nil. 


have  been  the  sons  of  Ahaziah’s  brethren,  or  his  nephews. 
They  belonged  however  to  Ihe  family  of  Ahab,  and  fell  w ithin 
Jehu’s  commission.  (Marg.  Ref . x.)  They  supposed  Jeho- 
ram and  Jezebel  to  be  still  living  .in  prosperity,  and  were 
going  in  a company  to  see  them : and  thus  they  met  then 
doom,  and  were  slain  by  Jehu. 

V.  15, 16.  (Notes,  Jer.  35:)  Jehonadab  was  eminent  for 
his  cordial  attachment  to  the  worship  of  Jehovah,  and  for  a 
life  of  strict  piety,  and  deadness  to  the  world.  Having  there- 
fore hoard  that  Jehu  was  executing  the  predicted  vengeance 
upon  the  house  of  Ahab,  he  seems  to  have  entertained  hopes 
of  a thorough  reformation,  and  was  desirous  of  giving  his 
cordial  support  to  so  good  a work : and  he  went  to  meet  Jehu, 
who,  with  apparent  piety,  pronounced  a blessing  upon  him  ; 
inquiring  whether  he  met  his  sincere  affection  with  reciprocal 
cordiality.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Indeed  some  think,  that  Jehona- 
dab first  blessed  Jehu,  as  Jacob  •had  blessed  Pharaoh  ; and  that 
then  Jehu  addressed  him.  (Note,  Gen.  47:7.)  Being,  how- 
ever, satisfied  with  Jehonadab’s  answer,  he  took  him  up  into 
his  chariot ; secretly  elated,  as  it  seems,  with  the  concurrence 
of  so  pious  a person,  and  expecting  by  his  influence  to  ac- 
quire the  full  confidence  of  the  people.  But,  had  he  intended 
effectually  to  reform  religion,  he  would  doubtless  have  sent 
for  Elisha,  to  counsel  him  and  concur  with  him  ; and  his  neg- 
lect, in  that  particular,  was  no  favourable  indication  of  hig 
designs.  He  seems  to  have  ostentatiously  boasted  of  his 
“zeal  for  the  Lord,”  and  wanted  to  have  it  noticed:  (Notes, 
Num.  24:16.  Prov.  27:2.)  but  in  reality  he  was  influenced  by 
carnal  policy,  united  with  a temporary  conviction,  and  not  by 
genuine,  pious  zeal. 

V.  17.  The  rulers  and  elders  of  Samaria  readily  allowed 
Jehu  and  his  company  to  enter  the  city,  and  surrendered  all 
its  strong-holds  and  forces  up  to  him:  but  as  no  exception  is 
mentioned,  when,  it  is  said,  “He  slew  all  that  remained  unto 
Ahab  in  Samaria it  is  generally  and  probably  concluded, 
that  he  slew  the  traitorous  rulers  and  elders  also.  Many  love 
the  treachery,  who  despise  or  detest  the  traitors ; and  none, 
when  their  purpose  is  answered,  afterwards  trust  them. 
(Note,  Matt.  27:3—5.) 

V.  18 — 20.  The  kings  of  Israel, who  had  seized  thethrone 
by  conspiring  against  their  predecessors,  had  commonly  imi- 
tated or  exceeded  their  idolatry ; and  this  gave  plausibility  to 
Jehu’s  stratagem : but  it  was  a measure  which  cannot  be  jus- 
tified or  at  all  excused.  It  would  have  been  sufficient,  if  he 
had  destroyed  the  temples  and  images  of  Baal,  and  put  to 
death  the  known  abettors  and  ringleaders  of  his  worship,  and 
every  one  who  should  afterwards  attempt  to  revive  it.  But 
to  draw  them  into  a snare,  by  a direct  falsehood,  ami  to  tempt 
them  to  commit  idolatry,  that  ho  might  slay  them  in  the  very 
act,  was  “ to  do  evil,  that  good  might  come  and  resembled 
the  abhorred  maxim  of  thoso  who  maintain,  that  faith  is  not 
to  be  kept  with  heretics.  (Notes,  Josh.  9:19,20.  2 Sam.  13: 
22—29.  Rom.  3:5—8.) 

V.  21.  Numbers  doubtless  had  boon  drawn  in  to  bow  the 


B.  C.  8S4. 


CHAPTER  X. 


B.  C.  856 


none  be  wanting : for  I have  a great  sacrifice  to 
do  to  Baal : whosoever  shall  he  wanting,  he  shall 
not  live.  “But  Jehu  did  it  in  subtlety,  to  the 
intent  that  he  might  destroy  the  worshippers  of 
Baal. 

20  And  Jehu  said,  ‘Proclaim  a solemn  assembly 
for  Baal.  And  they  proclaimed  it. 

21  And  Jehu  sent  through  all  Israel : and  all 
the  worshippers  of  Baal  came,  so  that  there  was 
not  a man  left  that  came  not.  rAnd  they  came 
into  ‘'the  house  of  Baal ; and  the  house  of  Baal 
rwas  Tull  from  one  end  to  another. 

22  And  lie  said  unto  him  that  was  over  the 
vestry,  Brin<r  forth  ’vestments  for  all  the  wor- 
shippers of  Baal.  And  lie  brought  them  forth 
vestments. 

23  And  Jehu  went,  and  Jehonadab  the  son  of 
Rechab,  into  the  house  of  Baal,  and  said  unto  the 
worshippers  of  Baal,  Search,  and  look  that  there 
be  here  with  you  none  of  the  servants  of  the 
Lord,  but  the  worshippers  of  Baal  only. 

24  And  when  they  went  in  to  offer  sacrifices 
and  burnt-offerings,  Jehu  appointed  fourscore 
men  without,  and  said,  lIf  any  of  the  men  whom 
1 have  brought  into  your  hands  escape,  he  that 
lettelh  him  go,  his  life  shall  be  for  the  life  of  him. 

25  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  soon  as  he  had 
made  an  end  of  offering  the  burnt-offering,  that 
Jehu  said  to  the  guard  and  to  the  captains,  “Go 
in,  and  slay  them;  vlet  none  come  forth.  And 
they  smote  them  with  the  ledge  of  the  sword  ; 
and  the  guard  and  the  captains  cast  them  out, 
ind  went  to  the  city  of  the  house  of  Baal. 

26  And  they  brought  forth  the  ^images  out  of 
the  house  of  Baal,  *and  burned  them. 


*>  Sue  on  18.  2 Cor.  4:2. 11:3,13—15.  12:15—18.  1 The».  2:3.  • Heb.  Sanctify. 

1 Kings  18:19,20.  21:12.  Joel  1:14.  p Joel  3:2,11—14.  Rev.  16:16.  q l Kings 
16:  :2.  r Judg.  16:27.  t Or,  so  full  that  they  stood  mouth  to  mouth,  s Ex. 28:2. 
Malt.  22:11,12.  i 1 Kings  20:30— 42.  u Ez.  9:5,6.  v Dent.  13:9— 11.  Ez. 22:21, 
22.  Rev.  16:6,7.  .Heb  .mouth.  § Heb.  statues.  1 Kings  14:23.  marg.  y.  19:18. 

2 Sam.  5:21.  y 18:4.  23.7— 14.  Lev.  26:30.  Deut.  7:5,25.  1 Kings  16:32.  2Chr. 
34:3—7.  i Ezra  6:11.  Dan.  2:5.  3:29.  a 13:2,11.  14:24.  15:9,18,24,28.  17:22. 
1 Kings  12:23—30.  13:33,34.  14  16.  b Gen.  20:9.  Ex.  32:21.  1 Sam. 2:24.  Mark 
S:24— 26.  1 Cor.  8:9—13.,  Gal  .2:12,13.  c Ex.  32:4.  Hos.  8:5,6.  10:5.  13:2.  d 1 


knee  to  Baal,  in  order  to  obtain  the  favour,  or  escape  the  dis- 
pleasure of  their  rulers,  who  did  not  cordially  approve  of  that 
idolatry,  though  indifferent  about  the  worship  of  Jehovah. 
And  these  would  keep  away  till  Jehu’s  intentions  were  more 
manifest : but  the  zealous  idolaters  were  judicially  infatuated, 
and  attended.  Their  number  must  have  been  small,  com- 
pared with  the  state  of  things  in  the  first  days  of  Elijah  : but 
Jehoram  was  not  so  zealous  for  the  worship  of  Baal,  as  Ahab 
had  been ; and  the  incessant  labours  of  Elisha,  and  the  sons 
of  the  prophets,  must  have  produced  very  great  effects. — 
Some  expositors,  however,  think  that  by  the  servants  of  Baal, 
(as  in  the  original,)  his  worshippers  in  general  are  not  meant, 
nut  the  persons  who  ministered  to  the  prophets  and  priests  of 
Baal,  as  the  Levites  and  Nethinims  did  to  the  sons  of  Aaron. 

V.  22.  Vestments.]  The  prophets,  priests,  and  servants 
of  Baal  wore  distinguishing  garments,  in  which  they  were 
accustomed  to  perform  their  religious  services.  ( Mart;.  Ref.. 
Note,  Zeph.  1:4.) 

V.  23.  None  of,  &c.]  This  was  spoken  in  a dissembled 
zeal  to  preserve  the  purity  of  the  worship  of  Baal : but  had 
not  the  idolaters  been  judicially  infatuated,  they  must  have 
suspected  some  design  concealed  under  such  a precaution. 

V.  24,  25.  ( Note,  1 Kings  20:41,42.)— Perhaps,  all  the 
servants  of  Baal  were  not  collected,  nor  all  others  separated, 
till  the  sacrifices  were  placed  upon  the  altar;  and  therefore 
they  were  permitted  to  go  through  with  their  worship. — We 
may  suppose  that  Jehonadab  so  much  approved  the  substance 
of  Jehu’s  service,  that  he  was  willing  to  allow  for  the  infor- 
mality with  which  it  was  performed:  otherwise  he  certainly 
could  not  approve  of  his  dissimulation,  or  his  attendance  on 
an  idolatrous  sacrifice  with  apparent  satisfaction.  When  the 
captains  and  men,  employed  by  Jehu,  had  slain  all  the  priests 
and  servants  of  Baal,  within  the  precincts  of  the  temple, 
(which  a small  company  of  armed  men  might  readily  do, 
some  watching  at  the  gates  to  intercept  those  who  attempted 
to  escape,  and  others  entering  sword  in  hand  among  a de- 
fenceless confined  company;)  and  had  made  themselves  sure 
that  they  were  all  dead,  by  casting  out  their  bodies ; they 
hastened  to  the  city  of  the  house  of  Baal”  to  complete 
Jehu’s  design.  For  it  seems  that  the  buildings  around  the 
temple  of  Baal  and  the  courts  of  the  temple,  which  had  been 
erected  for  the  accommodation  of  his  priests  and  i heir  attend- 
ants, were  so  numerous,  as  to  form  a kind  of  city  by  them- 
selves. 

V.  2G,  27.  Mare.  Ref —A  draught-house.  (27)  The 
citizens  thenceforth  made  a practice  of  carrying  all  the  filth 
and  rubbish  of  Samaria  to  that  place,  in  contempt  and  abhor- 

Voi,.  I. — 85 


27  And  they  *braKe  down  tie  .mage  of  Baal 
and  brake  down  the  house  of  Baal,  and  made  it 
’a  draught-house  unto  this  day. 

28  Tints  Jehu  destroyed  Baal  out  of  Israel. 

29  61  Howbeit,  from  “the  sins  of  Jeroboam  the 
son  of  Nebat,  who  bmade  Israel  to  sin,  Jehu 
departed  not  from  after  them,  to  wit,  cthe  golden 
calves  that  were  din  Beth-el,  and  that  were  in 
Dan. 

30  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Jehu,  “Because 
thou  hast  done  well  in  exectR  ng  that  which  is 
right  in  mine  eyes,  and  hast  done  unto  the  house 
of  Ahab  'according  to  all  that  was  in  my  heart, 
ethy  children  of  the  fourth  generation  shall  sit  on 
the  throne  of  Israel. 

31  But  Jehu  Hook  hno  heed  to  ‘walk  in  the  law 
of  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  with  all  his  heart : for 
khe  departed  not  from  the  sins  of  Jeroboam,  which 
made  Israel  to  sin. 

32  61  In  those  days  the  Lord  began  to  1!cm 
Israel  short : and  ‘"Hazael  smote  them  in  all  the 
coasts  of  Israel ; 

33  From  Jordan  "eastward, all  "the  land  of  t-b.c 
Gilead,  the  Gadites,  and  the  Reubenites,  and  1- 8.60 
the  Manassites  from  Aroer,  which  is  by  the  river 
Arnon,  iteven  Gilead  and  Bashan. 

34  Now  “the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jehu,  and  all 
that  he  did,  and  all  his  might,  are  they  not  written 
in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel  ? 

35  And  Jehu  Pslept  with  his  fathers : and  they 
buried  him  in  Samaria.  And  Hehoahaz  his  son 
reigned  in  his  stead. 

36  And  ttthe  time  that  Jehu  reigned  over  tb.  c. 
Israel  in  Samaria  was  twenty  and  eight  L 856- 
years. 

Kings  12:29.  e 1 Kings  21:29.  Ez.  29:18— 20.  Hos.  1:4.  f 1 Sam.  15:18— 24. 
1 Kings20;42.  21:22.  g 35.  13: 10.  14:23.  15:8,12.  ||  Heb.  observed  not.  h Deut. 
4:15,23.  1 Kings  2:4.  Ps.  39: 1 . 119:9.  Prov.  4:23.  Heb.  2:1.  12.15.  i Dent.  5:33. 
10:12,13.  2 Chr.  6:16.  Neh.  10:29.  Ps.  78:10.  Ez.  36:27.  Dan.  9:10.  k See  an 
29.3:3.  1 Kings  14:16.  U Heb.  cut  off  the  ends  of.  m 8: 12.  13:22.  1 Kings  19; 
17.  **  Heb.  toward  the  rising  of  the  sun.  n Num.  32:33 — 42.  Deut.  3:l*i— 17. 
Josh.  13:9 — 12.  tt  Or,  even  to  Gilead,  Sfc.  Am.  1:3,4.  o 12:19.  13:8  See  on 
1 Kings  11:41.  14:19,29.  p See  on  2 Sam.  7:12.  1 Kings  1:21.  2:10.  14:20,31 
q 13:1,7,8.  Heb.  the  days  were.  # 


rence  of  the  idolatry  which  had  been  there  committed. 
( Marg . Ref.  z.) 

Y.  28.  After  this,  the  worship  of  Baal  does  not  appear  to 
have  ever  been  restored  in  the  kingdom  of  Israel,  though 
other  idolatry  abounded. 

V.  29 — 31.  Had  Jehu  acted  from  genuine  zeal  for  the 
honour  of  God,  in  destroying  the  worship  of  Baal,  he  would 
also  have  put  down  the  worship  of  the  golden  calves ; that 
idolatry  being  as  expressly  forbidden  by  the  second,  as  the 
other  was  by  th e first  commandment.  But  that  was  a politic 
and  profitable  sin,  and  it  appeared  dangerous  to  attempt  any 
thing  against  it.  In  his  general  conduct  also  “he  took  no 
heed  to  walk  in  the  law  of  the  Lord  . . . with  all  his  heart,” 
so  that  his  religious  zeal  was  partial,  politic,  and  selfish.  The 
Lord,  however,  sent  a prophet  to  assure  him,  that  he  had 
done  right,  in  executing  vengeance  on  Allah’s  family,  as  well 
as  in  destroying  the  worship  of  Baal ; and  to  promise  him  a 
suitable  recompense.  Accordingly,  his  family  sat  on  the 
throne  of  Israel  longer  than  any  other  family  did,  either  be- 
fore or  after;  as  the  fourth  generation  reached  to  above  one 
hundred  years  from  the  time  when  Jehu  ascended  the  throne. 
(Notes,  15:8,12.)  Yet,  in  other  respects  these  very  actions  of 
Jehu  were  deemed  deserving  of  punishment.  (Note,  Hos. 
1:4,5.)  The  repetition  used  concerning  Jeroboam,  “who 
made  Israel  to  sin,”  emphatically  shows  the  extreme  crimi- 
nality of  his  conduct  in  the  sight  of  God,  as  thus  opening  the. 
way,  and  setting  the  example,  for  all  the  idolatries  of  Israel,, 
till  that  kingdom  was  subverted.  He  was,  in  some  respects, 
answerable  for  the  whole. 

V.  32—36.  Hazael  smote  that  region,  which  lay  east  of 
Jordan : but  he  did  not  desolate  it : this  was  afterwards  done 
by  the  kings  of  Assyria.  (Note,  1 Chr.  5:25,26.)  At  this  time 
he  committed  those  barbarities  which  Elisha  hod  predicted, 
and  we  may  suppose  that  the  miseries  of  Israel  were  very 
great.  (Notes,  8:12,13.  Am.  1:3— 5.)  But  from  the  period, 
when  Jehu  ceased  to  do  the  work  assigned  him  by  God,  his 
actions  and  might  are  no  further  noticed  in  sacred  Scripture, 
and  the  account  of  his  reign  is  very  compendious.  (Marg 
Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 14.  How  soon  are  the  most  flourishing  families  and 
kingdoms  desolated,  when  God  arises  to  execute  his  judg- 
ments !— Such  as  bequeath  his  blessing  to  their  children  in 
answer  to  thein  prayers,  and  as  a gracious  recompense  of  their 
faith  and  charity,  provide  in  a fa-  betler  manner  for  them, 
than  those  who  leave  estates  to  it  eir  descendants,  burdenea 
with  the  indignation  of  the  Lord,  for  their  injustice,  oppression, 
( 673  ) 


S C.  884. 


II.  KINGS 


B.  C.  876 


CHAPTER  XI. 

.thaliah  murders  the  seed  royal  of  Judah  : but  Jonah , the  infant  son  of  Aha- 
ziah, is  preserved  by  Jehosheba  in  the  temple , 1 — 3.  Jehoiada  the  high 
prirsl,  in  the  seventh  year,  having  taken  proper  measures , anoints  and 
crowns  him,  4—12.  Athaliah,  pressing  into  the  temple , is  seized  and  slain , 
13 — 16.  Jehoiada  makes  a covenant  between  the  LORD , the  king,  and  the 
veople  ; arid  destroys  the  worship  of  Baal , 17,18.  Joash  reigns  in  peace , 
and  the  people  rejoice , 19 — 21. 

AND  when  “Athaliah  bthe  mother  of  Ahaziah 
saw  that  her  son  was  dead,  she  arose  cand 
ilastroyed  all  the  ‘seed  royal. 

b 2 ' hr.  22:10.  24:7.  b 8:26.  9:27.  c Matt.  2:13,16  . 21 :38, 39.  • Heb . need  of 
the  kingdom.  25:25.  marg . Jer.  41:1.  d2Chr.22?ll.  Jehoshabearh.  e 8:16. 
Jehoram.  f 12:1,2.  Jehoash.  g8:19.  Prov.  21:30.  Is.  7:6,7.  37:35.65:8  9 Jer. 

and  impiety. — The  selfishness  of  the  human  heart  gives  pecu- 
liar energy  to  those  temptations,  which  powerfully  assail  their 
hopes  and  fears  as  to  this  life.  Where  this  principle  has  the 
ascendency,  men  may  be  induced  to  such  treachery  and 
cruelty,  as  before  they  never  thought  of : arid  those,  who  in- 
fluence their  inferiors  to  practise  iniquity  for  them,  need  not 
to  be  surprised  if  they  commit  similar  crimes  against  them. 
But  nothing  except  faith,  fear  of  God,  love  to  his  name,  and 
the  hope  of  eternal  life,  can  give  a decided  victory  over  all 
temptations ; and  enable  us  to  obey  the  Lord,  and  venture  all 
consequences  in  his  service.- -Those  who  have  done  things 
really,  or  apparently  evil,  are  often  disposed  to  draw  in  others 
to  act  in  a manner  more  evidently  and  grossly  iniquitous  ; and 
then  to  conclude,  that  they  shall  be  acquitted  by  righteous 
judges,  not  being  themselves  so  atrociously  criminal.  Yet  the 
law  of  God,  and  not  any  conduct  of  man,  is  the  rule  by  which 
our  actions  are  to  be  judged : and,  though  tempters  generally 
prove  accusers,  a moiety  of  the  guilt  of  every  crime  perpetrated 
at  their  instance,  properly  belongs  to  them. — We  readily  per- 
ceive the  propriety  of  submitting  where  we  are  unable  to 
withstand,  and  of  taking  warning  by  the  examples  of  those 
who  have  in  vain  opposed  the  will  of  earthly  princes ; at  least 
we  are  naturally  disposed  at  any  price  to  pacify  their  displea- 
sure. But  are  not  sinners  sensible  that  they  cannot  stand 
against  the  indignation  of  the  Almighty?  And  yet  they  per- 
sist in  rebellion  against  him,  and  will  not  take  proper  measures, 
or  make  proper  submissions,  to  avert  his  wrath  and  recover 
his  favour ! — If  we  call  ourselves  the  servants  of  earthly  po- 
tentates, they  expect  that  our  obedience  to  their  mandates 
should  evince  the  sincerity  of  our  professions : and  if  we  are 
the  Lord’s,  we  must  show  that  we  are  devoted  to  him  by  doing 
his  will ; and  he  Rever  did,  nor  can  command  any  thing  unjust 
or  unreasonable. — In  the  most  awful  transactions  however, 
even  though  attended  by  the  basest  villanies,  the  truth  and 
justice  of  God  ought  to  be  acknowledged  ; nay,  true  faith  as- 
sures us  of  them,  even  when  to  us  imperceptible : for  no  word 
of  God  can  fall  to  the  ground,  but  all  will  be  performed  ; and 
then  his  glory  will  be  conspicuous  to  the  whole  world. — We 
should  dread  and  abhor  the  man  who  had  murdered  our 

fiarents  or  children,  the  wife  of  our  bosom,  or  our  beloved 
riends ; and  who  had  aimed  a dagger  at  our  hearts,  and  having 
repeatedly  wounded  us,  still  avowed  his  purpose  of  assassinat- 
ing us.  But  when  we  look  back  upon  our  deceased  relatives, 
or  forward  to  our  own  dissolution:  when  we  reflect  on  the 
sufferings  which  we  or  ours  endure  or  fear,  or  on  those  mise- 
ries which  render  the  earth  like  one  great  hospital,  slaughter- 
house, and  burying-ground ; when  we  consider  the  innumera- 
ble millions  of  human  bodies,  which  have  been  consigned  to  the 
tomb,  and  are  reverted  to  the  dust ; and  the  immense  multi- 
tudes daily  following:  yea,  when  our  believing  thoughts  make 
excursions  into  the  invisible  world,  and  survey  the  miseries 
of  fallen  angels,  and  departed  souls  consigned  to  the  place 
of  torment : or  when  we  look  forward  to  the  rbsurrection  and 
the  final  judgment,  and  view  the  innumerable  millions  of  the 
wicked,  appalled  with  horror  and  despair,  amending  to  the 
awful  sentence,  “Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting 
fire,  prepared  for  the  devil,  and  his  angels:”  in  short,  when 
the  aggregate  of  all  the  misery  in  the  whole  creation,  through 
eternal  ages,  has  been  considered,  and  the  question  occurs, 
t;  Who  slew  all  these  ?”  the  answer  will  be,  sin  ! transgres- 
sion of  God’s  law  has  made  all  this  havoc,  and  introduced 
all  this  misery  into  his  most  perfect  creation  ; and,  worse  than 
all  this,  sin  has  crucified  the  Lord  of  glory.  Shall  we 
then  lodge  this  viper  in  our  bosom,  and  madly  seek  for  happi- 
ness from  the  cause  of  all  possible  misery  ? Rather  we  should 
abhor  and  dread  it  with  that  complete  detestation,  which 
would  render  its  distant  approach  more  formidable  to  us  than 
any  temporal  pain  or  affliction  imaginable. 

V.  15 — 36.  Men  of  eminent  godliness  should  countenance 
every  work  of  public  reformation ; and  wise  men  will  value 
their  presence  and  assistance.  But  they  are  frequently  too 
hasty  in  their  concurrence,  and  too  sanguine  in  their  expec- 
tations, when  those  in  exalted  stations  stand  forth  as  the  pro- 
fessed friends  of  religion:  and  thus  they  are  drawn  in  to 
sanction  those  wrong  measures  which  they  arc  unable  to  pre- 
vent, to  the  discredit  of  the  common  cause. — Hypocrites  and 
self- deceivers  are  often  ready  to  say  to  eminently  pious  per- 
sons, “ Come  and  see  our  zeal  for  the  Lord  when  they  are 
only  aiming,  by  the  assistance  of  a party,  to  establish  their 
own  authority  and  reputation,  or  other  secular  interests.  And 
when  men’s  professions  are  very  strong,  their  progress  very 
rapid,  and  their  zeal  tarnished  with  ostentation,  or  leavened 
with  subtlety  and  a fickle  or  fierce  demeanour;  they  may 
jusflv  be  suspected,  and  need  to  he  watched  and  admonished 
( G 74  ) 


2 But  d Jehosheba,  the  daughter  of  king  cJoram, 
sister  of  Ahaziah,  took  r Joash  the  son  of  Ahaziah, 
and  stole  him  from  among  the  king’s  sons  which 
were  slain ; and  «they  hid  him,  even  him  and  his 
nurse,  hin  the  bedchamber  from  Athaliah,  so  that 
he  was  not  slain. 

3 And  he  was  with  her  hid  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord  six  years.  'And  Athaliah  did  reign  over 
the  land. 


33:17,21,26.  h See  on  1 Kingo  6:5,6,8,10.  Jer.  35:2.  Ez.  40:45.  i2  ihr.  22:12. 
Ph.  12.8.  Mai.  3:15. 


by  those,  who  would  avoid  subsequent  painful  reflections. 
Vehemence  and  severity  indeed  were  in  some  measure  con- 
sistent with  the  awful  executions  which  a righteous  God  com- 
manded in  these  ancient  times:  yet  the  manner,  m which  his 
orders  were  performed,  might  indicate  a very  improper  spirit. 
Zeal,  however,  in  the  cause  of  God,  is  worthless,  except  it  be 
tempered  with  humility,  meekness,  kindness,  and  a peaceable 
frame  of  mind:  as  furious  contentions  and  bitter  recrimina- 
tions cannot  adorn  the  gospel,  or  mee.t  the  divine  acceptance  ; 
for  neither  the  wrath  nor  the  falsehood  of  man  can  u worlc  the 
righteousness  of  God.”  (Notes,  JLvke  9:51 — 56.  Jam.  3:13— 
18.) — Hypocrites  betray  themselves  by  their  earnestness 
about  one  part  of  religion,  and  their  indifference  about  others  • 
and  generally  profitable  or  plausible  sins  are  spared,  while 
those,  which  would  injure  them  with  their  party,  are  cast  off 
Yet  the  church,  and  the  world,  may  reap  advantage  from  their 
partial  obedience  : and  God  will  not  remain  as  it  were  indebt- 
ed to  them;  but  will  recompense  their  external  services  witn 
external  rewards,  and  at  the  same  time  visit  their  sins  with 
deserved  punishments.  Much  more  then  will  he  recompense 
the  upright  services  of  his  believing  people,  who  may  be  en- 
couraged by  this  consideration  to  abound  in  his  work.-~The 
servants  of  Satan  are  often  open  enough  in  avowing  what 
master  they  serve ; it  is  therefore  shameful  and  deplorable, 
when  the  servants  of  the  Lord  are  unwilling  that  men  should 
know  that  they  are  employed  by  him. — If  the  wicked  could  so 
separate  the  people  of  God  from  their  company,  as  to  let 
none  remain  in  it,  we  might  be  sure  that  destruction  was  pre- 
paring for  them:  but  what  ble>sed  ordinances  should  we  have* 
if  no  servants  of  ssn  and  Satan  crept  in  among  the  worship- 
pers of  the  Lord!  Generally,  if  not  always,  we  must  say, 
“Ye  are  clean,  but  not  all.”  Nay,  many  are  useful  to  the 
souls  of  others,  who  themselves  prove  apostates  and  cast- 
aways. The  Lord  grant  that  this  may  not  be  the  case  with 
the  writer,  or  any  of  the  readers,  of  these  observations  ! 

NOTES.— Chap.  XI.  V.  1,  2.  (Notes,  9:27,29.  10:13, 
14.)  It  is  probable  that  Athaliah  was  left  in  authority,  when 
Ahaziah  went  to  visit  Jehoram  : and,  being  informed  that  he 
was  slain,  she  proceeded  to  destroy  “all  the  seed  royal,”  or 
the  seed  of  the  kingdom ; that  is,  all  who  could  claim  the  king- 
dom, as  descended  from  David’s  royal  race.  This  seems  to 
include  all  the  males  whom  Athaliah  knew  to  belong  to  that 
family,  especially  in  the  line  of  Solomon  and  Rehoboam, 
without  excepting  even  her  own  grandchildren  by  Ahaziah. 
Some  think,  an  impious  revenge  actuated  her : and  that,  as 
God  had  ordered  the  family  of  Ahab,  (whose  daughter  she 
was,)  to  he  destroyed;  so  she  was  determined  to  extirpate 
that  family  which  he  especially  favoured.  But  it  is  more  cer- 
tain that  she  was  influenced  by  ambition,  and  desired  to  reign 
without  a competitor;  and  to  he  able  to  defend  herself  against 
Jehu,  by  whom  she  must  think  herself  marked  for  destruction 
By  this  concurrence  of  events,  Jehoshaphat’s  alliance  with  the 
house  of  Ahab  proved  almost  the  total  ruin  of  his  family  ; and 
of  the  house  of  David,  from  whence  the  Messiah  was  to  de- 
scend ! To  appearance,  and  in  Athaliah’s  intention,  it  was 
exterminated;  and  indeed  that  branch, which  descended  from 
Johoshaphat,  was  so  interw'oven  with  Allah’s  devoted  family, 
that  without  a favourable  construction  of  the  sentence,  none 
of  them  could  have  been  spared:  for  Jehoshaphat’s  o’her  sons 
had  been  slain  by  Jehoram,  as  soon  as  he  had  got  possession 
of  the  throne,  so  that  all  who  survived  were  the  descendants 
of  Ahab  as  well  as  of  Johoshaphat.  (Note,  2 Chr.  21:4.) 
But  by  an  act  of  grace,  as  it  were,  Joash,  being  both  a branch 
of  the  house  of  David,  and  of  that  of  Ahab,  was  considered 
as  belonging  to  the  former  family,  and  snatched  as  “ a brand 
from  the  burning.”  (Notes,  3:7.  1 Kings  22:1 — 4.) — Some 

think  that  he  was  left  for  dead  among  the  other  victims  of 
Athaliah’s  ambition;  but  being  taken  away,  he  revived  and 
was  recovered : or  else  he  was  removed  when  they  were 
slaying  the  others,  and  either  was  not  sought  for,  or  could 
not  be  found.  Jehosheba,  though  the  daughter  of  Jehoram, 
(whether  by  Athaliah,  or  some  other  wife  is  not  certain,)  had 
been  married  some  time  before  to  Jehoiada  the  high-priest; 
God,  thus  preparing  for  the  protection  of  Joash,  before  the 
danger  became  apparent.. — Jehosheba  concealed  Joash  in 
some  of  the  chambers  set  apart  for  the  use  of  the  priests* 
within  the  precincts  of  the  temple,  where  he  remained  in  safety; 
Athaliah  not  suspecting  that  any  male  branch  of  the  family 
survived. 

V.  3.  It  seems  that  the  degenerate  race  of  Judfih  did  not 
oppose  the  usurpation  of  this  vile  woman ! W e ate  informed 
of  nothing  respecting  Athaliah’s  conduct,  during  her  continu- 
ance in  authority,  but  that  she  supported  the  Ivors! -ip  of  Baalf 
as  a genuine  daught  er  of  Jezebel. 


B. C 878. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


B.  C.  878 


b.  c.-i  4 IF  And  “the  seventh  year  Jehoiada  sent 
87S-  ■*  ami  fetched  the  ‘rulers  over  hundreds,  with 
mthe  captains  and  the  guard,  and  brought  them  to 
him  into  the  house  ol'  the  Loro,  and  "made  a 
covenant  with  them,  and  "took  an  oath  of  them 
in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  showed  them  the 
king’s  son. 

5 And  he  commanded  them,  saying,  This  is  the 
thing  that  ye  shall  do  : a third  part  of  you  That 
enter  in  on  the  sabbath  shall  even  be  keepers  of 
<>the  watcji  of  the  king’s  house ; 

6 And  a third  part  shall  be  at  rthe  gate  of  Sur  ; 
and  a third  part  at  the  gate  behind  the  guard  : so 
shall  ye  keep  the  watch  of  the  house,  'that  it  be 
not  broken  down. 

7 And  two  'parts  of  all  you  that  ^go  forth  on 
the  sabbath,  even  they  shall  keep  the  watch  of 
the  house  of  the  Lord  about  the  king. 

8 And  ye  shall  compass  the  king  round  about, 
every  man  with  his  weapons  in  his  hand  : and  lhe 
that  cometh  within  the  ranges,  let  him  be  slain. 
And  be  ye  with  the  king  as  he  goeth  out  and  as 
he  cometh  in. 

9 And  "the  captains  over  the  hundreds  did 
according  to  all  thing's  that  Jehoiada  the  priest 
commanded  : and  they  took  every  man  his  men 
that  were  to  come  in  on  the  sabbath,  with  them 
that  should  go  out  on  the  sabbath,  and  came  to 
Jehoiada  the  priest. 

10  And  to  the  captains  over  hundreds  did  the 
priests  give  xking  David’s  spears  and  shields,  that 
were  in  the  temple  of  the  Lord. 

k 2 Chr.  23:1.  1 9.  1 Chr.  9:13.  m Acts  5:24,20.  n 17.23:3.  Josh.  24:25. 
1 Sam.  13:3.  23:18.  2 Chr.  15:12.  29:1U.  34:31,32.  Neh.  9:38.  o Gen.  50: 

25.  1 Kings  18:10.  Neh.  5:12.  10:29.  p 1 Chr.  9:25.  23:3-6,32.  24:3-6. 
Luke  1:8,9.  q 19.  16:18.  I Kings  10:5.  Jer.  25:10.  Ez.  44:2,3.46:2,3.  r 1 Chr. 
2S:13 — 19.  2 Chr.  23:4,5.  * Or,  from  breaking  up . f Or,  companies.  Heb. 

hands,  s See  on  5.  2 • hr.  23:6.  t 15.  Ex.  21:14.  1 Kings  2:28 — 31.  2 Chr.  23: 
7.  u See  on  4.  2 Chr. 23:8.  x 1 Sam.  21:9.  2 Sam.  8:7.  1 Chr.  26:26,27  . 2 Chr. 
5:1. 23:9,11).  y 8,10.  tHeb.fi/toaMer.  z Ex.  40:6.  2 Chr.  6:12.  Ez.  8:16.  Joel 
•:17.  Matt.  23:35.  Luke  11:51.  a 2,4.  2 Chr.  23:11.  b2  Sam.  1:10.  12:30. 
Esth.  2:17.  6:8.  Ps.21:3.  89:39.132:18.  Matt.  27:29.  Heb.  2:9.  Rev.  19:12. 
e Ex.  25:16.31:18.  Deut.  17.18 — 20.  Ps.  78:5.  Is.  8:16,20.  d 9:3.  1 Sam.  10:1. 


V.  4.  Jehoiada,  as,high-priest,  and  as  having  the  lawful 
heir  to  the  crown  under  his  care,  was  fully  authorized  to  act 
on  this  occasion.  Indeed  Jehosheba  herself  had  a far  better 
right  to  the  throne,  than  Athaliah. — All  the  persons,  whom 
Jehoida  first  employed,  seem  to  have  been  Levites ; though 
others,  by  their  means,  were  afterwards  brought  to  concur. 
(Note,  2 Chr. ‘23:1, 2.)  For  the  Levites  were  numbered,  and 
arranged  in  companies  under  their  several  heads,  called  cap- 
tains, or  leaders ; and  they  attended  upon  the  service  of  the 
temple,  in  rotation,  by  weekly  courses.  ( Notes , 1 Chr.  23:2 
— 6.  2-5:1 — 6.  26:6 — 12,  v.  6.)  These  were  first  informed  by 
Jehoiada,  that  the  king's  son  was  in  the  temple,  and  that 
he  intended  to  place  him  on  the  throne:  and  he  proposed  to 
make  a solemn  agreement  with  them  before  God,  to  which 
they  readily  acceded,  and  hourfd  themselves  by  oath  to  fide- 
lity. Perhaps  Athaliah’s  government  had  grown  intolerably 
oppressive ; or  Jehoiada  perceived  that  its  continuance 
threatened  the  destruction  of  religion : therefore  the  priests, 
and  the  chief  of  the  Levites,  as  most  immediately  engaged 
for  the  support  of  that  cause,  went  among  their  brethren,  to 
prepare  their  minds  to  attempt  a deliverance. 

V.  o — 9.  The  Levites  attended  in  their  courses  every 
week  ; one  company  coming  in  at  the  beginn'ng  of  the  sab- 
bath, and  another  going  out  at  the  close  of  it.  But  Jehoiada 
employed  both  companies  on  this  occasion  ; such  only  ex- 
cepted, as  were  only  necessary  to  perform  the  ordinary 
services.— By  “ the  king’s  house”  some  understand  the  cham- 
ber in  which  Joash  resided : others  the  royal  palace,  from 
which  there  was  an  entrance  into  the  court  of  the  temple. 
This  was  guarded  by  one  division  of  those  who  came  in  on 
the  sabbath  to  prevent  a surprise;  another  was  set  to  guard 
u the  gate  of  Sur,”  or,  the  foundation  ; and  another  to  protect 
the  temple  and  courts  from  injury  ; or,  as  the  original  may 
mean,  to  guard  the  breach,  which  had  been  made  in  the  tem- 
ple, or  its  out-buildings.  (2  Chr.  24:7.)  Others  of  those 
Levites  who  went  out  on  the  sabbath,  were  stationed  to 
guard  the  king  himself,  with  orders  to  slay  any  one  who 
attempted  to  come  within  their  ranks.  Two-thirds  are  men- 
tioned of  these  Levites,  as  some  of  them  might  have  urgent 
calls  to  return  to  their  families.  These  arrangements  no 
doubt  were  supposed  suitable,  and  sufficient  to  secure  the 
temple  from  being  polluted  by  the  guards  or  favourers  of 
4.thaliah,  whilst  Jehoiada  and  his  sons  were  engaged  in 
crowning  and  anointing  Joash.  {Notes,  12.  2 Chr.  23:11.) 
— By  employing  the  Levites  almost  exclusively,  all  suspicion 
was  precluded  : and,  as  the  throne  belonged  to  the  family  of 
David,  not  only  by  hereditary  succession,  but  by  the  special 
appointment  of  God;  and  as  these  rights,  and  all  the  interests 
of  the  kingdom  of  Judah,  and  even  the  worship  of  God,  were 
basely  trampled  upon  by  a murderous  and  idolatrous  woman. 


11  And  the  guard  stood,  revery  man  with  hi? 
weapons  in  his  hand,  round  about  the  king,  from 
the  right  ^corner  of  the  temple  to  the  left  corner 
of  the  temple,  along  zby  the  altar  and  the  tem- 
ple. 

12  And  ahe  brought  forth  the  king’s  son,  and 
bput  the  crown  upon  him,  and  gave  him  cthe 
testimony  : and  they  made  him  king,  and  ‘‘anointed 
him ; and  they  'clapped  their  hands,  f and  said, 

§God  save  the  king.  [Practical  Observations.] 

13  H And  swhen  Athaliah  heard  the  noise  of 
the  guard  and  of  the  people,  she  came  to  the 
people  into  the  temple  of  the  Lord. 

14  And  when  she  looked,  behold,  the  king 
stood  by  ha  pillar,  as  the  manner  was,  and  ‘the 
princes  and  the  trumpeters  by  the  kin^,  and  ‘‘all 
the  people  of  the  land  rejoiced,  -and  blew  with 
trumpets.  And  Athaliah  rent  her  clothes,  and 
cried,  'Treason,  treason  ! 

15  But  Jehoiada  the  priest  commanded  the 
■"captains  of  the  hundreds,  the  officers  of  the  host, 
and  said  unto  them,  Have  her  forth  without  the 
ranges  : and  him  that  "followeth  her  kill  with  the 
sword.  For  the  priest  had  said,  "Let  her  not  be 
slain  in  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

16  And  they  laid  hands  on  her;  and  she  went 
by  the  way  rby  the  which  the  horses  came  into 
the  king’s  house : and  There  was  she  slain. 

17  U And  Jehoiada  r«nade  a covenant  between 
the  Lord  and  the  king  and  the  people,  that  they 
should  be  the  Lord’s  people ; 'between  the  king 
also  and  the  people. 


16:13  2 Sam.  2:4.  5:3.  1 Kings  1:39.  Lam.  4:20.  Acts  4:27.  2 Cor.  1:21.  Deb. 
1:9.  e Ps.  47:1.  98:8.  Is.  55:12.  fl  Kings  1:34.  Ps.  72: 15-  17.  Dan.  3:9.  6:21 . 
Matt.  21:9.  § Heb.  Let  the  king  live.  1 Sam.  10:24.  2 Sam.  16- 16.  mar? ins. 
e 2 Chr.  23: 12— 15.  h 23:3.  2 Chr . 34:31 . i 10:11.  See  on  Num.  10:1— 10.  kl 
Kings  1:39,40.  1 Chr.  12:40.  Prov.  29:2.  Luke  19:37.  Rev.  19:1—7.  1 1,2.9:23. 
1 Kings  18:17,19.  m 4,9,10.  2 Chr.  23:9,14.  n See  on  8.  o Ez.  9.7.  p2Chr. 
23-15.  q Judg.  1:7.  Matt.  7:2.  Jam.  2:13.  Rev.  16:5 — 7.  r See  ott  4.  Dent.  5: 
2,3.29:1— 15.“Josh.  24:25.  2 Chr.  15: 12— 14.  29:10  . 34:31 . Ezra  10:3.  Neh.  5:12, 
13.  9:38.  10:28,29.  s 1 Sam.  10:25.  2 Sam.  5:3.  1 Chr.  11:3.  2 Chr.  23:16.  Rom. 
13:1—6. 


of  the  devoted  house  of  Ahab  ; they  were  fully  justified  in 
these  decided  measures  against  her.  Perhaps  they  were  like- 
wise assured  of  the  concurrence  of  the  people,  when  matters 
were  ripe  for  their  interposition. 

V.  10.  It  is  probable,  that  these  were  arms  which  David 
had  taken  from  his  conquered  enemies,  and  dedicated  to  the 
Lord,  by  way  of  ascribing  the  honour  of  his  success  to  him. 
{Marg.  Ref.  x.)  This  tends  to  confirm  the  interpretation 
before  given,  concerning  these  captains  : namely,  that  they 
were  not  military  officers,  as  some  suppose  ; but  the  leaders 
of  the  several  courses  and  companies  of  the  Levites,  who  did 
not  usually  wear  the  weapons  of  war.  {Note,  4.) 

V.  12.  Coronation  is  not  before  this  expressly  mentioned, 
in  the  appointment  of  any  king,  either  in  Judah  or  Israel ; but 
it  seems  to  have  been  customary : for  the  crown,  as  one  ol 
the  insignia  of  royalty,  is  repeatedly  mentioned.  {Marg. 
Ref.  b.)  No  doubt,  “ the  testimony”  signifies  the  booh  of  flu 
law  ; and  Joash  was  instructed  by  this  significant  action,  that 
he  received  his  authority  from  God,  and  was  accountable  to 
him  for  it,  according  to  the  rule  of  hrs  word.  (Note,  Ex. 
31:18.)  He  was  also  anointed,  in  token  of  his  divine  appoint- 
ment to  the  kingdom ; as  Athaliah’s  usurpation  had  inter- 
rupted the  succession.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  1 Kings  1 :33, 
39,  u.  39.  1 Chr.  29:21 — 25.)  When  this  had  been  done,  not 
only  the  priests  and  Levites,  but  the  people  who  had  wit- 
nessed the  transaction,  shouted  for  joy  and  clapped  their 
hands,  and  wished  their  king  life  and  prosperity.  (Marg 
Ref.  Note,  Matt.  21:8—11.) 

V.  13 — 16.  Athaliah,  after  the  manner  of  her  mother 
Jezebel,  instead  of  fleeing  with  feminine  timidity,  when  she 
heard  the  noise  and  suspected  the  occasion;  went  directly 
into  the  temple,  unattended  by  a guard,  as  if  she  could  by 
her  presence  over-awe  and  confound  the  conspirators : but  by 
this  rashness  she  rushed  upon  her  death.  (Note,  9:30 — 37.) 
— The  people,  it  seems,  were  assembled,  perhaps  to  cele- 
brate some  of  their  solemn  feasts  ; and  they,  with  their 
princes  or  magistrates,  cordially  united  with  Jehoida,  and  the 
priests  and  Levites.  When  Athaliah  saw  Joash  stand  in 
the  place  appropriated  to  the  king’s  use,  she  was  aware  of 
what  had  taken  place  ; and  expressed  her  abhorrence  of  the 
supposed  treason  by  word  and  deed,  in  hopes  of  inducing 
the  people  to  take  her  part.  But  her  conduct  had  been  so 
odious  and  unnatural,  that  none  favoured  her : and  at  the 
word  of  Jehoiada  she  suffered  the  punishment  due  to  her 
complicated  crimes.  Doubtless,  Jehoiada  acted  in  all  this 
business  by  the  direction  and  according  to  the  will  of  God. 
— It.  is  probable  that  the  Levites  executed  the  sentence  ; and 
great  care  was  taken  not  to  pollute  with  blood  the  court  of 
the  temple. 

V.  17 — 20.  Jehoiada  embraced  this  opportunity  of  engag 

( 675  , 


D.  C.  818. 


II.  KINGS 


B.  C.  866. 


18  And  d ' Iho  people  of  the  land  lwent  into  the 
house  of  Ba&4,  and  brake  it  down;  his  altars  and 
his  images  “brake  they  in  pieces  thoroughly,  and 
xslew  Mattan  the  priest  of  Baal  before  the  altars. 
And  the  priest  ^appointed  'officers  over  the  house 
of  the  Lord. 

19  And  he  *took  the  rulers  over  hundreds,  and 
the  captains,  and  the  guard,  and  all  the  people  of 
the  land ; and  they  brought  down  the  king  from 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  came  aby  the  way  of 
the  gate  of  the  guard  to  the  king’s  house.  And  bhe 
sat  on  the  throne  of  the  kings. 

20  And  all  the  people  of  the  land  crejoiced,  and 
the  city  was  in  quiet;  and  they  dslew  Athaliah 
with  the  sword  beside  the  king’s  house. 

21  eSeven  years  old  was  Jehoash  when  he 
began  to  reign. 

I 9:25-28.  18:4.  23:4—6,10—14.  2 Chr.  23:17.  34:4,7.  u 18:4.  Ex.  32:20. 
De.it.  12:3.  Is.  2:18.  Zech.  13.2.  x Dent.  13:5,9.  1 Kings  18:40.  Zech.  13: 
3.  y 2 Chr.  23:18—20.  * Heb.  offices.  zSeennA—U.  a See  on  5.  2 Chr.  23: 
6,19.  b 1 Kings  1:13.  1 Chr.  29:23.  Jer.  17:25  . 22:4,30.  Matt.  19:28  . 25:31. 


ging  the  young  king  and  the  people,  in  the  most  solemn  man- 
ner, to  renew  their  national  covenant  with  the  Lord,  that 
they  would  worship  and  serve  him  alone  ; as  well  as  perform 
their  reciprocal  duties  to  each  other  in  the  fear  of  God.  As 
the  protector  and  near  relation  of  Joash,  he  was  authorized  to 
act  for  him,  and  the  whole  compact  was  deliberately  ratified, 
as  in  the  presence  of  God.  ( Notes , 23:3.  Deut.  29:10 — 15. 
Josh.  24:25.  2 Chr.  15:12—15.  Neh.  10:1.)  When  this 
was  concluded,  they  proceeded  to  destroy  the  worship  of 
Baal,  which  Athaliah  had  established  in  Judah  ; breaking 
down  the  idolatrous  temple  and  images,  and  slaying  the 
priest  of  Baal  at  his  altars  ; without  imitating  or  emulating 
Jehu’s  subtlety  in  detecting  his  worshippers.  (Note,  10:18 — 
20.)  The  people  were  greatly  rejoiced  at  this  happy  revolu- 
tion, and  matters  were  soon  brought  to  a quiet  settlement. 
(Notes,  2 Chr.  23:)  Nothing  is  recorded  of  the  burial  of 
Athaliah  ; but  in  every  respect  she  was  treated  with  neglect 
and  abhorrence. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  I — 12.  When  the  thirst  of  dominion  predominates,  it 
extinguishes  both  common  humanity  and  natural  affection, 
and  steels  the  hearts  of  parents,  yea  of  mothers,  against  their 
own  children  or  descendants.  Nor  can  the  most  humane 
conceive  how  they  should  act,  if  brought  within  the  magnetic 
influence  of  powerful  temptations,  through  opening  prospects 
of  gratifying  ambition  and  the  thirst  after  power  and  dignity, 
united  with  fear,  envy,  resentment,  or  other  vehement  pas- 
sions. We  should  therefore  repress  the  first  emotions  of  this 
aspiring  temper,  and  pray  without  ceasing  to  be  kept  out  of 
the  way  of  temptation.  And  we  may  also  learn  to  be  thank- 
ful to  God,  for  restraining  others  and  ourselves,  from  acting 
forth  all  the  desperate  wickedness  of  the  human  heart,  which 
otherwise  would  produce  effects  unspeakably  horrid. — What 
fatal  consequences  flow  from  matrimonial  connexions,  or  in- 
timate acquaintance  with  atrocious  sinners ! The  mischiefs, 
which  may  thus  be  entailed  upon  children  and  remote  poste- 
rity cannot  be  ascertained  ; and  may  extend  even  to  the  ruin 
of  the  interests  of  true  religion,  in  those  places  where  before 
it  flourished.  These  reflections  should  add  energy  to  the 
Lord’s  prohibition  of  these  incongruous  alliances.  Yet,  he 
mixes  his  severest  judgments,  upon  his  professed  people  and 
offending  servants  with  mercy  : in  the  midst  of  opposition  he 
provides  for  the  performance  of  his  promises : and  the  ex- 
tremities, to  which  his  cause  may  be  reduced,  are  permitted, 
to  illustrate  the  glory  of  his  power  and  truth,  in  preserving 
and  recovering  it. — The  most  successful  villany  will  be  short- 
lived : and,  though  in  that  little  time  dreadful  havoc  may  be 
made  in  society,  and  irreligion  or  false  religion  may  appa- 
rently be  established  upon  the  ruins  of  true  godliness  ; yet 
the  cause  of  God  cannot  be  kept  down,  but,  like  the  fabled 
phenix,  it  will  revive  from  its  ashes  with  renewed  youth  and 
vigour. — One  pious  man  may,  on  some  emergencies,  become 
an  instrument  of  most  extensive  good : especially  when  regard 
to  the  glory  and  worship  of  God,  is  united  with  prudent  con- 
trivance, and  well-concerted  measures. — In  urgent  cases, 
general  rules  of  external  propriety  may  be  dispensed  with  : 
and  ministers  ought  always  to  lead  the  way  in  opposing  the 
prevalence  of  wickedness,  and  in  promoting  equity,  and  sub- 
mission to  lawful  governors,  as  well  as  in  promoting  true  reli- 
gion.— To  what  peculiar  dangers  are  those  in  exalted  stations 
exposed,  through  the  ambition,  treachery,  and  cruelty  of  men ! 
We  may  therefore  be  thankful  to  be  placed  with  our  families 
in  an  obscure  situation,  beneath  envy  or  jealousy. — Princes 
should  be  reminded,  when  intrusted  with  authority,  of  their 
accountableness  to  God  for  the  use  of  it : and  every  oppor- 
tunity should  be  embraced  to  enforce  a conscientious  regard 
io  his  word. 

V.  13 — 21.  Evil  will  hunt  out  the  wicked  to  destroy  them  ; 
and  they  are  often  hardened  and  infatuated  to  rush  upon  their 
own  destruction. — The  most  abandoned,  on  some  occasions, 
express  abhorrence  at  the  supposed  crimes  of  others,  espe- 
cially when  committed  against  themselves  ; but  it  is  neither 
treason,  nor  cruelty,  to  execute  vengeance  upon  usurpers  and 
( 076  ) 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Jehoash  reigns  well  so  long  as  Jehoida  lives , 1—3.  He  gives  orders  that  ths 
temple  should  he  repaired  ; yet  the  priests  neglect  the  service  ; hut  he  devises 
apian  for  defraying  the  expense,  and  completes  the  work , 4 — 16.  He  gives 
the  consecrated  treasures  to  Hazael,  to  divert  him  from  assaulting  Jet  usa- 
lem.  17,  18.  He  is  slain  by  his  servants , and  succeeded  bu  his  son  Axiuxiah, 
19-21. 

IN  'the  seventh  year  of  Jehu.  Mehoash  began 
to  reign ; and  lorty  years  reigned  he  in  Je- 
rusalem. And  his  mother’s  name  was  Zibiah  of 
Beer-sheba. 

2  And  'Jehoash  did  that  which  was  right  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord  all  his  days,  wherein  Jehoiada 
the  priest  instructed  him. 

3  But  dthe  high  places  were  not  taken  away, 
the  people  still  sacrificed  and  burnt  incense  in  the 
high  places. 

4  II  And  Jehoash  'said  to  the  priests,  All  f the 

c See  on  14.  2 Chr.  '43:21.  Prov.  11:10.  d See  on  15.  e 4.  22:1.  2 Chr.  ai ; 1_ 
a 9:27.  11:1,3,4,21.  2 Chr.  21:1.  b 11 :2.  1 Chr.  3: II . Joash . c 14:3.  2 Chr.  24: 
2,17—22.25:2.26:4.  d 14:4.  18:4.  1 Kings  15:14  . 22.43.  2 Chr.  31 :1 . e22:4. 
2 Chr.  29  4—  II.  35:2.  f 18.  1 Kings  7:51.  1 Chr.  18:11.  2 Chr.  15:18.  31:12. 


parricides,  and  to  restore  the  authority  to  its  rightful  possessor. 
— As  “one  sinner  destroyeth  much  good;”  so  the  removal  of 
one  ringleader  in  iniquity  may  prepare  the  way  for  great 
reformation. — It  is  our  duty  to  engage  ourselves  and  each 
other,  and  all  those  over  whom  we  have  acquired  influence, 
in  as  firm  and  solemn  a manner  as  possible,  to  be  the  Lord’s 
people : and  when  we  begin  with  a due  regard  to  religion, 
relative  duties  will  be  the  better  understood  and  performed. 
Yet  they  should  be  plainly  declared  and  enforced,  without 
the  exception  of  those  which  suhsist  between  the  prince  and 
people. — The  rectifying  of  scandalous  abuses,  and  the  pu- 
nishment of  notorious  criminals,  form  an  introduction  to  the 
revival  of  true  godliness.  External  regularity  will  afterwards 
more  easily  be  re-established ; and  the  effectual  blessing  of 
God  may  be  expected.  The  way  for  a people  to  be  joyful 
and  at  peace,  is  to  engage  cordiaHy  in  the  service  of  God  ; for 
“the  voice  of  joy  and  thanksgiving,  is  in  the  dwellings  of  the 
righteous;”  but  “there  is  no  peace,  saith  my  God,  to  the 
wicked.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  XII.  V.  2,3.  Jehoida  acquired  such 
influence  over  Joash,  or  Jehoash,  by  his  services  and  coun- 
sels, in  his  younger  years,  as  retained  him  in  good  behaviour, 
so  long  as  he  lived  to  give  him  advice.  But  the  latter  part 
of  his  life,  after  Jehoiada’s  death,  was  extremely  wicked  ; and 
all  the  good  of  his  best  days,  was  of  that  kind  which  springs 
from  transient  convictions,  and  external  influence,  or  that 
which  hypocrites  do  to  be  seen  of  men.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  24: 
17 — 26.)  His  reign,  however,  should  by  no  means  be  num- 
bered with  those  of  the  worst  kings  of  Judah  : for  he  repressed 
idolatry,  and  maintained  the  worship  at  the  temple;  though 
he  did  not  abolish  the  irregular  worship  of  God  in  the  high 
places ; which  indeed  was  never  done  till  the  days  of  Heze- 
kiah.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 18:4,22.)  Jehoiada  lived  and 
retained  his  influence,  during  twowirds  at  least  of  the  years 
that  Joash  reigned. 

V.  4,  5.  The  temple  had  been  suffered  to  go  to  decay, 
during  the  reigns  of  Jehoram  and  Ahaziah,  and  the  usurpa- 
tion of  Athaliah  ; and  her  sons,  doubtless  encouraged  by  her 
had  impiously  broken  down  some  part  of  the  buildings,  to 
adorn  the  house  of  Baal  with  the  most  costly  materials  of  the 
temple ; as  well  as  spoiled  its  consecrated  treasures  io  enrich 
those  of  their  idols.  (2  Chr.  24:7.)  But  Jehoash,  having  h id 
his  life  preserved  in  the  precincts  of  the  temple,  seems  to  have 
had  a strong  desire  of  seeing  it  restored  to  its  ancient  sp'en- 
dour:  whilst  Jehoida  perhaps  was  more  intent  to  promote  the 
internal  part  of  true  religion. — The  money,  which  Jehoash 
ordered  the  priests  to  collect  from  the  people,  seems  to  have 
arisen  from  the  sale  of  such  firstlings  as  were  not  fit  for  sacrh 
fice  ; from  the  half  shekel  apiece  levied  of  all  the  people  ; from 
the  redemption  of  things  dedicated ; from  the  redemption  of 
those  who  were  vowed  to  the  Lord  by  a singular  vow ; and 
from  voluntary  contributions.  (Marg.  Ref.  g,  h.  Notes,  Ex, 
13:11 — 16.  30:11 — 16.  Lev,  27:2 — 27.) — As  some  of  these 
were  the  dues  of  the  priests,  whose  incomes  must  have  been 
greatly  diminished  by  the  defection  of  the  ten  tribes;  that,  cir- 
cumstance might  render  them  more  disaffected  to  the  busi- 
ness, and  negligent  in  it. 

V.  6 — 12.  Jehoash’s  orders  must  have  been  very  long 
neglected  ; for  nothing  was  done  effectually,  till  the  twenty- 
third  year  of  his  reign,  or  the  thirtieth  of  his  life.  It  is  proba- 
ble, that  the  priests  appropriated  considerable  sums  to  their 
own  use,  which  they  received  for  the  repair  of  the  temple; 
till  the  people  lost  all  confidence  in  them,  and  would  give 
them  no  more  money  on  that  account.  Jehoida  himself  ap- 
pears to  have  been  remiss  in  this  affair ; but  his  great  age 
would  necessarily  render  him  less  capable  of  active  services. 
(Note,  2 Chr.  24:15,16.)  The  priests,  however,  readily  con- 
sented to  the  alteration  proposed  by  Jehoash  ; and  a procla- 
mation having  been  made  for  the  collection  of  a half  shekel 
from  each  male  above  twenty  years  of  age  ; (2  Chr.  24:6,9. 
Note,  Ex.  30:11 — 16.)  and  a chest  so  placed,  that  the  money 
might  be  either  put  in  by  those  that  brought  it,  or  by  t ho 
priests  in  their  presence ; large  stuns  were  soon  collected,  and 


B.  C.  856. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


B.  C.  840, 


money  of  the  ‘dedicated  things  that  is  brought 
into  the  house  of  the  Lord,  even  ethe  money  of 
every  one  that  passeth  the  account,  the  money 
’that,  every  man  is  set  at,  ''and  all  the  money  that 
’cometh  into  any  man’s  heart  to  bring  into  the 
house  of  the  Lord, 

5 Let  'the  priests  take  it  to  them,  every  man 
of  his  acquaintance  ; and  klet  them  repair  the 
breaches  of  the  house,  wheresoever  any  breach 
shall  be  found. 

B.e.n  6 But  it  was  so,  that  in  the  5 three  and 
twentieth  year  of  king  Jehoash ‘the  priests 
had  not  repaired  the  breaches  of  the  house. 

7 Then  '"king  Jehoash  called  for  "Jehoiada  the 
priest,  and  the  other  priests,  and  said  unto  them, 
“Why  repair  ye  not  the  breaches  of  the  house  ? 
now  therefore  receive  no  more  money  of  your 
acquaintance,  but  deliver  it  for  the  breaches  of 
the  house. 

8 And  the  priests  consented  to  receive  no  more 
money  of  the  people,  neither  to  repair  the  breaches 
of  the  house. 

9 But  Jehoiada  the  priest  Ptook  a chest,  and 
bored  a hole  in  the  lid  of  it,  and  set  it  sbeside  the 
altar,  on  the  right  side  as  one  cometh  into  the 
house  of  the  Lord:  and  rthe  priests  that  kept  the 
'[door  put  therein  all  the  money  that  was  brought 
into  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

10  And  it  was  so,  when  they  saw  that  there  was 
much  money  in  the  chest,  that  ’the  king’s  ’’scribe 
and  the  high-priest  came  up,  and  they  "put  up  in 
bags,  and  told  the  money  that  was  found  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord. 

11  And  they  ‘gave  the  money,  being  told,  into 
the  hands  of  them  that  did  the  work,  that  had  the 
oversight  of  the  house  of  the  Lord  : and  they 
’’laid  it  out  to  the  carpenters  and  builders,  that 
wrought  upon  the  house  of  the  Lord, 

12  And  to  “masons,  and  hewers  of  stone,  and  to 

Or,  holy  things.  Heb.  holinesses.  Lev.  5:15,16.27:12 — 27,31.  g Ex.  30:12 — 
15.  2 Chr.  24.9,10.  t Heb.  of  the  souls  of  his  estimation.  Lev. 27:2 — 8.  h Ex. 
15:1.2.35:5.22,29.36:3.  1 Chr.  29:3— 9,17.  Ezral:6.  2:69.  7 16.8:25— 28.  Luke 
21:1 — 4.  1 lleb.  asrpndeth  upon  the  heart  of  Oman.  i 2 Chr.  24:5.  k 12.22:5, 
6.  1 Kings  11:27.  2 Chr.  21:7.  is.  53.12.  § Heb.  twentieth  year  and  third  yenr. 

1 1 Sara.  2-29,30.  2 Chr.  29:34.  Is.  56:10—12.  Mai.  1:10.  Phil.  2:21.  1 Pet.  5:2. 
m2  Chr.  24:5,6.  n 2.  11 :4.  2 Chr.  23:1 .24:16.  ol  Chr. 21:3.  p2  Chr. 24:8. 
Mark  12:41.  q2Chr.24:10.  r 22:4.  23:4.  25: 18.  1 chr.  15: 18,24.  Jer.  35:4.  52: 
24.  ||  Heb.  threshold.  Ps.  84:10.  marg.  s 19:2.  22:3,12.  2 Sam.  8:17.  20:25. 
1 Or,  secretary.  •(  Heb.  bound  up.  5:23.  t 22:5,6.  2 Chr.  24:11,12  . 34:9— II. 

applied  by  Jehoiada  and  the  king’s  secretary  to  the  repairs  of 
the  temple.  [Marg.  Ref.) — As  the  chest  is  said  in  Chroni- 
cles to  have  been  “set  without  at  the  gate,”  and  that  the 
“ princes  and  people  cast”  the  money  into  it ; it  has  been 
thought,  that  the  chest  was  at  first  placed  in  the  inner  court ; 
so  that  the  money  still  generally  passed  through  the  hands  of 
the  priests : but  that  not  being  satisfactory,  it  was  removed 
to  a situation,  where  all  had  ready  access  to  it.  (2  Chr.  24: 
8,10.) 

V.  13 — 15.  It  seems  that  orders  were  given  to  the  work- 
men, that  the  repairs  of  the  temple  should  first  be  completed, 
before  any  vessels  were  made;  though  it  is  probable  that 
these  were  much  wanted : but  when  the  workmen  had  set  the 
temple  “in  its  state,”  they  punctually  brought  the  surplus  of 
the  money  to  the  king  and  Jehoida,  without  requiring  to  be 
called  to  an  account ; and  then  such  vessels  were  made  as 
had  been  taken  away  by  Athaliah  and  her  sons.  (2  Chr.  24: 
7,14.)  The  conduct  of  these  workmen  was  highly  commend- 
able ; and  formed  a contrast  to  that  of  the  remissness  and 
selfishness  of  the  priests  and  Levites  as  above  noticed. — Sil- 
ver. (13)  Notes,  Ex.  25:23—30.  Num.  7:13,14. 

V.  16.  [Marg.  Ref.  c.)  Besides  the  money  paid  as 
amends  to  the  priests  for  trespasses  committed  in  holy  things; 
it  is  thought  that  persons,  living  at  a distance,  sent  money  to 
them  to  purchase  trespass-offerings  and  sin-offerings,  and 
sacrifice  them  in  their  name.  And,  as  they  commonly  sent 
more  than  the  sacrifice  cost,  the  surplus  became  a perqui- 
site, under  the  tame  of  trespass-money  and  sin-money. 
r Hns.  4:8.) 

V.  17, 18.  Probably,  the  expedition  of  Hazael,  here  in- 
tended, is  the  same  as  that  of  the  Syrians,  which  is  recorded 
in  Chronicles:  [2  Chr.  24:23,24.)  and,  if  so,  the  success  of  it, 
and  the  calamities  brought  on  Judah  by  it,  were  far  greater, 
han  this  short  account  seems  to  describe  them.  It  took 
■dace,  however,  after  Jehoash’s  apostacy;  and  he  made  no 
scruple  of  spoiling  the  te  nple  of  the  remains  of  its  treasures, 
to  purchase  Hazael’s  departure.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  24:17 — 22.) 

V.  20,  21.  The  Syrians  left  Jehoash  “in  great  diseases:” 
»nd  his  servants  (probably  some  relations  or  friends  of  Je- 
noiada,  who  deeply  resented  the  murder  of  his  son  Zecha- 
riah)  took  that  opportunity  of  slaying  him. — Joash  was  buried 
til  the  city  of  David,  but  not  in  the  sepulchres  of  the  kings  ; 


buy  timber  and  hewed  stone  to  repair  the  breaches 
of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  for  all  that  ’’was 
laid  out  for  the  house  to  repair  it. 

13  Howbeit,  “there  were  not  made  for  the  house 
of  the  Lord  rbowls  of  silver,  snuffers,  basins, 
"trumpets,  any  vessels  of  gold,  or  vessels  of  silver, 
of  the  money  that  was  brought  into  the  house  of 
the  Lord ; 

14  But  they  gave  that  to  the  workmen,  and 
repaired  therewith  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

15  Moreover  “they  reckoned  not  with  the  men, 
into  whose  hand  they  delivered  the  money  to 
be  bestowed  on  workmen;  bfor  they  dealt  faith- 
fully. 

16  The  “trespass-money  and  sin-money  was 
not  brought  into  the  house  of  the  Lord  : it  was 
the  priests’. 

17  H Then  ‘‘Hazael  king  of  Syria  went  up,  and 
fought  “against  Gath,  and  took  it ; and  Hazael 
’set  his  face  sto  go  up  to  Jerusalem. 

18  And  Jehoash  king  of  Judah  “took  all  the 
hallowed  things  that  Jehoshaphat,  and  Jehorarn, 
and  Ahaziah,  his  fathers,  kings  of  Judah,  had 
dedicated,  and  his  own  hallowed  things,  and  all 
the  gold  that  was  found  in  the  treasures  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  in  the  king’s  house,  and 
sent  it  to  Hazael  king  of  Syria : and  he  $§went 
away  from  Jerusalem. 

19  ’ll  And  ‘the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Joash,  and  all 
that  he  did,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the 
Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah  ? 

20  And  khis  servants  arose,  and  made  a con 
spiracy,  and  slew  Joash  in  “"the  house  of  Millo, 
which  goe-th  down  to  Silla. 

21  For  'Jozacbar  the  son  of  Shimeath,  and 
Jehozabad  the  son  of  '"Shomer,  his  servants,  smote 
him,  and  he  died ; and  they  buried  him  with  his 
fathers  in  the  city  of  David  : and  "Amaziah  his 
son  reigned  in  his  stead. 


ft  Heb.  brought  it  forth,  n 1 King:?  5:17.18.  Ezra  3:7. 5:8.  Luke  21 :5.  1%  Heb 
went  forth,  x 2 Chr.  24:14.  y See  on  Num.  7:13.14.  1 Kings  7;48 — 50.  Ezra 
1:9—11.  z See  on  Num.  10:2.  a22.7.  b 2 Chr.  34:12.  Neb.  7:2.  Matt.  24:45. 
Luke  16:1,10,11.  1 Cor.  4:2,3.  3 John  5.  c Lev.  5:15— 18.  7:7.  Num.  5:8— 10. 
18:8.  Hos.  4:8.  d See  on  8: 12— 15.  elSam.27:2.  I Kings  2:39,40.  1 Chr.  6:13. 
18:1.  fJer.  42:15.  Luke  9:51,53.  g 2 Chr.  24:23,24.  h 18:15,16.  1 Kings  15:18. 
2Chr.l6:2.  §$  Heb.  went  up.  i 8:23.  See  on  1 Kings  11:41.  14:19,29.  k 14:5. 
2 Chr.  24:24.25.  25:27.  33.24.  ||||  Or,  Beth-millo.  Judg.  9:6.  2 Sam.  5:9.  1 Kings 
11:27.  12  Chr.  24:26.  Sabad.  m 2 Chr.  24:26.  Shimrilh.  n 2 Chr.  24:27. 


‘because  he  had  forsaken  God,  and  slain  one  of  his  prophets. 
Bp.  Patrick.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  24:25 — 27.)  Millo  seems  to 
have  been  a general  name  of  public  buildings  for  convening 
the  people : and  this  Millo  in  the  way  to  Silla,  was  a distinct 
place  from  Millo  in  the  city  of  David.  (Marg.  Note , 2 Sam. 
5:9.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Wise  and  pious  instructers  and  counsellors  are  a singular 
benefit  to  young  persons,  especially  when  called  to  fill  up  im- 
portant stations  : and  it  is  a happy  case,  when  they  acquire  a 
proper  influence,  and  make  an  unexceptionaDle  use  of  it.. 
Indeed,  restraining  men  from  outward  crimes,  and  inducing 
them  to  external  good  actions,  does  not  imply  conversion  of 
the  heart  to  the  love  of  God,  and  delight  in  his  holy  service : 
yet  it  prevents  much  mischief,  and  occasions  extensive  benefit 
to  the  community  ; and  often  precedes,  and  is  made  the  means 
of,  men’s  internal  renovation. — A too  favourable  regard  to 
customary  violations  of  the  divine  law,  and  the  fear  of  conse- 
quences in  making  innovations , often  influence  pious  men  to 
let  slip  the  favourable  opportunity  of  effecting  still  greater 
good : and  mere  formalists  have  frequently  exceeded  true 
and  eminent  believers,  in  their  active  earnestness  about  the 
externals  of  religion:  for,  in  old  age  especially,  they  are  apt 
to  yield  to  the  love  of  ease  and  peace,  or  to  discouragement 
through  reiterated  disappointments,  and  so  to  become  remiss. 
— The  building  or  repairing  of  convenient  places  for  divine 
worship  falls  peculiarly  within  the  sphere  of  princes  and  no- 
bles ; and,  if  done  from  a proper  principle,  it  is  a good  work 
which  will  not  lose  its  reward  : yet  many  abound  in  such 
useful  services,  whose  “ hearts  are  not  right  in  the  sight  of 
God.” — Too  often  have  nominal  ministers  been  convicted  of 
seeking  their  own  interests,  rather  than  those  of  religion 
As  a body,  they  must  be  suspected  ; and  therefore  should 
carefully  avoid  the  appearance  of  this  evil,  lest  they  lose  the 
confidence  of  the  people,  and  become  useless  and  contemp- 
tible. (Notes,  Mai.  1:9 — 11.  2:4 — 9.)  It  is  most  grievous, 
that  the  disinterested  fidelity  and  punctuality  of  tradesmen 
and  mechanics  should  shame  the  mercenary  conduct  oi 
priests:  or  that  the  activity  and  zeal  of  laymen  should  expose 
the  lukewarmness  and  indifference  of  the  clergy ! These 
things  are  not  the  fault  of  the  ministerial  office,  but  of  human 
nature,  which  that  office  will  not  change.  The  collective 
( 677  ) 


fi  C.  865 


II.  KINGS.  B.  C.  83S 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

lehoahaz  reigns  wickedly  over  Israel , 1 , 2.  Israel  it  oppressed  by  Hazael , 
but  relieved  in  answer  to  Jehoahaz' s prayer, Z — 7.  Jeioahaz  dies,  and  is 
succeeded  by  his  son  Joash,  8,  9;  who  reigns  wickedly,  dies,  and  is  suc- 
ceeded by  his  son  Jeroboam,  10 — 13.  An  account  of  a visit  paid  by  Joash  to 
Elisha  on  his  deathbed,  who  by  a sign  assured  him  of  three  victories  over 
the  Syrians,  14 — 19.  Elisha  dies  ; the  Moabites  inva  le  the  land  ; and  a dead 
man  is  raised  to  life,  on  touching  his  bones,  ‘20,  21.  Hazael,  who  had 
oppressed  Israel,  dies , and  Joash  gains  three  victories  over  his  son  lSen-ha- 
dad,  22—25. 

b.c.-i  TN  the  'three  and  twentieth  year  of  Joash* 
8X-  J JL  the  son  of  Ahaziah,  king  of  Judah,  aJe- 
hoahaz  the  son  of  Jehu  began  to  reign  over  Israel 
in  Samaria,  and  reigned  seventeen  years. 
b.ch  2 And  he  did  that  vihich  was  evil  in  the 
849.  J sight  of  the  Lord,  band  'followed  the  sins  of 
Jeroboam  the  son  of  Nebat,  which  made  Israel 
to  sin  ; he  departed  not  therefrom. 

3 H And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
against  Israel,  “and  he  delivered  them  into  the 
hand  of  dHazael  king  of  Syria,  and  into  the  hand 
of  “Ben-hadad  the  son  of  Hazael,  all  their  days. 

4 And  r Jehoahaz  besought  the  Lord,  and  sthe 
Lord  hearkened  unto  him : for  bhe  saw  the 
oppression  of  Israel,  ‘because  the  king  of  Syria 
oppressed  them. 

5 (And  the  Lord  gave  Israel  ka  saviour,  so  that 
they  went  out  from  under  the  hand  of  the  Syrians : 
and  the  children  of  Israel  dwelt  in  their  tents,  as 
tbeforetime. 

6 Nevertheless  they  'departed  not  from  the 
sins  of  the  house  of  Jeroboam,  who  made  Israel 
sin,  but  ^walked  therein:  mand  there  "remained 
the  grove  also  in  Samaria.) 

7 Neither  did  he  leave  of  the  people  to  Je- 
hoahaz but  “fifty  horsemen,  and  ten  chariots, 
and  ten  thousand  footmen ; for  “the  king  of  Syria 
had  destroyed  them,  and  had  made  them  'dike  the 
dust  by  thrashing. 

8 H Now  ithe  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jehoahaz,  and 
all  that  he  did,  and  his  might,  are  they  not 

* Heb.  twentieth  year,  and  third  year.  8:26.  10:36.  11:4.21.  a 10:35.  b 11. 
See  on  10:29.  1 Kings  12:26 — 33.  14:16.  t Heb.  walked  after.  Hos.  5:11. 
c Lev.  26:17.  Deut.  4:24—27.  27:25.  Judg.  2:14.  3:8.  10:7—14.  Is.  10:5,6. 
Heb.  12:29.  d 22.  See  on  8:12,13.  1 Kings  19:17.  e 24,25.  f Nam.  21:7. 

Judg.  6:6,7.  10:10.  Ps.  78:34.  Is. 26:16.  Jer.  2:27.  gGen.  21:17.  Ex.  3:7. 
Judg.  10:15,16.  2 Chr.  33:12,13,19.  Ps.  50:15.  106:43,44.  Jer.  33:3.  h Gen. 
31:42.  Ex.  3:9.  Is.  63:9.  i 22.  14:26.  k 25.  14:25,27.  Neb.  9:27.  Is.  19:20. 
Ob.  21.  Luke  2:11.  \ Heb.  yesterday  and  third  day.  Ex.  4:10.  Deut.  19:4. 

I Sarn.  19:7.  1 Chr.  11:2.  margins.  1 See  on  2.  10:29.  17:20—23.  Deut.  32: 
15 — IS.  § Heb.  he  walked.  1 Kings  15:3.  16:26.  m 17:16.  18:4.23:4.  Deut. 


body  is  placed  in  a conspicuous  station,  and  their  faults  are 
not  easily  concealed:  and,  as  more  is  expected  from  them 
than  from  others,  they  meet  with  less  allowance,  and  indeed 
their  misconduct  admits  of  less  excuse.  It  is  therefore  most 
for  their  own  credit  and  comfort,,  and  for  the  honour  of  their 
profession,  to  stand  aloof  from  those  concerns  in  which  large 
sums  of  money  are  employed.  (P.  O.  John  12:1 — 8.  2 Cor. 

8:16 — 24.)  At  least  all  works  of  piety  and  charity  should  be 
so  managed,  that  those  who  contribute  to  them,  may  be  as- 
sured their  money  is  honestly  and  prudent \y  expended:  and 
they  deserve  commendation,  who  are  faithful  in  such  matters. 
— May  the  Lord  preserve  us  from  the  disgraceful  and 
wretched  doom  of  the  hypocrite  and  apostate!  May  our 
“hearts  be  sound  in  his  statutes;”  and  may  our  “path  shine 
more  and  more  unto  the  perfect  day !” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XIII.  V.  1.  Joash  king  of  Judah 
bejan  to  reign  in  the  seventh  year  of  Jehu  ; ( 1 2:1 . ) but  it  was 
probably  in  the  beginning  of  the  year  ; and  if  Jehu  reigned 
a little  above  twenty-eight  years,  Joash  might  have  entered 
on  his  twenty-third  year,  when  Jehu  died  and  was  succeeded 
by  Jehoahaz. 

V.  3.  All  their  days.]  Or,  “all  his  days;”  for  there  is 
nothing  answering  to  their  in  the  original ; and  Joash  the  son 
of  Jehoahaz  delivered  Israel  from  Ben-hadad.  (22 — 25.) 

V.  4,  5.  Jehoahaz,  while  ho  deprecated  the  wrath  of  God, 
and  entreated  the  removal  of  his  heavy  judgments,  seems  not 
;o  have  attempted  any  reformation.  If,  however,  this  took 
place  towards  the  conclusion  of  his  life,  his  faith  and  repent- 
ance might  not  have  time  to  produce  their  genuine  fruits : 
and  this  is  probable ; for  the  deliverance,  in  answer  to  his 
prayer,  was  not  granted  till  the  reign  of  his  son  Joash,  the 
“ saviour”  or  deliverer,  here  spoken  of:  as  it  appears  from 
the  subsequent  narration. — Yet  some  think  Joash  began  to 
deliver  Israel  during  the  life  of  bis  father.  (22 — 25.) 

V.  6.  Either  the  grove,  which  Ahab  had  dedicated  to 
Baal,  was  still  used  in  idolatry,  or  another  was  prepared  for 
that  purpose.  (1  Kings  15:13.  16:33.  Notes,  17:16.  Deut. 
16:21..) 

V.  7,  8.  Jehoahaz  seems  to  have  defended  himself  va- 
liantly against  Hazael,  though  without  success  : this  might 
provoke  the  cruelty,  which  Elisha  had  foretold  : and  it  even- 
tually increased  the  miseries  of  Israel.  (Mnrg.  Ref.  Notes , 
0:12,13.  10:32-36.  1 San-.  13:13— 15.) 


written  in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings 
of  Israel  ? 

9 And  Jehoahaz  slept  with  his  fathers;  and 
they  rburied  him  in  Samaria : and  ’Joash  his  son 
"reigned  in  his  stead. 

10  Ulnthe  thirtyand  seventh  year  of  Joash  i-b.  e. 
king  of  Judah,  "began  Jehoash  the  son  of  L M1- 
Jehoahaz  to  reign  over  Israel  in  Samaria,  and 
reigned  sixteen  years. 

1 1 And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord  ; ‘he  departed  not  from  all  the  sins  of 
Jeroboam  the  son  of  Nebat,  who  made  Israel  sin  ; 
but  he  walked  therein. 

12  And  “the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Joash,  p.  c. 
and  all  that  he  did,  and  “his  might  where-  L 825- 
with  he  fought  against  Amaziah  king  of  Judah, 
are  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles 
of  the  kings  of  Israel  ? 

13  And  Joash  ?slept  with  his  fathers  ; and 
’Jeroboam  sat  upon  his  throne  ; and  Joash  “was 
buried  in  Samaria  with  the  kings  of  Israel. 

14  II  Now  Elisha  was  bfallen  sick  of  his  sickness 
whereof  “he  died.  And  Joash  the  king  of  Israel 
came  down  unto  him,  and  wept  over  his  face, 
and  said,  dO  my  father,  my  father!  the  chariot  of 
Israel,  and  the  horsemen  thereof! 

15  And  Elisha  said  unto  him,  Take  bow  and 
arrows.  And  he  took  unto  him  bow  and  arrows. 

16  And  he  said  to  the  king  of  Israel,  "Put  thy 
hand  upon  the  bow.  And  he  put  his  hand  upon 
it : and  “Elisha  put  his  hands  upon  the  king’s 
hands. 

17  And  he  said,  'Open  the  window  eastward. 
And  he  opened  it.  Then  Elisha  said,  Shoot. 
And  he  shot.  And  he  said,  sThe  arrow  of  the 
Lord’s  deliverance,  and  the  arrow  of  deliverance 
from  Syria  : for  thou  shalt  smite  the  Syrians  in 
bAphek,  till  thou  have  consumed  them. 

7:5.  1 Kings  16:33.  II  Heb.  stood,  n 1 Sam.  13:6,7,15.19— 23.’ 1 Kings  20:15,27. 
Is.  36:8.  0 8:12,10:32.  p Ps.  18:42.  I..  41:2, 18.18.  Joel  3:14.  mare.  Am.  1:3. 
q 10:34,35.  See  on  1 Kings  11:41.  14:19,20,29,31.  r 13.  10:35.  1 Kings  14:13. 
s 10.  14:8.  Jehoash.  fi  Alone.  **  In  concert  with  his  father,  t See  nn'2,6.  3:3. 
10:29.  u 14— 25.  x 14.8— 16.  2 Chr.  25:17— 24.  y Sre  on  2 Sam.  7:12.  1 King* 
1:21.2:10.14:31.  r 14:28,29.  a See  on  9.  b 20:1 . Gen.  48: 1 . John  11 :3.  Phil. 
2:26,27.  cPs.  12:1.  Is.  57:1.  Zech.  1:5.  Acts  13:36.  d 2:12.  6:21.  Prov.  11:11. 
Ez.  14:14.22.30.  Mark  6:20.  ft  Heb.  Make  thine  hand  toride.  e4:34.  Gen. 
49.24.  Pr.  144.1.  f 5:10 — 14.  John  2:5— 8.  11:39-41.  g Ex.  4:2,17.  Judg.  7:9 
—20.  2. Sam.  5:24.  1 Cor.  1:18.  h 1 Sam.  4:1.  1 Kings  20:26,30. 


V.  10.  The  seventeen  years  of  Jehoabaz  reach  to  the 
thirty-ninth  or  fortieth  year  of  Joash  king  of  Judah  ; but  Je- 
hoash of  Israel  began  to  reign  in  the  thirty -seventh  year  of 
Joash  of  Judah : Jehoash  must  therefore  have  reigned  some 
time  along  with  his  father. 

V.  12.  Notes,  14 — 19.  14:8—14.  2 Chr.  25:17 — 24.  * 

Y.  14.  If  Elisha  was  called  to  follow  Elijah  no  more  than 
seven  years  before  the  death  of  Ahab;  and  if  he  died  as  soon 
as  Joash  mounted  the  throne,  he  prophesied  at  least  sixty-six 
years  ! but  many  think  that  this  took  place  towards  the  closo 
of  the  reign  of  Joash.  From  the  beginning  of  the  reign  of 
Jehu  to  Elisha’s  sickness  and  death,  (that  is,  at  least,  for 
more  than  forty-five  years,)  his  name  is  never  once  men- 
tioned ; but  without  doubt  he  was  very  usefully  employed, 
especially  in  superintending  the  schools  of  the  prophets. 
There  is  ground  to  conclude,  that  great  numbers  were  con- 
verted to  God  by  his  labours  ; though  the  bulk  of  the  nation 
conformed  to  the  idolatry  established  by  authority.  (Note, 
10:21.)  Neither  Jehu  nor  Jehoahaz  paid  any  attention  to  the 
prophet:  yet  they  were  not  persecutors,  and  probably  they 
respected  his  character.  Being,  however,  employed  in  state 
affairs,  and  determined  to  maintain  the  idolatry  of  the  golden 
calves,  they  were  not  disposed  to  hearken  to  his  admonitions  : 
and  he  expressed  his  disapprobation  of  their  conduct  by 
keeping  at  a distance.  (Notes,  Eph.  5:8 — 14.  2 rJ'hes.  3: 

6 — 9.)  But  when  Joash  heard  that  he  was  apparently  near 
death,  at  a time  when  Israel  was  brought  very  low  by  ini- 
quity, he  seems  to  have  considered  the  dispensation  as  a 
divine1  rebuke  ; and,  under  the  prevalency  of  present  convic- 
tions, he  visited  and  lamented  over  him,  in  the  very  words 
which  Elisha  had  used  when  Elijah  was  removed;  (Note, 
2:12.)  acknowledging  him  to  be  the  chief  defence  of  Israel, 
whose  death  would  more  expose  them  to  ruin,  than  all  Ha- 
zael’s  successes.  Yet  we  read  of  nothing,  in  t he  character 
or  conduct  of  Joash,  to  warrant  a conclusion,  that  this  was 
more  than  a transient  impression  upon  his  mind,  which  soon 
wore  ofF  without  producing  any  abiding  good  effect. 

V.  15 — 19.  In  this  prophetical  transaction,  the  use  of  tho 
“bow  and  arrows”  denoted  that  Joash  was  to  be  the  instru- 
ment of  Israel’s  deliverance,  by  military  valour  and  enterprise: 
the  prophet’s  directing  the  king  in  shooting,  and  laying  his 
hands  upon  his,  implied  that  he  was  to  follow  the  direction  of 
the  prophet,  and  that  God  would  give  him  success.  The 
( 678  ) 


B.  C.  839. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


18  And  he  said,  Take  the  arrows.  And  he  took 
them.  And  he  said  unto  the  king  of  Israel,  'Smite 
upon  the  ground.  And  khe  smote  thrice,  and 
stayed. 

19  And  'the  man  of  God  mwas  wroth  with  him, 
and  said,  Thou  shouldest  have  smitten  five  or  six 
times ; then  hadst  thou  smitten  Syria  till  thou 
hadst  consumed  it : whereas  “now  thou  shalt 
smite  Syria  but  thrice. 

20  U And  Elisha  died,  and  they  “buried  him. 
And  rthe  bands  of  ithe  Moabites  invaded  the 
land  at  the  coming  in  of  the  year. 

21  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  were  burying 
a man,  that  behold,  tney  spied  a band  of  men; 
and  they  cast  the  man  into  the  sepulchre  of 
Elisha  : and  when  the  man  ’was  let  down,  and 
touched  the  bones  of  Elisha,  he  revived,  and 
stood  up  on  his  feet. 

22  H But  “Hazael  king  of  Syria  oppressed 
Israel  all  the  days  of  Jehoahaz. 

23  And  ‘the  Lord  was  gracious  unto  them, 

and  had  compassion  on  them,  and  “had  respect 
unto  them,  ’because  of  his  covenant  with  Abra- 
ham, Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and  would  not  destroy 
them,  ‘neither  cast  he  them  from  his  'presence  as 
yet.  , 


l!«.  20:2-4.  Ez.  4:1 — 10.  5:1 — 4.  12:1—7.  k 4:6.  Ex. 17:11.  11:9-15.4:16,40. 
6:9.  m Lev.  10:16.  Num.  16:15.  Mark  3:5.  10:14.  n 25.  Mark6:5.  o2Chr. 
24:16.  Acts  8:2.  p 5:2.  6:23.  24:2.  q 3:5,24— 27.  Judg.  3:12.  6:3— 6.  ■ Heb. 
went  down,  r 4 :35.  Is.  26: 19.  Ez.  37:1— 10.  Malt.  27:52,53.  John  5 25,28,29. 
11:44.  Acts5:15.  19:12.  Rev.  11:11.  s See  on  3— 7.  8:12.  Ps.  106:40— 12.  t 14: 
27.  Ex.  33:19.  34:6,7.  Judg. ’10:16.  Neh.  9:31.  Ts.  86:15.  Is.  30:18,19.  Jer.  12: 


arrow  shot  eastward,  marked  the  situation  of  the  place  where 
the  deliverance  was  to  be  wrought,  and  intimated  that  the 
eastern  coasts  of  the  land  of  Israel  would  be  rescued  from  the 
king  of  Syria;  (Note,  10:32 — 36.)  though  his  dominions, 
whjfh  lay  chiefly  to  the  north  of  Canaan,  would  not  be  taken 
from  him  : and  the  smiting  of  the  arrows  upon  the  ground  was 
significant  of  the  use  that  Joash  would  make  of  his  first  vic- 
tory, by  which  his  enemies  were  cast  down  to  the  ground 
before  him,  whether  he  would  effectually  crush  their  power, 
or  imitate  the  impolitic  lenity  of  Ahab.  (Notes,  1 Kings  20: 
31 — 43.)  Probably  Joash  was  not  informed  that  his  victories 
would  equal  the  times,  which  he  smote  with  the  arrows ; and 
perhaps  considering  the  action  as  trivial  and  unmeaning,  he 
smote  but  thrice,  which  displeased  the  prophet,  and,  as  it 
were,  limited  the  king’s  successes.  His  conduct  expressed 
the  state  of  his  mind,  as  not  firmly  believing  the  words  of  the 
prophet,  or  not  duly  valuing  the  promised  deliverance.  (25) 

In  Aphek.  < 17)  Aphek  was  near  to  Philistia  to  the  west 
of  Samaria:  (Marg.  Ref.  h.)  but  a decisive  victory  over 
Hazael  and  the  Syrians,  in  that  place,  made  way  for 
Joash’s  rescuing  the  regions  towards  the  east  out  of  their 
hands. 

V.  20,  21.  ‘They  laid  the  body  by  Elisha’s,  for  fear,  if 
they  proceeded  to  the  sepulchre  prepared  for  this  man,  they 
should  fall  into  the  hand  of  the  Moabites.  . . . God  restored 
him,  in  an  instant,  to  perfect  health : for  he  stood  upon  his 
feet ; and,  it  is  likely,  walked  home  with  those  who  brought 
him  to  be  buried.’  Bp.  Patrick. — This  extraordinary  mira- 
cle, wrought  by  the  touch  of  the  dead  body  of  Elisha,  (which 
by  the  ritual  law  could  only  render  a man  unclean,)  declared 
that  he  was  as  much  beloved  as  Elijah,  though  he  had  not 
been  translated ; and  that  the  Lord  was  his  God,  after  death 
as  well  as  before ; and  thus  intimated  both  the  immortality  of 
the  soul,  and  the  final  resurrection  of  the  body.  It  might  also 
intimate  that  many  mercies  were  reserved  for  Israel,  in  an- 
swer to  Elisha’s  prayers,  and  in  consequence  of  his  labours 
for  them  in  his  lifetime.  (Notts,  Luke  20:27—38,  v.  36.  Acts 
5:12—16.  19:8—12.) 

V.  23.  The  reason  here  assigned,  for  the  deliverance 
granted  to  Israel,  seems  to  imply  that  there  was  nothing 
either  in  Joash,  or  his  subjects,  (except  their  miseries,)  to 
induce  the  Lord  thus  to  favour  them.  (Marg.  Ref.  t— y.) 
The  deliverance  was  granted,  not  from  regard  to  the  cove- 
nant ratified  at  mount  Sinai,  which  had  been  grossly  violated  ; 
but  out  of  respect  to  the  covenant  ratified  with  Abraham, 
Isaac,  and  Jacob,  long  before  the  entrance  of  the  Mosaic  law. 
(Notes,  Lev.  26:41 — 45.)  Nor  was  the  success  of  Joash  any 
thing  more,  than  a respite  for  the  present  from  the  judgments 
which  impended  over  them.  (Notes,  4,5.  Judg.  10:15,16.) 
practical  observations. 

“ The  Lord  is  slow  to  anger  and  of  great  mercy yet  he 
will  by  no  means  acquit  obstinate  transgressors  ; and  his  just 
anger  is  the  cause  of  all  human  misery.  When  deep  afflic- 
tion excites  a cry  for  deliverance,  he  will  hearken  ; for  he  is 
gracious  and  compassionate,  and  delights  in  mercy,  and  can 
speedily  give  a deliverance  out  of  every  trouble.  But  if  he 
answer  the  mere  cry  of  distress  for  temporal  relief,  much 
more  will  he  regard  the  prayer  of  faith  for  spiritual  blessings : 
and,  as  he  so  long  remembered  his  covenant  with  Abraham, 
Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and  spared  the  posterity  for  the  sake  of 
their  pious  ancestors,  notwithstanding  their  manifold  provoca- 


B.  C.  839 

24  So  ^Hazael  king  of  Syria  died ; and  p.  i, 
Ben-hadad  his  son  reigned  in  his  stead.  L «»9. 

25  And  Jehoash  tne  son  of  Jehoahaz  p.  c 
'took  again  out  of  the  hand  of  Ben-hadad  L 835- 
the  son  of  Hazael  the  cities,  which  he  had  taker 
out  of  the  hand  of  Jehoahaz  his  father  by  wa. 
‘Three  times  did  Joash  beat  him,  and  recovered 
the  cities  oflsrael. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Amaziah  reigns  well, yet  not  like  David , 1 — 4.  He  justly  punishes  his  father's 
murderers,  5,  6.  He  stains  a victory  over  Edom,  7.  He  rashly  challenges 
Jehoash  king  of  Israel,  and,  obstinately  persisting,  is  vanquished  and  taken 
prisoner  by  him  ; the  wall  of  Jerusalem  is  broken  down,  and  the  treasures  o 
the  temple  spoiled,  % — 14.  Jehoash  dies,  and  is  succeeded  by  Jeroboam,  1J>, 
16.  Amaziah  is  slain  by  conspirators,  17 — 20.  His  son  Azariah  is  made 
kins,  and  builds  Elath,  21,  22.  Jeroboam' s wicked  reign,  23,  24.  He 
restores  the  coast  of  Israel,  25—27.  He  dies  and  is  succeeded  by  his  son 
Zachariah,  28,  29. 

IN  the  second  year  of  “Joash  son  of  Jehoahaz 
king  of  Israel  breigned  Amaziah  the  son  oi 
Joash  king  of  Judah. 

2 He  was  twenty  and  five  years  old  when  he 
began  to  reign,  and  reigned  twenty  and  nine  years 
in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother’s  name  was  Je- 
hoaddan  of  Jerusalem. 

3 And  che  did  that  which  was  right  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord,  yet  not  like  David  his  father:  ‘‘he 
did  according  to  all  things  as  Joash  his  father  did. 


15.  Lam.  3:32.  Mic.  7:18,19.  11  Ex.  2:24,25.  1 Kings  8:28.  v Gen.  13:16,17. 
17:7,8.  Ex.  3:6,7.  32:13  14.  Lev.  26:42.  Dent.  32:36".  Ps.  105:8.  Mic.  7:20. 
Luke  1:54,55,72,73.  x 17:18.  24:20.  Ps.  51:11.  Mall. 25:41. 2 Thes,  1:9.  • Heb. 
face,  y Ps.  125:3.  Luke  18:7,8.  t Heb.  relumed  and  loot,  z 18,19.  a 15.  13. 
10.  b 1 Chr.  3:12.  2 Chr.  25:1.  c 12:2.  See  on]  Kings  11:4.  15:3.  2 Chr.  25. 
2,3.  d 2 Chr.  24:2,17,18.  25:14— 16.  Jer.  16:19.  Zech.  1:4— 6.  1 Pet.  1:18. 


lions ; much  more  will  he  remember  Jesus  and  the  covenan* 
which  he  mediated,  and  for  his  sake  pardon  the  abundant 
transgressions  of  all,  who  by  true  faith  stand  in  a spiritual 
relation  to  him.  All  other  privileges  and  distinctions  can  only 
avail  to  retard  the  deserved  vengeance : the  Lord  may  not 
destroy  sinners,  or  cast  them  from  his  presence  “ as  yet but 
without  being  “partakers  of  Christ”  the  Saviour,  they  must 
at  length  perish. — The  true  believer,  though  chastened  fo. 
his  transgression,  shall  not  be  left  to  perish  for  ever : but  being 
“ delivered  from  the  hand  of  his  enemies,  he  shall  serve  God 
without  fear,  in  righteousness  and  holiness,  before  him  all  his 
days.” — Wicked  men  prosper  in  their  schemes,  till  the  Lord’s 
purposes  respecting  them  are  accomplished  ; and  then  they 
are  removed,  or  ruined,  without  any  difficulty.  There  is  such 
excellency  in  true  and  eminent  godliness,  that  it  often  excites 
the  esteem  and  respect  of  those,  who  cleave  to  their  sins. 
Persons  even  of  this  character,  while  under  convictions,  will 
feel  and  acknowledge,  that  the  servants  of  God  are  their  best 
friends,  and  the  most  valuable  part  of  society.  But  this  lan- 
guage of  conscience  is  soon  silenced  by  the  clamorous  voice 
of  their  passions. — Some  parts  of  the  lives  of  eminent  believ- 
ers are  more  conspicuous  than  others;  but  in  the  general 
tenor  of  them,  they  aim  to  glorify  God  and  do  good  to  man. 
Yet  the  most  devoted  will  be  ashamed,  that  they  have  not 
been  more  earnest ; and  the  most  useful  must  regret,  that  the 
world  has  received  so  little  benefit  from  them.  Indeed,  re- 
flection on  the  prevalence  of  wickedness  and  misery,  on  every 
side,  with  the  prospect  of  still  more  dreadful  judgments  upon 
all  the  workers  of  iniquity,  must  fill  the  heart  of  every  pious 
and  benevolent  man  with  deep  concern. — Yet  the  good  seed, 
which  faithful  ministers  sow  in  their  lifetime,  may  spring  up 
after  their  death ; and  they  may  often  take  encouragement 
from  the  prospect  of  their  prayers  being  answered  after  they 
are  removed  : yet  their  removal  is  frequently  the  signal  for 
calamities  to  break  forth ; as  the  recall  of  an  ambassador  pre- 
cedes a declaration  of  war.  However,  living  or  dying,  the 
true  people  of  God  are  blessed,  and  blessings  to  others : and 
those  who,  like  the  Saviour,  pass  through  death  and  the  grave 
to  glory,  are  not  less  favoured,  than  if  they  were  immediately 
received  up  to  heaven  in  the  body.— But  the  death  and  burial 
of  Jesus  alone  has  efficacy  to  disarm  the  king  of  terrors  ol 
his  power  to  hurt,  and  to  sanctify  the  tomb,  as  a safe  repos- 
tory  for  the  believer’s  body,  till  the  general  resurrection. 
Through  him  all  blessings  come  from  a reconciled  God  to 
believing  sinners : if  we  use  his  appointed  means  in  the  obe- 
dience of  faith,  and  be  not  straitened  in  our  desires  and  expec- 
tations of  help  from  him,  through  unbelief,  we  shall  not  be 
straitened  in  him,  but  shall  be  “able  to  do  all  things  through 
Christ  who  strengtheneth  us.”  Then  shall  we  beat  down  our 
enemies,  and  trample  them  as  the  mire  in  the  streets,  till  our 
deliverance  be  complete,  and  our  rejoicing  in  the  Lord  abund- 
ant. May  he  give  us  strong  faith,  that  our  hearts  may  be 
established  and  comforted  ; and  that  we  may  greatly  glorify 
his  name,  and  be  serviceable  to  his  people  on  earth,  in  our 
way  to  the  heavenly  inheritance  ! 

NOTES.— Chap.  XIV.  V.  1.  Joash  king  of  Israel 
began  to  reign  about  four  years  before  Amaziah  king  of  Ju- 
dah : but  he  is  supposed  to  have  reigned  part  of  the  time  with 
his  father  Jehoahaz ; and  Amaziah  succeeded  to  the  throne 
of  Judah  in  the  second  year  after  the  death  of  Jehoahaz  king 
oflsrael.  Yet,  as  Amaziah  survived  Joash  only  fifteen  years, 
S79  ) 


B.  C.  827. 


II.  KINGS. 


B.  C.  825. 


4 Howbeit,  'the  high  places  were  not  taken 
away  : as  yet  the  people  did  sacrifice,  and  burnt 
incense  on  the  high  places. 

5 U And  it  came  to  pass,  as  soon  as  the  kingdom 
was  confirmed  in  his  hand,  ( that  he  slew  shis 
servants  which  had  slain  the  king  his  father. 

6 But  the  children  of  the  murderers  he  slew 
not : according  unto  that  which  is  written  in  the 
book  of  the  law  of  Moses,  wherein  the  Lord 
commanded,  saying,  hThe  fathers  shall  not  be 
put  to  death  for  the  children,  nor  the  children  be 

Eut  to  death  for  the  fathers;  but  every  man  shall 
e put  to  death  for  his  own  sin. 

7  He  ‘slew  of  Edom  in  Hhe  valley  of  salt  ten 
thousand,  and  took  'Selah  by  war,  and  called  the 
name  of  it  kJoktheel  unto  this  day. 

8  IT  Then  ‘Amaziah  sent  messengers  to  Jehoash 
the  son  of  Jehoahaz,  son  of  Jehu  king  of  Israel, 
saying,  '"Come,  let  us  look  one  another  in  the 
face. 

9  And  Jehoash  the  king  of  Israel  sent  to 
Amaziah  king  of  Judah,  saying,  "The  thistle  that 
was  in  Lebanon  sent  to  the  cedar  that  was  in 
Lebanon,  saying,  Give  thy  daughter  to  my  son  to 
wife  : and  there  passed  by  a wild  beast  that  was 
in  Lebanon,  and  trode  down  the  thistle. 

10  Thou  hast  indeed  smitten  Edom,  and  °thy 
heart  hath  lifted  thee  up : I’glory  of  this,  and  tarry 
at  fliome  : for  iwhy  shouldest  thou  meddle  to  thy 
hurt,  that  thou  shouldest  fall,  even  thou,  and  Judah 
with  thee  ? 

11  But  "Amaziah  would  not  hear.  Therefore 
Jehoash  king  of  Israel  went  up ; and  he  and 
Amaziah  kintr  of  Judah  looked  one  another  in 
the  face  at  "Beth-shemesh,  which  belongeth  to 
Judah. 


e See  on  12:3.  15:4,35.  fGeti.  9:6.  Ex.  21:12— 14.  Num. 35:33.  g 12:20, 
21.  2 Chr.  25:3,4.  h Dent.  24:16.  Ez.  18:4,20.  i 8:20— 22.  2 Chr.  25:1 1,12. 
j 2 Sam.  8:13.  IChr. 18:12.  Ps.  60:  lilie.  * Or,  the  rock.  * Ic  Josh.  15:38. 
i 2 Chr.  25:17—24.  m 11.  2 Sam.  2: 14— 17.  Prov.  13:10.  17:14.  18:6.20:18.25:8. 
n Jude.  9:8 — 15.  2 Sam.  12;  1 — 4.  1 Kings  4:33.  Ez.  20:49.  o Deut.  8:14.  2 Chr. 
25:16.32:25.  Prov.  16:18.  Ez.  28:2,5,17.  Dan.  5:20—23.  Hab.  2:4.  Jam.  4:6. 
p Ex.  8:9.  Jer.  9:23,24.  Jam.  1:9.  f Heb.  thy  house,  q 2 Chr.  35:21.  Prov.  17: 
14.20:3.26.17.  Luke  14:31,32.  r 2 Chr.  25:16,20.  s Josh.  21:16.  1 Sam.  6:9. 
X Heb.  smitten,  t 1 Sam.  4:10.  2 Sam.  18:17.  1 Kings  22:36.  u 25:6.  2 Chr. 

(17)  either  the  sixteen  years  of  Joash’s  reign  must  be  reckoned 
from  his  father’s  death;  {Note,  13:10.)  or,  as  some  think, 
Amaziah’s  reign  is  computed  from  the  time  that  his  father 
Joash  became  incapable  of  managing  public  affairs.  (2  Chr. 
24:23 — 27.) 

V.  3,  4.  Amaziah,  like  his  father  Joash,  began  apparently 
well,  and  ended  very  ill.  He  supported  and  regularly  attended 
the  worship  of  Jehovah;  yet  not  with  the  fervent  piety  of 
David : neither  did  he  destroy  the  high  places ; where,  pro- 
bably, priests  and  Levites  officiated  in  sacrificing  and  burning 
incense.  {Marg.  Ref.  Note , 12:2,3.) 

V.  5,  6.  Amaziah  did  not  at  first  venture  to  punish  the 
conspirators,  who  had  slain  his  father;  and  it  seems  they 
continued  at  court  as  if  they  had  done  no  wrong,  and  feared 
no  danger ; having  only  avenged  the  death  of  Jehoiada’s  son  on 
Jehoash,  without  attempting  to  injure  Amaziah,  or  deprive 
him  of  the  kingdom.  {Note,  12:20,21.)  But  when  he  found 
himself  sufficiently  established  in  authority,  he  very  properly 
punished  them:  but  in  doing  this  he  strictly  adhered  .o  the 
command  of  God,  in  not  punishing  their  children  with  them. 
{Note,  Deut.  24:1(5.) — These  references  to  the  very  words  of 
the  law,  as  they  now  stand  in  the  books  of  Moses,  should  not. 
be  unnoticed.  Undoubtedly  these  books  were  extant,  and 
well  known,  when  this  history  was  written. 

V.  7.  The  name  which  Amaziah  gave  to  Selah,  signifies 
Obedience  to  God ; in  which  it  is  probable,  he  referred  to  his 
obedience  to  the  word  of  God  by  the  prophet  in  dismissing 
the  auxiliaries  of  Israel,  and  considered  his  victory  as  the 
reward  of  it:  but  his  behaviour,  in  the  whole  transaction,  and 
afterwards,  very  little  agreed  with  this  name.  {Notes,  2 Chr. 
25:5 — 16.)  Valley  of  salt.}  Marg.  Ref.  i. 

Y.  8.  The  peace  between  Judah  and  Israel  had  continued 
from  the  time  of  Asa,  during  above  a hundred  years:  and, 
though  the  affinity  formed  by  Jehoshaphat  with  the  house  of 
Ahab  had  been  of  fatal  consequences  to  the  royal  family  of 
Judah  ; yet, on  the  whole,  peace  had  been  far  more  conducive 
to  the  welfare  of  both  nations,  than  the  ruinous  wars  which 
preceded  and  ensued.  Perhaps  Amaziah  bore  resentment 
.against  the  family  of  Jehu,  for  the  slaughter  of  .his  relations: 
he  had  also  received  injurious  treatment  from  the  Israelites, 
whom  he  had  engaged  in  his  service,  and  sent  back,  having 
been  forbidden  to  employ  them.  (Notes,  2 Chr. 25:6 — 10,13.) 
Perhaps  he  hoped  to  reduce  Israel  again  under  the  dominion 
of  the  family  of  David.  But,  if  he  had  not  been  actuated  by  a 
vain  ambition,  he  would  have  made  his  complaints,  and 
.demanded  satisfaction,  and  not  have  sent  this  foolish  chal- 
lenge. In  effect, ho  informed  Joash,  that  he  scorned  to  attack 
( 680  ) 


12  And  Judah  was  Tput  to  the  worse  before 
Israel ; and  ‘they  fled  every  man  to  their  tents. 

13  And  Jehoash  king  of  Israel  “took  Amaziah 
king  of  Judah,  the  son  of  Jehoash  the  son  of 
Ahaziah.  at  Beth-shemesh,  and  came  to  Jeru- 
salem, and  brake  down  the  wall  of  Jerusalem 
from  Hhe  gate  of  Ephraim  unto  Hhe  corner-gate, 
four  hundred  cubits. 

14  And  he  took  "all  the  gold  and  silver,  and  all 
the  vessels  that  were  found  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  and  in  the  treasures  of  the  king’s  house, 
“and  hostages,  and  returned  to  Samaria. 

[ Practical  Observations .] 

15  TT  Now  Hhe  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jehoash  which 
he  did,  and  his  might,  and  how  he  fought  with 
Amaziah  king  of  Judah,  are  they  not  written 
in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of 
Israel  ? 

16  And  “Jehoash  slept  with  his  fathers,  and 
dwas  buried  in  Samaria  with  the  kings  of  Israel ; 
and  'Jeroboam  his  son  reigned  in  his  stead. 

17  “IT  And  f Amaziah  the  son  of  Joash  king  i-b.  c. 
of  Judah  lived  after  the  death  of  Jehoash  L sio. 
son  of  Jehoahaz  king  of  Israel  fifteen  years. 

18  And  Hhe  rest  of  the  acts  of  Amaziah,  arc 
they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of 
the  kings  of  Judah  ? 

19  Now  hthey  made  a conspiracy  against  him 
in  Jerusalem  : and  he  fled  to  'Lachish  ; but  they 
sent  after  him  to  Lachish,  and  slew  him  there. 

20  And  they  brought  him  on  horses : arid  khe 
was  buried  at  Jerusalem  with  his  fathers  in  the 
city  of  David. 

21  And  all  the  people  of  Judah  took  'A?ariah, 
which  was  sixteen  years  old,  and  mmade  him 
king  instead-  of  his  father  Amaziah. 


33:11.  36:6,10.  Job  40:11,12.  Prov.  16:18.  29:23.  Is.  2:11,12.  Dan.  4:37.  Lute 
14:11.  x 2 Chr.  25:23,24.  Neb.  8:16.  12:39.  y Jer.  31:38.  Zecli.  14:10.  z24:13. 
25:15.  1 Kings  7:51.  14:26.  15:18.  a 18:23.  marg.  b See  on  10:34,35.  1 Kings 
14:19,20.  c See  on  2 Sam.  7:12.  1 Kings  1:21.  dSeeonl3-9.  e 13:13.  Ho«. 
1:1.  Am.  1:1. 7:10,11.  f 1 ,2,23.  13: 10.  2 Chr. 25:25.  g 13:8,12.  I Kin»»  :':41. 
14:29.  h 12:20,21.  15:10,14,25,30.  21:23.  2 Chr.  25:27,28.  i Josh.  10:31.  Mi©. 
1:13.  k 8:24.  9:28.  12:21.  1 Kings  2:10.  1 1 :43.  2 Chr.  21 :20.  26  23.  33:20.  1 16x 
13.  2 Chr.  26:1.  Uzziah.  Matt.  1:8,9.  Ozias.  m 21:24.  1 Chr.  3:12. 


him  at  a disadvantage:  but  wished  him  to  bring  forth  all  hi* 
forces,  and  make  a fair  trial  of  their  military  skill  and  valour 
in  a pitched  battle.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  2:14 — 16.  2 Chr.  25:17 
—24.  Prov.  13:10.  17:14.20:18.  25:8—10.) 

V.  9,  10.  Joash  rebuked  Amaziah’s  pride,  with  an  arro- 
gance equally  unreasonable.  The  thistle,  a useless  weed, 
which  may  by  chance  wound  the  foot  of  the  incautious  pas- 
senger, was  made  the  emblem  of  the  kingdom  of  Judah,  and 
of  the  ancient  and  honourable  house  of  David  ; while  the  house 
of  Jehu  was  represented  as  a stately  cedar!  The  thistle 
‘having  drawn  blood  on  some  poor  traveller,  and  sorely 
afflicted  him,  (as  Amaziah  had  done  the  Edomites,)  grew  very 
proud,  and  would  be  no  longer  one  of  the  shrubs,  but  equal  to 
the  most  goodly  trees.’  Bp.  Patrick.  Joash  intimated,  that  if 
Amaziah,  upon  his  casual  success  against  the  Edomites,  had 
presumed  to  solicit  an  alliance  with  him,  he  would  have  con- 
sidered his  proposals  in  the  same  light,  as  if  the  thistle  should 
aspire  to  unite  families  with  the  cedar  ; and  the  meanest  of 
his  soldiers  should  have  chastised  his  insolence,  and  crushed 
him,  as  easily  as  a wild  beast  of  the  forest  could  trample 
down  the  thistle  : how  much  more  then,  when  Amaziah  dared 
to  challenge  him  to  battle,  would  he  bring  destruction  upon 
himself! — There  was,  however,  much  good  sense  in  Joash’s 
counsel.  Let  Amaziah  rest  satisfied  with  the  reputation 
which  he  had  acquired,  and  not  meddle  or  rashly  involve 
himself  in  a contest  with  his  neighbour,  who  was  disposed 
to  peace,  which  would  terminate  in  the  disgrace  and  ruin  o! 
himself  and  his  kingdom.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  11—14.  As  Amaziah  prepared  for  war,  it  became 
necessary  for  Joash  to  oppose  him:  in  consequence  Ama- 
ziah’s army  was  completely  routed,  many  lives  were  thrown 
away,  Amaziah  was  made  prisoner,  Jerusalem  was  taken, 
and  its  fortifications  to  a large  extent  demolished,  and  the 
very  temple  plundered  of  its  treasures  and  sacred  vessels,  oy 
the  rapacious  and  profane  conqueror. 

Came  to  Jerusalem.  (13)  ‘Bringing  Amaziah  with  him; 
and  letting  the  inhabitants  know,  (as  Josephus  saith,)  that 
he  would  slay  him  before  their  eyes,  if  they  did  not  immedi- 
ately open  their  gates  unto  him  ; which  was  accordingly  done. 
Bp.  Patrick. 

Hostages.  (14)  ‘The  sons,  I suppose  of  the  principal  per- 
sons < f the  city,  for  a security  that  they  would  . . . give  him  no 
disturbance.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  17 — 20.  Joash,  it  seems,  set  Amaziah  at.  liberty;  and 
he  survived  Joash  fifteen  years.  But  the  ill  sucres  of  his  rash 
expedition  rendered  his  people  disaffected  to  h m,  which  at 
length  produced  a conspiracy,  or  open  revolt,  which  dwMo 


B.  C.  822. 


B.  C.  810 


CHAPTER  XV. 


22  He  built  "Elath,  and  restored  it  to  Judah, 
after  that  the  king  slept  with  his  lathers. 
a c.-i  23  H In  "the  fifteenth  year  of  Amaziah 
W5-  -*  the  son  of  Joash  king  of  Judah,  pJeroboam 
the  son  of  Joash  king  of  Israel  "began  to  reign 
in  Samaria,  and  reigned  forty  and  one  years. 

24  And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  iin  the  sight 
of  the  Loud  : rhe  departed  not  from  all  the  sins  of 
Jeroboam  the  son  of  Nebat,  who  made  Israel  to  sin. 

25  He  restored  the  coast  of  Israel  “from  the 
entering  of  Hamath  ‘unto  the  sea  of  the  plain, 
according  to  the  word  of  the  Loud  God  of  Israel, 
which  he  spake  by  the  hand  of  his  servant  "Jonah, 
the  son  of  Amittai,  the  prophet,  which  was  of 
*Gath-hepher. 

26  For  the  Lord  ^saw  the  affliction  of  Israel, 
that  it  was  very  bitter : for  there  was  znot  any 
shut  up,  nor  any  left,  nor  any  helper  for  Israel. 

27  And  the  Lord  "said  not  that  he  would  bblot 
out  the  name  of  Israel  from  under  heaven  : but 
che  saved  them  by  the  hand  of  Jeroboam  the  son 
of  Joash. 


n 16:6.  Dent.  2:8.  IKiugs9:26.  2 Chr.  26:2.  Elolh.  oil.  p 27.  ilos.  1:1. 
Am.  1:1.  7:9 — 11.  * Now  he  begioa  to  reign  alone.  o 21:6.  Gen.  38:7. 

Dent.  9:18.  1 Kings  21:25.  r See  on  13:2,6,11.  s Num.  13:21.  34:7,8. 

K.r..  47  16 — IS.  Am.  6:14.  t Oen.  14:3.  Deul.  3:17.  u Jon.  1:1.  Matt. 
12:39,46.  16:4.  Jonas,  x Josh.  19:13.  Gitlar-hepher.  y 13:4.  Ex.  3:7,9. 
Juclg.  10:16.  Ps.  166:43—15.  Is.  63:9.  z Dout.  32:36.  1 Kings  14:10.  21.21. 
a 13:23.  Hos.l:6.  b Ex.  32:32,33.  Deut.  9:14.  25:19.  29:20.  Ps.  69:28.  Rev.  3:5. 

him  from  Jerusalem  to  Lachish  ; whither  the  insurgents 
ursued  him:  and  when  they  had  slain  him  either  they 
rought  him  themselves,  or  suffered  him  to  be  brought,  to 
Jerusalem  to  be  buried.  ( Marg . Ref.  h — k.  Note , 2 Chr. 
25:25—27.) 

V.  21.  Azariah,  or  Uzziah,  (words  of  similar  meaning, 
the  one  signifying,  The  help  of  the  Lord , and,  the  other,  the 
strength  of  the  Lord,)  is  thought  by  some  to  have  been  very 
young,  not  more  than  four  years  of  age,  when  his  father  was 
slain  ; and  they  suppose  that  he  was  not  made  king  till  about 
twelve  years  afterwards.  Thus  he  began  to  reign  in  the 
twenty-seventh  year  of  Jeroboam;  though  his  father  was  slain 
in  the  fifteenth  year  of  Jeroboam.  (23.15:1.)  Butthe  years 
of  Azariah’s  reign  are  reckoned  from  his  father’s  death : and 
therefore  others  suppose,  that  Jeroboam  reigned  along  with 
his  father  Joash  eleven  or  twelve  years ; so  that  reckoning  his 
reign  from  this  time,  Azariah  began  to  reign  in  his  twenty- 
seventh  year,  though  only  fifteen  or  sixteen  years  after  he 
began  to  reign  alone.  (23.  15:1.  margins.) 

V.  22.  Elath.]  This  was  a town  upon  the  Red  Sea, 
convenient  for  commerce,  which  the  Edomites  or  Syrians 
had  taken  away  from  the  kings  of  Judah.  ( Marg.'Ref .)  It 
is  supposed  that  Amaziah  had  taken  it,  when  he  conquered 
the  Edomities  ; but  had  not  been  able  to  derive  much  advan- 
tage from  it,  because  of  subsequent  troubles  ; and  that 
Azariah,  after  Ainaziah’s  death,  rebuilt  and  fortified  it. 

V.  23,  21.  Jeroboam  the  second  reigned  much  longer  than 
any  other  of  the  kings  of  Israel.— ‘As  he  had  the  name,  so 
he  trod  in  the  steps  of  him,  who  first  corrupted  Israel  with 
idolatry.’  Bp.  Patrick. — Joash,  in  giving  this  name  to  his  son, 
seems  almost  to  have  pointed  out  to  him  the  conduct,  which 
he  would  have  him  adopt. 

V.  25.  The  various  enemies  of  Israel  had  encroached  on 
their  borders,  from  the  northern  to  the  southern  extremity  of 
the  country  belonging  to  the  ten  tribes  ; from  Lebanon  to  the 
dead  or  salt  sea,  which  had  been  the  plain  of  Sodom  : but, 
Jeroboam,  encouraged  by  the  predictions  of  Jonah,  drove 
back  these  enemies,  and  recovered  the  country.  ( Preface 
to  Jonah.) 

V.  2G,  27.  Joash  had  been  successful,  both  against  the  Sy- 
ri  ins  and  Judah.  But  probably  the  Syrians,  not  being  totally 
subdued,  still  carried  on  destructive  hostilities  against  Israel : 
and  the  neighbouring  nations,  as  the  Moabites,  Ammonites, 
Edomites,  made  continual  incursions,  and  plundered  whatever 
they  could  seize  upon ; so  that  the  most  valuable  treasures  of 
the  Israelites  were  pillaged,  those  who  seemed  to  have  taken 
refuge  in  the  safest  places  were  destroyed,  and  there  were  none 
to  help  them.  But  as  the  time  for  their  final  dispersion  was 
not  yet  come,  the  Lord  saved  them  by  the  hand  of  Jeroboam, 
notwithstanding  his  idolatries. — Blot  out.  (27)  Notes,  Ex. 
32:30—33.  Deut.  29:19,20.) 

V.  28.  Damascus  and  Hamath  belonged  to  Judah,  in  the 
-eigns  of  David  and  Solomon:  (Notes,  2 Sam.  8:3 — 11.  1 
^Tings  4:21.)  and  Jeroboam  so  effectually  subdued  the  Sy- 
lans,  that  he  obtained  possession  of  them  for  Israel ; which 

called  recovering  them,  because,  though  divided  in  govern- 
ment, Judah  and  Israel  were  still  to  be  considered  as  one 
people. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 14.  Many  appear  righteous  unto  men,  whose  in- 

ward parts  are  very  wickedness,  and  whose  base  conduct  at 
'ength  betrays  their  hypocrisy.  Yet  the  Lord  gives  due  com- 
mendation to  the  actions  which  accord  to  his  law,  because 
Vi  us  far  they  honour  him. — Where  his  judgments  are  most 
evidently  lighteous,  the  wickedness  of  the  instruments  may 
Voi . I -86 


28  U Now  dthe  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jeroboam,  and 
all  that  he  did,  and  his  might,  how  he  warred, 
and  how  he  recovered  “Damascus,  and  Hamath, 
which  belonged  to  Judah,  for  Israel,  are  they 
not  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the 
kings  of  Israel  ? 

29  And  Jeroboam  slept  with  his  fathers,  tb.  l. 
even  with  the  kings  oflsrael ; and  1 Zachariah  1-  ,6J- 
his  son  'reigned  in  his  stead. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Azariah’s  good  reign,  I — 4.  He  is  smitten  with  leprosy  ; and  Jotham  his  son 

foverns  for  him,  and  succeeds  him,  5—7.  Zachariah  reigns  ill,  and  is  slain 
y Shallum  ; and  the  fulfilment  of  the  word  of  God  to  Jehu  is  noticed , 8 — 12 
A fter  one  month,  Shallum  is  slain , and  succeeded  by  Menahem  ; who  treats 
his  opposers  with  saoage  cruelly ; reigns  wickedly  ; becomes  tributary  to 
Pul,  king  of  Assyria  ; dies,  and  is  succeeded  by  his  son  Pekahiah , 13 — 22. 
Pttkahiah  reigns  ill,  and  is  slain  and  succeeded  by  Pekah,  23 — 26.  Pel: ah 
imitates  the  sins  of  his  predecessor  ; Tiglalh-pileser  of  Assyria,  carries 
captive  part  of  Israel;  and  Hoshea  kills  and  succeeds  Pekah,  27 — 31.  Jo- 
tham reigns  well  in  Judah,  32 — 35.  He  dies , and  is  succeeded  by  his  son 
Ahaz , 36—38. 

IN  "the  "twenty  and  seventh  year  of  Jeroboam 
king  of  Israel  began  Azariah  son  of  Amaziah 
king  of  Judah  to  reign. 

2 bSixteen  years  old  was  he  when  he  began  to 


c 5:1.  13:5.  Hos.  1:7.  Tit.  3:4 — 6.  d<See07jl5.  e2Sam.8:6.  1 Kings  11:24. 
1 Chr.  18:5,6.  2 Chr.  8:3.4.  f 15:8.  t After  an  interregnum  of  eleven  years 
a 8.14:16,17.  * This  is  the  twenty-seventh  year  of  Jeroboam’s  partnership  in 
the  kingdom  with  his  father,  who  made  him  consort  at  his  going  to  the  Syrian 
wars.  It  is  the  sixteenth  year  of  Jeroboam’s  monarchy,  b 14:21.  2 Chr.  26:1, 
3.  Uzziah. 


deserve  punishment  by  the  sword  of  the  magistrate : and 
“ the  Judge  of  all  the  earth”  may  do  many  things  consistently 
with  his  justice,  and  in  his  omniscience,  unerring  wisdom,  and 
all-sufficiency,  which  would  not  be  right  for  shortsighted, 
feeble  mortals  to  imitate.  It  will  appear,  however,  in  the 
day  of  final  retributions,  that  no  one  has  suffered  who  did  not 
deserve  it,  and  that  none  perish  but  for  their  own  sins. — Un- 
sanctified success  increases  pride  ; pride  excites  contentions  ; 
and  these  are  the  sources  of  trouble  and  iniquity  in  private 
life:  but  when  they  arise  between  princes,  they  become  the 
misery  of  whole  kingdoms ; and  the  blood  of  thousands  is 
lightly  esteemed  by  vainglorious  mortals,  who  seek  to  be 
admired  and  extolled  by  men  as  foolish  and  worthless  as 
themselves. — The  effects  of  pride  in  others  are  often  insuffer- 
able, even  to  those  who  are  equally  proud  themselves  ; and 
all  naturally  delight  in  expressing  contempt  for  such,  as  avow- 
edly aim  to  outshine  their  neighbours. — We  might  smile  at  the 
ridiculous  methods,  which  arrogant  worms  lake  to  vaunt 
themselves,  and  to  express  their  contempt  of  their  rivals  for 
fame  ; did  not  the  fatal  effects  of  such  competitions  call  for 
our  lamentations:  and  the  vain  boastings  of  those  who  follow 
peace  are  most  tolerable,  because  most  harmless.  But  did 
men  consider  from  whom,  and  for  what,  their  talents  and 
successes  were  given,  and  how  prone  they  are  to  abuse  them  , 
and  did  they  understand  how  mean,  guilty,  and  polluted  man 
is,  at  his  best  estate,  their  boastings  must  needs  be  excluded. 
In  reality,  all  the  distinctions  between  one  sinful  man  and 
another  would  not  be  worth  noting,  except  for  the  sake  of  re- 
lative obligations,  and  the  peace  of  society : but  what  images 
can  shadow  forth  the  absurdity  and  madness  of  those,  who 
by  their  daring  crimes  seem  to  challenge  the  Almighty  to  the 
conflict,  and  to  rush  upon  the  thick  bosses  of  his  buckler  ? Or, 
who  could  have  conceived  such  an  amity  and  union,  as  the 
Lord  invites  us  wretched  sinners  to  ent<  r into  with  himself, 
through  the  mysterious  union  of  the  divine  and  human  nature 
in  our  Emmanuel  ? — In  all  our  undertakings,  we  should  pre- 
viously consider  our  ability  to  accomplish  them  : and  rather 
rest  satisfied  with  moderate  advantages,  or  inferior  reputation, 
than  risk  the  consequences  of  beginning  what  we  are  not  able 
to  finish,  which  is  indeed  to  “ meddle  to  our  hurt.”  (Notes, 
Prov.  17:14.  Luke  14:28 — 33.)  But  caution  is  especially 

needful,  when  if  we  fail  of  success,  we  cannot  suffer  alone, 
but  must  involve  many  in  our  calamities  : and  those  who  will 
not  take  fair  warning  and  good  advice,  even  from  an  insulting 
enemy,  may  too  late  wish  they  had. 

Y.  15 — 29.  Wicked  princes  and  nations  are  frequently 
successful,  because  opposed  by  others  more  guilty  than  them- 
selves.— The  proud  are  often  visited  with  most  humiliating 
providences ; and  if  not  humbled  by  them,  their  destruction  is 
inevitable.  Yet  even  in  those  places,  where  ungodliness  is 
generally  prevalent,  the  Lord  takes  notice  of  the  extreme  bit- 
terness under  which  men  groan,  and  spares  them  from  time 
to  time,  that  his  goodness  may  lead  them  to  repentance. 
Especially,  is  he  thus  long-suffering  to  those  nations,  where 
he  has  a remnant  of  true  believers.— But  the  lives  and  suc- 
cesses of  wicked  men  are  contracted  within  narrow  limits,  and 
they  are  soon  “ driven  away  in  their  wickedness,”  one  after 
another.  And  though  the  Lord  will  never  blot  out  the  name 
of  his  true  Israel  from  under  heaven,  but  will  always  raise 
them  up  helpers,  that  the  enemy  may  never  prevail  against 
his  cause  on  earth : yet  there  is  an  appointed  period  to  his 
patience  and  long-suffering ; beyond  which  he  will  no  longer 
bear  with  impenitent  sinners,  corrupt  professing  churches,  or 
wicked  nations ; but  will  proceed  to  deal  with  them  according 
•to  the  most  awful  denunciations  of  his  holy  word 
' 681  ) 


B.  C.  7TS. 


II.  KINGS. 


B.  C. 771 


reign,  a id  ne  reigned  two  and  fifty  years  in 
Jerusalem.  And  his  mother’s  name  was  Jecholiah 
of  Jerusalem. 

3 And  'he  did  that . which  was  right  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord,  according  to  all  that  his  father 
Amaziah  had  done  ; 

4 Save  thatdthe  high  places  were  not  removed  : 
the  people  sacrificed  and  burnt  incense  still  on 
the  high  places. 

5 H And  'the  Lord  smote  the  king,  fso  that  he 
was  a leper  unto  the  day  of  his  death,  ^and  dwelt 
in  a several  house.  And  hJotham  the  king’s  son 
was  over  the  house,  ‘judging  the  people  of  the 
land. 

6 And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Azariah,  and  all 
that  he  did,  are  kthey  not  written  in  the  book  of 
the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah? 

a.  c.-j  7 So  ‘Azariah  slept  with  his  fathers;  and 
7M-  -I  they  buried  him  with  his  fathers  in  the  city 
of  David;  and  Jotham  his  son  reigned  in  his 
stead. 

p.  c-i  8 H In  mthe  ‘thirty  and  eighth  year  of 
772-  J Azariah  king  of  Judah  did  "Zachariah  the 
son  of  Jeroboam  reign  over  Israel  in  Samaria  six 
months. 

9 And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lor>d,  °as  his  fathers  had  done  : he  departed 
not  from  the  sins  of  Jeroboam  the  son  of  Nebat, 
who  made  Israel  to  sin. 

10  And  Shallum  the  son  of  Jabesh  conspired 
against  him,  and  rsmote  him  before  the  people, 
and  islew  him,  and  reigned  in  his  stead. 

11  And  rthe  rest  of  the  acts  of  Zachariah, 
behold,  they  are  written  in  the  book  of  the 
Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel. 

12  This  was  “the  word  of  the  Lord  which  he 
spake  unto  Jehu,  saying,  ‘Thy  sons  shall  sit  on 
the  throne  of  Israel  unto  the  fourth  generation. 

“And  SO  it  came  to  pass.  [Practical  Observation «.] 

13  IT  Shallum  the  son  of  Jabesh  began  to  reign 
in  the  nine  and  thirtieth  year  of  vUzziah  king  of 
Judah;  and  he  reigned  ‘a  full  “month  in  Samaria. 

« 12:2,3.  14:3,4.  2 Chr.  2S:4.  d 14:4.  18:4.  1 Kinei  15:14.  22:43.  2 Chr. 

17  6 . 32:12.  34:3.  e 2 Sam.  3:29.  2 Chr.  26.16—20.  Job  34:19.  f 5:27. 
Num.  12:10.  g 7:3.  Lev.  13  46.  Num.  12:14.  Dent.  24:8,9.  h 2 Chr  26:21. 

2 Sam.  8 15.  15.2 — 1.  1 Kings 3:9.28.  Ps.  72:1,2.  k See  on  14:19.  2 Chr.  26: 
5-15.  1 2 Chr.  26:23.  Is.  6:1.  UzziaA.  in  1.  14:16,17,21.  ■ * There  having 
been  an  interregnum  for  eleven  years.  n 14:29.  o Sec  on  10:29,31 . 13:2,11 . 
14:24.  p Am.  7:9.  q 14,25,30.  9:24,31.  1 Kings  15:28.  16:9,10.  Hos.  1:4,5. 

i See  on  14:28.  s 10:30.  t 13:1,10,13.  14:29.  u 9:25,20,36,37.  10:10.  Num. 

NOTES— Chap.  XV.  V.  1.  Marg.  Notes , 14:21. 

V.  2 — 7.  ( Notes , 2 Chr . 20:) — Two  and  fifty  years.  (2) 
The  long  reign  of  Azariah  must  be  considered  as  very  advan- 
tageous to  Judah,  when  contrasted  with  the  state  of  Israel 
during  the  same  period. 

A several  house.  (5)  Retired,  but  spacious,  where  he  had 
liberty  to  recreate  himself,  though  excluded  from  public  busi- 
ness. 

V.  8.  Amaziah  reigned  fifteen  years  after  Jeroboam  came 
to  the  crown  of  Israel ; (14:17.)  so  that  the  death  of  Jeroboam, 
who  reigned  forty-one  years,  coincided  with  the  twenty-sixth 
or  twenty-seventh  year  of  Azariah.  An  interregnum  of  about 
eleven  years  must  therefore  be  allowed  for,  in  the  kingdom  of 
Israel , between  the  death  of  Jeroboam,  and  the  succession  of 
his  son : either  because  of  his  youth,  or  through  the  factious 
temper  of  the  people.  (Marg.) 

V.  12.  Notwithstanding  the  wickedness  of  Israel,  and  the 
persevering  idolatry  of  Jehu  and  his  descendants,  the  Lord 
would  not  proceed  to  execute  vengeance  upon  them,  till  the 
predicted  period.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note , 10:29 — 31.)  And  bad 
as  Jehu’s  family  was;  the  times,  during  which  they  reigned, 
were  by  far  the  best  that  Israel  experienced  from  their  sepa- 
ration from  the  family  of  David  to  their  final  dispersion. 

V.  13 — 16.  Marg.  Ref. — Tiphsah.  (16)  A city  called'Tiph- 
sah,  near  the  Euphrates,  was  one  boundary  of  Solomon’s  do- 
minions. ( Note , 1 Kings  4:24.)  But  that  was  so  far  distant 
from  Tirzahj  that  some  other  city  of  the  same  name,  situated 
in  Canaan,  is  supposed  to  he  here  meant.  If,  however,  Me- 
nahem  attempted  to  recover  all  that  had  been  lost  to  Israel, 
after  the  death  of  Solomon,  ho  might  march  to  Tiphsah,  on  the 
Euphrates  ; and  this  might  give  occasion  to  the  king  of  Assyria 
to  invade  his  dominions. — All  the  women ? &c.]  This  savage 
barbarity  was  exercised  by  Mcnahcm  against  the  inhabitants  of 
those  cities,  which  did  not  immediately  submit  to  his  usurpod 
authority. — Things  were  now  hastening  to  a fatal  crisis  in  the 
kingdom  of  the  ten  tribes.  After  the  death  of  Elisha,  true  reli- 
gion evidently  began  to  decline ; and  neither  the  labours,  nor  the 
writings,  of  the  succeeding  prophets  could  stop  the  rapid  in- 
crease of  immorality,  idolatry,  or  profaneness,  which  inundated 
that  people.  This  chapter  gives  such  an  account  of  their  public 
affairs,  as  will  afford  the  attentive  reader  great  assistance  in 
( 682  ) 


14  For  Menahem  the  son  of  Gadi  went  up 
from  rTirzah,  and  came  to  Samaria,  “and  smote 
Shallum  the  son  of  Jabesh  in  Samaria,  and  slew 
him,  and  reigned  in  his  stead. 

15  And  “the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Shallum,  and 
his  conspiracy  which  he  made,  behold,  they  are 
written  in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings 
of  Israel. 

16  IT  Then  Menahem  smote  bTiphsah,  and  all 
that  were  therein,  and  the  coasts  thereof  from 
Tirzah : because  they  opened  not  to  him,  therefore 
he  smote  it;  and  'all  the  women  therein  that 
were  with  child  he  ripped  up. 

17  In  dthe  nine  and  thirtieth  year  of  Azariah 
king  of  Judah  began  Menahem  the  son  of  Gadi 
to  reign  over  Israel,  and  reigned  ten  years  in 
Samaria. 

18  And  he  did  that  which  wao  'evil  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord  : he  departed  not  all  his  days  from 
the  sins  of  Jeroboam  the  son  of  Nebat,  who  made 
Israel  to  sin. 

19  And  'Pul  the  king  of  Assyria  came  against 
the  land : and  *Menahem  gave  Pul  a thousand 
talents  of  silver,  that  his  hand  might  be  with 
him  hto  confirm  the  kingdom  in  his  hand. 

20  And  'Menahem  ^exacted  the  money  of  Israel, 
even  of  all  kthe  mighty  men  of  wealth,  of  eacn 
man  fifty  shekels  of  silver,  to  give  to  the  king  of 
Assyria.  So  the  king  of  Assyria  turned  back,  and 
’stayed  not  there  in  the  land. 

21  If  And  mthe  rest  of  the  acts  of  Menahem,  and 
all  that  he  did,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book 
of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel  ? 

22  And  Menahem  slept  with  his  fathers;  and 
Pekahiah  his  son  reigned  in  his  stead. 

23  H In  the  fiftieth  year  of  Azariah  king  of 
Judah,  Pekahiah  the  son  of  Menahem  began  to 
reign  over  Israel  in  Samaria,  " and  reigned  two 
years. 

24  And  he  did  that  vthich  teas  “evil  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord  : he  departed  not  from  the  sins  of 
Jeroboam  the  son  of  Neoat,who  made  Israel  to  sin. 

23:19.  Zech.  1:6.  Mark  13:81.  John  10:35.  19:21,36,37.  Aasl:16.  v 1.  Aza. 
rinh.  Matt.  1:8,9.  Ozias.  t Heh.  a month  of  day e.  x 1 King!’  16:15.  Job  20: 
15.  Ps.  55:23.  Prov.  28:2,17.  y 1 Kings  14:17.15:21,33.  16:8,9,15,17.  z See  on 
10.  a See  on  1 1.  I Kings  14:19,29.22:39.  hi  Kings  4:24.  c See  on  8:12. 
Am. 1:13.  d 13.  e See  on  9.  f 1 Chr.  5:25,26.  Is.  9:1.  g 12;  18.  16:8.  17:3. 
4.  18:16.  Hos.  5.13.  8:9,10.  10:6.  h 14:5.  Jer.  17:5.  i 23:35.  + Heb.  caused 

to  come  forth,  k Ruth  2:1.  2 Sam.  19:32.  Job  1.3.  129.17:3,4.18:14—17. 

m See  on  15.  n 21:19.  1 Kings  15:25.  16:8.  22:51.  Job20:5.  o See  on  9,18- 


understanding  the  writings  of  those  prophets,  who  lived  during 
that  period,  viz.  Isaiah,  Hoshea,  Mieah,  and  Amos. 

V.  19,  20.  The  king  of  Assyria,  coming  lo  invade  Israel, 
seems  to  have  found  the  people  much  disaffected  to  Mcna- 
hem,  who  must  have  been  odious  for  his  cruelties  ; but  he, 
having  made  submission  to  Pul,  and  engaged  for  the  payment 
of  one  thousand  talents  of  silver,  (nearly  four  hundred  thou* 
sand  pounds,)  obtained  his  assistance  in  subjugating  the 
Israelites,  and  was  thus  confirmed  in  the  kingdom  ; and  then 
by  force  he  extorted  the  money  from  his  richer  subjects. 
Thus  the  kingdom  was  impoverished,  and  the  people  exaspe- 
rated ; and  that  powerful  prince  having  been  so  well  paid  lbr 
invading  the  land,  left  an  example  to  his  successors,  which 
they  followed  till  they  had  totally  desolated  the  country. — 
The  kingdom  of  Assyria  is  here  mentioned,  for  the  first  time, 
after  the  building  of  Nineveh  by  Nimrod.  ( Note,  Gen.  10:8 
— 12.)  And  this  shows,  that  the  history,  given  by  many 
writers,  of  a very  prosperous  and  large  monarchy,  lasting 
for  much  above  a thousand  years  previous  to  this  time,  is  in 
great  measure  a romance.  David  and  Solomon  met  with  no 
opposition  from  die  kings  of  Assyria,  in  establishing  their 
kingdom,  even  to  the  Euphrates.  Nor  is  Assyria  once  men- 
tioned in  their  history.  Assur  indeed  helped  the  Moabites, 
Ammonites,  and  Edomites,  on  some  occasions:  but  yet  the 
very  connexion  implies,  that  it  was  of  itself  not  very  consi- 
derable. (Note,  Ps.  83:6 — 8.)  Bui  it  seems  that  Nineteh 
had  by  this  time  become  a very  great  cily,  and  no  doubt 
the  king  of  Nineveh  had  acquired  a considerable  territory. 
(Jon.  1:2.  3:3,4.  4:11.)  And  some  think  that  Pul  was  the 
king,  when  Jonah  prophesied  against  Nineveh.  It  is  not* 
however,  agreed,  whether  he  was  one  of  the  ancient  line  or 
Assyrian  kings;  or  whether  he  was  one  of  those  who  effected 
that  revolution,  which,  all  allow,  took  place  about  this  time  ; 
and  so  was  the  father  of  Tiglath-pileser.  The  latter  indeed 
seems  most  probable  : but  such  darkness  and  uncertainty  rest 
on  this  part  of  ancient  history,  that  the  most  learned  men 
differ  exceedingly  in  their  opinions  on  the  subject.  (Notes, 
1 Chr.  5:25,26.  2 Chr.  28:16 — 18.) 

Of  each  man  fifty  shekels.  (20)  4 He  gave  to  the  king 

of  Assyria  so  many  shekels  for  every  man  ...  in  his  army. 
So  they’  (the  Hebrew  words) 4 run  exactly,  44  to  give  to  ti:o 


B.  C.  740. 


CHAPTER  XY. 


B.  C.  742 


U.c.-I  25  But  fpekah  tta  son  of  Remaliah,  ^a 
J captain  of  his,  "conspired  against  him,  and 
smote  him  in  Samaria,  in  the  palace  of  the  king’s 
house,  with  Argob  and  Ariel),  and  with  him  fifty 
men  of  the  Gileadites:  and  he  killed  him,  and 
reigned  in  his  room. 

26  And  'the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Pekahiah,  and 
all  that  he  did,  behold,  they  are  written  in  the 
book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel. 

27  H In  'the  two  and  fiftieth  year  of  Azariah 
king  of  Judah,  "Pekah  the  son  of  Remaliah  began 
to  reign  over  Israel  in  Samaria,  and  reigned 
twenty  years. 

o.  c.i  28  And  he  did  that  which  was  "evil  in  the 
no.  J of  the  Lord  : he  departed  not  from  the 
sins  of  Jeroboam  the  son  of  Nebat,  who  made 
Israel  to  sin. 

29  In  the  days  of  Pekah  king  of  Israel,  came 
*Tiglath-pileser  king  of  Assyria,  and  took  yIjon,  and 
‘Abel-beth-maachan,  and  “Janoah,  and  bKedesh, 
and  cHazor,  and  dGilead,  and  “Galilee,  all  the  land 
of  Naphtali,  and  'carried  them  captive  to  Assyria. 

30  And  Hoshea  the  son  of  Elah  ernade  a con- 
spiracy against  Pekah  the  son  of  Remaliah,  hand 
b.  c.-j  smote  him,  and  slew  him,  and  'reigned  in  his 
m -1  stead  ‘in  ’the  twentieth  year  of  Jotham  the 
sonofUzziah. 


31  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Pekah  and  a. 
that  he  did,  behold,  they  are  written  in  tne  book 
of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel. 

32  H In  the  second  year  of  Pekah  the  son  oC' 
Remaliah  king  of  Israel  began  kJotham  the  son 
of  'Uzziah  king  of  Judah  to  reign. 

33  Five  and  twenty  years  old  was  he  when  he 
began  to  reign,  and  he  reigned  sixteen  years  p.  c. 
in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother’s  name  was  L 75S- 
mJerusha,  the  daughter  of  Zadok. 

34  And  he  did  that  ivlticli  was  right  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord  : he  did  "according  to  all  that 
his  father  Uzziah  had  done. 

35  H Howbeit,  °the  high  places  were  not 
removed : the  people  sacrificed  and  burnt  incense 
still  in  the  high  places.  He  built  >'the  higher 
gate  of  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

36  H Now  sthe  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jotham,  and  all 
that  he  did,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  ol 
the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah? 

37  In  those  days  the  Lord  "began  slo  send 
against  Judah,  ’Rezin  the  king  of  Syria,  and. 
“Pekah  the  son  of  Remaliah. 

38  And  1 Jotham  slept  with  his  fathers,  and 
was  buried  with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of  David 
his  father : and  yAhaz  his  son  reigned  in  his 
stead. 


« 27.  2 Cbr.  28:6.  q 9:5.  1 Kings  16:9.  r See  on  10.  9:14.  s See  on  15.  t 2, 
8,13,23.  u 25,37.  Is.  7:1,9.  ▼ See  on  9,18.  13:2,6.  21 :2.  x 16:7.  1 Chr.  5:6, 
25.  2 Chr.  28:20,21.  Tiglalh-pilneser.  Is.  9:1.  y 1 Kings  15:20.  2 Chr.  16:4. 
i 2 Sum.  20:14, 15.  a Josh.  16:6,7.  Janohah.  h Josh.  19:36,37.  c Josh.  11:1, 
10,13.  12:19.  Judg.  4:2.  d Num.  32:1,40.  Deut.  3:15.  Am.  1:3,13.  e Josh.  20: 
7.  1 Kings  9:11.  Is.  9:1,2.  Matt.  4.15,16.  f 17:6,23.  Lev.  26:32,38,39.  Deut. 
4:26,27.  28:25,64,65.  Is.  1:7.  7:20.  g See  on  10,25.  h Hos.  10:3.7,15.  'After 
an  anarchy  for  some  years,  i 32,33.  16:1.  17:1.  2 Chr.  28:4— 6,16.  Is.  7:1 — 9. 


8:6.  t the  fourth  year  of  Aliaz,  in  the  twentieth  year  nfter  Jotham  had  begun 
to  reign,  k 7.  1 Chr.  3:12.  2 Chr.  27:1.  Matt.  1:9.  Joalham.  1 See  on  1,7,13 
17,23,27.14:21.  1 Chr.  3:12.  Azariah.  m 2 Chr.  27:1.  Jerushah.  ti  3,4.  2 Chr. 
26:4,5.27:2.  o See  on  4.  18:4.  2 C hr.  32:12.  p 2 Chr.  27:3.  q See  on  6,7.  2Chr. 
27:4—9.  r 10:32.  1 Sam.  3:12.  Jer.  25:29.  Luke  21:28.  s Deut.  28:48.  Pa. 
78:49.  Is.  10:5 — 7.  Jer.  16:16.43:10.  t 16:5.  2 Chr.  28:6.  Is.  7:1,8.  Hos.  5: 12, 
13.  u See  on  27.  x Seeon  2Sam.  7:12.  1 Kings  1:21. 14:20,31.  y 16:1. 

1 Chr.  3:13.  2 Chr.  28:1.  Matt.  1:9.  Achaz. 


king  nf  Assyria  fifty  shekels  of  silver  for  each  man.”  ’ Bp. 
Patrick.  It  may  be  supposed  that  Menahem  compelled  “ the 
mighty  men  of  wealth”  to  give  much  more  a piece  than  this 
sum,  and  each  of  them  in  some  proportion  to  his  affluence. 

V.  25.  It  does  not  clearly  appear,  whether  Argob,  Ariph, 
and  the  fifty  Gileadites,  were  slain  with  the  king;  or  whether 
they  were  conspirators  with  Pekah. 

V.  29.  Pul  seems  to  have  carried  captive  many  out  of 
those  tribes  which  dwelt  to  the  east  of  Jordan  : (Note,  1 
Chr.  5:25,26.)  and  Tiglath-pileser,  who  is,  with  great  pro- 
bability, thought  to  have  been  his  son  and  successor,  carried 
captive  a considerable  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  north- 
ern parts  of  the  land,  as  well  as  the  inhabitants  of  the  dis- 
tricts to  the  east  of  Jordan.  ( Marg . Ref.) — Thus  the 
prophecies  in  this  respect  had  a gradual  accomplishment. 
(Notes,  17:5,6.  18:9—12.) 

V.  30.  In  the  twentieth,  &cj  That  is,  the  twentieth 
year  from  Jotham’s  accession  ; for  he  reigned  only  sixteen 
years  ; (33)  and  Hoshea  succeeded  Pekah  in  the  fourth  year 
of  Ahaz,  though  he  was  not  established  in  the  kingdom  till 
the  twelfth  year  of  that  king.  It  is  also  evident  from  the 
whole  narrative,  that  Ahaz  reigned  over  Judah  some  time 
• before  the  death  of  Pekah.  (Note,  17:1 .)  Perhaps  the  con- 
spiracy was  entered  into  before  the  death  of  Jotham ; but 
was  not  successful  till  four  years  after.  In  respect  of  many 
of  these  difficulties  in  settling  the  chronology,  (which  infidels 
vainly  magnify  into  objections  against  the  sacred  history,)  it 
may  be  proper  to  observe,  that  no  writer  wilfully  contradicts 
himself  within  a few  lines:  and  therefore  some  solution  of  the 
difficulty  should  be  sought,  and  must  exist,  whether  our  in- 
formation enable  us  to  solve  it  or  not. 

V.  31.  Notes,  16:5.  2 Chr.  28:6—8.  75.7:1,5—9. 

V.  32  36.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  2 Chr.  27. — In  the  second 
year.  (32)  Pekah  reigned  twenty  years.  (27)  Jotham 
therefore  began  his  reign  seventeen  or  eighteen  years  before 
the  death  of  Pekah : consequently  Pekah  survived  Jotham  a 
considerable  time  ; as  indeed  the  Scriptures  referred  to  ( Note . 
31.)  fully  prove.  (Note,  30.) 

V.  37.  In  the  days  of  Jotham,  those  designs  of  Rezin 
and  Pekah  were  formed,  and  in  some  degree  carried  into 
eftect,  which  became  far  more  formidable  during  the  reign  of 
Hahaz.  (Notes,  30.  2 Cftr.  28:1— . .15.  7s.  7:1— 9.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 


V.  1 — 12.  The  study  of  history  has  a tendency  to  render 
Ihe  reflecting  person  thankful  even  for  a mediocrity  of  cha- 
racter, in  those  placed  in  authority;  and  to  dispose  him  to 
l ear  patiently  many  evident  faults  in  the  administration  of 
fubliC  affairs.  For  as  every  thing  may  be  estimated  by 
lomparison;  and  as  the  history  of  the  world  exhibits  by  far 
the  greater  part  of  princes  desperately  wicked,  and  the  people 
exposed  to  every  kind  of  misery,  in  consequence  of  their 
ambition,  cruelty,  and  tyranny,  or  the  contests  between  rivals 
for  power : so,  we  may  repress  our  murmurs  under  slighter 
grievances,  by  reflecting  with  grateful  satisfaction  on  our  ex- 
emption from  flagrant  oppressions.  In  this  view,  we  seem  to 
congratulate  Judah  under  the  peaceful  reigns  of  Azariah  and 
Jotham  ; as  that  kingdom  was  very  highly  favoured,  compared 
with  the  distracted  state  of  Israel,  under  a succession  of 


bloody  murderers,  usurper^,  and  tyrants.  And  if  the  inha- 
bitants of  our  land  of  liberty  and  peace  can  read  this  narration, 
without  forgetting  their  imaginary  or  trivial  causes  for  com- 
plaint, or  without  blessing  God  for  their  mercies,  and  praying 
for  their  rulers,  and  the  continuance  of  our  distinguishing  pri- 
vileges, they  cannot  be  acquitted  from  the  charge  of  base 
ingratitude. — But  with  regret  we  must  observe,  that  such  is 
the  depraved  tendency  of  human  nature  to  evil,  that  revivals 
in  religion  are  commonly  transient : whereas  corruptions 
endure  from  age  to  age,  and  few  good  men  have  at  once 
power  and  courage  effectually  to  remove  them.  For  great 
defects  are  found  even  in  godly  persons:  and,  though  they 
are  graciously  accepted,  as  to  their  eternal  state,  they  are 
often  in  this  world  marked  with  the  tokens  of  the  divine  displea- 
sure for  particular  offences,  by  which  they  have  dishonoured 
him  ; nor  can  any  situation  prevent  these  effects  of  sin. — 
When  persons  in  authority  are  incapacitated  from  the  duties 
of  their  high  station,  it  is  peculiarly  happy  for  them  and  for 
the  public,  when  they  have  children,  who,  like  Jotham,  are 
disposed  and  qualified  to  fill  up  their  places,  and  to  enter  into 
their  views  of  serving  God  and  doing  good  to  the  people  ; and 
who  can  give  satisfaction  both  to  them  and  to  the  community. 
— The  imperfections  of  true  believers  are  very  different  from 
the  allowed,  habitual,  and  pertinacious  wickedness  of  ungodly 
men.  In  the  former,  the  remaims  indeed  of  depravity  are 
visible,  and  occasionally  break  forth  into  evident  evil:  but.  in 
the  latter  case,  when  restraints  of  conscience,  regard  to  repu- 
tation, ear  of  human  laws,  and  want  of  power,  are  surmount- 
ed ; the  desperate  wickedness  of  the  heart,  like  an  impetuoi>s 
torrent  which  has  burst  its  banks,  bears  down  all  opposition, 
and  spreads  devastation  all  around 

V.  13 — 38.  The  words  concerning  Jeroboam,  so  often 
repeated,  for  ages  after  his  death,  that  u he  made  Israel  to 
sin,”  should  impress  our  minds  with  dread  and  horror,  at  the 
thought  of  tempting  others  to  wickedness ; as  it  can  never  bo 
known  how  extensively  or  durably  the  mischief  may  spread. 
For  however  ungodly  men  may  disagree  in  all  other  things, 
they  perfectly  accord,  in  either  utterly  neglecting  religion,  or 
in  making  it  a state-engine,  or  in  some  way  subservient  to 
their  selfish  projects : and  the  most  notorious  and  detestable 
idolatries  and  superstitions  have,  in  many  kingdoms,  been 
supported  by  authority  from  generation  to  generation,  through 
successive  revolutions  in  the  government,  by  those  who  in 
their  hearts  despised  the  whole  system  which  they  patron- 
ized ! — When  the  gratification  of  ambition,  avarice,  revenge, 
or  lust,  requires  it,  there  is  no  conceivable  kind  or  degree  oi 
treachery  and  barbarity,  which  men  may  not  be  tempted  to 
commit:  yet  the  madness  of  those  who  thus  act,  equals  their 
wickedness  ; for  repeated  examples  of  the  fatal  end  of  those, 
who  through  blood  have  waded  to  a throne,  will  not  deter 
them  from  pressing  forward  in  the  same  way,  and  mounting 
the  slippery  pre-eminence,  to  be  thence  hurried  by  a violent 
death  to  a premature  grave  ! We  should  then  be  thankful  for 
external  restraints,  and  for  being  kept  out  of  temptation  ; and 
beg  of  God  incessantly  to  “ create  in  us  a clean  heart,  and 
renew  a right  spirit  within  us:”  and  may  he  help  us  to  seek 
that  honour  which  comes  from  him,  to  those  who  do  good 
in  their  generation  ; and  to  dread  that  greatness,  which  is 

( 683  ) 


B.  C.  740. 


II.  KINGS. 


B.  C.  740 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

Ahaz  reigns  very  wickedly,  I — 4.  Rezin  and  Pekah  war  against  him;  ana 
Rezin  lakes  Elath,  5,  6.  Ahaz  hires  Tiglath-pileser  against  them,  who 
takes  Damascus  and  slays  Rezin , 7 — 9.  Ahaz  sends  a pattern  of  an  altar 
from  Damascus  ; and  Urijah n the  high-priest , makes  one  like  it  for  burnt- 
offerings  ; reserving  the  brazen  alia  - for  Ahaz  to  inquire  by,  1U — 16.  Ahaz 
robs  anl  defaces  the  temple  for  the  king  of  Assyria , 17, 18.  He  dies , and  is 
succeeded  by  his  son  Heztkiah,  19,  2U. 

IN  the  ’seventeenth  year  of  Pekah  the  son  of 
Remaliah,  bAhaz  the  son  of  Jotham  king  of 
Judah  began  to  reign. 

2  Twenty  years  old  was  Ahaz  when  be  began 
to  reign,  and  reigned  sixteen  years  in  Jerusalem, 
and  “did  not  that  which  ivas  right  in  the  sight  of 
the  Lord  his  God,  like  David  his  father. 

3  But  dhe  walked  in  the  way  of  the  kings  of 
Israel,  yea,  and  'made  his  son  to  pass  through 
the  fire,  f according  to  the  abominations  of  the 
heathen,  whom  the  Lord  cast  out  from  before  the 
children  of  Israel. 

4  And  he  sacrificed  and  burnt  incense  in  the 
high  places,  and  son  the  hills,  and  under  every 
green  tree. 

. 5 11  Then  hRezin  king  of  Syria  and  Pekah  son 

of  Remaliah  king  of  Israel  came  up  to  Jerusalem 
to  war : and  they  besieged  Ahaz,  'but  could  not 
overcome  him. 

6  At  that  time  Rezin  king  of  Syria  krecovered 
Elath  to  Syria,  and  drave  the  Jews  from  'Elath : 
and  the  Syrians  came  to  Elath,  and  dwelt  there 
unto  this  day. 

7  So  Ahaz  sent  messengers  'to  'Tiglath-pileser 
king  of  Assyria,  saying,  mI  am  thy  servant  and 
thy  son  : come  up,  nand  save  me  out  of  the  hand 
of  the  king  of  Syria,  and  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
king  of  Israel,  which  rise  up  against  me. 

8  And  Ahaz  took  “the  silver  and  gold  that 
was  found  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  in  the 

a 15:27—  30,32,33.  b See  on  15:38.  2Chr.28:l.  Is. 1:1. 7:1.  Hos. 1:4. 

Mic.  1:1.  c 11:3.15:3,34.18:3.22:2.  1 Kings  3:14.  9:4.  11:4— 8.  15:3.  2 Chr. 
17:3.29:2.  34  2,3.  d 8:18.  1 Kings  12:28—30.  16:31—33.21:25,26.  22:52,53. 

2 Chr.  22:3.  28:2 — 4.  e 17:17.  23:10.  Lev.  18:21.  20:2.  Deut.  12:31.  18:10. 
2 Chr.  33:6.  Ps.  106:37,38.  Jer.  32:35.  Ez.  16:21. 20:26,31.  f 21:2.11.  Deut. 
12:31.  1 Kings  14:24.  2 Chr.  33:2.  Ps.  106:35.  Ez.  16:47.  gDeut.  12:2.  1 Kings 
14:23.  Is.  57.5— 7.  65:4.66:17.  Jer.  17:2.  Ez.  20:28,29.  h 15:37.  2 Chr.  28:5— 
15.  Is.  7:1,2.  i 1 Kings  11:36.  15:4.  Is.  7:4— 6,14.  8:6,9,10.  9:6.7.  k 14:22. 
Dent.  2:8.  • Hcb.  Elolh.  1 Kings  9:26.  2 Chr.  26:2.  1 See  on  15:29,  | Heh. 
Tilgath-pilezer.  I Chr.  5:26.  2 Chr.  28:20.  Tilgalh-pilnezcr . m 1 Kings  20: 
4,32,33.  n Ps.  146:3—5.  Jer.  17:5.  Lam.  4:17.  Hos.  14:3.  o 17,18.  12:17,18. 


obtained  and  secured  by  doing  mischief  and  diffusing  misery. 
Yet  in  these  horrid  scenes,  the  truth  and  justice  of  God  are 
manifest:  they  perfectly  accord  to  the  character  of  human 
nature  given  in  the  Scriptures,  and  form  a confirmation  of 
their  divine  original. — u For  the  wickedness  of  the  land  many 
arc  the  princes  thereof ;”  whose  crimes  and  sufferings  are 
the  punishment  of  the  sins  both  of  the  governors  and  go- 
verned. (Note,  Prov.  28:2.)  “A  man  that  doe^h  violence 
*.o  the  blood  of  any  person,  shall  flee  to  the  pit ; let  no  man 
stay  him.”  (Note,  Prov.  28:17.)  For  a time  wicked  men 
may  prosper,  to  execute  the  vengeance  of  God  on  other  sin- 
ners, and  then  others  will  be  raised  up  to  execute  vengeance 
on  them ; as  criminals,  or  the  refuse  of  society,  are  commonly 
employed  for  public  executioners. — The  most  innocent  suf- 
ferers from  man’s  wickedness  must  plead  guilty  before  God, 
and  may  often  read  his  just  displeasure  in  the  injustice  and 
cruelty  of  their  oppressors. — Proud  men  cannot  endure  con- 
tradiction, and  the  ambitious  aro  exasperated  by  opposition: 
yet  often,  in  aiming  at  independence  and  supreme  authority, 
they  crouch  with  the  basest  submissions,  and  bring  themselves 
into  the  most  abject  dependence  on  strangers  and  enemies, 
who  from  mercenary  motives,  at  first  assist,  and  then  enslave 
them. — Death  in  various  forms  hurries  men  to  God’s  judg- 
ment-seat : the  righteous  are  then  taken  from  the  evil  to 
come,  and  enter  into  rest;  and  it  is  a mercy  to  be  spared  the 
anguish  of  witnessing  the  miseries  that  are  coming  on  cor- 
rupted churches  and  nations.  But  the  wicked  are  stopped  in 
their  career,  that  they  may  do  no  more  mischief,  and  “ their 
lamp  is  put  out  in  utter  darkness.”  May  we  live  the  life  of 
faith  and  holiness,  and  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  that 
“ an  entrance  may  be  ministered  to  us  abundantly  into  the 
everlasting  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ !” 

NOTES. — Chap.  XVL  V.  2.  w He  did  not  that  which 
was  right  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  his  God,  like  David  his 
father  4 as  might,  have  been  expected  from  the  good  educa- 
tion, which  no  doubt,  so  pious  a man  as  Jotham  his  father 
gave  him  ; who  left  him  an  excellent  example.’  Bp.  Patrick. 
Ahaz  was  an  entire  contrast  to  his  ancestor  David,  and  a dis- 
grace to  his  family. 

V.  3,  4.  Ahaz  imitated  the  kings  of  Israel,  in  worshipping 
idols  and  rebelling  against  the  Lord.  It  is  said  in  Chronicles 
that  he  w burnt  his  children  in  tha  fire,”  and  here  that  he 
“ made  his  son  to  pass  through  the  fire,”  to  consecrate  him  to 
the  demon  which  he  worshipped.  (2  Chr.  28:1 — 4.  Notes , 
Isv.  18:21.  20:2 — 5.)  In  short  he  cooied  the  crimes  of  the 
( 684  ) 


treasures  of  the  king’s  house,  and  sent  it  for  a 
present  Ho  the  king  of  Assyria. 

9 And  the  king  of  Assyria  hearkened  untc 
him:  for  the  king  of  Assyria  Hvent  up  agains' 
'Damascus,  and  took  it,  and  carried  the  people  ot 
it  captive  to  rKir,  ‘and  slew  Rezin. 

10  U And  king  Ahaz  went  to  Damascus  to 
meet  Tiglath-pileser  king  of  Assyria,  'and  saw 
an  altar  that  was  at  Damascus : and  king  Aha: 
sent  to  Urijah  the  priest  the  fashion  of  the  altar, 
and  “the  pattern  of  it,  according  to  all  the  work- 
manship thereof. 

11  And  Urijah  the  priest  "built  an  altar  ac- 
cording to  all  that  king  Ahaz  had  sent  from 
Damascus  : so  ^Urijah  the  priest  made  it  against 
king  Ahaz  came  from  Damascus. 

12  And  when  the  king  was  come  from  Damas- 
cus, the  king  saw  the  altar:  and  the  king 
"approached  to  the  altar,  and  “offered  thereon. 

13  And  bhe  burnt  his  burnt-offering  and  his 
meat-offering,  and  poured  his  drink-offering,  and 
sprinkled  the  blood  k>f  his  peace-offerings  upon 
tfie  altar. 

14  And  he  brought  also  “the  brazen  altar,  which 
was  before  the  Lord,  from  the  forefront  of  the 
house,  from  between  the  altar  and  the  house 
of  the  Lord,  and  put  it  on  the  north  side  of  dthe 
altar. 

15  And  king  Ahaz  commanded  Urijah  the 
priest,  saying,  Upon  the  great  altar  burn  ethe 
morning  burnt-offering,  and  the  evening  meat- 
offering, and  f the  king’s  burnt-sacrifice,  and  his 
meat-offering,  with  the  burnt-offering  of  all  the 
people  of  the  land,  and  their  meat-offering,  and 
their  drink-offerings ; and  sprinkle  upon  it  all  the 
blood  of  the  burnt-offering,  and  all  the  blood  of 

18:15,16.  2 Chr.  16:2.  28:20,21.  p Pa.  7:15,16.  Is.  7:17.  8:7,8.  q 2 Chr.  28:5. 
Arm  1:3 — 5.  r Heb.  Dammesek.  s Is.  22:6.  Am.  9:7.  ♦ Is.  7:16.  9: 1 1. 
t Deut.  12:30.  2 Clir.  28:23— 25.  Jer.  10:2.  Ez.  23:16,17.  Rom.  12:2.  1 Pet.  1: 
18.  u Ex.  24:4.  39:43.  1 Chr.  28:11,12,19.  Ps.  106:39.  Ez.  43:8,11.  Matt.  15; 
6,9.  x l Kings  21:11—13.  2 Chr.  26:17,18.  Jer.  23:11.  Ez.  22:26.  Dun.  3:7. 
Hos.  4:6.  5:11.  Mai.  2:7—  9.  Gal.  1:10.  y Is.  8:2.  z 1 Kings  13:1.  2 Chr.  26: 
16 — 19.28:23,25.  a Num.  18:4 — 7.  b Lev.  1:  2:  3:  § Heb.  the  peace-offerings 
which  were  his.  c Ex.  40:6,29.  2 Chr.  1:5.  4:1.  Matt. 23:35.  d 10 — 12.  e 3: 
20.  Ex.  29:39— 41.  Num.  28:2— 10.  Dan.  9:21,27.  11  ;31.  12:11.  f Lev.  4:13 — 
26.  2 Sam.  6:17,18.  1 Kings  3:4. 8:64.  2 Chr.  7:4,5. 29:21— 24,32,35.  Ez.  46:4— 
7,12—14. 


Canaanites,  whom  God  had  destroyed  by  Israel ; (Note,  Lev. 
18:24— "30.)  and  not  only  allowed,  but  set  the  people  an  exam- 
ple of,  a variety  of  idolatrous  practices.  Hezekiah  was  born 
some  years  before  the  death  of  Jotham  ; if  he  was  the  son  here 
intended,  he  was  past  his  infancy  at  the  time.  (Note,  18:2.; 
He,  however,  proved  an  eminently  pious  prince,  and  an  entire 
contrast  to  his  most  wicked  father.  (Notes,  18: — 20:) 

V.  5.  The  Lord  brought  these  enemies  against  Ahaz  for 
his  crimes:  their  successes,  and  the  miseries  of  Judah  were 
very  great,  immense  numbers  being  slain  and  taken  prison- 
ers; and  Ahaz  was  extremely  terrified.  But  they  could  not 
take  Jerusalem,  dethrone  Ahaz,  and  destroy  the  family  of 
David,  as  they  had  intended  : for  this  was  contrary  to  the 
purpose,  the  promises,  and  the  prophecies  of  God.  (Notes^ 
2 Chr.  28:5—19.  Ps.  76:10.  Is.  7:1—9.) 

V.  6.  (Note,  14:22.) — The  word  “ Jews”  is  here  first  used. 
It  is  literally  the  Judeans;  that  is,  the  men  of  Judah ; as  all 
those,  who  adhered  to  the  family  of  David,  were  called,  to  dis- 
tinguish them  from  the  subjects  of  the  kings  who  reigned  over 
the  ten  tribes,  called  Israel. — The  general  custom  among  even 
learned  writers,  of  calling  the  nation  of  Israel  Jews,  from  the 
days  of  Moses,  and  even  before,  is  inaccurate  and  unscrij)- 
tural. 

V.  7 — 9.  (Notes,  15:19,20,29.)  As  the  king  of  Assyria 
brought  Ahaz  into  abject  dependence  on  him,  and  both  weak^ 
ened  him  and  drained  his  treasury,  it  is  said  that  “he  dis- 
tressed him,  but  strengthened  him  not,”  (2  Chr.  28:20,21.) 
though  he  averted  the  present  storm. — From  this  time  Syria 
ceased  to  be  a kingdom:  and  the  region  formed  successively  a 
part  of  the  kingdom  of  Assyria,  of  Chaldea,  or  of  Persia;  till 
it  was  subjugated  by  Alexander  the  Great ; after  whose  death 
a new  kingdom  of  Syria  was  formed,  which  with  all  his  other 
dominions,  at  length  became  a part  of  the  Homan  empire. 
(Note,  Dan.  7:6.)  Ahaz  feared  danger  to  his  kingdom  from 
Syria,  and  sought  help  from  Assyria ; whence  indeed  tire 
greatest  danger  was  to  be  apprehended.  (Note,  Is.  7:17- 
25.) 

Kir.  (9)  1 A place  in  . . . the  upper  Media,  as  Josephnj 
tells  us.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  10—16.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  25:14—16.  28:22,23.)  Ahnz 
sacrificed  to  the  gods  of  the  vanquished  Syrians,  perhaps  when 
he  went  to  Damascus  to  congratulate  Tiglath-pileser  on  1 is 
success.  There  he  saw  an  altar,  in  the  temple  of  some  o’ 
their  idols,  which  appeared  to  him  more  magnificent  or  coa 
venient  than  that  which  Solomon  had  made  according  to  the 


H.  C.  740. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


B.  C 730 


the  sacrifice : and  the  brazen  altar  shall  be  *for 
me  to  inquire  by. 

16  Tlius  did  hUrijah  the  priest,  according  to 
all  that  king  Ahaz  commanded. 

17  H Ana  king  Ahaz  'cut  off  "the  borders  of  the 
bases,  and  removed  the  laver  from  off  them ; and 
took  down  'the  sea  from  off  the  brazen  oxen  that 
were  under  it,  and  put  it  upon  a pavement  of 
stones. 

18  And  mthe  covert  for  the  sabbath  that  they 
had  built  in  the  house,  and  the  king’s  entry 
without,  turned  he  from  the  house  of  the  Lord 
for  the  king  of  Assyria. 

t.  c.j  19  If  Now  "the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Ahaz, 
’**•  ->  which  he  did,  are  they  not  written  in  the 
book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah? 

20  And  Ahaz  slept  with  his  fathers,  and  "was 
buried  with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of  David  : and 
fHezekiah  his  son  reigned  in  his  stead. 

e 18:4.  Gen.  44:5.  2 Chr.  33:6.  1».2:6.  Hos.4:l2.  h See  on  11.  Ads  4:19. 
5:29.  1 Thes.  2:4.  Jude  11.  i 2 Chr.  28:24.  29:19.  k 1 Kings  7:27— 39.  2 Chr. 
4:14.  1 25:13—16.  1 Kings  7:23—26.  2 Chr.  4:15.  Jer.  52:20.  m 11:5.  1 Kings 
10:5.  Ez.  46:2.  n 15:6,7,36,38. 20:20,21.  Seeon  1 Kings  14:29.  o 21:18,26. 
2 Chr.  28:27.  p 18:1.  lChr.3:13.  2 Chr.  29:1.  Is.  1:1.  Hos.  1:1.  Mic.  1:1. 


will  of  God.  At  the  command  of  Ahaz,  with  which  he  sent  a 
model  of  the  altar  from  Damascus,  probably  adorned  by  many 
figures  of  idols,  the  wretched  high-priest,  Urijah,  without 
scruple  or  hesitation,  prepared  one  like  it,  with  which  he  pro- 
faned the  coprt  of  the  temple;  and  when  Ahaz  returned,  the 
altar  of  God  was  removed  to  make  way  for  it.  It  is  uncer- 
tain whether  sacrifices  were  offered  to  the  gods  of  Damascus 
on  this  altar,  or  whether  the  oblations  were  presented  to 
Jehovah  alone. — It  seems  that  Ahaz  professed  a purpose 
of  converting  the  former  altar  into  an  oracle,  at  which  he  might 
inquire : as  the  church  of  Rome,  by  adoring  the  host,  has 
converted  the  Lord’s  supper  into  the  most  absurd  and  detes- 
table idolatry,  under  the  pretence  of  honouring  it.  (Note, 
i8:4.)  Some  however  think  that  Ahaz  only  meant,  that  he 
would  take  advice  what  to  do  with  the  altar : and  tradition 
reports  that  he  demolished  it,  and  made  a sundial  (called  the 
6undial  of  Ahazl  of  the  brass.  (20:11.)  But  tb  s is  uncer- 
tain, and  not  probable : for  we  do  not  read,  that  Hezekiah 
made  any  altar,  as  in  that  case  he  must  have  done.  In  the 
whole  transaction,  the  high-priest  was  willing  to  oblige  the 
king  by  servile  compliances  ; and  did  not,  as  far  as  it  appears, 
need  either  menaces,  or  promises,  or  even  bribes,  to  procure 
his  concurrence !  *  1 There  are  always  some  men  to  be  found, 
that  will  comply  with  the  most  wicked  commands.’  Bp. 
Patrick.  He  might  have  said,  some  priests,  and  chief  priests 
and  high-priests.  (Note,  2 Chr.  26:1  G — 23.) 

V.  17,  18.  Ahaz  pillaged  and  defaced  the  temple,  and  its 
courts,  and  sacred  utensils,  in  various  ways,  either  to  supply 
his  necessities  with  the  plunder,  or  to  express  his  enmity 
against  the  worship  of  the  Lord.  (2  Chr.  28:24,25.)  The 
covert  of  the  sabbath,  and  the  entry,  seem  to  have  been  ac- 
commodations for  the  king  and  his  attendants  to  repair  to  the 
temple-service.  To  please  the  king  of  Assyria,  who  it  is  pro- 
bable paid  him  a visit,  he  turned  these  another  way,  or  to 
other  uses.  (Notes,  1 Kings  10:5.  Ez.  46:1 — 3.) 

V.  20.  Ahaz  died  young ; and  it  has  been  observed  that 
no  king  of  Judah  reached  David’s  age  of  seventy  years,  though 
some  of  them  reigned  longer  than  he  had  done : but  the  age  of 
Asa  is  not  recorded.  - 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  word  of  God  affords  abundant  encouragement  to  pious 
parents  to  give  their  children  good  instructions,  enforced  by 
good  examples,  and  to  pray  for  them  : and  these  means  are  so 
generally  made  effectual,  as  sufficiently  to  verify  the  proverb, 
“ Train  up  a child  in  the  way  he  should  go ; and  when  he  is 
old,  he  will  not  depart  from  it.’’  ( Note,  Prov . 22:6. ) Yet 

there  are  exceptions  recorded  in  the  Scriptures,  to  remind  us, 
that  every  man  is  born  in  sin,  and  that  the  grace  of  God  alone 
can  change  the  heart ; in  order  that  we  may  expect  the  bless- 
ing from  him  only.  On  the  other  hand  some  who  have  been, 
as  it  were,  early  dedicated  to  Satan,  and  initiated  into  his 
service,  have,  by  the  victorious  grace  of  God,  been  made 
eminent  examples  of  faith  and  piety : and  every  accurate  ob- 
server of  mankind,  in  places  favoured  with  the  light  of  the 
gospel,  has  remarked  instances  of  both.  The  infatuated  slaves 
of  sin  heedlessly  proceed  in  those  paths,  whence  others  have 
been  hurried  into  destruction.  But  we  need  not  wonder  that 
men  violate  the  law  of  God,  in  the  indulgence  of  their  natural 
passions,  when  they  cannot  be  restrained  from  disobeying 
him  in  the  most  unnatural  cruelty  to  themselves  and  their 
own  children : nor  should  the  insolence  and  obstinacy  of  pros- 
perous sinners  excite  astonishment;  seeing  so  many  sin  more 
and  more,  while  severely  suffering  under  the  effects  of  former 
crimes ! — Such  is  man’s  carnal  enmity  against  God,  that  he 
will  have  recourse  to  any  expedient,  or  make  the  most  abject 
submission  to  his  fellow-creatures,  rather  than  humble  him- 
self before  God,  and  seek  help  from  him!  But  the  relief  thus 
obtained,  tends  to  enfeeble  and  enslave  men  the  more ; and  it 
often  accelerates,  as  well  as  increases,  that  ruin  which  it 
seemed  to  retard. — Our  natural  propensity  to  some  sort  of 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

Hoshea  becomes  tributary  to  Shalmaneser , conspires  tilth  the  king  of  Egyp 
against  Mm,  and  is  shut  up  in  prison  by  the  king  of  Assyria , 1 — 4.  Shalma- 
neser besieges  Samaria  ; and  after  three  years  takes  it,  and  carries  Israel 
captive  into  Assyria  and  Media,  5,  6.  The  crimes,  which  brought  this  pu- 
nishment from  God  on  his  people,  7—23.  The  strance  nations,  planted  in 
the  land,  are  plagued  by  lions,  24,  25  : but,  instructed  by  a priest  of  Israel 
in  the  worship  of  the  Lord,  they  serve  him  along  with  their  own  idols,  26 — 41 

IN  the  twelfth  year  of  Ahaz  king  of  Judal 
began  “Hoshea  the  son  of  Elah  to  reign  in 
Samaria  over  Israel  nine  years. 

2  And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord,  bbut  not  as  the  kings  of  Israel  that 
were  before  him. 

3  H Against  him  came  up  "Shalmaneser  dking 
of  Assyria;  eand  Hoshea  became  his  servant,  and 
"gave  him  'presents. 

4  And  the  king  of  Assyria  f found  con-  i-b.  c. 
spiracy  in  Hoshea  : for  he  had  sent  messen-  L T25- 
gers  to  So  sking  of  Egypt,  and  hbrought  no 
present  to  the  king  of  Assyria,  as  he  had  dent 

Matt.  1:9,10.  Ezekias.  a 15:30.  18:9.  b 3:2.  10:31.  13:2,11.  15:9,18,24.  2 Chr. 
30:5—11.  c 18.9.  Hos.  10:14.  Shalmon.  <1  15:19,29,16:7.18:13.19:36,37. 
Is.7:7,8.10:5,6,ll,12.  e 16:8.  18: 14— 16,31 . • Hcb.  rendered,  t Or,  Iribwt. 
2 Sam.  8:2,6.  f 24:1,20.  Ez.  17:13— 19.  g 18:21.  Ib.  30: 1 — 4. '31:1—  3.  Ez.  17: 
15.  h 18:14,15. 


religion  is  not  easily  extinguished : but,  except  it  be  regulated 
according  to  the  word  and  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  it  produces 
the  most  absurd  superstitions,  or  the  most  detestable  idolatries, 
or  at  best  it  quiets  the  sinner’3  conscience,  and  amuses  his 
mind,  with  a round  of  unmeaning  ceremonies,  frequently  con- 
nected with  the  most  immoral  practices.  Even  infidels  have 
been  remarkable  for  credulity  ; and  the  capacity  of  believing , 
when  not  exercised  on  the  truth,  frequently  embraces  the 
most  ridiculous  falsehoods.  But  whether  kings  are  impious, 
or  superstitious,  or  infidel,  or  sacrilegious,  they  generally  meet 
with  priests  of  their  own  stamp,  who  court  their  favour  by 
assisting  their  iniquities  or  idolatries!  Yet  si.jh  mercenary 
timeservers  and  men-pleasers,  who  bear  the  name  and  wear 
the  garb  of  ministers,  are  guilty  of  a greater  breach  of  trust, 
and  the  prostitution  of  a more  sacred  character,  than  even  the 
wicked  princes  ivhom  they  flatter  and  embolden  in  their  sins  : 
as  their  conduct  is,  in  the  highest  degree,  dishonourable  to 
God,  and  ruinous  to  man,  they  merit  the  deepest  contempt 
and  detestation ; and  assuredly  they  will  “receive  the  greater 
damnation,”  except  by  a miracle  of  grace  they  are  brought  to 
repentance. — The  arrogant  self-wisdom,  which  induces  men 
to  new  model  divine  ordinances  after  their  own  vain  imagina- 
tions, is  insufferably  provoking  to  that  “God,  who  resisteth 
the  proud and  that  external  magnificence,  which  carnai 
minds  affect  in  his  worship,  obscures  the  real  glory  of  heavenly 
things,  excites  false  ideas  of  the  divine  character,  and  turns 
men  aside  from  that  spiritual  service,  which  alone  the  Lord 
accepts  and  delights  in.  (Notes,  John  4:21 — 24.)  Thus 
new  ways  of  worshipping  God  very  speciously  introduce 
gross  idolatries  ; as  the  church  of  Israel,  and  that  of  Rome, 
among  other  examples,  have  abundantly  evinced.  But  when 
men  forsake  God,  they  forsake  their  own  mercies:  and  if 
those  who  have  been  trained  up  in  the  ways  of  God,  forsake 
his  house  and  ordinances  ; and,  affecting  to  be  wiser  than  their 
pious  parents,  turn  things  into  another  channel,  associate 
with  more  fashionable  companions,  and  seek  to  acquire  the 
favour,  assistance,  or  commendation  of  ungodly  men  ; there  is 
reason  to  fear  that  sudden  destruction  is  coining  upon  them, 
from  which  they  shall  by  no  means  escape.  (Notes,  21:1 — 3. 

1 Kings  12:6—15.  Ec.  2:18—23.) 

NOTES.— Chap.  XVII.  V.  1.  (Note,  15:30.)  During 
more  than  eight  years  after  the  slaughter  of  Pekah,  Hoshea 
was  kept  out  of  possession  of  the  kingdom,  or  was  unsettled 
in  it:  and  the  years  of  his  reign  are  reckoned  from  his  esta- 
blishment on  the  throne,  and  not  from  the  death  of  his  pre- 
decessor. 

V.  2.  We  ar^  told  by  the  Jewish  writers,  that  the  solden 
calf  had  before  this  been  carried  away  from  Dan  ; (Notes, 
Hos.  10:5 — 8.)  that  Hoshea  did  not  enforce  that  idolatry  as 
his  predecessors  had  done  ; and  that  he  allowed  the  Israelites, 
who  were  so  disposed,  to  go  up  to  Jerusalem  to  worship. 
(Note,  2 Chr.  30:6 — 9.)  He,  however,  did  “evil  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord  though  he  was  not  in  all  respects  so  wicked  as 
his  predecessors.  Whether  an  idolater,  or  not,  he  was  ungodly; 
and  his  murder  of  Pekah,  and  usurpation  of  the  kingdom, 
merited  the  punishment  which  he  endured  : whilst  the  people 
were  fully  ripe  for  destruction ; and  the  guilt,  which  had  been 
accumulating  for  ages,  was  punisned  in  that  generation. 
(Note,  Zcch.  5:5 — 11.  P.  O.) — In  finally  des’roying  the 
kingdom  of  Israel,  during  the  time  of  that  king,  who  was  less 
wicked  than  the  rest;  the  Lord  showed  that  he  punished  the 
crimes  of  the  people  at  large,  and  not.  those  of  their  princes 
only,  as  many  might  be  ready  to  imagine.  (Note,  2 Sam. 
24:1,2.) 

V.  3.  It  is  most  probable  that  Shalmanezer  was  the  son 
of  Tiglath-pileser. — Menahem  had  given  his  predecessor  Pul 
footing  in  the  land,  and  encouragement  to  come  again  ; by 
raising  a large  sum  of  money  for  him,  and  by  rendering  his 
kingdom  dependent  on  him.  Ahaz  king  of  Judah  likewise,  by 
purchasing  the  help  of  Tiglath-pileser,  had  procured  the  de- 

( 685  ) 


B.  C.  721. 


n.  KINGS.  B.  C.  721. 


year  by  year:  therefore  the  king  of  Assyria  shut 
him  up,  and  'bound  him  in  prison. 

5 *11  Then  kthe  king  of  Assyria  came  up  through- 
out all  the  land,  and  went  up  to  Samaria,  and 
besieged  it  'three  years. 

6 II  In  the  ninth  year  of  Hoshea  mthe  king  of 
Assyria  took  Samaria,  and  "carried  Israel  away 
into  Assyria,  and  placed  them  in  “Halah  and  in 
Habor  by  the  river  of  Gozan,  and  in  the  cities  of 

Pf.he  Medes.  [ Practical  Observations.] 

7 For  so  it  was,  that  the  children  of  Israel  had 
isinned  against  rthe  Lord  their  God,  “which  had 
brought  them  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  from 
under  the  hand  of  Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt,  ‘and 
had  feared  other  gods. 

8 And  “walked  in  the  statutes  of  the  heathen 
whom  the  Lord  cast  out  from  before  the  children 
of  Israel,  and  “of  the  kings  of  Israel,  which  they 
had  made. 

9 And  the  children  of  Israel  did  ^secretly  those 
things  that  were  not  right  against  the  Lord  their 
God,  and  they  built  them  high  places  in  all  their 

l 25:7.  2Chr.  32:11.  Ps.  149:7,8.  k 18:9.  1 25:1— 3.  Jer.  52:4,5.  m 18:10,11. 
Hos.  1:5.9.  13:16.  n Lev.  26:32,33,38.  Deut.  4:25— 28.  29:36,64.  29:28.  311:18. 

1 Kings  14:15,16.  Am.  5:27.  o 19:12.  1 Chr.  5:26.  Is.  37:12,13.  p Is.  13:17. 
21:2.  Dan.  5:28.  q lleul.  31 : 16,17,29. 32: 15,  &c.  Josh.  23:16.  Judg.  2:14— 17. 

2 Chr.  36:14— 16.  Neh.  9:26.  Ps.  106:35— 41 . Kz.  23:2,  Ac.  Ho*.  4:1—  3.  8:5— 14. 
r 16:2.  1 Kings  11:4.  15:3.  2Chr.35:5.  s See  on  Ex.  20:2.  t 35.  Jer.  10:5. 
u 16:3,10.  21:2.  Lev.  18:3,27—30.  Deut.  12:30,31.  18:9.  1 Kings  12:28.  16:31 — 
33.  21:36.  Jer.  10:2.  i Hos.  5:11.  Mic.  6:16.  y Deul.  13:6.  27:15.  Job31:27. 
Ez.  8:12.  z 18:8.  Hos.  12:11.  a 16:4.  Ek.  34:13.  Lev.  26:1.  1 Kings  14:23. 
Is.  57:5.  * Heb.srafues.  b Deut.  16:21.  Mic.  5:14.  c See  on  1 Kings  14:23. 


struction  of  the  kingdom  of  Syria,  which  was  of  small  extent 
and  force,  compared  with  that  of  Assyria  : and  thus  every 
rampart  was  broken  down,  which  could  exclude  the  Assyrians 
from  the  land  of  Israel  and  Judah.  ( Notes,  15:19,20.  16:7 

-9.) 

V.  4.  So  is>  supposed  to  be  the  same  person  as  is  called 
Sabacus,  or  Sabacon,  in  pagan  writers.  He  was  king  of 
Ethiopia  ; but  he  invaded  Egypt,  took  possession  of  the  king- 
dom, and  reigned  there  for  a long  term  of  years. — About  this 
time,  or  rather  earlier,  the  rivalship  began  between  the  kings 
of  Egypt  and  the  monarchs  of  different  nations,  who  succes- 
sively were  powerful  in  Asia,  to  the  north,  or  northeast  of 
Canaan ; which,  lying  between  the  contending  powers,  was 
for  many  ages  brought  into  dependence  on  the  one  or  the 
other  of  them.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  35:20 — 24.  Dan.  11:5.  Zech. 
9:3.)  But  the  people,  contrary  to  the  commands  of  God,  were 
more  disposed  to  unite  with  the  Egyptians,  than  with  any  of 
their  opponents. — Had  Hoshea  endeavoured  to  effect  a tho- 
rough reformation  in  Israel ; and  then,  in  dependence  on  God, 
had  he  openly  attempted  to  shake  off  every  foreign  yoke  ; he 
might  possibly  have  succeeded.  But  the  manner,  in  which 
he  attempted  to  change  one  yoke  for  another,  without  return- 
ing to  the  Lord,  or  seeking  his  assistance,  formed  a mixture  of 
perfidy,  impolicy,  and  ungodliness ; and  proved  the  immediate 
occasion  of  his  ruin  and  that  of  his  people.  It  seems  probable, 
that  Shalmaneser  by  some  means  took  Hoshea  prisoner,  be- 
fore he  laid  siege  to  Samaria : and  that  Hoshea  ended  his  days 
in  a prison.  His  name  is  the  same  as  that  by  which  Joshua 
was  at  first  called:  (Note,  Num.  13:16.)  so  that  the  settle- 
ment of  Israel  in  Canaan,  and  the  expulsion  of  the  ten  tribes 
from  it,  occurred  under  the  government  of  persons  originally 
of  the  same  name. 

V.  5,  6.  The  inhabitants  of  Samaria  doubtless  endured 
great  extremities,  in  the  long  siege  and  terrible  destruction  of 
the  city : but  the  brevity  of  the  sacred  historian  seems  signi- 
ficantly to  intimate,  that  the  Lord  did  not  now  notice  their 
affliction  as  he  had  done  before  the  measure  of  their  iniquities 
was  filled.  (Notes,  14:26,27.  18:9—12.  Hos.  8:7,8.  10:14,15. 
13:15,16.  Mic.  1:5 — 7.) — When  Shalmaneser  had  taken  Sa- 
maria, and  become  absolute  master  of  tl^e  whole  land,  he 
formed  the  project  of  changing  the  inhabitant?,  and  in  part 
accomplished  it;  but  it  was  more  fully  completed  by  Esar- 
haddon,  his  grandson,  several  years  afterwards.  (Ezra  4:2.) 
It  is,  however,  here  spoken  of  by  anticipation.  Yet  it  seems, 
that  some  of  the  poorer  Israelites  were  at  last  left  in  the  land, 
many  of  whom  were  incorporated  with  the  new  inhabitants. 
(2  Chr.  34:6,7.)  But,  as  the  noithcrn  part  of  the  country, 
called  Galilee,  was  in  the  time  of  Christ  inhabited  by  persons 
acknowledged  to  be  of  the  seed  of  Israel,  who  went  up  to 
Jerusalem  to  worship ; whilst  the  middle  of  the  country  was 
occupied  by  the  Samaritans,  who  were  of  another  origin  and 
religion ; it  is  probable  that  the  new  inhabitants  did  not  so 
fully  occupy  the  northern,  as  the  middle  parts  of  the  land. — 
Probably,  the  Israelites,  who  were  carried  captive  to  a great 
distance,  m the  dominions  of  the  conqueror,  were  chiefly  in- 
corporated among  the  nations : yet  some  of  them  seemed  to 
have  retained  the  knowledge  of  their  original,  and  of  part  of 
their  religion ; and  either  to  have  returned  with  their  brethren 
after  the  Babylonish  captivity,  or  to  have  united  with  those 
lews,  who  were  afterwards  dispersed  in  many  different  coun- 
tries of  the  wor.d.  (Note,  Ezra  2:64.  Euke  2:36 — 38.) — 
Some,  nowever,  think,  that  incorporated  bodies  of  them  are 
still  existing. 


cities,  Troni  the  tower  of  the  watchman  to  the 
fenced  city. 

10  And  “they  set  them  up  "images  and  bgrov^s 
cin  every  high  hill,  and  under  every  green  tree  : 

11  And  there  they  dburnt  incense  in  all  the 
high  places,  as  did  the  heathen  whom  the  Lord 
carried  away  before  them ; and  wrought  wicked 
things  “to  provoke  the  Lord  to  anger  : 

12  For  they  served  idols,  'whereof  the  Loro 
had  said  unto  them,  ®Ye  shall  not  do  this  thing. 

13  Yet  the  Lord  htestified  against  I-srael,  ‘and 
against  Judah,  kby  'all  the  prophets,  and  by  all  the 
'seers,  saying,  mTurn  ye  from  your  evil  ways,  and 
"keep  my  commandments, and  my  statutes,  accord- 
ing to  all  the  law  which  I commanded  your  fathers, 
and  which  I sent  to  you  by  my  servants  the  pro- 
phets. 

14  Notwithstanding  they  would  not  hear,  but 
“hardened  their  necks,  like  to  the  neck  of  their 
fathers,  that  '’did  not  believe  in  the  Lord  their  God. 

15  And  they  rejected  his  statutes,  and  ihis 
covenant  that  he  made  with  their  fathers,  and  rhis 

Deut. 12:2,3.  d 1 Kings  13:1.  2 Chr.  28:25.  Jer.  44: 17.  e 21:6.  Ps.  78:56— 58 
f Ei.  20:3— 5.  34:14.  Deut.  5:7— 9.  g Deut.  4:15— 19,23-25.  12  4.  h Deut 
8:19.  31:21.  Neh.  9:29,30.  Ps.  50:7.  81:8,9.  Jer.  42:19.  Acts.  20:21.  i 2 Cbr. 
36:15,16.  Jer.  3:8— 11.  Hos.  4:15.  It  Deut.  4:26.  Josh. 03:16.  Jude.  6:10. 10: 
11-14.  1 Sam.  12:7— 15.  Is.  1:5— 15,21— 24.  Jer.  5:29— 31.  Zech.  1:3-6. 
t Heb.  the  hand  of  all.  1 See  on  1 Sam.  9:9.  I Chr.  29:29.  mis. 1:16 — 20. 
55:6,7.  Jer.  7:3— 7.  18:11.25:4,5.35:15.  Hos.  14:1.  n Jer.  7:2-2,23.  26:4— 6. 
o Deut.  31:27.  2 Chr.  36:13.  Prov.29:l.  Is.  48:4.  Jer.  7:26.  Rom.  2:4,5.  Heb 
3:7,8.  p Deut.  1:32.  Ps.  78:22,32.  106:24.  Heb.  3:12.  q E*  24:6— 8.  Deut. 
29:10—15,25.  Jer.  31:32.  r 2 Chr.  36:15,16.  Neh.  9:26,29,30.  Jer.  44:4. 


V.  7 — 11.  The  iniquities  of  Israel  were  many  and  aggra- 
vated: but  their  apostacy  from  God  to  idolatfy  especially 
formed  the  violation  of  the  national  covenant.  The  Lord 
had,  as  it  were,  graciously  espoused  them  to  himself:  but  this 
spiritually  adultery  excited  his  jealousy ; and,  by  persisting 
in  it,  they  provoked  him  to  give  them  a writing  of  divorce- 
ment, and  to  put  them  away.  (Note,  Jer.  3:6 — 11.)  They 
had,  as  a nation,  experienced  his  power  and  love  in  delivering 
them  from  Egypt,  and  giving  them  Canaan;  and  they  had 
witnessed  and  executed  his  vengeance  upon  the  idolatrous 
Canaanites : yet,  in  disobedience  to  express  and  repeated 
commandments,  they  had  ungratefully  and  absurdly  worship- 
ped their  idols.  They  had  also  willingly  obeyed  the  orders 
of  idolatrous  kings  to  worship  the  golden  calves  and  Baalim. 
(Note,  Hos.  5:11,12.)  They  had  likewise  committed  much 
secret  idolatry,  in  addition  to  that  which  was  established  by 
law  ; and  especially  they  had  worshipped  the  sun,  moon,  and 
stars,  which  as  the  hosts  or  armies  of  God,  stationed  in  the 
visible  heavens,  are  employed  to  fulfil  his  will : (Note,  Deut. 
4:19.)  and  finally,  they  so  multiplied  their  temples,  or  altars, 
that  they  were  found  in  every  village,  and  at  every  shepherd’s 
lodge,  where  he  watched  his  flocks  and  fruits.  (Is.  1:8.  Note , 
Hos.  12:10,11.)  as  well  as  in  the  fenced  cities.  Thus  M they 
wrought  wicked  things,”  as  if  they  had  expressly  intended 
u to  provoke  the  Lord  to  anger  so  that  at  lcngdi  the  pre- 
dicted and  denounced  judgments  came  upon  them.  (Marg. 

Ref.) 

V.  12—14.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Neh.  9:26—30.  Zech. 
1:5,6.)  The  people  rejected  the  testimonies  of  God  which  he 
testified  against  them  ; and  they  did  not  believe  in  him,  or 
depend  on  him  for  protection,  according  to  his  promises. 
They  hoped  to  sin  with  impunity,  and  concluded  that  the 
service  of  the  Lord  would  be  unprofitable.  They  not  only 
violated  the  law,  by  presumptuously  doing  those  things,  con- 
cerning which  u the  Lord  had  said  unto  them,  Ye  shall  not 
do  this  thing  ;”  (Note,  Num.  15:30,31.)  but  they  persisted  in 
their  rebellion  and  idolatry,  and  hardened  their  hearts  in 
impeniteney.  (Notes,  Jer.  8:4 — 7.  Ez.  18:30 — 32.  Rom.  2: 
4 — 6.)  uTo  harden  the  neck,”  is  a metaphor  taken  from  the 
stiffness  of  the  neck  of  an  ox,  ,when  with  his  full  strength  ho 
resists  the  attempts  of  the  husbandman,  to  put  the  yoke  upon 
him,  or  to  bring  him  to  draw  in  it : and  it  aptly  represents 
the  self-will,  earnestness,  and  stubbornness,  with  which  the 
presumptious  sinner  sets  himself  to  rebel  against  God,  ir 
the  midst  of  warnings,  convictions,  judgments,  and  mercies. 
( Note,  2 Chr.  30:6 — 9.  Prov.  29:1 . Is.  48:3 — 5.)  1 2 This  was 
the  original  of  all  the  sins  they  committed  ; they  did  not  be- 
lieve God’s  prophets,  but  hearkened  to  deceivers.’  Bp.  Po 
trick. 

V.  15.  Became  vain.  1 By  making  and  worshipping  life- 
less images,  the  people  became  senseless,  like  unto  them: 
and  by  worshipping  imagined  deities  under  these  images, 
they  learned  to  imitate  all  the  vices  ascribed  to  those  demons 
Thus  among  the  Greeks  and  Romans,  the  worshippers  o, 
Bacchus  revelled  in  intemperance,  those  of  Venus  rioted  in 
licentiousness,  .and  those  of  Mars  delighted  in  shedding  hu- 
man blood.  The  case  is  the  same  with  modern  idolaters 
By  worshipping  Satan  under  all  these  names,  they  were 
conformed  to  the  very  nature,  and  imbibed  all  the  hatefu. 
qualities,  of  that  arch-apostate  and  rebel.  (Note,  Rom.  1 
21—32.) 

V.  16.  It  is  probable  that  the  words  (?w»irN  and 
rendered  a grove  and  groves,  (10)  meat  some  kind  of  images 


( 686  ) 


b c.  m. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


B.  C.  687 


testimonies  which  he  testified  against  them;  and 
they  followed  'vanity,  and  ‘became  vain,  and 
went  after  the  heathen  that  were  round  about 
them,  concerning  “whom  the  Lord  had  charged 
them,  that  they  should  not  do  like  them. 

16  And  they  left  all  the  commandments  of  the 
Lord  their  God,  and  made  them  ‘molten  images, 
even  two  calves,  and  made  ?a  grove,  and  'wor- 
shipped all  the  host  of  heaven,  and  served 
•Baal. 

17  And  bthey  caused  their  sons  and  their 
daughters  to  mss  through  the  fire,  and  cused 
divination  and  enchantments,  and  dsold  them- 
selves to  do  evil,  ein  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  to  pro- 
voke him  to  anger. 

18  Therefore  the  Lord  was  very  angry  with 
Israel,  and  f removed  them  out  of  his  sight : there 
was  none  left  but  sthe  tribe  of  Judah  only. 

19  Also  h Judah  kept  not  the  commandments  of 
the  Lord  their  God,  but  'walked  in  the  statutes  of 
Israel  which  they  made. 

20  And  the  Lord  krejected  'all  the  seed  of 
Israel,  and  afflicted  them,  and  mdelivered  them 
into  the  hand  of  spoilers,  “until  he  had  cast  them 
out  of  his  sight. 

21  For  °he  rent  Israel  from  the  house  of  David  : 
and  ''they  made  Jeroboam  the  son  of  Nebat  king : 
and  sJeroboam  drave  Israel  from  following  the 
Lord,  and  made  them  sin  ra  great  sin. 

22  For  the  children  of  Israel  'walked  in  all  the 
sins  of  Jeroboam  which  he  did;  they  departed 
not  from  them  ; 

23  Until  ‘the  Lord  removed  Israel  out  of  his 
sight,  “as  he  had  said  by  all  his  servants  the 
prophets.  xSo  was  Israel  carried  away  out  of 
their  own  land  to  Assyria,  unto  this  day. 

[ Practical  Observations .] 

24  H And  nhe  king  of  Assyria  brought  men  from 


Deut.  32:31.  1 Sam.  12:21.  1 Kings  16:13.  Ps.  115:8.  Jer.  10:8,15.  Joa.  2:8. 
Jer.2:5.  Rom.  1:21— 23. 1 Cor.  8:4.  u 8,11,12.  2Chr. 33:2,9.  x Ex.  32:8.  1 Kings 
12:28.  Ps.  108:18—20.  Is.  44:9,10.  y 10.  1 Kings  11.15,23.  15:13.  16:33.  z Deut. 
4:19.  Jer.  8:2.  a 10:18— 28.  1 1 : 18.  1 Kings  16:31 . 22:53.  b 16:3.21:6.  Lev. 
18:21.  2 Chr.  28:3.  Ps.  106:37,38.  Ez.  20:26,31.  23:37,39.  c 21:6.  Deut.  18:10— 
12.  2 Chr.  33:6.  Is.  8: 19.  47:9,12,13.  Jer.  27:9.  Mic.  5:12.  Acts  16:16.  Gal.  5:20. 
d 1 Kings  21 -.20,25.  Is.  50:1.  e 11.21:6.  f 13:23.  23:27.  Petit.  29:20— 28.  32:21  — 
26.  Josh.  23  13.13.  Jer.  15:1.  Hos.  9.3.  g 1 Kings  1 1:13,32,36.  12:20.  Hos.  11:12. 
h 1 Kings  14:22,23.  2 Chr.  21:11,13.  Jer.  2:28.  3:8— II.  Ez.  16:51,52.22:2—16: 
23:4—13.  i 8:18,27.  16:3.  k 15.  1 Sam.  15:23,26.  16:1.  Jer.  6:30.  Rom. 11:1, 
2.  1 Chr.  16:13.  Neh.  9.2.  Is.  45:25.  Jer.  31 :36, 37.  33:24— 26.  46:28.  m 13:3,7. 

15:18—20,29.18:9.  2 Chr.  28:5,6.  n See  on  18.  Deut.  11:12.  Jon.  1:3,10.  Matt. 


Bet  up  in  the  temples  originally  built  in  groves  ; and  not  the 
trees  which  formed  the  grove.  (Notes,  21:7,8,  a.  7.  1 Kings 

14:22 24.) 

V.  17.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  16:3,4.  Ex.  22:18.  Deut.  18: 
9 — 12. — To  provoke,  &c.]  The  people  acted,  as  if  their  ex- 
press intention  had  been  to  provoke  the  Lord  to  anger  : they 
had  sold  themselves  as  slaves  to  Satan,  to  work  evil  in  the  sight 
of  God,  that  they  might  in  every  thing  displease  him  as  much 
as  possible.  (Notes,  7 — 11.  1 Kings  21:20,25,26.  Jer.  7:19. 

Ez.  8:17.) 

V.  18.  The  tribe  of  Judah  onlij.]  That  is,  the  tribe  of 
Judah,  with  the  Benjamites,  Levites,  and  others,  who  were 
incorporated  along  with  Judah  into  one  oeopie. 

V.  19— 23.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  l Kings  11:12,13.  12:16, 
26—33.  14:15,16.  Ps.  51:11. 

V.  24.  (Note,  5,  6.)  Shalmaneser  seems  to  have  carried 
away  all  the  chief  men,  and  the  bulk  of  the  nation  ; but  to 
have  left  some  poor  remains  of  the  Israelites,  who  dwelt  in 
the  land,  during  the  remainder  of  his  reign,  and  the  busy 
reign  of  Sennacherib.  But  Esarhaddon  more  entirely  re- 
moved the  old  inhabitants,  and  peopled  the  country  from  dif- 
ferent parts  of  his  dominions : and  by  that  time  Babylon, 
which  had  formed  a distinct  kingdom,  was  brought  under  the 
government  of  the  king  of  Assyria,  and  some  of  these  new 
inhabitants  were  removed  from  thence.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  33:11. 
Ezra  4:10.)— The  cities  in  the  region'  of  Samaria  had  not 
been  destroyed,  but  reserved  for  the  new  inhabitants.  (Marg. 
Ref.) 

V.  25,  26.  These  colonists  had  met  with  no  remarkable 
judgments,  when  they  served  idols  in  their  own  countries  : but 
they  now  possessed  the  land,  which  Jehovah  had  called  by 
his  own  name  ; and  he  was  pleased  to  show  them,  that  Israel 
had  not  been  dispossessed,  jjccause  he  was  not  able  to  defend 
them,  but  because  he  had  given  them  up  to  ruin  for  their  sins. 
It  was  also  proper  they  should  be  convinced,  that  they  had 
no  right  to  their  new  possessions,  except  by  Jehovah’s 
allowance;  and  that  he  expected  that  they  should  do  him 
homage  for  their  estates : and  therefore  a number  of  lions 
were  let  loose  upon  them,  as  soon  as  they  entered  the  land. 
The  desolations  of  war  would  naturally  make  way  for  the 
increase  of  wild  beasts  : but  these  lions  assaulted  the  people 
in  so  remarkable  a manner ; that  they  reasonably  and  truly 


'Babylon,  and  from  Cuthah,  and  from  “Ava,  and 
from  bHamath,  and  from  Scpharvaim,  and  placed 
them  in  the  cities  of  Samaria,  instead  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel : and  they  possessed  Samaria,  and 
dwelt  cin  the  cities  thereof. 

25  And  so  it  was  at  the  beginning  of  their 
dwelling  there,  that  dthey  feared  not  the  Lord; 
therefore  “the  Lord  sent  lions  among  them,  which 
slew  some  of  them. 

26  Wherefore  they  spake  to  the  king  of  Assyria, 
saying,  The  nations  which  thou  hast  removed, 
fand  placed  in  the  cities  of  Samaria,  eknovv  not 
the  manner  of  the  God  of  the  land  : therefore  lie 
hath  sent  lions  among  them,  and  behold,  they 
slay  them,  because  they  know  not  the  manner  of 
the  God  of  the  land. 

27  Then  the  king  of  Assyria  commanded, 
saying,  Carry  thither  hone  of  the  priests  whom 
ye  brought  from  thence ; and  let  them  go  and 
dwell  there,  and  let  him  teach  them  the  manner 
of  the  God  of  the  land. 

28  Then  one  of  the  priests  whom  they  had 
carried  away  from  Samaria  came  and  dwelt  ‘in 
Beth-el,  and  ktaught  them  how  they  should  fear 
the  Lord. 

29  Howbeit,  every  nation  'made  gods  of  their 
own,  and  put  them  in  the  houses  of  the  high 
places  which  the  Samaritans  had  made,  every 
nation  in  their  cities  wherein  they  dwelt. 

30  And  the  men  of  Babylon  made  Succoth- 
benoth,  and  the  men  of  Cuth  made  Nergal,  and 
the  men  of  Hamath  made  Ashima, 

31  And  mthe  Avites  made  Nibhaz  and  Tartak, 
and  the  Sepharvites  “burnt  their  children  in  fire 
to  Adrammelech  and  Anammelech,  the  gods  of 
Sepbarvaim. 

32  So  they  feared  the  Lord,  and  “made  unto 
themselves  of  the  lowest  of  them  priests  of  the 


25:41.  2 Thes.  1:9.  o 1 Kines  11:11,31.  14:8.  Is.  7:11.  p 1 Kings  12:19,20. 
2 Chr.  10:15—19.  q See  on  l'Kings  12:28-30.  14:16.  2 Clir.  11:14,15.  r Gen. 
20:9.  Ex.  32:21.  1 Sam.  2:17,24.  Ps.  25:11.  John  19:1 1.  s See  on  3:3.  10:29, 
31.13:2,6,11.15:9.  l See  on  18,20.  nSeeonl3.  1 Kings  13:2.  14: 16.  Hus.  1- 
4 — 9.  Am.  5:27.  Mic.  1:6.  x 6.  18:11,12.  yEzra4:2-10.  z 30.  2 Chr.  33:11. 
a 31.18:34.  Is.  37:13.  lvnh.  b 13:13.  Is.  10:9.  36: 1 9.  c 6.  Matt.  10:5:  (128, 
32,34.41.  Josh. 22:25.  Jer.  10:7.  Pan.  6:26,  Jon.  1:9.  e 2 24.  1 Kines  13:24. 
20:36.  Jer.  15:3.  Ex.  14:15.  (SeeonVA.  g 27.  1 Sam.  8:9.  10:25.  Am.  3:14. 
h Judg.  17:13.  1 Kings  12:31.  13.2.  2 Chr.  11:15.  i 1 Kings  12:29— 3-2.  k U. 
29:13.  Matt.  15:14.  1 Ps.  115:4— 8. 135:15— 18.  Is. 44:9— 20.  Jer.  10:3—5  Hos. 
8:5,6.  Rom.  1:23.  m See  on  24.  n See  on  17.  o 1 Kings  12:31.  13:33. 


concluded,  that  they  were  sent  by  “the  God  of  the  land”  to 
punish  them  for  not  serving  hint.  (Notes,  Judg.  16:23,24. 
1 Kings  20:23— 25.  Dan.  5:!— 4.) 

V.  27,  28.  It  is  not  at  all  probable,  that  this  instructor 
was  a priest  of  the  family  of  Aaron,  or  that  he  taught  the 
people  from  the  book  of  the  divine  law,  as  some  have  thought. 
One  of  the  priests  “ carried  away  from  Samaria”  is  expressly 
mentioned.  And  the  person  selected,  had,  most  likely,  been 
one  of  the  priests,  either  of  the  golden  calf  at  Beth-el,  or  of 
some  high  place  in  that  neighbourhood : accordingly  he  re- 
sorted to  Beth-el  as  his  residence,  when  sent  to  teach  the 
people  to  worship  the  God  of  the  land,  having  doubtless  as- 
sistants in  the  business.— It  is,  however,  probable,  that  he 
did  not  teach  them  to  worship  Jehovah  by  images;  though 
we  can  only  know  what  he  taught,  by  the  result:  but  it  is 
evident  they  were  led  to  consider  Jehovah  as  the  local  tute- 
lary god  of  the  land,  one  among  a group  of  other  deities; 
instead  of  worshipping  him  as  the  one, true,  eternal,  almighty, 
and  glorious  Creator,  Governor,  and  Judge  of  the  world. 
(Note,  Jer.  10:6— 8,11.  Zeph.  2:11.  Zech.  14:6—9.)  They 
probably  learned  to  offer  sacrifices,  with  some  external  regard 
jo  the  ceremonies  of  the  Mosaic  law,  but  without  understand- 
ing the  meaning  and  use  of  the  sacred  ordinances:  but  it  is 
not  certain  whether  circumcision  was  introduced  among  the 
Samaritans  at  this  time,  or  at  a later  period.  (Notes,  41. 
Neh.  13:23 — 30.)  Along  with  these  and  such  like  obser- 
vances, they  were  allowed,  or  they  assumed,  the  liberty  of 
serving  their  own  idols,  according  to  the  customs  of  their 
several  tribes.  • 

V.  29 — 31.  Learned  men  have  framed  many  conjectures 
concerning  the  meaning  of  the  several  names  here  made  use 
of,  and'the  idols  and  idolatries  signified  by  them.  But  such 
obsolete  abominations,  with  which  every  thing  brutal,  cruel 
and  licentious  was  connected,  are  not  worth  understand- 
ing. (Notes,  Ex.  23:13.  Josh.  23:7.  Jer.  10:11.  Ztch 
13:2,3.) 

V.  32.  After  the  example  of  Jeroboam,  these  men  chose 
the  priests  of  Jehovah  from  the  lowest  of  the  people;  (1 
Kings  13:33.)  whilst  probably,  the  chief  nobles  were  ambitious 
of  the  honour  of  being  priests  to  their  favou-ite  idols  ! 

V.  33 — 40.  The  new  inhabitants  of  the  land  imitated  the 
idolatrous  Israelites,  by  associating  their  idols  with  Jfho- 
( 687  ) 


B.  C.  678. 


II.  KINGS. 


high  places,  which  sacrificed  for  them  in  '‘the 
houses  of  the  high  places. 

33  They  ^feared  the  Lord,  and  served  their 
own  gods,  after  the  manner  of  the  nations 
"whom  they  carried  away  from  thence. 

34  Unto  this  day  they  do  after  the  former 
manners  : they  'fear  not  the  Lord,  neither  do 
they  after  their  statutes,  or  after  their  ordinances, 
or  after  the  law  and  commandment  which  the 
Lord  commanded  the  children  of  Jacob,  ’whom 
he  named  Israel ; 

35  With  ‘whom  the  Lord  had  made  a covenant, 
and  “charged  them,  saying,  Ye  shall  not  *fear  other 
gods,  nor  bow  yourselves  to  them,  nor  serve  them, 
nor  sacrifice  to  them  : 

36  But  the  Lord,  who  brought  you  up  out 
of  the  land  of  Egypt  with  great  power,  and  ya 
stretched-out  arm,  ’hint  shall  ye  fear,  and  him 

p29.  23:19.  1 Kings  13:32.  q 1 Kings  18:21-  Hos.  10:2.  Zeph.  1:5.  Matt. 6:24. 
Luke  16:13.  * Or,  who  carried  them  away . r See  on  25,27,28,33.  8 Gen. 

32:23.  33:20.  35:10.  I Kings  18:31.  16.48:1.  t 15.  Ex.  19:5,6.  24:6— 8.  Deut. 
29:10—15.  Jer.  31:31—34.  Heb.  8:6—13.  u Ex.  20:4,5.  34:12—17.  Deut.  4:23— 
27.  13:1,  &c.  Josh.  23:7,16.  x Judg.  6:10.  Jer.  10:5.  y See  on  Ex.  6:6.  9:15. 
Deut.  5:15.  Jer.  32:21.  Acta  4:30.  z Lev.  19:32.  Deut.  6:13.  10:20.  12:5,6,11, 


vah,  as  the  objects  of  worship.  The  remainder,  however, 
of  the  verses  seems  to  relate  to  the  Israelites  after  they  were 
carried  captive.  They  still  persevered  in  idolatry  and  dis- 
obedience ; and  not  being  purified,  were  left  to  be  consumed 
in  the  furnace. — It  is  said,  that  the  Israelites  “ did  not  fear 
the  Lord  ;”  (34)  yet  the  heathens,  who  followed  their  exam- 
ple, are  said  “ to  have  feared  the  Lord.”  (32,40.)  The 
Israelites  did  not  so  much  as  fear  the  wrath  of  the  almighty 
God  : but  on  the  other  hand  the  poorPagarts  feared  the  power 
of  his  wrath,  and  to  avert  it  paid  him  some  ignorant  worship, 
according  to  the  wretched  instructions  given  them.  As  this 
was  an  external  acknowledgment  of  his  power  and  Godhead, 
and  a homage  paid  to  him,  he  was  pleased  in  consequence 
to  withdraw  his  judgments  from  them. 

V.  41.  Some  ascribe  these  words  to  Jeremiah,  the  sup- 
posed writer  of  this  part  of  the  history,  others  to  Ezra  after 
the  captivity.  However,  these  Cutheans , (as  the  Jews  call 
them  from  Cuthah , 24.)  maintained  this  mongrel  religion  till 
after  that  later  period,  and  so  were  proper  successors  of  ido- 
latrous Israel,  the  professed  people  of  God.  About  four 
hundred  years  before  Christ,  a temple  was  built  by  them,  in 
competition  with  the  temple  at  Jerusalem : for,  having  been 
joined  by  a number  of  apostate  Jews,  and  a priest  of  the 
family  of  Aaron,  they  renounced  gross  idolatry,  and  became 
schismatical  worshippers  of  Jehovah,  receiving  some  parts, 
and  rejecting  others,  of  the  Jewish-Scriptures.  (Notes,  27, 
28.  Nth.  13:23 — 30.)  It  is  not  requisite  to  decide,  whether 
there  were  any  true  godliness  among  them : but,  as  a people, 
“ they  knew  not  what  they  worshipped,  for  salvation  was  of 
the  Jews.”  ( Notes,  John  4:19 — 24.)  Christ  commanded  his 
disciples,  whom  he  sent  forth  in  his  lifetime,  not  to  enter  into 
any  city  of  the  Samaritans  : yet  he  himself  spent  two  days  at 
Sychar,  one  of  their  cities;  (Note,  John  4:39 — 42.)  and  the 
apostles  after  the  day  of  Pentecost  did  not  regard  the  Sama- 
ritans as  Gentiles ; for  they  preached  in  their  cities  before  the 
conversion  of  Cornelius.  (Notes,  Acts  1:4 — 8.  8:5 — 8.  10:1,2.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 6.  The  long-suffering  of  God,  instead  of  leading 
sinners  to  repentance,  often  renders  them  more  secure  : for, 
having  long  transgressed  with  impunity,  they  conclude  that 
there  is  no  danger ; and  thus  they  w treasure  up  wrath  against 
the  day  of  wrath.”  (Notes,  Ec.  8:11 — 13.  Rom.  2:4 — 6.) — 
Ungodly  men  are  not  all  alike  abandoned  to  flagrant  enormi- 
ties : but  the  least  criminal  deserve  worse  than  the  most  se- 
vere temporal  calamities ; and  consequently  none  have  any 
right  to  complain,  if  God,  the  righteous  Sovereign  shall  see 
good,  in  their  days  to  execute  upon  a guilty  people  the  accu- 
mulated vengeance  of  many  generations.  For  when  the  ap- 
pointed measure  of  iniquity  is  filled  up,  the  Lord  will  forbear 
no  longer.  Then  kings  and  people  reciprocally  suffer  on 
account  of  each  other’s  crimes;  and  their  causes  and  inte- 
rests are  no  more  separable,  in  the  great  concerns  of  national 
judgments  and  mercies,  than  those  of  the  head,  or  heart,  and 
the  several  members  of  the  human  body.  (P.  0.2  Sam.  24: 
l — 9.) — When  the  service  of  God,  which  is  perfect  freedom, 
is  renounced,  men  become  slaves  to  the  vilest  and  most  ty- 
rannical of  masters:  ajid  sinners,  left  to  themselves,  never 
attempt  any  thing  more  than  a change  of  one  tyrant  for  ano- 
ther ; not  having  the  most  remote  idea  or  expectation  of com- 
plete liberty  in  the  service  of  God.  The  extravagant  profli- 
gate sometimes,  in  advancing  years  exchanges  the  bondage 
of  his  sensual  lusts,  for  the  yoke  of  avarice  or  ambition  ; and 
the  immoral  and  profane  may  commence  Pharisees,  or  hypo- 
crites : but  mere  nature  can  advance  little  further  than  this. 
Yet  the  gospel  calls  us,  not  only  to  break  our  league  with 
every  lust,  and  to  renounce  every  sinful  connexion,  however 
formed,  confirmed,  or  palliated  by  specious  pretences  ; but  to 

efuse  obedience  to  every  superior  who  would  require  us  to 
sin  against  God : which  if  we  would  do,  wo  must  seek  the 
effectual  assistance  of  his  special  grace.  In  all  other  cases 
the  Lord  marks  with  disapprobation  men’s  violations  of  agreo- 
( 688  ) 


B.  C.  678. 

shall  ye  worship,  and  to  him  shall  ye  do  sacri 
fice. 

37  And  athe  statutes,  and  the  ordinances,  and 
the  law,  and  the  commandment  which  he  bwrote 
for  you,  ye  shall  observe  to  do  lo-  evermore  ; cand 
ye  shall  not  fear  other  gods. 

38  And  the  covenant  that  I have  made  with 
you  dye  shall  not  forget;  neither  shall  ye  fear 
other  gods. 

39  But  “the  Lord  your  God  ye  shall  fear  ; and 

‘he  shall  deliver  you  out  of  the  hand  of  all  your 
enemies.  • 

40  Howbeit  they  did  not  hearken,  shut  Ihey 
did  after  their  former  manner. 

41  So  hthese  nations  feared  the  Lord,  and 
served  their  graven  images,  both  their  children 
and  their  children’s  children  : as  did  their  lathers, 
so  do  they  ‘unto  this  day. 

12.  Matt.  10:28.  Rev.  15:4.  a Lev.  19:37.  Dent.  4:44,45.  5:31— 33.  6:1,2.  12: 
32.  IChr.  28:19.  P«.  19:8— 11.  105:44,45.  b Deut.  31:9,11.  Neh.  9:13.14. 

c See  on  35.  d Deut.  4:23.  8:12.  8:14— 18.  e See  on  36.  1 Sam.  12  24.  la  8: 
12—14.  Jer.  10:7.  Matt.  10:28.  Luke  1:50.  fNeh.9:27.  Luke  1:71,74  75. 

g See  on  8,12,34.  Deut.  4:28.  h 32,33.  Josh.  24:14— 20.  1 Kings  18:21.  Zeuh. 
1:5.  Matt.  6:24.  Rev.  3:15,16.  i Ezra  4:1—3. 


ments,  and  refusal  of  obedience  to  those  whom  his  providence 
has  placed  over  them  : and  perfidious  attempts  for  deliver- 
ance, from  trouble  or  thraldom,  commonly  terminate  in  deeper 
misery  and  ruin. 

V.  7 — 23.  When  God  arises  to  judgment,  all  opposition  is 
vain,  and  only  tends  to  prolong  or  increase  miser}'.  He  keeps 
an  exact  register  of  our  advantages,  as  well  as  of  our  sins  and 
their  aggravations  : and  when  the  day  of  retribution  arrives, 
he  will  produce  the  whole  account ; that  all  the  world  may  see 
uhe  hath  not  done  without  cause,  all  that  he  hath  done” 
against  the  workers  of  iniquity  : for  the  day  of  his  wrath  will 
be  the  revelation  of  his  righteous  judgment;  and  indeed  his 
justice  in  the  temporal  sufferings  of  guilty  nations  is  frequently 
evidenced  in  the  same  manner.  (Note,  Ez.  14:22,23.) — No 
authority  or  example  can  bear  men  out  in  breaking  the  com- 
mandments of  God:  but  the  judgments  which  they  have 
known  to  be  executed  upon  sinners  ; the  favours  conferred 
on  themselves ; and  the  testimony  of  the  Lord’s  ministers, 
warning,  exhorting,  and  inviting  them  to  repent  and  to  turn 
to  God,  will  aggravate  the  guilt  of  those,  who  harden  their 
hearts  in  disobedience. — Enormous  as  the  outward  wicked- 
ness of  the  world  evidently  is,  the  secret  crimes,  and  sinful 
thoughts,  desires,  and  purposes  of  mankind  are  immensely 
worse. — Murders,  rapines,  adulteries,  thefts,  robberies,  and 
treason,  are  atrocious  evils,  which,  for  the  good  of  society, 
are  marked  with  a black  brand  of  infamy  : yet,  in  the  balance 
of  unbiassed  reason,  as  well  as  in  holy  writ,  ingrat  itude  and 
enmity  to  God,  proud  rebellion  against  him,  and  contempt, 
neglect,  or  defiance  of  him  ; and  all  the  idolatry,  or  impiety, 
which  result  from  these  propensities,  violate  still  higher  obli- 
gations, with  far  deeper  malignity,  and  spring  from  the  worst 
state  of  the  heart  imaginable.  These  evils  will  therefore  be 
peculiarly  considered,  in  the  condemnation  of  the  wicked 
especially  of  such  as  have  been  favoured  with  revelation,  and 
the  ordinances  of  God  ; and  who  have  been  his  professed 
people,  outwardly  dedicated  to  him,  and  admitted  into  cove- 
nant with  him. — Without  turning  from  every  evil  way,  and 
unreservedly  keeping  the  commandments  and  statutes  of  God, 
there  can  be  no  true  godliness:  yet,  this  conversion  must 
spring  from  a belief  of  his  testimony,  both  concerning  u his 
wrath  revealed  from  heaven  against  all  ungodliness  and  un- 
righteousness of  men,”  and  concerning  his  mercy  in  Jesus 
Christ,  to  all  who  repent  and  embrace  this  salvation.  The 
rejection  of  his  statutes  and  covenant  is  always  the  effect  of 
unbelief ; through  which  sinners  harden  their  hearts  against 
the  fear  of  God,  exclude  the  desire  of  his  favour,  and  obsti- 
nately set  themselves  to  break  his  commandments  ; and  thus 
following  lying  vanities,  become  worthless  and  base,  like  their 
worldly  idols. — When  sinners  have  resolutely  turned  away 
from  God,  they  not  only  commit  those  sins,  v.  hich  promise 
present  advantage  or  gratification  ; but  they  transgress  with 
out  any  conceivable  temptation,  as  if  they  purposely  devised 
to  provoke  the  Lord  to  anger  : and,  having  sold  themselves  to 
do  evil,  they  serve  Satan,  with  greater  self-denial,  and  violence 
done  to  their  most  rational  natural  affections,  than  evercouid 
be  required  of  them  in  the  service  of  God.  He  peculiarly 
abhors  those,  who  seduce  or  drive  others,  hv  any  means, 
from  following  him,  and  cause  them  to  sin  against  him  ; and 
generations  yet  unborn  may  curse  the  inventors  of  any  false 
religion,  or  plausible  system  of  infidelity,  as  the  occasions  of 
their  everlasting  perdition  ; nay,  bad  examples  alone,  may 
render  men  chargeable  with  this  tremendous  guilt  of  murder- 
ing the  souls  of  others  ; for  human  nature  is  far  more  ready 
to  copy  the  evil  than  the  good,  and  to  listen  to  tempters  than 
to  monitors.  How  circumspectly  then  should  we  walk,  seeing 
such  dreadful  consequences  may  ensue,  for  ages  to  come,  in 
various  ways,  from  our  misconduct ! 

V.  24 — 41. — When  the  Lord  casts  off  his  professing  peo- 
ple, or  delivers  them  into  the  hands  of  their  enemies,  he  will 
take  care  of  his  own  glory:  and  he  can  let  their  insulting  con- 
querors know,  that  they  have  not  prevailed  against  them  for 


B.  C.  726. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


B.  C -25. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


Uexekiah  reigns  veil,  abolishes  idolatry,  and  prospers,  1 — 8.  In  his  time  Sa - 
m i/ ia  if  taken,  and  Israel  carried  captive,  9—12,  Sennacherib  invades 
Judah,  and  Hezckiah  pays  him  tribute,  13 — 16.  Rabshakeh,  sent  by  Senna- 
cherib, in  un  insulting  and  blasphemous  speech,  aims  to  induce  the  people  to 
revolt,  17—35.  Hezekiah's  servants  hold  their pe^ce,  and  rend  their  clothes, 
36,  37. 

NOW  it  came  to  pass  “in  the  third  year  of 
Hoshea  son  of  Elah  king  of  Israel,  that 
“Hezekiah  the  son  of  Ahaz  king  of  Judah  began 
to  reign. 

2 TwAity  and  five  years  old  was  he  when  he 
began  to  reign ; and  he  reigned  twenty  and  nine 
years  in  Jerusalem.  His  mother’s  name  also  was 
°Abi  the  daughter  of  Zachariah. 

• 3 And  he  did  that  which  was  dright  in  the 


a 9.  15:30.  17:1.  b 16:20. 


2 Chr.  29:1.  Matt.  1 :9,10.  Ezekia. 


I Chr.  3J3 

c 2 Chr.  29:1.  AbijaTi.  d 20:3.  Ex.  15:26.  Deul.  6:18.  2 Chr.  31:20,21.  Job  33: 
27.  Ps.  119.128.  ll.in.  7.12.  Bpfc.  6:1.  e 22:2.  1 Kings3:14.  11:4,38.  15:5,11. 
2 Chr.  29:2.  f 12:3.  14:4.  15:4,35.  Lev.  26:30.  I Kings  3:2.3.  15:14.  22:43.  Ps. 
78:53.  Ez.  20:23,29.  g23;4,  Sc.  Dent.  7:5.  12:2,3.  Judg.  6:25,28.  1 Kings  15:12, 
13.  2 Chr.  19:3.  31:1.  33:3.  • Heb.  statues,  h Nnm.  21:8,9.  John  3:14,15.  i 16: 
15.  ( That  is.  <z  p iece  of  brost.  ) 19:10.  2 Chr.  32:7,8.  Job  13:15.  Ps.  13:5.27:1, 


sight  of  the  Lord,  'according  to  all  that  David  his 
father  did. 

4 H He  f removed  the  high  places,  and  Ebrak-' 
the  'images,  and  cut  down  the  groves,  and  brake  in 
pieces  “the  brazen  serpent  that  Moses  had  made  . 
for  ‘unto  those  days  the  children  of  Israel  did  burr, 
incense  to  it : and  he  called  it  ^Nehushtan. 

5 He  Hrusted  in  the  Lop.d  God  of  Israel ; so 
that  kafter  him  was  none  like  him  among  all  the 
kings  of  Judah,  nor  any  that  were  before  him. 

6 For  'he  clave  to  the  Lord,  and  departed  not 
tfrom  following  him,  but  “kept  his  commandments, 
which  the  Lord  commanded  Moses. 

7  And  "the  Lord  was  with  him:  and  °he 
prospered  whithersoever  he  went  forth : and  he 


th«ir  own  righteousness,  or  by  their  own  power  ; but  that  he 
has  been  provoked  by  the  sins  of  those  who  were  called  by 
his  name,  to  give  their  enemies  power  against  them.  (Notes 
and  P.  O 1 Sam.  5:  6:) — All  rational  creatures  ought  to  serve 
their  Creator:  and  the  very  heathen,  who  honour  not  his 
M eternal  power  and  Godhead,”  and  are  not  thankful  for  his 
goodness,  are  left  without  excuse:  (Note,  Rom.  1:1 8 — 20.) 
yet,  that  ignorance,  which  springs  from  a comparative  want 
of  the  means  of  instruction,  is  an  alleviation  of  the  sinner’s 
guilt,  and  will  plead  effectually  for  the  mitigation  of  his  pu- 
nishment ; and  the  nearer  any  approach  to  u the  valley  ofvi- 
sion,”  the  more  inexcusable  will  they  be,  if  they  continue  irre- 
ligious, or  attached  to  absurd  and  cruel  superstitions. — The 
terror  of  the  Almighty  sometimes  induces  unconverted  sinners 
to  a forced  or  feigned  submission:  but,  when  instructed  by 
ignorant  or  hypocritical  teachers,  they  form  very  unworthy 
thoughts  of  God  ; expect  to  please  him  by  an  outside  form  and 
a liplabour;  and  endeavour  to  reconcile  his  service  with  that 
of  Mammon,  t he  love  of  the  world,  and  the  indulgence  of  their 
darling  lusts.  Thus,  slavish  fear  united  with  ignorance,  pro- 
duces an  unwilling  worship,  with  the  worthless  dregs  of  men’s 
time  and  spirits,  when  the  prime  of  them  have  been  spent  and 
exhausted  in  pursuits  and  pleasures  more  agreeable  to  their 
carnal  minds;  and  they  remain  destitute  of  true  repentance, 
faith,  love,  and  devotedness  to  God.  This  kind  of  religion 
abounds  from  age  to  age,  being  congenial  to  the  human  heart, 
meeting  with  little  disquietude  from  the  natural  conscience, 
and  exciting  no  opposition  from  the  world  ; or  from  Satan, 
who  willingly  compounds  to  give  up  a part,  for  a time,  that 
he  may  at  length  engross  the  whole.  Yet,  even  such  a worth- 
less form  of  godliness  is  less  dishonourable  to  the  Lord,  than 
the  confident  presumption  of  bold  hypocrites  and  apostates. 
These  come  short  even  of  this  w fear  of  God and  in  oppo- 
sition to  the  knowledge  which  they  have  acquired,  they  cast 
his  law  behind  their  backs  ; set  his  threatenings,  his  power, 
and  justice  at  defiance  ; and  despise  or  abuse  his  mercies  and 
his  promises. — If  severe  afflictions  fail  to  bring  such  men  to 
repentance,  (an  affect  which  they  seldom  produce,)  their  ruin 
will  be  inevitable  and  most. tremendous.  But,  may  that  “fear 
of  the  Lord  which  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom,”  possess  our 
hearts  and  influence  our  conduct,  that  we  may  be  ready  for 
every  change  ! Our  worldly  settlements  are  precarious  : we 
know  not  whither  we  may  be  driven  before  we  die  ; and  we 
must  soon  leave  this  world : then  u the  wicked  will  be  driven 
away  in  his  wickedness,  but  the  righteous  hath  hope  in  his 
death having  u chosen  that  good  part,  which  shall  never  be 
taken  from  him.”  (Notes,  Prov.  14:32.  Luke  10:38 — 42.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  XVIII.  V.  1.  Hoshea  seems  to  have 
been  placed  on  the  throne  above  four  years  before  the  death 
of  Ahaz;  but  his  establishment  in  quiet  possession  of  the 
kingdom  might  take  place  some  time  after,  from  which  the 
third  year  here  mentioned  was  reckoned.  ( Notes,  9,10.  15:30. 
17:1.)  For  it  is  not  likely  that  Hezekiah  reigned  a year  along 
with  his  father. 

V.  2.  Twenty  and  Jive,  &c.]  If  we  suppose  that  Ahaz  at 
his  death  had  nearly  completed  his  thirty-seventh  year,  and 
Hezekiah  was  only  entering  on  his  twenty-fifth  when  he  be- 
gan to  reign,  Ahaz  must  have  been  under  thirteen  years  of 
age,  when  his  son  was  born  ! (16:1,2.)  But  there  are  on  re- 
cord well  attested  instances,  especially  in  those  climates,  of 
men  having  children  at  as  early  a period : and  there  seems 
to  have  been  a peculiar  wisdom  of  Providence  displayed  in 
this  uncommon  circumstance  : for  thus  Ahaz  had  a son  of  ma- 
ture age  to  succeed  him,  when  he  had  filled  up  so  speedily  the 
measure  of  his  iniquities.  And  as  Hezekiah  was  about  nine 
years  of  age  at  the  death  of  Jotham  his  grandfather,  perhaps 
some  good  seed,  which  that  pious  prince  had  sown  in  his  ten- 
der mind,  might  conduce  to  the  excellency  of  his  character. 
(Note,  16:3,4.) 

V.  3.  After  the  example  of  David,  Hezekiah  was  sincerely 
and  inwardly  devoted  to  God  ; he  delighted  in  his  service,  and 
persevered  in  promoting  the  cause  of  true  religion  to  the  end 
of  his  days  : and,  while  preserved  from  scandalous  offences, 
such  as  David  had  been  botrayed  into,  he  emulated  the 
Vol.  I.— S7 


2.46:1,2.84:12.146:5,6.  Jer.  17:7,8.  Mat,t.  27:43.  Eph.  1:12.  k 19:15—19.23: 
25.  2 Chr.  14:11.  16:7—9.20:20,35.  1 Deut.  10:20.  Josh.  23:8.  Acts  11:23.  X Heb. 
from  after  him.  m 17:13,16,19.  Jer.  11:4.  John  14:15,21.  15:10,14.  1 John  5:3. 
n Gen.  21:22.  39.2,3.  1 Sam.  18:14.  2 Chr.  15:2.  Ps.  46:11. 60:12.  Matt.  1:23. 
28:20.  Acts  7:9,10.  o Gen.  39:2.  1 Sam.  18:5,14.  mare.  2 Sam.  8:6,14. 

2 Chr.  31:21.32:30.  Ps.  1:3. 

strength  of  his  faith,  the  vigour  of  his  love,  and  the  fervency  of 
his  piety.  (Notes,  22:1,2.  2 Chr.  31:20,21.) 

V.  4.  We  shall  hereafter  meet  with  a fuller  account  oi 
Hezekiah’s  reformation.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  29: — 31:) — His  fa- 
ther had  set  him  a very  bad  example,  and  probably  had  given 
him  as  Ited  an  education : yet  he  came  to  the  throne  a con- 
firmed servant  of  God,  full  of  zeal  for  his  glory,  and  confidence 
in  his  protection  and  assistance.  Isaiah  began  to  prophesy 
in  the  reign  of  Uzziah,  or  Azariah:  (Notes,  Is.  HI.  6:1 — 4.) 
and  it  is  highly  probable,  that  Hezekiah  became  attached  to 
him  during  Ahaz’s  lifetime  ; and  received  from  him  those  in- 
structions, which,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  rendered  him  so 
illustrious  an  example  of  genuine  piety,  wisdom,  and  holiness, 
as  he  proved,  notwithstanding  the  wickedness  of  his  father. 
The  prophet  had  occasionally  been  sent  to  Ahaz ; but  he  was 
the  friend  and  counsellor  of  Hezekiah. — In  this  reformation, 
he  not  only  removed  the  monuments  of  idolatry,  which 
abounded  through  the  wickedness  of  Ahaz,  his  predecessor  ; 
but  he  suppressed  the  irregular  worship  upon  the  high  places, 
which  had  subsisted,  and  been  connived  at,  even  by  the  pious 
kings  of  Judah,  for  many  ages:  and  in  doing  this  he  must  have 
risked  much  opposition  even  from  his  own  subjects. — One 
instance  of  Judah’s  idolatry,  and  of  Hezekiah’s  reformation,  ia 
mentioned  in  this  place  alone.  The  brazen  serpent  had  been 
preserved  by  Israel,  as  a monument  of  the  miracles  wrought 
by  means  of  it  in  behalf  of  their  forefathers,  in  order  to  excite 
their  gratitude,  and  encourage  their  faith  and  hope.  (Notes, 
Num.  21:6 — 9.  John  3:14,15.)  We  are  not  informed  wherfe 
it  was  placed ; but  it  seems  that  after  a time  the  people  stu- 
pidly and  wickedly  made  an  idol  of  it,  and  burnt  incense  to  it ; 
as  if  it  had  wrought  the  cures,  instead  of  being  the  external 
sign  of  the  powerful  and  merciful  interposition  of  the  Lord. 
Hezekiah  finding  this  idolatry  deeply  rooted,  destroyed  the 
brazen  serpent,  and  called  it  Nehushtan,  or  a piece  of  brass  ; 
(marg.)  by  way  of  exposing  the  folly  of  those  who  worship- 
ped it,  when  it  was  of  no  more  value  or  efficacy  than  any  other 
piece  of  brass. — The  superstitious  veneration  paid  to  sacred 
relics  in  the  Christian  church,  and  especially  the  adoration 
paid  to  the  form  of  the  cross,  and  even  in  express  words  to  the 
wood  and  nails  of  it,  with  all  the  impostures  which  have  arisen 
from  that  absurd  idolatry,  have  been  exactly  parallel  to  the 
worship  of  the  brazen  serpent ; and  Hezekiah’s  example  fully 
authorizes  the  total  abolition  or  disuse  of  every  thing  of  that 
kind  in  religious  worship.  There  were  no  relics  under  the 
Old  Testament-church,  except  the  pot  of  manna,  Aaron’S 
rod,  and  this  brazen  serpent.  The  two  former  were  pre- 
served by  God’s  own  appointment,  but  they  were  concealed 
in  the  holy  of  holies  from  popular  inspection  : the  other  was 
preserved  by  human  contrivance,  and  became  an  occasion 
of  idolatry,  until  a pious  king,  who  doubtless  recollected  with 
reverence  and  gratitude  the  event  commemorated  by  it,  de- 
stroyed it  with  decided  abhorrence.  And  there  never  were 
any  relics  preserved  in  the  Christian  church,  however  good 
the  intention  of  the  preserver  might  be,  which  have  not  issued 
in  such  abuses,  superstitions,  and  impositions,  as  must  cause 
all  judicious  friends  to  the  gospel  to  unite  in  earnestly  pray- 
ing for  their  extirpation.  Yet,  true  piety,  and  fervent  affec- 
tion for  holy  things  and  holy  men,  naturally  lead  this  way 
unless  sound  judgment,  and  considerable  acquaintance  with 
human  nature,  and  the  history  of  superstition,  counteract  their 
efficacy. 

V.  5,  6.  None  of  the  kings  of  Judah,  from  the  time  of  the 
division  of  the  kingdom,  equalled  Hezekiah  in  the  vigour  and 
simplicity  of  his  dependence  upon  the  Lord  ; in  which  he 
aspired  to  an  equality  with  his  progenitor  David,  who  had 
reigned  over  the  whole  land.  Even  Asa,  through  weakness  of 
faith,  sought  the  assistance  of  a heathen  prince ; and  Jeho- 
shaphat  formed  an  alliance  with  idolatrous  Ahab  : but  Heze- 
kiah clave  to  the  Lord  in  entire  confidence  and  unreserved 
obedience,  to  the  end  of  his  life.  (Notes,  22:1,2.  1 Kings  15: 
17—24.  2 Chr.  16:7—12.  19:1—4.) 

V.  7.  Ahaz  had  basely  made  the  land  tributary  to  the  king 
of  Assyria,  to  purchase  his  assistance  against  the  Israelites 
and  Syrians : but  Hezekiah,  who  was  under  no  personal  cn 

( 6S9  ) 


C.  713. 


II.  KINGS. 


B.  C.  712 


rebelled  against  the  king  of  Assyria,  and  served 
him  not.  . 

8 He  smote  ‘'the  Philistines,  even  unto  Gaza, 
and  the  borders  thereof,  ‘from  the  tower  of  the 
watchman  to  the  fenced  city. 

[ Practical  Observations.'] 

9 H And  it  came  to  pass  in  ‘the  fourth  year  of 

kin"-  Hezekiah,  which  was  the  seventh  year  of 
Hoshea  son  of  Elah  king  of  Israel,  that  ‘Shal- 
maneser kin^  of  Assyria  came  up  against  Samana, 
and  besieged  it.  , „ , • 

c c.-l  10  And  at  the  end  of  three  years  “they 
720.  J took  it ; even  in  the  sixth  year  of  Hezekiah, 
(that  is,  the  ninth  year  of  Hoshea  king  ol  Israel,) 
Samaria  was  taken. 

1 1 And  'the  king  of  Assyria  did  carry  away 

Israel  unto  Assyria,  and  put  them  in  Halah  and 
in  Habor  by  the  river  of  Gozan,  and  in  the  cities 
of  the  Medes  : c , 

12  Because  nhey  obeyed  not  the  voice  ot  the 
Lord  their  God,  but  transgressed  his  covenant, 
and  all  that  rMoses  the  servant  of  the  Lord 
commanded,  and  would  not  hear  them , nor  do 

B^c.i  13  ^ Now  in  'the  fourteenth  year  of  king 
71* * 3 *.  J Hezekiah  did  'Sennacherib  king  ot  Assyria 
“come  up  against  all  the  fenced  cities  ot  Judah, 
and  took  them.  _ _ . , , . 

14  And  Hezekiah  king  of  Judah  sent  to  the 

kin"-  of  Assyria  to  Lachish,  saying,  bI  have 
offended ; return  from  me : that  which  thou 

puttest  on  me  I will  bear.  And  the  king  ot 


Assyria  appointed  unto  Hezekiah  king  of  Judah 
three  hundred  talents  of  silver  and  thirty  talents 

°*  f^And  Hezekiah  'gave  him  all  the  silver  that 
was  found  in  the.  house  of  the  Lord,  and  in  the 

treasures  of  the  king’s  house.  . . 

16  At  that  time  did  Hezekiah  cut  off  the  d gold 
from  the  doors  of  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  and 
from  the  pillars  which  Hezekiah  king  ol  Judah 
had  overlaid,  and  gave  tit  to  the  king  oi  Assyria. 

[ Practical  Observation *.] 

17  H And  'the  king  of  Assyria  sent  Tartan  ru.  c. 
and  Rabsaris  and  Rabshakeh  from  Lachish  L 2- 
to  king  Hezekiah  with  a Sgreat  host  against 
Jerusalem : and  they  went  up,  and  came  to  Je- 
rusalem : and  when  they  were  come  up,  they 
came  and  stood  by  'the  conduit  ot  the  upper 
pool,  which  is  in  the  highway  of  the  fullers 

fie'l8  And  when  they  had  called  to  the  king,  there 
came  out  to  them  eEliakim  the  son  oi  Hilkiah, 
which  was  over  the  household,  and  bShebna  the 
"scribe  and  Joah  the  son  of  Asaph  'the  recorder. 

19  And  Rabshakeh  said  unto  them,  Speak  ye 
now  to  Hezekiah, 'Thus  saith  the  great  king,  the 
king  of  Assyria,  kWhat  confidence  is  this  wherein 

thou  trustest?  , ...  . , v 

20  Thou  ’’sayest,  (but  they  are  but  vain  words,) 
tt/  have  counsel  and  strength  for  the  war.  Now 
on  whom  dost  thou  trust,  that  thou  'rebellest 

against  me  f _ 

&2l  Now,  behold,  thou  I?trustest  upon  mthe  staff 


20  16  7 q2Chr.  28:18.  I».  14:29.  • Heb.  Aszah.  r 17:9.  2 Chr  26: 

0 'it 5:2.  s I.  17:1— 6.  t 17:3.  Hos.  10:14  Shalmrm.  u Hot.  13.16. 

- .3.  g;7.  9:1 — 4.  Mic.  1:6 — 9.6:16.7:13.  v 17:6.  19:11.  1 Chr. 


ft. 

m&m:  *«. 5 * * * * * 11)-3;«'25r27- 

«f7  43  x 17-7-23.  Deut  8:20.  11 :28.  29:24-28.  31 :17.  Nth.  9:17  Is.  1: 

19  Jer  3:8.7:23.  Dan.  9:6-11.  Mic.3:4.  2Th«.l:8  1 Pel.  2:8. 4:17. 

- Nura  12  7 Deut.  34:5.  Josh.  1:1.  2Tlm.2:24.  Heb.  3:5,6.  i 2 Chr.  32.1. 
Is.* 36:1.  t Heb.  Sanherib.  a Is.  7:17,  &c.  8:7,8.  10:5.  Hos.  12:1,2.  b 7.  1 Kings 

gagements  to  that  prince,  would  not  stand  to  the  agreement 
which  his  father  had  formed.  (Notes,  16:7— 9.  17.3,4.)  Hav- 
ing set  about  a complete  reformation  of  religion,  and  confiding 
in'the  Lord’s  assistance,  he  refused  submission  to  any  foreign 
potentate  : and,  as  the  king  of  Assyria  would  call  this  rebel- 
ling against  him,  that  term  is  here  used.  But  it  does  not 
appear  that  Hezekiah  violated  any  treaties;  and  the  king  ot 
Assyria  could  have  no  just  claim  to  rule  over  the  king  of 
Judah.  Some  think,  however,  that  he  was  too  precipitate  in 
this  measure  ; being  rather  elated  by  Ins  prosperity  in  other 

transactions^  ^ } The  phiUstines  had  recovered 

strength,  in  the  unsettled  state  of  affairs  m Israel  and  Judah  ; 
but  Hezekiah  again  reduced  them  to  subjection.  C/ir. -b. 
18.  Is.  9:12.  Note,  Is.  14:28—32.)  . . 

y 9 — 12.  Shalmaneser  began  the  siege  ot  Samaria,  in 
tne  beginning  of  the  fourth  year  of  Hezekiah,  and  the  seventh 
of  Hoshea  ; so  that  the  three  years'  siege  was  concluded,  by 
the  end  of  the  sixth  of  the  former,  and  the  ninth  of  the  latter 
prince.  (Notes,  1.  17:1-11. )-The  desolations  of  Israel 
would  tend  to  dispose  the  Jews  to  concur  with  Hezekiah,  and 
thus  facilitate  his  endeavours  for  reformation,  as  well  as 
quicken  him  in  them.  . r ~ » 

V.  13.  A few  years  after  the  reduction  of  Samaria,  fchal- 
maneser  died,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son  Sennacherib. 
Shalmaneser  doubtless  would  have  attempted  to  subjugate 
Hezekiah ; but  he  was  otherwise  employed,  and  this  leisure 
was  given  to  Hezekiah,  to  effect  his  reformation  without  inter- 
ruption. (Notes,  2 Chr.  29  : — 31:)  Sennacherib,  as  soon  as 
he  mounted  the  throne,  emulated  his  father  s military  honours, 
and  imitated  his  example.  He  therefore  purposed  to  trea 
Jerusalem  and  Judah,  as  Shalmaneser  had  done  Samaria  and 
Israel:  and  it  pleased  God  to  chastise  the  lukewarmness, 
hypocrisy,  or  reluctancy,  with  which  many  of  'he  Jews  con- 
curred in  Hezekiah’s  reformation,  and-to  try  Ins  faith,  and  that 
of  other  believers,  by  permitting  this  potent  monarch  to  reduce 
the  other  fenced  cities  and  strong  holds  of  Judah,  and  to 
threaten  Jerusalem  with  a siege.  ( Notes,  2 Chr.  3-1.  is. 

7:17 — 25.  8:6 — 8.  10:5 — 14,28 — 34.  36:1,2.) 

y 14 — 16.  Some  expositors  charge  Hezekiah  with  crimi- 
nality,  in  revolting  from  the  king  of  Assyria:  but  he  seems 
rather  to  have  sinned  by  yielding  to  him  in  so  timid  a manner. 
He  evidently  distrusted  God’s  protection:  (Note,  Gen.  12.lt 
-If..)  and  by  confessing  to  the  haughty  conqueror  that  he 
had  offended,  and  was  ready  to  submit  to  any  imposition  that 
he  laid  upon  him;  and  by  hiring  his  departure  with  Ins  own 
treasures,  and  the  gold  of  the  temple,  he  invited  and  encou- 
raged his  further  impositions.  The  event  shows,  that  it  he 
hac  boldly  stood  out,  and  committed  his  cause  to  God,  lie 
would  have  been  protected.  But  though  Hezekiah  s conduct 
might  perhaps  be  reprehensible  ; yet  it  served  to  rentier  ben- 
nachtr'b’s  subsequent  violence  more  inexcusable.  1 rotiamy, 

( 690  t 


20:4.  Prov. 29:25.  Luke  14:32.  c 12:18.16:8.  1 Kines  lSiiSJS.lS.  2 Chr.  16:2. 

j | K"lrit7o  fi.Qi 35  o Chr  29:3.  1 Heb.  them,  e 2 Chr.  32:9.  Ib.  20. 1.36. .4. 

t aSKir f -1:20  Is  7:3.  ».*itl.  36:2  ,1 9:2.  ...  «:»-».  36:3,®.  37: 

?*Kh  34  ^’  lo’T.' A MW.  Bd*  Dam  4°  m. 

®?ll,li3*19:.C0hr2  Clfr*. 

..  , ..  n i ...j  .rii..  i:.n.  +t  Or  huf  r nuns  el  and.  stTWBth,  are  JOT  1/16 

talkest. 
war. 


,29,30  19:10.  2 Chr.  32:7,8,10,1 1,14— 16.  Ps.  4:2  Is.  36:4,7  37:10  3 Or. 

est.  ••  Heb.  uordof  the  lips,  tt  Or,  but  counsel  and  *'>"’/'*!  *r«/2r .<*• 
. Pros.  21:30.31.  114.  ft  Heb . trust'll  thee,  m Is.  3b. 6.  Lt.  29.6,7. 


Ahaz  had  cut  off  the  gold  from  the  doors  and  pillars  of  the 
temple,  and  Hezekiah  had  replaced  it:  yet  he  too,  in  this 
emergency,  cut  it  off  to  purchase  peace.  (Marg.  HeJ. 

Notes,  2 Chr.  32:3— 8.)  . , . 

V 17  This  second  invasion  is  computed  by  some  learned 

men  to  have  been  three  years  after  the  former  agreement ; 
during  which  time  Sennacherib  was  occupied  in  other  wars. 
But  it  seems  more  probable  from  the  narrative,  that  he 
returned  the  ensuing  year.  (Note,  Is.  36:2.)  Hirai», , how- 
ever, accomplished  his  other  projects,  and  being  lifted  up  with 
pride,  he  was  determined,  without  provocation,  to  reduce 
Judah  and  Jerusalem,  and  to  treat  the  inhabitants  as  his 
father  had  done  those  of  Samaria.  (Notes,  Is.  10  8 14.  33. 

5 9.)  He  therefore  sent  his  commanders  with  a large  army 

to  encamp  against  that  city,  being  himself  engaged  in  bcsieg- 
;n„  T achish  • (2  Chr.  32:9.)  and  they  were  instructed  to  sum- 
mon Hezekiah  to  surrender  at  discretion,  having  doubtless 
particular  orders  what  to  say  to  hint  or  his  envoys,  on  that 

SahStood  by  the  conduit,  &c.l  ‘They  took  up  their  head- 
quarters, as  we  now  speak,  by  the  conduit,  or  canal,  into 
which  water  was  derived  from  the  upper  fishpond  or  pool, 
which  was  in  the  highway  to  the  field,  where  the  fullers, 
after  they  had  washed  their  clothes  in  the  pool,  wtre  wont  to 
spread  them.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V 18  Hezekiah,  though  summoned  to  a personal  confe- 
rence did  not  choose  to  trust  himself  with  his  perfidious  and 
domineering  invaders;  and  therefore  he  appointed  commis- 
sioners, or  deputies,  to  attend  in  Ins  name.  (Marg.  tiej. 
Notes,  2 Sam.  8:15—18.  Is.  22:15—25.  36:3.) 

v 19  Rabshakeh,  &<:.]  This  man  is  reported  by  tradition 
to  have  been  an  apostate  Jew;  which  supposition,  It  well 
grounded,  may  account  both  for  his  fluency  m speaking  the 
Hebrew  tongue,  and  concerning  the  God  of  Israel;  and  for 
his  imbittered  enmity  against  true  religion. 

V.  20,  21.  It  does  not  appear  that  Hezekiah,  after  the 
preceding  agreement,  had  refused  to  pay  tribute  to  the  king 
of  Assyria,  or  had  attempted  to  shake  off  his  yoke : but  when 
he  found  him  determined  to  destroy  Jerusalem  and  enslave 
its  inhabitants,  he  refused  to  surrender  at  discretion,  and  pre- 
pared to  stand  a siege ; and  this  was  deemed  rebellion  and 
the  most  unreasonable  presumption ! ( Note,  R mgs  -0:2 

11  ) Rabshakeh  supposed  that  Hezekiah  had  neither  coun- 
sel nor  strength  for  such  a war:  and  indeed  he  did  not  place 
his  dependence  on  his  own  wisdom,  or  on  the  number  and 
valour  of  his  troops. — Iloshoa  had  confided  in  the  lung  ol 
Egypt,  and  had  been  deceived  and  ruined  by  that  confidence: 

( Note , 17:4.)  and  if  Hezekiah  had  done  the  same,  lie  might 
have  proved  to  him  like  a bruised  cane,  which  deceives  those 
who  lean  upon  it,  and  not  only  lets  them  fall,  hut  pierces  or 
wounds  their  hands.  (Note,  Ez.  2“-fi,7.)  He,  however,  naa 
not  put  his  trust  in  Egypt  for  chartois  ui..'  norsem-n  ; thongi. 


B.  C.  712. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


B.  C.  712 


of  this  bruised  reed,  even  "upon  Egypt,  on  which 
if  a man  lean,  it  will  go  into  his  hand  and  pierce 
it ; °so  is  Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt  unto  all  that 
trust  on  him. 

22  But  if  ye  say  unto  me,  rWe  trust  in  the 
Loro  our  God  : is  not  that  he  iwhose  high  places 
and  whose  altars  Hezekiah  hath  taken  away, 
and  hath  said  to  Judah  and  Jerusalem,  Ye  shall 
worship  before  this  altar  in  Jerusalem? 

23  Now  therefore,  I pray  thee,  give  'pledges  to 
my  lord  the  king  of  Assyria;  and  rI  will  deliver 
thee  two  thousand  horses,  if  thou  be  able  on  thy 
part  to  set  riders  upon  them. 

24  How  then  ‘wilt  thou  turn  away  the  face  of 
one  captain  of  the  least  of  my  master’s  servants, 
and  put  Hhy  trust  on  Egypt  for  “chariots  and  for 
horsemen  ? 

25  Am  yI  now  come  lip  without  the  Lord 
against  this  place  to  destroy  it?  The  Lord  said 
to  me,  Go  up  against  this  land,  and  destroy  it. 

26  Then  said  Eliakim  the  son  of  Hilkiah,  and 
Shebna,  and  Joah,  unto  Rabshakeh,  Speak,  I 
pray  thee,  to  thy  servants  xin  the  Syrian  lan- 
guage ; for  we  understand  it : and  talk  not  with 
us  in  the  Jews’  language,  in  the  ears  of  the  people 
that  are  on  the  wall. 

27  But  Rabshakeh  said  unto  them,  Hath  my 
master  sent  me  to  thy  master,  and  to  thee,  to 
speak  these  words?  hath  he  not  sent  me  to  the 
men  which  sit  on  the  wall,  that  they  may  reat 
their  own  dung,  and  drink  ’their  own  piss  with 
you  ? 

28  Then  "Rabshakeh  stood  and  cried  with  a 


„ Is.  30:2,7.  31:1— 3.  o 17:4.  Jer.  46:17.  p 5.  Dan.  3:15.  Matt.  27:43.  q4. 
J Clir.  31:1.  32:12.  Is.  36:7.  1 Cor.  2:15.  • Heb.  hostages,  r 1 Sam. 

17:42—14.  I Kings  20:10,18.  Neb.  4:2—5.  Ps.  123:3,4.  Is.  10:13,14.  30:8, 
S.  s Is.  10:8.  Dan.  2:37,38.  4:22,37.  t 21.  See  on  Deut.  17:16.  Is.  31:1,3. 
86:6,9.  Jer.  37:7  . 42:14—18.  He.  17:15,17.  u Ps.  20:7,8.  * 19:6,22,  &c. 

1 Kings  13:18.  2 Chr.  35:21.  Is.  10:5,6.  xEzrn4:7.  Is. 36:11,12.  Dan. 2:4. 
y 6:25.  Deut.  28:53 — 57.  Ps.  73:8.  Lam.  4:5.  Ez.  4:13.  t Heb.  the  water  of  their 
feet.  z2Chr. 32:18.  Is  36:13— 18.  a 19.  Ezra  7:12.  Ps.  47:2.  Is.  10:8— 13. 
Ez.  29:3.  31.3— 10.  Rev.  19:16.  b 2 Chr.  32:11,15.  Dan.  3:15— 17.  6:16.  John 


probably  many  of  his  nobles  were  disposed  to  that  measure, 
and  some  engagements  of  that  kind  had  before  been  attempt- 
ed. (Notes,  Is.  30:1 — 7.  31:1 — 5.) — Vain  words.  (20)  “Word 
of  tile  lips.”  Marg.  % 

V.  22.  The  Assyrians  had  learned  that  Hezekiah  professed 
to  confide  in  God : and  Rabshakeh  combatted  that  confidence, 
by  inquiring  how  he  could  presume  to  expect  assistance  from 
him,  whose  altars  and  high  places  he  had  destroyed?  (Notes, 
4.  2 Chr.  31:1.)  For  he  ignorantly  supposed  that  the  Lord 
would  be  pleased,  and  deem  himself  honoured,  in  proportion 
to  the  number  of  the  temples  and  altars  dedicated  to  him, 
though  erected  contrary  io  his  express  command  ; and  there- 
fore he  concluded  that  Hezekiah  had  forfeited  God’s  protec- 
tion, by  that  very  reformation  which  ensured  it.  ( Notes,  Num. 
23:1,2,4 — 15.  1 Cor.  2:14 — 16.)  As  none  of  the  kings  who  sup- 
ported the  worship  of  Jehovah,  and  reformed  religion,  had 
ventured  to  take  away  the  high  places,  this  gave  the  greater 
plausibility  to  the  objection.  (Note,  4.) 

V.  23,  24.  If  Hezekiah  would  give  security,  that  he  would 
submit  in  case  of  failure,  Rabshakeh  vaunted  that,  he  would 
send  him  two  thousand  horses,  provided  he  could  find  men  to 
ride  them.  By  this  he  meant  to  insult  and  expose  Hezekiah's 
inability  to  resist  the  immense  army  of  Sennacherib  ; or  even 
a small  detachment  of  it,  under  the  command  of  the  least  of 
his  captains.  But  tfie  Israelites  were  forbidden  to  multiply 
chariots  and  horses,  and  Hezekiah  had  learned  to  depend  on 
a firmer  support.  (2  Chr.  32:6 — 8.  Notes,  Deut.  17:16.  Ps. 
20:6—8.) 

V.  25.  Rabshakeh  intended  to  discourage  the  people,  and 
to  induce  them  to  a revolt.  Samaria  had  been  destroyed 
according  to  the  denunciations  of  Jehovah,  and  Shalmane- 
ser had  been  considered  as  his  instrument  in  that  destruction. 
The  Jews  also  were  menaced  with  judgments  for  their  sins, 
and  Rabshakeh  affected  to  believe,  that  Sennacherib  was  com- 
missioned to  execute  similar  vengeance  on  Jerusalem.  ( Note, 
2 Chr.  J5:20 — 24.  Is.  36:10.)  But  there  was  no  truth  in  his 
assertion,  which  the  late  effectual  reformation  might  inspire 
the  people  with  confidence  to  disregard ; and  the  impiety  of 
pretending,  that  Sennacherib  came  by  the  command  of  Jeho- 
vah, when  he  was  entirely  instigated  by  ambition,  resentment, 
vid  rapacity,  and  when  he  treated  God  himself  in  the  most 
blasphemous  manner,  was  horrible  profaneness.  (Notes,  19- 
4,25—28.  2 Chr.  32:9 — 16,  v.  15.  17— 22,  v.  19.  Is  10:5—15.) 

V.  26.  The  ambassadors  fully  understood  the  drift  of  Rab- 
shakeh’s  discourse,  and  reasonably  and  mildly  required  him 
jo  make  his  proposals  to  them  in  the  Syrian  language ; and 
■lot  to  address  himself  to  the  people,  who  were  not  proper 

jdges  jn  such  matters,  by  speaking  in  the  language  of  the 
Jews.  (Marg.  Ref .) 

v.  27.  These  were  hyperbolical  expressions,  denoting  the 


loud  voice  in  the  Jews’  language,  and  spake,  say- 
ing, Hear  the  word  ol'Hhe  great  king,  the  king  of 
Assyria : 

29  Thus  saith  the  king,  bLet.  not  Hezekiah  de- 
ceive you  : for  he  shall  not  be  able  to  deliver  you 
out  ol  his  hand  : 

30  Neither  let  Hezekiah  “make  you  trust  in  the 
Lord,  saying,  The  Lord  will  surely  deliver  us, 
and  dthis  city  shall  not  be  delivered  into  the  hand 
of  the  kin^  of  Assyria. 

31  Hearken  not  unto  Hezekiah  : for  thus  saith  the 
king  of  Assyria,  tJVIake  an  agreement  with  me  by 
a present,  and  come  out  to  me,  and  then  eeat  ye 
every  man  of  his  own  vine,  and  every  one  of  his 
fig-tree,  and  drink  ye  every  one  the  waters  of  his 
^cistern  : 

32  Until  flcome  and  take  you  away  to  a land 
elike  your  own  land,  a land  of  corn  and  wine,  a 
land  of  bread  and  vineyards,  a land  of  oil-olive 
and  of  honey,  that  ye  may  live,  and  not  die:  and 
hearken  not  unto  Hezekiah,  when  he  “persuadeth 
you,  saying,  The  Lord  will  deliver  us. 

33  Hath  hany  of  the  gods  of  the  nations  de- 
livered at  all  his  land  out  of  the  hand  of  the  king 
of  Assyria  ? 

34  Where  are  'the  gods  of  Hamath,  and  of 
Arpad  ? where  are  kthe  gods  of  Sepharvaim, 
Hena,  and  Ivah  ? ‘have  they  delivered  Samaria  out 
of  my  hand  ? 

35  Who  are  they  among  all  the  gods  of  the 
countries  that  have  delivered  their  country  out  of 
my  hand,  That  the  Lord  should  deliver  Jeru 
salem  out  of  my  hand? 

♦ 

19:10,11. 2 Thes.  2:4.  c22.  19:10,22.  Pa.  4:2.  11:1.22:7,8.71:9,11.  Mai..  27:43. 
Luke  23:35.  d 19:32 — 34.  J Or,  Seek  my  favour.  Heb.  Make  withmea  blessing. 
Gen.  32:20.  33:11.  Prov.  18:16.  e 1 Kings  4:20,25.  Zech.  3:10.  %Qr,]>it.  fll. 
17:6,23.24:14—16.25:11.  g Ex.  3:8.  Num.  13:26,27.  14:8.  Dent . 8:7— 9.  1 1 : 12. 
32:13,14.  i|  Or,  deceiveth.  29.  h 19:12,17,18.  2 Chr.  32:14-17,19.  Is.  10:10,11. 
36:18—20.  i 19:13.  Num.  13:21.  2 Sum.  8:9.  Jer.  49:23.  k 17:24— 33.  Ava.  la. 
36:18,19.37:11,12,18,19.  117:6,23,24,30,31.19:12,13.  m Ex.  5:2.  2 Chr.  32:15. 
Job  15:25,26.  Is.  10:15.  37:23—29.  Dan.  3:15. 


utmost  extremities  of  famine,  which  the  people  must  expect 
to  endure,  in  case  they  dared  to  resist  the  king  of  Assyria. 
(Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  28 — 35.  Rabshakeh  supposed  that  the  Assyrian  mo- 
narchs  had  overpowered  the  gods,  as  well  as  the  kings,  of  all 
the  nations  which  they  had  subjected;  and  that  Jehovah 
was  no  more  powerful  than  the  rest  of  them  : and  therefore 
if  the  Jews  regarded  Hezekiah’s  persuasions,  and  expected 
help  from  the  Lord,  they  would  certainly  be  deceived,  for  he 
would  never  be  able  to  deliver'them.  What  mean  thoughts 
of  the  infinite  God,  and  what  arrogant  thoughts  of  himself, 
must  have  possessed  the  mind  of  Sennacherib,  who  doubtless 
had  instructed  his  servant,  to  speak  of  him  in  this  style ! The 
gods  of  Hamath,  &c.  were  mere  idols,  not  able  to  do  good  or 
evil.  The  people  of  Samaria  had  provoked  the  Lord  to  sell 
them  into  the  hands  of  their  enemies  ; and  the  idols,  which 
they  had  chosen,  were  indeed  unable  to  defend  them:  but, 
soon  after,  the  new  inhabitants  experienced  to  their  loss,  that 
the  God  of  their  land  could,  if  he  had  so  pleased,  have  deli- 
vered Samaria  out  of  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Assyria.  (17: 
25,26.  19:17 — 19.  2 Chr.  32:19.)  Surely,  if  this  proud  worm 
had  not  been  intoxicated  with  success,  he  must  have  admitted, 
that  somewhere  in  the  universe  there  was  a power  superior 
to  that  of  mortal  man ! and  if  so,  it  must  be  highly  irrational 
thus  to  set  at  defiance  “all  that  was  called  God,  or  worship- 
ped !”  But,  by  this  blasphemy  the  Lord  was  expressly  en- 
gaged in  the  cause  ; and  his  honour  required  him  to  crush  the 
self-important  wretch,  who  dared  to  exalt  himself  against 
him : so  that  the  greatest  kindness  imaginable  was  done  to 
the  king  and  the  people  of  Judah,  by  this  language  of  impiety 
and  defiance.  (Notes,  19:1,14— 19,  v.  19.  25—29.  Ps.  79:8 — 

1 3.  /s.  10:15 — 19.) — The  proposal  made  to  the  people  was 
not  very  alluring,  unless  they  could  be  previously  terrified 
with  the  dread  of  impending  destruction:  for  Rabshakeh 
avowed  the  intention  of  extorting  more  money  from  them 
and  only  of  permitting  them  to  continue  in  their  own  land,  til 
the  king  had  leisure  to  remove  them  to  another:  and  the  fei- 
tility  of  that  other  country  was  not  likely  to  be  very  uscl.nl  to 
those,  who  were  to  be  captives  and  slaves  in  it.  But  who 
could  have  depended  upon  the  word  of  such  a man,  if  he  had 
made  more  equitable  proposals  ? — Rabshakeh,  however,  ar- 
gued very  plausibly  on  his  own  principles,  and  his  eloquence 
has  been  much  admired : but  when  a man  addresses  himself 
to  an  uninformed  populace,  and  has  sufficient  effrontery,  and 
no  reserves  as  to  what  he  says,  be  it  ever  so  false,  impious, 
or  malignant,  provided  it  is  suited  to  inflame  their  passions,  to 
excite  their  fears  or  terrors,  and  to  set  them  against  the  rulers 
whom  God  has  placed  over  them  ; eloquence  requires  com- 
paratively no  great  talent  or  genius. 

V.  36,  37.  Hezekiah  was  aware  what  sort  of  language 

< 691  ) 


B 712. 


II.  KINGS 


B.  C "’2 


36  But  the  people  "held  their  peace,  and 
answered  him  not  a word  : for  the  king’s  com- 
mandment was,  saying,  Answer  him  not. 

37  Then  came  Eliakim  the  son  of  Hilkiah, 


which  was  over  the  household,  and  Sheona  i..e 
scribe,  and  Joah  the  son  of  Asaph  the  recorder,  to 
Hezekiah  °with  their  clothes  rer.t  and  told  him 
the  words  of  Rahshakeh. 


n Ps.  38:13,14.  30:1.  Prov.  9:7.  26:4.  Am.  5:13.  Malt.  1:6.  o 5:7.  23:11,19. 


Gen.  37:29,34.  Job  1:20.  Is.  33:7.  36:21,22.  Jer.  36:24.  Malt.  26:65. 


Rahshakeh  would  employ,  and  had  wisely  counselled  his  en- 
voys, and  commanded  the  people,  to  hold  their  peace  ; lest 
they  should  get  engaged  in  a reviling  contention,  or  provoke 
him  to  further  impiety.  4 This  was  a wise  order  ; . . . and  it 
was  no  less  pious  : for  Hezekiah  believed  that  God  would  an- 
swer for  himself,  not  in  words,  but  in  such  deeds  as  would 
demonstrate  that  he  was  above  all  gods.’  Bp.  Pa/rich.  In 
abhorrence,  however,  of  his  blasphemy,  and  in  grief  for  the 
afflicted  estate  of  the  nation,  the  ambassadors  rent  their 
clothes,  and  returned  to  the  king.  ( Notes , Is.  33:7 — 13.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 8.  In  times  of  increasing  impiety  we  should  not 
despond,  as  if  things  must  necessarily  proceed  from  bad  to 
worse ; for  the  Lord  is  able  to  give  them  an  unexpected  and 
effectual  turn.  From  the  most  abandoned  families  he  some- 
times raises  up  the  brightest  ornaments  and  most  useful 
friends  of  true  religion,  to  illustrate  the  sovereignty  and  power 
of  his  grace  : and  when  parents  have  been  notoriously  pro- 
fane and  wicked,  their  children  should  not  hesitate  to  express, 
by  an  opposite  conduct , a decided  disapprobation  of  their 
crimes,  and  to  counteract  to  the  utmost  the  effects  of  them  on 
others ; whether  they  have  occupied  a public,  or  a more  pri- 
vate station  in  society : for,  when  the  honour  of  God  is  con- 
cerned, the  reputation  of  the  nearest  relatives  is  entitled  to  a 
very  subordinate  regard.  (Notes,  Matt.  10:37 — 39.  Luke  14: 
25—27.  2 Cor.  5:16.  Note  and  P.  O.  1 Pet.  1:17— 21.)— It 
is  not  enough,  that  we  do  not  imitate  the  conduct  of  atrocious 
offenders,  or  that  we  tread  in  the  steps  of  those,  who  have 
upon  the  whole  served  God  sincerely : but  we  should  aim 
high  ; and,  in  aspiring  at  that  eminence  which  the  Scripture 
proposes,  we  should  set  before  our  eyes  the  most  approved 
patterns,  whose  actions  are  there  recorded  ; that  we  may 
follow  those  who  have  most  nearly  followed  Christ,  and  most 
effectually  served  God  and  their  generation  ; and  thus  be- 
come good  examples  for  others  to  copy.  (Note,  1 Thes.  1: 
5—8.) — In  attempting  personal  or  public  reformation,  those 
things  should  be  removed  or  avoided,  which  have  proved 
occasions  of  evil,  though  not  sinful  in  themselves.  Human 
depravity  is  prone  to  pervert  the  bounty  of  Providence  into 
fuel  for  sinful  lusts ; and,  in  some  circumstances,  is  equally 
propense  t o abuse  the  peculiar  mercies  of  God  inlo  occasions 
of  superstition  and  idolatry.  It  is  natural  to  fallen  man  to 
put  the  creature  in  the  place  of  the  Creator,  and  to  regard 
the  instrument , rather  than  the  Author,  of  our  comforts  : and 
though  this  is  more  evidently  absurd  when  the  instrument  is 
irrational  or  inanimate ; it  is  equally  idolatrous,  when  the 
most  exalted  of  intelligent  agents  are  thus  unduly  honoured. 
However  excellent,  useful,  or  deserving  of  honour,  such 
creatures  have  been  ; when  they  are  thus  idolized,  their  com- 
parative meanness  and  worthlessness  ought  to  be  exposed, 
and  the  abuse  of  them  treated  with  the  deepest  indignation 
and  abhorrence  : nay,  it  were  better  that  the  most  exalted 
creature  should  perish,  than  that  God  should  be  dishonoured 
■)y  having  the  least  of  his  glory  given  to  another.  Much  more 
then,  should  every  monument  of  his  former  mercies  be  extir- 
pated, when  it  becomes  the  occasion  of  fatal  delusions  ; and 
the  perversion  cannot  otherwise  effectually  be  prevented  : but 
the  propriety  of  •such  a measure  is  still  more  conspicuous,  j 
when  the  relic,  or  the  custom,  was  originally  the  creature  of, 
superstition,  a mere  human  invention,  perhaps  the  result  of  j 
fraud  and  imposture.  True  faith  needs  not  such  aids  to  devo-  i 
tion  : the  word  of  God,  daily  meditated  upon,  leads  the  mind  ! 
to  realize  past,  future,  and  invisible  things,  as  if  present : thus 
every  good  end  proposed  by  other  expedients  is  answered,  j 
without  the  danger  to  which  they  expose  us  : and  the  simple 
scriptural  use  of  the  sacramental  signs,  and  pledges  of  hea- 
venly tilings,  may  effectually  be  preserved  from  such  abuse, 
and  answer  every  purpose,  which  can  be  obtained  bv  pre- 
senting the  objects  of  our  faith  to  our  bodily  senses,  in  any 
way  not  warranted  by  the  wrord  of  God  ; which  only  tends  to 
distract  the  mind,  to  interrupt  the  simple  exercise  of  faith,  to 
ex'dte  spurious  affections,  to  deprave  the  imagination  vvi'h 
gross  and  fa]se  notions  of  heavenly  things,  and  to  introduce,  | 
either  absurd  superstition,  or  wild  enthusiasm. — Those,  who  ; 
most  entirely  trust  in  God,  will  feel  themselves  most  effec-  | 
tually  emancipated  from  other  dependences,  and  from  the  | 
dominion  of  every  other  master  ; and  will  be  encouraged  to  j 
resist  every  enemy  and  rival,  “that  they  may  cleave  to  the  ! 
Lord,  and  not  depart  from  following  him,  and  keeping  his 
commandments.” 

V.  9 — 16.  While  the  interests  of  religion  decline  or  are  j 
run  own  in  one  place,  the  Lord  takes  care  that  they  shall  j 
revive  and  flourish  in  another.  The  judgments,  which  dcso-  i 
.ate  degenerate  churches  and  nations,  instead  of  injuring  his  I 
cause,  tend  to  warm,  animate,  and  embolden  others  in  per-  j 
Ronal  religion,  and  in  attempting  public  reformation  ; nay,  ■ 
they  often  facilitate  the  work  of  active  instruments  in  religious  | 
revivals,  bv  intimidating  opposers,  and  exciting  those  who  j 
were  indifferent,  or  reluctant  to  assist. — Yet,  the  believer,  ' 
when  pursuing  heavenly  things,  and  seeking  the  glory  of  God,  ! 
with  the  greatest  simplicity  and  most  vigourous  affections  I 
( 692  ) 


must  stand  prepared  for  trouble.  For  a time,  he  may  enjoy 
the  sunshine  of  peace  and  prosperity,  to  encourage  him  in 
his  labour  of  love,  and  to  enable  him  to  bring  it  to  some  es- 
tablishment; and  “whatsoever  he  doeth”  shall  eventually 
44  prosper.”  Bur,  when  the  Almighty  is  pleased  to  remove 
his  restraining  hand,  Satan  and  wicked  men  will  assault  him, 
with  rancour  and  vehemence  proportioned  to  his  zeal  and 
success  : and  the  Lord  often  permits  them  to  do  this  : for  he 
regards  not  so  much  the  present  transient  feelings  of  his  be 
loved  servants,  as  the  final  happy  and  glorious  event  of  their 
trials  and  conflicts.  Nations  also  may  meet  with  public 
calamities,  when  true  religion  is  most  vigourously  and  suc- 
cessfully promoted,  by  the  general  concurrence  of  all  orders 
of  men.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  20:1 — 4.  Ps.  44:17— 22.)  The  secret 
dislike,  the  hypocrisy,  and  the  lukew'arntness  of  numbers,  re- 
quire correction : while  trials  tend  to  purify  the  faith  and 
hope  of  upright  persons  ; to  bring  them  to  greater  simplicity 
in  their  zeal  for  the  honour  of  God,  and  in  their  dependence 
on  his  help ; and  to  increase  the  fervency  of  their  addresses 
at  the  throne  of  grace  : and  thus  they  make  way  for  the  fuller 
display  of  the  glory  of  God  in  their  deliverance.  Yet,  in 
such  trying  situations  the  strongest  believers  are  apt  to  waver, 
to  make  improper  concessions,  and  to  speak  and  act  unad- 
visedly.— Whatever  is  withheld  or  withdrawn  from  God, 
which  has  been  or  ought  to  be  devoted  to  him,  m order  to 
purchase  exemption  from  trouble,  or  peace  with  the  enemies 
of  his  church,  will  eventually  occasion  our  shame,  and  involve 
us  in  greater  difficulities. 

V.  17 — 37.  No  dependence  can  be  placed  on  the  engage- 
ments of  the  covetous  or  ambitious : and  all  attempts  to  pur- 
chase their  favour,  or  to  sooth  them  into  peace,  arc  vain. 
When  it  is  in  their  power,  they  will  find  some  pretence  for 
seizing  on  those  possessions  which  they  covet,  while  every 
acquisition  increases  their  insatiable  rapacity.  Success  in 
wickedness  elates  them  with  pride  and  insolence;  they  for- 
get that  they  are  men,  or  have  any  superior ; and  treat  all 
as  enemies  or  rebels,  who  do  not  implicitly  comply  w ith  their 
exorbitant  demands.  Our  only  safety  then  consists,  in  com- 
mitting our  persons,  property,  connexions,  reputations,  liberty, 
and  every  thing  which  we  value,  into  the  powerful  keeping  of 
our  God,  in  the  exercise  of'failh,  and  by  adhering  to  the  path 
of  duty. — 44  The*  tongue  is  an  unruly  evil,  full  of  deadly  poi- 
son ; it  setteth  on  fire  the  whole  course  of  nature,  and  is  set 
on  fire  of  hell.”  What  pride,  reproaches,  lies,  impiety,  athe- 
ism, and  blasphemy  have,  in  all  age#,  been  vented  by  it,  to 
the  dishonour  of  God,  and  the  unutterable  injury  of  mankind 
We  may  form  some  estimate  of  the  desperate  wickedness  of 
the  human  heart,  from  the  horrible  language  which  is  uttered 
by  the  lips  of  men  ; 44  for  out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart 
the  mouth  speaketh.”  (Notes,  Matt . 12:31 — 37.  Jam.  3:3 — 6.) 
May  the  Lord  replenish  our  hearts  with  his  grace,  that  out 
of  that  good  treasure  we  may  speak  such  things,  and  such 
only,  as  may  “minister  grace  unto  the  hearers  !”  If,  indeed, 
“as  the  fool  hath  said  in  his  heart,  there  were  no  God,”  it 
would  in  general  be  vain  and  presumptuous  for  the  weaker  to 
resist  the  stronger : but,  as  “the  Lord  doeth  what  he  will  in 
the  armies  of  heaven,  and  among  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth;”  so,  44  the  race  is  not  always  to  the  swift  nor  the  bat- 
tle to  the  strong.”  All  confidence  in  man  may  justly  be  ex- 
ploded, as  leaning  on  a broken  staff,  which  will  not  only  fail, 
but  also  wound : and  dependence  on  our  own  counsel  and 
might,  whatever  proportion  they  may  bear  to  those  of  our 
opponents,  is  equally  vain  and  fallacious.  ButourGod  never 
fails  those  who  trust  in  him : in  this  confidence  the  believer, 
when  more  conscious  of  his  own  extreme  debility,  than  his 
insulting  foes  can  conceive,  may  boldly  defy  the  most  potent 
of  them;  and  if  they  deride  this  dependence  on  the  omnipo- 
tent God,  they  only  engage  him,  44  for  his  own  name’s  sake.” 
the  more  decisively  to  fight  against  them  ; and  to  turn  their 
vaunrings  and  threatenings  into  confusion,  dismay,  and  ruin. 
— When  they,  who  have  domineered  over  their  fellow  worms, 
presume  to  assault  those  whom  the  God  of  heaven  protects; 
they  will  soon  feel  their  inability  to  resist  bis  power,  or  to  en- 
dure the  weight  of  his  indignation.  Yet  many  who  atheisti- 
cally,  or  impiously,  deny  his  existence,  blaspheme  his  truths, 
or  condemn  his  authority ; inconsistently,  upon  other  occa- 
sions, advance  clai iris  to  his  favour,  and  express  thefr  expec- 
tations that  he  will  prosper  their  wicked  devices!  Because 
they  have  succeeded  in  exposing  or  seducing  hypocritical  and 
degenerate  professors  of  Christianity  ; they  triumph  as  if  they 
had,  or  soon  should,  completely  ruin  the  cause  of  vital  godli- 
ness, anti  prevail  against  the  house  of  David  and  his  king 
dom,  which  is  founded  upon  an  immoveable  foundation. 
Numbers  also,  ignorantly  and  absurdly,  suppose  those  things 
to  be  pleasing  to  God,  which  he  most  abhors  ; because  ‘hey 
form  their  judgments  on  the  deductions  of  their  own  under- 
standings, or  on  the  traditions  and  authority  of  men,  and  not 
on  the  plain  and  sure  testimonies  of  the  sacred  Scriptures 
44  For  the  things  of  the.  Spirit  of  God  are  fo  lishness  to  the 
natural  man.”  Hence  they  embolden  themselves,  and  en- 
deavour to  discourage  scriptural  worshippers,  upon  the  mos 


B.  C.  712. 


CHAPTER  XIX.  * B.  C.  712 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Bezekiah  in  distress  tends  to  desire  Isaiah's  prayers , and  receives  an  encou- 
raging answer,  1—7.  Sennacherib,  going  to  oppose  the  king  of  Ethiopia , 
sends  a blasphemous  letter  to  Hezekiah , 8 — 13.  Hit  prayer  on  the  receipt  of 
it,  14 — 19.  Isaiah,  in  the  name  of  God , rebuking  the  proud  blasphemies  of 
Sennacherib,  foertells  his  Overthrow,  and  the  prosperity  of  Zion,V. 0 — 34.  An 
angel  destroys  the  Assyrian  army,  35.  Sennacherib  is  slain  by  his  own  sons, 
in  the  temple  of  hit  idol,  36,  37. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  “when  king  Hezekiah 
heard  it,  that  bhe  rent  his  clothes,  and 
“covered  himself  with  sackcloth,  and  ''went  into 
the  house  of  the  Lord. 

2  And  “he  sent  Eliakim,  which  was  over  the 
household,  and  Shebna  the  scribe,  and -the  elders 
of  the  priests,  covered  with  sackcloth,  fto  Isaiah 
the  prophet  sthe  son  of  Amoz. 

3  And  they  said  unto  him,  Thus  saith  Hezekiah, 
hThis  day  is  a day  of  trouble,  and  of  rebuke, 
and  ‘blasphemy:  Tor  the  children  are  come  to 
the  birth,  and  there  is  not  strength  to  bring 
tbrth. 

4  It  may  be  kthe  Lord  thy  God  will  hear  all  the 
words  of  Rabshakeh,  ‘whom  the  king  of  Assyria 
his  master  hath  sent  to  reproach  the  living  God  ; 
and  will  "reprove  the  words  which  the  Lord  thy 
God  hath  heard : wherefore  "lift  up  thy  prayer 
for  "the  remnant  that  are  deft. 


a Is.  37:1.  b 5:7.  18:37.  1 Sam.  4:12.  Ezra  9:3.  Job  1:20.  Jit.  36:24.  Malt.  26: 
65.  c 6:31).  Gen.  37:34.  1 Kings  21:27,29.  Eslh.  4:1— 4.  Ps.  35:13.  John  3:8. 
Matt.  11:21.  d«Chr.  7:15,16.  Job  1:20,21.  e 18:18.  22:13,14.  Is.  37:2— 5.  C2 
Clir.  26:22.  Malt.  4:14.  Luke  3 4.  E tains.  g Is.  11.  21.  h 18:29.  Ps.  39:11. 
123:3,4.  Jer.30;5 — 7.  Hos.  5:15.  6:1.  * Or,  provocation.  Ps.  95:8.  Heb.  3:15, 
16.  i Is.  26:17,18.  66:9.  IIos.  13:13.  k Geu.  22: 14.  Deut.  32:36.  Josh.  14:12. 
I Sam.  14:6.  2 Sam.  16:12.  1 18:17—35.  m 22.  1 Sam.  17:45.  Pa.  50:21.  74: 
18.  n 2 Chr.  32:20.  Ps.  50:15.  Jer.  33:3.  Ez.  36:37.  Jam.  5:16,17.  o 17:5,6.  18: 


false  and  preposterous  grounds.  Such  cavils,  objections,  and 
arguments  have  no  weight  with  the  established  believer : and 
Jierefore  these  men  pretend  to  despise  him,  that  they  may 
address  the  prejudices  and  passions  of  the  ignorant,  unstable, 
and  unthinking  multitude,  with  whom  their  specious  declama- 
tions go  further  than  either  solid  arguments  or  scriptural  tes- 
timonies. They  endeavour  to  insinuate,  that  the  persons, 
who  labour  to  prevail  with  them  to  trust  and  serve  God,  ac- 
cording to  the  plain  meaning  of  his  holy  word,  are  deceivers, 
to  whom  they  cannot  safely  attend  : and,  while  they  are  only 
aiming  at  the  gratification  of  their  own  ambition  or  avarice, 
they  profess  great  compassion  and  kindness  for  them,  are 
lavish  of  good  words,  and  set  before  them  alluring  prospects 
of  felicity.  ’ But,  it  is  often  best  to  leave  persons  of  this 
description  to  rail  and  blaspheme,  without  directly  answering  ; 
because  such  attempts  ordinarily  increase  their  self  import- 
ance, and  tend  to  disseminate  still  more  widely  the  effect  of 
their  poisonous  tenets  ; while  a decided  expression  of  abhor- 
rence of  t heir  guilt  generally  forms  the  best  testimony  against 
them.  The  matter  must  be  left  to  the  Lord,  who  has  all 
hearts  in  his  hands : he  will  plead  his  own  cause,  and  that  of 
his  truth  and  people  ; and  our  safety  and  duty  consist  in  com- 
mitting ourselves  into  his  hands,  by  humble  submission,  be- 
lieving hope,  and  fervent  prayer. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XIX.  V.  I.  Hezekiah,  by  rending 
his  garments  and  clothing  himself  in  sackcloth,  expressed  his 
abhorrence  of  Rabshakeh’s  blasphemy  ; his  grief  for  the 
afflictions  of  his  people;  and  his  humble  consciousness  of  his 
own  and  his  people’s  unworthiness,  and  need  of  pardoning 
mercy  ; while  he  wholly  depended  upon  God  for  protection. 

V.  'i.  Isaiah  had  at  this  time  prophesied  almost  fifty  years, 
if  he  entered  upon  that  office  only  a short  time  before  the 
death  of  Uzziah:  for  he  prophesied,  in  the  days  of  Uzziah, 
who  died  about  758  before  Christ ; and  these  transactions 
occurred  about  712.  (Notes,  ts.  1:1.  6:1 — 4,  v.  1.)  It  must  be 
supposed  that  Hezekiah  had  often  consulte.d  him  : and  the 
nature  of  this  message  implies  a previous  acquaintance,  and  a 
mutual  confidence.  (Note,  18:4.)  Isaiah’s  visits  to  Hezekiah,  at 
and  after  his  sickness,  are  thought  by  some  to  have  taken  place 
before  this,  though  recorded  afterwards  ; (20:)  and  many  parts 
of  his  prophecy  evidently  refer  to  these  events. — In  this  emer- 
gency therefore  Hezekiah  sent  to  Isaiah  the  prophet,  rather 
than  to  the  high-priest;  though  he  had  employed  the  priests 
and  Levites  in  his  reformation.  Perhaps  Urijah  was  still 
living,  or  some  other  high-priest  too  much  resembling  him  in 
character.  (Note,  16:10 — 16.)  There  seems,  however,  to 
nave  been  an  intended  slight  upon  the  high-priest.  Some 
•earned  men  indeed  think,  that  the  appointed  method  of  in- 
quiring of  God  by  the  high-priest,  was  disused  from  the  time 
that  the  temple  was  built : but  this  can  only  be  collected  from 
the  silence  of  Scripture,  as  no  express  declaration  to  that 
effect  is  recorded. — Shebna,  who  was  employed  on  this  occa- 
sion, as  well  as  in  receiving  the  message  of  Rabshakeh,  is 
elsewhere  represented  in  an  unfavourable  light.  (Notes,  Is. 
22:15 — 19.)  For  pious  persons  cannot  always  employ  such 
characters,  and  such  only,  as  they  approve.  The  elders  of 
the  priests  accompanied  the  chief  officers  of  the  king,  in  going 
x>  the  prophet:  and  they  all  went  to  him  in  the  habit  of 
■mourners  and  penitents. 

V.  3.  It  was  not  only  a season  of  great  distress  to  Israel ; 


5 So  the  servants  of  king  Hezekiah  came  to 
Isaiah. 

6 H And  Plsaiah  said  unto  them,  Thus  shall  ye 
say  to  your  master,  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  ^Be  not 
afraid  of  the  words  which  thou  hast  heard,  with 
which  rthe  servants  of  the  king  of  Assyria  have 
blasphemed  me. 

7 Behold,  I will  send  ’a  blast  upon  him,  and  he 
shall  ‘hear  a rumour,  and  shall  return  to  his  own 
land;  and  "I  will  cause  him  to  fall  by  the  sword  in 
his  own  land. 

8 H So  Rabshakeh  returned,  and  found  the 
king  of  Assyria  warring  against  *Libnah  : for  he 
had  heard  that  he  was  departed  Jfrom  Lachish. 

9 And  “when  he  heard  say  of  Tirhakah  kins:  of 
Ethiopia,  Behold,  he  is  come  out  to  fight  against 
thee  : “he  sent  messengers  again  unto  Hezekiah, 
saying, 

10  Thus  shall  ye  speak  to  Hezekiah  king  of 
Judah,  saying,  bLet  not  thy  God  in  whom  thou 
trustest  deceive  thee,  saying,  Jerusalem  shall  not. 
be  delivered  into  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Assyria. 

11  Behold  “thou  hast  heard  what  the  kings  of 
Assyria  have  done  to  all  lands,  by  destroying  them 
utterly  : and  shalt  thou  be  delivered  ? 


13.  2 Cliv.  28:5.6.  In.  8:7,8.  10:6.  t Heb. found,  pis. 37:6, 7.  q 6:16.  Ex.  14: 

13.  Lev.  26:8.  Deut.  20: 1,3,4.  Josh.  11:6.  2 Chr.  20:15,17.  Is.  41:10—14.  51:7, 
12,13.  r 18:35.  Ps.  74:18,23.  Rev.  13:6.  s 35,37.  Job  4:9.  Ps.  1 1 :6.  18:14,15 . 
50:3,  Is.  10:16—18.  11.4.  Jer.  51:1.  1 7:6.  Job  15:21.  Jer.  49:14.51:45.  Oh.  1. 
u 36,37  . 2 Chr.  32:21.  x 8:22.  Josh.  10:29.  12:15  15:42.  y 18:14.  Josh.  12:11 . 
15:39.  Is.  37:8,9.  Mic.  1:13.  z 1 Sam.  23:27,28.  Is.  37:9.  a 18:17.  bl8:5,29, 
30.  2 Chr.  32:15— 19.  Is.  37:10— 14.  c 17,18.  17:5,  &c.  18:33,34.  2 Chr.32:13, 

14.  Is.  10:8—11. 


but  the  confidence  of  the  king,  in  the  protection  of  God,  was 
rebuked  by  Rabshakeh  in  the  name  of  Sennacherib,  as  a 
groundless  presumption,  and  the  name  of  Jehovah  was  blas- 
phemed on  that  account.  Indeed  the  affairs  of  Judah  were 
come  to  a crisis:  every  thing  valuable  was  at  stake.  As  the 
woman  in  travail,  who  has  not  strength  to  bring  forth,  must 
die,  if  she  he  not  speedily  assisted  ; so,  Hezekiah  and  his 
people,  in  their  pressing  necessity,  were  utterly  unable  to  do 
any  thing  effectual  to  extricate  themselves,  and  must  perish 
without  immediate  help  from  God.  (Note,  Hos.  13:12,13.) 

V.  4.  Hezekiah’s  confidence  in  God  was  in  some  respects 
encouraged  by  the  blasphemy  of  the  Assyrians.  For  though 
he  and  his  people  were  unworthy  of  the  divine  favour  ; yet  it 
was  proper  for  the  Lord  to  rebuke  and  silence  the  reproach- 
ful words  which  had  been  spoken.  In  this  hope  therefore  he 
entreated  and  required  the  prophet  to  u lift  up  his  prayer,” 
with  earnestness  and  importunity,  for  the  remnant  which  was 
left,  that  the  people  of  God  might  not  be  swallowed  up  and 
extirpated.  Israel  had  been  carried  into  captivity,  and  dis- 
persed ; and  Judah  was  reduced  to  extremities  : and  would 
God  suffer  his  blasphemers  finally  to  prevail  against  his  wor- 
shippers, and  entirely  to  destroy  his  holy  religion?  ( Notesy 
Is.  8:6—8.  10:5,6.) 

V.  7.  A blast , &c.]  Some  have  supposed  that  this  expres- 
sion related  to  the  manner  in  which  the  Assyrian  army  was 
destroyed  : viz.  by  exciting  one  of  those  scorching  wind* 
which  in  those  countries  have  been  known  to  destroy  grei 
multitudes  almost  instantaneously.  But  this  is  uncertain 
and  perhaps  it  only  means,  that  the  Lord  would  destroy  al 
his  prosperity,  as  easily  as  the  pinching  gale  of  wind  blasts 
the  tender  vegetables  : while  the  death  of  his  numerous  forces, 
probably  attended  by  a report,  that  Tirhakah  and  the  Ethio- 
pians were  marching  to  assault  him,  as  a terrifying  rumour  in 
his  ears,  would  hurry  him  home  with  dismay  and  disgrace. 
(Notes,  35 — 37.  Job  20:10 — 29,  vv.  23 — 26.)-*— As  the  word, * * *  4 
rendered  blast,  is  often  translated  spirit;  some  explain  the 
expression  to  mean,  that  God  would  send  an  angel,  or  spirit , 
to  destroy  Sennacherib’s  army  ; but  others  think  it  signifies, 
that  God  would  fill  his  heart  with  terror  by  some  supernatu- 
ral agent.  M I will  infuse  a spirit  into  him.” — The  phrase 

4 never  signifies  any  thing,  hut  putting  a spirit  into  a person  , 
this  was  t veupa  SeiXtas,’  (a  spirit  of  fear.)  Seeker  in  Bp 
Lowth. 

V.  8.  It  is  probable,  that  Rabshakeh  marched  the  army 
back  from  Jerusalem  to  join  Sennacherib,  when  he  found  that 
Hezekiah  would  neither  surrender,  nor  return  any  answer  to 
his  insulting  message.  (32)  For  Jerusalem  was  so  advan- 
tageously situated,  and  so  well  fortified,  that,  with  a moderate 
garrison,  it  might  have  made  a stout  resistance  against  any 
detachment  of  the  Assyrian  army:  (JVotes,  25:1 — 5.2  Sam. 
5:6 — 8.  Ps.  48:12,13.  125:2.  Ijim.  4:12.)  though  it  must  pro- 
bably at  length  have  shared  the  fate  of  Samaria,  if  the  Lord 
had  not  immediately  interposed.  The  siege,  however,  was 
postponed,  or  not  carried  on  with  vigour,  till  Sennacherib  had 
leisure  to  come  against  it  in  person.  In  the  mean  time  he  had 
withdrawn  from  Lachish,  (it  is  not  known  whether  he  had 
taken  that  city  or  not;)  and  was  besieging  Libnah,  anothe 
city,  which  refused  to  open  its  gates  to  the  conqueror 

V.  9 — 13.  When  Sennacherib  had,  the  first  time,  ’evieo 
contributions  upon  Hezekiah,  he  marched  his  arm/  into 


B.  C.  712 


II.  KINGS. 


B.  C.  712. 


12  Have  'lie  gods  of  the  nations  delivered  them 
which  my  lathers  have  destroyed  ; as  dGozan,  and 
•Haran,  and  Rezeph,  and  the  children  of  f Eden 
which  were  in  Thelasar  ? 

13  Where  is  ethe  king  of  Hamath,  and  the  king 
of  hArpad,  and  the  king  of  the  city  of  Sepharvaim, 

of  Hena,  and  Ivah  ? [Practical  Obicrvations.'] 

14  H And  'Hezekiah  received  the  letter  of  the 
hand  of  the  messengers,  and  read  it : and  He- 
zekiah went  up  into  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and 
“spread  it  before  the  Lord. 

15  And  Hezekiah  ‘prayed  before  the  Lord,  and 
said,  '"O  Lord  God  of  Israel,  which  "dwellest 
b tween  the  cherubims,  “thou  art  the  God,  even 
thou  alone,  of  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  eartli ; 
Pthou  hast  made  heaven  and  earth. 

16  Lord,  ^bow  down  thine  ear,  and  hear : 
ropen  Lord,  thine  eyes,  and  see  : and  hear  the 
words  of  Sennacherib,  "which  hath  sent  him  to 
reproach  the  living  God. 

17  ‘Of  a truth,  Lord,  “the  kings  of  Assyria 
have  destroyed  the  nations  and  the  lands, 

18  And  ’have  ’cast  their  gods  into  the  fire: 
’for  they  were  no  gods,  but  the  work  of  men’s 


d 17:6.  IChr.  5:26.  e Grii.  11:31.  29:4.  Acts  7:4.  Ckarran.  f Gen.  2:8. 
Is.  37:12 . Telacsar.  El.  27:23.  g 18:34.  Num.  13:21.  34:8.  Is.  11:11.  Jer 
39:5.  49:23.  Zech.  9.2.  h 17:24.  Is.  37:13.  Arphad.  i Is.  37:14.  k 1 Kings 
8:28—31).  Ezra  9:5.  Ps.  74:10,11.  91:1,2.  123:1— 4.  I 2 Sam.  7: 18,  Sic.  2 Chr. 
11:11.20:6.  Dan.  9:3,4.  m Gen.  32:28.  39:20.  lKings8:23.  lChr.4:10.  Is.  41: 
17.  n Ex.  25:22.  I . -lam.  4:4.  Ps.  80:1.  99:1.  o 5:15.  1 Kings  18:39.  Is.  43:10. 
44:6,8.  45:22.  Dan.  4:34,35.  p Gen.  1:1.  2:4.  Ps.  33:9.  146:6.  Jer.  10:10— 12. 
John  1:3.  q Pa.  31:2.  Is.  37:17.  r 1 Kings  8:29.  2 Chr.  6:40.  Dan.  9: 18.  s 4, 
Ps.  79:12.  Is.  37:4,17.  Heb.  11:26.  t Job  9:2.  Is.  5:9.  Jer.  26:15.  Dan.  2:47. 
Man.  14:33.  Luke  22:59.  Acts  4:27.  1 Cor.  14:25.  u 16:9.  17:6,24.  I Chr.  5:26. 
Is.  7:17,18.  10:9— 11.  » 2 Sam.  5:21.  Is.  48:1,2.  'Heb.  given.  x Ps.  115:4— 8. 


Egypt ; probably  in  resentment  against  the  king,  for  formin^ 
alliances  with  the  vassals  of  the  Assyrians,  as  he  regarded 
the  Jews  and  the  Samaritans  to  be.  After  several  successes 
there,  while  he  was  besieging  Pelusium,  an  important  fortress 
in  that  country,  he  heard  that  Tirhakah  king  of  Ethiopia  was 
marching  against  him  with  a great  army  : and,  not  choosin, 
to  wait  his  approach,  he  raised  the  siege;  and  returning  into 
Judea,  began  to  commit  hostilities  there,  as  it  has  been  before 
related.  But,  finding  that  Tirhakah  pursued  him  as  a fugi- 
tive, he  marched  back  to  encounter  him  ; and,  having  totally 
routed  his  army,  he  returned  to  wreak  his  vengeance  on  He 
zekiah  and  Jerusalem.  This  gave  the  Jews  some  respite 
for  preparation  and  for  prayer ; and  alforded  Sennacherib  an 
occasion  for  more  deliberately  uttering  his  blasphemf  s,  by  a 
letter  sent  to  Hezekiah,  when  detained  for  a time  from  march- 
ing against  him. — Learned  men  differ  in  opinion  concerning 
Tirhakah  ; whether  he  were  king  of  Ethiopia,  or  Cush , to  the 
south  of  Egypt  in  Africa,  or  of  the  Cushites  in  Asia.  He  was 
however  an  ally  of  the  king  of  Egypt.  (Mafg.  Ref.  Notes , 
18:20,21,28—35.  1 Kings  10:1,2.) 

V.  14—19.  Notes , 3,4.  1 Kings  8:33,34.  2 Chr.  14:9 — 

1 5.  20:6 — 12. — Spread  it,  &c.  (14)  By  this  action  Heze- 

kiah referred  the  matter  entirely  to  God,  intimating  that  as 
his  honour  was  immediately  assaulted,  he  was  chiefly  con- 
cerned to  defend  it:  and  by  this  appeal  the  king  meant  to 
shelter  himself  and  his  people  under  the  shadow  of  the  Al- 
mighty ; that  while  the  Lord  pleaded  his  own  cause,  he  might 
also  deliver  them  from  their  enraged  enemies.  (Notes,  2 Chr. 
20:14—17.  Ps.  21:13.) 

Thou  art  the  God,  &c.  (15)  Jehovah,  the  God  of  Israel, 
who  dwells  between  the  cherubim,  on  the  mercy-seat,  was 
considered  by  Sennacherib  and  Rabshakeh  as  merely  the 
local  deity  of  a small  region:  but.  Hezekiah  prayed,  that  he 
would  arise,  and  make  it  appear  that  he  was  the  God  of  all 
the  kingdoms  of  the  earth,  and  the  Creator  of  the  world. 

Hath  sent  him,  &c.  (16)  That  is  Rabshakeh,  who  pro- 
bably was  sent  with  this  letter. — Cast  their  gods,  &c.  (18) 

Notesr  2 Sam.  5:21.  Ps.  115:3—8.  Is.  44:12—20.  46:1,2,5 — 9 
Jer.  10:3— 11.  Hos.  8:5,6. 

Now,  &c.  (19)  It  would  have  been  comparatively  a 

small  matter  for  Hezekiah  and  his  people  to  perish  ; but  it 
would  be  an  evil  of  infinite  magnitude,  for  all  the  nations  to 
conclude  that  Jehovah  was  no  more  powerful  than  their 
worthless  idols  : and  it  would  be  unspeakably  honourable  to 
the  name  of  God,  to  show  the  difference  between  the  Creator 
of  the  world,  and  these  his  puny  rivals  ; and  to  prove,  that  he 
only  was  the  Lord  almighty,  able  to  save  and  tfl  destroy, 
Sennacherib’s  blasphemous  challenge  gave  a fair  opportunity 
of  publicly  demonstrating  this  most  important  truth:  and  a 
plea  grounded  so  directly  on  the  honour  of  God  could  not  but 
prevail.  (Notes,  Ex.  32:11 — 14.  1 Sam . 17:45 — 47.  Is. 
37:20.  Matt.  6:9,10,13.) 

V.  21.  The  virgin,  &c.]  The  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem 
as  forming  or  representing  the  visible  church  of  God,  having 
his  temple  and  instituted  worship  among  thorn,  are  callod  in 
one  body,  M the  daughter  of  Zion,”  or  of  Jerusalem.  (Marg 
Ref.  c.)  They  were  safe  under  his  protection  anti  care  as  a 
virgin-daughter  in  the  house  of  a wise  and  tender  parent:  and 
tnough  the  Assyrian  attempted  brutal  violence,  they  might 
( 694  ) 


hands,  wood  and  stone : therefore  they  have  de- 
stroyed them. 

19  Now  therefore,  ?0  Lord  our  God,  I beseec.. 
thee,  save  thou  us  out  of  his  hand,  that  all  the 
kingdoms  of  the  earth  may  know  that  thou  an 
the  Lord  God,  even  thou  only. 

20  H Then  Isaiah  the  son  of  Amoz  sent  to 
Hezekiah,  saying,  Thus  saith  the  Lord  God  of 
Israel,  That  Hvliich  thou  hast  prayed  to  me  against 
Sennacherib  king  of  Assyria  aI  have  heard. 

21  This  is  the  word  that  the  Lord  hath  spoken 
concerning  him;  “The  virgin  “the  daughter  o. 
Zion  hath  despised  thee,  and  laughed  thee  to 
scorn ; the  daughter  of  Jerusalem  hath  dshaker. 
her  head  at  thee. 

22  “Whom  hast  thou  reproached  and  bias 
phemed  ? and  against  whom  hast  thou  f exalted 
thy  voice,  and  lifted  up  thine  eyes  on  high  ? even 
against  sthe  Holy  One  of  Israel.  [Practical  oh>«rvation.. j 

23  'By  thy  “messengers  thou  hast  reproached 
the  Lord,  and  hast  said,  ‘With  the  multitude  of 
my  chariots  I am  come  up  to  the  height  of  the 
mountains,  to  the  sides  of  Lebanon,  and  will  cut 
down  the  Jtall  cedar-trees  thereof,  and  the  choice 


Is.  37:18.19.  44:9—20.  Jer.  10:3—9,14—16.  Acts  17.29.  v Ex.  9:15,16.  Josh.  7 9 
1 Sam.  17:45—17.  1 Kings  8:43.  18.36,37.  Ps.  67:1,2.  83:18.  Dan.  4:34— 37.  rt 
Sam.  15:31.  17:23.  a20:5.  2 Chr.  32:20,21 . Job  22:27.  Ps.  50:15.  65:2.  Is.  58: 
9.  65:24.  Jer.  33:3.  Dan.  9.20—23.  John  11:42.  Ada  10:4.31.  I John  5:14,15. 
b Is.  23:12.  37:22.47:1.  Jer.  14:17.  18:13.31:4.  Lam.  1:15.2:13.  Am.  5:2.  c Pa. 
9:14.137:8.  Is.  1 :8.  23:10.  47:5.  Jer.  46:11.  Lam.  2: 13.  4:21.  Mic.  4:8.  Z«ch. 
9:9.  (1  Job  16:4.  Ps.  22: 7,8.  Is  37:22.  Lam.  2:15.  Matt.  27:35.  e 18.28-35. 
Ex.  5:2.  Ps.  73:9  . 74:22,23.  f Kx.  3:17.  Prov.  30:13.  la.  10:15.  14:13,14.  Ei. 
28:2— 9.  Dan.  5:20— 23.  2 Cor.  10:5.  2 Tiles.  2:4.  g Ps.  71.22.  Is.  5:24  30:11, 
12,15.  Jer.  51:5.  t Heb.  the /land  of.  h 18:17.  2 Chr.  32:17.  i 18.23,33,34.  Ps.20:7 
Is.  10:7 — 11,14.  37:24,25.  Ez.  31 :3,  &c.  | Heb.  talness  of  the  ced.tr  trees  thereoj. 


treat  his  efforts  with  disdain  and  defiance ; might  despise 
them  and  laugh  them  to  scorn,  and  menace  his  destruction 
by  shaking  their  heads  at  him.  Perhaps  the  term,  virgin, 
might  refer  to  the  state  of  Jerusalem,  as  free  from  idolatry, 
and  reserved  for  the  Lord  alone;  (2  Cor.  11:1 — 6,  v.  2.)  or 
as  having  never  been  exposed  to  the  ravages  of  an  enraged 
victor.  (Notes,  Is.  23:12.  .47:1 — 3.)  The  city  of  David,  oi 
Zion,  seems  never  to  have  been  taken  by  any  assailant,  from 
the  time  when  David  got  possession  of  it,  till  the  Babylonish 
captivity. — The  former  part  of  this  message  is  addressed  no* 
to  Hezekiah,  but  to  Sennacherib,  as  if  present : first  by  ih<s 
daughter  of  Zion,  and  then  by  the  Lord  himself. 

V.  22.  Sennacherib  had  both  exalted  his  voice,  in  re- 
proach and  blasphemy  against  God  : and  lifted  up  his  eyes, 
in  pride  and  ambition  ; as  if  he  even  aspired  to  his  throne,  and 
affected  equality  with  him,  or  even  superiority  above  him. 
(Notes,  2 Chr.  32:9—16,  t.  15.  17—22,  v.  19.  Is.  10:15—19 
Ez.  28:2 — 10.  Dan.  5:18— 24.  2 Thes.  2:3,4.)  But  he  did 
not  consider  whom  he  had  thus  affronted:  not  the  idols  of  tin 
heathens,  which  being  wood  and  stone,  he  hail  easily  cast 
into  the  fire  ; but  Israel’s  holy  Protector,  who  would  execute 
signal  vengeance  upon  him  for  his  bold  presumption ; and 
who  being  the  Creator  of  heaven  and  earth,  could  crush  as  a 
moth  the  feeble  worm,  which  had  set  him  at  defiance. 

V.  23.  The  Assyrian  monarch  was  elated  by  his  suc- 
cesses ; and,  on  account  of  the  number  and  valour  of  hir 
troops,  his  chariots,  and  other  mititary  preparations,  sup- 
posed that  nothing  would  be  too  hard  for  him  to  accomplish. 
He  is  here  introduced  as  glorying  in  what  he  had  done,  and 
would  do.  No  mountain  was  so  inaccessible  but  he  could 
drive  his  chariots  over  it ; no  forest  so  impervious  but  he  could 
level  it  with  the  ground : no  place  so  fortified,  hut  he  would 
force  his  way  into  it.  Some  suppose  he  meant,  that  he  ha 4 
marched  his  army  through  the  defiles,  or  over  the  eraggj 
summits  of  mount  Lebanon:  but  others  think  that  by  thes/ 
expressions  the  temple  on  mount  Zion  is  intended  ; and  that 
he  gloried,  as  already  indisputably  master  of  the  whole  laud  , 
and  as  if  he  had  marched  his  army,  and  driven  his  chariot* 
into  the  mountain  of  the  Lord’s  house,  and  dispossessed  hir« 
of  his  habitation.  The  temple  may  be  called  Lebanon 
either  because  difficult  of  access,  or  because  it  was  built 
with  cedars  of  Lebanon  : the  removal  of  all  obstructions 
by  slaying  the  bravest  of  Hezekiah’s  captains,  may  be  de- 
noted, by  cutting  down  the  cedars  and  choice  fir-trees  ; and, 
“the  lodgings  of  his  borders,  and  the  forest  of  his  Carmel/ 
may  mean  the  strong-holds  upon  the  borders  of  the  land  ; and 
the  fruitful  fields,  which  would  come  into  the  possession  of  the 
conqueror.  For  Carmel  being  situated  in  a very  fruitful  pari 
of  the  laud,  every  fruitful  spot  seems  to  have  been  called  b) 
that  name.  (Marg.  Notes,  Is.  10:12 — 15.) 

V.  24.  Hezekiah  had  before  taken  measures  to  proven! 
the  Assyrians  from  finding  water  near  Jerusalem.  (Note, 
2 Chr.  32:3,4.)  But  this  haughty  conqueror  boasted,  tha 
wherever  his  armies  marched  to  besiege  cities,  that  by  dg 
ging  deep  wells  he  found  water  where  none  had  ever  been 
found  before,  so  that  ho  and  his  arviy  had  “drunk  stn’gb 
waters:”  and  likewise  that  they  dried  up  all  the  rive**  hj 
which  the  cities  were  defended,  either  by  the  numbers  whf 
drank  of  them,  or  by  diverting  their  course  into  other  chan 


B.  C.  712. 


CHAPTER  XIX 


B.  C.  71& 


fir-trees  there*  I:  •nrul  I will  enter  into  the  lodgings 
of  his  borders,  and  into  'the  forest  of  his  Carmel. 

24  I have  digged  and  drunk  strange  waters, 
and  kwith  the  sole  of  mv  feet  have  I dried  up  all 
the  rivers  of  'besieged  places. 

25  'Hast  thou  not  heard  long  ago  how  'I  have 
done  it,  and  of  ancient  times  that  I have  formed 
it?  now  have  I brought  it  to  pass,  that  thou 
shouldest  be  to  lay  waste  fenced  cities  into  ruin- 
ous heaps. 

26  Therefore  their  inhabitants  mwere  §of  small 
power,  they  were  dismayed  and  confounded ; 
"they  were  os  the  grass  of  the  field,  and  as  the 
green  herb,  as  "the  grass  on  the  housetops,  and 
as  coni  blasted  before  it  be  grown  up. 

27  But  pI  know  thy  “abode,  and  sthy  going 
out,  and  thy  coming  in,  and  thy  rage  against 
me. 

28  Because  rthy  rage  against  me  and  "thy 
tumult  is  come  up  into  mine  ears,  therefore  I will 
put  ‘my  hook  in  thy  nose,  and  my  bridle  in  thy 
lips,  and  I will  turn  thee  back  uby  the  way  by 
which  thou  earnest. 

29  And  this  shall  be  xa  sign  unto  thee,  ^Ye 

• Or,  the  forest,  and //is  fruitful  field.  Is.  10:18.  k Ex.  15:9.  2 Sam.  17:13. 
1 Kings  20:10.  Dan.  4:30.  t Dr,  fenced.  } Or,  Hast  thou  not  heard  how  / 
have  made  it  long  ago,  and  formed  it  of  ancient  times  1 Should  I now  bring 
it  to  be  laid  ioaste,3.in\  fenced  cities  to  be  ruinous  heaps')  1 Ps.  33:11.  76:10.  Is. 
10:5,6,15.  37:26.27.  45:7.  46:10,11.  54:16.  Acts  4:27,28.  m Num.  14:9.  1's.  48:4 
—7.127:1.  Jer.  37:10  . 50:36,37  . 51:30,32.  § Heb.  short  of  hand.  Num.  11:23. 
u Ps.  92:7.  102:11.  Is.  40:6— 8.  Jam.  1:10,11.  1 Pet.  1:24.  o Ps.  129:6— 8.  p Ps. 
139:2—11.  Jer.  23:23,24.  II  Or,  sitting,  q Deut.  28:6,19.  Ps.  121:8.  Is.  37:28, 
29.  r Ps.  2:1—5.  7:6.  10:13,14.  46:6.  93:3,4.  Luke  6:11.  John  15:18,23,24.  Acts 
7:54.  e Ps.  65:7.  74:4,23.  63:2.  t Job  41:2.  Ps.  32:9,  Ez.  29:4.  38:4.  Am.  4:2. 


nets  : as  if  he  had  been  capable  of  dividing  the  rivers,  that 
his  army  might  march  over  ; and  of  bringing  waters  front  the 
rock,  as  Jehovah  had  done  for  his  people!  (Notes,  Ex. 
14:26—31.  17:5,6.  Josh.  3;15 — 17.) — ' The  cities  of  Egypt, 
where  Sennacherib  had  been  very  successful,  were  chiefly 
defended  by  rivers  or  deep  moats. 

V.  25.  When  the  Lord  had  declared  the  vainglorious 
thoughts  of  Sennacherib’s  heart,  who  affected  to  be  thought 
invincible  and  omnipotent ; he  addressed  him  as  in  person, 
and  interrogated  him,  whether  he  had  never  heard  that  these 
were  the  peculiar  works  of  Israel’s  God?  In  ancient  times, 
long  before  Sennacherib,  or  the  ancestors  of  whom  he  boasted, 
were  born,  Jehovah,  (for  the  deliverance  of  his  people,  and 
to  form  them  into  a nation  who  should  worship  hint,)  had,  as 
it  were,  levelled  mountains : he  had  literally  dried  up  rivers 
and  seas  to  afford  them  a passage ; and  cause  them  to  drink 
strange  waters  flowing  from  the  rock  of  flint. — Or  Sennache- 
rib, in  what  he  had  done,  had  only  fulfilled  the  purposes  and 
predictions  of  Jehovah,  as  his  instrument  in  his  least  honour- 
able work  of  executing  vengeance  : and  this  without  intend- 
ing it,  and  instigated  only  by  his  own  ambition,  rage,  and 
insatiable  rapacity.  God,  in  righteousness,  had  allotted  him 
the  service  of  “ laying  waste  fenced  cities  into  ruinous 
heaps,”  which  he  performed  in  a most  iniquitous  manner. — 
Isaiah’s  prophecies  concerning  the  Assyrians  seems  to  be 
referred  to.  (Notes,  Is.  7:17— 25.  8:6—10.  10:5 — 15,24 — 

34.  30:27—32.  33:1—13.) 

V.  26.  (Note,  9 — 13.)  The  Lord  had  been  pleased  to 
enfeeble  and  intimidate  all  the  enemies,  which  Sennacherib 
nad  hitherto  encountered  ; so  that  they  fell  before  him  as  the 
grass  before  the  scythe  ; nay,  they  withered  of  themselves, 

as  grass  on  the  housetops,  or  as  corn  blasted  before  it  be 
grown  up.”  (Note,  Ps.  129:6—8.)  His  success  was  therefore 
no  decided  proof  that  he  possessed  extraordinary  power, 
courage,  or  conduct;  and  he  had  no  reason  thus  to  vaunt,  as 
if  he  had  done  wonderful  things. 

V.  27,  28.  The  Lord  knew  Sennacherib’s  secret  thoughts 
and  plus,  as  well  as  his  undertakings  ; and  that  he  was 
actuated  by  implacable  enmity  against  his  perfections,  autho- 
rity, vvorship,  and  worshippers : especially  since  Hezekiah, 
trusting  in  the  Lord,  had  dared  to  disregard  his  menaces  and 
resist  his  will.  This  rage  had  vented  itself  in  blasphemies 
and  reproaches  against  God ; and  it  had  also  occasioned  inso- 
lent threatenings  and  tumultuous  preparations  against  Jerusa- 
leni.  But  the  Lord  was  about  to  deal  with  him  by  force,  as 
with  some  savage  beast,  or  untractable  horse  or  mule:  he 
would  fasten  a hook  in  his  nose,  and  a bridle  in  his  mouth, 
and  let  him  know  that  there  was  One,  infinitely  above  him  ; 
and  send  him  home  baffled  and  disgraced.  (Notes,  Job  41:1 
—II.  Is.  37:29.  Ez.  29:2— 5.  38:4.) 

V.  29.  The  Lord  here  addresses  Hezekiah. — The  devasta- 
tions of  the  Assyrians  had,  probably  , prevented  the  land  from 
being  sown  that  year;  and  the  next  is  supposed  to  have  been 
the  sabbatical  year ; though  this  is  the  only  intimation,  in  all 
the  history  of  Israel,  that  any  regard  was  paid  to  that  institu- 
tion : (Note,  2 Chr.  36:21.)  but  the  Lord  here  engaged,  that 
the  spontaneous  produce  of  the  land,  from  the  corn  shaken 
out  in  gathering  the  preceding  harvest,  should  be  sufficient 
for  the  support  of  the  people,  during  those  two  years,  and  till 
a supply  was  obtained  in  the  ordinary  way.  (Note,  Lev.  25- 


shall  eat  this  year  such  things  as  grow  of  them* 
selves,  and  in  the  second  year  that  which  springetb 
of  the  same ; and  in  the  third  year,  sow  ye,  aa- 
reap,  and  plant  vineyards,  and  eat  the  fruits 
thereof.  * 

30  'And  "the  remnant  that  is  escaped  of  tlie 
house  of  Judah  “shall  yet  again  take  root  down-1 
ward,  and  bear  fruit  upward. 

31  For  bout  of  Jerusalem  shall  go  forth  a 
remnant,  and  "they  that  escape  out  of  mount 
Zion : “the  zeal  of  the  Lord  of  hosts  shall  to 
this. 

32  Therefore  thus  saith  the  Lord,  concerning 
the  king  of  Assyria,  dHe  shall  not  corne  into  tLs 
city,  nor  shoot  an  arrow  there,  nor  come  before 
it  with  shield,  nor  “cast  a bank  against  it. 

33  By  the  way  that  he  came,  by  the  sair.  * 
shall  he  return,  and  shall  not  come  into  this  city 
saith  the  Lord. 

34  For  ‘I  will  defend  this  city,  to  save  it,  efor 
mine  own  sake,  and  for  hmy  servant  David’s 
sake. 

35  If  And  it  came  to  pass  'that  night,  that 
‘‘the  angel  of  the  Lord  went  out,  ‘and  smote  in 

u 33,36,37.  i 21,31— 34.20:8,9.  E*.  3:12.  Is.  7:11— 14.  LukefclS.  yLev.25- 
4,5,20— 22.  I«.  37:30.  z 4.  2 Clir.  32:22,23.  Is.  1:9.  10:20-22.  H Heh.  l».  ... 
caving  of  the  house  of  Judah  that  remaineth.  a Ps.  80:9.  Ia.  27:6.  37:31,32. 
b Jer.  44:14.  Rom.  9:27.  1 1 :5.  '*  Heb.  the  escaping,  c Is.  9:7.  59:17.  63:15.  Ez, 
5:13.  20:9.  Zech.  1:14.  John  2:17.  d Is.  8:7—10.  10:24,25,25—32.  37.33-35. 
e 2 Sam.  20:15.  Ez.  21:22.  Luke  19:43,44.  fPs.  46:5,6.  48:2—8.  Is.  31:5.  38:6. 
g Deut.  32:27.  18.43:25.48:9,11.  Ez.  36:22.  Eph.  1:6,14.  hi  Kings  11:12,13. 
15:4.  Is.  9:7.  Jer.  23:5,6.  33:21 ,26.  i Ex.  12:29.  Dan.  5:30  1 Thes.  5:2,3.  k Ex. 
12:29,30.  2 Sam.  24:16.  1 Chr.  21 :12, 16.  2 Chr.  32:21,22.  Ps.  35:5,6.  Acfc  12:23. 
1 Is.  10:16 — 19,33.  30:30—33.  37:36.  Hos.  1:7. 

20 — 22.)  As  the  performance  of  this  promise  was  evidently 
subsequent  to  the  destruction  of  Sennacherib’s  army,  it  was 
a sign  to  Hezekiah’s  faith,  that  the  present  deliverance  would 
be  an  earnest  of  the  Lord’s  persevering  care  of  the  kingdom 
of  Judah  ; and  of  the  accomplishment  of  that  part  of  the  pro- 
mise, which  related  to  events  still  more  remote.  (Note,  Ex, 
3:12.) 

V.  30,  31.  The  ten  tribes  were  already  carried  captive; 
Judah  was  brought  very  low ; Jerusalem  alone  withstood  the 
victor’s  arms,  and  it  was  menaced  with  a siege.  (Note,  Is.  8: 
6 — 8.)  The  professed  worshippers  of  God  were  a very  small 
remnant,  and  seemed  devoted  to  ruin.  But  that  remnant  would 
be  as  seed-corn ; which  striking  root  in  a fruitful  soil,  springs 
up  and  yields  a large  increase.  (Note,  Is.  27:2 — 6,  v.  6.)  They 
were  destined  to  go  forth  from  mount  Zion,  to  possess  tl]e 
land,  and  to  spread  into  distant  countries ; and  were  a typical 
resemblance  of  the  apostles  and  primitive  Christians,  who 
from  Jerusalem  carried  the  gospel  into  all  the  nations  of  the 
earth,  in  order  to  produce  an  immense  increase  of  true  be- 
lievers, who  are  all  the  children  of  Abraham,  and  heirs  ac- 
cording to  the  promise.  (Note,  Gal.  3:26 — 29.)  This  the 
Lord  himself  undertook  to  perform ; not  because  of  their 
righteousness,  hut  out  of  zeal  for  his  own  glory  ; to  make  known 
his  perfections,  to  magnify  his  law  and  authority,  and  to  pro- 
mote his  own  cause,  and  increase  the  number  of  his  worship- 
pers. (Note,  Is.  :6,7.9) 

V.  32,  33.  It  is  certain  from  these  verses,  that  Sennacherib 
never  approached  near  enough  to  Jerusalem,  to  lay  siege 
against  it,  or  even  to  make  preparations  for  a siege : and  there  is 
no  proof  that  Rabshakeh  or  Rabsaris  had  proceeded  to  be- 
siege the  city ; though  they  had  come  with  an  army  and 
menaced  it.  (Notes,  8,27,28.  18:17.  Is.  33:20 — 22.) 

V.  34.  For  my  servant , &c.]  That  is,  from  a gracious 
regard  to  David’s  faith  and  piety,  to  perform  the  promises 
made  to  his  family,  and  to  make  way  for  the  coming  of  the 
Messiah  who  was  to  descend  from  him.  (Note,  1 Kings  11: 
12,13.) 

V.  35.  Rabshakeh  seems  to  have  rejoined  the  king  with 
his  detachment:  and,  after  the  victory  gained  over  Tirhakah, 
Sennacherib  marched  directly  to  besiege  Jerusalem  ; and  was 
just  arrived  and  encamped  in  the  neighbourhood  of  t hat  city,, 
but  had  not  made  any  assualt  upon  it.  (Note,  32,33.)  And 
this  happened  the  very  night  after  Hezekiah  had  spread  the 
letter  before  God,  and  sought  his  help  by  prayer.  The  de- 
vastation was  made  with  such  profound  silence,  that  the  sur- 
vivors were  not  aware  of  the  blow,  till  they  arose  in  the 
morning,  and  found  one  hundred  and  eighty-five  thousand  of 
their  comrades  dead  in  the  camp ! u When  they  arose,  . . .. 
these,”  (the  hundred  and  eighty-five  thousand,)  44  were 
all  dead  corpses.”  Probably  Rabshakeh  perished  among  the 
rest;  but  Sennacherib  was  preserved  to  still  deeper  disgrace, 
and  a more  dreadful  end. — The  “angels  excel  in  strength', 
this  angel  was  commissioned  by  divine  authority,  and  armed 
with  adequate  power;  and  it  is  not  requisite  for  us  to  deter- 
mine in  what  manner  he  effected  this  tremendous  slaughter. 
(Note,  Ps.  76:  Is.  10:16— 19,28— 34.  29:5—8.  31:8,9.  33:23, 
24.)  4 Herodotus  reports  from  fhe  Egyptians,  that  their  king- 

being  also  a priest,  by  his  prayers  to  his  god,  brought  this 
destruction  on  the  Assyrians,  as  they  lay  before  Pelusium : p 
great  army  of  rats  coming  rn  the  night,  and  gnawing  1.7  ihei 

( 695  ) 


B.  C.  709. 


II.  KINGS. 


B.  C.  709, 


the  camp  of  the  Assyrians  a hundred  fourscore 
and  five  thousand : and  rawhen  they  arose  early 
in  the  morning,  behold,  they  were  all  dead 
corpse;:. 

36  So  "Sennacherib  king  of  Assyria  departed, 
and  went  and  returned,  and  dwelt  at  “Nineveh. 

m Ur.  12:30.  Ps.  76:5— 7,10.  n 7:28,33.  o Gen.  10:11,12.  Jon.  1:2.  Nah.  1:1. 
2 8.  Mail.  12:41.  p 10.  18:5,30.  Dent.  32:31.  2 Chr.  32:14,19.  Is.  37:37,38. 


bowstrings  in  pieces,  so  that  they  could  not  fight.  So  studious 
were  they  to  pervert  the  truth,  and  corrupt  the  sacred  story !’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  3G,  37.  Sennacherib  is  supposed  to  have  survived  this 
catastrophe  for  some  time  ; and  to  have  lived  under  great  con- 
tempt, but  exercising  the  most  odious  cruelty  towards  his  sub- 
jects. Though  he  had  had  such  awful  demonstration  of  the 
power  of  Jehovah,  and  the  impotence  of  his  own  idols  ; yet 
he  adhered  to  the  latter,  and  died  in  an  act  of  idolatrous  wor- 
ship : a striking  example  of  the  difference  between  the  God  in 
whom  Hezekiah  trusted,  to  whom  he  prayed,  and  by  whom 
he  was  miraculously  delivered,  in  the  most  urgent  extremity  ; 
and  the  god  of  Sennacherib,  who  could  not  defend  him  in  his 
own  capital,  during  profound  peace,  from  the  sword  of  his 
sons,  even  while  employed  in  acts  of  religious  worship! — 
Some  have  conjectured,  that  Sennacherib  had  vowed  to  sa- 
crifice his  sons  to  his  idol,  and  that  they  murdered  him  in  self- 
defence  : and  then  escaped  into  the  adjacent  mountains  of 
Armenia,  or  Ararat.  (Note,  Gen.  8:4, 5.) — Esarhaddon  seems 
o have  been  a man  of  much  better  character  than  his  father. 
/ Mar g.  Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 13.  In  times  of  great  distress  and  prevailing  impiety, 
9 rong  expressions  of  poignant  sorrow  and  deep  humiliation 
tire  p^puliarly  seasonable:  for,  “the  Lord  calls  to  weeping, 
and  mourning,  and  girding  with  sackcloth,”  and  the  contrary 
spirit  and  conduct  are  irrational,  offensive,  and  tokens  of  a 
profane,  sensual,  and  selfish  heart.  (Note,  Is.  33:8 — 14.) — 
They,  who  best  know  the  efficacy  of  fervent  believing  prayer, 
will  most  desire  the  supplications  of  others  for  them  ; and  espe- 
cially of  those,  who  have  long  been  eminent  for  piety  and 
simplicity,  and  zealous  for  the  glory  of  God.  Alas  ! few  kings 
are  very  earnest  to  form  alliances  with  the  faithful  and  devoted 
ministers  of  religion,  against  their  hostile  invaders  ; yet,  they 
are  of  more  real  utility  than  increasing  numbers  of  brave  and 
disciplined  troops:  and  whenever  princes,  prophets,  and  peo- 
ple unite  in  prayer,  in  real  dependence  on  God,  and  a dispo- 
sition to  give  him  the  praise ; a prosperous  event  may  be 
confidently  expected,  notwithstanding  their  own  weakness, 
and  the  rebukes  and  insults  of  haughty  enemies. — The  Lord 
44  resisteth  the  proud,”  and  will  vindicate  his  own  cause  against 
those  who  reproach,  defy,  or  blaspheme  his  name  ; or  who 
rival  him,  and  rob  him  of  his  glory. — The  more  we  are  hum- 
bly conscious  that  we  cannot  help  ourselves,  but  must  be 
miserable  and  perish  without  his  aid  ; the  more  simple  will  be 
our  dependence  on  him,  and  the  more  fervent  our  applica- 
tions to  him,  whether  in  temporal  or  spiritual  exigencies. — 
4 Man’s  extremity  is  therefore  God’s  opportunity:’  and  while 
his  servants  can  speak  nothing  but  terror  to  the  proud,  the 
profane,  and  the  hypocritical;  they  have  comfortable  words 
to  say  to  the  discouraged  believer.  1 Be  not  afraid:  thine 
enemies  are  God’s  enemies,  and  thy  cause  is  his  cause:  in 
glorifying  himself,  he  must  protect  and  save  those  who  trust 
in  him.  He  delights  in  giving  the  very  blessings  for  which 
thy  soul  is  athirst : and  with  the  breath  of  his  mouth  he  can 
slay  the  wicked,  and  blast  all  the  machinations  of  earth  and 
hell  against  his  church.’ — The  Lord  finds  wicked'  men  other 
employment,  when  he  would  give  his  servants  a respite  from 
conflict  and  persecution:  and  even  those  projects,  which  are 
in  themselves  most  trifling  or  most  detestable,  often  so  engross 
the  minds,  occupy  the  time,  and  fill  the  hands  of  the  ungodly, 
as  to  detain  them  from  attempting  that  mischief  to  the  cause 
of  God,  to  which  otherwise  they  would  be  disposed.  But  their 
pursuits  of  wealth,  of  honour,  of  pleasure,  or  of  learning,  do 
not  prevent  their  discovering  the  enmity  of  their  hearts,  or 
filling  up  the  measure  of  their  sins : and  when  this  is  done, 
they  are  taken  away,  and  their  place  knows  them  no  more. — 
The  blasphemies  which  many  utter,  are  not  unmeaning 
words,  as  they  suppose,  but  the  natural  produce  of  their  de- 
praved hearts:  and  therefore  they  reiterate  them,  and  grow 
more  outrageous  in  them,  when  recent  occasions  are  afforded. 
Absurd  as  it  appears,  worldly  men  do  really  think,  that  those 
who  trust  in  God  will  be  deceived ; and  they  presume  upon 
•success,  while  they  despise  him,  and  set  him  at  defiance ! 
Impunity  and  prosperity  inspire  confidence  and  arrogance  ; 
;and  men  expect  to  prevail  against  all  who  resist  them,  because 
in  some  instances  they  have  been  successful ! (Note,  Ec.  8: 
■’i— 13.) 

V.  14 — 22.  We  can  easily  say,  u If  God  be  for  us,  who 
( an  be  against  us  ?”  but  in  the  crisis  of  danger,  when  the  eye 
of  sense  perceives  no  way  of  escape,  without  removing  moun- 
tains, and  effecting  apparent  impossibilities,  faith  is  con- 
strained to  maintain  a severe  conflict  against  unbelief,  even 
m the  experience  of  the  most  established  believers.  But 
orayer  is  the  never-failing  resource  of  the  tempted  Christian; 
whether  he  be  called  to  struggle  with  outward  difficulties,  or 
f*  engage  in  the  more  distressing  warfare  with  his  inward 
•^jemies.  At  the  mercy-seat  of  his  almighty  Friend  he  opens 

. ( 696  ) 


37  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  was  wor-  tb.c. 
shipping  in  the  house  of  I’Nisroch  his  god,  L m 
that  Adrammelech  and  Sharezer  <ihis  sons  smote 
him  with  the  sword : and  they  escaped  iftto  the 
land  of  ’Armenia.  And  ’Esarhaddon  his  son 
reigned  in  his  stead. 


q 2 Chr.  32:21.  * Heb.  Ararat.  Gen.  8:4.  Jer.  51 :27.  r Ezra  4:?. 


his  heart ; before  him  he  particularly  spreads  the  case  ; to 
him  he  makes  his  appeal:  and  when  he  can  discern  that  the 
glory  of  God  is  engaged  on  his  side,  his  faith  gains  the  victory, 
and  he  again  exults  in  the  assurance,  that  he  never  shall  be 
moved.  He  knows  the  difference  between  Jehovah,  whose 
mysterious  nature  and  harmonious  perfections  are  revealed 
in  the  sacred  Scriptures  ; and  all  those  idols,  which  are  the 
work  of  men’s  hands,  or  the  creatures  of  their  imaginations. 
Infidels  may  indeed  triumph  over  superstition,  hypocrisy,  and 
every  form  of  worthless  profession  : and  they  may  vaunt  and 
boast,  as  if  they  could,  with  equal  ease  and  certainty,  prevail 
against  the  truths  and  spiritual  worship  of  God  our  Saviour. 
But,  whether  they  employ  the  terrors  of  persecution,  or  the 
more  specious  armour  of  blasphemous  reproaches,  sarcastic 
wit,  or  proud  reasonings ; their  assaults  are  vain  against 
the  faith  and  prayers,  the  holy  lives,  and  scriptural  preaching 
of  the  Lord’s  true  servants.  “The  weapons  of  our  war- 
fare are  mighty  through  God,”  not  only  to  repel  the  assaults 
of  Satan  and  his  ministers,  whether  they  assume  the  form  of 
the  roaring  lion,  the  subtle  serpent,  or  the  angel  of  light;  but 
to  subvert  his  strong-holds,  and  44  to  cast  down  imaginations,” 
(or  reasonings ,)  “and  every  high  thing  that  exaltcth  itself 
against  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  to  bring  into  cdptivity 
every  thought  to  the  obedience  of  Christ.”  (Note,  3 Cor. 
10:1 — 6.)  No  weapon  that  is  formed  against,  the  church  can 
prosper:  and  the  daughter  of  Zion,  whilst  untainted  with 
idolatry  or  hypocrisy,  and  faithfully  reserving  herself  for 
him,  who  has  “espoused  her  in  righteousness,  and  faithful- 
ness, and  loving  kindness,”  may  despise  and  defy  the  feeble 
efforts  of  all  assailants,  and  confidently  predict  their  speedy 
and  terrible  destruction.  Oh,  that  such  persons  would  con- 
sider, “whom  they  have  reproached  and  blasphemed  !r*  whom 
they  have  opposed  and  provoked  to  wrath  ! “against  whom 
they  have  exalted  their  voice,  and  lifted  up  their  eyes  on  high  !* 
They  may  think  that  he  is  altogether  such  a one  as  them- 
selves : but  they  wfll  find,  that  he  is  “ the  Holy  One  of  Israel.” 
He  sees  their  inmost  thoughts ; he  discerns  the  rage  and 
enmity  of  their  hearts;  as  well  as  hears  the  stout  and  arro- 
gant words,  which  they  instigate  each  other  to  speak  against 
him : and  what  will  they  do,  when  from  his  awful  tribunal  he 
shall  give  the  mandate,  “ These  mine  enemies,  which  would 
not  that  I should  reign  over  them,  bring  hither,  and  slay  them 
before  me  !”  (Note,  Luke  19:11 — 37,  v.  27.) 

V.  23 — 37.  The  greatest  exploits  of  men  are  unworthy  of 
notice,  compared  with  the  most  ordinary  works  of  God  : the 
most  powerful  and  successful  of  his  enemies  undesigned ly 
accomplish  his  secret  purposes,  or  express  predictions  f and 
prosper  only  till  they  have  filled  up  their  part  of  his  universal 
plan.  Some  the  Lord  employs,  contrary  to  their  own  inten- 
tions, as  executioners  of  his  vengeance,  “ to  lay  waste  fenced 
cities  into  ruinous  heaps  ;”  and  therefore  their  opposers  prove 
weak,  timid,  or  infatuated  : but,  when  they  have  accomplished 
their  work,  (perhaps  with  hearts  full  of  rage  against  him,  whe 
had  exalted  and  prospered  them  ;)  their  turn  comes  next,  ar.i 
others  execute  vengeance  upon  them  : or  he  deals  with  them 
by  his  own  hand,  as  with  some  great  Behemoth  or  Leviathan, 
and  restrains,  confines,  or  enfeebles  them,  as  he  sees  good. 
But  his  believing  people,  safe  under  his  protection,  and  living 
upon  his  grace  and  providential  bounty,  are  employed  as  wil- 
ling instruments  to  perform  his  works  of  goodness  and  mercy, 
which  when  finished  shall  meet  a sure  reward.  Whilst  all 
creatures  here  below  subserve  their  good  ; and  nature  itseh 
is  made  to  transcend  her  usual  limits,  or  alter  her  settled  course, 
to  supply  their  wants  ; and  while  the  mighty  angels  are  al. 
ministering  spirits,  sent  forth  to  protect  them,  or  avenge  thci* 
on  their  enemies:  the}',  in  their  places,  would  imitate  tha. 
prompt  obedience,  and  41  delight  to  do  the  commandments”  of 
God,  “ hearkening  unto  the  voice  of  his  word.” — But  all  crea 
t tires,  y.ea,  the  holy  angels,  and  the  Lord  of  angels  himself, 
fight  against  those  who  fight  against  his  church  : nay,  those 
objects  on  which  they  chiefly  depend,  and  those  persons  from 
whom  they  expect  the  greatest  kindness,  will  concur  in  effect- 
ing their  destruction;  and  every  respite  will  finally  add  to 
their  infamy  and  misery. — The  cause  of  God,  however  re- 
duced, will  surely  revive  : the  remnant  of  every  generation 
will  yield  an  increase  to  that  which  succeeds  ; and  at  length 
“ Israel  shall  blossom,  and  bud,  and  fill  the  face  of  the  world 
with  fruit.”  The  zeal  of  the  Lord  of  hosts,  which  appointed 
and  sent  the  mighty  Saviour,  is  engaged  to  make  his  salvation 
triumphant  over  all  opposers,  and  to  fill  the  earth  with  the 
knowledge  of  his  glory:  not  now  for  44  his  servant  David’s 
sake,”  but  for  the  sake  of  his  14  beloved  Son,  in  whom  he  is 
w-ell  pleased.”  May  our  hearts  he  prepared  as  good  ground, 
that  his  word  may  strike  root  in  them,  and  bring  forth  fruit  ir 
our  lives  ! then  we  shall  witness  the  full  completion  of  all  those 
prophecies,  of  which  he  has  already  given  us  so  many  signs 
and  earnests,  while  with  exulting  millions  wo  shall  sing 
44  Hallelujah  ! tue  Lord  God  omnipotent  reigned*.  ’’  and  14  the 


n.  C.  713, 


CHAPTER  XX. 


B.  C.  713. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


fjizetriah,  when  sick,  is  warned,  by  Isaiah  to  prepare  for  death , 1 ; but  pray- 
ing, he  receives  the  promise  o''  if  teen  years  added  to  his  life,  and  of  deli- 
verance from  the  Assyrians,  2—7.  In  confirmation  the  shadow  on  Alias's 
dial  goes  back  tendegrees,  8 — 11.  T'ie  king  of  Babylon  sends  to  congratu- 
late Hezekiah , who  shows  the  ambassadors  all  his  treasui  es,  12,  13.  Isaiah 
repi'Ores  him  for  this,  and  for , tells  the  Babylonish  captivity,  14 — 19.  Heze- 
kiah dies,  arid  ts  succeeded  by  Alanasseh,$0,  21. 

IN  those  days  “was  Hezekiah  sick  unto  death. 

And  '’the  prophet  Isaiah  the  son  of  Amoz  came 
to  him,  and  said  unto  him,  thus  saith  the  Lord, 
‘Set  thine  house  in  order ; for  cthou  shalt  die,  and 
not  live. 

2  Then  dhe  turned  his  face  to  the  wall,  and 
prayed  unto  the  Lord,  saying, 

3  I beseech  thee,  O Lord,  “remember  now  how 
' I have  walked  before  thee  sin  truth  and  with  ha 
perfect  heart,  and  have  done  that  which  is  good 
in  thy  sight.  And  Hezekiah  'wept  'sore. 

4  And  it  came  to  pass,  afore  Isaiah  was  gone 
out  into  the  middle  'court,  that  the  word  of  the 
Lord  came  to  him,  saying, 

5  kTurn  again,  and  tell  Hezekiah,  'the  captain 
of  my  people,  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  rothe  God  of 
David  thy  father,  “I  have  heard  thy  prayer : °I 
have  seen  thy  tears:  behold,  >’I  will  heal  thee;  on 


the  third  day  ithou  shalt  go  up  unto  the  house  o 
the  Lord. 

6 And  'I  will  add  unto  thy  days  fifteen  y£ars  , 
and  I will  deliver  thee  and  this  city  out  of  the 
hand  of  the  king  of  Assyria  ; and  SI  will  defene 
this  city  for  mine  own  sake,  and  for  my  servant 
David’s  sake. 

7 And  Isaiah  said,  ‘Take  a lump  of  figs.  And 
they  took  and  laid  it'  on  the  bile,  and  he  re- 
covered. 

8 And  Hezekiah  said  unto  Isaiah,  “What  shall  be 
the  sign  that  the  Lord  will  heal  me,  and  that  I shall 
go  up  into  the  house  of  the  Lord  the  third  day  ? 

9 And  Isaiah  said,  ‘This  sign  shalt  thou  have 
of  the  Lord,  that  the  Lord  will  do  the  thing  that 
he  hath  spoken  : shall  the  shadow  go  forward  ten 
degrees,  or  go  back  ten  degrees? 

10  And  Hezekiah  answered,  yIt  is  a light  thing 
for  the  shadow  to  go  down  ten  degrees  : nay,  but 
let  the  shadow  return  backward  ten  degrees. 

11  And  Isaiah  the  prophet  “cried  unto  the 
Lord  : and  “he  brought  the  shadow  ten  degrees 
backward,  by  which  it  had  gone  down  in  the 

§dial  of  AlltlZ.  [ Practical  Observations.'] 


a . Chr.  32:24.  Is.  38:1.  John  11:1-5.  Phil.  2:27,30.  b 19:2,20.  * Heb.  give 
charge  concerning  thine  house.  2 Sam.  17:23.  Is.  38:1.  margins.  c Jer.  18: 
7-MO.  Jon.  3:4 — 1U.«  d 1 Kings  8:30.  I’s.  50:15.  Is.  38:2,3.  Matt.  6:6.  e Gen. 
6:1.  Neh.  5:19. 13:14,22,31.  Ps.  25:7.  89:47,50.  119:49.  Is.  63.11.  fGen.5:?2, 
24.  17:1.  I Kings  2:4.  3:6.  Job  1:1,8.  Luke  1:6.  g 2 Chr.  31 :20,2l.  Ps.  32:2. 
145:18.  Jer.  4 2.  John  1:47.  2 Cor.  1:12.  I John  3:21,22.  h 1 Kings  8:61.  11:4. 
15:14.  2 Chr.  16:9.  i 2 Sam.  12:21,22.  Ps.  6:6.  102:9.  Is.  38:14.  Heb.  5:7. 
t Heb.  with  a great  weeping.  J Or,  city.  k 2Sam.7:3 — 5.  1 Chr.  17:2—4. 
1 Josh.  5: 14,15.  1 Sam.  9:16. 10:1.  2 Sara.  5:2.  2 Chr.  Vf:  12.  Heb.  2:10.  m 2 Chr. 


31:3.  13.38:5.55:3.  Malt.  22:32.  n 19:20.  Ps.  65:2.  Luke  1:16.  o Ps.  39:12. 
56:8.  Rev.  7:17.  p 7.  Ex.  15:26.  Job  33:19— 26.  Ps.  147:3.  Jam.  5. 

14,15.  n 8.  Ps.  66.13 — 1 5,19,20.  115:12-14.  118:17-19.  Is.  38:22.  John  5: 
14.  rtfs.  115:15.  Acts27;24.  s See  on  19:34.  2 Chr.  32:22.  Is.  10:24 

t 2:20— 22.  4:41.  Is.  38  21.  u 5.  19:29.  Jndg.  6: 17,37-40.  Is.  7:11,14.  38:22. 
IIos.  6:2.  x Js.  38:7,8.  Matt.  16:1— 4.  Mark  8:1 1 ,1‘2.  Lnke  11:29,30.  v 2:10. 
3:18.  Is.  49:6.  Mark  9:28.29.  John  14:12.  z Ex.  11:15  1 Kings  17:20,21.  13: 

36— 38.  Acts  9:4U  a Josh.  10:1*2— 14.  2 Chr.  32:21,31.  Is.  38:8.  § Heb.  de- 

grees. 


Kingdoms  of  the  earth  are  become  the  kingdoms  of  the  Lord 
and  of  his  Christ,  and  he  shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever.”  Amen, 
and  amen.  (Notes,  Rev.  1 1:15 — 18.  19:1 — 0.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  XX.  V.  1.  Hezekiah  reigned  twenty- 
nine  years,  and  he  lived  fifteen  after  this  sickness  : it  must 
therefore  have  happened  in  the  fourteenth  or  beginning  of 
the  fifteenth  year  of  his  reign  ; about  the  time  of  Sennache- 
rib’s first  invasion  of  Judea.  (18:13.) — It  is  not  likely,  that  all 
the  events  recorded  in  the  two  preceding  chapters  occurred 
within  a part  of  one  year  ; yet,  this  must  have  been  the  case, 
ifHezekiah’s  sickness  was  subsequent  to  the  destruction  of 
the  Assyrian  army.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  32:24 — 26.  Is.  38:6.) — 
The  expression,  “ Set  thine  house  in  order,”  or,  command 
'■oncerning  thine  house,  was  a direction  to  Hezekiah,  to  make 
without  delay,  a full  and  final  settlement  of  his  domestic  and 
;ivil  concerns,  that  nothing  might  interrupt  his  mind,  or  take 
t otf  from  the  exercise  of  devotion,  in  the  nearer  approaches 
}f  death;  and  yet,  that  nothing  might  be  neglected, ’which 
related  to  the  interests  of  survivors.  Hezekiah’s  disorder  was 
in  itself  mortal,  and  must  have  terminated  in  death,  without 
a miracle : the  prophet  therefore  spoke  according  to  the  natu- 
-j l tendency  of  the  disorder,  and  not  according-  to  the  Lord’s 
secret  purposes.  Hezekiah’s  prayer  showed,  that  he  did  not 
consider  the  sentence  to  be  irreversible. 

V.  2.  It  is  probable  that  Hezekiah  turned  his  face  to  the 
wall  of  his  chamber,  (which  might  be  towards  the  temple,) 
merely  that  he  might  have  more  freedom  and  privacy  in  pour- 
ing out  his  heart  before  God. 

V.  3.  Hezekiah  evidently  prayed,  that  he  might  recover, 
though  he  expressed  himself  with  submission  to  the  will  of 
God:  and  doubtless  he  was  very  unwilling  to  die  at  that  time. 
To  account  for  this,  it  has  been  said,  that  believers  under  the 
Old  Testament,  having  dark  views  of  the  eternal  world,  might 
oe  expected  to  die  with  more  regret  than  those  under  the 
New:  hut  facts  by  no  means  support  this  supposition;  for 
Abraham,  Jacob,  Aaron,  Moses,  Joshua,  David,  and  others, 
seem  to  have  left  the  world  with  as  much  joyfulness  as  Paul 
himself.  We  must,  therefore,  ascribe  Hezekiah’s  reluctance 
to  die,  either  to  the  state  of  his  mind,  or  to  the  circumstances 
of  his  family  and  the  nation.  Nothing  appears  peculiarly  to 
have  distressed  him,  in  the  view  of  immediate  death,  as  to  the 
state  of  his  own  soul.  But  the  circumstances  of  his  family, 
and  the  state  of  affairs  in  Israel  seem  to  solve  all  the  difficulty. 
Probably,  at  that  time  Hezekiah  had  no  son  ; for  Manasseh, 
who  succeeded  him,  was  not  born  till  three  years  after.  (21:1.) 
By  his  de'ath,  therefore,  this  branch  of  David’s  family  would 
have  been  extinct,  and  the  succession  must  have  been  conti- 
nued in  a more  remote  and  obscure  branch  of  it : and  this  would 
have  been  a discouraging  rebuke  to  him,  as  if  he  had  forfeited 
the  covenant  of  royalty.  It  is  a general  and  probable  opinion, 
that  the  nation  was  at  this  time  threatened  with  an  assault  by 
the  whole  force  of  the  king  of  Assyria;  they  therefore  needed 
t.  commander,  who  united  wisdom,  courage,  and  faith,  to  head 
tfiem  in  such  an  emergency : and  if  he  were  removed,  and 
•hey  were  left  to  a disputed  succession,  and  the  weakness  of 
an  usurped  or  opposed  government,  there  could  he  little  pros- 
pect, but  that  Jerusalem  would  share  the  fate  of  Samaria. 
With  great  earnestness  and  perseverance,  Hezekiah  had 
Vought  his  reformation  to  a hopeful  establishment:  but  he 
might  fear,  lest  the  instability  of  the  people,  and  the  dissen- 

ons  of  the  nobles,  would  subvert  all,  if  he  were  taken  away 

Vol.  I. — SS 


at  this  crisis.  He  therefore  desired  to  live,  not  for  his  own 
sake  so  much  as  for  that  of  his  familj'  and  people,  especially 
for  the  interests  of  true  religion  ; and  he  prayed  to  that,  effect, 
with  many  lears,  as  well  as  with  great  fervency.  (Notts,  Is. 
38:1 — 3,9 — 20.)  The  Lord  knew,  andJHezekiah  could  appeal 
to  him,  that  he  had  walked  before  him  in  sincerity  and  upright- 
ness of  heart ; having  used  all  his  authority  and  influence, 
with  zeal  and  earnestness,  to  suppress  idolatry  and  wicked- 
ness, and  by  every  scriptural  means  to  promote  the  worship 
and  service  of  God  ; and  that  he  had  done  what  was  good  in 
his  sight,  being  an  example  to  his  people.  The  consciousness 
of  his  integrity  gave  him  confidence;  and  he  begged  the  Lord 
to  remember  the  fruits  of  grace  which  had  been  produced,  and 
to  spare  him,  that,  he  might  be  yet  more  fruitful  and  useful. 
(Notes,  2 Chr.  30:23—27.  31:20,21.  Neh.  13:14,31.2  Cor.  1:12 
-14.) 

V.  4,  5.  Notes,  2 Sam.  7:1 — 5. — The  captain.  (5)  This 
title  implies  that  Hezekiah  was  spared,  that  lie  might  lead  the 
people  to  victory,  by  the  prevailing  weapons  of  faith  and 
prayer.  (lYIarg.  Ref.  Note,  Josh.  5:13 — 15.) — I hare  heard, 
&c.]  (Note,  Is.  65:24,25.)  The  Lord  knew  his  heart,  and 
saw  that  he  would  be  disposed,  in  the  first  place,  after  his 
recovery,  to  go  up  to  his  courts  to  return  thanks  for  the  mercy  , 
and  therefore  he  suited  the  message  to  his  secret  desires  and 
intentions.  (8)  He  should  4 recover  his  strength  so  fast,  as  to 
be  able  in  three  days’  time  to  go  up  to  the  temple,  and  give 
God  thanks  for  his  cure.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  6.  Hezekiah  was  the  only  person,  that  we  read  of,  who 
was  previously  informed  how  long  he  was  to  live.  Such  in- 
formation would  be  of  very  bad  tendency  lo  ungodly  men  : 
and  it  would  not  be  either  comfortable  or  useful  to  a believer 
unless  animated  with  vigorous  faith,  and  glowing  zeal  for  the 
honour  of  God.  Doubtless,  this  pious  king  made  a good  use 
of  his  knowledge,  and  waited  the  appointed  period  of  his  days 
with  calm  resignation ; but  we  need  not  envy  him  this  pecu- 
liar privilege.  He  was  not  more  than  fifty-four  years  old 
when  he  died. — God  would  also  defend  Jerusalem,  as  v\ it h a 
shield,  against  all  the  power  and  rage  of  the  Assyrian  king, 
for  the  glory  of  his  own  name,  and  for  the  sake  of  his  servant 
David.  (Notes,  19:34.  Is.  38:6.) 

V.  7.  It  seems  that  Hezekiah’s  sickness  was  a species 
of  the  plague,  accompanied  with  a bile  of  fatal  tendency  ; 
whether  this  application  were  medicinally  proper,  or  not, 
doubtless  it  was  rendered  effectual  by  miracle  ; or  rather, 
it  was  a token  of  the  divine  operation  by  which  he  was 
healed. 

V.  8.  Ab  the  Lord  was  graciously  pleased  frequently  to 
confirm  his  promises  by  signs,  Hezekiah  desired  one  in  this 
case  : not  in  unbelief,  but  for  the  confirmation  of  his  wavering 
faith.  ( Notes,  Judg.  6:36— 40.  /*.  7:10— 12.) 

V.  9 — 11.  The  dial  of  Ahaz,  it.  is  probable,  was  placed  full 
in  Hezekiah's  view,  and  the  sun  shining  upon  it : and  he  was 
allowed  to  choose,  whether  the  shadow  should  go  forward,  or 
backward,  ten  degrees;  that  is,  half  hour  lines,  as  it  is  con- 
jectured. The  progression  of  the  shadow  with  accelerated 
speed,  though  evidently  miraculous,  seemed  not  so  extraordi- 
nary to  Hezekiah  as  its  retrograde  motion,  which  he  prefer- 
red, and  which  accordinglj'  took  place.  W e are  not  concerned 
to  determine  how  God  produced  this  effect : if  he  saw  good, 
he  was  able  to  cause  a temporary  change  in  the  motion  of  the 
earth  and  heavenly  bodies:  (Note,  Josh.  10:12 — 14.)  and 
( 697  ) 


V.  Z.  7 2. 


II.  KINGS.  B.  C.  698. 


12  H At  tha;  time  kBerodach-baladan,  the  son 
of  Baladan,  ck  ng  of  dBabylon,  'sent  letters  and  a 
present  unto  Hezekiah : f for  he  had  heard  that 
Hezekiah  had  been  sick. 

13  And  Hezekiah  hearkened  unto  them,  and 
^showed  them  all  the  house  of  his ‘precious  things, 
the  silver,  and  the  gold,  and  the  spices,  and  the 
precious  ointment,  and  all  the  house  of  his  tarmour, 
and  all  that  was  found  in  his  treasures : ’’there 
was  nothing  in  his  house,  nor  in  all  his  dominion, 
that  Hezekiah  showed  them  not. 

14  H Then  ‘came  Isaiah  the  prophet  unto  king 
Hezekiah,  and  said  unto  him,  kWhat  said  these 
men  ? and  from  whence  came  they  unto  thee  ? 
And  Hezekiah  said,  They  are  come  from  ’a  far 
country,  even  from  Babylon. 

15  And  he  said,  What  have  they  seen  in  thine 
house  ? And  Hezekiah  answered,  raAll  the  thing's 
that  are  in  my  house  have  they  seen : there  is 
nothing  among  my  treasures  that  I have  not 
showed  them. 


b Is.  39:1.  Merodach-balndan.  c 2 Clir.  32:31.  d Gen.  10:10.  11:9.  Is.  13: 

1.19.  .1:4.  e 2 Sam.  3:10.  10:2.  f Is.  39:1.  g 2 Chr.  32:27.  Is.  39:2.  "Or, 
epicery.  1 Kings  10:2,10,15,25.  t Or,  jewels.  Heb.  nssse/s.  h 2 Chr.  32: 
25,26.  Ec.  7.20.  i Is.  39:3— 8.  k 5:25,26  . 2 Sam.  12:7,  ftc.  2 Chr.  16:1 — 
10.35:7 — 9,15,16.  Ps.  141:5.  Pro*.  25:12.  Jer.  26:18,19.  Am.  7:12,13.  Mark  6: 

18.19.  1 Deut.  48:49.  Josh.  9:6,9.  Is.  13:5.  m 13.  Josh.  7:19.  Job  31:33. 

Prov.  28:13.  I John  1:8— 10.  n 7:1.  1 Kings  22:19.  Is.  1:10.  Am.  7:16.  o24: 

some  think  that  the  same  effect  was  produced  in  other  places, 
especially  at  Babylon.  ( Notes , 2 Chf.  32:30 — 33,  v.  31.  Is. 
38:8.) — It  appears  from  Herodotus,  that  the  Egyptians  had 
observed  some  few  instances,  in  which  the  course  of  the  sun 
and  moon  was  very  different  from  what  was  usual ; though 
their  traditions  of  them  were  greatly  distorted,  and  wholly 
unlike  the  real  facts,  as  recorded  in  Scripture. 

V.  12,  13.  The  king  of  Babylon  seems  at  this  time  to  have 
reigned  independent ; but  he  was  in  danger  of  being  reduced 
under  the  power  of  the  Assyrian  monarch : yet,  in  process  of 
time  Babylon  acquired  the  pre-eminence,  and  swallowed  up 
the  Assyrian  empire.  (Notes,  17,18.  17:24.  23:29,30.  2 Chr. 
33:11.  Is.  39:1.)  This  prince,  having  heard  of  Hezekiah’s 
sickness,  and  the  miraculous  circumstances  of  his  recovery, 
and  knowing  that  he  had  refused  submission  to  the  Assyrians, 
seems  to  have  proposed  to  enter  into  a confederacy  with 
him  against  that  potent  nation,  “ and  Hezekiah  hearkened 
unto  them,”  as  inclined  to  accede  to  their  proposals.  He  was 
too  well  pleased  with  this  flattering  embassy  ; and,  in  order 
to  convince  the  ambassadors,  who  brought  the  letters,  that  he 
was  a desirable  ally,  he  showed  them  all  his  treasures,  and 
armour,  and  preparations  for  war  of  every  kind.  This  resulted 
from  pride  and  ostentation,  and  might  have  led  to  an  improper 
alliance  with  an  idolatrous  prince.  He  seems  likewise  to  have 
missed  the  opportunity  of  instructing  the  Chaldeans  concern- 
ing the  perfections  of  Jehovah,  who  had  wrought  the  mira- 
cles which  had  excited  their  attention ; and  concerning  his 
authority,  law,  and  worship  ; and  of  showing  them  the  absur- 
dity and  evil  of  idolatry,  especially  their  worship  of  the  sun, 
which  was  evidently  the  creature  and  servant  of  the  God  of 
Israel.  (Notes,  2 C/tr.  32:24 — 26.  Is.  39:2.) — Though  Heze- 
aiah’s  sickness  preceded  Sennacherib’s  invasion  and  over- 
throw, it  is  probable  that  this  embassy  arrived  after  that 
event ; when  Hezekiah’s  exhausted  treasuries  had  been  abun- 
dantly replenished  by  the  spoil  of  the  Assyrians.  (Note,  2 
Chr.  32:27—29.) 

V.  14, 15.  Hezekiah  did  not  resent  the  prophet’s  interference 
in  state  affairs;  (Notes,  2 Chr.  16:7—10.  25:14 — 16.)  for  he 
reverenced  his  person,  confided  in  his  prudence  and  affection, 
and  desired  to  hear  the  wlfLjbf  God  from  him.  In  his  answer, 
he  intimated,  that  he  had  counted  it  an  honour  to  receive  am- 
bassadors from  a far  country.  (Note,  Josh.  9:8 — 15.) — Per- 
naps,  he  was  not  at  first  conscious  of  having  done  wrong  ; 
yet,  in  reviewing  and  relating  his  conduct,  he  was  made 
deeply  sensible  of  his  sin  and  folly.  (Note,  2 Chr.  32:30 — 
33,  v.  31.) 

V.  17,  18.  Considering  the  small  and  unsettled  power  of 
me  king  of  Babylon,  at  this  time,  compared  with  that  of  tho 
Assyrian  kings,  who  seemed  about  to  establish  a permanent 
dominion  over  all  the  adjacent  countries  ; nothing  could  be 
more  unlikely,  than  the  accomplishment  of  this  prediction  ; 
yet  in  somewhat  more  than  a hundred  years  it  was  exactly 
fulfilled! — All  the  remaining  treasures  and  the  vessels  of  the 
temple,  and  furniture  made  by  Solomon,  or  supplied  by  sub- 
sequent kings,  with  all  the  treasures  of  the  palace,  and  riches 
of  the  city,  were  carried  to  Babylon  ; and  Daniel  and  his 
companions,  some  of  whom  were  descended  from  Hezekiah, 
became  eunuchs  in.  the  king  of  Babylon’s  palace.  (Note, 
Dan.  1:3 — 7.) — Hezekiah  dreaded  the  power  of  the  Assyrians : 
but  he  was  more  disposed  to  expect  help,  than  to  fear  ruin, 
from  tho  king  of  Babylon.  If  this  transaction  occurred  before 
Sennacherib’s  overthrow,  as  many  suppose,  (Note,  12,13.)  it 
took  place  previously  to  Hezekiah’s  emptying  his  treasuries, 
to  hire  Sennacherib's  departure,  on  his  first  invasion  of  the 
land.  (Note,  18:14 — 1C.)  Tho  chief  reason  for  assigning 
this  date  to  it  is,  that  the  power  of  the  Assyrians,  after  tho 
( 638  ) 


16  And  Isaiah  said  unto  Hezeknh,  “Hear  the 
word  of  the  Lord. 

17  Behold,  the  days  come,  that  all  that  is  ir 
thine  house,  and  that  which  thy  fathers  have  laid 
up  in  store  unto  this  day,  “shall  be  carried  into 
Babylon ; nothing  shall  be  left,  sailh  the  Lord. 

18*  And  of  pthy  sons  that  shall  issue  from  thee 
which  thou  shalt  beget,  shall  they  take  away  ; am. 
^they  shall  be  eunuchs  in  the  palace  of  the  king  of 
Babylon. 

19  Then  said  Hezekiah  unto  Isaiah,  rGood  is 
the  word  of  the  Lord  which  thou  hast  spoken 
And  he  said,  Us  it  not  good,  if  “peace  and  truth 
be  in  my  days  ? 

20  H And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Hezekiah,  and 
all  his  might,  and  how  ‘he  made  a pool,  and  a con- 
duit, and  brought  water  into  the  city,  are  (hey  not 
written  uin  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings 
of  Judah? 

21  11  And  Hezekiah  “slept  with  his  fathers  : and 
rManasseh  his  son  reigned  in  his  stead. 


13.25:13-15.  2 Chr.  36:10,18.  Jer.  27:21,22.52:17— 19.  p 24  12.  25:6.  2Chr. 
33:11.  q Dan.  1:3 — 7.  r Lev.  10:3.  1 S.ira.  3: IS.  Job  1 :21 . Ps.  39:9.  Lam.  3: 
22,39.  | Or , Shall  there  not  be  peace  and  truth,  !f  c.  ? s ErLIi.9:30.  Jer.  33:6. 
Zech.  8:19.  Luke  2:10,14.  t Chr.  32:4,30,32.  Neh.  3: 16.  Is.  22:9— 11.  u 8: 
23.  15:6,26.  16:29.  1 Kings  14:19.  15:7,23.  x 21:18.  1 Kings  2:10.  11:43.  14:31. 
2 Chr.  26:23.  y 21:1. 


destruction  of  Sennacherib’s  army,  ceased  to  be  formidable  ; 
yet  Hezekiah’s  conduct  implied,  that  he  chiefly  feared  danger 
from  that  quarter.  But  indeed,  after  that  blow,  the  Assyrian 
power  was  far  greater  than  that  of  any  of  the  neighbouring 
countries  ; and  Hezekiah  might  desire  to  form  a league  tc 
defend  himself  and  his  kingdom  against  it. 

V.  19.  Hezekiah  humbly  and  submissively  allowed  the 
justice  of  the  sentence,  and  the  goodness  of  God  in  the  re- 
spite ; and  gratefully  acknowledged  his  unmerited  kindness,  in 
the  peace,  prosperity,  and  continuance  of  true  religion  in  his 
days.  Yet  the  prospect,  respecting  his  family  and  nation, 
must  have  occasioned  him  many  painful  sensations.  ( Marg . 
Ref.) 

T.  20,  21.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  2 Chr.  32:3,4,30—33. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 11.  4 In  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death:’ — happy 
then  are  they,  and  they  alone,  who  are  habitually  prepared 
for  that  event ! Yet  even  to  them,  it  is  desirable  to  be  apprised 
of  its  immediate  approach  : that  they  may  settle  all  their  tem- 
poral concerns,  for  the  peace  and  benefit  of  their  survivors  ; 
and  then  meet  the  separating  stroke,  with  that  calmness,  and 
in  that  frame  of  spirit,  which  may  most  impress  and  edify  sur- 
rounding friends. — If  the  Lord  seem  in  his  providence  to  com- 
mand us  44  to  set  our  house  in  order,  for  we  must  die,  and  not 
live and  yet  afterwards  unexpectedly  prolong  our  days ; 
our  preparation  in  that  case  will  neither  mar  the  comfort,  nor 
lessen  the  usefulness,  of  our  future  lives. — It  is  frequently  re- 
quired of  ministers,  to  intimate  to  sick  persons  the  probability, 
or  supposed  certainty,  of  their  approaching  dissolution  ; as 
well  as  to  assist  them  in  improving  the  visitation,  and  in'pre- 
paring  for  the  event:  and  should  such  intimations  afterwards 
prove  erroneous,  they  ought  not  to  be  censured  ; for  they  can 
only  speak  according  to  their  judgment,  and  deliver  that  mes- 
sage from  God,  which  appears  to  them  suited  to  the  case  of 
those  whom  they  address. — Though  miracle's,  properly  so 
called,  have  ceased  ; yet  the  Lord  hears  the  prayer  of  faith 
for  the  sick,  and  sometimes  remarkably  prospers  simple 
means,  used  in  dependence  on  his  blessing.  And  though 
physicians,  (for  prophets  are  not  now  sent  from  God  to  inform 
us  in  these  matters,)  should  give  little  encouragement  respect- 
ing the  recovery  of  beloved  and  useful  persons  ; we  may  still 
continue  to  pray  for  them  : for, 44  with  God  all  things  are  pos- 
sible,” and  the  most  sagacious  of  men  are  often  found  mis- 
taken. In  respect  of  ourselves,  it  is  generally  best  to  be 
willing  to  depart,  and  to  pray  especially  for  spiritual  blessings 
in  behalf  of  ourselves  and  others.  Yet  there  maybe  cases,  in 
which  men  may  with  propriety  be  importunate  for  the  continu- 
ance of  life  and  health,  in  order  to  complete  designs  of  public 
and  allowed  utility,  which  appear  likely  to  be  frustrated  i. 
they  should  be  removed  ; or  when  in  any  way  the  important 
interests  of  families,  churches,  or  nations  appear  to  them  con- 
nected with  their  lives.  Yet,  as  we  are  all  liable  to  mistake 
in  these  concerns,  submission  to  the  divine  will  ought  inva- 
riably to  be  united  with  such  petitions  : and  nothing  else 
should  make  any  man  desirous  to  live  in  this  wretched  world, 
who  knows  that  he  is  ready  for  a better. — The  mercy  of  our 
God,  and  the  merits  of  our  heavenly  Advocate,  form  tho  sin- 
ner’s never-failing  plea  at  the  throne  of  grace  : yet,  the  con- 
sciousness of  sn  verity  in  our  professed  faith  and  piety,  gives 
confidence  in  tint -is  of  trial ; and  may,  on  some  occasions,  ho 
pleaded  before  him,  without  the  imputation  of  pride  or  s«  If- 
righteousness. — Secret  earnest  prayer  is  the  approved  and 
successful  method  of  obtaining  relief  and  comfort,  in  seasons 
of  tho  deepest  distress  and  sometimes  the  Lord  immediately 
turns  the  mourning  of  the  humble  supplicant  into  joy  and 
thanksgiving.  He  always  hoars  the  prayers  and  sees  tho 


B.  C.  67U 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


B.  C.  670 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

SJanasech  reigns  very  wickedly  and  idolalrouely , 1—9.  Prophets  are  sent  to 
predict  judgments  upon  Judah  because  of  his  wickedness , 10 — 16.  He  dies 
and  is  succeeded  by  Amon,  17,18.  Amon  reigns  wickedly , 19—22.  He  is 
slain  by  his  servants  ; the  people  put  the  conspirators  to  death , and  make 
his  son  Josiah  king,  23, 24.  Amon's  acts  and  burial , 25,  26. 

MANASSEH  "teas  twelve  years  old  when  he 
began  to  reign,  and  reigned  fifty  and  five 
vears  in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother’s  name  was 
'■Hephzi-bah. 

2 And  'lie  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord,  dafter  the  abominations  of  the  hea- 
then, whom  the  Lord  cast  out  before  the  children 
of  Israel. 

3 For  he  built  up  again  'the  high  places  which 
Hezekiah  his  father  had  destroyed  ; and  f he  reared 


. 20:21.  1 Chr.  3:13.  2 Chr.  32:33.  33:1.  Mall. 1:10.  Mnnaaaea.  b Prov.5:19. 
. 62:1.  mors.  c 7,16.  16:2-4.  22:17.  2 Chr.  33:2— 4.  d Lrv.  18:2.5— 29. 

Dent  12:31.  2 Chr. 36:14.  Kz.  16:51.  e 18:4,22.  2 Chr.  32:12.  34:3.  f 10:18 — 
CO  1 Kings  16:31— 33.  18:21,26.  g 8:18,27.  Mic.  6:16.  h 17:16.  23:4.  Deut.  4: 
19.  17:3.  2 Chr.  33:3— 5.  i 16:10— 16.  Jer.32:34.  j Er.  20:24.  Deut.  12:5. 


tears  of  tlic  broken  in  heart ; and  will  give  health,  length  of 
days,  and  temporal  deliverances,  as  much,  and  as  long,  as 
they  arc  Iruly  beneficial. — The  minister  of  Christ  must  deliver 
his  Lord’s  message,  even  when  it  contains  alarms  and  re- 
bukes ; but  he  delights  to  bo  the  messenger  of  joy  and  conso- 
lation, to  those  whom  his  word  has  previously  wounded. — If 
we  would  have  promised  mercies,  we  must  observe  the  insti- 
tuted means ; for  these,  being  connected  with  the  end  by  the 
express  promises  of  God,  are  far  more  certainly  efficacious, 
when  used  properly,  than  any  of  these  means  which  produce 
their  effect  in  the  ordinary  course  of  Providence : and  yet,  the 
latter  ought  not  to  be  neglected,  lest  we  tempt  rather  than 
trust  the  Lord. — Recovery  from  sickness  should  always  be 
publicly  acknowledged,  by  first  “ going  up  to  the  house  of  the 
Lord,”  to  render  the  sacrifices  of  praise  and  thanksgiving,  if 
it  can  be  done  : yet  alas ! few  observe  this  rule,  and  many  of 
those  few  do  it  as  a formal  task  ; while  re-established  health 
is  employed  in  scenes  of  diversion  or  business,  if  not  more 
directly  devoted  to  the  service  of  Satan  by  licentious  pleasures. 
(Note,  Luke  17:11 — 19.)  But  the  true  believer  values  the 
ability  and  opportunity  of  attending  on  the  ordinances  of  God, 
and  will  go  up  with  a glad  and  thankful  heart ; (Notes,  Ps. 
118:17 — 24.)  and  will  value  that,  more  than  any  other  privi- 
lege of  health. — True  faith  is  not  without  its  misgivings,  so 
that  the  strongest  believers  desire  to  have  theirs  more 
strengthened : and  in  their  experience,  the  Lord  is  pleased 
sometimes  to  give  those  evidences  of  his  power,  truth,  and 
love  to  them,  which  establish  their  hearts  as  effectually  as 
miraculous  signs  did  of  old.  All  creatures  are  his  servants, 
to  minister  to  the  good  of  his  children;  and  in  answer  to  their 
prayers  he  can,  in  innumerable  ways,  render  them  subser- 
vient even  to  their  spiritual  benefit. 

V.  12 — 21.  Alas  ! how  seldom  do  we  make  suitable  returns 
to  the  Lord  for  his  condescending  mercies  to  us  ! Ambition 
and  ostentation  too  generally  intrude,  where  thankfulness 
alone  should  occupy  the  heart ; and  we  are  often  chargeable 
with  pride,  vanity,  and  carnal  confidence,  when  we  do  not 
suspect  ourselves. — It  is  very  difficult  to  possess  distinctions 
in  rank,  wealth,  elegant  furniture,  or  any  thing  valued  by  men, 
without  a secret  self-preference,  and  a desire  that  others 
should  admire  the  possessor’s  ingenuity,  taste,  magnificence, 
or  felicity.  This  foolish  pride  the  Lord  will  rebuke  and  cor- 
rect in  those  whom  he  loves ; and  especially  when  they  idolize 
the  opinion  of  ungodly  men,  and  court  their  acquaintance,  be- 
cause they  profess  to  esteem  and  admire  them.  But  it  is 
hopeful,  when  persons  in  superior  rank  will  endure  to  be  rea- 
soned with,  and  reproved  by  those,  who  in  outward  circum- 
stances are  greatly  their  inferiors  : for  generally  such  inter- 
ference, however  well  meant  and  prudently  conducted,  excites 
resentment.  If  we  could  look  into  futurity,  it  would  damp 
our  joy  in  present  prosperity  : and  we  may  expect  vexation 
from  every  object,  in  proportion  as  we  have  been  inordinately 
pleased  with  it.— Our  regard  to  posterity,  and  our  grief  for 
the  gloomy  prospects  before  us,  in  the  church  or  the  world, 
must  not  render  us  unmindful  of  our  present  mercies,  or  in- 
duce impatient  murmurs.  Our  God  has  wife  and  righteous 
reasons  for  all  he  does,  or  permits  to  be  done  ; and  if  we  enjoy 
peace,  and  the  advantages  of  true  religion  in  our  days,  we 
should  be  very  thankful.  Shortly,  our  trials  and  services  will 
end  together.  Our  space  is  limited,  though  its  limits  are  un- 
known to  us,  and  then  we  shall  sleep  with  our  fathers  And 
“ blessed  are  the  dead,  which  die  in  the  Lord ; ...  for  they  rest 
from  their  labours,  and  their  works  do  follow  them  !” 
NOTES.— Chap.  XXI.  V.  1,  2.  It  is  uncertain  whether 
Hezekiah  had  any  other  children  than  Manasseh,  or  any 
other  wives  than  Hephzi-bah,  whose  name  signifies  My  de- 
light is  in  her.  (Is.  62:4.)  Doubtless,  Manasseh  had  been 
properly  educated  during  the  lifetime  of  his  father  ; and  the 
rudiments  of  religious  knowledge  which  he  then  imbided, 
Jiough  they  exceedingly  aggravated  the  guilt  of  his  enormous 
tnpiety,  idolatry,  and  cruelty,  might  prove  the  seeds  of  his 
ubsequent  repentance : at  least  we  may  be  sure,  that  his 
pious  father  offered  many  prayers  for  him,  which  at  length 
were  answered.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  33:12 — 17.) — It  would  be 
pleasing  to  his  youthful  mind  to  inherit  a prosperous  kingdom 


I up  altars  for  Baa!,  and  made  a gre  ve.  as>  did  «Ahab 
I king  of  Israel ; hand  worshipped  all  the  .tost  o 
heaven,  and  served  them. 

4 And  ‘he  built  altars  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord  of  which  the  Lord  said,  Jin  Jerusalem  will 

1 put  my  name. 

5 And  he  built  altars  for  all  the  host  of  heaven 
kin  the  two  courts  of  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

6 And  'he  made  his  son  pass  through  the  fire, 
and  observed  mtimes,  and  used  enchantments,  and 
dealt  with  “familiar  spirits  and  wizards : lie 
“wrought  much  wickedness  in  the  sight  of  the 
Lord,  to  provoke  him  to  anger. 

7 And  rfie  set  a graven  image  of  the  grove 
that  he  had  made  in  the  house,  of  which  the  Lord 

2 Sam.  7:13.  1 Kings  8:29.  9:3.  Ps.  78:68,69. 132:13,14.  U 23:4,6.  1 King!  9:36. 
7:12.  2 Chr.  33:5,15.  Ez.  411:28,32,37,47.  42:3.  43:5.  44: 19.  I 16:3.17:17.  Le». 
18:21.20:2,3.  2 Chr.28:3.  33:6.  m Lev.  19:26,31.  Deut.  Is:  10 — 14.  n 1 Chr. 
10:13.  Is.  8:19.  19:3.  Acts  16:16.  o 24:3,4.  Gen.  13:13.  p 23:6.  2 Chr.  33: 
7,15. 


so  early  in  life  ; but  this  circumstance  proved  extremely  pre- 
judicial to  him,  and  was  still  more  ruinous  to  his  people. 

( Notes  and  P.  O.  Duke  15:11 — 16.)  The  event,  as  well  as 
the  testimony  of  the  prophets,  evinces,  that  Hezekiah’s  re- 
formation had  been  complied  with  in  a reluctant  and  hypocri- 
tical manner,  especially  by  many  of  the  chief  men  : and  that 
the  nation  was  ripening  fast  for  destruction.  The  nobles,  upon 
whom  the  regency,  or  the  counselling  of  thejioung  king,  mus 
necessarily  devolve,  seem  to  have  been  disposed  to  idolatry 
and  by  humouring  and  flattering  Manasseh,  they  trained  him 
to  concur  with  their  wishes,  and  probably  to  go  much  beyona 
them.  (Notes,.  2 Chr . 24:17,18.  Matt.  23:15.)  Soon  after 
Hezekiah’s  death,  his  reformation  was  subverted  : and  the 
king  proceeded  from  bad  to  worse,  till  he  was  carried  captive 
to  Babylon.  Thus  Hezekiah,  though  a prince  of  eminent 
piety  and  excellence,  was  ihe  son  of  a very  wicked  father, 
and  the  father  of  a still  more  wicked  son  ! ( Margs  Ref.) 

V.  3.  It  is  probable,  that  Manasseh  was  taught  to  consi 
der  his  father’s  attachment  to  the  temple,  as  the  effect  of  a 
weak  and  bigoted  mind.  It  appeared  to  the  nobles  more 
convenient,  liberal,  and  magnificent,  to  have  a variety  ol 
temples  and  altars;  than  to  be  confined  to  meet  with  the 
poorest  of  the  people,  from  all  parts  of  the  land,  at  Solomon’s 
temple.  (Notes,  1 Kings  12:26 — 29.  2 Chr.  24:17,18.  Is. 
29:13—16.)  In  contempt  therefore  of  his  father’s  memory, 
the  king  rebuilt  the  high  places,  which  had  been  piously  de- 
stroyed. (Notes,  18:4,22.  2 Chr.  31:1.  Ec.  2:12 — 17.)  Yet 
this  seemed  but  a light  thing,  and  he  soon  proceeded  to  copy 
Ahab’s  idolatry,  and  even  greatly  to  exceed  it.  (Note,  1 
Kings  16:30—33.) 

V.  4,  5.  In  order,  as  if  were,  the  more  directly  to  insult 
the  God  of  Israel,  Manasseh  built  altars  to  his  idols,  and  to 
the  host  of  heaven,  the  sun,  moon,  and  stars  ; (Note,  Deut. 
4:19.)  not  only  in  Jerusalem,  where  the  Lord  had  recorded 
his  name  ; but  even  in  the  conns  of  the  temple  itself ; both 
that  into  which  the  priests  and  Levites,  and  such  as  brought 
sacrifices  entered,  and  that  in  which  the  other  worshippers 
assembled.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  2 Chr.  33:6 — 8.) 

V.  6.  His  son.]  u His  children.”  2 Chr.  33:6.  Amon 
was  not  born  till  the  thirty-third  year  of  Manasseh’s  reign, 
which  is  generally  computed  to  have  been  subsequent  to  his 
captivity  and  repentance.  (1,19.)  If  so,  some  other  son  was 
thus  dedicated  to  his  idol,  perhaps  with  some  of  his  daughters 
likewise,  of  whom  nothing  is  recorded.  But  it  may  be  doubted 
whether  Manasseh’s  captivity  was  so  long  before  his  death  : 
the  general  character  of  his  reign  in  Scripture,  and  the  very 
imperfect  reformation  which  afterwards  took  place,  seem  to 
render  that  opinion  improbable  ; and  there  is  no  scriptural 
information  concerning  the  dale  of  his  captivity,  or  even  the 
name  of  the  Assyrian  king  who  carried  him  captive:  so  that 
perhaps  Amon  was  the  son  here  peculiarly  intended.  (Note, 
2 Chr.  33:11.) 

Observed  times,  &c.]  (Notes,  Ex.  22:18.  Deut.  18:9 — 12.) 
The  persons  who  practised,  or  pretended  to,  these  several 
methods  of  holding  correspondence  with  invisible  agents,  or 
obtaining  information  from  them,  were  Manasseh’s  oracles: 
and  he  inquired  of  them,  instead  of  consulting  the  Lord  by  his 
prophets,  or  by  the  high-priest.  No  doubt,  they  humoured 
his  vanity,  and  aimed  to  gratify  his  curiosity,  without  teaching 
him  his  duty,  or  reproving  him  for  his  sins.  In  this  he  went 
beyond  all  his  predecessors.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  1 Chr. 
10:13,14.  2 Chr.  33:9,10.) 

V.  7,  8.  Notes,  2 Sam.  7:8—11.  1 Kings  6:11—13.  9:3 

—6.  Ps.  78:69. 

Of  the  grove.  (7)  Perhaps  this  was  a model  of 

some  grove,  used  for  idolatrous  worship:  though  it  is  com- 
monly supposed  to  have  been  the  image  of  one  of  Manasseh’s 
idols.  (Note,  17:16.)  Some  think  that  it  was  a wooden 
image  of  Ashteroth,  or  Astarte.  (Note,  Judg.  2:11 — 13.) — 
Manasseh  seems  to  have  placed  this  image  in  the  temple 
itself.  Thus  he  purposely  affronted  the  Lord,  and  set  him 
at  defiance;  making  the  idol  his  rival,  to  intercept  the  adora- 
tion of  his  worshippers. 

V.  9.  Manasseh  proposed  one  idolatry  after  another;  and 
the  people  in  general  readily  complied,  both  to  obtain  his 
( 699  ) 


B.  C.  641. 


II.  KINGS. 


B.  C. 641 


naid  to  David,  and  to  Solomon  his  son,  nln  this 
louse,  and  in  Jerusalem,  which  I have  chosen  out 
of  all  tribes  of  Israel,  will  I put  my  name  for 
ever : 

8 Neither  rwill  I make  the  feet  of  Israel  move 
any  more  out  of  the  land  which  I gave  their 
fathers  ; 'only  if  they  will  observe  to  do  according 
to  all  that  I have  commanded  them,  and  accord- 
ing to  all  the  law  that  my  servant  Moses  com- 
manded them. 

9 But  'they  hearkened  not:  and  Manasseh 
'seduced  them  to  do  "more  evil  than  did  the  na- 

ions,  whom  the  Lord  destroyed  before  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel.  [ Practical  Observation*.] 

10  MI  And  rthe  Lord  spake  by  his  servants  the 
prophets,  sayins-, 

1 1 ’Because  Manasseh  king  of  Judah  hath  done 
these  abominations,  and  hath  done  wickedly 
"above  all  that  the  Amorites  did,  which  were 
before  him,  and  hath  bmade  Judah  also  to  sin 
with  his  idols : 

12  Therefore  thus  saith  the  Lord  God  oflsrael, 
Behold,  CI  am  bringing  such  evil  upon  Jerusalem 
and  Judah,  that  ‘'whosoever  heareth  of  it,  both 
his  ears  shall  tingle. 

13  And  "I  will  stretch  over  Jerusalem  the  line  of 
Samaria,  and’1  the  plummet  of  the  house  of  Aliab  : 
and  si  will  wipe  Jerusalem,  as  a man  wipeth  a 
dish,  'wiping  it,  and  turning  it  upside  down. 

14  And  hI  will  forsake  'the  remnant  of  mine  in- 
heritance, and  kleliver  them  into  the  hand  of  their 
enemies  ; and  they  shall  become  a prey  and  a spoil 
to  all  their  enemies  ; 

15  Because  they  have  done  that  which  was 
evil  in  my  sight,  and  have  provoked  me  to  anger, 
''since  the  day  their  fathers  came  lbrth  out  of 
Egypt,  even  unto  this  day. 

q 4.  23:27.  1 Kings  8:29,44.  9:3,7.  2 Chr.  7:7,16,20.  Neh.l:9.  Ps.  74:2.  78:69. 
69.132:13,14.  r 18:11.  2 Sam.  7:10.  1 Chr.  17:9.  2 Chr.  33:8.  s Lev.  26:3, 
Sic.  Deut.  5:28,29.  QS:1,  Slc.  Josh.  23:11— 13.  Ps.  37:3.  81:11— 16.  Is.  1 : 19.  Jer. 
7:3—7,23.  17:20—87.  Ur..  22:2—16.  33:25—29.  t 2 Chr.  36:16.  Kira  9:10,11. 
Nell.  9:23,29,30.  Ps.  81:11.  Dan.  9:6,10.11.  I. like  13:34.  John  15:22.  Jam.  4:17. 
u 1 Kings  14  16.  2 Chr.  33:9.  Ps.  12.8.  Prov.  29:12.  IIos.  5:11.  Rev.  2:211. 
x Ei.  16:47.51,52.  y 2 Chr.  33:10.  35:15.  Nth.  9:26,30.  Malt.  23:34— 37. 
I 23:25.27.24.3,4.  Jer.  15:4.  a l Kings  21:20.  El.  16:3,43.  b 1 Kings  14:16. 
15:30.16:19.  c 22:16.  Dan.  9:12.  Mic.  3:12.  cl  1 Sain.  3:11.  Is.  28:19.  Jer. 
19:3.  Mall.  24:21,22.  I.nlce  23:23.29.  Rev.  6:15— 17.  e 17  6.  Is.  28: 17.  31: 1 1 . 
Lain.  2:8.  Ei.  23:31-34.  Am.  7:7,8.  Zecli.  1:16.  f 10:11.  1 Kings  21:21— 24. 
g Is.  14:23.  Jer.  25:9.  Ez.  24:10,11.  Rev.  18:21-23.  • Heb.  he  wipeth  end 

lumelh  it  upon  the  face  thereof,  h Pent.  31  17.  2 Chr.  15  2.  Ps.  37:28.  Jer. 
23:33.  Lam.  5:20.  i 19  1,30,31.  24.2.  2 Chr.  36:16,17.  Jer.  23:33.  J Lev.  26: 

favour,  and  because  it  suited  their  depraved  inclinations. 
Tlius  they  proceeded  to  such  an  excess  of  wickedness,  that 
they  became  worse  than  the  ancient  Amorites  or  Canaanites, 
on  whom  Israel  had  inflicted  the  veneeancc  of  heaven.  (Notes, 
Lev.  14:24—30.  Ez.  18:48— 55.) 

V.  10—12.  (Marg.Ref.  Note,  9.)  It  is  not  certain, 
that  any  of  the  prophets,  whose  writings  have  come  down  to 
us,  lived  in  the  time  of  Manasseh.  Isaiah  and  Hoshea  pro- 
bably were  dead.  (Notes,  16.  19:2.  Is.  1:1.  Hos.  1:1.) 
Jeremiah  did  not  begin  to  prophesy  till  several  years  after 
Manasseh’s  death.  It  is  not  known  when  Joel  flourished. 
Nahum  and  Habakkuk  seem  to  have  lived  at  a later  period. 
But  a succession  of  prophets  was  raised  up ; and  many, 
doubtless,  addressed  their  contemporaries,  whose  writings 
and  names  have  not  reached  us. — Tingle.  (12)  Note,  I 
Sum.  3:11. 

Y.  13.  As  the  builder  keeps  his  work  exactly  straight  and 
perpendicular,  by  the  line  and  the  plummet  : so  the  Lord 
would  execute  strict  justice  upon  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusa- 
lem: proceeding  by  the  same  measure  with  them,  as  he  had 
done  wilh  those  of  Samaria,  whom  he  divided  to  the  famine, 
to  the  sword,  and  to  captivity ; nay,  he  would  be  as  severe 
with  ihetn,  as  ho  had  been  with  ihe  idolatrous  family  of  Allah. 
(1  Kings  21:21 — 24.)  The  subsequent  expressive  similitude 
emphatically  represents  the  city  subverted,  and  totally  deso- 
lated ; yet  not  finally  destroyed,  hut  cleansed  from  idolatry, 
and  reserved  for  the  future  residence  of  tKe  Jews.  (Notes, 
Ez.  24:3—11.) 

V.  14.  Forsake,  Sic..]  Not  finally,  hut  for  a season,  dur- 
ing the  Babylonish  captivity  : yet  this  only  related  to  the  col- 
lective body  of  the  nation,  and  their  external  privileges  ; for 
individual  believers  were  preserved,  and  peculiarly  noticed, 
even  during  that  visitation.  (Note,  I Sam.  12:22.) 

V.  15.  IMarg.Rrf.k.  Notes,  Jer.  15:1 — 5.  Ez.  20:5 — 38. 

V.  16.  Probably,  infants  were  burnt  in  the  fire,  by  Ma- 
nasseh’s authority  and  command  to  Molech  ; and  the  oppres- 
sion, violence,  and  cruelty  of  his  general  administration  might 
aecasion  much  unrighteous  shedding  of  blood:  but  his  perse- 
cuting rage,  against  those  who  opposed  and  reproved  his  ido- 
airi  js,  seems  especially  intended.  The  Jewish  writers  assert, 
hat  ne  cau  ed  the  venerable  Isaiah  to  he  sawn  asunder, 
(or  warning  him  and  his  people  of  approaching  vengeance  : 

I 700  ) 


16  Moreover,  'Manasseh  shed  innocent  blood 
very  much,  till  he  had  filled  Jerusalem  from  'one 
end  1o  another;  '"besides  his  sin  wherewith  he  made 
Judah  to  sin,  in  doing  that  which  was  evil  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord. 

17  Now  "the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Manasseh, 
and  all  that  he  did,  and  his  sin  that  he  sinned,  are 
they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the  Chronicles  of 
the  kings  of  Judah  ? 

18  And  Manasseh  slept  with  his  fathers,  i-b.c. 
"and  was  buried  in  the  garden  of  his  own  LM3- 
house,  in  the  garden  of  Uzza  : and  Amon  his 
son  reisaied  in  his  stead. 

19  f A moil  was  twenty  and  two  years  old 
when  he  began  to  reign,  and  he  reigned  itwo 
years  in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother’s  name  t cas 
Meshullemeth,  the  daughter  of  Haruz  of  Jothah. 

20  And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord,  ras  his  lather  Manasseh  did. 

21  And  he  walked  in  all  the  way  that  his 
father  walked  in,  and  served  the  idols  that  his 
father  served,  and  worshipped  them  : 

22  And  she  forsook  the  Lord  God  of  his  fathers, 
and  walked  not  in  the  way  of  the  Lord. 

23  Ml  And  'the  servants  of  Amon  conspired  i-b.c 
against  him,  and  slew  the  king  in  his  own  I-641- 
house. 

24  And  “the  people  of  the  land  slew  all  them 
that  had  conspired  against  king  Amon ; and  ‘the 
people  of  the  land  made  Josiah  his  son  king  in 
bis  stead. 

25  Now  y the  lest  of  the  acts  of  Amon  which 
he  did,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  of  the 
Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah? 

26  And  he  was-  buried  in  his  sepulchre  2in  the 
garden  of  Uzza:  and  "Josiah  his  son  reigned  in 
his  stead. 


17,36— 38.  Deut.  4:26,27.  28:25,31— 33,48.  Jude.  2:14,13.  Nell.  9:27— 37.  Pe 
106:40—43.  Is. 10:6.  Lam.  1:5,10.  k Deni.  9:24.  31:27.29.  Jude.  2: II— 13.  P» 
106:34  -40.  Ez.  16:15,  &c.  20:4,13,21,30.  23.3,8, &c.  Dan.  9:5— 11.  124:3,4. 
N urn.  35:33.  Dent.  21:8,9.  Jer.  2:34.  7:6.  15:4.  Mall. 23:30, 31. 27:6.  Luke  13: 
31.  Heb.  11:37.  t Heb , mouth  lo  mouth . m 7,11.  Ex.32:*21.  1 Kings  14:15, 
16.  2 Chr.  33:9.  n See  on  20.29,21.  2 Chr.  33:11— 19.  o 2 C’lir.  21:20.  24:16. 
25.28:27.3-2:33.33:20.  Jer.  22:19.  p l Chr.  3:14.  2 Chr.  33:21.  Matt.  1- 
10.  q 15:23.  1 Kings  15:25.  16:8  . 22:51.  r 2— 7.  Num.  32:14.  2 Chr.  33:22, 
23.  Matt.  23:32.  /lets  7:51.  s Deut.  32:15.  1 Kings  1 1 33.  1 Chr.  28:9.  Jer. 
2:13.  Jon.  2.8.  t 12:20.  14:19.  15:25,30.  ! Kings  15:27.  16:9.  2 Chr.  33x 
24,25.  u 14:5.  x 11:17.  14:21.  1 Sam.  11:15.  2 Sam.  5:3.  1 Kings  12:1, 
20.  2 Chr.  22:1.  26:1.  33:25.  y 17.  See  on  20.20.  z See  on  18.  a l Kings 
13:2. 


but  this  is  of  very  questionable  authority.  It  is  not  said  that 
Isaiah  prophesied  in  the  days  of  Manasseh : nor  is  it  proba- 
ble that  he  did.  (IVote,  Is.  1:1.) — His  multiplied  and  varied 
murders,  however,  were  an  addition  to  his  unprecedented 
idolatries,  and  indeed  inseparably  connected  wilh  them:  for 
thus,  as  well  as  by  seducing  the  people,  ( Note , 9.)  “he  made 
Judah  to  sin.” 

V.  17,  18.  We  shall  hereafter  meet  with  a more  pleasing 
account  of  the  latter  part  of  Manasseh’s  reign.  ( Notes,  2 Chr. 
33:11 — 19.) — He  was  not  buried  in  the  sepulchre  of  the  kings, 
u but  in  the  garden  of  Uzza,”  “in  his  own  house,”  or  some 
sepulchre  which  he  had  prepared  there  for  himself.  This 
seems  to  have  been  a penitent  confession,  that  his  crimes  had 
rendered  him  unworthy  to  be  numbered  with  the  descendants 
of  David.  Some,  however,  suppose  that,  the  people  would 
not  allow  him  that  honour.  Yet,  no  doubt,  he  was  a true 
penitent,  though  it  is  not  here  mentioned.  (Note,  I Kings  li: 
42,43.) 

Of  Uzza.  (18)  ‘ Some  think  this  was  the  place  where 

Uzziah  was  buried’;  (2  Chr.  2G:23.)  and  that  he  chose  to  he 
buried  here,  as  unworthy  because  of  his  manifold  sins,  (of 
which  he  repented,)  to  be  laid  in  the  common  sepulchre  of  tne 
kings  of  Judah.jp  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  20 — 24.  If  Manasseh  repented  only  in  the  latter  years 
of  his  life,  Amon  was  trained  up  in  his  youth,  with  the  worst 
instructions,  and  was  accustomed  to  copy  the  worst  exam- 
ples : and  to  these  he  adhered,  without  regarding  his  father’s 
subsequent  good  behaviour  or  advice.  1 He  was  bred  up  in 
idolatry,  and  solemnly  consecrated  by  his  father  to  the  ser- 
vice of  Molech.’  Bp.  Patrick.  If  this  were  the  case,  Ma- 
nasseh’s captivity  and  repentance  must  have  taken  place  at  a 
later  period,  than  is  generally  assigned  it.  ( Notes,  6 . 2 Chr. 
33:11,21 — 25.)  Amon’s  reign  was  very  short,  and  he  was 

soon  cut  off  in  his  sins.  Perhaps,  his  murderers  meant  to 
exclude  the  family  of  David,  ami  seize  tho  throne  for  then* 
selves;  but  this  was  contrary  to  the  purpose  of  God  and  met 
with  due  punishment  from  the  people:  and  their  wickedness 
made  way  for  Josiah,  under  whoso  government  the  nation 
had  one  bright  expiring  gleam  of  reformation  and  prosperity. 

V.  2G.  Note , 18. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  Young  persons  arv  gene  ally  dr  liroun  of  being 


B.  C.  641 


CHAPTER  XXII 


13.  C.  624. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

Josiah  reigns  well , 1,2.  He  provides  for  the  repairs  of  the  temple,  Z — 7. 
Hilkiah  finds  the  book  of  the  law,  which  is  read  to  the  kin g ; who  it  alarmed, 
and  sends  to  inquire  of  God,  by  IJulduh  the  prophetess,  8 — 14.  She  fore- 
tells the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  but  speaks  peace  to  Josiah,  15 — 20. 

* T OSI AH  urns  beight  years  old  when  he  began 
J to  reign,  and  he  reigned  thirty  and  one  years 
in  Jerusalem:  and  his  mother’s  name  was  Jedi- 
iah  the  daughter  of  Adaiah,  of  “Boscath. 

2 And  he  did  that  which  was  dright  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord,  and  “walked  in  all  the  way  of  David 
his  father,  and  ‘turned  not  aside  to  the  right  hand 
or  to  the  left. 

a.  c.-i  3 H And  it  came  to  pass  sin  the  eighteenth 
624 ■ -I  year  of  king  Josiah,  that  the  king  sent 
Shaphan  the  son  of  Azaliah,  the  son  of  Meshullam, 
the  scribe,  to  the  house  of  the  Lord,  saying, 

4 Go  up  to  hHilkiah  the  high-priest,  that  he 

a l Kings  13:2.  2 Chr.  34:1,2.  Jer.  1:2.  Zeph.Ul.  Matt.  1 : 10.  Josias.  b 11: 
21.21:1.  Ts.  8:2.  Ec.  10:16.  Is.  3:4.  c Josh.  15:39.  Bozkath.  cl  16:2.  18:3. 

2 Chr.  17:3.29  2.  Prov.  20:11.  e l Kings  3:6.  11:38. 15:5.  I Deal.  5:32.  Josh. 
1:7.  Pror.  4:27.  Kz.l&U— 17.  g 2 Chr.  34:3— 8.  h 1 ( hr. 6:13.  9:11.  2 Chr. 
34:9—18.  i 12:4,8-11.  2 Chr.  24:8— 12.  Mark  12:41,42.  j 1 Chr.  9:19.  26:13 

their  own  masters,  and  of  obtaining  early  possession  of  riches 
or  power,  that  they  may  indulge  their  inclinations  and  self- 
importance  : and  too  often,  from  such  motives,  are  secretly 
rejoiced  at  the  death  of  their  parents.  But  this  generally 
ruins  the  comfort  of  their  future  lives,  and  renders  them  the 
instruments  of  immense  mischief  to  those  who  are  unhappily 
connected  with  them.  It  is  much  safer  and  happier,  when 
youth  is  sheltered  under  the  fostering  care  of  affectionate  and 
prudent  parents,  or  of  faithful  guardians  and  tutors  ; till 
greater  maturity  of  age  and  experience  gives  a more  hopeful 
prospect  of  discretion.  Though  such  young  persons  are  less 
indulged,  caressed,  and  flattered,  and  are  laid  under  restric- 
tions unpleasant  at  the  time  ; they  may  live  to  be  thankful  for 
the  restraints,  under  which  at  present  they  are  impatient. — 
None  are  more  abandoned  than  those,  who  become  wicked 
after  a religious  education;  for  they  cannot  have  quietness  in 
vice,  till  by  desperate  courses  they  have  effectually  stupified 
I heir  consciences  : and  in  every  case,  the  greater  the  obsta- 
cles which  are  surmounted,  before  men  attain  to  the  undis- 
turbed indulgence  of  their  lusts,  the  more  lost  they  are  after- 
wards to  all  sense  of  shame  or  decency.  But  the  Lord  will 
put  his  fear  into  the  hearts  of  his  true  people,  that  they  shall 
not  finally  depart  from  him:  (Note,  Jer.  32:38 — 41.)  yet  in 
ihe  reformation  of  collective  bodies,  numbers  are  mere  time- 
servers,  such  as  w believe  for  a season,  but  in  temptation  fall 
away.”  ( Note , Matt.  13:20,21 . ) — The  mind  of  man  is  dis- 
posed to  vibrate  from  one  extreme  to  another;  as  the  de- 
scending stone  falls  with  a force  proportioned  to  the  height 
to  which  it  was  raised  : so  that  times  of  remarkable  revival 
in  religion  have  often  been  succeeded  by  those  of  most  noto- 
rious infidelity,  impiety,  and  profligacy. — The  ambition  of 
excelling  proYnpts  sinners  to  aspire  after  pre-eminence  even 
in  crimes ; and  men  are  capable  of  glorying  in  having  gone 
beyond  all  their  predecessors  in  iniquity,  and  in  refining  upon 
the  blasphemy  and  sensuality  of  former  times,  or  of  contem- 
porary rivals  in  vice  ! — An  infidel  neglect  of  true  religion,  is 
often  connected  with  the  most  absurd  credulity  and  ridiculous 
superstitions  ! — Some  daring  sinners  not  only  seek  to  gratify 
their  lusts,  but  seem  desirous  of  forcing  their  crimes  upon  the 
notice  of  the  Almighty;  as  if  ambitious  of  provoking  his  in- 
dignation by  every  token  of  contempt,  and  defiance  ! and  they 
peculiarly  delight  in  seducing  others  to  commit  the  same 
wickedness,  as  if  ambitious  also  of  promoting  the  ruin  of  their 
souls ! — The  vain  glory  of  young  persons  often  appears  in 
affecting  to  be  wiser  than  their  prudent  and  pious  parents,  by 
reversing  all  their  plans,  and  especially  by  treating  with  con- 
tempt their  religious  singularities,  as  they  suppose  them  to  be. 
— But  these  are  the  ways  in  which  men  expose  their  own 
folly,  and  bring  ruin  upon  themselves : thus  they  forfeit  the 
Lord’s  favour  and  protection,  and  fall  under  his  dreadful  in- 
dignation : and  all  the  mischief  which  they  have  done  to 
others  will  recoil  upon  themselves,  to  their  increasing  guilt 
and  condemnation  ; except  a timely  repentance  prevent  the 
fatal  consequences. 

V.  10 — 26.  If  temporal  judgments  are  so  dreadful  when 
foreseen  or  reported ; what  will  be  the  horror  of  that  day, 
when  k ’lie  earth  shall  disclose  her  blood,  and  shall  no  more 
cover  her  slain  !”  (Note,  Is.  26:20,21.)  Yet,  in  the  severest 
vengeance,  the  Lord  proceeds  by  rule  and  measure,  and  does 
not  punish  either  nations  or  individuals  beyond  their  deserts. — 
External  privileges,  instead  of  benefiting  those  who  neglect 
the  obedience  of  faith,  will  immensely  enhance  their  guilt  and 
punishment. — The  Lord  wil^cast  otf  any  professing  people, 
who  dishonour  him  by  their  crimes,  and  who  persecute  his 
servants  : but  he  will  never  desert  his  cause  on  earth. — When 
sinners  disregard  the  invitations  and  exhortations  of  God’s 
ministers,  they  are  constrained  to  denounce  his  awful  ven- 
geance. Then  resentment  will  be  awakened  in  the  hearts  of 
he  proud  and  rebellious,  and  faith  and  patience  will  be  pecu- 
liarly requisite:  but  the  servants  of  the  Lord  will  overcome 
sll,  u by  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  and  by  the  word  of  their  tes- 
timony.”— It  is  inconceivable  what  wickedness  some  men 


may  'sum  the  silver  t cliich  is  brought  into  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  which  Hhe  keepers  of  th»> 
'door  have  gathered  of  the  people : 

5 And  let  them  '“deliver  it  into  the  hand  of  the 
doers  of  the  work,  that  have  the  oversight  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord:  and  let  them  give  it  to  th 
doers  of  the  work,  which  is  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  'to  repair  the  breaches  of  the  house, 

6 Unto  carpenters,  and  builders,  and  masons, 
and  to  buy  timber  and  hewn  stone  to  repair  the 
house. 

7 Howbeit,  mthere  was  no  reckoning  made 
with  them  of  the  money  that  was  delivered  into 
their  hand,  because  "they  dealt  faithfully. 

8 H And  Hilkiah  the  high-priest  said  unto 
Shaphan  the  scribe,  ”1  have  found  ihe  book  of  the 
law  in  the  house  of  the  Lord.  And  Hilkiah  gave 
the  book  to  Shaphan,  and  he  read  it. 


—19.  2 Chr. 8:14.  Neh. 11:19.  Ps.  84:10.  “ Heb.  threshold,  k 12:11— 14. 

1 12:5.  S Chr.  24.7,12,13,27.  Ezra  3:7.  m 12:15.  2 Chr.  24:14.  n Ex.  36:5,6. 
Neh.  7:2.  Prov.  28:2u.  Luke  16:10—12.  1 Cor.  4:2.  2 Cor.  8.20, 21.  2 Tim.  2:2. 
3 John  5.  oDeut.  31:24  —26  . 2 Chr.  34:14,15. 


have  lived  to  commit,  who  yet  have  not  only  been  spared, 
but  pardoned:  ( Notes , Dan.  4:)  such  transgressors  cannot 
forgive  themselves,  but  would  live  and  die  covered  with  shame 
and  self-abhorrence  for  all  their  crimes. — Whether  the  Lord 
bear  long  with  presumptuous  offenders,  .or  whether  he  more 
speedily  cut  them  off  in  their  sins  ; all  those  who  persist  in 
forsaking  him,  and  in  refusing  to  walk  in  his  ways,  mus 
perish  : and  the  wickedness  of  the  parent  often  occasions  the 
destruction  of  the  children.  It  is  well,  however,  when  the 
removal  of  the  ungodly  makes  way  for  better  characters:  yet 
those  who,  instigated  by  any  corrupt  passion , execute  deserved 
vengeance  upon  wicked  men,  will  bring  deserved  vengeance 
upon  themselves  also. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXII.  V.  1,  2.  Josiah  was  seated 
on  the  throne  by  those,  who  brought  his  father’s  murderers  to 
justice,  and  who  doubtless  were  friends  to  the  family  of 
David : for  “ the  people  of  the  land,”  must  be  understood  to 
mean,  at  least,  a majority  of  the  elders  and  great  men  assem- 
bling, and,  with  the  approbation  of  the  people,  declaring  to 
whom  the  right  of  succeeding  tp  the  throne  belonged.  It  may 
be  supposed,  that  some  of  the  nobles  were  concerned  in  the 
conspiracy  against  Amon,  or  favoured  the  cause.  ( Note , 21. 
20 — 24.)  We  may  therefore  conclude  thaj  the  persons,  in- 
trusted with  Josiah’s  education,  were  at  least  averse  to  ido- 
latry, and  favourable  to  the  worship  of  Jehovah.  Perhaps 
his  mother  was  a pious  person,  and  instilled  good  principles 
into  his  tender  mind.  By  the  blessing  of  God,  however,  on 
the  means  used,  he  was  very  early  brought  under  religious 
impressions,  and  set  about  the  work  of  public  reformation  * 
and  the  event  of  his  succession  when  a child  was  widely  dif- 
ferent from  that  of  Manasseh.  ( Notes , 21:1 — 3.)  For  his 
character  was  most  excellent : he  copied  the  faith,  zeal,  and 
piety  of  his  ancestor  David,  and  kept  the  middle  path,  with- 
out diverging  to  any  of  those  extremes  to  which  human  na- 
ture is  prone.  (Notes,  18:3,5,6.)  And  had  the  people  as  cor 
dially  concurred  in  his  reformation,  as  he.  entered  upon  ana 
persevered  in  it,  blessed  effects  would  have  followed  : but 
they  were  given  up  to  the  most  infatuated  idolatry  and  wick 
edness,  and  his  efforts  only  served  to  evince  the  incurable 
wickedness  of  that  generation.  (Notes,  Jer.  3:6 — 11.  6: 

27 — 30.  Ez.  24:12,13.) — We  can  obtain  but  a superficial 
knowledge  of  the  state  of  Judah  from  these  compendious  his- 
torical records,  unless  we  compare  them  with  the  writing's  of 
the  contemporary  prophets. 

V.  3 — 7.  Josiah  began  to  seek  the  Lord  in  the  eighth 
year  of  his  reign,  and  to  attempt  a public  reformation  in  the 
twelfth  ; so  that  considerable  progress  had  before  been  made 
in  destroying  ihe  idols,  which  filled  Judah  and  Jerusalem  to  an 
almost  inconceivable  degree:  but  in  his  eighteenth  year  he 
proceeded  to  reinstate  the  temple  and  its  worship  in  their  for- 
mer splendour,  and  the  principal  reformation  in  his  reign  was 
effected  at  this  time.  (Note,  2 Chr.  34:3 — 7.)— The  money 
was  collected  by  voluntary  contributions,  as  in  the  time  of 
Jehoash  : but  the  Levites  proved  more  active  and  faithful,  than 
the  priests  had  then  been;  and  the  workmen  were  no  less 
worthy  of  confidence.  (Notes,  12:4 — 15.  2 Chr.  34:8 — 13.) 

V.  8 — 1 1.  The  inquiries  and  controversies,  which  this  ac- 
count of  finding  the  book  of  the  law  has  occasioned,  seem  to 
have  been  quite  unnecessary.  If  it  were  conceded,  that  no 
other  complete  copy  existed  in  all  the  world,  at  the  time  when 
this  book  was  found,  it  would  not  in  the  smallest  degree  invali- 
date the  authenticity  of  that  part  of  holy  writ:  because  all 
the  succeeding  writers  of  the  Scriptures,  with  Chr;d  himself 
and  his  apostles,  have  given  the  sanction  of  their  testimony  to 
its  divine  original.  All  the  cavils  and  objections  therefore  of 
infidels,  grounded  upon  this  circumstance,  mean  nothing  ; ex- 
cept they  are  intended  to  demonstrate  their  imbittered  en- 
mity to  the  sacred  Scriptures.— It  is  highly  probable,  that 
copies  of  the  law  were  at  that  time  very  scarce,  through  the 
idolatry  of  the  former  reigns,  and  the  lamentable  ungodliness 
of  the  people.  It  may  also  be  reasonably  conjectured,  that 
the  priests  had  made  abstracts  from  it,  of  the  outlines  ofthei/ 

l 701  x 


B.  ; 65  1. 


II.  KINGS 


B.  C.  624. 


9 And  pShaphan  ithe  scribe  came  to  the  king, 
and  brought  the  king  word  again,  and  said,  Thy 
servants  have  'gathered  the  money  that  was  found 
in  the  house,  and  have  delivered  it  into  the  hand 
of  them  that  do  the  work,  that  have  the  oversight 
of  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

10  And  Shaphan  the  scribe  showed  the  king, 
saying,  Hilkiah  the  priest  hath  delivered  me  a 
book.  And  rShaphan  read  it  before  sthe  king. 

11  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  king  had 
heard  the  words  of  the  book  of  the  law,  ‘that  he 

Tent  his  clothes.  [ Practical  Observation!.] 

12  And  “the  king  commanded  Hilkiah  the 
priest,  and  “Ahikam  the  son  of  Shaphan,  and 
rAchbor  the  son  of  'Michaiah,  and  Shaphan  the 
scribe,  and  Asahiah  a servant  of  the  king’s,  saying, 

13  Go  ye,  ‘inquire  of  the  Lord  for  me,  and 
for  the  people,  and  for  all  Judah,  concerning  the 
words  of  this  book  that  is  found : for  “great  is 
the  wrath  of  the  Lord  that  is  kindled  against  us, 
bbecause  our  fathers  have  not  hearkened  unto  the 
words  of  this  book,  to  do  according  unto  all  that 
which  is  written  concerning  us. 

14  So  Hilkiah  the  priest,  and  Ahikam,  and 
Achbor,  and  Shaphan,  and  Asahiah,  went  unto 

• p3, 12.  25:22.  Jer.  36:24.  29:3.  36:10—12.  39:14.  40:11.  41:2.  Ez.  8:11.  q See 
on  18:18.  • Heb.  melted,  r Deut.  31:9— 13.  2 Chr.  34:18.  Neh.  8:1— 7,14, 
IS.  13:1.  Jer.  36:21.  e Deut.  17: 18— 20.  Jer.  13:18.  22:1,2.  t 2 Chr.  34:19. 
Jer.  36:24.  Joel  2:13.  Jon.  3:6,7.  u 19:2,3.  2 Chr.  34:19—21.  Is.  37:1—4.  x See 
on  9.  Jer.  26:22,24.  y 2 Chr.  34:20.  Abdon.  t Or,  Micah.  I 3:11.  1 Kings 
22:7,8.  1 Chr.  10:13,14.  Ps.  23:14.  Prov.  3 6.  Jer.  21:1,2.  37:17.  Ei.  14:3,4.  20: 
1-3.  Am.  3:7.  a Ex.  20:5.  Deut.  4:23-27.  29:23-28.  31:17,18.  Neh.  8:8,9.  9: 
S.  Dan.  9:5,6.  Rom.  3:20.  4;  15.  7:9.  b 2 Chr.  29:6  . 34:21.  Ps.  106:6.  Jer.  16:12. 
44:17.  Lam.  5:7.  Dau.  9:8,10.  c Ex.  15:20.  Juilg.  4:4.  Mic.  6:4.  I.uke  1:41. 
&c.  2:36.  Acts  21:9.  1 Cor.  11:5.  d2  Chr.  34:22.  Tikvath.  Hasrah.  } Heb. 
garments.  2 Kings  10:22.  Neh.  7:72.  § Or,  second  port,  e 1:6,16.  Jer.  23:28. 

worship,  without  specifying  particulars,  or  inserting  the  so- 
lemn sanctions  annexed  to  each  of  them.  This  would  spare 
them  the  trouble  of  transcribing,  or  studying,  or  reading  to  the 
people,  the  whole  book ; and,  as  these  abstracts  would  come 
into  common  use,  few  people  would  look  any  further.  But 
had  not  a universal  traditional  recollection  of  the  law,  and  in 
general  of  its  contents,  prevailed  in  the  nation;  how  could  the 
book,  when  found,  have  obtained  proper  and  implicit  credit  as 
the  word  of  God  by  Moses  ? In  the  dark  ages  of  popery  this 
was  precisely  thq  case:  the  liturgies  and  rituals  contained  a 
few  selected  portions  of  Scripture;  and  not  only  were  the 
people  kept  in  the  dark  as  to  the  entire  contents  of  the  Bible, 
but  few  even  of  the  priests  had  ever  read  it  through,  and  num- 
bers of  these  had  never  seen  a complete,'  copy  of  it.  The 
same  naturally  becomes  the  case  still,  (notwithstanding  the 
multiplication  of  copies  of  the  Bible  by  the  art  of  printing,  and 
its  public  allowance  in  the  vulgar  tongue,  and  the  commend- 
able pains  bestowed  by  pious  persons  to  disperse  them;) 
whenever  any  set  of  men  become  strenuous  for  one  part  of 
religion  in  preference  to  the  rest.  They,  who  are  the  oracles 
of  each  party,  insert  in  their  writings  those  portions  of  Scrip- 
ture, which  are  supposed  to  inculcate  the  doctrines  for  which 
they  contend  ; but  keep  out  of  sight,  perhaps  without  design, 
those  passages  which  as  strongly  declare  what  they  under- 
value, overlook,  or  are  prejudiced  against.  And  these  writ- 
ings form  the  religion  of  the  zealous  friends  of  that  party, 
while  the  rest  of  the  Scripture  is  comparatively  neglected  or 
forgotten.  Indeed  we  all  are  disposed  to  havo  favourite  pas- 
sages of  Scripture,  to  which  we  are  more  attentive  than  to 
the  rest:  so  that  without  great  care  we  shall  be  led  into  this 
error. — And  may  it  not  be  hinted  with  propriety,  that  some 
text-books,  which  were  well  designed,  are  yet  capable  of  a 
dangerous  abuse?  I mean  those  books,  which  give  a text  of 
Scripture  for  every  day,  with  pious  observations  upon  it. 
Many  read  these  in  family  worship,  instead  of  the  Bible  itself ; 
and  others,  it  is  likely,  do  the  same  in  their  closets:  but  num- 
oers  are  thus  undesignedly  led  to  substitute  a part  for  the  whole; 
the  abstract  with  ail  exposition,  instead  of  the  book  of  the 
aw : whereas  44  all  Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God, 
and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for 
.nstruction  in  righteousness ; that  the  man  of  God  may  be 
perfect,  thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good  works.”  (Note,  2 
Tim.  3:14 — 17.)  The  proper  use  of  such  books  is  to  suggest 
subjects  for  pious  meditations  and  ejaculations,  in  the  inter- 
vals of  conversation  and  business.— The  book,  whicli  Hilkiah 
found,  seems  to  have  been  the  original  book  of  the  law,  de- 
posited by  Moses  at  the  side  of  the  ark  ; (Note,  Deut.  31:26.) 
hut  which  in  those  distracted  times  had  been  removed,  either 
'or  concealment,  lest  it  should  be  destroyed  by  the  idolaters, 
or  in  contempt  by  those  who  were  turning  every  thing  into 
confusion.  Some  argue  that  this  circumstance  occasioned 
osiah’s  consternation : but  he  certainly  acted  like  a man 
who  had  never  seen  the  law  before  ; and  this  most  likely  was 
the  case,  though  there  might  ho  copies  dispersed  among  his 
subjects.  It  is  probable  his  reformation  had  hitherto  been 

oducted  by  such  abstracts,  as  have  been  mentioned,  or  b}' 
Taditional  knowledge.  If  the  kings  of  Judah  had  observed 
.he  rule  of  transcribing  the  law  with  their  own  hands,  very 

( 702  ) 


Huldah  cthe  prophetess,  the  wife  of  Shallum  the 
son  of  dTikvah  the  son  of  Harhas,  keeper  of  the 
Jwardrobe,  (now  she  dwelt  in  Jerusalem  in  the 
^college  0 and  they  communed  with  her. 

15  II  And  she  said  unto  them,  'Thus  saith  the 
Lord  God  of  Israel,  Tell  the  man  that  sent  you 
to  me, 

16  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  ‘Behold,  I will  bring 
evil  upon  this  place,  and  upon  the  inhabitants 
thereof;  even  sail  the  words  of  the  book  which 
the  king  of  Judah  hath  read. 

17  Because  they  hhave  forsaken  me,  and  have 
burnt  incense  unto  other  gods,  that  they  might 
provoke  me  to  anger  with  all  ‘the  works  of  their 
hands ; therefore  my  wrath  shall  be'kindled  against 
this  place,  and  kshall  not  be  quenched. 

18  But  to  'the  king  of  Judah  which  sent  you 
to  inquire  of  the  Lord,  rathus  shall  ye  say  to  him, 
Thus  saith  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  As  touching 
the  words  which  thou  hast  heard ; 

19  Because  “thy  heart  was  tender  and  thou 
hast  “humbled  thyself  before  the  Lord,  when  thou 
heardest  what  I spake  against  this  place,  and 
against  the  inhabitants  thereof,  that  they  should 
become  Pa  desolation  and  a curse,  and  hast  rent 


620:17.21:12,13.  2 Chr.  34:24,25.  g25:l-4.  Lev.  26:15,  &c.  Deut.  28:15,  4e. 
29:18— 23.  30:17,18.31:16— 18.32:15-26.  Josh.  23:13, 15.  Dan.  9:11— 14.  h Ex. 
32:34.  Deut.  29:24— 28.32:15-19.  Judg.  2:12-14. 3:7,8.  10:6,7,10—14.  1 Kmg. 
9:6—9.  Ps.  106:35-42.  Jer.  2:11-13.27,28.  i Ps'.  115:4— 8.  Is.  2:8,9.  44:17— 20. 
46:5-8.  Mic.  5:13.  k Deut.  32:22.  2 Chr.  36:16.  Is.  33:14.  Jer.  7:20.  17:27.  Ex. 
20:47,48.  Zeph.  1:18.  1 2 Chr.  34:25-28.  m Is.  3:10.  Mai.  3:16,17.  n 1 Sam. 
24:5.  Pa.  51:17.  119:120.  Is.  46:12.  57:15.  66:2,5.  Jer.  36:24,29— 32.  Ez.9:4. 
Rom.  2.4,5.  Jam.  4:6—10.  o Ex.  10:3.  Lev.  26:40,41.  I Kings  21:29.  2 Chr. 
33:12,19,23.  Mic.  6:8.  1 Pet.  5:5,6.  p Lev.  26:31,32.  Deut.  29:23.  Jer.  26:6. 
44:22. 


salutary  effects  might  have  been  produced ; but  it  seems  to 
have  been  entirely  neglected,  as  well  as  the  command  to  read 
the  law  publicly  to  the  people,  every  year  at  the  feast  of  ta- 
bernacles. (Notes,  Deut.  17:18.31:9 — 13.  Neh.  8:1 — 18.9:3.) 
— It  is  supposed  that  the  portion,  which  was  first  read  to 
Josiah,  was  the  twenty-eighth  and  twenty-ninth  chapters  of 
Deuteronomy : and  these  were  doubtless  well  suited  to  cow- 
vince  him,  that  the  guilt  and  danger  of  his  people  was  much 
greater  than  he  had  apprehended,  and  to  induce  the  expres- 
sions of  fear,  sorrow,  and  humiliation,  which  he  showed.  We 
may  conclude,  that  he  afterwards  conducted  his  reformation 
with  more  exactness ; as  he  now  wrought  by  rule,  and  was 
aware  of  the  imminent  danger  to  which  he  and  his  subjects 
were  exposed. 

V.  12,  13.  Very  little  is  recorded  concerning  the  high- 
priests,  as  active  instruments  in  reformation,  and  reviving 
true  religion.  Hilkiah  indeed  seems  to  have  been  a man  of 
good  character;  though  it  is  likely,  not  well  acquainted  with 
the  divine  law.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Josiah,  however,  never  pro- 
posed inquiring  of  the  Lord,  by  him  and  the  breastplate  of 
judgment ; nor  did  Hilkiah  object,  when  sent  with  others  to 
inquire  of  a prophetess.  Either  he  was  ignorant,  that  to  in- 
quire of  God  was  one  distinguishing  part  of  his  office;  or  he 
humbly  thought  himself  unworthy  to  perform  it:  or  this  me- 
thod of  inquiry  was  considered  as  obsolete  ; having  fallen  into 
disuse,  perhaps,  from  the  too  general  want  of  true  piety  in  the 
high-priests,  who  had  been  superseded  in  this  respect  by  the 
prophets  raised  up  in  constant  succession.  (Note,  19:2.) — 
Ahikam.  (12)  Note , Jer.  26:24. 

V.  14.  Huldah,  &c.]  Jeremiah  and  Zephaniah  prophe- 
sied at  this  time  ; but  perhaps  being  young,  and  newly  entered 
on  their  work,  they  were  of  inferior  note  ; or  they  were  else- 
where employed.  (Notes,  Jer.  1:1 — 3.  Zeph.  1:1.) — The  or- 
dinary ministry,  both  under  the  Old  and  New  Testament,  is 
confined  to  men : but  the  Lord  is  not  hound  by  those  restric- 
tions which  he  imposes  upon  us  : and  he  has  often  conferred 
on  women  the  spirit  of  prophecy.  (Marg.  Ref . c.  Notes, 

1 Cor.  14:34,35.  1 Tim.  2:11 — 14.) — Huldah  was  doubtless  a 
person  of  eminent  piety,  and  well  known  to  be  a prophetess. 
She  was  a married  woman,  and  her  husband  being  keeper  of 
the  wardrobe,  might  make  her  better  known  to  Josiah,  who 
perhaps  had  before  this  consulted  her. — Whether  the  word 
rendered  “the  college”  means  an  institution  at  Jerusalem,  in 
some  respects  similar  to  the  schools  of  the  prophets  in  Israel ; 
or  whether  it  only  denotes,  according  to  the  marginal  reading, 
the  part  of  the  city  in  which  she  lived,  is  not  agreed.  The 
latter  opinion,  however,  seems  most  probable,  as  the  same 
word  (natron)  is  in  the  next  chapter  translated  41  of  the  se- 
cond order.”  (Note,  23:4.) 

V.  15 — 20.  The  sentence  denounced  concerning  the  de- 
solations of  Jerusalem  was  irrevocable  : but  as  Josiah  acted 
in  a manner  which  showed  that  ho  was  a inan  of  a broken 
heart  and  a tender  conscience,  a true  penitent,  and  a real  be* 
liever,  he  would  be  spared  the  anguish  of  witnessing  those 
dire  calamities.  (Notes,  1 Kings  21:27 — 29.  Is.  57:15,16. 
66:1,2.  Jer.  36:20 — 25.  Ez.  9:3,4.)  Though  lie  w*s  slain 
in  battle,  yet  he  died  in  peace  with  God,  and  went  to  glory 
As  he  was  not  forty  years  old  when  he  died,  an  1 th  /fal  'V* 


B.  C.  624. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


B C.  624 


thy  clothes;  and  ‘'wept  before  me;  rI  also  have 
heard  thee,  saith  the  Lord. 

20  Behold  therefore,  ■!  will  gather  thee  unto 
hy  fathers,  and  thou  shalt  be  ‘gathered  into  thy 
grave  in  peace;  and  thine  eyes  shall  not  see  all 
the  evil  which  1 will  bring  upon  this  place.  And 
they  brought  the  king  word  again. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

Jotiah  rend*  (he  laio  in  a solemn  assembly  gathered  for  that  and  similar  pur- 
poses, l,  '2.  He  enters  into  covenant  with  God;  and  abolishes  idolatry  in 
Judah , 3 — 14.  He  bums  men's  bones  on  the  altar  nt  Deth-el  ; fulfils^  the  pre- 
diction of  the  prophet  sent  to  Jeroboam  ; destroys  the  high  places  in  Samaria, 
and  slays  the  priests,  15—20.  He  celebrates  a solemn  passover,  21—23.  He 
puts  away  wizards,  tfc.  24  : and  excels  all  his  predecessors,  25.  The  wrath 
of  God  against  Judah  is  yet  unavveased,  26—28.  Josiah  is  slain  in  battle 
by  Pkaraoh-nccho , and  succeeded  by  Jehnahax,  29,  30  ; who  reigns  wickedly 
three  months , is  led  away  prisoner  by  Pharaoh  into  Egypt , and  succeeded  by 
Jehoiakim,  31—34  ; who  taxes  the  land  for  Pharaoh’s  tribute,  and  reigns 
wickedly,  35—37. 

AND  “the  king  sent,  and  they  gathered  unto 
him  all  the  elders  of  Judah  and  of  Jerusalem. 


q Num.  25.6.  Judg.  2:4,5.  20:26.  Ezra  9:3,4.  10:1.  Nell.  8:9.  Ps.  119:136.  Jer. 
9:1.  13:17.  14:17.  Luke  19:41.  Rom.  9:2,3.  r 19:20  . 20:5.  .Gen.  25:8.  Dent. 
81:16.  1 Chr.  17:11.  2Chr.  34:28.  t 23:29,30.  Pe.  37:37.  18.57:1,2.  Jer.22:10,15, 
16,  aDeut.31:2S.  2 Sam.  6:1.  2Chr.  29:20.  30:2.34:29,30.  * Heb . from  small 
even  unto  great,  b Gen.  19:11.  1 Sam.  5:9.  30:2.  2 Chr.  15:13.  Ealh.  1:5.  Job 
8.19.  Ps.  115:13.  Acts  26:22.  Rev.  20:12.  c Deut.  31:10 — 13.  2 Chr.  17:9.  Neh. 
8:1—8.  9:3.13:1.  (122:8.  Deut.  31:26.  1 Kings  8-9.  e 11:14,17.  2 Chr.  23:13.  34: 


struction  of  Jerusalem  took  place  within  twenty-three  years 
after,  he  might  have  lived  to  that  time,  according  to  the  ordi- 
nary course  of  nature.  But  as  his  piety  and  zeal  could  not 
avail  to  prevent  that  catastrophe,  he  was  mercifully  “ taken 
away  from  the  evil  to  come.”  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Is.  57:1,2.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 11.  Those  who  have  been  favoured  in  their  tender 
years,  with  prudent  and  pious  instructers,  have  very  great 
cause  for  gratitude:  for  that  circumstance  is  immediately 
ordered  in  Providence,  without  their  even  appearing  to  choose 
it  for  themselves,  and  frequently  in  opposition  to  their  incli- 
nations ; yet  it  commonly  proves  the  means  of  determining 
both  the  comfort  and  usefulness,  and  the  happy  close,  of 
their  future  lives. — The  Lord  frequently  demonstrates  the 
sovereignty  of  his  grace,  by  raising  up  the  brightest  orna- 
ments of  his  church  from  the  most  degenerate  families. — It  is 
a peculiar  favour  to  be  brought  to  seek  and  serve  God  in  early 
life,  and  to  be  led  to  copy  closely  the  best  examples. — It  is 
incumbent  on  us  to  keep  the  narrow  way,  and  to  avoid  the 
extremes  which  are  found  on  the  right  and  on  the  left : and 
great  watchfulness  is  requisite  so  to  shun  self-righteous  pride, 
as  to  keep  clear  of  antinomian  abuse  of  the  gospel.  In  escap- 
ing from  superstition,  we  are  in  danger  of  running  into  inex- 
pedient indulgence,  or  irreverence  to  things  sacred.  Fierce 
and  contentious  zeal,  in  some  men,  leads  others  to  sooth 
themselves  in  lukewarmness,  indolence,  and  timidity  : and  in 
numberless  ways,  when  avoiding  one  evil,  we  are  prone  to 
run  into  another ; or  so  to  attend  to  one  part  of  religion,  as 
to  neglect  others,  and  thus  to  mar  that  proportion  and  sym- 
metry, which  are  its  peculiar  ornament.  But  if,  with  all  our 
circumspection,  we  are  kept  from  great  and  mischievous  mis- 
takes ; we  must  give  all  the  praise  to  him,  who  leads  his 
people  “in  the  midst  of  the  paths  of  judgment.”  (Prov.  8: 
20.) — The  interests  and  passions  of  men  raise  up  so  many 
obstructions,  that  public  reformations  commonly  move  hea- 
vily ; and  can  only  be  effected  by  perseverance,  gradually, 
and  as  the  zealous  reformers  obtain  influence,  and  establish 
their  characters  by  “ patient  continuance  in  well-doing.” — 
Yet,  in  the  worst  of  times,  we  meet  with  examples  of  libe- 
rality, fidelity,  and  integrity,  which  are  worthy  of  praise  and 
imitation. — The  prevalence  of  impiety,  infidelity,  superstition, 
or  licentiousness,  renders  the  word  of  God  a neglected  book  ; 
and  that  neglect  reciprocally  augments  these  evils.  And 
when  professed  ministers  grow  careless,  selfish,  or  supersti- 
tious, the  people  of  course  become  generally  ignorant  of  the 
sacred  oracles  : and  far  more,  when  they  employ  their  influ- 
ence, and  exert  their  authority,  to  keep  the  Scriptures,  as 
translated  into  the  language  of  their  several  countries,  out  of 
the  hands  of  the  common  people  ; and  to  discountenance  the 
study  of  them  ; and  when  they  endeavour  to  obstruct  those 
who  would  circulate,  and  encourage  the  study  of,  the  oracles 
of  God.  Alas  ! that  this  stigma  of  popery  should  disgrace  so 
many  rulers  and  teachers  of  our  protestant  church!  But 
whenever  the  clergy  in  general,  and  those  of  superior  autho- 
rity and  reputation  in  particular,  shall  make  it  their  great 
business,  to  call  the  attention  of  the  people  to  the  Scriptures, 
and  to  bring  them  acquainted  with  the  whole  of  them  ; their 
conduct  will  have  a most  extensive  effect,  in  preventing  the 
influx  of  vice,  and  in  promoting  true  knowledge  and  genuine 
piety.  “ For  the  word  of  God  is  quick  and  powerful  ;”  and, 
being  “ sharper  than  any  two-edged  sword,”  it  penetrates  the 
neart  and  conscience  with  irresistible  energy.  (Notes  jcr. 
23:2.8,29.  Heb.  4:12,13.)  By  the  holy  law  is  the  knowledge 
of  sin,  and  by  the  blessed  gospel  is  the  knowledge  of  salva- 
tion. When  the  former  is  understood,  in  its  strictness,  ex- 
tent, excellency,  and  awful  sanction,  the  sinner  perceives  his 
guilt,  is  convinced  that  the  great  wrath  of  the  Lord  is  kindled 
agchTSt  him  for  his  transgressions  ; and  begins  to  inquire, 
“ Wtjat  must  I do  to  be  saved  ?”  This  excites  his  attentive 
regard  to  the  mir  "try  and  ministers  of  the  gospel:  who  point 


2 And  the  king  went  up  into  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  and  all  the  men  of  Judah  and  all  the 
inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  with  him.  and  the 
priests,  and  the  prophets,  and  all  the  people, 
'both  bsmall  and  great : and  che  read  in  their  ears 
all  the  words  of  ‘'the  book  of  the  covenant  which 
was  found  in  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

3 H And  the  king  'stood  by  a pillar,  and  fmade 
a covenant  before  the,  Lord,  6to  walk  after  the 
Lord,  and  to  keep  hhis  commandments,  and  his 
testimonies,  and  his  statutes,  ‘with  all  their  heart 
and  all  their  soul,  to  perform  the  words  of  this 
covenant  that  were  written  in  this  book.  lAnd 
all  the  people  stood  to  the  covenant. 

4 And  the  king  commanded  Hilkiah  the  high- 
priest,  and  the  kpriests  of  the  second  order,  and 
'the  keepers  of  the  door,  mto  bring  forth  out  of  the 
temple  of  the  Lord  all  the  vessels  that  were  made 


31,32.  f Ex.  24:7,8.  Dent.  5:1— 3. 29:1,10-15.  Jo»h.  24:25  . 2 Chr.  15:12-14.  23: 
16.29:10.  E?.ra  10:3.  Neh.  9:38.  10:23,  &c.  Jer.  50:5.  Heb.  8:8—13.  12:24.  13: 
20.  g Deut.  8:19.  h Deut.  4:45.  5:1.  6:1 . Ps.  19:7 — 9.  i Deut.  6:5.  10:12.  11: 
13.  Matt.  22:36,37.  j Ex.  24:3.  Josh.  24:24  . 2 Chr.  34:32,33.  Ec.  8:2.  Jer.  4:2. 
k 1 Chr.  24:4— 19.  Matt.  26:3.  27: 1.  1 See  on  22:4.  1 Chr.  26:1-19.  m 21:3,7. 
2 Chr.  33:3,7.  34:3,4. 


out  to  him  “ Jesus  Christ,  as  the  end  of  the  law  for  righ- 
teousness, unto  every  one  that  believeth.”  And  when  the  sinner 
has  been  taught  to  trust  and  love  the  Saviour,  he  will  thence- 
forth walk  in  newness  of  life. — The  scarcity  of  the  written 
word  did  not  excuse  Israel’s  degeneracy  and  idolatry,  because 
it  was  the  effect  of  it ; “ the  people  loved  to  have  it  so;55  hut 
the  abundance  of  Bibies  with  which  this  land  is  favoured,  will 
exceedingly  aggravate  the  guilt  of  our  national  impiety,  infi- 
delity, and  licentiousness  : for  what  greater  contempt  of  Got. 
can  we  show,  than  to  refuse  to.  read  his  word,  when  put  into 
our  hands  ; or  reading  it,  to  refuse  to  believe  and  obey  it  ? 

V.  12 — 20.  The  ministers  of  religion  must  communicate 
to  the  people  whatever  they  have  learned  respecting  the  wil' 
of  God,  whether  alarming  or  encouraging  : otherwise  they  dc 
not  “ declare  his  whole  counsel,”  nor  u keep  themselves  puro 
from  the  blood  of  all  men.” — Kings  and  rulers  being  personally 
as  much  concerned  as  their  subjects  to  humble  themselves 
before  God,  to  know  his  will,  and  to  seek  his  salvation;  and 
their  conduct  being  of  still  greater  importance  toothers  ; those 
who  minister  before  them  in  sacred  things,  should  especial  iy 
instruct  them  in  the  whole  of  divine  revelation:  and  they  are 
guilty  of  the  basest  and  most  cruel  unfaithfulness,  to  them 
and  to  millions,  if  from  regard  to  their  own  safety  or  emolu- 
ment, they  keep  back  offensive  truths. — Those  princes  who 
are  acquainted  with  able  and  faithful  servants  of  God,  and 
who  are  not  deterred  by  evil  counsel  from  consulting  them, 
and  from  encouraging  them  without  needless  ceremony  to 
speak  the  whole  truth,  best  consult  their  own  good,  and  that 
of  their  subjects. — It  is  also  becoming  when  superior  stated 
pastors  and  rulers  of  the  church  discard  prejudice  and  jea- 
lousy, respect  ing  those  among  their  inferiors,  or  of  other  orders 
in  society,  whom  God  endows  with  peculiar  spiritual  gifts  for 
the  edifying  of  his  people  ; when,  instead  of  standing  upon 
character  and  precedency,  and  hindering  others  from  regard- 
ing their  advice,  they  take  the  lead  in  honouring  the  grace  of 
God  in  them,  and  gladly  receive  their  profitable  instructions. 
Such  are  wise  men,  and  will  daily  grow  wiser  ; because  they 
are  conscious  th’at  they  have  not  attained,  but  need  continual 
accessions  to  their  measure  of  divine  knowledge  and  grace  : 
but  those  who  are  too  great  or  too  proud  to  learn,  even  from 
their  inferiors,  are  likely  to  live  and  to  die  without  true  wisdom. 
— In  communicating  his  special  blessings,  the  Lord  does  not 
restrict  himself  to  age,  or  sex,  or  order,  or  condition  in  so- 
ciety ; but  “divideth  severally  to  every  one,  as  he  will:”  and 
true  sanctity  consists  in  separation  from  sin,  and  devotedness 
to  God  ; and  not  in  seclusion  from  society,  or  from  that  state 
which  he  has  pronounced  honourable. — There  are  kinds  and 
degrees  of  guilt,  which  the  Lord  will  not  pandon,  either  in  in- 
dividuals or  nations  ; and  the  discovery  of  men’s  iniquities  w il. 
fully  demonstrate  the  justice  of  his  most  tremendous  ven- 
geance on  them.  But  a tender,  broken,  and  contrite  heart, 
a humble  consciousness  of  having  deserved  wrath,  and  an 
earnest  application  for  mercy,  are  things  which  “accompany 
salvation,”  and  will  never  be  rejected  by  our  gracious  Lord 
and  Saviour.  (Note,  Heb.  6:9,10.)  Whatever  persons  o 
this  character  ear,  suffer,  or  witness,  or  in  what  way  soevei 
they  are  removed  out  of  the  world,  they  shall  be  gathered  to 
the  grave  in  peace,  and  shall  enter  into  the  rest  reserved  for 
the  people  of  God. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXIII.  Y.  1,2.  Note , Deut.  31:10 — 
1 3. — The  prophets.  (2)  It  may  be  supposed,  that  Jeremiah, 
Zephaniah,  Huldah,  and  others  were  present  on  this  occa- 
sion, encouraging  and  assisting  the  king  iq  his  pious  under- 
taking : yet  it  is  probable,  that  the  king  neither  employed 
them,  nor  the  priests,  in  reading  the  law  to  the  elders  of  ths 
people,  at  least  not  exclusively  ; but  that  he  performed  the 
service  personally  as  the  principal  reader,  though  others 
might  be  employed  in  the  same  manner,  in  different  stations  ; 
4 for  it  is  not  likely  that  one  man’s  voice  could  reach  so  great 
a multitude.’  Bp.  Patrick.  ( Note , Acts  -2:14 — 21.)  Th? 
( 703  ) 


B C.  624 


B.  C.  624. 


II.  KINGS. 


for  "Baal,  and  for  the  grove,  and  for  all  the  host  of 
heaven  : and  he  burned  them  without  Jerusalem 
in  the  fields  of  "Kidron,  and  carried  the  ashes  of 
them  unto  "Beth -el. 

5 And  he  'put  down  Hhe  idolatrous  priest^, 
whom  the  kings  of  Judah  had  ordained  to  burn 
incense  in  the  high  places  in  the  cities  of  Judah, 
and  in  the  places  round  about  Jerusalem;  them 
also  that  burned  incense  unto  Baal,  to  the  sun, 
and  to  the  moon,  and  to  the  tplanets,  and  to  nail 
the  host  of  heaven. 

6 And  he  brought  out  rthe  grove  from  the  house 
of  the  Lord,  without  Jerusalem,  unto  the  brook  Kid- 
ron,'and  burned  it  at  the  brook  Kidron,  and  stamp- 
ed it  small  to  powder,  and  cast  the  powder  thereof 
upon  ‘the  graves  of  the  children  of  the  people. 

7 And  he  brake  down  the  houses  of  "the 
Sodomites  that  were  by  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
xwhere  the  women  wove  ^hangings  for  the  grove. 

8 And  he  brought  all  the  priests  out  of  the 
cities  of  Judah,  and  defiled  the  high  places  where 
the  priests  had  burned  incense,  from  rGeba  to 
‘Beer-sheba,  and  brake  down  the  high  places  of 
the  gates  that  were  in  the  entering  in  of  the  gate 
of  Joshua  the  governor  of  the  city,  which  were 
on  a man’s  left  hand  at  the  gate  of  the  city. 

n 17:16.  Judg.  2:13.  1 Kings  16:31.  18:19,26,40.  19:18.  Is.  27:9.  Jer.  7:9. 

0 2Sam.  15:23.  John  18:1.  Cedron.  pi  Kine;s  12:29.  Hos.  4:15.  Am. 4: 

4.  * Heb.  caused  to  cease,  t Heb.  Chemarim.  Hos.  10:5.  marg.  Zepli. 

1:4,5.  X Or,  twelve  signs,  or,  constellations,  q See  on  21:3,4.  Jer.  8: 1 ,2.  44 : 
17—19.  r 21 :7.  Judg.  3:7.  1 Kings  14:23. 16:33.  Jer.  17:2.  s Kx.  32:20.  I 'eut. 
7:25.9:21.  t 10:27.  2 Chr.  34:4.  ti  Gen.  19:4,5.  1 Kings  14:24.  15:12.  22:46. 
2,Chr.  34:33.  Rom.  1:26.27.  x Ex.  35:25,26.  Ez.  16:16.  Hos.  2:13.  §Heb. 
houses,  y Josh.  21 : 17.  1 Kings  15:22.  1 Chr.  6:60.  Is.  10:2J.  Zech.  14.10.  z Gen. 

opinion,  that  he  only  engaged  others  to  read  the  law,  seems 
to  be  taken  from  modern  refinements,  and  sentiments  of  royal 
dignity  ; and  not  from  facts,  good  sense,  or  the  examples  of 
pious  princes  in  those  days.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  6:12 — 22.  1 

/Ting's  8:10 — 61.  Ec.  1:1.)  For  such  is  human  nature,  that 
so  trivial  a circumstance  as  the  rank  of  the  reader  or  speaker, 
will  frequently  excite  greater  attention  than  matters  of  ac- 
knowledged superior  importance. — Though  Josiah  was  as- 
sured that  no  reformation  could  prevent  the  desolations  of 
Jerusalem ; yet  he  would  do  what  he  could  to  prolong  her 
state,  to  rescue  a remnant  as  brands  out  of  the  burning,  and 
to  sow  good  seed,  which  might  afterwards  produce  a refor- 
mation even  among  the  dispersed  captives. 

V.  3.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  prophets,  priests,  and  elders, 
and  through  them  the  whole  nation  by  their  representatives, 
bound  themselves  at  this  time,  in  the  most  solemn  manner, 
to  renounce  and  abolish  every  species  of  idolatry,  to  re- 
establish the  worship  of  God  according  to  the  law,  and  to 
serve  him  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness.  We  learn  from 
the  event,  that  the  most  of  those  present,  who  u stood  to  the 
covenant,”  were  hypocritical  in  the  transaction  ; being  induced 
to  concur,  in  order  to  please  the  king,  or  to  avoid  his  displea- 
sure and  the  reproach  of  singularity ; or  by  some  transient  im- 
pression upon  their  minds.  Yet  Josiah  did  well  in  requiring 
them  thus  to  engage,  as  far  as  they  could  be  prevailed  on 
without  compulsion.  A great  deal  of  outward  wickedness 
would  be  prevented;  many  individuals  would  receive  essential 
benefit;  and  in  every  way  the  name,  worship,  and  law  of  God 
were  honoured : while  those  who  acted  hypocritically,  and 
violated  their  engagements  by  apostacy,  were  accountable  to 
God  for  their  conduct.  (Notes,  11:17 — 20.  Dent.  29:10 — 15. 
Neh.  10:1.)  Indeed,  no  effectual  means  can  be  used  of  doing 
extensive  good,  which  will  not  eventually  prove  an  occasion 
of  deeper  guilt  and  condemnation  to  many.  (Notes,  John  15: 
22—25.  2 Cor.  2:14— 17.)— Pillar.}  (Marg.  Ref.  e.)  ‘At 
the  entrance  of  the  court  of  the  priests,  by  a marble  pillar.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  4.  “The*  priests  of  the  second  order,”  seem  to  have 
been  the  heads  of  the  several  courses,  which  served  in  rota- 
tion, under  the  person  next  in  succession  to  the  high-priest- 
hood,  who  acted  upon  emergencies  as  deputy  to  the  high-priest. 
These  were  the  chief  priests  mentioned  so  often  in  the  New 
Testament.  (Notes,  1 Chr.  24:1 — 19.  Ezra  2:36 — 39.) — 
Josiah  in  his  former  well-meant  attempts  for  reformation,  had 
probably  removed  the  idols,  and  abolished  the  worship  of  them 
in  Jerusalem:  but  perhaps  he  had  supposed,  that  the  vessels 
and  other  valuables  might  be  reserved  for  the  use  of  the  tem- 
ple. Being,  however,  now  more  fully  instructed  in  the  law  of 
God,  he  destroyed  all  these  vessels,  however  costly,  by  fire: 
and  in  his  progress  through  the  land,  he  carried  the  ashes  to 
Beth-el,  the  beginning  of  idolatry  to  Israel,  as  established  by 
public  authority ; in  order  to  render  both  the  place,  and  these 
ashes  contemptible  and  abominable  to'the  people.  (Notes, 

1 lungs  12:26—33.  13:1—10.) 

V.  5.  Chemarim,  the  name  of  theso  priests,  (marg.)  is 
supposed  to  be  derived  from  the  black  garments  which  they 
wore,  and  by  which  they  were  distinguished  from  the  priests 
of  Jehovaii,  who  wore  garments  of  white  linen.  (Notes, 
Ex.  28:40,41.  Hos.  10:5,6.  Zcpk.  1:4.) 

( 704  ) 


9 Nevertheless,  Hhe  priests  of  the  high  places 
came  not  up  to  the  altar  of  the  Lord  in  Jeru- 
salem, bbut  they  did  eat  of  the  unleavened  bread 
among  their  brethren. 

10  And  he  defiled  "Topheth,  which  is  in  Hhe 
valley  of  the  children  of  Hinnom,  that  no  man 
'might  make  his  son  or  his  daughter  to  pass 
through  the  fire  to  Molech. 

1 1 And  he  took  away  the  horses  that  the  kings 
of  Judah  had  given  to‘  the  sun,  at  the  entering  in 
of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  by  the  chamber  of 
Nathan-melech  the  “chamberlain,  which  icas  in 
the  suburbs,  and  burned  the  chariots  of  the  sun 
with  fire. 

12  And  the  altars  that  were  eon  the  top  of  the 
upper  chamber  of  Ahaz,  which  the  kings  of 
Judah  had  made,  and  the  altars  hwhich  Manasseh 
had  made  in  the  two  courts  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  did  the  king  beat  down,  and  ’’brake  them 
down  from  thence,  and  'cast  the  dust  of  them  into 
the  brook  Kidron. 

13  And  the  high  places  that  were  before 
Jerusalem,  which  were  on  the  right  hand  of  "the 
mount  of  corruption,  which  JSolomon  the  king  of 
Israel  had  budded  for  kAshtoreth  the  abomination 
of  the  Zidonians,  and  for  ’Chemosh  the  abo- 

21:31.26:33.  Judg. 20:1.  1 Kings  19:3.  a Ei.  41:10 — 14.  Mai.  2:8,9.  b 1 Sam. 
2:36.  Ez.  44:29— 31.  c Is.  30:33.  Jer.  7:31,32.  19:6,11— 13.  Tophel.  :l  Josh. 
15:8.  2 Chr.  28:3.  33:6.  Jer.  19.2.  32:35.  Malt.  5:22.  Or.  e 16:3  17:17.  21:6. 
I.ev.  18:21.  Deul.  18:10.  Jer.  32:35.  F.x.  16:21.  20:26,31.  23:37—39.  f5.  2 Chr 
14:5.  34:4.  marg.  Ez.  8:16.  ||  Or,  eunuch , or,  officer,  g Deni.  22:8.  Jer.  19:13. 
Zeph.  1:5.  h 21:5,21,22.  2 Chr.  33:5,15.  II  Or,  ran  from  thence,  i See  on  6 
**  That  is,  the  mount  of  olives.  J 1 Kings  11:7,8.  Neh.  13:26.  k Judg.  2:13.  10:6. 
1 Sam.  7:4.  12:10.  I Kings  11 :5,33.  INum.  21:29.  Judg.  11:24.  Jer.  48:7,13,46 

Planets.]  (Marg.)  Different  opinions  are  held 

concerning  the  meaning  of  this  word,  which  is  found  here 
only. 

V.  6.  Marg.  Rtf.  Note,  Ex.  32:20. — The  graves,  &c.] 
The  graves  of  the  worshippers  of  these  idols  are  meant.  This 
was  another  expedient,  to  render  these  idols  and  the  idolaters 
alike  vile  and  abominable  to  the  spectators. 

V.  7.  Note,  21:7,8,  v.  7. — Hangings , &c.]  It  is  supposed 
that  these  hangings  were  intended  for  tents,  in  which  the  de- 
votees of  the  demons  perpetrated  the  most  detestable  species 
of  lewdness,  as  a part  of  their  religion,  and  as  near  as  pos- 
sible to  the  house  of  the  Lord  itself!  This  was  even  worse 
than  making  that  holy  place  a den  of  thieves.  (Notes,  Ez.  8: 
7—14.  Matt.  21:12,13.  P.  O.  12—16.) 

V.  8.  It  is  probable  that  these  high  places  were  defiled,  by 
casting  the  bones  or  dead  bodies  of  men  into  them.  Thus  the 
people  in  general  would  be  preserved  from  going  thither,  wher 
they  had  so  expressly  been  declared  abominable  ; though  pre 
sumptuous  persons  should  rebuild  them. — Josiah  showed  his 
impartiality,  when  he  destroyed  those  high  places  at  the  gate? 
of  the  city,  which  seem  to  have  been  erected  under  the  pa- 
tronage of  a considerable  person,  entitled  “ the  governor  <J 
the  city.” 

From  Geba,  &c.l  (Marg.  Ref.  y,  z.)  The  northern  and 
southern  borders  of  the  kingdom  of  Judah. 

Y.  9.  It  does  not  appear  that  these  priests  had  been 
guilty  of  idolatry,  but  of  irregularly  and  illegally  worshipping 
Jehovah  in  the  high  places,  instead  of  at  the  temple.  To 
deter  others  from  this  inveterate  practice,  they  were  excluded 
from  their  sacred  functions ; but  not  put  to  death,  or  deprived 
of  their  maintenance,  though  it  is  uncertain  what  portions 
were  allotted  them.  (Notes,  IjCV.  21:17 — 24.  Ez.  44:10 — 16.) 

V.  10.  Notes,  Uv.  18:21.  20:2 — S.—Topheth,  &c.]  This 
place  derived  its  name  from  a word,  which  signifies  a drum: 
because  they  used  to  drown  the  cries  of  the  children,  who 
there  passed  through  the  fire,  or  were  burned  in  it,  by  the 
sound  of  drums.  (Notes,  Is.  30:33.  Jer.  7:32,33.) 

V.  1 1 . The  worshippers  of  the  sun  represented  that  lumi- 
nary, by  a man  seated  in  a chariot  drawn  by  swift  and  furious 
horses;  and  therefore  they  dedicated  to  him  horses  and  cha- 
riots. The  kings  of  Judah  had  imitated  this  custom,  and  kept 
the  horses  of  the  sun  at  the  entrance  of  the  temple  : and  a per- 
son, who,  as  it  seems,  was  very  honourably  provided  for,  was 
employed  to  take  care  of  them!  But  Josiah  took  away  the 
horses  and  burned  the  chariots. 

V.  12 — 14.  Manasseh,  after  his  repentance,  had  removed 
the  altars  from  the  courts  of  the  Lord:  but  it  is  probable  that 
Amon  had  replaced  or  rebuilt  them,  and  they  retained  the 
name  of  their  original  deviser.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  33*1 5 — 17-2 1 
— 25.)  The  high  places  which  Solomon  had  built,  had  doubt- 
less been  in  part  at  least  demolished : but  the  idolatrous  kings 
had  rebuilt  or  repaired  them,  and  dedicated  them  to  the  same 
idols,  and  called  them  by  Solomon’s  name ; perhaps  glorying 
that  they  copied  the  example  of  so  illustrious  a prince.  (Marg. 
Ref.  Note,  1 Kings  11:1 — 8.)  The  sacred  writer  seems 
to  coll  the  hill  on  which  theso  high  places  were  erected,  and 
which  is  supposed  to  have  been  the  mount  of  Olives,  “the 
mount  of  corruption,”  because  of  the  abominations  there  com- 
mitted. All  these,  as  well  as  the  altars,  which  had  been  mad© 


B.  C.  624. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


B.  C.  610» 


miration  of  the  Moabites,  and  for  mMilcom  the 
abomination  of  the  children  of  Amnion,  did  the 
Kin>?  defile. 

14  And  "he  brake  in  pieces  the  'images,  and  cut 

down  the  groves,  and  filled  their  places  with 
°the  bones  of  men.  [Practical  Obtervn lion..] 

15  H Moreover,  The  altar  that  was  at  Beth-el, 
and  the  high  place  which  Jeroboam  the  son  of 
Nebat,  who  made  Israel  to  sin,  had  made,  both 
that  altar  and  the  high  place  he  brake  down,  and 
burned  the  high  place,  and  ^stamped  it  small  to 
powder,  and  burned  the  grove. 

16  And  as  Josiah  turned  himself,  he  spied  the 
sepulchres  that  were  there  in  the  mount,  and 
sent,  and  took  the  bones  out  of  the  sepulchres, 
and  rburned  them  upon  the  altar,  and  polluted  it, 
according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord  which  the 
man  of  God  proclaimed,  who  proclaimed  these 
words. 

17  Then  he  said,  What  title  is  that  that  I see  ? 
And  the  men  of  the  city  told  him,  ‘It  is  the 
sepulchre  of  the  man  of  God  which  came  from 
Judah,  and  proclaimed  these  things  that  thou 
hast  done  against  the  altar  of  Beth-el. 

18  And  he  said,  Let  him  alone ; let  no  man 
move  his  bones.  So  they  let  his  bones  *alone, 
with  ‘the  bones  of  the  prophet  that  came  out  of 
Samaria. 

19*  And  all  "the  houses  also  of  the  high  places 
that  were  in  *the  cities  of  Samaria,  which  The 
kings  of  Israel  had  made  zto  provoke  the  LORD 
to  anger,  Josiah  took  away,  and  did  to  them  ac- 
cording to  all  the  acts  that  he  had  done  in  Beth-el. 

20  And  ahe  tslew  all  the  priests  of  the  high 
places  that  were  there  upon  the  altars,  and  burned 
men’s  bones  upon  them,  and  returned  to  Jeru- 
salem. 


m Zeph.  1:5.  Malcham.  n Ex.  23:24.  Num.  33:52.  Dent.  7:5.25,26  . 2Chr. 
S4:3,4.  * Heb.  statues,  o 16.  Num.  19:16,18.  Jer.  8:1,2.  Ez.  39:12— 16. 
Matt.  23:27,2 8.  p 10:31.  1 Kings  12:28—33.  14:16.  15:30.  21:22.  q See 
on  6.  rl  Kings  13:1,2,32.  Malt.  24:35.  John  10:35.  s 1 Kings  13:1,30. 
t Hib.  to  escape,  t 1 Kings  13:11—22.31.  u 17:9.  1 Kings  12:31.  13:32. 

x 2 Chr.  30:6— 11.31:1.  34:6.  y 8:18.  1 Kings  16:33.  Mic.6:16.  z 17:16— 18. 
21:6.  Ps.  78:58.  Jer.  7:18,19.  Ez.  8:17,18.  a 10:25.  1 1:18.  Ex.  22:20.  Deut. 
13:5.  1 Kings  18:40.  Zech.  13:2,3.  £ Or,  sacrificed.  1 Kings  13:2.  Is.  34:6. 

b 2 Chr.  85:1,  &c.  c Ex.  12:3,  &o.  Lev.  23:5— 8.  Num.  9:2 — 5.28:16 — 25. 


on  the  flat  roofs  of  their  houses,  for  more  retired  idolatrous 
worship,  Josiah  cleared  away  entirely,  and  used  every  method 
of  rendering  the  places,  where  idolatry  had  been  committed, 
contemptible  and  vile. 

V.  15 — 20.  Josiah  had  evidently  some  authority  over  a 
great  part  of  the  country,  which  the  ten  tribes  had  occupied  ; 
(2  Chr.  34:6.)  but  it  is  not  certain,  whether  this  was  by  grant 
from  the  king  of  Assyria,  or  by  the  willing  subjection  of  the 
inhabitants:  the  former,  however,  appears  the  more  probable. 
( Note,  29,30. ) On  this  occasion  he  exactly  accomplished  the 
prediction  of  the  man  of  God  concerning  him,  delivered  about 
three  hundred  and  sixty  years  before : and  though  he  may  be 
supposed  to  have  designed  that  accomplishment ; yet  so 
wicked  a man  as  his  father  could  have  had  no  such  intentions, 
in  giving  his  son  the  name  of  Josiah.  (Notes,  1 Kings  13:2, 
23 — 32.) — It  seems  that  many  Israelites  had  collected  to- 
gether in  several  parts  of  the  land  ; and  especially,  that  the 
idolatrous  priests  had  resorted  to  Beth-el  to  renew  their  old 
idolatry.  (Notes,  17:24 — 28.)  These  Josiah  put  to  death, 
perhaps  with  others  from  the  land  of  Judah  who  were  noto- 
riously guilty.  By  burning  men’s  bones  upon  their  altars  he 
endeavoured  to  render  their  idolatry  detestable  to  all  the  in- 
habitants ; that  they  might  be  induced  to  join  themselves  to 
the  Jews  in  the  worship  of  God  at  Jerusalem  : for  nothing 
was  so  polluting  by  the  ceremonial  law,  as  a dead  human  body, 
or  any  part  of  one.  (Note,  Num.  19:11.) — It  has  been  justly 
observed,  that  if  Josiah  had  entertained  the  same  notions  of 
the  sanctity  of  relics,  which  have  so  long  prevailed  among 
professed  Christians ; he  would  have  bestowed  at  least  as 
much  pains  in  honouring  the  bones  of  the  old  prophet  from 
Judah,  as  he  did  in  disgracing  those  of  the  idolatrous  priests. 
But  he  thought  it  enough  to  let  the  bones  of  the  man  of  God 
he  quietly  in  his  grave. 

V . 21—23.  Having  made  all  necessary  preparation,  Josiah 
proceeded  to  lead  the  attention  of  the  people  to  their  solemn 
feasts;  and  this  first  passover  was  celebrated  with  extraor- 
dinary zeal  and  exactness,  and  by  immense  multitudes  ; so 
that  in  all  respects  it  exceeded  every  passover  which  had 
been  observed  from  the  days  of  Joshua.  It  must  be  supposed, 
that  in  the  reigns  of  the  idolatrous  kings,  this  and  the  other 
sacred  festivals  were  often  entirely  neglected : yet,  under  the 
judges,  and  during  the  reign  of  the  pious  kings,  they  were 
observed ; but  in  no  instance,  with  such  regularity  and  zeal, 
and  by  so  great  numbers  as  at  this  time.  (Notes,  2 Chr  30- 

M ) 

Vo :..  I.— 89 


21  IT  And  the  king  commanded  all  the  people 
saying,  bKeep  the  passover  unto  the  Lord  your 
God,  “as  it  is  written  in  the  book  of  this  covenant. 

22  Surely  dthere  was  not  holden  such  a pass- 
over  from  the  days  of  the  judges  that  judged 
Israel,  nor  in  all  the  days  eof  the  kings  of  Israel, 
nor  of  the  kings  of  Judah; 

23  But  in  the  eighteenth  year  of  king  Josiah 
wherein  this  passover  was  holden  to  the  Lord  in 
Jerusalem. 

24  H Moreover, ( the  workers  with  familiar  spirits, 
and  the  wizards,  and  the  images,  and  the  idols, 
and  all  the  abominations  that  were  spied  in  the 
land  of  Judah  and  in  Jerusalem,  did  Josiah  put 
away,  That  he  might  perform  the  words  of  the 
law,  which  were  written  inhthe  book  that  Hilkiah 
the  priest  found  in  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

25  And  ‘like  unto  him  was  there  no  king  before 
him,  That  turned  to  the  Lord  with  all  his  heart, 
and  with  all  his  soul,  and  with  all  his  might, 
‘‘according  to  all  the  law  of  Moses  ; neither  after 
him  arose  there  any  like  him. 

26  IT  ‘Notwithstanding,  the  Lord  turned  not 
from  the  fierceness  of  his  great  wrath,  wherewith 
his  anger  was  kindled  against  Judah,  because  ol 
all  the  “provocations  that  Manasseh  had  provoked 
him  withal. 

27  And  the  Lord  said,  mI  will  remove  Judah 
also  "out  of  my  sight,  as  I have  removed  Israel, 
and  will  cast  off  this  city  Jerusalem  which  I have 
chosen,  and  the  house  of  which  I said,  “My  name 
shall  be  there. 

28  Now  rthe  rest  of  the  acts  of  Josiah,  and  all 
that  he  did,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book  r-B.  c. 
of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah  ? L 6,°- 

29  IT  In  his  days  iPharaoh-nechoh  kins;  of 
Egypt  went  up  against  the  king  of  Assyria  to 

Deut.  16:1 — 8.  d 2 Chr.  35:18,19.  e 2 Chr.  30:1— 3,13— 20.  35:3— 11.  f 21 :3, 
6.  1 Sam.  28:3 — 7.  Is.  8:19.  19:3.  Acts  16:16 — 18.  § Or,  teraphim.  Gen.  31:19. 
Judg.  17:5.  18:17,18.  Hos.  3:4.  g Lev.  19:31. 20:27.  Dent.  18:10—12.  Is.  8:20. 
Rom.  3:20.  Jam.  1:25.  h 22:8—13.  2 Chr.  34:14-19.  i 18:5.  j 3.  Deut.  4: 
29.6:5.  I Kings  2:4.  15:5.  Jer.  29:13.  k Neh.  10:29.  Mai.  4:4.  John  1:17.  7: 
19.  1 21:11— 13.22:16,17.24:3.4.  2 Chr.  36:16.  Jer.  3:7-10.  15. 1—4.  H Heb 
angers,  m 17: 18,20.  18:11. 24:3.  25:1 1.  Deut.  29:27,28.  Ez.  23:32—  35.  n Ps. 
51:11.  Jer.  31:37.  33:24.  Lam.  2:7.  o Set  on  21:4,7.  I Kings  8:29.  9:3. 
p See  on  20:20.  q 33,34.  2 Chr.  35:20-24.  Jer.  46:2. 

V.  24.  (Marg.Ref.)  The  whole  narrative  marks,  the 
care  with  which  this  pious  prince  had  studied  “ the  book  of 
the  law,”  after  it  was  found;  the  diligent  investigation  which 
he  made  to  detect  and  destroy  every  thing  forbidden  in  it ; 
and  the  exactness,  as  well  as  earnestness,  with  which  his  re- 
formation was  conducted.  Had  the  princes  and  people  been 
as  sincere  and  zealous  as  their  king,  the  happiest  effects 
would  have  followed.  (Notes,  Jer.  3:6 — II.  Zeph.  1:5 — 8.) 

V.  25.  Hezekiah  excelled  all  the  kings  of  Judah  for  entire 
confidence  in  God ; and  Josiah  surpassed  all  others  in  zeal  for 
eformation,  and  in  an  unblemished  life , being  attentive  to 
obey  the  precepts,  and  promote  the  glory  of  God,  with  his 
whole  heart  and  soul.  (Note,  18:5,6.  2 Chr.  31:20,21 .)  ‘Heze- 
kiah himself  was  not  so  exact,  and  did  not  make  such  a 
thorough  search  as  he  did  after  all  idolatrous  practices.’  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  26,27.  Josiah  lived  above  thirteen  years  after  this  great 
reformation,  and  to  the  end  retained  the  people  in  the  external 
worship  of  God:  (2  Chr.  34:33.)  but  in  general  they  relapsed 
secretly  into  many  of  their  former  idolatries  and  iniquities; 
and,  as  a collective  body,  they  were  not  greatly  amended  in 
the  sight  of  a heart-searching  God. — They  had  heartily  con- 
curred in  the  idolatries  and  crimes  of  Manasseh,  but  they 
had  not  imitated  his  repentance:  on  the  other  hand  thej  had 
hypocritically  joined  in  Josiah’s  reformation,  and  were  ripe, 
upon  his  removal,  to  join  the  apostacy  of  his  sons.  (Note, 
25.)  Manasseh’s  wickedness  therefore  was  accounted  na- 
tional, and  fitted  up  their  measure  of  iniquity  ; whereas  Jo- 
siah’s  piety  was  personal,  and  the  hypocrisy  and  apostacy  of 
the  people  aggravated  their  guilt  and  hastened  their  ruin. 
(Notes,  21:13—16.  22:15—20.  24:3,4.)  But  though  the  Lord 
did  not  turn  from  the  fierceness  of  his  great  wrath,  so  as  to 
spare  Jerusalem  from  desolation,  and  the  Jews  from  capti- 
vity ; yet  this  event  proved  a kind  of  crisis  in  their  disease : 
and  while  the  wicked  perished  in  vast  numbers,  the  remnant 
was  purified  ; and  .Tosiah’s  reformation  probably  had  a very 
happy  effect,  in  raising  up  many  persons  to  join  this  small 
remnant,  which  proved  the  precious  seed  of  their  future 
church  and  nation. 

V.  29,  30.  Nabopollazar,  king  of  Babylon,  assisted  by  the 
Medes,  is  supposed,  before  this  time,  to  have  conquered  the 
Assyrians  and  destroyed  Nineveh.  Thus  he  became  king  o, 
Assyria  also  : and  some  learned  men  are  of  opinion,  tha 
after  Manasseh  was  freed  from  captivity,  the  kings  of  Judah 
reigned  over  the  country  formerly  possessed  by  the  ten  tribcu 
( 705  ) > 


B.  C.  610.  II.  KINGS.  B.  C.  610. 


the  tver  Euphrates  : and  king  Josiah  went  against 
him ; and  he  rslew  him  at  ‘Megiddo,  when  'he  had 
seen  him. 

30  And  “his  servants  carried  him  in  a chariot 
dead  from  Megiddo,  and  brought  him  to  Jeru- 
salem, and  buried  him  in  his  own  sepulchre.  And 
'the  people  of  the  land  took  Jehoahaz  the  son  of 
Josiah,  and  anointed  him,  and  made  him  king  in 
his  father’s  stead. 

31  H "Jehoahaz  was  twenty  and  three  years  old 
when  he  began  to  reign;  and  he  reigned  three 
months  in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother’s  name 
was  xHamutal,  the  daughter  of  Jeremiah  of 
Libnah. 

32  And  rhe  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord,  according  to  all  that  his 
fathers  had  done. 

33  And  Pharaoh-nechoh  'put  him  in  bands  at 
“Riblah,  in  the  land  of  Hamath,  'that  he  might 
not  reign  in  Jerusalem;  and  'put  the  land  to  a 

r Ec.  8:14.  9:1,2.  In.  57:1,2.  Rom.  11:33.  89:27.  Judg.  1:27.  5:19.  lKings4: 
12.  Zech.  12:11.  Megiddon.  Rev.  16:16.  Armageddon.  t 14:8,11.  u 9:28. 

1 Kings  22:33— 38.  v 14:21 .21:24.  2 Chr.  36:1,2.  \vtChr.3;15.  Jer.22:ll. 
Skciilum.  x 24:18.  y 21 :2— 7,21 ,22.  z 2 Chr.  36:3,4.  E/..  19:3,4.  a 25:6. 
Jer. 39;5, 6.  52:9,10,^5.  * Or,  because  he  reigned.  fH eb.  sal  amulet  upon  the 

as  tributaries  and  allies  to  the  kings  of  Babylon. — Josiah 
might  therefore  consider  himself  as  under  engagements  to  the 
king  of  Assyria,  as  well  as  unwilling  that  the  contending 
parties  should  march  their  armies  through  his  country : he 
however  lost  his  life  in  the  attempt.  Megiddo  was  situated 
in  the  lot  of  Manasseh,  in  a northern  part  of  the  land  : 
{Judg.  1:27.)  but  at  this  time  it  seems  to  have  been  under 
Josiah’s  government.  Perhaps  Josiah  disguised  himself,  that 
the  king  of  Egypt  might  not  know  him  ; but  he,  having  dis- 
covered him,  singled  him  out  for  slaughter.  When  he  had 
received  his  mortal  wound,  he  was  carried  out  of  the  battle, 
and  he  died  by  the  way  to  Jerusalem.  ( Note , 2 Chr.  35:20 
— 24.) — It  has  commonly  been  observed  that  our  young  king 
Edward  VI.  greatly  resembled  Josiah.  He  gave  indeed  sin- 
gular evidence  of  wisdom  and  piety  far  beyond  his  years  : 
but  he  was  taken  away  at  the  age  when  Josiah  first  began  to 
seek  the  Lord  ; and  we  can  only  conjecture  what  he  would 
have  been  and  done,  if  he  had  been  spared  to  reach  the  age 
at  which  Josiah  was  slain. — The  people  of  the  land  placed 
Jehoahaz,  or  Shallum,  the  second  son  of  Josiah  on  the  throne 
in  preference  to  his  elder  brother  Tehoiakim  : ( Note , 22:1,2.) 
probably,  because  he  was  deemed  to  k c of  a more  active  and 
martial  temper.  And  to  confirm  their  irregular  proceedings, 
they  anointed  him,  as  if  he  had  been  immediately  appointed 
by  God  : (Note,  1 Kings  1:38,39,  v.  39.)  but  alas!  the  season 
of  the  Lord’s  graciously  giving  them  pious  kings  to  reign  over 
them  was  elapsed,  and  all  Josiah’s  sons  proved  wicked,  im- 
politic, and  unsuccessful.  As  Zedekiah  was  no  more  than 
twenty-one  years  old,  when  he  was  made  king,  after  Jehoia- 
kim  had  reigned  eleven  years,  and  Jeconiah  his  son  a short 
time;  (24:18.)  he  of  course  was  younger  than  Jehoahaz, 
though  mentioned  before  him  in  Chronicles.  (1  Chr.  3:15.) 

Josiuh  went  against  him.  (29)  4 Being  afraid  he  intended 

to  invade  his  country  in  his  passage,  or  to  divert  him  from  his 
expedition  against  the  Babylonians,  with  whom  he  was  in 
league  : it  is  likely  the  latter  was  the  reason.’  Bp.  Patrick. 
— Pharaoh-necho  : . . . Megiddo .]  4 Whom  Herodotus  . . . 

calls  Nckw?,’  ( Necos ) 4 and  mentions  the  fight  which  he  had 
with  the  Syrians  tv  M ay<5oAu>,’  ( Magdolum .)  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  33.  Jehoahaz  had  assumed  the  regal  authority  without 
Pharaoh’s  consent,  and  perhaps  attempted  to  continue  the 
war  against  him ; which  appears  probable,  because  he  was 
bound  at  Riblah,  at  the  northern  extremity  of  the  promised 
land.  Pharaoh,  by  some  means,  took  him  prisoner,  deposed 
him,  and  sent  him  bound  into  Egypt,  where  he  ended  his 
days  : (Notes,  Jer.  22:10 — 12.  Ez.  19:2 — 9.)  and  the  land  was 
put  under  tribute,  in  token  of  its  subjection  to  the  king  of 
Egypt.  (Mnrg.  Ref.) 

V.  34.  44  Jehoiakim”  means  the  same  as  44  Eliakim  ex- 
cept that  the  latter  is  compounded  with  the  word  translated 
God,  the  former  with  a part  of  the  name  Jehovah.  Pha- 
raoh seems  not  to  have  wished  Jehoiakim  to  renounce  his 
religion ; but  chose  to  distinguish  him,  as  the  ruler  of  that 
ccple,  who  professed  to  worship  Jehovah. — Hitherto  the 
ingdom  of  Judah  had  descended  in  a direct  line  from  father 
to  son:  and  this  is  the  first  instance  of  one  brother  succeed- 
ing another.  ( Preface , 1 Kings.) 

V.  37.  In  the  prophecy  of  Jeremiah  the  extreme  wicked- 
ness of  Jehoiakim  is  fully  shown.  (Notes,  Jer.  2G:  36:) 
PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  t — 1 4.  Nothing  ought  to  discourage  our  endeavours  to 
promote  a re  vival  of  true  religion.  If  declining  churches  and 
nations  cannot  be  rescued  from  impending  judgments,  a few 
individuals  maybe  snatched  as  “brands  from  the  burning:” 
and  if  ministers,  in  their  several  stations,  fail  of  general  or 
aHd.ing  usefulness,  and  have  continually  the  prospect  of  being 
removed  ; many  a one  may,  in  the  mean  time,  receive  import- 
ant benefit,  and  prove  the  seed  of  a future  revival,  even  in 
that  very  place. — As  sinners  cannot  bo  preserved  from  eter- 

( 70S  ) 


tribute  of  a hundred  talents  of  silver,  and  a talent 
of  gold. 

34  And  Pharaoh-nechoh  made  bEliakim  the 
son  of  Josiah  king  in  the  room  of  Josiah  his 
father,  and  ‘turned  his  name  to  Uehoiakim,  and 
took  Jehoahaz  away : and  dhe  came  to  Egypt, 
and  died  there. 

35  And  Jehoiakim  gave  the  silver  and  the  gold 
to  Pharaoh ; but  he  etaxed  the  land  to  give 
the  money  according  to  the  commandment  ol 
Pharaoh  : he  exacted  the  silver  and  the  gold  of 
the  people  of  the  land,  of  every  one  according  to 
his  taxation,  to  give  it  unto  Pharaoh-nechoh. 

36  'Jehoiakim  was  twenty  and  five  years  old 
when  he  began  to  reign ; and  he  reigned  eleven 
years  in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mothers  name  ivas 
Zebudah,  the  daughter  of  Pedaiah  of  Rumah. 

37  And  she  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord,  according  to  hall  that  his  fathers  had 
done. 


land.  18:14.  b 2 Chr.  36:3,4.  c 24:17.  Dan.  1:7.  1 Colled  Jakim.  Malt.  I: 
11.  d Jer.  22. 11, 12.  Ez.  19:3,4.  e 13:19,80.  f 1 Clir.  3:15.  2 Clir.  36:5.  Jer. 
1-3.  g Jer.  22:13-17.  26:20— 23.  36:23— 26,31.  Ez.  19:5— 9.  h 2 Cl:r.  2S:22- 
25.  33:4—10,22,23. 


nal  destruction,  without  repentance ; so  degenerate  nations 
cannot  be  rescued  from  public  calamities,  without  general  re- 
formation. To  effect  this  it  is  the  interest  of  princes  to  pro- 
mote the  knowledge  of  God  in  their  dominions:  and  it  is  no 
degradation  of  their  dignity,  personally  to  take  an  active  part 
in  such  attempts  ; which  will  induce  numbers  of  every  order  in 
the  community  to  concur. — All  external  obligations  to  the 
service  of  God  may  be  entered  into  with  a hypocritical,  or 
self-righteous  spirit : yet  this  should  not  make  us  object  to  such 
engagements  ourselves,  or  averse  to  propose  them;  but  only 
make  us  cautious  in  what  manner  we  do  it,  and  careful  to  in- 
culcate the  same  caution  upon  others.  It  is  safe  to  bind  our- 
selves solemnly  to  walk  after  the  Lord,  and  to  keep  his  com- 
mandments ; because  these  are  previous  indispensable  duties, 
(Note,  Num.  30:2.)  and  some  are  thus  rendered  more  earnest 
in  attending  to  them  • but  the  word  of  God  must  be  the  rule 
and  standard  in  every  thing;  not  only  as  to  the  duty  itself) 
but  also  as  to  the  motive  and  manner  of  doing  it. — In  those 
nations,  w hich  profess  to  w orship  God,  and  which  are  favoured 
with  the  light  of  revelation,  we  need  only  to  investigate  with 
diligence,  and  compare  the  result  of  our  observations  w ith  the 
word  of  triuh,  to  discover  such  enormous  and  multiplied 
abominations,  as  could  never  have  been  conceived  upon  a 
distant  and  superficial  view,  or  a judgment  formed  by  other 
rules.  Even  in  worshipping  congregations,  an  exact  scrutiny 
would  commonly  bring  to  light  such  evils,  as  before  were  never 
suspected:  but  the  most  humiliating  discoveries  will  be  made, 
by  an  exact  inquiry  into  our  own  hearts  and  conduct.  That 
man,  who  previously  deemed  his  behaviour  unexceptionable 
and  his  heart  good,  if  he  can  be  engaged  in.  diligent  self-ex- 
amination and  watchfulness,  daily  beholding  himself  in  the 
mirror  of  God’s  word,  and  for  a long  time  comparing  with  it 
his  thoughts,  intentions,  dispositions,  words,  and  actions;  will 
experience  increasing  convictions  of  the  deceit  fulness  and  des- 
perate wickedness  of  his  heart,  and  of  the  exceeding  sinfulness 
of  his  whole  life.  And  if  he  set  about  amendment,  in  depend- 
ence on  the  mercy  and  grace  of  God  in  Jesus  Christ,  and 
according  to  the  rule  of  the  Bible,  lie  will,  as  he  proceeds, 
find  still  more  and  more  to  be  done ; and  to  the  end  of  his  life 
perceive,  that  he  is  very  far  off  from  the  perfect  righteousness 
of  the  holy  law.  Nor  are  any  persons  disposed  to  object  to 
this  unfavourable  statement,  but  such  as  are  either  unacquaint- 
ed with  the  rule,  or  strangers  to  a serious  examination  of  their 
conduct  by  it.  (Note,  Jer.  179,10.  P.  O.  Ez.  8:  Notes, 
Rom.  7:7 — 12.  Jam.  1:22 — 25.) — Imperfection  is  stamped 
upon  all  human  goodness,  and  the  greatest  reformations 
hitherto  seen  on  earth,  have  left  many  things  unreformed. — 
The  scriptural  history  may  w<ell  excite  the  hatred  and  disgust 
of  the  proud  admirers  of  the  human  heart  and  understanding; 
as  it  presents  to  our  view  a very  mortifying  picture  of  the 
blindness  of  man’s  mind,  as  well  as  of  the  perverseness  of  his 
will,  and  the  depravity  of  his  affections.  But  suppose  the 
appeal  made  to  other  histories,  or  to  universal  observation 
and  experience :— if  the  records  of  Greece  and  Rome  w ere 
presented  to  our  view,  as  a detail  of  facts,  without  the  varnish 
of  declamation  and  panegyric;  if  the  conduct  of  these  cele- 
brated nations,  in  public  and  private  life,  throughout  their  term 
of  notoriety,  were  impartially  compared  with  t lie  just  and  holy 
law  of  God;  would  not  their  idolatries  and  immoralities  bo 
found  to  exceed  even  those  of  Israel  ? ( Note,  Rom.  1 :28— 32.) 
Would  they  not  picture  human  nature  as  blind  and  depraved 
as  the  Bible  does?  And  do  not  all  the  encomiums  bestowed 
on  them,  arise  from  man’s  disposition  to  ‘‘call  good  evil,  and 
evil  good,  to  pu  darkness  for  light,  and  light  for  darkness?’ 
(Note,  Is.  5:20.)  Pride,  amb.v'on,  rapacity,  cruelty,  and  re- 
venge, have  even  been  canonized  by  poets,  and  orators,  and 
historians:  and  idolatry,  impiety,  brutal  excess,  and  unnatural 
lusts  have  been  called  by  uofl  names,  and  excused,  if  not  vin 
dicated  by  these  elegant  and  ingenious  ancients.  Ot}.orwiso 


B.  C.  607 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


B.  C.  600 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Jehoiakim  submits  to  Nebuchadnezzar,  but  afterward « rebels,  1.  God  hastens 
the  fulfilment  of  his  predictions  against  Judah,  2 — 4.  Jehoiakim  dies,  and 
is  succeed'  d bu  Jehoiachin,  5,6.  The  king  of  Babylon  prevails  against 
the  king  of  Egypt,  7.  Jehoiachin  reigns  wickedly,  8,9.  Jerusalem  is 
taken  ; and  the  king,  with  his  family  and  treasures,  and  the  sacred  vessels, 
and  chief  persons  of  Judah,  is  carried  captive  to  Babylon,  10 — 16.  Zede- 
kiah  is  made  king,  reigns  wickedly,  and  rebels  against  the  king  of  Babylon, 
17-20. 

IN  "his  days  Nebuchadnezzar  king  of  Babylon 
came  up,  and  Jehoiakim  became  his  servant 
b.  c.n  three  years:  then  he  turned  and  rebelled 
6US-  J against  him. 

2  And  cthe  Lord  sent  against  him  bands  of 
the  Chaldees,  and  bands  of  the  Syrians,  and 
bands  of  the  Moabites,  and  bands  of  the  children 
of  Ammon,  aftd  sent  them  against  Judah,  to 
destroy  it,  daccording  to  the  word  of  the  Lord, 

a fl:5.  5 Chr.  36:6.  Jer.  25:1.9.  46:2.  Dan.  11.  c 6:23.13:20,21.  Deut.  28:49, 
50.  2 Chr.  33:11.  Job  1:17.  Is.  7: 17.  13:5.  Jer.35:ll.  d 20:17.21:12—14.  la.  6: 
11,12.  Jer.  25:9.  26:6,20.  32:28.  Mic.3:12.  ’ Heb.  the  hand,  of his.  e 18:25. 

Gen.  50:20  . 2 Chr.  24:21.25:16.  Is.  10:5,6.  45:7.  46:10,11.  Am.  3:6.  123:26,27. 


which  he  spake  by  * his  servants  the  pro- 
phets. 

3 Surely  eat  the  commandment  of  the  Lord 
came  this  upon  Judah,  to  'remove  them  out  of 
his  sight,  efor  the  sins  of  Manasseh,  according  t<. 
all  that  he  did ; 

4 And  also  hfor  the  innocent  blood  that  ht 
shed,  (for  he  filled  Jerusalem  with  innocent  blood,') 
■which  the  Lord  would  not  pardon. 

5 K Now  Hhe  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jehoiakim,  and 
all  that  he  did,  are  they  not  written  in  the  book 
of  the  Chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah  ? 

6 So  Jehoiakim  kslept  with  his  fathers:  1-3.  c 
and  Jehoiachin  his  son  reigned  in  his  stead.  L m- 

7 And  'the  king  of  Egypt  came  not  again  any 
more  out  of  his  land  : for  the  king  of  Babylon  haa 


Lev.  26:33—  35.  Dent.  4 '2S.27.  28:63.  29:28.  Josh. 23:15.  Jer.  15:1— 4.  Mic.2: 
10.  f 21:2-11.  h 21:16.  Num.  35:33.  i Jer.  15:1,2.  Lam.  3:42.  j 2 Chr.  36: 
8.  Jer.  22:13— 17.  26:36.  k Jer.  22: 18,19.  36:30.  1 Jer.  37:5— 7.  46:2. 


the  conclusion  is  as  irrefragable  from  the  study  of  profane  his- 
tory, as  from  the  records  of  God’s  word,  that  “the  imagina- 
tion of  man’s  heart  is  only  evil  from  his  youth  and  that  all 
the  real  godliness,  or  goodness,  which  has  ever  been  found  on 
earth,  has  been  derived  from  the  new  creating  Spirit  of  Jesus 
Christ. — Persons  of  eminence,  of  whatever  kind,  have  need  to 
he  very  careful  what  they  sanction : for  numbers,  in  distant 
ages  and  nations,  may  be  emboldened  to  transgress,  by  ac-^ 
ceding  to  their  sentiments,  or  by  imitating  their  examples:* 
and  the  reflection,  of  doing  extensive  mischief  for  generations 
to  come,  would  in  that  case,  be  a painful  prerogative  of  supe- 
rior talents,  rank,  or  reputation. — In  using  all  our  influence 
decidedly  to  suppress  abuses,  and  to  oppose  iniquity,  we  should 
show  all  allowable  tenderness  to  the  persons  of  men : yet  man 
must  not  pretend  to  more  mercy  than  his  Maker,  by  sparing 
those  whom  he  orders  to  be  punished. — In  reducing  our  con- 
duct, or  that  of  others,  to  the  standard  of  Scripture,  in  evi- 
dent and  important  matters,  no  allowance  must  be  made  for 
customary,  reputable,  ancient,  or  fashionable  abuses  : diffi- 
culties also  must  be  encountered,  hardships  endured,  self-de- 
nial exercised,  and  opposition  and  every  worldly  interest  dis- 
regarded: no  man  must  be  known  after  the  flesh  ; nor  any 
attention  paid  to  persuasions,  complaints,  remonstrances,  or 
reproaches ; nor  even  to  prejudices,  except  in  matters  of  sub- 
ordinate consequence.  Therefore  courage,  constancy,  and 
patience,  are  requisite  for  such  attempts ; and  these,  when 
genuine,  can  only  spring  from  grace  and  faith,  and  be  given 
in  answer  to  prayer,  without  which  every  undertaking  of  this 
kind  will  be  fruitless. — Not  only  should  gross  abominations 
be  precluded ; hut  every  temptation  or  occasion  of  sin  should 
be  removed,  whatever  he  the  secular  loss  or  expense,  if  we 
would  effectually  glorify  God,  and  do  good:  and  every  method 
should  be  adopted  to  fill  men’s  minds  with  abhorrence  of  ini- 
quity, and  to  show  plausible  abuses  in  a contemptible  and  de- 
testable light:  especially  where  godly  people  are  liable  to  be 
seduced  into  pernicious  compliances. 

V.  15 — 37.  The  predictions  of  Scripture  may  be  so  long 
ere  they  are  accomplished,  that  the  expectation  of  the  event 
may  seem  to  expire  ; but  they  will  all  be  punctually  fulfilled 
in  their  season:  and  it  must  give  singular  encouragement  to  the 
pious,  when  they  find  themselves  evidently  employed  in  bring- 
ing about  that  accomplishment. — Ungodly  persons  may,  even 
after  death,  be  more  respected  for  their  connexion  with  the 
servants  of  God  ; but  the  Judge  of  all  will  not  regard  such  dis- 
tinctions.— AVhen  gross  iniquities  are  renounced,  and  a credi- 
ble profession  of  faith,  repentance,  and  devotedness  to  God 
are  made,  men  may  be  deemed  prepared  for  the  most  solemn 
ordinances  of  his  worship  : though  no  human  care  or  penetra- 
tion can  exclude  formal  hypocrites  ; such  attendance  on  the 
worship  of  God  is  externally  honourable  to  him,  and  useful  to 
numbers : and,  as  he  will  know  how  at  last  !o  separate  be- 
tween the  tares  and  the  wheat,  we  must  leave  them  to  grow 
together  till  the  harvest.  The  scrutinizing  eye  of  the  zealous  ser- 
vant of  God  will  continually  find  many  abuses  to  be  rectified : 
and  we  must  still  press  forward,  both  in  personal  and  public 
reformation.  Those  who  attempt  this  with  their  whole  heart, 
In  humility  and  simplicity,  may  hope  to  be  useful  to  others, 
and  shall  certainly  be  accepted  themselves ; and  as  there  are 
degrees  of  excellency  among  true  believers,  so  they  will  re- 
ceive a proportionable  recompense.  But  when  the  sins  of  a 
collective  body  are  come  to  a crisis,  no  human  endeavours 
can  avert  the  wrath  of  God : and  when  eminent  and  useful 
• tersons  are  prematurely  taken  away,  it  forebodes  public  ca- 
lamities. ( Note,  Is.  57:1 ,2.)  The  best  of  men  may  be  mis- 
ed  ir.to  unadvised  meddling  with  matters  not  properly  be- 
.onging  to  them  : but  if  we  are  habitually  living  by  faith,  and 
walking  with  God,  even  should  we  be  taken  away  in  conse- 
quence of  any  indiscretion,  it  will  not  prevent  our  dying  in 
peace,  and  being  received  to  glory. — Piety  is  personal, °the 
effect  of  special  grace.  The  children  even  of  the  most  pious 
parents  inherit  original  depravity ; nor  can  education,  instruc- 
tion, or  example  pr  vent  its  effects,  without  regeneration: 
yet  abundant  encouragement  is  given  to  the  diligent  use  of 
*iie  appointed  means  of  grace,  in  respect  of  our  children. 


(Notes,  Gen.  18:17 — 19.  Prov.  22:6.) — When  those  who  have 
stood  in  the  gap  are  removed,  judgments  often  follow  like  an 
inundation:  and  a little  time  and  slender  abilities  frequently 
suffice  to  undo  all  the  external  good,  which  pious  men,  of  ex- 
cellent capacities,  have  been  labouring,  with  unremitting  en- 
deavours, for  a course  of  years  to  effect.  (Notes,  Ec.  2:18 — 
23.  9:13 — 18.)  Blessed  be  God,  that  good  work,  which  he 
begins  by  his  regenerating  Spirit,  cannot  be  disannulled:  but, 
notwithstanding  all  changes  and  temptations,  shall  be  “ per- 
formed unto  the  day  of  Jesus  Christ.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXIV.  V.l.  Pharaoh-nechoh,  after 
Josiah’s  death,  obtained  a victory  over  the  king  of  Babylon, 
and  for  some  time  retained  Judea  and  Syria  in  subjection. 
But  not  long  after,  Nabopollazar  seems  to  have  associated 
his  son  Nebuchadnezzar  with  him  in  the  kingdom,  that  by 
him  the  war  with  the  Egyptians  might  be  conducted  with 
greater  vigour.  For  when  Daniel  had  been  three  years  under 
tuition  at  Babylon,  and  had  afterwards  been  introduced  to 
Nebuchadnezzar,  he  interpreted  the  dream  of  that  prince  in 
the  second  year  of  his  reign : yet  Daniel  had  been  carried  cap- 
tive by  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king.  (Note,  Dan.  2:1.)  Two 
distinct  dates  respecting  the  beginning  of  his  reign  must  there- 
fore be  admitted;  3nd  it  appears  that  he  was  made  king  tyo 
or  three  years  before  ids  father  died.-—  Nebuchadnezzar  having 
obtained  decisive  advantages  against  the  Egyptians,  attac  ked 
Jehoiakim,  as  an  ally  of  Nechoh,  and,  having  taken  him  pri- 
soner, he  “ bound  him  in  fetters  to  carry  him  to  Babylon (2 
Chr.  36:6,7.)  but  upon  his  submission  he  released  him,  and 
carried  away  some  of  the  gold  and  silver  vessels  of  the  temple, 
and  some  of  the  most  considerable  persons  of  the  land.  Among 
the  latter  were  Daniel  and  his  companions.  (Notes,  Dan  1:1 
— 7.)  This  is  the  first  epoch  of  the  seventy  years  of  the  Ba- 
bylonish captivity.  Nebuchadnezzar  left  Babylon  in  the  third 
year  of  Jehoiakim,  and  he  reduced  that  prince  in  his  fourth 
year.  After  this,  Jehoiakim  served  the  king  of  Babylon  three 
years,  and  in  his  eighth  year  he  rebelled  against  him,  about 
three  years  before  his  death.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  2.  It  may  be  supposed,  that  these  nations  had  been 
subjected  to  the  king  of  Babylon ; and  were  encouraged  by 
him  to  attack  the  revolted  Jews,  while  he  was  otherwise  em- 
ployed. But  the  Lord’s  secret  disposal  of  their  hearts  to 
these  attempts  alone  is  noticed.  It  is  probable  that  Jehoiakim 
was  harassed  by  them  during  the  remainder  of  his  days  ; and 
perhaps  he  was  at  last  slain  in  some  sally  against'  them,  when 
they  approached  Jerusalem;  and  so  left  unburied,  or  other- 
wise very  disgracefully  treated.  But  some  think,  that  after  the 
transactions  here  recorded,  Nebuchadnezzar  carried  him  to 
Babylon,  and  at  length  put  him  to  death,  and  treated  his  dead 
body  most  ignominiously.  (Note,  Jer.  22:13 — 19.  36:30,31.) 

V.  3,  4.  Manasseh’s  idolatry  became  a national  sin,  as 
publicly  enforced  by  persecution,  which  filled  Jerusalem  with 
the  innocent  blood  of  those  who  refused  compliance.  The 
chief  men  of  Judah  were  involved  in  this  guilt,  and  had 
neither  repented,  nor  been  brought  to  justice  for  it : thus,  ac- 
cumulated and  atrocious  murders  remained  unpunished,  as  a 
load  of  guilt  upon  the  land  : (Notes,  Num.  35:31 — 34.  Deut. 
21:1 — 9.  Ez.  22:3 — 5,24 — 28.)  and  both  the  princes  and  peo- 
ple were  in  general  more  disposed  to  imitate  Manasseh’s  ido- 
latries and  persecutions,  than  his  repentance.  Therefore, 
though  the  Lord  had  pardoned  the  personal  wickedness  ot 
penitent  Manasseh,  he  would  not  pardon  the  unrepented  na- 
tional guilt,  of  which  he  had  been  the  occasion,  and  in  some 
sense  the  author.  (Note,  23:26,27.  2 Chr.  33:11 — 19.) 

Out  of  his  sight.  (3)  Out  of  that  land  in  which  his  wor- 
ship had  been  established,  and  the  special  tokens  of  his  gra- 
cious presence  so  wonderfully  vouchsafed.  (Notes,  Deut. 
11:12.  Ps.  51:11.) 

Would  not  pardon.  (4)  nSoS  n-N-N1?.  The  Lord,  in  his 
wisdom  and  righteousness,  did  not  see  good  to  pardon  this 
national  guilt,  in  those  circumstances;  hut  judged  it  proper  tc 
inflict  condign  punishment  for  it : but  the  personal  sins  of  such 
as  repented  and  sought  mercy,  were  pardoned  notwithstand 
ing  this  determination.  (Notes,  Ez.  IP  J, 4, 19 — 32.) 

V.  6.  As  Jehoiakim  was  “ buried  with  the  mnal  of  ati 

t,  707  ) 


B.  C.  >9} 


II.  KINGS. 


B.  C.  599. 


taken  “from  the  river  of  Egypt  unto  the  river 
Euphrates  nQ  that  pertained  to  the  king  of 

Egypt.  [ Practical  Observations. ] 

8 H “Jehoiachin  was  “eighteen  years  old  when 
he  began  to  reign,  and  he  reigned  in  Jerusalem 
three  months.  And  his  mother’s  name  xvas  Ne- 
hushta,  the  daughter  of  Elnathan  of  Jerusalem. 

9 And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord,  according  to  all  that  his  father  had 
done. 

10  U At  that  time  the  servants  of  Nebuchad- 
nezzar king  of  Babylon  came  up  against  Jeru- 
salem, and  the  city  'was  besieged. 

11  And  Nebuchadnezzar  king  of  Babylon 
came  against  the  city,  and  his  servants  did 
besiege  it. 

12  And  rJehoiachin  the  king  of  Judah  went 
out  to  the  king  of  Babylon,  he,  and  his  mother, 
and  his  servants,  and  his  princes,  and  his  tofficers  : 
and  the  king  of  Babylon  nook  him  in  the  eighth 
year  of  this  reign. 

13  And  rhe  carried  out  thence  all  the  treasures 
of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  the  treasures  of 
the  king’s  house,  and  "cut  in  pieces  all  the  vessels 
of  gold  ‘which  Solomon  king  of  Israel  had  made 
in  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  as  the  Lord  had 
said. 

14  And  he  carried  away  all  “Jerusalem,  and 

m Gen.  15:18.  Nura.  34:5.  Josh.  15:4.  1 Kings  1:21.  Is.  27:12.  n 1 Chr.  3: 
16.  Jer.  24:1.  Jeconiah.  Jer.  22:24,28.  37:1 . Coniah.  Matt.  1:11,12.  Jechonias. 
o 2 Chr.  36:9.  * Heb.  came  into  siege.  25:2.  p 2 Chr.  36:10.  Jer.  24:1.  29:1,2. 
38:17,18.  Ez.  17:12.  t Or,  eunuchs,  q 25:27.  Jer.  52:31.  1 Nebuchadnezzar's. 
Jer.  25:1.52:28.  r20:17.  Is.  39:6.  Jer.  20:5.  b 25:13— 15.  Ezra  1:7— 11.  Jer.  27: 
16—21 . 28:3,4,6.  Dan.  5:2,3.  t 1 Kings  7:48—50  . 2 Chr.  4:7—22.  u 2 Chr.  36: 

ass  the  expression,  “slept  with  his  fathers,”  can  only  mean 
that  he  died,  without  determining  what  became  either  of  his 
soul  or  body.  ( Marg . Ref.  Note , 2.) 

V.  7.  The  king  of  Egypt  having  been  driven  back  into 
his  own  land,  and  confined  there  ; the  kings  of  Judah  were 
left  entirely  at  the  mercy  of  Nebuchadnezzar  : so  that  policy, 
as  well  as  their  most  solemn  engagements,  demanded  their 
peaceable  submission,  aud  their  resignation  to  the  correcting 
hand  of  God  in  that  dispensation.  (Notes,  Ez.  17:2 — 21.) 

V.  8 — 16.  Jehoiachin,  or  Jeconiah,  seems  to  have  mounted 
the  throne  on  the  death  of  his  father,  without  waiting  for  the 
king  of  Babylon’s  consent.  But  it  was  like  going  on  board  a 
sinking  ship.  He  had  just  time  enough  to  manifest  his  evil 
disposition,  and  was  thenattacked  by  the  king  of  Babylon  : who 
probably,  was  provoked  by  his  thus  assuming  the  authority, 
and  suspected  him  of  designing  to  revolt : so  that  Nebuchad- 
nezzar besieged  Jerusalem,  first  by  his  captains,  and  then 
personally.  And  either  by  surrender,  or  upon  some  deceitful 
engagement,  Jeconiah  went  forth  to  him,  and  was  carried 
captive  to  Babylon.  After  all  the  depredations  to  which  the 
temple  had  been  exposed,  some  of  the  vessels  that  Solomon 
had  made,  remained  in  the  treasuries  of  the  temple:  but  all, 
except  what  were  in  immediate  use,  seem  at  this  time  to  have 
been  seized,  and  some  of  them  cut  in  pieces,  and  sent  to  Ba- 
bylon. And  those,  afterwards  mentioned,  might  be  such  as 
had  been  before  this  carried  away,  or  such  as  were  found  at 
the  complete  destruction  of  the  temple  and  city.  (25:14,15. 
Ezra  1:7 — 11.  Jer.  28:3, G.  Dan.  5:1 — 4.)  It  is  no  where 
said,  what  became  of  the  ark  of  the  covenant  and  the  mercy- 
seat  : but  in  some  way  these  were  destroyed ; for  all  allow, 
that  there  was  no  ark  in  the  temple  built  after  the  captivity ; 
and  it  is  not  improbable,  that  at  this  time  the  gold  of  the  ark, 
&c.  was  cut  off,  and  taken  away.  This  event  took  place 
in  the  eighth  year  of  Nebuchadnezzar’s,  reign,  (12)  and 
forms  a second  epoch  to  be  regarded  in  computing  the  du- 
ration of  the  captivity.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  36:21.  Ezra  1:1 
— 4.  Dan.  1:1,2.) — The  chief  and  the  most  useful  of  the 
people  were  carried  to  Babylon,  that  the  land  might  be  re- 
duced to  absolute  dependence  on  Nebuchadnezzar.  Seven 
thousand  soldiers,  one  thousand  craftsmen  and  smiths,  and 
two  thousand  persons  of  superior  rank,  may  make  up  the 
sum  total  of  ten  thousand.  Some  learned  men,  however, 
suppose,  that  there  were  ten  thousand  carried  captive  from 
Jerusalem  a'one,  besides  a thousand  craftsmen  and  smiths  ; 
and  also  seven  thousand  from  the  rest  of  the  land. — Jere- 
miah speaks  of  three  thousand  and  tweny-three,  who  seem 
to  have  been  carried  away  the  year  before,  out  of  the  open 
country.  ( Note,  Jer.  52:24 — 30.)  Among  tho  rest  Ezekiel 
was  at  this  time  made  a captive.  (Note,  Ez.  1:1 — 3.) 

V.  17.  Jehoiachin  was  succeeded  by  his  uncle,  the 
youngest  son  of  Josiah. — “ Mattaniah”  signifies  the  gift  of 
JEHOVAH:  “Zedekiah,”  the  righteousness  of  JEHO- 
VAH: and  the  king  of  Babylon,  by  giving  him  this  name, 
meant  either  an  appeal  to  the  justice  of  God  against  him,  if 
he  violated  his  engagements ; or  to  refer  to  the  judgments, 
which  he  had  heard  were  denounced  against  Jerusalem  by  a 
righteous  God. 

V.  20.  ‘ God  was  so  highly  displeased  with  this  wicked 

peop.e,  that  he  permitted  Zedekiah  to  break  his  faith  with 

( 708  ) 


all  the  f rinces,  and  all  the  mighty  men  of  valour 
even  ten  thousand  captives,  and  all  the  draftsmen 
and  smiths:  none  remained  save  nhe  poorest  sort 
of  the  people  of  the  land. 

15  And  -vhe  carried  away  Jehoiachin  to  Baby 
Ion.  and  the  king’s  mother,  and  the  king’s  wives, 
ana  his  Officers,  and  the  mighty  of  the  land, 
these  carried  he  into  captivity  from  Jerusalem  tp 
Babylon. 

16  And  all  the  men  of  might,  even  *sevei 
thousand,  and  craftsmen  and  smiths  a thousand, 
all  that  were  strong  and  apt  for  war,  even  them 
the  king  of  Babylon  brought  captive  to  Baby- 
lon. 

17  IT  And  “the  king  of  Baby!*n  made  Mat 
taniah  bhis  father’s  brother  king  in  his  stead, 
and  “changed  his  name  to  Zedekiah. 

18  Zedekiah  was  twenty  and  one  years  old 
when  he  began  to  reign,  and  he  reigned  eleven 
years  in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother’s  name  was 
dHamulal,  the  daughter  of  Jeremiah  of  Libnah. 

19  And  che  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord,  according  to  all  that  Jehoiakim  had 
done. 

20  For  f through  the  anger  of  the  Lord  it 
came  to  prss  in  Jerusalem,  and  Judah,  until  he 
had  cast  them  out  from  his  presence,  that  sZede- 

»kiah  rebelled  against  the  king  of  Babylon. 

9,10.  Jer.  21:1— 5.  52:'18.  Ez.  1:1,2.  v 1 Sam.  13:19— 22.  x 25:12.  Jer.  39:10, 
10:7.52:16.  Ez.  17:14.  y .iei  on  8.  Eslh.  2:6.  Jer. 22:24— 28.  § Of , eunuch., 
z Jer.  29:2.  52:28.  a 2 CSr.  36:10,11.  Jer.  37:1.  52:1.  b 1 Chr.  3:15,16.  c 23: 
34.  2 Chr.  36:1.  423:31.  e23:37.  2 Chr.  36:12.  Jer.  21:8  . 37:38.  Ez.21:25, 
122:17.  Ex.  9:11— 17.  Dent.  S:3<1.  Is.  19:11— 14.  1 Cor.  1:20.  2 Thes.  2:9— 11. 
g 2 Chr.  36:13.  Jer.  27:12— 15.  38.17-21.  Ez.  17:15—20. 


Nebuchadnezzar,  and  to  rebel  against  him,  forgetting  for  what 
cause  he  changed  his  name.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Notes,  17:4. 
2 Sam.  17:7 — 14,  v.  14.  24:1,2.  2 Chr.  25:14— 16.  75.19:11 
—15.  £2.17:3—21.  21:25—27  ) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 7.  When  the  Lord  leaves  men  to  the  blindness  of 
their  own  minds,  and  to  the  lusts  of  their  own  hearts  ; some  are 
infatuated  to  adopt  and  obstinately  persist  in  the  most  destruc- 
tive measures,  and  others  are  hurried  on  by  ambition,  avarice, 
or  resentment,  to  execute  upon  them  the  vengeance  which 
had  been  predicted. — Multiplied  murders,  sanctioned  by 
authority,  and  persevered  in  with  impunity,  form  a species  of 
national  wickedness  which  the  Lord  will  not  pardon  ; espe- 
cially when  false  religion  is  established  by  law,  and  persecut- 
ing statutes  are  enacted  or  revived,  and  executed  against  his 
true  worshippers  : and  when  this  is#  not  merely  the  act  of  a 
few  oppressors,  but  the  people  in  general  44  love  to  have  it 
so.”  Yet,  even  this  may  be  endured  by  the  long-suffering  of 
the  Lord  for  many  generations  ; till  the  whole  accumulated 
load  falls  upon  a devoted  people,  with  direful  destruction. — 
Blessed  be  God,  there  is  no  degree  or  kind  of  personal  guilt, 
which  he  will  not  pardon  to  the  true  penitent ; for  it  is 44  impos- 
sible to  renew  unto  repentance”  such  as  have  committed  44  the 
sin  unto  death.”  (Notes,  Heb.  6:4 — 6.  1 John  5:14 — 18.) 

But  it  is  very  distressing  for  those  who  have  obtained  forgive- 
ness of  their  own  transgressions,  to  reflect  thfLt  they  have 
been  the  guilty  occasion  to  others,  by  their  examples,  influ- 
ence, or  persuasions,  of  those  sins,  which,  being  continued 
in,  the  Lord  will  not  pardon  ; and  of  which  they  have  no 
power  to  bring  them  to  repent.  The  good  Lord  preserve  us 
from  sin  and  temptation,  and  above  all  from  being  tempters 
to  others  ! And  may  this  reflection  stir  up  young  persons  to 
seek  and  serve  God  without  delay,  lest  they  should  do  that 
mischief,  which,  if  they  themselves  should  live  to  repent, 
they  will  never  be  able  to  undo. — When  God  arises  to  judg- 
ment all  resistance  will  be  ineffectual ; and  the  folly,  as  well 
as  the  wickedness,  of  every  worldly  dependence,  will  be  ma- 
nifest: but  his  justice  will  never  appear  in  its  full  glory,  till 
that  day,  when  44  he  will  bring  to  light  the  hidden  things  of 
darkness,  and  will  make  manifest  the  counsels  of  the  hearts.” 
(Note,  1 Cor.  4:3 — 5.)  In  the  mean  time,  we  are.  incompe- 
tent judges  of  the  divine  procedures  ; and  ought  to  wait  with 
silent  patience. — Wicked  men  soon  discover  the  temper  of 
their  hearts,  and  give  evidence  of  what  they  would  do  if*  they 
were  spared : therefore  the  Lord  often  cuts  them  olf,  to  pre- 
vent further  mischief ; and  thus  hinders  them  from  44  treasur- 
ing up  wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath.”  But  when  their 
powe»  is  taken  away,  and  their  lives  are  spared,  though  in 
poverty  and  misery,  it  may  be  an  infinite  mercy  to  their  souls. 
( Notes,  25:27—30.  Jer.  24:4—7.) 

V.  8 — 20.  Tho  gradual  approach  of  divine  judgments 
affords  sinners  space  for  repentance,  and  believers  leisure  to 
prepare  for  properly  meeting  the  calamity  : but  it  only  evinces 
the  desperate  obduracy  and  obstinacy  of  those,  who  arc  not 
deterred  from  their  sins  by  all  which  they  witness  or  expe- 
rience.— God  delights  in  his  ordinances,  so  l/mg  as  they  prove 
means  of  grace  to  those  who  are  favoured  with  them  ; but  he 
abhors  them,  when  they  degenerate  into  a lifeless  form,  and 
that,  which  to  the  carnal  eye  appears  most  glorious  in  rcli- 


B.  C.  5S9. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


B.  C.  588. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

Jerusalem  is  besieged  and  taken;  Zedekiah  flees,  and  is  made  prisoner;  nis 
sons  are  slain,  his  eyes  are  put  out,  and  he  is  carried  in  chains  to  Babylon, 
l — 7.  The  temple,  palaces,  and  city  arc  burned,  the  walls  are  broken  down, 
and  the  remnant  of  the  people  le  i captive , except  a small  number  of  the  poor, 
8—14.  The  residue  of  the  sacred  vessels  and  treasures  are  carried  away, 
18—17.  The  nobles  are  slain  at  Riblah,  18 — 21.  Oedaliah  who  is  left  go- 
vernor, being  treacherously  slain,  the  rest  Jlce  into  Egypt , 22—26.  After 
many  years,  Evil-merodach  shows  great  kindness  to  Jehoiachin,  27 — 30. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  “in  the  ninth  year  of 
his  reign,  in  the  tenth  month,  in  the  lentil 
day  of  the  month,  that  bNebuchadnezzar  king  of 
Babylon  came,  he,  and  all  his  host,  against  Jeru- 
salem, and  'pitched  against  it ; and  they  built  forts 
against  it  round  about 

b.  c.-i  2 And  the  city  was  besieged  unto  the 
6f8-  J eleventh  year  of  king  Zedekian. 

3 And  on  ‘'the  ninth  day  of  the  fourth  month 
'the  famine  prevailed  in  the  city,  and  f there  was 
no  bread  for  the  people  of  the  land. 

4 II  And  he  city  was  broken  up,  and  all  the 
men  of  war  ''fled  by  night  by  the  way  of  the 
gate  between  two  walls,  which  is  by  the  king  s 
garden:  (now  the  Chaldees  were  against  the 
city  round  about ;)  ‘and  the  king  went  the  way 
toward  the  plain. 

5 And  the  army  of  the  Chaldees  pursued  after 
the  king,  land  overtook  him 1 in  the  plains  of 
Jericho  : and  all  his  army  were  scattered  from 
him. 

6 So  kthey  took  the  king,  and  brought  him 
up  to  the  king  of  Babylon  to  ‘Riblah ; and  they 
■gave  judgment  upon  him. 

7 And  ‘"they  slew  the  sons  of  Zedekiah  before 
his  eyes,  “and  'put  out  the  eyes  of  Zedekiah,  and 
"bound  him  with  fetters  of  brass,  and  carried  him 
lo  Babylon. 

8 H And  ‘in  the  fifth  month,  on  the  seventh 
day  of  the  month,  (which  is  ‘ithe  nineteenth  year 
of  king  Nebuchadnezzar  king  of  Babylon,)  came 
‘Nebuzar-adan,  icaptain  of  the  guard,  a servant  of 
the  king  of  Babylon,  unto  Jerusalem  : 


<2  Chr. 36:17.  Jer.  34:2,3. 39:1. 52:4,5.  Ez.  24:1,2.  b24:l,10.  lC!ir.6:15.  Jer. 
27:8—32:28.43:10.51:34.  Ez.  26:7.  Nebuchadrezzar.  Dan.  4:1,  &c.  c Is.  29:3. 
I er.  32:24.  Ez. 4: 1-8.  21:22-24.  Luke  19:43,44.  d Jer.  39:2.  52:6.  Zech.8:19. 
« Lev.  26:26.  Dcut.  28:52.53.  Lam.  4:4—10.  Ez.  4:9—17.  5:10,12.  7:15.  14:21. 
f Jer.  37:21. 38:2.  g Jer.  5:10.  39:2,3.  52:6,7.  Ez.  33:21.  h Lev.  26:17,36.  Deut. 
28:25.  32:24, 25, 30.  Jer.  39:4—7.  i 5.  Ez.  12:12.  j Is.  30:16.  Jer.  24:8.  39:5.52: 
8.  Am.  2:14 — 16.  k 2 Chr.  33:11.  Jer.  21 :7.  34:21 ,22.  38:23.  Lam.  4:19,20.  Ez. 
17:20,21.21:25—27.  1 See  on  23:33.  * Heb.  spake  judgment  with  him.  m Gen. 
21:16.44:34.  Deut.  28:34. 'Jer.  22:30.  39:6,7.  52:10,11.  n Jer.  32:4,5.  34:3.  Ez. 
12:13.  1 Heb.  made  blind,  o Judg.  16:21.  2 Chr.  33: 1 1.  36:6.  Ps.  107:10,11.149: 
8.  Ez.  7:27.  17:16— 20.  p Jer.  52:12— 14.  Zech.  8:19.  q24:12.  r Jer.  39:9— 14. 


gious  worship,  is  often  ir.  his  account  a vile  abomination. — 
Wicked  men  become  curses  to  each  other  ; and  the  nearer 
their  intimacy  or  relation,  the  greater  will  be  the  anguish  of 
those  who  sin  and  perish  together. — External  ‘ pre-eminence, 
in  times  of  public  calamity,  often  gives  the  precedency  in 
suffering;  but  riches,  dignity,  authority,  and  superior  abilities, 
will  assuredly  increase  the  sinner’s  condemnation ; for  to 
whom  much  is  given,  of  him  will  the  more  be  required.  Let 
us  then  neither  envy  nor  covet  such  precarious  advantages, 
but  be  warned  to  improve  every  talent  intrusted  to  us.  Let 
us  in  these  awful  events  contemplate  the  truth  of  the  Scrip- 
ture, and  “ flee  from  the  wrath  to  come  embrace  and  plead 
the  precious  promises  of  God ; and  by  patient  continuance 
in  well-doing,  wait  for  the  Saviour’s  mercy  unto  eternal 
life ! 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXV.  V.  1—5.  Jerusalem  was  so 
fortified  by  nature  and  art,  that  notwithstanding  the  enfeebled 
state  of  the  inhabitants,  and  Nebuchadnezzar’s  great  power 
and  military  skill,  it  could  not  be  taken  till  the  besieged  were 
incapacitated  by  famine  to  make  any  further  resistance. 
(Notes,  Lam.  4:10,12.)  In  the  Prophecy  and  Lamentations 
of  Jeremiah,  we  shall  have  an  opportunity  of  more  fully  con- 
sidering the  circumstances  of  this  catastrophe,  and  indeed  the 
whole  of  this  compendious  history  : it  suffices  in  this  place  to 
observe,  that  the  obstinacy,  impiety,  and  misery  of  the  be- 
sieged were  alike  great,  and  almost  unparalleled.  (Notes, 
Jer.  37:38:39:1 — 10.) — The  king  and  his  remaining  forces  en- 
deavoured to  escape  by  some  private  gate,  which  the  enemy 
•iad  not  observed,  or  did  not  guard  : but  his  attendants  were 
dispersed,  and  he  was  taken  prisoner.  (Notes,  Lam.  4:20. 
Ez.  12:1—16.) 

V.  6,  7.  Nebuchadnezzar,  having  placed  Zedekiah  on  the 

krone,  and  made  him  engage  to  be  faithful  to  him,  tried  and 
Condemned  him  as  a traitor,  in  the  presence  of  his  ministers 
and  counsellors:  (Notes,  2 Chr.  36:13.  Jer.  39:1 — 10.  Ez. 
17:15 — 21.  21:25 — 27.)  and,  having  slain  his  sons  in  his  sight, 
as  the  last  spectacle  which  he  should  ever  behold,  and  which 
might  ever  after  haunt  his  affrighted  imagination,  he  put  out 
his  eyes,  and  sent  him  in  chains  to  Babylon.  (Notes,  Jer. 
32:4,5,  v.  5.  34:1—5.  38:1—6,20—23.  Ez.  12:8—16.)  Here 


9 And  ‘he  burnt  the  house  of  the  Lord,,  and 
‘the  king’s  house,  and  all  the  houses  of  Jerusalem, 
and  every  great  man’s  house,  burnt  he  with  fire. 

10  And  all  the  army  of  the  Chaldees,  that  were 
with  the  captain  of  the  guard,  "brake  down  the 
walls  of  Jerusalem  round  about. 

11  Now  “the  rest  of  the  people  that  were  left 
in  the  city,  and  the  fugitives  that  fell  atvay  to  tic- 
king of  Babylon  with  the  remnant  of  the  multi 
tude,  did  Nebuzar-adan  the  captain  of  the  guard 
carry  away. 

12  But  the  captain  of  the  guard  Jleft  of  the 
oor  of  the  land  to  be  vine-dressers  and  hus- 
andmen. 

13  And  ‘the  “pillars  of  brass  that  were  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  the  bbases,  and  the  brazen 
sea  that  was  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  did  the 
Chaldees  break  in  pieces,  and  carried  the  brass  of 
them  to  Babylon. 

14  And  'the  pots,  and  the  shovels,  and  the 
snuffers,  and  the  spoons,  and  all  the  vessels  of 
brass  wherewith  they  ministered,  took  they  away. 

15  And  the  firepans,  and  the  howls,  Aand  such 
things  as  were  of  gold,  in  gold,  and  of  silver,  in 
silver,  the  captain  of  the  guard  took  away. 

16  The  two  pillars,  ''one  sea,  and  the  bases 
which  Solomon  had  made  for  the  house  of  the 
Lord  ; 'the  brass  of  all  these  vessels  was  without 
weight. 

17  The  height  of  the  tone  pillar  was  eighteen 
cubits,  and  the  chapiter  upon  it  was  brass : and 
the  height  of  the  chapiter  three  cubits ; and  the 
wreathen  work,  and  pomegranates  upon  the 
chapiter  round  about,  all  of  brass  : and  like  unto 
these  had  the  second  pillar  with  wreathen  work. 

18  U And  the  captain  of  the  guard  took 
sSeraiah  the  chief  priest,  and  '’Zephaniah  the 
second  priest,  and  the  three  keepers  of  the. "door : 

19  And  out  of  the  city  he  took  an  "officer  that 
was  set  over  the  men  of  war,  and  ’five  men  of 


40:1 — 4.52:12 — 16.  Lam.  4:12.  J Or,  chief  marshal.  6 2Chr.  36:19.  Ps.  74:3 
—7.  79:1.  Is.  64:11.  Jer.  7:14.  26:9.  Lam.  1:10.  2:7.  Mic.  3:12.  Luke  21:5,6. 

Acts  6:13,14.  t Jer.  34:22.  37:8,10.  39:8.  52:13.  Am.  2:5.  u Neh.  1:3.  Jer 

5:10.  39:8.  52:14.  x Jer.  15:1,2.  39:9.  52:15.  Ez.  5:2.  12:15,16.  22:15,16. 

§ Heh.  fallen  away.  y24:14.  Jer.  39:10.  40:7.  Ez.  33:24.  * *20:17.  2 Chr. 
36:18.  Jer.  27:19— 22.  52:17— 20.  Lam.  1:10.  a 1 Kings  7:15,21 ,41 . 2 Cbr. 
4:12,13.  b 1 Kings  7:23—45.  2 Chr.  4:2—6,14—16.  c Ex.  27:3.  38:3. 

1 Kings  7:48—50.  2 Chr.  4:20—22.  24:14.  d Ex.  37:23.  Num.  7:13,14  1 King* 
7:48—51.  2 Chr.  24:14.  Ezra  1:9 — 11.  Dan.  5:2,3.  [|  Heb.  the  one  sen  e 1 King* 
7:47.  f 1 Kings  7:16.  Jer.  52:21—23.  g 1 Chr.  6:14-  Ezra  7:1.  Jer.  52:24. 
h Jer.  21:1.  29:25,29.  U Heb.  threshold . **  Or,  eunuch,  i Jer.  52:25. 


he  ended  his  life,  probably  not  long  after ; for  no  more  is  re- 
corded concerning  him.  Zedekiah  left  daughters  at  Jerusa- 
lem, who  went  down  with  Johanan  to  Egypt,  and  doubtless 
died  there.  (Jer.  41:10.  43:6.) 

V.  8 — 10.  Nebuzar-adan  seems  to  have  arrived  at  Jeru- 
salem on  the  seventh  day  of  the  month,  but  he  began  to  exe- 
cute his  commission  on  the  tenth.  (Jer.  52:12.) — The  king  of 
Babylon,  enraged  at  the  long  and  obstinate  defence,  which 
the  Jews  had  made,  determined  that  this  city  should  be  no 
more  inhabited,  to  cause  him  or  his  successors  so  much  trou- 
ble and  expense  in  future.  (Notes,  Ezra  4:12 — 24.)  He 
therefore  gave  orders  to  level  the  city  with  the  ground,  with- 
out sparing  even  the  temple,  either  for  its  sanctity,  antiquity, 
or  magnificence  1 Thus  he  performed  the  words  both  of  the 
later  prophets,  and  likewise  the  predictions  of  Moses.  This 
is  computed  to  have  been  four  hundred  and  twenty-four  years 
from  the  time  when  Solomon  laid  the  foundations  of  the  tem- 
ple. Josephus  informs  us,  that  the  second  temple  was 
destroyed  by  the  Romans,  on  the  same  day  of  the  same 
month. 

V.  12.  Note,  22—26. 

V.  13 — 17.  ( Marg . Ref.  Notes,  1 Kings  7:13 — 51.  Jer.  52: 
17 — 23.)  By  this  it  appears,  that  Nebuchadnezzar  did  not 
purpose  wholly  to  desolate  the  land  ; but  by  destroying  Jeru- 
salem to  deprive  the  nation  of  the  power  of  resistance,  and  so 
to  continue  in  U a feeble  company  of  men  to  cultivate  the 
earth. — But  his  design,  in  this  respect,  was  defeated,  that  the 
purpose  and  predictions  of  God  might  be  accomplished.  It  is 
not  known  what  became  of  the  ark  ; but  it  was  not  afterwards 
found.  (Notes,  24:6 — 16.  Ezra  1:7 — 11.  Hag.  2:6 — 9.) 

IVithovt  weight.  (16)  The  quantity  of  brass  was  so 
great,  that  its  weight  was  not  ascertained.  (1  Kings  7:47.) 

V.  18 — 21.  Marg.  Ref. — Five.  (19)  Seven  men  are 
mentioned  by  Jeremiah  ; (Note,  Jer.  52:24 — 27.)  but  perhaps 
five  were  of  superior  rank  to  the  others  ; or  were  more  dis- 
tinguished as  the  favourites  and  counsellors  of  Zedekiah. 
All  these  persons  were  put  to  death  as  accessaries  to  his 
rebellion. 

V.  22 — 26.  Nebuchadnezzar  ir  ended  to  preserve  some 
inhabitants  in  the  land  ; but  it  was  he  Lc-  d’s  purpose  that  it 
( 709 


B.  C.  588. 


II.  KINGS.  B.  C 560. 


them  that  wtre  n the  king’s  presence,  which 
were  fount5  in  the  city,  and  the  'principal  scribe 
of  the  ho?-,  which  mustered  the  people  of  the 
land,  and  threescore  men  of  the  people  of  the  land 
that  were  found  in  the  city  : 

20  And  Nebuzar-adan  captain  of  the  guard 
took  these,  land  brought  them  to  the  king  of 
Babylon  to  Riblah : 

21  And  the  king  of  Babylon  smote  them,  and 
slew  them  at  Riblah  in  the  land  of  Hamath.  kSo 
Judah  was  carried  away  out  of  their  land. 

[Practical  Observations .] 

22  H And  as  for  'the  people  that  remained  in 
the  land  of  Judah  whom  Nebuchadnezzar  king 
of  Babylon  had  left,  even  over  them  he  made 
raGedaliah  the  son  of  “Ahikam  the  son  of  Shap- 
han,  ruler. 

23  And  “when  all  the  captains  of  the  armies, 
they  and  their  men,  heard  that  the  king  of 
Babylon  had  made  Gedaliah  governor,  there 
came  to  Gedaliah  to  Misnah,  even  Ishmael  the 
son  of  Nethaniah,  and  Johanan  the  son  of  Careah, 
and  Seraiah  the  son  of  Tanhumeth  the  Netopha- 
thite,  and  Jaazaniah  the  son  of  a Maachathite, 
they  and  their  men. 

24  And  Gedaliah  Psware  to  them,  and  to  their 
men,  and  said  unto  them,  Fear  not  to  be  the 
servants  of  the  Chaldees  : dwell  in  the  land,  and 

* Heb.  saw  the  Icing's  face.  Eslh.  1:14.  t Or,  scribe  of  Ike  captain  of  thehost. 

Jer.  52:26,27.  Lam.  4:16.  k 17:20. 23:27.  Lev.  26:33— 35.  Dent.  4:26.  28:36,64. 
Jer.  24:9,10.  25:9—11.  Am.  5:27.  1 Jer.  40:5,6.  in  25.  Jer.  39:14.  41:2.  n 22:12. 
2Chr.  34:20.  Jer.  26:24.  o Jer.  40:7,8,11,12.  p 2 Sam.  14: 1 1 . 19.23.  Jtr.  40:9, 
10.  Ez.  33:24— 29.  q Jer.  40:9.  42:6.  r Zech.  7:5.  8:19.  s Jer.  40:15,16.  41:1— 


should  be  desolated.  (12.  Notes,  Jer.  25:8 — 10.) — Ishmael, 
being  of  the  royal  family,  could  not  endure  to  see  any  shadow 
of  authority  possessed  by  another,  while  he  was  excluded  ; 
and  therefore  he  murdered  Gedaliah,  who  seems  to  have  been 
a wise  and  good  man.  His  father  Ahikam  had  been  Jere- 
miah’s protector ; and  the  prophet  had  by  choice  joined  his 
company.  (Notes,  Jer.  2G:24.  40:6.) — After  this  event,  the 
Jews,  rejecting  the  word  of  the  Lord  by  Jeremiah,  fled  into 
Egypt,  for  fear  of  the  resentment  of  the  king  of  Babylon  ; and 
there  they  either  miserably  perished,  or  were  lost  among  the 
natives,  and  thus  God  performed  his  purpose  and  predictions 
of  desolating  the  country,  contrary  to  the  intentions  of  the 
instruments,  which  he  had  hitherto  employed.  (Notes,  Jer. 
39: — 42:)  The  small  numbers,  mentioned  in  all  the  accounts 
of  these  events,  lead  the  mind  to  a most  melancholy  reflection 
on  the  multitudes  who  must  have  perished,  and  been  driven 
into  other  lands,  by  the  distresses  of  the  Jews,  previous  to  this 
catastrophe. 

Y.  27 — 30.  It  is  recorded  that  Nebuchadnezzar,  after  his 
recovery  from  the  miraculous  insanity  with  which  he  had  been 
visited,  committed  his  son  to  prison  for  maladministration 
during  that  period  ; (Notes,  Dan.  4:28 — 37.)  and  that  there 
he  contracted  an  acquaintance  with  Jehoiachin.  God  had 
foretold,  that  the  captives  at  Babylon  would  be  more  favoured, 
than  those  who  remained  at  Jerusalem  : and  thus  Jehoiachin 
was  at  length  more  favoured  than  Zedekiah.  (Notes,  Jer. 
24:) — Many  captive  or  tributary  kings  abode  at  Babylon,  but 
Jehoiachin  was  treated  with  greater  kindness  and  respect 
than  any  of  them,  either  out  of  personal  affection,  or  from  re- 
gard to  the  ancient  race  of  the  kings  of  Judah.  (Note,  Jer. 
52:31.) — As  Evil-merodach  reigned  but  two  years,  it  is  pro- 
bable Jehoiachin  did  not  live  long  after  this.  (Note,  Ezra  1: 
1-4.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 21.  If  repeated  warnings  and  afflictions  leave  the 
sinner’s  heart  more  obdurate  than  before,  it  is  an  evidence  that 
his  ruin  is  at  hand.  (TVoIe,  Prov.  29:1.) — Those  advantages, 
which  inspire  confidence  in  the  ways  of  wickedness,  will 
eventually  aggravate  the  possessor’s  misery  : for  no  power 
can  resist,  no  craftiness  can  elude,  those  whom  God  appoints 
to  be  the  executioners  of  his  vengeance. — If  rebellion  against 
earthly  princes  deserve  penalties  so  severe,  as  by  common 
consent  have,  in  all  ages  and  nations,  been  inflicted  upon 
those  who  were  guilty  of  that  crime  : who  can  estimate  what 
or  how  much  punishment  is  due  to  rebellion  against  our 
Creator,  Benefactor,  and  Sovereign  1 — Precibus  as  our  eyes 
are  to  us,  they  may  possibly  be  reserved  to  witness  such 
scenes,  as  may  make  us  wish,  that  they  had  been  previously 
closed,  in  darkness  or  in  death.  But  surely  no  sight  can  be 
so  distressing,  as  the  misery  of  our  children,  when  occasioned 


serve  the  king  of  Babylon,  <iand  it  shall  be  weL 
with  you. 

25  But  it  CLriit  to  pass  rin  the  seventh  month, 
that  "Ishmael  tne  son  of  Nethaniah,  the  son  of 
Elishama,  of  the  seed  troyal,  came,  and  ten  men 
with  him,  and  smote  Gedaliah,  that  he  died,  am 
the  Jews  and  the  Chaldees  that  were  with  him  at 
Mizpah. 

26  And  ‘all  the  people,  both  small  and  i-b.  c. 
great,  and  the  captains  of  the  armies,  arose,  L se2- 
and  came  to  Egypt:  for  they  were  afraid  of  the 
Chaldees. 

2?  IT  And  “it  came  to  pass  in  the  seven  and 
thirtieth  year  of  the  captivity  of  Jehoiachin  king 
of  Judah,  in  the  twelfth  month,  on  the  seven  and 
twentieth  day  of  the  month,  that  Evil-merodach 
’‘king  of  Babylon  in  the  year  that  he  began  to 
reign  did  ?lift  up  the  head  of  Jehoiachin  king  ol 
Judah  out  of  prison  ; 

28  And  he  spake  ^kindly  to  him,  and  set  his 
throne  above  ‘the  throne  of  the  kings  that  were 
with  him  in  Babylon ; 

29  And  “changed  his  prison-garments:  and  bhe 
did  eat  bread  continually  before  him  all  the  days 
of  his  life. 

30  And  his  allowance  teas  a continual  allowance 
given  him  of  the  king,  ca  daily  rate  for  every  day, 
dall  the  days  of  his  lile. 

15.  J Heb.  ofthe  kingdom.  11:1.  t Jer.  41:16— 18.  42:14— 22  . 43:5— 7.  u Jer. 
24:5,6  . 52:31 — 34.  x Prov.  21:1.  y Gen.  40:13,20.  § Heb.  good  things  with 
him.  z Jer.  27:6— 11.  Dan.  2:37.  5:18,19.  a 24:12.  Gen.  41:14,42.  Eslh.  4:4. 
8:15.  Is.  61:3.  Zech.  3:4.  Luke  15:22.  1)2  Sam.  9:7.  c Nell.  11:23.  12:47.  Don. 
1:5.  Matt.  6:11.  Luke  11:3.  Acls6:l.  il  Gen.  48:15,16. 


by  our  own  misconduct ! — God  overrules,  and  imperceptibly 
guides,  even  the  anger  and  the  resentment  of  men  to  execute 
his  righteous  purposes  for  his  own  glory.  In  the  day  of  his 
indignation,  he  utterly  disregards  populous  cities,  magnificent 
palaces,  and  fertile  countries  : nay,  he  permits  his  avowed  ene- 
mies to  destroy  his  sanctuaries,  to  prevent  the  administration 
of  his  ordinances,  and  even  to  extinguish  the  very  light  of  his 
gospel,  in  those  places,  where  these  inestimable  advantages 
have  long  been  despised,  neglected,  or  perverted.  But  he 
will  still  preserve  his  true  religion,  though  perhaps  among  the 
poor  and  despised  alone. — As  the  Lord  “ spared  not  the 
angels,  that  sinned as  he  has  doomed  the  whole  race  of 
fallen  men  to  the  grave,  and  all  unbelievers  to  hell ; and  as 
11  he  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered  him  up  for  us  all 
we  need  not  wonder  at  any  desolation  or  miseries  which,  for 
sin,  he  may  see  good  to  bring  upon  guilty  nations  and 
churches. 

V.  22 — 30.  The  secret  working  of  Providence  disappoints 
the  politic  or  humane  purposes  of  such  as  purpose  to  spare 
those  whom  God  intends  to  destroy  : and,  while  some  are  left 
to  their  ungoverned  passions,  and  others  to  their  groundless 
fears  and  infatuated  devices,  44  his  counsel  shall  stand,  and  he 
will  do  all  lus  pleasure.” — No  state  of  misery  on  earth  can  be 
called  absolutely  hopeless  or  comfortless.  In  hell  alone  this 
blackness  of  darkness  is  to  be  found  for  ever.  During  our 
most  dismal  and  tedious  nights  of  adversity,  we  may  hope  for 
the  cheerful  dawning  of  prosperous  days  ; especially,  if  our 
afflictions  lead  us  to  repentance  : for  God  has  all  hearts  in  his 
hands,  and,  as  he  sees  good,  can  incline  them  to  kindness. — 
The  believer  in  this  world  is,  as  it  were,  imprisoned  with  sins, 
temptations,  and  tribulations,  sometimes  for  many  a tedious 
year  : hut  death,  as  the  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  comes  for 
his  enlargement.  Then,  the  prisondoor  is  opened,  his  fetters 
are  loosed,  his  prison-garments  changed  for  the  robes  of  sal- 
vation and  glory  ; his  head  is  lifted  up,  and  his  throne  advanced 
above  the  chief  of  the  kings  of  the  earth  ; and  he  shall  ho 
eternally  feasted  upon  the  fulness  of  joy.  which  is  to  be  found 
in  the  presence  and  favour  of  the  Almighty.  Indeed,  even 
here,  the  Saviour  grants  to  the  trembling,  distressed,  and  en- 
slaved sinner,  who  comes  and  trusts  in  him,  a blessed  release 
from  condemnation  and  bondage  : he  bestows  on  him  liberty, 
change  of  raiment,  royal  immunities,  and  heavenly  provisions, 
day  by  day  ; and  these  are  intended  as  earnests  and  foretastes 
of  those 44  pleasures,  which  are  at  his  right  hand  for  evermore. M 
In  short,  sin  alone  can  hurt  us,  and  Jesus  alone  can  do  good 
to  sinners.  May  God  help  us  to  believe  ; and  to  wait,  in  pa- 
tient hope,  for  the  blessed  season,  when,  being  made  more 
than  conquerors  by  his  grace,  wc  shall  44  sit  down  with  the 
Saviour  upon  his  throne,  even  as  he  hath  overcome,  and  hath 
sat  down  with  the  Father  upon  his  throne 


# 


< 


THE  FIRST  BOOK 

OF  THE 

CHRONICLES. 


it  is  grncrally  agieed,  that  the  books  of  the  Chronicles  were  compiled  by  Ezra,  after  the  Babylonish  captivity  ; and  that  they  consist 
of  extracts  from  the  public  records  of  the  Jews,  and  the  writings  of  preceding  prophets.  Some  passages  appear  to  have  been  in 
sertea  in  the  very  words  of  the  original  record,  which  was  written  before  the  captivity  ; and  a few  names  seem  to  have  been  added 
to  the  genealogies,  after  the  death  of  Ezra.  (1  Chr.  3:19 — 24.)  The  original  name  is  (D'D'n  The  words  of  the  days , which 

signifies  Journals,  or  Annals;  and  it  is  not  improperly  rendered  Chronicles , or  Records  of  the  times.  Anciently,  the  whole 
forme  1 but  one  book  in  the  Hebrew  Bible  ; but  the  Septuagint  divide  it  into  two,  and  call  them  The  Boohs  of  things  which  haa 
been  left  out ; yet  this  is  less  proper  than  the  original  name  ; for  there  are  many  repetitions  of  facts  before  recorded,  as  well  as 
further  historical  information.  These  repetitions,  however,  must  not  be  deemed  superfluous  ; for  most  of  them  in  some  degree, 
and  some  of  them  exceedingly,  elucidate  the  preceding  history : and  the  few.  that  seem  not  wanted  in  this  respect,  are  suited  tc 
connect  the  whole  into  one  narration,  without  referring  to  other  books ; wnich  would  be  peculiarly  useful,  when  copies  of  the 
whole  Scriptures  were  both  scarce  and  expensive. — In  the  genealogies  there  are  several  literal  or  verbal  variations,  from  those 
found 
other 
variat 

the  transcriber  has  taken  place  ; but  there  is  no  variation,  which  in  the  least  interferes  with  our  faith  or  practice,  or  weakens  the 
external  or  internal  evidence  of  the  divine  inspiration  of  the  Scripture  in  general,  or  of  these  books  in  particular. — It  was  evidently 
a principal  design  of  the  sacred  writer,  in  these  records,  to  bring  into  one  view,  and  comprise  in  a narrow  compass,  whatever  imme- 
diately related  to  the  nation  of  Israel,  to  each  of  the  twelve  tribes,  and  to  the  family  of  David,  with  reference  to  the  settlement  in  tho 
land  after  the  captivity  ; and  to  ascertain  the  descent  of  the  promised  Messiah  : and  in  both  these  respects,  the  genealogies  would 
be  very  useful.  Until  Christ  came,  all  the  genealogies  of  that  nation  were  preserved  correct  and  authentic : but  since  that  period, 
the  Jews  have  none  which  can  be  depended  on.  The  types  were  then  fulfilled  in  the  great  Antitype  ; the  kingdom  and  priesthood 
were  permanently  united  in  his  person  ; and  the  nation  soon  forfeited  their  peculiar  temporal  advantages,  by  rejecting  their  King : 
and  as  their  genealogies  were  no  further  needful,  they  were  left  to  be  involved  in  oblivion  or  uncertainty. — Many  things  might  be 
very  plain  and  useful  to  the  ancient  Jews,  which  appear  obscure  and  uninteresting  to  us.  Should  it  be  allowed,  that  a small  part 
of  the  Scripture  was  profitable  to  the  church  in  some  ages  and  places,  but  not  at  all  in  others,  it  would  be  no  impeachment  of  the 
divine  wisdom  and  goodness  : and  if  we  cannot  understand  or  get  any  benefit  from  certain  portions ; it  is  more  reasonable  to  blame 
our  own  dulness,  than,  so  much  a3  in  thought,  to  censure  them  as  useless. — The  first  book  commences  with  genealogies  from  Adam, 
till  long  after  the  captivity  ; many  of  which  are  collected  from  other  parts  of  Scripture.  The  advancement  of  David  to  the  throne 
upon  Saul’s  death,  is  next  related  : and  a much  fuller  account  is  given  of  his  internal  government  of  the  kingdom  ; especially  in  the 
regulation  concerning  the  priests  and  Levites,  in  the  service  of  the  sanctuary  ; the  preparation  that  he  made  for  the  building  of  the 
temple  ; and  the  exhortations  to  Solomon  his  successor,  and  to  the  elders  of  Jsrael  with  which  he  closed  his  days,  than  in  the  pre- 
ceding histories.  And  the  sacred  writer  seems  to  have  dwelt  on  these  subjects  the  more  fully,  in  order  to  stir  up  a holy  emulation 
in  his  contemporaries,  in  restoring  the  worship  at  the  temple  to  its  ancient  order  and  purity.  So  tha-t  in  this  book,  “ the  man  after 
God’s  own  heart”  shines  much  brighter,  than  in  the  second  book  of  Samuel,  and  the  beginning  of  the  first  of  Kings. — The  genea- 
logies, giveti  by  St.  Matthew  and  St.  Luke,  may  be  supposed  to  refer  in  many  respects  to  those  in  this  book.  And  when  it  is  said 
that  Zacharias  was  “ of  the  course  of  Abia,”  the  reference  is  still  more  indisputable.  (24:10.  Luke  1:5.) — The  prophecies  contained 
in  it  coincide  indeed  with  those  in  the  second  of  Samuel  and  in  the  Psalms  ; and  therefore  cannot  be  adduced  as  full  proofs  of  its 
divine  inspiration  : but  the  sentiments  which  pervade  it  are  perfectly  scriptural : and  we  are  sure  it  formed  a part  of  the  Jewish 
Scriptures,  when  our  Saviour  and  his  apostles  appealed  to  them,  as  “ The  oracles  of  God.” 


in  other  parts  of  Scripture  : but  it  is  evident,  that  many  persons  had  more  than  one  name,  and  were  callfed  by  one  or  the 
indiscriminately  ; ana  the  spelling  and  pronunciation,  in  most  languages,  change  considerably  in  a course  of  years.  Some 
s in  the  numerals  have  already  been  noted  ; and  we  are  sometimes  constrained  to  allow,  that,  probably,  a trivial  error  ol 


B.  C.  4004. 

CHAPTER  I. 

The  genealogy,  from  Adam  to  Noah  and  his  sons,  1—4.  The  sons  of  Japheth , 
5 — 7 ; of  Ham,  8 — 16  ; and  of  Shem,  17 — 23.  A genealogy  from  Shem  to  Abra- 
ham and  his  sons,  24—28.  The  sons  of  Ishmael,  29—31  : and  of  Keturah , 32, 
33.  The  posterity  of  Abraham  by  Esau , 34—37.  The  sons  of  Seir , 38—42. 
The  kings  and  dukes  of  Edom,  4^—54. 

ADAM,  “Sheth,  bEnosh, 

2  cKenan,  dMahalaleel,  eJered, 

3  f Henoch,  ^Methuselah,  hLamech, 

4  ‘Noah,  kShem,  Ham,  and  Japheth. 
d.c. a 5 U The  'sons  of  Japheth;  Gomer,  and 
2S48.  JMagog,  and  Madai,  and  Javan,  and  Tubal, 
and  Meshech,  and  Tiras. 

6  And  the  sons  of  Gomer;  mAshchenaz,  and 
"Riphath„and  Togarmah. 

7  And  the  sons  of  Javan ; Elishah,  and  "Tar- 
shish,  “Kittim,  and  'Dodanim. 

8  it  The  Psons  of  Ham;  Cush,  and  Mizraim, 
“Put,  and  Canaan. 

9  And  the  sons  of  Cush ; Seba,  and  Havilah, 
and  Sabta,  and  Raamah,  and  Sabtecha.  And  the 
aons  of  Raamah ; Sheba,  and  Dedan. 

A Gen.  4:25,26.  5:3,8.  Luke  3:38.  Seth.  bGen.  5:9— II.  Luke  3:38.  Enas. 
e Gen.  5:12— 14.  Luke  3:37.  Cainnn.  d Gen.  5:15— 17.  Luke  3:37.  Maleleel. 
• Gen.  5:18— 20.  Luke  3:37.  Jared,  f Gen.  5:21— 24.  Heb.  11:5.  Jude  14.  Enoch. 
g Gen.  5:25 — 27.  Luke  3:37.  Nlathusaln.  h Gen.  5:28— 31 . Luke  3:36.  i Gen. 
5:32.6:8,9.7:1.9:29.  Is.  54:9,10.  Ez.  14:14.  Mall.  24:37,38.  I.nke  3:36.  17:26, 
•n.  Noe.  Heh.  11:7.  2 Pet.  2-5.  k Gen.  5:32.  6: 10.  9:18.  1 Gen.  10: 1— 5.  Ez. 
27:13.  38:2,3,6.  39:1.  m Gen.  10:3.  Aehken oz.  * Or,  Diphath,  as  in  some 
•opies.  n Ps.  72:10.  Is.  66:19.  o Num.  24:24.  In.  23:1,12.  Jer.  2:10.  Ez.  27:6. 
Dan.  11:30.  Chitlim.  f Or,  Rodnnim,  as  in  some  copies.  p Gen.  10:6,7. 
2 Gen.  10:6.  Phut,  r Gen.  10:8— 12.  Mic.  5:6.  s Gen.  10:13,14.  t Deut.  2: 

NOTES. — Chap.  I.  V.  1 — 4.  This  chapter  consists 
wholly  of  extracts,  and  abridgments  of  genealogies,  from  the 
book  of  Genesis  : though  several  names  are  spelt  differently, 
and  some  are  changed.  ( Marg . Ref.)— The  original  of  Israel, 
and  indeed  of  the  whole  human  race,  is  in  these  verses  de- 
rived from  the  first  man,  whom  God  created  ; and  this  rational 
account  may  be  considered,  as  an  intended  refutation  of  all 
the  fabulous,  obscure,  and  absurd  pretensions,  advanced  in 
ihis  respect,  by  many  pagan  nations.  ( Notes , Gen.  1:1,26— 
2ft.  2:4,7.  5:1,2.)  ‘ No  book  in  the  world  shows  the  original 


B.  C.  2320 

10  And  rCush  begat  Nimrod.  He  began  to  be 
mighty  upon  the  earth. 

11  And  “Mizraim  begat  Ludim,  and  Ananim, 
and  Lehabim,  and  Naphtuhim, 

12  And  Pathrusim,  and  Casluhim,  (of  whom 
came  the  Philistines,)  and  ‘Caphthorim. 

13  And  “Canaan  begat  Zidon  his  first-born, 
and  *Heth, 

14  The  yJebusite  also,  and  Hhe  Amorite,  and 
“the  Girgashite, 

15  And  bthe  Hivite,  and  the  Archite,  and  the 
Sinite, 

16  And  the  Arvadite,  and  the  Zemarite,  and 
the  “Hamathite. 

17  V The  dsons  of  Shem;  “Elam,  and  f Asshur, 
and  Arphaxad,  and  eLud,  and  hAram,  and  Uz, 
and  Hul,  and  Gether,  and  'Meshech. 

18  And  Arphaxad  begat  IShelah,  and  Shelah 
begat  Eber. 

19  And  unto  kEber  were  born  two  sons:  the 


23.  Jer.  47:4.  Am.  9:7.  u Gen.  9:22,25,26.  10:15 — 19.  Sidon.  x Gen.  23:3,5, 
20.27:46.49:30—32.  Ex.  23:28.  Josh.  9:1.  2 Sam.  11:6.  y Gen.  15:21.  Ex.33< 
2.34:11.  Judg.  1:21.  19:11.  2Sam.  24:16.  Zech.9:7.  z Gen.  48:22.  Num. 
21:21—32.  Deut.  20:17.  Josh.  3:10.  24: 15.  2 Sam.  21 :2.  2 Kings  21 : 1 1 . Am.2« 
9.  a Gen.  15:21.  Deut.  7:1.  Josh.  3:10.  Neh.  9:8.  b Ex.  3:8,17.  13:5.  1 King* 
9:20.  c Num.  34:8.  lKings8;65.  d Gen.  10:22 — 32.11:10.  e Gen.  14:1.  Ia. 
11:11.21:2.22:6.  Jer.  25:25.  Ez.  32:24.  Dan.  8:2.  f Num.  24:22— 24.  Ezra  4:2. 
Ps.  83.8.  Assur.  Ez.  27:23.  32:22.  Hos.14.3.  g Is.  66:19.  Et.  27:10.  h Num. 
23:7.  i Gen.  10:23.  Mash,  j Gen.  10:24.  11:12—15.  Salah.  k Gen.  10:21, 
25.11:16,17.  Num.  24:24. 


propagation  of  mankind,  but  only  the  holy  Scriptures.  They 
who  are  ignorant  of  them,  having  nothing  of  true  antiquity 
devised  senseless  fables  of  their  descent,  they  knew  not  how, 
nor  from  whom.  . . . This  was  the  peculiar  glory  of  the  Jewish 
nation,  that  they  alone  were  able  to  derive  their  pedigree 
from  the  first  man  that  God  created  ; of  which  no  other  na- 
tion could  boast,  or  make  a shadow  of  pretence.’  Bp.  Pa- 
trick. 

V.  5— 23.  (Notes,  Gen.  9:24—29.  10:)— This  short  re- 
view of  the  peopling  of  the  earth  by  the  sons  of  Noah,. 

( rn  ) 


B.  C.  1750. 


I.  CHRONICLES. 


name  of  the  one  was  'Peleg ; because  in  his  days 
the  earth  was  divided  : and  his  brother’s  name 
was  Joktan. 

20  And  Joktan  begat  Almodad,  and  Sheleph, 
and  ‘Hazermaveth,  and  Jerah, 

21  Hadoram  also,  and  Uzal,  and  Diklah, 

22  And  mEbal,  and  Abimael,  and  Sheba, 

23  And  "Ophir,  and  “Havilah,  and  Jobab.  All 
these  were  the  sons  of  Joktan. 

24  H rShem,  Arphaxad,  sShelah, 

25  rEber,  “Peleg,  ‘Reu, 

26  “Serug,  “Nahor,  yTerah, 

27  zAbram ; the  same  is  Abraham. 

28  The  sons  of  Abraham;  “Isaac,  and  bIsh- 
inael. 

29  ^ These  are  their  generations.  cThe  first- 
born of  Ishmael,  dNebaioth ; then  eKedar,  and 
Adbeel,  and  Mibsam, 

30  Mishina,  and  fDumah,  Massa,  fHadad,  and 
Tema, 

31  Jetur,  Naphish,  and  Kedemah.  These  are 
the  sons  of  Ishmael. 

B.c.-i  32  "il  Now  gthe  sons  of  Keturah,  Abra- 
l’53J ham’s  concubine:  she  bare  Zimran,  and 
Jokshan,  and  Medan,  and  hMidian,  and  Ishbak, 
and  Shuah.  And  the  sons  of  Jokshan ; ‘Sheba, 
and  JDedan. 

33  And  the  sons  of  Midian;  kEphah,  and 
Epher,  and  Henoch,  and  Abida,  and  Eldaah.  All 
these  are  the  sons  of  Keturah. 

34  And  ‘Abraham  begat  Isaac.  mThe  sons 
of  Isaac  : Esau,  and  "Israel. 

35  H The  “sons  of  Esau;  Eliphaz,  Reuel,  and 
Jeush,  and  Jaalam,  and  Korah. 

36  The  sons  of  Eliphaz ; rTeman,  and  Omar, 
•iZephi,  and  Gatan,  Kenaz,  and  Timna,  and 
Amalek. 

37  The  sons  of  Reuel;  Nahath,  Zerah,  Sham- 
mah,  and  Mizzah. 

38  And  rthe  sons  of  Seir;  Lotan,  and  Sho- 
bal,  and  Zibeon,  and  Anah,  and  Dishon,  and 
‘Ezar,  and  Dishan. 

39  And  the  sons  of  Lotan : ‘Hori,  and  “Ho- 
mam : and  Tiinna  was  Lotan  s sister. 

40  The  sons  of  Shobal  ; vAlian,  and  Manahath, 

• Thai  is,  Division.  1 Gen.  10:25, *27.  Hazarmaveth.  m Gen.  10:28.  Obnl. 
n Gen.  10:29.  1 Kings  9:28. 10:11.  1 Chr.  29:4.  Job  22:24.  Ps.  45:9.  Is.  13: 
12.  o Gen.  2:11.  25:18.  1 Sain.  15:7.  p Gen.  11:10-26.  q Luke  3:35. 
tSala.  r Luke  3:35.  Heber.  s Luke  3:35.  PUalec.  t Luke  3:35.  Rusau. 
n Luke  3:35.  Saruch.  x Luke  3:34.  Nachor . y Luke  3:34.  Tko.ro..  z Gen. 
11:27— 32.  17:5.  Josh.  24:2.  Neh.  9:7.  a Gen.  17: 19— 21 . 21 :3— 5,12.  b Gen. 
16:11—16.21:9,10.  c Gen.  25: 12— 16.  d Gen.  28:9.  Nebajoth.  Is.  60:7.  e Ps. 
120:4.  Cant.  1:5.  Is.  21:17.  f Is.  21:11.  t Or,  Hadar.  Gen. 26:15.  g Gen. 
25:1—4.  h Gen.  37:28.  Ex.  2:15,16.  Num.  22:4— 7.  25.6.  31 :2.  Judg.6:l— 6. 

I 1 Kings  10:1.  Job  6.19.  Ps.  72: 10,15.  Is.  60:6.  j la.  21:13.  Jer.  25:23.  49:8. 
Ez.  25:13.27:20.  k Is.  60:6.  1 Gen.  21:2, 3.  Matt.  1:2.  Luke  3:34.  Acts  7:8. 

might  be  intended  to  intimate  that  we  are  all  of  one  blood 
and  nature,  though  of  different  families. 

V.  24—27.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes , Gen.  11:10— 32.  17:5,6.) 
Shem  . . . was  the  most  eminent  of  Noah’s  sons,  whom  he 
solemnly  blessed;  the  Messiah  being  to  spring  from  him. 
(Gen.  9:26.)  For  from  Adam  thepromi.se  of  the  Messiah 
was  translated  to  Seth  ; and  from  Seth  to  Shem  ; from  Shem 
to  Eber  ; from  whom  the  Hebrew  nation,  some  think,  derived 
their  name  ; and  had  this  precious  promise  committed  to  their 
trust,  above  all  other  nations  in  the  world.’  Bp.  Patrick . 
( Note,  Gen.  11:6—9.) 

V.  28— 33.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Gen.  16:12.  17:18—21. 
21:20,21.  25:1—6,16,18. 

V.  34 — 37.  Notes , Gen.  25:20 — 34.  36:1 — 19. — Timna , 
and  Amalek.  (36)  Timna  was  concubine  to  Eliphaz,  and 
another  of  Amalek.  (Gen.  36:12.)  The  words  here,  therefore, 
seem  to  mean,  Of  Timna , Amalek.  (39) 

V.  38—42.  Notes , Gen.  36:20,24. 

V.  43 — 54.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Gen.  36:31 — 43.)  When 
tie  sacred  historian  had  given  the  genealogy  of  Abraham, 
he  father  of  the  faithful ; he  briefly  mentions  Abr&ham’s 
escendants  by  Ishmael,  by  Keturah,  and  by  Esau,  with 
some  coincident  matters:  but  he  speedily  leaves  these  sub- 
jects, to  confine  himself  to  the  chosen  people  of  God,  and 
feline  of  the  Saviour  ; in  comparison  with  whom,  the  nations 
most  renowned  for  arts  or  arms  seem  entirely  disregarded. 
PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

As  we  are  descended  fVom  that  “one  man,  by  whom  sin 
and  death  entered  into  the  world so  wo  all  resemble  and 
imitate  him:  and  this  should  remind  us  how  sinful  and  frail 
we  are  ; and  excite  us  to  repent,  to  value  the  Saviour,  to 
despair  of  happiness  in  this  miserable  world,  to  seek  those 
things  which  are  above,  and  habitually  to  prepare  to  meet 
death,  who  is,  to  all  unbelievers,  “the  king  of  terrors.”  For, 
as  an  invincible  conqueror,  he  has  already  transmitted  the 
( 712  ) 


B.  C.  1717. 

and  Ebal,  Shephi,  and  Onam.  And  the  sons  of 
Zibeon  ; “Aiah,  and  Anah. 

41  The  sons  of  Anah  ; ^Dishon.  And  the  sons 
of  Dishon ; zAmram,  and  Eshban,  and  Ithran, 
and  Cheran. 

42  The  sons  of  Ezer ; Bilhan,  and  "Zavan, 
and  Jakan.  The  sons  of  Dishan;  bUz,  and 
Aran. 

43  *n  Now  these  are  “the  kings  that  reigned  in 
the  land  of  Edom,  before  any  king  reigned  over 
the  children  of  Israel;  Bela  the  son-ofBeor:  and 
the  name  of  his  city  was  Dinhabah. 

44  And  when  Bela  was  dead,  Jobab  the  son 
of  Zerah  of  dBozrah  reigned  in  his  stead. 

45  And  when  Jobab  was  dead,  Husham  of  the 
land  of  the  Temanites  reigned  in  his  stead. 

46  And  when  Husham  was  dead,  Hadad  the 
son  of  Bedad,  which  smote  Midian  in  the  field 
of  Moab,  reigned  in  his  stead:  and  the  name  of 
his  city  was  Avith. 

47  And  when  Hadad  was  dead,  Samlah  of 
Masrekah  reigned  in  his  stead. 

48  And  when  Samlah  was  dead,  “Shaul  of 
Rehoboth  by  the  river  reigned  in  his  stead. 

49  And  when  Shaul  was  dead,  Baal-hanan  the 
son  of  Achbor  reigned  in  his  stead. 

50  And  when  Baal-hanan  was  dead,  Hadad 
reigned  in  his  stead : and  the  name  of  his  city 
was  f Pai ; and  his  wife’s  name  was  Mehetabel  the 
daughter  of  Matred,  the  daughter  of  Mezahab. 

51  H Hadad  died  also.  And  the  dukes  of  Edom 
were  ; duke  Timnah,  duke  eAliah,  duke  Jetheth, 

52  Duke  Aholibamah,  duke  Elah,  duke  Pinon, 

53  Duke  Kenaz,  duke  Teman,  duke  Mibzar, 

54  Duke  Magdiel,  duke  Iram.  bThese  are  the 
dukes  of  Edom. 

CHAPTER  II. 

The  sons  o f Israel,  1,2}  of  Judah,  3 — 12:  of  Jesse,  13 — 17:  of  Caleb,  the 
son  of  Hezron,  13—20  : of  Hezron,  by  the  daughter  of  Machir,  21 — 24  : and 
of  Jerahmeel,  Hezron's  son , 25 — 33.  The  pos  erily  of  Shisham,  by  hit 
daughter,  34 — 41.  Another  branch  of  Caleb' s posterity , 42 — 49.  The  song 
of  Caleb,  the  son  of  Hut,  50 — 54.  The  families  of  the  Kenites,  55. 

THESE  are  the  sons  of  'Israel ; ‘’Reuben, 
Simeon,  Levi,  and  Judah,  Issachar,  and  Ze- 
bulun, 

2 Dan,  Joseph,  and  Benjamin,  Naphtali,  Gad. 
and  Asher. 


m Gen.  25:24— 28.  Mai.  1:2—4.  Rom.  9:10—13.  n Gen.  32:28.  o Gen.  36:4, 
5,9,10.  p 53.  Gen.  36:11— 15.  Jer.  49:7,20.  Am.  1:12.  Ob.  9.  Hnb  3:3.  q Gen. 
36:15.  Zcp'io.  r Gen.  36:20,29,30.  s Gen.  36:21.  Ezer.  t Deul.  2:12,22. 
u Gen.  36:22.  Hetnan.  v Gen.  36:23.  Alvan—Shepho.  x Gen.  36:24.  Aiah. 
y Gen.  36:25.  z Gen.  36:26.  Hcmdan.  a Gen.  36:27.  Zaavan — Achan. 
b Gen.  36:28.  Lam.  4:21.  c Gen.  36:31— 39.  49:10.  Num.  24: 17— 19.  d Is.  34: 
6.63:1.  Jer.  49:13.  Am.  1:12.  Mic.2:12.  e Gen.  36:37.  Saul.  f Gen.  36:39. 
Pan.  g Gen.  36:40.  AlvaJi.  h Gen.  36:41 — 43.  * Or,  Jacob.  Gen.  32:28.  49i 
2.  b Gen.  29:32—35.  30:5—24.  35:18,*22— 26.  46:8,  &c.  49:4— 28.  Ex.  1:2— 4. 
Num.  1:5—15.  13:4—15.26:5,  &c.  Rev.  7:5—8. 


bodies  of  innumerable  millions  to  the  grave,  and  their  souls 
to  the  tribunal  of  God  and  to  the  eternal  world  ; and  is  even 
now  ready  to  deal  with  us  in  like  manner.  (Note,  Rom.  5: 
20,21.)  But  while  we  are  spared,  we  should  regard  every 
human  being  as  a brother,  a fellow-sinner,  and  a fellow-suf- 
ferer, without  respect  to  climate,  complexion,  p#ty,  charac- 
ter, or  even  personal  injuries  : and,  with  expanded  benevo- 
lence and  compassion  we  should  aim  to  alleviate  misery,  to 
increase  comfort,  to  promote  peace,  and  to  be  instrumental 
to  the  salvation  of  men,  by  our  example,  prayers,  and  the 
improvement  of  our  several  talents. — Short  is  our  passage 
through  time  into  eternity: — we  are  no  sooner  born,  than  we 
begin  to  die ; and  all  earthly  distinctions  will  speedily  be  re- 
duced to  a level,  as  the  rough  weed,  the  green  blade,  and 
the  gaudy  flower  fall  before  the  ^discriminating  scythe  ! May 
we  then  be  distinguished  as  the  Lord’s  people,  who  are  his 
portion,  and  whom  he  delights  to  honour  and  bless. — The 
inconceivable  multitudes  of  the  human  race,  which  have  peo- 
pled or  shall  people  the  earth  through  successive  generations, 
will  ere  long  assemble  before  the  judgment-seat  of  Christ-, 
and  be  divided  as  easily,  and  as  certainly,  “as  the  shepherd 
divideth  the  sheep  from  the  goats:”  then  the  wicked  “shall 
go  away  into  everlasting  punishment,  but  the  righteous  into 
life  eternal.”  May  we  then  so  “look  for  these  things,  as  to 
give  diligence  that  we  may  bo  found  of  him  in  peace,  without 
spot  and  blameless !” 

NOTES.— Chap.  II.  V.  1,  2.  Notes,  Gen.  29:32-35. 
30:1—21.  32:28.  35:17,18. 

V.  3,  4.  (Notes,  Gen.  38.)  The  descendants  of  Judah 
arc  first  mentioned  ; for  that  tribe  (like  him  who  was  to 
spring  from  it)  was  in  all  respects  to  I avc  the  pre-tminence. 
(Notes,  Gen.  49:8 — \0.)-~Shelak.  (3/  Note,  4:2.. 

V.  5,  6.  Marg.  Rtf. — The  son*  oj  Zerah,  &c.  (6)  It  is 
uncertain  whether  Ethan,  Homan  . hileol,  and  Para,  the 
sons  of  Muliol,  of  whom  we  road,  ( K ngs  4:31.  V were  re- 


B.  C.  1550. 


CHAPTER  II. 


B.  C.  1550. 


3 The  sons  of  Judah;  cEr,  and  Onan,  and 
Rhelah:  which  three  were  born  unto  him  of  the 
(laughter  of  Shua  the  Canaanitess.  And  Er  the 
first-born  of  Judah,  was  evil  in  the  sight  of  the 
Lord,  and  he  slew  him. 

4 And  dTamar  his  daughter-in-law  bare  him 
'Phare/,  and  1 Zcrah.  All  the  sons  of  Judah  were 
five. 

5 The  sons  of  Pharez  ; eHezron,  and  Hamul. 

6 And  the  sons  of  Zerah ; "Zimri,  and  'Ethan, 
and  Heman,  and  Calcol,  and  Dara:  five  of  them 
in  all. 

7 And  the  sons  of  kCarmi;  'Achar,  the  troubler 
of  Israel,  who  transgressed  in  the  thing  maccursed. 

8 And  the  sons  of  Ethan ; Azariah. 

9 The  sons  also  of  Hezron,  that  were  born 
unto  him;  "Jerahmeel,  and  “Ram,  and  pChelubai. 

10  And  Ram  begat  lAmminadab,  and  Ammin- 
adab  begat  "Nahshon,  prince  of  tbe  children  of 
Judah ; 

11  And  Nahshon  begat  “Salma,  and  Salma  be- 
gat Boaz, 

12  And  Boaz  begat  Obed,  and  Obed  begat 
1 Jesse. 

13  H And  Jesse  begat  "his  first-born  'Eliab,  and 
Abinadab  the  second,  and  *Shimma  the  third, 
b.c.i  14  Nathaneel  the  fourth,  Raddai  the  fifth, 
109  J 15  Ozem  the  sixth,  TDavid  the  seventh: 

16  Whose  sisters  were  Zeruiah,  and  Abigail. 
And  the  sons  of  Zeruiah ; Abishai,  and  Joab, 
and  Ashael,  three. 

17  And  Abigail  bare  "Amasa : and  the  father  of 
Amasa  was  bJether  the  Ishmaelite. 

b.c  a 18  IT  And  “Caleb  the  son  of  Hezron  begat 
1470  J children  of  Azubah  his  wife,  and  of  Jerioth:  her 
sons  are  these  ; Jesher,  and  Shobab,  and  Ardon. 

19  And  when  Azubah  was  dead,  Caleb  took 
unto  him  dF.phrat,h,  which  bare  him  Hur. 

20  And  Hur  begat  Uri,  and  Uri  begat  “Bezaleel. 

21  TI  And  afterwards  Hezron  went  in  to  the 
daughter  of  f Machir  the  father  of  Gilead,  whom 
he  'married  when  he  was  threescore  years  old ; 
and  she  bare  him  Segub. 

22  And  Segub  begat  sJair,  who  had  three 
and  twenty  cities  in  the  land  of  Gilead. 

23  And  he  took  hGeshur,  and  Aram,  with  the 
towns  of  Jair,  from  them,  with  Kenath  and  the 
towns  thereof,  even  threescore  cities.  All  these 

e 9:5.  Gen.  33:2—10.  46:12.  Nnm.  26:19,20.  d Gen.  38:13— 30.  Ruth  4:12.  Matt. 
1:3.  Thamar.  e 9:4.  Num.  26:21.  Ruth  4:18.  Neh.  11:4.  Perez.  Matt.  1:3. 
Luke  3:33.  Pkares.  f 9:6.  Num.  26:13,20.  Neh.  11:24.  Matt.  1:3.  Zara, 
g Gen.  46:12.  Num.  26:21.  Matt.  1:3.  Luke  3:33.  Esrom.  h Josh.  7:1,17,18. 
Zabdi.  i 1 Kings  4:31.  Dnrda.  k 4:1.  1 Josh.  7:1 — 5.  Aehan.  m Deut.  7: 
26.13:17.  Josh.  6:18.  7:11— 15.  22:20.  n 25— 33.  o Ruth  4. 19.  Matt.  1:3. 
Luke 3:33.  Aram,  p 18,19,24,42.  Caleb.  qRuth4:20.  Matt.  1:4.  Luke  3: 
33.  Aminadab.  r Num.  1.7.  2:3.  7:12,17.  10:14.  Ruth  4:20.  Matt. 1:4.  Luke 
8:32.  Naas  son.  s Ruth  4:21.  Matt.  1:4,5.  Luke  3:32.  Salmon — Booz.  t 10: 
14.  Ruth  4:22.  1 Sam.  16:1.  Is.  11:1,10.  Matt.  1:5.  Luke  3:32.  Acts  13:22. 
Rom.  15:12.  u 1 Sam.  16:6.  17:13,28.  v 27:18.  Elihu.  x 20:7.  Shimea. 


mote  and  eminent  descendants  of  Zerah  ; or  whether  different 
persons,  bearing  nearly  the  same  names,  are  there  intended. 

V.  7.  (Notes,  Josh.  7:1,10 — 24.)  Achan,  who  sinned  in 
the  accursed  thing,  is  here  called  Achar,  or  the  troubler;  with 
reference  to  Joshua’s  words  to  him.  (Note,  Josh.  7:25,26.) 
Carmi  is  said  in  Joshua  to  be  the  son  of  Zabdi,  who  is  here 
called  Zimri.  (6) — The  genealogies  of  Judah  are  very  copi- 
ous: because  David,  the  progenitor  of  the  Messiah,  was  of 
that  tribe  ; and  the  whole  nation  of  the  Jews,  to  this  day,  is 
composed  of  such  as  either  descended  from  Judah,  or  incor- 
porated with  those  who  did.  (Note,  2 Kings  16:6.) 

V.  8.  “ Sons”  here  signifies  descendants.  These  might 
be  numerous,  though  but  one  son  is  mentioned. 

V.  9 — 12.  Hezron,  the  son  of  Pharez.  (5)  (Marg.  Ref. 
Notes,  Ruth  4:17 — 22.) 

V.  15.  Jesse  had  eight  sons;  (1  Sam.  16:10.)  but  it  is 
probable,  that  one  died  before  David  came  to  the  throne. 
(Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  17.  Jether  is  generally  supposed  to  have  been  an  Ish- 
maelite by  birth,  but  an  Israelite  by  religion.  (Note,  2 Sam. 
17:25.) 

V.  18 — 20.  This  Caleb,  or  Chelubai,  (9)  was  not  the 

•ame  as  Caleb  the  son  of  Jephunneh,  whose  posterity  is 

Oerwards  mentioned.  (4:15.)  He  must  have  lived  some 
time  before  Israel  left  Egypt;  as  Bezaleel,who  was  the  prin- 
cipal person  employed  in  constructing  the  tabernacle,  was  his 
great-grandson;  the  son  of  Uri,  the  son  of  Hur,  the  son  of 
Caleb.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Ex.  31:1 — 5.) 

V.  21.  “ The  father  of  Gilead”  means,  the  prince  of 
Gilead,  or  the  father  of  a large  portion  of  the  inhabitants. 
The  term  occurs  frequently  in  this  sense,  throughout  the  sub- 
Vol.  I. — 90 


belonged  to  the  sons  of  Machir  tbe  father  of 
Gilead. 

24  And  after  that  Hezron  was  dead  in  'Caleb- 
ephratah,  then  Abiah,  Hezron’s  wife  bare  him 
lAshur  the  father  of  kTekoa. 

25  11  And  the  sons  of  'Jerahmeel,  the  first-born 
of  Hezron,  were  Ram,  the  first-born,  and  Bunah, 
and  Oren,  and  Ozem,  and  Ahijah. 

26  Jerahmeel  had  also  another  wife,  whose 
name  was  Atarah;  she  was  the  mother  ofOnam. 

27  And  the  sons  of  "’Ram,  the  first-born  of 
Jerahmeel,  were  Maaz,  and  Jamin,  and  Eker. 

28  And  the  sons  of"Onam  were  Shammai,  and 
Jada.  And  the  sons  of  Shammai ; Nadab,  and 
A bis  hur. 

29  And  the  name  of  the  wife  of  Abishur  was 
Abihail ; and  she  bare  him  Ahban,  and  Molid. 

30  And  the  sons  of  “Nadab ; Seled,  and  Ap- 
paim : but  Seled  died  without  children. 

31  And  the  sons  of  Appaim  ; Ishi.  And  the 
sons  of  Ishi;  Sheshan.  And  rthe  children  of 
Sheshan  ; Ahlai. 

32  And  the  sons  of  Jada,  the  brother  of  Sham- 
mai ; Jethur,  and . Jonathan  : and  Jethur  died 
without  children. 

33  And  the  sons  of  Jonathan ; Peleth,  and 
Zaza.  These  were  the  sons  of  Jerahmeel. 

34  IT  Now  Sheshan  had  no  sons,  but  daugh- 
ters : and  Sheshan  had  a servant,  an  Egyptian, 
whose  name  was  Jarha. 

35  And  '(Sheshan  gave  his  daughter  to  Jarha 
his  servant  to  wife  ; and  she  bare  him  Attai. 

36  And  Attai  begat  Nathan,  and  Nathan  begat 
rZabad, 

37  And  Zabad  begat  Ephlal,  and  Ephlal  begat 
Obed, 

38  And  Obed  begat  Jehu,  and  Jehu  begat  Aza- 
riah, 

39  And  Azariah  begat  Helez,  and  Helez  begat 
Eleasah, 

40  And  Eleasah  begat  Sisamai,  and  Sisamai 
begat  Shallum, 

41  And  Shallum  begat  Jekamiah,  and  Jekamiah 
begat  Elishama. 

42  H Now  the  sons  of  “Caleb  the  brother  of 
Jerahmeel,  were  Mesha  lhis  first-born,  which 
was  the  father  of  "Ziph  ; and  the  sons  of  Mare- 
shah,  xthe  father  of  Hebron. 


1 Sam.  16:9.  Shammah.  y 1 Sam.  16:10,11. 17  12 — 14.  ?.  1 Sam.  26;6.  2Sam. 
2:18—23.  3:39.  16.9—11.  19:22.  a 2 Sam.  17:25.  19:13.  29:4—12.  1 Kings 2:5, 
32.  b 2Snm.l7:25.  Ithraan  Israelite.  c 9.  Chelubai.  42.  <1  24,50.4:4. 

Mic.  5:2.  E])hrala.  e Ex.  31:2.  36:1 ,2.  37:1. 38:22.  2 Clir.  1:5.  f Gen.  50:23. 
Num.  26:29.  27:1.  32.39,40.  Deut.  3:15.  f Heb.  look.  g Num.  32:41.  Deut. 
3:14.  Josh.  13:30.  h Josh.  13:13.  i 9,18,19.  I Sam.  30:14.  ) 4:5.  k 2 Sam. 
14:2.  Am.  1:1.  19.  m 25.  n 26.  o 28.  p 34,35.  q3I.  r 11:41.  s 9. 
Chelubai.  18,19.24.  t Gen.  49:3.  Ex.  4:22,23.  Rom.  8:29.  Heb.  12:23.  u Joth. 
15:24.  1 Sam.  23:19.  26:1.  x 23,24,45,49,52.  8:29.  Ezra  2:21— .5.  Neh.  7: 
25—38. 


sequent  genealogies ; as  the  reader  will  readily  perceive  by 
consulting  the  marginal  references.  {Notes,  42 — 53.) 

V.  22.  Jair  was  descended  by  his  father  from  Judah,  and 
properly  belonged  to  that  tribe:  but  Hezron,  his  grandfather, 
married  a wife  of  the  tribe  of  Manasseh  ; and  Jair,  as  de- 
scended from  her,  united  himself  to  that  tribe,  and  at  length 
inherited  among  them.  ( Note , Num.  32:41.) 

V.  23.  Jair  seems  to  have  taken  Geshur,  Aram,  and  some 
other  places,  from  those  who  before  possessed  them.  (Num. 
32:39—42.  Deut.  3:14.  Josh.  13:29—32.) 

V.  24.  Asher  was  the  posthumous  son  of  Hezron,  by 
Abiah,  whom  he  married  in  his  old  age.  (21)  But  h.e  be- 
came a man  of  consequence  ; and  his  descendants  principally 
peopled,  or  ruled  over,  Tekoa. 

V.  25 — 33.  Nothing  further  is  recorded  of  the  persons 
mentioned  in  these  verses.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  34 — 41.  It  does  not  appear  that  Sheshan  had  more 
than  one  daughter,  whom  he  gave  in  marriage  to  his  servant, 
an  Egyptian ; who,  it  is  probable,  was  a proselyte  to  the  true 
religion,  and  had  been  faithful  to  him.  But,  as  a numerous 
progeny  might  spring  from  this  one  daughter,  the  plural  num- 
ber is  used,  as  it  was  before  observed  to  be  in  the  case  of 
sons.  (Note,  8. ) 

V.  42 — 49.  This  Caleb,  being  the  brother  of  Jerahmeel, 
was  the  same  person  of  whom  we  read  before.  His  children 
by  Azubah  and  by  Ephrath,  had  been  enumerated:  (Notey 
18 — 20.)  so  that  “Meshah,  his  first-born,”  seems  to  have 
been  born  to  him  by  another  wife,  whom  he  married  before 
either  Azubah  or  Ephrath. — The  Jews,  when  they  returned 
from  the  captivity,  were  principally  of  the  tribe  of  Judah* 
and  n these  genealogies  might  be  exceedingly  useful  to  them, 
( 713  ) 


B.  C.  1400 


B.  C.  712. 


I.  CHRONICLES. 


43  And  4ne  s.ms  of  Hebron;  Korah,  andTa- 
puah  and  Kekem.  and  Shema. 

44  And  Shema  begat  Raham,  the  father  of 
Jorkoam:  and  Rekem  begat  Shammai. 

45  An'd  the  son  of  Shammai  was  Maon : and 
Maon  was  the  father  of  rBethzur. 

46  And  Ephah,  'Caleb’s  concubine,  bare  Haran, 
anil  Moza,  and  Gazez:  and  Haran  begat  Gazez. 

47  And  the  sons  of  J hdai ; Regem,  and  Jo- 
tham,  and  Geshan,  and  Pelet,  and  Ephah,  and 
•Shaaph. 

48  Maachah,  Caleb’s  “concubine,  bare  Sheber, 
and  Tirhanah. 

49  She  bare  also  Shaaph  bthe  father  of  cMad- 
mannah,  Sheva  the  father  of  Machbenah,  and  the 
father  of  dGibea  : and  the  daughter  of  Caleb  was 
Achsah. 

50  H These  were  the  sons  of  Caleb  the  son  of 
Hur,  the  first-born  eof  Ephratah ; Shobal  the 
father  of  ' Kirjath-jearim, 

51  Salma  sthe  father  of  hBeth-lehem,  Hareph 
the  father  of  Beth-gader. 

52  And  Shobal  the  father  of  Kirjath-jearim  had 
sohs  : 'Haroeh,  and  'half  of  the  Manahethites. 

53  And  the  families  of  Kirjath-jearim ; the 
■Ithrites,  and  the  Puhites,  and  the  Shumathites, 
and  the  Mishraites:  of  them  came  kthe  Zarea- 
tliites,  and  the  Eshtaulites. 

54  The  sons  of  Salma ; 'Beth-lehem,  and  the 
mNetophathites,  lAtaroth,  the  bouse  of  Joab,  and 
half  of  the  Manahethites,  the  Zorites. 

55  And  the  families  of  “the  scribes  which  dwelt 
at  °Jabez  ; the  Tirathites,  the  Shimeathites,  and 
Suchathites.  These  are  Pthe  Kenites  that  came 
of  Hemath,  the  father  of  the  house  of  iRechab. 

y Josh.  15:58.  z 18,19,48.  a 46.  Gen.  25:5,6.  b See  on  42.  c Josh.  15:31.  Is. 
10:31.  Mrtdmenah.  d Josh.  15:57.  2Sam.  21:6.  Gibenh.  e 19,20.  Ephrath. 
f 53.  13:5,6.  Josh.  15:9,6U.  1 Sam.  7:1.  g 4:4.  h Gen.  35:19.  Rnth.  1:19.  2:4.  4: 
11.  Matt.  2: 1,6.  John  7:42.  * Or,  Reaiah.  4 :2.  ^ Or,  half  of  the  Menuchites, 

or,  Hatsi-hammenuchoth.  i 11 :40.  2 Sam.  23.38.  k Josh.  15:33.  19:41 . Judg. 
13:2,25.16:31.  151.  m 11:30.  2 Sam.  23:29.  Ezra  2:22.  Neh.  7:26.  12:28. 

Or,  Atariles,  or,  crowns  of  the  house  of  Joab.  Josh.  16:2.  n Ezra  7:6.  Jer. 
:8.  o 4:9,10.  p Judg.  1:16.  4:11.  1 Sam.  15:6.  q 2 Kings  10: 15.  Jer.  35:2-8, 
19.  a 2 Sam.  3:2-5.  b 2 Sam.  13:1 ,29.  c 1 Sam.  25:43.  27:3.  d Josh.  15:56. 
e 2 Sam.  3:3.  Chileab.  f 1 Sam.  25:39— 42.  g 2Sam.  13:1,20—28.38.  18:14, 
18,33.19:4-10.  h 2:23.  Josh.  13:13.  2 Sam.  14:23,32.  15:8.  i 2 Sam.  3:4. 

I Kings  1:5.2:24,25.  j 2 Sam.  3:5.  k 2 Sam.  2: 11 . 5:4,5.  1 Kings  2: 11.  114: 

4.  2 Sam.  5:14.  Shamrnuah.  m 2 Sam.  7:2— 4.  12:1—15.  Luke  3:31.  n 28:5, 


No  doubt  they  were  extracted  from  ancient  public  records  of 
allowed  authenticity.  ( Marg . Ref.) 

The  cities,  of  which  these  persons  are  said  to  have  been 
fathers,  were  all  situated  in  Judah  ; and  this  confirms  the  pre- 
ceding interpretation.  (Note,  21.) 

Achsah.  (49)  w Caleb  the  son  of  Jephunneh”  had  a daughter 
called  Achsah,  who  was  married  to  Othniel,  at  the  time  when 
Joshua  completed  the  division  of  the  land.  (Notes,  Josh.  15: 
16 — 19.)  But  Caleb  the  son  of  Hezron  lived  some  ages 
before  : (Note,  18 — 20.)  and  his  daughter  Achsah  was  a dif- 
ferent person. 

V.  50.  Caleb,  here  spoken  of,  was  the  grandson  of  him 
before  mentioned,  and  brother  to  Uri,  the  father  of  Bezaleel ; 
the  same  as  erected  the  tabernacle.  (9,18,19,42.) 

V.  52,  53.  The  inhabitants  of  these  cities  consisted  in 
general  of  Shobal’s  descendants ; or  they  were  the  principal 
persons  among  them.  This  seems  to  be  equivalent  to  the 
phrase,  u the  father  ofZiph,  of  Beth-lehem,  &c.”  (42,43.) 

V.  54.  The  word  rendered  “ the  house  of  Joab,  seems  to 
be  a proper  name,  Beth- joab ; for  a place,  not  a family,  is 
evidently  meant. — 1 Beth-joab;  so  these  words,  we  translate 
“the  house  of  Joab,”  should  be  rendered;  for  he  is  not 
speaking  of  Joab’s  family,  but  of  Caleb’s.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  55.  77/e  Kenites,  &c.]  (Notes,  Judg.  1:16.  4:11.  Jer. 
35:1 — 7,18,19.)  It  seems  that  some  of  the  Kenites,  the  pos- 
terity of  Hobab,  incorporated  with  Judah,  and  became  expert 
in  writing,  and  eminent  in  their  knowledge  of  the  law  of  God. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

No  length  of  time  will  expunge  the  guilt  or  infamy  of  those 
who  do  evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  are  troublers  of  his  peo- 
ple, and  die  in  their  sins.  But,  as  the  Saviour  was  pleased 
to  assume  human  nature,  by  descent  through  so  many  a 
heinous  transgressor,  and  thus  to  be  u made  in  the  likeness 
of  sinful  flesh,”  as  well  as  a sacrifice  for  sin,  all  manner  of 
wickedness  shall  be  purged  away  from  those  who  believe  in 
nis  name. — Frequently  the  last,  become  first,  and  the  first 
last;  and  atrocious  sinners  have  in  every  age  been  trans- 
formed into  the  most  eminent  believers. — Difficulties,  ble- 
mishes, and  disgraces  in  the  beginnings  of  life,  or  on  the 
entrance  of  any  undertaking ; and  remarkable  blots  in  the 
origin  of  families  ; have  often  proved  as  foils  to  the  lustre, 
eucccss,  or  eminence,  with  which  they  were  afierwards 
favoured.  In  the  same  wise,  righteous,  and  merciful  sove- 
reignty, the  Lord  advances  or  depresses  the  branches  offami- 
lies  ; prospers  or  renders  unsuccessful  our  temporal  pursuits  ; 

( 7)4  ) 


CHAPTER  III. 

The  tone  of  David , 1—9.  Hie  line  to  Zcdekiah,  10—16.  The  sone  and  euccee 
eore  of  Jeconiah , 17—24. 

NOW  these  were  “the  sons  of  David,  which  were 
born  unto  him  in  Hebron ; the  first-born 
bAmnon,  of  cAhinoam  the  dJezreelitess;  the  second, 
“Daniel  'of  Abigail  the  Carmelitess  : 

2  The  third,  ^Absalom  the  son  of  Maachah 
the  daughter  of  Talmai  king  ofhGeshur:  the 
fourth,  'Adonijah  the  son  of  Haggith  : 

3  The  fifth,  Shephatiah  of  Abital:  the  sixth, 
Ithream  by  iEglah  his  wife. 

4  These  six  were  born  unto  him  in  Hebron; 
and  kthere  he  reigned  seven  years  and  six  months: 
and  in  Jerusalem  he  reigned  thirty  and  three  years. 

5  And  these  were  born  unto  him  in  Jerusalem; 
'Shimea,  and  Shobab,  and  "Nathan,  and  "Solo- 
mon, four,  of  “Bathshua  the  daughter  of  i’Am- 
miel : 

6  Ibhar  also,  and  ‘'Elishama,  and  "Eliphelet, 

7  And  sNogah,  and  Nepheg,  and  Japhia, 

8  And  Elishama,  and  ‘Eliada,  and  “Eliphelet, 
nine. 

9  These  were  all  the  sons  of  David,  besides  the 
sons  xof  the  concubines,  and  rTamar  their  sister. 

10  If  And  Solomon’s  son  was  “Rehoboam, 
“Abia  his  son,  '’Asa  his  son,  “Jehoshaphat  his  son, 
11  dJoram  his  son,  “Ahaziah  his  son,  < Joash  his 
son, 

12  sAmaziah  his  son,  hAzariah  his  son,  'Jotham 
his  son, 

13  kAhaz  his  son,  'Hezekiah  his  son,  mManasseh 
his  son, 

14  "Amon  his  son,  °Josiah  his  son. 

15  And  the  sons  of  Josiah  were,  the  first-born 

6.  2 Sam.  12:24,25.  o 2 Sam.  II  :3.  Balh-sheba.  Matt.  1:6.  p 2 Sam.  11:3. 
Eliam.  q 14:5.  2 Sam.  5.15.  Elishva.  r 14.5.  Elpalet.  s 2 Sam.  5: 15,16. 
t 14:7.  Beeliada.  u 14:7.  2 Sam.  5: 16.  Eliphalet.  x2Sam.5:13.  y 2 Sam. 
13:1—20.  z 1 Kings  11:43.  14:31.  Matt.  1:7.  Roboam.  a 1 Kings  15:1.  AbU 
jam.  2 Chr.  13:1.  Abijah.  b 1 Kings  15:8.  2Chr.  14:1.  c 1 Kingd  15:24, 
2(  hr.  17:1.  Matt.  1:8.  Joeaphat.  /d  lKings22:50,  2 Chr.  21 : 1 . Jehoram. 
e 2 Kings  8:24 . 2 Chr.  21 :17.  Jthonhaz.  22: 1.6.  Azdrioh.  f 2 Kings  11:21. 

2 Chr.  24:1.  g 2 Kings  14:1.  2 Chr.  25:1.  h 2 Kings  14:21 . 2 Chr.  26:1 . Uz. 
ziah.  Matt.  1:8,9.  Ozias.  i 2 Kirfga  15:5,32.  2 Chr.  27: 1 . Matt.  1:9.  Joaiham. 
k 2 Kings  16:1.  2 Chr.  28:1—  8.  Matt.  1:9.  Achaz . 1 2 Kings  18:1.  2 Chr.  29: 
1.  Matt.  1:9.  Ezekias.  m 2 Kings  21:1.  2 Chr.  33:1.  Malt.  1:10.  Mannsses. 
n 2 Kings  21:19.  2 Chr.  33:20,21.  o2Kinga22:l.  2 Chr.  34:1.  Matt.  1:10,11. 
Josias. 


replenishes  or  diminishes  our  households,  and  renders  them 
a comfort  or  a trial  to  us.  Submission  to  his  will  is  our  duty 
and  wisdom  ; but  it  is  the  privilege  of  the  true  believer  alone 
to  maintain  this  happy  frame  of  mind.  In  Christ,  however, 
there  is  neither  bond  nor  free,  neither  male  nor  female,  neither 
Jew  nor  Gentile  : all  who  come  to  him  are  equally  welcome  to 
his  salvation  ; all  are  equally  privileged,  in  proportion  to  their 
faith,  love,  and  devotedness  to  him : and  it  is  a peculiar  favour 
for  poor  strangers  to  be  made  M scribes  well  instructed  in  the 
kingdom  of  God,”  and  to  be  fitted  also  for  usefulness  toothers. 
In  short,  the  whole,  that  is  truly  valuable,  consists  in  the 
favour,  peace,  and  image  of  God;  and  a life  spent  to  his 
glory,  and  in  promoting  the  welfare  of  our  fellow-creatures. 

NOTES.— Chap.  III.  V.  1— 9.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  3:1—  5. 
5:13—16.)  David’s  other  sons  by  Bathshua,  or  Bath-sheba,  are 
mentioned  before  Solomon,  though  yoqnger  than  he ; because 
the  genealogy  is  resumed  from  him.  Probably  David  called 
one  of  them  Nathan,  out  of  respect  to  the  prophet  of  that 
name,  whom  he  loved  the  belter  for  his  faithful  reproof.  Mary 
the  mother  of  Jesus  was  descended  from  Nathan,  not  from 
Solomon.  (Notes,  Luke  3:23 — 38.)  The  two  sons,  which 
are  here  mentioned,  more  than  in  Samuel,  probably  died 
young  ; as  there  are  two  called  Elishama,  and  two  Eliphelet. 
(Marg.  Ref.) — It  seems  that  David  had  children  by  Ins  con 
cubines,  whose  names  are  no  where  recorded. 

V.  1(> — 15.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Johanan  seems  to  have  died 
young.  Shallum  is  also  called  Jchoahaz.  He  was  older  than 
Zedekiah,  though  mentioned  after  him.  (Note,  2 Kings  23: 
29,30,  u.  30.) 

V.  16.  As  the  sons  of  Jeconiah  are  enumerated  in  the  next 
verses,  and  as  Zedekiah,  a son  of  Jeconiah,  is  not  elsewhere 
mentioned,  it  is  thought  by  learned  men,  that  “ his  son”  here 
means  his  successor. 

V.  17,  18.  Many  commentators  take  it  for  granted,  that 
Salathiel,  or  Shealtiel,  actually  descended  from  Nathan,  and 
was  only  the  adopted  son  of  Jeconiah;  that  Solomon’s  lino 
was  extinct;  and  that  Joseph,  the  husband  of  Mary,  sprang 
from  Nathan,  as  well  as  she.  They  ground  this  sentiment  on 
those  reasons  : Jeremiah  is  supposed  to  have  pronounced 
Jeconiah  childless  ; but  perhaps  a satisfactory  solution  of  that 
difficulty  may  bo  adduced.  ( Note,  Jer . 22:28 — 30. ) Again,  it  is 
argued,  that  St.  Luke  mentions  Zorobabel,  the  son  of  Salathiel, 
in  the  genealogy  of  Mary.  But  to  this  it  may  be  answered,  that 
it  is  scarcely  the  shadow  of  an  argument  to  say,  because  n father 
and  son  are  of  the  same  names  in  one  genealogy,  as  they  are  ui 


B.  C.  714. 


CHAPTER  IT. 


Jolianan,  the  second  pJehoiakim,  the  third  iZede- 
kiah,  the  fourth  rShallum. 

16  And  the  sons  of  Jehoiakim;  ‘Jeconiah  his 
son,  ‘Zedekiah  his  son. 

17  H And  the  sons  of  Jeconiah;  Assir,  "Salathiel 
his  son. 

18  Malchiram  also,  and  Pedaiah,  and  Shenazar, 
Jecamiah,  Hoshama,  and  Nedabiah. 

10  And  the  sons  of  Pedaiah  were  ‘Zerubbabel, 
and  Sldmei : and  the  sons  of  Zerubbabel ; Me- 
shu.  am,  and  Hananiah,  and  Shelomith  their  sis- 
ter : 

20  And  Hashubah,  and  Ohel,'and  Berechia, 
and  Hesadiah,  Jushab-hesed,  five. 

21  And  the  sons  of  Hananiah  ; rPeletiah,  and 
Jesaiah : the  sons  of  Rephaiah,  the  sons  of 
Arnon,  the  sons  of  Obadiah,  the  sons  of  Shechan- 
iah. 

b.c.-i  22  And  the  sons  of  Shechaniah  ; Shemai- 
43o. Jah  : and  the  sons  of  Shemaiah  ; zHattush,  and 
Igeal,  and  Bariah,  and  Neariah,  and  Shaphat,  six. 

23  And  the  sons  of  Neariah;  Elioenai,  and 
"Hezekiah,  and  Azrikam,  three. 

24  And  the  sons  of  Elioenai  were  Hodaiah,  and 
Eliashib,  and  Pelaiah,  and  Akkub,  and  Johanan, 
and  Delaiah,  and  Anani,  seven. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

The  posterity  of  Judah,  in  the  line  of  llezron,  Carmi,  and  Hut,  1 — 4.  The 
posterity  of  1 shur,  Hezron's  son,  5 — 8.  Jabez,  and  his  prayer,  9,  10. 
Other  descendants  of  Judah  by  Pharez,  11—20.  The  posterity  of  Shelah, 
Judah’s  son,  21—23.  The  sons  of  Simeon  and  their  cities,  21—  38.  They 
conqrier  Gedor  and  the  Amalefcites , 39 — 43. 

TIME  sons  of  Judah;  “Pharez,  Hezron,  and 
bCarmi,  and  Hur,  and  Shobal. 

5 2 Kill-8  -23:34.  Eliakim.  2Ctir.36:S.  Jer.  22:18.  q 2 Kings  24:17,13.  Mat  ta- 
2Chr.  36:11.  r 2 Kings 23:30  . 2 Chr.  36:1.  Jthonhaz.  Jer.  82:11. 

8 2 Kings  24:8.  25:27  . 2 Chr.  36:9.  JeboiccMn.  Jer.  32:24,28.  Ctmiah.  Matt. 
|:ll.  Jcchonias.  t 15.  n Ejrn  3:2,8.  5:2.  Sltealtiel.  Matt  1:12.  I Etn 
2 2 3:2.  Hag.  1:12— 14.2:2,4.  Zech.4:6— 8.  Matt.  1:12,13.  Zorobabel.  7 Neh 
10:22.  z Kara  8:2.  • Or,  HUktJahu.  a 2:5.  Gen.  38:29.  46:12.  Num.  25:20, 
21.  Ruth  4:18.  Matt.  1:3.  Luke  3:33.  Phares.  Eerom.  b 2:9.  Chelubai. 
2:18.  C aleb.  c 2:52.  Harnett.  <1  2:53,54.  Josh.  15:33.  Judg.  13:25.  e Judg. 

15  11.  2 Chr.  11:6.  f 18,39.  Josh.  15:36.  g 2:19,50.  hSeeon2:24.  i Gen. 

another,  therefore  they  were  the  same  persons,  when  no  other 
part  of  the  genealogy  supports,  or  can  possibly  accord  with, 
the  conclusion.  Salathiel,  the  father  of  Zorobabel,  mentioned 
by  St.  Luke,  was  “ the  son  of  Rhesa,  the  son  of  Joanna,  the 
son  of  Judah  this  Salathiel  was  the  “ son  of  Assir,  the  son 
of  Jeconiah.” — 1 Rhesa  [Luke  3:27.)  ...  is  not  found  among 
the  eight  children,  that  are  here  reckoned  up.’  Bp.  Patrick. 
Matthew  says,  Jeconiah  begat  Salathiel ; and  it  will  be  harsh 
to  interpret  this  of  mere  adoption,  or  of  less  than  being  his 
progenitor;  and  here  are  several  other  sons,  or  descendants, 
of  Jeconiah  mentioned,  who  cannot  all  have  been  adopted. 
Upon  the  whole  it  scarcely  admits  of  a doubt,  that  the  line 
from  Solomon  to  Joseph  was  uninterrupted  ; and  that  the  two 
families  met  in  Jesus,  the  real  son  of  Mary,  and  the  supposed 
and  legal  son  of  Joseph.  (ATotes,  Matt.  1:2 — Vt.Luke  3:23 — 38.) 

V.  19 — 24.  Perhaps  Pedaiah  was  Salathiel’s  son,  Jeco- 
niah’s  grandson,  and  Zerubbabel’s  father:  hut,  being  of  small 
note,  his  name  is  omitted  in  the  other  genealogies,  which  is  a 
common  case.  Nothing  is  known  except  the  names  of  the 
persons  afterwards  mentioned  ; but  several  of  them  must  have 
lived  a long  time  after  the  captivity,  perhaps  later  than  the 
days  of  Ezra.  St.  Matthew  evidently  deduces  the  line  of 
Joseph  from  a different  branch  of  the  same  stock  : that  is, 
from  another  branch  of  Zerubbabel’s  descendants.  (Matt. 
1:13—16.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

In  the  large  families  of  wise,  eminent,  and  pious  men, 
many  persons  prove  too  insignificant  to  attract  our  notice, 
and  others  so  vicious  as  to  excite  our  grief  and  indignation. 
They  therefore,  who  have  no  children,  may  hence  learn  sub- 
mission to  the  will  of  God:  for  if,  by  that  appointment,  they 
are  destitute  of  some  comforts,  they  are  also  exempted  from 
a variety  of  anxieties  and  trials.  And  those,  to  whom  God 
has  given  children,  may  learn  to  bring  up  their  offspring  for 
him  to  the  best  of  their  power,  recommending  them  to  his  care 
and  blessing:  nor  should  they  indulge  the  hope  of  much  com- 
fort from  them,  any  more  than  seek  great  things  for  them,  in 
this  vain  and  vexatious  world.  Yet,  upon  the  whole,  the  at- 
tentive and  accurate  observer  will  perceive  that  the  posterity 
of  the  righteous  enjoy  advantages,  sometimes  for  many  gene- 
rations, in  consequence  of  the  piety  of  their  progenitors-  so 
that  this  is  the  best  way  of  laying  up  an  inheritance  for  our 
beloved  offspring. — Nothing  more  distinguishes  the  real  be- 
liever from  the  slave  of  sin,  than  the  manner  in  which  each  of 
them  behaves  towards  a faithful  reprover:  the  former,  upon 
reflection,  will  love  and  revere  him  as  his  best  friend ; the 
latter  will  habitually  hate  him  as  his  enemv.  (5.  2 Sam  12- 
1—7,13.  1 Kings  21:20.  22:8.  Ps.  141-5.)  But  all  our  gra- 

titude to  the  instruments  of  our  mercies  should  be  ultimately 
directed  to  the  glory  of  God : and  all  the  prosperity  of  ourselves 
and  our  families  will  eventually  terminate  in  misery,  unless  it 


B.  ' 1500. 

2 And  "Reaiah  the  son  of  Shobal  begat  rn.  „ 
Jahath,  and  Jahath  begat  Ahumai,  and  t*500 
Lahad.  These  are  the  families  of  the  dZora 
thites. 

3 And  these  were  of  the  father  of  ‘Etam , 
Jezreel,  and  Ishma,  and  Idhash : and  the  name  o* 
their  sister  teas  Hazelelponi : 

4 And  Penuel  the  father  of  1 Gedor,  and  Ezer 
the  father  of  Hushah.  These  are  the  sons  ol 
eHur,  the  first-born  of  Ephratah,  the  father  ol 
Beth-lehem. 

5 And  hAshur  the  father  of  Tekoa  had  two 
wives,  Helah  and  Naarah. 

6 And  Naarah  bare  him  Ahuzam,  and  Hepher, 
and  Temeni,  and  Haahashtari.  These  were  the 
sons  of  Naarah. 

7 And  "the  sons  of  Helah  were  Zereth,  and 
Jezoar,  and  Etlman. 

8 And  Coz  begat  Annb,  and  Zobebah,  and 
the  families  of  Abarhel  the  son  of  Hamm. 

9 H And  Jabez  was  ‘more  honourable  than  his 
brethren  : and  his  mother  called  his  name  'Jabez, 
saying.  Because  kI  bare  him  with  sorrow. 

10  And  Jabez  'called  on  rothe  God  of  Israel, 
saying,  fOh  that  thou  wouldest  "bless  me  indeed, 
and  "enlarge  my  coast,  and  that  rtliy  hand  might 
be  with  me,  and  that  Thou  wouldest  ?keep  me 
from  evil,  ’that  it  may  not  grieve  me  ! And  ‘God 
granted  him  that  which  he  requested. 

11  H And  Chelub  the  brother  of  Shuah  begat 
Mehir,  which  was  the  father  of  Eshton. 

12  And  Eshton  begat  Beth-rapha,  and  Paseah, 


34:19.  Is.  43:4.  Acts  17:11.  * That  is,  Sorrowful,  k 7:23.  Gen.  3:16.  36: 18 

1 Sam. 4:21.  1 18:8.  Gen.  12:8.  Job  12:4.  Ps.  55.16.  99:6.  116:2— 4.  Jer.33:3- 

Rom.  10:12— 14.  1 Cor.  1:2.  m Gen.  32  28.  33:20.  1 Sam.  1:17.  Is.  41  17. 

t Heb.  If  thou  wilt,  frc.  Luke  19:42.  n Gen.  122.  32:26.  Ps.  72:17.  Acts  3:26. 
F.ph.  1.3.  o Josh.  17:14—18.  Judg.  1.27—36.  Prov.  10:22.  p Ps.  119:173.  Is. 
41:10.  John  10:28.  t)  Gen.  48:16.  Prov.  3U:8,9.  Mutt.  6:13.  Rom.  12:9.  16. 19. 

2 Tim.  4:18.  J Heb.  do  me.  r Ps.  32:3,4 . 51 :8, 12.  Matt.  26:75.  John  21:17.  3 
Cor.  2:1— 7.  Eph.  4:30.  Rev.  3:19.  a 1 Kings  3 7— 13.  Job  22:27,28.  Ps.  21 :4. 
65:2.66:19,20.116:1,2.  Matt.  7:7-11.  Eph.  3:20. 


centre  in  union  with  the  Son  of  David,  the  King  of  Israel,  and 
the  Saviour  of  sinners. 

NOTES. — Chap.  IV.  V.  1.  Carmi  seems  to  mean  the 
same  person  before  called  Chelubai,  and  Caleb.  ( Marg . Ref. 
Notes , 2:18—20,42—49,  v.  42.) 

V.  2 — 4.  The  Zorathites  were  the  inhabitants  of  Zorah. 
but  they  in  general  descended  from  Shobal,  or  were  subject  to 
him.  “The  father  of  Etam,”  seems  to  imply,  that  the  per- 
sons spoken  of  were  the  sons  of  one,  who  was  lord  of  Etam, 
and  progenitor  of  its  principal  inhabitants. — Hur  appears  to 
have  been  the  grandfather  of  Salma,  who  before  was  called 
the  father  of  Beth-lehem.  (Note,  2:52,53.) 

V.  5 — 8.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  9,  10.  Nothing  is  recorded  concerning  the  parentage 
or  family  of  this  remarkable  person : but,  as  he  was  eminent 
for  valour,  success,  wisdom,  or  piety,  it  is  probable,  that  the 
Jews  did  not  want  information  concerning  him.  It  must  be 
supposed,  that  he  lived  soon  after  Israel  took  possession  of 
Canaan  ; and  when  they  were  greatly  straitened  by  the  re- 
mains of  the  ancient  inhabitants.  His  mother,  having  suffered 
much  in  her  pregnancy  or  travail,  called  him  “ Jabez,”  or, 
Sorrowful ; (marg.)  but  her  sorrow  was  emphatically  turned 
into  joy,  if  she  lived  to  see  how  eminent  and  excellent  a man 
he  proved.  His  achievements  are  not  recorded  ; but  his  praj'ers 
are,  for  our  instruction  and  imitation.  He  was  a genuine  son 
of  Jacob,  who  wrestled,  and  so  prevailed  with  God,  refusing 
to  depart  without  a blessing,  and  on  that  account  was  sur- 
named  Israel.  (Notes,  Gen.  32:24 — 30.)  From  a full  heart, 
Jabez  earnestly  entreated  the  God  of  Israel  to  u bless  him 
indeed;”  and  neither  to  send  him  away  without  a blessing, 
nor  merely  to  bless  him,  like  Esau,  with  temporal  blessings. 
(Note,  Gen.  27:38.)  He  seems  to  have  been  constrained  to 
fight  against  the  Canaanites:  but  lie  conducted  the  war  with 
faith  and  prayer;  and  he  entreated  the  Lord  to  be  with  him, 
and  both  to  enlarge  his  coast,  and  to  preserve  him  from  dis- 
astrous events,  which  might  occasion  grief  unto  him. — Be- 
lievers, under  the  Old  Testament,  saw,  in  the  land  of  Canaan, 
a type  of  heaven  ; in  their  wars  was  represented  the  conflict 
of  God’s  people  with  their  enemies  : and  every  clause  of  his 
prayer  may  be  applied  to,  and  doubtless  was  intended  for, 
more  noble  and  spiritual  blessings.  Accordingly,  the  Lord 
heard  and  granted  his  requests,  and  thus  he  became  honour- 
able, as  well  as  prosperous,  in  Israel. — The  Jews  think  that 
Jabez  was  an  eminent  doctor  of  the  law,  and  that  “the 
scribes  which  dwelt  at  Jabez”  were  his  disciples.  (2:55.) — 
This  instructive  example,  in  the  midst  of  genealogies,  to  us 
so  abstruse,  seems  like  the  fragrant  rose,  surrounded  by  thorns , 
or  as  refreshing  streams  in  the  desert : and  it  appears  a re- 
compense intended  for  the  careful  student  of  God’s  word,  who 
diligently  and  reverently  examines  the  whole,  comparing  one 
part  with  another,  without  disregarding  or  undervaluing  any. 

( 715  ) 


B.  C.  1500. 


I.  CHRONICLES  B.  C.  715. 


and  Tehinnah,  the  father  of  'Irnahash.  These 
are  the  men  of  Rechah. 

13  And  the  sons  of  ‘Kenaz ; Othniel,  and  Se- 
’•aiah  : and  the  sons  of  Othniel;  ’Hathath. 

14  And  Meonothai  begat  Ophrah  : and  Seraiah 
begat  Joab,  the  father  of  the  Jvalley  of  HJhara- 
shim  ; for  they  were  craftsmen. 

15  And  the  sons  of  “Caleb  the  son  of  Jephun- 
neh  ; Iru,  Elah,  and  Naam:  and  the  sons  of  Elah, 
even  "Kenez. 

16  And  the  sons  of  Jehaleleel ; Ziph,  and 
Ziphah,  Tiria,  and  Asareel. 

17  And  the  sons  of  Ezra  were,  Jether,  and 
Mered,  and  Epher,  and  Jalon:  and  she  bare 
Miriam,  and  Shammai,  and  Ishbah  the  father  of 
Eshtemoa. 

18  And  his  wife  1TJehudijah  bare  Jered  “the 
father  of  Gedor,  and  Heber  the  father  of  >Socho, 
and  Jekuthiel  the  father  of  Zanoah.  And  these 
are  the  sons  of  Bithiah  the  daughter  of  Pharaoh, 
which  Mered  took. 

19  And  the  sons  of  his  wife  "Hodiah  the  sister 
of  Naham,  the  father  of  zKeilah  the  Garmite,  and 
Eshtemoa  the  Maachathite. 

20  And  the  sons  of  Shimon  were  Amnon  and 
Rinnah,  Ben-hanan,  and  Tilon.  And  the  sons  of 
Ishi  were  Zoheth,  and  Ben-zoheth. 

21  It  The  sons  of  aShelah  the  son  of  Judah 
were,  Er  the  father  of  Lecah.  and  Laadah  the 
father  of  Mareshah,  and  the  families  of  the  house 
of  them  that  wrought  fine  linen,  of  the  house  of 
Ashbea. 

22  And  Jokim,  and  the  men  of  Chozeba,  and 
Joash,  and  Seraph,  who  had  the  dominion  in 
Moab,  and  Jashubi-lehem.  And  these  are  ancient 
things. 

23  These  were  bthe  potters,  and  those  that 
dwelt  among  plants  and  hedges : there  they  dwelt 
with  the  king  for  his  work. 

24  II  The  sons  of  Simeon  were,  cNemuel,  and 
Jamin,  dJarib,  eZerah,  and  Shaul: 

25  Shallum  his  son,  Mibsam  his  son,  Mishma 
fiis  son. 

26  And  the  sons  of  Mishma ; Hamuel  his  son, 
Zacchur  his  son,  Shimei  his  son. 

27  And  Shimei  had  sixteen  sons  and  six  daugh- 
ters ; but  his  brethren  had  not  many  children, 

• Or,  the  city  of  Nahnsh.  t Josh.  15:17.  Judg.  1:13.  8:9—11.  I Or,  Ha- 
thath  and  Meunatfuii,  who  begat.  J Or,  inhabitants  of  the  valley.  § That 
Is,  craftsmen.  2 Kings  24:14.  Nen.  11:35.  u Num.  13:6,30.  14:6 — 10,24, 
30.  Josh.  14:6 — 14.  15:13—  20.  Judg.  1:12— 14.  ||  Or,  iflcnaz.  v 19.  6:57. 
Josh,  15:50.  Eshtemoh.  21:14.  1 Sam.  30:23.  U Or,  the  .Jewess,  x 4,39.  Josh. 
15:58.  v Josh.  15:34.35,48.  Socoh.  ••  OrtJehudijaJi.\8.  z Josh.  15:44. 

1 Sam.  23:1,  &c.  a 2:3.  9:5.  Gen.  38:5.  46:12.  Num.  26:20.  Neh.  11:5.  Shi/o- 
ni.  b 14.  Pa.  81:6.  c Gen.  46:10.  Ex.  6.15.  Jemuel.  d Num.  26:12 — 14. 
Jachin.  e Gen. -16:10.  Zohar.  ft  Heb.  unto.  Numr,  2:4,13.26:14,22.  fJosh. 

Grieve  me.  (10)  oxy.  The  verb  from  which  his  name 
Jabez  was  derived,  and  the  noun  translated  sorrow.  (9) 

V.  13.  Kenaz  is  supposed  to  have  been  the  son  of  Chelub. 
(11.  Notes,  Josh.  15:16,17,  v.  17.  Judg.  3:9,10,  u.  9.) 

V.  14.  Craftsmen .]  ( Marg .)  Smiths,  carpenters,  and 

other  artificers,  may  be  included  under  this  general  term. 
(Note,  22:23.) 

V.  17,  18.  Ezra  seems  to  have  been  the  person  before  called 
Asareel,  (16)  or,  as  some  think,  his  son. 

She  bare.  (17)  That  is,  Bithiah  the  daughter  of  Pharaoh 
bare  to  Mered  : ( 18)  for  these  appear  to  have  been  Ezra’s 
grandsons.  Many  think  that  Pharaoh  was  the  name  of  an 
Israelite ; yet  it  is  not  impossible  that  Mered  might  marry  a 
daughter  of  an  Egyptian  king,  by  some  of  his  concubines. — 
Father  of,  &c.]  Notes,  2:21,42 — 49,  v.  49. 

V.  20.  Shimon  is  supposed  to  have  been  another  son  of 
Mered,  by  Hodiah,  or  Jehudijah.  (18,19.)  As  the  name 
signifies  a Jewess,  (18,  marg.)  it  rather  favours  the  opinion, 
that  Bithiah  was  not  a Jowess,  but  an  Egyptian. 

V.  21.  The  sacred  historian  had  mentioned  the  descend- 
ants of  Judah  by  Zerah  ; (2:6 — 8.)  and  having  more  copiously 
given  the  genealogies  of  Judah’s  posterity  by  Pharez,  he  here 
mentions  briefly  a few  of  the  line  of  Shelah,  the  son  of  Judah, 
by  the  Canaanitish  woman  whom  he  married  ; and  who  was 
his  eldest  surviving  son.  (Notes,  Gen.  38:4,5,11 — 16,24.  Neh. 
11:4—6.) 

V.  22,  23.  Perhaps  these  families,  in  the  time  of  David,  or 
Solomon,  when  Moab  was  subjected,  had  dominion  there  ; 
but  m process  of  time  they  were  so  reduced,  as  to  subsist  by 
the  meanest  employments.  Their  honour  and  dignity  “were 
ancient  things  ;’  for  at  the  time  when  this  was  written,  they 
were  brought  very  low. — Some  think  that  they  remained  near 
Babylon,  oiler  the  return  of  Judah  from  the  captivity,  “ nmong 
plants  and  hedges,”  for  the  sako  of  doing  the  work  of  the  Per- 
( 716  ) 


neither  did  all  their  family  multiply *  1 Gike  to  the 
children  of  Judah. 

28  And  they  dwelt  at  f Beer-sheba,  and  Mola- 
dah,  and  Hazar-shual, 

29  And  at  eBilhah,  and  at  Ezem,  and  at 
Tolad, 

30  And  at  hBethuel,  and  at  Hormah,  and  at 
‘Ziklag, 

31  And  at  Beth-marcahoth,  land  Hazarsusim, 
and  at  Beth-birei,  and  at  Shaaraim.  These  were 
their  cities  unto  the  reign  of  David. 

32  And  their  villages  were  kEtam,  and  Ain, 
Rimmon,  and  Tochen,  and  Ashan,  five  cities: 

33  And  all  their  villages  that  were  round  about 
the  same  cities,  unto  ‘Baal.  These  were  their 
habitations,  and  Htheir  genealogy. 

34  And  Meshobab,  and  Jamlech,  and  Joshah 
the  son  of  Amaziah, 

35  And  Joel,  and  Jehu  the  son  of  Josibiah,  the 
son  ofSeraiah,  the  son  of  Asiel. 

36  And  Elioenai,  and  Jaakobah,  and  Jes- 
hobaiah,  and  Asaiah,  and  Adiel,  and  Jesimiel,  and 
Benaiah, 

37  And  Ziza  the  son  of  Shiphi,  the  son  ol 
Allon,  the  son  of  Jedaiah,  the  son  of  Shimri,  the 
son  of  Shemaiah  : 

38  These  ^mentioned  by  their  names  ivere 
princes  in  their  families : and  the  house  of  their 
fathers  increased  greatly. 

39  H And  they  went  to  the  entrance  of  mGedor, 
even  unto  the  east  side  of  the  valley,  to  seek 
pasture  for  their  flocks. 

40  And  they  found  fat  pasture  and  good,  and 
"the  land  was  wide,  and  quiet,  and  peaceable;  for 
they  of  “Ham  had  dwelt  there  of  old. 

41  And  Pthese  written  by  name  came  in  the 
days  of  ‘‘Hezekiah  king  of  Judah,  and  smote  their 
tents,  and  the  habitations  that  were  found  there, 
and  destroyed  them  utterly  unto  this  day,  and 
dwelt  in  their  rooms:  because  there  was  -pasture 
there  for  their  flocks. 

42  And  some  of  them,  even  of  the  sons  ol 
Simeon,  five  hundred  men,  went  to  'mount  Seir, 
having  for  their  captains  Pelatiah,  and  Neariah, 
and  Rephaiah,  and  Uzziel,  the  sons  of  Ishi. 

43  And  they  smote  ‘the  rest  of  the  Amalekites 
that  were  escaped,  and  dwelt  there  “unto  this  day. 

15:28,29.  19:2,3,9.  £ Josh.  19:3,4.  Balah- Ezem-Eltolad.  h Josh.  19:4.  BethuL. 
i 12:1.  Josh.  15:31.19:5.  1 Sam.  27:6.  30: 1 . Neh.  11 :23.  J Josh.  19:5.6.  Hazar- 
susah.  Beth  lebaolh.  Sharuhen.  k Josh.  19:7.  Ether.  Remmon.  1 Josh.  19: 
8.  i aalath-beer.  Or,  as  they  divided  themselves  by  nations  among  them. 
§§  Heb.  coming  by  names.  5:24.  Gen.  6:4.  m 4,18.  Josh.  12:13.  Gtder.  15:58. 
n Judg.  18:7—10.  o Gen.  9:22, &c.  10:6.  Ps.  78:51.  10:5:23.  jj  33—38. 
q 2 Kings  18:8.  Is.  14.28— 32.  r Num.  32:1 — 4.  s Gen.  36:8,9.  Dcut.  1:2. 
l Ex.  17:14— 16.  Dent.  25. 17- 19.  1 Sam.  15:7,8.30:17.  2 Sam.  8:12.  u Dent 
34:6.  Judg.  1:26.  2 Chr.  5:9.  Jer.  44:6.  Matt.  27:8.  28:15. 

sian  kings. — It  was  common  in  those  ages,  and  still  is  in  many 
places,  for  particular  trades  and  professions  to  be  continued  in 
families,  through  successive  generations. 

V.  24.  The  families  of  Simeon  are  mentioned  next  to  those 
of  Judah,  because  their  inheritances  adjoined  to  each  other. 
(Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Josh.  19:1—9.) 

V.  30,  31.  Ziklag  was  at  first  given  to  Simeon:  (Josh. 
19:5.)  but  the  Philistines  took  it,  and  gave  it  to  David;  so 
that  from  this  time  it  belonged  to  Judah.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note, 

1 Sam.  27:5,6.) 

V.  34 — 38.  These  were  eminent  men  among  the  Sime- 
onitos;  and  perhaps  leaders  in  that  expedition,  which  is  next 
recorded. 

V.  39 — 43.  Part  of  the  Simeonites  joined  the  house  ol 
David  when  the  ten  tribes  revolted:  (Note,  2 Chr.  15:9.) 
and,  being  greatly  increased  in  tho  time  of  Hezekiah,  they 
dispossessed  some  of  tho  ancient  Canaanites,  who  still  kept 
possession  of  a plentiful  and  peaceful  country,  lit  for  the  feed- 
ing of  cattle. — Perhaps  this  tract  belonged  to  the  Simeonites 
in  the  division  of  tho  land,  and  at  length  they  got  possession 
of  it.  Some  however  think,  that  a country  towards  Arabia, 
without  the  borders  of  tho  promised  land,  is  intended.  It 
seems  that  the  remains  of  tho  Amalekites,  after  tho  general 
destruction  of  them  mado  by  Saul  and  David,  had  settled 
near  to  the  Edomites,  in  mount  Seir:  but  this  remnant  was 
extirpated  by  a small  company  of  Simeonites. — Some  think, 
that  the  kings  of  Babylon  permitted  this  part  of  Simeon  to 
remain  unmolested  in  their  possessions,  through  tho  cnptiv’ijr, 
even  to  the  time  of  Ezra:  but  perhaps  Ezra  extracted  tho 
words,  “unto  this  day,”  from  the  ancient  reords  without 
altoring  them. — The  habitations.  (41)  Or  the  4/cuwnim,  or 
Maonites.  (Heb. — Judg.  10:12.  2 Chr.  26:7.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Children  should  considor  how  much  their  parents,  osp* 


B.  C.  1710. 


CHAPTER  V. 


B.  C.  1/10. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Judah  and  Joseph  preferred  before  Reuben,  who  forfeited  his  birthright , 1,  2. 
Reuben's  descendants  ; some  of  whom  vanquish  the  Hagarites , 3 — 10.  The 
chief  men  of  Gad , and  their  habitations,  11 — 17.  Reuben , Gad,  and  half  of 
Mannas* eh,  obtain  a victory  over  the  Hagarites,  18 — 22.  The  habitations 
and  chief  men  of  that  half  of  Manasseh,  23,  24.  The  captivity  of  the  two 
tribes  and  half,  for  their  sins,  25,  26. 

NOW  the  sons  of  Reuben,  the  first-born  of 
Israel,  (for  "he  teas  the  first-born;  but,  b for- 
asmuch as  he  defiled  his  father’s  bed,  "his  birthright 
was  given  unto  the  sons  of  Joseph  the  son  of 
Israel : dand  the  genealogy  is  not  to  be  reckoned 
after  the  birthright. 

2  For  "Judah  prevailed  above  his  brethren,  and 
of  him  came  ‘ the  ‘chief  ruler ; but  the  birthright 

was  Joseph’s :) 

3  The  ssons,  I say,  of  Reuben  the  first-born 
of  Israel  were,  Hanoch,  and  hPallu,  Hezron,  and 
Carmi. 

4  The  sons  of  Joel ; Shemaiah  his  son,  Gog 
his  son,  Shimei  his  son, 

5  Micali  his  son,  Reaia  his  son,  Baal  his  son, 
o.  c.-i  6 Beerah  his  son,  whom  'Tilgath-pilneser 
m J king  of  Assyria  carried  away  captive : he 
was  prince  of  the  Reubenites. 

7  And  his  brethren  by  their  families,  (Hvhen 
the  genealogy  of  their  generations  was  reckoned) 
were  the  chief,  Jeiel,  and  Zechariah, 

8  And  Bela  the  son  of  Azaz,  the  son  of  'Shema, 
the  son  of  Joel,  who  dwelt  in  mAroer,  even  unto 
"Nebo,  and  °Baalmeon. 

9  And  eastawrd  he  inhabited  unto  the  enter- 
ing in  of  the  wilderness  from  the  river  Euphrates : 
pbecause  their  cattle  were  multiplied  in  the  land 
of  Gilead. 

b.  c a 10  And  in  the  days  of  Saul  they  made 
iwo.  J war  with  qthe  Hagarites,  who  fell  by  their 


a 21.  Gen.  tSZl.  46. 8.49:3.  Ex.  6:14.  Num.  1:5.  16:1. 26:5.  b Gen.  35:02. 
49:4.  Lev.  13:8.20:11.  Dent.  27:20.  1 Cor.  5:1.  c Gen.  48:15—22.  Dent.  21: 
17.  d Gen.  25:23.  1 Sam.  16:6 — 11.  e Gen.  49:8— 10.  Num.  2:3.  7:12.  Juds. 
1-2.  Ps.  60:7. 108:9.  f 1 Sam.  16:1,10,12.  2 Sam.  8:15.  Ps.  78:68—71.  Jer.23: 
6.6.  Mic.5;2.  Matt.  2:6.  Heb.  7:14.  • Or,  prince,  g Gen.  46:9.  Fa.  6:14. 
Num.  26:5— 9.  h Gen.  48:9.  Phallu.  i 26.  2 Kings  15:29.  16:7 . Tiglath- 

piteser.  k 17.  1 4.  Shemaiah.  m Num.  32:34.  Dent.  2:36.  Josb.  13:15 — 21. 
Is.  17:2.  n Num.  32:38.  Dent.  32:49.  34:1.  Is.  15:2.  o Josh.  13:17.  Ei.25:9. 


hand:  and  they  dwelt  in  their  tents  ^throughout 
all  the  east  land  of  Gilead. 

It  H And  the  children  of  Gad  dwelt  oveT 
against  them,  fin  the  land  of  Bashan  unto  Salcah 

12  Joel  the  chief,  and  Shapham  the  next,  and 
Jaanai,  and  Shaphat  in  Bashan. 

13  And  their  brethren  of  (he  house  of  their 
fathers  were,  Michael  and  Meshiillam,  and  Sheba, 
and  Jorai,  and  Jaclian,  and  Zia,  and  Heber, 
seven. 

14  These  are  the  children  of  Abihail  the  son  o. 
Huri,  the  son  of  Jaroali,  the  son  of  Gilead,  the  son 
of  Michael,  the  son  of  Jeshishai,  the  son  of  Jahdo, 
the  son  of  Buz; 

15  Alii  the  son  of  Abdiel,  the  son  of  Guni,  chief 
of  the  house  of  their  fathers. 

16  And  they  dwelt  in  Gilead  in  Bashan,  and  in 
her  towns,  and  in  all  the  suburbs  of 'Sharon,  upon 
their  (borders. 

17  All  these  were  ‘reckoned  by  genea-  i-b.  c. 

logies  in  the  days  of  “Jotharn  king  of*-  750- 
Judah,  and  in  the  days  of  ’Jeroboam  king  re.  c. 
of  Israel.  ""  L 7E0- 

18  11  The  sons  of  Reuben,  and  the  Gadites, 
and  half  the  tribe  of  Manasseh,  of  ^valiant  men, 
men  able  to  bear  buckler  and  sword,  and  to  shoot 
with  bow,  and  skilful  in  war,  were  “four  and  forty 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  threescore,  that  went 
out  to  the  war. 

19  And  they  rmade  war  with  the  Hagarites, 
with  Jetur,  and  ’’Nephish,  and  Nodab. 

20  And  "they  were  helped  against  them,  and 
the  Hagarites  were  delivered  into  their  hand,  and 
all  that  were  with  them  : for  bthey  cried  to  God 
in  the  battle,  and  he  was  entreated  of  them ; 
"because  they  put  their  trust  in  him. 


p Josh.  22:8,9.  q 19,20.  Gen.  21 :9.  25:12.  Ps.83:6.  t Heb.  upon  all  the  face 
of  the  east,  r Num.  32:34— 36.  Dent.  3:10— 17.  Josh.  13:11,24— 28.  s 27:29. 
Cant.  21.  Is.  35:2.  J Heb . goings  forth,  t 7.  u,2  Kings  15*5, 32.  2 Chr.  27; 
1.  v 2 Kings  14:16,23,28.  § Heb.  sons  of  valour,  x Josh.  4:12,13.  y See  on 
10.  z 1:31.  Gen. 25:15.  Naphish,  a 22.  Ex.  17:11.  Josh.  10:14.42.  1 Sam. 
7:12.19:5.  Ps.  46:1 . 146.5,6.  b 2 Chr.  14:11— 13.  18:31. 20:12.  32:20,21.  c Ps. 
9:10.20:7,8.22:4,5.84:11,12.  Jer.  17:7,8.  Nab.  1:7.  Eph.  1:12. 


dally  their  mothers,  suffered  for  them,  before  they  became 
capable  of  reflection ; and  they  should  endeavour  by  every 
means  to  requite  them,  as  much  as  possible,  by  kindness,  and 
by  aiming  to  be  a comfort  to  them,  in  their  whole  conduct. 
But  it  is  basely  ungrateful,  (though  alas!  very  common,) 
willingly  to  cause  them  still  more  exquisite  and  durable  an- 
guish, by  ill-behaviour.  Those  events,  which  at  first  occa- 
sion most  sorrow,  often  terminate  in  the  greatest  comfort:  we 
should  not  therefore  yield  to  despondency,  but  “ hope  to  the 
end,”  and  expect  to  extract  good  from  every  apparent  evil. — 
But  it  is  natural  for  us  to  record  our  sorrows  rather  than  our 
mercies;  though,  considering  our  guilt  and  sinfulness,  we 
may  reasonably  wonder  that  the  latter  are  so  many,  and  the 
former  so  few. — “ The  honour,  which  cometh  from  God,”  is 
introduced  by  the  gifts  of  wisdom,  faith,  and  piety  ; and  when 
these  are  bestowed,  men  will  at  length  be  honourable,  whe- 
ther they  be  renowned  and  prosperous,  or  not. — We  go  about 
our  proper  work  in  a right  manner,  when  we  use  lawful  and 
suitable  means  for  success  with  all  assiduity,  and  seek  a 
blessing  on  them  by  fervent  prayer. — A confluence  of  all 
earthly  good  things  cannot  “ bless  us  indeed the  true  feli- 
city, which  our  hearts  should  eagerly  desire,  consists  in  the 
favour,  image,  and  presence  of  God:  and  we  should  pray  l'or 
this,  as  resolved  not  to  depart  without  it.  The  pardon  of  sin, 
the  gift  of  righteousness,  and  the  first-fruits  of  the  Spirit,  form 
the  beginning  of  this  happiness : but  the  world,  Satan,  and 
in-dwelling  sin,  crowd,  and  straiten  us  on  every  side,  and  keep 
us  from  the  possession  of  our  inheritance.  We  should  then 
beg  of  “the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ”  to 
enlarge  our  coast,  that  we  may  attain  to  greater  holiness, 
liberty,  comfort,  and  usefulness  ; and  acquire  a more  decisive 
victory  over  our  enemies.  And  if  his  “ hand  be  with  us,”  if 
his  power  be  exerted  in  our  cause,  we  shall  be  protected, 
upheld,  and  enabled  to  withstand,  and  to  gain  ground  against, 
the  confederated  forces  of  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil. 
We  may  very  properly,  with  resignation,  pray  to  be  kept 
from  the  evil  of  suffering,  which  is  grievous  to  nature ; but 
the  evil  of  sinning  most  affrights  and  disquiets  the  spiritually 
minded : this  extorts  their  bitterest  groans  and  complaints ; 
against  this  they  most  earnestly  pray,  “ Lead  us  not  into 
•emptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil.”  And,  being  kept  from 
ne  burden  of  a guilty  conscience,  and  the  anguish  of  having 
oishonoured  and  offended  the  God  of  their  salvation,  they  can 
the  better  bear  up  under  other  trials,  as  supported  by  that 
“peace  of  God  which  passeth  all  understanding.”  Blessed 
be  the  Lord,  he  is  ever  ready  to  grant  and  to  exceed  our 
prayers  for  promised  blessings : and  we  are  our  own  ene- 


mies, if  we  do  not  ask  and  expect  great  things  from  him, 
through  the  Saviour’s  name. — In  this  checkered  world  in- 
deed, there  is  nothing  durable  or  substantial:  but  possessing 
the  hope  of  unchangeable  felicity,  we  may  cheerfully  ao- 
quiesce  in  the  Lord’s  allotment  of  our  worldly  settlement  sand 
occupations.  Nor  is  it  desirable  to  advance  our  children 
much  above  our  own  rank  ; for  those,  who  at  one  time  have 
dominion,  may  at  another  become  dependent  on  the  worst  of 
men  fora  penurious  maintenance:  whereas  honest  labour, 
in  some  regular  and  useful  calling,  best  preserves  that  medi- 
ocrity which  is  most  comfortable,  and  most  advantageous  to 
our  spiritual  concerns.  Let  us  then  adhere  to  the  kingdom 
of  “ the  Son  of  David  :”  for  this  “ Prince  of  peace  ” w ill  sup- 
ply the  temporal  wants  of  his  people  with  every  thing  truly 
desirable,  and  make  them  happy  for  ever,  while  his  curse  wilt 
pursue  all  his  enemies  to  their  utter  destruction. 

NOTES.— Chap.  V.  V.  1,  2.  The  double  portion, 
which  belonged  to  the  first-born,  having  been  forfeited  by 
Reuben,  Jacob’s  eldest  son  by  Leah,  was  given  to  Joseph, 
his  eldest  son  by  Rachel,  whose  descendants  had  a double 
portion  in  Canaan;  Jacob  having  adopted  Ephraim  and 
Manasseh,  to  be,  as  his  own  sons,  heads  of  two  distinct 
tribes.  (Notes,  Gen . 48:5 — 7.  49:3 — 12,22 — 26.) — Yet,  as 
the  chief  Ruler,  or  Prince,  even  the  Messiah,  of  whom  David 
and  his  royal  race  were  progenitors  and  types,  was  to  descend 
from  Judah ; the  genealogy  began  with  him,  and  not  with 
either  Reuben  or  Joseph.  ( Marg . Ref.) 

V.  3 — 8.  Very  brief  extracts  are  made  from  the  registers 
of  Reuben,  and  of  several  other  tribes : because,  it  is  pro- 
bable, but  few  persons  of  these  tribes,  returned  from  the  cap- 
tivity to  settle  in  Canaan:  and  therefore  only  a few  of  these 
tribes  were  concerned  in  the  genealogies,  compared  with  the 
numbers  of  Judah,  Benjamin,  and  Levi,  of  whom  the  Jews 
after  that  event  principally  consisted.  It  may  be  supposed, 
that  Ezra’s  contemporaries  would  see  the  reason  why  the 
persons  selected  should  be  named,  and  not  others  ; though 
we  can  assign  none. — This  chapter  contains  all  that  relates 
to  the  two  tribes  and  a half,  which  settled  to  the  east  of  Jor- 
dan. (Notes,  Num.  32:  Josh.  22:) 

V.  9.  The  inheritance  of  Reuben  extended  to  the  borders 
of  that  desert,  which  reached  even  to  the  Euphrates. 

V.  10.  Note,  18—22. 

V.  11 — 17.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Part  of  the  genealogies  of 
Gad,  whence  these  extracts  were  taken,  seems  to  have  been 
made  during  the  time  that  Jeroboam  the  second  reigned  over 
Israel,  and  the  rest  when  Jotham  reigned  in  Judah. 

V.  18 — 22.  The  Hagarites  were  the  descendants  of 

( 717  1 


a.  c.  mo. 


I.  CHRONICLES.  B.  C.  1700. 


21  And  they  'took  away  their  cattle;  of  their 
camels  fifty  thousand,  and  of  sheep  two  hundred 
and  fifty  thousand,  and  of  asses  two  thousand, 
and  of 'men  an  hundred  thousand. 

22  For  there  fell  down  many  slain,  because  dthe 
war  was  of  God.  And  they  dwelt  in  their  steads 
•until  the  captivity. 

23  H And  the  children  of  the  half  tribe  of 
Manasseh  dwelt  in  the  land  : they  increased  from 
Bashan  unto  ' Baal-hermon  and  Senir,  and  unto 
mount  sHermon. 

24  And  these  were  the  heads  of  the  house  of 
their  fathers,  even  Epher,  and  Ishi,  and  Eliel, 
and  Azriel,  and  Jeremiah,  and  Hodaviah,  and 
Jahdiel,  mighty  men  of  valour,  Jfamous  men,  and 
heads  of  the  house  of  their  fathers. 

25  H And  they  transgressed  against  the  God  of 
their  fathers,  and  hwent  a whoring  'after  the  gods 
of  the  people  of  the  land,  whom  God  destroyed 
before  them. 

26  And  the  God  of  Israel  ^stirred  u^  the  spirit 
of ’Pul  kin<r  of  Assyria,  and  the  spirit  of  mTilgath- 
pilneser,  king  of  Assyria,  and  he  carried  them 
away,  even  the  Reubenites,  and  the  Gadites,  and 
thj  half  tribe  of  Manasseh,  "and  brought  them 
unto  Halah,  and  Habor,  and  Hara  and  to  the 
river  Gozan,  unto  this  day. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

The  sons  of  Levi,  by  Aaron,  to  Eleazar , 1—3.  The  line  of  Eleazar  to  the 
captivity,  4 — 15.  The  families  of  Levi,  16 — 19.  The  sons  of  Ger  shorn,  2u, 
21:  of  Kohath,  22 — 23:  of  Merari,  29,  30.  The  singers  appointed  by  David, 
31—48.  The  office  of  Aaron  and  his  sons,  49.  Aaron's  line  to  Ahvruiaz, 
50—53.  The  cities  of  the  priests  and  Levitts , 54—81. 

b.  ciHpHE  "sons  of  Levi;  bGershon,  Kohath, 
noo J J and  Merari. 


r Heb.  led  captive,  t Heb.  souls  of  men.  Rev.  18:13.  d 2 Chr.  32:8  Rom. 
P:31.  e 26.  2 Kings  15:29.  17:6.  f Josh.  13:29— 31.  g Deu- . 3:o.9.  4:48. 
Josh.  13.11.  Ps.  133:3.  Cant.  4:8.  J Heb.  men  of  names.  4:38.  h Jutlg.2:17. 
6:33.  2 Kings  17:7,  &c.  Hos.  1:2.  9:1.  Rev.  17:5.  iJudg.2:12.  2 Chr.  25: 
14,15.  Ps.  106:34— 39.  k 2 Sam.  24:1.  2 Chr.  33:11.  Ezra  1:5.  Is.  10:5,6. 

13:2 — 5.  1 2 ’tings  15:19.  m See  on  6.  2 Kings  15:29.  16:7.  Tiglath-pilezer. 

n 2 Kings  17:6.  18:11.  19:12.  Is.  37:12.  a 23:6.  Gen  46:11.  Ex.  6:16.  Num. 
8:17.26:57.  b 16,17,20.  Gershom.  c 23:12.  Ex.  6:18,21— 24.  d 22.  Antminor 
lab.  e 23.13.  Ex.  6:20.  f Ex.  2:4,7.  15:20.  Mic.  6:4.  g 24:1,2.  Ex.  6:23.  24: 
1.28:1.  Lev.  10:1,12.  h 24:3— 6.  i 50  . 9:20.  Ex.  6:25.  Num.  25:6— 11.  31: 


Hagar,  or  the  Ishmaelites  properly  so  called  ; ( Marg . Ref. 
19.)  and  being  a nation  of  plunderers,  they  would  not  fail  to 
give  their  neighbours  just  cause  of  making  war  upon  them. 
7 Note,'  Gen.  16:12.)  But,  indeed,  u the  war  was  of  God,” 
(22)  undertaken  in  his  fear,  and  independence  on  him,  and 
was  approved  and  succeeded  by  him  : so  that  the  victors 
and  their  descendants  dwelt  in  the  country  thus  acquired,  till 
they  were  carried  captive  by  the  Assyrians.  If  this  was  the 
same  war,  as  was  before  mentioned,  (10)  the  two  tribes  and 
half  tribe  beyond  Jordan  might  be  left,  during  a part  of  Saul’s 
reign,  to  defend  themselves  : but  some  think  that  these  tribes 
were  numbered  by  genealogies,  in  the  days  of  Jeroboam  and 
Jotham,  in  order  to  make  war  against  the  Hagarites.  (17) 
They,  however,  acted  in  concert  and  with  vigour,  and  with 
faith  and  prayer,  against  these  formidable  enemies.  But  es- 
ecially  it  is  noted,  that  they  trusted  in  God,  and  called  upon 
im  in  the  battle,  in  the  first  onset  of  which  the  Hagarites, 
probably,  obtained  some  advantage  ; and  their  success  accord- 
ed to  their  faith. — The  multitude  of  the  prisoners  may  give  an 
idea  of  the  superiority  in  numbers  of  the  enemy,  and  of  the 
slaughter  which  was  made. — The  Ishmaelites  have  always 
been  remarkable  for  the  numbers  of  camels,  which  they  take 
with  them  in  their  expeditions. — When  we  read  of  this  con- 
duct and  success  of  these  Israelites,  we  are  ready  to  say, 
uOh  that  there  had”  always  “been  such  a heart  in  them!” 
but  the  conclusion  of  the  chapter  gives  us  a different  view  of 
their  character  and  condition. 

V.  25,  26.  The  Manassites,  with  the  Reubenites  and 
Gadites,  forsook  God  to  worship  idols  ; and  the  nation  of 
Israel  generally  did  the  same : yet,  the  two  tribes  and  a half 
seem  to  have  been  more  early  and  entirely  corrupted,  than 
the  other  tribes. — Their  progenitors  had  hastily  desired  a set- 
tlement to  the  east  of  Jordan ; and  now  these  tribes  were 
carried  captive  before  the  rest  of  Israel.  {Notes,  Num.  32: 
1 — 5,29.  2 Kings  15:19,20,29.)  But  they  were  placed  in  the 
same  regions  by  Pul  and  Tilgath-pilneser,  to  which  Shalma- 
neser afterwards  carried  the  other  tribes.  {Notes,  2 Kings 
17:5,6.  18:9 — 12.) — Hara  is  supposed  to  be  the  same  as  Media, 
or  part  of  it. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  profitable  to  be  frequently  reminded,  that  sin  degrades 
men  from  their  excellency,  stamps  indelible  disgrace  on  their 
characters,  forfeits  their  advantages,  and  entails  manifold 
losses  on  their  posterity.  But  the  Lord  punishes  none  above 
their  deserts ; and,  as  he  secs  good,  he  confers  unmerited  fa- 
vours on  mankind. — They,  who  arc  related  to  our  chief  Ruler 
of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  as  his  true  disciples  and  subjects,  are 
( 718  ) 


2 And  "the  sons  of  Kohath;  dAmram,  Izhar, 
and  Hebron,  and  Uzziel. 

3 And  the  children  of  Amram;  'Aaron,  and 
Moses  and  f Miriam.  The  sons  also  of  Aaron  ; 
eNadab  and  Abihu,  hEleazar  and  Ithamar. 

4 Eleazar  begat  ’Phinehas,  Phinehas  begat 
JAbishua, 

5 And  Abishua  begat  Bukki,  and  Bukki  begat 
Uzzi, 

6 And  Uzzi  begat  Zerahiah,  and  Zerahiah 
begat  Meraioth, 

7 Meraioth  begat  Amariah,  and  Amariah 
begat  Ahitub, 

8 And  '‘Ahitub  begat  'Zadok,  and  Zadok  i-b.  <;. 

begat  mAhimaaz,  l >i°° 

9 And  Ahimaaz  begat  Azariah,  and  Azarkh 
begat  Johanan, 

10  And  Johanan  begat  Azariah,  (he  it  is  i-b.  j 
that  "executed  the  priest’s  office  in  'the  L 76°- 
temple  that  "Solomon  built  in  Jerusalem  :) 

11  And  Azariah  begat' ^Amariah,  and  Amariah 
begat  Ahitub, 

12  And  Ahitub  begat  Zadok,  and  Zadok  begat 
sShallum, 

13  And  Shallum  begat  'Hilkiah,  and  Hilkiah 
begat  Azariah, 

14  And  Azariah  begat  "Seraiah,  and  i-b.  c. 

Seraiah  begat  Jehozadak.  L 5SS- 

15  And  'Jehozadak  went  into  captivity,  "when 
the  Lord  carried  away  Judah  and  Jerusalem  *by 
the  hand  of  Nebuchadnezzar. 

16  If  The  sons  of  Levi;  ^Gershom,  i-b.  c. 

Kohath,  and  Merari.  L),0° 

17  And  these  fce’thc  names  of 'the  sons  of 
Gershom;  Libni,  and  “Shimei. 


6.  Josh.  22:13, 3D— 32.  24:33.  Judg.20:28.  Ezra  3:2.  Ps.  106:30,31.  j Ezra  7 
1—5.  k 2 Sam.  8.17.  I 2Sam.  15:35.  17:15.  20:25.  I Kings  1:3,34.11.2:36. 
m 2 Sam.  15:27,36.  17.17,20.  18:19,22,27— 29.  n 2 Chr.  26:17— 20.  • Heb.  ths 
house.  0 1 Kings  6:  7:  2Chr.3:4:  p Ezra  7:3.  q 9.11 . Neh.  11:11. 

Meshullajn.  r 2 Kings  22:12—14.  2 Chr.  34:14 — 20.  35:8.  s 2 Kings  25: 18. 
Ezra  7:1.  Neh.  11:11.  Jer.  3:24 — 27.  Zech.6:ll.  t Ezra  5.2.  Jozadak.  Hag. 
1:1,12,14.  2:2.  Josedech.  u 2 Kings  25:21.  2 Chr.  36:17— 21.  Jer.  39:9.  5*> 
12—15,28.  x Ex.  4:13.  2 Kings  14:27.  Acts  14:27.  Rom.  15:18.  y 1.  Ex.  6:16. 
Gershon.  z 23:7.  Num.  3:18.21.  a Ex.  6:17.  Shimi. 


far  more  favoured,  than  those  who  have  a twofold,  or  tenfold 
portion  of  perishing  riches.  Let  us  seek  and  choose  this 
better  portion  ; and  leave  the  children  of  this  world  to  con- 
tend about  their  gilded  baubles,  without  envying,  coveting,  or 
interfering.  We  need  not  in  that  case  fear  wanting  anything 
truly  good  for  us,  u for  our  Father  knoweth  what  things  we 
have  need  of:”  when  our  families  increase,  he  will  increase 
our  provision  ; and  it  is  our  privilege  to  cast  our  care  on  him, 
and  to  keep  in  the  path  of  duty. — Happy  is  that  people  who 
live  together  in  harmony,  who  readily  assist  each  other ; who 
strenuously  oppose  the  common  enemies  of  their  souls  ; and 
who  acknowledge  God  in  all  their  ways,  but  are  especially 
earnest  in  times  of  trial  and  temptation.  Such  persons  will 
assuredly  be  heard  and  helped;  their  warfare  is  of  God, 
their  enemies  will  be  trodden  down,  their  victory  is  certain, 
and  their  triumphs  will  be  glorious. — And  let  it  he  carefully 
noticed,  that  all  genuine  and  warranted  trust  in  God  will  be 
expressed  by  earnest  prayer;  and  this  in  part  distinguishes 
it  from  a presumptuous  confidence,  and  an  jndolent  reliance, 
which  often  subsist  without  application  to  him,  or  habitual 
prayer  ; and  are  especially  maintained  by  lifeless  forms,  and 
inefficacious  notions. — Those  who  rebel  against  the  Lord, 
and  apostatize  from  him,  must  eventually  be  ruined:  espe- 
cially such  as  desert  his  worship  and  reject  his  salvation,  for 
the  sake  of  those  idols  which  are  set  up  either  in  temples,  or 
in  the  hearts  of  the  avaricious,  the  sensual,  or  the  ambitious. 
It  will  little  avail  them,  to  have  their  names  inserted  in  the 
genealogies  of  honourable  families,  or  recorded  as  famous  in 
the  page  of  history,  while  they  are  rejected  by  God,  and 
excluded  from  his  kingdom. — We  should  consider,  that  those 
actions,  which  are  vain,  foolish,  and  wicked  in  man,  may  ho 
permitted  and  made  use  of  by  the  Lord  in  justice,  wisdom, 
and  goodness.  From  him  the  renowned  ravagers  of  the 
earth  derive  their  power  and  courage  : and  they  are  employed 
as  his  executioners,  and  classed  with  pestilences,  earth- 
quakes, and  famines  ; being  equally  dreadful  and  fatal  to 
mankind.  Nor  should  vve  forget,  that  they,  whose  inordinate 
desire  of  earthly  objects  draws  them  to  a distance  from  the 
ordinances  of  God,  are  assuredly  preparing  for  their  own  cor 
rection  or  destruction. 

NOTES.— Chap.  VI.  V.  1—3.  Notes,  Ex.  6:14—20 
Lev.  10:1,2. 

V.  4 — 15.  These  verses  contain  the  lino  of  Eleazar. 
Aaron’s  eldest  surviving  son,  after  the  death  of  Nath  o and 
Abihu,  to  the  Babylonish  captivity:  but  all  the  persons  men- 
tioned were  not  high-priests,  for  Ithamar’s  posterity  tm«ycd 
that  dignity  for  some  time.  (Notes,  24:1 — 4.  1 Sam.  4.M),35, 


B.  C.  1170. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


B.  C. 1444 


18  And  the  sons  of  Kohath,  were  bAmram,  and 
lzhar,  and  Hebron,  and  Uzziel. 

19  The  sons  of  Merari;  cMahli,  and  Mushi. 
And  these  arc  the  families  of  the  Levites  accord- 
ing to  their  fathers. 

20  Of  Gershom;  dLibni  his  son,  Jahath  his 
son,  Zimmah  nis  son, 

21  *Joah  his  son,  Iddo  his  son, f Zeraii  his  son, 
‘Jeaterai  his  son. 

22  The  sons  of  Kohath ; hAmminadab  his  son, 
Korali  his  son,  Assir  his  son, 

23  Elkanah  his  son,  and  Ebiasaph  his  son,  and 
Assir  his  son, 

24  Tahath  his  son,  ‘Uriel  his  son,  Uzziah  his 
son,  and  Shaul  his  son. 

e.  c.n  25  And  the  sons  of  kElkanah ; Amasai, 
noo.J  ancj  Ahimoth. 

26  As  for  Elkanah  : the  sons  of  Elkanah ; 
'Zophai  his  son,  and  "'Nahath  his  son, 

27  "Eliab  his  son,  Jeroham  his  son,  °Elkanah 
his  son. 

28  And  the  sons  of  Samuel ; the  first-born 
pVashni,  and  Abiah. 

29  The  sons  of  Merari;  iMahli,  Libni  his  son, 
Shimei  his  son,  Uzza  his  son, 

30  Shimea  his  son,  Haggiah  his  son,  Asaiah 
his  son. 

b.  c -|  31  And  these  are  they  r\v hom  David  set 

ioi7. J over  ^ serviCe  of  song  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  ’after  that  the  ark  had  rest. 

32  And  ‘they  ministered  before  the  dwelling- 
place  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  with 
singing,  “until  Solomon  had  built  the  house  of  the 
Lord  in  Jerusalem:  'and  then  they  'waited  on 
their  office  according  to  their  order. 

33  And  these  are  they  that  waited  with  their 
children.  Of  the  sons  of'  the  Kohathites  ; xHeman 
a singer,  the  son  of  yJoel,  the  son  of  ’Shemuel, 

34  The  son  of  Elkanah,  the  son  of  Jeroham, 
the  son  of  “Eliel,  the  son  of  bToah, 

35  The  son  of  cZuph,  the  son  of  Elkanah,  the 
son  of  Mahath,  the  son  of  Amasai, 

36  The  son  of  Elkanah,  the  son  of  f'Joel,  the 
son  of  Azariah,  the  son  of  Zephaniah, 

37  The  son  of  Tahath,  the  son  of  Assir,  the 
son  of ’Ebiasaph,  the  son  of  ' Korah, 

38  The  %on  of  slzhar,  the  son  of  Kohath,  the 
son  of  Levi,  the  son  of  Israel. 

a 2,3.  23:12.  c 23:21.  21:26.  Ex.  6.19.  Mahali.  Num.  3:20.  26:97,58. 
d 17.  e 42.  Elhan.  141.  Adaiah.  g 41.  Echni.  h 2.18.  Ex.  6:21,24. 
Izhar.  i 36.  Zephaniah  Azariah.  Joel,  k 35,36.  Ex.  6:24.  1 35.  1 Sam.l: 
I.  Zuph.  m 34.  Toah.  I Sam.  1:1.  Tohu.  n34.  Eliel.  1 Sam.  1:1.  Elihu. 
o 1 Sam.  1:1,19,20.  t>  33.  1 Sam.  8-2.  Joel,  q 19.  Num.  3:33.  r 15:16—22, 
27.25:1—31.  s 16: 1 . 2 Sam.  6:17.  Pa.  132.8,14.  t 16:4— 6,37— 42.  Ps.  68:24, 
25.  u 10.  1 Kings  8:6— 13.  v 9:33.25;S—  31.  2 Chr.  29:25— 30.  31 :2.  35:15. 
Ezra3:10,ll.  6:18.  Neh.  11:17-23.12:27,28,45-47.  Ps.  134:1,2.  135:1— 3. 
• Heb.  stood,  x 15:17.19.  16:41 ,42.  25:1— 5.  2 Chr.  5:12.  29: 14.  Ps.  88:  title, 
y 28.  Vashni.  z 28.  I Sam.  1:20,28.  Samuel,  a 27.  Eliab.  b 26.  Nahath. 
c 26.  Zophai.  d 24.  Shaul,  Uzziah,  Uriel,  e Ex.  6:21 — 24.  Abiasaph.  f Num. 
16:1,  &o.  26:10, 11.  Ps.  42:  44:  45:  49:  84:  85:  titles.  g Num.  3:19.  Izehar.  16: 
1.  h 15:17—19.16:7.25:2.26:1.  2 Chr.  5. 12. 20: 14.  29:13,30.  35:15.  Ezra  2:41. 

36.  f Kings  2:26,27,35.) — “ He  . . '.  that  executed  the  priest’s 
office  in  the  temple  that  Solomon  built,”  (an  intimation  that 
the  writer  lived  when  the  second  temple  was  built  or  building,) 
is  supposed  to  have  been  Azariah,  who  vigorously  opposed 
Uzziah’s  presumptuous  attempt  to  burn  incense.  (Note, 
2 Chr.  26:16 — 23.)  His  father  Johanan  is  thought  by  some 
to  have  been  the  same  as  Jehoiada,  the  firm  friend  to  religion 
and  the  family  of  David,  during  Athaliah’s  usurpation. 
(Notes,  2 Kings  11:  12:  2 Chr.  23:  24:)  Otherwise  Jehoiada 
is  not  mentioned. — Urijah,  who  basely  obeyed  idolatrous 
Ahaz,  is  not  named  in  this  catalogue,  and  perhaps  several 
others  are  omitted.  (Marg.  Ref.) — It  is  wonderful,  that  so 
little  is  recorded  of  the  high-priests,  when  the  office  is  repre- 
sented in  the  law,  and  by  St.  Paul  in  his  epistle  to  the  He- 
brews, as  of  a peculiar  sanctity  and  importance. 

V.  16 — 30.  The  principal  persons,  who  presided  over  the 
three  families  of  Levi,  till  the  time  of  David,  seem  to  be 
mentioned  in  these  verses. — The  marginal  references  contain 
the  variation  in  the  names  given  to  the  same  persons,  in  diffe- 
rent parts  of  sacred  history,  as  far  as  it  can  be  ascertained  ; 
and  nearly  the  whole,  that  is  at  present  known  concerning 
them,  may  be  learned  by  carefully  consulting  them. — Samuel 
the  son  of  Elkanah  (27,33,34. ) was  not  a priest,  but  descended 
from  Izhar,  Aaron’s  uncle  : yet,  as  a prophet,  he  sacrificed 
personally,  and  not  by  the  ministration  of  the  priests,  as 
some  have  conjectured.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  7:9.  9:12 — 14.  16: 
1-5.) 

V.  31,  32.  After  the  tabernacle  had  been  made  station- 
ary, and  the  Levites  had  greatly  multiplied ; David  formed 
arrangements  for  their  regular  ministering  by  rotation : and 


39  And  his  brother  hAsaplt,  who  stood  on  his 
right  hand,  even  Asaph  the  son  of  Beijechiab, 
the  son  of  Shimea, 

40  The  son  of  Michael,  the  son  of  Baaseiah, 
the  son  of  Malchiah, 

41  The  son  of  'Ethni,  the  son  of  Zerah,  the 
son  of  kAdaiah, 

42  The  son  of  'Ethan,  the  son  of  Zimmah,  the 
son  of  Shimei. 

43  The  son  of  mJahath,  the  son  of  "Gershon:, 
the  son  of  Levi. 

44  And  their  brethren  the  sons  of  Merari 
stood  on  the  left  hand  : °Ethan  the  son  of  iKishi, 
the  son  of  Abdi,  the  son  of  Malluch, 

45  The  son  of  Hashabiah,  the  son  of  Amaziah, 
the  son  of  Hilkiah, 

46  The  son  of  Amzi,  the  son  of  Beni,  the  son 
of  Shamer, 

47  The  son  of  Mahli,  the  son  of  Mushi,  the 
son  of  iMerari,  the  son  of  Levi. 

48  Their  rbrethren  also  the  Levites  were 
appointed  unto  all  manner  of  service  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  house  of  God. 

49  H But  ’Aaron  and  his  sons  offered  v-b.  c. 
upon  the  altar  of  the  burnt-offering,  and  on  L nw- 
the  altar  of  incense,  and  were  appointed  for  all 
the  work  of  the  place  most  holy,  and  to  ‘make 
an  atonement  for  Israel,  according  to  all  that 
“Moses  the  servant  of  God  had  commanded. 

50  And  these  are  the  sons  of  Aaron ; vEleazar 
his  son,  xPhinehas  his  son,  Abishua  his  son, 

51  Bukki  his  son,  Uzzi  his  son,  Zerahiah  his 
son, 

52  Meraioth  his  son,  Amariah  his  son,  Ahitup 
his  son, 

53  yZadok  his  son,  Ahimaaz  his  son. 

54  II  Now  ’these  are  their  dwelling-places 
throughout  their  “castles  in  their  coasts,  of  the 
sons  of  Aaron,  bof  the  families  of  the  Kohathites : 
for  theirs  was  the  lot. 

55  And  they  gave  them  ’Hebron  in  the  land  of 
Judah,  and  the  suburbs  thereof  round  about  it. 

56  But  the  fields  of  the  city,  and  the  villages 
thereof,  they  gave  to  Caleb  the  son  of  Jephunneh. 

57  And  to  the  sons  of  Aaron  they  gave  the 
cities  of  Judah,  namely,  Hebron,  Hlie  city  of 
refuge,  and  ’Libnah  with  her  suburbs,  and 
1 Jattir,  and  Eshtemoa,  with  their  suburbs, 

3:10.  Neh. 7. 44.  11:17,22.  12:85,46.  Ps.  50:  73:— 83:  lilies.  i 21 . Jeaterai. 
k9l.  Mto.  1 21 . Jonh.  m 'ill.  n 1.16,17,20.23:6.  (Jen. 46:11.  Ex. 6:16. 
Num.  3:17.  Gershon.  o 25:1 ,3.6.  Jeduthun.  Ps.89 : title,  p 15:17.  Kushaiah, 
q 23:21.28.  Ex.  6:19.  Num.  3:2U, 33— 36.  4:42.  7 8.  10: 17.  Josh.  21 : 7. 34— 40. 
r 23:2, &c.25:  26:  Num.  3:  4:  8:5— 26.  16:9,10.  18:  s Ex . 27: 1—8.  30:1 — 7. 

Lev.  1:5, 7, 8.  8:  9:  10:  21:  22:  Num.  16:16—50.  17.  Deut.  18:1—8.  Heb.  7:11 

14.  t Ex.  29:33,36,37.  30:10— 16.  Lev.  4:20.  Nmn.  15:25.  16:46.  Job  33:24. 
marg.  u Deul.  34:5.  Josh. 1:1.  v 3— 9.24:1.  Ex . 6:23.  28: 1 . Lev.  10:14. 
Num.  3:4,32.  20:26— 28.  27:22.  Ezra  7: 1—5.  8:33.  x See  on  A.  9:20.  v 12:2ft. 
23:16.24:3,31.  1 Sam.  2:35.  2 Sam.  8:17.  15:24— 27,  35,36.  17:15—17.20:25. 

1 Kings  1:8,26,34.2:35.4:4.  Ez..  44:15.  z Num.  35:1—  & Josh.  21 : 3— 8.  a Hen. 
25:16.  b Josh.  21:4,5.  c Josh.  14 : 13.  15:13.  21 : 1 1—13.  Judg.  1:20.  d Num. 
35:13 — 15.  Josh.  20:7— 9.  e Josh.  15:42.  21:13,14.  f See  on  4:17.  Josh.  15:48. 


especially  a large  number  of  them  were  employed  as  singers 
and  musicians,  in  celebrating  the  praises  of  God.  (Notes, 
9:31—  33,  v.  33.  16:4— 6,37— 43.  25:26:)  This  was  settled 
before  the  building  of  the  temple,  but  it  was  continued  after- 
wards. (Marg.  Ref.)  • 

V.  33 — 38.  Heman  was  grandson  to  Samuel  or  Shemuet, 
the  prophet  and  judge  of  Israel  ; and  probably  be  was  ad- 
vanced to  this  office,  in  honour  of  his  illustrious  ancestor. 
The  genealogies  of  Hentan,  and  Asaph,  and  Ethan,  are  car- 
ried back  to  Levi : whence  we  may  infer  that  their  station,  as 
precentors,  was  considered  as  both  important  and  honourable. 
—Heman,  mentioned  with  Ethan  of  the  sons  of  Zerah,  was 
of  the  tribe  of  Judah.  (Notes,  2:5,6.  1 Kings  4:30—34, 
v.  31.) 

V.  39 — 47.  Marg.  Ref. — His  brother  Asaph.  (39)  As 
Asaph  was  of  the  same  tribe  with  Heman,  he  is  called  his 
brother,  though  belonging  to  a different  family  of  that  tribe, 
for  he  was  descended  from  Gershom  ; but  Heman,  from 
Kohath. 

V.  48.  * It  is  observable,  that  in  all  genealogies  of  the 
Levites,  there  is  not  a word  said  of  the  sons  of  Moses  and 
their  posterity  ; he  having  no  ambition  to  prefer  them  to  any 
office,  either  in  church  or  state  !’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Not',  Num. 
27:18.)  They  are  indeed  mentioned  ; but  as  in  no  respect 
distinguished  from  the  other  Levites.  (23:14 — 18.) 

V.  49—53.  Note,  4—15. 

V.  54 — 66.  (Marg.  Ref.)  ‘These  things  seen  to  ha 
mentioned  so  often,  and  with  such  exactness,  that  it  might 
appear  what  care  was  taken  by  God,  for  the  maintenance  of 
his  ministers,  of  all  sorts ; and  for  the  instruction  of  his  people, 
l 719  ) 


B.  C.  1444. 


I.  CHRONICLES.  B.  C.  1017. 


58  And  sHilen  with  her  suburbs,  hDebir  with 
her  suburbs, 

59  And  ‘Ashan  with  her  suburbs,  and  kBeth- 
shemesh  with  her  suburbs: 

60  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin;  'Geba 
with  her  suburbs,  and  mAlemeth  with  her  sub- 
urbs, and  "Anathoth  with  her  suburbs.  All  their 
cities  throughout  their  families  were  thirteen  cities. 

61  And  “unto  the  sons  of  Kohath,  which  were 
Pleft  of  the  family  of  that  tribe,  were  cities  given 
out  of  the  half  tribe,  namely\  out  of  the  half  tribe 
of  Manasseh,  by  lot,  ten  cities. 

62  And  to  the  sons  of  ‘'Gershom  throughout 
their  families  were  given  out  of  the  tribe  of 
Issachar,  and  out  of  the  tribe  of  Asher,  and  out 
of  the  tribe  of  Naphtali,  and  out  of  the  tribe 
of  Manasseh  in  Bashan,  thirteen  cities. 

63  Unto  the  sons  of  rMerari  were  given  by  lot, 
throughout  their  families,  out  of  the  tribe  of 
Reuben,  and  out  of  the  tribe  of  Gad,  and  out  of 
the  tribe  of  Zebulun,  twelve  cities. 

64  And  sthe  children  of  Israel  gave  to  the 
Levites  these  cities  Hvith  their  suburbs. 

65  And  they  gave  by  lot  out  of  the  tribe  of 
the  children  ot  Judah,  and  out  of  the  tribe  of  the 
children  of  Simeon,  and  out  of  the  tribe  of  the 
children  of  Benjamin,  “these  cities,  which  are 
called  by  their  names. 

66  And  *the  residue  of  the  families  of  the  sons 
of  Kohath  had  cities  of  their  coasts  out  of  the 
tribe  of  Ephraim. 

67  And  they  gave  unto  them,  of  the  cities  of 
refuge,  yShechem  in  mount  Ephraim  with  her 
suburbs;  they  gave  also  zGezer  with  her  suburbs, 

68  And  “Jokmeam  with  her  suburbs,  andbBetb- 
horon  with  her  suburbs, 

69  And  “Ajalon  with  her  suburbs,  and  dGath- 
rimmon  with  her  suburbs  : 

70  And  out  of  the  half  tribe  of  Manasseh; 
cAner  with  her  suburbs,  and  fBileam  with  her 
suburbs,  for  the  family  of  the  remnant  of  the  sons 
of  Kohath. 

71  Unto  the  sons  of  Gershom  were  given  out 
of  the  family  of  the  half  tribe  of  Manasseh,  sGolan 
in  Bashan  with  her  suburbs,  and  ‘‘Ashtaroth  with 
her  suburbs  : 

72  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Issachar,  'Kedesh 
with  her  suburbs,  kDaberath  with  her  suburbs, 

g Josh.  15:51.  21:15.  Holon.  h Josh.  12:13. 15:49.  i Josh.  21:16.  Ain.  k Josh. 
15:10.21:16.  1 Sam.  11:12— 19.  18:6.  Josh.  21:17.  m Josh.  21 : 18.  A/mon. 
q 1 Kings  2:26.  Is.  10:30.  Jer.  1:1.  11:23.  37:12.  o 1,2,18,33.  p 66.  Josh.  21: 
4,5,20—26.  q 71— 76.  Josh.  21:27— 33.  r 77— 81.  Josh.  21:34— 40.  s Josh.  21: 
41,42.  t Num.  35:2 — 5.  u 57— 60.  x 61.  y Gen.  35:4.  Josh.  20:7.  21:21. 
z Josh.  12:12. 16:3,10.  21:21.  a Josh.  21:22.  Kibzaim.  b Josh.  10:11.  16:5. 
I Sam.  13:18.  c Josh.  10:12.  Ajalon.  21:24.  d Josh.  21:24.  e Josh.  21:25. 
Tanach.  Gathrimmon.  f Josh.  17:11.  Ibleam.  g Deut.  4:43.  Josh.  20:8.  21 : 
27.  h Deut.  1:4.  Josh.  9:10.  21:27.  Be-eskterah.  i Josh.  19:37.21:32.  Judg. 


among  whom  he  dispersed  the  Levites,  who  were  peculiarly 
devoted  to  this  service.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Notes,  Josh.  20:  21:) 
— Juttah  and  Gibeon  are  here  omitted.  Perhaps  they  lay  in 
ruins  when  the  book  was  written:  so  that  only  eleven  cities 
from  Judah  and  Benjamin  are  enumerated  ; though  thirteen 
were  allotted  to  the  priests  in  the  days  of  Joshua.  (Josh.  21: 
16,17,19.) 

V.  67 — 81.  Cither  some  of  the  cities,  or  their  names,  had 
been  changed  since  the  time  of  Joshua : but,  as  Mr.  Henry 
observes,  Salop  and  Shrewsbury,  Sarum  and  Salisbury,  are 
as  different  names  for  the  same  places,  as  any  in  these  cata- 
logues; yet  those,  who  live  in  their  vicinity,  are  not  at  all 
confused  by  them. — Some  cities  also  are  here  mentioned,  as 
having  belonged  to  Ephraim,  which  in  Joshua  are  spoken  of 
as  cities  of  Dan  : but  various  changes  in  such  matters  would 
occur  in  a course  of  ages. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

In  the  judgment  of  God,  none  of  the  human  race  are  more 
honourable  or  valuable,  than  those  who  consistently  minister 
«n  holy  things.  And  though  many,  who  bear  this  sacred 
character,  render  themselves  insignificant  by  their  indolence, 
contemptible  by  their  covetousness,  or  odious  by  their  profli- 
gacy, or  bring  the  divine  vcngoance  upon  themselves  by  offer- 
ing “strange  fire  beforo  the  Lord:”  (Note,  Lev.  10:1,2.)  yet, 
instead  of  that  order  being  despised  on  these  accounts,  those 
who  arc  singularly  humble,  diligent,  disinterested,  zealous, 
and  valiant  for  the  truth,  ought  to  be  treated  with  the  greater 
respect ; and  of  this,  God  himself  has  condescended  to  set 
the  example  in  his  holv  word. — None  of  the  I.ord’s  people, 
and  especially  of  his  ministers,  should  be  unemployed  : they 
wno,  through  want  of  ability  or  change  of  circumstances,  are 
precluded  from  one  method  of  glorifying  God,  should  set 
-heraselves  to  devise  another.  And  if  they  deem  nothing, 
( 720  ) 


73  And  Ramoth  with  her  suburbs,  and  Anem 
with  her  suburbs : 

74  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Asher ; ‘Mashal  with 
her  suburbs,  and  Abdon  with  her  suburbs, 

75  And  mHukok  with  her  suburbs,  and  Rehob 
with  her  suburbs : 

76  And  out  of  the  tribe  of  Naphtali;  “Kedesh 
in  Galilee  with  her  suburbs,  and  “Harnmon  with 
her  suburbs,  and  Kirjathaim  with  her  suburbs. 

77  Unto  the  rest  of  the  children  of  Merari 
were  given  out  of  the  tribe  of  Zebulun,  pRimnion 
with  her  suburbs,  Tabor  with  her  suburbs: 

78  And  on  the  other  side  Jordan  by  Jericho, 
on  the  east  side  of  Jordan,  were  given  them,  out 
of  the  tribe  of  Reuben,  iBezer  in  the  wilderness 
with  her  suburbs,  and  ' Jahzah  with  her  suburbs, 

79  Kedemoth  also  with  her  suburbs,  and  Me- 
phaath  with  her  suburbs  : 

80  And  out  of  the  trihe  of  Gad  ; 'Ramoth  in 
Gilead  with  her  suburbs,  and  'Mahanaim  with 
her  suburbs, 

81  And  “Heshbon  with  her  suburbs,  and  xJazer 
with  her  suburbs. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

The  sons  of  Issachar , 1 — 5:  of  Beniamin,  8 — 12  : of  Naphtali , 13.  and  oj 
Manasseh,  14 — 19.  The  sons  of  Ephraim , of  whom  some  were  slain  by  the 
men  of  Gath,  20— 22.  His  sons  by  Beriah,  23—27.  Their  h<ibitations,  28, 
29.  The  sons  of  Asher,  30 — 4U. 

NOW  athe  sons  of  Issachar  were  Tola,  and  tb.  c. 
Puah,  Jashub,  and  Shimron,  four.  Li’w>. 
2 And  the  sons  of  Tola  ; Uzzi,  and  Rephaiah, 
and  Jeriel,  and  Jahmai,  and  Jibsam,  and  ShemueL, 
heads  of  their  father’s  house,  to  wit,  of  Tola : 
they  were  valiant  men  of  might  in  their  genera- 
tions ; bwhose  number  was  in  the  days  of  David 
two  and  twenty  thousand  and  six  hundred. 

3  And  the  sons  of  Uzzi;  Izrahiah:  and  the 
sons  of  Izrahiah;  Michael,  and  Qbadiah,  and 
Joel,  Ishiah,  five  ; all  of  them  chief  men. 

4  And  “with  them,  by  their  generations,  after 
the  house  of  their  fathers,  were  bands  of  soldiers 
for  war,  six  and  thirty  thousand  men : for  they 
had  many  wives  and  sons. 

5  And  their  brethren  among  all  the  families  of 
Issachar  were  valiant  men  of  might,  reckoned  in 
all,  by  their  genealogies,  fourscore  and  seven 
thousand. 

6  If  The  sons  dof  Benjamin ; Bel,?,  and  rn.  c. 
Becher,  and  “Jediael,  three.  *■  1,0°- 

4:9.  k Josh.  21 :28,29.  Kishon.  Daberah.  Jarrhuth . Engannim.  1 Josh.  21: 
30.  Mishal.  m Josh.  21:31.  Helkath.  n Josh.  12:22.  19  37.  20:7.21:32.  JulU 
4:6.  Kaxlesh-naphtali.  o Jcsh. 21:32.  Himmoth-d  <r . Kartan.  p Josh.  21:34, 
35.  Jokncam.  Kartah.  Dimnah.  Nahalat.  q Dent.  4:4  '.  Josh.  20:8.  21:36. 
r Josh.  21 : 36,37.  Juhazah.  s Josh.  21 :88,39.  1 Kings  22:3.  2 Kings  9:1. 

t Gen.  32:2.  Josh.  21:38.  2 Sam.  17:24,27.  19:32.  n Nnm.  21 :25.  32:37.  Pent. 
2:24.  Josh.  13:26.  Neh.  9:2*2.  Cant.  7:4.  x Nnm.  3-2: 1 ,3.  Josh.  13:25.  21 :39. 
a Gen.  46:13.  Phuvah.  Job.  Num.  26:23,24.  Pua.  1)  21:1—5.  27:1,23,24. 
2 Sam.  24:1 — 9.  c 12:32.  d 8:1,  &c.  Gen.  46:21.  Nam. 26:33— 41.  e 10,11. 


which  may  conduce  to  the  advancement  of  true  religion,  too 
laborious,  mean,  disgusting,  or  discouraging  ; if  they  be  dis- 
posed to  be  u instant  in  season,  and  out  of  season to  in- 
struct, or  encourage,  one,  ten,  or  ten  thousand,  in  public,  or 
in  private,  in  a cottage,  an  hospital,  a prison,  or  a palace  ; in 
safe  and  easy,  or  in  difficult  and  perilous  circumstances  ; if 
they  consider  nothing  too  little  to  be  attended  to,  and  nothing 
too  arduous  to  be  attempted  ; and  if  they  do  all  in  sincerity, 
humility,  and  simplicity  of  spirit,  they  cannot  long  be  unoecu- 
pied  or  useless.  But,  nothing  can  be  a more  pleasant  and  ho- 
nourable work,  than  to  excite  or  assist  the  devotions  of  the 
pious,  and  to  lead  them  to  abound  in  thanksgivings  and 
praises  to  the  Lord. — If  a rich  inheritance,  or  the  important 
station  of  a magistrate  or  civil  governor,  could  with  propriety 
be  quitted  for  such  a service,  the  enlightened  understanding 
must  perceive  it  to  be  an  honourable  and  advantageous  ex- 
change; for  this  is  the  delightful  employment  of  those  above, 
who  are  arrived  at  their  eternal  rest. — They,  who  have  shown 
themselves  peculiarly  disinterested  in  the  cause  of  God  and 
his  people,  should  be  peculiarly  considered  by  their  brethren, 
and  their  families  respected  for  their  sakes.  But,  though 
Christians  and  ministers  may  be  very  useful  to  the  church, 
while  M they  wait  in  their  offices,”  none  hut  our  great  High- 
Priest  can  make  atonement  for  sin?  none  can  bo  accepted, 
save  through  his  atonement  and  mediation. — While  ministers 
arc  bound  to  wait  on  their  ministering,  according  to  the  work 
of  their  place  ; the  people  are  equally  hound,  in  (heir  several 
stations,  to  strengthen  their  hands,  and  to  contribute  without 
grudging  to  their  comfortable  maintenance  : and  in  every  good 
work,  equality  and  unanimity  will  render  the  burden  light,  end 
conduce  to  the  comfort  of  all  concerned,  as  also  to  render 
their  endeavours  more  generally  useful. 

NOTES.— Chap.  VII.  V.  1— 5.  (Marg.  When 


B.  C.  1600. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


B. C.  1600 


7 And  the  sons  of  Bela;  Ezbon,  and  Uzzi,  and 
Uzziel,  and  Jerimoth,  and  Iri,  five;  heads  of  the 
house  of  their  fathers,  mighty  men  of  valour ; 
0.  c.-|  and  'were  reckoned  by  their  genealogies 
l017'J  twenty  and  two  thousand  and  thirty  and  tour. 

8 And  the  sons  of  Becher;  Zemira,  and  Joash, 
and  Eliezer,  and  Elioenai,  and  Omri,  and  Jeri- 
moth, and  Abiah,  and  Anathoth,  and  Alameth. 
All  these  are  the  sons  of  Becher. 

9 And  the  number  of  them,  after  their  genea- 
logy by  their  generations,  heads  of  the  house  of 
their  fathers,  mighty  men  of  valour,  was  twenty 
thousand  and  two  hundred. 

10  The  sons  also  of  Jediael ; Bilhan  : and  the 
sons  of  Bilhan;  Jeush,  and  Benjamin,  and  eEhud, 
and  Chenaanah,  and  Zethan,  and  Tharshish,  and 
Ahishahar. 

1 1 All  these  the  sons  of  Jediael,  by  the  heads 
of  their  lathers,  mighty  men  of  valour,  were 
seventeen  thousand  and  two  hundred  soldiers,  fit 
to  go  out  for  war  and  battle. 

12  hShuppim  also,  and  Huppim,  the  children  of 
lIr,  and  Hushim,  the  sons  of  kAher. 

13  11  The  sons  of  Naphtali;  'Jahziel,  and  Guni, 
and  Jezer,  and  mShallum,  "the  sons  of  fiilhah. 

14  11  The  sons  of  Manasseh ; Ashriel,  vvhom 
u.  c.-i  she  bare:  (but  his  concubine  the  Aramitess, 
ims.J  bare  “Machir  the  father  of  Gilead : 

15  And  Machir  took  to  wife  the  sister  of  rHup- 
pim  and  Shuppim,  whose  sister’s  name  was 
Maachah;)  and  the  name  of  the  second  was 
Zelophehad:  and  ^Zelophehad  had  daughters. 

16  And  Maachah  the  wife  of  Machir  bare  a 
son,  and  she  called  his  name  Peresh ; and  the 
name  of  his  brother  was  Sheresh;  and  his  sons 
were  Ulam  and  Rakem. 

17  And  the  sons  of  Ulam ; fBedan.  These 
were  the  sons  of  Gilead,  the  son  of  Machir,  the 
son  of  Manasseh. 

18  And  his  sister  Hammoleketh  bare  Ishod, 
and  sAbiezer,  and  Mahalah. 

b.  c.i  19  And  the  sons  of  Shemida  were  Ahian, 
,600-J  and  Shechem,  and  Likhi,  and  Aniam. 

20  H And  ‘the  sons  of  Ephraim ; Shuthelah, 
and  Bered  his  son.  and  Tahath  his  son,  and 
Eladah  his  son,  and  Tahath  his  son, 

21  And  Zabad  his  son,  and  Shuthelah  his  son, 
and  Ezer,  and  Elead,  whom  the  men  of  Gath 
that  were  born  in  that  land  slew,  because  they 
came  down  to  take  away  their  cattle. 

f 21:1— 5.  2Chr.  17:17,18.  g J'ld".  3:15,  Sic.  h 15.  Gen.  46:21.  Muppim. 
Huppim.  Num. 26:39.  Shupham.  Hupham.  i 7.  Iri.  k Num.  26:38.  Ahiram. 
\ Gen.  46:24.  Num.  25:48.  Jahzeel.  m Gen.  46:24.  Num.  26:49.  Shillem. 
n Gen.  30:3 — 8 . 35:22.  46:25.  o 2:21-23.  Gen.  50:23.  Num.  26:29— 34  . 27:1. 
32.39— 42.  Dent.  3:13— 15.  Josh.  13:31 . 17:1— 3.  Judg.5tl4.  p 12.  q Num. 
26:33.27:1—11.36:1—12.  r 1 Sain.  12:11.  s Num.  26:30.  Jeezer.  Judg.  6:11, 
24,34.8:2.  t Num.  26:35,36.  u Gen.  37:34.  x 4:9.  Gen.  35:18.  1 Sam.  4:21. 
* That  is,  In  evil,  y Josh.  16:3,5.  1 Kings  9:17.  2 Chr.  8:5.  a Num.  13:8,16. 


David  numbered  the  people,  (Notes,  2 Sam.  24:1 — 9.)  the 
effective  men  of  Issachar  amounted  to  87,000 : 22,000  of  vvhom 
descended  from  Tola  his  eldest  son  ; but  whether  the  36,000 
(4)  were  descendants  of  Tola  by  Uzzi;  and  the  22,000,  his 
descendants  by  Tola’s  other  sons ; or  whether  another  of 
Issachar’s  sons  is  intended,  does  not  clearly  appear : for  Uzzi 
was  the  son  of  Tola  and  grandson  of  Issachar.  Izrahiah  and 
his  five  sons  are  spoken  of  as  five  sons  of  Uzzi.  (3)  If  the 
former  be  meant,  which  seems  the  more  obvious  meaning,  by 
far  the  greatest  part  of  the  tribe  of  Issachar  descended  from 
Tola. 

V.  0 — 11.  The  persons  mentioned  seem  not,  strictly  speak- 
ing, to  have  been  the  sons  of  Bela  and  Becher;  but  renowned 
persons  among  their  descendants,  or  such  as  were  progenitors 
of  those  who  returned  from  Babylon.  (Notes,  8:1 — 5.  Gen. 

46:21.) 

V.  12.  Aher.]  Aher  signifies  another,  and  it  has  been 
conjectured  that  these  were  Danites,  1 the  sons  of  another 
bihe ;’  especially  as  Hushim  is  named  as  the  only  son  of  Dan. 
( Gen.  46:23.)  And  they  suppose,  that  the  name  of  Dan  was 
not  mentioned,  because  his  descendants  first  established  ido- 
latry. But  Zebulun,  as  well  as  Dan,  is  here  omitted  ; per- 
haps, because  none  of  either  of  these  tribes  returned  at  first 
from  Babylon. — Though  the  Benjamites  had  been  almost 
destroyed,  in  the  first  days  of  the  judges,  they  soon  became 
numerous  and  powerful.  (Notes,  Judg.  20:  21:) 

V.  13.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  14,  15.  Ashriel  was Manasseh’s  eldest  son  by  hiswife, 
who  is  not  named : but  a Syrian  concubine  was  the  mother 
ol  Machir,  from  whom  the  whole  of  that  numerous  tribe  seems 
to  have  descended  : for  Ashriel  as  the  son  of  Manasseh  is 

VOL.  I. — 91 


22  And  Ephraim  their  father  "mourned  many 
days,  and  his  brethren  came  to  comfort  him. 

23  H And  when  he  went  in  to  his  wife,  she 
conceived  and  bare  a son,  and  xhe  called  his 
name  'Beriah,  because  it  went  evil  with  his 
house. 

24  (And  his  daughter  was  Sherah,  who  built 
rBeth-horon  the  nether,  and  the  upper,  and 
Uzzen-sherah.) 

25  And  Rephah  was  his  son,  also  Resheph 
and  Telah  his  son,  and  Tahan  his  son, 

26  Laadan  his  son,  Ammihud  his  son,  Elishama 
his  son, 

27  "Non  his  son,  bJehoshua  his  son. 

28  II  And  their  possessions  and  habitations 
were  cBeth-el,  and  the  towns  thereof,  and  east- 
ward dNaaran,  and  westward  eGezer,  with  the 
'towns  thereof;  Shechem  also  and  the  towns 
thereof,  unto  Gaza  and  the  towns  thereof: 

29  And  by  the  borders  of  the  children  ot 
'Manasseh,  ?Beth-shean  and  her  towns,  hTaanach 
and  her  towns,  ‘Megiddo  and  her  towns,  Dor  and 
her  towns.  kIn  these  dwelt  the  children  of  Joseph 
the  son  of  Israel. 

30  H The  sons  of  Asher  ; 'Imnah,  and  p.  c. 
Isuah,  and  mIshuai,  and  Beriah,  and  Serah  Lno°- 
their  sister. 

31  And  the  sons  of  Beriah  ; Heber,  and  Mal- 
chiel,  who  is  the  father  of  Birzavith. 

32  And  Heber  begat  Japhlet,  and  "Shomer, 
and  Hotham,  and  Shua  their  sister. 

33  And  the  sons  of  Japhlet;  Pasach,  and 
Bimhal,  and  Ashvath.  These  are  the  children  of 
Japhlet. 

34  And  the  sons  of  "Shamer ; Ahi,  and  Rohgah, 
Jehubbah,  and  Aram. 

35  And  the  sons  of  his  brother  Helem  ; Zophah, 
and  Imna,  and  Shelesh,  and  Amal. 

36  The  sons  of  Zophah  ; Suah,  and  Harnephar, 
and  Shual,  and  Beri,  and  Imrah, 

37  Bezer,  and  Hod,  and  Shamma,  and  Shilshah, 
and  rlthran,  and  Beera. 

38  And  the  sons  of  Jether;  Jephunneh,  and 
Pispah,  and  Ara. 

39  And  the  sons  of  Ulla;  Arab,  and  Haniel, 
and  Rezia. 

40  All  these  were  the  children  of  Asher,  heads 
of  their  father’s  house,  choice  and  mighty  men 
of  valour,  chief  of  the  princes.  And  'dhe  p.  c. 
number  throughout  the  genealogy  of  them  L ion. 


Nun.  Os/iea.  b Ex.  17:9— 14.24:13.  3v2:17.  Num.  11 :2S.  14.6.  27:18.  Oeut.31: 
23.  Joshua.  Acts  7:45.  Heb.4:8.  Jesus,  c Gen.  28:19.  Josh.  16:2.  Jnrlg.  1:22 
d Josh.  16:7.  Nanrath.  e See  on  6:66,67.  t Heb.  daughters,  f Josh.  17:7— 
11.  g 1 Sam.  31:10.  Beth-shan.  h Judg.  5:19.  lKings4:!2.  i Judg.  1:27. 
1 Kings  9:15.  2 Kings  9.27.  23:29.  2 Chr.  35:22.  Zecfi.  12:11.  Rev.  16:16. 
k Josh.  16:  17:  Judg.  1:22— 29.  1 Gen.  46:17.  Num.  26:44-46.  Jimnah. 

m Gen.  46:17.  Isui.  n 34.  Shamer.  o 32.  Stunner,  p 38.  Jether.  q 21: 
1—5.  2 Sam.  24:1— 9. 


not  mentioned  elsewhere  ; and  Zelophehad  u the  second”  was 
a descendant  of  Machir,  two  generations  having  intervened 
between  them  : for  he  was  the  son  of  Hepher,  the  son  of  Gi- 
lead, the  son  of  Machir.  (Num.  26:29 — 33.  Notes , Num. 
27:1—11.  36:1—12.  Josh.  17:1— 6.)—“  Of  Asriel  the  family 
of  the  Asrielites.”  (Num.  26:31.)  This  Asriel  was  a de- 
scendant of  Machir  by  Gilead.  Machir  married  a descend- 
ant of  Benjamin. 

V.  18.  Hammoleketh  seems  to  have  been  the  sister  oi 
Gilead  : though  some  think  she  was  the  sister  ofBedan.  (17) 

V.  21,  22.  Ezer  and  Elead  seem  to  have  been  the  sons,  or 
grandsons,  ofEphraim,  and  not  his  more  remote  descendants; 
for  it  is  evident  that  he  was  living  when  they  were  slain. 
Some  think,  that  they  supposed  the  time  was  arrived  for  the 
nation  to  inherit  Canaan  : and  so  made  an  unsuccessful  in- 
vasion of  it.  But,  it  is  more  likely,  that  some  inhabitants  of 
Gath,  who  had  been  natives  of  Egypt,  made  an  incursion  into 
Goshen,  to  commit  depredations  on  the  cattle  of  Israel,  and 
slew  those  who  defended  them.  Thus  Ephraim,  that  was 
intended  to  be  a very  numerous  and  prosperous  tribe,  was  at 
first  diminished. 

V.  24.  Some  female  descendant  of  Ephraim  had  afflu- 
ence, influence,  and  liberality,  to  rebuild  three  cities  for  her 
brethren.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V,  25 — 29.  (Marg.  Ref.)  “Rephah  was  his  son,”  (25) 
‘that  is,  the  son  of  Beriah.’  ...  “Jehoshua,”  (27)  ‘for 
whose  sake  his  pedigree  seems  To  be  thus  largely  deduced. 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  30—40.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Events  frequently  occur  entirely  beyond  our  expectations 
( 721  ) 


B.  C.  1400. 


I.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  1250 


that  were  apt  to  the  war  and  to  battle  was 
twenty  and  six  thousand  men. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

The  sons  and  chief  men  of  Benjamin . 1 — 32.  The  family  of  Saul  and  his 
descendants  by  Jonathan , 33—40. 

j.  c.n  1\TOW  Benjamin  begat  “Bela  his  first-born, 
noo.j  Ashbel  the  second,  and  bAharah  the 
third, 

2 Nohah  the  fourth,  and  Rapha  the  fifth. 

3 And  the  sons  of  Bela  were,  cAddar,  and 
Gera  and  Abihud, 

4 And  Abishua,  and  Naaman,  and  Ahoah, 

5 And  dGera,  and  “Shephuphan,  and  Huram. 

6 And  these  are  the  sons  of  f Ehud  : these 
are  the  heads  of  the  fathers  of  the  inhabitants 
of  sGeba,  and  they  removed  them  to  >‘Mana- 
hath  : . 

7 And  Naaman,  and  Ahiah,  and  Gera,  he 
removed  them,  and  begat  Uzza,  and  Ahihud. 

8 And  Shaharaim  begat  children  'in  the  country 
of  Moab,  after  die  had  sent  them  away;  Hushim 
and  Baara  were  his  wives. 

9 And  he  begat  of  Hodesh  his  wife,  Jobab, 
and  Zibia,  and  Mesha,  and  Malcham, 

10  And  Jeuz,  and  Shachia,  and  Mirma.  These 
were  his  sons,  heads  of  the  fathers. 

11  And  of  Hushim  he  begat  Abitub,  and 
Elpaal. 

12  The  sons  of  Elpaal^  Eber,  and  Misham, 
and  Shamed,  who  built  kUno,  and  Lod,  with  the 
towns  thereof: 

13  Beriah  also,  and  'Shema,  who  were  heads 
of  mthe  fathers  of  the  inhabitants  of  "Ajalon,  who 
drove  away  the  inhabitants  of  Gath  : 

14  And  Ahio,  Shashak,  and  Jeremoth, 

15  And  Zebadiah,  and  Arad,  and  Ader, 

16  And  Michael,  and  Ispah,  and  Joha,  the 
sons  of  “Beriah ; 

17  And  Zebadiah,  and  Meshullam,  and  Hezeki, 
and  Heber, 

18  Ishmerai  also,  and  Jezliah,  and  Jobab,  the 
sons  of  Elpaal; 

19  And  Jakim,  and  Zichri,  and  Zabdi, 

20  And  Elienai,  and  Zilthai,  and  Eliel, 


21  And  Adaiah,  and  Bera.ah,  and  Shimrath, 
the  sons  of  rShimhi ; 

22  And  Ishpan,  ar/  Heber,  and  Eliel, 

23  And  Abdon,  a Zichri,  and  Hanan, 

24  And  Hananiah,  and  Elam,  and  Antothijah, 

25  And  Iphedeiah,  and  Penuel,  the  sons  of 
Shashak ; 

26  And  Shamsherai,  and  Shehariah,  and 
Athaliah, 

27  And  Jaresiah,  and  Eliah,  and  Zichri,  the 
sons  of  Jeroham. 

28  These  were  heads  of  the  fathers,  by  their 
generations,  chief  men.  These  idwelt  in  Jeru 
salem. 

29  And  at  Gibeon  dwelt  rthe  father  of  Gibeon, 
whose  wife’s  name  teas  Maachah. 

30  And  his  first-born  son  sAbdon,  and  Zur, 
and  Kish,  and  Baal,  and  Nadab, 

31  And  Gedor,  and  Ahio,  and  'Zacher. 

32  And  Mikloth  begat  “Shimeah.  And  p.  c. 
these  also  dwelt  with  their  brethren  in  Jeru-  *-,20°- 
salem,  over  against  them. 

33  And  vNer  begat  xKish,  and  Kish  bega  . 
Saul,  and  rSaul  begat  Jonathan,  and  Malchishua 
and  zAbinadab,  and  °Esh-baal. 

34  And  the  son  of  Jonathan  was  bMerib-baal 
and  Merib-baal  begat  “Micah. 

35  And  the  sons  of  Micah  were,  Pithon,  anc 
Melech,  and  dTarea,  and  Ahaz. 

36  And  Ahaz  begat  'Iehoadah ; and  i-b:  c 
Jehoadah  begat  Alemeth,  and  Azmaveth,  L 1000 
and  Zimri;  and  Zimri  begat  Moza, 

37  And  Moza  begat  Binea  : ' Rapha  was  his 
son,  Eleasah  his  son,  Azel  his  son. 

38  And  Azel  had  six  sons,  whose  names  are 
these,  Azrikam.  Bocberu,  and  Ishmael,  and 
Sheariah,  and  Obadiah,  and.  Hanan.  All  these 
were  the  sons*of  Azel. 

39  And  the  sons  of  Eshek  his  brother  were, 
Ulam  his  first-born,  Jehush  the  second,  and  Eli- 
plielet  the  third. 

40  And  the  sons  of  Ulam  were  mighty  men  oi 
valour,  ^archers,  and  had  hmany  sons,  and  sons’ 
sons,  a^  hundred  and  fifty.  All  these  are  of  the 
sons  of  Benjamin. 


a 7:6 — 12.  Gen.  46:21.  b Num.  26:38.  Ahiram.  c Gen.  46:21.  Num.  26:40. 
Ard.  d Judg.  3:15.  e 7:12.  Shup;im.  Num.  26:39.  Shupham.  f 7:10.  Judg. 
3:20,  &c.  4:1.  g 6:60.  h 2^2,54.  i Ruth  1:1.  jGen.25:6.  k Ezra  2:33. 

Neh.  6:2.  7:37.  11:35.  1 21.  Shimhi.  m 2:49,50,52.  4:4.  n Josh.  19:42.  Aja- 
lon. o 13.  p 13  Shema.  q Josh.  15:63.  18:28.  Judg.  1:21.  Neh.  11:1 ,7— 9. 

and  contrary  to  probabilities  ; the  dispensations  of  Providence 
seem  to  run  counter  to  the  promises,  in  order  that  their  per- 
formance may  be  the  more  observed  and  admired ; and  often 
a good  cause  is  unsuccessful,  while  the  wicked  triumph  in 
the  success  of  their  villany:  but  the  day  of  judgment  will 
clear  up,  and  rectify,  all  such  apparent  obliquities  in  the 
divine  administration. — Those  who  live  long  often  become 
like  the  decaying  tree,  which  stands  till  all  its  branches  are 
withered,  or  broken  off  one  after  another.  But,  though  the 
premature,  death  of  our  children  must  necessarily  be  afflic- 
tive, and  it  behooves  us  all  mutually  to  comfort  each  other ; 
yet,  we  should  not  mourn  as  men  without  hope;  for  the  Lord 
is  able  to  make  up  all  our  losses.  Considering  our  state  on 
earth,  we  may  properly  call  all  our  children  Beriah;  (marc.) 
for  “man  is  born  to  trouble,  as  the  sparks  fly  upwards.” 
But  the  supports,  consolations,  and  prospects,  which  the 
gospel  brings  to  believers,  are  sufficient  to  counterbalance 
every  evil,  and  to  render  both  life  and  death  tolerable,  if  not 
joyful. — As  men  readily  venture  their  lives  to  preserve  their 
cattle  or  property;  surely  we  should  be  willing  to  renounce, 
venture,  and  suffer  any  thing,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ 
and  his  precious  salvation. 

NOTES. — Chap.  VIII.  V.  1— 5.  {Note,  7:7—11.)  The 
tribe  of  Benjamin  adhered  to  Judah,  in  the  division  of  the 
kingdom,  and  returned  with  the  Jews  from  Babylon:  and,  as 
the  history  is  about  to  open  with  the  translation  of  the  king- 
dom from  Saul  of  that  tribe,  to  David  of  Judah;  we  have 
here  a more  copious  account  given  of  it  than  of  several  other 
tribes.  But  either  some  of  the  sons  of  Benjamin  had  several 
names,  or  those  called  his  sons  were  his  more  remote  descend- 
ants. G<*ra,  called  his  son  in  Genesis,  is  here  mentioned  as 
his  grandson  by  Bela:  ( Note , Gen.  46:21.)  but  the  whole 
subsequent  genealogy  is  obscure.  (Marc.  Ref.) 

V.  6 — 10.  Ehud,  the  son  of  Gera,  (5)  was  the  judge  of 
Israel,  who  slew  Eglon  king  of  Moab:  ( Notes , Jude • 3:15 — 
30.)  perhaps,  in  consequence,  he  acquired  dominion  over  the 
Moabites,  and  some  of  his  descendants  lived  among  them. 
These  having  many  children,  removed  several  of  them,  and 
nettled  them  in  different  places  during  their  own  lives. 

( 722  ) 


r 9:35,36.  J chi  el.  s 9:36,37.  t 9:37.  Zecharinh.  u 9:38.  Shimeram.  y 9*39. 
1 Sam.  9:1.  14:50,51.  x 1 Sam.  9:1.  Acts  13:21.  Cis.  y 1 Sam.  14:49.  31 :2. 
7.  1 Sam.  14:49.  Phut.  a 2 Sam.  2:8.  4:12.  Ish-boshelh.  b2Snm.  4:4.  9:6.  19: 
24 — 30.  M'phibosheth.  c 2 Sum.  9:12.  Mich  a.  cl  9:41.  Tahrea.  e 9:42.  Jarah. 
f 9:43.  Rephaiah.  g 12:2.  2 Chr.  14:8.  Ii  Ps.  127:3 — 5.  128:3—6. 


V.  11— 28.  Mar g.  Ref. 

V.  29 — 40.  There  are  no  genealogies  remaining  of  any 
of  the  kings  of  Israel,  after  the  division  of  the  kingdom. 
But,  we  have  here  not  only  a genealogy  of  Saul,  but  also  an 
account  of  his  descendants  by  Jonathan,  and  Meribbaal,  or 
Mcphibosheth , and  his  son  Micah,  for  several  generations. 
(NoteSy  1 Sam.  9:1,2.  14:47 — 52.)  Perhaps  David  took  care 
to  record  what  passed  in  his  days,  and  his  descendants 
recorded  what  came  after,  in  honour  of  Jonathan,  David's 
covenanted  generous  friend.  (Marc.  Ref.  Notes , 9:35 — 44. 
2 Sam.  9:  lf>:l — 4.  19:24 — 30.)  ‘Conradus  Pellicanus  makes 
this  reflection: — ‘That  hence  we  may  learn,  it  is  an  unne- 
cessary labour  scrupulously  to  inquire  after  these  things,  from 
which  we  can  reap  no  fruit,  and  of  which  we  may  be  igno- 
rant without  danger.  Especially  in  the  matter  of  these 
genealogies,  the  reason  of  which  is  long  since  expired, 
together  with  the  tribes  to  which  they  belong.  As  for  the 
certainty*  of  our  belief,  which  depends  upon  the  authority  of 
the  holy  Scriptures,  that  stands  firm  and  constant,  though 
some  things,  by  the  length  of  time,  be  so  obscure,  that  they 
are  not  now  exactly  understood;  especially  in  the  difference 
we  find  in  the  proper  names  of  persons  and  places,  which 
without  prejudice  to  the  faith  may  be  neglected.”  Bp. 
Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  Lord  delights  to  exalt  those  who  have  been  abased  y 
and  to  honour  those  who  adhere  to  him,  and  to  the  King  whom 
he  has  placed  upon  his  holy  hill  of  Zion,  to  his  chosen  peo- 
ple, and  to  his  instituted  worship.  Numbers  of  renowned 
names  arc  now  buried  in  oblivion ; but  as  God  honours  some 
of  those,  who  have  been  faithful  and  useful  in  their  genera- 
tion, by  recording  their  names  in  the  sacre  1 Scriptures;  so  ho 
writes  the  names  of  all  his  people  in  the  hook  of  life.  May 
this  be  our  privilege,  however  unnoticed  in  the  partial  histo- 
ries of  mankind  ! — Alas  ! what  will  it  ava  1 those,  who  perish 
in  an  unequal  contest  with  the  Almighty,  to  be  admired  as 
men  of  valour  and  activity  by  their  fellow-i  rcatures  ! Let  us 
seek  to  make  our  peace  with  God  ; and  foi  his  .'  uke,  aim  after 
I his  example,  to  forgive  our  enemies,  and  s»  wv  a decent 


B.  C.  444. 


CHAPTER  IX 


B.  C.  444. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Ths  original  of  the  genealogies  of  Israel  and  Judah , 1.  The  first  settlers  in 
the  laml  after  the  captivity ,2.  The  first  who  dwelt  at  Jerusalem , of  the 
other  tribts,3 — 9:  ant  o > the  priests  arvl  l.eviles , with  their  charge  and 
service,  10—34.  A repeated  account  of  Haul's  family , 3S— 44. 

SO  "all  Israel  were  reckoned  by  genealogies; 

and  behold,  they  were  written  in  the  book  oi' 
the  kings  of  Israel  and  Judah,  who  were  bcarried 
away  to  Babylon  for  their  transgression. 

2  IF  Now  cthe  first  inhabitants  that  dwelt  in 
their  possessions  in  their  cities  were  the  Israelites, 
the  priests,  Levites,  and  dthe  Nethinims. 

3  And  "in  Jerusalem  dwelt  of  the  children  of 
Judah,  and  of  the  children  of  Benjamin,  and  fof 
the  children  of  Ephraim,  and  Manasseh  : 

4  Uthai  the  son  of  Ammihud,  the  son  ofOmri, 
the  son  of  Imri,  the  son  of  eBani,  of  the  children  of 
hPharez  the  son  of  Judah. 

5  And  of  the  ’Shilonites ; Asaiah  the  first- 
born, and  his  sons. 

6  And  of  the  sons  of  kZerah  ; Jeuel,  and  their 
brethren,  six  hundred  and  ninety. 

7  And  of, the  sons  of  Benjamin;  ‘Sallu  the  son 
of  Meshullam,  the  son  of  Hodaviah,  the  son  of 
Hasenuah. 

8  And  Ibneiah  the  son  of  Jeroham,  and  Elah 
the  son  of  Uzzi,  the  son  of  Michri,  and  Meshullam 
the  son  of  Shephatiah,  the  son  of  Reuel,  the  son 
of  Ibnijah ; 

9  And  their  brethren,  according  to  their  genera- 
tions, nine  hundred  and  fifty  and  six.  Ail  these 
men  were  chief  of  the  fathers  in  the  house  of  their 
fathers. 

10  IF  And  of  the  priests;  Jedaiah,  and  . raJe- 
hoiarib,  and  Jachin, 

11  And  "Azariah  the  son  of  Hilkiah,  the  son  of 
Meshullam,  the  son  of  Zadok,  the  son  ofMeraioth, 
the  son  of  Ahitub,  °the  ruler  of  the  house  of  God ; 

12  And  Adaiah  the  son  of  Jeroham  the  son  of 
Pashur,  the  son  of  Malchijah,  and  Maasiai  the 
son  of  Adiel,  the  son  of  Jahzerah,  the  son  of 
Meshullam,  the  son  of  rMeshillemith,  the  son  of 
simmer; 

a E/.ra  2:59,62,63.  Neh.  1:5,64.  Matt.  1:1— 16.  Luke  3:23 — 38.  b2Chr.33: 

11.36:9,10.18-20.  Jer.  39:9.  52:14,15.  Dan. 1:2.  c Earn  2:70,  Neh.  7:73. 11:3. 
d Josh.  9:21— 27.  Ezra  2:43,58.  8:20.  Neh.  7:60,73.  1 1:3,21.  e Neh.  11:1,4—  9. 
r 2Chr.  11:16.  30:11,18.  g Neh.  8:7.  10:13.  h 2:5.  4:1.  Gen.  46:12.  Num.26: 
90.  Neh.  11:4,6.  Pe>ez.  iNiim. 26:20.  Shelanites.  Neh.  11:5.  Shiloni.  k 2:4, 
6.  Gen.  93:30.  Zarah.  Num.  26:20.  1 Neh.  8:4. 10:20.  11:7.  m Neh.  11:10.  12:19. 
Joiarib.  n 6:8 — 15.  Neh.  10:2.  11:11.  Seraiah.  o 24:5.  Num.  4:15,16,28,33. 
2 Kin** 23  4.25:18.  Neh.  11:11.  Act85:24,26.  p Neh.  11:12,13.  Meshillemoth. 
q 24:14.  Ezra  2:37.  Neh.  7:40  * Heb.  mighty  men  of  valour.  26:6,30,32.  Neh. 
11:14.  r Neh.  11:15.  s Neh.  10:11.  11:15.  12:24.  t See  on  6:19,29,63.  Num.  26: 


respect  to  their  memories : and  still  more  to  express  affection 
and  gratitude  to  those  who  have  been  kind  and  useful  to  us, 
not  neglecting  the  credit  and  interests  of  their  posterity. 

NOTES. — Chap.  IX.  V.  1.  This  verse  seems  to  be 
the  sacred  writer’s  account  of  the  book,  or  books,  from  which 
he  had  transcribed  the  preceding  genealogies.  Both  Israel 
and  Judah  had  been  thus  reckoned  or  registered  ; and  he  had 
made  extracts  from  the  books  of  the  two  kingdoms,  which  had 
been  written  before  the  captivity.  (Note,  Neh.  7:5,6.)  The 
ten  tribes  had  been  carried  into  regions  at  a considerable  dis- 
tance from'Babylon : but  they  were,  at  the  time  to  which  this 
refers,  in  general,  subject  to  the  kings  of  Babylon.  (2  Kings 
17:6.  18:11.  19:12,13.  Am.  5:25— 27.) 

V.  2.  The  persons  who  first,  after  the  captivity,  regained 
possession  of  their  cities  and  lands,  contained  among  them, 
not  only  Jews  properly  so  called,  but  many  Israelites  from 
the  other  tribes  ; and  also  a number  of  priests,  Lcvites,  and 
Nethiniin.  (Notes,  Neh.  11:1 — 3.) — The  Nethinim  ^vere  the 
remainder  of  the  Gibeonites,  with  others  perhaps  joined  with 
them,  who  were  given  as  servants  to  the  priests  and  Levites. 
The  word  signifies  given,  or  dedicated  persons.  (Notes,  Josh. 
9:27.  1 Kings  9:20—22.  Ezra  2:55—58.  8:20.) 

V.  3 — -9.  From  the  subsequent  names  of  the  priests  and 
Levites,  it  is  probable,  that  the  sacred  writer  is  speaking  of 
the  transactions  recorded  by  Nehemiah;  (Note,  Neh.  11: 
4 — G.)  yet  the  names  here  mentioned  so  differ  from  those  in 
the  parallel  passage,  that  it  can  hardly  he  supposed  the  same 
persons  are  always  meant. — But,  in  these  matters  there  are 
difficulties,  which  are  perhaps  incapable  of  a satisfactory  solu- 
tion at  this  distance  of  time,  though  the  whole  might  be  plain 
to  those,  for  whose  use  it  was  principally  intended. 

IJthai,  Sic.  (I)  ‘ Now  he  sets  down  their  names  ; and  first 
liiose  of  the  tribe  of  Judah.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  11.  “ The  ruler  of  the  house  of  God”  does  not  signify 
the  high-priest,  but  “ the  second  priest,”  who  officiated  for 
him  when  incapacitated ; or  one  of  the  chief  priests,  who 
suDermtended  the  affairs  of  the  temple  in  all  ordinary  cases. 
(Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Neh.  11:10—15.) 

V.  12 — 18.  Several  names  seem  to  be  omitted,  in  the 


13  And  their  brethren,  heads  of  the  house  of 
their  fathers,  a thousand  and  seven  hundred 
•and  threescore ; ‘very  able  men  lor  the  work  of 
the  service  of  the  house  of  God. 

14  And  of  the  Levites;  rShemaiah  the  son  of 
Hashiib?  the  son  of  Azrikam,  the  son  of  "Hasha- 
biah,  'of  the  sons  of  Merari ; 

15  And  Bakbakkar,  Heresh,  and  Galal,  and 
"Mattaniah  the  son  of  Micah,  the  son  of  vZichri, 
the  son  of  Asaph  ; 

16  And  "Obadiah  the  son  ofShemaiah,  the  son 
of  Galal,  ythe  son  of  Jeduthun,  and  Berechiah 
the  son  of  Asa,  the  son  of  Elkanah,  thaj.  dwelt 
in  the  villages  of  the  "Netophathites. 

17  And  ‘the  porters  were,  Shallum,  and  Akkub, 
and  Talmon,  apd  Ahiman,  and  their  brethren  : 
bShallum  was  the  chief; 

18  Who  hitherto  waited  in  "the  king’s  gate 
eastward : dthey  were  porters  in  the  companies  of 
the  children  of  Levi. 

19  And  Shallum  the  son  of  Kore,  the  son  of 
"Ebiasaph,  the  son  of  f’Korah,  and  his  brethren,  of 
the  house  of  his  father,  the  Korahites,  were  over 
the  work  of  the  service,  keepers  of  the  tgates  of 
the  tabernacle : and  their  fathers,  being  sover  the 
host  of  the  Lord,  were  hkeepers  of  the  entry. 

20  And  ‘Phinehas  the  son  of  Eleazar  was  the 

ruler  over  them  in  time  past,  and  kthe  Lord  tb.  c. 
was  with  him.  L1450- 

21  lJlnd  Zechariah  the  son  of  Meshelemiah 
was  porter  of  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation. 

22  All  these,  which  were  chosen  to  he  porters 
in  the  gates,  were  two  hundred  and  twelve. 
These  were  reckoned  by  their  genealogy  min 
their  villages,  whom  "David  and  "Samuel  the 
seer  Fdid  ordain  in  their  §set  office. 

23  So  they  and  their  children  had  Pthe  over- 
sight of  the  gates  of  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
namely,  the  house  of  the  tabernacle,  by  wards. 

24  In  ifour  quarters  were  the  porters,  toward 
the  east,  west,  north,  and  south. 

57.  u Neh.  11:17,22.  Mictia.  12:25.  v 25:2.  Neh.  10:12.  Zaccur.  11:17.  Zabii. 
12:35.  Zaccur.  x Neh.  11:17.  Abda. — Shammua.  12:25.  y 25: 1 ,3,6.  2 Chr.  35: 
15  z 2:54.  Neh.  7:26.  12.23—30.  a 23:5.26:  Neh.  11.19.  b 19.  cl  Kings  10:5. 
2 Kings  11:19.  Er.  44:2,3.  46:1,2.  Acts  3:11.  d 26:12— 19.  e 6:22,23.  f Num. 
26:9 — 11.  Ps.  42:44: — 49:  titles,  t Heb.  thresholds.  Pa.  84:10.  marg.  g 2 Kinga 
11.9,15.  2 Chr.  23:4— 10.  h 28:7,8,13— 19.  i Num.  3:32  . 4:16,28,33  . 31 :6. 
k Num.  2511  — 13.  1 Sam.  16:18.  Acts7:9,10.  126:14.  m 16,25.  Neh.  1 1 :23— 
30,36.  12:28,29.44.  n 23:  25:  26:  2«:13,21.  o 1 Sam.  9:9.  1 Heb.  founded. 

$ Or,  trust.  26,31.  p 23:32  . 2 Chr.  23:19.  Neh.  12:45.  Ez.  44:10,11,14.  q 26: 
14—18. 


genealogies  of  these  persons,  and  others  introduced,  which 
are  elsewhere  omitted  : but  the  names  are  so  far  the  same, 
as  to  show  that  the  transactions  recorded  by  Nehemiah  are 
intended.  ( Notes , Neh.  11:10 — 19.  12:1 — 11.) 

V.  19 — 21.  It  has  been  conjectured  that  the  Jews,  upon 
their  return  from  Babylon,  prepared  a tabernacle  for  the  wor- 
ship of  the  Lord,  before  they  had  courage  or  ability  to  rebuild 
the  temple.  But  the  inspired  historian  evidently  spoke  of  the 
times  of  Nehemiah  ; and  the  temple  had  been  finished  many 
years  before.— The  word  tabernacle  may,  therefore,  refer  to 
the  sanctuary  erected  by  Moses,  which  the  temple,  built  after 
the  captivity,  more  resembled,  than  it  did  Solomon’s  magnifi- 
cent edifice.  Indeed,  the  sanctuary  at  first  was  only  a tent , 
or  tabernacle , when  Phinehas  superintended  it,  in  time  past : 
yet,  “the  Lord  was  with  him.”  (Notes,  Num.  3:32.  4:27,28. 
31:4 — 6.) — This  seems  to  have  been  mentioned,  as  an  instruc- 
lion  and  encouragement  to  the  priests  and  Levites,  in  the 
times  of  Ezra  and  Nehemiah  : for  there  can  be  no  reasonable 
doubt  that  Phinehas  the  grandson  of  Aaron  was  intended.- 
Ainong  numerous  instances  in  which  the  Word  of  the  Lord 
is  used,  by  the  Jewish  paraphrasts,  personally  for  Jehovah, 
the  following  maybe  adduced:  ‘In  the  Targum,  The  Word 
of  the  Lord  was  his  Helper. — From  whence  Beckius  frames 
this  argument: — that  if  he  who  was  with  Phinehas  was  Jeho- 
vah the  true  God,  and  this  Wor*d  was  with  Phinehas  ; then 
the  Word,  in  the  opinion  of  this  paraphrast,  was  Jehovah 
the  true  God.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  22.  Samuel  seems  to  have  made  some  regulations  re- 
specting the  attendance  of  the  Levites,  before  those  which 
David  afterwards  established : indeed,  some  think,  that  David 
received  those  instructions  from  Samuel,  according  to  which 
he  regulared  the  courses  of  the  priests  and  Levites.  (Marg. 
Ref.) — When  the  Jews  returned  from  Babylon,  they  ordered 
these  matters  with  respect  to  those  appointments. 

V.  23  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  expression  here  used,  “ the 
house  of  the  tabernacle,”  is  considered  by  many  as  confirming 
the  opinion  before  mentioned,  that  a tabernacle  was  erected, 
after  the  captivity,  till  the  temple  was  finished.  (Note,  19— 
21.)  No  doubt  can,  I suppose,  be  made  as  to  the  fact:  but, 
( 723  ) 


B.  C.  444. 


I.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  1056 


25  And  their  brethren,  which  were  in  their 
villages,  were  to  come  after  rseven  days  from 
time  to  time  with  them. 

26  For  these  Levites,  the  four  chief  porters, 
were  in  their  ’set  office,  and  were  over  the 
'chambers  ’and  treasuries  of  the  house  of  God. 

27  IT  And  they  lodged  round  about  the  house 
of  God,  because  ‘the  charge  was  upon  them,  and 
"the  opening  thereof  every  morning  pertained  to 
them. 

28  And  certain  of  them  had  "the  charge  of  the 
ministering  vessels,  that  they  should  ffiring  them 
in  and  out  by  tale. 

29  Some  of  them  also  were  appointed  to  over- 
see the  vessels,  and  all  the  instruments  of  the 
sanctuary,  and  the  fine  flour,  and  the  wine,  and 
vthe  oil,  and  "the  frankincense,  and  the  spices. 

30  And  some  aof  the  sons  of  the  priests  made 
the  ointment  of  the  spices. 

31  And  Mattithiah,  one  of  the  Levites,  who 
was  the  first-born  of  bShallum  the  Korahite,  had 
the  "set  office  over  the  things  that  were  made  "fin 
the  pans. 

32  And  other  of  their  brethren,  of  "the  sons  of 
the  Kohathites,  were  over  the  "show-bread,  dto 
prepare  it  every  sabbath. 

33  And  these  are  ethe  singers,  chief  of  the 
fathers  of  the  Levites,  who  remaining  in  the 
chambers  f were  free:  for  they  were  ^employed 
in  that  work  day  and  night. 

34  These  hchief  fathers  of  the  Levites  were 
r.  c.-i  chief  throughout  their  generations ; these 
i3i».j  dweit  at  Jerusalem. 

35  II  And  ‘in  Gibeon  dwelt  kthe  father  of 
Gibeon  Jehiel,  whose  wife’s  name  was  Maachah: 

36  And  his  first-born  son  Abdon,  then  Zur, 
and  ‘Kish,  and  Baal,  and  Ner,  and  Nadab, 

37  And  Gedor,  and  Ahio,  and  mZechariah,  and 
Mikloth. 

38  And  Mikloth  begat  "Shimeam.  And  they 
also  dwelt  with  their  brethren  at  Jerusalem,  over 
against  their  brethren. 

39  And  °Ner  begat  Kish ; and  Kish  begat  Saul ; 


pand  Saul  begat  Jonathan,  and  Malchishua,  ano 
Abinadab,  and  lEshbaal. 

40  And  the  son  of  Jonathan  was  rMerib-baai 
and  Merib-baal  begat  Micah. 

41  And  the  sons  of  Micah  were  Pithon,  ana 
Melech,  and  Tahrea,  and  Ahaz. 

42  And  Ahaz  begat  'Jarah : and  Jarah  begat 
Alemeth,  and  Azmaveth,  and  Zimri ; and  Zimri 
begat  Moza, 

43  And  Moza  begat  Binea ; and  ‘Repbaiah 
his  son,  Eleasah  his  son,  Azel  his  son. 

44  And  Azel  had  six  sons,  whose  names  are 
these,  Azrikam,  Bocheru,  and  Ishmael,  and 
Sheariah,  and  Obadiah,  and  Hanan:  these  were 
the  sons  of  Azel. 

CHAPTER  X. 

Saul's  defeat  and  death,  1 — 7.  The  Philistines  abuse  his  dead  body , 8 — l(k 
The  men  of  Jabesh-gilead  rescue  it,  with  the  bodies  of  his  sons,  II,  12. 
Saur*  sin  ; for  which  he  died,  and  the  kingdom  woe  transferred  to  David, 

NOW  "the  Philistines  fought  against  p.  c. 

Israel:  and  the  men  of  Israel  fled  from  L‘056> 
before  the  Philistines,  and  fell  do^n  “slain  in 
bmount  Gilboa. 

2  And  the  Philistines  followed  hard  after  Saul, 
and  after  his  sons  ; and  the  Philistines  slew  'Jona- 
than, and  dAbinadab,  and  Malchishua,  'the  sons 
of  Saul. 

3  And  the  battle  ‘went  sore  against  Saul,  and 
the  ‘archers  ‘hit  him,  and  she  was  wounded  oi 
the  archers. 

4  Then  said  Saul  to  his  armour-bearer,  bDraw 
thy  sword,  and  thrust  me  through  therewith ; 
lest  these  ‘uncircumcised  come  and  §abuse  me. 
But  his  armour-bearer  would  not ; for  khe  was 
sore  afraid.  So  ‘Saul  took  a sword  and  fell 
upon  it. 

5  And  when  his  armour-bearer  saw  that  Saul 
was  dead,  he  fell  likewise  on  the  sword,  and  died. 

6  So  mSaul  died,  and  his  three  sons,  and  all  his 
house  died  together. 

7  And  when  all  the  men  of  Israel  that  were 
in  the  valley  saw  that  they  fled,  and  that  Sau 
and  his  sons  were  dead,  “then  they  forsook  their 


rB.  C. 
I 300. 


r 2 Kings  11:5,7.  2 Chr.  23:8.  * Or,  trust.  22,31.  | Or,  storehouses,  e 26: 
20—27.  2 Chr.  31:5—12.  Neh.  10:38.39.  13:5.  t 23:32.  Rom.  12:7. 

u l Sam.  3:15.  Mai.  1:10.  x 26:22— 26.  Num.  3:25— 37.  Ezra  8:25— 30.  Neh. 
12:14.13:4,5.  } Heb . bring  them  in  by  tale,  and  carry  them  out  by  tale.  § Or, 
vessels,  y Ex.  27:20.  z Ex.  30:23-  38.  a Ex.  30:25.  33 :35— 38.  37:29.  b 17, 
19.  ||  Or,  trust.  22,26.  IT  Or,  on  flat  jilates,  or  slices.  Lev.  2:5,7.  6:21.  c 6: 
33,  &c.  **  Heb.  bread  of  ordering.  d Ex.  25:30.  Lev.  24:5 — 8.  e See  on 
6:31— 33.  15:16— 22.  16.4— 6.  25:1, &c.  Ezra  7:24.  f Neh.  1 1 : 17,2*2,23.  ft  Heb. 
uponthem.  g Ps.  134 :1 ,2. 135: 1— 3.  h 13.  Neh.  11:1— 15.  i 8:29— 40.  k 2: 
23,24,45,50 — 52.  1 39.  See  on  8:33.  m 8:31.  Zacher.  n 8:32.  Shimeah. 

o 1 Sam.  14:50,51.  p 10:2.  1 Sam.  13:22.  14:1,49.  Ishui.  31:2.  q See  on 


8:33.  r See  on  8:34 — 36.  s 8:36.  Jehoadah.  t 8:37.  Rapha.  a 1 Sam 
28:1.29:1,2.31:1,2.  * Heb.  wounded.  b 8.  1 Sam.  28:4.  31 : 1 . 2Sam.  1:6 

21.21:12.  c 8:33.  9:39.  1 Sam.  14:6,39,40.  2 Kinga  23:29.  Is.  57:1,2 

d 1 Sam.  14:49.  Ishui.  e Ex.  20.5.  2 Kings  25:7.  f 1 Sam.  31 :3— 6.  2 Sam 
1:4 — 10.  Am.  2:14.  t Heb.  shooteis  wtlh  bows.  + Heb  .found,  g Oen.  49:23 
24.  h Judg.  9:54.  i Judg.  15:18.  1 Sam.  14:6.  17:26,36.  2 Sam.  1 :20.  § Or 
mock.  Judg.  16:21,23—25.  k 1 Sam  31:4.  2 Sam.  1:14—16.  1 5.  2 Sam.  1:9 
10.  17:23.  1 Kings  16:18  Matt.  27:4,5.  Acts  1:18.  16:27.  m 1 Sam.  4:10,11 ,13 
12.25.  Ec.  91,2.  Hos.  13:10,11.  n Lev.  26:31,36.  Deut.  28:33,43.  Judg.  6.2 
15am.  13:6.  31:7. 


if  the  sacred  historian  wrote  of  Nehemiah’s  time,  whatever 
allusion  he  might  make  to  that  fact;  it  is  certain  that  the 
temple  had  been  completed  many  years  before. — When 
David  made  those’ regulations  concerning  the  courses  and  ser- 
vices of  the  Levites,  there  was  no  temple  ; but  the  ministra- 
tions were  performed  at  the  tabernacle : and  perhaps  on  that 
account,  u the  house  of  the  tabernacle”  is  mentioned. 

V.  24 — 26.  Marg.  Ref . Notes , 26: 

V.  27 — 29.  The  gold  and  silver  vessels,  and  other  treasures 
appropriated  to  the  service  of  God,  were  deposited  in  the 
treasuries  of  the  sanctuary ; and  the  Levites  lodged  around 
it,  as  the  appointed  guard  of  them,  as  well  as  to  be  ready  for 
their  work.*  (26:20 — 28.  Note,  Ezra  8:24 — 27.) 

V.  30.  The  Levites  kept  guard  over  the  deposit  of  spices 
and  frankincense,  as  well  as  over  the  other  treasures:  but 
the  priests  compounded  the  holy  oil  and  incense.  (Notes, 
Ex.  30:22 — 38.)  It  seems,  however,  that  Bezaleel  of  Judah, 
made  them  in  the  time  of  Moses.  (Ex.  37:1,29.) 

V.  31 — 33.  Marg.  Ref. — Singers.  (33)  A number  of  the 
Levites  were  employed,  by  rotation,  in  singing  praises  to  the 
Lord  ; and  they  seem  to  have  continued  the  service,  night 
and  day  ; and  consequently  were  exempted  from  other  em- 
ployments, and  also  from  paying  tribute.  (Marg.  Ref.  e— g. 
Note , Ezra  7:24 — 26.  Ps.  134:) — Moses  commanded  nothing 
concerning  singers  or  musicians  ; and  he  forbad  any  to  add 
to  his  words:  but  this  could  only  mean  uninspired  persons; 
for  no  doubt  God,  by  his  prophets,  might  add,  diminish,  or 
alter,  as  he  saw  good. 

V.  35 — 44.  (Note,  8:29 — 40.)  This  repetition  seems  to 
have  been  intended  merely  as  an  introduction  to  the  ensuing 
history. 

Ner,  &c.  (39)  (1  Sam.  14:50,51.)  Perhaps  Abicl,  the 
father  of  Kish,  was  also  called  Ner. — Ner,  th,c  father  of  Ab- 
ner or  Abiner,  (my  father  Ner,)  was  Saul’s  uncle,  not  his 
grandfather. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Iii  remembering  the  miseries  of  man,  we  should  be  careful 

( 724  ) 


not  to  lose  sight  of  his  transgressions,  that  the  justice  of  God 
in  them  may  be  acknowledged  and  adored. — When  sinners 
repent  and  forsake  their  sins,  they  are  in  the  way  of  being 
extricated  from  trouble:  and  the  affairs  of  church  and  state 
are  likely  to  be  well  ordered,  when  men  of  all  ranks  and 
orders  in  the  community  concur  in  endeavours  for  that  pur- 
pose.— Whatever  politicians  may  suppose,  no  description  ol 
men  are  more  essential  to  the  real  welfare  of  the  state,  than 
conscientious  ministers  of  religion  ; and  that  service  requires 
very  able  men,  of  clear  heads  and  steadfast  minds.  God  will 
raise  up  such  persons,  in  those  nations  which  he  peculiarly 
favours  ; and  qualify  some  for  rulers  in  his  church,  and  others 
for  subordinate  services:  and  it  is  well,  when  every  one  knows, 
and  diligently  attends  to,  his  proper  work,  without  envying  or 
contemning  any  of  his  brethren.  To  be  u a doorkeeper  in 
the  house  of  the  Lord”  is  an  honourable  employment : and  it 
he  be  with  us,  it  will  both  be  comfortable  to  us,  and  profitable 
to  others ; but  without  this,  our  services  will  be  formal,  and 
our  souls  miserable. — If  employed  in  the  service  of  the  sanc- 
tuary. we  have  a charge  to  keep,  as  well  as  a work  to  do  ; 
and  those,  who  “watch  for  men’s  souls,  as  they  that  must 
give  account,*’  are  intrusted  with  that  which  is  unspeakably 
more  valuable,  than  the  richest  treasures  of  silver  and  gold. 
They  should  therefore  reside  upon  the  spot,  as  much  as  pos- 
sible; in  order  to  be  near  and  ready  for  their  work,  at  every 
hour  as  occasion  may  require.  To  prepare  bread  for  the 
sanctuary  in  their  stated  public  preaching,  may  perhaps  bo 
only  expected  from  them  every  sabbath : but  some  parts  of 
their  work  must  be  needful  every  day  ; and  they  should  genes 
rally  bo  exempted  from  other  cares  and  employments,  that 
they  inay  give  themselves  wholly  to  the  word  of  God  and 
prayer.  (P.  O.  Acts  6:1 — 7.)  Blessed  he  his  name!  if 
indeed  we  be  now  true  believers,  wo  shall  for  ever,  (not  in 
rotation,  but  altogether,)  without  interruption  or  cessation, 
praise  him  night  and  day,  in  his  temple  above. 

NOTES.— Chap.  X.  V.  1—12.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 

1 Sam.  31: — All  his  house  died,  & c.  (6)  “All  his  men," 


B.  C.  1048. 


CHAPTER  XI.  B.  C.  104t.. 


cities,  and  fled:  and  the  Philistines  0iine  and 
dwelt  in  them. 

8 And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow,  when 
the  Philistines  came  °to  strip  the  slain,  that  they 
found  Saul  and  his  sons  fallen  in  mount  Gilboa. 

9 And  when  they  had  stripped  him,  they 
•Took  his  head,  and  his  armour,  and  sent  into  the 
land  of  the  Philistines  round  about,  to  carry 
Hidings  unto  their  idols,  and  to  the  people. 

10  And  they  put  his  armour  in  the  house  of 
rt.heir  gods,  and  fastened  his  head  'in  the  temple 
of  Dagon. 

11  And  when  ‘all  Jabesh-gilead  heard  all  that 
the  Philistines  had  done  to  Saul, 

12  They  arose,  all  the  valiant  men,  and  took 
away  the  body  of  Saul,  and  the  bodies  of  his  sons, 
and  brought  them  to  Jabesh,  and  buried  their 
bones  under  “the  oak  in  Jabesh,  and  ‘fasted  seven 
days. 

13  If  So  Saul  died  for  his  transgression  which 
he  ’committed  against  the  Lord,  yeven  against 
the  word  of  the  Lord,  which  he  kept  not,  and 
also  ‘for  asking  counsel  of  one  that  had,  °a  familiar 
spirit,  to  inquire  of  it ; 

14  And  inquired  not  of  the  Lord  : therefore 
che  slew  him,  and  dturned  the  kingdom  unto 
David  the  son  of  tJesse. 

CHAPTER  XL 

David,  by  general  consent , is  made  king  over  all  Israel,  at  Hebron,  1 — 3.  He 
takes  Zion  from  the  Jebusites  ; dwells  these,  and  prospers,  4 — 9.  The 
names  and  achievements  of  his  principal  warriors,  10—47. 

THEN  “all  Israel  gathered  themselves  to  David 
unto  bHebron,  saying,  'Behold,  we  are  thy 
bone  and  thy  flesh. 

2  And  moreover  ‘in  time  past,  even  when  Saul 
was  king,  thou  wast  he  dthat  leddest  out  and 
broughtest  in  Israel : and  the  Lord  thy  God  said 
unto  thee,  eThou  shalt  Teed  my  people  Israel, 
and  thou  shalt  be  f ruler  over  my  people  Israel. 

3  Therefore  came  all  the  ^elders  of  Israel  to 
the  king  to  Hebron  ; and  hDavid  made  a covenant 
with  them  in  Hebron  'before  the  Lord  ; and  they 
‘anointed  David  king  over  Israel,  according  to 
the  'word  of  the  Lord  *by  Samuel. 

4  H And  mDavid  and  all  Israel  went  to  Jeru- 


o 1 Sara.  31:8.  2 Kings  3-23.  2 Chr.  20:25.  p 4.  1 Sam.  31:9,10.  2 Sam. 
1:20.  Matl.  14:11.  q Jndg.  16:23,24.  Dan.  5:2—4,23.  r 1 Sam.  31:10. 
Ashlarolh.  s 1 Sam.  5:2— 7.  t 1 Sam.  11:1— 11.  31:11— 13.  2 Sam.  2:4— 
7.  u Gen.  35:8.  2 Sam.  21:12— 14.  x Gen.  50:10.  2Sam.  3:35.  • Heb. 

transgressed,  y 1 Sam.  13:13.  15:3,23.  z l Sam.  28:7 — 20.  a Ex.  22:18. 
Lev.  19:31,20:6.  Deut.  18:10— 14.  2Kings21:6.  Is.  8:19.  Acts  8:9— 11.  16:16— 
18.  b Judg.  10:11 — 16.  1 Sam. 28:6.  Ez.  14:3— 6.  c Ps.  17:13.  Is.  10:7,15. 
»1  1 Sam.  13:14.  15:28.  16:1,11— 13.28:17  . 2 Sam.  3:9,10.  5:3.  + Heb.  Isai. 

a 12:23— 40.  2 Sam.  5:1.  b Num.  13:22.  2 Sam.  2:1 . 15:10.  1 Kings  2: 11. 

c Gen.  29:14.  Deut.  17:15.  Judg.  9:2.  2 Sam.  19:12,13.  Eph.  5:30.  * Heb.  both 
yesterday  and  the  third  day.  d Num.  27:17.  1 Sam.  18:13.  Is.  55:4.  John  10: 
4.  e 1 Sam.  16:1,13.  2Sam.7:7.  Pe.  78:71,72.  Is.  40:11.  Mic.  5:2,4.  Matt. 2: 
f.  f Or,  rule.  f2Sam.5;2.  1 Kings  3:9.  14:7.  g2Sam.5:3.  hlSam.il: 
15.  2 Kings  11:17.  2 Chr.  23:3.  i Judg.  1 1 : 1 1 . 1 Sam.  23:18.  k 1 Sam.  16:13. 

2 Sam.  2:4.  2 Kings  23:30.  1 1 Sam.  15:28.  28:17.  \ Heb.  by  the  hand  of. 

m 2 Sam.  5:6 — 10.  q 5.  Josh.  15:63.  18:28.  Jebusi.  Judg.  1:21.  19:10 — 12. 

in  Samuel.  ‘ All  that  were  present  with  him  in  the  fattle  : 
and  his  family  had  received  such  a blow,  that  it  never  reco- 
vered itself  again.  F or  though  Ish-bosheth  reigned  over  a part 
of  the  country,  yet  it  was  not  in  any  splendour.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  13,  14.  This  history  is  repeated  as  an  introduction  to 
that  of  the  kingdom  of  David.  The  Lord  is  said  to  have 
slain  Saul,  because  he  sentenced  him  to  death,  and  gave 
Satan  leave  to  tempt  him  to  be  his  own  executioner. — Is  it 
possible,  more  strongly  to  mark  the  excessive  criminality  of 
consulting  witches,  conjurers,  fortunetellers,  or  sorcerers  of 
any  kind,  real  or  pretended,  than  by  representing  Saul’s  con- 
duct in  this  respect,  as  one  principal  reason  of  his  rejection 
and  awful  end?  {Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  1 Sam.  28:3 — 10.) 

He  inquired  not , &c.  (141  That  is,  he  did  not  persevere 
in  inquiring  of  the  Lord;  but  gave  it  up  as  hopeless,  and 
had  recourse  to  the  consulting  of  a witch.  ‘ He  was  remiss 
and  negligent,  saying,  If  God  will  not  hear  me,  I will  go 
and  consult  a familiar  spirit.’  Laniado,  a Jew,  in  Bp.  Pa- 
trick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  Lord  punishes  none  except  sinners ; and  no  sinners 
can  escape,  who  do  not  humbly  cast  themselves  upon  his 
mercy:  but  when  transgressors  inquire  of  God,  and  earnestly 
seek  deliverance  in  his  appointed  way,  they  will  certainly 
prevail ; and  if  they  be  involved  in  domestic  or  national  cala- 
mities in  this  world,  they  will  be  saved  from  the  wrath  to  cotne. 

-Alas!  many  “reject  his  counsel,  and  will  none  of  his 

eproof,”  till  he  leaves  them  to  “ eat  of  the  fruit  of  their  own 
ways,  and  to  be  filled  with  their  own  devices and  numbers, 
who  profess  to  seek  the  Lord,  are  so  superficial  in  doing  it, 
so  seen  weary  of  it,  and  so  ready  to  listen  to  Satan’s  tempta- 
tions, that  God  accounts  it  no  inquiry  at  all.  May  we  “ seek 
the  Lord,  whilst  he  may  be  found,”  and  till  we  have  obtained 
( 725  ) 


salem,  which  is  "Jebus : where  the  Jebusites  were. 
“the  inhabitants  of  the  land. 

5 And-  the  inhabitants  of  Jebus  said  to  David 
pThou  shalt  not  come  hither.  Nevertheless 
David  took  Hhe  castle  of  Zion,  which  is  rthe 
cily  of  David. 

6 And  David  said,  'Whosoever  smiteth  the 
Jebusites  first  shall  be  §chief  and  captain.  ‘So 
Joab  the  son  of  Zeruiah  went  first  up,  and  was 
chief. 

7 And  “David  dwelt  in  the  castle;  therefore 
they  called  "it,  The  city  of  David. 

8 And  he  built  the  city  round  about,  even  from 
‘Millo  round  about:  and  Joab  ’’repaired  the  rest 
of  the  city. 

9 So  David  ’’waxed  greater  and  greater : Tor 
the  Lord  of  hosts  was  with  him. 

10  H These  also  are  ‘the  chief  of  the  mighty 
men  whom  David  had,  who  t'strenghtened  them- 
selves with  him  in  his  kingdom,  and  with  all 
Israel,  “to  make  him  king  baccording  to  the  word 
of  the  Lord  concerning  Israel. 

11  And  this  is  the  number  of  the  mighty  men 
whom  David  had ; “Jashobeam  3Ja  Hachmonite, 
the  chief  of  the  captains  : he  lifted  up  his  spear 
against  three  hundred  slain  by  him  at  one  time. 

12  And  after  him  was  dEleazar  the  son  oi 
Dodo  the  “Ahohite,  who  was  one  of  fthe  three 
mightiest. 

13  He  was  with  David  at  ePas-dammim,  and 
there  the  Philistines  were  gathered  together  to 
battle,  where  was  a parcel  of  ground  full  ot 
barley;  and  the  people  fled  from  before  the 
Philistines. 

14  And  they  $§set  themselves  in  the  midst  of 
that  parcel,  and  delivered  it,  and  slew  the  Philis- 
tines; and  bthe  Lord  saved  them  by  a great 
""deliverance. 

15  H Now  three  ’’’’of  the  thirty  captains  went 
down  to  the  rock  to  David,  into  ‘the  cave  oi 
Adullam  ; and  the  host  of  the  Philistines  encamped 
kin  the  valley  of  'Rephaim. 

16  And  David  was  then  “in  the  hold,  and  “the 
Philistines’  garrison  was  then  at  Beth-lehem. 


o Gen.  10:16.  15:21.  Ex.  3:17.  p 1 Sum.  17:9,10,36.  q 1 Kings  8: 1.  2 Chr. 5: 
2.  P». 2:6.  9:11.48:2,12,13.78:68.87:2,5.  125:1,2.  132:13.  Lam.  4:11,12.  Rom. 
9:33.  Heb.  12:22.  Rev.  14:1.  r 7.  2 Sam.  5:9.  6:10,12.  Pb.  122:5.  s Josh.  15: 
16,17.  1 Sam.  17:25.  §Heb.liend.  t 2 Sam.  2:18.  3:27.  8:16  . 20:23  uPs.2: 
6.  ||  That  is,  Zion.  5.  x Judg.  9:6,20.  1 Kings  9: 15.  11 :27.  2 Kings  12:20. 
TI  Heb.  revived.  Neh.  4:2.  **  Heb.  went  in  going  and  increasing . 2 Sam.  3:1. 
5:10.  Job  17:9.  Is.  9:7.  y 9:20.  Ps.  46:7,11 . Is.~8:9,lC.  41:10,14.  Rom.  8:31. 
z2Sarn.23:8.  ft  Heb.  held  strongly  with.  a 12:38.  2 Sam.  3: 17,18,21 . 

b 1 Sam.  16:12 — 14.  c 27:2.  2 Sam.  23:8.  The  Tachmonite Adi.no,  the  Ez 
nite.  Or,  son  of  Hacmcmi.  d 27:4.  Dodai.  2 Sam.  23:9.  e 8:4.  f 19,21. 
2 Sam.  23:17 — 19,23.  g 1 Sam.  17:1.  Ephes-dammim.  §§  Or,  stood,  h 1 Sam. 
14:23.19:5.  2 Sam.  23:10.  2 Kings  5:1.  Ps.  18:50.  ||||  Or,  salvation.  Ps.  144: 

10.  Prov.  21:31.  Till  Or,  captains  over  the  thirty.  2 Sam.  23:13.  i Josh.  12: 
15.  1 Sam.  22:1.  Mic. 1:15.  k 14:9.  2 Sam.  5:18,22.  Ib.  17:5.  1 Josh.  15-8. 
the  giants.  m 1 Sam.  22:1.23:25.  Ps.  142:  title.  n 1 Sara.  10:5.  13:4,23. 


pardon,  peace,  and  sanctifying  grace ; and  are  enabled  to 
renounce  all  fellowship  with  the  works  and  prince  of  darkness. 
And  may  the  good  Lord  deliver  us  from  unbelief,  impatience, 
and  despair,  and  teach  us  to  trust  in  him,  to  obey  and  submit 
to  his  will : and  to  render  due  honour  and  kindness  to  all, 
whatever  their  behaviour  to  us  may  have  been ! Thus  wait- 
ing on  him,  we  shall  obtain  a kingdom  that  cannot  be  moved, 
being  beyond  the  reach  of  the  incessant  changes  and  revolu- 
tions of  sublunary  things, 

NOTES. — Chap.  XI.  V.  1 — 3.  In  this  recapitulation 
of  the  transactions,  with  which  David’s  reign  over  all  Israel 
was  introduced,  no  mention  is  made  of  Ish-bosheth,  or  Abner, 
or  of  the  seven  first  years  after  Saul’s  death  : (Notes,  2 Sam . 
1: — 4:)  but  the  narrative  begins  with  his  being  submitted  to,  as 
God’s  appointed  king,  and  as  such  anointed  at  Hebron,  by  the 
concurrence  of  the  whole  nation.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  5:1 — 3.)  It 
is  here  added, 44  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord  by  Samuel.” 
(Notes,  1 Sam.  13:13—15.  10:6 — 13.) 

V.  4 — 8.  Notes, 2 Sam.  5:6 — 9. — Joab,  &c.  (6)  It  is  evi- 
dent that  Joab  was,  before  this,  high  in  authority  under  David  ; 
but  he  was,  as  a reward  of  his  courage  and  conduct  on  this 
occasion,  established  commander-in-chief  over  the  whole 
army. 

V.  9.  (2  Sam.  5:10.)  David’s  increasing  greatness,  with 
the  cause  of  it,  is  here  emphatically  stated. 

V.  10 — 14.  Note,  2 Sam.  23:8 — 12. — Who  strengthened , 
&c.  (10)  4 Those  valiant  men  . . . that  assisted  him’  (David) 
4 in  his  advancement,  and  helped  to  establish  him  in  his  autho- 
rity. They  were  such,  in  a!l  likelihood,  as  had  accompanies 
him,  during  his  persecution  by  Saul,  whei  they  gave  De.v  1 
many  proofs  of  their  valour  and  affection  as  they  also  < d 
afterward.’  Bp.  Patrich.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  15 — 19.  Marg.  Ref.  Note,  2 Sarr  t3:13  -l/. 


B C.  104 f. 


I.  CHRONICLES.  B.  C.  1053 


17  And  David  “longed,  and  said,  Oh  that  one 
would  give  me  drink  ‘'of  the  water  of  the  well  of 
Beth-lehem,  that  is  at  the  gate ! 

18  And  the  three  thrake  through  the  host  of 
the  Philistines,  and  drew  water  out  of  the  well  of 
Beth-lehem,  that  was  by  tl  e gate,  and  took  it, 
and  brought  it  to  David : but  David  would  not 
drink  of  it,  but  rpoured  it  out  to  the  Lord, 

19  And  said,  "My  God  forbid  it  me,  that  I 
should  do  this  thing : ‘shall  I drink  the  blood  of 
these  men  ‘that  have  put  their  lives  uin  jeopardy? 
for  with  the  jeopardy  of  their  lives  they  brought 
it.  Therefore  he  would  not  drink  it.  xThese  things 
did  these  three  mightiest. 

e.  c a 20  H And  rAbishai  the  brother  of  Joab, 
ion. J hg  was  c|,jef  0f  the  three : for  lifting  up 
his  spear  against  three  hundred,  he  slew  them , 
and  had  a name  among  the  three. 

21  Of  the  three,  he  was  more  honourable  than 
the  two ; for  he  was  their  captain : 'howbeit  he 
attained  not  unto  the  first  three. 

22  “Benaiah  the  son  of  Jehoiada,  the  son  of  a 
valiant  man  of  bKabzeel,  twho  had  done  many 
acts ; he  slew  two  'lion-like  men  of  Moab : also  he 
went  down  and  dslew  a lion  in  a pit  in  a snowy 
day. 

23  And  he  slew  an  Egyptian,  la  man  of  great 
stature,  'five  cubits  high;  and  in  the  Egyptian’s 
hand  was  fa  spear  like  a weaver’s  beam  ; and  he 
went  down  to  him  with  a staff,  and  plucked  the 
spear  out  of  the  Egyptian’s  hand,  and  eslew  him 
with  his  own  spear. 

24  These  things  did  Benaiah  the  son  of 
Jehoiada,  and  had  the  name  among  the  three 
mighties. 

25  Behold,  he  was  honourable  among  the 
thirty,  hbut  attained  not  to  the  first  three : and 
•David  set  him  over  his  guard. 

26  H Also  the  valiant  men  of  the  armies  were 
‘Asahel  the  brother  of  Joab,  ‘Elhanan  the  son  of 
Dodo  of  Beth-lehem, 

27  mShammoth  the  Harorite,Helez  the  "Pelonite, 

28  °Ira  the  son  of  Ikkesh  the  Tekoite,  Abiezer 
the  fAntothite, 

29  'iSibbecai  the  Hushathite,  Ilai  the  rAhohite, 

30  ‘Maharai  the  Netophathite,  ‘Heled  the  son 
of  Baanah  the  Netophathite, 

31  "Ithai  the  son  of  Ribai  of  Gibeah,  that  per- 

o Nnm.  11:4,5.  2 Sam.  23:15,16.  Ps.  143:6.  p Pa.  42:1,2.  63:1.  Ib.  12:3.  John 
4:10,14.  q 1 Sam.  19:5.  Cant.  8:6.  Acls  20:24  21: 13.  2 Cor.  5:14 ,15.  r 1 Sum. 
7 6.  s 2Sam.  2317.  1 Kings  21:3.  Rom.  6:1,2.  t Lev.  17:10,11.  Job  31:31. 
Ps.  72:14.  Mark  14:24.  John  6:55.  * Heb . with  their  lives.  Rom.  16:4. 

u Judg.  5:18.  1 Cor.  15:30.  x See  on  12.  v 2: 16.  1 Sam.  26:6.  2 Sam.  2:18. 
3:30.18:2.20:6.21:17.23:18,19.  z Matt.  13:8,23.  t Cor.  15:41.  a 27:5,6. 
ESarn.  8 18.  20:23.  23:20-23.  1 Kings  1 :8, 38.  2:30,34,35.  b Josh.  15  21.  1 Heb. 
yreat  of  deeds.  c 12:8.  2 Sam.  1:23.  d Judg.  14:5,6.  1 Sam.  17:31 — 36.  J Hel). 
$ man  of  measure.  eDeut.3:ll.  1 Sam.  17:4— 7.  f 20:5.  g 1 Sam.  17:51 . 
h 21.  i '2  Sam.  20:23.  k 27:7.  2 Sam.  2: 18— 23.  3:30.  23:24.  1 2 Sam.  21 : 19. 

in  2 Sam.  23:25.  Shammnh  the  Harodite.  n 2 Sam.  23:26.  Paltite.  o27:9. 


V.  20—25.  Mars.  Ref.  Note , 2 Sam.  23:18—24. 

V.  2G — 47.  (Note,  2 Sam.  23:25 — 39.)  The  marginal  re- 
ferences and  readings,  show  the  principal  differences  between 
this  part  of  the  chapter,  and  the  passages  referred  to.  Several 
names  are  added  to  the  catalogue  of  worthies.  It  is  probable, 
the  persons  intended  Were  something  less  famous  than  those 
mentioned  also  in  the  second  book  of  Samuel. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

When  the  time  arrives  for  the  performance  of  God’s  word, 
those  persons  who  before  were  the  most  averse  to  the  things 
predicted,  will  concur  in  accomplishing  them. — Kings  should 
remember,  and  have  need  to  be  reminded,  that  they  are  not 
advanced  for  their  own  aggrandizement  or  self-indulgence; 
but  that  they  should,  with  activity  and  vigour,  provide  for  tho 
defence  and  welfare  of  the  nations  over  which,  they  reign. — 
The  desire  of  applause  and  pre-eminence  seems  to  be  the 
nighest  motive,  of  which  carnal  men  are  capable : but  those, 
who  are  born  from  above,  are  actuated  by  purer  and  nobler 
principles.  Yet,  in  seeking  the  glory  of  God  and  the  good  of 
man,  by  endeavouring  to  advance  the  kingdom  of  Jesus  the 
Lord’s  anointed ; they  most  effectually  secure  their  own  ho- 
nour and  exaltation. — The  kingdom  and  glory  of  Christ  will 
surely  wax  greater  and  greater,  (the  Lord  of  hosts  being  with 
him,)  till  all  his  enemies  are  put.  under  his  feet,  and  all  his 
friends  placed  with  him  upon  his  throne. — The  way  to  be  truly 
great  is  to  be  really  useful  ; and  to  give  the  use  and  glory  of 
all  our  talents  and  services  to  the  Lord : and  if  we  be,  at 
ength,  preserved  from  the  destruction  of  the  wicked,  we  shall 
perceive  that,  the  Lord  has  saved  us  with  a great  delivorance. 
May  he  teach  us  t6  repress  all  our  earthly  desires,  to  govern 
>ur  appetites,  to  acknowledge  candidly  our  mistakes,  and 
( 726 


tained  to  the  children  of  Benjamin,  Benaiah  the 
Pirathonite, 

32  “Hurai  of  the  brooks  of  Gaash,  JAbiel  the 
Arbathite, 

33  Azmaveth  the  “Baharumite,  Eliahba  the 
Shaalbonite, 

34  The  sons  of  “Hashem  the  Gizonite,  Jonathan 
the  son  of  Shage  the  Hararite, 

35  Ahiam  the  son  of  bSacar  the  Hararite, 
'Eliphal  the  son  of  Ur, 

36  Hepher  the  Mecherathite,  Ahijah  the 
Pelonite, 

37  dHezro  the  Carmelite,  Naarai  the  son  of 
Ezbai, 

38  'Joel  the  brother  of  Nathan,  Mibhar  §the 
son  of  Haggeri, 

39  Zelek  the  Ammonite,  Naharai  the  Berothite, 
the  armour-bearer  of  Joab  the  son  ofZeruiah, 

40  Ira  the  ‘Ithrite,  Gareb  the  Ithrite, 

41  sUriah  the  Hittite,  Zabad  the  son  of  Ahlai, 

42  Adina  the  son  of  Shiza  the  Reubenite  a 
captain  of  the  Reubenites,  and  thirty  with  him, 

43  Hanan  the  son  of  Maachah,  and  Joshaphat 
the  Mithnite, 

44  Uzzia  the  Ashterathite,  Shama  and  Jehiel 
the  sons  of  Hotham  the  Aroerite, 

45  Jediael  the  “son  of  Shimri,  and  Joha  his 
brother,  the  Tizite, 

46  Eliel  the  Mahavite,  and  Jeribai,  and  Josha- 
viah,  the  sons  of  Elnaam,  and  Ithmah  the 
Moabite, 

47  Eliel,  and  Obed,  and  Jasiel  the  Mesobaite. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

The  companies  which  came  to  David  at  Ziklag,  1 — 22.  The  armed  troops  that 
came  to  him  at  Hebron,  23—40. 

NOW  “these  are  they  that  came  to  David  ru.  c- 
to  Ziklag, ’while  he  yet  kept  himself  L 10S3- 
close  because  of  bSaul  the  son  of  Kish : and  they 
were  among  'the  mighty  men,  helpers  of  the  war. 

2  They  were  armed  with  bows,  and  dcould  use 
both  the  right  hand  and  the  left  'in  hurling 
stones,  and  shooting  arrows  out  of  a how,  even 
of  Saul’s  brethren  of  Benjamin. 

3  The  chief  ivas  Ahiezer,  then  Joash,  the  sons 
of  ‘Shemaah  the  ‘Gibeathite:  and  Jeziel,  and 
Pelet,  the  sons  of  ^Azmaveth ; and  Berachah,  and 
Jehu  hthe  Antothite, 

4  And  Ismaiah  the  ‘Gibeonite,  ka  mighty  man 


p 27:12.  2 Sam.  23:27.  Anethothite.  q 27:11.  2 Sam.  23:27,28.  Mcbtmnai.— 
Zalman,  r 12.  s 27:13.  t 27:15.  Heldai.  2 Sam.  23:29.  Hele't.  u 2 Sam. 
23:29.  Ittai.  x 2 Sam.  23:30.  Hiddai.  y 2 Sam.  23:31.  Abi-albon.  z 2 Sam. 
23:31.  Barhumite.  a 1 Snm.  23:32.  ./ashen,  b 2 Sam.  23:33.  Sharar.  c 2 Sam. 
23.34.  Eliphelet.  Ahasbai.  d 2 Sam.  23:35.  Hezrai. — Pattrai  the  Arbite. 
e 2 Sam.  23:36.  leal  the  son  of  Nathan.  § Or,  the  Haggerite.  f 2 Sam.  20t 
26.  Jairite.  g 2 Sam.  11:6,  &c.  23:39.  II  Or,  Shimrite  u 1 Sam.  27:6.  2 Sam. 
1:1.4:10.  * Ileb.  being yetshutup.  b 8.33.  9:39.  c 11:10,19,24.25.  d Judg. 
3:15.20:16.  e 1 Sam.  17:49.  f Or,  Hatmaah.  f 1 Sain.  11.4.  2 Sam.  21: 
6.  g 11:33.  h 11:23.  i Josh.  9:3,17—23.  k 11:15. 


completely  to  rectify  them  when  discovered ; and  to  be  gentlo 
and  tender  to  others,  and  only  severe  against  our  own  sins. 
Attached  to  the  person  and  cause,  and  obedient  to  the  orders 
of  our  King  and  Captain,  may  we  endure  hardship,  be  valiant 
for  the  truth,  and  so  “ fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,  that  we  may 
lay  hold  on  eternal  life and  have  our  names  enrolled  with 
honour  in  the  records  of  the  heavenly  Jerusalem ! 

NOTES  — Chap.  XII.  V.  I,  2.  The  sacred  writer  her*, 
goes  back  in  the  history  to  the  times  which  preceded  tho 
death  of Saul,  and  records  some  particulars  not  mentioned  in 
the  books  of  Samuel,  respecting  David’s  advancement  to  tho 
throne.— Several  considerable  persons  resorted  to  him  at  Zik- 
lag: (Marg.  Ref.  a,  h.)  and  either  joined  his  small  troop,  or 
assured  him  of  assistance  when  it  became  necessary. — Some 
of  these  were  Benjamites,  and  related  to  Saul,  who  were 
either  induced  through  a firm  belief  of  the  word  of  God  by 
Samuel  respecting  him;  or  by  indignation  at  the  base  treat- 
ment which  David  met  with  from  Saul,  to  the  disgrace  of 
their  family  and  tribe;  or  because  they  perceived,  that  the 
Lord  was  departed  from  Saul,  and  was  with  David  of  a truth. 
The  hand  of  God  was,  however,  very  conspicuous,  in  raising 
him  up  friends  from  this  tribe,  whence  he  might  have  expected 
the  most  determined  opposition. — Use  both , &c.  (2)  Notes, 
Judg.  3:15—18.  20:16. 

V.  4.  Perhaps  Saul  had  conferred  some  honourable  dis- 
tinction on  thirty  of  his  most  valiant,  captains  ; as  David  after- 
wards did  on  the  same  number  of  his:  and  Ismaiah  was  placed 
over  this  illustrious  company.  For  Ahiezer  (3)  scorns  to 
have  been  the  chief  of  those  who  came  to  David  at  this  time 
— 4 1 suppose,  there  were  thirty  Benjamites  came  over  to  DuviJ 
at  one  time,  and  this  was  their  leader.’  Rp.  Patrick 


B.  C.  1043. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


among;  the  thirty,  and  over  the  thirty ; and  Jere- 
miah. and  Jahaziel,  and  Johanan,  and  Josabad 
the  ‘Gederathite,  , 

5 Eluzai,  and  Jerimoth,  and*  Bealiah,  and 
Shemariah,  and  Shephatiah  the  Haruphite, 

6 Elkanah,  and  Jesiah,  and  Azareel,  and 
Joezer,  and  Jashobeam,  the  Korhites, 

7 And  Joelah,  and  Zebadiah,  the  sons  of 
Jeroham  of  mGedor. 

8 And  of  the  Gadites  there  separated  them- 
selves unto  David  "into  the  hold  to  the  wilderness 
men  of  might,  and  men  'of  war  fit  for  the  battle, 
that  could  "handle  shield  and  buckler,  rwhose 
faces  were  like  the  faces  of  lions,  and  were  fas 
'swift  as  the  roes  upon  the  mountains ; 

9 Ezer  the  first,  Obadiah  the  second,  Eliab  the 
third, 

10  Mishmannah  the  fourth,  Jeremiah  the  fifth, 

11  Attai  the  sixth,  Eliel  the  seventh, 

12  Johanan  the  eighth,  Elzahad  the  ninth, 

13  Jeremiah  the  tenth,  Machbanai  the  eleventh. 

14  These  were  of  the  sons  of  Gad,  captains  of 
the  host : tone  of  the  least  was  over  a hundred, 
and  the  greatest  over  a thousand. 

15  These  are  they  that  went  over  Jordan  in 
the  first  month,  when  fit  had  ^overflown  all  his 
ba^ks;  and  they  put  to  flight  all  them  of  the 
Valleys,  both  toward  the  east,  and  toward  the  west. 

16  And  there  came  of ’the  children  of  Benjamin 
and  Judah  to  ‘the  hold  unto  David. 

17  And  David  went  out  "to  meet  them,  and 
answered  and  said  unto  them,  “If  ye  be  come 
peaceably  unto  me  to  help  me,  xmy  heart  shall 
be  "knit  unto  you  : but  if  ye  be  come  to  betray  me 
to  mine  enemies,  seeing  there  is  no  "wrong  in 
my  hands,  .’the  God  of  our  fathers  look  thereon, 
and  ‘rebuke  it. 

18  Then  athe  Spirit  ^came  upon  bAmasai,  who 
was  chief  of  the  captains,  and  he  said,  “Thine  are 
we,  David,  dand  on  thy  side,  thou  son  of  Jesse  : 
•peace,  peace  be  unto  thee,  and  peace  be  to  thy 
helpers  ; for  f thy  God  helpeth  thee.  Then  David 
received  them,  and  made  them  ^captains  of  the 

founds  [Practical  Observations.] 

19  And  there  fell  some  of  Manasseh  to  David, 
hwhen  he  came  with  the  Philistines  against 
Saul  to  battle : but  they  helped  them  not : for 
the  lords  of  the  Philistines  upon  advisement, 


I Josh.  15:36.  m 4:18,39.  Josh.  15:58.  n 16.11:16.  1 Sam.  23:14,29.  24:22. 
• Ueb.oJ  the  host.  o 2 Chr  25:5.  Jer.  46:9.  p 11:22.  2Sam.  1:23.  17:10.  23: 
20.  Prov.28:l.  t Heb.  as  the  roes  upon  the  mountains  to  make  haste.  q2Sam. 
2:18.  i¥ov.6:5.  Cant.  8:14.  J Or,  one  that  was  least  could  resist  an  hundred, 
and  the  greatest  a thousand.  Lev.  26:8.  Deut.  32:30.  r Josh.  3:15.  4: 18.  Jer. 
12:5.49:19.  § Heb. filled  over.  s 2.  I See  onS.  ||  Heb.  before  them. 

u 1 Sam.  16:4.  2 Sam.  3:20— 25.  1 Kings  2:13.  2 Kings  9:22.  Pa.  12:1,2. 

x 1 Sara.  18:1,3.  2 Kings  10:15.  Ps.  86:11.  2 Cor.  13:11.  Phil. 1:27.  11  Heb. 

one.  Jer.  3*2:30.  Acts4:32.  1 Cor.  1:10.  **  Or,  violence.  y Gen.  31 :42,53. 
1 Sam.  24:11—17.  26:23,24.  Ps.  7:6.  1 Pet.  2:23.  z Zech.  3:2.  Jude  9.  a Judg. 
6:31.13:25.  tt  Heb.  clothed  Amasai.  b 2:17.  2 Sam.  17:25.  19:13.  20:4, &c. 
Amasa.  c 2 Kings  10:5.  d Ruth  1:16.  2 Sam.  15:21.  2 Kings  9:32.  Matt.  12:30. 


V.  8.  Into  the  hold,  &c.]  These  Gadites  came  to  David, 
either  to  Ziklag,  or  to  some  of  those  natural  fortresses  in  which 
he  secured  himself,  before  he  went  into  the  land  of  the  Phi- 
listines. (Marg.  Ref.  n.) 

Faces  of  lions,  &c.J  ‘ They  had  a fierceness  in  their  coun- 
tenances, which  terrified  their  enemies  ; who  durst  not  look 
them  in  the  face,  but  ran  away  as  soon  as  they  saw  them. 
But  they  could  not  save  themselves  by  flight,  being  pursued 
so  swiftly  by  these  men,  that  they  overtook  them  and  slew 
them.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Marg.  Ref.  p,  q.) 

V.  14.  Either  these  persons  had  the  command,  some  over 
a hundred  men,  and  others  over  a thousand,  before  they  came 
to  David  ; or  he  preferred  them  afterwards,  in  consideration 
of  their  services ; or  the  passage  may  be  understood  according 
to  the  marginal  reading. 

V.  IS.  The  lot  of  Gad  was  to  the  east  of  Jordan:  and  it 
is  prooatto,  mat  these  men  crossed  the  river  towards  the 
west,  or  into  the  land  of  Canaan  properly  so  called.  (Notes, 
Num.  32:)  It  seems  also,  that  some  great  emergency  re- 
quired their  immediate  interposition;  but  it  is  not  stated 
what  enemies  they  opposed.— Perhaps,  during  some  part  of 
Saul’s  reign,  the  Philistines  and  other  tribes,  made  incursions 
into  the  land  of  Israel;  and  these  resolute  Gadites  hastened 
to  assist  their  brethren.  Or  perhaps  they  were  coming  to  join 
David,  in  his  extreme  danger;  and,  being  opposed  by  Saul’s 
adheitnts,  thtv  put  them  to  flight,  and  pursued  them  in  every 
direction.  (Note,  8.) 

V.  1(5 — 18.  David  had  experienced  much  treachery  even 
from  those  of  his  own  tribe,  and  was  therefore  pul  on  his 
guard  ; but  he  very  frankly  avowed  his  suspicions,  and  ap- 


B.  C.  1048. 

sent  him  away,  saying,  He  will  fall  to  his  master 
Satrl : i to  the  jeopardy  of  our  heads. 

20  As  he  'went  to  Ziklag,  there  fell  to  him  of 
Manasseh,  Adnah,  and  Jozabad,  and  Jediael, 
and  Michael,  and  Jozabad,  and  Elihu,  and 
Zilthai,  kcaptains  of  the  thousands  that  were  ol 
Manasseh. 

21  And  they  helped  David  ^against  'the  band 
of  the  rovers  : for  they  were  all  "“mighty  men  of 
valour,  and  were  captains  in  the  host. 

22  For  at  that  time  "day  by  day  there  came 
to  David  to  help  him,  until  it  was  a great  host, 
like  “the  host  of  God. 

23  It  And  these  ore^the  numbers  of  the  p.  c. 
""bands  that  were  ready  armed  to  the  war,  L ,#4B* 
and  came  to  David  to  Hebron,  "Ho  turn  the  king- 
dom of  Saul  to  him,  "according  to  the  word  of  the 
Lord. 

24  The  children  of  Judah  that  bare  shield  and 
spear  were  six  thousand  and  eight  hundred, 
ready  ""armed  to  the  war. 

25  Of  the  children  of  Simeon,  mighty  men  of 
valour  for  the  war,  seven  thousand  and  one 
hundred. 

26  Of  the  children  of  Levi  four  thousand  and 
six  hundred. 

27  4nd  Jehoiada  was  “the  leader  of  the 
‘Aaroiites,  and  with  him  were  three  thousand 
and  seven  hundred. 

28  And  "Zadok,  a young  man  mighty  of 
valour,  and  of  his  father’s  house  twenty  and  two 
captains. 

29  And  of  the  children  of  Benjamin,  the 
"'kindred  of  Saul,  three  thousand : for  hitherto 
tftihe  greatest  part  of  them  had  kept  the  ward  of 
the  house  of  Saul. 

30  And  of  the  children  of  Ephraim  twenty 
thousand  and  eight  hundred,  mighty  men  of 
valour,  Infamous  throughout  the  house  of  their 
fathers. 

31  And  ofxthe  half  tribe  of  Manasseh  eighteen 
thousand,  which  were  expressed  by  name,  to 
come  and  make  David  king. 

32  And  of  the  children  of  Issachar,  which  were 
men  that  had  "understanding  of  the  times,  Ho 
know  what  Israel  ought  to  do ; the  heads  of  them 
were  two  hundred,  and  “all  their  brethren  were 
at  their  commandment. 


e Gal.  6:16.  Eph. 6:23,24.  ft  Sam.  25:28,29.  2Sam.5:2.  Zech. 8:23.  Joho6:67, 
68.  g 1 Sam.  8:12.  22:7.  1 Kings  9:22.  h 1 Sam.  29:2— 4.  Heb.  on  our  hetuls. 

il  Sam.  29:11.  k Ex.  18:21.  Deut.  1:15.  33:17.  §§  Or,  with  a band.  1 1 Sam. 
30:1—17.  m 20.  5:24. 11:10,21,22.  n 2 Sam.  2:2-4.  3:1.  Job  17:9.  oGen. 
32:2.  Josh.  5:14.  Ps.  148:2.  p 11:1,3.  2Sam.5:l — 3.  |||l  Or,  taptains,  o* 
men.  Heb  .heads,  q 10:14.  r 11:10.  1 Sam.  16:1,12,13.  2 Sam.  3:18.  Pa.  2:6. 
89:19,20.  ITU  Or, prepared,  s 9:20.  2 Kings  1 1:4,9.  25:18.  t 6:49— 57.  27:17. 
u 6:8,53.  2 Sam.  8:17.  1 Kings  1:8.  2:35.  Ez.  44:15.  ***  Heb.  brethren.  2 Gen. 
31:23.  ttt  Heb.  <i  multitude  of  them.  2 Sam.  2:8,9.  Heb.  men  of  names. 

Gen.  6:4.  x Josh.  17:  y Gen.  49:14.  Esth.l:13.  Is.  22:12— -14.  Mic.6:9.  Malt. 
16:3.  Luke  12:56,57.  z Prov.  14:8.  Eph.  5:17.  a Prov.  24:5.  Ec.  7:19.  9:13. 


pealed  to  the  consciences  of  those  concerned.  If  they  came 
peaceably  to  assist  him,  he  would  cordially  unite  with  them ; 
and  the  time  would  some,  when  fie  should  be  able  to  recom- 
pense them ; but  1 1 he  was  conscious  he  had  not  injured 
either  Saul  ci  ins  country;  he  reminded  them,  that  if  they 
came  to  betray  him,  the  God  of  their  fathers  would  surely 
avenge  his  cause  upon  them.  Then  Amasai,  their  leader, 
animated  by  a special  impulse  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  answered 
him  in  the  name  of  all  the  rest.  He  declared  that  they  were 
entirely  attached  to  his  person  and  interest ; and  cordially 
desired  the  prosperity  of  him,  and  of  all  who  helped  him;  not 
only  as  his  cause  was  just,  but  as  they  were  persuaded  that 
it  was  the  cause  of  God,  and  would  prevail : and  they  desired 
to  share  the  conflicts  and  the  successes  of  David  and  his 
friends.  Accordingly  David  received  and  preferred  therm- 
it is  not  certain,  whether  Amasai  was,  or  was  not,  the  same 
as  Amasa,  elsewhere  mentioned.  (Marg.  Ref.  b.) 

V.  19.  Notes,  l Sam.  29:2—6. 

V.  20,  21.  These  captains  of  Manasseh  seem  to  have  met 
David,  as  he  was  returning  from  tho  army  of  the  Philistines  to 
Ziklag.  It  is  probable,  that  they  did  not  bring  their  compa- 
nies with  them  ; yet  they  both  assured  him  offuture  assistance,, 
and  very  seasonably  helped  him  against  the  Amalekites  who 
had  spoiled  Ziklag.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  30:) 

V.  22.  Such  numbers  resorted  to  David,  after  Saul's  de- 
feat and  death,  and  they  were  so  loyally  attached  to  David, 
so  united  with  each  other,  and  so  powerfully  illustiious  and 
valiant,  that  they  resembled  “the  host  of  God;”  that  is,  his 
legions  of  angels.  Some  consider  it  merely  as  a Hebraism 
for  a very  great  army. 


( 727  ) 


B.  C.  1048. 


I.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  1043 


33  Of  Zcbulun,  such  as  went  forth  to  battle, 
‘expert  in  war,  with  all  instruments  of  war,  fifty 
thousand,  which  could  'keep  rank:  they  were 

• not  of  double  heart. 

34  And  of  Naphtali  a thousand  captains,  and 
with  them  with  shield  and  spear  thirty  and 
seven  thousand. 

35  And  of  the  Danites  expert  in  war  twenty 
and  eight  thousand  and  six  hundred. 

36  And  of  Asher,  such  as  went  forth  to  battle, 
^expert  in  war,  forty  thousand. 

37  And  on  bthe  other  side  of  Jordan,  of  the 
Reuhenites,  and  the  Gadites,  and  of  the  half 
tribe  of  Manasseh,  with  all  manner  of  instruments 
of  war  for  the  battle,  a hundred  and  twenty 
thousand. 

38  All  these  men  of  war,  that  could  keep  rank, 
came  cwith  a perfect  heart  to  Hebron,  to  make 
David  king  over  all  Israel:  and  dall  the  rest  also 
of  Israel  were  of  one  heart  to  make  David  king. 

39  And  there  they  were  with  David  three 
days,  'eating  and  drinking : for  their  brethren  had 
prepared  for  them. 

• Or,  rangers  of  battle,  or  ranged  in  battle.  t Or,  set  the  battle  in  array. 

J Heb.  without  a heart,  and  a heart.  Ps.  12:2.  John  1:47.  § Or,  keeping  their 

rank,  b 5:1,  &c.  Num.  32:33—42.  Dent.  3:12—16.  Josh.  13:7—32.  14:3.22:1— 
1U.  c 1 Kings  8:61.  11:4.  2 Kings  20:3.  Ps.  101:2.  d See  on  17,18.  Gen.  49:8— 
10.  2 Chr.  30:12.  Ps.  110:3.  Ez.  11:19.  e Gen.  26:30.  31:54.  2 Sam.  6:19.  19:42. 
f 2 Sam.  16:1.  17:27 — 29.  ||  Or,  victual  of  meal,  g 1 Sam.  25:18.  h 1 Kings 

1:40.2  Kings  11:20.  Prov.  11:10.  29:2.  Jer.  23:5,6.  Luke  19:37,38.  Rev.  19:5—7. 


V.  23 — 40.  Some  learned  men  understand  this  passage, 
or  at  least  a part  of  it,  as  relating  to  the  time  when  David 
was  made  king  over  Judah,  on  his  first  coming  to  Hebron: 
hut  it  seems  entirely  to  refer  to  his  being  made  king  over  all 
Israel,  after  the  death  of  Ish-bosheth  ; for  there  was  no  such 
union  of  the  several  tribes,  on  the  former  occasion,  as  is  here 
described.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  2:1 — 4.  5:1 — 3.) — At  that  time 
great  numbers  came  to  David  from  each  of  the  tribes  of 
Israel : but  in  different  proportions,  according  to  the  degree 
of  the  cordiality  and  zeal  of  each  tribe.  It  is  probable,  that  so 
small  a number  of  Judah  was  present,  in  order  that  David’s 
own  tribe,  over  which  he  had  now  reigned  seven  years,  might 
not  appear  to  impose  a king  on  their  brethren.  There  was  a 
considerable  number  of  Levites  assembled  ; but  not  at  all  in 
proportion  to  the  multitude  of  the  priests,  the  descendants  of 
Aaron,  who  appeared  on  this  occasion  under  a leader  named 
Jehoiada,  probably  appointed  by  Abiathar  the  high-priest: 
while  Zadok,  who  was  afterwards  high-priest,  being  now  a 
voung  man,  headed  a company  of  chief  men,  perhaps  of  the 
line  of  Eleazar.  So  greatly  had  that  family  increased,  not- 
withstanding the  slaughter  which  Saul  had  not  long  before 
made  of  them,  (Notes,  I Sam.  20:6 — 19.)  that  almost  four 
thousand  attended  on  this  occasion  ! — The  Benjamites  in 
general  had  favoured  the  house  of  Saul ; and  numbers  of  them 
still  waited  for  an  opportunity  of  reviving  the  claim  of  that 
family,  in  some  of  its  branches  ; for  so  the  latter  part  of  the 
twenty-ninth  verse  may  be  interpreted. — The  leaders  of 
Issachar  were  intelligent  men,  who  understood  the  signs  of 
the  times ; and  perceived  that  it  was  both  the  duty  and  politi- 
cal interest  of  Israel,  to  advance  David  to  the  throne  : and, 
having  great  authority  in  their  tribe,  they  induced  them  to  a 
unanimous  concurrence  in  this  measure ; though  they  do  not 
seem  to  have  brought  them  to  Hebron.  Besides  the  num- 
bers, who  doubtless  on  various  accounts  were  kept  away, 
though  cordially  attached  to  David,  there  were  three  hundred 
and  fifty  thousand  armed  men,  all  heartily  devoted  to  his 
service ; who  placed  him  upon  the  throne  of  Israel,  with 
every  expression  of  joy  and  affection. 

Not  of  double  heart.  (33)  ‘All  sincerely  affected  to 
David ; though  there  were  so  many  of  them.’  Bp.  Patrick. 
(Note,  Jam.  1:5 — 8.) — On  asses , &c.  (40)  No  mention  is 

made  oi  horses,  as  employed  on  this  occasion. — There  was 
joy  in  Israel.]  ‘ Their  hearts  were  enlarged  with  joy,  to  see 
an  end  of  their  division,  by  their  union  under  such  a king,  as 
they  might,  reasonably  hope  would  procure  great  happiness 
to  them.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 18.  Earthly  princes  in  general  honour  with  marked 
distinction  such  persons,  as  have  faithfully  adhered  to  them 
in  seasons  of  difficulty  and  danger:  and,  in  like  manner, 
Jesus  Christ  will  confer  peculiar  honour  upon  those,  who  em- 
brace and  adhere  to  his  gospel,  in  times  of  persecution  and 
digress ; who  deny  themselves,  renounce  their  worldly  inte- 
rests, break  through  difficulties,  and  bear  the  cross,  for  his 
sake  and  after  his  example. — Courage,  strength,  agility, 
ingenuity,  or  superior  mental  endowments,  are  valuable  to 
the  possessors  and  to  the  community,  only  when,  being  con- 
sidered as  talents  committed  to  them  by  the  great  Lord  of 
all,  'hey  are  conscientiously  improved  in  promoting  the  glory 
of  Cod,  and  t he  welfare  of  mankind:  for,  when  misused  or 
neglected,  they  prove  occasions  of  increasing  condemnation. 
Long  experience  of  the  deceitfulness  of  mankind  will  teach 
caution  to  every  reflecting  person;  but  we  slnuld  be  afraid 
of  growing  unreasonably  suspicious  * and  if  w 9 have  a clear 
( 728 


40  Moreover,  they  that  were  nigh  them,  even 
unto  Issachar,  and  Zebulun,  and  Naphtali,  brought 
f bread  on  asses,  and  on  camels,  and  on,  mules, 
and  on  oxen,  afid  "meat,  meal,  scakes  of  figs,  and 
bunches  or  raisins,  and  wine,  and  oil,  and  oxen, 
and  sheep  abundantly:  for  Hhere  was  joy  in 
Israel. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

David,  with  the  princes  and  people,  with  great  solemnity  and  zeal , fitches  the 
arkfrom  Kirjath-jearim , 1 — o.  Uzza  is  smitten,  David  is  disc  mcerted, 
and  the  ark  is  left  at  the  house  of  Obed^edom,  9 — 14. 

AND  David  “consulted  with  the  captains  of 
thousands,  and  hundreds,  and  with  every 
leader. 

2 And  David  said  unto  all  the  congregation  of 
Israel,  bIf  it  seem  good  unto  you,  “and  that  it  be 
of  the  Lord  our  God,  let  us  'send  abroad  unto 
our  brethren  every  where,  that  are  dleft  in  all 
the  land  of  Israel,  and  with  them  also  to  “the 
priests  and  Levites  which  are  in  'their  cities  and 
suburbs,  that  they  may  gather  themselves  unto  us : 
3 And  let  us  tbring  again  fthe  ark  of  our  God 
to  us : for  ewe  inquired  not  at  it  in  the  days  of 
Saul. 


a 12:14,20,32.  2Sam.6:l.  2 Kings  23:1.  2Chr.29:20.  31:29,30.  b 1 Kings  12: 
7.  2 Kings  9:15.  Prov.  15:22.  Philem.  8,9.  c Ex.  18:23.  2 Sam.  7.2—5.  • Heb. 
break  forth,  and  send,  d 10‘7.  Is.  37:4.  e 15:2 — 14.  Num.  4:4,  &c.  2 Chr.  31: 
4,  Ac.  f Heb.  the  cities  of  their  suburbs.  6:54 — 81.  Num. 35:2 — 9.  t Heb, 

bring  about,  f 1 Sam.  7:1,2.  Ps.  132:6.  g 1 Sam.  14:18,36,37.  22:10,15.  23:2 
4,9—12. 


conscience,  and  use  moderate  precautions,  we  may  trust  in 
God  to  defend  us  from  the  effects  of  secret  treachery,  as  wel 
as  of  open  violence ; while  we  should  readily  forgive  former 
injuries,  and  unite  with  those,  who  profess  a disposition  to  be 
at  peace  with  us,  arid  to  help  us.  But,  when  we  cannot  but 
suspect  men’s  intentions  in  courting  our  friendship,  it  is  best, 
in  some  cases,  frankly  to  remonstrate  with  them  as  in  the 
sight  of  God.  This  may  sometimes  intimidate  the  insincere, 
and  give  the  upright  an  opportunity  of  clearing  up  their 
characters ; while  suspicions,  harboured  in  secret,  or  only 
whispered  among  friends,  are  often  injurious  to  the  suspected 
person,  and  always  troublesome  to  ourselves.  Integrity  and 
affection  will  frequently,  when  the  case  requires  it,  dictate 
such  frank,  unreserved,  and  energetic  language,  as  to  afford 
full  satisfaction:  and  then,  cordial  union,  in  promoting  one 
common  cause,  succeeds  jealousies,  distance,  and  the  debility 
of  distrust. — Peace  or  victory,  prosperity  and  felicity,  are 
ensured  to  those  whom  God  helps,  and  to  all  who  concur 
with  them.  If  under  the  influence  of  his  Spirit,  we,  on  that 
account,  desire  to  have  our  lot  among  them,  and  declare  on 
their  side  ; and  if  we  uprightly  embrace  the  cause  of  Christ ; 
his  heart  will  be  knit  unto  us,  and  he  w ill  receive  and  advance 
us  in  due  season. 

V.  19 — 40.  The  cause  of  our  King  appears  to  a carnal 
eye  weak  and  obscure,  and  his  subjects  have  been  hitherto 
comparatively  few  : but  his  kingdom  and  glory  will,  ere  long, 
rapidly  advance;  and  his  host  become,  like  “the  host  of 
God,”  innumerable  and  invincible. — The  advancement  of 
wise  and  good  men  to  authority,  is  justly  considered  as  a 
cause  of  great  and  general  joy ; and  joy  naturally  enlarges 
the  heart  in  cheerful  liberality.  Thus  the  Saviour’s  exalta- 
tion to  the  throne  of  glory  filled  the  hearts  of  his  people  with 
gladness:  nay,  the  sinner’s  willing  submission  to  him,  ushers 
in  a day  of  joy  and  gladness,  in  which  his  brethren  share, 
and  to  which  they  contribute.  But,  what  a joyful  time  will 
that  be,  “ when  all  kings  shall  fall  down  before  him,  all  nations 
shall  serve  him !”  Every  individual,  in  the  innumerable 
throng,  will  participate  and  add  to  the  joy  of  all  the  rest : and 
nothing  short  of  the  perfect  purity  and  harmony  of  heaven, 
can  give  us  a higher  idea  of  true  happiness.  Meanwhile, 
happy  are  they,  “ who  have  undersUmding  of  the  limes,  to 
know  what  Israel  ought  to  do:”  who  wisely  perceive  it  to  be 
their  duty  and  interest,  to  submit  to  and  trust  in  Jesus  Christ 
the  Son  of  David  : who  renounce  all  inconsistent  connexions, 
pursuits,  and  employments  for  his  sake ; and  unreservedly 
employ  all  their  influence  and  ability  to  promote  his  cause 
from  love  to  him  and  to  their  brethren  : whose  love  also 
abounds  in  knowledge  and  in  all  judgment,  so  that  their 
beneficent  endeavours  are  directed  by  heavenly  wisdom, 
through  an  acquaintance  with  the  word  of  God,  and  a matu- 
rity of  experience  and  observation:  and  who  consequently 
know  how  to  attempt  every  tiling  in  that  manner,  and  at 
those  seasons,  which  are  suited  to  give  it  the  greatest  effect. 
This  is  to  unite*  “ the  wisdom  of  the  serpent  with  the  harm- 
lessnoss  of  the  dove  ;”  and  “if  amy  man  lark  this  wisdom,  let 
him  ask  it  of  Godf  who  giveth  to  all  men  liberally,  and  up- 
braidelh  not,  and  it  shall  he  given  him.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  XIII.  V.  1 — 4.  It  is  probable,  that 
David  consulted  with  his  principal  friends  and  officers,  about 
bringing  bark  the  ark,  immediately  after  he  had  got  possession 
of  mount  Zion,  and  had  fixed  his  residence  theVo:  yet 
appears,  from  comparing  the  different  parts  of  the  narrative* 
that  he  did  not  accomplish  the  design  till  some  time  after 
being  retarded  by  the  incursions  of  tht  Phil  slincs,  and  by 


B C.  1046. 


CHAPTER  XIV 


B.  C. 1047 


4 And  all  the  congregation  said  that  they 
would  do  so : for  hthe  thing  was  right  in  the  eyes 
afall  the  people. 

5 So  ‘David  gathered  all  Israel  together,  from 
•Shihor  of  Egypt  even  unto  the  entering  of  'He- 
math,  to  bring  tiie  ark  of  God  from  mKirjath-jearim. 

6 And  David  went  up,  and  all  Israel,  to 
“Baalah,  that  is,  to  Kirjath-jearim,  which  belonged 
to  Judah,  to  bring  up  thence  the  ark  of  God  the 
Lord,  “that  dwelleth  between  the  cherubims, 
•"whose  name  is  called  on  it. 

7 And  they  'carried  the  ark  of  God  ‘■in  a new 
cart  rout  of  the  house  of  Abinadab:  and  Uzza 
and  Ahio  drave  tire  cart.  [Practical  observations.] 

8 And  ’David  and  all  Israel  played  before 
God  with  all  their  might,  and  with  'singing,  and 
‘with  harps,  and  with  psalteries,  and  with  timbrels, 
and  with  cymbals,  and  with  trumpets. 

9 H And  when  they  came  unto  the  thrashing- 
floor  of  “Chidon,  Uzza  put  forth  his  hand  to  hold 
the  ark ; for  the  oxen  ^stumbled. 

10  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
against  Uzza,  and  he  smote  him,  because  “he  put 
his  hand  to  the  ark  : and  'there  he  died  before 
God. 

11  And  David  was  ‘displeased  because  the 
Lord  had  made  a breach  upon  Uzza:  wherefore 
that  place  is  called  $Perez-uzza  “to  this  day. 

12  And  David  was  bafraid  of  God  that  day, 
saying,  cHow  shall  I bring  the  ark  of  God  home 
to  me  ? 

13  So  David  ''brought  not  the  ark  home  to 
himself  to  the  city  of  David,  but  carried  it  aside 
into  the  house  of  dObed-edom  ethe  Gittite. 

14  And  the  ark  of  Goa  remained  with  the 
family  of  Obed-edom  in  his  house  three  months. 
And  r the  Lord  blessed  the  house  of  Obed-edom, 
and  all  that  he  had. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Hiram  sends  timber  and  builders  to  build  David  a house,  1.  He  prospers  in 
his  kingdom , takes  more  wives,  and  has  several  children,  2,  3.  The  names 
of  his  sons,  4 — 7.  He  gains  two  signal  victories  over  the  Philistines,  8 — 17. 

NOW  Hiram  king  of  Tyre  sent  messengers 
to  David,  band  timber  of  cedars,  with  masons 
and  carpenters,  cto  build  him  a house. 

2  And  David  perceived  that  dthe  Lord  had 

a l Sam.  18:20.  2 Sam.  3:36.  2 Chr.  30:4.  marg.  Esth.  8:5.  i 2 Sam. 

6:1.  k Num.  34:5—8.  Josh.  13:3—6.  Sihor.  1 Kings  4:21.  Jer.  2:18.  Sihor. 

Nun.  34:8.  Josh.  13.5.  I Kings  8:65.  2 Kings  25:21.  Hamath.  m 6.  1 Sam. 
6:21.,:1.  n Josh.  15:9,60.  2 Sam.  6:2.  Baale.  o Ex.  25:22.  Num.  7:89. 

1 Sam.  4:4.  2 Kings  19:15.  Ps.  80:1.  99:1.  Is.  37:16.  p Ex.  20:24.  23:21.  Num. 
t:27.  1 Kings  8:16.  * Heb .maae  the  ark  to  ride.  q 15:2,13.  Num.  4:15. 

I Sam.  6:7,8.  2 Sam.  6 3.  rl  Sam.  7:1,2.  s 15:10— 24.  1 Sam.  10:5.  2Sam. 
6:5  2 Kings  3:15.  Ps.  47:5.68:25— 27.  150:3— 5.  t Heb.  songs,  t 15:28.  16:5, 
42.23:5.25:1—6.  Dan.  3:5— 7.  Am.  5:23.  6:5.  u 2 Sam.  6:6.  Nachon.  J Or, 
shook  it.  x 15:13,15.  Num.  4:15:  Josh.  6:6.  y Lev.  10:1 — 3.  Num.  16:35. 

1 Sam.  6:19.  2 Chr.  25:16— 20.  1 Cor.  11:30— 32.  ' z 2 Sam.  6:7— 9.  Jon.  4:4,9. 
That  is,  The  breach  of  Uzza.  a Gen.  32:32.  Deut.  34:6.  Josh.  4:9.  b Num. 
7:12,13.  1 Sam.  5:10,11.  6:20.  Ps.  119:120.  Is.  6:5.  Luke  5:8,9.  c 1 Kings  8: 
£7.  Job  25:5,6.  Malt.  25:24.  ||  Heb  .removed,  d 15:18.16:5.26:4,8.  2 Sam. 
6:10,11.  e 2 Sam.  4.3.  f Gen.  30:27.  39:5.  Prov.  3:9,10.  Mai.  3:10,11. 
a 2 Sam.  5:11,12.  I Kings  5:1,8-12.  2 Chr.  2:11,12.  Huram.  b 22:2.  1 Kines 
6:6,9,10,18.  2 Chr.  2:3,8— 10.  Ezra  3:7.  c 17:1.  2 Sam.  7.2.  1 Kings  7:1— 12. 

other  hinderances.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  5:  6:1,2.)  He  did  not 
iudge  it  expedient,  to  act  merely  by  authority  in  so  impor- 
tant a concern : but,  by  consulting  his  friends,  he  ensured 
their  ready  concurrence,  and  that  of  their  several  connexions, 
and  also  of  the  priests  and  Levites.  During  Saul’s  reign,  or 
the  latter  part  of  it  at  least,  the  ark  had  been  neglected,  and 
even  David  had  inquired  of  God  by  the  high  priest  at  a dis- 
tance from  it;  (Notes,  1 Sam.  23:1 — G,9 — 13.  30:7 — 10.  2 
Sam.  2:1 — 3.)  while  Saul  concerned  himself  very  little  in 
any  way  about  religion.  Thus  the  regular  way  of  inquiring 
the  will  of  God,  by  the  high  priest,  with  the  breastplate  of 
judgment,  before  the  ark  in  the  sanctuary,  had  been  long 
neglected. 

V.  5 — 14.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 2 Sam.  6:1 — 11. — Shihor , 
&c.  (5)  Marg.  Ref.  k.  Note , Josh.  13:1 — 5. — A new  cart , 
&c.  (7)  ‘ They  had  so  long  been  without  it’  (the  ark)  ‘ that 
they  had  forgot  how  it  ought  to  be  carried.’  Bp.  Patrick. 
PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V 1 — 7.  When  we  set  out  in  life,  or  obtain  any  temporal 
advancement,  we  should  first  inquire,  how  we  may  honour 
God  and  do  good,  and  enjoy  the  divine  blessing,  in  our  seve- 
ral situations,  and  in  the  use  of  our  possessions!  Princes 
especially  ought  to  adopt  the  most  useful  measures  which  they 
can  devise  to  promote  true  religion  by  their  example  and 
authority,  that  they  may  have  the  Lord  nigh  unto  them  in  all 
they  undertake..  This  can  only  be  done  by  consulting  with 
others,  and  engaging  them  to  concur  in  measures  of  acknow- 
ledged utility,  and  evidently  consistent  with  the  word  of  God  ; 
and  by  reminding,  encouraging,  and  charging  the  ministers  of 
religion,  to  attend  to  their  impo  tant  duties  in  their  several 
Vol.  I. — 92 


confirmed  him  king  over  Israel,  for  "bis  kingdom 
was  lifted  up  on  high,  'because  of  his  people 
Israel. 

3 H And  David  «took  'more  wives  at  Jerusalem  : 
and  David  begat  more  sons  and  daughters. 

4 Now  these  are  the  names  of  his  children 
which  be  had  in  Jerusalem ; hShammua,  ard 
Shobab,  'Nathan,  ami  kSolomon, 

5 And  Ibliar,  and  'Elishua,  and  Elpale. 

6 And  Nogah,  and  Nepheg,  and  Japhia. 

7 And  Elishama,  and  ‘"Beeliaila,  "and  Eliphak  t. 

8 H And  "when  the  Philistines  heard  that 
David  was  Panointed  king  over  all  Israel,  tall 
the  Philistines  went  up  to  seek  David,  p.  c. 
And  David  heard  of  it,  and  went  out  L IM1- 
against  them. 

9 And  the  Philistines  came  and  spread  them- 
selves in  rthe  valley  of  Rephaim. 

10  And  David  ’inquired  of  God,  saying,  ‘Shall 
I go  up  against  the  Philistines?  and  wilt  thou 
deliver  them  into  my  hand  ? And  the  Lord  said 
unto  him,  "Go  up ; for  I will  deliver  them  into 
thy  hand. 

11  So  they  came  up  to  vBaal-perazim ; and 
David  smote  them  there.  Then  David  said, 
xGod  hath  broken  in  upon  mine  enemies  by  my 
hand  dike  the  breaking  forth  of  waters:  therefore 
they  called  the  name  of  that  place  'Baal-perazim. 

12  And  when  they  had  left  their  gods  there, 
David  gave  a commandment,  and  they  zweie 
burned  with  fire. 

13  And  the  Philistines  ayet  again  spread  ra.  e. 

themselves  abroad  in  the  valley.  L I0‘s- 

14  Therefore  David  binquired  again  of  God : 
and  God  said  unto  him,  Go  not  up  after  them  ; 
"turn  away  from  them,  and  come  upon  them  over 
against  the  mulberry-trees. 

15  And  it  shall  be,  when  thou  shalt  hear  da 
sound  of  going  in  the  tops  of  the  mulberry-trees, 
that  ’then  thou  shalt  go  out  to  battle : < for  God 
is  gone  forth  before  thee,  to  smite  the  host  of  the 
Philistines. 

16  David  therefore  ?did  as  God  commander, 
him:  and  they  smote  the  host  of  the  Philistines 
from  hGibeon  even  to  ‘Gazer. 


Jer.  22:13— 15.  d 17:17.  2 Sum.  7:16.  Ps.  89:20-37.  e Num.  24:7.  2 Sam.  7: 
8,9.  f 1 Kines  10:9.  2 Chr.  2:11.  Esth.  4:14.  Is.  1:25—27.  Dun.  5:30.  g 3:1— 
4.  Deut.  17:17.  8 Sam.  5:13.  1 Kings  11:3.  Prov.  5:13,19.  Ec.  7:26— 29.  9:9. 
Mul.  2:14,15.  Matt.  19:4,5,8.  * Heb. yet-  h 3:5.  Shimea.  2 Sam.  5:14.  Sham- 
muah.  i 2 Sam.  12: 1 . Luke  3:31.  k 22:9— 12.  2S:5, 6.  2 Sam.  12:24,23.  1 Kings 
1:13,17.2:15.3:3,5—11.  Mali.  1:6.  I 3:6.  E/ishnma.  2Sam.5:15.  m2  Sam. 
5:16.  Eliada.  n 3:8.  Eliphelet.  n 1 Sam. 21:11.  2Snrn.5:17 — 25.  p 11:3. 

2 Sam.  5:3.  q Ps.2:l—  6.  Rev.  11:15 — 18.  r 11 :15.  2 Sam.  5:18,22.  23:13.  Is. 
17:5.  s 14. 13:3.  1 Sam.  23:2—  4,9— 12.  2 Sam.  2:1.  & 19,23.  t 1 Sam.  30:8. 
Prov.  3:6.  u Judg.  4:6,7.  1 Kings  22:6,15— 17.  v 2 Sam.  5:20.  la.  28:21. 

x Ps.  18:13—15.44:3.  144:1,10.  y Ex.  14:28.  Job3U:14.  Matt.  7:27.  t That 
\s,  a place  of  breaches.  •/.  Ex.  12: 12.  32:20.  Deut . 7:5,25.  1 Sam.  5:2 — 6.  2 Kings 
19.18.  a 2 Sam.  5:22—25.  1 Kings  20:22.  b See  on  10.  Ps.27:4.  c Josh.  8:2— 
7.  John  9:6,7.  d Lev.  26:36.  2 Kings  7:6. 19.7.  Acts 2:2.  e Judg.  4:14.  7:9,15 
1 Sam.  14:9— 22.  Phil.  2:12,13.  f Is.  13:4.  45:1 .2.  Mic.  2:12,13.  g Gen.  6:22. 
Ex.  39:42,43.  John  2:5. 13:17.  15:14.  h 2Sam.  5:25.  Ceba.  i 6:67.  Josh.  16: 
10.  Gezer. 


situations,  that  good  examples  and  good  instructions  may 
abound  throughout  the  land.  When  such  things,  being  mildly 
proposed,  seem  good  to  the  leading  men,  we  may  hope  that 
they  are  from  the  Lord,  and  expect  that  many  other  persons, 
being  called  upon,  will  voluntarily  assist ; and  that  thus  the 
gospel  will  excite  general  attention,  without  any  of  the  ante* 
Christian  weapons  of  compulsion. — In  rectifying  abuses,  it  is 
generally  best  to  shun  personal  reflections  and  severe  accusa- 
tions : they  appear  malevolent,  and  excite  opposition.  Suf« 
flee  it  to  show,  that  things  needful  have  been  neglected,  and 
that  it  is  proper  for  us  to  attend  to  them  : and,  in  pubve 
transgressions,  humility  will  teach  a man  to  consider  himself 
as  in  some  measure  guilty,  and  more  readily  to  condemn  him- 
self than  others. — Even  good  men,  in  doing  their  duty,  are 
liable  to  mistakes,  and  to  act  in  an  improper  spirit:  and 
rebukes,  though  merited  and  needed,  often  excite  murmurs, 
discouragements,  and  hard  thoughts  of  God.  May  we  then, 
with  redoubled  diligence,  seek  to  become  acquainted  with  tbq 
whole  word  of  God,  and  to  make  it  “ the  lantern  of  our  path  *' 
may  we  walk  humbly  and  circumspectly,  avoid  rashness  and 
presumption,  rejoice  in  our  privileges  with  trembling,  be 
patient  under  divine  rebukes,  persevere  in  well  doing  without 
discouragement,  and  seel?  the  forgiveness  and  acceptance  _»i 
every  service,  from  the  mercy  of  God  in  ClTrist  Jesus ! Thus 
will  the  gospel,  which  is  to  many  u the  savour  of  death, 
become  to  us  “ the  savour  of  life,”  and  the  source  of  aL 
blessings  in  time  and  to  eternity. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XIV.  V.  1—16.  (Notes,  3:1—9 
2 Sam.  5:11 — 25.)  The  events,  recorded  in  this  chapter,  are 
supposed  to  have  taken  place,  in  the  order  assigned  to  them 
( 729  ) 


B.  C.  1048. 


I.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  1043 


17  And  the  Ifame  of  David  went  out  into  all 
lands ; and  the  Lord  brought  kthe  fear  of  him 
upon  all  nations. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

David,  preparrs  a place  for  the  ark,  and  gives  orders  to  the  priests  and  he - 
vites,  about  bringing  it  from  the  house  of  Obed-edom,  1 — 24.  He  and  all  the 
chiefs  of  Israel  attend  its  removal , with  sacrifices  and  songs  of  praise,  25 — 
28.  Michal  despises  David  for  dancing  before  the  ark , 29. 

AND  David  made  him  “houses  in  the  city  of 
David,  band  prepared  a place  for  the  ark  of 
God,  and  pitched  for  it  a tent. 

2  Then  David  said,  'None  ought  to  carry  the 
ark  of  God  but  the  Levites : for  “them  hath  the 
Lord  chosen  to  carry  the  ark  of  God,  and  dto 
minister  unto  him  for  ever. 

3  And  David  “gathered  all  Israel  together  to 
Jerusalem,  f to  bring  up  the  ark  of  the  Lord  unto 
his  place,  which  he  had  prepared  for  it. 

4  And  David  assembled  «the  children  of  Aaron, 
and  the  Levites : 

5  Of  the  sons  of  Kohath  ; hUriel  the  chief,  and 
his  ’brethren  a hundred  and  twenty  : 

6  Of  the  sons  of  'Merari ; Asaiah  the  chief, 
and  his  brethren  two  hundred  and  twenty  : 

7  Of  the  sons  of  Gershom  ; kJoel  the  chief,  and 
his  brethren  a hundred  and  thirty: 

8  Of  the  sons  of  'Elizaphan ; nlShemaiah  the 
chief,  and  his  brethren  two  hundred  : 

9  Of  the  sons  of  “Hebron ; Eliel  the  chief,  and 
his  brethren  fourscore  : 

10  Of  the  sons  of  “Uzziel ; rAmminadab  the 
chief,  and  his  brethren  a hundred  and  twelve. 

11  And  David  called  for  ^Zadok  and  Abiathar 
the  priests,  and  for  the  Levites,  for  “Uriel, 
Asaiah,  and  Joel,  Shemaiah,  and  Eliel,  and  Ain- 
minadab, 

12  And  said  unto  them,  “Ye  are  the  chief  of 
the  fathers  of  the  Levites:  'sanctify  yourselves, 


I Josh.  6:27.  2 Chr.  26:8.  k Ex.  15:14 — IS.  Dent.  2:25.  11:25.  Josh.  2:9— 11. 
9:24.  a 2 Sam.  5:9. 13:7,8.  14:21.  1.3.  16:1.  17:1—5.  Ps.  132:5.  Acts  7:46.  • Heb. 
It  is  not  to  carry  the  ark  of  God , but  for  the  Levites.  c Nnm.  4:2 — 15,19,20. 
7:9.  Deut.  10:8.  3l;9.  Josh  3:3.  G:6.  2 Chr.  35:3.  d Num.  8:13,14,24—26.  18: 
!— 8.  Is.  66:21.  Jer.  33:17— 22.  e 13:5.  lKings8:l.  f 1 . 2 Sam.  6: 12.  g 6: 
16—20  49,50.12:26—28.  Ex.  6:16— 22.  Num.  3.4.  h 6:22— 24.  t Or,  kinsmen. 
> 6:29,30.  k 11.93:8.  1 Ex.  6:22.  Elzaphan.  mil.  n 6:2.  23: 12,19.  26.23. 
30,31.  Ex.  6:18.  Num.  26:58.  o 6:18.  23:12.  Ex.  6:18,22.  p 6:22.  q 12:28. 
18:16.  1 Sam.  22:20— 23.  2 Sam.  8: 17.  15:24—29,35.20:25.  1 Kin£s2:35.  r See 
w5- 10.  s 9:34.24:31.  t 14.  Ex.  19: 14,15.  2 Chr.  5:11. 29:4,5.  30:15.  35:6. 
Ez. 48:11.  John  17:17.  Rom.  12:1,2.  Rev.  5:9,10.  u 13:7— 9.  2Sam.6:3. 

▼ 13:1J,!1.  2 Sam.  6:7,8.  x See  on  2.  Num.  4:15.  7:9.  Deut.  31 :9.  2 Chr.  30: 


in  the  jecond  book  of  Samuel,  and  before  David  attempted 
to  brio*  the  ark  to  Mount  Zion. 

L/fl  their  gods , &c.  (12)  That  is,  u Their  images.” 
( Noie , 2 Sam.  5:21.)  ‘No  wonder  they  could  not  preserve 
such  gods,  as  could  not  preserve  them,  which  David  would 
not  honour,  as  they  had  done  the  ark  when  they  took  it,  but 
burnt  them.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  17.  Notes , Josh.  2:8—11.  6:27.  Matt.  4:23—25. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  Lord  has  so  arranged  matters  in  his  providence,  that 
all  have  reciprocally  need  of  each  other’s  assistance : thus 
men  learn  to  feel  their  own  insufficiency,  and  to  unite  in 
society  for  their  common  benefit.  But,  all  our  advantages 
are  from  God,  by  whatever  means  or  instruments  they  are 
derived  to  us  ; and  we  should  recollect,  that  we  possess  them 
for  the  good  of  others,  and  especially  for  the  benefit  of  his 
people. — To  repress  that  disposition  to  carnal  security  and 
self-indulgence,  which  gathers  strength  by  prosperity,  we 
must  expect  successive  conflicts  and  troubles.  But,  if  we 
inquire  of  the  Lord  in  all  our  difficulties,  and  trust  in  him 
simply;  if wc  use  the  appointed  means  with  diligence,  and 
obey  his  orders  without  reserve ; if  wc  break  every  league 
with  sin,  give  no  quarter  to  our  lusts,  and  neither  spare  our 
own  idols,  nor  covet  those  of  others  ; and  if  we  be  disposed 
to  give  all  the  glory  to  the  Lord  ; we  shall  not  only  be  con- 
querors, but  every  conflict  will  increase  our  felicity,  and  add 
lustre  to  our  eternal  triumphs.  Yet,  all  the  praise  and  honour 
will  ultimately  be  ascribed  to  the  Saviour : his  kingdom  is 
confirmed  anti  made  very  high,  for  the  benefit  of  all  his  believ- 
ing people  : may  his  fame  go  forth  into  all  lands  ; and  may 
all  nations  fear  his  indignation,  trust  his  mercy,  submit  to  his 
authority,  and  unite  in  glorifying  his  name  ! 

NOTES.— Chap.  XV.‘  V.  1.  As  David  had  many 
wives  and  children,  he  had  occasion  to  build  several  houses 
for  them.  (3:1—9.  2 Sam.  13:7,20*23.  14:24.)— Some  think 
that  the  tabernacle  made  by  Moses  was  become  ruinous  from 
tunc  and  neglect.  About  four  hundred  and  fifty  years  had 
passed  since  it  was  erected.  (Notes,  16:37 — 43.  1 Kings  6:1. 
8:4.) 

V.  2,  3.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  12 — 15.  2 Sam.  6:12,13. 

V.  4 — 11.  The  priests  and  Levites  had  been  before  sent 
lo ; (13:2.)  but  it  is  probable,  that  only  a few  of  them 
( 730  ) 


both  ye  and  your  brethren,  that  ye  may  bring  up 
the  ark  of  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  unto  the  place 
that  I have  prepared  for  it. 

13  For  because  “ye  did  it  not  at  the  first, 
’the  Lord  our  God  made  a breacii  upon  us,  "for 
that  we  sought  him  not  after  the  due  order. 

14  So  the  priests  and  the  Levites  ^sanctified 
themselves  to  bring  up  the  ark  of  the  Lord  God 
of  Israel. 

15  And  the  children  of  the  Levites  “bare  the 
ark  of  God  upon  their  shoulders  with  the  staves 
thereon,  as  Moses  commanded,  according  to  the 
word  of  the  Lord. 

16  And  “David  spake  to  the  bchief  of  the 
Levites  to  appoint  their  brethren  to  be  “the 
singers  with  the  instruments  of  music,  psalteries, 
and  harps,  and  cymbals,  sounding,  by  ^lifting  up 
the  voice  with  joy. 

17  So  the  Levites  appointed  “Heman  the  son 
of  Joel ; and  of  his  brethren,  f Asaph  the  son  of 
Berechiah  ; and  of  the  sons  of  Merari  their 
brethren,  eEthan  the  son  ofKushaiah; 

18  And  with  them  their  brethren  of  bthe  second 
degree,  'Zechariah,  Ben,  and  kJaaziel,  and  She- 
miramoth,  and  Jehiel,  and  Unni,  Eliah,  and 
Benaiah,  and  Maaseiah,  and  Mattithiah,  and 
Elipheleh,  and  Mikneiah,  ’and  Obed-edom,  and 
Jeiel,  the  porters. 

19  So  the  singers,  Heman,  Asaph,  and  Ethan, 
xvere  appointed  to  sound  with  ""cymbals  of  brass  ; 

20  And  Zechariah,  and  "Aziel,  and  Shemira- 
moth,  and  Jehiel,  and  Unni,  and  Eliah,  and 
Maaseiah,  and  Benaiah,  with  psalteries  on 
"Alamoth ; 

21  And  pMittithiah,  and  Elipheleh,  and  Mik- 
neiah, and  Obed-edom,  and  Jeiel,  and  Azaziah, 
with  ‘'harps  on  the  ’Sheminith  to  excel. 

22  And'  Chenaniah,  chief  of  the  Levites,  was 


17— 90.  Pror. 28  13.  1 John  1:8— 10.  y Lev.  10:3.  2 Chr.  29:15,34.  Joel2;l8, 
17.  z Ex.  25:12— 15.  37:3— 5.  40:20.  Num.  4:6.  1 Kings  8:8.  2 Chr.  6:9. 

a 2 Chr.  30:12.  Ezra  7:24— 28.  Is.  49:23.  1,12.  Acts  14:23.  1 Tim.  3:1— lk 
2 Tim.  2:2.  Tit.  1:5.  c 27,28.0:31—38.13:8.  10:42  . 23:5.25:1—6.  2 Chr.  29: 
28-30.  Neh.  12:36.40.  Ps.  87:7.  149:3. 150:3.4.  <12  Chr.  5:13.  EzraSUU.ll. 

Neh. 12:43.  Ps.  81 :1.  92:1— 3.  95:1 . 100:1 . Jer.  33:11 . e 6:33.25:1-5.  1 Sam. 
8.2.  f 6:39.  25:2.  Pa.  73:83:  lilies,  fr  19.  6:44.  son  of  Kishi.  h 25:2—  6,9— 
31.  i 16:5,6.  k 20.  Aziel.  1 13:14.16:5,38.26:4,8,15.  m 16.  13:11.  16:5,42. 
25:1,6.  Ps.  150:5.  n 18.  Jtwziel.  o Ps.  46:  litU.  p 18.  16:5.  q 25:6,7. 
1 Sam. 10:5.  Ps.  33:2.  81:1,2.  92:3.  150:3.  ; Or,  eighth  lo  oversee.  Ps.6:  12; 

titles. 


attended  : at  least,  at  this  time  greater  numbers  were  col- 
lected, and  they  were  arranged  with  more  exact  regularity. 
(Marg.Rcf.) 

V.  12 — 14.  It  appears  from  David’s  language  to  the  priests 
and  Levites,  that  they  had  before  neglected  to  “ sanctify 
themselves,”  by  carefully  avoiding,  or  seeking  to  be  cleansed 
from,  all  ceremonial  pollutions  ; by  abstraction  from  outward 
indulgences  : and  by  repentance,  faith,  prayer,  and  medita- 
tion. ( Notes,  Ex.  19:10—15.  2 Chr.  29:3—5,  v.  5.  30:15.) — 
The  ark  had  long  been  stationary,  and  the  priests  and  Levites, 
through  negligence,  had  forgotten  how  it  ought  lobe  removed  ; 
so  that  the  king  himself  first  discovered  the  error  which  had 
been  committed,  and  pointed  it  out  to  them : and  t hough  he 
joined  himself  with  them,  as  “ not  having  sought  the  Lord 
after  the  due  order;”  (13:9 — 11.  Notes,  2 Sam.  6:3 — 11.  2 
Chr.  30:16 — 20.)  yet  it  is  plain  that  a large  proportion  of  tho 
blame  belonged  to  them,  especially  to  the  chief  persons 
among  them.  (Note,  Mai.  2:4 — 9.)  It  seems,  however,  that 
they  were  at  this  time  made  sensible  of  their  guilt  and  danger  ; 
and  very  seriously  and  reverentially  prepared  for  the  solemn 
service.  ‘ This  good  king  doth  not  wholly  excuse  himself,  and 
lay  all  the  blame  on  them  ; but  puts  himself  into  the  number  of 
those  who  were  negligent  in  this  matter.  For  it  was  his  duty,  as 
well  as  theirs,  to  look  into  the  law,  and  pray  to  God  for  his 
direction.’  Bp.  Patrick.  Had  the  express  injunction  in  the 
law  of  Moses  (Note,  Deut.  17:18.)  been  strictly  observed,  it 
would  have  prevented  many  of  these  mistakes.  But  it  may 
be  doubted,  if  even  David  himself  had  noticed  if. 

V.  15.  The  Levites  of  the  family  of  Kohath  were  appointed 
to  carry  the  ark,  and  the  priests  were  (if  that  family  ; so  that, 
on  some  occasions  the  priests,  and  on  others  the  ordinary 
Levites  descended  from  Kohath,  performed  this  service. 
( Notes,  Num.  4:4 — 16.  7:4 — 9.  Josh • 3:3,4.  1 Kings  8:3.) 

V.  16.  David,  as  a prophet,  appointed  tho  several  parti- 
culars concerning  tho  solemn  worship  at  the  sanctuary, 
especially  in  respect  of  psalmody  anil  music : and  he  seems 
first  to  have  begun  this  arrangement  when  he  removed  the 
ark,  though  ho  afterwards  more  entirely  completed  it 
(Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  16:4—6,37—43.  25:  Ex.  15:1,20,21, 
2 C hr . 29:25—30.) 

V.  17—19.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes, Cr. 31—38. 

V.  20,  21.  Alamoth  and  Shcminith  are  musical  terror 


B.  C.  1043. 


CHAPTER  XVI.  B.  C.  ,,  43 


'for  tsoag : "he  instructed  about  the  song,  because 
he  was  skilful. 

23  And  Berechiah  and  Elkanali  were  'door- 
keepers for  the  ark. 

24  And  Shebaniah,  and  Jehoshaphat,  and 
Nethaneel,  and  Amasai,  and  Zechariah,  and 
Benaiah,  and  Eliezer,  “the  priests,  did  blow  with 
the  trumpets  before  the  ark  of  God  : and  “Obed- 
edom  and  Jehiah  were  doorkeepers  lor  the  ark. 

25  31  So  "David  and  the  elders  of  Israel,  and 
the  ^captains  over  thousands,  went  to  bring  up 
the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  out  ot  the 
house  of  “Obed-edom  “with  joy. 

26  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  bGod  helped 
the  Levites  that  bare  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of 
the  Lord,  that  “they  offered  dseven  bullocks  and 
seven  rams. 

27  And  David  was  clothed  with  ea  robe  of  fine 
linen,  and  all  the  Levites  that  bare  the  ark,  and 
the  singers,  and  rChenaniah  the  master  of  the 
Jsong  with  the  singers : David  also  had  upon  him 
an  ephod  of  linen. 

28  Thus  all  Israel  ^brought  up  the  ark  of  the 
covenant  of  the  Lord  hwith  shouting,  and  with 
sound  of  the  cornet,  and  with  trumpets,  and  with 
cymbals,  making  a noise  with  psalteries  and  harps. 

29  11  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  the  'ark  of  the 
covenant  of  the  kLoRD  came  to  the  city  of  David, 
that  ‘IVlichal  the  daughter  of  Saul  looking  out  at 

• Or , for  t\e  carraige : he  instructed  about  the  carriage.  T Hcb.  lift- 
ing up.  16, /7.  r 25:7,8.  8 9:21— 23.  2 Kings  22:4.  2-5: 18.  Pa.  84:10.  t 16: 

6.  Num.  1 0 : S.  2 Chr.  5:12,13.  Ps.  81:3.  u 18,23.  x 2 Sam.  6:12,13.  1 Kings 

*8:1.  y Num.  31:14.  Deut.  1:15.  1 Sam.  8:12.  10:19.22:7.  Mic.5:2.  z 13:14. 
a 13:11,12.  Deut.  12:7,18.  16:11,15.  2 Chr.  20:27,28.  Ezra  6:16.  Ps.  95:1,2.  100: 
1,2.  Phil.  3:3.  4:4.  b 29:14 . 1 Sam.  7: 12.  Acts  26:22.  2 Cor.  2:16.  3:5. 

c 2 Sam.  6:13.  Ps.  66:13— 15.  d Num.  23: 1 ,2,4,29  . 29:32.  Job  42:8.  Ez.  43:23. 
e 1 Sam.  2:18.  2 Sam.  6:14.  f 22.  1 Or,  carriage.  22.  g 2Sarn.  6:15.  h 16. 
13:8.  2 Chr.  5:12,13.  Ezra  3:10,11.  Ps.  47:1— 5.  68:25.  98:4—6.  150:3—5.  i 17: 
1.  Num.  10:33.  Deut.  31:26.  Josh.  4:7.  Judg.  20:27.  1 Sam.  4:3.  Jer.3:16. 
He>.  9:4.  k 2Sam.6:16.  1 1 Sam.  18:27,28.  19:11— 17.  25:44.  2 Sam.  3:13,14. 


which  cither  signify  treble  and  bass,  or  some  particular  tunes, 
or  the  construction  of  the  instruments  to  which  the  composi- 
tions were  adapted.  ( Notes , Ps.  6:  title.  46:  title.) 

V.  22.  Chenaniah  seems  to  have  been  the  precentor , and 
the  principal  instrucler  of  all  the  company  in  singing : though 
Heman,  Asaph,  and  Ethan  had  the  chief  authority  over  the 
singers  and  musicians  of  the  families  of  the  Levites.  (Marg. 
Ref.  v.  17.) 

V.  23,  24.  Perhaps  Berechiah  and  Elkanah  were  stationed 
on  mount  Zion,  to  open  the  doors  of  the  tent,  when  the  ark 
approached  to  it ; and  when  the  singers  called  on  them  for 
admission.  (Note,  Ps.  24:7 — 10.)  And  Obed-edom  and 
Jehiah  were  afterwards  appointed  statedly  to  guard  the  door 
of  the  tent,  that  none  might  enter,  but  according  to  the  law. — 
The  blowing  of  the  trumpets  was  exclusively  the  office  of  the 
priests.  (Marg.  Ref.  t.  Note,  Num.  10:2 — 10.) 

V.  26.  The  Levites  offered  these  sacrifices  on  their  own 
account,  besides  those  which  David  offered.  (Note,  2 Sam. 
6:12,13.)  Thus  they  acknowledged  the  unmerited  goodness 
of  God,  in  enabling  them  with  safety  to  perform  the  service 
allotted  them  ; probably  being  conscious,  that  Uzzah  had  been 
smitten,  as  much  through  their  fault  as  for  his  own. — Some 
think  that  they  rested  seven  times,  and  offered  a bullock 
and  a ram  each  time.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  27,  28.  Note,  2 Sam.  6:14,15. 

V.  29.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  6:16,20 — 23.)  1 She  was  a proud 
woman,  and  ’tis  likely  had  no  great  sense  of  religion,  which  in 
the  reign  of  Saul  . . . was  much  neglected.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  most  zealous  and  useful  reformers  have,  in  all  ages, 
been  left  to  make  mistakes,  which  inferior  persons  could 
easily  discern  ; and  especially,  before  their  judgments  were 
matured  by  experience  and  observation.  Satan  avails  him- 
self of  these  errors  to  prejudice  the  minds  of  men  against  their 
A’hole  character  and  work : and  the  artifice  readily  succeeds 
with  those,  who  are  in  quest  of  some  specious  pretence,  for 
despising  and  opposing  the  humbling  truths  and  the  holy  ser- 
vice of  God.  But,  we  should  hence  infer,  that  nothing  perfect 
can  be  expected  from  mere  men  ; and  we  should  neither  be 
offended  at  the  miscarriages  blended  with  laudable  and  useful 
endeavours  ; nor  yet  vindicate  or  adopt  every  sentiment  and 
practice,  which  have  been  sanctioned  by  respectable  and 
eminent  men:  but,  we  should  compare  all,  as  well  as  we 
can,  with  the  word  of  God  ; and  by  that  criterion  distinguish 
between  the  precious  and  the  vile.  Wise  and  good  men, 
however,  will  profit  by  rebukes  ; having  discovered,  they  will 
honestly  confess,  their  mistakes,  and  acknowledge  that  they 
“did  not  seek  the  Lord  after  the  due  order;”  and,  upon 
^collection,  they  will  both  justify  him  in  his  sharpest  correc- 
tions, and  proceed  with  their  work  with  greater  circumspec- 
tion. It  indeed,  seems  one  of  the  greatest  attainments  of 
human  nature,  to  search  out,  confess,  rectify,  and  profit  by, 
our  own  mistakes  and  miscarriages. — The  Lord’s  choice  of 
us,  in  every  sense  in  which  that  expression  is  used  or  under- 


a window,  saw  king  David  "“dancing  and  playing 
and  "she  despised  him  in  her  heart. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

The  ark  being  placed  in  its  tent,  David  offers  sacrifices,  and  liberally  fecs't 
the  people,  1 — 3.  He  appoints  singers  and  musicians  to  praise  the  Lxnd, 
4 — 6.  The  psfUm  of  thanksgiving  then  used,! — 36.  The  priests,  singers, 
and  porters  appointcel  to  minister  continually  before  the  ark,  37 — 42.  David 
dismisses  the  people,  43. 

• ^O  “they  brought  the  ark  of  God,  and  set  it  'in 

0 the  midst  of  the  tent  that  David  pitched  for 
it:  and  "they  offered  burnt-sacrifices  and  peace- 
offerings  before  God. 

2 And  when  David  had  made  an  end  of  offering 
dthe  burnt-offerings,  and  the  peace-offerings,  “he 
blessed  the  people  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

3 And  lie  dealt  to  every  one  of  Israel,  both  man 
and  woman,  fto  every  one  a loaf  of  bread,  and 
good  piece  of  flesh,  and  a flagon  of  wine. 

4 H And  5he  appointed  certain  of  the  Levites  to 
hminister  before  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  and  1 to  re- 
cord, and  to  thank  and  praise  lthe  Lord  God  of 
Israel : 

5 kAsaph  the  chief,  and  next  to  him  Zechariah 
Jeiel,  and  Shemiramoth,  and  Jehiel,  and  Matta 
thiah,  and  Eliab,  and  Benaiah,  and  Obed-edom  : 
and  Jeiel  with  'psalteries  and  with  harps ; but 
Asaph  made  a sound  with  cymbals; 

6 Benaiah  also  and  Jahaziel  the  priests  'with 
trumpets  continually  before  the  ark  of  the  covenant 
of  God. 

7 H Then  raon  that  day  David  delivered  first 

m Ex.  15:20.  Ps.  30:11 . 149:3. 150:4.  Ec.  3:4.  Jer.  30:19.  33:11.  n2Sam,6: 
20—23.  Ps.  69:7 — 9.  Acts2:13.  lCor.2:14.  2C'or.5:I3.  a 2 Sam.  6:17— 19. 

1 Kings  8:6.  2 Chr.  5:7.  b 15:1,12.  2Chr.!:4.  Ps.  132.8.  c 1 Kings  8:5. 

2 Chr.  5:6.  Ezra  6:16 — 18.  d Uv.  1:3.  e Gen.  14:19.  20:7.  47:7,10.  Nim.6: 

23—27.  Josh. 22:6.  2Sam.6:18.  1 Kings  3:55,56  . 2 Chr.  29:29.  30:18— 20,27. 
Luke  24:50,51.  Heb.7:7.  f 2 ( hr.  30:24.  35:7,8.  Neh.  8:10.  Ei.  45:17.  1 Pet. 
4:9.  g 15:16.  23:2—6.  24:3.  h 37—42.  23:27—32.  Num.  18:1—6.  i 8.  Ps. 
38:  70:  titles.  103:2.  105:5.  Is.  62:6,7.  j Gen.  17:7.  32:28.  33.20.  marg.  1 Kings 
8:15.  Ps.  72:18.  106:48.  k See  on  6:39.  15:16— 24.  25:1— 6. *  * Heb.  instru- 

ments of  psalteries  and  harps.  15:20,21.  2 Cl>r.  29:25.  1 Num.  1U:8.  2 Chr. 
5:12,13.  13:12.  29: -6 — 28.  m 2 Sam.  23:1 ,2.  2 Chr.  29:30.  Neh.  12:24. 

stood,  implies  our  being  chosen  to  services,  as  well  as  privU 
leges  ; and  plain  and  serious  admonitions,  from  those  who  lead 
the  way  by  a good  example,  and  whose  rank  and  character 
give  weight  and  authority  to  their  words,  will  often  excite  the 
remiss  to  diligence,  and  the  ignorant  and  heedless  to  lcaro 
and  attend  to  their  duty. — But  alas  ! pre-eminence  is  gene- 
rally privileged  with  supineness  and  indulgence : and  too 
often,  examples  of  avarice,  pride,  and  licentiousness,  become 
infamously  conspicuous,  through  the  rank  of  those  who  set 
them  ; diffusing  their  baleful  influence,  like  a destructive  pes- 
tilence, among  the  subordinate  members  of  the  community 
We  have  all,  however,  our  proper  place,  work,  and  talent; 
every  servant  should  know  well  his  own  business,  and  punctu- 
ally execute  it ; and  this  cannot  be  done  without  attention  to 
the  Scriptures,  and  preparation  of  heart  by  the  sanctification 
of  the  Spirit,  vouchsafed  in  answer  to  our  prayers. — Every 
thing  we  engage  in,  must  he  undertaken  in  dependence  on  the 
mercy  and  grace  of  God  through  the  atoning  sacrifice  of  the 
Redeemer : and,  as  “ it  is  of  the  Lord’s  mercy,  that  we  are 
not  consumed  so,  if  we  go  successfully  and  comfortably 
through  any  sevice,  we  must  remember  that  God  has  helped 
us,  and  give  him  the  glory;  for  without  him  we  can  do 
nothing.  When  God  accepts  our  persons  and  our  works, 
makes  our  hearts  joyful  in  himself,  and  renders  our  services 
beneficial  to  his  church  ; we  may  indeed  expect,  but  need 
not  regard,  the  scoffs  and  reproaches  of  unbelievers  : and  we 
must  learn  to  bear  them  with  patience,  and  to  persevere  in 
our  compassionate  prayers  for  those,  who  are  thus  enemies 
to  their  own  souls  by  opposing  the  cause  of  God,  which  we 
are  honoured  to  promote. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XVI.  V.  1—3.  Notes,  2 Sam.  6: 
17—19. 

V.  4 — 6.  These  Levites  were  appointed  “ to  record,”  or 
to  put  the  people  in  remembrance  of  the  wonderful  works  of 
God  for  Israel,  as  well  as  to  thank  him  and  praise  his  name. 
(Note,  Is.  62:6,7*)  Doubtless,  David  acted  as  a prophet  in 
regulating  this  part  of  divine  worship  : and  his  example  will 
not  justify  uninspired  men,  in  introducing  human  inventions 
into  the  worship  of  God,  and  imposing  them  by  their  own 
authority ; for  when  Hezekiah  made  similar  arrangements, 
he  only  enforced  what  David  had  appointed.  (2  Chr.  29:26 — 
28.)  Yet  it  is  evident  that  the  other  kings  of  Judah,  and 
Nehemiah  after  the  captivity,  in  many  things  commanded  and 
directed  the  Levites  and  priests,  and  even  the  high-priest,  in 
respect  of  their  ministrations;  and  that  when  they  exercised 
this  authority  in  religious  concerns,  according  to  the  word  of 
God,  they  were  approved  and  comaiended  for  so  doing.  As 
this  is  no  where  enjoined  on  rulers  in  the  law  of  Moses ; it 
seems  by  no  means  exclusively  to  belong  to  that  dispensa- 
tion, but  to  be  the  proper  improvement  of  the  talents  intrust  ca 
to  them  ; while  an  unscriptural  exercise  of  this  authority  con- 
stituted an  abuse  and  perversion  of  their  talents.  (N'-f*.  2 
Kings  16:10—16.  2 Chr.  15:12—19.  29:12,15,21—24.  20.12. 
U:2— 4,20,21  34:20—28.  35:1—9.  Neh.  13:7-13,28-  iii. 

( 731  ) 


B.  C.  1043.  I.  CHRONICLES.  B.  C.  1043, 


this  psalm , to  thank  the  Lord,  "into  the  hand  of 
Asaph  and  his  brethren. 

8 "Give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  Pcall  upon  his 
name,  intake  known  his  deeds  among  the  peo- 
ple. 

9 "Sing-  unto  him,  sing  "psalms  unto  him,  ‘talk 
ye  of  all  his  wondrous  works. 

10  “Glory  ye  in  his  holy  name  : xlet  the  heart  of 
them  rejoice  that  seek  the  Lord. 

11  rSeek  the  Lord  and  "his  strength,  a seek  his 
face  continually. 

12  bRemember  his  marvellous  works  that  he 
hath  done,  his  wonders,  and  cthe  judgments  of  his 
mouth  ; 

13  0 (1ye  seed  of  Israel,  his  servant,  ye  children 
of  Jacob,  ehis  chosen  ones. 

[Practical  Observations."] 

14  He  is  fthe  Lord  our  God;  §his  judgments 
are  in  all  the  earth. 

15  Be  hye  mindful  always  of  his  covenant;  the 

q P6.  12:  18:  titles,  o See  on  Pe.  105:1—15.  p Is.  12:4.  Acis  9:14.  1 Cor.  1:2. 
q 1 Kings  8:43.  2 Kings  19:19.  Ps.  67:2— 4.  78:3— 6.  145:5,6.  r Ps.  95:1,2  . 96: 1 , 
2.98:1—4.  s Matt*  26:30.  Kpli.5-.19.  Col.  3:16.  Jam.  5:13.  t Ps.  40:10.  71:17, 
18.96:3.145:4—6.12.  u Ps.  34.2.  Is.  45:25.  Jer.  9:23,24.  1 Cor.  1 ;30,31 . Gr. 
x 28:9.  Prov.  8:17.  Is.  45:19.  55:6,7.  Jer.  29:13.  Matt.  7:7,8.  y Am.  5:6. 
Zeph.  2:2,3.  z 2 Chr.  6:41 . Ps. 68:35.  78:61 . a Pa.  4:6.  27:8,9.  67:1.  b 8,9. 
Ps.  103:2.  111:4.  c Ps.  19:9.  1 19:13,20,75.137.  Rom.  11.33.  Rev.  16:7.  19:2. 
d Cen.  17:7.  28:13,14.  35:10—12.  e Ex.  19:5,6.  Deut.  7:6.  Ps.  135:4.  1 Pet. 2: 

9.  f Ex.  15:2.  Ps.  63:1.  95:7.  100:3.  118:28.  g 12.  Ps.  48:10,11.  97:8,9.  h Ps. 

Ez.  45:18 — 25.) — The  use  of  instrumental  music  in  the  wor- 
ship of  God  was  evidently  prior  to  the  ceremonial  law ; and 
therefore  could  form  no  part  of  it,  or  be  abrogated  with  it: 
and  though  it  is  not  required  in  the  New  Testament ; yet  it 
seems  no  way  inconsistent  with  it,  provided  it  be  suited  to  the 
solemnity  and  seriousness  of  our  religious  rejoicing,  and  so 
regulated  as  really  to  assist  the  exercise  of  devout  affections. 
The  sad  abuse  of  making,  what  is  called  sacred  music , a 
matter  of  mere  carnal  diversion , with  some  other  subordinate 
evils  of  the  same  kind,  form  the  strongest  arguments  against 
it.  (Note,  Ex.  15:1.) — The  trumpets  alone  were  appointed 
in  the  law,  and  had  a typical  meaning.  (Note,  Num.  10:2 — 

10.  P.  O.  1—10.) 

V.  7.  The  psalm,  which  was  sung  on  this  solemn  occa- 
sion, is  composed  of  extracts  from  several  psalms.  ( Marg . 
Ref.)  To  the  twenty-second  verse  inclusive  is  nearly  the 
same  as  the  former  part  of  the  cv.  Psalm:  from  the  twenty- 
third  verse  to  the  thirty-third,  it  accords  to  the  xcvi.  Psalm  ; 
and  the  conclusion,  to  that  of  the  cvi.  Psalm.  Probably 
David  had  these  by  him,  with  many  others,  for  his  own  private 
use  ; and  he  composed  from  them  a song  of  praise  and 
thanksgiving,  to  record  the  mercies  of  the  Lord,  suited  to  the 
solemnity.  But,  afterwards  he  gave  the  other  psalms  also, 
one  after  another,  into  the  hands  of  the  chief  singers,  for  the 
benefit  of  the  people  who  attended  the  worship  performed 
before  the  ark. 

To  thank  the  Lord.]  4 To  give  him  thanks  (as  Conradus 
Pellicanus  well  glosses)  for  all  his  benefits,  he  had  bestowed 
on  his  people  Israel,  and  which  he  intended  to  bestow  on  all 
the  people  of  this  world  by  his  Son  Christ.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  8,  9.  In  these  verses  the  inspired  and  enraptured 
Psalmist  excited  the  people,  and  taught  them  to  animate  each 
other,  in  blessing  the  God  of  Israel  for  all  his  mercies,  and 
in  celebrating  his  glorious  perfections,  which  are  worthy  to  be 
known,  admired,  and  extolled ; and  which  render  him  the 
meet  object  of  the  universal  and  entire  love,  worship,  confi- 
dence, and  obedience  of  all  rational  creatures.  He  also  ex- 
horted them  to  meditate,  and  converse  frequently,  on  the 
wonderful  works  of  Jehovah,  and  to  proclaim  them  before 
others  ; to  call  on  him  in  all  their  wants  and  dangers  ; and  by 
every  means  to  adore  and  praise  him.  (Notes,  Ps.  96:1 — 4. 
105:1,2.  Is.  12:4— 6.) 

V.  10.  To  “ glory  in  God,”  is  to  value  our  relation  to  him, 
as  our  honour  and  privilege,  far  above  all  other  distinctions  ; 
to  make  that  alone  the  ground  of  our  confidence  and  exulta- 
tion ; to  account  ourselves  in  this,  more  happy,  more  ho- 
noured, and  more  favoured,  than  any  other  people.  To  “glory 
in  his  holy  name,”  is  to  rejoice  and  exult  in  his  immutable 
wisdom,  justice,  truth,  and  love.  ( Notes,  Is.  45:23 — 25.  Jer . 
9:23,24.  1 Cor.  1:26—3 1.  Phil.  3:1— 7,  u.  3.)  And  even 

they,  who  arc  only  beginning  to  seek  the  Lord,  may  rejoice 
that  he  is  upon  a mercy-seat,  ready  to  receive  their  submis- 
sions, to  hear  their  prayers^  to  forgive  their  sins,  to  supply 
their  wants,  and  to  save  their  souls.  (Marg.  Ref .) 

V.  1 1.  “Seeking  the  Lord”  implies  an  earnest  and  dili- 
gent endeavour  to  obtain  the  knowledge  and  favour  of  God, 
according  to  the  revelation  made  of  him  in  his  word  ; the 
renewal  of  the  soul  to  holiness  by  his  grace,  the  safety  to  bo 
enjoyed  under  his  omnipotent  protection,  and  the  comfort  and 
support  of  his  Spirit  under  all  trials  and  temptations,  till  his 
strength  has  perfected  the  work  of  his  mercy  in  the  full  salva- 
tion of  both  body  and  soul ; when  present  glimpses  of  his  glory, 
and  experience  of  his  love,  shall  be  perfected,  by  beholding 
the  full  display  of  that  glory,  and  enjoying  the  full  effects  of 
that  love,  in  heaven  for  ever.  (Notes,  Ps.  14:2,3.  27:8,9.  Is. 

Matt.  6:33,34.  7:7 — 11.) — The  gracious  aid  and  pro- 

( 732  ) 


word  which  he  commanded  to  'a  thousand  gene 
rations ; 

16  Even  of  the  covenant  k which  he  made  with 
Abraham,  and  of  his  oath  unto  Isaac; 

17  And  hath  confirmed  the  same  to  Jacob,  'for 
a law,  and  to  Israel  for  man  everlasting  covenant, 

18  Saying,  "Unto  thee  will  I give  the  land  o; 
Canaarij  the  'lot  of  your  “inheritance; 

19  When  ye  were  but  'few,  even  fa  few,  and 
strangers  in  it. 

20  And  when  ithey  went  from  nation  to  nation, 
and  from  one  kingdom  to  another  people  : 

21  rHe  suffered  no  man  to  do  them  wrong : 
yea,  "he  reproved  kings  for  their  sakes, 

22  Saying,  Touch  not  ‘mine  anointed,  and  do 
my  “prophets  no  harm. 

23  xSing  unto  the  Lord,  all  the  earth;  "show 
forth  from  day  to  day  his  salvation. 

24  "Declare  his  glory  among  the  heathen ; his 
marvellous  works  among  all  nations. 

25:10.  44:17.  105:8.  Mai.  4:4.  i Deut.  7:9.  It  Geo.  15:18.  17:2.26:3.28:13,14 
Ex.  3:15.  Neh.  9:8.  Luke  1:72,73.  Acls3:25.  Gal.  3:15— 17.  Heb. 6:13— 18. 
IPs.  78:10.  m Gen.  17:7,8.  2 Sam.  23:5.  Is.  55:3.  Heb.  13:20.  n Gen.  12:7. 
13:15.17.8.28:13,14.  35:11,12.  ■ Heb.  cord.  Mic.2:5.  o Num.  26:53— 56. 

Dent.  32:8.  f Heb . m*n  of  number . p Gen.  34:30.  Acts  7:5.  Heb. 11:13. 
q Gen.  12:10.20:1.46.3,6,  r Gen.  31 :24,29,42.  s Gen.  12: 17.  20:3.  Ex.  7:16, 
17.9:13—18.  t 1 Kings  19:16.  1 John  2:27.  u Gen.  20:7.  27:39,40.  48:19,20. 
49:8—10.  x See  on  9.  Ps.  96:1— 13.  Ex.  15:21 . Ps.  30:4.  Is.  12:5.  y Ps.  40. 
10.71:15.16.51:6—8.  z 2 Kings  19:19.  Ps.  22:27.  Is.  12:2— 6.  Dan.  4:1— 3. 


tectionof  Jehovah  were  ensured  to  Israel,  when  they  sought 
him  as  dwelling  between  the  cherubim  above  the  ark : there- 
fore the  ark  itself  is  called  “ his  strength  and  this  implies, 
that  we  must  “seek  the  Lord,”  through  Christ,  and  according 
to  the  gospel.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  12,  13.  “The  judgments  of  his  mouth,”  may  either 
mean,  the  righteous  laws  and  statutes  given  to  Israel,  or  the 
just  vengeance  which  God  denounced  and  executed  on  his 
enemies, in  Egypt,  in  the  wilderness,  and  in  Canaan.  (Marg. 
Ref.  Notes , Deut.  7:6 — 8.  Is.  41:8,9.) 

V.  14.  Israel,  as  the  peculiar  people  of  Jehovah,  were 
bound  to  worship  and  obey  him  ; and  ought  to  glory  and  re- 
joice in  him.  Indeed,  his  word  and  his  works,  both  of  mercy 
and  vengeance,  which  had  become  known  and  renowned 
among  the  nations  far  and  wide,  suggested  powerful  motives 
both  of  warning  and  encouragement,  to  his  professed  servants. 
He  also  governs  the  whole  earth  injustice  and  in  judgment: 
and  is  continually  executing,  in  his  providence,  deserved  pu- 
nishment upon  offending  nations  and  individuals.  His  judg- 
ments were  made  known  in  all  the  earth,  in  a most  striking 
manner,  when  Christianity  was  established  in  the  world , 
while  the  nation  of  the  Jews,  and  the  idolatrous  Gentiles,  who 
opposed  the  cause  of  Christ,  were  exposed  to  the  most  ter- 
rible and  durable  calamities. 

V.  15 — 19.  (Note,  Ps.  105:8 — 15,  v.  8.)  The  covenant* 
of  Jehovah  with  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  engaged  to 
their  posterity  the  inheritance  of  Canaan.  This  was  abso* 
lute,  as  a law  which  required  prompt  obedience.  Their  de- 
scendants must  inherit  the  land  ; but,  which  of  their  genera- 
tions, or  for  how  long  a time  that  should  be,  depended  on 
other  circumstances,  which  were  declared  and  stipulated  by 
the  Sinai-covenant.  (Notes,  Gen.  17:4 — 12.  26:2 — 5.  28:13 
—15.  Ex.  19:5.  24:6—8.  Jer.  31:31— 34.  Gal.  3:15 — 18L 

Heb.  6:16 — 20.  8:7 — 13.) — 4 What  he  had  first  promised  to 
Abraham,  and  confirmed  to  Isaac,  by  a solemn  oath,  he 
established  to  Jacob  by  an  inviolable  law,  to  endure  for  ever. 
Bp.  Patrick.  A thousand  generations  is  a large  definite 
number  taken  for  an  indefinite  one  ; (Deut.  7:9.)  and  this 
language  was  suited  to  lead  the  thoughts  of  pious  Israelites 
to  the  eternal  inheritance  typified  by  Canaan.  The  oath,  by 
which  the  Lord  condescended  to  ratify  this  engagement, 
showed  the  immutability  of  his  counsel,  and  represented  the 
covenant  of  grace,  as  irreversibly  confirmed  with  every  true 
believer. — David  called  upon  the  people  to  remember  ths 
covenant;  that,  considering  from  how  small  beginnings 
through  how  many  and  formidable  difficulties,  and  after  how 
many  delays,  the  engagement  of  the  Lord  had  been  fulfilled  ; 
they  might  be  animated  to  praise  him,  encouraged  to  trusl 
him,  and  induced  to  cleave  to  and  obey  him. 

V.  20 — 22.  (Notes,  Gen.  20:1 — 7.  26:11.)  The  Patriarchs 
were  the  Lord’s  anointed,  as  they  were  believers,  prophets, 
and  types  and  ancestors  of  Christ  ; in  respect  of  the  Lord’s 
choice  of  them,  his  grace  bestowed  on  them,  and  their  spiritual 
consecration  to  his  service  ; though  they  wore  not  externally 
anointed  with  oil,  that  we  read  of.  (Marg.  RvJ.  Notes , 1 
John  2:20—29.) 

V.  23,24.  Having  taken  a suitable  passage  from  one  psalm, 
to  stir  up  the  congregation  to  celebrate  the  praises  of  God, 
for  his  special  mercies  to  Israel ; David  introduces  another 
psalm,  and  adds  a solemn  call  to  all  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth  to  join  in  his  praises,  as  the  only  living  ind  true 
God,  the  Creator  and  Judge  of  the  world,  and  the  God  of  sal- 
vation ; and  from  day  to  day  to  make  known  his  glory  and 
salvation  still  more  widely.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ps.  961  -4.) 

4 Let  not  only  the  Israelites  praise  him,  but  a/1  the  people  of 
the  earth  acknowledge  their  greut  Creator;  proclaim  nis 


B.  C.  1043. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


B.  C.  1043 


25  For  “great,  is  -,he  Lord,  and  greatly  to  be 
praised  : blie  also  is  to  be  feared  above  all  gods. 

26  For  call  the  s:ods  of  the  people  are  idols:  but 
4the  Lord  made  the  heavens. 

27  “Glory  and  honour  are  in  his  presence ; 
f Strength  and  gladness  are  in  his  splace. 

28  ’’Give  unto  the  Lord  'ye  kindreds  of  the  peo- 
ple, give  unto  the  Lord  Jglory  and  strength. 

29  Give  unto  the  Lord  kthe  glory  due  unto  his 
name:  'bring  an  offering,  and  “come  before  him: 
worship  the  Lord  in  "the  beauty  of  holiness. 

[ Practical  Observations .] 

30  Fear  “before  him,  all  the  earth:  the  world 
also  shall  be  ^stable,  that  it  be  not  moved. 

31  Let  ot.he  heavens  be  glad,  and  rlet  the  earth 
rejoice  : and  let  men  say  among  the  nations,  'The 
Lord  reigneth. 

32  Let  ‘the  sea  roar,  and  the  fulness  thereof : 
let  the  “fields  rejoice,  and  all  that  is  therein. 

a Ps.  89:7.  145:3-6.  18.40:11-17.  Rev. 15:3,4.  b Ex.  15:11.  Ps.  66:3— 5.  76:7. 
Jer.  5:22.  10:6— 10.  Rev.  15:4.  c Lev.  19:4.  Ps.  1 15:4— 8.  Acls  19:26.  1 Cor. 
8 4.  d U.  42:5.  Jer.  10:11,12.  e Ps.  8:1.  16:11. 63:2,3.  John  17:24.  fPs.27: 
4-6.23:7,8.43:2-4.  ? Ps.  96:6.  h Pa.  29:1,2.  68:34.  i Ps.  66-1,2.  67:4,7.  86: 
8— 10.  98:4.  100:1,2.  Ia.  11:10.  j 29:10 — 14.  Ps. 115:1,2.  I Cor.  15: 10.  2 Cor. 
12:9,10.  E|ih.  1:6,17—19.  Phil.  4:13.  k Ps.  89:5-8.  108:3—5.  148:13,14.  Is.  6: 
3.  Rev.  4:9— 11. 5:12— 14.  7:12.  I 1 Kings  8:41— 43.  Ps.  68:30,31. 72:10,15.  Is. 
80:6,7.  m Ps.  95:2.  100:4.  n 2 Chr.  20:21.  Ps.  29:2. 50:2.  96:6,9.  110:3.  Ex. 
7:20.24:25.  o See  on  23,25.  Ps.  96:9.  Rev.  11:15.  p Ps.  33:9.  93:1.  148:5,6. 


promised  salvation  by  Christ  without  intermission.’  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  25,  26.  The  power  and  majesty,  the  authority  and 
eternity,  the  omniscience,  omnipresence,  and  unchangeable- 
ness of  God,  are  his  greatness:  as  his  justice,  wisdom,  truth, 
goodness,  and  mercy,  form  his  holiness.  In  both  respects  he 
is  altogether  glorious,  and  infinitely  exceeds  the  most  exalted 
praises,  and  even  the  comprehension,  of  the  noblest  of  all 
created  intelligences.  Thus  he  is  the  sole  object  of  fear,  and 
reverential  worship,  and  adoring  love  ; while  all  others,  to 
whom  divine  worship  ever  was  rendered,  are  either  senseless 
stocks,  fallen  angels,  or  mere  creatures,  who  cannot  help  their 
worshippers,  or  punish  their  despisers.  ( Notes , Ps.  96:5. 
Jer.  10:6— 8,11— 15.  Rev.  15:1— 4.) 

V.  27.  (Ps.  96:6.)  Wherever  the  Lord  displays  his  pre- 
sence by  his  works,  he  shows  the  glory  and  honour  of  his 
perfections:  but,  in  heaven,  where  his  presence  is  manifested, 
in  a manner  to  us  inconceivable  and  ineffable,  his  glory  and 
honour  beam  forth  upon  the  blessed  inhabitants,  so  as  to 
transform  them  fully  into  his  holy  image  of  light,  purity,  and 
felicity,  and  to  be  reflected  back  in  their  rapturous  unceasing 
worship  and  service  of  him.  This  is,  in  a feeble  way,  imi- 
tated and  emulated,  “ in  his  place,"  his  sanctuary,  his  church 
on  earth.  There  his  power  and  beauty  are  in  a measure 
displayed ; and  the  true  believer,  beholding  in  Christ  Jesus 
the  glory  of  the  Lord,  “ is  changed  into  the  same  image,  from 
glory  to  glory,  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord and  thus  is  both 
made  meet  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light,  and  enjoys 
the  earnests  of  it.  (Notes,  Ps.  27:4—6.  50:1,2.  63:1 — 4. 
2 Cor.  3:17,18.) 

V.  28,  29.  This  is  an  exhortation  to  all  who  then  heard, 
and  all  who  now  hear  or  read  it,  to  “ascribe  to  Jehovah” 
the  tribute  of  praise  and  adoration,  which  he  demands  as  his 
due ; to  allow  that  all  glory  belongs  to  him,  and  that  all  power 
resides  in  him,  or  is  derived  from  him  ; and  to  render  to  him 
that  gratitude,  love,  and  service,  which  is  due  to  him  from  all, 
as  their  Creator  and  hourly  Benefactor.  (Notes,  Ps.  29:1,2. 
96:7—9. ) This  cannot  be  withheld  without  the  basest  ingra- 
titude.— “All  the  kindreds  of  the  earth”  form  but  one  family, 
and  ought  to  unite  in  the  service  of  their  common  Father. 
But  all  had  sinned  and  fallen  under  condemnation:  yet, 
through  the  Redeemer,  who  was  promised  from  the  beginning, 
all  were  invited  to  approach  the  Lord  with  their  worship  and 
oblations  at  his  sanctuary.  This  may  be  called,  “ the  beauty 
of  holiness,”  from  the  especial  presence  of  the  Lord,  dwelling 
above  the  ark  between  the  cherubim,  upon  the  mercy-seat, 
as  Israel’s  God;  as  typifying  the  human  nature  of  Jesus 
Christ;  and  representing  the  believer’s  heart,  now  become 
“ an  habitation  of  God  through  the  Spirit.”  AY  hen,  however, 
we  approach  the  F ather,  upon  a mercy-seat,  through  the  sacri- 
fice and  mediation  of  the  Son,  and  under  the  influences  of  the 
Hcly  Spirit;  then,  and  then  only,  do  we,  in  the  full  meaning 
3f  the  words,  “ worship  the  Lord  in  the  beauty  of  holiness.” 

V.  30.  Let  all  men  fear  the  power,  justice,  and  majesty 
of  God  : let  them  fear  his  wrath,  and  flee  for  refuge  to  his 
rnrrcy ; let  them  reverence  his  authority  and  excellency,  and 
learn  to  worship  and  obey  him.  (Notes,  Gen.  22:11,12.  1 

Kings  8:41 — 43.)  If  this  were  done,  it  would  render  the  moral 
state  of  the  world  as  stable  and  immoveable,  and  keep  every 
thing  in  as  great  order  and  regularity,  as  his  creating  and 
upholding  word  has  established  the  natural  state  of  it:  and  to 
this  the  gospel  is  suited  to  bring  all  who  embrace  it.  (Note. 
Ps.  75:2,3.  96:10.) 

V.  31.  Wise,  righteous,  and  good  kings,  and  equitable 
•aws,  impartially  administered,  make  prosperous  nations ; and 
all  good  subjects  must  rejoice  in  a government  of  this  descrip- 
tion : but  traitors  and  criminals  tremble  on  that  very  account. 


33  Then  shall  'the  trees  of  the  wood  sing  out 
at  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  ^because  he  conieth 
to  judge  the  earth. 

34  O 'give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  ; for  he  w 
good  ; for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

35  And  say  ye,  “Save  us,  O God  of  our  salva- 
tion, and  gather  us  together,  and  deliver  us  from 
the  heathen,  bthat  we  may  give  thanks  to  thy 
holy  name,  and  “glory  in  thy  praise. 

36  “'Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  for  ever 
and  ever.  And  all  the  people  “said,  Amen,  and 
praised  the  Lord. 

37  H So  he  left  there,  f before  the  ark  of  the 
covenant  of  the  Lord,  Asaph  and  his  brethren,  to 
minister  before  the  ark  continually,  &as  every  day’s 
work  required  : 

38  And  hObed-edom  with  their  brethren^  three- 
score and  eisrht ; Obed-edom  also  the  son  of 'Jedu- 
thun,  and  Hosah  to  be  porters : 

Is.  49:8.  Jer.  10:12.  Col.  1:17.  Heb.  1:3.  q Ps.  19:1. 89:5.  148:1— 4.  Luke2< 
13,14.  15:10.  r Ps.  97:1. 98:4.  Luke  2:10.  s Ps.  93:1,2.  96:10.  99:1.  145:1.  Is 
33:22.  Mali.  6:13.  Rev.  19:6.  t Ps.  93:4.98:7.  u Ps.  98:8.  148:9,10.  Is.  44:23. 
x Ps. 96:12,13  Ex.  17:22-24.  y Ps.  98:9.  2 Tlies.  1 .8,10.  2Pel.3:14.  Rev. 
11:17,18.  x Ezra  3:11 . Ps.  106:1.  107:1.  118:1 . 136: 1 , Sc.  Jer.  33: 1 1 . a Ps. 
14:7.53:6.79:9,10.  b Ps.  105:45.  Is.  43:21.  Eph.  1:12.  1 Pet.  2:5,9.  c 9,10. 
Ps.44-8.  Is.  45:25.  1 Cor.  1:31:  d 1 Kings  8:15,56.  Ps.  72:18,19.  106:48.  Eph 

1:3.  I Pet.  1:3.  e Deul.  27:15— 26.  Nth.  8.6.  Jer.  28:6.  1 Cor.  14:16.  1 See  on 
4—6.15:17—24.25:1—6.  g 2 Chr.  8:14.  Exra  3:4.  h 13:14.  26:4 — 8.  i 25:3 

The  Lord,  who  reigns  over  all,  is  perfect  in  his  character,  his 
law,  and  his  administration:  this  alone  would  be  cause  ol 
universal  joy,  if  all  men  were  loyal  and  obedient ; but  it 
speaks  terror  to  the  sinner’s  conscience.  Yet,  as  the  Lord 
reigneth  in  Jesus  Christ  upon  a throne  of  grace  ; even  sinners, 
yea,  the  chief  of  sinners,  may  rejoice,  when,  desirous  of  for- 
giveness and  reconciliation,  they  are  made  humbly  willing  tc 
become  his  subjects:  so  that  men,  of  all  nations  on  earth, 
are  called  on  to  join  the  gladness  of  the  blessed  inhabitants  of 
heaven ; and  in  exulting  joy  to  proclaim,  that  44  the  Lord 
God  omnipotent  reigneth.”  ( Notes , Ps.  97:1,2.  99:1 — 3.) 

V.  32,  33.  All  the  parts  of  nature  are  here  poetically 
addressed,  by  the  royal  prophet,  to  join  the  universal  song  ol 
joy  and  praise;  in  their  several  ways,  to  welcome  Jehovah 
as  the  Sovereign  of  the  universe ; and  to  wait  the  great  deci- 
sive day,  when  he  will  come,  as  the  Saviour  of  his  people,  to 
judge  the  world  in  righteousness.  (Notes,  Ps.  96:11 — 13.  98c 
7 — 9.  148:  Is.  55:12,  13.)  Perhaps  all  the  different  ranks 
and  descriptions  of  the  human  species,  who  have  feared  the 
Lord,  and  hoped  in  his  mercy,  and  who  will  then  unanimously 
rejoice  in  the  consummation  of  their  felicity,  are  here  intended 
under  figurative  expressions.  The  first  coming  of  Christ 
likewise,  with  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles,  and  the  surprising 
and  most  happy  change  effected  by  the  gospel,  in  the  moral 
and  religious  state  of  the  world,  as  preparatory  to  his  second 
coming,  seems  also  to  have  been  predicted.  Indeed,  nothing 
but  the  plenteous  goodness  of  God,  the  perpetuity  and  eternity 
of  his  mercy  in  Christ  Jesus,  can  encourage  a sinner  to  desire 
his  appearing  as  a Judge;  all  therefore  except  true  believers 
must  tremble  at  the  thoughts  of  that  solemn  season,  in  pro- 
portion as  they  understand  the  nature  of  that  judgment,  and 
attentively  meditate  upon  it:  and  they  will  be  driven  to  de- 
speration when  it  shall  arrive. 

V.  34— 36.  (Notes,  Ps.  1 36:1 — 3.  Jer.  33:10,11.)  Many 
Israelites,  even  when  David  came  to  the  tfirone,  might  be 
dispersed  in  other  nations,  by  the  frequent  wars  waged  with 
their  neighbours.  And  he  prayed  that  they  might  be  gathered 
from  their  dispersions,  to  join  in  this  joyful  worship.  (Notes, 
Ps.  14:7.  106:47,48.)  Perhaps  the  Spirit  of  God,  who  spake 
by  the  Psalmist,  intended  the  gathering  of  Israel  from  future 
and  greater  dispersions : and  it  may  well  be  accommodated 
to  the  present  state  of  that  nation,  and  our  hope  of  their 
future  calling  into  the  church  ; as  well  as  to  the  collecting 
together  of  believers  from  all  the  nations  of  the  earth,  to  bless 
and  adore  the  God  of  Israel,  in  and  through  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  We  can  scarcely  enlarge  our  thoughts  to  conceive 
the  effect,  which  these  high  praises  of  God,  sung  by  so  vast  a 
multitude,  with  harmonious  elevation  of  heart  and  voice,  upon 
this  joyful  occasion,  must  have  produced.  It  naturally  leads 
our  thoughts  to  the  songs  of  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord  in  glory ; 
and  perhaps  we  are  not,  in  this  world,  capable  of  more  just 
and  spiritual  ideas  of  them,  than  are  suggested  by  this  subject, 
though  we  may  be  sure  that  they  are  unspeakably  more 
sublime  and  refined.  (Notes,  Ps.  41:11 — 13,  v.  13.  89:52.) 

V.  37 — 43.  Abiathar  was  high-priest  at  this  time  ; and 
it  is  probable  he  resided  at  Jerusalem.  4 Abiathar  the  high- 
priest  attended  upon  David,  that  if  he  had  any  occasion  to 
consult  the  divine  majesty, ...  he  might  be  ready  to  do  it  for 
him.’  Bp.  Patrick. — The  stated  worship  before  the  ark  con- 
sisted principally  of  psalmody  and  music,  over  which  Asaph 
presided.  But  Zadok,  of  Eleazar’s  line,  as  next  in  authority 
under  the  high-priest,  resided  at  Gibeon,  where  the  taber- 
nacle and  the  brazen  altar  still  remained:  (Note,  2 Sam. 
6:17.)  and  there,  with  the  other  priests,  he  took  care  that  all 
the  sacrifices  prescribed  by  the  law  should  be  regularly 
offered. — Psalmody  was  constantly  performed  here  also, 
under  the  direction  of  Heman  and  JedutFiun : and  they  had 
l 733  ) 


B.  C 1043. 


I.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  1C  42. 


39  And  kZadok  the  priest,  and  his  brethren  the 
priests,  'before  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord,-  min  the 
nigh  place  that  ivas  at  Gibeon, 

40  To  "offer  burnt-offerings  unto  the  Cord  upon 
the  altar  of  the  burnt-offering  continually  Imorn- 
ing  and  evening,  and  to  do  according  to  all  that  is 
written  in  the  law  of  the  Lord,  which  he  com- 
manded Israel ; 

41  And  with  them  "Heman  and  Jeduthun,  and 
the  rest  that  were  chosen,  who  were  Pexpressed  by 
name,  ‘‘to  give  thanks  to  the  Lord,  because  his 
mercy  endureth  for  ever  ; 

42  And  with  them  Heman  and  Jeduthun,  with 
'trumpets  and  cymbals,  lor  those  that  should  make 
a sound,  and  with  Smusical  instruments  of  God. 
And  the  sons  of  Jeduthun  were  ‘porters. 


k See  on  12:28.  1 21:29.  2Chr. 1:3,4.  m 1 Kings  3:4.  n Ex.  29:38^12. 

Num.  28:3 — 8.  1 Kings  18.29.  2 Clir.  2:4.  31:3.  Ezra  3.3.  Ez.  46:13-15.  Pirn. 
9:21.  Ain.  4:4.  * Hel).  in  the  morning  and  in  the  evening,  o 37.  6:39 — 47.  25: 

1—6.  p 12:31.  Num.  1:17.  Ezra  8:20.  q See  on  34.  2 Chr.  5:13.  7:3.  20:21. 
Pe>.  103:17.  Luke  1:50.  r 2 Chr.  20:25—28.  Ps.  150:£-6.  s 25:6.  t Heb  .for 
Vie  gale,  t 2 Sam.  6:19,20.  1 Kings  8:66.  a Gen.  18:19.  Josh.  24:15.  Ps.  101:2. 


43  And  ‘all  the  people  departed  every  man  to 
his  house:-  and  David  returned  "to  bless  his 
house. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

David,  purposing  to  build  a temple , is  encouraged  by  Nathan , 1,  2.  The 
Lord,  a/tertoards , by  Nathan , prohibits  it  ; but  with  many  encouraging  pro- 
miscs , 3 — 15.  David' 8 prayer  and  thanksgiving,  16—27. 

NOW  it  came  to  pass,  aas  David  sat  in  his 
house,  that  David  said  to  bNathan  the  pro- 
phet, Lo,  c I dwell  in  a house  of  cedars,  but  dthe 
ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  remaineth  eunder 
curtains. . 

2  Then  Nathan  said  unto  David,  fDo  ail  that 
is  in  thine  heart ; efor  God  is  with  thee. 

3  H And  it  came  to  pass  the  same  night,  that  bthe 
word  of  God  came  to  Nathan,  saying, 

4  Go  and  'tell  David  my  servant,  Thus  saith 


a 2 Sam.  7:1, £ Dan.  4:4,29,30.  b 29:29.  2 Sam.  12:1 ,25.  1 Kings  1 :8,23, 41. 
c 14:1.  Jer.  22:15.  Hag.  1:4,9.  d Ps.  132:5.  Acts  7:46.  e 5.  15:1. 16:1.  Ex. 
40:19— 21.  2 Sam.  6.17.  2 Chr.  1:4.  f 22:7.  28:2.  Josh.  9:14.  1 Sam.  16  7.  Ps. 
20:4.  1 Cor.  13:9.  g 1 Pam.  10:7.  2 Sam.  7:3.  Zech.  8:23.  Luke  1:28.  h Num. 
12:6.  2 Kings  20:1—5.  Is.  30:21.  Am.  3:7.  i Is.  55:8,9.  Rom.  11:33,34. 


with  them  the  sacred  trumpets,  which  seem  to  have  been 
kept  by  them,  though  used  by  none  but  the  priests. — When 
David  brought  the  ark  from  obscurity,  he  was  directed  to 
convey  it  to  Jerusalem,  because  it  was  to  be  stationed  there. 
As  he  intended  immediately  to  build  a temple  for  its  recep- 
tion, he  did  not  remove  the  tabernacle  of  Moses  thither  ; 
but  prepared  a temporary  tent,  perhaps  formed  in  the  same 
manner:  and  when  he  was  not  allowed  lo  build  the  temple, 
he  made  no  alteration,  but  attended  to  both  separately  all  his 
days.  It  seems  that  these  regulations  were  made  and 
declared,  before  the  people  separated,  and  were  continued 
from  that  very  day.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  6:20.  1 Kings  3:4.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 13.  The  public  revival  of  religion,  and  the  pure 
worship  of  God,  being  countenanced  and  protected  by  “ the 
powers  that  be,”  are  joyful  events  to  believers:  and  when 
their  hearts  are  enlarged  with  gratitude  to  God,  they  will 
also  be  expanded  in  liberality  towards  men,  and  disposed  to 
pray  for  them,  and  to  do  good  to  them  for  his  sake. — It  is  a 
good  and  pleasant  thing  to  be  thankful,  and  we  should  care- 
fully record  and  frequently  review  the  Lord’s  mercies,  to  us 
and  to  his  church,  that  we  may  be  excited  to  abound  in  joyful 
praises : and  ministers  arc  especially  appointed,  by  the  Son 
of  David  our  King,  to  animate  and  assist  the  people  thus  to 
glorify  and  rejoice  in  God,  by  preaching  to  them  the  gospel  of 
salvation,  and  by  every  other  means  in  their  power. — The 
streams  of  mercy,  of  which  we  partake,  should  be  traced 
back  to  that  Fountain  of  love  whence  they  are  derived  ; and, 
in  thanking  the  Lord  for  his  benefits  to  us,  we  should  cele- 
brate the  glorious  excellences  of  his  nature.  This  will  also 
encourage  our  own  faith  and  hope,  and  excite  the  attention 
of  others  to  observe  and  admire  his  marvellous  works  : there- 
fore we  should  be  unreserved  and  open,  in  singing  and  speak- 
ing forth  the  praises  of  our  God. — Riches,  pre-eminence, 
wisdom,  and  strength,  are  precarious  blessings,  in  which  we 
must  not  glory  and  rejoice : but  “ let  him  that  glorieth,  glory” 
in  his  relation  to  “the  Lord”  our  Salvation.  To  know,  love, 
and  belong  to  him  constitutes  the  chief  honour  and  happiness 
of  man  ; and  forms  “ that  good  part  which  shall  never  be 
taken  from  us.”  While  the  assured  believer  boldly  glories  in 
the  righteousness,  mercy,  truth,  and  power  of  his  reconciled 
God,  let  the  trembling  sinner  rejoice  also;  for  he  casts  out 
none  that  come,  and  saves  all  who  trust  in  him.  But,  let  us 
all  learn  to  seek  him  diligently  and  continually  : not  only  that 
we  may  rejoice  in  his  favour ; but  that  we  may  be  strength- 
ened by  him,  to  perform  every  service,  and  to  triumph  over 
all  our  inward  and  outward  enemies.  Indeed,  we  could  no 
longer  distrust  either  his  mercy,  or  his  power,  if  we  duly 
remembered  his  works  of  old ; especially  the  marvellous  work 
of  redemption,  through  Jesus  Christ,  which  has  eclipsed  all 
former  displays  of  his  wisdom,  truth,  and  love.  Nor  are 
“the  judgments  of  his  mouth”  less  worthy  of  our  attention, 
than  “ the  operations  of  his  hands :”  by  them  we  arc  instructed 
and  directed  ; and  even  the  denunciations  of  his  wrath,  and  the 
execution  of  his  righteous  vengeance  on  sinners,  “ warn  us 
to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,”  and  to  “give  diligence  to 
make  our  calling  and  election  sure:”  whilst  his  mercies  are 
recorded,  to  enliven  our  gratitude  and  encourage  our  hope;  as 
the  happy  and  chosen  servants  of  God,  who  are  “ followers 
of  them,  who  through  faith  and  patience  inherit  the  promises.” 
(Notes,  and  P.  O.  Heb.  6:13—20.) 

Y.  14 — 29.  The  all-sufficient  God  is  the  Portion  and  the 
everlasting  recompense  of  his  true  people;  while  his  worship 
and  service  form  the  solace  of  their  souls  in  this  evil  world. 
“ He  is  ever  mindful  of  his  covenant,”  and  he  makes  it  a law 
to  himself,  an  invariable  rule  of  his  conduct  towards  them: 
and  if  we  were  duly  mindful  of  it,  we  should  derive  great 
encouragement  from  his  promises,  and  from  that  oath  which 
he  has  interposed  for  the  “ strong  consolation  of  all  those, 
who  have  fled  for  refuge  to  lay  hold  on  the  hope  set  before 
them:”  while  love  and  gratitude  would,  as  an  inward  law  in 
our  minds,  command  and  constrain  our  most  devoted  obe- 
dience.— Those  who  are  interested  in  his  promise  of  eternal 
( 734  ) 


life,  by  faith  in  Jesus  Christ,  will  be  carried  through  all  diffi- 
culties, and  rendered  superior  in  all  conflicts,  though  in  them- 
selves they  are  few  and  poor.  Here,  they  wander  as  strangers 
and  pilgrims:  but,  compared  with  them,  the  most  potent 
monarchs  are  accounted  mean  and  vile,  in  the  judgment  of 
God.  They  have  received  the  unction  of  his  Holy  Spirit; 
his  seal  is  affixed  to  them,  and  no  man  can  injure  them  with 
impunity:  nay,  nothing  can  possibly  harm  them,  but  all  things 
shall  eventually  work  together  for  their  good.  (Notes,  and 
P.  O.  Rom.  8:28 — 39.)  Let  us,  however,  be  careful  of  pre- 
maturely concluding,  that  we  are  numbered  with  them ; and 
seriously  appeal  to  our  consciences  and  experience,  whether 
“ the  Lord  of  the  whole  earth  be”  that  Lord  whom  we  desire 
to  obey  : and  whether  Salvation  by  Jesus  Christ  from  deserved 
wrath,  from  Satan,  sin,  and  this  present  evil  world,  be  our 
daily  prayer,  hope,  and  rejoicing.  Do  we  perceive  and  adore 
the  glory  of  the  divine  perfections,  and  rejoice  in  celebrating 
his  praise  ? And  do  we  yield  ourselves  to  his  service ; 
depending  on  his  mercy  and  grace,  and  lamenting  that  we 
love  him  no  more  and  serve  him  no  better?  All  this,  and 
immensely  more,  is  due  to  him ; for  he  is  infinitely  great, 
holy,  and  good  ; all  our  praises  are  beneath  his  excellency , 
and  nothing  can  be  compared  with  his  uncreated  majesty. 
Let  us  then  devote  all  we  have  and  are  to  him,  and  aim  to 
worship  him  “in  the  beauty  of  holiness.” 

V.  30 — 43.  The  Lord  our  God  is  greatly  to  be  feared. 
All  the  earth  shall  stand  in  awe  of  him  : for  his  wrath  against 
the  workers  of  iniquity  is  intolerable  and  eternal ; but  “ in 
his  favour  there  is  life,  in  his  presence  there  is  fulness  of  joy, 
and  at  his  right  hand  there  are  pleasures  for  evermore.”  He 
is  glorious  as  our  Creator  and  Judge,  but  more  glorious  as  a 
Saviour  : in  that  character  sinners  may  approach  and  wor- 
ship him,  with  acceptance  and  comfort ; and  men  on  earth, 
as  well  as  the  holy  inhabitants  of  heaven,  may  rejoice  in  his 
universal  and  everlasting  kingdom;  because  in  Christ  Jesus, 
“he  is  good,  and  his  mercy  enduueth  for  ever.”  Oh,  that 
there  were  such  a heart  in  us  and  in  all  men,  thus  to  fear 
him  and  to  hope  in  his  mercy ; that  we  might  look  forward 
with  comfort  and  exultation  to  our  meeting  him  upon  his 
awful  judgment  seat!  He  is  continually  collecting,  before 
his  throne,  that  chosen  remnant,  which  the  Saviour  has 
redeemed  unto  God  with  his  blood,  from  all  the  nations*of 
the  earth  : and  there,  being  freed  from  sin,  admitted  to  the 
beatific  vision,  and  filled  with  love,  and  gratitude,  and  joy, 
they  sing  eternal  praises  to  his  name.  As  we  successively 
depart  this  life,  may  our  souls  be  gathered  unto  them;  and 
may  that  time  speedily  arrive,  when  the  scattered  Jews  shall 
at  length  be  gathered  into  the  church,  and  the  fulness  of  the 
Gentiles  brought  in,  to  “give  thanks  to  his  holy  name,  and  to 
glory  in  his  praise!”  Amen,  and  Amen. — In  this  life,  believers 
enjoy,  from  time  to  time,  earnests  and  foretastes  of  heavenly 
bliss ; but,  when  they  cannot  reach  such  fervent  affections 
and  exalted  strains,  they  must  statedly  persevere  in  using  the 
means  of  grace,  as  sinners  “ beholding  the  Lamb  of  God,  that 
takoth  away  the  sins  of  the  world:”  and  the  continual  atten- 
dance of  his  appointed  ministers,  in  his  courts,  is  not  only 
right  in  itself,  but  an  encouragement  to  the  faith  and  hope 
of  his  people,  and  a help  to  their  praises  and  thanksgivings. 
Finally,  it  is  well,  when  one  duty  prepares  the  soul  for 
another;  when  public  worship  renders  us  more  constant  and 
spiritual  in  family  worship  and  secret  devotion;  and  when 
the  effects  of  the  whole  appear  in  our  conduct  in  relative  life 
and  in  society. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XVII.  V.  1—6.  This  chapter  almost 
entirely  answers  to  the  seventh  of  the  second  of  Samuel; 
many  minute  variations  indeed  are  found;  but  those  only 
which  are  more  material  need  here  he  noticed.  (Notesf 
2 Sam.  7:1 — 7.)  Tent  to  tent , &c.  (5)  In  the  wilderness* 
the  ark  was  taken  out  of  the  tent,  wnen  the  camp  of  Israel 
marched  ; and  was  returned  into  it,  when  they  rested. — It 
was  afterwards  taken  from  the  tabernacle  at  Shiloh,  and  then 
stationed  at  Kirjath-jearim,  doubtlesi  in,  a tent  prepared 
for  it ; thence  David  removed  it  to  an<  »her  tent  on  mount 


Q C.  1042. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


B.  C.  1042 


the  Lord,  JThou  slmlt  not  build  me  a house  to 
dwell  in : 

5 For  I have  not  kdvvelt  in  a house  since  the 
day  that  I brought  up  Israel  unto  this  day  : but 
have  'gone  from  tent  to  tent,  and  from  one  taber- 
nacle to  another. 

6 Wheresoever  I have  mwalked  with  all  Israel, 
spake  1 a'  word  to  any  of  "the  judges  of  Israel, 
whom  I commanded  to  "feed  my  people,  saying, 
Why  have  ye  not  built  me  a house  of  cedars  ? 

7 Now  therefore  thus  shalt  thou  say  unto  my 
servant  David,  Thus  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  p I 
took  thee  from  the  sheepcote,  even  tfrom  follow- 
ing the  sheep,  that  thou  shouldest  be  'iruler  over 
my  people  Israel : 

8 And  rI  have  been  with  thee  whithersoever 
thou  hast  walked,  and  ’have  cut  off  all  thine  ene- 
mies from  before  thee,  and  have  ‘made  thee  a 
name  like  the  name  of  the  great  men  that,  are  in 
the  earth. 

9 Also  "I  will  ordain  a place  for  my  people  Israel, 
and  will  “plant  them,  and  they  shall  dwell  in  their 
place,  tand  shall  be  moved  no  more ; neither  shall 
'the  children  of  wickedness  "waste  them  any  more, 
■as  at  the  beginning, 

10  And  "since  the  time  that  I commanded  judges 
to  be  over  my  people  Israel.  JMoreover,  I will 
subdue  all  thine  enemies.  Furthermore,  I tell 
thee,  that  "the  Lord  will  build  thee  a house. 

11  H And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  < when  thy  days 
be  expired  that  thou  must  sgo  to  be  with  thy  fa- 
thers, that  'I  will  raise  up  thy  seed  after  thee, 
which  shall  be  of  thy  sons ; and  I will  establish 
his  kinsrdom. 

12  ‘He  shall  build  me  a house,  and  kI  will  es- 
tablish his  throne  for  ever. 

13  ‘I  will  be  his  Father,  and  lie  shall  be  mmy 
son  : and  nI  will  not  take  my  mercy  away  from 
him,  "as  I took  it  from  him  that  was  before  thee  : 

14  But  I will  settle  him  >’in  my  house,  and  in 
my  kingdom  for  ever : and  his  throne  shall  be  es- 
tablished for  evermore. 

15  ^According  to  all  these  words,  and  according 
to  all  this  vision,  so  did  Nathan  speak  unto  David. 

16  H And  David  the  king  came  and  rsat  before 

22:1, 8.28:2,3.  2 Sam.  7:4,5.  1 Kings  8:19.  2Chr.6:8,9.  k2Snm.7:6.  1 Kings 
: 27.  2Chr.  2:6.  6:18.  Is.  66:1,2.  Acls  7:44—50.  • Heb  .been.  1 El.  403,3. 
2 Sam.  6:17.  1 Kings  8:4, 16.  m Ex.  33: 14,15.  40.35-38.  Lev.  26:11,12.  Num. 
10:33—36.  Dent.  23:14.  2 Cor.  6:16.  Rev.  2:1.  n Judg.  2:16— 18.  1 Sam.  12:11. 
1,  Sam.  7:7.  tribes.  Acts  13:20.  o 11:2.  Ps.  78:71,72.  .Ier.23:4.  Ez.  34:2.  Mic. 
1:4.  Matt.  2:6.  marg.  p Ex.  3:1—10.  1 Sam.  17:15.  2 Sam.  7:8.  Ps.  78:70,71. 
Am.  7:14,15.  Matt.  4:18— 22.  Luke  5:10.  t Heb  .from  after,  q 2 Sam.  6:21. 
Matt.  2:6.  r 2.  1 Sam.  18.14,28.  2 Sam.  7:9.  8:8,14.  Ps.  46:7,11.  s 1 Sam.  26: 
10.31:1-6.  2 Sarn.  22:1, 38— 41.  t 17.  2 Sam.  8- 13.  Ezra  4:20.  Ps.  71:21.  75:7. 
113:7,8.  Luke  1:52.  u Jer.  31:3,12.  Ez.  34:11.  x Ps.  44:2.  Jer.  24:6.  31 :41 . 
y Ez.  36:14,15.  37:25.  Am.  9:15.  z Ps.  89:22.  Eph.  2:2,3.  5:6.  a Is.  49:17. 
60:18.  b Ex.  1:13,14.2:23.  c Judg.  3:8.  4:3.  6:3-6.  1 Sam.  13:5,6, 19,20. 
d hi.  21:8.9.  89:23.  110:1.  e Ex.  1:21.  2.Sam.7:ll.  Ps.  127:1.  f29:I5.28. 

Acts  13:36.  g Gen.  15:15.  Deut.  31:16.  1 Kines  1:21.  2:10.  Acts  2:29.  h 28:5. 
2 Sam.  7: 12.13.  12:24,2-5.  1 Kings  8:20.  Ps. 132:11.  Jer.  23:5,6.  Rom.  1:3,4. 
i 22:9,10.28:6—10.  1 Kings  5:5.  2 Chr.  3:  4:  Ezra  5:11.  Zech.  6:12,13.  John  2: 
19—21.  Acts  7:47,48.  Col.  2.9.  k Ps.  89:4,29,36,37.  Is.  9:7.  Dan.  2:44.  1 Cor. 
15:25.  Rev.  11:15.  1 2Sam.  7:14.  Ps.  89:26,27.  Heb.  1.5.  in  Ps.  2:7,12.  Luke 
9.35.  John  3:35.  n 2 Sam.  7:15,16.  1 Kings  11:12,13,36.  o 12.10:14.  1 Sam. 
15:28.  p Ps.  2:6.  89:36.  Luke  1:32,33.  Heb.  3:6.  q 2 Sam.  7:17.  Jer.  23:28. 


Zion.  (16:1—3.  Notes,  1 Sam.  7:1,2.  21:1,2.  2 Sam.  6:10, 
11,17.) 

V.  7 — 15.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  2 Sam.  7:8 — 16. — I took, 
&c.  (7)  Notes,  2 Sam.  12:7.  Ps.  78:70—72.  Is.  51:1—3. 
Eph.  2:11 — 13. — Name,  &c.  (8)  Notes,  Gen.  12:1 — 3.  Ps. 
71:20,21. — But  I will,  Sic.  (14)  In  the  parallel  passage  the 
Lord  says  to  David,  “ thy  house,  and  thy  kingdom  but 
here  “ my  house.  Sic.”  The  Lord  was  Israel’s  King;  and 
David  and  Solomon  were  his  vicegerents,  as  well  as  types  of 
the  Messiah,  in  whose  church  and  kingdom  all  these  promises 
and  predictions  have  their  grand  fulfilment : which  shows 
‘thot  this  principally  belonged  to  the  Messiah,  of  whom 
David  was  but  a figure.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  16,  17.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  7:18,19.)  Thou  hast,  &c.  (17) 
In  the  parallel  passage  we  read,  “ Is  this  the  manner  of  men, 
O Lord  God  ?”  It  was  not  the  manner  of  men  to  raise  a 
poor  shepherd  to  be  a renowned  and  powerful  king.  Some 
expositors,  however,  suppose,  that  David  here  referred  to 
the  Messiah  himself,  the  Seed  of  the  woman,  the  greatest  of 
the  human  race,  being  also  “ the  Lord  from  heaven  in 
whose  line  God  had  placed  David  as  the  progenitor,  and  had 
honoured  him  as  the  type  of  his  anointed  King.  “ Thou  hast 
looked  upon  me  according  to  the  manner  of  the  Man  who  is 
of  high  degree,  O Lord  God.”  (Notes,  2 Sam.  7:19.  Ps. 
110:1.  1 Co.  :V45— 49i  Phil.  2:5—11.) 

V.  18 — 24.  \oies,  2 Sam.  7:20 — 25. — Thy  servant's  sake. 
(19)  “For  thy  word’s  sake,”  in  Samuel.— The  promise,  in 
"ulfilhng  which  Sod  conferred  these  benefits  on  David  and 


the  Lord,  and  said,  ‘Who  am  I,  O Lord  God, 
and  ‘what  is  my  house,  “that  thou  hast  brought 
me.  hitherto  ? 

17  And  yet  this  was  “a  small  thing  in  thine  eyes, 
O God ; for  nhou  hast  also  spoken  of  thy  servant’s 
house  for  a great  while  to  come,  and  “hast  re 
garded  me  according  to  the  estate  of  a man  of 
high  degree,  O Lord  God. 

18  What  can  David  speak  more  to  thee  for  »tlie 
honour  of  thy  servant?  for  bthou  knowest  thy 
servant. 

19  O Lord,  for  "thy  servant’s  sake,  and  dac- 
cording  to  thine  own  heart,  hast  thou  done  all  this 
greatness,  in  making  known  all  these  tgreat  things. 

20  O Lord,  there  is  "none  like  thee,  neither  is 
there  any  God  f besides  thee,  ^according  to  all  that 
we  have  heard  with  our  ears. 

21  And  hwhat  one  nation  in  the  earth  is  like 
thy  people  Israel,  whom  God  went  to  'redeem,  to 
be  his  own  people,  to  kmake  thee  a name  of 'great- 
ness and  terribleness,  raby  driving  out  nations  from 
before  thy  people,  whom  thou  hast  redeemed  out 
of  Egypt  ? 

22  For  nthy  people  Israel  didst  thou  make  thine 
own  people  lor  ever ; and  thou,  Lord,  becamest 
their  God. 

23  Therefore  now,  Lord,  "let  the  thing  that 
thou  hast  spoken  concerning  thy  servant,  and  con- 
cerning his  house,  be  established  for  ever,  and  do 
as  thou  hast  said. 

- 24  Let  it  even  be  established,  Pthat  thy  name 
may  be  magnified  for  ever,  saying,  The  Lord  of 
hosts  is  the  God  of  Israel,  even  God  to  Israel : 
and  let  the  house  of  David  thy  servant  be  esta- 
blished before  thee. 

25  For  thou,  O my  God,  hast  $told  tfiy  servant 

‘that  thou  wilt  build  him  a house  : therefore  thy 
servant  hath  “found  in  his  heart  to  pray  before 
thee.  v 

26  And  now,  Lord,  ‘thou  art  God,  and  hast 
promised  this  goodness  unto  thy  servant: 

27  Now  therefore  "let  it  please  thee  to  bless  the 
house  of  thy  servant,  that  it  may  be  before  thee 
for  ever  : for  thou  "blessest,  O Lord,  and  it  shall 
bet  blessed  for  ever. 


Acts  20:27.  r 2 Sam.  7;  18.  2 Kings  19:14.  s Gen.  32: 10.  Ps.  144:3.  t Judg 
6:15.  1 Sam.  9:21.  u Gen.  48:15,16.  1 Sam.  7:12.  Acts  26:22.  2 Cor.  1:10. 
x 7,8.  2 Sam.  7: 19.  12:8.  2 Kings  3:18.  Is.  49:6.  y 11-15.  Eph.  3:20.  z 8. 
1 Kings  3:13.  Ps.  78:70— 72.  89:19,  &c.  Phil.  2:8— 11.  a 1 Sam.  2:30.  2 Sam. 

7:20—24.  b 1 Sam.  16:7.  Ps.  139:1.  John  21:17.  Rev.  2:23.  c Is.  37:35.  42:1. 
49:3,6.  d Matt.  11:26.  Eph.  1:9 — 11.3:11.  } Heb.  greatnesses.  29:1 1,12.  Ps. 
111:3,6.  e Ex.  15:1 1 . 18:1 1 . Dent.  3:24.  Ps.  89.6,8.  Is.  40:18,25.  Jer.  10.6.7. 
f Deul.  4:35,39.  1 Sam.  2:2.  Is.  43:10.  44:6.  45:5,22.  g Ps.  44:1.  78:3,4.  Is.  63: 
12.  h Deut.  4:7,32—34.  33:26—29.  Ps.  147:20.  i Ex.  3:7,8.  19:4—6.  Dent.  15- 
15.  Ps.  77:15.  107:2.  111:9.  Is.  63:9.  Til.  2:14.  kNeh.9:10.  Is.  48:9.  63:12. 

Ez. 20:9,10.  1 Peut.  4:34.  Ps.  65:5.  66:3— 7.  114:3— 8.  Is.  64:3.  mPeut.  7:1,2. 
Josh.  10:42.  21:43— 15.  24:11,12.  Ps.  44:2,3.  n Gen.  17:7.  Ex.  19:5,6.  l ent. 
7:6—8.  26:18,19.  1 Sam.  12:22.  Jer.  31:31—34.  Zech.  13:9.  Rom.  9:4—6.25,26. 
1 Pet.  2:9.  o Gen.  32:12.  2 Sam.  7:25— 29.  Ps.  119:49.  Jer  11:5.  Luke  1:38. 
p 2 Chr.  6:33.  Ps.  21 : 13.  72: 19.  Malt.  6:9,13.  John  12:28.  17:1.  Phil.  2:11. 
1 Pet.  4:11.  q Jer.  31:1.  Heb.  8:10.  11:16.  § Heb.  revealed  the  ear  of.  1 Sam. 
9:15.  r See  on  10.  s Ps.  10:17.  Ez.  36:37.  1 John  5:14,15.  t Fix.  34:6,7. 

Tit.  1:2.  Heb.  6:18.  II  Or , it  hath  pleased.  u Gen.  27:33.  Ps.  72:17.  Rom. 

11:29.  Eph.  1:3. 


his  race,  was  first  given  from  love  to  him,  as  a type  of  Christ, 
“his  Servant  in  whom  his  soul  delighteth.”  ‘He  had  passed 
his  word  to  David  by  his  prophets  out  of  his  own  mere  good- 
ness, without  any  other  motive.  It  may  be  also  thought  to 
signify,  for  the  sake  of  the  Messiah,  who  is  the  word  of  God, 
and  by  way  of  eminence  is  called  his  Servant.  Is.  42:1.  49:5. 
Bp.  Patrick. 

IVhat  one  nation,  &c.  (21)  Notes,  Deut.  4:6 — 8,34 — 40. — 
A God  to  Israel.  (24)  The  Lord,  as  “the  God  of  Israel,” 
not  only  required  worship  and  obedience  ; but  he  was  himself 
the  all-sufficient  Friend  and  Portion  of  his  chosen  people. 

V.  25—27.  Notes,  2 Sam.  7:26—29.  Luke  1:26—38. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  repetitions  in  the  word  of  God  may  be  considered  as 
tacit  reproofs  of  our  negligence,  forgetfulness,  and  unteach- 
ableness.  Indeed,  we  are  very  backward  to  get  familiarly 
acquainted  with  every  part  of  the  sacred  volume,  and  very 
prone  to  forget  what  we  have  read ; so  that  we  need  to  be 
taught  again  what  we  seem  to  have  already  learned : and  for 
all  these  reasons  it  is  very  useful  to  have  the  same  important 
truths,  precepts,  and  examples  enforced  on  us,  in  different 
parts  of  the  Scriptures.  If,  in  reading  any  chapter,  or  hear- 
ing any  sermon,  we  learn  nothing  new  ; yet  are  reminded 
of  those  things  of  which  we  had  lost  sight,  and  stirred  up  to 
the  exercise  of  faith  and  holy  affections,  and  to  the  more 
diligent,  fervent,  and  delightful  practice  of  our  several  duties 
very  important  purposes  are  answered.  (Note,  2 Pet.  1:12 
— 15.  P.  O.  12 — 18.  iVofe,  3:1 — 4.)  It  may  however,  suffice 
( 735  ) 


B.  C.  1039, 


I.  CHRONICLES, 


B.  C.  m2 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

David  tubduea  the  Philistines,  and  makes  the  Moabites  tributary,  1,2.  He 
smites  Hadarezer  and  the  Syrians,  3 — 8.  Tou,  king  of  Hamath,  sends  his 
son  to  David  with  presents,  which  he  dedicates  with  the  spoil,  unto  God,  9 — 
11.  He  put 8 garrisons  into  Edom,  12,  13.  He  reigns  in  equity , 14.  His 
principal  officers,  15 — 17. 

NOW  “after  this  it  came  to  pass,  that  David 
smote  the  Philistines,  and  subdued  them,  and 
took  bGath  and  her  towns  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
Philistines. 

2  And  che  smote  Moab ; and  the  Moabites  be- 
came David’s  servants,  and  dbrought  gifts. 

3  H And  David  smote  “Hadarezer  king  of 
' Zohah  unto  Hamath,  as  he  went  to  establish 
his  dominion  eby  the  river  Euphrates. 

4  And  David  took  from  him  a thousand  cha- 
riots, and  hseven  thousand  horsemen,  and  twenty 
thousand  footmen : David  also  ‘houghed  all  the 
chariot-/iorscs,  but  reserved  of  them  ka  hundred 
chariots. 

5  And  when  'the  Syrians  of  'Damascus  came 
“to  help  Hadarezer  king  of  "Zobah,  David  slew 
of  the  Syrians  two  and  twenty  thousand  men. 

6  Then  David  put  garrisons  in  Syria-damas- 
cus;  and  the  Syrians  “became  David’s  servants, 
and  brought  gifts.  pThus  the  Lord  preserved 
David  whithersoever  he  went. 

7  And  David  took  the  ^shields  of  gold  that 
were  on  the  servants  of  Hadarezer,  and  brought 
them  to  Jerusalem. 

8  Likewise  from  rTibath,  and  from  Chun, 
cities  of  Hadarezer,  brought  David  very  much 
brass,  “wherewith  Solomon  made  the  brazen  sea, 
and  the  pillars,  and  the  vessels  of  brass. 

9  Now  when  ‘Tou  king  of  Hamath  heard 
how  David  had  smitten  all  the  host  of  Hadarezer 
king  of  Zobah ; j 

10  He  sent  'Hadoram  his  son  to  king  David, 
to  inquire  of  his  welfare,  and  to  Congratulate 
him,  because  he  had  fought  against  Hadarezer, 
and  smitten  him;  (for  Hadarezer  "had  war  with 
Tou ;)  and  with  him  “all  manner  of  vessels  of 
gold,  and  silver,  and  brass. 

11  U Them  also  David  “dedicated  unto  the  Lord, 


a 2 Sam.  8:1,2.  b 1 Sam.  5:8.  27:4.  2 Sam.  1:20.  8:1.  Metheg-ammah.  c Num. 
24:17.  Judg.  3:29,30.  2 Sam.  8:2.  Ps.  60:8.  Is.  11:14.  d 1 Sam.  10:27.  1 Kings 
10:2,25.  2 Kings  3:4,5.  Ps.  68:29,30.  72:8—10.  Is.  16:1.  e 2 Sam.  8:3.  Hada- 
dezer.  f 1 Sam.  14:47.  2 Sam.  10:6.  Ps.  60:  title,  g Gen.  15:18.  Ex.  23:31. 
h 2 Sam.  8:4.  seven  hundred.  i Deut.  17:16.  Josh.  11:6,9.  Pa.  20:7.  33:16,17 
k 1 Kings  4:26.  10:26.  1 2 Sam.  8:5,6.  1 Kings  1 1 :23, 24.  * Heb.  Darmesck 

mis. 8:9, 10.  n 3.  1 Sam.  14:47.  o See  on  2.  Ps.  18:43,44.  p 17.8.  Ps.  121: 
8.  Prqv.  21:31.  q 1 Kings  10:16,17.  14:26—28.  2 Chr.  9:15,16.  12:9,10.  r 2 Sam. 
8:8.  Beta.  Berothai.  a 22:14.  1 Kings  7:15-47.  2Chr.  4:2 — 6,1‘2 — 18.  Jer.  52: 
17 — 23.  t 2 Sam.  8:9.  Toi.  t Or,  Joram.  2 Sam.  8:10.  X Or,  salute  him. 

§ Heb.  bless  him.  ||  Heb . was  the  man  of  wars . u 2 Chr.  9:1,23,24.  Is. 39:1. 
v 22:14.  26:20,26,27.  29:14.  Ex.  35:5,21-24  . 2 Sam.  8:11,12.  1 Kings  7:51. 
2 Kings  12:18.  2 Chr.  5:1.  Mic.  4:13.  x 20:1,2.  y 1 Sam.  27:8,9.  30:13,20.  Ps. 
83:6,7.  z 2:16.  11:20.  1 Sam.  26:6,8.  2 Sam.  3:30.  10:10,14.  16:9— 11.  19:21,22. 


to  observe  in  this  place,  that  persons  of  eminent  piety  will 
still  be  devising  and  attempting  one  service  after  another  for 
the  honour  of  God,  and  to  promote  the  best  interests  of  man- 
kind ; accounting  themselves  to  have  done  nothing,  while  so 
much  remains  to  be  done : that  Christ  alone  begins  and 
finishes  his  work,  and  perpetually  unites  in  his  own  person 
all  those  offices  which  are  requisite  for  the  welfare  of  his 
church ; but  that  mere  men  have,  for  a short  space,  certain 
portions  of  service  allotted  them,  which  they  cannot  exceed  : 
that  God  accepts  and  rewards  those  good  desires,  which  he 
is  pleased  for  wise  reasons  to  frustrate : that  his  favour  and 
his  image  ennoble  the  meanest  of  his  people,  above  u the 
estate  of  men  of  high  degree :”  that  we  cannot  possibly 
desire  more  for  ourselves,  or  for  the  church,  than  he  has 
promised  : that  true  grace  desires  all  this,  and  wants  no 
more ; and  true  faith,  in  vigorous  exercise,  seeks,  asks, 
expects,  and  waits  for  it  all,  in  the  way  which  God  has  pre- 
scribed : and  that,  if  we  serve  the  Lord,  as  a God  over  us  in 
dependence  on  his  mercy  through  Jesus  Christ,  he  will  be  a 
God  to  us;  and  those  whom  he  blesses,  will  be  blessed  for 
evermore.  For  this  blessedness  may  we  look,  with  patient 
submission  and  joyful  expectation,  amidst  the  trials  of  life, 
and  in  the  hour  of  death  ; and  may  the  same  be  continued 
to  our  children  and  posterity  after  us,  through  successive 
generations  ! 

NOTES. — Chap.  XVIII.  V.  I.  In  the  parallel  pas- 
sage, Gath  is  called  Metheg-ammah,  or  the  bridle  of  Ammah , 
as  built  on  a natural  strong-hold, called  Ammah,  and  intended 
to  bridle,  or  keep  in  subjection,  the  adjacent  country.  ( Note, 
2 Sam.  8:1.) — The  rest  of  this  chapter,  which  is  for  substance 
the  same  as  the  eighth  chapter  of  the  second  of  Samuel,  has 
already  been  commented  on.  ( Marg . Ref.) 

V.  2-  8.  EstaJAish  his  dominion.  (3)  In  Samuel,  “Re- 
cover his  border.” — Seven  thousand . (4)  In  the  parallel  pas- 
( 736 


with  the  silver  and  the  gold  that  he  brought  from 
all  these,  nations;  from  Edom,  and  from  Moab, 
and  from  “the  children  of  Ammon,  and  from  the 
Philistines,  and  from  rAmalek. 

12  “Moreover,  "Abishai  the  son  of  Zeruiah 
“slew  of  the  Edomites  in  bthe  valley  of  salt  eigh- 
teen thousand. 

13  HAnd  lie  put  “garrisons  in  Edom;  and  dall  the 
Edomites  became  David’s  servants.  “Tiius  the 
Lord  preserved  David  whithersoever  he  went. 

14  11  So  "David  reigned  oyer  all  Israel,  and 
^executed  judgment  and  justice  among  all  his 
people. 

15  And  Moab  the  son  of  Zeruiah  was  over  the 
host ; and  ' Jehoshaphat  the  son  of  Ahilud,  "re- 
corder ; 

16  And  Zadok  the  son  of  Ahitub,  and  kAbime- 
lech  the  son  of  'Abiathar,  were  the  priests ; and 
mShavsha  was  scribe  ; 

17  And  "Benaiah  the  son  of  Jehoiada  was  over 
the  “Cherethites  and  the  Pelethites ; and  the  sons 
of  David  were  chief  '"about  the  king. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

David  sends  ambassadors  to  comfort  the  king  of  Ammon,  who  abuses  and  In- 
sults them,  1 — 5.  The  Ammonites  and  Syrians  are  vanquished  by  Jonh,  and 
Abishai,  6 — 15.  The  king  of  Syria  sends  another  armu,  which  David  cur* 
quers,  slaying  its  commanders,  16 — 18.  77ie  Syrians  submit  to  David,  19. 

NOW  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that  “Nahash 
the  king  of  the  children  of  Ammon  died,  and 
his  son  reigned  in  his  stead. 

2  And  David  said,  bI  will  show  kindness  unto 
Hanun  the  son  of  Nahash,  because  his  father 
showed  kindness  to  me.  And  David  sent  mes- 
sengers to  comfort  him  concerning  his  father.  So 
the  servants  of  David  came  into  the  land  of  “the 
children  of  Ammon  to  Hanun,  to  comfort  him. 

3  But  dthe  princes  of  the  children  of  Ammon 
said  to  Hanun,  'Thinkest  thou  that  “David  doth 
honour  thy  father,  that  he  hath  sent  comforters 
unto  thee  ? are  not  his  servants  come  unto  thee 
for  f to  search,  and  to  overthrow,  and  to  spy  oul 
the  land  ? 

4  Wherefore  Hanun  etook  David’s  servants, 
and  hshaved  them,  'and  cut  off  their  garments  in 


20:6.21:17.23:18.  IT  Heb.  Abshai.  19: 1 1 . ifiarg.  a2Sam.8:13.  Ps.60:/i7/*. 
8,9.  b 2 Kings  14:7.  2 Chr.  25:11.  c 6.  1 Sam.  10:5.  13:3.  14:1.  2 Sam.  23: 14. 
2 Cor.  11:32.  d Gen.  25:23.  27:29,37,40.  Num.  24:18.  e See  on  6.  Ps.  18:48 — 
50.  121:7.  144:10.  f 12:38.  g2Sam.8:15.  Pa.  78:71,72.  Is.  9:7.  32:1,2.  Jer. 

22:15.23:5,6.33:15.  h 11 :6.  2 Sam.  8:16.  il  Kings  4 3.  * * Or,  remembrancer. 
k2Sam.8:17.  Ahimelcch.  1 2>Sam.  20:25.  1 Kings  2:35.  m2Sam.8:17. 

Seraiah.  20:25.  Shevah.  1 Kings  4:3.  Shisha.  n 2 Sum.  8:18.  15:18.20:7,23. 
23:19—23.  1 Kings  1:38,44.  2:34,36.  o Zeph.2:5.  tt  Heb.  at  the  hand  of.  23: 
28.  marg.  a 1 Sam.  11:1,2.12:12.  2 Sam.  10:1—3.  bl  Sam. 30:26.  2Sam.S: 
1,7.  2 Kings  4:13.  Esth.  6:3.  Ec.9:15.  c Gen.  19:37,38.  Deut;23:3— 6.  Neb. 
4:3,7.  13:1.  d 1 Sam.  29:4,9.  1 Kings  12:8— 1 1 . ‘Heb.  In  thine  eyes  doth 
David,  e 1 Cor.  13:5—7.  f Gen.  42:9—18.  Josh.  2:1—3.  Judg.  1:23,24.  18:2. 
8—10.  g Ps.  35:12.  109:4,5.  h Lev.  19:27.  Is.  15:2.  Jer.  41 :5.  48:37.  i Is.  20* 
4.  47:2.3. 


sage,  “Seven  hundred.”  (Notes,  2 Sam.  8:3,4 .)— Brazen 
sea , &c.  (8)  Notes , 1 Kings  7:15 — 47. 

V.  9 — 17.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  2 Sam.  8:9 — 18. — Dedi- 
cated. (11)  ‘David  . . . had  in  his  heart  to  build  a splendid 
house  for  God’s  habitation.  And  when  he  was  prohibited  by 
God  to  do  it,  ...  he  could  not  satisfy  himself  without  doing 
something  towards  it;  by  preparing  materials  for  it,  and  con- 
secrating a great  deal  of  treasure  to  be  emoloyed  in  the 
building,  and  no  other  use.’  Bp.  Patrick.  ( Notes,  22:2 — 
5,14.  P.  O .) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Those  who  “ seek  first  the  kingdom  of  God  and  his  righ- 
teousness,” shall,  in  due  time  and  manner,  have  all  other 
things  added  unto  them.  Communion  with  God,  and  his  con 
solations,  are  intended  to  animate  us  to  diligence  in  our 
proper  work,  and  vigour  in  our  spiritual  warfare. — Earthly 
possessions  are  often  lost  by  attempting  to  establish  them: 
and  sinners  ruin  themselves  by  encouraging  and  assisting  one 
another,  in  rebellion  against  God,  and  opposition  to  his  cause. 
Our  good  fight  of  faith,  under  the  Captain  of  our  salvation, 
will  assuredly  terminate  in  everlasting  triumph  and  peace. 
But  the  happiness  of  Israel,  through  David’s  victories  and 
equitable  administration,  very  faintly  shadowed  forth  the 
felicity  of  the  redeemed  in  the  realms  above,  when  the  last 
enemy  shall  be  destroyed,  and  Jesus  shall  reign  in  the  midst 
of  them  for  ever  and  over,  and  they  shall  behold,  and  share, 
the  joy  and  glory  of  his  kingdom.  (Heb.  12:2.  Notes,  Matt. 
25:19 — 23.  Rev.  3:20 — 22.)  Lot  us  then,  without  delay,  join 
ourselves  to  him,  trusting  and  serving  him  constantly  and 
faithfully,  that  at  length  wo  may  be  for  ever  with  him. 

NOTES— Chap.  XIX.  V.  1—5.  Notes,  2 Sam.  10:1—5. 

V.  6.  Syria-maachah.]  Or,  Artfm-maachah.  Maachah 
(or  Maachathi)  lay  to  the  east  of  Jordan,  and  had  bcea 
allotted  to  Manasseh  : but  it  is  probable,  that  the  Syrians 


B.  C.  1036. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


B.  C.  1017. 


the  midst  hard  oy  their  buttocks,  and  ksent  them 
away. 

5 Then  there  went  certain,  'and  told  David 
how  the  men  were  served.  And  he  sent  to  meet 
them  : for  the  men  were  greatly  ashamed.  And 
the  king  said,  Tarry  mat  Jericho  until  "your  beards 
be  grown,  and  then  return. 

6 H And  when  the  children  of  Ammon  saw  that 
they  “had  made  themselves  ’odious  to  David, 
Hanun  and  the  children  of  Ammon  sent  Pa  thou- 
sand talents  of  silver,  to  hire  them  chariots  and 
horsemen  out  of  Mesopotamia,  and  out  of  iSyria- 
maachah,  and  out  of  "Zobah. 

7 So  they  “hired  thirty  and  two  thousand  cha- 
riots, and  Hhe  kini"  of  Maachah  and  his  people, 
who  came  and  pitched  before  “Medeba.  And  the 
children  of  Ammon  gathered  themselves  together 
from  their  cities,  and  came  to  battle. 

8 And  when  David  heard  of  it,  he  sent  xJoab, 
and  all  the  host  of  the  mighty  men. 

9 And  the  children  of  Ammon  came  out,  and 
yput  the  battle  in  array  Kefore  the  gate  of  the  city  : 
and  Hhe  kings  that  were  come  were  by  themselves 
in  the  field. 

10  Now  “when  Joab  saw  that  the  'battle  was 
bset  against  him  before  and  behind,  he  chose  out 
of  all  the  ^choice  of  Israel,  and  put  them  in  array 
against  the  Syrians. 

11  And  the  rest  of  the  people  he  delivered  unto 
the  hand  of  ^Abishai  his  brother,  cand  they  set  them- 
selves in  array  against  the  children  of  Ammon. 

12  And  be  said,  dIf  the  Syrians  be  too  strong 
for  me,  then  thou  shalt.  help  me  : but  if  the  chil- 
dren of  Ammon  be  too  strong  for  thee,  then  I will 
help  thee. 

13  Be  eof  good  courage,  and  let  us  behave  our- 
selves valiantly  for  our  people,  and  for  the  cities  of 
our  God  : and  f let  the  Lord  do  that  which  is  good 
in  his  sight. 

14  So  Joab  and  the  people  that  were  with  him 
drew  nigh  before  the  Syrians  unto  the  battle  : and 
ethey  fled  before  him. 

15  And  when  the  children  of  Ammon  saw  that 
the  Syrians  were  fled,  hthey  likewise  fled  before 
Abishai  his  brother,  and  entered  into  the  city. 
Then  Joab  came  to  Jerusalem. 

16  If  And  when  the  Syrians  saw  that  they  were 
put  to  the  worse  before  Israel,  they  sent  messen- 
gers, ‘and  drew  forth  the  Syrians  that  were  be- 

ond  the  "river  : and  kShophach  the  captain  of  the 
ost  of  Hadarezer  went  before  them. 

17  And  it  was  told  David  : and  he  gathered  all 

fc  2 Sam. 10:4,5.  2 Chr.  36:16.  Mark  12:4.  Luke  20:10,11.  1 Malt.  18:31.  m Josh. 
6:24 — 26.  1 Kings  16:34.  n Judg.  16:22.  o Luke  10:16.  lThes.4:8.  * Heb.  to 
Blink.  Gen. 34:30.  Ex.  5:21.  1 Sam.  13:4.27:12.  Ps. 14:3.  margins.  p 2 Chr. 
16:2,3.  25:6.  27:5.  q 2 Sirm.  10:S.  r 18:3,5,9.  1 Sam.  14:47.  2 Sam.  8:3.  1 Kings 
11:23,24.  s 18:4.  Ex.  14:9.  Jud®.  4:3.  1 Sam.  13:5.  2 Chr.  14:9.  Ps.2P:7— 9. 
I 2 Sam.  10:6.  king  Maacah.  u Sum.  21:30.  Josh.  13:9.  Is.  15:2.  x 11:6,10, 
&c.  2 Sam.  23:8,  &c.  y 1 Sam.  17:2.  2 Sam.  18:4.  2 Chr.  13:3.  14:10.  Is.  28:6. 
Jer.  50:42.  Joel  2:5.  z 2 Sam.  10:8.  1 Kings  20:1 ,24.  a 2 Sam.  10:9 — 14. 
t Heb.  face  of  the  battle  was.  b Josh.  8:22.  Judg.  20:42,43.  X Or,  young  men. 
* Heb.  Abshai.  11 :20.  See  on  18: 12.  c See  on  9.  dNeh.4:20.  Ec.4:9 — 12. 

Gal.  6:2.  Phil.  1:27J28.  e Dent.  31:6,7.  Josh.  1:7.  10:25.  1 Sam.  4:9.  14:6—12. 
17:32.  2 Sam.  10:12.  Ezra  10:4.  Neh.4:14.  Ps.  27:14.  1 Cor.  16:13.  f Judg.  10: 
15':  1 Sam.  3:18.  2 Sam.  15  26.  16:10,11.  Job  1:21.  e 1 Kings  20:13,14,19— 21, 
23—30.  2 Chr.  13:5—16.  h Lev.  26:7.  Rom.  8:31.  T Ps.  2:1.  Is.  8:9,10.  Mic. 


had  got  possession  of  it ; and  that  it  was  thence  called  Syria- 
maachah.  ( Deut . 3:14.  Josh.  12:5. ) 

V.  7.  Thirty-two  thousand  soldiers  (exclusive  of  a thou- 
sand sent  by  the 'king  of  Maachah)  arc  mentioned  in  the 
parallel  passage:  (2  Sam.  10:6.)  but  thirty-two  thousand 
chariots  are  here  stated.  (Note,  1 Sam.  13:5.)  Either  some 
trivial  mistake  has  crept  into  the  text,  in  respect  of  the  num- 
ber or  kind  of  these  auxiliaries  ; or  they  were  used  in  general 
to  fight,  some  on  foot,  and  others  on  horseback ; yet  on  some 
occasions  they  all  could  drive,  and  fight  from  chariots  of  war. 

V.  8 — 15.  JVote,  2 Sam.  10:8 — 14. — The  kings,  &c.  (9) 
The  people  of  the  allied  kings  are  mentioned  in  Samuel. — 
Behave  ourselves  valiantly.  (13)  “Let  us  play  the  men.” 
2 Sam.  10:12. — The  original  is  the  same  in  both  places. 

V.  16—19.  Note,  2 Sam.  10:18. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  may  expect,  that  in  this  world  our  kindest  actions  will 
often  be  requited  with  the  basest  returns,  and  our  best  inten- 
tions expose  us  to  the  most  injurious  suspicions.  Even  in 
our  implicit  obedience  to  our  great  and  gracious  Lord,  when 
we  most  sincerely  desire  to  do  good  to  our  fellow-creatures, 
we  must  lay  our  account  with  ingratitude,  contempt,  and 
abuse.  But  these  things  should  not  discourage  us  ; for  he 
will  plead  our  cause,  and  both  comfort  us,  and  kindly  recom- 

Vol.  I. — 93 


Israel,  and  passed  rver  Jordan,  and  came  upoi 
them, ‘and  set  the  battle  in  array  against  them. 
So  when  David  had  put  the  battle  in  array  against 
the  Syrians,  they  fought  with  him. 

18  But  the  Syrians  mfled  before  Israel:  and 
David  slew  of  the  Syrians  seven  thousand  men 
which  fought  in  chariots,  and  forty  thousand  "foot- 
men, and  killed  Shophach  the  captain  of  the  host. 

19  And  when  "the  servants  of  Hadarezer  saw 
that  they  were  put  to  the  worse  before  Israel,  they 
made  peace  with  David,  and  became  his  servants  : 
neither  ‘"would  the  Syrians  help  the  children  of 
Ammon  any  more. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

Rabbah  is  taken  and  spoiled,  and  the  inhabitants  are  treated  toith  great  seve- 
rity, 1—3.  Three  giants  are  slain  by  Daoid's  servants , in  three  battles 
against  the  Philistines,  4 — 8. 

A ND  “it  came  to  pass,  that  ’after  the  year  pb.  c. 

was  expired,  at  the  time  that  kings  go  ‘-1035’ 
out  to  battle,  Joab  led  forth  the  power  of  the 
army,  and  bwasted  the  country  of  the  children  of 
Ammon,  and  came  and  besieged  "Rabbah.  But 
David  tarried  at  Jerusalem.  And  dJoab  smote 
Rabbah,  and  destroyed  it. 

2 And  David  took  the  crown  of  their  king  from 
off  his  head,  and  found  fit  to  weigh  a talent  of 
gold,  and  there  were  precious  stones  in  it;  and  it 
was  set  upon  David’s  head  : eand  he  brought  also 
exceeding  much  spoil  out  of  the  city. 

3 And  fhe  brought  out  the  people  that  were  in 
it,  and  cut  them  ®with  saws,  and  with  harrows  of 
iron,  and  with  axes.  Even  so  dealt  David  with 
all  the  cities  of  the  children  of  Ammon.  And 
David  and  all  the  people  returned  to  Jerusalem. 

4 H And  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that  i-b.  c. 
bthere  ?arose  a war  'at  Gezer  with  the  Philis-  L 10ls- 
tines : at  which  time  JSibbechai  the  Hushathite 
slew  kSippai,j/ia£  was  of  the  children  of  Hhe  giant : 
and  they  were  subdued. 

5 And  there  was  war  again  with  the  Philis- 
tines ; and  Elhanan  the  son  of  'Jair  slew  Lahmi, 
the  brother  of  ""Goliath  the  Gittite,  whose  spear’s 
staff'  was  like  a weaver’s  beam. 

6 And  yet  again  there  was  war  at  Gath,  where 
was  a man  "of  great  stature,  whose  fingers  and 
toes  were  four  and  twenty,  six  on  each  hand,  and 
six  on  each  foot : and  he  also  was  "the  son  of  the 
giant. 

7 But  when  "he  "defied  Israel,  Jonathan  the 
son  of  "Shimea,  David’s  brother,  slew  him. 

8 These  were  born  unto  the  giant  in  Gath  ; 
and  Pthey  fell  by  the  hand  of  David,  and  by  the 
hand  of  his  servants. 


4:11,12.  Zech.  14:1 — 3.  ||  That  is,  Euphrates.  k 2 Sam.  10:16.  Shobnch. 

1 See  on  9.  Is.  22:6,7.  m 13,14.  Ps.  18:32.  33:16.  46:1 1 . n 2Sam.  10:18. 
horsemen.  oGen.  14:4,5.  Josh.  9:9 — 11.  2 Sam.  10:19.  1 Kings  20:1 ,12.  Is.  10: 
8.  p 14:17.  Ps.  48:3 — 6.  a 2 Sam.  11:1.  * Heb.  at  the  return  of  the  year. 

1 Kings  20:22,26  . 2 Kings  13:20.  b Is.  6:11. 54:16.  c Deut.  3:11.  '2  Sam  12: 

26.  17:27.  Jer.  49:2,3.  Ez.  21 :20.  25:5.  Am.  1 : 14.  d 2 Sam.  1 1 :16 — 25.  12:26— 
31.  t Heb  .the  weight  of  it.  e 18:11.  2 Sam.  8:11,12.  f 19:2 — 5.  I s.  21 :8,9^ 
g Ex.  1:14.  Josh.  9:23.  Judg.  8:6,7,16,17.  1 Kings  9:21.  h 2 Sam.  21:15. 
j Or,  continued.  Heb.  stood,  i Josh.  12:12.  16:3.  Or,  Gob.  2 Sam.  21:18. 
j 11:29.  Sibbeccvi.  k2Sam.  21:18.  Saph.  § Or , Raphn.  1 2 Sam.  21:19. 
Jaare-oregim.  m 1 Sam.  17:4.  21:9.22:10.  2 Sam.  21:19.  ||  Heb..o/  measure. 

2 Sam.  21:20.  IT  Heb.  bom  to  the  giant,  or,  Rapha.  n 1 Sam.  17:10,26,36. 

Is.  37:23.  **  Or , reproached,  o 2:13.  Shimmah.  1 Sam.  16:9.  Shnmmah . 

p Josh.  14:12.  Ec.  9:11.  Jer.  9:23.  Rom.  8:31. 


pense  all  that  we  endure  for  his  sake:  and  after  his  example 
we  also  should  endeavour  to  make  up  to  those  that  serve  us, 
every  loss  to  which  they  are  exposed  in  executing  our  orders. 
— In  every  case  the  servants  of  God,  though  here  disgraced, 
will  finally  be  honoured  : but  none  of  his  enemies  will  bring 
upon  themselves  more  sudden  and  terrible  vengeance,,  thar 
those  who  insult  his  ambassadors,  when  sent  with  a message 
of  peace  and  salvation. — The  only  safety  of  us  sinners  con- 
sists in  submitting  to  God,  making  our  peace  with  him,  and 
becoming  his  servants:  thus  separating  from  those  who  per- 
sist in  their  opposition  and  rebellion,  vwe  may  escape  their 
doom. — When  prudence,  vigilance,  courage,  and  diligence, 
have  been  used  in  a good  cause,  and  we  have  mutually 
assisted  each  other;  we  may  confidently  leave  the  event  to 
the  Lord,  saying,  “Let  him  do  what  seemetli  him  good.” 
But  let  us  look  to  ourselves,  and  examine  our  hearts  and 
lives,  and  fear,  lest  having  been  instruments  of  good  to  others, 
we  should  ourselves  be  found  to  come  short  of  salvation, 
through  unbelief  and  impenitent  continuance  in  sin. 

NOTES— Chap.  XX.  V.  I— 3.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  12:26 
— 31.)  The  whole  account  of  David’s  adultery,  and  of  tho 
sins  and  sufferings  consequent  upon  it,  is  here  entirely  omit- 
ted. (Notes,  2 Sam.  11: — 19:) 

V.  4 — 7.  Mar g.  Ref.  Note,  2 Sam.  2‘:I5 — 22 

( 737  ) 


B.  C.  1017, 


I.  CHRONICLES 


B.  C.  1017 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

Pnrid.  tempted  by  Satan,  requires  Joub  to  number  the  people,  1 — 4.  The 
number  is  returned  to  the  Icing,  5,  6.  God  ie  displeased , and  David  owns 
his  fault,  7,  8.  The  Lord,  by  Gad  the  prophet,  proposes  three  Judgments  to 
David,  who  chooses  three  days'  pestilence,  9 — 13.  Seventy  thousand  are  cut 
off ; and  David,  seeing  the  destroying  angel,  intercedes  for  the  people,  1 1— 
17.  Direct td  by  Gad,  he  buys  Oman's  thrashing-floor  ; and  sacrifices  : fire 
consumes  the  oblation,  and  tf.t  p.etgue  is  stayed,  18—27.  lie  again  sacrifu  es 
there ,f paring  to  go  unto  Gibeon,  28 — 30. 

A ND  “Satan  stood  up  against  Israel,  and  bpro- 
-lx-  voked  David  to  number  Israel. 

2 And  David  said  to  cJoab  and  to  tbe  rulers  of 
the  people,  Go,  number  Israel  from  dBeer-sheba 
even  to  Dan  ; and  'bring  the  number  of  them  to 
me,  f that  I may  know  it. 

3 And  Joab  answered,  sThe  Lord  make  his 
people  a hundred  times  so  many  more  as  they  be  : 
but,  my  lord  the  king,  are  they  not  all  my  lord’s 
servants?  why  then  doth  my  lord  require  this 
thing?  hwhy  will  he  be  a cause  of  trespass  to 
Israel  ? 

4 Nevertheless  'the  kind’s  word  prevailed 
against  Joab.  fWherefore  Joab  departed,  kand 
went  throughout  all  Israel,  and  came  to  Jerusalem. 

5 IT  And  Joab  gave  the  sum  of  the  number  of  the 
people  unto  David.  And  all  they  of  Israel  were 
'a  thousand  thousand  and  a hundred  thousand 
men  that  drew  sword:  and  Judah  was  four  hun- 
dred threescore  and  ten  thousand  men  that  drew 
sword. 

6 But  mLevi  and  Benjamin  counted  he  not 
among  them  : for  the  king’s  word  was  abominable 
to  "Joab. 

7 'And  °God  was  displeased  with  this  thing, 
therefore  i'he  smote  Israel. 

8 And  David  said  unto  God,  ff  have  sinned 

F reatly,  because  I have  done  this  thing:  but  now, 
beseech  thee,  ‘do  away  the  iniquity  of  thy  ser- 
vant- forsI  have  done  very  foolishly. 

9  if  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  ’Gad,  David’s 
seer,  saying, 

10  Go  ami  tell  David,  saying,  Thus  saith  the 
Lord,  I 'offer  thee  three  things  ; “choose  the  one 
of  them,  "that  I may  do  it  unto  thee. 

11  So  Gad  came  to  David,  and  said  unto  him, 
Thus  saith  the  Lord,  tChoose  thee 

12  Either  Hhree  years’  famine  ; or  three  months 
Ho  be  destroyed  before  thy  foes,  while  that  the 
sword  of  thine  enemies  overtaketh  thee;  or  else 
three  days  “the  sword  of  the  Lord,  beven  the  pes- 
tilence, in  the  land,  and  cthe  angel  of  the  Lord 

n 2S»m.24:l.  1 Kings  22:20-22.  Job  1:6 — 12.  2:4 — 6.  Zecli.  3:1 . Matt.  4 3. 
Luke  22:31.  John  13  2.  AcIb  5:3.  Jam.  1:13.  Rev.  12:10.  b Luke  11:53.  Hel>. 
10:21.  c Set  oni  Sam.  24:2— 1.  d Judg.20:l.  1 Sam.  3:20.  2Som.3:10.  17: 
11.24:15.  1 Kings  4:25.  2 Chr.  30:5.  e 27:23,24.  f Dent.  8:13-17.  2 Chr.  32: 
25,25.  Prov.  29:23.  2 Cor.  12:7.  g 19:13.  Pi.  115:14.  Prov.  14:28.  Is.  26:15. 
49  19.  h Gen.  20:9.  Ex.  32:21.  Num.  92  9, 10.  1 Sam.  2:21.  1 Kings  14:16. 
i Ec.  8:4.  i Ex.  1:17.  Dan.  3:18.  Acts  5:29.  it  See  on  2 Sam.  24:3-8.  127: 
23,21.  2 Sam.  24:9.  m Num.  1:47— 49.  n 2 Sam.  3 27.  1 1 :1S — 21. 20:9,10. 

■ Heb.  And  it  was  evil  in  ths  ei/es  of  God  concerning  this  thins,  o 2 Sum.  1 1 : 
27.  1 Kings.  15:5.  p 14.  Josh.  7 1 ,5,13.  22: 16— 26.  2Sam. 21:1,14. 24:1.  q2Sam. 
12:13.  Ps.  25: 1 1.32:5.  Jer. 3:13.  Luke  15:18.19.  1 John  1:9.  rPs.  51:L— 3. 
Hos.  14:2.  John  1:29.  s Gen.  34:7.  1 .Sam.  13:13.26:21.  2 Sam.  13:13.  2Chr. 
•16  9.  t 29:29.  1 Sam.  9:9.  2 Sam.  24:11.  t Heb.  stretch  out.  u Josh.  24:15. 
Prov.  1:29—31.  x Num  20:12.  2Sam.  12:10—12.  1 Kings  13:21,22.  Prov. 3:12. 
Rev. 3:19.  } Heb.  Take  to  thee,  y Lev.  26:26— 29.  2 Sam.  21 : 1 . lKingsl7:l. 
2 Kings  9;1 . Lam.  4:9.  Luke  4:25.  7.  Lev.  26: 17,36,37.  Dent.  28: 15,25,51 ,52. 

Jer.  12.16.  a 16.  Is.  66:16.  Jer.  12:12. 47:6.  b Lev.  26:16,25.  Deut. 28:22,27, 
35.  Ps.  91 :6.  Ez.  14:19—21.  c 15,16.  Ex.  12:23.  2 Kings  19:35.  Matt.  13:49,50. 


destroying  throughout  all  the  coasts  of  Israel. 
dNow  therefore  advise  thyself  what  word  I slial. 
bring  again  to  him  that  sent  me. 

13  And  David  said  unto  Gad,  'I  am  in  a great 
strait : < let  me  fall  now  into  tbe  hand  of  the  Lord  ; 
ffor  very  §great  are  his  mercies  : but  hlet  me  not 
fall  into  the  hand  of  man. 

14  IT  So  'the  Lord  sent  pestilence  upon  Israel : 
and  there  fell  of  Israel  Seventy  thousand  men. 

15  And  God  sent  an  angel  Hinto  Jerusalem  to 
destroy  it : and  as  be  was  destroying,  the  Lord 
beheld,  and  he  'repented  him  of  the  evil,  and  said 
to  the  angel  that  destroyed,  ’"It  is  enough,  stay 
now  thy  hand.  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord 
stood  by  the  thrashing-Hoor  of  "Oman  the  Jebu- 
site. 

16  And  David  lifted  tip  his  eyes,  and  “saw  the 
angel  of  the  Lord  stand  between  the  earth  and 
the  heaven,  having  a drawn  sword  in  his  hand, 
stretched  out  over  Jerusalem.  Then  David  and 
the  elders  of  Israel,  who  were  ^clothed  in  sack- 
cloth, ofell  upon  their  faces. 

17  And  David  said  unto  God,  Ts  it  not  I that 
commanded  the  people  to  he  numbered  ? even  I 
it  is  that  have  sinned  and  done  evil  indeed  ; hut 
as  for  Sthese  sheep,  'what  have  they  done  ? “Let 
thy  hand,  I pray  thee.  O Lord  my  God,  he  on 
me,  and  xon  my  lather’s  house;  but  not  on  thy 
people,  ’that  they  should  be  plagued. 

18  If  Then  zthe  angel  of  the  Lord  commanded 
Gad  to  say  to  David,  “that  David  should  go  up, 
and  set  up  an  altar  unto  the  Lord  in  the  thrash- 
ing-floor of  Oman  the  Jebusite. 

19  And  David  bwent  up  at  the  saying  of  Gad, 
which  he  spake  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

20  "And  Oman  turned  hack,  and  saw  the  angel ; 
and  his  four  sons  with  him  hid  ihemselves.  “Now 
Oman  was  thrashing  wheat. 

21  And  as  David  came  to  Oman,  Oman  looked, 
and  saw  David,  and  went  out  of  the  thrashing- 
floor,  and  ’’bowed  himself  to  David  with  his  face 
to  the  ground. 

22  Then  David  said  to  Oman.  '"Grant  me  the 
place  of  this  thrashing-floor,  that  I may  build  an 
altar  therein  unto  the  Lord:  'thou  shalt  grant  it 
me  for  the  full  price:  ’that  the  plague  may  be 
stayed  from  the  people. 

23  And  Oman  said  unto  David,  sTake  it  to 


Acts  12:23,  Rev.  7:1—3.  <1  2 Sum.  24: 13,14.  e 2 Kings  6:15. 1:4.  Eslh.  4:11. 

1(1.  John  12:27.  Phil.  1:23.  f Heb.  10:31.  p Ex.  34:6,7.  P».  86:5,15.  103:8. 
130:7.  Lam.  3:32.  Jon.  3:9.  4:2.  Mir.  7:18.  Huh.  3:2  6 Or,  many.  Ps.  5:7. 

51 : 1 ,2.  69: 13,16.  106:7.  Is.  55:7.  63:7,15.  h 2 Chr.  88:9.  Prov.  12:10.  Is.  47:6. 
i Nnm.  16:46—49.  2 Sam.  24:15.  j Ex.  12  30.  Nom.  25  9.  I Sam.  6:19.  2 Kinxa 
19:35.  k 2Sam.  24:16.  Jer.  7:12.  26:9.18.  Moll.  23:37,38.  1 See  on  Gen.  6:6. 

Ex.  32:14.  Judg.  2:18.  10:16.  Ps.  78:38.  Jer.  18:7— 10.  m Ex.  9:28.  1 Kii.e* 

19:4.  Ps.  99:13.  Mark  14.41.  n 2 Sam. 24:18.  Arnunah.  2(  hr.  3:1.  o Ex. 
14:19,20.  2 Kines  6: 17.  p 1 KInss  21:27.  2 King*  19:1.  Ps.  35:13,14.  Jon.  3:6— 
8.  q Nnm.  14:5.  16:22.  r 8.  2 Sam.  24:17.  Is.  51:4.  Er.  16:63.  slKine«22. 
17.  Ps.  44:11.  I 2 Sam.  24:1.  n Gen.  44:33.  F.x.  32:32, S3.  John  10:11,11 
Rom. 9:3.  Uo!in3:16.  x Ex.  20:5.  2 Sum.  12:10.  Ps. 51:14.  Is.  39:7,8. 

y Josh.  22:18.  z 1 1 . Acts  8:26,  Ac.  a 15.  2 Sam.  21.18.  2 Chr.  3:1.  h 2 Kings 
5:10 — 14.  John  2:5.  Acts  9:6.  ||  Or,  When  Omni  turned  back  awl  saw  the 

angel;  then  he,  and  his  four  sons  with  him  hid  themselves,  c Judg.  6:11. 
d 1 Sam.  25:23.  2 Sim.  24: 18— 20.  H Heb.  Give.  I Kings  ?I:2.  e 2 Sum.  24: 
21.  f Num.  16.48.25:8.  g Gen.  23:4— 6.  2 Sam.  24:22,23.  Jer.  3*2:8. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

A pious  and  benevolent  mind  cannot  possibly  delight  in  men- 
tioning the  transgressions  of  useful  ami  eminent  men.  So 
that  if  truth  and  candour  will  permit,  and  if  no  good  purpose 
can  be  answered  by  speaking,  persons  of  this  character  will 
choose  to  he  silent;  though  they  will  by  no  means  deny, 
excuse,  or  extenuate  the  sins  of  any  man,  when  they  cannot 
honestly  conceal  them.  It  however  proves  a malignant  or  an 
unfeeling  mind,  to  he  always  searching  into  the  miscarriages 
of  others,  especially  those  of  superior  reputation,  in  the  world, 
or  in  the  church. — The  conflicts  of  believers,  like  those  of 
David,  will  be  successive,  as  long  as  they  live  here,  and 
sometimes  the  sharpest  a^e  reserved  till  the  last  : and  their 
victories  will  be  gradual,  as  their  enemies  will  still  he  renew- 
ing their  assaults,  and  recovering  their  strength. — Though  the 
Lord  severely  correct  the  sins  of  his  own  believing  people,  he 
will  not  leave  them  in  the  hands  of  their  enemies ; his  assis- 
ance  far  more  than  counterbalances  all  the  advantages,  in 
lumber  and  strength,  of  those  that  defy  his  Israel;  and  all 
-hat  trust  in  him  shall  he  made  more  than  conquerors,  through 
nim  that  loveth  them. 

NOTES.— C»ap.  xxr.  V.  1.  (Note,  2 Sam.  21:1,2.) 
It  J3  said  in  2 Sam.  24:1.  that  God,  being  angry  with  Israel, 
«oved  David,  that  is,  suffered  Satan  to  move  him.  This  is 
efficiently,  explained  there.  Only  here  the  phrase  stood  up 
R to  be  observed;  which  was  the  posture  of  those  who 
i 738  ) 


charged  or  accused  any  person  of  a crime,  in  a court  of  jus- 
tice. See  l Kings  22:21.  Thus  Satan  is  represented  as 
“ the  accuser  of  the  brethren,”  in  the  hook  of  the  Revelation  ; 
and  here  to  lay  some  sin  to  the  charge  of  the  Israelites,  which 
he  represented  to  God  as  a reason  to  punish  them.  For  it 
is  the  way  of  the  holy  Scripture,  thus  to  bring  down  these 
things,  and  accommodate  them  to  the  lowest  capacities. 
Bp.  Patrick.  (Notes,  Job  1:9 — 12.  Zcch.  3:1 — 4.  Rev.  12: 
7—12.) 

V.  2 — 6.  Notes , 2 Sam.  21:3 — 9. — Why  will  he  be  a cause 
of  trespass  to  Israeli  (3)  This  part  of  Joab’s  expostulation 
with  David  is  not  found  in  Samuel;  and  it  shows,  that  Joab, 
amidst  all  his  crimes,  had  considerable  knowledge  in  religion, 
and  much  sagacity  in  discerning  the  motives,  and  presaging 
the  consequences,  of  other  men’s  conduct.  (Marg.  Ref.  h.) 
— The  king's  word  was  abominable  to  Joab.  (0)  ‘He  did  all 
this  against  his  will:  and  at  Inst  the  work  was  so  odious  unto 
him,  that  he  was  quite  tired  with  it ; and  therefore  broke  off, 
before  ho  took  the  numbers  of  those  two  tribes.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  7,  H.  Notes,  2 Sam.  11:27.  12:13.  24:10.— He  smote 

Israel.  (7)  ‘He  resolved  to  punish  them;  because  it  was  for 
their  sins,  that  God  permitted  David  to  indulge  himsolf  iuthif 
vanity.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  9—17.  Notes,  2 Sam.  24:1 1—17. 

V.  18 — 25.  Notes,  2 Sam.  24:18 — 25. — Saw,  &c.  (20)  Tne 
destroying  angel  was  rendered  visible,  not  only  to  Dm  «d  and 


B.  C.  1017. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


B.  C.  1016. 


thet,  and  let  my  lord  the  king  do  that  which  is 
ood  in  his  eyes : lo,  I give  thee  hthe  oxen  also  for 
urnt-offerings,  and  the  thrashing  instruments  for 
wood,  and  the  wheat  for  the  meat-offering ; I give 
St  all. 

24  And  king  David  said  to  Oman,  'Nay;  I will 
verily  buy  it  for  the  full  price:  for  I #ill  not  take 
that  which  is  thine  for  the  Lord,  nor  offer  burnt- 
offerings  without  cost. 

25  So  kDavid  gave  to  Oman  for  the  place  six 
hundred  shekels  of  gold  by  weight. 

26  And  David  'built  there  an  altar  unto  the 
Lord,  and  offered  burnt-offerings  and  peace-of- 
ferings, raand  called  upon  the  Lord  ; and  he  an- 
swered him  from  heaven  "by  fire  upon  the  altar  of 
burnt-offering. 

27  And  “the  Lord  commanded  the  angel ; and 
*’,'e  p it  up  his  sword  again  into  the  sheath  thereof. 

28  H At  that  time  when  David  saw  that  the 
Lord  had  answered  him  in  the  thrashing-floor  of 
Oman  the  Jebusite,  then  he  sacrificed  there. 

29  For  ithe  tabernacle  of  the  Lord,  which 
Moses  made  in  the  wilderness,  and  the  altar  of 
the  burnt-offering,  were  at  that  season  in  the  high 
place  at  "Gibeon. 

30  But  David  could  not  go  before  it  to  inquire 
of  God : for  "he  was  afraid  because  of  the  sword 
of  the  angel  of  the  Lord. 

hi  Sam.  6:14.  1 Kinss  19:21.  18.23:21,3s.  i Hen.  14:23.  23:13.  Deut.  16:16, 
17.  Mai. 1:12— 14.  Rom. 12:17.  k 2 Sam.  21:24,25.  1 Ex.  20:24,25.  24.4.5. 

m 1 Sam.  7:8,9.  Ps.  51:15.  91:15.  99:6.  Prov.  15:8.  Is.  65:24.  Jer.  33:3.  n Lev. 
9.24.  Ju<lK.  6 21.  13:20.  I Kings  18:38.  2Cbr.  7:1.  o 15,16.  2 Sam.  94:16. 
Ps.  1U3.2D.  Heb.  1:14.  p 12:20.  Jer.  47:6.  Ex.  21:30.  Malt.  26:52.  John  18:11. 
a Ex.  40  I , &c.  r 16:39.  1 Kinse  3:4.  2 Chr.  1 : 13.  s 16.  13: 12.  Dent.  10:12. 

2 Sam.  6:9.  Job  13:21 . 21:6.  23:15.  Ps.  119:120.  Heb.  12:28,29.  Rev  1:17.  15:4. 
a 21:13—28.  lien.  28: 17.  Deut.  12:5—7,11.  2 Sam.  24:18.  2 Chr.  3:1.  6:5,6.  Ps. 
78:60,67-69.  132:13,14.  John  4:20— 22.  b 2 Kings  18:22.  2Chr.32:12. 

c 1 Kings  9:20,21.  2 Chr.  2:17.  8:7,8.  Is. 61:5,6.  Eph.  2:12,19— 22.  (114:1. 

the  elders  of  Israel,  but  to  Oman,  (or  Araunah,)  and  his 
sons  also.  Indeed,  it  is  probable,  that  this  awful  vision  of  the 
angel,  with  a “drawn  sword  in  his  hand,  stretched  out  over 
Jerusalem,”  continued  apparent  to  all  the  inhabitants,  till 
David  had  offered  the  appointed  sacrifices.  The  variations 
<n  the  narrative  are  noted  in  the  exposition  of  the  parallel  pas- 
sage in  Samuel. 

V.  2G.  The  fire  from  heaven  was  an  emblem  of  divine 
vindictive  justice  against  sinners  : but,  this  fire  consuming  the 
sacrifices,  and  sparing  the  offenders,  who  thus  pleaded  guilty 
and  sought  mercy,  was  the  highest  token  of  the  Lord’s  accep- 
tance of  the  sacrifice,  and  a type  of  our  salvation  by  the  pro- 
pitiary  sufferings  of  Christ  for  us.  (Notes,  Gen.  4:3  —5.  Lev. 
9:24.  1 Kings  18:38,39.  2 Chr.  7:1—3.) 

V.  28 — 30.  David  had  in  general  been  used  to  sacrifice  at 
Gibeon;  (Notes.  10:37 — 43.  1 Kings  3:4.)  but  on  this  emer- 

gency he  was  afraid  to  leave  Jerusalem,  lest  the  angel  should 
smite  the  inhabitants : and  having  been  accepted  at  the  thrash- 
ing-floor of  Oman,  he  continued  afterwards  to  offer  sacrifices 
there.  (Note,  22:1.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

So  long  as  we  abide  on  earth  Satan  has  access  to  us, 
through  the  remains  of  sin  in  our  hearts,  and  especially  of 
pride : an  1 the  Lord  has  wise  and  righteous  reasons  for  per- 
mitting this  enemy,  under  certain  restrictions,  to  tempt  his 
servants.  As  far  as  he  obtains  this  permission,  he  is  un- 
wearied in  his  malicious  efforts  to  deceive,  to  defile,  or  to  dis- 
tress us  ; and  he  can  vary  his  devices  in  many  plausible  ways : 
Dut,  he  does  us  more  harm  as  a seducer  than  as  an  accuser, 
as  a subtle  serpent  than  as  a roaring  lion.  W e are  therefore 
called  upon  to  be  sober  and  vigilant,  and  to  pray  always  that 
we  “ enter  not  into  temptation :”  and,  as  men  advance  in  rank 
and  reputation,  authority,  or  usefulness,  they  have  need  to 
redouble  the  guard,  and  to  be  more  watchful  and  instant  in 
prayer  than  ever;  for  the  enemy  levels  his  assaults  especially 
against  those  who  are  eminent  in  character,  or  fill  up  public 
stations,  in  the  church  or  in  the  community ; because  their 
falls  involve  numbers  either  in  sin  or  suffering. — It  is  a mercy 
to  be  speedily  made  sensible  of  our  guilt,  when  we  have  been 
left  to  transgress : but  no  confession  or  humiliation  can  secure 
us  from  present  sufferings,  when  we  have  committed  such 
crimes  as  appear  abominable  even  to  ungodly  men,  and  bring 
an  open  scandal  upon  our  profession. — By  thus  yielding  to 
temptation  we  bring  ourselves  into  dreadful  straits,  from  which 
we  can  by  no  means  extricate  ourselves : yet,  even  in  this 
case,  there  is  encouragement  for  us  to  leave  our  cause  in  the 
hand  of  the  Lord,  that  he  may  do  with  us  as  he  pleases  ; “ for 
very  great  are  his  mercies.” — Of  all  the  painful  consequences 
cf  transgression,  none  in  this  world  can  be  more  distressing 
to  an  ingenuous  mind,  than  to  see  those  whom  we  most  love, 
and  desire  the  most  to  do  good  to,  suffering  heavily  through 
our  sins.  But  even  under  the  anguish  of  this  trial,  we  must 
oot  allow  ourselves  to  murmur,  or  to  despond. — The  Lord  has 
righteous  reasons  for  his  dispensations,  though  mysterious  to 
us : and  therefore  they,  who  a-e  reciprocally  suffering  through 
•ach  owr’s  sins,  should  uni#*  together  in  humiliation  before 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

David  makes  large  preparations  for  the  temple,  1 — 5.  He  instructs  Solomo* 
and  chargee  him  lo  build  it,  6 — 16.  lit  commands  the  elders  of  Israel  lo  as- 
sist him,  17—19. 

THEN  David  said,  "This  is  the  house  of  the 
Lord  God,  band  ttiis  is  the  altar  of  the  burnt* 
offering  for  Israel. 

2  And  David  commanded  to  gather  together 
"the  strangers  that  were  in  the  land  of  Israel ; and 
he  set  dmasons  to  hew  wrought  stones  to  build  the 
house  of  God. 

3  And  David  “prepared  iron  in  abundance  for 
the  nails  for  the  doors  of  the  gates,  and  for  the 
joinings ; and  brass  in  abundance 1 without  weight, ; 

4  Also  ^cedar-trees  in  abundance  : for  the  Zido- 
nians,  and  they  of  Tyre  brought  much  cedar- 
wood  to  David. 

5  And  David  said,  hSoIom»n  my  son  is  young 
and  tender,  and  the  house  that  is  to  be  builded  for 
the  Lord  must  be  ‘exceeding  magnifical,  of  fame 
and  of  glory  throughout  all  countries  : I w\\\  there- 
fore now  make  preparation  lor  il.  So  kDavid  pre- 
pared abundantly  before  his  death. 

6  H Then  he  called  for  Solomon  his  son,  and 
'charged  him  to  build  a house  for  the  Lord  God 
of  Israel. 

7  And  David  said  to  Solomon,  My  son,  as  for 
me,  mit  was  in  my  mind  to  build  a house  “unto 
the  name  of  the  Lord  my  God : 


2 Sam.5:  II.  I Kings  5:17,18.  6:7.  7:9— 12.  2 Kings  12:12.  29:6.  Ezra3:7,  e 29: 
2,7.  f 14.  1 Kings  7:47.  2 Chr.  4:18.  Jer.  52:26.  g 2 Sam.  5:11.  1 Kings  5.6— 
10.  9 Chr.  2:3.  Ezra  3:7.  h 29:1.  1 Kings  3:7.  2 Chr.  13:7.  ilKings9:8. 
2 Chr.  2:5.  7:21.  Is.  61:11.  Ez.  7:20.  Hag.  2:3,9.  Luke 21:5.  k Deut.  31 :2— 7. 
Ec.  9:10.  John  3:30.  4:37,38.  9:4.  13:1.  2 Pel.  l:13— 15.  1 Num.  27:18,19,23. 

Deut.  31:14,23.  Matt.  98:18—90.  Acts  1:2.  20:25— 31.  1 Tim.  5:21. 6:13— 17. 
2 Tim.  4:1 . m 17:1.28:2.  29:3.  2 Sam.  7:2.  1 Kings  8:17— 19.  2 Chr.  6:7—  9. 
Ps.  132:5.  Acts  7:46.  n Deut.  12:5,11,21.  1 Kings  8:16,20,29.  9:3.  2Chr.2:4. 
Ezra  6:12. 


him,  and  in  fervently  deprecating  the  effects  of  his  indignation 
from  each  other.  This  forms  the  proper  employment  of  every 
individual,  in  times  of  general  calamity : and  when  public  ho- 
nour has  thus  been  rendered  to  the  righteous  Author  of  na- 
tional sufferings,  his  merciful  interposition  may  be  expected. 
He  knows  how  to  educe  good  from  evil,  and  to  overrule  our 
sufferings,  nay,  even  our  sins,  for  the  good  of  our  souls,  and 
the  promotion  of  true  religion. — The  fear  of  impending  ven- 
geance, from  the  wrath  of  an  offended  God,  is  naturally  cal- 
culated to  drive  men  from  him.  But  in  subserviency  to  the 
gospel,  and  through  the  influence  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  it  con- 
curs in  showing  sinners  the  preciousness  of  Christ ; disposing 
them  to  forsake  all  for  him,  and  afterwards  enlarging  the  mind 
in  grateful  obedience  to  him,  who  has  saved  them  from  so 
great  a destruction.  Those  who  shelter  their  souls,  as  it  were, 
under  the  atonement  of  his  sacrifice,  who  “suffered  once  for 
sins,  the  just  for  the  unjust,”  will  be  safe  from  danger,  even 
in  the  hour  of  death,  and  in  the  day  of  judgment,  and  none 
are  losers,  by  being  willing  to  part  with  all  for  the  sake  of 
Christ,  or  to  dedicate  all  to  his  service. — When  the  urgency 
of  our  affairs  constrains  us  to  act  contrary  to  our  previous 
methods  and  rules,  or  to  our  inclination,  we  shall  frequently 
learn  afterwards,  that,  by  so  doing,  we  were  preparing  the 
way  for  some  important  benefit  from  the  Lord  to  us  or  to 
others:  and  in  the  observance  of  his  directions,  we  may  con- 
fidently expect  acceptance  and  returning  comfort. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXII.  V.  1.  The  Lord,  having  point- 
ed out  the  place,  where  he  would  have  sacrifice  offered  for 
averting  the  pestilence,  and  having  “answered  by  fire  from 
heaven  David  was  assured,  probably  by  immediate  inspira- 
tion, that  it  was  his  will,  the  temple  should  be  built  by  Solo- 
mon on  this  very  spot..  It  had  immediately  before  been  in 
the  possession  of  a Jebusite , which  was  an  intimation  of  mercy 
intended  for  the  Gentiles  through  Jesus  Christ.  (21:18.) — It 
does  not  appear,  whether  David  removed  the  ark  thither  with 
its  tent,  or  whether  it  remained  in  its  former  place. — Hence- 
forth this  became  the  spot,  which  God  “ chose  to  place  his 
name  there,”  and  where  sacrifices  were  regularly  offered,  as 
long  as  that  dispensation  lasted.  ( Notes , Deut.  12:5 — 7.  2 Chr. 
3:1,2.  Fs.  78:67— 69.  John  4:19— 24.) 

V.  2 — 5.  David  though  denied  the  honour  of  building 
the  temple,*  yet  out  of  love  to  so  good  a work,  employed 
himself  in  making  every  kind  of  preparation  for  it.  ( Notes, 
18:9 — 17,  v.  11.  28:11 — 18.  29:1 — 9.) — The  strangers , here 
mentioned,  seem  to  have  been  the  remnant  of  the  old 
inhabitants,  who,  having  submitted  to  David,  had  their 
lives  spared,  and  had  been  reduced  to  bondage.  (Note, 

1 Kings  9:20 — 22.) — David  procured  much  cedar-wood  for 
the  temple  ; but  Solomon  had  occasion  for  a great  deal  more. 

( Marg . Ref.) — According  to  the  nature  of  that  introductory 
dispensation,  and  for  an  emblem  of  the  spiritual  glory  of 
Christ  and  his  church,  Solomon’s  temple  was  built  with  grea 
magnificence:  that,  being  renowned  through  all  countries, 
strangers  might  be  induced  to  visit  it,  and  thus  become  ac- 
quainted with  Jehovah,  and  his  true  worship.  Sol  n :>n 
also  would  need  every  encouragement  and  assistance  fo-  so 

( 739  > 


B.  C.  016. 


I.  CHRONICLES 


B.  C.  1016 


8 Bjt  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to  me,  say- 
ing, °Thou  hast  shed  blood  abundantly,  and  hast 
made  great  wars  : "thou  shalt  not  build  a house 
unto  my  name,  because  thou  hast  shed  much 
blood  upon  the  earth  in  my  sight. 

9 Behold,  sa  son  shall  be  born  to  thee,  who  shall 
be  a man  of  rest;  and  rI  will  give  him  rest  from 
all  liis.enemies  round  about : for  his  name  shall  be 
'Solomon,  and  SI  will  give  peace  and  quietness 
unto  Israel  in  his  days. 

10  'He  shall  build  a house  for  my  name  ; and 
Jhe  shall  be  my  son,  and  I will  be  his  father;  and 
^1  will  establish  the  throne  of  his  kingdom  over 

ISPRCl  lor  6VCF.  [ Practical  Observations .] 

11  Now,  my  son,  ?the  Lord  be  with  thee:  and 
prosper  thou,  and  build  the  house  of  the  Lord 
thy  God,  as  he  hath^aid  of  thee. 

12  Only  zthe  Lord  give  thee  wisdom  and 
understanding,  and  give  thee  charge  concerning 
Israel,  "that  thou  mayest  keep  the  law  of  the 
Lord  thy  God. 

13  Then  bshalt  thou  prosper,  if  thou  takest 
heed  cto  fulfil  the  statutes  and  judgments,  which 
the  Lord  charged  Moses  with  concerning  Israel: 
<!be  strong,  and  of  good  courage  ; dread  not,  nor 
be  dismayed. 

o 38:3.  Num.  31:19,20,34.  1 Kins' 5.3.  p 17:4—10.  2 Sam.  7:5— 11 . q 17: 
11.28:5—7.  2 Sam.  7:12.13.  r 1 Kinzs  4:20,25.  5U.  Ps.  72:7.  Is.  9:6.7. 

• That  is,  Peaceable.  2 Sam.  12:2-1,25.  s Jude.  6:24.  marg.  Job  34:29. 
Is.  26:12.  45:7.  57:19.  66;12.  Hag.  2:9.  t 17:12,13.  28:6.  1 Kings  5:5.  8: 19,20. 
Zech.  6:12,13.  u Ps.  89:26,27.  Heb.  1 .5.  x 17:1 1.  28:7.  Ps.  89:36,37.  Is.  9:7. 
y 16.28:20.  Is. 26.12.  Matt.  1 :23. 28:20.  Rorn.  15:33.  2Tim.4:22.  z 1 Kings 
3:9—12.  2 Cbr.  1:10.  Ps.  72:1.  Prov.  2:6,7.  Luke  21:15.  Jam.  1:5.  a Pent.  4: 
6,  1 Kings  11:1 — 10.  Prov.  14:8.  1 John  2:3.  b 28:7.  Josh.  1:7,8.  mars'.  1 Kings 
2:3.  Jer.  22:3,4.  c Matt.  3:15.  Acts  13:22.  Gal.  6:2.  Jam.  2:8.  d 28:10,20. 
Dent.  31:7,8.  Josh.  1:6— 9,18.  1 Cor.  16:13.  Kph.6:10.  2Tim.2:l. *  * Or, 

great  a work,  as  succeeding  to  the  throne  of  Israel  when 
young,  and  being  called  lo  perform  so  arduous  and  important 
a service;  that  he  might  not  be  retarded  from  entering  on  it 
in  an  early  period  cf  his  reign.  (Note,  1 Kings  3:5 — 14.) 

V.  6— 10.  (Notes,  Num.  27:18,19.  2 Tim.  4:1—8.)  David 
was  a type  of  Christ  in  his  conflicts,  victories,  and  the  de- 
struction of  his  obstinate  enemies : but  Solomon  represented 
the  Saviour  triumphant,  glorified,  and  giving  peace  and  feli- 
city to  his  willing  subjects.  In  this  latter  character  “ the 
Prince  of  peace”  erects  his  spiritual  temple  ; and  h z ire 
accorded  to  the  nature  of  the  Christian  dispensati^:.,  and  to 
the  character  of  Jesus,  both  of  which  were  represented  in 
this  transaction,  that  the  temple  should  be  built  by  a peace- 
able prince,  than  by  a successful  war*-’ or.  Yet,  David  in  his 
wars  did  the  work  and  sought  the  honour  of  God,  and  was 
eminently  serviceable  to  his  people:  and  he  was  desirous  also 
of  building  the  temple.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  7:1 — 5,12 — 16.  12: 
24,25.  1 Kings  8:17— 21.  Zech.  6:12,13.) 

Hast  shed  blood,  (8)  ‘Though  David’s  wars  were  war- 
ranted, and  succeeded  by  God  in  an  extraordinary  manner ; 
yet  it  did  not  suit  so  well  with  the  divine  Majesty  to  have  a 
house  built  him  by  one  who  had  shed  so  much  blood,  as  by 
one  that  reigned  in  peace  and  quietness : that  he  might  he  an 
emblem  of  the  King  of  peace,  the  Lord  of  the  church,  who 
was  prefigured  in  all  such  great  transactions.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

Forever.  (10)  ‘This  can  belong  to  none  in  the  proper 
and  full  sense  of  the  word,  but  Christ  alone.  For  Solomon 
reigned  but  forty  years,  and  after  that  his  kingdom  was  torn 
in  pieces.  Therefore  to  Christ  the  author  to  the  Hebrews 
applies  them,  Heb.  1:5.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  11,  12.  David  had  given  Solomon  exhortations  and  in- 
structions; but  the  powerful  influence  of  divine  grace  alone 
could  form  him  to  that  wisdom,  piety,  and  zeal,  which  such  a 
work  required.  This  he  earnestly  prayed  for  in  Solomon’s 
behalf,  and  taught  him  to  pray  for  and  confidently  to  expect : 
for  the  language  may  he  understood  as  an  assurance  that  it 
would  be  so ; as  well  as  a prayer  that  it  might  be  so.  The 
connexion  also  of  ihe  several  particulars  is  well  worthy  of 
notice.  The  Lord  must  give  the  wisdom  and  understanding, 
in  or  ler  that  he  might  keep  the  charge  and  ihe  law:  for  this 
would  he  the  genuine  and  sure  effect,  and  thus  prosperity 
would  he  the  result.  (Notes,  13.  1 Kings  3:5 — 14.  Ps.  72: 

4*  4 : ) 

V.  13.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  28:7,8.  Josh.  Ii7,8.)  Con- 
scientious obedience  to  the  commands  of  God,  on  scriptural 
principles,  both  secures  final  success,  and  inspires  present 
courage  and  confidence. 

V.  14.  The  gold  and  silver  here  mentioned,  if  computed 
by  the  ordinary  weight  of  the  talent,  would  amount  to  eight 
or  nine  hundred  millions  sterling*  and  this  enormous  quantity 
would  have  more  than  sufficed  to  erect  an  edifice,  as  large  as 
the  temple  itself  apart  from  its  courts,  of  solid  gold  and  silver. 
Compared  therefore  with  the  size  of  the  temple,  and  with  the 
gains  of  Solomon,  when  the  precious  metals  became  common 
at  Jerusalem;  ( l Kings  9:14,28.)  it  is  generally  concluded, 
either  that  some  mistake  has  taken  place  in  the  numeral  let- 
ters, or  that  a talent  of  inferior  weight  and  value  is  meant. — 
David  h?d  collected  this  wealth  for  the  temple  in  his  trouble, 
( 740  , 


14  Now  behold,  in  my  ^trouble  I have  prepared 
for  the  house  of  the  Lord  ea  hundred  thousan 
talents  of  gold,  and  a thousand  thousand  talents 
of  silver ; and  of  brass  and  iron  f without  weight; 
for  it  is  in  abundance:  timber  also  anil  stone 
have  I prepared  ; and  thou  mayest  add  thereto. 

15  Moreover,  there  are  workmen  with  thee  in 
abundance,  :hewers  and  workers  of  slone  and 
timber,  and  sail  manner  of  cunning  men  for  every 
manner  of  work. 

16  Of  hthe-gold,  the  silver,  and  the  brass,  and 
the  iron,  there  is  no  number.  ‘Arise,  therefore, 
and  he  doing,  kand  the  Lord  be  with  thee. 

17  TI  David  also  commanded  'all  the  princes  of 
Israel  to  help  Solomon  his  son.  saying, 

18  Is  ‘"not  the  Lord  your  God  with  you?  "and 
hath  he  not  given  you  rest  on  every  side?  for  he 
hath  given  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  into  mine 
hand  ; and  the  land  is  subdued  “before  the  Lord, 
and  before  his  people. 

19  Now  Pset  your  heart  and  your  soul  to  seek 
the  Lord  your  God ; ^arise  therefore,  and  build 
ye  the  sanctuary  of  the  Lord  God,  rlo  bring  the 
ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  and  the  holy 
vessels  of  God,  into  the  house  that  is  to  be  built 
sto  the  name  of  the  Lord. 


poverty.  2 Cor.  8:2.  e 29:4— 7.  1 Kings  10:14.  f 3.  2 Kings  25:16.  Jer.  52:20. 
| Thai  is,  masons  and  carpenters.  See  on  2 — 4.  g Ex . 28:6.  31  5.  35:32— 

35.  1 Kings  7:14.  h See  on  3,14.  i Josh.  1 :2,5,9.  7:10.  Judg.  4:14.  18:9,10. 
2 Chr.  20:17.  1 Cor.  15:58.  Eph.  5:14.  Phil.  2:12,13.  4:13.  k 1 Sam.  17:37.  20: 

13.  1 28:21.  29:6.  Rom.  16:2,3.  Phil  4:3.  3 Joint  8.  m Jude.  6:12— 14.  Rom. 
8:31.  n See  on  9.  23:25.  Deul.  12:10,11.  Jo«h.  22:4.  23  1 . 2 S^m.  7:1 . Acts  9:31. 
o Dent.  20:4.  Josh.  10:42.  1 Sam.  25:28  . 2 Sam.  5:19,20.  Ps.  44:1—5.  p 16:11. 
28:9.  Dent.  4:29.  32:46,47.  2 Chr.  20:3.  Dan.  9:3.  Hae.  1:5.  marg.  Acts  11:23. 
q See  on  16.  Is.  60:1.  Acts  22:16.  r 1 Kings  8:6,21.  2 Chr.  5:7.  6:1 1.  o See  on 
7.  1 Kings  5:3. 


or  in  his  poverty.  He  had  set  out  in  life  very  poor ; he  had 
passed  through  a constant  succession  of  trials  and  troubles, 
not  only  before  he  came  to  the  kingdom,  but  during  his  whole 
reign ; and  all  his  prosperity  was  the  result  of  the  Lord’s 
singular  kindness,  in  making  him  a gainer  by  all  the  attempts 
of  his  numerous  enemies. — He  seems  also  to  speak  of  his 
preparation  as  a small  matter,  whether  compared  with  tho 
greatness  of  the  Lord  to  whom  it  was  dedicated,  or  with  his 
own  obligations  to  him.  (Note,  29:10 — 19.) 

V.  15—19.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  28:20,21.  29:2—9,21—25. 
— Set  your  heart*  &c.  (19)  Earnestly  seize  the  present  op- 
portunity, and  make  it  your  grand  concern  to  seek  and  serve 
the  Lord  in  all  respects,  as  well  as  to  build  the  temple. 
(Notes,  Ec.  9:10.  Is.  55:6,7.  Matt.  6:33,34.  John  12:34—36.) 

• PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  When  the  grace  of  God  possesses  the  heart,  a 
man’s  falls  and  mistakes  will  eventually  be  overruled  to  form 
him  to  such  a humble  and  watchful  frame  of  mind,  as  will 
exceedingly  increase  the  simplicity,  purity,  and  activity  of 
his  zeal  in  the  service  of  God. — The  most  eminent  servants 
of  the  Lord  are  apt  sometimes  to  abate  their  diligence;  and 
alarming  providences  often  concur  with  the  warnings  and  re- 
bukes of  the  Scripture,  to  stir  them  up  to  greater  earnestness ; 
especially  when  they  are  reminded  of  the  approach  of  death, 
and  perceive  that  much  remains  to  be  done,  and  that  proba- 
bly they  have  only  a short  time  in  w hich  to  do  it. — When  tho 
Lord  refuses  to  employ  us  in  those  kinds  and  in  that  measure 
of  service  to  his  church,  which  we  desired  and  hoped  to  per- 
form; we  must  not  on  that  account  yield  to  indolence  or 
discouragement.  But  we  should  bo  doing  what  we  can,  in  a 
subordinate  sphere,  and  upon  a smaller  scale;  and  rejoice  in 
affording  any  little  assistance  to  those  who  arc  honoured  with 
more  extensive  usefulness.  The  “ spirit  that  is  in  us,”  in- 
deed, powerfully  “lusteth  to  envy  ;”  hut  we  must  seek  unto 
him,  who  “ giveth  more  grace,”  that  this  evil  may  he  morti- 
fied and  subdued. — We  are  not  likely  on  earth  to  witness 
those  glorious  times  which  are  foretold  in  the  Scriptures, 
when  Satan  shall  no  more  deceive  the  nations,  and  “tho 
earth  shall  he  filled  with  the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  tho 
Lord,  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea:”  yet,  it  is  possible  that  we 
may  he,  as  it  were,  collecting  materials  for  that  work.  What- 
ever is  done  towards  rendering  the  word  of  God  more  gene- 
rally known,  understood,  and  attended  to,  in  the  world,  is  like 
bringing  a stone,  perhaps  an  ingot  of  gold,  towards  erecting 
the  edifice.  Whatever  tends  to  bring  the  rising  generations, 
in  succession,  acquainted  with  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ,  in 
its  purity  and  energy,  is,  as  it  were,  enlisting  soldiers  for  that 
decisive  conflict,  in  which  the  armies  of  Christ  shall  obtain 
most  glorious  victories.  These  considerations  should  en- 
courage us,  when  we  are  grieved  that  we  see  no  more  fruits 
of  all  our  labours.  Much  good  may  appear  after  our  death 
which  was  hidden  from  us,  “lest  we  should  be  exalted  above 
measure.”  “ Let  us  not  then  he  weary  of  well  doing  ; for  in 
due  season  we  shall  reap,  if  wo  faint  not.” — Above  all,  they 
who  are  aged,  and  expect  shortly  to  he  removed  .o  a bettor 
world,  should  diligently  instruct,  encourage,  charge,  and  cau- 
tion those,  who  arc  young  and  inexperienced,  aid  who  are 
likely  to  succeed  them  in  their  work.  The  service  is  arduouj 


13.  C.  101«.  CHAPTER  XXIII.  B.  C.  1016. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

£avid  makes  Solomon  kingyX.  The  Levites  are  numbered,  and  close  ed  for 
different  services,  2 — 6.  The  sons  of  Qerehon,  7 — 11.  Of  Kohath , 12 — 20. 
Of  Meruri , 21—23.  The  several  officers  of  the  Levites,  24—32. 

SO  when  David  was  “old  and  full  of  days,  blie 
made  Solomon  his  son  king  over  Israel. 

2  U And  che  gathered  together  all  the  princes  of 
Israel,  with  the  priests  and  the  Levites. 

3  Novv  ‘'the  Levites  were  numbered  from  the 
age  of  thirty  years  and  upward:  and  their  number 
by  their  polls,  man  by  man,  was  'thirty  and  eight 
thousand. 

4  Of  which,  f twenty  and  four  thousand  were 
to  ‘set  forward  the  work  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord;  and  six  thousand  were  ^officers  and  judges. 

5  Moreover,  four  thousand  were  hporters ; and 
four  thousand  'praised  the  Lord  with  Hite  instru- 

n 29:2$.  Gen.  25:8.  35:29.  I Kings  1:1.  Job  5:26.  b 28:5.  29:22—25.  1 Kings  1: 
53—39.  c 13:1.28:1.  Josh. 23:2.24:1.  2Chr.  34:29, 30.  d Num.  4:2,3,23,30,35, 
43,47.  a Num.  4:48.  129-32.6.48.9:28—32.25:20-27.  • Or,  orerne.  Neh. 
11:9,22.  Acts 20:28.  g 26:29—31.  lieut.  16:18.17:8—10.  2Chr.  19:8.  Mai. 2:7. 
h 9:17-27.  15:23,24.16:38.26:1—12.  2 Chr.  8:14.  35:15.  Ezra  7-7.  Neh.  7:73. 

anti  important,  being  intimately  connected  with  the  honour  of 
God,  and  the  salvation  of  souls;  and  “who  is  sufficient  for 
these  things?”  Indeed,  all  our  sufficiency  must  be  of  God. 
He  allots  various  services  to  his  people  ; and'  that  which 
qualities  for  one  kind  of  usefulness,  may  unfit  for  another ; we 
should  then  all  acquiesce  in  his  wiH  ; and  fill  up  our  proper 
place  for  the  common  benefit,  as  the  members  do  in  the 
human  body.  (Note,  Rom.  12:3 — 8.)  But  peace  is  in  its  own 
nature  preferable  to  the  most  successful  wars ; and  the  shed- 
ding of  human  blood,  though  sometimes  necessary,  should 
always  be  done  with  great  reluctance,  and  thought  of  with 
horror:  for  even  when  the  Lord  commanded  it,  he  was 
pleased  to  speak  of  it,  as  “ shed  in  his  sight,"  and  as  what  he 
had  no  pleasure  in  beholding.  We  should  therefore  be  far 
more  ambitious  of  the  honour  of  giving  rest  and  quietness  to 
those  around  us,  than  of  the  conqueror’s  applause.  “ Blessed 
are  the  peace-makers  ; for  they  shall  be  called  the  children 
of  God.”  (Notes,  Matt.  5:9.  Jam.  3:17,18.) — Among  other 
unspeakable  advantages  of  public  peace,  this  is  peculiarly 
important,  that  it  affords  the  fairest  opportunities  of  executing 
useful  designs  to  promote  true  religion  : and  then  we  should 
be  active  and  earnest  to  seize  the  favourable  opportunity,  by 
forming  or  assisting  every  design  of  general  utility.  (Note, 
Acts  9:31.)  But  especially  peace  among  Christians  is  con- 
ducive to  this  most  desirable  end ; which  is  grievously  coun- 
teracted by  the  animosities,  divisions,  and  vehement  contro- 
versies, which,  alas  1 prevail  and  are  multiplied.  Did  all  real 
believers  “ endeavour  to  keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the 
bond  of  peace,”  and  to  strive  together  for  “ the  faith  of  the 
gospel such  effects  would  follow,  as  seem  at  present  to 
exceed  our  largest  expectations  or  conceptions.  (Note,  and 
P.  O.  Eph.  4:1 — 6.)  The  work  is,  however,  in  the  hands  of 
“ the  Prince  of  peace  :”  may  he  compose  all  our  differences, 
and  ■build  the  spiritual  temple  so  magnificent  and  glorious, 
that  the  fame  of  it  may  be  spread  into  all  countries,  (ill  all 
the  nations  of  the  earth  become  his  willing  subjects,  and  live 
in  love  and  peace  with  each  other ! 

V.  11 — 19.  Even  the  young,  the  weak,  and  inexperienced, 
when  called  forth  to  service  by  the  Lord,  may  expect  that  he 
will  be  with  them ; and  that  he  will  give  them  upright,  zealous 
minds,  with  true  wisdom  and  understanding,  and  then  cause 
them  to  prosper  in  their  work. — No  abilities  or  diligence  can 
render  us  durably  and  extensively  useful  to  others,  if  we  do 
not  take  heed  to  our  own  conduct,  that  it  be  regulated  ac- 
cording to  the  word  of  God.  While  we  trust  in  his  grace 
and  mercy,  and  obey  his  commandments,  we  need  fear  no 
difficulties  or  opposition  ; the  things  which  seem  to  be  against 
us  will  “work  together  for  our  good:”  we  should  then  be 
“strong  in  the  Lord,”  and  of  good  courage,  and  not  dread  or 
be  dismayed  at  the  prospect  of  any  temptations,  troubles,  or 
persecutions,  which  may  meet  us  in  the  way  of  our  duty. — 
In  such  an  age  and  nation  as  this,  we  of  course  enter  in  many 
respects  into  the  labours  of  others : but  to  all  the  preparation 
hitherto  made  in  any  place,  we  shall  find  it  requisite  to  add 
far  more  ; for  much,  very  much  remains  to  be  done  to  render 
6'  “ a peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good  works.”  ( Note,  Tit. 
2:14.)  All  our  advantages,  and  all  the  promises  of  the  gos- 
pc1,  are  intended  to  encourage  our  activity,  and  not  to  excuse 
our  sloth.  And,  whether  we  seek  our  own  salvation,  or  that 
of  other  men,  we  must  “arise,  and  be  doing.”— The  whole 
weight  of  public  services  should  not  be  laid  upon  those  who 
sustain  public  characters.  Others  are  commanded  to  assist 
them  in  proportion  to  their  talents  and  abilities : and  they  are 
exnorted  lo  set  their  hearts  and  souls  thus  to  seek  and  serve 
• ’e  Lord,  that  the  good  works,  which  have  been  devised,  may 
be  completed  without  needless  delay.  Thus  nobles,  senators, 
magistrates,  and  indeed  every  subject  in  his  place,  should 
concur  with  the  king,  in  every  scriptural  measure  for  stop- 
ping the  progress  of  immorality  and  profaneness,  and  for  pro- 
moting the  fear  of  God,  and  a regard  to  his  truths,  ordinances, 
and  commandments : first  they  should  lead  the  way  by  a good 
example  ; then  they  should  proceed  to  employ  their  authority 
and  influence,  to  give  effect  to  such  endeavours:  and  fina'lv, 
they  should  seek  the  blessing  of  God  upon  them  by  fervent 


ments  which  I made,  said  David,  to  praise  there 

with. 

6 And  David  ^divided  them  into  "courses 
among  the  sons  of  Levi,  namely,  'Gershon 
Kohath,  and  Merari. 

7 II  Of  the  “'Gershonites  were  ”Laadan  and 
Shimei. 

8 The  sons  of  Laadan ; the  chief  was  “Jehiel, 
and  Zetham,  and  > Joel,  three. 

9 The  sons  of  Shimei;  Sheloniith,  and  Haz,el, 
and  Haran,  three.  These  were  the  chief  of  the 
fathers  of  Laadan. 

10  And  the  sons  of  Shimei  were  Jahath,  iZina, 
and  Jeush,  and  Beriah.  These  four  were  the 
sons  of  Shimei. 

11  And  Jahath  was  the  chief,  and  rZizah  the 

i 6:31 — 48.  9:33.  15:16— 22.  16:41,42.  25:1— 7.  2 Chr.  20:19— 21.  Ps.  87:7. 

j I Kings  10:12.  2 Chr.  29:25,26.  See  on  Am.  6:5.  k 2 Chr.  8:14.  29:25.  31:2. 
35:10.  Ezra6:I8.  * Heb.  divisions.  24:1.  26:1.  1 6:1,16.  Gershom.  Ex. 6:16 
—24.  Num.  26:57,58.  m 6:17 — 20.  15:7.  26:21.  n Ex.  6:17.  Libni.  Shimi. 
o 15:18,20,21.  p 6:33,34.  15:7,11,17.  q 11.  Zizah.  r 10.  Zina. 

prayers.  Thus  likewise,  the  leading  persons  in  congregations 
should  second  to  the  uttermost  the  labours  of  the  minister  for 
the  good  of  souls : their  unanimity,  forbearance,  and  cordiality, 
their  pious  examples,  family  religion,  and  earnest  prayers, 
should  never  be  wanting,  that  they  may  add  weight  to  his 
exhortations,  strengthen  his  hands,  encourage  him  in  his  ar- 
duous work,  and  bring  a blessing  upon  it.  Yet,  alas!  how 
contrary  is  the  conduct  of  too  many,  who  would  be  thought 
friends  to  the  goSpel ! In  the  church,  .in  their  families,  and 
in  their  worldly  concerns,  they  act  as  if  they  meant  to  coun- 
teract the  labours  of  ministers ; to  weaken  their  influence,  to 
discourage  their  hearts,  to  prejudice  men’s  minds  against  the 
blessed  truths  which  they  preach,  and  to  embolden  all  around 
them  to  disregard  their  warnings  and  exortations ! — But 
surely,  if  “the  Lord  indeed  be  with  us,”  and  has  given  us 
rest  from  our  enemies;  we  shall  set  our  hearts  and  souls  to 
seek  him,  and  by  every  means  in  our  power,  to  glorify  his 
name,  and  promote  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  his  church. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXIII.  V.  1.  David  named  Solo- 
mon his  successor.— If  this  transaction  preceded  his  las* 
sickness,  and  Adonijah’s  usurpation,  that  usurpation  was 
thus  rendered  more  inexcusable  : for  it  is  evident  that  David 
acted  as  a prophet,  as  well  as  \Vith  the  full  concurrence  of 
his  people.  (Notes,  29:21 — 25.  1 Kings  1:5,6.  2:15 — 18.) 

V.  2 — 6.  The  ark  being  now  stationed  at  Jerusalem,  the 
place  of  the  temple  appointed,  and  great  preparations  made 
for  the  building  of  it;  (16:1.  22:1 — 4,14.)  David  proceeded  to 
reduce  the  whole  service  of  the  priests  and  Levites  to  method, 
which  seems  before  to  have  been  conducted  with  less  regu- 
larity. The  Israelites  had  been  greatly  increased  ; and  we 
may  suppose  that,  towards  the  close  of  David’s  reign,  the 
occasional  sacrifices  were  far  more  numerous  than  they  had 
been.  The  priests  and  Levites  also  were  greatly  multiplied ; 
and  it  was  of  importance  to  make  every  thing  ready  for  con- 
ducting the  service,  with  proportionable  splendour  and  solem- 
nity, as  soon  as  the  temple  was  finished.  David  therefore 
began  his  arrangements  with  numbering  the  Levites,  from 
thirty  years  of  age,  as  in  the  time  of  Moses  : but  it  does  not 
appear,  that  such  as  were  above  fifty  years  old  were  omitted. 
(Notes,  24 — 28.  Num.  4:3.  8:24 — 26.)  The  priests,  who 
were  very  numerous,  were  not  included  in  the  sum  total  here 
mentioned ; so  that  this  tribe  had  increased  in  greater  propor- 
tion than  the  others. — Twenty-four  thousand  Levites  were 
employed  to  “ set  forward  the  work  of  the  house  of  the  Lord  :” 
(4)  that  is,  to  assist  the  priests  in  every  thing  pertaining  to 
the  sacrifices,  and  in  removing  from  the  temple  and  its  courts 
whatever  might  be  polluting  and  offensive  ; that  the  whole 
service  might  be  performed  with  expedition  and  exactness, 
and  every  thing  preserved  entirely  clean  and  beautiful.  (28) 
It  is  also  probable,  that,  while  the  temple  was  building,  the; 
were  employed  in  superintending  ihe  workmen.  They  served 
in  rotation  by  courses  ; and  it  may  be  concluded,  that  every 
week  a thousand  came  in,  and  a thousand  went  out.  (Marg. 
Ref.  Note,  2 Kings  11:5 — 9.)  Doubtless  it  was  also  intended, 
that  they  should  be  instruclers  of  the  people,  in  their  several 
districts,  when  not  employed  at  the  sanctuary.  (Notes,  Num. 
35:2 — 8.  2 Chr.  30:21,22.)  Six  thousand  were  employed  as 
magistrates,  in  the  different  parts  of  the  country,  and  perhaps 
they  likewise  acted  in  rotation.  (4)  Four  thousand  kept  the 
doors  of  the  sanctuary,  that  no  unclean  or  improper  person 
might,  enter  the  courts ; that  no  disturbance  might  be  made, 
to  interrupt  the  sacred  services;  that  none  but  priests  might 
go  into  the  temple ; and  that  no  one  might  rob  the  treasures 
there  deposited:  and  four  thousand  were  appointed  as  singers 
and  musicians,  to  keep  up  that  part  of  divine  worship  con- 
tinually. (Marg.  Ref.) — These  also  were  dividedinto  twenty* 
four  courses,  and  changed  weekly.  (9:25.) 

V.  7— 23.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  6:16—48.  Ex.  6:14— 25. 
Num  3:  4:  16:1 — 4. — Aaron,  & c.  (13)  6:49.  Notes,  Ex.  28:1. 
Num.G: 23—27.  16:5—7,35—50.  17:  18:1— 6.~ Moses, &c.  (14) 
As  the  sons  of  Moses  were  excluded  from  the  priesthood 
evidently  with  Moses’s  most  cordial  and  disinterested  con- 
currence, and,  as  it  appears  from  the  history  by  tl  eir  own 
also;  no  other  person,  not  of  Aaron’s  race,  oi  ( oi.  any 
( 741  ) 


B.  C.  1016 


I.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  1016. 


second  : bi<,  Jk  (sh  and  Beriah  'had  not.  many 
sons  ; therefore  they  were  in  one  reckoning, 
according  to  their  father’s  house. 

12  II  The  ’sons  of  Kohath;  Amram,  Izhar, 
Hebron,  and  Uzziel,  four. 

13  The  'sons  of  Amram;  Aaron  and  Moses: 
and  Aaron  was  “separated,  that  he  should  "sanc- 
tify the  most  holy  things,  he  and  his  sons  for  ever, 
Uo  burn  incense  before  the  Lord,  to  minister  unto 
him,  and  "to  bless  in  his  name  forever. 

14  Now  concerning  Moses  “the  man  of  God, 
bhis  sons  were  named  of  the  tribe  of  Levi. 

15  The  sons  of  Moses  were,  "Gershom,  and 
Eliezer. 

16  Of  the  sons  of  Gershom,  dShebuel  was  the 
chief. 

17  And  the  sons  of  Eliezer  were,  Rehabiah 
’the  chief.  And  Eliezer  had  none  other  sons ; but 
the  sons  of  Rehabiah  twere  very  many. 

18  Of  the  sons  of  Izhar  ; “Shelomith  the  chief. 

19  Of  the  sons  of  r Hebron;  Jeriah  the  first, 
Amariah  the  second,  Jahaziel  the  third,  and 
Jekameam  the  fourth. 

20  Of  the  sons  of  Uzziel;  Micah  the  first,  and 
Jesiab  the  second. 

21  H The  sons  of  ^Merari ; hMahli,  and  Mushi. 
The  sons  of  Mahli ; Eleazar,  and  Kish. 

22  And  Eleazar  died,  and  'had  no  sons,  but 
daughters:  and  their  ^brethren  the  sons  of  Kish 
"took  them. 

23  The  sons  of  Mushi ; Mahli,  and  Eder,  and 
'Jecemoth,  three. 

24  H These  were  mthe  sons  of  Levi  "after  the 
house  of  their  fathers ; even  the  chief  of  their 


• Hel >.  did  not  multiply  sons,  s See  on  6:2.  Ex.  6:18.  Num.  3:27.  26:58.  t See 
nn  6:3.  Ex.  6:20.  Num.  3:27.  26:59.  u Ex.  28:1.  Num.  18:1.  Ps.  99:6.  106:16. 
Acta  13:2.  Rom.  1:1.  Gal.  1:15.  Heb.  5:4.  x Ex.  29:33—37,44.  40:9—15.  Lev. 
10:10,17,18.16:11  — 19,32,33.17:2—6.  Num.  18:3— 8.  v Ex.  30:6— 10,34— 38. 

Lev.  10:1,2.  16:12,13.  Num.  16:16— 18,35— 40,46,47.  2 Chr.  26:18-21.  Luke  1:9. 
Rev.  8:3.  z Lev.  9:22,23.  Num.  6 23-27.  Deut.21:5.  a See  nn  Deut.  33:1. 
Ps.  90:  title,  b 26:23— 25.  c Ex.  2:22.  4:20.  18:3,4.  d 25:20.  Shubael.  t Or, 
the  first.  25:25.  J Heb  .were  highly  multiplied.  e 24:22.  She/omoth.  26:26. 
f 12.  15:9.24:23.  g 6.  See  nn  6-29,30.  24:26— 30.  h Ex.  6:19.  Mahali.  i 24: 
28.  § Or,  kinsmen,  k Num.  36. 6— 8.  124:30 . Jerimoth.  m Num.  10:17,21. 
n Num.  1:4.2:32.3:15,20.4:34—49.  o Num.  1:2,18,22.3:47.  p 3,27.  Num. 
1:3.4:3.8:24.  Ezra  3:8.  o See  on  22: 18.  2 Sam.  7: 1 ,1 1 . ||  Or,  and  he  dicellelh 
in  Jerusalem,  ffc.  1 Kings  8:13,27.  Ps.  9:11. 68:16,18.  132:13,14.  135:21.  Is.  8: 


account  reasonably  think  of  intruding  into  that  sacred  office. 
(Note.  6:48.) 

V.  24 — 28.  (Note,  2 — 6.)  The  work  of  the  Levites  was 
by  no  means  so  laborious  at  this  time,  as  when  the  tabernacle 
was  carried  by  them,  along  with  Israel,  in  their  journeys  ; and 
perhaps  numbers  of  the  young  Levites,  being  out  of  employ, 
contracted  bad  habits  or  set  bad  examples:  therefore  David, 
as  a prophet,  ordered  this  change.  Twenty-five  years  of  age 
had  been  the  earliest  term  of  their  entering  upon  their  proba- 
tionary services,  but  now  they  were  to  be  employed  from 
twenty  years  old:  and,  as* a matter  of  importance,  David 
confirmed  it  with  his  last  words.  (Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  29.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 9:31 — 33.  Ex.  25:23 — 30.  Lev. 
2:4 — 8.  24:5 — 8. — All  manner , &c.]  Those  Levites,  who 
acted  as  magistrates,  (4)  had  the  inspection  of  weights  and 
measures  of  every  kind,  that  no  fraud  might  in  this  way  be 
committed.  Honesty  is  nearly  connected  with  piety;  and 
therefore  the  Levites,  being  sufficiently  numerous,  were  em- 
ployed to  superintend  the  former  as  well  as  the  latter.  (Notes, 
Deut.  25:13 — 16.  Prov.  11:1.  16:11.  20:10,23.  Am. ,8:4— 10. 
Mic.  6:10 — 15.)  They  probably  kept  standard-weights  and 
measures  at  the  temple,  by  which  all  those  allowed  in  traffic, 
were  tried  and  approved  : and  from  this  “the  shekel  of  the 
sanctuary,”  took  that  name.  (Note,  Ez.  45:10 — 12.) 

V.  30 — 32.  The  Levites  assisted  the  priests,  in  offering 
the  sacrifices ; though  some  parts  of  their  service  were  per- 
formed by  the  priests  alone.  (Notes,  Lev.  1:5 — 9.  Num.  8: 
19—26.  18:2—6.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

If  we  be  prepared  for  death,  having  accomplished  our  mea- 
sure of  services,  and  seeing  others  raised  up  to  succeed  us  in 
ti:e  church  or  the  community,  according  to  our  several  situa- 
tions, we  surely  may  be  “ full  of  days,”  whatever  our  term  of 
life  may  be:  and  satisfied  with  living  in  this  world  of  sin  and 
sorrow',  of  vanity  and  temptation,  we  may  rejoice  to  leave  all 
below,  and  even  to  be  absent  from  our  bodies,  that  we  may 
go  to  heaven  and  be  present  with  the  Lord.  (Notes  and  P. 
0.  2 Cor.  5:1 — 8.) — We  should  be  thankful,  in  declining  years, 
to  be  eclipsed  by  men  of  real  integrity,  piety,  and  useful 
endowments,  who  are  coming  forward  upon  the  stage  of 
action  : yet,  we  should  still  endeavour  to  do  all  wo  can  to 
promote  the  common  cause  of  religion;  and  sometimes  the 
sagacity  and  experience  of  old  age,  when  incapable  of  much 
bodily  exertion,  may  suggest  and  effect  moro  real  good,  than 
the  vigour  and  activity  of  youth. — The  increase  of  ministers 
js  vf  great  importance,  provided  they  be  men  of  God,  zealous 
( 742  ) 


fathers,  as  they  were  counted  by  number  of  names 
“by  their  polls,  that  did  the  work  for  the  service 
of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  from  the  age  of '’twenty 
years  and  upward. 

25  For  David  said,  ‘'The  Lord  God  of  Israe 
hath  given  rest  unto  his  people,  "that  they  may 
dwell  in  Jerusalem  lor  ever  ; 

26  And  also  unto  the  Levites:  they  shall  no 
more  ’’carry  the  tabernacle,  nor  any  vessels  of  it 
for  the  seryice  thereof. 

27  H For  "by  the  last  words  of  David,  the  Levites 
were  "numbered  from  twenty  years  old  and  above  : 

28  Because  their  "office  was  to  wait  on  the  sons 
of  Aaron  'for  the  service  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  in  the  courts,  and  “in  the  chambers,  and 
in  the  "purifying  of  all  holy  things,  and  the  work 
of  the  service  of  the  house  of  God  ; 

29  Both  for  ^the  show-bread,  and  for  "the  fine 
flour  for  meat-offering,  and  for  the  "unleavened 
cakes,  and  for  that  which  is  baked  in  the  ’’pan, 
and  for  that  which  is  fried,  and  for  all  manner  of 
’’measure  and  size ; 

30  And  to  "stand  devery  morning  to  thank  and 
praise  the  Lord,  and  likewise  at  even; 

31  And  to  offer  all  burnt-sacrifices  unto  the 
Lord  ein  the  sabbaths,  in  the  new-moons,  and  on 
the  fset  feasts,  by  number,  according  to  the  order 
commanded  unto  them,  continually  before  the 
Lord  : 

32  And  that  they  should  ekeep  the  charge  of 
the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  the  charge 
of  the  holy  place,  and  htne  charge  of  the  sons  of 
Aaron  their  brethren,  in  the  service  of  the  house 
of  the  Lord. 


18.  Joe' 3:21.  Zech.  8:3.  2 Cor.  6:16.  Col.  2:9.  r Num.  4:5, 49.  7:9.  s 2 Sum. 
23:1.  Ps.  72:20.  IT  Heb.  numbers.  **  Heb.  station  was  at  the  hand  of . 18:17 
marg.  Neb.  11:24.  t 4.28:13.  Num.  3:6— 9.  8: 11— 22,26.  18:2— 6.  u 9:28. 
1 Kings  6:5.  2 Chr.  31:11.  Ezra  8:29.  Neh.  13:4,5,9.  Jer.  35:4.  Ez.  41:6— 11,26 
42:3 — 13.  x 9:28,29.  2 Chr.  29:5,18,19.  35:3— 6,1 1—14.  y 9:31,32.  Ex.  25:30. 
Lev.  24:5— 9.  1 Kings  7:48.  2 Chr.  13:11 . 29:18.  Neh.  10:33.  Malt.  12.4.  Hel. 
9:2.  z 9:29.  Lev.  6:20— 23.  a See  on  Lev.  2:4— 7.  7:9.  U Ov.  fiat  plate. 
b Lev.  19:35,36.  Num.  3:50.  c 6:31— 33.  9:33.  16:37—42.25:1—7.  2 Chr.  29:23 
—28.31:2.  Ezra  3:10,11.  Ps.  135:1— 3,19,20.  137:2— 4.  Rev. 5:8— 14.  14:3.  d Ex. 
29:39—42.  Ps.  92: 1—3. 134: 1,2.  e Lev.  23:24,39.  Num.  10:10.  Ps.81:l— 4.  Is. 
1.13,14.  f Lev.  23.  Num. 28;  29:  g 9:27.  Num.  1:53.  1 Kings  8>4.  h Num. 

3:6-9,33. 


for  his  glory,  and  earnestly  seeking  the  salvation  of  souls.  In 
this  case  they  will  desire  employment,  and  in  one  way  or 
other  will  be  usefully  active. — But  it  is  expedient  that  every 
one  should  know  his  proper  place,  to  help  forward  the  work 
of  the  house  of  the  Lord ; to  promote  equity  and  justice ; to 
instruct  the  people  in  the  truths  and  precepts  of  God’s  word, 
to  take  care  that  his  ordinances  be  duly  administered  ; a«d  to 
excite  and  assist  the  people  in  his  sacred  worship. — Every 
method  should  be  used  to  prevent  the  irregularity,  indo- 
lence, and  worldly  lusts,  of  this  order  men,  whose  example, 
influence,  and  conversation  are  more  useful,  or  more  perni- 
cious, than  those  of  any  other;  and  who  are  commonly  either 
better  or  worse  employed,  than  the  other  orders  in  society.— 
Though  it  is  generally  inexpedient,  that,  the  more  arduous 
part  of  the  sacred  ministry  should  be  performed  by  very  young 
men  ; yet  those  who  arc  intended  for  this  service,  ought  by  no 
means  to  waste  their  youth  in  inactivity  or  dissipation  ; but 
to  employ  their  time  in  preparatory  and  initiatory  sludies  and 
exercises. — A constant  succession  of  religious  duties,  stated 
or  occasional,  public  or  private,  must  engage  the  true  minis- 
ter’s attention,  day  by  day  continually:  and  if  a man  cannot 
take  pleasure  in  such  employments,  he  must  soon  be  weary  o» 
the  work,  as  a drudgery  , and  will  either  neglect  if,  or  attend 
upon  it  unwillingly,  for  the  sake  of  his  wages.  (P.  O.  Acts 
6:1 — 7.  Notes , 1 Tim.  4:12 — 16.)  A new  heart,  a spiritual 
mind,  which  delights  greatly  in  God’s  commandments,  is  the 
first  and  most  essential  qualification  for  the  ministry  ; as  indeed 
it  forms  the  great  distinction  between  the  true  Christian,  and 
all  other  men  in  the  world.  To  the  spiritual  man  every  suc- 
cessive service  will  yield  renewed  satisfaction  ; and  he  will  be 
unwearied,  and  always  abounding  and  delighting  in  t lie  work  of 
the  Lord  ; being  never  so  happy,  as  when  employed  for  such  a 
good  Master,  in  so  pleasant  a service.  With  him  the  work 
itself,  and  the  success  of  his  labours,  are  the  principal  objects: 
the  emolument  or  maintenance,  (though  he  has  a right  to  it, 
and  perhaps  cannot  live  without  it,)  is  a very  subordinate 
consideration:  nor  will  ho  much  regard  whether  he  lie  called 
to  take  the  lead,  or  whether  he  keep  the  charge  of  others  who 
are  placed  over  him,  provided  they  do  not  oind  his  hands  or 
impede  his  usefulness.  ( Notes,  1 7Hm.  3:1 — 7.  1 Pet.  5:1 — 4.) 
These  are  indeed  u men  of  God :”  may  he  supply  his  church 
with  numbers  of  them ; in  the  place  of  those  hirelings,  who 
have  in  all  ages  swarmed  in  the  professipg  church,  to  the 
scandal  of  religion  and  the  ruin  of  their  own  souls!  Such 
ministers  as  have  been  described,  will  beai  cepted  and  useful 
in  the  most  obscure  situations  ; and  will  subserve  the  interests 


B.  C.  1015.  CHAPTER  XXIV.  B.  C.  1M5. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

rw  nests  are  divided  by  lot  into  txoenty-four  courses , 1 — 19.  The  rest  of 
t*e  Kohathites,  and  the  Meriyitss,  are  divided  in  like  manner,  20 — 31. 

NOW  these  are  “the  divisions  of  the  sons  of 
Aaron.  bThe  sons  of  Aaron ; Nadab,  and 
Abihu,  Eleazar,  and  Ithamar. 

2  B.t  “Nadab  and  Abihu  ddied  before  their 
father,  and  had  no  children : therefore  “Eleazar 
and  Ithamar  executed  the  priest’s  office. 

3  And  David  distributed  them,  both  (Zadok 
of  the  sons  of  Eleazar,  and  sAhimelech  of  the 
sons  of  Ithamar,  according'  to  their  offices  in  their 
service. 

4  And  there  were  more  hchief  men^  found  of 
‘the  sons  of  Eleazar  than  of  the  sons  of  Ithamar; 
and  thus  were  they  divided.  Among  the  sons  of 
Eleazar  there  were  sixteen  chief  men  of  the 
house  of  their  fathers,  and  eight  among  the  sons 
of  Ithamar  kaccording  to  the  house  of  their 
fathers. 

5  Thus  were  ‘they  divided  by  lot,  one  sort 
with  another ; for  '"the  governors  of  the  sanc- 
tuary, and  governors  of  the  house  of  God,  were 
of  the  sons  of  Eleazar,  and  of  the  sons  of  Itha- 
mar. 

6  And  Shemaiah  the  son  of  Nethaneel  "the 
scribe,  one  of  the  Levites,  wrote  them  before  the 
king,  and  the  princes,  and  Zadok  the  priest,  and 
Ahimelech  the  son  of  Abiathar,  and  before  the 
chief  of  the  fathers  of  the  priests  and  Levites : 
one  'principal  household  being  taken  for  Eleazar 
and  one  taken  for  Ithamar. 

7  Now  the  first  lot  came  forth  to  "Jehoiraib, 
the  second  ?to  Jedaiah, 

8  The  third  to  ‘tHarim,  the  fourth  to  Seorim, 
9 The  fifth  to  Malchijah,  the  sixth  to  rMi- 
jamin, 

10  The  seventh  to  Hakkoz,  the  eighth  to 
Abijah, 

11  The  ninth  to  ‘Jeshuah,  the  tenth  to  She- 
caniah, 

12  The  eleventh  to  “Eliashib,  the  twelfth  to 
Jakim, 

13  The  thirteenth  to  Huppah,  the  fourteenth 
to  Jeshebeab, 


. 23:6.  Marg.  b 6:3.  Ex.  6:23. 28:1.  Lev.  10:1— 6.  Num.  3:2.  26:60.  c Ex. 
24:1,9.  d Lev.  10:2.  Nura.  3:4.26:61.  e Ex.  29:9.  Lev.  10:12.  Num.  16:39, 
40.18:7.  f 6,31.  6:4 — 8,50 — 53.  12:27,28.  15:11.  16:39  2Sam.  20:25.  lKings2: 
35.  g 1 Sam.  21:1. 22:9.  2Sam.8:17.  h 15:6— 12,16.  i Num.  25:11— 13. 

1 Sam.  2:30— 38.  k See  on  23:24.  I Josh.  18:10.  Prov.  16:33.  Acts  1 :26.  m 9: 
11.  2 Chr.  35:8.  Neh. 11:11.  Matt.  26:3.  27:1 . Acts  4:1 ,6.  5:24.  n 1 Kings  4:3. 

2 Chr.  34:13.  Ezra  7:6.  Neh.  8: 1 . Matt.  8:19.  13:52.  23:1,2.  • Heb.  house  of 

the  father.  4.23:24.  o 9:10.  Neh.  12:19.  Joiarib.  p Ezra  2:36.  Neh.  7:39. 

of  morality  most  effectually,  as  well  as  promote  the  spiritual 
worship  of  God  through  Jesus  Christ.  And  should  they  leave 
their  families  in  poverty  and  obscurity,  after  their  decease : 
this  circumstance  will  be  a testimony  before  the  world  of  their 
disinterestedness  ; and  the  Lord  will  surely  provide  for  their 
wants,  as  far  as  is  truly  good  for  them.  He  advances,  and  he 
abases,  as  his  infinite  wisdom  sees  good,  whatever  may  be 
our  cares  or  desires.  May  we  then  seek  and  serve  him  up- 
rightly, and  leave  all  the  rest  to  his  disposal,  by  faith  in  his 
word  and  resignation  to  his  righteous  will  1 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXIV.  V.  1— 4.  {Marg.  Ref . Notes, 
Lev.  10:1 — 5.  Num.  18:7.)  It  may  be  supposed,  that  the 
house  of  Ithamar,  in  consequence  of  the  sentence  denounced 
against  it  in  the  days  of  Eli,  had  decreased  in  numbers  and 
eminency,  before  7,adok  was  constituted  high  priest:  (Notes, 
1 Sam.  2:30—36.  3:11—14.  1 Kings  2:26,27,35.)  so  {hat  there 
were  twice  as  many  flourishing  families  and  principal  persons 
in  the  line  of  Eleazer,  as  in  that  of  Ithamar.  ‘ To  avoid  all 
confusion,  now  that  they  were  much  increased,  David  dis- 
tributed the  priests  as  he  had  done  the  Levites,  into  several 
courses  ; which,  no  doubt,  was  by  a divine  direction,  as  well 
as  the  other.  . . . He  appointed  . . . sixteen  courses  of  the 
sons  of  Eleazer,  under  as  many  heads  of  their  families ; 
and  half  as  many  of  the  posterity  of  Ithamar.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  5.  Governors,  &c.]  Or,  principal  ministers  in  holy 
things,  and  rulers  in  behalf  of  God,  or  superior  magistrates. 
(Marg.  Ref.  m.) 

V . 6.  The  regulation  of  these  courses  of  the  priests  was 
made  by  casting  lots,  before  the  king  and  all  the  chief  persons 
in  the  land,  in  a most  solemn  manner;  and  a record  was 
made  of  the  transaction,  to  prevent  any  future  contest.  First, 
one  household  was  taken  of  Eleazer’s  race,  and  then  one  of 
Ithamar’s  till  sixteen  had  been  completed  ; after  which  the 
remaining  eigh'  of  Eleazer’s  sons,  were  arranged  according  to 
the  order  in  which  their  lots  came  forth. 

V.  7.  It  was  thought,  by  the  Jews  in  after  ages,  a great 
konoui  to  be  descended  from  Jehoiarib.  The  Maccabees 


14  The  fifteenth  to  Bilgah,  th*  sixteu  Th  to 
xImmer, 

15  The  seventeenth  to  Hezir,  tie  eighteenth 
to  Aphses, 

16  The  nineteenth  to  Pethahiah,  the  twentieth 
to  Jehezekel, 

17  The  one  and  twentieth  to  Jachin,  the  two 
and  twentieth  to  Gamul, 

18  The  three  and  twentieth  to  Delaiah,  the 
four  and  twentieth  to  Maaziah. 

19  These  were  Hhe  orderings  of  them  in  their 
service  to  come  into  the  house  of  the  Lord. 
according  to  their  manner,  “under  Aaron  their 
father,  as  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  had  commanded 
him. 

20  H And  the  rest  of  the  sons  of  Levi  were 
these:  Of  the  sons  of  “Amram;  bShubael : of  tl>e 
sons  of  Shubael ; Jehdeiah. 

21  Concerning  “Rehabiah  : of  the  sons  of  Re- 
habiah,  the  first  was  dIsshiah. 

22  Of  the  “Izharites;  fShelomoth:  of  the  sons 
ofShelomoth;  Jahath. 

23  And  the  sons  of  Hebron  ; sJeriah  the  first 
Amariah  the  second,  Jahaziel  the  third,  Je- 
kameam  the  fourth. 

24  Of  the  sons  of  Uzziel;  hMichah:  of  the 
sons  ofMichah;  Shamir. 

25  The  brother  of  Michah  was  ‘Isshiah:  of  the 
sons  of  Isshiah  ; kZechariah. 

26  The  ‘sons  of  Merari  were  Mahli,  and 
Mushi : the  sons  of  Jaaziah;  Beno. 

27  If  The  sons  of  Merari  by  Jaaziah;  Beno, 
and  Shoham,  and  Zaccur,  and  Ibri. 

28  Of  Mahli  came  Eleazar,  rawho  had  no  sons. 

29  Concerning  Kish:  the  son  of  Kish  was 
Jerahmeel. 

30  The  sons  also  of  "Mushi;  Mahli,  and  Eder 
and  Jerimoth.  These  were  the  sons  of  the 
Levites  after  the  house  of  their  fathers. 

31  These  likewise  cast  "lots  over  against  their 
brethren  the  sons  of  Aaron  in  the  presence  of 
David  the  king,  and  Zadok,  and  Ahimelech,  and 
the  chief  of  the  fathers  of  the  priests  and  Levites, 
even  Hhe  principal  fathers  over  against  their 
younger  brethren. 

11:10.  q Ezra  2:39.  10:21.  Neh.  7:35.  12:15.  r Neh.  12:17.  Miniamin.  e Neh. 
12:4,17.  Luke  1:5.  Alia.  i Ezra  2;36.  Neh.  7:39.  12: 10.  u Neh.  12:10. 
x Ezra  2:37.  10:20.  Neh.  7:40.  v 9:25.  2 Chr.  23:4,8.  1 Cor.  14:40.  z See  on 
1.  Heb.  7:11.  a 6:18.  23: 12-14.'  b 23:16.  26:24.  Shebuel.  c 23:17.  d 26:25. 
Jeshaiah.  e 23:18.  Ex.  6:21.  Num.  3:19,27.  Izeharites.  f 23:18.  26:26. 
Shelomith.  g 23:19.  26:31 . Jerijah.  h 23:20.  Micah.  i 28:20.  Jesiah.  k 15: 
18,20.  I 6:19.23:21.  Ex.  6:19.  Num.  3:20.  m 23.22.  n 6:47.  23:23.  o 5,6. 
Num.  26:56.  p 25:8.26:13. 

were  descended  from  him;  (1  Mac.  2:1 — 4.)  and  Josephus 
thought  himself  noble,  because  he  sprang  from  the  first  o I 
these  twenty-four  courses. 

V.  10.  Abijah.]  The  courses  of  the  priests,  established 
by  David,  were  continued,  with  some  alterations,  till  the  days 
of  Christ : these  records  must  therefore  have  been  very  use- 
ful to  the  Jews,  after  their  return  from  the  Babylonish  cap- 
tivity. (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ezra  2:36 — 39.  Luke  1:5 — 7.) 

V.  19.  Under  Aaron  their  father.]  All  the  priests  were 
considered  as  Aaron’s  successors,  and  as  filling  up  his  place, 
in  whose  person  the  whole  priesthood  was  originally  vested, 
and  from  whom  it  was  derived  to  his  posterity. — These 
arrangements  having  been  made  by  David,  acting  under 
the  direction,  and  according  to  the  commandment  given  by 
Moses  concerning  the  priesthood  ; the  courses  of  the  priests 
attended,  each  during  one  week  at  a time,  for  the  ordinary 
services ; though  at  the  great  festivals,  and  on  other  public 
occasions,  numbers  of  the  rest  would  be  present  and  assist. 

V.  20 — 30.  (Marg.  Ref.)  These  persons  seem  to  have 
been  the  heads  of  those  twenty-four  thousand  Levites,  who 
in  twenty-four  courses  waited  on  the  priests  in  their  minis- 
trations. (23:4.) 

V.  31.  The  principal,  Sec.]  The  whole  company  being 
ranged,  according  to  their  families,  into  the  proper  number  ot 
divisions,  the  order  of  their  courses  was  assigned  them  by  lot, 
without  respect  to  rank  or  seniority. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  Lord  will  certainly  perform  all  his  promises  and 
threatenings  ; and  if  they  do  not  take  effect  suddenly,  and 
with  observation,  they  will  do  it  gradually  and  silently. — Sin 
ruins  men’s  characters,  comforts,  and  families  ; and  will  de- 
stroy the  immortal  souls  of  all  those,  who  do  not  obtain  salva- 
tion by  faith  in  Jesus  Christ. — In  all  cases  we  ought  to  act 
with  exact  impartiality,  as  far  as  we  are  able:  and  when 
human  prudence  fails  of  discerning  a reason  of  preference 
where  it  must  be  given  ; it  is  right,  in  one  way  or  other,  to 
refer  the  determination  o the  Lord. — Much  wisdom  and 
( 743  ) 


B.  C.  10  j. 


I.  CHRONICLES  B.  C.  1015. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

The  names  anil  offices  of  the  principal  singers  and  musicians , 1—7.  They  are 
divided  by  lot  into  twenty  four-courses , 8 — 31. 

MOREOVER  David  and  “the  captains  of  the 
host  separated  to  the  service  of  the  sons  of 
bAsaph,  and  of  Heman,  and  of  Jedifthun,  who 
should  'prophesy  with  dharps,  with  psalteries,  and 
with  cymbals : and  the  number  of  the  workmen 
according'  to  their  service  was : 

2  Of  the  sons  of  “Asaph  ; Zaccur,  and  Joseph, 
and  Nethaniah,  and  f Asarelah,  the  sons  of  Asaph 
sunder  the  hands  of  Asaph,  which  prophesied 
"according  to  the  order  of  the  king. 

3  Of  hJeduthun : the  sons  of  Jeduthun;  ‘Ge- 
daliah,  and  iZeri,  and  kJeshaiah,  Hashabiah,  and 
Mattithiah,  ^six,  under  the  hands  of  their  father 
Jeduthun,  who  prophesied  with  a harp,  n,to  give 
thanks  and  to  praise  the  Lord. 

4  Of  "Heman  : the  sons  of  Heman  ; "Bukkiah, 
rMattaniah,  ‘•Uzziel,  rShebuel,  and  'Jeriinoth, 
‘Hananiah,  "Hanani,  “Eliathah,  rGiddalti,  and 
‘Romamti-ezer,  “Joshbekashah,  bMallothi,  “Hothir, 
and  Mahazioth  : 

5  All  these  were  the  sons  of  Heman  dthe  king’s 
seer  in  the  twords  of  God,  to  lift  up  the  horn. 
And  “God  gave  to  Heman  fourteen  sons  and  three 
daughters. 

6  All  these  were  funder  the  hands  of  their 
father  sfor  song  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  with 
cymbals,  psalteries,  and  harps,  for  the  service  of 
the  house  of  God,  §accortlin°r  to  the  king’s  order 
to  hAsaph,  Jeduthun,  and  Heman, 

7  So  the  number  of  them,  with  their  brethren 
that  were  instructed  in  the  songs  of  the  Lord 
even  all  that  were  cunning,  was  two  hundred  four- 
score and  eight. 

8  H And  tiiey  ‘cast  lots,  Jward  against  ward,  as 
well  the  small  as  the  great,  kthe  teacher  as  the 
scholar. 

9  Now  the  first  lot  came  forth  for  Asaph  to 
Joseph : the  second  to  Gedaliah,  who,  with  his 
brethren  and  sons,  were  twelve  : 

. 10  The  third  to  "’Zaccur,  he,  his  sons,  and  his 
brethren,  were  twelve: 

11  The  fourth  to  "Izri,  he,  his  sons,  and  his 
brethren,  ivere  twelve  : 

12  The  fifth  to  "Nethaniah,  he,  his  sons,  and 
his  brethren,  were  twelve  : 

• 12:23.  23:2. 24:5,6*2  Chr.  23:1,9.  b See  on  6:33,39,44.  15:16—19.  c 3.  1 Sam. 
10:5.  2 Kings  3:15.  1 Cor.  14:24— 26.  cl  15:16—21.16:4,5,42.23:5—7.  20lir. 
23:13.  29:25, 28.  31:2.  31  12.  Eira3:10.11.  Neh.  12:24.27,43— 46.  Ps. 81:2.92:1 
—3. 150:3— 5.  Rev.  15:2— 4.  e 1. 6:39.  15:17.  16:5.  Ps.  73:— S3:  lilies,  f 14. 
Jesharelah.  g 3,6.  Is.  3:6.  * Heb.  by  the  hands  of  the  king.  6.  marg.  h 9:16. 
16:41,42.  2 Chr.  29:14.  i 9.  ) 11.  Izri.  k \o.  121.15:19,21.  t With 

Shimei,  mentioned  17.  m Ps.  92:1.  Jer.  33:11.  n 6:33.  15: 17,19.  16:41,42.  Ps. 
88:  title.  0 13.  p 16.  q 18.  Azareel.  24:21.  r 20.  24:20.  Shubael.  s 22.24. 


equity  is  requisite  to  exclude  occasions  of  envy,  jealousy, 
and  contention,  in  the  regulation  of  public  affairs,  where 
numbers  are  concerned  : but  what  is  done  fairly  and  openly, 
and  in  the  fear  of  God,  is  placed  upon  the  most  permanent 
basis. — The  solemn  appointment  and  orderly  attendance  of 
ministers,  is  of  considerable  importance ; but  they  are  all 
under  the  hand  of  Jesus,  from  whom  they  receive  their  com- 
mission and  instructions,  as  well  as  their  qualifications  ; and 
to  whom  they  are  all  accountable. — Difference  of  age,  learning, 
piety,  reputation,  and  other  circumstances,  gives  external 
precedency  to  some  ministers  : but  they  are  all  brethren,  and 
none  ought  to  act  as  lords,  with  despotic  rule,  or  domineer 
over  the  others.  ( Note , 1 Pet.  5:l-c— 4 . P.  O.  1 — 7.)  Thus, 
in  Jesus  Christ,  there  is  neither  male  nor  female,  bond  nor 
free  ; hut  all  believers  are  one  in  him,  being  children  of  God, 
fellow-heirs  of  eternal  life,  and  brethren  to  each  other.  May 
they  all  on  earth  emulate  that  love,  peace,  and  harmony, 
which  will  subsist  in  the  heavenly  world  ! 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXV.  V.  1—6.  “ The  captains  of 
the  host,”  (1)  seem  to  mean  the  leaders,  or  heads,  of  the 
several  courses  of  the  priests  and  Levites. — Jeduthun  either 
was  the  same  person,  as  was  before  called  El  ban  ; or  Eihan 
was  dead,  and  Jeduthun  succeeded  him.  (15:17 — 19.  Note, 
22.) — The  word  prophesy , in  this  place,  seems  to  mean  no 
more,  than  praising  God  by  singing  inspired  prophetical 
hymns,  with  great  earnestness  and  devout  affections,  under 
the  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  As  the  prophet’s  in 
Samuel’s  days  used  music  and  singing ; it  has  been  conjec- 
tured, that  he  first  introduced  them  into  the  regular  worship 
of  Israel,  and  that  David  reduced  to  order  what,  he  found 
already  established.  (Notes,  9:22.  1 Sam.  10:5,6.) — These 
persons  are  said  to  have  44  prophesied  according  to  the  order 
if  the  King;”  because  ho  instituted  the  order  of  their  services. 
-Only  five  sons  of  Jeduthun  are  hero  named  ; hut  Shimei, 
( 744  s 


13  The  sixth  to  Bukkiah,  he,  his  sons,  and  his 
brethren,  were  twelve  : 

14  The  seventli  to  pJesharelah,  he,  his  sons, 
and  his  brethren,  were  twelve  : 

15  The  eighth  to  Jeshaiah,  he,  his  sons,  and 
his  brethren,  were  twelve  : 

16  The  ninth  to  Mattaniah,  he,  his  sons,  and 
his  brethren,  were  twelve  : 

17  The  tenth  to  Shimei,  he,  his  sons,  and  his 
brethren,  ivere  twelve  : 

18  The  eleventh  to  ‘•Azareel,  he,  his  sons,  and 
his  brethren,  were  twelve  : 

19  The  twelfth  to  ‘Hashabiah,  he,  his  sons, 
and  his  brethren,  were  twelve  : 

20  The  thirteenth  to  'Shubael,  he,  his  sons, 
and  his  brethren,  were  twelve  : 

21  The  fourteenth  to  Mattithiah,  he,  his  sons, 
and  his  brethren,  were  twelve  : 

22  The  fifteenth  to  Jeremoth,  he,  his  sons, 
and  his  brethren,  were  twelve  : 

23  The  sixteenth  to  Hananiah,  he,  his  sons, 
and  his  brethren,  were  twelve : 

24  The  seventeenth  to  Joshbekashah,  he,  his 
sons,  and  his  brethren,  were  twelve: 

25  The  eighteenth  to  Hanani,  he,  his  sons, 
and  his  brethren,  were  twelve  : 

26  The  nineteenth  to  Mallothi,  he,  his  sons, 
and  his  brethren,  were  twelve : 

27  The  twentieth  to  Eliathah,  he,  his  sons, 
and  his  brethren,  were  twelve  : 

28  The  one  and  twentieth  to  Hothir,  he,  his 
sons,  and  his  brethren,  were  twelve: 

29  The  two  and  twentieth  to  Giddalti,  he,  his 
sons,  and  his  brethren,  were  twelve  : 

30  The  three  and  twentieth  to  'Mahazioth,  he, 
his  sons,  and  his  brethren,  were  twelve  : 

31  The  four  and  twentieth  to  Romamti-ezer, 
he,  his  sons,  and  his  brethren,  were  twelve  : 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

The  divisions  of  the  porters,  1-M2.  The  gates  assigned  to  them  by  lot , 13 — 19* 
The  Levites  who  had  the  charge  of  the  treasures ,20 — 28.  Those  who  were 
officers  and  judges,  29 — 32. 

CONCERNING  the  divisions  of  “the  porters : 
Of  the  ‘ Korhites  was  “Meshelemiah  the  son 
of  Kore,  of  the  sons  of ‘'Asaph. 

2 And  the  sons  of  Meshelemiah  were,  Ze- 
chariah  the  first-born,  Jediael  the  second, 
Zebadiah  the  third,  Jathniel  the  fourth, 

30.  1 23.  u 25.  x 27.  » 29.  7.31.  a 21.  b 26.  c 28,30.  d 21:9.  1 Sam. 
9:9.  J Or,  mallei s.  e $8:5.  Gen.  33:5.  Ps.  127:3.  Is.  8:18.  f 2,3.  e 1-3. 
15:22.23:5.  Ps.,68:25.  Eph.5:19.  Col.  3:16.  5 Hub.  by  the  hands  of  the  king. 
2.  marg.  h See  on  1 — 4.  i See  on  24:5.  Lev.  16:8.  I Sam.  14:41,42.  Prov.  16: 
33.  Acia  1:26.  j 24:31 . 26:13.16.  Neh.  12:24.  k 15:22.  2 Chr.  23: 13.  12.  m2, 
n 3.  Zeri.  o2.  it  2.  Asarelah.  q4.  Uzxiel.  r 3.  s 4.  Shebu-l.  t 4.  a 9: 
17—27.15:18,23,24.  2 Chr.  23:19.  b Num.  26:9— 11.  Ps.  41:— 49:  titles,  c 14. 
Sheltmiah.  d 6:37.9:19.  Ebiasaph. 

afterwards  mentioned,  is  supposed  to  have  been  the  sixth. 
(17)  Perhaps,  though  as  Jeduthun’s  son  he  was  chosen  to 
he  the  head  of  one  course,  he  was  at  this  time  young,  and  nol 
fit  for  present  service. — Heman  seems  to  have  been  a pro- 
phet, or  u seer,”  in  the  common  acceptation,  and  was  much 
consulted  by  David:  44  he  lifted  up  the  horn,”  or  presided 
over  those  who  used  wind-instruments  ol  music.  (Marg. 
Ref.— Notes,  6:33—39.  9:31—33.  16:37—43.  23:  i>.  2— 6.) 

V.  7.  These  two  hundred  and  eighty-eight,  being  twenty- 
four  courses  of  twelve  each,  were  more  skilful  than  the  other 
Levites  ; and  being  placed  under  the  twenty-four  sons  of  the 
chief  singers,  they  had  the  four  thousand  before  mentioned 
divided  among  them,  to  officiate  by  courses,  according  to 
their  instructions.  (23:5.) * * *  4 Twelve  of  those  singers,  with 

their  governor,  came  and  waited  every  week  ; at  the  end  oi 
which  they  were  succeeded  by  other  twelve,  till  the  course 
was  finished.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  8.  Even  among  the  twenty-four  leaders,  some  were 
more  expert  than  others ; some  wore  teachers , and  others 
scholars;  but  every  one  was  taken  by  (he  solemn  casting  o! 
lots  without  any  regard  to  these  distinctions.  (Marg.  Rtf.) 

4 Thus  all  things  were  disposed  for  the  preserving  order,  and 
avoiding  all  disputes  about  precedence  : there  being  no  rcspec1 
had  in  this  divine  distribution  to  their  birth,  but  the  younge* 
in  course  preceded  the  elder.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  9—31.  Marg.  Ref. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  Lord  is  in  himself  exalted  far  above  all  blessing  and 
praise,  and  our  obligations  to  him  are  infinite  • we  ought 
therefore  to  give  him  thanks,  and  to  praise  him,  with  our 
noblest  powers  ; and  to  render  every  kind  and  degree  of  cana- 
citjf,  ingenuity,  or  skill,  whioh  we  possess,  subsen  ient  to  that 
highest  end  : but  especially  our  best  an  1 most  lively  affections 
are  his  due.  Every  part  of  his  servico  i»  delightful*  'n  pro 


B.  C.  1015. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 


B.  C.  10*5 


3 Elam  the  fifth,  Jehohanan  the  sixth,  Elioenai 
the  seventh. 

4 Moreover  the  sons  of  'Obed-edom  were,  She- 
maiah  the  first-born,  Jehozabad  the  second,  Joah 
the  third,  and  Sacar  the  fourth,  and  Nathaneel 
the  fifth, 

5 Ammicl  the  sixth,  Issachar  the  seventh,  Peul- 
thai  the  eighth : for  f God  blessed  'him. 

6 Also  unto  Shemaiah  his  son  were  sons  born, 
that  ruled  throughout  the  house  of  their  father  : 
for  they  ivere  ^mighty  men  of  valour. 

7 The  sons  of  Shemaiah ; Othni,  and  Rephael, 
and  Obed,  Elzabad,  whose  brethren  were  strong 
men,  Elihu  and  Semachiah. 

8 All  these  of  the  sons  of  Obed-edom : they 
and  their  sons  and  their  brethren,  able  men  for 
strength  for  the  service,  were  threescore  and  two 
of  Obed-edom. 

9 And  ‘‘Meshelemiah  had  sons  and  brethren, 
strong  men,  eighteen. 

10  Also  'Hosah,  of  the  children  of  Merari, 
had  sons ; Simri  the  chief,  (for  though  he  was 
not  the  first-born,  yet  khis  lather  made  him  the 
chief ;) 

11  Hilkiah  the  second,  Tebaliah  the  third, 
Zechariah  the  fourth  : all  the  sons  and  brethren 
of  Hosah  were  thirteen. 

12  Among  these  were  the  divisions  of  the  por- 
ters, even  among  the  chief  men,  having  ‘wards 
one  against  another,  to  minister  in  the  house  of 
the  Lord. 

13  If  And  they  cast  lots,  ‘as  well  the  small  as 
the  great,  according  to  the  house  of  their  fathers, 
for  every  gate. 

14  And  the  lot  eastward  fell  to  mShelemiah. 
Then  for  "Zechariah  his  son,  a wise  counsellor, 
they  cast  lots  ; and  his  lot  came  out  northward. 

15  To  Obed-edom  southward  ; and  to  his  sons, 
the  house  of  I Asuppim. 

c 15:18,21,24.  16:5.33.  f 13:14.  • Thatis,  Obed-edom.  e 8.  !2:2S.  2 Chr.  26: 
17.  Neh.  11:14.  1 Tim. 6:12.  2Tim.  2:3.  h 1,14.  i 16:38.  k See  on  5:1 ,2. 
1 See  on  25:8.  t Or,  as  wellfor  the  smalt  as  for  the  great.  24:31.  25:8.  ml. 
ftleshelemiah.  n 2.  1 Heb.  gatherings.  17.  o 10,11.  » 1 Kings  10:5.  2 Chr. 
9:4.  q 12.25:8.  Neh.  12:24.  r 9:24.  2 Chr.  8:14.  6 Num.  26:11 . Korah. 

V 22.  9&3-30.  22:3fi,14— 16.28:12— 19.29:2— 8.  1 Kings  14:26.  15:18.  Mai.  3: 


portion  as  we  are  properly  disposed  : yet  we  should  apply  our 
minds  to  instruction,  that  we  may  become  “ workmen  that 
need  not  be  ashamed,”  as  capable  of  performing  our  several 
duties  with  propriety  and  readiness. — Human  prudence  must 
regulate  certain  circumstances  relative  to  religious  worship  ; 
and  every  society,  larger  or  smaller,  should  order  such  mat- 
ters for  themselves,  to  the  best  of  their  judgment : but  unless 
the  Spirit  of  God  put  life  and  fervour  into  our  devotions,  they 
will,  however  appointed,  be  a lifeless,  worthless  form. — We 
should  all  be  ready  to  give  or  to  receive  instructions,  without 
self-preference,  or  accounting  ourselves  degraded  ; for  in 
God’s  sight  tile  teachable  scholar  is  nearly  as  honourable  as 
the  able  instructer. — It  is  pleasant  to  receive  all  our  temporal 
and  domestic  comforts,  as  given  unto  us  of  God,  and  then  to 
devote  them  all  to  his  service  : and  it  is  a singular  mercy  to 
have  a large  family,  all  employed  and  accepted  by  him.  But 
whether  our  children  and  connexions  be  few  or  many,  may 
we  and  they  be  all  his,  and  meet  in  his  temple  above  to  sing 
his  praises  for  ever  1 Whatever  Providence  may  allot  us 
here,  may  this  be  the  lot  and  portion  of  our  inheritance  here- 
after ! 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXVI.  V.  1.  Marg.  Ref.  Note, 
23:2 — 6,  v.  5.— -Asaph.]  Not  Asaph  the  chief  musician,  who 
was  of  the  family  of  Gershom  ; (6:39 — 43.)  but  another 
Asaph,  of  the  sons  of  Korah,  called  also  Abiasaph.  (6:37. 
9:19.)  ' 

V.  4,  5.  (Marg.)  The  numerous  and  prosperous  family 
'f  Obed-edom  was  the  effect  of  the  divine  blessing,  by  which 
1 is  reverential  regard  to  the  ark  was  recompensed.  ( Notes, 
i Sam.  6:10—13.) 

V.  6—12.  Marg.  Ref  .—Mighty  men,  &c.  (6)  The 
porters,  and  treasurers  of  the  temple,  had  occasion  for 
strength  and  valour,  both  to  oppose  such  as  improperly 
attempted  to  enter  the  courts  or  sanctuary,  or  to  raise  any 
disturbance  there  ; and  also  to  guard  the  sacred  treasures  of 
money,  vessels,  flour,  frankincense,  wine,  and  oil,  there  depo- 
sitee and  of  which  some  of  them  were  appointed  to  keep  an 
acci  t.  (20.  Notes,  9:27 — 30.) — Josephus  speaks  of  the 
gates  of  the  temple  being  so  massy,  as  to  require  twenty  per- 
sons to  open  or  shut  them  : this  too  would  find  employment 
for  the  strength  of  the  porters.  The  temple  indeed  was  not 
yet  built ; but  David  had  received  from  the  Lord  a pattern  of 
what  it  was  to  be,  and  he  arranged  every  thing  with  reference 
to  t.  (Notes,  28:11—18.) — It  is  supposed,  that  the  families 
of  the  Levites  succeeded  to  the  lot  of  their  fathers,  whether 
as  singers,  porters,  or  whatever  was  the  service  assigned 
Voi.  L — 94 


16  To  Sliuppirn  anti  "Hosalt  the  lot  came  forth 
westward,  with  the  gate  Shallecheth,  by  th», 
'’causeway  of  the  going  up,  ^ward  against  ward. 

17  ‘Eastward  were  six  Levites,  northward  foui 
a day,  southward  four  a day,  and  towards  Asup 
pim  two  and  two. 

18  At  Parbar  westward,  four  at  the  causeway, 
and  two  at  Parbar. 

19  These  are  the  divisions  of  the  porters  amdng 
the  sons  of  "Kore,  and  among  the  sons  of  Merari. 

20  And  of  the  Levites,  Ahijah  was  over  the 
‘treasures  of  the  house  of  God,  and  over  the 
treasures  of  the  ^dedicated  things. 

21  As  concerning  the  sons  of  “Laadan  ; the  sons 
of  the  Gershonite  Laadan,  chief  fathers,  even  of 
Laadan  the  Gershonite,  were  “Jehieli. 

22  The  sons  of  Jehieli;  Zethani,  and  Joel  bis 
brother,  which  were  rover  the  treasures  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord. 

23  Of  the  'Amramites,  and  the  Izharites,  the 
Hebronites,  and  the  Uzzielites : 

24  And  “Shebuel  the  son  of  Gershom,  the  son 
of  Moses,  was  ruler  of  the  treasures. 

25  And  his  brethren  by  bEliezer ; "Rehabiah 
his  son,  and  Jeshaiah  his  son,  and  Joram  his  son, 
and  Zichri  his  son,  and  dShelomith  his  son : 

26  Which  Shelomith  and  his  brethren  were 
‘over  all  the  treasures  of  the  dedicated  things, 
which  David  the  king,  and  the  chief  fathers,  the 
captains  over  thousands  and  hundreds,  and  the 
captains  of  the  hosts,  had  dedicated. 

27  Out  of  the  "spoils  won  in  battles  did  they 
dedicate,  fto  maintain  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

28  And  all  that  ^Samuel  the  seer,  and  Saul  the 
son  of  Kish ; and  hAbner  the  son  of  Ner,  and 
‘Joah  the  son  of  Zeruiah,  had  dedicated;  and 
whosoever  had  dedicated  any  thing,  it  was  under 
the  hand  of  Shelomith  and  of  his  brethren. 

29  II  Of  the  "Izharites,  Chenaniah  and  his  sons 

10.  § Heb.  My.  26—  28.  18:11.  1 Kings  7:51 . 2 Chr.  31 :11 ,12.  u 6:17.  Libni. 
23:7.  x 23:8.  29:8.  Jthiel.  y 20.  Neh.  10:38.  z 23:12.  Num.  3:19,27.  u 23: 
15,16.  24:20.  ShuhaeL.  b 23:15.  fix.  18:4.  c 23:17.  d 23:18.  e 18:11.22:11. 
29:2 — 9.  Num.  31:50 — 52.  II  Heb . battles  and  spoils,  f 2 Kings  12:14.  Neh. 
10:32—34.  gl  Sam. 9:9.  h 1 Sam.  14:47— 51.  17:55.  i 2 Sam.  10:9— 14.  k 23. 
23:12,18. 


them  ; and  this  from  one  generation  to  another,  without  passing 
from  one  company  to  another.  ‘ They  were  distributed  into 
courses,  as  the  priests  and  Levites  were  ; and  these  were 
principal  commanders  over  them  : being  the  more  illustrious 
of  their  brethren,  and  therefore  particularly  named.’  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V . 13.  The  porters  seem  to  have  been  divided  into  courses, 
by  a different  method  than  the  other  Levites.  The  several 
families  or  divisions  of  them  cast  lots,  at  which  gates  they 
should  keep  ward  ; and  then  the  individuals  of  those  divisions 
attended  in  rotation  ; but  whether  the  order,  in  which  they 
thus  followed  each  other,  was  determined  by  lot,  or  by  agree- 
ment, it  does  not  appear. 

V.  14.  A wise  counsellor.]  It  seems  that  Zechariah,  being 
renowned  for  his  wisdom,  was  preferred  to  be  the  king’s 
counsellor.  The  office  of  porter  in  the  temple  was  a place  of 
great  trust,  and  therefore  honourable. 

V.  15.  “ Asuppim”  signifying  gatherings  : it  is  supposed 

that  the  house  of  Asuppim  was  a building  erected  to  contain 
the  money  that  was  collected,  for  the  use  of  the  sanctuary, 
with  the  vessels  employed  in  the  sacred  services. 

V.  16 — 23.  Marg.  Ref . — Ward  against  ward.  (16)  Marg. 
Ref.  Their  stations  were  opposite  to  each  other  ; as  the 
north  to  the  south,  &c. — Eastward  were  sir,  &c.  (17,18.) 

1 Among  the  porters  there  were  four  and  twenty,  adbording 
to  the  rest  of  the  courses  ; six  on  the  east  side,  four  on  the 
north,  four  on  the  south ; at  Asuppim,  two  and  two,  (four  in 
all,)  four  on  the  west,  and  two  at  Parbar.’  Kimchi  in  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  24 — 27.  These  are  the  only  persons  among  the  • 

descendants  of  Moses,  who  are  mentioned  as  appointed  fin 
any  office  of  honour  and  distinction.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 
18:11. 22:6— 14.) 

V.  28.  Samuel,  &c.]  It  had  been  customary  from  the 
time  of  Abraham,  (Notes,  Gen.  14:18 — 10.  28:20 — 22.)  and 
probably  from  the  beginning  of  the  world,  for  persons  to  dedi- 
cate a portion  of  their  gains  to  the  service  of  God,  as  an 
acknowledgment  that  all  came  from  him  : but  it  is  uncertain 
whether  Samuel,  or  the  other  persons  here  mentioned,  had 
an  expectation  of  a temple  being  built,  for  which  they  desired 
to  make  preparation. 

V . 29.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  23:2 — 6.) — The  outward  business 
&c.]  These  Levites  seem  not  to  have  performed  any  service 
within  the  precincts  of  the  sanctuary:  and  their  employment 
on  that  account  may  be  called  “ the  outward  business.”  In 
general,  it  may  be  supposed,  that,  as  well  as  the  othei 
( 745  ) 


B.  C.  1019 


I.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  1015 


were  for  'the  outward  business  over  Israel,  for 
“officers  and  judges. 

30  And  of  the  "Hebronites,  Hashabiah  and  his 
Brethren,  men  of  valour,  a thousand  and  seven 
hundred,  were  ’officers  among  them  of  Israel  on 
this  side  Jordan  westward,  in  all  the ‘business  of 
the  Lord,  and  in  the  service  of  the  king. 

31  Among  the  Hebronites  was  °Jerijah  the 
chief,  even  among  the  Hebronites,  according  to 
the  generations  of  his  fathers.  In  the  pfortieth 
year  of  the  reign  of  David  they  were  sought  for, 
and  there  were  found  among  them  mighty  men  of 
valour  at  ‘iJazer  of  Gilead. 

32  And  his  brethren,  rmen  of  valour,  were  two 
thousand  and  seven  hundred  “chieHathers,  whom 
kin‘*’  David  made  rulers  over  the  ‘Reubenites,  the 
Gadites,  and  the  half-tribe  of  Manasseh,  for  every 
matter  pertaining  to  God,  “and  'affairs  of  the  king. 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

David's  twelve  captains , one  for  each  month , 1 — 15.  The  princes  of  the  twelve 
tribes , 16 — 22.  The  numbering  of  the  people  was  hindered , 23,  24.  David's 
several  officers  and  counsellors,  25—34. 

NOW  the  children  of  Israel  after  their  number, 
to  wit,  the  chief  fathers,  and  acaptains  of 
thousands  and  hundreds,  and  their  officers  that 
bserved  the  king  in  cany  matter  of  the  courses, 
which  came  in  and  went  out  ''month  by  month 
throughout  all  the  months  of  the  year,  of  every 
course,  were  twenty  and  four  thousand. 

2  Over  the  first  course  for  the  first  month,  was 
"Jashobeam  the  son  of  Zabdiel : and  in  his  course 
were  twenty  and  four  thousand. 

3  Of  the  children  of  1 Perez,  ivas  sthe  chief  of 
all  the  captains  of  the  host  for  the  first  month. 

4  And  over  the  course  of  the  second  month  was 
bDodai  an  Ahohite,  and  of  his  course  was  Mikloth 
also  the  ruler:  in  his  course  likewise  were  twenty 
and  four  thousand. 


I 2Chr.34:13.  Nell.  11:16.  m 23  4 . 2 Chr.  19:8 — 1 1 . n 23:12,19.  • Heb.  oner 
the  eha-ge.  o 23;I9.  Jeriah.  p 29.27.  1 Kings  2:11.  q Josh.  21:39.  Is.  16: 
9.  r 6— 9.  sl5:12.23:24.24:31.  t 12:37  u 2 Chr.  19: 1 1 . t Heb.  thing. 

e 13:1.  Ex.  18:25.  Dent.  1:15.  1 Sam.  8:12.  Mic.  5:2.  b 23:1.  2 Chr.  17:1*2 — 19. 
26:11—13.  c 1 Kings  5'  14.  d 1 Kings  4:7,27.  e 11:11.  2 Sam.  23:8.  Adino 
the  Eznite.  f Gen.  38:29.  Mum.  26:20.  Pharez.  g Gen.  49:8 — 10.  Num.7:I2. 
10:14.  h 11:12.  2Sam.23:9.  Dodo,  i 18:17.  1 Kings  4:4.  * Or , principal 

Levites,  they  were  expected  to  be  instructers  of  the  people 
in  the  law  of  God  : and  in  particular  they  were  made  magis- 
trates of  different  orders,  to  administer  justice  to  the  people. 
As  the  Levites  were  more  numerous  than  could  be  employed 
in  the  sanctuary  ; and  as  they  ought  to  be,  and  had  opportu- 
nities of  being,  better  acquainted  with  the  law  than  the 
other  Israelites  ; they  were  appointed  to  this  service,  along 
with  the  elders  of  every  tribe.  (Note,  2 Chr.  19:5 — 11.) 
From  these,  the  scribes,  lawyers,  or  doctors  of  the  law,  men- 
tioned in  the  New  Testament,  seem  to  have  arisen.  As  the 
office  of  the  magistracy  reaches  only  to  the  regulation  of  the 
outward  conduct ; whilst  the  ministry  of  the  word  forms  the 
means  of  regulating  the  mind  or  judgment,  with  the  conscience 
and  affections  of  the  heart ; the  former  may  in  this  sense  also 
be  called  the  outward  business.  The  lawyers  above  mentioned 
made  the  whole  of  religion  a mere  outward  business  ; and 
they  have  always  had  abundance  of  disciples  in  this  respect. 
(Notes,  Matt.  23:25—28.  Luke  11:37—41.) 

V.  30 — 32.  Hebron  was  first  assigned  to  the  priests ; 
(Note,  Josh.  21:1 1,12.)  but  it  was  afterwards  occupied  by 
Levites,  perhaps  as  tenants  whilst  the  priests  were  but  few. 
The  Levites  here  mentioned,  it  seems,  lived  there,  till  they 
had  acquired  the  name  of  Hebronites,  and  then  removed  over 
Jordan  into  the  land  Gilead.  But  being  sought  out,  they 
were  appointed  judges,  and  officers,  for  various  purposes,  civil 
and  ecclesiastical,  superior  and  inferior,  on  each  side  Jordan, 
in  two  divisions : though  the  larger  proportion  was  assigned 
to  those  who  lived  east  of  that  river  ; perhaps  because,  being 
more  remote  from  the  sanctuary  and  the  seat  of  government, 
they  needed  more  attention  to  keep  them  to  their  duty,  both 
to  God,  and  to  the  king.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

Fortieth  year.  (31)  It  is  generally  thought  that  most  or 
all  of  these  regulations  were  made  in  the  last  year  of  David’s 
life : but,  though  this  be  uncertain,  they  were  certainly 
arranged  towards  the  close  of  his  reign. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  blessing  of  God  renders  individuals  happy,  and  fami- 
lies flourishing : and  those,  who  have  been  faithful  in  a little, 
will  be  made  rulers  over  many  things. — Wisdom,  courage, 
strength  of  faith,  holy  affections,  and  constancy  of  mind  in 
our  duty,  are  requisite  for  every  station.  But  those,  who 
minister  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  are  required,  without 
respect  of  persons,  to  prevent  the  profanation  of  holy  things, 
have  peculiar  need  of  these  qualifications.  They  are  the 
porters  of  the  spiritual  house,  and  the  “ stewards  of  the  mys- 
teries > God  a charge  is  committed  to  their  trust,  infinitely 
wore  valuable  than  all  the  treasures  of  the  temple  ; and  they 
( 746  ) 


5 The  third  captain  of  the  host  for  the  thirst 
month  was  'Benaiah  the  son  of  Jehoiada,  a 'chiet 
priest:  and  in  his  course  were  twenty  and  fou: 
thousand. 

6 This  is  that  Benaiah,  who  was  '“mighty  among? 
the  thirty,  and  above  the  thirty  : and  in  his  course 
was  Ammizabad  his  son. 

7 The  fourth  captain  for  the  fourth  month  icas 
'Asahel  the  brother  of  Joab,  and  Zebadiah  his  son 
after  him  : and  in  his  course  were  twenty  and  four 
thousand. 

8 The  fifth  captain  for  the  fifth  month  was 
“Shamuth  the  Izrahite  : and  in  his  course  were 
twenty  and  four  thousand. 

9 The  sixth  captain  lor  the  sixth  month  was 
"Ira  the  son  of  Ikkesh  the  Tekoite:  and  in  his 
course  were  twenty  and  four  thousand. 

10  The  seventh  captain  for  the  seventh  month 
was  °Helez  the  rPelonite,  of  the  children  of 
Ephraim : and  in  his  course  were  twenty  and 
lour  thousand. 

1 1 The  eighth  captain  for  the  eighth  month  was 
iSibbecai  the  Hushathite,  of  the  'Zarhites:  and 
in  his  course  were  twenty  and  four  thousand. 

12  The  ninth  captain  for  the  ninlh  month  was 
Abiezer  the  “Anetothite,  of  the  Benjamites  : and 
in  his  course  were  twenty  and  four  thousand. 

13  The  tenth  captain  for  the  tenth  month  was 
‘Maharai  the  Netophathite,  of  the  "Zarhites:  and 
in  his  course  were  twenty  and  four  thousand. 

14  The  eleventh  captain  for  the  eleventh  month 
ivas  ''Benaiah  the  Pirathonite,  of  the  children  of 
Ephraim  : and  in  his  course  were  twenty  and  four 
thousand. 

15  The  twelfth  captain  for  the  twelfth  month 
teas  vHeklai  the  Netophathite,  of  "Othniel : and  in 
his  course  were  twenty  and  four  thousand. 


officer.  I Kiftes  4:5.  k 1 1 :22— 25.  2 Sam.  22-20— 23.  2 Sam.  9:18— 23. 

23  24.  m 11:27.  Shnmmoth  the  Hararite.  26:29.  2 Sam.  23:25.  Shammah  iht 
Harodite.  n 1 1:28.  2 Sam.  23:26.  o 11:27.  p 2 Sam.  23:26.  Pnltite.  q 111 
29.  2. Sam.  21:18.  r Num.  26:20.  s 11:23.  Antothite.  2 Sam.  23:27.  Anetho 
thile.  t 11:30.  2 Sam.  23:28.  ull.  x 11:31.  2 Sain.  23:30.  v 11:30.  Jleled 
2 Sam.  23:29.  Heleb.  z4:13.  Judg.  3:9. 


need  lo  be  watchful  and  faithful.  (Notes,  Matt.  24:45 — 51 
Mark  13:33 — 37.  Luke  11:35 — 46.  1 Cor.  4:1 — 5.)  Their 

office  requires  them  w rightly  to  divide  the  word  of  truth,’* 
and  to  administer  divine  ordinances  according  to  it;  that  tho 
hungry  souls  may  be  fed  and  feasted  from  t lie  provisions  of 
the  Lord’s  house;  and  that  he  may  be  glorified  by  their  spi- 
ritual sacrifices,  acceptable  to  him  through  Jesus  Christ. 
Great  integrity,  firmness,  and  discretion,  are  necessary  to  do 
this  according  to  the  mind  of  the  great  Master  of  the  family, 
and  to  prevent  abuses,  and  prostitution  of  sacred  ordinances 
to  secular  purposes,  by  ungodly  men.  From  these  sacred 
treasuries,  “ the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ,”  all  our  wants 
are  supplied  : but  receiving  from  his  fulness,  and  being  victo- 
rious over  our  enemies  by  his  grace,  we  must  give  him  the 
glory,  and  endeavour  to  dispose  of  the  whole  of  our  abilities 
and  substance  according  to  his  will  ; allotting  a proportion  to 
maintain  the  expense  of  his  worship,  as  well  as  (o  provide  for 
the  poor.  Many  unbelievers,  however,  join  in  these  external 
services,  and  we  must  not  in  any  degree  rest  our  hopes  ol 
salvation  on  them. — The  work  of  the  minister  requires  the 
whole  man  : internal  renovation  is  immediately  its  object ; and 
the  outward  business  of  external  order  in  society  properly 
belongs  to  I he  magistrate.  These  services  are  therefore 
best  preserved  distinct ; yet  particular  circumstances  may 
warrant  exceptions.  However,  both  magistrates  and  minis- 
ters should  concur  in  leading  people,  by  different  means,  to 
fear  God,  and  honour  the  king,  and  to  do  justice,  and  show 
kindness  to  their  brethren. — It  is  very  wrong  for  able  men  to 
get  out  of  the  way,  when  their  help  is  wanted  : but  they 
should  be  sought  out,  and  set  to  work : and  as  our  end 
approaches,  we  should  be  more  earnest  to  render  our  Iasi 
services  to  mankind. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXVII.  V.  1—15.  When  David 
was  not  actually  engaged  in  war,  twenty-four  thousand  men 
seem  to  have  been  continually  kept  under  military  discipline. 
These  were  exchanged  every  month  for  others  ; so  that  two 
hundred  and  eighty-eight  thousand  men  were,  every  year, 
exercised  as  a regular  militia  ; but  they  were  not  kept  from 
their  other  engagements,  more  than  a month  at  one  time. 
These  were  mustered  from  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  under 
commanders,  called  44  captains  of  the  companies,  that  minis- 
tered to  the  king  by  course.”  (28:1.)  All  the  twelve  captains 
are  named  among  David’s  mighty  men  [Marg.  Ref.  11: 
10 — 47.  2 Sam.  23:8 — 39.)  The  word  translated  priest , and 
applied  to  Benaiah,  evidently  means,  cjid  should  be  rendered. 
Ruler , or  officer . (Marg.)  Asahel,  ivhom  Abner  slew,  is 
numbered  among  theso  captains,  and  upon  his  death,  his  so» 


« C.  1015 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 


B.  C.  1015. 


16  *il  Furthermore  over  the  tribe*  of  Israel:  the 
ruler  of  the  Reubenites  was  Eliezer  the  son  of 
Zichri : of  the  Simeonites,  Shephatiah  the  son  of 
Maachah  : 

17  Of  the  Levites,  “Hashabiah  the  son  of  Ke- 
muel:  bof  the  Aaronites,  Zadok: 

18  Of  Judah,  cElihu,  one  of  the  brethren  of 
David : of  Issachar,  Omri  the  son  of  Michael : 

19  Of  Zebulun,  Ishmaiah  the  son  of  Obadiah : 
of  Naphtali,  Jerimoth  the  son  of  Azriel  : 

20  Of  the  children  of  Ephraim,  Hoshea  the  son 

of  Azaziah:  of  the  half-tribe  of  Manasseh,  Joel 
the  son  of  Pedaiah:  ' 

21  Of  the  hal 1-tribe  of  Manasseh  in  Gilead, 
•'Iddo  the  son  of  Zechariah:  of  Benjamin,  Jaasiei 
the  son  of  “'Abner  : 

22  Of  Dan,  Azareel  the  son  of  Jeroham.  These 
were  the  princes  of  the  tribes  of  Israel. 

23  U But  David  took  not  the  number  of  them 
f from  twenty  years  old  and  under:  because  the 
Lord  had  said  she  would  increase  Israel  like  to 
the  stars  of  the  heavens. 

24  Joab  the  son  of  Zeruiah  hbegan  to  number, 
but  he  finished  not,  because  there  fell  wrath  for  it 
against  Israel ; neither  *was  the  number  put  in  the 
account  of  the  chronicles  of  king  David. 

25  And  over  'the  king’s  treasures  was  Azma- 
veth  the  son  of  Adiel : and  over  kthe  storehouses 
in  the  fields,  in  the  cities,  and  in  the  villages,  and 
in  the  castles,  was  Jehonathan  the  son  of  Uzziali : 

26  And  over  them  that  did  the  work  of  the 
field  for  tillage  of  the  ground  was  Ezri  the  son  of 
Chelub : 

27  And  over  the  vineyards  was  Shimei  the  Ra- 
mathite  : over  ‘the  increase  of  the  vineyards  for 
the  wine-cellars  was  Zabdi  the  Shiphmite  : 

28  And  'over  the  olive-trees  and  the  sycamore- 

& 26:30.  t>  12:27,28.24:4,31.  c 1 Sam.  16:6.  17:13,29.  Ehab.  d 1 Kings  4:14. 
e 1 Sam.  14:5(1,51.  2 Sam.  3:27,37.  f Nnm.  1:18.  g Gen.  15:5.  Heb.  11:12. 
h 21 : 1 1 — 17.  2Sam.24:l — 15.  * Heb . ascended  the  number . i 2 Kings  18: 15. 
fi  Chr.  16:2.  k Gen.  41:48.  Ex.  1:11.  2 Chr.  26:10.  Jer.  41 :8.  f Heb.  that 
which  was  of  the  vineyards.  1 1 Kings4:7.  m 5:16.  Is.  65:10.  n Job  1:3. 


succeeded  him:  hence  vve  learn,  that  this  order  was  at  least 
begun  to  be  established  before  David  ruled  over  the  whole 
land.  ( Note , 2 Sam.  2:18 — 23.) — Joab  was  the  commander 
In  chief.  (34) 

V.  1G — 22.  These  persons,  called  uthe  princes  of  the 
tribes,”  (28:1.)  seem  to  have  been  civil  rulers  over  their 
several  tribes,  not  entirely  unlike  the  lord-lieutenants  of 
counties  in  England. — Gad  and  Asher  are  not  mentioned, 
probably  because  they  were  joined  to  the  neighbouring  tribes. 
Elihu,  or  Eliah,  was  David’s  elder  brother.  The  Levites 
had  a prince,  or  rulers,  as  the  other  tribes  had  ; and  the 
family  of  Aa#on,  as  distinguished  from  the  rest,  had  Zadok, 
for  their  ruler,  or  prince.  The  son  of  Abner  was,  probably, 
advanced  upon  his  father’s  death,  as  an  expression  of  David’s 
jnfeigned  concern  for  that  event.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  3:26 — 
39.) 

V.  23,  24.  It  seems  probable,  from  this  passage,  that 
Joab  began,  by  David’s  order,  to  number  the  children,  as 
well  as  the  grown  men,  but  was  prevented  from  finishing  the 
account.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  24:1 — 9.)  The  numbering  of  the 
effective  men  might  have  been  deemed  politically  expedient : 
but  ostentation  alone  could  dictate  the  numbering  of  minors 
and  infants;  especially  as  God  had  pronounced  the  seed  of 
Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  innumerable.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

An  account  of  the  number,  as  far  as  he  went,  was  given  by 
Joab  to  the  king;  but  the  king,  being  sensible  of  his  error, 
would  not  have  it  recorded  in  the  public  registers  of  the  king- 
dom, as  other  things  of  daily  occurrence  were.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  25 — 31.  (Marg.  Ref.)  This  account  mentions  only 
such  persons,  as  filled  up  needful  or  useful  stations ; not  any 
superfluous  officers,  retained  merely  to  make  a show  of  mag- 
nibcence.  Luxury,  ambition,  and  venality  have  multiplied 
these  attendants  on  courts;  and  selfish  opposers  will  so  im- 
pede the  most  unexceptionable  measures  of  government,  in 
limited  monarchies,  that  without  a number  of  retainers  whose 
interest  it  is  to  support  the  crown,  the  public  business  must 
move  heavily,  if  it  could  at  all  proceed.  Yet  ancient  sim- 
plicity was  preferable  to  modern  refinement;  and  the  useful 
productions  of  the  earth,  to  all  the  devices  of  luxury  and 
indulgence.  (Notes,  1 Kings  4:2 — 19.  2 Chr.  26:10.) — These 
officers  are  called  44  the  stewards  over  all  the  substance  and 
possessions  of  the  king.”  (28:1.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  prudent  management  of  secular  affairs  is  conducive 
to  the  interests  of  godliness  ; provided  it  be  kept  in  its  proper 
place,  and  the  favour  and  glory  of  God  have  a decided  prefe- 
rence. In  the  kingdoms  of  this  world,  habitual  readiness  for 
war  forms  a better  security  of  peace,  than  any  treaties  or 
alliances:  in  like  manner,  nothing  so  much  encourages  Satan’s 


trees  that  were  in  the  low  plains  was  Baal-hanan 
the  Gederite : and  over  the  cellars  of  oil  was  Jo- 
ash  : 

29  And  over  the  herds  that  fed  in  mSharon  was 
Shitrai  the  Sharonite : and  over  the  herds  tluu 
were  in  the  valleys  was  Shaphat  the  son  of  Adlai: 

30  Over  "the  camels  also  was  Obil  “the  Ishmael- 
ite : and  over  the  asses  was  Jehdeiah  the  Mero- 
nothite : 

31  And  over  the  flocks  was  Jaziz  the  Hagarite. 
All  these  were  the  rulers  of  the  substance  which 
was  king  David’s. 

32  Also  Jonathan  David’s  ''uncle  was  a coun- 
sellor, a wise  man,  and  a ^scribe:  and  Jehiel  the 
son  of  Hachmoni  was  with  the  king’s  sons  : 

33  And  sAhithophel  was  the  king’s  counsellor : 
and  rHushai  the  Archite  was  the  king’s  'compa- 
nion : 

34  And  after  Ahithophel  was  Jehoiada  the  son 
of  Benaiah,  and  Abiathar:  and  ‘the  general  of 
the  king’s  army  was  Joab. 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

David  assembles  the  chiefs  of  Israel;  shows  them  hoio  his  vt^rjiose  of  build- 
in*  a temple  had  been  disallowed,  and  relates  the  LORD'S  special  favour  to 
him  ; and  his  promises  to  Solomon,  1 — 7.  He  chai  ses  Solomon  to  know  and 
serve  God,  and  to  build  the  temple,  9,  10.  He  gives  a pattern  for  the  form  Oj 
the  several  • arts,  (as  God  had  showed  it  to  him,)  and  gold  arid  silver  for  the 
materials , 11 — 19.  He  encourages  Solomon  with  the  assurance  of  help , both 
from  Cod,  and  from  from  his  people,  20,  21. 

AND  David  “assembled  all  the  princes  of  Israel, 
bthe  princes  of  the  tribes,  and  the  “captains 
of  the  companies  that  ministered  to  the  king  by 
course,  and  the  captains  over  the  thousands,  and 
captains  over  the  hundreds,  and  dthe  stewards 
over  all  the  ’substance  and.  possession  of  the 
king,  ‘and  of  his  sons,  with  “the  ^officers,  and  with 
( the  mighty  men,  and  with  all  the  valiant  men 
unto  Jerusalem. 

2 Then  David  the  king  sstood  up  upon  his  feet, 

o Gen.  47:6.  p 2 Sam.  13:3.  21:21.  Nephew.  J Or,  secretary.  § Or,  Hach* 
monile.  11:11.  q2Sam.  15:12.  16:23.  17:23.  r 2 SaiA.  15:32,37.  16:16.  s 2 Sam. 
16:17.  Ps.  55:13.  Zech.  13-7.  t 11:6.  a 23:2.  Josh.  23:2.  24:1 . b 27:16— 22, 
c 27:1  — 15.  (1  27:25-31.  * Or,  cattle,  f Or,  and  his  sons,  e 27:32— 34. 

+ Or,  eunuchs,  f 11:10,  &c.  g Gen.  48:2.  1 Kings  1:47. 

assaults,  as  our  unwatchfulriess ; and  while  we  stand  armed 
with  u the  whole  armour  of  God,”  in  the  exercise  of  faith  and 
preparation  of  heart  for  the  conflict,  we  shall  certainly  be 
safe,  and  probably  enjoy  inward  peace. — When  we  have 
exposed  ourselves  to  wrath  and  chastening  for  our  sins,  we 
ought  humbly  to  confess  them  and  to  desist  from  them : this 
will  not  make  atonement  for  our  crimes;  but  it.  is  a prepara- 
tion of  heart  from  the  Lord,  for  receiving  the  atonement  made 
by  the  Saviour,  and  making  suitable  returns  for  it. — Useful- 
ness is  the  proper  standard  of  valuableness:  and  he  who 
estimates  by  this  rule,  will  give  the  word  of  God,  the  salvation 
of  Christ,  and  true  religion,  u decided  preference  to  all  other 
things,  because  infinitely  more  Useful . — Well-chosen  coun- 
sellors prove  the  wisdom  of  princes:  yet,  some  will  be  found 
wise  men  and  scribes,  and  eminent  for  worldly  policy  and 
plausibility,  who  are  in  fact  very  wicked  characters.  But  the 
faithful,  the  upright,  and  godly,  should  be  our  friends  and 
chosen  companions;  and  no  king  will  be  well  advised  in  all 
things,  or  in  those  of  the  greatest  importance,  who  does  not 
make  the  testimonies  of  God  41  his  delight  and  his  counsellors  ;” 
however  he  may  be  surrounded  by  powerful  family  con- 
nexions, faithful  friends,  and  able  politicians. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXVIII.  V.  1.  This  transaction 
seems  to  have  occurred  in  the  time  of  David’s  last  sickness, 
which,  notwithstanding  remissions,  he  r/as  aware  w'ould 
terminate  in  death.  He  therefore  summoned  the  several 
descriptions  of  men,  which  were  mentioned  in  the  preceding 
chapter,  and  which  formed  a convention  of  the  states,  or 
representatives  of  the  people  ; that  he  might  declare  to  them 
the  will  of  God  as  revealed  to  him,  and  engage  them  to  a 
hearty  concurrence  in  those  public  measures,  which,  in  obe- 
dience to  that  will,  he  had  resolved  on. — Princes.]  Note , 27s 
16 — 22. — Captains,  &c.]  4 That  is,  those  great  commanders 

of  24,000  apiece,  mentioned  in  the  beginning  of  the  foregoing 
chapter. . . . The  commanders  of  every  one  of  those  thousands, 
with  the  centurions,  who  commanded  the  several  companies, 
consisting  of  a hundred.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Note, 27:\ — 15.) — 
Stewards , &c.]  Note,  27:25 — 31. — Many  of  the  chief  priests 
and  Levites  generally  resided  with  David  at  Jerusalem  ; but 
it  is  not  expressly  said,  that  they  were  present  on  this  occa- 
sion. 

V.  2.  David,  finding  himself  able,  and  being  animated  by 
the  solemn  occasion,  stood  up  on  his  feet,  to  express  his 
earnestness  in  this  address,  and  his  affection  and  respect,  for 
the  people;  and  especially  as  intending  to  bom  nr  the  Lord, 
by  whose  authority  and  commission  he  spake.  Moses  and 
Joshua  had,  just  before  their  death,  assembled  the  people 
for  similar  purposes.  ( Dtut . 31:28 — 30.  Notes,  Dcut.  32;  15- 
52.  Josh.  23:  24:) — David  used  the  most  endearing  language 
( 747  ) 


B.  C.  015. 


I.  CHRONICLES.  B.  C.  1015. 


and  said,  Hear  me,  'my  brethren,  and  my  people  : 
Jls  for  me,  I had  in  my  heart  to  build  a house 
rest  kfor  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord, 
and  for  'the  footstool  of  our  God,  and  mhad  made 
ready  for  the  building  : 

3 But  God  said  unto  me,  "Thou  shall  not  build 
a house  lor  my  name,  because  thou  hast  been  a 
man  of  war,  and  hast  shed  "blood. 

4 Howbeit  the  Lord.  God  of  Israel  “chose  me 
before  all  the  house  of  my  father  to  be  king  over 
Israel  for  ever:  for  he  hath  Pchosen  Judah  to  be 
the  ruler;  and  of  ithe  house  of  Judah  the  house 
of  my  father;  and  ramong  the  sons  of  my  father 
he  liked  me  to  make  me  king  over  all  Israel : 

5 And  of  "all  my  sons,  (for  the  Lord  hath  given 
me  many  sons,)  ‘he  hath  chosen  Solomon  my  son 
“to  sit  upon  the  throne  of  the  kingdom  of  the 
Lord  over  Israel. 

6 And  he  said  unto  me,  Solomon  thy  son.  xhe 
shall  build  my  house  and  my  courts : for  jJ  nave 
chosen  him  to  be  my  son,  and  I will  be  his 
father. 


h 11:1 — 3.  Deut.  17:15,20.  Ps.  22:22.  Heb.  2:11,12.  i 17:1,2.  2Sam.  7: 
t.  1 Kings  8:17,18.  It  6:31.  Pa.  132:3—5,8,14.  1 Ps.  99:5.  132:7.  la.  66: 

I.  Lam.  2:1.  Acts  7:49.  m 18:7— 11.  22:2— 5,14.  n 17:4.  22:8.  2 Sam.  7 5- 

13.  1 Kings  5:3.  2 Chr.  6:8,9.  * Heb.  bloods,  o 1 Sam.  16:6 — 13.  2 Sam.  7: 

8—16.  Ps.  78-68-72.  89:16—27.  p 5:2.  Gen.  49:8-10.  Ps.  60:7.  108:8.  q 1 Sam. 
16:1.  r 1 Sam.  16:12,13.  Ps.  18:19.  147:10,11.  s 3.1 —9.  14:4— 7.  t 22:9.23: 
1.29:1.  u 17:14.29:23.  2 Chr.  1:8,9.  Ps.  72:  title.  1 &c.  Is.  9:6,7.  x 17:11 — 

14.  22:10.  2 Sam.  7:13.14.  Zech.  6:12,13.  Heb.  3:3,6.  y Heb.  4 5.  z Ps.  89: 
28— 37.  132:12.  !)an.  2:41.  a 2*2:13.  I Kings  6:12,13.  9:4,5.  11:9 — 13.  tHeb. 
strong.  10.  Josh.  1.6,7.  lKings2:2 — 4.  b 1 Kings  8:61.  11:4.  c Deut.  4:6. 
Malt.  5:16.  Phil.  2: 15,16.  Heb.  12:1,2.  d Deut.  4:26.  29:10,15.  Acts  10:33. 
e Ps.  119:4, 10, 11.-27,33, 34, 44.  Prov.2:l— 5.  3:1.  f Deut.  4:1.  5:32,33.  6:1,2. 


in  this  parting  interview,  begging  their  attention,  as  his 
“ brethren  and  his  people.” — The  ark  is  here  called  “the 
footstool  of  our  God.”  Heaven,  where  the  Lord  unveils  his 
glories,  is  his  throne  ; the  earth  is  his  footstool;  and  the  place 
of  the  ark  was,  as  it  were,  the  centre  of  that  footstool , where 
the  gracious  presence  of  God  on  earth  was  chiefly  displayed, 
and  before  and  toward  which  all  his  people  worshipped. 
(Marg.  Ref.  1.  Notes,  Ps.  99:5.  Is.  66:1,2.  Lam. 
2:1.) 

V.  3.  Notes , 22:6—10.  29:1.  2 Sam . 7:1—11.  1 Kings 
8:15—21. 

V.  4—6.  Notes,  1 Sam.  16:6—11.  2 Sam.  7:12—16.  12: 
24,25.  1 Kings  1:5,6,15 — 18. — For  ever.  (4)  That  is,  per- 
manently in  his  posterity,  and  to  the  end  of  the  world,  yea, 
to  eternity,  in  Christ,  of  whom  David  and  Solomon  were 
remarkable  types. — It  was  not  known  till  David’s  time,  from 
which  family  in  Judah  the  Messiah  would  descend.  (Notes, 
Gen.  49:8—10.) 

V.  7,  8.  David  had  committed  several  great  transgres- 
sions, and  he  every  where  speaks  the  language  of  conscious 
sinfulness.  Yet  the  people  had  been  preserved  from  idolatry, 
and  retained  in  the  worship  and  service  of  God,  during  his 
whole  reign ; and  at  this  time  they,  as  well  as  Solomon, 
appeared  well  disposed  to  true  religion.  If  therefore  they 
continued  constant,  “ as  at  that  day,”  to  keep  the  Lord’s 
commandments  and  judgments  ; their  national  covenant  re- 
maining unviolated,  would  secure  their  possession  of  Canaan 
and  other  important  advantages.  Yet  they  were  exhorted 
not  only  to  “ keep,”  but 44  to  seek  for,  all  the  commandments 
of  the  Lord  ;”  that  they  might  know  them  more  exactly,  and 
perform  them  more  entirely.  David  therefore  exhorted  the 
princes  to  engage  themselves  to  this,  as  “in  the  sight  of  all 
Israel,  even  the  congregation  of  the  Lord,  and  in  the  audi- 
ence of  their  God,”  who  was  especially  present  in  that  solemn 
assembly  ; that  they  might  be  the  more  impressed,  and  that 
their  example  might  have  a salutary  effect  on  others  also. — 
4 It  is  not  enough  to  know  the  will  of  God,  if  we  do  not  keep 
it ; that  is,  observe  his  commands,  and  live  in  the  practice  of 
our  duty.  But  that  we  may  know  it,  it  is  necessary  to  seek 
it ; that  is,  to  inquire  after  it  and  to  study  the  laws  of  God  : 
for  no  man,  as  Grotius  here  observes,  shall  be  excused  by  a 
supine  ignorance.’  Bp.  Patrick.  It  is  as  necessary  to  pray 
humbly  and  continually  for  divine  teaching,  in  “ seeking  the 
commandments  of  God,”  as  to  study  the  laws  of  God,  and 
search  the  Scriptures:  for  proud,  and  learned,  and  self-wise 
error,  will  no  more  excuse  a man,  than  a supine  ignorance. 
(Notes,  Prov.  2:1 — 9.) 

V.  9.  The  being  and  perfections  of  God  are  made  known 
by  his  works,  and  by  his  word : and  wc  ought  diligently  to 
seek  the  knowledge  of  him  from  both  these  sources.  That 
discovery  of  some  of  the  divine  perfections,  which  may  be 
made  by  studying  the  works  of  creation  and  providence,  may 
je  naturally  delightful  to  man  ; because  it  gratifies  his  love  of 
Knowledge,  and  excites  his  surprise,  without  affronting  his 
pride,  alarming  his  conscience,  or  offending  his  prejudices. 
But  revelation  gives  us  the  whole  character  of  God,  as  con- 
nected with  his  natural  perfections,  and  mysterious  subsis- 
tence : and  this  not  only  in  plain  declarations,  but  in  an  his- 
torical and  prophetical  view  of  his  providential  government 
of  the  universe;  in  his  holy  law  “the  ministration  of  con- 
demnation and  death  and  in  his  blessed  gospel,  “the  mi- 
C 748  ) 


7 Moreover  ‘I  will  establish  his  kingdom  for 
ever,  “if  he  he  ’’constant  to  do  my  commandments 
and  my  judgments,  bas  at  this  day. 

8 Now  therefore  cin  the  sight  of  all  Israel,  the 
congregation  of  the  Lord,  and  din  the  audience 
of  our  God,  'keep  and  seek  for  all  the  command- 
ments of  the  Lord  your  God  : f that  ye  may  po». 
sess  this  good  land,  and  leave  it  for  an  inheritance 
for  your  children  after  you  for  ever. 

9 And  thou,  Solomon  my  son,  eknow  thou  ^the 
God  of  thy  father,  and  'serve  him  with  a perfect 
heart,  and  with  ka  willing  mind : for  'the  Lord 
searcheth  all  hearts,  and  understandeth  all  “the 
imaginations  of  the  thoughts:  "if  thou  seek  him, 
he  will  he  found  of  thee  ; but  “if  thou  fprsake  him, 
he  will  cast  thee  off  for  ever. 

10  rTake  heed  now;  for  the  Lord  hath  chosen 
thee  to  build  a house  for  the  sanctuary : be 
strong,  and  do  it. 

[ Practical  Observations.'] 

11  U Then  David  gave  to  Solomon  his  son  The 
pattern  of  rthe  porch,  and  of  8the  houses  thereof, 


g Deut.  4:35.  1 Kings  8:43.  Ps.  9:10.  Jer.  9:24.  22:16.  24:7.  31 :34.  Hos.  4:1,6. 
John  8:55. 17:3.  Acts  17:23,30.  Rom.  1:28.  1 ('nr.  15:34.  2 Cor.  4:6.  h Gen. 
28:13.  Ex.  3:16.  15-2.  1 Kings  3:6.  Ps.  18:2.  89:26.  i 29:9,17— 19.  1 Kings  8:61. 
2 Kings  20:3.  22:2..  Ps.  101:2.  John  1:47.  k 2 Cor.  8:12.  9:7.  I Pet.  5:2.  129:17. 
1 Sam.  16:7.  1 Kings  8:39.  Ps.  7:9.  Prov.  17:3.  Jer.  11:20.  17:10.  20:12.  John 
2:25.  21:17.  Acts  1:24.  Heb.  4: 13.  Rev.  2:23.  m Gen.  6:5. 8:21 . Deut.  31:21. 
Ps.  139:2.  Ez.  38:10.  n 2 Chr.  15:2.  Prov.  2:1— 6.  Is.  45: 19.  55:6,7.  Jer.  29:13. 
Matt.  7:7,8.  Jam.  4:8 — 11.  o Deut.  31:16,17.  1 Kings  9:6— 9.  Ezra  8:22.  Is. 
1:28.  Heb.  10:38,39.  p 6.  22:16— 19.  1 Tim.  4:16.  q 19.  Ex.  25:40.  26:30.  39: 
42,43.  2 Chr.  3:3.  Ez.  43:10,11.  Heb.  8:5.  r 1 Kings  6:3.  2 Chr.  3:4.  Ez.  40.8, 
9,15,48,49.  s 1 Kings  6:10—20.  2Chr.  3:5-10.  Ez.  41:13,  &c.  Heb.  9:2— 8. 


nistration  of  righteousness  and  of  the  Spirit.”  (Note,  2 Cor. 
3:7 — 11.)  This  knowledge  of  God  the  natural  man  cannot 
receive.  (Note,  1 Cor.  2:14 — 16.)  It  implies  the  infinite 
justice  and  holiness  of  God,  and  the  entire  apostacy,  rebellion, 
pollution,  and  misery  of  man ; and  shows  every  person  on 
earth  to  be  a criminal  condemned  to  everlasting  punishments 
from  which  he  cannot  be  delivered,  except  by  the  unmerited 
mercy  of  the  Father,  through  the  atonement  of  the  Son,  and 
by  the  sanctification  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  All  men  therefore 
oppose,  neglect,  or  pervert  this  knowledge  of  God,  except  as 
they  are  taught  by  him.  Some  notions  of  these  things  may 
be  attained  by  an  unhumbled  sinner:  but  he  does  not  see 
them  as  they  really  are,  according  to  their  nature  and  value ; 
and  his  ideas  no  more  agree  with  the  true  meaning  even  of 
his  own  words,  than  the  words  of  a man  born  blind  do  with 
his  ideas,  when  he  speaks  about  light  and  colours.  This 
knowledge  therefore  will  have  no  effect,  unless  a bad  one,  on 
the  state  of  his  heart,  and  the  conduct  of  his  life.  But  where 
God  is  truly  known,  he  is  also  feared,  believed,  trusted, 
loved,  worshipped,  and  obeyed,  in  proportion  to  that  know- 
ledge. Self-abasement,  hatred  of  sin,  indifference  about 
worldly  objects,  and  general  benevolence  from  the  purest 
principles,  will  uniformly  attend  and  grow  with  it ; and  all 
true  religion  may  be  resolved  into  it.  (Notes,  Ps.  9:7 — 12, 
v.  10.  91:  14—16.  Jer.  24:7.  31:33,34.  Matt.  11127.  John  17: 
1 — 3.  2 Cor.  4:3 — 6.) — This  knowledge  of  God  is,  under  the 
inward  teaching  and  illuminating  influence  of  the  Sprit  of 
truth,  received  by  faith  simply  crediting  “ the  testimony  of 
God,”  and  diligently  appropriating  the  information  which  he 
communicates  in  Scripture.  As  far  as  required,  it  regulates 
the  understanding,  judgment,  conscience,  will,  affections,  and 
all  the  powers  and  opera'ions  of  the  soul ; and  consequently,  all 
the  intentions, dispositions,  words,  and  actions.  It  brings  a man 
acquainted  with  God  in  Christ,  as  a Father  and  Friend,  in  a 
way  of  experience  and  communion.  It  discovers  what  we 
may  expect  from  him,  and  what  he  must  approve  or  abhor  in 
us;  and  consequently  what  is  requisite  to  his  saving  sinners 
in  a way  that  is  honourable  to  his  own  great  name,  and  to 
our  being  capable  of  happiness  in  his  favour  and  service. 
Thus  we  learn  the  inestimable  value  of  the  Saviour’s  atone- 
ment, and  of  the  sanctification  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  are 
influenced  to  walk  conscientiously  in  all  his  ordinances  and 
commandments.  It  brings  a sinner  to  his  proper  place,  at 
the  foot  of  the  cross,  and  prostrate  before  the  mercy-seat  of 
a forgiving  God ; as  a poor,  helpless,  lost  sinner,  an  ignorant 
child,  a humble  suppliant,  a condemned  criminal,  deserving 
nothing  hut  wrath,  yet  expecting  every  thing  needful  or 
desirable,  from  the  infinitely  free  mercy  and  gruce  of  God 
our  Father,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Having  been  for- 
given much,  and  receiving  much,  the  pardoned  sinner  learns 
to  love  much  ; and  experiencing  the  blessed  effects  of  this 
knowledge  of  God  on  his  own  soul,  he  declares  its  excellency 
to  others,  that  they  too  may  seek  and  find  so  inestimable  a 
treasure. — Thus  David  had  known  the  Lord;  and  having 
for  many  years  feared,  trusted,  loved,  and  worshipped  him. 
he  was  about  to  remove  to  that  belter  world,  where  know- 
ledge, holiness,  love,  and  felicity  are  perfected : but  before 
he  departed,  he  desired  to  give  it,  as  his  dying  counsel  to  Iils 
beloved  Solomon,  to  cultivate  the  acquaintance  of  so  kind* 
merciful,  faithful  and  powerful  a Friend  ; (Note,  Job  22*-21  — 
30.)  and  to  “serve  him  with  i /erfe*  h**ar  and  a Wi.ling 


B.C.  1015. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII 


B.  C.  i015. 


and  of  'the  treasuries  thereof,  and  of  the  “upper 
chambers  thereof,  and  of  the  inner  parlours 
thereof,  and  of  *the  place  of  the  mercy-seat, 

12  And  the  pattern  of  all  'that  he  had  by  the 
Spirit,  of  the  courts  of  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
and  of  all  the  chambers  round  about,  of  the  treasu- 
ries of  the  house  of  God,  and  of  ?the  treasuries  of 
the  dedicated  things  : 

13  Also  for  ‘the  courses  of  the  priests  and  the 
Levites,  and  for  all  the  work  of  the  service  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  for  all  "the  vessels  of  ser- 
vice in  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

14  He  gave  of  gold  by  weight  for  things  of 
gold,  for  all  instruments  of  all  manner  of  service  ; 
silver  also  for  all  instruments  of  silver  by  weight, 
for  all  instruments  of  every  kind  of  service  : 

15  Even  the  weight  for  bthe  candlesticks  of 
gold,  and  lor  their  lamps  of  gold,  by  weight  for 
every  candlestick,  and  lor  the  lamps  thereof:  and 
for  the  candlesticks  of  silver  by  weight,  both  for 
the  candlestick,  and  also  for  the  lamps  thereof, 
according  to  the  use  of  every  candlestick. 

16  And  by  weight  he  gave  gold  lor  the  'tables  of 
show-bread,  for  every  table ; and  likewise  silver 
for  the  tables  of  silver  : 

t 9:56—29.  26:20—27.  Luke  21:1.  u 1 Kings 6:5,6,10.  2Chr.  3:9.  Neh.  10:38, 
30.13:5.  Jer.  35:2.  Ei.  41:6,  &c.  x Ex.  25:17— 22.  40:20,21.  lKings6:19. 
2 Chi*.  5:7.  Heb.9:5.  * Heb.  that  was  icith  him  by.  y 26:26—28.  1 Ki»e6  14: 
26.  15:15,18.  2 Kings  16:8.  18:15.  z 24:1,  &e.  25:1,  &c.  a 9:29.  Ezra  8: 25—  30, 
33.  b Ex.  25:31—39.  1 Kings  7:49.  2 Chr.  4:7.  Zech.  4:2,3,11— 11.  Rev.  1:12, 
20.2:1.  c Ex. 25:23— 30.  lKings7:43.  2 Chr.  4:8,19.  d l Sam.  2:13,14. 


mind,”  or  inward  delight.  But  he  also  reminded  him  at  the 
same  time  of  the  Lord’s  heart-searching  knowledge,  and  of 
his  justice  and  holiness,  as  well  as  of  his  mercy.  (Marg. 
Ref.  1.)  A formal  service  therefore  would  not  profit:  if  he 
sought  God  in  a proper  manner,  he  would  be  found  of  him ; 
but  if  he  finally  renounced  his  service,  he  would  “cast  him 
off  for  ever,”  notwithstanding  all  his  former  kindness  to  him. 

V.  10.  Solomon  was  thus  exhorted  to  be  very  circum- 
spect, and  attentive  to  the  directions  and  commandments  of 
God,  in  that  important  service  to  which  he  was  called ; yet 
not  to  be  discouraged  respecting  it.  ‘ Being  a young  man,  he 
might  be  discouraged  from  undertaking  so  great  a work:  but 
ne  bids  him  go  about  it  strenuously,  because  God  had  chosen 
nirn  to  do  it.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  11 — 13.  David  was  divinely  instructed,  probably  by 
immediate  revelation,  or  else  by  some  prophet,  (perhaps 
Nathan,)  in  what  form  the  temple  was  to  be  built,  and  how 
to  regulate  every  thing  respecting  it,  and  its  chambers,  and 
courts,  and  treasuries.  (Notes,  9:22.  15:16.  16:1 — 3.  23: — 26:) 
“ The  Lord  made  him  understand  it  in  writing  by  his  hand 
upon  him.”  (19)  And  in  what  way  soever  this  writing  was 
made  and  sent  to  him,  he  gave  it  to  Solomon  just  before  his 
death : so  that  nothing  was  left  even  to  “ the  wisdom  of  Solo- 
mon,” but  all  was  done  by  rule,  even  to  the  quantity  of  metal 
used  in  each  vessel.  (Notes,  1-1 — 18.)  Moses  had  been 
instructed  in  the  same  manner  in  erecting  the  tabernacle. 
For  both  the  tabernacle  and  temple  were  typical  of  Christ, 
and  heavenly  things.  (Notes,  Ex.  25:9,40.  31:6.) — In  vain 
do  men  of  opposite  sentiments  contend  for  such  uniformity  in 
the  circumstances  of  our  worship,  under  the  New  Testa- 
ment ; seeing  it  is  manifest,  that  exact,  precise,  and  express 
rules  are  no  where  to  be  found,  in  respect  of  every  particular. 
— It  is,  however,  most  evident,  that  to  model  divine  ordi- 
nances according  to  man’s  imagination,  would  have  been  the 
height  of  presumption  even  in  Solomon  himself. 

V.  14— 16.  (Mar, g.  Ref.  Note,  1 Kings,  7:48 — 51.)  The 
candlesticks  o.  -ulver,  and  tables  of  silver,  are  not  elsewhere 
mentioned,  and  it  is  not  known  to  what  use  they  were  put. 

The  former’ . . . (the  candlesticks  of  silver)  ‘were  lesser,  to 
be  carried  in  their  hands  from  place  to  place,  as  there  was 
occasion.’  Bp.  Patrick.  It  seems  there  were  in  the  temple 
several  tables  of  gold  for  the  show-bread,  and  the  vessels 
belonging  to  that  part  of  the  stated  service.  (Note,  2 Chr. 
4:19.) 

V.  17.  The  word,  rendered  basins,  seems  to  be  derived 
from  the  atonement  made  by  the  blood  of  the  sacrifices,  which 
was  received  into  them  till  it  was  sprinkled.  (Note,  Num. 
7:13,14.) 

V.  18.  Above  the  ark,  between  the  cherubim,  the  glory 
ot  the  Lord  appeared,  as  a mighty  warrior  riding  in  his 
chariot  of  war,  to  the  assistance  of  Israel  his  people.  ( Marg. 
Ref.  Note,  Ex.  25:10 — 21.)  As  the  cherubim  of  gold  made 
by  Moses  were  joined  to  the  mercy-seat,  which  covered  the 
ark ; it  has  been  thought,  that  Solomon  was  directed  to  make 
two  additional  cherubim,  after  the  same  pattern.  These 
must,  however,  be  distinguished  from  those  made  of  olive- 

ees  covered  with  gold.  (Note,  1 Kings  6:23 — 28.)  And 
,t  is  not  absolutely  certain,  that  amidst  the  many  removals  of 
the  ark  which  had  taken  place,  the  cherubim  had  not  been 
separated  from  it  ; and  whether  Solomon  did  any  thing  more 
than  make  two  others  in  the  stead  of  them. 

V.  19.  (Note,  11 — 13.)  This  comprises  all  the  particu- 


17  Also  dpure  gold  for  the  fleshhooka-  and  'the 
bowls,  and  the  cups  : and  lor  the  golden  basin.i 
he  gave  gold  by  weight  for  every  basin;  an* 
likewise  silver  by  weight  for  every  basin  of  silver  ; 

18  And  for  f the  altar  of  incense  refined  gold  by 
weight ; and  gold  for  the  pattern  of  «the  chariot 
of  the  cherubims,  that  spread  out  their  wings, 
and  covered  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord. 

19  All  this,  said  David,  ’’the  Lord  made  me 
understand  in  writing  ’by  Ins  hand  upon  me,  even 
all  the  works  of  this  pattern. 

20  H And  David  said  to  Solomon  his  son,  kBe 
strong,  and  of  good  courage,  and  do  it : 'fear  not, 
nor  be  dismayed,  for  the  Lord  God,  even  my  God, 
will  be  With  thee ; mhe  will  not  fail  thee,  nor  Ibr- 
sake  thee,  until  thou  hast  finished  all  the  work  for 
the  service  of  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

21  And  behold,  “the  courses  of  the  priests  and 
the  Levites,  even  they  shall  be  with  thee  for  all  the 
service  of  the  house  of  God : and  there  shall  be 
with  thee,  for  “all  manner  of  workmanship,  every 
Pwilling  skilful  man,  for  any  manner  of  service : 
4also  the  princes  and  all  the  people  will  be  wholly 
at  thy  commandment. 

2 Chr.  4:20— 22.  e Num.  7:13,14.  1 Kings  7:48— 50.  10:21 . f Ex.  30:1-10. 

1 Kings  7:48.  g Ex.  25:18— 22.  1.8am.  4:4.  1 Kings  6:23— 30.  Ps.  18:10.  68:17. 
80:1.99:1.  Ez.  1:15—24.  10:2,  &c.  h 11,12.  Ex.  25:40.  26:30.  i Ez.  1:3.  3:14, 
22.  k 10.22:13.  Deut. 31:7,8.  Josh.  1:6-9.  1 Cor.  16:13.  1 Ps. 27:1,2.  Is. 41: 
10.13.  Rom.  8:31.  m Josh.  1:5.  Heb.  13:5.  n 21:  25:  26:  o Ex.  31:3.  p'Ex. 
35:25,26,35.  36:1—4.  Ps.  110:3.  q 22:17,18.  Tit.  3.1. 

lars  mentioned  in  the  preceding  verses. — ‘God  made  him  to 
understand  all  this  so  plainly  and  distinctly,  as  if  it  had  been 
written  on  his  mind,  as  the  ten  commandments  were  upon 
the  tables  of  stone  in  the  mount.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  20,  21.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  10.)  There  appeared, 
in  all  the  several  orders  of  men,  a very  promising  disposition 
to  harmony  among  themselves,  and  loyalty  to  their  prince  ; 
and  David  foresaw  that  God  would  dispose  them  to  cordial 
obedience  to  Solomon,  though  a younger  brother,  and  in  his 
youth.— s‘  This  was  one  reason,  no  doubt,  of  calling  this 
assembly  together,  that  they  might  be  engaged  to  be  aiding  to 
Solomon,  in  promoting  so  pious  a work.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  While  life  continues,  it  is  desirable  to  spend  it 
in  promoting  the  peace,  prcsperil.v,  and  spiritual  good,  of 
those  who  may  remain  behind.  (Notes,  Ec.  9:10.  2 Pet.  1: 
12 — 15.) — To  treat  inferiors  with  condescending  respect  and 
affection,  is  the  way  to  gain  love,  without  losing  any  due 
honour:  and  to  address  subjects  as  rational  creatures,  show- 
ing them  the  propriety  and  advantage  of  proposed  measures, 
and  persuading  them  to  a willing  concurrence,  is  far  prefer- 
able to  the  exercise  of  despotic  authority.  Indeed  kings  and 
their  meanest  subjects  are  all  brethren  in  fallen  Adam : and 
believers,  on  a throne  or  in  a cottage,  are  all  brethren  in 
Jesu?  Christ,  and  should  mutually  seek  each  other’s  welfare. 
— In  that  monarchy,  which  God  established  in  Israel  and 
sanctioned  by  his  approbation,  we  see  no  traces  of  the  unal- 
terable right  of  primogeniture,  or  of  ruling  with  absolute 
authority.  Rather  we  perceive  a resemblance  of  that  limited, 
moderate,  and  equitable  authority,  which  a kind  Providence 
has  established  over  these  kingdoms  ; for  which  we  can  never 
be  sufficiently  thankful,  and  for  the  continuance  of  which  to 
our  latest  posterity,  we  should  most  fervently  pray.  The 
wickedness  of  man  indeed,  and  the  experience  of  ages,  have 
taught  the  friends  of  liberty  to  secure  that  blessing  by  many 
regulations,  which  were  not  thought  of,  nor  needful,  in  the 
happy  days  of  “ the  man  after  God’s  own  heart:”  and  pru- 
dence dictates  the  general  expediency  of  hereditary  succes- 
sion. Yet  surely  the  conduct  of  David  at  the  beginning,  in 
the  middle,  and  at  the  close  of  his  reign,  greatly  resembled 
that  of  a British  monarch  meeting  his  Parliament,  and  doing 
all  things  by  their  concurrence  and  assistance. — It  may  be 
comfortable  to  us  in  a dying  hour,  to  recollect  the  plans  which 
we  had  framed  to  promote  true  religion,  though  we  have  been 
unable  to  accomplish  them:  from  hence  we  may  infer,  that 
we  are  the  chosen  and  called  of  God ; as  such  designs  prove, 
that  he  has  given  us  a heart  to  account  his  service  a delight- 
ful privilege,  and  to  long  and  love  to  be  employed  in  it.  But, 
in  the  nature  and  measure  of  our  services,  we  must  learn 
acquiescence  in  his  will,  whose  choice  of  us  is  the  source  ot 
all  our  grace,  comfort,  or  usefulness : he  was  pleased  to  make 
us  Christians,  or  ministers,  and  to  employ  us  in  various 
ways ; but  he  does  not  generally  acquaint  us  with  the  reason 
of  it.  Happy  are  they,  whom  he  has  “chosen  in  Christ  . .. 
unto  the  adoption  of  children  unto  himself,  according  to  the 
good  pleasure  of  his  will:”  (Note,  Eph.  1:3 — 8.)  from  their 
almighty  Father  they  will  “ receive  a kingdom  that  cannot 
be  moved,”  and  he  will  establish  it  to  them  for  ever.  And  it 
will  be  manifest,  that  this  is  their  felicity,  by  their  constancy 
in  keeping  his  commandments,  and  doing  their  proper  work 
in  his  church,  after  the  example  and  by  the  grace  of  the 
Saviour.  Let  us  then  “ give  .diligence  to  make  our  calling 

( 749  ) 


B.  C.  1015. 


I.  CHRONICLES.  • B.  C.  1015. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

David  shows  the  princes  ami  people  what,  treasures  he  had  prepared  for  the 
building  and  service  of  the  temple,  1 — 5.  After  his  example,  and  at  hie  ex- 
hortation, they  offer  liberally,  o — 9.  He  adores  and  blesses  God,  and  prays 
for  the  people  and  for  Solomon,  10—19.  The  people  worship,  sacrifice,  and 
feast  with  joy  ; and  then  make  Solomon  king  the  second  time,  20—2*2.  He 
reigns  in  majesty  ami  prosperity , 23—25.  David's  long  avid  prosperous 
rtign,  and  happy  death,  26 — 30. 

FURTHERMORE  David  the  king  said  “unto 
all  the  congregation,  Solomon  my  son, 
Hvhom  alone  God  hath  chosen,  is  yet  “young 
and  tender,  and  the  work  is  great;  dfor  the 
palace  is  not  for  man,  but  for  the  Lord  God. 

2  Now  eI  have  prepared  < with  all  my  might 
for  the  house  of  my  God  sthe  gold  for  things  to  be 
made  of  gold,  and  the- silver  for  things  of  silver, 
and  the  brass  for  things  of  brass,  the  iron  for 
things  of  iron,  and  wood  for  things  of  wood ; 
bonyx-stones,  and  stones  to  be  set,  glistering 
stones,  and  of  divers  colours,  and  all  manner  of 
precious  stones,  and  marble-stones  in  abun- 
dance. 

3  Moreover,  because  'I  have  set  my  affection 
t.o  the  house  of  my  God,  kI  have  of  mine  own 
proper  good,  of  gold  and  silver,  which  I have  given 
to  the  house  of  my  God,  ‘over  and  above  all  that 
I have  prepared  for  the  holy  house, 

4  Even  three  thousand  talents  of  gold,  of  the 
“gold  of  Ophir,  and  seven  thousand  talents  of 
refined  silver,  to  overlay  the  walls  of  the  houses 
withal : 

5  The  gold  for  things  of  gold,  and  the  silver 
for  things  of  silver,  and  for  all  manner  of  work 
to  be  made  by  the  hands  of  artificers.  And  "who 

a 28:1,8.  b 23:5,6.  1 Kings 8:19,20.  c 22:5.  1 Kings  3:7.  2Chr.  13.7.  Pros. 
4:3.  Jcr.  1:6,7.  d 28:10.  2 Chr.  2:4,5.  e 22:3-5,14— 16.  f 3 Chr.  31:80.31. 
Ec.  9:10.  2 Cor.  8:3.  Col. 3:23.  1 Pel.  4.10,11.  g28:14— 18.  h Gen.  2:12.  Ex. 
28:20.39:13.  Job  28:16.  Is.  54:11,12.  H ev.  21:18-21.  i Ps.  26:8.  27:4. 84:1,10. 
122:1—9.  k 21:24.  Prov.  3:9,10.  122:4,5,14—16.  m 1 Kings  9:28.  n Ex. 

25:2—9.  35:5,  *c.  Nnm.  7:2,3,10 — 14,  &c.  Ezra  1:4—6.  2:68,69.  7:15,16.  ■ Heb. 
to  Jill  his  hand . o 27:1.  Is.  60:3 — 10.  p 26:21,22.  Jehieli.  q Deut.  16:10,11. 
Judg.  5:9.  Ps.  110:3.  2 Cor.  8:3,12.  9:7,8.  r 17.  I Kings  8:61.  s Prov.  23:15, 
16.  Luke  15:6.  John  15:11.  Phil.  2:15— 17.  4:1,10.  1 Thes.  3:0—  9.  t 20.  2 Chr. 
20:26,27.  Ps.  103:1,2.  138:1.  146:2.  ul  Kings  8:15.  2 Chr.  6:4.  Ps.  72:18,19. 
Ez.  3:12.  Eph.  1:3.  1 Pet.  1:3.  x Gen.  32:28.  33:20.  y Is.  63:16.  Matt.  6:9. 

and  election  sure:”  and,  as  in  the  presence  of  God,  and  in 
die  sight  of  his  people,  let  us  11  seek  out  that  we  may  do  all 
his  commandments,”  sincerely,  unreservedly,  and  in  humble 
imitation  of  our  perfect  pattern.  Let  us  seek  the  knowledge 
of  God,  as  the  most  valuable  of  all  treasures ; and  acquaint 
ourselves  with  him,  as  the  God  of  all  those  in  every  age  and 
nation,  who  M through  faith  and  patience  inherit  the  promises.” 
Let  us  seek  grace  from  him  by  earnest  prayer,  that  we  may 
serve  him  with  an  upright,  undivided  heart,  and  a willing, 
cheerful  mind.  Let  us  beware  of  hypocrisy ; “ for  the  Lord 
searcheth  all  hearts,  and  understandeth  all  the  imaginations 
of  the  thoughts.”  Let  us  fear  coming  short,  growing  negli- 
gent, or  turning  aside;  for  “if  we  forsake  him,  he  will  cast 
us  off  for  ever.”  But  let  us  hope  also  in  his  mercy ; for  if 
we  seek  him  he  will  be  found  of  us : and  we  shall  be  strong 
in  accomplishing  the  services  to  which  we  are  called ; we 
shall  live  in  good  measure  in  the  enjoyment  of  our  privileges, 
and  may  hope  to  leave  them  for  an  inheritance  to  our  children. 
In  this  “fear  of  the  Lord,  there  is  strong  confidence:”  and 
by  attaining  to  an  assurance  that  we  are  his  people,  we  may 
be  assured  also  that  he  will  not  fail  us  nor  forsake  us ; we 
may  then  bid  defiance  to  all  our  enemies,  and  be  of  good 
courage  in  the  prospect  of  difficulties  and  dangers. 

V.  1 1. — 2 f . If  the  Lord  employ  us  and  be  with  us,  he  will  raise 
us  up  helpers,  both  willing  and  skilful,  as  for  as  we  want  them : 
and  thus  he  will  carry  us  through  the  duties  of  our  several 
stations,  and,  these  being  finished,  will  receive  us  unto  him- 
self.— Nobles,  ministers,  and  people  should  be  wholly  at  the 
command  of  those  rulers  especially,  who  boldly  and  zealously 
endeavour  to  promote  true  religion;  using  their  influence  and 
authority  to  lead  all  their  subjects  to  a willing  attendance  to 
things  evidently  scriptural,  and  of  acknowledged  excellence 
and  importance. — But  we  should  never  forget,  that  the  whole 
of  the  salvation  for  sinners,  is  of  the  Lord  : the  wondrous  plan, 
the  great  and  glorious  Redeemer,  and  Redemption,  and  the 
revelation  of  it  in  the  scriptures  of  truth  ; the  way  of  access, 
the  ministry  of  the  gospel,  the  throne  of  grace  also,  the  public 
ordinances,  the  sacramental  seals,  and  every  thing  pertaining 
to  our  reconciliation  and  walk  with  God,  are  from  him ; and 
may  not  be  modelled  by  human  authority.  Even  mere  circum- 
stances, which  must  be  regulated  by  man’s  discretion,  anil  in 
which  every  society  has  a right  to  judge  for  its  willing  mem- 
bers, are  not  to  be  imposed  on  our  brethren:  and  we  are  ac- 
countable to  God,  though  not  to  man,  for  that  judgment  and’ 
practice  which  we  ourselves  form  and  adopt.  We  should 
therefore  in  every  thing  be  circumspect,  and  not  leave  the 
Scripture  in  any  particular,  where  it  affords  us  directions; 
vet  we  should  not  endanger  the  peace  of  the  church,  for  the 
ake  of  minute  external  regulations.  Hitherto  much  has  been 
anuss  in  every  age,  in  every  state,  and  in  every  division  of 
( 750  ) 


then  is  willing  to  consecrate  his  service  this  day 
unto  the  Lord  ? 

6 U Then  °the  chief  of  the  fathers  and  princes 
of  the  tribes  of  Israel,  and  the  captains  ot  thou- 
sands and  of  hundreds,  with  the  rulers  over  the 
king’s  work,  offered  willingly, 

7 And  gave  for  the  service  of  the  house  of  God 
of  gold  five  thousand  talents  and  ten  thousand 
drams,  and  of  silver  ten  thousand  talents,  and  of 
brass  eighteen  thousand  talents,  and  one  hundred 
thousand  talents  of  iron. 

8 And  they  with  whom  precious  stones  were 
found  gave  them  to  the  treasure  of  the  house  of 
the  Lord,  by  the  hand  of  pJehiel  the  Gershonite. 

9 Then  the  people  rejoiced,  for  that  ^they 
offered  willingly,  because  with  rperfect  heart  they 
offered  willingly  to  the  Lord  : and  sDavid  the 
king  also  rejoiced  with  great  joy. 

[ Practical  Observations.'] 

10  IT  Wherefore  ‘David  blessed  the  Lord 
before  all  the  congregation : and  David  said, 
“Blessed  be  thou,  xLord  God  of  Israel  >’our 
Father,  for  ever  and  ever. 

11  Thine,  O Lord,  cis  the  greatness,  and  the 
power,  and  the  glory,  and  dthe  victory,  and  the 
emajesty : for  f all  that  is  in  the  heaven  and  in  the 
earth  is  thine;  nhine  is  the  kingdom,  O Lord, 
and  thou  art  hexalted  as  head  above  all. 

12  Both  ‘riches  and  honour  come  of  thee,  and 
thou  kreignest  over  all;  and  in  thy  hand  is  'power 
and  might;  and  in  thy  hand  it  is  to  make  great, 
and  to  mgive  strength  unto  all. 

Luke  11:2.  Rom.  1:7.8:15.  Phil.  4:20.  2 Thes.  2:16.  c Dan.  4:30.34,35.  Mutt. 
6:13.  1 Tim.  1:17.  6:15,16.  Jude  2-5.  Re*.  410,11.  5:12,13.  7:9-12.  19:1. 

d 1 Sam.  15:29.  marg.  Ps.  98:1.  e Jub  37:22.  Ps.  29:4.  45:3,4.  104:1.  145:12. 
Is.  2:10.  Heb.  1:3.  f Gen.  1:1 . 14:19,22.  Ps.  115:15,16.  Is.  42:5.66:1.  Jer.  10: 
10—12.  27:5.  Dan.  4:32,34,35.  e,  Ps.  97:1. 99:1.  145:1,12,13.  Dan.  4:3.  Rev.  11: 
15.  h Neh.  9:5.  I f.  21:13.  46:10.  47:9.57:5,11.  97:9.  Is. 2:11.  12:4.  i Deut. 8: 
18.  1 Sam.  2:7,8.  Job  42.10.  Ps.  75:6,7.  113:7,8.  Prov.  10:22.  Luke  1:51—53. 
Rom.  11:35,36.  k Dan.  6:26.  1 Job  9:19.  Ps.  62:11.  Is.  43:13.  46:10.  Dan.  5: 
18—21.  Matt.  28.18.  John  19:11.  Eph.  3:20.  Rev.  11:17.  rn  2 Chr.  16:9.  Ps. 
18:31,32.28:8.29:1,11.68:34,35.144:1,2.  Is.  45:24.  Eph.  3:16.  Phil.  4: 13.  Col. 
1:11. 


the  church : ere  long  our  Prince  of  Peace,  the  builder  of  the 
true  temple,  the  Son  of  God,  will  come  and  set  all  right.  In 
the  mean  time  let  us  judge  for  ourselves,  and  bear  with  each 
other;  let  us  cease  from  self-confident  boastings,  and  acrimo- 
nious controversies  ; and,  in  our  several  places,  let  us  endea- 
vour to  serve  God,  and  to  help  one  another,  and  to  promote 
the  common  cause  of  truth  and  holiness. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXIX.  V.  1.  Whom  alone  God, 
&c.]  David  by  this  expression,  declared  that  God  had  chosen 
Solomon  in  preference  to  the  rest  of  his  sons ; and  that  this 
was  the  sole  reason  of  his  succession  to  the  throne,  and  not 
any  partial  affection  of  his  own  towards  him.  This  would 
tend  to  satisfy  the  people,  and  to  induce  David’s  other  sons  to 
submit  to  the  divine  appointment.  (Notes,  22:2 — 10.) 

V.  2.  The  peculiar  use  made  of  the  precious  stones  of  va- 
rious kinds,  mentioned  in  this  verse,  in  decorating  the  temple, 
or  in  adding  to  the  magnificence  of  the  service  there  per- 
formed, is  not  known.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  3 — 9.  David  seems  to  have  dedicated  a certain  propor- 
tion of  all  his  spoils  and  gains  to  God,  before  he  considered 
the  residue  as  his  own;  and  this  proportion  constituted  the 
treasure  before  spoken  of;  (22:14.)  but  besides  this,  he  gave, 
from  his  own  treasury,  about  eighteen  millions  sterling  of  gold 
and  silver.  This  he  offered,  not  by  constraint,  or  from  osten- 
tation; but  because  “he  had  set  his  affection  to  the  house  of 
his  God,”  and  thought  he  could  never  do  enough  towards  pro- 
moting that  good  work.  He  was  likewise  desirous  to  see  his 
subjects  “abound  in  this  grace  also;”  as  they  had  been  en- 
riched by  his  victories,  and  never  burdened  with  taxes:  and 
he  knew  that  it  would  be  “fruit  which  would  abound  to  their 
own  account.”  Having  set  them  the  example,  he  only  in- 
quired who  was  willing  to  assist,  and  to  consecrate  his  service 
unto  the  Lord,  by  contributing  part  of  his  wealth  to  that  holy 
use:  and  immediately  they  offered  about  thirty  millions  of 
gold  and  silver,  besides  brass,  iron,  and  precious  stones ; and 
instead  of  grudging  the  expense,  the  king  and  people  all  re- 
joiced together ; for  they  were  cordial  in  it,  and  offered  willingly 
themselves,  and  rejoiced  to  see  all  the  others  offering  with  the 
same  liberality. — The  prosperity  of  Israel  must  have  been 
immense,  under  the  reign  of  David;  and  it  seems  that  there 
was  also  much  true  piety  among  the  people,  especially  to- 
wards the  close  of  his  reign.  Wc  can  scarcely  form  a con- 
ception of  the  magnificence  of  the  temple  and  ddjaccnt  edi- 
fices, about  which  such  immense  quantities  of  gold  and  silver 
were  employed.  (Note,  Ez.  41:22.)  But  “the  unsearchable 
riches  of  Christ”  excel  the  splendour  of  the  temple,  infinitely 
more  than  that  surpassed  the  meanest  cottage  on  earth. — The 
refined  silver  seems  to  have  been  used,  in  covering  the  inner 
walls  of  the  chambers  and  other  out-buildings  ; for  those  of  the 
temple  itself  wero  plated  with  gold.  (1  King  6:2  21.)  Min* 


B.  C.  1015. 


CHAPTER  XXIX, 


B.  C.  1015. 


13  Now  therefore,  our  God,  nwe  thank  thee, 
and  praise  thy  glorious  name. 

14  But  "who  am  I,  and  what  is  my  people, 
•that  we  should  'be  able  to  offer  so  ^willingly 
after  this  sort?  for  rall  things  come  of  thee,  and 
•of  thine  own  have  we  given  thee. 

15  For  'we  are  strangers  before  the%,  and 
sojourners,  as  were  all  our  fathers:  ‘our  days  on 
the  earth  are  as  a shadow,  and  there  is  none 
•abiding. 

16  O Lord  our  God,  "all  this  store  that  we  have 
prepared  to  build  thee  a house  for  thy  holy  name 
cometh  of  thy  hand,  and  is  all  thine  own. 

17  I know  also,  my  God,  that  thou  Hriest  the 
heart,  and  yfiast  pleasure  in  uprightness.  As  for 
me.  'in  the  uprightness  of  my  heart  I have 
willingly  offered  all  these  things  : and  now  have  I 
seen  with  “joy  thy  people,  which  are  ^present 
here,  to  offer  willingly  unto  thee. 

18  O bLottP  God  of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  of 
Israel,  our  fathers,  ckeep  this  for  ever  din  the 
imagination  of  the  thoughts  of  the  heart  of  thy 
people,  and  "prepare  their  heart  unto  thee. 

19  And  “give  unto  Solomon  my  son  a perfect 
heart,  to  keep  thy  commandments,  thy  testi- 
monies, and  thy  statutes,  and  to  do  all  these 
things,  and  to  build  the  palace,  for  'the  which  I 

have  made  provision.  [Practical  Observations ,J 

20  H And  David  said  to  all  the  congregation, 

n Ps.  105:1.  105:1.  Don. 5:23.  2 Cor.  2:14.  8:16.  9:15.  lThes.2:13.  o Gen. 
32:10.  2 Sam . 7:18.  Pan.  4:30.  1 Cor  15:9,10.  2Cor.  3:5.  12:9— 11.  p Ps. 
115:1.  Rev.  4:10.  * Heb.  retain,  or,  obtain  strength.  q 9.  Phil.  2:13.  Jam. 
1:17.  r Gen. 28:22.  Ps.  50:10— 12.  Rom.  11:36.  1 Cor.  16:2.  t Heb.  of 

thy  hand,  s Gen.  47:9.  Ps.  39:12.  119:19.  Heh.  11:13— 16.  1 Pet.  2:11.  t Job 
14:2.  Ps.  90:9.  102:11.144:4.  Ec.6-12.  Jam.  4:14.  t Heb  .expectation,  u 14. 
2Chr.  31:10.  Ps . 24 : 1 . Hos.2;8.  I. tike  19:16.  x 28  9.  Deut.  8:2.  1 Sam.  16:7. 
Ps.  7.9.51:6.  Prov.  16:2.  21 :2.  Jer.  17:10.  Heb.  4:12.  Rev.  2:23.  y Prov.  11: 
20. 15:8,9.  John  1:47.  zActs24:16.  2 Cor.  1:12.  lThes.2:10.  a 9.  Philpm. 
7,20.  § Heb.  found,  b Ex.  3:6.15.4:5.  Matt.  22:32.  Acts  3:13.  c Deut.  30: 
6.  Ps. 51:10. 119:116,117.  Jer.  10:23. 32:39,40.  Phil.  1:6,9—11.  1 Thes. 3:11,12. 
Heb.  13:21.  d 28:9.  Gen.  6:5.  Ps.  1 19:1 13.  ||  Heb.  stablish.  Ps.  10:17.  2 Thes. 


own  proper  good.  (3)  nSlP:  rendered  a peculiar  treasure,  Ex. 
19:5.  special,  Deut.  7:0.  jewels,  Mai.  3:17.  (Note,  Tit.  2:14.) 
—The  chief , lie . (6)  Notes,  27:  28: 1 . 

With  perfect  heart,  &c.]  (9)  ‘ This  is  the  virtue  which  St. 
Paul  sails  airhorris,  singleness  of  heart ; which  hath  respect' 
purely  to  the  service  of  God,  the  honour  of  religion,  and  the 
good  of  the  church : 2 Cor.  8:2.  9:11,13.’  Bp. Patrick.  (Notes, 
2 Cor.  1:12 — 14.  Eph.  6:5 — 9.) — ‘It  was  a singular  comfort 
to  him,’  (David,)  ‘in  his  old  age  to  see  the  people  so  well  dis- 
posed, and  his  exhortation  so  effectual  upon  their  hearts.’  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  10 — 19.  Instead  of  boasting  of  these  extraordinary  ob- 
lations ; (Note,  Num.  23:4 — 6.)  David  gave  solemn  thanks  to 
the  Lord,  with  much  enlargement  of  heart  and  copiousness  of 
expression. — “ Lord,  God  of  Israel,  our  Father,”  may  mean, 
either  the  ‘ God  of  our  fai'ner  Israel,  or  Jacob,’  (18)  or  ‘Je- 
hovah our  Father,  the  God  of  Israel.’  In  this  last  view,  the 
words  may  be  considered  as  the  first  instance  in  Scripture, 
of  God  being  addressed  in  prayer,  as  “Our  Father.”  (Note, 
Matt.  6:9.)  This  is  properly  the  language  of  the  Spirit  of 
adoption.  (Note,  Rom.  8:14 — 17.)  As  king  of  Israel  David 
was  become  great,  powerful,  and  honourable  ; he  had  obtained 
victories,  taken  immense  spoils,  and  been  crowned  with  royal 
majesty:  but  what  was  all  this,  before  him  who  “ inhabiteth 
eternity,”  and  filleth  immensity,  and  is  underived  and  indepen- 
dent of  all ; who  possesses  immutably  every  glorious  and  adora- 
ble perfection,  and  exercises  almighty  power  and  absolute  uni- 
versal authority;  and  who,  victorious  over  all  his  enemies,  reigns 
in  majesty  which  exceeds  all  description  or  imagination ! for 
his  “is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory  for  ever, 
Amen.”  (Note,  Matt.  6:13.)  From  this  God  alone,  David 
had  received  his  wealth,  his  honour,  and  power:  this  he  ac- 
knowledged with  grateful  praise;  but,  contemplating  the  in- 
finite glories  of  his  great  Benefactor,  and  then  turning  his 
thoughts  to  himself  and  his  people,  the  comparison  affected 
him  with  a deep  conviction  of  their  meanness,  weakness,  and 
unworthiness;  and  he  could  not  but  wonder,  that  the  glorious 
God  would  condescend  to  notice  such  indigent  and  sinful  crea- 
tures. “Lord,”  says  he,  “what  are  we,  that  we  should  offer 
so  willingly  after  this  sort !”  Their  existence  was  derived  from 
God;  he  had  graciously  given  them  these  treasures,  and  had 
disposed  their  hearts  willingly  to  make  this  use  of  them;  so 
that  in  every  way  the  whole  praise  belonged  to  him.  ‘ In  the 
Targumit  is  thus  paraphrased,  JVhn  hast  given  us  such  plenty , 
that  we  are  abie  to  offer  these  gifts.  He  should  have  added, 
and  also  given  us  a heart  to  part  with  them  for  thy  service. 

The  highest  satisfaction  was,  that  God  had  bestowed  upon 

him  a heart,  to  do  what  he  had  done,  willingly,  with  a sin- 
cere respect  to  the  service  of  God,  and  not  out  of  vain  glory.’ 
Bp.  Patrick.  (Note,  Ps.  110:3.)  As  for  David  and  his  peo- 
ple, tl  ey  were  strangers  and  sojourners  ; dying,  because  sin- 
ful ores  ures.  Though  settled  and  prospered  very  greatly  in 
Canakt,  they  still  were  strangers  before  God,  and  sojourners, 


*Now  bless  the  Lord  your  God.  And  all  the 
congregation  blessed . the  Lord  God  of  their 
fathers,  and  hbowed  down  their  heads,  and 
‘worshipped  the  Lord,  and  the  king. 

21  And  they  ksacrificcd  sacrifices  unto  the 
Lord,  and  offered  burnt-offerings  unto  the  Lord, 
on  the  morrow  after  that  day,  even  a thousand 
bullocks,  a thousand  rants,  and  a thousand  lambs, 
with  their 'drink-offerings,  and  sacrifices  in  abun- 
dance for  all  Israel : 

22  And  did  roeat  and  drink  before  the  Lord 
on  that  day  with  great  gladness.  And  they 
made  Solomon  the  son  of  David  king  “the  second 
time,  “and  anointed  him  unto  the  Lord  to  be  the 
chief  governor,  and  fZadok  to  be  priest. 

23  Then  Solomon  isat  on  the  throne  of  the 
Lord  as  king  instead  of  David  his  father,  and 
‘prospered;  and  ‘all  Israel  obeyed  him. 

24  And  ‘all  the  princes,  and  the  mighty  men, 
and  “all  the  sons  likewise  of  king  David,  1,sub- 
mitted  themselves  unto  Solomon  the  king. 

25  And  the  Lord  ’‘magnified  Solomon  exceed- 
ingly in  the  sight  of  all  Israel,  and  ^bestowed  upon 
him  such  royal  majesty  as  had  not  been  on  any 
king  before  him  in  Israel. 

26  H Thus  David  the  son  of  Jesse  reigned 

‘over  all  Israel.  . 

27  And  the  time  that  he  reigned  over  Israel 
was  “forty  years;  seven  years  reigned  he  in 

2:16,17.  I Pet.  5:10.  e 28:9.  Ps.  72:1.  119:80.  Jam.  1:17.  f2.22:14.  g 16:36. 
2 Chr. 20.21 . Ps.  134:2.  135: 19— 21 . 146:1 ,2.  148:13,14,  Sc.  h Gen.  24:26,48. 
Ex. 4:31.  Ps. 29:1, 2.95:6.  i Ex  14:31 . 1 Sam.  12:18.  Prov. 24:21.  lPet.2: 
17.  k 1 Kings  8:62— 65.  2 Chr.  7.4—9.  Errs  6:17.  1 l.ev.  23:13.  Nnm.  15:5,7, 
10.  m Kx.  24:11.  Deut.  12:7,1 1 ,12.  16:14— 17.  2 Chr.  7:10.  Neh.  8:12.  Ec.  2: 
24.3:12,13.  8:15.  9:7.  I Tim.  617.18.  n23:l.  o 1 Kings  1 :35— 39.  p 1 Kings 
2:35.  q 17:11,12.28:5.  Ps.  132:11.  Is.  9:6,7.  r22.ll.  s Ec.  8:2— 5.  Korn. 

13:1.  1 22.17.28:21.  o 3 3-9.  1 Kings  1 ;50— 53.  2:24,25.  1!  Heb.  gave  the 

hand  under.  Gen.  24:2.  47:29.  2 Chr.  30:8.  marg.  Ez.  17:18.  x Josh.  3:7.  4: 
14.  2 Chi . 1:1.  Job  7:17.  Acts  19:17.  ylKings3:13.  2 Chr.  1:1*2.  Ec.2:9. 
Dan.  5:18,19.  Heb.  2:9.  z 18: 14.  Ps.  78:71 ,72.  a 3:4.  2 Sam.  5:4.5.  1 Kings 
2:11. 


as  really,  (though  in  rather  a different  sense,)  as  their  fathers 
were,  when  they  dwelt  in  the  promised  land  in  tents,  or  wan- 
dered in  the  desert.  (Notes,  Ps.  39:12.  Heb.  4:3 — II.  11:13 
— 16.  I Pet.  2:11.)  Indeed  all  that  treasure,  which  they  gave 
to  the  Lord  to  build  his  temple,  was  his  own  before  ; if  they 
had  attempted  to  keep  it,  death  would  soon  have  removed 
them : so  that  the  only  use  which  they  could  make  of  it,  to 
their  own  real  advantage,  was  thus  to  consecrate  it  to  the  ser- 
vice of  him  who  gave  it,  and  whose  gracious  acceptance  of 
their  oblation  would  add  still  more  to  their  obligations.  At  the 
same  time  David  was  conscious  of  his  own  uprightness  and 
willingness  in  this  oblation,  as  in  (he  presence  of  that  heart- 
searching God  who  “ hath  pleasure  in  uprightness,”  and  with 
great  joy  he  beheld  his  people  showing  every  token  of  the 
same  disposition.  He  well  knew,  that  this,  as  far  as  genuine, 
was  the  effect  of  a sacred  influence  from  God  upon  the  heart, 
1 preventing  them,  that  they  might  have  a good  will :’  and  he 
most  fervently  prayed,  that  it  might  be  evermore  kept  there, 
by  the  same  grace  ‘ working  in  them  when  ihey  had  that  good 
will:’  and  that  the  Lord  would  prepare  the  hearts  of  them  all, 
but  especially  the  heart  of  Solomon,  for  himself;  and  tkat  he 
might  accomplish  the  arduous  important  service  before  I m.— 
Such  is  this  address  of  David  to  the  Lor  d God  of  Israel ; and 
nothing  on  this  side  heaven  can  be  conceived  more  humble, 
pure,  evangelical,  spiritual,  devout,  or  exalted,  than  the  praise, 
adoration,  gratitude,  confidence,  love,  zeal,  and  philanthropy, 
which  it  breathes  throughout. — None  abiding.  (15)  No  ex 
pectation.  (Marg.  Notes,  Ps.  39:7,8.  62:1,2,5 — 7.) 

V.  20.  David,  having  concluded  his  act  of  worship,  called 
upon  the  people  to  bless  the  Lord  with  him:  and  when  they 
had  rendered  their  adoring  praises  and  thanksgivings  unto 
God,  they  performed  obeisance  to  their  aged  and  pious  king. 
(Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  21 — 25.  Besides  the  burnt-offerings,  which  were  en- 
tirely consumed  on  the  altar,  numerous  peace-offerings  were 
sacrificed,  on  the  flesh  of  which  the  assembled  multitudes 
joyfully  feasted.  (Notes,  Deut.  12:5—7.  1 Kings  8:63 — 65. 
Neh.  8:10 — 12.) — Solomon  had  been  hastily,  and  by  a few 
persons,  anointed  king,  during  Adomjah’s  usurpation;  (Notes, 
1 Kings  1:38,39.)  but  he  was  at  this  time  anointed  in  a more 
solemn  and  public  manner.  As  Abiathar  was  removed  from 
the  high  priesthood,  anil  Zadok  substituted  in  his  place,  afier 
David’s  death  ; it  has  been  thought,  that  the  second  anointing 
of  Solomon  was  also  subsequent  to  that  event.  (Note,  1 
Kings  2:26,27 .)  He  was  anointed  unto  “the  Lord  to  be 
the  chief  governor,”  and  “he  sat  on  the  throne  of  the  Lord.” 
For  the  Lord  was  in  an  especial  manner  the  king  of  Israel ; 
the  princes  received  their  authority  from  him  by  peculiar 
designation ; and  they  were  expressly  required  to  support  his 
worship  and  law.  They  also  were  all  types  of  Christ,  who 
“sat  down  with  his  Father  on  his  throne.”- — We  may  sup- 
pose that  every  kind  of  personal  accomp..shment  united  with 
justice,  wisdom,  and  prosperitv,  in  that  --iiyal  majesty  which 
( 751  ) 


B.  C.  1015. 


I CHRONICLES 


B.  C.  1015. 


Hebron,  and  thirty  and  three  years  reigned  he  in 
Jerusalem. 

28  And  he  died  in  ha  good  old  age,  cfii!l 
riches,  and  honour  ; and  Solomon  his  son 
m his  stead. 

29  Now  ''the  acts  of  David  the  king,  first  and 

t Gen.  15:15.  25:8.  Job  5’26.  Prov.  16:31.  Acts  13:36.  c 23:1.  Gen.  35: 
29.  (I  1 Kings  11.41.  14:29.  Heb.  11:32,33.  * Or , history . Heb.  words. 


of  days, 
reigned 


last,  behold,  they  are  written  in  the  'book  a 
®Samuel  the  seer,  and  in  the  book  of  ' Nathan  the 
prophet,  and  in  the  book  of  eGad  the  seer, 

30  With  all  his  reign,  and  hhis  might,  and  ‘‘the 
times  that  went  over  him,  and  over  Israel,  and 
over  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  countries. 



el  Sam. 9:9  f 2 Sam.  7:2— 4. 12:1 — 7.  g 21:9 — 11.  h 2 Kings  10:34.  14:28. 
1 I an.  2:21. 


the  Lord  bestowed  upon  Solomon,  and  by  which  he  magnified 
him  in  the  sight  of  all  Israel.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  2G — 28..  {Marg.  Ref.)  When  we  read  the  eleventh 
chapter  of  the  second  book  of  Samuel,  and  the  sequel  of  that 
melancholy  narration,  we  could  scarcely  expect  to  behold 
David  appear  so  illustrious  in  his  closing  scene,  in  which 
avery  thing  heavenly  ami  excellent  is  combined;  and  the 
people  seem  to  have  considered  him  with  a veneration  and 
affection,  which  language  fails  to  express.  But  his  repen- 
tance had  been  as  remarkable  as  his  sins ; and  his  conduct, 
during  his  afllictions,  and  towards  the  end  of  his  fife,  seems 
to  have  had  more  effect  on  his  subjects,  than  all  that  they 
had  before  witnessed. — It  is  indeed  hard  to  say,  which  shines 
the  brightest  in  this  chapter,  the  rising , or  the  setting  sun: 
but  it  is  better  to  rise  behind  clouds,  and  to  be  much  obscured 
in  the  course  of  our  lives,  and  to  set,  like  David,  with  splen- 
dour ; than  with  Solomon  to  rise  very  bright,  and  shine  very 
splendid,  and  then  to  set  behind  an  almost  impenetrable  cloud. 

( Note , 1 Icings  11:42,43.) 

V.  29,  30.  It  is  plain  from  these  verses,  that  the  contem- 
porary prophets  were  the  historians,  or  annalists,  of  God’s 
people ; and  that  they  left  far  more  copious  records  of  public 
transactions,  both  in  respect  of  Israel  and  the  adjacent  coun- 
tries, than  have  come  down  to  us.  (Note,  2 Sam.  24:11.) — 
Learned  men  may  indeed  regret  the  loss  of  these  histories ; 
but  ‘ God  knows  better  than  we,  what  was  most  fit  to  be  pre- 
served for  the  use  and  benefit  of  his  church.5  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  The  due  support  and  scriptural  promotion  of 
religion,  is  always  more  important,  and  in  many  cases  more 
arduous,  than  the  administration  of  civil  government : because 
the  honour  of  God,  and  the  most  essential  interests  of  immor- 
tal souls,  are  concerned  in  it ; compared  with  which  all  other 
interests  are  trivial.  They  alone,  whom  the  Lord  hath 
chosen  for  such  a work,  will  prosper  in  it ; and  it  is  the  duty  of 
all  to  assist  by  every  proper  means  in  their  power. — Strong 
affection  to  God,  and  to  all  that  relates  to  him  for  his  sake, 
will  constrain  men  to  the  most  disinterested,  self-denying, 
and  liberal  services;  and  they  will  never  think  that  they 
have  done,  or  can  do,  enough  to  promote  his  glory;  but,  with 
all  their  might,  will  abound  in  every  good  work,  and  make 
more  and  more  preparation  for  the  carrying  on  of  the  same 
great  and  holy  design.  (Note,  2 Cor.  5:13 — 15.) — Those 
who  would  excite  others  to  consecrate  their  service  to  the 
Lord,  either  in  feeding  his  poor  children,  or  in  spreading  his 
truth  and  supporting  his  worship,  must  set  the  example:  and 
then  a hint  from  them  will  go  further,  than  a laboured  and 
eloquent  oration  from  a man,  who  persuades  others  to  those 
things,  which  he  himself  evidently  does  not  practise. — Our 
holy  joy  in  God  will  commonly  bear  proportion  to  the  willing- 
ness, uprightness,  and  liberality,  with  which  we  devote  our 
all  to  him:  and  that,  rejoicing  is  peculiarly  pure  and  heavenly, 
which  sprfngs  from  beholding  those  whom  we  greatly  love, 
giving  evidence  of  their  real  devotedness  to  God,  and  their 
delight  in  his  ways.  (Notes,  Phil.  4:14—20.  1 Thes.  3:fi— 10. 
2 John  4.  3 John  1 — 4.)  The  bodily  pain  and  infirmities  of 
age,  and  the  chilling  hand  of  death,  while  they  indispose  us 
for  all  other  enjoyments,  or  separate  us  from  them,  cannot 
preclude  or  extinguish  this,  which  emulates  that  of  angels, 
who  “ rejoice  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth.” 

V.  10 — 19.  Those,  who  are  most  “zealous  of  good  works,” 
will  never  boast  of  them,  or  trust  in  them.  Sensible  of  their 
indigence  as  creatures,  and  conscious  of  their  guilt  and  defile- 
ment as  sinners,  they  will  allow  that  “it  is  of  the  Lord’s 
mercies  they  are  not  consumed.”  To  them  it  appears  an 
unspeakable  favour,  that  a holy  God  will  accept  any  worship 
or  service  from  such  polluted  creatures:  they  know  that  all 
their  ability  of  every  kind  is  from  him ; and  they  account  it 
their  chief  pleasure,  honour,  and  privilege  to  be  employed  by 
him,  who  needs  not  and  cannot  be  profited  by  their  services. 
They  are  conscious  that  their  best  needs  forgiveness,  falls 
infinitely  beneath  his  glorious  majesty,  and  is  utterly  un- 
worthy of  his  acceptance,  “ whose  is  the  kingdom,  and  who 
is  exalted  as  Head  above  all.”  ‘In  like  manner,  we  ought  to 
acknowledge  God  in  all  spiritual  things:  referring  every  good 
thought,  good  purpose,  good  work,  to  his  divine  grace,  from 
whom  we  receive  it;  beseeching  him,  as  David  doth,  ...  to 
preserve  it  in  us.’  Bp.  Patrick.  Thus  our  best  and  most 
•iseful  works  will  terminate  in  admiration  of  his  inconceivable 
majesty,  goodness,  power,  and  holiness  ; in  unfeigned  praises 
and  thanksgivings;  and  in  tne  deepest  self-abasement  before 
him.  This  is  genuine  grace  : but  when  we  are  proud  of  our 
services,  (which  we  are  very  prone  to  be,)  what  is  it,  but 
sacrilegiously  to  rob  God  of  what  belongs  to  him  alone,  and 
sacrifice  it.  to  the  most  hateful  of  our  own  lusts  ? Wo  may 
indeed  “rejoice  in  the  testimony  of  our  consciences,”  when 
we  have  acted  with  “simplicity  and  godly  sincerity,  in  the 
presence  of  that  God  who  trieth  the  heart,  and  hath  pleasure 
Vi  unrightness;  (Note*  2 Cor . 1:12 — 14.)  and  should  joyfully 
( 752  ) 


observe  the  indications  of  the  same  disposition  in  others:  but 
we  must  remember,  that  this  also  is  the  gift  of  God,  and  that 
we  can  no  more  offer  the  sacrifice  of  a broken  heart,  or  a 
thankful  heart,  than  we  can  present  ten  thousands  of  bulls 
and  goats,  except,  as  we  give  unto  him  his  own,  which  he  has 
previously  conferred  upon  us.  All  comes  from  him,  and  to 
him  belongs  “ the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory  for 
ever.” — While  we  bless  the  Lord  for  putting  good  desires 
into  our  hearts,  or  the  hearts  of  others,  we  should  never 
forget  to  pray  to  him  to  preserve  and  fix  them  there,  and  to 
bring  them  to  good  effect. — When  we  feel  that  there  is  no 
abiding  for  us  on  earth,  but  that  we  are  departing  as  a shadow, 
and  following  our  fathers,  who  have  been  strangers  and 
sojourners  before  us ; we  should  be  peculiarly  fervent  in  our 
prayers  that  those  who  are  to  succeed  us,  or  whom  we  con- 
sider as  having  profited  by  our  instructions,  may  have  their 
“ hearts  prepared  unto  the  Lord,”  and  disposed  for  the  work 
to  which  they  are  called.  Parents  and  ministers  also,  when 
they  perceive  any  of  their  children  or  people  under  serious 
impressions,  should  “ travail  in  birth  for  them  till  Christ  be 
formed  in  them,”  by  earnest  constant  prayer,  that  “the  Lord 
would  keep  for  ever  in  the  imaginations  of  the  thoughts  of 
their  hearts,”  those  good  desires  which  he  has  excited,  “and 
prepare  their  hearts  unto  himself.”  (Notes,  Gal.  4:17 — 20. 
Col.  2:1 — 4.)  We  should  also  call  upon  them  to  pray  and  to 
bless  the  Lord  for  themselves : and  when  our  examples  prove 
that  we  are  deeply  in  earnest  in  these  great  concerns,  we 
may  hope  that  our  exhortations  will  have  a permanent  and 
most  beneficial  effect. 

V.  20 — 30.  They,  who  render  God  the  honour  due  unto 
his  name,  will  seldom  fail  duly  to  respect  those,  who  have 
been  the  instruments  of  his  kindness  to  them,  or  to  honour 
those  whom  God  has  placed  in  authority  over  them. — All  our 
obedience  and  communion  with  God  must  have  a believing 
reference  to  that  one  great  sacrifice,  which  infinitely  more 
honours  his  law  and  justice,  than  all  the  oblations  which  sha- 
dowed it  forth  to  ancient  believers:  thus,  peace  with  him, 
peace  of  conscience,  and  gladness  of  heart  will  make  sacred 
ordinances  pleasant  to  us ; and  even  render  our  ordinary 
meals  subservient  to  our  spiritual  improvement  and  the  honour 
of  God  ; while  they  are  attended  with  gratitude,  temperance, 
liberality,  and  a heavenly  mind.  These  are  the  pleasures 
and  employments  which  add  dignity  to  prosperity,  rank,  and 
eminence  for  wisdom ; which  adorn  every  personal  accom- 
plishment, and  increase  the  enjoyment  of  sprightly  youth  and 
vigorous  health.  These  are  essential  to  that  royal  majesty, 
which  God  bestows  on  those  whom  lie  loves  : and  without 
these  there  can  be  no  durable  prosperity,  honour,  comfort,  or 
usefulness.  Unless  we  have  some  acquaintance  with  these 
pious  exercises,  riches,  honour,  and  prosperity  only  render 
“ the  king  of  terrors”  more  tremendous  ; but  these  are  suffi- 
cient to  deprive  death  of  his  sting:  and  when  we  read  or  hear 
of  one,  who  has  been  taken  away  from  the  midst  of  such 
employments,  we  readily  conceive  of  his  soul,  as  escaped 
out  of  prison,  mounting  up  to  heaven,  and  joining  immediately 
with  ineffable  delight  in  the  worship  of  angels.  May  we  “die 
the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  may  our  latter  end  be  like 
his  !”  Blessed  be  God,  the  chief  of  sinners  may  hope  for  such 
a glorious  exit,  when  brought  to  repent,  and  to  flee  for  refuge 
to  the  Saviour’s  atoning  blood.  Nay,  even  those  who  have 
grievously  sinned,  affer  a long  profession  of  godliness,  to  the 
triumphing  of  the  wicked,  and  so  as  to  bring  on  themselves 
the  most  severe  and  complicated  chastisements,  may  possibly 
retrieve  all ; may  have  their  broken  bones  made  to  rejoice; 
may  recover  “ the  joy  of  God’s  salvation  may  “ have  their 
lips  opened  to  show  forth  his  praises,  that  sinners  may  bo 
converted  unto  him  and  may  regain  the  entire  confidence 
of  those,  who  had  been  the  most  stumbled  by  their  fall. 
(Notes,  Ps.  51  '.title.  11 — 13.)  But  this  cannot  be  done  without 
deep  humiliation  before  God  and  man,  resigned  patience 
under  correction,  and  redoubled  watchfulness  and  diligence  in 
the  Lord's  ways.  Let  us  then  mark  the  difference  between 
the  spirit  and  character  of  the  man  after  God’s  own  heart, 
living  and  dying  ; and  those  of  such  worthless  professors,  as 
resemble  him  in  nothing  but  his  sin,  and  who  apologize  for 
their  crimes  by  his  example.  Let  us  also  compare  him  with 
those  presumptuous  cavillers,  who  profanely  carp  at  the  ble- 
mishes in  illustrious  scriptural  characters;  but  never  raise 
their  minds  to  an  idea  of  such  exalted  excellency,  piety,  and 
philanthropy,  as  David  showed.  We  cannot  too  closely  imi- 
tate the  general  example  of  this  most  eminent  saint ; but  let 
us  watch  and  pray,  lest  we  he  overcome  by  temptation  and 
overtaken  with  sin,  to  the  dishonour  of  God,  and  the  wound- 
ing of  our  own  consciences:  and  if  we  have  offended,  let  us 
copy  his  example  of  repentance  and  patience,  still  hoping  to 
close  our  days  like  him,  and,  having  “served  our  own  gene- 
ration by  the  will  of  God,”  to  fall  asleep,  with  the  sure  and 
certain  hope  of  a glorious  resurrection,  through  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ  Amen. 


THE  SECOND  BOOK 

OF  THE 

CHRONICLES. 


This  book  is  a continuation  of  the  history  begun  in  the  former  book.  It  in  some  respects  coincides  with  the  books  of  Kings  Bat 
there,  the  histories  of  Judah  and  Israel  are  carried  on  together ; as  those  of  England  and  Scotland  are  by  some  of  our  historttne : 
here,  the  affairs  of  Judah  are  more  fully  and  distinctly  recorded,  while  those  of  Israel  are  only  mentioned  occasionally,  when 
required  by  the  main  subject ; as  an  English  historian  would  sometimes  digress  concerning  the  affairs  of  F ranee  or  Germany,  in 
elucidating  his  narrative.  ‘ There  are  several  things  contained  in  this  book,  of  which  no  mention  is  made  there,’  (in  Kings,) 
‘ particularly  in  the  history  of  Jehoshaphat  and  Hezekiah  : and  many  other  things  there  mentioned,  are  here  more  fully  and 
clearly  explained,  as  will  be  observed  in  the  acts  of  Abijah,  Asa,  Joash,  and  other  kings  of  Judah.’  Bp.  Patrick.— The  history 
opens  with  the  accession  of  Solomon,  and  contains  a narrative  of  the  several  kings  of  his  race,  who  reigqpd  in  succession,  till  the 
Babylonish  captivity ; and  it  concludes  with  an  intimation  of  Cyrus’s  decree  for  the  restoration  of  the  Jews  and  the  rebuilding  of 
the  temple,  about  four  hundred  and  eighty  years  after.— Besides  the  additional  practical  instruction  here  afforded,  especially  in 
respect  uf  the  different  effects  of  piety,  or  profaneness,  in  the  affairs  of  nations  favoured  with  revelation  ; this  history  throws  great 
light  on  the  prophetical  writings,  which  can  by  no  means  be  well  understood  without  constantly  adverting  to  it.  The  prophecies 
contained  in  it  either  were  fulfilled  soon  after  they  were  spoken,  or  coincide  with  those  before  considered  : and  it  is  not  always 
easy  to  determine  concerning  subsequent  scriptural  references,  whether  they  relate  to  this  book  or  to  the  books  of  Kings 


B.  C.  1015. 

CHAPTER  I. 

Solomon  established  as  king , calls  on  his  nobles  and  people,  to  join  in  sacrificing 
at  Gibeon , 1—6.  The  Lord  appears  to  him  there  by  night,  and  allows  him 
to  choose  what  blessing  to  ask  : he  asks  wisdom,  and  is  promised  also  1'iches 
and  honour,  7—  12.  Solomon's  forces,  riches,  and  commerce,  13 — 17. 

AND  Solomon  the  son  of  David  “was  strength- 
ened in  his  kingdom,  and  bthe  Lord  his  God 
was  with  him,  and  'magnified  him  exceedingly. 

2 Then  Solomon  spake  unto  all  Israel,  dto  the 
captains  of  thousands  and  of  hundreds,  and  to  the 
judges,  and  to  every  governor  in  all  Israel,  'the 
chief  of  the  fathers. 

3 So  Solomon,  and  all  the  congregation  with 
him,  went  to  the  high  place  that  was  at  ' Gibeon; 
for  there  was  gthe  tabernacle  of  the  congregation 
of  God,  which  Moses,  hthe  servant  of  the  Lord, 
had  made  in  the  wilderness. 
b.  c.-i  4 But  'the  ark  of  God  had  David  brought 
1045.J  up  frora  Kirjath-jearim  to  the  place  which 
David  had  prepared  for  it : kfor  he  had  pitched  a 
tent  for  it  at  Jerusalem. 

5  Moreover,  'the  brazen  altar,  that  mBezaleel 
the  son  of  Uri,  the. son  of  Hur,  had  made,  'he  put 
before  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord;  and  Solomon 
and  the  congregation  sought  unto  it.  * 

6  And  Solomon  went  up  thither  to  the  brazen 
altar  before  the  Lord,  which  was  at  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation,  and  offered  na  thousand 
burnt-offerings  upon  it. 

7  H °In  that  night  did  God  appear  unto  Solo- 
mon, and  said  unto  him,  rAsk  what  I shall  give 
thee. 

8  And  Solomon  said  unto  God,  iThou  hast 
showed  great,  mercy  unto  David  my  father,  and 
hast  made  me  rto  reign  in  his  stead. 

9 Now,  O Lord  God,  "let  thy  promise  unto 
David  my  father  be  established : for  thou  hast 
made  me  king  over  a people  dike  the  dust  of  the 
earth  in  multitude. 


a I Kings  2:12.4*.  b Gen. 21:22.  39:2,21.  Ex. 3:12.  1 Clir.  17:8.  Mott. 28:20. 
c 1 Chr.  29.25.  Phil.  2:9—11.  .1  29:20.30:2,31:29,30.  1 Chr.  13:1.  15:3.  28:1 . 
29  1.  e 1 Chr.  15:12.  21:4.31.  f 1 Kings  3 4.  1 Chr.  16:39.  21:29.  gEx.2S:l, 
Ac. 40:2,34.  Lev.  1:1.  I.  Deut.  31:5.  i 2 Sam.  6: ’,17.  1 Chr.  13:.?, 6.  15:25- 
28.  k 1 C'lir.  16:1.  Pa.  132:5,6.  1 Ex.  27:1-8.  38:1 — 7.  in  Ei  31:2.  1 Chr. 

2:19,20.  " Heh.  was  there.  n 1 Kings  3:4.  8:63.  1 Chr.  29-21.  Is.  40:16. 

0 1 Kings  3:5—15.  Pror.  3:6,6.  p Matt.  7:7,8.  Mink  10:36.37.51.  John  16:23. 

1 John  5:14,15.  q 2 Sam.  7:9.9.  12:7,8.  22:51.23:1.  Ps.  86:13.  89:20-28,49.  Is. 
55:3.  r I Chr. 28:6. 29:23.  s 2Sam. 7:12-16,25-  29.  1 Chr.  17:11—14,23—27. 

” NOTES.— Chap.  I.  V.  1.  Note,  I Chr.  29:21—25. 

V.  2.  This  seems  to  have  taken  place  a short  time  after 
David’s  decease  ; when  Solomon,  being  established  in  his 
kingdom,  convened  his  chief  men,  and  spake  to  them  concern- 
ing the  solemn  sacrifice  in  honour  of  God,  which  he  purposed 
to  offer. 

V.  3 — fi.  Notes,  Ex.  40:1 — 33.  2 Sam.  G:  1 Kings  3-1 . 8'4 
1 Chr.  16:37—43.  21:28—30.  22:1. 

V.  7 — 12.  Note,  1 Kings  3:5 — 14. — This  was  in  thy 

•wart.  (11)  This  does  not  occur  in  Kings:  and  it  implies 
that  the  request  of  Solomon,  as  arising  from  a spiritual  judg- 
ment and  heart,  was  peculiarly  acceptable  to  that.  God,  who 
searches,  regards,  and  demands  the  heart.  God  promised 

VOL.  I.— 95 


B.  C.  1015. 

10  ‘Give  me  now  wisdom  and  knowledge,  that 
I may  “go  out  and  come  in  before  this  people : 
xfor  who  can  judge  this  thy  people,  that  is  so 
great  ? 

11  And  God  said  to  Solomon,  Because  ^this 
was  in  thy  heart,  and  thou  bast  not  asked  riches, 
wealth,  or  honour,  nor  the  life  of  thine  enemies, 
neither  yet  hast  asked  long  life;  but  hast  asked 
wisdom  and  knowledge  for  thyself,  'that  thou 
mayest  judge  my  people,  over  whom  I have  made 
thee  king: 

12  Wisdom  and  knowledge  is  granted  unto 
thee ; and  aI  will  give  thee  riches,  and  wealth, 
and  honour,  bsuch  as  none  of  the  kings  have  had 
that  have  been  before  thee,  neither  shall  there  any 
after  thee  have  the  like. 

13  It  Then  Solomon  came  from  his  journey  to 
the  high  place  that  was  cat  Gibeon  to  Jerusalem, 
from  before  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation, 
and  ''reigned  over  Israel. 

14  And  'Solomon  gathered  chariots  and  horse- 
men: and  he  had  a thousand  and  four  hundred 
chariots,  and  twelve  thousand  horsenaen,  which 
he  placed  in  the  chariot-cities,  and  with  the  king 
at  Jerusalem. 

15  And  Hhe  king  Imade  silver  and  gold  at 
Jerusalem  as  plenteous  as  stones,  and  cedar-trees 
made  he  as  the  Psycamore-trees  that  are  in  the 
vale  for  abundance. 

16  And  ^Solomon  had  horses  brought  out  of 
Egypt,  and  linen  yarn:  the  king’s  merchants 
received  the  linen  yarn  at  a price. 

17  And  they  fetched  up,  and  brought  forth  out 
of  Egypt,  a chariot  for  six  hundred  shekels  of 
silver,  and  a horse  for  a hundred  and  fifty : and 
so  brought  they  out  horses  for  all  hthe  kings  of 
the  Hittites,  and  for  the  kings  of  Syria,  by  their 
"means. 


28:6,7.  Ps.  89:35— 37.  132:11,12.  t Heb.  much  ns  the  dust  nf  the  ccirth.  Gen. 
13:16.22:17.  Mum.  23:10.  I Ps.  1 19:34.73.  P. ov.  2:2— 6.  3: 13- 18.  Jam.  1:3. 
n Num. 27:17.  Deut.  31:2.  2Sam.5:2.  x 2 Cor. 2:16.  3:5.  y 1 Sam.  16:7. 
1 Kims  8:18.  1 Chr.  28:2.  29:17,13.  Acts5:4.  r 1 Kino 3:28.  Prov.  14:8.  Jam. 
3:13.17.  a Mall.  6:33.  Epl).  3 20.  b 9:22.  1 Chr.  29:25  Ec  2:9.  c 3. 
d 1 Kings  4:24,25.  e 9:25.  Dent.  17:16.  1 Kings  4:26.  10:26.  ( 12.9:27.  1 Kino 
10:27.  Job  22:24,25.  Is.  60:17.  J Heb  .gave.  g 9:27.  Is. 9:10.  Am. 7:14. 
§ Heb.  the  gains  forth  nf  the  horses  which  was  Solomon's.  9:28.  1 Kings  10:28, 
29.  h 2 Kings  7:6.  II  Heb.  hand. 


Solomon  all  the  things  which s4ie  had  not  asked,  except  the 
life  of  his  enemies : but  he  was  to  be  a peaceable  king,  a type 
of  the  Prince  of  peace.  (12) 

Y.  14— 17.  Notes,  I Kings  10:24 — 29. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  presence  and  blessing  of  God  gives  strength,  honour, 
happiness,  and  stability ; and  to  whom  he  has  given  much, 
from  them  he  requires  the  more.— It  would  be  a comely  sight 
to  the  spiritually  minded,  to  behold  kings  with  their  nobles, 
and  the  chief  estates  of  their  dominions,  assembling  together 
for  the  purposes  of  religious  worship,  stirring  up  each  other 
by  the  fervency  of  their  devotions,  and  giving  evident  demon- 
strations how  generally  and  deeply  tneir  hearts  were  engaged 

( 753  ) 


D.  C.  1014. 


II.  CHRONICLES 


B.  C.  1014 


CHAPTER  II. 

Solomon  purposes  to  build  the  temple , and  a palace,  1.  Hie  workmen , 2. 
He  tends  to  Huram  for  skilful  artificers , ana  for  timber, 3 — 10.  Huram's 
friendly  answer.  11—16.  Solomon  employe  strangers,  as  labourers  and 
overseers,  17,  16. 

AND  Solomon  “determined  to  build  a house 
bfor  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  "a  house  for 
his  kingdom. 

2  And  Solomon  dtold  out  threescore  and  ten 
thousand  men  to  bear  burdens,  and  fourscore 
thousand  to  hew  in  the  mountain,  and  three 
thousand  and  six  hundred  to  oversee  them. 

3  *11  And  Solomon  sent  to  'Huram  the  king  of 
Tyre,  saying,  < As  thou  didst  deal  with  David 
my  father,  and  didst  send  him  cedars  to  build 
him  a house  to  dwell  therein,  even  so  deal  with 
me. 

4  Behold,  *1  build  a house  to  the  name  of  the 
Lord  my  God,  'l^o  dedicate  it  to  him,  and  'to 
burn  before  him  'sweet  incense,  and  tor  kthe 
continual  show-bread,  and  for  'the  burnt-offerings 
morning  and  evening,  on  the  sabbaths,  and  on  the 
the  new  moons,  and  on  mthe  solemn  feasts  of  the 
Lord  our  God.  This  is  an  ordinance  for  ever  to 
Israel. 

5  And  the  house  which  I build  is  "great;  for 
“great  is  our  God  above  all  gods. 

6  But  Pwho  is  'able  to  build  him  a house, 
seeing  the  heaven  and  heaven  of  heavens,  cannot 
contain  him  ?’  iwho  am  I then,  that  I should  build 
him  a house,  rsave  only  to  burn  sacrifice  before 
him  ? 

7  Send  me  now  therefore  a man  'cunning  to 
work  in  gold,  and  in  silver,  and  in  brass,  and  in 
iron,  and  in  purple,  and  crimson,  and  blue,  and 
that  can  skill  :to  grave  with  the  cunning  men  that 
are  with  me  in  Judah  and  in  Jerusalem,  'whom 
David  my  father  did  provide. 

8  "Send  me  also  cedar-trees,  fir-trees,  "and 
Salgum-trees,  out  of  Lebanon;  for  I know  that 
thy  servants  can  skill  to  cut  timber  in  Lebanon; 
and  behold,  my  servants  shall  be  with  thy 
servants, 

1 Kings  5-5.  h Deut.  12:5,11. 2S:5S.  1 Kinea  8:18,20.  1 Chr.  22:10.  Matt.  6: 
10.  c 1 Kings  7:1.  9:1.  d 18.  1 Kings  5:15,16.  e 1 Kings  5:1.  Hiram. 

2 Sam.  5:11.  1 f hr.  14:1.  g 1.  1 Kings  8:18.  hi  Kings  8:63.  i Ex.  30:7. 
Heb.  incense  of  spices,  k Ex.  25:30.  Lev.  24:5 — 8.  I Ex.  29:38 — 42.  Num. 
28:3,4,9 — 11.  m Lev.  23:  Num.  28;  29.  n 9.  1 Kings  9:8.  1 Chr.  29:1.  Ez.  7: 
£V.  o Ex.  15:11.  I Chr.  16:25.  Ps.  86:8,9.  135:5.  145.3.  Jer.  10:6.  p 6:18. 

1 Kings8:27.  Is. 66:1.  Acls7:4S,49.  f Heb.  hathretaincd,  or,  obtained  strength. 
q 1:10.  Ex.  3.11.  2 Sam.  7: 18.  1 Chr.  29: 14.  2Cor.216.  Eph.  3:8.  r Dent. 
12:5.6,11,14,26.  s Ex.  31:3— 5.  1 Kings  7: 14 . Is.  28:26,29.  60:10.  % Heb.  to 

grace  g ravines,  t 1 Chr.  22:15,16.  u 1 Kings  5:6.  x 1 Kings  10:11.  alinug - 

in  the  sacred  services.  Alas ! even  in  Christian  countries 
such  scenes  are  seldom,  if  ever,  exhibited  ! Blit  the  example, 
the  influence,  and  the  exhortations  of  princes,  tvho  greatly 
fear  and  love  the  Lord,  and  who  are  eminent  for  piety  and 
wisdom,  may  effect  very  great  things : especially  when  one 
succeeds  to  another,  walking  before  God,  in  the  steps  of  his 
predecessor:  and  those,  who  love  the  truths  and  service  of 
God,  should  unite  in  praying,  not  formally,  but  fervently,  for 
all  in  authority ; that,  being  enriched  with  grace  and  wisdom, 
they  may  become  instruments  of  extensive  good  to  their 
dominions. — To  us  the  desires  of  men’s  hearts  can  only  be 
known  by  their  habitual  conduct ; but  in  themselves  they  as 
certainly  distinguish  characters,  as  actions  do:  and  if  the 
Lord  see  that  it  is  in  our  heart  to  desire  wisdom  and  grace, 
more  than  riches,  honour,  or  pleasure,  he  will  delight  to  fulfil 
all  our  mind.  His  promises  should  form  the  rule  and  measure 
of  our  prayers:  and  when  they  respect  any  important  end, 
they  may  be  pleaded  as  engaging  him  to  grant  all  things  re- 
quisite in  order  to  it. — To  know  and  to  do  our  duty  in  the 
station  of  life  assigned  us,  to  the  glory  of  God  and  the  benefit 
of  our  connexions  in  society,  requires  much  wisdom,  and  is 
one  principal  exercise  and  evidence  of  it : and  if  we  humbly 
feel  our  need  of  this  wisdom,  and  faithfully  ask  it  of  God,  he 
will  give  it  liberally,  and  not  upbraid  our  former  folly.  ( Note, 
jars.  1:5 — 8.) — Those  secular  employments,  which  arc  com- 
menced by  the'ivorship  and  service  of  God,  are  likely  to  be 
well  managed  and  to  be  prosperous:  and  as  he  “gives  grace 
and  glory;  so  he  will  withhold  no  good  thing  ftom  them  that 
walk  uprightly.” — But  alas!  prosperity  is  always  dangerous, 
because  our  hearts  are  extremely  deceitful:  and  it  is  with 
great  propriety,  that  we  pray,  ‘in  all  time  of  our  wealth,  . . . 
Good  Lord  deliver  us,’  from  pride,  ostentation,  indolence, 
self-indulgence,  and  a worldly  mind.  Let  us  then  improve 
our  present  talent,  seek  heavenly  blessings,  and  be  contented 
without  those  great  things,  which  men  generally  covet,  but 
which  commonly  prove  fatal  snares  to  their  souls. 

NOTES. — Chap.  II.  V.  I,  2.  Marg.  Rrf.  Note,  1 
Kings  5:13—18. 

V.  3 -10.  Wc  have  here  a more  particular  account  of 

( 754  ) 


9 Even  to  prepare  me  timber  in  abundance : 
for  the  house  which  I am  about  to  build  shall  be 
“wonderful  great. 

10  And,  behold,  H will  give  to  tby  servants, 
the  hewers  that  cut  timber,  twenty  thousand 
measures  of  beaten  wheat,  and  twenty  thousand 
measures  of  barley,  and  twenty  thousand  'baths 
of  wine,  and  twenty  thousand  baths  of  oil. 

11  H Then  Huram  the  king  of  Tyre  answered 
in  writing,  which  he  sent  to  Solomon,  “Because 
the  Lord  hath  loved  his  people,  he  bath  made 
thee  king  over  them. 

12  bHuram  said  moreover,  Blessed  be  the  Lord 
God  of  Israel,  "that  made  heaven  and  earth,  who 
hath  given  to  David  the  king  a wise  son,  "endued 
with  prudence  and  understanding,  that  might 
build  da  house  for  the  Lord,  anti  a house  for 
his  kingdom. 

13  And  now  I have  sent  a cunning  man,  en 
dued  with  understanding,  'ofHuram  my  father’s, ; 

14  “The  son  of  a woman  of  the  daughters  ol 
Dan,  and  his  father  was  a man  of  Tyre,  ^skilful 
to  work  in  gold,  and  in  silver,  in  brass,  in  iron, 
in  stone,  and  in  timber,  in  purple,  in  blue,  and  in 
fine  linen,  and  in  crimson ; also  to  grave  any 
manner  of  graving,  and  to  find  out  every  device 
which  shall  be  put  to  him,  with  thy  cunning  men, 
and  with  the  cunning  men  of  my  lord  David  thy 
father. 

15  Now  therefore  the  wheat,  and  the  barley, 
the  oil,  and  the  wine,  hvhich.my  lord  hath  spoken 
of,  let  him  send  unto  his  servants  : 

16  And  'we  will  cut  wood  out  of  Lebanon  "as 
much  as  thou  shalt  need  ; and  we  will  bring  it  to 
thee  in  floats  by  sea  to  "Joppa,  and  thou  shalt 
carry  it  up  to  Jerusalem. 

17  H And  Solomon  “numbered  all  "the  strangers 
that  were  in  the  land  of  Israel,  'after  the  num- 
bering wherewith  David  his  father  had  numbered 
them;  and  they  were  found  a hundred  and  fifty 
thousand,  and  three  thousand  and  six  hundred. 

18  And  he  set  Threescore  and  ten  ihousand  of 


trees.  § Or,  algummtm.  II  Heb.  great  and  wonderful.  5.  7:21.  I Kings  9:8. 
y 1 Kings  5:11.  Luke  10:7.  Rom.  13:7,6.  z 1 Kings  7:26,38.  Ezra  7:22.  'a  9:8. 
Dent.  7:7.8.  1 Kings  10:9.  b 1 Kings  5 7.  1 Chr.  29:20.  V*.  72:18,19.  Luke  1: 
68.  1 let.  1:3.  c Gen.  1:2:  Ps.  33:6.  102:25.  124:8. 136:5,6.  146:5,6.  Jer.  10: 
11.  Acts  4:24.  14:15.  (Jol.  1 : 16,17.  Rev.  4:1 1 . 10:6.  H Heb.  knowing  prudence, 
gfc.  1:10— 12.  d I.  e 4:16.  f 1 Kings  7:13.14.  g 7.  Ex.  31:3,4.  h 10. 

1 Kings  5:11.  i l Kings  5:8,9.  ” IJcb.  according  to  all  thy  need..  *tt  Heb. 
Japho.  Josh.  19.46.  Ezra  3:7.  Jon.  1:3.  Acts  9:36.  Iu:32  k 2 8:7,8.  1 Kings 5: 
13—16.9:20,21.  Heb.  the  men  the  strangers.  1 1 Chr.  22:2.  m2. 

» : — — 

Solomon’s  message  to  Huram,  (or  Hiram,)  king  of  Tyre, 
than  was  before  given;  (Notesy  1 Kings  5:1 — 11.)  and  it 
appears,  that  he  thought  it  no  impropriety  to  speak  freely  and 
particularly  on  religious  subjects,  in  treating  with  a heathen 
prince  about  secular  business.  On  the  contrary,  he  laboured 
to  give  him  very  high  and  honourable  thoughts  of  Israel’s 
God,  as  great  above  all  gods,  and  as  one  whom  “the  heaven 
of  heavens  could  not  contain:”  he  particularly  explained  to 
him  his  intentions  in  building  a temple  to  the  name  of  the 
Lord;  viz.  that  it  was  to  be  the  stated  place  of  those  insti- 
tuted ordinances,  which  were  required  by  the  law  of  God, 
given  to  Israel ; that  he  might  not  misapprehend  him,  as  if 
he  supposed  that  Jehovah  could  be  circumscribed  in  a 
temple,  like  the  idols  of  the  heathen : and  he  represented  to 
him  his  own  inability  and  unworthiness  for  such  a service, 
except  as  mercifully  assisted  and  accepted  m it,  by  that 
gracious  God,  who  had  chosen  him  for  the  work.  [Marg. 

Ref)  , . . 

V.  11,  12.  The  just  sentiments  contained  in  these  verses, 
with  the  pious  and  benevolent  spirit  which  they  breathe,  leave 
no  doubt,  that  Huram  was  himself  * spiritual  worshipper  of 
the  true  God.  (Note,  1 Kings  10:0 — 9.)  ‘ He  . ..  owns  the 

God  of  Israel  to  be  Jehovah,  the  Maker  of  heaven  and 
earth.  . . . The  Israelites,  . . . when  they  would  distinguish 
him  from  idols  and  creatures,  . . . confess  him  to  be  th« 
Creator  of  the  world.  ...  And  ...  he’  (Huram)  ‘congratu- 
lates the  Israelites  on  the  happiness  they  enjoyed  under  such 
a king,  which  was  the  effect  of*  his  love  to  God  and  Ins  church.* 
Victorimis  Strigelius  in  lip.  Patrick. 

V.  13.  Of  Huram  my  father's.]  Or,  Huramahi.  It 
seems  that  this  man,  being  the  most  eminent  in  his  line  of 
business,  was  called  father , or  my  father  Huram.  King 
Huram  called  him  so,  and  Solomon  did  tl  ie  same.  ( iVofe, 
4:16.)  For  it  is  evident  that  the  artist’s  name  is  here  mount, 
and  not  that  of  the  king’s  father. 

V.  14 — 16.  Marg.  Ref.  Note , 1 Kings  7:1*1. — My  lord 
David.  (14.)  An  honourable  title  given  by  Huram  to  David, 
expressive  of  his  veneration  and  affection  for  him:  (or,  pro 
bably,  he  had  derived  his  kin  w ledge  of  the  true  God,  and 


B.  C.  1011. 


CHAPTER  III. 


B.  C.  1011 


them  to  be  bearers  of  burdens,  and  fourscore 
thousand  to  be  hewers  in  the  mountain,  and  three 
thousand  and  six  hundred  overseers  to  set  the 
people  a-work.  * 

CHAPTER  III. 

The  place  cf  (be  temple,  and  the  time  lohen  the  building  of  it  was  begun, 

1, 2.  I'*  aim  east  ns  and  ornaments,  3 — 7.  Those  of  the  most  holy  place,  8 

— HJ.  The  cherubim  placed  in  it,  11 — 13.  The  veil , 14.  The  two pillais, 

15 — 17. 

THEN  "Solomon  began  to  build  Ihe  house  of 
the  Loan  at  Jerusalem  bin  mount  Moriah, 
’where  the  LORD  appeared  unto  David  his 
father,  in  the  place  that  David  had  prepared  in 
the  thrashing-floor  of  cOrnan  the  Jebusite. 

2  And  he  began  to  build  din  the  second  day  of 
the  second  month,  in  the  fourth  year  of  his  reign. 

3  H Now  these  are  the  things  wherein  "Solo- 
mon was  'instructed  for  the  building  of  the  house 
of  God.  'The  length  by  cubits  after  the  first 
measure  teas  threescore  cubits,  and  the  breadth 
twenty  cubits. 

4  And  the  porch  that  was  in  the  front  of  the 
house,  the  length  of  it  was  according  to  the  breadth 
of  the  house,  twenty  cubits,  and  the  height  was 
a hundred  and  twenty  : and  he  overlaid  it  within 
with  pure  gold. 

5  And  nhe  greater  house  he  ceiled  with  fir- 
tree,  which  he  overlaid  with  fine  gold,  and  set 
thereon  palm-trees  and  chains. 

G And  he  ^garnished  the  house  with  '’precious 
stones  for  bear.ty  ; and  the  gold  was  gold  of  Par- 
vaim. 

7 He  'overlaid  also  the  bouse,  the  beams,  the 
posts,  and  the  walls  thereof,  and  the  doors  thereof, 
with  gold  ; and  kgraved  cherubims  on  the  walls. 

8 H And  he  made 'the  most  holy  house,  the  length 
whereof  was  according  to  the  breadth  of  the 

a 1 Kings  6:1 , kc.  b Hen.  22:2,14.  * Or,  which  was  seen  of  David.  c2Sani. 
24:18-25.  Araunah.  1 Chr.  21:18.  22:1.  d 1 Kings  6:1.  'e  1 Chr.  28: 1 1— 19. 
t Heb.  founded,  f 1 Kings6:2,3.  g 1 Kings  6: 15— 17,21 ,22.  } Heb.  covered. 
h 1 Chr.  29:2,8.  Is.  54:12.  Rev.  21 : 19,20.  i Ex.  26:29.  1 Kings  6:20— 22,30. 
Ez.  7 20.  k Ex .26:1.  1 Kings  6:35.  1 Ex.  26:33.  1 Kings  6:19,20.  Heb.  9:3,9. 

his  holy  worship,  from  his  intercourse  with  David,  to  whom 
on  that  account  he  looked  up,  as  to  a superior. 

V.  17,  18.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 1 Kings  5:13-18.  9: 
20—22.  # 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  ought  always  to  attend  to  the  work  of  God,  in  decided 
preference  to  our  own  indulgence  or  accommodation  : and 
our  hearts  should  be  resolved  for  every  service,  that  we  may 
endure  hardship,  struggle  with  difficulties,  and  not  yield  to 
weariness  or  discouragement. — The  greatest  monarchs  on 
earth  are  as  nothing,  in  comparison  with  the  God  of  heaven; 
and  they  should  deem  it  their  highest  honour  to  be  his  ser- 
vants, and  to  speak  of  his  glorious  majesty. — The  genuine  love 
of  God,  abounding  in  the  heart,  infuses  the  savour  of  piety 
into  the  ordinary  concerns  and  converse  of  life.  Indeed,  we 
should  be  neither  afraid  nor  ashamed,  to  embrace  every 
opportunity  of  speaking  honourably  of  him,  and  of  impressing 
the  minds  of  men  with  a deep  sense  of  his  majesty  and  ex- 
cellency, and  of  the  importance  of  his  favour,  worship,  and 
service.  ( Note,  Ps.  1 1 9:46. ) — It  is  a great  part  of  our  “ wis- 
dom towards  them  that  are  without,”  so  to  explain  our  mean- 
ing in  every  doctrine  and  ordinance,  and  so  to  guard  our 
discourses  about  them,  as  may  best  prevent  misapprehension 
or  prejudice:  and  the  neglect  of  this  rule  is  not  boldness  or 
faithfulness,  as  some  well-meaning  zealots  suppose,  but 
•indiscretion  and  folly. — In  pleading  the  cause  of  God  and 
religion,  we  should  always  speak  humbly  of  ourselves;  but, 
unless  we  be  humbled,  our  temper  and  conduct  will  betray 
the  hypocrisy  of  our  self-abasing  language.  May  the  Lord 
himself  therefore  u clothe  us  with  humility !” — Possessions, 
endowments,  or  royal  authority,  are  given  men  for  the  sake 
of  others ; and  a wise  and  pious  king  is  an  evidence  of  the 
Lord’s  special  love  to  the  people.  Who  then  can  express 
the  greatness  of  his  love  to  his  people,  in  giving  them  his 
only  begotten  Son,  to  be  their  Prince  and  Saviour ! It  is 
also  a great  mercy  to  have  children  endued  with  wisdom  and 
understanding:  and  we  should  all  desire  to  be  blessings  to 
those  among  whom  we  live,  that  they  may  bless  God  for  us. 
We  ought  also  to  praise  him  for  those  blessings  which  are 
exclusively  bestowed  on  others:  and  it  is  pleasant  to  observe 
^ow  the  friendship  of  pious  men  becomes  the  means  of  bring- 
ing those  who  were  far  off,  to  know,  love,  and  worship  our 
God  and  Saviour.  Let  us  then  be  unwearied  in  spreading 
the  knowledge  of  his  name  and  truth ; and  let  us  devote  our 
several  talents  to  his  service  ; endeavour  to  be  helpful  to  one 
another  in  this  good  work  ; and  be  thankful  that  poor  heathens, 
and  even  the  meanest  slaves,  ijiay  be  usefully  and  acceptably 
employed  by  our  great  and  gracious  Lord ! 

NOTES.— Chap.  III.  V.  1,  2.  (Notts,  Gen  22:2. 


house,  twenty  cubits,  and  the  breadth  thereof 
twenty  cubits  : and  he  overlaid  it  witli  fine  gold 
amounting  to  six  hundred  talents. 

9 And  the  weight  of  the  nails  was  fifty  shekels 
of  gold.  And  he  overlaid  the  upper  chambers 
with  gold. 

10  And  in  the  most  holy  house  he  made  mtwo 
cherubims  of  ^image-work,  and  overlaid  them 
with  gold. 

1 1 And  the  wings  of  the  cherubims  were  twenty 
cubits  long : one  wing  of  the  one  cherub  was 
five  cubits,  reaching  to  the  wall  of  the  house  ; and 
the  other  wing  teas  likewise  five  cubits,  reaching 
to  the  wing  of  the  other  cherub. 

12  And  one  wing  of  the  other  cherub  was  five 
cubits,  reaching  to  the  wall  of  the  house;  and  the 
other  wing  urns  five  cubits  also,  joining  to  the  wing 
of  the  other  cherub. 

13  The  wings  of  these  cherubims  spread  them 
selves  forth  twenty  cubits:  and  they  stood  on 
their  feet,  and  their  faces  were  inward. 

14  IT  And  lie  made  "the  veil  of  blue,  and  pur- 
ple, and  crimson,  and  fine  linen,  and  "wrought 
cherubims  thereon. 

15  ^T  Also  he  made  before  the  house  "two  pillars 
of  thirty  and  five  cubits  "high,  and  the  chapiter 
that  was  on  the  top  of  each  of  them  was  five 
cubits. 

16  And  he  made  ■’chains,  as  in  the  oracle,  and 
put  them  on  the  heads  of  the  pillars;  and  made 
°ia  hundred  pomegranates,  and  put  them  on  the 
chains. 

17  And  he  "reared  up  the  pillars  before  the  tem- 
ple, one  on  the  right  hand,  and  the  other  on  the 
left ; and  called  the  name  of  that  on  the  right 
hand  "Jachin,  and  the  name  of  that  on  the  left 
t'Boaz. 


10:19.  m 1 Kings6:23 — 28.  $ Or,  moveable  work.  ||  Or , toward  the  house. 
Ex.  25:20.  n Ex.  26:31— 35.  Matt.  27:51.  Heb.  9:3.  10:20.  11  Heb.  caused  to 

ascend,  o 1 Kings  7:15— 24.  Jet'.  52:21 — 23.  **  Heb.  long.  p 1 Kings  6:21. 
q 1 Kings  7:20.  r 1 Kings  7:21.  ft  That  is,  He  shall  establish.  That  is,  In 
it  is  strength. 

1 Chr.  21:18 — 30.22:1.)  It  is  thought,  that  the  tempie  and  its 
courts  were  situated,  partly  in  the  lot  of  Judah,  and  partly 
in  that  of  Benjamin.  (Notes,  Deut.  33:12.  Ps.  78:67 — 69.) — 
Began  to  build , &c.  (2)  Note , 1 Kings  6:1. 

V.  3,  4.  “The  first  measure”  seems  to  mean  the  original 
plan.  ‘He  projected  the  sanctuary,  and  the  oracle,  both 
together;  and  in  their  first  description  they  were  to  be  in 
length  sixty  cubits : that  is,  forty  for  the  sanctuary,  and 
twenty  for  the  most  holy  place.’  Bp.  Patrick.  The  height 
of  the  porch  is  not  mentioned  in  Kings ; but  the  description 
given  of  the  temple,  in  the  exposition,  takes  in  this  account. 
(Notes,  1 Kings  6:2,3.  1 Chr.  28:1 1 — 13,19.) 

Y.  6 — 8.  (Marg.  Ref.)  It  is  not  known  on  what  account 
the  gold,  here  mentioned,  is  called  gold  of  Parvaim ; that 
word  not  elsewhere  occurring  in  Scripture : probably  it  was 
brought  from  a place  so  called. 

V.  9.  Some  by  the  word  rendered  “ the  upper  cham- 
bers,” suppose  the  ceiling  of  the  most  holy  place  to  he 
meant ; hut  perhaps  some  of  the  upper  chambers,  on  the 
outside  of  the  temple,  were  thus  decorated;  the  lower  being 
used  for  more  common  purposes.  (Notes,  1 Kings  5:5- 
10.) 

V.  10 — 13.  The  meaning  of  the  word  rendered  “image- 
work,”  (10)  is  not  well  known;  but  it  implies  something 
highly  ornamented. 

V.  14—17.  Notes,  1 Kin gs  6:23—28.  7:15—22. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Proper  instructions,  well  understood,  enable  us  to  go  about 
our  work,  without  hesitation  or  uncertainty,  and  to  proceed 
in  it  with  confidence  and  comfort.  Blessed  be  God,  the 
sacred  Scriptures  are  sufficient  to  render  “ the  man  of  God 
throughly  furnished  for  every  good  work;”  and  all  our  mis- 
takes and  embarrassments,  in  matters  of  importance,  arise 
from  not  knowing  the  Scriptures,  or  not  attending  to  this  our 
heavenly  rule.  Let  us  then  search  them  daily  ; and  beseech 
the  Lord  to  enable  us  to  understand,  believe,  remember,  and 
obey  his  whole  word  ; that  our  way  may  be  made  plain  before 
us.  Let  us  endeavour,  that  all  our  works  may  be  ‘ begun, 
continued,  and  ended  in  him:’  let  us  seek  his  grace  to  adorn 
our  souls  with  the  beauties  of  holiness,  and  his  strength  to 
establish  us  in  faith  and  steady  obedience,  and  to  prosper  our 
labours  for  his  glory.  Beholding  God  in  Christ,  his  true  Tem- 
ple, infinitely  more  glorious  than  that  of  Solomon,  may  vve 
too  become  “a  spiritual  house,”  “a  habitation  of  God  though 
the  Spirit,”  ? nd  “a  holy  priesthood  ;”  that  here  on  earth  we 
may  begin  to  join  the  worship  of  cherubim  and  seraphim 
before  the  throne  ; and  at  length  in  his  couv  s above,  s ng 
“praises  to  him,  who  sitteth  upon  the  thre.o,  and  to  ne 
Lamb  for  ever  and  ever.” 

( 755  1 


B.  C.  1006.  II.  CHRONICLES.  B.  C.  1006 


CHAPTER  IV. 

The  altar  of  brans,  1.  The  molten  sea  supported,  by  twelve  oxen , 2—5. 
The  Lavers , candlesticks , and  tables,  6 — 8.  The  two  courts  of  the  temple , 
9,  10.  The  vessels,  furniture,  and  instruments  of  brass,  11 — 18.  Those  of 
gold,  19—22. 

MOREOVER,  he  made  aan  altar  of  brass, 
twenty  cubits  the  length  thereof,  and  twenty 
cubits  the  breadth  thereof,  and  ten  cubits  the 
height  thereof. 

2  Also  he  made  ba  molten  sea  of  ten  cubits  from 
'brim  to  brim,  round  in  compass,  and  five  cubits 
the  height  thereof;  and  a line  of  thirty  cubits  did 
compass  it  round  about. 

3  And  under  it  was  “the  similitude  of  oxen, 
which  did  compass  it  round  about ; ten  in  a cubit, 
compassing  the  sea  round  about.  Two  rows  of 
oxen  were  cast,  when  it  was  cast. 

4  It  dstood  upon  twelve  oxen,  “three  looking 
toward  the  north,  and  three  looking  toward  the 
west,  and  three  looking  toward  the  south,  and 
three  looking  toward  the  cast:  and  the  sea  was 
set.  above  upon  them,  and  all  their  hinder  parts 
were  inward. 

5  And  the  thickness  of  it  was  an  handbreadth, 
and  the  brim  of  it  like  the  work  of  the  brim  of  a 
cup,  Hvith  flowers  of  lilies;  and  it  received  and 
held *  1 three  thousand  baths. 

6  H He  made  also  nen  lavers,  andput  five  on  the 
right  hand,  and  five  on  the  left,  to  wash  in  them  : 
'such  things  as  they  offered  for  the  burnt-offering, 
they  washed  in  them  ; hbut  the  sea  xcas  for  the 
priests  to  wash  in. 

7  And  he  made  ’ten  candlesticks  of  gold  ''ac- 
cording to  their  form,  and  set  them  in  the  temple, 
five  on  the  right  hand,  and  five  on  the  left. 

8  He  made  also  ‘ten  tables,  and  placed  them 
in  the  temple,  five  on  the  right  side,  and  five  on 
the  left ; and  he  made  a hundred  ^basins  of 
gold. 

9  H Furthermore,  he  made  mthe  court  of  the 
priests,  and  the  great  court,  and  doors  for  the 
court,  and  overlaid  the  doors  of  them  with  brass. 


a 1:5.  Ex.  27:1— 8.  1 Kings  8:22,64.  9:25.  2 Kings  16:14,15.  Ei.  43:13—16. 
b Ex.  30:18-21.  1 Kings  7:23-26.  Zech.  13:1.  'I  it.  3:5.  Rev.  7:14.  • Heb. 

his  brim  to  is  brim,  c Ez.  1:10.10:1-1.  1 Cor.  9:9,10.  Rev.  4:7.  d Matt.  16: 
18.  Eph.  2:20.  Rev.  21:14.  e Matt.  28:19,20.  Mark  16:15.  Luke  24:46.47.  Acts 
9:15.  t Or,  like  a lilyjl  over.  f 1 Kings  7:26.  g Ex.  30:18—21.  1 Kings  7: 
38,40.  Ps.  51:2.  1 Cor.  6:11.  1 John  1:7.  1 Heb.  'he  work  of  burnt-offering. 

Lev.  1:9,13.  Ez.  40:38.  h 2.  Ex.  29:4.  Heb;  9:14.  Rev.  1:5,6.  7.14.  i 1 Kings 
7:49.  1 Mir.  28:15.  Zech.  4:2,3,11 — 11.  Matt.  5:14— 16.  John  8:12.  Rev.  1:20. 
k Ex.  25:31 — 40.  I Ex.  25:23— 30.  37:10— 16.  1 Kings  7:48.  Is.  25:6.  Ez.  44.16. 
Mai.  1:12.  1 Cor.  10:21.  § Or,  bowls.  Jer.  52:18,19.  Zech.  14:20.  m 1 Kings 

6:36.7:12.  n 1 Kings  7:39.  o 1 Kings  7:40,45.  ||  Or , bowls.  II  Heb.  finished 


NOTES. — Chap.  IV.  V.  1.  This  altar  is  not  men- 
tioned in  the  book  of  Kings.  It  was  four  times  as  long  and 
four  times  as  broad,  and  above  three  times  as  high,  as  that 
made  by  Moses;  (Notes,  Ex.  27:1 — 8 .'Ezra  3:2,3.  Ez.  43: 
13 — 17.)  and  it  formed  a scaffold,  above  eleven  yards  square, 
and  five  yards  high. — It  might  be  supposed  that  the  Israelites, 
now  that  dhey  were  settled,  multiplied,  and  enriched  in 
Canaan,  would  bring  far  more  numerous  sacrifices,  than  they 
could  have  done  in  the  wilderness;  and  the  altar  was  formed 
accordingly,  to  be  capable  of  containing  many  more.  As  it 
was  so  high,  all  the  worshippers  in  the  most  distant  parts  of 
the  courts  of  the  temple,  might  behold,  and  be  affected  with, 
this  representation  of  the  Lord’s  wrath  against  sinners,  and 
his  way  of  showing  mercy  through  the  sufferings  of  the 
promised  Saviour.  This  was  continually  shadowed  forth,  by 
the  innocent  animals  consumed  by  the  fire  which  came  down 
from  heav<-n,  while  the  guilty  offerers  were  spared.  (Notes, 
Gen.  4:3 — 5.  Eev.  1:4.) 

V.  2— C.  Notes,  1 Kings  7:23—39.  Jer.  52:17—23.  Zech. 
13:1.  Tit.  3:4—7. 

V.  7.  Form.]  Either  the/orm,  in  which  Moses  had  been 
taught  to  make  the  golden  candlestick  for  the  tabernacle ; 
(Notes,  Ex.  25:31 — 39.  I Kings  7:48 — 51.)  or,  according 
to  the  pattern  which  David  gave  him.  (Notes,  1 Chr.  28: 

II — 19.) 

V.  8.  Marg.  Ref.  Note,  1 Kings  7:48 — 51. 

V.  9.  Note,  1 Kings  6:36. 

V.  10 — 12.  Marg.  Ref. — Pommels.  (12)  Or  Glohcs. 
These  are  called  howls.  1 Kings  7:41 . Perhaps  they  were 
globes  placed  abovS  the  chapiters,  which  were  seen  through 
the  ornaments  with  which  they  were  decorated.  (Note, 
1 Kings  7:15—22.) 

V.  16.  ‘Some  think,  Solomon  calls  him  his  father,  out  of 
great  respect  to  him,  or  because  he  was  the  inventer  of  all 
this  excellent  work,  as  in  Gen.  4:20,21.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Note, 
2:13.) 

V.  17,  18.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  19.  It  is  probable,  that  hut  one  table  was  used  for  the 
show-bread : hut  the  rest  might  he  placed  near  it,  for  other 

v 756  ) 


10  And  “he  set  the  sea  on  the  right  side  of  tin 
east  end,  over  against  the  soutiv 

11  H And  Huram  made  “the  pots,  and  the  sho 
vels,  and  theJlbasins.  And  Huram  “finished  tht 
work,  that  he  was  to  make  for  king  Solomon  for  the 
house  of  God ; 

12  To  wit,  Pthe  two  pillars,  and  ^the  pommels, 
and  the  chapiters  which  were  on  the  top  of  the 
two  pillars,  and  the  two  wreaths  to  cover  the  two 
pommels  of  the  chapiters,  which  were  on  the  top 
of  the  pillars; 

13  And  rfour  hundred  pomegranates  on  the  two 
wreaths ; two  rows  of  pomegranates  on  each 
wreath,  to  cover  the  two  pommels  of  the  chapi 
ters  which  were  upon  the  '‘pillars. 

14  He  made  also  ’bases,  and  "lavers  made  he 
upon  the  bases ; 

15  ‘One  sea,  and  twelve  oxen  under  it: 

16  The  "pots  also,  and  the  shovels,  and  the 
’fleshhooks,  and  all  their  instruments,  did  >Hurarn 
zhis  father  make  to  king  Solomon,  for  the  house 
of  the  Lord,  of  "bright  brass. 

17  In  the  plain  of  Jordan  did  the  king  cast 
them,  in  the  ^clay-ground  between  Succoth  and 
“Zeredathah. 

18  Thus  Solomon  made  all  these  vessels  in 
great  abundance:  for  bthe  weight  of  the  brass 
could  not  he  found  out. 

19  H And  Solomon  made  call  the  vessels  fhai 
were  for  the  house  of  God,  dthe  golden  altar  also, 
and  'the  tables  whereon  the  show-bread  was  set ; 

20  Moreover  f the  candlesticks  with  their  lamps, 
that  they  should  eburn  after  the  manner  before 
bthe  oracle,  of  pure  gold  ; 

21  And  ‘the  flowers,  and  the  lamps,  and  the 
tongs,  made  he  of  gold,  and  that  ""perfect  gold  ; 

22  And  the  ksnuffers,  and  the  ““basins,  and  the 
spoons,  and  the  censers,  of  pure  gold  ^ and  'the 
entry  of  the  house,  the  inner  doors  thereof  for  the 
most  holy  place,  and  the  doors  of  the  house  of  the 
temple,  were  of  gold. 


tomake.  p 3.15-M7.  q 1 Kings  7:41.  r Fx. 28:33,34.  I Kings  7:42.  Cant.  4 
13.  Jer.  52:23.  " Heb.  face  of  the.  s 1 Kings  7:27 — 43.  ft  Or,  caldrons.  6 
t 2— 5.  u 11.  Ex.  27:3.  38:3.  Zech.  14:20,21.  x 1 Sam.  2:13,14.  1 Chr.  28:17 
y 1 Kings  7: 13.14,45.  Hiram.  z2:13.  Heb.  made  bright,  or,  scoured.  §§  Heb 
thicknesses  <>f  the  ground,  a 1 Kings  7:46.  Zorthan.  b 1 Kings  7:47.  1 Chr.  22 
3,14.  Jer.  52:20.  c 36:10,18.  1 K^gs  7:48— 50.  2 Kings  24:13.  25: 13— 15.  Ezra 
1:7-11.  Jer.  28:3.  52:18,19.  Dan.  5:2,3,23.  H 26:16— 18.  Fx . 30: 1— 10.  37 
2.5—29.  Rev.  8:3.  913.  e Ex.  25:23— 30.  Lev. 21:5— 8.  1 Chr.  28:16.  f7.  Ex 
25:31-37.  g Ex.  27.20.21.  h 1 Kings  6:5,16,17.  8:6.  Ps.  28:2.  i 5.  Ex.  25:31 
37:20.  1 Kings  6: 18,29.35.  1111  Heb.  perfection*  of.  k Ex.  37:23.  I Kings  7:50 
2 Kings  12:13.  25:14.  Jer.  52:18.  Till  Or,  bowls.  1 1 Kings  6:31 ,32. 


purposes ; or,  perhaps  some  of  the  tables,  as  well  as  of  the 
other  vessels,  were  kept  against  future  emergencies.  (Nolet 

1 Chr.  28:15,16.) 

V.  22.  The  inner  doors , &c.l  Marg.  Rtf.  Note,  1 Kings 
5:31—35. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  furniture  of  the  temple,  compared  with  that  of  the 
tabernacle,  plainly  instructed  God’s  ancient  people,  that  his 
church  would  be  gradually  enlarged,  and  his  worshippers 
immensely  multiplied:  and,  blessed  be  God,  in  the  person, 
sacrifice,  and  offices  of  Christ,  there  is  an  abundant  suffi- 
ciency for  any  multitudes,  however  large,  who  can  ever  come 
to  the  Father  through  him. — May  the  preaching  of  the  gospel 
hold  him  forth,  as  crucified  for  sinners,  to  all  the  nations  of 
the  earth ; and  may  his  Spirit  prepare  the  hearts  of  all  the 
inhabitants,  to  welcome  his  salvation,  for  all  things  else  are 
now  ready.  Whilst  we  thus  pray  for  others,  may  we  he 
found  humble  penitents,  by  faith  beholding  Jesus  as  “the 
Lamb  of  God  that  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world :”  may 
we  daily  wash  our  souls,  and  our  services,  in  that  “ fountain 
which  he  hath  opened  for  sin  and  for  uncleanness  may  we 
find  continual  access  to  the  Father,  through  our  heavenly 
Advocate,  and  receive  continual  supplies  of  his  Spirit:  may 
we  walk  in  the  light  of  his  word,  feast  upon  the  provisions  of 
his  house,  and  ho  “constrained  by  his  love,  to  live  no  longer 
to  ourselves,  hut  unto  him  who  died  for  us  and  rose  again.” — 
Nothing  can  be  too  precious  to  be  consecrated  to  his  ser- 
vice ; but  he  will  not  reject  the  meanest  abilities,  the  feeblest 
endeavours,  or  the  most  trivial  oblations,  which  are  offered 
in  faith  and  love:  yet  he  requires  the  very  best  of  our  affec- 
tions and  of  all  we  have  ; and  ho  will  much  more  readily  bear 
with  external  meanness  in  our  services,  than  with  an  insincere 
heart,  however  covered  with  specious  and  pompous  profes- 
sions and  performances.  The  nearer  we  approach  him  in 
privilege  and  external  worship,  the  more  holy  we  should  he ; 
(Note,  Lev.  10:3.)  and  the  nearer  we  really  approach  to  him 
in  knowledge  and  communion,  the  more  holy  we  shall  become: 
till  at  length  faith  shall  bo  changed  for  vision,  and  wo  shall  ho 
made  perfectly  and  eternally  like  him,  nd  fi'led  for  ih  fulf 


B.  C.  1005. 


CHAPTER  VI 


B.  C.  100 


CHAPTER  V. 

temple  is Jlnithed , and  the  dedicated  treasures  deposited  in  it,  1.  The  ark 
is  brought  into  the  most  holy  place,  2 — 10.  While  the  Leviles  sing  praises  to 
Cod,  a cloud  Jills  the  temple,  11 — 14. 

rpiIUS  all  the  work  that  Solomon  made  for  the 
JL  house  of  the  Lord  was  finished:  and  Solo- 
mon “brought  in  all  the  things  that  David  his 
father  had  dedicated : and  the  silver,  and  the  gold, 
and  all  the  instruments,  put  he  among  the  trea- 
sures of  the  house  of  God. 

2 H '’Then  Solomon  assembled  the  elders  of 
Israel,  and  all  the  heads  of  the  tribes,  cthe  chief  of 
the  fathers  of  the  children  of  Israel,  unto  Jeru- 
salem, to  bring  up  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord  ’'out  of  “the  city  of  David,  which  is  Zion. 

3 Wherefore  all  the  men  of  Israel  assembled 
themselves  unto  the  king  f in  the  feast  which  was 
in  the  seventh  month. 

4 And  all  the  elders  of  Israel  came  ; and  Vhe 
Levites  took  up  the  ark. 

5 And  they  brought  up  the  ark,  and  hthe  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation,  and  all  the  holy  vessels 
that  were  in  the  tabernacle  ; these  did  the  priests 
and  the  Levites  bring  up. 

6 Also  'king  Solomon,  and  all  the  congregation 
of  Israel  that  were  assembled  unto  him  before  the 
ark,  sacrificed  sheep  and  oxen,  which  could  not 
be  told  nor  numbered  for  multitude. 

7 And  the  priests  brought  in  the  ark  of  the 
covenant  of  the  Lord  unto  his  place,  kto  the 
oracle  of  the  house,  into  the  most  holy  place,  even 
under  the  wings  of  the  cherubims  : 

8 For  the  cherubims  spread  forth  their  wings 
over  the  place  of  the  ark,  and  the  cherubims 
covered  the  ark  and  'the  staves  thereof  above. 

9 And  they  drew  out  the  staves  of  the  ark, 
that  mthe  ends  of  the  staves  were  seen  from  the 
ark  before  the  oracle;  but  they  were  not  seen 
without.  And  'there  jt  is  unto  this  day. 

10  There  was  nothing  in  the  ark  "save  the  two 
tables  which  Moses  put  therein  at  Horeb,  +wheft 
“the  Lord  made  a covenant  with  the  children  of 
Israel,  when  they  came  out  of  Egypt. 

a ! Kings  7:51 . 1 Chr.  84:14.  25:26— 28.  b 1:2.  1 Kings  8:1— II.  lC'hr.28:l. 
c 1 Chr.  15:12. 24:6,31.  26:25.  d 1:4.  2 Sara.  6:12.  1 Chr.  16:1.  c 2 Sam.  5:7. 
'7:8-10.  I.ev.  23:34-36.  1 King!  8:2.  g Num.  4:15.  Josh.  3:6.  6:6.  1 Kinea 
8:3.  1 Chr.  15:2,12— 14.  h 1:3.  1 Kings  8:4, S.  i2Sara.  6:13.  1 Kings  8:5. 
1 Chr.  16:1,2.29:21.  k 4:20.  Ex.  37:6—9.  1 Kings  6:23-28. 8:6,7.  1 Ex.  25: 

12 — 15.  37:3 — 5.  Num.  4:6.  m 1 Kings  8:8,9.  * Or,  they  are  there  : ns,  1 Kings 
6:8.  n Ex.  31:13.  32:15,16,19.34:1.40:20.  Dent.  10:2— 5.  Heb.  9:4.  f Or, 
where.  o Ex.  19:5.  24:7,8.  Dent.  29:1 ,10— 14.  Jer.  31 :31— 34.  Heb.  8:6— 13. 
♦ Heb.  found,  p 29:5,15,34  . 30:15,17-20.  Ex.  19:10,14,15.  Job  1:5.  q 35:4. 
1 Chr.  24:  r 29:25.  1 Chr.  15:16— 22.  16  4—6,41,42.23:5,30.  25.1— 7.  Ezra  3:10, 
11.  si  Chr.  6:33,39.  25:6.  Ps.50:  62:  88:  titles.  t 1 Chr.  15:27.  Rev.  15:6. 
19:8.  n Ps.  92:3.  149:3.  150:3—5.  x Num.  10:1—5.  Josh.  6:6—  30.  1 Chr.  15: 


fruition  of  his  favour  and  glory.  (Notes,  2 Cor.  3:17,18. 
1 John  3:1 — 3.) 

NOTES— Chap.  V.  V.  1.  Notes,  2 Sam.  8:9—11. 
I Kings  7:48—51,  v.  51.  8:4.  1 Chr.  26:28.  29:3—9. 

V.  2 — 5.  Murg.  Ref. — Levites.  (4)  Perhaps  the  Levites, 
of  the  family  of  Kohath,  carried  the  ark  into  the  courts  of  the 
temple,  and  then  the  priests  conveyed  it  into  its  proper  place. 
(Notes,  Num.  4:6 — 18.  1 Kings  8:1 — 3.) 

V.  6.  (Note,  1 Kings  8:5.)  ‘The  observation  of  Vic- 
torious Strigelius  upon  this  history  is  very  pious:  That 
nothing  is  more  lovely  in  human  things  than  such  concord,  as 
here  appeared  among  all  orders  of  men ; both  of  teachers 
and  learners,  magistrates,  soldiers,  and  people,  who  were  all 
combined  to  promote  the  honour  and  service  of  God.  Such 
unity  ought  to  he  studied  by  Christian  people,  that  we  may 
be  all  one,  as  our  Saviour  prayed.'  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  7 — 10.  Note,  1 Kings  8:7 — 9. — Unto  this  day.  (9) 
That  is,  The  day  when  these  events  were  recorded-,  not  the 
day  when  these  extracts  were  made,  after  the  captivity. 

V.  11.  So  great  a multitude  of  sacrifices  were  to  be 
offered  on  this  occasion,  that  the  whole  body  of  the  priests, 
who  were  capable  of  service,  were  employed  at  once  ; and  not 
only  those  who  attended  in  their  courses. 

V.  12,  13.  (Marg.  Ref.)  These  particulars  are  not 
mentioned  in  Kings.  (Notes,  Lev.  23:24,25.  Num.  10:2 — 
10.  Josh.  6:3—16.  1 Chr.  15:17—24.  16:4—6.  25:1— 6.)— It 
is  remarkable,  that  the  Lord  took  possession  of  his  temple  by 
the  cloud,  at  the  moment  when,  with  one  consent,  the  Levites 
trere  singing  the  praises  of  his  everlasting  goodness  and 
mercy.  (Notes,  7:1 — 3.  20:21 — 25.  Ezra  3:8 — 11.  Ps.  136: 
)— 3.  Jer.  33:10,11.) 

V.  14.  Marg.  Ref.  b — d.  Note,  1 Kings  8:10 — 14. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  gracious  presence  of  God  renders  his  ordinances  far 
more  glorious,  and  is  more  essential  to  their  efficacy,  than 
any  conceivable  external  order  or  magnificence : and  he  is  as 
really  fvasent  with  two  or  three  humble  worshippers  in  a 


11  H And  it  came  to  pass,  when  tbe  priests 
were  come  out  of  tbe  holy  place;  (for  all  ttv* 
priests  that  were  present  were  rsanctified,  an* 
did  not  then  lAvait  by  course : 

12  Also  rtbe  Levites  which  were  the  singers,  ah 
of  them  of  "Asaph,  of  Hernan,  of  Jeduthun,  with 
their  sons  and  their  brethren,  being"  ‘arrayed  in 
white  linen,  having  “cymbals,  and  psalteries,  and 
harps,  stood  at  the  east  end  of  the  altar,  and  with 
them  xa  hundred  and  twenty  priests  sounding 
with  trumpets ;) 

13  It  came  even  to  pass,  as  the  trumpeters’  and 
singers  were  ?as  one,  to  make  one  sound  to  be 
heard  in  praising  and  thanking  the  Lord,  and 
when  they  lifted  up  their  voice  with  "the  trumpets, 
and  cymbals,  and  instruments  of  music,  and 
praised  the  Lord,  saying,  For  a lie  is  good;  for 
his  mercy  endureth  for  ever : that  bthen  the  house 
was  filled  with  a cloud,  even  the  house  of  the 
Lord  ; 

14  So  that  “the  priests  could  not  stand  to  minis- 
ter by  reason  of  the  cloud  : for  dthe  glory  of  the 
Lord  had  filled  the  house  of  God. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Solomon  blesses  the  people,  and  praises  God,  1— II.  His  prayer  at  the  dedi- 
cation of  the  temple,  12 — 39.  He  concludes  by  earnestly  entreating  the 
Lord's  special  presence  and  blessing,  40—42. 

THEN  said  Solomon,  aThe  Lord  hath  said 
that  he  would  dwell  in  the  thick  darkness. 

2 But  bI  have  built  a house  of  habitation  for 
thee,  and  a place  for  thy  dwelling  for  ever. 

3 And  the  king  cturned  his  face  and  dblessed  the 
whole  congregation  of  Israel:  and  eall  the  congre- 
gation of  Israel  stood. 

4 And  he  said,  f Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of 
Israel,  swho  hath  Vith  his  hands  fulfilled  that 
which  he  spake  with  his  mouth  to  my  father 
David,  saying, 

5 hSince  the  day  that  I brought  forth  my  people 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  I chose  no  city  among 
all  the  tribes  of  Israel  to  build  a house  in,  that 
‘my  name  might  be  there ; kneither  chose  I ahy 
man  to  be  a ruler  over  my  people  Israel : 

24.16:6.  y Ps.  95:1,2.  100:1,2.  Is.  52:8.  Jer.  32:39.  Acts  4:32.  Rom.  15:6. 
Rev.  5:8— 14.  z Ps.  68:25,26.  a 7:3.2(1:21.  1 Chr.  16:34,41 . Ezra  3:11.  Ps. 
136:1,  (ic.  Jer.  33:11.  b Ex.  40:34,35.  1 Kings  8: 10— 12.  c 7:2.  1 Tim.  6:16. 
d Ex.  40.35.  Is.  6.1-4.  Ez.  10:4.  Rev.  15:8.  a Ex.  20:21 . 24: 15— 18.  Lev.  16: 
2.  Dent.  4:11.  1 KinSs8:12.  Ps.  18:8— 11. 97:2.  Nah.  1:3.  Heb.  12.18.  b 2:4— 
6.  2 Sam.  7 13.  1 Kings  8:13.  1 Chr.  17:12.  22: 10,1 1 . 28:6,20.  > s.  132:5,13.14. 
John  4:21— 23.  Heb.  9:11,12.  Rev.  21:3.  c 1 Kings  8:14.  <129:29.  Josh.  22:6. 
1 Kings  S:55— 61.  1 Chr.  16:2.  Luke  24:50,51.  e 1 Kings  8: 14.  Neh.  8:5— 7. 

Matt.  13:2.  f 1 Kim's  8: 15.  1 Chr.  29:10,20.  Ps.  41 : 13.  68:4,3*2— 35.  72:18,19. 
Luke  1.68.  Eph.  1:3.  g 1 Chr.  17:12.  Ps.  138:1,2.  Malt. 24:35.  Luke  1:70. 
h 2 Sam.  7:6,7.  1 Kings  8:16.  i Ex. 20:24.  23:21.  Deut.  12:5,11.  Dan.  9:19. 
k 1 Sam.  10.24.  13:13,14.  15:23.  2 Sam.  7:15,16. 


mean  and  obscure  corner,  as  with  tens  of  thousands  assem- 
bled with  every  possible  accommodation,  or  every  kind  oi 
solemn  grandeur  and  magnificence.  (Notes,  Matt.  18:19,20. 
John  4:21 — 24.)  Yet,  on  some  occasions,  the  concurrence  o. 
vast  multitudes,  under  the  direction  of  pious  princes,  has  been 
made  extensively  useful  to  mankind,  and  greatly  honourable 
to  God  and  honoured  by  him. — The  eye  of  our  faith  must,  in 
every  service,  be  primarily  directed  to  the  atoning  sacrifice  of 
Christ : but  in  subordination  to  it,  our  sacrifices  of  praise  and 
thanksgiving  are  peculiarly  well  pleasing  unto  God  ; if  the 
harmony  of  our  voices,  or  musical  instruments,  is  really  ac- 
companied with  the  sweet  melody  of  a humble  and  grateful 
heart. — All  the  divine  perfections  are  glorious  in  themselves 
hut  the  Lord’s  goodness  and  ever  enduring  mercy  are  pecu 
liarly  endearing  to  the  broken-hearted,  humble  penitent;  and 
he  especially  delights  in  the  exercise  and  in  the  glory  of  his 
mercy,  in  harmony  with  his  wisdom,  truth,  and  justice, 
through  the  merits  of  the  Saviour.  This  should  encourage 
all  who  feel  their  need  of  abounding  mercy  ; being  conscious 
that  their  sins  have  greatly  abounded. — The  ministers  of  God 
should  always  be  ready,  both  in  body  and  soul,  for  every  ser- 
vice, ordinary  or  extraordinary  : and  it  has  a very  unfavour- 
able appearance,  even  in  the  eyes  of  men  in  general,  when 
they  manifest  an  unwillingness,  or  even  backwardness,  to  ex- 
ceed that  measure,  which  entitles  them  to  their  emoluments. 
( Note , Mai.  1:9 — 11.) — When  the  worshippers  of  God  are 
of  one  mind,  as  well  as  in  one  place,  they  may  expect  hi? 
more  immediate  presence  and  blessing:  if  he  take  possession 
of  our  hearts  to  sanctify  them,  he  will  exclude  whatever  inter- 
feres with  his  design  of  filling  them  with  his  glory  ; and  though 
darkness  now  rests  upon  our  views  of  heavenly  things,  yetr 
in  the  temple  above,  “ the  Lord  himself  v ill  be  our  everlast 
ing  Light,’  and  we  shall  know  even  as  we  are  known.  \ Notes 
Rev.  21:22 — 27.  22:2 — 5.)  May  he  prepare  us  for  that  land 
of  perfect  knowledge,  purity,  and  felicity ! 

NOTES.— Chap.  VI.  V.  1—3.  Marg.  Ref.  Note , 

1 Kings  8:10—14. 


( 757  ) 


B.  C.  1004. 


II.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  1004 


6 But  I have  'chosen  Jerusalem,  that  my  name 
might  be  there ; and  have  ‘"chosen  David  to  be 
over  my  people  Israel. 

7 Now  "it  was  in  the  heart  of  David  my  father 
to  build  a house  lor  the  name  of  the  Lord  God  of 
Israel : 

8 But  the  Lord  said  to  David  my  father,  For- 
asmuch as  it  was  in  thy  heart  to  build  a house 
for  my  name,  "thou  didst  well  in  that  it  was  in 
thy  heart. 

9 Notwithstanding,  thou  shalt  not  huild  the 
house ; but  >Hhy  son,  which  shall  come  forth  out  of 
thy  loins,  he  shall  build  the  house  for  my  name. 

10  The  Lord  therefore  hath  ‘‘performed  his 
word  that  he  hath  spoken  ; for  rI  am  risen  up  in 
the  room  of  David  my  father,  and  am  set  on  the 
throne  of  Israel,  “as  the  Lord  promised,  and  have 
built  the  house  for  the  name  of  the  Lord  God  of 
Israel : 

11  And  in  it  have  ‘I  put  the  ark,  wherein  is  the 
covenant  of  the  Lord,  that  he  made  with  the 
children  of  Israel. 

12  U And  “he  stood  before  the  altar  of  the  Lord, 
in  the  presence  of  all  the  congregation  of  Israel, 
and  “spread  lorth  his  hands, 

13  (For  Solomon  had  made  a brazen  ^scaffold, 
of  five  cubits  'long,  and  five  cubits  broad,  and 
three  cubits  high,  and  had  set  it  in  the  midst  of 
'the  court;  and  upon  it  he  stood,  and  "kneeled 
down  upon  his  knees  before  all  the  congregation 
of  Israel,  and  spread  forth  his  hands  toward  hea- 
ven,) 

14  And  said,  bO  Lord  God  of  Israel,  there  is 
“no  god  like  thee  in  the  heaven,  nor  in  the  earth; 
which  dkeepest  covenant,  and  slowest  “mercy  unto 
thy  servants  that  < walk  before  thee  with  all  their 
hearts  : 

15  Thou  which  hast  kept  with  thy  servant 
David  my  father  that  which  thou  hast  promised 
him;  and  sspakest  with  thy  mouth,  and  hast  ful- 
filled it  with  thy  hand,  as  it  is  this  day. 

,i6  Now  therefore,  O Lord  God  of  Israel,  hkeep 
with  thy  servant  David  my  father,  that  which  thou 
hast  promised  him,  ‘saying,  'There  shall  not  fail 
thee  a man  in  my  sight  to  sit  upon  the  throne  of 
Israel ; yet  so  that  thy  children  take  heed  to  their 
way  kto  walk  in  my  law,  as  thou  hast  walked  be- 
fore me. 

17  Now  then,  'O  Lord  God  of  Israel,  mlet  thy 
word  be  verified,  which  thou  hast  spoken  unto 

thy  servant  David.  [ Practical  Observations.'] 

18  But  “will  God  in  very  deed  dwell  with  men 
on  the  earth  ? Behold,  "heaven,  and  the  heaven 
of  heavens,  cannot  contain  thee  : "how  much  less 
this  house  which  I have  built ! 

19  iHave  respect  therefore  to  the  prayer  of  thy 
servant,  and  to  his  supplication,  "O  Lord  my  God, 
rto  hearken  unto  the  cry  and  the  prayer  which  thy 
servant  prayeth  before  thee  : 

1 l?:13.  Pb.  48:1.  78:68 — 70.  132:13.  In.  14:32.  n>  1 Sam.  16:1.  Ps.  89:19,20. 
r : t 7:2,3.  1 Kings  5:3.  8:17.  1 Chr.  22:7.  28:2.  o 1 Kings  8- 18-21.  Mark 
1 1:8.  2 Cor.  8:12.  p 2 Sam.  7:12,13.  1 Chr.  17:4,11,12.  q .See  on  4.  r 1:1. 
1 Kings  2: 1*2.  3:6,7.  I Chr.  29:15,23.  Ec.  1 4.  2:18,19.  s I Chr.  28:5.  t 5:10. 
Etc.  40:20.  1 King3  8:9,21.  Heb.  9:4.  u 1 Kings  8:22.  2 Kings  1 1:14. 23:3.  Ps. 
29:1,2.  x Ex.  9:33.  Job  11:13.  Ps.  28:2.  63:4.  68:31.  141:2.  143:6.  Is.  50:15. 
1 Tim.  2:8.  y Neh.  8:4.  * Heb . the  length  thereof , Sfc.  z 4 9.  1 Kings  6:36. 
7 12.  al  Kmg3  8:54.  Ezra  9:5.  Ps.  95:6.  Dan.  6:10.  Luke  22:41.  Acts  20:36. 
21:5.  b Geo.  33:20.  35:10.  Ex.  3:15.  1 Kings  8:23.  18:36.  1 Chr.  29:10,20. 
c Ex.  15:11.  2 Sam.  7:22.  Ps.  86:8.  89:6,8.  Jer.  10:6,16.  d Dent.  7:9.  Neh.  1:5. 
Ps.  89:28.  Dan.  9:4.  Mic.  7:18 — 20.  Luke  1:72.  e Ps.  103:17,18.  Luke  1:50,54, 
55.  f Gen.  5:24.  17:1.  1 Kings  3:6.  6:12.  Luke  1 6.  1 Thes.  2: 12.  g 2 Sam.  7: 
12.  1 Kings  8:24.  1 Chr.  22:9,10.  h Ez.  36:37.  John  15:14,15.  i 7:18.  2 Sam. 
7.12—16.  1 Kings  2:4.  Ps.  132:12.  1 Heb.  There  s/inll  not  a man  be  rut  off 

k Ps.  26  3.  119:1.  14,14.  Ex.  24: 10.  Is.  41 :17.  45:3.  m 2 Sam.  7:25-29.  Jer-. 

11:5.  n 1 Kings  8:27.  Ps.  113:5,6.  Is.  57: 15.  m-.  1 . Acts  7:48,49.  17:24.  o 2:6. 
Ps.  139:7-10.  Jer.  23:24.  2 Cor.  12:2.  p 32:15.  Job  4: 19.  9:14.  25:4-6.  Matt. 
7:11.  q 1 Kings  8:28.  Ps.  74:20.  130:2.  1 tan.  9: 17- 19.  Luke  18:1-7.  r Ps.  4: 
I.  5:1,2.  20:1 — 3.  John  17:20.  s 16:9.  1 Kings  8:29,30.  2 Kings  19:16.  Noli.  1:6. 
Ps.  34.15.  t 6.  Pent.  26:2.  Col.  2:9.  J Or,  in  this  place.  Dan.  6:10.  § Heb. 
pray.  u 39.  Job  22:12— 14.  Ps.  123:1.  Ec.  5:2.  Is.  57:15.  Mutt.  6:9.  x Ps. 
85:2,3.130  3 4.  Is.  43.25.  Dan.  9:19.  Mic.  7:18,19.  Matt.  6:12.  y 1 Kings  8:31, 
32.  ||  Heb . and  he  require  an  oath  vf  him.  Ex.  22:11.  Lev.  5:1.  Prov.  30:9. 

V.  4 — 11.  Notey  1 Kings  8:15 — 21. — Neither  chose  /,  &c. 
1 5)  The  judges  and  Saul  were  chosen  by  God,  for  a season, 
to  be  rulers  of  Israel ; but  not  to  establish  a permanent  and, 
hereditary  authority  over  that  people , as  was  the  case  with 
David. — Jerusalem,  (6)  This  is  not  found  in  Kings. — Jeru- 
salem was  expressly  marked  out,  by  the  building  of  the  temple , 
to  he  the  centre  of  ihe  worship  of  Israel:  as  the  Lord  had 
before  spoken  by  Moses.  (Marg.  Ref.  1.  Note}  Deut.  12: 

5-7.) 


20  That  'thine  eyes  may  be  open  upon  this 
house  day  and  night,  upon  the  place  whereof  thou 
hast  said  that  thou  wouldest  ‘put  thy  name  there 
to  hearken  unto  the  prayer  which  thy  servant 
prayeth  'toward  this  place. 

21  Hearken  therefore  unto  the  supplications  of 
thy  servant,  and  of  thy  people  Israel,  which  they 
shall  $make  toward  this  place  : hear  thou  from  “thy 
dwelling-place,  even  from  heaven  ; and  when  thou 
hearest,  “forgive. 

22  H If  a man  ?sin  against  his  neighbour,  "and 
an  oath  be  laid  upon  him  to  make  him  swear,  and 
‘the  oath  come  before  thine  altar  in  this  house : 

23  Then  hear  thou  "from  heaven,  and  do,  and 
judge  thy  servants,  by  brequiting  the  wicked,  by 
recompensing  his  way  upon  his  own  head ; and 
by  "justifying  the  righteous,  by  giving  him  accord- 
ing to  his  righteousness. 

24  If  And  if  thy  people  Israel  be  "put  to  the 
worse  before  the  enemy,  dbecause  they  have  sin- 
ned against  thee,  and  “shall  return  and  confess  thy 
name,  and  < pray  and  make  supplication  before 
thee  "in  this  house  : 

25  Then  hear  thou  from  the  heavens,  and  efor- 
give  the  sin  of  thy  people  Israel,  and  bring  them 
again  unto  the  land  "which  thou  gavest  to  them 
and  to  their  fathers. 

26  II  When  ‘the  heaven  is  shut  up,  and  k there 
is  no  rain,  because  they  have  sinned  against  thee  ; 
yet  'if  they  pray  toward  this  place,  and  confess  thy 
name,  and  mturn  from  their  sin,  when  "thou  dost 
afflict  them : 

27  Then  hear  thou  from  heaven,  and  for 
give  the  sin  of  thy  servants,  and  of  thy  people 
Israel,  "when  thou  hast  taught  them  the  rgood 
way  wherein  they  should  walk  ; and  ‘‘send  rain 
upon  thy  land,  which  thou  hast  given  unto  thy 
people  for  an  inheritance. 

28  H If  there  be  rdearth  iu  the  land,  if  there  be 
pestilence,  if  there  he  blasting,  or  mildew,  “locusts, 
or  caterpillars;  if  ‘their  enemies  besiege  them  in 
the  "cities  of  their  land ; “whatsoever  sore,  or 
whatsoever  sickness  there  be  : 

29  Then  “what  prayer,  or  what  supplication 
soever  shall  be  made  of  any  man,  or  of  all  thy 
people  Israel,  when  every  one  shall  >know  his 
own  sore,  and  his  own  grief,  and  shall  “spread 
forth  his  hands  "in  this  house : 

30  Then  hear  thou  from  heaven  thy  dwelling 
place,  and  forgive,  and  "render  unto  every  man 
according  unto  all  his  ways,  whose  heart  thou 
knowest ; (for  bthou  only  knowest  the  hearts  of 
the  children  of  men  ;) 

31  That  they  may  “fear  thee,  to  walk  in  thy 
ways,  §§so  long  as  they  live  in  the  land  which  thou 
gavest  unto  our  fathers. 

32  H Moreover,  concerning  dthe  stranger,  which 
Is  not  of  my  people  Israel,  but  “is  come  from  a 
far  country  for  thy  great  name’s  sake,  and  Mhy 

a Num.  6:19— 22.  Matt.  23:  IS.  n 21.  b Num.5'.B7.  Prov.  1:31 . I».  8:11.  Rom. 
2:9.  c Deut.  25:1.  Prov. 17:15.  Is.  3:10.  Ex.  18:20.  Rom.  2:10.  1!  Or,  4« 
ten.  Lev.  26:17,37.  Deni . 28:25,18.  Josh.  7:8.  I Kings  8:33,31 . Ps.  11:10.  djoth. 
7:11,12.  Jiiclg.  2:11,11,15.  2 Kings  17:7— 18.  e Lev.  26:10— 12.  Deni.  1 .29—  31 . 
30:1—6.  Neh.  1:8,9.  Prov.  28:13.  Jer.  3:12,13.  f Exra  9:5.  *<•.  Neh.  9:1,  &c 
Is.  63:  64:  Dnn.  9:3,  &c.  **  Or,  toward.  20.  g Ezra  1:1—6.  Ps.  106:47.  Jer. 
33:6—13.  h Gen.  13:15.  Ex.  6:8.  Josh.  21:43.  i Lev.  26:19.  I cul.  1 1 : 17J»t 
23.  1 Kings  17:1.  Luke  4:25.  k Is.  50:1, 2.  Ez.  14  :13.  Am.  1 1—9.  Rev.  11:6. 
I Jer.  14:1—9.  Joel  1:13—20.2-15—17.  m Prov.  28:13.  Ez.  13:27-32.  n 33:12, 
13.  Hos.  5:15.  6:1.  o 1 Kings  8:35,36.  I*». 25:4,5,8, 12.  94:12.  I I9-.5W.  Mic.  4:2. 
John  6.45.  p le.  30:21.  Jer.  6:16.  42:3.  q 1 Kings  18:40— 45.  Jot.  37:1 1—14 
Ps.  68:9.  Jer.  14:22.  Joel  2:23.  Zech.10  1.  Jam.  5-17,18.  r Lev.  26.16.25.25. 
Dent.  28:21— 61.  Ruth  1:1.  1 Kings  8:37— 40.  2 Kings  6:25—29.  8:1.  s Ex.  10: 
12—15.  Joel  1:4— 7.  2:25.  Rev.  9:3— II.  t 12:2-5.20:9—13.32:1.  Lev. 26:25. 
Deut.  28:52— 57.  ft  Heb.  land  oft  heir  gatet.  u 1 Kluge  8:87,38.  x ft.  83: 
12,13.50:15.91:15.  y Prov.  14:10.  z 12,13.  Is.  1:15.  JJ  Or,  Hum rd.  a ft. 
18:20-26.  Jer.  17:10.  Ez.  18-30.  Mutt.  16:27.  h 1 Kings  8: 39.  I Chr. 29:9 
29:17.  Ps.  11:4,5.  John  2:25.  Heb.  1:13.  Rev,  2.23.  c Ex.  20:20.  1 Sum.  12:24 
Job  28:28.  Ps.  128:1.  130:4.  Acts  9:31 . $§  Heb.  nil  the  days  which  thru  live  upon 
the  face  of  the  lane.  .1  !•:>  12:48,49  Ruth  1:16.2:11,12  1 Kings  8:41  48.10: 
1,2.  Is.. 56.3— 7.  Matt. 2:1.8:10, 11.  John  12:20.  Acta 8:27.  10: 1—1.  Eph.2:l2, 
13.  e Ex.  18:8-12.  Josh.  2 9.  9:9.  2 Kings  5:3.8,15.  Is.  60:1— 10.  Zech.  8:22. 
Mutt.  12:42.  f Ex.  3: 19,20.  13: 14.  Ps.  89:13. 


V.  12,  13.  Note , 1 Kings  8:22. 

V.  14—21.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 1 Kings  8 23—  30. 

V.  22 — 40.  Notes , 1 Kings  8:31 — 53. — l\im  from  their  sin. 
(20)  All  the  prayers  contained  in  these  verses,  for  deliver- 
ance from  suffering,  imply  that  sin  would  he  the  cause  of 
that  divine  anger,  which  inflicted  the  suffering,  and  art*  con- 
nected with  prayers  for  the  repentance  and  conversion  of  the 
sufferers.  (24,25.36,37,39.7:14.)  The  prophecie  "f  Israel’s 
restoration  aro  all  connected  iu  a similar  man  no’  (Aifes » 


( 759  ) 


B.  C.  1004, 


CHAPTER  VI.  B.  C.  1004. 


mighty  hand,  and  thy  litre-  ihed-out  arm ; gif  they 
come  and  pray  in  tins  house; 

33  Then  hear  thou  from  the  heavens,  even 
from  thy  dwelling-place,  and  do  according  to  all 
that  the  stranger  calleth  to  thee  for;  That  all 
people  of  the  earth  may  know  thy  name,  and  fear 
thee,  as  doth  thy  people  Israel,  and  may  know 
that  'this  house  which  I have  built  is  called  by  tjiy 
name. 

34  U If  'thy  people  go  out  to  war  against  their 
enemies  kby  the  way  that  thou  shalt  send  them, 
and  'they  pray  unto  thee  "'toward  this  city  which 
thou  hast  chosen,  and  the  house  which  I have 
built  for  thy  name  ; 

35  Then  "hear  thou  from  the  heavens  their 


36  II  If  ithey  sin  against  thee,  (‘'for  there  is  no 
man  which  sinneth  not,)  and  "thou  be  angry  with 
them,  and  deliver  them  over  before  their  enemies, 
and  They  carry  them  away  captives  unto  a land 
far  off  or  near ; 

37  Yet  Hf  they  ^bethink  themselves  in  the  land 
whither  they  are  carried  captive,  and  turn  and 
pray  unto  thee  in  the  land  of  their  captivity. 

• Is.  66:20.  Zech.  14:16,17.  Acts2:10.  h 1 Sam.  17:46.  2 Kings  19:19.  Ps.  22: 
27.  67:2.137:4,5.  Is.  11:10  . 49:6  . 54:1— 3.  Rev. 11:15.  * lleb.  thy  name  is 

edited  upon  this  house.  Num.6:27.  I Kings  8:16.  i Dent.  20*1 — 4.  Josh.  1:2 — 
5.  1 Kings  8:44,15.  k Num.  31:2— 6.  Josh.  8:1— 8.  Jude.  1:1,2.  1 Sam.  1.3:3, 
18.  I 14:9 — 12.  18:31.20:6— 13.  32:20,21.  m 6.  I Kings  8:13.  Is.  14:32.  Dan. 
6:10.  II  Pan.  9:17— 19.  o Is.  37:21— 36.  t Or,  rishl.  Pi.  9:4.  Jcr.  5:23. 
ill  Kin-s  8:46,50.  q Job  15:14— 16.  Ps.  130:3.  143:2.  Prov.20:9.  Ec. 

7:20.  Jam.  3:2.  1 John  1 :S— 10.  r Lev.  26:34—44.  Dent.  4:26,27.  2S:36, 64 
—68.29:24—28.  2 Kings  17:6,18,23.  25:21 . Dan.  9:7— 14.  Luke  21:24.  } Hell. 
they  that  lake  them  captives  carry  them  ate  ay.  s Lev.  26:40 — 45.  Deut.  4:29, 


Ts.  5 9:20,21.  Jcr.  31:18—20,33,34.  32:37—41.  Ez.  36:25 — 32. 
Mic.  7:14 — 20.  Zech.  12:9 — 14.  13:1.) — Bethink  themselves. 
(37)  Notes,  Ps.  119:57—63,  v.  59, So.  Ez.  18:28.  Hag.  1: 
5—11.  Luke  15:17 — 19. 

V.  41,  42.  These  concluding  words  are  not  in  the  book  of 
Kings ; but  are  taken,  with  some  variation,  from  the  hundred 
and  thirty-second  Psalm,  which  probably  was  composed  with 
reference  to  the  removal  of  the  ark  at  this  time.  (Notes,  Ps. 
132:1,7 — 9.) — TJie  temple  was  called  the  resting  place  of  the 
ark,  because  it  there  had  a permanent  settlement.  The  tem- 
ole  likewise  typified  the  human  nature  of  Christ,  “ in  whom 
JweUeth  all  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead  bodily  the  ark  typi- 
fied nis  meritorious  obedience  and  sufferings,  by  which  the 
loly  law  was  magnified,  and  through  which  believing  sinners 
approach,  and  hold  communion  with  a reconciled  God.  The 
ark,  the  sacramental  pledge  of  Jehovah’s  strength  engaged 
for  Israel’s  help,  would  not  avail  without  his  actual  presence. 
This  might  be  expected,  and  indeed  would  be  visible  in  its 
effects,  if  “his  priests  were  clothed  with  salvation,”  or  righ- 
teousness. If  they  were  partakers  of  salvation  in  their  souls, 
and  brought  forth  the  fruits  of  it  in  their  holy  H^es  and  con- 
versation : then,  their  example,  instructions,  and  ministrations, 
would  be  greatly  blessed,  and  made  very  successful.  Those 
who,  as  penitent  believers,  have  obtained  mercy,  and  are 
separated  from  the  love  and  spirit  of  the  world,  by  the  influ- 
ences of  the  sanctifying  Spirit  of  God,  are  saints.  Their 
edification,  comfort,  and  joy,  in  subserviency  to  the  glory  of 
God,  and  in  connexion  with  the  conversion  of  sinners,  form 
the  great  object  of  religious  ordinances : and  the  faith  and 
piety  of  ministers,  the  purity  and  solemnity  of  their  services, 
and  the  flourishing  of  true  religion,  cause  them  “to  rejoice  in 
goodness,”  even  the  goodness  of  the  Lord  ; by  enlarging  and 
gratifying  all  their  holy,  pious,  and  benevolent  affections. — 
These  seem,  therefore,  the  blessings  peculiarly  intended; 
though  the  outward  protection  and  prosperity,  of  both  priests 
and  people,  were  also  implied. — Solomon  further  prayed,  that 
God  would  not  reject  his  prayer,  which  he  made  for  a blessing 
on  that  work  to  which  he  had  called  him,  and  for  which  he  had 
caused  him  to  be  “ anointed :”  for  that  would  be  “ to  turn 
away  his  face,”  and  to  send  him  away  ashamed  and  dis- 
couraged. But  in  this,  he  was  a type  of,  and  probably  had 
reference  to,  the  promised  Messiah.  He  also  entreated  the 
Lord,  to  remember  the  mercies  which  he  had  promised  to 
David,  and  through  him  to  his  people  and  posterity;  and  to 
continue  and  perfect  them.  This  also  may  be  applied  to  the 
mercies  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  and  of  God  the  Father 
through  him. 

• PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 17.  It  is  a great  mercy  to  be  enabled  to  go  through 
important  services  to  the  church,  in  simple  obedience,  and  in 
dependence  On  the  Lord  ; and  to  witness  the  accomplishment 
of  them,  with  humble  gratitude  to  the  Giver  of  both  the  will, 
the  ability,  and  the  success  ; adoring  his  power,  faithfulness, 
and  goodness  in  every  part  of  it,  without  expressing  self-im- 
portance or  self-complacency.  For  pride  and  ostentation,  if 
allowed  to  intrude,  rob  God  of  his  glory,  and  mar  the  accep- 
tance, or  the  comfort,  of  the  most  useful  and  excellent  under- 
takings. Here  then  the  main  guard  should  be  placed,  by 
(Rose  who  are  employed  as  instruments  for  the  good  of  others  : 


saying,  l\Ve  have  sinned,  we  have  done  amiss, 
and  have  dealt  wickedly : 

38  If  they  “return  to  thee  with  all  their  hear* 
and  with  all  their  soul,  in  the  land  of  their  cap- 
tivity, whither  they  have  carried  them  captives, 
and  “pray  toward  their  land  which  thou  gaves . 
unto  their  fathers,  and  toward  The  city  which 
thou  hast  chosen,  and  toward  the  house  which  I 
have  built  dor  thy  name  ; 

39  Then  hear  thou  from  the  heavens,  even 
from  thy  dwelling-place,  their  prayer  and  their 
supplications,  and  maintain  their  "cause,  and 
Torgive  thy  people  which  have  sinned  against 
ihee. 

40  Now,  "my  God,  let,  I beseech  thee,  bthine 
eyes  be  open,  and  let  cthine  ears  be  attent  unto 
the  prayer  "that  is  made  in  this  place. 

41  Now  therefore  darise,  O Lord  God,  into 
,ethy  resting  place,  thou,  and  'the  ark  of  thy 
strength  : let  s;hy  priests,  O Lord  God,  be  clothed 
with  salvation,  and  let  hthy  saints  rejoice  in  good- 
ness. 

42  O Lord  God,  turn  not  away  the  face  of 
'thine  anointed : kremember  the  mercies  of  David 
thy  servant. 

30:1 — 3.  Luke  15:17.  § Heb . bring  hack  lo  their  heart.  t Ezra  9:6,7.  Neh. 

1:6.  9:26— 30.  Job  33:27,28.  I s.  106.6.  Is. 64:6— 12.  Jer.  3:12 — M.  31:18 — 20. 
Dan.  9:5— 11.  Luke  15:18,19.  u Deut.  30:2— 6.  Jer.  29:12— 14.  Hoi.  14:1-4. 
Joel  2:12,13.  x 33: 1 1 — 13  Dan.  9:3,4.  y34.  ||  Or,  righ> . 35.  Zech.  1:15.16. 
7.  Ps  25:18.  Mic.  7:18-20.  a Ps.  7:3.  13:3.  22  1,2.  88:1.  b 7;  15.  16:9.  1 Kings 
8:52.  Ps.  34:15.  Is.  37:17.  Dan.  9:17— 19.  c Ps.  17:1. 31:2.  116:2.  TT  Heb.  of 
this  place,  d Ps.  132:8 — 10,16.  e 1 Chr.  28:2.  f Josh.  3: 13.  6:4,5.  Ps.  110:2. 
Rom.  1:16.  g Is.  59:16— 18.  61:3,6,10.  Rom.  13:14.  Gal.  3:27.  Eph  4:22—21. 
Rev. 19:8,14.  h Neh.  9:25.  Is.  65: 18.19.  Phil.  3:3.  4:4.  i 1 Kings  1 :34.  Ps.  2: 
2.  Is.  61:1.  k Ps.  132:1.^5:3.  Acts  13:34. 


this,  this  above  all  the  rest,  should  dictate  their  constant 
prayers  ; and  all,  who  wish  success  to  their  attempts,  should 
join  in  prayer  for  them,  that  they  may  be  kept  humble,  and 
rendered  more  and  more  humble,  in  proportion  as  the}'  are 
honoured  by  God  for  usefulness. — When  a good  work  is  well 
finished,  it  is  not  done  with  : when  the  sermon  is  preached, 
the  letter  written,  or  the  book  sent  to  the  press,  or  even  well 
received  by  the  public,  its  real  utility  depends  on  the  Lord’s 
subsequent  effectual  blessing.  It  ought  therefore  to  be  dedi- 
cated to  him,  committed  to  his  hands,  and  his  blessing  sought 
upon  it ; and  in  this  case  we  may  confidently  expect,  that  the 
fruit,  which  by  his  grace  we  have  produced,  will  remain  for 
the  durable  good  of  many,  when  we  are  gone  to  our  home, 
“the  rest  reserved  for  the  people  of  God.”  ( Note , Ec.  12: 
2—7.) 

V.  18 — 42.  The  more  we  know  of  God  and  re’igion, 
tually  and  experimentally , the  more  humbly  we  shall  think  of 
ourselves  and  of  all  our  performances  ; the  more  reverentially 
we  shall  adore  the  infinitely  glorious  God,  and  the  more  en- 
tirely we  shall  trust  to  his  covenant  of  mercy  and  grace,  made 
with  believing  sinners  in  Jesus  Christ. — We  may  and  ought, 
unworthy  as  we  are,  to  expect  large  answers  to  all  our 
prayers,  which  we  present  for  ourselves  and  others,  through 
the  Saviour’s  intercession.  They  are  greatly  favoured  who 
have  pious  friends  to  pray  for  them  ; and  it  is  an  inestimable 
mercy  for  us  all,  that  44  we  have  an  Advocate  with  the  Father 
Jesus  Christ  the  righteous,”  who  is  44  the  propitiation  for  our 
sins  ; and  not  for  ours  only  ; but  for  the  sins  of  the  whole 
world.”  (Note,  1 John  2:1,2.)  Yet  this  will  not  prevent  the 
destruction  of  any  who  never  pray  for  themselves  : not  that 
the  Saviour  pleads  in  vain,  but  that  the  event  shows  he  does 
not  intercede  for  them.  (Notes,  John  17:6 — 10,20,21.) — In 
times  of  prosperity,  personal  or  public,  we  should  expect  ad- 
versity, and  pray  with  reference  to  it : and  in  seasons  of  deep 
distress  and  temptation,  we  ought  still  to  hope  and  pray  for 
deliverance  and  comfort. — Blessed  be  God,  sinners  of  every 
description,  when  they  bethink  themselves,  and  humbly  pour 
out  their  prayers,  in  dependence  on  the  Saviour’s  merits,  may 
be  assured  of  forgiveness,  acceptance,  and  all  the  blessings 
of  salvation. — Jehovah  has  made  our  nature  his  resting 
place  for  ever,  in  the  person  of  Emmanuel ; and  through  him 
he  dwells  and  delights  in  his  church  of  redeemed  sinners. 
May  all  his  ministers,  of  every  name,  be  clothed  with  righte- 
ousness and  salvation ; may  all  his  saints  be  made  joyful  in 
his  goodness  ; may  the  numbers  of  both  be  continually  in- 
creasing, till  the  boundaries  of  his  church  extend  as  wide  as 
those  of  the  human  species ! May  the  hearts  of  the  writer 
and  of  every  reader  become  his  resting  place;  may  Christ 
dwell  in  us  by  faith,  casting  out  every  idol,  cleansing  us  from, 
all  filthiness,  consecrating  us  as  his  temples,  and  shedding 
abroad  his  love  in  us  : may  the  Father  look  upon  us,  in  and 
through  his  Anointed,  whose  face  he  never  turns  away,  and 
whose  petitions  meet  with  no  repulse  ; and  may  he  remem- 
ber and  bless  us  in  all  things,  according  to  his  mercies  to 
sinners  through  him.  Amen. 

NOTES.— Chap.  VII.  V.  1—3.  Fire,  descending  and 
consuming  the  sacrifices,  was  the  customary  token  of  the 
divine  acceptance.  This  represented  the  righteous  displea-. 
sure  of  God  against  man's  sin,  as  the  cause  of  the  sufferings 

( 759  ) 


B.  C.  J i'04 


II.  CHRONICLES, 


B.  C.  1004. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Go ^ testifies  hit  a*  t eptance  of  Solomon's  prayer  by  fire  from  heaven  ; the 
g ory  n f the  Lord  fills  the  temple , and  the  people  worship,  l — 3.  Solomon's 
numerous  sacrifices  at  the  dedication , 4—7.  The  congregation  keep  the 
feast  of  tabernacles,  and  the  feast  of  the  dedication,  fourteen  days,  8,  9. 
He  dismisses  t'ic  people  joyful,  and  is  prospered,  10,11.  God  again  ap- 
pears to  Solomon,  and  makes  a covenant  with  him,  12—22. 

NOW  "when  Solomon  had.  made  an  end  of 
praying,  bthe  fire  came  down  from  heaven, 
and  consumed  the  burnt-offering  and  the  sacri- 
fices ; and  cthe  glory  of  the  Lord  filled  the  house. 

2  And  dthe  priests  could  not  enter  into  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  because  the  glory  of  the  Lord 
had  filled  the  Lord’s  house. 

3  And  when  all  the  children  of  Israel  saw  how 
the  fire  came  down,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord 
upon  the  house,  "they  bowed  themselves  with 
their  faces  to  the  ground  upon  the  pavement, 
and  worshipped,  and  praised  the  Lord,  saying , 
'For  he  is  good;  for  his  mercy  endurctli  for 
ever. 

4  11  Then  the  king  and  all  the  people  offered 
sacrifices  before  the  Lord. 

5  And  king  Solomon  offered  &a  sacrifice  of 
twenty  and  two  thousand  oxen,  and  a hundred 
and  twenty  thousand  sheep.  So  the  king  and  all 
the  people  hdedicated  the  house  of  God. 

6  And  'the  priests  waited  on  their  offices  : ffhe 
Levites  also  with  instruments  of  music  of  the 
Lord,  kwhich  David  the  king  had  made  to  praise 
the  Lord,  'because  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever, 
when  D&vid  praised  by  their  'ministry,  and  mthe 
priest  sounded  trumpets  before  them,  and  all  Israel 
stood. 

7  Moreover  Solomon  "hallowed  the  middle  of 
the  court  that  was  before  the  house  of  the  Lord  : 
for  there  he  offered  burnt-offerings,' and  the  fat  of 
the  peace-offerings,  because  “the  brazen  altar 
which  Solomon  had  made  was  not  able  to  receive 
the  burnt-offerings,  and  the  meat-offerings,  and 
the  fat. 

8  H Also  at  the  same  time  Solomon  Pkept  the 
feast  seven  days,  and  all  Israel  with  him,  ^a  very 
great  congregation  from  rthe  entering  in  of 
Hamath  unto  the  river  of  Egypt. 

9  And  in  the  eighth  day  they  made  a ’solemn 
assembly  : for  they  kept  the  dedication  of  the  altar 
‘seven  days,  ami  the  feast  seven  days. 

10  And  on  the  ‘three  and  twentieth  day  of  the 
seventh  month  he  sent  the  people  away  into  Iheir 
tents,  “glad  and  merry  in  heart  xfor  the  goodness 
that  the  Lord  had  showed  unto  David,  and  to 
Solomon,  and  to  Israel  his  people. 

a 1 Kinjts  8:54 . In.  65:24.  Dan.  9:20.  Acts  4:31 . 16:25,26.  b Gen.  15:17.  Lev. 
9:24.  Jud?. 6:21.  1 Kines  18:24,38.  1 Chr.  21:26.  c 5:13.14.  Ex.  40:34,35.  Lev. 
9:23.  i Kings  8: 10,11.  Is.  6:1— 4.  Ez.  10:3,4.  43.5.  44:4.  Hag.  2:7— 9.  Uev.21: 
23.  d 5:14.  Ex.  24:17.  Is.  6:5.  Rev.  15:8.  e Ex.  4:31.  Lev.  9:24.  Num.  14:5. 
16:22.  I Kings  18:39.  1 Chi'. 29:20.  Ps.95:6.  15:13.20:21.  Ezra3:U.  Ps.  103: 
17.  136:1,  &c.  Is.  63:7.  Jer.  33:11.  Lukel:50.  g 1:6.5:6.15:11.29:32,33.30: 
24.35:7—9.  1 Kinas  8:62.63.  1 Chr.  29:31.  Ezra  6:'16.I7.  Ez.  45:17.  Mir. 6:7. 
h 2.4.  Nnm.  7:10.  1 Kings  8:63.  Ezra  6: 16.  John  10:22.  i 1 Chr.  16:39,40.  24: 
1-3.  1 29:25.  1 Chr.  6:31.32.  15:16— 21.  16:4— 6, 41?42.  25:1— 7.  ]<  Am.  6:5. 

1 See  on  f 3.  1 Chr.  16-34.  Ps.  106:1.  107:1.  118:1—4.  138:8.  * Heh.  hand.  Is. 
52:6.  m 5:12.  Num.  10:1—10.  Josh.  6:4.  1 Chr.  13:8.  15:24.  16:6,42.  n 36:14. 
Nnm.  16:37,38.  1 Kings8:64.  Heh.  13:10— 12.  o4:l.  p Lev.  23:34— 43.  Nnm. 
29:12—33  Rent.  16:13— 15.  lKings8:65.  Neh.8:13— 18.  Zech.  14:16— 19. 
John  7:2,37— 39.  q 30:13.  r Gen.  15:18.  Nnm.  34-5— 8.  Josh.  13:3—5.  1 Kings 
4:21—25.  Am.  6:14.  t Heb.  restraint.  Lev.  23:36.  Deut  16:8.  Neh.8:18.  Joel 
1:14.  mar  sins,  s 30:23.  1 Kings  8:65.  t 1 Kings  8:66.  » 29:36.30:26.  Deut. 
12:7,12,18.16:11,14.  Nell.  8:10.  Ps.  32:11. 33:1 . 92:4.  100:2.  105:3.  106:5.  Acts 
2:4£  16:34.  Phil.  4:4.  x 6:41 . Ex.  18: 1 . y 2: 1 . 1 Kings  9: 1 . z.  Ec.  2:4,10,1 1 . 
a x 7.  Gen.  17:1.  1 Kings  9:2.  b 2 Kings  20:5.  Ps.  10:17.  66:19.  Luke  1:13. 
Acts  10:31.  1 John  5:14,15.  c 16.  Deut.  12:5,11.  Ps.  78:68,69.  132:13,14.  d 2: 


of  our  holy  Surety;  and  perhaps,  (he  sanctification  of  our 
xouls  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  like  purifying  fire, 
onsuming  our  carnal  and  corrupt  affections.  (Marg.  Ref. 
b.  Notes,  Gen.  4:3—5.  Ijev.  9:24.  1 Chr.  21:26.  Malt.  3:!  1, 
12.)— ‘This  is  added  to  what  is  recorded  in  that  book,’  (of 
Kings.)  ‘ . . . By  fire  sent  down  from  heaven  to  consume  the 
sacrifices  . . . the  first  sacrifice  that  we  read  of  in  Scripture, 
(that  of  Abel,)  it  is  generally  thought  was  declared  to  be 
acceptable  unto  God.’  Bp.  Patrick.  The  visible  displays 
also  of  the  divine  glory  still  continued,  or  were  renewed  after 
some  intermission ; or  perhaps  were  sensibly  augmented. 
(5:13,14.  Note,  1 Kings  8:10 — 14.)  But  it  is  probable,  the 
people  expected  these  tokens  of  the  Lord’s  acceptance  ; and 
the  awful  sight  did  not  terrify  them,  but  only  disposed  them 
to  the  most  reverential  adoration,  united  with  reiterated 
praises  of  his  goodness  and  mercy  that  endurcth  for  ever. 
No  similar  tokens  of  the  divine  acceptance  attended  the 
dedication  of  the  second  temple,  after  the  captivity ; nor  was 
me  ark  restored  to  its  place,  but  finally  lost.  (Notes,  Ezra 
3-12,13.  6:16—21.) 

V 4 — 10.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  1 Kings  8:63-  -GG.)  Solo- 

( 760  ) 


11  Thus  ^Solomon  finished  the  rouse  of  the 
Lord,  and  the  king’s  house : and  ‘all  that  came 
into  Solomon’s  heart  to  make  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  and  in  his  own  house,  he  prosperously 
effected. 

12  H And  "the  Lord  appeared  to  Solomon  by 
night,  and  said  unto  him,  bI  have  heard  thy 
prayer,  and  "have  chosen  this  place  to  myself  for 
da  house  of  sacrifice. 

13  If  CI  shut  up  heaven  that  there  be  no  ram, 
or  if  f I command  the  locusts  to  devour  the  land, 
or  if  «I  send  pestilence  among  my  people ; 

14  If  hmy  people,  twhich  are  called  by  my  name, 
shall 'bumble  themselves,  and  pray,  and  seek  my 
face,  and  kturn  from  their  wicked  ways ; then 
'will  I hear  from  heaven  and  will  forgive  their 
sin,  and  will  "'heal  their  land. 

15  Now  "mine  eyes  shall  he  open,  and  mine 
ears  attent  unto  the  prayer  Hhat  is  made  in  this 
place. 

16  For  now  “have  I chosen  and  sanctified  this 
house,  that  Pmy  name  may  be  there  for  ever  : and 
inline  eyes  and  my  heart  shall  be  there  per- 
petually. 

17  And  as  for  thee,  rif  thou  wilt  walk  before 
me,  as  David  thy  father  walked,  and  do  according 
to  all  that  I have  commanded  thee,  and  shalt 
"observe  my  statutes  and  my  judgments: 

18  Then  ‘will  I establish  the  throne  of  thy 
kingdom,  according  "as  I have  covenanted  witn 
David  thy  lather,  saying,  There  "shall  not  "fail 
thee  a man  to  be  ruler  in  Israel. 

19  But  vif  ye  turn  away,  and  forsake  my 
statutes  and  my  commandments,  which  I have  set 
before  you,  and  “sh'all  go  and  ’serve  other  gods, 
and  worship  them  ; 

20  Then  “will  I pluck  them  up  by  the  roots 
out  of  my  land  which  I have  given  them ; and 
this  house,  which  I have  sanctified  for  my  name, 
will  I cast  out  of  my  sight,  and  will  make  it  to  be 
a proverb  and  a by-word  among  all  nations. 

21  And  “this  house,  which  is  high,  shall  be  dan 
astonishment  to  every  one  that  passeth  by  it;  so 
that  he  shall  say,  “Why  hath  the  Lord  done  thus 
unto  this  land,  and  unto  this  house  ? 

22  And  it  shall  he  answered,  ' Because  they 
forsook  the  Lord  God  of  their  fathers,  which 
brought  them  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  and 
laid  hold  on  other  gods,  and  worshipped  them, 
and  served  them:  ^therefore  hath  he  brought  all 
this  evil  upon  them. 


6.  Dent.  12-S.  e 6:26—28.  Deut.  11:17.  Job  11:10.  12:14.  Luke  4:25.  llev.  3, 

7.  11:6.  f Ex.  10:4—6.  Ps.  105:34.  Joel  1:4—7.2:25.  g Num.  14:12.  16:45,47. 

2 Sam.  24:13— 15.  Ez. 14:19— 21.  his. 63:19.  X Heb.  upon  whom  my  name  is 
railed,  i 6:37- 39.  33  12,13,18,19.  Lev.  26:40,41 . Deut.  4:29,30.  30: 1-6.  Er.. 
33:11.  Jam.  4:9,10.  k Prov.  28:13.  Is.  55:6,7.  Er.  18.27— 30.  1 See  on  6:39. 
m Ps.  00:2.  Jer.  8:22.  33:6.  51:9.  n 6:20,40.  Deut.  11:12.  Neb.  1:6.  Ps.65:2. 
130:2.  1 Pet.  3:12.  § Heb.  of  this  place.  6:40.  o rent.  1221.  16:11.  1 King* 

8:16,44,48.  Ps.  132:14.  Zech.' 3:2.  p Sec  on  6:5,6,20.  33:4-7.  1 Kings  8:35.  9 
3.  2 Kings  21:4,7,8.  q See  on  15.  Matt. 3:17.  John  2: 19— 21 . Col.  2-9.  r Den*. 
28  1.&C.  1 Ki  >«rs 2 3.3:14.8:25.  11:38.  1 Chr.  28:9.  Zech.  3:7.  s Deut. 4:40. 
Ps.  105:45.  Ez.  36:27.  John  14:21.  15:10.  t See  nn  2Sam.  713— 16.  u Ps.  89: 
28—40.132:11,12.  x 1 Kings  9:5.  Jer.  33:20,21,25,26.  (1  Heh . be  rut  off  to  thee. 
6:16.  v Lev.  26:14,  &c.  Deut.  28:15,  &c.  1 Sam.  12  25.  1 Chr  28:9.  z See  on 
Dent.  4:23— 27.  Josh.  23: 15.16.  I Kings  9:6,7.  1 1 :4— 8.  a 2 Kings  17:20.  P«. 
52:5.  Jer.  12:17. 18:7.  31:28.45:4.  Jude  12.  b Deut.  28:37.  1 Kings  9:7.  Nelu 
41—4.  Ps.  44:14.  Jer. 24:9.  Lam.  2:15,16.  c 1 Kings  9:8.  d 29:8.  Jer.  19.8. 
49:17.50:13.  e Deut.  29:24— 28.  1 Kings  9:8,9.  Jer.  5: 19.  13:22. 16: 10-12.  22: 
8,9,28.  f Judg.  2:12,13.  Jer.  1:16.  Lam.  2:16,17.  4:13 — 15.  Ez.  14:23.  3G:17 — 
20.  g 36:17.  Dan.  9:12. 


moil’s  blessing  (he  people,  when  risen  from  his  knees ; prais- 
ing God  for  performing  his  promises  to  them;  ant!  praying 
that  God  would  incline  their  hearts  to  obedience,  that  all  the 
earth  might  know  that  Jehovah  alone  is  God  ; is  hero 
omitted.  (1  Kings  8-54 — 61.) — The  priests,  &c.  (6)  Marg . 
Ref.  Notes,  5:11 — 13. 

V.  II — 22.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 1 lungs  9:1 — 9. — If  I 
shut,  &c.  (13)  This  is  not  found  in  Kings.  Solomon  con 
nected  the  repentance  of  the  people,  with  their  deliverance 
from  divine  judgments,  in  his  prayers;  .and  God  does  the 
same  in  his  gracious  answer.  “If  my  people  . . . shall  hum- 
ble themselves  and  pray  and  seek  my  face,  and  turn  from 
their  wicked  ways.”  (Notes,  6:22 — 40,  v.  26.  .1  Kings  8:23 — 
26.) — Pluck,  &c.  (20)  Notes,  Deut . 29:19 — 26.  Jer.  45:4,5, 
v . 4.  Lam.  2:7,15,16. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  mercies  of  God  to  sinners  are  communicated  in  a 
manner  suited  to  impress  all  who  receive  them  with  the  most 
profound  reverence  of  his  majesty,  justice,  and  holiness  ; thus 
leading  them  to  unite  humble  confidence  with  fear  of  offend- 
ing so  Kolv  a God.  Especially,  whoever  bcnolds,  with  truq, 


B.  C.  992, 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


13.  C.  992. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

TKt  cities  built  by  Solomon,  1—6.  The  remnant  of  I he  devoted  nations  are 
subjected  to  tribute , ant  the  Israelites  employed  in  honourable  service*,  7 — 
11).  Pharaoh's  daughter  removes  to  hor  house,  11.  Solomon's  daily  sacri- 
fices, and  those  on  festival  days,  12,  13.  He  ajrpointe  the  priests  and  Levi  es 
to  their  services  in  order,  14,  15.  The  work  of  the  h-yuse  of  God  is  finished , 
16.  Solomon's  navi/  brings  gold  from  Ophir , 17,  18. 

p.  c.n  A ND  it  came  to  pass  “at  the  end  of 
J ii  twenty  years,  wherein  Solomon  had 
built  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  his  own  house, 

2 That  bthe  cities  which  Huram  had  restored 
to  Solomon,  Solomon  built  them,  and  caused  the 
children  of  Israel  to  dwell  there. 

3 And  Solomon  went  to  cHamath-zobah,  and 
prevailed  against  it. 

4 And  dhe  built  Tadmor  in  the  wilderness,  and 
all  the  store-cities,  which  he  built  in  Hamath. 

5 Also  he  built  cBeth-horon  the  upper,  and 
Beth-horon  the  nether,  fenced  cities,  with  walls, 
gates,  and  bars ; 

6 And  f Baalath,  and  all  ethe  store-cities  that 
Solomon  had,  and  all  the  hchariot-cities,  and  the 
cities  of  the  horsemen,  and  'all  that  Solomon 
desired  to  build  in  Jerusalem,  ‘and  in  Lebanon, 
and  throughout  all  the  land  of  his  dominion. 

7 H As  for  Jail  the  people  that  were  left  of  kthe 
Hittites,  and  the  Amorites,  and  the  Perizzites, 
and  the  Hivites,  and  the  Jebusites,  which  were 
not  of  Israel, 

‘ 8 But  of  their  children  who  were  left  after 
them  in  the  land,  'whom  the  children  of  Israel 
consumed  not,  them  did  Solomon  make  mto  pay 
ti  ibute  until  this  day. 

9 But  "of  the  children  of  Israel  did  Solomon 
make  no  servants  for  his  work;  but  "they  were 
men  of  war,  and  chief  of  his  captains,  and  cap- 
tains of  his  chariots,  and  horsemen. 

10  And  these  were  the  chief  of  king  Solomon’s 
officers,  even  Ptwo  hundred  and  fifty,  that  bare 
rule  over  the  people. 

a See  an  1 Kings  9:10.  b See  on  I Kings  9:11 — -13.  c Kum.  13:21.  34:8. 

2 Sam. 8:3.  lKings  11:23— 25.  1 Chr.  18:3.  d 1 Kings  9:17— 19.  e Josh. 

16:3,5.  1 Chr.  7:24.  f Josh.  19:44.  lKings9:18.  g 4.  17:12.  lKings 

9:19.  h 1:14  1 Kings  10:26.  * Heb.  all  the  desire  of  Soloirion  which  he  de- 

sired to  build.  lKings9:19.  Ec.2:10.  i lKings  7:2'.  Cant.  4 8.  j See  on 
1 Kings  9:20— 22.  k Gen.  15:19 — 21 . Deut.  7:1 . 1 Judg.  1:21— 36.  Ps.  106:34. 
m 2:17,18.  1 Kings  5:13. 11.  n Ex.  19:5,6.  Lev.  25:39— 46.  Gal.  4:26— 31. 
o 1 Sam.  8:11,12.  p 2:18.  1 Kings  5:16.  9:23.  q 1 Kings  3:1 . 7:8.  9:24.  | Heb. 
holiness.  Ex.  3:5.29:43.  Ez.  21:2.  2 Pet.  1:18.  r 4:1.  I Chr.  28:11.  Ez.  8:16. 


faith,  the  divine  Saviour  agonizing  and  dying  for  man’s  sin, 
will,  by  that  view,  find  his  godly  sorrow  enlarged,  his  hatred 
of  sin  increased,  his  soul  made  more  watchful,  and  his  life 
more  holy:  and  they  are  speculating  hypocrites,  who  profess 
to  expect  salvation  by  the  cross  of  Christ,  while  the  world 
has  their  hearts,  and  sin  is  allowed  in  their  habitual'  conduct. 
—The  Lord’s  ready  answers  to  our  prayers  should  animate 
us  to  repeat,  with  deeper  reverence  and  more  lively  gratitude, 
our  praises  of  kis  mercy. — The  most  endearing  displays  of 
the  love  of  God,  rightly  understood,  speak  terror  to  hypocrites 
and  presumptuous  offenders:  but  the  most  tremendous  dis- 
coveries of  his  righteous  vengeance  need  not  discourage  the 
upright,  humble  believer. — Every  token  of  his  favour  should 
enlarge  our  hearts  in  his  service:  and  those  who  are  inspired 
with  zeal  for  his  glory,  and  who  taste  the  joy  of  his  salvation, 
will  never  think  too  much  time  or  expense  can  be  bestowed 
in  communion  with  him  and  his  saints,  provided  other  duties 
be.  not  neglected. — In  the  best  state  of  nations  favoured  wiih 
revelation,  there  has  hitherto  been  a succession  of  prosperity, 
ingratitude,  corrections,  repentance,  forgiveness,  renewed 
mercies  and  prosperity,  and  renewed  ingratitude  and  forget- 
fulness of  God.  Yet  the  Lord  delights  in  those  places,  where 
his  ordinances  are  maintained  and  attended  on,  in  some 
measure  of  purity  and  consistency.  But  in  cases  of  apos- 
tacy,  or  general  profaneness,  or  hypocrisy,  he  will  glorify  his 
justice  by  tremendous  judgments  upon  those  who  have  thus 
abused  his  mercies,  and  forfeited  their  privileges,  making 
them  a warning  to  others,  if  not  an  infamy  among  the  heathen. 
Let  us  then  stand  in  awe  of  him ; watch  against  all  sin ; and 
copy  the  examples  of  the  most  approved  of  his  saints,  in  the 
brightest  parts  of  their  characters. 

NOTES. — Chap.  VIII.  V.  1 — 3.  Perhaps  Hamath- 
zobah  had  revolted : but  Solomon  regained  possession  of  it. 
(Note*)  2 Sam.  8:3 — 11.  1 Kings  9:1,2-11 — 14.  11:23 — 25.) 

V.  4 — 6.  Note,  1 Kings  9:15 — 22. 

V.  7—9.  Notes , 1 Kings  5:13—18. 

V.  10.  Three  hundred  overseers,  omitted  in  one  place, 
are  added  in  another,  completing  the  same  number.  (Com- 
pare 2:18.  1 Kings  5:16.  9:23.) 

V.  11.  Pharaoh’s  daughter  is  supposed  to  have  been  a 
proselyte  to  the  true  religion : but  she  was  of  heathen  extrac- 
tion, and  perhaps  attended  by  many  who  were  not  proselyted. 
J Notes,  1 Kings  3:1.)  If  there  were  no  open  idolatry  or 
Vol.  I.— 96 


11  IT  And  Solomon  ^brought  up  the  daughter 
of  Pharaoh  out  of  the  city  of  David,  unto  the 
house  that  lie  had  built  for  her : for  he  said,  Mj 
wife  shall  not  dwell  in  the  house  of  David  king  a 
Israel,  because  the  places  are  ’holy,  whereunti. 
the  ark  of  the  Lord  hath  come. 

12  11  Then  Solomon  offered  burnt-offerings 
unto  the  Lord  ron  the  altar  of  the  Lord,  which 
he  had  built  before  the  porch, 

13  Even  after  a certain  rate  “every  day,  offer- 
ing according  to  the  commandment  of  Moses, 
on  the  sabbaths,  and  on  the  new  moons,  and  on 
the  solemn  feasts,  ‘three  times  in  the  year,  even  in 
the  feast  of  unleavened  bread,  and  in  the  feast  of 
weeks,  and  in  the  feast  of  tabernacles. 

14  II  And  he  appointed,  according  to  the  order 
of  David  his  father,  "the  courses  of  the  priests  to 
their  service,  and  “the  Levites  to  their  charges,  to 
praise  and  minister  before  the  priests,  as  the  duty 
of  every  day  required  : nhe  porters  also  by  their 
courses  at  every  gate ; lor  ’so  “had  David  “the 
man  of  God  commanded. 

15  And  "they  departed  not  from  the  command- 
ment of  the  king  unto  the  priests  and  Levites 
concerning  any  matter,  or  concerning  cthe 
treasures. 

16  Now  dall  the  work  of  Solomon  was  pre- 
pared unto  the  day  of  the  foundation  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  until  it  was  finished.  So 
the  house  of  the  Lord  was  perfected. 

17  H Then  went  Solomon  to  “Ezion-geher, 
and  to  fEloth,  at  the  seaside,  in  the  land  of 
Edom. 

18  And  “Huram  sent  him,  by  the  hands  of  his 
servants,  ships,  and  servants  that  had  knowledge 
of  the  sea;  and  they  went  with  the  servants  of 
Solomon  to  Ophir,  and  took  thence  four  hundred 
and  fifty  talents  of  gold,  and  brought  them  to  king 
Solomon. 


Joel  2:17.  s Ex.  29:38 — 42.  Lev.  23:  Num.28:  29:  Ez.  45: 17.  46:3— 15.  t See 
on  Ex.  23:14 — 17.  Deut.  16:16.  1 Kings  9:25.  u 5:11.23:4.  31:2.  If hr.  24:1— 
19.  Luke  1:5,8.  x 35:)U.  1 Chr.  6:31,32, &c.  15:16—22.  16:4  —6,42.  23:  24:20 
— 31. 25:  Ezra  6:18.  y See  on  I Chr.  26:1 — 19.  J Heb.  so  was  the  command- 
ment of  David.  7.  2 Sam.  23:2.  I Chr.  28:19.  Acts  13:22,36.  a See  on  Deut. 
33:1.  1 Kings  13:1.  h See  on  30: 12.  Ex. 39:42,43.  cl  Kings  7.51.  I Chr.  9: 
29.26:20— 26.  d 1 Kings  5: 18.  6:7.  e 20:36.  Num.  33:35.  Ezion-gaber. 
1 Kings  9:26.  22:48.  f Pent.  2:8.  2 Kings  14:22.  16:6.  Elath.  g 9:10,13. 
See  on  1 King*  9:27,28.  10:22.  Hiram. 


profaneness  in  her  court,  there  might  be  many  things  incon- 
sistent with  spiritual  religion ; and  Solomon  did  not  think  it 
right,  that  she  should  reside  where  the  ark  had  been  situated, 
and  so  near  to  the  continual  temple-worship.  Perhaps  he 
wanted  resolution  wholly  to  suppress  all  that  he  did  not  en- 
tirely approve. 

V.  12 — 15.  Solomon  exactly  adhered,  both  to  the  law  ot 
Moses,  and  also  to  all  David’s  regulations:  not  only  because 
he  was  his  father,  but  because  he  was  41  a man  of  God,”  and 
acted  by  his  authority  in  forming  them.  ( Marg . Ref.  Notes , 
1 Chr.  23:-2 6:) 

V.  16.  Note,  1 Kings  6:7. 

V.  18.  Ships,  bp.]  The  materials  perhaps  were  ready 
prepared,  and  the  workmen  sent,  that  the  ships  might  be 
constructed  there;  for  vessels  could  not  sail  from  Tyre  to 
Ezion-geber,  or  Eloth:  as  there  was  no  communication  by 
water  between  the  Mediterranean  Sea  and  the  Red  Sea, 
on  which  these  sea  ports  were  situated.  (Note,  1 Kings  9: 
26—28.  10:22.) 

• PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Some  difficulty  or  conflict  must  be  expected  in  every  state 
on  earth:  but  those  whom  the  Lord  loveth,  will  prevail; 
and  in  heaven  their  peace  will  be  perfect  and  eternal. — We 
shall  never  be  satisfied  with  our  possessions,  enjoyments,  or 
achievements,  unless  we  limit  our  desires  hy  the  precept  and 
the  providence  of  God:  yet  he  indulges  his  people  in  things 
indifferent,  as  far  as  this  is  consistent  with  their  real  good. — 
His  ‘service  is  perfect  freedom;’  all  else  is  bondage:  hut  if 
we,  poor  condemned  criminals  and  strangers,  are  brought 
nigh,  pardoned,  and  employed  by  our  merciful  Lord,  we  shall 
surely  render  him  our  tribute  of  praise  and  grateful  obedience, 
though  the  lowest  and  most  laborious  service  in  his  house  be 
allotted  to  us. — It  is  hard  to  keep  up  a proper  distinction 
between  things  sacred  and  common,  in  the  palaces  of  the 
great,  or  in  the  courts  of  kings : and  it  .sometimes  requires 
more  wisdom  and  resolution  to  govern  a large  family  in  the 
fear  of  God,  without  conniving  at  evident  evil,  than  it  does 
to  govern  a large  kingdom  with  reputation,  and  in  prosperity. 
(Note,  1 Tim.  3:4,5.)  and  the  difficulty  is  increased,  when  by 
any  means  a man  has  got  a hinderance,  instead  of  a helper* 
in  the  wife  of  his  bosom.  But  the  truths,  worship,  and  honour 
of  God,  should  be  nearer  our  hearts  than  any  relative  com- 
forts : and  we  ought  to  offend  or  grieve  any  one,  rather  than 

( 761  1 


B C.  992. 


II.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  990 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Th 4 queen  of  Sheba's  visit  to  Solomon  ; her  admiration  of  his  wisdom,  and 
magnificence  ; her  presents  and  return , 1 — 12.  Solomon's  annual  revenue 
in  gold,  13,  14.  His  golden  shields  and  targets,  15,  16.  His  ivory  throne, 
and  rich  vessels  of  gold,  17 — 21.  Toe  honour  paid  him  by  other  kings,  22 
— 24.  His  stalls,  horses,  and  chariots,  25.  The  extent  and  wealth  of  his 
dominions,  26 — 28.  He  dies,  and  is  succeeded  by  Itchoboam,  29 — 31. 

AND  “when  the  queen  of  bSheba  heard  of 
'the  fame  of  Solomon,  she  came  to  prove 
Solomon  dvvith  hard  questions  at  Jerusalem,  with 
a very  great  company,  and  'camels  that  bare 
fspices,  amf  gold  in  abundance,  and  precious 
stones:  and  when  she  was  come  to  Solomon,  rshe 
communed  with  him  of  all  that  was  in  her  heart. 

2  And  Solomon  htold  her  all  her  questions : 
and  'there  was  nothing  hid  from  Solomon  which 
he  told  her  not. 

3  And  when  the  queen  of  Sheba  had  kseen  the 
wisdom  of  Solomon,  and  'the  house  that  he  had 
built, 

4  And  rathe  meat  of  his  table,  and  "the  sitting 
of  his  servants,  and  the  attendance  of  his  minis- 
ters, and  their  apparel;  his  ‘cup-bearers  also,  and 
their  apparel;  and  °his  ascent  by  which  he  went 
up  into  the  house  of  the  Lord;  inhere  was  no 
more  spirit  in  her. 

5  And  she  said  to  the  king,  It  was  a true 
Report  which  I heard  in  mine  own  land  of  thine 
'acts,  and  of  thy  wisdom  : 

6  Howbeit  i'I  believed  not  their  words,  until  I 
came,  and  mine  eyes  had  seen  it:  and  behold, 

' the  one  half  of  the  greatness  of  thy  wisdom  was 
not  told  me  : for  thou  “exceedest  the  fame  that  I 
heard. 

7  'Happy  are  thy  men,  and  happy  are  these 
thy  servants,  which  stand  continually  before  thee, 
and  hear  thy  wisdom. 

8  “Blessed  be  the  Lord  thy  God,  'which 
delighted  in  thee  to  set  thee  on  his  throne,  to  be 
king  for  the  Lord  thy  God:  .'because  thy  God 
loved  Israel,  to  establish  them  for  ever,  therefore 
made  he  thee  king  over  them,  Ho  do  judgment, 
and  justice. 

9  And  “she  gave  the  king  a hundred  and 
twenty  talents  of  gold,  and  bof  spices  great 
abundance,  and  precious  stones:  neither  was 
there  any  such  spice,  as  the  queen  of  Sheba  gave 
king  Solomon. 

10  And  the  servants  also  of  Huram,  and  the 
servants  of  Solomon,  'which  brought  gold  from 
Ophir,  brought  l,algum-trees  and  precious  stones. 
11  And  the  king  made  of  the  algum-trees 


u See  n;  1 Kinas  10:1,2.  Matt.  12:42.  T.i.ke  11:31.  b fieri.  10:7,28.25:3.  c 1: 
1.12.  1 Kings  4-31.  d Ps.  49:4.  78:2.  Prov.  1:6.  Mall.  13: 11 ,35.  e Ps.  72:10, 
15.  Is. 60:6.  f9.  Malt. 2:11.  g I Sam.  1 : 15.  Ps.  142:2.  Matt.  12:34.  hProv. 
13:20.  Mark  4:11,34.  John  15:15.  i 1 Kings  3: 12.  4:29.  Col.  2:3.  Heb.  1 12,13. 
K See  oo  1 Kings  10:3,4.  Acts  II ‘23.  13:4:  1 Kings  6:  7-  rp  1 Kings  4:22,23. 

Prov.  9:5.  John  6:53— 57.  n 1 Kings  10:5.  Luke  12:37.  Rev.  3:20.  * Or , but- 

lers.  Neh.  1:11.  o 23:13.  2 Kings  16:18.  I Chr.  9:18.  Ez.  44:3.  46:2.  i.  Ps. 
119:81.  143  7.  Cant.  5:8.  Dan.  10:17.  Rev.  1:17.  t Hel>.  word.  S e on  1 Kings 
10:6.  1 Or, . eayzngx.  q John  20:25— 29.  r See  on  1 Kings  10:7.  Ps.  31:19. 

Zech.9:17.  1 Cor. 2:9.  1 John  3:2.  6 5.  1 Kings  4:31 ,34.  t‘nril.5:9 — 1(5.  t Deut. 
33:29.  1 Kings  10:8.  Ps.  27:4.  84:10— 12.  Prov.  3:13,14  . 8:34.  10:21.  13:20.  I.nke 
10:39—42.  11:28.  il  1 Chr.  29: 10,20.  Ps  72  18,19.  2 Cor.  9: 12— 15.  x 2 Sam 
15:25,26.  See  on  1 Kings  10:9.  Ps.  18:19.  *22:8.  Is.  42:1  62:4.  v 2:11.  Pent.  7: 
8.  I Chr.  17:22.  z 2 Sam.  8:15. 23:3.  Ps.  72:2.  99:4.  Is.  9:7.  11:1— 5.  32:1,2. 


disobey  God  and  grieve  his  people,  by  allowing  his  ordinances 
to  be  profaned. — In  all  things,  which  are  expressly  directed  in 
Scripture,  our  religious  diligence  should  be  exactly  regulated 
by  it:  every  part  of  the  Lord’s  service  should  be  attended  to, 
in  due  succession,  order,  and  proportion;  and  then  we  should 
not  find  any  vacant  time  lie  heavy  upon  our  hands. — In  be- 
ginning and  conducting  every  undertaking,  we  should  keep 
the  end  in  view:  and  from  our  entrance  upon  life  we  should 
look  forward,  and  be  preparing  for  the  close  of  it ; that  then 
we  may  have  peace,  and  a happy  entrance  into  a better  state. 
Nor  ought  we  to  allow  oursedves  in  any  pursuit  or  indul- 
gence, which  interferes  with  that  grand  object.  Thus, 
44  known  unto  the  Lord  arc  all  his  works  from  before  the 
foundation  of  the  world  every  thing  respecting  his  spiritual 
temple  was  planned  and  determined,  before  he  began  to 
work ; and  M his  counsel  shall  stand,  and  he  will  do  all  his 
pleasure.” — As  men  risk  much,  and  undergo  great  hardship, 
in  obtaining  an  earthly  treasure  ; may  we  remember  44  how 
much  better  wisdom  is  than  gold  and,  leaving  the  children 
of  this  world  to  contend  for  its  toys  ; may  we,  as  the  children 
of  God,  44  lay  up  our  treasure  in  heaven,  that  where  our 
treasure  is,  there  our  hearts  may  be  also!” 

NOTES.— Chap.  IX.  V.  1—11.  {Notes,  1 Kings  10:1 
— 12.)  4 The  hard  questions  she  came  to  ask,  were  not  the 

curious  inquiries  into  the  secrets  of  natural  things,  or  new 
political  matters,  hut  about  things  pertaining  to  piety  and  the 

( 76a  ) 


Herraces  to  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  to  the 
king’s  palace,  and  'harps,  and  psalteries  for 
singers : and  there  weie  none  such  seen  before  in 
the  land  of  Judah. 

12  And  king  Solomon  gave  to  the  queen  ol 
Sheba,  fall  her  desire,  whatsoever  she  asked, 
besides  that  which  she  bad  brought  unto  the  king. 
So  she  turned,  and  went  away  to  her  own  land, 
she  anti  her  servants. 

13  H Now  ethe  weight  of  gold  that  came  to 
Solomon  in  one  year  was  six  hundred  and  three 
score  and  six  talents  of  gold : 

14  Besides  that  which  chapmen  and  merchants 
brought.  And  all  the  kings  of  Arabia,  and  "go- 
vernors of  the  country  brought  gold  and  silver  to 
Solomon. 

15  H And  king  Solomon  made  htwo  hundred  tar- 
gets of  beaten  gold  : six  hundred  shekels  of  beaten 
gold  went  to  one  target. 

16  And  three  hundred  shields  made  he  of  beaten 
gold  : three  hundred  shekels  of  gold  went  to  one 
shield.  And  the  king  put  them  'in  the  house  of 
the  forest  of  Lebanon. 

17  H Moreover,  the  king  made  ka  great  throne 
of  ivory,  and  overlaid  it  with  pure  gold. 

18  And  there  were  six  steps  to  the  throne,  with 
a footstool  of  gold,  which  were  fastened  to  the 
throne,  and  "stays  on  each  side  of  the  sitting  place, 
and  ‘two  lions  standing  by  the  stays : 

19  And  mtwelve  lions  stood  there  on  the  one 
side  and  on  the  other  upon  the  six  steps.  There 
was  not  the  like  made  in  any  kingdom. 

20  H And  all  "the  drinking  vessels  of  king  Solo- 
mon were  of  g old,  and  all  the  vessels  of  the  house 
of  the  forest  of  Lebanon  were  of  "pure  gold  : 
"none  were  of  silver ; °it  was  not  any  thing  ac- 
counted of  in  the  days  of  Solomon. 

21  For  the  king’s  ships  went  to  iJTarshish  with 
the  servants  of  Huram : every  three  years  once 
came  the  ships  of  Tarshisli  bringing  gold,  and 
silver,  "ivory,  and  apes,  and  ^peacocks. 

22  And  king  Solomon  'passed  all  the  kings  of 
the  earth  in  riches  and  wisdom. 

23  H And  all  the  kings  of  the  earth  'sought  the 
presence  of  Solomon,  to  hear  his  wisdom,  that 
'God  had  put  in  his  heart. 

24  And  they  brought  “every  man  his  present, 
vessels  of  silver,  and  vessels  of  gold,  and  raiment, 
harness,  and  spices,  horses,  and  mules,  a rate  year 
by  year. 


Jer.  33:15,16.  Heb.  1:8,9.  a 24.  1 King.  9:14.  10:10.  b See  on  1.  Gen.  43:11 
Ex.  30:34.  c See  on  8:18.  1 Kings  9:27,28.  10:22.  d 1 Kings  10:11.  almue- 
trees.  § < >r,  stays.  Heb.  highways,  e See  on  1 Kings  10:12.  1 Chr.  23:5.  25: 1 . 
Ps.  9*21— 3.  150:3 — 5.  f 1 Kings  10:13.  Ps.20:4.  Eph.  3:20.  g 1 Kings  10:14, 
15.  Ps.  68:29.  72:10,15.  ||  Or,  captains,  h 12:9,10.  See  on  1 Kings  10:16,17. 
il  Kings  7:2.  k See  on  1 Kings  10: 18— 20.  Ps.  46:8.  Rev. 20:11.  11  Heb. 

hands.  I Den.  49:9,10.  Num.  23:24. 24:9.  Rev.  5:5.  m Matt.  19:28.  Rev.  21: 
12.  n 1 Kings  10:21.  Esth.  1:7.  Dan.  5:2,3.  **  Hel>.  shut  up.  ft  Or,  there  was 
no  silver  in  them.  o 27.  Id.  2:22.  Jer.  31:5.  p See  on  1 Kings  10:22.  22.48 
Tharshish.  Or , elephants'  ’eeth.  q Job  39:13.  r 1:12.  1 Kings  312,13. 
4:30.31.  10:23,24.  Ps.  89:27.  Matt.  12:42.  Col.  2:2.3.  s 6,7.  1 Kings  4:31.  Is. 
11:2,10.  l 1:10 — 12.  See  on  1 Kings  3:28.  Prov.  2 6.  Dan . 1 : 17.  2 21— 23.  5 II 
Luke  21:15.  1 Cor.  1:30.  12:8.  Eph.  1:17.  Jam.  1:5,16,17.3:17.  u 9.  1 Sam. 
10:27.  1 Kings  9:14.  10:10,25.  Job  42:11. 


service  of  God.  For  our  Saviour  saith,  she  came  to  hear 
44  the  wisdom  of  Solomon,”  and  should  therefore  rise  up  m 
judgment  against  that  generation,  which  would  not  learn  of 
him.  And  in  1 Kings  10:1.  it  is  said,  the  fame  that  she  heard 
of  Solomon  was  “concerning  the  name  of  the  Lord  winch 
moved  her  to  this  journey.’  Bp.  Patrick. — The  throne  on 
which  Solomon  reigned,  was  the  throne  of  God : for  he  was 
God’s  vicegerent,  and  thus  44  king  for  the  Lord  his  God,”  to 
promote  his  glory  and  support  religion.  (Note,  2:11,12.) 

V.  12.  (Note,  1 Kings  10:13.)  4 In  1 Kings  10:13.  ... 
the  words  are,  44  besides  that  which  Solomon  gave  her  of  his 
royal  bounty,”  ...  here  explained  (o  have  been  done,  to 
requite  her  for  the  great  presents  she  made  the  king.’  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  13—21.  Notes,  1 Kings  10:14— 22.— Apes,  &c.  (21) 
The  imports  here  mentioned  indicate,  that  prosperity  had 
enervated  the  minds  of  Solomon  and  his  subjects,  and  led 
them  to  love  things  curious  and  uncommon,  though  useless  in 
themselves:  and  indeed  the  East  Indian  trade  has  helped  to 
render  every  nation  luxurious  and  self-indulgent,  which  has 
prospered  in  it,  from  the  beginning  to  this  day. 

V.22— 28.  Notes,  1 Kings  4:21.  10:23—20. 

V.  20 — 31.  Solomon’s  apostaey  and  idolatry  are  not  at  all 
hinted  at  in  this  narration  : and  ibis  forms  a cogent  argument, 
that,  being  repented  of  and  forgiven*  they  would  never  he 
remembered  against  him  to  his  condimna'ion ; t u*u^h  thet 


B.  C.  975 


CHAPTER  X.  B.  C.  975. 


25  And  Solomon  had  xfour  thousand  stalls  for 
torses  and  chariots,  and  twelve  thousand  horse- 
nen ; whom  he  bestowed  in  the  chariot-cities, 
mil  with  the  king  at  Jerusalem. 

26  H And  he  -’reigned  over  all  the  kings,  from 
the  river  even  unto  the  land  of  the  Philistines, 
md  to  the  border  of  Egypt. 

27  And  ’the  king  'made  silver  in  Jerusalem  as 
stones;  and  cedar-trees  made  he  “as  the  syca- 
more-trees that  are  in  <the  low  plains  in  abun- 
dance. 

28  And  they  bbromrht  unto  Solomon  horses  out 
of  Egypt,  and  out  of  all  lands. 

29  H Now  cthe  rest  of  the  acts  of  Solomon,  first 
and  last,  are  they  not  written  in  the  :book  of 
dNathan  the  prophet,  and  in  the  prophecy  of 
eAhijah  the  Shilonite,  and  in  the  visions  of  rlddo 
the  seer  against  Jeroboam  the  son  of  Nebat  ?, 

30  And  ^Solomon  reigned  in  Jerusalem  over  all 
Israel  forty  years. 

b.  c.-|  31  And  Solomon  '’slept  with  his  fathers, 

975;  -I  and  he  was  buried  in  the  city  of  David  his 
father : and  Rehoboam  his  son  reigned  in  his 
stead. 

CHAPTER  X. 

The  Israelites , at  Shcchem,  make  Rehoboam  kin*  ; and  wit'  Jeroboam  require 
him  to  lighten  'heir  yoke , 1 — 5.  Rehoboam,  rejecting  the  advice  o’  his 
fa'her's  counsellors,  and  consulting  with  thr  young  men , nnswe  s very 
rough 1 1/,  6 — 15.  The  ten  tribes  revolt , kill  Hadxjram,  and  drive  away  Reho- 
bomn,  16 — 19. 

AND  “Rehoboam  went  to  Sbechem  : for  to 
"Sheetem  were  call  Israel  come  to  make  him 

king. 

2  And  it  lame  to  pass,  when  ‘'Jeroboam  the  son 
of  Nebat,  who  was  in  E°ypt,  whither  he  had 
fled  from  the  presence  of  Solomon  the  king,  heard 
it,  that  Jeroboam  returned  out  of  Egypt. 

3  And  ’they  sent  and  called  him.  So  Jero- 
boam and  all  Israel  came,  and  spake  to  Rehoboam, 
saying, 

4  Thy  ( father  made  our  yoke  grievous : now 
therefore  ease  thou  somewhat  the  ^grievous  ser- 
vitude of  thy  father,  and  his  heavy  yoke  that  he 
put  upon  us,  and  we  will  serve  thee. 

5  And  he  said  unto  them,  ''Come  again  unto 
me  after  three  days.  And  the  people  departed. 

6  11  And  king  Rehoboam  'took  counsel  with  the 
old  men  that  had  stood  before  Solomon  his  father 
while  he  jet  lived,  saying,  kWhat  counsel  give  ye 
me  to  retu  m answer  to  this  people  ? 

7  And  thev  spake  unto  him,  saying,  'If  thou  he 
kind  to  this  people,  and  please  them,  and  '"speak 


X 1:14.  Deul.  17-16.  1 Kins.  4:26.  10:26.  y I Ki/igs  4:21,24.  P*.  12:8— It. 
I an.  7:14.  Rev.  19:16.  * Thai  is,  Euphrates.  Gen.  15:18.  Ex.  23:31.  Josh. 
13:2-7.  z 20  1:15.  t Kings  10:27,  Job  22:24,25.  t Heb.  gave.  a 1 Chr. 
27:28.  Ps.  78:4..  Is.  9:10.  Am.  7:14.  Luke  19:4.  b 25.  1:16.  1 Kings  10:28. 
Is.  2:7,8.  31:1.  c See  on  1 Kings  1 1 :41 ,42.  t Heb.  word*.  <1  2 Sam.  7:1—  3. 
12:1.25.  1 Kings  1:8,10,11,22—27,32—38.  I Chr.  29:29.  e 1 Kings  11:29.  14:2. 

12:15.13:22.  g l Kings  11 :42, 43.  h See  on  2Sam.7:12.  1 Kings  1 .21 . 2:10. 
a l Kings  12:1.  1 Chr.  3:10.  Matt.  1:7.  Rohonm.  h Gen.  12:6.  Sichem . 37:12, 
13.  Josn.  20:7.24  1.  Jndg.  9:1.  c.  1 Kings  4:1.  1 Chr.  12:38.  <1  1 Kings  11.26, 

28,40.  12.2.  e 1 Kings  12:3.  f 1 Sam.  8: 11— 18.  1 Kings  12:4.  Is.  47:6.  Matt. 
11:29,30.23:4.  1 John  5:3.  g Ex.  1 .13.14.  2:23.  1 Kings  4:20,25.  9:22.  hi  Kings 
12:5.  Prov.  3:28  i Job  1212,13.  32:7.  Prov.  27:10.  Jer.  42:2— 5,20.  k 2 Sam. 
16:20.17.5,6.  I 1 Kings  12:7,8.  Prov.  15:1.  m Gen.  49:21 . 2 Sam.  15:2 — 6. 
n 25:15.16.  2Sim.  1714.  Prov.  1 :25.  9:9.  19:20.  25:12.  Ec.  10:2,3,16.  o 6. 
8 Sam.  17:5,6.  Kings22;6 — 8.  p 5ee  on  4.  q 2 Sam.  17:7 — 13.  Prov.  21 :30. 


were  in  one  dace  recorded  for  a warning  toothers  in  all  future 
ages.  (Notss,  1 Kings  11:) 

In  the  hoot , &c.  (29)  ‘ It  appears  by  this,  that  the  prophets 
. . . were  als->  historians,  who  gave  an  account  of  what  passed 
in  their  times  : out  of  whose  work  this  short  history  was 
extracted.  . . These  three  did  not  join  to  make  one  book, 
but  severally  and  distinctly  gave  an  account  of  such  things  as 
occurred  U their  knowledge  ; out  of  which,  it  is  probable, 
Ezra  took  many  things  which  he  na'h  supplied  in  this  book.’ 
5p.  Patrick.  (Mare.  Ref.  Preface  to  1 Kings.  Notes , 1 
Kings  11:41.  14:19.  1 Chr.  29:19,20.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

In  proportion  as  we  possess  true  wisdom,  we  shall  perceive 
its  excellency,  and  labour  to  obtain  an  increase  of  it : and  in 
the  same  proportion  we  shall  become  more  indifferent  about 
worldly  wealth,  and  more  liberal  in  our  use  of  it  to  good  pur- 
poses, if  God  has  bestowed  it  upon  us.  For  true  wisdom 
vnd  happiness  are  inseparably  combined:  but  no  such 
alliance  is  formed  between  riches  and  the  enjoyment  even  of 
this  present  life.  ( Note,  Luke  12:15 — 21.)  It  is  therefore  far 
more  desirable  to  be  connected  with  those  who  can  teach  us 
wisdom,  than  with  those  who  can  give  us  wealth  : let  us  then 
acquaint  ourselves  with  the  divine  Saviour,  that,  becoming 
his  disciples  and  servants,  we  may  “ find  rest  for  our  souls 


good  words  to  them,  they  will  be  thy  servants  fly 
ever. 

8 But  "lie  forsook  the  counsel  which  the  old 
men  gave  him,  and  took  counsel  with,  the  young 
men  that  were  brought  up  with  him,  that  stood 
before  him. 

9 And  he  said  unto  them,  “What  advice  give 
ye  that  we  may  return  answer  to  this  people, 
which  have  spoken  to  me,  saying,  pEase  somewhat 
the  yoke  that  thy  father  did  put  upon  us? 

10  And  the  young  men  that  were  brought  up 
with  him,  spake  unto  him,  saying,  <iThus  shalt 
thou  answer  the  people  that  spake  unto  thee,  say- 
ing, Thy  father  made  our  yoke  heavy,  but  make 
thou  it  somewhat  lighter  for  us ; thus  shall  thou 
say  unto  them,  'My  little  finger  shall  be  thicker 
than  my  father’s  loins. 

11  For  whereas  ’my  father  'put  a heavy  yoke 

upon  you,  'I  will  put  more  to  your  yoke  : my 
father  chastised  you  with  whips,  but  I will  chastise 
you  with  "scorpions.  . 

12  So  Jeroboam  and  all  the  people  came  to 
Rehoboam  on  the  third  day,  as  the  king  bade, 
saying,  “Come  again  to  me  on  the  third  day. 

13  And  the  king  ^'answered  them  roughly;  and 
kingRehoboam  “forsook  the  counsel  of  the  old  men, 

14  And  answered  them  after  bthe  advice  of  the 
young  men,  saying,  cMy  father  made  your  yoke 
heavy,  hut  1 will  add  thereto:  my  father  chastised 
you  with  whips,  but  I will  chastise  you  with  scor 
pions. 

15  So  the  king  hearkened  not  unto  the  people  : 
for  ''the  cause  was  of  God,  "that  the  Lord  might 
perform  his  word,  which  he  spake  by  the  hand  ot 
I'Abijah  the  .Shilonite  to  Jeroboam  the  son  of 
Nebat. 

16  11  And  when  all  Israel  sate  that  the  king 
would  not  hearken  unto  them,  the  people  answered 
the  king,  saying,  sWhat  portion  have  we  in 
David  ? and  we  have  none  inheritance  in  hthe  son 
of  Jesse : every  man  to  your  tents,  O Israel : and 
now,  ‘David,  see  to  thine  own  house.  kSo  all 
Israel  went  to  their  tents. 

17  Bui  'as  for  the  children  of  Israel  that  dwelt 
in  the  cities  of  Judah,  Rehoboam  reigned  over 
them. 

18  Then  king  Rehoboam  sent  "’Hadornm,  that 
was  over  the  tribute  ; and  the  children  of  Israel 
"stoned  him  with  stones,  that  he  died.  But  king 
Rehoboam ’made  speed  to  get  him  up  to  his  cha- 
riot, to  flee  to  Jerusalem. 


Is.  19:11— 13.  r 1 Kings  1-2:10,11.  Prov.  10: 14.  13:16.  14: 16.  I8:G. 7.  25:25.  29: 
23.  a See  on  4 § Heb.  laded.  I Ex.  I -13,1 1.  5:5-9,18.  I Sam.  8: 18.  Is.  47: 

6.53-6.  Jer. 28:13,1-1.  Mall.  11:29.  n Luke  10:19.  Rev.  9:3,5,10.  x 5.  1 Kings 
12:12—15.  v Gen.  42:1,30.  Kx.  10:28.  1 Sam. 25: 10.1 1.  1 Kings 20:6— 11. 
Prov.  15:1.  n 8.  b 22:4,5.  Prov.  12:5.  Dan.  6:7.  c See  on  10.11.  Prov.  17: 
14.  Ec.  2:19.  7:8.  10:16.  Jam.  3:14— 18.  4:1,2.  d 25:16-20.  Deni.  2:30.  Jiulg. 
14:4.  1 Sam.  2:25.  1 Kings  22:20.  Acts  2:23.  4:28.  e Ser  or  1 Kings  11 :29— 39. 
John  12:37—  39.  19  24.32—  36.  f See  or  9:29.  g2Sam.20:l.  1 Kings  12:16,17. 
h 1 Sam.  20-27,30,31. 22:7,9,13.  i2  Sam.  7:15,16.  1 Kings  11:13,34-39.  1 Chr. 
17:14.  Ps.  2:1— 6.  76:10.89:29— 37.  132:17.  Is.  9:6,7.  11:1.  Jer.  33:20,21 .25,26. 
Ev.  37:24.25.  Am.  9:11.  Luke  1:32,33.  19:14,21.  Acts  2:39.  I for.  15:25.  Ilev. 
22:16.  k 19.  Jmlg.  8:35.  8 Sam.  15:13.  16:11.  John  6:66.  7 53.  1 11:1.  1 Kings 
11:36.12:17.  m 1 Kings  4:6.  5: 14.  Adoniram.  12: 18.  Adoram.  n 24:21.  Acts 
1:51,38.  f Heli.  strengthened  himself. 


and  we  shall  in  that  case  see  more  glory,  experience  more 
pleasure,  and  appropriate  more  riches,  than  our  hearts  can 
previously  conceive.  He  will  and  can  u do  for  us  exceed- 
ing abundantly  above  all  that  we  ask  or  think  and  the 
meanest  of  his  servants  will  be  great  above  all  the  ungodly 
princes  of  the  earth  : nor  can  they  be  separated  from  him 
though,  while  present  with  the  body  they  are  absent  from  tb 
Lord,  as  to  the  full  and  immediate  enjoyment  of  his  presence 
and  communion  with  him.  Next  to  this,  let  us  value  the 
acquaintance  of  those  who  love  and  serve  him,  that  we  may 
hear  the  wisdom  that  w God  hath  put  into  their  hearts and 
let  us  follow  them  as  far  as  they  follow  Christ,  but  no  further, 
whatever  may  be  their  reputation  in  the  church. — Seeing 
God  buries  in  the  depth  of  the  sea  the  sins  of  his  believing 
servants,  we  shuuld  be  tender  of  their  reputations,  as  well  as 
careful  to  avoid  their  mistakes  and  faults. — As  to  worldly 
grandeur,  what  is  it,  that  we  should  covet  it  ? Neither  autho- 
rity, wealth,  magnificence,  nor  reputation  for  wisdom,  can 
ward  off  the  stroke  of  death,  or  prepare  us  for  it,  or  reconcile 
us  to  it.  But  u thanks  be  to  God,  who  giv<  th  victory”  to  the 
true  believer,  even  over  this  dreadful  enemy,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord ! 

NOTES.— Chap.  X.  Y.  1—19.  Notes,  1 King*  4UA, 
11:1—8,34—40.  12:1—20. 

f ~63  ) 


H C J75 


II.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  974. 


19  And  ’Israel  rebelled  against  the  house  of 
David  runto  this  day. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Rehoboam,  preparing  to  reduce  Israel , is  forbidden  by  the  prophet  Shemeiah, 
l — 4.  lie  builds  and  fortifies  several  cities,  5—12.  The  priests  axvL  Leviios , 
being  cast  off  by  Jeroboam,  resort  to  Jerusalem,  attended  by  other  purus 
Israelites,  13 — 17.  liehoboam' s wives  and  children , 18 — 23. 

AND  dwhen  liehoboam  was  come  to  Jerusa- 
lem, he  gathered  of  the  house  of  Judah  and 
Benjamin  ba  hundred  and  fourscore  thousand 
chosen  men,  which  were  warriors,  to  fight  against 
Israel,  that  he  might  bring  the  kingdom  again  to 
Rehoboam. 

2  But  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  cto  She- 
maiah  dthe  man  of  God,  saying, 

3  Speak  unto  Rehoboam  the  son  of  Solomon, 
king  of  Judah,  and  eto  all  Israel  in  Judah  and 
Benjamin,  saying, 

4  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  Ye  shall  not  go  up,  nor 
fight  r against  your  brethren:  ^return  every  man 
to  his  house : hfor  this  thing  is  done  of  me.  And 
‘they  obeyed  the  words  of  the  Lord,  and  returned 
from  going  against  Jeroboam. 

5  IT  And  Rehoboam  dwelt  in  Jerusalem,  and 
Jbuilt  cities  for  defence  in  Judah. 

6  He  built  even  kBeth-lehem,  and  ‘Etam,  and 
mTekoa, 

o 16.  13:5—7.  1 Kings  12:19,20.  2 Kings  17:21—23.  p 5:9.  Josh.  4:9.  Ezra  9:7. 
a See  on  1 Kings  12:21.  b Ps.  33:10, 16.  Prov.  21 :30,3l . c 12:7,15.  1 Kings 
12:22—24.  d 8:14.  See  on  Dent.  33:1.  1 Sam.  2:27.  1 Tim.  6:11.  e Geu.  49: 
28.  Ex.  24:4.  2 Kings  17:34.  Phil.  3:5.  Rev.  7:4—8.  f Geu.  13:8.  2 Sam.  2:26. 
Acts  7:26.  1 Cor.  6:5— 8.  Heb.  13:1.  t Pet.  3:8.  1 John  3:11— 13.  g 10:16. 
1 Kings  22:36.  h See  on  10:15.  Gen.  50:20.  1 Kings  11:29—38.  Hob.  8:4.  i 25. 
7 — 10.  28:9 — 15.  j 8:2-6.  14:6,7.  16:6.  17:12.26:6.27:4.  Is.  22:8— 11.  k Gen. 
35:19.  1 Sam.  17:12.  Matt.  2:5,6.  1 Judg.  15:8.  lChr.4:32.  m 20:20  . 2 Sam. 
14:2.  Neh.  3.5,27.  Jer.  6:1.  Am.  1:1.  n Josh.  15:58.  o Josh.  15:35.  Soco/l. 
p Joel).  12:15.  15:35.  1 Sam.  22:1.'  2 Sam.  23:13.  Mic.  1:15.  q 1 Chr.  18:1. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  wisest  of  mere  men  in  some  things  act  imprudently, 
especially  when,  by  sin,  they  provoke  God  to  leave  them  to 
themselves  : nay,  the  most  equitable  princes  may  be  betrayed 
into  partial,  oppressive,  or  unwarrantable  measures  ; and  this 
is  the  general  consequence  of  being  drawn,  by  their  favourites, 
or  their  passions,  into  lavish  expenses.  Thus,  some  cause  of 
complaint  must  exist  in  every  kingdom,  of  which  turbulent 
and  ambitious  men  will  avail  themselves.  (Note,  2 Sam.  15: 
1 — 6.  P.  O.  1 — 12.)  For,  while  we  all  need  so  many 

allowances  for  ourselves , we  are  naturally  indisposed  to  make 
allowances  for  others.  Indeed,  very  many  would  be  dissa- 
tisfied, even  if  God  were  to  place  over  them  perfectly  wise 
and  righteous  governors : for  do  they  not  murmur  against  his 
own  most  righteous  dispensations  ? Do  they  not  regard  his 
holy  law  as  a heavy  yoke,  a grievous  servitude  ? and  are  not 
they  ungrateful  for  his  manifold  goodness  ? Nay,  the  very 
kingdom  of  the  Prince  of  peace,  though  his  throne  is  established 
in  mercy,  does  not  give  satisfaction.  Numbers  “ will  not 
have  him  to  reign  over  them;”  numbers  of ’his  professed 
subjects  neglect  his  service  because  they  think  him  an  austere 
Lord ; numbers  renounce  their  professed  subjection  to  him, 
and  prefer  the  yoke  of  sin  and  Satan  ; and  alas  ! the  impa- 
tience, the  negligence,  the  reluctancy  to  his  service,  which 
most  if  not  all  Christians  at  some  times  discover,  evince  that 
they  want  somewhat  to  be  eased  even  of  his  yoke.  Yet,  his 
wisdom,  righteousness,  truth,  goodness,  and  mercy  are  infi- 
nite ; “ his  yoke  is  easy  and  his  burden  light and  the  whole 
blame  of  our  uneasiness  rests,  upon  ourselves  alone.  This 
reflection  should  teach  us  to  w abhor  ourselves,”  and  to  pray 
continually,  “ Turn  thou  me,  and  so  shall  I be  turned.” 
And,  being  so  culpable  ourselves,  we  should  learn  to  bear 
with  the  perverseness  of  others,  and  to  prefer  lenient  to 
violent  measures;  and  experienced  to  inexperienced  coun- 
sellors. But  nothing  manifests  greater  folly  than  affronting, 
menacing  language,  when  united  with  indecision  and  weakness 
in  perilous  circumstances. — No  man  can  bequeath  his  pros- 
perity, any  more  than  his  wisdom,  to  his  heirs  * though  our 
children  will  generally  be  affected  by  our  conduct.  Let  us 
then  seek  those  good  things  which  will  be  our  own  for  ever ; 
and  implore  the  blessing  of  God  upon  our  posterity,  in 
preference  to  wealth  or  worldly  exaltation  : let  us  lay  our 
account  with  vicissitudes  and  vexations  on  earth,  and  with 
fickleness  and  ingratitute  from  man  : and  let  us  learn  to 
depend  on  the  power,  faithfulness,  and  love  of  that  God,  who, 
in  correcting  his  children,  or  punishing  his  enemies,  will  never 
fail  of  performing  his  largest  promises  to  those  who  trust  in 
him. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XI.  V.  1—4.  Note,  1 Kings  12:21  — 
24. 

V.  5 — 12.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Thq  Lord  did  not  permit 

Rehoboam  to  wage  war  against  the  newly  erected  kingdom 
of  Israel;  yet  it  was  allowable  and  prudent  for  him  to  take 
all  proper  measures,  for  the  defence  of  his  remaining  domi- 
-lions  : this  he  did  by  repairing  and  fortifying  several  cities,  to 
obstruct  the  entrance,  or  retard  the  progress,  of  'Jeroboam 
ana  his  troops,  in  case  he  should  attempt  an  invasion. — 
Perhaps  he  was  become  weary  of  his  young  counsellors,  and 
% -64  ) 


7 And  “Beth-zur,  ann  °Shoco,  and  pAdullam, 

8 And  |)Gath,  and  ’Mareshah,  and  “Ziph, 

9 And  Adoraini,  and  ‘LacJiish,  and  Azekah, 

10  And  "Zorah,  and  Aijalon,  and  xHebron, 
which  are  in  Judah  and  in  Benjamin,  fenced  cities. 

11  And  he  fortified  the  strong-holds,  and  put 
^captains  in  them,  and  store  of  victual,  and  of  oil 
and  wine. 

12  And  in  every  several  city  helput  shields  and 
spears,  and  made  them  exceeding  strong,  “having 
Judah  and  Benjamin  on  his  side. 

13  And  the  priests  and  the  Levites  that  were 
in  all  Israel  ‘resorted  to  him  out  of  all  their  coasts. 

14  (For  the  Levites  left  btheir  suburbs  and  ctheir 
possession,  and  came  to  Judah  and  Jerusalem  : 
lor  dJeroboam  and  his  sons  had*cast  them  off  from 
executing  the  priest’s  office  unto  the  Lord. 

15  And  he  ordained  him  priests  for  the  high 
places,  and  efor  (he  devils,  and  ffor  the  calves 
which  he  had  made.) 

16  And  rafter  them,  out  of  all  the  tribes  of 
Israel,  such  as  bset  their  hearts  to  seek  the  Lord 
God  of  Israel  came  to  Jerusalem,  ‘to  sacrifice 
unto  the  Lord  God  of  their  fathers. 

17  So  they  kstrengthened  the  kingdom  of  Judah, 
and  made  Rehoboam  the  son  of  Solomon  strong, 

r Josh.  13:44.  s Josh.  15:24.  1 Sam.  23:14,19.  Ps.  54:  title,  t 32:9.  Josh.  10: 
5,11.  15:35,39.  u Josh.  15:33.  Zoi  eah.  19:41,42.  Ajalon.  x Gen.  23:2.  Nuro. 
13:22.  Josh.  1411.  20:7.  2 Sam.  2:11.  y 23.  17:19.  z 26.14,15.32:5.  1 Sam. 
13:19,22.  a See  on  1.  * Heb.  presented  themselves  to  him.  b Num.  35:2 — 5. 
Josh.  21:20-42.  1 Chr.  6:66— 81.  c Lev.  27:30— 34.  Num.  18:21—28.  d 13:9. 
1 Kings  12:28—33.  13:33.  e Lev.  17:7.  1 eut.  32:17.  1 Cor.  10:20,21.  1 Tim.  4:1. 
Rev.  16:14.  f Ex.  32-4—8,31.  1 Kings  12:28.  14:9.  Ps.  106:19,20.  Hos.  8:5,6. 
13  2.  g 15:9.  30:11,18,19.  Josh.  22:19.  h Ex.  3:21.  mare.  Dent.  32:4G.  1 Sam. 
7:3,4.  I Chr.  22:19.  Job  34:14.  Ps.  62: 10.  108:1 . Dan.  6:14.  Hos.  4:8.  Hag.  1:5. 
marg.  Acts  11:23.  i Deni.  12:5,6,11,13,14.  1 Chr.  16:29.22:1.  k 12:1. 


disposed  to  hearken  to  more  sage  advisers  : and  his  remain- 
ing subjects  were  very  hearty  and  united  in  his  interests. — 
Etam  (6)  belonged  to  Simeon,  (1  Chr.  4:32.)  and  Zorah  and 
Aijalon  (10)  to  Dan.  (Josh.  19:40 — 42.)  So  that  some  cities 
of  the  other  tribes,  beside  Judah  and  Benjamin,  remained 
under  the  government  of  Rehoboam. 

V.  13 — 17.  When  Jeroboam  had  established  the  worship 
of  the  golden  calves,  in  order  to  prevent  his  subjects  from 
going  to  Jerusalem  ; (Notes,  1 Kings  12:25 — 33.)  it  is  proba- 
ble, that  all  the  priests  and  Levites  unanimously  protested 
against  his  idolatry  ; and  were  therefore  laid  aside,  to  make 
way  for  a more  compliant  priesthood.  As  Jeroboam  esta 
blished  no  other  idolatry  than  that  of  the  calves  ; the  !anguage 
here  employed  teaches  us,  that  the  worship  paid  to  tnem  was 
actually  rendered  to  devils  ; though  he  professed,  and  proba- 
bly intended,  by  them  to  worship  the  God  of  Israel.  For  it 
was  in  a way  which  he  had  expressly  prohibited,  and  which 
was  infinitely  dishonourable  to  him  ; and  therefore  it  was 
acceptable  to  Satan  alone,  and  his  destestable  associates  in 
rebellion.  (Note,  Lev.  17:3 — 7,  i>.  7.) — The  word  rendered 
devils,  in  the  texts  of  the  New  Testament  referred  to,  is 
daifiUsV  demon;  (Marg.  Ref.  e.)  which  often  in  heathen 
writers,  has  a good  sense  ; that  is,  it  is  used  for  the  objects  oi 
their  worship:  but  these  were  evil  spirits;  and  the  word  has 
always  a bad  meaning  in  Scripture,  and  denotes  abominable 
idols,  and  evil  spirits  as  worshipped  under  their  names.  Holy 
angels  are  never  called  demons. — It  is  not  certain  whether 
Jeroboam  had  deprived  the  priests  and  Levites  of  their  clues, 
to  maintain  his  new  priesthood  : but  it  seems,  that,  for  the 
present,  they  might  have  retained  their  cities,  suburbs,  and 
possessions,  if  they  would  have  remained  inactive  ; yet,  their 
situation  would  have  been  extremely  ensnaring  and  perilous, 
and  it  afforded  them  little  or  no  prospect  of  usefulness.  In 
the  days  of  David  and  Solomon,  they  had  become  generally 
attached  to  the  worship  of  God  at  the  sanctuary,  as  well  as 
to  the  royal  family  of  Judah  : and,  as  a body,  they  seem  to 
have  been  more  pious  and  zealous,  than  at  any  other  period* 
they  therefore  magnanimously  determined,  with  one  consent, 
to  desert  their  cities  and  possessions,  and  entirely  to  leave 
the  apostate  Israelites,  thus  u shaking  off  the  very  dust  of 
their  feet  for  a testimony  against  them.” — Jeroboam  probably 
was  glad  to  be  rid  of  them  : but  they  were  cordially  w elcomed 
by  the  king  and  people  of  Judah  ; and  doubtless  were  provided 
for  among  their  brethren,  w hoso  emoluments  must  thus  have 
been  greatly  reduced.  It  is  probable,  that  scarcely  any 
either  of  the  priests  or  Levites  remained  behind  on  this  occa- 
sion, for  we  read  nothing  of  them  in  the  subsequent  history  of 
Israel.  This  must  he  allowed  to  have  been  as  noble  a testi- 
mony for  the  cause  of  God,  against  apostates  and  idolaters,  as 
any  history  has  recorded  of  a whole  body  of  professed 
ministers. — Along  with  them  numbers  of  the  pious  Israelites 
left  their  estates,  and  came  to  unite  with  the  tribes  of  Judah 
and  Benjamin.  They  might  bring  away  w ith  them  many  of 
their  effects  : and,  as  the  land  afforded  room  enough  for 
them,  their  numbers  and  treasures  greatly  strengthened  the 
kingdom  of  Judah,  and  rendered  it  almost  equal  in  force  to 
that  of  Israel.  But  the  chief  advantage  was,  that  nearly  all 
the  true  religion  of  the  nation  was  concentrated  in  that  d’v*- 


B.  971 


CHAPTER  XII 


B.  C. 971 


three  yeai* : for  ’three  years  they  walked  3n  the 
way  of  David  and  Solomon. 

16  If  Arvl  Rehoboam  took  him  Mahalath  the 
daughter  of  Jcrimoth  the  son  of  David  to  wife, 
and  Abihail  the  daughter  of  mEliab  the  son  of 
Jesse : . 

19  Which  bare  him  children,  Jeush,  and  Sha- 
mariah,  and  Zaham. 

20  A fid  after  her  he  took  "Maachah  the  daugh- 
ter of  “Absalom ; which  bare  him  rAbijah,  and 
Attai,  and  Ziza,  and  Shelomith. 

21  And  Rehoboam  loved  Maachah  the  daugh- 
ter of  Absalom  above  all  his  wives  and  his  con- 
cubines : (for  he  took  ‘‘eighteen  wives,  and  three- 
score concubines;  and  bega,t  twenty  and  eight 
sons,  and  threescore  daughters.) 

22  And  Rehoboam  rmade  Abijah  the  son  of 
Maachah  the  chief,  to  be  ruler  among  his  brethren: 
for  he  thought  to  make  him  king. 

I 1:1—12.7: 17 — 19.  8:13 — 16.  Hos.6:4.  Matl.  13:20,21.  m 1 Sum.  16:6.  17:13, 
28.  I Chr.  2:13.  27:18.  Elihu.  n 21.  13:2.  Michaiahlhe  daughter  of  Uriel . 
o 1 Kings  15:2.  Abishalom.  p 12:16.  1 Kings  15:1.  Abijam.  Matt.  1:7.  Abia. 
q 23.  Deut.  17:17.  Jmlg.  8:30.  2 Sam.  3:2—5.  5:13.  I Kings  11:3.  1 Chr.  3: 1 — 9. 
Cant.  6:8,9.  r Dent.  21: 15— 17.  1 Chr.  5:1,2.29:1.  s 10:8— 15.  Luke  16:8. 
t 21:3.  Gen.  25:6.  1 Kings  1:5,6.  u 1 1 . * Heb.  a multitude  of  wives.  See  on  21. 


3ion  of  it.  Accordingly,  for  three  years  the  kingdom  of 
Judah  was  greatly  strengthened  ; while  the  king  and  the 
people  in  general  adhered  to  the  worship  of  God,  as  in  the 
days  of  David,  and  in  the  best  times  of  Solomon  ; but  after- 
wards matters  took  another  turn. — It  is  not  probable,  that 
Solomon  would  have  been  thus  joined  with  David,  as  the 
good  pattern  which  Rehoboam  and  his  subjects  followed,  if 
he  had  persevered  and  perished  in  his  apostacy. 

Jeroboam  and  his  sons.  (14)  4 His  sons  were  his  principal 
counsellors,  and  assistants  in  the  change  he  made  in  religion.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  18 — 21.  Rehoboam  imitated  his  father  in  multiplying 
wives,  but  not  to  the  same  enormous  excess : and  he  does  not 
appear  to  have  married  any  heathen  women. 

Daughter  of  Eliab.  (18)  Eliab  was  David’s  eldest  bro- 
ther; yet  more  than  eighty  years  had  elapsed,  since  David, 
at  the  age  of  thirty,  began  to  reign.  Abihail  must,  therefore, 
have  been  granddaughter,  or  great  granddaughter  to  Eliab, 
and  this  shows  the  latitude  in  which  the  words  son  and  daughter 
are  used  in  Scripture,  for  a descendant,  even  after  several 
intervening  generations.  (Note,  Ruth  4:18 — 22.) 

The  daughter  of  Absalom.  (20)  It  is  said  of  Abijah,  that 
whis  mother’s  name  was  Michaiah  the  daughter  of  Uriel  of 
Gibeah.”  (13:2.)  Gibeah  belonged  to  Benjamin,  and  proba- 
bly Absalom,  here  mentioned,  was  a Benjamite.  (Note, 

1 Kings  15:1—3.) 

V.  22,  23.  Rehoboam  acted  from  partial  affection,  and  by 
his  own  authority,  in  advancing  Abijah  above  his  elder 
brethren : whereas,  God  himself  chose  Solomon  to  be  king  in 
preference  to  David’s  other  sons.  (Note,  1 Chr.  29:1.)  It  is 
probable,  that  Rehoboam’s  conduct  gave  umbrage  to  his  other 
sons  ; and  that  he  dispersed  them,  in  the  fenced  cities,  in  ho- 
nourable and  affluent  situations,  to  prevent  their  uniting 
against  Abijah  : but  perhaps  he  also  confided  m them  to  retain 
these  cities  in  their  duty,  and  to  defend  them  against  the  com- 
mon enemy.  Whatever  were  his  motive,  it  was  deemed  good 
policy  by  his  contemporaries. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  commonly  more  prudent  to  manage  moderate  posses- 
sions well,  than  to  risk  losing  them  by  grasping  at  greater 
advantages:  and  when  an  egregious  error  has  exposed  us  to 
some  heavy  loss,  it  is  generally  wisest  to  sit  down  by  it,  lest 
we  be  betrayed  into  still  more  fatal  mistakes. — It  is  in  vain  to 
contend  with  the  purpose  of  God,  when  he  makes  it  known 
unto  us:  and,  as  his  word  declares  that  none  shall  enjoy  dura- 
ble peace  in  the  practice  of  wickedness,  it  is  madness  to  ex- 
pect it  ;\et,  by  tins  rule  of  judgment,  what  a world  of  madness 
and  folly  do  we  live  in  ! — Even  those  who  are  destitute  of  true 
faith  and  grace,  frequently  pay  some  regard  to  the  word  of 
God,  and,  for  a time,  are  restrained  by  it  from  actions,  to 
which  they  are  inclined,  and  do  many  things  which  are  dis- 
agreeable to  them  : and  even  this  temporary  faith,  and  external 
obedience,  are  often  recompensed  with  temporary  and  exter- 
nal advantages. — In  seasons  of  prevailing  ungodliness  and 
public  disturbances,  the  ministers  of  religion  will  be  exposed 
to  peculiar  trials;  as  they  must  either  act  contrary  to  their 
consciences  or  expose  themselves  to  great  loss  and  peril. 
This  is  the  time,  when  God  puts  the  sincerity  of  their  faith 
and  iove  to  the  proof:  on  these  great  occasions,  he  peculiarly 
calls  upon  them  to  bear  testimony  to  his  truth,  and  to  protest 
at  all  events,  against  enormous  evils,  by  whom  whomsoever 
patronised.  As  connivance  and  silence  in  such  a case  are 
very  criminal : so  it  is  peculiarly  honourable  to  God,  and  con- 
vincing to  the  consciences  of  men,  when  they  readily  renounce 
l eir  secular  interests,  and  stand  up  boldly  for  the  cause  of 
(JLd,  without  regarding  consequences : nor  will  such  behaviour 
ever  lose  its  reward. — It  may  be  their  duty  to  retire  from  such 
places  as  will  not  receive  their  testimony,  where?  they  can  do 
wo  good,  where  their  temptations  are  great,  an* 1,  where  they 


23  And  ‘he  dealt  wisely,  and  ‘dispersed  of 
all  his  children  throughout  all  the  countries  o. 
Judah  and  Benjamin,  unto  “every  fenced  city  : 
and  he  gave  them  victual  in  abundance.  And  he 
desired  'many  wives. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Rehoboam  forsakes  Ood , and  Shiehak  king  of  Egypt  invades  Judah,  1 — 4 
Rehoboam  and  his  princes,  being  warned  by  Shetnaia/i , humble  themselves  , 
and.,  though  spoiled , ate  not  destroyed , 5—12.  'Rehoboam' e reign  and  death. 
Abijah  succeeds  him,  13 — 16. 

AND  it  came  to  pass,  “when  Rehoboam  had 
established  the  kingdom,  and  had  strengthened 
himself,  bhe  forsook  the  law  of  the  Lord,  and  “all 
Israel  with  him. 

2 Ami  it  came  to  pass,  that  in  the  fifth  year  of 
king  Rehoboam,  dShishak  king  of  Egypt  came  up 
against  Jerusalem,  “because  they  had  transgressed 
against  the  Lord, 

3 With  i twelve  hundred  chariots,  and  three 
score  thousand  horsemen:  and  the  people  were 


n 13.  11:17.  b 26:13—16.  Dent.  6:10—12.  8:10-14.  32:15.  1 Kines  9:9.  Jer.  2: 
31.  Hos.  13:1,6— 8.  c 11:3.  1 Kings  12:17.  14:22— 24  . 2 Kines  17:19.  flos.  5: 

10,11.  Mic.  6:16.  cl  Seeon  1 Kings  11:40.  14:25,26.  e 7 : 19,20.  36: 14— 1 9. 
Jurtg.  2:13— 15..1  Chr.  28:9.  Neb. 9:26,27.  Ps.  106:43,44.  Is. 63:10.  Jer.2:19. 
44:22,23.  Lam.  5:15.16.  fJudg.4:13.  1 Sam.  13:5.  2 Sam.  10:18. 


may  be  exposed  to  still  fiercer  persecutions:  and  in  that  case 
no  possessions  or  connexions  ought  fo  be  regarded. — When 
the  ministers  and  ordinances  of  God  are  driven  from  any 
place,  it  is  time  for  them,  44  who  set  their  hearts  to  seek  the 
Lord,”  to  come  out  and  be  separate,  that  they  may  not  be 
seduced  to  have  fellowship  with  the  worshippers  and  servants 
of  Satan.  Trials  of  this  kind,  serve  to  separate  the  chaff 
from  the  wheat;  and  indeed  untried  faith  is  not  much  to  be 
depended  on:  but  when  we  have  been  proved, and  it  appears, 
that  we  are  willing  to  renounce  our  worldly  interests,  as  far 
as  called  to  it,  for  the  sake  of  Christ  and  the  gospel,  we  have 
got  one  good  evidence  that  we  are  truly  his  disciples. — Those 
ministers  should  be  welcomed  and  encouraged,  who  evidently 
prefer  their  work,  with  a good  conscience,  to  their  posses- 
sions ; and  if  things  were  as  they  should  be,  their  more  affluent 
brethren  would  readily  share  their  emoluments  with  them,  if 
they  saw  them  destitute. — It  is  genuine  policy  for  any  king- 
dom to  entertain  such  as  are  willing  to  leave  their  estates  and 
native  country,  purely  for  conscience’  sake  ; for  they  will 
prove  the  strength  and  bulwark  of  the  state,  which  gives 
them  a comfortable  asylum.  But 44 I-chabod,  the  glory  is  de- 
parted,” may  be  written  on  that  kingdom  which  drives  them 
away,  by  superstitious  or  idolatrous  impositions,  and  by  per- 
secutions.— Nothing  can  injure  us,  while  we  keep  close  to  the 
worship  and  service  of  God:  but  without  true  faith  and  grace, 
all  apparent  zeal  and  external  profession  will  at  length  wither. 
Yet  mjny  deem  themselves  good  and  righteous,  because  they 
are  not  so  faulty,  in  the  best  part  of  their  character,  as  some 
eminently  godly  persons  were  in  the  greatest  blemishes  of 
their  lives  ! — It  is  indeed  well,  when  those,  who  begin  foolishly, 
grow  wiser  by  experience:  but  alas!  that  wisdom  is  of  little 
value,  which  is  engrossed  by  the  care  of  secular  interests,  to 
the  neglect  of  the  immortal  soul,  through  the  indulgence  of 
worldly  lusts,  and  departing  from  the  living  God. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XII.  V.l.  Rehoboam’s  religion  seems 
to  have  proceeded  wholly  from  his  fears  of  being  given  up  into 
the  hands  of  Jeroboam : when  therefore  he  was  become  so 
strong,  that,  as  he  supposed,  he  had  nothing  to  apprehend 
from  that  quarter,  he  became  openly  rebellious  and  idolatrous. 
(Note,  1 Kings  14:22 — 24.)  The  leading  men  also  and  the 
bulk  of  the  nation,  so  generally  and  openly  renounced  the 
worship  of  God  at  the  temple,  that  it  was  adjudged  a national 
apostacy. — The  ten  tribes  had  before  apostatized  with  Jenv* 
boam  ; and  when  Rehoboam,  with  Judah  and  Benjamin,  fol- 
lowed their  example, 44  all  Israel,”  as  a nation, 44  had  forsaken 
the  law  of  the  Lord  ;”  and  the  pious  remnant  formed  only  a 
few  exceptions  to  the  general  rule. 

V.  2.  (Note,  1 Kings  14:25 — 28.)  It  is  probable,  that 
Shishak  was  of  another  family  than  Pharaoh,  whose  daughter 
Solomon  had  married  ; and  was  excited  to  this  invasion  by  the 
reports  of  the  immense  treasures,  which  that  prince  had  col- 
lected at  Jerusalem,  with  the  division  in  his  dominions,  and 
the  weakness  of  Rehoboam’s  administration.  But  the  Lord 
gave  him  power  to  execute  his  rapacious  purposes ; which  he 
would  not  have  done,  if  the  people  had  not  transgressed  against 
him. 

In  the  fifth  year.]  ‘Their  apostacy  was  in  the  fourth  year; 
. . . therefore  God  speedily  corrected  them,  that  he  might 
reduce  them  to  his  service,  before  they  were  settled  in  their 
impiety.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  3,  4.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  Lubims  were  the  inhabitants 
of  Lybia,  adjoining  to  Egypt  on  the  west:  the  Sukkiims  are 
supposed  to  have  beei\the  people  called  Troglodytes,  because 
they  dwelt  in  caves,  (rpwyAa(j :)  and  the  Ethiopians,  probably, 
were  the  inhabitants  of  Ethiopia  to  the  south  of  Egypt. — It  is 
likely  that  several  of  Rehoboam’s  sons  were  slain,  or  taken 
captive,  by  Shishak,  when  he  took  the  cities  in  which  they 
governed.  (Note,  11:22,23.) 

V.  5,  6.  While  the  king  and  his  nobles  were  consulting 

( 765  ) 


B.  C.  971 


II.  CHRONICLES 


B.  C.  958. 


<wit.y-.nut  number  that  came  with  liim  out  of 
Ee-ypt;  the  ''Lubims,  the  Sukkiims,  and  the 
Ethiopians. 

■4  And  lie  took  ktlie  fenced  cities  which  per- 
tained to  Judah,  and  'came  to  Jerusalem. 

5 IT  Tuen  came  n,Shemaiah  the  prophet  to  Reho- 
hoam,  and  to  the  princes  of  Judah,  that  were 
gathered  together  to  Jerusalem  because  of  Shi- 
shak,  and  said  unto  tliem,  Thus  saith  the  Loud, 
"Ye  liave  forsaken  me,  and  therefore  have  I also 
“left  you  in  the  hand  of  §hishak. 

6 Whereupon  the  princes  of  Israel,  and  the 
king  Phurnbled  themselves;  and  they  said,  tThe 
Lord  is  righteous.  • 

7 And  when  rthe  Lord  saw  that  they  humbled 
themselves,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to  She- 
maiah,  saying,  They  have  humbled  tliemselves ; 
therefore  I will  not  destroy  them,  but  I will  grant 
them  'some  deliverance;  sand  my  wrath  shall  not 
be  poured  out  upon  Jerusalem  by  the  hand  of 
Shishak. 

8 Nevertheless,  ‘they  shall  be  his  servants;  that 
"they  may  know  my  service,  and  the  service  of  the 
kingdoms  of  the  countries. 

9 So  ’Shishak  king  of  Egypt  came  up  against 
Jerusalem,  and  xtook  away  the  treasures  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  the  treasures  of  the  king’s 
house;  he  took  all;  he  carried  away  also  Hhe 
shields  of  gold  which  Solomon  had  made. 

c 14:9.  Jrnls.  6:5.  Rev.  9:16.  Iil6;8.  Ez.  30:5.  Niih.  3:9.  i 14:12.  16:8.  Is. 
43:3.  Dan.  11:43.  Nall.  3:9.  Cushim.  Heb.  Gen.  10.6— 8.  k 11:5—12.  Is.  36:1. 
Jer.  5:10.  1 2 Kings  18:17.  I«.  8:8.  10:11.  m 11:2.  1 Kings  12  22.  n See  on  1 , 
2.15:2.  Dent.  28:15,  4c.  Jmlg.  10:9— 14.  If  hr.  28:9.  Jer.  2:19.  4:18.  5:19  23: 
33.  o 2 Sam.  24:11.  Ps.  37  33.  |.  32:26  . 33: 12,19,23.  Ex . 10:3.  Lev.  26:40,41 . 

1 Kings  8:37 — 39.  Ps.  78:34.35.  Jer.  44:10.  Dan.  5:22.  Hos.5.15.  Luke  18:14. 
Jam.  4 10  q Ex.  9:27.  Juilg.  1.7.  Jub  33:27.  Ps.  129:4.  Lam.  1:18.  Dan.  9:14. 
Rom.  10:3.  r Jutlg.  1015,  t6.  1 Kings  21:28,29.  Jer.  3:13.  Luke  15:18— 21. 

Or,  a little  while.  2 Kings  13:4 — 7,2.8.  Am.  7,6—8.  s 34:21,25.  Ps.  79:6.  Is. 
2-23.  Jer.  7:20.  Rev.  14: 11,'.  16:2— 17.  I Is.  26:13.  n Deut.  23:47,48.  Judg.  3: 
,2.  Jer.  10.24.  Hos.  8:10.  v 1 Kings  14:25,26.  x 1 Kings  15:18.  2 Kings  16:8. 

»hat  measures  to  adopt,  in  this  dangerous  extremily,  and  per- 
laps  were  about  to  surrender  to  the  conqueror;  the  prophet, 
n a few  words,  reminded  them,  that  Shishak’s  power  over 
them  was  the  effect  of  the  Lord’s  righteous  indignation,  who 
was  contending  with  them  for  their  apostacy.  The  time  and 
circumstances  indeed  of  their  affliction  evidently  proclaimed 
this  truth,  yet  they  had  no'  before  attended  to  it;  but  this  mes- 
sage had  an  immediate  effect  upon  them;  for  they  humbled 
themselves,  and  acknowledged  the  justice  of  God  in  their 
punishment.  ( Marg.  Ref  . p .)  An  external  reformation,  and 
a regard  to  the  worship  at  the  temple,  during  the  remainder 
of  Rehoboam’s  reign,  followed  this  humiliation;  but  itVcnt  no 
further,  at  least  with  him. 

V.  7—11.  (Notes,  Judg.  3:1,2.  I Kings  21:27—29.  Ps. 
7(1:10.)  It  is  probable,  that  Shishak  had  intended  to  give  up 
the  city  to  be  plundered  by  his  army : but  God  suddenly 
disposed  him  to  greater  moderation  and  clemency  lhan  could 
possibly  have  been  expected  from  such  a man  in  his  circum- 
stances. So  that  he  contented  himsdf  with  emptying  the 
treasures  of  the  temple  and  of  the  king,  and  carrying  away 
the  golden  shields  which  Solomon  had  made  for  magnificence 
rather  than  fir  use:  (Notes,  1 Kings  10:10,17.  14:25 — 28.) 
and  he  did  not  proceed  to  rob  the  temple  of  its  sacred  vessels. 
Neither  did  he  deprive  llie  inhabitants  of  their  private  pro- 
perty ; but  perhaps  he  exacted  a sum  of  money,  in  token  of 
their  becoming  bis  .servants.  He  was,  however,  permitted 
thus  far  to  prevail,  that  Rehoboa’n  and  bis  subjects  might 
experience  the  different  effects  of  keeping  close  to  the  wor- 
ship of  God,  as  in  the  prosperous  days  of  David  and  Solo- 
mon ; and  of  renouncing  his  service,  and  in  consequence 
being  reduced  under  the  power  of  the  conqueror,  and  pre- 
served from  entire  ruin,  merely  by  his  unexpected  clemency 
on  their  unreserved  submission.  ‘He  resolved  lo  let  them 
Jeel  the  difference  between  him,  and  all  other  lords  and  mas- 
ters; and  how  much  more  happy  they  were  while  they  con- 
tinued to  worship  and  serve  him,  than  when  they  fell  under 
a foreign  yoke.’  Bp.  Patrick . 

V.  12.  Phings  went  well.]  Or,  “yet  in  Judah  there  were 
good  things:”  (marg.)  that  is,  there  were  a number  of  true 
Believers,  spiritual  worshippers,  and  servants  of  God,  espe- 
cially such  as  came  out  of  Israel ; for  whose  sake  Rehoboam 
and'  the  kingdom  were  spared:  so  that  we  read  no  more  of 
Shishak,  who,  by  one  means  or  other,  was  kept  from  coming 
to  extort  anv  further  tribute  or  services  from  them.  ( Notes, 
Gen.  32:6—28.  33:4.) 

V.  13.  The  city,  &c.)  It  was  a peculiar  honour  con- 
ferred on  Rehoboam  for  his  father’s  sake,  and  his  greatest 
advantage,  that  he  reigned  in  that  city  which  the  Lord  had 
chosen  as  the  place  of  his  temple,  and  instituted  vyorship ; 
(Marg.  Ref.  d,  e.)  but  it  seems  to  be  here  mentioned  as  an 
aggravation  of  the  guilt  of  his  ungodliness. 

V.  14.  Rehoboam’s  religion  was  a reluctant,  formal  ser- 
vice; his  heart  was  ndt  engaged;  he  never  called  upon  “all 
ihat  was  within  him  to  praise  the  Lord,”  and  he  did  not  desire 
( 766  ) 


10  Instead  of  which,  king  Rehohoam  made 
‘shields  of  brass,  and  committed  them  to  the  hands 
of  “the  chief  of  the  guard,  that  kept  the  entrance 
of  the  king’s  house. 

11  And  when  the  king  entered  into  the  house 
of  the  Lord,  the  guard  came  and  fetched  them, 
and  brought  them  again  into  the  guard-cham- 
ber. 

12  And  bwhen  he  humbled  himself,  the  wrath 
of  the  Lord  turned  from  him,  that  he  would  not 
destroy  him  altogether:  and  'also  in  Judah  things 
went  well. 

13  H So  king  Rehoboam  strengthened  himself  in 
Jerusalem,  and  reigned : for  ‘Rehoboam  u-as  one 
and  forty  years  old  .when  he  began  to  reign,  and 
he  reigned  seventeen  years  in  Jerusalem,  dthe  city 
which  the  Lord  had  chosen  out  of  all  the  tribes 
of  Israel,  Ho  put  his  name  there.  And  his  mo- 
ther’s name  leas  Naamah,  tan  Arnmonitess. 

14  And  he  did  evil,  because  ehe  Tprepared  not 
his  heart  hto  seek  the  Lord. 

15  Now  the  acts  of  Rehoboam,  'first  and  last, 
are  they  not  written  in  the  Shook  of  kShemaiah 
the  prophet,  and  of  'Iddo  the  seer  concerning  ge- 
nealogies ? And  there  were  ""wars  between  Reho- 
hoam and  Jeroboam  continually. 

16  And  Rehoboam  "slept  with  his  fathers,  and 
was  buried  in  the  cify  of  David:  and  “Ahijah  his 
son  reigned  in  his  stead. 

18:15,16.  Lam.  1:10.  y 9:15,16.  1 Kings  10:16,17.  z 1 Kings  14:27,28.  Lam. 
4:1.  a 2 Sam.  8:18.23:23.  I (’hr.  11:25.  Cant.  3:7,8.  b See  on  6,7.  Lam.  3: 
22,33,42.  1 Or ,yct  in  Judah  there  irere  good  things.  19:3.  Gen.  18:24.  1 Kinca 
14:13.  Is.  6:13.  c 13:7.  1 Kings  14:21.  d See  on  6:6.  Ps.  48:1— 3.  78:68,6$. 
e Ex.  2(1.24.  Dent.  12:5,11.  Ez.  48:35.  f Pent. 23:3.  IKingslll.  Neh.  13:1, 
26.  g 11:16.19:3.30:19.  1 Nam.  7:3.  1 Cbr.  29:18.  Ps.  78:8.  * Heb  .fixed.  Ps. 
57:7.78:37.  1 Cor.  15:58.  16:13.  h Ps.  105:3,4,  Is.  45: 19.  55:6,7.  Mail.  7:7. 
i 9:29.  § Heb.  words,  k 5.  1 Kings  12:22.  1 13:22.  m 1 Kings  14:30.  n See 
on  1 Kings  14:29 — 31.  o 13:1.  1 Kings  14:31.  Abijam.  1 Chr.  3:10.  Matt.  1:7. 
Abia. 


that  preparation  of  an  humble,  believing,  and  pious  disposi- 
tion of  heart,  which  is  requisite  in  order  to  worship  God 
spiritually  and  with  delight.  This  was  the  scource  of  his 
instability ; and  thus  he  was  easily  drawn  into  open  ungodli- 
ness and  wickedness.  {Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref . Notes , 11: 
13—17,  v.  16.  30:16—20,  v.  19.  1 Chr.  29:10—19,  v.  18. 
Ps.  78:9—11.) 

V.  15,  16.  Notes,  9:29—31.  1 Kings  14:30. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  a very  common,  but  most  lamentable  case,  that  men, 
who  in  distress  or  danger,  or  apparently  near  death,  seem 
very  much  engaged  in  seeking  God,  often  throw  aside  their 
religion  when  they  have  received  a merciful  deliverance. 
But  the  warning,  u Sin  no  more,  lest  a worse  thing  come 
unto  thee,1’  deserves  the  most  serious  consideration  of  all 
who  are  tempted  to  such  base  ingratitude.  {Note,  John  b: 
10 — 14,  v.  14.)  The  Lord  can  soon  arrest  them  by  renewed 
afflictions;  reduce  them  to  still  greater  extremities;  and 
bring  trouble  upon  them  from  those  quarters  whence  it  was 
least  expected. — Ungodly  prosperity  serves  only  to  increase 
vain  confidence,  and  to  invite  rapacity,  without  affording  any 
real  security;  and  all  methods  of  defence  prove  ineffectual, 
when  an  angry  God  “arises  to  that  judgment,  which  he  hath 
commanded.” — Every  affliction  has  a voice,  and  delivers  a 
message  from  the  Lord ; but  sinners  do  not  regard  or  under- 
stand : it  is  therefore,  a singular  mercy  when  he  sends  them 
“an  interpreter,”  to  explain  the  voice  of  his  rod  by  that  of 
his  word.  (Note,  Job.  33:19 — 26.) — Humiliation  before  God 
for  sin,  with  unreserved  acknowledgments  that  he  is  just  in 
all  that  he  inflicts  or  threatens,  is  essential  to  true  repent- 
ance : but  this  may  he  counterfeited  both  by  word  fnd  deed. 
Yet,  when  there  arc  merely  external  appearances  of  contri- 
tion, our  merciful  God  will  often  grant  respites,  in  order  to 
encourage  true  penitents,  by  showing  his  readiness  to  forgive. 
This  is  especially  the  case  in  his  dealings  with  sinful  nations: 
for  a general  external  humiliation  before  God,  under  national 
judgments,  is  a good  evidence  that  their  iniquities  are  not 
yet  full:  and  when  there  is  a number  of  true  believers  among 
them,  who  are  protected  from  oppression  and  persecution  ; 
the  Lord  will  grant  some  deliverance,  and  his  “ w'rath  shall 
not  be  poured  out  upon  them”  as  yet. — Amidst  all  our 
abounding  iniquity,  impiety,  and  infidelity,  these  kingdom* 
seem  hitherto  to  have  been  spared  on  these  accounts:  may 
he  reform,  and  not  destroy  us! — When  the  Lord  is  pleased 
to  show  mercy,  he  can  dispose  the  hardest  hearts  to  com- 
passion; the  most  rapacious,  to  moderation;  and  the  most 
impious,  to  fear  profaning  sacred  things:  for  he  rules  the 
impetuous  lusts  of  men  as  he  does  the  raging  ocean,  saying, 
“Hitherto  shalt  thou  come,  but  no  further,  and  here  shall 
thy  proud  waves  he  stayed.”  But  his  wrath  may  occasion 
many  painful  effects,  when  not  poured  out  unto  the  utter- 
most. These  are,  however,  often  intended  in  mercy,  and  aro 
of  salutary  tendency:  for  it  is  good  to  be  convinced  by  any 
sufferings,  short  of  eternal  misery,  that  by  for -liking  the  Lord 


B.  C.  958. 


CHAPTER  XIII 


B.  C.  957. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

gbijah  reigns  ; he  and  Jeroboam , with  vast  preparations , engage  in  war,  1 — 3. 
Abijah  shows  the  Justice  of  his  cause,  4 — 1*2.  Judah,  relying  on  Qod,  gains 
a signal  victory,  with  immense  slaughter  of  the  Israelites,  13—19.  Jeroboam 
dies,  20.  Abijah' s wives  and  child/ en,2\,'J2. 

NOW  “in  the  eighteenth  year  of  king  Jero- 
boam began  Abijah  to  reign  over  Judah. 

2  He  reigned  three  years  in  Jerusalem.  His 
mother’s  name  also  was  bMichaiah  the  daughter 
of  Uriel  of  cGibeah.  dAnd.  there  was  war  be- 
tween Abijah  and  Jeroboam. 

3  And  Abijah  ‘set  the  battle  in  array  with  an 
n.c.-]  army  of  valiant  men  of  war,  even  'four  hun- 
#S7-  d dred  thousand  chosen  men  : Jeroboam  also 
set  the  battle  in  array  against  him  with  f eight 
hundred  thousand  chosen  men,  being  mighty  men 
of  valour. 

4  11  And  Abijah  stood  up  upon  mount  eZema- 
raim,  which  is  in  mount  Ephraim,  and  said,  hHear 
me,  thou  Jeroboam,  and  all  Israel ; 

5  'Ought  ye  not  to  know,  that  )the  Lord  God 
of  Israel  gave  the  kingdom  over  Israel  kt-o  David 
for  ever,  even  to  him  and  to  his  sons  by  ‘a  cove- 
nant of  salt.  ? 

6  Yet  Jeroboam  the  son  of  Nebat,  the  servant 
of  Solomon  the  son  of  David,  is  risen  up,  and 
hath  mre belled  against  his  lord. 

7  And  there  are  gathered  unto  him  "vain  men, 
"the  children  of  Belial,  and  have  strengthened 

a See  on  12:16.  1 Kings  15:1.  b 11:20.  Maachah  the  daughter  of  Absalom. 

I Kings  15:2.  Ahishnlom.  c Josh.  18:28.  Gibeath.  Judg.  19:14,16.  1 Sam.  10: 
26.  d 1 Kings  15:6,7.  * Heb.  bound  together.  1 Sam.  17:1 — 3.  e 11:1.14:8. 
17:14— 18.2612,13.  1 Chr.  21:5.  f 14:97  g Gen.  10:18.  Josh.  18:22.  h 15.2. 
Judg.  9:7.  i Neh.  5.9.  I rov.  1:29.  2 Pet.  3:5.  j Judg.  11:21-24.  Jer.27:5— 7. 
Dan.4:25— 32.  5 IS.  k 1 Sam  16:1,12.  2 Stun.  7:12,16.  1 Kings  8:20.  1 Chr. 
17:11,14.28:4,5.  Ps.  89.19— 37.  Jer.  33:21,22,26.  Luke  1:31— 33.  1 Lev.  2:13. 
Num.  18:19.  Hz.  43:24.  Mark  9:49,50.  m 10:19}  1 Kings  11 :26.  12:20,27. 

a Judg.  9:4.  11:3.  1 Sam.  22:2.  Job  30:8.  Ps.  26:4.  Prov.  12:11.28:19.  Acts  17: 

6.  Tit.  1:10.  o See  on  Dent.  13:13.  1 Kings  21 : 10,13.  p 12:13.  Ec.  10:16.  Is. 
3:4.  1 Cor.  14:20.  Heb.  5:12.  q 11:1 — 4.  r 9:8.  Ps.2:l— 6.  Is.  7:6,7.  9:6,7. 

we  are  cruel  to  ourselves  ; and  that  his  service,  which  is  but 
another  name  for  liberty,  peace,  and  felicity,  cannot  be  re- 
nounced, without  our  becoming  the  miserable  slaves  of  the 
worst  of  tyrants  and  oppressors:  and  whenever  the  heart  is 
truly  humbled,  the  afflictions  will  be  removed,  or  alleviated 
and  counterbalanced  by  divine  consolations. — Sin  always 
debases  those  who  commit  it,  robs  them  of  substantial  bless- 
ings, and  substitutes  a mere  empty  worthless  show  of  good ; 
and  whatever  else  be  preserved  or  obtained,  it  will  ruin  the 
immortal  soul,  except  true  repentance  intervene.  Unless 
44  the  heart  be  prepared  to  seek  ihe  Lord,”  we  must  perish: 
and  if  convinced,  that  we  are  unable  of  ourselves  to  effect 
this  preparation , let  us  pray  fervently,  according  to  the  lan- 
guage of  Scripture,  “ Turn  thou  me,  and  so  shall  I be  turned  ;” 
“Create  in  me  a clean  heart,  and  renew  a right  spirit  within 
me.”*  If  we  do  this  in  sincerity,  using  the  other  means  of 
grace,  and  watching  against  sin  and  temptation  ; our  en- 
deavours will  not  be  in  vain.  Where  these  things  are  wanting, 
formality  and  hypocrisy  form  a man’s  highest  attainments ; 
ais  chief  advantages  prove  an  aggravation  of  his  crimes  ; and 
a life  of  vanity  and  vexation  will  be  closed  by  a miserable 
death.  May  we  then  look  to  our  hearts,  and  keep  them  with 
dll  diligence  ; for  the  Lord  especially  regards  them : and  may 
oe  prepare  our  hearts  unto  himself,  that  we  may  serve  him 
*dth  perseverance  and  delight,  while  we  live ; possess  a 
strong  consolation  and  joyful  hope,  when  we  are  called  to 
walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death ; and  so  have 
an  abundant  entrance  into  the  everlasting  kingdom  of  our  Lord 
iud  Ssfriour  Jesus  Christ ! Amen.  « 

NOTES.— Chap.  XIII.  V.  1,  2.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 
11:18 — 23.  1 Kings  15:1—3. 

V.  3.  The  kingdom  of  the  ten  tribes  had  been  given  to 
Jeroboam ; hut  he  and  his  people  had,  by  apostacy  and  ido- 
atry,  merited  the  severest  punishment,  which  Abijah  was 
employed,  or  permitted,  to  execute.  Rehoboam  had  aimed 
«o  recover  dominion  over  all  Israel;  but  perhaps  Abijah 
ady  endeavoured  to  secure  his  own  kingdom.  ( Note , 

Kings  12:21—24.) — The  numbers  which  they  brought  into 
field  were  immense : but  when  every  man  was  a soldier, 
-mall  kingdoms  could  raise  very  large  armies  upon  any  great 
emergency.  Five  hundred  thousand  had  been  numbered  of 
Jutiah  in  the  time  of  David,  and  it  had  received  a great 
'iio^ease  on  the  division  of  the  kingdom  ; yet  Israel  raised  an 
-rmy  twice  as  large  as  that  of  Judah,  out  of  all  their  tribes. 
.Notes,  11:13—17.  2 Sam.  24:9.  1 Chr.  21:2—6,  v.  5.  27: 
> 15.) 

W . 4 — 12.  Jeroboam  seems  to  have  been  the  aggressor  in 
tfjiS  war  : yet  Abijah  had  marched  into  his  country  ; and  from 
i.  whence  Jeroboam  and  many  of  the  Israelites  could 
*cwr  him,  he  spake  to  them  as  one  who  wished  to  bring  the 
contest  to  an  amicable  conclusion.  At  least  this  seems  to. 
have  been  his  ostensible  design ; though  his  speech  was  well 
suited,  and  probably  intended,  to  encourage  his  own  troops, 
and  to  dismay  those  of  Jeroboam.  Abijah  bears  a bad 
oharacter  in  kings;  (Note,  1 Kings  15:1 — 4.)  yet  on  this 


themselves  against  Rehoboam  the  son  of  Solo- 
mon, when  Rehoboam  was  ’’young  and  tender- 
hearted, and  ‘•could  not  withstand  them. 

8 And  now  ye  think  to  withstand  rthe  kingdom 
of  the  Lord  in  the  hand  of  the  sons  of  David  ■, 
and  ye  be  "a  great  multitude,  and  there  are  ‘with 
you  golden  calves,  which  Jeroboam  made  you  for 
gods. 

9 Have  ye  not  "cast  out  the  priests  of  the  Lord, 
the  sons  of  Aaron,  and  the  Levites,  and  have 
Tmade  you  priests  after  the  manner  of  the  nations 
of  other  lands  ? so  that  whosoever  cometh  to  ’con- 
secrate himself  “with  a young  bullock  and  seven 
rams,  the  same  may  be  a priest  of  them  that  are 
Jno  gods. 

10  But  as  for  us,  'the  Lord  is  our  God,  and 

we  have  not  forsaken  him ; and  “the  priests, 
which  minister  unto  the  Lord,  are  the  sons  of 
Aaron,  and  the  Levites  wait  upon  their  busi- 
ness : . 

11  And  bthey  burn  unto  the  Lord  every 
morning  and  every  evening  burnt-sacrifices,  and 
'sweet  incense : the  dshow-bread  also  set  they  in 
order  upon  the  pure  table  ; and  'the  candlestick  of 
gold  with  the  lamps  thereof,  to  burn  every  evsn- 
ing:  for  ’we  keep  the  charge  of  the  Lord  our 
God  ; but  ye  have  forsaken  him. 

12  And  behold,  ?God  himself  is  with  us  bfor 


Luke  19:14,27.  s 14:9—1 1.  20:6,12.  Ps.  33:16.  t See  on  11:15.  1 Kines  12.58. 
14:9.  Hoe.  8:6.  u 11:14,15.  v 1 Kings  12:31— 33.  13:33.  t Heb,  Jill  his  hand. 
Re.  32:29.  Lev.  16:32.  1 Chr.  29:5.  margins . x Ex.  29:1,35.  Lev .'8:2.  y Deni. 
32:17.  2 Kings  19:18.  Jer.  2:11.  Hob.  8:6.  Acts  19:26.  Ual.4:8.  z 11.16.17. 
Ex.  19:5,6.  Zecll.  13:9.  i Ei.2SI.Sc.  Num.  16:40.  18. 1—7.  b See  on  24. 
Ex. 29:38— 42.  c Ex. 30:1— 10.  Lev. 2:1— 3.  Num.  16:6, "7, 46, 47.  Lnkel:9 
Rev.  8:3,4.  d Ex.  25:39.  Lev. 24:6.  e Ex.  25:31— 39.  27:20,21.  Lev  24:3.4 
f Gen.  26:5.  Num.  9-19,23.  Ex.  44:8,15.  48:11.  g Num.  23:21.  1 Sam.  4:5—7. 
Is.  8:10.  Zech.  10:5.  Rom.  8:31.  b Dent.  20:4.  Josh.  5:13- 15.  Ps.20.7.  Heb. 
2:10. 


occasion  he  spoke  religiously  ; and  he  seems  to  have  had  a 
strong  confidence  in  God,  grounded  on  the  maintenance  of 
his  ordinances,  and  the  number  of  pious  worshippers  in  his 
kingdom.  The  basis  of  his  address  was  truth  : hut  there  was 
much  false  colouring  in  his  manner  of  stating  it,  according  :o 
the  too  general  custom  of  eloquent  orators.  For  the  covenant 
respecting  the  kingdom  over  Israel,  made  with  David  in 
behalf  of  his  posterity,  (except  as  it  related  to  the  Messiah,) 
was  conditional;  and  neiiher  Solomon,  Rehoboam,  nor 
Abijah,  had  been  attentive  to  the  re -stipulations.  (7:17,18. 
Notes,  2 Sam.  7:12—16.  1 Kings  9:4—9.  11:9—13.  Ps.  89:19 
— 37.  132:11,12.) — “ A covenant  of  salt”  is  one  solemnly  rati- 
fied by  a sacrifice  and  a feast,  at  both  of  which  salt  was  used  ; 
that  is  to  say,  an  unchangeable  covenant : (Notes,  Leu.  2:13. 
Num.  18:19.)  but  the  Lofd  evidently  did  not  consider  himself 
irreversibly  engaged  to  continue  the  kingdom  of  all  Israel 
to  David’s  posterity. — Jeroboam  had  indeed  acted  very 
wickedly  in  his  manner  of  seizing  and  governing  the  kingdom 
of  Israel : yet  it  had  been  granted  to  him  by  God  himself,  and 
Abijah  never  mentioned  that  circumstance.  (Notes,  1 Kings 
11:29 — 40.) — The  persons,  who  revolted  from  Rehoboam  and 
made  Jeroboam  king,  had  acted  with  great  precipitation  and 
ingratitude  ; but  perhaps  it  was  not  candid  to  call  them  indis- 
criminately 44  vain  men,  the  children  of  Belial.”  Rehoboam 
had  given  them  no  small  provocation  ; he  was  surely  old  enough 
to  have  behaved  more  wisely,  if  he  had  not  been  actuated  by 
a proud,  domineering  disposition  ; and  it  was  not  so  much 
owing  either  to  his  lenity,  his  timidity,  or  his  weakness,  that 
he  had  not  prosecuted  his  pretensions  by  war ; as  to  the 
divine  prohibition.  (Notes,  1 Kings  12:8 — 24.) — But  Abijah’s 
words  were  more  forcible,  when  he  exposed  the  apostacy  and 
idolatry  of  the  kingdom  of  Israel ; their  impiety  and  sacrilege 
in  excluding  the  priests  of  the  Lord  from  their  possessions; 
and  the  shameful  manlier,  in  which  any  worthless  man  was 
made  a priest,  who  could  and  would  bring  the  sacrifice 
appointed  by  way  of  consecration  ; for  by  these  crimes. 
Jeroboam  and  his  subjects  were  drawing  down  the  vengeance 
of  heaven  upon  themselves.  (Notes,  11:13 — 17.  1 Kings  12. 
26 — 33.  13:33,34. 14:5 — 16.)  But  what  Abijah  urged,  concern- 
ing the  state  of  true  religion  in  Judah,  was  not  strictly  just  ; 
and,  as  spoken  by  him,  it  savoured  of  ostentation.  Abijah 
himself  was  not  a godly  man  ; and  idolatry  was  evidently 
connived  at  in  his  days.  Yet  it  was  true,  that  the  men  of 
Judah  had  the  priests,  ordinances,  and  worship  of  God 
among  them  ; that  there  were  numbers  of  pious  worshippers 
in  the  land  ; that  theirs  was  the  more  righteous  cause  ; that 
the  Lord  was  on  their  side,  and  their  Captain,  while  the 
Israelites  fought  against  him  ; and  that  the'  presence  of  the 
priests  blowing  the  sacred  trumpets,  according  to  the  law 
was  a token  of  his  presence  with  them  and  favour  to  them. 
(Notes,  Num.  10:2 — 10.) — The  expression,  44  after  the  man- 
ner of  the  nations,”  (9)  shows  that  the  laws  of  Moses  were 
not  made  accordijjg  to  the  customs  of  the  Gentiles,  af  <>any 
suppose  ; but  entirely  distinct  from  them  : and  that  the  simi- 
larity which  in  many  instances  has  been  traced,  Actually 
( 767  ) 


B.  C.  957. 


II.  CHRONICLES, 


B.  C.  95 


our  Captain,  and  ’his  priests  with  sounding 
trumpets  to  cry  alarm  against  you.  0 children 
of  Israel.  kfight  ye  not  against  the  Lord  God  of 
your  fathers;  for  'ye  shall  not  prosper. 

[Practical  Observations.'] 

13  H But  Jeroboam  caused  man  ambushment 
to  come  about  behind  them:  so  they  were  before 
Judah,  and  the  ambushment  was  behind  them. 

14  And  when  Judah  "looked  back,  behold,  the 
battle  ivas  before  and  behind ; and  they  “cried 
unto  the  Lord,  and  nhe  priests  sounded  with  the 
trumpets. 

15  Then  the  men  of  Judah  gave  a shout:  and 
ias  the  men  of  Judah  shouted,  it  came  to  pass, 
that  rGod  smote  Jeroboam  and  all  Israel  before 
Abijah  anti  Judah. 

16  And  the  children  of  Israel  fled  before  Judah  : 
and  sGod  delivered  them  into  their  hand. 

17  And  Abijah  and  his  people  slew  them  with 
a great  slaughter  ; so  there  fell  down  slain  of 
Israel  ‘five  hundred  thousand  chosen  men. 

18  Thus  the  children  of  Israel  were  brought 


under  at  that  time,  and  the  children  of  Judah 
prevailed,  “because  they  relied  upon  the  Lord 
God  of  their  fathers. 

19  And  Abijah  pursued  after  Jeroboam,  and 
Hook  cities  from  him,  Beth-el  with  the  towns 
thereof,  and  Jeshanah  with  the  towns  thereof, 
and  ^Ephraim  with  the  towns  thereof. 

20  Neither  did  Jeroboam  recover  strength 
again  in  the  days  of  Abijah : and  Hhe  Lord 
struck  him,  and  “he  died. 

21  H But  Abijah  bwaxed  mighty,  and  married 
“fourteen  wives,  and  ‘'begat  twenty  and  two  sons, 
and  sixteen  daughters. 

22  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Abijah,  and  his 
ways,  and  his  sayings,  are  written  in  the  'story  of 
the  prophet  eIddo. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 


Abijah  dies,  and  Asa  succeeds  him,  1.  He  abolishes  idolatry , 2—5.  Enjoy- 
ing  peace,  he  fortifies  his  kingdom , and  establishes  a large  army,  6—8. 
Being  attacked  by  Zerah,  with  an  immense,  army  of  Ethiopians , he  calls  on 
God,  is  victorious , (cncl  acquires  much  spoil,  9 — 15. 

SO  Abijah  “slept  with  his  fathers,  and  they 
buried  him  in  the  city  of  David : and  bAsa 


1 Num.  10:9.  31:6.  Josh.  6:20.  k Joh  15:25,26.  40:9.  Is.  45:9.  Acts  5:39.  9: 
4,5.  124:20.  Num.  14.  41.  Deut.  28:29.  Job  9:4.  Is.  54:17.  Jer.  2:37.  Ez.  17: 
9.  m 20:2-2.  Josh.  8:4.  Pro*.  21:30.  Jer.  4:22.  n Ex.  14:10.  Josh.  8:20.  Jude. 
20:33 — 43.  2 Sam.  10:8— 14.  o 14:11.  18:31.  Ps.  50: 15.  91 :5.  p See  on  12. 

q 20:21.  Josh.  6:16,20.  Judg.  7:18—  22.  Ps.  47:1,5.  r 14:12.  Num.  32:4.  Josh. 
11:8.  Judg.  4:15.  2 Kings  5:1.  Ps.  118:4 — 7.  Is.  37:36.  s Gen.  14:20.  Deut.  2: 
SS.  3.3.  Josh.  10:12.  21:44.  Judg.  1:4.  11:21.  1 Sam.  23:7.  t 3,12.  28:6.  Is.  10: 


arose  from  the  idolaters,  in  several  particulars,  adopting  or 
imitating  the  usages  of  Israel. 

Zemaraim.  (4)  Zemaraim  was  a city  allotted  to  Ben- 
jamin : but  mount  Zemaraim,  no  doubt  adjacent  to  it,  was  in 
mount  Ephraim,  on  the  borders  of  the  two  tribes.  (Josh.  18:22.) 

V.  13 — 22.  ‘Jeroboam,  like  a profane  politician,  (Note, 

1 Kings  12:26 — 29.)  disregarded  all  Abijah’s  pleas,  and  rested 
his  whole  dependence  on  the  valour  of  his  troops,  and  the  skil- 
fulness  of  his  arrangements.  Whilst  Abijah  therefore  was 
speaking  about  peace,  he  was  preparing  for  action  : and  to 
make,  as  he  supposed,  sure  of  the  event,  to  the  superiority  of 
his  numbers  he  added  an  ambushment,  that  he  might  surround 
and  destroy  the  whole  army  of  Judah,  probably  intend- 
ing to  seize  upon  that  kingdom  also.  But  the  people  cried 
unto  the  Lord  in  this  extremity,  as  expecting  help  and 
deliverance  from  him  alone  ; whilst  the  sounding  of  the  sacred 
trumpets  caused  numbers  to  shout  with  confidence  of  success : 
and,  according  to  their  hope,  it  pleased  God  to  smite  the 
Israelites  in  such  a manner,  that  they  were  unable  to  resist 
or  to  escape  by  flight ; and  thus  five  hundred  thousand  were 
slain  in  one  day,  which  is  the  largest  slaughter  that  history 
records  to  have  been  ever  made  in  any  one  battle.  This  deci- 
sive blow  gave  Judah  so  great  a superiority,  that  it  can  only  be 
ascribed  to  a divine  interposition,  that  the  kingdom  of  Israel 
was  not  entirely  subverted.  Many  cities,  however,  were 
subdued,  and  among  the  rest  Beth-el  fell  into  the  hands  of 
the  victor  ; yet  we  do  not  read  that  he  removed  the  golden  calf, 
and  probably  the  city  was  soon  after  conceded  to  Jeroboam. 
That  prince,  however,  never  recovered  from  this  blow,  for 
the  Lord  soon  after  smote  him,  and  he  died  : (Note,  Acts  12: 
20 — 23.)  yet  Abiiah  died  nearly  two  years  before  him,  and 
did  not  long  enjoy  the  fruits  of  his  victory,  for  which  he  made 
very  ungrateful  returns.  Though  destitude  of  piety,  he  seems 
to  have  possessed  great  vigour  and  capacity.  During  his 
short  reign  he  became  very  powerful  ; he  had  a very  numerous 
family  ; and  his  ways  and  sayings  were  so  remarkable  as  to 
be  particularly  recorded  by  the  prophet  Iddo.  ( Marg . and 
<Marg.  Ref . e.  Notes,  1 Kings  15:1 — 9.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 12.  The  promptness  of  mankind  to  war  lamentably 
proclaims  the  depravity  of  our  nature,  and  the  influence  that 
the  great  murderer  of  bodies  and  souls  possesses  over  the 
minds  of  men,  even  in  the  determinations  of  senates  and  in 
the  cabinets  of  kings.  Nor  can  vainglorious  commanders 
more  delight  in  seeking  renown,  power,  or  revenge,  by  the 
destruction  of  the  human  species,  than  many  of  their  inferiors 
do,  in  listing  under  their  banners,  seconding  their  aims,  and 
rushing  upon  danger  and  death,  that  they  may  attempt  the 
slaughter  of  those  who  never  injured  or  even  saw  them.  Such 
stubborn  facts  stand  in  the  page  of  every  history,  a confutation 
of  the  absurd  encomiums,  which  self-flattering  speculators 
have  passed  upon  the  philanthropy  of  the  human  heart,  and 
the  sufficiency  of  human  reason,  for  every  purpose  of  virtue 
and  religion.  The  annals  of  mankind  form  one  continued 
narration  of  blood  shed  in  the  most  wanton  and  unnecessary 
manner,  in  pursuit  of  honour  and  dominion,  or  in  seeking  to 
wrest  the  sword  of  vengeance  from  the  hands  of  the  Supreme 
Judge.  The  millions,  who  have  thus  perished  miserably, 
w hateful,  and  hating  ono  another,”  exceed  almost  imagina- 
tion : and  to  crown  the  whole,  the  chief  actors  in  this  bloody 
tragedy  have  engrossed  almost  the  whole  applause  of  their 
fellow-mortals ; or  shared  it  with  the  poets,  orators,  and  his- 
torians, who  have  excited  them  by  infamous  panegvrics  to 
guch  destructive  pursuits  ! Compare  the  whole  with  the  short 
command,  u Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbour  as  thyself;”  and 
( 768  ) 


16—19.  37-36.  Nah.  1 :5.  1 Cor.  10:22.  u 16:8,9.  20:20.  2 Kings  18:5.  1 Chr.  5k 
20.  Ps.  22:4,5.  146:5.  Dan.  3:28.  Eph.  1:12.  x Josh  10:19,39.  11:12.  1 Sam. 
31:7.  y 15:8.  Josh.  15:9.  Ephron.  John  11:54.  z 1 Sam.  25:38.  26:10.  Ez.  24: 
16.  Acts  12:23.  a 1 Kings  11:20.  15:9.  b 2 Sam.  5:12,13.  c See  on  11:21. 
d Judg.  8:30,31. 9:5. 10:4.  * Or,  commentary . e 9:29.  12:15.  a 9:31.  Sec  on 
1 Kings  2:10.  14:31.  b 1 Kings  15:8.  1 Chr.  3:10.  Malt.  1:7,8. 


then  bring  in  an  impartial  verdict  concerning  the  heart  of 
man,  and  the  state  of  human  nature.  (Note,  Lev.  19:18.) — 
Yet  all  the  blood  thus  shed  must  be  one  day  accounted  for, 
as  murder,  on  whomsoever  that  load  of  guilt  may  fall.  Surely 
then,  war  should  be  always  considered  as  the  last  resource, 
a desperate  remedy,  never  to  be  used  when  the  welfare  of  the 
state  can  possibly  be  otherwise  secured.  A righteous  cause, 
a willingness  for  peace  on  reasonable  terms,  f.nd  a well- 
grounded  confidence  in  God,  should  he  considered  as  the 
grand  requisites,  in  the  management  of  this  direful  appeal  to 
the  supreme  Arbiter  of  kings  and  nations. — But,  it  is  easy  to 
speak  on  these  topics,  wilhout  the  fear  of  God  possessing  the 
heart.  Many  presume  upon  external  privileges,  who  disre- 
gard his  precepts  ; they  boast  of  the  form  of  godliness,  without 
the  power  of  it;  they  are  justly  severe  upon  the  crimes  of 
other  men,  yet.  they  do  not  amend  their  own:  but  palliate  the 
offences  of  their  own  party,  while  they  aggravate  the  miscon- 
duct of  their  adversaries.  These  are  not  only  the  arts  ofthose, 
who  purposely  frame  manifestos  to  varnish  their  ambition  with 
the  show  of  equity  ; but  are  often  employed  by  such  as  really 
have  justice  on  their  side,  yet  forget  that  genuine  beauty  is  dis- 
graced and  rendered  suspected,  by  being  painted.  It  is  obvious, 
however,  that  ungodly  princes  have  often  prospered,  because 
their  enemies  have  been  s’  ill  more  abandoned  ; because  they 
had  justice  on  their  side  : because  many  of  their  subjects  were 
pious  ; because  more  external  honour  was  paid  to  the  truth  and 
ordinances  of  God  among  their  subjects ; or  because  the 
appeal  to  him,  and  professed  reliance  on  him,  was  more 
openly  made  in  the  decision  of  the  contest. 

V.  13 — 22.  The  wise  politicians  of  the  world  generally 
treat  with  contempt,  all  arguments  grounded  on  the  state  of 
religion,  and  the  favour  of  God  toward  his  worshippers:  their 
vVhole  dependence  is  “ on  an  arm  of  flesh,”  and  if  their  confi- 
dence be  disappointed,  they  ascribe  it  to  fortune,  or  to  the 
chance  of  war.  But,  the  God  of  battles  gives  victory  to  whom 
he  pleases  : against  him  all  courage  and  conduct  are  vain  ; and 
he  will  appear  for  those,  who  rely  on  and  call  upon  him  in  the 
time  of  distress.  He  has  often  brought  his  people  into  immi- 
nent danger,  in  order  t<? exercise  their  faith,  and  to  put  vigour 
into  their  prayers,  which  will  be  sure  to  terminate  in  shouts  of 
victory.  But,  to  triumph  in  those  contests,  which  causo  so 
many  thousands  and  hundreds  of  thousands  of  the  human 
species  to  expire  in  agony,  and  their  immortal  souls  to  be  sent 
to  the  tribunal  of  God  and  an  eternal  state,  can  give  little 
pleasure  to  a feeling  heart  ; except  as  his  justice,  and  faithful 
care  of  his  people  are  seen  and  adored  in  them.  And  least  of 
all,  can  success  in  civil  wars,  which  are  commonly  conducted 
with  the  most  unrelenting  rancour  and  most  tremendous 
slaughter,  give  satisfaction  to  any  benevolent  mind.  Nor  are 
the  victories  acquired  in  those  fierce,  though  unbloody  con- 
tests, which  rend  the  church  of  Christ,  to  the  disgrace  of  the 
common  cause,  and  the  joy  of  the  common  enemy,  to  be  more 
rejoiced  in.  But  to  conquer  our  own  passions,  to  prevail  against 
the  tempter  and  the  world,  and  to  overcome  evil  with  good,  are 
victories  to  be  gained  by  faith,  patience,  and  prayer,  in  which 
we  may  safely  and  purely  rejoice.  And  when  the  conquerors 
and  the  conquered,  in  bloody  battles,  will  join  in  execrating  their 
own  and  each  other’s  madness  ; “ when  the  earth  shall  disclose 
her  blood,  and  shall  no  more  cover  her  slain  ;”  then  shall  we 
receive  the  unsullied  palm,  the  conqueror’s  noblest  crown.  Nay, 
death  and  the  grave,  which  so  dreadfully  triumph  over  those 
whom  the  Lord  smites  in  his  anger,  and  so  speedily  wrench  the 
prosperous  from  all  their  grandeur,  will  never  hurt  us;  indeed, 
vve  shall  than  gain  a complete  victory  over  that  last  enemy, 
and  mortality  shall  at  length  be  swallowed  up  of  life. 


B.  C.  942. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


B.  C.  942. 


n.s  son  reigned  in  his  stead.  In  his  days  the  land 
was  quiet  ten  years. 

2 And  Asa  did  that  which  was  cgood  and  right 
in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  his  God : 

3 For  llhe  took  away  the  altars  of  the  strange 
gods , and  ethe  high  places,  and  f brake  down  the 

images,  and  "cut  down  the  groves : 

4 And  ''commanded  Judan  to  'seek  the  Lord 
God  of  their  fathers,  and  kto  do  the  law  and  the 
commandment. 

5 Also  he  took  away,  out  of  all  the  cities  of 
Judah,  the  high  places  and  the  'images:  and  the 
kingdom  was  quiet  before  him. 

6 H And  'he  built  fenced  cities  in  Judah  : mfor 
the  land  had  rest,  and  he  had  no  war  in  those 
years ; because  “the  Lord  had  given  him  rest. 

7 Therefore  “he  said  unto  Judah,  Let  us  build 
these  cities,  and  make  about,  them  walls,  and 
towers,  gates,  and  bars,  Awhile  the  land  is  yet 
before  us;  because  we  have  sought  the  Lord  our 
God,  iwe  have  sought  him,  and  rhe  hath  given  us 
rest  on  every  side.  So  they  built,  and  prospered. 

8 And  Asa  "had  an  army  of  men  that  bare 
targets  and  spears,  "out  of  Judah  three  hundred 
thousand  ; and  out  of  Benjamin,  that  bare  shields 
and  drew  bows,  two  hundred  and  fourscore 
thousand  : all  these  were  mighty  men  of  valour. 

9 U And  there  came  out  against  them  ‘Zerah 

e 31:20.  1 Kings  15:11.0.  Luke  1:15.  d Deut.  7:5.  1 Kings  11:7,8.  14  22—24. 
a 15:17.  Lev. 26:30.  1 Kings  15:12,14.  f 34:4.  Ex.  34:13.  Deni.  7:5,25.  • Heb. 
statues.  2Kings23:14.  mars,  g Judg.  6:25 — 28.  2 Kings  13:4.23:6,14.  h 29: 
21,27,30.30:12.33:16.34:32,33.  Gen.  18:19.  Josh. 24:15.  1 Sam. 3:13.  Ezra  10: 

7 — 12.  Neh.  13:9,19 — 22.  Ps.  101:2 — 8.  i See  on  1 1 :16.  30: 19.  Is.  55:6  7.  Am. 
5:4.  k Neh.  10:29—39.  Ps.  119:10.  t Heb.  sun-tmages.  34:4.  mars.  1 8:2— 
6.11:5—12.  m Judg.  3:1 1.30.  5:31.  1 Kings  5:4.  1 f hr.  22:9.  n 15:15  Job  34: 
29.  I s.  46:9.  o 32:5.  Acts  9:31.  p John  9:4.  12:35,36.  Heb.  3:13— 15.  q See 
on  4.  1 Chr.  28:9.  Ps.  105:3,4.  Jer.  29:12— 14.  1 Pel.  3:12.  r See  on  6.  Josh. 
23:1.  Malt.  11:28,29.  a 11:1  13:3.17:14—19.25:0.  t Seeon  12:2,3.  16:8. 

2 Kings  19:9.  Is.  8:9,10.  £z.  30:5.  Rev.  16:14.  u Josh.  15:44.  Mic.  1:15. 
x Judg.  1:17.  Zephath.  y 13:14.  18:31.  32:20.  Ex.  14:10.  1 Chr.  5:20.  Ps.22:5. 
34:6.  50:15.  91:15.  Acts  2:21.  z Lev.  26:8.  Deut.  32:30.  Judg.  7:7.  1 Sam.  14: 

NOTES.— Chap.  XIV.  V.  1.  The  land,  &e.]  Abi- 
jah’s  vigour  and  success  laid  the  foundation  of  Asa’s  peace 
and  prosperity.  Jeroboam,  and  his  son  Nadab,  remained 
quiet  during  the  short  time  which  they  reigned  over  Israel, 
after  Abijah’s  victory.  Baasha  began  to  reign  before  the 
close  of  Asa’s  third  year ; but  though  “ there  was  war  be- 
tween him  and  Asa  all  their  days (1  Kings  15:16.)  it  did 
not  for  some  time  occasion  much  disturbance  to  the  peace  of 
Judah,  through  the  enfeebled  state  of  Israel. 

V.  2 — 5.  Asa  not  only  behaved  so  well  as  to  approve  his 
conduct  to  man,  but  he  aimed  to  act  as  in  the  sight  of  Him, 
who  seelh  the  secret  intentions  of  the  heart ; and  accordingly 
“he  had  this  testimony,  that  he  pleased  God.”  (Notes, 
12:14.  1 Kings  15:14,15.)  He  began  his  reign  by  abolishing 
those  idolatries,  which  had  been  connived  at  in  the  preceding 
reigns,  especially  that  of  the  sun-images ; (5.  marg.)  and  by 
using  his  authority  to  retain  the  people  in  the  worship  of  God 
at  the  temple,  and  to  enforce  obedience  to  his  commandments. 
He  afterwards  carried  his  reformation  still  further ; ( Notes, 
15:1 — 15.)  yet  at  last,  the  high  places,  where.  Jehovah  was 
irregularly  worshipped,  w’ere  not  removed,  though  the  idola- 
trous altars  were  destroyed.  (15:17.  1 Kings  15:14.) 

V.  6 — 8.  The  union  of  piety  and  prudence,  in  Asa’s  con- 
duct, is  worthy  of  notice  and  commendation.  We  may  sup- 
pose that  his  army  generally  served  in  divisions  by  rotation, 
Dut  could  be  marshalled  all  together  upon  occasion.  (Note, 
l Chr.  27:1 — 15.)  The  number  of  his  soldiers  was  great, 
especially  that  of  Benjamin ; but  probably  many  from  the 
other  tribes  were  numbered  among  them.  (Note,  17:13 — 
19.) — Because  tke  Lord  had  given  him  rest.  (6)  (Job  34: 
29.)  Various  concurring  events  formed  the  second  cause  of 
this  rest,  both  from  external  wars,  and  internal  disturbances  ; 
but  the  Lord,  the  Great  First  Cause,  directed  and  over- 
ruled all,  to  effect  his  own  merciful  purpose  to  Asa  and 
Judah.  This  Asa  saw,  and  piously  acknowledged.  (7) 

V.  9 — 15.  It  is  not  certain,  whether  the  Ethiopians  or 
Cushites  of  Africa,  or  those  near  Arabia,  are  here  intended, 
though  it  is  more  generally  thought  that  the  latter  are  meant. 
But  they  who  suppose  the  former,  conjecture  that  Zera  had 
subjugated  his  neighbours,  the  Egyptians ; had  taken  posses- 
sion of  the  cities  and  territories  bordering  on  Egypt ; and 
intended  still  further  to  extend  his  conquests,  when  he  had 
seized  upon  the  kingdom  of  Judah. — Asa’s  army  was  for- 
midable, though  not  equalt  o Zerah’s  immense  preparations. 
He,  however,  placed  no  confidence  in  it,  but  relied  only  on 
the  protection  of  God.  His  prayer  is  the  genuine  language 
of  faith.  He  was  conscious  that  his  aim  had  been  to  glorify 
the  Lord,  and  promote  his  worship,  m the  time  of  his  pros- 
>erity  ; and  this  encouraged  him  to  look  upon  God  as  his 
reconciled  Friend  and  Father.  Having  put  himself  and  his 
people  under  his  protection,  he  was  persuaded,  that  none 
could  prevail  against  them,  without  seeming  at  least  to  pre- 
vail against  God.  If  his  army  had  been  superior  to  that  of 
Vol.  I. -97 


the  Ethiopian  with  a host  of  a thousand  thousand, 
and  three  hundred  chariots;  and  came  unto 
“Mareshah. 

10  Tiien  Asa  went  out  against  him,  and  thev 
set  the  battle  in  array  in  the  valley  of  *Zephathab 
at  Mareshah. 

11  And  Asa  rcried  unto  the  Lord  his  God, 
and  said,  Lord,  it  is  'nothing  with  thee  to  help, 
whether  with  many,  or  with  “them  that  have  no 
power : help  us,  O Lord  our  God  ; for  we  brest 
on  thee,  and  cin  thy  name,  we  go  against  this 
multitude.  O Lord,  thou  art  our  God;  dlet  not 
hnan  prevail  against  thee. 

12  So  The  Lord  smote  the  Ethiopians  before 
Asa,  and  before  Judah;  and  the  Ethiopians  fled. 

13  And  Asa  and  the  people  that  were  with 
him  pursued  them  unto  f Gerar : and  the  Ethio- 
pians were  overthrown,  that  they  could  not 
recover  themselves ; for  they  were  destroyed 
^before  the  Lord  and  before  '’his  host ; and  they 
carried  away  very  much  spoil. 

14  And  they  smote  all  the  cities  round  about 
Gerar;  for  'the  fear  of  the  Lord  came  upon 
them:  and  they  spoiled  all  the  cities;  for  there 
was  kexceeding  much  spoil  in  them. 

15  They  smote  also  'the  tents  of  cattle,  and 
mcarried  away  sheep  and  camels  in  abundance, 
and  returned  to  Jerusalem. 


6.  1 Kings  20:27—30.  Amos  5:9.  2 Cor.  12:9,10.  a 20:12.  Deut.  32:36.  Is.  40: 
29-31.  b 32:8.  1 Sam.  17:35,36.  Ps.37:5.  Prov. 18:10.  Is.  26:3,4.  41 :10— 
14.  Joint  14:1,27.  Rom.  8:31.  c 13:12,18.  1 Sam.  17:45,46.  Ps.  20:5,7.  Is. 
26:13.  Acts  3:16.  d Deut.  32:27.  Josh.  7:8,9.  1 Sam.  2:9.  l's.  9: 19.  79:9,10. 
Jer. 1:19.  Zech.  2:8.  Matt.  16:18.  Acts  9:4.  $ Or,  mortal  man.  Is.  2:22.  e 13: 
15.20:22.  Ex.  14:25.  Dent.  28:7.  32:39.  Josh.  10:10.  Ps.60:12.  136:17,18.  1 Cor. 
9:26.15:57.  f 14.  Gen.  10:19.20:1.26:1.  § Heb.  broken.  g Job  6:9.  9:4. 

- Thes.  1:9.  I:  Josh.  5:14.  1 Sam.  25:28.  1 Chr.  12:22.  Ps.  108:11.  i 17:10.20: 
29.  Gen.  35:5.  Deut.  2:25.  Josh.  2:9— 11.  5:1.  ISam. 14:15.  2 Kings  7:6.  Job 
15:21.  Ps.  48:5,6.  Is.  31:9.  k 20:25.  Judg.  14 : 19.  2 Kings  7:7,8,16.  Ps.  68:12. 
Is.  33:23.  Rom.  8:37.  11  Chr.  4:41.  m Num.  31:9,30— 17.  1 Sam.  30:20. 

1 Chr.  5:21 . 


the  enemy,  it  could  not  have  secured  the  victory;  if  it  had 
consisted  of  a few  enfeebled,  disjjirited  troops,  the  Lord  could 
have  helped  by  them  : for  it  was  “ nothing  with  him  to  help 
with  many,  or  with  them  that  had  no  power.”  ( Notes,  20. 
6 — 12.  32:6 — 8,  v.  8.  1 Sam.  14:6 — 10.)  Either  way  he 
desired  to  confide  wholly  in  the  Almighty,  and  to  give  him 
the  glory  of  the  victory.  The  event  accorded  to  his  faith; 
the  Lord  fought  by  Asa’s  subjects  as  his  host;  (13)  the 
Ethiopians  were  entirely  overthrown,  and  dispersed ; the 
spoil,  which  had  been  deposited  in  Gerar  of  the  Philistines, 
and  in  other  cities  in  that  vicinity,  was  taken ; and  this  most 
formidable  invasion  exceedingly  enriched  Judah.  (Notes, 
16:1 — 10.) — Asa  cried,  tic.  (11)  ‘ Before  he  began  to  fight, 

he  implored  the  help  of  heaven  ; which  he  did,  I suppose,  in 
the  face  of  all  his  army,  that  they  might  look  up  to  God,  as 
their  Strength  and  Salvation.’  Bp.  Patrick. — Thou  art  out 
God.]  ‘ Nothing  could  more  inspire  them  w ith  courage,  than 
to  believe  he  looked  upon  their  cause  as  his  own,  while  they 
owned  him  for  their  God.’  Ibid. — Camels.  (15)  ‘The  abundance 
of  camels  which  they  had,  show  they  were  Arabians.’  Ibid. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  active  talents  and  outward  success  of  ungodly  men 
sometimes  make  way  for  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  those, 
whose  leading  aim  it  is  to  glorify  God  and  promote  true  reli- 
gion ; and  thus  they,  whose  hearts  are  “ not  prepared  to  seek 
the  Lord,”  may  be  serviceable  to  others:  but  nothing  will 
profit  our  own  souls,  except  that  religion,  which  induces  us 
to  “do  that  which  is  good  and  right  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord.” 
Indeed,  this  alone  can  prepare  us  for  arduous  and  perilous 
services ; and  influence  us  to  undertake,  to  pursue  without 
weariness,  and  by  cheerful  perseverance  to  accomplish, 
designs  of  usefulness  in  our  various  situations:  and  wh^n 
men  in  authority,  or  others  according  to  the  duties  of  their 
several  stations,  properly  attempt  reformation,  and  support 
the  cause  of  true  religion  by  scriptural  means,  they  often  find 
less  difficulty  than  they  expected  : for  they  are  approved  even 
by  the  consciences  of  those  men,  w hose  sins  oppose  their 
designs. — In  all  our  prosperity  we  should  notice  and  acknow- 
ledge the  hand  of  God : if  he  gives  rest,  none  can  cause 
trouble ; and  those  who  uprightly  seek  him  shall  find  peace 
and  comfort.  Yet,  while  we  are  in  this  world,  we  must 
prepare  for  trials  and  conflicts ; we  can  never  be  safe  except 
we  be  watching  and  praying ; and,  though  the  grace  of  God 
will  indeed  be  sufficient  for  his  people,  none  of  them  will  have 
any  strength  to  spare.  Our  utmost  watchfulness  and  dili- 
gence will  not  secure  us  from  tribulation  : but  the  conscious- 
ness of  having  heartily  served  the  Lord  in  prosperity,  will 
turn  to  us  for  a testimony,  that  we  are  indeed  his  people  and 
he  our  God ; and  this  will  encourage  our  confidence  in  him 
in  the  hour  of  trouble  and  temptation.  When  we  can  clearly 
see  that  “ God  is  for  us,”  we  shall  be  enabled  to  rest  in  him, 
and  to  call  upon  him  with  more  vigorous  faith  and  enlarged 
expectation : and  then  we  shall  perceive,  that  our  own  weak- 
( 769  ) 


B.  C.  942 


II.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  940. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

The  encouraging  prophecy  of  Azariah  before  Asa,  1 — 7.  Asa  puts  away  ido- 
latry, assembles  tie  people,  and  enter  6 into  covenant  with  God,  8— 15.  He 
removes  his  mother  from  being  queen,  for  her  idolatry  ; yet  the  high  places 
are  not  taken  away,  16,  1".  He  brings  the  dedicated  things  into  the  temple , 
ani  enjoys  a long  peace,  18,  19. 

AND  “the  Spirit  of  God  came  upon  Azariah 
the  son  of  Oded : 

2  And  he  went  out  'to  meet  Asa.  and  said  unto 
him,  bHear  ye  me,  Asa,  and  all  Judah  and 
Benjamin  ; “the  Lord  is  with  you,  while  ye  be 
with  him;  and  dif  ye  seek  him,  he  will  be  found  of 
you;  but  eifye  forsake  him,  he  wili  forsake  you. 

3  Now  for  fa  long  season  Israel  hath  been 
without  the  strue  God,  and  without  ba  leaching 
priest,  and  'without  law: 

4  But  when  they  hn  their  trouble  did  turn  unto 
the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  and  sought  him,  he  was 
kfound  of  them. 

5  And  in  those  times  there  was  'no  peace  to  him 
that  went  out,  nor  to  him  that  came  in,  but  "“great 
vexations  were  upon  all  the  inhabitants  of  the 
countries. 

6  And  “nation  was  'destroyed  of  nation,  and  city 
of  city:  for  °God  did  vex  them  with  all  adversity. 

7  Be  rye  strong  therefore,  and  let  not  your 
hands  be  weak ; for  tyour  work  shall  be  rewarded. 

8  And  when  Asa  heard  these  words,  and  the 
prophecy  of  "Oded  the  prophet,  he  ’took  courage, 

a 20:14.  &:2Q.  Num.  24:2.  Jnrtg.  3: 10.  2 Sam.  23:2.  2 Pet.  1:21.  • Heb.  be- 

fore Asa.  I)  13:4.20:15,20.  Judg.  9:7.  Ps.  49:1,2.  Is.  7: 13.  Malt.  13:9.  Rpv.  2: 
7,11,17,29.3:6,13,22.  c 1312.  32:8.  Dent.  20:1 . Jam.  4:8.  d 4,15.  33:12,13. 
Is.  55:6,7.  Jar.  29: 13.14.  Mall.  7:7,8.  e 12:1— 3. 24:20  . 2 Kings  21:14.  1 (.'hr. 
28:9.  Rom.  11:1,2.  Heb.  12.25.  f 1 Kings  12:28-33.  Hus.  3.4.  g Jer.  10:10. 
John  17:3.  1 Thes.  1:9.  1 John  5:20.  h 17:8.9.  Lev. 10:11.  Dent.  33:10.  Nell. 
8:9.  Ez.  44:21-23.  Mic.  3:11.  Mai.  2.7.  Malt.  2:4,5.  1 Tim.  3:2.  i Horn.  2: 
12.  7:8,9.  1 Uor.  9:21.  j Dent . 4:29,30.  Judg.  3:9,10.  10: 10— 16.  Ps.  106:44. 
Hos.  6:1.  14:1—  3.  k 15.  Is.  55:6.  65:1,2.  Rom.  10:20.  1 Judg.5:6.  1 Sam.  13: 
6.  Ps. 121:8.  m Malt.  24:6,7.  Luke  21:25.  ,112:15.13:17.  Mark  13.8.  Luke 
21:9,10.  t Heb.  beaten  in  pieces,  o 33: 11 . 36: 17.  Judg.  2:14.  Ps.lu6:41.  Is. 
10:6.  Am.  3:6.  Luke  21:22— 24.  p Josh.  1:7,9.  1 Chr.  28:20.  Ps.  27:14.  Is.  35: 
8.4.  Dan.  10:19.  I Cor.  <6:13.  Eph.  6:10.  q Gen.  15:1.  Ruth  2:12.  Ps. 19:11. 
58:11.  Matt.  5:12,46.6:1,4,6,18.  10:41,42.  Luke  6:33.  Rom.4:4,5.  1 Cor.  3:8, 


ness,  or  the  power  of  our  assailants,  is  no  good  reason  for 
discouragement.  Improbabilities,  and  even  apparent  impossi- 
bilities, of  help  and  deliverance,  cause  no  difficulty  to  an 
almighty  arm  : and  if  the  glory  of  God  engage  him  on  our  side, 
no  created  power  can  prevail  against  us.  Indeed,  it  is  our  duty 
to  employ  every  prudent  precaution,  to  use  all  proper  means, 
and  to  exert  the  whole  strength  which  he  has  given  us : and 
in  this  way  he  commonly  helps  us,  both  in  our  temporal  and 
spiritual  concerns:  hut  he  can  as  readily  work  without  us,  as 
by  us;  and  when  we  go  forth  in  his  name,  and  are  disposed 
to  give  him  the  glory,  we  shall  certainly  have  all  desirable 
success. — Those  whom  the  Lord  smites,  cannot  recover 
their  strength,  nor  they  whom  he  intimidates,  their  courage  ; 
and  all  tilings  work  together  for  the  good  of  those  whom  he 
favours.  Hovevcr  he  may  deal  with  us  in  temporal  things, 
if  we  are  indeed  the  soldiers  of  Jesus  Christ,  we  must  be  en- 
riched by  every  conflict,  and  prove  gainers  by  all  our  losses : 
and  the  approaching  victory  over  our  last  enemy  death,  will 
make  way  for  our  entrance  into  “ his  presence,  where  is  ful- 
ness of  joy,  and  pleasures  for  evermore.” 

NOTES. — C h a p.  XV.  V.  1—7.  (Note,  8.)  The  pro- 
phet met  Asa  and  his  army  as  they  returned  from  their  vic- 
tory and  triumph  over  the  Cushites  ; and  thus  addressed  them, 
with  words  of  warning  and  encouragement. — It  is  not  easy 
to  determine  what  times  or  events  were  intended  by  the  pro- 
phet in  the  following  verses.  Some  think,  that  he  referred  to 
the  state  of  Israel,  in  the  days  of  the  judges,  when  the  people 
for  a long  time  generally  forsook,  and  almost  forgot,  the  true 
God  ; the  priests  were  not.  public  teachers  as  they  ought  to 
nave  been,  and  the  law  was  greatly  neglected.  (Notes, 
Deut.  33:10.  Josh.  21:1,2.  Hos.  4:6.  Mai.  2:4—9.)  At  the 
slime  time  the  people  were  exposed  to  the  invasions  of  various 
enemies,  who  destroyed  each  other,  yet  alternately  harassed 
and  oppressed  them : because,  for  their  sins,  “ God  did  vex 
them  with  all  adversity;”  and  consequently  there  was  no 
peace  to  those  who  journeyed,  or  went  out  upon  business. 
Now,  these  times  of  trouble  and  vexation  seemed  to  be  re- 
turning again,  (after  the  prosperity  and  peace  enjoyed  under 
David  and  Solomon,)  in  the  divisions,  apostacies,  idolatries, 
and  calamities  of  the  preceding  reigns.  And  the  people  might 
be  assured,  that  the  Lord  would  deal  with  them  by  the  same 
measure,  as  he  had  dealt  with  their  fathers:  if  they  forsook 
his  worship,  and  ran  into  idolatry  and  impiety,  they  would  he 
left  to  all  their  former  miseries;  hut  if  they  returned  to  God 
and  served  him,  he  would  protect  and  prosper  them:  (Note, 
1 Chr.  28:9.)  even  as  when  Israel  under  the  judges,  in  their 
trouble,  sought  the  Lord,  he  was  always  ready  to  remove 
their  afflictions.  This  seems  the  most  satisfactory  interpre- 
tation. But  others  suppose,  that  the  prophet  referred  to  the 
utate  of  the  kingdom  of  Israel:  they  had  rejected  the  true 
God,  expelled  the  teaching  priesthood,  and  cast  ofF  the  law 
*f  ihe  Lord,  and  their  subsequent  calamities  were  intended  as 
ft  warning  for  ,»jdah,  yet,  even  whenever  Israel  should  re- 


and  put  away  ‘the  ^abominable  idols  out  of  all  the 
land  of  Judah  and  Benjamin,  and  out  of  “the  cities 
which  he  had  taken  from  mount  Ephraim,  and 
renewed  “the  altar  of  the  Lord,  that  was  before 
the  porch  of  the  Lord. 

9 And  he  gathered  all  Judah  and  Benjamin, 
and  ?the  strangers  with  them  out  of  Ephraim  and 
Manasseh,  and  out  of  Simeon:  for  “they  fell  to 
him  out  of  Israel  in  abundance,  when  “they  saw 
that  the  Lord  his  God  was  with  him. 

10  So  they  gathered  themselves  together  r b.c. 
at  Jerusalem  in  bthe  third  month,  in  the  *-  941- 
fifteenth  year  of  the  reign  of  Asa. 

11  And  they  “offered  unto  the  Lord  Hhe  same 
time,  of  the  spoil  which  they  had  brought  useveD 
hundred  oxen  and  seven  thousand  sheep. 

12  And  “they  entered  into  a covenant  to  ‘seek 
the  Lord  God  of  their  fathers  with  all  their  heart, 
and  with  all  their  soul; 

13  That  ^whosoever  would  not  seek  the  Lord 
God  of  Israel  should  be  put  to  death,  hwhether 
small  or  great,  whether  man  or  woman. 

14  And  'they  sware  unto  the  Lord  with  a loud 
voice,  and  with  shouting,  and  kwith  trumpets,  and 
with  cornets. 

15  And  all  Judah  'rejoiced  at  the  oath:  for 
they  had  msworn  with  all  their  heart,  and  “sought 
him  with  their  whole  desire ; and  °he  was  found 

14.  9:17,18.  15:58.  Col.  3-24.  Heb.  6:10.  10:35.  2 John  8.  r 1.  s 19:11.  Is.  44- 
14.  margins.  Acts  28:15.  t Lev.  18.30.  Dent.  27:15.  Is.  65:4.  Jer.  16:18.  Er.. 
8:10.  1 Pet.  4:3.  Rev.  17:4,5.  J Heb.  abominations.  1 Kings  II  :5,7.  2 Kingc 
23:13.  II  13:19.  x 4:1.8:12.  29:18.  2 Kings  16:14. 18:22.  y 11:16. 30:1— 11, 
25.  /.  1 Kings  12:19.  1 Chr.  12:19.  a Gen.  39:3.  1 Sam.  18:28.  1 Kings  3:28. 
Zech.  8:21— 23.  Acts  7:9,10.  9:31.  b Esth.  8:9.  e 14:13—15.  Num.  31:28,29, 
50.  1 Sam.  15:15,21.  1 Chr.  26:26,27.  § Heb.  in  that  day.  d 1:6. 7:5.  e 23: 
16.29:10.34:31,32.  Deut.  29: 1 ,12.  Neh.  9:38.  10:29.  Jer.  50:5.  2 Cor.  8:5.  (See 
on  4.  Deut.  4:29.  10:12.  I Kings  8:48.  Jer.  29: 12,13.  g Ex.  22:20.  Deut.  13:5, 
9,15.  17  2—5.  1 Kings  18:40.  h Gen.  19:11.  Ex.  12:29.  Deut.  29:18.  Job  3:19. 
34:19.  Ps.  115:13.  Acts  26:22.  Rev.  6:15.  20:12.  i Neh.  5: 13.  10:29.  k Ps.81: 
1—4.  1 23:16— 21.29:10,36.  Deut.  26:11.  Neh.  8:9.  Ps.  32: 1 1 . 1 19:11 1 . Fro?. 
3:17.  2 Cor.  1:12.  m Ps.  119:106.  nSeeon2,4.  Is.  26:8.  45:19.  Phil.  1:23 
o See  on  4. 


pent,  and  seek  God,  he  would  be  found  of  them. — Others 
again  suppose  the  passage  to  be  prophetic  of  the  Babylonish 
captivity,  and  even  of  the  present  dispersion  and  future  con- 
version of  the  Jews,  to  which  the  words  are  doubtless  appli- 
cable. Perhaps  the  prophet  had,  some  reference  to  God’s 
general  method  of  dealing  with  Israel  in  all  ages,  and  then 
no  wonder  that  his  expressions  pre  descriptive  of  several  dis- 
tinct transactions. — It  is  plain,  however,  that  warning  and 
encouragement  were  intended  for  Asa  and  his  subjects;  and 
the  prophet’s  scope  was  to  excite  them  properly  io  improve 
their  present  success,  by  attempting  a more  effectual  reforma- 
tion, which  would  assuredly  he  rewarded  with  proportionable 
prosperity. 

V.  8.  Perhaps  the  prophet  was  called  Oded,  as  well  as 
his  father,  (1)  and  Azariah  bv  way  of  distinction:  though 
some  think,  that  Oded  confirmed  the  words  of  his  son  by  a 
prophecy  to  the  same  effect. — The  work  of  complete  refor- 
mation appeared  to  Asa  so  difficult  and  perilous,  through  the 
inveterate  propensity  of  the  people  and  of  the  chief  persons  to 
idolatry;  that  he  had  not  courage  to  attempt  it,  till  thus  as- 
sured of  the  divine  assistance  and  acceptance.  Accordingly, 
when  he  proceeded  in  his  work,  many  abominable  idols  were 
found  in  every  part  of  the  land  : which  he  removed,  with  those 
that  were  in  the  cities  taken  from  Israel:  but,  as  the  golden 
calf  was  not  removed  from  Beth-el,  it  is  probable,  that  cit> 
had  been  previously  ceded  to  the  king  of  Israel,  or  retaken  by 
him.  (Note,  13:13 — 22.)  He  likewise  “renewed”  the  altar 
of  God,  in  the  inner  court  of  the  temple  ; which,  it  seems,  had 
been  left  to  go  to  decay,  in  the  preceding  reigns,  and  had  not 
been  duly  repaired  in  the  preceding  years  of  Asa. 

V.  9.  Simeon , &c.]  The  situation  of  this  tribe,  in  part 
of  the  lot  of  Judah,  (Note,  Josh.  19:1 — 9.)  had  not  prevented 
them  from  joining  the  general  revolt.  But  at  this  time  inan> 
of  them,  with  numbers  from  the  other  tribes,  submitted  to 
Asa,  and  probably  a great  part  of  the  tribe  of  Simeon  perma 
nently  adhered  to  Judah. 

V.  10,  11.  ‘This  seems  to  have  been  a voluntary  asseni 
bly,  by  common  agreement,  rather  than  by  the  king’s  com- 
mandment or  invitation;  unless  we  suppose  it  to  have  been  at 
one  of  the  great  festivals.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

Fifteenth  year,  &c.  ( 10)  It  is  said  “ The  land  was  quiet 

ten  years:”  (1)  hence  it  is  concluded  that  Zerah’s  invasion 
was  in  the  eleventh  year  of  Asa.  Vet  that  the  sacrifices  from 
the  spoil  should  not  be  offered  from  the  spoil  taken,  till  tlx* 
fifteenth  of  Asa,  can  hardly  accord  to  that  supposition. 

The  same  time.  (11)  ‘In  the  Hebrew,  “in  that  day,* 
which  the  Targum  takes  to  have  been  in  the  feast  of  weeks, • 
. . . which  was  kept  in  the  third  month,  railed  Sivan.'  Bp. 
Patrick. — Some  previous  appointment,  however,  evidently 
produced  a much  more  general  concourse  on  this  occasion, 
than  would  otherwise  have  taken  place. 

V.  12 — 15.  The  people  voluntarily  covi  .anted  to  seek  live 
Lord,  each  for  himself  and  all  in  entire  union,  with  at.1  ear- 
( 770  ) 


B.  C.  940. 


CHAPTER  XYI. 


B.  C.  920. 


of  them : and  Pthe  Lord  gave  them  rest  round 
about. 

16  II  And  also  concerning  sMaacliah  'the 
mother  of  Asa  the  king,  rhe  removed  her  from 
being  queen,  because  she  had  made  an  hdol  in 
a grove  : and  Asa  ‘cut  down  her  idol,  and  stamped 
if,  and  burnt  it  at  the  brook  Kidron. 

17  But  ‘the  high  places  were  not  taken  away 
out  of  Israel  : nevertheless  “the  heart  of  Asa  was 
perfect  all  his  days, 

18  H And  he  “brought  into  the  house  of  God  the 
things  that  his  father  had  dedicated,  and  lhat  he 
nimself  had  dedicated,  silver,  and  gold,  and  vessels. 

19  And  there  was  no  more  war  unto  the  yfive 
and  thirtieth  year  of  the  reign  of  Asa. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Asa  make6  a league  with  Benhada I against  Baasha , who  is  hindered  from 
building  Ramah  ; and  Asa  with  the  stones  of  it  builds  Geba  and  Mizpah , 1 
— 6.  Hannni  the  prophet  reproves  him  for  trusting  in  the  Syrians,  rather 
than  in  God , an  I is  imp  isoned  by  Asa,  who  at  the  same  time  oppressed  some 
of  his  subjects,  7 — 10.  When  sick,  Asa  seeks  to  physicians,  and  not  to  God , 
11, 12.  His  death  and  burial,  13,  14. 

IN  the  six  and  thirtieth  year  of  the  reign  of  Asa, 
“Baasha  king  of  Israel  came  up  against  Judah, 
and  built  Ramah,  bto  the  intent  that  he  might  let 
none  go  out  or  come  in  to  Asa  king  of  Judah. 

n SeeonS.  Josh. 23:1.  Job34:29.  q 1 Kings  15:13.  * That  is,  grandmother. 
1 Kings  15  2,10.  r 14:3— 5.  Ex.  S2;27,28.  Deut.  13:6— 8.  33:9.  Zech.  13  3. 
Mark  3:21, 31 — 35.  2Cor.516.  t Heb.  horror,  s See  on  14:3.  34:7.  Ex.  32: 
2(J.  Lev.  26:30.  Deut.  7:5,26,26.  9:21 . 2 Kings  23:6,12,15.  t 14:3— 5.  Deut. 
12  13,14.  1 Kings  3:2— 4.  22:43  . 2 Kings  12:3.  14:4.  u 16:7— 12.  1 Kings  11 :4. 
x 1 Kings  7:51.  15:14,15.  I Chr.  26:20— 26.  v 16:1.  1 Kings  15:16,17,32,33. 
a See  on  1 Kings  15:16—22.  b See  on  11:13— 17.  15:9.  1 Kings  12:27.  c 28:21. 
2 Kings  12: IS.  16.8.  18:15.  * Heb.  Darmesek.  d 18:3.  19:2.  Judg.  2:2.  Is.  31: 


nestness  : and  also  without  respect  of  persons,  to  execute  the 
law  of  God  on  idolaters  ; and  on  those  who  disregarded  the 
sabbaths  and  solemn  feasts,  or  refused  their  attendance  on  the 
public  ordinances  of  religion.  (Notes,  Lev.  24:10 — 16.  Num. 
15:31—36.  Deut.  13:1 — 11.)  This  covenant  they  entered 
into  in  the  most  cheerful  and  open  manner;  and  every  one 
ratified  it  by  a solemn  oath,  with  a loud  voice,  in  the  presence 
of  all  the  people,  accompanied  by  shouting,  and  the  priests 
sounding  with  the  sacred  trumpets,  and  with  cornets : for  they 
were  deeply  impressed  with  the  kindness  which  they  had  ex- 
perienced, and  great  numbers  were  evidently  very  sincere 
and  earnest  in  their  religion.  (Marg.Ref)  ‘They  reaped 
the  happy  fruit  of  this  reformation,  in  the  great  peace  which 
they  enjoyed,  without  disturbance  from  any  of  their  neigh- 
bours.’ Bp.  Patrick.  (Note,  1 Kings  16:23.) 

V.  16.  Note,  1 Kings  15:10 — 13. 

V.  17,  18.  Notes,  1 Kings  15:14,15. — Out  of  Israel,  &c. 
(17)  Some  have  thought  that  this  only  relates  to  the  cities 
which  had  been  taken  from  the  kingdom  of  Israel:  but  it  is 
probable  that  some  high  places  at  least  were  still  connived  at 
in  Judah  : perhaps  as  a human  device,  to  render  the  people 
more  willing  to  renounce  idolatry.  Yet,  upon  the  whole,  Asa 
meant  well  and  did  well,  and  was  cordial  in  his  endeavours  for 
reformation. 

V.  1 9.  Baasha  died  ill  the  twenty-sixth  year  of  Asa’s  reign  : 
and,  as  there  were  wars  between  Asa  and  Baasha,  (16:1. 
1 Kings  15:16,17,32,33.)  it  seems  impossible  to  reconcile  this 
verse,  and  the  date  of  the  ensuing  chapter,  with  the  other 
history,  except  by  allowing  a trivial  error  of  the  transcribers, 
and  reading  the  twenty-fifth,  instead  of  the  thirty-fifth,  in  this 
verse,  and  the  twenty-sixth,  instead  of  the  thirty-sixth,  in  the 
first  verse  of  the  following  chapter.  This  is  the  date  which 
Josephus  affixes  to  these  events,  and  it  is  very  probable  in 
itself.  Other  ways  of  solving  the  difficulty  have  been  proposed, 
but  they  appear  liable  to  insuperable  objections. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Prosperity  and  coinfort  should  animate  us  to  more  diligent 
obedience ; but  we  need  the  ministry  of  the  word  to  remind  us 
of  our  duty,  when  successful,  as  much  at  least  as  when  afflict- 
ed.— The  gracious  tenor  of  the  gospel  authorizes  us  to  assure 
sinners  of  every  description,  that  if  they  “seek  the  Lord”  in 
a proper  manner,  he  will  be  found  of  them ; at  the  same  time 
all  should  be  warned,  that  if  they  forsake  the  Lord,  he  will 
cast  them  off;  and  we  may  know  that  God  is  wi>h  us  for  every 
saving  purpose,  when  we  are  conscious  of  trusting  in  his 
mercy,  attending  on  his  ordinances,  and  walking  in  obedience 
to  his  commandments.  But,  cautious  fear  and  cheering  hope 
must  unite  to  render  us  vigilant,  active,  and  steadfast  in  the 
ways  of  God. — The  history  of  rhe  church  in  all  ages,  and  the 
experience  of  every  believer,  demonstrate,  that  vexation  and 
distress  are  the  never-failing  consequences  of  negligence  and 
sin,  even  to  those  who  are  not  left  to  final  apostacy ; and  that 
humiliation  before  God,  and  diligent  seeking  him,  uniformly 
make  way  for  peace  and  comfort.  Hence  the  benefit  of  a 
teaching  ministry,  of  the  holy  law,  and  of  the  blessed  gospel. 
The  Lord  grant  that  all,  who  are  called  ministers,  may  be- 
come “ apt  to  teach,”  mighty  in  the  Scriptures,  men  of  God, 
acquainted  with  him,  his  truth,  and  his  will,  and  able  to  declare 
nis  whole  counsel  to  the  people  ! May  he  send  forth  such  la- 
bourers into  his  harvest,  and  extend  the  blessing  of  them  to 
the  remotest  nations  of  the  earth  ! And  may  the  Jews,  who 
have  been  so  long  without  the  “ true  God  and  eternal  life ;” 


2 Then  Asa  ‘brought  out  silver  and  gold  out 
of  the. treasures  of  the  house  of  the  Lord  and  of 
the  king’s  house,  and  sent  to  Benhadad  king  ol 
Syria,  that  dwelt  at  'Damascus,  saying, 

3 There  is  lla  league  between  me  and  thee,  as 
there  was  between  my  father  and  thy  father  : be- 
hold, I have  sent  thee  silver  and  gold  ; go,  ‘break 
thy  league  with  Baasha  king  of  Israel,  that  he 
may  depart  from  me. 

4 And  Benhadad  f hearkened  unto  king  Asa, 
and  sent  the  captains  of  ’his  armies  against  the 
cities  of  Israel ; and  they  smote  ?Ijon,  and  '’Dan, 
and  Abel-maim,  and  all  the  'store  cities  of  Naph- 
tali. 

5 And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Baasha  heard  it 
Jthat  he  left  off  building  of  Ramah,  and  let  his 
work  cease. 

6 Then  Asa  the  king  took  all  Judah  ; and  kthey 
carried  away  the  stones  of  Ramah,  and  the  timber 
thereof,  wherewith  Baasha  was  building,  and  he 
built  therewith  'Geba  and  mMizpah. 

7 If  And  at  that  time  "Hanani  the  seer  came  to 
Asa  king  of  Judah,  and  said  unto  him,  “Because 
thou  hast  relied  on  the  king  of  Syria,  and  not  >’re- 


1—3.  2 Cor.  6:16.  e Gen.  20:9,10.  Ex.  32:21.  Josh.  9:19,20.  2 Sam.  21:2.  Ps. 
15:4.  Ez.  17:18,19.  Rom. 1:31,32.  2 Tim.  3:3.  f l Tim.  6:10.  2Pet.215. 
t Heb.  armies  which  were  his.  g 1 Kings  15  20.  h Gen.  14:14.  Judg.  18:28, 
29.20:1.  i 8:6.  17:12.  1 Kings  9:19.  )Seeon\.  k 1 Kings  15:22.  1 Josh.  18: 
24—26.  Gabn.  21:17.  1 Chr.  6:60.  Ie.  10:29.  Zech.  1410.  m Josh.  15:38.  18: 
26.  1 .Sam.  7:6,16.  10:17.  Mizpeh.  n 19:2.20:34.  1 Kings  16:1.  oPs.  146.3—6. 
Is.  31:1.  32:2.  Jc r.  17:5,6.  Eph.  1:12,13.  p 13:18.  32:7,8.  2 Kings  18:5.  1 Chr. 
5:20. 


(Note,  1 John  5:20,21.)  without  a teaching  priesthood,  and 
without  him  who  is  the  true  and  only  High-Priest  of  the 
church,  whom  “God  hath  so  long  vexed  with  all  adversity,” 
at  length  in  their  trouble,  seek  the  Lord,  be  found  of  him,  and 
be  grafted  again  into  their  own  olive-tree,  from  which  they 
were  broken  off  through  unbelief! — The  assured  expectation 
of  assistance,  acceptance,  and  a gracious  recompense,  in- 
spires the  soul  wilh  courage  and  strength  for  present  duty: 
and  we  ought  to  exhort  and  encourage  one  another,  that  we 
may  be  “strong  in  the  Lord,”  and  that  our  hands  may  not  be 
weak,  when  we  are  called  to  arduous  and  perilous  attempts, 
for  the  honour  of  God,  and  to  promote  true  religion. — The  way 
to  win  those,  who  are  of  the  contrary  party,  is  by  showing 
them  evidently  that  “the  Lord  our  God  is  with  us.”  In  order 
to  this,  all  abominable  things  must  be  put  away,  and  conscien- 
tious obedience  must  unite  with  cheerful  confidence  in  God. — 
Whatever  the  Lord  gives  should  be  employed  according  to 
his  will : especially  we  should  devote  our  bodies  and  souls 
unto  him,  according  to  his  everlasting  covenant ; by  accepting 
of  his  salvation,  and  yielding  ourselves  to  his  service.  Our 
devotedness  to  God  our  Saviour  should  be  avowed  and  pro- 
fessed in  the  most  solemn  and  public  manner.  Such  obliga- 
tions indeed  bind  to  no  more  than  was  before  our  duly:  but 
they  have  a tendency  to  fortify  the  heart  against  temptation, 
to  excite  us  in  a way  of  remembrance  to  every  service,  and 
to  give  us  a farther  opportunity  of  watching  over  each  other, 
and  exhorting  one  another  to  every  good  work.  Unless,  in- 
deed, we  sincerely  mean  to  seek  and  serve  God  with  our 
whole  heart,  and  our  whole  soul,  such  transactions  are  hy- 
pocrisy. But,  if  we  enter  into  these  engagements  with  up- 
rightness, really  purposing  to  be  helpful  to  others  also,  we 
may  joyfully  expect  that  the  Lord  will  give  rest  to  our  souls. 
— Every  public  transaction  should  be  conducted  wilh  cautious 
regard  to  peace,  and. to  civil  subordination  in  all  things  lawful, 
lest  our  good  should  be  evil  spoken  of.  We  are  not  indeed 
called  on  to  inflict  death,  or  any  secular  punishment,  on  those 
who  are  guilty  of  impiety,  apostacy,  or  idolatry  ; yet,  they  who 
neglect  the  great  salvation  of  the  gospel,  will  by  no  means 
escape  a more  dreadful  doom. — No  relative  affections  are  to 
be  indulged,  when  they  interfere  with  our  evident  duty  to  God . 
but  where  the  heart  is  upright,  there  will  be  peace  and  ac- 
ceptance, though  we  come  short  of  that  perfection  which  is 
proposed  to  us,  and  to  which  we  should  continually  be  press- 
ing forwards. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XVI.  V.  1—6.  (Notes,  15:19.  1 Kings 
16:8 — 14.) — Baasha  seems  to  have  meditated  war  against 
Judah  from  the  beginning  of  his  reign  : and  probably  he  had 
made  some  hostile  attempts  before ; but  he  was  not  able  to 
make  any  formidable  attack,  till  the  year  preceding  his  death. 
At  that  time  he  so  fortified  Ramah,  upon  the  frontiers  of  the 
land,  that  he  not  only  prevented  his  own  subjects  from  mi- 
grating into  Judah,  but  stopped  all  travellers  from  passing: 
and  this  both  hindered  the  Israelites  from  going  over  to  ihe 
king  of  Judah,  and  was  likely,  it  seems,  to  reduce  him  and  his 
subjects  to  distress.  In  this  difficulty,  Asa  distrusted  his  ow  n 
troops,  and  neglected  the  proper  means  of  defence ; and  he 
likewise  gave  up  his  confidence  in  God,  and  used  very  sinful 
means  for  deliverance.  He  tempted  a heathen  prince,  with 
the  consecrated  treasures,  to  break  a solemn  league,  and  to 
turn  his  arms  against  his  ally : and,  by  making  a league  with 
him  to  this  effect,  he  became  accessary  to  all  the  treacfiery, 
perjury,  injustice,  and  cruelty  of  Benhadad  But,  though  it 
( 771  ) 


B.  C.  91  t». 


II.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  914, 


lied  on  the  Loan  thy  God,  therefore  is  ithe  host 
of  the  king  of  Syria  escaped  out  of  thy  hand. 

8 Were  not  rthe  Ethiopians  and  the  Lubims  *a 
huge  host,  with  very  many  chariots,  and  horse- 
men ? yet,  “because  thou  didst  rely  on  the  Lord, 
he  delivered  them  into  thy  hand. 

9 For  ‘the  eyes  of  the  Lord  run  to  and  fro 
throughout  the  whole  earth,  bo  show  himself 
strong  in  the  behalf  of  them  “whose  heart  is 
perfect  toward  him.  Herein  “thou  hast  done 
foolishly : therefore  from  “"henceforth  thou  shalt 
have  wars. 

10  Then  Asa  was  ? wroth  with  the  seer,  and 
'put  him  in  a prison-house  ; for  lie  was  in  a rage 
with*  him  because  of  this  thing.  And  Asa 
loppressed  some  of  the  people  “the  same  time. 

11  And  behold,  bthe  acts  of  Asa,  first  and  last, 
lo,  they  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  kings  “of 
Judah  and  Israel. 

12  And  Asa  in  the  thirty  and  ninth  year  of  his 
reign  was  ddiseased  in  his  feet,  until  his  disease 
was  exceeding  great  : yet  “in  his  disease  he 
sought  not  to  the  Lord,  but  to  the  f physicians. 

p See  on  3.  r See  on  14:9 — 1?.  * Heb.  in  abundance.  8 See  on  7.  Ps. 

9:9,10.37:39,40.  t 6:20.  Job  34:21.  Pa.  34: 15.  113:6.  Prov.  5:21 . 15:3.  Jer. 
16:17.32:19.  Zech.4:10.  Heb.  4:13.  1 Pet.  3: 12.  t Or,  strongly  to  hold  with. 
-J  Seeon  1517.  2Kings20:3.  Ps.  37:37.  v 1 Sam.  13. 13.  2 Sam.  12:7— 12. 
I Chr.  21:8  Job  34.18,19.  Jer.  5:21.  Mott.  5:22.  Luke  12:20.  1 Cor.  15:36.  Gal. 
3:1.  x 1 Kings  15:32.  y 25: 16.  23:19.  2 Sam.  12:13.  24:10— 14.  Pa.  141:5. 
Prov.  9:7—9.  z 18.26.  Jer.  20:2.  29:25.  Matt.  14:3,4.  Luke  3:20.  Acts  16:23,24. 
J Heb.  crushed.  Job  20:19.  mar".  Is.  51:23.  Jer.  31:34.  Lam.  3:34.  a 2 Sam. 
11:4.12  31.  b 9:29.  12:15.  20:34  . 25:22.  c 2.5:26.  27:7.  32:32.33:18.35:27. 


answered  a present  purpose,  it  exposed  him  to  severe  rebukes, 
and  he  never  prospered  afterwards.  (Note*  1 Kings  15:17 — 
22.) 

V.  7 — 10.  Asa’s  misconduct  entirely  originated  from  un- 
oelief.  Had  he  relied  on  the  Lord,  he  would  have  defended 
him  against  the  Israelites,  and  enabled  him  likewise  to  prevail 
against  the  king  of  Syria,  who  was  then  in  league  with  Ba- 
asha;  by  which  he  might  have  enriched  his  treasures,  instead 
of  emptying  them  to  purchase  his  assistance.  This  was  the 
more  inexcusable  ?n  him,  seeing  he  had  before  experienced 
the  prevalence  of  faith  and  prayer,  in  his  victory  over  the 
Ethiopians.  (Notes,  14:9 — 15.  2 Sam.  12:8 — 10.)  Indeed, 
Asa  could  not  be  ignorant,  that  the  omnipresent  and  ever 
watchful  providence  of  God  notices  all  the  wants,  dangers, 
and  trials  of  those,  who  uprightly  trust  and  serve  him ; and  is 
ever  at  hand  to  give  speedy  and  effectual  assistance  to  them, 
as  the  case  may  require.  (Marg.  Ref.)  In  this  A«a  greatly 
failed ; and  the  prophet  plainly  told  him,  that  he  had  acted 
foolishly , and  thenceforth  should  have  wars.  His  subsequent 
conduct  seems  to  be  without  parallel  in  Scripture.  No  one 
decidedly  pious  man,  as  I recollect,  is  recorded  to  have  so 
deeply  resented  a reproof  from  a prophet  in  the  name  of  God, 
as  to  have  used  severity  against  him  for  it:  yet  the  expres- 
sions concerning  Asa’s  character  are  so  strong,  (14:2.  15:17.) 
that  we  must  consider  him  as  an  exception  : and  a lamentable 
proof  that  there  is  no  kind  of  sin,  which  a believer  is  not  ca- 
pable of  committing,  if  left  to  himself:  so  that  we  must  not 
form  our  judgment  of  men’s  characters  from  any  detached 
actions,  but  the  general  tenor  of  their  conduct. — In  his  rage 
he  committed  the  prophet  to  prison,  or  rather  he  “ put  him 
into  the  stocks,”  for  that  is  the  meaning  of  the  original  word : 
perhaps  excusing  himself  to  others,  and  to  his  own  conscience, 
by  criminating  the  prophet  as  rude,  intermeddling,  and 
insolent  : and  perhaps,  when  some  of  the  people  censured 
his  conduct,  he  oppressed  them  also,  as  determined  to 
crush  all  opposition  by  violent  means.  It  is  probable,  how- 
ever, that  he  speedily  released  the  prophet ; and  as  he  lived 
at  least  fifteen  years  after  this  event,  (for  so  long  he  lived 
after  Baasha’s death ;)  and  as  we  do  not  find  that  he  oppressed 
or  persecuted  any  person,  except  on  this  occasion;  we  may 
conclude  that  he  repented,  and  adhered  to  the  service  of  God 
to  the  close  of  his  life.  But,  having  openly  dishonoured  the 
Lr'rd,  the  latter  part  of  his  reign  was  obscure,  inglorious,  and 
tro  ublesome. — It  is  not  said  what  wars  he  was  engaged  in  ; 
but  probably  they  were  more  perplexing  to  him,  than  fatal  to 
his  people. 

Lubims.  (8)  4 The  people  of  Libya,  or  the  Africans  beyond 
Egypt.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Note,  12:3,4.)  This  favours  the 
opinion  that  the  Ethiopians,  commanded  by  Zerah,  were 
those  of  Africa,  not  the  Cushites  in  Arabia.  (Note,  14:9 — 
15.) — He  was  in  a rage  with  him  because  of  this  thing.  (10) 

4 For  which  he  ought  to  have  thanked  and  rewarded  him.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  12.  ‘Asa  had  the  gout,  which  increased  to  such  a height 
that  he  died  of  it,  as  Pelicanus  thinks;  which  was  a just 
punishment  for  putting  the  prophet’s  feet  in  the  stocks.’  Bp. 
Patrick. — Under  this  excruciating  correction  he  relapsed  into 
his  former  sin,  of  relying  on  man,  and  not  on  the  Lord.  If  he 
consulted  physicians,  properly  so  called,  his  sin  entirely  consist- 
ed in  his  reliance  on  them,  instead  of  seeking  a blessing  from 
God  pn  the  means  which  they  employed.  But,  perhaps  they 
were  such  persons  as  attempted,  by  charms,  or  other  super- 
( 772  ) 


13  And  Asa  eslept  with  his  fathers,  and  i-b.  c. 
died  in  the  one  and  fortieth  year  of  His  L 9U- 
reign. 

14  And  they  buried  him  in  hhis  own  sepulchres, 
which  he  had  §made  for  himself  in  the  city  oi 
David,  and  laid  him  in  the  bed  which  was  filled 
with  ‘sweet  odours,  and  divers  kinds  of  spices  pre- 
pared by  kthe  apothecaries’  art:  and  they  made 
‘a  very  great  burning  for  him. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

Jehoshaphat  succeeds  Asa,  reigns  well,  and  prospers , 1 — 6.  He  sends  priests 
and  Levites,  accompanied  by  princes , to  teach  the  law  throughout  Judah , 7 
—9.  God  over-awes  the  minds  of  Jehoshaphat' s neighbours,  so  that  they 
submit  to  him , 10,  11.  His  greatness,  ana  his  army,  with  the  captains, 
12^-19. 

AND  “Jehoshaphat  his  son  reigned  in  his 
stead,  band  strengthened  himself  against 
Israel. 

2 And  he  “placed  forces  in  all  the  fenced  cities 
of  Judah,  and  set  garrisons  in  the  land  of  Judah, 
and  din  the  cities  of  Ephraim,  which  Asa  his 
father  had  taken. 

3 And  “the  Lord  was  with  Jehoshaphat,  be- 

1 Kings  15:23.  d Mall.  7:2.  Luke  6:37,38.  Re*.  3:19.  e See  on  9.  28:22.  1 Chr. 
10:14.  Jer.  17:5.  f Gen.  50:2.  Job  13:4.  Jer.  8:22.  Mott.  9:12.  Mark  2:17.  5:26. 
Col.  4:14.  g 1 Kings  15:24.  h 35:24.  Is.  22:16.  John  19:41 ,42.  § Heb.  dtggra. 
i Gen.  50:2.  Mark  16:1.  John  19:39,40.  k Ex.  30:25—  37.  Ec.  10:1.  121:19. 

Jer.  31:5.  a 1 Kings  15:24.  22:41.  1 Chr.  3:10.  Matt.  1:8.  Jnavhat.  b 12:1. 
26:8.32:5.  1 Sam.  23:16.  Ezra  7:23.  Eph.6:10.  c See  on  1 1 : 1 1 ,12.  d 15:8. 
e 15:2,9.  Gen.  39:2,3,21.  Ex.  3:12.  4:12.  Josh.  1:5,9.  Judg.  2:18. 6:12.  2 Sam. 
5:10.  1 Chr.  22:18.  Ps.  46:7,11.  18.8:10.41:10.  Matt.  1:23.  18:20.  28:20  . 2 Tim. 
4:22. 


stitious  devices,  to  alleviate  his  pain:  and  then  the  thing  itself 
likewise  was  exceedingly  sinful.  As  the  Lord  has  been 
pleased  to  throw  a cloud  upon  his  memory,  we  will  not  further 
attempt  to  penetrate  it;  though  from  the  character  which  he 
bears  in  Scripture,  it  may  be  inferred,  that  he  did  not  die  with- 
out repenting  of  this  sin  also. 

V.  13,  14.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Some  have  considered  this 
funeral,  as  an  argument  of  the  improper  state  of  Asa’s  heart, 
even  at  death,  supposing  that  he  appointed  it  for  himself,  out 
of  vainglory,  and  in  conformity  to  heathen  customs.  Indeed, 
it  is  said,  that  he  digged  sepulchres  for  himself,  (marg.)  as 
Manasseh  and  others  also  did  : hut  probably  the  pomp  of  his 
interment,  which  had  nothing  idolatrous  or  unlawful  in  it,  was 
intended  by  the  people  as  an  expression  of  respect  for  his 
memory;  (Marg.  Ref.)  for,  notwithstanding  the  blemishes 
recorded  in  this  chapter,  he  had  been  an  excellent,  valuable, 
and  successful  prince  : and  the  state  of  Judah  during  his 
reign  was  most  happy,  compared  with  the  distractions  and 
miseries  of  Israel.  (Note,  1 Kings  1 (5:23. ) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Those,  who  on  some  occasions,  u being  strong  in  faith, 
glorify  God,”  and  bring  blessings  on  themselves  and  others  by 
so  doing  ; at  other  times  show  that  faith  is  lamentably  out  of 
exercise:  (Note,  Gen.  12:1 — 5,11 — 16.)  and  whenever  men 
waver,  as  to  confidence  in  God,  they  grow  negligent  and 
heartless  in  waiting  on  him,  and  serving  him,  and  in  usirt*? 
proper  means  for  their  own  defence  or  deliverance  ; and 
become  ready  to  turn  aside  into  by-paths,  and  employ  sinful 
expedients.  When  once  any  person  has  set  forward  in  this 
downhill  road,  he  hurries  along  from  one  crime  to  another, 
till  he  falls  into  greater  ungodliness  ; nor  can  we  tell  into  what 
impiety,  treachery,  or  injustice,  we  may  run,  if  left  to  our- 
selves. Well  may  vve  then  be  cautioned,  u while  we  think 
we  stand,  to  take  heed  lest  vve  fall and  well  may  we  pray, 
“Lord,  increase  our  faith*” — The  self-sufficient  are  impa- 
tient of  reproof  or  contradiction  ; and  then  the  plain  language 
of  faithful  ministers  appears  ill  nature,  ill  manners,  imperti- 
nence, or  insolence.  In  this  case,  if  power  unite  with 
haughty  resentment,  persecution  will  follow  : so  that  they 
are  not  qualified  at  all  times  to  deliver  the  messages  of  God, 
even  to  good  princes,  who  are  not  ready  to  hear  the  cross. 
For,  in  general,  44  the  flatterer,  who  spreads  a net  for  a man’s 
feet,”  and  merits  execration,  may  more  reasonably  expect  a 
reward  from  men;  than  he  who  most  affectionately  labours 
for  their  present  and  eternal  good,  but  who  will,  when 
needful,  speak  offensive  truth,  unreservedly,  and  in  plain 
language.  (Notes,  Matt.  14:3- *11.) — Those,  who  venture  to 
take  the  part  of  such  as  have  thus  given  umbrage,  must  expect 
to  share  in  the  resentment  which  they  have  excited  : for  where 
rage  prevails  against  the  fear  of  God,  justice  and  humanity 
will  scarcely  be  attended  to.  If,  however,  any  of  the  Lord’s 
own  people  thus  resent  the  conduct  of  his  faithful  ministers, 
they  may  lay  their  account  with  most  severe  chastisement, 
and  when  they  repeatedly  relapse  into  the  same  crime,  they 
may  expect  to  go  down  into  the  grave  in  dishonour  and  in  un- 
certainty, and  to  leave  their  characters  involved  in  obscurity. — 
But,  notwithstanding  incidental  faults,  we  should  honour  the 
memory  of  those  who  have  been  useful  in  their  generation, 
and  that  of  our  benefactors  : leaving  their  eternal  state  to  tho 
heart-searching  Judge. — In  all  our  conflicts  and  sufferings,  vve 
have  need  especially  to  look  to  our  own  Marts,  that  they  be 
u oerfect  towards  God,”  in  the  exercise  of  aith,  patience,  and 


B.  C.  905, 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


B.  C.  900 


cause  f he  walked  in  the  first  ways  of  'his  father 
David,  and  ^sought  not  unto  Baalim; 

4 But  sought  to  the  LORD  God  of  his  father, 
and  ''walked  in  his  commandments,  and  ‘not  after 
the  doings  of  Israel. 

5 Therefore  kthe  Lord  established  the  kingdom 
in  his  hand:  and  all  Judah  f brought  to  Jeho- 
shaphat  'presents ; and  mhe  had  riches  and  honour 
in  abundance. 

6 And  “his  heart  was  ^lifted  up  °in  the  ways 
of  the  Lord  : moreover  >’he  took  away  the  high 
places  and  groves  out  of  Judah. 

f Practical  Observations. 2 

7 H Also  in  the  third  year  of  his  reign  the  sent 
to  his  princes,  even  to  Ben-hail,  and  to  Obadiah, 
and  to  Zechariah,  and  to  Nethaneel,  and  to 
Micaiah,  'to  teach  in  the  cities  of  Judah. 

8 And  with  them  he  sent  Levites,  even  She- 
b.  an  maiah,  and  Nethaniah,  and  Zebadiah,  and 
912-  J Asahel,  and  Shemiramoth,  and  Jehonathan, 
and  Adonijah,  and  Tobijah,  and  Tob-adonijah, 
Levites ; and  with  them  Elishama  and  Jehoram, 
•priests. 

9 And  they  taught  in  Judah,  and  had  ‘the 
book  of  the  law  of  the  Lord  with  them,  and  went 
about  "throughout  all  the  cities  of  Judah,  and 
taught  the  people. 

10  11  And  "the  fear  of  the  Lord  §fell  upon  all 


f 2Sam.8:15.  1 Kings  11 :6.  15:3,4.  2 Kings  14:3. 16:2. 18:3.22:2.  Ps.  132:1— 5. 
* Or,  his  father,  and  of  David.  If  :2 — 5,11.  15:8—13.  % Judg.  2:11 . 8:33.  Jer. 

2:23.  h Luke  1:6.  1 Thes.  2:12.  4:1.  i 1 Kings  12:28,33.  13:33,34.  16:31—33. 
2 Kings  8:18.  17:19.  Jer.  3:7,8.  Hos.  4:15.  k 2 Sam.  7.25,26.  1 Kings  9:4,5. 
Ps.  127:1.  132:12.  1 Pet.  5:10.  t Heb.  gave.  1 32:23.  1 Sam.  10:27.  1 Kings 
4:21.10:25.  Ps.  68:29.  72: 10.  76: 1 1 . Matt.  2: 1 1 . m 1:15.9:27.18:1.32:27—29. 
Gen.  13:2.26:13,14.  Deut.  8:13,14.  Job  42:12.  Matt.  6:33.  n Dent.  28:47.  Job 
22:26.  1 That  is,  was  encouraged,  o Ps.  18:21.  119:1.  138:5.  Hos.  14:9.  Acts 
13:10.  p 14:3.  15:17.  19:3.  20:33.  31:1.  34:3—7.  1 Kings 22:43.  q Deut.  4:5. 
Ps.  34:11.  51:13.  Ec.  1:12.  12:9,10.  Is.  49:23.  r 15:3.  30:22.  35:3.  Deut.  33:10. 


obedience : remembering  that  “ his  eyes  run  to  and  fro, 
throughout  the  earth,  to  show  himself  strong  in  behalf  of  them,” 
who  thus  trust  and  serve  him  ; being  an  ever-present  and  all- 
sufficient  Helper  and  Comforter.  And  he  will  especially 
plead  the  cause,  and  abundantly  recompense  the  sufferings, 
of  those  who  are  here  persecuted  for  righteousness’  sake,  and 
for  being  faithful  to  his  truth,  and  in  delivering  his  message  to 
their  fellow-sinners. 

NOTES— Chap.  XVII.  V.  1,  2.  (Marg.  Ref . a,b.) 
It  is  probable  that  Asa  had  been  engaged  in  war  with  the 
kingdom  of  Israel,  after  the  establishment  of  Omri  on  the 
throne,  though  no  events  occurred  so  considerable  as  to  be 
recorded. — In  the  cities  of  Ephraim , &c.  (2)  Note,  15:8. 

V.  3.  The  first  ways,  &c,]  Jehoshaphat  copied  the 
example  of  David,  by  proceeding  to  reform  the  state  of  reli- 
gion immediately  on  his  accession  to  the  throne ; and  in  his 
zeal  for  the  pure,  orderly,  and  spiritual  worship  of  God:  but 
he  carefully  avoided  those  sins,  into  which  David  afterwards 
fell.  This  is  the  common  explication  of  the  expression. — But 
as  David’s  piety  and  zeal  never  shone  brighter  than  at  the 
close  of  his  life ; perhaps  the  words  might  as  properly  be 
read,  “In  the  first  ways,  even  those  of  David  his  father  :” 
proposing  him  as  his  model,  and  not  the  succeeding  princes, 
under  whom  idolatry  had  been  introduced,  tolerated,  or  but 
feebly  opposed  ; and  not  being  satisfied  even  with  walking  in 
the  steps  of  his  father  Asa,  but  aiming  to  reduce  matters  to 
their  ancient  purity. — The  margin  reads  it,  of  his  father,  and 
of  David  ; for  the  latter  days  of  Asa  were  not  so  worthy  of 
imitation  as  his  former  had  been. 

V.  4,  5.  (Marg.  Ref.)  1 As  he  worshipped  not  the  gods 
of  other  countries,  so  he  did  not  join  with  the  Israelites 
in  worshipping  God  by  the  calves.  . . . Riches  procure  men 
honour,  when  they  make  such  a good  use  of  them,  as  he  did.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  6.  The  heart  of  Jehoshaphat  was  lifted  up,  not  in  pride, 
but  in  courage,  zeal,  and  vigour.  By  strong  faith  and  ardent 
love,  he  was  lifted  up  above  fears  and  discouragements  ; and 
readily  faced  and  endured  dangers  and  difficulties  in  the  cause 
of  God.  And  he  did  not  glory  in  his  riches  and  honour,  but 
in  serving  the  Lord,  and  promoting  his  cause.  (Note,  1 Sam. 
2:1.)— He  took  away  the  high  places  in  Judah  ; but  perhaps 
he  left  them  in  the  cities  of  Ephraim  ; or  he  destroyed  such 
as  were  devoted  to  idols,  but  spared  those  in  which  God  was 
worshipped.  Or,  he  destroyed  them  at  the  beginning  of  his 
reign  ; but  his  subjects  restored  some  of  them  afterwards. 
(Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  20:31—34.  1 Kings  22:41—45,  v.  43.) 

V.  7—9.  While  the  priests  and  Levites  neglected  their 
duty,  as  public  teachers,  the  people  remained  ignorant  of  the 
truth  and  law  of  God,  and  were  easily  seduced  into  supersti- 
tion or  idolatry:  so  that  the  reformations  which  took  place 
were  rather  the  result  of  authority  than  conviction  and 
distinct  knowledge  ; and  thus  only  external  and  transient. 
Asa  and  his  people  had  done  well,  in  covenanting  together  to 
punish  those  who  would  not  seek  the  Lord:  (Note,  15:12— 
15.)  for  this  was  according  to  the  tenor  and  intention  of  that 
introductory  dispensation ; mder  which  the  capital  punish- 


the  kingdoms  of  the  lands  that  were  round  about 
Judah,  ^so  that  they  made  no  war  against  Jeho 
shaphat. 

1 1 Also  some  of  the  Philistines  ‘brought  Jeho- 
shaphat presents,  and  tribute-silver ; and  the 
Arabians  brought  him  flocks,  seven  thousand  and 
seven  hundred  rams,  and  seven  thousand  and 
seven  hundred  he  goats. 

12UAnd  Jehoshaphat  “waxed  great  exceedingly; 
and  he  built  ' in  Judah  "castles,  and  cities  of  store. 

13  And  he  had  “much  business  in  the  cities  of 
Judah « and  the  men  of  war,  mighty  men  of 
valour,  were  in  Jerusalem. 

14  And  these  are  dtlie  numbers  of  them  ac- 
cording eto  the  house  of  their  fathers:  Of  Judah, 
the  captains  of  thousands  : Adnah  the  chief,  and 
with  him  mighty  men  of  valour  ! three  hundred 
thousand. 

15  And  '"next  to  him  was  Jehohanan  the  cap- 
tain, and  with  him  two  hundred  and  fourscore 
thousand. 

16  And  next  him  was  Amasiah  the  son  of  Zichri, 
who  ^willingly  offered  himself  unto  the  Lord;  and 
with  him  two  hundred  thousand  mighty  men  of 
valour. 

17  And  of  Beniamin  ; Eliada,  a mighty  man  of 
valour,  and  with  him  '’armed  men  with  bow  and 
shield,  two  hundred  thousand. 

Neh.  8:7,8,13,14. 9:3.  Malt.  4:23.  Mark  4:2.  Luke  4:43,44.  Acls  1:1.  s Ezra 
7:1—6.  Mai.  2:7.  t Deut.  6:6- 9.  31 : 1 1—13.  Josh. 1:7.8.  Is.  8:20.  Matt.  15:2 
—9.28:19,20.  Luke  4:17— 19.  Jolm  5:39,46.  Ads  13:15. 15:21.  28:23.  Rom.  3:2. 

1 Pet.  4:11.  11  Matt.  10:23.  11:1.  Ads  8:40.  x See  on  14: 14.  Gen.  35:5.  Ex. 
15:14— 16.  Josh.  2:9— 11.  § Heb.  Bar.  y 16:9.  Ex.  34:24.  Prov.  16:7.  z See 
on  5.  9:14.26:8.  2 Sam.  8:2.  2 Kings  3:4.  a 18: 1 . 1 Chr.  29:25.  b 8:2 — 6.  1 1 : 
5 — 12. 14:6,7.  26:6 — 9.  *27:4.  32:5,27 — 29.  II  Or  .palaces,  c 26:10— 15.  1 Chr. 
27:25—31.  d (ien.  12:2.  13:16.  15:5.  e See  on  Num.  1:2,18.  f 11:1.  13:3.  14: 
8.26:13.  V Heb.  a!  his  hand,  g Judg.  5:2.9.  1 Chr.  29:9,14,17.  Ps.  110:3 

2 Cor.  8:3—5,12.  h 14:8.  2 Sam.  1:21,22. 


ment  of  apostate  Israelites  was  one  divinely  appointed 
method  of  preserving  that  people  from  sinking  wholly  into 
idolatry,  till  the  coming  of  Christ.  But  Jehoshaphat  did 
better,  when  he  added  the  public  teaching  of  the  people  from 
the  law  of  God  : for  this  not  only  tended  to  the  same  object, 
but  promoted  the  salvation  of  sonls,  and  the  increase  of  spiri- 
tual worshippers,  who  would  hand ‘down  religion  to  their  pos- 
terity. The  princes  were  joined  in  commission  with  the 
priests  and  Levites  ; both  to  excite  the  latter  to  their  duty, 
and  to  induce  the  attention  of  the  people.  Probably  they 
acted  as  magistrates,  and  were  men  of  known  probity,  piety, 
and  acquaintance  with  the  law  of  God  ; who,  when  they 
administered  justice,  instructed  and  exhorted  the  people,  and 
charged  them,  both  as  a matter  of  conscience,  and  as  they 
regarded  the  favour  of  the  king,  to  receive  and  observe  the 
instructions  of  the  priests  and  Levites.  The  persons  from 
among  the  priests  and  Levites,  who  were  appointed  to  be  the 
itinerant  instructers, ‘were  doubtless  selected,  because  they 
were  known  to  be  eminent  for  piety  and  ability.  They  took 
the  book  of  the  law  with  them,  and  read  and  expounded  it 
wherever  they  went,  grounding  all  their  instructions  upon  it. 
It  must  also  be  supposed  that  these  teachers  were  intended 
to  excite  and  to  strengthen  the  hands  of  the  priests  and 
Levites,  who  resided  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  cities  to 
which  they  went,  and  who  were  to  be  considered  as  the  stated 
teachers  in  their  several  districts.  (Note,  15:1 — 7.)  It  has 
before  been  shown,  that  the  prophets  in  the  kingdom  of  Israel 
held  slated  assemblies  for  religious  worship,  on  the  sabbath- 
days,  and  on  some  of  their  solemn  feasts.  (Note,  2 Kings  4: 
23.)  And  it  is  probable,  that  from  this  time  it  became  gra- 
dually the  practice  of  the  priests  and  Levites  in  Judah,  as 
far  as  they  paid  regard  to  their  duty  ; hut  this  alas,  was  but 
seldom  done.  Synagogues,  as  it  appears  from  this  history, 
were  not  yet  regularly  formed  in  Judah  ; and  the  book  of  the 
law  seems  to  have  been  very  scarce,  and  but  little  attended 
to  by  the  people  in  general,  or  made  known  to  them  by  their 
regular  instructers.  (Note,  15:1 — 7,  v.  3.) 

V.  10.  The  army  of  Jehoshaphat  was  indeed  very  formi- 
dable, (13 — 19.)  yet  it  was  “ the  fear  of  Ihe  Lord”  that  deterred 
his  neighbours  from  attacking  him : they  were  so  dismayed, 
that  they  dared  not  to  attempt  any  thing  against  one,  who 
was  so  evidently  favoured  of  God  ; and  it  is  probable,  the 
surrounding  nations  had  observed,  that  Judah  always  pros- 
pered, when  the  worship  of  God  was  kept  up  in  ihe  land. 
(Notes,  Ex.  34:24.  Lev.  36:3,4.  Deut.  28:3—14.) 

V.  11.  The  Philistines  had  been  subdued  by  David,  and 
no  doubt  had  paid  him  tribute;  but,  after  a time,  tney  seem 
to  have  again  become  independent:  (Notes,  2 Kings  13:8.) 
and  it  is  not  certain,  whether  they  and  the  Arabians  brought 
these  presents  to  Jehoshaphat,  as  submitting  *o  his  authority, 
or  only  as  desiring  to  conciliate  his  friendship. 

V.  13 — 19.  Jehjsbaphat’s  militia  far  exceeded  \ number 
that  of  any  of  his  p edeeessors,  (13:3.)  though  le  • li»  not  pos- 
sess much  above  a third  of  (he  countiy,  over  which  David 
and  Solomon  had  reigned.  But  great  numbers  had  fit  eked 
into  his  kingdom  from  Israel,  his  \ ■iop  i increased  by  a pecu- 

( 773  ) 


B.  C.  897 


II.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  897 


18  And  jux  was  Jehozabad,  and  with  him 
a hundred  and  fourscore  thousand  ready  pre- 
f ired  for  the  war. 

19  These  waited  on  the  king,  beside  those, 
whom  the  king  'put  in  the  fenced  cities  through- 
out all  Judah. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Jehoshaphat  joins  affinity  with  Ahab,  and  agrees  to  go  with  him  against  Ra- 
moth-gilead, 1 — 3.  The  false  prophets  assure  them  of  success,  4,5.  At 
Jehoshaphat' s request  Micaiak  is  sent  for,  icho  foretells  Ahab's  death,  and. 
shows  that  his  prophets  were  instigated  by  a lying  sprit,  6—22.  He  is  reviled 
and  sent  back  to  prison,  23 — 27.  j*:a6  goes  in  disguise  to  the  battle; 

wheie  Jehoshriphal,  in  imminent  danger,  calls  on  God,  and  is  preserved, 
28 — 32.  Ahab  is  slain  by  an  arrow  shot  at  a venture,  33,  34. 

NOW  Jehoshaphat  had  “riches  and  honour  in 
abundance,  and  bjoined  affinity  with  Ahab. 

2  And  'after  certain  years  che  went  down  to 
Ahab  to  Samaria.  And  dAhab  killed  sheep  and 


i 2,12.11:12,23.  « 1:11—15.  Set  or,  17:5,12.  Matt.  6:33.  I)  31.  19:2.21:6.22: 
2,3.  1 Kings  16:31— 33.  21:25  . 2 Kings  8:18,26,27.  11:1.  2 Cor.  6:11.  • Heb.  at 
the  end  of  years.  1 Kings  17:7.  Neh.  13:6.  margins,  c 19:2.  1 Kings  22:2. 
d 1 Kings  1:9.  Is.  22:12,13.  Luke  17:27—29.  e 1 Kings  22:4,20-22.  f Deal. 

4:43.  Josh.  20:8.  1 Kings  4:13.  2 Kings  9:1.  g See  on  1 Kings  22:4.  2 Kings 


liar  blessing,  and  no  wasting  wars  had  occurred  for  many 
years.  It  is  probable  that  the*e  troops  served  by  rotation ; 
(Notes,  1 Chr.  27:1 — 15.)  and  some  of  them  might  be  em- 
ployed in  the  buildings  and  other  business,  which  he  had  in 
the  cities  of  Judah.  (Marg.  Ref.)  One  of  his  chief  officers 
is  distinguished  for  having  offered  himself  willingly  to  serve 
God,  as  vvell  as  his  country,  in  that  station.  (1G) 

Much  business.  (13)  ‘To  settle  religion,  and  purge  out 
idolatry,  as  well  as  lo  provide  for  their  safety,  by  fortifi- 
cations, and  whatsoever  was  necessary  for  the  public  tran- 
quillity.’ B]>.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 6.  It  is  a signal  blessing  when  the  Lord  raises  up  pious 
and  able  men,  in  church  or  state,  to  succeed  one  another.  For 
often  useful  instruments  are  removed,  or  laid  aside,  at  the 
very  crisis  when  their  preparations  were  completed,  and  their 
purposes  in  a fair  way  of  being  effected ; and  others  come  in 
their  stead,  who  take  a pride  and  pleasure  in  rendering  their 
schemes  abortive:  and  thus  “one  sinner  destroyed  much 
good.”  (Notes,  Ec.  2:18 — 23.  John  4:31 — 38.)  It  therefore 
behooves  us  all  to  pray  for  a succession  of  useful  men,  who 
may  every  one  of  them  endeavour  to  complete  the  designs  of 
their  predecessors,  and  make  way  for  the  usefulness  of  their 
successors:  and  did  all  pious  persons,  with  one  accord  and 
without  intermission,  unite  in  such  prayers,  in  behalf  of  the 
community,  the  church  at  large,  and  particular  congregations  ; 
they  would  witness  blessed  effects,  and  brighter  prospects 
would  open  before  us.— It  is  happy  when  prudence,  vigour, 
and  piety  unite  in  distinguished  characters ; when  they  care- 
fully imitate  the  best  parts  of  the  conduct  of  eminent  be- 
lievers, and  as  carefully  avoid  their  mistakes ; and  when  the 
purest  ages  of  the  church  are  made  tile  models  of  personal 
religion  and  public  reformation.  Indeed,  we  should  all  study 
to  walk  in  those  “first  ways”  of  Christians,  when  “great 
grace  was  upon  them  all,”  and  not  be  satisfied  with  the  cur- 
rent standard  of  modern  profession : this  would  tend  to  the 
establishment  of  our  hearts  in  peace  and  assurance,  and  to 
the  prosperity  of  our  endeavours  to  glorify  God  and  to  do 
good. — When  faith  is  in  vigorous  exercise,  ami  when  zeal, 
love,  and  active  hope  render  the  ways  of  God  delightful : the 
soul  rises  superior  to  dangers  and  difficulties,  disregards 
hardships  and  labours,  and  can  even  rejoice  in  sufferings  for 
the  Lord’s  sake.  Then  low,  earthly  affections  are  subdued  ; 
the  heart  is  lifted  up  above  them,  and  soars  heaven-ward  , 
glorying  in  nothing  but  the  service,  truth,  and  favour  of  God, 
and  ambitious  of  no  other  honour.  This  exalted  piety  springs 
from  genuine  poverty  of  spirit : and  a deep  sense  of  the  con- 
descension of  the  infinite  God,  in  employing  and  accepting  us 
poor,  guilty,  polluted,  worthless  creatures,  inspires  the  heart 
with  renewed  vigour  in  his  service. 

Y.  7—19.  The  public  teaching  of  the  word  of  God  forms, 
in  all  ages,  the  grand  method  of  promoting  the  power  of  god- 
liness : for  by  it  the  understanding  is  informed,  the  judgment 
regulated,  the  conscience  awakened  and  directed,  and  the 
hopes,  fears,  and  affections  suitably  excited;  and,  as  far  as 
the  divine  blessing  is  vouchsafed,  religious  worship  is  ren- 
dered a voluntary,  reasonable,  and  spiritual  service.  Kings 
and  princes,  therefore,  render  a most  essential  service  to  the 
cause  of  God,  when  they  use  their  influence  to  excite  and 
countenance  those,  who  “labour  in  the  word  and  doctrine  ;” 
and  by  their  example  and  public  declarations  make  it  known, 
that  they  most  approve  of  such  as  diligently  attend  on  the 
instructions  of  such  teachers.  And  though  no  violence  must 
be  done  to  any  man’s  conscience,  nor  any  one  constrained  to 
teach  in  contrauiction  to  his  judgment:  yet  surely  they,  who 
are  publicly  maintained  as  teachers  of  the  people,  may  he 
required  either  to  do  their  work,  or  to  give  place  to  those  who 
will! — Notwithstanding  the  prejudices  of  mankind,  and  the 
indiscretions  of  individuals,  an  itinerant  preacher,  if  duly  quali- 
fied and  sent  forth,  is  one  of  the  most  honourable  and  useful 
characters  that  can  be  found  upon  earth : and  there  needs  no 
other  proof  that,  when  this  work  is  done  properly  and  with 

< 774  ) 


oxen  for  him  in  abundance,  and  for  the  people 
that  he  had  with  him,  and  'persuaded  him  to  gc 
up  with  him  to  f Ramotli-gilead. 

3 And  Ahab  king  of  Israel  said  unto  Jehosha- 
phat  king  of  Judah,  Wilt  thou  go  with  me  to 
Ramoth-gilead  ? And  he  answered  him,  si  am  as 
thou  art,  and  my  people  as  thy  people ; and  we 
will  be  with  thee  in  the  war. 

4 H And  Jehoshaphat  said  unto  the  king  of 
Israel,  'inquire,  I pray  thee,  at  the  word  of  the 
Lord  to-day. 

5 Therefore  the  king  of  Israel  gathered  to- 
gether of  'prophets  four  hundred  men,  ayid  said 
unto  them,  'Shall  we  go  to  Ramoth-gilead  to  bat- 
tle, or  shall  I forbear  ? And  they  said,  kGo  up  ; 
for  God  will  deliver  it  into  the  king’s  hand. 

6 But  Jehoshaphat  said, 'Js  7/iere -not  here  a 

3:7.  Ps.  139:21.  Eph.  5:11.  2John  10,11.  1:  34:26.  1 S:un.  23:2,4.9— 12. 

2 Sam.  2: 1 . 5:19,23.  1 Kines  22.5,6.  P«.  27:4.  Jer . 21 :2.  Ez.2u:3  i 1 King. 
18:19.  2 Kings  3:13.  2T:in.4.3.  j Jer.  38:14,  &c.  42:2,3,20.  k 14,20,21.  Jer. 
8:10,11.23  17.  Ez.  13:3—16,22.  Mic.  2:11. 3:0.  Rev.  19:20.  ) S.eonl  Kin». 
22:7—9.  2 Kings  3:11— 13. 


perseverance,  it  forms  the  grand  method  of  spreading  widely, 
and  rendering  efficacious,  religious  knowledge,  than  the  ex- 
perience of  the  church  in  all  ages  ; for  great  reformations  and 
revivals  of  religion  have  generally  been  thus  effaced.  It  is 
especially  sanctioned  by  the  example  of  Christ  and  his  apos- 
tles, and  recommended  as  the  divine  method  of  spreading  the 
gospel  through  the  nations  of  the  earth ; itinerant  preaching 
having  almost  always  preceded,  and  made  way  for,  the  stated 
ministry  of  regular  pastors.  But  it  is  a work  which  requires 
peculiar  talents  and  dispositions,  and  a peculiar  call  in  Pro- 
vidence ; and  is  not  rashly  and  hastily  to  be  ventured  upon  by 
every  novice,  who  has  learned  to  speak  about  the  gospel,  and 
has  more  zeal,  than  knowledge,  prudence,  humility,  or  expe- 
rience. An  unblemished  character,  a disinterested  spirit,  an 
exemplary  deadness  to  the  world,  unaffected  humility,  deep 
acquaintance  with  the  human  heart,  and  preparation  for  en- 
during the  cross,  not  only  with  boldness,  but  with  meekness, 
patience,  and  sweetness  of  temper,  are  indispensably  neces- 
sary in  such  a service.  They  who  engage  in  it  should  go 
upon  broad  scriptural  grounds,  and  dwell  chiefly  upon  those 
grand  essentials  of  religion,  in  which  pious  men  of  different 
persuasions  are  agreed ; plainly  proving  every  thing  from  the 
word  of  God,  running  nothing  into  extremes,  and  avoiding  all 
disputes,  however  urged  to  it,  about  the  shibboleths  of  a party. 
In  this  way  itinerant  preaching  is  a blessing  which  all,  who 
love  the  souls  of  men,  must  wish  to  be  vouchsafed  to  every 
part  of  every  nation  upon  earth.  And  if  those  who  are  in 
authority,  would  employ  select  men  of  known  and  approved 
piety  and  ability,  protected  and  countenanced  by  them,  to  go 
from  city  to  city,  and  from  village  to  village,  through  the 
kingdom,  teaching  in  every  place  the  plain  acknowledged 
truths  and  precepts  of  the  Bible,  immense  good  might  he 
done.  Those  stated  teachers,  who  have  been  grossly  negli- 
gent or  profligate,  must  either  be  disgraced  or  reformed  ; 
others  might  be  stirred  up  to  use  greater  diligence;  and  the 
instructions  of  stated  faithful  ministers  would  receive  an  ad- 
ditional sanction,  which  could  not  fail  of  producing  a happy 
effect. — Thus  it  was  in  the  days  of  Jehoshaphat  ; and  thus  it 
will  be,  wherever  or  whenever  God  shall  please  to  stir  up  the 
hearts  of  kings,  princes,  and  ministers,  to  teach  the  people  in 
every  part  of  their  territories,  according  to  the  word  of  God. 
This  is  also  the  proper  way  of  promoting  public  peace  and 
prosperity  ; and,  it  will  prove  a better  protection  of  nations, 
than  an  increase  of  powerful  armies  or  navies:  yet  it  may 
very  properly  he  connected  with  the  ordinary  methods  of  de- 
fence.— Persons  in  authority  have  “ much  .business”  to  which 
they  ought  to  attend : and  they  should  consider  that  stable 
peace,  and  increasing  numbers  of  well  maintained  and  orderly 
subjects,  are  more  honourable  than  the  most  successful 
wars  : and  whatever  ability  any  man  possesses,  he  should 
willingly  devote  himself  to  God,  and  serve  him  with  all  that 
he  has. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XVIII.  V.  1.  Affinity , &c.]  Jeho- 
ram  the  son  of  Jehoshaphat  married  Athaiiah  the  daughter  ot 
Ahab.  {Notes,  1 Kings  22:2.  2 Kings  8:18,20.)  Perhaps 
pride  and  ambition  had  some  influence  in  forming  this  fatai 
union:  but  probably  Jehoshaphat  was  allured  to  it,  by  the 
hopes  of  cementing  a durable  peace  between  Judah  and 
Israel,  whom  he  wished  to  consider  as  brethren.  ( Note, 
2 Kings  8:18.)  Ahab  perceived  Jehoshaphat  to  he  so  strong, 
that  lie  had  no  hopes  of  prevailing  against  him,  and  therefore 
he  courted  his  friendship.  But  this  affinity  was  evil  in  itself 
and  peculiarly  dangerous  to  Jehoshaphat : who,  though  firm 
and  courageous  in  resisting  and  overcoming  opposition  and 
difficulties,  was  easily  persuaded  by  fair  words  into  impropei 
compliances.  (Notes,  1 Kings  22:4,7,29.  2 Kings  3:7.) 

V.  2 — G.  Notes,  1 Kings  22:1 — 7. — We  will  be  with  thee  in 
the  war.  (3)  Thus  Jehoshaphat  expressly  engaged  to  assist 
Ahab,  before  lie  proposed  to  inquire  of  God.  (Note,  Josh.  9: 
14,15.) — 4 Ahab  entertained  both  Jehoshaphat  and  nis  attend- 
ants, with  great  splendour.  ...He  caressed  bin  fco  at  this 
feast,  and  used  such  arguments,  as  prevailed  with  him  to 


B.  C.  897.  CHAPTER  XVIII.  B.  C.  897. 


prophet  of  the  Lord  ‘besides,  that  we  might  in- 
quire of  him  ? 

7 And  the  king  of  Israel  said  unto  Jehoshaphat, 
There  is  yet  mone  man,  by  whom  we  may  inquire 
of  the  Lord  : but  "I  hate  him ; for  he  never  pro- 
phesieth  “good  unto  Pme,  but  always  evil : the 
same  is  Micaiah  the  son  of  Imla.  And  Jehosha- 
phat said,  <iLet  not  the  king  say  so. 

8 And  the  king  of  Israel  called  for  one  of  his 
tofficers,  and  said,  *Fetch  quickly  Micaiah  the 
son  of  Imla. 

9 Ami  the  king  of  Israel,  and  Jehoshaphat 
king  of  Judah,  rsat  either  of  them  on  his  throne, 
•clothed  in  their  robes,  and  they  sat  in  a §void 
place  at  the  entering  in  of  the  gate  of  Samaria  : 
and  ‘all  the  prophets  prophesied  Before  them. 

10  And  Zedekiah  the  son  of  Chenaanah  had 
made  him  “horns  of  iron,  and  said,  “Thus  saith 
the  Lord,  With  these  thou  shalt  push  Syria  until 
“they  be  consumed. 

11  And  ^all  the  prophets  prophesied  so,  say- 
ing, Go  up  to  Ramoth-gilead,  and  prosper : for 
the  Lord  shall  deliver  it  into  the  hand  of  the 
king. 

12  And  the  messenger  that  went  to  call  Micaiah 
spake  to  him,  saying,  ‘Behold,  the  words  of  the 
prophets  declare  good  to  the  king  with  one 
'assent;  let  thy  word,  therefore,  I pray  thee,  be 
like  one  of  theirs,  and  speak  thou  good. 

13  And  Micaiah  said,  As  the  Lord  liveth, 
•even  what  my  God  saith,  that  will  I speak. 

14  And  when  he  was  come  to  the  king,  the 
king  said  unto  him,  Micaiah,  shall  we  go  to 
Ramoth-gilead  to  battle,  or  shall  I forbear?  And 
he  said,  bGo  ye  up,  and  prosper,  and  they  shall  be 
delivered  into  your  hand. 

15  And  the  king  said  to  him,  How  many  times 
•shall  I adjure  thee  that  thou  say  nothing  but  the 
truth  to  me  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  ? 

16  Then  dhe  said,  I did  see  all  Israel  scattered 
upon  the  mountains,  eas  sheep  that  have  no  shep- 
herd : and  the  Lord  said,  These  have  no  f master ; 
let  them  return  therefore  every  man  to  his  house 
in  peace. 

17  And  the  king  of  Israel  said  to  Jehoshaphat, 
«Did  I not  tell  thee  that  he  would  not  prophesy 
good  unto  me,  "but  evil  ? 

18  Again  he  said,  Therefore  bhear  the  word  of 
the  Lord  ; ‘I  saw  the  Lord  sitting  upon  his 
throne,  and  Jail  the  host  of  heaven  standing  on  his 
right  hand,  and  on  his  left. 

19  And  the  Lord  said,  kWho  shall  entice 
Ahab  king  of  Israel,  that  he  may  'go  up  and  fall 
at  Ramoth-gilead  ? And  one  spake,  saying  after 
this  manner,  and  another  saying  after  that 
manner. 

20  Then  mthere  came  out  a spirit,  and  stood 

• Heb.  yet,  or,  more,  m 1 Kings  18:4.  19:10.  n 1 Kings  18:17.  20:42,43.21: 
20.  Prov.  9:8.  Jer.  18:18.  Am.  5:10.  Mark  6:18,19,27.  John  7:7.  15: 18,19, 
24.  Gal.  4:16.  o Is.  30:10.  Jer.  38:4.  p 13.  2 Kings  9:22.  Ez.  3:17— 19. 
Acts  20:26,27.  q Prov.  25:12.  Mic.  2:7.  f Or,  eunuchs.  1 Sam.  8:15.  1 Chr. 
28:1.  margins.  Is.  39:7.  Dan.  1:3, 7,8.  j Heb.  Hasten.  25:26.  lKings22:9. 
r See  on  1 Kings  22:10 — 12.  Is.  14:9.  Ez.  26:16.  Dan.  7:9.  Matt.  19:28.  s 29. 
Malt.  6:29. 11:8.  § Or,  floor.  I Jer.  27:14— 16.  u Jer.  27:2.  28:10— 14.  Zech. 
1:18-21.  2 Tim.  3:8.  x Jer.  23:17,21,25,31. 28:2,3.  29,21.  Ez.  13:7.  22:28. 
fl  Heb.  thou  consume  them,  y 5,12,33,34.  Prov.  24:24,25.  Mic.  3:5.  2 Pet.  2: 
1-3.  Jude  16.  Rev.  16:13,14.  19:20.  z Job  22:13.  Ps.  10:11.  Hos.  7:3.  Am.  7: 
13.  Mic. 2:6,11.  lCor.2:14 — 16.  T1  Heb.  mouth.  Josh.  9:2.  marg.  a Num. 
22:18-20,35.23:12,26.24:13.  1 Kings  22:14.  Jer.  23:23.  42:4.  Ez.  2:7.  Mic.  2: 
6.7.  Acts  20:27.  1 Cor.  11:23.  2 Cor.  2:17.  Gal.  1:10.  1 Thes.  2:4.  b 1 Kings 
18:27.22:15.  Ec.  11:9.  Lam.  4:21.  Am.  4:4,5.  Matt.  26:45.  c 1 Sam.  14:24. 

1 Kings  22:16.  Matt.  26:63.  Mark  5:7.  Acts  19:13.  d Matt. 26:64.  e 33,34. 

1 Kings  22:17,34—36.  Jer.  23:1,2.  Ez.34:5,6,8.  Zech.  10:2.  13:7.  Matt.  9:36. 
Mark  6:34.  f 2 Sam.  2:7.  5:2.  2 Kings  10:3.  gSeeonl.  1 Kings  22:18.  Prov. 
29:1.  Jer.  43:2,3.  **  Or,  but  for  evil,  h Is.  1:10.  28:14.  39:5.  Jer.  2:4.  19:3. 

34:4.  Am.  7:16.  i 1 Kings  22:19— 23.  Is.  6:1— 5.  Dan.  7:9,10.  Acts  7:55,56. 

1 Gen.  32:2.  Ps.  103:20,21.  Zech.  1:10.  k See  on  1 Kings  22:20.  Job  12:16.  Is. 
6:9,10.54:16.  Ez.  14:9.  2 Thes.  2:11,12.  Jam.  1:13,14.  125:8,19.  Prov.  11:5. 

undertake  this  expedition.  What  he  had  consented  to  in  the 
nidst  of  their  merriment,  he  seems  now  to  resolve  delibe- 
rately.' Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  7—13.  Notes , 1 Kings  22:7—14. 

V.  14—27.  Notes,  1 Kings  22:15—28. 

V.  28,  29.  (Notes,  1 Kings  22:29,30.)  It  has  been  thought 
that  Ahab  wished  Jehoshaphat  to  fall  by  the  Syrians,  in  ex- 
pectation that  the  affairs  of  Judah  would  come  under  his 
management,  as  the  father-in-law  of  Jehoram. 

V.  30—34.  Notes,  1 Kings  22:31—35 .—God  moved,  &c. 
(31)  In  the  extremity  of  danger,  Jehoshaphat  made  the  Lord 
his  Refuge,  who  remembered  his  servant,  though  out  of  the 
path  cr  duty  ; and,  in  answer  to  his  prayer,  inclined  his  pur- 


before  the  Lord,  and  said,  I will  entice  him.  And 
the  Lord  said  unto  him.  Wherewith  ? 

21  And  he  said,  I will  go  out,  and  be  “a  lying 
spirit  in  the  mouth  of  all  bis  prophets.  And  the 
LORD  said,  “Thou  shalt  entice  him,  and  thou 
shalt  also  prevail  : go  out  and  do  even  so. 

22  Now  therefore,  behold,  Pthe  Lord  hath  pu, 
a lying  spirit  in  the  mouth  of  these  thy  prophets, 
sand  the  Lord  hath  spoken  evil  against  thee. 

23  Then  ‘Zedekiah  the  son  of  Chenaanah 
came  near,  and  smote  Micaiah  upon  the  cheek 
and  said,  ‘Which  wav  went  the  Spirit  of  thi 
Lord  from  me  to  speak  unto  thee  ? 

24  And  Micaiah  said,  ‘Behold,  thou  shalt  see 
on  that  day,  when  thou  shalt  go  fflnto  an  inner 
chamber  to  hide  thyself. 

25  Then  the  king  of  Israel  said,  Take  ye 
Micaiah,  “and  carry  him  back  to  Amon  the 
governor  of  the  city,  and  to  Joash  the  king’s 
son ; 

26  And  say,  Thus  saith  the  king,  “Put  nhis 
fellow  in  the  prison,  and  feed  him  with  ‘bread  of 
affliction,  and  with  water  of  affliction,  “until  1 
return  in  peace. 

27  And  Micaiah  said,  bIf  thou  certainly  return 
in  peace,  then  bath  not  the  Lord  spoken  by 
me.  And  he  said,  “Hearken,  all  ye  people. 

28  So  dthe  king  of  Israel  and  Jehoshaphat 
the  king  of  Judah  went  up  to  Ramoth-gilead. 

29  And  the  king  of  Israel  said  unto  Jehosha- 
hat,  eI  will  disguise  myself,  and  will  go  to  the 
attle  : but  f put  thou  on  thy  robes.  So  sthe  king 

of  Israel  disguised  himself ; and  they  went  to  the 
battle. 

30  Now  the  king  of  Syria  had  commanded  the 
captains  of  the  chariots  that  were  with  him,  say- 
ing, ''Fight  ye  not  with  'small  or  great,  save  only 
with  the  king  of  Israel. 

31  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  captains  of 
the  chariots  saw  Jehoshaphat,  that  they  said,  It 
is  the  king  of  Israel.  Therefore  they  compassed 
about  him  to  fight : but  kJehoshaphat  cried  out, 
and  ‘the  Lord  helped  him ; and  mGod  moved 
them  to  depart  from  him. 

32  For  it  came  to  pass,  that,  when  the  cap- 
tains of  the  chariots  perceived  that  it  was  not 
the  king  of  Israel,  they  turned  back  again  ?Trom 
pursuing  him. 

33  And  na  certain  man  drew  a how  §§at  a 
venture,  and  smote  the  king  of  Israel  ""between 
the  joints  of  the  harness : therefore  he  said  to  his 
chariot-man,  Turn  thine  hand,  that  thou  mayest 
carry  me  out  of  the  host;  for  I am  ""wounded. 

34  And  the  battle  increased  that  day  : howbeit 
the  king  of  Israel  stayed  himself  up  in  his  chariot 
against  the  Syrians  until  the  even;  and  about 
the  time  of  the  sun  going  down  °he  died. 

m Job  1:6. 2:1.  2 Cur.  11 :3, 13-15.  n 22.  Gen.  3:4,5.  See  on  1 Kings  22:21. 

22.  John  8:44.  1 John  4:6.  Rev.  12:9.  13:14.  20:8.  o See  on  19.  Judg.  9:23.  Job 
1:12.2:6.  Pg.  109:17.  p Ex. 4:21.  Ez.  14:3— 5,9.  Matt . 24:24,25.  2Cor.ll: 
11— 13.  2 Thes.  2:9— II.  1 Tim.  4:1,2.  q See  on  7,17.  25:18.  Is.  3:11.  Matt. 
26:24,25.  Mark  14:20,21.  r See  on  10.  1 Kings  22:23-25.  Is.  50:5,6.  Jer.  20:2. 
Lam.  3:30.  Mic.  5:1.  Matt.  26:67.  John  18:22,23.  Acts  23:2,3.  s Jer.  29:26,27. 
Matt.  26:67,68.  John9:40,4l.  I Is.  26: 1 1 . Jer.  28: 16,17.  29:21 ,22,32.  It  Or, 
from  chamber  to  chamber.  Heb.  into  a chamber  in  a chamber.  1 Kings  20:30. 
Is.  26:20.  u 8.  Jer.  37:15— 21 . 38:6,7.  Acta  24:25-27.  x See  on  15.  16:10. 

1 Kings  22:26—28.  Jer.  20:2,3.  Matt.  5:12.  Luke  3:19,20.  Acts  5:18.  2 Cor.  11. 

23.  Rev.  11:10.  y 1 Sam.  25:21.  Matt.  12.24.  Luke  23:2.  Acts  22:22.  z Pg 
80:5.102:9.  Is.  30:20.  aDeut.29:19.  Ps.  10:5.  Prov.  14:16.  I Thes.  5:2,3 
h Num.  16:29.  Act9  13:10,11.  c Matt.  13:9.  15: 10.  Mark  7:14.  Luke.  20,45,46 
d See  on  1 Kings  22:29— 33.  e 1 Sam.  28:8.  I Kings  14:2—6.20:38.  Job  24:15, 
Jer.  23:24.  f Ps.  12:2.  Prov.  26:25.  g 35:22.  h 1 Kings  20:33,34,42.  i Set 
on  15:13.  Gen.  19:11.  Deut.  1:17.  k 13:14. 14:11 . Ex.  14:10.  Ps.  116:1,2. 

2 Cor.  1:9,10.  1 26:7.  Ps.  46:1 ,11 . 94: 17.  118: 13.  m Ezra  1:1.  7:27.  Neh.l:ll. 

Prov.  16:7.21:1.  Heb  .from  after  him.  n See  on  1 Kings  22:34.  §§  Heb.  in 

his  simplicity.  2 Sam.  15:11.  ||||  Heb.  between  the  joints  and  between  thi 

breastplate.  1 Kings  22:34,35.  till  Heb.  made  sick.  3o:23.  o Sec  on  16:19,-27. 
Num.  32:23.  Prov.  13:21.  28:17. 


suers  to  depart  from  him,  by  a secret  but  powerful  influence 
on  their  minds. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Abundant  riches  and  honour  do  indeed  give  large  opportu- 
nities of  doing  good  ; but  they  are  attended  with  such  strong 
temptations,  as  very  few  who  possess  them  are  enabled  to 
withstand.  It  is  therefore  a certain  proof,  that  men  are  no 
well  acquainted  with  the  artifices  of  Satan,  and  the  deceit- 
fulness of  their  own  hearts,  and  that  they  have  much  self- 
confidence,  when  they  covet  riches  in  order  to  do  good ; for 
they  are  far  more  likely  to  get  harm  by  them.  Among  other 
evils,  they  often  betray  pious  persons  into  improper  marriages, 
for  themselves  or  their  children.  It  appears  beneath  them  to 
( 775  ) 


B.  C.  897 


II.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  896 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

*ehoahaphat on  his  retu-n , la  reproved  by  Jehu  the  prophet,  for  joining  alli- 
ance with  Aha!)  ; but  t anrnended  in  other  respects,  1—3.  He  visits  and 
reforms  his  kingd  >rn, 1 : awl  gives  a,  charge  to  the  judges,  priests  and  Le- 
tiles  in  the  cities  of  Judah,  and  at  Jerusalem,  5 — 11. 

AND  Jehoshaphat  the  king  of  Judah  returned 
to  his  house  airj  peace  to  Jerusalem. 

'2  And  b.Jehu  the  son  of  “Hanani  ‘'the  seer 
went  out  to  meet  him,  and  said  to  king  Jeho- 
shaphat, 'Shouldest  thou  help  the  ungodly,  and 
love  them  that  fhate  the  Lord?  therefore  tis 
wrath  upon  thee  from  belore  the  Lord. 

3  Nevertheless,  there  are  hgood  things  found  in 
thee,  in  that  thou  hast  taken  away  the  groves  out 
of  the  land,  and  hast  ‘prepared  thy  heart  to  seek 
God. 

4  And  Jehoshaphat  dwelt  at  Jerusalem:  and 
he  ’went  out  again  through  the  people  from  kBeer- 
sheba  to  'mount  Ephraim,  and  ‘"brought  them 
back  unto  the  Lord  God  of  their  fathers. 

5  U And  "he  set  judges  in  the  land  throughout 
all  the  fenced  cities  of  Judah,  city  by  city ; 

6  And  said  to  the  judges,  “Take  heed  what  ye 
do:  for  fye  judge  not  for  man,  but  for  the  Lord, 
who  is  with  you  in  the  'judgment. 

a 19:31.32.  b 20:34.  I Kinea  16:1,7,12.  t 16:7.  d See  an  1 Sam.  9:9.  e 18:3,28. 

1 Kings  21:25.  Ps.  15:4.  139:21,22.  Pi-nv.  1:10—19.  Rom.  1:32.  Eph.  5:11. 2 John 
10,1 1;  f 18:7.  Ex . 20:5.  Deni.  5:9.  7:10.  32:41.33:11.  Ps.  21:8.  68:1 . 81:15.  Jolm 
15:18,23.  Rorn.  1:30.8.7.  Jam.  4:4.  g 32:25.  Ps.  90:7.8.  Rum.  1:18.  1 Cor.  11: 
31,3*2.  h 17:3 — 6.  1 Kings  14:13.  Rom.  7:18.  i See  on  12:14.  30:19.  Ezra  7:10. 
Ps.  57:7.  * Heb.  returned  and  went  out.  1 Sam  7:15 — 17.  k Gen.  21:33.  Judg. 
20:1.  1 Josh.  17:15.  Juclz.  19:1.  m See  on  15:8-13.  29: 10,1 1 . 1 Sam.  7:3,4. 

Alai.  4:6.  Luke  1.17.  n 8.  Deut.  16:18— 20.  Rom. 13:1— 5.  1 Pet.  2:13,14. 
o Josh.  22:5.  1 Chr.  28:10.  Luke  12:15.  21 :8.  Acts  5:35.  22:26.  p Deut. 1:17. 
Ps.  82:1 — 6.  Ec.  5:8.  t Heb.  matter  of  judgment,  q Gen.  42:18.  Ex.  18:21,22, 


join  affinity  with  inferior  families;  but  “ not  many  mighty  or 
noble  are  called  and  so  they  are  seduced  to  prefer  titles  and 
estates  to  faith  and  holiness;  and  the  effects  are  generally 
lamentable  to  themselves,  to  posterity,  and  to  the  cause  of 
godliness. — We  should  follow  peace  with  all  men:  but  we 
ought  to  have  no  intimacies  with  the  workers  of  iniquity ; for 
their  caresses,  flatteries,  and  feasts,  are  more  dangerous 
than  their  most  imbittered  rage ; and  in  fact  they  are  fre- 
quently the  result  of  politic  enmity,  and  at  best  proceed  from 
mercenary  self-love.  Indeed,  the  most  enormous  wickedness 
is  often  veiled  under  a show  of  piety. — A very  great  majority 
of  professed  ministers,  in  many  ages  and  places,  have  been 
teachers  of  lies : who,  while  they  acted  their  parts  with  the 
name  of  God  in  their  mouths,  have  secretly  been  prompted  by 
Satan,  “ deceiving  and  being  deceived.”  We  should  there- 
fore be  reminded  not  only  to  u inquire  of  the  Lord,”  but 
careful  likewise  by  whom  we  inquire  of  him  ; and  also  that  we 
inquire  his  will,  before  we  commit  ourselves,  bv  engagements 
that  may  he  contrary  to  it. — They  who  flatter  the  humours  of 
the  rich  and  great  will  in  general  be  most  favoured  ; and  those 
who  offend  the  pride,  or  disturb  the  consciences,  of  such  as 
are  strangers  to  the  power  of  godliness,  will  be  hated,  and 
may  lay  their  account  with  hard  usage : nay,  such  pious  per- 
sons as  associate  with  ungodly  people,  must  often  witness 
and  seem  to  approve  of,  very  abominable  things.  The  event, 
however,  will  show  faithful  teachers  in  their  proper  light ; so 
r.hat  even  the  wicked  will  be  constrained  to  allow  the  pro- 
priety of  their  conduct.  In  the  mean  time,  let  them  go  on 
with  confidence  in  God,  simply  declaring  his  whole  message, 
and  patiently  bearing  the  cross;  for  “great  will  be  their 
reward  in  heaven.” — Satan  is  allowed  to  deceive  those,  who 
reject  the  testimony  of  God’s  prophets. — No  policy  can  avert 
« he  stroke  of  the  Lord’s  vengeance,  when  the  time  arrives; 
nor  can  his  people  ever  be  destitute  of  a refuge.  He  both 
can  and  will  extricate  them  even  from  those  difficulties  and 
perils,  into  which  they  have  sinfully  brought  themselves,  when 
hey  earnestly  arid  humbly  call  upon  him : and,  as  lie  has  all 
hearts  in  his  hand,  he  can  easily  rescud  them  in  their  most 
urgent  distresses. — “ O Lord  God  of  hosts,  blessed  is  the 
man  that  pufteth  his  trust  in  thee!” 

NOTES. — Chap.  XIX.  V.  L This  peaceful  return 
dome  exceeded  Jehoshaphat’s  expectations,  and  was  contrary 
ro  his  deserts:  and  he  was  thus  discriminated  from  Ahnb  to 
whom  he  had  said,  “I  am  as  thou  art.”  (18:3, 29.  Note , 

( Kings  22:4.)  4 1 suppose,  as  soon  as  the  battle  was  over, 
ne  immediately  went  to  Jerusalem,  to  return  thanks  to  God 
for  his  wonderful  preservation.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  2.  Jehu  was  the  son  of  Hanani,  who  was  cast  into 
prison  by  Asa  for  reproving  him;  (Note,  lfi:7 — 10.)  yet  he 
was  not  afraid  of  bringing  a similar  message  to  Jehoshaphat. 
That  prince’s  alliance  with  a notorious  idolater  was  a had 
example  to  his  subjects,  which  exceedingly  tended  to  coun- 
teract his  endeavours  for  reformation  : and  Ahab’s  expedi- 
tion was  undertaken  in  defiance  of  the  word  of  God,  and 
attended  with  such  circumstances,  as  rendered  Jehoshaphat 
.nexcusable  in  helping  him.  For  this  misconduct  “wrath 
was  upon  him  from  before  the  Lord:”  not  the  wrath  of  an 
Enemy  or  avenging  Judge,  but.  that  of  a/i  offended  Father: 
and  ‘he  fata  effects  of  this  affinity  upon  his  family  and  king 
( 776  1 


7 Wherefore  now,  siet  the  fear  of  the  Lord  be 
upon  you  ; take  heed  and  do  it : for  there  is  rno 
iniquity  with  the  Lord  our  God,  nor  ’respect  of 
persons,  nor  'taking' of  gifts. 

8 H Moreover  in  Jerusalem  did  Jehoshaphat 
set  "of  the  Levites,  and  of  the  priests,  and  of  the 
chief  of  the  fathers  of  Israel,  for  “the  judgment  of 
the  Lord,  and  lor  controversies,  when  they  re- 
turned to  Jerusalem. 

9 And  he  charged  them,  saying,  Thus  shall  ye 
do  yin  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  faithfully,  and  with  a 
perfect  heart. 

10  And  what  cause  soever  shall  come  to  you  of 
your  brethren  that  dwell  in  their  cities,  'between 
blood  and  blood,  between  law  and  commandment, 
statutes  and  judgments,  ye  shall  even  “warn  them 
that  they  trespass  not  against  the  Lord,  and  so 
bwrath  come  upon  you,  and  upon  your  brethren  : 
this  do,  and  ye  shall  not  trespass. 

11  And  behold,  “Amariah  the  chief  priest  is 
oyer  you  in  dall  matters  of  the  Lord  ; and  Zeha- 
diah  the  son  of  Ishmael,  the  ruler  of  the  house  of 
Judah,  for  all  the  king’s  matters:  also  the  Levites 
shall  be  officers  before  you.  JDeal  ’courageously, 
and  1 the  Lord  shall  be  with  nhe  good. 

25,26.  Nell.  5:15.  Is.  1:23—26.  r Gen.  18:25.  Deut.  32.4.  Rum.  9:14.  s Deut. 
10:17.18.  Joh  34:19.  Mult.  22: 16.  Acts  10:34.  Rom.  2:11.  Gal.  2:6.  Enh.  6-9. 
Col.  3:25.  1 Pet.  1:17.  t Ex.  23:8.  Deut.  16:19.  Is.  1:23.  33:15.  Mic.  7:3. 
u 17:8.  Deut.  17:8— 13.  1 Chr.  53:4. 26:29.  x Ex. 18:19— 26.  Deut.  21:5.85:1. 
y See  on  7.  Deut.  1:16.17.  2 Sain.  23:3.  Is.  11:3-5.  32:1.  7 Dent.  17.8.  a Er.. 
3:18—21.33:6.  Acts  20:31.  lTlies.  5:14.  b Num.  16:46.  Josh.  22:18— 20. 
c 1 Chr.  6:11.  d S.  1 Chr.  26:30.  Alai.  2:7.  1 Heb.  lake  courage  and  do. 

e Josh.  1:6,9.  1 Chr.  22  1 1 ,16,19.  1 Cor.  16: 13.  2 Tim.  2: 1 . f 6.  15:2.  Ps.  18: 
25,26.  John  14:23,24.  Rom. 2:4— 13.  Phil.  4:8,9.  g Ps.  37:23.  112:5.  Prov.2:20. 
Ec.  2:26.  Luke  23:50.  Acts  11:24. 


dom,  were  as  awful  evidences  of  this  wrath,  as  could  be  ex- 
perienced by  one  that  did  not  finally  perish.  (Notes,  21:4, 
18—20.  22:5,7—9.  2 Sam.  12:10.  2 Kings  11:1,2.)— Went 
out  to  meet  him.]  4 Before  he  came  into  the  city,  thatteing 
admonished  by  him,  he  mighi  be  the  more  affected  with  the 
mercy  of  God  towards  him  in  his  deliverance.’  Bp.  Patrick . 

V.  3.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  17:1—9. 

V.  4.  Jehoshaphat  went  no  more  to  Samaria,  but  abode 
at  Jerusalem,  and  in  Judah,  and  attended  to  the  atfairs  of  his 
own  kingdom.  Being  assured  that  the  Lord  had  graciously 
accepted  of  his  endeavours  for  reformation,  he  made  a circuit 
through  his  kingdom  to  perfect  that  work,  and  to  restore  what 
had  been  overturned.  For  it  seems,  that  the  people  had 
relapsed  into  idolatry,  regarding  his  intimacy  with  Ahab  as  a 
kind  of  dispensation,  to  such  as  chose  to  avail  themselves  of  it. 

V.  5 — 11.  In  process  of  time,  irregularities  and  abuses 
in  the  magistracy  had  interrupted  the  regular  administration 
of  justice:  but  Jehoshaphat  carefully  reduced  this  likewise  to 
order  ; and  took  care  that  judges,  and  courts  of  justice,  should 
be  established  in  every  considerable  town,  for  the  benefit  of 
the  neighbourhood  ; but  with  appeal  to  the  superior  courts  at 
Jerusalem.  (Notes.  Ex.  23:1 — 3,fi — 9.  D<ut.  1(5:18,19.  17: 
8 — 13.  1 Chr.  23:2 — G.  2fi:30 — 32.)  In  all  these  courts  the 
priests  and  Levites  were  joined  with  the  principal  persons  of 
the  other  tribes:  for  the  law  of  God  was  in  an  especial  man- 
ner the  statute-law  of  the  realm;  according  to  which  both 
ecclesiastical  causes,  or  the  “judgment  of  the  Lord,”  the 
pleas  of  the  crown,  or  44  the  king’s  matters,”  and  common 
pleas,  or  44  controversies,”  were  to  be  determined.  This 
settlement  was  completed,  when  the  king  and  his  attend- 
ants returned  to  Jerusalem  from  the  circuit  of  the  land: 
and  both  in  the  cities  of  Judah,  and  at  Jerusalem,  the  king 
solemnly  exhorted  and  charged  the  magistrates  to  do  the 
duty  of  their  office,  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord ; as  acting  by 
his  authority,  iu  his  presence,  under  his  protection,  copying 
his  impartial  justice  and  equity,  and  looting  forward  to  the 
account  which  they  must  shortly  rendei  to  him.  (Marg. 
Ref.  o — t.  y.)  4 It  is  most  agreeable  to  the  Scripture  to  un- 

derstand by  the  things  of  God,  those  which  were  defined  by 
the  law  of  God,  and  were  to  be  judged  of  by  that  law  : and 
by  44  the  king’s  matters,”  such  as  not  being  defined  by  the 
divine  law,  were  left  to  the  judgment  of  the  king  ; of  which 
kind  were  all  deliberations  about  what  was  expedient,  or  not 
expedient. . . . The  court  had  different  presidents,  according 
to  the  nature  of  the  causes.  In  things  pertaining  to  God, 
Amariah  the  high-priest  sat  as  the  first  judge;  in  things  per- 
taining to  the  king,  Zebadiah  a principal  person  about  the 
king  . . . was  the  moderator.’  Grotivs,  quoted  by  Bp.  Patrick. 

4 The  rest’  (of  the  Levites)  4 who  were  not  judges,  were 
ministers  under  them,  to  seo  their  sentence  executed. . . .lie 
bids  them  not  he  afraid  of  any  man,  for  God,  who  employed 
them,  would  stand  by  them,  and  defend  them,  if  they  wore 
good  and  upright  judges.’  Bp.  Patrick. — Some  interpret,  blood 
and  blood,  of  relationship  and  titles  to  estates  ; but  it  seems 
rather  to  mean  causes  concerning  murder,  maiming,  or  acci- 
dentally killing  any  one. — The  judges  were  required  to  warn 
the  people  not.  to  transgress;  lest,  besids  other  reasons,  their 
brethren  should  be  involved  in  the  cons*  q.ier  cos  of  t.ieir  crimes. 
The  LORD,  who  is  with  you  in  }hd$  nent . (G)  Viltirk 


B.  C.  892. 


CHAPTER  XX.  B.  C.  893 


CHAPTER  XX. 

feho$haphut , alarmed  by  an  invasion  of  the  Moabites,  Ammonites,  and  others , 
proclaims  a fast , 1 — 4.  Iiis  prayer,  5 — 13.  Jahaziel,  the  prophet , assures 
him  of  a signal  deliverance,  14 — 17.  Jehoshaphat  and  his  people  receive 
the  promise  with  adoring  thankfulness , 18,  19.  He  exhorts  them  to  believe, 
ana  appoints  singers  to  praise  the  Lord,  2u,  21.  The  invaders  destroy  one 
another,  and  the  people  of  Judah  gather  immense  spoils,  22 — 25.  They 
bless  God  at  Herachah,  return  in  triumph,  and  enjoy  peace,  26 — 30.  Je- 
hoshaphat's good  reign  and  acts,  31 — 34.  He  joins  with.  Ahaziah  in  sending 
ships  to  Tharshish,  which  are  wrecked,  according  to  the  prediction  of  Elie- 
xer,  35-37. 

IT  came  to  pass  “after  this  also,  that  bthe  chil- 
dren of  Moab,  and  the  children  of  Ammon, 
and  with  them  other  beside  the  Ammonites, 'came 
against  Jehoshaphat  to  battle. 

2  Then  there  came  some  that  told  Jehoshaphat, 
saying,  There  cometh  a great  multitude  against 
thee  from  dbeyond  the  sea  on  this  side  Syria;  and 
behold,  they  be  in  'Hazazon-tamar,  which  is  * En- 
gedi. 

3  And  Jehoshaphat  efeared,  and  set  'himself  to 
hseek  the  Lord,  and  'proclaimed  a fast  throughout 
all  Judah. 

4  And  Judah  gathered  themselves  together,  to 


a 15:5, It.  32:1.  b Ps.  83:5-8.  Is.  7:1. 8:9,10.  16:6.  c 19:2.  Jer.  10:21.  Rev. 
3:19.  d Gel).  11:3.  Nilm.  31:12.  Josh.3:16.  e Gen.  14:7.  f Joah.  15:62. 
1 Sam.  23:29.  Cant.  1:11.  s Gen.  32:7— 11,24— 28.  Ps.  56:3,1.  Is.  37:3— 6. 
Jon.  1:16.  Matt.  10:28.  * Heb.  his  face.  h See  on  11:16.  19:3.  i Judg.20: 

23.  I bam.  7:6.  Ezra  8:21— 23.  Esth.  4:16.  Jer.  36:9.  Joel  1:14.  2:12— 18.  Jon. 
3:5—9.  i Ps.  34:5,6.  50:15.  60:10-12.  k 19:5.  Ps.  69:35.  1 See  on  6:12,13. 

34:31.  2 Kings  19:15— 19.  m See  on  Ex.  3:6,15,16.  1 Chr.  29:18.  n Dent.  4: 


tile  Talmud  thus  translates,  ‘Ye  do  not  judge  before  the 
sons  of  men,  but  before  the  IVORD  of  the  Lord,  and  his 
glorious  presence  resides  among  you  in  the  act  of  judgment ; 
which  is  an  illustrious  testimony  that  the  ancient  Jews 
believed  more  persons  than  one  in  the  Deity.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

■ — Deal  courageously . (II)  Notes,  Josh.  1:7.  2 Tim.  2:1,2. — 
The  LORD  shall  be  with  the  good.]  Note,  Phil.  4:8.9. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Nothing  but  perils,  wrath,  and  painful  effects,  can  he 
expected  from  intimacies  with  ungodly  men;  and  that  in 
proportion  to  the  degree  of  their  avowed  hatred  to  the  cha- 
racter, worship,  and  service  of  God.  We  ought  therefore  to 
shun  all  needless  familiarity  with  them,  and  to  show  them 
and  all  the  world,  our  disapprobation  of  their  principles  and 
conduct ; whatever  may  be  their  rank,  abilities,  or  accom- 
plishments ; or  however  political  interests  or  relative  ties  may 
plead  for  a coalition.  We  should  indeed  bear  them  good- 
will, and  be  ready  to  relieve  their  distress,  and  to  help  them 
in  their  most  important  interests  : but  we  ought  to  be  cautious 
of  involving  ourselves  with  their  secular  undertakings,  and 
still  more  of  concurring  with  them  in  any  of  their  sinful  pro- 
jects. (Notes,  2 Cor.  6:14 — 18.  Kph.  5:8 — 14.  2 John  7 — 11. 
P.  O.) — The  unmerited  mercies  of  God  are  often  united 
with  severe  rebukes  and  corrections ; and  these  again  are 
moderated  by  tokens  of  his  approbation,  where  our  conduct 
has  been  good  in  bis  sight : for  he  would  not  have  those  dis- 
couraged, who  “ prepare  their  hearts  to  seek  him and  when 
there  are  really  good  things  found  in  us,  he  will  mercifully 
forgive  the  evil  which  we  allow  not  or  repent  of,  and  accept 
the  good,  through  the  Saviour’s  advocacy.  In  these  things 
we  should  be  followers  of  God:  we  must  not  “hate  our 
offending  brother,  nor  suffer  sin  upon  him ; but  in  any  wise 
rebuke  him;”  (Note.  Lev.  19:17.)  but  we  should  take  more 
pleasure  in  commending  what  is  evidently  good ; and  bear 
much  from  those  in  whom  “ good  things  are  found.” — While 
ministers  ought  not  to  fear  or  respect  the  persons  of  men,  or 
be  intimidated  by  the  sufferings  of  others  in  the  same  cause, 
but  must  deliver  their  whole  message  plainly ; they  should 
also  endeavour  to  do  it  with  forbearance,  tenderness,  and 
candour,  which  will  render  reproofs  less  offensive  and  more 
effectual.  When  these  are  prudently  given  and  properly 
taken,  they  are  not  only  salutary,  but  confer  honour  on  both 
parties;  (Note,  Prov.  25:11,12.)  and  when,  being  united 
with  due  commendations,  they  excite  men  to  renewed  vigi- 
lance and  diligence  in  their  proper  work,  they  become  gene- 
ral benefits.— The  tendency  of  human  nature  to  evil  renders 
unremitting  vigour  necessary  in  all  those,  who  would  sup- 
press abuses  and  effect  reformation : for,  on  every  relaxation, 
evils  will  revive  and  gather  strength  rapidly,  and  all  will  need 
to  be  done  over  again. — -The  ministry  and  the  magistracy, 
when  restricted  to  their  distinct  methods,  may  concur  in  pro- 
moting godliness,  as  well  as  preserving  public  peace : and  all 
legal  decisions  should  be  expedited  in  a regular  and  easy 
method,  and  with  little  expense  ; that  the  poor  may  be  placed, 
as  nearly  as  possible,  at  an  equal  advantage  with  the  rich,  in 
obtaining  their  dues. — Magistrates  are  the  vicegerents,  of  the 
Governor  and  Judge  of  the  world,  and  are  therefore  to  be 
'beyed  in  all  things  lawful  for  the  Lord’s  sake.  (Notes,  Rom. 
r3:l — 7.)  But  there  lies  an  appeal  from  their  decisions  to  a 
superior  tribunal ; and  they  should  be  constantly  and  solemnly 
reminded,  that  they  will  he  exposed  to  condemnation,  if  they 
do  not  act  uprightly  in  the  fear  of  God,  without  respect  of 
persons,  or  taking  of  gifts.  And,  besides  executing  the  laws 
of  man  impartially,  it  is  their  duty  also  to  warn  men  not  to 
trespass  against  the  Lord,  lest  wrath  come  upon  them  and 
their  brethren.  (Note,  17:7 — 9.)  They  should  therefore 
Vol.  I.— 98 


‘ask  help  of  the  Lord;  even  out  of  all  Hhe  cities 
of  Judah  they  came  to  seek  the  Lord. 

5 11  And  ‘Jehoshaphat  stood  in  the  congregation 
of  Judah  and  Jerusalem,  in  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
before  the  new  court, 

6 And  said,  ’”0  Lord  God  of  our  fathers,  art 
not  thou  "God  in  heaven?  and  “j'ulest  not  thou 
over  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  heathen  ? and  Pin 
thy  hand  is  there  not  power  and  might,  so  that 
911006  is  able  to  withstand  thee  ? 

7 Art  not  thou  rour  God,  ‘who  didst  “drive  out 
the  inhabitants  of  this  land  before  thy  people 
Israel,  and  ‘gavest  it  to  the  seed  of  Abraham  "thy 
friend  for  ever  ? 

8 And  they  dwelt  therein,  and  have  vbuilt  thee 
a sanctuary  therein  for  thy  name,  saying, 

9 “If,  when  evil  cometh  upon  us,  as  the  sword, 
judgment,  or  pestilence,  or  famine,  we  stand  be- 
fore this  house,  and  in  thy  presence,  (for  Jthy 
name  is  in  this  house,)  and  cry  unto  thee  in  our 
affliction,  then  thou  wilt  hear  and  help. 

39.  Josh  2:11.  1 Kings  8:23.  Is.  57:15,16.  66:1.  Mall.  6:9.  o 1 Chr.  29:11 ,12. 
Ps.  17:2,8.  Jer.  27:5— 8.  Dan.  4: 17,25,32— 35.  p 1 Chr.  29: II ,12.  Ps.  62:11. 
Mali.  6:13.  q Acts  11:17.  r 14:11.  Gen.  17:7.  Ex.  6:7.  19:5-7.20:2.  1 Chr. 
17:21 — 24.  t Heb.  thou,  s See  on  Ex.  33:2.  Ps.  44:2.  t Gen.  12:7. 13:15. 
Josh.  24:3,13.  Neh.  9.8.  n Is.  41:8.  John  11:11.  15:15.  Jam.  2:23.  v See  on 
2:4.  6:10.  x See  on  6:28—30.  1 Kings  8:33,37.  y See  on  6:20.  Ex.  20:24. 

23:21. 


lake  heed  and  deal  courageously,  not  fearing  the  displeasure 
of  man,  but  confiding  in  the  protection  of  God,  who  is  with 
them  in  the  judgment ; that  he  may  indeed  be  with  them  for 
their  good.  May  he  provide  increasing  numbers  of  good 
ministers  and  good  magistrates,  to  suppress  vice,  and  to  pro- 
mote the  cause  of  truth  and  holiness  ! 

NOTES.— Chap.  XX.  V.  1/2.  (Notes,  1.4:1— 15.  31: 
20,21.  32:1—8.  1 Sam.  7:1—7.)  “The  fear  of  the  Lord  had 
fallen  upon  the  kingdoms  round  about  Judah and  Jehosha- 
phat had  so  long  enjoyed  peac6,  that  he  seems  to  have  ne- 
glected his  military  arrangements,  and  to  have  relaxed  his 
vigilance.  (Notes,  17:10 — 19.)  Perhaps  his  enemies  ob- 
served this,  and  thought  to  take  advantage  of  it;  or  they  had 
heard  “ that,  wrath  was  upon  him  from  before  the  Lord,”  for 
uniting  with  Ahab.  This  formidable  armament  consisted  of 
Moabites,  Ammonites,  and  the  allies  of  the  Ammonites, 
(Note,  10,11.)  and  came  from  “beyond  the  sea  on  this  side 
Syria,”  that  is  the  dead  sea,  or  salt  sea , which  was  considered 
as  one  of  the  western  boundaries  of  Syria ; and  they  were 
encamped  in  his  dominions  at  En-gedi.  (Marg.  Ref.  e,  f.) 
before  he  was  informed  of  their  approach,  or  apprised  of  their 
intentions.  This  would  prevent  his  mustering  all  his  forces. 

V.  3,  4.  Probably,  this  invasion  took  place  not  long  after 
Jehoshaphat’s  return  from  Ramoth-gilead  ; and  he  was  afraid 
that  God  was  about  to  chastise  his  sin  by  permitting  the  de- 
vastation of  his  kingdom.  To  avert  this  calamity,  “he  set 
himself  to  seek  the  Lord.”  It  may  he  supposed,  that  he 
made  the  best  military  arrangement  of  which  the  exigency 
would  admit:  but  his  chief  preparation  consisted  in  proclaim- 
ing a fast,  and  gathering  his  people  together  to  ask  help  of  the 
Lord. — We  have  in  the  preceding  books  of  Scripture,  read 
of  private  fasting  with  prayer ; of  “ afflicting  the  soul”  at  the 
day  of  atonement;  of  the  people’s  fasting  at  the  instance  of 
Samuel  the  prophet;  and  of  their  fasting  by  common  con- 
sent: (Notes,  Lev.  1 0:29 — 31.  Dent.  9:18,25.  Judg.  20:26-- 
28.  1 Sam.  7:5,6.  2 Sam.  12:16.)  but  the  fast  here  mentioned 
was  observed  at  the  proclamation  of  the  chief  magistrate,  who 
acted  by  the  authority  of  his  slation,  and  not  by  the  Spirit  of 
prophecy:  and  the  event  of  this  measure,  both  warrants  civil 
governors  in  times  of  distress  to  act  in  this  manner,  and  en- 
courages them  to  expect  the  most  important  benefits  from  it.. 
Every  one  was  called  on  to  humble  himself  before  God  for 
his  own  sins,  and  the  sins  of  the  public,  as  the  aggregate  of 
the  whole.  Thus  they  united  in  expressing  their  sorrow  and 
self-displacency  for  their  sins : and  they  publicly  honoured 
God  as  the  righteous  Author  of  their  calamity,  and  as  their 
only  Hope  and  Refuge  in  distress.  All  other  cares  being 
laid  aside,  they  were  at  leisure  to  unite  in  uninterrupted  and 
fervent  prayers  for  help  and  forgiveness.  Doubtless  serious 
impressions  would  be  made  on  many,  who  before  had  been 
inattentive;  the  pious  affections  of  others  would  be  revived, 
and  rendered  more  fixed  and  lively;  and  in  every  way  it 
would  tend  to  the  honour  of  God,  and  the  good  of  his  people. 

V.  5.  New  court.]  It  is  not  known  what  is  here  meant 
by  the  new  court:  hut,  probably,  Jehoshaphat  had  rebuilt 
some  of  the  courts,  or  had  added  one  to  them. 

V.  6 — 9.  After  the  example  of  Solomon,  Jehoshaphat 
himself  offered  the  public  prayer  for  this  large  congregation, 
in  words  which  proceeded  from  the  abundance  of  his  heart; 
a careful  examination  of  the  marginal  references  will  he  found 
the  best  comment  on  them.  (Notes,  1 Kings  8:33 — 43.  1 
Chr.  29:10 — 19.) — Abraham  thy  friend.  (7)  i3nN:  a lover  Oj 
thee.  (Marg.  Ref  Notes,  John  15:12—16.  Jam.  2:22— 29.) 

V.  10,  11.  The  mention  of  mount  Seir,  the  country  of 
Edom,  shows  what  is  meant  in  the  first  verse  by  “ether 
beside  the  Ammonites.” — The  Moabites,  Ammonites,  and 
( 777  ) 


B.  o.  812. 


II.  CHRONICLES. 


JB.  C.  892. 


10  And  now  behold,  the  children  of  Ammon 
and  Moab,  and  mount  Seir,  'whom  thou  wouldest 
not  let  Israel  invade,  when  they  came  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt,  hut  they  turned  Com  them,  and 
destroyed  them  not ; 

11  Behold,  I say,  ’'how  they  reward  us,  to  come 
bto  cast  us  out  of  thy  possession,  which  thou  hast 
given  us  to  inherit. 

12  O our  God,  cwilt  thou  not  judge  them?  for 
*we  have  no  might-  against  this  great  company 
that  cometh  against  us ; 'neither  know  we  what 
to  do  : hut  four  eyes  are  upon  thee. 

13  And  sail  Judah  stood  before  the  Lord,  with 
their  little  ones,  their  wives,  and  their  children. 

[ Practical  Observations 

14  H hThen  upon  Jahaziel  the  son  of  Zecha- 
riah,  the  son  of  Benaiah,  the  son  of  Jeiel,  the  son 
of  Mattaniah,  a Levite  of  the  sons  of  Asaph, 
'came  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  in  the  midst  of  the 
congregation ; 

15  And  he  said,  Hearken  ye,  all  Judah,  and  ye 
inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  and  thou  king  Jehosha- 
pliat  ; Thus  saith  the  Lord  unto  you,  kBe  not 
afraid  nor  dismayed  by  reason  of  this  great  multi- 
tude ; for  ‘the  battle  is  not  yours,  but  God’s. 

1 6 To-morrow  go  ye  down  against  them : be- 
hold, they  come  up  by  the  *clifi  of  Ziz;  and  ye 
shall  find  them  at  the  end  of  the  tbrook,  before 
the  wilderness  of  Jeruel. 

17  Ye  shall  mnot  need  to  fight  in  this  battle  : set^ 
yourselves,  "stand  ye  still,  and  see  the  salvation  of 

I Nnm.au?— 21.  Deul.  2:1, 5, 9,19.  Judg.  11:15— 18.  a G«n.  44:4.  Pa. 
7:4.  35:12.  Prov.  17.13.  Jer.  18.21).  1,  Judg.  11:23,21.  Pa.  83:3—12.  c Deul. 

32:36.  Judg.  11:27.  Ps.  7:6,8.  9: 19.  43: 1 . Is. 2:1. 72:4.  Joel3:!2.  Rev.  19:11. 
d See  on  14:11.  1 Sam.  14:6.  2 Cor.  1:8,9.  e2Kings6:15.  f Ps.  25:15.  121: 1, 
2.  123:1,2.141:8.  Jou.2:4  g Deul.  29:10,11.  Ezra  10:1.  Jon.  3:5.  Arts  21:5. 
n Is.  58:9.  65.21.  Dan.  9:20,21.  Acts  10:4,31.  i 15:1.21:20.  Num.  11:25,26. 
21:2.  k 32:7.  Dent.  1 :29, 30.  20:1,4.  31:6,8.  Josh.  11:6.  Nell.  4:14.  Ps.  27:1.2. 
Is.  11:10— 16.  1 32:8.  1 Sam.  17:47.  • Heb.  ascent,  t Or,  valley,  m 22,23. 

Ex.  14:13.14,25.  n Ps.  46:10,11.  Is.  30:7,15.  Lam.  3:26.  o 15:2.32:8.  Num. 
14:9.  Ps.  46:7,11.  Is.  8:9,10.  41:10.  Am.  5:14.  Matt.  1:23.  28:20.  Rom.  8:31. 


Edomites,  had  been  expressly  named  as  nations  whom  Israel 
must  not  invade : and  the  divine  admonition  had  been  exactly 
attended  to.  (Deut.  2:4 — 7,9,19.  Note , Num.  20:14 — 21.) 
Other  wars  indeed  had  brought  some  of  them  under  the 
dominion  of  Judah  and  Israel:  but  it  seems  the  superiority 
had  been  used  with  gentleness,  and  no  reason  had  been  given 
for  this  violent  assault;  in  which,  it  is  probable,  the  confede- 
rates meant  to  destroy  the  kingdom  of  Judah,  and  the  house 
of  David;  as  well  as  to  expel  the  people  of  God,  from  that 
land  which  was  “ his  possession  so  that  the  war  was  indeed 
waged  against  the  Lord  himself.  (Notes,  Judg.  11:12 — 27.) 

V.  12.  The  language  of  this  verse  is  peculiarly  expressive 
of  humble,  genuine  faith.  The  appeal,  as  to  the  justice  of 
the  cause,  is  simply,  yet  emphatically,  made  4)  God  ; and 
the  inability  of  Jehoshaphat,  with  the  force  which  he  had 
hastily  collected,  or  indeed  with  any  forces  apart  from  the 
powerful  aid  of  God,  to  resist  so  vast  an  army  ; the  perplexity 
to  which  he  was  reduced ; and  his  only  refuge  from  despair, 
by  firmly  relying  on  the  Almighty,  and  expecting  help  from 
him,  as  pleading  his  own  cause  in  pleading  theirs ; are  stated 
in  the  most  natural  and  affecting  manner.  (Note,  14:9 — 15.) 
— ‘In  this  weak  and  declining  condition,  wherein  the  church 
now  is,  . . . let  us  say  daily  with  Jehoshaphat,  “We  know 
not  what  to  do ; but  our  eyes  are  unto  thee.”  “ Thine  is  the 
kingdom,  the  power,  and  the  glory.”  Thou  art  our  King  and 
our  Shepherd ; we  are  thy  people,  and  the  sheep  of  thy  pas- 
ture. Thou  only  art  powerful,  we  are  infirm:  but  thy  power 
will  be  perfected  in  our  weakness.  “Not  unto  us,  O Lord, 
but  to  thy  name  give  the  glory ; for  thy  mercy  and  thy  truth’s 
sake.”  Do  not  remember  our  iniquities,  but  save  us  for  thy 
mercy’s  sake  ; for  we  are  brought  very  low.’ — 4 Such  addresses 
to  God  ...  will  illustrate  this  prayer  of  Jehoshaphat,  better 
than  the  largest  commentaries.’  Victorinus  Strigelius  in  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  13.  IVith  their  little  ones.]  Notes , Deut.  29:10 — 15. 
31:10 — 13.  Ezra  10:1.  Neh.  8:1,2.  Joel  2:15— 17.— Not  only 
the  women,  and  the  children  who  were  grown  up,  attended 
on  this  occasion,  hut  the  infants  also:  for  it.  is  probable  the 
people  intended  their  presence,  as  a silent  plea  with  the 
Lord  to  have  mercy  upon  them  for  the  sake  ol  their  helpless 
offspring.  (Note,  Jon.  4:9 — 11.) 

V.  14 — 17.  The  Lord  did  not  speak  on  this  occasion  by 
the  high-priest,  but  by  an  ordinary  Levite  descended  from 
Asaph,  who,  it  is  probable,  was  an  eminently  pious  person. 
Whether  he  had  previously  been  known  as  a prophet,  or  not, 
all  present,  were  satisfied  that  he  spoke  by  the  Spirit  of  God. 
He  assured  them  of  the  Lord’s  especial  interposition;  for,  as 
the  battle  immediately  concerned  his  honour,  it.  would  ho  de- 
cided by  his  power.  “The  war  is  not  to  you,  but  to  God.” 
(Note,  10,11.)  Without  any  fear  of  the  immense  multitude 
of  their  invaders,  they  were  ordered  to  march  forth  the  next 
day,  not  to  fight,  but  t)  witness  the  salvation  of  the  Lord 
( 778  , 


the  Lord  with  you,  O Judah  and  Jerusalem  : fear 
not,  nor  be  dismayed;  to-morrow  go  out  against 
them : "for  the  Lord  will  be  with  you. 

18  And  Jehoshaphat  ‘‘bowed  his  head  with  Ins 
face  to  the  ground:  and  all  Judah,  and  the  inha 
bitants  of  Jerusalem,  fell  before  the  Lord,  wor 
shipping  the  Lord. 

19  And  ‘‘the  Levites  of  Ihe  children  of  th. 
Kohathites,  and  of  the  children  of  the  'Korhites 
stood  up  to  praise  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  with 
8a  loud  voice  on  high. 

20  If  And  they  rose  early  in  the  morning,  and 
went  forth  into  the  wilderness  of  ‘Tekoa  : and,  as 
they  went  forth,  Jehoshaphat  stood  and  said,  “Hear 
me,  O Judah,  and  ye  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem; 
xBelieve  in  the  Lord  your  God,  so  shall  ye  be 
established ; ^believe  his  prophets,  so  shall  ye 
prosper. 

21  And  when  he  had  'consulted  with  the  peo- 
ple, he  “appointed  singers  unto  the  Lord,  and 
That  should  praise  ''the  beauty  of  holiness,  as  the) 
went  out  before  the  army,  and  to  say,  “Praise  the 
Lord;  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

22  And  When  they  began  To  sing  and  to 
praise,  dthe  Lord  set  ambushments  against  the 
children  of  Ammon,  Moab,  and  mount  Seir, 
which  were  come  against  Judah  ; and  they  Were 
smitten. 

23  For  the  children  of  Ammon  and  Moab  stood 
up  against  the  inhabitants  of  "mount  Seir,  utterly 
to  slay  and  destroy  them:  and  when  they  had 

2 Tim.  4:22.  p 7:3.  Gen.  24:26.  Ex.  4:31.  q 1 Chr.  15:16— 22.  16:5,42.  23:3. 
25:1—7.  r Ps.44:— 49:  lilies,  s 5:13.  Ezra3:12,13.  Neh.  12:42,43.  Ps.81:l. 
95:1,2.  I 11:6.  2 Sam.  14:2.  I Chr.  4:5.  Jer.  6:1.  uSeeonl5.  X Is.  7:9. 
26:3.  John  11:40.  14:1.  Rom.  8:31.  v Ex.  14:31.  Luke  16:31.  John  5:46,47.  13: 
20.  z I Chr.  13:1,2.  Prov.  11:14.  a 29:25—30.30:21.  Ezra  3:10,11.  Neh.  12: 
27.  J Heb. pmiee.  of.  b 1 Chr.  16:29.  Ps.  29:2.  50  2.  90: 17  96:9.  c 5:13. 
7:3,6.  1 Chr.  16:34,41.  Ezra  3:11.  Ps.  106:1.  107:1.  136:1,  Sc.  Jer.  33:11. 
§ Heb.  in  the  time  that,  Ucc.  II  Heb.  in  singing  and  praise . d Judg.  7:22.  1 Sam. 
14:16,20.  2 Kings  6: 17.  Ps.  35:5,6.  Is.  19:2.  Ez.  38:21.  U Or,  smote  one  another. 
e Gen.  14:6.  36:8,9.  Deut.  2:5.  Josh.  24:4.  Ez.  35:2.3. 


with  them,  and  his  answer  to  their  fervent  prayers.  (Notes, 
Ex.  14:13,14.  1 Sam.  17:45—47.) 

V.  18,  19.  The  king  and  his  people,  placing  the  most  en- 
tire confidence  in  the  divine  promise,  at  once  anticipated  its 
fulfilment,  and  directly  joined  in  an  act  of  solemn  adoration, 
and  in  songs  of  gratitude  and  praise  for  this  yet  unaccom- 
plished deliverance. 

V.  20,  21 . Jehoshaphat  seems  not  greatly  to  have  regarded 
the  arrangement  of  his  army ; for  he  so  firmly  believed  the 
words  of  the  prophet,  that  he  marched  forth  as  to  a triumph, 
and  not  to  a battle.  Accordingly  he  exhorted  his  troops  to 
a firm  faith  in  God,  and  an  entire  reliance  on  his  power, 
faithfulness,  and  covenanted  mercy  to  his  people : and  a con- 
fident expectation,  that  all  his  words  spoken  to  them  by  his 
prophets  should  be  accomplished : for  thus,  and  thus  only, 
could  they  be  established  and  prosper.  (Is.  7:9)  Having 
consulted  with  the  chief  persons  of  the  people  that  were  with 
him,  he  also  appointed  singers  to  go  before  the  army,  “that 
should  praise  the  beauty  of  holiness :”  that  is,  according  to 
some  expositors,  exactly  as  they  used  to  do  at  his  beautiful 
sanctuary.  But  perhaps  the  expression  rather  means,  that 
they  should  celebrate  the  glorious  exc  ellences  of  God,  which 
render  him  “ the  Perfection  of  beauly,”  and  the  meet  object 
of  the  most  absolute  love,  confidence,  and  delight  of  all  his 
rational  creatures;  especially,  as  “his  mercy  which  endureth 
for  ever,”  is  displayed  in  perfect,  harmony  with  his  more 
awful  attributes.  (Notes,  5:12,13.  7:1 — 3.  1 Chr.  16:28, 23. 
Ps.  50:1,2.  90:13—17.  136:1—3.) 

V.  22 — 25.  Some  commentators,  both  ancient  and  mo- 
dern, think  that  angels  were  employed  on  this  occasion,  who 
came  on  the  invaders  by  surprise,  as  from  an  ambushment. 
and  slew  some  of  them:  and  that  the  survivors  supposed 
rh  emselves  assaulted  by  their  confederates;  and  so  reta- 
liated, till  they  fbll  into  utter  confusion,  and  entirely  destroyed 
one  another. — But  perhaps  the  Lord  only  left  the  several 
nations  to  a natural  distrust  and  jealousy  of  each  other:  and 
thus  some  of  them  formed  ambushments  against  the  rest, 
which  terminated  in  their  mutual  destruction.  Or  perhaps 
the  ambushments  placed  against  the  Jews,  fell  by  mistake  on 
their  own  allies.  This,  however,  fulfilled  the  purpose  of 
God,  as  effectually  as  if  he  had  placed  the  ambushments, 
or  they  had  acted  in  obedience  to  his  commandment.  The 
slaughter  was  universal,  and  the  spoil  immense:  so  that  this 
invasion  served  exceedingly  to  enrich  Jehoshaphat  and  his 
kingdom.  (Notes,  32:27 — 29.  Rom.  8:35 — 39.) 

V.  26 — 28.  “ Berachah”  signifies  Blessing.  Having  pre- 
viously sought  deliverance,  by  fasting  and  prayer,  and  re- 
ceived the  assurance  of  it  with  grateful  joy,  Jehoshaphat 
and  his  army  returned  immediate  and  most  fervent  thanks  and 
praise  to  the  Lord,  who  had  in  so  wonderful  a manner  p*  - 
formed  his  promise.  4 They  did  not  return  every  man  to  n.’s 
own  homo;  ...  but  first  went  back  to  Jerusalem  to  bla«s 


B C.  892. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


B.  C.  896 


m3  le  an  end  of  the  inhabitants  of  Seir,  every  one 
helped  "to  destroy  another. 

24  And  when  Judah  came  toward  the  watch- 
tower  in  the  wilderness,  they  looked  unto  the  mul- 
titude, and,  behold,  'they  were  dead  bodies  fallen 
to  the  earth,  and  'none  escaped. 

25  And  when  Jehoshaphat  and  his  people  came 
to  take  away  the  spoil  of  them,  sthey  found  among' 
them  in  abundance  both  riches  with  the  dead 
bodies,  and  ''precious  jewels,  which  they  stripped 
off  for  themselves,  more  than  they  could  carry 
away : and  they  were  three  days  in  gathering  of 
the  spoil,  it  was  so  much. 

26  * And  on  the  fourth  day  they  assembled  them- 
selves in  the  valley  of  JBerachah  ; for  there  they 
‘blessed  the  Lord:  therefore  Hhe  name  of  the 
same  place  was  called,  The  valley  of  Berachah, 
kunto  this  day. 

27  Then  they  returned  every  man  of  Judah 
and  Jerusalem,  and  Jehoshaphat  in  the  More-front 
of  them,  to  go  again  to  Jerusalem  with  joy ; for 
■the  Lord  had  made  them  to  rejoice  over  their 
enemies. 

28  And  they  came  to  Jerusalem  mwith  psalte- 
ries and  harps  and  trumpets  unto  the  house  of 
the  Lord. 

29  And  "the  fear  of  God  wa3  on  all  the  king- 
doms of  those  countries,  when  "they  had  heard  that 
the  Lord  fought  against  the  enemies  of  Israel. 

’ Heb.  for  the  destruction.  f Ex.  14:30.  Ps.  110:6.  Is.  37:36.  Jer.  33:5. 

^ Heb.  there  was  not  an  escaping.  Ezra  9:14.  g Ex.  12:35,35.  1 Sam.  30:19, 
20.  2 Kings  7.9— 16.  Ps.  63:12.  Rom.  8:37.  h Ex.  3:22.  Num.  31:51.  Judg.  8: 
24— 2S.  Prov.  3:15.  J That  is,  blessing.  i Ex.  15:1— 19.  2Sam.22:l.  Ps. 
103:1,2.  107:21,22.  Luke  1:68.  Rev.  19:1—6.  j Gen.  28:19  . 32.30.  Ex.  17:15. 

1 Sam.  7:12.  Is.  62:4.  Acts  1:19.  k 5:9.  § Heb.  head.  2 Sam.  6:14,15.  Mic.  2: 
13.  Heb.  6:20.  I 1 Sam.  2:1.  Neh.  12:43.  Ps.  20:5.  30: 1 . Is.  35:10.  51:11 . Rev. 
18:20.  m2  Sam.  6:5.  1 Chr.  13:8. 23:5. 25:6.  Ps.  57:8.  92:3.  149:3.  150:5-5. 
Rev.  14:2,3.  n 17:10.  Gen.  35:5.  Ex.  23:27.  Josh.  5:1.  2 Kings  7:6.  o Ex. 


him’  (the  Lord)  ‘again  for  hearing  their  prayers,  and  mak- 
ing good  his  promises.’  Bp.  Patrick.  The  whole  forms 
a most  remarkable  and  instructive  history:  and  no  under- 
taking, recorded  in  Scripture,  was  entered  on,  conducted, 
and  concluded,  in  a more  unexceptionable  manner. 

V.  29,  30.  When  the  surrounding  nations  perceived  how 
wonderfully  the  Lord  had  destroyed  this  powerful  armament, 
whey  dared  not  to  attack  Jehoshaphat  any  more  ; and  thus 
God  gave  him  rest  round  about,  which  continued  during  the 
remainder  of  his  reign.  ( Note , 17:10) 

V.  31 — 34.  (Notes,  17:3.  2 Sam.  22:21—28.  1 Kings 

22:41 — 46.)  The  minds  of  the  people  were  not  suitably 
prepared  for  the  regular  and  cordial  worship  of  God  at  Jeru- 
salem : so  that  Jehoshaphat  either  did  not  dare  to  attempt, 
or  was  not  able  to  effect,  an  entire  and  abiding  suppression 
of  all  those  high  places,  where  God  was  irregularly  worship- 
ped. (Marg.  Ref.  u,  x.  Notes , 17:6.  19:2 — 4.) 

V.  35 — 37.  Jehoshaphat’s  affinity  with  Ahab’s  family 
drew  him  in  to  join  in  this  traffic  with  wicked  Ahaziah,  for 
which  he  was  rebuked  and  chastened  ; and  afterwards  he 
refused  to  join  with  him.  Ahaziah  died  within  less  than  two 
years  after  Ahab,  and  Jehoshaphat  survived  him  for  a con- 
siderable time.  (Notes)  1 Kings  22:48,49.  2 Kings  1:1 — 17. 

6:16,17.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 13.  Uninterrupted  peace  must  not  be  expected  in 
this  world,  even  when  we  are  most  devotedly  serving  God. 
The  enemies  of  true  religion  are  the  more  exasperated  by  our 
zeal  to  promote  it;  our  own  miscarriages  require  rebukes; 
trials  are  needful  to  repress  pride;  and  difficulties  form  the 
proper  exercise  and  discovery  of  our  faith,  love,  patience,  and 
hope  in  God.  Thus  his  honour,  the  edification  of  others,  the 
gooa  of  our  own  souls,  and  our  situation  in  the  midst  of  un- 
godly men,  all  require  that  “ in  the  world  we  should  have  tri- 
bulation.”— In  calamities  or  dangers,  public  or  personal,  our 
first  business  should  be  to  seek  help  from  the  Lord.  When 
two  or  three  agree  in  doing  this,  that  concurrence  adds  energy 
to  their  supplications:  how  much  more  then,  when  multitudes 
with  one  accord  pour  out  their  fervent  supplications  for  the 
same  common  blessing!  Hence  the  advantage  of  days  ap- 
pointed for  national  fasting  and  prayer.  Such  seasons  remind 
the  remnant  of  believers  to  unite  in  the  same  requests,  as 
with  one  heart  and  one  voice : and  even  the  cries  of  uncon- 
verted men  for  outward  mercies  form  an  honourable  acknow- 
ledgment of  God,  and  qf  man’s  entire  dependence,  on  him : 
and  frequently  receive  a gracious  answer.  It  is  therefore 
commendable  in  Christian  princes  to  call  their  people  to  these 
solemn  services;  and  it  is  indeed  a most  important  part  of 
their  duty  and  true  wisdom  : but  it  can  scarcely  be  supposed 
that  the  mere  appointment  is  sufficient ; unless  their  own  ex- 
mple  proves  that  they  are  in  earnest  in  the  sacred  service, 
let  who  will  be  formal . It  is  also  the  duty  of  every  individual, 
acco-  iing  to  his  station  in  the  community,  to  concur  in  such 
piot  * measures,  and  to  stir  up  himself  and  those  around  him, 
to  engage  cordially  in  them,  that  good  impressions  may  be 


30  So  the  realm  oi"  Jehoshaphat  was  quiet 
for  rhis  God  gave  him  rest  round  about. 

31  V And  ^Jehoshaphat  reigned  over  Judah 
he  was  thirty  and  five  years  old  when  be  begau 
to  reign,  and  he  reigned  twenty  and  five  years  iu 
Jerusalem.  And  his  mother’s  name  was  Azubah, 
the  daughter  of  Shilhi. 

32  And  rhe  walked  in  "the  way  of  Asa  his 
father,  and  ‘departed  not  from  it,  doing  that 
which  was  right  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord. 

33  Howbeit,  “the  high  places  were  not  taken 
away  : for  as  yet  the  people  “had  not  prepared 
their  hearts  unto  the  God  of  their  fathers. 

34  Now  nhe  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jehoshaphat, 
first  and  last,  behold,  they  are  written  in  the  "book 
of  "Jehu  the  son  of  Hanani,  who  "is  mentioned  in 
the  book  of  the  kings  of  Israel. 

35  V And  after  this  "did  Jehoshaphat  king  rB.  c. 
of  Judah  join  himself  with  Ahaziah  king  of  L 895- 
Israel,  bwho  did  very  wickedly  : 

36  And  he  joined  himself  with  him  to  make 
ships  to  go  to  “Tarshish:  and  they  made  tne 
ships  in  dEzion-gaber. 

37  Then  Eliezer  the  son  of  Dodavah  of  Mare- 
shah,  prophesied  against  Jehoshaphat,  saying,  'Be- 
cause thou  hast  joined  thyself  with  Ahaziah,  f the 
Lord  hath  broken  thy  works.  And  the  ships 
were  broken,  that  they  were  not  able  to  go  to 
Tarshish. 


15:14—18.  Josh.  2:9 — II.  9:9—11.  p 14:6,7.  15:15.  Josh.  23:1.  2 Sam.  7:1.  Job 
34:29.  Prov.  16:7.  John  14:27.  q 1 Kings  22  4 1—44.  r See  on  17:3— 6.  s See 
on  14:2— 5,11— 13.  1 Kings  15:11.  t 16:7— 12.  Fn.  18:21.  36:3.  u See  on  14: 
3.17:6.  z.  See  on  12:14.  19:3.30:19.  Deut.  29:4.  1 Sam.  7:3.  y See  on  12: 
15.13:22.  16:11.  ||  Heb.  words,  z 19.2.  1 Kings  16:1,7.  2 Heb.  was  made 

to  ascend,  a 1 Kings  22:48,49.  b 2 Kings  1 :2 — 16.  c See  on  1 Kings  111:22. 

Thars/iish.  d 1 Kings  9:26.  Ezion-geber.  e See  on  19:2.  f 16:9.  Prov.  9:6. 
13:20.  Heb.  12:6.  Rev.  3:19. 


made,  fixed,  or  revived  in  the  minds  of  men  in  every  place. — 
What  then  shall  we  think  of  those,  who  call  themselves 
Christians  and  patriots  ; yet  not  only  neglect,  hut  ridicule  of 
revile,  this  scriptural  method  of  seeking  help  in  clanger,  from  our 
almighty  Friend,  after  an  example  so  honoured  by  God  him- 
self? qr  of  those,  who  give  occasion  to  such  reproach  and  con- 
tempt, by  their  absurd  and  manifest  liypocrisy  in  these  obser- 
vances?—The  fear  of  wrath,  when  united  with  a hope  of  mercy, 
excites  sinners  to  seek  the  Lord  in  good  earnest;  and  is  often 
useful  to  quicken  the  believer,  when  his  love  has  subsided,  and 
he  is  grown  slothful  in  the  concerns  ofhis  soul.  We  must,  there- 
fore, first  approach  the  holy  majesty  of  our  God,  with  humilia- 
tionforour  sin,  justifying  him  in  all  we  suffer  or  fear,  and  con- 
fiding only  in  his  mercy  for  acceptance,  and  in  his  power  for 
protection.  And  in  all  ages  of  the  church,  fasting  has  been 
deemed  an  expedient  attendant  upon  such  exercises,  on  par- 
ticular occasions,  personal  and  public ; being  expressive  of  a 
mind  abstracted  from  earthly  things  ; conscious  of  having  for- 
feited every  enjoyment  by  sin ; and  attentive  only  to  obtain 
the  great  objects  which  the  soul  is  then  pursuing.— All  be- 
lievers are  sons  of  Abraham  and  “ friends  of  God with  such 
persons  the  everlasting  covenant  is  established,  and  to  them 
every  promise  belongs.  (Notes,  Gen.  12:1 — 3.  John  15:12 
— 1G.  Rom.  5:1,2.)  Even  in  those  distresses,  which  are  in- 
tended for  the  correction  of  their  sins,  when  they  cry  unto  the 
Lord,  he  will  hear  and  help  them.  Their  enemies  are  his 
enemies  ; and  when  they  are  rewarded  with  evil  for  good,  he 
will  appear  for  them  and  plead  their  cause.  When  they  are 
the  most  indisposed  to  avenge  themselves,  anil  least  able  to 
ward  off  injuries,  their  dependence  on  God  will  become  more 
unreserved,  and  their  prayers  more  fervent:  and  he  will  no 
more  forsake  those,  who  “know  not  what  to  do,"  but  look  up 
to  him  alone  for  help;  than  a fond  mother  will  desert  her 
helpless  infant,  that  clings  to  her  bosom,  and  knows  and  seeks 
no  other  refuge.  Indeed,  this  is  the  very  frame  of  mind  to 
which  he  designs  to  form  his  people. — The  covenant  is  made 
with  believers  “for  the  good  of  their  children  aftcrtliem  ;”  and 
they  should  bring  them,  and  the  rest  of  their  families,  as  soon 
as  possible  to  the  ordinances  of  God,  that  they  may  be  trained 
up  in  his  house,  and  become  truly  a part  ofhis  family. 

V.  14 — 37.  The  Lord  will  surely  speak  peace  to  those, 
who  seek  him  in  a due  manner:  and  when  his  word  banishes 
our  fears  and  calms  our  spirits,  our  prayers  arc  answered  in 
good  measure,  even  previously  to  those  providential  deliver- 
ances, of  which  we  have  received  a blessed  pledge. — If  our 
sins  be  pardoned,  “God  is  for  ns  ;”  and  “ if  he  be  for  us,  who 
can  be  against  us?”  We  need  not  be  dismayed  at  the  num- 
ber and  power  of  our  enemies,  or  on  account  of  our  own  weak- 
ness : “ the  battle  is  the  Lord’s,”  and  the  victory  is  suro.  We 
have  only  to  observe  his  word  of  command,  whether  he  cali 
us  to  labour,  to  wrestle,  and  strive : or  whether  it  become  our 
part  to  “stand  still,  and  to  see  the  salvation  of  the  Lord.” 
When  vigorous  faith  receives  the  promises,  their  accom- 
plishment is  anticipated  with  humble  gratitude.  The  Chris- 
tian soldier  may  sing  his  songs  of  triumph,  when  marching  to 
( 779  ) 


B.  C.  8i>9.  II.  CHRONICLES. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 


r9\oshaphat  -ties  ; Jehoram  succeeds,  slays  his  brethren , and  reigns  wickedly, 

1 7.  Ed(  m and  Libnah  revolt,  8—10.  He  establishes  idolatry,  11.  Eli- 

jah's written  prophecy  against  him,  12—15.  The  Philistines  and  Arabians 
invade  and  vluiuler  his  kingdom,  and  carry  all  his  family  captive,  except 
Jehoahaz,  16,  17.  Elijah's  prophecy  fulfilled  in  Jehoram' s incurable  disease 
and  death  ; and  he  is  interred  without  honour , 18—20. 

NOW  “Jehoshaphat  slept  with  his  fathers,  and 
“was  buried  with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of 
David.  And  “Jehoram  his  son  reigned  in  his 
stead. 

2 And  he  had  brethren,  the  sons  of  Jehosha- 
phat,  Azariah,  and  Jehiel,  and  Zechariah,  and 
Azariah,  and  Michael,  and  Shephatiah  : all  these 
were  the  sons  of  Jehoshaphat  king  of  Israel. 

3 And  their  father  dgave  them  great  gifts  of 
silver,  and  of  gold,  and  of  precious  things,  with 
fenced  cities  in  Judah  : but  the  kingdom  gave  he 
to  Jehoram : because  he  was  the  first-born. 

4 Now  when  Jehoram  was  risen  up  to  the  king- 
dom of  his  father,  he  strengthened  himself,  and 
'slew  all  his  brethren  with  the  sword,  and  divers 
also  of  the  princes  of  Israel. 

5 Jehoram  was  thirty  and  two  years  old  when 
he  began  to  reign,  and *  1 he  reigned  eight  years  in 
Jerusalem. 

6 And  he  walked  sin  the  way  of  the  kings  of 
Israel,  like  as  did  the  house  of  Ahab;  for  hhe  had 

a 1 Kings  22:50.  b 20.  See  on  9:31.  12:16.  c 2 Kings  8:16,17.  d 11:23.  Gen. 
25:6.  Deut.  2115— 17.  e 17. 22-8,10.  Gen.  4:8.  Judg.  9:5.56,57.  1 John  3:12. 
f 2 Kings8:l6,l7.  g 1 Kings.  16:25— 33.  h 18:1.22:2.  2 Kinga8;18.  Neh.  13: 
25,26.  i 22:11.  Is.  7:6,7.  k2Sam.23:5.  Ps.  89:28— 34,39,  Jer.  33:20— 26. 

I 2 Sam.  7:12-17.  1 Kings  11:13,36.  2Kings8:!9.  Ps.  132:17,18.  Luke  1:69,79. 

• Heb.  lamp,  or,  candle,  m Gen.  27:40.  2 Kings  8:20 — 22.  t Heb  .hand, 

(he  field,  or  conflicting  in  his  spiritual  battles,  being  assured 
that  he  shall  be  “made  more  than  conqueror,  through  the  Sa- 
viour who  hath  loved  him:”  and  thus  the  joy  and  praise  of  the 
church  militant  may  emulate  and  anticipate  that  of  the  church 
triumphant. — But  alas  ! our  faith  is  apt  to  waver,  and  then 
our  joys  decline:  believers  need  frequent  exhortations  to  per- 
severing faith  and  hope  in  God ; and  it  becomes  the  strong  in 
this  manner  to  animate  the  weak. — As  fve  cannot  know 
the  truth  and  promises  of  God,  except  by  his  prophets  and 
apostles ; how  can  we  believe  in  him,  unless  we  firmly  credit 
their  infallible  testimony,  as  recorded  in  the  sacred  Scriptures  ? 
In  proportion  as  we  expect  protection  in  this  way  from  God, 
by  obedient  faith,  we  “ shall  he  established,”  and  prosper ; and 
shall  adore  the  beauty  of  the  divine  holiness,  and  the  everlast- 
ing mercy  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus,  with  thankful  hearts:  and 
the  more  generally  and  publicly  this  is  done  in  any  country, 
the  greater  stability  and  success  will  attend  the  affairs  of  the 
nation.  When  we  thus  arrange  and  conduct  our  affairs,  our 
enemies  will  fall  before  us  ; our  trials  will  prove  our  gain:  and 
our  very  sorrows  will  enrich  our  souls  with  more  abundant 
rejoicing.  The  advantage  will  be  all  our  own  ; but  the  whole 
glory  will  be  ascribed  to  the  Lord. — We  should  always  ren- 
der our  tribute  of  praise  and  gratitude  for  mercies  received, 
when  our  hearts  are  impressed  with  a lively  sense  of  the 
loving-kindness  of  God  : as  thanksgivings,  for  public  or  private 
benefits,  grow  languid  by  delay.  But  alas ! we  find  very  few 
who  are  so  prompt  to  return  thanks  for  favours  vouchsafed, 
as  they  were  to  cry  for  relief  in  the  hour  of  distress.  (Note, 
and  P.  O.  Luke  17:11 — 19.)  Blessed  be  God,  there  are  some 
honourable  exceptions,  whose  example  proves  very  useful. — 
Mercy  thus  sought  and  improved  will  be  durable ; and  if  God 
give  us  rest,  none  will  dare  to  molest  us. — But  the  best  of 
men  seldom  shine  so  bright  in  prosperity  as  in  adversity : and 
even  relapses  into  sin  may  be  noticed  in  very  valuable  cha- 
racters, which  the  Lord  will  mark  with  rebukes  and  chastcn- 
ings.  Many  things  must  also  remain  imperfect  in  the  church 
on  earth ; for  there  are  many  desirable  regulations  which  the 
greatest  reformers  have  not  ventured  to  attempt,  or  have  not 
been  able  to  accomplish : and  indeed,  except  men’s  “ hearts 
are  prepared  to  seek  the  Lord,”  magistrates  and  ministers 
can  do  nothing  effectual.  The  zealous,  however,  will  never 
labour  in  vain.  Much  good  will  be  done,  though  not  all  which 
they  desire.  God  will  graciously  accept  their  endeavours ; 
and  in  heaven  they  will  be  associated  with  “ the  spirits  of  just 
men  made  perfect,”  and  made  like  them  in  holiness  and  felicity. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXL  V.  2.  The  second  Azariah, 
in  the  original,  is  called  Azariahu. — King  of  Israel.]  Jeho- 
shaphat  is  called  hero  “the  king  of  Israel,”  not  “king  of 
Judah as  the  whole  nation  sprang  from  Jacob,  whom  God 
surnained  Israel ; and  he  reigned  over  a considerable  part  of 
it.  (4.  28:19.) 

V.  3.  Perhaps  Jehoram  had  acted  the  hypocrite  during  his 
father’s, lifetime  ; but,  even  if  he  showed  his  evil  disposition, 
Jehoshaphat,  having  no  command  from  God,  did  not  think  it 
proper  to  set  him  aside  ; otherwise  his  brethren  were  better 
than  he,  more  wise  and  more  righteous.  (Note,  13.)  The 
succession  of  so  wicked  a king  as  Jehoram,  to  pious  Jehosha- 
hat,  was  a just  judgment  on  the  men  of  Judah  for  “not 
avmg  prepared  their  hearts  unto  the  God  of  their  fathers,” 
during  the  preceding  reigns.  (Note,  20:31 — 34,' ‘v,  33.) 

( 780  ) 


B,  C.  889. 

the  daughter  of  Ahab  to  wife : and  he  wrought 
that  which  was  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord. 

7 Howbeit  'the  Lord  would  not  destroy  the 
house  of  David,  ‘‘because  of  the  covenant  that  he 
had  made  with  David,  and  'as  he  promised  to  give 
a 'light  to  him  and  to  his  sons  for  ever. 

8 H In  his  days  '"the  Edomites  revolted  from 
under  the  'dominion  of  Judah,  "and  made  them- 
selves a king. 

9 Then  Jehoram  went  forth  with  his  princes, 
and  all  his  chariots  with  him:  and  he  rose  up  by 
night,  and  smote  the  Edomites  which  compassed 
him  in,  and  the  captains  of  the  chariots. 

10  So  the  Edomites  revolted  from  under  the 
hand  of  Judah  unto  this  day.  The  same  time 
also  did  “Libnah  revolt  from  under  his  hand  ; rbe- 
cause  he  had  forsaken  the  Lord  God  of  lus 
fathers. 

11  Moreover  ^he  made  high  places  in  the 
mountains  of  Judah,  and  “caused  the  inhabitants 
of  Jerusalem  to  commit  'fornication,  and  ‘com- 
pelled Judah  thereto. 

12  H And  there  came  "a  writing  to  him  from 
xElijah  the  prophet,  saying,  Thus  saith  the  Lord 
God  of  David  thy  father.  Because  thou  hast  not 
walked  ?in  the  ways  of  Jehoshaphat  thy  father, 
nor  ‘in  the  ways  of  Asa  king  of  Judah, 

n 1 Kiliss  22:47.  2 Kings  3:9.  o Josh.  21:13.  2 Kings  19:8.  p 13:10.  15:2 

rent.  32.21.  1 Kings  11  31,33.  Jer.  2.13.  q Deni.  12:2— 1.  1 Kings  11 :7.  Ps. 
78:38.  El.  20:28.  r 1 Kings  14:9,16.  2 Kings  21:11.  Hab.2:15.  Rev.  2:20.  s 13. 
l.ev.  17:7.20:5.  2 Kings  9:22.  Ps.  106:39.  &.  18:15,  4c.  Rev. 17:1— 5.  l 33:9. 
Dan.  3:5,6,15.  Rev.  13:15—17.  17-5,6.  u Jer.  36:2,23,28— 32.  Ez.  2:9,10.  Dan. 
6:5,25—29.  x 2 Kings  2:11.  y 17:3,4.  1 Kings 22:43.  z 14:2—5.  1 Kings  15:11. 


V.  4.  On  one  pretence  or  another,  Jehoram  cruelly  slew 
all  his  brethren,  from  a jealous  ambition,  lest  they  should 
supplant  him  in  his  authority  ; which  was  probably  increased 
by  their  reputation  and  favour  with  the  people  ; and  the 
affluence  and  authority  to  which  Jehoshaphat  had  raised 
them.  (Note,  Judg.  9:4 — 6.)  He  slew  some  of  the  princes 
also,  who  probably  favoured  them.  Some  think  these  were 
the  magistrates  whom  Jehoshaphat  had  appointed.  (19:5 — 
11 .)  This  he  did,  lest  they  should  revenge  on  him  the  murder 
of  his  brethren. 

V.  5,  6.  Notes , 18:1.  1 Kings  16:30—33.  2 Kings  8:16 — 
18. 

V.  7.  2 Kings  8:19.  Notes,  2 Sam.  7:12—16.  1 Kings  1 1: 
11—13,34—36,  v.  36.  Is.  9:6,7.  Jer.  23:5,6.  33:14—26.  Ez.  37; 
24,25. 

V.  8 — 11.  (Note,  2 Kings  8:20 — 24.)  Jehoram  obtained 
some  advantages  over  the  Edomites,  but  could  not  re-esta- 
blish his  dominion. — Libnah  seems  to  have  revolted,  because 
they  would  not  submit  to  his  idolatrous  impositions. — The 
inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  were  induced  by  his  persuasions  to 
fall  in  with  his  idolatry  ; but  the  other  parts  of  Judah  were 
compelled  to  it  by  persecution. — All  kinds  of  licentious  and 
unnatural  practices,  to  the  extreme  disgrace  of  human  nature, 
were  encouraged,  and  even  held  sacred,  in  the  worship  of 
these  abominable  idols,  as  may  undeniably  be  proved  even 
from  pagan  authors. 

V.  12.  If  the  account  of  Elijah’s  translation  be  given 
according  to  the  order  of  time  in  which  it.  occurred,  it  happened 
before  Jehoram  reigned  alone.  (Notes,  2 Kings  2:11 — 18.  3: 
11,12.)  But  the  spirit  of  prophecy  might  direct  Elijah  to 
prepare  this  writing  before  his  translation,  in  the  foresight  of 
Jehoram’s  crimes;  it  might  be  left  to  Elisha,  or  some  other 
prophet,  to  transmit  it  to  him  ; and  coming  in  that  extraordi- 
nary manner,  it  would  have  a peculiarly  awful  energy. 

1 Elijah,  foreseeing  by  the  Spirit  of  prophecy,  before  he  went 
to  heaven,  the  wickedness  of  Jehoram,  spake  these  words  to  one 
of  the  prophets,  and  charged  him  to  put  them  down  in  writing, 
and  to  send  them  in  a letter  to  Jehoram,  when  he  grew  so 
impious  as  is  here  related  ; and  let  him  know,  that  Elijah 
commanded  this ‘writing  to  be  delivered  to  him  : that  so  Jeho- 
ram being  affected  with  it,  as  if  it  had  been  sent  from  heaven, 
might  be  moved  to  repent  of  the  evil  he  had  done.’  Dp. 
Patrick. — Some,  however,  have  not  improbably  conjectured, 
that  Elisha,  and  not  Elijah,  is  intended. — The  opinion,  found 
in  Josephus,  and  elsewhere,  that  this  letter  was  sent  by  Elijah 
from  heaven,  only  shows,  that  the  papists  have  not  the  honour 
of  being  the  first  inventors  of  such  legendary  tales.  (Acts  19. 
35.) 

V.  13.  Better.]  Jehoram’s  brethren  seem  to  havo  been 
pious  persons,  ami  haled  for  the  same  cause  as  Abel  was 
hated  by  Cain.  4 This  seems  to  signify  that  they  were  pious 
persons,  who  abhorred  idolatry:  and  therefore  his  sin  was 
the  more  heinous,  in  cutting  them  off,  proceeding  from  enmity 
to  God,  as  well  as  to  them.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Notes,  Gen.  4: 
6—9.  1 John  3:11,12.) 

V.  14,  15.  Many  of  the  people  had  concurred  in  Jehoram’n 
idolatry  ; and  some  of  them  must  have  been  instruments  in 
his  base,  unnatural  murders.  They  Were  therefore  joined  in 
his  punishment,  and  he  suffered  hv  losing  his  sutjecU? 
(Note,  18 — 20.)  4 All  which  calamities  were  tin  atei  mi  ui 


B.  C.  S84. 


CHAPTER  XXII.  B.  C.  884 


13  But  hast  vva.ked  "in  the  way  of  the  kings 
of  Israel,  and  hast  made  Judah  and  the  inhabitants 
of  Jerusalem  to  go  a bvvhoring,  like  to  the  whore- 
doms of  the  house  of  Ahub,  and  also  "hast  slain 
thy  brethren  of  thy  father’s  house,  which  were 
better  than  thyself : 

14  Behold,  with  a great  ‘plague  will  the  Lord 
smite  dthy  people,  and  'thy  children,  and  thy 
wives,  and  all  thy  goods : 

15  And  thou  shall  have  great  sickness,  ' by  dis- 
ease of  thy  bowels,  until  Hhy  bowels  fall  out  by 
reason  of '‘the  sickness  day  by  day. 

b.  c.  I 16  *11  Moreover,  ‘the  Lord  stirred  up 

ss4.  J against  Jehoram  the  spirit  of  the  ‘‘Philis- 
tines, and  of  the  Arabians,  that  were  near  the 
Ethiopians : 

IT  And  they  came  up  into  Judah,  and  brake 
into  it,  and  ‘carried  away  all  the  substance  that 
was  found  in  the  king’s  house,  and  'his  sons  also, 
and  his  wives;  so  that  there  was  never  a son  left 
him,  save  mJehoahaz,  the  youngest  of  his  sons. 

18  11  And  after  all  this  the  Lord  smote  him  in 
his  bowels  with  "an  incurable  disease. 

19  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  in  process  of  time, 
after  the  end  of  two  years,  his  bowels  fell  out  by 
reason  of  his  sickness : so  he  died  of  sore  diseases. 
And  his  people  “made  no  burning  for  him,  like  the 
burning  of  his  fathers. 

20  '‘Thirty  and  two  years  old  was  he  when  he 
began  to  reign,  and  he  reigned  in  Jerusalem  eight 
years,  and  departed  i without  being  desired  : how- 

a 1 Kings  16 :25, 30— 33.  b 11.  Ex.  34:15.  Deut. 31:16.  2 Kings  9:22.  c 4. 
Gen.  4:10 — 12.  42:21,22.  Judg.  9:56,57.  1 Kings  2:31— 33.  Is.  26:21.  Hub.  2:12. 
1 John  3:12.  * Heb.  stroke.  Lev.  26:21.  d Hos.5:ll.  Mic.fi. 16.  e Ex.  20: 
5.  f 18,19.  Num.  5:27.  Deut.  28:61.  Acts  12:23.  g Pg.  109:18,  Acts  1: 
18.  h 18.  Deut.  23:27.35,59,67.  i 33:11.  1 Sam.  26:19.  2 Sarn.  24:1 . 1 Kings 
11:11,23.  Ezra  1:1,5.  Is.  45:5 — 7.  Am.  3:6.  k 17:11.  t Heb . carried  captive. 
Job  5:3,4.  1 22:1.  24:7.  in  22:1.  Ahaziah.  6.  Azariah.  n See  on  15.  o 16: 


the  writing  sent  him  in  the  name  of  Elijah,  that  he  might  not 
think  they  came  by  chance,  but  by  the  special  direction  of 
Almighty  God,  as  a punishment  of  his  wickedness.’  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  16,  17.  The  Philistines  1 invaded  him  on  the  west  side 
of  his  kingdom,  as  the  Arabians  did  on  the  east  side.’  Bp. 
Patrick.  (Note,  17:11.)  The  spirit  of  these  invaders  was 
especially  stirred  up  against  Jehoram,  and  they  do  not  seem 
to  have  done  any  great  mischief  to  the  country,  or  to  Jerusa- 
lem. Having  taken  captive  all  his  sons,  except  Jehoahaz,  or 
Ahaziah , (names  of  similar  meaning,)  they  put  them  to  death. 
(Note,  22:1.) — Athaliah,  the  daughter  ofAhab,  was  left  by  the 
invaders  ; but  she  proved  a still  further  curse  to  the  family  of 
Jehoram.  It  is  probable  that  she  concealed  herself  and  her 
youngest  son. 

V.  18 — 20.  Jehoram  lived  to  witness  the  fulfilment  of  the 
other  most  afflictive  particulars  of  Elijah’s  prophecy;  and 
then  he  was  seized  with  the  predicted  malady.  (12 — 15. 
Notes , Deut.  28:61.  Acts  12:20 — 23.)  He  was  a young  man, 
yet  he  could  get  no  relief  from  the  most  painful  and  loath- 
some disease  imaginable:  and  “he  departed  without  being 
desired/’  No  one  regretted  his  death,  as  none  had  desired 
his  recovery:  but  the  idolaters,  and  even  his  dependents, 
were  glad  to  be  relieved  from  his  tyranny:  they  therefore 
burnt  no  sweet  spices  in  honour  of  him,  and  refused  to  bury 
him  among  their  former  kings.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  effects  of  sin  may  be  very  dreadful  and  durable,  even 
when  it  does  not  prove  finally  destructive  to  him  who  com- 
mitted it. — No  means  can  ensure  divine  grace  to  our  children ; 
but  intimate  connexions  with  atrocious  sinners  almost  render 
their  ungodliness  certain. — We  are  reminded  to  bless  God 
for  equitable  rulers,  a mild  administration,  and  a limited  and 
well-arranged  constitution  of  government ; and  to  pray  for  a 
continuance  of  these  blessings : for,  notwithstanding  the  most 
prudent  regulations,  we  may  be  suddenly  and  irreparably  be- 
reaved of  them,  unless  God  mercifully  protect  us. — Ambition, 
envy*  and  jealousy  destroy  natural  affection,  and  convert  men 
into  savage  monsters  ; when  they  have  obtained  power,  and 
are  afraid  of  losing  it,  and  when  “ there  is  no  fear  of  God 
before  their  eyes.”  In  the  mystery  of  Providence,  such  per- 
sons prosper  for  a time,  and  murder  much  wiser  and  better 
men  than  themselves : but  the  Lord  has  righteous  purposes 
in  permitting  these  events ; part  of  which  may  now  be  dis- 
cerned, and  all  the  rest  will  be  discovered  by  the  light  of  the 
eternal  world. — The  vilest  characters  are,  in  some  way,  con- 
nected in  the  great  chain  of  causes  and  effects:  and  are  re- 
served to  be  undesignedly  instrumental  in  carrying  on  the 
purposes  of  God,  and  in  fulfilling  his  promises  to  his  church 
and  servants:  or  they  are  spared  awhile,  for  the  sake  of 
‘heir  relation  to  those,  whom  “he  delighteth  to  honour.” 
But  his  plan  will  not  long  require  them ; their  measure  of 
iniquities  will  speedily  be  full,  and  then  all  their  prosperity 
will  end  in  ruin  and  despair. — The  Lord,  by  one  means  or 


beit  they  buried  him  in  the  city  of  David,  but  no 
in  the  sepulchres  of  the  kings. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

Ahaziah  succeed*  Jehoram,  reigns  wickedly,  joins  Jehoram  king  of  Israel,  am* 
is  slain  by  Jehu,  1—9.  Athaliah  murders  the  seed  royal,  and  usurps  the 
throne,  10.  Joash  is  preserved  by  Jehoshabeath,  11,  12. 

AND  “the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  made 
‘‘Ahaziah  his  youngest  son  king  in  his  stead  : 
for  the  band  of  men  that  came  with  the  Arabians 
to  the  camp  had  “slain  all  the  eldest.  So  Ahaziah 
the  son  of  Jehoram  king  of  Judah  reigned. 

2  dForty  and  two  years  old  was  Ahaziah  when 
he  began  to  reign,  and  he  reigned  one  year  in 
Jerusalem.  His  mother’s  name  also  was  'Athaliah 
the  daughter  of  Omri. 

3  He  also  walked  in  the  ways  of  the  house  of 
Ahab:  for  fhis  mother  was  ghis  counsellor  to  do 
wickedly. 

4  Wherefore  he  did  evil  in  the  sight  of  the 
Lord,  like  the  house  ofAhab : for  hthey  were  his 
counsellors,  after  the  death  of  his  father,  to  his 
destruction. 

5  H He  ‘walked  also  after  their  counsel,  and 
kwent  with  Jehoram  the  son  of  Ahab  king  of 
Israel,  to  war  against  Hazael  king  of  Syria  at 
'Ramoth-gilead  : and  the  Syrians  smote  Joram. 

6  And  he  returned  to  be  healed  in  Jezreel, 
because  of  the  wounds  ‘which  were  given  him  at 
Ramah,  when  he  fought  with  Hazael  king  of 
Syria.  And  “Azariah  the  son  of  Jehoram  king  ot 
Judah  went  down  “to  see  Jehoram  the  son  of 
Ahab  at  Jezreel,  because  he  was  sick. 

14.  Jer.  34:5.  p 5.  + Heb.  without  desire.  23:21 . Prov.  10:7.  Jer.  22:18,19,23. 
a 23:3.26:1. 33:25.  36:1.  b 6.  Azariah.  21: 17.  Jehoahaz.  1 Chr.  3:11.  c 21: 
16,17.  (1  2 Kbit's  8:26.  e 21:6.  1 Kin-s  16:28.  f Gen.  6:4,5.  Deut.  13:6—8. 

Judg.  17:4,5.  Neh.  13:23 — 27.  Mai.  2:15.  Matt.  14:8— 1 1 . g Gen.  27. 12,13 
Matt. 10:37.  h 24:17,18.  Prnv.  1:10.  13:20.  19:27.  iPs.  1:1.  k 2 Kings  8:23, 
29.  118:3,31.19:2.  1 Kings  22:3,4.  Dan.  5:22,23.  * Heb  .wherewith  they 

wouTided  him.  m 1,7.  AhnziaJi.  21:17.  Jehoahaz.  n 2 Kings  8:29.  10:13,14. 


other,  awfully  reminds  offenders  of  their  guilt,  and  warns 
them  of  their  danger : and  those,  who  despise  these  admoni- 
tions, will  experience  the  truth  of  them  when  it  is  too  late 
for,  if  neither  judgments  nor  respites  bring  men  to  repentance, 
destruction  cannot  be  far  distant. — The  dreadful  torments 
and  deaths  of  some  murderers,  persecutors,  and  other  haughty 
criminals,  who  defy  human  justice,  proclaim,  that  “verily 
there  is  a God,  that  judgeth  the  world;”  and  show  what  all 
such  enemies  of  God  and  man  may  expect,  in  the  day  of 
wrath  and  righteous  vengeance.  None  need  lament  the 
departure  of  those  who  were  plagues  and  tempters  while 
they  lived : and  it  may  be  right,  in  some  cases,  to  with- 
hold customary  respect  from  them  after  their  death ; that 
other  tyrants  and  persecutors,  when  surrounded  by  sycophants 
who  flatter  them  m their  crimes,  may  understand  how  they 
are  despised  and  abhorred  in  the  general  sentiments  of  man- 
kind. May  the  Lord  enable  us  so  to  live,  that  we  may 
have  hope  and  comfort  in  the  approach  and  agonies  of  death, 
and  a joyful  entrance  into  glory:  and  that  our  survivors 
may  have  to  bless  God  for  the  benefit  which  they  have  re- 
ceived from  us,  and  to  regret  our  removal  i Of  this  we  should 
be  ambitious,  and  such  honour  in  some  degree  have  all  tire 
saints  of  God. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXII.  V.  1.  The  Arabians  seem  tc 
have  taken  Jehoram’s  family  captive,  in  the  prospect  of  ob- 
taining a ransom : but  some  band  of  men  in  their  camp 
slew  them  ; and  thus  defeated  their  purpose,  but  accomplished 
that  of  God.  ( Note , 21:16,17.) 

V.  2 — 4.  Party  and  two.  (2)  As  Jehoram  was  under 
forty  years  old  when  he  died,  it  must  be  granted  that  this  is 
an  error  of  the  transcribers,  and  that  it  should  be  twenty-ttco , 
as  in  Kings,  (2  Kings  8:26.)  and  in  some  ancient  versions. — 
Ahaziah  was  born  when  his  father  was  eighteen  years  of  age, 
et  he  had  several  elder  brethren  : so  that  Jehoram  must  have 
een  married  to  Athaliah  when  he  was  very  young;  and  this 
circumstance  rendered  Jehoshaphat’s  conduct  in  this  alliance  t 
still  more  blameable.  (Note,  18:1.) 

V.  5.  Ahaziah  ‘w'ould  not  imitate  his  grandfather  in  that 
which  was  good  in  him:  yet  he  followed  his  bad  example,  in 
joining  with  Ahab’s  son,  as  Jehoshnphat  had  with  Ahab, 
Bp.  Patrick. — This  propensity  in  human  nature,  not  only  to 
copy  bad  examples,  but  even  to  select  the  bad  part  of  good 
characters  for  imitation,  is  an  awful  and  conclusive  proof  of 
doep  depravity. 

V.  6.  (2  Kings  8:28,29.)  The  name  given  the  king  ot 

Judah  in  this  verse,  tnough  in  the  translation  the  difference 
is  not  great,  yet  it  is  greater  in  the  original,  and  seems  tc 
have  been  a distinct  name  by  which  he  was  known.  (iJPtnK, 
Ahaziah;  VT»*vj7,  Azariah.) — It  signifies  the  help  of  the 

LORD. 

V.  7—9.  (Notes,  2 Kings  9:21—28.  10:13,14.)  The 
Lord  was  pleased  to  commission  Jehu,  at  this  crisis,  in  order 
that  Ahaziah  might  be  involved  in  the  righteous  judgment, 
which  was  executed  upon  the  house  of  Ahab. — Ahaziah  lay 
concealed  in  the  kingdom  of  Samaria,  though  not  in  the  citv 
( 781  ) 


B.  C.  865. 


II.  CHRONICLES 


B. C.  878 


7 And  the  ‘destruction  of  Ahaziah  "was  of  God 
jy  coming  to  Joram  : for  when  he  was  come,  rhe 
went  out  with  Jehoram  against  Jehu  the  son  of 
Nimshi,  whom  ''the  Lord  had  anointed  to  cut  off 
the  house  of  Ahab. 

8 And  it  came  to  pass,  that  rwhen  Jehu  was 
executing  judgment  upon  the  house  of  Ahab,  and 
found  the  princes  of  Judah,  and  the  sons  of  the 
brethren  of  Ahaziah,  that  ministered  to  Ahaziah, 
he  slew  them. 

9 And  “he  sought  Ahaziah ; and  they  caught 
him,  (for  he  was  hid  ‘in  Samaria,)  and  brought 
him  to  Jehu  : and  when  they  had  slain  him,  they 
buried  him : “Because,  said  they,  he  is  “the  son  of 
Jehoshaphat,  who  sought  the  Lord  with  all  his 
heart.  So  nhe  house  of  Ahaziah  had  no  power 
to  keep  still  the  kingdom. 

10  II  But  when  “Athaliah  the  mother  of  Ahaziah 
saw  that  her  son  was  dead,  she  arose,  and  de- 
stroyed all  the  seed  royal  of  the  house  of  Judah. 

11  But  “Jehoshabeath  the  daughter  of  the  king 
took  Joash  the  son  of  Ahaziah,  and  stole  him 
from  among  the  king’s  sons  that  were  slain,  and 

Sut  him  and  his  nurse  in  a bbedchamber.  So 
ehoshabeath,  the  daughter  of  king  Jehoram,  the 
wife  of  “Jehoiada  the  priest,  (for  she  was  the 
sister  of  Ahaziah,)  hid'  him  from  Athaliah,  so  that 
dshe  slew  him  not. 

12  And  he  was  with  them  ehid  in  the  house  of 
God  six  years:  and  f Athaliah  reigned  over  the 
land. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 


Jehoiada  takes  proper  measures,  and  makes  Joash  king , 1 — II.  Athaliah  is 
slain,  12 — 15.  Jehoiada  subverts  idolatry ; restores  the  worship  of  God , 
and  places  Joash  on  the  throne , to  the  great  joy  of  the  people , 16 — 21. 


A 


d places 

ND  in  the  “seventh  year  Jehoiada  strength- 


ened himself,  and  took  the  captains  of 
hundreds,  Azariah  the  son  of  Jeroham,  and 
Ishmael  the  son  of  Jehohanan,  and  Azariah  the 
son  of  Obed,  and  Maaseiah  the  son  of  Adaiah, 
and  Elishaphat  the  son  of  Zichri,  into  bcovenant 
with  him. 

• 2 And  they  “went  about  in  Judah,  and  gathered 
the  Levites  out  of  all  the  cities  of  Judah,  and  dthe 
chief  of  the  fathers  of  Israel,  and  they  came  to 
Jerusalem. 

3 And  all  the  congregation  “made  a covenant 
with  the  king  in  the  house  of  God.  And  he  said 
unto  them,  Behold,  the  king’s  son  shall  reign,  r as 
the  Lord  hath  said  of  the  sons  of  David. 

4 This  is  the  thing  that  ye  shall  do;  A third 


part  of  you  sentering  on  the  sabbath,  of  the  priests 
and  of  the  Levites,  shall  be  "porters  of  the  'doors  ; 

5 And  a third  part  shall  be  at  'the  king’s  house  ; 
and  a third  part  at  kthe  gate  of  the  foundation  : 
and  all  the  people  shall  be  in  the  courts  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord. 

6 Bullet  none  come  into  the  house  of  the  Lord 
save  the  priests,  and  ‘they  that  minister  of  the 
Levites;  they  shall  go  in,  for  they  are  -holy  : but 
all  the  people  shall  keep  the  watch  of  the  Lord. 

7 And  rathe  Levites  shall  compass  the  king 
round  about,  every  man  with  his  weapons  in  his 
hand  ; and  "whosoever  else  cometh  into  the  house, 
he  shall  be  put  to  death  : but  be  ye  with  the  king 
when  he  cometh  in,  and  when  he  goeth  out. 

8 So  "the  Levites  and  all  Judah  did  according 
to  all  things  that  Jehoiada  the  priest  had  com- 
manded, and  took  every  man  his  men  that  were 
to  come  in  on  the  sabbath,  with  them  that  were  to 
go  out  on  the  sabbath:  for  Jehoiada  the  priest 
dismissed  not  rthe  courses. 

9 Moreover,  Jehoiada  the  priest  delivered  to 
the  captains  of  hundreds  ‘'spears,  and  bucklers, 
and  shields,  that  had  been  king  David’s,  which 
were  in  the  house  of  God. 

10  And  he  set  all  the  people,  every  man  having 
his  weapon  in  his  hand,  from  the  right  ‘side  of  the 
temple  to  the  left  side  of  the  temple,  "along  by  the 
altar  and  the  temple,  by  the  king  round  about. 

11  Then  “they  brought  out  the  king’s  son,  and 
‘put  upon  him  the  crown,  and  gave  him  “the  tes- 
timony, and  made  him  king.  And  Jehoiada  and 
his  sons’1  anointed  him,  and  said,  +God  save  the 
king. 

12  H Now  nvhen  Athaliah  heard  the  noise  of 
the  people  running  and  praising  the  king,  “she 
came  to  the  people  into  the  house  of  the  Lord  : 

13  And  she  looked,  and  behold,  “the  king  stood 
at  his  pillar  at  the  entering  in,  band  the  princes  and 
the  trumpets  by  the  king : and  “all  the  people  of 
the  land  rejoiced,  and  dsounded  with  trumpets ; 
also  “the  singers  with  instruments  of  music,  and 
such  as  taught  to  sing  praise.  Then  Athaliah 
rent  her  clothes,  and  said,  ^Treason,  treason. 

14  Then  Jehoiada  the  priest  brought  out  the 
captains  of  hundreds  that  were  set  over  the  host, 
and  said  unto  them,  Have  her  forth  of  the  ranges  : 
and  1 whoso  folio vveth  her,  let  him  be  slain  with  the 
sword.  For  the  priest  said,  eSIay  her  not  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord. 


* Heb.  treading  down.  Mai.  4:3.  o 10:15.  Judg.  14:4.  I Kings  12:15.  22:20. 
Ps.  9:16.  Is.  46:10.  p 2 Kings  9:21.  q 1 Kings  19:16.  2 Kings  9:1— 7.  r 2 Kings 
10:11—14.  s 2 Kings  9:27.  t 1 Kings  13:32.  u 2 Kings  9:28,34.  x 17:3,4. 
21:20.  y 1,8.21:4,17.  z2 — 4.  2 Kings  11:1,  tic.  a 2 Kings  11:2 . Jehoshcba. 
b Ez.  40:45,45.  c23:l.  d 21:7.  2Sam.7:13.  1 Kings  15:4.  Ps.  33:10.  76:10.  Prov. 
21:30.  Is.  65:8.  Acts  4:28.  e Ps.27:5.  f Ps.  12:8.  73:14.18,19.  Jer.  12:1.  Hah.  1: 
12.  a 2 Kings  11:4,  &c.  b 15:12.  1 Sam.  18:3.  Neh.  9:38.  c Ps.  1 12:5.  Matt.  10: 

16.  Eph.5:l5.  d 1 1 : 13  — 17.  1 Chr.  15:12.24:6.  e 16.  2 Sam.  5:3.  2 Kings  1 1 : 

17.  1 Chr.  11:3.  f 6:16.  7: 18.  21 :7.  2 Sam.  7:16.  1 Kings  2:4.  9:5.  Ps.  89:29,36. 

g 1 Chr.  9:2S.23:3  — 6.  24:3— 6.  Luke  1:8,9.  h l Chr.  26:13— 16.  * Heb. 

thresholds,  i 2 Kings  11:5,6.  Ez.  44:2,3.  46:2,3.  k Acts  3:2.  1 2 Kings  11:6, 


7.  1 Chr.  23:28— 32.  m 2 Kings  ! 1 :8,9.  n Ex.  19:12,13.  21 :14.  o2  Kings  11:5. 
p 1 Chr.  24:  25:  26:  n 1 Sam.  21:9.  2 Sam.  8:7.  f Heb.  shoulder  of  the  house. 
2 Kings  11:11.  r 6:12.  Ex . 40:6.  Matt.  23:35.  s 22. 1 1 . 2 Kings  1 1 :12  l 2 Sam. 
1:10.  Pa.  21:3.  89:39.  132:18.  Heb.  2:9.  Jam.  1:12.2:5.  Rev.  4:4, lU.  5:10.  19:12. 
u Ex.  25:16.  31:18.  Deut.  17:18.  Ps.  2:10— 12.  78:5.  Is.  8:16,20.  19:23.  x 1 Sam. 
10:1.  2Sam.5:3.  1 Kings  1:39.  Ps.  89:20.  Acts  4:26,27.  } Iieb.  Let  the  kin$ 

live.  1 Sam.  10:24.  2 Sam.  16:16.  1 Kings  1:34.  Matt.  21:9.  v 2 Kings  1 1 : 13— 
16.  z 2 Kings  9:32—37.  a 34:31.  2 Kings  23:3.  b Num.  10:1 — 10.  1 Chr.  15; 
24.  c 1 Kings  1:39,40.  1 Chr.  12:40.  Prov.  11:10.29:2.  d Judg.  7:S.18— 22 
2 Kings  9:13.  e 1 Chr.  15:16 — 22,27.25:1 — 8.  § Heb.  Conspiracy.  1 Kings  18: 
17,18.  2 Kings  9:23.  Rom.  2: 1,2.  f 2 Kings  10:25.  11:8,15.  g Ez.  9:7. 


so  called.  When  he  had  seen  Jehoram  slain,  he  fled  and 
endeavoured  to  conceal  himself  in  some  part  of  that  country: 
but  Jehu  ordered  him  to  be  pursued,  and  at  length  he  was 
taken  at  Megiddo,  and  brought  to  Jehu,  who  caused  him  to 
be  put  to  death.  His  servants  were  permitted,  however,  to 
carry  his  corpse  to  Jerusalem,  and  bury  him,  out  of  respect 
to  the  memory  of  Jehoshaphat  his  grandfather;  while  Jeho- 
ram was  left  unburied,  in  detestation  of  his  father  Ahab’s 
enormous  wickedness. 

V.  10 — 12.  Notes,  2 Kings  11:1 — 3. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

No  tongue  can  express,  no  imagination  can  conceive,  the 
guilt  and  condemnation  of  those  parents,  who  counsel  their 
own  children  to  do  wickedly,  and  who  thus  become  their 
murderers  in  the  most  awful  sense.  Yet,  this  fatal  calamity, 
to  families  and  to  society,  is  frequently  the  consequence  of 
contracting  marriages  with  those  who  are  irreligious  and 
wicked.  But  they,  who  are  not  previously  disposed  to  un- 
godliness and  vice,  will  not  hearken  to  such  pernicious  coun- 
sellors: and  neither  the  persuasion,  authority,  example,  nor 
lavour,  even  of  a parent,  is  to  be  regarded,  when  the  will  and 
honour  of  God  are  concerned.  But  when  men  hate  the  truth 
and  service  of  God,  they  are  judicially  left,  to  be  seduced  and 
deceived,  till  their  impolicy  and  impiety  concur  in  bringing 
destruction  upon  them.  None  can  flee,  or  hide  himself,  from 
that  evil  which  pursueth  sinners  ; or  from  those  instruments, 
whom  God  employs  to  execute  judgment  upon  his  enemies: 
and  the  external  respect  paid  to  them,  for  the  sake  of  pious 
ancestors  will  not  prevent  the  ruin  of  their  own  souls,  or 
( 782  ) 


that  of  their  families. — The  most  desperate  and  prosperous 
workers  of  iniquity,  who  are  hardened  against  every  natural 
affection,  as  well  as  all  remains  of  the  fear  of  God,  can  do 
no  more  than  execute  his  righteous  purposes:  but  he  will 
not  suffer  his  promises  to  be  broken ; and  if  infants,  or  pious 
persons,  are  permitted  to  be  cut  off  in  such  unnatural  mas- 
sacres, he  will  set  all  right  in  the  eternal  world. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXIIL  V.  1,  2.  (Note,  2 Kings 
11:4.)  These  “chief  fathers  of  Israel”  seem  to  have  been 
the  descendants  of  those  priests  and  Levites  from  the  ten 
tribes,  and  pious  persons,  who  left  their  cities  and  joined 
themselves  to  Judah,  in  the  days  of  Jeroboam.  ( Note,  1 1:13 
— 17.)  The  word  “Israel,”  however,  is  sometimes  used  as 
a general  term  for  the  nation,  and  so  applied  to  the  people  of 
Judah. 

V.  3 — 10.  Notes , 2 Kings  11:5 — 10. — Made  a covenant, 
& c.  (3)  16.  Notes , 2 Kings  11:17 — 20. — “The  house  of  the 
Lord,”  (6)  must  mean  the  inner  court ; for  no  Levites,  who 
were  not  also  priests*  entered  the  sanctuary.  This  shows, 
that  on  some  occasions,  the  people  were  admitted  into  the 
inner  courts ; else  the  injunction  had  Been  needless. 

Y.  11.  Note,  2 Kings  11:12. — Sons.]  Probably  Zcclia- 
riah,  the  son  of  Jehoiada,  who  was  afterwards  stoned  by 
Joash’s  command,  assisted  in  crowning  and  anointiug  him. 
(Notes,  24:19—26.) 

V.  12 — 21.  Notes,  2 Kings  11:13 — 20. — I {is  pillar  at  the 
entering  in,  &c.  (13)  The  king’s  pillar  was  >t  (lie  entrance 
of  the  inner  court ; but  the  tw6  pillars,  Boa/,  aiu?  Jacln  i,  stood 
at  the  porch  of  the  temple.  One  of  these  therefore  could  net. 


B.  C.  865. 


CHAPTER  XXIV 


B.  C.  8fc* 


15  So  they  laid  hands  on  her;  and  when  she 
was  come  to  the  entering  bof  the  horse-gate  by 
the  king’s  house,  'they  slew  her  there. 

16  H And  Jehoiada  kmade  a covenant  between 
him,  and  between  all  the  people,  and  between  the 
king,  'that  they  should  be  the  Lord’s  people. 

17  Then  all  the  people  went  to  "‘the  house  of 
Baal,  and  brake  it  down,  and  "brake  his  altars 
and  his  images  in  pieces,  and  “slew  Mattan  the 
priest  of  Baal  before  the  altars. 

18  Also  Jehoiada  appointed  the  officers  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord  by  the  hand  of  the  priests  the 
Levites,  Pvvhotn  David  had  distributed  in  the^ 
house  of  the  Lord,  to  offer  the  burnt-offerings  of 
the  Lord,  'las  it  is  written  in  the  law  of  Moses, 
with  rejoicing  and  with  singing,  as  it  was  ordained, 
"by  David. 

19  And  he  set  the  'porters  at  the  gates  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  that  none  which  was  unclean 
in  any  thing  should  enter  in. 

20  And  he  took  ’the  captains  of  hundreds,  and 
the  nobles,  and  the  governors  of  the  people,  and 
all  the  people  of  the  land,  and  brought  down  the 
king  from  the  house  of  the  Lord  : and  they  came 
through  the  high  gate  into  the  king’s  house,  and 
set  the  king  upon  the  throne  of  the  kingdom. 

21  And  ‘all  the  people  of  the  land  rejoiced  : and 
the  city  was  quiet,  after  that  they  had  slain  Atha- 
liali  with  the  sword. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Joash  reigns  well  during  Jehoiada' e life,  and  zealously  repairs  the  temple, 

1 — 14.  Jehoiada  dies,  and  is  honourably  buried,  15,  16.  Joash,  seduced  by 
his  princes,  turns  aside  to  idolatry  ; and  causes  Zechariah,  Jehoiada' s son, 
to  be  stoned,  for  reproving  him  in  the  name  of  God,  17 — 21.  Zechariah' s 
dying  prediction,  22.  Joash  is  plundered  by  the  Syrians,  left  sick,  and  then 
slain  by  his  own  servants,  23 — 2G.  Amaziah  succeeds  him , 27. 

* T OASH  was  seven  years  old  when  he  began  to 

reisrn,  and  he  reigned  forty  years  in  Jerusa- 
lem. His  mother’s  name  also  was  Zibiah  of  Beer- 
sheba. 

2 And  b Joash  did  that  which  was  right  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord  “all  the  days  of  Jehoiada  the 
priest. 

3 And  Jehoiada  dtook  for  him  'two  wives ; and 
he  begat  sons  and  daughters. 

b.  c.-|  4 II  And  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that 

ms-  -I  Joash  vVas  minded  to  "repair  the  house  of 
the  Lord. 

5  And  he  gathered  together  the  priests  and  the 

h Neh.  3. 28.  i 22:10.  Judg.  1:7.  Matt.  7:2.  Jam.  2:13.  Re*.  16:5—7.  It  15:12,14. 
29:10.31:31,32.  Deul.  5.2,3.  29:1,10— 15.  2 Kino  11:17.  Ezra  10:3.  Neh.  5:12, 
13.  9:38.  10:29,  &c.  1 Deut.  26- 17— 19.  Josh.  24:21— 25.  Is.  41:5.  m 34:4,7. 

2 Kings  10:25—28.  11:18.  13:4.  n Deut.  12:3.  Is.  2: 18.  Zech.  13:2,3.  o Deul. 
13:5,9.  1 Kings  18:40.  2 Kings  11:18,19.  p 1 Chr.  23:  21:  q Num.  28:2,  &c. 

• Heb.  bu  the  hands  of  David.  29:25.  1 Chr.  25:  r 1 Chr.  9:23,24.  26:  s 2 Kings 
11:9,10,19.  t 2,  Kings  11:20.  Ps.  58:10.  Prov. 11:10.  Rev.  18:20.  19:2— 4. 
a 2 Kings  11:21.  12:1.  Je'ioash.  1 Chr.  3:11.  b 25:2.28:4,5.  2 Kings  12:2.  Ps. 
78:36,37.  106:12,13.  Mark  4:16,17.  c 17-32.  <t  Gen.  21 :21 . 24:4.  e Gen.  4: 


as  some  have  supposed,  be  the  king’s  pillar.  (Marg.  Rtf.  a. 
1 Kings  7:21 .)— Singers,  &c.  (13)  Marg.  Ref.  It  is  ob- 
servable, that  this  particular  is  noted  in  Chronicles,  and  not 
in  Kings  ; in  which  the  appointment  of  the  sacred  Psalmody 
vs  not  recorded.  (Comp.  1 Kings  8:1 — 11.  with  2 Chr.  5:1 1— 
14.  1 Kings  8:62 — 66.  with  2 Chr.  7:1 — 10.) — Jehoiada,  be. 
(16)  Jehoiada,  as  priest,  and  probably  high-priest,  represented 
God  in  this  solemn  transaction. — The  officers.  (18)  The  ar- 
rangements made  by  David,  as  to  the  worship  and  attendance 
at  the  temple,  had  been  wholly  disregarded  ; but  were  restored 
by  Jehoiada.  [Marg.  Ref.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  Lord  commonly  effects  great  and  important  changes 
Dy  those  persons  whom  he  has  furnished  with  wisdom,  courage, 
piety,  and  integrity;  and  who  intend  to  do  his  will  and  pro- 
mote his  glory,  and  not  to  advance  their  own  interests. — In 
the  greatest  emergencies,  care  ought  to  be  taken  that  sacred 
things  be  not  profaned  ; and  that  every  one  concur  in  a man- 
ner consistent  with  his  character  and  calling:  and  as  ministers 
are  by  profession  holy  persons,  they  should  be  careful  to  ex- 
hibit holy  examples.  Civil  transactions  should  be  managed 
with  a regard  to  the'  word  and  worship  of  God;  and  while 
men’s  hearts  overflow  with  good  wishes  for  their  princes,  com- 
mendations of  (hem,  or  joy  in  their  advancement ; they  should 
remember  to  conduct  and  terminate  all  in  thanksgivings  and 
praises  unto  God.  This  is  peculiarly  becoming,  when  perse- 
cuting tyrants  and  usurpers  are  removed  and  equitable  rulers 
come  in  their  places  ; the  work  is  the  Lord’s,  whatever  instru- 
ments he  is  pleased  to  employ.  Such  national  mercies  should 
be  acknowledged  by  public  reformations:  and  by  a concur- 
rence of  all  ranks,  in  solemnly  yielding  themselves  up  to  be 
the  Lord’s  people,  and  in  establishing  his  worship  and  ordi- 
nances according  to  his  word.  Where  this  is  neglected,  the 
ioy  and  singing,  which  takes  place  upon  great  deliverances, 


Levit.es.  and  said  to  them,  Go  out  unto  the  cities 
of  Judah,  and  f gather  of  all  Israel  money  to  i-b.  c 
repair  the  house  of  your  God  from  year  to  L 
ear,  and  see  that  ye  hasten  the  matter.  «How- 
eit  the  Levites  hastened  it  not. 

6 And  the  king-  called  for  Jehoiada  the  chief, 
and  said  unto  him,  hWhy  hast  thou  not  required 
of  the  Levites  to  bring  in  out  of  Judah  and  out 
of  Jerusalem  'the  collection,  according'  to  the  com- 
mandment of  Moses  the  servant  of  the  Lord,  and 
of  the  congregation  of  Israel,  for  the  ktabernacle 
of  witness  ? 

7 For  the 'sons  of  Athaliah,  mthat  wicked  wo- 
man, had  broken  up  the  house  of  God ; and  also 
all  the  dedicated  things  of  the  house  of  the  Lord 
"did  they  bestow  upon  Baalim. 

8 And  “at.  the  king’s  commandment  they  made 
a chest,  and  set  it  without  at  the  gate  of  the  house 
of  the  Lord. 

9 And  they  made  a 'proclamation  through 
Judah  and  Jerusalem,  to  bring  in  to  the  Lord  the 
^collection  that  Moses  the  servant  of  God  laid 
upon  Israel  in  the  wilderness. 

10  And  all  the  princes  and  all  the  people 
^rejoiced,  and  brought  in,  and  cast  into  the  chest, 
until  they  had  made  an  end. 

11  Now  it  came  to  pass,  that  rat  what  time  the 
chest  was  brought  unto  the  king's  office  by  the 
hand  of  the  Levites,  and  when  they  saw  that 
there  was  much  money,  the  king’s  scribe  and  the 
high-priest’s  officer  came  and  emptied  the  chest, 
and  took  it,  and  carried  it  to  his  place  again. 
Thus  they  did  day  by  day,  and  gathered  money 
in  abundance. 

12  And  the  king  and  Jehoiada  “gave  it  to  such 
as  did  the  work  of  the  service  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  and  hired  ‘masons  and  carpenters  to  repair 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  also  such  as  wrought 
iron  and  brass  to  mend  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

13  So  the  workmen  wrought,  and  'the  work 
was  perfected  by  them,  and  they  set  the  house  ol 
God  “in  his  state,  and  strengthened  it. 

14  And  when  they  had  finished  it,  they  brought 
the  rest  of  the  money  before  the  king  and  Je- 
hoiada, whereof  were  made  “vessels  of  the  house 
of  the  Lord,  even  ^vessels  to  minister,  and  Ho  offer 
withal,  and  spoons,  and  vessels  for  gold  and  silver. 

19.  Matt.  19:4 — 8.  * Heb.  renew.  5 — 7.  f 29:3.  34:8,9.  2 Kings  12:4,5.  g 2 Kings 
12:6,7.  h 2 Sam.  24:3.  i Ex.  39:12— 16.  k Num.  1 :50. 17:7,8.  18:2.  Acts  7: 
44.  121:17.  m 28:22-24.  Esth.7:6.  Prov.  1U:7.  2Thes.2:8.  Rev.  2:20. 

n Deut.  32:15— 17.  Ez.  16: 17.1 9 — 21 . Dan.  5:2-4 .23.  Hos.  2:8,9.  o 2 Kings  12: 
8,9.  Mark  12:41.  t Heb.  voice,  p See  on  6.  Matt.  17:24—27.  q 1 Chr.  29:9. 
Is.  64:5.  Acts  2:45— 47.  2 Cor.  8:2.  r 2 Kings  12: 10— 12.  s 34:9—  tl.  t 1 Kings 
5:15.  % Heb.  the  healing  went  up  upon  the  work  by  their  hand.  Neh.  4.7. 
u 1 Chr.  22:5.  Hag.  2:3.  Mark  13:1.2.  x 2 Kings  12:13,14.  v 1 Kings  7:50. 
§ Or,  pestils.  Prov.  27:22. 

or  the  accession  of  kings  to  the  throne,  will  commonly  be 
shortlived,  and  will  terminate  in  complaints,  and  discords, 
and  calamities. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXIV.  V.  1—3.  Note,  2 Kings  12: 
2,3. — Took,  &c.  (3)  The  Jewish  expositors  are  of  opinion, 
that  Jehoiada  took  these  two  wives  for  himself,  not  for  Joash  : 
and  they  consider  this  as  inconsistent  with  the  character  o( 
the  high-priest.  But  it  is  most  obvious  to  understand  the 
words/or  him,  of  Joash  : and  Jehoiada’s  advanced  age,  at  this 
time,  renders  it  highly  improbable  that  he  should  lake  them 
for  himself ; for  he  must,  on  any  computation,  have  been  above 
a hundred  years  old,  when  Joash  began  to  reign.  (Note, 
15,16.)  Nor  are  any  sons  of  Jehoiada  mentioned  afterwards, 
except  such  as  were  grown  up. — It  is  not  indeed  expressly 
said  that  Jehoiada  was  high-priest,  but  the  way  in  which  he 
is  distinguished  from  the  other  priests,  and  the  authority 
which  he  exercised,  seem  to  put  it  beyond  all  reasonable 
doubt  that  he  was. 

V.  4 — 14.  Marg.  Rtf.  Notes,  2 Kings  12:4 — 16. — Hasten , 
&c.  (5)  4 Things  were  in  so  bad  a condition,  that  it  required 
the  work  should  be  begun  with  speed.  Yet  such  was  the 
negligence  of  the  Levites,  and  the  backwardness  perhaps  of 
the  people  to  part  with  their  money,  that  in  the  twentv-jhird 
year  of  this  king’s  reign  nothing  was  done.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

The  sons  of  Athaliah,  b c.  (7)  .Tehoram’s  sons,  Ahaziah 
excepted,  whether  by  Athaliah,  or  his  other  wives,  were  slain 
before  his  death.  (22:1.)  But  either  his  sons  by  Athaliah, 
during  his  lifetime,  or  her  sons  by  some  other  man,  as  many 
suppose,  had  thus  spoiled  the  temple  to  consecrate  its  trea- 
sures to  Baalim. — All  the  princes,  &c.  (10)  4 The  great 

men  set  so  good  an  example  to  the  people,  that  they  cheer- 
fully joined  with  them  in  this  good  work.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

And  they  offered,  be.  (14)  It  appears  from  this,  that  the 
daily  offering,  morning  and  evening,  had  been  intermitted 
( 783  ) 


B.  C.  840. 


II.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  839. 


And  they  'offered  burnt-offerings  in  the  house 
of  the  Loro  continually  “all  the  days  of  Jehoiada. 
b.  c.-i  15  But  Jehoiada  waxed  old,  and  was 
sis.  J bfu||  „f  c|ayS  when  he  died;  ca  hundred  and 
thirty  years  old  ivas  he  when  he  died. 

16  And  they  buried  him  din  the  city  of  David 
among  the  kings,  'because  he  had  done  good  in 
Israel,  both  toward  God,  and  toward  his  house. 

[Practical  Observatiane.'] 

17  It  Now  f after  the  death  of  Jehoiada  came 
b.  c.n  sthe  princes  of  Judah,  and  made  obeisance 
s4,)-  J to  the  king.  Then  the  king  hearkened  unto 
them. 

18  And  hthey  left  the  house  of  the  Lord  God 
of  their  fathers,  and  served  groves  and  idols : 
and  'wrath  came  upon  Judah  and  Jerusalem  for 
this  their  trespass. 

19  Yet  khe  sent  prophets  to  them,  to  bring 
them  again  unto  the  Lord;  and  they  testified 
against  them : but  they  would  not  'give  ear. 

20  And  mthe  Spirit  of  God  'came  upon  Ze- 
chariah  "the  son  of  Jehoiada  the  priest,  which 
stood  above  the  people,  and  said  unto  them, 
Thus  saith  God,  "Why  transgress  ye  the  com- 
mandments of  the  Lord,  that  ye  cannot  prosper? 
'because  ye  have  forsaken  the  Lord,  he  hath  also 
forsaken  you. 

t Ex.  29.33—12.  Num.  28:2,  &c.  a 2.  b Gen.  15:15.  25:8.  lClir.23:l. 
Job  5:26.  Ps.  91:16.  c Gen.  47:9.  Ps.  90:10.  d 1 Sam.  2:30  1 Kin«s 

2:10.  Acts  2:29.  e 23:  31 :20,21.  Neh. 13:14.  Heb.6:10.  I Deut.  31:27.  Acis 
20:29,30.  2 Pet.  1:15.  g 10:9—10.  22:3,4.  Prov.  7:21-23.  20:19.  26:28.  29: 
6.  Dan.  11:32  h 4. 21:13.  33:3—7.  1 Kings  11:4,5.  14:9,23.  i 19:2.  28:13.  20: 
8.  Josh. 22:20.  Judg.  5:8.  2 Sam.  24:1.  Hos.  5:10,11.  k 36:15, IG.  2 Kings  17: 
13—15.  Neh.  9:26.  Jer.  7:25,26,  25:4,5  44:4,5.  Luke  11:47—51.16:31.20:9—15. 
I Is.  23:23.  42:23.  51:4.55:3.  Matt.  13:9,15,16.  m 15:1.  20:14.  ' Heb.  clollied. 
Judg.  6:31.  1 Chr.  12:18.  margins,  n 23:11.  o Num.  14:41.  1 Sam.  13:13,14. 


previously  ; and  that  it  was  neglected  after  the  death  of 
Jehoiada.  (Notes,  23:18,19.  Ex.  29:38 — 41.  Dan.  8:9 — 12. 11: 
31.  12:11—13.) 

V.  15,  1G.  Jehoiada  was  born  in  the  reign  of  Solomon,  and 
had  lived  through  six  successive  reigns,  besides  Athaliah’s 
usurpation  ; namely,  those  of  Rehoboam,  Abijah,  'Asa,  Jeho- 
shaphat,  Jehoram,  and  Ahaziah.  Ho  was  honourably  interred 
among  the  kings  of  Judah  : but  the  reason  assigned  for  this 
extraordinary  respect  was  much  moro  honourable ; and  per- 
haps it  was  inscribed  on  his  monument : “ He  has  done  good 
in  Israel,  both  toward  God,  and  toward  his  house.”  He  had 
eminently  promoted  true  religion,  and  promoted  the  regular 
worship  of  God,  and  the  repairs  of  the  temple ; in  which  the 
best  interests  of  the  people  were  greatly  concerned.  He  had 
also  been  exceedingly  useful  in  preserving  the  line  of  David 
in  the  person  of  Joash,  and  in  terminating  Athaliah’s  wicked 
usurpation.  ( Note,  31:20,21 .) — Israel,  the  general  name  of 
the  whole  nation,  is  sometimes  used  when  the  kingdom  of 
Judah  is  meant. 

V.  17,  18.  Jehoiada  had  acquired  his  influence  over  Joash 
during  his  childhood : and  his  near  relation  to  the  king,  and 
tne  immense  obligations,  which  he  had  conferred  upon  him, 
concurred  with  his  age,  gravity,  reputation,  piety,  and  wisdom, 
to  support  him  in  authority.  So  that,  while  he  lived,  neither 
Joash,  nor  his  courtiers,  ventured  to  follow,  or  even  to  declare, 
their  inclinations  to  idolatry  ; but  externally  conformed  to 
Jehoiada’s  regulations.  As  soon,  however,  as  he  was  removed 
by  death,  they  threw  off  the  mask  ; and  the  nobles  paid  court 
to  Joash,  and  perhaps  flattered  him,  as  at  length  freed  from 
priestly  dominion,  tuition,  grave  lectures,  and  restraints,  and 
as  now  a king  indeed,  and  intimated,  that  ho  would  have  no 
objection  to  release  the  rigour  of  Jehoiada’s  administration, 
in  matters  of  religion.  Perhaps,  they  only  proposed,  that  he 
should  tolerate  their  sacrificing  upon  the  high  places,  as  more 
convenient  and  agreeable  to  them,  than  always  coming  to 
Jerusalem  : but  he,  being  won  by  their  homage,  as  well  as 
induced  by  his  own  inclinations,  joined  with  them  even  in  more 
gross  and  avowed  idolatry  ; in  consequence  of  which,  they 
soon  experienced  the  tokens  of  the  divine  displeasure.  (Note, 
2 Kings  12. -4 7,18. ) 

V.  19 — 22.  I Marg.  Ref.)  Both  the  king  and  his  courtiers 
seem  to  have  contemptuously  disregarded  the  warnings  of  the 
prophets,  first  sent  to  them  ; so  that  they  did  not  honour  them 
even  with  hatred  or  persecution.  But,  at  length,  when  they 
were  assembled  on  account  of  some  festival ; (for  the  temple 
was  not  utterly  forsaken  ;)  the  Spirit  of  God  directed  Zecha- 
nah  to  expostulate  with  them  respecting  their  idolatry.  Being 
the  son  of  Jehoiada,  a near  relation  to  Joash,  a chief  priest,  if 
not  the  high-priest,  he  seemed  to  be  the  most  unexceptionable 
person,  who  could  possibly  have  been  selected  for  the  service : 
while  his  piety,  and  the  meekness  and  reasonableness  of  his 
plain  address  and  warning,  combined  in  entitling  him  to  a 
favourable  hearing,  and  evidenced  his  admonition  to  bo  season- 
able. “ The  Spirit  ofGod  clothed  him.”  (marg.)  1 He  had 
a divine  motion  to  speak  publicly  to  the  people  and  to  reprove 
them,  which  that  he  might  do  and  be  heard  of  all,  he  got  up 
into  a high  place,  where  they  might  all  both  see  and  hear 
him.1  Dp.  Patrick.  But  all  this  was  in  vain  ; the  onraged 
( 784  ) 


21  And  they  ^conspired  against  him,  and 
'stoned  him  with  stones  at  the  commandment 
of  the  king,  in  the  court  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord. 

22  Thus  Joash  the  kin^  ‘remembered  not  the 
kindness  which  Jehoiada  his  fattier  had  done  to 
him,  hut  slew  his  son.  And  when  he  died,  he 
said,  'The  Lord  look  upon  it,  and  require  it. 

23  H And  it  came  to  pass  'at  the  end  of  the 
year,  that  “the  host  of  Syria  came  up  against 
him:  and  they  came  to  Judah  and  Jerusalem, 
and  destroyed  xall  the  princes  of  the  people  from 
among  the  people,  and  sent  all  the  spoil  of  them 
unto  the  king  of  ^Damascus. 

24  For  the  army  of  the  Syrians  rcame  with 
a small  company  ci  men,  and  the  Lord  'delivered 
a very  great  host  into  their  hand,  because  they 
had  forsaken  the  Lord  God  of  their  fathers.  “So 
they  executed  judgment  against  Joash. 

25  And  when  they  were  departed  from  him, 
(for  they-  left  him  in  bgreat  diseases,)  chis  own 
servants  conspired  against  him  dfor  the  blood  of 
the  sons  of  Jehoiada  the  priest,  and  slew  him  on 
his  bed,  and  lie  died  : and  they  buried  him  in  the 
city  of  David,  but  they  buried  him  “not  in  the 
sepulchres  of  the  kings. 

26  And  these  are  they  that  conspired  against 

2 Sam.  12:9,10.  Zech.  7: 1 1—14.  p 15:2.  Deut.  29:25,26.  1 Chr.  28:9.  Jer. 2:19. 
4.18.5:19,25.  q Jer.  1 1 : 19.  18: 18.  38:4— 6.  r Matt.  21 :35. 23:34-37.  Acts7: 
58,59.  $ Ps.  109:4.  Luke  17:15—18.  John  10:32.  I Geu.9.5.  Jer.  11:20.26:14, 
15.  2 Tim.  4:14.  Rev.  6:9—11.  18:20.  19:2,3.  t Heh.  in  the  revolution.  1 Kings 
20:22,26.  u Dent.  32:35.  2 Kinps  12:17,18.  x 17,18.  Ps  2:10,11. 58:10,11. 
82:6,7.  } Heb.  Daimuek.  y Lev. 26  8.  Dent.  32:30.  Is.  30:17.  Jer.  37:10. 

i.  16:8,9.  20:11,12.  Lev.  26:25.  Deut.  28:25.  a 22:8.  Is.  10:5,6.  13:5.  Hob.  1:12. 
0 21:16,18,19.22:6.  c 2 Kings  12:20.  14: 19,20.  d 21:22.  Ps.  10:14.  Rev.  16:6. 
e 16.21:20.23:27. 


apostate,  who  haled  reproof,  ordered  him  to  be  stoned,  and 
the  unprincipled  people,  as  ifjoinedina  preconcerted  conspi- 
racy against  God  and  his  servants,  with  one  accord  executed 
the  unrighteous  sentence,  even  in  the  court  of  the  temple  ! 
(23:14,15.  Note,  2 Kings  11:13 — 1G.) — It  is  scarcely  possible 
that  a murder  could  contain  more  aggravated  injustice  and 
impiety:  but  the  ingratitude  of  Joash  is  peculiarly  noticed. 
Many,  who  have  cast  off  all  fear  ofGod,  retain  some  regard 
to  their  earthly  benefactors  ; but  this  base  man  was  lost  tc 
every  thing,  which  had  the  least  semblance  of  good. — Zccha 
riah’s  dying  words  would  be  best  rendered,  “ The  Lord  wil 
look  upon  it  and  require  it as  a prophecy,  and  not  a prayer 
(Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Matt.  23:29 — 36.)  The  event  so'oi 
verified  this  prediction.  (Note,  23,24.)  1 It  is  likely  that  h j 
was  a younger  son  of  Jehoiada.  ...  Ludovicos  Capellui 
therefore  thinks,  that  his  brother  the  high-priest  conniving  at 
Joash’s  apostacy,  this  younger  brother  was  inspired  of  God  to 
reprove  it,  which  boldness  Joash  and  his  courtiers  thought 
they  might  punish  with  some  colour,  . . . which  they  stirred  up 
the  people  to  chastise.  . . . Though  Zechariah>  spoke  by  the 
Spirit  of  God,  he  only  applied  the  prediction  of  Moses  (Deut. 
31:16,17.)  to  the  present  time  ; that  they  might  all  learn  to 
have  a greater  regard  to  Moses,  and  continually  meditate  in 
his  law;  unto  which  if  they  had  attended/they  would  easily 
have  discerned,  who  were  true  prophets,  and  who  were  false.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  23,  24.  (Note,  17,18.)  A small  company  sent  by 
Ilazael  plundered  Jerusalem,  and  sent  the  spoil  to  Hazael  at 
Damascus.  They  likewise  “ destroyed  all  the  princes  oftlm 
people  the  very  persons  who  seduced  Joash  into  idolatry. 
( 17 ) So  that  the  judgment  of  God  executed  by  them,  singled 
out  the  principal  criminals,  as  appointed  to  death.  “ They 
executed  judgment,  (or  judgments)  against  Joash”  also.— 
That  so  small  an  army  should  obtain  so  decided  a victory 
over  all  the  power  of  Judah,  and  the  strength  of  Jerusalem  ; 
showed  that  the  punishment  was  immediately  from  God  him- 
self, who  forsook  them,  and  “ delivered  a very  great  host  into 
the  hand  of  the  Syrians  ;”  because  they  had  so  wickedly  fop- 
saken  him. 

V.  25,  2G.  (Note,  2 Kings  12:20,21.)  ‘Many  think  he 
was  sorely  wounded  in  the  battle,  which  brought  him  into 
great  diseases,  and  they  increased,  it  is  likely,  by  the  anguish 
of  his  mind,  to  see  his  country  ruined*  and  by  the  hatred  and 
contempt  into  which  he  was  fallen.’  Bp.  Patrick.  Joash 
seems  to  have  murdered  some  other  sons  ot  Jehoiada,  perhaps 
lest  they  should  avenge  die  death  of  Zechariah. — Whether 
the  conspirators  intended  to  punish  Joash  for  this  murder,  or 
were  actuated  by  private  resentment  or  ambition  ; God  was 
pleased  to  use  them  as  executioners  of  his  righteous  ven- 
geance. They  were  both  born  of  foreign  women  : the  idola- 
trous kings  perhaps  encouraged  such  forbidden  marriages: 
but  in  this  case  they  proved  fatal  to  Joash.  (Marg.  I\ cf. ) 

V.  27.  Burdens,  &c.]  Either  the  tribute  demanded  by 
the  victor  ; or  the  judgments  denounced  and  inflicted  by  the 
Lord. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — IG.  Tho  host  education,  the  most  scriptural  in- 
structions, and  the  brightest  examples,  are  insufficient  ot 


B.  C.  8S9. 


CHAPTER  XXY.  . B.  C 827 


nim;  ‘Zabad  the  son  of  Shimeath  an  Amraonitess, 
and  Jehozabad  the  son  of  tShimrith  a Moabitess. 

•>7  H Now  concerning  his  sons,  and  the  greatness 
of  the  f burdens  laid  upon  him,  and  the  ^repairing 
of  the  house  of  God,  behold,  they  are  written  in 
the  §story  of  the  book  of  the  Kings.  And  eAma- 
ziah  his  son  reigned  in  his  stead. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

Amaziah  at  first  reigns  well,  awl  justly  punishes  his  father's  murderers , 1 — 4. 
He  gathers  a great  army,  and  hires,  for  a hundred  talents,  a hundred  thou- 
sand Israelites  against  Edom:  but,  having  paid  the  money , he  dismisses 
them  at  the  word  of  a prophet  ; and  they  depart  in  great  anger,  5 — 10.  He 
smites  the  Edomites,  and  exercises  great  cruelty  towards  the  captives,  11, 
12.  The  Israelites,  on  their  return,  spoil  the  cities  of  Judah , 13.  Amnziah 
serves  the  gods  of  Edom,  an  I rejects  the  admonitions  of  a prophet,  14 — 16. 
He  challenges  Joash,  who  in  vain  warns  him  : he  is  vanquished,  and  Jerusa- 
lem spoiled,  17 — 24.  17ie  rest  of  his  reign,  25,  26.  He  is  slain  by  a conspi- 
racy, 27,  28. 

A MAZIAH  was  “twenty  and  five  years  old 
■IX.  when  he  began  to  reign,  and  he  reigned 
twenty  and  nine  years  in  Jerusalem.  And  his 
mother’s  name  was  Jehoaddan  of  Jerusalem. 

2 And  he  did  that  which  was  right  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord,  ''but  not  with  a perfect  heart. 

3 K Now  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  kingdom 
was  'established  to  him,  that  “lie  slew  his  servants 
that  had  killed  the  king  his  father. 

4 But  he  slew  not  their  children,  but  did  das  it 
is  written  in  tiie  law  in  the  book  of  Moses,  where 
the  Lord  commanded,  saying,  The  fathers  shall 

• Or,  Josachar.  2 Kings  12:21.  t Or,  Shomer.  f 2 Kings  12:18.  J Heb. 
founding.  13.  § Or,  commentary.  9:29.  16:11.  20:34.  g 2o:l.  1 Chr.  3:12. 

a 2 Kings  14:1 — 3.  b 14.  24:2.  26:4.  1 Sam.  16:7.  Pe.  78:37.  Is. 29:13.  llos.  10: 
2.  Acts  8:21.  * Heb.  confirmed  upon  him.  c 24:25,26.  Gen.  9:5,6.  Ex.  21:14. 
Num.  35:31— 33.  <1  Dent.  24: 16.  2 Kings  14:5.  »er.  31  -.29,30.  Ez.  18:4,20. 

e Ex.  18:25.  lSam.8:12.  1 Chr.  13:1. 27:1.  f Num.  1:3.  g 11:1.  14:8.  17: 


themselves  to  convert  the  soul ; they  are,  however,  the  gene- 
ral means  by  which  the  Lord  works ; and  even,  when  not 
eventually  successful  to  change  the  sinner’s  heart,  they  com- 
monly produce  effects  salutary  to  the  community. — Hypo- 
crites often  show  extraordinary  zeal  for  externals,  but  they 
foolishly  neglect  the  heart. — The  reluctancy  of  men  to  part 
with  their  money,  for  pious  and  charitable  uses,  is  increased 
by  the  avarice  of  many,  through  whose  hands  it  should  pass, 
and  who  basely  intercept  it : but  exact  fidelity  and  punctu- 
ality, in  showing  that  it  has  been,  or  will  be,  expended  for  the 
end  proposed,  go  far  towards  inducing  men  to  contribute 
liberally  in  a good  cause  ; and  this  alone  can  afford  comfort 
upon  reflection,  or  bring  honour  upon  a man’s  character. — If 
we  live  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  endeavour  to  do  good  to 
men,  especially  in  the  great  concerns  of  salvation  ; we  may 
be  satisfied  that  we  have  lived  long  enough,  though  we  should 
die  voung ; or  we  may  be  willing  to  linger  out  many  years 
in  infirm  old  age,  if  the  Lord  has  any  thing  for  us  to  do.  But, 
whenever  or  however  we  pass  from  time  into  eternity,  may 
we  leave  such  a testimony  in  the  consciences  of  our  survi- 
vors, that  if  they  were  required  to  make  an  inscription  for  our 
tomb,  they  might  be  constrained  to  write;  “He  did  good  to 
Israel,  both  toward  God,  and  toward  his  house.”  It  is  true, 
that  many,  who  are  over-awed  by  the  personal  qualities,  the 
rank,  or  the  reputation  of  eminent  men,  secretly  hate  their 
piety,  and  are  weary  of  their  authority.  But  a good  con- 
science, the  assurance  of  usefulness,  and  the  approbation  of 
God,  may  enable  a man  to  disregard  these  painful  effects  of 
superior  excellency. 

V.  17—27.  The  authority  or  influence  of  parents,  minis- 
ters, and  pious  friends,  joined  with  transient  serious  impres- 
sions, and  other  incidental  circumstances,  may  produce,  and 
•ong  maintain,  a plausible  profession  of  religion  : but  the  iamp 
will  go  out  when  it  is  especially  wanted  ; unless  supplied  from 
the  oil  in  the  vessel,  the  grace  of  God  possessing  the  heart. 
(Notes,  and  P.  O.  Matt.  25:1 — 13.) — When  a man  is  under 
the  power  of  pride  and  worldly  passions,  he  disrelishes  those 
counsels,  from  which  he  has  received  the  most  important 
temporal  advantage,  and  which  tend  to  his  eternal  good  : and 
then  flattery,  licentious  liberty,  arbitrary  authority,  and  the 
most  impious,  proposals,  will  be  more  welcome,  because  con- 
genial to  his  judgment  and  affections.  But  be,  who  has  not 
sense  to  direct  his  own  conduct,  and  is  too  proud  to  take 
good  advice,  will  soon  be  proved  a fool,  let  who  will  flatter 
his  wisdom.—41  This  is  the  love  of  God,  to  keep  his  command- 
ments, and  his  commandments  are  not  grievous.”  Yet  the 
yoke  of  external  obedience  is  very  uneasy  to  the  carnal 
tnind  ; and,  in  this  case,  men  will  secretly  rejoice,  and  per- 
haps openly  congratulate  one  another,  upon  the  death  of 
pious  monitors,  or  even  parents.  But  impiety  brings  wrath, 
especially  when  consequent  to  apostacy,  on  such  as  cast  off 
the  fear  of  God. — No  caution,  tenderness,  or  gentleness,  con- 
sistent with  faithfulness  ; no  respectability  of  character,  emi- 
nent services,  or  personal  obligations,  can  secure  the  ministers 
of  God  from  persecution,  if  they  rouse  the  dormant  con- 
science, contradict  the  haughty  spirit,  or  excite  disquietude 
in  sin  : and,  except  their  word  be  accompanied  with  the  con- 
verting grace  of  God,  the  sinner  will  rage,  in  proportion  to 
his  power,  pride,  or  impiety. — Some  regard  to  justice,  de- 
cency, and  gratitude,  may  be  expected  from  ignorant  and 

Vol.  I. — 99 


not  die  for  the  children,  neither  shall  the  children 
die  lor  the  lathers,  but  every  man  shall  die  for  his 
own  sin. 

5 H Moreover,  Amaziah  gathered  Judah  r » < 
together,  and  made  them  “captains  over  L 627 
thousands,  and  captains  over  hundreds,  according 
to  the  houses  of  their  fathers,  throughout  all 
Judah  and  Benjamin:  and  he  numbered  them 
f from  twenty  years  old  and  above,  and  found 
them  sthree  hundred  thousand  choice  men,  able 
to  go  forth  to  war,  that  could  handle  spear  and 
shield. 

6 He  hired  also  a hundred  thousand  mighty 
men  of  valour  out  of  Israel  for  a hundred  talents 
of  silver. 

7 But  there  came  ha  man  of  God  to  him,  say 
ing,  O king,  let  not  the  army  of  Israel  go  with 
thee ; ‘for  the  Lord  is  not  with  Israel,  to  wit,  with 
all  the  children  of  Ephraim. 

8 But  if  thou  wilt  go,  do  it,  kbe  strong  for  the 
battle  : God  shall  make  thee  fall  before  the  enemy  : 
for  'God  hath  power  to  help,  and  to  cast  down. 

9 And  Amaziah  said  to  the  man  of  God,  But 
what  shall  we  do  for  the  hundred  talents  which  l 
have  given  to  the  farmy  of  Israel  ? And  the  man 
of  God  answered,  “'The  Lord  is  able  to  give  thee 
much  more  than  this. 


14—18.  h 2 Sam.  12:1.  1 Kings  13:1.  1 Tim.  6:11.  2 Tim.  3:17.  i 13:12.  19:8. 
1 King*  12:88.  Is.  28:1— 3.  Hos.  5:13-15.9:13.  k 18:14.  Ec.  11.9.  Is.  8:9,10. 
Joel  3:9—14.  Malt.  26:45.  1 14:11.  Judg.7:7.  1 Sam.  14:6.  Job  5: 18.  9:13.  Ps. 
20:7.33:16—20.  t Heb  .band,  m 1:12.  Deut.8:18.  Prov.  10:22.  Hag. 2:8. 
Luke  18:29,30. 


profligate  characters,  and  from  infidels  and  heathen  idola- 
ters:  hut  the  rage  of  an  apostate  hursts  all  obligations  and 
restraints ; for  he  has  so  done  violence  to  his  conscience, 
that  it  has  lost  all  its  energy ; and  except  he  be  restrained  by 
human  laws,  every  thing  desperate  may  be  expected  from  his 
resentment.  The  testimony  of  faithful  ministers  will,  how 
ever,  be  accepted,  by  God,  when  rejected  by  men  ; and  he 
will  recompense  to  them  all  their  losses  and  sufferings  for 
his  sake. — Those  who  transgress  the  commandments  of  the 
Lord,  cannot  prosper,  whatever  they  may  presumptuously 
suppose  ; and  when  they  forsake  God,  he  will  forsake  them. 
Without  the  spirit  of  prophecy,  we  may  confidently  foretell 
that  the  Lord  will  look  upon,  and  require,  all  the  persecutions, 
slanders,  mockeries,  and  ill-usage,  which  his  servants  meet 
with,  except  their  prayers  be  answered,  and  he  give  the  per 
secutors  repentance  and  better  minds. — The  Lord  can  soon 
find  such  as  will,  for  their  own  purposes,  execute  judgment 
upon  murderers,  and  other  atrocious  criminals,  however  ex- 
alted ; nor  can  any  power  avail  against  those,  into  whose 
hands  he  delivers  his  enemies  to  be  punished.  Then,  supe- 
riority in  station  only  ensures  precedency  in  suffering:  and 
how  dreadful  is  it  when  a painful  and  miserable  death  trans- 
mits the  impenitent  rebel  to  a more  miserable  eternity ! God 
help  us  to  be  in  earnest,  to  take  warning,  to  be  upright  in 
heart,  and  to  persevere  unto  the  end ! that,  having  lived  by  faith, 
and  in  humble,  devoted  obedience,  we  may  at  length  “die  the 
death  of  the  righteous,  and  that  our  last  end  may  be  like  his  !,J 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXV.  V.  1,  2.  Notes , 14—16.  26: 
4.  2 Kings  14:1 — 4. 

V.  3,  4.  (Notes,  24:25,26.)  Even  f lie  conspirators 
against  Joash  intended  to  avenge  upon  nim  the  murder  of 
Zechariah,  they  acted  without  a commission  from  that  God, 
u to  whom  vengeance  belongeth  and  were  justly  put  to  death 
for  treason  and  murder.  (Note,  2 Kings  14:5,6.) 

V.  5.  Nearly  four  times  as  many  soldiers  had  been  num 
bered  in  the  days  of  Jehoshaphat.  (Note,  17:13 — 19.)  The 
inhabitants  of  the  land  must  have  vastly  decreased  during  the 
late  reigns,  in  consequence  of  their  wickedness,  and  as  a pu- 
nishment of  it.  But,  perhaps,  numbers  were  unwilling*  to  enlist 
under  Amaziah:  and  either  he  did  not  attempt  to  force  them, 
or  they  found  means  to  evade  his  inquiries.  His  army,  how- 
ever, seems  to  have  been  sufficiently  numerous  to  reduce  the 
revolted  Edomites,  against,  whom  he  was  preparing'  to  make 
war.  (11,12.) 

V.  6 — 10.  If  Amaziah  had  previously  consulted  God,  all 
the  painful  consequences  of  the  measure  which  he  adopted 
would  have  been  prevented. — As  a hundred  talents  would 
not  divide  above  eight  shillings  apiece,  among  one  hundred 
thousand  men ; we  may  suppose  that  it  was  only  an  earnest 
of  their  pay,  or  that  they  expected  to  be  enriched  with  the 
plunder  of  the  Edomites. — The  kingdom  of  Israel  was  openly 
idolatrous,  and  the  Lord  would  not  have  Judah  join  alliance 
with  them.  Perhaps  the  army  which  Amaziah  had  hired, 
was  chiefly  of  the  tribe  of  Ephraim  ; or  that  tribe,  being  the 
most  considerable  in  the  kingdom  of  Israel,  is  put  for  the 
whole. — As  the  Lord  was  not  with  the  men  of  Ephraim,  he 
declared  by  his  prophet  that  he  would  not  prosper  Amaziah, 
if  he  employed  them : and  if,  after  this  prohibition,  he  would 
persist  in  taking  them  with  him,  he  was  warned,  that  God 
would  make  him  fall  before  the  enemy : for  be  could  help  him 
( 785  ) 


B.  C.  826 


II.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  825. 


10  Then  "Amaziah  separated  them,  to  wit , the 
army  that  was  come  to  him  out  of  Ephraim,  to  go 
'home  again  : wherefore  their  anger  was  greatly 
kindled  against  Judah,  and  they  returned  home  in 

tffreat  Silver.  [Practical  Observations .] 

11  IT  And  Amaziah  strengthened  himself,  and  led 
forth  his  people,  and  went  to  the- “valley  of  salt, 
and  smote  of  the  children  of  Seir  ten  thousand. 

12  And  other  ten  thousand  left  alive  did  the 
children  of  Judah  carry  away  captive,  and  brought 
them  unto  the  top  of  the  rock,  and  ‘’cast  them 
down  from  the  top  of  the  rock,  that  they  all  were 
^broken  in  pieces. 

13  But  the  ^soldiers  of  the  army  which  Ama- 
ziah sent  back,  that  they  should  not  go  with  him 
to  battle,  fell  upon  the  cities  of  Judah,  from  ’'Sama- 
ria even  unto  “Beth-horon,  and  smote  three  thou- 
sand of  them,  and  took  much  spoil. 

14  If  Now  it  came  to  pass,  after  that  Amaziah 
was  come  from  the  slaughter  of  the  Edomites, 
that  ‘he  brought  the  gods  of  the  children  of  Seir, 
and  set  them  up  to  be  uhis  gods,  and  bowed  down 
himself  before  them,  and  burned  incense  unto  them. 

15  Wherefore  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was 
kindled  against  Amaziah,  and  he  sent  unto  him 
“a  prophet,  which  said  unto  him,  ^Why  hast  thou 
sought  after  Hhe  gods  of  the  people,  “which  could 
not  deliver  their  own  people  out  of  thy  hand  ? 

16  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  talked  with  him, 
that  the  king  said  unto  him,  l,Art  thou  made  of 
the  king’s  counsel?  “forbear  ; why  shouldest  thou 
be  smitten  ? Then  the  prophet  forbare,  and  said, 

I know  that  God  ‘‘hath  ^determined  to  destroy 
thee,  because  thou  hast  done  this,  and  hast  not 
hearkened  unto  my  counsel. 

17  If  Then  'Amaziah  king  of  Judah  took 
advice,  and  sent  to  Joash,  the  son  of  Jehoahaz, 
the  son  of  Jehu,  king  of  Israel,  saying,  Come,  f let 
us  see  one  another  in  the  face. 

18  And  Joash  king  of  Israel  sent  to  Amaziah 
king  of  Judah,  saying,  The  "thistle  that  urns  in 
Lebanon  sent  to  the  cedar  that  was  in  Lebanon, 

n I Kings  12:‘24.  • Heb.  to  their  place,  t Heb . heat  of  anger.  2 Sam.  19: 
43.  Prov.  29:22.  o 2 Sam.  8:13.  2 Kings  14:7.  Ps.  60:  title.  p2Sam.  12:31. 

1 Chr.20:3.  q 20:10.21:8 — 10.  } Heb.  sons  of  the  band.  r 1 Kings  16:24, 

29.  s 8:5.  1 Kings  9:17.  t 28:23.  u Ex.  20:3— 5.  Deut.  7:5,25.  2 Sam.5: 
21.  x 7.  16:7— 9.  19:2.20:37.  2Sam.l2:l—  6.  v 24:20.  Jude.  2:2.  Jer.  2:5. 
z Ps.  96:5.  a 11.  Ps.  115:4—8.  Is.  44:9,10.  46:1,2.  Jer.  10:7.  1 Cor.  8:4.  10:20. 
b 16:10.  18:25,26.24:21.  Ain.  7:10— 13.  Matt.  21:23.  c Prov.  9:7,8.  Is.  30:10, 
11.  Jer.  29:26.  2 Tiin.  4:3.  Rev.  11:10.  d Ex.  9:16.  Deut.  2:30.  1 Sam.  2:25. 
Acts  4:28.  Rom.  9:22.  § Heb.  counselled.  18:20,21.  Is.  46:10.  Eph.  1:11.  e 13. 

2 Kings  14:8 — 14.  f 2 Sam.  2:14.  Prov.  20:3.  II  Or,  furze-bush,  or  thorn. 
Judg.  9.8 — 15.  1 Kings  4:33.  H Heb.  a beast  of  the  field.  Ps.  80:13.  g 26:16. 

without  the  aid  of  idolaters ; and  he  could  cast  him  down, 
though  he  thus  made  himself14  strong  for  the  battle.”  (Notes, 
Is.  8:9,10.  Joel  3:9 — IT.)  And  as  for  the  hundred  talents, 
which  he  had  given  to  the  Israelites,  and  could  not  recover, 
and  which  he  was  unwilling  to  lose;  the  Lord  was  able  to 
give  him  much  more  than  that,  4 and,  as  Grotius  observes,  he 
is  rich  enough,  who  is  impoverished  for  God’s  sake.’  Bp. 
Patrick. — Amaziah,  though  destitute  of  true  faith,  paid  so 
much  regard  to  the  Lord’s  message,  that  he  discharged  the 
hired  army:  and  they  were  exceedingly  offended  at  the 
affront  put  upon  them,  in  being  sent  away  as  the  enemies  of 
God : and  perhaps  also  by  the  disappointment  of  their  ava- 
ricious or  ambitious  expectations. 

V.  11,  12.  ( Marg . Ref.  Note , 2 Kings  14:7.)  No 
intimation  is  given,  on  what  account,  or  for  what  provocation, 
this  most  cruel  conduct  towards  the  prisoners  of  war  was 
adopted*  The  enmity  between  Israel  and  Esau  seems  to 
have  been  reciprocal,  and  deeply  malignant.  The  victorious 
king  and  his  army  considered  ev^ry  individual  of  Edom,  as  a 
traitor  and  a rebel;  and  so  adjudged  them  to  death,  and 
acted  according  to  that  judgment.  But  their  conduct  was 
wholly  inexcusable,  and  could  only  perpetuate  rancour  to 
future  gentyations,  and  provoke  the  surviving  Edomites  to 
cruel  retaliations  whenever  they  had  it  in  their  power. 

V.  13.  The  Israelites  seem  to  have  returned  home , when 
discharged  by  Amaziah,  as  his  powerful  army  deterred  them 
from  attempting  revenge  at  that  time:  but  when  he  was  en- 
gaged in  war  with  the  Edomites,  they  took  the  opportunity, 
marched  from  Samaria,  and  plundered  all  the  cities  till  they 
came  to  Beth-horon,  where  they  sle\tf  three  thousand  of  the 
inhabitants. — Amaziah  had  indeed  dismissed  these  auxiliaries 
in  obedience  to  God  ; but  his  savage  cruelty  to  the  prisoners 
of  Edom,  and  his  subsequent  idolatry,  ( Note , 14 — 16.)  proved 
that  he  acted  by  constraint  or  terror,  when  he  was  obedient: 
he  therefore  received  for  his  complicated  misconduct  a just 
rebuke.  Had  he  broken  the  idols  to  pieces,  and  treated  the 
prisoners  with  clemency ; he  might  have  expected  comfort  in 
h*s  success,  and  not  experienced  such  painful  effects  from 

( 796  ) 


saying, -Give  thy  daughter  to  my  son  to  wife  : and 
there  passed  by  ’’a  wild  beast,  that  was  in  Le- 
banon, and  trode  down  the  thistle. 

19  Thou  sayest,  Lo,  thou  hast  smitten  the 
Edomites  ■ and  ethy  heart  lifteth  thee  up  bto 
boast:  abide  now  at  home;  ‘why  shouldest  thou 
meddle  to  thy  hurt,  that  thou  shouldest  fall 
even  thou,  and  Judah  with  thee? 

20  But  Amaziah  would  not  hear ; for  kit  came 
of  God,  that  he  might  deliver  them  into  the  hand 
of  their  enemies,  because  they  sought  after  the 
gods  of  Edom. 

21  So  Joash  the  king  of  Israel  went  up;  and 
they  'saw  one  another  in  the  face,  both  he  and 
Amaziah  king  of  Judah,  at  ”‘Bcth-shemesh,  which 
belongeth  to  Judah. 

22  And  Judah  was  "put.  to  the  worse  before 
Israel,  and  they  "fled  every  man  to  his  tent. 

23  And  Joash  the  king  of  Israel  “took  Amaziah 
king  of  Judah,  the  son  of  Joash,  the  son  of 
rJehoahaz,  at  Beth-shemesh,  and  brought  him  to 
Jerusalem,  and  brake  down  the  wall  of  Jerusalem 
from  the  ‘■gate  of  Ephraim  to  the  "corner-gate, 
four  hundred  cubits. 

24  And  he  took  rall  the  gold  and  silver, 
and  all  the  vessels  that  were  found  in  the  house 
of  God  with  Obed-edom,  and  the  treasures  of 
the  king’s  house,  the  hostages  also,  and  returned 
to  Samaria. 

25  H And  Amaziah,  the  son  of  Joash  king  of 
Judah,  lived  after  the  death  of  “Joash,  son  of 
Jehoahaz  king  of  Israel,  fifteen  years. 

26  Now  the  ‘rest  of  the  acts  of  Amaziah,  ni  < . 
first  and  last,  behold,  are  they  not  written  L 81u- 
in  the  hook  of  the  Kings  of  Judah  and  Israel  ? 

27  Now  after  the  time  that  Amaziah  did  turn 
away  ttfrom  following  the  Lord  they  %nade  a 
conspiracy  against  him  in  Jerusalem  ; and  he  fled 
to  “Lachish  : hut  they  sent  to  Lachish  after  him, 
and  slew  him  there. 

28  And  they  brought  him  upon  horses,  and 
buried  him  with  his  lathers  in  Hhe  city  of  Judah. 


35  25.  Deut.  8:14.  Prov.  13:10.  16:18. 28:25.  Dan.  5:20— 23.  Hal).  2:4.  Jnni.4- 
8.  1 Pet.  5:5.  I:  Jer.  9:23.24.  lCor.l:29.  i 35:21.  Prov.  18:6.  20  3.  26: 14. 
I.uke  14:31.  k 16.22:7.  1 Kings  12:15.  Ps.  81:11,12.  Acts 28:25— 27.  2Thes.2: 
9 — 11.  1 Pet.  2:8.  1 17.  m Josh.  21:16.  1 Sam  6:9,19,20.  **  Heb.  smitten.  28: 
5,6.  n 1 Sam.  4:10.  1 Kings  22:36.  o 33*11.  36:6.10.  Prov.  16: 18.  29:23.  Dan 
4:37.  Ob.  3.  Luke  14:11.  p 21:17.22:1.  Ahaziah.  22:6.  Azariah . q Neh.  8: 
16.12:39.  tt  Heb.  the  gate  of  it  that  looketh.  Jer.  3i  :38.  r 12:9.  2 kings  14: 
14.  s 2 Kings  14: 17.  Jehoash.  t 20:34.  2 Kings  1415.  *X  Heb.  from  after. 
§§  Heb . conspired  a conspiracy.  24:25.  2 Kings  14:19.  u Josh.  10:31.  x 2 King* 
14:20.  city  of  David. 


dismissing  the  Israelites. — Perhaps  the  cities*  which  were 
destroyed  on  this  occasion,  being  in  the  vicinity  of  Israel, 
were  infected  with  idolatry. 

V.  14 — 16.  Ahaz,  who  worshipped  the  idols  of  Syria  by 
whom  he  was  vanquished,  was  not  so  senseless  as  Amaziah, 
who  sought  unto  the  gods  of  Edom,  which  could  not  deliver 
them  from  his  cruelty.  ( Note,  28:22,23.)  4 Perhaps  Amaziah 
worshipped  them  from  fear  they  should  owe  him  a spite,  and 
contrive  some  mischief  against  him,  in  revenge  of  what  he 
had  done  against  the  Edomites.’  Bp.  Patrick.  But  Ama- 
ziah, who  had  borne  with  the  prophet,  who  spoke  to  him  con- 
cerning dismissing  the  Israelites,  by  which  he  lost  one  hundred 
talents,  was  so  mad  upon  his  idols,  that  he  would  not  endure 
that  subject  to  he  insisted  on. — He  seems  to  have  menaced 
the  prophet  with  Zechariah’s  doom  ; and  thus  he  made  him- 
self a sharer  in  the  guilt  of  that  atrocious  murder.  (Note, 
24:19 — 22.)  The  prophet  was  a counsellor,  whom  the  Lord 
had  appointed  him : and  none  of  those  whom  he  had  chosen 
for  himself  gave  him  such  honest,  wise,  and  salutary  counsel. 
But,  as  he  would  not  hearken  to  it,  the  prophet  desisted, 
having  most  solemnly  warned  him  that  the  1 .ord  had  counselled 
to  destroy  him.  (Marg.  Notes,  17 — 27.  Dtut.  2:30.  1 Kings 
22:19—23.  Luke  22:21—23.  Arts  2:22—24.) 

V.  17 — 24.  Notes,  2 Kings  14:8 — 14. — Took  advice , &e. 
(17)  Amaziah  having  rejected  the  counsel  of  God,  advised 
with  his  flatterers  ; and  they  counselled  him  to  make  a foolish 
challenge,  which  paved  the  way  for  his  ruir.,  to  which  he  had 
been  doomed  for  his  obstinate  idolatry. — To  boast . (19) 

“Glory  of  this:”  2 Kings  14:10. — It  came  of  God,  Sir.  (20) 
The  people  had  joined  in  Amaziah’s  idolatry:  and  therefore 
8U (Te red  through  his  folly  and  vainglory.  (Ntes,  14 — 16. 
2 Sam.  24:1,2.  2 Kings  23:26,27.)  4 God  blinds  the  minds  nf 

those  whom  lie  intends  to  destroy  for  their  sins.’  Bp.  Patrick. 
— Obed-edom.  (24)  Perhaps  adescendrnt  of  him  who  re- 
ceived the  ark  m the  days  of  David,  had  die  charge  of  these 
treasures  in  the  house  of  God.  (1  Chr.  13:13,11.  ) 

V.  2.r> — 27.  (Note,  2 Kings  • 4:17-  20 j No  intimation  is 
given,  that  Amaziah  repented  Dring  .he  who1.#  space  of  the 


B.  C.  810. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 


B.  C.  810. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Vt  ziah  succeeds  \maziaJi , reign*  well  fora  time,  and  is  greatly  prospered* 

4 . His  building*,  husbandry,  army,  and  engines  of  war,  J^—15.  Being 
lifted  up  in  pride  'ie  attempts  to  hum  incense  in  the  temple,  is  opposed  by 
the  priests,  and  smitten  with  leprosy  by  God , 16 — 21.  He  dies , and  is  suc- 
ceeded by  Jotham,  22,  23. 

THEN  ‘all  the  people  of  Judah  took  '’Uzziah, 
who  was  sixteen  years  old,  and  made  him 
king  in  the  room  of  his  father  Amaziah. 

2 He  built  “Eloth,  and  drestored  it  to  Judah, 
after  that  the  king  slept  with  his  fathers. 

3 Sixteen  years  old  teas  'Uzziah  when  he  began 

ft  22:1.  33:25.  b 2 Kings  14:21.  15:1 . 1 Chr.  3:12.  Azaxinh.  Matt.  1 :8,9.  Ozias. 
c 8:17.  2 Kings  14:22.  16:6.  Eta’ti.  d 25:23,23.  e Is.  1:1. 6:1.  Hoe.  1:1.  Am. 
1:1.  Zech.  14:5.  I' 2 Kings  15:2,3.  Jecholiak.  g 25:2.  Ii  24:2.  Judg.2:7. 

Lord’s  long-suffering.  Probably  he  added  tyranny  and  op- 
pression to  his  idolatry:  and  this,  with  his  imprudent  and 
unsuccessful  administration,  rendered  him  so  odious,  that  he 
was  slain,  as  it  appears,  by  the  general  consent  of  his  sub- 
jects, and  no  one  was  called  to  account  for  his  death. — He 
was,  however,  buried  with  the  other  kings  of  Judah.  ( Notes , 
21:18—20.  24:15,16.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  Many  favour  and  support  religion  from  motives 
of  policy,  who  either  do  not  appear,  or  who  only  appear,  to  be 
religious;  but  the  Lord  has  no  pleasure  in  dissemblers. — 
Traitors  and  murderers  are  sometimes  so  powerful,  as,  for  a 
time,  to' set  justice  at  defiance;  but  they  will  at  length  find 
those  who  are  able  to  execute  righteous  vengeance  upon 
them.  In  every  case,  however,  the  law  of  God  should  be 
adhered  to,  as  our  perfect  rule  of  duty. — Unrepented  sin  will 
inevitably  and  finally  ruin  every  one  who  continues  in  it : and 
in  like  manner  it  will  infallibly  enfeeble  those  nations  where 
it  prevails,  and  diminish  their  prosperity  and  consequence. 
Princes  and  statesmen  professing  Christianity,  when  forming 
alliances,  or  stipulating  succours  from  foreign  courts,  seldom 
inquire,  whether  44  the  Lord  be  with  them”  or  not.  Indeed, 
the  very  question  would»too  generally  excite  ridicule  and  dis- 
gust: and  yet  this  will  be  found  of  far  greater  efficacy,  in  the 
success  of  wars,  and  the  prosperity  of  kingdoms,  than  the 
most  sagacious  ungodly  devices.  It  is  indeed  certain,  that  no 
enterprise,  public  or  private,  should  be  engaged  in,  without 
seeking  to  know  the  will  of  God  concerning  it ; if  we  would 
avoid  those  distressing  consequences,  which  often  follow  from 
even  the  most  politic  measures.  But  no  confederates  are  so 
uangerous  as  apostates. — Success  cannot  reasonably  be  ex- 
pected by  those,  who  act  in  defiance  of  the  divine  commands : 
they  may  be  “strong  for  the  battle,”  or  for  the  business ; but, 
if  God  is  pleased  “to  make  them  fall,”  their  strength  will 
avail  nothing;  for  he  has  power  to  help,  and  to  cast  down: 
and  if  men  prosper  in  presumptuous  wickedness,  their  success 
is  the  prelude  of  their  ruin. — When  those  who  have  not  true 
faith,  or  a spiritual  mind,  are  convinced  of  the  sinfulness  of 
any  part  of  their  conduct  or  pursuits,  they  always  object  to 
self-denying  obedience  ; and  seem  to  say,  “ But  what  shall 
we  do,  for  the  hundred  talents?”  ‘What  shall  we  do,  if,  by 
hallowing  the  sabbath,  we  lose  so  many  good  customers  ? 
What  shall  we  do,  if  we  renounce  this  illegal  traffic  and 
exorbitant  profit,  to  compensate  so  important  a loss?  What 
shall  we  do,  if  we  affront  our  friends,  obstruct  our  pre- 
ferment, or  lose  the  friendship  of  the  world?  How  shall 
we  maintain  our  families?  “What  shall  we  eat?  or  what 
shall  we  drink?  or  wherewithal  shall  we  be  clothed?”  Pe- 
nury and  distress  face  us  in  the  way  which  you  point  out 
to  us:  we  are  almost  persuaded  it  is  the  road  to  heaven  ; but 
what  shall  we  do  about  the  expenses  of  the  journey  ?’  Here 
numbers  stumble  and  turn  aside,  or  endeavour  to  quiet  their 
conscience  in  a^vain  pretence,  that  such  and  such  practices 
are  necessary  in  their  case ; that  the  precept  must  be  dispensed 
with:  in  short,  their  meaning  is,  however  they  may  disguise  it 
from  others,  and  even  from  themselves,  that  by  them,  circum- 
stanced as  they  are,  both  God  and  Mammon  may  be  served  ; 
and  that  they  may  be  Christ’s  disciples  without  “denying 
themselves,  taking  up  the  cross,  and  forsaking  all  for  him.” 
But  the  answer  to  such  objections  is  obvious : “ The  Lord  is 
able  to  give  fhee  much  more  than  this  ;”  and  he  has  promised 
to  “add  all  other  things”  to  those  “ who  seek  first  the  kingdom 
of  God,  and  his  righteousness:”  yea,  to  make  up  a hundred 
fold,  even  in  this  present  world,  all  that  has  been  conscien- 
tiously renounced  for  his  sake  and  the  gospel:  and  we  are 
“compassed  about  with  an  innumer.  ie  cloud  of  witnesses” 
of  his  faithfulness  to  this  promise.  Unbelief,  however,  will 
trust  the  Lord  no  further,  than  it  can  understand  in  what  way 
he  will  fulfil  his  word:  but  faith  approves  the  security,  and 
gives  him  full  credit  for  his  truth,  power,  and  love  ; and  makes 
every  sacrifice,  and  ventures  every  consequence,  in  depend- 
ence on  his  word,  and  in  obedience  to  his  command.  He, 
who  in  this  way  is  reduced  to  poverty,  is  enriched  for  ever; 
and  he  may  set  down  his  largest  losses  as  his  most  certain 
jpins,  assured,  that  “no  good  thing  will  the  Lord  withhold 
from  those  who  walk  uprightly. ” — Yet,  a single  instance  of 
“elf-denying  obedience,  performed  on  a sudden,  under  some 
vehement  impression,  does  not  prove  that  a man  has  true 
Sith.  A person,  on  a sudden  emotion,  might  cut  off  his  hand, 
any  cause,  and  upon  reflection  repent  of  it  ever  after:  but 
the  deliberate  daily  renouncing  of  the  world,  and  opposing 


to  reign,  and  he  reigned  fifty  and  two  years  in 
Jerusalem.  His  mother’s  name  also  wus  r Jecoliah 
of  Jerusalem. 

4 And  he  did  that  which  was  right  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord,  According  to  all  that  his  father  Ama- 
ziah did. 

5 And  hhe  sought  God  in  the  days  of  Zecha- 
riah,  who  ‘had  understanding  in  the  ‘visions  of 
God  : and,  kas  long  as  he  sought  the  Lord,  God 
made  him  to  prosper. 

6 And  he  went  forth  and  'warred  against  the 


Hos.  6:4.  Murk  4:16,17.  Act.  20:30.  I Gen.  41:15.  Dan.  1:17.2:19.  5:16.  10:1- 
■ Heh.  seeing  of  God.  k 15:2.25:8.  1 Chr.  22:11,13.  Ps.  1:3.  121:16,1.. 

14:29. 


our  strongest  sinful  inclinations,  (though  as  painful  to  part 
with  as  a right  hand,  or  a right  eye,)  for  the  sake  of  the  gos- 
pel, and  in  obedience  to  the  Saviour,  forms  the  constan-t  evi- 
dence of  an  interest  in  him,  and  all  his  precious  promises; 
(Notes,  Phil.  3:1 — 11,  v.  7 — lJ.)  and  to  some  measure  of  this 
temper  and  conduct  every  true  believer  has  attained.  But, 
the  behaviour  of  the  mere  professor  of  true  religion  will  fre- 
quently detect  the  hypocrisy  of  his  obedience  in  particular 
instances,  and  justify  God  in  punishing  his  other  crimes,  by 
the  very  consequences  of  that  obedience. 

V.  H — 28.  Those  who  are  evidently  and  consciously  irre- 
ligiaus , are  yet  often  much  offended  with  being  treated  as 
such  : and  affronted  pride,  united  with  disappointed  rapacity 
kindles  a resentment,  from  which  the  most  fatal  effects  may 
be  expected. — Abused  mercies  occasion  man’s  most  aggra- 
vated,wickedness,  and  accelerate  his  ruin  : so  that,  when  we 
are  prospered  by  Providence,  we  should  be  peculiarly  carefui 
what  return  we  make  for  the  goodness  of  Gou  and  what  use 
we  make  of  his  bounty. — “ The  tender  mercies  of  the  wicked 
are  cruel  ;”  and  none  are  so  imperious  and  inhuman  towards 
those  who  oppose  their  will,  as  they  who  dare  to  bid  defiance 
to  the  authority  of  the  Almighty. — The  absurdities  of  super- 
stition and  idolatry,  to  which  the  human  race  has  in  all  ages 
shown  so  strange  a propensity,  are  as  disgraceful  to  the 
understanding  as  to  the  heart : and  if  we  did  but  consider  how 
unavailing  those  worldly  objects,  which  we  are  apt  to  idolize, 
have  always  proved,  to  the  peace,  safety,  and  happiness  of 
their  possessors  ; the  reflection  must  check  our  eager  pursuits 
of  wealth,  honour,  or  sensual  pleasure  ; or  at  least  show  them 
to  be  as  irrational,  as  the  worship  of  useless,  helpless  idols. — 
They,  who  are  mad  upon  their  lusts,  will  not  bear  control 
or  counsel : and  he,  who  would  expostulate  with  them  for 
their  good,  may  expect  to  be  treated  as  impertinent,  inter- 
meddling, or  insolent : especially  if  an  inferior  venture  to 
admonish,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  sinners  of  superior  rank 
and  station.  These,  indeed,  seem  generally  to  claim  it  as 
one  of  their  prerogatives,  to  walk  unmolested  in  “ the  broad 
way  that  leadeth  to  destruction  :”  and  ridicule  or  menaces 
will  be  the  recompense  of  him,  who  dares  to  warn  them  that 
it  is  a dangerous  road.  But,  after  all  the  contempt  and 
obloquy  to  which  such  counsellors  are  exposed,  the  event 
demonstrates,  that  princes  generally  hearken  to  those  who 
are  far  worse : and,  though  assuming  churchmen  have  often 
disgraced  their  profession  ; yet  no  man,  from  the  throne  to 
the  almshouse,  will  have  cause  to  repent  attending  to  the 
warnings,  instructions,  and  counsel  of  the  few,  who  honestly 
declare  the  truth  and  will  of  God,  without  courting  the  favour, 
fearing  the  frown,  or  respecting  the  person  of  any  man.  If, 
however,  mild,  serious,  rational,  and  scriptural  reproof  is 
proudly  rejected  and  resented,  we  are  not  required  further  to 
urge  our  admonitions,  but  must  desist,  by  plainly  giving  men 
to  understand  what  the  consequence  will  be. — When  the 
remonstrances  of  conscience  are  silenced,  and  the  ministers 
of  God  are  rejected  and  menaced,  it  is  to  be  feared  that  he 
has  determined  upon  the  sinner’s  destruction  ; and  if  he  also 
says,  “ Let  him  alone,”  “ my  Spirit  shall  not  always  strive 
with  him  ;”  he  will  be  given  up  to  strong  delusion,  to  increas- 
ing vain  confidence,  infatuated  projects,  rash  intermeddling, 
and  obstinate  perseverance  in  a course  of  folly,  till  the  measure 
of  his  wickedness  is  filled  up,  and  “ destruction  from  the 
Almighty”  comes  upon  him.  Thus  44  a man’s  pride  shall 
bring  him  low  ;”  his  ruin  may  be  dated  from  his  turning  away 
from  the  Lord  ; and  the  longer  he  is  spared,  the  more  will  he 
44  treasure  up  wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath,  and  revelation 
of  the  righteous  judgment  of  God,  who  shall  render  to  every 
man  according  to  his  works.”  May  the  Lord  preserve  us 
from  this  dreadful  doom,  and  prepare  our  hearts  to  receive 
his  truth,  to  welcome  his  counsels  and  reproofs,  and  obediently 
to  submit  to  his  authority,  and  do  his  will ! 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXVI.  V.  1—3.  Notes , 2 Kings 
14:21,22.  15:1—7,  u.  1—5. 

V.  4.  Uzziah,  or  Azariah,  began  his  reign  much  better 
than  he  ended  it,  as  Amaziah  had  done.  But  he  seems  to 
have  supported  the  worship  of  God  all  his  days  ; and  he  is 
never  charged  with  idolatry,  or  any  kind  of  immoraliiy. 
(Notes,  25:14 — 16.  2 Kings  14:3,4.)  His  reign  must  there- 
fore have  been  very  happy  for  his  people,  and  favourable  to 
the  interests  of  religion,  though  the  close  of  it  proved  disgrace- 
ful to  himself. 

V.  5.  It  i«  not  known  of  what  tribe  or  family  this  Zecha- 
riah  was  ; though  some  conjecture,  that  he  was  the  son  o. 
1 7S7  ) 


B.  C.  7 55. 


II.  CHRONICLES 


B.  C 758. 


Philii  tines,  a d brake  down  "the  wall  of  Gath,  and 
the  wall  of  Jabneh,  and  the  wall  of  Ashdod,  and 
built  cities'about  Ashdod, and  among  the  Philistines. 

7 And  "God  helped  him  against  the  Philistines, 
and  against  "the  Arabians  that  dwelt  in  Gur-baal, 
and  the  Mehunims. 

8 And  i’the  Ammonites  gave  gifts  to  Uzziah:  and 
ibis  name  'spread  abroad  even  to  the  entering  in  of 
Egypt:  for  he  strengthened  himself exceedingly. 

9 Moreover,  Uzziah  built  towers  in  Jerusalem 
at  the  "corner-gate,  and  at  “the.  valley-gate,  and  at 
‘the  turning  of  the  wall , and  dottified  them. 

10  Also  he  built  towers  in  the  desert,  and  §dig- 
ged  many  wells  : for  “he  had  much  cattle,  both  in 
the  low  cftuntry  and  in  the  plains;  husbandmen 
also,  and  vine-dressers  in  the  mountains,  and  in 
“Carmel : for  he  loved  ’’husbandry. 

11  Moreover,  Uzziah  had  a host  of  fighting 
men,  that  xwent  out  to  war  by  bands,  according 
to  the  number  of  their  account  by  the  hand  of 
Jeiel  the  scribe,  and  Maaseiah  the  ruler,  under 
the  hand  of  Hananiah,  one  of  the  king’s  captains. 

12  The  whole  number  of  the  chief  of  the  . fa- 

thers of  the  mighty  men  of  valour  were  two  thou- 
sand and  six  hundred.  • 

13  And  under  their  hand  was  “an  army,  nhree 
hundred  thousand  and  seven  thousand  and  five 
hundred,  that  made  war  with  mighty  power,  to 
help  the  king  against  the  enemy. 

14  And  Uzziah  prepared  for  them,  throughout 
all  the  host,  shields,  and  spears,  and  helmets,  and 
habergeons,  and  bows,  and  1 ’slings  to  cast  stones. 

15  And  he  made  in  Jerusalem  engines,  invented 
by  'cunning  men,  to  be  on  the  towers  and  upon 
the  bulwarks,  to  shoot  arrows  and  great  stones 
withal.  And  his  name  tispread  far  abroad  ; for  he 
was  marvellously  helped,  till  he  was  strong. 

[ Practical  Observations.'] 


rn  2 Sam.  8:1.  1 Chr.  18:1.  * Or,  in  the  country  of  Ashdod.  1 Sam.  5.1, 
6.  n 14:11.  1 Chr.  5:20.  12:18.  Ps.  18:29,34,35.  Acts26:22.  o 17:11. 21:16. 
p 20:1.  Gen.  19:38.  Deuf.  2:19.  Jude.  11:15— 18.  1 Sam.  11:1.  q Gen.  12:2. 
2 Sam.  8:13.  1 Kings  4:31.  Matt.  4:24.  t Heb.wenf.  r 25:23  . 2 Kings  14:13. 
Jer.  31:38.  Zech.  14:10.  s Neh.  2:13.  3:13.  t Neh.  3:20,24.  * Or,  repaired. 
§ Or,  cut  out  tinny  cist'Tns.  Gen.  26:18 — 21.  u 2 Kings  3:4.  1 Chr.  27:26 — 31. 
II  Or,  fruitful  fields.  2 Kings  19:23.  Is.  29: 17.  T Heb.  ground,  x 2 Kings  5: 
2.  **  Heb.  the  power  of  nn  army.  y 11:1.13:3.14:8.  17:14 — 19.  tIHeb. 

stones  of  slings.  Julg.  20:16.  1 Sam.  17:49.  z 2:7,14.  Ex.  31:4.  jj  Hel* 


that  Zechariah  whom  Joash  murdered.  This,  however, 
would  be  a singular  instance  in  Scripture,  of  a son  called  by 
liis  father’s  name. — He  was  perhaps  endued  with  a peculiar 
gift  in  distinguishing  between  those,  who  are  actually  favoured 
with  prophetic  visions,  and  those  who  only  pretended  to  be 
so.  (1  Cor.  12:10.)  At  least  he  was  well  acquainted  with 
divine  things,  an  intelligent,  prudent,  pious,  and  heavenly- 
minded  man  ; and  an  instructer,  or  counsellor,  to  Uzziah, 
who  prospered  by  hearkening  to  his  admonitions  ; whilst 
Amaziah,  who  had  scorned  to  be  counselled  by  a prophet, 
fallowed  advice  which  brought  him  to  destruction.  ( Notes , 
25:14 — 24.)  Had  Zechariah  been  spared,  he  might  perhaps 
have  dissuaded  Uzziah  from  that  fatal  attempt,  which  he  after- 
wards made.  ( Note , 16 — 23.) 

V.  6 — 9.  These  verses  contain  some  particulars,  in  which 
Uzziah,  by  the  special  help  and  blessing  ofGod,  was  greatly 
prospered,  while  he  adhered  strictly  to  the  worship  of  God 
according  to  the  law.  (Marg.  Rtf.) — 1 He  demolished  all 
the  fortifications  of  his  enemies  on  the  frontiers,  and  provided 
his  own  frontiers  with  works,  garrisons,  arms,  and  engines  of 
war.  . . . These  Mehunims  were  a people  in  Arabia  desert  a? 
Bp.  Patrick.  Jabneh  is  not  mentioned  elsewhere,  nor 
Gur-baal. — u He  built  cities  about  Ashdod,”  or  u in  the 
country  of  Ashdod.”  (Marg.) — In  the  days  of  his  father, 
the  wall  of  Jerusalem  had  been  broken  down  “ to  the  corner- 
gate  (25:23.)  and  Uzziah  not  only  repaired  it,  but  added 
towers  and  fortifications  to  secure  it. 

V.  10.  Powers.]  These  towers  seem  to  have  been  built 
in  the  desert,  for  the  protection  of  Uzziah’s  shepherds  and 
flocks,  from  the  depredations  of  the  Arabian  freebooters  and 
others,  upon  whom  he  seems  to  have  retaliated.  (11) — A 
prince  can  hardly  have  a more  rational,  inoffensive,  and 
indeed  useful  recreation  from  public  business,  than  these  rural 
occupations.  (Notes,  1 Kings  4:7 — 19.  I Chr.  27:25 — 31.) 

In  Carmel.]  4 Not  . . . the  famous  mount  of  that  name, 
(for  that  was  not  in  the  tribe  of  Judah,)  but  a very  fertile 
country,  as  the  word  Carmel  signifies  in  several  places.  Is. 
16:10.  Jer.  2:7.  48:33.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Marg.  Notes,  1 Sam. 
25:2.  2 Kings  19:23.  Is.  35:1,2.) 

V.  11—15.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  6—9.  14:6— g.  17:13—19. 
25:5.) — 4 God  aided  him  so  wonderfully  in  all  his  undertakings, 
that  he  feared  no  enemy.  . . . How  hard  it  is  to  bear  great  pros- 
perity with  moderation  md  humble  thankfulness.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  16 — 23.  Uzziah  had  been  remarkably  prospered  in 

( 788  ) 


16  H But  “when  he  was  strong,  his  heart  was 
lifted  up  to  his  destruction  : for  he  transgressed 
against  the  Loud  his  God,  and  bwent  into  the  tem- 
ple of  the  Lord  cto  bur-,  incense  upon  the  altar  of 
incense. 

17  And  dAzariah  the  priest  went  in  after  him, 
and  with  him  fourscore  priests  of  the  Lord,  that 
were  “valiant  men : 

18  And  they  ’ withstood  Uzziah  the  king,  and 
said  unto  him,  It  nppertaineth  “not  unto  thee,  Uz 
ziah,  to  burn  incense  unto  the  Lord,  but  ‘‘to  the 

riests,  the  sons  of  Aaron,  that  are  consecrated  to 
urn  incense:  go  out  of  the  sanctuary;  for  thou 
hast  trespassed ; ‘neither  shall  it  he  for  thine  honour 
from  the  Lord  God. 

19  Then  Uzziah  was  wroth,  and  had  a censer 
in  his  hand  to  burn  incense  : and  while  khe  was 
wroth  with  the  priests,  ‘the  leprosy  even  rose  up 
in  his  forehead  before  the  priests  in  the  house  of 
the  Lord,  from  beside  the  incense-altar. 

20  And  Azariah  the  chief  priest,  and  all  the 
priests  looked  upon  him,  and,  behold,  he  was 
leprous  in  his  forehead,  and  they  thrust  him  out 
from  thence;  yea,  himself  ""hasted  also  to  go  out, 
because  "the  Lord  had  smitten  him. 

21  And  "Uzziah  the  king  was  a leper  unto  the 
day  of  his  death,  and  pdwelt  in  a ^several  house, 
being  a leper  ; for  he  was  cut  off  from  the  house 
of  the  Lord:  and  Jotham  his  son  was  over  the 
king’s  house,  judging  the  people  of  the  land. 

22  II  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Uzziah,  ‘‘first 
and  last,  did  "Isaiah  the  prophet,  the  son  of  Amoz, 
write. 

23  So  Uzziah  “slept  with  Iris  fathers,  and  ‘they 
buried  him  with  his  fathers  in  the  field  of  the 
burial  which  belonged  to  the  kings;  for  they  said, 
He  is  a leper : and  Jotham  his  son  reigned  in  his 
stead. 


went  forth..  Matt.  4:24.  a 25:19.32:25.  Dent.  8:14,17.  32:13— 15.  Prov.  16:18. 
Hab.  2:4.  Col.  2:18.  b 2 Kings  16: 12,13.  c Ntim.  16:7,17,18,35.  1 Kings  12:33. 
13:1—4.  d 1 Chr.  6: 10.  e 1 Chr.  12:28.  26:6.  f 16:7— 9.  19:2.  Jer. 13:18. 
Matt.  10:18,28.  14:4.  2 Cor.  5:16.  Gal. 2:11.  g Num.  16:40,46— 48.  18:7.  h Ex. 
30:7,8.  Heb.  5:4.  i 1 Snm.  2:30.  Dan.  4:37.  John  5:44.  Jam.  2.1.  k 16:10. 
25:16.  1 Num.  12:10.  2 Kings  5:27.  mEsth.6:12.  n Lev.  14:34.  l ent.  28: 
22,35.  o 2 Kings  15:5.  p Lev.  13:46.  Num.  5:2,3.  12:15.  2 Kings  7:3.  §§  Heb. 
free,  q 9:29.  12:15.  r Is.  1:1. 6:1.  a 2 Kings  15:6,7.  t 18.  21:20.  28:27. 
33:20. 


every  thing ; but  pride,  instead  of  gratitude,  wak  fostered  by 
it:  so  that,  deeming  himself  at  least  as  much  favoured  as  the 
priests  were,  he  thought  it  a reproach  to  him  to  be  excluded 
from  any  part  of  the  temple,  or  the  worship  of  God. — Burn- 
ing incense  was  the  most  honourable  part  of  the  sacerdotal 
office,  and  of  that  he  became  ambitious.  (Note,  Lev.  10: 
1,2.)  The  law  had  forbidden  any,  but  the  priests  of  the 
family  of  Aaron,  to  enter  the  sanctuary,  or  to  burn  incense  ; 
and  the  fate  of  Korah  and  his  company,  was  an  awful  exam- 
ple upon  record,  of  the  consequences  to  be  expected  from 
violating  that  statute.  (Notes,  Num.  16:  17:)  But  perhaps 
Uzziah  was  tempted  to  disbelieve  these  ancient  records, 
imagining  that  they  had  been  falsified  by  the  priests  to  keep 
up  their  own  consequence  ; or  that  the  law  was  now  become 
obsolete:  and  he  might  be  confirmed  in  this,  by  considering 
that  nothing  of  the  kind  had  taken  place  for  many  centuries. 
Thus  “his  heart  was  lifted  up  to  his  destruction;”  his  crime 
exposed  him  to  eternal  destruction,  as  well  as  present  death; 
and  though  he  was  respited,  yet  his  remaining  days  were 
spent,  as  it  were,  in  a lingering  ignominious  execution. — 
None  of  the  former  kings  of  Judah  had  attempted  to  burn 
iucense  in  the  temple  ; none,  perhaps,  to  invade  the  sacer- 
dotal office  in  any  way:  though  many  of  them  had  offended 
by  forsaking  the  worship  of  God.  Had  Uzziah  contented 
himself  with  imitating  David,  Solomon,  and  Jehoshaphar, 
in  instructing,  and  praying  with  and  for  his  people,  he  would 
have  done  commendably. — The  idolatrous  kings  indeed 
burned  incense  to  their  »dols,  and  it  seems  he  took  them  for 
his  pattern  in  this  insto’  o,  though  lie  would  not  forsake  the 
God  of  Israel.  (Note,  Kings  13:1.) — Azariah  and  the 
other  priests  behaved  nobiy  on  this  occasion:  (Note,  2 Kings 
16:10 — 16.)  they  opposed  the  king’s  design,  not  with  violence 
or  reproachful  language,  but  with  plain  scriptural  remon 
strances,  precepts,  and  counsels;  and  by  warning  him,  tha 
his  attempt  would  expose  him  to  disgrace  from  the  Lori 
God.  (Note,  1 Chr.  6:4 — 15,  v.  10.)  Vet  he  was  insensible 
to  their  arguments,  and  enraged  by  their  faithful  opposition: 
and  Josephus  writes  that  he  threatened  them  with  death, 
when  an  extraordinary  earthquake  preceded  his  being  smit- 
ten with  leprosy.  (Notes,  slows  1:1.  Zech.  14:1,5.)  But, 
however  that  might  be,  when  lie  found  that  this  divine  judg- 
ment was  inflicted  upon  him,  and  was  conspicuous  in  his 
forehead,  he  became  sensible  of  his  sin  ntu*  clanger,  and 
yielded  to  the  priests  who  hurried  him  out  of  ve  s:  lictuarv, 


B.  C.  758. 


CHAPTER  XXVII, 


B.  C.  742. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

Jotham  reign*  well  and  proavera,  1, 2.  Hie  building e,  3,  4.  He  subdue s the 
Ammonites,  5,  6.  He  dies , and  is  succeeded  by  Ahaz,  7 — 9. 

JOTHAM  was  “twenty  and  five  years  old  when 
he  began  to  reign,  and  he  reigned  sixteen 
years  in  Jerusalem.  His  mother’s  name  also  was 
Jerushah,  the  daughter  of  Zadok. 

2  And  bhe  did  that  which  was  right  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord,  according  to  all  that  his  father  Uzziah 
did:  howbeit,  che  entered  not  into  the  temple  of 
the  Lord.  And  dthe  people  did  yet  corruptly. 

3  He  built  the  “high  gate  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  and  on  the  wall  of  ‘Ophel  he  built  much. 

4  Moreover  < he  built  cities  in  Hhe  mountains 
of  Judah,  and  in  the  forests  he  built  castles  and 
towers. 

5  H He  fought  also  with  hthe  king  of  the  Am- 

i 2 Kiri2»  15-32.33.  1 Clir.  3:12.  Is.  1:1.  Hos.  1:1.  Mic.  1:1.  Mutt.  1:9.  Joatlmm. 
b 26:4.  2 Kings  15.34.  e 25:16—21.  IV  119:120.  Acts  5:13.  d 2 Kings  15:35. 
c 23:15,20.  Jei\2U:2.  • Or,  the  tower.  33:14.  Neh.  3:26.  111:5—10.14:7. 

yea  hasted  to  retreat,  perhaps  dreading  still  further  judg- 
ments. It  pleased  God  to  continue  this  stigma  upon  him 
during  the  remainder  of  his  life : and,  in  consequence,  he 
was  excluded  from  the  precincts  of  the  temple ; from  society, 
except  that  of  the  priests  into  whose  office  he  had  intruded  ; 
and  from  the  exercise  of  his  regal  authority.  It  is  not  said 
how  long  this  Occurred  before  his  death  : but  the  age  of 
Jotham,  when  he  began  to  reign,  implies,  that  it  was  late  in 
Uzziah’s  reign,  before  he  was  smitten  with  the  leprosy:  and 
his  reign  must  be  considered  as  a very  prosperous  one  for  his 
kingdom.  But,  by  aspiring  after  that  honour  which  did  not 
belong  to  him,  he  lost  all  his  dignity  and  reputation,  and  was, 
in  some  sense,  degraded  beneath  the  meanest  of  his  subjects, 
and  even  after  his  death,  notwithstanding  his  good  and  pros- 
perous reign,  he  was,  as  a leper,  excluded  from  the  sepul- 
chres of  the  kings. — Yet  the  long-suffering  of  God  gave  him 
space  for  repentance:  and  his  patient  and  quiet  submission 
to  this  severe  rebuke,  and  to  all  its  most  painful  consequences, 
(as  they  must  have  been  to  so  honourable  and  prosperous  a 
monarch,)  forms  no  inconsiderable  proof  of  his  repentance; 
i»nd  implies  that  his  retirement  was  well  improved,  and  his 
death  happy.  (2  Kings  15:1 — 7.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 15.  Wise  and  pious  instructers  are  an  invaluable 
treasure  to  young  people ; especially  to  those  who  are  ad- 
vanced to  exalted  stations,  and  who  are  generally  poisoned 
with  the  flattery  of  interested  sycophants  and  dependents. 
Yet,  unless  they  seek  and  serve  God  from  an  inward  princi- 
ple of  piety ; they  will  at  length  lose,  or  shake  off,  their  pre- 
ceptors and  their  religion  together. — Many  have  experienced, 
and  some  have  confessed,  that,  when  they  paid  regard  to  the 
service  of  God,  they  prospered ; but  that  every  thing  went 
wrong,  from  the  time  they  grew  negligent  in  religion.  In- 
deed, external  prosperity  docs  not  now  so  uniformly  attend 
godliness,  as  it  did  in  the  case  of  Israel : yet  every  under- 
taking will  succeed  with  the  true  Christian,  as  far  as  it  is 
good  for  him;  and  God  will  help  and  prosper  him  in  his 
spiritual  warfare,  in  proportion  to  the  simplicity  of  his  depend- 
ence and  obedience. — No  lawful  business  will  be  the  worse 
managed,  or  prove  less  pleasant  to  any  man,  on  account  of 
his  diligence  in  the  service  of  God,  if  he  have  learned  to 
arrange  his  temporal  and  spiritual  concerns  in  due  order. — 
It  would  be  happy  for  mankind,  if  able  and  powerful  mo- 
narchs  took  more  delight,  and  spent  more  of  their  leisure 
hours,  in  rural  occupations,  which  are  manly,  useful,  and 
truly  honourable : but  hitherto  man’s  chief  ambition,  exertion, 
and  ingenuity,  have  been  directed  to  the  destruction  of  his 
own  species  ! If,  however,  it  must  be  a part  of  his  occupa- 
tion to  invent  and  forge  instruments  of  destruction,  and  of 
shortening  the  already  contracted  duration  of  human  life ; 
surely  these  should  be  used  only  in  self-defence,  or  in  awing 
the  turbulent  spirits  of  those  public  depredators,  who  cannot 
otherwise  be  prevented  from  disturbing  the  world. 

V.  16 — 23.  It  is  written,  as  with  a sunbeam,  that  pros- 
perity is  most  dangerous  to  fallen  man.  Some  are  “ lifted 
up”  by  it  44  to  their  destruction,”  others  to  their  deep  disgrace 
and  lasting  distress:  and  we  have  all  more  cause  to  pray  to 
be  preserved  from  its  fascinating  influence,  than  from  the 
depth  of  poverty,  or  from  the  anguish  of  the  severest  disap- 
pointment and  afflictions. — The  narrow  way  is  one  and 
straight ; but  the  paths  of  transgression  are  numerous  and 
various : and  new  ones  are  continually  struck  out,  by  the 
oerverse  ingenuity  and  presumption  of  rebellious  man.  Ex- 
tremes are  on  every  side.  To  avoid  enthusiasm  and  credu- 
lity, men  become  profane  and  infidel ; and,  in  shunning  infi- 
delity, they  rush  into  superstition.  Those  who  are  not 
* hargeable  with  immorality  or  gross  profaneness,  may  yet 
provoke  the  Lord  by  their  hypocrisy  or  self-righteous  pride. 
We  are  not  indeed,  at  present,  kept  at  that  awful  distance 
om  sacred  things,  which  the  people  of  God  formerly  were  : 
yet  let  us  not  suppose,  that  we  are  in  no  danger  of  offending 
*i  this  way.  The  sacred  ministry  may  be  intruded  into, 
«*«rh  a presumption  and  impiety  bordering  upon  sacrilege  and 
llasphemy;  while  mercenary  and  ungodly  men  make  those 
( 789  ) 


monites,  and  prevailed  against  them.  And  the 
children  of  Ammon  gave  him  the  same  year  a 
hundred  talents  of  silver,  and  ten  thousand 
measures  of  wheat,  and  ten  thousand  of  barley. 
'So  much  did  the  children  of  Ammon  pay  unto 
him,  both  the  second  year,  and  the  third. 

6 So  Jotham  became  mighty,  because  he  }pre- 
pared  his  ways  before  the  Lord  his  God. 

7 H Now ’the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jotham,  and 
all  his  wars,  and  his  ways,  lo,  they  are  written 
in  the  book  of  the  Kings  of  Israel  and  Judah. 

8 He  was  five  and  twenty  years  old  when  he 
began  to  reign,  and  reigned  sixteen  years  in 
Jerusalem. 

9 H And  kJotham  slept  with  his  fathers,  and 
they  buried  him  in  the  city  of  David  : and  Ahaz 
his  son  reigned  in  his  stead. 

26:9,10.  r Josh.  14:12,13.  Luke  1:39.  It  2(1-1.  Judg.  11:4,  4c.  2 Sam.  10:1 — 
14.  Jer.  49:1—6.  t Hel).  Thus.  } Or,  estubliahed..  19:3.  i 20:34.  26:22.23. 
32:32,33.  k 2 Kings  15:36,38. 


professions,  engagements,  and  protestations,  in  the  presence 
of  God,  “ for  filthy  lucre’s  sake,”  which  they  deride  as  enthu- 
siastic or  superstitious  ! The  Lord’s  table  may  be  approached 
in  hypocrisy,  pride,  unbelief,  and  impenitency;  or  even  as  a 
step  to  preferment,  by  infidels  and  debauchees  who  are  the 
slaves  to  every  lust ! and  in  many  ways  men  may  be  guilty 
of  most  awful  and  presumptuous  profanations.  Against  these 
abuses  the  ministers  of  God  must  caution  all  persons,  how- 
ever wealthy,  honourable,  or  powerful,  with  plain  declara- 
tions of  the  truths  and  precepts  of  Scripture,  and  solemn 
warnings  respecting  the  consequences  of  transgression.  Yet, 
alas!  few  are  found,  who  are  valiant  men , that  dare,  in  meek- 
ness and  faithfulness,  oppose  the  powerful  who  attempt  the 
most  scandalous  profanations ; and  venture  all  the  conse- 
quences of  their  displeasure  in  refusing  to  concur  in  them. 
But  the  Lord  will  assuredly  stand  by  those  few,  and  mark 
their  opposers  with  evident  tokens  of  his  anger. — No  wonder 
that  ungodly  men  are  so  enraged  at  opposition  from  the  mi- 
nisters of  God  ; for  even  believers  at  some  times  cannot  endure 
it.  But  his  rebuke  brings  them  to  themselves,  and  they  then 
make  haste  to  renounce  their  wayward  purposes ; submit 
patiently  to  his  severest  corrections ; and  are  humbled  for 
the  pride  of  their  hearts.  And,  whatever  humiliating  or  dis- 
graceful events  take  place ; however  we  may  be  excluded 
from  the  earthly  courts  of  the  Lord,  ‘the  communion  of  his 
saints,’  and  the  comforts  of  society  ; if  we  are  brought  to  true 
repentance,  and  at  length  obtain  eternal  life,  we  shall  bless 
God  for  the  whole.  ( Notes , and  P.  O.  Dan.  <1:28 — 37.)  But 
the  Lord  always  resists  the  proud ; and  contempt,  either  on 
earth  or  in  hell,  is  the  never-failing  consequence  of  self-confi- 
dence and  arrogance.  When,  however,  the  Lord  sees  good 
to  throw  prosperous  and  useful  men  aside,  as  a broken  ves- 
sel ; if  he  raises  up  their  children,  or  other  able  persons,  to 
fill  their  places,  that  the  community  be  not  losers,  they  may 
rejoice  in  renouncing  all  worldly  concerns,  and  in  employing 
the  remnant  of  their  days  in  preparing  for  death  and  heaven 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXVII.  V.  1,  2.  Marg.  Ref.  2 
Kings  15:32 — 36. — He  entered  not . (2)  Jotham  imitated  his 
father  in  the  best  part  of  his  conduct ; but  did  not  attempt  to 
enter  the  temple,  or  to  burn  incense,  as  Uzziah  had  dorre. 
(Notes,  26:4,16 — 23.) — The  people  did  yet  corruptly.]  ‘They 
offered  incense  in  high  places  ; (2  Kings  15:35.)  and  as  some 
think  committed  idolatry.’  Bp.  Patrick.  The  general  cha- 
racter also  of  the  people,  as  to  unrighteousness,  fraud,  op- 
pression, and  other  crimes ; as  well  as  their  ungodliness, 
hypocrisy,  or  idolatrous  worship,  seems  to  be  implied. 

V.  3.  Ophel.]  This  seems  to  have  been  a cliff,  or  high 
rock,  where  a tower  and  wall  were  built  to  fortify  the  city. 
Those  Jotham  greatly  strengthened  and  improved. 

V.  4.  ‘He  took  care  to  fortify  his  kingdom  strongly  on  all 
sides,  against  his  enemies.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  5.  (Marg.  Ref.)  It  is  probable  that  at  the  end  of 
three  years,  the  Ammonites  recovered  strength,  and  refused 
to  pay  the  tribute. 

V.  6.  It  has  been  observed,  that  most,  if  not  all,  the  piou9 
kings  of  Judah,  have  some  evil  thing  laid  to  their  charge : but 
Jotham  has  not;  except  as  “the  people  did  corruptly,”  and 
the  high  places  were  not  demolished. 

V.  7.  It  is  supposed,  that  Jotham’s  deeds  so  attracted 
attention,  that  they  were  recorded  in  the  Chronicles  of  Israel, 
as  well  as  in  those  of  Judah  ; though  but  little  has  oeen  trans- 
mitted to  us  concerning  him. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  severest  judgments  of  God  have  mercy  connected  with 
them,  either  to  the  persons  themselves,  or  to  others,  who 
thence  learn  caution  and  circumspection. — It  ought  to  be  the 
constant  aim  of  every  one  of  us,  to  imitate  the  faith,  p'ety, 
equity,  kindness,  self-denial,  patience,  and  meekness,  of  tnose 
servants  of  God  with  whom  we  are  acquainted,  and  of  whom 
we  read  or  hear;  and  carefully  to  avoid  their  failings  and 
the  sins  into  which  they  have  been  betrayed : but  the  re- 
verse of  this  is  general,  and  natural  to  mankind. — If  we 
would  attain  to  eminence  in  godliness  or  usefulness,  we  must 
diligently  “prepare  our  ways  before  the  Lord  ou-  God," 


B.  C.  738. 


II.  CHRONICLES 


B.  C.  733, 


OHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Ahaz  reigns  very  wickedly,  1 — 1.  He  is  defeated  with,  terrible  slaughter  of 
his  army  by  the  kings  of  Syria  and  Israel , 5—7.  The  Israelites  lead  to 
Samaria  an  immense  number  of  captives , 8.  The  people  are  induced , by 
the  remonstrance  of  a prophet,  and  the  interference  of  the  princes,  to  treat 
them  kindly  and  send  them  home,  9 — 15.  Ahaz,  attacked  by  the  Edomites , 
and  Phx/ietines,  sends  to  the  king  of  Assyria,  but  receives  no  benefit  from 
his  assistance,  16 — 21.  In  his  distress  he  adds  to  hie  idolatries , 2^—25. 
He  dies,  and  is  succeeded  by  Hezekiah , 26,  27. 

1 A HiZ  was  twenty  years  old  when  he  began 
A to  reign,  and  he  reigned  sixteen  years  in 

Jerusalem : but  he  did  not  that  which  was  right 
in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  blike  David  his  father : 

2 For  che  walked  in  the  ways  of  the  kings  of 
Israel,  and  made  also  dmolten  images  for  'Baalim. 

3 Moreover,  he  'burnt  incense  in  r the  valley 
of  the  son  of  Hinnorn,  and  eburnt  his  children 
in  the  fire,  hafter  the  abominations  of  the  heathen, 
whom  the  Lord  had  cast  out  before  the  children 
of  Israel. 

4 He  ‘sacrificed  also  and  burnt  incense  in  the 
high  places,  and  on  the  hills,  and  under  every 
green  tree. 

5 Wherefore  the  Lord  khis  God  'delivered  him 
into  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Syria  ; and  they  smote 
him,  and  carried  away  a great  multitude  of  them 
captives,  and  brought  them  to  tDamascus.  And 

a 2 Kings  16:1,2.  1 Chr.  3:13.  Is.  1:1.  7:1—12.  Has.  1:1.  Mic.  1:1.  Matt.  1:9. 
Achat,  b 17:3.  c 21:6.  22:3,4.  1 Kings  16:31— 33.  2 Kings  10:26— 23.  4 El 
34:17.  Lev.  19.4.  e Judg.  2;  1 1,13.  * Or,  offered  sacrifice,  f 2 Kings  23: 10. 

Jer.  7:31,32.  19:2—6,13.  g 33:6.  Lev.  18:21.  2 Kings  16:3.  Ps.  106:37,38.  Jer. 
2:34.  Ez.  16:20,21.  Mtc.  6:7.  1i  33:2.  Dent.  12:31.  i Lev.  26:30.  Deut.  12:2,3. 

2 Kings  16:4.  k 36:5.  Ex.  20:2  3.  1 24:24.33:11.36:17.  Judg.  2:14.  2 Kings 

acting  habitually  as  under  his  inspection,  and  depending  on 
his  assistance  and  merciful  acceptance,  from  love  to  his 
name  and  zeal  for  his  glory. — Many  pious  men  have  not  for- 
titude or  vigour  to  combat  the  difficulties,  which  must  be 
expected  by  those  who  attempt  reformation,  in  opposition  to 
inveterate  prejudices,  errors,  superstitions,  and  immoralities  ; 
yet  all  in  public  stations  should  remember,  that  this  is  incum- 
bent upon  them,  and  forms  that  improvement  of  their  talents 
which  God  requires.  They  should  therefore  M arise  and  be 
doing,”  acccording  to  the  duties  of  their  situations,  “ and  the 
Lord  will  be  with  them  for  good.” — But  even  when  the  most 
unexceptionable  example  is  united  to  the  most  strenuous  and 
persevering  endeavours,  the  success  of  pious  reformers  will 
not  answer  their  desires  and  expectations.  Many  of  u the 
people  will  still  do  corruptly :”  and,  in  righteous  displeasure 
against  those  who  hate  to  be  reformed,  the  Lord  often  pre- 
maturely removes  wise,  prosperous,  and  pious  rulers  in  church 
or  state;  and  sends  others,  whose  •follies  and  vices  severely 
punish  a people,  who  did  not  value  their  mercies  till  they 
were  withdrawn  from  them. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXVIII.  V.  1—4.  Marg.  Ref . 
Notes , 2 Kings  16:3,4.  Lev.  20:2—5.  Matt.  5:21,22, 

v.  22. 

V.  5.  Jehovah  was  ‘the  God  of  Ahaz,’ as  his  Creator, 
Upholder,  and  Governor,  as  Ahaz  was  born  among  the  pro- 
fessing and  covenant  people  of  God,  dedicated  to  him  by 
circumcision,  and  educated  in  a religious  manner ; as  he 
reigned  over  Judah,  where  alone  the  worship  of  God  was 
instituted ; and  as  he  was  bound  by  every  obligation  to  serve 
mid  obey  him.  But  he  was  not  ‘ the  God  of  Ahaz,’  as  he  is 
the  God  of  true  believers,  according  to  the  covenant  of  grace  ; 
he  was  not  Ahaz’s  Portion  and  Salvation:  nor  was  Ahaz  the 
Lord’s  servant  and  worshipper,  for  he  was  a most  wicked 
apostate  and  idolater.  In  short,  he  had  not  the  privilege  of 
having  “ the  Lord  for  his  God,”  his  “ Shield  and  exceeding 
great  Reward  but  he  had  the  guilt  of  violating  the  strongest 
obligations  to  his  service  ; and  of  continuing  impenitent  and 
ungodly,  in  the  midst  of  every  advantage  and  means  of  grace. 
Had  he  been  born  and  educated  a heathen,  he  might  perhaps 
have  escaped  remarkable  judgments:  but  as  he  was  an 
apostate,  ‘‘the  Lord  his  God”  delivered  him  to  be  punished, 
into  the  hands  of  the  Syrians  and  Israelites.  (Notes,  2 Kings 
16:5 — 9.)  His  people  also  were  involved  in  the  same  guilt, 
and  in  the  same  punishment.  They  did  corruptly  under 
pious  Jotham  : for  their  correction  Jotham  was  removed,  and 
wicked  Ahaz  succeeded ; and  his  idolatry  and  enormous 
crimes  were  punished  by  dreadful  havoc  made  among  his 
subjec's.  Thus,  the  sins  and  sufferings  of  kings  and  people 
lesemtde  the  case  of  the  human  body;  in  which  the  head 
must  share  the  sufferings  of  the  members,  and  the  members 
those  of  the  head,  by  reason  of  that  unity  which  subsfsts  be- 
tween them.  ( Note , 2 Sam.  24:1,2.  P.  O.  1 — 9.) 

V.  6 — 8.  This  is  the  greatest  slaughter  of  the  men  of 
Judah  that  we  read  of.  (13:17.)  And  as  they  were  “all 
valiant  men,”  and  Israel  was  not  in  a very  prosperous  state, 
the  defeat  of  Judah  with  such  tremendous  slaughter  must  be 
ascribed  to  some  supernatural  terror  or  confusion.  “ Because 
they  had  forsaken  the  Lord,”  4 who  therefore  forsook  them, 
and  took  away  their  courage,  that  they  could  make  no  resist- 
ance.’ Bp.  Patrick.  Ahaz  himself  escaped:  but  he  had  a 
son  and  t wo  of  his  chief  officers  slain,  one  of  whom  was  next 
under  him  in  authority ; and  an  immense  spoil,  and  multitude 
of  prisoners,  were  collected  from  the  defenceless  country  by 
( 700  ) 


he  also  was  delivered  into  the  hand  of  the  king 
of  Israel,  who  smote  him  with  a great  slaughter. 

6 For  mPekah  the  son  of  Remaliah  slew  in 
Judah  "a  hundred  and  twenty  thousand  in  one 
day,  which  were  all  tvaliant  men;  “because  they 
had  forsaken  the  Lord  God  of  their  fathers. 

7 And  Zichri,  a mighty  man  of  Ephraim,  slew 
Maaseiah  the  king’s  son,  and  Azrikam  the  gover- 
nor of  the  house,  and  Elkanah  that  was  *next  to 
the  king. 

8 And  the  children  of  Israel  i’Carried  away 
captive  of  their  ^brethren  two  hundred  thousand, 
women,  sons,  and  daughters,  and  took  also  away 
much  spoil  from  them,  and  brought  the  spoil  to 

Samaria.  [^Practical  Observations.'] 

9 But  a prophet  of  the  Lord  was  there, 
whose  name  was  Oded : and  rhc  went  out  before 
the  host  that  came  to  Samaria,  and  said  unto 
them,  Behold,  “because  the  Lord  God  of  your 
fathers  was  wroth  with  Judah,  he  hath  delivered 
them  into  your  hand,  and  ye  have  slain  them  in  a 
rage  that  ‘reacheth  up  unto  heaven. 

10  And  now  ye  purpose  to  "keep  under  the 
children  of  Judah  and  Jerusalem  for  bondmen 


16:5.  Is.  7:!, 6.  f Heb.  Darmauk.  m 2 Kinn  15  27.37.  Is.  7:4,5, 9.  9:21. 
ii  13:17.  | Heb.  sons  of  valour.  o 15:2.  Deut.  6: 14,15.  28: 15,25.  29:24— 26. 

31:16,17.32:30.  Joah.  23:16.  Is.  24:5,6.  Jer. 2: 19.  § Heb.  0e  second  to.  pDeut. 
28:25,41.  q 11:4.  Acts  7:26.  13:26.  r 19:1,2.  25:15,16.  1 Kings  20:13,22,42. 
2 Kings  20:14,15.  s 5.  Judg.  3:8.  Pa.  69:26.  Is.  10:5.47:6.  Ez.  25: 12,15.  26:2. 
Ob.  10—16.  Zech.  1:15.  t Gen.  11:4.  Ezra  9:6.  Rev.  18:5.  u Lev.  25:39— 46. 


the  rapacious  victors.  It  does  not  appear,  however,  that 
Jerusalem  was  taken  by  them.  (Notes,  Is.  7:1 — 9.) 

V.  9 — 11.  The  Lord,  provoked  with  Judah’s  idolatries, 
had  delivered  them  into  the  hands  of  their  still  more  idola- 
trous brethren,  who  had  shown  the  most  exorbitant  rage  and 
cruelty  in  destroying  them  : and,  as  if  this  had  been  a small 
thing,  they  proceeded  to  gratify  their  inhuman  avarice,  by 
seizing  all  the  women  and  children,  to  sell  them,  or  to  keep 
them  for  slaves.  But,  if  the  Lord  had  so  severely  punished 
their  offending  brethren  of  Judah,  could  the  men  of  Israel 
expect  to  escape  his  fierce  indignation?  Were  there  no  sins 
among  them  to  provoke  his  displeasure  ? Rather,  were  they 
not  already  abundantly  sufficient,  without  augmenting  them 
by  this  iniquitous  and  cruel  treatment  of  ihe  women  and 
children,  who  had  never  injured  them?  Or,  could  they  hope 
for  the  mercy  of  God,  if  they  neither  showed  mercy  nor  jus- 
tice to  their  brethren  ? They  were  therefore  required  to  set 
the  captives  at  liberty ; because  they  themselves  were  ex- 
posed to  the  fierce  wrath  of  God.  This  was  the  Lord’s  mes- 
sage to  the  conquerors  by  his  prophet ; and  it  naturally  leads 
us  to  consider  some  questions  concerning  slavery. — Let  it 
then  be  remembered,  that  there  do  not  at  present  subsist  any 
such  distinctions  between  nations,  as  God  for  wise  reasons, 
was  pleased,  for  a time,  to  establish  between  Israel  and  the 
Gentiles  ; but  every  man  is  now  our  Jicighhour , and  in  one 
sense  our  brother;  our  fellow-man,  if  not  our  fellow-  Christian. 
— They  indeed  attempt  too  much  who  argue,  that  slavery  in 
all  cases  is  contrary  to  scriptural  principles  ; and  this  has 
given  its  advocates  some  advantage  in  the  controversy.  But 
no  man,  well  acquainted  with  the  word  of  God,  needs  fear  to 
maintain,  that  the  modern  slave-trade  stands  in  diametrical 
opposition  to  both  the  law  and  the  gospel  ; as  well  as  to  the 
true  interests  of  mankind.  Who  can  possibly  hold  his  wn- 
off ending  brother  in  bondage,  for  his  own  gain,  without  vio- 
lating the  rule  of  doing  to  others,  as  he  would  that  they 
should  do  unto  him,  and  as  he  might  fairly  expect  that  they 
should  do  unto  him?  (Note,  Matt.  7:12.)  Suppose  that 
an  African  should  kidnap  the  son  of  an  English  merchant, 
carry  him  to  Africa,  and,  pretending  property  in  him,  should 
sell  him  for  a slave ; and  so  he  should  be  sold  from  one  t« 
another  for  life,  and  his  children  after  him.  Suppose  that 
Africans  gave  such  prices  for  Englishmen,  as  encouraged 
them  to  steal  and  sell  one  another,  till  it  became  a regular 
trade  ; would  not  free-born  Britons  execrate  buyers,  sellers, 
stealers,  and  all  concerned  in  such  a traffic?  Those  who 
have  forfeited  their  lives  by  crimes  against  the  state,  have 
also  forfeited  their  natural  right  to  liberty  ; and  might  justly 
he  sold  for  slaves,  bij  public  authority,  declaring  the  crimes 
for  which  they  were  thus  punished.  Some  other  criminals, 
and  some  kind  of  fraudulent  debtors,  might  he  sold  for  a 
limited  time,  consistently  with  equity.  Perhaps  some 
prisoners  taken  in  battle,  in  those  wars,  which  are  evidently 
undertaken  by  all  concerned  in  them,  from  avarice  and 
cruelty,  might  thus  be  punished,  without  transgressing  the 
law  of  God;  for  the  policy  of  it  forms  quite  a distinct  ques- 
tion. But  to  seize,  enslave,  and  sell  a follow-creature, 
who  has,  by  no  criminality  known  to  us,  or  cognizable  by  us, 
merited  so  severe  a treatment,  must  in  all  cases  be  contrary 
to  the  law  of  “loving  our  neighbour  as  ourselves.”  The 
poor  Africans  cannot  be  proved  to  lie  either  criminals, 
debtors,  or  prisoners  taken  in  rapacious  or  revengeful  wars, 
waged  by  them  against  those  who  enslave  them:  on  the  con- 
trary, they  appear  generally  to  be  persons,  w ho  have  Icon 


B.  C 788. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII, 


B.  C.  738 


and  bondwomen  unto  you  : but  are  there  ’'not 
with  you,  even  with  you,  sins  against  ^tlie  Lord 
your  God ’ 

11  Now  hear  me  therefore,  and  'deliver  the 
captives  again,  which  ye  have  taken  captive  of 
your  brethren : for  "the  fierce  wrath  of  the  Lord 
is  upon  you. 

12  Ther.  certain  of  bthe  heads  of  the  children 
of  Ephraim,  Azariah  the  son  of  Johanan,  Bere- 
chiah  the  son  of  Meshillemoth,  and  Jehizkiah  the 
son  of  Shallum,  and  Amasa  the  son  of  Hadlai, 
'stood  up  against  them  that  came  from  the  war. 

13  And  said  unto  them.  Ye  shall  not  bring  in 
the  captives  hither : for  whereas  we  have  offended 
against  the  Lord  already , ye  intend  to  dadd  more 
to  our  sins  and  to  our  trespass:  for  our  trespass 
is  great,  and  there  is  fierce  wrath  against  Israel. 

14  So  the  armed  men  left  the  captives  and  the 
spoil,  before  the  princes  and  all  the  congrega- 
tion. 

15  And  the  men  which  were  'expressed  by 
name  rose  up,  and  took  the  captives,  and  with  the 
spoil  f clothed  all  that  were  naked  among  them, 
and  arrayed  them,  and  shod  them,  and  «gave  them 
to  eat  and  to  drink,  and  anointed  them,  and  car- 


x Jer.  05:29.  Rom.  12:20,21.  lPet.4:17,18.  y 5.  z Is.  58:6.  Jer.  34:14,15. 
Heb. 13:1-3.  a Ezra  10:14.  Malt.  5:7.  7:2.  Jam.  2:13.  blChr.28:l.  c Jer. 
26:6.  il  Num.  32:14.  Josh.  22-17,18.  Mall.  23:32,35.  Rom.  2:5.  e 12.  f Job 
31:15—23.  ls.5S:7.  Matt.  25:35-45.  Acls9:39.  1 Tim.  5:10.  Jam.  2:15,16. 

1 John  3. 17. IS.  g 2 Kings  6:22.  Prov.  25:21 ,22.  Luke  6:27.  Rom.  12:20,21. 
h Dent.  34:3.  Judg.  1:16.  i 2 Kings  16:5—7.  Is.  7:1—9,17.  k 25:11,12.  Lev. 
26:18.  * Heb.  a captivity.  1 Ez.  16:27,57.  m Josh.  15:10.  1 Sam.  6:9,13. 

kidnapped  from  their  relatives,  or  bought  of  them  ; or  taken 
prisoners  in  wars,  excited  on  purpose  to  supply  that  infamous 
market.  If  any  of  them  be  criminals,  the  European  mer- 
chants know  it  not:  they  have  no  authority  from  either  God 
or  man  to  be  their  executioners ; and  their  descendants  cer- 
tainly are  not  criminals.  Were  it  indeed  true,  (which  is  far 
from  being  the  case,)  that  if  not  bought  by  the  Europeans, 
they  would  be  slain  by  the  conqueror;  we  need  only  answer, 

1 You  must  not  “ do  evil,  that  good  may  come.”  If  you  have 
no  other  way  of  rescuing  them,  you  had  better  leave  them  to 
fight  their  own  battles,  and  treat  their  captives  as  they  please, 
without  interfering : and  you  certainly  would  do  so,  if  avarice 
were  no  more  concerned  in  the  business  than  humanity  is.’ 
It  is  true,  that  the  Scripture  throughout  speaks  of  slavery  as 
actually  existing : but  the  judicial  law  was  very  distinct  from 
the  moral  law,  as  has  before  been  shown.  (Note,  Ex.  21:1 — 
6.)  Like  other  municipal  laws,  it  aimed  to  prevent  those  evils 
which  originated  from  abuses  and  human  passions,  and 
which  could  not  be  terminated  except  by  constant  miracle  ; 
as  in  the  case  of  divorces.  The  apostles  and  evangelists 
were  preachers,  not  legislators  ; they  were  not  empowered  to 
subvert  the  foundations  of  civil  government  throughout  the 
world  ; and  they  found  slavery  universally  and  inseparably 
interwoven  with  them.  Every  one  must  therefore  perceive 
what  confusion,  what  reproach,  and  what  additional  enmity 
to  Christianity,  must  have  been  occasioned  by  such  an 
attempt.  They  indeed  laid  down  the  principles,  which, 
when  reduced  to  practice,  will  infallibly  annihilate  slavery: 
and,  taking  things  as  they  then  stood  in  civil  society,  they 
taught  all  Christians  how  to  accommodate  themselves  to 
their  stalions,  consistently  with  their  profession,  even  if  they 
were  slaves,  and  slaves  in  a heathen  family. — The  question 
is,  therefore,  to  be  decided  not  by  facts,  but  by  The  Moral 
law  of  God,  and  the  tendency  of  the  Gospel.  The  prac- 
tice could  not  then  be  regularly  opposed,  without  creating 
convulsions  in  society  ; nor  can  it  ever  be  successfully  recti- 
fied by  preachers ; it  is  the  work  of  enlightened,  humane,  and 
pious  legislators.— Individual  believers  under  both  dispensa- 
tions possessed  slaves:  they  took  matters  as  they  were;  and 
treated  their  slaves  with  such  equity  and  humanity,  as  ren- 
dered it  a kindness  to  them,  to  take  them  out  of  ungodly 
families.  And  a pious  West  Indian  who  laments  the  enor- 
mities which  he  cannot  but  witness,  arising  from  this  un- 
natural trade,  and  who  sincerely  wishes  and  prays  for  its 
entire  abolition,  may,  in  the  mean  time,  deem  it  better, 
quietly  to  set  his  neighbours  an  example  of  treating  slaves 
with  brotherly  lenity  and  kindness,  conducive  to  their  real 
happiness,  than  indiscriminately  to  liberate  them : when  per- 
haps it  might  occasion  fatal  effects  upon  the  minds  of  the 
other  planters  and  their  slaves ; if  this  were  done  by  an  indi- 
vidual, in  opposition  to  all  his  neighbours,  and  without  the 
'nterference  of  legal  authority.  AVhen  strangers  are  brought 
go  far  from  home,  and  are  not  able  to  return,  a truly  pious 
and  humane  man  may  render  the  yoke  tolerable  to  them. 
But,  who  had  a right  by  compulsion  to  bring  his  unoffending 
brethren  so  far  from  their  native  land  ? And  what  propor- 
tion do  pious  and  humane  persons  in  most  communities,  bear 
to  those  of  an  opposite  character  ? A succession  of  very 
wise  and  good  kings,  if  that  could  be  ensured,  might  vender 
even  absolute  monarchy  a blessing.  But  while  mankind  are 
what  they  are,  men  of  reflection,  and  lovers  of  their  brethren, 


ried  all  the  feeble  of  them  upon  asses,  and  brought 
them  to  Jericho,  bthe  city  of  palm-trees,  to  then 
brethren : then  they  returned  to  Samaria. 

16  81  At  that  time  'did  king  Ahaz  send  unto  the 
kings  of  Assyria  to  help  him. 

17  For  again  kthe  Edomites  had  come  and 
smitten  Judah,  and  carried  away  ‘captives. 

18  The  ‘Philistines  also  had  invaded  the  cities 
of  the  low  country,  and  of  the  south  of  Judah, 
and  had  taken  mBeth-shemesh,  and  "Ajalon,  and 
°Gederoth,  and  I’Shocho  with  the  villages  thereol 
and  sTimnah  with  the  villages  thereof,  Gimzo 
also  and  the  villages  thereof:  and  they  dwelt 
there. 

19  For  rthe  Lord  brought  Judah  low,  'because 
of  Ahaz  king  of  'Israel ; lor  he  "made  Judah 
naked,  and  transgressed  sore  against  the  Lord. 

20  And  "Tilgath-pilneser  king  of  Assyria  came 
unto  him,  and  ^distressed  him,  but  strengthened 
him  not. 

21  For  Ahaz  'took  away  a portion  out  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  out  of  the  house  of  the 
king,  and  of  the  princes,  and  gave  it  unto  the 
king  of  Assyria  : but  he  helped  him  not. 

22  81  And  "in  the  time  of  his  distress  did  he  tres- 


n 11:10.  Aijnlon.  o Josh.  15:41.  p Josh.  15:48.  Socoh.  q Judg.  14:1. 
Tirrmath.  r Deut.  28:43.  1 Sam.  2:7.  Job  40: 12.  Ps.  106:41—43.  P^ov.  29:23. 
8 Hob.  5:11.  Mic.  6:16.  t 21 :2.  u Gen.  3:7,11.  Ex.  32:25.  P.ev.  3:17, 18.  16:15. 
x 2 Kings  15:29.  16:7 — 10.  Tiglath-pileser . 1 Chr.  5:26.  Hos.  5:13.  v 2 Kings 
17.5.  Is.7:20.30:3,16.  Jer.2:37.  z 12:9.  2 Kings  18:15, 16.  Prt.v.  20:25.  a 33: 
12.  Ps.  50:15.  Is.  1:5.  Ez.  21:13.  Hos.  5:15.  Rev.  16:9— 11. 


will  never  be  friends  to  despotism  in  kingdoms,  or  in  families: 
and  absolute  monarchs  and  the  holders  of  slaves,  (except  of 
such  as  are  condemned  by  an  equitable  sentence,  to  that 
condition,  as  the  punishment  rf  their  crimes,)  will  ever  be 
justly  exposed  to  the  determined  opposition  of  mankind,  even 
when  they  do  not  merit  detestation  by  any  direct  abuse  of 
power. 

Y.  12 — 15.  It  is  remarkable  that  Pekah  is  not  mentioned 
in  this  transaction  concerning  die  prisoners  : but  probably  he 
was  at  the  head  of  the  army,  when  the  prophet  addressed 
them.  (6) — The  courage  of  these  princes,  who  ventured  thus 
determinedly  to  oppose  the  whole  army,  insolert  with  victory 
and  enriched  with  booty,  was  admirable  and  highly  commend- 
able, and  their  arguments  were  cogent,  and  coincided  with 
the  message  of  the  prophet.  The  apcstacy,  idolatry,  and 
recent  cruelty  of  Israel  rendered  their  trespass  very  great ; 
and  if  they  reduced  the  captives  to  slavery,  it  would  add  still 
more  to  their  sins,  and  hasten  the  execution  of  the  fierce 
wrath  of  God  upon  them. — The  compliance  of  the  army,  in 
leaving  both  the  captives  ar.d  the  spoil,  to  the  disposal  of  the 
princes,  was  very  wonderful  nnd  perhaps  unparalleled  in 
history  ; and  the  humane  trea’ment,  and  the  carrying  back  of 
the  captives  to  their  brethren,  deserves  all  possible  applause.— 
The  prophet’s  remonstranc  : had  for  the  time  its  full  effect : 
but  alas  1 both  princes  and  people  still  cleaved  to  their  idols, 
and  went  on  in  their  oilier  sins.  (Mar g.  Ref.)  ‘ What  might 
not  these  great  men  have  done,  to  bring  them  to  repent  of 
their  idolatry,  if  they  had  been  truly  religious  and  exerted 
their  authority  ?’  Bp.  Patrick.  The  narrative  also  shows, 
that  even  Israel,  amidst  all  their  idolatries  and  iniquities,  had 
not  forgotten,  and  were  not  disposed  to  question,  the  divine 
authority  of  the  law  of  Moses. 

V.  16 — 18.  (2  Kings  16:7 — 9.)  4 This  is  the  first  time 

that  we  read  of  the  king  of  Assyria,  excepting  2 Kings  15:19. 
where  Pul  king  of  Assyria  is  mentioned  as  a powerful  prince, 
who  invaded  the  Israelites.  Before  his  time,  we  read  nothing 
of  the  Assyrian  monarchy,  which  grew  by  degrees  to  its 
greatness  from  small  beginnings.  ...  If  their  large  empire  had 
been  of  long  standing,  we  should  in  all  probability  have  heard 
of  them  before  this  time,  as  we  do  often  afterwards.’  Bp. 
Patrick.  (Note,  2 Kings  15:19,20.) — The  Philistines,  &c. 
(18)  Marg.  Ref.  26:6.  Notes,  2 Kings  18:8.  Is.  14:28—32. 

V.  19.  He  marie  Judah  naked.)  The  Lord  himself  was 
the  glory  and  defence  of  Judah  : but  Ahaz,  by  seducing  his 
subjects  from  his  worship  and  service,  had  degraded  them, 
stripped  them  of  all  their  ornament,  deprived  them  of  all 
their  protection,  and  left  them  defenceless  and  contemptible 
in  the  hands  of  their  feeblest  enemies.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note 
Ex.  32:25.) 

V.  20,  21.  (Note,  2 Kings  16:7 — 9.)  Tiglath-pilezer 
4 did  come  to  his  assistance  against  the  king  of  Syria, 
...  he  took  Damascus,  carried  the  people  captive,  and 
delivered  Ahaz  from  the  power  of  the  Syrians.  . . . But  this 
did  Ahaz  little  good  ; for  he  ...  rather  weakened  him  by 
exhausting  his  treasures,  and  by  destoying  Samaria,  whereby 
the  way  was  opened  to  invade  his  country  the  more  easily 
in  the  next  reign.  Thus  many  countries,  in  latter  ages,  by 
calling  in  the  assistance  of  some  foreign  prince  against  their 
enemies,  have  been  overthrown  and  conquered  by  those  who. 
came  to  their  help.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  22,  23.  This  is  that  king  Ahaz.  (22)  This  is  ths*- 

( 791  ) 


3.  C.  733. 


II.  CHRONICLES 


B.  C.  726, 


ass  yet  more  against  the  Lord  : bthis  is  that 
ing  Ahaz. 

23  For  “he  sacrificed  unto  the  gods  of ‘Damas- 
cus, which  smo.e  him  : and  he  said,  dBecause  the 
gods  of  the  kings  of  Syria  help  them,  therefore 
will  I 'sacrifice  to  them,  that  they  may  help  me. 
But  fthey  were  the  ruin  of  him,  and  of  all  Israel. 

24  And  Ahaz  gathered  together  the  vessels  of 
the  house  of  God,  and  «cut  in  pieces  the  vessels 
of  the  house  of  God,  and  ^shutup  the  doors  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  ‘he  made  him  altars  in 
every  corner  of  Jerusalem. 

25  And  in  every  several  city  of  Judah  he  made 
iigh  places  to  fburn  incense  unto  other  gods,  and 
provoked  to  anger  the  Lord  God  of  his  fathers. 

26  H Now  kthe  rest  of  his  acts,  and  of  all  his 
ways,  first  and  last,  behold,  they  are  written  in 
the  book  of  the  Kin^s  of  Judah  and  Israel. 

27  And  Ahaz  slept  with  his  fathers,  and  they 
b.  c.-i  buried  him  in  the  city,  even  in  Jerusalem: 

J hut  'they  brought  him  not  into  the  sepulchres 
of  the  kings  of  Israel : and  Hezekiah  his  son 
reigned  in  his  stead. 

b Esth.  7:6.  Ps.  52:7.  c 25:14.  2 Kings  16: 12,13.  * Heb.  Damiesek.  d Hab. 
1:11.  e Jer.  44:15— 18.  f Jer.  44:20— 23.  g 2 Kings  16: 17,18.  25: 13,  &c.  h 29: 
S.7.  i 33:3— 5.  Jer.  2:28.  Hos.  12:11.  Acts  17:16,23.  t Or , offer.  k 20: 
34. 27:7 — 9.  2 Kings  *6:19,20.  121:20.26:23.33:20.  I Sam.  2:30.  Prov.  10:7. 
a l Kings  18:1 — 3.  1 Chr.  3:13.  Is.  1:1.  Hos.  1:1.  Mic.  1:1.  Matt.  1:9,10.  Eze- 
kias.  b 26:5.  Is.  8:2.  c 28:1.  34:2.  2 Kings  18:3.  d 34:3.  Ec  9:10.  Matt. 


notorious  offender,  who  grew  more  outrageous  in  his  idolatry 
and  impiety,  amidst  his  distresses ! That  abandoned  prince, 
who  disgraced  the  house  ,of  David,  and  accelerated  the  ruin 
of  Judah  ! Who  foolishly  sacrificed  to  the  gods  of  his  enemies, 
supposing  that  they  had  smitten  him ; instead  of  humbling 
himself  before  the  Lord,  who  had  used  the  Syrians  as  his 
instruments  for  his  correction  ! That  Ahaz,  who  acted  in  a 
manner  which  tended  to  ruin  himself,  his  family,  and  his 
kingdom  ; and  persevered  in  it  so  obstinately,  that  he  pro- 
voked the  Lord  to  cut  him  off  by  a premature  death,  in  the 
full  career  of  his  wickedness  !’  (Note,  25:14 — 16.) — 4 A most 
monstrous  stupidity,  to  imagine  they  had  any  power  over 
him,  who  could  not  defend  themselves  from  Tiglath-pilezer.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  24-27.  Notes , 21:18—20.  29:3—7.  2 Kings  16: 
10—20. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 8.  Those  who  succeed  eminently  wise  and  pious 
men  in  the  same  important  station,  seldom  enter  into  their 
views  or  imitate  their  conduct,  in  44  doing  that  which  is  right 
in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  :”  nay,  frequently  they  seem  ambi- 
tious of  being  as  opposite  to  them  as  possible  ; especially 
when  they  run  into  wickedness,  after  having  received  a pious 
education.  (Note,  2 Kings  21:3.) — When  sinners  44  like  not 
to  retain  God  in  their  knowledge,”  he  gives  them  up  to  the 
lusts  of  their  own  hearts,  to  perpetrate  every  thing  horrible 
and  unnatural ; and  when  such  monsters  of  iniquity  are 
advanced  to  thrones,  it  is  evident,  that  the  Lord  intends  by 
them  to  punish  a guilty  land,  by  involving  their  subjects  in  the 
consequences  of  their  crimes  and  follies.  They,  therefore, 
who  are  groaning  under  the  oppression  of  cruel  tyrants,  or 
suffering  from  the  effects  of  their  infatuated  counsels,  are 
called  on  to  humble  themselves  before  God  for  their  own  sins, 
to  submit  to  his  justice,  and  to  seek  deliverance  from  his 
mercy.  On  the  other  hand,  if  we  are  governed  with  equity  and 
clemency,  and  live  in  peace  and  prosperity,  through  the  pru- 
dent and  successful  administration  of  our  rulers ; we  should 
bless  God  for  his  mercies,  and  show  forth  our  graiitude  in  our 
daily  conduct : and  it  is  the  constant  duty  of  us  all  to  pray  for 
those  who  are,  or  shall  be,  placed  over  us,  that  they  may  be 
the  instruments  of  God’s  goodness  and  mercy  to  us,  and  not 
of  his  wrath. — Tempters  and  examples  of  iniquity  are  often 
employed  as  scourges  ; and  the  sentence,  which  God  righ- 
teously denounces,  man  may  unrig hteously  execute. — It  is  a 
lamentable  reflection,  that  so  many  thousands  of  lives  are 
sacrificed  to  the  mad  passions  of  potent  individuals,  who  them- 
selves escape  : but  they  that  thus  are  cut  off,  are  sinners,  and 
are  punished  for  having  forsaken  or  offended  God. — The 
combined  effects  of  several  depraved  passions  is  very  dread- 
ful : when  revenge  is  satiated,  avarice  or  ambition  may  take 
the  reins  ; and  if  pow’er  he  not  wanting,  the  widow,  the  orphan, 
the  stranger,  and  the  helpless,  will  be  oppressed,  crushed, 
and  enslaved  without  redress  ; while  the  oppressor  will  rejoice 
in  growing  rich  by  these  detestable  measures.  But  the  Lord 
beholds  and  disapproves  ; and,  in  one  way  or  another,  he  will 
plead  and  revenge  the  cause  of  the  oppressed. 

V.  9 — 27.  It  is  happy  when  the  authority  of  God’s  word, 
or  the  expostulations  of  his  ministers,  deter  men  from  persist- 
ing in  mercenary  cruelties  ; or  excite  legislators  and  princes 
to  put  a stop  to  their  iniquity.  If  the  oppressed  have  pro- 
voked God  to  deliver  them  up  into  the  hand  of  their  oppres- 
sors; should  not  these  remember,  that  44  there  are  with  them 
also  sins  against  the  Lord?”  Even  rigorous  justice  towards 
an  offending  brother,  is  a grievous  offence,  in  one  that  only 
{ 792  ) 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Hezekiah  reigns  well,  opens  the  doors  of  the  temple,  and  exhorts  the  priest » 
and  Lcvitcs  to  prepare  every  thing  for  the  worship  of  God,  I — 11.  They 
sane t if y themselves,  and  cleanse  the  temple  and  its  vessels,  i2 — 19.  Hete- 
kiah  offers  solemn  sacrifices;  and  the  Lcviles  show  more  zeal  than  the 
priests,  20—  36. 

aIT  EZEKIAH  began  to  reign  vihcn  he  was  five 
JLX  and  twenty  years  old,  ami  lie  reigned  nine 
and  twenty  years  in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother’s 
name  v'as  Aoijah,  the  daughter  of  hZechariah. 

2 And  he  cdid  that  which  teas  right  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord,  according  to  all  that  David  his 
father  had  done. 

3 ^1  He,  din  the  first  year  of  his  reign,  in  the  first 
month,  eopened  the  doors  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  and  repaired  them. 

4 And  he  brought  in  the  priests  and  the  Le- 
vites,  and  gathered  them  together  into  the  feast 
street, 

5 And  said  unto  them,  Hear  me,  ye  Levites; 
gSanctify  now  yourselves,  and  hsanctify  the  house 
of  the  Lord  God  of* your  fathers,  and  carry  forth 
the  filthiness  out  of  the  holy  place. 

6 For  'our  fatliers  have  trespassed  and  done 
that  which  was  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  our 


6:33.  e 28:24  . 2 Kings  16:14-19.  f 32:8.  Nell.  3:29.  Jer.  19:2.  g 35.6.  Ex 
19:10,15.  I Chr.  15:12.  h 16.34:3—8.  Ez.  36:25.  Mivtt.  21 : 12,13.  1 Cor.  3:16 
17.  2 Cor.  6:16.7:1.  Eph.  5:26,27.  i 28:2-4,23— 25.  34:21.  Ezra  5:12.  9:7 
Neh.  9:16,32.  Jer.  16:19.  44:21,22.  Lnm.  5:7.  Dun.  9:8,16.  Matt.  10:37.  23 
30—32. 


lives  and  hopes  through  the  mercy  of  God.  (Notes  and  P.  O. 
Matt.  18:23 — 35.)  But  for  those,  who  have  deserved  the 
heavy  wrath  of  God  for  t heir  own  sins,  to  injure  and  cruelly 
entreat  their  unoffending  brethren,  must  44  add  exceedingly  tc 
the  fierce  wrath  of  the  Lord  that  is  upon  them.”  If  44  he 
shall  have  judgment  without  mercy,  who  has  showed  no 
mercy  what  will  be  his  doom,  who  has  been  guilty  of  the 
most  flagrant  injustice  to  the  inoffensive  stranger,  merely 
because  he  had  it  in  his  power  to  oppress  him ! Surely,  in 
such  a case,  while  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  warn,  exhort, 
and  beseech  the  oppressors  to  deliver  the  captives  up,  whom 
they  have  taken  of  their  brethren  : the  legislators  and  rulers 
of  every  state  should  peremptorily  refuse  admission  into  their 
dominions,  to  those  bondslaves,  whom  men  have  so  unjustly 
reduced  under  their  subjection.  For  we  have  offended 
against  the  Lord  already,  and  this  connivance  must  add  still 
more  to  our  sin  and  to  our  trespass,  till  fierce  wrath  come 
upon  the  nation.  Nay,  if  the  poor  captives,  who  have  been 
violently  torn  from  their  native  country,  and  who  have  no  power 
to  return  to  their  beloved  relatives,  could,  when  dismissed 
and  kindly  treated,  be  carried  hack  again  to  them,  it  would 
be  a conduct  becoming  the  disciples  of  Christ  ; it  might  tend 
to  render  the  name  of  Christian  respectable  in  those  distant 
regions,  where  the  cruelty,  treachery,  and  avarice  of  those 
who  bear  it  have  rendered  it  odious  ; and  thus  at.  length 
prepare  the  way  for  the  propagation  of  the  gospel  among 
these  poor  benighted  heathens.  And,  instead  of  injuring  the 
interests  of  the  community,  or  of  any  individuals;  (except 
the  most  atrocious  of  the  oppressors,  who  have  no  right  to  be 
considered  ;)  we  may  venture,  upon  general  scriplural  prin- 
ciples, to  foretell,  that  above  all  other  measures,  it  w'ouldtend 
the  most  effectually  to  the  lengthening  of  our  tranquillity  and 
prosperity.  (Note,  Dan.  4:27.) — But  if  those,  who  commise- 
rate their  oppressed  fellow-creatures,  long  to  see  their  griev- 
ous servitude  terminated,  they  must  unite  in  prayer  for  the 
divine  blessing  upon  the  exertions  of  those,  who  honourably 
stand  forth  in  this  benevolent  cause.  For,  except  the  Lord 
touch  the  hearts  of  such  as  are  to  decide  upon  it,  every  exer- 
tion will  be  in  vain. — When  sinners  are  left  to  their  own 
hearts’  lusts,  they  grow  more  and  more  callous,  and  desperate 
in  wickedness;  and  44  trespass  yet  more  and  more”  in  their 
distress,  as  if  in  defiance  of  God  ; seeking  redress  in  ihcir 
miseries,  from  those  sins  whence  all  their  sufferings  spring, 
and  which  will  terminate  in  their  ruin  and  in  that  of  all  w ho 
adhere  to  them.  For  when  God  casts  down,  none  can  raise 
up;  and  all  helpers  will  increase  distress,  instead  of  affording 
deliverance. — The  progress  of  wickedness  and  misery  is  often 
rapid  : and  it  is  awful  to  reflect  upon  the  case  of  one,  who  has 
44  trespassed  more  and  more,”  and  added  one  impiety  to 
another,  and  done  all  in  his  power  to  lead  others  into  the 
same  destructive  courses  ; being  at  once  44  driven  away  in  his 
wickedness,”  info  the  eternal  world.  ( Note,  Prov.  14:32.) 
Yet,  even  this  apparent  severity  of  God,  against  the  rng- 
lcaders  in  iniquity,  proves  mercy  to  thousands,  when  ngnttous 
and  useful  persons  are  raised  up  in  their  stead. 

NOTES.— Ci-iap.  XXIX.  V.  1,2.  Notes,  2 Kings 
18:1—3. 

V.  3 — 5.  4 This  demonstrates  his  great  piety  and  zeal  foi 
God,  that  he  began  so  soon  to  reform  religion.  . . . The  surest 
way  to  establish  himself,  he  thought,  was  to  establish  true 
religion  ; though  he  run  a great  hazard  in  attemnt  ng  the 
abolishing  idolatry,  which  had  been  confirmeM  by  some  years' 
prescription.’  Bp.  Patrick.  It  seems  that  .he  ptihl'u  worship 
at  the  temple  was  entirely  suppressed  and  prohibited  juring  the 


B.  C.  726. 


CHAPTER  XXIX 


B.  C.  72b 


God,  and  kh;ivc  forsaken  him,  and  have  'turned 
away  their  faces  from  the  habitation  of  the  Lord, 
and  'turned  their  hacks. 

7 Also  mthey  have  shut,  up  the  doors  of  the 
porch,  and  put  out  the  lamps,  and  have  not 
burned  incense,  nor  offered  burnt-offerings  in  the 
holy  place  unto  the  Goil  of  Israel. 

8 "Wherefore  the  wrath  of  the  Lord  was  upon 
Judah  a*nd  Jerusalem,  and  he  hath  delivered  them 
to  'trouble,  “to  astonishment,  and  to  hissing,  as  ye 
see  with  your  eyes. 

9 For  lo,  four  fathers  have  fallen  by  the  sword, 
and  our  sons  and  our  daughters  and  our  wives  are 
in  captivity  for  this. 

10  Now  ‘‘if  is  in  my  heart  rto  make  a covenant 
with  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  ’that  his  fierce  wrath 
may  turn  away  from  us. 

1 1 My  sons,  be  not  now  'negligent:  for ‘the  Lord 
hath  chosen  you  to  stand  before  him,  to  serve  him, 
and  that  ye  should  minister  unto  him,  and  §burn 
incense. 

12  51  Then  the  Levites  arose,  Mahath  the  son  of 
Amasai,  and  Joel  the  son  of  Azariah,  of  the  sons 
of  the  “Kohathites  : and  ‘of  the  sons  of  Merari ; 
Kish  the  son  of  Abdi,  and  Azariah  the  son  of  Je- 
halelel : and  '’of  the  Gershonites  ; Joah  the  son  of 
Zimrhah,  and  Eden  the  son  of  Joah: 

13  And  of  the  sons  of  ‘Elizaphan ; Shimri,  and 
Jeiel : and  of  the  sons  of  “Asaph ; Zechariah, 
and  Mattaniah : 

14  And  of  the  sons  of  bHeman ; Jehiel,  and 
Shimei:  and  of  the  sons  of  “Jeduthun;  Shemaiah, 
and  Uzziel. 

k Jer.  2:13,17.  1 Jer.  2:27.  Ez.8:16.  • Heb.  given  the  neck,  m 28:24.  Lev. 
24:2—8.  2 Kings  16:17,18.  n 24:18.  34:24,25.  36:14— 16.  Deul.  28:15— 20. 

t Heb.  commotion.  o Lev.  23:32.  Dent.  28:59.  I Kings  9:8.  Jer.  18:16.  19:8. 
25:9,18.29:18.  p 28:5— 8,17.  Lev.  26: 17.  q 6:7,8.  r 15: 12,13  . 23:16  . 34 :30- 
£2.  Ezra  10:3.  Neh.  9:38.  10:1,  &c.  Jer.  34. 15,18.  50:5.  2 Cor.  8:5.  s 2 Kings 
23:3,26.  1 Or,  deceived.  Gal.  6:7,8.  l Num.  3:6 — 9.  8:6 — 14.  18:2 — 6.  Deut.. 

10:8.  § Or,  offer  sacrifice.  Ntim.  16:35— 40.  18:7.  u Ex.  6: 16—  25.  Num.  4:2, 
&c.  I Chr.  6 16— 18.  15:5.23:12— 20.  x l Chr.  6:19,44.  15:6.23:21—23.  y 1 Chr. 

latter  years  of  king  Ahaz.  (7.  28:24.  2 Kings  16:17,18.)  The 
only  reason  advanced  for  a contrary  opinion,  is  this  : it  is  not 
aaid,  that  the  sacred  fire  on  the  altar  of  burnt-offering  was 
extinguished,  or  that  it  was  rekindled  by  fire  from  heaven,  as 
at  the  dedication  of  the  temple.  If,  however,  the  service  was 
not  totally  put  a stop  to,  the  people  in  general  were  shut  out. 
from  attending. — Hezekiah  must  have  witnessed  this  impiety 
of  his  father,  with  deep  regret  and  indignation  : but  imme- 
diately upon  his  succession  to  the  throne,  he  threw  open  the 
doors  of  the  temple,  and  proceeded  to  re-establish  the  worship 
there,  as  in  the  days  of  David.  Yet  the  priests  and  Levites 
delayed  to  do  their  duty,  till  excited  *o  it  by  the  king.  Perhaps, 
Urijah  was  still  the  high-priest;  (Note,  2 Kings  16:10 — 16.) 
the  chief  priests  were  infected  with  idolatry,  and  disaffected 
to  the.  service  of  God  ; and  their  inferiors,  even  if  well  disposed, 
might  be  held  back  by  the  authority  of  the  leading  men,  till 
required  and  authorized  by  Hezekiah. — Sanctify , &c.  (5) 
Personal  repentance,  and  purification  from  legal  and  moral 
defilements,  were  requisite  in  the  priests  and  Levites,  before 
they  could,  according  to  order,  proceed  to  purify  the  temple. 

( Marg . Ref.  g,  h.) — Much  rubbish,  dirt,  and  rust,  would  be 
contracted,  through  disuse  and  neglect,  in  the  temple,  the 
courts,  and  the  sacred  vessels:  but  the  idolatry  with  which 
they  had  been  polluted,  and  the  altar,  made  after  the  model  of 
that  which  Ahaz  saw  at  Damascus,  formed  by  far  the  worst 
filthiness,  from  which  they  needed  to  be  cleansed. 

V.  6,  7.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Our  fathers,  &c.  (6)  When  the 
honour  of  God  was  concerned,  Hezekiah  did  not  hesitate  to 
criminate  those  who  had  gone  before.  He  did  not  indeed 
directly  mention  Anaz,  his  father,  because  that  was  not 
needful  ; and  the  neglect  and  base  compliances  of  the  priests 
and  Levites,  had  greatly  contributed  to  the  wickedness  of  the 
king  and  his  nobles.  (Notes,  Matt.  10:37 — 39.  2 Cor.  5:16. 
P.  O.  1 Pet.  1:17 — 21,  latter  part.) 

Turned  away,  &c.]  4 This  seems  to  signify,  that  Ahaz 

brought  in  a way  of  worship  directly  contrary  to  the  law  of 
God,  which  commanded  them  to  worship  toward  the  ark, 
which  was  placed  in  the  west.  But  he  ordered  that  they 
should  turn  their  hacks  upon  that,  . . . and  worship  toward  the 
east,  where  he  had  set  his  altar.  And  at  last  he  shut  up  the 
doors  of  the  temple,  that  they  should  not  worship  there  at  all.’ 
Bp.  Patrick.  (Note,  Ez.  8:16.) 

V.  8,  9.  The  defeat  and  dreadful  slaughter  recorded  in 
•he  foregoing  chapter  seem  here  referred  to,  as  the  effect  of 
some  extraordinary  terror  from  God  on  the  minds  of  the  Jews  ; 
jtnd  the  Edomites  and  Philistines  had  been  successful,  because 
God  had  employed  them  as  the  weapons  of  his  indignation. 
'.Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  28:6 — 8,16 — 19.) 

V.  10,  11.  ( Notes,  2 Sam.  7:1—3.  1 Kings  8:15—21. 

Chr.  28:2.)  4 He  foresaw  there  was  immediate  destruction 

spending  upon  the  whole  nation  for  their  iniquities,  unless 

Vol.  I.— 100 


15  And  they  gathered  their  brethren,  and  dsanc- 
tified  themselves,  and  came,  according  to  the  com- 
mandment of  the  king,  “by  the  words  of  the  Lord 
'to  cleanse  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

16  And  the  priests  went  into  f the  inner  part  of 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  to  cleanse  it,  and  brought 
out  sail  the  uncleanness  that  they  found  in  the 
temple  of  the  Lord  into  the  court  of  the  house  of 
the  Lord.  And  the  Levites  took  it,  to  carry  it 
out  abroad  into  the  brook  hKidron. 

17  Now  they  began  on  the  first  day  of  the  first 
month  to  sanctify,  and  on  the  eighth  day  of  the 
month  came  they  to  'the  porch  of  the  Lord  : so 
they  sanctified  the  house  of  the  Lord,  in  eight 
days  : and  in  klhc  sixteenth  day  of  the  first  month 
they  made  an  end. 

18  Then  they  went  in  to  Hezekiah  the  king, 
and  said,  We  have  cleansed  all  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  and  'the  altar  of  burnt-offering,  with  all 
the  vessels  thereof,  and  mthe  show-bread  table, 
with  all  the  vessels  thereof. 

19  Moreover  "all  the  vessels,  which  king  Ahaz 
in  his  reign  did  cast  away  in  his  transgression, 
have  we  prepared  and  sanctified,  and  beho  d, 
they  are  before  the  altar  of  the  Lord. 

[Practical  Observations.'] 

20  51  Then  Hezekiah  ^ the  king  “rose  early, 
and  gathered  the  rulers  of  the  city,  and  went  up 
to  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

21  And  they  brought  ‘'seven  bullocks,  and 
seven  rams,  and  seven  lambs,  and  seven  he-goats. 
for  ‘‘a  sin-offering  for  the  kingdom,  and  for  the 
sanctuary,  and  for  Judah.  And  he  commanded 

6:17.20,21.  15:7.23:7—11.  z Lev.  10:4.  Elzaphtm.  1 Chr.  15:S.  a I Chr.6: 
39.15:17.25:2.  b 1 Chr.  6:33.  15:19.  c 1 Chr.  25:1,3,6  . 4 5.  ||  Or,  it.  Ike 

business. 30:12.  e 1 Chr.  23:23.  1 3:8.5:7.  Ex.  26:33,34.  1 Kings  6:19.*. 

Heb. 9:2—8,23,24.  g Ez.  36:29.  Matt. 23:27.  h 15:16.  2 Kinxs 23:1— 6.  Jjbn 
18.1.  Cedi'on.  i7.  3:4.  1 Kings  6:3.  1 Chr.  28:11.  k Ex.  12:2-8.  14:1,7. 

m 4:8.  13:11.  n 2S:24.  o Gen.  22:3.  Ex.  24:4.  Josh.  6:12.  Jer.  25:4.  p N im. 
23:1,14,29.  1 Chr.  15-26.  Ezra  8:35.  Jub42.8.  Ez.  45:23.  q Lev.  4:3-14.  Num. 
15:22-24.  2 Cor.  5:21. 


they  did  heartily  and  speedily  repent  of  them.  . . . Therefore 
this  good  king  thought  it  absolutely  necessary  forthwith  to 
make  a thorough  reformation,  and  engage  the  whole  nation 
in  a solemn  covenant  to  worship  God  purely.  Thus  Conradus 
Pellicanus.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Notes,  15:12 — 15.  Deut.  29:10 — 
15.  Josh.  24:25—27.  2 Kings  11:17— £0.  23:3.  Neh.  9:38.  10:1, 
28—39.)  Hezekiah  attempted  to  prevail  with  the  priests  and 
Levites  to  attend  to  their  duty,  by  argument  and  affectionate 
exhortation,  and  not  by  comp^ion.  This  condescending 
address  assured  them  of  his  readiness  to  support  and  protect 
them,  as  a father  would  do  his  obedient  children.  He  warned 
them  not  to  be  deceived;  for  God  would  certainly  call  them 
to  a strict  account,  if  they  neglected  the  work  to  which  he  had 
chosen  them:  or  he  exhorted  them  not  to  be  remiss , when 
extraordinary  exertions  were  become  absolutely  necessary. 

Be  not  now  negligent.  (11)  “ Be  not  deceived.” 

Marg.  Do  not  err : 4 do  not  persist  in  that  error;  in  which 
you  have  neglected  that  worship  of  God,  lo  which  you  were 
chosen.’  Junius  in  Robertson. 

V.  12 — 19.  All  these  lenders  in  the  work  were  Levites 
of  the  different  families  of  that  tribe:  (Marg.  Ref.  u — c.) 
not  the  chief  in  rank,  hut  the  most  eminent  for  zeal  and  dili- 
gence. The  hign-priest  is  not  mentioned.  Some  of  the 
other  priests  concurred,  and  cleansed  the  inside  of  the  sanc- 
tuary, whither  the  Levites  might  not  enter. — When  the  ark 
was  to  be  removed,  and  on  other  necessary  occasions,  the 
priests  might  enter  the  holy  of  holies,  i hough  not  at  other 
rimes.  (Note,  Num.  4:5.) — Ahaz  died  about  the  close  of 
the  year;  and  Hezekiah  had  given  timely  orders  to  the 
priests  and  Levites,  for  them  to  begin  this  work  with  the 
new  year.  It  is  surprising  that  Ahaz  did  not  cut  in  pieces 
all  the  tables  of  show-bread,  and  the  other  golden  and  silver 
furniture  of  the  temple;  hut  merely  cast  them  aside. 

According  to  the  commandment  of  the  king,  & c.  (15) 
When  Ahaz  commanded  Urijah  contrary  to  the  law  of  God, 
both  he,  and  the  priest  who  obeyed  his. impious  command, 
acted  most  wickedly.  (Note,  2 Kings  16:10 — J6.)  But  the 
priests  and  Levites  acted  right,  in  proportion  as  they  obeyed 
“the  commandment  of  the  king  by  the  words  of  the  Lord.” 
Hezekiah  properly  improved  his  talent,  without  intermeddling 
out  of  his  province;  and  they  as  properly  yielded  obedience. — 
Why  should  not  the  case  he  the  same,  under  the  Christian 
dispensation?  Was  Hezekiab’s  interposition  any  part  of  the 
ritual  law  of  Moses,  which  Christianity  has  superseded  ? 
( Note,  30:12.) 

V.  20.  Perhaps  Hezekiah  arose  earlier  on  that  day  than 
common,  that  he  might,  set  the  people  an  example  of  earnest- 
ness in  the  service  of  God.  He  would  not  lose  a day,  nor 
an  hour,  after  the  temple  was  ready,  before  he  opened  the 
solemn  worship  of  God,  by  sin-offerings  and  other  sacrifices. 
(Notes,  Ps.  119:57 — G \.  Matt.  6:33,34.) 

( 793  Y 


B.  ( . 736, 


II.  CHRONICLES 


B.  C.  726. 


tiie  priests  the  sons  of  Aaron  to  offer  them  on  the 
alta  • of  the  Loan. 

22  So  they  killed  the  bullocks,  and  the  priests  re- 
ceived the  blood,  and  'sprinkled  it  on  the  altar : like- 
wise, when  they  had  killed  the  rams,  they  sprinkled 
the  blood  upon  the  altar:  they  killed  also  the  lambs, 
and  they  sprinked  the  blood  upon  the  altar. 

23  And  they  brought  'forth  the  he-goats  for 
the  sin-offering  before  the  king  and  the  congre- 
gation; and  “they  laid  their  hands  upon  them: 

24  And  the  priests  killed  them,  and  they  made 
‘reconciliation  with  their  blood  upon  the  altar,  to 
make  an  atonement  for  all  Israel:  for  the  king 
commanded  that  the  burnt-offering  and  "the  sin- 
offering  should  be  made  for  all  Israel. 

25  And  “he  set  the  Levites  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord  with  cymbals,  with  psalteries,  and  with 
harps,  ^according  to  the  commandment  of  David, 
and  of  ‘Gad  the  king’s  seer,  and  "Nathan  the 
prophet:  bior  so  was  the  commandment  Tof  the 
Lord  by  his  prophets. 

26  And  the  Levites  stood  with  cthe  instruments 
of  David,  and  Hhe  priests  with  the  trumpets. 

27  And  Hezekiah  commanded  to  offer  the 
burnt-oHering  upon  the  altar.  And  Lvhen  the 
burnt-offering  began,  ethe  song  of  the  Lord  began 
also  with  the  trumpets,  and  with  Hhe  instruments 
ordained  by  David  king  of  Israel. 

28  And  f all  the  congregation  worshipped,  and 
"the  singers  san<r,  and  the  trumpeters  sounded  : 
and  all  this  continued  until  the  burnt-offering  was 
finished. 

29  And  when  they  had  made  an  end  of  offering, 
the  king  and  all  that  were  "present  with  him, 
gbowed  themselves,  and  worshipped. 

r Lev.  1:5.  4:7,13,31.  8:15,19,24.  Hell.  9:21,22.  • Heb.  near,  s Lev.  1:4. 
4.15,24.  t Lev.  6:30.8:15.  Kz.  45:15,17.  Dan.  9:24.  Rom.  5:10.11.  2 Cor. 
5:16—21.  Col.  1:20.21.  Heb.  2:17.  u Lev.  4:13,  Sec.  x I Clir.  9:33.  15: 
16-22.  15:4,5,42.  25:1—7.  v 8:14.  35:15.  1 ( hr.  23:5.  28:12,19.  z 2 Sam. 
21:11.  IChr.  21:9.  29:29.  a '2  Sam.  7:2-4.12:1—7.  b 30:12.  f Heb.  by  th. 
bnfA  of  the  LORD,  by  the  hand  of  his  prop' els.  c 1 Chr.  23:5.  Am.  6:5. 
d 5:12, '13.  Num.  10:10.  Josh.  6:4— 9.  1 Chr.  15:24.  16:6.  I s.  81 :3.  98:5,6.  150:3. 
I Heb  .in  the  time.  c 7:3.20:21.23:18.  Ps.  136:1.  § Heb.  hands  of  instru- 
ments. fPs.  68:24 — 26.  Rev. 5:8 — 14.  ||  Heb.  song.  Ps.  89:15.  U Heb.  found. 

V.  21 — 24.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note , Lev.  1:5 — 9.) — One  bul- 
lock was  appoin'ed  for  a sin-offering  for  the  high-priest,  and 
one  for  the  whole  congregation  : but  on  this  extraordinary 
occasion,  when  so  many  and  great  enormities  had  been  com- 
mitted, multiplied  atoning  sacrifices  wore  offered.  ( Notes , 
Lev.  4:13 — 21.  Num.  15:22 — 29.)  The  ceremony  of  the 
king  end  the  congregation  laying  their  hands  upon  the  head 
of  the  goats,  expressed  their  confession  of  guilt,  and  the  sub- 
stitution of  the  guiltless  animal  to  suffer  in  their  stead  ; which 
prefigured  him  u who  bare  our  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the 
tree.”  (Notes,  Lev.  1:4.  16:20 — 22.)  It  is  not,  however, 
here  stated,  that  ihe  prescribed  rules,  respecting  the  sin- 
offerings,  for  the  priest,  the  ruler,  or  the  nation,  as  to  carry- 
ing the  blood  into  the  most  holy  place,  and  burning  the  bodies 
without  the  camp,  was  observed.  Perhaps  this  was  not 
done:  and  in  that  case,  these  sin-offerings  must  be  con- 
sidered as  in  some  respects  different  from  those  prescribed 
in  that  part  of  the  law.  (Notes,  Lev.  4:4 — 7,11,12.  6:30.  Heb. 
13:9 — 14,  vv.  11,12.) — The  word  here  rendered  he- goats , (21) 
is  not  used  in  Scripture  till  after  the  captivity,  and  learned 
men  think  that  this  is  one  proof  that  Ezra  compiled  these  books. 
— The  burnt-offering  and  the  sin-offerings  were  presented, 
not  only  in  behalf  of  the  kingdom  of  Judah,  but  for  all  Israel, 
even  the  ten  tribes,  which  were  at  this  time  governed  by 
Hoshea.  Hezekiah  seems  in  this  to  have  had  respect  to  the 
plan  which  he  afterwards  proposed,  and  which  is  recorded  in 
th 3 ensuing  chapter,  namely,  of  uniting  the  whole  nation  of 
Israel  in  celebrating  the  passover,  and  in  the  worship  of 
God. 

V.  25 — 30.  The  temple-psalmody  was  regulated  with  the 
concurrence  of  these  other  prophets,  as  well  as  by  the  ap- 
pointment of  David.  ( Notes,  23:11 — 21,  v.  13.  1 Chr.  9:22. 
15:16.  16:4—6.25:1—8.  Ezra  3:8— 11.  Ps.  33:2,3.  81:1— 5. 
95:1—6.  150:) 

The.  priests  with  the  trumpets.  (26)  The  blovying  of 
trumpets  by  the  priests,  on  various  occasions,  and  in  par- 
ticular over  the  sacrifices,  was  a part  of  the  ritual  law  of 
Moses,  and  is  here  exactly  distinguished  from  the  psalmody 
instituted  by  David  and  the  prophets.  (27,28.  Notes,  5:12,13. 
13:4—12,  v.  12.  Num.  10:2—10,  10.  P.  O.  1— 10.— Asaph 

the  seer.  (30)  Notes,  Ps.  73:  title.  74:  title. 

V.  31,  32.  As  the  burnt  sacrifices  were  wholly  consumed 
on  the  altar,  the  offering  of  them  evinced  greater  zeal  and 
liberality,  than  the  oblation  of  peace-offerings,  a grcaj  part  of 
which  was  eaten  by  the  offerer  and  his  friends.  (Notes, 
Uv.  1:  3:) — Comparing  the  sacrifices  offered  on  this  occasion, 
with  those  of  Solomon  when  the  temple  was  dedicated  ; (7:5 

.0.  Note,  1 Kings  8:63 — G5.)  though  here  it  is  said  the 


30  Moreover,  Hezekiah  the  king  and  the 
princes  commanded  the  Levites  to  sing  praise 
unto  the  Lord  ’’with  the  words  of  David,  and  <y 
Asaph  the  seer.  And  'they  sang  praises  witu 
gladness,  and  they  bowed  their  heads  and  wor 
shipped. 

31  Then  Hezekiah  answered  and  said,  Now 
ye  have  "consecrated  yourselves  unto  the  Lord, 
come  near  and  bring  "sacrifices  and  'thank-offer- 
ings into  the  house  of  the  Lord.  And  the 
congregation  brought  in  sacrifices  and  thank- 
offerings  ; and  mas  many  as  were  of  a free  heart, 
burnt-offerings. 

32  And  "the  number  of  the  burnt-offerings, 
which  the  congregation  brought,  was  threescore 
and  ten  bullocks,  a hundred  rams,  and  two  hun- 
dred lambs:  all  these  were  for  a burnt-offering  to 
the  Lord. 

33  And  the  “consecrated  things,  were  six  hun- 
dred oxen  and  three  thousand  sheep. 

34  But  '’the  priests  were  too  few,  so  that  they 
could  not  flay  all  the  burnt-offerings : wherefore 
"their  brethren  the  Levites  "did  help  them,  till  the 
work  was  ended,  and  until  the  other  priests  had 
sanctified  themselves:  rfor  the  Levites  were  more 
“upright  in  heart  to  sanctify  themselves  than  the 
priests. 

35  And  also  'the  burnt-offerings  were  in 
abundance,  with  "the  fat  of  the  peace-offerings, 
and  "the  drink-offerings  for  every  burnt-offering. 
ySo  the  service  of  the  house  of  the  Lord  was  set 
in  order. 

36  And  ‘Hezekiah  rejoiced,  and  all  the  people, 
that  “God  had  prepared  the  people : for  Hhe 
thing  was  done  suddenly. 

e 20:18.  1 Chr.  29:20.  Ps.  72:11.  Rom.  14:11.  Phil.  2:10,11.  h 2 Sam.  23:1 ,2. 
1 Chr.  16:7— 36.  i Ps.  32:11.  33:1.  95:1 ,2.  100:1 ,2.  149.2.  Phil.  4:4.  •‘Or, 

filled  your  hand.  13:9.  k Lev.  1 : 3:  1 Lev.  7:12.  m Lev.  1:3.  23:38.  Ezra  1: 
4.  n 1 Kings  3:4.  8:63.  1 Chr.  29:21.  Ezra  6:17.  o 31.  p5.30:16,17.  q 35: 
11.  Num  8:15,19. 18:3,6,7.  tt  Ueb.  strengthened  them  r 30:3.  si  Chr. 29: 
17.  Ps.  7:10.  t 32.  u Ex.  29:13.  Lev.  3:15,16.  x Gen.  35:14.  Lev.  23:13. 
Num.  15:5,7,10.  y 1 Chr.  16:37—42.  Ezra  6: 18.  1 Cor.  14:40.  z 1 Chr.  29:9, 
17.  Ezra  6:22.  1 Thes.  3:8,9.  a 30:12.  1 Chr.  29:18.  Ps.  10:17.  Prov.  16:1. 
b Acts  2:41. 


burnt-offerings  were  in  abundance ; wc  may  form  some  idea, 
how  greatly  the  riches  and  prosperity  of  the  kingdom  of  Judah 
were  diminished ; or,  how  greatly  the  general  spirit  of  piety 
had  declined.  (30:24.) 

V.  33.  It  is  probable,  that  the  consecrated  things  denote 
the  peace-offerings  and  thank-offerings. 

V.  34.  It  docs  not  appear  that  any  idolatrous  priests  were 
punished : but  perhaps  some  were  disgraced  and  excluded 
from  attendance;  while  many  neglected  to  sanctify  them- 
selves, being  averse  to  the  sacred  service.  It  was  therefore 
deemed  more  proper,  that  upright  and  duly  sanctified  Levites 
should  flay  the  sacrifices,  than  unclean  or  profane  priests. 
This  is  considered  by  many  as  irregular,  but  it  is  no  where 
prohibited.  Indeed,  before  the  Levites  were  given  to  the 
sons  of  Aaron,  it  is  probable,  that  they  who  brought  the  sacri- 
fice both  slaughtered  and  flayed  it;  (Note,  Lev . 1:5 — 9.) 
afterwards  these  services  seem  to  have  formed  a part  of  the 
ministry  assigned  to  the  Levites,  at  the  will  of  the  priests  : but 
at  length  it  became  customary  for  the  priests  to  perform  them. 
The  Levites  might  not  in  any  case  sprinkle  the  blood,  burn 
the  fat  and  flesh,  or  approach  the  altar. — 4 The  Levites  were 
men  of  greater  integrity  than  the  priests:  at  least  there  were 
more  men  of  zeal  found  among  them,  that  readily  offered 
themselves  to  the  service  of  God.  See  30:17.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  35.  Marg.  Ref. 

V 36.  The  great  and  sudden  change  produced  in  the  con- 
duct of  the  people  ; and  the  alacrity  with  which  they  concurred 
in  measures,  to  which  much  opposition  had  been  expected, 
evidenced  that 44 God  had  prepared”  them:  and  Hezekiah  and 
all  the  people  rejoiced  in  it,  as  a token  that  he  would  prosper 
them  in  endeavouring  a more  complete  reformation.  (Marg. 
Ref.  Note,  30:12.)  God  4 had  given  this  good  mind  to  them, 
to  join  so  forwardly  in  this  reformation.  44  For  the  thing 
was  done  suddenly  ;”  which  argued  a divine  motion,  whereby 
they  were  excited  without  long  persuasions.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 19.  The  removal  of  a single  individual  of  very  bad 
character,  from  any  public  situation,  and  the  succession  of  a 
wise  and  pious  person  in  his  stead,  may  be  productive  o» 
most  important  and  extensive  good  effects  ; for  authority, 
influence,  and  example,  give  such  energy  to  the  attempts  of 
princes  and  nobles,  that  the  consequences  of  their  conduct  are 
beyond  all  calculation.  What  an  honour  is  it  to  be  employed 
in  diffusing  piety  and  felicity  through  whole  kingdoms  ! But 
how  dreadful  will  bo  the  condemnation  of  those,  who  spread 
guilt  and  misery  in  so  extensive  a manner! — Whether  a godly 
man  inherit  a kingdom,  or  an  estate  ; whether  he  change  hii 
station  in  society  or  his  place  of  abode,  or  be  removed  to  a 
( 794  ) 


B.  C.  .2b. 


CHAPTER  XXX 


B C.  726 . 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

Hsz'kiah  proclaims  a solemn  passover  to  be  kept  in  the  second  month,  and  calls 
on  both  Judah  and  Israel  to  unite  in  celebrating  it,  1 — 5.  Hie  message  to 
fhj  Israelites , and  the  reception  with  which  it  met,  6 — 12.  A great  multitude . 
haring  destroyed  the  altars  for  idolatry  in  Jerusalem,  preparc'to  keep  the 
feas t,  13 — 16.  Hezekiah  prays  for  those  who  are  not  ceremonially  clean, 
and  is  graciously  answered,  17 — 20.  They  keep  the  feast  fourteen  days  with 
great  Joy,  21—26.  The  priests  bless  the  people,  27. 

AND  Hezekiah  sent  “to  all  Israel  and  Judah, 
and  wrote  letters  balso  to  Ephraim  and  Ma- 
nasseh,  that  they  should  come  “to  the  house  of  the 
Lord  at  Jerusalem,  ''to  keep  the  passover  unto 
the  Lord  God  of  Israel. 

2  For  'the  king  had  taken  counsel,  and  his 
rinces,  and  all  the  congregation  in  Jerusalem,  to 
eep  the  passover  fin  the  second  month. 

3  For  they  could  not  keep  it  sat  that  time,  hbe- 
cause  the  priests  had  not  sanctified  themselves 
sufficiently,  neither  had  the  people  gathered  them- 
selves together  to  Jerusalem. 

4  And  the  thing  'pleased  the  king  and  all  the 
congregation. 

5  So  they  'established  a decree  kto  make  pro- 

.11:13,16.  b 10,11.  i5:7.  35:6.  Hos.  5:4.  7:8,9.  11:8.  c Dcm.  16:2— 6.  d Kx. 
12:3—20.  1 Cor.  5:7,8.  e 1 Chr.  13:1—3.  Pi-ov.  11:14.  15:22.  Ec.  4:13.  f Nuin. 
9:10,11.  g Ex.  12:6,18.  h 29:34.  • Heb.  was  right  in  Hie  eyes  of.  1 Chr.  13: 
4.  i Ezra  6:8— 12.  Eith.  3:12-15.  8:8— 10. 9:20,21 . Dan.  6:8.  k 24:9.36:22. 
Lev.  23. 2, 4. -Dan.  4:1,  &c.  1 Judg.  20:1.  m 35:18.  n Job  9:25.  Esth.  8:14. 

ler.  51:31.  t Heb.  the  hand  of  the.  o Is.  55:6,7.  Jer.  4:1.  Ez. 33:11.  Hos. 

new  situation  in  the  church;  his  first  actions  will  be  of  consi- 
derable importance,  and  often  leave  an  abiding  impression  : 
and  regulations  may  frequently  be  then  made  without  diffi- 
culty, before  different  habits  and  expectations  have  been 
formed  ; which  would  afterward  become  almost  impracticable. 
— Even  in  that  nation,  in  which  God  had  appointed  that 
apostates  and  idolaters  should  be  punished  with  death,  the 
most  effectual  revivals  of  true  religion  were  produced  by 
example,  exhortation,  and  encouragement : and  if  it  were  in 
the  hearts  of  kings  and  rulers,  thus  to  join  themselves  in  cove- 
nant with  the  Lord,  and  zealously  to  stir  up  all  orders  of 
people  to  do  their  duty,  by  earnest  persuasions  and  affection- 
ate expostulations,  without  using  violence,  or  imposing  on 
men’s  consciences  ; many  would  be  excited  willingly  to  concur 
in  their  pious  designs,  and  to  44  come  according  to  the  com- 
mandment of  the  king,  by  the  words  of  the  LORD.”  ( Notes, 
10,11.  30:12.)  Happy  and  honourable  will  they  be,  who  shp.Il 
thus  become  44  nursing  fathers”  to  the  church,  not  by  bribes  and 
preferments,  but  by  countenancing  those  who  zealously  labour 
to  promote  acknowledged  truth  and  practical  godliness,  even 
though  not  all  exactly  in  the  same  way. 

V.  20 — 36.  The  nominal  ministers  of  religion  have,  in  all 
ages,  been  lamentably  backward,  in  labouring  and  venturing 
to  promote  the  cause  of  God  : and  the  higher  their  dignities , 
and  the  greater  their  emoluments , the  more  evident,  alas,  fre- 
quently, has  been  their  aversion  to  the  work  of  the  ministry. 
Too  generally  indeed  the  infidelit}'  and  impiety  of  all  orders 
in  the  community  are  justly  chargeable  upon  the  vices,  the 
supineness,  or  the  insufficiency  of  the  stated  ministers. 
Instead  of  exhorting  all  others  to  do  their  duty,  no  exhorta- 
tions have  been  found  effectual,  to  induce  them  to  attend  to 
their  own : nay,  they  have  often  been  found  disposed  to  over- 
awe and  browbeat  their  inferior  brethren,  who  were  willing  to 
44  labour  in  the  word  and  doctrine  and  to  supply  their  lack 
of  service,  that  immortal  souls  might  not  perish  for  want  of 
instruction.  But  if  the  honour  of  a parent  is  not  to  be 
regarded,  where  the  glory  of  God  is  concerned,  such  clergy- 
men, however  dignified,  must  not  expect  to  be  treated  with 
respect,  when  the  very  existence  of  true  religion  is  at  stake  : 
and  the  reputation  of  the  clerical  function  must  be  supported 
by  the  holy  lives,  superior  knowledge  in  divine  things,  and 
unwearied  labours  of  the  clergy : or  else  it  will  sink  into 
neglect  and  contempt.  The  true  minister  of  Christ,  however, 
should  take  heed  first  to  himself  and  then  to  his  ministry. 
His  own  conscience,  heart,  and  life  must  first  be  purified,  by 
repentance  and  faith  in  the  divine  Saviour  ; and  then  he  may 
hope  to  prosper  in  endeavouring  to  convert  others  also,  and 
to  promote  the  pure  and  spiritual  worship  of  God. — In  all 
reformation,  personal  or  public,  we  must  first  be  convinced 
in  what  particulars  we  have  done  wrong,  and  then  consider 
how  we  may  do  better.  Neglect  of  God  and  omission  of  duty 
lead  to  more  direct  impiety  and  iniquity ; and  our  own  trans- 
gressions prepare  us  to  become  tempters  and  seducers  of 
others.  ^Thus  religion  is  run  down,  and  the  wrath  of  the 
Lord  comes  on  apostate  professors  of  the  gospel,  and  on 
apostate  nations.  In  returning  to  him,  therefore,  we  must 
renounce  our  sins  and  begin  to  practise  neglected  duties,  to 
use  the  means  of  grace,  and  to  watch  against  the  wickedness 
of  the  heart.  We,  indeed,  have  no  occasion  for  multiplied 
sacrifices  ; as  the  one  atonement  of  Christ  is  sufficient  for  all 
who  rely  on  it  : but  we  need  repeated  confessions  of  guilt, 
constant  humiliation  before  God,  and  application  to  the 
Saviour’s  blood,  for  forgiveness  and  acceptance  : we  need  to 
maintain  daily  communion  with  our  reconciled  Father  through 
Christ.,  and  to  receive  continual  communications  from  him  : 
and  we  should  present  our  spiritual  sacrifices  of  praise  and 
thanksgiving,  and  devote  our  time,  talents,  and  substance, 


clamation  throughout  all  Israel,  'from  Beer-sheba 
even  to  Dan,  that  they  should  come  to  keep  the 
passover  ui  to  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  at  Jerusa 
lem  : mfor  they  had  not  done  it  of  a long  time  in 
such  sort  as  it  was  written. 

6 So  "the  posts  went  with  the  letters  from  ’the 
king  and  his  princes,  throughout  all  Israel  and 
Judah,  and  according  to  the  commandment  of  the 
king,  saying,  Ye  children  of  Israel,  “turn  again 
unto  the  Lord  God  of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Israel, 
and  he  will  return  to  the  remnant  of  you  that 
are  Pescaped  out  of  the  hand  _ of  the  kings  of 
Assyria. 

7 And  be  not  ye  "dike  your  fathers,  and  like 
your  brethren,  which  trespassed  against  the  Lord 
God  of  their  fathers,  who  therefore  gave  them  up 
to  desolation,  ras  ye  see. 

8 Now  Jbe  ye  not  stiffnecked,  as  your  fathers 
were,  but  fyielcl  yourselves  unto  the  Lord,  and 
“enter  into  his  sanctuary,  ‘which  he  hath  sanctified 
for  ever : and  “serve  the  Lord  your  God,  that 

14:1.  Joel  2:12,13.  Jam.  4:8.  p 28:20.  1 Kings  15:19,29.  1 Chr.  5:26.  Is.  1:9. 
q Ez.  20:18.  Zech.  1:3,4.  r 29:8.  J Heb.  harden  not  your  necks.  36:13.  Ex. 
32:9.  Dent.  10:16.  § Heb.  give  the  hand.  1 Chr.  29:24.  marg.  Ezra  10:19.  Ps. 
68:31.  Rom.  6:13,16,19.  3 Ps.  63:2.  68:24.  73: 17.  t Ps.  132:13,14.  u Deni. 

6:13,17.  Josh.  24:15.  Malt.  4:10.  Jolm  12:26.  Rom.  6:22.  Col.  3:22— 24.  Rev. 
7:15. 


yea,  our  bodies  and  souls,  with  a free  heart,  as  sacrifices 
acceptable  to  the  Father  through  the  Redeemer’s  name.  To 
these  things  we  are  encouraged  by  the  joyful  sound  of  his 
gospel : when  we  abound  in  these  sacred  exercises,  according 
to  the  commandment  of  the  holy  prophets  and  apostles  of 
Christ,  we  shall  be  enabled,  though  in  ourselves  most  miser- 
able sinners,  to  44  rejoice  in  the  Lord,”  and  to  glory  in  his 
salvation.  Those  ministers,  who  are  most  diligent  in  prepar- 
ing for  their  work,  and  in  performing  it,  will  eventually  be  most 
employed  and  honoured,  even  though  inferior  in  external 
distinctions  ; and  slothful  disqualification  will  never  excuse 
any  man’s  negligence  before  God.  But  he  alone  can  prepare 
the  heart  of  man  for  vital  godliness : when  much  real  good  is 
effected  in  a little  time,  the  glory  must  be  ascribed  to  him  ; 
and  all  who  love  him,  or  the  souls  of  men,  will  rejoice.  If  we 
would  have  such  blessings,  we  must  make  it  our  constant 
prayer  to  him,  thus  to  44  prepare  our  hearts”  and  those  of 
others  ; for  when  he  works,  great  things  may  suddenly  be 
effected.  The  Lord  grant,  that  none  called  ministers  may  be 
negligent ; but  that  they  may  all  act  as  chosen  by  him,  to 
stand  before  him,  and  to  serve  him  ; and  zealously  do  his  will, 
that  his  wrath  may  be  turned  from  them,  and  from  others  on 
every  side,  by  his  blessing  upon  their  labours,  and  in  answer 
to  their  fervent  prayers  and  supplications  ! 

NOTES. — Chap.  XXX.  V.  1.  The  other  tribes  of 
Israel  were  as  much  bound  to  obey  the  law  of  Moses,  as 
Judah  and  Benjamin  were  ; but  Hezekiah  had  no  authority 
over  them.  Yet  the  circumstances,  in  which  they  were 
placed,  encouraged  him  to  address  them  by  letters,  with  an 
amicable  and  pious  invitation  ; which  implied,  that  they  migh* 
attend  at  the  temple  with  perfect  safety,  though  they  were 
not  his  subjects.  (Notes,  1 Kings  12:26 — 29.  2 Kings  17:2. 
18:9 — 12.) — Ephraim  and  Manasseh,  as  principal  tribes,  seem 
to  he  put  for  the  whole  kingdom  of  Israel. 

V.  2 — 4.  Hezekiah  and  his  counsellors  justly  concluded, 
that  the  regulation  of  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  second  month, 
which  had  been  made  for  individuals,  who  were  hindered  from 
eating  the  passover  at  the  appointed  season,  might,  in  their 
present  circumstances,  be  extended  to  the  whole  congrega- 
tion. (Notes,  Num.  9:6 — 14.) — A sufficient  number  of  the 
priests  had  not  been  duly  sanctified,  to  prepare  the  temple  for 
lhat  ordinance  at  the  stated  time,  or  to  officiate  in  it  ; the 
people,  long  disused  from  attendance,  were  not  generally 
assembled  ; those  who  were  present  seemed  well  disposed  to 
celebrate  that  solemn  and  significant  ordinance  ; and  it  might 
have  an  abiding  good  effect,  if  the  favourable  opportunity  were 
seized.  (Notes,  35:1 — 19.  Ex.  12:3 — 27.)  For  these  reasons, 
it  was  determined  to  summon  the  people  to  attend,  and  to  keep 
the  passover  in  the  second  month. 

V.  5.  As  it  was  written.]  It  is  probable  that  the  passover 
and  the  other  solemn  feasts,  were  sometimes  totally  omitted 
for  many  years  together ; at  other  times  very  carelessly 
attended,  and  by  very  few  persons,  compared  with  what  the 
law  required  : and  the  ten  tribes  had  never  been  accustomed 
to  repair  to  Jerusalem,  since  the  division  of  the  kingdom. 
(Notes,  26,27.  11:13—17.  1 Kings  1 2:26—32.) 

V.  6 — 9.  Hoshea  was  king  of  Israel  at  this  time,  and  it 
does  not  appear,  that  he  attempted  to  hinder  his  subjects 
from  resorting  to  Jerusalem  to  worship,  if  they  chose  it. 
(Note,  2 Kings  17:2.) — In  the  preceding  reign,  Israel  had 
made  a most  dreadful  slaughter  of  the  men  of  Judah  : yet 
Hezekiah  considered  the  Israelites  as  brethren,  and  greatly 
desired  to  bring  them  back,  by  kind  treatment,  to  the  religion 
of  their  fathers  ; therefore  he  sent  his  proclamation,  or  letters, 
into  the  parts  of  the  land  belonging  to  the  ten  tribes,  as  well 
as  throughout  his  own  dominions. — The  word  rendered 
I 44  posts”  signifies  i unners  : for  men  were  then,  and  still  are  n 
( 795  ) 


B.  C.  726. 


II  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  726 


'the  fierceness  of  his  wrath  may  turn  away  from 
you. 

9 For  rif  ye  turn  a?ain  unto  the  Lord,  your 
brethren  and  your  children  shall  find  compassion 
before  them  that  lead  them  captive,  “so  that  they 
shall  come  again  into  this  land : for  athe  Lord 
your  God  is  gracious  and  merciful,  and  bwill  not 
cturn  away  ids  face  from  you,  if  ye  return  unto 
him. 

10  Sodthe  posts  passed  from  city  to  city  through 
the  country  of  Ephraim  and  Manasseh,  even  unto 
Zebulun : but  “they  laughed  them  to  scorn,  and 
mocked  them. 

11  Nevertheless,  f divers  of  Asher  and  Manas- 
seh, and  of  Zebulun,  ^humbled  themselves,  and 
came  to  Jerusalem. 

12  Also  in  Judah  hthe  hand  of  God  was  to 
give  them  one  heart  to  do  'the  commandment  of 
the  king  and  of  the  princes,  iby  the  word  of  the 

LORD.  [Practical  Observations .] 

13  And  there  assembled  at  Jerusalem  much 
people  to  keep  the  feast  of  unleavened  bread  in 
kthe  second  month,  a very  great  congregation. 

14  And  they  arose  and  took  away  the  •altars 
*hat  were  in  Jerusalem,  and  all  the  altars  for  in- 
cense took  they  away,  and  cast  them  into  mthe 
brook  Kidron. 


x 28:11,13.29:10  . 2 Kings  23:26.  Ps.  78:49.  v 7:14.  Lev.  26:40— 42.  Deut. 
30:2—4.  I Kings  8:50.  Ps.  106:46.  z Jer.  29:*12— 14.  31 :27,28.  a Ex.  34:6,7. 
Ps.  85:5,15.  145.7,8.  Mic.  7:18.  b 15:2.  Is.  55:7.  Ez.  18:30— 32.  c Jer.  18:17. 
d 6.  Esth.  3:13,15.  8:10,14.  Job  9:25.  e 36:16.  Gen.  19:14.  Neh.2:19.  Job  12: 
4.  Luke  8.53.  16:14.22:63,64.23:35.  Acts  17:32.  Heb.  11:36.  f 18.11:16.  Acts 
17:34.  g 12:6,7,12.33:12,19,23.34:27.  Ex.  10:3.  Lev.  26:41.  Dan.  5:2*2.  Luke 
14:11.  18:14.  Jam.  4:10.  1 Pet.  5:6.  h 29:36.  1 Chr.  29:18,19.  Ezra  7:27.  Ps. 
110:3.  Jer.  32:39.  Phil.  2:13.  2 Thes.  2: 13,14.  i Deut.  4:2, 5, 6.  1 Thes.  4:2. 
) 29:25.  Acts  4:19.  k See  on  2.  1 28:24.34:4,7.  2 Kinge  18:22.23:12,13.  Is. 


many  places,  trained,  and  kept  on  purpose,  to  convey 
despatches  speedily  by  running. — Even  then,  the  Israelites 
tVere  but  a remnant,  which  had  escaped  from  the  ravages  of 
Pul  and  Tiglath-pilezer : and  far  heavier  judgments  awaited 
them  for  their  apostacy  and  idolatry  ; which  could  not  be 
averted,  except  by  turning  again  to  the  God  of  their  fathers. 
Hezekiah,  however,  most  affectionately  and  plainly,  cautioned 
them  not  to  copy  the  crimes  of  their  fathers  and  brethren, 
whose  miseries  they  had  witnessed  : he  warned  them  not  to 
be  u stiff  necked,”  or  obstinate  in  rebellion:  ( Note , Deut. 
10:16.)  and  he  exhorted  them  to  “ yield  themselves  unto  the 
Lord  that  is,  to  yield  the  victory  to  him,  to  submit  to  his 
authority,  to  lay  down  their  rebellious  arms,  to  implore 
mercy,  and  to  become  his  servants.  (Note,  Rom.  6:12,13.) 
He  entreated  them  also  to  “ enter  into  his  sanctuary,  which 
he  had  sanctified  for  ever that  is,  to  renounce  their  idola- 
tries and  self-invented  worship,  and  to  re'sort  with-their  sacri- 
fices to  the  temple  at  Jerusalem,  and  there  to  keep  the 
solemn  feasts. — The  temple  was  not  only  the  centre  of  God’s 
worship,  and  the  pledge  of  his  gracious  presence  with  his 
people  ; but  likewise  the  type  of  those  spiritual  blessings 
which  are  from  everlasting  to  everlasting  upon  all  true 
believers. — Hezekiah  also  encouraged  those  whom  he 
addressed,  to  hope,  from  the  abundant  mercy  and  grace  of 
God  to  the  penitent,  that  if  thus  they  turned  to  him,  the 
fierceness  of  his  wrath  would  be  turned  away  from  them;  and 
even  to  expect  the  restoration  of  their  brethren  and  children, 
who  were  already  in  captivity : for  God,  having  all  hearts  in 
nis  hand,  could  and  would  make  the  enemies  of  those  who 
pleased  him  to  be  at  peace  with  them,  and  to  show  them 
compassion.  In  this,  he  evidently  referred  to  the  promises 
contained  in  the  books  of  Moses.  ( Marg . Ref.y — b.) — It  is 
observable,  that  these  letters  carefully  avoided  all  mention  of 
the  claim  of  David’s  family  to  dominion  over  all  Israel  ; and 
of  former  injuries  and  quarrels,  or  whatever  could  give  any 
shadow  of  offence,  either  to  the  prince  or  his  subjects,  except 
in  the  immediate  concerns  of  religion. 

V.  10,  11.  The  nation  of  Israel  was  almost  ripe  for  de 
struction ; and  it  is  by  no  means  wonderful,  that  most  of 
them  insulted  and  mocked  t he  messengers,  who  carried  these 
faithful  expostulations  and  invitations:  indeed  we  may  rather 
wonder,  that  they  met  with  no  harsher  treatment.  Some, 
however,  out  of  the  several  tribes  were  prevailed  on  ; and, 
humbling  themselves  for  former  sins,  resorted  to  Jerusalem ; 
so  that  Hezekiah’s  pious  design  was  not  ineffectual,  though 
not  so  successful  as  he  had  wished  it  to  be. 

V.  12.  The  language  of  this  verse  is  entitled  to  special 
attention.  “ The  commandment  of  the  king  and  his  princes, 
by  the  word  of  the  Lord,  net  with  ready  and  general  obe- 
dience from  the  men  of  Judah,  because  ‘‘the  hand  of  God 
was  to  give  them  one  heart  to  do  it.”  If  the  rulers  had  com- 
manded any  thing  contrary  to  the  word  of  the  Lord,  or 
beyond  it,  in  affairs  of  religion ; it.  would  have  been  a misap- 
plication of  their  authority:  but,  as  they  required  nothing  but 
what  God  had  expressly  enjoined,  they  duly  improved  their 
talent;  and  the  people,  by  the  grace  of  God,  know  and  per- 
formed their  duty. — It  does  not  appear,  to  me  at  least,  that 

( 706  ) 


15  Then  they  killed  the  passover  on  the  four- 
teenth day  of  the  second  month : and  the  priests 
and  the  Levites  “were  ashamed,  “and  sanctified 
themselves,  and  brought  in  the  burnt-oflerings 
into  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

16  And  Pthcy  stood  in  their  'place  Rafter  their 
manner,  according  to  the  law  of  rMoses  the  man 
of  God  : "the  priests  sprinkled  the  blood,  which 
they  received  of  the  hand  of  the  Levites. 

17  For  there  were  many  in  the  congregation 
that  were  not  sanctified:  therefore  ‘the  Levites 
had  the  charge  of  “the  killing  of  the  passovers 
for  every  one  that  was  not  clean,  to  sanclily  them 
unto  the  Lord. 

18  For  a multitude  of  the  people,  even  “many 
of  Ephraim,  and  Manasseh,  Issachar,  and  Zebu- 
lun, rhad  not  cleansed  themselves,  yet  did  they  eat 
“the  passover  otherwise  than  it  was  written.  But 
Hezekiah  “prayed  for  them,  saying,  bThe  good 
Lord  pardon  every  one 

19  Thai  “prepareth  his.  heart  to  seek  God,  the 
Lord  God  of  his  fathers,  dthough  he  be  not 
cleansed  according  to  the  purification  of  the  sanc- 
tuary. 

20  And  the  Lord  hearkened  to  Hezekiah,  and 

“healed  the  people.  [Practical  Observations.} 

21  And  the  children  of  Israel  that  were  tpre- 


218— 2U.  m 15:16.  29:16.  2 Sum.  15:23.  John  18:1.  Cedron.  n 29:34.  E.z.  16: 
61 — 63.  43:10,1 1 . o 21.  5:1 1 . 29:15,34.  3'  18.  Ex.  19:10,22.  p as.  10,15.  "Heb. 
standing,  q 2 Kings  11:14.  r See  on  Deut.  33:1 . s 35.10,11.  Lev.  1:5.  Heb. 
11:28.  t 29:o4.  35:3-6.  u Ex.  12:6.  x See  on  11.  y Num.  19:20.  1 C or.  11: 
28.  z Ex.  12:43,  &c.  a Gen.  20:7,17.  Job  42:8,9.  Jam.  5:15,16.  1 Jolm  5: 16. 
b 6:21.  Ex.  34:6-9.  Num.  14:18 — 20.  Ps.  25.8.  36:5.  86:5.  1 19  68.  Dan.  9:19. 
c 19:3.20:33.  1 Sum.  7:3.  1 Chr.  29:18.  Ezra  7:10.  Job  11:13.  Ps.  10:17.  Piov. 
23:26.  d Lev.  12:4.  15:31— 33.  21:17— 23.22:3-6.  Num.  9:6.  19:13— 20.  eEx. 
15:26.  Ps.  103:3.  Jam. 5:16.  t Heb  .found. 


Christianity  has  at  all  altered  the  duty  either  of  rulers  or 
subjects  in  this  respect.  ( Notes,  29:10,11,12 — 19,  v.  15.) 
‘There  was  a marvellous  unanimity  in  Judah,  who  were  so 
obedient  to  the  motions  of  the  divine  grace,  (without  which 
so  great  a charge  could  not  have  been  made,)  as  generally  to 
comply  with  the  king’s  proclamation,  made  with  the  consent 
of  the  princes.  They  looked  upon  it  as  a divine  command, 
which  was  brought  to  them  by  that  authority  : and  it  appeared 
so  to  be,  by  the  mighty  power  of  God,  which  wrought  their 
hearts  to  a cheerful  obedience.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  13.  The  emphatical  language  here  used  fully  proves, 
that  the  concourse  of  people  to  celebrate  this  passover,  was 
exceedingly  great,  compared  with  all  other  instances  with 
which  the  writer  was  acquainted.  (Note,  35:18,19.) 

V.  14.  The  people  assembled  at  Jerusalem  some  days 
before  the  passover ; and  they  employed  the  intermediate 
time,  in  clearing  the  city  of  altars  for  idolatry,  and  from  other 
abominations.  This  was  an  excellent  preparation  for  the 
solemn  ordinance,  which  they  were  about  to  celebrate. 
(Notes,  2 Kings  23:4—23.) 

V.  15.  The  zeal  and  earnestness  of  the  king,  the  princes, 
and  the  people  in  general,  made  the  priests  and  Levites 
ashamed  of  their  supinencss,  and  stirred  them  up  to  prepare 
themselves,  and  attend  on  their  work:  ‘they  blushed  to  see 
the  people  so  forward,  and  themselves  so  negligent.’  Bp. 
Patrick.  “ The  hand  of  God”  was  in  t his  also,  or  they 
would  have  been  the  more  irritated,  as  examples  in  ancient 
and  in  modern  times  abundantly  prove.  (Notes,  12.  Matt. 
21:14—16,23—27.) 

V.  16 — 20.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Either  the  Levites,  or  the 
offerers,  might  receive  the  blood  of  the  victims  ; but  the  priests 
alone  might  sprinkle  it. — It  is  evident  from  this  passage,  that, 
in  ordinary  cases,  the  persons  who  brought  the  paschal  lambs 
slew  them;  or  this  exception  would  not  have  been  stated: 
and  it  is  at  least  probable,  that  the  ease  was  at  first  the  same 
with  other  sacrifices.  (Notes,  29:34.  Dev.  1:5 — 9.) — But 
many  of  the  ten  tribes,  having  come  at  a short  warning,  and 
being  destitute  of  instruction,  were  ceremonially  unclean, 
and  therefore  not  regularly  prepared  to  eat  the  passover. 
(Notes,  Num.  9:6 — 14.)  Yet  it  would  have  greatly  dis- 
couraged themr  had  they  been  excluded  from  that  sacred 
ordinance,  to  which  they  had  been  invited:  they  appeared 
sincere  and  earnest  in  returning  to  the  Lord,  and  there  was  a 
prospect  of  important  usefulness.  They  were'  therefore 
allowed  to  eat  the  passover,  when  the  Levites  hud  killed  it 
for  them,  notwithstanding  their  ceremonial  disqualification, 
and  Hezekiah,  sensible  that  there  was  danger  in  this  devi- 
ation, earnestly  prayed  to  the  good  and  merciful  Lord,  “to 
pardon  every  one  that  prepared  his  heart  to  seek  . . . tho 
Lord,  ...  though  not  cleansed  according  to  the  purification 
of  the  sanctuary.”  (TStarg.  Ref.  a — d.)  To  this  prayer  the 
Lord  granted  a favourable  answer,  “and  healed  the  peoj  le/ 
Perhaps  he  had  visited  them  with  some  sickness  for  their 
irregular  attendance,  which  he  then  graciously  healed.  ( Note, 
I Cor.  11:29 — 31.)  Or,  ho  gave  peace  to  their  conscieir.es, 
and  healed  their  souls. 

V.  21,  22.  The  sacrifices,  psalmody,  and  wot  ship  of  the 


B.  C.  726. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


B.  C 7:6. 


sent  at  Jerusalem  kept  f the  feast  of  unleavened 
bread  seven  days,  with  sgreat  gladness  : and  the 
Levites  and  hthe  priests  praised  the  Lord  day  by 
day,  singing  with  'loud  instruments  unto  the  Lord. 

22  And  Hezekiah  spake  Comfortably  unto  all 
the  Levites  ‘that  taught  kthe  good  knowledge  of 
the  Lord  : and  they  did  eat  throughout  the  feast 
seven  days,  offering  peace-offerings,  'and  making 
confession  to  the  Lord  God  of  their  fathers. 

23  And  the  whole  assembly  ratook  counsel  nto 
keep  other  seven  days  : and  they  kept  other  seven 
days  with  gladness. 

24  For  Hezekiah  king  of  Judah  tdid  “give  to 
the  congregation  a thousand  bullocks  and  seven 
thousand  sheep  ; and  the  princes  gave  to  the  con- 


gregation a thousand  bullocks  and  ten  thousand 
sheep:  and ''a  great  number  of  priests  sanctilicd 
themselves. 

25  And  all  the  congregation  of  Judah,  with  the 
priests  and  the  Levites,  and  all  the  congregation 
that  came  out  of  Israel,  and  ithe  strangers  that 
came  out  of  the  land  of  Israel,  and  that  dwelt  in 
Judah,  rrejoiced. 

26  So  there  was  great  joy  in  Jerusalem : for 
“since  the  time  of  Solomon  the  son  of  David  king 
of  Israel  there  teas  not  the  like  in  Jerusalem. 

27  H Then  "the  priests  the  Levites  arose,  and 
blessed  the  people  : and  their  voice  was  heard, 
and  "their  prayer  came  up  to  $his  holy  dwelling- 
place,  even  unto  heaven. 


r Kx.  12:15.  13:6.  Lev.  23:6.  Luke  22:1.7.  1 Cor.  5:7,8.  B 26.  7:10.  Deut.  12: 
7,1*2.  16;  14 . Nelt.  8:10.  Acts  *2:46.  Phil.  4:4.  h See  on  20:21.  29:25—' *27.  * Heb. 
instruments  of  strength.  Ps.  150:3 — 5.  t Heb.  to  the  heart  of  nil.  32:6.  Is.  40: 
1.  Hos.  ‘2:14.  margins,  i 15:3.  17:9.  37:3.  Dent.  33:10.  Ezra  7:10,25.  Neh.  8: 
7,8,18.9:3.  2 Tim.  4:2.  k Prov.  2:6.7.  8:6.  John  17:3.  2 Cor.  4:6.  Phil.  3:8. 
I Deut.  26:3— 11.  Ezra  10:11.  Neh.  9:3.  m 5ee  on  2.  n 7:9.  1 Kings  8:65. 


X Heb.  lifted  up,  or,  offered,  o 35:7,8.  1 Chr.  29:3— 9.  Ez.  45:17.  Eph.4:8. 
p 29:34.  q See  on  18.  Ex.  12:43— 49.  r 1 Chr.  16:10,11.  Ps.  92:4.  104:34 
s 7:9,10.  t See  on  Num.6.23 — 26.  Deut.  10:8.  u See  on  1 Kings  8:30,39. 
Acts  10:4.  § Heb,  the  habitation  of  his  holiness.  Deut.  26:15.  Ps.  68:5.  Is.  57: 
15.  63:15. 66:1.  * 


people,  were  accompanied  by  the  reading  and  expounding  of 
the  law;  and  some  of  the  Levites  were  employed  to  instruct 
the  people  in  the  good,  the  profitable,  and  pleasant  knowledge 
of  the  Lord;  (Note,  1 Chr.  28:9.)  and  the  king  peculiarly 
noticed  and  encouraged  them  in  this  useful  work,  which  was 
very  much  wanted.  (Notes,  15:1 — 7,  v.  3.  17:7 — 9.  Deut. 
31:10—13.  Ezra  7:6—10.  Neh.  8:1—9,18.  9:1—3.  13:1—3.) 
This  would  excite  others  to  apply  themselves  to  the  study  of 
the  law,  that  they  too  might  be  qualified  for  this  service. — 
By  “ making  confession,”  may  be  meant,  either  confessing 
their  sins,  or  acknowledging  the  unmerited  goodness  of  the 
Lord,  or  both  combined. 

V.  23 — 25.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  29:31,32.)  This  passover 
must  have  been  not  long  before  the  time  of  harvest:  but  the 
hearts  of  the  people  were  so  enlarged  with  holy  affections, 
that  they  were  neither  weary  of  the  sacred  service,  nor  in 
haste  to  return  to  their  secular  business.  (Notes,  Ex.  23:14 
— 18.  Leu.  23:10 — 21.  Deut.  16:9.)  * They  did  not  observe 

other  seven  days  of  unleavened  bread,  but  offe»ed  sacrifices 
with  praises  and  thanksgivings,  and  feasting,  seven  days.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. — The  people  in  general,  and  those  who  came 
out  of  the  kingdom  of  Israel,  would  be  unprepared  for  the 
expense  attending  these  sacrifices:  and, therefore  both  Heze- 
kiah and  his  princes  liberally  gave  cattle  for  sacrifices ; in 
which  no  doubt  they  acted  properly,  and  should  be  imitated 
according  to  the  nature  of  the  Christian  dispensation,  by 
princes  and  nobles,  liberally  supplying  what  is  wanting  to 
support  the  worship  of  God,  and  to  make  glad  the  hearts  of 
their  poorer  brethren.  (Notes,  Ez.  45:16,17.)  The  example 
had  also  a salutary  influence  on  the  priests,  who  sanctified 
themselves,  to  take  their  part  in  the  service. — Probably, 
“the  strangers  that  came  out  of  the  land  of  Israel,”  as  dis- 
tinguished from  “ the  congregation  of  Israel,”  were  not  Israel- 
ites by  birth,  but  circumcised  proselytes. 

V.  26.  The  observance  of  this  passover,  and  the  solem- 
nities that  attended  it,  were  attended  with  great  joyfulness  of 
heart,  and  crowned  with  a peculiar  blessing:  many  of  the 
priests  and  people  were  brought  to  a serious  sense  of  religion, 
and  an  important  revival  was  introduced  among  them ; even 
superior  to  any  which  had  taken  place  since  the  days  of 
Solomon  : and  in  no  instance  had  seven  additional  days  been 
added  to  the  time  assigned  to  any  festival,  since  the  dedica- 
tion of  the  temple  by  him.  (Notes,  1 Kings  8:63 — 66.) — As 
this  occurred  in  the  first  year  of  Hezekiah’s  reign,  and  he 
reigned  twenty-nine  years,  it  must  be  supposed  that  he  wit- 
nessed the  effects  of  so  good  a beginning,  to  the  end  of  his 
life.  It  was  done  suddenly,  but,  by  the  grace  of  God,  it  was 
done  effectually. — Doubtless,  the  passovers  and  other  solemn 
feasts  were  kept  up,  and  attended  to,  during  this  reign,  though 
not  in  so  remarkable  a manner  as  this  first  passover. 

V.  27.  This  seems  to  have  closed  the  solemnity,  in  a most 
suitable  and  impressive  manner ; and  the  fervent  prayer  of 
the  priests  was  heard  in  heaven,  and  graciously  accepted. 
(Notes,  Num.  6:23 — 27.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 12.  Favourable  opportunities  of  fixing  good  im- 
pressions ought  by  no  means  to  be  neglected : and  it  is  better 
that  circumstantial  irregularities  should  be  admitted,  than  that 
divine  ordinances  should  not  be  observed,  or  substantial  use- 
fulness prevented. — When  duties  have  been  long  omitted, 
the  time  ought  to  be  more  carefully  redeemed,  that  no  further 
delays  may  be  occasioned  : former  negligence,  though  it  can- 
not be  excused,  may  be  forgiven;  but  persevering  ungodliness 
will  infallibly  end  in  destruction. — We  ought  to  embrace 
every  proper  opportunity  of  addressing  men  upon  their  eter- 
nal concerns,  and  of  engaging  as  many  as  possible  in  the 
service  of  God:  and  we  may  employ  arguments  and  persua- 
sions with  those,  over  whom  we  claim  no  authority.  Injuries 
or  enmities,  however  many  or  great,  should  not  render  us 
indifferent  about  the  salvation  of  any  man:  no  expense  or 
labour  ought  to  be  regarded  in  our  endeavours  to  do  good: 
nor  should  we  be  discouraged  by  the  prospect  of  the  neglect, 
contempt,  or  even  rage,  of  the  very  persons,  whose  happi- 
ness wi:  are  seeking.  Numbers  may  and  will  “ laugh  us  to 


scorn:”  but  several  will  be  humbled  and  benefited:  and 
perhaps  were  success  was  least  expected,  where  impiety 
and  profligacy  were  most  notorious,  and  among  those  who 
appeared  ripe  for  destruction.  Such  attempts  should  be 
made  in  plainness,  meekness,  and  affection ; all  reproaches 
and  upbraidings,  and  every  thing  assuming,  or  needlessly 
offensive,  should  be  avoided ; important  and  undeniable 
truths  and  duties  should  chiefly  be  insisted  upon : and  the 
conscience  and  passions,  especially  hope  and  fear,  should  be 
vigorously  addressed.  The  consequences  of  impenitent  re- 
bellion against  God  should  he  solemnly  stated,  and  contrasted 
with  the  happy  effects  of  returning  to  him  by  humble,  peni- 
tent faith  ; and  the  whole  enforced  by  arguments  deduced 
from  fact  and  experience.  Addresses  to  this  effect  are 
peculiarly  seasonable,  while  men  are  suffering  for  their 
crimes  ; and  still  deeper  miseries  present  themselves  to  their 
view,  from  which  they  have  no  prospect  of  deliverance,  but 
by  the  merciful  interposition  of  God.  And  when,  among 
their  acquaintance  and  relatives,  the  prosperity  of  eminently 
pious  persons  can  be  compared  with  the  misery  of  those  who 
are  notoriously  profligate;  the  argument  thence  deduced, 
for  repentance  and  returning  to  God,  will  have  peculiar 
energy : for  even  the  irreligious  must  see  the  absurdity  of 
copying  the  wicked  examples  of  fathers  or  brethren,  who 
have  been  evidently  ruined  by  their  vices.  But  the*  ricn 
mercy  of  God  forms  the  grand  argument,  by  which  to  enforce 
repentance  on  the  sinner’s  conscience.  “ There  is  forgive- 
ness with  him,”  and  “plenteous  redemption”  in  the  Saviour’s 
blood;  and  we  are  tinder  a dispensation  of  mercy.  Nothing 
but  stiffnecked,  obstinate,  impenitent  wickedness  can  rum 
us.  The  chief  of  sinners,  “ who  yield  themselves  to  the 
Lord,”  shall  certainly  be  saved.  Let  them  therefore  trust 
in  his  mercy,  attend  upon  his  ordinances,  anil  join  them- 
selves to  his  people,  that  they  may  serve  him;  and  then  the 
fierceness  of  his  wrath  will  turn  away  from  them ; but  not 
otherwise.  To  this  “we  should  exhort  one  another  daily, 
lest  any  of  us  be  hardened,  through  the  deceitfulness  of  sin 
to  this  we  should  invite  and  persuade  all  others  without 
exception,  as  far  as  we  are  able;  for  “him  that  cometh”  to 
the  Saviour,  “ he  will  in  no  wise  cast  out :”  but  “ will  grant” 
unto  all  who  believe  in  him  “that  being  delivered  from 
the  hand  of  their  enemies,  they  may  serve  him  without 
fear,  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness,  before  him,  all  the 
days  of  their  life;”  and  the  covenant  made  with  them  will 
prove  for  the  good  of  their  children  and  brethren  also. — Oh, 
that  messengers  were  sent  forth  to  carry  these  invitations  to 
every  city  and  village,  through  our  land,  and  every  land  1 It 
is  true,  the  Lord  alone  can  render  them  effectual ; but  he 
works  by  the  word  of  his  ministers,  and  also  by  the  command- 
ment of  kings  and  princes,  when  it  accords  with  his  word. — 
Faith  comes  by  hearing ; and  true  religion  has  uniformly 
flourished,  in  proportion  to  the  measure  in  which  faithful, 
scriptural  preaching  has  abounded.  In  general,  persons  of 
wealth  or  authority  might  be  instrumental  in  promoting  this 
faithful  preaching  of  the  word  of  God,  if  thej'  had  the  inclina- 
tion, and  were  willing  to  bear  the  expense  of  it  ; nor  can 
superior  rank  enjoy  a higher  privilege.  All  who  are  em- 
ployed in  such  a work,  should  do  it  with  their  might;  and 
neither  be  discouraged  nor  exasperated  by  opposition  or 
reproach  ; and  they  will  find  at  length  that  “ their  labour  was 
not  in  vain  in  the  Lord.” 

V.  13 — 20.  When  we  are  humbled  for  our  transgressions, 
and  declare  war  against  all  our  idols,  expecting  and  seeking 
forgiveness  and  salvation  only  through  the  atonement  of 
Christ,  we  become  welcome  communicants  at  the  Lord’s 
table.  The  unhumbled  and  impenitent  indeed,  the  man  who 
lives  in  known  sin,  and  he  who  comes  ‘trusting  in  his  own 
righteousness,’  instead  of  the  * manifold  and  great  mercies  of 
God,’  may  presume  to  commemorate  the  death  of  Christ ; 
but  he  is  an  intruder,  who  comes  to  the  marriage-feast,  with- 
out the  wedding-garment.  (Note,  Malt.  22:11 — 14.)  Yet 
when  the  sinner  has  indeed  begun  to  prepare  his  heart  to 
seek  the  Lord  ; though  his  views  he  fjeble,  obscure,  and  in 
many  things  erroneous,  and  his  app  -oach  he  not  exactly 

( 797  ) 


EL  C.  725. 


II.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  725 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

The  pecrde  deaf  my  the  idols  and  their  temples  nrul  altars,  through  the  cities 
of  Judah  and  in  Ephraim  and  AJanasseh,  1.  Hezekiah  orders  ike  courses 
of  the  priests  arui  . evil  es,  and  provides  for  their  maintenance , as  well  as 
for  the  staled  jo:r{/ices.  2 — ■)  The  people  readily  bring  their  first-frui  s 
and  tithes.  ;> — I S.  Hezekiah  appoints  officers  l>j  dispose  of  these  oblations , 
II  — 19.  .1  high  commendation  of  .his  zeal  and  integrity,  2u,  21. 

NOW  “when  all  this  was  finished,  ball  Israel 
that  were  'present  went  out  to  the  pities  of 
Judah,  and  “brake  the  'images  in  pieces,  and  cut 
down  the  groves,  anil  threw  down  the  high  places 
anti  the  altars  out  of  all  Judah  and  Benjamin,  din 
Ephraim  also  and  Manasseh,  Juntil  they  had 
utterly  destroyed  them  all.  Then  all  the  children 
of  Israel  returned,  every  man  to  his  possession, 
into  their  own  cities. 

2  U And  Hezekiah  appointed 'the  courses  of  the 
priests  and  the  Levites  after  their  courses,  every 
man  according  to  his  service,  the  priests  and 
Levites  for  burnt-offerings  and  for  peace-offer- 
ings, to  minister,  and  -f to  give  thanks,  and  to 
praise  in  the  gates  of  the  tents  of  the  Lord. 

3  He  appointed  also  ’'the  king’s  portion  of  his 
substance  for  the  burnt-offerings,  to  wit,  hfor  the 
morning  and  evening  burnt-offerings,  and  'the 

a 30:  b 1 Kings  18:38 — 40.  2 Kings  23:2 — 20.  * Heb.  found.  Gen.  19:15. 

Esth.  4:15.  margins.  c 1 4 '3.  23: 17.  32;  12.  34:3 — 7.  Ex.  23:24.  Deut.  7:5. 
2 Kings  18:4.  f Heb.  (130:18.34:6,7.  2 Kings  17.2.  23:15.  + Heb. 

until  lo  make  an  end.  e 5:11.  8:14.  23:8.  1 Chr.  16:37,40  . 23:  24  : 25  : 26:  Ezra 
6.18.  Luke  1:5.  f 29:24—  26.  1 Chr.  16:4— 6,41,42.  23:30.  25:1-3.  Neh.  11:17. 
Ps.  134:1— 3.  135:1 — 3,26.  Jr.  33:11.  g 30:21.  lChr.26:2S.  Ez.  45:17.  46:4— 
7,12—18.  h See  on  Ex.  29:33— 42.  Nnin.  28:3-8.  i See  on  Num.  28:9,10. 

J Seeon  Num.  28:11— 15.— Num.  28:16— 31. 29:  Deut.  16:1— 17.  Ps.81:l— 4. 


regular ; he  must  not  be  discouraged,  despised,  or  treated 
with  harshness.  Our  blessed  Advocate,  who  “ breaketh  not 
the  bruised  reed,”  will  intercede  for  him  ; we  too  ought  to 
pray  for  and  encourage  him;  and  “ the  good  Lord  will-  par- 
don” every  one  who  hears  this  character.  No  trembling 
believer,  therefore,  who  desires  to  trust  in  the  Redeemer, 
and  to  show  his  gratitude  by  obeying  his  plain  command, 
needs  to  be  alarmed,  lest  he  should  fail  in  that  exactness, 
which  he  supposes  is  required  in  this  ordinance : for  the 
good  Lord  lays  no  snares  in  the  way  of  humble,  upright 
inquirers. — Previous  preparation  is  indeed  profitable ; but  the 
true  believer  is  habitually  ready,  and  ought  not  to  retire  for 
want  of  actual  preparation.  Yet  every  defect  is  sin,  and 
need!  forgiveness ; and  should  be  matter  of  humiliation, 
though  not  of  discouragement.  ( P . O.  1 Cor.  11:23 — 34.) — 
Man’s  authority  cannot  disannul  or  alter  divinely  instituted 
externals  in  the  worship  of  God : yet  these  may  be  idolized  ; 
and  the  Lord  will,  on  some  occasions,  approve  the  conduct 
of  those,  who  prefer  the  spirit  to  the  letter  of  an  instituted 
observance,  where  both  cannot  possibly  be  attained  ; and 
who  seize  an  opportunity  of  glorifying  him,  in  seeking  the 
conversion  and  salvation  of  souls,  by  postponing  or  relaxing 
n the  exact  observance  of  an  external  regulation. 

V.  21 — 27.  Many  allowances  ought  indeed  to  be  made 
for  those  who  are  newly  brought  forth  out  of  very  ignorant 
places,  to  attend  on  the  ordinances  of  God  ; yet  they  must 
nit  be  left  in  their  mistakes.  His  ministers  must  diligently 
u teach  them  the  good  knowledge  of  the  Lord,”  of  his  per- 
fections, mysteries,  ordinances,  and  precepts,  that  they  may 
proceed  with  increasing  understanding  and  alacrity.  Those, 
who  "labour  in  this  important  work,  should  be  encouraged  and 
counselled  by  their  superiors,  and  by  all  capable  of  doing  it; 
for  it  is  a very  arduous  work,  and  often  brings  a man  into 
many  perplexities  and  discouragements. — When  those  who 
have  been  hitherto  most  careless,  wicked,  and  profane, 
deeply  humble  themselves  before  God,  and  return  to  him  by 
true  faith,  they  may  in  due  time  expect  great  gladness  in  his 
ordinances.  Their  confessions  of  sin  will  be  made  pleasant  by 
the  hope  of  forgiveness,  and  by  that  peace  and  joy  which  are 
the  sweet  fruits  of  the  sanctifying  Spirit.  They,  who  taste 
this  happiness  in  the  worship  of  God,  will  not  speedily  grow 
weary  of  it,  hut  will  he  glad  to  prolong  the  delightful  employ- 
ment, and  must  be,  as  it  were,  torn  away  to  return  to  their 
secular  occupations. — When  the  ignorant,  the  mean,  and 
the  profligate,  as  well  as  those  of  superior  stations,  become 
earnest  in  God’s  service,  Pharisees  will  cither  be  exasperated 
or  ashamed:  and  it  is  happy  for  themselves  and  for  others, 
when  they  are  at  length  brought  to  true  repentance,  and  fall 
in  with,  and  help  forward,  the  work  of  God  in  their  several 
places.  And  if  numbers  of  ministers,  that  have  been  un- 
godly and  mercenary,  become  obedient  to  the  faith,  we  may 
b<?  sure  that  God  is  powerfully  at.  work,  and  has  much  more 
'.o  do.  (Note,  Ants  0:7.) — True  godliness  will  be  attended 
proportionable  joy  : and  numbers  met  together,  to  whom 
i lie  Lord  has  given  one  heart  to  delight  in  his  ordinances, 
-'ill  share  and  augment  each  other’s  rejoicing.  But  such 
seo sons  on  earth  are  transient:  trials  and  conflicts  await  us 
after  our  choicest  consolations  ; yet,  these  are  highly  bene- 
ficial to  us. — The  solemn  and  affectionate  benedictions  and 
prayers  of  the  Lord’s  ministers,  by  which  the  people  are 
dismissed  from  sacred  ordinances,  are  not  to  be  slighted : 
though  spoken  on  earth,  they  are  heard  in  heaven,  the  holy 
dwelling-place  of  our  reconciled  God.  The  intercession  of 
( 798  ) 


burnt-offerings  for  the  sabbaths,  and  Jfor  the  new 
moons,  and  ior  kthe  set  leasts,  as  it  is  written  in 
the  law  of  the  Lord. 

4 Moreover  he  commanded  the  people  that 
dwelt  in  Jerusalem  to  give  'the  portion  of  the 
priests  and  the  Levites,  rathat  they  might  be 
encouraged  in  "the  law  of  the  Lord. 

5 H And  °as  soon  as  the  commandment  §canie 
abroad,  the  children  of  Israel  brought  in  abundance 
rtiie  first-fruits  of  corn,  wine,  pnd  oil,  and  'honey, 
and  of  all  the  increase  of  the  field  ; and  the  tithe 
of  ail  things  brought  they  in  abundantly. 

6 And  concerning  ithe  children  of  Israel  and 
Judah,  that  dwelt  in  the  cities  of  Judah,  they  also 
brought  in  rthe  tithe  of  oxen  and  sheep,  and  the 
tithe  of  holy  tilings  which  were  consecrated  unto 
the  Lord  their  God,  and  laid  them  ’’by  heaps. 

7 In  "the  third  month  they  began  to  lay  the 
foundation  of  the  heaps,  and  finished  them  in  the 
seventh  month. 

8 And  when  Hezekiah  and  the  princes  came 
and  saw  the  heaps,  they  'blessed  the  Lord,  “and 
his  people  Israel. 

Col.  2:16,17.  k Lev.  23:2,  «ic.  116.  Lev.  27:30— 33.  Num.  18:8— 21,26— 28. 
Mai.  3:8— 10.  m Neh.  13:10— 13.  1 Cor.  9:10-14.  n Mai.  2:7.  o24:10,U. 
Ex.  35:5,20-29.  36:5,6.  2 Cor.  8:2— 5.  § Heb . brake  forl/i.  p Ex.  22:29.  23: 

19.  34:22,26  Num.  18:12.  Neh.  10:35— 39.  12:44.  13:31.  Prov.  3:9.  1 Cor.  15: 

20.  Jam.  1:18.  Rev.  14:4.  I(  Or,  dales,  q 11:16,17.  r Lev.  27:30.  Deut. 
14:28.  II  Heb.  heaps , heaps . s Lev.  23:16—24.  t Gen.  14:20.  Judg.  5:9. 
1 Kings  8:14.15.  1 Chr.  29:10— 20.  Ezra  7.27.  2 Cor.  8:16.  Eph.l:3.  I Thes.  3: 
9.  1 Pet.  1:3.  u 6:3.  Gen.  14:19.  2 Sam.  6:18.  1 Kings  8:55,56. 

our  great  High-Priest,  however,  is  chiefly  to  be  valued : he 
never  fails  to  plead  for  every  believer,  and  he  never  pleads  in 
vain.  A few  more  interruptions  of  our  joy,  by  conflicts  and 
temptations,  (whilst  in  him  we  still  have  peace,)  and  we 
shall  be  with  him  to  behold  his  glory : then  our  worship,  our 
love,  and  our  rejoicing,  will  be  uninterrupted,  unalloyed,  and 
eternal. 

NOTES.-^Chap.  XXXI.  V.  1.  (Note,  30:14.)  Either 
this  destruction  of  the  appendages  of  idolatry  in  Israel  was 
confined  to  those  cities  and  villages,  which  had  come  under 
the  dominion  of  the  kings  of  Judah;  or  else,  Hoshea  not 
objecting  to  it,  the  people,  in  their  zeal  for  the  honour  of  the 
God  of  Israel,  went  into  different  parts  of  his  kingdom,  for 
this  purpose ; while  the  idolaters  were  intimidated  from 
making  any  opposition.  (Notes,  34:3 — 7.  2 Kings  23:15 — 
20.)  When  this  was  done,  they  returned  home:  and  it  is 
probable  that  some  of  the  Israelites,  who  had  been  at  the 
feast,  retired  into  the  land  of  Judah,  during  the  ravages  of 
Shalmaneser,  and  so  escaped  the  general  ruin.  4 They 
would  not  return  home,  till  they  had  done  all  they  could  to 
establish  and  promote  true  religion.  Of  so  great  import  it  is 
(as  Pellicanus  here  observes)  to  have  a good  king,  and  a 
well-instructed  people.5  Bp.  Patrick. 

Y.  2.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  23:11—21,  v.  18,19.)  David, 
as  a prophet,  had  made  many  of  these  arrangements,  to  which 
as  king  he  required  the  obedience  of  the  priests  and  Levites. 
Jehoiada,  both  as  high-priest,  and  as  acting  in  the  name  of 
the  young  king,  restored  them:  but  Hezekiah,  who  was  not 
a prophet  or  priest,  took  the  lead  and  gave  the  directions  on 
this  occasion ; yet  he  added  nothing  to  what  had  before  been 
instituted,  and  altered  nothing  in  it.  “ The  king’s  command- 
ment was  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord.”  ( Notes,  30:12. 

1 Chr  23:2 — 6,24 — 28.) 

The  tents,  &c.]  The  buildings  which  surrounded  the 
temple,  in  which  the  priests  and  Levites  were  stationed, 
resembled  the  tents  in  which  soldiers  are  regularly  encamped. 

V.  3,  4.  The  public  sacrifices  were  generally  purchased 
by  contributions  from  the  people:  but  Hezekiah  at  this  tim# 
chose  to  be  at  the  expense  of  them  out  of  his  own  stated 
revenue;  (Note,  Ez.  45:17.)  that  the  people  might  be  the 
more  ready  to  obey  his  commandment,  in  bringing  their  tithes 
and  first-fruits,  according  to  the  law  of  God,  for  the  mainte- 
nance of  the  priests  and  Levites.  This  was  intended  to  en- 
courage the  priests  and  Levites  to  apply  themselves  entirely 
to  studying,  teaching,  and  fulfilling  the  law  of  the  Lord  ; being 
assured  that  their  families  would  not  be  left  destitute.  (Notes, 
30:21,22.  Neh.  12:44 — 47.  13:10—13.  1 Cor.  9:7— 18.) 

V.  5 — 7.  The  several  productions  here  mentioned  were 
laid  in  different  heaps,  in  some  convenient  place,  but  not 
properly  guarded  or  taken  care  of.  (Marg.  Ref.)  It  is 
probable,  that  some  of  the  first-fruits,  tithes,  and  offerings, 
were  generally  sold,  and  the  money  deposited  in  one  common 
stock.  4 They  began  to  offer  first-fruits  in  the  third  month 
when  their  harvest,  began,  and  finished  their  tithing  in  the 
seventh  month,  when  their  harvest  w-as  ended,  Ex.  23:1 0.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. — Hezekiah  commanded  nothing  more  than  what 
was  enjoined  by  the  law:  but  he  used  his  authority  to  en- 
force on  the  people  the  requirements  of  the  law,  and  44  the 
hand  of  God  was  to  give  them  one  heart  to  perform  the  com- 
mandment of  the  king  and  of  the  princes,  by  the  word  of  the 
Lord.”  ( Note,  30: 12.) 

V.  8.  Hezekiah  and  his  princes  commended  the  libp  alit^ 
of  the  people  ; they  also  prayed  for  them,  and  gave  thanks 


B.  C.  725. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 


B.  C.  713. 


9 Then  Hezekiah  questioned  with  the  priests 
ami  the  Levites  concerning,  the  heaps. 

10  And  yAzariah  the  ciiiet'  priest  of  t he  house 
of  Zadok  answered  him,  and  said,  “Since  the 
people  began  to  bring  the  offerings  into  the  house 
)!'  the  Loud,  Twe  have  had  enough  to  eat,  and 
have  left  plenty:  for  'the  Lord  hath  blessed  his 
people;  and  that  which  is  left  is  this  great  store. 

[ Practical  Ob&croati  m8.] 

11  H Then  Hezekiah  commanded  to  prepare 
'chambers  in  the  house  of  the  Lord;  and  they 
prepared  them, 

12  And  brought  in  the  offerings  and  the  tithes, 
and  the  dedicated  things  faithfully : “over  which 
Cononiah  the  Levite  was  ruler,  and  Shimei  his 
brother  wcm  the  next. 

13  And  Jehiel,  and  Azaziah,  and  Nahath,  and 
Asahel,  and  Jerimoth,  and  Jozabad,  and  Eliel, 
and  Ismachiah,  and  Mahath,  and  Benaiah,  were 
overseers  hinder  the  hand  of  Cononiah  and 
Shimei  his  brother,  bat  the  commandment  of 
Hezekiah  the  king,  and  ‘Azariah  the  ruler  of  the 
house  of  God. 

14  And  Kore  the  son  of  Imnah  the  Levite, 
dthe  porter  toward  the  east,  was  over  ethe  free-will 
offerings  of  God,  to  distribute  the  oblations  of  the 
Lord,  and  f the  most  holy  things. 

15  And  tnext  him  were  Eden,  and  Miniamin, 
and  Jeshua,  and  Sliemaiah,  Amariah,  and  She- 

» 26:17.  1 Kins,  2:35.  1 Chr.  6:8,14.  El.  44:15.  x Prov.  3:9,10.  Hag. 
2:18,19.  Mai.  3:10,11.  1 Tim.  4:8.  v 2 Kings  4.43,44.  Matt.  15:37.  Phil. 
4:1s.  z Gen.  25:12.  30:27—30.  39:5,23.  Lee.  25:21.  26:4,5.  Dent.  28:8. 
Prov.  10:22.  2 for.  9:8—  II.  • Or,  storehouses.  Neh.  10:38,39.  13:5,12, 

13.  a See  on  1 Chr.  25.20 — ‘25.  f Heh.  at  the  hand.  b 4,11.  See  on  3U:  12. 
c See  on  1U.  1 Chr.  9:11.  24:5.  Neh.  11:11  d 1 Chr.  26:12,14,17.  e l.ev.22: 
18.23:38.  Num.  29:39.  J em.  12.6,17.  16:10.  Ezra  1:4.  3:5.  7;  16.  Ps.  119:108. 
f Lev.  2:10.  6:16,17.  7:1—6.  10:12,13,27:28.  } Heb  .at  his  hand.  13.  marg. 


the  Lord,  tvho  had  given  them  the  power  and  inclination  to 
bring  such  abundance.  (Notes,  1 Chr.  29:10 — 19.  2 Cor.  8:1 
— 5,1  C — 24.  9:8 — 15.)  ‘They  gave  thanks  to  God,  who  had 
given  them  such  plenty  of  good  things,  and  had  likewise 
given  them  a heart  to  offer  it  plentifully.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  9,  10.  The  king  and  the  princes  supposed,  from  the 
abundance  which  they  beheld,  that  the  priests,  who  had  the 
superintendence  of  the  business,  had  preserved  the  whole ; 
and  they  inquired,  wherefore  they  had  not  distributed  the 
oblations  of  the  people.  But  it  was  answered,  that  the  Lord 
had  blessed  the  people  with  such  an  abundant  increase,  that 
all  this  was  left,  after  the  priests  and  Levites  had  been  suffi- 
ciently provided  for!  (Notes,  Hag.  1:5 — 11.  2:15 — 19.  Mai. 
3:7 — 12.)  The  disinterestedness  of  the  priests  was  highly 
commendable ; for  they  might  easily  have  enriched  them- 
selves, without  being  suspected : and  the  whole  transaction 
enlarges  our  idea  of  the  blessing  which  had  attended  the  pre- 
ceding solemnity  : for  before  this,  the  priests  seem  to  have 
been  generally  very  careless  and  ungodly.  (Notes,  Mai.  1:9 
— 14.) — It  is  probable,  that  Azariah  was  the  chief  priest, 
under  the  high-priest,  and  nearly  related  to  him.  (13.  1 Chr. 
0:13,14.) 

V.  11—14.  (Neh.  10:37—39.  12:44.  13:5,9.  Notes,  1 Kings 
6:5,6.  Neh.  13:10 — 14.)  Hezekiah  commanded  ‘to  build 
new  storehouses ; . . . because  there  was  not  room  enough 
wherein  to  lay  all  the  offerings  anc(  tithes,  and  other  dedicated 
things.  As  he  took  care,  they  should  all  be  faithfully  laid  up, 
so  he  set  trusty  persons  to  see  that  they  were  no  less  faith- 
fully preserved,  for  their  proper  uses.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  15 — 19.  The  priests  and  Levites,  as  they  attended  in 
their  courses,  had  a certain  portion  allotted  to  them,  accord- 
ing to  their  office  and  charge.  The  sons  of  the  priests,  who 
attended  with  them,  as  it  seems,  from  three  years  of  age,  to 
learn  the  work  of  the  sanctuary,  previously  to  the  time  of 
their  officiating,  had  a provision  made  for  them.  A list  was 
taken  of  the  wives,  and  of  the  other  children,  of  the  priests 
and  Levites,  and  a proportionable  allowance  was  assigned 
them : as  also  to  Lhose,  who  were  excluded  or  excused  fr  >m 
attendance ; and  for  all  of  those  who  were  absent  from  tue 
temple,  employed  as  magistrates  and  teachers  in  their  several 
districts.  Thus  none  appropriated  an  exorbitant  proportion, 
and  none  wanted  a suitable  provision : “for  in  their  set  office, 
they  sanctified  themselves  in  holiness they  separated  them- 
selves from  other  employments,  and  devoted  themselves  to 
serve  God  in  their  proper  office,  in  a holy  and  believing  ex- 
pectation that  he  would  provide  for  them ; (for  so  the  words 
seem  to  mean:)  nor  were  they  disappointed.  And  this 
regular  provision  kept  them  from  the  temptation  of  entangling 
themselves  in  worldly  cares  and  employments,  to  the  neglect 
of  their  ministry.  ‘ This  seems  to  be  a reason,  why  such 
care  was  taken  of  their  wives  and  children;  because  their 
husbands  were  wholly  given  up  to  the  service  of  God,  and 
could  not  follow  any  other  employment,  whereby  to  provide 
for  the  maintenance  of  their  families.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Marg. 
Ref.  Notes,  Neh.  13:10—13.  2 Tim.  2:3—7.) 

V.  20,  21.  The  general  conduct  of  Hezekiah  was  good  in 


caniah,  in  ethe  cities  of  tlie  priests,  in  their  $se*. 
ollice.  to  give  to  their  brethren  by  courses,  haa 
well  to  the  great  as  to  the  small: 

1G  Beside  their  genealogy  of  males,  from  three 
years  old  and  upward,  even  unto  every  one  that 
entereth  into  the  house  of  the  Lord,  ’his  daily 
portion  for  their  service  in  their  charges  accord- 
ing to  their  courses ; 

17  Both  to  the  kgenealogy  of  the  priests  by 
the  house  of  their  fathers,  and  the  Levites  from 
‘twenty  years  old  and  upward,  in  their  charges, 
mby  their  courses ; 

18  And  to  the  genealogy  of  all  their  little  ones, 
their  wives,  and  their  sons,  and  their  daughtero, 
through  all  the  congregation : tor  in  their  “set 
office  "they  sanctified  themselves  in  holiness  : 

19  Also  of  the  sons  of  Aaron  the  priests,  which 
were  in  °lhe  fields  of  the  suburbs  of  their  enles,  in 
every  several  city,  Pthe  men  that  were  expressed 
by  name,  to  give  portions  to  all  the  males  among 
the  priests,  and'  to  all  that  were  reckoned  by 
genealogies  among  the  Levites. 

20  II  And  thus  did  Hezekiah  throughout  all 
Judah,  and  ^wrought  that  which  was  good  anc 
right  and  truth  belore  the  Lord  his  God. 

21  And  in  every  work  that  he  began  in  the 
service  of  the  house  of  Gor^  and  in  the  law,  and 
in  the  commandments,  to  seek  his  God,  rhe  did  it 
with  all  his  heart,  and  “prospered. 

g Josh.  21:9— 19.  1 Chr.  6:54— 60.  § Or,  trust.  1 Chr.  9:22.  mwrg.  h 1 Chr. 

25:8.  i Lev.  21:22,23.  k Num.  3:13.20.  4:38,42,46.  17:2,3.  Ezra  2:59.  I Num. 
4:3.  8:24.  I Chr. 23:24,27.  in  See  on  2.  1 Chr.  24:20— 31. 25:  26:  II  Or,  trust. 

15.  1 Chr.  9:22.  margins.  n Is.  5.16.  Rom.  15:16.  o 15.  Lev.  25:34.  Num. 
35:2—5.  1 Chr.  6:51,60.  p 12—15.  28:15.  q 1 Kings  15:5.  2 Kines  20:3.  22:2. 
John  1:47.  Acts  24:16.  lThes.2:lO.  r Deut.  6:5.  10:12.  1 Kings  2:4.  1 Chr. 
22:19.  Ec.  9:10.  Jer.  29:13.  s 14:7.20:20.26:5.  Josh.  1:7.  1 Chr. ‘22:13.  Ps.  1: 
3.  Matt.  6:33. 


itself;  he  acted  with  equity  and  impartiality  towards  all  his 
subjects  in  these  regulations,  and  strict  attention  to  the  laws 
and  institutions  previously  established.  His  heart  also  was 
upright  in  the  sight  of  God:  and  in  all  that  he  attempted,  to 
establish  the  worship  of  the  Lord,  and  to  obey  and  enforce 
the  observance  of  his  law,  seeking  his  favour  and  glory,  he 
was  earnest  and  hearty,  and  single  in  his  aim  and  depend- 
ence ; and  he  was  prospered  accordingly.  What  a com- 
mendation was  this  as  given  by  God  himself!  What  a happy 
instrument  was  this  pious  king  of  good  to  his  people ! and 
what  an  encouraging  and  worthy  example  is  this  for  princes, 
magistrates,  ministers,  and  Christians  to  imitate! 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  The  finishing  of  one  duty  should  form  an  intro- 
duction to  the  beginning  of  another  ; and  he,  who  “delighteth 
greatly  in  God’s  commandments,”  will  not  complain  of  this 
as  a weariness. — Public  ordinances,  and  divine  consolations, 
should  stir  up  men  to  cleanse  their  hearts,  houses,  or  shops, 
and  every  thing  in  which  they  are  concerned,  from  the  filthi- 
ness of  sin,  and  the  idolatry  of  covetousness:  and  to  exhort 
and  excite  others  to  do  the  same,  by  every  method,  consist- 
ent with  relative  duties  and  the  peace  of  society. — The  sub- 
sequent improvement  of  solemn  ordinances,  is  of  the  greatest 
importance  to  personal,  family,  and  public  religion.  It  is 
then  our  business  to  meditate  on,  and  reduce  to  practice, 
what  we  have  learned ; to  express  our  pious  affections  in 
every  kind  of  good  work;  and  to  take  care  that  the  vigour  of 
them  do  not  subside,  through  unwatchfulness,  neglect  of 
prayer,  or  worldly  indulgences.  Inattention  to  these  duties 
renders  the  private  conversation  and  behaviour  of  mosi,  who 
profess  the  gospel,  inconsistent  with  their  public  profession, 
and  apparently  religious  affections  : their  growth  in  grace  is 
thus  prevented,  and  religion  does  not  appear  so  venerable  by 
far  as  it  otherwise  would  do. — Examples  should  concur  with 
exhortations  or  injunctions,  whether  men  act  as  magistrates 
or  ministers:  and  this  will  give  them  greater  effect,  in  many 
cases,  than  menaces,  coercive  measures,  or  severe  rebukes. 
Those,  who  would  have  others  expend  their  wealth  in  useiul 
works,  ought  to  take  the  lead:  nay,  the  easiest  method  of 
enforcing  the  laws,  and  prevailing  with  others  ^o  pay  their 
dues,  is  often  found  to  be  by  receding  from  personal  claims, 
and  joining  liberality  with  justice,  in  the  magistrate’s  own 
conduct. — The  proper  use  of  superior  riches  is,  to  do  superior 
good  with  them:  and  if  this  were  generally  understood  and 
believed,  the  most  blessed  effects  would  be  produced. — Every 
exercise  of  human  authority  in  the  church  of  God  must  be 
regulated  and  bounded  by  his  law,  and  must  enforce  obe 
dience  to  it,  and  not  make  additions  to  it,  or  alterations  in  it 
— While  ministers  ought  to  attend  upon  their  proper  wo:k. 
in  their  several  places ; they  should  be  encouraged  in  it,  a id 
not  constrained  or  tempted  to  neglect  it,  by  the  want  of  a 
suitable  maintenance  for  their  families  ; or  made  uneasy  and 
distressed  in  attending  on  it:  nor  should  any  excuse  be 
afforded  to  those,  who  by  choice  leave  the  word  of  God  for 
secular  engagements. — A man  is  never  impoverished  by  pru- 
dent liberality,  in  works  of  piety  and  charity : indeed,  this  ia 

( 799  ) 


B.  C.  713. 


II.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  712 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

Sennacherib  invade 9 Judah  ; arid  I Iczckiah  fnrtifi  s Jerusalem,  and  encourages 
the  people,  l — 8.  Sennacherib's  blasphemous  messages  and  letters,  9 — 19. 
Hezekiah  and  Isaiah  pray  for  deliverance  : an  angel  desirous  the  Assyrian 
a m y ; and  their  kin  , when  returned  In  Nineveh , is  slain  by  his  sms  when 
worshipping  his  idol,  20,21.  Hezekiah  prospers  and  is  renown'd,%2,  23. 
[a  hk  nckness  he  prays , and  is  miraculously  recovered  / his  heart  is  lifted 
up , but  he  a fterwards  humbles  himself,  21 — 25.  His  riches  and  works , 27 
— 3 ).  misconduct  in  respect  of  the  ambassadors,  from  the  king  o1 

Babylon,  31.  He  dies , his  memory  is  honoured  ; and  Manas  sell  succeeds 
him,  32,  33. 

AFTER  "these  things,  and  the  establishment 
thereof,  Sennacherib  bking  of  Assyria  came, 
and  entered  into  Judah,  and  encamped  against  the 
fenced  cities,  and  thought  to  'win  them  for  him- 
self. 

2  And  when  Hezekiah  saw  that  Sennacherib 
was  come,  and  that  'lie  was  purposed  to  fight 
against  Jerusalem, 

3  He  "took  counsel  with  his  princes  and  his 
mighty  men  dto  stop  the  waters  of  the  fountains 
which  were  without  the  city:  and  they  did  Help 
him. 

4  So  there  was  gathered  much  people  together, 
who  stopped  all  the  fountains,  and  "the  brook  that 
♦ran  through  the  midst  of  the  land,  saying,  Why 
should  the  f kings  of  Assyria  come,  and  sfind 
much  water? 

5  Also  hhe  strengthened  himself,  and  built  up 
all  the  wall  ‘that  was  broken,  and  raised  it  up  to 
the  towers,  and  kan#ther  wall  without,  and  re- 
paired ■Millo  in  the  city  of  David,  and  made  §darts 
and  shields  in  abundance. 

6  And  mhe  set  captains  of  war  over  the  people, 
and  gathered  them  together  to  him  "in  the  street  of 
the  gate  of  the  city,  and  spake  ''comfortably  to 
them,  saying, 

7  Be  "strong  and  courageous,  t’he  not  afraid 
nor  dismayed  for  the  king  of  Assyria,  nor  for  all 
the  multitude  that  is  with  him  : for  there  be  more 
with  us  than  with  him  : 


a 30:1,2.  2 Kings  18:13.  Is.  36:1,  Sic.  b 2 Kings  15:19.  17:6.  18:11,19,20.  Is.  7: 
17,18.8:6-8.10:5,6.  Hos.  11:5.  * Heb.  break  them  up.  Is.  10:7— 11. 37:24,25. 
Mic.2:l3.  t Heb.  his  face  was  to  war.  2 Kings  12: 17.  Luke  9:51 ,53.  c 30:2. 
2 Kings  18:20.  Prov.  15:22.  20:18.  24:6.  Is.  40:13.  Rom.  11  ;31.  d 2 Kings  20: 
20.  Is.  22:8 — 11.  e 30.  30:14.  } Heb  .overflowed,  f See  on  1.  2 Kings  18:9, 

13.19:17.  13.10:8.  g 2 Kings  3:9,16,17.  19:21.  h 12:1.  14:5 — 7.  17:1,2.23:1. 
25:8.  Is.  22:9,10.  i 25:23.  k 2 Kings  25:4.  Jer.  39:4.  1 Judg.  9:6.  2 Sam.  5.9. 

1 King99:24.  11:27  . 2 Kings  12:20.  § Or,  sworls,  or  weapons.  26: 14,15.  m 17: 
14 — 19.  1 Cbr.  27:3,4,  &c.  n Ezra  10:9.  Neh.  8:1 — 3,16.  ||  Heb.  to  their  heart. 
30.22.  Gen.  34:3.  Is.  40:2.  marg.  o Deut.  31 :6,7,23.  Josh.  1:6 — 9.  1 Chr.  28: 
10,00.  19.  35:4.  Dan.  10:19.  Zech.  8:9,23.  Eph.  6:10.  2 Tim.  2:1.  p 20:15. 

2 Kings  18:30.  19:6,7.  q 2 Kings  6: 16.  Rom.  8:31.  I John  4:4.  r Job  40:9.  Jer. 
17:5.  s 13.12.  14.11.  Ps.  46:7;il.  Is.  8:10.  41:10.  Acts  18.10.  2 Tim.  4:17,22. 


the  way  to  ensure  the  blessing  of  God  on  his  substance  and 
his  labours.  (Marg.  Ref.)  And  when  the  portion,  which  is 
due  to  the  ministers  of  religion,  and  to  the  poor,  is  conscien- 
tiously rendered  to  them,  it  shall  be  recompensed  as  if  it 
were  a free-will  offering. 

V.  11 — 21.  A proper  use  of  authority,  joined  with  a good 
example,  and  convincing  arguments,  will  induce  many  to  do 
their  duty  in  those  things  in  which  they  before  were  entirely 
negligent. : hut,  whatever  means  are  used,  when  men  abound 
in  good  works,  we  should  bless  the  Lord  for  it ; and  due 
commendation  should  not  be  withheld  from  them. — Disinte- 
restedness, impartiality,  and  frugality,  are  requisite  in  those 
who  have  the  management  of  public  charities,  or  other  public 
funds  : for  when  proper  care  is  taken  of  the  sums  already 
contributed,  and  they  are  evidently  expended  for  the  sole 
purpose  intended,  encouragement  is  given  to  further  contri- 
butions.— It  would  tend  greatly  to  the  welfare  of  the  church, 
if  ministers  were  provided  for,  with  some  degree  of  equality, 
proportioned  to  their  diligence,  their  families,  and  their  neces- 
sary expenses  : and  it  is  a shameful  abuse,  that  funds 
anciently  appropriated  for  the  maintenance  of  the  clergy,  are 
m a great  measure  applied  1o  aggrandize  those  who  do  very 
little  for  them;  whilst  the  real  labourers  in  the  vineyard  are 
scarcely  kept  from  starving,  and  leave  no  provision  for  their 
families  whep  taken  from  them.  Legislators  should  rectify 
such  abuses.  But  the  faithful  servant  of  God  needs  not  be 
discouraged  : let  him  study  to  live,  and  to  preach,  according 
to  the  word  of  truth,  and  u give  himself  wholly”  to  his  work  ; 
and  let  him  do  it  in  faith,  and  the  Lord  will  not  suffer  him  to 
want ; yea,  he  will  provide  for  his  children  after  him.  But 
all  pious  men  are  not.  able  to  go  on  comfortably  in  this  man- 
ner ; and  it  is  a grievous  thing,  that  their  spirits  should  he 
depressed,  and  their  hands  weakened,  in  their  work,  on  this 
account ; hut  it  is  still  far  wofse,  when  they  are  tempted  to 
leave  their  proper  employment,  to  earn  a morsel  of  bread  for 
their  wives  and  children.  May  the  Lord  raise  up  in  every 
nation  zealous  men,  who  in  such  matters,  and  in  all  others, 
will  44 *  work  that  which  is  good,  and  right,  and  truth,  before 
the  Lord  and  who  will  do  their  utmost,  41  with  all  their 
hearts  in  the  service  of  the  house  of  God,  and  in  the  law,  and 
m the  commandments,”  to  seek  the  honour  of  the  Lord  ' — 
( 800  ) 


8 With  him  is  ran  arm  of  flesh  ; hut  'with  us  it 
the  Lord  our  God  to  help  us,  and  Ho  fight.  our 
battles.  And  the  people  ’’rested  themselves  upon 
the  words  of  Hezekiah  king-  of  Judah. 

9 H After  this  did  "Sennacherib  king  of  Assyria 

send  his  servants  to  Jerusalem,  (but  he  himself 
laid  siege  against  “Lachish,  and  all  his  re.  c 
"power  with  him,)  unto  Hezekiah  king  of  L 71u- 
Judah,  and  unto  all  Judah  that  were  at  Jerusalem, 
saying,  # 

10  yThus  saith  Sennacherib  king  of  Assyria 
Whereon  do  ve  trust,  that  ye  abide  in  the  "siege 
in  Jerusalem  r 

11  Doth  not  Hezekiah  persuade  you  'to  give 
over  yourselves  to  die  by  famine  and  by  thrst, 
saying,  “the  Lord  our  God  shall  deliver  us  out  of 
the  hand  of  the  king  of  Assyria  ? 

12  ’’Hath  not  the  same  Hezekiah  taken  away 
his  high  places,  and  his  altars,  and  commanded 
Judah  and  Jerusalem,  saying,  cYe  shall  worship 
belbre  done  altar,  and  burn  incense  upon  it? 

13  Know  ye  not  what  eI  and  my  fathers  have 
done  unto  all  the  people  of  other  lands?  fwere 
the  gods  of  the  nations  of  those  lands  any  ways 
able  to  deliver  their  lands  out  of  my  hand  ? 

14  Who  was  there  eamong  all  the  gods  of  those 
nations,  that  my  fathers  utterly  destroyed,  that 
could  deliver  his  people  out  of  my  hand,  that 
hyo«r  God  should  be  able  to  deliver  you  out  of 
my  hand  ? 

15  Now  therefore  let  not  Hezekiah  'deceive 
you,  nor  kpersuade  you  on  this  manner,  neither 
yet  believe  him:  for  no  god  of  any  nation  or  king- 
dom was  able  to  deliver  his  people  out  of  my 
hand,  and  out  of  the  hand  of  my  fathers:  how 
'much  less  shall  your  God  deliver  you  out  of  rny 
hand  ? 

16  And  his  servants  spake  myet  more  against 


t 20:15.  Deut.  20:1,4.  Josh.  10:42.  U Heb.  leaned.  15.20:20.  Is.  36:18.  u See 
on  2 Kings  18:17.  Is. 36:2.  x Josh.  10:31 . 12: 1 1 15:39.  Is.  37:8.  Mic.!:13. 
**  Heb.  dominion.  y See  on  2 Kings  18:19.  Is.  36:4.  tt  Heb.  strong-hold. 
z See  on  2 Kings  18:27.  Is.  36:12,18.  a 15.  2 Kings  19:10.  Ps.  3:2.  11:1— 3.  22: 
8.42:10.71:11.  Matt.  27:43.  b ; 'See  on  31 :1 . 2 Kings  18:4.22.  Is.  36:7.  c See 
on  Deut.  12:13,14,26,27.  d 4:1.  Ex. 27:1— 8.  30:1— 6.  40:26— 29.  1 Kings  7:48. 
e 2 Kings  15:29.  17:5,6.19:11—13,17,18.  Is.  10:9,10.  37:12,13,18— 20.  Dan.  4:30. 
37.  f See  on  19.  2 Kings  18:33—35.  19:18,19.  Ps.  115:3—8.  Is.  44:8—10.  Jer. 
10:11,12.16.  Acts  19:26.  1 Cor.  8:4.  g See  on  Is.  10:11,12.  h Ex.  14:3.  15:9— 
11.  Is. 42:8.  i See  on  2 Kings  18:29.  19:10.  kll.  1 Kings  22:22.  Is. 36:18. 
Acts  19:26.  Gal.  1:10.  1 Ex.  5:2.  Dan.  3:15.  John  19:10,11.  m Job  15:25,26. 

Ps.  73:9. 


Whether  we  have  few  or  many  talents,  may  we  thus  improve 
them,  and  encourage  others  to  do  the  same:  we  shall  then 
assuredly  be  prospered  in  some  measure  ; and  shall  obtain 
that  44  honour  which  cometh  from  God,”  being  graciously 
addressed  by  him  with,44  Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servant, 
enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXII.  V.  1.  Most  of  the  trans- 
actions, recorded  in  the  preceding  chapters,  took  place  in  the 
first  year  of  Hezekiah’s  reign  : and  from  that  time  he  proceeded 
to  establish  and  complete  his  reformation,  without  any  very 
memorable  occurrences,  till  his  fourteenth  year,  in  whicn 
Sennacherib’s  first  invasion  occurred.  (Marg.  Ref . Note , 

2 Kings  18:13—16.) 

V.  3,  4.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  brook  here  mentioned,  is 
supposed  to  have  been  Kidron,  or  Cedron,  called  also  44  the 
upper  water-course  of  Gihon.”  (30)  Through  subterraneous 
cr  concealed  channels,  Hezekiah  brought  the  paters  of  this 
rivulet  into  the  city,  to  supply  certain  pools  there  formed  for 
the  use  of  the  inhabitants.  Or,  by  some  means,  he  turned  or 
concealed  the  course  of  it,  in  order  that  the  Assyrians  might 
be  distressed  for  water,  if  they  undertook  the  siege  of  Jeru- 
salem.— 44  The  kings  of  Assyria”  had,  during  several  succes 
sions,  been  formidable  enemies  to  Israel  and  Judah:  and  this 
measure  was  intended,  not  only  for  a present  defence  against 
Sennacherib,  but  also  as  a security  against,  future  invasions 
of  him  or  his  successors.  (Note,  Is.  22:8 — 14.) 

V.  5 — 8.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  20:14 — 19.  2 Kings  ft:  15 — 
17.  1 John  4:4 — 6.)  These  measures  seem  to  have  been 
adopted,  and  this  most  encouraging  exhortation  given,  at  the 
approach  of  Sennacherib’s  first  invasion : and  the  people  in 
general  had  a strong  confidence,  that  the  Lord  would  deliver 
them  according  to  the  word  of  Hezekiah.  4 They  relied  on 
what  he  said,  as  if  it  had  been  spoken  to  them  by  God  him- 
self.’ Bp.  Patrick.  Some,  however,  seem  to  have  confided 
rather  in  their  fortifications. — Yet  Hezekiah  himself  was  after- 
wards induced  to  submit  to  Sennacherib,  and  pay  him  tribute  ; 
on  this  he  departed,  hut  not  long  after  lie  renewed  his 
attempts.  (Note,  2 Kings  18:13 — 16.) 

V.  9 — 16.  Notes,  2 Kings  18:17 — 25. — That  he  abide  in 
the  siege , &c.  (10)  Or  44  in  the  strong-hold  in  Jerusalem.1’ 
Marg. — How  much  less,  &c.  (15)  This  haughty  conqueror 


B.  C.  712. 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 


B.  C.  700 


the  Lord  God,  and  "against  his  servant  Heze- 

kiah. 

17  He  “wrote  also  letters  Ho  rail  on  the  Lord 
God  of  Israel,  and  to  speak  against  him,  saying, 
qAs  the  gods  of  the  nations  of  other  lands  have 
not  delivered  their  people  out  of  iny  hand,  so 
shall  not  the  God  of  Hezekiah.  deliver  his  people 
out  of  my  hand. 

18  Then  “they  cried  with  a loud  voice,  in  the 
Jews’  speech,  unto  the  people  of  Jerusalem  that 
were  on  the  wall,  'to  affright  them,  and  to  trouble 
♦hem ; that  they  might  take  the  city. 

19  And  they  ‘spake  against  “the  God  of  Jeru- 
salem, as  against  the  gods  of  the  people  of  the 
earth,  which  were  “the  work  of  the  hands  of  man. 

20  And  for  this  cause  ^Hezekiah  the  king,  and 
•the  prophet  Isaiah  the  son  of  Amoz,  “prayed  and 
criea  to  heaven. 

21  IT  And  bthe  Lord  sent  an  “angel,  which  dcut 
off  all  the  mighty  men  of  valour,  and  “the  leaders 
and  captains  in  the  camp  of  the  king  of  Assyria. 
So  he  returned  f with  shame  of  face  to  his  own 
land.  And  when  she  was  come  into  the  house  of 
his  god,  they  that  came  forth  of  his  own  bowels 
‘slew  him  there  with  the  sword. 

22  Thus  hthe  Lord  saved  Hezekiah  and  the 
inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  from  the  hand  of  Sen- 
nacherib the  king  of  Assyria,  and  from  the  hand  of 
all  other,  and  ‘guided  them  on  every  side. 

23  And  many  brought  kgifts  unto  the  Lord  to 
Jerusalem,  ‘and  ‘presents  to  Hezekiah  king  of 
Judah  : so  that  '"lie  was  magnified  in  the  sight  of 
all  nations  from  thenceforth. 

[Practical  Obserentiontf] 

e.  cm  24  ^T  In  those  days  "Hezekiah  was  sick  to 
,13-  J the  death,  and  prayed  unto  the  Lord  : and 
he  spake  unto  him,  and  he  tgave  him  a sign. 

25  But  Hezekiah  “rendered  not  again  accord- 
ing to  the  benefit  done  unto  him ; for  Phis  heart 

o John  15:21.  o See  on  2 Kings  19:14.  Neh.  6:5.  Is.  37:14.  p See  on  2 Kings 
19:22,28.  Is.  10:15.  37:23,24,28,29.  Rev.  13:6.  q 2 Kings  19:12.  r 2 Kings  18:26 
— 28.  Is.  36:13.  s 1 Sam.  17:10,26.  Neh.  6:9.  t See  on  13—17.  u 6:6.  Pe.  76: 
1,2.  78:68.  87:1—3.  132:13,14.  Is.  14:32.  Heb.  12:22.  x Deut.4:28.  27:15.  2 -Kings 
19:18.  Ps.  135:15 — 18.  18.2:8.37:19.44:16—20.  Jer.  1:16.  10:3,9.32:30.  Hos.  8: 
5,6.  y See  on  2 Kings  19:14—19.  Is.  37:14—20.  z 2 Kings  19:2—4.  Is.  37:2—4. 
a 14:11.20:6—12.  Fs.  50:15.  91:15.  b See  on  2 Kings  19:20,35.  Is.  37:21 ,36,37. 
c 2 Sam.  24:16.  Malt.  13:49,50.  Acts  12:23.  d Job  9:4.  Ps.  76:5,7,12.  els. 
10:8.16 — 19,33,34.  17:12 — 14  . 29:5-  8.30:30—33  . 33:10—12.36:9.  Rev.6:15,16. 
19:17,18.  fPs.  132:18.  Prov.  11 :2.  16:18.  g See  on  2 Kings  1 9:36,37.  Is.  37:37, 
38.  * Heb.  made  him  fall,  h Ps.  18:48—50.  144:10.  Is.  10:24,25.  31:4,5.  33:22. 

\ Ps.  48:14. 73:24.  Is.  58:11.  John  16:13.  2Tbes.  3:5.  k 2 Sam.  8:10,11 . Ezra 
/:15 — 22,27.  Ps.  68:29.  72:10.  Is.  60:7—9.  Matt.  2:11.  117:11.  1 Kings  4:21. 

10:10,25.  t Heb. precious  things.  9:9,10,24.  m 1 :1 . 1 Chr.  29:25.  n See  on 
2 Kings  20:1 — 3.  Is.  38:1 — 3.  1 Or,  wrought  a miracle  for  him.  See  on 

2 Kings  20:4—11.  Ts.  38:4—8,21,22.  o Deut.  32:6.  Ps.  116:12,13.  Hos.  14:2. 

supposed  that  Jehovah  was  even  inferior  to  the  gods  of  the 
nations  ! Probably  he  grounded  this  notion  on  the  inferiority 
of  Judah,  in  extent  and  population,  to  many  of  the  kingdoms 
which  he  had  subdued  ; especially  as  he  was  master  of  almost 
the  whole  land  already. — ‘ If  the  Lord  had  a mind  to  help 
them,  he  would  have  them  believe,  that  he  was  not  able ; 
because  no  gods  had  been  able  to  deliver  those  that  wor- 
shiped them,  from  his  power.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  17—22.  Notes,  2 Kings  18:26—35.  19:—  God  of  Jeru- 
salem. (19)  Sennacherib  called  Jehovah  “ the  God  of 
Jerusalem,”  either  because  that  city  alone  remained  in  the 
nands  of  his  worshippers  ; or  because  Hezekiah,  by  abolish- 
ing the  high  places,  seemed  to  have  confined  to  Jerusalem 
alone,  the  worship  of  his  God,  which  before  ‘had  been  spread 
over  the  land. 

V.  23.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Is  60:4 — 9. 

V.  24 — 26.  (Notes,  2 Kings  20:  Is.  38:  39:)  These  events 
are  supposed,  by  many  learned  men,  to  have  been  previous 
to  Sennacherib’s  first  invasion,  as  evidently  occurring  in  the 
fourteenth  year  of  Hezekiah’s  reign.  I Note,  2 Kings  18:13. 
20:1.) — The  princes  and  the  people  of  Judah,  as  well  as  the 
king,  had  been  very  ungrateful  for  their  many  mercies  : and 
when  “ Hezekiah  was  humbled  for  the  pride  of  his  heart,” 
and  had  received  Isaiah’s  alarming  message,  it  is  probable  he 
made  open  confession  of  his  offence,  and  called  upon  the 
people  to  join  with  him  in  solemn  humiliation  and  prayer  on 
that  account.  It  may,  however,  be  doubted,  whether  the 
ambassadors  from  the  king  of  Babylon  came  to  Jerusalem 
before  Sennacnerib’s  last  invasion  of  the  land  ; as  the  trea- 
sures, which  Hezekiah  showed  them,  seem  to  have  been 
-btained  by  the  result  of  that  invasion,  and  the  presents, 
which  were  afterwards  brought  to  him.  (Note,  27 — 29.) — 
This  chapter  is  in  great  measure  an  abridgment  of  those 
chapters  in  the  Second  of  Kings,  and  in  the  prophecy  of 
Ixaiah,  which  are  referred  to. — Gave  him  a sign.  (24)  Or, 
u wrought  a miracle  for  him.”  Marg. 

V.  27 — 29.  The  riches,  here  spoken  of,  seem  to  have 
arisen,  in  great  measure,  from  the  immense  spoil  found  in  the 
Vol.  I— 101 


was  lifted  up : ‘'therefore  there  was  wrath  upo.. 
him,  and  upon  Judah  and  Jerusalem. 

26  Notwithstanding,  “Hezekiah  humbled  him- 
self for  the  Spride  of  his  heart,  both  he  and  the 
inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  so  that  the  wrath  of 
the  Lord  came  not  upon  them  “in  the  days  of 
Hezekiah. 

27  H And  Hezekiah  had  ‘exceeding  much 
riches  and  honour : and  he  made  himself 
"treasuries  for  silver,  and  for  gold,  and  for  re.  c. 
precious  stones,  and  lor  spices,  and  for  L 7P“- 
shields,  and  for  all  manner  of  '^pleasant  jewels: 

28  “Storehouses  also  for  the  increase  of  corn, 
and  wine,  and  oil;  and  ^stalls  for  all  manner  oi 
beasts,  and  “cotes  for  flocks. 

29  Moreover,  he  provided  him  cities,  and 
"possessions  of  flocks  and  herds  in  abundance  : 
for  bGod  had  given  him  substance  very  much. 

30  This  same  Hezekiah  also  “stopped  the 
upper  water-course  of  dGihon,  and  brought  tb.  c. 
it  straight  down  to  the  west  side  of  the  city  L 7'2- 
of  David.  “And  Hezekiah  prospered  in  all  his 
works. 

31  H Howbeit,  f in  the  business  of  the  “ambas- 
sadors of  the  princes  of  Babylon,  who  sent  unto 
him  to  inquire  of  Hhe  wonder  that  was  done  in 
the  land,  God  hleft  him,  ‘to  try  him,  kthat  he  might 
know  all  that  was  in  his  heart. 

32  ^ Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Hezekiah,  and 
his  "goodness,  behold,  they  are  written  'in  the 
vision  of  Isaiah  the  prophet,  the  son  of  Amoz, 
and  “in  the  book  of  the  Kings  of  Judah  and 
Israel. 

33  And  Hezekiah  “slept  with  his  fathers,  tb.  c. 
and  they  buried  him  in  the  “chiefest  of  the  L 695 
sepulchres  of  the  sons  of  David:  and  all  Judah 
and  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  “did  him  honour 
at  his  death  : Pand  Manasseh  his  son  reigned  in 
his  stead. 


Luke  17:17,18.  p 31 . 25:19.  26:16.  Deut.  8:12— 14,17.  2 Kings  14:10.  20:13. 

Ez.  23:2,5,17.  Dan.  5:20,23.  Hnb.  2:4.  2 Cor.  12:7.  1 Tim.  3:61  1 Pet.  5:5,6. 
q 24:18.  See  on  2 Sam.  24:1,10— 17*  1 Chr.  21:1,12— 17.  r 33:12,19.23.34:27. 
Lev. 26  40,41.  2Kings20:19.  Jer.  26:18,19.  Jam.  4:10.  § Heb.  lifting  up. 

s 34:27,28.  1 Kings  21:29.  See  on  2 Kings  20:16— 18.  Is.  39:6— 8.  I f:12.~9:27. 
17:5.  u 1 Chr.  27:25,  &c.  II  Heb.  instruments  of  desire,  x 26:10.  y 1 King* 
4:26.  z 2 Sam.  7:8.  a 26:10.  Gen  13:2— 6.  1 Chr.  27:29— 31.  Job  1 :3.  42: 12. 
b 25:9.  Deut.  8:18.  1 Sam.  2:7.  1 Chr.  29:12.  Prov.  10:22.  1 Tim.  6: 17,18. 

c See  on  4.  Is.  22:9-11.  d 1 Kings  1:33,38,45.  e Josh.  1:7,8.  Ps.  1:1— 3. 
f 2 Kings  20:12,13.  Is. 39:1,2.  IT  Heb.  interpreters.  g2Kings20:8 — 11.  Is. 
38:8.  h Judg.  16:20.  Ps.  27:9.  51:11,12.  119:1 16,117.  John  15:5.  i Gen.  22:1. 
De.it.  8:16.  Job  1:11,12.2:3— 6.  Ps.  139:1 .2,23,24.  Prov.  17:3.  Zech.  13:9.  Mai. 
3:2,3.  1 Pet.  1:7.  k Deut.  8:2.  13:3.  **  Heb.  kindn esses.  31:20,21.  1 Is.  36: — 
39:  m 2 Kings  18: — 20:  n See  on  1 Kings  1:21.  2:10.  11 :43.  it  Or,  highest, 

o 16:14.  Gen.  50:10,11.  Num.  20:29.  Deut.  34:8.  1 Sam.  2:30. 25:1.  Prov.  10:7. 
p See  on  33:1,  &c. 


Assyrian  camp.  (Notes,  Is.  33:2 — 6,23,24.)  Storehouses , 

&c.  (28)  Notes,  26:10.  1 Chr.  27:25—31.  Job  1:2,3,  v.  3.  42: 
10—17,  v.  12.  Prov.  27:23—27.  Ec.  5:9—12. 

V.  30 — 33.  Marg.  Rrf.  Notes,  3,4,  v.  4.  2 Kings  20:20, 
21. — The  princes.  (31)  “The  princes  of  Babylon  sent  to 
inquire  of  the  wonder  that  had  been  done  in  the  land  :”  but  it 
is  not  certain,  that  the  Chaldeans  observed  any  change  in 
the  motion  of  the  heavenly  bodies.  The  report  of  the  mira- 
cles which  attended  Hezekiah’s  recovery,  might  suffice  for 
that  purpose.  Yet,  in  Isaiah  it  is  said,  “ The  sun  returned, 
&c.”  (Note,  Is.  38:8.) — The  Lord  on  this  occasion  withdrew 
from  Hezekiah  the  immediate  efficacy  of  his  grace,  and  left 
him  to  follow  the  dictates  of  his  own  natural  propensity,  “ to 
try  him,  that  he  might  know  all  that  was  in  his  heai‘.”  The 
omniscient  God  before  knew  the  whole  ; but,  having  by  the 
trial  made  the  case  evident,  he  thus  pointed  it  out  to  Heze- 
kiah, and  to  all  succeeding  ages,  for  their  humiliation,  warn- 
ing, and  instruction.  (Notes,  Deut.  8:2,3.)  For  it  hence 
appears  undeniable,  that  the  best  of  men,  if  left  to  themselves, 
are  prone  to  pride  and  ostentation,  to  idolize  themselves  and 
their  fellow-creatures,  to  withdraw  their  dependence  from 
God,  to  rob  him  of  his  glory,  and  to  he  ungrateful  for  his 
mercies.  (Note,  2 Cor.  12:7 — 10.)  ‘God  suffered  him  to 
behave  according  to  his  own  inclinations,  without  any  special 
motiot  from  him  ; that  Hezekiah  might  know,  he  was  not  so 
strong  as  he  imagined,  if  he  were  left  to  himself  without  God. 
. . . God  made  proof  of  Hezekiah,  as  he  had  done  of  many 
other  good  men,  whether  he  would  entirely  obey  him  or  not. 
. . . God  no  doubt  . . . saw  the  pride  and  vanity  that  lurked  in 
Hezekiah’s  heart ; which  was  hid  from  every  one  but  God 
himself,  who  now  suffered  him  to  discover  it  for  his  humilia- 
tion.’ Bp.  Patrick. — They  buried.  Sac.  (33)  Notes,  16:13,14. 
21:18—20.  24:15,16. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 23.  Satan  and  his  emissaries  are  most  eager  to  give 
us  disturbance,  when  we  are  most  usefully  employed  • but 
God  restrains  them,  till  he  sees  it  needful  to  correct  our  mis- 
conduct, or  to  try  our  faith  and  constancy,  and  then  they  sr# 
' 801  ) 


3.  C.  635, 


II.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  635 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

Manasseh  reigna  long , i#  very  wicked , multiplies  idolatries,  corrupts  the  peo - 
p.e,  and  rejects  the  <ulmonitions  of  God,  l — 10.  He  is  carried  captive  to 
Babylon  ; he  humbles  himself  greatly  before  God,  with  earnest  and  fervent 
prayer  ; and  is  restored  to  his  kingdom,  11 — 13.  He  fortifies  his  dominions, 
and  restores  the  worship  of  God,  11—17.  His  acts  and  prayers , lJ,  19. 
He  dies,  and  Amon  succeeds,  who  reigns  wickedly,  and  i3  murdered,  20—21. 
The  people  slay  the  murderers,  and  make  Josiah  king,  25. 

»T\  IT ANASSEH  was  btvvelve  years  old  when 
IM  he  began  to  reign,  and  he  reigned  fifty  and 
five  years  in  Jerusalem: 

2 But  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  sight  of 
the  Lord,  clike  unto  the  abominations  of  the 
heathen,  whom  the  Lord  had  cast  out  before  the 
children  of  Israel. 

3 H For  dhe  'built  again  the  high  places 'which 
Hezekiah  his  father  had  broken  down ; and  ( he 
reared  up  altars  for  Baalim,  and  smade  groves, 
and  worshipped  all  'the  host  of  heaven,  and 
served  them. 

4 Also  'he  built  altars  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  whereof  the  Lord  had  said,  kIn  Jerusalem 
shall  my  name  be  forever. 

5 And  he  built  altars  for  all  the  host  of  heaven 
fin  the  two  courts  of  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

6 And  he  '"caused  his  children  to  pass  through 
the  fire  in  the  valley  of  the  son  of  Hinnom  : also 
"he  observed  times,  and  used  enchantments, 

a 32:33.  2 Kings  21:1.  1 Chr.3:13.  Matt.  1:10.  Manatees.  b 34:1.2.  Ec.  10: 
16  Is.  3:4,12.  c 23:3.  36:14.  Lev.  18:24—30.  20:22^23.  Dent.  12:31.  18:9— 14. 
2 Kings  17:11,15.21:2,9.  Ezra 9:14.  Ps.  106:35— 40.  Ez.  11:12.  cl  Ec.  2:19. 
9:18.°  * Heb.  returned  and  built,  e 30:14.  31  :l.  32: 12.  2 Kings  18  4.  21 :3. 
f 28:2— 4.  Judg.  2:11— 13.  g Deut.  16:21.  1 Kings  14:23.  Jer.  17:2.  Ii  Dent. 
4:19.17:3.  2 Kings  23:5,6,11.  Jer.  8:2.  19:13.  Zeph.  1:5.  Acts  7:42.  i 15. 
34:3,4.  2 Kings  21:4,5.  Jer.  7.  30.  k 6:6.  7:16.  32: 19.  Deut.  12:11.  1 Kings 
8-29.  9:3.  1 '4:9.  Jer.  32:34,35.  Ez.  8:7—18.  m 28:3.  Lev.  18:21.  20:2. 

Deut.  12:31.  18:10.  2 Kings  21:6.  23:10.  Jer.  7:31,32.  Ez.  23:37,39.  n Lev. 
19:26.20:6.  Deut.  18:10—14.  1 Sam.  15:23.  2 Kings  17:17.  Is.  47:9—12.  Gal. 


permitted,  under  certain  restrictions,  to  assault  us. — It  is  very 
lawful  and  proper  to  employ  prudent  precautions  and  means 
of  defence  ; and  to  be  united  and  vigorous  in  every  adviseable 
measure,  when  there  is  a prospect  of  danger  or  difficulty : 
but  it  is  seldom  that  men  attend  to  these  tilings,  without  con- 
fiding \n  them.  We  should  therefore  encourage  ourselves 
and  each  other,  to  trust  wholly  in  tile  Lord  : and  if  he  is  for 
us,  there  will  be  more  with  us  than  with  our  foes ; should  all 
the  men  on  earth,  and  all  the  le|ions  of  fallen  angels,  combine 
and  actually  approach  to  assault  us.  What  need  then  have 
we  to  fear  the  strongest  arm  of  flesh,  when  we  have  the 
“ Lord  our  God  to  help  ns,  and  to  fight  our  battles  ?”  These 
are  words,  that  may  safely  be  rested  upon,  by  all  who 
“ repent  andfurn  to  God,  and  do  works  meet  for  repentance.” 
Yet  such  a confidence  will  excite  the  contempt  and  reviling 
of  idolaters,  infidels,  and  other  proud,  ungodly  men  : those 
who  venture  to  do  their  duty,  in  defiance  of  the  persecuting 
rage  of  some  powerful  king,  professing  to  rely  on  the  Lord  of 
hosts,  will  he  deemed  obstinate  and  infatuated : and  in 
various  difficulties,  it  will  be  inquired,  whether  “ they  will  be 
persuaded  to  give  themselves  over  to  die  by  famine  and 
thirst.”  The  more  undaunted  any  one  is,  while  trusting  the 
Lord  in  the  path  of  duty,  the  more  will  some  impious 
wretches  rail,  blaspheme,  menace,  boast,  and  triumph  ; espe- 
cially when  grown  insolent  by  success,  and  intoxicated  with 
absolute  authority.  But  let  the  oppressed  and  insulted 
believer  pray  earnestly  to  the  Lord,  that  he  may  not  be  driven 
from  his  confidence.  In  due  time  it  will  appear,  that  “ none 
ever  hardened  himself  against  God  and  prospered  and  that 
none  were  ever  confounded  who  put  their  trust  in  him.  For, 
as  the  power  and  justice  of  God  are  displayed  in  the  destruc- 
tion of  his  enemies ; so,  his  rich  and  free  mercy  are  glorified 
in  thfe  salvation  of  his  people. 

V.  2-1—33.  Alas  ! how  seldom  do  we  in  any  good  degree 
render  to  the  Lord  according  to  .his  benefits  ! None,  who 
know  themselves,  and  watch  over  their  own' hearts,  will 
venture  to  cast  a stone  at  Hezekiah  ; but  they  will  all,  one  by 
one,  depart  convicted  in  their  consciences  of  similar  guilt,  and 
crying  out,  “ God  be  merciful  tome  a sinner!” — If  we  be  not 
left  tcTexpose  our  foolish  and  wicked  pride  before  the  world, 
the  Lord  sees  and  abhors  the  risings  of  it  in  our  hearts,  and 
might  justly  pour  out  his  wrath  upon  us:  yet,  if  humbled  for 
this  pride  of  our  heart,  he  will  forgive  us  and  continue  to  bless 
us.  But  we  ought  to  watch  and  pray  always,  that  wc  may 
not  “ enter  into  temptation,”  and  that  God  would  not  leave  us 
to  ourselves  : we  ought  to  repress  every  vainglorious 
thought,  and  to  welcome  even  afflictions  and  severe  rebukes, 
and  painful  conflicts  and  temptations,  when  they  keep  us 
from  being  “ exalted  above  measure.”  Blessed  be  God,  death 
will  soon  end  the  believer’s  conflict ; then  every  sin  will  he 
abolished,  and  he  may  safely  he  trusted  with  the  most  glo- 
rious exaltation  and  uninterrupted  felicity  ; and  will  no  more, 
to  all  eternity,  be  tempted  to  intercept  the  least  mite  of  that 
revenue  of  praise,  which  belongs  to  the  God  of  his  salvation. 

While  we  are  here,  we  ought  to  honour  those  to  whom 
honour  is  due,  though  they  he  far  from  perfect  : and  we  may 
well  respect  the  memories,  and  should  imitate  the  example, 
of  those  who  have  been  pious  and  useful  in  their  generation  : 
t SU2 


and  used  witchcraft,  and  "dealt  with  a familia. 
spirit,  and  with  wizards:  he  wrought  much  evL 
in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  to  provoke  him  to 
anger. 

7 And  he  set  a carved  image,  the  idol  which  he 
had  made,  Pin  the  house  of  God,  of  which  iGod 
had  said  to  David  and  to  Solomon  his  son,  In  this 
house  and  in  Jerusalem,  "which  I have  chosen 
before  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  will  I put  my  name 
for  ever : 

8 Neither  ‘will  I any  more  remove  the  foot 
of  Israel  from  out  of  the  land  which  I have  ap- 
pointed for  your  fathers;  'so  that  they  will  lake 
heed  “to  do  all  that  I have  commanded  them,  ac- 
cording to  the  whole  law  and  the  statutes  and  the 
ordinances  "by  the  hand  of  Moses. 

9 So  Manasseh  -’’made  Judah  and  the  inhabi 
tants  of  Jerusalem  to  err,  and  "to  do  worse  than 
“the  heathen,  whom  the  Lord  had  destroyed  be- 
fore the  children  of  Israel. 

10  And  bthe  Lord  spake  to  Manasseh,  and  to 
his  people  : but  they  would  not  hearken. 

[Practical  Observations .] 

11  H Wherefore  cthe  Lord  brought  upon  them 
dtlie  captains  of  the  host  rof  *the  king  of  Assyria, 
which  took  Manasseh  { among  the  thorns,  and 

5:20.  o 2 Kings  21:6.  23:24.  1 Chr.  10:13.  Is.  8:19. 19:3.  n 2 Kings  21 :7,9. 
23:6.  q See  on  4.  1 Kings  8:29.  Ps.  132:13,14.  r 6:6.  1 Kings  8:44,18. 

11:13,32.  Ps. 78:68.  s See  on  2 Sam.  7:10.  1 Chr.  17:9.  iSeeonl.ll 

—22.  Deirt.  28:1— 14.30:15-20.  Is.  1:19,20*  Ez.  33:25.26.  u Deut.  4:40.  5:1, 
31—33.6:1.8:1.27:25.  Luke  1:6.  Gal.  3:10— 13.  x See  on  Lev.  8:36.  10:11. 
y 1 Kings  14:16.  15:26.  2 Kings  21 :16.  23:26.  24  3,4.  Pro*.  29:12.  Mic.  6:16. 
z See  on  2.  2 Kings  21 :9 — 11.  Ez.  16:45— 47.  a Lev.  18.24.  Deut.  2.21.  Josh. 
24:8.  2 Kings  17:8— II.  b 36:15,16.  Nell.  9:29,30.  Jer. 2.5:4— 7.  44:4,5.  Zech. 
1:4.  Acts  7:51,52.  c Deut.  28:36.  d Is.  10:8.  36:9.  | Heb.  which  were  the 

king's,  e Neh.  9:32,37.  Is.  5:25—30.  7:18—20.  f 1 Sam.  13:6. 


for,  a short  time  may  perhaps  awfully  convince  survivors,  that 
the  loss  of  them  was  far  greater,  than  at  first  could  be  at  al) 
supposed. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXIII.  V.  1—  5.  (Notes,  2 Kings 
21:1 — 5.)  Perhaps  Hezekiah  named  his  son  Manasseh  from 
the  circumstance,  that  many  of  the  tribe  of  Manasseh  had 
come  at  his  invitation,  to  attend  the  passover.  (Note,  30:1 1.) 

V.  6 — 8.  Manasseh  ‘seems  lo  have  studied  to  find  out 
what  God  had  forbidden  in  his  law,  that  lie  might  practise  it.’ 
Bp.  Patrick.  (Notes,  2 Kings  21:6 — 8.) — A carved  image, 
the  idol,  he.  (7)  “ A graven  image  of  the  grove,”  2 Kings 

21:7. 

V.  9,  10.  (Notes,  2 Kings  21:9,10.)  4 A most  prodigious 
change  from  the  height  of  piety  in  his  father’s  t ime,  into  the 
sink  of  impiety  in  this!  ...  Victorinus  Strigelius,  ...pro- 
fessor of  theology  at  Heidelberg,  lefi  this  remark  in  his  lec- 
tures on  this  place,  near  a hundred  and  forty  years  ago:’ 
(that  is,  soon  after  the  establishment  of  the  reformation  in 
Germany:) — “Now  we  have  the  word  of  God  abundantly  in 
all  wisdom,  and  pious  princes  patronise  both  those  that 
preach,  and  those  that  learn  the  gospel.  But  this  plenty  of 
the  word  we  now  enjoy,  (I  tremble  to  speak  it,  but  I must 
speak  it,  because  it  will  come  to  pass,)  shall  be  taken  away 
and  that  sad  mournful  time  will  come,  when  the  public  assem- 
blies of  the  church  shall  be  scattered,  and  a few  pious  souls 
shall  meet  with  fear  in  a corner,  to  communicate  among 
themselves  the  fragments  of  the  heavenly  doctrine,  and  give 
God  thanks  for  these  remainders.’  Which  we  have  seen 
fulfilled  in  that  country,  and  in  France,  and  other  places.’ 
BP.  Patrick. — This  apparent  prophecy  seems  to  hove  been 
merely  a presage  grounded  on  the  vicissitudes  of  things, 
especially  in  respect  of  religion,  and  the  tendency  of  pros- 
perity to  induce  carnal  security. 

V.  11.  There  is  not  the  least  intimation,  in  the  Second 
Book  of  Kings,  either  of  Manasseh’s  captivity,  or  of  his  re- 
pentance: and  it  might  have  been  concluded  from  the  narra- 
tive there  given,  that  he  persevered  in  his  career  of  impiety 
and  iniquity,  with  impunity,  till  his  death.  Here,  however, 
we  find  a most  instructive  view  of  his  latter  years;  and  this 
very  man  became  as  eminent  an  instance  of  the  power, 
riches,  and  freeness  of  divine  mercy  and  grace,  as  any  re- 
corded in  the  Scripture. — When  he  and  his  people  had  long 
disregarded  the  admonitions  of  the  prophets,  and  added  per- 
secutions, and  multiplied  murders,  to  their  other  crimes; 
(9,10.  Notes, 2 Kings  21:16.  23:26,27.)  “the  Lord  brought 
upon  them  the  captains  of  the  host  of  the  king  of  Assyria.” 
We  are  not  informed  what  devastations  these  invaders  made 
in  Judah  and  Jerusalem:  hut  Manasseh,  being  either  van- 
quished or  intimidated,  attempted  to  conceal  himself  in  a 
thicket;  where,  being  discovered,  he  was  taken  prisoner, 
loaded  with  fetters,  and  sent  to  Babylon.  God,  in  his  provi- 
dence, gave  the  Assyrians  the  power  and  opportunity  of 
making  this  invasion,  and  he  left  them  to  follow  their  own 
ambition,  or  other  worldly  motives;  and  he  also  gave  them 
success,  in  order  to  chastise  Manassoh’s  enormous  wicked- 
ness.— Many  suppose,  that  Esar-haddon,  having  got  posses- 
sion of  Babylon,  and  entirely  changed  the  inhabitants  of  the 
kingdom  of  Israel,  about  the  same  time  sent  to  invade  Judah. 


B.  C.  660.  CHAPTER  XXXIII.  B.  C.  611 


•bound  him  with  ’fetters,  and  carried  him  to  Ba- 
bylon. 

12  And  hwhen  lie  was  in  affliction, ‘he  besought 
‘the  Loud  bis  God,  'and  bumbled  himself  greatly 
before  the  God  of  bis  fathers, 

13  And  prayed  unto  him:  and  mhe  was  en- 
treated of  him,  an.d  beard  his  supplication,  and 
“brought  him  again  to  Jerusalem  into  bis  king- 
dom. Then  Manasseh  “knew  that  the  Lord  he 
was  God. 

14  Now  after  this,  Phe  built  a wall  without  the 
city  of  David,  on  the  west  side  of  'iGibon,  in  the 
valley,  even  to  the  entering  in  at  ‘the  fish-gate, 
and  compassed  about  'Ophel,  and  raised  it  up  a 
very  great  height,  and  'put  captains  of  war  in  all 
the  fenced  cities  of  Judah. 

15  And  ‘he  took  away  the  strange  gods,  and  the 
idol  out  of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  all  the 
altars  that  he  had  built  in  the  mount  of  the  house 
of  the  Lord,  and  in  Jerusalem,  and  cast  them  out 
of  the  city. 

16  And  he  “repaired  the  altar  of  the  Lord,  and 
sacrificed  thereon  Tpeace-offerings  and  “thank- 
offerings,  and  ^commanded  Judah  to  serve  the 
Lord  God  of  Israel. 

17  Nevertheless,  zthe  people  did  sacrifice  still 
fn  the  high  places,  yet  unto  the  Lord  their  God 
only. 

18  IF  Now  “the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Manasseh, 

1 2 Kings  83:33.  35:6.  Job  36:8—11.  Ps.  107:10—12.  • Or,  chains,  h 28:22.  Lev. 
26:39—42.  Dent.  4:30,31.  Jer.  31:18— 20.  Hos.  5:15.  Mic.6:9.  Luke  15:16— 18. 
i 18,19.  Ps.  50:15.  Acts  9:11.  k Nee  on  28:5.  119,23.32:26.  Ex.  10:3.  Luke 
18:14,15.  Jam.  4:10.  1 Pel.  5:5,6.  m Ezra  8:23.  Job  22:23,27.  33:16— 30.-  Ps. 
32:3— 5.  36:5.  Is.  55:6— 9.  Jer.  29:12,13.  Matt.  7:7,8.  Luke  23:42,43.  John  4: 
10.  n Ezra  7:27.  Prov.  16:7.  21 : 1.  Matt.  6:33.  o Detit.  ‘29:6.  Ps.  46:10.  Jer. 
24:7.  Dan.  4:34,35.  John  17:3.  Heb.8:ll.  \)  32:5.  q 32:30.  1 Kings  1:33,45. 
r Neh.  3:3.  12:33.  Zeph.  1:10.  1 Or,  the  tower.  27:3.  Nell.  3:26,27.  s 11:11, 

12.17:19.  iSee  nn'S — 7.  2 Kings  21:7.  Is.  2:17— 21.  Ez.  18:20— 22.  Hos.  14: 
1—3.  Matt.  3:8.  u 29:18.  1 Kings  18:30.  v Lev.  3:1,  &c.  x Lev.  7:12— 18. 


and  carried  Manasseh  captive  to  Babylon,  in  the  twenty- 
second  year  of  his  reign.  But  the  Scripture  does  not  men- 
tion the  date  of  this  event,  nor  the  name  of  the  Assyrian 
king : and  from  the  scriptural  description  of  Manasseh’s 
reign,  as  exceedingly  wicked,  it  seems  highly  improbable, 
that  he  lived  above  thirty  years  after  his  repentance  and 
reformation,  as  upon  this  supposition  he  must  have  done. 

* This  was  three  and  thirty  years  before  his  death,  as  the 
Jews  make  account.  ...  But  both  Kimchi  and  Abarbinel 
confess,  that  this  relies  upon  a weak  foundation ; as  doth  the 
other  thing  that  he  was  carried  away  in  the  twenly-second 
year  of  Ins  reign.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  12,  13.  When  Manasseh  was  deprived  of  his  authority 
and  liberty,  and  secluded  from  his  evil  counsellors  and  com- 
panions, and  from  all  his  pleasures ; in  chains,  and  in  a 
prison ; without  any  other  prospect  than  of  ending  his  days 
in  that  wretched  situation;  he  had  leisure  to  reflect  on  what 
had  passed.  He  woulcHhen,  no  doubt,  recollect  the  honour, 
prosperity,  and  great,  deliverances,  with  which  his  father  had 
been  favoured ; his  own  good  education,  with  the  instructions 
and  warnings  of  the  prophets ; and  his  atrocious,  multiplied, 
and  daring  crimes:  and  he  would  remember  that  his  miseries 
had  been  foretold  by  his  faithful  monitors.  Tnus,  by  the 
special  grace  of  God,  his  solitude  and  affliction  brought  him 
to  view  his  own  conduct  and  character  in  another  light  than 
he  had  done  before ; and  he  began  to  pray  for  mercy  and 
deliverance,  “humbling  himself  greatly  before  the  God  of  his 
fathers.”  (Note,  Puke  15:17 — 19.)  He  confessed  his  sins, 
condemned  himself,  anti  was  covered  with  shame  before  God, 
abhorring  his  crimes,  and  loathing  himself  for  them,  as  guilty 
of  most  aggravated  ingratitude,  impiety,  and  iniquity;  yet 
still  hoping  to  be  pardoned,  through  the  abundant  mercy  of 
the  Lord,  who  had  always,  in  the  days  of  his  ancestors, 
shown  himself  ready  to  forgive  repenting  rebels.  These 
humble  supplications  the  Lord  graciously  accepted:  and  he 
inclined  the  king  of  Assyria  to  liberate  his  prisoner,  and  to 
reinstate  him  in  his  authority.  “ Then  Manasseh  knew  that 
the  Lord  he  was  God,”  alone  able  to  punish,  or  to  deliver: 
he  likewise  became  acquainted  with  him  as  a God  of  salva- 
tion ; and  learned  to  fear,  trust,  love,  and  obey  him.  (Note, 
1 Chr.  28:9.) 

V.  14.  Marg.  Ref. 

V.  15 — 17.  It  is  evident  that  Manasseh,  on  his  return 
from  Babylon,  entirely  renounced  all  idolatry ; and  set  him- 
self to  suppress  it  in  his  kingdom,  to  revive  the  worship  of 
God  at  the  temple,  and  by  his  example  and  authority  to  pre- 
vail with  the  people  to  attend  on  it.  These  were  “fruits 
meet  for  repentance.” — It  has  indeed  been  asserted,  that  his 
public  reformation  was  very  imperfect,  and  that  he  did  not 
show  the  zeal  and  vigour,  which  a true  penitent  ought  to 
have  done.  It  does  not  however,  appear,  from  this  short 
account,  that  he  was  remarkably  deficient.  He  would  have 
done  better,  if  he  had  demolished  the  idols,  instead  of  cast- 
ing them  out  of  the  city.  But  he  totally  suppressed  all  open 


and  bhis  prayer  unto  his  God,  and  the  words  of 
“the  seers  that  spake  to  him  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord  God  of  Israel,  behold,  they  are  written  ‘* ir  i 
the  book  of  the  Kings  of  Israel. 

19  eHis  prayer  also,  and  how  God  was  en 
treated  of  him,  and  fall  his  sin,  and  his  trespass 
and  the  places  wherein  he  built  high  places,  ane 
set  lip  groves  and  graven  images,  ^before  lie  was 
humbled:  behold,  they  are  written  among  the 
sayings  of  ffhe  seers. 

20  11  So  hManasseh  slept  with  his  fathers,  rn.c 
and  they  buried  him  in  his  own  house:  and  L 6J3- 
'Amon  his  son  reigned  in  his  stead. 

21  11  Amon  was  two  and  twenty  years  old  whet 
he  began  to  reign,  and  reigned  ffwo  years  in 
Jerusalem. 

22  But  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord,  kas  did  Manasseh  his  father : lor 
Amon  sacrificed  unto  all  the  carved  images  which 
Manasseh  his  father  had  made,  and  served  them; 

23  And 'humbled  not  himself  before  the  Lord, 
as  Manasseh  his  father  had  humbled  himself;  but 
Amon  Hrespassed  more  and  more. 

24  And  mhis  servants  conspired  against  him, 
and  slew  him  in  his  own  house. 

25  IF  But  the  people  of  the  land  “slew  all  them 
that  had  conspired  against  king  Amon ; and  “the 
people  of  the  land  made  pJosiah  his  son  king  in 
nis  stead. 


y 9.  14:4.  See  on  SO. 12.  Gen.  18:19.  Luke  22:32.  z 15:17.  32:12.  lKingB22' 
43.  2 Kings  15:4.  a 20:34. 32:32.  See  on  1 Kings  11:41.  b See  on  12,13.19. 
c 10.  1 Sam.  9:9.  2 Kings  17:13.  Is.  29:10.  30:10.  Am.  7:12.  Mic.3:7.  d See 
on  1 Kings  14:19.  15-31.  e 11,12,19.  Prov.  15:8.  Acts  9:11.  f See  an  1—10. 
g See  on  12.  30:  II.  36:12.  Jer.  44:10.  Dan.  5:22.  J Or , Hosai.  h See  on  32 
33.  2 Kings  21:18.  i 2 Kings  21: 19— 25.  lChr.3:14.  Matt. 1:10.  J 1.  I.nke 
12:19,20.  Jam.  4:13— 15.  k See  o?i  1— 10.  2 Kings 21:1—1 1,20.  Ez.  20:18. 

1 See  on  1 ,12,19.  Jer.  8:12.  § Heb.  multiplied  trespass.  28:22.  2 Tim.  3:13. 

m 24:25,26.  25:27,28.  2 Sam.  4:5— 12.  2 Kings  21  ;23— 26.  Ps.  55:23.  Rom.  11: 
22.  n Gen.  9:5,6.  Num.  35:31,33.  o 26:1.36:1.  p See  on  34:1. 


idolatry:  and  it  might  arise  from  other  causes  than  Manas- 
seh’s want  of  zeal,  that  the  high  places  were  not  removed. 
The  inveterate  habits  of  the  people  ; the  powerful  opposition 
of  that  party,  which  had  concurred  in  his  former  idolatries, 
and  of  the  nation  in  general ; and  the  weakness  of  his 
authority,  through  ill  success,  and  the  power  of  the  Assyrian 
monarch ; would  occasion  obstacles,  which  he  might  not  be 
able  to  overcome.  (Notes,  14:2 — 5.  17:6.  20:31 — 34,  v.  33. 

1 Kings  15:14.)  But  there  is  not  the  most  remote  intimation, 
that  God  did  not  accept  his  endeavours.  Yet  the  opposition 
or  hypocrisy  of  the  people,  who  had  readily  concurred  in  his 
iniquities,  but  refused  to  imitate  his  repentance,  prevented  it 
from  being  a national  blessing,  as  his  crimes  had  formed  and 
occasioned  a load  of  national  sin,  “which  the  Lord  would 
not  pardon.”  (Notes,  2 Kings  23:26,27.  Jer.  15:2 — 4.) 

V.  18,  19.  The  repeated  mention  of  Manasseh’s  prayer, 
u and  how  God  was  entreated  of  him,”  and  of  his  being 
humbled,  are  well  worthy  of  our  notice.  This  humble,  sup 
plicating  frame  of  mind  forms,  as  it  were,  a crisis  in  the  sin- 
ner’s case ; and  from  the  moment  that  he  is  brought  into  it, 
he  enters  upon  a new  state,  and  commences  a new  life, 
however  wicked  he  before  has  been.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The 
prayer,  contained  in  the  Apocrypha,  and  ascribed  to  Ma- 
nasseh, probably' was  composed  long  after:  but  no  doubt  he 
prayed  continually  and  fervently,  for  all  the  blessings  and 
mercies  which  so  atrocious  a sinner  needed  ; and  with  par- 
ticular confessions  of  his  sins,  and  with  all  that  unstudied 
copiousness,  which  a burdened  conscience,  a broken  heart, 
trembling  fears,  wavering  hopes,  and  fervent  desires,  will 
invariably  dictate.  (Notes,  Job  33:19 — 30.  Acts  9:10 — 14,  v. 
11.)  ‘As  if  he  had  said,  How  he  continued  to  pray  till  God 
was  entreated  of  him?  Bp.  Patrick. — Instead  of  “ the  seers,” 
(19)  the  marginal  reading  is  Hosai , and  some  suppose  it  to 
have  been  the  name  of  a prophet  in  those  dayg. 

V.  20.  Note,  2 Kings  21:18. 

V.  21 — 25.  (Note,  2 Kings  21:20 — 24.)  As  soon  as 
Manasseh  was  dead,  Amon  re-established  all  his  faihor’s 
idolatries  ; either  bringing  back  those,  images  which  had  been 
thrown  aside,  or  forming  others  of  the  same  kind.  Perhaps 
he  flattered  himself,  that  he  too  should  live  many  years  ; and 
should  repent  in  his  old  age,  if  that  were  necessary,  and  so 
at  last  be  saved,  as  his  father  was  supposed  to  have  been. 
But  whatever  warnings  or  convictions  he  had,  he  never 
“humbled  himself”  in  true  repentance;  but  “.respassed 
more  and  more.”  Or,  “this  Amon  multiplied  trespass.” 
(Marg.)  He  was  therefore  soon  cut  off  in  his  sins,  and 
made  an  example  of  just  Severity;  and  placed  as  a beacon, 
to  warn  all  men  not  to  draw  perverse  conclusions  from  the 
example  of  the  Lord’s  patience  and  mercy  to  Manasseh,  and 
thus  encourage  themselves  in  impenitent  wickedness.  (Notes, 
Dan.  5:18—24.  P.  O.  18— 31.  Luke  23:39— 43.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  It  would  be  extremely  distressing  to  pioua 
parents,  magistrates  or  ministers,  if  they  could  foresee  the 
( 803  ) 


B.  C. 641 


II.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  6S0 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

Jonah  reigns  well,  and  destroys  idolatry  both  in  Judah  anti  Israel.  1—7.  He 
provides  for  the  repair  of  the  temple,  8 — 13.  Hillciah  finds  the  book  of  the 
l/iw,  and  reruls  it  before  the  king  ; who  is  greatly  alarmed,  and  sends  to  in- 
quire of  God  by  the  -prophetess  Huldah,  11 — 22.  Huldah  predicts  the  de- 
struction of  Jerusalem,  but  not  till  after  JosiaJi's  death,  23—28.  He  causes 
Out  law  to  be  read  in  a solemn  assembly . and  renews  the  covenant  between 
God  and  the  people , 29 — 33. 

* T OSI  AH  was  beight  years  old  when  he  began  to 
J reign,  and  he  reigned  in  Jerusalem  one  and 
thirty  years. 

2 And  he  did  that  which  was  'right  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord,  and  walked  in  the  ways  of  David 
u.  c.-j  his  father,  and  ddeclined  neither  to  the  right 
63'-  J hand  nor  to  the  left. 

3 H For  in  the  eighth  year  of  his  reien,  'while  he 
was  yet  young,  he  began  f to  seek  after  the  God  of 
David  his  father : and  in  the  twelfth  year  she  be- 

a 33:25.  1 Kings  13:2.  2 King»  22:1.  1 Chr.  3:14,15.  Jer.  1:2.  Zeph.  1:1.  Malt. 
1:10.11. /owns,  b 24:1 . 26: 1 . 33: 1 . 1 Sam.  2:13,26.  I Kings  3:7— 9.  Ec.4:13. 
c 14:2.17:3.29:2.  1 Kings  14:8.  15:5.  2 Kings 22:2.  d Dent.  5:32.  Josh . 1:7. 
23:6.  Prov. 4:27.  e 1 Chr.  22:5. 29:1.  Ps.  119:9.  Ec.  12: 1 . 2 Tim.  3: 15.  f See 
on  1 Chr.  28:9.  Prov.  8: 17.  Matt.  6:33.  g See  on  33:17,22.  2 Kings  23:4,14. 
h 30:14.  See  on  2 Kings  18:4.  i 33:3.  Ex.  23:24.  Lev.  26:30.  Deut.7:5,25.  * Or, 


consequences  of  their  removal,  in  the  conduct  of  their 
children  or  people,  and  in  the  subversion  of  their  most  im- 
portant regulations.  Yet  good  instructions  and  examples 
may  remain,  like  seed  under  the  ground,  for  a long  time 
unperceived,  and  yet  at  length  spring  up  and  bring  forth 
much  fruit.  Without  disquieting  ourselves  about  futurity, 
we  may  therefore  cheerfully  commit  our  families,  and  our 
endeavours  to  do  good,  as  well  as  our  souls  and  bodies,  into 
the  hand  of  God,  assured  that  our  labours  will  not  prove 
wholly  ineffectual.  (Ps.  90:17-  Note , Ec.  9:1 — 3.) — The 
tendency  of  human  nature  to  evil  is  so  strong,  that  no- 
thing but  divine  grace  can  give  it  a contrary  bias:  and  when 
that  power  is  in  any  degree  suspended  or  withheld,  men 
return  to  evil,  as  a stone  falls  downwards ; and  run,  with 
rapid  and  accelerated  motion,  continually  further  and  further 
into  transgression.  But  the  Lord  notices  both  the  number, 
the  variety,  and  the  aggravations  of  our  offences:  and  mer- 
cies and  opportunities  ungratefully  abused,  the  truth  held  in 
unrighteousness,  the  seduction  or  compulsion  of  others  to  sin, 
warnings  slighted  or  despised,  and  mischief  extensively  com- 
mitted, add  exceedingly  to  the  heinousness  of  men’s  offences. 
(Note,  Luke  7:40 — 43.)  Yet,  “where  sin  hath  abounded, 
grace  hath  often  much  more  abounded:”  (Note,  Rom . 5:20, 
21.)  and  some  of  every  description  of  sinners  shall  be  brought 
to  repentance  and  salvation,  to  prove  that  u with  God  nothing 
is  impossible.” 

V.  11 — 25.  When  the  objects  of  the  Lord’s  special  love 
disregard  the  rebukes  of  his  word,  he  will  let  them  feel  his 
chastening  rod : and  they  may  truly  say,  u Before  I was 
afflicted,  I went  astray ; but  now  have  I kept  thy  word.” 
Adversity,  solitude,  and  sequestration  from  gay  companions, 
and  scenes  of  business,  pleasure,  and  dissipation,  connected 
with  present  sufferings  and  the  prospect  of  death  and  eternity, 
cause  many  to  reflect,  who  in  prosperity  were  careless  and 
presumptuous.  The  effects  of  a pious  education,  or  of  solid 
religious  instructions,  often  show  themselves  in  affliction: 
the  troubles  themselves  verify  the  warnings  of  pious  relatives 
or  teachers  ; and  worse  things  arise  before  the  mind,  as  the 
dreaded  consequence  of  continuing  in  sin.  Yet  all  this  would 
not  have  an  abiding  effect,  if  afflictions  were  not  a 4 means  of 
grace,’  which  God  himself  uses  and  blesses,  as  evidently,  as 
he  does  those  which  he  commands  us  to  employ  for  ourselves 
and  for  each  other.  When  men  are  left  to  themselves,  44  in 
their  distress  they  trespass  yet  more  against  the  Lord.”  But 
when  he  gives  the  blessing,  the  hardest,  stoutest,  and  proudest 
heart  softens,  and  becomes  broken  and  contrite.  His  hand 
should  therefore  be  noticed  in  all  our  afflictions;  and  our 
prayers  presented  that  they  may  be  sanctified  and  converted 
into  blessings  to  our  souls. — Those,  who  have  been  most 
daring  in  rebellion  against  God,  are  sometimes  the  most 
cowardly,  when  assaulted  by  their  fellow-creatures.  44  In 
the  fear  of  the  Lord,  there  is  strong  confidence:”  but  guilt 
appals  the  sinner,  and  his  courage  fails  him  in  the  hour  of 
danger.  There  is,  however,  no  possibility  of  fleeing  or 
hiding  ourselves  from  God:  our  only  hope  consists  in  hum- 
bling ourselves  before  him ; and  if  our  distresses  and  perils 
induce  us  to  this,  they  will  prove  the  most  effectual  means 
of  promoting  our  felicity. — 44  The  Lord  is  rich  in  mercy; 
with  him  there  is  plenteous  redemption;”  and  he  so  delights 
in  pardoning  and  saving  transgressors,  that  he  permits  the 
vilest  to  come  to  his  throne  of  grace.  Wherever  there  is  a 
sinner  of  wliom  it  can  truly  be  said,  44  Behold  he  prayeth,” 
there  will  the  Lord  be  found  a God  that  heareth  prayer. 
There  is  indeed  immense  difficulty  in  bringing  the  wicked 
thus  to  seek  the  Lord ; but  none  in  prevailing  with  him,  to 
hear  and  forgive  the  returning  penitent  who  calls  upon  him 
in  truth.  (Notes,  Is.  55:6 — 9.)  He  often  answers  the  mere 
cry  of  distress  with  temporal  deliverances  ; while  relapses 
into  former  crimes,  and  perseverance  in  them,  prove  that  the 
supplicants  were  never  truly  humbled  or  penitent.  But 
when  a sinner  in  his  affliction  beseeches  the  Lord,  and 
41  humbles  himself  greatly  before  him;”  when  ho  condemns 
himself,  ingenuously  confesses  his  sins,  and  is  covered  with 
( 804  ) 


gan  to  purge  Judah  and  Jerusalem  from  r b c. 
hthe  high  places,  and  the  groves,  and  the  L eso- 
carved  images,  and  the  molten  images. 

4 And  they  'brake  down  the  altars  ol'Baalim  in  his 
presence ; and  the  'images,  that  were  on  high  above 
them,  he  cut  down ; and  the  groves,  and  the  carved 
images,  and  the  molten  images,  he  brake  in  pieces, 
and  kmade  dust  of  them,  and  strowed  it  upon  the 
'graves  of  them  that  had  sacrificed  unto  them. 

5 And  'he  burnt  the  bones  of  the  priests  upon 
their  altars,  and  "cleansed  Judah  and  Jerusalem. 

6 And  so  did  he  "in  the  cities  of  Manasseh,  and 
Ephraim,  and  Simeon,  even  unto  Naphtali,  with 
their  'mattocks  round  about. 

7 And  when  he  fiad  broken  down  the  altars 
and  the  groves,  and  had  “beaten  the  graven  images 


sun-images.  14-.5.  2 Kings  23:4,5,11.  k 7.  Ex.  32:20.  Deut.  9:21.  2 Kings  23: 
12.  Ps.  18.42.  Is.  27:9.  1 lleb.  face  of  the  graves.  2 Kings  lu26, 27.  23:4,6. 

1 1 Kings  13:2.  2 Kings  23: 16.  Jer.  8:1,2.  m 7.  Num.  35:33.  Jcr  3;  10.  4:14. 
Ez.  22:24.  n 30:1, 10, 11. 31:1.  2 Kings  23:15— 20.  1 Or  .mauls.  1 Sara.  13:20, 
21.  Prov.  25:18.  Is.  7:25.  o See  on  h.  Deul.  9:2l. 


shame,  and  melted  into  godly  sorrow : when  he  renounces 
all  hope  but  in  undeserved  mercy,  and  every  plea  but  in  the 
Redeemer’s  name,  and  seeks  forgiveness  and  salvation  before 
all  other  things ; he  will  assuredly  find  access  and  accept- 
ance: and  his  future  life  will  evince,  that  his  repentance, 
faith,  and  love,  have  united  in  bringing  him  to  hate  and 
renounce  all  his  sins,  and  to  44  walk  henceforth  in  newness  of 
life.”  If  it  were  possible  he  would  undo  his  former  wicked 
works,  and  lead  into  the  ways  of  truth  and  peace  all  those 
whom  he  had  before  seduced  into  the  paths  of  sin  and  ruin : 
if  his  former  life  has  been  profane  or  immoral,  his  future  con- 
duct vvill  appear  a perfect  contrast  to  it ; and  he  will  make 
an  entirely  contrary  use  of  his  wealth,  abilities,  or  influence, 
after  44  he  is  humbled”  and  has  begun  to  pray,  to  what  he  did 
before.  (Comp.  3 — 5,9.  with  15,16.)  Sincere  piety,  and 
love  to  the  truths,  ordinances,  and  commandments  of  God, 
will  be  manifest  in  his  subsequent  conduct ; and  he  will  desire 
and  aim  at  more  than  he  can  accomplish,  both  in  serving  God 
nimself,  and  in  attempting  to  prevail  with  others  to  do  the 
same.  The  blood  of  Christ  cleanses  such  penitents  from  all 
sin:  their  afflictions  will  either  be  sanctified  and  counter- 
balanced with  comfort,  or  removed ; in  due  time  the  Lord 
will  extricate  them  from  all  the  difficulties,  in  which  their 
former  sins  had  involved  them  ; and  he  will  be  greatly  glorified 
in  their  repentance,  future  conduct,  and  eternal  salvation. 
Let  dinners  then  be  willing  to  know  the  worst  of  their  case ; 
for  it  is  by  no  means  desperate:  let  them  consider  all  their 
pains  and  sorrows  as  so  many  calls  to  humble  themselves 
before  God,  to  call  upon  him,  and  to  44  acquaint  themselves 
with  him,  that  they  may  be  at  peace.”  And  let  not  the  hearts 
of  those,  who  are  thus  seeking  him,  yield  to  discouragement ; 
but  let  them  humble  themselves  yet  more  and  more,  and 
44  pray  always  and  not  faint.” — Let  pardoned  sinners  exert 
themselves  to  evidence  their  gratitude,  and  to  glorify  the 
God  of  their  salvation ; and  let  them  walk  humbly  before 
him,  and  hope,  pray  for,  and  endeavour  the  conversion  of 
their  fellow-sinners,  not  excepting  the  very  worst:  44 for  the 
things  which  are  impossible  with  man,  are  possible  with 
God.” — But,  on  the  other  hand,  let  those,  who  take  encou- 
ragement from  the  gospel  presumptuously  to  expect  salvation, 
without  repentance  and  newness  of  life,  read  in  Manasseh’s 
deep  humiliation,  earnest  prayers,  and  consequent  newness 
of  life,  their  own  fatal  and  horrible  delusion,  who  practically 
say,  41  Let  us  sin  on,  that  grace  may  abound.”  Let  those 
who  trifle  and  procrastinate,  because  a merciful  God  has  long 
borne  with  a few  most  notorious  rebels,  and  at  length  granted 
them  repentance  and  forgiveness  of  sins,  meditate  upon  the 
example  of  Amon ; and  tremble,  lest  he  should  make  them 
monuments  of  his  righteous  vengeance. — But  indeed  we  have 
all  sinned  : let  us  all  then  inquire  seriously,  whether  we  have 
been  and  are  deeply  humbled,  or  not:  and  whether  we  arc 
pouring  out  our  prayers  before  the  mercy-seat  of  a forgiving 
God,  day  by  day,  in  this  self-abased  frame  of  mind:  whether 
we  have  experienced  a change  in  our  judgment,  disposition, 
aim,  and  general  conduct ; or  whether  we  still  continue  un- 
humbled,  impenitent,  44 trespassing  still  more  and  more,”  and 
imitating  the  wickedness,  and  only  the  wickedness,  of  those 
who  are  gone  before  us.  The  two  characters  are  easily 
distinguished;  and  they  comprise  all  mankind,  and  distinguish 
between  those  who  are  now  in  the  broad  road  to  destruction, 
and  those  who  are  in  the  narrow  way  of  eternal  life.  May 
God  help  us  to  be  honest  to  ourselves,  and  to  form  a just  con- 
clusion concerning  our  own  characters,  before  death,  (which 
probably  may  come  much  sooner  than  we  expect,)  fixes  us 
for  ever  in  an  unchangeable  state  ! 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXIV.  V.  1,  2.  Note,  2 Kings 
22:1,2. 

V.  3 — 7.  This  passage  seems  a compendious  account 
of  Josiah’s  reformation,  perhaps  without  much  respect  to  the 
order  of  time.  He  began  seriously  to  attenu  to  religious  sub- 
jects, in  the  eighth  year  of  his  reign.  4 He  gavo  very  early 
proofs  of  his  pious  inclinations  ; for  when  he  was  but  sixteen 
years  old,  and  had  newly  taken  on  him  the  administration  of 


B.  C.  624, 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 


B.  C.  624. 


’into  powder,  and  cut  down  all  the  idols  through- 
out all  the  land  of  Israel,  >’he  returned  to  Jeru- 
salem. 

d.  c.-i  8 H Now  in  ithe  eighteenth  year  of  his 
J reign,  when  he  had  purged  the  land,  and 
the  house,  he  rsent  Shaphan  the  son  of  Azaliah, 
and  'Maaseiah  the  governor  of  the  city,  and  Joali 
the  son  of  Joahaz  the  ‘recorder,  to  repair  the 
house  of  the  Lord  his  God. 

9 And  when  they  came  to  "Hilkiah  the  high- 
, priest,  'they  delivered  the  money  that  wars  brought 

into  the  house  of  God,  which  the  Levites  that 
kept  the  doors  had  gathered  of  the  hand  of  ?Ma- 
nasseh  and  Ephraim,  and  of  all  the  remnant  of 
Israel,  and  of  all  Judah  and  Benjamin;  and  'they 
returned  to  Jerusalem. 

10  And  they  put  it  “in  the  hand  of  the  work- 
men that  had  the  oversight  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  and  they  gave  it  to  the  workmen  that 
wrought  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  to  repair  and 
mend  the  house : 

11  Even  to  the  artificers  and  builders  gave 
they  it,  to  buy  hewn  stone,  and  timber  for  cou- 
plings, and  to  “floor  the  houses  which  bthe  kings 
of  Judah  had  destroyed. 

12  And  the  men  did  the  work  “faithfully : and 
the  overseers  of  them  were  Jahath  and  Obadiah, 
the  Levites,  of  the  sons  of  Merari ; and  Zechariah 
and  Meshullam,  of  the  sons  of  the  Kohathites,  to 
set  it  forward  ; and  other  of  the  Levites,  dall  that 
could  skill  of  instruments  of  music. 

13  Also  they  were  over  'the  bearers  of  burdens, 
and  were  overseers  of  all  that  wrought  the  work 
in  any  manner  of  service : and  of  the  Levites 
there  were  f scribes,  and  ^officers,  and  hporters. 

14  If  And  when  they  brought  out  the  money 
that  was  brought  into  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
'Hilkiah  the  priest  found  a book  of  kthe  law  of 
the  Lord  given  by  *Moses. 

15  And  Hilkiah  answered  and  said  to  Shaphan 
the  scribe,  I have  found  the  book  of  the  law  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord.  And  Hilkiah  delivered  the 
book  to  Shaphan. 

16  And  ‘Shaphan  carried  the  book  to  the  king, 
and  brought  the  king  word  back  again,  saying, 
All  that  was  committed  to  Hhy  servants,  they 
do  it. 

17  And  mthey  have  “gathered  together  the 
money  that  was  found  in  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
and  have  delivered  it  into  the  hand  of  the  over- 
seers, and  to  the  hand  of  the  workmen. 

18  Then  Shaphan  the  scribe  told  the  king, 
saying,  Hilkiah  the  priest  hath  given  'me  a book. 
nAnd  Shaphan  read  “fit  before  the  king. 

• Heb.  to  make  powder,  p 31:1.  q Jer.  1:2,3.  r 2 Kings  22:3,12,14.  Jer.  26:24. 
29:3.36:10.39:14.40:11.  Ez.  8:11.  s Jer.  21 :1.  29:21 ,25.  37:3.  t2Sam.8:16. 
20:24.  1 Chr.  18:15.  u 14,15.18,20,22.  2 Kings  22:4. 23:4.  x See  on  24:11-14. 
2 Kings  22:5 — 7.  Phil.  4:8.  y 30:10,18.  31:1.  z 7.  a 2 Kings  12:11 ,12,14.  22: 
5,6.  Ezra  3:7.  f Or,  rafter.  b See  on  33:4— 7,22.  c 2 Kings  12:15.  22:7. 
Neh.  7:2.  Prov.  28:20.  1 Cor.  4:2.  d i Chr.  6:31,  &c.  15:16—22.  16:4,5,41,42. 
23:5.25:1,  &c.  e 2:18.  8:10.  Neh.  4:10.  f Ezra  7:6.  Jer.  8:8.  Matt.  26:3. 
g 19:11.  1 Chr.  23:4.  26:29,30.  h 8:14.  1 Chr.  9:17.  15:18.  16:38,42.  26:1,  &c. 
Ezra  7:7.  i See  on  2 Kings  22:8.— Deut.  31 :24— 26.  k 12:1.31:4.35:26.  Ezra 
7:10.  Ps.  1:2.  Is.  5:24.  30:9.  Jer.  8:8.  Luke2:39.  % Heb . the  hand  of  Moses . 

Lev.  8:36. 10:11.  26:46.  1 See  on  2 Kiogs  22:9,10.  § Heb.  the  hand  of  thy. 

m SeeonS — 10.  ||  Heb.  poured  out,  or,  melted,  n Deut.  17:19.  Josh.  1:8.  Ps. 
119:46,97—99.  Jer.  36:20,21 . IT  Heb.  in  it.  o Rom.  3:20.  7:7— 1 1 . Gal.  2:19. 
8:10—13.  p 2 Kings  19:1.  22:11,19.  Jer.  36:22— 24.  Joe!  *13.  q 2 Kings  2-5:22. 
Jer. 26.24.  40:6,9,14.  r 2 Kings 22:12.  Achbor.  Jer.26:22.  s 2 Kings  22:12. 

affairs,  he  began  to  worship  God  publicly,  and  propounded 
David  unto  himself  for  his  pattern.  When  he  was  twenty 
years  old,  he  began  to  bring  others  to  the  true  religion,  by 
reforming  abuses  in  the  worship  of  God.1  Bp.  Patrick.— 
Something  was  attempted  in  the  twelfth  year;  (which  was 
oefore  Jeremiah  began  to  prophesy  ;)  but  probably  not  much 
was  effected  till  the  eighteenth.  [Notes,  2 Kings  22:3 — 7. 
23:4 — 23.  Jer.  1:1 — 3.)  Yet  the  land  was  purged  from  its 
grosser  abominations,  before  the  repairing  of  the  temple : but 
ttis  uncertain  whether  this  extended  to  the  land  of  Israel,  or 
whether  that  be  spoken  of  by  anticipation : but  it  is  plain 
that  Josiah  had  authority  over  the  country  of  the  ten  tribes, 
and  the  inhabitants  of  them. 

Y.  8 — 13.  ‘When  he  was  twenty-six  years  old  he  pro- 
ceeded further,  having  disposed  the  people  to  offer  freely 
toward  the  reparation  of  the  hohse  of  God.1  Bp.  Patrick. 
(Notes,  2 Kings  12:4 — 16.  22:3 — 7.)  They  returned,  & c. 
(9)  These  Levites  seem  to  have  gone  through  the  land, 
soliciting  contributions  for  repairing  the  temple,  even  from 
“the  remnant  of  Israel;”  and  they  returned  to  Jerusalem 
when  they  had  completed  that  business. — The  temple  began 


19  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  king  hat? 
heard  “the  words  of  the  law,  i1  that  he  rent  hip 
clothes. 

20  And  the  king  commanded  Hilkiah.  and 
‘‘Ahikam  the  son  of  Shaphan,  and  rAhdon  the 
son  of  Micah,  and  Shaphan  the  scribe,  and 
‘Asaiah  a servant  of  the  king’s,  saying, 

21  Go,  ‘inquire  of  the  Lortb  for  me,  and  for 
them  "that  are  left  in  Israel  and  in  Judah,  con- 
cerning the  words  of  the  book  that  is  found  : 'for 
great  is  the  wrath  of  the  Lord  that  is  poured 
out  upon  us,  because  our  fathers  have  not  kept 
the  word  of  the  Lord,  to  do  after  all  that  is 
written  in  this  book. 

22  And  Hilkiah,  and  they  that  the  king  haa 
appointed,  went  to  Huldah  rthe  prophetess,  the 
wife  of  Shallum  the  son  of  Tikvath,  the  son  of 
'Hasrah,  keeper  of  the  "wardrobe,  (now  she 
dwelt  in  Jerusalem  in  the  ttCollege ;)  and  they 
spake  to  her  to  that  effect. 

23  And  she  answered  them,  Thus  saith  the 
Lord  God  of  Israel,  aTell  ye  the  man  that  sent 
you  to  me, 

24  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  Behold,  bI  will  bring 
evil  upon  this  place,  and  upon  the  inhabitants 
thereof,  even  “all  the  curses  that  are  written  in 
the  book,  which  they  have  read  before  the  king  of 
Judah : 

25  Because  dthey  have  forsaken  me,  and  have 
burned  incense  unto  other  gods,  that  they  might 

rovoke  me  to  anger  with  all  the  works  of  their 
ands;  therefore  'my  wrath  shall  be  poured  out 
upon  this  place,  and  f shall  not  be  quenched. 

26  And  eas  for  the  king  of  Judah,  who  sent 
you  to  inquire  of  the  Lord,  so  shall  ye  say  unto 
him,  Thus  saith  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  concern- 
ing the  words  which  thou  hast  heard  ; 

27  Because  ‘‘thine  heart  was  tender,  and  thou 
didst  ‘humble  thyself  before  God,  when  thou 
heardest  his  words  against  this  place,  and  against 
the  inhabitants  thereof,  and  humbledst  thyself 
before  me,  and  kdidst  rend  thy  clothes,  and  weep 
before  me ; I have  even  heard  thee  also,  saith  the 
Lord. 

28  Behold  ‘I  will  gather  thee  to  thy  fathers, 
and  thou  shalt  be  gathered  to  thy  grave  min 
peace,  "neither  shall  thine  eyes  see  all  the  evil  that 
I will  bring  upon  this  place,  and  upon  the  inha- 
bitants of  the  same.  So  they  brought  the  king 
word  again. 

29  H Then  °the  king  sent,  and  rgathered 
together  all  the  elders  of  Judah  and  Jerusalem. 

30  And  the  king  went  up  into  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  and  all  the  men  of  Judah,  and  the  inha- 


Asohiah.  t Ex.  18:15.  1 Sam.  9:9.  1 Kings  22:5 — 7.  Jer.  21:2.  Ez.  14:1,  Ac 
20:1—7.  u 28:6.33:11.  2 Kings  17:6,7.22:13.  Is.  37:2—4.  Jer.  42  2.  xLev. 
26:14,  &c.  Dent.  28:15,  &c.  29: 18— 28.  30:17— 19.  31:16—18.  32:15 — 25.  Rom.  4: 
15.  y F.x.  15:20.  Judg.  4:4.  Luke  1:41 — 45.2:36.  Acts  21:9.  7 See  on  2 King* 
22:14.  Harhcr*.  **  Heb  .garments,  tt  Dr,  school,  or,  second  part . a See  on 
2 Kings  22:15—20.  Jer.  21 :3— 7.  37:7— 10.  1)36:14—20.  Josh.  23: 16.  2 Kino 

21:12.23:26.27.  Is.  5:4— 6.  Jer.  6: 19.  19:3.15.  35: 17.  36:31 . c See  on  21.  <1  SU 
on  12:2.  15:2.33:3— 9.  2 Kings  24.3,4.  Is.  2:9.9.  Jer.  15: 1 — 4.  e Is.  42.25. 
Jer.  7:20.  Lam.  2:4.  4:11.  Nah.  1:6.  Rev.  14:10,11.  f 2 Kings  22:17.  See  on 
Jer.  4:4.  7:20.  Ez.  20:48.  Mark  9-43-49.  g 21,23.  h Sec  on  2 Kings  22:18,19. 
Ps.  34:18.  51:17.  Is.  57:15.  66:2.  Ez.  9:4.  36:26.  i See  on  32:26.  33: 12,19.  Jam. 
4:6—10.  k See  on  19.  Jer.  36:23.24.  1 35:24.  See  on  2 Kings  22:20.  Is.  57:1 .2. 
Jer. 15:1.  Ez. 14:14— 21.  mPs.  37:37.  n 1 Kings  21:29.  2 Kings  20:19.  Is. 

39:8.  o 1 Sam.  12:23.  1 Chr.  29:2,  kc.  Mark  14:8.  p 30:2.  2 Kings  23:1—3. 


to  go  to  decay  during  the  idolatries  of  Manasseh : and  the 
wicked  reign  of  Amon,  and  the  long  minority  of  Josiah,  ren- 
dered it  much  in  need  of  a thorough  repair. 

All  that  could  skill,  &c.  (12)  It  seems,  that  the  Levites, 
who  attended  by  courses,  in  the  intervals  of  their  proper 
work,  assisted  by  turns  in  superintending  the  workmen ; nor 
were  those  excepted  who  were  employed  in  psalmody:  thus 
they  became  doubly  useful,  and  saved  the  expense  of  other 
overseers.  (Notes,  1 Chr.  23:2 — 6.) 

V.  14 — 19.  (Note,  2 Kings  22:8 — 11.)  ‘Both  priests  and 
people  omitting  the  reading  of  the  law,  both  publicly  and 
privately,  (for  the  public  omission  caused  a private  neglect,) 
no  wonder,  that  upon  finding  the  book  of  the  law,  and  hear- 
ing it  read,  they  were  startled  at  it,  as  if  one  were  risen  frotr 
the  dead.1  Capellus  in  Bp  Patrick.  (Notes,  i7'7 — 9.  Deut 
17:18.  31:10—13.  Josh.  1:8.  8:30—35.) 

V.  20— 28.  ATotes,  2 Kings  22:12— 20.  Jer.  3:6—11.— 
All  the  curses,  &c.  (24)  This  confirms  the  opinion,  that  the 
twenty-seventh,  and  following  chapters  of  Deuteronomy 
were  first  read  to  Josiah. 

V.  29—32.  Notes,  2 Kings  23:1—3  —Read,  & c.  (30 
( 805  ) 


B.  C.  623, 


II.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  623. 


bitants  of  Jerusalem,  and  the  priests,  and  the 
Levit.es,  and  all  the  people,  ‘great  and  small : and 
■the  read  in  their  ears  all  the  words  of  rthe  book 
of  the  covenant  that  was  lound  in  the  house  of 
the  Lord. 

31  And  the  king  stood  'in  his  place,  and  ‘made 
a covenant  before  the  Lord,  to  walk  after  the 
Lord,  and  to  keep* his  commandments,  and  his 
testimonies,  and  his  statutes,  “with  all  his  heart, 
and  with  all  his  soul,  o perform  the  words  of 
the  covenant  which  are  written  in  this  book. 

32  And  “he  caused  all  that  were  'present  in 
Jerusalem  and  Beniamin  to  stand  to  it.  And 
the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  ?did  according  to 
the  covenant  of  God,  the  God  of  their  fathers. 

33  And  Josiah  Hook  away  all  “the  abomina- 
tions out  of  all  the  countries  that  pertained  to 
the  children  of  Israel,  and  made  all  that  were 
present  in  Israel,  to  serve,  even  to  serve  the  Lord 
their  God.  And.  ball  his  days  they  departed  not 
'from  following  the  Lord,  the  God  of  their 
fathers. 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 

Josiah  causes  a solemn  passover  to  be  celebrated , 1 — 19.  He  is  slain  in  battle 
against  Pharaoh-necho , 20 — 24.  Great  lamentations  are  made  Jot  him , 25. 
His  acts  and  goodness,  26,  27. 

MOREOVER  "Josiah  kept  a passover  unto 
the  Lord  in  Jerusalem  : and  they  killed  the 
passover  on  “the  fourteenth  day  of  the  first  month. 

2  And  he  set  the  priests  in  their  "charges,  and 
4eneouraged  them  to  the  service  of  the  house  of 
the  Lord. 


* Heb.  from  great  even  to  small.  15:12,13. 18:30.*  Deut.l:17.  Job3:19.  q 6: 
l,&c.  17:7— 9.  Deut.  17:18— 20.  Neh.8:2— 5.  Ec.  1:12.  12:9,10.  r 15,18,19, 
24.  Ex.  24:7.  2 Kings  23:2,21.  Jer.  31:31,32.  b 6:13.  2 Kings  11 :14. 23:3.  Ez. 
46:2.  1 23:16.29:10.  Ex.  24:6— 8.  Deut.  29:1 ,10— 15.  Josh.  24:25.  Neh.9: 

38.10:29.  Jer.  50:5.  Heb.  8:6— 13.  u 15:12,15.  See  on  31:21.  Deut.  6:5. 

Luke  10:27—29.  x 14:4.30:12.33:16.  Gen.  18:19.  Ec.8:2.  t Heb.  found.  29: 
29.  v Jer.  3:10.  z See  on  3 — 7.  2 Kings  23:4 — 20.  a See  on  1 Kings  11:5— 7. 
1)  Josh.  24:31.  } Heb.  from  after,  a 30:  2 Kings  23:21—23.  b Ex.  12:6. 
Num.9:3.  Deut.  16:1 — 8.  Ezra  6:19.  Ez.  45:21.  c 23:8.  31:2.  Num.  18:5 — 7. 
1 Chr.  24:  Ezra  6:18.  d 29:5— 11.  31:2.  1 Chr.  22:19.  e 17:8,9.  30:22.  Deut. 


Notes , 17:7—9.  Neh.  8:1—9,18.  9:3.  13:1—3.  Rom.  3:19,20. 
7:9 — 12. — Covenant . (31)  Notes,  15:12 — 15.  2 Kings  11:17 

— 20.  Neh.  9:1,38.  10:1 — 17. — ‘He  did  not  compel  them,  but 
they  offered  themselves  freely,  upon  his  persuasion,  to  renew 
their  covenant  with  God,  and  promised  to  be  firm  to  it ; 
which  perhaps,  at  that  time  they  really  resolved,  though  they 
soon  revolted.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  33.  While  Josiah  lived,  the  people  were  restrained 
from  open  idolatry:  yet  we  learn  from  the  prophets,  especially 
Jeremiah,  that,  at  this  very  time  especially,  they  were  ripen- 
ing for  destruction,  by  their  hypocrisy  and  iniquity.  (Notes, 
Jer.  3:6—11.  4:14.  25:3—7.  Zeph.  1:1—  8.)—' 1 Though  he 
suppressed  all  external  idolatry,  yet  in  their  hearts  they 
strongly  inclined  to  it,  and  often  practised  it,  as  appears  from 
Jer.  3:10.  25:3,4,  &c.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Several  years  of  our  lives  must  pass  before  we  become 
capable  of  performing  useful  services : our  earliest  youth 
should  therefore  be  dedicated  to  God,  that  we  may  not  waste 
any  of  our  remaining  span.  Happy  and  wise  are  they,  who 
seek  the  Lord  at  a period  of  life  when  others  are  pursuing 
sinful  pleasures,  contracting  bad  habits,  forming  ruinous  con- 
nexions, and  making  work  for  bitter  repentance ; either 
gracious  repentance  in  this  world,  or  that  which  is  attended 
with  despair  in  the  regions  of  misery.  None  can  express 
the  anguish  which  is  prevented  by  early  piety,  and  its  happy 
consequences. — If  we  would  be  useful,  we  must  first  “ take 
heed  to  ourselves and  when  we  are  established  in  faith  and 
grace,  we  shall  be  fitted  for  instruments  of  good  to  others. 
In  this  important  work  we  must  expect  many  opposers,  and 
but  few  cordial  helpers:  and  the  more  we  look  into  the  world, 
the  church,  or  our  own  hearts,  by  the  light  of  God’s  word, 
the  more  evidently  shall  we  see  how  very  much  reformation 
and  renovation  are  every  where  needed.  (P.  O.  Ez.  8:1  — 
6.) — The  suppression  of  gross  abominations  makes  way  for 
the  pure  administration  of  God’s  ordinances : and  when  the 
filthiness  and  idols  are  cleansed  out  of  our  hearts,  the  Lord 
will  prepare  his  temple  there,  and  graciously  come  and  dwell 
in  it. — Liberality,  integrity,  and  diligence  are  commendable 
in  every  work,  but  especially  in  whatever  relates  to  the  wor- 
ship and  service  of  God,  and  all  undertakings  immediately 
connected  with  it. — When  God  enables  us  to  act  conscien- 
tiously, according  to  our  present  knowledge,  he  will  in  due 
time  give  us  still  further  and  clearer  views  of  his  truth. 
(Notes,  Has.  6:1 — 3.  John  7:14 — 17,  v.  17.)  The  moro  we 
oecome  acquainted  with  the  Scripture,  the  more  evidently 
shall  we  perceive  our  own  guilt  and  danger:  but  if  this  dis- 
covery produces  godly  sorrow,  contrition,  humiliation,  and 
further  inquiries  after  the  will  of  God,  an  answer  of  peace 
rnay  be  expected:  while  all  the  curses,  which  he  has  de- 
nounced, will  fall  upon  the  impenitent  workers  of  iniquity. — 
Though  we  cannot  prevent  the  ruin  of  sinners  in  general,  or 
( 806  ) 


3 And  said  unto  'the  Levites  that  taught  all 
Israel,  which  were  holy  unto  the  Lord,  f Put  the 
holy  ark  «in  the  house,  which  Solomon  the  son  of 
David  king  of  Israel  did  build : it  shall  hnot  be  a 
burden  upon  your  shoulders : ’serve  now  the  Lord 
your  God,  and  his  people  Israel. 

4 And  prepare  yourselves  by  kthe  houses  of 
your  fathers,  'after  your  courses,  according  to  the 
writing  of  David  king  of  Israel,  and  "’according 
to  the  writing  of  Solomon  his  son. 

5 And  "stand  in  the  holy  place  according  to  the 
divisions  of  the  ‘families  of  the  fathers  of  your 
brethren,  the  'people,  and  after  the  division  of  the 
families  of  the  Levites. 

6 So  “kill  the  passover,  and  r&anctify  yourselves, 
and  prepare  your  brethren,  that  they  may  do  ac- 
cording to  the  word  of  the  Lord  by  the  hand  of 
Moses. 

7 And  iJosiah  'gave  to  the  people,  of  the  flock, 

lambs  and  kids,  all  for  the  passover-offerings,  for 
all  that  were  present,  to  the  number  of  thirty 
thousand,  and  three  thousand  bullocks : these 
were  of  'the  king’s  substance.  * 

8 And  “his  princes  %ave  ‘willingly  unto  the 
eople,  to  the  priests,  and  to  the  Levites : “Hil- 
iah,  and  Zechariah,  and  Jehiel,  “rulers  of  the 

house  of  God,  gave  unto  the  priests  for  the  pass- 
over-offerings,  two  thousand  and  six  hundred 
small  cattle,  and  three  hundred  oxen. 

9 Conaniah  also,  and  Shemaiah  and  Nethaneel 
his  brethren,  and  Hashabiah,  and  Jeiel,  and  Joza- 

33;  10.  Neh. 8:7,8.  Mal.«;7.  f8:ll.  31:14.  'gSeeonS-.l.  h Num.  4:15—  49. 
1 Chr.  23:26.  iNum.8:19.  15:9,10.  2 Cor.  4:5.  It  1 Chr.  9:10— 34.  Neh. 

11:10—20.  1 1 Chr.  23:— 25:  m 8:14.  n Ps.  131:1.  135:2.  * Heb.  houst  oj 
the  fathers,  t Heb.  sons  of  the  people,  o 30:15— 17.  Ex.  12:6,21 ,22.  Ezra 
6:20,21.  p 29:5,15,34  . 30:3,15—19.  Gen.  35:2.  Ex.  19:10.15.  Num.  19:11—20, 
Job  1:5.  Ps.  51:7.  Joel  2:16.  Heb.  9:13,14.  q 30:24.  Is.  32.8.  Ez.  45:17. 
I Heb.  offered.  I Kings  8:63.  r 1 Kings  8:63.  1 Chr.  29:3.  s 29:31—33.  1 Chr. 
29:6—9,17.  Ezra  1 :6  . 2:68,69  . 7:16  . 8:25—  35.  Neh.  7:70— 72.  Ps.  45:12.  Acta 
2:44,45  . 4:34,35.  § Heb.  offered,  t 2 Cor.  8:12.  9:7.  u 34:14— 20.  x 1 Chr. 
9:20.24:4,5.  Jer.  29:25,26.  Acts  4:1.  5:26. 


of  collective  bodies,  we  should  endeavour  by  our  examples, 
prayers,  instructions,  and  the  regular  use  of  authority,  in 
domestic,  or  in  public  life,  to  engage  as  many  as  wc  possibly 
can  to  return  to  God,  and  walk  before  him,  by  trusting  his 
promises  and  obeying  his  commandments. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXV.  V.  1—3.  Note,  2 Kings 
23:21 — 23. — Taught,  &c.  (3)  The  Levites,  by  courses, 
served  the  priests  at  the  sanctuary,  as  their  primary  employ- 
ment : but  when  at  home  in  their  several  cities,  they  were 
the  stated  teachers  of  the  people.  (Marg.  Ref.  e.  Notes , 
17:7—9.  30:21,22,  r.  22.)— Put,  &c.]  It  is  probable,  that 
the  most  holy  place  had  gone  to  decay,  through  neglect ; and 
that  while  it  was  cleansed  and  repaired,  the  high-priest  had 
committed  the  ark  to  the  custody  of  some  Levites  of  the 
family  of  Kohath  who  had  been  set  apart  and  sanctified  for 
that  service : bpt  when  it  was  carried  again  into  its  place, 
they  would  be  at  liberty  for  other  services,  to  the  glory  of 
God,  and  the  benefit  of  bis  people. 

V.  4.  The  regulations  formed  by  David,  and  established 
by  Solomon,  concerning  the  courses  of  the  priests  and 
Levites,  were  committed  to  writing,  and  preserved  for  them 
to  refer  to  continually.  (Notes,  8:12 — 15.  1 Chr.  23: — 26:) 

Josiah,  in  like  manner  as  Hezekiah  had  done,  required  the 
priests  and  Levites  to  attend  to  their  several  duties,  and  en- 
couraged them  in  so  doing:  but  he  neither  added,  nor  altered, 
nor  retrenched  any  thing;  he  merely  enforced  what  hail  been 
established  in  the  law,  and  in  the  regulations  made  by  David 
and  the  contemporary  prophets.  (10,16.)  “The  command- 
ment of  the  king  . . . was  by  the  word  of  the  Lord.”  ( Note , 
31:12.) 

V.  5.  The  meaning  of  this  verse  seems  to  be,  that  the 
Levites  should  be  as  exact,  in  ascertaining  to  what  family,  or 
subdivision  of  a family,  every  man  belonged,  as  those  of  the 
other  tribes  were:  that  each  might  know  and  do  his  proper 
work,  with  as  much  certainty  and  accuracy,  as  the  others 
knew  what  lands  belonged  to  them  by  inheritance.  Some, 
however,  suppose,  that  only  the  arrangement  of  the  Levites 
at  this  time  is  intended ; and  that  they  were  directed  to  stand 
in  regular  order,  according  to  their  families,  to  receive  the 
paschal  lambs,  which  their  brethren  of  the  other  tribes  would 
bring,  according  to  their  families,  one  for  each  household- 
(6,10,11.) 

V.  6.  Notes,  30:16 — 20.  Ex.  12:3—10,  v.  6.  Lev.  1:5—9. 

V.  7 — 9.  The  people  at  this  time  wore  neither  very  rich, 
nor  very  zealous,  and  l lie  ordinances  wore  expensive.  That 
this  therefore  might  not  prevent  their  attendance  on  this 
solemn  service,  the  king  provided,  at  his  own  expense,  an 
immense  quantity  of  cattle  suited  to  the  solemnity;  and  after 
his  example,  tho  nobles,  and  the  chief  of  the  priests  and 
Levites,  liberally  assisted  their  poorer  brethren. — According 
to  the  calculation,  that  not  fewer  than  ten,  nor  more  than 
twenty  persons,  wero  to  join  for  one  lamb  or  l id,  >le»  timoi- 


C.  623.  CHAPTER  XXXV.  B.  C.  610 


bad,  chief  of  the  Levites,  'gave  unto  the  Levites 
for  passover-offerings  five  thousand  small  cattle, 
and  five  hundred  oxen. 

1 0 So  the  service  was  prepared,  and  Jthe  priests 
stood  in  their  place,  and  the  Levites  in  their  courses, 
according  to  the  king’s  commandment. 

1 1 And  they  kille  1 the  passover,  and  Hhe  priests 
sprinkled  llie  blood  from  their  hands,  and  the  Le- 
vites "flayed  them. 

12  And  they  remoyed  the  burnt-offerings,  that 
they  might  give  according  to  the  divisions  of  the 
families  of  the  people,  to  offer  unto  the  Lord,  bas 
it  is  written  in  the  book  of  Moses.  And  so  did 
they  with  the  oxen. 

13  And  they  croasted  the  passover  with  fire, 
according  to  the  ordinance : but  the  other  holy 
offerings  dsod  they  in  pots,  and  in  caldrons,  and 
in  pans,  and  ‘divided  them  speedily  among  all  the 
people. 

14  And  afterwards  they  made  ready  for  them- 
selves, and  for  the  priests : 'because  the  priests 
the  sons  of  Aaron  were  busied  in  offering  of  burnt- 
offerings  and  the  fat  until  night;  therefore  the 
Levites  prepared  for  themselves,  and  for  the 
priests  the  sons  of  Aaron. 

15  And  the  singers  the  sons  of  Asaph  were  in 
their  ‘place,  f according  to  the  commandment  of 
David,  and  Asaph,  and  Heman,  and  Jeduthun 
the  king’s  seer  ; and  ethe  porters  wailed  at  every 
gate;  they  might  not  depart  from  their  service; 
for  their  brethren  the  Levites  prepared  for  them. 

16  So  all  the  service  of  the  Lord  was  pre- 
pared the  same  day,  to  keep  the  passover,  and  to 
offer  burnt-offerings  upon  the  altar  of  the  Lord, 
according  to  the  commandment  of  king  Josiah. 

17  And  the  children  of  Israel  that  were  ^present 

• Heb.  offered.  Is.  1:10— 15.  Jer.  3:10.  7:21—23.  Mic.  6:6—8.  y 4,5.  30:16.  Ezra 
6:18.  1 29:22 — 24.  30:16.  Lev.  1:5,6.  Num.  18:3,7.  Heb. 9:21,22.  a29:34.  b Let. 
3:3,5,9-11,14—16.  c Es.  12:8,9.  Deul.  16:7.  Ps.  22:14.  Lam.  1:12,13.  (1  Lev. 
6:28.  Num.  6:19.  I Sam.  2:19— 15.  Ez.  46:20 — 24.  J Heb.  mrwZe  them  run.  Rom. 
12:11.  e Acts  6:2— 4.  f Heb.  station.  f29:25,26.  1 Chr.  16:41,42.  23:5.25:1-7. 
Ps.  77:  78:  88:  titles,  g l Chr.  9:17—19.  26:14—19.  § Heb.  found,  h 30:21—23. 
Ex.  12:15—20.  18:6,7.  23:15.34:18.  Lev.  23:5— 8.  Num.  28:16—25.  Deut.  16:3, 
4,8.  1 Cor.  5:7,8.  i 30:5.  2 Kings 23:21— 23.  k 30:26,27.  ||  Heb.  house.  1 2 Kings 

bers  given  on  this  occasion,  would  suffice  for  above  four  hun- 
dred thousand  persons,  young  and  old : besides  those  given 
for  peace-offerings  and  other  sacrifices.  (Notes,  30:23—25, 
o.  24.  I Kings  8:63 — 65.) — Rulers  of,  &c.  (8)  The  heads  of 
the  several  courses  of  the  priests,  or  the  captains  of  the 
temple.  (MargrRef.  x.) 

V.  10,  11.  4—6.  Notes,  29:34.  30:16—20,  vv.  1G,17. 

V.  12.  The  Levites  separated,  as  speedily  as  they  could, 
the  parts  of  the  peace-offerings,  which-  were  to  be  burnt, 
from  the  rest,  and  added  them  to  the  other  burnt-offerings ; 
that  the  remainder,  together  with  the  paschal  lambs,  might, 
without  delay,  be  prepared  and  distributed  as  the  occasion 
required.  (Notes,  Lev.  3:)  . 

V.  13—17.  (Notes,  Ex.  12:3—10,  v.  8,9.  1 Sam.  2:13—16. 

I Chr.  25:1 — 7.  Ez.  46:19 — 24.)  The  priests  were  so  fully 
employed,  that  they  could  not  prepare  the  passover  lambs 
for  themselves  ; but  the  Levites,  who  were  not  otherwise  en- 
gaged, prepared  for  them  and  for  their  brethren,  who  were 
occupied  in  other  services  ; that  all  might  be  ready  at  the 
appointed  hour. —*  1 The  singing  and  music  continued  till  all 
the  sacrifices  were  offered,  that  is  till  night.  . . . And  their 
brethren,  who  were  not  singers,  took  care  to  provide  for  them 
their  portion,  when  they  had  done.’  Bp.  Patrick. — Accord- 
ing to  the  commandment.  Sac.  (16)  Note,  4. 

V.  18,  19.  Hezekiah’s  remarkable  passover  seems  to  have 
been  celebrated  with  greater  fervency  of  devotion;  but  this 
of  Josiah  was  far  more  regular,  and  in  more  exact  conformity 
to  the  law ; it  was  attended  by  very  great  multitudes,  and 
the  liberality  of  the  king  in  furnishing  the  paschal  lambs  was 
without  example.  (Notes,  30:2 — 5,16 — 27.) — Nothing  is  re- 
corded on  this  subject,  from  the  time  that  Israel  obtained 
possession  of  the  promised  land : (Note,  Josh.  5:10.)  but  even 
this  passover,  under  Josiah,  which  exceeded  all  for  several 
centuries,  seems  to  have  been  very  deficient  as  to  genuine 
devotion. 

V.  20 — 24.  Josiah  lived  thirteen  years  after  the  remark- 
able passover  before  recorded,  and  zealously  supported  the 
worship  of  God  to  the  end  of  his  life.  (Notes,  1 — 3,  v.  3.  34: 
33.  2 Kings  23:26,27.)  But  the  nation  was  all  the  while 
-ipening  for  destruction  ; and  was  adjudged  unworthy  of  so 
pious  and  excellent  a prince. — Josiah’s  conduct  at  the  close 
of  his  life  has  been  treated  with  great  severity  by  most  com- 
nentators  : and  he  has  been  charged  with  engaging  in  an 
unjust  war,  and  disregarding  the  express  command  of  God  ; 
which  may  in  great  measure  be  ascribed  to  the  groundless 
censure  passed  on  him  by  the  apocryphal  Esdras,  ‘ Not 
regarding  the  words  of  the  prophet  Jeremy,  spoken  by  the 
mouth  of  the  Loud.’  (1  Esdras  1:28.)  But  the  Scripture 


kept  the  passover  at  that  time,  and  hthe  feast  ol 
unleavened  bread  seven  days. 

18  And  ‘there  was  no  passover  like  to  that 
kept  in  Israel  from  the  days  of  Samuel  the  pro- 
phet ; kneither  did  all  the  kings  of  Israel  keep 
such  a passover  as  Josiah  kept,  and  the  priests, 
and  the  Levites,  and  all  Judah  and  Israel  that 
were  present,  and  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem. 

19  In  the  eighteenth  year  of  the  reign  of  Jo 

Siah  Was  this  paSSOVer  kept.  IPractical  Otic, ration..] 

20  H After  all  this,  when  Josiah  had  prepared 
the  “temple,  ‘Necho  king  of  Egypt  came  up  to 
fight  against  mCarchemish  by  Euphrates:  and 
Josiah  went  out  against  him. 

21  But  he  sent  ambassadors  to  him,  saying, 
"What  have  I to  do  with  thee,  thou  king  ol 
Judah  ? I come  not  against  thee  this  day,  but 
against  the  ‘‘house  wherewith  I have  war:  lor 
°God  commanded  me  to  make  haste : pforbear 
thee  from  meddling  with  God,  who  is  with  me, 
that  he  destroy  thee  not. 

22  Nevertheless  Josiah  would  not  turn  his 
face  from  him,  ^but  disguised  himself  that  he 
might  fight  with  him,  and  hearkened  not  unto 
the  words  of  Necho  from  rthe  mouth  of  God,  and 
came  to  fight  in  the  valley  of  ‘Megiddo. 

23  And  ‘the  archers  shot  at  king  Josiah;  and 
the  king  said  to  his  servants,  Have  me  away; 
for  I am  sore  "wounded. 

24  His  servants  therefore  took  him  out  of 
that  chariot,  and  put  him  in  “the  second  chariot 
that  he  had  ; and  "they  brought  him  to  Jerusalem, 
and  ?he  died,  and  was  buried  “in  one  of  the  sepul- 
chres of  his  lathers.  And  "all  Judah  and  Jerusalem 
mourned  for  Josiah. 

25  And  "Jeremiah  lamented  for  Josiah : and 


23:29 . Pharaoh-nechoh.  Jer.  46:2.  m Ts.  10:9.  n 2 Sam.  16:10.  Matt.  8:29. 
John  2:4.  TT  Heb.  house  of  my  tear,  o 2 Kings  18:25.  Is.  36:10.  p25:19.  q 18* 
29.  1 Kings  14:2.  22:30.  r 21.  18:4— 6.  Josh.  9:14.  sJudg.5:19.  2 Kings  9:27. 
23:30.  Zech.  12:11.  Meziddon.  Rev.  16:16.  Armageddon,  t 18:33.  Gen.  49:23. 
2 Kings  9:24.  Lam.  3:12,13.  **  Heb.  made  sick.  1 Kings  22:34.  2 Kings  8:29. 
u Gen.  41:43.  x 2 Kings  23:30.  y Pa.  36:6.  Ec.  8:14.  9:1,2.  ft  Or,  among  the 
sepulchres.  34:28.  z Zech.  12:11.  a Jer.  22:10. 


no  where  condemns  him.  ( Notey  2 Kings  23:29,30.) 

Pharaoh,  in  marching  his  army  through  Josiah’s  territories, 
against  his  will,  certainly  committed  an  act  oP hostility.  It  is 
evident  that  Josiah  was  in  possession  of  the  whole  land,  and 
not  of  Judah  only  : (34:6.)  and  probably  he  held  the  northern 
parts  of  it  as  a grant  from  the  king  of  Babylon  ; and  was  not 
only  in  alliance  with  him,  but  bound  to  guard  his  frontiers 
against  hostile  invaders.  Doubtless  the  kings  of  Judah  had 
been  in  some  measure  dependent  on  the  kings  of  Assyria  and 
Babylon,  from  the  time  of  Manasseh’s  captivity  and  release. 
Pharaoh  declared  indeed  by  his  ambassadors,  that  he  did  not 
mean  to  attack  Josiah,  but  to  march  against  a power  with 
which  he  was  at  war.  He  was,  however,  in  the  heart  of 
Josiah’s  kingdom  before  he  sent  this  embassy,  and  he  avowed 
his  intention  of  attacking  his  ally  : and  therefore  Josiah  may 
fairly,  on  both  accounts,  be  justified  from  the  charge  of  un- 
justly meddling  with  a war  tlmt  did  not  belong  to  him  ; for  no 
king  upon  earth  would  think  it  unjust  to  declare  war  against 
another  prince,  who  should  forcibly  march  an  army  into  his 
dominions,  in  order  to  attack  another  prince  who  was  in  alliance 
with  him.  It  is  true  the  ambassadors  assured  Josiah  that 
M God  had  commanded  Pharaoh  to  make  haste  ;”  and  said, 
41  Forbear  thee  from  meddling  withGod  who  is  with  me,  that 
he  destroy  thee  not:”  and  he  is  therefore  said,  44  not  to  have 
hearkened  to  the  words  of  Necho,  from  the  mouth  of  God.” 
But  Necho  produced  no  proof,  that  he  was  a prophet  of 
Jehovah,  and  Sennacherib  had  used  similar  language  to- 
Hezekiah,  who  had  paid  no  regard  to  it.  ( Note , 2 Kings  18: 
25.)  The  word  used  by  Necho,  (dti^n)  may  signify  gods , 
or  idols  : and  critics  have  noted,  that  the  expression  44  from 
the  mouth  of  God,”  is  nowhere  used  in  the  Hebrew  Bible,- 
for  a revelation  from  the  true  God  ; but  that  it  is  always 
44  from  the  mouth  of  the  Lord.” — It  is  not  indeed  at  all  pro 
bable,  that  God  had  commanded  Pharaoh-necho  by  Jeremiah, 
or  by  any  other  prophet,  to  undertake  this  expedition : for  in 
that  case  Josiah  would  doubtless  have  been  informed,  and 
have  submitted.  And  if  Pharaoh  had  received  any  monition 
in  a dream  or  vision,  which  he  concluded  to  be  from  the  God 
of  Israel,  (and  so  meant  something  more,  than  his  own  auguries 
and  superstitions  ;)  Josiah  might  not  give  credit  to  his  tes- 
timony, in  matters  so  closely  connected  with  his  own  inte- 
rests.— Josiah,  however,  seems  to  have  been  guilty  of  preci- 
pitation, in  not  inquiring  of  the  Lord  when  thus  warned* 
before  he  proceeded  to  attack  so  formidable  an  enemy  : hi8 
premature  and  violent  death  might  therefore  be  a rebuke  for 
his  rashness ; but  it  was  chiefly  a judgment  on  a hypocritical 
and  wicked  generation.  Whatever  sin  Josiah  committed,  he 
doubtless  repented  of  it : and  the  final  state  of  one,  who 
( 807  ) 


B.  C. 610 


II.  CHRONICLES. 


B.  C.  607. 


all  the  singing  men  and  the  singing  women 
spake  of  Josiah  in  their  lamentations  to  this  day, 
and  made  them  an  ordinance  in  Israel : and 
behold,  they  are  written  in  the  Lamentations. 

26  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Josiah,  and  his 
’goodness,  according  to  that  which  was  written 
in  the  law  of  the  Lord, 

27  And  chis  deeds,  first  and  last,  behold,  they 
are  written  in  the  book  of  the  Kings  of  Israel  and 
Judah. 

CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

Jehoahaz  succeeds  Josiah , but  Necho  carries  him  into  Egypt;  and  makes 
Je'ioiakim  king,  1 — 4.  He  reigns  wickedly  and  is  put  in  chains  by  Nebu- 
chadnezzar, who  eateries  some  of  the  sacred  vessels  to  Babylon , 5 — 7.  Jeho- 
iachm  is  made  king,  who  in  a short  time  is  carried  captive  to  Babylon , with 
other  of  the  sacred,  vessels  ; and  Zedekiah  succeeds,  8 — '10.  He  reigns  very 
wickedly , despises  the  warnings  of  Jeremiah,  and  rebels  against  Nebuchad- 
nezzar, 11 — 13,.  The  sins  of  the  priests  and  people  cause  the  utter  destruc- 
tion of  Jerusalem,  and  the  desolation  of  the  land,  for  seventy  years , 14 — 21. 
Cyrus's  proclamation  for  rebuilding  the  temple.  22,23. 

THEN  athe  people  of  the  land  took  bJehoahaz 
the  son  of  Josiah,  and  made  him  king  in  his 
father’s  stead  in  Jerusalem. 

2  Jehoahaz  was  twenty  and  three  years  old 
when  he  began  to  reign,  and  he  reigned  three 
months  in  Jerusalem. 

3  And  the  king  of  Egypt  ’put  him  down  at 
Jerusalem,  and  'condemned  the  land  in  a hundred 
talents  of  silver  and  a talent  of  gold. 

4  And  the  king  of  Egypt  cmade  Eliakim  his 

b Job  3.8.  Ec.  12:5.  Jer.  9:17 — 21.  Matt.  9:23.  * Heb.  kindnesses.  31:20  . 32: 
32.  c 20:34.  24:27.  25:26.26:22.32:32.33:19.  2 Kings  10:34.  16:19.20:20  . 21:25. 
a 26:1.  33:25  . 2 Kings  23:30.  b 2 Kings  23:31— 34.  1 Chr.  3:15.  Jer.  22.11. 
Shallum.  * Heb . removed  him.  2 Kings  23:33.  f Heb.  mulcted,  c 2 Kings 
23:34,35.  1 Chr.  3:15.  d Jer.  22:10— 12.  Ez.  19:3,4.  e 2 Kings  23:36,37.  Jer. 
22: 13—19.  26:21—23.  36:1,27—32.  f 2 Kings  24:1,2,5,6.  Ez.  19:5—9.  Dan.  1:1, 


bitually  lives  a life  of  repentance,  faith,  and  obedience,  cannot 
be  affected  by  the  manner  in  which  he  is  suddenly  taken 
away. — The  second  chariot  seems  to  have  been  one  that  waited 
for  him  in  case  of  necessity  ; into  which  he  was  removed, 
the  other  being  perhaps  covered  with  blood. 

V.  25 — 27.  Though  the  people  would  not  imitate  Josiah’s 
eminent  piety,  and  disliked  his  reformation  ; yet  they  highly 
respected  his  character,  and  were  sensible  that  they  had  sus- 
tained a very  great  loss.  4 Whensoever  they  mentioned  any 
calamity,  they  mentioned  that  as  the  greatest  that  had  be- 
fallen them.’  Bp.  Patrick. — The  book  of  Lamentations  of 
Jeremiah  was  written  on  another  occasion  : ( Preface  to  La- 
mentations:)  and  what  that  prophet  composed  on  the  death 
of  Josiah  has  not  come  down  to  us.  But  both  the  prophet  and 
the  people  took  several  methods  of  doing  honour  to  the  memory 
of  their  prince  ; and  of  perpetuating  the  lamentations  made 
on  the  account  of  his  death  ; it  is  probable  by  an  annual  com- 
memoration of  that  fatal  event.  (Note,  Jer.  22:10 — 12.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 19.  Extensive  good  may  be  done  by  persons  in 
authority,  who  spare  no  labour  or  expense,  in  promoting  the 
honour  of  God  ; and  who  unite  their  example  and  influence 
with  most  zealous  endeavours,  to  excite  and  encourage  other 
members  of  the  community  to  do  their  duty. — Even  those  who 
teach  others,  and  are  14  holy  to  the  Lord,’’  not  only  by  office, 
but  in  their  hearts  and  lives,  need  to  be  repeatedly  exhorted 
and  charged  to  serve  God  and  his  church,  with  increasing  zeal 
and  persevering  diligence  ; and  when  one  service  is  finished, 
to  proceed  with  alacrity  to  another. — God  alone  can  effica- 
ciously sanctify  and  prepare  our  hearts  for  his  holy  worship  ; 
but  the  blessing  must  be  sought,  for  ourselves  and  others,  by 
.attending  to  our  several  duties  : and  ministers  should  always 
sanqtifv  themselves,  before  they  attempt  to  prepare  the 
people  for  the  ordinances  of  God.  In  this  way  revivals  of 
religion  are  both  manifested  and  forwarded  ; and  sacred  ordi- 
nances at.  once  honour  the  Lord,  and  become  4 means  of 
grace’  to  the  souls  of  men.  The  support  of  them,  in  an  orderly 
and  public  manner,  must  always  be  attended  with  expense  ; 
and  the  multitude  of  the  poor  will  often  be  unable  to  defray 
it.  On  this  account  religion  will,  in  some  places  and  at  some 
times,  be  neglected,  to  the  discouragement  of  many,  and  the 
ruin  of  far  more  : it  then  becomes  a noble  generosity  for 
kings,  princes,  rulers,  and  wealthy  persons,  to  step  forward 
and  to  communicate  liberally  to  the  assistanee  of  the  poor, 
that  they  may  not  want  44  the  Bread  of  life”  for  their  souls  ; 
and  God  will  honour  those  who  thus  honour  him.  None, 
however,  are  more  bound  to  liberality  in  such  cases,  than  the 
superior  clergy , who  enjoy  large  revenues  appropriated  to 
the  maintenance  of  religion  : for  surely  they  ought  willingly 
to  assist  their  poorer  brethren,  who  commonly  do  a great 
proportion  of  the  work,  without  even  a decent  provision  for 
themselves  and  their  families ! Were  these  things  duly 
attended  to,  the  service  of  God  might  be  prepared,  and  his 
ordinances  conducted,  in  harmony  and  to  edification  : while 
mutual  love  would  be  cemented  ; discouragements  and  temp- 
tations to  envy,  discontent,  and  revilings,  would  be  obviated  ; 
and  the  affluent,  might  expect  to  enjoy  their  abundance,  in 
reputation,  beloved  by  their  inferiors,  with  the  blessing  of 
God,  and  to  his  glory  : while  the  whole  would  cause  numbers 
( 808  ) 


brother  king  over  Judah  and  Jerusalem,  and 
turned  his  name  to  Jehoiakim.  And  dNecho  took 
Jehoahaz  his  brother,  and  carried  him  to  Egypt. 

5 II  eJehoiakim  was  twenty  and  five  years  old 
when  he  began  to  reign,  and  he  reigned  oJeven 
years  in  Jerusalem:  and  he  did  that  which  p.  c. 
was  evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  his  God.  *-  607- 

6 Against  him  f came  up  Nebuchadnezzar 
king  of  Babylon,  and  bound  him  in  Tetters,  to 
carry  him  to  Babylon. 

7 Nebuchadnezzar  also  carried  of  sthe  vessels 
of  the  house  of  the  Lord  to  Babylon,  and  put 
them  in  his  temple  at  Babylon. 

8 Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jehoiakim,  and 
his  abominations  which  he  did,  and  that  which 
was  found  in  him,  behold,  hthey  are  written  in 
the  book  of  the  Kings  of  Israel  and  Judah.  And 
‘Jehoiachin  his  son  reigned  in  his  stead. 

9 H Jehoiachin  was  keight  years  old  when  he 
began  to  reign,  and  he  reigned  three  months  and 
ten  days  in  Jerusalem  : and  he  did  that  which  was 
evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord. 

10  And  When  the  year  was  expired,  p e. 
'king  Nebuchadnezzarsent,  and  brought  him  L 589- 
to  Babylon,  with  the  "goodly  vessels  of  the  ho„use 
of  the  Lord,  and  made  “Zedekiah  his  brother 
king  over  Judah  and  Jerusalem. 

2.  Hub.  1:5— 10.  * Or,  chains,  g Ezra  1:7— 11.  Jer.  27:16— 18.  28:3.  Dan.  5i 
2— i.  h 2 Kings  24:5,6.  i 1 Chr.  3:16,17.  Jeconiah.  Jer.  22:24,28.  ComaK 
Matt.  1:11,12.  Jechonias.  k 2 Kings  24:8,9.  § Heb.  at  the  return  of  the  year. 
12  Kings  24: 10 — 16  . 25:27—30.  Jer.  29:2.  Ezl:2.  II  Heh.  vessels  of  desire.  7. 
Jer.  27:18— 22.  Dan.  5:2,23.  m 2 Kings  24:17.  Matlaniah.  1 Chr.  3:15,16. 
Jer.  37:1. 


to  pray  for  each  other,  and  44  to  abound  in  many  thanksgivings 
unto  God.”  (Notes,  2 Cor.  9:6 — 15.) — Those  who  are  con- 
tinually so  taken  up  in  the  work  of  God  and  his  church,  that 
they  cannot  attend  to  their  secular  interests,  ought  particu- 
larly to  be  provided  for  by  their  brethren  who  have  more 
leisure.  In  all  things  indeed  we  need  reciprocal  assistance  ; 
and  they,  who  are  much  employed  in  the  public  exercises  of 
religion,  should  be  cautioned  not  to  neglect  their  own  souls, 
and  the  private  exercise  of  meditation  and  communion  with 
God. — Alas  ! how  are  the  ordinances  of  God  disregarded,  or 
formally  attended  on  ! The  church  in  its  best  days  has  fallen 
short  hitherto  of  what  it  ought  to  be  at  all  times : our  most 
religious  hours,  in  public  or  private,  need  forgiveness  ; and 
the  mercy  of  God,  through  the  Saviour’s  atonement,  must 
still  be  our  only  plea,  to  the  close  of  our  days. — Very  great 
exertions  are  requisite  to  produce  even  an  outward  attendance 
to  religion  : and  after  all,  except  we  depend  entirely  on  divine 
grace,  the  most  excellent  means  and  instruments  will  be  inef- 
fectual, and  serve  only  to  demonstrate  the  strength  of  man’s 
depravity,  and  the  justice  of  God  in  the  sinner’s  condemna- 
tion : and  abused  mercies  will  after  a time  be  withdrawn. 

V.  20 — 27.  No  man  suffers  or  ever  will  suffer,  who  has 
not  merited  his  sufferings ; yet  public  persons  are  often  laid 
aside  or  removed,  to  punish  the  wickedness  of  the  commu- 
nity : and  even  their  indiscretions,  contrary  to  their  genera^ 
character,  and  tho  fatal  consequences  of  them,  may  be  per- 
mitted as  a national  judgment. — We  are  not  bound  to  believe 
all  those  who  profess  to  speak  by  the  authority  of  God  : but 
it  is  always  right  to  act  with  caution,  to  search  the  Scriptures, 
to  seek  the  Lord’s  direction  by  prayer,  and  to  consult  wise, 
experienced,  and  pious  friends  ; that  we  may  discover  as  far 
as  possible,  what  is  the  truth  and  will  of  God  concerning  us, 
and  that  we  may  not  be  found  in  any  instance  to  fight  against 
him.  Men  seldom  prosper  in  those  measures  which  aro 
unadvisedly  adopted  : and  those,  who  are  honoured  with  great 
usefulness,  should  be  doubly  circumspect  in  their  conduct, 
and  careful  of  their  lives  ; because  so  many  are  interested  in 
them. — Believers,  however,  even  when  taken  away  by  a 
sudden  or  premature  death,  aro  removed  to  a better  world  : 
and  their  survivors  should  honour  them,  notwithstanding  their 
imperfections  ; and  will  frequently  perceive  that  they  have 
great  cause  to  mourn  for  them.  (Note,  Is.  57:1,2.)  Yet 
many  join  in  lamenting  the  death,  and  commemorating  the 
goodness,  of  useful  men,  who  neither  regard  their  admoni- 
tions, nor  imitate  their  examples.  And  many  mourn  over 
their  own  calamities,  who  do  not  repent,  and  forsake  those 
sins,  which  have  provoked  God  to  inflict  them.  Yet  this 
alone  can  avert  still  more  Tremendous  judgments. 

NOTES.— Chap.  XXXVI.  V.  1—7.  Notts,  10. 
2 Kings  23:29—34.  24:1—7.  Jtr.  22:10—12.  Ez.  19:2—14. 
Dan.  1:1,2. 

V.  8.  Abominations,  &c.]  Notes,  Jer.  22:13 — 19  26:16 
—24.  36:20—32. 

V.  9.  Eight.]  Either  this  is  an  error  of  the  transcribers, 
which  is  most  probable  ; or  Jehoiachin  reigned  ten  years  with 
his  father,  which  is  very  unlikely;  for  at  his  dean  he  was 
eighteen  years  old.  (2  Kings  21:8.) 

V.  10.  Jehoiakim  probably  died  towards  the  < .esc  of  the 
year : and  soon  after  tho  entrance  of  the  new  year,  Nebu 


B.  C.  593. 


CHAPTER  XXXYI. 


B.  C.  583. 


11  IF  Zedekiah  ivas  "one  and  twenty  years 
old  when  he  began  to  reign,  and  reigned  eleven 
years  in  Jerusalem. 

12  And  he  did  that  which  was  evil  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord  his  God,  and  "humbled  not  himself 
"before  Jeremiah  the  prophet  speaking  from 
*the  mouth  of  the  Lord. 

13  And  he  also  "rebelled  against  king  Ne- 
buchadnezzar, "who  had  made  him  swear  by 
God:  but  ‘he  stillened  his  neck,  “and  hardened 
his  heart  from  turning  unto  the  Lord  God  of 
Israel. 

14  H Moreover,  xall  the  chief  of  the  priests,  and 
the  people,  transgressed  very  much  rafter  all  the 
abominations  of  the  heathen ; and  "polluted  the 
house  of  the  Lord  which  he  had  hallowed  in 
Jerusalem. 

15  And  "the  Lord  God  of  their  fathers  sent  to 
them  by  'his  messengers,  rising  up  "betimes  and 
sending ; bbecause  he  had  compassion  on  his 
people,  and  on  his  dwelling-place : 

16  But  they  "mocked  the  messengers  of  God, 
and  ddespised  his  words,  and  'misused  his  pro- 
phets, until  rthe  wrath  of  the  Lord  arose  against 
his  people,  still  there  was  no  ^remedy. 

17  Therefore  hhe  brought  ufjon  them  'the  king 
of  the  Chaldees,  Hvho  slew  their  young  men  with 
the  sword  'in  the  house  of  their  sanctuary,  and 
had  mno  compassion  upon  young  man  or  maiden, 
old  man,  or  him  that  stooped  for  age:  he  gave 
them  all  into  his  hand. 


n 2 Kinzu  54:18— SO.  Jer.  52:1— 3.  0 32:26  . 33:12,19,23.  Ex. 10:3.  Dan.  5: 
22,23.  Jam:  4:10.  1 Pet.  5:6.  p Jer.  21:1,  tee.  27:12,  &c.  28:1,  &c.  31:2, &c. 

37:2,  &c.  38:14,  &c.  q 35:22.  r 2 Kings  21:20.  Jer.  52:2.  Ez.  17:11—  20. 
sJosh.  9:15,19,20.  2 Sam.  21:2.  t 2 Kings  17:14.  Neh.  9:16,17.  Is.  48:4.  u Ex.  8: 
15,92.  9:17.  Neh.  9:29.  Rom.  2:4,5.  Heb.  3:8,13.  x 2 Kings  16:10—16.  Ezra  9:7. 
Jer.  5:5.  37:13— 15.  38:4.  Ez.  22  6,26— 28.  Dan.  9:6,8.  Mic.  3:1— 4,9— 11.7:3. 
Zeph.  3:3,4.  y 28:3.  33:9.  z 33:4— 7.  Ez.  3:5— 16.  a 24:18— 21.  33:10.  2 Kings 
17:13.  Jer.  25:3,4.  26:5.  35:15.  44:4,5.  * Heb .the  hand  of  his.  t That  is, 

continually  and  care fully . b Judg.  10:16.  2 Kings  13:23.  Hos.ll:8.  Luke  19: 
41_44.  c 30:10.  Ps.  35:16.  Is.  28:22.  Jer.  5:12,13.  20:7.  Luke  18:32.  22:63,64. 
23:11,36.  Acts  2:13.  17:32.  Heb.  11:36.  d Prov.  1:25— 30.  Luke  16:14.  Acts 
13:41.  I Thes.  4:8.  e Jer.  32:3.  38:6.  Matt.  5:12.  21 :33— 41.  23:34— 37.  Acts 
7:52.  fPs.  74:1.  79:1— 5.  g Prov.  6:15.  29:1.  ||  Heb.  healing,  h 33:11 . Deut. 
28:49.  2 Kings  24:2,3.  Jer.  15:8.  32:42.  40:3.  Dan.  9:14.  i 2 Kings  25:1,  &c. 


chadnezzar  took  Jehoiachin  captive,  and  carried  him  to 
Babylon,  with  many  other  prisoners,  and  many  of  the  vessels 
of  the  temple.  (Notes,  2 Kings  24:8 — 16.  25:27 — 30.  Jer. 
22:24—30.  24:1—7.  28:2—4.  29:2.  Ez.  1:1—3.) 

V.  11,  12.  (Notes,  2 Kings  24:17—20.  25:1—7.  Jer.  21: 
22:28 — 30.  27:28:  34:37:38:)  The  people  ‘still  entertained 
false  prophets,  ...  who  “saw  visions  of  peace”  for  Jerusa- 
lem, when  there  was  no  peace:’  (Ez.  13:16.) ‘that  is, 

made  the  people  believe  Jerusalem  should  not  be  taken,  and 
so  hardened  their  hearts  in  their  obstinate  wickedness.  ’ Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  13.  Swear,  &c.]  Nebuchadnezzar  had  placed  Zede- 
kiah on  the  throne,  requiring  him  to  swear  allegiance  to  him 
by  the  God  of  Israel.  Having  received  his  authority  in  this 
manner,  and  holding  it  by  such  a tenure,  he  could  not  revolt 
from  the  king  of  Babylon,  without  perjury,  treachery,  and 
injustice:  and  in  his  case  the  impolicy  of  his  conduct  was 
equal  to  his  impiety,  and  made  way  for  the  punishment  of  it. 
(Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Josh.  9:19,20.  2 Sam.  21:1 — 3.  Ez.  17: 
12 — 21.  21:25 — 27.)  ‘His  wickedness  was  so  great,  that 
God  gave  him  up  to  commit  this  further  crime  of  perjury  to 
his  own  ruin.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Notes,  2 Kings  24:20.  25:6,7.) 

V.  14,  15.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  Lord  acted  towards  Ju- 
dah, as  a man  would  do,  who  had  the  welfare  of  his  son 
much  at  heart,  and  would  lose  no  time,  but  meet  him  with 
warnings  as  soon  as  he  began  to  turn  aside ; missing  no  oppor- 
tunity and  sparing  no  pains : for  God  had  compassion  on  the 
people;  and  proceeded,  as  if  reluctantly,  to  execute  ven- 
geance, and  to  give  up  Jerusalem,  and  the  temple,  to  the 
rage  of  heathen  conquerors.  (Note,  Jer.  25:3.) 

V.  16.  Notes,  Jer.  2:26— 30.  11:18—23.  18:18—23.  20:1— 
6.  26:10—24.  32:2,3.  36:5.  37:11—21.  38:1—6.  43:3—7.  Lam. 
3:52—57.  Matt.  5:10—12.  21:33—39.  23:29—39.  Acts  7:51  — 
53.  1 Thes.  2:13 — 16. — No  remedy,  &c.]  It  no  longer  con- 
sisted with  the  honour  of  God  to  protect  so  wicked  a people, 
who  professed  to  be  his  worshippers,  and  who  encouraged 
themselves  in  sin  by  a presumptuous  confidence  in  him.  It 
was  become  necessary  to  display  the  glory  of  the  divine 
holiness  and  justice,  in  bringing  signal  miseries  upon  them : 
and  this  he  did,  by  giving  them  up  to  their  own  infatuated 
counsels,  and  the  imbittered  resentment  of  their  cruel  in- 
vaders. (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  17.  It  is  probable  that  numbers  of  the  Jews,  when  the 
city  was  taken,  fled  into  the  courts  of  the  temple,  as  to  a 
sanctuary,  or  sacred  refuge ; but  they  were  slain  there  by  the 
naughty  victors.  (Notes,  Ez.  9:5 — 11.  Luke  13:1 — 3.) 

V.  18—20.  Notes,  2 Kings  25:  Jer.  39:  52: 

V.  21.  The  law  concerning  the  sabbatical  year  seems  to 
have  been  almost  entirely  neglected,  from  the  first  entrance 

Vol.  I.— 102 


18  And  "all  the  vessels  of  the  house  of  p.  o 
God,  great  and  small,  and  the  treasures  of  L 59a 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  "and  the  treasures  of  tlu 
king,  and  of  his  princes;  all  these  he  brought  to 
Babylon. 

19  And  fthey  burnt  the  house  of  God,  and 
sbrake  down  the  wall  of  Jerusalem,  and  burnt  all 
the  palaces  thereof  with  fire,  and  destroyed  ah 
the  goodly  vessels  thereof. 

20  AndHhem  that  had  escaped  from  the  sword 
carried  he  away  to  Babylon  ; where  "they  were 
servants  to  him  and  his  sons  “until  the  reign  ol 
the  kingdom  of  Persia  : 

21  To  ‘fulfil  the  word  of  the  Lord  by  the 
mouth  of  Jeremiah,  “until  the  land  had  enjoyed 
her  sabbaths  : for  as  long  as  she  lay  desolates  he 
kept  sabbath,  to  fulfil  threescore  and  ten  years. 

22  IF  Now*in  the  first  year  of  "Cyrus  king  p.  c. 
of  Persia,  "that  the  word  of  the  Lord  spoken  L 536  • 
by  the  mouth  of  Jeremiah  might  be  accomplished, 
"the  Lord  stirred  up  the  spirit  of  Cyrus  king  of 
Persia,  that  he  made  ba  proclamation  through- 
out all  his  kingdom,  and  put  it  also  in  writing, 
saying, 

23  Thus  saith  Cyrus  king  of  Persia,  "All  the 
kingdoms  of  the  earth  hath  the  Lord  God  of 
heaven  given  me ; and  dhe  hath  charged  me  to 
build  him  a house  in  Jerusalem,  which  is  in 
Judah.  'Who  is  there  among  you  of  all  his 
people  ? the  Lord  his  God  he  with  him,  and  let 
him  go  up. 


Jer.  39:1,  &c.  52:1,  Sc.  k Lev. 26:14,  &c.  Deni.  28:15,  4c.  29:18-28  . 30:18. 
31:16—18.  32:15—28.  Pn.  79:2,3.  Jer.  15:9.  18:21.  Lam.  2:21,22.  124:21.  Lam. 
2:20.  Ez.  9:5— 7.  Luke  13:1,2.  m Deut.  28:50.  Ps.  74:20.  n 7,10.  2 KingB  25: 
13-17.  Jer.  27:18-22  . 52:17—23.  Dan.  5:3.  o 2 Kines 20: 13— 17.  Is.  39:6. 
Zech.  1 .6.  p 2 Kings  25:9.  Ps.  74:4— 8.  79:1,7.  Is.  64:10,11.  Jer.  7:4,14 . 52: 
13.  Lam.  4:1.  Mic.  3:12.  Luke  21:6.  q 2 Kings  25:10,11.  Jer.  52:14,15.  § Heb. 
the  remainder  from  the  sioord.  r Deut.  28:47,48.  Jer.  27:7.  e22.  Ezra  1:1,  &c. 
t Jer.  25:9— 1L  26:6,7.  27:12,13.  Dan.  9:2.  Zech.  1:4— 6.  u Lev.  25:4— 6.  26. 
34,35.  Zech.  1:12.  x Ezra  1:1— 3.  y Dan.  10:1.  z21.  Jer.  25:12,14  . 29:10. 
32:42—44.  33:10—14.  Heb.  10:23.  a 21:16.  1 Sam. 26:19.  1 Kings  11 :14,23. 
1 Chr.  5:26.  Ezra  1:5.  18.13:3—5,17,18.  45:1—5.  Hag.  1:14.  b 24:9.  30:5, 
c Ps.  75:5 — 7.  Dan.  2:21 ,37.  4:35.  5:18,23.  d Is.  44:26— 28.  e 1 Chr.  22:16.  29: 
5.  Ezra  7:13.  Zech.  2:6,7.  Rom.  8:31. 


of  Israel  into  Canaan : so  that  when  the  land  had  rtlany  sab- 
batical years  together  during  the  captivity,  these  bore  a near 
proportion  to  those  in  which  the  law  had  been  violated.  Yet 
this  intimated,  that  it  was  not  to  be  given  to  another  people, 
because  the  Israelites  would  be  reinstated  in  it.  (Notes,  Ex. 
23:10 — 12.  Lew.  25:1 — 7.  26:31 — 35.) — The  seventy  years 
here  mentioned  may  either  be  computed  from  the  first  cap- 
tivity in  the  fourth  year  of  Jehoiakim,  to  the  first  year  of 
Cyrus  the  Persian  ; or  from  the  later  and  more  complete 
desolations  of  the  land,  to  the  finishing  of  the  temple,  in  the 
sixth  year  of  king  Darius,  as  the  land  was  gradually  deso- 
lated, and  gradually  re-peopled.  (Notes,  2 Kings  24:1,8 — 16. 
Dan.  1:1,2.) 

Y.  22,  23.  Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Ezra  1:1 — 4. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 16.  When  the  wickedness  of  nations  provokes  God 
to  remove  wise  and  pious  princes,  and  to  advance  others  of 
a contrary  character ; avowed  impiety  and  desolating  judg- 
ments may  be  expected  to  come  in  like  a flood,  and  to  bear 
down  all  before  them.  Indeed  Providence  often  raises  up 
such  wicked  rulers,  one  afler  another,  to  scourge  a guilty 
land ; and  then  every  change  proves  a step  towards  more 
complete  destruction. — Infatuated  counsels  and  treacherous 
measures  concur  in  bringing  ruin  upon  those,  who,  in  proud 
contempt  of  God,  reject  (he  warnings  of  his  ministers  from 
his  word ; and  who  thus  “ stiffen  their  neck,  and  harden  their 
heart  from  turning  unto  the  Lord.” — Yet  he  would  not 
punish  whole  kingdoms  for  the  impiety  of  their  rulers,  a d 
not  the  people  also  transgress  very  much : but  when  nations, 
favoured  with  his  word  and  ordinances,  become  so  corrupt, 
that  nobles,  priests,  and  people  imitate,  anil  even  exceed,  the 
abominations  of  the  heathen  ; and  add  the  shameless  pro- 
fanation of  things  most  sacred,  and  the  most  obstinate  con- 
tempt of  his  holy  word,  to  all  their  other  crimes;  what  can 
be  expected  but  miseries  as  remarkable  as  their  wickedness? 
And  when  the  mockery  and  persecution  of  his  ministers  is 
added  to  all  the  rest,  the  “wrath  of  the  Lord  will  arise 
against  such  a people,  till  there  be  no  remedy.”  He  indeed 
delights  in  mercy,  and  is  glorified  by  the  repentance  of  sin- 
ners, and  by  pardoning  and  saving  the  penitent.  The  whole 
plan  of  redemption,  the  warnings,  invitations,  and  entreaties 
of  his  word,  and  his  long-suffering  towards  us,  prove  his  rich 
compassion  and  love : but  these  endearing  attributes  are 
exercised  in  exact  consistency  with  his  justice,  holiness,  and 
truth,  and  according  to  the  counsel  of  his  infallible  wisdom; 
and  when  no  means,  mercies,  or  warnings  are  effectua)  to 
bring  sinners  to  repentance,  there  is  no  remedy,  hut  he  must 
vindicate  the  honour  of  his  despised  authority,  patience,  and 
mercy,  in  their  condign  punishment.— Nothing,  except  obsti 
( 809  4 


B.  C.  536, 


EZRA. 


B.  C.  536. 


nil a impenitent  unbe.ief  and  iniquity,  can  ruin  our  souls; 
but  nothing  can  save  those  who  persist  in  rejecting  the  sal- 
vation of  the  gospel : for  the  honour  of  the  truths  and  ordi- 
nances of  God  demands  the  destruction  of  men,  who  disgrace 
them  while  they  profess  to  glory  in  them.  Yet  the  ministers 
of  the  gospel  must  not  yield  to  despondency  or  resentment, 
however  disappointed,  mocked,  or  misused  : they  must  copy 
tile  patience  and  forbearance  of  the  Lord  ; and  spare  no  pains, 
and  leave  no  proper  method  untried,  to  bring  sinners  to  re- 
pentance. 

V.  17 — 23.  The  instruments  of  divine  vengeance  against 
devoted  nations  are  of  themselves  disposed  for  their  bloody 
work ; and  the  Lord  arms  them  with  power,  and  gives  up 
the  objects  of  his  righteous  indignation  into  their  hands. 


Then,  no  age  or  sex,  no  sacredness  of  place  or  character 
will  move  compassion;  but  all  will  be  involved  in  one  com* 
mon  calamity  : and  the  abused  privileges,  in  which  hypociite* 
confide,  will  both  add  to  their  guilt,  and  enhance  the  poig 
nancy  of  iheir  sufferings.  Yet  all  the  miseries  of  this  life 
are  temporal  ; but  the  punishment  of  the  wicked  in  anotne* 
world  is  eternal. — Even  the  circumstances  of  severe  calami- 
ties often  forebode  and  make  way  for  their  removal.  When 
the  executioners  of  vengeance  have  cut  off  the  more  despe- 
rate transgressors,  and  the  rest  are  humbled  by  means  ol 
their  sufferings,  and  for  their  sins;  the  Lord  “stirs  up  the 
spirit”  of  some  instrument  of  his  mercy,  who  patronises  the 
afflicted,  and  becomes  their  deliverer : and  “the  gates  of  heb 
shall  never  prevail  against  his  church.” 


THE 


• BOOK  OF  EZRA. 


Iff  is  generally  agreed  that  Ezra  wrote  this  book,  and  also  the  preceding  books  of  Chronicles.  It  is  likewise  recorded  by  the  Jewish 
writers,  that  he  revised  all  the  preceding  parts  of  Scripture,  and  published  a correct  copy  of  the  whole  : and  indeed  this  account 
appears  highly  probable.  He  is  not  called  a prophet,  in  the  sacred  Scripture  : yet  there  can  be  no  doubt,  that  he  performed  these 
services  under  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  as  no  distinction  is  made  in  the  New  Testament  between  one  part  and  another  oi 
that  volume,  which  was  then  called  “ The  Oracles  of  God,”  and  as  such  sanctioned  by  our  Lord  and  his  apostles.  The  pro- 
phecies of  Haggai  and  Zechariah  confirm  the  history  contained  in  the  former  part  of  this  book  : and  as  Ezra  alone  records  the 
rebuilding  of  the  temple  ; whatever  in  the  New  Testament  relates  to  the  temple,  as  then  standing,  is  in  some  sense  a sanction  to  the 
authenticity  of  the  narrative : though  I do  not  recollect  any  express  references  to  it  except  in  the  genealogies.  Neither  does  the  book 
appear  to  contain  any  direct  prophecies : but  it  is  written  in  so  pious  a strain,  and  so  much  in  the  manner  of  the  other  Scriptures, 
that  it  has  strong  internal  evidences  of  divine  inspiration.  As  express  mention  is  made  in  it  of  Jeremiah’s  prophecies,  and  plain 
intimations  are  given  of  Isaiah’s  extraordinary  prediction  concerning  Cyrus;  (1:1 — 4.)  it  is  evident  that  the  writings  of  these 
prophets  were  then  extant:  and  the  constant  reference  to  the  law  of  Moses  and  the  preceding  histories  in  this  book,  and  that  of 
Nehemiah,  proves  the  same  respecting  them. — Ezra  was  peculiarly  had  in  honour  by  the  ancient  Jews,  and  is  so  by  the  modern  i 
and  to  this  we  must  ascribe  the  forgery  of  several  other  books,  under  his  name,  especially  the  two  apocryphal  books  of  Esdras,  or 
Ezra;  for  forgeries  they  undoubtedly  are,  and  of  a much  later  date  than  the  authentic  record  of  Ezra. — This  history  opens  with 
the  proclamation  of  Cyrus,  the  return  of  a company  of  Jews,  and  their  attempts  to  rebuild  the  city  and  temple,  and  to  re-inhabit 
the  land  : it  proceeds  to  record  the  opposition  with  which  they  met,  the  delays  this  occasioned,  and  how,  after  a time,  they  in  part 
succeeded.  At  length,  about  seventy-eight  or  seventy -nine  years  afterwards,  (concerning  the  most  of  wfiich  nothing  is  recorded,) 
Ezra  himself  arrived  with  a commission,  and  large  powers  and  grants,  from  Artaxerxes,  and  with  many  attendants:  and  the 
narrative  closes  with  an  account  of  the  sin  of  the  Jews  in  marrying  heathen  wives;  Ezra’s  grief,  humble  confession,  and  prayers 
on  that  account ; and  his  pious  endeavours  to  separate  his  people  from  idolaters. — In  this  and  the  subsequent  history,  the  Jews  no 
longer  appear  as  an  independent  prosperous  nation,  governed  by  kings  of  their  own  race : but  a small  remnant,  returned  from 
captivity,  by  the  favour  of  the  Persian  kings,  and  under  their  protection  and  dominion;  and  struggling,  olten  feebly,  v\'ith  many 
difficulties  and  enemies  : yet,  in  this  condition,  they  were  enabled  to  re-establish  the  worship  of  God  at  the  temple  in  Jerusalem, 
to  which  they  outwardly  adhered  till  the  coming  ot  Christ;  being  effectually  cured  of  gross  idolatry,  though  in  other  respects, 
exceedingly  prone  to  disobedience. — During  the  captivity  nothing  is  recorded  of  the  history  of  Israel,  except  what  may  be  collected 
from  the’prophecies  of  Ezekiel  and  Daniel:  and  exceedingly  little  is  contained  in  the  Scripture  of  their  condition,  during  536 
years,  till  the  birth  of  Christ,  compared  with  the  regular  history  given  of  the  nation  from  the  days  of  Moses  to  the  captivity.  "The 
ild  dispensation  was  about  to  expire  and  make  way  for  Christianity  ; the  Spirit  of  prophecy  was  about  to  be  withdrawn  for  a 
season  ; and  the  people  had  so  often  and  so  flagrantly  violated  their  national  covenant,  that  they  were  not  honoured  and  noticed 
as  they  had  been  in  former  ages. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Ctpncs  issues  a proclamation,  allowing  the  Jews  to  go  up  to  Jerusalem  mnd 
build  the  temple  ;a rul  exhorting  those  who  stayed  behind  to  assist  them , 1 — 4. 
Many  prepare  to  return,  and  others  contribute  to  the  expense , 5,  6.  Cyrus 
restores  the  vessels  of  the  temple  to  Sheshbazzar,  7 — 11. 

NOW  “in  the  first  year  of  Cyrus  king  of 
Persia,  that  the  word  of  the  Lord  bby  the 

a See  on  2 Chr.  36:22,23.  b Jer.  25:12— 14.  29:10.  33:7-13.  c 5:13— 15.  6:22. 
7:27.  Ps.  106:46.  Prov.21:l.  * Heb.  caused  a voice  to  pass.  Matt.  3:1— 3. 


NOTES.— Chap.  I.  V.  1—4.  (2  Chr.  36:22,23.)  Nebu- 
chadnezzar reigned,  after  the  first  captivily  of  the  Jews  in 
the  fourth  year  of  Jehoiakim,  forty-five  years.  (Note,  1 Kings 
24:1.)  His  son  Evil-merodach  was  slain  by  Neriglissar,  his 
brother-in-law,  after  he  had  reigned  two  years  ; and  probably 
Jehoachin  died  before  him.  (Note,  2 Kings  25:27 — 30.) 
After  four  years  Neriglissar  was  slain  in  baltle  by  Cyrus  : 
after  a few  months  Belshazzar,  the  son  of  Evil-merodach, 
mounted  the  throne ; and  at  the  end  of  seventeen  years  he 
was  slain  in  Babylon  by  Cyrus.  (Dan.  5:)  Then  Cyax- 
ares,  or  Darius  the  Mede,  the  uncle  and  father-in-law  of 
Cyrus,  succeeded  to  the  throne  of  all  these  kingdoms ; and 
alter  two  years  he  died,  and  left  the  whole  of  them  to  Cyrus, 
who,  in  the  first  year  after  his  predecessor’s  death,  proclaimed 
liberty  to  the  captive  Jews.  This  is  the  first  computation  of 
Ac  seventy  years  of  the  Babylonish  captivity.  (Note,  2 Chr. 
36:21.) — As  Daniel  prospered  in  the  reign  of  Darius  the 
Mede.  and  of  Cyrus  the  Persian,  there  can  be  little  doubt, 
that  he  was  instrumental  in  procuring  this  extraordinary  pro- 
clamation in  favour  of  the  Jews:  and  probably  he  showed 
that  prince  the  prophecy  of  Isaiah,  which  was  known  to  have 
been  long  extant,  and  in  which  he  was  predicted  by  name, 
and  his  successes  were  described;  and  by  which  he  was 
appointed  to  rebuild  Jerusalem  and  the  temple:  and  also 
those  of  Jeremiah,  which  foretold  the  exact  duration  of  the 
( 810  ) 


mouth  of  Jeremiah  might  be  fulfilled,  the  Lord 
stirred  up  the  spirit  of  Cyrus  king  of  Persia,  “that 
he  'made  a proclamation  throughout  all  his  king- 
dom, and  put  it  also  in  writing,  saying, 

2 Thus  saith  Cyrus  king  of  Persia,  The  dLoRD 
God  of  heaven  “hath  given  me  all  the  kingdoms 

John  1:23.  d 1 Kinss  8:27.  2 Chr.  2:12.  Is.  66:1.  Jer.  10:11.  Dan.  2:53.  5:23. 
e Jer.  27:6,7.  Dan.  2:37,38.  4:25,32.  5:19—21. 


captivity.  (Notes,  Is.  13:17.  21:1—5.  41:25.  44:25—28.  45: 
1—6.  Jer.  25:10—13.  27:4—9.  29:10.  50:  51:  Dan.  1:17—20. 
6:25 — 28.)  The  prophecy  of  Isaiah  was  delivered  about  120 
years  before  the  temple  was  destroyed ; and  about  the  same 
time  before  the  birth  of  Cyrus.  These  predictions,  set  before 
Cyrus,  by  a person  of  Daniel’s  venerable  age,  and  high 
reputation  for  wisdom  and  eminenl  station,  seem  to  have 
produced  in  the  mind  of  this  prudent  and  humane  conqueror, 
a conviction  that  the  God  of  Israel  was  the  true  God,  and 
that  the  captive  Jews  were  bis  chosen  people,  and  Jerusalem 
the  place  where  he  was  especially  pleased  to  be  worshipped. 
Thus  “ The  Lord  stirred  up  his  spirit”  to  issue  a proclama- 
tion, which  was  publicly  made  known  in  every  place,  by 
heralds  appointed  for  that  service, . and  also  committed  to 
writing;  that  the  Jews  were  now  set  at  liberty,  and  should 
be  protected,  in  returning  to  Jerusalem  and  rebuilding  the 
temple. — In  this  proclamation  Cyrus  called  the  God  of  Israel, 
“Jehovah,  the  God  of  Heaven,”  and  avowed  that  he  was 
“the  God,”  in  contradistinction  to  all  others  that  were  so 
called.  He  acknowledged,  that  ho  had  rcceiv<  d his  dominions 
from  Jehovah,  whether  acquired  by  inheritance  or  conquest. 
These,  being  far  superior  to  any  other  empire  then  in  the 
world,  (as  comprising  the  dominions  of  the  Medes  and  Per- 
sians increased  by  those  of  the  Assyrians,  Babylonians,  and 
others,)  were  called  in  the  customary  style,  ‘all  tb**  king- 


B.  C.  536. 


CHAPTER  I 


B.  C.  536, 


of  the  ea  th ; and  f he  hath  charged  me  to  build 
him  a house  at  Jerusalem,  which  is  in  Judah. 

3 Who  is  there  among  you  of  all  his  people  ? 
*his  God  be  with  him,  and  let  him  go  up  to 
Jerusalem,  which  is  in  Judah,  and  build  the 
house  of  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  (hhe  is  the  God,) 
which  is  in  Jerusalem. 

4 And  whosoever  remaineth  in  any  place 
where  he  sojourneth,  'let  the  men  of  his  place 
"help  him  with  silver,  and  with  gold,  and  with 
goods,  and  with  beasts,  besides  Hhe  freewill- 
offering  for  the  house  of  God  that  is  in  Jerusalem. 

£ Practical  Observations.'] 

5 H Then  rose  up  the  chief  of  the  fathers  of 
Judah  and  Benjamin,  and  the  priests,  and  the 
Levites,  with  all  them  kwhose  spirit  God  had 
raised  to  go  up  to  build  the  house  of  the  Lord 
which  is  in  Jerusalem. 

6 And  all  they  that  were  about  them  fstrength- 
ened  their  hands  with  vessels  of  silver,  with  gold, 

f Is.  41:26— 28.  45:1,12,13.  g Josh.  1:9.  lChr.28:20.  Matt. 28:20.  h Dent. 
32:31.  Dan.  2:47.  6:26.  Acts  10:36.  i 7:16— 18.  Acts  24-17.  3 John  6— 8.  * Heb. 
lift  him  up.  Ec.  4:9,10.  tlal.  6:2.  j 2.68— 70.  1 Chr.  29:3,9,17.  It  1.  2 Chr.  36: 
22.  Neh.  2:12.  Prov.  16:1.  2 Cor.  8:16.  Phil.  2:13.  Jam.  1:16,17.  t That  is, 
helped  them.  7:15,16.  8:25—28,33.  1 4.  Ps.  110:3.  2 Cor.  9:7.  m 5:14.  6:5. 

doms  of  the  earth.”  And  he  declared  that  “ the  Lord  had 
charged  him,  to  build  him  a house  at  Jerusalem.”  Some 
think  that  this  was  done  in  a vision  vouchsafed  to  him ; but 
probably  it  was  his  inference  from  Isaiah’s  prophecies.  He 
also  wished  the  Jews  success  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  in 
some  sense  prayed  for  his  powerful  and  favourable  presence 
with  them.  And  he  exhorted  others,  in  every  place,  to  help 
those  who  went  upon  this  undertaking,  with  such  things  as 
were  needful  for  their  expenses,  and  for  accomplishing  their 
pious  intentions.  Some  interpret  this  as  an  order  to  the 
rulers  of  the  provinces,  to  supply  them  from  the  public  reve- 
nues: ( Notes , 7:16 — 28.)  others  suppose  that  Cyrus  allowed 
the  Jews  to  collect  voluntary  contributions  from  his  subjects 
at  large ; and  some  confine  it  to  the  Jews,  who  did  not  go  up 
to  Jerusalem,  who  were  exhorted  to  assist  their  brethren  that 
did.  Without  such  assistance,  many,  that  “ remained  in  any 
place,”  wailing  an  opportunity  of  going  up  to  Jerusalem, 
would  have  been  eventually  hindered. — Besides  affording  as- 
sistance to  the  Jews  for  their  journey  ; the  people  in  general 
were  allowed,  and  even  reminded,  to  send  oblations  for  the 
temple,  which  was  about  to  be  built  at  Jerusalem. — By  this 
decree  the  Jews,  who  had  been  held  in  bondage  and  captivity, 
were  virtually  released,  provided  they  chose  to  engage  in  this 
enterprise.  Any  attempt  of  this  kind  would  previously  have 
been  punishable  as  rebellion ; but  now,  the  government  being 
favourable,  their  opposers  would  be  restrained,  and  many 
would  readily  help  them  on  that  account  alone. — As  the  kings 
of  Persia  still  retained  the  sovereignity  of  the  land,  it  could 
be  no  real  impolicy  to  encourage  the  people  to  re-inhabit  and 
cultivate  a fertile  territory,  which  had  long  lain  desolate. 
But  this  measure  was  so  contrary  to  the  ancient  prejudices 
and  superstitions  of  these  kings,  that  it  was  probably  dictated 
by  conscience,  and  a sense  of  duty  to  the  God  of  heaven: 
though  we  find  nothing  in  the  subsequent  history  of  this  prince 
to  favour  a conclusion,  that  he  finally  renounced  idolatry, 
and  became  a true  worshipper  of  Jehovah.  The  proclama- 
tion, however,  was  honourable  to  God  ; and  would  encourage 
the  Jews  to  adhere  to  their  religion,  and  be  more  .zealous  for 
it ; and  perhaps  induce  many  of  the  Gentiles  to  respect,  and 
even  to  embrace  it. 

V-  5,  G.  Some  readers  may  perhaps  wonder,  that,  on  this 
proclamation  of  Cyrus,  the  Jews  did  not  assemble  in  one 
body,  and  directly  go  and  take  possession  of  their  ancient 
inherilances : but  a little  reflection  shows  the  matter  in  another 
light. — The  city  and  temple  lay  a heap  of  ruins,  and  it  would 
cost  immense  labour  and  expense  to  rebuild  them.  The  land 
was  either  wholly  desolate,  or  occupied  by  encroaching  neigh- 
bours ; and  in  eilher  case,  it  would  require  much  time  and 
about*  to  procure  for  themselves  habitations  and  provisions. 
The  journey  was  long,  arduous,  and  perilous,  to  those  who 
were  attended  with  families  and  substance:  (Note,  Gen.  31: 
23,24.)  and  many  enemies  would  endeavour  to  plunder  them 
by  the  way,  as  far  as  they  dared  and  were  able.  (Notes,  8: 
21 — 23.  Neh.  2:7.)  None  of  the  Jews  had  seen  Jerusalem 
or  the  temple,  except  such  as  were  considerably  above  fifty 
years  of  age  ; at  which  period  of  life  the  spirit  of  enterprise 
commonly  begins  to  decline  : and  those,  who  had  merely  seen 
it  as  children,  would  have  little  stimulating  recollection  of  it. 
Few  were  attached  to  the  temple  by  true  piety  : and  most  of 
vhem  wanted  even  that  attachment,  which  men  naturally  feel 
for  the  land  of  their  nativity ; having  been  born  in  the  places, 
where  they  were  then  settled.  Some  persons  of  true  and 
eminent  piety  were  so  situated,  that  they  did  not  think  it  their 
duty  to  remove  ; as  Daniel  in  the  court  of  Cyrus  ; others 
would  be  hindered  by  the  infirmities  of  old  age,  and  the  pecu- 
liar circumstances  of  their  families  and  connexions.  In 
short,  the  difficulties,  hardship,  and  peril  were  manifest ; the 
success  of  the  attempt  would  be  doubtful  to  all,  but  those  who 
were  “ strong  in  faith its  temporal  advantages  were  remote 


with  goods,  and  with  beasts,  and  with  precious 
tilings,  besides  all  that  was  'willingly  offered. 

7 H Also  '"Cyrus  the  king  brought  forth  the 
vessels  of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  which  "Nebu- 
chadnezzar had  brought  forth  out  of  Jerusalem, 
and  had  put  them  in  the  house  of  his  gods  ; 

8 Even  those  did  Cyrus  king  of  Persia  bring 
forth  by  the  hand  of  Mithredath  the  treasurer, 
and  numbered  them  unto  "Sheshbazzar,  the  prince 
of  Judah. 

9 And  this  is  the  number  of  them : thirty 
Pchargers  of  gold,  a thousand  chargers  of  silver, 
mine  and  twenty  knives, 

10  Thirty  basins  of  gojd,  silver  basins  of  a 
second  sort  four  hundred  and  ten,  and  other 
vessels  a thousand. 

11  All  "the  vessels  of  gold  and  of  silver  were  five 
thousand  and  four  hundred.  All  these  did  Shesh- 
bazzar bring  up  with  them  of  the  ^captivity  that 
were  brought  up  from  Babylon  unto  Jerusalem. 


n 2 Kings  24:13  . 25:13—16  . 2 Chr.  36:7,10,18.  Jer.  27:21,22.  28:3— 6.  Dan.  1:2. 
5:3,23.  o 11.  5:14,16.  Has.  1:1 ,14.  2:2— 4 . Zech.  4:6— 10.  p Num.  7:13,19. 
1 Kings  7:50.  2 Chr.  4:8, 11, 21, 22.  24:14.  Matt.  14:S  q Man.  10:29— 31 . rKom 
9:23.  2 Tim.  2:19— 21.  } Heb.  transportation.  Malt.  1:1 1,12. 


and  precarious,  and  not  worth  the  venture  ; especially  to 
such  as  had  obtained  comfortable  settlements  or  occupations, 
in  the  land  of  their  captivity.  Even  the  spiritual  advantages 
would  appear  to  the  pious  mind,  more  intended  for  posterity 
than  for  that  generation  ; and  to  engage  in  it,  in  this  view, 
would  require  vigorous  faith,  lively  hope,  and  an  active  zeal 
for  the  honour  of  God,  and  the  benefit  of  his  church,  and  esta- 
blishment of  his  worship,  in  ages  to  come. — We  may  con- 
clude, that  in  consequence  of  the  captivities,  many  Israelites, 
and  some  of  the  Jews,  were  finally  incorporated  with  the 
heathen,  among  whom  they  dwelt : yet  these  calamities  seem 
to  have  had  a very  good  effect  on  considerable  numbers. — 
The  chief  fathers  of  Judah  and  Benjamin,  who  had  the 
greatest  influence  intheir  tribes,  first  moved  in  this  undertaking ; 
and  they  were  joined  by  the  leading  men  among  the  priests  and 
Levites,  which  doubtless  rendered  the  design  more  honourable : 
and  thus  a considerable  number  were  encouraged  to  attend* 
them,  whilst  others  both  assisted  them,  and  sent  valuable  obla- 
tions for  the  intended  temple. — Many  more  returned,  than  we 
read  of  being  carried  away  captive  : (Notes,  2:04 — 67.  Jer.  52* 
28-^30.)  but  as  the  land  had  been  utterly  desolated,  all  the  sur- 
viving inhabitants  must  have  been  driven  into  other  countries, 
and  most  of  them  into  those  lands,  which  had  been  subject  to 
the  kings  of  Babylon,  and  which  were  now  fallen  under  the 
dominion  of  the  kings  of  Persia  : and  doubtless  many  of  the 
ten  tribes  accompanied  the  Jews  at  this  time.  It  is,  how- 
ever, evident  that  a great  majority  even  of  the  latter,  chose 
to  continue  in  the  settlements  which  they  had  there  gained  ; 
some  of  them  afterwards  returned,  but  very  many  never  did ; 
and  immense  numbers  of  Jews  were  from  that  time  dispersed, 
in  every  city  and  country,  over  all  that  part  of  the  world.  So 
that  the  new  settlement,  in  Judea  and  at  Jerusalem,  formed 
but  a small  part  of  that  people,  as  they  cont  inued  to  be  dis- 
tinguished from  other  lations  ; for  they  still  increased  and 
multiplied  very  rapidly,  according  to  the  promise  of  God  to 
their  fathers. — It  is  worthy  of  observation,  that  no  Jews,  who 
chose  to  go,  were  excluded  by  Cyrus's  proclamation : yet  the 
language  of  the  sacred  historian  implies,  that  none  would 
actually  have  gone,  if  He  who  “stirred  up  the  spirit  of  Cyrus,” 
had  not  also  “ raised  the  spirit  of  the  people,”  to  avail  them- 
selves of  this  permission  : the  original  words  are  the  same  in 
both  clauses.  This  transaction,  (as  Archbishop  Usher  has 
particularly  observed,)  furnishes  a most  striking  illustration , 
or,  as  I would  rather  say,  representation,  of  the  way  in  which 
the  gospel  is  proposed  to  sinners,  and  embraced  by  believers. 
It  is  in  general  set  before  the  ruined  descendants  of  Adam  ; 
with  the  Saviour’s  most  solemn  assurance,  that  “ him  who 
cometh  ...  he  will  in  no  wise  cast  out.”  Yet  “ no  man  can 
come  unto  him,  except  the  Father  draw  him.”  On  one  pre- 
tence or  other,  all  who  are  left  to  themselves  “ negiect  so 
great  salvation,”  and  ar g justly  condemned.  But  God,  by  his 
preventing  grace,  “ stirs  up  the  spirits”  of  some,  who  thus 
thankfully  embrace  the  proffered  blessing,  and  are  mercifully 
saved. 

V.  7 — 11.  Some  of  the  vessels  of  the  temple  had  been  cut 
in  pieces  by  the  victors:  (2  Kings  24:13.)  hut  the  most 
valuable  had  been  providentially  preserved  through  all 
the  succeeding  revolutions,  and  were  now  ordered  by  Cyrus 
to  be  restored  to  Sheshbazzar ; and  so  were  at  last  brought 
back  to  Jerusalem  and  again  employed  in  the  service  of  the 
sanctuary. — It  is  generally  agreed,  that  the  ark  was  .ost  or 
destroyed,  when  the  temple  was  burnt:  and  it  is  likely,  that 
by  the  absence  of  if,  and  the  visible  glory,  4 God  would  sig- 
nify, he  was  withdrawing  his  presence  from  that  house  of 
stone,  to  dwell  in  the  temple  of  Christ’s  body,  who  offered 
himself  to  God,  and  thereby  put  an  end  to  these  figurative 
sacrifices.’  Bp.  Patrick.  The  knives  were  used  for  slaying 
and  preparing  the  sacrifices,  as  the  original  word  signifies, 
and  the  vessels,  for  receiving  the  blood,  for  the  meat-offerings, 

( mi  ) 


B 536.  EZRA.  B.  C.  536. 


CHAPTER  II. 

The  principal  persons  who  returned,  from  Babylon,  1.2,  The  number  of  the 
several  families  which  accompanied  them,  3 — 35.  The  priests , 36—39.  The 
Levites,  40 — 42.  The  Nethinitna,  -13 — 54.  The  children  of  Solomon's  ser- 
vants, 55— 60.  The  priests  who  could  not  show  their  pedigree,  61—  63.  The 
sum  total,  with  their  retinue,  64 — 67.  Their  oblations  towards  the  temple 
and  its  service , GS — 70. 

NOW  these  are  athe  children  of  the  province 
that  went  up  out  of  the  captivity,  of  those 
which  had  been  carried  away,  bwhom  Nebuchad- 
nezzar the  king  of  Babylon  had  carried  away 
unto  Babylon,  and  came  again  unto  Jerusalem 
and  Judah,  every  one  unto  his  city  ; 

2  Which  came  with  'Zerubbabel:  dJeshua, 
Nehemiah,  "Seraiah,  Reelaiah,  Mordecai,  Bilshan, 
Mispar,  Bigvai,  Rehum,  Baanah.  The  number 
of  the  men  of  the  people  of  Israel : 

3  The  children  of  fParosh,  two  thousand  a 
hundred  seventy  and  two. 

4  The  children  of  sShephatiah,  three  hundred 
seventy  and  two. 

5  The  children  of  hArah,  seven  hundred 
seventy  and  five. 

6  The  children  of  'Pahath-moab,  of  the  chil- 


• 5:8.  6:2.  Neh.  7:6.  Esth.  1:1.  3:8,11.  8:9.  Acts23:31.  b 2 Kings  01:14— 16. 
85:11.  2 Chr.  35:  Jer.  39:  52:  c 1:11.  Sheshbazzar.  Nell.  7:7.  Hag.  1 : 1,12,14.  2: 
2,4,21.  Zech.  4:6 — 10.  Matt.  1:12,13.  Zorobabel.  d 3:8,9.  4:3.  5:2.  Hag.  1: 
12,14.2:4.  Zech.  3: 13,8,9.  Joshua,  e Neh.  7:7.  Azariah.  Nahamanr.  Haa- 
tniah.  Mispereth.  Nekum.  f8:3.  Pharosh.  10:25.  Neh.  7:8.  g8:8.  Neh.  7:9. 


and  other  similar  purposes.  (Marg.  Ref.) — The  sum  total 
of  the  vessels  here  stated  far  exceeds  the  particular  account 
given  of  them  : but  it  is  supposed,  that  many  spoons,  tongs, 
and  other  instruments  of  service,  not  before  numbered,  were 
included. — Sheshbazzar  may  signify  joy  in  tribulation  ; and  it 
is  supposed  that  this  name  was  given,  by  the  kings  of  Baby- 
lon, to  the  same  person  whom  the  Jews  called  Zerubbabel, 
which  signifies  a stranger  at  Babylon.  He  was*the  grandson 
of  Jehoiachin  by  Salathiel,  and  the  heir  of  the  house  ofDavid  : 
as  such  he  was  regarded  by  the  conquerors  ; he  possessed 
authority  over  the  captive  Jews;  and  he  was  authorized,  and 
willingly  undertook,  to  lead  those  back,  who  now  returned  to 
rebuild  the  city  and  temple.  (Marg.  Ref.  o.  2:2.  3:2,8.  5: 
14 — 16.  Note,  Jer.  2^:2«—  30.) 

Sheshbazzar.  (8)  ■rcaw.  This  name  appears  to  be  com- 
pounded of  W,jine  /men,  and  3X3,  in  affliction. — The  wearing 
of  fine  linen  and  white  garments  was  an  expression  of  rejoic- 
ing. # 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 4.  As  the  architect  progressively  executes  every 
part  of  the  plan,  which  he  had  delineated  for  his  intended 
structure,  till  the  whole  is  completed  ; so  God  in  his  provi- 
dence performs  in  due  order  all  the  prophecies  of  his  word  : a 
great  proportion  of  his  grand  design  has  already  been  accom- 
plished, and  revolving  ages  will  hasten  the  performance  of  all 
the  rest,  in  the  appointed  periods. — Difficulties,  which  to  us 
appear  impossibilities,  form  no  obstruction  to  Omnipotence. 
The  Lord  our  God  turneth  the  hearts  of  kings,  as  he  does 
the  rivers  of  waters,  which  way  he  pleases:  (Note,  Prov. 
21:1.)  he  subverts  the  deep-laid  foundations  of  mighty  empires, 
and  establishes  others  in  their  room  ; he  lays  aside  the  exe- 
cutioners of  his  vengeance,  when  their  work  is  done,  to  make 
way  for  the  instruments  of  his  mercy  ; he  gives,  as  he  sees 
good,  abilities,  success,  and  authority ; and  then  secretly 
disposes  men’s  minds  to  fulfil  his  word  and  do  his  will,  and 
overrules  every  thing  for  the  benefit  of  his  church,  and  of 
those  who  trust  in  him. — When  he  has  work  to  do,  they, 
whom  he  has  chosen  to  perform  it,  find  their  minds  enlarged 
to  entertain  noble  designs  ; and,  forgetful  of  their  former 
habits,  maxims,  and  superstitions,  they  serve  his  cause  with 
all  the  authority  which  he  has  conferred  on  them.  Even 
they,  who  live  and  die  strangers  to  the  power  of  true  religion, 
have  often  received  deep  convictions  of  “ his  eternal  power 
and  Godhead,”  and  of  their  obligations  and  accountableness 
to  44  the  God  of  heaven  :”  and  under  these  convictions,  they 
have  made  public  and  honourable  confessions  to  him,  have 
shown  for  a time  a regard  for  his  authority,  and  have  done 
many  and  great,  things  for  his  cause  and  people  ; speaking  the 
language  of  piety,  and  being  very  useful  to  his  worshippers  : 
and  yet  at  last  they  have  relapsed  into  their  former  idolatry 
or  ungodliness  ! (Notes,  7:11 — 28.) — If  such  things  have  here- 
tofore been  done  in  fulfilling  former  prophecies  ; the  Lord  is 
equally  able  and  faithful  to  provide  for  the  ruin  of  every  anti- 
christ, the  conversion  of  the  Jews,  and  the  calling  of  all  the 
Gentiles  into  his  church. — In  every  useful  undertaking,  all 
should  endeavour  to  be  helpful ; and  it  bodes  well?  when 
princes  and  ministers  of  religion  take  the  lead,  and  give  the 
example,  in  arduous  and  self-denying  services.  Some  may 
De  useful  by  their  labours,  some  with  their  substance,  and  all 
by  their  prayers,  to  the  common  cause  of  truth  and  righteous- 
ness : and  whatever  is  done  willingly , and  from  love  to  God 
%nd  his  people,  will  be  graciously  accepted. 

V.  5 — 11.  No  time  should  be  lost  in  setting  about  those 
duties  which  belong  to  us  in  our  several  stations:  and  in 
stirring  up  others  to  abound  in  love  and  good  works,  we  should 
give  them  an  example. — That  which  is  devoted  to  the  service 
of  the  Lord,  is  intrusted  to  his  protection : and  he  will  espe- 
( 812  ) 


dren  of  Jeshua  and  kJoab,  two  thousand  eight 
hundred  and  twelve. 

7 The  children  of  ‘Elam,  a thousand  two  hun 
dred  fifty  and  four. 

8 The  children  of  mZattu,  nine  hundred  forty 
and  five. 

9 The  children  of  "Zaccai,  seven  huidred  and 
threescore. 

10  The  children  of  °Bani,  six  hundred  forty 
and  two. 

11  The  children  of  vBebai,  six  hundred  twenty 
and  three. 

12  The  children  of  sAzgad,  a thousand  two 
hundred  twenty  and  two. 

13  The  children  of  rAdonikam,  six  hundred 
sixty  and  six. 

14  The  children  of  sBigvai,  two  thousand 
fifty  and  six. 

15  The  children  of  lAdin,  four  hundred  fifty 
and  four. 

16  The  children  of  “Ater,  of  Hezekiah,  ninety 
and  eight. 


h Neh.  6:18.  7:10.  [652.1  i 8:4.  10:30.  Neh.  7:11.  [2818.]  10:14.  k 8:9.  18:7. 
10:26.  Neh.  7:12.  rn  10:27.  Neh.  7:13.  [845.]  n Neh.  7:14.  o 10:34.  Neh.  7:15. 
Rinnui.  [618.J  [.  8:11. 10:28.  Neh.  7:16.  [628.]  q 8:12.  Neh.  7:17.  [2322.1  r 8:13. 
Neh.  7:18.  [667.]  s8:14.  Neh.  7:19. [2067. J 1 8:6.  Neh. 7:20.  [655.]  u Neh.  7:21. 


cially  keep  and  preserve  those,  whom  he  has  44  purified  unto 
himself  to  be  a peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good  works.” 
Even  the  very  hairs  of  their  head  are  all  numbered  ; and 
whatever  tribulations  they  may  pass  through,  no  true 
believer  shall  perish  ; but  they  shall  all  be  forthcoming,  at  that 
day  44  when  the  Lord  shall  make  up  his  jewels.” — Salvation 
is  fully  prepared  in  Jesus  Christ ; 44  all  power  in  heaven  and 
earth  is  given  unto  him  the  proclamation  of  the  gospel  is 
general  to  every  creature.  But  pride,  worldly  lusts,  and 
unbelief,  render  us  averse  to  the  gracious  proposal:  and  it 
would  be  made  in  vain,  did  not  the  Lord  raise  up  the  spirits 
of  a remnant,  44  according  to  the  election  of  grace,”  to  renounce 
all  for  the  sake  of  Christ  and  his  salvation.  Those  who 
prefer  carnal  things  to  the  eternal  blessings  which  he  confers, 
will  find,  that  their  pride  and  love  of  sin  aggravate,  and  do 
not  excuse,  the  guilt  of  their  unbelief.  Those,  who  feel  a 
willingness  to  accept  of  what  they  have  heretofore  neglected, 
may  come  with  encouragement : for  Jesus  44  will  in  no  wise 
cast  them  out.”  And  if  we  by  grace  have  been  enabled  to 
receive  this  salvation,  and  to  bring  forth  the  fruits  of  it. ; while 
we  take  the  comfort  of  it,  we  shall  give  him  the  glory,  and 
offer  our  fervent  prayers,  that  others  also  may  44  be  made 
willing  in  the  day  of  his  power.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  II.  V.  1.  Province , &c.]  (Marg. 
Ref.  a.)  This  terms  seems  to  denote  Judea,  as  now  become 
a province  of  the  Persian  empire. — Some  of  the  same  persons 
returned,  who  had  been  carried  captive,  and  the  children  or 
descendants  of  the  others. 

V.  2.  These  were  the  chief  fathers,  who  were  next  in 
authority  to  Zerubbabel,  and  assisted  him  in  this  expedition. 
Jeshua,  or  Joshua,  was  the  high-priest,  the  grandson  ol 
Seraiah,  who  was  slain  by  Nebuchadnezzar.  (2  Kings  25: 
18,21.  Comp.  1 Chr.  6:14,15.  with  Note , Hag.  1:1.) — Nehe-' 
miah  and  Mordecai  were  not  the  same  persons  of  whom  we 
afterwards  read,  who  bore  these  names  ; for  they  lived  many 
years  later.  (Neh.  1:1.  Esth.  2:5.) — As  these  persons 
renounced  many  advantages,  and  encountered  many  hard- 
ships and  dangers,  in  attempting  to  rebuild  the  temple  and 
city,  and  resume  possession  of  the  promised  land  ; it  was 
proper  that  their  names  should  be  recorded,  as  a mark  of 
honourable  distinction  to  them  and  their  descendants.  ‘Their 
land  and  their  cities  had  been  laid  so  desolate,  . . . and  were 
infested  also  by  such  bad  neighbours,  that  it  was  a great  piece 
of  generosity  in  these  men  to  return  thither:  and  their  names 
are  recorded  to  the  eternal  honour  of  them,  and  of  their  pos- 
terity ; they  being  the  first  planters  of  this  country,  after  it 
had  been  laid  waste.’  Bp.  Patrick.  The  people  of  Israel .] 

4 They  who  were  called  44  the  children  of  the  province”  before, 
are  now  called  44  the  people  of  Israel for  from  Inin  they 
were  derived,  though  most  of  them  were  of  the  tribe  of  Judah.* 
Bp.  Patrick.  (Note,  1:5,6.) 

V.  3 — 29.  The  Register,  in  the  hook  of  Nehemiah, 

answers  to  this  here  given  in  so  many  particulars,  that  there 
can  bo  do  doubt  that  the  same  is  meant  in  both  places.  In 
general,  the  names  and  the  numbers  of  each  family  are  nearly 
the  same  ; and  the  sum  total  is  computed  in  botn  exactly  alike* 
Yet  there  are  several  considerable  variations,  in  names  and 
numbers,  which  cannot  he  readily  and  satisfactorily  accounted 
for.  The  most  material  of  these  are  marked  in  the  margin. — It  is 
probable,  that  Ezra,  when  he  wrote  his  history,  many  years 
after  the  return  of  the  Jews  to  Babylon,  copied  this  register 
from  the  public  records  without  alteration. — Some  think,  that 
several  who  had  their  names  inserted  in  the  register,  altered 
their  minds,  or  died  before  the  company  arrivec  at  Jerusalem  ; 
and  that  others  came  forward,  so  as  to  comp  etc  the  same 
number  in  all.  (Notts,  Nth.  7:6,6,73.) — The  word  children 
is  sometimes  used  for  the  descendants  from  the  several  heads 


B.  C.  536. 


CHAPTER  II.  B.  C.  536. 


17  The  children  of  'Bezai,  three  hundred 
twenty  and  three. 

18  The  children  of  *Jorah,  a hundred  and 
twelve. 

19  The  children  of  'Hashum,  two  hundred 
twenty  and  three. 

20  The  children  of  “Gibbar,  ninety  and  five. 

21  The  bchildren  of  Beth-lebem,  a hundred 
twenty  and  three. 

22  The  men  of  cNetophah,  fifty  and  six. 

23  The  men  of  dAnathoth,  a hundred  twenty 
and  eight. 

24  The  children  of  eAzmaveth,  forty  and  two. 

25  The  children  of  f Kirjath-arim,  Chephirah, 
and  Beeroth,  seven  hundred  and  forty  and 
three. 

26  The  children  of  sRamah  and  Gaba,  six 
hundred  twenty  and  one. 

27  The  men  of  hMic.hmas,  a hundred  twenty 
and  two. 

28  The  men  of  Beth-el  and  'Ai,  two  hundred 
twenty  and  three. 

29  The  children  of  kNebo,  fifty  and  two. 

30  The  children  of  Magbish,  a hundred  fifty 
and  six. 

31  The  children  of  the  other  'Elam,  a thousand 
two  hundred  fifty  and  four. 

32  The  children  of  mHarim,  three  hundred  and 
twenty. 

33  The  children  of  "Lod,  'Hadid,  and  Ono, 
6even  hundred  twenty  and  five. 

34  The  children  of  °Jericho,  three  hundred 
forty  and  five. 

35  The  children  of  ySenaah,  three  thousand 
and  six  hundred  and  thirty. 

36  If  The  priests  : the  children  of  ‘fJedaiah,  of 
the  house  of  rJeshua,  nine  hundred  seventy  and 
three. 

37  The  children  of  'Immer,  a thousand  fifty 
and  two. 

38  The  children  of  ‘Pashur,  a thousand  two 
hundred  forty  and  seven. 

39  The  children  of  "Harim,  a thousand  and 
seventeen. 

40  IT  The  Levites : the  children  of  Jeshua  and 
Kadmiel,  of  the  children  of  *Hodaviah,  seventy 
and  four. 

41  11  The  singers:  the  children  of  ? Asaph,  a 
hundred  twenty  and  eight. 

42  IT  The  children  of  Hhe  porters  : the  children 
of  Shallum,  the  children  of  Ater,  the  children  of 
Talmon,  the  children  of  Akkub,  the  children  of 
Hatita,  the  children  of  Shobai,  in  all  a hundred 
thirty  and  nine. 

43  If  The  "Nethinims : the  children  of  Ziha, 

x Neh.  7:23.  [324.]  y Neh.  7:24.  Hnriph.  z 10:33.  Neh.  7:22.  [328.]  a Neh.  7: 
25.  Gibeon.  b 1 Chr.  2:50—52.  c 2 Sam.  23:28.  1 Chr.  2:54.  Neh.  7.26.  [188.] 
Jer.  40:8.  dJoah. 21:18.  Neh.  7:27.  Is.  10:30.  Jer.  1:1.  11:21.  e Neh.  7:23. 
Belk-azmaveth.  f Josh.  9:17.  Neh.  7:29.  Kirjalhtienrim.  g Josh.  18:24,25. 
Neh.  7:30.  h l Sam.  13:5,23.  Is.  10:28.  MichmasK.  Neh.  7:31.  i Gen.  12:8. 
Hai.  Josh.  7:2.  8:9,17.  Neh.  7:32.  [123.1  k Num.  32:3.  Deut.  32:49.  Neh.  7:33. 
I*.  15:2.  Jer.  48:1, ‘22.  17.  Neh.  7:34.  m 10:31.  Neh.  7:35.  n Neh.  6:2.  7:37. 
11-34,35.  * Or,  Harid,  as  in  some  copies,  o 1 Kings  16:34.  Neh.  7:36.  pNeh. 
7.38.  [3930.]  q 1 Chr.  9:10.  24.7.  r3:9.  Neh.  7:39.  s 10:20.  lChr.24:14. 

Neh.  7:40.  t 10:22.  1 Chr.  9:2.  Neh.  7:41.  u 10:21.  1 Chr.  24:8.  Neh.  7:42. 
x 3:9.  Judaht  Neh.  7:43.  Hodevah.  y 1 Chr.  6:39.  15:17.  25:1,2.  Neh.  7:44. 

of  families ; at  other  times  for  those,  whose  ancestors  be- 
longed to  the  cities  mentioned  in  connexion  with  them. 

V.  30.  The  children  of  Magbish  are  not  named  in  Nehe- 
miah. 

V.  35.  It  is  uncertain  whether  Senaah  be  the  name  of  a 
person,  or  a place  ; but  the  greatest  number  of  persons  stated 
in  the  whole  register  are  called  the  children  ofSenaah. 

V.  36 — 39.  Above  four  thousand  priests  went  up  to  Jeru- 
salem on  this  occasion  ; which  was  a very  great  number,  in 
proportion  to  the  rest  of  the  company  ; yet  only  four,  out  of 
the  twenty-four  courses  instituted  by  David,  seem  to  have 
returned  : at  least  only  four  of  the  persons,  after  whom  the 
courses  were  first  named,  as  here  mentioned;  namely,  Je- 
daiah,  Immer,  Harim,  and  Pashur,  who  was  the  son  of  Mal- 
chijah-  (1  Chr.  9:12.  24:7 — 9,14.)  and  his  name  appears  to 
have  stood  in  the  public  records,  as  head  of  his  course, 
instead  of  his  father’s.  The  priests,  however,  were  after- 
wards divided  into  twenty-four  courses,  under  the  ancient 
names,  in  order  to  preserve  regularity  in  their  ministrations. 

V.  40 — 42.  The  very  small  number  of  Levites,  compared 
with  the  multitude  of  priests,  who  returned  from  Babylon,  is 
very  remarkable.  Perhaps  during  a course  of  years,  having 
uo  employment  in  their  appropriate  services,  they  generally 


the  children  of  ‘‘Hasupha,  the  children  of  Tab- 
baoth, 

44  The  children  of  Keros,  the  children  ot 
'Siaha,  the  children  of  Padon, 

45  The  children  of  dLebanah,  the  children  of 
Hagabah,  the  children  of  Akkub, 

46  The  children  of  Hagab,  the  children  of 
tShalmai,  the  children  of  Ha  nan, 

47  The  children  of  Giddel,  the  children  o. 
Gahar,  the  children  of  Reaiah, 

48  The  children  of  Rezin,  the  children  of 
Nekoda,  the  children  of  Gazzam, 

49  The  children  of  Uzza,  the  children  of 
ePaseah,  the  children  of  Besai, 

50  The  children  of  Asnah,  the  children  of 
'Mehunim,  the  children  of  Nephusim, 

51  The  children  of  Bakbuk,  the  children  of 
Hakupha,  the  children  of  Harhur, 

52  The  children  of  gBazluth,  the.  children  of 
Mehida,  the  children  of  Harsha, 

53  The  children  of  Barkos,  the  children  of 
Sisera,  the"  children  of  hThamah, 

54  The  children  of  Neziah,  the  children  of 
Hatipha. 

55  It  The  children  of  ‘Solomon’s  servants: 
the  children  of  Sotai,  the  children  of  Sophereth, 
the  children  of  kPeruda, 

56  The  children  of  'Jaalah,  the  children  of 
Darkon,  the  children  of  Giddel, 

57  The  chiltJren  of  Shephatiah,  the  children  of 
Hattil,  the  children  of  mPochereth  of  Zebaim,  the 
children  of  “Ami. 

58  All  the  “Nethinims,  and  the  children  of 
Solomon’s  servants,  were  three  hundred  ninety 
and  two. 

59  And  these  were  they  which  went  up  from 
Tel-melah,  rTel-harsa,  Cherub,  Addan,  and 
Immer:  but  they  could  not  show  their  father’s 
house,  and  their  Tseed,  whether  they  were  of 
Israel : 

60  The  children  4of  Delaiah,  the  children  of 
Tobiah,  the  children  of  Nekoda,  six  hundred 
fifty  and  two. 

61  IT  And  of  rthe  children  of  the  priests:  the 
children  of  Habaiah,  the  children  of  Koz,  the 
children  of  Barzillai : which  took  a wife  of  the 
daughters  of  ’Barzillai  the  Gileadite,  and  was 
called  after  their  name  : 

62  These  sought  their  register  among  those 
that  were  reckoned  by  genealogy,  but  they  were 
not  found:  ‘therefore  §were  they,  as  polluted,  put 
from  the  priesthood. 

63  And  the  “Tirshatha  said  unto  them,  that  they 
"should  not  eat  of  the  most  holy  things,  till  there 
stood  up  a priest  with  xUrim  and  with  Thummim. 

[148.1  z 1 Chr.  26:1,  &c.  Neh.  7:45.  [138.]  a 1 Chr.  9:2.  Neh.  7:46— ,56.  10:28. 
b Neh.  7:46.  Hashupha.  c Neh.  7:47.  Sin.  d Neh.  7:48.  Ltbana.  Hagaba . 
t Or,  Shamlai.  e Neh.  7:51.  P'msenh.  f Neh.  7:52.  Meunim.  Nephishe- 
shim,  g Neh.  7:54.  Bazlith.  h Neh.  7:55.  Trtmah.  il  Kings  9:21.  k Neh. 
7:57.  Perida.  1 Neh.  7:58.  Jaala.  m Neh.  7:59.  Pochercth.  n Neh.  7:59. 
Amon.  o 7:7.  Josh.  9:23,27.  1 Chr.  9:2.  Neh.  7:60.  p Neh.  7:61.  Tel-hnreehru 
Addon.  J Or , pedigree.  qNeh.7:62.  |642.]  r Neh.  7:63,64.  s2Sam.  17:27. 
19:31—39.  1 Kings  2:7.  t Lev.  21 :21— 23.  Num.  3: 10.  16:40.  18:7.  § Heb. 

they  were  polluted  from  the  priesthood . Ez.  44:10 — 14.  il  Or,  governor.  Neh. 
7:65.8:9.10:1.  u Lev.  2:3,10.  6:17,29.  7:16.10:17,18.22:2,10,15,16.  Num. 
18:9—11,19,32.  x Ex.  28:30.  Lev.  8:8.  Num.  27:21.  Dent.  33:8.  1 Sam.  28:6. 


entered  on  other  occupations;  and  felt  little  inducement  or 
inclination  to  leave  them,  in  order  to  be  the  assistants  of  the 
priests,  in  the  present  desolated  condition  of  Judah  and  Jeru- 
salem. But  it  may  be  supposed,  that  the  priests,  having  a more 
sacred  and  honourable  office,  were  reluctant  to  be  deprived 
of  it,  and  more  ready  to  resume  the  exercise  of  their  ministry. 

V.  43—54.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  8:20.  1 Chr.  9:2.) 

V.  55 — 58.  These  were  persons  descended  from  the 

remains  of  the  devoted  Canaanites,  who  had  been  brought 
into  bondage  by  Solomon  ; (Note,  I Kings  9:20 — 22.)  and  so 
their  posterity  were  employed  in  menial  services,  perhaps 
about  the  sanctuary,  along  with  the  Nethinims:  and  though 
both  the  Nethinims  and  “ the  children  of  Solomon’s  servants,” 
were  of  Gentile  extraction,  and  not  admitted  to  the  privileges 
of  Israelites  ; yet  they  seem  to  have  been  more  ready  to 
return  to  Jerusalem  than  the  Levites  were. 

V.  61 — 63.  Either  Habaiah,  or  Koz,  being  of  the  sacer- 
dotal family,  had  married  one  of  Barzillai’s  daughters;  and 
his  posterily  perhaps  thought  their  clescent  from  him,  more 
honourable  than  their  priestly  character,  and  so  neglected  to 
preserve  their  genealogy.  Yet,  on  their  return  from  capti- 
vity, they  desired  to  be  admitted  to  the  service  of  the  sanc- 
tuary : but,  not  being  able  to  trace  their  genealogy,  they  were* 
( 813  ) 


B.  C.  536.  EZRA.  B.  C.  536. 


64  IT  The  whole  congregation  together  was 
forty  and  two  thousand  three  hundred  and 
threescore, 

65  Besides  their  'servants  and  their  maids,  of 
whom  there  were  seven  thousand  three  hundred 
thirty  and  seven':  and  there  were  among  them 
“two  hundred  singing-men  and  singing-women. 

66  Their  horses  were  seven  hundred  thirty 
and  six;  their  mules,  two  hundred  forty  and  five: 

67  Their  camels,  four  hundred  thirty  and 
five;  their  asses,  six  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  twenty. 

68  And  some  of  the  chief  of  the  fathers, 
when  they  came  to  the  house  of  the  Lord  which 
is  at  Jerusalem,  boft’ered  freely  for  the  house  of 
God  to  set  it  up  cin  his  place  : 

69  They  gave  after  their  ability  unto  dthe 
treasure  of  the  work  threescore  and  one  thousand 


V 9:8.  Neh.  7:66—69.  Is.  10:20— 22.  Jer.  23:3.  z Is.  14:1,2.  a Ex.  15:20,21. 
2 Sam.  19:35.  Neh.  7:67.  Ps.  66:25.  148:12,13.  Ec.2:8.  Jer.  9:17,18.  Malt.  9: 
23.  b Ex.  35:5.  &c.  29.  36:3.  Num.7:3,  4c.  1 Chr.  29:5— 17.  Neh.  7:70.  Ps. 
110:3.  Luke  21:1—4.  2 Cor.  8:3,12.  9:7.  c 3:3.  1 Ctrl'.  21:18.  22:1.  2 Chr.  3:1. 
d 8:25— 34.  1 Kings  7:51.  I Chr.  22: 14  . 26:20— 28.  Neh. 7:71,72.  e 6: 16,17. 


excluded  by  the  Tirshatha,  (that  is,  the  governor,  or  Zerub- 
babel,  Neh.  8:9.)  until  a high-priestr  should  arise  with  Urim 
and  Thummim,  who  might,  by  immediate  revelation  from 
God,  decide  upon  their  case.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Ex.  28: 
30.)  But  such  a high-priest  was  not  vouchsafed  under  the 
second  temple.  ‘ The  Jews  generally  acknowledge,  that 
there  was  no  Urim  and  Thummim  under  the  second  temple; 
and  even  they  that  say  there  was,  (because  it  was  necessary 
the  high-priest  should  have  his  garments  complete,)  yet 
say,  there  was  no  answer  from  God  given  by  it.’  Bp.  Pa- 
trick. 

V.  G4.  The  number  of  the  several  families  amounts  only 
to  twdnty-nine  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eighteen ; and 
those  in  Nehemiah  to  thirty-one  thousand  and  eighty-nine  ; 
yet  the  sum  total  is  in  both  said  to  be  forty-two  thousand 
three  hundred  and  sixty,  besides  their  servants.  (Neh.  7:G6, 
G7.)  The  surplus  are  supposed  to  have  been  priests  and 
Levites  who  could  not  produce  their  genealogy,  and  Israelites 
from  the  other  tribes,  who  accompanied  their  brethren  of 
Judah  and  Benjamin.  ‘ It  is  remarkable  that  the  two 
accounts’  (of  Ezra  and  Nehemiah)  1 agree  in  the  total 
amount ; and  the  sum  of  the  numbers,  as  separately  detailed, 
will  correspond,  if  to  the  29,818,  specified  by  Ezra,  we  add 
the  1765  persons  reckoned  by  Nehemiah,  which  Ezra  has 
omitted  : and  on  the  other  hand,  to  the  31,089  enumerated  by 
Nehemiah,  add  the  491,  which  is  an  overplus  in  Ezra,  not 
noticed  by  Nehemiah  : both  writers  including  in  the  sum 
total  10,777  of  the  mixed  multitude,  not  particularized  in  the 
individual  detail.  . . . Prideaux  attributes  the  difference  to 
alterations  made  by  Nehemiah,  in  compliance  with  changes, 
that  had  happened  since  the  departure  from  Babylon. . . . The 
accounts  unquestionably  agreed,  when  they  were  received  into 
the  canon,  except  where  there  might  be  some  cause  for 
variation  ; and  probably  the  differences  that  now  exist  have 
originated  in  the  carelessness  of  the  copyists.’  Grey's  Key. 

V.  65.  Among  the  servants  were  *’  two  hundred  singing- 
men  aod  singing-women,”  (or  two  hundred  and  forty-five, 
according  to  Nehemiah,)  who  probably  were  employed  in 
families,  to  assist  their  mournings,  or  their  thanksgivings. 
(Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  66,  67.  How  exceedingly  reduced  and  impoverished 
does  Israel  appear  in  this  narrative,  compared  with  the  con- 
dition of  the  nation  in  the  days  of  David  and  Solomon  ! — The 
number  of  asses,  compared  with  that  of  the  horses,  shows  in 
how  general  use  asses  were  at  that  time  ; but  horses  as 
belonging  to  the  patriarchs  or  their  descendants,  are  not  men- 
tioned, till  the  time  of  David. 

V.  68 — 70.  Under  the  diyine  protection  this  company 
arrived  safe  at  Jerusalem,  without  any  memorable  occurrence. 
They  found  the  city  and  all  around  it  in  ruins,  and  it  seems 
the  neighbouring  cities  totally  unoccupied.  These  they 
rebuilt  as  well  as  they  could,  and  dwelt  in  them  for  the  pre- 
sent. (Notes,  1 Chr.  9:2.  Neh.  7:73.)  But  the  house  of 
God  chiefly  occupied  their  thoughts  ; and  it  seems  that  their 
oblations  to  it  were  made,  before  they  separated  to  seek  habi- 
tations or  subsistence.  The  whole  amounted  to  nearly 
eighty  thousand  pounds  sterling,  besides  the  priests’  garments ; 
which  was  a considerable  sum  for  them  to  contribute  in  their 
present  poverty  : (Note,  Neh.  7:70 — 72.)  but  probably  their 
brethren  who  stayed  behind,  contributed  part  of  it ; as  the 
sacrifices  and  the  burning  of  incense  at  the  temple,  were  for  the 
benefit  of  those  who  worshipped  at,  or  towards,  that  typical 
residence  of  the  God  of  Israel.  (Notes,  1 Kings  8:28 — 30. 
Dan.  6:10,11.)  ‘ By  this  it  appears,  that  the  Jews  were  not 

made  such  poor  slaves  in  Babylon  as  wrought  for  t'  cir  . .. 
masters,  but  had  liberty  to  trade,  and  get  riches  for  them- 
selves; some  of  them  being  advanced  to  considerable  offices 
in  the  king's  court..’  Bp.  Patrick. — Tho  whole  history 
shows,  that  they  were  not  reduced  to  personal  slavery. — 
Every  thing  seems  to  have  been  conducted  with  much  har- 
mony and  regularity.  ‘ The  foundation  of  this  poor  common- 
( 914  ) 


drams  of  gold,  and  five  thousand  pounds  of  silver 
and  one  hundred  priests’  garments. 

70  So  'the  priests,  and  the  Levites,  and  some 
of  the  people,  and  the  singers,  and  the  porters, 
and  the  Nethinims,  dwelt  in  their  cities,  and  all 
Israel  in  their  cities. 

CHAPTER  III. 

The  Jews  reassemble  atf  Jerusalem,  build  an  altar,  offer  sacrifices,  keep  the 
feast  of  tabernacles,  and  prepare  to  rebuild  the  temple,  1—7.  Under  the 
direction  of  Zerubbabcl  and  Jeshua  the  foundation  is  laid,  amidst  the  r e» 
joicing  of  some  and  the  weeping  of  others , 8 — 13. 

AND  when  “the  seventh  month  was  come,  and 
the  children  of  Israel  were  in  the  cities,  the 
people  gathered  themselves  together  bas  one  man 
to  Jerusalem. 

2 Then  stood  up  'Jeshua  the  son  of  Jozadak, 
and  his  brethren  the  priests,  and  dZerubbabel  the 
son  of  Shealtiel,  and  his  brethren,  and  builded 
the  altar  of  the  God  of  Israel,  to  offer  burnt-offer- 

1 Chr.  11:2.  Neh.  7:73.  1 1 :3,  ic.  a Ex.  23:14— 17.  I.er.  16:29.  23:24,27,  Sc. 
Num.29:l,  Sc.  Neh. 8:2,14.  bJudg.20:l.  Neh. 8:1.  Zeph.3.9.  Acts  2:46. 
4:32.  1 Cor.  1:10.  cHag.  1:1,12,14.  2:2— 4.  Zech.  3:1,8.  6:11.  Joshua  the  son 
of  Josedeeh.  d 2:2.  1 Chr.  3:17,19.  Hag.  2:21 ,23.  Zech.  4:6— 10.  Malt.  1:12, 
13.  Zorobabel,  Salalhiel. 


wealth  was  laid  in  a marvellous  concord.  . . . They  had  one 
heart  and  soul  like  the  first  Christians,  without  which  unity 
no  people  can  be  preserved.  And  that  it  may  be  cherished, 
they  must  avoid  those  things  that  destroy  it,  which  are  (as 
Joseph  Wolphius  nere  observes)  principally  ...  self-love, 
and  meddling  in  other  men’s  matters.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  Lord  will  honour  those,  who  renounce  their  own  ease 
or  interest  for  the  sake  of  his  service  and  glory  ; and  all,  who 
avail  themselves  of  the  proclamation  of  liberty  and  salvation 
sent  in  the  gospel,  have  their  names  recorded  in  the  book  of 
life  ; whilst  others  shall  be  written  in  the  dust  of  oblivion  or 
disgrace.  Those  orders  of  men,  which  have  on  one  occasion 
been  most  zealous  in  the  cause  of  God,  may  at  another  time 
become  most  negligent ; and  the  reverse  is  often  exemplified  ; 
“ for  the  first  shall  be  last,  and  the  last  first.”  (36 — 42. 
2 Chr.  29:34.) — Those  who  are  ashamed  of  religion,  or  under- 
value their  external  relation  to  God,  in  times  of  reproach, 
persecution,  or  distress  ; will  have  no  benefit  from  it,  when  it 
becomes  honourable  and  profitable  : and  they  who  have  no 
evidence  that  they  are,  by  regeneration,  and  adoption,  spiri- 
tual priests  unto  God  through  Jesus  Christ,  have  no  right  to 
the  peculiar  comforts  and  privileges  of  Christians.  But  there 
are  many  cases  of  which  we  cannot  judge,  but  must  leave 
them  to  be  determined  at  the  second  coming  of  our  High- 
Priest,  whose  illuminations  and  perfections  are  unchangeable 
and  eternal. — Those  who  44  seek  first  the  kingdom  of  God,” 
his  favour,  and  his  glory,  will  have  all  things  else  added  to 
them:  they  will  readily  offer  according  to  their  ability  for  the 
house  and  service  of  God  : and  44  where  there  is  a willing 
mind  it  is  accepted,  according  to  what  a man  hath,  and  not 
according  to  what  he  hath  not.”  (Notes,  2 Cor.  8:1 — 5,10 — 
15,  v.  12.) — Sin  always  impoverishes  and  degrades  both  indi- 
viduals and  societies  ; but  that  poverty  and  degradation  are 
often  sanctified,  and  finally  promote  their  true  interest  and 
honour. — Our  gracious  Lord  will  carry  us  through  those  un- 
dertakings, which  are  entered  on  according  to  his  will,  with 
an  aim  to  his  glory,  and  in  dependence  on  his  assistance  ; 
and  then  we  shall  be  made  superior  to  all  difficulties,  hard- 
ships, and  dangers.  Thus  they,  who  at  the  call  of  the 
gospel,  renounce  sin,  and  return  unto  the  Lord,  shall  be 
guarded  and  guided  through  all  the  perils  of  the  way  ; and 
arrive  safe  at  those  mansions,  which  arc  prepared  for  them  in 
the  holy  city  of  our  God. 

NOTES. — Chap.  IIT.  V.  1.  It  is  probable,  that  the 
Jews  began  their  journey  in  the  beginning  of  the  spring  : and 
that  they  did  not  reach  Jerusalem  till  three  or  four  months 
after.  (7:9.)  They  employed  a short  time  in  providing  ha- 
bitations and  necessaries  for  their  families  ; and  then  they 
all  met  together  in  the  seventh  month.  This  was  tho  season 
of  the  first  solemnities  which  occurred  after-  their  arrival. 
On  the  first  day  the  feast  of  trumpets  was  kept ; the  great 
day  of  atonement  followed  on  the  tenth  ; and  the  feast  of 
tabernacles  began  on  the  fifteenth.  All  these  they  seem  to 
have  observed  with  great  devotion.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Leu. 
23:24—43.) 

V.  2,  3.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  1:7—11.  2:2.)  The  Jews 
built  the  altar  upon  the  same  foundation,  and  therefore  of  the 
same  size,  with  that  of  Solomon.  Probably  it  was  formed  of 
rough  stones,  with  a large  hearth  of  brass  on  the  lop.  (Note, 
Ex.  20:21 — 25,  vv.  24,25.)  So  large  an  altar,  built  all  ofbrass, 
would  have  cost  a sum  far  beyond  their  present  circum- 
stances. (Note,  2 Chr.  4:1.) — The  fear  of  the  tribes  or 
nations  around  them,  whom  the  people  knew  to  be  their  ene- 
mies, did  not  induce  them  to  take  arms,  or  to  erect  fortifica- 
tions, but  to  prepare  an  altar  and  tro  offer  sacrifices  : by  which 
they  put.  themselves  under  tho  immediate  protection  of  the 
Almighty  God.  (Notes,  Josh.  5:2 — 10.) — They  began  by 
offering  the  daily  burnt-offerings,  morning  and  evening,  which 
constituted  the  principal  part  of  the  staled  worship  icquired 
by  tho  law.  (Note,  Ex.  29:38 — 41.) 


B.  C.  536. 


CHAPTER  III. 


B.  C.  536 


ings  thereon,  'as  it  is  written  in  the  law  of  Moses 
the  man  of  God. 

3 And  they  set  'the  altar  upon  his  bases; 
«for  fear  Was  upon  them,  because  of  the  people  of 
those  countries : and  they  offered  burnt-offerings 
thereon  unto  the  Lord,  even  hburnt-offerings 
morning  and  evening. 

4 They  kept  also  'the  feast  of  tabernacles,  as 
it  is  written,  and  offered* the  daily  burnt-offerings 
by  number,  according  to  the  custom,  'as  the  duty 
of  every  day  required  ; 

5 And  afterward  offered  'the  continual  burnt- 
offering,  both  of  the  new  moons,  and  of  all  the 
set  feasts  of  the  Lord  that  were  consecrated,  and 
?>f  every  one  that  mwillingly  offered  a freewill- 
offering  unto  the  Lord. 

6 From  the  first  day  of  the  seventh  month 
began  they  to  offer  burnt-offerings  unto  the 
Lord.  But  'the  foundation  of  the  temple  of  the 
Lord  was  not  yet  laid. 

7 They  "gave  money  also  unto  the  masons, 
and  to  the  ^carpenters  ; and  "meat,  and  drink, 
and  oil,  unto  them  of  Zidon,  and  to  them  of 
Tyre,  to  bring  cedar-trees  from  Lebanon  to  the 
sea  of  "Joppa,  ^according  to  the  grant  that  they 
had  of  Cyrus  king  of  Persia. 

8 H Now  in  the  second  year  of  their  coming 
unto  the  house  of  God  at  Jerusalem,  in  the 
second  month,  began  'Zerubbabel  the  son  of 
Shealtiel,  and  Jeshua  the  son  of  Jozpdak,  and  the 

e F.x.  20:24,25.  Dent.  12:5— T 2 Chr.  6:6.  Ps.  78:68.  f2Uhr.  4:1.  g 4:11— 16.8: 
21,22.  Ps.  27:1,2.  56:2—4  * h Ex.  23:38— 42.  Num. 28:2— 8.  i Ex. 23:16.  Lex. 
23:34—36.  Neh.  8:14— 17.  Zech.  14:1(3 — 19.  John  7:2,37.  k N’u.m.  29:12— 38. 
* Heb.  the  matter  of  the  day  in  his  day . Ex.  5:13.  Jer.  52:34.  marg.  1 Ex.  29; 
3S— 42.  Num.  28:3—10,11,19,27.  29:2.8,13.  m Lev.  1:3.  Dent.  12:6,17.  2 Chr. 
29:31,32.  t Heb.  the  temple  of  the  LORD  was  not  yet  founded,  n 2 Kii>gB 
12:11,12.  22:5,6.  2 Chr.  24: 12,13.  J Or,  worlcmen.  o 1 Kings  5:6,9-11.  2 Chr. 
2:10—15.  Ez.  27:17.  Acts  12.20.  p 2 Chr.  2 16.  Jon.  1:3.  Acts  10:5,6.  q 6:3— 
6.  r See  on  2.  s Num.  4:3.  1 Chr.  23:24— 32.  t2:40.  Hodauiah.  Neh.  7:43. 


V.  4.  (Notes,  Num.  29:12—37.  Neh.  8:14—18.)  The 
sacrifices  appointed  on  the  several  days  of  the  feast  of  taber- 
nacles, were  numerous ; and  the  observance  of  it  seems  to 
have  been  greatly  neglected:  yet  the  returned  captives 
strictly  complied  with  the  requirements  of  the  law,  ‘ which 
put  this  poor  people  to  great  expenses:  but  their  piety  was 
now  such,  that  they  valued  nothing  so  much  as  the  service 
of  God.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  5,  6.  Some  of  the  people  had  come  to  Jerusalem  and 
had  prepared  the  altar,  before  the  first  day  of  the  seventh 
month.  And  the  rest  being  assembled  as  one  man,  they 
then  began  their  solemn  worship,  with  the  daily  sacrifices, 
those  appointed  for  the  new  moons,  and  those  for  the  feast 
of  trumpets,  the  day  of  atonement,  and  the  feast  of  taber- 
nacles. Besides  those  sacrifices  which  were  expressly 
appointed,  many  “ Willingly  offered  freewill-offerings  unto 
the  Lord.”  (Marg.  Ref.) — Until  the  temple  was  com- 
pleted, it  is  likely  they  had  erected  a tabernacle  near  the 
altar,  in  which  the  sacred  vessels  and  treasures  were  depo- 
sited and  guarded.  (Note,  1 Chr.  9:19:21.) 

V.  7.  It  seems,  that  the  Jews  were  authorized  by  Cyrus 
to  cut  as  much  timber  in  Lebanon,  as  they  wanted : but  the 
Zidonians  and  Tyrians  would  expect  to  be  paid  for  their 
labour;  and  they  would  prefer  corn,  wine,  and  oil,  to  money. 
— “ According  to  the  grant  that  they  had  of  Cyrus  4 who 
commanded,  I suppose,  those  of  Tyre  and  Zidon  to  assist 
them.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  4:4 — 6.  6:4.) 

V.  8 — 11.  The  people  did  all  that  they  could,  during  the 
winter,  In  making  preparations  for  building  the  temple ; for 
immense  labour  must  have  been  requisite,  in  clearing  the 
ground  for  the  foundation,  as  well  as  in  providing  materials. 
In  the  second  month,  however,  of  the  second  year,  or  in  a 
little  more  than  a year  after  they  left  Babylon,  Zerubbabel 
and  Jeshua,  having  appointed  the  priests  and  Levites  to 
attend  in  their  courses,  laid  the  foundation  of  the  temple, 
with  songs  of  praise  and  thanksgiving  to  the  Lord.  (Notes, 
Num.  10:2 — 10,  v.  10.  1 Chr.  1 6:37— 43.  23:2—6,24—28.  2 Chr. 
5:11 — 13.  34:8 — 13,  v.  12.) — Thus  after  their  long  afflictions, 
they  were  encouraged  again  to  sing,  “ The  Lord  is  good,  for 
his  mercy  endurelh  for  ever  towards  Israel even  as  the 
prophet  Jeremiah  had  foretold.  (Note,  Jer.  33:11.) 

Jeshua,  Set'.  (9)  ‘Not  Jeshua  the  high-priest  before  men- 
tioned, but  another  Jeshua,  who  was  a Levite,  mentioned 
2:40. — “ The  sons  of  Judah,”  who  is  called  there  Hodaviah.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  12,  13.  The  Jews,  who  had  heard  of  the  temple  and 
its  solemn  worship,  and  the  blessing  and  comfort  which  it  had 
been  to  their  fathers,  but  had  never  seen  it,  were  elated  with 
joy  that  they  were  once  more  to  have  a temple,  as  the  symbol 
of  the  Lord’s  presence  with  them,  and  his  favour  to  them, 
and  expressed  their  joy  and  thankfulness,  by  loud  acclama- 
tions. On  the  other  hand,  the  old  men,  who  remembered  the 
splendour  of  the  former  temple,  ( which  had  now  been  destroyed 
about  fifty-three  years,)  were  led  by  the  recollection  of  past 


remnant  of  their  brethren  the  priests  and  the 
Levites,  and  all  they  that  were  come  out  of  the 
captivity  unto  Jerusalem;  and  appointed  the 
Levites,  from  "twenty  years  old  and  upward,  to 
set  forward  the  work  of  tire  house  ol'the  Lord. 

9 Then  stood  Jeshua  with  his  sons  and  his 
brethren,  Kadmiel  and  his  sons,  the  sons  ot 
‘Judah,  ^together,  to  set  forward  the  workmen 
in  the  house  of  God  : the  sons  of  Henadad,  with 
their  sons  and  their  brethren  the  Levites. 

10  And  when  the  builders  laid  the  foundation 
of  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  they  "set  the  priests  in 
their  apparel  with  “trumpets,  and  the  Levites  rthe 
sons  of  Asaph  with  cymbals,  to  praise  the  Lord, 
“alter  the  ordinance  of  David  king  of  Israel. 

11  And  "they  sang  together  by  course  in  prais- 
ing and  giving  thanks  unto  the  Lord  ; ^Because 
he  is  good,  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever  toward 
Israel.  And  all  the  people  "shouted  with  a great 
shout,  when  they  praised  the  Lord,  •'because  the 
foundation  of  the  house  of  the  Lord  was  laid. 

12  But  'many  of  the  priests  and  Levites,  and 
chief  of  the  fathers,  who  were  ancient  men,  that 
had  seen  the  first  house,  'when  the  foundation  ol 
this  house  was  laid  before  their  eyes,  wept  with  a 
loud  voice  ; and  many  shouted  aloud  for  joy  ; 

13  So  that  the  people  could  not  discern  the 
noise  of  the  shout  of  joy  from  the  noise  of  the 
weeping  of  the  people : for  the  people  “shouted 
with  a loud  shout,  and  '’the  noise  was  heard  afar  off. 


Hndevah.  $ Heb.  as  one.  u Ex.  28:40— 42.  1 Pam.  22: 18.  1 Chr.  15:27. 
x Num.  10:1—10.  1 Chr.  15:24.  16:5,6.  y 1 Chr.  6:39.  16:37.  2.5:1— 7.  2 Chr. 
35:15.  z 1 Chr.  6:31.  16:4-7.  23:5.  2 Chr.  29:25,26.  a Ex.  15:21.  Neh.  12- 
24,40.  Ps.  24:7—10.  Is.  6:3.  b 1 Chr.  16:34,41.  2Chr.7:3.  Ps.  103:17.  106:1. 
107.1.  135:3.  136:1.  & c . Jer.  33:11.  Luke  1 :50.  c Jnsh.  6:5,10,16.  Ps.  47:1,5.  Ts. 
12;6.  44:23.  Zech.  9:9.  d Ps.  102:13,14.  e Hag.  2:3.  f Job  8:7.  Is.  41:14  60:22. 
Dan.  2:34,35.  Zech.  4:10.  Matt.  13:31,32.  g Neh.  12:43.  Ps.  5:11.  Jer.  33:11. 
Zech.  4:7.  Luke  19:37— 40.  h Ex.  32: 17,18.  1 Sam.  4:5.  1 Kings  1:40,45.  Pa. 
100:1,2. 


prosperity,  to  give  vent  to  their  regret  in  copious  tears  and 
loud  lamentations.  By  this  they  undervalued  their  present 
mercies:  and  it  was  the  more  reprehensible,  as  the  priests 
and  Levites,  and  chief  persons,  led  the  way  in  this  unseason- 
able sorrow,  so  as  to  discourage  their  brethren,  and  interrupt 
their  fervent  praises.  ( Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Zech.  4:8 — 10. ) — 
The  temple  itself  is  supposed  to  have  been  rebuilt  of  the  same 
dimensions  as  before : but  probably  it  was  formed  chiefly 
with  the  old  stones  dug  out  of  the  ruins,  and  with  inferior 
workmanship ; and  it  was  not  overlaid  with  gold,  as  Solo- 
mon’s temple  had  been  : neither  was  it,  for  a long  time  at 
least,  surrounded  with  such  magnificent  out-buildings.  More- 
over, the  ark  of  the  covenant,  the  tables  of  the  law,  and  the 
mercy-seat,  were  irrecoverably  lost;  and  it  is  uncertain 
whether  any  thing  was  substituted  in  their  stead:  no  visible 
glory,  it  is  said,  now  appeared  in  the  most  holy  place  ; there 
were  no  answers  by  Urim  and  Thummim  ; and  no  fire  from 
heaven  to  consume  the  sacrifices,  but  common  fire  was  used 
for  that  purpose.  (Maf£.  Ref.)  These  and  other  circum- 
stances seemed  to  indicate,  that  the  Lord  was  not  with  them 
as  in  times  past:  but  they  really  showed,  that  the  types  were 
waxing  old,  and  ready  to  vanish  away,  by  the  coming  of  the 
great  Antitype.  (Notes,  Jer.  3:16 — 18.  Heb.  8:7 — 13.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

It  is  true  wisdom  to  prefer  the  service  of  God  to  our  most 
urgent  temporal  concerns. — The  greater  difficulties,  and  the 
more  formidable  enemies,  we  are  exposed  to,  the  more  evi- 
dently we  need  the  friendship  and  assistance  of  God  ; and  we 
should  be  proportionably  earnest  and  constant  in  seeking  and 
serving  him,  according  to  his  word,  through  the  great  atone- 
ment of  our  heavenly  Advocate. — These,  who  rule  over 
others,  should  go  before  them  in  every  good  work  : and  we 
should  worship  the  Lord  in  respect  of  outward  things,  ac- 
cording to  what  our  circumstances  will  permit,  though  we 
cannot  attain  to  all  that  is  desirable.  That  which  is  ex- 
pended in  obedience  to  his  commandment,  will  never  im 
poverish  us  or  our  families : we  should  therefore  rather  save 
in  any  thing,  than  grudge  the  expense  of  works  of  piety  and 
charity,  which  is  like  sowing  the  seed  of  a future  harvest. 
( Notes,  Prov.  11:24,25.  Ec.  11:1,2.  Luke  6:37,38.  Acts 
11:27 — 30.  P.  O.  19—30,  latter  part.  Notes,  2 Cor.  9:6 — 
15.  P.  O.  8 — 15.) — Every  day  brings  its  peculiar  duties: 
these  will  not  be  grievous,  but  pleasant,  to  the  true  and  con- 
sistent servant  of  the  Lord  ; and  when  zeal  and  love  prevail, 
he  will  be  looking  out  for  opportunities  of  usefulness,  and 
cheerfully  bringing  his  freewill-offerings. — Unanimity,  activ- 
ity, and  promptitude,  in  contriving  and  executing  good  designs, 
will  surmount  many  difficulties,  and  perform  great  things  in 
a little  time;  especially  if  all  orders  in  society  concur  in  their 
proper  places. — The  trumpet  of  the  gospel  not  only  warns 
the  sinner  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,  but  animates  the 
believer  to  his  “work  of  faith  and  labour  of  love.”- -Every 
recent  token  of  the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord  should  remind 
us  to  celebrate  his  former  goodness  and  mercy,  and  to  untie). 
(815  ) 


B.  C.  585, 


EZRA. 


B.  C.  521. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

The  adversaries  of  the  Jews  offer  to  join  in  building  the  temple  ; and , being 
rejected , they  endeavour  to  hinder  the  work,  i — 6.  They  write  to  Artaxerxes, 
king  of  Persia ,7 — 10.  A copy  of  their  letter,  11 — 16.  The  answer  of  Ar tax- 
erxes,  who  decrees  that  the  work  shall  be  stopped , 17 — 22.  The  Jews  are 
compelled  to  cease  from  building , 23  , 24. 

NOW  when  “the  adversaries  of  Judah  and 
Benjamin  heard  that  the  'children  of  the 
captivity  builded  the  temple  unto  the  Lord  God 
af  Israel  ; 

2  Then  they  came  to  bZerubbabel,  and  to  the 
chief  of  the  fathers,  and  said  unto  them,  “Let  us 
build  with  you : for  we  seek  your  God,  as  ye  do; 
nd  'Hve  do  sacrifice  unto  him  since  the  days  of 
Esar-haddon  king  of 'Assur,  which  brought  us 
up  hither. 

3  But  Zerubbabel,  and  Jeshua,  and  the  rest 
of  the  chief  of  the  fathers  of  Israel,  said  unto 
them,  "Ye  have  nothing  to  do  with  us  to  build 
a house  unto  our  God;  but  we  ourselves  together 
will  build  unto  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  as  hking 
Cyrus  the  king  of  Persia  hath  commanded  us. 

4  Then  the  people  of  the  land  'weakened  the 
b c.n  hands  of  the  people  of  Judah,  and  “troubled 
531  ■ -*  them  in  building, 

5  And  ‘hired  counsellors  against  them,  to 
frustrate  their  purpose,  all  the  days  of  Cyrus 
king  of  Persia,  even  until  the  reign  of  “Darius 
king  of  Persia.  * 

a 7 — 9.  1 Kings  5:4,5.  1 Chr.  22:9,10.  Neh.  4:1— 11.  Dan.  9:25.  lCor,16:9. 
• Heb. sonso/'  the  transportation.  1:11.  marg.  6:16,19,20.  10:7,16.  Dan.5:13. 
b 1:5.  2:2.  3:2,12.  c Pro..  26:23-26.  2 Cor.  11:13— 15.  Gal. 2:4.  2Tim.  3:8. 
2 Pet.  2:1,2.  (1  2 Kings  17:24,27 — 33,41.  e 10.  Asnapper.  2 Kings  19:37.  f Gen. 
10:11.  Ps.  73:8.  Is.  37:37.  Assyria.  Hus.  14:3.  Asshur.  g Neh.  2:20.  John  4:22, 
*3.  Acts  8:21.  Rom.  9:4,5.  h 1:1—3.  6:3—5.  2 Chr.  36:22,23.  Is.  44:28.  45:1,4. 
Matt. 10:16.  i 3:3.  Neh.  6:9.  Is.  35:3,4.  Jer.  38:4.  k Neh.  4:7,8,11.  lPs.2:l,2. 


pate  future  blessings  • for,  notwithstanding  our  chastisements 
and  distrustful  murmurs,  “ the  Lord  is  good,  and  his  mercy 
endureth  for  ever  towards  Israel.”  The  conviction  of  this 
truth,  and  the  consideration  of  our  own  unworthincss,  should 
enlarge  our  hearts  with  hope  and  gratitude,  at  every  renewed 
token  of  his  favour ; and  render  us  joyful  at  our  work,  and 
even  amidst  our  trials.  But  we  are  too  prone  to  bemoan  lost 
comforts,  disappointments,  and  scanty  possessions ; to  give 
way  to  discontent,  impatience,  and  distrust ; and  thus  to  mar 
our  own  enjoyment  of  present  mercies,  to  interrupt  the  joy 
of  others,  and  to  refuse  our  God  the  praise  and  thanksgiving 
due  unto  his  name.  Against  this  propensity  we  should  con- 
tinually watch  and  pray.  Even  when  we  compare  the  pre- 
sent low  state  of  true  piety,  and  the  small  success  of  the  gos- 
pel, with  those  primitive  times  when  “great  grace  was  upon 
all”  the  company  of  believers,  and  “ the  Lord  daily  added  to 
the  church  such  as  should  be  saved ;”  or  when  we  lament 
declensions  in  congregations,  churches,  or  nations ; we  should 
be  careful  not  to  undervalue  the  present  goodness  of  our 
God  ; to  “ despise  the  day  of  small  things or  to  weaken  our 
own  hands,  and  discourage  the  hearts  of  others,  in  seeking  a 
more  signal  and  effectual  blessing. — In  this  world,  however, 
joys  and  sorrows  will  be  blended,*  for  it  is  a mixed  state : 
hereafter  there  will  be  a complete  separation ; in  one  place 
there  will  be  “ fulness  of  joy  and  pleasures  for  evermore,”  in 
the  other  there  will  be  eternal  weeping,  wailing,  and  gnashing 
of  teeth.  May  “Jesus  deliver  us  from  the  wrath  to  come,” 
and  prepare  us  for  his  glorious  and  eternal  felicity ; “ that 
where  he  is,  there  we  may  be  also.” 

NOTES.— Chap.  IV.  V.  1.  (Note,  2,10.)  The  Cu- 
theans,  or  Samaritans,  who  had  been  planted  in  the  land  of 
Israel  by  Esar-haddon,  had  perhaps  encroached  upon  the 
countries  belonging  to  the  Jews ; and  doubtless  they  were 
envious  of  the  favour  shown  them  by  the  king  of  Persia:  and 
thus  they  took  occasion  to  become  their  determined  enemies. 
But  they  were  chiefly  influenced  by  the  enmity  which  “ the 
seed  of  the  serpent”  bears  to  the  true  church  of  God  ; arising 
from  contrariety  of  character,  and  hatred  to  the  holiness  of 
God,  as  displayed  in  his  holy  law,  ordinances,  truths,  and 
people.  And  they  might  also  fear,  lest  the  establishment  of 
the  true  worship  of  Jehovah  should  expose  their  spurious 
religion  to  disgrace.  (Notes,  2 Kings  17:24 — 28,41.  Neh. 
13:23—30.) 

V.  2.  ‘ This  people  no  doubt  were  desirous  to  partake 
of  the  privileges,  which  were  granted  to  the  Jews  by  the 
king  of  Persia. . . . Though  they  worshipped  God,  yet  they 
joined  other  feigned  gods  with  him,  and  therefore  could  not 
be  admitted  into  communion  with  them  at  the  temple.’  Bp 
Patrick. — The  Samaritans  professed  lo  worship  the  God  of 
Israel : yet  they  were  not  guided  by  his  word,  but  by  their 
own  imaginations,  devices,  or  traditions,  in  the  service 
which  they  rendered  to  him ; and  they  worshipped  with  him 
their  tutelar  deities : so  that  their  religion  was  a mixture  of 
idolatry,  superstition,  and  ignorance;  far  worse  at  this  timig 
than  it  was  when  our  Lord  himself  declared  that  “they  know 
not  what  they  worshipped.”  (Notes,  John  4:19 — 27.) 

V.  3.  The  Samaritans  were  neither  Israelites  by  birth, 
nor  yet  true  proselytes ; so  that  the  law  of  God  forbad  all 
( 816  ) 


6 And  in  the  reign  of  Ahasuerus,  m the  ce 
ginning  of  his  reign,  "wrote  they  unto  him  an 
accusation  against  the  inhabitants  of  Judah  and 

Jerusalem.  C Practical  Observations.'] 

7 H And  in  the  days  of  Artaxerxes  wrote  i-b.  g. 
'Bishlam,  Mithredath,  Tabeel,  and  the  rest  L s22- 
of  their  ^companions  unto  Artaxerxes  king  of 
PeAia ; and  the  writing  of  the  letter  was  written 
in  "the  Syrian  tongue,  and  interpreted  in  the 
Syrian  tongue. 

8 Rehum  the  chancellor  and  Shimshai  the 
“scribe  wrote  a letter  against  Jerusalem  to  Ar- 
taxerxes the  king  in  this  sort : 

9 Then  wrote  Rehum  the  chancellor,  anjJ 
Shimshai  the  scribe,  and  the  rest  of  their  '“com- 
panions ; Pthe  Dinaites,  the  lApharsa  the  bites,  the 
Tarpelites,  the  Apharsites,  the  Archevites,  the 
Babylonians,  "the  Susanchites,  the  Dehavites,  and 
the  “Elamites, 

10  And  'the  rest  of  the  nations  whom  the  great 
and  noble  Asnapper  brought  over,  and  set  in  the 
cities  of  Samaria,  and  the  rest  that  are  on  this 
side  the  river,  "and  "at  such  a time. 

11  H This  is  the  copy  of  the  letter  that  they 
sent  unto  him,  even  unto  Artaxerxes  the  king; 
Thy  servants,  the  men  on  this  side  the  river, 
and  at  such  a time. 

12  Be  it  known  unto  the  king,  that  the  Jews 

Nah.  1:11.  Acta 24:1.  m 24.  5:5. &c.  6:1, &c.  t Heb.  Ahashveroth.  n Matt. 
27:37.  Acts  24:5-9, T3.  25:7.  Rev.  12:10.  } Or,  inpeace.  § Heb.  socie  ies, 

9,17.  5:6.  o 2 Kings  18:26.  Is.  36:11.  Dan.  2:4.  ||  Or,  secelary.  9.  2 Sam.  8: 
17  . 20:25.  2 Kings  18:18.  IT  Chul.  societies.  • p 2 Kings  17:24,30,31 . q 5:6. 
6:6.  Apharsachitcs.  r Esth.  1 :2.  2:3.  Dan.  8:2.  s- Gen.  10:22.  Is.  21:2.  Jer. 
25:25.49:34.  Ez. 32:24.  Acts2:9.  1 1.  2 Kings  17:24,  &c.  u 11,17.  7:12. 
'*  Chal.  Cheenelh. 


coalition  with  them  : neither  were  they  included  in  the  decree 
of  Cyrus.  Probably,  the  rulers  of  the  Jews  perceived,  that 
they  only  meant  to  insinuate  themselves,  in  order  to  obtain 
pre-eminence,  foment  dissensions,  introduce  their  idolatries 
and  superstitions,  prejudice  the  minds  of  the  people  against 
their  rulers  ; and  in  short  to  seize  the  temple,  when  built,  for 
their  own  use ; or  to  retard,  injure,  and  put  a stop  to  the 
work.  It  was,  however,  plain,  that  they  did  not  mean  to 
unite  cordially  with  them,  in  the  worship  of  the  true  God 
alone,  according  to  his  written  word  ; and  therefore  nothing 
but  mischief  could  have  resulted  from  so  unnatural  an  alliance, 
which  they  decidedly  declined. 

V.  4 — 6.  This  opposition  of  the  Samaritans  is  supposed 
to  have  begun  soon  after  the  foundation  of  the  temple  was 
laid.  During  the  remainder  of  the  reign  of  Cyrus  for  almost 
five  years,  however,  they  did  not  openly  oppose  a work  which 
that  prince  had  commanded  : but  they  discouraged  the  people, 
and  perhaps  intercepted  their  materials  for  building ; and  by 
bribing  counsellors  to  oppose  their  application  to  the  ministers 
of  Cyrus,  for  supplies  or  protection,  they  greatly  obstructed 
the  design.  This  would  be  more  easily  done,  as  it  is  proba- 
ble that  Daniel,  the  powerful  friend  of  the  Jews,  died  about 
this  time.  ( Note , Dan.  6:25 — 28.) — Cambyses,  the  son  of 
Cyrus,  called  here  (as  it  is  probably  supposed)  Ahasuerus* 
reigned  above  seven  years  ; and  was  a very  impolitic  and 
wicked  prince : but  regard  to  his  father’s  memory,  it  may  be 
supposed,  prevented  his  attending  to  the  accusations  brought 
by  the  Samaritans  against  the  Jews.  Darius.  (5)  JVotes,  5:  (3c 

V.  7 — 9.  Upon  the  death  of  Cambyses,  Smerdis  the 
Magian  usurped  the  throne  ; and  as  no  other  king  reigned  in 
Persia,  after  Cambyses,  and  before  Darius  Hystaspis,  under 
whom  the  temple  was  finished,  he  must  be  the  Artaxerxes 
here  mentioned  : ( Note , 6:13 — 15.)  unless,  as  some  thinn, 
Artaxerxes  is  only  another  name  for  Ahasuerus.  To  him, 
however,  the  rulers  of  the  Samaritans  wrote  a letter,  which 
Ezra  seems  to  have  copied  from  the  records  of  Persia. 
(Marg.  Ref.  o.)  It  was  written  at  first  in  Syriac,  or 
Chaldee  : but  perhaps  it.  was  entered  into  the  records  in 
Persian  ; so  that  Ezra,  when  he  extracted  it,  again  translated 
it  into  Syriac  : and  therefore  it  stands  in  the  original  Scrip- 
tures in  that  language,  as  does  all  that  follows  to  the  end  of 
the  sixth  chapter. — Bishlam,  Mithredath,  and  Tabeel  seem 
to  have  been  the  principal  persons  who  counselled  the  people 
to  send  this  letter  ; and  Rehum  and  Shimshai,  it  is  probable, 
drew  it  up. — The  Dinaites , &c.  (9)  ‘ These  nine  nations 

came  out  of  Assyria,  Persia,  Media,  Susiana,  and  other 
provinces  of  that,  vast  empire  ; who  with  one  consent  joined 
in  this  letter,  or  petition.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Marg.  Ref.  p — s.) 

V.  10.  Asnapper , &c.]  Probably  Asnapper  was  the 
name  by  which  Esar-haddon  was  known,  in  the  eastern  parts 
of  the  Assyrian  empire:  (2.  2 Kings  19:37.)  or  as  some 
think,  he  was  a great  captain,  employed  by  Esar-haddon  in 
this  transaction. 

At  such  a time.]  The  date  of  the  letter  seems  to  have  fob 
lowed  in  the  records  ; but  it  was  omitted  by  the  transcriber, 
as  it  were  with  an  ct  cfctera. 

V.  12.  The  rebellious,  &c.]  (Marg.  Ref.  v,  x.)  After 
God  in  his  righteous  judgments  had  reduced  Judah  tosubjoo 


13.  C.  522. 


CHAPTER  IV.  B.  C.  522 


which  came  up  from  thee  to  us,  are  come  unto 
Jerusalem,  building  ’the  rebellious  and  the  xbad 
city,  and  have  'set  up  the  walls  thereof,  and 
joined  the  foundations. 

13  Be  it  known  now  unto  the  king,  that  hf 
this  city  be  budded,  and  the  walls  set  up  again, 
then  will  they  not  ’pay  ‘toll,  tribute,  and  custom, 
and  so  thou  shalt  endamage  the  Revenue  of  the 

kings. 

14  Now  because  we  “have  maintenance  from 
the  king’s  palace,  “and  it  was  not  meet  for  us 
to  see  the  king’s  dishonour,  therefore  have  we 
6ent  and  certified  the  king ; 

15  That  search  may  be  made  in  the  book  of 
the  records  of  thy  fathers : so  shalt  thou  find  in 
the  book  of  the  records  and  know  that  btbis  city 
is  a rebellious  city,  and  hurtful  unto  kings  and 
provinces,  and  that  they  have  ’’moved  sedition 
“within  the  same  of  old  time:  cfor  which  cause 
was  this  city  destroyed. 

16  We  certify  the  king  that,  if  this  city  be 
builded  again,  and  the  walls  thereof  set  up,  by 
this  means  dthou  shalt  have  no  portion  on  this 
side  the  river. 

17  IT  Then  sent  the  king  an  answer  unto 
Rehum  the  chancellor,  and  to  Shimshai  the 
scribe,  and  to  the  rest  of  their  ’’companions  that 

t 15,19.  2 Kings  18:20  . 24:1.  2Chr. 36:13.  Jer.  52:3.  Ez.  17:11— 19.  Luke  23: 
2—5.  Acts  24.5.  1 TlieB.  5:22.  I Pet.  2:13— 15.  iPs.  48:1,2.  Is.  1:21— 23.  Luke 
13:34.  * Or , finished.  Nell.  1:3.  Dan.  9:25.  1 Chal . sowed,  together,  y Neh. 
5:4.  Ps.  52:2.  119:69.  } Chal.  z 7.24.  Malt.  9:9.  17:25.  Rom.  13:6,7. 

§ Or,  strength.  ||  Chal.  are  salted  with  the  salt  of  the  palace , 1 Tim.  6:10. 
a Ez.  33:31.  John  12:5,6.  19:12—15.  b 12.  Neh.  2:19.  6:6.  Eslh.  3:5—8.  Dan. 
6:4 — 13.  Acts  17:6,7.  IT  Chal.  made.  **  Chal.  in  the  midst  thereof . cJer.52:3, 
&c.  d 20.  2 Sam.  8:3.  1 Kings  4:24.  ff  Chal.  societies.  7,9.  e 5:7.  7:12. 


lion  under  the  kings  of  Babylon,  the  Jews  certainly  showed  a 
very  obstinate  and  treacherous  spirit  of  rebellion  ; they  cre- 
ated their  new  masters  a great  deal  of  trouble,  and  they  pro- 
voked them  to  their  own  destruction.  But  in  so  doing,  they 
transgressed  the  commandments  of  their  law,  by  violating 
their  own  solemn  oaths  and  engagements.  ( Notes , 13 — 16. 
2 Kings  24:1,20.  25:6,7.  2 Chr.  36:13.  Ez.  17:15 — 21.)—  No 
attempt  at  this  time  had  been  made  to  rebuild  the  wnlls  of 
Jerusalem;  and  the  Samaritans  were  not  in  reality  so  much 
displeased  at  any  thing,  as  at  the  building  of  the  temple,  though 
they  artfully  avoided  the  mention  of  it : and  the  letter  also 
contained  a most  direct  false  accusation.  4 When  it  is  said, 
there  was  an  order  from  the  king,  that  this  city  should  not  be 
built,  and  accordingly  the  work  was  stopped,  it  is  thus  ex- 
pressed, ver.  24  , 44  then  ceased  the  work  of  the  house  of  God, 
which  is  at  Jerusalem.”  . . . Thus  wicked  men  compass  their 
ends  by  lies  and  fallacies,  with  which  they  prepossess  men’s 
minds  against  the  truth.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  13 — 16.  David  and  Solomon  had  reigned  over  all  the. 
countries  from  the  river  Euphrates,  to  the  river  of  Egypt : 
but  this  was  long  before  the  commencement  of  the  Babylonish, 
or  Persian  monarchies.  And  after  the  death  of  Solomon, 
their  successors  had  been  confined  within  much  narrower 
limits.  The  Samaritans,  however,  aimed  to  insinuate  a jealousy 
into  the  mind  o’ the  king  of  Persia,  that  the  Jews  intended  to 
claim  and  seize  upon  all  those  regions,  and  hold  the  whole,  as 
independent  on  the  kings  of  Persia;  than  which  nothing  could 
be  more  groundless  and  absurd.  All  their  offence  seems  to 
have  been,  that  they  had  prepared  to  defend  themselves 
against  their  enemies,  whilst  acting  under  the  authority  of 
Cyrus.  The  Samaritans  cloaked  their  slander  and  enmity, 
under  the  fair  pretence  of  fidelity  and  gratitude  to  the  king,  of 
Persia:  the  ruling  persons  among  them  were  maintained  by 
revenues  from  the  court  of  Persia ; and  it  was  not  meet  for 
them  to  see  the  king’s  dishonour,  and  the  loss  which  would 
accrue  to  him,  if  the  Jews  were  allowed  to  go  on  with  their 
undertaking.  (Notes,  5:3 — 17.) 

We  have  maintenance,  &c.  (14)  44  We  are  salted  with  the 
salt,  of  the  palace.”  Marg. — 4 It  seems,  they  received  their  sti- 
pend in  salt,  from  whence  it  was  called  a salary.'  Bp.  Patrick. 

Fathers.  (15)  So  they  called  the  kings,  who  had  reigned 
before  Artaxerxes,  over  those  countries. 

V.  17 — 24.  The  king  of  Persia  found  by  the  records,  that 
Jerusalem  had  been  the  seat  of  government  for  powerful 
princes,  many  ages  before  ; and  that  afterwards  rebellion  and 
sedition  had  been  made  in  it : and,  as  thus  much  was  true  in 
the  letter  of  the  Samaritans,  full  credit  was  given  them  for  all 
that  they  advanced,  concerning  the  progress  and  intentions  of 
the  Jews,  and  the  consequences  of  their  proceedings  ; though 
nothing  could  be  more  improbable,  false  and  malicious ! A 
commission  therefore  was  sent  back,  in  which  the  temple  was 
not  mentioned;  for  though  that  created  the  jealousy  in  the 
minds  of  the  Samaritans,  it  was  little  regarded  by  the  king 
of  Persia  : (Note,  12.)  but  they  were  ordered  44  to  cause  them 
to  cease  ;”  this  was  sufficient  for  their  purpose  ; and  without 
delay  they  forcibly  put  a stop  to  the  work. — The  usurpation 
of  Smerdis  did  not  continue  a whole  year;  so  that  if  he  be 
Intended,  their  commission  was  soon  vacated  ; but  the  Jews, 
Vol.  I.— 103 


dwell  in  Samaria,  and  unto  the  rest  beyond  tbe 
river,  ePeace,  ana  (at  such  a time. 

18  The  letter  which  ye  sent  unto  us  hath  been 
plainly  read  before  me. 

19  And  HI  commanded,  and  ^search  hath  beei 
made,  hand  it  is  found  that  this  city  of  old  timv 
hath  §§rnade  insurrection  against  kings,  and  that 
rebellion  and  sedition  have  been  made  therein. 

20  There  have  been  'mighty  kings  also  over 
Jerusalem,  which  have  ruled  over  all  countries 
“beyond  the  river:  :and  toll,  tribute,  and  custom, 
was  paid  unto  them. 

21  “"Give  ye  now  commandment  to  cause 
these  men  to  cease,  and  that  this  city  be  not 
builded,  until  another  commandment  • shall  be 
given  from  me. 

22  Take  heed  now  that  ye  fail  not  to  do  this : 
mwhy should  damage  grow  to  the  hurt  <jf  the  kings  ? 

23  U Now  when  the  copy  of  king  Artaxerxes’ 
letter  was  read  before  "Rehum,  and  Shimshai  the 
scribe,  and  their  companions,  “they  tvent  up  in 
haste  to  Jerusalem  unto  the  Jews,  and  made 
them  to  cease  by  ’’’force  and  power. 

24  Then  ceased  the  work  of  the  house  of  God, 

which  is  at  Jerusalem.  pSo  it  ceased  unto  the 
second  year  of  the  reign  of  iDarius  king  of  i-b.  c. 
Persia.  L 52°- 


Luke  10.5.  Acts23:26.  Rom.  1:7.  f 10,1 1 . Chal.  by  me  a decree  is  set. 
e,  15.  5:17.  6.1,2.  Deut.  13:14.  Prov.25:2.  h2Kings  18:7.  24:20.  Ez.  17:13- 
19.  §§  Chal.  lifted  up  itself,  i 1 Kiii*s  4:21.  1 Chr.  18:3.  Ps.  72.8.  k 16. 

Gen.  1518.  Josh.  1:4.  1 1 Chr.  18:6,13.  19:19.  2 Chr.  9:14,23,24.  17:11.26:7, 

8.  HU  Chal.  Make  a decree.  19.  m 13.  Esth.  3:8,9.  7:3,4.  n 8,9,17.  o Prov. 
4:16.  Mic.  2:1.  Rom.  3:15.  Till  Chal.  07771  and  power,  p Neh.  6:3,9.  Job  20: 
5.  1 Thes.  2:18.  q 5:5,  6:1.  Hag.  1:15. 


being  greatly  intimidated,  and  not  so  zealous  as  they  had 
been,  the  work  ceased  till  the  second  year  of  Darius,  who, 
having  assisted  in  killing  the  usurper,  was  advanced  to  the 
throne  in  his  stead.  (Note,  5:1,2.)  ‘ It  is  very  observable, 

that  in  neither  of  their  letters,  nor  in  the  king’s  answer,  there 
is  one  word  of  the  command  which  Cyrus  gave  ; nor  any 
thing  said  of  the  building  of  the  temple,  which  was  the  great 
thing  in  which  they  were  employed,  and  the  building  of  which 
could  be  no  damage  to  the  king.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  observations. 

V.  1 — fi.  Every  vigorous  and  successful  attempt  to  revive 
or  promote  true  religion,  will  excite  the  opposition  of  Satan, 
and  of  u the  children  of  disobedience”  in  whom  he  works. 
Indeed  all  ungodly  men  despise  or  hate  holiness : yet  they, 
who  do  not  profess  much  regard  to  religion,  commonly  treat 
pious  persons  with  mere  neglect  or  ridicule;  but  hypocrites 
and  heretics  have  always  been  the  most  unwearied  and  cruel 
enemies  of  the  true  church  of  God.  The  labours  and  lives  of 
his  servants  undermine  their  reputation,  affront  their  pride, 
and  expose  their  hypocrisy:  and  their  enmity  is  thus  imbit- 
tered  by  envy  and  resentment.  Sometimes  indeed  they  seem 
desirous  of  being  admitted  to  the  fellowship  of  believers  ; and 
avow  themselves  to  be  of  the  same  sentiments,  and  to  be 
minding  the  same  things.  But  they  only  want  to  insinuate 
themselves,  that  they  may  gain  pre-eminence,  and  manage 
every  thing  for  their  own  purposes.  These  u false  brethren, 
unawares  crept  in,  bring  in  privily  damnable  heresies,”  form 
parties  and  excite  contentions  ; introduce  their  own  coalition 
between  the  world  and  religion  ; mislead  and  prejudice  some 
and  pervert  others;  lessen  the  influence  of  pious  persons,, 
and  render  the  minds  of  the  people  disaffected  towards  them  . 
and  while  their  lives  disgrace  the  cause,  their  insinuations 
M eat  as  doth  a canker,”  till  an  internal  decay  corrodes  the 
very  vitals  of  piety,  in  every  church  where  they  obtain  admis- 
sion, and  preserve  their  authority  or  influence.  Let  then  all 
the  friends  of  truth  and  holiness  beware  of  such  characters, 
and  let  them  withdraw  from  them  ; u by  their  fruits  ye  shall 
know  them  ;”  and  let  no  plausible  pretences,  or  hopes  of  sup- 
port from  their  superior  rank  or  wealth,  bribe  Christians  to 
admit  them  u to  build  with  them,”  unless  they  mean  to  build 
a Babel,  instead  of  a temple.  It  is  true,  if  you  will  not  have 
their  friendship,  you  must  expect  their  imbittered  resentment, 
which  is  more  dreaded,  but  is  far  less  dangerous.  By  insinua- 
tions, objections,  and  discouragements,  they  weaken  the  hands 
of  the  Lord’s  people,  and  induce  them  to  suspect  or  dislike  their 
faithful  ministers,  or  their  lawful  rulers  ; and  by  slanders  and 
reproaches,  they  attempt  to  prejudice  others  against  them. 
But  it  is  no  wonder,  that  we  cannot  enumerate  all  their 
practices,  when  they  have  the  old  Serpent  for  their  prompter, 
and  spare  neither  trouble  nor  expense,  nor  crimes  of  any 
kind,  to  accomplish  their  designs.  For  the  same  part  is  act- 
ing oyer  and  over  again,  from  age  to  age,  with  only  circum- 
stantial variations  ; and  the  les9  we  are  aware  of  it,  the  more 
we  are  in  danger  of  being  injured  by  it. 

V.  7 — 24.  The  gates  of  hell,  in  directly  assaulting  the 
church  of  Christ,  often  labour  to  excite  rulers  to  suppress  his 
truths  and  ordinances,  by  statutes  and  penal  sanctions.  To 
this  end  ungodly  men  bestow'  great  pains  to  obtain  the  sar  ot 

( si7  : 


8.  C.  519. 


EZRA. 


B.  C.  519 


CHAPTER  V. 


gerubbabd  and  Jeehua,  excited  by  Haggai  and  ZecharicJi , begin  again  to 
build  the  temple,  1,2.  Tatnai  and  Shethar-boznai  are  not  able  to  hinder 
them,  3 — 5.  A copy  of  their  letter  to  Darius , 6 — 17. 

THEN  the  prophets,  “Haggai  the  prophet, 
and  bZechariah  the  son  of  Iddo,  prophesied 
into  the  Jews  that  were  in  Judah  and  Jerusalem 
'•in  the  name  of  the  God  of  Israel,  even  unto 
them. 

2  Then  drose  up  Zerubbabel  the  son  of 
Shealtiel,  and  “Jeshua  the  son  of  Jozadak,  and 
began  to  build  the  house  of  God  which  is  at 
Jerusalem:  and  with  them  were  'the  prophets 
of  God  helping  them. 

3  11  At  the  same  time  came  to  them  gTatnai, 

fovernor  on  this  side  the  river,  and  Shethar- 
oznai,  and  their  companions,  and  said  thus  unto 
them,  hWl*o  hath  commanded  you  to  build  this 
house,  and  to  make  up  this  wall? 

4  Then  said  we  unto  them  after  this  manner, 
‘What  are  the  names  of  the  men  that  'make  this 
building? 

5  But  kthe  eye  of  their  God  was  upon  the 
elders  of  the  Jews,  that  they  could  not  cause  them 
to  cease,  till  the  matter  came  to  Darius : and 
‘then  they  returned  answer  by  letter  concerning 
this  matter. 

6  H The  mcopy  of  the  letter  that  Tatnai, 
governor  on  this  side  the  river,  and  Shethar- 


boznai,  and  his  companions  the  “Apharsachites, 
which  were  on  this  side  the  river,  sent  unto 
Darius  the  king : 

7 They  sent  a letter  unto  him,  fwherein  was 
written  thus;  Unto  Darius  the  king,  “all  peace. 

8 Be  it  known  unto  the  king,  that  we  went 
into  f'the  province  of  Judea,  to  the  house  of  ?the 
great  God,  which  is  builded  with  tgreat  stones, 
and  timber  is  laid  in  the  walls,  and  this  work 
goeth  fast  on,  and  prospereth  in  their  hands. 

9 Then  asked  we  those  elders,  and  said  unto 
them  thus*,  rWho  commanded  you  to  build  this 
house,  and  to  make  up  these  walls  ? 

10  We  “asked  their  names  also,  to  certify  thee, 
that  we  might  write  the  names  of  the  men  that 
were  the  chief  of  them. 

11  And  thus  they  returned  us  answer,  saying, 
‘We  are  the  servants  of  the  God  of  heaven  and 
earth,  and  build  the  house  that  was  builded  these 
many  years  ago,  "which  a great  king  of  Israel 
builded  and  set  up. 

12  But  Softer  that  our  fathers  had  provoked 
the  God  of  heaven  unto  wrath,  rhe  gave  them 
“into  the  hand  of  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king  of 
Babylon,  the  Chaldean,  who  destroyed  this 
house,  and  carried  the  people  away  into  Babylon. 

13  But  “in  the  first  year  of  Cyrus  the  king  of 
Babylon,  the  same  king  Cyrus  made  a decree  to 
build  this  house  of  God. 


a Hag.  1:1,  &c.  b Zech.  1:1,  &c.  c Mic.  5:4.  Hag.  1:2 — 8.  Zech.  1:3,4.  4:6 — 
10.  d Hag.  1:12 — 15.  e Zech. 6:11.  Joshua — Josedech.  f6:14.  Hag. 2:4— 9, 
20—23.  Zech. 3:4:  2 Cor.  1:24.  g 6.  6:6,13.  7:21.  Neh.  2:7— 9.  li  9.  1:3. 
Matt.  21:23.  Acts  4:7.  i 10.  * Clial.  build,  k 7:6,28.  8-22.  2 Chr.  16:9.  Ps. 

33:18.  34:15.  Phil.  1:28.  1 Pet.  3:12.  16.6—12.  m 4:11,23.  p 4:9.  Apharsath- 
chites.  6:6.  f Chal.  in  the  midst  whereof . o4:17.  Dan.  3:9.  4: 1 . 6:21 . John  14: 
27.  2 Thes.  3:16.  p 2:1.  Neh.  7:6.  11:3.  Esth.  1:1,22.  q 1:2,3.  6:10.  7:23.  Deui. 
10:17.32:31.  Ps.  145:3.  Dan.  2:47.  3.26.  4:2,34— 37  . 6:26.  J Chal.  stones  of 

princes.  • If  they  6nd  them  disposed  to  countenance  pious 
Christians,  they  use  deceitful  methods  to  poison  their  minds 
with  prejudices  and  suspicions.  But  when  weak  and  wicked 
kings  succeed  to  the  thrones,  which  have  been  filled  by  wiser 
men  ; these  slanderers  venture  to  speak  more  plainly  : and 
professing  great  loyalty  and  attachment,  and  even  pleading 
the  ties  of  gratitude  and  conscience,  they  pour  in  their  false 
accusations,  and  petition  for  leave  to  persecute. — It  is  an  old 
slander,  that  “ Jerusalem  is  a rebellious  and  bad  city,”  and 
that  the  prosperity  of  the  church  would  be  injurious  to  kirfgs 
and  provinces  : for  44  the  Accuser  of  the  brethren”  knows  how 
prevalent  such  considerations  are  with  the  princes  of  this 
world.  Yet  nothing  can  be  more  false:  for  true  godliness 
teaches  us  to  honour  and  obey  the  king  ; to  “submit  to  every 
ordinance  of  man  for  the  Lord’s  sake  ;”  to  pay  tribute,  and 
44  to  render  unto  Cesar  the  things  that  are  Cesar’s;”  to  be 
upright,  peaceable,  and  blameless  ; and  even  to  fulfil  the  oath 
or  engagement  which  we  have  entered  into  to  our  own  hurt  ; 
it  admits  of  only  a single  exception  ; namely,  where  the  com- 
mand of  God  requires  one  thing,  and  the  law  of  the  land 
another,  we  must  44  obey  God  rather  than  man,”  and  patiently 
submit  to  the  consequences. — But  it  must  be  allowed,  that 
ambitious  and  turbulent  men  have  often  disgraced  the  cause 
of  God,  by  their  usurpations,  seditions,  rebellions,  treacheries, 
and  perjuries : real  Christians  also  have  been  seduced  into 
inconsistent  practices:  and  “ oppression,”  which  44  maketh  a 
wise  man  mad,”  has  sometimes  excited  them  to  use  unwar- 
ranted weapons.  A few  instances  of  this  kind,  standing  on 
record , while  the  blameless  lives  and  patient  sufferings  of 
thousands  are  unnoticed  and  forgotten,  serve  through  revolving 
ages  as  a pretext,  by  which  malignant  enmity  misleads  worldly 
ipolicy.  All  who  love  the  gospel,  should  therefore  walk  cir- 
cumspectly, avoiding  all  appearance  of  evil,  especially  in  this 
particular,  lest  the  church  of  God  and  posterity  should  suffer 
through  their  misconduct : for  the  whole  body  will  be  con- 
demned without  a hearing,  if  only  a few  individuals  act  im- 
properly. (Note,  Rom.  13:1,2.) — Indeed  we  cannot  behave 
so  quietly,  and  endeavour  to  serve  God  and  to  promote  reli- 
gion so  unexceptionably,  but  our  endeavours  will  be  ascribed 
to  ambition  or  avarice,  and  we  shall  be  suspected  of  harbour- 
ing the  basest,  intentions.  For  kings  and  princes  are  seldom 
able  to  discover  the  truth,  in  such  causes,  even  when  disposed 
to  inquire  after  it.  Surrounded  with  flatterers  and  interested 
dependents,  they  must  see  with  other  men’s  eyes,  and  receive 
every  information,  concerning  those  whom  their  courtiers 
dislike,  with  a false  colouring  : and  as  they  are  too  generally 
careless  about  religion,  if  not  prejudiced  against  it,  Satan  and 
his  emissaries  seldom  find  much  difficulty,  in  using  them  as 
the  tools  of  their  persecuting  enmity.  These  considerations 
should  teach  us  to  count  our  cost  ; that  we  may  be  prepared 
for  all  events,  and  not  bo  too  easily  discouraged  or  made 
remiss,  as  we  are  apt  to  be,  upon  every  appearance  of  opposi- 
tion : they  should  excite  our  gratitude  for  our  peculiar  privi- 
leges in  this  favoured  land,  and  teach  us  to  place  our  depend- 
ence on  that  God,  who  has  all  hearts  in  his  hands,  and  not 
on  the  mutable  decrees  of  princes  and  senates.  Wo  should 

( 813  ) 


rolling.  Mark  13:1,2,  r3,4.  b4.  t Josh.  24:15.  Ps.  119:46.  Jon.  1:9.  Matt.  10: 
32.  Luke  12:8.  Acts  27:23.  Rom.  1:16.  Gal.  6: 14.  ul  Kings  6:  7:  2 Chr.  3:  4:  5: 
x 2 Kings  21-12—15.  2 Chr.  34:24,25.  36:16,17.  Neh.  9:26,27.  Is.  59:1,2.  Jer.  5: 
29.  Dan.  9:5.  y Deut.  28:15,  &c.  29:24—28  . 31:17  . 32.30.  Jude.  2: 14.  4:2.  6:1. 

1 Kings  9:6— 9.  2 Chr.  7:19— 22.  Ps.  106:40.  z 2 Kings  24:10, &c.  25:1,  &c. 

2 Chr:  36:6,  &c.  Jer.  39:1,  &c.  52:1,4c.  Dan.  1:1,2.  a 1:1—4.  6:3—5.  Is.  44: 
28.  45:1. 


also  be  in  haste  to  seize  on  every  opportunity  of  doing  good  ; 
even  as  the  adversaries  of  the  church  do  in  their  mischievous 
devices  ; for,  as  we  revive  all  from  our  wise,  gracious,  and 
righteous  God  : it  is  not  meet  that  we  should  quietly  witness 
his  dishonour,  or  neglect  any  method  by  which  we  may  glo- 
rify his  name,  and  promote  his  cause  in  the  world. 

NOTES. — Chap.  V.  V.  1,  2.  A great  part  of  the  book 
of  Haggai,  and  the  former  part  of  Zechariah,  refer  to  the 
events  here  recorded,  and  the  reader  will  find  it.  worth  while 
to  compare  them  with  the  history. — The  Jews  resumed  their 
work  about  fourteen  years  after  the  first  opposition,  given  to 
them  by  the  Samaritans  ; but  within  two  or  three  years  after 
they  had  been  compelled  to  desist  entirely  from  it.  In  the 
mean  time  they  had  rebuilt  their  own  houses,  without  being 
in  the  least  molested.  It  may  be  supposed  that  they  had  an 
altar  and  tabernacle,  and  kept  up  their  stated  worship  ; but 
they  were  persuaded,  that  it  was  not  yet  time  to  build  the 
temple.  For  this  neglect  the  Lord  corrected  them,  and 
reproved  them  by  the  prophets,  who  came  to  44  prophesy  even 
unto  them,”  or  rather  44  against  them.”  Their  remonstrances 
excited  the  rulers  and  the  people  to  resume  the  work ; and 
their  subsequent  encouraging  prophecies  greatly  helped  them 
in  accomplishing  it.  (Notes,  Hag.  1:* Zech.  3:1 — 7.  4:4 — 10.) 

V.  3.  It  is  probable,  that  the  governors  of  Samaria  had 
been  changed,  on  the  accession  of  Darius,  for  men  of  greater 
temper  and  impartiality.  The  44  companions”  here  men- 
tioned with  the  governors,  seem  to  have  been  some  of  the 
chief  persons  of  the  nation,  who  formed  the  council.  Excited, 
however,  by  the  envy  and  jealousy  of  the  Samaritans,  they 
interfered,  as  soon  as  the  Jews  resumed  the  building  of  the 
temple. — This  wall.]  The  wall  about  the  temple  seems  to 
be  meant.  ( Notes,  Neh.  1:3.2:12 — 16.4:1 — 3.  Dan.  9:25 — 27.) 

V.  4.  Then,  &c.]  It  is  uncertain  whether  these  are  the 
words  of  the  governors  of  Samaria  inquiring  of  the  Jews  the 
names  of  their  rulers,  who  presided  over  the  work  ; (10)  or 
those  of  the  workmen  referring  the  inquirers  to  Zerubbabel 
and  Jeshua,  for  information. — Ezra  may  fairly  be  supposed  to 
have  inserted  the  words  of  the  record  without  alteration:  so 
that  the.  first  person  plural  neither  proves  that  ho  was  then  at 
Jerusalem  ; nor  yet  that  he  was  not  the  writer  of  the  history, 
as  some  learned  men  have  argued. 

V.  5.  (IHarg.  Ref.)  The  Lord  so  watched  over  his 
people,  that  the  Samaritans,  though  full  of  enmity,  were 
restrained  from  using  violence  to  obstruct  the  work  : and  he 
gave  them  so  many  encouragements,  in  bis  providence  and 
by  his  word,  that  they  were  not  terrified  from  proceeding; 
till  at  length  the  matter  having  been  referred  to  Darius,  a 
favourable  answer  was  obtained.  (Notes,  Hag,  2:3 — 19. 
Zcch.  1:12—21.) 

V.  6 — 17.  It  is  probable,  that,  this  cpistlo  likewise  was 
copied  from  the  public  records,  and  interpreted  into  the  Chal- 
dee language:  but  it.  forms  an  entire  contrast  to  the  malevo- 
lent, slanderous,  and  disingenuous  lc‘ter  of  the  foregoing 
chapter.  (Notes,  4:10 — 10.)  It  fairly  stated  facts  to  the 
king;  and  the  writers  merely  desired  io  know  his  pleasure, 
after  proper  search  had  been  made  The  ingenuous  a.' count* 


B.  C.  519. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


B.  C.  519, 


14  And  bthe  vessels  also  of  gold  and  silver  of 
the  house  of  God,  which  Nebuchadnezzar  took 
out  of  the  temple  that  wins  in  Jerusalem,  and 
brought  them  into  the  temple  of  Babylon,  those 
did  Cyrus  cthe  king  take  out  of  the  temple  of 
Babylon,  and  they  were  delivered  unto  one,  whose 
name  was  ’’Sheshbazzar,  “whom  he  had  made 
‘governor ; 

15  And  said  unto  him,  Take  these  vessels,  go, 
carry  them  into  the  temple  that  is  in  Jerusalem, 
and  f let  the  house  of  God  be  builded  in  his  place. 

16  Then  came  the  same  eSheshbazzar,  and 
blaid  the  foundation  of  the  house  of  God  which 
is  in  Jerusalem:  and  since  that  time  even  until 
now  hath  it  been  in  building,  and  yet  ’it  is  not 
finished. 

17  Now  therefore,  if  it  seem  good  to  the  king, 
‘let  there  he  search  made  in  the  king’s  treasure- 
house,  which  is  there  at  Babylon,  whether  it  be 
so,  that  ’a  decree  was  made  of  Cyrus  the  king 
to  build  this  house  of  God  at  Jerusalem,  and  let 
the  king  send  his  pleasure  to  us  concerning  this 
matter. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Darius  finds  the  decree  of  Cyrus , confirms  it,  allows  out  of  his  revenues  the 
erpenses  of  building  the  temple,  and  denounces  penalties  on  all  op/osers, 

1 — 12.  The  temple  is  finished  and  de  Heated,  and  the  passover  is  celebrated 
with  great  joy,  13 — 22. 

THEN  Darius  the  king  made  a decree,  "and 
search  was  mAde  in  the  house  of  the  ‘rolls, 
where  the  treasures  were  'laid  up  in  Babylon. 

2  And  there  was  found  :at  Achmetha,  in  the 
palace  that  is  in  the  province  of  the  Medes,  a 
roll,  and  therein  was  a record  thus  written  : 

3  In  bthe  first  year  of  Cyrus  the  king,  the  same 
Cyrus  the  king  made  a decree  concerning  the 
house  of  God  at  Jerusalem,  Let  the  house  be 
builded,  “the  place  where  they  offered  sacrifices, 

b 1:7—10.  6:5.  2 Chr.  36:7,18.  Dan.  5:2,3.  c7:27.  Prov.21:l.  d 16.  1:11.  e Hag. 
1:1,14.2:2,21.  * Or, deputy.  Acts  13:7,8,12.  11:2.3:3.6:3.  g 14.  1:2.3:8,10. 
Hag.  1:12—14.  2:1S.  Zech.4:10.  i 6:15.  k 4:15,16.  6:1.2.  Prov.  25:2.  16:3-5. 
a 4:15,19.  5:17.  Job  29:16.  Pros.  25:2.  • Chal.  books.  Ps.  40:7.  Jar.  36:2— 4, 
20 — 23,29,32.  Ez.  2:9.  3:1.  Rev.  5:1.  f Chal.ma/e  to  descend.  }Or,  at  Ec- 
batana,  or,  in  a coffer,  b 1 : 1 — 4.  5:13 — 15.  2 Chr.  36:22, 23.  c Pent.  12:5,6,11 
— 14.  2 Chr.  2:6.  d 1 Kings  6:2,3.  2 Chr.  3:3,4.  Ez.  41 :13— 15.  Rev.  21:16. 
e 1 Kings  6:36.  f7:20-23.  Ps.  68:29.  72:10.  Is.  49:23.  60:6— 10.  Lev.  12:16. 


also,  which  the  Jews  gave  of  their  nation,  and  the  cause  of  the 
calamities  that  had  befallen  them,  (which  Tatnai  and  his 
associates  faithfully  stated  to  Darius,)  is  worthy  of  observa- 
tion and  of  imitation. 

Sheshbazzar , &c.  (16)  Hence  it  is  evident,  that  Zerub- 

babel  and  Sheshbazzar  are  only  two  names  of  the  same  per- 
son. (Notes,  1:7 — 11.  Zech.^A — 10.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  enemies  of  the  church  are  active,  powerful,  and  mali- 
cious, and  alas,  its  friends  too  often  dispirited  and  negligent: 
yet  the  Lord  will  not  suffer  his  cause  to  be  run  down,  but  will 
raise  up  instruments  to  revive  and  carry  on  his  work. — It 
especially  belongs  to  the  office  of  the  ministers  of  God  to  warn, 
exhort,  encourage,  and  direct  all  orders  in  society  to  attend 
to  their  several  duties : when  this  is  properly  performed,  it 
will  be  found  the  most  effectual  means  offorwarding  reforma- 
tion, and  the  power  of  godliness : and  humble  and  pious  men, 
in  this  most  exalted  stations,  will  think  themselves  helped , by 
the  faithful  labours  and  animated  remonstrances  of  those,  who 
really  declare  to  them  the  word  of  God. — While  professed 
Christians  are  satisfied  with  forms,  and  attentive  mainly  to 
their  secular  interests  and  accommodations,  opposition  may 
seem  to  be  slain  : but  when  they  bestir  themselves  to  do  the 
work  and  seek  the  glory  of  God,  it  will  soon  be  found  that  it 
was  not  dead,  but  merely  asleep.  Nothing,  however,  can 
harm  those  whom  the  Lord  protects,  or  cause  the  work  of 
those  to  cease  whom  he  employs.  He  finds  other  employ- 
ment for  some  opposers,  he  restrains  others  by  the  modera- 
tion ci  their  superiors : some  are  removed  by  death,  or  by 
revolutions  in  governments  ; and  others  are  softened  or  chan- 
ged ; as  it  seems  good  to  him,  u who  worketh  all  things  after 
the  counsel  of  his  own  will.” — There  are  men  who  have  no 
true  religion,  yet  are  possessed  of  equity,  candour,  and  genero- 
sity : and  these  qualities  entitle  them  to  our  respect,  though 
they  will  not  justify  them  in  the  sight  of  God. — A fair  state- 
ment of  facts  forms  the  honest  man’s  best  method  of  pleading 
a good  cause. — The  servants  of  the  God  of  Heaven  need  not, 
and  must  not,  be  ashamed  of  so  great  and  good  a Master ; 
and  it  seems  at  first  sight  strange,  that  they  should  ever  be 
tempted  to  so  preposterous  a crime. — Those  religious  pecu- 
liarities, which  ignorant  slanderers  deem  novel  or  singular, 
may  boast  an  antiquity  beyond  all  other  sentiments  or  obser- 
vances in  the  world;  and  have  been  maintained  by  the  wisest, 
greatest,  and  most  excellent  men  who  ever  lived  upon 
earth. — While  we  continue  in  this  world,  we  shall  always 
X&ve  to  confess,  that  our  sins  have  provoked  the  God  of  hea- 


and  let  the  foundations  thereof  be  strongly  laid ; 
dthe  height  thereof  threescore  cubits,  and  the 
breadth  thereof  threescore  cubits; 

4 With  'three  rows  of  great  stones,  and  a row 
of  new  timber : and  let  f the  expenses  be  given  out 
of  the  king’s  house  : 

5 And  also  let  nhe  golden  and  silver  vessels 
of  the  house  of  God,  ’’which  Nebuchadnezzar 
took  forth  out  of  the  temple  which  is  at  Jerusa- 
lem, and  brought  unto  Babylon,  he  restored,  and 
^brought  again  unto  the  temple  which  is  at 
Jerusalem,  every  one  to  his  place,  and  place 
them  in  the  house  of  God. 

6 Now  therefore,  ‘Tatnai,  governor  beyond 
the  river,  Shethar-boznai,  and  "your  companions 
the  Apharsachites,  which  are  beyond  the  river, 
kbe  ye  far  from  thence  : 

7 Let  the  work  of  this  house  of  God  alone ; 
let  the  governor  of  the  Jews,  and  the  elders  of 
the  Jews,  build  this  house  of  God  in  his  place. 

8 Moreover,  H make  a decree  what  ye  shall 
do  to  the  elders  of  these  Jews  for  the  building  of 
this  house  of  God : that  of  ’the  king’s  goods, 
even  of  the  tribute  beyond  the  river,  forthwith 
expenses  be  given  unto  these  men,  that  they  be 
not  “hindered. 

9 And  that  which  they  have  need  of,  both 
myoung  bullocks,  and  rams,  and  “lambs,  for  the 
burnt-offerings  of  the  God  of  heaven,  “wheat, 
r-salt,  wine,  and  oil,  according  to  the  appointment 
of  the  priests  which  are  at  Jerusalem,  let  it  he 
given  them  day  by  day  without  fail  : 

10  That  they  may  offer  sacrifices  of  t'stveel 
savours  unto  the  God  of  heaven,  and  spray  for  the 
life  of  the  king,  and  of  his  sons. 

11  Also  I have  made  a deerfee,-  that  “whosoever 
shall  alter  this  word,  let  “timber  be  pulled  down 

K 1:7,8.  5:14,  Jer.  27:16,18— 22.  Dan.  1:2.  5:2.  h 2 Kings  24:13,  25:14,15. 
2 Chr.  36:6,7,10,18.  Jer.  52:19.  §Chal.£0.  i 5:3.  ||  Chnl.  their  socielits. 

5:6.  k Gen.  32:23.  43:14.  Neb.  1:11.  Ps.  76:10.  Prov.  21:1,30.  13.27:8.  Acts  4: 
26 — 28.  Rom.  8:31.  TI  Chal.  by  me  a decree  is  made.  14.4:16,20.  7:15 — 22. 
Ps.  68:29— II.  Hag.  2:8.  **  Chal.  made  to  cease.  4:21 ,23.  5:5.  m Lev.  1:3 — 5, 
10.  9.2.  Ps.  50:9 — 13.  n Ex.  29:38-42.  Norn.  28:  29:  o Lev.  2:1, &c.  Num. 
15:4,  &c.  1 Chr.  9:29.  p Lev.  2:13.  Murk  9:49.  t+  Chal.  rest.  Gen.  8:21 . Lev. 
1:9,13,17.  Eph.  5:2.  q 7:23.  Jer.  29:7.  1 Tim.  2:1,2.  r 7:26.  sEsth.5:14  7:10. 

ven  unto  wrath;  and  that  all  our  sufferings  spring  from  this 
source,  and  all  our  comforts  from  his  unmerited  mercy. — We 
ought  fully  to  acknowledge  the  favours  which  we  have  received 
from  man  : but  should  generally  be  silent  as  to  the  ill-treat- 
ment that  we  have  met  with.  Even  when  we  are  exposed  to 
censure  , whilst  the  blame  belongs  to  others  : except  the  ho- 
nour of  God  and  the  gospel  requires  it,  it  is  seldom  useful  to 
vindicate  ourselves. — The  faithful  worshippers  of  God  are 
generally  traduced,  before  they  are  persecuted:  yet  their  cause 
demands  nothing  more  than  an  impartial  hearing  to  obtain  a 
favourable  decision;  and  many  princes  have  persecuted  more 
from  misinformation  and  slanderous  misrepresentation, “ than 
from  malice. 

NOTES.— Chap.  VI.  V.  1,  2.  The  decree  of  Cyrus 
in  favour  of  the  Jews  had  been  a matter  of  great  notoriety, 
and  not  more  than  sixteen  years  had  elapsed  since  it  had  been 
granted  : but  in  the  changes  which  had  taken  place,  and  the 
multiplicity  of  affairs  which  occurred  continually  in  the  govern- 
ment of  so  vast  an  empire,  it  is  probable  that  its  purport  had 
been  forgotten.  When,  however,  it  could  not  be  found  at  Ba- 
bylon,- Darius,  unwilling  to  decide  in  this  cause,  without  clear 
evidence,  ordered  it  to  be  searched  for  at  Achmetha,  after- 
wards called  Ecbatana,  the  chief  city  of  Media  ; and  there  it 
was  at  length  found,  having  probably  been  laid  up  in  that  city 
by  Cyrus’s  orders. 

V.  3.  ( Marg . Ref.)  Some  suppose  that  Cyrus  did  not 

allow  ihe  Jews  to  build  the  porch  of  the  temple  more  than  sixty 
cubits  high,  lest  they  should  fortify  it  as  a citadel;  and  that 
the  sixty  cubits  in  breadth  included  the  chambers  on  each  side 
the  temple.  Perhaps  he  permitted  them  to  build  the  temple 
itself  sixty  cubits  high  and  sixty  wide,  as  well  as  sixty  long; 
but  they  chose  to  build  it  of  the  same  dimensions  as  their  for- 
mer temple  : for  it  is  generally  agreed  , that  thus  it  was  at 
last  builded;  and  it  is  clearly  proved,  that  the  porch  was 
raised  to  the  same  height.  (Notes,  1 Kings  6:3,4.  2 Chr. 
3:3,4.) 

V.  4.  Expenses , &c.]  It  is  likely  that  the  Jews  had  been 
deprived  of  this  advantage,  by  the  counsellors  who  were 
hired  against  them.  (Notes,  3:7.  4:4 — 6.) 

V.  5.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 1:1 — 4,7 — 11. 

V.  6 — 12.  Darius,  in  order  to  ingratiate  himself  with  his 
subjects,  showed  respect  to  the  memory  of  Cyrus  in  every 
thing  ; and  this  might  induce  him  to  be  more  favourable  to 
the  Jews,  when  the  decree  of  Cyrus  was  produced.  But  he 
seems  to  have  been  deeply  convinced,  that  the  God  of  the 
Jews  was  the  God  of  heaven,  who  ought  to  bo  worshipped 
( 819  'l 


B.  C.  5}  9. 


EZRA. 


B.  C.  515. 


from  his  house,  and  being  set  up,  let  him  be 
‘hanged  thereon ; and  let  ‘his  house  be  made  a 
dunghill  for  this. 

12  And  the  God  that  hath  “caused  his  name 
to  dwell  there  destroy  all  kings  and  people,  that 
shall  put  to  their  hand  to  alter  ana,  to  destroy 
this  house  of  God  which  is  at  Jerusalem.  ?! 
Darius  have  made  a decree ; let  it  be  done  with 

*Speed.  [Practical  Observations .] 

13  H Then  "Tatnai,  governor  on  this  side  the 
river,  Shethar-boznai,  anil  their  companions, 
according  to  that  .which  Darius  the  king  had 
sent,  bso  they  did  speedily. 

14  And  Hhe  elders  ot  the  Jews  budded,  and 
they'  prospered  ‘‘through  the  prophesying  of 
Haggai  the  prophet  and  Zechariah  the  son  of 
Iddo.  And  they  budded,  and  'finished  it , ‘accord- 
ing to  the  commandment  of  the  God  of  Israel, 
and  according  to  the  ‘commandment  of  'Cyrus, 
and  Darius,  and  bArtaxerxes  king  of  Persia. 

b.  (■.]  15  And  this  house  was  finished  on  the 

5I5-  J third  day  of  thejnonth  'Adar,  which  was  in 
the  sixth  year  of  the  reign  of  Darius  the  king. 

16  H And  kthe  children  of  Israel,  the  priests, 
and  the  Levites,  and  the  rest  of  the  ^children  of 
the  captivity,  kept  'the  dedication  of  this  house 
of  God  “with  joy, 


* Chal.  destroyed.  t 2 King9  9:37.  10:27.  Dan.  2:5.  3:29.  u Ex.  20:24. 
DtfUt.  12:5,11.  16:2.  1 Kings 9:3.  2Chr.7:16.  Ps.  132:13,14.  x Ps.  5:10.  21 :8 
—10.  Is.  60:12.  Zech.  12:2-4.  Acts  5:38,39.  9:5.  Rev.  19:14— 21.  y Esth.  3: 
14,15.8:14.  z 13.  Ec.  9:10.  a 4:9,23.  5:6.  bEslh.6:ll.  Job  5:12,13.  Prov. 
29:26.  c 3:8.  4:3.  d 5:1,2.  Hag.  1:12— 14.  2:2,  &c.  Zech.  2:  3:  4:  6:  e Zech. 
4:9.  f Is.  44:28.  Hag.  1:8.  t Chal.  decree.  g 3.  1:1—4.  4:24.5:13.  h 7: 1 . 
i Esth.  3:7,13.  8:12.  9:1,15,17,19,21.  k 1 Chr.  9:2.  Neh.  7:73.  J Chal.  sons  of 
the  transportation.  Seeon\\\.  1 1 Kings  8:63.  2 Chr.  7:9.  John  10:22.  m3: 
11,12.  Deut.  12:7.  1 Chr.  15:28.  2 Chr.  7:10.  30:23,26.  Phil.  4:4.  n8:35.  Num. 


according  to  the  law  of  Moses.  His  steady  intention  that 
sacrifices  should  be  offered,  at  his  expense,  at  Jerusalem,  “of 
sweet  savours  to  the  God  of  heaven  that  the  people  of  God 
44  might  pray  for  him  and  his  sons  ;”  and  the  expression, 44  the 
God,  that  hath  caused  his  name  to  dwell  there,”  (12)  show, 
that  he  had  been  instructed  in  several  important  truths  of  ge- 
nuine religion,  and  had  a conviction  of  his  dependence  upon 
God,  and  entertained  high  and  honourable  thoughts  of  him,  and 
that  he  regarded  the  prayers  of  his  worshippers,  as  efficaci- 
ous. ( Marg . Ref.)  The  account  indeed  given  of  this  trans- 
action by  the  apocryphal  Esdras  is  absurd,  and  inconsistent 
with  facts;  for  Zerubbabel  had  been  long  at  Jerusalem,  be- 
fore Darius  granted  this  decree.  (1  Esdras  4:13 — 63.  5:) 
But  probably  some  pious  Jews  had  access  to  the  king,  who 
had  so  explained  the  matter,  as  to  give  him  these  favourable 
sentiments,  and  to  dispose  him  to  the"  service  assigned  him  by 
Providence.  He  thought  that  the  continuance  of  his  life  and 
the  prosperity  of  his  family,  might  be  secured  by  the  prayers 
of  the  Jews:  hut  he  seems  not  to  have  considered  his  future 
and  unspeakably  more  important  interests  ; and  it  does  not 
appear,  that  his  convictions  had  any  abiding  effect  upon  his 
own  mind  or  conduct. — Knowing  also  the  envy  and  malice  of 
the*adversaries  of  the  Jews,  Darius  denounced  a most  dread- 
ful punishment  against  those  who  should  any  more  molest 
them : and  he  concluded  his  decree,  with  a most  remarkable, 
and  almost  prophetical,  execration  against  all  kings  and  peo- 
ple, who  should  attempt  to  alter  or  destroy  the  temple,  after 
it  was  built.  (Marg.  Ref.  x.  Note,  Zech.  14:1 — 3.)  Thus 
the  Samaritans,  by  opposing  the  Jews,  most  effectually  served 
their  interests  ; their  governors,  perceiving  the  king’s  incli- 
nations, zealously  concurred  ; and  so  the  work  was  speedily 
completed. 

V.  13 — 15.  If  we  allow  a year  for  the  message  of  Tatnai 
to  the  court  of  Darius,  the  search  made  among  the  records, 
and  all  delays  and  obstructions : for  the  granting  of  the  decree, 
and  its  publication  in  Judea;  it  will  appear,  that  it  was  pub- 
lished just  seventy  years  after  the  destruction  of  the  temple 
by  the  Chaldeans. — Zechariah,  who  prophecied  at  this  time, 
mentions,  that  the  people  had  kept  annual  fasts  for  the  ruin 
of  the  city  and  temple,  during  seventy  years  ; (Notes,  Zech. 
7:1 — 7.)  and  this  absolutely  fixes  these  events  to  the  time  of 
Darius  Hystaspes  ; for  no  other  Darius  reigned  in  Persia  till 
many  years  afterwards.— The  historian  inserts  the  name  of 
Artaxerxes  with  those  of  Cyrus  and  Darius,  as  concurring  in 
this  work:  (14)  for  though  the  temple  was  built  before  Ar- 
taxerxcs  came  to  the  throne ; yet  probably  it  received  great 
accessions  of  splendour  and  convenience,  under  the  govern- 
ment of  Ezra  and  Nehemiah,  whom  he  patronised.  (Notes, 
7:1 — 5.  Neh.  1:1.) — The  temple  was  finished  in  rather  more 
fnan  four  years  afier  the  Jews  returned  to  the  work,  when 
excited  to  it  by  Haggai  and  Zechariah;  (Note,  5:1,2.)  in 
something  more  than  two  years  after  the  decree  of  Darius 
had  been  published  ; and  in  about  twenty  years  after  the 
Jew's  returned  from  captivity.  Cyrus  reigned  seven  years ; 
Cambyses,  or  Ahasuerus,  seven;  Artaxerxes,  or  Smerdis, 
one;  and  it  was  finished  in  the  sixth  of  Darius.  (Notes,  3: 
8—11.  4:4  -6,17 — 24.)  * 


17  And  "offered  at  the  dedication  of  this  house 
of  God  a hundred  bullocks,  two  hundred  rams, 
four  hundred  lambs ; and  for  a "sin-offering'  for  a?. 
Israel,  twelve  he-goats,  I'according  to  the  numbei 
of  the  tribes  of  Israel. 

18  And  they  set  Hhe  priests  in  iheir  divisions, 
and  the  Levites  in  their  courses,  for  the  service 
of  God,  which  is  at  Jerusalem  ; §as  it  is  written  in 
the  book  of  Moses. 

19  And  rthe  children  of  the  captivity  'kept 
the  passover  upon  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  first 
month. 

20  For  the  priests  and  the  Levites  were 
‘purified  together,  all  of  them  were  pure,  and 
“killed  the  passover  for  all  the  children  of  the 
captivity,  and  for  their  brethren  the  priests,  and 
for  themselves. 

21  And  the  children  of  Israel,  which  were  come 
again  out  of  captivity,  and  “all  such  as  had 
separated  themselves  unto  them  from  the  filthi- 
ness of  the  heathen  of  the  land,  to  seek  the  Loud 
God  of  Israel,  -'did  eat, 

22  And  kept  Hhe  feast  of  unleavened  bread 
seven  days  with  joy : for  the  Lord  had  made 
them  joyful,  and  “turned  the  heart  of  bthe  king  ol 
Assyria  unto  them,  to  strengthen  their  hands  in 
the  work  of  the  house  of  God,  the  God  of  Israel 


7:2,  Sc.  1 Kings  8:63,61.  1 Chr.  16:1—3.  2 Chr.  7:5.  23:31—35.  o I.cr.  4.3,13, 
14,22,23,28  . 2 1 hr.  29:21— 23.  p 1 Kings  18:31.  Luke 22:30.  Rc*.  7:4— 8.  21: 
12.  qlChr.23: — 26:  2 Chr.  35:4,5.  § Chal.  according  to  the  writing.  Num. 
3:6.  8.9,  &c.  r 16.  s Ex.  12:6,  &c.  Josh.  5:10.  2 Chr.  30  : 35:  t 2 Chr.  29: 

34.30:1.5-17.  u Ex.  12:21 . 2 Chr.  35: 1 1 . Heb.  7:27.  x 9:11.  Num.  9:6,7,10— 
I4.ls.52.il.  Ez.  36:25.  2 Cor.  6:17.  7.1.  y Ex.  12:47— 49.  I s.  93:5.  z Ex. 
12.15—20.  13  6,7.  2 Chr.  30:21.  35:17.  Matt.  26:17.  1 Cor.  5:7,8.  a 7:27.  Pro*. 
16:7.21:1.  John  19:11.  b 2 Kings  23:29.  2 Chr.  33:11.  Zech.  10:10,11. 


Through  the  prophesying,  &c.  (14)  ‘“Haggai  the  pro- 
phet* and  Zechariah”.  . . directed  and  encouraged  them  in 
their  work;  representing  to  them,  it  is  likely,  the  wonderful 
goodness  of  God,  who  had  inclined  the  heart  of  the  king  ot 
Persia  to  be  so  highly  favourable  to  them.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  16,  17.  (Notes,  Num  7:1 — 14.  1 Kings  8:63 — 66.) 
The  tribes  of  Judah  and  Benjamin,  with  the  priests  and 
Levites,  which  had  constituted  the  kingdom  of  Judah,  formed 
also  the  bulk  of  the  people  after  the  captivity.  But  numbers 
from  the  other  tribes  had  been  incorporated  with  them  in  the 
reign  ofRchoboam,  and  afterwards;  and  many  returned  with 
them  from  Babylon,  probably  some  of  all  the  other  tribes. 
As  the  nation  sprang  from  the  twelve  sons  of  Jacob,  and 
some  of  the  descendants  of  each  remained ; they  were  still 
considered  as  consisting  of  twelve  tribes,  and  called  “the 
children  of  Israel,”  and  a sin-offering  was  offered  up  for  each 
of  them.  Doubtless  the  same  reference  to  the  twelve  tribes 
took  place  in  respect  of  the  show-bread,  and  the  writing  of 
their  names  on  the  high-priest’s  garments  and  breastplate, 
as  when  they  had  been  united  under  one  government.  (Marg. 
Ref.  n,  o.) 

V.  18.  Moses  had  given  laws,  concerning  the  ministry  ot 
the  priests  and  Levites,  with  reference  to  the  place  which 
God  would  choose  to  place  his  name  there ; and  subsequent 
events  had  proved  Jerusalem  to  be  that  chosen  place ; but 
the  courses  of  the  priests  and  Levites  were  appointed  by 
David.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  3:8—11.) 

V.  19—21.  It  is  probable,  that  the  Jews  who  returned 
from  their  captivity  had  observed  the  passover,  before  the 
temple  was  finished : but  not  in  so  regular  and  solemn  a 
manner,  as  at  this  time.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  30:  35:1 — Separated . 
(21)  Including  such  as  had  been  fully  proselyted  to  their 
religion. 

V.  22.  Of  Assyria,  &c.]  Darius,  reigning  over  the 
country  of  Assyria,  is  here  called  “the  king  of  Assyria;” 
though  the  Persian  monarchy  had  succeeded  to  the  mo- 
narchies both  of  Assyria  and  Babylon. — The  pious  acknow- 
ledgment of  God  in  all  these  transactions,  as  influencing  the 
king  to  be  kind  to  the  Jews,  and  as  thus  making  them  joyful, 
is  highly  rational:  though  it  has  now  almost  sunk  into  disuse, 
even  among  professed  Christians!  (Notes,  7:27,28.  2 Kings 
5:1.  Prov.  21:1.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 12.  Nothing  but  impartial  and  diligent  investigation 
can  give  truth  and  innocence  a decided  advantage  again^ 
lies,  malice,  and  perjury:  and  much  injustice  may  be  com- 
mitted merely  through  the  indolence  and  inattention  ofmagis 
trates. — Enmity  or  rapacity  often  intercepts  the  favours  which 
were  intended  for  the  people  of  God:  but  when  his  plan  re- 
quires the  interposition  of  princes,  he  can  easily  dispose  them 
to  use  all  diligence,  to  exert  their  authority,  and  to  expend 
their  treasures,  in  supporting  his  cause;  and,  for  a time, 
these  things  have  often  been  done  by  those  who  would  not 
give  him  their  hearts,  and  never  became  his  true  worship 
pers!  (Note,  2 Cor.  8:1 — 5.)— Did  lungs  know  their  true 
interests,  even  in  this  world,  they  would  support  the  worship 
of  God,  and  give  liberty  and  protection  to  his  people , thuf 


( 820  ) 


B.  C.  458. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


B.  C.  457. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Ezra's  genealogy  from  Aaron , I — 5.  He  goes  up  to  Jerusalem , 6 — 10.  A copy 
of  Artaxerxes's  favourable  commission  to  him,  II — 26.  He  blesses  Oodfor 
putting  this  into  the  king's  heart,  27,  28.  _ # 

NOW  after  these  things,  in  the  reign  of 
“Artaxerxes  king  of  Persia,  bEzra  the  son 
of  'Seraiah,  the  son  of  Azariah,  the  son  of 
‘Hilkiah, 

2  The  son  of  Shallum,  the  son  of  'Zadok,  the 
son  of  Ahitub, 

3  The  son  of  Amariah,  the  son  of  Azariah,  the 
6on  of  Meraioth, 

4  The  son  of  Zerahiah,  the  son  of  Uzzi,  the 
son  of  Bukki, 

5  The  son  of  Abishua,  the  son  of  ‘Phinehas, 
the  son  of  eEleazar,  the  son  of  Aaron  die  hchief 
priest  : 

6  This  Ezra  went  up  from  Babylon ; and  he 
was  ‘a  ready  kscribe  in  ‘the  law  of  Moses,  which 
the  Lord  God  of  Israel  had  given  : and  the  king 
“■granted  him  all  his  request,  “according  to  the 
hand  of  the  Lord  his  God  upon  him. 

7  And  there  went  up  some  of  “the  children  of 
Israel,  and  of  the  priests,  and  Hhe  Levites,  and 
the  isingers,  and  rthe  porters,  and  the  “Nethinims, 
unto  Jerusalem,  in  the  seventh  year  of  ‘Artaxerxes 
the  king. 

« 12,21.  6:14.  Neh.  2:1.  b 10.  8:  9:  10:  Neh.  8:2— 9.  c 2 Kings  25:18.  1 Chr. 
6:4-14.9:11.  Neh.  11:11.  Jer.  52:24— 21.  d 2 Kings  22:4, 8.  2Chr.  34:9,15. 
e 2Sam.  8:17.  1 Kings  2:35.  fEx.6:25.  Num.  25:7— 13.  31:6.  Josh.  22:13,31 . 
Judg.  20:28.  1 Chr.  6:4,50-52.  Ps.  106:30,31.  g Lev.  10:6,12,16.  Num.  3:32. 
20:25—28  27:2  . 31:31,54.  Josh.  14:1.  24:33.  1 Chr.  24:1— 6.  h2Chr.  19:11. 
26:20.  i 11,12,21.  Ps.  45:1.  Mall.  13:52.  It  Neh.  8:4,9,13.  12:26,36.  Jer.  8:8. 

1 Cor.  1:20.  I Dent.  4:5.  28:1.  Matt.  28:20.  1 Cor.  15:1.  1 TJhes.  4:1,2.  mil 
—26.  n 9,28.  6:22  . 8:18,22,31.  Gen.  32:28.  Neh.  1:10,11.  2:8,12,18.  4:15.  Is. 
50:2.  59:1.  o8:l— 14.  p 2:40,41.  8:15— 20.  q 1 Chr.  6:31,  &c.  25:1— 8.  r2: 
42.  1 Chr.  9:17,  Sc.  Neh.  7:45.  s 24.  2:43,  &c.  8:20.  Neh.  7:46,  Jtc.  10:28. 

acceptable  services  might  be  rendered  to  his  name  through- 
out their  dominions,  and  that  fhany  prayers  might  be  daily 
offered  up  for  them.  We  ought  indeed  to  “pray  forkings, 
and  all  in  authority,”  whatever  be  their  character  and  con- 
duct ; yet  we  are  very  apt  to  be  remiss  and  formal  in  this 
service,  till  encouragement  enlivens  our  desires  and  expecta- 
tions: bu#when  princes  decidedly  favour  the  cause  of  truth 
and  righteousness,  the  hearts  of  pious  Christians  are  enlarged 
with  hopes,  and  they  pray  for  them  with  greater  earnestness. 
Their  lives  are  then  looked  upon  as  a public  advantage ; and 
their  persons,  families,  and  undertakings,  as  well  as  their 
immortal  souls,  are  daily  recommended  to  the  favour  and 
blessing  of  the  Almighty,  by  those  “ effectual  fervent  prayers 
of  righteous  men  which  avail  much.” — Such  as  interrupt  and 
injure  the  worshippers  of  God,  when  protected  by  the  civil 
government,  are  desperate  rebels  both  against  God  and  the 
king : and  even  tolerating  laws  will  be  insufficient  for  the 
protection  of  the  harmless  servants  of  God,  if  the  execu- 
tive power  do  not  vigorously  interpose,  to  punish  such  as 
illegally  assault  them.  But  the  protqjflion  of  God  can  alone 
be  entirely  depended  on  ; and  he  will  atlength  awfully  destroy 
those  persecutors  who  attempt  to  destroy  his  people,  how- 
ever powerful  or  numerous  they  may  be. 

V.  13 — 22.  When  the  Lord  turns  the  hearts  of  princes, 
to  strengthen  the  hands  of  his  servants  in  their  work  ; invete- 
rate enemies  will  be  over-awed;  indifferent  persons  will  be- 
come helpers  ; the  commandment  of  the  king  will  be  regu- 
lated by  the  commandment  of  God  ; and  good  designs,  which 
had  been  long  interrupted,  will  be  speedily  completed. — The 
revival  of  public  ordinances,  where  they  had  been  obstructed, 
should  excite  our  rejoicing,  because  honour  is  thus  ascribed 
to  the  Lord,  and  benefit  accrues  to  the  souls  of  men.  Nor 
can  the  consideration  of  former  sorrow,  or  of  present  mean- 
ness and  poverty,  mar  the  believer’s  joy  in  communion  with 
his  gracious  God  and  Father. — When  sinners  are  redeemed 
from  the  "bondage  of  Satan,  and  separate  themselves  from 
the  filthiness  of  their  wicked  connexions  and  practices ; when 
they  humbly  seek  the  Lord,  depending  by  faith  on  the  atone- 
ment of  the  great  Redeemer,  attending  on  hisordinances,  and 
observing  his  commandments,  according  to  the  duty  of  their 
place  ; they  are  children  of  captivity,  who  are  set  at  liberty  : 
and  they  shall  be  made  joyful  by  his  salvation ; they  shall  be 
feasted  at  his  table,  and  enjoy  the  light  of  his  countenance, 
and  he  will  be  glorified  in  them,  and  rejoice  over  them  to  do 
them  good  for  ever. — As  nothing  contributes  more  to  the  con- 
version of  sinners,  and  to  the  purity  and  prosperity  of  the 
church,  than  the  holiness  and  faithfulness  of  ministers  ; let  us 
all  unite  in  daily  prayers  to  the  Giver  of  every  good  and  per- 
fect gift,  that  all  those  who  bear  that  sacred  character  may 
live  and  preach  ‘ according  to  his  holy  word,  and  rightly  and 
luly  administer  his  holy  sacraments.’ 

NOTES. — Chap.  VII.  V.  1- — 5.  Artaxerxes,  here  men- 
tioned, was  evidently  a different  person  from  Darius.  (6:14.) 
Xerxes,  the  son  and  successor  of  Darius,  cannot  be  intended  ; 
for  he  reigned  only  twenty-one  years;  but  Nehemiah,  who 
was  contemporary  with  Ezra,  mentions  the  thirty-second 
year  of  Artaxerxes.  (Neh.  5:14.)  Artaxerxes  Longimanus, 
die  son  and  successor  of  Xerxes,  must  therefore  be  meant. 


8 And  he  came  to  Jerusalem  in  the  filth 
month,  which  was  in  the  seventh  year  of  the 
king. 

9 For  upon  the  first  day  of  the  first  month 
"began  hA  to  go  up  from  Babylon,  and  on  the  first 
day  of  the  fifth  month  came  he  to  Jerusalem, 
“according  to  the  good  hand  of  his  God  upon 
him. 

10  For  Ezra  had  'prepared  his  heart  to  seek 
>the  law  of  the  Lord,  and  Ho  do  it,  “and  to 
teach  in  Israel  statutes  and  judgments. 

[Practical  Observations.'] 

11  If  Now  this  is  bthe  copy  of  the  letter  that 
the  king  Artaxerxes  gave  unto  Ezra  the  priest, 
the  scribe,  even  ca  scribe  of  the  words  of  the 
commandments  of  the  Lord,  and  of  his  statutes 
to  Israel. 

12  Artaxerxes,  dking  of  kings,  unto  Ezra  the 
priest,  +a  scribe  of  the  law  of  the  God  of  heaven, 
perfect  peace,  “and  at  such  a time. 

13  f I make  a decree,  that  all  they  of  the  people 
of  Israel,  and  of  his  priests  and  Levites,  in  my 
realm,  which  are  Hninded  of  their  own  freewill 
to  go  up  to  Jerusalem,  go  with  thee. 

14  Forasmuch  as  thou  art  sent  tof  the  king, 
and  of  his  hseven  counsellors,  to  inquire  concern- 


t 11,12.  6:14.  8:1.  Neh.  2:1.  * Heb.  was  the  foundation  of  the  going  up.  u 6. 
Neh.  2:8,18.  x l Sam.  7:3.  1 Chr.  29:18.  2 Chr.  12:14.  19:3.  Job  11:13.  Ps.  10: 
17.  57:7.  y 6.  Ps.  1:2.  19:7.  119:96—100.  z Matt.  5: 19.  7:24.  John  13:17.  Rev. 
22:14.  a Dent.  33:10.  2 Chr.  17:8,9.  30:22.  Neh.  8:1— 9.  Mai.  2:7.  Acts  1:1. 
1 Tim.  3:2.  2 Tim.  4:2.  b 4:11.  5:6.  c6.  Matt.  23:2,13.  Mark  7:1— 13. 

dl  Kings  4:24.  20:1.  Is.  10:8.  Ez.  26:7.  Dan. 2:37,47.  1 Tim.  6:15.  Rev.  17:14. 
19:16.  f Or , a perfect  scribe  of  the  law  of  the  God  of  heaven,  peace,  &c.  e 4: 
10,11,17.  f 5:13.  6:1.  2 Chr.  30:5.  Eslh.  3:15.  9:14.  Ps.  148:6.  g 1:3.  Ps.  110: 
3.  Phil.  2:13.  Rev.  22:17.  J Chal . from  before.  h Eslh.  1:14. 


and  the*  seventh  year  of  his  reign  was  no  less  than  seventy- 
nine  years  after  the  proclamation  of  Cyrus.  The  temple  had 
been  finished,  and  its  worship  restored  within  about  twenty 
years  : and  nothing  very  memorable  occurred  during  the  sub- 
sequent fifty-nine  or  sixty  years. — In  all  probability  Zerubba- 
bel,  Jeshua,  Haggai,  and  Zechariah  were  dead  before  this 
time : and  the  civil  and  ecclesiastical  state  of  the  Jews  re- 
mained very  unsettled,  until  this  commission  was  granted  to 
Ezra.  (Note,  Dan.  9:25 — 27.)  Ezra,  was  the  son , that  is, 
the  descendant  of  Seraiah,  who  had  been  dead  above  one 
hundred  and  thirty  years.  (2  Kings  25:18,21.)  Many  other 
persons  are  omitted  in  this  abbreviated  genealogy.  ( Marg . 
Ref.  Note , 1 Chr.  6:4—15.) 

V.  6 — 10.  Ezra  had  no  doubt  been  educated  to  sacred  learn- 
ing, and  had  made  great  proficiency  in  it.  Having,  therefore, 
laid  aside  other  employments  and  studies,  and  taking  great 
delight  in  the  Scriptures  ; and  having  an  ardent  zeal  for 
the  honour  of  God,  and  an  earnest  desire  of  being  useful 
to  his  people  : he  applied  himself  with  great  assiduity  to 
obtain  the  suitable  qualifications.  He  “ gave  himself  wholly 
thereunto,”  and  was  careful  to  do,  as  well  as  to  teach  others, - 
the  statutes  and  judgments  of  God.  (Notes,  Deut.  33:10. 
2 Chr.  17:7—9.  30:21,22,  v.  22.  Neh.  8:1—8.  Mai.  2:4—9.) 
Thus  he  became  very  eminent,  and  waited  for  an  opportu- 
nity of  rendering  important  service  to  his  people  ; employing 
himself,  probably,  in  the  mean  time,  in  instructing  the  Jews 
at  Babylon,  as  circumstances  allowed  : and,  being  a man  ot 
learning,  ingenuity,  and  reputation,  the  king  became  ac- 
quainted with  him  ; so  that  Ezra  requested  and  obtained 
from  him  a commission  to  go  up  to  Jerusalem,  that  he  might 
regulate  all  things  which  related  to  the  worship  of  the  God 
of  heaven. — The  language  used  on  this  subject  is  well  deserv- 
ing of  our  most  serious  attention.  Every  thing  is  ascribed  to 
God,  for  his  is  u the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory, 
for  ever  yet  the  agency  of  instruments  and  second  causes 
is  properly  noticed.  ‘God  was  so  favourable  to  him,  as  to 
incline  the  king  to  give  a gracious  answer  to  his  petition. 
Bp.  Patrick.  (Note,  27,28.) — The  word  scribe  here  used, 
does  not  merely  signify  one  who  wrote  out  copies  of  the  law , 
but  rather  an  interpreter  of  the  law.  The  Scribes  mentioned 
in  the  New  Testament,  professed  to  be  interpreters  of  the 
law;  but  they  in  general  “made  it  void  by  their  traditions.” 
(Notes,  Jer.  8:8,9.  Matt.  13:51,52.  15:1 — 14.) — Many  learned 
men  are  of  opinion,  and  indeed  with  good  reason,  that  Ar- 
taxerxes was  the  Ahasuerus,  who  soon  after  this  married 
Esther;  and  that  this  commission,  as  well  as  that  of  Nehe- 
miah, was  obtained  through  her  influence.  (Note,  Neh.  2:5, 
6.) — Of  the  priests,  &c.  (7)  Notes,  8:1 — 20. — He  came  to 
Jerusalem,  &c.  (8)  Note,  8:2 1 — 23. 

V.  11,  12.  Marg.  Ref  ‘.—\King  of  kings.  (12)  The  kings 
of  Persia  had  many  kings  tributary  to  them  ; but  this  title 
seems  to  savour  of  ostentation,  as  if  they  had  authority  over 
all  other  kings.  (Notes,  1 Kings 20:1 . Is.  10:8—11 . Dan.  2:37.) 
The  original  letter  is  here  inserted  in  the  Cnaldee  language. 

V.  13.  The  Jews,  who  nad  not  taken  the  benefit  of  the 
proclamation  of  Cyrus,  sejm  artervard  to  have  been  -e* 
strained  from  going  to  Jei  jsalen  , till  this  decree  of  Ar  u 
erxes  again  allowed  them  that  libt  rty.  (Note,  :l  —4.) 

/ 821  ) 


B.  C 457. 


EZRA. 


B.  C.  457. 


ing  Judah  and  Jerusalen,  'according  to  the  law 
of  kthy  Goo  which  is  in  thy  hand  ; 

15  And  to  carry  'the  silver  and  gold,  which 
the  king  and  his  counsellors  have  freely  offered 
unto  the  God  of  Israel,  mwl.ose  habitation  is  in 
Jerusalem. 

16  And  "all  the  silver  and  gold  that  thou  canst 
find  in  all  the  province  of  Babylon,  with  the  free- 
will-otfering  of  the  people,  and  of  the  priests, 
"offering  willingly  for  the  house  of  their  God 
which  is  in  Jerusalem  : 

17  That  thou  mayest  Pbuy  speedily  with  this 
money  bullocks,  rams,  lambs,  with  Uheir  meat- 
offerings  and  their  drink-offerings,  and  "offer  them 
upon  the  altar  of  the  house  of  your  God  which  is 
in  Jerusalem. 

18  And  'whatsoever  shall  seem  good  to  thee, 

and  to  thy  brethren,  to  do  with  the  rest  of  the 
silver  and  the  gold,  that  do  'after  the  will  of  your 
God.  ’ 

19  “The  vessels  also  that  are  given  thee  for 
the  service  of  the  house  of  thy  God,  those  de- 
liver thou  before  xthe  God  of  Jerusalem. 

20  And  whatsoever  more  shall  be  needful  for 
the  house  of  thy  God,  which  thou  shalt  have 
occasion  to  bestow,  ^bestow  it  out  of  the  king’s 
treasure-house. 

21  And  I,  even  I “Artaxerxes  the  king,  do  make 
a decree  to  all  the  treasurers  which  are  “beyond 
the  river,  that  whatsoever  "Ezra  the  priest,  the 
scribe  of  the  law  of  the  God  of  heaven,  shall 
require  of  you,  it  be  done  speedily, 

22  Unto  a hundred  talents  of  silver,  and  to  a 

i 25,26.  Deut.  17:18,19.  Is.  8:2(1.  k 1:3.  5,8.6:12  Don.  2:47.  6:20,26.  16:4,8-10. 
Pi. 68:29, 30.  72:10.  Is.  60:6— 9.  Rev.  21 :24— 24.  m 6:12.  2Chr.  2:6.  6:2,6.  Ps.  76. 
2.135:21.  n 8.25 — 28.  o 1:4,6.  1 Chr.  29:6,9,17.  2Cor.8:12.  9:7.  p See  on 
6:9,10.  Deut.  14:24 — 26.  Matt.  21:12,13.  John  2:14.  q Num.  15:4 — 13.  rDeut. 
12:5—11.  s 2 Kings  12:15.  22:7.  t 23.  u 8:27— 30,33,34.  x 2 Chr.  32: 19.  Jer. 
3:17.  y 6:4,  8,  &c.  z 12,13.  a 4: 16,20.  6:6.  b 6,10,1 1 . * Chal.  cors.  Luke  16: 
7.  marg.  cEz.  45:14.  Luke  16:6.  marg.  <1  Lev.  2:13.  1 Chal.  Whatsoever 
is  of  the  decree.  13.  e 6:10 — 12.  Zech.  12:3.  t‘7.  2:36 — 55.  g 14.  1 Kings  3: 

V.  14.  Seven , &c.J  Seven  princes  of  Pefsia  having 
conspired  against  and  slain  the  usurper  Smerdis,  and  thus 
made  way  for  the  family  of  Darius  which  afterwards  filled 
the  throne ; the  Persian  kings  ever  after  had  seven  chief 

firinces  as  their  counsellors,  who  possessed  peculiar  privi- 
egcs,  and  joined  with  them  in  all  public  transactions.  (Note, 
Esth.  1:13,14.)  ‘By  this  commission  he  gave  him  authority 
to  make  inquisition  in  Judea,  whether  every  thing  there  was 
done  conformably  to  the  law  of  Moses.  That  is,  he  granted 
to  the  Jewish  nation ...  a liberty  to  live  by  their  own  laws, 
and  to  judge  all  causes  according  to  them.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  15,  16.  (Marg.  Ref  .)  The  king  and  his  counsellors 
set  the  example  to  the  people,  of  giving  gold  and  silver  on 
this  occasion. — Canst  find,  &c.  (16)  That  is,  all  the  money, 
which  Ezra  could  obtain  by  the  voluntary  contributions  of 
the  people,  whether  Jews  or  Babylonians.  (1:4 — 6.) 

V.  17,  18.  (Marg.  Ref.)  It  is  remarkable,  that  a heathen 
prince  should  lay  no  other  restriction  on  Ezra  and  his  bre- 
thren, in  disposing  of  the  treasures  which  they  collect  ed,  except 
that  they  should  be  employed,  “after the  will  of  their  God.” 
The.  whole  commission  implied  a chartered  right  to  the  Jews 
of  living  according  to  their  own  laws. 

V.  19 — 22.  (Note,  6:6 — 12.)  ‘This  was  a wonderful 
large  concession,  that  he  should  ha  'e  whatsoever  he  desired  : 
and  that  they  should  not  make  him  attend  upon  them,  and 
wait  long  for  it,  but  furnish  him  immediately.’  Bp.  Patrick. 
— Salt.  (22)  As  salt  was  offered  with  every  sacrifice,  Ar- 
taxerxes  did  not  limit  the  quantity  to  be  supplied,  lest  any  of 
the  stated  sacrifices  should  be  omitted. 

V.  23.  ‘Here  Jacobus  Cappellus  cries  out  in  a kind  of 
rapture,  ‘O!  words  to  be  written  upon  the  palaces  of  kings  in 
golden  letters,  and  engraven  on  the  minds  of  all  the  faithful 
with  a pon  of  aadamnt ! For  they  express  an  exceeding 
great  sense  of  God,  and  of  his  supreme  authority,  and  the 
regard  that  is  due  from  the  greatest  kings  and  potentates,  to 
his  most  sacred  commands.’  The  like  is  not  easy  to  be  found 
any  where.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  24 — 26.  The  king  likewise  exempted  all  employed 
about  the  worship  of  God,  from  paying  any  kind  of  tax  ; and 
as  the  Jews  were  far  from  affluent  at  that  time,  this  was  a 
very  seasonable  encouragement.  He  also  authorized  Ezra, 
as  governor  over  the  Jews  who  lived  west  of  the  Euphrates, 
to  constitute  magistrates  under  him,  as  he  saw  good.  He 
allowed  him  to  provide  for  the  instruction  of  the  people  in  the 
law  of  God,  and  even  to  proselyte  the  Gentiles ; and  he  em- 
powered him  to  puqish  all  who  proved  refractory,  according 
to  their  crimes. — David,  Jchoshaphat,  or  Hezekiah  could 
scarcely  have  done  more  for  the  Jews,  than  this  hoathen 
prince  did : except  as  their  examples,  exhortations,  and 
prayors  would  have  concurred,  to  render  these  external  helps 
and  regulations  effectual. 

( 822  ) 


hundred  ‘measures  of  wheat,  and  to  a hundred 
"baths  of  wine,  and  to  a hundred  baths  of  oil,  and 
dsalt  without  prescribing  how  much. 

23  'Whatsoever  is  commanded  by  the  God  of 
heaven,  let  it  be  diligently  done  for  the  house  of 
the  God  of  heaven:  for  'why  should  there  be 
wrath  against  the  realm  of  the  king  and  his  sons  ? 

24  Also  we  certify  you,  that  f touching  an) 
of  the  priests  and  Levites,  singers,  porters,  Ne- 
thinims,  or  ministers  of  this  house  of  God,  it  shal 
not  be  lawful  to  impose  toll,  tribute,  or  custom, 
upon  them. 

25.  And  thou,  Ezra,  after  ethe  wisdom  of  thy 
God,  that  is  in  thy  hand,  hset  magistrates  and 
judges,  which  may  judge  all  the  people  that  are 
'beyond  the  river,  all  such  as  know  the  laws  of 
thy  God;  and  kteach  ye  them  that  know  them 
not. 

26  And  'whosoever  will  not  do  mthe  law  of  th) 
God,  and  the  law  of  the  king,  let  judgment  be 
executed  speedily  upon  him,  “whether  it  be  unto 
death,  or  to  'banishment,  or  to  confiscation  o 
goods,  or  to  imprisonment. 

27  it  “Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  our  fathers, 
which  hath  Pput.  such  a thing  as  this  “>in  the 
king’s  heart,  rto  beautify  the  house  of  the  Lord 
which  is  in  Jerusalem  : 

28  And  hath  “extended  mercy  unto  me  before 
the  king,  and  ‘his  counsellors,  and  before  all  the 
king’s  mighty  princes.  And  1 was  strengthened 
“as  the  hand  of  the  Lord  my  God  was  upon  me, 
and  I gathered  together  out  of  Israel  chief  men 
to  go  up  with  me. 

28,  1 Chr.  22:12.  Ps.  19:7.  119:98— 160.  Prov.  2:6.  6:23.  Jam.  1 :5.  3:17,18. 
h Ex.  18:21—25.  Deut.  16:18.  1 Chr.  23:4.  2 ( hr.  19:8—10.  i 6:6.  k 10.  2<  hr. 
17:7-9.  Nell.  8:1— 3,7,8.  9:3.  13:1— 3.*Ial.  2:7.  Matt.  ’.3:52.  Mark 6:34.  16: 
11.  Dan.  3:28,29.  6:26.  m 2 Chr.  30:12.  n Ex.  21:  22:  I,er.2u  Deut.  13: 
} Chal.  rooting  out.  Ps.  52:5.  o6:22.  1 Chr.  29:10,  ic.  Phil.  4:10.  p6  22. 
Neh.  2:12.  7:5.'  2 Cor.  8:16.  Heb.  8:10.  10:16.  Jam.  1:17.  Rev.  17:17.  q Neh.  2: 
8.  Prov.  21:1.  r Is.  60:13.  s 3:8.  Gen.  32:28  . 43:14.  Neh.  1:11.  t 11.  Jon.  3:7. 
u 6,9.  5:5.  8:18.  Neh.  2:8.  2 Tim.  4:17,18. 


V.  27,  28.  This  pious  scribe,  instead  of  expatiamig  in  the 
praises  of  his  patron,  or  boasting  of  his  own  services,  took 
occasion  to  bless  God  for  “putting  such  a thing  in  the  king’s 
heart:”  (Marg.  Ref.  p,  q.)  and  for  all  the  assistance  and 
favour  shown  him,  by  the  king  and  his  counsellors  ! (Note,  6: 
22.) — Whatever  external  decorations  might  be  at  this  time 
added  to  the  temple  ; the  provision  made  for  the  orderly  con- 
ducting of  its  sacred  worship  tended  most  effectually  “ to 
beautify  it.” 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 10.  When  the  Lord  removes  some  useful  instru- 
ments, he  raises  up  others  to  fill  their  places. — Those,  who 
desire  to  be  “ scribes  well  instructed  for  the  kingdom  of  God," 
must  lay  aside  all  incofcistent  pursuits  and  studies,  and  have 
their  hearts  purified  from  sinful  passions,  weaned  from  earthly 
affections,  and  filled  with  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  lovo 
to  the -souls  of  men.  They  must  “ prepare  their  hearts”  to 
seek  the  word  of  the  Lord  ; that  they  may  first  understand  it, 
then  practise  it,  and  afterwards  teach  it  to  others.  In  these 
sacred  studies  they  should  be  diligent  and  unwearied  ; and 
meditation,  prayer,  and  a spiritual  mind  will  render  them  de- 
lightful. Thus  they  will  become  “ able  ministers  of  the  New 
Testament,”  “ men  of  God,  thoroughly  furnished  for  eve  ry 
good  work,”  ready  scribes,  apt  to  teach,  bringing  forth  out  of 
their  treasures  things  new  and  old:  and,  beginning  with 
faithfulness  and  diligence  in  a narrow  circle,  they  may  in  duo 
time  expect,  “ according  to  the  good  hand  of  God  upon 
them,”  to  be  favoured  with  more  extensive  opportunities  of 
usefulness. — But  knowledge,  even  of  the  sacred  Scriptures, 
except  it  be  reduced  to  practice,  and  communicated  to  others, 
will  become  useless  and  worthless. 

V.  11 — 28.  The  servants  of  God  cannot  vary  from  their 
rules  at  the  instance  of  the  greatest  princes,  or  “ teach  for 
doctrines  the  commandments  of  men:”  but  they  may  want 
the  countenance  and  external  assistance  of  rulers,  in  order 
that  they  may  employ  their  gifts,  and  perforin  their  duty, 
without  molestation  and  to  greater  advantage.  And  when 
kings  will  grant  them  protection,  intrust  them  with  authority, 
and  bear  the  expenses  of  their  useful  designs  ; and  then 
leave  them  to  conduct  every  thing  by  the  rule  of  the  word  ot 
God,  and  according  to  his  will,  as  it  appears  to  them  and  thoir 
brethren  ; they  may  without  hesitation  avail  themselves  of 
such  assistance  : nay,  they  may  properly  petition  for  it,  when 
there  appears  a prospect  of  success.  (Note,  2 Chr.  30:12.) 
But  in  whatever  way  great  and  effectual  doors  are  opened  to 
them,  they  should  regard  men  only  as  instruments ; and  as- 
cribe it  to  the  power  and  goodness  of  God,  if  princes  grant 
their  requests  ; bless  his  name  for  putting  such  a thing  in  their 
hearts ; and  receive  a commission  from  man  merely  as  an 
external  opportunity  of  executing  a higher  commission  flom 
God,  according  to  his  instructions,  and  under  his  protection.- 


B.  C.  457 


CHAPTER  VIII 


B C.  457. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Tht  narnts  oj  those  tono  joined  Ezra , token  he  tons  about  to  go  up  to  Jerusa- 
lem, I — 14.  Finding  no  Levites,  he  sends  to  Iddo,  at  Casiphia,  and  obtains 
some,  15—20.  They  observe  a solemn  fast,  to  $6ek  of  God  a prosperous 
journey ,21 — 23.  Ezra  intrusts  the  sacred  treasures  to  the  priests,  21 — 30. 
They  arrive  in  safety  at  Jerusalem,  31,  32.  The  treasures,  by  toeight,  ai  e 
delivered  up  ; arid  sacrifices  oJfcrTi  33—35.  The  king's  commission  is  pro- 
duced, 36. 

THESE  are  now  "the  chief  of  their  fathers, 
and  this  is  the  bgenealogy  of  “them  that 
went  up  with  me  from  Babylon,  in  the  reign  of 
Artaxerxes  the  king. 

2 Of  the  sons  of  dPhinehas;  Gershom  : of  the 
sons  of  Ithamar;  Daniel-:  of  the  sons  of  “David; 
Hattush. 

3 Of  the  sons  of  Shechaniah,  of  the  sons  of 
fPharosh;  Zechariah  : and  with  him  were  reckon- 
ed by  genealogy  of  the  males  a hundred  and 
fifty. 

4 Of  the  sons  of  ePahath-moab ; Elihoenai 
the  son  of  Zerahiah,  and  with  him  two  hundred 
males. 

5 Of  the  sons  of  Shechaniah;  the  son  of 
Jahaziel,  and  with  him  three  hundred  males. 

6 Of  the  sons  also  of  hAdin ; Ebed  the  son  of 
Jonathan,  and  with  him  fifty  males. 

7 And  of  the  sons  of  ‘Elam ; Jeshaiah  the  son 
of  Athaliah;  and  with  him  seventy  males. 

8 And  ot  the  sons  of  kShephatiah;  Zebadiah 
the  son  of  Michael,  and  with  him  fourscore 
males. 

9 Of  the  sons  of  'Joab;  Obadiah  the  son  of 
Jehiel,  and  with  him  two  hundred  and  eighteen 
males. 

10  And  of  the  sons  of  Shelomith;  the  son  of 
Josiphiah,  and  with  him  a hundred  and  three- 
score males. 


a 1:5.  1 Chr.  9:34  . 24:31.  25:32.  2 Chr.  26:12.  Nell.  7:70,71.  b2:62.  1 Chr.  4: 
33.9:1.  c 7:7.13.  tl  1 Chr.  6:3,4,  &c.  24:1—6.  e 1 Chr.  3:1,22.  f 2:3.  Neh. 
7:8.  10:14.  Paros/i.  g2:6.  Neh.  7,11.  10:14.  h2;15.  Neh.  7:20.  10:16.  i 2: 
7,31.  Neh.  7:12,34.  k 2:4.  Neh.  7:9.  11 :4.  12:6.  Neh.  7:11.  m2:ll,  10:28. 
Neh. 7:16.  n2:12.  Neh. 7:17.  * Or,  the  youngest  son.  o2:13.  Neh.  7:18. 

p2; 14.  Neh.  7:19.  t Or,  Zaccur,  as  some  read.  (Neh.  10:12.)  q Pa.  137:1. 
Ez.  1:1.  3:15.  Acts  16:13.  r21,3l.  X Or, pitched.  b2.  7:7,24.  1 13.  10:21. 


The  liberality  of  heathen  kings,  in  beautifying  the  house  of 
God,  and  supporting  the  expense  of  his  worship,  reproached 
the  conduct  of  many  kings  of  Judah,  and  of  all  that  reigned 
in  Israel ; and  it  will  rise  up  in  judgment,  and  condemn  the 
avarice  of  many  nominal  Christians,  who  refuse  to  employ 
their  superfluous  treasures  in  supporting  the  worship  of  God, 
and  propagating  the  gospel  in  the  world. — Unconverted  men 
may  perceive,  that  “ whatsoever  is  commanded  by  the  God 
of  heaven,”  should  be  diligently  done;  and  that  the  neglect 
of  his  worship  will  bring  wrath  upon  kingdoms,  and  upon 
the  persons  and  families  of  princes.  But  divine  faith  alone, 
as  working  by  love  and  gratitude,  is  capable  of  producing  un- 
reserved, persevering,  and  delightful  obedience. — The  exor- 
bitant and  pernicious  exemptions,  which  ambitious  ecclesias- 
tics once  claimed,  have  rendered  magistrates  reasonably  jea- 
lous in  this  matter:  but  when  ministers  are  poor  and  diligent, 
there  would  be  a great  propriety  in  favouring  them  with  such 
exemptions,  as  consist  with  the  welfare  of  society,  and  leave 
them  to  attend  upon  their  work  without  embarrassing  cares 
and  distresses. — The  wisdom,  which  God  communicates 
through  his  word,  is  peculiarly  useful  in  the  choice  of  magi- 
strates : that  they  may  be  indeed  “ a terror  to  evil-doers, 
and  a protection  to  those  who  do  well.”  It  belongs  to  civil 
governors  to  enact  laws,  and  to  proportion  punishments  to 
offences  for  the  welfare  of  the  community,  the  suppression  of 
immorality,  and  the  encouragement  of  those  who  endeavour 
to  obey  God  and  the  king.  And  when  wise  and  just  laws  are 
enacted,  and  impartially  executed,  it  should  animate  us  to 
proceed  in  our  proper  work  with  redoubled  diligence  and  ala- 
crity, in  full  confidence  that  “ the  good  hand  of  our  God  will 
be  upon  us,”  and  prosper  our  attempts.  But  the  weapons  of 
our  warfare,  as  Christian  ministers,  are  not  carnal : faithful 
preaching,  holy  lives,  fervent  prayers,  and  patient  suffering, 
are  the  means  we  must  use,  to  teach  the  ways  of  God  to 
those  who  know  them  not,  and  to  bring  increasing  numbers 
into  subjection  to  the  obedience  of  Jesus  Christ.  (Notes, 
2 Cor.  10:1—6.). 

NOTES. — Chap.  VIII.  V.  1 — 14.  Doubtless  Ezra  took 
proper  methods  of  making  his  commission  known  to  his  bre- 
thren, throughout  their  dispersions : but,  though  extraordinary 
favours  were  granted,  and  the  city,  temple,  and  land  were  now 
prepared  for  their  reception,  very  few  were  willing  to  under- 
take the  journey.  Most  of  the  Jews,  who  remained  in  those 
countries,  were  either  settled  to  their  minds,  or  were  averse 
to  labour  and  peril.  They  probably  had  synagogues,  where 
they  met  for  public  worship  and  instructions;  and  they  were 
sinfully  indifferent  about  the  temple  and  its  service.  (Note, 
1:5,6.)  But  God,  on  this  occasion  also,  raised  up  the  spirits 
of  a remnant  to  accompanj  his  servant  Ezra. — They  are 


11  And  of  the  sons  of  mBebai;  Zechariah  the 
son  of  Bebai,  and  with  him  twenty  and  eight 
males. 

12  And  of  the  sons  of  "Azgad  ; Johanan  'the 
son  of  Hakkatan,  and  with  him  a hundred  and 
ten  males. 

13  And  of  the  last  sons  of  “Adonikam,  whos» 
names  are  these,  Eliphelet,  Jeiel,  and  Shemaiah, 
and  with  them  threescore  males. 

14  Of  the  sons  also  of  rBigvai;  Uthai,  anc. 
'Zabbud,  and  with  them  seventy  males. 

15  11  And  I gathered  them  together  to  ’the 
river  that  runneth  to  rAhava  ; and  there  tabode 
we  in  tents  three  days : and  I viewed  the  people, 
and  the  priests,  'and  found  there  none  of  the 
sons  of  Levi. 

16  Then  sent  I for  Eliezer,  for  Ariel,  for 
‘Shemaiah,  and  for  Elnathan,  and  for  Jarib,  and 
for  Elnathan,  and  for  “Nathan,  and  for  “Zechariah, 
and  for  Meshullam,  ?chief  men ; also  for  Joiarib, 
and  for  Elnathan,  “men  of  understanding. 

17  And  I sent  them  with  commandment  unto 
Iddo  the  chief  at  the  place  Casiphia,  and  H told 
them  what  they  should  say  unto  Iddo,  and  to  his 
brethren  “the  Nethinims,  at  the  place  Casiphia, 
that  they  should  bring  unto  us  bministers  tor  the 
house  of  our  God. 

18  Arid  cby  the  good  hand  of  our  God  upon  us 
they  brought  us  da  man  of  understanding,  of  the 
sons  of  eMahli,  the  son  of  Levi,  the  son  of  Israel ; 
and  ( Sherebiah,  with  his  sons  and  his  brethren, 
eighteen  ; 

19  And  eHashabiah,  and  with  him  Jeshaiah  of 
the  sons  of  bMerari,  his  brethren  and  their  sons, 
twenty  ; 


u 10:39.  ill.  yl.  z 18.  1 Kings  3:11.  1 Chr.  12:32.  26:14  . 2 Chr.  2:12.  Prow 
2:6.  Dan.  2:21.  2 Tim.  2:7.  1 John  5:20.  § Heb . I put  words  in  their  mouth , 
Ex.  4:15.  Deut.  18:18.  2 Sam.  14:3,19.  Jer.  1:9.  15:19.  a 2:43,58.  7:7.  b Num. 
8:22—26.  18:6.  1 Chr.  23:3— 6,26—  32.  c22.  7:28.  Neh.  2:8.  Prov.  3:6.  d See 
on  16.  Prov.  24:3.  Jer.  3J5.  Dan.  1:20.  1 Cor.  14:20.  e Num.  3:20.  1 Chr.  6; 
19.  f 24.  Neh.  8:7.  9:4,5.  10:12.12:24.  g Neh.  3: 17.  10:11.  hi  Chr.  6:1, 
16,19. 


here  numbered  according  to  the  chief  of  the  fathers,  to  whose 
families  they  belonged.  Some  of  the  names  of  these  families 
were  mentioned  before ; as  the  descendants  of  those  who 
stayed  behind,  seem  to  have  taken  this  opportunity  of  follow- 
ing their  brethren.  (2:2 — 42.)  Thus  we  read  of  “the  last 
sons  of  Adonikam, ” as  no  more  of  that  family  remained  in 
the  land  of  their  captivity.  (Marg.  Ref.  o.)  The  males  only 
are  mentioned  ; so  that  the  number  including  the  women,  was 
double,  at  least,  what  is  here  mentioned. 

V.  15.  Ahava  seems  to  have  been  the  name  both  of  a 
town,  and  of  a rivulet  which  ran  into  the  Euphrates,  near  the 
town.  The  whole  company  must  have  lodged  in  tents,  dur- 
ing the  journey,  as  well  as  before  they  entered  on  it. — No 
Levites,  who  were  not  also  priests,  were  found  among  them: 
for  Ezra  himself  was  a priest,  and  we  read  of  two  other 
priests  who  had  joined  them.  (2)  A considerable  treasure 
had  been  given  to  the  temple  at  Jerusalem,  by  a Gentile  king 
and  his  nobles ; and  yet  no  Levites  offered  themselves  to  tako 
the  charge  of  it!  (7:14 — 19.) 

V.  16,  17.  (Marg.  Ref.)  It  is  uncertain  where  Casiphia 
lay,  or  who  Iddo  the  chief  was.  The  Nethinims  are  called 
his  brethren  : and,  if  he  were  one  of  that  company,  no  doubt 
he  had  been  advanced,  on  account  of  his  extraordinary  quali- 
fications or  services.  Some,  however,  suppose  the  word  ren- 
dered “his  brethren”  to  be  a proper  name  ; and  that,  trans- 
lated Nethinims , to  signify  appointed.  They  therefore  ren- 
der the  passage  thus  ; “ I told  them  what  they  should  say  to 
Iddo  and  Achio,  who  were  constituted  in  the  place  Casi- 
phia.”— It  may  be  supposed  there  was  at  Casiphia  a semi- 
nary for  the  education  of  priests,  Levites,  and  Nethinims, 
over  which  Iddo  presided  : where  they  had  the  free  exercise 
of  their  religion,  and  had  so  comfortable  a support,  that  they 
were  not  inclined  to  remove.  1 It  is  very  probable  they  had 
their  synagogues,  (as  they  had  afterward  in  their  dispersion,) 
or  other  places,  where  they  met  for  religious  worship.  For 
we  find  the  people  resorting  to  Ezekiel  in  their  captivity,  and 
him  preaching  to  them  the  word  of  God,  in  many  places  of 
his  book.  ( Ez . 33:30,  &c.)  And  Ezra  in  all  likelihood  was 
an  instructer  among  them,  as  Joiarib  and  Elnathan  also  were* 
and  Iddo  to  whom  these  were  sent.’  Bp.  Patrick. — Iddo,  by 
reason  of  his  age,  oj  his  employment,  was  not  desired  to  go, 
but  to  send  proper  persons  for  this  service,  which  the  men  ol 
understanding  would  duly  explain  to  him.  (16)  It  seems, 
Ezra  knew  that  subordinate  ministers  especially  were  wanted 
for  the  service  of  the  house  of  God,  and  was  therefore  the 
more  earnest  in  this  matter. 

V.  18.  ‘God  inclined  their  hearts  to  comply  with  his  de- 
sire.’ Bp.  Patrick.  Sherebiah,  no  doubt,  was  “ the  mail  ot: 
understanding”  here  meant  ; and  the  passage  should  be  read* 

( 823  ) 


B.  C.  457. 


EZRA. 


B.  C.  457. 


20  Also  of  the  'Nethinims,  whom  David  and 
the  princes  had  appointed  for  the  service  of  the 
Levites,  two  hundred  and  twenty  Nethinims:  all 
of  them  were  expressed  by  name. 

21  H Then  kI  proclaimed  a fast  there,  at  the 
river  of  Ahava,  that  we  might  'afflict  ourselves 
before  our  God,  mto  seek  of  him  a right  way  for 
us,  and  "for  our  little  ones,  and  for  all  our  sub- 
stance. 

22  For  °I  was  ashamed  to  require  of  the  king 
a band  of  soldiers  and  horsemen  to  help  us  against 
the  enemy  in  the  way : because  we  had  spoken 
unto  the  king,  saying,  rThe  hand  of  our  God  is 
upon  all  them  for  good  that  seek  him ; but  fois 
power  and  his  wrath  is  against  all  them  that 
forsake  him. 

23  So  rwe  fasted  and  “besought  our  God  for 
this : ‘and  he  was  entreated  of  us. 

[ Practical  Observations.'] 

24  II  Then  I separated  twelve  of  the  chief  of 
the  priests,  "Sherebiah,  Hashabiah,  and  ten  of 
their  brethren  with  them, 

25  And  ^weighed  unto  them  The  silver,  and 
the  gold,  and  the  vessels,  even  the  offering  of  the 
house  of  our  God,  which  the  king,  and  his  coun- 
sellors, and  his  lords,  and  all  Israel  there  present, 
had  offered  : 

26  I even  weighed  unto  their  hand  six  hundred 
and  fifty  talents  of  silver,  and  silver  vessels  a 
hundred  talents,  and  of  gold  a hundred  talents; 

27  Also  twenty  basins  of  gold,  of  a thousand 
drams;  and  two  vessels  of  'fine  copper,  'precious 
as  gold. 

28  And  I said  unto  them,  zYe  are  holy  unto 
the  Lord  ; “the  vessels  are  holy  also ; and  the 
silver  and  the  Igold  are  a freewill-offering  unto 
the  Lord  God  of  your  fathers. 

117.2:43.7:7.  I Chr.  9:2.  k Judg.  20:26.  1 Sam.  7:6.  2 Chr.20:3.  Joel  1: 
14.2:12—18.  Jon.  3:5— 10.  1 Lev.  16:29,31.  23:29.  Is.  58:5.  Jer.  31 :8,9.  50: 
4,5.  m Ps.  5:8.  107:2— 8.  143:8— 10.  Prov.  3:6.  la.  30:21.  35:8.  42:16.49:10. 
Jer. 10:23.  n Num.  14:3,31 . Mark  10: 13— 16.  Acts  2:39.  o 1 Cor.  9:15.  2 Cor. 
7:14.  p 7:6,9,28.  1 Chr.  28:9.  2 Chr.  16:9.  Ps.  33:18,19  . 34 : 15,22.  Is.  3:10,11. 
Rom.  8:28.  1 Pet.  3:12.  q Joalt.  23:16.  2 Chr.  15:2.  Ps.  21:8,9.  90:11.  Zeph.  1: 
2-6.  1 Pel.  3:12.  r Neh.  9:1.  Eath.4-16.  Pan.  9:3.  Luke  2:37.  Acts  10:30. 
s Jer.29:l2,13.  33:3.  50:4,5.  t 31.  Deut.4:29.  lChr.5:20.  2 Chr.  33:12,13. 
Jer.  29:12,13.  Matt.  7:7,8.  u 18,19.  x 33:34.  1 :8.  2 Cor.  8:20,21 . Phil.  4:8. 

“A  man  of  understanding  ...  even  Sherebiah.”  ( Marg . 
Ref.) 

V.  20.  The  Gibeonites  were  appointed  to  the  service  of 
the  Levites  in  the  time  of  Joshua:  (Note,  Josh.  9:27.)  and 
some  think  that  others  (perhaps  a remnant  of  the  devoted 
Canaanites,  or  of  those  who  were  vowed  to  the  Lord  by 
themselves  or  their  parents,  Note,  Lev.  27:2 — 8.)  were 
added  to  them,  or  placed  in  rather  a superior  station,  by 
David  and  his  princes,  and  afterwards  by  Solomon  ; and  that 
these  were,  strictly  speaking,  the  Nethinim. 

V.  21 — 23.  Ezra  had  collected  his  company  at  Ahava,  in 
order  to  enter  upon  ajourney  of  several  hundred  miles,  which 
they  were  nearly  four  months  in  completing.  (Notes,  31.  7:6 
— 10,  v.  9.)  Tt  lay  chiefly  through  the  desert : and,  as  they 
were  incumbered  with  families  and  possessions,  they  could 
make  but  slow  progress,  and  a feeble  defence  in  case  of  an 
assault.  They  carried  large  treasures  with  them,  which 
would  invite  the  attempts  of  the  Arabian  freebooters,  and 
others  who  infested  that  neighbourhood.  (Note,  26,27. ) In 
ordinary  cases  it  would  have  been  very  proper  to  require  of 
the  king  a band  of  soldiers  and  horsemen  for  their  defence, 
which  no  doubt  would  have  been  readily  granted:  but  Ezra, 
in  order  to  impress  Artaxerxes  with  a proper  sense  of  the 
power  and  perfections  of  Jehovah,  had  confidently  declared 
to  him,  “ that  the  hand  of  their  God  was  upon  all  them  for 
good  that  seek  him,  and  that  his  power  and  wrath  were  against 
all  them  that  forsook  him.”  Being  therefore  afraid  lest  the 
king  should  not  at  once  understand  the  distinction  between 
using  means,  and  confiding  in  them  ; and  lest  he  should  be 
led  to  question  the  power,  faithfulness,  and  goodness  of  Is- 
rael’s God,  or  the  sincerity  of  Ezra’s  dependence  on  him  ; he 
determined  to  travel  without  a guard,  except  that  of  the 
Almighty,  being  ashamed  to  ask  any  other,  after  his  former 
avowed  confidence  in  him*  Yet,  test  former  sins  should  pro- 
voke God  to  leave  them  unprotected  ; and  in  order  the  more 
solemnly  and  publicly  to  put  the  whole  company  tinder  his 
gracious  protection  ; he  proclaimed  and  observed  a fast,  that 
they  might  “afflict  themselves  before  Grid,”  in  deep  repent- 
ance and  self-abasement.  Thus  humbling  themselves  before 
the  Lord,  and  seeking  his  merciful  forgiveness,  they  besought 
him  to  be  the  Guide  and  Guard  of  them,  their  families,  their 
substance,  and  also  of  the  consecrated  treasures.  Accord- 
ingly he  was  entreated  of  them,  their  enemies  were  re- 
strained or  disabled,  and  thoy  arrived  unmolested  at  Jeru- 
salem. 


29  "Watch  ye,  anrl  keep  them,  ‘until  ye  weigh 

them,  before  the  chief  of  the  priests  and  the 
Levites,  and  chief  of  the  fathers  of  Israel,  at 
Jerusalem,  in  the  chambers  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord.  . 

30  So  took  the  priests  and  the  Levites  the 
weight  of  the  silver,  and  the  gold,  and  the  vessels, 
to  bring  them  to  Jerusalem  unto  dthe  house  jf  out 
God. 

31  II  Then  we  departed  from  ethe  river  of 
Ahava  on  the  twelfth  day  of  the  first  month,  to 
go  unto  Jerusalem:  and  fthe  hand  of  our  God 
was  upon  us,  and  he  delivered  us  from  the  hand 
of  the  enemy,  and  of  such  as  lay  in  wail  by  tlve 
way. 

32  And  gwe  came  to  Jerusalem,  and  abode 
there  three  days. 

33  H Nowon  the  fourth  day  was  the  silver  and 
the  gold  and  the  vessels  "weighed  in  the  house  of 
our  God,  by  the  hand  of  ‘Meremoth  the  son  of 
kUriah  the  priest;  and  with  him  was  Eleazar 
the  son  of  Phinehas;  and  with  them  u-as  'Jozabad 
the  son  of  Jeshua,  and  Noadiah  the  son  ol 
mBinnui,  Levites; 

34  By  number  and  by  weight  of  every  one : 
and  all  the  weight  was  written  at  that  time. 

35  Also  the  children  of  those  that  had  been 
carried  away,  which  were  come  out  of  the  cap- 
tivity, "offered  burnt-offerings  unto  the  God  of 
Israel,  "twelve  bullocks  for  all  Israel,  ninety  and  six 
rams,  seventy  and  seven  lambs,  twelve  he-goats 
for  a sin-offering:  all  this  teas  a burnt-offering 
unto  the  Lord. 

36  H And  they  delivered  i’the  king’s  commissions 
unto  the  king’s  ^lieutenants,  and  to  the  governors 
on  this  side  the  river : and  "they  furthered  the 
people,  and  the  house  of  God. 

y 7:15,16.  * Heb.  yellow,  or , shining  brass . t Heb.  desirable.  Lam.  4:2. 

i Lev.  21:6— 8.  Dent.  33:8.  Is.  52:11.  a 1:7— 11.  Num.  4:4— 15,19,20.  7: 13,84 
—88.  1 Kings  7:48— 51.  1 Chr.  23:28.  2 Chr.  24:14.  b 1 Chr.  26:20— 26.  Mark 
13:34,35.  Acts  20:31.  2 Tim.  4:5.  c 33,34.  d 1 Chr.  29:2,3.  Ps.  122:9.  Is.  60: 
13.  e 15.21.  f 22.  7:9, '28.  Job5:l&-24.  Ps.  91:9— 14.  Is.  41:10— 14.  Acts  25'3. 
26:22.  g 7:8,9.. Neh.  2:11.  h2G:30.  1 Chr.  28:14— 18.  2 Cor.  8:20,21.  i Neh. 
10.5.  kNeh.3:4.  Urijah.  1 Nell.  8:7.  mNeb.l0:9.  nLev.l:&c.  2 Chr. 

29:31,32.  Ps.  66:10— 15.  116:12 — 19.  Luke  1:74.75.  o6:17.  Num.  7.27.  p 7.21 
—24.  q 4:7,  &c.  5:6,  &c.  r 6:13.  Is.  56:6,7.  Acts  18:27.  Rev.  12:16. 


V.  24.  Sherebiah  and  Hashabiah,  before-mentioned,  (18, 
19.)  were  descendants  of  Merari,  the  son  of  Levi,  and  not  of 
Kohath,  Aaron’s  progenitor  ; and  consequently  they  were  not 
priests.  Either,  therefore,  the  persons  specified  in  this  verse 
were  priests  who  bore  the  same  names  ; or  they  weie  the 
above-mentioned  eminent  Levites,  who  on  this  occasion  were 
joined  in  trust  with  ten  priests  in  the  care  of  the  sacred  trea- 
sures. (30) 

V.  20,  27.  These  treasures  are  computed  to  have  been  at 
least  worth  a hundred  thousand  pounds  sterling,  besides  the 
sacred  vessels,  which  were  very  valuable.  The  far  greater 
part  of  this  was  offered  by  a pagan  king,  with  his  princes  and 
nobles ! 

V.  28— 30.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  1:7—11.  1 Chr.  9:27— 

29.  Is.  52:7— 1 1.  2 Cor.  8:16—24. 

V.  31.  As  Ezra  departed  from  Babylon  on  the  first  day 
of  the  first  month,  (7:9.)  and  having  sent  to  Casiphia  to  pro- 
cure Levites  and  Nethinim,  the  company  set  off  from  Ahava 
on  the  twelfth  day  of  the  same  month ; it  is  evident  that 
Casiphia  was  not  far  from  Ahava. — It  seems  Ezra  was  aware 
that  there  were  enemies  who  lay  in  wait  by  the  way*  to 
assault.,  plunder,  or  destroy  him  and  his  company : yet  ho 
trusted  in  God  to  protect  them,  and  they  were  accordingly 
delivered. 

V.  32— 36.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  2:68 — ' 70.  6:6— 12.  Jer. 
31:8,9.  50:4—6.  Zcrh.  2:6—9.  Acts  1 1:27— 30.— Eleazar  the 
son  of  Phinehas.  (33)  1 Tho  names  of  Eleazar  and  Phine- 

has continued  through  many  generations  among  the  priests, 
because  they  were  two  very  eminent  persons  in  Aaron’s 
family.’  Bp.  Patrick. — The  children,  &c.  (35)  The  com- 
pany that  came  up  with  Ezra  from  Babylon  offered  these 
sacrifices,  as  expressing  humiliation  for  sin,  faith  in  the  in  ?rey 
of  God  through  the  typical  atonement,  and  gratitude  fo  his 
late  mercies:  this  they  did,  not  only  for  themselves,  bul  for 
their  brethren  of  all  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel. — They  fur- 
thered. (36)  The  kings,  lieutenants,  and  the  governors,  hav- 
ing received  th e king's  commission,  (Notes,  7:11 — 26.)  fur* 
thcred  Ezra  and  the  Jews  in  their  undertakings  ; yielding 
prompt  obedience  to  the  orders  of  Artaxerxes. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 23.  While  love  of  the  world,  and  fear  of  the  cioss, 
induce  most  men  to  neglect  the  salvation  of  the  gospel ; they 
who  obey  the  gracious  call  stand  recorded  'n  the  hoi  k of 
life,  and  will  he  honoured  by  God  himself. — When  some  of  a 
family  embrace  the  gospel,  those  who  linger  bu»ind  may  pro- 


( 824  ) 


D.  C.  457. 


CHAPTER  IX 


B.  C.  457. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Srn,  learning  that  many  of  the  priests  and  people  had  married  heathen  wives, 
espressos  great  sorrmo  and  consternation,  1 — 4.  He  prays , and  makes  con- 
fession of  sin  unto  God,  5 — 15. 

NOW  when  these  things  were  done,  “the 
princes  came  to  me,  saying,  The  people  of 
Israel,  and  the  priests,  ana  the  Levites,  bhave  not 
separated  themselves  from  the  people  of  the  lands, 
“doing'  according  to  their  abominations,  even  dof 
the  Canaanit.es,  the  Hittites,  the  Perizzites,  the 
Jebusites,  “the  Ammonites,  the  f Moabites,  the 
Egyptians,  and  the  Amorites. 

2 For  they  have  staken  of  their  daughters  for 
themselves,  and  for  their  sons : so  that  hthe  holy 

a 10:3.  Jer.  20:10,16.  I-  6:22.  10:10,11.  Ex.  33:16.  Num.23:9.  Nell.  9:2.  13:3. 
Is.  Will.  2 Cur.  6:14  — 18.  cT,e».  18:3,21— 30.  Hem.  12:31.  18:9.  2 Clir.  33:2. 
Ps.  1116:35.  cl  lien.  15:16,19-21.  Ex.  23:23.  Dent.  20  17,18.  e Dcul.  23:3-5. 

1 Kings  11:1 ,5 — 7.  Nell.  4:3,7.  13:1—3.  fNura.  25:1-3.  g 10:18-44.  Ex.  34: 
16.  Deni.  7 1 — 4.  Nell.  13:23,24.  Mai.  2:11.  h Ex.  19:6.  22:31.  Deut.7:6.  14: 

bably  follow ; till  sometimes,  in  answer  to  fervent  prayers, 
and  by  means  of  zealous,  affectionate,  persevering  endea- 
vours, the  very  last  are  brought  in. — Alas  ! that  professed 
ministers  of  religion,  who  ought  to  take  the  lead  in  every  good 
work,  are  generally  so  backward  to  labour,  or  venture,  or 
suffer  in  the  cause  of  God ; and  need  to  be  stirred  up  by  the 
example  and  exhortations  even  of  their  lay-brethren  ! But 
such  as  address  them  on  these  occasions  should  be  chief  men, 
or  men  of  understanding  and  established  character  ; lest  They 
should  be  irritated  instead  of  being  persuaded.  They  must 
not,  however,  be  left  to  their  negligence : and  their  superior 
brethren,  having  given  them  a good  example,  may  send  or 
speak  to  them  with  more  authority  and  effect  than  others  can, 
and  often  those  who  were  before  inattentive,  will  profit  by 
meek  and  faithful  admonitions. — When  ministers  for  “ the 
work  of  the  house  of  our  God”  are  raised  up,  who  are  men  of 
piety  and  understanding,  we  should  acknowledge  “ the  good 
hand  of  our  God  upon  us,”  and  give  him  the  praise ; as  we 
ought  at  all  times  to  lift  up  our  prayers  for  this  blessing  to  his 
church. — It  is  an  invariable  rule,  that  u the  hand  of  our  God 
is  upon  all  them  for  good  that  seek  him ; but  his  power  and 
wrath  is  against  all  them  that  forsake  him  and  we  ought  to 
live  in  the  habitual  firm  belief  of  this,  and  should  not  be 
ashamed,  if  called  to  it,  to  avow  our  confidence  before  the 
greatest  monarchs  upon  earth : but  we  should  be  ashamed  to 
act  inconsistently  with  these  professions,  or  even  to  appear 
distrustful  of  the  Lord  in  the  path  of  duty.  On  some  occa- 
sions we  ought  to  omit  those  precautions  for  personal  safety, 
and  refuse  to  make  that  provision  for  our  families,  which  in 
other  circumstances  are  very  lawful ; lest  opr  weaker  bre- 
thren, or  inquirers,  should  be  stumbled,  and  so  our  God  should 
be  dishonoured.  We  have  therefore  great  need  to  ask  wis- 
dom from  him,  that  we  may  know  how  to  use,  or  to  refuse, 
lawful  things,  as  expedient,  or  otherwise:  and  we  shall  be  no 
losers  by  venturing,  renouncing,  or  suffering  for  his  sake ; as 
w it  is  better  to  trust  in  the  Lord  than  to  put  confidence  in 
princes,”  or  in  armed  hosts. — We  should  “ acknowledge  him 
m all  our  ways  but  we  may  especially  confide  ourselves 
and  our  works  into  his  hands,  when  we  arc  simply  endeavour- 
ing to  serve  the  cause  of  true  religion.  Instead  of  anxiously 
seeking  help  from  an  arm  of  flesh,  (to  which  we  are  all 
shamefully  prone,)  when  unexpected  difficulties  or  dangers 
obstruct  our  path,  we  should  more  earnestly  and  explicitly 
commit  our  way  unto  the  Lord.  In  such  circumstances,  sea- 
sons appropriated  to  secret  or  social  fasting  and  prayer,  form 
the  most  effectual  method  that  we  can  take : because  they 
best  prepare  our  own  souls  properly  to  receive  the  blessing, 
and  most  immediately  lead  us  to  seek  the  forgiveness  and 
mortification  of  our  sins  ; which  are  more  formidable  hin- 
derances  to  our  success  than  mountains,  rivers,  seas,  or  armies 
of  hostile  invaders  or  assailants.  Indeed  few  enterprises, 
good  in  themselves , finally  fail  of  success,  which  are  begun 
and  conducted  in  this  way.  And  when  we  thus  humbly  be-, 
seech  fche  Lord,  he  will  be  entreated  of  us;  and  by  his  good 
hand  upon  us,  we  shall  bring  all  our  undertakings  in  due  sea- 
son to  a happy  termination. 

V.  24 — 36.  They  should  be  holy  persons,  who  have  the 
charge  of  holy  things.  Ministers  are  stewards  of  the  most 
precious  mysteries  of  God;  and  watch  for  the  souls  of  men, 
every  one  of  which  is  more  valuable  than  all  the  world : and 
if  any  are  wanting  through  their  default,  they  will  be  required 
at  their  hands.  The  meanest  of  them,  therefore,  needs  at 
least  as  much  wisdom,  vigilance,  integrity,  fidelity,  and  zeal, 
as  the  chief  of  those  who  carried  the  vessels  of  the  Lord. 
And  if  any  of  us  are  intrusted  with  the  gold  and  silver  of  ihe 
freewill-offerings  of  our  brethren;  or  of  the  princes  and  afflu- 
ent persons  of  this  world,  for  pious  or  charitable  uses;  we 
should  “ provide  for  things  honest,  not  only  in  the  sight  of 
God,  but  also  in  the  sight  of  men  :”  that  we  may  be  able, 
when  required,  to  give  a punctual  account  of  the  whole  to 
hose,  by  whom,  or  for  whom,  we  have  been  employed.  A 
clear  conscience,  and  an  evidently  upright  conduct,  are  both 
•oinfortable  and  reputable:  yet  our  whole  dependence  for  the 
acceptance  of  our  persons  and  of  all  our  services,  must  be 
ested  on  the  merits  and  sacrifice  of  our  great  Surety : through 
'urn  we  must  devote  ourselves,  and  consecrate  our  services, 
Yoi..  I. — 104 


seed  have  ’mingled  themselves  with  the  people  of 
those  lands:  yea,  kthe  hand  of  the  princes  and 
rulers  hath  been  chief  in  this  trespass. 

3 And  when  I heard  this  thing,  I ’rent  my 
garment  and  my  mantle,  and  mplucked  off  the 
hair  of  my  head  and  of  my  beard,  and  nsat  down 
astonished. 

4 Then  were  assembled  unto  me  every  one 
that  °trernbled  at  the  words  of  the  God  of  Israel, 
because  of  the  transgression  of  those  that  had 
been  carried  away;  and  I sat  astonished  Puntil 
the  evening-sacrifice. 

5 H And  at  the  evening-sacrifice  I arose  up 
from  my  'heaviness ; and  having  rent  my  gar- 

2.  Is.  6:13.  Mai.  2;  15.  1 Cor.  7:14.  i Gen.  6:2.  Neh.  13:3,23,24.  k 10:18-44. 
Neh.  13:4,17,28.  1 Josh.  7:6.  2 Kings  18:37.  19:1.  Job  1:20.  Jerg36:24.  m Lev. 
21:5.  Neh.  13:25.  Is.  15:2.  Jer.  7:29.  48:37,38.  Ez.  7:18.  Mic.  m6.  nNeh.  1: 
4.  Job  2:12,13.  Ps.  143:4.  E/..3.15.  Pan.  4: 19.  8.27.  o 10:3.  2 Clir.  34:27.  Is. 
66:2.  Ez.  9:4.  p Ex. 29:39.  Dan. 9:21.  Acts3:l.  * Or ,aJliclion. 

to  our  reconciled  God,  and  then  walk  before  him  in  his  com- 
mandments and  ordinances,  as  we  have  opportunity  and 
ability. — “When  our  ways  please  the  Lord,  he  maketh 
even  our  enemies  to  be  at  peace  with  us:”  and  if  he  disposes 
a few  of  the  great  ones  of  the  earth  to  favour  his  cause  ; num- 
bers will  afford  their  external  assistance,  not  to  please  God, 
but  the  prince. — If  preservation  in  peace  and  safety  during 
our  journeys  on  earth  demand  our  tribute  of  grateful  praise : 
what  acclamations  of  gratitude'  shall  we  raise,  when  the  Lord 
has  conducted  us  safe  through  the  perilous  and  wearisome 
pilgrimage  of  life,  and  through  the  gloomy  vale  of  death,  out 
of  the  reach  of  all  our  enemies,  into  the  regions  of  eternal 
felicity ! 

NOTES. — Chap.  IX.  V.  1,  2.  After  it  was  known 
that  Ezra  was  come  to  Jerusalem,  commissioned  by  the  king 
of  Persia,  to  be  ruler  over  those  countries,  and  especially  to 
reform  the  state  of  religion  among  the  Jews;  some  of  the 
princes  informed  him  concerning  the  gross  misconduct  of  their 
brethren,  which  they  had  not  been  able  to  prevent.  It  seems 
there  was  still  a remnant  of  the  old  inhabitants  dwelling  in 
the  borders  of  the  land:  (Marg.  Ref.)  and  the  Jews  being 
poor  and  exposed,  opened  an  intercourse  with  them,  and  with 
other  neighbouring  nations  ; and  intermarried  with  them,  in 
violation  of  the  law.  This  had  always  proved  an  introduction 
to  idolatry : and  their  sin  was  the  more  aggravated,  and  threat- 
ened the  worst  consequences,  because  the  priests,  whose 
marriages  had  been  carefully  regulated  by  the  law,  ( Notes, 
Lev.  21:7 — 15.)  and  the  princes,  to  whom  it  belonged  to  en- 
force obedience  to  it,  were  ringleaders  in  the  transgression  ; 
and  thus,  both  encouraged  others  by  their  example,  and 
deterred  such  as  wished  to  enforce  the  law  against  the  crimi- 
nals. ( Notes,  10:18—44.  Ex.  34:11—17.  Neh.  13:1 — 4,23 — 
3 1 . Mai.  2:10 — 12.  2 Cor.  G:  14 — 18.)  They  had  not  indeed 
yet  proceeded  to  direct  idolatry  ; but  they  were  in  the  direct 
way  to  it,  and  already  chargeable  with  doing  in  some  respects 
“ according  to  the  abomination  of  the  Gentiles.” 

Holy  seed , &c.  (2)  Notes , Ex.  19:6.  Is.  6:13.  Mai.  2:13 — 
16.  1 Cor.  7:10 — 14. — ‘They  are  called  a “holy  seed,” 

because  of  the  covenant  of  God  with  them,  which  made  them 
a peculiar  people,  separated  from  all  other  nations.  It  is 
likely  those  princes,  who  informed  Ezra  of  this  enormous 
practice,  had  endeavoured  to  reform  them,  but  could  not, 
because  they  were  opposed  by  as  great  men  as  themselves. 
But  we  must  not  cast  a\yay  all  hope,  though  we  cannot  pre- 
sently reform  men’s  lives:  the  time  may  come,  when  it  may 
be  done.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  3,  4.  When  Ezra  first  arrived  at  Jerusalem,  and  was 
received  with  professed  cordiality  ; when  he  saw  the  temple 
prepared,  and  the  worship  regularly  conducted,  with  apparent 
piety ; we  may  suppose,  that  he  was  joyful  and  thankful. 
But  having  been  informed  of  these  forbidden  marriages,  which 
threatened  a speedy  repetition  of  former  crimes  and  judg 
ments,  he  was  affected  with  deep  consternation  and  sorrow; 
and  he  expressed  his  concern  for  the  honour  of  God  and  the 
interests  of  Israel,  by  the  customary  tokens,  and  even  by 
such  as  were  u^ed  to  denote  the  greatest  indignation,  terror, 
or  distress.  {Marg.  Rtf.  2 Kings  22:19.  Note , Josh.  7:6 — 
9.)  This  seems  to  hav<-  been  done  publicly  in  some  place 
of  resort ; and  the  matter  being  reported,  many  others  be- 
came suitably  affected,  and  trembled  at  the  words  of  God, 
because  of  the  transgression  of  Israel ; {Note,  Is.  66:1,2.) 
and  were  prepared  to  join  in  humiliation  before  him,  and  in 
effecting  a reformation. — The  Jews  are  here  called,  “ Those 
that  had  been  carried  away  ;”  which  might  remind  them  of  the 
captivity  from  which  they  were  lately  returned,  and  which  had 
been  brought  upon  them  by  similar  transgressions. — It  is  pro- 
bable, that  Ezra  observed  a profound  silence  for  some  time, 
which  indicated  that  the  confusion  and  distress  of  his  mind 
were  too  big  for  utterance.  (Notes,  Neh.  1:4.  Job  2:11 — 13.) 

V.  5.  (Marg.  Ref.  q,  r.)  It  is  probable  that  Ezra 
chose  the  time  of  the  .evening-sacrifice,  to  go  from  the  place 
where  he  first  showed  his  alarm  and  sorrow ; and  that  he 
went  up  to  the  house  of  God,  (10:1.)  because  the  priests  at 
that  hour,  whilst  the  sacrifice  was  offering,  burnt  incense  in 
the  temple,  and  the  people  met  together  in  the  coprts  of  it 
to  praj\  (Note,  Luke  1:8 — 10.) 

( 825  ) 


B.  C.  457. 


EZRA. 


B.  C.  457 


ment  and  m-r  mantle,  fell  upon  my  knees,  and 
rspread  out  my  hands  unto  the  Lord  my  God. 

[ Practical  Observations .] 

6 And  said,  0 my  God,  “I  am  ashamed  and 
Dlush  to  lift,  up  my  face  to  thee,  my  God : for 
“our  iniquities  are  increased  over  our  head,  and 
bur  ‘trespass  is  “grown  up  unto  the  heavens. 

7 ISince  the  days  of  our  fathers  have  we  been 
in  a great  trespass  unto  this  day;  and  ffor  our 
iniquities  have  we,  our  kings,  and  our  priests, 
been  delivered  'into  the  hand  of  the  kings  of  the 
lands,  to  the  sword,  to  captivity,  and  to  a spoil, 
and  Ho  confusion  of  face,  bas  it  is  this  day. 

8 And  now  for  a 'little  space  'grace  hath  been 
showed  from,  the  Lord  our  God,  to  leave  us  da 
remnant  to  escape,  and  to  give  us  'a  nail  ein  his 
holy  place1,  that  our  God  may  flighten  our  eyes, 
and  give  us  a little  ^reviving  in  our  bondage. 

9 For  hwe  were  bondmen ; 'yet  our  God  hath 
not  forsaken  us  in  our  bondage,  but  hath  extended 
mercy  unto  us  kin  the  sight  of  the  kings  of  Persia, 
to  give  us  a reviving,  'to  set  up  the  house  of  our 
God,  and  to  ^repair  the  desolations  thereof,  and 
to  give  us  ma  wall  in  Judah  and  in  Jerusalem. 

10  And  now,  O our  God,  "what  shall  we  say 
after  this  ? for  we  have  forsaken  thy  command- 
ments, 

q QChr.  6:13.  Ps.  95:6.  Luke  22:41.  Acts  21:5.  Eph.  3:14.  r Ex.  9:23,33.  1 Kings 
8:22, 33. 51.  Fs.  141:2.  143:6.  Is. 4:15.  (Job  40:4.  42:6.  Jer.  3:3,24,25.  6:15.  3: 
12.  31:19.  E*.  16:63.  Dan.  9:7,8.  Rom. 6:21.  tGen.  13:13.  Ps.  38  4.  Is.  1:18. 
53:12.  ■ Or,  guiltiness.  u2Chr.28:9.  Rev.  18:5.  x Nnm.  32: 14.  2 Chr.  29:6. 
3117.  Nell.  9:32-34.  Ps.  106:6,7.  Lam.  5:7.  Dan.  9:5—8.  Zed:.  1:4,5.  Matt. 
23  30—33.  Acts  7:51,52.  v Lev.  23:14,  &c.  Dent.  4-25— 28.  28:15,  4tc.  29:22- 
28  . 30:17—19.31:20—22.  32:15—28.  1 Sam.  12:15.  I Kings  9:6-9.  Nell.  9:30. 

1 2 Kings  17:5-8.  13:9— 12.  25:1— 4.  2 Chr.  36:16— 19.  Neh.  9:35,37.  Dan.  9: 
II— 14."  a Dan.  9:7,8.  b Neh.  9:32.  Jer.  23:18.  44:22.  t Heb.  moment,  c 9. 
Nell.  1:11.  9:31.  Hall.  3:2.  J 14.  2 Kings  19:4,30,31 . Is.  19.  Jer. 42  2.  44:14. 
Ez.  6:8,9.  14:22.  Zecli.  8.6,12.  Rcim.  9:27.  11:5,6.  ;Or,apin,\.e.ncon- 

tlant  anti  sure  <ib  ide.  Ec.  12:11.  Is.  22.23 — 25.  Zech.  10:4.  e Is.  56:5.  Rev.  3: 
12.  fl  Sam.  11.27,29.  Job  33:30.  Ps.  13:3.  34:5.  gPs.85:6.  138:7.  Is.  57:15. 
Ez.  37:11— 14.  Hos.  6:2.  h Neh.  9:36,37.  i Ps.  106:45,46.  136:23,24.  JrLI— 

V.  6.  Ezra  was  not  personally  guilty  in  this  matter:  but 
he  spake  and  acted,  as  the  representative  and  the  mouth  of 
the  whole  people ; being  a member,  and  in  some  respects  the 
head,  of  that  body  which  had  thus  violated  the  covenant  of 
God.  (Notes,  Dan.  9:3 — 20.)  He  came  to  establish  the 
civil  and  ecclesiastical  state  of  the  nation,  “according  to  the 
good  hand  of  his  God  upon  him  and  he  was  ashamed  and 
blushed,  when  he  considered  the  rebellious  and  ungrateful 
conduct  of  that  people,  whose  cause  he  had  to  plead  conti- 
nually before  the  Lord.  Indeed  the  former  crimes  of  Isra'el 
were  like  an  inundation,  which  being  swelled  by  their  present 
transgressions,  would  flow  even  over  their  heads,  and  entirely 
overwhelm  them : or  they  formed  an  enormous  pile,  which, 
increasing  by  continual  accessions  of  presumptuous  rebellion, 
reached  even  to  the  heavens,  to  call  down  the  vengeance  of 
God  upon  them.  The  people  it  may  be  supposed,  persuaded 
themselves,  that  as  they  were  free  from  idolatry,  and  adhered 
to  the  worship  at  the  temple,  all  was  very  well  and  commend- 
able among  them  ; that  their  deviations  as  to  these  marriages 
were  excusable,  if  not  justifiable  by  necessity  or  policy  ; and 
that  on  the  whole  they  might  expect  the  favour  and  protec- 
tion of  God.  (Note,  Rnm.  7:9 — 12(.)  But  the  vehement 
anguage  of  this  eminent  man  was  well  suited  lo  give  them 
a very  different  view  of  the  case ; and  to  convince  them  that 
. they  were  abominable  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  in  danger  off 
his  severest  vengeance:  and  it  loudly  called  on  them  all, 
especially  the  criminals,  to  humble  themselves  before  God  in 
deep  repentance. — Grown  up  unto  the  heavens.]  ‘This  sig- 
nifies. . .the  high  presumption  and  insolence  of  their  wicked- 
ness.’ Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  7.  ( Mar g.  Ref.)  As  it  is,  &c.]  Jerusalem  and  the 

temple  had  been  rebuilt,  and  a remnant  had  returned  front 
captivity : but  the  nation  in  general  was  in  a dependent,  im- 
poverished, and  abject  slate  ; in  comparison  with  that  pros- 
perity which  their  fathers  had  enjoyed  in  the  times  of  David 
and  Solomon,  and  which  they  had  forfeited  by  their  sins: 
(Note,  Neh.  9:30,37.)  and  the  bulk  of  it  yet  remained  in  a 
stale  of  captivity  and  dispersion. 

V.  8.  A remnant  of  the  Jews  had  now  occupied  Jerusa- 
lem and  Judea  for  nearly  eighty  years ; having  thus  had  a 
revival  for  a comparatively  little  space  from  the  state  of  na- 
tional death,  as  it  were,  which  had  continued  during  tho  cap- 
tivity: (Notes,  Ez.  37:11 — 14.)  and  it  might  have  been  sup- 
posed, that  the  miseries  of  their  ancestors  would  have  effec- 
tually deterred  them  from  imitating  their  crimes:  yet  in  so 
short  a time,  they  had  made  considerable  progress  in  the  very 
same  path  : and  in  case  they  proceeded  in  that  way,  a speedy 
period  would  jc  put  to  this  reviving  of  their  prosperity. 
(Note,  Ps.  85:1 — 8.) — “A  nail  given  them  in  the  Lord’s 
noty  place.”  seems  to  signify,  that  the  rebuilding  of  the  tem- 
ple formed  a sure  ground  of  confidence  in  the  Lord,  whilst 
they  adhered  to  his  service,  and  rested  all  their  hopes  and 
dependence  on  him.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Is.  22:20 — 25.) 

V.  9.  Notes,  7:1 1 — 28. — A wall,  &c.]  Tho  temple,  being 

( 826  ) 


11  Which  thou  hast  commanded  “by  thy 
servants  the  prophets,  saying,  “The  land  unto 
which  ye  go  to  possess  it,  is  an  unclean  land  wit! 
■’the  filthiness  of  the  people  of  the  lands,  with  theii 
abominations,,  which  have  filled  it  from  ’’one  ciia 
to  another  with  their  uncleanness. 

12  Now  therefore  igive  not  your  daughters 
unto  their  sons,  neither  take  their  daughters  unto 
your  sons,  rnor  seek  their  peace  or  their  wealth 
for  ever:  "that  ye  may  be  strong,  ‘and  eat  the 
good  of  the  land,  “and  leaver  it  for  an  inheritance 
to  your  children  for  ever. 

13  And  “after  all  that  is  come  upon  us  for  our 
evil  deeds,  and  for  our  great  trespass,  seeing  that 
thou  our  God  "hast  punished  us  rless  than  our 
iniquities  deserve,  and  'hast  given  us  such  deliver- 
ance as  this ; 

14  Should  awe  again  break  thy  command- 
ments, and  “join  in  affinity  with  the  people  of 
these  abominations?  'wouldest  not  thou  be  angry 
with  us  till  thou  hadst  consumed  us,  so  that  there 
should  be  dno  remnant  nor  escaping? 

15  O Lord  God  of  Israel,  Hhou  art  righteous: 
for  we  remain  yet  escaped,  as  it  is  this  day: 
behold,  we  are  before  thee  f in  our  trespasses ; 
for  swe  cannot  stand  before  thee  because  of 
this. 


4,7—11.6:1—12.7:6,11—28.  16:14.15.  Hag. 1:9.  Zech. 4:6— 10.  § Heb.  rat 
up.  m Is.  5:5.  Dan.  9:25.  Zech.  2:5.  n Gen.  44:16.  Josh.  7:3.  Lam.  3:22. 
Dan.  9:4— 16.  Rom. 3:19.  ||  Heb.  by  the  band  of.  o 1 Lev.  18.24— 30.  Dent. 
12:31.  18:12.  2 Chr.  33:2.  p 6:21.  Ez.  36:25 — 27.  2 Cor.  7:1.  IT  Heb.  mouth  lo 
mouth.  2 Kings  21:16.  mars,  q Ex.  31:16.  Deut.  7:3.  Josh.  23: 12,13.  r Deut. 
23:6.  2 Chr.  19-2.  2 John  10:1 1 . s Deut.  6:1, 2.  Josh.  1.6—9.  t Is.  1:19. 

u Gen.  18:18,19.  Pi.  112.1,2.  Prov.  13:22.  20:7.  x Neji.  9:32.  Ez.  24:13,14. 
Gal.  3:4.  **  Heb.  hast  withheld  beneath  our  iniquities,  y Ps.  103:10.  Lam.  3: 
22,39,40.  Hab.  3:2.  z Ps.  106:45,46.  a John  5:14.  Rom.  6:1.  2 Pet.  2:20.21. 
b Ex.  23:32,33.  Judg.  2:2.  Neh.  13:23—27.  c Ex.  32: 10.  Num.  16:21 ,45.  Dent. 
9:8,14.  d 8.  Deut.  32:26,27.  Is.  1:9.  Jer.  46:28.  Ez.  6.8.  e Neh.  9:33,34.  Dan. 
9:7-11.  Rom.  10:3.  fls.  64:6,7.  Ez.  33:10.  Zech.  3:3,4.  1 Cor.  15:17.  gJob 
9:2,3.  Ps.  130:3.  143:2.  Rom.  3:19— 22. 


the  pledge  of  God’s  presence  among  them,  was  as  a wall,  by 
which  the  Jews  were  effectually  secured  from  their  enemies  ; 
unless  they  provoked  him  to  desert  them.  Jerusalem  was  not 
at  this  time  surrounded  with  a wall.  (Notes,  Neh.  1:3.  2:12 
— 1G.  3:4:1 — 3.  Dan.  9:24 — 27.)  ‘The  Hebrew  word  (*nj)  . . . 
doth  not  properly  signify  a wall , but  o,  hedge  or  fence,  such  as 
were  made  for  the  folds  of  sheep.  Whereby  Ezra  expresses, 
(as  Huetius  well  notes,)  the  singular  care  of  God  of  them  ; 
who  being  “the  Shepherd  of  Israel,”  had  . . . brought  them 
back  into  their  ancient  folds,  wherein  he  preserved  them  safe, 
even  when  they  had  no  wall  to  defend  them,  under  the 
powerful  protection  of  the  king  of  Persia.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  10 — 12.  (Marg.  Ref.) — ‘What  shall  any  one  say  for 
such  a wretched  people  as  this,  . . . who  had  no  regard  to 
their  prophets,  nor  to  Moses  himself,  who  had  charged  them 
to  have  nothing  to  do  with  the  people  of  Canaan?  ...  Can 
we  expect  less  than  utter  destruction  of  this  small  remnant, 
when,  after  all  the  punishments  he  hath  inflicted  upon  us  for 
our  sins,  and  his  ceasing  to  punish  us,  and  rescuing  us  in  this 
manner  from  our  captivity,  we  return  to  those  sins  which  are 
so  odious  to  him,  because  so  expressly  against  his  command- 
ments?’ Bp.  Patrick. — Nor  seek  their  peace,  & c.  (12)  The 
Israelites  might  seek  the  conversion  of  the  heathen,  or  do 
them  acts  of  common  humanity  : hut  they  must  not  unite  in- 
terests with  them,  nor  seek  their  peace  or  prosperily  in  the 
land  of  Canaan,  whilst  they  continued  idolaters.  (Notc,Josfu 
23:11—13,  t>.  13.) 

V.  13,  14.  Both  the  judgments  and  mercies,  experienced 
by  the  people,  aggravated  the  guilt  of  their  transgressions  , 
which  would  now  speedily  fill  up  their  measure  of  iniquit}*, 
and  bring  final  and  total  ruin  upon  them,  except  they  took 
warnkig  in  time.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  15.  Though  the  Jews  had  endured  many  and  heavy 
sufferings,  yet  they  had  been  punished  less  than  they  de- 
served ; for  they  had  broken  their  covenant,  and  merited  utter 
ruin.  (13.  Note,  Lam.  3:21 — 23.)  Whatever  therefore 

should  hereafter  befall  them,  the  Lord  would  be  righteous  in 
his  dealing  with  them : and  if  they  were  yet  spared,  it  would 
be  entirely  the  effect  of  his  mercy. — Thus  Ezra  closed  his  ad- 
dress, without  adding  one  petition  to  his  humble  confessions. 
He  knew  not  what  to  say,  to  ask,  or  to  do.  He  could  say 
nothing  to  excuse  his  people;  he  was  sure  they  could  not 
stand  in  judgment  before  God.  He  dreaded  the  conse- 
quences ; yet  he  had  not  given  up  all  hopes,  llis  own  mind 
was  affected,  and  his  manner  could  scarcely  fail  to  affect 
others  : and  by  this  abrupt  conclusion,  us  one  who  was  as- 
sured that  the  righteous  Lord  would  do  what  was  right,  ho 
referred  the  whole  matter  to  him,  to  do  what  was  good  in  his 
sight.  (Notes,  10:1,2.  Josh.  7:0 — 0.  2 Sam.  24:12 — 14.) 

PRACTICA  I.  OBSEltV  ATIONS. 

V.  1 — 5.  Where  a profession  of  godliness  is  made  by 
great  numbers,  in  a way  which  appears  satisfactory  to  those 
who  behold  it  as  at  a distance  ; the  eye  of  God  often  per- 
ceives, and  careful  investigation  may  frequently  detect,  very 


B.  C.  457. 


CHAPTER  X. 


B.  C.  457 


CHAPTER  A. 

fTl-  people  veep  with  Ezra , 1.  Shechaniah  proposes  that  the  people  should 
divorce,  their  'leathen  wives,  arul  encourages  Ezra  to  attempt  this  ; who  re- 
quires the  priests,  awl  others,  to  engage  by  oath  so  to  do,  2—6.  By  procla- 
mation he  assembles  the  people , who  promise  to  comply,  6 — 14.  The  measure 
ts  regularly  carried  into  execution,  15—17.  The  names  of  those  who  put 
away  their  strange  wives,  18 — 14. 

NOW  “when  Ezra  had  prayed,  and  bwhen  he 
had  confessed,  cweepin"  and  casting  himself 
down  dbt  fore  the  house  of  God,  there  assembled 
unto  him  out  of  Israel  ea  very  great  congregation 
of  men  and  women  and  children  : for  the  people 
wept  "very  sore. 

2 And  1 Shechaniah  the  son  of  Jehiel,  one  of 
the  sons  of  eElain,  answered  and  said  unto  Ezra, 

a Dan.  9 3,4.10.  Acts  10:30.  b Lev.  26:40,41.  Ps.  32:5.  Hos.  14:2.  1 John  1:8 
— 10.  c Ps.  llH:  126.  Jer.  9:1.  13:17.  Zech.  12:10.  Luke  19:41.  Rom.  9:2. 
d l Kings  8:3J.  9:3.  2 Chr.  20:9.  e Deut.31:12.  2Chr.  20:13.  Neh.  10:28.  Joel 
2:16— 13.  Acts 21:. 1.  * Heb.  a great  weeping.  Jud".  2:4,5.  Neh.  8:9.  t' 26. 
Neh.  3:29.  g 2:7,31.  Neh.  7:12,31.  h Ex.  34:12.  Neb.  13:27.  i Ex.  34:6,7. 

shameful  practices:  and  those  useful  designs,  which  are  un- 
dertaken with  great  pleasure  and  sanguine  hopes,  will  seldom 
be  completed  without  many  anxious  and  painful  sensations. 
Those  who  deal  in  frivolous,  slanderous,  and  malicious  infor- 
malionSjarc  justly  the  objects  of  public  execration  : but  when 
a pious  regard  to  the  honour  of  God,  and  a disinterested 
concern  for  the  benefit  of  the  community,  induce  men  to  give 
information  of  gross  and  flagrant  abuses,  to  those  who  are 
authorized  to  repress  them ; they  perform  a most  useful  and 
honourable  service  : and  even  princes  may  glory  in  such  an 
employment,  though  the  criminals  will  generally  hate  and  re- 
vile them  for  it.  (Notcy  Gen.  37:2.)  Men,  who  pride  them- 
selves in  being  free  from  gross  iniquities,  often  venture  into 
die  very  path  which  leads  to  the  commission  of  them  : and 
even  the  miseries  of  sinners  in  the  ways  of  vice  fail  to  deter 
the  spectators  from  copying  their  examples. — If  we  would,  as 
the  servants  of  God,  “ a holy  seed,”  devoted  to  him  by  so- 
lemn covenant,  be  preserved  from  the  abominations  of  the 
wicked,  we  must  separate  from  their  society,  and  break  off 
all  connexions  with  them  : and  intermarriages,  between  his 
people  and  ungodly  persons,  have  in  all  ages  been  a success- 
ful device  of  Satan,  to  prevail  against  the  cause  of  truth  and 
righteousness,  and  .to  produce  apostacies,  superstitions,  ido- 
latry, or  impiety. — Too  often,  through  the  artifice  of  the 
enemy,  they,  who  should  warn  or  restrain  others,  sanction 
transgression  by  their  own  example,  and  by  protecting  the 
criminals  from  censure  or  punishment.  Indeed  formalists  of 
every  description  make  light  of  alliances  or  intimacies  with 
those  who  are  ungodly,  and  explain  away  the  exhortation  to 
u come  out  from  among  them  and  be  separate:”  but  those 
who  are  best  acquainted  with  the  word  of  God,  with  the 
human  heart,  and  with  the  history  of  the  church,  and  who  have 
the  most  affectionate  regard  for  the  souls  of  men,  view  the 
subject  in  another  manner.  They  mourn  over  such  transac- 
tions, arid  forebode  the  worst  of  consequences  from  them  ; 
and  are  constrained  most  solemnly  to  express  their  concern 
and  consternation.  But  alas!  the  evils,  which  are  allowed 
and  pleaded  for,  by  many  who  profess  to  be  44  the  holy  seed,” 
may  well  excite  our  astonishment  as  well  as  deep  regret : and 
we  ought  to  show  our  abhorrence  of  their  abominations  in  the 
most  earnest  and  decided  manner.  When  this  is  done  hv 
those  who  are  had  in  reputation  for  piety  or  wisdom,  it  will 
excite  the  attention  of  others,  and  cause  them  to  tremble  at 
the  words  of  God,  because  of  the  transgression  of  the  people  : 
and  this  will  produce  greater  watchfulness,  lead  to  self-exa- 
mination and  humiliation,  and  subserve  the  purposes  of  re- 
formation.— Silent  grief  and  astonishment  sometimes  form 
the  most  expressive  protestation  against  enormous  crimes  : 
and  when  men  speak  on  such  occasions,  it  may  be  more  ef- 
fectual to  address  themselves  to  God,  than  to  the  offenders. 

V.  6 — 15.  Whatever  may  afflict  our  hearts,  we  must  not 
yield  to  iliac  live  despondency,  but  arise  from  our  heaviness, 
to  spread  our  sorrows  before  the  Lord,  with  humble  and  re- 
verent devotion. — In  confessing  the  sins  of  churches,  or  na- 
tions, all  who  form  a part  of  them  should  bear  a share  : for 
every  individual  has,  one  way  or  other,  added  his  transgres- 
sions to  the  aggregate  of  guilt : and  all  arc  interested  in  the 
event,  and  stand  related  to  such  as  have  committed  those 
crimes,  from  which  they  have  been  preserved. — We  should 
endeavour  to  affect  ourselves  and  others  with  the  greatness 
and  heinousness  of  our  sins  : for  often,  when  we  think  little 
of  our  transgressions,  they  have  grown  up  even  to  the  hea- 
vens, and  are  ready  to  overwhelm  us  with  the  vengeance  of 
the  Almighty.— National  guilt  accumulates  from  age  to  age, 
whilst  children  copy  the  iniquities  of  their  fathers.  Hence 
spring  all  our  miseries  : yet  the  Lord  u punishes  us  less  than 
our  iniquities  deserve and  no  past  or  present  sufferings  will 
exempt  us  from  greater  in  future,  unless  41  we  repent  and  turn 
to  God,  and  do  works  meet  for  repentance.” — Every  respite, 
and  every  degree  of  former  mercies  and  privileges,  should  be 
thankfully  received : but  they  all  say  to  us,  44  Sin  no  more, 
lest  a worse  thing  come  unto  thee.'’  Even  the  gospel  and 
the  ordinances  of  God,  which  are  44  a nail  in  his  holy  place,” 
on  which  to  suspend  all  our  hopes  and  interests ; and  which 
are  given  us  to  lighte  l our  eyes,  and  to  deliver  us  from  our 
bondage,  and  to  he  a reviving  to  our  souls,  will  only  aggra- 
vate the  doom  of  those  who  rest  in  them,  and  go  on  in  their 


hWe  have  trespassed  against  our  God,  and  have 
taken  strange  wives  of  the  people  of  the  land: 
'yet  now  there  is  hope  :n  Israel  concerning  this 
thing. 

3 Wow  therefore  Met  us  make  a covenant  with 
our  God  to  tpiit.  away  all  the  wives,  and  such  as 
are  born  of  them,  ‘according  to  the  counsel  of  my 
lord,  and  mof  those  that  tremble  “at  the  com- 
mandment of  our  God;  and  Met  it  be  done 
according  to  the  law. 

4 rAnse  ; tfbr  this  matter  bclongeth  unto  thee  : 
rwe  also  will  be  with  thee : “he  of  good  courage, 
and  do  it. 


I..  55:6,7.  Jer.  3:12,13.  I John  !:7— 9.  k 2 Kings  11:17.  2 Chr.  29:10.  34:31,32. 
Neli.  9:33.  10:29,  &c.  T Heb.  bring  forth.  1 2 Chr.  30:12.  rn9:4.  2 Chr.  34: 
21,27.  Ps.  119:59,120.  18.66:2.  Ez.  9:4.  n Deut.  7:2,3.  Josh.  23:12,13.  o Neh. 
8:14.  13:1— 3.  Is.  8:20.  p Josh.  7:10,  Ac.  1 Chr.  22:16.19.  Kc.9:l0.  a Mark 
13:34.  r Josh.  1:16—18.  1 Chr.  23:10,21.  s Is.  35:3,4.  Heb.  10:24.  12:12,13. 


sins. — In  this  world  God  afflicts  sinners,  yet  spares  them,  that 
his  goodness  may  lead  them  to  repentance  : he  corrects,  but 
he  does  not  utterly  forsake,  his  people  : he  extends  mercy  to 
them,  by  disposing  others  to  be  kind  to  them  : yet  his  favour 
forms  their  best  security  and  comfort.  But  “ what  shall  we 
say,”  when  judgments,  mercies,  warnings,  and  respites  leave 
sinners  hardened  in  impenitence?  The  case  is  dreadful, and 
it  may  be  expected  that  the  Lord  will  be.  angry  with  them, 
until  they  are  consumed  without  remnant  or  escaping. — In- 
deed every  penitent,  reflecting  upon  his  own  conduct,  and 
comparing  it  with  his  mercies,  will  be  “ ashamed  and  blush 
before  God  his  mouth  will  be  stopped,  and  he  will  not 
know  what  to  say.  The  law  is  holy,  just,  and  good  : obedi- 
ence would  have  been  reasonable  and  profitable  ; his  guilt  is 
undeniable  and  inexcusable  : the  wrath  of  God  is  dreaded 
and  deserved  ; he  feels  himself  in  the  Lord’s  hands,  without 
plea,  or  power  to  escape.  “ It  is  of  his  mercies  that  he  is  not 
consumed,”  and  if  he  perish  the  Lord  will  be  righteous:  his 
only  hope  arises  from  a belief  of  abounding  grace,  and  he 
casts  himself  before  the  Lord  with  this  only  plea,  “God  be 
merciful  to  me  a sinner.”— Even  the  believer,  though  he  ha- 
bitually “ walks  in  newness  of  life,”  often  breaks  God’s  com- 
mandments, exposes  himself  to  rebukes  and  chastisements ; 
and  must  come  ashamed,  and.  confounded,  and  blushing  be- 
fore God,  on  account  of  his  foolish  and  ungrateful  conduct, 
and  again  adopting  the  publican’s  prayer.  Indeed  every 
individual  in  the  whole  church,  has  cause  to  wonder,  that  his 
ingratitude,  perverseness,  and  folly  have  not  wearied  out  the 
patience  of  God,  and  brought  utter  destruction  upon  him. 
What  then  must  be  the  case  of  the  ungodly  world  around  us  ? 
However,  though  the  true  penitent  has  nothing  to  plead  in  his 
own  behalf,  the  heavenly  Advocate  pleads  most  powerfully 
for  him  ; and  prevails  in  behalf  of  all  those  who  unfeignedly 
condemn  themselves,  and  cast  themselves  wholly  upon  the 
mercy  of  God,  through  his  atoning  blood. 

NOTES. — Chap.  X.  V.  1.  The  exceedingly  deep  sor- 
row and  consternation  of  so  eminent  a person  as  Ezra,  who 
had  come  to  Jerusalem,  with  so  ample  and  favourable  a com- 
mission from  the  king  of  Persia,  and  with  such  pious  and  be- 
neficent purposes  ; with  his  prayer,  and  most  humble  confes- 
sion of  deep  criminality,  were  no  doubt  speedily  reported  all 
over  the  city;  and  the  high  esteem  generally  entertained  ol 
his  piety  and  wisdom,  induced  the  people  seriously  to  reflect 
upon  their  conduct,  and  its  consequences:  so  that  numbers, 
of  their  own  accord,  gathered  arpuna  the  governor,  and 
united  with  him  in  lamentations  and  humiliation  before  God. 
And,  the  alarm  becoming  general,  even  the  women  and  chil- 
dren joined  the  assembly  in  the  court  of  the  temple;  pro- 
bably fearing  lest  the  wrath  of  God  should  immediately  be 
poured  out  upon  them. 

V.  2.  Shechaniah  is  not  mentioned  among  those  who 
were  guilty  : but  his  father  and  several  of  his  relations  arc. 
( Note , 20—43,  v.  2G.)  He  spoke,  however,  as  one  cf  the 
offending  community,  though  not  personally  criminal  ; and 
he  would  not  be  deterred  from  decisive  measures  by  regard 
to  his  nearest  relatives. — Probably  he  observed  that  Ezra 
was  too  desponding,  and  ready  to  conclude  that  reformation 
would  be  impracticable,  where  so  many  of  the  chief  persons 
were  concerned.  (A Totes,  Num.  25:4 — 15.)  But  he  perceived 
very  favourable  symptoms  in  the  case.  The  people  were 
generally  convinced  of  their  guilt  and  danger,  and  the  most 
daring  criminals  would  not  venture  to  oppose  the  general 
opinion  of  the  governor  and  the  congregation.  There  “was 
therefore  hope  in  Israel  concerning  'his  thing  ;”  an  effectual 
reform  might  be  made;  and  then  the  Lord. would  turn  from 
his  fierce  wrath  against  them,  as  “he  delighted  in  mercy.” 

V.  3.  (Marg.  Kef.) — To  put  away,  &c.]  This  is  not 
any  where  expressly  commanded  in  the  law  ; yet  the  spirit 
of  the  precept  seemed  to  require  it.  (JVoles,  9:1 — 4.  Ex. 
34:11—17.  Josh.  23:11—13,  v.  13.  Neh.  13:23—30.)  The 
prohibition  of  marriages  with  idolaters  was  given  to  prevent 
temptations  to  idolatry  : and  retaining  an  idolatrous  wife 
formed  a continual  temptation.  Divorces  were  permitted  to 
the  Israelites,  by  the  judicial  law,  to  prevent  worse  conse- 
quences; but  the  seducing  of  a man  to  idolatry  was  I he 
worst  conseqnei  ce  imaginable.  This  measure  would  also 
tend  to  prevent  the  contracting  of  such  marriages  in  future 

a ( 827  ) 


B.  C.  457. 


EZRA. 


B.  C.  457, 


5 H Then  'arose  Ezra,  and  "made  the  chief 
priests,  the  Levites,  arid  all  Israel,  to  swear  that 
they  should  do  according  to  this  word.  And 
they  sware. 

6 IF  Then  Ezra  rose  up  from  before  the  house 
of  God,  and  went  into  *tne  chamber  of  Jjohanan 
the  son  of  Eliashib:  and  when  he  came  thither, 
‘he  did  eat  no  bread,  non  drink  water:  for  ahe 
mourned  because  of  the  transgression  of  them 
that  had  been  carried  away. 

7 And  bthey  made  proclamation  throughout 
Judah  and  Jerusalem  unto  all  the  children  of  the 
captivity,  that  they  should  gather  themselves 
together  unto  Jerusalem ; 

8 And  ‘that  whosoever  would  not  come  within 
three  days,  according  to  the  counsel  of  the 

rinces  and  the  elders,  all  his  substance  should 
e "forfeited,  and  ''himself separated  from  the  con- 
gregation of  those  that  had  been  carried  away. 

[Practical  Observations .] 

9 IF  Then  all  the  men  of  Judah  and  Benjamin 
gathered  themselves  together  unto  Jerusalem 
within  three  days.  It  was  ethe  ninth  month,  and 
the  twentieth  day  of  the  month ; and  all  the 
people  sat  in  the  street  of  the  house  of  God, 
t trembling  because  of  this  matter,  and  for  the 
'great  rain. 

10  And  Ezra  the  priest  stood  up,  and  said 
unto  them,  Ye  have  transgressed,  and  have 
‘taken  strange  wives  "to  increase  the  trespass  of 
Israel. 

11  Now  therefore  hmake  confession  unto  the 


tPro*.  1:5.  9:9.  15:23.  25:11,12  . 27-9.  u 3.  Neh.  5:12.  10:29.  13:25.  Mult.  26: 
63.  i Neh.  13:5.  v Neh.  3:1,20.  12:10,22.13:28.  zDeul.9:18.  Job23:12. 

John  4:31 — 31.  a 9:4.  Is.  22:12.  Dan. 9:3.  b 1:1 . 2Chr.30:5.  c7:26.  Juris. 
21:5.  1 Sam.  11:7.  • Heb.  devoted.  Lev.  27:28.  Josh.  6:19.  d Neh.  13:3. 

Matt. 18:17.  John  9:22,34.  1G:2.  lCor.5:13.  e 7:8,9.  Esth.2:l6.  flSam. 
12:17,18.  Jer.  10:10,13.  f Heb.  showers.  % Heb.  caused  to  dwell,  or  brought 
back,  g 9:6.  Num.  32:14.  Josh.  22:17,18.  2 Chr.  28:13.  Mutt.  23:32.  h Lev. 
26:40—42.  Josh.  7:19.  Ps.  32:5.  Prov.  28:13.  Jer.  3:13.  1 John  1:7—9.  i Is.  1: 


‘ That  which  was  done  contrary  to  the  law  of  God,  was 
looked  upon  as  null,  and  therefore  these  were  accounted  no 
marriages;  and  their  children  . . . were  not  to  be  a part  of 
the  family,  but  to  be  put  away  with  their  mothers.  . . . Being 
educated  in  superstition,  they  might  corrupt  other  children.’ 
Bp.  Patrick.  It  is  probable,  however,  that  none  were  put 
away,  but  such  as  continued  idolaters ; and  that  they  were 
provided  for  out  of  the  estates  of  those  who  divorced  them. 
It  does  not  appear,  whether  the  children  were  generally  sent 
away  with  their  mothers,  or  not : but  doubtless  such  were 
provided  for,  as  were  not  admitted  into  the  congregation  of 
the  Lord.  ( Note , 10,11.)  Under  the  New  Testament,  the 
marriages  of  believers  with  ungodly  persons  are  evidently 
sinful,  and  of  very  bad  consequence : yet  when  contracted 
they  must  not  be  dissolved.  The  partition- wall  between  Jews 
and  Gentiles  is  broken  down ; such  matters  are  determined 
by  the  municipal  laws  of  every  country ; and  divorces,  ex- 
cept for  adultery,  are  expressly  disallowed.  ( Notes , Malt. 
5:31,32.  19:3—9.  Mark.  10:2—12.  1 Cor.  7:10—16.) 

V.  4,  5.  Shechaniah’s  mind  being  more  composed  than 
Ezra’s,  perceived  that  it  was  a favourable  crisis  for  action: 
so  that  he  exhorted  him,  instead  of  indulging  grief  and 
yielding  to  heartless  dejection,  to  arise  and  exercise  his  au- 
thority, according  to  the  commission  of  Artaxerxes;  and 
assured  him  of  the  hearty  assistance  of  himself  and  others  in 
the  arduous  attempt.  ( Note,  Josh.  7:10 — 12.)  Thus  en- 
couraged, Ezra  entertertained  hopes  of  remedying  the  evil, 
and  immediately  engaged  all  present,  by  a solemn  oath,  to 
concur  in  this  design. — 4 The  commission  given  to  Ezra, 
supposing  a full  leave  to  the  people  to  live  according  to 
the  law,  enabled  him  to  govern  them  by  it,  yea,  to  swear 
them  to  observe  it;  for  he  might  do  whatsoever  he  found 
necessary  to  keep  them  in  obedience.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  6.  He  did  eat , &c.]  Some  render  the  words  u Until 
he  came  thither,  he  had  neither  eaten  bread,  nor  drunk 
water.”  He  had  no  heart  to  take  food,  till  the  prospect  of 
reformation  opened  to  him ; but  spent  his  time  in  fasting, 
weeping,  and  prayer. 

V.  7,  8.  Marg.  Ref. — All  his  substance , &c.  (8)  That 
is,  his  estate  should  be  confiscated,  and  put  among  the 
sacred  treasures,  and  he  should  be  treated  as  a heathen, 
and  denied  the  privileges  of  a Jew.  (Marg.  Notes,  Lev. 
27:28,29.  Josh.  6:17 — 19.)  4 In  the  Hebrew  devoted;  which 

signifies,  that  his  goods  were  to  be  so  forfeited,  as  to  become 
sacred  to  God ; and  so  incapabable  to  be  restored  to  the  for- 
mer owner,  being  put  into  the  treasury  of  God’s  house.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. — Doubtless,  reasonable  excuses  would  be  ad- 
mitted : and  the  punishment  was  only  inflicted  on  the  refrac- 
tory, and  those  who  showed  a determination  to  oppose  the 
measure.  Ezra  was  authorized  to  punish  such  persons  more 
severely;  (7:26.)  but  he  was  not  disposed  to  put  anyone 
«o  death,  if  it  could  be  avoided. 

I 828  > 


Lord  God  of  your  fathers,  and  'do  his  pleasure : 
and  ^separate  yourselves  lrom  the  people  of  the 
land,  'and  from  the  strange  wives. 

12  Then  all  the  congregation  answered  and 
said  with  a loud  voice,  As  thou  hast  said,  mso 
must  we  do. 

13  But  “the  people  are  man) , and  it  is  a time 
of  much  rain,  and  we  are  not  able  to  stand 
without,  neither  is  this  a work  of  one  day  or 
two:  for  §we  are  many  that  have  transgressed  in 
this  thing. 

14  Let  now  °our  rulers  of  all  the  congregation 
stand,  and  let  all  them  which  have  taken  strange 
wives  in  our  cities  come  at  appointed  times,  and 
with  them  the  elders  of  every  city,  and  the  judges 
thereof,  until  nhe  fierce  wrath  of  our  God  "for 
this  matter  be  turned  from  us. 

15  IF  Only  Jonathan  the  son  of  Asahel  and 
Jahaziah  the  son  of  Tikvah  "were  employed 
about  this  matter:  and  sMeshullam  and  rShab- 
bethai  the  Levite  helped  them. 

16  And  the  children  of  the  captivity  did  so. 
And  Ezra  the  priest,  with  certain  chief  of  the 
fathers,  after  the  house  of  their  fathers,  and  all  of 
them  by  their  names,  were  separated,  and  sat. 
down  in  the  first  day  of  the  tenth  month  sto 
examine  the  matter. 

17  And  they  made  an  end  with  all  the  men 

that  had  taken  strange  wives  by  the  first  rB.  c. 
day  of  the  first  month.  L ise. 

18  IF  And  among  ‘the  sons  of  the  priests  there 
were  found  that  had  taken  strange  wives : namely, 

16—18.56:4.  Rom.  12:2.  Col.  1:10.  Heb.  13:21.  k 9:1 . Neh.  13:3.  2 Cor. 
6:17.  1 Deut.  7:3,4.  I Cor.  2:12— H.  m 3,4.  Neh.  13:23.  Ps.  78:37,57.  n 18— 
44.  Matt.  7:13,14.  § Or,  toe  have  greatly  offended,  o Deut.  17:9,18,19.  2 Clir. 
19:5—7.  p Num.  25:4.  Deut.  13.17.  Josh.  7:26.  2Chr.29:lU.  Ps.  78:38.  Is.  12< 
1.  II  Or,  be  turned  f>om  us  till  this  matter  be  despatched.  V,  Heb.sfootL 
q Neh.  3:6.  10:20.  12':33.  r Neh.  11:16.  s Deut.  13: 14.  Job  29:16.  t9:l.  Le?. 
21:7,13—15.  1 Sara.  2:22-24.  Neh.  13:28.  Jer.  23:11,14.  Ez.  44:22.  Mai.  2:8,9. 
1 Tim.  3:11. 


V.  9.  For  the  greed  ram.]  The  periodical  rains,  common 
at  that  season,  seem  to  have  been  more  abundant  than  usual, 
and  as  no  building  could  be  large  enough  to  contain  the 
whole  multitude  ; this  providential  circumstance  added  to 
their  distress,  and  seemed  an  indication  of  the  divine  dis- 
pleasure. (Note,  Jer.  3:2,3.) 

V.  10,  11.  (Marg.  Ref.)  As  Ezra  mentions  only  the 
strange  wives,  and  not  their  children,  some  think  that  the 
children  were  retained,  and  brought  up  in  the  Jewish  reli- 
gion.— ‘Though  Shecaniah  propounded  the  putting  away 
the  children  also;  (3)  yet  it  maybe  thought  that  Ezra,  to 
whom  the  matter  was  referred,  mitigated  the  severity  of  it ; 
because  we  do  not  read  any  thing  of  them,  but  only  of  the 
wives,  when  he  came  to  order  what  should  be  done.  ’ Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  12 — 14.  The  congregation  at  once  declared  their 
readiness  to  divorce  their  heathen  wives,  in  all  cases  where 
it  was  determined  to  be  their  duty:  but  the  difficulties  of  the 
business  would  require  more  consideration  than  could  be 
given  them,  in  their  present  situation,  and  by  a popular  as- 
sembly. They  therefore  proposed,  that  the  principal  counsel 
or  senate  should  convene  at  Jerusalem,  who  might  summon 
before  them  the  parties  concerned,  from  every  city,  together 
with  the  judges  and  elders  of  their  cities ; and  so  deliberately 
investigate  and  decide  upon  every  case  ; that  the  business 
might  be  settled  effectually,  and  in  an  unexceptionable  man- 
ner.— It  would  be  needful  to  determine,  whether  the  women 
had  been  proselyted,  either  before  or  after  marriage  ; w bo- 
ther they  had  relapsed  into  idolatry,  or  shown  a propensity 
to  do  so;  or  whether  they  had  given  satisfactory  evidences, 
that  they  had  sincerely  embraced  the  Jewish  religion.  These 
and  many  other  similar  questions  must  be  resolved,  before 
sentence  was  denounced;  and  this  would  take  up  much  time. 
The  proposal  was  therefore  very  reasonable  : Ezra  readily 
acceded  to  it,  and  thus  the  busi:  css  was  peaceably  and 
happily  terminated. 

V.  15.  Ezra  and  the  chief  persons  in  the  nation,  as 
forming  a council,  decided  on  the  several  cases  brought  be* 
fore  them  : and  on  this  ground  some  think,  that  the  four  per- 
sons here  mentioned,  and  no  more,  opposed  the  measure. 
The  words  indeed  may  bear  that  sense:  yet  the  more  gereraj 
opinion  is,  that  these  four  men  were  appointed  by  the  council, 
to  bring  the  business  before  them  in  due  form. 

V.  16,  17.  The  cases,  brought  before  the  council,  were 
either  so  man}',  or  so  complicated;  that  though  they  sepa- 
rated themselves  from  other  employments,  to  attend  on  his 
exclusively,  they  were  three  months  in  finishing  it.  7 ms 
took  place  just  a year  after  Ezra  left  Babylon. 

V.  18,  19.  No  doubt  Jcshua  died  many  years  before  tms 
transaction:  (Note,  7:1 — 5.)  but  his' descendants  bad  set  a 
very  pernicious  example  to  the  people.  They,  however, 
were  the  first  to  confess  and  forsake  then  lin,  and  also  to 


* 


B.  C.  456. 


CHAPTER  X.  B.  C.  456 


of  the  sons  of  'Joshua,  the  son  of  Jozadak,  and 
his  brethren  : ^Maaseiah,  and  Eliezer,  and  Jarib, 
and  Gedalian. 

19  And  they  'gave  their  hands  that  they  would 
put  away  their  wives ; and  being  guilty,  .they 
offered  »a  ram  of  the  flock  for  their  trespass. 

20  And  of  the  sons  of  bImmer ; Hanani,  and 
Zebadiah. 

21  And  of  the  sons  of  "Harim ; Maaseiah,  and 
Elijah,  and  Shemaiah,  and  Jehiel,  and  Uzziah. 

22  And  of  the  sons  of  dPashur ; Elioenai, 
Maaseiah,  Ishmael,  Nathaneel,  Jozabad,  and 
Elasah. 

23  Also  of  the  Levites;  'Jozabad,  and  Shemei, 
and  Kelaiah,  (the  same  is  ' Kelita,)  Pethahiah, 
Judah,  and  Eliezer. 

24  Of  the  singers  also ; Eliashib  : and  of  the 
porters;  Shallum,  and  Telem,  and  Uri. 

25  Moreover  of  Israel : of  the  sons  of  eParosh; 
Ramiah,  and  Jeziah,  and  Malchiah,  and  Miamin, 
and  Eleazar,  and  Malchijah,  and  Benaiah. 

26  And  of  the  sons  of  hElam  ; Mattaniah,  Ze- 
chariah,  and  ‘Jehiel,  and  Abdi,  and  Jeremoth, 
and  Eliah. 

27  And  of  the  sons  of  kZattu ; Elioenai, 
Eliashib,  Mattaniah,  and  Jeremoth,  and  Zabad, 
an^  Aziza. 

i See  on  2:2.  3:2.  5:2.  1 Chr.  6:14,15.  Neh.  12:10.  Hag.  1:1.  Zech. 

31.  Joshua.  yNeh.  8:4,7.  i 2 Kings  10:15.  IChr. 29:24.  2 Chr.  30:8. 
Mar^.  1 .am.  5.6.  Gal.  2:9.  a Lev.  5.16.  6:6.  1,2:37.  1 Chr.  24:14.  Neh.  7:40. 
c2  39.  1 Chr. 24:8.  Neh.7:42.  d 2:38.  1 Chr.  9:12.  Neh. 7:41.  e8:33.  Neh. 
11:16.  fN'eh.  10:10.  g 2:3.  Neh.  7:8.  h 2.  2:7,31.  8:7.  Neh. 7:12, 34.  i2. 


present  a trespass-offering  on  that  account ; ‘ which  some 
think  all  the  rest  made  after  their  example.’  Bp.  Patrick. 
( Marg.  Ref. ) 

V.  20 — 43.  Marg.  Ref. — Jehiel.  (2G)  Note,  2.  ‘This 
was  Shechaniah’s  father  ; though  his  father  and  kindred  were 
guilty  of  this  crime,  which  Ezra  bewailed,  he  did  not  slick  to 
speak  his  mind  how  it  ought  to  be  punished.  An  admirable 
example  of  zealous  integrity.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

Y.  44.  Providence  had  so  ordered  it,  that  not  many  of  the 
people  had  children  by  their  heathen  wives.  Thus  the  sepa- 
ration was  more  easily  effected  : and  at  the  same  time  it  was 
a token  of  the  divine  disapprobation  of  such  marriages. — 
Perhaps  these  were  the  principal  persons  who  were  criminal ; 
for  all  circumstances  combine  to  induce  an  opinion,  that  a far 
greater  number  were  concerned  than  those  here  expressed 
by  name. — Ezra  continued  nearly  twelve  years  after  this  in 
authority  at  Jerusalem,  no  doubt  zealously  labouring  to  pro- 
mote a revival  of  true  religion.  And  in  many  ways  he  esta- 
blished the  ecclesiastical  state  of  the  Jews  : though  he  seems 
not  to  have  been  so  well  qualified  as  his  successor  Nehemiah, 
to  attend  to  the  civil  government,  to  defend  the  city  and  state 
against  enemies  and  invaders,  and  to  effect  outward  reforma- 
tion by  the  authority  of  the  magistrate.  Accordingly  he  is 
introduced  in  the  ensuing  book,  as  well  employed  in  his  pro- 
per line,  though  superseded  by  Nehemiah  in  his  civil  autho- 
rity. {Notes,  1 Sam.  12;23.  Neh.  8:1 — 8.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 8.  Genuine  humiliation  before  God,  and  sorrow  for 
sin,  always  produce  “ works  meet  for  repentance.”  Yet  they 
who  are  greatly  affected  with  the  view  of  the  evil  and  aggra- 
vation of  their  own  sins,  or  those  of  the  community  to  which 
they  belong,  are  in  danger  of  being  “ swallowed  up  by  over- 
much sorrow,”  and  so  discouraged  from  present  duty.  In 
this  case  the  grounds  of  hope  should  be  pointed  out  to  them ; 
and  so  rich  is  the  mercy  of  God  through  the  great  Redeemer, 
that  there  is  always  encouragement  for  those  who  are  willing 
to  accept  of  his  salvation  : and  when  the  most  atrocious  cri- 
minals humbly  mourn  on  account  of  their  sins,  and  tremble 
at  his  word,  there  is  good  reason  to  expect  that  they  will  obey 
his  commands. — In  order  to  affect  others  with  godly  sorrow 
and  hatred  of  sin,  or  holy  love  and  gratitude,  we  must  our- 
selves be  greatly  affected  : for  evident  earnestness  in  these 
important  concerns  is  far  more  impressive  upon  the  mind,  by 
a kind  of  holy  sympathy,  than  the  most  laboured  eloquence  or 
reasoning.  Indeed  the  effect  of  such  earnestness  frequently 
bsars  a proportion  to  the  rank,  reputation,  piety,  or  wisdom 
of  him  who  is  thus  affected : so  that  the  silent  grief  and  con- 
sternation, or  the  humblo  prayers  and  confessions  of  one 
eminent  person  may,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  excite  serious 
tlanns  and  inquiries  among  great  multitudes.  These  are 
critical  seasons,  and  call  for  decision  in  proposing  and  ex- 
ecuting measures  of  extensive  and  durable  usefulness.  Yet 
vehement  passions  in  those  to  whom  great  concerns  belong, 


28  Of  the  sons  also  of  Behai ; Jeholianan, 
Hananiah,  Zabbai,  and  Athlai. 

29  And  of  the  sons  of  "'Bani ; Me.*,  lllam,  "Mai 
luch,  and  Adaiah,  Jashub,  and  ftheal,  and  Ramotb. 

30  And  of  the  sons  of  °Paliath-moab;  Adna. 
and  Chelal,  Benaiah,  Maaseiah,  Mattaniah,  Be- 
zaleel,  and  Binnui,  and  Manasseh. 

31  And  of  the  sons  of  pH  a rim;  Eliezer,  Ishijah, 
sMalchiah,  Shemaiah,  Shimeon, 

32  Benjamin,  Maluch,  and  Shemariah. 

33  Of  the  sons  of  "Hashum;  Mattenai,  Mat- 
tatliah,  Zabad,  Eliphelet,  Jeremai,  Manasseh, 
and  Shimei. 

34  Of  the  sons  of  sBani ; Maadai,  Amram, 
and  Uel, 

35  Benaiah,  Bedeiah,  Chelluh, 

36  Vaniah,  Meremoth,  Eliashib, 

37  Mattaniah,  Mattenai,  and  Jaasau, 

38  And  Bani,  and  Binnui,  Shimei, 

39  And  Shelemiah,  and  Nathan,  and  Adaiah, 

40  'Machnadebai,  Shashai,  Sbarai, 

41  Azareel,  and  Shelemiah,  Shemariah, 

42  Shallum,  Amariah,  and  Joseph. 

43  Of  the  sons  of  ‘Nebo  ; Jeiel,  Mattithiah, 
Zabad,  Zebina,  Jadau,  and  Joel,  Benaiah.  • 

44  All  these  had  taken  "strange  wives:  and  some 
of  them  had  wives  by  whom  they  had  children. 


k 2:8.  Neh.  7:13,  12:11.  3:11.  Neh.  7:16.  m2:10.  Neh.  7:15.  Itirmii.  nNeh. 
10:4.  o 2:6.  8:4  . Neh.  7:11.  p 2:32.  Neh.  7:35.  q Neh.  3:11.  Malchijah. 
r2:I9.  Neh.  7:22.  s 29.  * Or,  Mabnadebai,  according  to  some  copies.  I 2; 

29.  Neh. 7:33.  uProv.2:16.  5:3,20. 


are  attended  bv  considerable  disadvantages  ; and  far  inferior 
persons  may  give  seasonable  advice,  suggest  suitable  en- 
couragement, or  propose  adequate  assistance. — We  cannot 
too  solemnly  engage  ourselves  and  each  other,  to  renounce 
all  interests,  connexions,  or  indulgences,  which  are  contrary 
to  the  law  of  God.  And  when  leading  men  set  the  example, 
and  then  propose  the  same  things  to  owners,  many  may  be 
prevailed  on  by  conviction,  fear,  or  shame  : and  thus  opposi- 
tion will  be  prevented,  or  rendered  ineffectual. — Excessive 
sorrow,  terror,  and  self-abasement ; and  a great  engagement 
of  heart  about  the  things  of  God  and  the  eternal  world,  indis- 
pose us  to  animal  recreation : so  that  fasting  then  becomes  a 
natural  expression  of  our  feelings,  as  well  as  a suitable  con- 
comitant of  our  prayers  and  supplications.— Fervent  affec- 
tions should  not  be  allowed  to  subside,  till  our  most  beloved 
sins  have  been  renounced  ; and  we  should  11  know  no  man 
after  the  flesh,”  when  a revival  of  pure  religion  is  attempted. 
(Note,  2 Cor.  5:16.) 

V.  9 — 44.  That  which  must  be  done,  should  be  set  about 
without  delay : they  are  not  worthy  of  the  privileges  of  God’s 
people,  who  will  not  concur  in  promoting  obedience  to  his 
commandments  : and  those  deserve  severe  punishment  from 
the  civil  magistrate,  who  oppose  his  authority,  especially 
when  he  is  doing  his  duty  according  to  the  oracles  of  God. — 
When  the  frowns  of  Providence  unite  with  the  terrors  of  an 
awakened  conscience,  to*  distress  the  trembling  sinner,  he 
becomes  an  object  of  deep  compassion  : and  though  no  favour 
must  be  shown  to  his  sins,  much  tenderness  should  be  exer- 
cised to  his  person.—  The  most  effectual  divorce  from  lucra- 
tive or  beloved  sms,  is  generally  preceded  by  examination  and 
deliberation  : for  that  which  is  hastily  resolved,  seldom  proves 
durable. — Cases,  at  first  sight  similar,  upon  mature  investi- 
gation appear  very  different : and  in  correcting  abuses,  cau- 
tion and  compassion  should  unite  with  impartiality  and  deci- 
sion; that  there  may  be  no  subsequent  cause  for  reasonable 
complaint. — When  sin  is  repented  of  and  forsaken,  God  will 
mercifully  forgive  : but  the  blood  of  Christ,  ouf.  Sin-offering, 
is  the  only  atonement  which  takes*  away  the  guilt  of  it. — No 
apparent  repentance,  amendment,  or  restitution,  will  benefit 
those  who  reject  this  propitiation  ; for  their  self-dependence 
proves  them  still  unhumbled. — It  is  peculiarly  afflicting  to  a 
pious  mind,  (though,  alas ! exceedingly  common,)  to  see 
those  who  fill  up  the  most  important,  stations  in  society,  or 
the  most  sacred  offices  in  the  church,  and  who  are  related  to 
the  most  excellent  persons,  leading  the  way,  and  setting  the 
example,  in  the  most  evident  violation  of  the  divine  law  ! But 
when  they  confess  and  forsake  their  sins,  avowing  publicly 
their  dependence  on  the  atoning  blood  of  the  Saviour  ; their 
pattern  in  these  respects  may  in  some  measure  counter- 
balance the  effects  of  their  former  misconduct:  and  all  the 
names  which  are  written  in  the  book  of  life,  are  those  o. 
penitent  believing  sinners  ; not  of  the  self-righteous  who  think 
that  they  have  no  need  of  repentance. 

( 829  ) 


THE 


v 


BOOK  OF  NEHEMIAH. 


1 ais  bonk  resumes  the  history  of  the  Jews,  about  twelve  years  after  the  close  of  the  book  of  Ezra  ; anil  contains  the  latest  canonical 
records  of  the  nation  till  the  days  of  Christ ; reaching  down  to  about  a hundred  and  ten  years  alter  the  captivity.  I'  was  evidently 
written  by  Nehemiah  himself,  who  throughout  speaks  in  the  first  person  : and  probably  it  was  received  among  the  canonical 
Scriptures  by  Ezra  and  his  assistants  or  successors. — Nehemiah,  a Jew,  the  cupbearer  to  Artaxerxes  king  of  Pei  da,  hearing  ol 
the  distressed  slate  of  his  countrymen  ; in  great  affliction  petitions  him  for  leave  to  go  up  to  Jerusalem  as  governor,  with  a commis- 
sion to  rebuild  the  walls,  and  to’ provide  for  the  security  anil  the  prosperity  of  his  people.  Having  obtained  his  request,  he  executes 
his  commission  lor  twelve  years  with  great  success.  After  which  he  returtis  to  Artaxerxes,  but  at  length  comes  back  to  Jeru- 
salem ; and  employs  various  measures  to  promote  the  prosperity  of  the  Jews,  and  the  reformation  of  abuses.— The  frequent  devout 
ejaculations  with  which  the  narrative  is  interrupted,  are  peculiar  to  this  pious  writer:  and  his  zeal,  activity,  and  disinterestedness 
are  well  worthy  of  imitation  ; especially  by  those  employed  in  arduous  undertakings,  for  the  good  of  the  church  or  the  commu- 
nity.— This  book  has  many  internal  proofs  of  divine  inspiration,  and  always  has  been  considered  by  the  Jews  as  a part  of  their 
sacred  Scriptures,  arid  indeed  as  a continuation  of  the  book  of  Ezra  : it  does  not,  however,  seem  to  contain  any  prophecies,  nor  is 
it  explicitly  referred  to  in  the  New  Testament. 


B.  C.  446. 

CHAPTER  I. 

Nehemiah , being  informed  of  the  afflicted  state  of  the  Jews,  mourns , fasts  and 
prays,  1 — 4.  His  prayer,  5 — 11. 

THE'  words  of  aNehemiah  the  son  of  Ha- 
chaliah.  And  it  came  to  pass  bin  the  month 
Chisleu,  cin  the  twentieth  year,  as  I was  din 
Shushan  the  palace, 

2  That  eHanani,  one  of  my  brethren,  came, 
he  and  certain  men  of  Judah;  and  (I  asked  them 
concerning  the  Jews  ?that  had  escaped,  which  were 
left  of  the  captivity,  and  concerning  Jerusalem. 

3  And  they  said  unto  me,  The  remnant  that 
are  left  of  the  captivity  there  in  hthe  province 
are  'in  great  affliction  and  kreproach  : 'the  wall  of 
Jerusalem  also  is  broken  down,  and  the  gates 
thereof  are  burned  with  fire. 

4  11  And  it  'came  to  pass,  when  I heard  these 
words,  that  raI  sat  down  and  wept,  and  mourned 
certain  days,  and  fasted,  and  prayed  before  "the 

God  of  heaven,  [ Practical  Observations.] 

5  And  said,  I beseech  thee,  0 Lord  God  of 
heaven,  “the  great  and  terrible  God,  that  Pkeepeth 
covenant  and  mercy  for  them  that  love  him  and 
observe  his  commandments  : 

6  Let  sthine  ear  now  be  attentive,  and  thine 
eyes  open,  that  thou  mayest  hear  the  prater  of 
thy  servant,  which  I pray  before  thee  now,  rday 

a 10: 1 . b Ezra  10:9.  Zech.7:l.  c Ezra  7:7.  d Esth.  1:2.  3:15.  Dan.  8:2.  e 7: 
2.  fPs.  122:6—9.  137:5,6.  g Ezra  9:8,9,14.  Jer.  44:14.  Kz.  6:9.  7:16.24:26,27. 
h7:6.  11:3.  Ezra  2: 1 . 5:8.  Esth. 1:1.  i 9:36,37.  Ps. 44:11— 14.  Is.  32:9— 14. 
k 1 Kings  9:7.  Ps.  79:4.  Is.  43:28.  Jer.  24:9.  29:18.  42: 18.  44:8-12.  12:17. 

2 Kings  25:10.  Is.  5:5.  Jer.  5:10.  39.8.  52:14.  in  1 Sam.  4:17— 22.  Ezra  10:1. 
Ps.  69:9,10.  102:13,14.  137:1.  Dan.  9:3.  Zeph.3:18.  Rom. 12:15.  n2:4.  Ezra 
5:11,12.  I -an.  2:18.  Jon.  1:9.  o4:14.  Dent.  7:21.  I ( hr.  17:21.  Ps.  47:2.  Dan. 
9:4.  p Ex.  20:6.  Dent.  7:9.  1 Kings  8:23.  Heb.  6: 13— 18.  q 1 Kings  8:28,29. 
2 Chr.  6:40.  Ps.  34:15.  130:2.  Dan.  9:17,18.  r 1 Sam.  15:11.  Ps.  55. 17.  88: 1 . 
Luke  2 37.  18:7.  1 Tim.  5.5.  2 Tim.  1:3.  s Ezra  9:6,7.  10:1 1 . Is.  64:6,7.  Lam. 
3:39—42.  Dan.  9:4,20.  t 2 Chr.  28:10.  29:6.  Ps.  106:6.  Is.  6:5.  Lam.  5:7.  Eph. 


NOTES. — Chap.  I.  V.  1.  This  book  is  here  called, 
44  The  words”  (or,  as  it  may  be  rendered,  44  The  actions”)  of 
44  Nehemiah,”  that  is,  the  history  of  the  services  which  he 
performed  to  the  Jewish  church  and  state. — It  is  uncertain  to 
what  tribe  or  family  Nehemiah  belonged,  though  tradition 
records  that  he  was  of  the  tribe  of  Judah. — His  father  Hacha- 
liah  seems  to  have  obtained  a settlement  in  the  city  of  Shu- 
shan, or  Susa,  the  capital  of  Persia,  where  the  kings  had  a 
royal  palace  ; and  thus  his  son  Nehemiah  became  cup- 
bearer to  Artaxerxes.  This  was  a place  of  great  trust,  honour, 
and  emolument ; and  it  was  peculiarly  desired  by  those  who 
sought  preferment,  because  it  gave  access  to  the  king  at  those 
seasons  of  hilarity,  when  men  are  most  disposed  to  grant 
favours. — Nehemiah  was  cupbearer  to  the  same  Artax- 
erxes who  before  commissioned  Ezra.  (Note,  Ezra  7:1 — 
5.) — The  month  Chisleu  coincides  with  part  of  our  Novem- 
ber and  part  of  December.— Twentieth  year.\  2:1.  Ezra  7:8. 

V.  2.  It  is  supposed,  that  Hanani,  the  brother  of  Nehe- 
niiah,  and  some  other  Jews,  came  to  Shushan,  in  order  to  so- 
lvit help  from  the  king  against^their  enemies.  (Note,  7:2,3.) 
— Nehemiah’s  slation  in  the  Persian  court  had  hitherto  pre- 
vented his  going  to  Jerusalem  : but  he  was  an  eminently  godly 
man,  and  deeply  concerned  about  the  city  and  temple  of  God, 
and  the  condition  of  his  brethren  in  Judea. 

V.  3.  Ezra’s  commission,  and  his  attention,  had  chiefly 
respected  the  state  of  religion,  and  the  re-establishment  of 
the  affairs  of  the  Jewish  church  : and  he  was  not  empowered 
or  enabled  to  fortify  the  city,  or  to  repel  the  hostile  attempts 
of  the  enemies  of  his  people.  It  is  supposed,  that  the  Sama- 
< 830  ) 


B.  C.  446 

and  night,  for  the  children  of  Israel  thy  servants, 
and  ‘confess  the  sins  of  the  children  of  Israel, 
which  we  have  sinned  against  thee : ‘both  I ana 
my  father’s  house  have  sinned. 

7 We  have  'dealt  very  “corruptly  against  thee, 
and  have  not  kept  rthe  commandments,  nor  the 
statutes,  nor  the  judgments,  which  ‘thou  com- 
mandest  thy  servant  Moses. 

8 “Remember,'  I beseech  thee,  the  word  that 
thou  commandedst  thy  servant  Moses,  saying, 
bIf  ye  transgress,  I will  scatter  you  abroad  among 
the  na lions : 

9 But  cif  ye  turn  unto  me,  and  keep  my  com- 
mandments, and  do  them ; though  there  were  of 
you  cast  out  unto  the  uttermost  part  of  the 
heaven,  yet  dwill  I gather  them  from  thence,  and 
‘will  bring  them  unto  rthe  place  that  I have 
chosen  to  set  my  name  there. 

10  Now  --'these  are  thy  servants  and  thy  people, 
hwhom  thou  hast  redeemed  by  thy  great  power, 
and  by  thy  -strong  hand. 

11  O Lord,  I beseech  thee,  klet  now  thine  eai 
be  attentive  to  the  prayer  of  thy  servant,  and  to 
the  prayer  of  thy  servants,  'who  desire  to  fear  thy 
name : and  prosper,  I pray  thee,  thy  servant  this 
day,  and  -"grant  him  mercy  in  the  sight  of  this 
man.  For  "I  was  the  king’s  cupbearer. 


2:3.  u 9:29— 35.  Dan.  9:5,6.  x 2 Chr.  27:2.  Hos.  9:9.  Zepli.  3:7.  Rev.  19:2. 
jr  Lev.  27:34.  Deut.  4:1 . 5:1.  6:1.  1 King. 2:3.  Pa.  19.8,9.  1 19:5—  8.  z Dent 
4:5.  2Chr. 25:4.  Ezra  7:6.  Dan.  9:1 1 ,13.' Mai.  4:4 . ah.  119:49.  Luke  1:12. 
b Lev.  26.33.  Dent.  4:25— 27.  28:64  , 32:26— 28.  1 Kings  9:6.7.  c Lev.  26:40— 
42.  Deut.  4:29— 31.  30:2— 5.  Jer.  29:11— 14.  d 1 Chr.  16:35.  Pa.  106:47.  Jer. 
31:10  . 32:37.  Matt.  24:31.  e Jer.  3:14.  Ez.  35:24.  f Deut.  12:5,21.  1 King!  9: 
3.  Ezra  6:12.  g Ex.  32:11.  lleut.  9:29.  Is.  63:16-19.  64:9.  h Ex.  15:13.  Dent. 
15:1.5.  Ps.  74  2.  i Ex . 6:1 . 13:9.  Ps.  136: 12.  Dan.  9: 15.  It  See  on  6.  Ps.  130: 
2.  I Prov.  1:29.  Is.  26:8,9.  Heli.  13:18.  m 2:8.  Gen.  32:11,28.  43:14  Ezral:l. 
7:6,27,28.  Prov.21:l.  n 2:1.  Gen.  40:2,9— 13,21,23.  41:9. 


ritans,  and  other  adversaries,  not  only  hated  the  true  religion, 
but  were  provoked  at  being  dispossessed,  by  the  return  of  the 
Jews,  from  the  lands  which  they  had  seized  upon:  and  as 
these  returned  Jews  were  but  a remnant,  compared  with  the 
whole  nation,  and  in  an  unsettled  situation,  they  were  unable 
to  defend  themselves.  The  seat  of  government  was  verj 
distant  ; the  king’s  lieutenants  were  in  general  unfavourable  . 
and  probable  the  king  never  heard  a full  account  of  the  lnju 
rics  done  them. — Either  the  walls  had  not  been  at  all  built 
after  the  captivity ; or  their  enemies  had  thrown  them  down 
again,  and  burnt,  the  gates  with  fire  : and  being  thus  defence- 
less and  exposed,  they  were  also  insulted  and  reproached  for 
their  confidence  in  God. — 4 Jerusalem  lay  without  any  walls 
or  gates  to  defend  it  from  injuries.  ...  It  was  burnt  by  Nebu- 
chadnezzar, and  the  walls  beaten  down  ; therefore  their 
meaning  is,  that  the  walls  and  gates  lay  as  the  Chaldeans  left, 
them,  after  that  devastation,  and  were  not  repaired,  though 
the  temple  was  built  again.’  ) Ip.  Patrick. 

V.  4.  Nehemiah  seems,  immediately  on  hearing  the 
afflicted  state  of  his  brethren,  to  have  conceived  the  design  of 
going  to  their  relief,  if  he  could  obtain  permission  and  resist- 
ance from  the  king  his  patron.  But  his  first  application  was 
to  that  God,  in  whose  hand  are  the  hearts  of  kings.  He 
therefore  spent  some  days  in  mourning  over  the  affliction  of 
his  people,  and  in  humbling  himself  before  God  by  fasting  and 
prayer,  in  order  to  find  mercy  from  him,  and  success  in  his 
undertaking.  (Notes,  Ezra  9:3,4.  I)an.  0:2,3.) 

V.  5 — 11.  In  the  prayer  here  recorded,  which  probablf 
formed  the  substance  of  Nehemiah’s  constant  &u>plication# 


B.  C.  445. 


CHAPTER  II  B.  C.  445. 


CHAPTER  II. 

A rtaxerxes,  of. sending  Nehemiah  end  before  him,  neks  the  cause , 1, 2.  Nchc- 
minh  is  afraid,  assigns  the  reason, prays , petitions  the  king,  and  ob'.nins 
authority  to  itbuild  the  wall  .if  Jerusalem,  3 — 8.  He  delivers  the  king's 
letti-rs  to  the  governors  beyond  the  river  ; the  enemies  of  the  Jews  arc  touch 
grieved  ; ana  he  arrives  cj  Jei  usalem,  Q — II.  He  examines  the  state  of  the 
trails  secretly  by  night,  1*2 — 16.  lie  encourages  the  Jews  tc  build,  17,  18.  The 
scorn  and  menaces  of  their  enemies,  and  his  answer . 19.  20. 

AND  it  came  to  pass  in  the  month  aNisan, 
in  bthe  twentieth  year  of  Artaxerxes 
the  king*,  that  wine  was  before  him : and  CI 
took  up  the  wine,  and  gave  it  unto  the  king. 
Now  I had  not  been  beforetime  sad  in  his  pre- 
sence. 

a E3i.li.  3:7.  b 1:1.  Ezru  7:7.  c 1:11.  Gen.  40:11,21.  d Gen.  40:7.  e Prov. 
15:13.  flKlnga  1:31.  Dan.  2:4.  3:9.  5:10.  6:21.  g 1:3,  P*.  102:14.  137:6. 

day  and  night,  he  adored  the  greatness  and  terribleness  of 
God,  and  his  covenanted  mercy  .to  his  people  ; ( Notes , 

1 Kings  8:23,24.  Dan.  9:1.  Luke  1:67 — 75.  Heb.  6:13—15.) 
thus  acknowledging  that  if  they  had  not  provoked  him  1o 
anger,  by  their  numerous  and  heinous  crimes  ; their  enemies, 
instead  of  triumphing  over  them,  would  have  experienced  his 
terrible  power  fighting  for  them.  But  alas  ! Nehemiah  was 
constrained  to  confess,  that  both  the  people  in  general,  and  he 
himself,  and  his  father’s  house,  were  deeply  guilty,  and  by 
dealing  very  corruptly , (that  is,  perversely,  ungratefully,  and 
deceitfully,)  had  given  the  Lord  just  cause  to  leave  them  in 
the  hands  of  their  adversaries.  Yet,  while  he  justified  God 
in  the  miseries  of  his  people,  he  expressed  a confidence  in  his 
mercies.  The  nation  of  Israel  alone  professed  to  worship 
and  serve  the  God  of  heaven  : he  had  forewarned  them,  that 
if  they  transgressed,  he  would  scatter  them  abroad  among  the 
nations  ; but  he  had  also  repeatedly  and  expressly  promised, 
that  if  they  returned  to  him,  and  obeyed  his  commandments, 
he  would  gather  them  again  to  their  own  land,  and  to  his 
chosen  city.  (Notes,  Lev.  26:31 — 45.  Dtul.  4:25 — 31.  Dan. 
9:5 — 16.)  Now  many  of  l hose,  who  had  gone  up  to  Jerusalem, 
were  turned  to  the  Lord,  and  w desired  to  fear  his  name 
■ind  it  might  be  hoped  that  numbers  even  of  those,  who  re- 
named in  other  countries,  were  truly  penitent  and  uprightly 
>hedient;  among  whom  Nehemiah  was  conscious  he  was 
one.  And  as  God  had  already  done  great  things,  both  in 
ormer  ages,  and  lately,  in  redeeming  and  delivering  his  people 
from  their  enemies  ; he  trusted  that  he  would  compassionately 
hear  his  prayer,  and  the  prayers  of  all  those  who  were  plead- 
ing with  him  in  that  behalf.  (Notes,  1 Chr.  16:34 — 36.  Ezra 
9:5—15.  Ps.  74:20.  79:6—13.  Is.  63:15— 19.  64:6—12.  Dan. 
9:17 — 19.) — The  particular  request  which  he  made  on  this 
decision,  is  remarkable  : he  prayed  that  God  “ would  grant 
him  mercy  in  the  sight  of  this  man.”  The  mighty  monarch 
of  the  Persian  empire  would  be  addressed  by  his  flatterers,  as 
if  he  were  more  than  man;  yet  Nehemiah  knew,  that  in  the 
sight  of  God,  he  was  upon  a level  with  his  meanest  subjects. 
(Note,  2:4.) —*  1 A deep  sense  of  our  own  unworthiness  is  a 
good  qualification  for  the  mercy  we  beg  of  God.  This  Nehe- 
miah expresses  very  sensibly.’  Bp.  Patrick . 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 4.  Eminent  men  of  God  may  sometimes  be  found  in 
situations,  where  they  might  be  least  expected  : his  grace  will  be 
sufficient  for  them,  wherever  his  providence  has  cast  their  lot : 
and  it  is  seldom  adviseahle  to  leave  the  place,  where  he  has 
blessed  us,  without  an  evident  call,  or  a substantial  reason  ; 
even  though  we  might  remove  into  situations,  apparently 
more  favourable  to  our  growth  in  grace. — The  church  militant 
is  like  the  bush,  which  burned,  but  was  not  consumed,  because 
the  Lord  was  there  : (Note,  Ex.  3:2.  P.  O.  7 — 12.)  afflictions 
and  reproaches  are  its  portion  in  this  evil  world  ; its  enemies 
often  presumptuously  expect  finally  to  prevail ; and  its  friends 
through  unbelief  are  sometimes  ready  to  fear  that  they  will. 
Bur.  in  the  crisis,  some  unexpected  help  is  afforded,  and  again 
it  revives  and  flourishes. — No  prosperity  can  render  the  real 
believer  inattentive  to  the  cause  and  people  of  God.  (Note, 
Ps.  137:1 — 6,  v.  6.)  The  prevalence  of  iniquity,  the  decay  of 
piety,  and  the  ravages  of  persecution,  whilst  infidels  or  idola- 
ters insult  and  reproach,  are  like  a sword  in  his  bones.” 
(Ps.  42:10.)  As  a member  of  the  suffering  body  of  Christ,  he 
will  sympathize  in  its  affliction  : but  this  must  not  suffice. 
(Notes,  1 Cor.  12:12 — 26.)  He  will  be  inquiring,  what,  ser- 
vice he  can  render  to  the  common  cause,  by  improving  his 
talents  and  the  advantages  of  his  situation.  If  he  have  no 
more  in  his  power,  he  may  lift  up  his  prayer  without  ceasing 
for  the  remnant  that  is  left:  and  fasting  joined  with  supplica- 
tion may  well  express  the  believer’s  penitent  sorrow  for  sin, 
sympa'hy  with  his  afflicted  brethren,  distress  to  see  the  cause 
of  God  run  down,  and  earnestness  in  seeking  help  from  him  : 
so  that  he  has  no  relish  for  common  comforts  and  enjoyments. 
Such  fervent,  humble  prayers  have  always  been  honoured 
with  signal  prevalence  and  success.  And  these  seasons  of 
humiliation  are  peculiarly  suitable,  when  we  are  entering  upon 
arduous  or  perilous  undertakings  for  the  benefit  of  the  church. 
— As  the  people  of  God  all  over  t'he  earth  form  one  body  ; rt 
is  good  to  inquire  how  our  brethren  fare  in  the  most  remote 
regions,  that  we  may  at  least  know  in  what  manner  we  may 
direct  our  prayers  and  praises  in  their  behalf,  in  the  most  ap- 
propriate manner. 

V.  5 — 11.  In  all  our  addresses  to  the  God  of  heaven  we 
nust  remembef  his  greatness  and  terrible  majesty  ; that  we 


2 Wherefore  the  king:  said  unto  me,  ‘'Why  is 
thy  countenance  sad,  seeing  thou  art  not  sick? 
this  is  nothing  else  but  “sorrow  of  heart.  Then 
I was  very  sore  afraid, 

3 And  said  unto  the  king,  fLet  the  king  live 
for  ever:  why  should  not  my  countenance  he  sad, 
when  Hhe  city,  the  place  of  my  fathers’  sepulchres, 
lieth  waste,  and  the  gates  thereof  are  consumer 
with  fire  ? 

4 Then  the  king  said  unto  me,  !lFor  \v*hat  dost 
thou  make  request?  'So  I prayed  to  the  God  of 
heaven. 


I .am.  2:9.  h 1 Kings  3:5.  Eslh.  5:3,6.  7:2.  Mark  10:51.  11:4,11.  2Sam.  13: 
31.  Prov.  3:6. 


may  worship  “ with  reverence  and  godly  fear,”  and  in  deep 
humiliation  before  him.  His  infinite  holiness,  justice,  truth, 
and  power  are  terrible  to  all  the  workers  of  iniquity : and 
they  would  be  so  to  us  all  as  fallen  creatures,  were  he  not 
also  infinitely  merciful ; and  did  he  not  deal  with  such  as  re- 
pent and  believe  the  gospel,  according  to  a new  and  gracious 
covenant.  For  all  have  broken  his  perfect  law,  in  numberless 
instances  : and  indeed  all  are  disposed  to  reject,  oppose,  or 
pervert  his  gospel.  And  if,  by  his  grace,  we  are  now  true 
believers  ; we  have,  even  since  we  became  so,  u dealt  very 
corruptly,  in  not  keeping  the  commandments  ol  God.”  He 
therefore  is  righteous  in  our  sufferings,  and  merciful  in  all  our 
comforts.  We  must,  still  come  before  him  as  sinners,  plead- 
ing his  gracious  promises,  and  craving  to  be  gathered  into  his 
church,  and  finally  into  heaven,  the  place  where  he  displays 
those  glories,  which  here  by  faith  we  feebly  apprehend,  love,  and 
adore.  In  this  humble,  supplicating  manner,  we  may  expect  all 
desirable  success.  May  he  then  grant  unto  us  a spirit  of  simple 
dependence  on  his  mercy  and  grace,  united  with  zeal  foi#his 
glory,  and  affection  to  his  people.  May  we  endeavour  to 
improve  every  talent,  as  those  who  are  waiting  for  his  coming 
and  never  tarnish  or  defeat  the  success  of  our  endeavours,  by 
pride  and  self-confidence.  And  rtiay  our  gracious  God  stir  up 
those,  to  whom  he  has  committed  many  talents,  thus  humbly 
and  zealously  to  serve  his  cause,  with  faith  and  prayer  ; with 
self-denial,  promptitude,  and  diligence  ; and  with  simple  de- 
pendence on  him  and  devotedness  to  him  ! — When  worldly  men 
would  solicit  any  favours  from  kings  or  nobles,  they  spare  no 
pains  to  obtain  the  interposition  of  those  distinguished  persons 
who  have  influence  with  them  : but  the  children  of  God  rr:ust 
seek  to  their  Father,  who  could  at  once  secure  to  them  the 
assistance  of  all  the  kings  upon  earth,  if  good  for  them  ; and 
though  other  means  may  be  used,  yet  “ the  effectual  fervent 
prayer  of  a righteous  man  availeth”  most  of  all  : and,  u Grant 
me  mercy  in  the  sight  of  this  man,”  offered  in  faith  to  that  God, 
in  whose  hand  are  the  hearts  of  all  men,  will  do  more  to 
ensure  success,  in  any  good  cause,  than  all  our  applications 
to  nobles  and  princes,  to  support  our  petitions.  (Notes,  2:4. 
Gen.  32:28,29.  Ezra  7:27,28.  Prov.  21:1 .) 

NOTES. — Chap.  II.  V.  1,  2.  About  four  months 
passed  from  the  time  when  Nehemiah  made  his  inquiry, 
before  h-e  presented  his  petition  to  the  king:  for  Nisan 
answers  to  part  of  March  and  part  of  April.  (Note,  1:1.)  It 
is  probable,  that  his  turn  of  waiting  on  the  king  did  not  arrive 
before  this : and  he  could  not  come  into  his  presence  un- 
called, except  at  the  hazard  of  his  life;  (Note,  Esth.  4:11.) 
but  he  could  approach  the  King  of  heaven  at  any  time  . and 
doubtless  all  the  while  continued  instant  in  prayer.  Yet, 
when  at  length  he  attended  on  his  office,  his  inward  concern 
was  visible  in  his  countenance,  which  no  doubt  had  always 
before  been  very  open  and  cheerful : so  that  the  king  observed 
it;  and,  not  perceiving  that  he  was  ill,  seemed  ready  to  im- 
pute his  melancholy  to  discontent  or  disaffection.  Indeed  ihe 
words  rendered  usad,”  and  “sorrow  of  heart,”  might  be 
rendered  evil,  and  wickedness  of  heart.  This  excited  great 
alarm  in  Nehemiah  : and  in  fact  these  arbitrary  monarchs 
were  generally  suspicious,  in  proportion  to  their  tyranny. 
Lest  poison  should  be  mixed  with  ^heir  wine,  they  required 
the  cup  bearers  to  drink  before  them  out.  of  the  same  cup : 
and  some  conjecture  that  Nehemiah,  being  oppressed  with 
grief,  had  forgotten  to  observe  this  custom.  Had  the  least 
suspicion,  however,  been  exciled  of  criminal  designs,  the 
immediate  torture  or  execution  of  Nehemiah  might  have 
been  the  consequence:  for  the  Persian  monarchs  frequency, 
with  little  ceremony,  thus  treated  those  who  had  before  been 
their  chief  favourites.  He  might  also  fear  that  he  should  fail 
of  his  purpose,  as  the  king  seemed  displeased,  and  no  favour- 
able opportunity  for  his  request  was  yet  afforded. 

V.  3.  Nehemiah  iri  answering  the  king,  testified  his  cor- 
dial and  loj'al  affection,  by  \uishing  the  long  continuance  of 
his  life  and  prosperity,  in  the  customary  manner.  He  per 
haps  meant,  the  words  likewise  as  a prayer  for  his  salvation  ; 
but  they  were  not  generally  understood  in  that  sense.  Thus 
‘God  save  the  king,’  as  generally  used,  means  no  more  than, 
‘ Let  the  king  live  and  prosper:’  but  the  words,  when  duly 
attended  to,  contain  a solemn  prayer  toGod,for  his  temporal 
preservation,  and  his  eternal  salvation.  (Marg.  Ref.) — 
Nehemiah  said  nothing  to  Artaxerxes  concerning  the  religion 
of  the  Jews : perhaps,  he  saw  that  he  was  more  regardless  in 
that  respect  than  formerly;  (Noies,  Ezra  7:6 — 28.)  or  he 
nn  Jit  suppose  that  the  king  would  not  attend  to  that  subject 

* S31  } 


B.  C 445.  NEI1EMIAH.  B.  C.  445. 


5 And  I said  unto  the  kin^,  kIf  it  please  the 
King,  and  'if  thy  servant  have  found  favour  in  thy 
sight,  that  thou  vvouldest  send  me  unto  Judah, 
unto  the  city  of  my  fathers’  sepulchres,  that  I 
may  build  it. 

6 And  the  king  said  unto  me,  (the  ’queen  also 
stuing  by  him,)  For  how  long  shall  thy  journey 
be  ? and  when  wilt  thou  return  ? ™So  it  pleased 
the  king  to  send  me  ; and  "I  set  him  a time. 

7 Moreover,  1 said  unto  the  king,  If  it  please 
the  king,  "let  letters  be  given  me  to  the  governors 
beyond  the  river,  I’that  they  may  convey  me  over 
till  I come  into  Judah  ; 

8 And  a letter  unto  Asaph  the  keeper  of  the 
king’s  forest,  that  he  may  give  me  timber,  to  make 
beams  for  the  gates  of  the  palace  which  apper- 
tained to  the  house,  and  ifor  the  wall  of  the  city, 
and  rfor  the  house  that  I shall  enter  into.  And 
■the  king  granted  me,  according  to  the  good  hand 

of  my  God  upon  me.  [ Practical  Observations.'} 

9 *ii  Then  I came  ‘to  the  governors  beyond  the 
river,  and  gave  them  the  king’s  letters.  Now 
“the  king  had  sent  captains  of  the  army  and 
horsemen  with  me. 

10  When  ‘Sanballat  the  >Horonite,  and  To- 
biah ‘the  servant,  athe  Ammonite,  heard  of  it,  bit 
grieved  them  exceedingly  that  ‘there  was  come 
a man  to  seek  the  welfare  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

c Ezra  5:17.  Esth.  1:19.  5:8.  7:3.  8:5.  1 Ruth  2:13.  2Sam.  14;22.  Prov. 

3:4.  -Heb  .wife.  m 4.  1:11.  Is.  58:12.  61:4.  65:24.  d 5:14.  13:6.  o 9. 
Ezra  6.6.  7:21.  p Ezra  8:22.  q 17.  3.1,4c.  r 3:7.  7:2.  s 18.  Gen.  32:28. 
ETra  5:5  . 6:22.  7:6,9,27,28.  Prov.  21:1.  Is.  66:14.  Han. 1:9.  Acts  7:10.  26: 
22.  2 Cor.  8:16.  17.  u Ezra  8:2-2.  x 19.  4:1— 3,7.  6:11.  y Is.  15:5.  Jev.  48:5, 
34.  zProv. 30:22.  Ec.  10:7.  al3:l.  b Num." 22:3,4.  Ps.  112:10.  122.6— 9. 
Prov.  27:4.  Ez.  25:6— 8.  Mic.  7:9,10,16,17.  Acts4:2.  5:24.  19:26,27.  c Ezra  4: 

so  candidly,  from  a young  courtier,  as  he  had  done  from  an 
aged  priest  and  learned  scribe  of  the  law  of  God : and  some 
think  that  he  was  induced  to  wave  it,  because  the  company 
present  were  unfavourable.  He  therefore  represented  the 
afflicted,  defenceless  state  of  that  city,  where  his  ancestors 
lay  interred  ; and  how  could  he  but  be  grieved  that  their  se- 
pulchres should  be  so  disgraced,  or  how  avoid  sympathizing 
with  his  distressed  countrymen  ? — Arguments  of  this  kind 
the  men  of  the  world  well  understand  ; but  alas ! they  little 
feel  the  force  of  those  which  are  infinitely  more  important. 
Some  infer  from  the  expression  “ my  fathers’  sepulchres,” 
that  Nehemiah  was  of  the  tribe  of  Judah;  but  his  ancestors 
might  have  been  buried  in  Jerusalem,  if  he  were  of  the  tribe 
ofBenjamin,  or  of  Simeon. 

V.  4.  Nehemiah  could  not,  in  this  emergency,  retire  for 
prayer  ; but  he  lifted  up  his  heart  in  a silent  ejaculation  to 
*‘the  God  of  heaven,”  to  prosper  him,  according  to  the  tenor 
of  those  prayers  which  he  had  for  a long  time  been  presenting 
before  him,  and  perhaps  the  concluding  part  of  the  prayer 
contained  in  the  preceding  chapter  was  secretly  offered  at 
tills  time. — “ Prosper,  I pray  thee,  thy  servant  this  day,  and 
grant  him  mercy  in  the  sight  of  this  man.”  ‘In  his  mind  he 
silently  beseeched  Gotl-  to  guide  his  tongue,  and  to  bow  the 
king’s  heart  to  grant  his  request.’  Bp.  Patrick.  11  The  God 
of  heaven”  seems  to  have  become  the  usual  style,  so  to 
speak,  in  addressing  the  Lord,  among  the  returned  captives; 
perhaps  as  contrasting  him  with  the  idols  of  the  regions  in 
which  they  had  sojourned.  (20.1:4,5.  Ezra  5:11,12.  Note, 
Jcr.  10:11.) 

V.  5,  6.  It  is  probable,  that  Esther  was  the  queen  who 
was  present  at  this  time,  and  that  she  seconded  Nehemiah’s 
request.  Perhaps  he  had  been  preferred  through  her  interest, 
and  that  of  Mordecai : and  her  presence  seems  to  be  men- 
tioned, as  a favourable  and  not  a common  circumstance,  and 
as  an  answer  to  his  prayers. — For  Mordecai’s  advancement 
preceded  the  commission  granted  to  Nehemiah  several 
years.  (1:1.  Esth.  1:3.  10:3.) — The  king  was  not  willing  to 
be  long  deprived  of  the  service  of  one,  who  possessed  his 
confidence  and  affection:  and  we  may  suppose,  that  Nehe- 
miah obtained  leave  of  absence  for  a shorter  time  than  he 
actually  continued  at  Jerusalem : but  he  either  returned  to 
obtain  a new  commission,  or  had  it  renewed  in  his  absence 
by  the  special  favour  of  the  king. 

V.  7.  (Note,  Ezra  8:21 — 23.)  Ezra  went,  as  a priest 

and  a scribe,  though  armed  with  civil  authority  ; and  in  con- 
sistency with  his  character  and  professions,  he  would  not 
require  a guard.  But  Nehemiah  went  to  rebuild  the  walls  of 
Jerusalem,  and  to  defend  the  Jews  against  their  enemies : 
and  it  was  very  consistent  with  his  avowed  design,  to  petition 
the  king,  that  the  governors  should  be  ordered  to  escort  him 
with  proper  military  attendants,  which  would  afford  him  pro- 
tection, and  add  dignity  to  his  undertaking.— The  king  likewise 
ordered  him  a guard,  till  he  had  crossed  the  Euphrates,  (9)  for 
Susa  was  beyond  that  river,  further  to  the  east  than  Babylon. 

V.  8.  ‘I  suppose  he  means  the  forest  of  Lebanon,  from 
whence  he  might  be  furnished  with  materials  for  his  building.’ 
B,>.  Patrick.  The  word  (D'ns)  is  used  only  in  two  other 
places,  (Z?b.  2:5.  Cant.  4:13.)  where  it  is  rendered  orchard, 
( 832  ) 


11  So  dI  came  to  Jerusaem,  and  was  there 
three  days. 

12  H And  eI  arose  in  the  night,  I and  some 
few  men  with  me  ; < neither  told  I any  man  what 
smy  God  had  put  in  my  heart  to  do  at  Jerusalem  : 
neither  was  there  any  beast  with  me,  save  the 
beast  that  I rode  upon. 

13  And  I went  out  by  night  by  hthe  gate  ot 
the  valley,  even  before  the  dragon-well,  and  to 
‘the  dung-port,  and  viewed  kthe  walls  of  Je- 
rusalem, which  were  broken  down,  and  the  gates 
thereof  were  consumed  with  fire. 

14  Then  I went  on  to  'the  gate  of  the  fountain, 
and  to  the  king’s  pool : but  there  was  no  place  for 
the  beast  that  was  under  me  to  pass. 

15  Then  went  I up  in  the  night  by  ""the  brook, 
and  viewed  the  wall,  and  turned  back,  and  entered 
by  "the  gate  of  the  valley,  and  so  returned. 

16  And  “the  rulers  knew  not  whither  I went, 
or  what  I did  ; neither  had  I as  yet  told  it  to 
the  Jews,  nor  to  the  priests,  nor  to  the  nobles, 
nor  to  the  rulers,  nor  to  the  rest  that  did  the 
work. 

17  U Then  said  I unto  them,  rYe  see  the  distress 
that  we  are  in,  how  Jerusalem  lietli  waste,  and 
the  gates  thereof  are  burned  with  fire : ‘icome, 
and  let  us  build  up  the  wall  of  Jerusalem,  that 
we  be  no  more  ra  reproach. 

4,  &c.  d Ezra  8:32.  e Gen. 32:22— 24.  Josh.  10:9.  Judg.  6:27.  9:32.  Mint.  2: 
14.  fEc.3:7.  Am.  5:13.  Mic.  7:5.  Matt.  10:16.  g Ezra  7:27.  Jer.  31 :33.  32: 
40.  2 Cor.  8:16.  Jam.  1:16,17.  Rev.  17:17.  h 15.  3:13.  2Clir.26:9.  i 3:13,14. 
12:31.  k 3,17.  1:3.  Jer.  5-10.  1 3:15.  2 Kings  18:17.  *0:20.  2 Clir.  32:30.  m2 
Sam.  15:23.  Jer.  31:40.  John  18:1.  u 13.  o 12.  u Lam.  3:51.  q Ezra  5:1 .2. 
10:2— 4.  Is.  35:3,4.  r 1:3.  1 Sum.  11:2.  Ps.  44 : 13.  79:4.  89:50,51.  Lam.  3:45, 
46.  Ez.  5:14,15.  22:4,5. 

and  the  word  rrapaSeiaos,  or  paradise,  seems  to  have  been  de- 
rived from  it,  yet  here  it  must  signify  a forest  of  timber  trees. 
The  palace  here  mentioned  seems  to  mean  the  temple,  or 
some  of  those  buildings  which  surrounded  it,  or  ‘the  gates  of 
the  temple for  though  the  temple  was  rebuilt,  much  might 
be  wanting  in  respect  of  the  surrounding  walls  and  gates. 
Nehemiah  proposed  to  build  a house  also  for  the  governor,  and 
to  do  all  other  things,  which  might  place  his  people  in  a more 
secure  and  respectable  situation.  ( Marg . Ref.)  Hie  good 
hand  of  my  God.  (8)  Marg.  Ref.  s.  Note,  Ezra  7:6 — 10,  v.  9. 

V.  10.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Sanballat  is  supposed  to  have  been 
a Moabite,  of  Horonaim,  a city  of  Moab.  (Is.  15:5.)  Tobiah 
was  an  Ammonite,  and  had  been  a skive.  Moab  and  Ammon 
were  subjugated  and  carried  captive  by  the  kings  of  Babylon : 
but  it  appears1  that  they  had  been  restored,  according  to  the 
predictions  of  Jeremiah.  (Notes,  Jer.  48:47 . 49:6.)  Audit 
is  likely  that  Sanballat  and  Tobiah  (as  well  as  Geshem  the 
Arabian  afterwards  mentioned)  were  placed  by  the  king  of 
Persia  in  authority  over  their  own  people,  and  over  the 
Samaritans,  or  other  tribes  in  that  neighbourhood,  who  were 
generally  enemies  to  the  Jews. — Sanballat  and  Tobiah,  how- 
ever, were  full  of  malice  against  them  ; and  exceedingly 
grieved  and  displeased  to  find  that  one  was  come  from  the 
king  of  Persia  to  protect  them  from  further  injuries;  ‘with 
such  authority  from  the  king,  and  in  such  favour  with  him ; 
as  appeared  by  the  letters  brought  with  him,  and  the  guard 
that  attended  him,  and  the  diligence  of  the  several  governors, 
through  whose  provinces  he  passed,  to  serve  him.’  Bp. 
Patrick.  (Notes,  19,20.  4:1 — 3.  6:  Ezra  4:) 

V.  11.  It  would  doubtless  soon  be  known,  that  Nehemiah 
was  come  with  a commission  from  Artaxerxes:  but  he  did 
not  disclose  the  nature  of  his  business,  fill  he  had  made  pre- 
vious observations,  and  consulted  with  a few  select  friends, 
in  whom  he  could  place  the  most  entire  confidence. 

V.  12 — 16.  Nehemiah  seems  to  have  used  every  precau- 
tion to  conceal  his  intentions,  till  he  had  obtained  the  unani- 
mous consent  of  the  people,  and  they  were  actually  employed 
in  the  work ; knowing  that  their  enemies  would  attempt  to 
divide  or  discourage  them. — We  may  suppose'  that  the  moon 
shone,  when  he  made  his  observations,  and  that  he  had  pro- 
vided skilful  guides  to  accompany  him  in  this  survey.  Yet 
even  they,  who  afterwards  presided  and  did  the  work,  were 
not  at  this  time  consulted. — The  account  here  given  is  well 
suited  to  show  us  the  ruinous  and  defenceless  state  of  the 
city,  nearly  a hundred  years  after  the  return  of  the  Jews  from 
captivity:  and  Nefecmiah’s  personal  survey  formed  a suitable 
preparation  to  his  address  to  the  people,  and  would  enable 
him  to  obviate  any  objections,  and  prevent  any  misrepre- 
sentations, which  might  be  made. — Nothing  more  is  known  of 
the  several  places  mentioned,  than  what  may  he  collected 
from  the  marginal  references. — My  God  had  put,  Sic.  (12) 
Marg.  Ref.  g.  Note,  Ezra  7:27,28. 

V.  17,  18.  The  reader  will  note  the  piety  of  the  language 
used  by  Nehemiah  on  this  as  well  as  on  every  other  occasion, 
which  resembled  that  of  Ezra.  (Mag.  Ref.  s.  in  v.  8.) 
When  ho  exhorted  the  Jews  to  arise  and  exert  themselves  in 
rebuilding  the  wall  of  the  city:  he  showed  them  that  the  kint^ 
ness  of  the  Persian  king  to  him,  w as  the  effect  of  the  powei- 


B.  C.  4 15. 


CHAPTER  III. 


B.  C.  445 


18  Then  I told  them  of  'the  hand  of  my  God 
which  was  good  upon  me ; as  also  the  king’s 
words  that  he  had  spoken  unto  me.  And  they 
said,  Let  us  rise  up  and  build.  lSo  they  strength- 
ened their  hands  for  this  good  work. 

19  But  when  “SanbaTlat  the  Horonite,  and 
Tobiah  the  servant,  the  Ammonite,  and  *Geshem 
the  Arabian,  heard  it,  fthey  laughed  us  to  scorn, 
and  despised  us,  and  said,  What  is  this  thing 
that  ye  do  ? 'will  ye  rebel  against  the  king? 

20  Then  answered  I them,  and  said  unto 
them,  “The  God  of  heaven,  he  will  prosper  us; 
therefore  we  his  servants  will  arise  and  build : 
but  bye  have  no  portion,  nor  right,  nor  'memorial, 
in  Jerusalem. 

CHAPTER  III. 

TVie  names  and  order  of  those  who  built  the  walls  of  Jerusalem , 1 — 32. 

THEN*  nEliashib  the  hig*h-priest  rose  up  with 
his  brethren  the  priests,  and  they  builded  bthe 

• See  on  8.  t2Sam.2:7.  1 Chr.  11:10.  19:13.  2Chr.  32:5.  Hag.  1:13,14. 

Eph.  6: 10.  Phil.  2:13.  u 10.6:1,2.  x 6:6.  Gashmu.  j Job  30:1.  Ps. 44:13, 
14.  Jer.  20:8.  Mark  5:40.  Heb.  11:36.  z 6:6.  Ezra  4:15.16.  Luke  23:2. 
Johnl9: 12.  Acts  24:5.  a 4.  2 Chr.  26:5.  Ps.  20:5.  35:27.  122:6.  bEzra4.3. 
Acta  8:21.  c Ex.  28:29.  Lev.  2:2.  24:7.  Num.  10:10.  Zech.6:14.  Acts  10:4,31. 

ful  interposition  of  God  in  their  behalf.  Thus  they  were 
animated  and  emboldened  to  undertake  the  work. 

V.  19,  20.  Sanballat,  Tobiah,  and  Geshem,  as  deter- 
mined enemies  to  the  Jewish  nation,  soon  got  intelligence  of 
Neheiniah’s  designs,  notwithstanding  his  precautions  ; (Note, 
6:17 — 19.)  and  they  derided  the  efforts  of  the  Jews,  as  if  the 
work  were  impracticable : nay,  they  represented  the  under- 
taking, as  an  act  of  rebellion  against  the  king  ; though  they 
could  not  but  know  that  Nehemiah  acted  by  his  commission  ! 
They  intended  if  possible,  to  frighten,  to  disunite,  and  to  dis- 
nearten  the  people,  that  they  might  abandon  the  undertaking. 
But  Nehemiah  only  answered,  that  the  God  of  heaven  would 
prosper  his  servants:  but  as  to  their  adversaries,  they  had 
no  portion  in  him,  no  right  to  interfere ; nor  any  memorial  in 
Jerusalem,  to  prove,  that  either  by  birth,  or  by  being  prose- 
lyted, they  were  Israelites,  as  the  Samaritans  pretended  to 
be.  He  therefore,  very  prudently,  avoided  all  further  com- 
munication. (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  10.  Ezra  4:3.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 8.  Unavoidable  delays,  when  employed  in  fervent 
persevering  prayer,  often  forward  the  success  of  pious  under- 
takings.— Cheerfulness  is  in  general  an  ornament  to  religion; 
but  there  are  seasons  for  mourning,  when  grief  cannot  be  con- 
cealed.—“ The  children  of  this  world”  understand  the  pro- 
priety of  our  grieving,  when  we  are  sick  and  in  pain : when 
impoverished,  bereaved,  or  disappointed  in  our  temporal  pur- 
suits : but  they  cannot  cor  :eive,  why  the  heart  should  be 
heavy,  or  the  countenance  sad,  if  no  outward  calamity  has 
befallen  us.  Yet  conscious  guilt,  the  fear  or  sense  of  the 
divine  displeasure,  the  afflictions  of  God’s  people,  the  preva- 
lence of  impiety,  and  the  decays  of  religion,  are  far  more 
reasonable  and  important  causes  of  grief:  under  which  no 
confluence  of  earthly  delights  can  afford  comfort.  We  must, 
however,  expect  that  worldly  men  will  ascribe  such  sorrows 
to  melancholy,  discontent,  moroseness,  or  even  some  more 
criminal  cause:  and  those,  who  are  strangers  to  the  believer’s 
consolations,  are  apt  to  infer  from  his  complaints,  that  religion 
is  uncomfortable,  and  unfits  men  for  social  life.  We  should 
therefore  in  general  conceal  our  grief,  or  disclose  it  only  to 
the  Lord  and  to  his  people. — The  very  persons,  from  whose 
favour  many  advantages  may  be  expected,  are  also  greatly 
to  be  dreaded.  Inconstancy  is  connected  with  all  the  par- 
tialities and  affections  of  absolute  princes  ; and  suspicions 
are  multiplied  in  proportion  as  power  is  abused.  They  can- 
not confide  in  those,  who  do  not,  as  they  think,  serve  them 
from  affection  : but  so  many  causes  may  induce  courtiers  to 
feign  attachment,  that  they  cannot  but  distrust  at  times  even 
their  favourites.  Hence  often  arises  the  speedy  ruin  or  dis- 
grace of  those,  on  whom  honours  and  emoluments  have  been 
most  lavished  ; without  any  cause,  but  caprice  or  groundless 
jealousy.  “It  is  therefore  better  to  trust  in  the  Lore,  than 
to  put  any  confidence  in  princes.”  (Note,  Ps.  118:8,9.) — A 
meek  and  modest  explanation  best  tends  to  banish  groundless 
suspicions.  Yet  we  should  study  consistency  with  our  cha- 
acter,  professions,  and  relative  situations,  and  consider  those 
of  the  person  we  speak  to : if  we  would  behave  “ with  wisdom 
towards  them  that  are  without,”  avoid  giving  any  needless 
disgust,  and  do  important  good  to  the  church  of  God  by  their 
means. — We  must  not  speak  fal-ehood : but  we  are  not 
bound  always  to  speak  all  that  we  think,  when  a part  of  it 
will  best  answer  every  useful  purpose. — Ejaculatory  petitions 
may  be  presented  to  the  Lord  in  any  place  or  company,  and 
should  be  intermixed  with  every  transaction  in  which  a 
Christian  is  engaged.  They  neither  supersede,  nor  are  ren- 
dered unnecessary  by  our  more  stated  devotions:  and  the 
habit  of  thus  keeping  up  an  intercouse  with  Heaven,  is  of 
peculiar  importance  and  advantage.  Indeed  we  ought  never  to 
engage  in  any  pursuit,  in  which  it  would  be  improper  thus  to 
expect  and  seek  the  divine  direction,  assistance,  and  blessing. 
The  Lord  so  orders  every  circumstance  as  may  best  answer 
Vol.  I.— 105 


sheep-gate;  they  'sanctified  it,  and  set  up  the 
doors  of  it  ; even  unto  the  dlower  of  Mealt  they 
sanctified  it,  unto  the  tower  of  Hananeel. 

2 And  "next  unto  him  builded  'the  men  of 
Jericho.  And  next  to  them  builded  'Zaccur  the 
son  oflmri. 

3 But  ethe  fish-gate  did  the  sons  of  Hassenaah 
build,  who  also  laid  h1.he  beams  thereof,  and  set 
up  hhe  doors  thereof,  the  locks  thereof,  and  the 
bars  thereof. 

4 And  next  unto  them  repaired  kMeremoth 
the  son  of  ‘Urijah,  the  son  of  Koz.  And  next 
unto  them  repaired  mMeshullam  the  son  of  Bere 
chiah,  the  son  of  Meshezabcel.  And  next  unto 
them  repaired  Zadok  the  son  of  Baana. 

5 And  next  unto  them  “the  Tekoites  repaired  , 
but  “their  nobles  rput  not  their  necks  to  the  work 
of  their  lord. 

6 Moreover,  4the  old  gate  repaired  Jehoiada 

a 12:10.  13:28.  b 12  39.  John  5:2.  c 12:30.  Dent.  20:5.  Ps.  30:  title.  Prov.  3: 
6,9.  d 12:39.  Jer.  31:38.  Zech.  14:10.  • Heb.  al  hishand.  e 7:36.  Ezra  2:34. 
f 10:12.  g 12:39.  2 Chr.  33:14.  Zeph.  1:10.  h 6.  2:8.  i 6:1.  7:1 . k2I.  10:5. 
1 Ezra  8:33.  Uriah,  m 10:7,  n 27.  2 Sam.  14:2.  Am.  1:1.  o Judge  5:23.  Jer. 
5:5.  1 Cor.  1:26.  p Jer.  27:2,8,12.  30:8,9.  Matt.  11:29.  Acts  15:10.  q 12:39. 

the  prayers  of  his  people.  He  turns  their  most  distressing 
fears  into  grateful  praises  ; he  exceeds  their  largest  hopes ; 
and  even  those,  who  know  him  not,  will  be  inclined  to  favour  his 
servants, 14  according  to  the  good  hand  of  their  God  upon  them.'* 

V.  9 — 20.  The  enemies  of  the  Lord  must  grieve,  in  pro- 
portion as  his  servants  rejoice,  when  those  in  authority,  and 
endowed  with  suitable  qualifications,  are  raised  up  to  pro- 
mote the  cause  of  truth  and  holiness,  and  the  welfare  of  his 
church  : for  the  enmity  of  the  serpent’s  seed  against  the  cause 
of  Christ  is  confined  to  no  age  or  nation ; it  springs  from 
hatred  of  God  himself,  and  is  irritated  in  proportion  as  he  is 
glorified.  But  we  ought  steadily  to  proceed  with  our  proper 
work,  possessing  our  souls  in  patience,  and  uniting  in  our 
conduct,  wisdom,  and  zeal,  vigilance  and  courage,  self-denial 
and  activity.  If  we  even  attempt  any  thing  good,  in  a proper 
manner,  44  God  hath  put  it  into  our  hearts.”  But  we  should 
first  carefully  consider  what  is  most  necessary  to  be  done, 
both  in  the  concerns  of  our  own  souls,  and  in  those  of  the 
church:  and  investigation  will  generally  discover  a great  deal 
which  needs  to  be  rectified. — When  matters  are  fairly  pro- 
posed, and  men  in  authority  or  reputation  take  the  lead,  and 
animate  others  also,  the  most  timid  and  indolent  may  be 
roused  and  encouraged  to  action.  But  favourable  opportu- 
nities should  be  seized:  and  those  who  would  accomplish  any 
useful  design,  to  rescue  the  church  of  God  from  just  occasion 
of  reproach,  must  be  strengthened  to  endure  contempt,  revil- 
ing, and  menaces,  as  well  as  labour  and  hardship.  44  The 
God  of  heaven”  will  prosper  his  people,  and  clear  their  cha- 
racters from  aspersions,  as  well  as  deliver  them  from  afflic- 
tion : but  wretched  are  they,  who  have  no  portion,  nor  right, 
nor  memorial  in  the  new  Jerusalem,  the  city  of  our  God  ! 
However,  we  should  always  be  ready  to  give  a meek  and 
reasonable  answer  to  objectors : and,  blessed  be  God,  even 
despisers  and  revilers,  while  they  are  warned  of  their  danger, 
may  be  invited  to  cease  from  their  opposition,  and  to  be 
reconciled  to  God:  that,  after  all,  they  may  have  their  lot 
among  his  people,  and  not  among  his  enemies. 

NOTES. — Chap.  III.  V.  1.  It  is  supposed  that  44  the 
sheep-gate”  immediately  communicated  with  the  temple:  and 
that  the  cattle  for  sacrifices  were  usually  brought  in  that  way, 
and  the  priests  undertook  this  part,  as  most  properly  belong- 
ing to  them.  ( Note , John  5:2 — 4.)  Eliashib,  the  grandson 
of  Jeshua,  (12:10.)  was  the  high-priest  at  this  time,  and  he, 
with  his  brethren,  either  his  near  relations  or  the  chief  priests, 
the  heads  of  their  several  courses,  rebuilt  this  part  of  the  w all 
at  their  own  expense ; and  perhaps  some  of  them  on  this 
emergency  laboured  at  it  with  their  own  hands.  Along  with 
the  gate,  they  builded  a part  of  the  wall  on  each  side.  (Marg. 
Ref.  d.)  This  was  the  case,  it  may  be  supposed,  in  other 
instances  where  the  gates  alone  are  mentioned. — Of  this 
part  alone  it  is  said,  that  4i  they  sanctified  it which  may 
mean,  that  they  began  the  work  with  prayer  and  concluded 
it  with  praise,  and  thus  consecrated  their  service  to  the  Lord, 
for  the  security  of  his  temple  and  worshippers.  ( Notes  y 12: 
27—43.) 

V.  2 — 4.  (Marg.  Ref.)  After  all  the  pains,  which  some 
learned  men  have  bestowed  on  the  subject,  which  is  indeed 
not  very  interesting  to  us,  little  satisfactory  information  can  be 
obtained  on  the  situation  of  the  places  mentioned  in  this  chap- 
ter, beyond  what  may  be  collected  from  the  marginal  refer- 
ences. 

V.  5.  Their  iioblcsy  &c.]  It  seems  the  chief  persons  ot 
Tekoah  refused  to  give  any  assistance,  either  by  their  labour, 
their  substance,  or  their  servants.  Disregarding  the  autho- 
rity of  God  himself,  whose  work  it  was,  no  wonder  that  they 
would  not  submit  to  the  commands  of  Nehemiah,  their  go- 
vernor, who  seems  to  be  meant  by  the  expression  41  their  lord :” 
and  for  this  they  are  branded  with  disgrace  in  the  word  of 
God.  (Note,  1 Sam.  8:6 — 9.) — But  the  inferior  citizens, 
instead  of  following  their  example,  undertook  a second  part, 
• v 833  ) 


B C 445.  NEIiEMIAH.  B.  C.  445. 


the  son  of  Paseah,  and  Meshullam  the  son  of 
Besodeiah they  laid  the  beams  thereof,  and  set 
up  the  doors  thereof,  and  the  locks  thereof,  and 
the  bars  thereof 

7 And  next  unto  them  repaired  Melatiah  rthe 
Gibeonite,  and  Jadon  the  Meronothite,  the  men 
of  Gibeon,  and  of  "Mizpah,  unto  ‘the  throne  of 
the  governor  on  this  side  the  river. 

8 Next  unto  him  repaired  Uzziel  the  son  of 
Harhaiah,  of  "the  goldsmiths.  Next  unto  him 
also  rapaired  Hananiah,  the  son  of  one  rof  the 
apothecaries,  and  they  ’fortified  Jerusalem  unto 
the  broad  vwall. 

9 And  next  unto  them  repaired  Rephaiah  the 
son  of  Hur,  Hhe  ruler  of  the  half  part  of  Je- 
rusalem. 

I j And  next  unto  them  repaired  Jedaiah  the 
son  of  Harumaph,  even  "over  against  his  house. 
And  next  unto  him  repaired  bHattush  the  son  of 
Hashabniah. 

II  Malchijah  the  son  of  cHarim,  and  Hashub 
the  son  of  dPahath-moab,  repaired  the  tother 
piece,  and  ethe  tower  of  the  furnaces. 

12  And  next  unto  him  repaired  Shallum  the 
son  of  Halohesh,  < the  ruler  of  the  half  part  of 
Jerusalem,  she  and  his  daughters. 

13  bThe  valley-gate  repaired  Hanun,  and  the 
inhabitants  of  ‘Zanoah;  they  built  it,  and  set  up 
the  doors  thereof,  the  locks  thereof,  and  the  bars 
thereof,  and  a thousand  cubits  on  the  wall  unto 
the  dung-gate. 

14  But  kthe  dung-gate  repaired  Malchiah  the 
son  of  Rechab,  'the  ruler  of  part  of  mBeth- 
haccerem ; he  built  it,  and  set  up  the  doors 
thereof,  the  locks  thereof,  and  the  bars  thereof. 

15  But  Dthe  gate  of  the  fountain  repaired 
Shallum  the  son  of  Col-hozeh,  °the  ruler  of  part 
of  rMizpah ; he  built  it,  and  covered  it,  and  set 
up  the  doors  thereof,  the  locks  thereof,  and  the 
bars  thereof,  and  the  wall  of  the  pool  of  sSiloah 
by  the  king’s  garden,  and  unto  rthe  stairs  that  go 
down  from  the  city  of  David. 

16  After  him  repaired  Nehemiah  the  son  of 
Azbuk,  ‘the  ruler  of  the  half  part  of  ‘Beth-zur, 
unto  the  place  over  against  uthe  sepulchres  of 
David,  and  to  xthe  pool  that  was  made,  and  unto 
rthe  house  of  the  mighty. 

17  After  him  repaired  the  Levites,  Rehum 
the  son  of  Bani.  Next  unto  him  repaired  Hasha- 
biah,  Hhe  ruler  of  the  half  part  of  "Keilah,  in  his 
part. 

18  After  him  repaired  their  brethren,  Bavai 

r Josh.  9:3.  (kc.  2 Sam.  21:2.  s 19.  2 Chr.  !S:G.  t2:8.  u 31,32.  Is.  46:6.  x Gen. 
59:2.  Ex.  311:25.  Ec.  10:1.  ‘Or,  left,  y 12:38.  z 12:17.  a 23:28— 30.  b 10: 
4.  c 10:5.  d 7:11.  10:14.  Ezra  2:6.  8:4.  t Heb.  second  measure.  e 12:38. 
f 9,14,15,16,17,18.  g Ex.  35:25.  Acts  21:8,9.  Phil.  4:3.  h 2:13.  i 11:30.  Josh. 
15:34.  k 2.13.  1*2:31.  19:12,15,16,17,18.  inJer.6:l.  n 2: 14.  12:37.  2 Chr. 
32:30.  o9,12,14.  p 7.  Judg.  20:1,3.  Mizpeh.  Jer.  40:6.  q Is.  8.6.  Shitoah. 
Luke  13. 4.  John  9:7.  Silonm.  r2  Sam.  5:6,7.  6 9:12,14.  t Josh.  15:58.  2 Chr. 
11:7.  u2Chr.  16:14.  Acts2:29.  x 2 Kings  20:20.  Is. 22:11.  y 1 Kings  14:27, 
28.  2 Chr.  12:10,11.  Cant.  3:7.  z 16.  1 Chr.  23:4.  a Josh.  15:44.  1 Sam. 23:1, 


when  they  had  completed  that  which  was  first  allotted  them. 
(27) — The  expression  “put  not  their  necks,”  renders  it  pro- 
bable, that  those  who  were  earnest  in  the  cause,  of  whatever 
rank,  assisted  by  their  personal  labours.  4 Well-disposed  per- 
sons, though  ever  so  great,  “ put  their  necks,”  that  is,  laboured  ■ 
hard,  not  refusing  fo  carry  burdens,  &e.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  6,  7.  Marg.  Ref. — The  throne,  &c.  (7)  This  seems 
to  have  been  some  judgment-hall,  to  which  t lie  governors  of 
the  kings  of  Persia,  over  the  country  west  of  the  Euphrates, 
came,  from  time  to  time,  to  administer  justice.  Probably, 
Nehemiah  now  occupied  it;  for  his  particular  commission 
superseded  their  more  general  authority. 

V.  8 — 10.  ( Mar g.  Ref.)  Several  persons  are  mentioned 

who  built,  or  repaired,  the  wall  which  was  over  against  their 
own  houses,  or  chambers.  (Marg.  Ref.  a.) — They  lived 
near  the  wall ; so  that  this  arrangement  was  most  convenient 
for  them  : and  thus  at  the  same  time  they  provided  for  their 
own  security,  and  the  common  benefit  of  the  city.  Perhaps, 
where  any  part  of  the  old  wall  remained,  the  persons  men- 
tioned “repaired:”  where  none,  they  “ built.” 

V.  11.  It  is  not  known  what  the  expression  “the  other 
piece,”  or,  the  second  measure , {marg.)  refers  to. 

V.  12.  Several  rulers  of  half  parts  of  cities  are  mentioned. 
{Marg.  Ref.  f.)  It  is  probable  that  two  superior  magistrates 
were  placed  over  the  principal  cities,  with  equal  authority,  to 
reside  in  different  parts  of  them. — Shallum  seems  to  have  had 
oo  sons  ; and  his  daughters,  as  heiresses,  contributed  with  him 
to  the  cxnense  of  the  work.  Perhaps  they  were  widows. 

( 831  ' 


the  son  of  Henadad,  the  ruler  of  the  half  part  of 
Keilah. 

19  And  next  to  him  repaired  Ezer  the  son  of 
bJeshua,  the  ruler  of  ‘Mizpah,  another  piece  over 
against  the  going  up  to  the  armory,  at  dthe  turn- 
ing of  the  wall. 

20  After  him  Baruch  the  son  of  ‘Zabbai, 
‘earnestly  repaired  the  other  piece,  from  the 
turning  of  the  wall  unto  the  door  of  the  house  of 
' Eliashab  the  high-priest. 

21  Alter  him  repaired  eMeremoth  the  son  ot 
Urijah,  the  son  of  hKoz,  another  piece,  from  the 
door  of  the  house  of  Eliashib  even  to  the  end  ol 
the  house  of  Eliashib. 

22  And  after  him  repaired  the  priests,  'the 
men  of  the  plain. 

23  After  him  repaired  Benjamin  and  Hashub 
kover  against  their  house.  After  him  repaired 
'Azariah  the  son  of  mMaaseiah,  the  son  of 
Ananiah,  by  his  house. 

24  After  him  repaired  "Binnui  the  son  of 
Hanadad,  “another  piece,  from  the  house  of 
Azariah  unto  rthe  turning  of  the  wall,  even  unto 
the  corner. 

25  Palal  the  son  of  Uzai,  over  against  the 
turning  of  the  wall,  and  the  tower  which  lieth 
out  from  Hhe  king’s  high  house,  that  was  rby  the 
court  of  the  prison.  After  him,  ‘Pedaiah  the  son 
of  ‘Parosh. 

26  Moreover,  the  "Nethinims  $dwelt  in  'Ophel, 
unto  the  place  over  against  Hhe  water-gate 
toward  the  east,  and  the  tower  that  lieth  out. 

27  After  them  rthe  Tekoites  repaired  another 
piece,  over  against  the  great  tower  that  lieth  out, 
even  unto  ‘the  wall  of  Ophel. 

28  From  above  "the  horse-gate  repaired  the 
priests,  bevery  one  over  against  his  house. 

29  After  them  repaired  Zadok  Hhe  son  of 
Immer,  over  against  his  house.  After  him  repaired 
also  Shemaiah  the  son  of  dShechaniah,  the  keeper 
of  Hhe  east  gate. 

30  After  him  repaired  Hananiah  the  son  ot 
Shelemiah,  and  Hanun  the  sixth  son  of  Zalaph, 
fanother  piece.  After  him  repaired  gMeshullam 
the  son  ofBerechiah,  over  against  his  chamber. 

31  After  him  repaired  Malchiah  ''the  gold- 
smith’s son,  unto  the  place  of  the  Nethinims, 
and  of  the  merchants,  over  against  the  gate 
Miphkad,  and  to  the  ’’going  up  of  the  corner. 

32  And  between  the  going  up  of  the  corner 
unto  'the  sheep-gate  repaired  kthe  goldsmiths 
and  the  merchants. 


2.  b 10:9.  12:8.  c 15.  d 2 Chr.  26:9.  } Or,  Znccai.  cF,c.  9:10.  Rom.  12: 

11.  f 1,21.  12:22,23.13:4,28.  g4.  h7.63.  Ezra  2:61.  16:3.12:28.  k 10, 

29,30.  110:2.  m 8:4,7.  » 10:9.  o 11,19,27.  p20.  q Jer.  22: 14.  39:8.  r 12: 
39.  Jer.  32:2.  33:1.  37:21.  39:15.  s8:4.  t7.:8.  Ezra  2:3.  u 7:46-56.  10:28. 

1 Chr.  9:2.  Ezra  2:43 — 58.  $ Or,  which  dwei  in  Ophel , repaired  unto.  II  0-, 

the  lower.  27.  11:21.  2 Chr.  27:3.  33:14.  x 8: 1 ,3.  12:37.  v 5.  *26.  a 2 King* 
11:16.  2 Chr.  23:15.  Jer. 3140.  b 10:23.  c7:40.  Ezra  2:37.  d Ezra  10:2. 

e Jer.  19:2.  f 21 . g4.  h 8:32.  !)  Or,  comer  chamber,  i 1.  12:39.  John  5:2. 
k 8:31. 


V.  13 — 15.  Marg.  Ref. — Stairs.  (15)  It  is  probable, 
these  stairs  formed  a communication  between  the  city  of 
David,  and  the  other  parts  of  Jerusalem.  (2  Sam.  5:0,7.) 

V.  16.  {Marg.  Ref.)  “The  house  of  the  mighty”  is 
thought  to  have  been  a guard-chamber,  where  the  most  va- 
liant soldiers  kept  guard,  %o  defend  the  palace  of  the  kings  of 
Judah. 

V.  17 — 20.  Marg.  Ref. — Earnestly , &c.  (20)  Baruch, 
being  more  assiduous  than  others,  probably  stirred  them  lip 
to  greater  diligence. 

V.  21 — 25.  (Marg.  Ref.)  “ The  king’s  high  house”  (25) 
was,  perhaps,  some  lofty  building,  from  whicli  the  watchmen 
might  make  their  observations. 

V.  26 — 31 . Marg.  Ref. — The  Nethinims , &c.  (26)  “ The 
Nethinim,  which  dwelt  in  Ophel,  repaired  unto  the  place  ove» 
against  the  water-gate,  &c.  Marg.  4 The  water-gate,  it  is 
likely,  was  that  at  which  these  lower  ministers  brought,  in 
water  for  the  use  of  the  temple.’  Rp.  Patrick. — The  Tekoites. 
(27)  Note,  5. — Miphhad  (31)  signifies  judgment,  visitation , 
or  correction;  and  it  is  thought  a prison  was  situated  near  this 
gate. 

V.  32.  Sheep-gate.]  Thus  the  whole  city  was  surrounded 
with  a wall:  for  Eliashib  began  at  the  sheep-go  < (1) 
PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  ministers  of  God  should  always  be  ready  to  labour  and 
venture  for  the  good  of  their  brethren  ; and  those,  who  have 
the  precedency  in  rank,  ought  to  take  the  lead,  in  setting 
that  good  example  which  give?p  wergy  to  iheir  instructions. 


B.  C.  445. 


CHAPTER  IV 


B.  C.  445. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Vanballat  and  his  comprint/  arc  very  wroth , and  mock  the  Jews  : but  Nehemiah. 
prayt,  and  builds  the  wall , 1 — 6.  He  discovers  that  they  secretly  arc  plot- 
ting against  him,  and  sets  a watch,  7 — 1*2.  He  aims  the  builders , and  gives 
them  suitable  * *rs  and  directions,  13 — 23. 

BUT  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  "Sanballat 
heard  that  we  builded  the  wall,  he  was 
wroth,  and  took  great  indignation,  and  bmocked 
the  Jews. 

2  And  he  spake  before  his  brethren,  and  'the 
army  of  Samaria,  and  said,  What  do  these  dfeeble 
Jews  ? will  they  'fortify  themselves  ? 'will  they 
sacrifice?  will  they  make  an  end  in  a day?  will 
they  i revive  the  stones  out  of  the  heaps  of  the 
rubbish  which  are  burned? 

3  Now  sTobiah  the  Ammonite  was  by  him, 
and  he  said,  Even  that  which  they  build,  if  a 
fox  go  up,  he  shall  even  break  down  their  stone 
wall. 

4  hHear,  O our  God;  for  we  are  'despised : 
and  'turn  their  reproach  upon  their  own  head, 
and  give  them  for  a prey  in  the  land  of  captivity : 
5 And  kcover  not  their  iniquity,  and  let  not 

A 2: 10,19.  Rzra4:l— 5.  Acts5:17.  b Ps.  35:15,16.  44:13,14.  Mall. 27:29.  Heb. 
11:36.  c Ezra  4:9.10.  d 1 Sam.  14: 11 ,12.  17:43,44.  Zech.  12:8.  1 Cor.  1:27. 
• Web.  leave  to  themselves,  e 12:27,43.  f 10.  Ez.  37:3 — 13.  (lab.  3:2.  g2:10, 
19.  6:1.  1 Kings  20:10,13.  2 Kings  18:23.  h Ps.  123:3,4.  t Heb.  despite. 
i l Sam.  17:26.  Ps.  79:12.  Prov.  3:31.  Hos.  12:14.  k Ps.  59 :5— 13.  69:27,28. 
109:14,15.  Jer.  18:23.  2 Tim.  4:14.  IPs.  51:1,9.  Is.  43:25.  44:22.  mis.  36:11, 
12.  n 6:15.  1 Chr.  29:3,14,17,18.  2Chr.29:36.  Ps.  110:3.  2 Cor.  8:16,17.  Phil. 
2:13.  Heb. 13:21.  ol.  2:10,19.  p Judg.  1U:7,  &c.  11:12,  &c.  1 Sam.  11:2. 

but  especially  they  should  teach  the  people,  how  to  sanctify 
their  secular  employments,  by  beginning,  conducting,  and 
completing  them,  with  prayer  and  thanksgiving,  according  to 
the  word  of  God,  and  to  his  glory. — The  security  and  prospe- 
rity of  the  church,  in  every  part  of  the  world,  is  the  common 
cause  of  all  Christians,  wherever  they  reside  : and  all  order's 
of  men  should  assist  in  promoting  them.  No  age,  sex,  or  sta- 
tion of  life,  can  free  any  person  from  this  obligation:  every 
one,  in  some  way  or  other,  may  contribute  towards  it ; and 
where  44  much  is  given,  much  will  be  required.”  But  alas,  the 
ricli  and  noble  generally  count  it  their  privilege  to  be  idle,  or 
useless;  which  they  cannot  be,  without  setting  an  example, 
mischievous  in  proportion  to  their  influence : and  no  wonder 
that  they  disregard  the  proclamations  of  the  prince,  which 
call  them  to  attend  the  service  of  God,  when  they  disdain  the 
yoke  of  the  almighty  Lord  himself.  But  before  him  they  are 
upon  a level  with  the  meanest  of  their  inferiors  ; except  that 
a more  dreadful  punishment,  and  deeper  disgrace,  await  their 
impenitent  and  ungrateful  rebellion.  Frequently  the  zeal  and 
activity  in  the  cause  of  God,  of  those  in  the  inferior  orders, 
expose  and  condemn  the  pride,  sloth,  and  self-indulgence,  or 
impiety,  of  those  who  are  intrusted  with  more  talents  ; and 
thus  they  whom  men  despise,  obtain  and  engross  that  44  honour 
which  cometh  from  God.” — If  in  times  of  prevalent  ungodli- 
ness, numbers,  in  different  stations  would  agree,  first  to  look 
to  themselves,  and  to  reform  their  families  as  far  as  they 
could  ; and  then  to  use  all  their  influence  to  promote  the 
general  work  of  reformation,  we  might  expect  that  much  good 
would  speedily  he  done : and  though  most  men  still  neglect 
this  duty  ; let  those  who  lament  the  triumphs  of  iniquity  and 
the  desolations  of  piety,  every  one  44  repair  opposite  to  his  own 
house”  or  44  chamber  and  let  all  endeavour  to  do  what  they 
can,  by  their  prayers,  their  example,  the  education  of  their 
children,  and  pious  conversation,  to  promote  and  recommend 
that  cause  which  they  have  espoused.  And  when  such  at- 
tempts are  directed  by  men  of  vigour,  prudence,  and  piety,  and 
conducted  with  entire  harmony,  remote  from  envy,  conten- 
tion, or  divisions  : and  when  everj'  one,  beside  doing  his  pro- 
per work  earnestly,  is  ready  to  assist,  those  who  are  over-bur- 
dened ; there  is  no  reason  to  doubt  of  success : u for  the  fruit  of 
righteousness  is  sown  in  pea^e  of  them  that  make  peace.” — 
Maj'  the  Lord  stir  up  the  hearts  of  all  his  people,  to  lay 
aside  their  disnutes,  and  to  disregard  their  worldly  interests,  in 
comparison  oiu  building  the  walls  of  Jerusalem,”  and  defend- 
ing the  cause  of  evangelical  truth,  and  vital  godliness,  against 
the  assaults  of  avowed  enemies.  May  those  offences  cease, 
which  weaken  the  common  cause,  and  expose  it  to  reproach : 
and  may  the  church  of  Christ  thiw  fortified,  as  44  a city  that 
is  at  unity  in  itself,”  and  adorned  by  the  beauties  of  holiness, 
attract  the  attention,  the  admiration,  and  the  love  of  behold- 
ers : silence  the  reproaches  of  calumniators,  and  dismay  the 
heart,  or  repel  the  assaults,  of  every  hostile  invader!  Amen. 

NOTES— Chap.  IV.  V.  1—3.  (Notes,  2:9,10,19,20.) 
Sanballat,  and  the  other  enemies  of  the  Jews,  though  enraged 
t them  foi;  undertaking  to  rebuild  the  walls  of  Jerusalem, 
were  restrained  from  openly  opposing  them,  partly  because 
they  despised  their  feeble  attempts.  They  concluded,  either 
that  they  would  not  venture  to  undertake  such  a work ; or  if 
they  did,  that  they  would  make  little  progress,  however  car- 
west  they  might  be.  But  when  they  heard  that  all  hands  were 
diligently  employed,  they  became  very  angry  ; yet  they  effect- 
ed to  treat  the  undertaking  with  the  utmost  disdain.  San- 
ballat uttered  his  sarcasms  before  his  brethren,  (or  the  prin- 
cipal commanders  in  that  neighbourhood  J and  the  army  of 


'their  sin  be  blotted  out  from  before  (bee:  foi 
they  have  provoked  thee  to  anger  mbefore  the 
builders. 

6 So  built  we  the  wall ; and  all  the  wall  was 
joined  together  unto  the  half  thereof:  for  the 
people  "had  a mind  to  work. 

7 IT  But  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  “Sanballat, 
and  Tobiah,  and  the  Arabians,  and  ('the  Am- 
monites, and  ^the  Ashdodites,  'heard  that  the 
walls  of  Jerusalem  twere  made  up,  and  that  the 
breaches  began  to  be  stopped,  “then  they  were 
very  wroth, 

8 And  ‘conspired  all  of  them  together  to 
come  and  to  fight  against  Jerusalem,  and  to 
^hinder  it. 

9 Nevertheless  "we  made  our  prayer  unto  our 
God,  and  "set  a watch  against  them  day  and 
night,  because  of  them. 

10  And  Judah  said,  ^The  strength  of  the 
‘bearers  of  burdens  is  decayed,  and  there  is  much 
rubbish;  so  that  we  are  not  able  to  build  the 
wall. 


2SHm.  10:1— 5.  2 Kings  24:2.  2Chr.  50:1.  Ez.  25:3-7.  Am.  1:13.  q 13:23,24. 
1 Sam. 5:1,2.  2Chr. 26:6— 8.  Jer. 25.20.  .4m. 1:8.  3:9.  Zech.  9:5,6.  r Ezra  4: 
4—16.5:8.  J Heb.  ascended.  sGen.3;!5.  Acts  4:17,18.  5:33.  Rev.  12:12,13, 
17.  tPs.2:l — 3.83:4 — 11.  Is.89,lU.  Acts  23: 12,13.  § Heb.  make  an  error  to 
it.  u 1:11.  Gen.  32:9— 42,28.  2 Kings  19:14— 19.  Ps.  50:15.  55:16— 18.  Luke  6: 
11,12.  Acts  4:24—30.  x Matt.  26:41.  Luke21:36.  1 Pet.  5:8.  y Num.  13:31. 
32:9.  Ps.  11:1,2.  Hag.  1:2.  z2Chr.2:18.  Ez.29:18. 


Samaria ; whom  he  knew  to  be  more  inveterate  against  the 
Jews,  than  any  other  of  the  tribes  under  his  command:  but 
he  supposed  what  he  said  would  soon  be  reported  at  Jerusa- 
lem, and  tend  to  discourage  the  builders.  With  a mixture  of 
scorn  and  indignation,  he  inquired  “ what  the  feeble  Jews 
were  doing.”  Could  they  think  of  fortifying  so  large  a city? 
Did  they  intend  to  complete  such  a work  in  a day,  and  to  se- 
cure themselves  from  interruption,  while  they  spent  the  next 
in  sacrificing?  And  what  would  they  do  for  materials?  The 
stones  formerly  used  in  this  work  were  broken  in  pieces,  or 
decayed,  by  lying  so  long  under  the  rubbish;  the  builders 
could  not  “revive”  them,  or  make  them  new  again,  nor  could 
they  procure  any  others.  With  equal  disdain  Tobiah  replied, 
that  a wall  built  by  them,  in  such  haste,  and  of  such  mate- 
rials, would  be  no  security  at  all ; for  the  weight  of  a fox  run- 
ning over  it  would  break  it  down ! But  this  contempt  and 
ridicule  induced  them  to  lose  the  opportunity  of  attempting 
more  effectual  opposition. 

V.  4,  5.  The  Jews  were  at  this  time  the  church  of  God: 
they  were  actually  employed  in  his  service : their  enemies, 
without  the  smallest  ground  of  complaint  against  them,  de- 
spised and  haled  them  for  his  sake;  if  they  succeeded  in  their 
designs  they  would  subvert  true  religion  ; and  their  condign 
punishment  would  form  a salutary  example  to  all  other  adver- 
saries, and  be  subservient  to  the  cause  of  truth  and  righ- 
etousness.  So  that,  zeal  for  the  honour  of  God,  and  love  to  his 
people,  induced  Nehemiah  to  pray,  that  these  scorners  might 
be  exposed  to  that  reproach  which  they  cast  on  the  Jews,  and 
become  “a  prey  to  their  enemies  in  the  land  of  captivity;” 
and  that  their  sins  might  not  be  covered,  or  blotted  out,  by 
the  merciful  forgiveness  of  God  : seeing  they  had  endeavoured 
to  discourage  the  builders,  and  render  them  disaffected  to 
their  work;  ( Marg . Ref.  i — 1.) — Such  scriptural  requests  are 
prophetical,  or  declaratory  of  the  judgments  of  God  against 
persecutors:  and  the  subsequent  doom  of  these  nations  was 
an  answer  to  this  prayer.  (Notes,  Ps.  69:21 — 28.  109:6 — 

20.)  ‘This  prayer  ..  . was  confirmed  by  the  destruction  of 
these  nations  by  the  Maccabees  and  their  successors.’  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  6.  The  half,  &c.]  The  whole  circuit  of  the  wall  was 
completed  to  half  of  the  intended  height. — Hacl  a mind  to 
work.]  They  ‘ were  very  much  set  upon  it,  and  went  about 
it  cheerfully,  notwithstanding  their  jeers  and  contempt. 
Bp.  Patrick.  (Marg.  Rtf.  n.) 

V.  7,  8.  Ail  these  nations,  (except  perhaps  the  Arabians,) 
were  subjects  of  the  kings  of  Persia ; and  were  induced  by 
Sanballat  to  unite  against  Nehemiah  and  the  Jews,  when 
acting  by  the  king’s  commission  ; so  that  their  attempt  was  a 
conspiracy  in  the  most  criminal  sense.  Dreading  either  the 
resentment  of  the  king,  or  the  valour  of  the  Jews;  they  had 
not  hitherto  dared  to  attack  them  openly,  notwithstanding 
the  greatness  of  their  malice.  (Notes,  Matt.  26:3 — 5.  Acts 
23:12 — 22.)  ‘ The  last  words  in  the  Hebrew  are  to  make  an 

error  in  it ; that  is,  to  put  them  by  the  work,  or  to  make  them 
not  know  which  way  to  turn  themselves.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  9.  The  connexion,  here  marked,  between  the  greatest 
simplicity  and  piety,  in  trusting  God  alone  and  seeking  help 
from  him  by  prayer,  and  the  most  vigilant  and  diligent  acti 
vity  in  the  use  of  all  proper  means,  is  well  worthy  of  notice 

V.  10.  Some  of  the  principal  persons  among  tho  Jews 
while  the  work  was  in  hand,  represented  to  Nehemiah,  that 
the  people  were  so  worn  down,  and  the  remaining  labour 
(especially  in  removing  the  rubbish  to  get  materials)  was  so 
great,  that  their  design  was  impracticable,  and  must  be  aban- 
( 835  ) 


B.  C.  415.  NEHEMIAIL  B.  C.  445. 


1 1 And  our  dvei  '.tries  said,  “They  shall  not 
know,  neither  see,  t,h  we  come  in  the  midst 
among  them,  and  slay  them,  and  cause  the  work 
to  cease. 

12  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  the  Jews 
which  dwelt  by  them  came,  they  said  unto  us 
'’ten  times,  'From  all  places  whence  ye  shall 
return  unto  us  they  will  be  upon  you. 

[ Practical  Observations.-] 

13  11  Therefore  cset  I in  Uhe  lower  places  behind 
the  wall,  and  on  the  higher  places,  I even  set 
the  people  after  their  families  with  dtheir  swords, 
their  spears,  and  their  bows. 

14  And  I looked,  and  rose  up,  and  said  unto 
the  nobles,  and  to  the  rulers,  and  to  the  rest  of 
the  people,  eBe  not  ye  afraid  of  them  : ' remember 
me  Lord,  which  is  sgreat  and  terrible,  and  hfight 
for  your  brethren,  your  sons,  and  your  daughters, 
your  wives,  and  your  houses. 

15  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  our  enemies 
heard  that  it  was  known  unto  us,  and  ‘God  had 
brought  their  counsel  to  naught,  that  we  returned 
all  of  us  to  the  wall,  kevery  one  unto  his  work. 

16  And  it  came  to  pass  from  that  time  forth, 
that  the  half  of  'my  servants  wrought  in  the 
work,  and  the  other  half  of  them  held  both  the 
spears,  the  shields,  and  the  bows,  and  the  haber- 

a*udg.20:29,  Sic.  Ps.  56:6.  Is.  47:11.  lThes.5:2.  b Gen.  31:7,41.  Num. 
14:22.  Job  19:3.  * Or,  That  from  all  places  ye  must  return  to  us.  c Gen.  32: 
13—20.  2Chr.  32:2— 8.  Ps.  112:5.  Matt.  10:16.  1 Cor.  14:20.  f Heb .from  the 
lower  parts  of  the  place,  d 17,18.  Cant.  3:7,8.  Eph.6:ll— 20.  e Num.  14:9. 
Dent.  1:21.  20:3,4.  Josh.  1:9.  2 Chr.  20:15— 17.  32:7.  Ps.  27:1.  46:11.  Is.  41: 
10—14.  Heb.  13:6.  f Pa.  20:7.  77:10—20.  143:5.  Is.  51:12,13.  63:11—13.  gl:5. 
Deut.  10:17.  Job  37:22.  Ps.  65:5.  66:3.  Is.  64:1—3.  Nah.  1:2-7.  Heb.  12:20, 

doned  at  least  for  the  present.  This  must  have  been  a great 
discouragement  to  him,  in  conjunction  with  all  his  other  diffi- 
culties and  dangers.  (Notes,  Ps.  11:1 — 3.  Hag.  1:2,4.) 

V.  11.  Some  think,  that  certain  of  the  princes  reported 
these  sayings  of  the  adversaries,  in  order  to  intimidate  the 
builders  : being  themselves  weary  of  the  labour,  and  not  cor- 
dially affected  to  the  cause.  It  was  not  however  likely,  that 
Sanballat  could  introduce  into  the  city  so  large  a number  of 
soldiers,  as  would  suffice  to  overpower  and  destroy  all  the 
Jews,  and  stop  the  work ; without  being  discovered,  till  he 
and  his  troops  were  in  the  midst  of  the  builders.  Indeed  the 
conduct  of  those,  who  reported  such  a design,  was  more  suited 
to  intimidate  the  inconsiderate,  than  to  convince  wise  men 
that  they  really  expected  it  would  be  carried  into  execution. 

V.  12.  This  verse  is  of  difficult  construction;  which  seems 
to  have  been  the  effect  of  the  abrupt  manner,  in  which  the 
persons  intended  expressed  their  excessive  terror.  They  lived 
near  the  hostile  nations?  and  some  of  them  were  continually 
coming  to  Jerusalem  with  information,  that  the  enemy  was 
preparing  to  attack  the  builders  from  every  quarter  ; and 
would  certainly  fall  upon  them,  whether  they  continued  at 
their  work,  or  attempted  to  return  home.  Probably , they 
meant  to  put  their  brethren  upon  their  guard:  but  such  alarm- 
ing rumours  tended  to  intimidate  them  and  drive  them  from 
the  work.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  13 — 15.  (Marg.  Ref.)  “ All  was  at  stake,  therefore  he 
exhorts  them  to  be  valiant,  trusting  in  God,  who  was  stronger 
than  all  their  enemies.’  Bp.  Patrick.  After  all  the  prepara- 
tions which  Nehcmiah  and  the  Jews  had  made,  the  conspira- 
tors did  not  venture  to  attack  them:  and,  neither  being  able 
to  surprise  them,  nor  fright  them  from  their  design,  they  for 
the  present  desisted  ; and  so  the  Jews  returned  to  their  work. 

V.  16 — 18.  The  builders  could  not  possibly  have  made  any 
progress,  if  they  had  literally  held  a weapon  in  one  of  their 
hands.  Indeed  it  is  evident,  that  they  wore  their  swords  by 
their  sides.  But  the  expression  is  figurative,  implying  that 
every  man  was  both  a builder,  and  a soldier. — They  worked, 
and  bare  arms,  by  turns:  they  wore  swords  at  their  labour, 
and  those  behind  them  had  other  arms  ready,  when  the  alarm 
should  be  given. — Nehemiah,  being  earnest  in  the  undertak- 
ing, employed  all  his  attendants  in  one  way  or  other  about  it. 

V.  19,  20.  The  priests  were  directed  to  blow  the  sacred 
trumpets;  (Note,  Num.  10:2 — 10.)  and  no  doubt  some  of 
them  constantly  attended,  one  at  least,  in  the  different  sta- 
tions, which  were  selected  for  the  purpose,  to  sound  the  alarm 
when  needful : and  this  was  a token  that  the  Lord  would  fight 
for  his  people  against  their  enemies.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  22.  Those  who  lived  in  the  adjacent  cities  and  villages, 
were  required  to  lodge,  with  one  or  more  servants,  in  Jerusa- 
lem, to  guard  the  work,  and  be  ready  for  it  in  the  morning  ; 
for  this  was  to  be  attended  to  in  preference  even  to  their  own 
families,  as  being  more  exposed  to  the  assaults  of  their  ene- 
mies. (Note,  11:1,2.) 

V.  23.  Nehemiah  and  his  attendants,  in  order  that  they 
might  always  be  prepared  against  any  alarm,  took  necessary 
rest  oy  turns,  in  their  clothes  and  armour : never  undressing 
themselves,  except  for  cleanliness, or  ceremonial  purification. 
Or  as  the  margin  renders  the  words,  “Every  one  went  with 
his  weapon  for  water.” 


geons ; and  the  rulers  were  berui»J  all  the  house 
of  Judah. 

17  They  which  builded  on  the  wall,  and  they 
that  ""bare  burdens,  with  those  that  laded,  every 
one  "with  one  of  his  hands  wrought  in  the  woA, 
and  with  the  other  hand  held  a weapon. 

18  For  the  builders,  every  one  had  his  sword 
girded  iby  his  side,  and  so  builded.  And  "he  that 
sounded  the  trumpet  was  by  me. 

19  U And  I said  unto  the  nobles,  and  to  the 
rulers,  and  to  the  rest  of  the  people,  The  work  is 
great  and  large,  and  we  are  separated  upon  the 
wall,  one  far  from  another. 

20  In  what  place  therefore  ye  hear  the  sount 
of  the  trumpet,  resort  ye  thither  unto  us  : four 
God  shall  fight  for  us. 

21  So  %e  laboured  in  the  work : and  half  ol 
them  held  the  spears  from  the  rising  of  the  morn- 
ing, till  the  stars  appeared. 

22  Likewise  at  the  same  time  said  I unto  the 
people,  Let  "every  one  with  his  servant  lodge 
within  Jerusalem,  that  in  the  night  they  may  be  a 
guard  to  us,  and  labour  on  the  day. 

23  So  neither  *1,  nor  my  brethren,  nor  my  ser- 
vants, nor  the  men  of  the  guard  which  followed 
me,  none  of  us  put  off  our  clothes,  5 saving  that 
every  one  put  them  off  for  washing. 

21,28,29.  h2Sam. 10:12.  i 2 Sara.  15:31.  17:14.  Job  5:12.13.  Pa. 33:10,11. 
Pror.  21:30.  Is.  8:10.  44:25.  Lam . 3:37.  1 Cor.  3: 19,20.  k Mark  13:34.  Rom. 
12:11.  1 Thes.  4:11.  I 23.  5: 15,16.  Ps.  101 :6.  m 10.  n Dan.  9:25.  1 Cor.  9:26. 
16:13.  2 Cor.  6:7.  Eph.  6:11,  &c.  2 Tim.  2:3. 4:7.  J Heb.  on  his  loins,  o Num. 
10:9.  2 Chr.  13:12— 17.  p Ex.  14:14,25.  Deut.  1:30  . 3:22  . 20:4.  Josh.  23:10. 
q 1 Cor.  15:10,58.  Gal.  6:9.  Col.  1:29.  r 11:1,2.  s 5:16,17.  7:2.  Judg.  9:48. 
§ Or,  every  one  went  with  his  weapon  for  water.  Judg.  5:11. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 12.  The  pious  labours  of  thos_e  who  endeavour  to 
promote  true  religion,  must  always  excite  the  indignation  of 
such  as  are  “haters  of  God,”  and  of  his  truth  and  holiness: 
nay,  in  this  case,  the  wisest  and  most  excellent  behaviour 
will  be  reproached  and  derided,  as  madness  and  folly. — The 
most  sacred  things  may  easily  be  represented  in  so  ridiculous 
a light,  as  to  excite  profane  laughter  : a small  measure  of  wit, 
united  with  competent  malice,  impiety,  and  impudence,  will 
suffice  for  these  pernicious  and  profane  scoffings  ; and  such 
presumptuous  jesters  whet  one  another's  ingenuity,  and  em- 
bolden each  other  to  the  most  daring  blasphemies.  Con- 
tempt and  derision  are  indeed  very  painful  to  us  : but  they 
frequently  prove  the  Christian’s  protection,  and  give  him  lei- 
sure to  effect  his  designs,  without  more  formidable  opposition. 
—The  means  which  he  uses  appear  feeble  to  proud  despisers ; 
but,  by  the  power  and  blessing  of  God,  they  produce  durable 
and  extensive  effects : and  all  the  efforts  of  man,  seconded 
by  the  power  and  policy  of  hell,  have  failed,  and  ever  will" 
fail,  to  subvert  the  cause,  which  infidels  have  dreamed  would 
fall  of  itself,  or  on  the  first  assault.  Ere  long  the  church  on 
earth  will  triumph  over  every  adversary:  and  all  believers 
will  soon  offer  the  sacrifice  of  praise,  for  complete  and  eter- 
nal victory  and  salvation  ; notwithstanding  the  scoffs  and 
rage  of  their  enemies. — When  insulted  or  injured,  let  ns  then 
give  up  ourselves  to  prayer  : and  the  supplications  ofbeliovers. 
throughout  the  world,  fot  the  prosperity  of  the  church,  and 
the  success  of  the  gospel,  will  eventually  be  answered  in  the 
reproach  and  merited  punishment  of  all  impenitent  opposers. 
So  long  as  they  reject  the  atonement,  their  sins  cannot  be  co- 
vered ; and  their  endeavours  to  hinder  the  progress  of  the  gos- 
pel will  provoke  the  Lord  above  all  their  other  sins. — Those, 
who  disagree  in  almost  every  other  thing,  will  oflen  unite*  in 
persecution:  (Note,  Matt.  22:15— 22.)  and  that  enmity,  which 
at  one  time  dictates  contempt  and  derision,  will  at  another 
suggest  more  violent  and  cruel  measures ; especially  when 
the  servants  of  God  are  active,  united,  and  successful.  So 
that  proud  scorners  are  not  fit  to  be  trusted  with  power  ; 
whatever  professions  of  candour  they  may  make,  or  however 
they  may  plead  for  toleration. — When  we  engage  in  impor- 
tant and  useful  undertakings,  we  should  expect  discourage- 
ment from  every  quarter.  For  we  shall  be  tried,  not  only  by 
the  anger,  contempt,  treachery  and  cruelty  of  enemies,  hut 
also  by  the  inconstancy  ami  lukewarmness  of  friends  and 
helpers : and  many  who  wish  well  to  us  will  weaken  our 
hands,  by  regarding  and  reporting  the  menaces,  or  slanders, 
or  boastings  of  our  adversaries. 

V.  13 — 23.  No  opposition  will  prove  any  real  hindcraneo 
to  us  in  our  endeavours  to  do  good,  it  we  he  led  by  it  to  a 
more  simple  confidence  in  God,  and  to  the  more  diligent  use 
of  proper  means  for  obtaining  success.  A believing  remem- 
brance of  his  power,  truth,  and  love,  will  prove  a sufficient 
support  in  every  danger;  for  “if  God  he  for  us,  who  can  ho 
against  us?”  and,  however  craftily  the  plots  of  opposers  nro 
laid,  he  is  able  ti.  delect  thorn,  and  to  bring  to  naught  all  their 
counsels. — If  our  enemies  eannot  fright  us  from  our  duty,  or 
deceive  us  into  sin,  or  find  us  unwatchful,  they  cannot  hurl 
us.  When  ministers  of  religion  or  other  aclite  instruments, 
add  the  example  of  diligence,  courage,  self-d  mini,  and  ua- 


( 836  ) 


B.  C.  445. 


CHAPTER  V 


B.  C.  445. 


CHAPTER  V. 


Jfiepnor  Jews  complain  of  the  debt*  which  they  had  unavoidably  contracted , 
aivl  which  compelled  them  to  mortgage  their  landt,  and  even  sell  their  chil- 
dren, 1 — 5.  Nehemiah  rebukct  the  rich  usurers , who  oppress  their  brethren  ; 
and  obliges  them  to  engage  by  oath  to  make  full  restitution , 6 — 13.  He  re- 
fuses the  governor's  customary  allowances , and  maintains  great  hospitality 
at  hie  own  charge,  14—19. 

AND  there  was  “a  great  cry  of  the  people  and 
of  their  wives  against  btheir  brethren  the 
Jews. 

2  For  there  were  that  said,  'We,  our  sons,  and 
our  daughters,  are  many : therefore  dwe  take  up 
corn  for  them,  that  we  may  eat,  and  live. 

3  Some  also  there  were  that  said,  'We  have 
mortgaged  our  lands,  vineyards,  and  houses,  that 
we  might  buy  corn,  f because  of  the  dearth. 

4  There  were  also  that  said,  We  have  borrow- 
ed money  for  ethe  king’s  tribute,  and  that  upon 
our  lands  and  vineyards. 

5  Yet  now  hour  flesh  is  as  the  flesh  of  our 
brethren,  our  children  as  their  children*:  and  lo, 
‘we  bring  into  bondage  our  sons  and  our  daugh- 
ters to  be  servants,  and  some  of  our  daughters  are 
brought  unto  bondage  already:  neither  is  it  in  our 
power  to  redeem  them;  for  other  men  have  our 
lands  and  vineyards. 

6  IT  And  kI  was  very  angry  when  I heard  their 
cry  and  these  words. 

7  H Then  ‘I  consulted  with  myself,  and  'I  re- 
buked the  nobles,  and  the  rulers,  and  said  unto 


them,  mYe  exact  usury,  every  one  of  his  brother 
And  nI  set  a great  assembly  against  them  ; 

8 And  I said  unto  them,  We,  “after  our  ability 
have  '’redeemed  our  brethren  the  Jews,  which 
were  sold  unto  the  heathen;  and  will  ye  even 
''sell  your  brethren  ? dr  rshall  they  be  sold  unto  us  f 
Then  'held  they  their  peace,  and  found  nothing  to 
ans  wet . 

9 Also  I said,  ‘It  is  not  good  that  ye  do  : ough 
ye  not  “to  walk  in  the  fear  of  our  God  because  o. 
xthe  reproach  of  the  heathen  our  enemies  ? 

10  >1  likewise,  and  my  brethren,  and  my  ser 
vants,  might  exact  of  them  money  and  corn  : ’] 
pray  you,  let  us  'leave  off  this  usury. 

11  bRestore,  I pray  you,  to  them,  even  this  day, 
“their  lands,  their  vineyards,  their  olive-yards,  and 
their  houses,  also  the  hundredth  part  of  the  money, 
and  of  the  corn,  the  wine,  and  the  oil,  that  ye 
exact  of  them. 

12  Then  said  they,  dWe  will  restore  them,  and 
will  require  nothing  of  them  ; so  will  we  do  as 
thou  sayest.  Then  eI  called  the  priests,  and  took 
an  oath  of  them,  that  they  should  do  according  to 
this  promise. 

13  Also  fI  shook  my  lap,  and  said,  eSo  God 
shake  out  every  man  from  his  house,  and  from  his 
labour,  that  performeth  not  this  promise,  even 
thus  be  he  shaken  out,  and  ‘emptied.  And  all  the 


a Er.  3:7.  37:25-  27.  Job  31:38,39.  34:28.  Is.  5:7.  Luke  18:7.  Jam.  5:4.  b Lev. 
25:35— 37.  Deut.  15:7— 11.  Acts  7:26.  1 Cor.  6:6— 8.  c Ps.  127:3-5.  128:2-  4. 
Mai.  2:2.  d lien . 41 :57.  42:2.  43:8.  e Uen.  47:15— 25.  fMal.  3:8— 11.  g9: 
37.  Deut.  28:47,48.  Josh.  16:10.  I Kings  9:21.  Ezra  4:13,20.  h Gen.  37:27.  Is. 
58:7.  Jam. 2:5,6.  i Ex.  21:1-11.  Lev.  25:39— 43.  2 Kines4:l.  Mall.  18:25. 
k 13:8,25.  Ex.  11:8.  Num.  16:15.  Mark  3:5.  Eph.  4:26.  * Heb.  my  heart  con- 
trilled  in  me.  Ps.  4:4.  27:8.  1 Lev.  19:15.  2 Chr.  19:6,7.  Ps.  82:1— 4.  Prov. 

27:5.  2 Cor.  5:16.  Gal.  2:11.  1 Tim.  5:20.  Tit.  2:15.  m Ex.  22:25.  Lev.  25:36. 
Deut.  15:2,3.  23:19,20.  24:10—13.  Ez.  22:12.  45:9.  n 2 Chr.  28:9— 13.  Matt. 
18:17.  o Malt.  25:15,29.  2 Cor.  8:12.  Gal.  6:10.  p Lev.  25:47—  49.  qEx.21: 

tience,  to  their  exhortations  ; others  will  be  stirred  up,  who 
were  before  drawn  or  driven  from  their  work. — Every  true 
Christian  is  both  a labourer  and  a soldier,  working  with  one 
hand  and  lighting  with  the  other,  and  called  by  the  sound  of 
the  gospel,  alternately  to  his  work  and  to  the  conflict.  We 
are  widely  dispersed  in  our  several  employments:  but  we  all 
form  one  army,  and  must  prepare  to  unite  against  the  com- 
mon enemy,  in  whatever  place  the  assault  is  made.  In  this 
important  cause  personal  and  relative  interests  must  be  com- 
paratively disregarded  : or  rather  they  are  most  wisely  at- 
tended to,  when  we  commit  them  to  the  Lord,  and  labour  for 
the  benefit  of  his  church.  While  we  stand  armed  and  watch- 
ing, as  for  the  battle,  we  shall  have  the  best  security  for 
peace ; for  Satan  fears  assaulting  the  vigilant  Christian  : or 
rf  we  are  attacked,  “ our  God  will  fight  for  us.”  Thus  must 
we  wait  to  the  close  of  life,  never  putting  off  our  armour,  till 
our  work  and  warfare  be  ended  ; and  then  we  shall  be  crowned 
as  conquerors,  and  welcomed  to  the  rest  and  joy  of  our  Lord. 

NOTES. — Chap.  V.  V.  1 — 5.  It  seems,  that  the  atten- 
tion of  Nehemiah  was  interrupted,  before  the  wall  was  com- 
pletid,  by  the  affair  recorded  in  this  chapter.  (Note,  6:15, 
16.)  Amidst  the  depredations  to  which  the  Jews  were  ex- 
posed, and  their  attention  to  self  defence,  it  is  likely  that 
tillage  was  in  some  degree  neglected,  and  that  a scarcity  of 
corn  ensued.  It  is  also  supposed  by  learned  men,  that  these 
events  occurred  in  the  sabbatical  year  ; which  if  indeed  it 
were  so,  would  increase  the  difficulties  of  the  poor,  as  well  as 
aggravate  the  guilt  of  those,  who  thence  took  occasion  to  op- 
, press  their  brethren.  The  nation  seems  also  to  have  been 
visited  with  scarcity  for  their  sins.  Such  persons,  therefore, 
as  were  in  low  circumstances,  and  had  large  families,  were 
unable  to  buy  necessary  food,  except  upon  credit,  and  probably 
at  an  exorbitant  price  ; and  they  were  compelled  to  raise 
money,  hy  borrowing  on  interest,  for  the  tribute  imposed  by 
the  king  of  Persia.  (Note,  9:36,37.)  Of  these  difficulties  the 
monied  men  took  advantage,  and,  obtaining  mortgages  of  their 
lands,  got  them  into  their  possession : taking  usury  also  for 
the  money,  of  one  hundredth  part  every  monlh,  or  twelve  per 
cent,  a year,  as  it  is  generally  supposed  ; which  soon  reduced 
the  debtors  to  deep  poverty;  and  at  length  to  the  necessity 
of  selling  into  slavery  their  sons,  and  even  their  daughters'; 
who  would  be  peculiarly  exposed  in  that  situation : while 
there  appeared  no  prospect  of  redress,  no  hope  of  redeeming 
either  their  lands  or  their  children,  no  period  to  their  accu- 
nulating  distresses,  except  in  entire  and  perpetual  bondage. 
Yet  they  were  not  only  of  the  same  nature,  but  of  the  same 
chosen  seed,  the  children  of  the  covenant,  equally  with  the 
more  prosperous  Jews.  They  had  the  same  affection  for 
^teir  children,  and  accounted  a numerous  family  a blessing, 
as  long  as  they  could  provide  for  it.  They  had  not  reduced 
themselves  to  this  distress  by  extravagance ; but  were  ne- 
eessitated  to  contract  debts,  through  hard  times  and  heavy 
taxes,  and  for  necessary  provisions  : and  the  conduct  of  their 
oppressors  was  contrary  to  the  letter  and  the  spirit  of  the 
whole  law  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Gen.  47:13 — 26.  Ex.  22: 


16.  Deut. 24:7.  rRom. 14:15.  !Cor.8:lI.  8 Job  29:10  . 32:15,16.  Matt.  X.- 
12.  Rom.  3:19.  t 1 Sam.  2:24.  Prov.  16:29.  17:26.  18:5.  19:2.  24:23.  u 15. 
Gen.  20:11.  42:18.  Acts  9:31.  x Gen.  13:7,8.  2 Sam.  12:14.  Ez.  36:20.  Rom.  2: 
24.  I Tim.  5:14.  Tit. 2:5.  IPel.2:12.  jrMic.2:l.  Luke3:13,14.  1 Cor.  9:12— 
18.  z 2 Cor.  5:11,20.  6:1.  i'hilem.  8,9.  a 7.  Ex.  22:25—  27.  Ps.  15:5.  Ez. 
18:8,13.  b Lev.  6:4,5.  I Sam.  12:3.  2 Sam.  12:6.  Is.  58:6.  Luke  3:8.  c3,4.  d 2 Chr. 
28:14,15.  Ezra  10:12.  Matt.  19:21 ,22.  Luke  19:8.  e 10:29.  13:25.  2 Chr.  6:22, 
23.  15:13,14.  Ezra  10:5.  Jer.  34:8— 10.  Matt.  26:63.  f Matt.  10:14.  Acts  13:51. 
18:6.  gl  Sam.  15:28.  1 Kings  11:29 — 31.  Zech.  5:3,4.  f Heb.  empty,  or  void. 


25—27.  Lev.  25:35—37.  Deut.  15:2— 10.  24:10—13.2  Kings 
4:1.  Ez.  22:12,13.)  In  this  extremity  they  appealed  to  Ne- 
hemiah, and  he  immediately  determined  to  do  them  justice. 

V.  6,  7.  Nehemiah  appears  to  have  possessed  a far  more 
bold  and  eager  spirit,  than  his  contemporary  Ezra.  For,  in 
a situation  something  similar,  Ezra  fasted,  prayed,  wept,  and 
almost  desponded:  ( Notes , Ezra  9:)  but  Nehemiah,  fired 
with  a holy  indignation,  united  by  sympathy  with  the  poor 
sufferers,  proceeded  immediately,  with  all  his  authority  and 
influence,  to  redress  the  grievances  of  his  oppressed  brethren; 
neither  fearing  the  resentment  of  their  powerful  oppressors, 
nor  doubting  but  he  should  be  able  to  effect  his  purpose. 
(Notes,  Job  29:12—17.  31:33,34.  Ps.  82:2—4.  Prov.  31:8, 
9.)  He  did  not,  however,  act  without  consideration:  but, 
having  formed  his  plan  after  mature  deliberation,  he  first 
sharply  rebuked  the  nobles  and  rulers,  who,  instead  of  pu- 
nishing other  criminals,  were  themselves  the  most  notorious 
usurers  and  extortioners.  And,  as  he  feared  lest  they  should 
prove  refractory,  he  convened  an  assembly  of  the  people ; 
that  perceiving  how  generally  their  conduct  was  disapproved, 
they  might  be  shamed  into  proper  concessions,  without  the 
necessity  of  direct  compulsion. 

V.  8.  Nehemiah  and  Ezra,  and  other  pious  persons,  had 
not  only,  with  great  zeal  and  earnestness,  endeavoured  to 
establish  the  security  and  prosperity  of  the  nation  ; but  they 
had  redeemed  from  slavery  several  of  the  poor  Jews  who 
had  been  sold  among  the  heathen.  (Note,  Lev.  26:47 — 55.) 
What  a contrast  then  was  the  conduct  of  these  usurers,  to 
their  disinterested  and  liberal  love  to  their  countrymen  ! Did 
the  one  company  redeem  their  enslaved  brethren,  that  the 
other  might  sell  them  again  for  slaves,  in  direct  violation  of 
the  divine  law  ? Or  did  they  expect  to  sell  their  enslaved 
brethren  to  Nehemiah  and  his  friends,  even  as  the  Gentiles 
took  their  money  for  such  as  they  redeemed  ? — It  was  indeed 
impossible  to  reply  to  this  animated  and  reasonable  expostu- 
lation. (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  9.  When  Nehemiah  said,  M It  is  not  good  that  ye  do,” 
his  words  imply  that  they  had  acted  very  wickedly.  4 A soft 
form  of  speech,  used  when  they  mean  it  is  very  bad.  Prov. 
16:29.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Marg.  Ref.  t.) — The  exposed  and 
distressed  condition  to  which  sin  had  reduced  the  nation,  and 
the  recent  mercies  which  they  had  received,  combined  to  en- 
force it  upon  them,  to  u walk  in  the  fear  of  God,”  lest  he 
snould  give  them  up  as  a reproach  to  their  enemies  : or  rather, 
lest  the  heathen,  who  were  full  of  malice,  should  reproach 
them,  as  they  justly  might,  for  their  avar*ce  and  cruelty; 
and  thence  take  occasion  to  revile  their  religion,  and  blas- 
pheme the  name  of  God  himself.  (Marg.  Ref.  u,  x.) 

V.  10 — 13.  Had  Nehemiah,  and  his  brethren  and  servants 
acted  towards  the  people  as  these  oppressoi-9  did  : the  autho- 
rity of  the  Persian  king  would  have  enabled  them  to  exact 
large  contributions,  from  the  rich  especially  But  as  they, 
instead  of  such  exactions,  did  not  so  much  ais  take  what  was 
justly  their  due;  (Note,  14:15.)  surelv  the  r»  h ought  to  b© 
ashamed  of  extorting  from  the  poor  *.„&t  th(^  co”  £ have  *..c 
( 837  ) 


B.  C.  435 


NEHEMIAH. 


B.  C.  435. 


congregati  .11  sa  J. 11  Amen,  and  'praised  the  Lord. 
And  kthe  peopii.  did  according  to  this  promise. 

[ Practical  Observations.'] 

b c.i  14  H Moreover,  from  the  time  that  I was 
4J4  J appointed  to  be  their  governor  in  the  land 
of  Judah,  'from  the  twentieth  year,  even  unto  the 
two  and  thirtieth  year  of  Artaxerxes  the  king, 
that  is,  twelve  years,  raI  and  my  brethren  have  not 
eaten  "the  bread  of  the  governor. 

15  But  the  former  governors,  that  had  been  be- 
fore me  were  chargeable  unto  the  people,  and  had 
taken  of  them  bread  and  wine,  beside  forty  shekels 
of  silver  ; yea,  “even  their  servants  bare  rule  over 
the  people : but  pso  did  not  I,  ^because  of  the  fear 
of  God. 


h Num.  5.22.  Deut.  27:14— 26.  i 1 Chr.  16:36.  lc2King«23:3.  Ps.  50:14.  76: 

U.  119:106.  Ec.  5:5.  12:1.  m 1 Cor.  9:4— 15,18.  2 Thes.  3:8,9.  n Ezra  4:13, 
14.  Rom.  13:6,7.  o 1 Sam.  2:15— 17.  8:15.  Prov. 29:12.  pMatt.5:47  2 Cor. 
11:9.  12:13.  q 9.  Job  31:23.  P«.  112:1.  147:11.  Pro*.  16:6.  Ec.  12:13,14.  Is.  50: 
1U.  Luke  18:2— 4.  r Luke  8:15.  Rom.  2:7.  1 Cor.  15:58.  Gal.  6:9.  sNum.  16: 


shadow  of  a right  to ! Nehemiah  therefore  urged  them  volun- 
tarily to  leave  off  their  usury,  and  to  restore  the  lands  of  their 
poor  brethren,  and  the  increase  of  money  and  provisions, 
which  they*  had  exacted  from  them ; to  lend  them  without 
pledge  or  usury , in  this  time  of  distress ; and  to  wait  for  pay- 
ment till  better  times.  This  seems  the  immediate  purport  of 
his  proposal : though  probably  he  required  the  free  remission 
of  former  debts,  and  the  liberating  of  the  children  which  were 
in  bondage,  as  in  the  year  of  release. — His  remonstrance  had 
its  desired  effect,  and  the  guilty  persons  promised  to  do  so: 
but  less  they  should  delay,  or  go  back  from  their  word,  he 
called  the  priests  as  witnesses,  and  bound  the  persons  con- 
cerned with  a solemn  oath  to  perform  their  promise  ; and 
then  with  a significant  action,  he  denounced  the  vengeance 
of  heaven  against  every  one  who  failed  of  this  engagement. 
To  this  the  congregation  solemnly  assented,  and  praised  the 
Lord  for  sending  them  so  just  and  merciful  a ruler.  ( Notes , 
Jer.  34:8 — 22.) — Thus  this  matter  was  in  one  assembly  ami- 
cably settled,  by  motives  and  arguments  taken  from  true 
religion,  and  the  law  of  God : yet  one  of  a similar  kind  dis- 
tracted the  Roman  state  for  ages,  and  the  oppression  was 
never  effectually  prevented  ! ( Notes , 2 Chr.  28:9 — 15.  1 Tim. 
6:1—5.) 

V.  14 — 18.  This  passage  must  have  been  added  by  Nehe- 
iniah  several  years  after  the  date  of  the  transaction  before 
recorded  : for  that  occurred  soon  after  he  came  to  Jerusalem. 
— The  former  governors  had  received  from  the  people  an  in- 
come of  about  five  pounds  a day,  (as  it  is  generally  inter- 
preted;) besides  a proportion  of  bread  and  wine  for  their 
households;  while  their  attendants  (as  it  is  too  commonly 
the  case)  lorded  it  over  the  people,  and  increased  their  bur- 
dens. It  is  not  said  who  these  governors  were.  Perhaps 
Ezra,  who  seems  not  to  have  been  rich,  was  necessitated  to 
take  sufficient  for  the  expenses  of  his  station  ; but  we  may 
be  sure  that  he  allowed  of  no  oppression.  It  is  probable, 
however,  that  the  Persian  governors  west  of  the  Euphrates 
were  meant : for  they  seem  to  have  had  authority  over  the 
Jews  in  all  civil  concerns,  until  Nehemiah’s  commission  was 
granted.  But  he,  acting  in  the  fear  of  God  and  from  the 
pure  motives  of  religion,  and  perceiving  the  poverty  of  the 
people,  and  the  burdens  in  other  respects  laid  upon  them, 
would  not  receive  this  customary  emolument ; and,  being  very 
rich  and  liberal,  he  supported  his  dignity  with  great  hospita- 
lity at  his  own  expense,  all  the  time  he  filled  that  exalted 
station:  setting  his  rich  countrymen  an  example  of  receding 
from  legal  claims  for  the  public  good.  At  the  same  time  he 
spared  neither  trouble  nor  expense  in  forwarding  the  fortifica- 
tions of  the  city ; and  required  his  attendants  to  assist  also : 
and  would  neither  himself  take,  nor  allow  them  to  take,  any 
advantage  of  the  poverty  of  the  Jews,  by  purchasing  estates 
at  a low  price,  as  they  might  easily  have  done. — In  reading 
tltis  account  which  he  gave  of  himself,  we  should  remember 
that  he  wrote  under  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit:  and  it 
was  proper  that,  his  magnanimous,  disinterested,  and  liberal 
conduct  should  stand  upon  record  for  an  example  to  all  others, 
what  use  to  make  of  great  riches  ; how  to  render  authority  a 
public  blessing  ; and  how  to  induce  mankind  to  acts  of  justice 
and  every  good  work,  by  taking  the  lead  in  them.  ( Notes , 
1 Cor.  9:13— 18.  2 Cor.  11:7 — 12,16— 20.  12:1 1—15.) — ‘ He 
loved  religion  better  than  riches,  and  took  not  his  own  due, 
that  the  people  might  serve  God  more  cheerfully.  . . . They’ 
(his  servants)  4 were  constantly  employed  also  in  the  same 
work,  and  received  no  pay  for  their  labour,  though  it  could 
not  be  done  without  neglect  of  bis  private  business.  . . . 
There  is  no  reason  to  think  that  ho  speaks  too  much  of  him- 
self and  his  own  worthy  acts;  for  it  was  no  more  than  . . . 
St.  Paul  was  constrained  to  speak  of  himself  in  his  epistle 
to  the  Corinthians;  of  whom  he  would  take  nothing,  that  he 
might  stop  the  mouths  of  false  apostles  and  covetous  people.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  19.  Nehemiah  had  shown  great  kindness  to  his  bre- 
thren, to  which  they  had  not  in  strict  justice  any  claim  : and 
he  lifted  up  his  heart  to  God,  when  recording  it,  entreating 
him  to  show  like  kindness  to  him,  and  to  remember  him  for 
good.  Ills  conduct  in  these  circumstances  evidenced  that 
( 83S  ) 


16  Yea,  also  rI  continued  in  the  work  of  thn 
wall,  “neither  bought  we  any  land : and  lall  my 
servants  were  gathered  thither  unto  the  work. 

17  Moreover,  there  were  uat  my  table  xa  him 
dred  and  fifty  of  the  Jews  and  rulers,  beside  those 
that  came  unto  us  from  among*  the  heathen  that 
are  about  us. 

18  Now  that  ywhich  was  prepared  for  me  daily 
was  one  ox  and  six  choice  sheep;  also  fowls  were 
prepared  for  me,  and  once  in  ten  days  store  of  all 
sorts  of  wine  : yet  for  all  this  ^required  not  I the 
bread  of  the  governor,  because  the  bondage  was 
heavy  upon  this  people. 

19  “Think  upon  me,  my  God,  for  good,  Accord- 
ing' to  all  that  I have  done  for  this  people. 


15.  Acts  20:33 — 35.  1 Thes.  2:5,6.  t 2 por.  12:16— 18.  Phil.  2:20,21 . u2Sam. 
9:7,13.  1 King*  18:19.  x Is.  32:8.  Rom.  12:13.  1 Pet.  4:9,10.  yl  Kings  4:22, 
23.  z 14,15.  a 13:14.22,31.  Gen.  40:14.  Ps.  2i :6,7.  106:4.  Jer.  29:11.  . b Pa. 
18:23—25.  Matt.  10:42.  25:34—40. 


he  was  a true  believer:  he  desired  no  recompense  from  man, 
but  confidently  expected  one  from  a merciful  God  : he  evi- 
dently spoke  and  acted  as  one  that  knew  himself  to  be  a sin- 
ner ; and  he  did  not  expect  a recompense  as  of  debt ; but  in 
the  manner  that  the  Lord  rewards  a cup  of  cold  water  given 
to  a disciple  for  his  sake.  ( Notes.  13:14.  Matt.  10:40 — 42. 
Heb.  6:9,10.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 13.  Every  domestic  or  relative  comfort  may  become 
to  us  an  occasion  of  increasing  anguish : we  should  not  then  be 
discontented  in  the  want  of  children,  or  anxious  about  temporal 
things  ; but  seek  our  whole  happiness  from  God  alone. — It  is 
the  peculiar  duty  and  privilege  of  the  poor  to  trust  the  pro- 
mise and  providence  of  God,  to  supply  their  families  with 
food  and  raiment,  and  to  be  content  with  necessaries  ; and  of 
the  rich,  and  of  those  who  have  no  children,  to  contribute 
liberally  to  the  support  of  their  indigent  brethren.  But  alas! 
too  many  take  advantage  of  the  necessities  to  which  others 
are  reduced,  in  order  to  exact  of  them ; that  they  may  in- 
crease their  own  useless  abundance,  or  support  their  luxu- 
rious and  extravagant  expenses  ! They  wilfully  forget  that 
the  poor  are  of  the  same  nature  with  themselves  ; and  that 
they  have  the  same  wants,  inclinations,  natural  affections, 
and  feelings  of  pain  and  suffering.  Instead  of  44  doing  to 
others  as  they  would  that  others  should  do  to  them  ;”  they 
grow  careless  of  the  welfare,  and  callous  to  the  miseries  of 
their  fellow-creatures ; and  usurp  authority  over  them  as 
bondslaves,  in  proportion  as  wealth,  power,  and  prosperity 
increase.  Every  gratification  is  deemed  requisite  for  the 
lordly  oppressors  ; but  the  meanest  morsel  is  good  enough  for 
the  poor  and  enslaved,  though  far  better  characters  than 
themselves.  Thus  men  prey  upon  their  own  species,  and,  by 
44  despising  the  poor,  reproach  their  Maker  and  aggravate, 
instead  of  relieving,  those  distresses  which  are  always  enti- 
tled to  compassion  and  assistance ; and  especially  when  they 
are  not  the  effect  of  extravagance  or  sloth ; but  of  hard  times, 
heavy  taxes,  large  families,  and  debts,,  contracted  for  bare 
necessaries.  {Notes,  Prov.  14:31.  17:5.  *P.  O.  1 — 15,  latter 
part.)  Such  conduct  disgraces  even  human  nature ; but  who 
can  express  sufficient  abhorrence  of  it  when  adopted  by  pro- 
fessed Christians ? It  exposes  our  holy  religion  to  the  re- 
proach, scorn,  and  abomination  of  heathens,  and  gives  occa- 
sion to  our  enemies  to  blaspheme  that  worthy  name,  by  which 
these  selfish  wretches  are  improperly  distinguished.  Thus, 
in  all  the  four  quarters  of  the  globe,  millions  of  Mohamme- 
dans and  Pagans  abhor  Christianity,  through  the  avarice, 
treachery,  and  cruelty  of  men  called  Christians  ! — Well  then 
may  the  report  of  such  crimes,  and  the  cry  of  the  oppressed, 
kindle  an  honest  indignation  in  the  breast  of  every  friend  of 
mankind,  of  his  country,  and  of  the  gospel.  Those  in  autho- 
rity should  consult  with  themselves,  and  w ith  each  other,  how 
to  redress  these  scandalous  abuses : and  if  fair  means  will 
not  do,  rough  and  decisive  measures  should  be  employed, 
notwithstanding  the  clamours  of  interested  oppressors ; if 
princes  would  have  the  blessing  of  God  upon  their  dominions. 
Too  often  nobles  and  rulers  aro  the  chief  in  such  exactions  ; 
and  their  power  and  atliuence  seem  to  defy  investigation, 
and  frequently  prevent  or  intimidate  those  who  ought  to  pro- 
mote the  execution  of  justice  : yet  neither  rank  nor  authority 
should  screen  them;  nay,  they  should  he  first  punished  for 
an  example  to  others:  and  if  they  disregard  the  rebuke  of  an 
individual,  the  great  assemblies  of  nations  should  he  convened 
against  them.  If,  however,  they  can  he  shamed  or  per- 
suaded into  a proper  conduct,  harsher  measures  are  ineligi- 
ble: and  when  earnestness,  affection,  wisdom,  piety,  huma- 
nity, a decided  example,  and  cogent  reasonings,  concur,  they 
will  sometimes  produce  effect  beyond  expectation. — In  ex- 
postulating with  selfish  people,  it  is  good  to  contrast,  their 
conduct  with  that  of  others,  who  aro  remarkably  liberal  and 
benevolent:  but  it  is  best  to  point  out  to  them  the  example  ot 
him,  who  44  though  he  was  rich,  yet  for  our  sakes  became 
poor,  that  wo  through  his  poverty  might  he  rich.”  When  tnis 
is  compared  with  the  conduct  of  those  who  do  not  care  h-»w 
many  they  reduce  to  the  most,  abject  penury  or  slavery,  to 
enrich  themselves  ; the  contrast  between  the  Master  and  hfe 


B.  C.  445. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


B.  C.  445 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Sanballat  and  his  party  practise  against  Nehtmiah,  by  insidious  attempts , 
false  rumours,  and  the  hired  counsel  of  pretended  prophets,! — 14.  The 
wall  is  finished,  and  the  enemies  are  disheartened,  16,  16.  The  nobles  of 
Judah  traitorously  correspond  with  Tobiah,  17 — 19; 

NOW  it  came  to  pass,  “when  Sanballat,  and 
Tobiah,  and  bGeshem  the  Arabian,  and  the 
rest  of  our  enemies,  heard  that  I had  builded  the 
wall,  and  that  there  was  cno  breach  left  therein ; 
(though  dat  that  time  I had  not  set  up  the  doors 
upon  the  gates ;) 

2  That  Sanballat  and  Geshem  sent  unto  me, 
6aying,  eCome,  let  us  meet  together  in  some  one 
of  the  villages  in  the  plain  of  f Ono.  But  etliey 
thought  to  do  me  mischief. 

3  And  hI  sent  messengers  unto  them,  saying, 
I 'am  doing  a great  work,  so  that  I cannot  come 
down : why  should  the  work  cease,  whilst  I leave 
it,  and  come  down  to  you  ? 

4  Yet  they  sent  unto  me  Tour  times  after  this 
sort ; and  I answered  them  after  the  same  man- 
ner. 


a 3. TO,  19.  4:1,7.  b 6.  Gashmu.  c4:6,7.  Dan.  9:25.  d3:3,6.  e2Sam.3:27. 

2U:9.  Ps.  37: 12.  Prov.  26:24-26.  Ec.  4:4.  f 11:35.  lChr.8.12.  g Ps.  12:2. 
37:12,32.  Jer.  41:2.  Kr..  33:31.  Mic.  7:4,5.  Luke  20:19-21.  hProv.  14:15. 
Matt.  10:16.  i Ec.  9:10.  Luke  14:30.  John  9:4.  1 Tim.  4:15,16.  k Jude.  16:6, 
10,15-20.  Prov.  7:21.  Luke  18:5.  1 ( or.  15:58.  Gal.  2:5.  1 2 Kines  18:26— 28. 
2 Cor.  2:11.  11:13—15.  Eph.6:ll.  2Thes.2:IO.  m Jer. 9.3—  6.  20:10.  Matt.  5: 
11.  Rom.  3:8.  2 Cor.  6:8.  1 Pet. 2:12,13.  3:16.  n 1:2.  Geshem.  o2:19.  Ezra 


professed  disciples,  is  so  striking  that  it  implies  an  argument 
which  is  silencing,  and  unanswerable  on  any  scriptural  prin- 
ciples. It  may  further  be  inquired,  whether  such  oppression 
is  good  in  itself,  or  consistent  with  the  fear  of  God,  regard  to 
his  authority,  and  his  command  to  love  our  neighbours  as 
ourselves  : whether  men  can  deny  that  the  enemies  of  our 
holy  religion  do  reproach  us,  because  of  such  practices,  and 
are  prejudiced  to  their  irreparable  damage:  and  how  they 
would  approve  it,  if  their  superiors  tyrannized  over  them,  and 
extorted  from  them  as  they  do  from  their  inferiors  ; and  what 
will  become  of  them  if  God  show  them  no  more  mercy  than 
they  show  their  poor  brethren.  (Note,  Jam.  2:9 — 13,  v.  13.) 
If  our  oppressors  and  slave-dealers  were  not,  by  habits  long 
persisted  in,  more  callous  than  these  Jews,  we  might  be  en- 
couraged to  entreat  and  beseech  them  to  leave  off  their  ex- 
tortion ; to  make  restitution  to  the  injured,  and  to  show  mercy 
to  the  poor.  But  alas  ! these  methods  are  seldom  success- 
ful ! and  more  conclusive  reasons  alone  prevail.  This  re- 
mains for  the  magistrate  ; and  here  the  preacher  must,  leave 
them.  If  arguments,  expostulations,  warnings,  and  persua- 
sions will  not  induce  them  “ to  repent,  and  to  do  works  meet 
for  repentance :”  we  must  “ shake  otf  the  dust  of  our  feet  as 
a .estimony  against  them;”  assuring  them  that  God  will  soon 
shake  them  out  from  their  ill-gotten  treasures,  and  cast  them 
down  into  destruction;  (Note,  Jam.  5:1 — G.)  if  they  continue 
to  neglect  the  salvation  of  Christ,  or  refuse  to  imitate  his  ex- 
ample of  loving-kindness  and  mercy  : and  when  the  righteous 
Judge  shall  denounce  this  tremendous  sentence  against  them, 
all  the  multitudes  of  the  redeemed  will  cry,  “ Amen,  and  will 
praise  the  Lord.” — We  may  further  observe,  that  wise  and 
good  men  may  be  of  very  different  tempers,  and  consequently 
go  about  the  same  thing  in  a different  manner.  But  they 
should  not  censure  each  other,  nor  should  others  censure 
them  : let  them  serve  God  according  to  that  ability  which  he 
has  given  them;  and  let  it  never  be  supposed  that  one  mere 
man  is  a perfect  model  for  ail  others  to  follow. 

V.  14 — 19.  We  must  not  do  our  works  to  be  seen  of  men, 
and  it  is  seldom  expedient  to  speak  of  them  ourselves.  Yet 
we  should  “let  our  light  shine  before  men,  that  they  may  see 
our  good  works,  and  glorify  God :”  (Notes,  Matt.  5:14 — 1G. 
6:1 — 4.)  and  sometimes  a good  man  may  be  called  upon,  as 
in  his  presence,  and  with  an  appeal  to  the  consciences  of 
many  witnesses,  to  declare  his  own  disinterested  and  upright 
conduct,  and  the  motives  of  it,  for  a reproof,  an  instruction, 
and  an  example,  to  mankind.  But  it  is  always  necessary  for 
those  to  seta  decidedly  good  example,  who  are  bold  reprovers 
and  active  reformers  of  others,  and  who  speak  and  act  with 
decision  and  sharpness  against  their  crimes.  In  this  case  a 
man  should  give  up  his  right,  neglect  opportunities  of  gain, 
be  willing  to  labour  and  endure  hardship  without  recompense, 
and  to  expend  his  substance  in  the  support  of  a good  cause. 
And  it  is  not  enough  for  public  characters  themselves  to  avoid 
evil,  and  the  appearance  of  it:  their  servants  and  dependants 
riust  be  restrained  also.  But  the  fear  and  love  of  God,  and 
genuine  love  of  the  brethren,  will  influence  a man  to  do  this 
and  much  more;  and  will  constrain  him  to  abound  in  hospi- 
tality and  every  good  work,  according  to  the  ability  that  God 
ha£  given  him.  These  are  proper  evidences  and  expressions 
iff  living  faith  ; and  our  reconciled  God  will  look  for  good,  on 
t ich  as  abound  in  these  fruits  of  righteousness,  according  to 
all  that  they  have  done  to  his  people. 

NOTES. — Chap.  VI.  V.  1 — 4.  Sanballat  and  his  con- 
federates, not  daring  openly  to  attack  the  Jews,  yet  earnestly 
desiring  to  prevent  the  completion  of  the  fortifications,  which 
were  daily  carried  on ; formed  a stratagem  to  draw  Nehe- 
miah  from  his  station,  and  to  slay  or  imprison  him,  when  they 


5 Then  sent  Sanballat  his  servant  unto  me  tr 
like  manner  the  fifth  time  with  ‘an  open  letter  i». 
his  hand  ; 

6 Wherein  was  written,  mIt  is  reported  amon 
the  heathen,  and  "Gashmu  saith  it,°that  thou  and 
the  Jews  think  to  rebel:  for  which  cause  thou 
buildest  the  wall,  ‘That  thou  rnayest  be  their 
king,  according  to  these  words. 

7 And  thou  hast  also  “lappointed  prophets  to 
preach  of  thee  at  Jerusalem,  saying,  There  is 
ra  king  in  Judah:  and  now  shall  it  be  reported 
to  the  king  according  to  these  words.  “Conn 
now  therefore,  and  let  us  take  counsel  together. 

8 Then  I sent  unto  him,  saying,  ‘There  are  no 
such  things  done  as  thou  sayest,  but  "thou  feignest 
them  out  of  thine  own  heart. 

9 For  xthey  all  made  us  afraid,  saying,  rTheir 
hands  shall  be  weakened  from  the  work,  that  it 
be  not  done.  zNow  therefore,  O God,  strengthen 

my  hands.  [Practical  Observations .] 

10  Afterward  I came  unto  the  house  of  aShe- 


4:12,15.  p Luke  23:2.  John  19:13.  q 12,13.  r2  Sam.  15: 10— 12.  1 Kings  1:7, 
18,25,34.  3 Prov.  26:24—26.  Acts  23:15.  t Acts  24: 12,13.  25:7,10.  u Job  13:4, 
Ps.  36:3.  38:12  . 32:2.  Is.  59:4.  Dan.  11:27.  Matt.  12:34.  John  8:44.  x 14.  4:10— 
14.  2Chr.  32:18.  y2Chr.  15:7.  Ezra  4:1— 24.  Is.  35:3,4.  Jer.  38:4.  Heb.  12:12. 
r Ps.  56:3.  68:35.  134:3.  Is.  41:10.  Zech.  10:12.  2Cor.l2:9.  Eph.  3: 16.  6:10. 
Phil.  4:13.  1 Pet.  5:10.  a 12.  Ezra  8:16.  10:31.  Prov.  11:9.  Matt.  7:15, 


had  him  in  their  power.  They  therefore,  on  some  plausible 
pretence,  invited  him  to  an  interview:  but  he  was  aware  o! 
their  intentions  ; and  on  that  account  would  not  have  gone  il 
he  had  not  been  so  fully  engaged.  He,  however,  only  an- 
swered, that,  being  fully  employed  in  a most  important  work, 
his  presence  at  Jerusalem  was  absolutely  necessary ; and 
that  the  work  would  stop  if  he  left  it : why  then  should  he 
come  down,  in  such  circumstances?  This  was  true,  and  a 
sufficient  reason : and  their  subsequent  importunity  could  not 
induce  him  either  to  comply,  or  to  enter  into  any  altercation 
with  them ; as  indeed  it  was  well  calculated  to  confirm  his 
suspicions.  (Notes,  Judg.  16:6 — 16.)  ‘They  thought,  I 

suppose,  that  if  they  did  not  take  this  opportunity  to  over- 
throw what  he  had  done,  before  he  set  up  the  doors  upon  the 
gates,  they  should  never  be  able  to  enter  the  city  afterwards. 
He  still  persisted  constantly  to  give  no  other  answer  ; where- 
by they  might  understand  he  was  resolved  to  finish  the  work.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  5 — 9.  When  these  most  inveterate  enemies  had  been 
baffled  in  their  design,  they  devised  a more  dangerous  strata- 
gem.— Sanballat  sent,  under  a pretence  of  friendship,  to 
inform  Nehemiah  of  a report  in  circulation,  that  the  Jews 
were  preparing  to  revolt  from  the  king  of  Persia,  and  place 
him  on  the  throne  ; and  that  he  employed  prophets,  who 
should  preach  this  to  them,  as  the  will  of  God.  This  Gashmu, 
or  Geshem , (2)  attested  to  be  fact,  and  was  prepared  to  prove: 
and,  being  circulated  in  the  surrounding  nations,  it  was  likely 
soon  to  come  to  the  ears  of  Artaxerxes,  and  to  bring  upon 
the  Jews  the  whole  weight  of  his  indignation. — If  such  re- 
ports had  indeed  been  circulated  and  credited,  there  would 
have  been  cause  for  alarm : for  those  despotic  kings,  upon 
the  least  suspicion,  often  drove  their  lieutenants  into  rebel- 
lion, as  their  only  hope  of  self-preservation.  But  it  was  en- 
tirely a fiction  invented  to  frighten  Nehemiah,  or  render  him 
incapable  of  proceeding.  The  letter  was  sent  open ; thatthS 
contents,  being  known  to  the  people,  might  excite  them  tc 
mutiny,  or  |o  forsake  the  work 'for  fear  of  the  Persians: 
(Notes,  2 ICings  18:26 — 35.)  and  the  proposal  of  taking 
counsel  with  him,  as  if  Sanballat  and  his  friends  were  desi- 
rous of  concerting  measures  for  the  common  safety,  was  an 
artful  device  made  in  order  to  get  him  into  their  hands,  that 
they  might  do  him  mischief.  But  Nehemiah,  being  conscious 
of  his  innocency,  and  satisfied  that  no  such  reports  were  cir- 
culated, simply  denied  the  charge,  and  let  them  know,  that 
he  was  aware  that  the  whole  was  their  own  fiction:  and,  as 
they  intended  to  weaken  his  hands  from  his  work,  he  toon 
occasion  to  beg  of  God  to  “strengthen  his  hands.”  The 
words,  O God,  tjrc  not  in  the  original ; and  some  interpret 
the  sentence,  as  Nehemiah’s  resolution  to  proceed  with 
increasing  earnestness  ; but  they  seem  rather  to  be  an  ejacu- 
lation ; and  the  omission  of  the  address  implies  the  holy,  yet 
reverend  familiarity,  with  which  this  pious  man  communed 
with  his  condescending  Father  and  Friend,  and  shows  that 
his  heart  was  habitually  employed  in  thinking  of  his  God. 
(Note,  John  20:11 — 17.) 

V.  10 — 14.  Sanballat  and  his  party  being  once  more 
baffled,  employed  a still  more  subtle  and  dangerous  expe- 
dient, suborning  persons,  who  were  reputed  to  be  prophets, 
to  give  Nehemiah  evil  counsel  in  the  name  of  God.  The 
principal  person  concerned  was  Shemaiah,  of  whom  Nehe- 
miah seems  previously  to  have  had  a good  opinion.  He  was 
“ shut  up”  in  some  chamber  adjoining  the  sanctuary,  proba- 
bly as  a token  of  his  own  fear,  and  a sign  to  Nehemiah  ot 
what  he  ought  to  do;  who,  perhaps  being  sent  to,  went  to 
confer  with  him,  as  a friend  and  a prophet.  The  environs 
of  the  temple  were  secured  by  wails  and  gates,  w-hL-a  ste 
( 839  ) 


B.  C.  445. 


NEHEMIAH. 


B.  C.  445. 


maiah  the  son  of  Delaiah,  the  son  of  Mehetabeel, 
who  was  bshut  up;  and  he  said,  cLet  us  meet 
together  in  dthe  house  of  God,  within  the  temple, 
and  'let  us  shut  the  doors  of  the  temple:  for  they 
will  come  to  slay  thee ; yea, f in  the  night  will  they 
come  to  £lay  thee. 

11  And  I said,  ^Should  such  a man  as  I flee? 
and  who  is  there , that,  being  as  I am , hwould 
go  into  the  temple  to  save  his  life?  I will  not 
go  in. 

12  And  lo,  'I  perceived  that  kGod  had  not 
sent  him;  but  that  he  pronounced  this  prophecy 
against  me : for  Tobiah  and  Sanballat  had  ‘hired 
him. 

13  Therefore  was  he  hired,  mthat  I should  be 
afraid,  and  do  so,  and  sin,  and  nthat  they  might 
have  matter  for  an  evil  report,  °that  they  might 
reproach  me. 

14  pMy  God,  ^ think  thou  upon  Tobiah  and 
Sanballat,  according  to  these  their  works,  and  ron 

b 2 Kings  9:8.  Jer.  36:5.  Ez.  3:24.  c Pe.  12:2.  37:12.  120:2,3.  d 1 Kings  6:5. 
2 Kings  11:3.  e 2 Chr.  28:24.  29:3,7.  Mai.  1:10.  Acts  21:30.  f Job  24: 13— 17. 
John  3:20.  g 3.  1 Sam.  19:5.  Job  4:3— 6.  Ps. 11:1,2.  Prov.  28:1.  Is.  10:18. 
Luke  13:31—  33.  Acts  8:1.  20:24.  21:13.  Heb.  11:27.  h 9.  Nura.  32:7— 9.  Ec. 
10:1.  Phil.  2:17,30.  i Ez.  13:22.  1 Cor.  2:15.  12:10.  k Jer.  14:14.  23:16,25.  28: 
15.  Ez.  13:7.  1 John  4:1.  1 Is.  56:11.  Ez.  13:19.  Mic.  3:11.  Acts20:33.  1 Tim. 
8:3.  Tit.  1:7.  1 Pet.  5:2.  2 Pet.  2:3.  Rev.  18:13.  m Prov.  29:5.  Is.  51:7,12,13. 
67:11.  Jer.  1:17.  Ez.2:6.  Malt.  10:28.  2 Tim.  1:7.  Rev.  21:8.  n 6.  Prov.  22:1. 
Ec.  7:1.  o Jer.  18:18.  20:10.  Dan.  6:4,5.  Matt.  22:15.  26:59.  Acts  6:13.  2Cor. 


gates  of  the  city  were  not  set  up.  Shemaiah  therefore  pro- 
fessed great  concern  for  Nehemiah’s  safety  ; and  counselled 
him  to  take  refuge  in  the  temple  with  him,  lest  his  enemies 
should  come  and  murder  him  by  night ; or  that  very  night , 
as  his  words  seem  to  imply.  If  Nehemiah  had  followed  this 
advice,  he  would  have  lost  his  reputation  for  courage  and 
confidence  in  God ; and  have  appeared  weak  and  contempti- 
ble: the  people  would  have  taken  the  alarm,  deserted  the 
work,  and  sought  their  own  safety : the  accusations  of  his 
enemies  would  have  gained  credit,  even  in  the  Persian  court ; 
and  he  would  have  appeared  conscious  of  bad  intentions.  In 
short,  it  would  have  overturned  his  whole  design,  and  given 
his  enemies  their  desired  advantage.  (Notes,  Matt.  4:1  — 
11.)  But  Nehemiah  soon  saw  through  this  project  likewise. 
From  the  nature  of  the  counsel,  and  by  proper  investigation, 
he  perceived  that  Shemaiah  was  not  delivering  a message 
from  God ; but  that  he  pronounced  this  prophecy  against 
him,  intending  his  ruin  ; having  been  hired  by  Tobiah  and 
Sanballat,  that  Nehemiah  might  contract  guilt,  and  expose 
himself  to  reproach. — When  the  rank  of  Nehemiah,  and  his 
authority,  were  considered,  with  his  conscious  integrity  and 
professed  confidence  in  God,  and  the  importance  of  his  work, 
it  appeared  very  inconsistent  for  him  to  flee  and  hide  himself. 
In  such  circumstances,  even  the  preservation  of  life  formed 
but  a subordinate  consideration : the  support  of  the  public 
cause,  by  an  example  of  intrepidity,  firmness,  and  consistency 
ought  to  be  first  considered.  Any  brave  commander  w<  uld 
venture  his  life,  when  the  event  of  a decisive  battle,  and  the 
fate  of  his  country  were  at  stake,  and  would  scorn  to  flee  at 
the  appearance  of  danger : how  much  more  then  should  Ne- 
hemiah venture  his,  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  benefit  of 
his  church ! To  take  refuge  in  the  temple  in  such  a case, 
would  be  to  prefer  a disgraceful  short  lived  safety,  to  the 
most  important  of  all  causes.  (Note,  Acts  8:1.)  Nehemiah, 
therefore,  not  only  with  decided  firmness  rejected  this  counsel, 
as  inconsistent  with  the  mpst  evident  scriptural  principles: 
but,  as  Shemaiah,  and  Noadiah  the  prophetess,  and  the  other 
pretended  prophets,  had  most  basely  sold  their  services  to 
the  enemies  of  God  and  religion : he  subjoins  his  prayers  for 
their  confusion  and  disappointment.  (Note,  2 Tim.  4:14,15.) 

V.  15,  lfi.  This  important  and  difficult  work  was  completed 
in  so  very  short  a time,  and  under  so  many  disadvantages, 
that  even  the  adversaries  of  the  Jews  were  convinced  that 
God  had  prospered  them.  He  had  given  them  health, 
strength,  courage,  and  unity  ; he  had  restrained  their  op- 
osers  and  kept  off  interruptions  ; and  he  succeeded  the  whole 
y his  blessing:  so  that  “the  work  was  wrought  of  their 
God.”  This  dejected  their  enemies,  and  made  them  fore- 
node the  future  prevalence  of  the  Jews  ; but  it  did  not  allure 
hem  to  desire  a portion  among  that  favoured  people.  (Notes, 
1 Sam.  24:16 — 22.  Esth.  6:13.) — Elul.  (15)  Answering  to 
part  of  August  and  part,  of  September,  as  it  is  supposed  : for 
it  is  not  elsewhere  mentioned. 

V.  17 — 19.  While  the  wall  was  building,  and  afterwards, 
several  of  the  nobles  of  Judah  were  in  the  interest  of  Tobiah, 
and  held  a traitorous  correspondence  with  him:  some  of  them, 
having  joined  affinity  with  him,  had  engaged  others  to  swear 
to  serve  him,  as  they  had  opportunity.  Nay,  they  had  the 
confidence,  or  rather  insolence,  to  report  the  good  deeds,  or 
supposed  excellent  endowments,  of  this  bitter  enemy  of  God 
and  his  people,  to  Nehemiah  ; either  intimating  to  him  that 
he  ought  to  imitate  them,  or  to  form  an  alliance  with  so 
worthy  a character!  And  at  tho  same  time  they  betrayed 
Nehemiah’s  measures  to  hitn.  But  his  pious  and  excellent 
man,  who  had  so  strenuously  pleaded  the  cause  of  the  op- 
pressed poor,  would  not,  in  his  present  circumstances,  exer- 

( 840  ) 


the  prophetess  Noadiah,  and  the  rest  of  the  pro 
phets,  that  would  have  put  me  in  fear. 

15  II  So  'the  wall  was  finished  in  the  twenty 
and  fifth  day  of  the  month  Elul,  'in  fifty  and  two 
days. 

16  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  "when  all  our  ene- 
mies heard  thereof \ and  all  the  heathen  that  were 
about  us  saw  these  things,  they  were  much  cast 
down  in  their  own  eyes : "for  they  perceived  that 
tlus  work  was  wrought  of  our  God. 

17  H Moreover,  in  those  days  nhe  nobles  o. 
Judah  'sent  many  letters  unto  Tobiah,  and  the 
letters  of  Tobiah  came  unto  them. 

18  For  there  were  many  in  Judah  sworn  unto 
him,  because  he  was  the  son-in-law  of  Shechaniah 
the  son  of  "Arab  ; and  his  son  Johanan  had  taken 
the  daughter  of  “Meshullam  the  son  o Berechiah. 

19  Also  bthey  reported  his  good  deeds  before 
me,  and  uttered  my  fwords  to  him.  And  Tobiah 
sent  letters  cto  put  me  in  fear. 


11:12.  1 Tim.  5:14.  Tit.  2:8.  p5:19.  Ps.  22:1 . 63:1.  q 4:4,5.  13:29.  Ps.  140:5 
—11.  Jer.  11:20—23.  18:20—23.  2 Tim.  4:14,15..  1 John  5:10.  rl  Kings  22:22— 
24.  Is.  9:14,15.  Jer.  14:15,16.  28:1,10,15.  Kz  13: 16,17.  Ma  tt.  7:15.  24: 11 ,21. 
2 Tim.  3:8.  Rev.  19:20.  s Ezra  6:15.  Ps.  1:3.  Dan.  9:25.  t 4:1,2.  u 2:10.  4: 
1,7.  6:1,2.  x Ex.  14:25.  Num.  23:23.  Josh.  5:1.  Ps.  126:2.  ▼ 3:5.  5:7.  13:28. 
Mic.  7:3 — 6.  Malt.  24:10 — 12.  * Heb . multiplied  their  letters  passing  lo  To- 
biah. z7:10.  Ezra2:5.  a3:4,30.  bProv.28:4.  John  7:7.  15:19.  1 John  4:5. 
t Or,  matters,  c 9,13.  Is.  37:10 — 14.  Acts  4: 18 — 21. 


cise  the  authority,  with  which  he  was  invested,  against  his 
own  enemies  in  Judah,  however  basely  they  acted  towards 
him  ; but  persevered  in  serving  his  people,  notwithstanding 
their  treachery  and  ingratitude  ! 

PRACTICAL  6BSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  The  whole  power  and  policy  of  Satan  and  his 
servants  have  always  been  directed  against  those,  who 
zealously  seek  the  welfare  of  the  church  of  God  ; and  though 
often  baffled,  they  are  unwearied  in  their  projects. — The 
rage  of  persecutors,  though  terrible,  is  not  so  dangerous  as  the 
professed  friendship  of  concealed  enemies:  so  that  except 
there  is  good  evidence  that  men,  who  have  opposed  the 
cause  of  God,  have  truly  repented,  and  been  reconciled  to 
him,  they  cannot  safely  be  trusted,  when  they  court  the 
favour  of  his  people,  hut  should  rather  be  suspected  of  some 
mischievous  design.  (Notes  and  P.  O.  Ezra  4:1 — 6.  Notes 
Acts  9:10 — 16,23 — 30.)  If  we  received  no  other  damage 

from  their  insincere  friendship,  we  should  be  taken  off  from 
our  work  to  no  purpose : we  should  not  then  suffer  ourselves 
to  be  overcome  by  importunity  ; for  we  had  better  offend 
man  by  a refusal,  than  sin  against  God  by  compliance. — 
Even  our  common  lawful  business  ought  to  have  a decided 
preference  to  all  matters  of  mere  compliment : how  much 
more  then  our  peculiar  duties  as  Christians,  magistrates,  or 
ministers  of  religion,  in  proportion  to  their  importance  and 
difficulty  ! — It  is  desirable  to  be  constantly  engaged  in  some 
useful  employ  ; among  other  reasons,  that  we  may  have  an 
answer  ready  for  those  invitations  and  proposals,  which  we 
cannot  profitably  accept,  and  scarcely  know  how  to  refuse. 
The  active  servant  of  God,  may,  on  any  such  occasion, 
say,  “ I am  doing  a great  work,  so  that  I cannot  come  down  ; 
why  should  the  work  cease,  while  I leave  it,  and  come  down 
to  you  ?”  And  this  is  enough,  as  a reason  for  avoiding  those 
circles,  where  no  good  can  he  got  or  done  ; and  which  inter- 
fere with  the  duties  of  the  closet  and  the  family,  and  pre- 
vent the  redeeming  of  our  time  and  the  improvement  of  our 
talents. — The  deceitful  smiles  of  the  world  frequently  form 
our  first  temptation  in  the  path  of  duly.  But  if  we  steadfastly 
withstand  them,  and  will  not  be  diverted  from  our  work,  we 
must  prepare  for  reproaches,  slanders,  and  menaces,  from 
the  same  quarter.  Our  firmness  will  he  called  obstinacy ; 
our  zeal , rashness;  and  our  activity , ambition  : nay,  we  shall 
be  warned,  that  we  are  about  to  affront  all  our  friends,  and 
turn  them  into  enemies  ; and  to  bring  ourselves  into  dangers 
and  difficulties,  from  w-hich  we  cannot  extricate  ourselves, 
unless  we  follow  other  counsels,  and  act  more  circumspectly. 
The  zealous  servants  of  God  have  also,  in  every  age  arid 
place,  been  unjustly  traduced,  as  rebellious  to  the  ruling 
powers:  and  their  malicious  enemies  have  oflen  represented 
their  own  slanders,  as  the  general  sentiments  of  mankind. 
(Notes,  Ezra\'.\\ — 24.  P.  O.l — 24.)  These  misrepresen- 
tations tend  to  weaken  the  hands  of  the  courageous;  and  they 
prejudice,  alarm,  and  draw  off  such  as  were  helpful  to  their 
pious  designs.  But  a clear  conscience,  a lively  faith,  an 
assured  persuasion  that  we  are  doing  our  duty,  and  a zeal  for 
the  honour  of  God,  will  carry  us  above  all  discouragements: 
and,  being  satisfied  with  denying  the  charges  brought  against 
us,  it  is  bft>t  to  persevero  in  our  proper  employment,  without 
wasting  time  in  altercations  or  self-vindication  ; only  lifting 
up  our  prayer  to  God,  to  “strengthen  our  hands,”  and  en- 
courage our  hearts. 

V.  10 — 19.  A thousand  slanders  will  die  aw  ny,  one  aftei 
another  ; while  the  malice  of  their  authors  viP  he  exposed: 
but  one  real  crime  sometimes  leaves  an  incclil/M  stain  upon 
a mans  character,  and  obstructs  his  futiue  usefulness:  let 
us  then  fear  the  least  sin  far  more  than  a : calu  any.  But 


B.  C.  445. 


CHAPTER  VII.  B.  C.  445. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Nshemiah,  having  finished  the  wall,  and  regulated  the  attendance  of  the  Lc- 
vile*,  commits  the  charge  of  the  city  to  Hanani  anti  Hananiah,  1 — 4.  He 
finds  a register  of  those  who  first  came  from  Babylon,  5 — 7.  The  register  is 
inserted,  6 — 69.  The  oblations  made  to  the  temple,  70 — 73. 

NOW  it  came  to  pass,  when  "the  wall  was  built, 
and  ’’I  had  set  up  the  doors,  and  "the  por- 
ters, and  the  singers,  and  the  Levites  were  ap- 
pointed, 

2  That  I gave  dmy  brother  Hanani,  and  'Ha- 
naniah f the  ruler  of  the  palace,  charge  over  Jeru- 
salem : for  he  was  ea  faithful  man,  and  ’’feared 
God  above  many. 

3  And  I said  unto  them,  ’Let  not  the  gates  of 
Jerusalem  be  opened  until  the  sun  be  hot ; and 
while  they  stand  by,  let  them  shut  the  doors,  and 
bar  them  : and  appoint  watches  of  the  inhabitants 
of  Jerusalem,  every  one  in  his  watch,  and  Jevery 
one  to  be  over  against  his  house. 

4  Now  the  city  was  ‘large  and  great : but  the 

a3:l,&c.  6:15.  b3:3.6:l.  c 10:39.  11:3.  12:111.  1 Clir.  23:25.  96:  2Clir.31: 
2.  Ezra  3:8.  d 1:2.  c 10:23.  f 2:8.  gNum.  12:7.  Ps.  101:6.  Dan. 6:4.  Mall. 
24:45.  25  21.  Luke  16:10-12.  1 Cor.  4:2.  2 Tim.  2:2.  Ii  5:15.  Gen.  42:18.  F.x. 
18:21.  2 Sam.  23:3.  1 Kings  18:3,12.  Job  1:1.  Is.  33:5,6.  i 13:19.  Ps.  127:1. 
Matt.  10:16.  j 3:23,28 — 30.  * Heb.  broad  in  spaces.  k Ts.  58:12.  Hag.  1:4— 
6.  Matt.  6:33.  15:19.6:14.  m Ezra  7:27.  1 Cor.  15:10.  2 Cor.  3:5.8:16.  Phil. 


those  temptations  are  the  most  dangerous,  which  come  from 
professed  servants  of  God,  and  our  own  friends.  When  per- 
sons of  this  description,  with  apparent  piety  and  affection, 
counsel  the  zealous  to  be  more  moderate  and  cautious,  the 
diligent  44  to  spare  himself,”  and  the  bold  to  take  care  of  him- 
self: the  insinuation  has  great  effect.  Our  appeal,  however, 
in  this  case,  must  be  to  the  word  of  God.  ( Notes , 1 Kings 
22:13,14.  Matt.  16:21—23.)  That  cannot  be  from  him,  let 
who  will  speak  it,  which  contradicts  his  plain  precept  or 
truth  ; or  which  would  induce  us  to  neglect  our  duty,  or 
prefer  our  own  ease,  emolument,  credit,  liberty,  or  life,  to 
his  glory  and  the  welfare  of  his  church , or  which  would  per- 
suade us  to  shrink  from  the  cross,  or  refuse  self-denial. 
Manj'  such  counsellors  are  in  the  pay  of  the  enemy : for, 
being  induced  to  timeserving  in  their  own  case,  from  inter- 
ested motives,  they  consider  the  conduct  of  the  more  zealous 
as  a reproach,  and  want  to  be  kept  in  countenance  by  their 
example : and  if  we  knew  from  what  motives  grave  advice 
is  sometimes  given,  we  should  understand  from  what  quarter 
it  came,  without  further  information.  We  need  not  always, 
however,  judge  the  adviser , but  we  ought  in  all  cases,  to  try 
and  prove  the  advice , and  without  scruple  to  reject  all  that 
is  contrary  to  the  word  of  God.  Every  man  should  also 
study  consistency  with  his  profession,  former  character,  sta- 
tion, and  engagements.  That  which  is  allowable  in  one 
man,  may  be  very  improper  in  another ; and  we  ought  to 
venture  any  thing  in  a good  cause,  trusting  in  the  Lord,  and 
committing  ourselves  to  his  protection.  It  is  therefore  useful 
frequently  to  inquire,  ‘Should  such  a man  as  I do  so  and  so? 
Should  I,  who  am  a Christian,  a saint,  a child  of  God,  a 
member  of  Christ,  a temple  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  a ransomed 
sinner,  an  heir  of  heaven  ; one  set  up  to  be  44  a light  in  the 
world,”  and  44  the  salt  pf  the  earth,”  a preacher  of  righteous- 
ness, and  44  a steward  of  the  mysteries  of  God  ;”  should  I 
even  appear  to  be  covetous,  or  sensual,  or  proud,  or  en- 
vious ? Should  I yield  to  impatience,  discontent,  or  anger  ? 
Should  I be  slothful,  unbelieving,  or  unmerciful  and  unkind  ? 
What  effects  will  such  conduct  in  me  have  upon  others? 

Will  not  some  be  grieved,  many  misled  and  prejudiced ; 
others  emboldened  in  ungodliness  and  enmity  to  the  truth  ? 
Will  not  this  prevent  the  effect  of  my  exhortation  or  persua- 
sions, in  my  family,  among  my  connexions,  or  from  the 
pulpit?5  Thus,  all  that  God  has  done  for  us,  or  by  us,  may 
become  an  argument  for  watchfulness,  diligence,  self-denial, 
and  perseverance. — It  is  also  peculiarly  instructive  to  con- 

sider, how.  others  in  similar  circumstances  would  act. 

4 Would  Peter  or  Paul  have  done  so,  to  save  their  money, 
to  indulge  their  sloth  or  pride,  to  escape  a cross,  a prison, 
or  death?  Do  even  the  men  of  the  world  suffer  themselves 
so  easily  to  be  diverted  from  their  object,  by  every  appear- 
ance of  difficulty  or  peril.’ — In  all  cases  indeed  they,  who 
would  lead  others  in  arduous  services,  must  share  the  danger 
and  the  hardship : and  this  is  the  reason,  why  the  enemy  of 
souls  employs  so  many  instruments,  and  forms  so  many  pro- 
jects, to  discourage,  or  bring  a reproach  on,  the  active  ser- 
vants of  God.  If  the  shepherd  can  be  frighted  away,  the 
flock  will  be  scattered. — Every  success  of  the  gospel  dis- 
courages the  enemies  of  God : and  they  sometimes  peiceive 
that  it  is  his  work,  and  yet  hate  it  the  more  on  that  very  ac- 
:ount : but  false  brethren  are  the  severest  trial  to  the  faithful 
ervants  of  God.  44  They  who  forsake  the  law  praise  the 
wicked  ( Note , Prov.  28:4.)  and  those  who  form  marriages 

with  the  avowed  opposers  of  the  gospel,  will  probably  soon 
K>in  their  party,  notwithstanding  their  present  pretensions. 
Many  leading  men,  yea,  preachers  and  prophets  in  the  visi- 
ble church  of  God,  will  be  found  44  workers  of  iniquity.”  But 
under  every  discouragement,  we  should  “consider  Jesus, 
who  endured  the  contradiction  of  sinners  against  himself 
Vol.  I.— 106 


people  were  few  therein,  and  kthe  houses  were 
not  huilded. 

5 H And  ’my  God  ’"put  into  my  heart  to  gather 
together  the  nobles,  and  the  rulers,  and  the  people, 
"that  they  might  be  reckoned  by  genealogy.  And 
I found  a register  oi"  the  genealogy  of  them  which 
came  up  at  the  first,  and  found  written  therein, 

6 These  are  °the  children  of  the  province,  p.  c. 
that  went  up  out  of  the  captivity,  of  those  L 55S- 
that  had  been  carried  away,  Pvvhom  Nebuchad- 
nezzar the  king  of  Babylon  had  carried  away, 
and  came  again  to  Jerusalem  and  to  Judah,  every 
one  unto  his  city  ; 

7 Who  came  with  ‘'Zerubbabel,  "Jeshua,  Nehe- 
miah,  "Azariah,  Raamiah,  Nahamani,  Mordecai, 
Bilshan,  ‘Mispereth,  Bigvai,  "Nehum,  Baanah. 
The  number,  i say,  of  the  men  of  the  people  o! 
Israel  was  this  ; 

8 The  children  of  "Parosh,  two  thousand  a 
hundred  and  seventy  and  two. 


2:12,13.  Col.  1:29.  Jam.  1:16,17.  n 64.  lChr.9:l.  Ezra2:62.  oEzra2:L 

Sc.  5:8.  6:2.  p 2 Kings  24:14— 16.  25:11.  2 Chr.  36:  Jer.  39  : 52:  q 12:1,7,10. 
Ez.  1:11.  Sheshbazzrtr . 2:2.  Hag.  1:1.  Matt.  1:12,13.  Zorobabtl.  r Ezra  3:8, 
9.  5:2.  Zech.  3:1 — 3.  Joshua,  s Ezra  2:2.  Seeraiah,  Reelaiah.  t Ezra  2:2. 
Mizpar.  u 12:3.  Ezra 2:2.  Rehum.  x 10:14.  Ezra2:3.  8:3.  Pharosh.  10:25. 


lest  we  be  weary,  and  faint  in  our  mind  and  who  44  laid 
down  his  life  for  his  sheep;”  that  after  his  example  we  may 
persevere  in  our  duty,  amidst  every  danger  and  opposition; 
not  being  overcome  by  the  treachery,  ingratitude,  or  per- 
verseness of  those  around  us,  but  still  endeavouring  to 
“overcome  evil  with  good:”  and  44  in  due  season  we  shall 
reap,  if  we  faint  not.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  VII.  V.  1.  The  singers,  &c.]  This 
either  refers  to  some  regulations  made  by  Nehemiah  con- 
cerning the  ministrations  of  the  Levites  at  the  temple ; or  to 
his  preparations  for  solemnly  dedicating  the  wall.  ( Marg. 
Ref.  Notes , 12:27—43.) 

V.  2,  3.  It  has  been  supposed  by  some  learned  men  that 
Nehemiah  having  finished  the  wall,  and  made  other  needful 
regulatious,  returned  to  the  Persian  court  ; but  that  he  not 
long  after  came  again  to  Jerusalem  with  a new  commission: 
and  that  on  this  occasion  he  placed  his  brother  Hanani,  and 
Hananiah  over  the  city,  and  gave  them  instructions  how  to 
manage  in  his  absence.  The  charge,  however,  here  given, 
and  the  service  required,  would  be  necessary  even  when  Ne- 
hemiah resided  at  .Terusalen:  for  he  could  not  superintend  the 
gates  and  the  watchmen,  without  being  taken  off  from  other 
important  and  numerous  engagements.  Doubtless  Hanani 
was  a proper  person,  or  else  Nehemiah  would  not  have  pre- 
ferred him  to  this  important  trust ; and  his  journey  to  Shu- 
shan,  if  it  indeed  took  place,  may  be  supposed  to  have  been 
undertaken  out  of  a zealous  regard  to  his  people  and  his  reli- 
gion: (Note,  1:2.)  but  of  Hananiah  it  is  expressly  said,  that 
“he  was  a faithful  man,  and  feared  God  above  many.’ 
(Notes,  5:14—18.  1 Kings  18:3,12—16.  Ps.  101:6.)— ‘At 
night  he  charges  them  to  stand  by,  and  see  the  gates  shut  and 
barred  in  their  presence.5  Bp.  Patrick. — Ruler  of  the  palace. 
(2) * * *  4 So  the  house  where  Nehemiah  dwelt  is  called,  because 

he  was  governor  for  the  king,  and  a kind  of  Viceroy,  who  did 
all  the  king’s  business,  and  here  gave  audience  to  the  people, 
as  the  king  was  wont  to  do  in  his  palace.5  Bp.  Patrick. 
(Note,  2:8.) 

V.  4.  The  walls  had  been  built  upon  their  old  foundations, 
in  confidence  that  God  in  due  time  would  replenish  the  city: 
but  there  were  only  a small  number  of  inhabitants,  compared 
with  those  of  former  ages  ; so  that  large  spaces  remained 
unoccupied.  This  would  render  it  the  more  requisite  that  a 
strict  watch  should  he  kept,  lest  their  enemies  should  scale 
the  walls  unobserved : and  on  the  same  account  it  was  abso- 
lutely necessary  that  proper  measures  should  be  adopted  for 
replenishing  the  city  with  inhabitants. 

V.  5,  6.  This  account  was  taken  of  the  people,  in  order 
to  bring  the  tenth  part  of  them  to  reside  in  Jerusalem,  (Notey 
11:1,2.)  and  as  it  proved  an  useful  measure,  Nehemiah  piously 
and  reasonably  ascribed  the  first  thought  of  it  to  God,  who 
44  put  it  into  his  heart.”  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Jam.  1:16 — 18.) 
In  conducting  this  business  he  found  the  register  of  those  who 
came  up  with  Zerubbabel  ; which  is  here  inserted  nearly  as 
we  had  it  before.  (Notes,  Ezra  2:1 — 67.)  ‘Nehemiah 

found  that  list  of  those  who  came  up  in  the  first  of  Cyrus,  as 
it  was  taken  then : and  ...  he  called  over  the  names  of  the 
families  as  they  lay  in  order  there  : . . . but  he  took  the  num- 
ber of  them  as  they  were  now  when  he  numbered  them. 
Some  families  were  now  more  m number  than  they  were 
when  that  first  was  made,  some  were  less ; and  some  thal 
were  in  that  list  were  not  to  be  found  now.  . . . Some  . . . 
had  come  from  Babel  ; some  . . . were  now  gone  back.' 
IJghtfoot , as  quoted  by  Bp.  Patrick. — As,  however,  the 
greatest  part  of  the  families  consist  of  exactly  the  same  num- 
ber in  both  places ; and  the  sum  total  in  each,  with  several 
other  particulars,  entirely  coincides ; it  can  hardly  be  con- 
ceived that  almost  a hundred  years  should  have  made  no 
greater  changes. — Should  any,  however,  conjecture,  that 
( 841  ) 


B.  C.  445  NEHEMIAH.  B.  C.  445 


9 The  chil  Iren  of  ?Shephatiah,  three  hundred 
seventy  and  two. 

10  The  children  of 'Arab,  six  hundred  fifty  and 
two. 

11  The  children  of  “Pahath-moab,  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Jeshua  and  Joab,  two  thousand  and  eight 
hundred  and  eighteen. 

12  The  children  of  bElam,  a thousand  two  hun- 
dred fifty  and  four. 

13  The  children  of  'Zattu,  eight  hundred  forty 
and  five. 

11  The  children  of  dZaccai,  seven  hundred  and 
threescore. 

15  The  children  of  'Binnui,  six  hundred  forty 
and  eight. 

16  The  children  of  fBebai,  six  hundred  twenty 
and  eight. 

17  The  children  of  eAzgad,  two  thousand  three 
hundred  twenty  and  two. 

18  The  children  of  hAdonikam,  six  hundred 
threescore  and  seven. 

19  The  children  of ‘Bigvai,  two  thousand  three- 
score and  seven. 

20  The  children  of  kAdin,  six  hundred  fifty  and 
five. 

21  The  children  of  ‘Ater  of  Hezekiah,  ninety 
and  eight. 

22  The  children  of  mHashum,  three  hundred 
twenty  and  eight. 

23  The  children  of"Bezai,  three  hundred  twenty 
and  four. 

24  The  children  of  “Hariph,  a hundred  and 
twelve. 

25  The  children  of  rGibeon,  ninety  and  five. 

26  The  men  of  ^Beth-lehem  and  Netophah,  a 
hundred  fourscore  and  eight. 

27  The  men  of  rAnathoth,  a hundred  twenty 
and  eight. 

28  The  men  of  “Beth-azmaveth,  forty  and 
uvo. 

29  The  men  of  ‘Kirjath-jearim,  Chephirath, 
and  Beerolh,  seven  hundred  forty  and  three. 

30  The  men  of  “Ramah  and  Gaba,  six  hundred 
twenty  and  one. 

31  The  men  of  *Michmas,  a hundred  and 
twenty  and  two. 

32  The  men  of  tBeth-el  and  Ai,  a hundred 
twenty  and  three. 

33  The  men  of  the  other  zNebo,  fifty  and  two. 

34  The  children  of  “the  other  Elam,  a thou- 
sand two  hundred  fifty  and  four. 

35  The  children  of  bHarim,  three  hundred  and 
twenty. 

36  The  children  of  'Jericho,  three  hundred 
forty  and  five. 

37  The  children  of  dLod,  Hadid,  and  Ono, 
seven  hundred  twenty  and  one. 

38  The  children  of  cSenaah,  three  thousand 
nine  hundred  and  thirty. 

39  It  The  priests:  the  children  of  fJedaiah,  of 
the  house  of  Jeshua,  nine  hundred  seventy  and 
three. 

40  The  children  of  simmer,  a thousand  fitly 
and  two. 

41  The  children  of  hPashur,  a thousand  two 
hundred  forty  and  seven. 

42  The  children  of  'Harim,  a thousand  and 
seventeen. 

43  H The  Levites:  the  children  of  Jeshua,  of 

* E,ra  *2:4.  8:8.  7.  6:18.  Kira  2-5.  [775.1  a 10:14.  Earn  2:6.  [2812.]  8:4.  b Kara 
8:7.  8:7.  10:26.  c Ezra  2:8.  f 945-3  <1  Ezra  2:9.  e Ezra  2:10.  Bani.  [642.]  f Ezra 

11.  [623.1  c Ezra  2:12.[1222.  I li  Ezra  2:13.  [666.]  i Ezra  2: 14.  [ 2056.]  k Ezra 

15.  T454.1  1 Ezra  216.  m Ezra  2:19.  [223.1  n Ezra  2:17.  [323.]  o Ezra2:18. 
orah.  p Ezra  2:20. Gihbah.q  Ezra  2:21 ,2-2. [179.’  r Ezra  2:23.  Is. 10:30.  Jer.1T. 
1:21.  • Ezra  2:24.  Azmaveth.  I Josh.  9: 17.  Ezra  2:25.  Kirjath-arim.  u Josh. 
18:24.25.  Ezra  2:26.  x 1 Sam.  13:5,23.  Ezra  2:27.  Is.  i0:28.  Michmtuh. 
y Josh.  8:9,17.  Ezra  2:28.  [223.]  z Ezra  2:29.  a 12.  Ezra  2.31.  h Ezra  2:32.  10: 
$1.  c Ezra  2:34.  A 6.2.  11:34,35.  1 Chr.  8:12.  Ezra  2:33.  [725. 1 e Ezra  2.35. 
3630.]  fl  Chr.  24:7.  Ezra  2:36.  gl  ( hr.  24:14.  Ezrji2:37.  h 1 Chr.  9:12.  24: 

Ezra  2:38.  10:22.  I 1 Chr.  24:8.  Ezra  2:39.  10:31.  k Ezra  2:40.  Hodaviah. 


some  ancient  copyist  had  inserted  the  wrong  register,  and 
that  his  mistake  had  been  generally  followed ; the  very  con- 
clusion would  show,  that  such  alterations  are  almost,  always 
liable  to  detection ; and  no  reasonable  man  would  think  it 
tho  least  objection  to  the  divine  inspiration  of  the  sacred 
Scriptures. 

t 843  ) 


Kadmiel,  and  of  the  children  of  Ulodevah,  seventy 
and  four. 

44  11  ‘The  singers  : the  children  of  Asaph,  a 
hundred  forty  and  eight. 

45  If  mThe  porters : the  children  of  Shallum 
the  children  of  Ater,  the  children  of  Talmon,  tin 
children  of  Akkub,  the  children  of  Hatita,  the 
children  of  Shobai,  a hundred  thirty  and  eight 

46  H The  “Nethinims : the  children  of  Ziha, 
the  children  of  °Hashupha,  the  children  of  Tab- 
baoth, 

47  The  children  of  Keros,  the  children  ofrSia, 
the  children  of  Padon, 

48  The  children  of  Lebana,  the  children  of 
nHagaba,  the  children  of  'Shalmai, 

49  The  children  of  Hanan,  the  children  of 
Giddel,  the  children  of  Gahar, 

50  The  children  of  Reaiah,  the  children  of 
Rezin,  the  children  of  Nekoda, 

51  The  children  of  Gazzam,  the  children  of 
Uzza,  the  children  of  ’Phaseah, 

52  The  children  of  Bcsai,  the  children  rf 
Meunim,  the  children  of  ‘Nephishesim, 

53  The  children  of  Bakbuk,  the  children  of 
Hakupha,  the  children  of  Harhur, 

54  The  children  of  uBazlith,  the  children  of 
Mehida,  the  children  of  Harsha, 

55  The  children  of  Barkos,  the  children  of 
Sisera,  the  children  of  vTamah, 

56  The  children  of  Neziah,  the  children  of 
Hatipha. 

57  If  The  children  of  xSolomon’s  servants: 
the  children  of  Sotai,  the  children  of  Sophereth, 
the  children  of  ^Perida, 

58  The  children  of  'Jaala,  the  children  of 
Darkon,  the  children  of  Giddel, 

59  The  children  of  Shephatiah,  the  children 
of  Hattil,  the  children  of  rochereth  of  Zebaim, 
the  children  of  aAmon. 

60  All  bthe  Nethinims,  and  the  children  of  SoDo- 
mon’s  servants,  were  three  hundred  ninety  and 
two. 

61  And  these  were  they  which  went  up  also 
from  Tel-melah,  'Tel-haresha,  Cherub,  Addon, 
and  Immer : but  they  could  not  show  their 
father’s  house,  nor  their  ’seed,  whether  they  were 
of  Israel. 

62  The  children  of  Delaiah,  the  children  of 
Tobiah,  the  children  of  Nekoda,  dsix  hundred 
forty  and  two. 

63  If  And  eof  the  priests:  the  children  of 
Habaiah,  the  children  of  Koz,  the  children  of 
Barzillai,  which  took  one  of  the  daughters  of 
‘Barzillai  the  Gileadite  to  wife,  and  was  called 
after  their  name. 

64  These  sought  their  register  among  ethose 
that  were  reckoned  by  genealogy,  but  it  was  not 
found  : therefore  were  they,  as  polluted,  put  from 
the  priesthood. 

65  And  fthe  Tirshatha,  said  unto  them,  hthnt 
they  should  not  eat  of  the  most  holv  things, 
‘till  there  stood  up  a priest  with  Urim  and 
Thummim. 

66  If  The  kwhole  congregation  together  was 
forty  and  two  thousand  three  hundred  and  three- 
score ; 

67  Besides ’their  man-servants,  and  their  maid- 
servants, of  whom  there  were  seven  thousand 
three  hundred  thirty  and  seven  : and  they  had 


3:9.  Julnh.  1 I Chr.  25:2.  Run  2:41 . [1 28.]  mtfhr.26:  Kirs  2:42.  [139.] 
n Lev.  27:2—8.  Josh.  9:23-27.  I Chr.  9:2  o Krrn  2:43.  Hnsujihn.  p Rr.r»  2: 
44.  Sia'ia.  q Ezra  2. 45  46.  Hngabnh , or,  Ilagnh.  r Ezra  2:46.  Shamlai. 
s Ezra  2:49.  Bcisrah . I Ezra  2:50.  Ncphmim.  u Ezra  2:52.  Bmhit'i.  v Ezra 
2:53.  Thamah.  xll:3.  y Ezra  2:55.  I'cnida.  t Eirn  2:56.  Jtia/oA.  a Ezra 
2:57.  Ami.  bEzra2:58.  c Ezra  2:59.  Tnl/mren.  Adrian.  *0 r,})*digr«a. 

d Ezra  2:60.  [652  ] e Ezra  2:61—  63.  f 2 Sam.  17:27.  19:31— 39.  IKing«2:7. 
g 5.  1 Chr.  9:1.  t Or,  the  governor.  8:9.  10:1.  Ezra  2:63.  h l.cv.  2:3,10.  6:17. 
10:17,18.21:21—23.  i Ex. 28:80.  Num.  27:21.  DdUl.  33:8.  kE:ru2:64.  1 la. 

45:1,2.  Jer.  27.7. 


V.  7 — G9.  JMarg.  Rtf.  Note , 5,6. — The  Tirshatha , &c. 
(65)  NotCy  Ezra  2:61 — 63. — The  wholcy  &c.  (66)  Note , 
Ezra  2:64. 

V.  70 — 72.  This  seems  to  have  been  a distinct  oblation 
from  that  recorded  in  Ezra:  ( Note , Ezra  2:68 — 70.)  and 
was  probably  made  after  thtf  people  were  registered  by 


B.  0.  4 14 


CHAPTER  VIII 


B.  C.  445. 


“two  hund  ed  fort>  and  five  singing  men  and 
singing  woi  len. 

68  "Their  horses,  seven  hundred  thirty  and 
six  : their  mules,  two  hundred  forty  and  five  : 

69  Their  camels,  four  hundred  thirty  and  five : 
six  thousand  seven  hundred  and  twenty  asses. 

70  H And  'some  of  "the  chief  of  the  fathers 
gave  unto  the  work.  rThe  Tirshatha  gave  to 
the  treasure  a thousand  drams  of  gold,  fifty 
‘‘basins,  five  hundred  and  thirty  priests’  garments. 

71  And  some  of  the  "chief  of  the  fathers  gave 
to  the  treasure  of  the  work  twenty  thousand 
drams  of  "old,  and  two  thousand  and  two  hun- 
dred pounds  of  silver. 

72  And  that  which  the  rest  of  the  people 
gave  was  twenty  thousand  drams  of  gold  and 
two  thousand  pounds  of  silver,  and  threescore 
and  seven  priests’  garments. 

73  So  the  priests,  and  the  Levites,  and  the 
porters,  and  the  singers,  and  some  of  the  people, 
and  the  Nethinims,  and  all  Israel,  dwelt  in  their 
cities ; and  ’when  the  seventh  month  came,  the 
children  of  Israel  were  in  their  cities. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

‘i'tie  -people  being  assembled,  Ezra , with  solemn  worship , reads  and  expounds 
the  law,  1 — 8.  The  people  are  greatly  affected  : but  Nehemiah,  Ezra , and 
the  Levites,  exhort  them  to  joy  in  God,  to  cheerful  feasting,  and  to  liberality 
towards  the  poor,  9 — 12.  Being  instructed  from  the  law  concerning  the 
f east  of  tabernacles , they  keep  it  with  great  solemnity,  13 — 18. 

AND  ’all  the  people  gathered  themselves 
together  bas  one  man  into  the  street  that 

m Ezra  2:65.  [200.]  n Ezra  2:66,67.  * Heb .part.  Ezra  2:68 — 70.  o Num.  7:2 — 
86.  1 Chr.  29:3-9.  p 8:9  10:1.  q Ex.  12:22.  24:6.  1 Kings  7:45.  1 Chr.  28:17. 
2 Chr.  4:8,11.  Jer.  52:19.  r Job  34:19.  f.uke  21 :1— 4. 2 Cor.  8:12.  s Ezra  2:70.  3: 
1.  a Ezra  3:1.  b Judg.  20:1,8.  c 16.  3:26.  12:37.  d 4—9.  Ezra  7:6,1 1 . Jer.  8:8.9. 
Matt.  13:52.  23:2,13,34.  e 2 Chr.  34: 15.  Is.  8:20.  Mai.  4:4.  fDeut.  17:18.  31: 
£,10.  Mai.  2:7.  g Dettl.  31:11 — 13.  2 Chr.  17:7 — S.  * Heb.  understood  in  hear- 
ins'.  Is.  28:9.  h Lev.  23:24.  Num.  29:1— 6.  i Luke  4:16— 20.  Acts  13:15,27. 
15:21.  + Heb.  light.  Acts  20:7,11.  28:23.  k Malt.  7:28,29.  Mark  12:37.  Luke 
8:18.  19:48.  Acts  16:14.  171:11.  lThes.2:13.  Heb.  2:1— 3.  Rev.  2:29.  3:22. 


Nehemiah,  who  was  the  Tirshatha  or  governor  at  this  time, 
as  Zerubbabel  had  been  at  the  first  return  of  the  Jews  from 
captivity.  The  principal  persons  also  concurred  with  him 
liberally,  according  to  their  ability. 

V.  73.  This  verse  so  accords  with  the  last  verse  of  the 
second  of  Ezra,  and  the  first  of  the  third,  that  it  is  doubtful 
whether  it  should  be  understood  of  the  Jews  who  returned 
under  Zerubbabel;  or  of  what  followed  after  Nehemiah  had 
registered  them.  If  it  be  taken  in  the  latter  sense ; and  if 
the  events  next  recorded  took  place  in  the  same  year  with  the 
building  of  the  wall,  as  probably  they  did  : there  could  be  no 
time  for  Nehemiah  to  go  to  Babylon  : (Note,  2,3.)  for  the  wall 
was  not  finished  till  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  Elul,  or  the  sixth 
month.  (6:15.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  active  servants  of  God,  and  of  his  church,  will  never 
want  employment ; for  the  completion  of  one  design  will 
make  way  for  the  commencement  of  another. — The  fear  of 
God  powerfully  possessing  the  heart,  produces  proportionable 
fidelity  and  conscientiousness  in  a man’s  whole  character  and 
conduct : and  it  is  happy  for  the  community  when  men  of  this 
character  have  the  charge  of  public  affairs. — 44  Except  the 
Lord  keep  the  city,”  the  walls  are  built,  and  44  the  watchmen 
wake,  in  vain:”  yet  in  this  and  all  other  concerns,  God  is  to 
be  trusted  in  the  use  of  prudent  and  proper  means,  and  not  to 
be  tempted  by  the  neglect  of  them.  (Note,  Ps.  127:1.  P.  O. 
Matt.  4:5 — 7.) — Magistrates  and  ministers  have  more  exten- 
sive charges  than  others:  but  every  man  ought  to  watch  over 
tis  own  heart,  and  his  own  house,  that  sin,  the  worst  enemy, 
may  be  kept  at  a distance  as  much  as  possible. — Provision  is 
made  in  the  gospel,  and  in  the  city  of  our  God,  for  immensely 
greater  numbers  than  have  yet  been  enrolled  citizens:  we 
should  therefore  be  devising  means  for  replenishing  it  with 
inhabitants,  as  well  as  for  building  its  walls. — 4 All  holy  de- 
sires, all  good  counsels,  and  all  just  works  are  from  God :’  to 
him  belongs  the  praise:  when  good  thoughts  are  suggested  ; 
we  should  be  careful  not  to  4.4  quench  the  Spirit,”  by  rejecting 
them;  (Note,  1 Thes.  5:16 — 22,  v.  19.)  and  we  ought  con- 
tinually to  pray  that  our  God  would  put  more  and  more  of 
them  into  our  hearts,  and  enable  us  to  bring  them  to  good 
effect ; and  that  he  would  do  the  same  for  increasing  numbers. 
Then  we  might  hope  that  many  would  concur  in  designs,  as 
yet  scarcely  thought  of,  for  propagating  the  gospel  and  pro- 
moting the  salvalion  of  souls. — The  Lord  delights  to  honour 
those  who  willingly  face  danger,  and  endure  hardship  for  his 
sake : and  he  knows  the  names  of  all  his  people,  and  will 
produce  the  register  at  last.  But  wo  be  to  those  who  turn 
back  from  him,  loving  this  present  world:  and  happy  they 
who  willingly  come  to  dedicate  themselves,  and  consecrate 
their  substance  to  his  service  and  glory ! 

NOTES. — Chap.  VIII.  V.  1,  2.  The  feast  of  trumpets 
was  observed  on  the  first  day  of  the  seventh  month ; and  the 
people  assembled  to  celebrate  it,  though  not  explicitly  re- 
quireo.  (Note,  Ijev.  23:24,25.) — It  is  probable  that  Nehe- 


was  "before  the  water-gate;  and  they  spake  unto 
dEzra  the  scribe  to  'bring  the  book  of  the  law  ol 
Moses,  which  the  Loud  had  commanded  to  Israel. 

2 And  Ezra  ‘the  priest  brought  the  law  before 
sthe  congregation,  both  of  men  and  women,  and 
all  that  'could  hear  with  understanding,  upon  ‘‘the 
first  day  of  the  seventh  month. 

3 And  ‘he  read  therein  before  the  street  that 
was  before  the  water-gate  from  the  'morning 
until  mid-day,  before  the  men  and  the  women, 
and  those  that  could  understand  ; and  kthe  ears 
of  all  the  people  were  attentive  unto  the  book  of 
the  law. 

4 And  Ezra  the  scribe  stood  upon  a tpulpit  of 
wood,  which  they  had  made  tor  the  purpose  ; and 
beside  him  stood  Mattithiah,  and  Shcma,  and 
Anaiah,  and  Urijali,  and  Hilkiah,  and  'Maaseiah, 
on  his  right  hand  ; and  on  his  left  hand,  Pedaiah, 
and  Mishael,  and  ‘"Malchiah,  and  "Hashum,  and 
Hashbadana,  Zechariah,  and  “Meshullam. 

5 And  Ezra  ‘■opened  the  book  in  the  ^sight  of 
all  the  people  ; (for  he  was  above  all  the  people ;) 
and  when  he  opened  it,  all  the  people  ‘‘stood  up: 

6 And  Ezra  "blessed  the  Lord,  the  great  God. 
And  all  the  people  answered, ’Amen,  Amen,  ‘with 
lifting  up  their  hands:  and  they  “bowed  their 
heads,  and  worshipped  the  Lord  “with  their  faces 
to  the  ground. 

7 Also  rJeshua,  and  zBani,  and  ’Sherebi"|h 
Jamin,  bAkkub,  Shabbethai,  "Hodijah,  ‘'Maaseiah, 


JHeb. lower.  110:25.11:5.  ml0:3.  n 10:18.  Ezra  10:33.  o 10:7,20.  11:7. 
12:13.  Ezra  10:29.  pLuke4:17.  § Hcl>.  eyes,  q JikIv.  3:20.  lKi.igs8:14. 
rl  Chr.  29:20.  2 Cllr.  6:4.  Pa.  4 1 : 1 3.  12: 18,19.  Eph.  1:3,  1 Pel.  1 :3.  s5:13. 
Jer.  23:6.  Mall.  6:13.  1 Cor.  14:16.  t Gen.  14:22.  Ps.  28:2  . 63-4.  134:2.  141:2, 
Lam. 3:41.  lTim.2:8.  nGen. 24:26.  Ex.  4:31.  12:27.  2 Chr.  20:18.  29:30. 
x Lev.  9:24.  Mall.  26:39.  Rev.  7:11.  y 3:19.  9:4.  10:9.  12:24.  ?.  3:17.  9:4.  10:13. 
a9:4,  10:12.  12:24.  Ezra8:18.  8 11:16,19.12:25.  c 10:10,18.  d 4.  3:23.  12i 
41,42.  Ezra  10:22. 


miah  having  formed  a plan  for  their  instruction  from  the  law, 
called  on  them  by  this  early  attendance  to  concur  in  iL 
Doubtless  the  appointed  sacrifices  were  offered ; (Note, 
Num.  29:1 — 6.)  but  the  courts  of  the  temple  not  being  so 
spacious  or  convenient,  the  congregation  assembled  in  a broad 
street  of  the  city  to  hear  the  law  read  and  expounded  : and 
not  only  the  women,  but  even  the  children  who  were  capa- 
ble of  understanding,  attended.  Accordingly  Ezra  the  priest, 
being  a learned  and  ready  scribe,  having  long  been  bestowing 
much  pains  on  the  sacred  Scriptures,  and  preparing  correct 
copies  of  them,  was  called  upon  to  take  the  lead  in  this  ser- 
vice : and,  though  it  does  not  appear  that  the  measure  origi- 
nated with  him,  yet  he  most  cordially  concurred  in  it.  (Note, 
Ezra  7:6 — 10.)  Some  conjecture  that  Ezra  had  been  at 
Babylon  during  the  preceding  events,  in  which  he  is  not  men- 
tioned ; and  that  he  had  lately  returned  : but  perhaps  he  had 
been  privately  occupied  in  his  own  line  for  the  good  of  the 
people,  and  was  well  satisfied  to  leave  public  affairs  entirely 
to  Nehemiah.  (Note,  1 Sam.  12:23.) 

V.  3.  The  reading  and  expounding  continued  about  six 
hours  from  44  the  light,”  (marg.)  till  noon  ; and  as  most  of  the 
people  must  have  stood  in  the  open  air  during  a great  part  of 
the  time,  it  appears  that  they  were  not  soon  wearied.  (Notes, 
9:3.  Acts  20:7 — 12.  28’23 — 29.)  Indeed  44  the  ears  of  all  the 
people  were  unto  the  book  of  the  law  ;”  or  hearkening  to  it 
with  profound  attention.  (Notes,  Ijuke  19:45 — 48,  v.  48. 
Heb.  2:1 — 4.) 

V.  4.  44  Ezra  the  scribe  stood  upon  a pulpit,  of  wnorl,5* 

4 to  raise  him  higher  than  the  people,  that  he  might  be  the 
better  seen  and  heard  by  them  al! : whence  in  the  Hebrew, 
it  is  called  a tower  of  wood ; but  was  not  like  our  pulpits,  . . . 
but  large  and  long,  that  many  persons  might  stand  in  it,  as 
appears  by  what  follows.’  Bp.  Patrick.  Beside,  &e.]  Some 
suppose  that  these  persons,  being  priests  or  Levites  under 
Ezra’s  directions,  assisted  by  turns  in  the  service,  to  prevent 
his  being  worn  down  with  it  : but  others  think  that  they  were 
principal  persons  who  thus  showed  their  concurrence,  by 
standing  on  his  right  hand  and  on  his  left;  or  that  they  were 
priests  or  Levites  preparing  for  the  same  service  on  future 
occasions.  (Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  5, 6.  Ezra  having  reverently  opened  the  sacred  volume  ; 
before  he  began  to  read  first  44  blessed  the  Lord,  the  great 
God he  gave  him  thanks  for  the  good  gift  of  his  holy  law, 
and  for  all  his  mercies  ; he  adored  his  great  and  glorious 
Majesty;  and  he  implored  his  blessing  on  the  service  before 
him.  To  this  the  people  gave  a cordial  and  repeated  assent ; 
and,  prostrating  themselves  on  the  ground,  added  their  most 
solemn  worship.  This  was  an  excellent  preparation  for  a due 
regard  to  the  sacred  Scriptures  ; and  the  example  should  be 
imitated  by  those  who  preach  and  expound,  or  read  and  hear 
the  word  of  God. 

V.  7.  The  persons  mentioned  in  this  verse  must  not  bo 
confounded  with  those  who  stood  by  Ezra  in  his  pulpit  or 
tower  : for  only  one  of  the  same  name  occurs  in  both  places; 
( 843  ; 


B.  C.  445. 


NEHEMIAH, 


B.  C.  445. 


‘Kelita,  'Azariah,  BJozahad,  hHanan,  'Pelaiah, 
and  the  Levites,  kcaused  the  people  to  understand 
the  law:  and  the  people  stood  in  their  place. 

8 So  they  read  in  the  book  in  the  law  of  God 
distinctly,  'and  gave  the  sense,  and  caused  them 
to  understand  the  reading. 

[ Practical  Observations .] 

9 And  '"Nehemiah,  which  is  the  'Tirshatha, 
and  "Ezra  the  priest  the  scribe,  and  “the  Levites 
that  taught  the  people,  said  unto  all  the  people, 
PThis  day  is  holy  unto  the  Lord  your  God ; 
i mo  urn  not,  nor  weep.  For  rall  the  people  wept, 
when  they  heard  the  words  of  the  law. 

10  Then  he  said  unto  them,  ‘Go  your  way, 
eat  the  fat,  and  drink  the  sweet,  and  ‘send 
portions  unto  them  for  whom  nothing  is  pre- 
pared: for  this  day  is  holy  unto  our  Lord: 
neither  be  ye  sorry;  for  “the  joy  of  the  Lord  is 
your  strength. 

11  So  the  Levites  “stilled  all  the  people,  saying, 
Hold  your  peace,  lor  the  day  is  holy  ; neither  be 
ye  grieved. 

12  And  all  the  people  went  their  way  to  eat, 
and  to  drink,  and  to  send  portions,  and  to  make 
great  mirth,  ^because  they  had  understood  the 
words  that  were  declared  unto  them. 


t 10:10.  Ezra  10:23.  f 3:23.  10:2.  12:33.  g Ezra  10:22,23.  h 10:10.  110: 

10.  k Lei.  10:11.  1 Hab.  2:2.  Matt.  5:21,22,27,28.  Luke  24:27,32.  AcU8: 
30 — 35.  17:2,3.  28:23.  m 7:65,70.  10:1.  * Or , governor,  n Ezra  7:11.  o 7, 

8.  2 Chr.  15:3.  30:22.  35:3.  Iios.  4:6.  p 2.  Lev.  23:24.  Num.  29:1-6. 

q Deut.  12:7,12.  16:11,14,15.  26:14.  Ec.  3:4.  Mai.  2:13.  r 2 Kings  22:11,19. 
Rom.  3:20.  2 Cor.  7:9— II.  b Ec.  2:24,  3:13.  5:18.  9:7.  1 Tim.  6:17,18.  t Deut. 
26:11—13.  Esth.  9:19,22.  Job  31:16— 18.  Ec.  11:2.  Luke  19*41.  Rev.  11:10. 
u Ps.  28:7,8.  Prov.  17:22.  Is.  6:7,8.  12:1—2.  35:1—4.  2 Cor.  8.2.  12:8,9. 
x Num.  13:30.  y 7,8.  Job  23:12.  Ps.  19:8— 11.  119:14,16,72,97,103,104,111,127, 
128,130,471,174.  Prov.  2:10,11 . 24:13,14.  Jer.  15:16.  Luke  24:32.  z2  Chr.  30:23. 


and,  no  doubt,  in  that  instance,  different  men  of  the  same 
name  were  meant.  The  persons  here  mentioned  were  most 
of  them,  if  not  all,  priests  and  Levites  : (Marg.  Ref.)  and  as 
they  “ caused  the  people  to  understand  the  law,”  and  were 
not  in  the  pulpit  with  Ezra  ; and  as  it  can  hardly  be  supposed 
that  he  merely  read,  and  that  they  expouuded  what  he  read: 
it  is  not  unlikely  that  they  had  separate  audiences  in  different 
places,  where  they  read  and  expounded  the  law,  as  Ezra  did 
in  the  station  assigned  him  : for  one  man’s  voice  could  not 
reach  so  great  a multitude.  {Note,  Acts  2:14 — 21,  v.  14.) 
Perhaps  different  orders  and  descriptions  of  persons  formed 
separate  circles  : and  therefore  it  is  added,  that  “the  people 
stood  in  their  place,”  as  it  had  been  appointed  to  each  of 
them.  “ Tho  people  stood  in  their  place,”  ‘listening  both  to 
what  was  read,  and  what  was  delivered  as  the  explication  of 
it.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  8.  It  is  here  said,  “So  they  read,  &c.”  which  con- 
firms the  preceding  supposition,  there  being  evidently  more 
than  one  reader. — The  persons  engaged  in  this  service  read 
the  text  distinctly,  and  then  gave  the  interpretation:  thus  the 
meaning  was  declared  to  the  people,  with  all  plainness,  and 
application  to  their  present  circumstances  and  conduct,  for 
their  conviction  and  instruction.  This  seems  the  obvious 
meaning  of  the  passage.  Some  learned  men,  however,  sup- 
pose, that  the  Jews  had  forgotten  the  Hebrew,  during  the 
captivity ; and  that  the  expositors  merely  rendered  what  was 
read  into  Chaldee.  ‘But  if  this  were  true,  why  did  the  pro- 
phets write  in  Hebrew  after  their  return  from  captivity  ? and 
this  very  book  shows  the  contrary,  (13:23,24.)  where  the 
Jews’  language  appears  to  have  been  spoken  by  the  people.’ 
Bp.  Patrick.  The  opinion  indeed  is  grounded  chiefly  on 
Jewish  traditions,  and  customs  introduced  in  later  ages,  and 
has  no  support  in  the  Scriptures  themselves. 

V.  9.  The  people,  when  the  law  of  God  was  read  and 
explained  to  them,  were  convinced  of  their  guilt  and  danger; 
and,  with  tender  consciences  and  broken  hearts,  mourned  for 
their  transgressions.  (Notes,  2 Kings  22:8 — 11,  v.  11.  Rom. 
3:19,20.  7:9—12.  Gal.  2:17—21,  v.  19.)  This  was  indeed  a 
proper  and  highly  beneficial  effect  of  that  service:  but  as  it 
was  a holy  festival,  which  the  Lord  would  have  kept  with 
joy  and  gladness,  they  were  instructed  by  their  teachers  to 
repress  their  grief,  and  to  turn  their  thoughts  to  the  mercy  of 
Hod,  and  to  hope  and  rejoice  in  him. — “ The  Levites,5’  as 
rvell  as  Ezra,  “taught  the  people.”  {Notes,  2 Chr.  17:7 — 9. 
50:21,22.  v.  22.  35:1—3,  w.  3.) 

V.  10,  11.  After  the  former  part  of  the  day  had  been 
spent  in  the  ordinances  of  religion,  the  people  were  allowed, 
and  even  required,  (probably  by  a public  notice  from  Nehe- 
miah, enforced  by  the  priests  and  Levites,)  to  spend  the 
remainder  in  cheerful  feasting,  as  a representation  of  the 
believer’s  joy  in  the  service  of  his  gracious  God.  (Notes, 
Duct.  12:5 — 7.  Ec.  3:1 — 11.)  It  is  probable  that  peace- 
fferings  had  been  offered,  and  they  were  now  called  to  feast 
together  on  them  ; and  might  lawfully  drink  tho  sweet  or  rich 
v/mes,  which  their  vineyards  produced,  in  as  liberal  a manner 
as  consisted  with  temperance.  But  then  they  must  remember 
.o  send  portions  to  those  for  whom  nothing  had  been  prepared ; 
do  the  poor,  tho  stranger,  the  fatherless,  and  tho  widow. 
( 844  ) 


13  H And  on  “the  second  day  were  gathered 
together  the  chief  of  the  fathers  of  all  the  people, 
the  priests,  and  the  Levites,  unto  Ezra  the  scribe, 
even  Uo  understand  the  words  of  the  law. 

14  And  they  found  written  in  the  law  which 
the  Lord  had  commanded  thy  Moses,  that  the 
children  of  Israel  should  “dwell  in  bbooths  in  the 
feast  of  the  seventh  month  : 

15  And  ‘that  they  should  publish  and  proclaim 
in  all  their  cities,  and  din  Jerusalem,  saying,  Go 
forth  unto  “the  mount,  and  'fetch  eolive-branches, 
and  ’pine-branches,  and  myrtle-branches,  and 
hpalm-branches,  and  branches  of  thick  trees,  to 
make  booths,  as  it  is  written. 

16  K So  the  people  went  forth,  and  brought 
them,  and  made  themselves  booths,  every  one 
upon  ‘the  roof  of  his  house,  and  in  their  courts, 
and  in  kthe  courts  of  the  house  of  God,  and  in 
'the  street  of  the  water-gate,  3nd  min  the  street  of 
the  gate  of  Ephraim. 

17  And  all  the  congregation  of  them  that 
were  come  again  out  of  the  captivity  made 
booths,  and  "sat  under  the  booths ; for  since  the 
days  of  “Jeshua  the  son  of  Nun  unto  that  lay 
chad  not  the  children  of  Israel  idone  so.  And 
rthere  was  very  great  gladness. 


Pro».2:l— 6.  8:33,34.  12:1.  Mark  6:33,34.  Luke  19:47,48.  Art,4:l  13:42. 
^ Or , that  they  might  iristruct  in.  1 Luke  24:32.  2 Tim.  2.24,25.  1 Heb  by 

the  hand  of.  a Lev.  23:34,40— 43.  Deut.  16:13— 15.  Zech.  14:16— 19.  John  7:2. 
b Gen.  33: 17.  c Lev.  23:4.  d Deut.  16:16.  e Judg.  9:48,49.  Matt.  21:1.  f Lev. 
23:40.  g Gen.  8:11.  h John  12:13.  Rev.  7:9.  i Deut.  22.8.  2 Satn.  1 1 :2.  Jer. 
19:13.32:29.  k 2 Chr.  20:5.  33:5.  13.3:26.12:37.  m 12:39.  2Kingsl4:lR. 
n John  1:14.  Heb.  11:9,13.  o Josh.  1:1.  Joshua.  Heb.  4:8.  Jesus,  p 2 Chr.  7:8 
— 10.  8:13.,Ezra3:4.  q 2 Chr.  30:26.  35:18.  r 1 Chr.  29:22  . 2 Chr.  7:10.  30; 
21—23. 


(Deut.  12:12,18,19.  P.  O.)  For  this  would  distinguish  their 
religious  feasting  from  the  sensual  indulgence  of  carnal  men, 
and  complete  the  due  solemnization  of  the  holy  day.  They 
w efe  also  again  reminded,  not  to  indulge  grief,  on  the  present 
festival;  (Note,  1,2.)  “for  the  joy  of  the  Lord  was  their 
strength.”  A grateful,  adoring  recollection  of  his  late  mer- 
cies, and  his  ancient  distinguished  favours  to  the  nation,  and 
powerful  interposition  in  their  behalf;  with  cheerful  medita- 
tion on  his  promises  and  perfections,  inspiring  confidence, 
love,  and  zeal,  and  leading  them  to  abound  in  joyful  praises 
and  thanksgivings ; would  fortify  their  souls  to  meet  the 
dangers,  encounter  the  difficulties,  resist  the  temptations,  and 
perform  the  duties,  which  still  lay  before  them.  Whereas, 
indulged  sorrow  would  induce  desponding  fear,  enfeeble  their 
resolutions,  and  unfit  them  for  labours,  trihls,  and  conflicts. 
(Notes,  Ps.  28:6— 8.  Prov.  15:13.  Is.  12:1—3.  35:3,4.  2 Cor. 
2:5 — 11.  Phil.  4:4 — 7.)  ‘What  Nehemiah  had  said  to  as 
many  as  could  hear  him,  the  Levites  said  to  the  rest  of  the 
people ; going  about,  and  persuading  them  to  lay  aside  their 
heaviness,  and  make  it  a good  day.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  12.  The  people  in  general  had  not  only  understood  from 
the  law,  the  will  of  God  and  their  own  sinfulness,  but  they 
had  learned,  in  some  degree,  the  grounds  of  holy  rejoicing  in 
the  Lord : and  having  begun  by  sowing  in  tears,  they  soon 
were  enabled  to  reap  in  joy.  (Note,  Ps.  126:5,6'.)  ‘This 
was  an  extraordinary  reason  for  their  mirth,  that  they  were 
illuminated  in  divine  knowledge,  and  understood  the  will  of 
God  better  than  they  did  before.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  13.  This  was  no  festival ; but,  having  profited  from  the 
word  the  day  before,  the  people  were  desirous  to  be  further 
instructed:  and  the  chief  of  the  fathers,  priests,  and  Levites 
were  the  most  forward  to  request  Ezra  to  favour  them  with 
an  exposition  of  some  other  part  of  the  law,  being  convinced 
of  his  superior  knowledge  in  it.  Hence  it  appears,  that  he 
instructed  even  those  who  assisted  in. teaching  the  peopie. 

V.  14—16.  (Notes,  Lev.  23:34—43.  Num.  29:12—38. 
Zech.  14:16 — 19.  John  7:2,14 — 17,37 — 39.)  It  may  be  sup- 
posed, that  Ezra  selected  those  portions  of  the  law,  which 
prescribed  solemnities  to  be  observed  in  the  seventh  month* 
especially  the  feast  of  tabernacles,  as  it  had  not  in  genera, 
been  duly  observed,  and  the  season  was  approaching  for  it. 
(Note,  Jam.  1:22—25.) 

V.  17.  It  is  evident  that  this  and  the  other  solemn  feasts 
were  totally  neglected,  at  some  times,  and  for  a long  while 
together:  yet  a few  instances  occur  of  the  feast  of  tabernacles 
being  kept;  and  these  words  must  therefore  bo  understood 
of  the  exactness,  unanimity,  and  joyfulness,  with  which  it  was 
at  this  time  celebrated.  (Notes,  1 Kings  8:63 — 65.  Ezro 
3:4.)  ‘ They  rejoiced  in  the  days  of  Joshua,  that  they  had  got 
possession  of  Canaan  ; and  now  they  rejoiced  that  they  were 
restored  to  it,  and  quietly  settled  in  it.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Notes, 
1 Kings  8:66.  2 Chr.  30:26,27.) 

V.  18.  The  reading  of  the  law  every  seventh  year  at  tho 
feast  of  tabernacles  had  been  enjoined  by  Moses  , but  it 
seems  not  in  general  to  have  been  duly  attended  to  at  this 
time,  however,  it  formed  a part  of  the  daily  au  vi<  e,  through 
tho  whole  continuance  of  the  feast.  {Note,  licit.  31. 
10-13.) 


B.  C.  445. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


B.  C 445. 


18  Also  "day  by  day,  from  the.  first  day  unto 
the  last  day,  he  read  in  .the  book  of  the  law  of 
God.  And  they  kept  the  feast  seven  days;  and  on 
the  eighth  day  was  'a  solemn  assembly,  ‘according 
unto  the  manner. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

A solemn  fast  is  observtd,  1—3.  The  Levitet,  os  leading  the  worship  of  the 

Seople,  piously  acknowledge  the  manifold  goodness  of  God  to  Israel , and 
umbly  confess  the  sins  of  the  nation,  as  the  cause  of  their  miseries,  4 — 37. 
The  people  solemnly  covenant  with  God,  38. 

NOW  in  the  “twenty  and  fourth  day  bof  this 
month  the  “children  of  Israel  were  assembled 


with  fasting,  and  with  sackclothes,  and  earth 
upon  them. 

2 And  'the  seed  of  Israel  separated  themselves 
from  all  "strangers,  and  stood  and  f confessed  theii 
sins,  and  the  iniquities  of  their  fathers. 

3 And  Ethey  stood  up  in  their  place,  and  read 
in  the  book  of  the  law  of  the  Lord  their  Goo 
hone  fourth  part  of  the  day  ; and  another  fourtl 
part  they  confessed,  and  worshipped  the  LoRr 
their  God. 

4 H Then  stood  up  upon  the  “stairs,  of  the 


• Deut.  31:10 — 13.  * Heb.  a restraint,  t Lev.  23:36.  Nnm.  29:35.  John  7:37. 
a Lev.  23:34.39.  2 Chr.7:IO.  h 8:2.  c Judg.  20:26.  2Chr.20:3.  Ezra  8:23. 
Eath.  4:3,16.  Is.  22:12.  Joel  1:13,14.  2:15— 17.  Jon.  3:5— 8.  Acta  13:2,3.  d Josh. 
7:6.  1 Sam.  4:12.  2 Sam.  1:2.  Job  2: 12.  e 13:3,30.  Ezra  9:2.  10:11.  • Heb 


strange  children.  Ps.  144:7,11.  Is.  2:6.  Hos.  5:7.  f 1 :6.  Lev.  26:39,40.  Ezra  9r 
6,17,5.  Ps.  106:6,7.  Dan.  9:3—10,20.  1 John  1 :7— 9.  g 8:4, 7, 8.  h 8:3.  } Or. 
scaffold. 


PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 8.  Pious  men  of  different  dispositions  may  serve 
the  church  in  their  several  ways.  The  studious  may,  as  it 
were,  prepare  materials  with  which  the  active  may  work : 
and  the  active  may  make  way  for  the  studious,  to  bring  forth 
their  treasures  for  public  use.  They  ought  therefore  recipro- 
cally to  assist  each  other ; and  to  welcome  such  assistance, 
without  envy,  competition,  or  prejudice. — The  public  reading, 
expounding,  and  preaching  of  God’s  word  has,  in  all  ages, 
been  the  grand  method  of  promoting  true  religion:  they, 
therefore,  who  are  eminently  capable  of  this  service,  should 
be  called  forth  from  obscurity  and  retirement,  and  excited 
and  encouraged  to  abound  in  it ; all,  of  every  age,  sex,  or 
rank,  who  are  capable  of  understanding,  should  assemble  to 
attend,  and  all  ought  to  “give  earnest  heed  to  the  things 
which  they  hear.”  ( Note,  2 Chr.  17:7 — 9.  P.  O.  7 — 19.) 
Those  who  are  in  reputation  should  set  an  example  of  dili- 
gence in  this  respect,  and  even  teachers  should  be  “swift  to 
hear”  other  ministers,  especially  younger  ministers  their 
approved  seniors,  as  they  have  opportunity,  that  they  may 
1 ecome  more  competent  for  the  service. — When  the  value  of 
the  Scriptures,  and  of  the  immortal  soul,  is  properly  under- 
stood ; and  when  we  are  earnestly  engaged,  and  in  a spiritual 
frame  of  mind;  we  shall  not  soon  be  weary  of  divine  ordi- 
nances. Short  sermons,  therefore,  or  tired  hearers,  prove  a 
very  low  state  of  religion  : for  facts  demonstrate,  that  where 
the  word  of  God  is  precious,  even  inconvenient  situations 
and  uneasy  postures  will  be  patiently  endured:  and  when 
ministers,  who  are  themselves  in  earnest,  perceive  the  peo- 
ple thirsting  for  instruction,  and  drinking  it  in,  they  will  be 
encouraged  to  proceed,  and  to  preach  as  much  and  as  often 
as  required,  so  long  as  God  gives  them  health  for  the  work. — 
Reading  and  preaching  should  be  attended  with  solemn  wor- 
ship : the  perfections  of  our  God  are  worthy  of  all  adoration  ; 
his  mercies  call  for  our  most  grateful  acknowledgment; 
and  a sense  of  our  own  wants  and  unworthiness,  love  to  his 
people,  compassion  for  sinners,  and  regard  to  all  orders  of 
mankind,  where  they  prevail,  will  dictate  many  prayers  and 
supplications.  In  these  services  one  person  must  speak,  but 
all  should  join  in  their  hearts,  and  express  their  solemn  and 
cordial  assent. — We  cannot  too  humbly  or  reverently  wor- 
ship “ the  Lord,  the  great  God :”  yet,  blessed  be  his  name, 
we  may  call  him  Father  in  filial  confidence  and  hope. — When- 
ever we  open  the  sacred  volume,  we  should  bless  the  Lord 
for  that  precious  gift,  and  proceed  to  peruse  it,  with  entire 
submission  to  his  teaching  and  authority. — Ministers  should 
endeavour  to  make  it  evident  to  every  one,  that  they  preach 
according  to  these  sacred  oracles ; producing  clear  scriptural 
warrant  for  all  their  doctrine ; reading  the  word  distinctly, 
diligently  causing  the  people  to  understand  it,  by  familiar  ex- 
planations and  illustrations  ; and  applying  it  in  the  most  plain 
and  simple  manner  to  their  hearts  and  consciences. 

V.  9 — 18.  The  divine  law,  when  faithfully  unfolded,  in  its 
extensive  demands  and  righteous  sanction,  is  generally  made 
successful  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  bringing  the  stout,  hard,  and 
proud  hearts  of  sinners  to  tremble,  to  melt  into  godly  sorrow, 
and  to  become  abased  before  God.  For  it  pierces  the  con- 
science, fills  the  soul  with  dismay,  and  thus  prepares  for  the 
sweet  consolations  of  the  gospel,  by  which  is  “ the  knowledge 
of  salvation,  through  the  remission  of  sins.”  Thus  the  broken 
heart  is  bound  up,  and  the  sinner  learns  to  rejoice  in  God 
our  Saviour. — Both  godly  sorrow  and  holy  joy  are  profitable, 
and  beautiful  in  their  season : and  it  is  peculiarly  desirable 
to  have  all  our  passions  regulated  according  to  the  will  of 
God,  and  the  duty  of  the  present  occasion.  Those  who 
mourn  for  sin  should  be  comforted,  instructed  and  directed  to 
rejoice  in  the  Lord.  This  they  have  abundant  reason  to  do, 
nowever  many  their  sins  have  been,  when  they  humbly  come 

o trust  in  his  mercy.  His  salvation  is  perfectly  free ; the 
provisions  of  his  grace  are  plenteous ; “ his  righteousness  is 
for  ver his  “ ways  are  pleasantness  his  protection  sure  ; 
his  consolations  strong ; and  “hope”  in  his  mercy  and  of  his 
glory  “maketh  not  ashamed  because  the  love  of  God  is  shed 
abroad  in  our  hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost.”  (Note,  Rom.  5:3 — 
5.)  Joy  in  God,  if  genuine,  adds  strength  and  courage  to  the 
soul  for  every  duty  and  for  every  trial ; it  inspires  resolution 
for  service,  and  vigour  in  resisting  temptation ; it  satisfies, 
and  sanctifies,  and  enlarges  the  heart  in  cheerful  obedience, 
and  in  love  to  our  brethren.  Indeed,  that  joy  is  a mere 
eounterfeit,  which  has  not  these  effects:  and  they  are  ene- 


mies to  their  own  sanctification,  who  always  indulge  sorrow, 
even  for  sin,  and  put  from  them  those  consolations,  which  are 
tendered  to  them  by  the  word  and  Spirit  of  God. — It  is  con- 
sistent with  godliness,  cheerfully  and  moderately  to  use  the 
comforts  of  Providence  ; when  they  are  received  with  thanks- 
giving, and  “ sanctified  by  the  word  of  God  and  prayers,”  and 
by  liberally  communicating  to  the  poor  and  needy.  But 
those  who  “ eat  the  fat  and  drink  the  sweet and  send  no 
portion,  or  only  scanty  pittances,  to  those  for  whom  nothing 
is  prepared  : have  not  this  sanctified  enjoyment  of  their  abun- 
dance. This  especially  distinguishes  a Christian  feast,  from 
the  revellings  and  banquetings  which  are  ranked  by  the 
apostles  with  abominable  idolatries.  (Note,  1 Pet.  4:3 — 5.) — 
Whatever  causes  a believer  to  rejoice,  should  excite  him  to 
abound  in  thanksgivings  to  God,  and  liberality  to  the  poor. 
But  his  joy  will  not  so  much  arise  from  worldly  prosperity 
or  indulgence,  as  from  having  understood  the  words  of  God, 
and  from  perceiving  that  sinners  may  hope  in  his  mercy,  and 
exult  in  the  prospect  of  eternal  glory. — Those,  who  have 
profited  by  the  word  of  God,  will  be  glad  of  an  opportunity 
of  hearing  it  on  any  day,  as  far  as  consistent  with  other 
duties:  and  when  the  people  are  so  disposed,  the  minister  is 
called  to  be  “ instant  in  season  and  out  of  season.” — Some 
portions  of  Scripture  are  more  suitable  to  the  circumstances 
of  our  congregations  than  others  would  be,  especially  when 
they  remind  them  of  present  duty.  For  even  true  Christians 
neglect  many  things,  through  ignorance  and  forgetfulness,  and 
for  want  of  particular  instructions.  But  it  is  admirable,  when 
they  no  sooner  hear  the  command  of  God,  than  they  prepare 
for  obedience ; when  attending  on  the  word  excites  an  in- 
creasing appetite  for  it ; and  when  the  ordinances  afford  great 
gladness  to  their  souls. — Yet,  alas,  how  little  have  the  com- 
mandments and  institutions  of  our  God  been  hitherto  observed 
even  among  his  professed  worshippers ! So  that  when  indi- 
viduals or  collective  bodies,  come  near  the  standard  of  his 
word,  in  the  power  of  godliness,  they  become  “ men  won- 
dered at.”  But  though  none,  from  age  to  age,  or  through 
whole  nations  of  professed  Christians,  have  ever  served  God, 
as  some  small  company  may  aim  to  do ; yet  if  these  be  evi- 
dently obeying  the  plain  meaning  of  Scripture,  they  ought  not 
to  be  censured  as  singular,  precise,  or  affected ; but  to  be 
commended  and  imitated. — True  religion  will  make  us 
strangers  and  pilgrims  upon  earth : and  those  who  refuse 
conformity  to  the  world,  and  have  theii  conversation  in  heaven, 
and  their  joy  in  the  Lord,  must  appear  strange  and  uncouth 
in  the  eyes  of  the  servants  of  that  other  master,  who  “ work- 
eth  in  all  the  children  of  disobedience.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  IX.  V.  1.  No  doubt  the  day  of 
atonement,  on  the  tenth  day  of  the  seventh  month,  had  been 
duly  observed : the  feast  of  tabernacles  lasted  from  the 
fifteenth  to  the  twenty-second  day  of  it; ,( Notes,  Lev.  1G:29 
— 31.  23:26 — 43.)  and  then,  only  one  day  having  intervened, 
the  people  kept  a solemn  fast,  with  every  customary  expres- 
sion of  godly  sorrow  and  humiliation.  This  seems  to  have 
been  done,  not  only  by  the  authority  of  the  governor,  but  by 
the  general  approbation  of  the  people ; who,  by  hearing  the 
law  read  and  expounded,  had  discovered  their  own  numerous 
and  heinous  transgressions,  with  those  of  their  fathers,  and 
of  the  nation  in  preceding  ages:  (Notes,  8:9 — 13.)  and  it  was 
intended  as  an  introduction  to  their  solemn  covenanting  with 
God,  as  afterwards  recorded.  (Notes,  38.  10:1.)  It  is  pro- 
bable that  Nehemiah  had  formed  the  plan  of  this  from  the 
beginning  of  these  solemnities,  and  had  consulted  with  Ezra, 
and  other  principal  persons,  about  the  best  method  of  accom- 
plishing his  purpose;  which  he  accordingly  did  with  their 
hearty  concurrence. 

V.  2.  Before  the  appointed  fast  began,  the  Israelites 
carefully  separated  from  among  them  those  strangers,  or 
Gentiles,  who  either  by  marriage  or  amity  were  intermingled 
with  them.  This  was  intended  as  a preparation  for  the 
solemn  observance:  for  it  seems  that  the  people  had  again 
intermarried  with  the  surrounding  nations,  after  Ezra  had 
separated  them  from  their  heathen  wives.  (Notes,  Ezra  10:) 

V.  3.  The  persons  afterwards  mentioned,  (4,5.)  stood 
up  to  perform  the  services  of  the  day  ; and  they  spent  “ one 
fourth”  of  it  in  reading  the  law,  (probably  expounding  it  also, 
as  in  the  former  instances,  Notes , 8:1 — 8.)  and  “one  fourth” 
in  confessing  then  sins,  and  in  other  acts  of  solemn  worship. 
— Some  think  that  six  hours,  (a  fourth  part  of  the  twenty 
four,)  were  at  once  spent  in  each  of  these  sacred  duties* 
( 845  ) 


B.  C.  444. 


nehemiah. 


B.  C.  444. 


Levitcs,  '.Jeshua,  and  Bam,  Kadmiel,  Shebaniah, 
Bunni,  Sherebiah,  Bani,  and  Chenani,  and  "cried 
with  a loud  voice  unto  the  Lord  their  God. 

5 Then  the  Levites,  Jeshua,  and  Kadmiel, 
Bani,  Hashahniah,  Sherebiah,  Hodijah,  She- 
baniah,  and  Pethahiah,  said,  'Stand  up  and  mbless 
the  Lord  your  God  tor  ever  and  ever:  and  blessed 
be  “thy  glorious  name,  which  is  “exalted  above  all 
blessing  and  praise. 

6 Thou,  feven  thou,  art  Lord  alone;  Thou 
hast  made  heaven,  rthe  heaven  of  heavens,  with 
all  their  host,  the  earth,  and  all  things  that  are 
therein,  the  seas,  and  all  that  is  therein,  and  thou 
•preservest  them  all  ; and  the  ‘host  of  heaven 

thee.  [ Practical  Observations .] 

art  the  Lord  the  God,  who  didst 
“choose  Abram,  and  broughtest  him  forth  out  of 
‘Ur  of  the  Chaldees,  and  ^gavest  him  the  name 
of  Abraham ; 

8 And  Toundest  his  heart  faithful  before  thee, 
and  “madest  a covenant  with  him  to  give  the 
land  of  bthe  Canaanites,  the  Hittites,  the  Amo- 
rites,  and  the  Perizzites,  and  the  Jebusites,  and 
the  Girgashites,  to  give  it,  I say,  to  his  seed,  cand 
hast  performed  thy  words  ; for  thou  art  drighteous : 

9 And  “didst  see  the  affliction  of  our  fathers  in 
Egypt,  and  f heardest  their  cry  by  the  Red  Sea ; 

10  And  sshowedst  signs  and  wonders  upon 

I 5.  See  on  8:7.  10:9—13.  12:8.  k2Chr.20:19.  Ps.  77:1.  130:1.  Lam.  3: 

B.  John  11 :43.  Acts  7:60.  1 1 Kings  8:14,22.  2 Chr.  20:13,19.  Ps.  134:  130: 

2,3.  m 1 Chr.  29:20.  Ezra  3:11.  Ps.  103:1 ,2.  1 17:  145:2.  146:2.  .ter.  33:10, 
11.  Malt.  11:25.  Bph.  3:20,21.  1 Pel.  1:3.  n Ex.  15:6,11.  Deut.  28:58.  1 C hr. 
29:13.  Ps.  72: 18,19.  145:5,1 1 ,12  . 2 Cor.  4 :6.  n 1 Kings  8:27.  lChr.29:ll.  Ps. 
106:2.  p Deul.  6:4.  2Kings  19:15,19.  Ps.  86:10.  Is.  43:10.  44:6,8.  Mark  12:29, 
30.  John  10:30.  q Gen.  1:1.  2:1.  Ex. 20:11.  Fs.33:6.  136:5—9.  146:6.  Jer.  10: 
11,12.  Col.  1:15,16.  Rex.  4:11.  14:7.  r Deut.  10:14.  1 Kings  8:27.  sPs.36:6. 
Col.  1:17.  Hell.  1:3.  tGen.  2:1.  32:2.  I Kings  22:19.  Ps.  103:21.  148:2-4.  Is. 
6:2,3.  Ileb.  1:6.  Rev.  5: 13.  u Gen.  12:1,2.  Deut.  10:15.  Josh.  24:2,3.  Is.  41:8, 
9.51:2.  x Gen.  11:31.  15:7.  Acts  7:2 — 4.  y Gen.  17:5.  z Gen  . 12:1— 3.  15:6. 
2B:12.  Acts  13.22.  1 Tim.  1:12,13.  Heb. 11:17.  Jam. 2:21— 23.  aGen,12:7.  17: 
7,8.  22:16—18.  Dent.  7:8.9.  9:5.  Ps.  105:8,9.  Luke  1:72,73.  b Gen.  15:18— 21. 
Ex.  3:8,17.  Deut.  7:1.  Josh. '9:1.  11:3.  cDeut.26:3.  Josh.  11:23.  21.43—45. 
23:14.  Ps.  105:43,44.  tl  Num.  23:19.  Ps,  92:14,15.  Tit.  1:2.  Heb.  6:18.  1 John 
1:9.  e Ex.  2:25.  3:7,9,16.  Acts  7:34.  f Ex.  14:1 0— 12.  g Ex. 7:— 10:  12:29, 
30.  14:15—31.  Deut.  4:34.  21 :3, 4.  Ps.  78:10,13,43— 53.  105:27—37.  106:7—11. 


Others  suppose,  that  ‘ they  read  the  law,  and  confessed,  (that 
is,  praised  God,  5.)  interchangeably.  For  in  one  fourth  part 
of  the  day,  from  the  first  hour  to  the  third,  they  did  the  one; 
and  from  thence  to  the  sixth  hour,  (that  is,  till  twelve  o’clock,) 
they  did  the  other.  Then  they  began  the  former  again,  till 
the  ninth  hour ; and  from  thence  to  the  evening  they  spent 
their  time  in  ihe  other.’  Bp.  Patrick. — Perhaps  the  three 
hours  previous  to  the  offering  of  the  morning-sacrifice,  were 
assigned  for  the  people  to  prepare  themselves  and  their 
families  for  the  public  solemnity  ; and  the  three  hours  after  the 
evening- sacrifice  for  their  consenting  to  the  covenant  and 
sealing  it,  and  the  improvement  of  what  they  had  heard,  by 
meditation,  pious  converse, and  devotion:  for  on  solemn  fasts 
it  was  customary  for  the  Jews  to  take  no  food  till  after  sun- 
set. The  public  services  of  the  day,  however,  continued  at 
least  six  hours  without  intermission. 

V.  4.  It  is  probable,  that  these  Levites  were,  placed  at 
proper  distances,  (so  as  not  to  interfere  with  each  other, 
when  they  “ cried  with  a loud  voice  unto  the  Lord  their 
God,”)  upon  pulpits,  or  scaffolds,  erected  for  that  purpose, 
with  distinct  auditories  around  them.  (Notes,  8:4,7.  Acts  2: 
14—21,  v.  14.) 

Y.  5.  Eight  Levites  are  mentioned  both  in  this  verse  and 
the  preceding,  and  five  of  the  names  are  the  same : it  may 
therefore  be  supposed,  that  the  same  persons  are  intended, 
of  whom  some  were  known  by  different  names,  though  some 
think  that  another  company  is  spoken  of. — Perhaps  the  peo- 
ple were  prostrate  on  the  ground,  or  kneeling,  while  they 
humbly  confessed  their  sins,  and  craved  mercy  from  God, 
each  for  himself,  and  for  his  people  : but  they  were  called 
upon  to  “ stand  up,”  when  the  public  adorations  began  ; and 
to  bless  and  “praise  the  Lord  their  God  for  ever  and  ever;” 
or  as  long  as  they  had  any  being ; or,  to  bless  him,  as  “ their 
God  for  ever  and  ever.”  He  indeed  is  “exalted  above  all 
olessing  and  praise.”  His  essential  glory  is  incomprehen- 
sible and  infinite  ; so  that  the  most  sublime  adorations  of  the 
highest  created  beings  must  fall  unspeakably  below  his 
majesty  and  excellency.  (Notes,  1 Chr.  29:10 — 19.  Ps. 
106:2.)  Yet  he  accepts  their  adorations  and  thanksgivings, 
when  they  worship  him  according  to  their  capacities.  Nay, 
he  delights  in  the  feeble  praises  and  blessings  of  sinners, 
when  they  come  before  him  in  humble  faith  and  cordial 
grateful  love ; and  counts  himself  glorified  by  them,  though 
the  best  of  them  are  not  only  defective,  but  defiled  ! (Notes, 
Ps.  50:22,23,  v.  23.  Heb.  13:15,16.  I Pet.  2:1—6.) 

V.  G.  Marg.  Kef.  1 Kings  8:27.  Jer.  10:9—11.  Rev. 
:9 — 1 1 • 

V.  7.  ‘ Here  follows  a compendious  history  of  the  affairs 

ol  the  Hebrew  nation,  in  this  confession  of  God’s  benefits  and 
thiir  ingratitude;  which  Nehemiah  and  Ezra,  it  is  likely, 

( 846  ) 


Pharaoh,  and  on  all  his  servants,  and  on  all  the 
people  of  his  land  : for  thou  knewest  that  They 
dealt  proudly  against  them.  So  'didst  thou  get 
thee  a name,  as  it  is  this  day. 

11  And  thou  didst  "divide  the  sea  before  them, 
so  that  they  went  through  the  midst  of  the  sea  on 
the  dry  land  ; and  'their  persecutors  thou  threwest 
into  the  deeps,  mas  a stone  into  the  mighty  waters. 

12  Moreover,  "thou  leddest  them  in  the  day 
by  a cloudy  pillar:  and  in  the  night  by  a pillar  of 
fire,  to  give  them  light  “in  the  way  wherein  they 
shouldgo. 

13  Thou  Pcamest  down  also  upon  mount  Sinai, 
and  “ispakest  with  them  from  heaven,  and  rga'vest 
them  right  judgments,  and  'true  laws,  good 
statutes,  and  commandments; 

14  And  ‘madest  known  unto  them  thy  holy 
sabbath,  and  ‘commandedst  them  precepts,  sta- 
tutes, and  laws,  by  the  hand  of  “Moses  thy 
servant: 

15  And  ‘gravest  them  bread  'from  heaven  for 
their  hunger,  and  tbroughtest  forth  water  for 
them  out  of  the  rock  for  their  thirst,  and  pro- 
misedst  them  that  they  should  ‘go  in  to  possess  the 
land  which  thou  hadst  'sworn  to  give  them. 

16  But  they  and  our  fathers  “dealt  proudly, 
and  bhardened  their  necks,  and  “hearKened  not 
to  thy  commandments, 

135:8,9.136:10—15.  Acts  7:36.  h Ex.  5:2,7, 8.  9:17.  10:3.  18:1 1 . Job  40:11, 
12.  Dan.  4:37.  5:23.  1 Pet.  5:5.  i Ex.  9:16.  Josh.  2: 10,1 1 . Ps.  83:18.  Is.  63:12, 
11.  Jer.32:20.  Ez.20:9.  Don. 9:15.  Rom. 9.17.  k Ex.  14:21,22,27,28.  Ps.  66: 
6.  78:13.  114:3 — 5.  136:13—11.  Is. 63:11— 13.  lEx.  15:1—21.  Ps.  106:9— 11. 
Heb.  11:29.  m Ex.  15:10.  Rev.  18:21.  n 19.  Ex.  13:21 ,22.  14:19,20.  Ps.78: 
14.105:39.  oPs.  107-7.  143:8.  p Ex.  19:11,16— 20.  Deut.  33:2.  Is.  64:1,3. 
Hob.  3:3.  q Ex.  20:1,22.  Dent.  4.10— 13,33  . 5:4,22—26.  Heb.  12:18— 26: 
r Deut.  4:8.  10:12,13.  Ps.  19:7- 1 1.  1 19:127,128.  Ez.  2011— 13.  Rom.  7:12— 
— 14,16.  * Heb . laws  of  truth.  Ps.  119:160.  s Gen.  2:3.  Ex.  16:29.  20:8 — 11. 
Ez. 20:12,20.  tEx.21:— 23:  Lev. 27:31.  Deul.  4:5,45.  5:31.  u 1:8.  John  1: 
17.  x Ex.  16: 1,14,15.  Deut.  8:3,10.  Ps.  78:24,25.  105:40.  John  6:31— 33.  1 Cor. 
10:3.  y 20.  Ex.  17:6.  Num.  20:9-11.  Deut.  8:15.  1 s.  77:1.5— 20.  105:41.  114t 
8.  1 Cor.  10:4.  z Deut.  1:8.  Josh.  1:2 — 4.  t Heb.  lift  up  thine  hand.  Gets. 
14:22.  Num.  14:30.  Ez.  20:15.  a See  on  10,29.  Ex.  32:9.  Deut.  9:6, 1 3,23,24, 
27.32:15.  Ps.  78:8.  106:6.  Is. 63:10.  Jer. 2:31.  Acts7:51.  b Deut.  31:27. 
2 Kings  17:14.  2 Chr.  30:8.  36:13.  Ps.  95:8— 10.  Prov.  29:1.  Is.  48:4.  Jer.  19:15. 
Rom.  2:5.  Heb.  3:13,15.  cEx. 15:26.  Deut.  5:29.  Ps.  81  :S,11— 14.  Is. 48:18. 


composed  in  the  form  of  a prayer,  and  delivered  it  to  the 
Levites,  whom  they  ordered  to  speak  it  distinctly  before  the 
whole  congregation,  from  their  several  scaffolds,  which  were 
conveniently  placed  in  several  parts  of  the  assembly,  that 
they  might  be  heard.’  Bp.  Patrick. — As  at  least, three  hours 
were  employed  in  this  part  of  the  service,  far  more  must  have 
been  spoketi  than  is  here  written  ; which  seems  to  have  been 
a kind  of  compendium,  or  directory,  to  those  who  officiated, 
that  all  might  be  evidently  of  one  mind ; on  the  several  parts 
of  which,  it  is  probable,  each  of  them  enlarged  according  to 
his  ability.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Deut.  7:6 — 8.  Josh.  24:2. 
7s.  41:8,9.  Acts  7:1 — 8.) 

V.  8.  The  Lord  tried  the  faith  of  Abraham  on  many  occa- 
sions ; especially  when  he  commanded  him  to  offer  up  Isaac, 
and  “he  found  his  heart  faithful."  Abraham  stood  every 
trial,  and  was  fully  approved.  God  also  showed  himself  righ- 
teous towards  Abraham  and  his  posterity ; both  in  faithfully 
performing  his  covenant  engagements,  and  in  justly  punishing 
their  cruel  and  haughty  oppressors.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes, 
1 Tim.  1:12 — 14.  Heb.  11:8 — 1 9.  Jam.  2:21 — 24. 1 John  1:8—10.) 

V.  9— 12.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  3:7.  13:21,22.  14:15: 
Heb.  11-27—29. 

V.  13.  God  spake  ihe  law  of  ten  commandments  “ from 
heaven”  in  respect  of  its  original,  as  distinguished  from  the 
stalujes  of  earthly  lawgivers.  Or  the  word  heaven  may  mean 
the  higher  regions  of  the  air. — The  moral  law  is  right,  true, 
and  good  : grounded  upon  eternal  truth,  resulting  from  the 
nature  of  God  and  man,  and  our  relations  to  him  ami  to  each 
other  ; and  forming  the  standard  of  excellency  and  the  rule  ol 
felicity.  (Notes,  Ex.  20:1.  Deut.  4:6 — 8.  32:2 — 4.  A’:.  20:1 1. 
Rom.  7:7 — 12.)  The  judgments  (or  judicial  law,  the  rule  ol 
the  magistrate)  given  to  Israel,  were  more  consistent  with 
the  true  difference  between  right  and  wrong,  and  the  relative 
proportion  of  crimes  and  punishments,  than  the  municipal 
laws  of  any  other  country,  in  any  age,  hitherto  have  been: 
(Note,  Ex.  21:1.)  and  the  ritual  law  prefigured  the  true  way 
of  a sinner’s  justification,  sanctification,  and  obtaining  eternal 
life.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  21: — 24:) 

V.  14.  By  the  observance  of  the  Sabbath,  the  Israelites 
were  distinguished,  as  the  worshippers  of  the  great  Creator 
who  had  also  been  their  Deliverer  from  Egyptian  bondage: 
and  on  this  holy  day  they  enjoyed  a most  important  means  o. 
promoting  true  religion,  in  their  own  hearts,  and  in  their  fami- 
lies. (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  16:28 — 30.  20:8 — 11.  31:13 
—17.  Ez.  20:12.) 

V.  15— 17.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Ex.  16:  17:1- -7.  34:5 
7.  Num.  13:  14:  Ps.  78:32,33.  106:24— 27.— Appointed  a 
captain.  Sic.  (17)  ‘It  seems  they  came  to  ‘.h.s  resolution, 
that  they  agreed  upon  a captain,  to  lead  them  hack  to  Egypt. 
Or  their  resolving  to  do  it,  was  the  same  with  tee  aclna’  np- 


worshippeth 
7 Thou 


B.  C.  444. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


B.  C.  444. 


17  And  ''refused  to  obey,  neither  were  'mindful 
of  thy  wonders  that  thou  didst  among  them; 
but  hardened  their  necks,  and  in  their  rebellion 
f appointed  a captain  to  return  to  their  bondage  : 
hut  thou  art  «a  God  ‘ready  to  pardon,  hgracious 
and  merciful,  slow  to  anger,  and  of  great  kindness, 
and  ‘forsookest  them  not. 

18  Yea,  kwhen  they  had  made  them  a molten 
calf,  and  said,  This  is  thy  god  that  brought  thee 
up  out  of  Egypt,  and  had  wrought  great  provo- 
cations: 

10  Yet  thou  ’in  thy  manifold  mercies  for- 
sookest them  not  in  the  wilderness  : mthe  pillar  of 
the  cloud  departed  not  from  them  by  day,  to  lead 
them  in  the  way ; neither  the  pillar  of  fire  by 
night,  to  show  them  light,  and  the0  way  wherein 
they  should  go. 

20  Thou  "gavest  also  thy  “good  Spirit  to 
instruct  them,  and  rwithheldest  not  thy  manna 
from  their  mouth,  and  <fgavest  them  water  for 
their  thirst. 

21  Yea,  'forty  years  didst  thou  sustain  them 
in  the  wilderness,  so  that  they  lacked  nothing: 
•their  clothes  waxed  not  old,  and  their  feet  swelled 
not. 

22  Moreover,  ‘thou  gavest  them  kingdoms  and 
nations,  and  didst  “divide  them  into  corners:  so 
they  possessed  xthe  land  of  Sihon,  and  the  land  of 
the  king  of  Heshbon,  and  the  land  of  Og  king  of 
Bashan. 

23  Their  children  also  ?multip!iedst  thou,  as 
the  stars  of  heaven,  and  “broughtest  them  into 
tide  land,  concerning  which  “thou  hadst  promised 
to  their  fathers,  that  they  should  go  in  to  pos- 
sess it. 

24  So  the  children  went  in  and  possessed  the 
land,  and  bthou  subduedst  before  them  the  in- 
habitants of  the  land,  the  Canaanites,  and  gavest 
them  into  their  hands,  with  their  kings,  and  the 
people  of  the  land,  that  they  might  do  with  them 
‘as  they  would. 

25  And  they  took  “strong  cities,  and  da  fat 

i Nnm.  14:3,4,11,41.  16:14.  Pa.  106:24,25.  Prov.  1:24.  Heb.  12:25.  e Ps.  78: 
11,42,43.  106:7,13.  Matt.  16:9— 11.  2 Pet.  1 : 12— 15.  fNum.  14:4.  Acts  7:39. 
e Mum.  14: 18,19.  Ps.  86:5,15.  130:4.  Mic.  7:18,19.  * Heb.  of  pardons,  h Ex. 
B4:6,7.  Ps.  78:38.  103:8—18.  145  8, 9.  Is.  55:7—9.  Joel  2:13.  Rom.  9:15.  Eph 
1:6,7.  i 1 Kings  6:13.  8:57.  Ps.  106:43 — 46.  lc  Ex.  32:4— 8,31 ,32.  Deut.  9:12— 
16.  Ps.  106:19-23.  Ez.  20:7,  &c.  1 Ps.  106:7,8,45.  Lam.  3:22.  Ex.  20: 14,22. 

Dan.  9:9,18.  Mai.  3:6.  m See  on  12.  Ex.  40:38.  Num.  9:15— 22.  Is.  4:5,6. 
1 Cor:  10:1,2.  n 30.  Num.  1 1 17,25-29.  Is.  63:1 1 ,14.  o Ps.  143:10.  Rom.  15: 
3C.  Gal.  5:22,23.  Eph.  5:9.  2 Pet.  1:21.  p Ex.  16:35.  Josh.  5: 12.  q Ps.  105:41. 
Is.  4*1:17, 18.  48,21.  49:10.  John  4:10,14.  7:37—39.  r Ex.  16:35.  Num.  14:33, 
84.  Deul.2:7.  8:2.  Am.  5:25.  Acts  13:18.  s Dent.  8:4,  29:5.  Ps.  34:10.  t Josh. 
10:  11:  Ps.  78:55.  105:44.  u Dent.  32:26.  Josh.  11:23.  x Num.  21:21 — 35. 
Dent.  2:25-36.  3:1—17.  Ps.  135:10—12.  136:17—22.  yGen.  15:5.  22:17.  1 Chr. 
27:23.  i Josh.  1 : 3:  &c.  a Gen.  12:7.  13:15— 17.  15:18.  17:8.  26:3.  b Josh.  18: 
1.  1 Chr.  22:18.  Ps.  44:2,3.  t Heb.  according  in  their  will.  2 Tim.  2:26. 
c Num.  13-27,28.  Deut.  3:5.  6:10—12.  9:1—3.  d 35.  Dent.  8:7—10.  32:13.  Ez. 
20:6.  J Or,  cisternt.  § Heb.  tree  of  food,  e Dent.  32.15.  Ps.  65: 11 . Is.  6:10. 
Jcr.  5:27,28.  Hob.  13:6.  fl  Kings  8:66.  Jer.  31 : 14.  Hos.  3:5.  Rom.  2:4.  gJudg. 


pointment  of  a captain,  as  it  was  in  the  case  of  Abraham’s 
offering  his  son.’  Bp.  Patrick.  ( Note , Num.  14:2 — 4.) 

V.  18,  19.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes , Ex.  32: — 34:  Ps.  106:19 — 
23,40—45.  Is.  63:7—14.  Ez.  20:11—26. 

V.  20.  The  Spirit  of  prophecy,  in  Moses,  Joshua,  the 
seventy  elders,  and  the  subsequent  prophets,  both  instructed 
the  Israelites  by  their  ministry,  and,  testified  against  them 
when  rebellious.  (30)  The  example,  conversation,  and 
exertions  of  those  who  partook  of  his  sanctifying  influences, 
tended  to  reform  the  nation  : and  no  doubt,  the  Spirit  of  God, 
by  his  conviction®,  powerfully  excited,  in  the  consciences  of 
the  unconverted,  a sense  of  guilt  and  dread  of  punishment ; 
and  in  other  ways  strove  with  them.  But  in  all  these  respects 
u they  resisted  the  Holy  Ghost.”  (Marg.  Ref.  n,  o.  Notes , 
Is.  63:10.  Acts  7:51—53.  1 Thes.  5:16—22,  v.  19.  Heb.  10:28 
— 31,  v.  29.) — The  unspeakable  condescension  and  compas- 
sion of  the  blessed  Spirit  of  God,  in  his  operations  upon  the 
polluted  souls  of  sinful  men,  as  well  as  the  beneficent  ten- 
dency of  those  operations,  are  strongly  marked  in  the  words 

4 thy  good  Spirit.”  (Note,  Ps.  143:10.) 

V.  21,  22.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  Deut.  8:2—5.  29:5,6.— Into 
corners.  (22)  That  is,  into  all  the  corners  of  the  promised 
land,  from  which  the  old  inhabitants  had  been  driven.  Some 
expositors  think,  that  the  situation  of  Canaan,  as  favourable 
to  Israel's  separation  from  other  nations,  being  divided  by 
seas,  mountains,  and  deserts,  from  the  most  flourishing  king- 
doms in  the  world,  was  denoted  by  this  expression.  And 
indeed  it  is  observable,  that  Jerusalem,  which  God  chose  for 
the  metropolis  of  his  people,  was  situated  at  a distance  from 
the  sea,  and  from  all  navigable  rivers  ; and  therefore  could 
not  become  a place  of  extensive  commerce. — Others,  how- 
ever, suppose,  that  the  dispossessed  nations  are  meant,  who 
were  driven  into  corners. — Heshbon  being  the  city  of  Sihon, 


land,  and  possessed  houses  full  of  all  goods,  Jwells 
digged,  vineyards  and  olive-yards,  and  Truit- 
trees  in  abundance:  so  they  “did  eat,  and  were 
filled,  and  became  fat,  and  ‘ delighted  themselves 
in  thy  great  goodness. 

26  Nevertheless,  sthey  were  disobedient,  and 

rebelled  against  thee,  and  hcast  thy  law  behind 
their  backs,  and  'slew  thy  prophets  which  testified 
against  them  to  turn  them  to  thee,  and  kthey 
wrought  great  provocations.  * 

27  Therefore  'thou  deliveredst  them  into  the 
hand  of  their  enemies,  who  vexed  them:  and 
min  the  time  of  their  trouble,  when  they  cried 
unto  thee,  thou  heardest  them  from  heaven ; and 
according  to  thy  manifold  mercies  thou  gavest 
them  "saviours,  who  saved  them  out  of  the  hand 
of  their  enemies. 

28  But  after  they  had  rest,  they  "did  evil  again 
belbre  thee:  therefore  leftest  thou  them  in  the 
hand  of  their  enemies,  so  that  they  had  the 
dominion  over  them : yet  when  they  returned 
and  cried  unto  thee,  thou  “heardest  them  from 
heaven,  and  "many  times  didst  thou  deliver  them; 
according  to  thy  mercies  ; 

29  And  ‘‘testifiedst  against  them,  that  thou 
mightest  bring  them  again  unto  thy  law:  “yet 
they  dealt  proudly,  and  hearkened  not  unto  thy 
commandments,  but  sinned  against  thy  judg- 
ments, ("which  if  a man  do,  he  shall  live  in  them  ;) 
and  "withdrew  the  shoulder,  ‘and  hardened  their 
neck,  and  would  not  hear. 

30  Yet  “many  years  didst  thou  “.forbear  them, 
and  testifiedst  against,  them  xby  thy  Spirit  in  '*thy 
prophets:  yet  would  they  not  give  ear:  ^therefore 
gavest  thou  them  into  the  hand  of  the  people  of 
the  lands. 

31  Nevertheless,  “for  thy  great  mercies’  sake 
thou  didst  not  utterly  consume  them,  nor  forsake 
them ; for  thou  art  a "gracious  and  merciful 

God.  C Practical  Observations.] 

32  Now  therefore,  bour  God,  the  great,  the 
mighty,  and  the  terrible  God,  who  “keepest  cove- 


2:11,12.  3:6,7.  10:6,13,14.  Ps.  78:56,57.  106:34—40.  Ez.  16:15,  Sc.  20:21.  23:4, 
Sc.  h 1 Kings  14:9.  Ps.  50:17.  Ez.33:3— 5.  i 1 Kings  18:4,1 1.  19:10.  2 Cljr. 
24:20,21.36:16.  Jer.  26:20— 23.  Matt.  21:35.  23:34— 37.  Acts  7:52.  I<  18.  2 Kings 
21:11.  Ez.  22:2.5— 31.  1 Dent.  31:16— 18.  Judg.  2:14,15.  3:8,  Sc.  2 Chr.  36:17. 
Ps.  106:41,42.  Dan.  9:10—14.  m Deut.  4:29-31.  Judg.  3:15.  6:6— 10.  10:15, 

16.  Ps.  106:43—45.  n Judg.  2:18.  3:9,15.  I Sam. 12:10,11.  2 Kings  13:5.  14:27. 
00.21.  ||  Heb.  returned  to  do  evil.  Jndg.  3:11,12,30.  4:1.  5:31.  6:1.  ol  King. 
8:33,34,39.  Is. 63:15.  p Ps.  106:43-45.  q26.  Dent.  4:26.  31:21.  2Kingsl7:13 
2 Chr.  24:19.  36:15.  Jer.  25:3— 7.  Hos.  6:5.  r 10,16.  Ex.  10:3.  Jer.  13:15 — 17 
43:2.  44:10,16,17.  Dan.  5:20.  Jam.  4:6—10.  s Lev.  18:5.  Ez.  20:11.  Luke  10:28 
Rom.  10:5.  Gal.  3:12.  TT  Heb.  gave  a withdrawing  shoulder.  Zech. 7: 1 1 ,12.  t Set 
on  Jer.  7:26.  17:23.19.15.  u Pa. 86:15.  Rom.  2:4.  2 Pet.  3:9.  * * fieb.  'protract 
overthem.  x 20.  Is.  63:10-  Acts  7:51.  28:25.  1 Pet.  1:11.  2 Pet.  1:21.  D Heb. 
the  hand  of  thyprophets.  y Is.  5:5,6.  42:24.  Jer.  40:2,3.  44:22.  Lam. 2:17. 
Zech.  7:13.  z Jer.  4:27.  5:10,18.  Lam.  3:22.  Ez.  14:22,23.  Dan.  9:9.  a See  on 

17.  Ex.  34:6,7.  2 Kings  13:23.  2 Chr.  30:9.  Ps.  103:8,9.  145:8.9.  1.  1 :5.  Dent. 
7:21.  Ps.  47:2.  66:3,5.  c Deut.  7:9.  1 Kings  8:23.  Dan.  9:4.  Mic.  7:18—20. 


the  word  should  be  rendered,  u even  the  land  of  the  king  of 
Heshbon.”  (Notes,  Num.  21:21 — 34.) 

V.  23,  24.  Notes,  Josh.  3:— 11:  Ps.  105:42—45.  7s.  63: 

11—14. 

V.  25.  (Marg.  Ref.  Deut.  6:10 — 12.) * * *  4 They  were 

enriched  with  the  estates  of  the  people  whom  they  destroyed, 
having  houses  ready  built,  and  well  furnished,  together  with 
all  sorts  of  trees  planted  to  their  hands.’  Bp.  Patrick. — Dc~ 
lighted  themselves,  &c.]  4 Their  highest  pleasure  indeed 

ought  to  have  been,  in  their  thoughts,  how  good  God  was 
unto  them.  But  the  meaning  of  these  words  is  no  more  than 
this  : — That  God  had  bestowed  so  many  blessings  upon  them, 
that  they  took  great  pleasure  in  the  enjoyment  of  them.’  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  26—30.  Notes,  2 Chr.  36:14—16.  Ps.  106:34—46.  Jer. 
3:26—30.  Ez.  16:  20:28—39.  23:  Matt.  21:33—39.  23:34—39. 
Acts  5:51 — 53. — And  testifiedst,  &c.  (26,29,30.)  The  pro- 
phets were  sent  from  God  to  explain  to  the  people  his  judg- 
ments and  mercies  : and  to  testify  against  them,  that  their 
miseries  were  deserved  by  their  sins,  and  that  far  worse  would 
come  upon  them  unless  they  turned  to  God  with  true  repent- 
ance. (Notes,  Jer.  26:12 — 15.44:2 — 6.  Zech . 1:5,6.  7:4 — 13. 
Acts  20:18 — 21,  v.  21.) — Saviours.  & c.  (27)  The  deliverers, 
which  God  immediately  raised  up  for  his  people,  as  the 
judges,  and  king  David,  by  whom  they  were  rescued  from 
the  miseries  into  which  their  sins  had  plunged  them,  were  all 
types  of  the  great  Saviour,  who  delivers  us  from  wrath,  and 
from  our  enemies,  that  we  may  become  the  servants  of  that 
God  whom  we  have  offended. — If  a man , & c.  (29)  Note,  Lei . 
18:5. — Thy  Spirit,  &c.  (30)  Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  20.  2 Pet. 
1:19—21. 

V.  31—35.  Marg.  Ref.  Notes , 1:5—11.  Ezra  9:7— r!5. 
Dan.  9:4 — 20. — 4 They  acknowledge  the  justice  of  God  'n  all 
( 847  ) 


B.  C . 445. 


NEHEMIAH. 


B.  C.  445. 


aant  and  mercy,  let  not  all  the  ‘trouble  seem  dlit- 
.e  before  thee,  that  hath  fcome  upon  us,  eon  our 
kings,  on  our  princes,  and  on  our  priests,  and  on 
our  prophets,  and  on  our  fathers,  and  on  all  thy 
people,  f since  the  time  of  the  kings  of  Assyria 
unto  this  day. 

33  Howbeit,  «thou  art  just  in  all  that  is  brought 
upon  us;  for  thou  hast  done  right,  but  hwe  have 
done  wickedly  : 

34  -Neither  have  our  kings,  our  princes,  our 
priests,  nor  our  fathers,  kept  thy  law,  nor  hearkened 
unto  thy  commandments  and  ‘thy  testimonies, 
wherewith  thou  didst  testify  against  them. 

35  For  kthey  have  not  served  thee  in  their 
kingdom,  and  in  'thy  great  goodness  that  thou 

• Heb.  weariness,  d Lev.  26:18,21,24,28.  Ezra  9:13.  t Heb.  found  us. 
e 2 Kings 23  29,33,34.  25:7,18—21,25,26.  2 Chr.  36:  Jer.  8:1—3.  22:18,19.  34:19 
—22.  39:  52:  Dan.  9:6,8.  f2  Kings  15:19,29.  17:3.  Is.  7:17,18.  8:7,8.  10:5-7. 
36  : 37:  g Gen.  18:25.  Job  34:23.  Ps.  119:137.  Jer.  12:1.  Lam.  1: 18.  Dan.  9:7, 
14.  h Lev.  26:40,41.  Job  33:27.  Ps.  106:6.  Dan.  9:5— 10.  i 30.  2 Kings  17:15. 


the  punishments  he  had  inflicted  upon  them,  though  heavy, 
and  of  long  continuance.  For,  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest, 
they  had  all  done  wickedly,  and  would  not  be  reclaimed.’ 
Bp.  Patrick.  They  acknowledge  also  the  mercy  of  God,  in 
that  they  had  not  been  entirely  consumed.  (31.  Notes , Ps. 
106:40—46.  Lam.  3:21—23.) 

V.  36,  37.  The  situation  of  Israel  was  very  different,  at 
this  time,  from  what  it  had  been  under  their  own  kings,  and 
in  the  days  of  their  prosperity.  God  had  for  their  sins  set 
over  them  the  kings  of  Persia,  who  exacted  from  them  heavy 
taxes ; and  who  had  their  property,  liberty,  and  lives  entirely 
in  their  power.  ( Note , John  8:30 — 36.)  It  was  very  dis- 
tressing for  the  worshippers  of  God,  to  be  in  slavery  to  the 
worshippers  of  dumb  idols  : and  though  they  had  no  intention 
of  revolting  from  the  kings  of  Persia,  who  allowed  them  to 
live  according  to  their  own  laws,  and  in  many  respects  showed 
them  much  favour;  yet  they  hoped,  that,  upon  their  deep 
repentance,  and  more  entire  return  to»God,  he  would  more 
effectually  deliver  them  from  captivity  and  bondage,  and  re- 
store them  in  du  season  to  their  former  liberty,  independ- 
ence, and  prosperity.  (Note,  5:1 — 5.  Ps.85:l — 8.  106:46 — 48.) 

V.  38.  ‘ In  consideration  of  which,  they  resolved  to  renew 

their  covenant  with  God,  of  better  obedience,  which  they 
promised  under  their  hands  and  seals,  as  the  only  remedy  to 
procure  perfect  deliverance.  And  to  make  it  more  effectual, 
they  . . . declare  this  in  the  presehce  of  God,  at  the  conclu- 
sion of  the  foregoing  confession  and  prayer.’  Bp.  Patrick. 
(Note,  10:jl.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 6.  The  diligent  study  of  God’s  word  will  more  and 
more  show  us  both  our  own  sinfulness,  and  the  plenteousness 
of  his  salvation  ; and  thus  alternately  call  us  to  mourn  for 
sin,  and  to  rejoice  in  him. — Seasons  of  comfort  should  remind 
us  of  his  condescending  goodness,  and  so  lead  us  to  deeper 
self-abasement  on  account  of  our  crimes  against  him : and 
thus  joyful  feasts  and  solemn  fasts  may  properly  succeed, 
and  preffere  our  hearts  for  each  other. — Our  sorrow  and 
humiliation  for  sin  must  be  evidenced  to  be  genuine  by  sepa- 
ration from  it,  and  from  every  occasion  or  temptation  to  it. — 
Every  discovery  of  the  truth  and  will  of  God  should  endear 
to  us  his  sacred  word,  and  render  us  more  unwearied  in  our 
attendance  on  it,  and  on  his  worship.  A few  hours,  or  even 
occasionally  a whole  day,  cannot  be  too  long  to  spend  in  those 
exercises  and  meditations,  which  are  preparations  for  heaven, 
and  anticipations  of  its  sacred  joys:  yet  alas,  we  are  most  of 
us  sooner  weary  in  the  courts  of  the  Lord,  than  the  trifler  is 
at  his  diversions,  or  even  the  labourer  at  his  work  ! — Our  God 
knoweth  our  thoughts  before  we  speak,  and  mental  prayer 
may  suit  our  secret  intercourse  with  him : but  those  who  ad- 
dress him  in  public,  should  speak  audibly  and  with  animation  ; 
that  the  people  may  hear  and  be  affected : and  if,  on  some 
occasions,  u they  cry  with  a loud  voice  unto  the  Lord  their 
God,”  or  be  more  copious  than  usual,  they  cannot  be  censured, 
without  involving  those  who  are  commended  in  the  sacred 
Scriptures. — Whether  we  feast  and  rejoice,  or  fast  and  mourn 
for  sin,  we  should  be  ready  to  bless  and  praise  the  Lord  our 
God  for  his  eternal  excellences ; for  his  goodness  to  us  as  our 
Creator,  and  the  sole  Author  of  all  our  temporal  comforts; 
and  above  all,  “ as  the  God  of  salvation,”  for  the  wonders 
which  he  has  done  for  his  church  of  redeemed  sinners  from 
the  beginning  hitherto. 

V.  7 — 31.  In  reviewing  this  abstract  of  the  Lord’s  con- 
duct toward  Israel,  as  a people^  from  the  choice  and  call  of 
Abraham  to  the  days  of  Nehemiah  : we  perceive  a continued 
display  of  his  power,  wisdom,  truth,  and  love,  requited  by 
persevering  ingratitude,  and  perverse  disobedience.  All  their 
distinguishing  advantages  originated  from  the  Lord’s  choice 
of  them ; and  accorded  to  his  gracious  promises,  which  he 
most  faithfully  performed.  But  while  surrounded  with  the 
riches  of  his  bounty,  and  the  demonstrations  of  his  power 
and  presence  ; while  his  holy  law  yet  sounded  in  their  ears, 
Sinai’s  fiery  top  was  before  their  eyes,  and  they  were  guided, 
guarded,  sustained,  and  instructed  by  miracles  ; they  rebelled 
against  God,  set  up  idols,  attempted  to  return  to  Egypt,  and 
rushed  vehemently  into  the  most  daring  provocations  ! Yet 
( 848  ^ 


gavest  them,  and  in  the  large  and  mfat  land  which 
thou  gavest  before  them,  neither  turned  they  from 
their  wicked  works. 

36  Behold,  "we  are  servants  this  day,  and/or 
the  land  that  thou  gavest  unto  our  fathers  to  eat 
the  fruit  thereof,  and  the  good  thereof,  behold,  we 
are  servants  in  it : 

37  And  °it  yieldeth  much  increase  unto  the 
kings  whom  thou  hast  set  over  us  because  of 
our  sins:  also  they  have  Pdominion  over  our 
bodies,  and  over  our  cattle,  at  their  pleasure,  and 
we  are  in  great  distress. 

38  And  because  of  all  this  ^we  make  a sure 
covenant,  and  write  it ; and  our  princes,  Levites, 
and  priests,  tseal  unto  it. 


k Deut.  28:47.  Jer.  5:19.  Rom.  3:4,5.  125.  m Pent.  8:7— 10.  32:12-15.  u Deul. 
28:48.  2 Chr.  12:8.  Ezra  9:9.  o Devil.  28:39,51.  Ezra  4:13.  5:8.  7:24.  p 5:8. 
I.e».  26:17.  Devil.  28:48.  John8:33.  q 10:29.  2 Kings 23:3.  2 Chr.  15: 12,13.  23: 
16.29:10.34:31.  Ezra  10:3.  } Heb.  are  at  the  sealing,  or,  sealed.  10:1. 


he  did  not  destroy  them,  he  withdrew  not  his  mercies  from 
them,  he  was  ever  ready  to  hear  their  prayers,  to  pardon  their 
sins,  and  to  do  them  good;  though  they  still  relapsed  into 
murmurings  and  provocations  ! The  dealings  of  the  Lord 
towards  them,  as  a nation,  in  their  warnings,  corrections, 
and  deliverances,  throughout  the  whole  history  ; and  their 
ingratitude,  perverseness,  neglect  of  his  worship,  contempt 
and  persecution  of  his  prophets,  relapses  into  idolatry  and 
other  enormities  ; tended  to  show  the  riches  of  his  goodness, 
forbearance,  and  long-suffering,  and  the  hardness  of  their 
impenitent  hearts.  And  even  when  at  length  justice  de- 
manded, that  they  should  be  given  up  into  the  hands  of  their 
enemies,  and  their  temple,  city,  and  country  desolated  ; his 
tender  mercy  prevented  him  from  utterly  casting  them  off! 
their  miseries  were  great  and  terrible  ; but  the  Lord  was  just 
in  all  that  he  had  done  : yea,  it  was  of  his  mercies  that  they 
were  not  consumed,  and  that  a remnant  had  been  brought 
back  to  their  own  land ; who  soon  began  to  show  the  same 
spirit  of  unthankful  and  perverse  disobedience. — And  is  not 
their  conduct  a specimen  of  human  nature  ? Our  land,  for 
instance,  has  for  ages  been  favoured  with  deliverances^ 
opportunities,  and  benefits,  little,  if  at  all,  inferior  to  those 
vouchsafed  to  Israel:  and  have  we  not  copied  Israel’s  in- 
gratitude, rebellion,  and  iniquity  ? Oh,  may  a general 
reformation,  while  yet  we  are  spared,  prevent  our  being 
given  up  into  the  hands  of  foreign  conquerors,  or  domestic 
oppressors!  (P.  O.  Deut.  32:15 — 35.  Ps.  78:12 — 54.  106: 

28—48.  Ez.  16:  20:10— 19.) 

But  especially  we  should  each  of  us  study  our  own  history. 
Let  us  look  back  to  the  time  when  we  received  our  being, 
as  rational  creatures,  from  the  goodness  and  power  of  the 
Lord ; let  us  recollect  the  distinguishing  advantages  of  our 
infancy  and  childhood  : then  let  us  ask  ourselves,  what  were 
our  first  returns  to  our  kind  Friend  and  Benefactor  ? what 
were  our  first  thoughts,  words,  and  works  ? — As  our  faculties 
began  to  unfold,  revolving  years  brought  with  them  recent 
comforts  and  advantages  : and  did  they  not  witness  increas- 
ing perverseness,  ingratitude,  and  ungodliness  ? Let  us 
divide  our  lives  past  into  distinct  periods,  and  carefully  in- 
vestigate the  mercies  and  the  transgressions  of  each,  until 
we  have  brought  down  the  inquiry  to  the  present  hour:  pray- 
ing all  the  while,  that  the  Holy  Spirit  may  assist  our  recollec- 
tion, and  enable  us  to  form  a proper  estimate  of  the  Lord’s 
dealings  with  us,  and  our  behaviour  towards  him  ; and  to 
deduce  proper  conclusions  from  the  whole,  with  suitable 
affections.  And  if  prejudice,  ignorance,  or  self-flattery  do 
not  blind  our  minds,  we  shall  certainly  see  abundant  cause 
for  deep  humiliation  and  for  admiring  gratitude ; and  to  ac- 
knowledge, that  all  our  sufferings  have  been  justly  merited, 
all  our  comforts  mercifully  bestowed. — Besides  the  temporal 
provision  which  we  have  from  the  Lord’s  bounty,  (though 
not  by  miracle;)  we  are  favoured  with  means  and  opportu- 
nities of  becoming  wise  unto  salvation,  even  beyond  what 
Israel  enjoyed  in  their  most  favoured  times.  Wo  have  the 
sacred  oracles,  now  completed  and  ever  at  hand,  to  give  us 
light,  and  to  suow  us  the  way  in  which  we  should  go.  We 
have  the  Gospel  preached  among  us,  and  the  holy  sabbaths 
and  ordinances  of  our  God  : but  have  we  never  neglected, 
profaned,  and  despised  them?  We  have  not  been  without 
salutary  chastisements,  and  merciful  deliverances  perhaps  in 
answer  to  prayer:  but  have  we  not  requited  them  by  return- 
ing unto  sin  ? We  have  had,  not,  only  the  testimony  of  God’s 
servants,  but  the  strivings  of  his  good  Spirit  : but  have  wo 
never  hated  or  despised  the  one,  and  quenched  the  other? 
nay,  we  are  especially  u under  the  ministration  of  the  Spirit:” 
yet  perhaps  have  neglected  to  pray  for  his  gracious  influences, 
and  derided  those  who  did  ! And  have  not  we  proudly  cast 
off  the  authority  6f  God’s  law  ; and  as  |>roudly  endeavoured 
to  justify  ourselves  before  him?  This  I say,  was  the  ease 
with  us  once,  perhaps  is  so  still  with  some  who  read  these 
observations.  Yet,  whilst  others  have  been  rut  off.  we  are 
spared  ! May  this  review  of  the  Lord’s  mercies,  and  of  our 
sms,  bring  us  to  truo  repentance,  and  induce  us  to  condemn 
ourselves,  as  having  imitated  and  vindicated  all  the  trans- 
gressors who  have  gone  before  us  : may  it  bring  us  to  submit 


B.  C.  441. 


CHAPTER  X. 


CHAPTER  X. 

The  names  of  those  who  scaled  the  covenant,  1— *27.  The  rest  of  the  people  bind 
themselves  to  observe  it,  28,  '2  >.  Some  particulars  to  which  they  bound  them 
selves,  30 — 39. 

NOW  'those  that  sealed  were,  "Nehcmiah  the 
’Tirshatha,  the  '’son  of  Hachaliah,  and  Zid- 
kijah, 

2 "Seraiah,  Azariah,  Jeremiah, 

3 dPashur,  "Amariah,  ’Malchijah, 

4 sHattusn,  hShebaniah,  ‘Malluch, 

5 kHarim,  ‘Meremoth,  Obadiah, 

6 Daniel,  mGinnethon,  "Baruch, 

7 "Mcshullam,  t’Abijah,  ‘iMijamin, 

• 8 Maaziah,  ’Bilgai,  'Shemaia : these  were  the 
priests. 

9 And  the  Levites : both  ‘Jeshua  the  son  of 
Azaniah,  Binnui  of  the  sons  of  “Henadad,  Kad- 
miel ; 

10  And  their  brethren,  *Shebaniah,  Hodijah, 
Kelita.  Pelaiah,  Hanan, 

11  Micha,  Rehob,  >Hashabiah, 

12  Zaccur,  ’Sherebiah,  Shebaniah, 

13  Hodijah,  Bani,  Beninu. 

• Heb.  at  the  sealings.  9:38.  a 8:9.  t Or,  governor.  7:701  Ezra  2:63.  b 1 : l . 
e3:23.  11:11.  12:1,33,34.  d 11:12.  e 12.2,13.  13:11.  8:4.  Mutekiak.  gS:10. 
h 12:14.  i 12:2.  k 3:11.  13:1,21.123.  m 12:1.  Gmnetko.  •)  3:20.  o3:6. 

8:1.11:11.12:13,25—33.  p 12:4.  q 12:5.  Mitmin.  17,11.  Minmmin.  r 12: 
5.  Bilgah.  s 3:29.  12:6,18,42.  Ezra  10:21.  13:19.7:13.8:7.9:4.  u3:18,21. 
12:8,21.  x 8:7.  9:1,5.  Ezra  10:23.  y 11:15,22.  12:21.  Ezra  8:19,2k  z 8:7.  9:4. 

to  the  Lord’s  righteousness,  to  accept  of  his  salvation,  and  to 
set  our  seal  to  his  new  covenant  of  mercy  and  grace : that 
“being  delivered  from  all  our  enemies,  we  may  serve  him  in 
righteousness  before  him”  the  remainder  of  our  da^s.  (P.  O. 
Deut.  9:32:1—14.  Ps.  106:1— 27.  Ez.  20:1—  9.) 

Even,  if  by  the  Lord’s  choice  of  us,  and  his  grace  given  to 
us,  we  have  on  the  whole  been  made  and  found  faithful  to 
him ; and  if  his  covenant  have  been  ratified  to  us  with  all  its 
rf  cious  promises ; we  shall  not  only  have  cause  to  adore 
im  for  these  inestimable  mercies,  and  for  his  Son  Jesus 
Christ,  and  redemption  by  his  atoning  blood,  as  the  Founda- 
tion of  them  all ; but  we  shall,  upon  every  review,  see  cause 
to  admire  his  present  patience  and  gentleness,  and  to  lament 
our  ingratitude  and  disobedience.  We  have  been  delivered 
from  a far  worse  oppression  than  that  of  the  Egyptian  ty- 
rant, and  by  a far  more  wonderful  exertion  of  almighty  power 
and  love.  We  are  guided  by  a superior  light,  sheltered  by  a 
more  glorious  protection,  and  favoured  with  stronger  conso- 
lations, than  Israel  of  old.  We  feed  upon  “ the  Bread  of  life, 
which  came  down  from  heaven,  to  give  life  unto  the  world 
we  drink  the  Waters  which  flow  from  “ the  Rock  of  ages” 
who  was.  smitten  for  us  ; we  are  clothed  with  the  robe  of 
righteousness  and  salvation;  our  “feet  are  shod  with  the 
preparation  of  the  gospel  of  peace  and  the  good  Spirit  of 
God,  is  not  only  our  condescending  Instructer  and  Sanctifier, 
but  our  Comforter  also,  who  deigns  to  make  our  hearts  his 
temple  ! and  we  possess  the  hope  and  earnests  of  everlasting 
glory.  But,  while  we  rejoice'in  the  Lord's  great  goodness  to 
us,  what  requital  do  we  make?  We  are,  perhaps,  kept  from 
habitual  and  gross  disobedience  : but  we  are  conscious  how 
often  we  are  setting  up  our  idols,  and  in  heart  returning  to 
our  bondage;  how  often  we  forget  him,  “grieve  his  Holy 
Spirit,”  and  neglect  his  service  ; and  how  often  we  are  kept 
from  still  greater  revolts  by  no  higher  motives  than  the  terror 
of  his  judgments,  and  the  anguish  of  his  salutary  chastise- 
ments, which  yet  we  soon  forget,  when  he  has  mercifully 
removed  them.  Were  he  not  slow  to  anger  and  ready  to 
pardon,  he  would  have  cast  us  off  long  ago.  But  our  heavenly 
Advocate  still  pleads,  and  we  are  spared  ; and  his  mercies 
and  our  privileges  are  continued  to  us  ! 

V.  32 — 38.  On  every  review  of  our  past  conduct  we  shall 
find  cause  to  lie  down  ashamed  before  God,  praising  his  great 
goodness,  and  confessing  our  great  unworthiness.  Let  us 
then  thank  him  for  his  merciful  corrections,  as  well  as  his  con- 
solations : let  us  renew  our  acceptance  of  his  salvation,  and 
ratification  of  his  covenant ; let  us  beg  of  him  to  deliver  us 
from  all  other  lords,  that  we  may  serve  him  more  entirely. 
And  let  us  frequently  meditate  on  these  subjects,  that  we 
may  be  preserved  humble,  thankful,  and  watchful ; as  well 
as  be  prepared  for  communion  with  him  in  every  sacred 
ordinance. — It  behooves  all  men  to  reflect  seriously  and  fre- 
quently on  the  greatness,  justice,  and  goodness  of  the  Lord  ; 
to  consider  the  terrible  power  of  his  indignation,  and  the 
infinite  ttalue  of  his  favour.  And  they  should  remember  that 
pride, -obstinacy,  and  impenitence  are  the  sins  which  ruin  the 
, Jil  ; and  that  no  former  crimes  can  ruin  the  penitent  be- 
liever. Let  then  the  sinner  trust  in  the  mercy  of  him,  who 
Is  a God  of  pardons,  and  “ ready  to  forgive ;”  let  the  back- 
slider repent  and  return  to  him  ; let  the  believer  walk  humbly 
with  him : let  the  prosperous  fear  abusing  the  Lord’s  good- 
ness : let  the  afflicted  be  warned  to  seek  deliverance  from  the 
wrath  to  come.  Let  us  ever  remember  that  all  our  miseries 
are  the  effect  of  sin,  and  that  they  are  all  less  than  we 
Reserve,  though  hard  for  us  to  bear:  let  us  then  pray  to  be 
delivered  from  * the  bitter  pains  of  eternal  death ;’  and  not 
Vol.  1—107 


B.  C.  445 

14  The  chief  of  the  people:  *Pa  \)sh,  Puhath- 
moab,  Elan),  Zatthu,  •’Bani, 

* 15  Bunni,  cAzgad,  Bebai, 

16  Adonijah,  dBigvai,  Adin, 

17  Ater,  Hizkijah,  Azzur, 

18  Hodijah,  'Hashum,  Bczai, 

19  Hariph,  Anathoth.  Nebai, 

20  Magpiash,  Meshullam,  Hezir, 

21  Meshezabeel,  Zadok,  Jaddua, 

22  Pelatiah,  Hanan,  Anaiah, 

23  Hoshea,  Hananiah,  Hashub, 

24  Hallohesh,  Pileha,  Shobek, 

,25  f Rehum,  Hashabnah,  Maaseiah, 

26  And  Ahijah,  Hanan,  Anan, 

27  Malluch,  Harim,  Baanah. 

28  U And  sthe  rest  of  the  people,  the  priests, 
the  Levites,  the  porters,  the  singers,  the  Nethin- 
ims,  and  hall  they  that  had  separated  themselves 
from  the  people  of  the  lands  unto  the  law  of  God, 
their  wives,  their  sons,  and  their  daughters,  'every 
one  having  knowledge,  and  having  understanding ; 

29  They  Jclave  to  their  brethren,  their  nobles, 
and  kentered  into  a curse,  and  into  an  oath,  'to 

12:8.  a 3:11.  7:8,11 — 13.  Zattu.  b 7:15.  Binnui.  Ezra  2:10.  c 7:16,17.  Ezra 
2:11,12.  8:11,12.  10:28.  d 7:19 — 21 . Ezra  2:14— 16.  8:14.  e7:22,&c.  Ezi»2: 

17,  &c.  13:17,  4c.  g 7:72,73.  Ezra  2:70.  h 9:2.  13:3.  Ezra 9: 1,2.  10:11— 17. 
2Cor.  6:14— 17.  i 8:2.  Ec.  5:2.  Jer.  4:2.  j Is.  14:1.  Acts  11:23.  17:34.  Rom. 
12:9.  k 5:12,13.  13:25.  Deut.  27:15,  &c.  29:12-14.  2 Cbr.  15:13,14.  Ps.  119: 
106.  Acts  23:12—15,21.  1 2 Kings  10:31.  23:3.  2 Chr.  6:16.  32:31.  Jer.  26:4. 

forget  to  entreat  the  Lord  to  deliver  his  church  from  the 
oppression  of  every  enemy,  and  to  establish  it  in  the  beauty 
of  holiness. 

NOTES. — Chap.  X.  V.  1.  We  have  several  times 
read  of  the  rulers,  priests,  and  people  solemnly  covenanting 
before  God,  to  renounce  their  transgressions  and  to  adhere 
to  his  service.  Such  transactions  were  sometimes  ratified 
with  sacrifices,  solemn  oaths,  and  other  expressions  of  the 
most  entire  consent  to  them : but  this  is  the  only  instance 
met  with  of  a covenant  drawn  up  in  writing,  and  ratified  by 
the  names  and  seals  of  the  persons  who  consented  to  it. 
(Notes,  29.  Ex.  24:3—11.  Deut.  26:17—19.  29:10—15. 
Josh.  8:30—35.  24:14—27.  2 Kings  11:17—20.  23:3.  2 Chr. 
15:12—15.  Is.  44:3—5.  P.  O.  1—5.)  No  doubt  this  was 
devised,  to  render  the  transaction  more  affecting ; and  that 
the  deed  might  remain  as  a durable  testimony,  under  their 
own  hands  and  seals,  against  those  who  violated  it : the  ex- 
plicit ratification  thus  given  would  render  the  persons  con- 
cerned more  sensible  of  their  obligations,  and  more  afraid  of 
transgression;  it  would  fortify  them  against  temptation,  pre- 
serve them  from  forgetfulness,  and  to  be  a constant  argument 
for  them  to  insist  upon  in  cautioning,  exhorting,  or  reproving 
each  other. — The  same  uses  may  be  made  of  those  profes- 
sions, and  of  that  consent  to  the  new  covenant,  which  are 
virtually  made  in  baptism,  whether  personal  or  that  of  our 
children  ; and  in  the  Lord’s  supper  ; when  those  ordinances 
are  duly  explained  and  understood,  administered  and  attended 
on.  (Nates  and  P.  O.  Matt.  19:13 — 15.  Note,  26:26 — 28. 
P.  O.  26 — 35.) — To  this  covenant  the  chief  persons  alone 
set  their  names  and  seals  ; and  Nehcmiah  the  governor  first. 
Perhaps  Zidkijah  was  one  of  the  princes  ; but  no  other  name 
is  explicitly  mentioned  of  that  order. 

V.  2 — 8.  All  the  persons  named  in  these  verses  were 
priests,  and  no  doubt  chief  persons  of  that  order. — It  is  ob- 
servable that  Eliashib,  the  high-priest,  is  not  found  among 
those  who  sealed  the  covenant.  And  it  is  probable,  that 
neither  he  nor  his  sons  favoured  the  measure.  (Notes,  13:4,. 
23 — 30.) — But  it  is  more  surprising,  that  the  name  of  Ezra  is 
wanting.  There  is  no  reason  to  think  that  he  was  absent  ; 
for  he  was  at  Jerusalem  both  before  and  after  this  transac- 
tion : (8:1 — 6.  12:36.)  perhaps  he  was  confined  by  sickness 
or  infirmity  ; or  the  measure  so  entirely  originated  with  him, 
and  he  had  bestowed  so  much  pains  in  drawing  up  the  cove- 
nant, and  inducing  others  to  consent  to  it,  that  his  further 
ratification  of  it  was  deemed  superfluous.  (Note,  Dan.  3:8-— 
12.) 

V.  9 — 17.  Most,  if  not  all,  of  the  Levites,  who  led  tl  o 
public  devoUons,  set  their  seal  to  the  covenant ; which  may 
be  admitted  as  a probable  indication  that  they  were  ear- 
nestly and  zealously  engaged  in  that  service.  (Marg.  Ref. 
Notes,  9:4,5.) 

V.  18 — 27.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Many  of  the  names,  here  men- 
tioned, are  found  among  those  who  returned  with  Zerubbabe 
about  ninety  years  before:  so  that,  either  the  same  names 
were  preserved  in  the  several  families  ; or  the  principal  de- 
scendants of  these  persons,  when  in  general  favourable  to  tile 
measure,  subscribed  their  family  name  ; that  is,  the  name 
of  that  ancestor,  by  relation  to  whom  they  were  commonly 
distinguished.  (Luke  1:61.) 

V.  28.  (Marg.  Ref.)  ‘All  that  did  not  subscribe  and 
seal,  because  they  were  too  many,  jet  gave  their  consent  to 
what  the  forenamed  persons  did  : and  not  only  the  men,  but 
their  wives  and  their  children,  who  were  arrived  at  years  of 
discretion,  engaged  themselves.’  Bp.  Patrick.  All  they 
that  had  separated , &c.]  It  is  probable,  that  these  were 
( 849  ) 


B.  C.  444. 


NEHEMIAH. 


B.  C.  444. 


walk  in  God’s  law,  vhich  was  mgiven  ‘by  Moses 
the  servant  of  God,  and  “to  observe  and  do  all  the 
commandments  of»°the  Lord  our  Lord,  and  his 

judgments  and  his  statutes;  [Practical  Observations.'] 

30  And  f’that  we  would  not  give  our  daugh- 
ters unto  the  people  of  the  land,  nor  take  their 
daughters  for  our  sons  : 

31  And  if  The  people  of  the  land  bring  ware, 
or  any  victuals  on  the  sabbath-day  to  sell,  that 
we  would  not  buy  it  of  them  on  the  sabbath,  or 
ron  the  holy  day : “and  that  we  would  leave  the 
seventh  year,  and  ‘the  exaction  of  every  idebt. 

32  Also  we  made  ordinances  for  us,  “to  charge 
ourselves  yearly  with  “the  third  part  of  a shekel, 
for  the  service  of  the  house  of  our  God  ; 

33  For  The  show-bread,  and  for  the  continual 
meat-offering,  and  for  ‘the  continual  burnt-offer- 
ing, of  the  sabbaths,  of  the  new  moons,  for  the  set 
feasts,  and  for  the  holy  things,  and  for  the  sin- 
offerings  to  make  an  atonement  for  Israel,  and/or 
‘all  the  work  of  the  house  of  our  God. 

34  And  we  bcast  the  lots  among  the  priests,  the 
Levites,  and  the  people,  for  ‘the  wood-offering,  to 
bring  it  into  the  house  of  our  God,  after  the  houses 
of  our  fathers,  at  times  appointed,  year  by  year, 
to  burn  upon  the  altar  of  the  Lord  our  God,  das 
it  is  written  in  the  law: 


m Dent.  33:4.  Mai.  4.4.  John  1 : 17.  7:19.  * Heb.  by  the  hand  of.  n Deut.  5:1, 
32.  Ps.  105:45.  Ez.  36:27.  John  15:14.  Tit.  2:11—14.  oPs.  8:1,9.  p Ex.  34:16. 
Deut.  7:3.  Ezra  9:1,3,12—14.  10:10— 12.  q 13:15— 22.  Ex.  20: 10.  Lev.  23:3. 
Deut.  5:12— 14.  Jer.  17:21,22.  r Ex.  12:16.  Lev.  16:29.  23:21 ,35,36.  Col.  2:16. 
6 Ex.  23:10,11.  Lev.  25:4— 7.  2Chr.36:21.  t 5:7,12.  Deut.  15:1— 3,7— 9.  Matt. 
6:12.  18:27 — 35.  Jam.  2:13.  + Heb.  band.  Is.  58:6.  u Gen.  28:22.  Prov.  3:9, 

10.  x Ex.  30:11— 16.  Malt.  17:24— 27.  2 Cor.  8:12.  y Lev.  24:5—  9.  2 Chr.  2: 
4.  z Nura.  23:  29:  a 2 Chr.  24:5— 14.  b 1 Chr.  24:5,7.  25:8,9.  Prov.  18:18. 

the  proselytes,  who,  having  been  circumcised,  separated 
from  their  idolatrous  connexions,  and  kept  the  law  of  Moses, 
and  thus  were  numbered  among  the  native  Jews 

V.  29.  By  the  nobles,  in  this  place,  the  superior  persons, 
priests,  or  Levites,  are  evidently  meant.  The  body  of  the 
people,  who  were  old  enough  to  be  capable  of  knowing  what 
was  intended,  assembled  together,  and  signified,  by  some 
appointed  token,  their  consent  to  the  covenant,  as  in  the 
presence  of  God,  and  under  the  solemn  obligations  of  an  oath, 
and  to  an  awful  curse,  which  was  denounced  against  such  as 
violated  these  obligations.  {Notes,  5:10 — 13.  Deut.  27:15 — 
26.)  They  engaged  in  general  to  obey  the  whole  law  of 
Moses:  and  some  instances  were  specified,  in  which  they 
had  been  remarkably  guilty,  or  which  were  peculiarly  en- 
snaring. 

V.  30,  31.  (Notes,  Ezra  9:  10:) — It  seems,  that  Nehemiah 
would  not  venture,  in  the  present  unsettled  state  of  the  Jews, 
to  exercise  his  authority,  to  prevent  their  heathen  neighbours 
from  vending  provisions  at  Jerusalem,  or  in  the  cities  of 
Judah,  on  the  sabbath:  and  he  supposed,  that  by  engaging 
the  people,  in  this  solemn  manner,  not  to  buy  of  them,  they 
would  be  discouraged  from  coming.  But  he  soon  found  that 
many  evaded  or  violated  the  engagement,  without  regard  to 
consequences ; and  he  was  afterwards  constrained  to  em- 
ploy coercive  measures.  (Notes.  13:15 — 22.) — It  may  be 
concluded  from  this  narrative,  that  none  of  the  Jews  at- 
tempted to  carry  on  trade  on  the  sabbath  ; though  some  of 
them  would  buy  of  the  Gentiles.  This  gave  the  latter  an 
undue  advantage,  and  proportionably  injured  the  Jews.  And 
certainly,  carrying  on  trade  is  as  contrary  to  the  law  of 
hallowing  the  sabbath,  as  any  kind  of  labour  whatever. 

The  exaction,  &c.  (31)  Notes,  5:6 — 13.  Lev.  25:1 — 7. 
Deut.  15:2,3.  Matt.  18:23—35. 

V.  32,  33.  A half  shekel  apiece  had  been  collected  for 
erecting  the  tabernacle  in  the  wilderness ; and  that  sum  is 
supposed  to  have  been  paid  from  time  to  time,  for  the  pur- 
chase of  sacrifices,  and  other  expenses  of  the  stated  worship. 
(Notes,  Ex.  30:11—16.  2 Kings  12:4,5.  Matt.  17:24—27.) 
But  it  was  now  computed,  that  one  third  of  a shekel  apiece, 
or  something  less  than  a shilling  of  our  money,  annually, 
would  suffice  for  these  expenses.  During  prosperous  times, 
the  treasury  of  the  temple,  replenished  by  voluntary  obla- 
tions, it  is  probable,  supplied  what  was  wanted  : and  on 
some  occasions  the  liberality  of  kings  and  nobles  rendered 
such  contributions  unnecessary  : but  the  circumstances  of 
the  nation  now  required  them. 

V.  34.  It  is  probable,  that  the  wood  for  fuel  had  hitherto 
been  provided  for,  out  of  the  same  fund  with  the  sacrifices : 
but,  on  this  occasion  it  was  deemed  expedient  to  bear  the 
expenses  of  it  in  another  manner. — It  seems  each  family  en- 
gaged to  send  in  a regular  supply  at  an  appointed  time  every 
year ; and  that  the  order  was  determined  by  lot. 

V.  35 — 39.  (Marg.  Ref.)  The  priests  had  a tithe  out  of 
(he  tithe  given  to  the  Levites  ; and  one  of  them  was  at  this 
time  appointed  to  see  that  it  was  regularly  paid.  (Notes, 
Num.  18:25—32.  2 Chr.  31:5—10.  Mai.  3:7—12.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V 1 — 29.  As  the  creatures  and  subjects  of  the  Lord,  we 

( 850  ) 


35  And  to  bring  'the  first-fruits  of  our  ground, 
and  the  first-fruits  of  all  fruit  of  all  trees,  year  by 
year,  unto  the  house  of  the  Lord  : 

36  Also  ‘the  first-born  of  our  sons,  and  of  our 
cattle,  as  it  is  written  in  the  law,  and  the"  firstlings 
of  our  herds,  and  of  our  flocks,  to  '.ring  to  the 
house  of  our  God,  Tinto  the  priests  that  minister 
in  the  house  of  our  God  : 

37  And  that  we  should  bring  hthe  first  fruits 
of  our  dough,  and  our  offerings,  and  the  fruit 
of  all  manner  of  trees,  of  wine  and  of  oil,  unto 
the  priests,  ‘to  the  chambers  of  the  house  of  our 
God  ; and  kthe  tithes  of  our  ground  unto  the 
Levites,  that  the  same  Levites  might  have  the 
tithes  in  all  the  cities  of  our  tillage. 

38  And  the  priest  the  son  of  Aaron  shall  be 
with  the  Levites  ‘when  the  Levites  take  tithes : 
and  the  Levites  shall  bring  up  the  tithe  of  the 
tithes  unto  the  house  of  our  God,  to  the  cham- 
bers, into  “the  treasure-house. 

39  For  “the  children  of  Israel  and  “the  children 
of  Levi  shall  bring  the  offering  of  the  corn,  of 
the  new  wine,  and  the  oil,  unto  the  chambers, 
where  are  the  vessels  of  the  sanctuary,  and  the 
priests  that  minister,  and  the  porters,  and  the 
singers : and  pwe  will  not  forsake  the  house  of 
our  God. 


c 13:31.  Lev.  6:12.  Josh.  9:21.  Is.  40:16.  d Lev.  6:12,13.  e Ex.  23:19  . 34:26. 
Lev.  19:23-  26.  Num.  18:12.  Deul.  26:2.  2 Chr.  31 :3— 10.  Prov.  3:9,10.  Mai 
3:8—12.  fEx.  13:2,12—15.  34:19.  Lev. 21:26,27.  Num.  18:15,16.  Deut.  12:6. 
K Num.  18:9— 19.  1 Cor.  9:6— 14.  Gal.  6:6.  h Lev.  23:17.  Num.  15: 19— 21. 
18:12,13.  Deut.  18:4.  26:2.  i 13:5,9.  1 Kings  6:5— 10.  2 Chr.  31 :11 ,12.  k Lev. 
27:30-33.  Nirtn.  18:21.24— 32.  2Chr.31:6.  I Num  18:26— 28.  m 13:12,13. 

1 Chr.  9:26.  S Chr.  31:11,12.  n Deut.  12:6— 11 ,17  14:23—27.  2Cbr.31:I2. 
o Num.  18:30.  p 13:10,11.  Ps.  122:9.  Heb.  10:25. 

are  bound  by  his  authority  to  obey  all  his  commandments,  and 
are  exposed  to  a tremendous  curse  for  violating  them.  But 
our  offended  Sovereign,  in  his  infinite  mercy,  has  provided  a 
better  covenant,  according  to  which  believers  are  delivered 
from  this  curse,  and  are  taught  and  enabled  to  perform  a new, 
sincere,  and  acceptable  obedience  through  Jesus  Christ. 
The  word  of  God  calls  us  to  consent  to  this  covenant,  and  to 
partake  of  its  inestimable  benefits.  And  when  we  humble 
ourselves  in  godly  sorrow  and  penitent  confessions  of  sin  ; 
when  we  receive  the  atonement  and  reconciliation,  which 
the  Mediator  of  this  covenant  has  made  by  his  precious 
blood,  and  seek  for  mercy  through  his  intercession  by  fervent 
prayers  ; and  when  in  our  purposes  of  renewed  obedience, 
we  rely  on  his  gracious  assistance  : — when  these  transactions 
have  indeed  taken  place  in  secret,  between  God  and  our 
souls ; our  public  sealing  and  ratifying  the  covenant  at  the 
Lord’s  table,  or  in  any  other  solemn  way,  will  be  honourable 
to  God,  edifying  to  his  people,  and  encouraging  to  ourselves; 
and  we  may  trust  in  him  to  enable  us  to  fulfil  the  engage 
ments  with  acceptance.  But  where  this  preparation  of  heart 
is  wanting,  such  public  engagements  are  mere  hypocrisy. 
(P.  O.  Deut.  29:1—17.  2 Chr.  30:13—27.)  This  detestable 
evil  will  intrude  in  all  great  revivals  of  religion,  after  every 
possible  precaution  ; and  the  hypocrites  must  be  left  to  the 
judgment  of  a heart-searching  God.  But  men  should  be 
warned,  that  those,  who  in  baptism,  or  at  the  Lord’s  table,  or 
when  admitted  into  the  ministry,  or  in  any  other  way,  engage 
for  what  they  do  not  intend,  or  afterwards  do  not  take  care  to 
perform,  bring  themselves  under  an  additional  and  most  awful 
curse  : as  do  all,  who  trifle  with  solemn  oaths,  vows,  or  sacra- 
mental engagements  of  any  kind  ; and  all  who  despise,  oppose, 
or  pervert -the  salvation  of  the  gospel. — Every  one,  capable  of 
understanding,  is  alike  required  to  obey  the  law  of  God  ; all 
need  the  mercy  and  grace  of  the  gospel  ; all  therefore  should 
be  exhorted  and  commanded,  to  set  their  seals  to  the  new 
covenant;  but  those  who  have  the  pre-eminence  in  society, 
or  take  the  lead  in  religious  exercises,  ought  to  set  the  exam- 
ple ; and  they,  who  are  remarkably  zealous  to  reform  others, 
should  be  as  remarkably  zealous  in  every  good  work. — The 
influence  and  example  of  the  great  will  always  have  a power- 
ful effect  upon  their  inferiors  : their  distinction  is  truly  honour- 
able, when,  in  following  and  cleaving  to  them,  others  follow 
and  cleave  to  the  Lord:  and  the  Christian  equality  of  the 
common  people,  as  brethren  to  believing  nobles  and  rulers, 
will  influence  them  to  render  the  more  heartily  u honour  to 
whom  honour  is  due.”  (Note,  1 Tim.  6:1 — 5.) 

V.  30 — 39.  We  arc  not  sincere  in  covenanting  with  God, 
except  we  aim  to  obey  all  his  commandments : for  if\vc  allow 
ourselves  in  violating  one  of  them  habitually,  it  is  evident  that 
we  have  not  truly  repented  of  our  former  transgressions  in  that 
particular;  that  we  have  never  sought  forgiveness  of  them  in 
a due  manner  ; that,  we  do  not  desire  the  sanctifying  Spirit  of 
Christ,  to  mortify  that  peculiar  sinful  propensity : and  conse- 
quently that  we  are  not  born  of  God,  nor  interested  in  the 
righteousness  and  atonement  of  Christ.  But  real  believers, 
at.  least  all  who  by  a consistent  conduct  give  satisfactory  evi- 
dence that  they  are  such,  place  the  strongest  guard  where 
there  there  is  the  greatest  danger;  and  ”*ee  ever)  means  of 


B.  C.  443. 


CHAPTER  XI 


B.  C.  445 


CHAPTER  XI. 

77te  rulers , toith  tvery  tenth  hum  taken  by  lot , and  those  who  offered  volunta- 
rily,dwell  a:  Jerusalem,  1,2.  Their  names,  3 — 19.  The  rest  dwell  in  the 
other  cities,  20—36. 

NI)  "the  rulers  of  the  people  dwelt  at  Je- 
rusalem : the  rest  of  the  people  also  bcast 
lots,  to  bring  cone  of  ten  to  dwell  in  Jerusalem 
‘the  holy  city,  and  nine  parts  to  dwell  in  other 
tities. 

2 And  the  people  "blessed  all  the. men  that 
willingly  offered  themselves  to  dwell  at  Jerusalem. 

3 51  Now  these  are  ethe  chief  of  the  province 
that  dwelt  in  Jerusalem:  but  in  the  cities  of 
Judah  dwelt  every  one  in  his  possession  in  their 
cities,  to  wit,  ''Israel,  the  priests,  and  the  Levites, 
and  the  Nethiniins,  and  ‘the  children  of  Solomon’s 
servants. 

4 And  at  Jerusalem  kdwelt  certain  of  the 
children  of  Judah,  and  of  the  children  of  Ben- 
jamin. Of  the  children  of  Judah ; Athaiah  the 
son  of  U/.ziah,  the  son  of  Zechariah,  the  son  of 
Amariah,  the  son  of  Shephatiah,  the  son  Ma- 
halaleel,  of  the  children  of  ‘Perez  ; 

5 And  Maaseiah  the  son  of  Baruch,  the  son  of 
"Col-hozeh,  the  son  of  Hazaiah,  the  son  of 
Adaiah,  the  son  of  Joiarib,  the  son  of  Zechariah 
the  son  of  "Shiloni. 

6 All  the  sons  of  Perez  that  dwelt  at  Jerusalem 
were  four  hundred  threescore  and  eight  valiant 
men. 

7 And  these  are  "the  sons  of  Benjamin ; 
Sallu  the  son  of  Meshullam,  the  son  of  Joed,  the 


t 7:4,5.  Deut.  17:8,9.  Pj.  122:5.  b 10:34.  Josh.  18:10.  1 Chr. 26:13.  Pro..  16:33. 
Acts  1:24.  c Juilg.  20:9,10.  d 18.  Is.  48:2.  52:1.  Matt.  4:5.  27:53.  e Deut.  24: 
13.  Job  29:13  . 31.:20.  fjudg.5:9.  2 Cor.  8: 16,17.  g 7.6.  Ezra  2: 1.  h 7:73. 
1 Chr.  9:1,2.  Ezra  2:70.  i 7:57— 60.  Ezra  2:55— 53.  k 1 Chr.  9:3,4.  1 Gen.  38: 
».  Ruth  4:18.  Pharez.  Mott.  1:3.  Luke  3:33.  Pharet.  m3:15.  n Gen.  38:5. 


avoiding  and  subduing  those  sins,  which  have  the  most  foiled 
and  ensnared  them.  Separation  from  intimate  connexions 
with  ungodly  persons,  and  the  conscientious  hallowing  of  the 
Lord’s  day,  are  peculiarly  attended  to  by  them.  They  do 
not  infringe  upon  the  sacred  rest,  and  they  show  a marked 
disapprobation  of  those  who  do  : they  carefully  remove  occa- 
sions of  transgression,  and  previously  so  arrange  every  thing, 
as  may  best  promote  the  strict  observance  of  that  holy  day. 
Their  attention  to  the  ordinances  of  God  is  connected  with 
justice  to  all  men,  and  mercy  to  those  who  need  it.  They 
do  not  exact  from  their  brethren,  when  it  would  distress 
them  ; but  they  trust  the  Lord  to  repay  what  they  thus  lose 
or  expend.  Though  they  be  poor  or  burdened,  they  will  find 
a little  to  spare  for  pious  or  charitable  uses ; that  little 
will  be  accepted  ; and,  coming  from  great  numbers,  will  form 
large  funds  for  useful  purposes. — As  the  ordinances  of  God 
are  the  appointed  means  of  sustenance  to  our  souls,  the  be- 
liever should  not  grudge  the  expense  of  them.  Even  the 
poor  will  part  with  their  money  for  bread : yet  most  men 
leave  their  souls  to  starve  ! But  the  covenanted  servant  of 
God  u honours  him  with  his  substance  and  with  the  first-fruits 
o all  his  increase,”  and  that  brings  a blessing  upon  the  rest: 
(Note,  Prov.  3:9,10.)  nor  will  he  defraud  or  withhold  from  the 
ministers,  who  labour  in  the  word  and  doctrine,  their  propor- 
tion of  a suitable  maintenance. — In  short,  we  must  render  to 
God,  to  the  king,  to  magistrates,  superiors,  equals,  inferiors, 
relatives,  the  poor,  and  all  men,  that  which  is  due  unto  them, 
according  to  the  precepts  of  Scripture  ; if  we  would  evidence 
ourselves  to  be  the  true  disciples  of  Christ,  and  44  adorn  the 
the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour and  in  these  things  we 
must  persevere,  exhorting  one  another,  44  not  to  forsake  the 
house  of  our  God,”  but  to  44  walk  before  him  in  all  his  ordi- 
nances and  commandments  blameless.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  XI.  Y.  1,2.  Jerusalem  at  this  time  was 
not  a place  of  trade,  by  which  men  could  acquire  wealth;  the 
houses  in  general  were  not  built ; the  adversaries  of  the  jews 
were  peculiarly  hostile  to  that  city,  both  as  the  capital  of  the 
people  whose  returning  prosperity  they  envied,  and  the  place 
of  the  holy  worship  which  they  hated ; so  that  the  cities  of 
Judah,  and  other  situations  in  the  country,  afforded  a fairer 
prospect  of  living  in  peace,  and  of  growing  rich.  It  was  there- 
fore deemed  a necessary  policy,  to  replenish  Jerusalem,  for 
the  re-establishment  of  the  Jews  as  a distinct  nation;  and 
for  the  honour  of  the  temple,  and  the  protection  of  the  priests 
and  worshippers  from  the  invasion  of  their  enemies.  It  was 
44  the  holy  city,”  as  chosen,  separated,  and  sanctified  of  God, 
for  his  immediate  presence  and  instituted  worship  ; as  a type 
of  Christ  and  even  of  heaven ; and  as  the  place,  where  the 
greatest  advantages  of  becoming  holy  were  enjoyed  : yet  the 
Jews,  in  general,  had  not  sufficient  zeal  or  desire  after  spiritual 
improvement,  to  venture  the  consequences  of  removing  thither. 
Some  indeed  willingly  offered  themselves  to  dwell  there  ; 
whom  their  brethren  commended,  thanked,  and  prayed  for ; 
though  few  would  imitate  them.  The  rulers  fixed  their  resi- 
Jence  there,  that  the  courts  of  justice,  and  the  business  con- 
ected  with  public  affairs,  might  draw  others  : and,  in  addition 


son  of  Pedaiah,  the  son  of  Kolaiah.  the  son  tn 
Maaseiah,  the  son  oflthiel,  the  son  or  Jesaiah. 

8 And  alter  him  Gabbai,  Sallai,  nine  hundred 
twenty  and  eight. 

9 And  Joel  the  son  of  Zichri  was  their  over 
seer  : and  ’’Judah  the  son  of  Senuah  was  secono 
over  the  city. 

10  Of  the  priests:  iJedaiah  the  son  of ‘Joiarib, 
Jachin. 

11  "Seraiah  the  son  of  Hilkiah,  the  son  of 
Meshullam,  the  son  ofZadok,  the  son  of  Meraioth, 
the  son  of  Ahitub,  was  ‘the  ruler  of  the  house  of 
God. 

12  And  their  brethren  that  did  the  work  of 
the  house  were  eight  hundred  twenty  and  two: 
and  “Adaiah  the  son  of  Jeroham,  the  son  of 
Pelaliah,  the  son  of  Amzi,  the  son  of  Zechariah, 
the  son  of  Pashur,  the  son  of  Malchiah, 

13  And  his  brethren,  chief  of  the  fathers,  two 
hundred  forty  and  two : and  Amashai  the  son  ot 
Azareel,  the  son  of  Ahasai,  the  son  of  Me- 
shillemoth,  the  son  oflmmer, 

14  And  their  brethren,  mighty  men  of  valour, 
a hundred  twenty  and  eight:  and  their  overseer 
was  Zabdiel,  the  son  *of  one  of  the  great  men. 

15  Also  of  the  Levites:  TShemaiah  the  son 
Hashub,  the  son  of  Azrikam,  the  son  of  Hasha- 
biah,  the  son  of  Bunni ; 

16  And  “Shabbethai  and  Jozabad,  of  the  chief 
of  the  Levites,  Jiad  the  oversight  of  the  outward 
business  of  the  house  of  God. 


Shelah.  Num.  26:20.  Shelnniles.  1 Chr.  4:21.  9:5.  o 1 Chr.  9:7—9.  p 1 Cbr. 
9:7 .Hodaviah — Hasenuah.  q 7:39.  12:19.  1 Chr.  9:10.  and  Jehoianb.  Ezra 
2:36.  8:16.  r 12:6.  s 1 Chr.  6:7 — 14.  9:11.  Azariah.  Ezra  7:1 — 5.  t Num.  3: 
32.  1 Chr.  9:1.  2 Chr.  19:11.  31:13.  Acts  5:24.  u 1 Chr.  9:12,13.  * Or,  of 

Haggedolim.  v 1 Chr.  9:14 — 19.  x 8:7.  f Heb.  were  over.  1 Chr.  26:20. 


to  these  inhabitants,  one  family  in  ten  was  expressly  required 
to  remove  to  Jerusalem  ; the  selection  of  which  was  by  lot 
referred  to  the  determination  of  God.  4 They  cast  lots,  that 
among  ten  men,  it  might  be  known  whom  God  chose  to  come 
thither : and  the  lot  falling  by  divine  appointment  upon  such 
a person  rather  than  another  ; no  doubt,  he  removed  the  more 
contentedly  to  this  city.’  Bp.  Patrick.  ( Notes , Lev.  16:8 — 
10.  Prov.  16:33.  Acts  1:23 — 26.) 

V.  3.  Israel , in  this  verse,  seems  to  mean  those  of  the  ten 
tribes,  who  went  up  with  the  Jews.  These  were  not  required 
to  dwell  at  Jerusalem,  but  inhabited  the  cities  and  villages 
allotted  to  them.  The  priests,  Levites,  Nethinims,  and  the 
children  of  Solomon’s  servants  likewise,  were  left  at  liberty 
when  not  attending  at  the  temple.  ( Notes , 1 Chr.  9:2.  Ezra 
2:55—58.  7:24—26.) 

V.  4 — 6.  44  Shiloni”  (6)  is  supposed  by  some  to  mean 
Shelah , Judah’s  youngest,  but  only  surviving  son,  by  Shuah, 
the  Canaanitess.  (Marg.  Ref.  n.)  If  this  supposition  be 
well-grounded,  his  descendants  seem  to  have  been  included  in 
the  four  hundred  threescore  and  eight  valiant  men  of  Perez, 
or  Pharez  ; that  being  the  principal  branch  of  the  tribe  of 
Judah. — Many  or  most  of  these  men  of  Judah  seem  to  have 
offered  themselves  willingly  to  dwell  at  Jerusalem,  in  order  to 
defend  it : and  probably  they  were,  in  general,  heads  of  fami- 
lies : yet  the  number  from  this  principal  tribe,  appears  to  have 
been  comparatively  small. — In  Chronicles  a larger  number  is 
stated  : but  it  may  be  supposed,  that  the  descendants  of 
Zerah,  (Judah’s  other  son,)  are  also  included,  of  whom  nc 
more  than  one  is  mentioned  in  this  chapter.  (24.  Note, 
1 Chr.  9:3—9.) 

V.  7 — 9.  The  greatest  part  of  Jerusalem  was  situated 
within  the  lot  of  Benjamin  ; and,  it  is  probable,  the  men  of 
that  tribe  were  most  desirous  of  having  it  fully  replenished. — 
Nearly  twice  as  many  of  this  tribe,  (we  may  suppose,  with 
their  families,)  dwelt  there,  as  of  Judah.  (Note,  4 — 6.) 
The  number  does  not  exactly  agree  with  that  in  the  ninth  of 
the  first  of  Chronicles  ; though  there  can  be  no  reasonable 
doubt  that  the  same  events  are  intended:  but  at  this  distance 
of  time  it  cannot  be  supposed  that  such  trivial  variations  can 
in  all  cases  be  accounted  for  ; though  the  reason  of  them 
might  be  very  evident  to  contemporaries. — From  this  time 
Jerusalem  was  progressively  repeopled  ; so  that  it  soon  be- 
came very  populous,  and  continued  to  be  so,  till  destroyed  by 
the  Romans. — Joel  was  the  principal  commander  of  the  Ben- 
jamites  in  Jerusalem  : and  Judah,  or  Hodaviah,  (Marg.  Rtf 
p.)  was  his  deputy,  or  the  next  in  authority  under  him. 

V.  10 — 15.  (Notes,  12:10 — 21.  1 Chr.  6:4—15.)  Eliashib 
was  high-priest  at  this  time,  under  whom  it  is  probable  Seraiah 
had  the  oversight  of  all  the  temple-service.  (11)  Some  think 
the  captain  of  the  temple  held  the  same  office.  The  priests, 
mentioned  in  these  verses,  seem  to  have  constantly  resided 
at  Jerusalem,  by  their  own  choice ; besides  those  who  attended 
by  rotation.  (Note,  3.) 

V.  16.  The  outward  business , &c.1  (Note,  1 Chr.  26:29.) 
These  persons  seem  to  have  nad  tne  cnarge  of  providing  tne 
sacrifices  and  making  all  the  other  outward  preparations  for 
( S51  ) 


fl  C.  443. 


NEHEMIAH.  B.  C.  490 


17  And  Mattaniah  the  son  of  Micha,  the  son 
of  yZabdi,*the  son  of  Asaph,  was  the  principal 
‘to  beg'in  the  "thanksgiving  in  prayer:  and  bBak- 
bukiah  the  second  among  his  brethren,  and  Abda 
the  son  of  Shammua,  the  son  of  Galal,  the  son  of 
Jeduthun. 

18  All  the  Levites  in  "the  holy  city  were  two 
hundred  fourscore  and  four. 

19  Moreover,  the  porters,  dAkkub,  Talmon, 
and  their  brethren  that  kept  'the  gales,  were  a 
hundred  seventy  and  two. 

20  H And  the  residue  of  Israel,  of  the  priests, 
and  the  Levites,  were  in  all  the  cities  of  Judah, 
every  one  in  his  inheritance. 

21  But  "the  Nethiniins  dwelt  in  tOphel:  and 
Ziha  and  Gispa  were  over  the  Nethinims. 

22  The  f overseer  also  of  the  Levites  at  Je- 
rusalem was  eUzzi  the  son  of  ''Bani,  the  son  of 
'Hashabiah,  the  son  of  kMattaniah,  the  son  of 
Micha.  ]Of  the  sons  of  Asaph,  the  singers 
mwere  over  the  business  of  the  house  of  God. 

23  For  it  was  "the  king’s  commandment  con- 
cerning them,  that  *a  certain  portion  should  be 
for  the  singers,  due  for  every  day. 

24  And  Pethahiah  the  son  of  "Meshezabeel, 
of  the  children  of  rZerah  the  son  of  Judah,  was 
nat  the  king’s  hand  in  all  matters  concerning  the 
people. 

25  And  for  the  villages,  with  their  fields,  some 
of  the  children  of  Judah  dwelt  at  rKirjath-arba, 
and  in  the  villages  thereof,  and  at  “Dibon,  and 
in  the  villages  thereof,  and  a't  ‘Jekabzeel,  and  in 
the  villages  thereof, 

y 1 Chr .S:\S.Zichri.  z 12:8,31.  1 Chr.  16:4,41.  25:1— 6.  a Phil.  4:6.  1 Thes. 
6:17,18.  b 12.9,2.5.  c 1.  1 Kinjs  11:13.  Dan.  9:24.  Mall.  24: 15.  27:53.  Rev.  11:2. 
21:2.  (1  7:45.12:25.  1 Chr.  .9:17 — 22.  • Heb.  at  the  gales,  e 3:26,31.  2 Chr. 
27:3.  1 Or,  the  tower,  f 9,14.  12:42.  Acts  20:28.  g 12:42.  h 3:17.  8:7.  9:4,5. 
10:13.  110:11.12:24.  E*ra$:19.  k 17.  12:25,35.  13:13.  1 Chr.  9:15.  117. 
12:46.  1 Chr.  25:1— 6.  mil, 16.  1 Chr.  9:26— 32.  n 1 Chr.  9:33.  Erra6:8,9. 
7:20 — 24.  X Or,  a sure  ordinance,  o 10:21.  p Gen.  38:30.  Zarah.  Num.26: 
20.  Matt.  1:3.  Zara,  q 1 Chr.  18:17.  23:28.  margins,  r Josh.  14:15.  sJosh. 
15:22.  Dimonah.  t Josh.  15:21.  Kabzeel.  u Josh.  15:26.  19:2.  x Josh.  15:27. 
Beth-palel.  y Josh.  15:28.  19:3.  zGen.  21:31.  26:33.  Judg.  20:1 . a Josh.  15: 
31.  1 Sam.  27:6.  b Josh.  15:32.  Rimmon.  c Josh.  15:33.  Zoreah.  19:41.  Judg. 
13:25 . Zrjrah.  d Josh.  15:35.  e3:13.  Josh.  15:34.  f Josh.  12:15.  Mic.  1:15. 


the  worship  which  the  priests  performed  in  the  courts  and 
in  the  sanctuary. 

V.  17.  (Note,  1 Chr.  9:12 — 18.)  The  time  of  the  morn- 
ing and  evening  sacrifices  were  the  principal  hours  of  prayer 
to  the  Jews,  who  then  resorted  to  the  courts  of  the  temple 
for  their  devotions. — These  were,  it  seems,  preceded  by  the 
solemn  praises  and  thanksgivings,  which  the  Levites  rendered 
to  the  Lord  with  music  and  singing.  Over  this  sacred  service, 
Mattaniah,  as  precentor,  statedly  presided;  while  the  others 
acted  under  his  direction.  Mattaniah  was  descended  from 
Asaph ; and  the  others  were  descendants  of  Jeduthun,  chief 
singers  in  David’s  time.  (Notes,  22,23.  1 Chr.  16:37 — 43. 
25:1—7.  2 Chr.  5:12,13.  29:25—30.) 

V.  19.  The  children  ofAkkub  and  Talmon  are  numbered 
with  the  porters  which  came  up  with  Zerubbabel,  at  least 
ninety  years  before  the  events  here  recorded.  In  this  and  a 
few  other  instances  of  the  same  kind,  it  must  be  supposed, 
either  that  the  children  were  called  by  the  names  of  their  fa- 
thers ; or  that,  having  distinct  names  of  their  own,  they  were 
also  honoured  in  their  public  characters,  by  the  names  of  their 
more  illustrious  ancestors.  (Note,  10:18 — 27.) 

V.  22,  23.  (Note,  17.)  The  descendants  of  Asaph,  pre- 
sided over  some  business  relative  to  the  temple  and  its  repairs 
at  those  times  when  not  employed  in  psalmody.  And  they 
were  appointed  to  this  service,  because,  it  seems,  the  king 
of  Persia  allowed  those  employed  in  singing  the  praises  of 
God  a daily  stipend,  besides  their  maintenance  as  Levites. 
(Notes,  1 Chr.  9:31 — 33,  v.  33.  Ezra  7:24 — 26.) 

V.  24.  ( Note i 4 — 6.)  Pethahiah,  a descendant  of  Judah 

by  Zerah,  probably  was  the  king’s  commissioner,  who  received 
the  tribute,  made  all  payments  from  it,  and  managed  all  such 
matters,  according  to  orders  from  the  king.  It  was  an 
advantage  to  the  Jews  to  have  one  of  their  own  nation  in  this 
office:  and  it  maybe  supposed  he  was  preferred  to  it,  through 
Nehemiah’s  recommendation. 

V.  25 — 36.  No  account  is  given  of  those  who  dwelt  in  the 
cities  and  villages;  but  merely  of  the  places  which  they  inha- 
bited. ( Marg . Ref.)  ‘Some  of  these  great  towns,  orcities 
without  walls,  had  little  villages  about  thorn  ; but  others  had 
only  fields,  and  no  villages  in  them,  the  country  being  as  yet 
but  thinly  peopled. . . . The  rest  of  the  Levites,  who  were 
not  settled  at  Jerusalem,  were  distributed  among  the  people 
of  Judah  and  Benjamin,  who  dwelt  in  the  forenamed  towns, 
whom  they  taught  and  instructed  in  religion  and  good  man- 
ners.’ Bp.  Patrick.  (36) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Tt  has  in  all  ages  been  justly  lamented,  that  men  prefer 
their  own  ease  and  emolument  to  the  public  good;  that  oven 

( 852  ) 


26  And  at  Jeshua,  and  at  "Moladah,  and  at 
‘Beth-plielet, 

27  And  at  ^Hazar-shual  and  at  ‘Becr-sheba, 
and  in  the  villages  thereof, 

28  And  at  "Ziklag,  and  at  Mekonah,  and  it 
the  villages  thereof, 

29  And  at  bEn-rimmon,  and  at  ‘Zareah,  and  a. 
dJarmuth, 

30  ‘Zanoah,  f Adullam,  and  in  their  villages, 
at  sLachish,  and  the  fields  thereof,  at  hAzekah, 
and  in  the  villages  thereof.  And  they  dwelt  from 
Beer-sheba  unto  'the  valley  ofHinnom. 

31  The  children  also  of  Benjamin  Trom  kGeba 
dwelt  “at  ‘Michmash,  and  mAija,  and  “Beth-el,  ana 
in  their  villages, 

32  And  at  "Anathoth,  i’Nob,  Ananiah, 

33  Hazor,  iRamah,  rGittaini, 

34  Hadid,  "Zeboim,  Neballat, 

35  lLod,  and  Ono,  “the  valley  of  craftsmen. 

36  And  *of  the  Levites  were  ^divisions  in 
Judah,  and  in  Benjamin. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

The  priests  and  Levites  who  came  up  with  Zerubbabel , 1 — 9.  The  succession 

of  high-priests  after  the  captivity , 10, 11.  The  names  of  some  chief  priests 

12 — 21;  and  of  some  eminent  Levitts,  22 — 26.  The  solemnity  of  dedicating 

the  wall , 27—43.  The  offices  and  portions  of  the  priests  and  Levites, 

44—47. 

NOW  these  are  "the  priests  and  the  Levites 
that  went  up  with  bZerubbabel  the  son  of 
Shealtiel,  and  cJeshna  : dSeraiah,  Jeremiah,  Ezra, 
2 Amariah,  "Malluch,  Hattush, 

3  'Shechaniah,  *Rehum,  ‘‘Meremoth, 

4  Iddo,  ‘Ginnetho,  Abijah, 

5  kMiamin,  ‘Miediah,  Bilgah, 


s Josh.  10:3.  15:39.  Is.  37:8.  h Josh.  15:35.  i Josh.  18:16.  Jer.  7:31,32.  19:2,6 
$ Or,  of.  k 7:30.  Gaba.  Josh.  18:24.  ||  Or,  to.  1 7:31.  Michmus.  1 Sam.  13: 
11,23.  Is.  10:28.  m 7:32.  Ai.  Gen.  12:8.  Hai.  Josh.  8:9.  Ai.  n .Gen. 28: 19. 
Josh.  18:13.  o 7:27.  Is.  10:30.  Jer.  1:1.  p 1 Sam.  21 : 1 . 22:19.  Is.  10:32.  q Josh. 
18:25.  1 Sam.  7:17.  Matt.  2:18.  Rama..  r2Sam.4:3.  s l Sam.  13:18.  t 7:37. 
1 Chr.  8:12.  ul  Chr.  4:14.  x Josh.  21:  1 Chr.  6:54— 81.  y Gen.  49:7.  a 7: 
7.  Ezra  2:1.  b 1 Chr.  3: 17— 19.  Ezra  3:8.  4:2.  5:2.  Hag.  1:1,12,14.  2:2, 21  — 
23.  Zech.  4:6 — 10.  Matt.  1:12,13.  Zorobabel.  Salathiel.  c 10.  Zech.3:l — 9. 
6:11.  Joshua,  d 12 — 21.  10:2.  Ezra2:2.  e 14.  Melicu.  f 14.  Shebaniah. 
g 15.  Harim.  h 15.  Meraiolh.  i 16.  Ginnelhon.  k 17.  Miniamin.  1 17.  Menu 
diah. 


professed  Christians  too  commonly  “seek  their  own,  and  not 
the  things  of  Jesus  Christ;”  and  that  but  few  have  such  an 
attachment  to  holy  places  and  holy  things,  as  to  renounce 
their  secular  pleasures  or  advantages  for  the  sake  of  them. 
Yet  surely,  where  opportunities  of  spiritual  improvement  most 
abound,  and  where  Jesus,  the  Ruler  of  our  holy  city,  espfr* 
qially  resides,  there  we  should  delight  to  dwell;  in  preference 
to  all  interests  and  connexions,  and  notwithstanding  perse- 
cutions, tribulations,  perils,  and  losses.  Otherwise,  where  is 
our  “ meetness  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light?”  and 
how  shall  we  be  willing  to  depart  hence,  and  be  “absent  from 
the  body,  that  we  may  be  present  with  the  Lord  ?”  For,  io 
the  carnally  minded,  the  perfect  holiness  of  heaven,  of  its 
inhabitants,  its  employments,  and  its  pleasures,  and  especi- 
ally of  that  God  who  there  unveils  his  glory,  would  be  propur- 
tionably  more  intolerable,  than  the  feeble  beginnings  of  holi- 
ness in  his  church  on  earth,  which  excite  their  disgust,  their 
weariness,  and  aversion. — The  remnant  who  now  willingly 
offer  themselves  to  self-denying  and  perilous  services,  from 
love  to  the  church,  and  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God,  shall  in  the 
event  be  distinguished  with  peculiar  honour,  and  are  now 
entitled  to  it  from  their  brethren  : indeed  many  will,  commend 
and  wish  them  well,  who,  alas ! have  not  courage  to  imitate 
them. — Our  habitations  are  allotted  us  by  the  Lord  himself; 
and  we  should  not  be  hasty  in  changing  them,  though  they  be 
in  some  respects  incommodious,  especially  if  convenient  for 
attendance  on  divine  ordinances,  and  giving  us  opportunities 
of  doing  good. — In  every  station  in  life  we  should  “ study  to 
be  quiet,  and  to  do  our  own  business”  with  diligence ; and, 

all  times,  to  cast  our  cares  on  God,  and  make  our  requests 
known  unto  him,  by  prayer  with  thanksgiving.  W e cannot  be 
so  afflicted,  as  not  to  have  cause  for  gratitude  ; nor  so  prosper 
ous,  as  to  have  no  need  of  prayer:  these  duties  should  there 
fore  be  always  united.  (Notes,  Phil.  4:5 — 7.  1 Then.  5<16— 
22,  v.  17,18.)  And  to  this  the  ministers  ought  to  stir  up  the 
people,  not  only  by  their  exhortations,  but  by  their  exumple 
likewise. — As  far  as  the  Lord  sees  good,  he  makes  even  stran- 
gers to  protect  and  provide  for  his  servants.  Lot  us  then  seek 
first  his  favour  and  his  glory;  let  us  study  contentment,  pa- 
tience, and  usefulness  in  our  several  stations  ; and  wait  in 
cheerful  hope  for  an  admission  into  the  holy  city  of  our  God 
above. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XII.  V.  1 — 6 It  is  evident  tnat 

Ezra  here  mentioned,  was  not  Ezra  the  scribe,  but  a priest 
of  the  same  name,  who  ramo  up  to  Jerusalem  long  btlora 
with  Zerubbabel.  Several  of  the  names  are  the  same  with 
those  of  the  priests  who  sealed  tin  Covenant : (Marg.  Rtf.) 
but  different  persons  must  be  intenued ; find  it  is  ovidci  t the 


B.  C.  350. 


CHAPTER  XII 


B.  C.  445 


6 Shemaiah,  and  mJoiarib,  Jedaiah, 

7 '“Sal  lu,  Amok,  Hilkiah,  Jedaiah.  These 
were  the  chief  of  the  priests  and  of  their  brethren 
in  the  days  °of  Jesliua. 

8 Moreover  the  Levites:  pJeshua,  Binnui, 

Kadmiel,  Sherebiah,  Judah,  and  iMattaniah, 
which  was  over  'the  thanksgiving,  he  and  his 
brethren. 

9 x\lso  Bakbukiah  and  Unni,  their  brethren, 
were  ’over  against  them  in  the  watches. 

10  It  And  'Jeshua  begat  Joiakim,  Joiakim  also 
begat  Eliashib,  and  'Eliashib  begat  Joiada, 

11  And  Joiada  begat  Jonathan,  and  Jonathan 
begat  Jaddua. 

d.  c."|  12  And  in  the  days  of  Joiakim  were  priests, 

830 • -*  "the  chief  of  the  fathers  : of  "Seraiah,  Me- 
raiah  ; of  Jeremiah,  Hananiah  : 

13  Of  Ezra,  Meshullam  ; of  Amariah,  Jeho- 
hanan- 

14  Of  yMelicu,  Jonathan;  of 'Shebaniah,  Jo- 
seph ; 

15  Of  “Harim,  Adna  ; of  bMeraioth,  Helkai; 

16  Of  cIddo,  Zecbariah ; of  dGinnethon, 


Meshullam; 

17  Of  Abijah,  Zichri;  of  “Miniamin,  of'Moa- 
diah,  Piltai : 

18  Of  Biigah,  Shammua  ; of  Shemaiah,  Jeho- 
nathan ; 

19  And  of  Joiarib,  Mattenai;  of  Jedaiah, 
U zzi ; 

20  Of  hSallai,  Kallai ; of  Amok,  Eber ; 

21  Of  Hilkiah,  Hashabiah ; of  Jedaiah,  Ne- 
thaneel. 

22  It  The  Levites  in  the  days  of  ‘Eliashib, 
Joiada,  and  Johanan,  and  Jaddua,  were  "recorded 
chief  of  the  fathers : also  the  priests,  to  the  reign 
of  Darius  the  Persian. 

23  The  sons  of  Levi,  the  chief  of  the  fathers, 
were  written  in  ‘the  book  of  the  Chronicles,  even 
until  the  days  of  Johanan  the  son  of  Eliashib. 

24  And  the  chief  of  the  Levites : mHashabiah, 
Sherebiah,  and  Jeshua  the  son  of  Kadmiel,  with 
their  brethren  over  against  them,  to  praise  and  to 

B've  thanks,  “according  to  the  commandment  of 
avid  "the  man  of  God,  nvard  over  against 
ward. 


25  <iMattaniah,  and  Bakbukiah,  Obadiah, 


Meshullam,  Talmon,  Akkub,  were  porters  rkeep 
ing  the  ward  at  the  'thresholds  of  the  gates. 

26  These  were  in  the  days  of  "Joiakim  the  son 
of  Jeshua,  the  son  of  Jozadak,  and  in  the  days 
of  ‘Nehemiah  the  governor,  and  of  Ezra  the 
priest,  the  scribe. 

27  H And  at  "the  dedication  of  the  wall  of  i-b.  < 
Jerusalem,  they  sought  the  Levites  “out  of  l 444 
all  their  places,  to  bring  them  to  Jerusalem,  U 
keep  the  dedication  ?with  gladness,  both  with 
'thanksgivings,  and  with  singing,  with  cymbals, 
psalteries,  and  with  harps. 

28  And  the  sons  of  the  singers  gathered  them- 
selves together,  both  out  of  “the  piain  country 
round  about  Jerusalem,  and  from  the  villages  of 
bNetophathi ; 

29  Also  from  "the  house  of  Gilgal,  and  out 
of  the  fields  of  dGeba  and  “Azmaveth:  for  the 
singers  had  builded  them  villages  round  about 
Jerusalem. 

30  And  the  priests  and  the  Levites  f purified 
themselves,  and  purified  the  people,  and  the 
gates,  and  the  wall. 

31  Then  I brought  up  sthe  princes  of  Judah 
upon  the  wall,  and  appointed  htwo  great  compa- 
nies of  them  that  gave  thanks,  whereof  one  went 
on  the  right  hand  upon  the  wall  toward  the  ‘dung- 
gate  : 

32  And  after  them  went  Hoshaiah,  and  half  of 
the  princes  of  Judah, 

33  And  "Azariah,  Ezra,  and  Meshullam, 

34  Judah,  and  Benjamin,  and  Shemaiah,  and 
Jeremiah, 

35  And  certain  of  the  priests’  sons  'with  trum- 
pets ; namely , mZechariah  the  son  of  Jonathan,  the 
son  of  Shemaiah,  the  son  of  Mattaniah,  the  son  of 
Michaiah,  the  son  of  Zaccur,  the  son  of  Asaph  : 

36  And  his  brethren,  Shemaiah,  and  Az-arael, 
Milalai,  Gilalai,  Maai,  Nethaneel,  and  Judah, 
Hanani,  with  the  “musical  instruments  of  David 
the  man  of  God,  and  “Ezra  the  scribe  before 
them. 

37  And  at  rthe  fountain-gate,  which  was  over 
against  them,  they  went  up  by  ''the  stairs  of  the 
city  of  David,  at  the  going  up  of  the  wall,  above 
the  house  of  David,  even  unto  the  "water-gate 
eastward. 


« 11:10.  1 Chr.  9:10.  Jehoiarib.  n 28.  Sallai.  o 1.  Ezra  3:2.  Zechv  3: 
. p 7:43.  9:4.  10:9 — 13.  q 11:17,22.  ’ That  is,  the  psalms  of  thanksgiving. 

24.  I Chr.  9:33.  rPs. 134:1— 3.  s 26.  1 Chr.  6:3— 15.  13:1.13.4,7,28.  u 22. 
1 Chr.  9:33,34.  15:12.  24:6— 31.  x 1.  y 2.  Malluch.  z 3.  Shechardah.  a 3. 
Rehum.  b 3.  Meremoth.  c 4.  d 4.  Ginnetho.  e 5.  Miamin.  f5.  Mnadiah. 
p 6.  h7.  Sallu.  i 10,11.  k 12,13.  1 1 Chr.  9:14,  &c  m8.  8:7.  9:4.  1U:9— 

13.  n 1 Chr.  23  : 25  : 26:  oDeut.33:l.  Josh.  14:6.  1 Kings  17:24.  2 Chr.  8: 

14.  I Tim.  6:11.  2 Tim.  3:17.  p 9.  Ezra  3:10,11.  q 8:9.  11 -.17—19.  1 Chr.  9: 
14 — 17.  r 1 Chr.  23:32.  26:12.  Is.  21:8.  t Or,  treasuries , or,  assemblies.  s 10. 
t 8:9.  Ezra  7:6,11.  u Deut.  20:5.  Ps.  30:  title,  x 11:20.  1 Chr.  15:4,12,13.  26: 


31,32.  2 Chr.  29:4— 11., 30.  Ezra  8:15—20.  y 8:17.  Deut.  16:11.  2Sam.6:12 
2 Chr.  29:22.  Ezra  6:16.  Ps.  98:4— 6.  100:1,2.  Pl.il.  4:4.  z l Chr.  13.8.  15:16 
28.  16:5,42.  23:5.  25:1—6.  Ezra  3:10,11.  Ps.  81:1-4.  92:1 — 3.  149:3.  150:2—5 
Rev.  5:8.  a 6:2.  b 1 Chr.  2:54.  9:16.  c Deut.  11 :30.  Josh. 5:9.  10:43.  dll 
31 . Josh.  21 : 17.  1 Chr.  6:60.  eEzra2:24.  fGeu.35:2.  Ex.  19:10,15.  Num. 
19:2— 20.  2 Chr.  29:5,34.  Ezra  6:21 . Job  1:5.  g 1 Chr.  13: 1.  28:1.  2Chr.5:2. 
h 38.  i 2:13.  3:13,14.  k 10:2— 7.  1 Num.  10:2— 10.  Josh.  6:4.  2 Chr.  5:15 

13:12.  m 11:17.  1 Chr.  6:39— 43  . 25:2.  26:10,11.  n24.  1 Chr.  23:5.  2 Chr.  8 
14.  Amos 6:5.  o Ezra  7:1.  8:1.  p 2: 14.  3:15.  q 3:15.  2Sam.  5:7— 9.  r 3:26 
8:1,3,16. 


same  names  were  sometimes  preserved  in  their  families. 
(Notes,  10:18—27.  11:19.) 

V.  7.  “ The  chief  of  the  priests”  seem  to  have  been  the 
heads  of  the  courses  established  by  David  ; with  the  next  in 
succession  to  the  high-priesthood,  and  the  ruler  or  captain 
of  the  temple.  Perhaps  the  twenty-four  courses  were  not  yet 
fully  re-established.  (Notes,  1 Chr.  24:6 — 10.  Ezra  2:36 — 
39.) 

V.  8,  9.  Note,  11:17. — Jeshua.  (8)  Marg.  Ref.  p. — In 
the  watches.  (9)  It  is  probable  that  some  of  the  Levites,  in 
succession,  sang  the  praises  of  God  in  the  sanctuary  during 
the  watches  of  the  night.  (Note,  Ps.  134:) 

V.  10,  1 1 . J addua  is,  by  most  expositors,  supposed  to  have 
been  high-priest  in  the  time  of  Alexander  the  great,  and  to 
have  met  that  haughty  conqueror  in  his  pontifical  habit  ; in 
consequence  of  which  Alexander  greatly  favoured  the  Jews. 
(Note,  Dan.  8:5 — 7.)  It  is,  however,  evident  that  he  was 
high-priest  long  after  the  events  which  are  mentioned  at  the 
close  of  this  book  ; for  Joiada  then  filled  that  office:  (13:28.) 
and  as  “ Darius  the  Persian,”  (22 ) is  supposed  to  mean  the 
last  king  of  Persia,  who  was  subdued  by  Alexander  about  a 
hundred  years  after  the  principal  transactions  recorded  in 
this  book ; this  verse,  and  the  twenty-second,  must  have 
been  added  by  another  hand  after  the  death  of  Nehemiah. 
(26) 

V.  12 — 21.  These  verses  contain  a catalogue  of  the  next 
race  of  chief  priests,  as  descended  from  those  who  came  up 
from  Babylon  with  Zerubbabel.  (Note,  1 — 6.) — The  mar- 
ginal references  show  the  variations  which  oecur  in  respect  of 
.heir  names. 

V.  22 — 26.  It  is  not  easy  or  perhaps  possible  to  deter- 
mine, why  these  few  names  of  the  Levites  were  here  in- 
serted : but  probably  they  were  persons  who  greatly  distin- 


guished themselves,  and  were  highly  honoured  and  trusted  by 
their  contemporaries.  (Marg.  Ref.) — Darius  the  Persian 
(22)  ‘ This  is  thought  to  be  that  Darius  whom  Alexander 

conquered.’  Bp.  Patrick. — David  the  man  of  God.  (24) 
36.  Notes,  Deut.  33:1.  2 Chr.  8:14.  1 Tim.  6:11,12.— 
Ward  over  against  ward.]  Notes,  8,9.  1 Chr.  25:8. — ‘ In 
their  turns,  one  coining  on  when  another  went  out,  to  attend 
in  their  courses,  which  are  called  wards'  Bp  Patrick.  (13: 
30.  Notes,  1 Chr.  9:23.  26:6—12,  v.  12,13.)— These,  &c.  (26) 
Note,  10,11. 

V.  27,  28.  Jerusalem  was  the  holy  city,  and  the  wall  was 
built  under  the  immediate  superintendence  and  blessing  of 
Jehovah  : it  was  therefore  proper  that  it  should  be  dedicated 
to  that  God  who  was  there  worshipped  by  solemn  praises, 
thanksgivings,  prayers,  and  sacrifices;  and  thus  committed 
to  his  gracious  protection.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes , Deut.  20:5 
—9.  Ezra  6:13 — 18.  Dan.  9:24— 27.) 

V.  29.  Builded,  &c.]  The  singers  had  builded  villages 
for  their  residence  about  Jerusalem ; that  they  might  be  near 
at  hand  when  wanted;  and  attend  more  conveniently  and 
regularly  at  the  temple. 

V.  30.  When  the  priests  and  Levites  had  prepared  them- 
selves by  the  appointed  purifications,  they  proceeded  to  purify 
the  people,  the  gates,  and  the  wall ; probably  by  sprit. kling 
the  water  of  purification,  with  suitable  prayers  and  supplica- 
tions. (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Lev.  16:15,16.  P.  O.  I — 19. 
Notes,  Num.  19:) 

V.  31 — 43.  The  princes  and  priests  were  divided  into  two 
companies  on  the  wall,  Ezra  going  before  the  one,  and  Nehi— 
miah  after  the  other.  (36,38.)  Thus  they  marched  in  a row 
opposite  ways  in  the  circuit  of  the  wall,  the  priests  sound’rtg 
the  sacred  trumpets,  the  Levites  playing  tpon  instrument 
and  singing  the  praises  of  God,  and  the  peojleat  tompanyyg 
( 853  ) 


B.  C.  44  S 


NEHEMIAH. 


B.  C.  441 


38  And  "Lie  liner  company  of  them  that  gave 
thanks  went  >v-r  igainst  them,  and  I after  them, 
and  the  hall  of  t'ie  people  upon  the  wall,  from 
beyond  ‘the  t ower  of  the  furnaces  even  unto  "the 
broad  wall: 

39  And  from  above  “the  gate  of  Ephraim,  and 
above  nhe  old  gate,  and  above  ‘the  fish-gate,  and 
“the  tower  of  Hananeel,  and  the  tower  of  Meah, 
even  unto  bihe  sheep-gate  : and  they  stood  still  in 
'the  prison-gate. 

40  So  stood  dthe  two  companies  of  them  that 
gave  thanks  in  the  house  of  God,  and  I,  and  the 
half  of  the  rulers  with  me  : 

41  And  i he  priests  ; Eliakim,  Maaseiah,  Minia- 
min,  Michaia,  Elioenai,  Zechariah,  and  Hana- 
niah,  “with  trumpets; 

42  And  Maaseiah,  and  Shemaiah,  and  Eleazar, 
and  Uzzi,  and  Jehohanan,  and  Malchijah,  and 
Elam,  and  Ezer.  And  the  singers  ‘sang  loud, 
with  Jezrahiah  their  'overseer. 

43  Also  that  day  they  ^offered  great  sacrifices, 
and  rejoiced  : for  bGod  had  made  them  rejoice 
with  great  joy : 'the  wives  also  and  the  children 
rejoiced  : so  that  kthe  joy  of  Jerusalem  was  heard 
even  afar  off. 

44  H And  at  that  time  were  'some  appointed 
over  "'the  chambers  for  the  treasures,  for  the  offer- 
ings, for  the  first-fruits,  and  for  the  tithes,  to  gather 
into  them  out  of  the  fields  of  the  cities,  ,the  por- 
tions 'of  the  law  for  the  priests  and  Levites : for 
tJudah  rejoiced  for  the  priests  and  for  "the  Levites 
that  Waited. 


s 31.  1 3:11.  u 3:8.  x 8:16.  2 Kings  14:13.  v 3:6.  7.3:3.  Zeph.  1:10. 
a 3:1.  Jer.  31:38.  b 3:32.  John  5:2.  c3:25,3l.  Heb.  Jer.  32  2.  d31.32.P8. 
42:4  . 47:6 — 9.134:  e 35.  * Heb.  made  their  voice  to  be  heard.  Ps.  81:1.  95: 

l.  98:4— 9.  100:1,2.  Ts.  12:5,6.  f 11:14.  g Num.  10:10.  Deut.  12:1 1,12.  1 Chr. 
29:21,22.  2 Chr.  7:5— 7,10.  29:35,36.  Ps.27:6.  h2Chr.20:27.  Job  34:29.  Ps. 
28:7.  30:11,12.  92:4.  Is.  61:3.  66:10—14.  Jer.  33:11.  John  16:22.  i Ex.  15:20, 
21.  2Chr.  20:13.  Ps.  148:11 — 13.  Jer.  31:13.  Matt.  21:9,15.  Eph.5:19.  Jam.  5: 
13.  kl  Sam.  4:5.  Ezra  3:13.  110:37—39.  13:5,12,13.  2 Chr.  31:11— 13. 

m 1 Chr.  9:26  . 26:21 — 26.  t That  is,  appointed,  by  the  law.  } Heb.  the  joy  of 
Judah  rejoiced,  n Num.  3:10.  8:24, 2o.  1 Chr.  23:23.  2 Chr.  5:11 ,12.  Prov.8: 


them  on  each  side,  part  of  them  on  the  wall,  and  part,  it  may 
be  supposed,  by  the  side  of  it.  (Marg.  Ref.)  When  they 
met  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  city,  they  marched  in  a body 
to  the  temple,  and  offered  sacrifices  and  thank-offerings,  with 
rejoicings  : for  God,  by  enabling  them  to  rebuild  and  fortify 
the  city,  had  made  them  to  rejoice  with  great  joy  : so  that  the 
praises  and  acclamations  of  so  large  a multitude  were  heard 
at  a great  distance.  ( Notes , Ezra  3:12,13.  Jer.  31:10 — 14. 
Matt.  21:8 — 11.) — Zechariah  (35)  being  descended  from 
Asaph,  of  the  line  of  Gershom,  was  no  priest ; and  the  word 
“ namely ” is  improperly  added.  (Marg.  Ref.  m.) — Man  of 
God.  (36)  Note , 22—26,  u.  24. 

V.  44 — 47.  The  attendance  and  behaviour  of  the  priests 

and  Levites  on  this  solemn  occasion,  seem  to  have  greatly 
rejoiced  the  pious  Jews.  4 They  were  so  glad  to  see  such  a 
great  concourse  of  them,  (27,  &c.)  and  that  they  performed 
their  duty  upon  this  occasion  to  the  general  satisfaction  of  all 
that  were  present ; that  their  hearts  were  enlarged  in  love  to 
them.’  Bp.  Patrick.  They  were  therefore  zealous  to  pro- 
vide for  them,  that  their  incomes  might  be  properly  paid,  and 
regularly  and  impartially  distributed  by  persons  appointed  for 
that  purpose.  Thus  matters  were  settled,  as  they  had  been 
in  the  days  of  David  and  Solomon.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Similar 
regulations  had  been  made  in  the  days  of  Zerubbabel ; but  they 
were  completed,  and  put  upon  a durable  footing,  in  the  time 
of  Nehemiah.  (Notes,  13:5 — 14.  2 Chr.  31:5 — 19.  Mai. 
3:7 — 12.) — The  tithes  were  paid  to  the  Levites,  as  sanctified 
to  their  use  ; and  the  tithe  of  them  was,  by  the  Levites,  sanc- 
tified to  the  use  of  the  priests.  (Notes,  10:35 — 39.  Num. 
18:25 — 32.) — ‘The  porters  “kept  the  ward  of  purification  ;” 
(45)  that  is,  duly  observed  the  orders  about  purification,  m 
not  suffering  any  unclean  person  or  unclean  thing  to  come  into 
the  house  of  God.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  Lord  raises  up  a succession  of  worshippers  from  age 
to  age,  who  honour  him  by  their  “ sacrifices  of  praise  and 
thanksgiving;”  (Note^  Heb.  13:15,16.)  and  who  derive  in- 
struction and  encouragement  from  the  examples  and  actions 
of  those  who  have  long  before  entered  into  their  rest. — The 
believer  should  undertake  nothing  which  he  cannot,  and  does 
not,  dedicate  to  God,  by  seeking  his  direction  and  assistance 
in  it  and  his  blessing  upon  it  ; by  designing  his  glory,  and  by 
giving  praise  for  success  in  all  things  : and  whatever  he  pos- 
sesses he  should  commit  to  the  Lord’s  keeping  and  disposal, 
and  use  it  according  to  his  will.  (Note,  Ps.  30:  title.  P.  O. 
Note,  Col.  3:16,17,  v.  17.) — But.  all  that  we  sinners  do  must 
be  purified  by  the  blood  of  sprinkling,  and  by  the  grace  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  or  it  cannot  be  acceptable  unto  God : and  the 
whole  church  of  God,  which  is  “ the  lot  of  his  inheritance,” 
and  the  object  of  his  choice  and  delight,  being  descended  from 
fallen  Adam,  must  be  thus  purified  and  rendered  holy  unto 

( 854  ) 


45  And  both  "the  singers  and  the  porters  kept 
the  ward  of  their  God,  and  I’the  ward  of  the  pun 
fication,  according- to  the  commandment  of  David, 
and  of  Solomon  his  son. 

46  For  in  the  days  of  David  land  Asaph  of  old 
there  were  chief  of  the  singers,  and  songs  of  praist 
and  thanksgiving  unto  God. 

47  And  all  Israel  in  the  days  of  'Zerubbabel, 
and  in  the  days  of  Nehemiah,  “gave  the  portions 
of  the  singers  and  the  porters,  every  day  his  por 
tion:  and  ‘they  “sanctified  holy  things  unto  the 
Levites;  and  the  Levites  sanctified  them  unto  the 
children  of  Aaron. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

On  reading  the  law,  Israel  separates from  themixed  multitude,  I — 3.  Eliashib 
having , during  Nehemiah' a absence,  prepared  a chamber  at  the  temple  for 
Tobiah,  Nehemiah  on  his  return,  being  grieved  and  indignant,  causes  the 
chambers  to  be  cleansed,  4 — 9.  He  i eforms  abuses  concerning  tithes  and 
offerings,  10 — 14.  He  prevents  the  profanation  of  the  sabbath,  15 — 22.  He 
opposes  those  who  had  married  strange  wives,  and  drives  away  the  grandson 
of  Eliashib,  23 — 28.  His  other  services  and  prayers,  29 — 31 . 

ON  that  day  'they  read  in  the  book  of  Moses 
in  the  taudience  of  the  people;  and  therein 
was  found  written,  that  “the  Ammonite  and  the 
bMoabite  should  not  come  into  the  congregation 
of  God  for  ever  ; > 

2 Because  they  met  not  the  children  of  Israe 
with  bread  and  with  water,  but  'hired  Balaam 
against  them,  that  he  should  curse  them  : howbeit 
dour  God  turned  the  curse  into  a blessing. 

3 Now  it  came  to  pass,  'when  they  had  heard 
the  law,  'that  they  separated  from  Israel  all  Hhe 
mixed  multitude. 


31.  Is.  40:31.  Rom.  12:1.  5 Heb.  stood,  o 1 Chr.  25:  26:  p 1 Chr.  23:28.  2 Chr. 
23:6.  q 1 Chr.  25:1,  Sc.  2 Chr.  29:30.  Ps.  73:— 83:  titles,  r 1,12,36.  s 10:35 
—39.13:10—12.  2 Chr.  31:5,6.  Mai.  3:8— 10.  Gal.  6:6.  t Num.  18:21— 29. 
II  That  is,  set  apart.  * Heb.  there  was  read.  8:3—8.  9:3.  Deut.  31:11,12 
2 Kings  23:2.  Is.  34:16.  Luke  4:16— 19.  10:26.  Acts  13:15,27.  15:21.  t Heb. 
ears.  a 23.  Deut.  23:3 — 5.  Is.  15:  16:  Jer.  48:  Ez.25:l — 11.  Am.  2:1 — 3 
b 2:10,19.  4:3.  Ps.  83:7—9.  Jer.  49:1— 6.  Am.  1 :13— 15.  c Num.  22:3— 6.  Josh. 
24:9,10.  d Num.  23:8—11,18—24.  24:5— 9.  Ps.  109:28.  Mic.  6:5.  e Ps.  19:7 
— 11.119:9,11.  Prov.  6:23.  Rom.  3:20.  f 9:2.  10:28.  Ezra  10:11.  Jam.  1:27. 
g Ex.  12:38.  Num.  11:4  . 

the  Lord. — Those  who  would  be  instrumental  in  the  conver- 
sion of  sinners,  and  the  sanctification  of  believers,  must  begin 
with  themselves:  and  when  we  “ acknowledge  God  in  all  our 
ways,”  he  will  so  prosper  and  comfort  us  as  often  to  cause  us 
to  rejoice  with  great  joy. — If  our  families  be  trained  up  to 
join  in  the  solemn  worship  of  God,  and  in  attendance  on  his 
word,  we  may  hope  that  they  will  share  our  joys  and  privi- 
leges ; and  the  prosperity  of  the  church  gladdens  the  hearts 
of  all  true  believers  : and  in  all  cases  where  the  ministers  of 
religion  generally  come  forward  in  support  of  pious  and  bene- 
volent measures,  with  zeal  and  alacrity,  to  the  satisfaction  of 
all  concerned  ; they  take  the  most  effectual  method  not  only 
of  doing  much  good,  but  of  securing  the  liberal  and  cheerful 
payment  or  contribution  for  the  supply  of  themselves  and 
families.  When  their  affections  are  thus  lively,  they  will  bo 
disposed  to  love  and  rejoice  in  those  ministers  who  are  in- 
strumental to  their  comfort ; and  to  care  for  their  suitable 
provision.  They  ought,  however,  to  attend  to  their  several 
duties,  and  not  to  be  anxious  about  their  interests;  and  then 
God  will  stir  up  the  hearts  of  the  people  to  supply  them  in  a 
comfortable  and  creditable  manner.  This  they  may  receive 
with  songs  of  praise  and  thanksgiving,  and  need  not  fear 
sanctifying  a portion  even  of  their  portion,  to  the  more  im- 
mediate service  of  God  and  the  support  of  his  cause. 

NOTES. — Chap.  XIII.  V.  1 — 3.  Some  expositors  think 
that  the  events  recorded  in  these  verses  took  place  several 
years  after  those  related  in  the  former  chapter,  and  that, 
during  a great  part  of  the  time,  Nehemiah  had  been  absent 
at  the  Persian  court.  But  the  introductory  language  seems 
rather  to  imply,  that  they  occurred  immediately:  though  the 
words  “ on  that  day”  may  be  understood  with  some  latitude, 
and  may  mean,  about  that  time.  Indeed,  it  can  hardly  be 
supposed,  that  when  the  gross  abuses  stated  in  the  sequel  of 
the  chapter  prevailed,  the  public  reading  of  the  law  at  the 
temple  was  regularly  kept  up,  and  the  people  zealous  to  re- 
duce it  to  practice.  It  is  therefore  more  probable  that,  before 
Nehemiah  left  Jerusalem,  or  when  he  was  first  gone,  the  law 
was  publicly  read  and  expounded  to  the  congregation.  (Notes, 
8:1 — 8,13 — 18.  9:3,4.)  At  that  time  the  passage  here  referred 
to,  coming  in  course,  excited  peculiar  attention  ; and  the 
people  of  their  own  accord,  without  compulsion,  but  with  tho 
concurrence  of  the  magistrates,  resolved  to  separate  from  the 
intimate  society  of  tho  mixed  multitude,  especially  of  Am- 
monites and  Moabites,  according  to  the  meaning  of  the  law. 
(Marg.  Ref.  a,  b.  Notes,  Deut.  23:3 — 6.)  Whether  inter- 
marriages with  any  of  those  nations,  even  when  fully  prose- 
lyted, or  with  their  descendants,  was,  or  was  not,  intended  m 
tho  law,  many  instances  would  doubtless  occur,  in  which  a 
separation  would  bo  required  ; for  probably  few,  in  com- 
parison of  those  with  whom  alliances  had  been  formed,  were 
fully  proselyted. — It  is  supposed,  that  from  the  days  of 


B.  C.  428. 


CHAPTER  XIII.  B.  C.  428 


4 H And  before  this,  ''Eliashib  the  priest,  "having 
the  oversight  of  the  chamber  of  the  house  of  our 
God,  was  ‘allied  unto  Tobiah  : 

5 And  he  had  prepared  for  him  ka  great  cham- 
ber, where  aforetime  they  laid  the  meat-offerings, 
the  frankincense,  and  the  vessels,  and  the  tithes  of 
the  corn,  the  new  wine,  and  the  oil,  (Hvhich  was 
commanded  to  be  given  to  the  Levites,  and  the 
singers,  and  the  porters,)  and  the  offerings  of  the 
priests. 

6 But  'in  all  this  time  was  not  I at  Jerusalem : 
B.c.-i  lor  in  mthe  two  and  thirtieth  year  of  Artaxer- 
433  -*  xes  king  of  Babylon,  came  I unto  the  king, 
and  taffer  certain  days  ^obtained  I leave  of  the 
king : 

7 And  I came  to  Jerusalem,  and  "understood  of 
the  evil  that  Eliashib  did  for  Tobiah,  °in  preparing 
him  a chamber  in  the  courts  of  the  house  of  God.' 

8 And  Pit  grieved  me  sore  : therefore  9l  cast 
forth  all  the  household-stuff  of  Tobiah  out  of  the 
chamber. 

9 Then  I commanded,  and  rthey  cleansed  the 
chambers  : and  thither  brought  I again  the  vessels 
of  the  house  of  God,  with  the  meat-offering  and 
the  frankincense. 

10  H And  I perceived  that ’the  portions  of  the 
Levites  had  not  been  given  them:  for  the  Levites 

h 7.  12:10.  • Heb.  bein’  set  over.  12:44.  i 36.  6: 17,18.  It  10:38,39.  12:0.  I Heb. 
the  commandment  of  ike  Lev ii. 4.  Num.  18:21 — 24.  1 Ex. 32:1.  2 Chr.  24:17, 
18.  Matt.  13:25.  in  2: 1.5:14.  + Heb.  at  the  end  of  days.  2:5,6.  § Or.  I ear. 
nestly  requested.  n Ezra  9:1.  k Cor.  1:11.  o 1,5.  Lam.  1:10.  Matt. 21:12,13. 
Act*  21:28,29.  p Ezra  9:3,4.  10:1.  Ps.  69:9.  q Mark  11:15—17.  John  2:13— 17. 
r 12:45.  2 Chr.  29:5,15— 19.  * 10:37.12:47.  Mai.  1:6— 14.  1 Tim.  5:17,18. 

t Num.  35:2.  u 17,25.  5:6— 13.  Job  31:34.  Prov.  28:4.  x 10:39.  lSam.2:17. 
Mai.  3:8— 11.  II  Heb.  standing . y 10:37—39.  Lev.  27:30.  Num.  18:20-26. 
Deut.  14:22.  IT  Or,  storehouse*,  z 12:44.  2 Chr.  31:12 — 15.  a 3:30.  b 8:4. 

and  Nehemiah,  synagogues  were  built  in  every  part  of  the 
land  where  God  was  publicly  worshipped,  and  his  word  read, 
expounded,  or  preached  ; which  produced  very  salutary  ef- 
fects. {Notes,  2 Kings  4:23.  2 Chr.  17:7—9.)  A copy  of 
the  Scriptures  then  extant,  was  placed  in  every  synagogue  ; 
and  the  whole  was  divided  into  portions  or  lessons  for  the 
several  days  when  they  were  accustomed  to  assemble  for  that 
purpose ; and  probably  the  same  became  the  general  usage 
tn  the  court  of  the  temple.  {Luke  4:16 — 22.  Acts  13:13 — 
15.  15:21.) 

V.  4.  Eliashib  had  before  this  formed  an  alliance  with 
Tobiah  the  Ammonite,  but  perhaps  secretly  to  escape  cen- 
sure. {Notes,  2:9,10,19,20.  4:  6:17 — 19.)  It  does  not  appear, 
that  the  high-priest  was,  or  that  his  sons  were,  married  to 
any  of  Tobiah’s  family : but  he  was  confederated  with  him, 
and  related  to  those  who  were  ; and  his  authority  over  the 
temple  and  all  its  buildings,  enabled  him  to  commit  that  scan- 
dalous profanation  which  is  next  related. — The  word  rendered 
“ chamber,”  seems  to  mean  the  out-buildings  of  the  temple  in 
general. 

V.  5,  G.  Nehemiah  was  first  commissioned  by  Artaxerxes 
in  the  twentieth  year  of  his  reign  ; and  this  journey  to  court 
took  place  in  his  thirty-second  year ; so  that  twelve  years 
had  elapsed,  concerning  which  we  have  little  account : and 
the  following  events  occurred  after  the  end  of  those  years. — 
When  Nehemiah  was  gone  from  Jerusalem,  Eliashib  seems 
to  have  invited  Tobiah  thither:  and  though  all  Moabites  and 
Ammonites  had  been  publicly  excluded  from  the  congregation, 
according  to  the  law  of  God  ; yet  the  high-priest  admitted 
this  unproselyted  Ammonite,  who  was  as  bitter  an  enemy  to 
Israel  as  Balak  or  Balaam  had  been,  even  into  the  chambers 
of  the  temple ; casting  out  thence  the  consecrated  oblations 
to  make  room  for  him;  (2  Chr.  31:11 — 13,  v.  12.  Notes, 
10:35—39.  12:44—47.  1 Kings  6:5,6.  1 Chr.  28:11—13.) 

and  probably  forming  him  a sumptuous  apartment,  by  throw- 
ing many  of  them  into  one!— This  was  as  great  contempt  of 
the  divine  law,  profanation  of  the  temple,  and  disgrace  of  the 
priesthood,  as  could  well  he  imagined. 

King  of  Babylon.  (6)  The  kings  of  Persia  reigned  over 
Babylon,  and  all  the  regions  which  had  been  before  subject 
to  the  kings  of  Babylon : but  their  general  residence  was  at 
Shushan,  or  Susa.  (1:1)  This  was  much  more  distant  from 
Jerusalem  than  Babylon : but  Nehemiah,  most  probably, 
journeyed  thither  on  this  occasion. 

V.  7 — 9.  Nehemiah  is  generally  supposed  to  have  been 
absent  from  Jerusalem  only  one  year:  but  the  great  abuses 
which  prevailed  at  his  return  favour  the  opinion  of  those  who 
think  that  about  five  years  intervened  ; and  there  is  nothing 
in  the  text  that  militates  against  it : for  the  words  rendered 
“ after  certain  days,”  or,  at  the  end  of  days,  (6.  marg.)  do 
not  necessarily  signify  after  one  year,  but  may  denote  a longer 
time.  {Dan.  12:13.  Heb.)  At  his  return,  however,  he  was 
greatly  afflicted  and  displeased  at  what  had  taken  place,  and 
le  soon  exercised  his  authority  in  the  most  decided  manner, 
o clear  the  temple  from  such  a profanation,  and  to  purify  the 
chambers  in  the  appointed  and  accustomed  manner,  that  they 
night  be  restored  to  their  proper  use.  (Notes,  5:6,7.  Ezra 
9:3 — 15.  10:2.) — It  is  probable  that  Eliashib  was  dead  before 


and  the  singers,  that  did  the  work,  were  fled  every 
one  lto  his  field. 

11  Then  "contended  I with  the  rulers,  ano  said 
xWhy  is  the  house  of  God  forsaken?  And  * 
gathered  them  together,  and  set  them  in  the. 
"place. 

12  Then  ^brought  all  Judah  the  tithe  of  the 
corn,  and  the  new  wine,  and  the  oil  unto  tht 
■“treasuries. 

13  And  ZI  made  treasurers  over  ihe  treasuries. 
"Shelemiah  the  priest,  and  Zadok  the  scribe ; and 
of  the  Levites,  Tedaiah  : and  "next  to  them  war 
Hanan  the  son  of  "Zaccur,  the  son  of  dMattaniah  • 
for  they  were  'counted  faithful;  and  “their  office 
was  ‘ to  distribute  unto  their  brethren. 

[ Practical  Observations .] 

14  ^Remember  me,  O my  God,  concerning  this, 
and  wipe  norout  my  itgood  deeds  that  I have  done 
hfor  the  house  of  my  God,  and  for  the  ^offices 
thereof. 

15  H In  those  days  saw  I in  Judah  some  ‘tread- 
ing wine-presses  on  the  sabbath,  and  bringing  in 
sheaves,  and  lading  asses ; as  also  wine,  grapes, 
and  figs,  and  all  manner  o/’kburdens,  which  they 
brought  into  Jerusalem  on  the  sabbath-day  : and 
‘I  testified  against  them,  in  the  day  wherein  they 
sold  victuals. 


•*  Heb.  at  l/ieir  hrrnd.  cl0:12.  d 11:22.  12:35.  e 7:2.  2 Kings  12:15.  22:7. 
Luke  12:42.  16:10—12.  Acts  6:3.  1 Cor.  4:2.  1 Tim.  1:12.  ft  Heb.  it  was  upon 
them.  f Acts4:35.  6:1.  g 22,31.  5:19.  Heb.  6:10.  Rev.  3:5.  }}  Heb.  kindnesses 
h 1 Chr.  29:3.  2 Chr.  24:16.  31:20,21.  Ezra  7:20,24,27.  Ps.  122:6—9.  §§  Or, 

observations,  i Ex.  20:8—11.  34:21.  35:2.  Is.  58:13.  Ez.  20:13.  k 10:31.  Num. 
15:32— 36.  Jer.  17:21,22,24,27.  121.9:29.  Deut.  8:19.  2 Chr.  24 : 19.  P*.  50.7 
Jer.  42:19.  Mic.  6:3.  Acts  2:40.  20:21.  Gal.  5:3.  Eph.4:17.  lThes.4:6.  Rev 
22:18,19. 


Nehemiah  returned  ; and  that  Tobiah  did  not  choose  to  aj> 
pear  at  Jerusalem  to  see  after  his  furniture. 

V.  1(> — 13.  As  the  high*priest  had  ventured  profanely  to 
appropriate  the  chambers  of  the  temple  for  the  entertain- 
ment of  an  Ammonite ; perhaps  he  had  also  sacrilegiously 
intercepted  the  revenues  of  the  Levites  for  similar  purposes 
or  the  people  were  reluctant  to  pay  their  tithes,  when  so 
bad  a use  was  made  of  them,  or  so  little  care  was  taken  of 
them.  (Note,  12:44 — 47.)  Thus  the  Levites  were  driven 
from  their  office,  to  get  their  living  by  cultivating  the  land, 
or  by  other  secular  employments  ; and  the  temple  service, 
especially  the  psalmody,  was  interrupted. — The  rulers,  who 
had  been  left  in  trust,  ought  to  have  exerted  their  authority 
to  prevent  such  mismanagement  ; but  probably  they  had 
concurred  in  it,  out  of  regard  to  their  secular  interests  ; and 
therefore  Nehemiah  called  them  to  account  for  this  misconduct. 
Malachi  is  supposed  to  have  prophesied  about  this  time,  and 
he  seems  repeatedly  to  refer  to  these  abuses.  (Notes,  Mai. 
1:9 — 14.  3:7 — 12.)  ‘It  is  a great  artifice  of  the  devil,  by  his 
instruments  to  defraud  the  ministers  of  religion  of  their  ne- 
cessary maintenance,  that  he  may  thereby  abolish  religion 
itself.’  JVolphius,  in  Bp.  Patrick.  (Notes,  1 Cor.  9:7 — 18.) 
Nehemiah,  however,  not  only  recalled  the  Levites,  but 
having,  it  seems,  without  difficulty,  induced  the  people  to 
bring  their  tithes,  he  placed  the  distribution  of  them  in  the 
hands  of  faithful  men,  in  whom  all  parties  reposed  confi- 
dence. (Notes,  2 Chr.  31:15 — 19.  Acts,  6:1 — 6.) 

V.  14.  (Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref.)  It  is  evident  Nehe- 
miah expected  that  the  Lord  would  remember  his  good  deeds, 
and  vouchsafe  them  a gracious  recompense,  notwithstanding 
defects  in  them,  and  sin  in  him;  after  the  same  manner,  as 
even  the  apostle  Paul  assures  the  Hebrews,  that  the  Lord 
would  “ not  forget  their  work  and  labour  of  love  not  as 
claiming  “ a reward  of  debt.”  (Notes,  20 — 22,  v.  22.  Rom . 
4:4,5.  Heb.  6:9,10.)  But  it  is  also  worthy  of  notice,  that 
these  “ good  deeds,”  or  kindnesses,  44  which  he  had  done  for 
the  house  of  God,”  consisted  in  using  his  authority  to  protect 
the  ministers  of  religion,  from  those  who  defrauded  them  of 
their  maintenance.  There  have  been  times,  when  enriching 
the  clergy  beyond  all  bounds,  and  without  requiring  them  to 
attend  on  their  ministry,  was  thought  the  height  of  piety:  but 
it  may  be  questioned  whether  rulers  may  not  at  present,  as 
well  as  for  some  past  ages,  have  run  into  the  contrary  ex- 
treme ; and  Nehemiah’s  firm  and  prudent  conduct  in  this 
respect,  might  be  imitated  with  good  effect  by  Christian 
princes  and  rulers.  (Note,  2 Chr.  31:5 — 7.  P.  O.  1 — 10.) 

V.  15 — 18.  It  can  hardly  be  supposed,  that  in  the  course 
of  one  year  of  Nehemiah’s  absence,  such  gross  and  open  pro- 
fanation of  the  sabbath  should  have  been  introduced  and 
become  general.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  10:30,31.  Num.  15- 
30 — 36.  Jer.  17:19 — 27.  John  5:10 — 16.) — The  Tyrians,  as 
heathens,  not  regarding  the  sabbath,  tempted  the  Jews  to 
break  it  by  trading  with  them.  The  magistrates  must,  have 
been  shamefully  negligent,  in  conniving  at  these  abuses,  till 
they  were  become  so  notorious  : and,  the  nation  seemed  to 
be  proceeding,  in  many  respects,  as  their  fathers  had  done,  m 
provoking  the  wrath  of  God  against  them. — Fish.  (16)  How. 
far  the  concessions  made  by  our  laws,  ui  respect  o 
( 855  ) 


B C.  428. 


NEHEMIAH.  R.  C.  428. 


J 6 There  dwelt  mmen  of  Tyre  also  therein, 
which  brought  fish,  and  all  manner  of  ware,  and 
sold  on  the  sabbath  unto  the  children  of  Judah, 
and  ;n  Jerusalem. 

17  Then  "I  contended  with  the  nobles  of  Ju- 
dah, and  said  unto  them,  What  evil  thing  is  this 
that  ye  do,  and  profane  the  sabbath-day  ? 

18  “Did  not  your  fathers  thus,  and  did  not  our 
God  bring  all  this  evil  upon  us,  and  upon  this 
city  ? yet  rye  bring  more  wrath  upon  Israel  by 
profaning  the  sabbath. 

19  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  when  the  gates  of 
Jerusalem,  ibegan  to  be  dark  before  the  sabbath, 
rI  commanded  that  the  gates  should  be  shut,  and 
charged  that  they  should  not  be  opened  till  after 
the  sabbath : and  some  of  my  servants  set  I at  the 
gates,  that  there  should  no  burden  be  brought  in 
on  the  sabbath-day. 

20  So  the  merchants  and  sellers  of  all  kind 
of  warp  lodged  without  Jerusalem  once  or 
twice. 

21  Then  BI  testified  against  them,  and  said  unto 
them,  Why  lodge  ye  'about  the  wall?  if  ye  do  so 
again, *  l * * *I  will  lay  hands  on  you.  From  that  time 
forth  came  they  no  more  on  the  sabbath. 

22  And  UI  commanded  the  Levites,  that  they 
should  xcleanse  themselves,  and  that  they  should 
come  and  keep  the  gates,  to  ^sanctify  the  sabbath- 
day.  “Remember  me,  O my  God,  concerning' 
this  also,  and  aspare  me  according  to  the  tgreat- 
ness  of  thy  mercy. 

23  H In  those  days  alsc^saw  I Jews  btliat  had 

in  Ex.  23. 12.  Deut.  5:14.  n 11,25.  5:7.  Ps.  62:1,2.  Is.  1:10.  Jer.  5:5.  13: 
18.  22:2,  Sc.  Mic.  3:1,9.  o Ezra  9:13-15.  Jer.  17:23,27.  41:9,22.  Ez.  23: 
8,26.  Zech.  1 :4-6.  p Lev.  26:18,28.  Num.  32:14.  Josh. 22:17,13.  qLev.23: 
32.  r7:3.  Ex.  31:14— 17.  Jer.  17:19— 22.  s See  on  15.  • Heb.  before,  t Ezra 
7:26.  Horn.  13:3,4.  lPet.2:14.  u 7:64,65.  2 Kings23:4.  1 Chr.  15:12 — 14. 
2 Chr.  29.4,5,24.27,30.  Is.  49:23.  x 12:10.  y Dent.  5:12.  z 14,31.  5:19.  Ps. 
132:1 — 5.  Is.  38:3.  2 Cor.  1:12.  2 Tim.  4:7, 8,  nPs.25:6,7.  51:1.  130:3,4,7. 

143:1,2.  t Or,  multitude.  Ps.  5:7.  Is.  55:7.  b 10:30.  Ezra  9:2,11,12.  10:10,44. 
2 Cor.  6:14.  } Heb.  made  to  dwell  with  them.  cl  Sam.  5:1.  d See  on  1—3. 

selling  some  fish  on  the  Lord’s  day,  agree  with  this,  or  con- 
sist with  hallowing  the  sabbath,  may  fairly  be  questioned. 

V.  19.  Some  of  my  servants,  &c.]  ( Notes , 4:16,18 — 23. 

5:14 — 18.)  Nehemiah  could  place  more  dependence  in  this 
case  on  his  own  attendants,  than  on  the  porters  appointed 
by  the  nobles  and  rulers  of  Judah;  who  probably  counte- 
nanced this  profanation,  in  order  to  indulge  their  luxury  or 
avarice. 

V.  20 — 22.  The  merchants  and  dealers,  from  Tyre  and 
other  places,  still  hoped  to  find  some  opportunity  of  trading 
on  the  sabbath,  either  with  the  citizens  or  countrymen  ; but, 
as  they  were  endeavouring  to  induce  the  Jews  to  break  the 
law  of  God,  and  also  that  of  the  rulers  of  Judah  ; Nehemiah 
solemnly  assured  them,  that  if  they  did  not  desist,  he  would 
proceed  to  inflict  punishment  on  them. — He  also  appointed 
the  Levites  to  watch  the  gates,  perhaps  supposing  they 
would  be  more  regarded  than  his  servants  ; and  also,  because 
he  would  have  the  watch  continued,  even  if  he  should  leave 
Jerusalem. — This  reformation  seems  to  have  produced  very 
durable  effects;  for  in  the  after  ages  of  the  Jewish  church, 
they  became  exact  even  to  superstition  in  observing  the  sab- 
bath. Probably,  his  other  regulations  were  at  last  equally 
effectual;  but  we  have  no  more  canonical  history  concerning 
them. 

Remember , &c.  (22)  ‘Nehemiah  had  besought  God  to 
“remember  his  good  deeds;”  (14)  but  to  show  that  he  did 
not  think  there  was  any  proper  merit  or  worthiness  in  them, 
which  required  a reward  as  a debt,  in  justice  due  to  them, 
he  here  explains  himself;  and  desires  to  be  rewarded,  or 
rattier  pardoned,  our.  of  God’s  free  goodness,  according  to  the 
greatness  or  the  multitude , of  his  mercies.’  Bp.  Patrick. 
(Notes,  31.  Ps.  106:4,5.  119:132.  Luke  23:39 — 43.) 

V.  23 — 30.  Some  time  must  have  elapsed  q/ter  Nche- 
miah’s  departure  from  Jerusalem,  before  the  children  of  these 
marriages  could  betray  their  origin  by  their  speech  : for 
though  the  Ashdodites  lived  near  the  Jews,  their  language 
was,  it  seems,  materially  different  from  theirs:  yet  probably 
they  were  not  contracted  before  that  event,  and  the  reform 
seems  to  have  been  made  very  soon  after  his  return.  This 
separation  also  evidently  was  diverse  from  that  recorded  be- 
fore : (Note,  1 — 3.)  for  that  was  the  effect  of  reading  the 
law,  and  by  voluntary  consent ; this  by  more  vehement  and 
coercive  measures. — When  this  zealous  reformer  found 
these  undeniable  proofs  of  the  people’s  guilt,  he  began  with- 
out delay  to  put  a stop  to  the  evil.  He  contended,  or  vehe- 
mently argued,  the  matter,  with  those  who  were  concerned; 
proving  the  criminality  and  the  fatal  effects  of  such  mar- 
riages from  the  Scriptures,  in  an  unanswerable  manner. 
(Notes,  1 Kings  11:1 — 13.)  He  then  denounced  the  awful 
curse  of  God  upon  such  as  persist  ed  in  disobedience,  and  per- 
haps, excluded  them  from  the  congregation:  he  punished  such 

were  refractory,  with  immediate  scourging;  and  put  others 

( S56  ) 


f married  wives  of  "Ashdod,  of  d Ammon,  and  of 
Moab : 

24  And  their  children  spake  ■‘lalf  in  the  speech  ol 
Ashdod,and  §could  notspeak  in  the  Jews’  language, 
but  according  to  the  language  of  “each  people. 

25  And  eI  contended  with  them,  f and  ’’cursed 
them,  and  esmote  certain  of  them,  and  hplucked  off 
their  hair,  and  'made  them  swear  by  God,  saying, 
kYe  shall  not  give  your  daughters  unto  their  sons, 
nor  take  their  daughters  unto  your  sons,  or  for 
yourselves. 

26  ’Did  not  Solomon  l ng  of  Israel  sin  by  these 
things?  myet  among  many  nations  was  there  no 
king  like  him,  who  was  Deloved  of  his  God,  and 
God  made  him  king  over  all  Israel : nevertheless 
even  him  did  outlandish  women  canse  to  sin. 

27  "Shall  we  then  hearken  unto  you  to  do  nil 
this  great  evil,  to  transgress  against  our  God  in 
marrying  strange.  wives? 

28  And  one  of  the  sons  of  "Joiada,  the  son  of 
pEliashib  the  high-priest,  was  son-in-law  to 
rSanballat  the  Horonite  : therefore  SI  chased  him 
from  me. 

29  'Remember  them,  O my  God,  "because  they 
have  defiled  the  priesthood,  and  “the  covenant  of 
the  priesthood,  and  of  the  Levites. 

30  Thus  xcleansed  I them  from  all  strangers, 
and  ^appointed  the  wards  of  the  priests  and  the 
Levites,  every  one  in  his  business  ; 

31  And  for  “the  wood-offering,  at  times  ap- 
pointed, and  for  the  first-fruits.  “Remember  me, 

0 my  God,  for  good. 

§ Heb.  they  discerned  not  to  speak.  I!  Heb.  people  and  people.  Zeph.  3:9.  e 11 
17.  Pro*.  28:4  f 5:13.  Dent.  27: 14— 20.  IT  Or,  reviled.  Luke  1 1 :45,46.  e Deut. 
25:2,3.  Ezra  7:26.  h Is.  50:6.  i 10:29,30.  Deut.  6:13.  2 Chr.  15:12— 15.  Ezra 
10:5.  kEx.  34:16.  Deut.  7:3.  I 1 Kings  11:1-8.  Ec.  7:26.  m2  Sam.  12:24, 
25.  1 Kings  3:13.  2 Chr.  t:12.  n I Sum.  30:24.  ol2:l0,22.  p3:l.  q_4,5.  6, 
17—19.  r 2 19.  s 25.  Ps.  101:8.  Prov.  20:8,26.  Horn.  13:3,4.  t 6:14.  Ps.  50:6 
— 13.  2Tim.  4: 14.  *•  Heb.  for  the  dealings  of.  Lev.  21:1 — 7.  u Num.  16:9 
10.  25:12,13.  1 Sam.  2:30.  Mai.  2:4— 8,11, 12.  x 10:30.  y 12:2-26.  1 Chr.  23 
—26:  z 10:34.  a 14,22.  Ps.25:7.  106:4.  Luke  23:42. 

of  them  under  a disgraceful  stigma,  by  plucking  off  their 
hair;  (Note,  Is.  50:5,6.)  and  made  them  all  solemnly  swear 
to  separate  from  their  heathen  wives.  (Notes,  5:10 — 13 
10:29 — 31.  Ezra  9:  10:  Mai.  2:1 — 16.) — Among  the  other 
examples  of  his  impartial  severity,  he  banished  the  grandson 
of  Eliashib,  who  had  married  the  daughter  of  Sanballat. 
(Notes,  Lev.  21:7 — 15.)  Josephus  relates  that  this  young 
man  was  named  Manasseh,  and  that  at  his  instance  San- 
ballat and  the  Samaritans  built  their  temple  upon  mount 
Gerizim,  in  opposition  to  that  at  Jerusalem ; at  which  he 
officiated,  in  some  measure,  according  to  the  ritual  appoint- 
ments of  Moses.  Hence  schism,  emulation,  and  rancorous 
enmity  between  the  two  nations,  were  perpetuated  to  future 
ages.  The  authority,  which  Nehemiah  exercised  over  the 
priests,  even  the  chief  of  them,  and  in  requiring  the  ministers 
of  religion  to  attend  to  their  several  duties ; as  well  as  over 
the  people,  requiring  them  to  render  the  priests  and  Levites 
their  dues ; is  no  where  expressly  enjoined  on  governors,  or 
kings,  in  the  Mosaic  law  : yet  as  this  exercise  of  authority 
was  entirely  limited  to  the  things  which  God  had  commanded, 
he  performed  a good  and  acceptable  service,  and  properly 
improved  his  talents.  (Notes,  2 Chr.  29:3 — 5.  30:12.) 

Remember  them,  &c.  (29)  By  visiting  with  some  evident 
token  of  his  holy  indignation  the  principal  offenders  in  these 
things,  the  Lord  would  both  display  his  own  glory,  and  give 
a salutary  warning  to  others,  tending  to  repress  such  gross 
violations  of  his  law ; and  even  to  bring  the  offenders  to  re- 
pentance. (Notes,  Lev.  10:1 — 3.  21:7 — 15.  Num.  25:11 — 13. 

1 Cor.  5:1 — 5,  v.  5.) 

V.  31.  ‘It  becomes  all  men,  especially  those  who  are 

employed  in  divine  things,  if  they  have  done  any  thing  that  is 
good,  to  remember  it  was  by  God’s  help  and  assistance,  not 
by  their  own  power:  beseeching  the  Father  of  mercies,  by 
his  only  begotten  Son,  to  make  it  serviceable  to  his  church, 
and  his  own  good.’  IVolphius,  in  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 14.  The  public  reading  of  the  whole  word  of  God, 
as  far  as  it  relates  to  our  faith  and  practice,  is  of  immense 
advantage  to  true  religion.  Though  we  have  heard  many 
sermons,  and  have  the  Bible  in  our  hands,  few  of  us  arc 
acquainted  with  every  part  of  it  ; and  many  live  in  violation 
of  its  injunctions,  through  ignorance  or  *nattention.  But 
when  those  who  are  well  disposed  hear  the  word  of  God  con- 
demn any  part  of  their  conduct,  they  are  reminded  to  repent 
and  seek  forgiveness,  and  to  break  otf  the  sin,  and  attend  to 
the  neglected  duty. — They  who  are  unkind  to  the  people  of 
God,  who  attempt  to  afflict  them,  or  who  wish  them  evil, 
will  be  punished  as  his  enemies  ; ami  he  will  turn  their  curses 
and  malicious  deeds  into  blessings  to  those  who  teust  and 
obey  him. — Alas,  how  prone  is  human  nature  to  evil!  When 
the  restraints  of  influence  or  authority  ate  withdrawn,  men 
break  out  into  those  excesses  of  whirl,  ti  c>  see  tied  incapa- 


B.  C.  460. 


CHAPTER  I 


B.  C.  460 


bio  ; whilst  tho  eyo  ami  authority  of  God  are  treated  with 
almost  atheistical  disregard. — They  who  have  enjoyed  the 
Highest  dignities  in  the  visible  church,  by  divine  right,  have 
sometimes  been  equally  distinguished  by  sacrilegious  impiety  ; 
and  have  openly  committed  those  crimes,  which  the  most 
profane  of  tho  laity  would  not  have  ventured  on  without  hesi- 
tation and  dismay  1 But  if  sacredness  of  character  will  not 
restrain  men  from  setting  a pernicious  example,  it  should 
not  shelter  them  from  censure,  or  condign  punishment  by  the 
magistrate.  (Note,  1 Kings  2:26,27.) — As  nobles  have  too 
generally,  in  every  ago  and  country,  deemed  themselves 
privileged  to  disregard  the  divine’ law  and  many  human  insti- 
tutions obligatory  on  others  ; magistrates  and  reformers  need 
courage  and  resolution,  as  well  as  impartiality  and  integrity. 
— Our  grief,  for  the  sins  which  we  witness,  should  stimulate 
us  to  oppose  them  strenuously,  according  to  the  duty  of  our 
station,  and  not  induce  us  to  yield  to  unmanly  despondency. 
— It  is  not  expedient,  that  magistrates  or  ministers  should 
be  long  absent  from  their  respective  charges  : for  “ one  sinner” 
will  often  take  advantage  of  their  absence,  to  “ destroy  much 
good  and  by  example,  insinuation,  and  influence,  to  sub- 
vert their  most  useful  regulations,  and  to  render  their  designs 
abortive. — Few  ministers  are  willing,  during  any  length  of 
time,  to  labour  in  their  ministry,  under  the  pressure  or  the 
prospect  of  indigence ; but  most  of  them  will  turn  to  more 
profitable  occupations  : so  that  depriving  the  clergy  of  a 
suitable  maintenance  forms  one  of  Satan’s  projects,  for 
causing  the  house  and  ordinances  of  God  to  be  forsaken. 
Pious  magistrates  should  peculiarly  attend  to  this  : they 
should  take  care  that  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  be  en- 
couraged to  labour  in  their  proper  places,  and  that  a compe- 
tent provision  be  made  for  them  : nor  are  any,  except  men 
of  approved  fidelity,  to  be  trusted  in  such  concerns. 

V.  15 — 31.  The  due  observance  of  the  Lord’s  day  forms 
an  important  object  for  the  attention  of  those  who  would 
promote  true  godliness  : and  the  Christian  magistrate  ought 
to  take  proper  measures,  to  prevent  that  sacred  season  from 
being  profaned  by  labour,  mer  handise,  or  those  occupations 
which  subserve  the  luxury  and  pride  of  life.  As  nobles  too 
commonly  set  the  example  both  of  breaking  God’s  command- 
ments, and  of  disregarding  royal  edicts,  in  this  particular ; 
they  must  first  be  contended  with,  and  vigorously  urged  to  do 
their  duty.  Persons  in  the  higher  orders  of  society,  in  gene- 
ral, little  consider  the  extensive  effects  of  their  misconduct: 
if  they  violate  the  holy  day  of  God,  others  will  assuredly 
imitate  their  impiety  ; and  thus  the  floodgates  of  ungodliness 
and  wickedness  will  be  thrown  open,  which  must  bring  the 
wrath  of  God  on  guilty  nations.  Indeed  tho  present  state  of 


unprincipled  profligacy  in  these  kingdoms,  may  be  shown  in 
great  measure  to  originate  from  the  relaxed  sentiments 
which  some  time  after  the  reformation  began  to  prevail 
concerning  the  spending’  of  the  sabbath.  And  as  these  have 
gained  ground,  that  holy  day  has  gradually  become  more  and 
more  the  time  when  the  lower  orders  are  let  loose  to  cor- 
rupt one  another. — It  is  also  necessary  to  repeat  the  obser- 
vation, that  improper  marriages  have  ensnared  the  wisest 
men,  have  always  led  to  apostacies,  and  tended  to  the  ruin  ol 
succeeding  generations.  The  children  readily  imbibe  the 
principles  of  the  infidel  or  ungodly  parent,  and  soon  forget  the 
very  language  and  appearance  of  piety  ; or  substitute  a cor- 
rupt religion,  in  the  stead  of  that  which  comes  from  God,  and 
leads  to  him. — Mothers  likewise  have  a very  important  part 
allotted  them  in  forming  the  manners  of  mankind  : as  the  care 
of  children  in  their  tender  years  is  almost  wholly  committed 
to  them.  It  is  therefore  of  great  consequence  to  society 
that  females  should  be  educated  with  a view  to  this  most 
momentous  employment,  and  qualified  for  the  discharge  ol 
their  duty  in  it.  Every  wise  man,  in  contracting  marriage, 
should  consider  whether  the  object  of  his  choice  would  be  a 
proper  person  to  intrust  with  his  children’s  tuition  : and  every 
mother  should  consider,  that  this  is  the  most  important  part 
of  her  charge,  and  most  of  all  calls  for  assiduity,  prudence, 
and  circumspection.  (Note,  2 Tim.  1:3 — 5.  P.  O.  3:10 — 
17.) — In  opposing  fashionable  and  reputable  vices;  conclu- 
sive arguments,  vehement  expostulations,  apposite  examples, 
awful  declarations  of  the  wrath  of  God,  and  solemn  engage- 
ments, may  have  the  proper  effect  upon  some : but  the 
magistrate  must  often  use  more  vigorous  measures.  He 
must  disgrace,  punish,  and  chase  away  the  ringleaders  in 
iniquity,  without  respect  of  pe^ons  or  families  : and  severity 
to  a few  will  prove  mercy  to  many.  But  in  every  thing  the 
word  of  God  must  be  our  rule  : the  love  and  fear  of  God,  our 
principle ; and  his  glory,  in  the  prosperity  of  his  cause  and 
the  welfare  of  his  people,  our  great  object.  Whilst  we  labour 
in  this  manner,  we  must  expect  the  enmity  and  opposition  of 
a wicked  world:  but  we  may  go  on  with  confidence  in  the 
spirit  of  faith  and  prayer.  We  may  humbly  hope,  that  the 
Lord  will  “remember  us,”  and  “not  wipe  out  our  services;” 
that  he  will  “ spare  us  according  to  the  greatness  of  his 
mercy,”  accept  both  our  persons  and  our  defective  endea- 
vours to  glorify  him:  and  if  he  “remember  us  for  good,”  that 
will  be  a sufficient  recompense  and  happiness  for  ever : while 
those  who  impenitently  sm  against  him,  and  especially  such 
as  disgrace  a sacred  character  and  office,  will  be  remembered 
for  evil,  to  their  everlasting  shame,  confusion,  and  destruc- 
tion, except  timely  and  deep  repentance  intervene. 


BOOK 


THE 

OF  ESTHER. 


This  book,  which  takes  its  name  from  the  principal  character  introduced  in  it,  was  most  probably  written  by  Mordecai,  and  inserted 
in  the  canon  of  Scripture  by  Ezra  and  his  assistants,  or  by  their  successors : but  there  are  various  opinions  among  learned  men  on 
this  subject.  The  Jews  have  always  held  the  book  of  Esther  in  great  veneration  ; and  as  the  feast  of  Purim  (9:26 — 32.)  is  observed 
by  them  to  this  day,  no  reasonable  doubt  can  be  entertained  concerning  the  authenticity  of  the  narrative.  It  contains  no  prophecies, 
and  it  is  not  referred  to  in  the  New  Testament. — It  is  also  very  remarkable,  that  there  is  no  clear  mention  in  it  of  any  of  the  names, 
by  which  the  God  of  Israel  is  distinguished  in  the  sacred  oracles  : yet  it  is  most  evidently  intended,  as  well  as  admirably  calculated, 
to  illustrate  the  doctrine  of  Providence ; and  the  methods  and  instruments  by  which  the  great  Ruler  of  the  world  accomplishes  his 
purposes,  both  of  mercy  and  of  judgment.  Perhaps  this  omission  of  the  names  of  God  was  designed.  Facts,  well  known,  con 
' cerning  the  worshippers  of  Jehovah,  the  plot  formed  for  their  extirpation,  and  the  wonderful  deliverance  vouchsafed  them,  were 
thus  simply  stated  ; in  order  that  every  reader  might  judge  for  himself,  whether  these  facts  did  not  demonstrate,  that  the  God  ol 
the  Jews  was  the  great  Ruler  of  the  universe.  Had  this  conclusion  been  urged  on  the  Gentiles  by  a despised  Jew,  their  prejudices 
might  have  been  excited  : let  the  simple  narrative  then  speak  for  itself. — Several  additional  chapters  are  found  in  the  Apocrypha, 
but  they  never  were  in  the  Hebrew  text,  and  the  Jews  never  received  them:  they  principally  contain  repetitions,  or  additions, 
intended  to  decorate  the  history  ; but  which  in  fact  destroy  its  simple  unity  and  beauty  : and  some  things  in  them  cannot  be 
reconciled  with  the  times  to  which  the  history  must  relate. — The  preceding  books  form  a specimen  of  the  Lord’s  care  of  his 
church  in  Judea:  this  shows  his  favour  to  the  nation  in  general.  A large  proportion  of  those,  who  continued  in  remote 
countries,  were  very  blameable  in  so  doing : yet  he  would  not  leave  the  nation  in  the  hand  of  their  enemies,  or  deprive  them 
of  his  mercy  and  grace  on  that  account. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Ahasuerus,  king  of  Persia , makes  a royal  feast , 1—9.  He  sends  for  Vashti 
hisoueen,  who  refuses  to  come,  10 — 12.  By  the  advice  of  his  counsellors, 
he  divorces  her , and  asserts,  by  a jjublic  decree,  the  authority  of  men  over 
their  wives,  13—22. 

NOW  it  came  to  pass  in  the  days  of  aAha- 
suerus,  (this  is  Ahasuerus  which  reigned 

Ezra  4:6.  Dan.  9:1T  b 8:9.  Is.  18:  l . 37:9.  c Dan. 6:1.  d2Sam.7:l. 


NOTES. — Chap.  I.  V.  1,  2.  It  is  evident,  that  the 
events  recorded  in  this  book,  took  place  after  the  complete 
establishment  of  the  Persian  empire  ; for  Shushan  was  the 
t>yal  city  of  Persia.  (Note,  Neh.  1:1.  Dan.  8:2.) 
various  have  been  the  opinions  of  learned  men  concerning 

Vol.  J. — 108 


bfrom  India  even  unto  Ethiopia,  over  ca  hundred 
and  seven  and  twenty  provinces  :) 

2 That  in  those  days,  when  the  king- Ahasuerus 
‘'sat  on  the  throne  of  his  kingdom,  which  was  ill 
'Shushan  the  palace, 


1 King*  1 :46.  Dan.  4:4.  e 2:3.  3:15.  4:16.  9:12— 15.  Neh. 1:1  Dan.  3:2. 

the  Persian  king,  who  is  here  called  Ahasuerus.  I am, 
however,  fully  satisfied  with  the  arguments  of  Dean  Prideauxs 
and  consequently  suppose  Ahasuerus  to  have  been  Artax- 
erxes  Longimanus,  who  commissioned  both  Ezra  and  Ne- 
hemiah.  The  extent  of  his  dominions,  his  liberality,  and  his 
( 857  ) 


B,  C.  463.  ESTHER.  B.  C.  460 


3 In  tl.e  third  year  of  his  reign,  f he  made  a 
feast  unto  a.>  his  princes,  and  his  servants ; 
the  power  eof  Persia  and  Media.  hthe  nobles 
and  princes  of  the  provinces,  being  before  him: 

4 When  'he  showed  Ulie  riches  of  his  glorious 
kingdom  and  the  honour  of  his  kexcellent  majesty 
many  days,  even  a hundred  and  fourscore  days. 

5 And  when  these  days  were  expired,  the 
king  made  a feast  unto  all  the  people  that  were 
'present  in  Shushan  the  palace,  both  unto  great 
and  small,  ‘seven  days,  in  the  court  of  the  garden 
of  the  king’s  palace; 

6 Where  were  mwhite,  green,  and  'blue  hang- 
ings, fastened  with  cords  of  fine  linen  and  purple 
to  silver  rings  and  pillars  of  marble  : "the  beds 
were  of  gold  and  silver,  upon  a pavement  of  *red, 
and  biue,  and  white,  and  black  marble. 

7 And  they  gave  them  drink  in  "vessels  of 
gold,  (the  vessels  being  diverse  one  from  another,) 
and  sroyal  wine  in  abundance,  according  to  the 
“state  of  the  king. 

j And  the  drinking  was  according  to  the  law  ; 
Pnone  did  compel:  for  so  the  king  had  appointed 
to  all  sthe  officers  of  his  house,  that  they  should 
do  according  to  every  man’s  pleasure. 

9 A.so  Vasliti  rthe  queen  made  a feast  for  the 
women  in  the  royal  hquse  which  belonged  to 
king  Ahasuerus. 

10  H On  the  seventh  day,  when  “the  heart  of 
the  king  was  merry  with  wine,  he  commanded 
Mehuman,  Biztha,  'Harbona,  Bigtha,  and  Abag- 
tha,  Zethar,  and  Carcas,  the  seven  "chamberlains, 
that  served  in  the  - presence  of  Ahasuerus  the 
king, 

11  To  bring  "Vashti  the  queen  before  the  king 
with  the  crown  royal,  to  show  the  people  and 

f2:18.  Gen.  40-20.  1 Kings  3:15.  Dan.  5:1.  Mark  6:21.  g 14.  Ezra  1:2.  Is.  21:2. 
Jer.  51:11.  Dan.  5.28.  8:20.  h Dan.  3:2,3.  6:1, 6.7.  i Is.  39:2.  Ez.  28:5.  Dan.  4:30. 

I Pa.  76:1— 4.145:5,12,13.  Dan.  2:37— 44.  7:9— 14.  Matt.  4:8.  6: 13.  Rom.  9:23. 
Eph.  1:18.  Col.  1:27.  Rev.  4:11.  k 1 Chr.29:ll,12,25.  Job  40:10.  Ps.  21 :5.  45:3. 
83.1.  Dan.  4:36.  518.  2 Pet.  1:16,17.  - Heb  .found.  1 2 Chr.  7:8,9.  30:21— 25. 
m Ex.  26: 1,31 ,32,36,37.  f Or,  violet,  n 7:8.  Ez.  23:41.  Am.  2:8.  6:4.  t Or, 
Of  porphi/re,  and  marble , and  alabaster , and  stone  of  blue  colour.  o 1 Kings 
10:21.  2 Chr.  9:20.  Dan.  5:2 — 4.  § Heb.  wine  of  the  kingdom.  II  Heb.  hand . 

f Jer.  35:8.  51:7.  Hab.  2:15,16.  q John  2:8.  r 5:4,8.  a Gen.  43:34.  Jndg. 
6:25.  1 Sam.  25:36,37.  2 Sam.  13:28.  Prov.20:l.  Ec.  7:2— 4.  10:19.  Eph.  5:18, 


kindness  to  the  Jews,  favour  the  supposition.  (Notes,  Ezra 
7:1 — 5,11—26.  Nell.  i:l.  2:5,  6,  v,  6.)  The  Septuagint  trans- 
lation calls  him  Avtaxerxes,  and  Josephus  calls  him  Artax- 
crxes  Longimanus.  See  Prideauxs  Connection,  printed 
1749,  v.  i.  p.  361 — 364. 

V.  3 — 5.  It  is  probable  that  the  princes  and  nobles  from 
the  several  parts  of  Ahasuerus’s  immense  dominions,  were 
entertained  in  rotation,  during  six  months,  with  the  most  stu- 
died and  ostentatious  display  of  magnificence,  of  wealth,  and 
liberality,  which  could  be  conceived  : and  that  afterwards  all 
the  citizens  of  Shushan,  without  distinction,  were  feasted  for 
seven  days  in  like  manner.  (Marg.  Ref.  Note,  Matt.  14: 
15—21.) 

V.  6.  Marg.  and  Marg.  Ref. — The  ierfs.]  On  these 
the  guests  sat,  or  reclined,  at  table.  (Note,  Am.  6:3—8.) 

V.  7,  8.  (Marg.  Ref.  o.)  The  absurd  practice  of  urging 
people  to  drink  more  strong  liquor  than  they  are  of  themselves 
inclined  to,  has  prevailed  in  all  ages  ; though  it  is  a most  gross 
violation  of  common  sense,  freedom,  and  civility,  as  well  as 
of  morality  and  religion.  It  seems  to  have  been  devised  and 
supported  by  drunkards,  that  the  more  sober  part  of  mankind 
might  be  drawn  in  to  keep  them  in  countenance,  by  a reluc- 
tant intoxication. — The  regulation  enjoined  by  the  king  was 
very  necessary  in  the  midst  of  so  many  incentives  to  intem- 
perance ; and  his  mind,  being  thus  made  known,  doubtless 
prevented  many  disorders  which  otherwise  would  have  been 
committed. 

V.  9.  It  seems,  that  the  women  were  feasted  by  the  queen 
in  a more  retired  situation  than  the  nobles  and  people,  and 
were  kept  separate  from  the  men  by  express  appointment ; 
which  made  the  subsequent  order  of  the  king  appear  the  more 
unreasonable.  (Note,  10 — 12.) 

V.  10 — 12.  When  the  customs  of  the  Persians  relative 
to  their  women,  especially  the  wives  of  their  kings,  are 
considered,  this  injunction  of  Ahasuerus  must  appear  highly 
improper  and  inconsistent.  He  sent  seven  of  his  chamber- 
lains, (which  so  far  was  honourable  to  his  queen  ;)  command- 
ing her  to  appear  in  her  royal  attire,  in  order  that  a number 
of  princes  and  nobles,  who  were  heated  with  wine,  might  be 
gratified  by  a sight,  of  her  singular  beauty!  A reluctance 
therefore  to  an  exhibition,  so  contrary  to  the  decorum  observed 
by  her  sex,  became  her  rank  and  modesty  : but  as  the  king 
was  peremptory,  and  every  one  must  have  known  that  she 
came  at  his  command  j it  was  highly  imprudent  in  her  to 
persist  in  a refusal,  which  could  terminate  only  in  ail  open 
contest  and  the  most  fatal  effects.  His  anger  * was  the  more 
( 858  ) 


the  princes  her  beauty : for  she  was  "fair  tc 
look  on. 

12  But  the  queen  Vashti  ^refused  to  come  at 
the  king’s  commandment  “by  his  chamberlains : 
therefore  nvas  the  king  very  wroth,  and  his 
anger  ‘burned  in  him.  iPmcticai  observation'.-] 

13  H Then  the  king  said  to  “the  wise  men,  which 
bknew  the  times,  (for  so  was  the  king’s  manner 
toward  all  that  knew  law  and  judgment: 

14  And  the  next  unto  him  was  Cavshena, 
Shethar,  Admatha,  Tarshish,  Meres,  Marsena, 
and  Memucan,  cthe  seven  princes  of  Persia  ann 
Media,  which  dsaw  the  king’s  lace,  and  which 
sat  the  first  in  the  kingdom  ;) 

15  i*What  shall  we  do  unto  the  queen  Vashti 
according  to  law,  because  she  halh  not  performed 
the  commandment  of  the  king  Ahasuerus,  by  the 
chamberlains  ? 

16  And  Memucan  answered  before  the  king 
and  the  princes,  Vashti  the  queen  hath  not  “dont 
wrong  to  the  king  only,  but  also  to  all  the  princes, 
and  to  all  the  people  that  are  in  all  the  provinces 
of  the  king  Ahasuerus. 

17  For  this  deed  of  the  queen  shall  come 
abroad  unto  all  women,  so  that  they  shall  ‘despise 
their  husbands  in  their  eyes,  when  it  shall  be 
reported,  The  king  Ahasuerus  commanded  Vashti 
the  queen  to  be  brought  in  before  him,  but  she 
came  not. 

18  Likewise  shall  the  ladies  of  Persia  and 
Media  say  this  day  unto  all  the  king’s  princeSj 
which  have  heard  of  the  deed  of  the  queen. 
Thus  shall  there  arise  too  much  contempt  and 
wrath. 

19  If  §§it  please  the  king,  let,  there  go  a royal 
commandment  “"from  him,  and  let  it  be  written 


19.  t 7:9.  Harbonah.  IT  Or,  eunuchs.  Dan.  1:3 — 5,18,19.  u Prov.  16:9.  23i 

29 — 33.  Mark6:21,22.  **  Heb.  good  of  countenance . 2Sam.  14:25.  Pro  v.  31: 
30.  x Gen.  3:16.  Eph.  5:22,24.  1 Pet.  3:1.  ft  Heb.  which  was  by  the  hand  of 
his  eunuchs,  v Prov.  19:12.20:2.  Dan.  2:12.  3:13,19.  Nah.  1:6.  Rev.  6:16,17. 
7 Ex.  32:19,22.  Deut.  29:20.  Ps.  74:1 . 79:5.  a Jer.  10.7.  Dan.  2 2,12,27.  4:6,7. 
5:7.  b 1 Chr.  12:32.  Matt.  16:3.  c Ezra  7:14.  d 2 Kings  25:19.  Matt.  18:10. 
Rev.  22:4.  Heb.  What  to  do  7 6:6.  e Acts  IS:  14 .25: 10.  1 Cor.  6-7,8. 

f 2 Sam.  6:16.  Eph.  5:3,3.  §§  Heb.  it  be  good  with  the  king.  21. 3:9.  8:5.  ||||  Heb. 
from  before  him. 


immoderate,  because  his  blood  was  heated  with  wine,  which 
made  his  passion  too  strong  for  his  reason.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  13,  14.  These  wise  men,  being  acquainted  with  the 
records  of  the  kingdom,  might  be  able  to  bring  precedents, 
how  former  kings  had  acted  under  circumstances  in  any 
respect  similar,  according  to  the  laws  and  customs  of  the 
kingdom  ; as  well  as  to  understand  in  general  what  was  proper 
to  be  done  in  the  present  emergency.  (1  Chr.  12:32.)  And 
it  was  the  king’s  manner,  in  all  such  matters,  to  confer  with 
those  who  knew  law  and  judgment. — The  seven  counsellors 
here  mentioned  had  free  access  to  the  king,  and  were  the 
first  subjects  in  the  kingdom.  ( Note , Ezra  7:14.) 

V.  15.  Some  suppose,  that  Ahasuerus  was  inclined  to 
forgive  Vashti,  if  it  might  stand  with  the  honour  of  his  govern- 
ment, and  the  laws  of  the  realm.  But  others  think,  that  he 
was  disposed  to  divorce  her,  or  otherwise  punish  her  ; but 
wished  to  proceed  against  her  under  colour  of  law  and  justice. 

V.  16 — 18.  Memucan  is  mentioned  last  of  the  seven  coun- 
sellors : and  it  is  supposed  he  was  the  youngest,  or  last  in 
order  on  some  account  ; and  that  he  was  required  to  give  his 
opinion  first,  that  he  might  not  previously  he  biassed  by  the 
sentiments  of  his  seniors  or  superiors. — It  is  uncertain,  whe- 
ther Memucun  really  deemed  the  queen’s  disobedience  a dan- 
gerous precedent,  while  it  remained  unpunished  ; or  whether 
he  paid  court  to  the  king,  by  counselling  him  to  follow  his  own 
humour,  and  by  suggesting  a plausible  reason  for  so  doing. 
( Notes , 2 Sam.  14:6 — 22.  P.  O.  1 — 20.)  He,  however, 

argued  that  the  queen’s  rank,  and  the  notoriety  and  pertina- 
city of  her  disobedience,  would  encourage  other  women  to 
despise  the  persons  and  authority  of  their  husbands  ; which 
contempt  in  the  women  would  excite  the  wrath  of  the  men, 
and  thus  destroy  domestic  subordination  and  peace. — Yet  if 
husbands  had  been  careful  not  to  act  contemptibly , or  to  give 
foolish  and  improper  commands,  they  might  have  ruled  by 
reason  and  affection,  without  either  such  fatal  consequences, 
or  violent  measures.  But  despotism  in  civil  government  leads 
to  despotism  in  domestic  life  : men  imagine,  that  there  is  no 
way  to  rule,  but  by  force  and  terror;  and  thus  the  superior 
relations  become  tyrants,  and  the  inferior,  slaves,  submitting 
by  constraint,  without  cither  conviction  or  affection. 

V.  19 — 22.  By  this  irrecoverable  edict,  which  was  pul>- 
lished  in  the  various  languages  spoken  through  the  immense 
empire  of  the  Persians,  that  all  might  understand  it,  Ahasuo- 
rus’s  example  was  virtually  proposed  for  tyrern1  imitation 
so  that  every  husband  was  allowed  to  divorce  his  wifi*,  i 
she  disobeyed  his  command,  oven  when  evidently  foolish  uni 


CHAPTER  II, 


B.  C.  45? 


B.  C.  460 

among  the.  law?,  of  the  Persians  and  the  Medes, 
that  ‘it  be  not  altered,  that  Vashti  come  no  more 
before  king  Ahasuerus;  and  let  the  king  give  her 
royal  estate  unto  ‘another  *that  is  better  than  she. 

20  Ami  when  the  king’s  decree  which  he  shall 
make  shall  be  published  ‘'throughout  all  his  em- 
pire, (for  it  is  great,)  ‘all  the  wives  shall  give  to 
their  husbands  honour,  both  to  great  and  small. 

21  And  the  saying  tpleased  the  king  and  the 
princes;  and  the  king  did  according  to  the  word 
ofMemucan: 

22  For  he  sent  letters  into  all  the  king’s  pro- 
vinces, Jinto  every  province  according  to  the 
writing  thereof,  and  to  every  people  after  their 
language,  kthat  every  man  should  bear  rule  in  his 

• Heb.  it  pass  not  away.  8:8.  Dan.  6:8,12,15,17.  f Heb.  her  companion, 
t 1 Sam.  15:28.  1 Kings  5:32.  h Deul.  17:13.  21:21.  i Eph.  5:33.  Col.  3:18. 
1 Pet. 3:1 — 7.  J Heb.  was  good,  in  the  eyes  of  the  king.  19.  2:4.  Gen.  41:37. 
1 3:12.8:9.  Dan.  3:29. 4:1.  k 1 Tim.  2:12.  Tit.  2:4,5.  § Heb.  one  should  pub- 


unreasonable  ! But  whether  pride,  resentment,  policy,  or  lust, 
predominated  in  the  counsels  of  Ahasuerus,  may  remain  un- 
certain : but  the  Lord  was  thus  making  preparation  for  de- 
feating Haman’s  diabolical  project,  long  before  it  ever  entered 
into  his  heart,  and  before  he  arrived  at  the  height  of  his 
power  and  prosperity.  (Notes,  3:G — 15.  8:8.  Ps.  75:10.  Ez. 
38:10.) 

It  should  be  published,  & c.  (22)  Marg. — 1 The  decree  runs 
in  the  Hebrew,  “ That  every  man  should  bear  rule  in  his 
own  house,  and  speak  in  the  language  of  his  people :”  . . . that 
is,  he  should  give  his  commands  in  his  own  language,  which 
every  one  was  bound  to  learn.’  Bp.  Patrick.  It  is,  however, 
evident,  that  great  care  was  taken  in  all  these  decrees,  that 
they  should  be  circulated  in  each  province  in  the  language  of 
that  province,  that  all  might  understand  them.  (3:17.8:9.)  How 
important  then  is  it,  that  the  word  of  God  should  be  translated 
into  every  language,  and  circulated  in  that  language  which  is 
best  understood  in  every  land  ! and  that  all,  without  exception, 
should  be  offered  them  in  the  vulgar  tongue,  in  every  country. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 12.  No  extent  of  possessions  or  dominion  can  sa- 
tisfy the  human  heart,  and  give  contentment  or  felicity  even 
n’this  present  life.  Cares,  fears,  and  temptations  are  aug- 
mented by  every  accession  ; the  power  of  doing  good  or  harm 
>s  enlarged,  and  alas ! the  latter  is  generally  chosen.  But 
' to  whom  much  is  given,  of  him  will  much  be  required”  by 
die  great  Proprietor,  who  is  continually  saying  to  monarchs, 
as  well  as  to  subjects,  “Give  an  account  of  thy  stewardship  : 
for  thou  mayest  be  no  longer  steward.” — Ostentatious  gene- 
icsity  and  magnificence,  for  a man’s  own  honour  and  glory, 
that  his  wealth,  bounty,  and  taste  may  be  admired  and  ap- 
plauded, is  a common  idolatry  of  the  great  and  noble : and, 
except  grace  prevail  in  the  heart,  self-exaltation  and  self-in- 
dulgence, in  some  form  or  other,  will  be  the  ruling  principles. 
But  indeed  the  honour  of  every  endowment,  possession,  or 
achievement,  of  created  beings,  belongs  solely  to  the  unde- 
rived, unchangeable  Creator  : his  glory,  in  our  own  true  feli- 
city and  that  of  our  fellow-creatures,  should  be  our  great  end 
in  every  action  ; and  all  other  considerations  ought  to  be 
subordinated  to  it,  and  regulated  by  it. — But  if  the  feast  of  an 
earthly  monarch,  when  he  would  “ show  the  riches  of  his 
glorious  kingdom  and  the  honour  of  his  excellent  majesty,” 
was  so  magnificent ; what  will  be  that  feast,  which  the  King 
of  kings  has  prepared,  to  “ show  the  riches  of  his  glorious 
kingdom,  and  the  honour  of  his  excellent  majesty,”  “ to  the 
praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace,”  in  heaven,  for  ever  and  ever  1 
There  will  be  unfading  splendour,  inexhaustible  abundance, 
and  unalloyed  pleasures,  without  interruption  or  satiety  ; and 
without  danger  or  fear  of  excess : nor  will  there  arise  the  least 
discord  to  mar  enjoyment,  through  all  the  ages  of  eternity. 
“ All  things  are  ready”  for  this  feast ; sinners  without  excep- 
tion are  invited  : may  we  accept  the  gracious  invitation  ; 
seek  and  find  the  wedding-garment ; and  sit  down  at  the 
marriage-supper  of  the  Lamb  ! — But  in  all  other  feasts,  the 
pleasure  is  greatly  alloyed,  and  soon  palls ; and  too  generally 
they  prove  unfavourable,  not  only  to  wisdom  and  piety,  but 
even  to  present  comfort  and  advantage.  Seldom  do  any 
frequent  them,  without  being  led  into  some  degree  of  excess, 
injurious  to  their  strength  of  body  and  vigour  of  mind.  They 
are  scenes  of  temptation,  suited  to  excite  man’s  various  evil 
propensities.  The  enemy  of  souls  will  be  sure  to  avail  him- 
self of  the  unguarded  moments,  especially  of  such  as  are  in 
reputation  for  wisdom  and  piety;  and  he  has  artfully  prevailed 
to  render  it  creditable,  Jar  men  to  become  tempters  of  each 
other  to  intemperance  so  that  few  public  entertainments, 
even  among  professed  Christians,  are  conducted  by  such 
good  rules  as  this  heathen  feast.  But  real  Christians  must 
not  only  shun  such  scenes,  and  separate  from  those  who  fre- 
quent them  ; but  likewise,  by  warnings  and  exhortations, 
endeavour  to  preserve  their  brethren  from  sin  : and  if,  by  this 
conduct  at  their  own  tables,  they  incur  the  censure  of  being 
penurious  ; “ the  poor,  whom  they  always  have  with  them,” 
afford  them  a fair  occasion  of  refuting  the  slander.  Indeed, 
that  will  go  very  far  in  hospitality  to  the  indigent,  which  is 
quickly  wasted  by  pampering  the  luxury  of  the  affluent. 
{ Note,  Luke  14:12 — 14.  P.  O.  12 — 24.) — Seasons  of  peculiar 


own  house ; and  that  Ht  should  be  publisheo 
‘according  to  the  language  of  every  people. 
CHAPTER  II. 

By  advice  of  his  servants,  Ahasuerus  causes  fair  virgins  to  be  nought  out  in 
every  province  of  his  kingdom,  that  he  may  choose  a tfuecn,  1 — 4.  Esther 
ha' I been  brought  uv  by  Mordccai,  5—7.  She  obtains  favour  with  the  keeper 
of  the  women;  pleases  the  king  ; and  is  made  queen,  having  vbseived  Mor- 
decai's  directions,  8 — 20.  Mordecai  discovers  a plot  against  the  king  ; the 
criminals  are  punished ; and  his  service  is  registered  in  the  chronicles  of 
the  kingdom , 21 — 23. 

AFTER  these  things,  when  the  wrath  of  king 
Ahasuerus  was  appeased,  “he  remembered 
Vashti,  and  bwhat  she  had  done,  and  what  was 
decreed  against  her. 

2 Then  said  the  cking’s  servants  that  minis- 
tered unto  him,  ‘‘Let  there  be  fair  young  virgins 
sought  for  the  king : 


fish  it  according  to  the  language  of  his  people.  3:12.  I T.-.ike  16:8.  Acts  2:5 — II. 
1 Cor.  14:! 9,20.  a Dan.  6:14— 18.  b 1:13— 21.  c 1:10,14.  6:14.  d Gen.  1*. 
14,15.  1 Kings  1:2,3. 


festivity  often  terminate  in  vexation.  Wine  and  jovial  com- 
pany elate  the  mind,  add  strength  to  the  passions,  and  stun 
the  voice  of  reason  and  conscience.  On  such  occasions 
caprice  generally  dictates  the  conduct  ; unreasonable  claims 
are  started,  or  projects  formed  ; and  the  eagerness  of  men’s 
spirits  ill  brooks  contradiction  or  affront,  while  it  disposes  to 
give  them.  Thus  anger  is  excited  and  exasperated  ; ant. 
discords,  revenge,  duels,  and  murders,  are  the  frequent  con- 
sequences of  pleasurable  meetings  ! Propriety  and  decorum 
are  also  often  disregarded  ; the  respect  and  attention  due  to 
relatives  are  forgotten  ; improper  requisitions  are  made,  by 
which  contempt  afid  imprudent  opposition  are  excited  ; affec- 
tion is  suspended,  during  the  reign  of  haughty  resentment ; 
and  all  parties  forget  their  reciprocal  interests  and  duties,  till 
their  reputation  and  peace  receive  such  wounds,  as  can  seldom 
admit  of  a complete  cure. — Let  it  also  be  specially  noted, 
that  superiors,  in  all  cases  and  circumstances,  should  be  care- 
ful not  to  command  what  may  reasonably  be  disobeyed  ; for 
this  must  weaken  their  authority,  and  prove  a temptation  to 
those  over  whom  they  rule  : yet  inferiors  ought  never  to  per- 
sist in  a refusal,  except  when  it  is  really  a point  of  conscience 
towards  God.  ( Notes , Rom.  13:1 — 7.) 

V.  13 — 22.  There  would  be  safety  in  the  multitude  ot 
counsellors,  if  men  did  but  welcome  plaindealing;  and  if  the 
counsellors  of  princes  did  not  generally  consult ‘their  inc.l- 
nations,  rather  than  their  interests. — Domestic  subordination 
doubtless  ought  to  be  preserved ; and  the  wife  ought  to 
honour  and  obey  her  own  husband:  yet  surely  this  may  be 
effected  by  other  means,  beside  severe  laws,  divorces,  and 
measures  more  pernicious  than  the  evil  which  they  are 
intended  to  remedy!  Regard  to  mutual  interest,  comfort, 
and  reputation,  serves  to  keep  the  world  in  tolerable  order  : 
the  prudence  and  affection  of  the  husband  will  do  great  things, 
where  properly  exercised:  the  general  regard,  which  the 
more  decent  members  of  the  community  have  to  the  precepts 
and  authority  of  God,  has  considerable  effect:  true  grace 
radically  cures  that  evil,  from  which  domestic  discord  arises: 
and  in  deplorable  cases  where  the  peace  of  society  is  mate- 
rially violated,  the  magistrate  may  properly  interpose.  All 
other  evils  arising  from  this  source  may  better  he  tolerated, 
than  to  attempt  a remedy,  by  making  the  men  tyrants,  and 
the  women  slaves  : while  it  is  evident  that  the  former  fail  as 
much,  and  commonly  far  more,  in  the  duty  of  their  relation, 
than  the  latter.  Nor  should  even  the  interests  of  kingdoms 
be  promoted,  were  it  possible,  by  evident  injustice. — The 
example  of  the  gr.eat  has  a very  extensive  effect,  and  they 
are  the  more  deeply  concerned,  not  to  exhibit  a pernicious 
pattern  to  their  inferiors  : but  human  policy  sometimes  over- 
shoots its  mark ; and  to  prevent,  the  effect  of  one  injurious 
precedent,  forms  another  of  still  more  fatal  tendency*  Let 
us  then  keep  to  the  rule  of  God’s  word,  and  it.  will  guide  the 
humble,  obedient  believer  through  all  these  labyrinths;  and 
be  “ a lantern  to  his  feet,  and  a light  unto  his  paths.”  Let 
us  be  upon  our  guard  against  every  incentive  to  our  passions; 
watching  and  praying  against  wrath,  pride,  and  self-will,  as 
well  as  sensual  indulgence.  Let  us  learn  to  bridle  our  tem- 
pers ; to  conquer  by  yielding;  and  to  “leave  off  contention 
before  it  be  meddled  with.”  And  let  us  rejoice  that  the  Lord 
reigns,  and  willover  rule  all  the  madness  and  folly  of  man- 
kind, for  the  purposes  of  his  own  glory,  and  the  safety  and 
felicity  of  his  believing,  obedienl  people. 

NOTES. — Chap.  II.  V.  1.  When  the  vehemency  of 
the  king’s  anger  subsided,  his  affection  for  Vashti  revived  ; 
and  probably  he  was  sensible,  that  he  had  acted  with  pre- 
cipitation and  severity,  and  had  done  her  injustice.  But  w ith 
all  his  power  and  authority,  he  could  not  again  receive  her 
into  favour,  without  violating  a fundamental  constitution  of 
the  Persian  government;  which  required  that  no  edict,  which 
the  king  had  once  established,  should  he  reversed.  The  fatal 
effects  of  this  absurd  policy  will  be  sufficiently  illustrated,  in 
the  sequel  of  this  narrative.  Under  colour  of  ascribing  infalli- 
bility to  the  sovereign,  and  thus  flattering  his  pride;  this 
restriction  perpetually  exposed  him,  in  his  ungua*  ded  hours, 
to  be  deluded  into  the  most  pernicious  measures ; and  would 
not  so  much  as  allow  him  to  remedy  the  injustice,  or  impolicy, 
into  which  he  had  been  betrayed,  when  reflection  and  exp©- 
< 859  ) 


B C.  458. 


ESTHER. 


B.  C.  456 


')  And  let  the  king  appoint  officers  ein  all  the  I 
pr  mnces  of  his  kingdom,  that  they  may  gather  I 
together  all  the  fair  young  virgins  unto  Shushan  [ 
the  palace,  to  the  house  of  the  women,  unto  ’the  j 
custody  of  'Hege  the  king’s  chamberlain,  keeper  i 
of  the  women ; and  let  stheir  things  for  purifica- 
tion bo.  given  them  : 

4 And  let  the  maiden  which  pleaseth  the  king 
be  queen  instead  of  Vashti.  And  hthe  thing 
pleased  the  king;  and  he  did  so. 

5 If  Now  in  'Shushan  the  palace  there  was  a 
“certain  Jew,  whose  name  was  Mordecai,  the  son 
of  Jair,  'the  son  of  Shimei,  the  son  of  Kish,  a 
Benjarnite ; 

6 Who  had  been  carried  away  from  Jerusalem, 
with  the  captivity  which  had  been  carried  away 
with  “Jeconiah  king  of  Judah,  whom  Nebuchad- 
nezzar the  king  of  Babylon  had  carried  away. 

7  And  he'brought  upnHadassah,(thaUs, Esther,) 
°his  uncle’s  daughter:  for  she  had  neither  father 
nor  mother,  and  the  maid  was  tfair  and  beautiful ; 
whom  Mordecai,  when  her  father  and  mother  were 
dead,  Hook  for  his  own* daughter. 

8 if  So  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  king’s  com- 
mandment and  his  decree  was  heard,  and  when 
many  maidens  were  gathered  together  unto  Shu- 
shan the  palace,  to  the  custody  of  ‘•Hegai,  that 
Esther  was  brought  also  unto  the  king’s  house,  to 
the  custody  of  Hegai,  keeper  of  the  women. 

9 And  the  maiden  pleased  him,  and  rshe  obtained 
kindness  of  him;  and  he  speedily  gave  her  "her 
things  for  purification,  with  $such  things  as  be- 
longed to  her,  and  seven  maidens  which  were  meet 
to  be  given  her,  out  of  the  king’s  house  : and  he 
“preferred  her  and  her  maids  unto  the  best  place 
of  the  house  of  the  women.  • 

10  Esther  ‘had  not  showed  her  people  nor  her 
kindred:  “for  Mordecai  had  charged  her  that  she 
should  not  show  it. 

11  And  Mordecai  “walked  every  day  before  the 
court  of  the  women’s  house,  to  know-how  Esther 
did,  and  what  should  become  of  her. 


. 1:1,2.  • Heb.  the  hand,  f 8.  Hegai.  g 12 — 14.  Is.  3:18— 23.  h 1:21. 

5:9,10.  2 Sam.  13:1 — 6.  16:21 — 23.  17:4.  Malt.  14:6.  i 3.  1:2.  5:1.  It  3:2— 
6.  10:3.  1 1 Sam. 9:1.  2Sam.l6:S.  m 2 Kings  24: 14,15.  2 Chr.  36:9,10.  Jeho- 
tachin.  Jer.  22:24,28.  Coniah.  24:1.  t Heb.  nourished.  Eph.6:4.  n Dan.  1: 
6,7.  o 15.  Jer.  32:7 — 12.  * Heb.  fair  of  form  and  good  of  countenance.  1:11. 
p Gen.  48:5.  2 Cor.  6: 18.  1 John  3:1.  q 3.  Hege.  r Gen.  39:21 . 1 Kings  8:50. 
Ezra  7:6.  Neh.  2:8.  Ps.  106:46.  Prov.  16:7.  Dan.  1:9.  Acts  7:10.  s 3,12. 
§ Heb.  her  portions.  II  Heb.  changed  her.  t 3:8.  4:13,14.  7:4.  Matt.  10:16. 


rience  had  made  him  sensible  of  his  errors.  (Notes,  8:3 — 13. 
9:1 — 16.  Dan.  6:12 — 17.)  And  this  was  the  more  absurd 
and  dangerous  in  its  nature  and  effects,  if  they  may  be 
depended  on,  who  inform  us,  that  the  Persian  monarchs,  and 
their  counsellors,  commonly  framed  their  edicts  at  feasts,  and 
when  they  were  drinking.  (Note,  3:12 — 15.) 

V.  2 — 4.  (8 — 14.  Note,  1 Kings  1:1 — 4.)  It  is  uncertain 
whether  this  was  the  project  of  the  seven  counsellors  before 
mentioned;  (Note,  1:16 — 18.)  or  of  some  other  servants,  who 
more  immediately  ministered  to  the  king’s  pleasures.  It 
seems,  however,  to  have  been  devised,  in  order  to  prevent 
him  from  thinking  any  more  of  Vashti,  whose  restoration  to 
favour  must  be  guarded  against,  for  the  safety  of  those  who 
had  counselled  the  king  to  exercise  so  great  severity  against 
ner:  for,  if  he  had  been  greatly  desirous  of  Vashti’s  com- 
any,  the  law  of  the  Medes  and  Persians  would  scarcely 
ave  prevented  him  from  recalling  her.  This  will  appear  by 
the  following  instance  : — Cambyses,  king  of  Persia,  having 
conceived  a violent  passion  for  his  own  sister,  inquired  of  his 
counsellors  whether  it  was  lawful  for  him  to  marry  her? 
and  they,  dreading  the  effects  of  his  resentment  if  they 
m opposed  his  will,  answered,  that  there  was  no  law  in  Persia, 
by  which  a man  was  allowed  to  marry  his  sister,  but  that  it 
was  lawful  for  the  king  of  Persia  to  do  what  he  pleased. — It 
must  also  be  noted,  that  though  the  king  could  not  legally 
reverse  the  decree  which  he  had  signed  and  sealed  ; yet  he 
might  put  to  death  the  counsellors,  who  induced  him  to  ratify 
it.  (Notes,  7:7—10.  8:8.  Dan.  6:24.) 

V.  5 — 7.  Mordecai,  though  a Benjarnite,  is  repeatedly 
called  the  Jew:  for  the  whole  nation  was  now  called  after 
Judah.  (Notes,  Gen.  49:8 — 10.  2 Kmgs  16:6.) — Some  of 
Mordecai’s  ancestors,  (probably  Kish,)  had  been  carried  to 
Babylon  with  Jeconiah;  (Note,  2 Kings  24:8 — 16.)  and  the 
family  afterwards  settled  at  Shushan.  But  it  seems  that 
they  were  diminished  in  number,  or  impoverished  : so  that 
Mordecai’s  own  cousin  had  been  left  an  orphan  ; and  he, 
being  older  than  she  was,  had  brought  her  tip,  and  in  all 
respects  behaved  as  a father  to  her.  Her  Jewish  name  was 
Hadassah,  but  the  Persians  called  her  Esther. — The  con- 
jectures of  several  learned  men  concerning  her,  taken  from 
( 860  ) 


12  H Now  when  every  maid’s  turn  was  come  *to 
go  in  to  king  Ahasuerus,  after  that  she  had  been 
twelve  months,  according  .o  0 e manner  of  the 
women,  (for  so  were  the  jays  of  their  purifica 
tions  accomplished,  to  wit,  “six  months  with  oil 
of  myrrh,  and  six  months  with  sweet  odours, 
and  With  other  things  for  the  purifying  of  the 
women  :) 

13  Then  thus  came  every  maiden  unto  the 
king;  whatsoever  she  desired  was  given  her  to 
go  with  her  out  of  the  house  of  the  women  unto 
the  king’s  house. 

14  In  the  evening  she  went,  and  on  the  morrow 
she  returned  into  the  second  house  of  the  women, 
to  the  custody  ofShaashgaz,  the  king’s  chamber- 
lain,  which  kept  the  concubines:  she  came  in  unto 
the  king  no  more,  except  the  king  “delighted  in 
her,  and  that  bshe  were  called  by  name. 

[ Practical  Observations.'] 

15  Now  when  the  turn  of  Esther,  the  daugh- 
ter of  Abihail  the  uncle  of  Mordecai,  “who  had 
taken  her  for  his  daughter,  was  come  to  go  in  un- 
to the  king,  she  required  nothing  but  what  Hegai 
the  king’s  chamberlain,  the  keeper  of  the  women, 
appointed.  And  dEsther  obtained  favour  in  the 
sight  of  all  them  that  looked  upon  her. 

16  So  Esther  was  taken  unto  king  Ahasuerus 
into  his  house-royal  in  “the  tenth  month,  which  is 
the  month  Tebeth,  in  ‘the  seventh  year  of  his 
reign. 

17  And  the  king  loved  Esther  above  all  the 
women,  and  she  obtained  grace  and  "favour  "in 
his  sight  more  than  all  the  virgins ; ?so  that  he 
set  the  royal  crown  upon  her  head,  and  made  her 
queen  instead  of  Vashti. 

18  Then  the  king  hmade  a great  feast  unto  all 
his  princes  and  his  servants,  even  Esther’s  feast; 
and  he  made  a "release  to  the  provinces,  and 
‘gave  gifts,  according  to  the  state  of  the  king. 

19  And  when  kthe  virgins  were  gathered  toge- 
ther the  second  time,  then  Mordecai  'sat  in  the 
king’s  gate. 


u 7,20.  Eph.6:l.  x 13,14.  IT  Heb.  the  peace  of  Esther.  Gen.  37:14.  1 Sam 
17:18.  Act*  15:36.  y 1 The*.  4:4,5.  z Prov.  7: 17.  Cant.  3:6.  Is.  57:9.  Lube 
7:37,38.  a 4:11.  Qten.  34:19.  Is.  62:4,5.  bis. 45:4.  c 7.  d Cant.  6:9.  Acts 
7:10.  e 8:9.  f 1:3.  Ezra  7:8.  '*  Or,  kindness,  tt  Heb.  before  him.  g 4:14. 

1 Sam.  2:8.  Ps.  75:6,7.  113:7,8.  Ez.  17:24.  Luke  1:48—52.  h 1:3—5.  Gen.  29 
22.  Judg.  14:10-17.  Cant.  3:11.  5:1.  Matt.  22:2.  Luke  14:8.  Rev.  19:9.  Heb 
rest,  i 9:22.  1 Sam.  25:8.  Neh.  8:12.  Rev.  11:10.  k 3,4.  121.3:2,3.5:13 


rather  a slight  similarity  of  names  between  her  and  the  wives 
of  some  of  the  Persian  kings,  mentioned  in  Pagan  historians* 
seem  entirely  groundless : as  the  dissimilarity  of  character, 
and  indeed  all  other  circumstances,  vastly  preponderate 
against  them. 

V.  8 — 10.  As  Mordecai  was  so  scrupulous  in  respect  ol 
Haman,  (Notes,  3:2 — 5.)  it  has  been  wondered,  how  be  could 
consent  to  Esther’s  becoming  the  wife,  or  concubine,  ol  a 
heathen  prince,  contrary  to  the  law  of  Moses.  But  it  does 
not  seem  to  have  been  left  to  the  choice,  either  of  Mordecai 
or  of  Esther.  By  a public  edict,  the  most  beautiful  virgii.s 
were  selected  from  all  parts  of  Abasuerus’s  dominions  ; and 
it  would  have  been  unavailing,  as  well  as  dangerous,  to  have 
opposed  the  persons  employed  in  this  business.  4 Thfe  worn 
we  translate  44  was  brought,”  may  be  rendered  was  taken ; 
and  that  bv  force,  as  the  word  sometimes  signifies;  and  as 
the  former  Targum  here  explains  if,  She  was  brought  by  vio 
Icnce.'* 1  Bp.  Patrick. — If  Esther  had  made  known  her  nation 
it  might  have  interfered  with  her  advancement  to  the  rank  ol 
queen,  as  the  Jews  were  generally  despised ; but  she  could 
not  have  avoided  becoming  one  of  Ahasucrus’s  concubines 
Poligamy  was  connived  at  by  the  Mosaic  law  ; so  that  the 
situation  of  a concubine  was  not  deemed  dishonourable,  or 
unlawful : and  in  her  peculiar  circumstances,  the  ritual  law 
of  not  giving  their  daughters  to  those  of  another  nation,  might 
not  he  thought  obligatory. — The  conduct  of  Providence, 
however,  should  be  chiefly  noticed  ; though  it  does  not  nppear 
that  either  Mordecai  or  Esther  could  have  acted  otherwise, 
if  they  had  been  inclined. 

V.  11—14.  Marg.  Ref.  P.  O.  1—14. 

V.  15 — 17.  About  four  years  were  snent  before  another 
queen  was  chosen  instead  of  Vashti : (1:3)  so  long  a time  had 
been  employed  in  collecting  the  virgins  from  all  parts  of 
Ahasuerus’s  dominions,  and  in  other  preparations  which  were 
thought  requisite. — Ezra  obtained  his  commission  in  tho 
former  part  of  this  same  year,  if  Arfaxerxes  were  the  samo 
as  Ahasuerus  : (Note,  Ezra  7:6 — 10.)  and  they  who  think 
that  Artaxerxcs  granted  the  desire  of  Ezra,  through  hV.her’s 
influence,  suppose  that  Esther  had  been  the  favoured  • onru- 
bine  of  the  king,  rosiding  in  his  palace  a considerable  iu:e 


B.  C.  456. 


CHAPTER  III, 


B.  C.  452- 


20  Esthc-  mhad  not  yet  showed  her  kindred, 
por  her  people,  as  Mordecai  had  charged  her  : 
for  Esther  did  the  commandment  of  Mordecai, 
like  as  when  she  was  brought  up  with  him. 

21  H In  those  days,  while  Mordecai  sat  in  the 
king’s  gate,  two  of  the  king’s  chamberlains,  "Big- 
than  and  Teresh,  of  those  which  kept  the  "door, 
were  wroth,  °and  sought  to  lay  hand  on  the  king 
Ahasuerus. 

22  And  rthe  thing  was  known  to  Mordecai, 
who  told  it  unto  Esther  the  queen ; and  ^Esther 
certified  the  king  thereof  in  rMordecai’s  name. 

23  And  when  inquisition  was  made  of  the  mat- 

in  10.  n 6.2.  Bigthana.  * Heb  .threshold,  o 2 Sam.  4:5,6.  16:11.  1 Kings 
15:25—27.  16:9.  2 'King*  9:22— 24.  12:20.21:23.  Ps.  14-1:10.  p Ec.  10:20.  Acts 
23:12—22.  q 6:2.  Rom.  11:33.  r Phil.  2:4.  s 5:14.7:10.  Gen.  40:19,22. 

before  she  was  publicly  made  and  crowned  queen,  which  was 
in  the  tenth  month  of  the  seventh  year  of  his  reign. 

V.  18.  Marg.  Ref.  Note , 1 — 3. 

V.  19,  20.  It  is  probable  that  a number  of  virgins  had  been 
collected  before  Vashti  was  made  queen  ; in  relation  to  which 
it  is  here  said,  “ When  the  virgins  were  gathered  together 
the  second  time." — About  this  time  Mordecai  seems  to  have 
been  appointed  to  some  station  in  the  service  of  the  king: 
and  the  historian  appears  merely  to  have  intended  to  connect 
the  account  of  Mordecai’s  discovery  of  the  treason,  (21 — 
23.)  with  Esther’s  advancement  to  be  queen,  as  introductory 
to  the  subsequent  uarrative. — Esther,  after  her  high  prefer- 
ment, still  continued  as  attentive  to  Mordecai’s  command  as 
she  had  been  before ; out  of  gratitude  for  his  kindness,  and 
confidence  in  his  wisdom,  piety,  and  affection.  ‘A  rare  ex- 
ample of  virtue,  that  she  should  be  so  observant  of  him 
when  she  was  a queen:  for  most  forget  what  they  were  when 
they  are  unexpectedly  grown  very  great.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  21 — 23.  Many  conjectures  have  been  formed  of  the 
cause  of  this  conspiracy,  and  the  manner  in  which  it  was  dis- 
covered ; but  curiosity  alone  is  concerned  in  such  inquiries, 
which  after  all  end  in  uncertainty.  It  suffices  for  us  to  know, 
that  a conspiracy  was  formed ; that  Mordecai  detected  it,  and, 
by  informing  Esther,  conveyed  the  intelligence  to  the  king, 
that  the  criminals  were  convicted  and  executed  ; and  that  the 
account  of  it  was  written  in  the  records  of  the  kingdom.  The 
transaction  itself  was  nowise  uncommon  ; but  the  event 
showed  the  hand  of  God  in  it,  in  a most  remarkable  manner, 
and  for  the  most  important  purposes.  (Notes,  6:)  ‘Here 
we  may  see  the  infelicity  and  the  danger  of  the  most  potent 
persons.  The  life  of  a great  king  depending  on  the  fidelity  of 
one  single  person,  whose  service  was  neglected  by  the 
court,  though  a memorial  was  made  of  it.’  Pellicanus  in  Bp. 
Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 14.  Resolutions  formed  in  an^er,  and  executed 
without  deliberation,  make  work  for  bitter  recollection  and 
repentance.  A wise  man,  therefore,  will  not  proceed  even 
to  punish  the  guilty,  till  passion  has  subsided  and  reason 
resumed  her  sway. — The  depravity  of  our  nature,  and  the 
fallibility  of  our  judgment,  render  it  indispensable  to  our  in- 
terest and  happiness,  that  we  should  be  allowed  to  change 
our  sentiments  and  conduct,  and  correct  our  mistakes.  Our 
gracious  God  has  mercifully  placed  us  under  a dispensation 
which  admits  of  this : and  though  many  painful  effects  must 
follow  from  transgression,  we  shall  not  be  ruined  by  it,  if  we 
avail  ourselves  of  this  provision.  ( Ez . 18:30.)  But  while 
pride  and  obstinacy  seem  to  arrogate  infallibility,  and  to  aspire 
to  a dignity  incompatible  with  fallen  nature  ; they  forfeit  the 
real  advantages  of  our  situation,  and  leave  a man  without 
redress,  exposed  to  all  the  fatal  consequences  of  every  false 
step.  No  one,  however,  should  be  too  proud  to  confess  that 
he  has  been  mistaken  : and  as  this  would  preclude  the  absur- 
dity of  human  laws,  which  must  never  be  repealed  or  reversed ; 
so  it  wou.d  strike  at  the  root  of  that  self-justifying,  pertina- 
cious temper,  which  induces  sinners  to  neglect  the  gospel,  and 
go  on  in  sin.  But  even  when  men  are  in  some  measure  made 
sensible  of  their  folly  and  iniquity,  new  projects,  amusements, 
and  gratifications  are  devised,  to  silence  conscience,  and  to 
carry  them  forward  without  uneasiness  in  the  broad  road  of 
ungodliness. — The  servants  of  mighty  monarchs,  though  them- 
selves princes  and  nobles,  have  often  stooped  to  be  pimps  and 
parasites,  in  order  to  support  their  present  authority,  to  pur- 
chase impunity  for  past  crimes,  or  to  procure  future  and  still 
greater  preferment!  (P.  O.  Gen.  12:10 — 20,  latter  part.) 
But  how  degrading  is  it  to  our  rational  nature,  that  numbers 
of  able  men  of  superior  rank,  as  well  as  of  inferior  station, 
should  exert  all  their  ingenuity  and  assiduity  in  enabling  an 
individual  more  devotedly  to  pamper  those  “ fleshly  lusts 
which  war  against  the  soul !”  Even  reason,  (not  to  say  reli- 
gion,) if  her  voice  could  be  heard,  would  command  men  to 
moderate  and  restrain  their  passions,  «nd  to  teach  them  sub- 
mission by  habituating  them  to  brook  denial.  But  the  higher 
human  beings  are  advanced  in  authority,  the  lower  they  too 
get  erally  sink  into  the  most  abject  slavery  to  their  sensual 
app<  ‘ites  : as  if  their  superiority  were  intended  merely  as  a 
medium  for  the  more  unrestrained  licentiousness,  and  to 
enable  them  to  be  avowed  in  those  excesses  which  inferior 
libertines  indulge  with  a more  decent  reserve ! — How  low  is 


ter,  il  was  found  out ; therefore  they  were  both 
■hanged  on  a tree : and  it  was  written  in  ‘the  book 
of  the  Chronicles  before  the  king. 

CHAPTER  III. 

Hnmnn  is  advanced  by  the  king,  who  commands  hie  servants  to  bow  down  to 
but  Mordecai  refuses  to  do  it,  1 ,2.  Laman  being  informed,  in  revenge,  pur* 
•poses  to  destroy  the  whole  Jewish  nation,  3 — 6.  He  chooses  a day,  by  cast- 
ing lots,  for  executing  his  purpose,  7.  liy  calumniating  the  Jews,  he  obixins 
a decree  from  the  king  to  extirpate  the  nation,  and  publishes  it  through  all 
the  provinces,  1 — 55. 

AFTER  these  things  did  king  Ahasuerus  "pro- 
mote Haman  the  son  of  Hammedatha  the 
Airagite,  and  advanced  him,  and  set  his  seat 
"above  all  the  princes  that  were  with  him. 


Deul.  121:22,23.  Josh.  8:59.  16:1,2.  Mai.  3:16.  a7:6.  Pa.  12:8.  Prov.2S:2. 
b Num.  21:7.  1 Sam.  15:8.  c 1:14.  Gen.  41.-40.55.  Ezra  7:M.  Dan.  6:2. 


our  nature  sunk  when  these  are  the  leading  pursuits,  and  the 
highest  felicity  of  many  millions  of  rational  creatures!  when 
every  consideration  of  decency,  equity,  and  conscience  ; 
when  domestic  comfort,  relative  duties,  and  the  natural  rights 
of  mankind  ; when  even  reputation,  interest,  and  health  ; 
when  life,  and  the  immortal  soul  itself,  are  habitually  sacri- 
ficed to  such  a base  and  hateful  idol ! Yet  after  a prosti- 
tuted ingenuity  has  done  its  utmost,  disappointment,  vexation, 
and  loathing  must  ensue : and  that  man  most  wisely  consults 
even  the  enjoyment  of  this  present  life,  who  most  exactly 
obeys  the  precepts  of  the  divine  law. — We  ought  also  to  be 
thankful  for  revelation,  which  is  needful  to  teach  us  how  to 
act  in  the  common  affairs  of  life.  But  without  the  super- 
natural teaching,  inclining,  and  assisting  influence  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  men  will  not  pay  a due  regard  to  that  revelation  : for, 
with  the  Bible  in  their  hands,  numbers  deviate  at  least  as 
widely  from  reason  and  Scripture,  as  even  the  Persian  mo- 
narchs did  ; except,  as  the  want  of  power,  and  the  laws  oi 
the  land  restrain  their  licentiousness.  For  these  laws  indeed, 
and  .for  many  other  advantages,  we  have  great  cause  to  be 
thankful:  and  especially,  that  the  children  of  Britons  are  not 
liable  to  be  forced  into  the  Seraglio  of  any  licentious  ruler. 
Yet,  alas!  after  all,  who  can  bear  steadily  to  contemplate 
the  corrupt  state  of  our  favoured  nation,  in  this  respect, 
without  a mixture  of  shame,  indignant  regret,  and  conster- 
nation ? 

V.  15 — 23.  It  is  peculiarly  useful  to  consider  the  provi- 
dential conduct  of  God  fulfilling  his  wise,  faithful,  righteous, 
and  merciful  purposes  in  the  midst  of  the  extravagances  occa- 
sioned by  the  mad  passions  of  wicked  men.  Pic  “careth  for 
his  people,”  and  he  is  “ the  Father  of  the  fatherless :”  orphans 
are  often  peculiarly  favoured  in  his  providence,  to  encourage 
us  to  intrust  our  children  to  his  care  while  we  live,  and  when 
wc  are  about  to  die  and  leave  them. — It  is  our  duty,  in  some 
cases,  if  we  are  able  to  provide  for  the  orphan  children  o, 
our  near  relations  ; and  by  so  doing,  men  often  provide  for 
their  own  comfort  and  safety,  and  for  their  families  also. — 
The  Lord  not  only  confers  personal  and  mental  endowments, 
and  enriches  the  soul  with  wisdom  and  grace ; but  he  gives 
favour  likewise : and,  notwithstanding  prejudices,  and  general 
contempt,  he  can,  when  he  pleases,  secure  to  his  people  the 
most  endeared  affection  of  those  who  know  him  not.  If 
wealth  or  kingdoms  were  good  for  them,  they  would  certainly 
have  them  ; but  prosperity  too  generally  feeds  the  distempers 
of  corrupt  nature,  and  poverty  and  obscurity  are  more  advan- 
tageous. Even  those  high  stations  which  some  few  believers 
occupy  for  the  good  of  their  brethren,  will  be  their  cross,  if 
not  their  snare;  and  their  comforts  must  flow  from  the  same 
source,  and  be  of  the  same  nature,  with  those  of  the  poorest 
Christian;  and  are  generally  in  more  scanty  measure. — We 
ou^ht,  however,  to  be  passive  in  the  Lord’s  hands  ; and  only 
be  careful  to  avoid  sin,  and  to  perform  our  duty,  in  whatever 
station  we  are  placed. — Our  profession  of.  religion,  and  many 
things  relating  to  it,  must  often  be  regulated  and  timed  accord- 
ing to  circumstances;  so  that  we  not  only  need  to  regard  the 
advice  of  wise  and  experienced  Christians,  but  daily  to  ask 
for  that  wisdom  which  is  from  above,  or  we  shall  be  liable  to 
perpetual  mistakes. — It  is  a singular  proof  that  men  have  ob- 
tained a good  measure  of  that  wisdom,  when  unexpected 
prosperity  and  favour  leave  them  humble,  and  teachable,  at- 
tentive to  every  relative  duty,  grateful  to  benefactors,  and 
disposed  to  listen  to  prudent  and  pious  counsellors. — No  men 
are  exposed  to  so  great  danger  from  treachery,  resentment, 
and  ambition  as  absolute  monarchs  : and  their  servants,  when 
really  attached,  often  confer  obligations  upon  them  which 
they  never  can  adequately  compensate.  But  the  servant  of 
God  must  be  faithful  to  every  trust,  and  watchful  for  tie 
safety  and  interest  of  those  who  employ  him  : and  though  he 
seem  at  present  neglected,  he  may  be  remembered  hereafter- 
However,  his  conscientious  and  upright  conduct  is  registered 
in  heaven,  and  will  be  graciously  rewarded  by  his  God,  when 
all  his  enemies  shall  be  driven  into  utter  destruction.  (Note, 
Ec.  9:13 — 18.  P.  O.  11— 18.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  III.  V.  I.  Hainan  is  supposed  to 
have  been  an  Amalekite,  descended  from  the  stock  of  the 
ancient  kings  of  that  people,  many  of  whom  were  named 
Agag.  (Num.  24:7.  I Sam.  15:8.) — If  his  descent  was  gene- 
rally known,  his  advancement,  to  be  the  king’s  chief  minister 
and  favourite,  would  be  peculiarly  displeasing  and  alarming 
( 861  ) 


B.  t*.  452. 


ESTHER. 


B.  C.  <51 


2 And  all  dthe  king’s  servants  that  were  in  the 
king’s  gate  'bowed,  and  reverenced  Haman ; for 
the  king  had  so  commanded  concerning  him.  But 
Mordecai  < bowed  not,  nor  did  him  reverence. 

3 Then  the  king’s  servants  which  were  in  the 
king’s  gate,  said  unto  Mordecai,  ?Why  transgress- 
est  thou  the  king’s  commandment? 

4 Now  it  came  to  pass,  hwhen  they  spake  daily 
unto  him,  and  he  hearkened  not  unto  them,  'that 
they  told  Haman,  to  see  whether  Mordecai’s  mat- 
ters would  stand : for  khe  had  told  them  that  he 
was  a Jew. 

5 And  when  Haman  saw  'that  Mordecai  bowed 
not,  nor  did  him  reverence,  then  was  Haman  rofull 
of  wrath. 

6 And  he  thought  scorn  to  lay  hands  on  Morde- 
cai alone;  for  they  had  showed  him  the  people  of 

<12:19,21.  e Gen. 41:43.  Phil. 2:10.  fl.  Ei.  17:14,16.  Deut. 25:19.  1 Sara. 
15:3.  Ps.  15:1.  g Ex.  1:17.  Matt.  15:2,3.  h Gen.  39:10.  i Dan.  3:8,9.  6:13. 
k Ezra  1:3.  Dan.  3:12,16— 18,23-  31.  6:20— 23.26— 28.  Jon.  1:9.  12.  5:9.  ml: 
12.  Job  5:2.  Prov.  12.16.  19:19.  21:21.  27:3,4.  Dan.  83:19.  n Pe.  83:4.  Rev. 
12:12—17.  o Neh.  2:1.  p 1:3.  2:16.  q 9:24— 26.  Prov.  16:33.  Ez.  21:21,22. 


to  the  Jews  ; as  they  were  expressly  commanded  to  extir- 
pate the  Amalekites.  (Notes,  Ex.  17:14 — 16.  Deut. 25:17 — 
19.  1 Sam.  15:1—3.) 

V.  2.  It  has  been  much  disputed,  why  Mordecai  so  per- 
tinaciously and  absolutely  refused  to  bow  before  Haman, 
when  commanded  by  his  prince : and  many,  supposing  that 
nothing  more  was  meant  than  civil  obeisance,  such  as 
Joseph’s  brethren  and  the  Egyptians  rendered  to  him,  and 
such  as  they  suppose  Ezra,  and  Nehemiah,  and  even 
Daniel,  must  have  paid  to  the  Persian  kings,  have  ascribed 
Mordecai’s  refusal  to  his  contempt  of  Haman’s  character,  or 
his  dislike  to  him  as  an  Amalekite.  But  these  reasons  are 
not  sufficient  to  justify  his  conduct,  when  the  fate  of  the 
whole  nation  was  at  stake:  yet  he  evidently  acted  conscien- 
tiously, and  was  accepted  by  the  Lord.  We  must  not 
therefore  ascribe  his  behaviour  to  pride,  moroseness,  resent- 
ment, or  envy.  It  is  well  known  that  the  Persian  monarchs 
required  an  obeisance,  which  even  the  Greeks  often  refused 
or  evaded,  as  express  adoration  : and  it  is  not  at  all  unlikely, 
that  Ahasuerus  required  a similar  act  of  adoration  to  be 
offered  to  his  favourite.  ‘ To  bow  the  knee  or  the  body,  to 
all  great  persons,  was  a common  respect ; for  which  there 
needed  not  a particular  command,  . . . with  respect  of  Haman. 
. . . There  was  therefore  some  kind  of  divine  honour  intended, 
such  as  was  paid  to  the  Persian  kings  themselves,  to  whom 
the  Greeks  would  not  pay  this  sort  of  respect,  because  it  was 
accounted  divine.  And  the  word  reverence  imports  some- 
thing beyond  bowing  ; which  was  falling  flat  on  their  faces  to 
the  ground.’  Bp.  Patrick. — The  original  words  may  be  ren- 
dered, “ They  kneeled,  down  and  fell  prostrate  before  Haman,” 
or,  they  worshipped  him:  and  perhaps  the  two  expressions 
are  never  united,  except  when  adoration  is  expressly  meant, 
and  they  are  in  this  narrative  uniformly  united.  (Matt.  4:9. 
Acts  10:25,26.  Rev.  22:8,9.)— In  the  apocryphal  addition  to 
this  book,  Mordecai  is  introduced  as  thus  appealing  to  God  : 
1 Thou  knowest,  Lord,  that  it  was  neither  in  contempt,  nor 
pride,  nor  for  any  desire  of  glory,  that  I did  not  bow  down  to 
proud  Haman  : for  I could  have  been  content,  with  good  will, 
for  the  salvation  of  Israel,  to  kiss  the  soles  of  his  feet : but  I 
did  this,  that  I might  not  prefer  the  glory  of  man  above  the 
glory  of  God,  neither  will  I worship  any  but  thee.’  (Esther 
13:12 — 14.)  Indeed  it  is  most  probable  that  the  homage 
required  by  Haman  was  idolatrous;  and  we  may  reasonably 
conclude,  that  the  king  himself  dispensed  with  the  custonjary 
ceremonies,  out  of  regard  to  the  conscientious  scruples  of 
those  few  Jews,  who  were  admitted  into  his  presence,  and 
whom  he  peculiarly  favoured  ; but  that  Haman,  despising 
Mordecai  and  hating  his  people,  was  not  so  condescending. 
And  though  we  do  not  read  that  other  Jews  refused  Haman 
this  honour  ; yet  numbers  might  be  of  the  same  opinion,  who 
were  not  put  to  the  trial,  not  being  employed  in  any  places  of 
honour  or  profit  about  the  king : and  indeed  it  does  not  ap- 
pear that  Mordecai  was  blamed  by  any  of  them,  even  amidst 
the  most  imminent  danger  to  which  the  whole  nation  was 
exposed.  (Note,  Dan.  3:1 — 7.) 

V.  3 — 5.  Haman  seems  not  to  have  noticed  Mordecai’s 
singularity,  (amidst  the  homage  which  he  received  from  all 
others,)  till  it  was  pointed  out  to  him  by  the  other  servants  of 
Ahasuerus.  These  first  remonstrated  with  Mordecai  for 
his  disobedience  to  the  king : but  when  he  disregarded  them, 
they  desired  to  know  whether  “ his  matters  would  stand  : for 
he  had  told  them  that  he  was  a Jew.”  ‘He  acquaints  them 
plainly  of  what  religion  and  nation  ho  was  ; who  might  not 
. . . worship  any  but  God  alone.’  Bp.  Patrick.  This  proves, 
that  he  vindicated  himelf  on  the  ground  of  his  religion  : and  it 
implies,  that  he  expected  Ahasuerus  would  admit  of  this  plea  ; 
which  favours  the  supposition,  that  the  kings  of  Persia  had 
been  used  to  excuse  their  Jewish  servants  from  such  obei- 
sance as  they  could  not  conscientiously  render. — It  is  proba- 
ble, however,  that  these  informers  thought  this  a good  oppor- 
tunity of  paying  court  to  the  favourite ; or  of  obtaining 
M'rdecaih  post  for  some  of  them,  or  their  dependants:  and 
( 862  ) 


Mordecai:  wherefore  Haman  "sought  to  destroy 
all  the  Jews  that  were  throughout  the  whole  king 
dom  of  Ahasuerus,  even  the  people  of  Mordecai. 

[ Practical  Observation* ».] 

7 H In  “the  first  month,  (that  is,  the  month  Nisan,) 
fin  the  twelfth  year  of  king  Ahasuerus,  sthey  cast 
Pur,  that  is,  the  lot,  before  Haman  from  day  to 
day,  and  from  month  to  month,  to  the  twelfth 
month,  that  is,  the  month  rAdar. 

8 And  Haman  said  unto  king  Ahasuerus,  There 
is  a certain  people  'scattered  abroad  and  dispersed 
among  the  people  in  all  the  provinces  of  thy  king 
dom;  and  ‘their  laws  are  diverse  from  all  people; 
neither  keep  they  the  king’s  laws:  therefore  it  is 
not  "for  the  king’s  profit  to  suffer  them. 

9 If  it  please  the  king,  let  it  be  written  'thai 
they  may  be  destroyed : and  I will  tpay  "ten 

Matt.  27:35.  r 9:1 ,5: 17 — 19,21.  Ezra  6:15.  a Lev.  26:33.  Deut.  4:27.  30  3. 
32  26.  Neh.  1:8.  Jer.  50:17.  Ez.6:8.  11:16.  Zcch.7:14.  Juhn7:35.  Jam.  1:1. 
1 Pet  1:1.  t Ezra  4:12- 15.  Acts  16:20,21.  17:6.7  . 24.5  . 28:22.  • Heh.  meet,  or 
equal,  for  the  king  to,  Sfc.  t Heb./o  destroy  them.  + Heb.  weigh.  Gen.  23:16. 
uMatt.  18:24. 


they  did  not  approve  of  his  singularity,  by  which  he  seemed 
to  reproach  their  compliance. 

•V.  6.  A wise  man  would  have  treated  this  information 
with  neglect : and,  had  he  even  thought  that  Mordecai’s  con- 
duct was  the  effect  of  pique,  pride,  malice,  or  insolence,  he 
would  have  left  him  to  his  humour.  But  Haman  was  a man 
of  a weak  and  vainglorious  mind,  and  intoxicated  with  pros- 
perity, as  the  whole  history  shows.  Being  therefore  fired 
with  indignation,  that  these  honours  were  refused  him  by  one 
so  greatly  his  inferior,  and  having  understood  that  the  refusal 
was  dictated  by  principles,  which  were  common  to  all  the 
Jews;  he  considered  the  whole  nation  as  his  enemies,  and 
determined,  if  possible,  to  involve  them  all  in  one  common 
destruction.  (Note,  Ps.  83:1 — 4.) — The  ancient  enmity  of 
an  Amalekite  seems  also  to  have  revived ; and  perhaps  he 
meant  to  revenge  the  quarrel  of  his  nation,  as  well  as  the 
affront  which  he  had  received  from  Mordecai.  His  rank 
and  authority,  and  his  unbounded  influence  over  Ahasuerus, 
emboldened  him  to  expect  success  in  the  daring  attempt. 
His  self-importance  made  him  think  it  a mean  revenge  to 
crush  an  individual  who  had  offended  him:  and  his  pre- 
eminence seemed  only  to  suggest  the  idea  of  being  able  to  do 
more  mischief,  and  diffuse  more  extensive  misery,  than  an 
inferior  could  have  done. — His  diabolical  ambition  and 
cruelty  thirsted  for  the  extirpation  of  the  whole  people  of  the 
Jews  at  one  blow  ; at  least  all  of  them  who  dwelt  in  the  im- 
mense kingdom  of  Persia,  including  those  in  Judea,  wh’ch 
was  a province  of  that  kingdom.  (Note,  Ezra  2:1.)  It 
may  therefore  fairly  be  concluded  that  the  device  was  not 
his  own  ; but  was  suggested  by  that  ambitious  spirit,  who 
aspires  to  be  M the  god  of  this  world,”  who  has  been  “a  mur- 
derer from  the  beginning,”  and  whose  enmity  to  the  14  Seed 
of  the  woman,”  to  Christ  and  his  church,  is  communicated  to 
all  his  children.  In  this  view,  it  was  a plan  worthy  of  the 
vast  capacity,  enmity,  malice,  ambition,  and  desperation  of 
that  arch  rebel,  against  his  Maker.  (Notes,  Gen.  3:14,15. 
Matt.  4:1,2.  John  8:41—47,  v.  44.) 

V.  7.  Esther  had  now  been  queen  five  years ; yet  het 
nation  and  kindred  had  not  become  publicly  known  : for 
Haman  did  not  suspect  that  the  queen  was  a Jewess,  or  that 
Mordecai  was  her  near  relation.  (Note,  7:6.)  Had  Mordecai 
been  ambitious  of  preferment,  no  doubt  he  would  have  coun 
selled  Esther  to  make  known  her  kindred,  when  she  was  first 
in  high  favour  : but  he  seems  to  have  foreseen,  that  she  was 
advanced  for  some  future  service  to  her  people,  for  which 
she  ought  to  reserve  herself.  (Note,  4:13,14.) — The  word 
44  Pur”  signifies  the  lot.  Haman,  having  formed  his  project, 
inquired  of  his  idols,  according  to  his  own  superstition,  by 
casting  lots  what,  day  would  be  most  propitious  to  its  execu- 
tion : for  he  made  himself  sure  of  the  king’s  concurrence! 
and  it  pleased  God  so  to  order  if,  that  the  day  which  had  the 
favourable  token,  was  above  eleven  months  distant.  Haman’s 
superstition  was  such,  that  he  did  not  venture  to  execute  his 
design  till  that  time  came : though  it  can  hardly  he  supposed, 
but  he  must  have  perceived  that  many  things  might  occur  to 
prevent  the  execution  of  his  intentions.  The  king  might 
change  his  mind,  or  might  die ; or  the  Jews  might  take  refuge 
in  other  countries,  or  make  such  preparations  for  their  own 
defence,  as  to  render  the  attempt  most  perilous,  and  the 
success  of  it  very  hazardous. — The  event  showed  the  vanity 
of  his  oracles  or  auguries  ; and  illustrated  the  doctrine  of  a 
particular  providence  over  all  the  affairs  of  men,  and  the  care 
of  God  over  his  church.  4 This  whole  business  was  go- 
verned by  a wonderful  providence  of  God,  by  whom  these  lots 
were  directed,  and  not  by  the  Persian  gods,  to  fall  in  the  last 
month  of  the  year,;  whereby  almost  a whole  year  intervened 
between  the  design  and  its  execution:  and  gave  time  foi 
Mordecai  to  acquaint  Esther  with  it,  and  for  her  to  intercede 
with  the  king,  for  the  revoking  or  suspending  his  decree,  and 
disappointing  the  conspiracy.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Note,  Prov 
16:33.) 

V.  8,  9.  Hainan  docs  not  seem  even  to  have  momionw 


B.  C.  451. 


CHAPTER  III.  B.  C.  451. 


thousand  ta.ents  of  silver  to  the  hands  of  those 
that  have  the  charge  of  the  business,  to  bring  it 
into  the  king’s  treasuries. 

10  And  the  king  “took  his  ring  from  his  hand, 
and  gave  it  unto  Human  the  son  of  Hammedatha 
the  Agagite,  the  Jews’  'enemy. 

11  Ami  the  king  said  unto  Human,  The  silver 
is  ;*iven  to  thee,  the  people  also,  Ho  do  with  them 
as  it  seemeth  good  to  thee. 

12  Then  were  the  king’s  tscribes  called  on  the 
thirteenth  day  of  the  first  month,  and  there  was 
written  according  to  all  that  Haman  had  com- 
manded unto  the  king’s  iieutenants,  and  to  the 
governors  that  were  over  every  province,  and  to 
Bie  rulers  of  every  people  of  every  province,  'ac- 
cording to  .the  writing  thereof,  and  to  every  people 
after  their  language  ; “in  the  name  of  king  Ahasu- 

x 8:2,8.  Gen.  41:42.  * Or,  oppressor.  7:6.  yPs.73:7.  Jer.  26:14.  40:4.  Luke 
23:25.  t Or,  secretaries.  7.1:22.8:9.9:27.  a 1 Kinga  21  :S.  Dan.  6:8,12,15. 
U 8:2,8.  c S:  10,14.  2Chr.30:6.  Job  9:25.  Jer.51:31.  Rom. 3:15.  d 1 Sam. 

to  Ahasuerus  the  name  of  the  people,  whom  he  purposed  to 
extirpate  ; supposing  that  they  would  be  sufficiently  known 
from  his  description  of  them.  He  probably  acted  as  prime 
minister  under  the  king,  who,  like  most  of  those  eastern 
monarchs,  giving  himself  up  to  his  pleasures,  left  the  manage- 
ment of  his  affairs  almost  entirely  to  him.  Indeed  the 
ascendency  of  Haman  was  so  absolute,  that  none  of  the  other 
counsellors  seem  to  have  been  advised  with  in  this  most 
important  matter ; and  probably  the  proposal  was  made  and 
consented  to,  while  the  king  was  heated  with  wine.  (Note, 
2:1.) — The  laws  and  customs  of  the  people  of  God  were 
indeed  diverse  from  those  of  any  other  nation  : but  there  is 
no  proof,  that  they  refused  obedience  to  the  laws  />f  Persia, 
except  as  Mordecai  refused  to  worship  Haman ; for  we  do 
not  find  that  the  kings  of  Persia  required  them  to  worship 
idols,  or  even  forbad  them  to  observe  their  sabbaths,  festivals, 
and  ceremonial  institutions. — It  does  not  appear  from  the 
narrative,  that  the  horrible  cruelty  and  injustice  of  the  pro- 
posal at  all  startled  the  king  ! Indeed  Haman  seems  to  have 
been  more  apprehensive,  that  he  would  object  to  the  impolicy 
of  diminishing  the  revenue,  by  decreasing  the  number  of  his 
subjects.  He  therefore  offered  the  king  ten  thousand  talents 
of  silver,  (about  four  millions  sterling,  if  reckoned  according 
to  the  talent  of  the  Jews’  Tables,)  by  way  of  compensation 
for  the  loss.  But  it  seems,  that  he  meant  to  indemnify  him- 
self out  of  the  property  of  the  massacred  Jews:  and  he 
would  engage  to  raise  the  sum  at  once  from  the  execution  of 
his  project  which  would,  as  he  pretended,  be  more  than 
equivalent  to  all  present  or  subsequent  disadvantages.  ‘ He 
intended  not  to  pay  one  farthing  of  it  himself,  it  being  easy  to 
raise  it  out  of  the  spoil  of  the  Jews’  goods.’  Bp.  Patrick. 
Those  who  were  employed  in  executing  the  bloody  decree, 
were  required  “to  take  the  spoil  of  them  for  a prey;”  (13) 
out  of  which  he  would  require  them  to  pay  a certain  propor- 
tion to  “ those  who  had  the  charge  of  the  business”  of  col- 
lecting the  revenue,  “ to  bring  it  into  the  king’s  treasuries.” 

V.  10,  11.  Without  considerable  knowledge  of  the  human 
heart,  and  the  history  of  mankind,  we  shall  find  a difficulty  in 
conceiving,  how  any  prince  could  be  induced  to  consent  to  so 
horrid  and  pernicious  a proposal  without  objection  or  hesita- 
tion. It  would  be  absurd  to  assign  a reason  for  so  infatuated 
a measure.  But  when  an  arbitrary  monarch  has  become  the 
dupe  of  a wicked  favourite ; it  has  always  been  observed, 
that  the  first  object  of  his  life,  the  chief,  and  almost  the  only 
use,  which  he  makes  of  his  power,  is  to  gratify  and  aggrandize 
him:  and  the  lives  of  subjects,  or  the  interests  of  empires, 
have,  on  such  occasions,  often  been  wantonly  sacrificed  to 
the  avarice,  the  ambition,  the  revenge,  or  the  caprice,  of  a 
worthless  minion ! — 1 So  loath  are  men  that  love  their  pleasure, 
to  take  any  pains  to  distinguish  between  truth  and  falsehood.’ 
Bp.  Patrick. — As  a token  that  the  request  was  granted, 
Ahasuerus  gave  the  ring,  with  his  royal  signet,  from  his  own 
hand,  to  the  enemy  and  oppressor  of  the  Jews  ; and  he  also 
granted  to  him  all  the  spoil,  without  making  any  payment 
into  the  treasury:  thus  Haman  seemed  about  to  obtain  the 
most  complete  gratification  of  his  revenge,  ambition,  and 
avarice.  (Notes,  Ex.  15:9,10.  Is.  10:13 — 15.  Luke  12: 
15—21.) 

V.  12 — 15.  Haman  hasted  to  form  the  grant  of  the  king 
into  a decree,  and  to  publish  it  throughout  the  empire:  that 
the  sentence  might  be  looked  upon  as  irreversible ; and  that 
all  the  subjects  might  prepare  to  carry  it  into  execution,  as 
they  valued  the  favour  of  the  king,  and  of  his  minister.  Thus 
be  expected,  that  the  hope  of  ingratiating  themselves  at  court, 
and  the  enmity  borne  the  Jews,  would  unite  the  inhabitants 
cf  every  city  and  prov^ice,  in  this  bloody  massacre  : doubt- 
ess  he  intended  to  stir  them  up,  and  lead  them  to  the  attack, 
9y  his  emissaries;  and,  further  to  encourage  them,  it  seems 
probable,  that  they  were  allowed  to  take  the  whole  spoil  of  the 
Jews  to  themselves  as  a prey.  That  his  meaning  might  not 
<*e  mistaken,  he  caused  the  edict  to  be  drawn  up  with  a re- 
markable repetition,  and  almost  in  the  style  of  modern  law  ; 
and  the  inhabitants  of  every  province  were  expressly  com- 
atanded,  “ to  destroy,  kill,  and  cause  to  perish,”  all  the  Jews, 


erus  was  it  written,  and  bsealed  with  the  king’s 
ring. 

13  And  the  letters  were  sent  cby  posts  into  ah 
the  king’s  provinces,  tc  destroy,  to  kill,  and  to 
cause  to  perish,  all  Jews,  ‘'both  young  and  old, 
little  children  and  women,  ein  one  day,  even  upon 
the  thirteenth  day  of  the  twelfth  month,  which  is 
the  month  Adar,  and  to  take  fthe  spoil  of  them 
for  a prey. 

14  Thegcopy  of  the  writing  for  a commandment 
to  be  given  in  every  province  was  published  untoall 
people,  that  they  should  be  ready  against  that  day. 

15  The  posts  went  out,  being  hhastened  by  the 
king’s  commandment,  and  the  decree  was  given 
in  Shushan  the  palace.  And  the  kin^  and  Haman 
‘sat  down  to  drink ; but  kthe  city  Shushan  was 
perplexed. 

15:3.  22:19.  e 8:12— 14.  Jam.  2:13.  f 8:11.  9:10.  Is.  10:6.  e 8:13,14.  h Prt.v 
1:16.4:16.  i Hos.  7:5.  Am. 6:6.  John  16:30.  Rev.  11:10.  k 4:16.  8:15.  Prov 
2S:3. 


even  old  men,  and  women,  and  children,  in  one  day. — When 
this  strange  and  most  horrid  decree  was  published,  it  caused 
much  perplexity  and  consternation,  not  only  to  the  Jews,  but 
to  all  considerate  men,  especially  at  Shushan  : for  they  could 
not  but  tremble  for  themselves,  when  they  perceived  what  a 
bloody  tyrant  had  possession  of  authority : and  they  must 
foresee,  that  terrible  effects  would  follow  from  such  a mad 
and  rash  attempt,  which  would  render  an  immense  number 
of  people  desperate,  and  drive  them  to  the  most  furious 
courage  in  their  own  defence.  ‘Perhaps  some  of  them  were 
related  to  the  Jews,  or  had  made  friendship  with  them ; and 
therefore  were  much  concerned  at  this  horrid  decree.’ — Bp. 
Patrick.  But  Haman  was  insensible  to  every  thing,  except 
the  gratification  of  his  revenge:  and  in  order  to  keep  such 
reflections  and  reports  at  a distance  from  the  king,  he  en- 
gaged him  in  pleasure  and  indulgence  ; and  they  sat  down 
to  drink,  as  perfectly  unconcerned  in  the  event! — Eleven 
months  intervened,  between  the  publishing  of  the  decree,  and 
the  day  appointed  for  carrying  it  into  execution.  ‘This  was 
not  wisely  projected,  to  let  his  design  be  known  so  long 
before  it  was  to  take  effect:  for  the  king’s  mind  might  alter, 
or  the  Jews  might  find  some  way  to  deliver  themselves,  or 
might  steal  out  of  the  kingdom.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

. PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 6.  The  favourites  of  earthly  princes  have  too  often 
been  distinguished  by  their  folly,  pride,  and  profligacy : but 
those  of  the  King  of  heaven  are  endowed  with  wisdom,  and 
grace,  and  prepared  for  usefulness  in  their  several  situations. 
— The  vanity  and  comparative  worthlessness  of  earthly  dig- 
nities and  possessions  are  shown,  by  their  being  so  commonly 
lavished  upon  the  basest  of  the  human  species  ; “God  having 
provided  better  things”  for  the  objects  of  his  special  love. — 
The  poison  of  the  old  serpent,  infused  by  his  first  temptation, 
“Ye  shall  be  as  gods,”  still  rankles  in  the  human  heart; 
and  when  the  pride  of  man  is  emboldened  by  great  prosperity, 
it  is  capable  of  openly  affecting  the  honour  and  worship, 
which  belong  to  God  alone!  (Notes,  Gen.  3:4,5.  Ez.  28: 
2—5.  P.  O.  1—10.  Notes , Dan.  G:G — 9.  Acts  12.20—23.) 
We  are  all  by  nature  idolatrous,  and  self  is  the  most  favour- 
ite of  our  idols  : and  whilst  we  admire  and  glory  in  our  own 
supposed  excellences,  we  delight  that  others  should  join  the 
incense  of  their  adulation ; we  are  pleased  to  be  treated,  as 
if  every  thing  were  at  our  disposal,  and  within  the  reach  o! 
our  capacity,  and  that  all  around  should  submit  to  us  and  bow 
before  us.  And  when  this  vast  ambition  occupies  a narrow 
mind,  and  the  possessor  climbs  the  pinnacle  of  earthly 
grandeur,  he  forgets  that  he  is  a man:  and  acts  as  if  the 
world  were  made  for  him,  and  were  to  be  governed  by  him ; 
and  as  if  all  its  inhabitants  were  created  to  be  his  slaves,  and 
to  worship  at  his  shrine ! — The  desire  of  the  favour  of  mo- 
narchs, and  the  fear  of  their  wrath,  influence  most  men  to 
allow  of  these  arrogant  claims,  and  to  conform  to  this  strange 
idolatry:  and  those  princes,  who  have  literally  demanded 
altars,  sacrifices,  and  incense  to  their  own  deity,  have  gene- 
rally met  with  a ready  and  zealous  compliance  from  most  ot 
their  subjects.  But  the  true  believer  can  neither  obey  such 
edicts  and  conform  to  such  fashions,  nor  be  induced,  by  any 
persuasions  or  menaces,  to  violate  the  law  of  God,  or  the 
dictates  of  his  own  conscience.  He  must  “obey  God  rather, 
than  men,”  and  leave  the  consequences  to  him  ; and  whether 
“his  matters  will  stand,”  and  his  religion  excuse  his  disobe- 
dience to  unlawful  commands,  in  human  courts  of  justice,  or 
not,  he  will  certainly  be  justified  in  so  doing  before  the  tribu- 
nal of  God. — Who  can  know  the  desperate  wickedness  of  the 
human  heart,  or  prescribe  any  bounds  to  its  devices  ! When 
a man  possesses  the  dangerous  privilege  of  doing  as  he 
pleases,  without  control,  and  with  present  impunity ; when 
pride  and  ambition  meet  with  an  unexpected  repulse,  and 
when  indignation  and  revenge  occupy  the  heart;  the  most 
horrible  and  diabolical  designs  will  be  considered  as  the  evi- 
dences of  a noble  and  daring  mind.  In  such  circumstances, 
the  infuriated  wretch  will  think  scorn  of  the  petty  rapines  and 
assassinations  of  inferior  villains,  and  become  ambitxous  of 
being  as  much  distinguished  by  a vast  revenge,  as  Dythe 

(863) 


B.  C.  451. 


ESTHER. 


B.  C.  451 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Af-’-ttecai  and  the  Jews  fuel,  an  l mourn  exceedingly , 1 — 3.  Esther , sending  to 
. mt'wre  of  Mordecai  i‘ie  reason , is  informed  of  the  decree , and  required  to 
$i»'ition  the  king  for  her  people  4 — 9,  She  e reuses  herself  by  alleging  the 
teril  of  the  attem/it  : but  hem i shown  the  consequences , she  appoints  a fast 
•3]  three  days,  and  consents  to  ap /.roach  the  king,  though  at  the  hazard  oj  her 
life,  10—17. 

VT^HEN  Mordecai  perceived  “all  that  was  done, 
VV  Mordecai  brent  his  clothes,  and  put  on  sack- 
cloth 'with  ashes,  and  went  out  into  the  midst  of 
the  city,  and  '‘cried  with  a loud  and  a bitter  cry ; 

2 And  came  even  before  the  king’s  gate:  for 
none  might  enter  into  the  king’s  gate  clothed  with 
sackcloth. 

3 And  'in  every  province  whithersoever  the 
king’s  commandment  and  his  decree  came,  there 
was  'great  mourning  among  the  Jews,  and  fast- 
ing, and  sweeping,  and  wailing ; and  ‘many  lay  in 
sackcloth  and  ashes. 

4 H So  Esther’s  maids  and  her  ^chamberlains 
came  and  told  it  her.  Then  was  the  queen  exceed- 
ingly grieved  ; and  she  sent  raiment  to  clothe  Mor- 
decai, and  to  take  away  his  sackcloth  from  him  : 
hbut  he  received  it  not. 

5 Then  called  Esther  for  Hatach,  one  of  the 

a 3:8 — 13.  b2Sam.  1:11.  Job  1:20.  Jon.  3:4— 9.  Acts  14:14.  c3.  Josh.  7:6. 

2 Sam.  13:19.  Job  2:8.  42:6.  Is.  58:5.  Ez.  27:30.  Dan.  9:3.  Matt.  11:21.  tl  Gen. 
27:34.  Is.  15.4.  22:4.  Ez.21:6.  27:31.  Mlc.  1:8.  Zc|ih.  1:14.  Res.  18:17—19. 
e 1:1.  3:12.  fl  Sara.  4:13,14.  11:4.  Is.  22:4,5,12.  37:1,3.  e Matt.  13:42.  22. 
13.  25:30.  * Heb.  sackcloth  and  ashes  were  laid  under  many.  Is.  58:5.  Dan. 

eminence  of  his  rank:  and  what  massacres  and  crimes  will 

not  in  that  case  be  perpetrated  without  remose,  and  even 
with  pride  and  pleasure ; while  immense  numbers  both  fall 
victims  to  his  fury,  and  are  involved  with  him  in  the  guilt  of 
murder  and  other  enormities ! What  cause  then  have  we  to 
be  thankful  for  external  restraints  to  our  headstrong  passions; 
and  how  ought  we  to  watch  and  pray  against  pride,  anger, 
malice,  and  every  sinful  propensity!  for  if  left  under  the 
power  of  them,  we  cannot  conceive  how  far  they  would  hurry 
us. — Let  us  also  remember  to  be  thankful  for  a limited,  mild, 
and  equitable  government ; and  to  beg  of  God  to  extend  the 
same  blessing  to  all  other  nations;  with  all  the  blessings  of 
our  holy  religion,  and  that  liberty  with  which  Christ  makes 
his  people  free. 

V.  7 — 15.  The  world,  as  lying  in  wickedness,  must  hate 
the  people  of  God,  who  bear  his  image  and  do  his  will : but 
they  will  be  peculiarly  obnoxious  to  tyrants;  as. they  must 
refuse  unreserved  compliance  with  their  mandates  and  hu- 
mours ; being  the  subjects  of  another  kingdom,  and  governed 
by  laws  diverse  from,  nay  opposite  to,  their  favourite  maxims 
and  pursuits.  They  are  indeed,  and  ought  to  he,  u a pecu- 
liar” and  singular  u pgople,”  “ not  conformed  to  this  world,” 
while  they  are  dispersed  in  the  various  parts  of  it:  and  they 
should  be  willing  to  be  treated  rs  precise,  conceited,  and 
unpliant.  But  those  who  persuade  princes,  that  it  is  not  for 
their  profit  to  tolerate  them,  and  that  they  had  better  perse- 
cute, destroy,  or  banish  them,  are  as  much  enemies  to  the 
state  as  to  the  church  of  God.  Whatever  mere  professors 
may  be,  true  Christians  are  the  best  subjects  under  every 
government:  not  only  because  they  are  more  peaceable, 
honest,  and  industrious  than  their  neighbours  ; and  conscien- 
tiously pay  tribute,  and  render  obedience  in  all  things  lawful ; 
hut  because  their  examples  and  conversation  edify  many,  and 
their  prayers  bring  down  a blessing  upon  the  land  in  which 
they  live  in  peace.  No  acquisitions  of  wealth  therefore  could 
compensate  the  loss  of  them,  even  in  a political  view;  and 
without  bringing  into  the  account  the  enormous  load  of  national 
guilt,  which  persecution  rapidly  accumulates. — The  ungodly 
are  often  lavish  in  expenses  on  their  lusts ; and  thus  shame 
those  Christians  who  are  penurious  in  promoting  the  cause 
of  God : they,  however,  frequently  find  means  by  one  of  their 
crimes  to  bear  the  expenses  of  the  rest;  and  it  is  through 
defect  of  ingenuity  or  of  power,  if  they  do  not  always  accom- 
plish this. — Inconsiderate  princes,  who  are  the  slaves  of 
pleasure  and  dupes  to  their  favourites,  may,  though  humane 
in  their  own  dispositions,  become  as  mischievous  as  the  most 
bloody  tyrants;  by  consenting,  through  false  accusations,  to 
that  injustice  and  cruelty  which  they  would  have  abhorred, 
if  they  had  taken  the  pains  properly  to  investigate  the  busi- 
ness. Thus  the  most  important  interests  of  millions  are 
• sacrificed  to  the  humour,  emolument,  or  revenge  of  some 
worthless  wretch;  who  regards  the  honour  of  his  patron  no 
more  than  he  does  the  happiness  of  the  people,  and  is  as 
insensible  to  gratitude,  as  to  compassion.  But  we  may 
cease  to  wonder  that  such  things  have  been  done,  when  we 
consider  how  individuals,  in  every  station  of  life,  sacrifice 
their  credit,  interest,  health,  and  connexions,  and  even 
shorten  their  lives,  as  well  as  ruin  their  souls,  for  the  sake 
of  the  most  contemptible  gratifications : and  though  sensible 
of  their  danger,  they  have  no  power  to  resist  the  importunity 
of  an  inordinate,  unreasonable  inclination  ! When  this  be- 
comes the  case  of  one  in  authority,  and  unites  with  his  other 
passions  and  partialities ; intoxication  and  excess  extinguish 
every  remaining  spark  of  humanity,  and  s'upify  conscience 
and  reflection  ; and  he  and  his  companions  will  he  revelling 
( 864  ) 


king’s  chamberlains,  whom  he  had  ^appointed  t» 
attend  upon  her,  and  gave  him  a comniandmen 
to  Mordecai,  ‘to  know  what  it  was,  and  why  it 
was. 

6 So  Hatach  went  forth  to  Mordecai,  unto  the 
street  of  the  city,  which  was  before  the  king’s 
gate. 

7 And  Mordecai  told  him  of  fall  that  had  hap- 
pened unto  him,  and  of  the  sum  of  the  money 
that  Human  had  promised  to  pay  to  the  king’s 
treasuries  for  the  Jews,  to  destroy  them. 

8 Also  he  gave  him  kthe  copy  of  the  writing  of 
the  decree  that  was  given  at  Shushan  to  destroy 
them,  to  show  it  unto  Esther,  and  to  declare  it 
unto  her,  and  ‘to  charge  her  that  she  should  go  in 
unto  the  king,  mto  make  supplication  unto  him,  and 
“to  make. request  before  him  for  her  people. 

9 And  Hatach  came  and  told  Esther  the  words 

of  Mordecai.  [Practical  Observations.'] 

10  H Again  Esther  spake  unto  Hatach,  and  gave 
him  commandment  unto  Mordecai ; 

11  All  the  king’s  servants,  and  the  people  of 
the  king’s  provinces,  do  know,  that  whosoever, 

9:3.  t Heb. eunuchs.  1:12.  1 Sam.  8:15.  marg.  2 Kings  S:32.  Is.  56:3.  Acts  8: 
27.  h Gen.  37:35.  Ps.  72:2.  Jer.  31:15.  } Heb.  set  before  her.  1 : 10,12.  i Rom. 
12:15.  1 Cor.  12:26,  Phil. 2:4.  Heb.  4: 15.  j 3:2— 15.  k 3:14,15.  1 2:20.  1 Tim. 
6:13,17.  m Job  9.15.  Prov.  16:14,16.  £c.  10:4.  Acts  12:20.  n 7:3,4.  8:6.  Neb. 
2:3—5.  Prov.  21:1. 


with  unfeeling  and  most  unseasonable  mirth,  while  thousands 
are  deploring  the  fatal  effects  of  their  pernicious  counsels. — 
But  the  Lord  bounds  the  effects  of  man’s  malice,  as  he  does 
the  raging  waves  of  the  ocean : even  superstition,  though 
baneful  in  itself,  may  sometimes  operate  as  a useful  restraint 
on  those  who  are  free  from  every  other  ; and  it  has  often  so 
dismayed  unprincipled  men,  in  the  full  career  of  prosperous 
wickedness,  that  they  have  postponed  their  designs,  till  oppor- 
tunity has  been  given  to  render  them  abortive.  Thus  “ the 
counsel  of  the  Lord  shall  stand,  and  he  will  do  all  his 
pleasure:”  and  “they  that  trust  in  him  shall  never  be  con- 
founded.” 

NOTES. — Chap.  IV.  V.  1.  ( Marg . Ref.)  Mordecai, 
besides  giving  vent  to  his  own  sorrows,  by  his  open  lamenta- 
tions, and  by  the  habit  of  a penitent  mourner,  doubtless 
intended  to  excite  the  attention  of  his  people  to  the  extent 
and  imminence  of  their  danger,  and  to  the  proper  method  of 
seeking  deliverance.  Probably,  he  was  one  of  the  most  con- 
siderable Jews  in  Shushan,  and  immediately  struck  at  by  the 
decree : therefore  he  thus  avowed  his  relation  to  the  Jews, 
and  called  upon  them  to  unite  in  seeking  protection  from  God. 

V.  2.  Nothing  was  allowed  to  enter  within  the  palace, 
which  did  not  bear  the  aspect  of  joy  and  pleasure,  or  which 
could  remind  the  king  of  misery  or  mortality.  (Note.,  Gen. 
50:4.)  Thus,  whatever  oppressions  were  committed  upon 
the  subjects,  all  complaints  were  discouraged,  and  care  was 
taken  to  prevent  the  king  from  being  troubled  with  the  report 
of  them.  Mordecai,  therefore,  when  expressing  his  grief  by 
the  customary  tokens,  might  not  enter  to  his  usual  place  of 
attendance  : but  he  walked  as  near  it  as  he  could,  that  being 
noticed,  Esther  might  hear  of  him ; through  whom  he  doubtless 
entertained  hopes  of  deliverance.  (Notes,  13,14.  2:21 — 23.) 

V.  3.  It  cannot  be  reasonably  doubted,  that  the  fastings 
and  weepings  of  the  Jews  were  attended  by  constant  prayers 
and  supplications  : yet  all  mention  of  them,  and  of  the  glo- 
rious God  whom  they  worshipped,  seems  to  have  been  carefully 
and  purposely  avoided,  both  here  and  elsewherh.  (Preface.) 

V.  4.  Some  of  the  queen’s  attendants  were,  it  seems, 
acquainted  with  her  relation  to  Mordecai;  and  his  excessive 
grief  being  noticed,  she  soon  heard  of  it.  As  a token  of  her 
sincere  and  deep  sympathy  with  him  in  his  sorrow,  and  her 
unabated  affection  for  so  kind  a benefactor,  she  sent  him 
change  of  raiment,  according  to  the  custom  of  the  times ; in 
order  perhaps,  that  he  might  resume  his  place : but  she  seems 
not  to  have  known  the  causa  of  his  affliction  ; and  Ins  refusal 
to  be  comforted  would  lead  her  to  conclude,  that  it  was  for 
some  very  great  and  terrible  calamity.  (Mari;.  Ref.) 

V.  5.  The  wives  and  concubines  of  the  Persian  kings 
were  watched  with  such  jealous  strictness,  that  the  queen 
herself  had  not  liberty  to  go  out  of  the  precincts  of  the  palace, 
to  confer  in  person  with  so  near  a relative  ; nor  might  he  have 
access  to  her,  especially  in  mourning  ! So  that  she  could 
only  inquire  the  cause  of  his  excessive  sorrow,  by  the  inter- 
position of  one  of  the  chamberlains,  whom  the  king  had 
appointed  to  attend  on  her.  (Marg.  Rif.) 

V.  G — 9.  (Marg.  Ref.  Notes,  3:2 — 15.)  Mordecai  told 
Hatach,  in  what  manner  Hainan's  revenge  was  excited,  and 
of  the  proposal  which  he  had  made  In  the  king  of  paying  ten 
thousand  talents  into  the  treasury,  if  a decree  might  he 
passed  for  destroying  all  the  Jews;  and  (lint  such  a decree 
had  been  ratified,  of  which  ho  sent  a copy  to  Esther  ; and  he 
charged  her  to  intercede  with  the  king  in  behalf  of  her  nation. 

V.  11.  It  may  he  supposed,  that  this  law  was  framed, 
under  the  pretext  of  securing  the  person  of  the  king  from  the 
assaults  of  conspirators,  and  of  maintaining  Ins  dignity  ; that 


B C.  451. 


CHAPTER  IV 


B.  C.  45 


whether  man  or  woman,  shall  come  unto  the  kin^ 

, into  “the  inner  court,  who  is  not  called,  there  is 
Pone  law  of  his  to  put  him  to  death,  except  such  to 
whom  ithe  king  shall  hold  out  the  golden  sceptre,' 
that  he  may  live  : rbut  I have  not  been  called  to 
come  in  unto  the  king  these  thirty  days. 

12  And  they  told  to  Mordecai  Esther’s  words. 

13  Then  Mordecai  commanded  to  answer 
Esther,  "Think  not  with  thyself  that  thou  shalt 
escape  in  the  king’s  house,  more  than  all  the  Jews. 

14  For  if  thou  altogether  holdest  thy  peace  at 
this  time,  ‘then  shall  there  'enlargement  and  deli- 
verance arise  to  the  Jews  from  another  place  ; but 

0 5:1.  p Dan.  2:9.  g 5:2.  M.  r 1:19.  2:14.  1 Pet.  3:7.  sPtot. 24:10— 
12.  Matt.  16:24,25.  John  12:25.  Phil.  2:30.  Heb.  12:3.  I Gen. 22: 14.  Nura. 
23  22—24.  Dent.  32:26,27,35.  1 Sam.  12:22.  Is.  54:17.  Jer.  30:1 1.  33:24— 
26.  46:23.  Am.  9 3,9.  Matt.  16:18.  24:22.  * Heh.  respiration.  Ezra  9:9.  Job  9: 
18.  u 2:7,15.  Judg.  14:15— IS.  15:6.  xGen.45:4— 8.  Is.  45:1— 5.  49:23.  Acts 7: 

being  seldom  seen,  he  might  be  considered  as  a kind  of  deity  : 
but  it  would  serve  also  to  protect  his  ministers  and  favourites 
from  detection,  in  their  oppressions  or  pernicious  measures. 
For  in  general  the  king  must  see  with  their  eyes,  and  hear 
with  their  ears,  and  receive  their  reports : and  if  any  one 
would  venture  to  present  to  him  a complaint,  petition,  appeal, 
or  information,  he  must  do  it  at  the  hazard  of  his  life ; as  the 
king  would  seldom  call  for  any  person,  in  opposition  to  the 
advice  of  his  counsellors  and  ministers.  By  this  method  the 
king  also  was  excluded  from  liberal  society  and  converse  : so 
that  his  palace  in  the  city,  and  his  pavilions  in  the  camp, 
became  a kind  of  prison  : and  no  wonder,  that  princes  who 
were  so  immured,  became  morose  and  capricious,  and  pre- 
pared for  every  kind  of  tyranny  and  cruelty.  (Notes,  Neh. 
2:1,2.  Dan.  6:6 — 9. ) — As  the  law  extended  to  the  women 
likewise,  we  may  suppose  that  this  was  intended  to  free  the 
monarch  from  molestation,  when  his  affections  had  been 
transferred  from  former  objects  to  more  successful  rivals:  for 
if  the  queen  went  into  his  presence  uncalled,  immediate  death 
was  the  inevitable  consequence,  should  he  be  displeased  at 
her  intrusion.  And  as  Esther  had  not  been  called  for  during 
a whole  month,  she  had  some  reason  lo  fear  that  she  had  lost 
the  king’s  favour;  and  that  she  should  also  lose  her  life,  if 
she  presumed  to  enter  uncalled  into  his  presence. — Probably, 
Hainan  had  occupied  the  king’s  mind  with  every  species  of 
licentious  pleasure,  that  he  might  think  no  further  of  the  edict, 
which  he  had  confirmed  and  published. 

V.  13,  14.  Mordecai  represented  to  Esther,  that  in  case 
the  decree  against  her  people  should  be  executed,  she  would 
certainly  be  known  to  be  a Jewess,  and  would  be  slain  even 
in  the  king’s  palace,  by  some  of  the  envious  and  malicious 
enemies  of  that  nation.  But,  being  “ strong  in  faith,”  he  was 
assured,  that  God  would  by  some  means  deliver  his  people ; 
and  that,  if  she  refused  to  venture  her  life  in  the  cause,  their 
enlargement  would  he  attended  by  some  remarkable  judgment 
upon  her,  and  all  her  remaining  relations.  (Marg.  Ref. 
Notes,  Prov.  24:11,12.  Matt.  16:24 — 28.)  He  also  suggested 
to  her,  that  most  probably  she  had  been  advanced  to  her 
present  dignity,  on  purpose  to  be  the  deliverer  of  her  nation 
m this  perilous  crisis,  and  in  this  case,  her  attempt  would  be 
both  safe  and  honourable. — It  is  remarkable  that  sentiments, 
so  replete  with  faith  and  piety,  are  conveyed  to  us,  without 
the  mention  of  God,  or  Providence.  This  seems  to  have 
been  done  intentionally.  (Preface.) 

V.  15 — 17.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Some  think  that  the  Jews  were 
only  required  to  abstain  from  all  delicacies,  and  to  fast  each 
day  till  after  sunset  : but  perhaps  on  this  extraordinary 
occasion,  all,  who  had  no  hihderance  that  rendered  it  impracti- 
cable, (in  which  situation  many  must  needs  be  found,)  fasted 
from  the  morning  of  the  first,  uniil  some  time  on  the  third 
day,  without  eating  any  thing.  (Notes,  Dan.  10:2,3.  Joel*l : 
13 — 15.  2:15 — 17.  Jon.  3:5 — 10.)  The  queen  herself,  how- 
ever, conformed  to  the  same  rule  which  she  prescribed  to 
others : and  she  had  obtained  some  attendants,  who  were 
willing  to  unite  with  her  in  these  exercises  of  devotion,  though 
it  is  not  probable  that  they  were  Jewesses.  And  when  pre- 
paration had  been  made,  by  solemn  humiliation  before  God, 
no  doubt  accompanied  by  fervent,  united,  and  persevering 
prayer,  she  determined,  by  an  heroic  act  of  faith  and  love,  to 
venture  her  life  in  the  cause  of  her  people:  and  if  it  were  the 
will  of  the  Lord,  that  she  should  be  put  to  death,  she  was 
ready  to  acquiesce  in  his  appointment.  ‘ This  is  not  a speech 
of  despondence,  but  of  courage  and  resolution  ; being  as  much 
as  to  say,  I am  content  to  perish  in  so  good  a cause : and  if 

1 perish  for  it  in  this  world,  (as  the  Taj-gum  glosses,)  I shall 
have  my  portion  in  the  world  to  come.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Notes, 
Neh.  610 — 14.  Acts  20:22—24.  Phil.  2:24—30.  1 John 
316,17.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 9.  Public  calamities,  especially  those  which  oppress 
the  church  of  God,  should  more  affect  our  hearts  than  any 
private  affliction  : and  it  is  peculiarly  distressing  to  a gene- 
rous mind,  to  be  even  the  occasion  of  suffering  to  others. — 
Vain  is  the  attempt  of  man  to  banish  misery  from  his  heart, 
by  any  of  those  varied  devices  which  he  tries  for  that  purpose. 
A refuge  from  the  wrath  to  come  is  indeed  provided  ; and  an 
effectual  support  under  temporal  afflictions,  and  victory  over 
Voi  . I. — 109 


“thou  ant)  thy  father’s  house  shall  be  destroyed 
and  who  knoweth,  xwhcther  thou  art  come  to  th» 
kingdom  Tor  such  a time  as  this  ? 

15  HThen  Esther  bade  them  return  Mordecai 
this  answer, 

16  Go,  gather  together  all  the  Jews  that  at 
'prese.it  in  Shushan,  and  “fast  ye  for  me,  an. 
neither  “eat  nor  drink  three  days  night  or  day: 
also  and  my  maidens  will  fast  likewise : and  si 
will  I go  in  unto  the  king,  which  is  not  according 
to  the  law  ; and  “if  I perish,  I perish. 

17  So  Mordecai  iwent  his  way,  and  did  accord 
ing  to  all  that  Esther  had  commanded  him. 


20-25.  y 1 Sam.  17:29.  2 Kings  19:3.  Neh.  6:11.  t Heb.  found.  j2Ctir.20 
3.  I>.  22:12.  Joel  1:14,15.  2:12— 17.  Jon.  3:4— 6.  a 5:1.  Malt.  12:40.  Acts  9.9 
27:33.  b Gen.  18:19.  Josh.  24:15.  Acts  10:7.  c Gen.  43:14.  1 Sam.  19^.  2 Sam, 
10:12.  Luke  9:24.  Acts  20:24  . 21:13.  Rom.  16:4.  Phil.  2:30.  } Heb .pass'd 


death  itself:  but  most  men  content  themselves  with  striving 
to  forget  their  misery,  instead  of  seeking  and  securing  happi- 
ness. Yet  the  approach  of  death,  as  well  as  its  consequences, 
must  be  formidable,  in  proportion  as  it  is  unexpected  ana 
unprepared  for. — Exalted  stations,  and  envied  distinctions,  in 
many  respects,  greatly  abridge  the  liberty  of  the  possessors, 
and  preclude  them  from  the  most  agreeable  and  profilable 
society.  Pride,  envy,  suspicion,  and  other  unreasonable 
passions,  render  them  slaves  to  cumbrous  forms  ; and  to  pre- 
serve their  dignity,  or  from  fear  of  giving  offence,  they  often 
have  less  opportunity  of  enjoyment  or  improvement,  that? 
their  inferiors,  and  become  the  ignorant  dupes  of  designing 
men  in  matters  of  the  greatest  importance.  Too  often  laws 
also  are  framed  in  subserviency  to  men’s  lustsc  and  unde* 
every  government,  the  more  cause  is  given  for  complaint,  the 
less  liberty  is  allowed  to  complain. — But  let  us  rejoice  tha. 
the  righteous  Lord  reigns,  and  upon  a mercy-seat.  To  him 
we  have  access  at  all  times  : his  golden  sceptre  is  ever  held 
forth  to  encourage  our  approach:  we  cannot  come  uncalled 
into  his  presence,  when  we  plead  the  Saviour’s  name;  our 
danger  consists  in  keeping  at  too  great  a distance,  not  in 
drawing  too  near:  if  he  have  taken’ us  for  the  objects  of  his 
peculiar  love,  he  will  never  cast  us  off ; and  it  is  our  own 
fault  if  we  have  not  daily  access  to  him  and  communion  witk 
him.  We  never  have  any  good  reason  to  complain  of  hi? 
dispensations  ; though  we  have  frequently  cause  to  bemoan 
our  afflictions,  to  deprecate  the  miseries  to  which  we  are 
exposed,  and  to  appeal  to  him  against  our  oppressors,  perse- 
cutors, and  tempters  : and  we  are  charged  to  present  our  daily 
petitions  at  his  throne  of  grace,  for  the  whole  church  of  Goa 
and  all  the  members  of  it,  according  to  their  several  difficulties, 
trials,  and  services ; as  well  as  for  the  conversion  and  salvation 
of  our  fellow-sinners.  For  this  purpose,  we  should  inquire  con 
cerning  the  state  of  our  brethren,  how  they  fare,  and  of  the 
cause  of  God,  how  it  prospers ; that  we  may  be  directed  j» 
our  prayers,  and  in  our  endeayours  to  serve  the  common 
cause  by  the  due  improvement  of  our  talents.  And  if  we  be 
thus  disposed,  we  shall  seldom  want  opportunities  of  comfort- 
ing the  mourners,  protecting  the  oppressed,  or  succouring 
those  who  are  in  tribulation  or  necessity. 

V.  10 — 17.  As  the  enemies  of  the  church  are  instigated 
by  malice  to  be  unwearied  in  mischief,  surely  we  should  ba 
constrained  by  love  to  be  as  unwearied  in  doing  good.  Bu, 
we  are  prone  to  shrink  from  perilous  and  self-denying  ser 
vices  : and  to  think  ourselves  sufficiently  excused  for  neglect, 
ing  an  opportunity  of  important  usefulness,  if  we  can  truly 
say,  that  it  would  have  been  embraced  at  the  hazard  of 
liberty  or  life.  Yet,  as  the  disciples  of  him  who  laid  down  his 
life  for  us,  we  ought  also,  if  properly  called  to  it,  “ to  lay  down 
our  lives  for  the  brethren :”  and  no  labour,  loss,  or  suffering 
in  the  way,  will  justify  us  in  neglecting  the  duty  of  our  station. 
If  then  Christians,  who  are  placed  in  exalted  situations,  show 
a disposition  to  consult  their  own  ease  and  safety  rather  than 
the  public  good,  they  should  be  plainly  remonstrated  with 
and  reminded  that  their  interest  and  that  of  God’s  people  are 
inseparable  ; that  their  enemies  are  the  same ; that  he,  who 
rinfully  determines  “ to  save  his  life,  shall  lose  it;”  that 
mlargement  and  deliverance  will  arise  to  the  church  of  Goi 
from  some  quarter;  that  if  they,  from  selfish  motives,  refuse 
the  privilege  of  being  his  instruments,  the  honour  will  be  given , 
to  others,  and  disgrace  or  ruin  will  come  upon  them  and 
theirs,  for  deserting  the  cause  when  the  emergency  called  for 
their  interposition ; that  Providence  has  raised  them  to  then 
high  stations,  that  they  may  serve  God,  and  do  good  to  man- 
kind, and  will  they  then  neglect  the  opportunity  which  is  pre- 
sented to  them  ? that,  perhaps,  this  was  the  very  service  foi 
which  they  were  raised  up;  and  it  is  preposterous  to  fear 
man  in  doing  the  evident  will  of  God.  Such  remonstrances, 
when  urged  by  men  of  consistent  character,  have  a powerfii 
effect,  in  exciting  the  timorous  and  reluctant  to  venture  in  a 
good  cause.— Those,  however,  who  are  called  to  stand  forth 
boldly  in  perilous  services,  have  a right  to  demand  the  united 
prayers  of  all  their  brethren.  And,  in  great  emergencies  and 
adversities  especially,  solemn  seasons  of  fasting,  humiliation 
and  prayer  are  peculiarly  useful,  to  prepare  the  mind  for 
expecting  an  receiving  deliverance  from  the  mercy  of  God, 
in  a proper  manner. — Believers  may  have  feilowsRip  with 
( 865  ) 


B.  C.  451.  ESTHER.  B.  C. 451 


CHAPTER  V. 

Bstfler , venturing  unit  .'led  before  the  king,  is  graciously  received  ; and,  being 
encouraged  to  make  her  request,  she  invites  the  king  and  /daman  to  a ban - 
que‘,i — 5.  Being  again  asked  tohat  u>ae  her  request,  she  invitee  them  to 
another  banquet  the  next  day,  6 — 8.  / Inman,  proud  of  this  distinction,  and 

elated  by  prosperity , is  yet  disquieted  by  MordecaV  s neglect,  and  amidst  hie 
vainglorying  complains  of  it  to  his  Jricnds  and  his  wife,  9 — 13.  by  their 
advice  he  erects  a gallows  for  MordecaV  s execution  the  next  morning,  14. 

NOW  it  came  to  pass  'on  the  third  day,  that 
Esther  put  on  her  '’royal  apparel , and  stood 
'in  the  inner  court  of  the  king’s  house,  over 
against  the  king’s  house:  and  the  king  dsat  upon 
his  royal  throne  in  the  royal  house,  over  against 
the  gate  of  the  house. 

2  And  it  was  so,  when  the  king  saw  Esther 
the  queen  standing  in  the  court,  that  'she 
obtained  favour  in  his  sight : and  the  king  held 
out  to^Esther  fthe  golden  sceptre  that  was  in  his 
hand.  So  Esther  drew  near,  and  touched  the 
top  of  the  sceptre. 

3  Then  said  the  king  unto  her,  eWhat  wilt 
thou,  queen  Esther?  and  what  is  thy  request? 
it  shall  be  even  given  thee  hto  the  half  of  the 
kingdom. 

4  And  Esther  answered,  ‘If  it  seem  good  unto 
the  king,  let  the  king  and  Haman  come  this 
day  unto  kthe  banquet  that  I have  prepared  for 
him. 

5  Then  the  king  said,  'Cause  Haman  to  make 
haste,  that  he  may  do  as  Esther  hath  said.  So 
the  king  and  Haman  came  to  the  banquet  that 
Esther  had  prepared. 

6  II  And^  mthe  kin"  said  unto  Esther  at  the 
banquet  of  wine,  What  is  thy  petition  ? and  it 
shall  be  granted  thee  : and  what  is  thy  request  ? 
even  to  the  half  of  the  kingdom  it  shall  be  per- 
formed. 


a 4:16.  Matt.  27:64.  b 1:11.8:16.  Matt.  10:1  6.  11:8.  I Pet.  3:3— 5.  c 4:11. 
6:4.  d 1 Kings  10:18-20.  Luke  22:30.  Rev.  3:21.  e Gen.  32:28.  Nah.  1:11. 
P».  116:1.  Pi-ov.  21:1.  Acts  7: 10.  10:4.  f 4:11.8:4.  t;  6.  7:2.  9:12.  1 Kings  2: 
20.3:5.  Matt.  20:20— 22.  Luke  18:41.  h 6.  Mark6:23.  i 8.  Proa.  29:11. 

k 8.  3:15.  G-n.  27:25.  32:20.  Ps.  112:5.  1 Cor.  14:20.  16:14.  m3. 7:2.9:12. 
• Heb  .do.  n 6:1,  &c.  Prov. 16:9.  o Job  20:6.  Am.  6:12,13.  Luke  6:25.  John 
16:20.  Jam.  4:9.  p 3:2.  Pa.  15:4.  Malt.  10:28.  q 3:5.  1 King* * "21:4.  Job  31:31. 
Ps.  27:3.  Dan.  3:13,19.  Matt.  2:16.  Acta  7:54.  r Gen. 43:30,31. 45:1.  2 Sam. 
13:22,23.  Ec.  7:9.  t Heb.  caused  his  friends  to  come.  s 6:13.  t 1:4.  Gen. 


each  other  in  the  same  duties,  when  not  able  to  meet  in  the 
same  place. — Those  who  stir  up  others  to  self-denial  should 
set  the  example  of  it : and  a winning  deportment,  a pious  con- 
versation, and  a holy  life,  will  generally  induce  others  to  join 
us  in  seeking  the  Lord,  wherever  we  are  placed.  (Note, 
Acts  10:3 — 8,  v.  7.)  Having  solemnly  commended  our  souls 
and  our  cause  to  God,  we  n\ay  venture  under  his  protection 
upon  any  service,  without  distressing  fear  : we  are  perfectly 
safe,  if  he  please  to  preserve  us  ; and  should  we  lose  our 
lives  in  doing  his  will,  that  loss  would  be  our  greatest  gain. — 
Indeed  all  dangers  are  trivial,  compared  to  the  danger  of 
losing  our  souls.  When  this  is  apprehended,  the  trembling 
sinner  is  often  as  much  afraid  of  casting  himself,  without 
reserve,  upon  the  Lord’s  free  mercy,  as  Esther  was  of  coming 
before  the  king.  But  let  him  venturers  she  did,  with  earnest 
prayers  and  supplications,  saying,  “ If  I perish,  I perish,” 
and  he  shall  certainly  succeed  in  the  event.  And  as  the  cause 
of  God  will  at  last  be  triumphant,  it  is  our  highest  interest 
cordially  to  adhere  to  it,  whatever  cross  we  may  be  required 
to  endure. 

NOTES. — Chap.  V.  V.  1 — 3.  Esther,  having  intrusted 
herself  to  the  protection  of  God,  and  put  on  her  royal  appa- 
rel, ventured  into  the  presence  of  the  k>  ig ; most  probably 
before  the  conclusion  of  the  solemn  fast  and  while  the  Jews 
were  still  engaged  in  prayer.  Her  conduct  was  contrary  to 
the  law  of  the  Persians  : but  the  king,  by  holding  firth  the 
golden  sceptre,  granted  her  a pardon  ; and  by  his  subsequent 
inquiry  and  promise,  relieved  her  anxiety  and  raised  her  ex- 
pectations. (JMarg.  Ref.  Notes , Gen.  32:(i — 8,24 — 28.  33: 
4.  Neh.  1:5—11.  Prov.  21:1.  Ads  9:3—6.  12:5— 11.)— The 
apocryphal  addition  to  this  book,  says,  that  at  first  the  king 
'rnwned,  and  Esther  fainted ; and  that  God  then  put  it  into 
ftic  heart  to  behave  kindly  towards  her. 

V.  4.  It  appears  probable,  that  Esthor  intended  U make 
a previous  trial  of  the  king’s  disposition,  before  she  presented 
her  important  petition,  which  could  scarcely  be  granted  with- 
out the  immediate  ruin  of  his  principal  favourite.  It  might 
also  be  improper  to  make  her  requost  before  the  king’s  attend- 
ants ; and  she  meant  to  do  it  in  the  presence  of  Haman.  The 
delay  likewise  expressed  her  respect  for  the  king,  whom  she 
reluctantly  troubled,  because  the  matter  was  urgent  : and 
probably  she  well  knew  that  blandishments,  and  the  exhilara- 
tion of  wine  and  feasting,  disposed  him  to  grant  such  petitions 
as  he  would  otherwise  have  rejected. 

V.  5—8.  (Marg.  Ref.)  Whether  Esther’s  courage 
failed  her,  or  whether  she  had  some  good  reason  for  this 
delay  ; the  providential  wisdom  of  GW  was  wonderfully  ma- 
nifcsted’by  it,  as  the  event  sufficiently  shows.  * There  was 
( 866  ) 


7 Then  answered  Esther,  and  said,  My  peti- 
tion and  my  request  is  : 

8 If  I have  found  favour  in  the  sight  of  the 
king,  and  if  it  please  the  king  to  grant  my  petition, 
and  to  ’perform  my  request,  let  the  king  and 
Haman  come  to  the  banquet  that  1 shall  prepare 
for  them,  and  I will  do  "to-morrow  as  the  king 
hath  said. 

9 U Then  went  Haman  forth  that  day  "joyfu 
and  with  a glad  heart:  hut  when  Haman  saw 
Mordecai  in  the  king’s  gate,  that  Phe  stood  not 
up,  nor  moved  for  him,  she  was  full  of  indig- 
nation against  Mordecai. 

10  Nevertheless,  Haman  'refrained  himself: 
and  when  he  came  home,  he  sen^  and  'called  (or 
his  friends,  and  "Zeresh  his  wife. 

11  And  Haman  told  them  of ‘the  glory  of  his 
riches,  and  “the  multitude  of  his  children,  and  all 
the  things  wherein  the  king  had  promoted  him, 
and  “how  he  had  advanced  him  above  the  princes 
and  servants  of  the  king. 

12  Haman  said  moreover,  Yea,  Esther  the 
queen  did  let  no  man  come  in  with  the  king  unto 
the  banquet  that  she  had  prepared  but  myself; 
and  Ho-morrow  am  I invited  unto  her  also  with 
the  kin". 

13  Yet  'all  this  availelh  me  nothing,  so  long  as 
I see  Mordecai  the  Jew  sitting  at  the  king’s  gate, 

14  K Then  “said  Zeresh  his  wife  and  all  his 
friends  unto  him,  bLet  a fallows  be  made  of  fifty 
cubits  high,  and  to-morrow  'speak  thou  unto  the 
king  that  Mordecai  maybe  hanged  thereon  : then 
dgo  thou  in  merrily  with  the  king  unto  the  ban- 
quet. And  'the  thing  pleased  Haman ; and  < he 
caused  the  gallows  to  be  made. 

31:1.  Job  31:24,25.  P«.  49:6,16,17.  Is.  10:8.  Jcr.  9:23.21.  Dan.  4:30.  Mark  10: 
24.  Luke  12:19,20.  1 Tim.  6:17.  u 9:7— 10.  Job  27: 1 4 .15.  Hos.  9:13,11.  a 3( 
1.  y Job  - : 12, 13.  20:5—8.  Ps.  37:35,56.  Prov  7:22,23.  27:1.  I.iikj  21  34 ,35. 
1 Tlies.  5:3.  z 1 Kings  21:4— 6.  Job  18:4.  Ec.  1:2,14.  Phil.  4:11,12.  a 2 Sam. 
13:3-5.  1 Kings  21:7,25.  2 Chr.  22:3,4.  Mark  6:19— 24.  b 7:9.  J Heb.  tree. 
c 3;8,  &c.  6:4.  d 3:15.  1 Kings  21:7.  Am.  6:4— 6.  Rev.  11:10.  e2Sam,16: 

21—23.  171-4.  Mark  14:10,11.  Acts 23:14,16.  Rom.  1:32.  f 7:10.  Ps.  7:13 — 
16.  9:15.  Prov.  1:18.  4:16.  Rom.  3:15. 


also  a singular  providence  of  God  in  this  matter,  which  so 
disposed  her  mind,  that  the  high  honour  the  king  bestowed  on 
Mordecai  the  next  day,  might  fall  out  between  this  and  that, 
and  make  way  for  her  petition.  . . . The  Israelites  were  in 
great  expectation  of  the  issue  of  this  feasting,  and  hoped  to 
s«e  Haman  suddenly  cut  off;  but  she  was  resolved  to  turn 
their  thoughts  the  righ<  way,  that  is,  from  her  unto  God, 
looking  for  mercy  from  their  heavenly  Father.’  Bp.  Patrick 
and  Tar  gum  quoted  by  him.  (Notes,  6:) 

V.  9,  10.  Mordecai  had  before  refused  Haman  the  exor- 
bitant honours  which  he  claimed  : hut  now  he  u stood  not  lip, 
nor  moved  for  him,”  which  probably  he  had  before  done  ; for 
Haman’s  prodigious  wickedness  rendered  him  unworthy  even 
of  common  respect.  Mordecai  would  also  show  this  base 
man,  that,  so  far  from  abject  submission  from  dread  of  hi* 
cruel  revenge,  he  had  trusted  his  cause  with  God,  and  did  nf* 
u fear  what  flesh  could  do  to  him.”  But  Haman,  though  fut 
of  indignant  wrath,  refrained  himself  for  the  present. — I* 
seems  that  at  the  close  of  the  solemn  fast,  Mordecai  had 
hasted  to  put  off  his  sackcloth,  and  to  be  found  in  his  place 
(Notes,  1—3.  2:21 — 23.  4:1,2.) 

*V.  11,  12.  Haman’s  wife  and  friends  mtl^t  have  before 
known  all  the  particulars  of  his  prosperity  : hut  he  loved,  it 
seems,  to  be  talking  on  these  subjects  ; and  the  queen’s  invi- 
tation, which  he  supposed  to  spring  from  peculiar  esteem 
and  respect,  was  a recent  distinction  which  greatly  flattertsj 
his  pride. 

V.  13.  The  neglect  of  Mordecai,  by  Hainan's  own  con- 
fession, more  than  counterbalanced  all  his  singiuar  prosperity, 
and  marred  all  his  enjoj'mcnt.  His  proud  heart  rankled  with 
malice  and  impatience,  because  this  Jew  still  lived,  kept  hi* 
place,  and  refused  to  bow  unto  him.  The  destruction  of  the 
nation  was  determined  on  at  a distant  day  ; but  he  thirsted 
for  Mordecai’s  blood,  as  an  anticipation  of  that  more  complete 
revenge. — 1 How  small  a matter  will  spod  all  the  satisfaction 
of  those,  who  are  arrived  at  the  top  of  human  felicity  ! 
Immense  riches,  gloiy,  and  honour,  gave  not  Hainan  so 
much  pleasure,  as  he  felt  pain  from  one  man's  disrespect. 
Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  14.  Zeresh  and  Hainan’s  friends  supposed,  that  oeing 
so  deeply  chagrined,  he  could  not  enjoy  the  royal  banquet,  if 
he  did  not  previously  gratify  his  malice  by  the  death  of  Mor- 
decai. They  were  confiden*,  that  at  the  first  word  the  kin# 
would  consent  to  Mordecai’s  execution  ; and  they  advised  the 
immediate  erection  of  a gibbet  for  that  purpose,  that  no  time 
might  be  lost : and,  m order  that  all  men  might  witness  the 
death  of  him,  who  refused  honour  to  the  king’s  favourite,  it 
must  be  more  than  twenty-five  yards  high  This  cruel  and 


B.  C.  451 


CHAPTER  VI. 


B.  C.  45 


CHAPTER  *7I. 

7TU  king,  unable’,  c sleep,  o iere  the  records  of  the  kingdom  to  be  read,  1 ; 
and  diecovering  that  Mot  lecai's  service  had  not  been  rewarded,  he  cone  • 
dsre  how  to  honour  him , 2 3.  Haman,  coming  early  to  request  that  Morde- 
cai  might  be  hanged,  is  himself  appointed  to  confer  the  highest  honours 
upon  him,  4—1 1.  tie  is  extremely  cast  down,  anti  dietrtssed ; his  friends 
dntl  wife  predict  his  ruin  ; and  in  (hie  state  of  mind  he  is  called  to  atle/ul 
Esther's  oanquet,  12 — 14. 

ON  nliat  night  ‘could  not  the  king  sleep,  and  he 
commanded  to  bring  bthe  book  of  records  of 
the  Chronicles ; and  they  were  read  before  the 
king. 

2  And  it  was  found  written,  that  Mordecai  had 
told  of  'Bigtliana  and  Teresh,  two  of  the  king’s 
chamberlains,  the  keepers  of  the  ’door,  who  sought 
to  lay  hand  on  the  king  Ahasuerus. 

3  And  the  king  said,  dYVhat  honour  and  dignity 
hath  been  done  to  Mordecai  for  this  ? Then  said 
the  king’s  servants  that  mihistered  unto  him, 
'There  (s  nothing  done  for  him. 

4  And  the  king  said,  ' Who  is  in  the  court? 
(Now  Haman  was  come  into  *the  outward  court 
of  the  king’s  house,  hto  speak  unto  the  king  to 
hang  Mordecai  on  the  gallows  that  he  had  pre- 
pared for  him.) 

a 5:3.  Gel,.  22:14.  1 Sam.  23:26,27.  1».  41:17.  Rom.  11:33.  • Heb.  the  king’, 

Sleep  fled  away . Dan.  2: 1 . 6: 18.  b 2:23.  Mai. 3:16.  c2:2l.  Bigttian.  t Heb. 
threshold.  d Juda.  1:12,13.  1 Sam.  17:25,26.  1 Chr.  11:6.  Dan. 6:7,16,29. 
Act»23:8— 10.  e Gen.  40:23.  Ps.  118:8,9.  Ec.  9:15.  f Prov.  3:27,28.  Ec.9:10. 
g 4:11.  5.1.  h 3:8— 11.  5:14.  7:9.  Job5:13.  Ps.  2:4.  33. 10.  J Heb.  m whore 
So,  cur  the  king  delighteth.  Ps. 35:27.  Is.  42:1. 62:4,5.  Jer. 32:41.  Matt.3:17 

foolish  counsel  was  calculated  to  please  Haman  ; and  though 
night  was  approaching,  the  gallows  was  immediately  prepared: 
hut  little  did  he  dream  for  whopi  it  was  erected.  (Notes  7: 
9,10.9:13,14.)  1 The  Jews  were  extremely  troubled  at  the 

sight  of  these  gallows,  and  all  cried  to  Goa  in  the  words  of 
the  Psalmist,  123:2,  “ Behold,  as  the  eyes  of  servants  look 
unto  the  hand  of  their  masters,  and  as  the  eyes  of  a maiden 
unto  the  hand  of  her  mistress  ; so  our  eyes  wait  upon  the 
Lord  our  God,  until  that  he  have  mercy  upon  us.”  ’ Tar- 
eum  in  Bp.  Patrick.  The  text  selected  is  apposite  ; but  the 
rest  is  the  mere  imagination  of  the  writer. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

In  those  things  which  must  be  done,  and  which  require 
great  courage,  needless  delays  should  be  avoided  : and  it  is 
best  to  proceed  when  our  affections  are  lively,  and  our  faith 
in  exercise. — Costly  or  royal  apparel  is  not  the  Christian’s 
ornament , and  is  utterly  worthless  when  compared  with 
wisdom  and  grace  ; yet,  on  some  occasions  and  in  some 
stations,  it  may  and  ought  to  be  worn.  ( Notes,  1 Tim.  2:8 — 
10.  1 Pet.  3:1 — 4.)  But  it  is  a most  deplorable  evil  that 
inferior  pofsons  will  ape  the  fashions,  and  emulate  the  ex- 

fiense,  of  their  superiors : and  thus  they  often  injure  their 
amilies  and  creditors,  or  lavish  that  which  belongs  to  the 
poor  ; and  at  the  same  time  expose  their  own  weakness  and 
folly. — The  best  method  of  prevailing  with  men,  is  first  to 
revail  with  God  by  earnest  prayer  ; for  he  can  dispose  the 
eart  of  any  prince  or  persecutor,  to  favour  his  people,  as 
far  as  he  pleases.  Yet  while  we  trust  in  his  omnipotent 
protection,  we  should  be  wise  as  well  as  courageous  : and  he 
will  generally  teach  those  who  consult  him,  to  conciliate 
men’s  affections  by  attention  and  respect,  and  to  watch  for 
favourable  opportunities  before  they  propose  important  mat- 
ters. But,  however  largely  men  may  profess  or  promise,  it 
is  best  not  to  ask  or  expect  too  much  from  them. — A slight 
affront,  which  a humble  man  would  scarcely  notice,  will 
torment  a proud  man  even  to  madness,  destroy  all  his  com- 
forts, and  sometimes  fill  him  with  diabolical  rage  and  misery. 
Vainglorious  men  delight  in  boasting  of  the  commendations, 
honours,  and  favours  conferred  on  themt;  each  new  distinction 
gives  a momentary  gratification  to  their  vanity , and  they 
receive  every  attention,  as  a tribute  to  their  merit,  or  as 
homage  paid  to  their  superior  talents.  They  invite,  and  even 
hire  men,  to  listen  to  their  praises  ; and  often  glory  most  in 
those  things  which  tend  to  their  immediate  disgrace  and 
ruin.  For  “vanity  and  vexation”  are  at  last  the  inventory  of 
all  sublunary  things.  All  “ availeth  them  nothing,”  while 
this  is  wanted,  or  the  other  wrong  ; a beloved  child  or  friend 
is  dead,  or  an  enemy  lives  and  prospers ; while  some  are 
mounted  higher  than  themselves,  and  others  refuse  to  render 
them  the  most  servile  flattery,  and  comply  with  their  capricious 
and  unreasonable  demands.  (Notes,  and  P.  O.  1 Kings  21: 
I — 7.)  Prosperity  increases  insolence  and  arrogance,  which 
stir  up  envy  and  enmity,  and  provoke  affronts  and  opposition, 
and  thus  the  most  envenomed  resentments  and  tormenting 
passions  are  excited,  and  the  fair  edifice  of  fancied  felicity 
vanishes,  like  the  enchanted  castles  of  romantic  poets.  May 
we  then  seek  happiness  in  the  favour  of  God,  in  peace  of 
conscience,  and  dominion  over  our  own  spirits  ; and  in  cul- 
tivating that  love,  which  “suffereth  long  and  is  kind,  . . . 
envieth  no*,  vaunteth  net  itself,  is  not  puffed  up,  doth  not 
behave  itself  unseemly,  seeketh  not  her  own : is  not  easily 
provoked,  thinketh  no  evil ; rejoiceth  not  in  iniquity,  but  re- 
joiceth  in  the  truth ; beareth  all  things,  believeth  all  things, 
nopeth  ail  things,  endureth  all  things ; and  which  never 


5 And  the  king’s  servants  said  unto  him,  Be 
hold,  Haman  stundeth  in  the  court.  And  the  king 
said,  Let  him  come  in. 

6 So  Haman  came  in.  And  the  king  said  unto 
him,  What  shall  be  done  unto  the  man  twhom 
the  king  delighteth  to  honour?  (Now  Haman 
thought  in  his  heart,  ‘To  whom  would  the  king 
delight  to  do  honour  more  than  to  myself?) 

7 And  Haman  answered  the  king,  For  the  mar. 
Swhom  the  king  delighteth  to  honour, 

8 "Let  the  royal  apparel  be  brought,  which  the 
king  useth  to  wear,  and  kthe  horse  that  ihe  king 
rideth  upon,  and  the  crown  royal  which  is  set  upon 
his  head : 

9 And  let  tliis  apparel  and  horse  be  delivered 
to  the  hand  of  one  of  the  king’s  most  noble 
princes,  that  they  may  array  the  man  withal  whom 
the  king  delighteth  to  honour,  and  ’’bring  him  on 
horseback  through  the  street  of  the  city,  and 
'proclaim  before  him,  Thus  shall  it  be  done  to  the 
man  whom  the  king  delighteth  to  honour. 

10  Then  the  king  said  to  Haman,  "’Make  haste, 
and  take  the  apparel  and  the  horse,  as  thou  hast 


John  5:23.  i 3:2,3.  5:11 . Prov.  1:32.  15:18. 18:12.  30:13.  Ob.  3.  § Heh.  in 

whose  honour  the  king  delighteth.  !l  Heb.  Let  them  bring  the  royal  apparel , 
wherewith  the  king  clotheth  himself.  I Sam.  18:4.  Luke  15:22.  kl  King*  l: 
S3.  17  Ileb.  cause  him  to  ride.  1 Geo.  41:43.  Zech.  9:9.  m Dan.  4:37.  Luka 
14:11.  Rev.  18:7. 


faileth,”  but  shall  be  perfected  in  the  eternal  felicity  of  heaven ! 
(Note,  1 Cor.  13:5—7.) 

NOTES. — Chap.  VI.  V.  1,  2.  No  reason  is  assigned 
why  Ahasuerus  was  not  able  to  sleep  : but  the  Lord  so 
ordered  it,  that  sleep  fled  from  him  : (marg.)  and  instead  of 
calling  for  the  ministers  of  his  pleasure  to  entertain  him,  he 
was  disposed  to  examine  the  records  of  his  kingdom!  It  does 
not  appear,  that  he  had  any  express  intention,  in  having  re- 
course to  this  extraordinary  way  of  employing  his  sleepless 
hours,  during  the  night : hut  the  only  wise  God  so  appointed 
it.  And  he  likewise  so  ordered  it,  that  the  reader  opened 
the  records  in  that  part,  in  which  Moudecai’s  important  ser- 
vice was  written  ! (Note,  2:21 — 23.)  Had  not  this  circum- 
stance intervened,  Haman  no  doubt  would  have  prevailed  in 
his  request  against  Mordecai ; and  this  would  have  been  ex- 
tremely unfavourable  to  the  success  of  Esther’s  petition  for 
her  people,  and  against  Haman.  ( Note,  5:14.) 

V.  3.  Instead  of  a reward,  Mordecai,  and  all  his  people 
for  his  sake,  were  actually  condemned  to  die  ! probably  som* 
recompense  had  been  intended:  but  so  unassuming  a person 
who  would  not  cringe  and  flatter,  and  who  presented  no  re- 
quests for  preferment,  was  soon  forgotten  by  a mighty  prince, 
surrounded  by  his  courtiers  and  pleasures,  and  engrossed  by 
a multiplicity  of  affairs.  (Notes,  Gen.  40:23.  1 Sam.  17:55 — 
58.  2 'Sam.  9:1.  Ec.  9:13—18.  Luke  17:1 1—19.)— 4 But 
there  was  a special  Providence  in  it,  that  he  went  without  a 
reward  then,  which  procured  it  for  him  most  opportunely  at 
this  time.  It  is  not  improbable,  that,  as  Josephus  saith,  the 
history  of  some  of  his  ancestors  was  read  before  they  came  to 
his  reign ; wherein  was  set  down  what  services  men  had 
done,  and  what  preferment  or  gifts  had  been  bestowed  upon 
them  ; which  moved  the  king  to  ask,  when  they  came  to  this 
story  of  Mordecai,  what  had  been  done  for  him.’  Bp. 
Patrick. 

V.  4,  5.  4 Haman  came  early  to  court,  that  he  might 
gratify  his  revenge,  and  go  with  more  pleasure  to  the  banquet. 
This  was  another  part  of  God’s  providence,  to  bring  him  so 
soon  to  court,  when  the  king  was  thus  disposed.’  Bp. 
Patrick. — Even  Haman  might  not  enter  the  inner  court  till 
called  for.  (Note,  4:11.) 

V.  6 — 11,  We  may  suppose,  that  Haman  was  much 

leased  to  be  so  speedily  called  into  the  king’s  chamber:  6 at 

is  request  was  prevented,  by  his  advice  being  asked  on  a 
very  different  business.  Probably,  the  king  was  considering 
what  good  preferment  was  vacant,  which  might  suit  Morde- 
cai, whom  he  should  delight  to  honour  and  reward,  as  the 
preserver  of  his  life:  hut  he  did  not  name  the  person;  and 
Haman  s thoughts  were  so  engrossed  about  himself,  that  he 
could  not  think  the  king  would  honour  any  one  above  him% 
or  would  delight  to  honour  any  one  beside  him. — His  exces 
sive  vanity,  ambition,  presumption,  and  ostentation,  as  wen 
as  the  emptiness  of  his  worthless  mind,  are  fully  illustrated 
by  the  honours  which  he  chose,  supposing  them  intended  for 
himself.  He  must,  forsooth,  have  the  use  of  the  king’s  own 
royal  robe,  and  horse,  and  crown : one  of  the  most  noble 
princes  must  be  his  page,  and  his  herald : and  by  proclama- 
tion it  was  to  be  made  known,  what  delight  the  king  had  in 
honouring  him  ! Perhaps  Ahasuerus  understood  his  meaning 
and  was  disgusted  at  his  exorbitant  pretensions:  and  while 
he  peremptorily  commanded  him  to  do  all  this  to  44  Mordecai 
the  Jew ,”  he  could  scarcely  help  remembering  the  edict,  which 
Haman  had  obtained  against  that  people.  Haman,  however, 
did  not  venture  to  object  or  demur  ; his  request  for  leave  to 
hang  Mordecai  was  adjourned  sine  die  ; and  he  was  eon- 
( 867  ) 


B.  C.  451.  ESTHER.  B.  C.  451 


said,  and  do  even  so  to  Mordecai  the  Jew,  that 
sitteth  at  the  king’s  gate : ‘let  nothing  fail  of  all 
that  thou  hast  spoken 

11  Then  "took  Ilaman  the  apparel  and  the 
horse,  "and  arrayed  Mordecai,  and  brought  him 
on  horseback  through  the  street  of  the  city,  and 
proclaimed  before  him,  Thus  shall  it  be  done  unto 
the  man  whom  the  king  delighteth  to  honour. 

12  IT  And  Mordecai  Pcame  again  to  the  king’s 
gate.  But  Hainan  ^hasted  to  his  house  mourning, 
and  "having  bis  head  covered. 

13  And  Haman  told  “Zeresh  his  wife,  and  all 
his  friends  every  thing  that  had  befallen  him. 
Then  ‘said  his  wise  men  and  Zeresh  his  wife 
unto  him,  "If  Mordecai  be  of  the  seed  of  the  Jews, 
belbre  whom  thou  hast  begun  to  fall,  thou  shalt 
not  prevail  against  him,  *but  shalt  surely  fall 
befobe  him. 

14  And  while  they  were  yet  talking  with  him, 

• Heb.  suffer  not  a whit,  to  fall.  2 Kings  10:10.  n Ezra  6:13.  Is.  60:14.  Luke 
1:52.  Rev.  3:9.  o 8:15.  9:3.  p2:19.  1 Sam.  3:15.  Pa.  131:1,2.  q 2 Sam.  17: 
23.  1 Kings  20:43.  21:4.  2 Chr.  26:20.  Job  20:5.  r 7:8.  2 Sam.  15:30.  Job  9:24. 
Jer.  14:3,4.  s 5:10 — 14.  t Gen.  41:8.  Dan.  2 12.  u Gen.  40:19.  1 Sam.  28:19, 


strained  to  become  page  to  a man,  comparatively  obscure, 
whom  he  hated  and  contemned  above  all  other  men  on  earth, 
while  this  extraordinary  honour  was  conferred  on  him!  Ima- 
gination itself  cannot  devise  a more  painful  mortification. 
It  cannot  indeed  be  supposed,  that  Mordecai  was  greatly 
pleased  with  this  unmeaning  pageantry  considered  in  itself, 
which  would  confer  no  solid  advantage,  but  expose  him  to 
great  envy : yet  he  probably  considered  it  as  a favourable 
presage  of  Esther’s  success,  and  of  the  deliverance  of  his 
people  from  their  malicious  enemies. — Some  learned  men 
think,  that  44  the  crown-royal”  denotes  an  ornament  by  which 
the  king’s  horse  was  distinguished ; and  not  the  crown  which 
the  king  himself  wore. 

V.  12.  Mordecai,  not  elated  with  the  honour  which  he 
had  received,  returned  to  his  place  anu  duty  as  if  nothing 
had  happened.  (Notes,  1 Sam.  3:15.  Prov.  27:20.)  But 
Haman  went  home  as  a condemned  criminal,  dreading  the 
consequences  of  this  unexpected  disaster  If  Mordecai  had 
been  a person  beforS  unknown  to  Haman,  it  would  have 
been  no  real  degradation,  to  be  employed  in  honouring  him 
in  this  manner,  as  the  preserver  of  the  king’s  life ; though  his 
pride  would  have  been  mortified : but,  as  he  was  the  man 
whom  he  mortally  hated,  and  one  of  that  nation  whose  de- 
struction he  had  sought  and  confidently  expected  ; he  must 
conclude  that  this  favour  indicated  the  determined  purpose 
of  the  king  to  prefer  Mordecai;  and  consequently  foreboded 
his  own  ruin.  For  in  such  a contest  there  could  be  no 
alternative  between  victory  and  destruction.  (Note,  Prov. 
25:8 — 10.)  The  contrast  also,  between  the  object  of  his  so 
early  coming  to  the  king,  to  request  permission  to  hang  Mor- 
decai, and  the  honour  which  he  was  in  consequence  com- 
pelled to  do  him,  was  in  itself  most  dismaying.  Having  his 
head  covered .]  Marg.  Ref.  r.  Note , 7:8. 

V.  13.  “ Haman  told  Zeresh  his  wife,  and  his  friends,’ 

4 who  were  waiting  to  hear  what  was  become  of  Mordecai, 
whom  they  advised  to  get  hanged  on  the  gallows,  . . . how 
cross  every  thing  had  fallen  out  to  him  that  morning.’  Bp. 
Patrick. — The  44  wise  men,”  here  mentioned,  seem  to  h;u  «* 
been  astrologers  or  magicians,  whom  he  consulted  on  this 
occasion  ; and  were  probably  the  same  persons  whom  he 
had  before  consulted:  (Marg.  Ref.  Note , 3:7.)  and  per- 
haps thejr  pretended  to  found  their  judgment  on  the  princi- 
ples of  their  art,  or  to  consult  their  oracles.  Yet  what  had 
been  observed  of  the  contest,  between  Haman  and  Mordecai, 
and  the  sudden  and  rapid  falls  of  court  favourites  in  absolute 
aaonarchies  ; as  well  as  what  they  must  have  heard  of  the 
wonderful  works  of  Jehovah  in  behalf  of  his  people  ; were 
sufficient  to  convince  them,  that  this  unexpected  turn  was  the 
forerunner  of  more  fatal  consequences.  But  they  deduced 
no  salutary  counsel  from  these  apprehensions  : and  indeed 
their  conclusions  were  entirely  calculated  to  drive  Haman  to 
despair.  (Notes,  l Sam.  28:12 — 19.)  His  wife  also  con- 
curred with  them  in  opinion,  that  these  were  fatal  omens  ; 
which  was  calculated  still  more  to  overwhelm  him. 

V.  14.  Hainan,  in  the  anguish  of  his  heart,  seems  to  have 
neglected  his  appointment ; and  doubtless  he  would  willingly 
nave  been  excused  from  the  banquet,  to  which  he  had  ex- 
pected to  go  so  cheerfully:  (Note,  5:14.)  but  there  was  no 
alternative  ; he  must  attend,  to  hear  his  accusation,  and  the 
udgment  in  consequence  awarded  against  him. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

We  are  in  every  thing  entirely  dependent  upon  God ; nor 
✓ an  the  whole  world  purchase  an  hour’s  refreshing  sleep,  if  he 
ee  good  to  withhold  it:  from  him  therefore  we  should  seek 
this  sdace  to  our  cares,  and  thank  him  for  it  when  we  have 
enjoyed  it.  But  when,  by  any  means  he  withholds  sleep  from 
us,  ^t  is  of  great  importance  to  employ  usefully  our  waking 
hours.  The  cares  and  duties  of  our  station  in  society  may 
properly  occupy  our  reflection,  to  the  exclusion  of  those 
thoughts  that  are  vain  and  injurious  : but  it  is  best,  when  wo 
can  meditate  upon  God,  and  his  works,  his  truths,  his  pre- 
( 868  ) 


came  the  king’s  chamberlains,  and  ^hasted  to 
bring  Haman  unto  the  banquet  that  Esther  had 
prepared. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Esther,  at  the  banquet,  petitions  the  king  far  her  oton  life , and  the  lives  of  her 
people;  and  accuses  Haman  as  their  enemy,  1 — 6.  The  king,  in  wrath  aru* 
Jealousy  condemns  Haman , who  is  hanged  on  the  gallows  prepared  for 
Mordecai , 7—10. 

SO  the  king  and  Haman  cime  to  ‘banquet  with 
Esther  the  queen. 

2 And  “the  king  said  again  to  Esther  on  the 
second  day  at  the  banquet  of  wine,  What  is  thy 
petition,  queen  Esther  r and  it  shall  be  granted 
thee  : and  what  is  thy  request?  and  it  shall  be 
performed,  eveti  to  the  half  of  the  kingdom. 

3 Then  Esther  the  queen  answered  and  said. 
If  I have  found  favour  in  thy  sight,  O king,  and 
if  it  please  the  king,  blet  my  life  be  given  me  at 
my  petition,  and  cmy  people  at  my  request: 


20.  Dan. 5:26—28.  Zech.  12:2,3.  i Job  16:2.  y 5:14.  Deut.  32:35,36.  * Htb. 
drink.  3: 15.  5:8.  n See  on  5:6.  John  16:24.  b 7. 1 Kings  20:31.  2 King.  1 : 13. 
Job  2:4.  Jer.  38:26.  c 4:8.  Ps.  122:6-9. 


cepts,  and  promises  ; and  when  we  can  bless  him  for  his 
mercies,  and  pour  out  our  hearts  before  him  in  prayer.  ( Notes , 
Ps.  77:2 — 12.) — The  providence  of  God  superintends  the 
most  minute  concerns  of  men.  Those  actions  which  are  the 
result  of  caprice,  and  appear  unaccountable,  fall  in  with  his 
wise  and  gracious  purposes,  and  44  not  a sparrow  falls  to  the 
ground  without  him.” — Gratitude  even  to  man,  though  com- 
mended by  all,  is  practised  by  very  few  indeed  ; and  com- 
monly least  by  those  who  have  most  in  their  power.  Pride  o! 
rank  and  birth,  a variety  of  pleasures  and  occupations,  a id 
the  presence  of  agreeable  flatterers,  combine  to  induce  neglect 
and  forgetfulness  of  those,  who  have  most  faithfully  and 
effectually  served  them  ; especially  if  obscure,  modest,  and 
unassuming.  Yet  thus  they  not  only  become  guilty  of  the 
odious  sin  of  ingratitude  ; but  actually  yield  the  superiority  to 
the  very  man  whom  they  affect  to  despise  : for  he  that  con- 
fers, is  always  superior  to  him  who  receives , an  unmerited 
and  unrequited  favour. — Those  qualifications  which  demand 
esteem,  and  those  actions  which  merit  a reward,  generally 
meet  with  neglect,  if  they  do  not  expose  the  possessors  to  ill 
treatment,  in  the  circles  of  the  great,  and  in  the  courts  of 
kings. — The  instruments  of  pleasure  and  amusement,  who 
help  them  to  forget  their  misery,  and  to  waste  their  fleeting 
moments  ; the  forward,  the  subtle,  and  the  artful ; and  those 
who  can  sacrifice  conscience,  honour,  and  honesty,  to  wit, 
ingenuity,  and  politeness,  have  hitherto  always  met  with  most 
favour  from  the  great.  Let  us  then  learn  to  serve  a Master, 
who  will  not  let  the  least  well-meant  service  lose;*  reward. — 
And  if  any  reader  should  recollect,  that  nothing  has  been  done 
to  requite  some  benefactor  who  aided  him  many  years  ago, 
let  him  not  think  that  the  obligation  is  out  of  date  ; but  rather 
let  him  study  how  he  may,  effectually  and  without  further 
delay,  do  that  which  should  have  beed  done  long  since  ; and 
delight  to  honour  his  benefactors,  if  he  can  render  them  no 
other  recompense. — Pride,  envy,  and  ambition  are  insatiable 
and  every  sinful  passion  grows  more  exorbitant  by  indul- 
gence. When  a man  heartily  idolizes  his  important  self,  he 
readily  fancies  that  others  equally  admire  him,  and  are  dis- 
posed to  do  him  all  the  honour  which  he  foolishly  longs  after 
If  any  one  open  his  lips  in  commendation,  doubtless  he  must 
be  the  object ! if  a favour  be  mentioned,  it  must  be  intended 
for  him  ! if  a preferment  bo  vacant,  who  but  he  can  be  thought 
of  to  fill  it,  provided  it  be  not  beneath  his  acceptance  ! — But 
u before  honour  is  humility,  and  a haughty  spirit  before  a 
fall :”  both  God  and  man  delight  in  renderin':  the  mortifica- 
tion of  prom!  worms  proportioned  to  their  ambition  : and  men 
of  this  character  meet  with  many  presages  on  earth  of  that 
everlasting  contempt  and  misery  which  await  them  in  another 
world,  if  not  rescued  from  this  diabolical  vice.  (Notes,  Dan. 
4:34 — 37.  5:18 — 28.)  They  who  have  flattered  them  in  pros- 
perity, will  prove  44  miserable  comforters”  in  the  time  of  their 
distress : worldly  pleasures  will  soon  become  tasteless,  and 
even  nauseous,  to  those  who  have  a conscience  burdened 
with  guilt  or  appalled  with  terror  ; and  even  the  wise  men  of 
this  world  have  often  foreseen  the  ruin  of  those,  who  en- 
gage in  the  unequal  contest  with  the  church  of  God. — But 
the  depth  of  the  believer’s  distress  is  the  seedtime  of  his  joys, 
and  every  victory  and  comfort  is  to  him  an  earnest  of  his  final 
triumph  and  felicity.  The  honour,  which  the  Father  delights  to 
confer  upon  his  beloved  Son,  is  a pledge  of  the  security  and 
salvation  of  all  whom  he  represents,  and  who  commit  their 
cause  into  his  hand.  Their  bitterest  enemies  shall  promote, 
and  be  constrained  to  witness  their  exaltation , and  to  know 
u what  shall  be  done  to  the  men  whom  the  Lord  delightetn 
to  honour  and  how  much  their  44  eternal  weight  of  glory” 
exceeds  the  worthless,  transient  honours  of  the  wor.d  : while 
the  sight  shall  increase  the  anguish  and  despair  * f those,  who 
expected  to  bo  gratified  in  effecting  their  misery  and  destruc- 
tion. 

NOTES.— Chap.  VII.  V.  2—4.  While  the  king  re- 
peatedly urged  Esther  to  make  her  request  and,  in  language 


B.  C.  451. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


B.  C.  45 


4 For  Jvve  are  sold.  I and  my  people,  ‘to  be 
destroyed,  to  be  slain,  and  to  perish.  eBut  if  we 
had  been  sold  for  bondmen  and  bondwomen,  1 
had  held  my  tongue,  although  " the  enemy  could 
not  countervail  the  king’s  damage. 

5 11  Then  the  king  Ahasuerus  answered  and 
said  unto  Esther  the  queen,  e\Vho  is  he,  and  where 
is  he,  'that  durst  presume  in  his  heart  to  do  so  ? 

6 And  Esther  said, *  *The  adversary  and  enemy 
is  hthis  wicked  Hainan.  Then  Haman  'was  afraid 
'before  the  king  and  the  queen. 

7 U And  the  king,  arising  from  the  banquet  of 
wine  Hn  his  wrath  went  into  the  palace-garden : 
and  kHaman  stood  up  to  make  request  lor  his  lile 
to  Esther  the  queen  ; 'for  he  saw  that  there  was 
evil  determined  against  him  by  the  king. 

d 3:9.  4:7,8.  Dent. 28:68.  1 Sain.  22:23.  * Heb . that  they  should  destroy , 

and  kill,  and  cause  to  perish.  3:13.  8:11.  Ps.  44:22,23.  e Gen.  37:26 — 28.  Deut. 
28:68.  Josh.  9:23.  Neh.  5:5.  Joel  3:6.  Am.  2:6.  f 6.  3:9.  e Gen.  27:33.  Job 
9:24.  t Heb.  whose  heart  hath  filled  him.  Acts  5:3.  } Heb.  The  man  adversa- 
nj.  >■  1 Sam.  24:13.  Ps.  27:2.  139:19— 22.  Prov.  24:24,25.  Ec.  5:8.  1 Cor.  5: 
13.  2 Thes.  2:8.  i Neh.  6:16.  Job  15:21,22.  18:5—12.  Pa.  73:5— 9,17— 20.  Is.  21: 


more  expressive  than  before,  promised  to  grant  it,  though  it 
were  to  the  value  of  half  his  kingdom;  (5:3,6.)  she,  with  the 
greatest  modesty  and  respect,  and  in  the  most  simple  and 
affecting  manner,  besought  him,  that  her  own  life  might  be 
spared,  and  the  lives  of  her  people,  which  were  all  involved 
in  one  common  danger.  Without  complaining  of  his  conduct 
ir.  any  degree,  she  stated,  that  she  and  her  people  had  been 
sold  as  sheep  for  the  slaughter ; alluding  to  the  money  which 
Haman  had  offered  to  pay  into  the  treasury  for  their  destruc- 
tion : she  quoted  the  words  of  the  unrighteous  decree,  “ to  be 
destroyed,  to  be  slain,  and  to  perish,”  as  proving  that  her  life, 
as  wel'  as  those  of  the  other  Jews,  was  certainly  in  danger : 
(3:13.;  and  she  added,  that  if  they  had  been  only  sold  for 
slaves,  she  would  not  have  interposed  ; though  the  enemy 
could  never  have  made  up  the  loss,  which  the  king  would  have 
sustained  by  thus  oppressing  his  peaceable  and  industrious 
subjects.  Some  interpret  the  last  clause  to  mean,  that  if  the 
sufferings  of  the  enslaved  Jews,  though  extreme  and  unde- 
served, had  not  been  likewise  detrimental  to  the  king’s  interest, 
Esther  would  have  held  her  peace.  The  whole  speech,  how- 
ever, was  replete  with  natural  eloquence,  and  suited  to  affect 
and  persuade  the  king. 

V.  5.  Perhaps  Ahasuerus  at  first  scarcely  recollected  his 
edict  against  the  Jews,  or  was  not  aware  of  its  consequences  ; 
or  he  did  not  immediately  perceive  that  Esther  referred  to  it : 
and  therefore  he  could  not  conceive  that  any  one  could  be  so 
daring,  as  to  attempt  the  life  of  his  queen,  as  well  as  the  de- 
struction of  hjs  subjects.  The  language  is  peculiarly  expres- 
sive of  astonishment  and  indignation.  ‘ In  the  Hebrew  the 
words  are,  “ Who  is  he,  whose  heart  hath  filled  him  to  do 
so  ?”  A speech  like  that  in  the  New  Testament,  ( Acts  5:3.) 
“ Why  hath  Satan  filled  thy  heart  ?”  Made  thee  so 
daring  and  presumptuous.’  Bp.  Patrick.  (Note,  Acts  5:1 — 
11,  v.  3.) 

V.  6.  The  events,  and  presages,  of  the  morning  no  doubt 
tended  to  increase  Haman’s  terror  on  this  occasion.  He  had 
found,  that  the  king  “ delighted  to  honour”  Mordecai  the 
Jew ; he  now  discovered  that  the  queen  was  a Jewess,  and 
strongly  attached  to  her  people  ; he  had  heard  the  king  re- 
peatedly promise  to  “ grant  her  request  to  the  half  of  his 
kingdom  ;’’  and  he  could  not  but  be  aware  that  his  own  ruin 
was  impending. 

V.  7.  We  may  suppose,  that  at  the  moment  when  Esther 
mentioned  “ this  wicked  Haman,”  as  the  enemy  of  her  and  of 
ber  people,  the  whole  transaction  of  the  edict  rushed  into  the 
King’s  mind,  and  appeared  to  him  in  its  true  colours ; and  that 
ne  was  filled  with  rage,  when  he  reflected  how  his  worthless 
favourite  had  seduced  him  into  a measure,  calculated  to  ruin 
his  kingdom,  to  take  away  the  life  of  his  beloved  queen,  and 
exceedingly  to  tarnish  his  own  reputation  ; and  that  he  walked 
about  in  agitation  of  mind,  not  knowing  what  could  be  done 

*1  such  an  emergency. 

V.  8.  Haman  had  prostrated  himself  against  the  couch, 
on  which  Esther  reclined  at  the  bpnquet.  His  only  design 
was  to  deprecate,  with  the  most  abject  submission,  her  dis- 
leasure,  and  to  entreat  her  to  intercede  for  his  life.  But  the 
ing,  regarding  him  as  one  capable  of  any  villany,  and  grow- 
ing more  enraged  by  reflecting  upon  his  former  machinations; 
suspected  him,  or  professed  to  suspect  him,  of  having  designs 
against  the  queen’s  honour  also. — This  word  sufficiently  in- 
ormed  the  attendants  of  the  king’s  determination ; and  they 
directly  treated  Haman  as  a condemned  criminal,  who  was 
never  more  to  see  the  face  of  the  king,  or  even  the  light  of  the 
jun,  but  to  be  hurried  away  to  immediate  death. 

V.  9.  Harbonah,  probably  when  he  went  to  call  Haman 
to  the  banquet,  had  seen  the  gallows,  and  discovered  for 
what  purpose  it  was  prepared.  Haman  had  doubtless  been 
greatly  envied  for  his  prosperity,  and  hated  for  his  insolence, 
in  the  midst  of  all  the  homage  which  was  paid  him.  But  now 
that  the  king’s  mind  was  evidently  alienated  from  him,  the 
courtiers  were  glad  to  please  him  and  the  queen,  by  concur- 
ring in  Haman’s  dcwnfal. 

V.  10  It  is  immaterial  to  us,  whether  Haman  died  by 


8 Then  the  king  returned  out  of  the  palace- 
garden  into  the  place  of  the  banquet  of  wine ; 
and  Haman  was  fallen  upon  “the  bed  whereon 
Esther  was.  Then  said  the  king,  Will  he  force 
the  queen  also  "before  me  in  the  house?  As  the 
word  went  out  of  the  king’s  mouth,  they  "covered 
Haman’s  lace. 

9 And  "Harbonah,  Pone  of  the  chamberlains, 
said  before  the  king,  tBehold  also  the  "gallows 
fifty  cubits  high,  which  Haman  had  made  lor 
Mordecai,  "who  had  spoken  good  for  the  king, 
standeth  in  the  house  of  Haman.  Then  the  king 
said,  "Hang  him  thereon. 

10  So  they  hanged  Haman  on  the  gallows  that 
he  had  prepared  for  Mordecai.  ‘Then  was  the 
king’s  wrath  pacified. 

4.  Dan.  5:5,6.  § Or,  at  the  presence  of . ) 1:12.  k Prov.  14:19.  Is.  60:14. 

Rev. 3:9.  1 1 Sam  20:7,9.  25:17.  is.  1 12:10.  Prov.  19: 12.  Dan.  3:19.  ml. 

6.  Is.  49:23.  ||  Heb.  with  me.  n 6:12.  Job  9:24.  Is.  22:17.  o 1:10.  Harbona. 
p 6:14.  2 Kings  9:32,33.  q 5:14.  Job  27:20— 23.  U Hub.  tree,  r 2:21—23.  6:2. 
8 9:25.  1 Sum.  17:51.  Pe.  7:15,16  . 9:15,16  . 35:8  . 37:35,36  . 73:19.  Prov.  11:5,6. 
Dan.  6:7,24.  t Judg.  15:7.  Ex.  5: 13.  Zech.6:8. 


crucifixion,  or  was  strangled,  or  put  to  death  in  some  other 
way,  before  he  was  suspended  on  the  gibbet.  (Notes,  Deut. 
21:22,23.  Josh.  8:29.  2 Sam.  17:23.  18:9.  21:9—14,  v.  9. 
Matt.'ll'.'i — 5.  Gal.  3:10 — 14.)  Crucifixion  however  seems 
to  have  been  a Roman  punishment ; at  least  not  to  have 
been  in  use  at  this  early  period.  (Note,  Ps.  22:16 — 18, 
v.  16.)  It  is  enough  to  know,  that  he  suffered  the  punishment 
which  he  had  devised  for  Mordecai.  Nec  lex  est  cequior  ulla, 
quam  necis  artifices  arte  perire  sua.  ‘ There  is  no  law  more 
equitable,  than  that  the  devisers  of  death  should  perish  by 
their  own  art.’ — Thus  “ the  righteous  is  delivered  out  of 
trouble,  and  the  wicked  cometh  in  his  stead.”  (Note,  Prov. 
11:8.) — ‘In  this  wonderful  deliverance  of  the  Jewish  nation, 
there  was  no  extraordinary  manifestation  of  God’s  power,  no 
particular  cause  or  agent,  that  was  in  its  working  advanced 
above  the  ordinary  pitch  of  nature  ; and  yet  the  contrivance, 
or  suiting  of  those  ordinary  agents  appointed  by  God,  is  more 
admirable  than  if  the  same  end  had  been  effected  by  means 
truly  miraculous.’  Dr.  Jackson  in  Bp.  Patrick. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  repeated  promises,  even  of  weak,  mutable,  and  selfish 
men,  encourage  us  to  make  our  requests  to  them  with  great 
expectation  of  success : much  more  then  should  the  exceed- 
ingly great  and  precious  promises  of  the  unchangeable  God, 
embolden  us  to  present  many  and  large  petitions  to  him,  in 
behalf  of  ourselves  and  others,  and  with  the  full  assurance  of 
receiving  far  more  than  we  ask. — If  the  love  of  life  inspire 
such  earnest  and  pathetic  pleadings,  with  those  “ who  can  only 
kill  the  body;”  how  fervent  and  importunate  should  our  con- 
tinual prayers  be  to  “ Him,  who  is  able  to  destroy  both  body 
and  soul  in  hell !”  And  how  affectionately  should  we  pray 
for  the  eternal  salvation  of  our  relatives,  friends,  and  neigh- 
bours, and  all  around  us  ! — In  supplicating  the  great  men  of 
this  world,  we  must  be  very  cautious  not  to  withhold  proper 
respect,  or  to  give  needless  offence  ; even  just  complaints 
must  be  suppressed,  and  that  asked  as  a great  favour,  which 
might  equitably  be  demanded  as  a debt.  But  when  we 
approach  the  King  of  kings,  provided  we  come  with  humble 
reverence  and  uprightness  of  heart,  we  cannot  ask  or  expect 
too  much  : for  though  nothing  but  wrath  is  our  due,  he  is  able 
and  willing  to  “ do  exceeding  abundantly  above  all  that  we 
ask  or  think.” — Persecution  is  as  impolitic  as  it  is  unjust: 
nor  would  the  wealth  of  both  the  Indies  compensate  the 
temporal  loss,  which  must  arise  to  every  prince,  who  puts 
to  death  his  conscientious,  industrious  subjects,  immures 
them  in  prisons,  drives  them  out  of  his  dominions,  harasses 
them  with  oppressions,  and  tempts  them  to  hypocrisy. — Men 
often  commit  crimes  without  remorse,  which,  when  described 
in  their  nature  and  consequences  by  proper  language,  or 
pointed  out  to  them  in  the  conduct  of  others,  appear  most 
horrible  and  atrocious : and  when  they  find  upon  reflection, 
the  nature  and  effects  of  their  own  heedless  conduct,  they 
are  filled  with  anguish  and  remorse.  (Notes,  2 Sam.  12:1  — 
14.  Ps.  51:1 — 6.)  Yet  alas!  their  indignation  frequently 
falls  exclusively  upon  their  tempters  or  accomplices,  instead 
of  producing  unreserved  self-condemnation  and  abhorrence. 
But  when  such  convictions  are  excited  in  those  in  authority, 
though  they  do  not  terminate  in  true  repentance,  they  may 
yet  produce  many  salutary  effects,  by  inducing  them  to 
punish  atrocious  criminals,  to  protect  the  innocent,  and  to 
rectify  grievous  abuses. — Those  who  are  most  insolent  in 
prosperity,  are  commonly  tho  most  abject  in  adversity : and 
the  enemies  of  God  shall  all  be  brought  down  before  his 
people,  and  made  to  know  his  love  towards  them.  (Ex.  11:8. 
Is.  60:14.  Rev.  3:9.) — When  men  have  proved  themselves 
capable  of  the  most  daring  and  horrid  crimes ; they  have  no 
reason  to  expect  any  other,  but  to  be  suspected  where  they 
are  not  guilty,  and  to  have  the  worst  constructions  put  upon 
their  most  innocent  actions. — The  favour  of  men  is  deceitful 
and  precarious  : the  higher  wicked  ambition  climbs,  the  more 
rapid  and  terrible  will  be  its  fall.  When  haughty  favourites, 
either  of  mighty  princes,  or  of  fickle  multitudes,  begin  to 
totter  upon  their  slippery  eminence,  all  hands  join  to  \unj 
( 869  ) 


B C.  45  ESTHER  B.  C.  451. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Uaman’s  esta< t is  given  to  Esther  ; and  Mordecai,  a$  her  near  relation , is 
preferred  in  Human' s stead , 1, 2.  Esther , with  tears,  entreats  the  king  to 
reverse  the  decree  against  the  Jews,  3 — 6.  The  king  authorizes  the  Jews  to 
defend  themselves,  and  sends  letters  to  that  effect , throughout  the  provinces, 
7 — 14.  The  honours  conferred  on  Mordecai,  and  the  joy  of  the  Jews, 
15— 17. 

ON  that  day  did  the  king  Ahasuerus  “give 
the  house  of  Hainan,  the  Jews’  enemy,  unto 
Esther  the  queen.  And  Mordecai  beame  before 
the  king ; for  Esther  had  told  what  he  was  unto 
her. 

2  And  the  king  took  off  chis  ring  which  he  had 
taken  from  Hanian,  and  gave  it  unto  Mordecai. 
And  dEsther  set  Mordecai  over  the  house  of 
Haman. 

3  II  And  Esther  spake  yet  again  before  the 
king,  and  'fell  down  at  his  feet,  and  ‘besought 
bim  with  tears  to  put  away  rthe  mischief  of 
Haman  the  Agagite,  and  his  device  that  he  had 
devised  against  the  Jews. 

4  Then  the  king  eheld  out  the  golden  sceptre 
towards  Esther.  So  Esther  arose,  and  stood 
before  the  king, 

5  And  said,  If  it  please  the  king,  hand  if  I have 
found  favour  in  his  sight,  and  the  thing  seem 
right  before  the  king,  and  'I  be  pleasing  in  his 
eyes,  let  it  be  written  to  reverse  the  betters 
devised  by  Haman  the  son  of  Hammedatha  the 
Agagite,  : which  he  wrote  to  destroy  the  Jews 
which  are  in  all  the  king’s  provinces: 

6  For  khow  can  I ^endure  to  see  'the  evil  that 


• Job 21:16,17.  P«.39:6.  49:6—13.  Pro*.  13:22.  28:8.  Ec.  2:18,19.  Luke  12:20. 
b 1:14.  2:7,15.  c 3:10.  (Jen.  41:42.  Is. 22.19— 22.  Luke  15:22.  d2Sam.9:7— 
10.  Ec.  2:18,19— 26.  5:13,14.  e I Sura. 25:24  . 2 Kings  4:27.  • Heb.  she  me), l 
uni  besought  Mm.  Is.  38:3.  Hot.  12:4.  Heb.  5:7.  f3:8 — 15.  7:4.  g 4:11.  5:2. 
b 7.3.  Ex.  33:13,16.  1 Sam.  20.29.  i 2:4,17.  | Heb.  device.  3:12,13.  } Or, 
i ehowrote.  kGen. 44:34.  Jer.  4:19.  9:1.  Luke  19:41,42.  Rom.  9:2,3.  10: 1 . 


ihem  down,  either  out  of  envy,  revenge,  hatred,  or  similar 
ambition  : and  even  they,  who  have  most  caressed  and 
delighted  to  honour  them,  will  often  as  much  delight  in  their 
misery  and  ruin.  Thus  44  the  fear  of  the  wicked  cometh  upon 
him,”  and  that  suddenly  : he  is  44  tak*»n  in  his  own  net,  and 
entangled  in  his  own  devices  andf  when  he  perishes  there 
is  shouting.”  (Notes,  Prov.  10:24.  V :1 0,1 1 . ) — At  the  day  of 
final  retribution,  when  the  whole  wicKedness  of  the  ungodly 
shall  be  discovered,  and  the  justice  of  God  displayed  in  their 
everlasting  punishment  ; all  the  righteous  shall  joyfully 
exclaim,  44  So  let  all  thine  enemies  perish,  O Lord  !”  (Notes, 
P 3:20.  19:1 — 6.)  but  those  who  love  him  44  shall  shine 
forth  as  <he  sun,  in  the  kingdom  of  their  Father.” 

NOTES.' — Chap.  VIII.  V.  1,  2.  Some  of  Esther’s 
attendants  were  acquainted  with  Mordecai’s  relation  to  her ; 
( Note , 4:4.)  and  the  king  knew  that  he  was  of  Jewish  extrac- 
tion : (6:10.)  but  he  did  not  know  that  Mordecai  was  Esther’s 
own  cousin,  and  had  been  as  a father  to  her,  till  cm  this  occa- 
sion she  disclosed  it  to  him.  Mordecai  in  consequence  was 
introduced  to  Ahasuerus,  and  preferred  by  him  : and  as  he 
had  been  so  kind  a friend  to  the  queen  when  she  was  in 
destitute  circumstances,  and  had  also  preserved  the  king’s 
life,  none  could  have  fairer  pretensions.  The  ring  with  the 
royal  signet  seems  to  have  continued  with  Haman,  as  de- 
noting the  high  offices  which  he  bore  under  the  king,  till  he 
was  deposed  and  condemned  ; when,  being  taken  from  him, 
it  was  given  to  Mordecai  as  his  successor.  (Notes,  3:10,11. 
Gen.  41:41 — 43.  Is.  22:20—25.  Jer.  22:24—27.)  Haman’s 
large  estate  also,  being  confiscated  for  his  crimes,  was  given 
to  Esther,  and  managed  for  her  by  Mordecai : ( Notes . Job 
>7:13 — 23,  vv.  16,17.  Prov.  13:22.  28:8.  Ec.  2:24—26.)  and 
if  that  haughty  man  could  have  foreseen  these  events,  the 
prospect  would  have  imbittered  his  life,  and  even  augmented 
the  anguish  of  his  death. 

V.  3 — 6.  Haman  was  dead,  Mordecai  was  advanced,  and 
the  queen’s  person  was  protected : but  the  edict  against  the 
Jews  remained  in  force,  and  their  numerous  enemies,  in 
every  province,  would  certainly  endeavour  to  carry  it  into 
execution  ; so  that  Esther  had  not  yet  obtained  the  deliverance 
of  her  people,  and  that  lay  nearest  to  her  heart.  Pro- 
bably, she  was  sometimes  called  for  by  the  king : but  to 
show  that  she  was  interested  in  the  concerns  of  her  nation, 
even  more  than  in  her  own  safety,  she  again  ventured  un- 
called into  his  presence  to  plead  for  them.  She  seems  to 
have  been  peculiarly  earnest,  on  this  occasion ; for  she  fell  at 
his  feet,  and  besought  him  with  tears  to  grant,  her  request. 
It  may  be  supposed,  that  Ahasuerus  hesitated  in  this  per- 
plexing case ; as  not.  knowing  how  to  extricate  himself  with 
credit  from  so  great  a difficulty,  and  as  reluctant  to  proclaim 
to  all  the  world  the  folly  into  which  he  had  been  seduced. 
But  Esther,  with  great  discretion,  avoided  every  intimation 
tnat  the  king  himself  had  issued  the  decree,  and  expressed 
herself  as  if  it  had  been  not  only  Haman’s  device,  but  alto- 
gether his  work,  even  as  if  the  edict  had  been  forged  by  him. 
r-'teed  it  had  originated  in  his  pride  and  revenge;  his  artful 
Insinuations  had  decoyed  the  king  to  give  an  inconsiderate 

( S70  ) • 


shall  come  unto  my  people  ? or  how  can  I endure 
to  see  the  destruction  of’  my  kindred  ? 

[ Practical  Observations. ] 

7 U Then  the  king  Ahasuerus  said  unto  Esther 
the  queen,  and  to  Mordecai  the  Jew,  “Behold,  I 
have  given  Esther  the  house  of  Haman,  and  "him 
they  have  hanged  upon  the  gallows,  because  be 
laid  his  hand  upon  the  .Jews. 

8 Write  ye  also  lor  the  Jews,  as  it  liketh  you, 
“in  the  king’s  name,  and  seal  it  with  the  king’s 
ring : for  the  writing  which  is  written  in  the 
king’s  name,  and  sealed  with  the  king’s  ring, 
Pmay  no  man  reverse. 

9 Then  were  ‘‘the  king’s  scribes  called  at  that 
time  in  the  third  month,  that  is,  the  month 
Sivan,  on  the  three  and  twentieth  day  thereof; 
and  it  was  written,  according  to  all  that  Mordecai 
commanded,  unto  the  Jews,  rand  to  the  lieute- 
nants, and  the  deputies  and  rulers  of  the  provinces, 
which  are  from  India  unto  Ethiopia,  a hundred 
twenty  and  seven  provinces,  unto  every  province 
according  to  the  writing  thereof,  and  unto  every 
people  after  their  language,  and  to  the  Jews 
according  to  their  writing,  'and  according  to  their 
language. 

10  And  he  wrote  ‘in  the  king  Ahasuerus’s  name, 
and  sealed  it  with  the  king’s  ring,  and  sent  letters 
"by  posts  on  horseback,  and  riders  on  mules, 
camels,  and  xyoung  dromedaries, 

11  Wherein  the  king  granted  the  Jews  which  were 


§ Heb.  6c  ablethat  I may  see.  1 7:4.  Neh.2.3.  m 1.  Prov.  13:22.  n7.10.  Gal 
3:13.  o 3.12.  1 Kings  21:8.  p 5.  1:19.  Dan.  6:8,12— 15.  2 Tim.  2:19.  Heb. 
6:17,18.  q 3: 12.  r 1:1,22.  3:12,13.  Dan.  6:1.  a 1:22.  3:12.  2 Kings  18:26 
Dan.  4:1.  1 Cor.  14:9 — 11.  t I Kings  21:8.  Ec.8:4.  Dan.  4:1.  u 1:13,15. 
2 Chr.  30.6.  Job  9;25.  Jer.  61:21.  x Is.  60:6.  66:20.  Jer.  2:23. 


assent  to  it ; and  he  had  framed  it  in  his  own  words,  and  to 
answer  his  own  purposes.  (Notes,  3:6 — 15.) — 4 If  she  her- 
self were  spared,  she  represents  to  him  that  it  would  break 
her  heart  to  see  all  her  kindred,  nay  her  whole  nation,  de- 
stroyed.’ Bp.  Patrick.  Her  plea,  and  the  expressions  used 
in  urging  it,  are  peculiarly  pathetic  and  emphatical,  and 
suited  to  excite  the  deepest  and  most  tender  sympathy  ; as 
well  as  to  show  her  fervent  affection  for  her  people,  as  the 
people  of  God. 

V.  8.  The  decree  against  the  Jews  was  irrevocable  : but 
another  edict  might  counteract  its  operation,  and  that  would 
also  become  irreversible : and  Esther  and  Mordecai  were 
allowed  to  frame  one  for  the  purpose,  as  explicit  as  they 
pleased : and  to  ratify  it  in  the  same  manner.  Thus,  that 
most  absurd  law,  or  constitution,  made  it  necessary  to  au- 
thorize a civil  war  throughout  this  vast  empire  ; both  parties 
acting  by  and  against  the  king’s  authority,  at  the  same  time . 
— The  maxim  in  our  government,  that  4 no  act  can  be  so 
framed,  but  that  the  same  authority  which  enacted  it  may 
repeal  it,’  is  immensely  more  suited  to  the  state  of  human 
nature  : for  no  human  wisdom  can  foresee  all  the  effects  o» 
any  regulation,  till  experience  has  evinced  them.  While  the 
king  had  legal  authority  to  put  the  evil  counsellor  to  death, 
to  confiscate  his  estate,  and  to  prefer  his  most  hated  enemy 
to  his  high  offices,  so  that  no  objection  seems  to  have  been 
advanced  b"  his  nobles  and  counsellors;  he  had  not  the  legal 
power  to  revev  o the  obnoxious  decree!  (Notes,  2:1.  3:10, 
11.) — 4 Thus  he  chose  to  fill  his  realm  with  blood,  rather 
than  revoke  a rash  decree.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  9.  (Notes,  1,2.  3:12 — 15.)  More  than  two  months 
had  past,  since  Haman’s  decree  was  framed.  (3:7.)  Proba- 
bly Ethiopia  or  the  south  of  Egypt  is  intended. 

V.  10.  These  letters  were  sent  by  runners,  ( Note , 2 Chi 
30:6 — 9,  v.  6.)  or  by  horsemen.  The  words  for  the  other 
animals,  on  which  some  of  the  messengers  rode,  are  unusual, 
and  learned  men  are  by  no  means  agreed  about  the  meaning 
of  them.  Probably  they  were  derived  from  the  Persian  lan- 
guage, or  from  that  of  some  of  the  eastern  nations.  But  the 
greatest  speed  was  needful  in  this  emergency,  and  every 
method  was  taken  to  secure  it.  (Marg.  Ref.)  4 He  sent  men 
on  horseback, . . . <and  upon  other  creatures  as  swift  as  horses, 
and  upon  mules  both  young  and  old,  according  as  the  places 
were  nearer  or  further  off.  So  he  ordered  the  letters  to  be 
sent  with  great  speed  by  ihe  post,  which  carried  them  from 
stage  to  stage,  till  they  came  to  the  place  whither  they  were 
directed.’  Bp.  Patrick. 

V.  11 — 13.  This  last  decree  evidently  showed  the  king’s 
intentions,  though  the  former  edict  remained  in  force:  sotha* 
they  who  assaulted  the  Jews,  were,  in  reality,  though  not  for* 
molly  rebelling  against  his  authority.  The  Jews  were  not 
allowed  to  assault  their  enemies : hut  they  might  legally 
assemble  and  combine  in  defending  themselves,  and  slay  any 
number  of  those  who  attacked  them.  As  the  children  and 
women  were  included  in  Haman’s  decree,  they  were  also  men- 
tioned in  this:  but  the  Jews  did  not  avail  tin  mselves  of  the 
clause  ; neither  did  they  take  any  spoil.  (3:13.  Note,  9:ft 


B.  C.  451. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


B.  C.  451 


in  every  city  ?to  gather  themselves  together,  and 
to  stand  for  their  life,  to  dest'.oy,  to  slay,  and  to 
cause  to  perish,  all  the  power  of  the  people  and 
province  that  would  assault  them,  both  little  ones 
and  women,  ‘and  to  take  the  spoil  of  them  for  a 
prey, TT 

12  u pon  “one  day  in  all  the  provinces  of  king 
Ahasuerus,  namely,  bupon  the  thirteenth  day  of 

he  twelfth  month,  which  is  the  mouth  Adar. 

13  The  copy  of  the  writing,  for  Tt  command- 
ment to  be  given  in  every  province,  i vas  'published « 
unto  all  people,  and  that,  the  Jews  should  be  ready 
against  that  day  to  cavenge  themselves  on  their 
enemies. 

14  So  the  posts  that  rode  upon  mules  and 
camels  went  out,  dbeing  hastened  and  pressed  on 
by  the  king’s  commandment.  And  the  decree 
was  given  at  'Shushan  the  palace. 

15  H And  Mordecai  went  out  from  the  presence 
of  the  king  in  f roya.  apparel  of  ’blue  and  white, 
and  with  a great  crown  of  gold,  and  with  a gar- 
ment of  fine  linen' and  purple:  and  sthe  city  of 
Shushan  rejoiced,  and  was  glad  : 

16  The  hJews  had  'light,  and  gladness,  and  joy, 
and  honour. 


y9:2— 16  z 3:13.  9:10,15,16.  Is.  10:6.  a 9:1 . Ei.  15:9,10.  Judg.  1:6,7.  b 3: 
13—15.  • Heb.  revenlei.  c Judg. 16:28.  Pa.  37: 14,15.  68:23.  92:10,11.  149:6— 
9.  Luke  18.7.  Re*.  6:10.  19:2.  dlSain.21:B.  Ec.  9:10.  e 1:2.  2:3.  3:15. 
Neh.  1:1.  Den. 8:2.  15:1.6:8,11.  Gen.  41 :42.  Ma:l.  6:29.  11  :S.  Luke  16:19. 
t Or,  violet.  1:6.  g3:!5.  Pro*. 29:2.  h 4:1— 3,10.  Pa.  30:5— 11.  i 9:17.  Pa. 


10.)  Haitian  aimed  at  extermination,  they  only  at  self- 
defence.  If  this  edict  had  not  been  granted,  the  Jews  would 
have  been  punishable  for  taking  previous  measures  in  order 
to  defend  themselves:  so  that  they  could  not  have  engaged, 
with  concert  or  prospect  of  success,  in  any  measure  for  that 
purpose  : and  even  if  any  had  escaped  the  massacre  they 
would  have  been  exposed  as  criminals  to  the  sword  of  the 
•magistrate,  for  resisting  the  execution  of  the  law.  They 
might,  and  doubtless  would,  when  rendered  desperate,  have 
sold  their  lives  as  dear  as  possible  ; but  they  could  have  had 
little  hopes  of  escaping,  when  overwhelmed  by  numbers,  who 
were  countenanced  by  the  governors  in  every  province.  But 
now  the  advantage  was  entirely  on  their  side : as  none  who 
valued  the  king's  favour  would  injure  them;  and  they  might 
prepare  with  union  and  concert  to  repel  the  assault  of  others, 
and  to  inflict  deserved  punishment  on  their  inveterate  ene- 
mies. ( Marg . Ref.  e.) 

V.  14.  ( Note , 10.)  Though  this  decree  was  ratified 

above  eight  months  before  the  appointed  day ; yet  there 
would  be  time  little  enough  to  publish  it  throughout  all  the 
provinces  of  this  immense  empire,  considering  the  great  dis- 
tance of  many  of  them  from  Shushan ; and  to  give  the  Jews 
opportunity  to  prepare  arms,  and  take  proper  measures  for 
their  own  preservation.  The  king  himself  therefore  hastened 
the  messengers,  as  dreading  the  consequences  of  the  former 
edict. 

Y.  15.  Mordecai,  being  now  publicly  recognised  as  the 
chief  minister  and  favourite  of  the  king,  went  from  the  palace, 
arrayed  according  to  his  rank,  in  conformity  to  the  customs 
of  the  country.  (Marg.  Ref.  f.)  It  seems  that  the  people 
of  Shushan  in  general,  having  a better  opinion  of  his  inte- 
grity and  capacity  than  of  Haman’s,  were  greatly  pleased  with 
the  change:  (Notes,  Prov.  11:10,11.  28:12,28.  29:2.)  though 
the  sequel  shows,  that  there  was  a strong  party  of  rancorous 
enemies  to  the  Jews  residing  there. — A great  croum,  &c.] 
‘Not  like  that  of  the  kings,  but  such  a coronet  as  was  worn 
oy  the  peers  of  the  realm.’  Bp.  Patrick.  Perhaps  it  was  one 
of  the  insignia  of  the  chief  minister  under  the  king. 

V.  1G.  Had  light,  &c.]  That  is,  prosperity  and  hope. 
The  dark  cloud  which  had  long  hung  over  the  nation  of  the 
Jews  was  dispelled,  and  the  returning  favour  of  the  king,  in 
answer  to  their  prayers,  was  a token  of  the  Lord’s  care  of 
them.  So  that  their  hopes  revived,  and  they  began,  as  it 
were,  to  walk  in  the  sunshine,  and  were  filled  with  gladness, 
and  treated  with  respect  by  those  who  had  despised  them; 
being  evidently  in  favour  both  with  God  and  man.  (Notes, 
Ps.  30:9—12.  97:11.  Prov.  4:18,19.) 

V.  17.  (Marg.  Ref.)  When  the  people  saw  the  inter- 
positions of  Providence  in  behalf  of  the  Jews,  many  were 
convinced  that  God  was  with  them,  and  that  they  would  cer- 
tainly prevail  in  the  contest : being  therefore  afraid  of  perish- 
ing among  their  enemies,  and  desirous  of  sharing  the  rising 
irosperity  of  his  people,  they  embraced  their  religion,  and 
united  interests  with  them.  We  may  suppose  that  some  were 
tiue  converts,  and  others  only  formal  professors,  as  it  com- 
monly happens  in  such  cases.  Haman’s  plot,  however,  to 
destroy  the  Jews,  was  overruled  to  increase  their  num- 
bers. (Notes,  Ztch.  8:20—23.  Acts  12:1—4,24.) 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — G.  Many  of  those,  who  most  prosper  in  the  world, 
would  have  little  alacrity  in  their  pursuits,  or  joy  in  their 
possessions,  if  they  could  foresee  to  whom  their  riches  would 
devolve,  and  what  use  would  be  made  of  them.  It  is,  how- 


17  And  in  every  province,  and  in  every  city, 
whithersoever  the  king’s  commandment  and  his 
decree  came,  the  Jews  had  joy  and  gladness, 
feast  and  a good  day.  And  'many  of  the  people 
of  the  land  became  Jews ; mfor  the  fear  of  the 
Jews  fell  upon  them. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

On  the  day  appointed,  the  Jews,  aided  by  the  rulers,  slay  their  enemies  ; ani 
among  the  rest  Jive  hundred  men  in  Shushan,  and  Homan's  ten  sons,  1— lOl 
The  king  hearing  this,  at  Esther's  request,  allows  the  Jews  in  Shushan  t . 
stand  against  their  enemies  on  the  day  following,  when  three  hundred  mor 
are  slain  ; and  he  causes  Homan's  sons  to  be  hanged  on  the  gallows  ereclM 
by  Human,  11 — 15.  The  Jews  throughout  the  provinces  slay  seventy-Jivt 
thousand  men,  16.  They  rejoice  with  feasting  on  the  two  following  days , l 
— 19.  These  days  are  appointed  by  Esther  and  Mordecai  as  an  annual  fes- 
tival, in  commemoration  of  this  deliverance,  and  called  the  feast  of  Pur  Ur 
20—32. 

NOW  “in  the  twelfth  month,  that  is,  the  moriu 
Adar,  on  the  thirteenth  day  of  the  same, 
when  the  king’s  aommandment  and  his  decree 
drew  near  to  he  put  in  execution,  in  the  day  tha 
the  enemies  of  the  Jews  bhoped  to  have  powe. 
over  them,  ("though  it  was  turned  to  the  con 
trary,  that  the  Jews  had  rule  over  them  that 
hated  them;) 

2 The  Jews  '’gathered  themselves  together  i.- 
their  cities  throughout  all  the  provinces  of  th« 
king  Ahasuerus,  to  lay  hand  on  such  eas  sougl, 

18:28,97:11,  Prov.  4:18,19.  Is.  30:29.  35:10.  k 9:17,19,22.  ISem.  25:8, 
Neh. 8:10.  IPs. 18:43.  Zech.  8:20— 23.  mGeti.35:5.  Ex.  15:16.  Deul.  2:25. 
11:25.  a 3:7,13.  8:12.  bAclsl2:ll.  c Deut.  32:36  . 2 Sam.  22.41 . Ps.  30:11 
Is.  14:1,2.  60:14— 16.  Re*. 11:18.  d 10.  8:11.  e Deut.  2:30.  Josh.  11:20.  U 
8:9. 


ever,  a good  thing  when,  consistently  with  justice,  that  wea  ith, 
which  has  pampered  pride  and  luxury,  and  increased  insolence 
and  oppression,  is  transferred  to  those  who  will  improve  it 
to  the  glory  of  God  and  the  benefit  of  mankind. — No  advance- 
ment should  render  us  forgetful  of  our  indigent  relatives,  or 
indifferent  about  the  public  good,  and  the  peace  and  pros- 
perity of  the  church.  These  especially  should  be  dearer  t<j 
us  than  life  itself:  and  when  we  have  obtained  our  requests 
for  ourselves  ; we  should  be  the  more  fervent  in  prayer  for  oui 
brethren,  and  in  using  our  influence  and  venturing  all  conse- 
quences for  their  good. — If  we  would  affect  others,  we  shmild 
study  to  get  our  own  hearts  suitably  impressed  ; and  in  nSny 
cases,  we  may  be  more  importunate  in  asking  favours  for  ouf 
friends  and  brethren,  and  for  the  poor,  than  we  ought  to  be  for 
ourselves. — It  is  a good  and  cogent  plea,  when  we  are  praying 
for  the  conversion  of  our  children  or  relatives,  to  say,  “How 
can  I endure  to  see  the  evil  that  shall  come  upon  them  ? How 
can  I endure  to  see  the  destruction  of  my  kindred?”  And  it 
forms  an  argument  equally  forcible,  to  induce  us  to  use  every 
means  for  their  good,  with  assiduity  and  perseverance. — Baa 
examples,  unjust  laws,  rash  projects,  and  wicked  books,  often 
prove*  an  extensive  and  durable  curse  to  the  world,  when  the 
authors  of  them  are  removed:  no  wisdom  suffices  to  prevent 
their  fatal  tendency ; and,  as  we  must  all  be  answerable  for 
the  consequences  of  our  misconduct,  this  should  render  us 
very  circumspect,  lest  our  guilt  should  accumulate  even  after 
our  death.  ( Note , Luke  16:27 — 31.) 

V.  7 — 17.  Every  regulation  in  society,  however  appa- 
rently reasonable  and  beneficial,  which  does  not  advert  to  the 
fallen  nature  of  man,  will  on  trial  be  found  unsuitable  to  his 
real  condition,  and  inconsistent  with  his  best  interests:  and 
all  provisions,  made  to  humour  the  ambition  and  passions  o! 
princes,  will  eventually  embarrass  and  ensnare  them.  We 
are,  however,  indispensably  bound  to  adopt  every  method  ot 
preventing  the  fatal  effects  of  our  past  mistakes,  or  crimes 
even  though  we  should  be  constrained  to  proclaim  our  own 
folly  to  the  world:  and  much  expedition  should  be  used, 
when  the  lives  of  men  are  in  danger,  or  their  minds  distracted 
with  terrors. — If  it  was  proper,  that  the  decree  of  Ahasuerus 
should  be  communicated  to  every  nation  in  its  own  language  ; 
how  reasonable  and  necessary  is  it,  that  the  holy  law  and 
gracious  gospel  of  our  God  should  be  put  into  every  one’s 
hands  in  his  own  tongue! — Those  who  sow  in  tears  and 
prayers,  may  expect  speedily  to  reap  with  joy. — External 
decorations  are  insignificant  in  the  judgment  of  the  wise  and 
pious:  yet  they  may  properly  distinguish  those  in  authority; 
and,  while  they  procure  them  respect  from  the  multitudes, 
who  look  no  further,  they  should  remind  them  of  the  duties 
to  which  their  dignities  call  them.  The  preferment  of  wise 
and  pious  men  ought  to  be  matter  of  rejoicing  to  all:  but  the 
people  of  God  have  the  most  cause  for  gladness.  They  may 
expect  to  be  delivered  frdVn  the  darkness  of  oppression,  to 
enjoy  the  light  of  peace  and  prosperity ; and  to  meet  with 
honour,  in  some  measure  proportioned  to  the  contempt  which 
they  before  endured/  And  when  believers  “have  rest,  and 
walk  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  in  the  comfort  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  they  will  be  multiplied.”  Indeed,  the  attempts  of 
Satan  and  his  agents,  to  destroy  the  church  by  cruel  persecu 
tions,  have  uniformly  tended  to  the  increase -of  true  Chris 
tians.  May  the  Lord  speedily  “ destroy  every  enemy  who 
hath  done  evil  in  his  sanctuary :”  may  the  princes  of  the 
earth  become  nursing  fathers  to  his  church:  may  his  peopie 
have  “ light,  and  joy,  and  honour,  a feast  and  a good  day”  eg 

( 871  ) 


0.  C.  451 


ESTHER. 


B.  C.  451 


their  hurt:  and  no  man  could  withstand  them ; 
for  r the  fear  of  them  fell  upon  all  people. 

3 And  all  Mhe  rulers  of  the  provinces,  and  the 
lieutenants,  and  the  deputies,  and  ’officers  of  the 
king,  helped  the  Jews  ; because  hthe  (ear  of  Mor- 
decai  fell  upon  them. 

4 For  Mordecai  was  great  in  the  king’s  house, 
and  'his  fame  went  out  throughout  all  the  pro- 
vinces : for  this  man  Mordecai  kwaxed  greater 
and  greater. 

5 Thus  the  Jews  'smote  all  their  enemies  with 
“the  stroke  of  the  sword,  and  slaughter,  and 
destruction,  and  did  'what  they  would  unto  those 
that  hated  them. 

6 And  in  “Shushan  the  palace  the  Jews  slew 
and  destroyed  five  hundred  men. 

7 And  Parshandatha,  and  Dalphon,  and 
Aspatha, 

8 And  Poratha,  and  Adalia,  and  Aridatha, 

9 And  Parmashta,  and  Arisai,  and  Aridai,  and 
Vajezatha, 

10  The  sten  sons  of  Haman  the  son  of  Ham- 
medatha,  the  Penemy  of  the  Jews,  slew  they; 
but  son  the  spoil  laid  they  not  their  hand. 

11  On  that  day,  the  number  of  those  that 
were  slain  in  Shushan  the  palace  Hvas  brought 
before  the  king. 

12  11  And  the  king  said  unto  Esther  the  queen, 
The  Jews  have  slain  and  destroyed  five  hundred 
men  in  Shushan  the  palace,  and  the  ten  sons  of 
Haman  ; what  have  they  done  in  the  rest  of  the 
king’s  provinces  ? now  rwhat  is  thy  petition?  and 
it  shall  be  granted  thee  : or  what  is  thy  request 
further  ? and  it  shall  be  done. 

13  Then  said  Esther,  If  it  please  the  king,  let 

f 8: 1 7 . Ex.  23:27.  Josh.  2:9.  g 3:12.  8:9.  Exr*  8:36.  Dan.  3:2.  6:1,2.  * Heb.  those 
which  did  he  business  that  belonged  to  the  king,  h 3:2—  6.  8:15.  i Josh.  6:27. 

1 Sam.  2:30.  1 Chr.  14:17.  Zeph.'3:19.  Malt.  4:24.  k2  Sam.  3:1.  1 Chr.  11:9. 
Ps.  1:3.  Prov.  4:18.  Is.  9:7.  1 Ps.  18:34-40,47,48.  20:7,8.  149:6— 9.  2 Thes.  1: 
G.  m Jer.  18:21.  t Heb.  according  to  their  will,  n See  on  3:15.  o 5:11.  Ex. 
20^Job  13:18,19.  27:13— 15.  Ps.  21:10.  109:12,13.  p 3:1.  7:4,6.  Ex.  17:16. 


earth,  anticipating  the  joy  and  gladness  of  heaven : and  may 
Jesus  himself  reign,  by  the  power  of  his  grace,  wherever  the 
sun  diffuses  his  beams ; and  may  he  fill  the  earth  with  truth 
and  righteousness ! Amen. 

NOTES. — Chap.  IX.  V.  1,  2.  ( Marg . Ref.  Notes , 
Is.  14:1 — 6.  Rev.  11:7 — 12.) — As  the  Jews  were  not  charged 
with  exceeding  the  limits,  assigned  them  in  the  king’s  edict, 
it  may  be  concluded  that  ihey  assaulted  none,  except  such 
as  appeared  in  arms  against  them : but  when  they  were 
attacked,  they  vigorously  pursued  their  advantage.  Neither 
the  fear  of  God,  nor  that  of  the  king,  could  overcome  the 
desperate  enmity  of  numbers  against  the  Jews,  whom  they 
had  hoped  to  extirpate  ; so  that,  perhaps  urged  on  by  the 
enraged  friends  of  Hainan,  and  all  his  paity,  they  a*facked 
them  on  the  day  appointed,  in  every  part  of  the  empire:  yet 
they  were  every  where  speedily  intimidated,  and  yielded  the 
Jews  an  easy  and  decisive  victory. 

V.  3,  4.  The  late  decree,  and  the  report  which  accom- 
panied it  of  Mordecai’s  increasing  greatness,  rendered  all  the 
governors  afraid  of  offending  him,  lest  they  should  fall  under 
the  king's  displeasure:  so  that  they  generally  assisted  the 
Jews,  which  gave  them  a decided  advantage  in  the  bloody 
contest.'  [Marg.  Ref.) 

V.  5 — 10.  The  sons  of  Haman  seem  to  have  combined 
against  the  Jews,  by  way  of  revenging  their  father’s  death; 
as  the  king  and  Mordecai  were  out  of  their  reach.  At  the 
head  of  their  retainers,  probably,  they  led  on  the  attack  in 
the  royal  city  of  Shushan,  but  they  were  all  slain,  wi'h  five 
hundred  of  their  party. — As  the  Jews  professed  only  to  defend 
their  own  lives,  when  they  u did  what  they  would  unto  those 
that  hated  them they  would  not  take  their  spoil,  or  any  i 
part  of  it:  and  there  is  no  intimation,  that  they  injured  their  I 
families,  or  any  individual,  who  was  not  found  in  arms  against 
them.  (Notes,  3:12—15.  8:11—13.) 

V.  13.  As  it  cannot  be  supposed  that  Esther  was  actu- 
ated by  revenge  in  this  request:  it  is  probable  she  had  lear- 
ned from  Mordecai,  that  Hainan’s  retainers  still  formed  a 
faction,  not  only  dangerous  to  the  Jews,  but  to  the  state:  and 
were  prepared  to  reflew  the  attack  on  the  next  day.  She 
therefore  desired,  that  the  Jews  might  defend  themselves,  and 
pursue  their  assailants,  in  order  that  the  party  might  be 
crushed  or  finally  intimidated:  and  also,  that  the  bodies  of 
Hainan’s  sons  might  be  suspended  on  trie  gallows,  prepared 
by  their  father ; to  show  all  persons  concerned,  that  by  assault- 
ing the  Jews,  they  would  expose  themselves  to  tho  indig- 
nation of  the  king.  (Note,  7:10.) 

V.  15.  ‘Some  that  appeared  against  them,  perhaps 
escaped  their  hands,  whom  they  might  meet  withal  the  next 
day.’...  They  ‘in  the  conflict  escaped  by  flight,  and  were 
• >w  found  out  and  killed.'  Bp.  Patrick. — It  does  not  however 
< S72  ) 


it  be  granted  to  the  Jews  which  are  in  Shushan 
to  do  to-morrow  also  according  unto  this  day  s 
decree,  and  Met  Hainan’s  ten  sons  be  hanged 
upon  the  gallows. 

14  And  the  king  commanded  it  so  to  be  done : 
and  the  decree  was  given  at  Shushan ; and  they 
hanged  Hainan’s  ten  sons. 

15  For  the  Jews  that  were  in  Shushan, 
‘gathered  themselves  together,  on  the  fourteenth 
day  also  of  the  month  Adar,  and  slew  three  hun- 
dred men  at  Shushan  ; "but  on  the  prey  they  laid 
not  their  hand. 

16  But  the  other  Jews  that  were  in  the  king’s 
provinces  gathered  themselves  together,  and 
"stood  for  their  lives,  and  had  rest  from  their 
enemies,  and  slew  of  their  foes  seventy  and  five 
thousand,  but  they  laid  not  their  hands  on  the  prey, 

[Practical  Observations."] 

17  On  the  thirteenth  day  of  the  month  Adar; 
and  on  the  fourteenth  day  "of  the  same  rested 
they,  and  made  it  a day  of  feasting  and  gladness. 

18  But  the  Jews  that  were  at  Shushan  assem 
bled  together  ?on  the  thirteenth  day  thereof,  and 
on  the  fourteenth  thereof;  and  on  the  fifteenth  day 
of  the  same  they  rested,  and  made  it  a day  of 
feasting  and  gladness. 

19  Therefore  the  Jews  of  the  villages,  that 
dwelt  in  the  unwalled  towns,  made  the  iourteenth 
day  of  the  month  Adar  a day  of  ‘gladness  and 
feasting,  and  a good  day,  and  of  sending  portions 
one  to  another. 

20  H And  Mordecai  “wrote  these  things,  and 
sent  letters  unto  all  the  Jews  that  were  bin  all  the 
provinces  of  the  king  Ahasuerus,  both  nigh  and 
far, 

q 15,16.  8:11.  Gen.  14:23.  Rom.  12:17.  Phil.  4:8.  } Heb.  come,  r5:6.  7:2 
■ 8:11.  § Heb.  let  men  hangHaman's  tensons.  2 Sam.  21:6,9.  Gal.  3:13.  l2 
8:11.  Pa.  118:7-12.  u 10,16.  1 Thes.  5.22.  Heh.  13:5.  x8:ll.  Lev. 26.7,8. 
II  Heb.  in iL  v 1,11,13  z 22.  8:17.  Deut.  16:11,14.  Nell.  8.10— 12.  Ps  118:11 
—16.  Luke  11:41.  Rev.  11:10.  a Ex.  17:14.  Deut.  31:19—2-2.  1 Chr.  16:12.  Pa. 
124:1—3.  145:4—12.  2 Cor.  1:10,11.  b 1:1,22.  3:12.  8.9. 


appear,  that  they  were  authorized  by  the  new  decree,  to  slay 
any  but  those  who  assaulted  them,  or  that  they  actually  did 
so.  Some  think,  that  many  of  those  slain  in  Shushan,  and 
in  other  parts  of  the  empire,  were  Amalekites,  and  that  thus 
the  prediction,  concerning  the  utter  destruction  of  Amalek, 
was  exactly  accomplished.  (Notes,  3:1.  Ex.  17:14 — 16.) 

V.  16.  Seventy-five  thousand,  &c.]  All  this  large  number 
lost  their  lives,  through  the  pride  and  ievenge  of  one  wicked 
man,  but  by  their  own  malice  and  enmity  to  the  worshippers 
of  Jehovah.  Thus  the  power  and  spirits  of  the  enemies  of 
the  Jews  were  broken,  and  peace  and  rest  were  prepared  for 
them.  It  is  not  recorded  that  any  Jews  were  slain  on  this 
occasion  ; and  probably  their  preservation  was  as  remarkable 
as  the  destruction  of  their  assailants. — They  were  indeed 
placed  in  the  most  extraordinary  circumstances:  but  as  they 
were  sanctioned  in  what  they  did  by  the  king’s  authority,  and 
stood  in  defence  of  their  own  lives;  as  they  slew  none  but 
those  who  attacked  them,  and  universally  declined  availing 
themselves  of  the  king’s  permission  to  enrich  themselves  wi’h 
the  spoil ; they  must  be  allowed  to  have  acted  in  an  unexcep- 
tionable manner  ; and  were  no  more  chargeable  with  the 
blood  shed  by  them,  than  if  they  had  been  engaged  in  the 
most  necessary  defensive  war:  and  indeed  it  was  one  of  the 
most  necessary  defensive  wars,  that  ever  any  people  or  nation 
engaged  in. — ‘Thereby  we  may  judge  what  a great  number 
of  Jews  still  remained  in  other  countries,  and  did  not  return 
to  their  own....  It  is  likely,  Mordecai  by  his  letters,  had 
charged  them  not  to  make  use  of  the  liberty  the  king  had  given 
them  to  take  the  spoil;  (8:11.)  because  they  universally 
avoided  it.’  Bp.  Patrick. — It  may  he  supposed,  that  the  ene- 
mies of  the  Jews,  in  the  vicinity  of  Judea,  did  not  venture  to 
assauti  them. 

V.  17— 19.  Note,  21—32. 

V.  20.  “Mordecai  wrote  these  things,”  or  the  history 
contained  in  this  book,  as  the  words  most  obviously  imply  ; 
and  not  merely  the  letters  afterwards  mentioned,  as  many 
understand  it.  It  is  most  probable,  that  he  wrote  an  account 
of  these  interesting  transactions,  and  sent  it  with  his  letters 
into  all  the  provinces  of  the  empire.  This,  no  doubt,  included 
Judea  and  Jerusalem ; the  inhabitants  of  which  were  as  much 
aimed  at  in  Hainan’s  decree,  as  the  Jews  dispersed  in  other 
countries  were. — The  contrast  between  his  style  and  that  of 
Nehcmiah,  is  very  remarkable.  The  latter  is  interspersed 
with  ejaculations  and  pious  reflections;  (Notes,  Nch.  2:1. 
4:4,5.  5:19.  6:5—9.  13:14,20 — 22,  v.  22, 31.)  the  former  treats 
of  divine  things,  without  any  explicit  mention  of  God  anri 
religion.  (Note,  4:13,14.)  The  different  situation  in  which 
the  two  writers  were  placed,  and  the  objects  which  they  aimed 
at  in  writing,  might  have  as  much  influence  in  ctusing  this 
difference,  as  their  different  dispositions.  Nehemia  fs  mantxv 


B.  C.  450. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


B.  C.  450. 


21  To  establish  this  among  them,  that  they 
should  keep  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  month 
Adar,  and  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  same,  yearly, 

22  As  'the  days  wherein  the  Jews  rested  from 
their  enemies,  and  the  month  which  was  turned 
unto  them  ‘'from  sorrow  to  joy,  and  from  mourning' 
:oto  a good  day : that  they  should  make  them 
days  of  feasting  and  joy,  and  of 'sending  portions 
one  to  another,  and  gilts  to  the  poor. 

23  And  the  Jews  undertook  to  do  as  they  had 
begun,  and  as  Mordecai  had  written  unto  them  : 

24  Because  Haman  the  son  of  Hammedatha, 
the  Agagite,  fthe  enemy  of  all  the  Jews,  had 
devised  against  the  Jews  to  destroy  them,  and 
had  cast  sPur,  that  is,  the  lot,  to  'consume  them, 
and  to  destroy  them  ; 

25  But  'when  Esther  came  before  t}ie  king,  he 
commanded  by  letters  that  his  wicked  device 
which  he  devised  against  the  Jews,  should  hreturn 
upon  his  own  head,  and  that  he  and  his  sons 
should  be  hanged  on  the  gallows. 

26  Wherefore  ‘they  called  these  days  Purim, 
after  the  name  of  *Pur.  Therefore  for  all  the 
words  of  this  fietter,  and  of  that  which  they  had 
seen  concerning  this  matter,  and  which  had  come 
unto  them, 

27  The  Jews  ordained  and  took  upon  them, 

4 3:12,13.  Ex.  10:3— 8.  Ps.  103:2.  I».  12:1,2.  14:3.  d Ps.  30:11.  Matt.  5:4. 
John  18:20-22.  e 19.  Neh.  8,10,12.  Luke  11:41.  Acls  2:44-48.  Gal.  2:10. 
f 10.  3:5—13.  g 3:7.  * Heb.  crush.  t Heb.  when  she  came.  13:14.  7:5 — 10. 
3:1:14.  h Ps.  7:16.  109:17,18.  140:9.  141:10.  Matt.  21:44.  i Num.  16:40.  Ez. 
39:11.  | That  is,  Lot.  j20.  k Deut.  5:3.  29:14,15.  Josh.  9:15.  1 Sam.  30:25. 


is  in  general  most  worthy  of  imitation:  yet  in  some  circum- 
stances men  are  not  to  be  censured,  if  they  deem  it  expedient 
to  imitate  Mordecai.  (Preface.) 

V.  21 — 32.  These  verses  contain  the  institution  of  the 
feast  of  Purim,  which  the  Jews  observe  to  this  day.  When 
the  second  decree  of  Ahasuerus  was  published,  they  had  in 
every  place  “joy,  and  gladness,  a feast,  and  a good  day.” 
(Notes,  8:16,17.)  And  when  they  prevailed  in  the  contest 
in  all  parts  of  the  empire,  on  the  thirteenth  day  of  the  twelfth 
month,  they  with  one  common  impulse  observed  the  fourteenth 
as  a festival,  with  joy  and  gladness.  But  the  Jews  at  Shu- 
shan  were,  on  that  day  likewise,  engaged  in  conflict,  and  the 
fifteenth  of  the  month  was  their  day  of  rest  and  joy  and  festi- 
vity. (17 — 19.)  Mordecai  therefore  wrote  lo  his  people  in 
every  place,  proposing  the  observance  of  both  these  days 
annually,  in  commemoration  of  their  deliverance,  by  Jews 
and  proselytes,  throughout  their  dispersions,  and  to  all  future 
generations.  And  upon  the  receipt  of  these  letters,  the  Jews 
everywhere  consented  to  the  proposal.  Yet  it  seems,  that 
they  afterwards  grew  negligent : and  therefore  a second  letter 
was  written,  with  all  authority,  bv  Esther  and  Mordecai, 
enjoining  the  observance ; which  was  accompanied  “ with 
words  of  peace  and  truth;”  (30)  that  is,  with  affectionate 
good  wishes,  prayers,  and  congratulations ; and  with  whole- 
some counsels  and  instructions.  The  festival  therefore  was 
appointed  by  authority  and  by  royal  proclamation,  yet  under 
the  direction  and  according  to  the  mind  of  the  Spirit  of  God. 
It  was  evidently  proper  to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  so  extra- 
ordinary a deliverance:  and  no  doubt  Esther  and  Mordecai 
did  right  in  requiring  the  Jews  on  this  great  occasion,  thus  to 
Keep  it  in  remembrance,  and  transmit  the  memorial  of  it  to 
their  posterity.  It  was  appointed  that  these  days  should  be 
spent  in  feasting  and  joy,  in  hospitality  and  liberality  to  the 
poor.  But,  as  the  prayers,  which  without  doubt  attenjed  the 
fasting  of  the  Jews  in  Shushan,  are  not  mentioned;  (Note, 
4:13,14.)  it  cannot  reasonably  be  questioned  but  that  praises 
and  thanksgivings  to  God  at  first  attended  their  feasting  and 
rejoicing,  though  not  recorded.  Even  to  this  day  the  Jews 
are  used  to  assemble,  at  the  time  appointed,  in  their  syna- 
gogues, to  read  over  this  book  of  Esther,  and  to  perform  some 
acts  of  religious  worship:  but  the  feast  has  long  since  degene- 
rated into  a season  of  riot  and  excess. — The  word  Purim 
signifies  the  lots,  (being  the  plural  of  the  word  Pur,)  in  remem- 
brance of  the  lots  cast  by  Haman,  by  which  the  day  was 
deferred  till  time  was  allowed  for  defeating  the  whole  design, 
and  all  his  tokens  were  frustrated.  (Note,  3:7.)  Thefastings, 
lamentations,  and  prayers,  which  preceded  the  deliverance, 
were  to  be  remembered  with  peculiar  joy  and  gratitude.  (31 ) 
Some  think  it  was  intended,  that  the  thirteenth  day  should 
be  observed  as  a day  of  fasting  and  prayer,  as  an  introduction 
to  the  festival ; and  the  Jews  at  present  profess  to  observe  it 
«s  such:  but  the  decree  does  not  admit  of  this  construction. 
Finally,  the  decree  was  added  to  this  book  ofEsther,  in  which 
the  history  of  these  transactions  was  recorded,  that  the  insti- 
tution might  never  be  forgotten. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

V.  1 — 16.  The  obstinate  enemies  and  persecutors  of  the 
ihurch  are  often  left  to  act  in  the  most  infatuated  manner ; 
»eing  urged  on  by  malice,  in  opposition  to  the  most  evident 
sictates  of  prudence.  (Notes,  Ex.  14:5 — 9,21 — 23.)  For  the 
Vol.  I.— 110 


kand  upon  their  seed,  and  upon  'all  such  as  joined 
themselves  unto  them,  so  as  it  should  not  Tail, 
that  they  would  keep  these  two  days  according 
to  their  writing,  and  according  to  their  appointed 
time  every  year  ; 

28  And  that  these  days  should  be  “remembered 
and  kept  throughout  every  generation,  every 
family,  every  province,  and  every  city  ; and  that 
these  days  of  Purim  should  not  "fail  from  among 
the  Jews,  nor  "the  memorial  of  them  "perish 
from  their  seed. 

29  Then  Esther  the  queen,  °the  daughter  oi 
Abihail,  and  Mordecai  the  Jew,  wrote  with  all 
"authority,  to  Pconfirm  this  second  letter  of 
Purim. 

30  And  lie  sent  the  letters  unto  all  the  Jews, 
to  ^the  hundred  twenty  and  seven  provinces  of 
the  kingdom  of  Ahasuerus,  with  'words  of  peace 
and  truth, 

31  To  confirm  these  days  of  Purim  in  their 
times  appointed,  according  as  Mordecai  the  Jew 
and  Esther  the  queen  had  enjoined  them,  and  as 
they  had  decreed  for  "themselves  “and  for  their 
seed,  the  matters  of ‘the  fastings  and  their  cry. 

32  And  the  decree  of  Esther  confirmed  these 
matters  of  Purim  ; and  it  was  written  in  the 
book. 


2 Sam. 21:1 ,2.  1 8:17.  Is.  56-3,6.  Zech.2:ll.*8:23.  § Heb.pass.  mEx.12: 
17.  Ps.  78:5— 7 103:2.  II  Heb.  pass.  n Ex.  13:8,9.  Josh.  4:7.  Zech.  6:14. 
TJ  Heb.  be  ended,  o 2:15.  *•  Heb.  strength.  p2Q.8:10.  q 1:1.  8:9.  r Is.  39: 
8.  'Zech.  8:19.  tt  Heb.  their  souls,  b 27.  t 4:3,16.  Jon.  3:2— 9. 


records  of  history  show,  that  when  the  enemies  of  God's 
people  have  “ hoped  to  have  power  over  them,”  it  has  gene- 
rally been  “ turned  to  the  contrary,”  and  they  have  gained  the 
advantage  “over  them  that  hated  them.”  Yet,  neither  obser- 
vation, nor  experience,  nor  demonstration,  can  subdue  the 
enmity  of  the  carnal  mind,  which  seizes  every  opportunity  of 
exerting  itself:  and  even  the  protection  of  the  ruling  powers, 
if  not  very  decisive,  has  generally  been  found  insufficient  to 
repress  the  spirit  of  persecution ; though  men  commonly  fear 
the  displeasure  of  a king,  or  of  powerful  courtiers,  far  more 
than  the  wrath  of  almighty  God. — The  aggressor  is  answer- 
able  fbr  all  the  blood  shed  in  unjust  war ; provided  the  advan 
tages  gained  by  those,  who  stand  in  their  own  defunce  in  a 
good  cause,  be  not  pushed  on  with  revenge  and  cruelty  : and 
when  whole  nations  are  attacked  on  account  of  religion,  they 
have  as  good  a right  to  defend  themselves,  as  when  the  assault 
is  made  on  any  other  unrighteous  pretext. — But  in  every  case 
the  servants  of  God  should  manifest  a disposition  to  humanity 
and  disinterestedness : and  frequently  they  ought  to  decline 
advantages,  which  might  legally  be  obtained. — Prosperous 
sinners  often  bequeath  their  vices  and  enmities  to  their  pos- 
terity; the  effects  of  which  remain,  when  their  ill-gotten  or 
abused  affluence  is  dissipated : but  children  will  never  be 
ruined  by  the  crimes  oftheir  parents,  unless  they  imitate  them. 
(Notes,  Ex.  20:5.  Ez.  18:2 — 4,14 — 17.) — The  pertinacity  of 
some  offenders  renders  it  necessary  for  the  most  merciful  rulers 
to  use  severity  : and  the  enmity  and  obstinacy  of  wicked  men 
will  display  the  justice  of  God  in  their  final  and  eternal 
destruction,  when  the  whole  world  will  know  all  their  crimes 
But  what  dire  effects  to  thousands  may  result  from  one  mali- 
cious, or  even  incautious  action!  (Notes,  3:8 — 11.) 

V.  17 — 32.  When  the  sense  of  recent  mercies  is  lively  in 
our  hearts,  we  should  hasten  to  pour  out  our  praises  to  the 
Lord.  Gratitude  to  him,  when  united  with  temperance  and 
liberal  kindness  to  the  poor,  will  sanctify  our  rejoicing,  and 
render  a day  of  feasting  a good  day  to  our  own  souls,  and  to 
our  brethren.  (Notes,  Neh.  8:9 — 12.  P.  O.  9—18.) — In 
reviewing  our  mercies,  we  should  advert  to  our  previous  fears 
and  distressed:  we  should  consider,  how  our  “sorrow  hath 
been  turned  into  joy;”  what  imminent  danger  of  death  or 
destruction  we  have  escaped ; what  cries,  prayers,  confes- 
sions, and  vows  we  have  made;  and  with  what  remarkable 
circumstancts  our  deliverances  have  been  attended,  our  ene- 
mies disappointed,  and  our  comforts  renewed.  When  our 
mercies  are  personal,  we  should  he  careful  that  we  do  not  by 
forgetfulness  lose  the  comfort  of  them,  and  withhold  from  our 
God  the  glory  due  unto  his  name.  When  they  are  very 
public  and  remarkable,  rulers  in  church  or  state  should  unite 
authority,  with  admonitions  and  “words  of  peace  and  truth,” 
to  prevent  the  memorial  of  them  from  perishing;  and  that  all, 
who  shall  eventually  share  the  advantages,  may  j lin  in  ren- 
dering praise  tinto  the  Lord.  But  alas!  the  best  institutions 
are  liable  to  be  perverted  by  human  depravity : and  to  dege- 
nerate, not  only  into  a form,  but  into  an  occasion  of  sin . Hoi 
joy  in  God  is  supplanted  by  sensual  indulgence  and  carnal 
mirth:  under  pretence  of  celebrating  great  deliverances,  or 
even  of  commemorating  the  mysteries  of  redemption,  professed 
Christians  often  behave,  as  if  they  were  the  devotees  c-1 
Bacchus  or  of  Momus;  and,  instead  of  “a  good  day”  and  a 
feast  unto  the  Lord,  they  imitate  the  worshippers  of  the  golder 
( S73  ) 


B.  C 44'5, 


ESTHER, 


B.  C.  446. 


CHAPTER  X. 

The  peatneat  of  Ahasuerue,  and  the  advancement  and  use  fulness  of 
Mordecai,  1 — 3. 

AND  the  king  Ahasuerus  “laid  a tribute  upon 
the  land,  and  upon  bthe  isles  of  the  sea. 

2 And  “all  the  acts  of  his  power,  and  of  his 
might,  and  the  declaration  of  the  greatness  of 

a 1 : 1 . 8 9.  Luke  2: 1 . b Gen.  10:5.  P6.  72:10.  Is  24:15.  Dan.  11:18.  c 1 Kings 
11:41.22:39.  * Heb.  made  him  great.  8: 15.  9:4.  Ps.  18:35.  d 2.23.  6:1.  1 Kings 

calf,  and  “,sit  down  to  eat  and  drink,  and  rise  up  to  play  !’’ 
{Note,  Ex.  32:1.  P.  O.  1 — 14.)  Nothing  more  deeply  dis- 
graces religion,  or  more  injuriously  stupilies  the  conscience, 
than  such  abuser.  May  the  Lord  then  teach  us  to  rejoice 
with  that  holy  joy,  which  anticipates  and  prepares  for  the 
felicity  of  heaven  ! 

NOTES. — Chap.  X.  V.  1 — 3.  These  verses  close  the 
narrative,  as  it  stands  in  the  original  Hebrew  ; and  are  very 
improperly  detached  from  the  preceding  chapter.  As,  how- 
ever, they  here  stand,  they  begin  another  chapter,  which  is 
continued  in  the  apocryphal  supplement  to  this  book,  and  opens 
with  the  fourth  verse  of  the  tenth  chapter.  The  nature  of 
Ahasuerus’s  tribute,  and  the  acts  of  his  power,  are  not  de- 
clared in  the  sacred  Scripture  ; but  the  preferment  of  Mor- 
decai proved  no  diminution  of  the  king’s  greatness,  or  detri- 
ment to  his  subjects  at  large  ; and  it  was  peculiarly  advanta- 
geous to  the  Jews.  (Marg.  Ref.  f,  g.)  Mordecai  neither 
concealed  his  religion,  nor  grew  shy  of  his  people,  though  they 
were  generally  poor  and  despised.  His  authority  seems  to 
have  been  durable;  and  he  was  greatly  honoured  by  all  his 
jretnren : for  he  used  his  power  to  protect  them  and  promote 
their  welfare  ; and  he  behaved  towards  them  with  all  conde- 
scension and  affection. — This  book  is  placed  in  our  Bibles  the 
last  of  the  historical  records  of  the  Jews  ; though  the  events 
recorded  by  Nehemiah  seem  to  have  occurred  subsequent  to 
most,  if  not  all,  in  this  book.  (Note,  Neh.  2:6.) — However, 
for  above  four  hundred  years,  that  is,  till  the  coming  of  the 
Messiah,  the  scriptural  narrative  of  that  favoured  nation  is 
suspended. — A compendious  view  of  the  most  material  events 
wnich  are  transmitted  to  us  by  other  writers,  is  added,  at  the 
dose  of  this  book,  in  order  to  connect  the  Old  Testament 
with  the  New. — It  has  been  observed,  that  no  pagan  writer 
mentions  any  of  the  events  recorded  in  the  book  of  Esther  ; 
jut  in  fact,  little  comparatively  is  known  concerning  the  Per- 
sian kings,  or  the  Medo-Persian  empire,  except  as  connected 
ith  the  history  of  Greece,  and  as  recorded  by  Grecian  histo- 


Mordecai,  whereunto  the  king  "advanced  him, 
are  they  not  written  din  the  book  of  the  Chroni- 
cles of  the  kings  of  Media  and  Persia  ? 

3 For  Mordecai  the  Jewicas'next  unto  king  Aha- 
suerus, and  great  among  the  Jews,  and r accepted  of 
the  multitude  of  his  brethren,  ^seeking  the  wealth 
of  his  people,  and  speaking  peace  to  all  his  seed. 

11:19.  e Gen.  41:10.  1 Sam.  23:17.  2Chr.  28:7.  f3.2.  Rom.  14:18.  g Neh.  * 
10.  P«.  122:8,9.  Rom.  9:2,3.  10:1. 

rians  : and  it  cannot  be  supposed,  that  the  concerns  of  the 
Jews,  as  dispersed  through  the  vast  empire  of  Persia,  would 
at  all  attract  tl  e attention  of  >hat  proud  people,  who  con- 
sidered all  na  ions,  except  themselves,  as  barbarians  ; and 
who  peculiarly  despised  the  J-w's,  as  a bigoted  and  narrow- 
minded  race  ; because  they  would  not  conform  to  any  of  their 
varied  idolatri  is,  or  embrace  any  of  their  systems  of  skeptical 
philosophy. 

PRACTICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  conoirns  of  the  despised  worshippers  of  God  are 
deemed  more  important  by  "he  Spirit  of  inspiration,  than  the 
greatest  exploits  of  the  mort  illustrious  monarch  upon  earth. 
— Those  who  enjoy  the  benefits  of  civil  government,  are 
reasonably  required  to  contribute  to  the  expense  of  it ; but  it 
is  happy  for  the  people  when  taxes  are  imposed  with  justice 
and  equality  ; and  the  advancement  of  wise  and  good  men 
forms  the  most  honourable  part  of  the  conduct  of  powerful 
princes. — Rulers  should  consult  the  advantage  of  all  their 
peaceable  subjects : but  they  are  peculiarly  required  to  seek 
the  welfare  of  the  church,  by  protecting  it  from  oppression, 
and  encouraging  the  worship  and  ordinances  of  God. — That 
greatness  is  truly  honourable  which  is  usefully  employed:  and 
when  those  fill  exalted  stations,  who  behave  with  humility 
and  condescension,  and  who  manifest  a due  regard  to  religion, 
and  affection  for  their  inferiors ; they  will  be  most  likely  to 
escape  envy,  and  to  be  honoured  and  accepted  by  the  mul- 
titude of  their  brethren. — Contentment,  diligence,  and  fidelity 
in  lower  employments,  form  a hopeful  presage  of  good  conduct 
in  more  important  and  exalted  situations  : and  though  men  o. 
superior  talents  and  excellency  may  for  a season  appear  to 
be  buried  in  obscurity ; yet,  if  the  Lord  have  work  for  them 
to  do,  he  will  bring  them  forth  to  more  extensive  usefulness. 
We  should  be  thankful  for  equitable  and  peaceful  rulers  and 
temporal  privileges ; but  all  earthly  grandeur  is  passing  away  : 
— may  we  then  seek  those  riches  and  that  glory,  which  shall 
endure  to  all  eternity ! 


» 


EPITOME 


OF 

THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  JEWS, 


AND  THE 

SURROUNDING  NATIONS  AS  FAR  AS  CONNECTED  WITH  THE  JEWS. 

FROM  THE  CLOSE  OF  THE  SACRED  CANON  OF  THE  OLD  TESTAMENT,  UNTIL 
THE  TIMES  OF  THE  NEW  TESTAMENT. 


Soon  after  the  events,  recorded  by  Nehemiah  and  in  the  book  of  Esther,  or  perhaps  before  tee 
close  of  them,  Artaxerxes  Longimanus  died,  and  was  succeeded  by  Darius  Nothus.  (B.  C.  423.) 
He  dying,  was  succeeded  by  Artaxerxes  Mnemon ; (B.  C.  405  ;)  in  whose  time  Johanan,  the  htgh- 
priest,  murdered  his  brother  Joshua  in  the  temple,  and  the  nation  was  fined  by  the  Persians. 
After  some  other  successions,  of  little  consequence  to  the  narrative,  in  our  present  view  of  it, 
Darius  Codomannus,  the  last  king  of  the  Medo-Persian  empire,  ascended  the  throne.  (B.  C.  336.) 
During  all  these  years  the  Jews  were  entirely  a province  of  the  Medo-Persian  empire. 

Xerxes,  the  father  of  Artaxerxes  Longimanus,  had  before  this  unsuccessfully  attempted  to 
subjugate  Greece.  (Note,  Dan.  11:2 — 4.)  This  so  exasperated  the  Greeks,  that  they  long  medi 
tated  a design  of  subverting  the  Persian  empire. — Various  events,  not  material  in  this  epitome, 
made  way  for  Alexander  the  great,  king  of  Macedon,  to  be  appointed  commander  of  a Grecian 
army,  which  was  raised  for  the  purpose  of  invading  the  Persian  dominions.  With  about  thirty 
thousand  select  troops,  be  passed  over  into  Asia ; (B.  C.  334 ;)  and  with  a celerity,  unexampled 
in  history,  having  vanquished  the  immense  armies  of  Darius,  in  three  pitched  battles,  the  last  of 
which  was  followed  by  the  murder  of  Darius  by  his  own  servants,  he  terminated  the  Medo-Persian 
empire,  and  assumed  the  dominion  over  all  the  nations  contained  in  it.  (B.  C.  830.)  (Notes,  Dan. 
2:39.  7:6.  8:5 — 7.  11:2 — 4.)  In  a short  time  Alexander,  having  still  more  enlarged  his  dominions, 
died  at  Babylon ; and  after  many  severe  and  bloody  contests,  his  empire  was  divided  into  four 
kingdoms,  Macedonia,  Thrace,  Syria,  and  Egypt.  (B.  C.  323.)  (Notes,  Dan.  7:6.  8:8.) — The 
Jews,  however,  had  little  concern,  for  some  ages,  with  any  of  these,  except  the  kings  of  Syria,  and 
of  Egypt,  called  by  Daniel,  the  king  of  the  north,  and  the  king  of  the  south.  (Notes,  Dan.  11:2 — 
6.)  Judea  lay  between  the  dominions  of  the  successive  rulers  of  these  kingdoms;  and  was,  for  a 
long  time,  under  the  power  of  one  or  the  other  of  them ; (Notes,  Dan.  1 1 :5 — 20.)  and  exposed  to 
the  ravages  of  the  armies  which  marched  through  the  land.  At  first  they  formed  a part  of  the 
kingdom  of  Egypt,  under  Ptolemy  Soter:  after  his  death,  Ptolemy  Philadelphus,  his  son  and  suc- 
cessor, showed  them  much  favour;  and  during  his  reign,  the  Hebrew  Scriptures  began  to  be 
translated  into  Greek,  for  the  benefit  of  the  Jews,  who  lived  in  Egypt  and  other  places,  where  the 
Greek  was  known. — This  translation  is  called  the  Septuagint;  and  by  means  of  it,  many  of  the 
learned  Gentiles  acquired  considerable  acquaintance  with  the  Old  Testament. 

The  Jews,  having  been  cruelly  oppressed  by  Ptolemy  Philopater,  (who,  attempting  to  enter  into 
the  holy  of  holies,  was  opposed  and  hindered  by  the  priests  and  rulers,  which  he  indignantly 
resented,)  revolted  from  him,  and  submitted  to  Antiochus  the  great,  king  of  Syria.  But  Antiochus, 
having  rashly  engaged  in  war  with  the  Romans,  was  vanquished,  and  reduced  to  make  an  inglo- 
rious peace ; which  gave  the  Romans,  the  fourth  kingdom,  their  first  entrance  into  the  dominions 
of  the  Grecian  empire,  or  the  third  kingdom.  (Notes,  Dan.  2:39 — 43.  7:7,8  11:17 — 19,31.) 

( 875  ) 


EPITOME  OF  THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  JEWS. 


After  the  death  of  Antiochus  the  great,  and  the  inglorious  reign  of  his  son,  Selfeucus  Pliilopater , 
(Notes,  Dan.  1 1:20  ;)  Antiochus  Epiphanes,  called  by  Daniel  “ a vile  person,”  succeeded,  and  most 
cruelly  oppressed  and  persecuted  the  Jews,  causing  all  the  worship  at  the  temple  to  cease,  and  even 
dedicating  it  to  his  own  idol.  (Notes,  Dan.  8:9 — 12.  11:21 — 30.)  But  Mattathias,  a priest,  and 
his  sons  called  the  Maccabees,  opposed  him  ; and  being  wonderfully  assisted  and  prospered,  in 
many  bloody  contests,  under  Judas  Maccabaeus,  the  power  of  Antiochus  was  overthrown,  his 
persecution  terminated,  the  temple  was  recovered  and  its  service  restored  ; and  Antiochus  soon 
came  to  a miserable  end.  These  events  are  recorded  in  the  books  of  Maccabees,  the  first  of 
which  especially  is  allowed  to  contain  authentic  history.  (Notes,  Dan.  11:31 — 35.)  From  about 
this  time,  (B.  C.  153,)  the  Jews,  taking  advantage  of  the  enfeebled  state  of  the  contending  king- 
doms, (Syria  and  Egypt,)  became  independent  under  the  government  of  the  Maccabees,  who 
united  in  general  the  high-priesthood  with  the  sovereign  authority ; but  without  the  name  of  king, 
till  the  time  of  Aristobulus,  son  of  Hyrcanus.  (B.  C.  107.)  This  epitome  must  exclude  the  notice 
of  the  intestine  contests  of  the  different  parties,  among  the  Jews ; which  were  many,  fierce,  and 
often  bloody. 

At  length,  however,  the  Romans  greatly  extending  their  conquests,  the  kingdom  of  Syria  was 
•■educed  into  the  form  of  a Roman  province,  by  Pompey  the  great.  He  not  long  after  besieged 
Jerusalem ; and  having  taken  it,  he  entered  into  the  holy  of  holies ; (B.  C.  63  ;)  but  after  that,  he 
never  prospered.  (Note,  Dan.  11:31,  conclusion .) — From  this  time,  the  Jews  became  dependent 
on  the  Romans. — At  length  Antipater,  the  father  of  Herod  the  great,  an  Edomite,  by  the  favour 
of  Julius  Cesar,  (who  had  prevailed  against  Pompey,  and  obtained  dominion  at  Rome,)  was  made 
ruler  in  Judea.  (B.  C.  47.)  After  Antipater’s  death,  Herod  his  son,  called  by  Matthew,  “ Herod 
the  king,”  by  the  favour  of  the  Romans,  and  by  force  of  arms,  obtained  possession  of  Jerusalem, 
and  was  established  in  regal  authority;  being  by  birth  an  Edomite,  but  proselyted  to  Judaism  ; 
which  authority  was  at  length  confirmed  by  Augustus  Cesar.  (B.  C.  30.)  This  dignity  he 
maintained  with  great  ability,  but  most  atrocious  cruelties,  in  his  own  family,  as  well  as  among  others, 
till  the  birth  of  Christ.  In  this  interim,  he  had  built  many  cities,  and  almost  rebuilt  the  temple. 
(Notes,  Hag.  2:6 — 9.  Matt.  16:13 — 16.  John  2:18 — 22.  Acts  22:35.)  His  atrociously  cruel 
attempt  to  murder  the  infant  Saviour,  is  recorded  by  the  evangelist;  and  soon  after  he  died  most 
miserably.  (Notes,  Matt.  2:)  After  some  years,  in  which  the  dominions  of  Herod  were  divided 
into  four  Tetrarchies  under  the  sons  of  Herod,  (Note,  Matt.  14:1,2.)  Judea  became  a Roman 
province;  the  sceptre  departed  from  Judah,  for  Shiloh  was  come;  (Notes,  Gen.  49:9,10.)  and 
under  Pontius  Pilate,  the  Roman  procurator,  in  the  reign  of  Tiberius.  Cesar,  the  successor 
of  Augustus,  the  Lord  Jesus  was  crucified. — Galilee,  however,  still  remained  under  the  govern- 
ment of  Herod  the  Tetrarch,  son  of  Herod  the  king,  who  beheaded  John  Baptist : but  after 
some  otn  r changes,  at  length  the  whole  Jewish  state  was  subverted  under  Titus  the  son  of 
Vespasian.  (A.  D.  79.) 


END  OF  VOL.  L 


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